Chapter 114: Soaking in the Hot Spring with Zhang Lexuan
Ye Chen could still feel the lingering pressure of Zhang Lexuan's powerful aura, and instinctively took a step back.
That single step, however, made Zhang Lexuan frown in displeasure.
"What? Do I look that scary?" she said, stepping forward abruptly, gripping Ye Chen's shoulders with both hands, and glaring directly into his eyes.
"N-no… Sister, you're the gentlest of all~" Ye Chen said with a nervous grin.
"Hmph, that's better~"
Zhang Lexuan smiled in satisfaction and ruffled his hair roughly.
Good thing the students she had knocked out earlier couldn't see her now, or their jaws would have dropped. None of them would ever believe that the cold and fearsome Senior Sister Zhang could act so playfully—and they'd be burning with jealousy.
She was like two different people. The strict, unyielding instructor everyone knew in the inner court vanished whenever she was with Ye Chen.
With others, Zhang Lexuan was merciless in training—her intensity rivaled Xuanzi's, one of the senior Titled Douluo. As long as it didn't kill them, she hit without holding back.
But with Ye Chen, she was all warmth and patience—the perfect elder sister. After all, he was her favorite "little brother."
"By the way, where have you been these past few days?" she asked suddenly, her tone turning curious. "Yesterday was Xiao Tao's birthday, you know. She was so disappointed you weren't there."
They had celebrated Ma Xiaotao's birthday together, and though she smiled through it, Zhang Lexuan could see the faint trace of sadness in her eyes—a sadness that had Ye Chen's name written all over it.
"I had to leave to handle some business. I only got back last night," Ye Chen explained with a smile. "I did give Sister Xiao Tao her birthday present though. She really liked it—and she's forgiven me already~"
Forgiven him?
If satisfying her physically counted as a present, then yes, Ma Xiaotao was overjoyed indeed.
"That's good then."
Zhang Lexuan sighed in relief, though curiosity soon filled her eyes. "So what did you give her?"
She'd always been sensitive to gifts—especially those from Ye Chen. Not long ago, he had given her something quite precious… and she had given him something in return, though that particular "gift" had been a bit unconventional. Still, she was sure he liked it.
And now, with her birthday approaching, she couldn't help feeling a tingle of excitement. What might he prepare for her…?
"Haha, that's a secret~" Ye Chen said teasingly, flashing a mischievous grin. "But don't worry, Sister, I'll definitely prepare a big surprise for your birthday too~"
Zhang Lexuan's eyes brightened immediately.
Ye Chen had no intention of being stingy with her gift either. With time still on his side, maybe the daily sign-in system would reward him with something good.
If not, he would just craft another custom soul tool—guaranteed to impress.
"Hmph~ keeping secrets again," Zhang Lexuan huffed lightly, though her heart was already filled with excitement.
Following her lead, Ye Chen returned with her to her private courtyard.
He didn't know where they were headed, but following Zhang Lexuan was always the right answer.
Taking advantage of the quiet path, Ye Chen subtly reached out and held her delicate hand, his thumb lightly brushing against the back.
Her cheeks flushed pink, and though she shot him a small glare, she didn't pull away.
"Sister, where are we going?" he asked curiously.
"To the hot spring in my courtyard," Zhang Lexuan said with a soft smile. "I discovered it by accident a few years ago. It's connected to the roots of the Golden Tree, so it helps rejuvenate the spirit and relieve fatigue. You'll see for yourself soon."
"Oh? I never knew you had such a magical place here, Sister…" Ye Chen's eyes glimmered with anticipation.
Part of the excitement was for the legendary hot spring—
but mostly, it was because he'd be soaking in it with her.
She had clearly implied they'd go together… what bliss~
...
Following the winding path, they soon arrived at a small wooden pavilion enveloped in warm mist. The air was filled with dense, soothing steam carrying a light, rejuvenating scent—instantly calming to the mind and body.
Just as Zhang Lexuan had said, this spring truly seemed to connect to the roots of the Golden Tree—it radiated an aura that soothed the soul.
Ye Chen couldn't hide his amazement. He hadn't expected Zhang Lexuan's courtyard to be this large or luxurious—and having a personal hot spring of this caliber was on another level entirely.
Seeing his surprise, Zhang Lexuan chuckled.
"This hot spring may be in my courtyard, but it's not only for me. Occasionally, other teachers book it to relax—but when it's not reserved, it's mine alone."
"I see~"
Ye Chen relaxed, glad to know no one would disturb them.
She pushed open the wooden door, revealing a modestly sized interior centered around a natural, steaming pool.
The spring water bubbled up from the rocky floor, clear though faintly mineral-rich. The soft heat spread through the room, filling the air with a misty haze. Shafts of sunlight poured through small vents in the ceiling, scattering softly through the rising steam.
"This is it." Zhang Lexuan's voice turned gentle.
She faced Ye Chen, but did not enter the water yet.
The heat painted her cheeks a delicate pink, making her impossibly beautiful.
"You first," she said calmly.
"Oh—right."
Ye Chen quickly shed his clothes and dove into the water with a splash.
"Ahh~ feels incredible…"
Leaning against the far edge of the pool, he turned to look at her expectantly—clearly waiting for her to follow.
"Turn around. I'm changing—don't peek."
Her tone was stern, but her blush betrayed her embarrassment.
"Okay, okay…"
Ye Chen nodded obediently, though his eyes remained fixed on her, bright with barely contained anticipation.
Zhang Lexuan sighed inwardly. She had no choice but to turn around herself.
She knew Ye Chen liked to look—and truth be told, she didn't mind offering him a little "reward." So she shifted just slightly, positioning herself so she wouldn't see him, and let the rest unfold naturally.
Soon, the rustle of fabric filled the air.
The faint shimmer of black lace slipped past her shoulders.
She was wearing a set of delicate black lingerie, the semi-transparent lace traced with elegant floral patterns. Against her fair skin, it carried a perfect balance of allure and grace—sophisticated yet seductive.
Ye Chen's gaze brightened, his heartbeat echoing against the water's surface.
Zhang Lexuan's figure was flawless, sculpted and powerful yet exquisitely feminine. Every curve, every line radiated the charm of a mature woman in her prime.
(END CHAPTER)
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