Chapter 283

Chapter 283: Dual Cultivation

Zhou Luo’s movements sped up, making Yao Wu’s breathing become somewhat rapid.

She closed her eyes very tightly, thinking of what he had said before he died and of the present scene; she felt extremely ashamed and embarrassed to the core.

Was this really to cure her illness?

That question kept echoing in her mind.

Although the revitalizing vitality in her told her he was indeed infusing Pure Yang essence to heal her injury.

Then why did it feel so odd?

"Mmm…"

With her thoughts adrift, Zhou Luo’s healing pace became ever faster. Unable to suppress her body’s natural instincts, Yao Wu gripped the white bedding tightly with both hands and bit her thin lips hard.

Seeing the girl’s state, Zhou Luo secretly found it somewhat amusing inside.

He had already resolved to make her his woman. For both emotion and reason, he figured he could intensify the treatment a little.

Books said that a woman was like a city.

When the city gates swung wide open, the only thing left was to ride your horse at full gallop.

As he charged forward like that galloping horse, Zhou Luo began to feel the gains from The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique.

Wisp after wisp of Yin and Yang energy pulsed between them, and spiritual energy from heaven and earth converged toward them.

Step by step in this exploration, he could clearly sense his training speed had quickened somewhat.

As it was only the start, he hadn’t yet perceived the benefits of the Third Grade spiritual roots, but this was a positive beginning.

Because the dual cultivation technique could not just increase both their cultivation levels but also make their souls compatible and their minds connected.

That could further deepen their emotional bond.

After the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, Yao Wu finally couldn’t hold back and opened her eyes.

"Brother… Zhou…"

Her expression was shy, her voice gentle.

She feared that if she didn’t open her eyes now, she would truly be unable to hold on any longer.

"You’re awake?" Zhou Luo pretended to be surprised.

"Yes."

Yao Wu pulled her body into a curl. Her gaze took in his handsome face and his perfect, muscular frame radiating masculine hormones; her cheeks flushed bright red.

Zhou Luo moved off her, smiling as he covered her with the quilt. "I haven’t forgotten what you said last night, you know?"

Yao Wu pursed her lips, grabbed the quilt, and covered her head with it.

Zhou Luo wasn’t impatient; he knew she needed time to adapt.

Underneath the quilt, Yao Wu curled up into a ball. Remembering what had just happened, she felt unbearably ashamed and wished she could find a crack to vanish into.

After a while, sensing no movement outside, she cautiously stuck her head out.

She found that Zhou Luo had already left.

On the bedside table rested a bowl of steaming medicinal soup.

Seeing him so attentive and gentle, Yao Wu felt profoundly moved.

"It wouldn’t be bad to wed Brother Zhou."

…

Upon returning home, Zhou Luo summoned Wang Lang, handing over part of the acquired gains and requesting help in fencing them.

Wang Lang glanced at the items, his eyes flashing brightly.

It was unknown to him what Zhou Luo had done to obtain so many desirable items.

However, possessing tact, he refrained from questioning and merely promised his aid.

Zhou Luo trusted him in this matter; fencing the goods also meant a substantial commission for Wang Lang.

He believed Wang Lang was unlikely to risk a major gain for the sake of a few additional spiritual stones.

After the afternoon meal, Zhou Luo particularly observed the neighborhood situation.

He discovered that none of the neighbors seemed aware of the previous night’s events.

This was certainly a fortunate circumstance.

As dusk approached, Zhou Luo returned to Yao Wu’s room, carrying a selection of injury-healing pills and talismans.

Aided by The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique, her injuries were gradually healing, though a full recovery would still require more time.

Seeing Zhou Luo enter, Yao Wu’s cheeks flushed crimson. She instinctively moved to pull the blanket over herself, but thinking better of it, refrained.

"Take this pill, it will benefit you," Zhou Luo said, placing a pill into her mouth, then applying a healing talisman to her skin.

"Brother… Zhou, did you truly avenge Master?"

Overcome by the situation, Yao Wu voiced the doubt in her heart.

During the sudden ambush last night, all three assailants emanated terrifying oppressive auras. If not for her master’s final protective items, she would likely have perished instantly.

With Zhou Luo’s level of cultivation, defeating them seemed improbable.

"Of course. But you must keep this secret," Zhou Luo stated.

After practicing the dual cultivation technique together, she was effectively his woman; concealment was unnecessary.

Excessive secrets would only breed suspicion; straightforwardness was preferable.

Besides, as he was likely her closest confidant now, she had no one else to tell.

Yao Wu nodded silently. "I understand. I swear to safeguard this secret for you."

She recognized the seriousness, a resolute expression settling on her pale face.

Zhou Luo nodded lightly, then added neutrally, "Your injuries are too severe. Recovery must be gradual."

Hearing these words, Yao Wu paused, seemingly realizing an implication, a wave of shyness sweeping her features.

"Brother… Zhou, must we do it like that again?" she asked hesitantly.

Zhou Luo affirmed gravely, "Naturally. Otherwise, risking damage to your foundation will hinder your cultivation journey forever."

Seeing his stern expression, Yao Wu grasped the gravity and agreed with a nod.

Over the following days, Zhou Luo became a constant presence in Yao Wu’s room. They also began sleeping embracing each other.

As their proficiency in dual cultivation grew with The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique, their minds became subtly interwoven, their connection deepening until they grew more like water and milk in harmony.

Yao Wu had already harbored feelings for Zhou Luo; now, bound by the dual cultivation method, their affection steadily intensified.

Her initial timidity gradually gave way to ease, and eventually, to taking the initiative herself.

After all, if Zhou Luo was the sole active partner, only his Pure Yang essence would be depleted. True dual cultivation for cultivation advancement, however, required mutual participation.

It was precisely within this rhythm that Yao Wu slowly uncovered the subtle benefits of the dual cultivation technique.

Her previous doubts vanished entirely, replaced only by the desire to hasten her recovery and avoid burdening Zhou Luo further.

…

"Hey, Brother Zhou! Looking after Xiao Wu again last night, eh?"

On the path, following Zhou Luo’s exit from the courtyard, he encountered Wang Lang wearing a sly smirk, ribbing him.

By now, everyone essentially knew about Zhou Luo and Yao Wu’s relationship.

Though nobody specifically commented.

After all, since Yao Wu’s master’s death, many had quietly expected she would eventually end up with Zhou Luo.

"Got nothing better to do than pry? What about the shop?" Zhou Luo inquired.

Wang Lang chuckled awkwardly. "Just heading over to check on it now."

He leaned nearer, adding, "I tell you, you might as well move in there altogether. Save on rent."

Zhou Luo glanced at him. "Since when did I require your advice on such matters?"

He actually had considered it. However, the thought remained: Yao Wu brewed Gu insects.

Unlike other things, Gu insects posed risks; accidental contact by a maid or concubine could be problematic.

Hence, maintaining their current arrangement seemed simplest.

Wang Lang pulled back his neck slightly. "Alright, alright! Heading over to check on the shop now."