Chapter 202: The Competition Ends, Taking the Immortal Herbs
Time passed bit by bit, and the sunlight slowly tilted westward, stretching the shadows along the poolside.
Only the sound of splashing water and the faint, heavy breaths of two girls filled the courtyard.
"Nine hundred ninety-eight… nine hundred ninety-nine…" Tang Ya counted silently in her mind, gritting her teeth. Her calves burst with strength as she surged forward one last time!
Splash! Tang Ya pressed her hand firmly against the pool's edge, lifting herself out of the water, gasping for breath.
Though a thousand laps was nothing special for her, with Jiang Nannan chasing from behind, she dared not relax for even a moment.
"Splash—"
Jiang Nannan lagged a little but caught up within seconds.
"Huff… huff…" The two leaned against the pool edge, breathing hard, too exhausted to speak. Their bodies trembled slightly in the cool water.
"So… tired…"
Tang Ya flicked her wet hair, her chest heaving. "I can't even lift my arms anymore…"
Jiang Nannan rested her chin on the pool's edge, panting softly. Her golden hair clung to her cheeks and back, like a stranded mermaid.
"Alright, that's enough. Take a rest."
Ye Chen walked over, pulling them both toward him. He gently massaged their shoulders to help them relax.
"Hehe, this time I won~" Tang Ya chuckled between breaths, eyes filled with smug delight.
"Hmph… If you hadn't cheated at the start, I'd definitely have won," Jiang Nannan muttered in slight annoyance, cheeks puffed in protest.
"Alright, alright~"
Ye Chen waved his hand, a teasing smile forming on his lips. "The match is over. Sister Xiaoya wins~ So, according to the rules…"
He slowed his tone deliberately.
"Hehe, when do I get my reward~?"
Tang Ya wrapped her arms around Ye Chen's waist, pressing her wet body close to him.
"Ugh… bad Xiaocheng… He's going to do something naughty again…" Jiang Nannan shrank back slightly, mumbling with a red face, already guessing what "punishment" he might have in mind.
Seeing her biting her lip, eyes glimmering with faint unease and shy disappointment, Ye Chen's heart softened.
He reached out, wrapping an arm around her slender, cool shoulder, pulling her closer.
"Alright now, Sister Nannan~"
Ye Chen's voice carried a soothing warmth. "Don't be upset, I was just joking. How could I ever punish you?"
His fingers brushed lightly across her smooth shoulder as he smiled. "I actually prepared a gift for both of you. I was planning to give it anyway."
"Really?!"
Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan lifted their heads at the same time, eyes sparkling with joy.
"Of course. You're both my favorite sisters~ How could I bear to punish you?"
Ye Chen grinned mischievously.
"Xiao Chen! You're the best!"
Tang Ya reacted first, cheering excitedly as she threw herself into Ye Chen's arm like an octopus, ignoring her dripping body.
Her soft curves pressed eagerly against his arm through the soaked thin fabric, their warmth and bounce unmistakable.
Even Jiang Nannan's reserved nature melted under such happiness. Though not as bold as Tang Ya, she unconsciously leaned closer, gently holding Ye Chen's arm, her cheeks flushing pink again.
Feeling the warmth from both sides, Ye Chen laughed contentedly. "That's better! Come on, come on, let's get out of the pool and head to the cultivation room."
Leading both women, Ye Chen stepped out. Their wet feet left distinct waterprints on the warm blue stone tiles.
Tang Ya, still bubbling with excitement, chattered endlessly, pestering about what the gift might be.
Jiang Nannan followed obediently at his side. Her smile now fully bloomed—bright and gentle like sunlight after rain.
The uncertainty she had felt was long gone, replaced by nothing but sweetness and anticipation.
Soon, the three entered a small adjoining cultivation room.
The space was modest but tidy, with straw mats laid on the floor to block the chill.
A faint herbal fragrance lingered in the air—the scent of spirit-calming incense to aid meditation and enhance cultivation slightly.
Ye Chen had them sit down on the mats. Seeing their bright, curious eyes fixed on him, he smiled softly and, without another word, raised his palm.
A white glow flickered, and two strange items appeared from thin air.
He handed to Tang Ya a peculiar flower.
Its petals were round, each roughly palm-sized, snow-white and flawless, eight in total.
Each petal glowed like warm jade, exuding a clear, refreshing fragrance—not strong, yet profoundly invigorating, uplifting the spirit at a mere whiff.
The whole flower radiated a sacred, pure aura—it was none other than the immortal-grade herb, the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid.
To Jiang Nannan, he handed a plant shaped like a white jade rhizome, about a foot tall, translucent and lustrous like the finest mutton-fat jade.
Atop its jade-like stem was a small, pure white flower, lotus-like yet more delicate and intricate.
Each petal was finely carved in perfection, pure and spotless.
A faint, cool scent drifted from it, crisp and refreshing, like mountain air after a rain.
This was the immortal herb—Narcissus Jade Skin Bone.
These were the two immortal herbs Ye Chen had prepared for Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan. Though not of extreme elemental affinity, both would greatly enhance their cultivation talent.
"Wow! Xiao Chen, what is this flower? It feels so magical!" Tang Ya gasped, leaning closer.
That fresh fragrance seemed to open every pore of her body.
Jiang Nannan carefully held the white jade-like herb, its touch cool and smooth like polished gem. She barely dared to grip it, afraid to damage such exquisite beauty.
The number of heavenly treasures she had taken could be counted on one hand—all gifts from the academy.
But this—she could instantly tell—was far beyond anything she had seen before.
"These are top-grade heavenly treasures, very rare. I prepared them specifically for you two."
Ye Chen smiled but didn't reveal their true identity as "immortal herbs."
"So precious…"
Both girls were deeply moved, wanting to say more, but Ye Chen raised his hand to stop them.
"Alright, alright, these herbs will lose potency soon if left exposed. Quickly refine and absorb them—don't waste it."
He urged them on, explaining the proper method before gesturing for them to begin their absorption.
(END CHAPTER)
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