A fair, delicate foot rubbed back and forth against his face, and demonic whispers reached the ear of Junior Brother Bai Ming.

Senior Sister Tao Yu smiled and poked Junior Brother Bai Ming's neck with her foot. "If there is a next time, it won't be this simple, Junior Brother."

With tear stains dried by the wind lingering at the corners of his eyes, Junior Brother Bai Ming's expression was indifferent, his eyes devoid of vitality, hollow and empty.

Senior Sister Tao Yu lifted her foot, preparing to turn and leave. "Come at this time tomorrow as well."

These words were like a needle, piercing sharply into Junior Brother Bai Ming's eardrum; his expression was pained, his eyes filled with bitterness.

"Are you going to answer?" Senior Sister Tao Yu hummed impatiently.

Junior Brother Bai Ming reacted reflexively. "Okay."

Senior Sister Tao Yu nodded in satisfaction. "That's good. You know the consequences of not coming."

A cold wind blew, the young girl disappeared, and the entire peak became deserted once again, leaving only the youth slumped on the ground.

Returning to his small hut, Junior Brother Bai Ming felt as if what had just happened was like a dream; he lay on the bed, curled into a ball.

He held his head in his hands. "Why did Senior Sister become like this? What am I supposed to do in the future?"

He had thought it would be a simple matter of collecting items, but…

Not only was his dignity trampled underfoot, but that usually kind Senior Sister had changed completely.

What was he to do?

He had to go tomorrow, so did that mean he had to go the day after, too?

He would have to go every single day from now on!

How was this any different from being her slave?

Should he resist?

What capital did he have to contend with Senior Sister? With just this incomplete spiritual root, with this mere Second Level of Qi Refining cultivation?

Just the aftermath of her power was already like this; if he insisted on interfering, the consequences would be unimaginable.

That sickly smile—Junior Brother Bai Ming was all too familiar with it; to obtain Senior Brother Wei Yu, that woman could do anything.

The silent dark night slowly dissipated, the sun rose again, a hazy mist filled the mountains, and crystal-clear water droplets appeared by the window.

The water droplets rolled down, leaving a long, thin trail by the window; tossing and turning, Junior Brother Bai Ming managed to make it to morning.

Bang, bang, bang.

A crisp knocking sound came from the wooden door of the hut.

Under normal circumstances, Junior Brother Bai Ming would have already gone to open the door, but today, a sense of resistance arose in his heart.

How was he supposed to face the two people outside?

Senior Brother Wei Yu withdrew his hand, his eyes filled with confusion. "Junior Brother is waking up a bit late today."

Senior Sister Tao Yu curled her lips. "Has Junior Brother not woken up yet? The sun is already out, you know."

Senior Brother Wei Yu was about to stop Senior Sister Tao Yu to prevent disturbing Junior Brother Bai Ming's rest, but the tightly closed wooden door was slowly pushed open.

Junior Brother Bai Ming's face was somewhat haggard, but a kind smile still lingered on his lips. "Forgive me, Senior Brother and Senior Sister. I had some trouble with my Qi circulation last night, so I rested a bit more."

Looking at the heavy dark circles under Junior Brother Bai Ming's eyes, Senior Brother Wei Yu asked with concern, "Are you alright, Junior Brother? Do you want me to use my spiritual energy to help you recuperate?"

Junior Brother Bai Ming glanced at Senior Sister Tao Yu on the side without leaving a trace. "Many thanks for your kindness, Senior Brother, but it is truly unnecessary."

Senior Brother Wei Yu placed a hand on Junior Brother Bai Ming's shoulder. "How can that be? It's just a little bit of spiritual energy; it's no trouble for me."

Please, Senior Brother Wei.

Let me off.

Stepping back slightly, Junior Brother Bai Ming wanted to dodge, but Senior Brother Wei Yu's hand remained firmly on his shoulder, showing no intention of letting go.

Seeing that Senior Brother Wei Yu insisted on transferring spiritual energy, and unable to refuse, Junior Brother Bai Ming quickly spoke up. "It would be better to let Senior Sister do it. Senior Sister's spiritual energy is gentler."

Senior Brother Wei Yu was taken aback and thought for a moment. "Is that so? That is indeed true."

He turned his head, a kind smile on his face. "Then please do it, Junior Sister."

Senior Sister Tao Yu smiled brightly. "Then let me help Junior Brother recuperate."

Looking at the smile blooming on Senior Sister Tao Yu's face, Junior Brother Bai Ming couldn't see a trace of last night; it was as if that incident had never happened.

Senior Sister Tao Yu tilted her head. "Does Junior Brother not want me to come in?"

Coming back to his senses, Junior Brother Bai Ming made space. Seeing that Senior Brother Wei Yu also wanted to come in, he hesitated for a long time before stopping him.

"This, Senior Brother, we will be done very quickly. Please wait outside for a moment." Junior Brother Bai Ming closed the door awkwardly.

As he turned around, Senior Sister Tao Yu was smiling and beckoning him to sit down.

Junior Brother Bai Ming walked over with a heavy expression, his heart still somewhat anxious, unable to figure out what Senior Sister Tao Yu meant.

As he sat on the bed, a pair of slender, fair hands were placed on his shoulders.

A stream of extremely gentle spiritual energy flowed through his whole body, like a warm sun warming his heart.

The fatigue from tossing and turning all night was eliminated, his eyes became clear, and a refreshing feeling spread throughout his body.

She is really helping me recuperate; what exactly is she thinking?

With his eyes closed tightly, Junior Brother Bai Ming felt somewhat apprehensive deep down. The sensation of spiritual energy transmission disappeared, and his right shoulder was patted lightly, not too heavily.

Senior Sister Tao Yu reminded him gently. "Junior Brother, the recuperation is finished."

Junior Brother Bai Ming opened his eyes in a daze, unsure. "That's it?"

"Mm." Senior Sister Tao Yu nodded with a smile.

No threats, no warnings. It seems I overthought it. Although I don't know what Senior Sister is planning, it's fine as long as nothing happens.

Slowly standing up, Junior Brother Bai Ming opened the door and saw the white-robed youth pacing outside.

Senior Brother Wei Yu asked softly. "Are you done?"

"With Senior Sister's help, I feel much better." Junior Brother Bai Ming nodded.

"That's right, my medical skills are very superb." Senior Sister Tao Yu popped out from behind Junior Brother Bai Ming.

Seeing that Junior Brother Bai Ming's complexion was much better, Senior Brother Wei Yu was happy. "Then let's prepare to set off."

Dazzling golden light emanated from Senior Brother Wei Yu, shining all around. He stretched out his arms, seemingly waiting for the two to hold on.

Senior Sister Tao Yu didn't say a word and happily hugged him. Junior Brother Bai Ming lowered his head, hesitating slightly.

Senior Brother Wei Yu looked over in confusion. "What is wrong, Junior Brother?"

Junior Brother Bai Ming waved his hands quickly. "N-nothing, I'm coming."

Feeling the weight on his arms, Senior Brother Wei Yu smiled, and spiritual energy gathered in his legs. "Hold on tight, everyone."

A flash of golden light passed, and in the blink of an eye, they appeared in the sky.

A powerful airflow struck them. Junior Brother Bai Ming subconsciously held on tighter, then thought of something and glanced at Senior Sister Tao Yu on the other side.

The girl in grey clothes squinted her eyes, smiling in the cool wind, bright and cute, her black hair like a small waterfall.

It seems there is no problem, but it's better not to hold on too tightly.

His inner worries eased, Junior Brother Bai Ming let out a sigh of relief, and just like that, neither too tight nor too loose, they arrived at their destination somewhat strangely.

Senior Brother Wei Yu said softly. "We're here."

With his feet on solid ground, Junior Brother Bai Ming quickly let go and used spiritual energy to tidy up the wrinkles in his clothes.

Senior Brother Wei Yu turned his head to look. "I didn't expect Junior Brother Bai to care so much about his image."

Junior Brother Bai Ming was stunned. "A little bit."

He didn't care about his image; he was afraid he would be beaten to death if he didn't let go.

But simply letting go would arouse suspicion, so he could only straighten his clothes on the spot.

Senior Brother Wei Yu nodded affirmatively. "It is indeed no problem for cultivators of our generation to pay attention to image; we can't go around cultivating while looking disheveled."

Senior Sister Tao Yu agreed. "Indeed, is there any rule that says cultivators cannot care about their external image?"

Junior Brother Bai Ming looked over and nodded gently. "Senior Brother and Senior Sister are right."