It wasn't a bone-chilling cold, but rather a refreshing coolness—like the tingling sensation of medicated oil brushed across the fingertips.
This slick, cool experience was novel even to Lu Lin.
The weather inside the pot realm wasn't very good today. There was no moon, so Lu Lin placed a Night-Luminescent Stone on the stone table for illumination. Beneath its quiet glow, everything before him was clearly visible.
He was momentarily stunned by what he saw—like a hidden crevice in a snow-covered valley, pristine and untouched, serene yet mysteriously profound.
As he continued exploring, he found the sensation dangerously captivating—smooth and elusive, almost as though one could lose oneself if not careful.
Shenhe understood propriety between men and women; she knew she shouldn't reveal herself so openly to others. But Lu Lin was no longer "others." There was no such reservation now.
Moreover, she was naturally distant and aloof, lacking the emotion of shyness. She steadied herself by wrapping her arms around his neck, her posture open and trusting.
Not feeling embarrassment did not mean she couldn't feel pleasure. Lu Lin's movements were precise and attentive. Even someone as cool and composed as Shenhe found it difficult to remain unaffected.
Gradually, warmth gathered where there had once only been coolness.
Shenhe still carried that ethereal, otherworldly aura—but as waves of unfamiliar sensation surged through her, a faint blush colored her usually indifferent face, lending her an unexpectedly enchanting charm.
She didn't fully understand what was happening. She only knew that the sensations were overwhelming—unfamiliar, intense, and impossible to ignore. Her body responded instinctively, seeking balance.
Lu Lin kept one arm around her waist, steady and supportive. With the other, he continued gently, attentively, while leaning down to capture her lips in a kiss.
Her lips were cool as well, yet sweet—like mountain spring water.
She was inexperienced, unsure how a kiss should be returned. But intelligent and perceptive, she quickly followed his guidance.
Time seemed to stretch on.
Shenhe's endurance surprised him. Where another might have faltered quickly under such attention, she remained composed for a long while, though her breathing grew uneven.
Finally, as the tension reached its peak, she tilted her head back, her pale braid tracing a graceful arc in the air—
"Lu Lin—"
Her voice, restrained until now, rang clear across the mountain peak.
In that instant, it was as though ice melted and a spring burst forth—like snow thawing under the first warmth of spring.
He held her firmly as her body trembled, ensuring she wouldn't lose balance. The moment lingered, vivid and transformative.
For someone who had always lived wrapped in solitude and restraint, this was her first time reaching such heights. The usually distant expression on her face now glowed with color and vitality.
Lu Lin gently steadied her, brushing away stray strands of hair, helping her compose herself.
Though they had only crossed one boundary tonight, he felt no urgency. Shenhe's heart had already opened to him. There was time ahead—plenty of it.
With someone like her, slow and steady discovery felt far more meaningful.
He also formally invited her to reside within the realm, granting her free access.
[Resident Member: Shenhe]
Age: 25
Rank: E
Element: Cryo
Exclusive Weapon: Calamity Queller
Traits: None (for now)
Affection Progress: 90%
He had not yet granted her any traits. One, however, was reserved for her:
[Calm Mind and Spirit] – The bearer can steady their heart and remain unaffected by external disturbances.
Shenhe was burdened by a fate of solitude and lingering killing intent. The red rope binding her soul had suppressed not only her violent aura but also her emotions.
This trait would be the perfect remedy—able to dispel the lingering negativity entirely. When the time was right, the soul-binding rope could be removed.
But when to bestow it—that required careful planning.
…
After escorting Shenhe home, Lu Lin did not linger. He returned to the Serenitea Pot.
Though Shenhe had reached her peak tonight, he himself was still restless.
Inside the Jade Chamber's master bedroom, Ningguang sat leisurely at her desk, reading. From time to time, she glanced toward the door, as if waiting.
After what felt like ages, the book nearly finished, the door finally opened.
"Why are you alone? Where's Keqing?"
"In her room, resting."
"So lacking in initiative. I'll go fetch her!" Lu Lin said with a mischievous grin, turning to leave.
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