A Delicate Balance and a Provocative Challenge

Another two months elapsed, and an aura transcending the Foundation Establishment stage gracefully permeated the Spirit Sword Peak of the Star-Moon Sect.

Pei Yunxiang and Xia Yi, engrossed in the preparation of elixirs, simultaneously ceased their movements.

“Half a year has passed, and Junior Sister Miaoyun has only just managed to replenish her primordial yin. She ought to have recovered it a full month ago. Do you, Yi’er, have any inkling as to why this might be…?”

Pei Yunxiang’s gaze, devoid of genuine warmth and fixed on the stiffened Xia Yi, was a study in feigned amiability.

Xia Yi: “Uh, perhaps, just perhaps, Master, you might have miscalculated the timing, ah ha… ah hahaha…”

Aware that his clandestine rendezvous with Fei Miaoyun had come to light, Xia Yi self-consciously scratched his head, grasping for an excuse so flimsy even he couldn’t credit it, in a desperate bid to salvage his predicament.

Considering Pei Yunxiang’s astute perception, coupled with Fei Miaoyun’s frequent, almost brazen, presence before her, Xia Yi had always known their clandestine activities would inevitably be exposed.

Yet, unable to bear the sight of Fei Miaoyun’s ‘pitifully desperate’ expressions, he found himself caught between self-reproach and the exhilarating thrill of their shared intimate moments.

“And what do you think?”

Witnessing his beloved Master’s eyes narrow into dangerous slits, radiating an unmistakable threat, Xia Yi promptly initiated his ‘light-speed grovel’ mode.

While ostensibly a movement of submission, it bore a striking resemblance to playful flirtation.

Xia Yi gently drew Pei Yunxiang’s supple waist into his embrace; she offered no resistance, allowing him to act as he wished.

“Forgive me, Master, I was in the wrong…”

Following his confession, Xia Yi discovered that Pei Yunxiang quite cherished being held by him in this manner, simply sharing hushed whispers and intimate closeness without further action.

This tactic proved exceptionally effective on Pei Yunxiang, yielding remarkable results. Her previously menacing aura instantly dissolved, and after a soft nuzzle against Xia Yi’s cheek, she released a weary sigh.

“This time, we shall let it slide. Yi’er, surely you wouldn’t wish for your Martial Aunt Miaoyun to become some fragile maiden who swoons at the slightest touch, would you?”

“Er…”

Pei Yunxiang’s unexpectedly domestic remark rendered Xia Yi momentarily speechless.

While it was true that Fei Miaoyun had forcefully initiated their encounters, and he himself hadn’t possessed the resolve to steadfastly refuse her, the underlying reasons remained complex.

“Miaoyun possesses a unique constitution. You must not assail her with the same ferocity as before; rather, gentle nurturing is required to allow her special physique to fully manifest its potential, do you comprehend?”

“Yes, Master, I shall bear it in mind.”

“That is excellent. Now, even with Miaoyun’s advancement to the Core Formation stage, you two must not become overly indulgent. No more than three times a day, and certainly not beyond that.”

“I shall heed all of Master’s teachings.”

For reasons he couldn’t quite pinpoint, Xia Yi harbored a persistent suspicion that Pei Yunxiang was, in fact, experiencing a pang of jealousy.

Despite having engaged in virtually every intimacy short of the final act, Pei Yunxiang would undoubtedly harbor some reservations if matters never progressed to their ultimate conclusion.

To say nothing of Fei Miaoyun’s penchant for provocative games, which verged on the equivalent of playing NTR (TL Note: A Japanese term, ‘Netorare’, referring to a cuckoldry fetish, where one’s partner is seduced or taken by another) right before Pei Yunxiang’s very eyes.

Given the circumstances, it was entirely understandable that Pei Yunxiang would feel a degree of jealousy.

“Yi’er~ How is it that you’re enjoying yourselves with Sister Xiangxiang here without inviting me to join?”

As Xia Yi remained lost in thought, Fei Miaoyun playfully ‘collided’ with him from behind, her enchanting voice a seductive whisper that curled around his ear.

It had to be acknowledged that following Fei Miaoyun’s breakthrough to the Core Formation realm, the allure exuded by her Elemental Flower Enchantment had grown exponentially more potent.

Even such a seemingly simple flirtation was enough to stir Xia Yi, the seasoned ‘old driver’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term for someone experienced in suggestive or sexual matters), into a ‘driving’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term for engaging in sexual activity) mood.

“Aww, it seems Junior Sister is feeling rather lonely, isn’t she? Shall Senior Sister come keep you company?”

“Hehe, that would truly be an offer I couldn’t refuse~”

Xia Yi: “…………”

Fei Miaoyun, having successfully breached the Core Formation realm, now exuded an undeniable aura of self-assurance.

Towards Pei Yunxiang, her ‘esteemed’ Senior Sister who had so frequently interrupted her moments of ‘being high’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term referring to being extremely aroused or enjoying something intensely), Fei Miaoyun felt an ‘overwhelming sense of gratitude’ indeed!

Though she understood that her Senior Sister acted for her own benefit, being abruptly halted at the peak of her enjoyment was, to say the least, vexing.

Wouldn’t anyone harbor a lingering resentment?

“My, Junior Sister is quite confident, aren’t you? How about we step outside for a friendly spar?”

Fei Miaoyun’s audacious challenge successfully ignited Pei Yunxiang’s competitive spirit. Fortuitously, Pei Yunxiang had also regained a portion of her strength recently, thanks to Xia Yi’s healing ministrations.

While not a substantial amount, it was certainly sufficient to contend with Fei Miaoyun.

“Excellent, it has indeed been a considerable time since I last sparred with Senior Sister. I earnestly hope Senior Sister will not hesitate to impart her wisdom.”

“Indeed, indeed…”

Xia Yi: “…………”

Trapped squarely between them, Xia Yi found himself utterly incapable of uttering a single word.

He was, after all, merely a feeble cultivator at the thirteenth level of Qi Condensation, feeling both terrified and utterly helpless.

Faintly, Xia Yi perceived what seemed to be bolts of lightning clashing between the two ‘big sisters’ whose eyes were narrowed in false smiles.

Soon, moments later, the two sisters, each radiating profound self-confidence, emerged outside and faced each other in a tense standoff.

While Xia Yi typically relished the spectacle of women sparring, this particular instance found him uncomfortably trapped in the middle.

Consequently, he remained behind, merely continuing to organize the elixirs, awaiting the outcome of the two women’s contest.

He surmised that Pei Yunxiang would likely emerge victorious, especially considering that during the half-year Fei Miaoyun spent recuperating her primordial yin, Xia Yi and Pei Yunxiang had shared the most extensive time together.

Indeed, just last night, he had finally succeeded in eradicating all traces of the Evil Cold Yin Fire from Pei Yunxiang’s external injuries.

Consequently, Pei Yunxiang had also fully recovered her cultivation to the Core Formation realm, a formidable feat further amplified by her inherent draconic strength.

Thus, besting a newly ascended Core Formation cultivator was still well within her grasp.

As anticipated, it was but a fleeting moment before both Pei Yunxiang and Fei Miaoyun reappeared.

The former’s lips curved subtly upward, her head held with a touch of smug satisfaction.

The latter, however, lightly bit her lip with pearly teeth, her face etched with unconcealed reluctance.

“Master, you two…”

No sooner had Xia Yi opened his mouth to inquire than he was cut off by Pei Yunxiang’s performance, an act of such transparent fakery it bordered on the absurd.

“Oh dear~ Yi’er, your Sister Miaoyun has such a heavy hand, doesn’t she? Your Master is quite injured; do come quickly and examine this Master’s wounds.”

Xia Yi: “…………”

Xia Yi wore an utterly speechless expression. ‘Seriously,’ he thought, ‘what genuinely injured person would act so childishly coy, like a pampered little wife seeking attention?’

Nevertheless, Xia Yi solicitously caught Pei Yunxiang as she feigned injury and dramatically leaned into his arms.

He had little choice in the matter, for he was, after all, merely a feeble cultivator at the thirteenth level of Qi Condensation.

Against two Core Formation realm seniors, he was utterly powerless.

“Master, what troubles you? Where exactly have you sustained an injury?”

“Ah~ This Master aches right here,” she purred, indicating her chest, “and it requires Yi’er’s kisses and gentle rubs to mend…”

With these words, Pei Yunxiang took Xia Yi’s hand and, directly before Fei Miaoyun’s astonished gaze, placed it upon her own ‘luxurious headlights’ (TL Note: A Chinese slang term for breasts).

Xia Yi: “…………”

Fei Miaoyun: “！！！”

Truly, boldness begets boldness.

Engaging in such intimacy with Pei Yunxiang directly before Fei Miaoyun for the first time, Xia Yi felt as though he was finally grasping the exhilarating thrill Fei Miaoyun had often spoken of.

Confronted by this audacious display, Fei Miaoyun could do nothing but watch.

Though her eyes threatened to bulge from her sockets and her teeth ground together in impotent fury.

However, as the vanquished, she was bound to adhere to the victor’s terms: she could only watch, indeed, she must watch, without uttering a single word or causing any disturbance.

“Not quite enough, darling~ This Master still desires more kisses…”

Enduring Fei Miaoyun’s resentful and utterly helpless gaze, Xia Yi couldn’t shake the sensation of having become the unwilling protagonist in some illicit film.

Pei Yunxiang, he mused, was the ‘Blonde’ (TL Note: A common trope in Japanese media where a blonde character seduces another’s partner), while Fei Miaoyun was the hapless cuckold, forced to watch her wife slowly succumb, powerless to intervene.

Having no other recourse, Xia Yi could only symbolically press his lips to Pei Yunxiang’s full, rosy ones.

Yet, this perfunctory kiss clearly failed to satisfy Pei Yunxiang.

“Yi’er, that simply won’t do. Your Master desires an immersive, deeply passionate kiss, you see. Since Yi’er is feeling shy, why don’t we retire to the room to continue? And Junior Sister Miaoyun, do remember to follow us.”

With that, Pei Yunxiang dismissed Fei Miaoyun, pulling Xia Yi back into the bedroom.

As the vanquished opponent of Pei Yunxiang, Fei Miaoyun had no choice but to follow in their wake, her face contorted with resentment.

Though she knew Pei Yunxiang was deliberately provoking her, she couldn’t help but feel a strange, nascent excitement.

Subsequently, under Pei Yunxiang’s artful guidance, Fei Miaoyun was introduced to a series of ‘unorthodox practices’ she had never before experienced, ones that didn’t require delving deeply into the ‘Great Dao’.

Finally, Xia Yi, unable to bear Fei Miaoyun’s mournful gaze any longer, exerted all his effort to ‘pacify’ Pei Yunxiang until she lay subdued, then whispered a plea for Fei Miaoyun in her ear.

Pei Yunxiang, whose intention had merely been to symbolically punish Fei Miaoyun, readily agreed.

After once more cautioning Xia Yi not to be too rough, she allowed them to proceed as they wished.

That night, Xia Yi was destined for no rest.