"Is Ze'er tarrying with Father at present?" Xiao Jietian's arm encircled the slender, willow-soft waist of the Little Fairy Doctor. Of all her many graces, it was this deadly, supple waist that he cherished most.
The second was her silken hair of purple mingled with white.
Once the Little Fairy Doctor had fully tamed the calamity of her Poison Body, she could easily restore her locks to their original hue. Yet knowing full well that Xiao Jietian adored this rare and unearthly shade, she chose never to change it back.
To her, Xiao Jietian was her entire world. Whatever pleased him, she would preserve—even at the cost of her own former self.
The Little Fairy Doctor gave a gentle nod. "This morning Father sent word that he would keep Ze'er by his side for the day."
In these tranquil times, Xiao Zhan's daily pleasure was to take his grandchildren—Xiao Ling and her two younger siblings—for leisurely strolls through garden and pavilion.
Neither the Little Fairy Doctor nor the others raised any objection. Managing the vast affairs of Boundless Heaven Hall already demanded their full attention; with Xiao Zhan doting upon the little ones, they could devote themselves more wholly to their duties.
Moreover, when it came to nurturing children, few in all the realms could match Xiao Zhan's patient skill and tender affection.
Among all who dwelt within the Eternal Heaven World, the one who spoiled Xiao Ling and her siblings most lavishly was not Xiao Jietian himself—but his father, Xiao Zhan.
Truly it is said: the bond between grandparent and grandchild runs deeper than any other. Such words are no mere proverb.
"While cultivating the soul-refining arts, have any among you encountered obstacles or points of confusion?"
Han Yue lifted clear eyes toward him. "None whatsoever. Elder Sister Xian'er comprehended the method swiftly and has been patiently guiding us ever since."
Han Xue and Hu Jia both nodded in agreement. Without the Little Fairy Doctor's personal insights and careful instruction, they likely would not have even crossed the threshold of soul cultivation by now.
None of them had ever before encountered soul power, nor had they known that such arts—distinct from ordinary Dou Techniques—existed in the world.
After all, only alchemists placed true emphasis upon the refinement of soul force; for most cultivators, battle qi alone was the path they walked.
"Then allow me to expound upon it further. Should any uncertainty arise, speak without hesitation."
At these words, Hu Jia, Han Xue, and Han Yue immediately arranged themselves upon the meditation cushions, sitting cross-legged with the earnest attentiveness of diligent disciples before their revered master.
Xiao Jietian began to expound upon the profound mysteries of the Taiyin Soul Refining Art. The four women listened with rapt attention; almost at once they felt as though an invisible membrane within their minds had been gently pierced, allowing clarity to flood through like moonlight through parted clouds.
This discourse continued until the sun sank behind the western peaks and dusk painted the sky in hues of violet and gold.
"Enough for today. The two of you—return and carefully consolidate what you have learned."
Xiao Jietian reached out, gently patting the heads of Hu Jia and Han Xue.
The pair exchanged a swift glance toward the Little Fairy Doctor and Han Yue. Instantly comprehending, they shot their elder sisters a knowing, teasing look before obediently withdrawing together.
"Little Xue'er, wilt thou share my bed tonight?" Hu Jia asked with a mischievous lilt as they departed.
"Absolutely not!" Han Xue folded her arms, expression resolute. "I have heard tales of your former… inclinations toward maidens. I refuse!"
With that, she turned and fled like a startled deer.
"Stinky Xue'er! Come back here—!" Hu Jia cried out in mock fury and immediately gave chase.
Their laughter and playful scolding drifted farther and farther until at last they faded beyond hearing.
Xiao Jietian gave a low, amused chuckle. Reaching out, he drew both Han Yue and the Little Fairy Doctor into his embrace.
"Come, my two beloved wives. Let us return now… and cultivate our bodies' strength together."
Han Yue and the Little Fairy Doctor each reached out to lightly twist the flesh at his waist, pursing their lips in feigned reproach.
"Scoundrel… the moment you return, all you think of is bullying us."
Xiao Jietian threw back his head and laughed heartily. Amid their startled exclamations and half-hearted protests, he swept them both into his arms and strode toward the inner chambers of the palace.
…
Night fell. Moonlight poured down like flowing silver.
Xiao Jietian sat together with the two women, enjoying a midnight repast.
The Little Fairy Doctor pressed a delicate hand to her gently rounded belly, eyes half-lidded in satiated languor. "I am truly full… not another morsel can I bear."
She turned her gaze toward Han Yue, who was still diligently working through the remaining dishes. Too full to move freely, she spoke in a soft, weakened tone:
"Yue'er, the rest I leave to you. Your need for nourishment is greater than mine at present."
Xiao Jietian reached out, tenderly brushing aside the strands of hair that clung to the Little Fairy Doctor's forehead where a light sheen of perspiration had gathered. She had already consumed nearly two-thirds of the entire spread.
"Sister Xian'er, leave the remainder to me. I shall not allow good food to go to waste. I will fight until the very end!" Han Yue declared solemnly, nodding with utmost gravity even as her voice trembled ever so slightly from overindulgence.
Truly, she required these pure and nourishing foods at this time; thus she forced herself to press onward.
Yet in the end, even Han Yue's formidable determination had its limits.
"I can eat no more… I am about to burst."
Xiao Jietian laughed softly and drew her into his lap. "My pleasure."
He began to feed her personally, one careful spoonful at a time.
The Little Fairy Doctor, having recovered somewhat, watched Han Yue's valiant struggle and could not help but raise a slender thumb in admiration.
After an indeterminate stretch of time, Han Yue finally surrendered. "I truly cannot… I shall explode if I swallow another bite."
Xiao Jietian supported her waist gently. "Almost there. Just a few more mouthfuls."
Han Yue clenched her small teeth and nodded with grim resolve.
When at last the final generous spoonful of fragrant broth passed her lips, Han Yue collapsed forward onto the table in utter defeat.
"So full… I swear I shall never touch midnight snacks again… for a very, very long time."
Never before had she consumed so vast a quantity in one sitting. Xiao Jietian had prepared only the purest and most nourishing delicacies; unwilling to let even a drop go to waste, she had forced herself beyond all reason.
Xiao Jietian gazed upon her with helpless affection. Truly, she was a beauty both thrifty and tenacious.
He lifted her carefully and laid her beside the Little Fairy Doctor. At this moment, Han Yue's lower abdomen was even more prominently distended than the Little Fairy Doctor's had been earlier.
Xiao Jietian shook his head with a wry smile. He had warned her to stop when she was sated, yet she stubbornly persisted.
As the ancients said: fullness begets drowsiness.
No sooner had he set her down than Han Yue slipped into deep slumber.
Xiao Jietian drew a thin silk blanket over her, letting her rest peacefully.
The Little Fairy Doctor sat up slowly, wound her arms about his neck, and spoke in a voice sweet as honey:
"It is too warm… I wish to bathe. Will you carry me there, my lord?"
Xiao Jietian exerted a gentle strength and lifted her effortlessly into his arms, striding toward the bathing chambers.
After a long and languid bath filled with soft laughter and tender intimacy, the two returned to bed, leaving the remnants of their midnight feast for the servants to clear on the morrow.
…
Time flowed on like water. Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Xiao Jietian sat cross-legged beneath the ancient peach tree, quietly cultivating. Not far away, Han Xue sat watching him with quiet intensity.
All of a sudden, a faint yet clear cracking sound emanated from within his body.
In the next instant, an immense surge of soul aura erupted forth like a tide breaking through a dam.
Roughly a minute later, Xiao Jietian slowly opened his eyes—only to find Han Xue already kneeling anxiously at his side, gazing at him with bright, worried eyes.
"Xiao Jietian… has your soul force successfully broken through?" she asked, voice trembling with excitement—as though it were her own advancement she celebrated.
"Indeed!" Xiao Jietian rose to his feet, a radiant smile spreading across his features.
Just as Han Xue opened her mouth to ask more—
A pair of fair, slender arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her waist from behind.
A voice, soft and laden with bone-melting charm, whispered teasingly into her ear…