99 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 99: Tenderness Xiang Shi Yan sat at the edge of her bed, her expression indifferent. She wasn't entirely sure why she had come. With a gentle touch, she pressed the back of her hand against He Huo's forehead, and slowly wiped the cold sweat from her brow. She spoke warmly, "Did you have a nightmare? Why is your body so cold?" He Huo grasped her wrist, pulling her closer, propelled by an inexplicable impulse that felt natural yet unexplainable. Caught off guard, Xiang Shi Yan stumbled slightly, surprised by her disciple's boldness. Yet she didn't struggle, instead supporting herself with a hand on the bed's edge to avoid falling. She looked at He Huo and asked, "Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Xiang Shi Yan's eyes shone like two bright pearls, her mesmerizing gaze seemingly mismatched with her otherwise cold demeanor. To gaze into those eyes was almost to be drawn into them. He Huo lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact, thinking to herself that she had never paid much attention to this before. On closer examination, she realized it was no wonder her mentor, a fox by nature, exuded such inherent charm that couldn't be concealed, making her less of a 'cool and aloof fairy'. Her attention drifted to the slightly dry lips that were softly speaking soothing words, though she couldn't quite make out what was being said. Xiang Shi Yan's lips were somewhat parched, and in speaking, she unwittingly moistened them with her soft pink tongue. For a brief moment, He Huo was utterly infatuated, casting aside thoughts of revenge or destiny. Her focus narrowed to those lips, and with a sudden, foolish boldness, she leaned in for a kiss. Startled, Xiang Shi Yan's eyes widened as she instinctively raised her hands to push her away. Yet her hands were promptly held captive, and she was unable to move. The foreign softness of He Huo's lips and tongue brushed over her own dry lips, and while in shock, Xiang Shi Yan inadvertently opened her mouth, granting her entrance. "What madness is this? What am I doing?" He Huo questioned herself, her thoughts simplifying. She discarded any notions of concealing her identity. At this moment, she reverted to being the simple girl Xiang Shi Yan had once saved. Unfortunately, the one she saved turned out to be a traitor at heart, repaying kindness with betrayal. Would Xiang Shi Yan regret her actions because of this? Their brief kiss lingered, and just as Xiang Shi Yan hardened her resolve to bite her, the pain in He Huo's eyes stayed her hand. The taste of blood softened Xiang Shi Yan's heart, a contradiction to her intentions. She glared furiously at her insolent disciple, unaware of the enticing brush of her eyelashes against He Huo's cheek, inadvertently increasing the allure. Unexpectedly, the situation devolved into a sort of tacit approval of her disciple's brazen transgression. By the time Xiang Shi Yan realized it, they were deeply entangled. Suddenly needing to escape, she realized she'd been pinned down by He Huo on the bed. How could a young girl in the Qi Refining stage restrain a master at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage? By now, He Huo must have progressed to somewhere between the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages... even surpassing her master in skill was not out of the question. Despite uncontrolled markers of age, on the outside, she seemed wholly a woman. He Huo's features had matured significantly but still bore traces of her younger self, with droopy eyes that evoked soft sentiment, reminiscent of a puppy. Xiang Shi Yan's gaze of horror inadvertently matched her with the girl she raised, intensifying her struggle to break free. Resistance proved futile, as in the mortal realm the saying goes, “Teach your disciple, starve the master.” Years of accumulated wounds were difficult for the teacher to heal, and compared to He Huo, who was young, robust, and strengthening her cultivation, Xiang Shi Yan was naturally in a weaker state. Let alone that Xiang Shi Yan, despite her cold demeanor, was truly tender-hearted and couldn't bear to hurt He Huo. Yet He Huo couldn't bear for Xiang Shi Yan to suffer, too. Rather, feeding the master should be the disciple's duty, right? They briefly parted, and when He Huo's lips left her, Xiang Shi Yan's eyes were still glossy and unfocused. Her already thin, pale lips now bore a rosy tint from the pressure, glossed with a sheen of moisture. As soon as she regained freedom, she knit her brows, preparing to scold, but He Huo quickly pressed a hand over her mouth, aware that a few chosen words from her master's skilled lips could weave a powerful enchantment—not just captivating hearts but possessing true strength. He Huo felt like a rogue, flagrantly marrying Xiang Shi Yan against decorum, able even to savor the woman's gaze of shock mixed with humiliation. As Xiang Shi Yan rebuked her, He Huo met her eyes, unflinching. Her hand slid down to grasp Xiang Shi Yan's neck, the girl's skin cold and stiff like a reptile, sending involuntary shivers through her. Though her smile remained gentle, her words hit Xiang Shi Yan's heart like poison: "Since the day we met, I've wondered what my master would taste like?" Xiang Shi Yan's expression turned furious. He Huo's deliberate words were not mere provocations but deemed their shared past and bond as nothing more than seedy desire. This raw reaction brought He Huo a twisted satisfaction, as in a deep recess of her being, she harbored resentment against Xiang Shi Yan for her life-saving rescue and diligent guidance. She rejected such kindness, which weakened her resolve, as if presenting an open door on her single-track path, imprinted with the words, "Choose goodness, it's not easy to start anew, lay down your weapons and embrace peace." How terrified she'd become of the momentary inspiration that might sway her from her course—something perhaps few could understand. In this life, the dragon inseparable from its egg was Xiang Shi Yan, and no matter how He Huo attempted to deny it, a bizarre sentiment made her unable to argue. With a rough hand, He Huo peeled away Xiang Shi Yan's robes, coldly amused as she thought this was all Xiang Shi Yan's doing. You pitied me; you got what you deserved. The body hidden beneath folds of clothing, untouched for centuries, was as smooth and polished as porcelain. He Huo tied Xiang Shi Yan's hands to the bedpost with her belt, her struggles ineffective against the restraints. Though He Huo harbored no intention of discomforting her master, her actions remained harsh. Seeing Xiang Shi Yan's face pale, her neck tilted back in silent screams, He Huo mischievously bit down gently on her throat. The primal act, akin to restraining prey, sent a shiver through Xiang Shi Yan. Without further provocation, Xiang Shi Yan's fox ears and snowy tail emerged involuntarily, betraying her fear. The fluffy ears drooped submissively, expressing her dread. He Huo mercilessly nibbled at the pointed ears, a high-pitched whimper escaping Xiang Shi Yan’s throat. Her tearful eyes glared weakly at He Huo, trying fruitlessly to evade the teasing. The girl merely chuckled, reaching to pinch and massage the opposite soft ear. Not long ago, the woman who had consoled her with gentle words was now being bullied by a thankless student, so much so that a blush crept across her pristine neck. Her mentor's voice, normally so composed, was now fraught; starting with stern rebukes that quickly dissolved into tightly clenched teeth, offering no more than reluctant hums. He Huo, in her malice, teased her relentlessly, pretending tenderness as she kissed Xiang Shi Yan's tear-stained eyes, unsure if the saltiness was from involuntary tears or utter disappointment. With her fox form revealed, Xiang Shi Yan's body temperature began to rise unconsciously, allowing the dragon craving warmth to embrace her with greater fervor. The facade of an innocent girl slipped difficult to maintain amid rising passion. The dragon devoid of mercy kissed Xiang Shi Yan fervidly. Xiang Shi Yan's hand brushed unintentionally against the coarse scales, the cold demeanor from earlier shattered. In her daze, Xiang Shi Yan clung to He Huo's horns, drawing her head into her embrace, like a grieving mother. The tears cascading from the woman's cheeks seemed to have a magical quality, almost instantly corroding the dragon's hard scales, searing He Huo with a tremor. Yet, she only tightened her grip on Xiang Shi Yan, attempting to secure herself within her, inadvertently scarring Xiang Shi Yan's skin with her claws. He Huo awoke abruptly, discovering sweat soaked into her back, and her heart pounding vigorously. Her true form rarely perspired—could this human body she inhabited be adding to her troubles? She soon realized groggily that her sudden awakening was due to Xiang Shi Yan standing outside her door. Xiang Shi Yan stood silently at her door, waiting for the room's occupant to respond. Clad in her familiar white robe, she exuded the ethereal grace of an immortal, her expression tranquil, which startled He Huo. The girl felt an inexplicable anxiety, as if caught after a misdeed. She sat up in bed, intending to steady her erratic heart, but it continued to beat wildly as if it might leap from her chest. How could she have become so tormented by lowly impulses in this life, when she wasn't interested in such matters before? He Huo couldn't fathom it. "He Huo, are you still asleep?" Xiang Shi Yan called to her after waiting too long for a response. She knocked again. Though the courtyard was hers, it seemed impolite to enter unannounced. She refrained from using her divine sense to sense inside the room, thinking He Huo might feel uncomfortable with such an intrusion. Eventually, a feeble voice from inside answered, "Master, you may enter." Xiang Shi Yan opened the door, finding He Huo not quite as lively as she imagined. The girl sat dazedly against the bed's headboard, eyes unfocused on some unknown thought, showing no reaction even as Xiang Shi Yan entered. Gently, Xiang Shi Yan closed the door behind her and sat on the edge of the bed, watching the engrossed girl. Surprisingly, He Huo seemed startled, instinctively pulling back slightly. Noticing her anxious expression, along with her sweat-dampened skin, Xiang Shi Yan assumed she had suffered a nightmare. She touched He Huo's forehead and asked, "Did a nightmare trap you? Your body feels cold..." As she spoke, she adjusted the fallen blanket, pulling it up to He Huo's shoulders. Lately, He Huo had seemed more dynamic, perhaps because girls her age could be unpredictable. Sometimes Xiang Shi Yan found herself unable to read He Huo's cheerful demeanor after much observation, attributing it to the premature wisdom of children acquainted with sorrow. But now, He Huo looked as though she had done something she couldn't confess, her face drawn and colorless. She didn't respond immediately, her lips quivering slightly before sealing tightly, refusing to utter a word. Strangely, since entering, Xiang Shi Yan felt oddly lethargic. Perhaps the room's ventilation was poor, leading to this unusual sluggishness. Even if her senses picked up something off, no distinguishable scent reached her nose. She couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at herself, preoccupied with those nonsensical plug-ins and tense even around a young girl. He Huo wasn't a main character in the original work, so presumably, she wouldn't be affected. Sighing, Xiang Shi Yan couldn't shake off a sense of unease. Unknown yet palpable, this vague feeling eluded her grasp. She unintentionally touched the suppression patch at her nape, shelving the thought for now. She asked He Huo, "I heard about what you did in the secret realm, from Huaiye. Is your body alright? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?" Xiang Shi Yan reached under the blanket, wrapping her fingers around the girl's slender wrist and quietly checking her pulse. Aside from excessive heart fire, she found no irregularities, granting her private relief. He Huo's minimal cultivation meant certain alchemical concoctions could easily harm her core. "Did I sleep for two days? Are the ceremonies for my two junior sisters about to start?" He Huo asked drowsily, obediently allowing Xiang Shi Yan to check her pulse. Though not her true form, her real essence was connected sufficiently to her human body, naturally reflecting any genuine condition. She felt Xiang Shi Yan would detect nothing amiss. "Only half a day has passed. I'm here to check if you're well," Xiang Shi Yan replied, withdrawing her hand. Seeing He Huo’s lips looked chapped, she poured a cup of water for her. This thoughtful gesture stirred He Huo's dormant sense of shame, causing her to duck half her face into the blanket, long-neglected guilt resurfacing. Despite her master's careful concern, how could she confess that her seemingly obedient disciple harbored thoughts of betraying her? The peculiar changes her body underwent in the secret realm lingered unresolved. For He Huo, altering bodily forms wasn't difficult; even now, she could transform into a tanuki at will. Yet, the new organ, despite being retractable through conscious control, felt as though it embodied her natural state, strange as it was. An even stranger scent clung to her—not unlike scentless water—that clashed harshly with Huaiye earlier yet now seemed to tangle intimately with Xiang Shi Yan. He Huo begrudgingly admitted that enveloping Xiang Shi Yan in her pheromone satisfied a desire she no longer concealed. Feeling inexplicably warm, Xiang Shi Yan glanced at the confused He Huo, calculating the days until her heat period should start—it was still a few days away. Could recent stress be inducing an early onset? Reassured after confirming He Huo's health, Xiang Shi Yan prepared to leave. However, remembering He Huo’s troubled expression from when she first entered the room, she guessed that she might have had a frightful dream. So, with patience, she sat back down, asking, "Did you dream of something unpleasant?" An image of "Mother" collapsed before the soul lamp flashed in He Huo's mind, her face blanching. She forced herself to push the memory aside, giving an uneasy laugh. "I dreamed of... Mother." Her words brought Xiang Shi Yan to recall the Lin family, leaving her silent until finally asking, "Do you miss home?" "Of course not. What's there to miss about that place?" He Huo answered decisively. Her days as Lin Pandi brought no happiness. Not seeking revenge felt like grace enough for the debt of that stillborn child that let her live anew. Hearing this, Xiang Shi Yan's already uncertain expression grew even more dazed. If not homesickness, why would He Huo dream of her mother? Yet dreams were a private realm she dared not intrude upon. She simply patted He Huo’s head, advising her to change clothes before sleeping again to avoid a chill from the wet ones. Unskilled in consoling others, facing He Huo's sudden resistance left Xiang Shi Yan at a loss. After a long pause, she slowly leaned down. Seeing her approach, He Huo tensed up, struck by a rare docility. She shrank like a quail, exposing half her anxious face, eyes wide, staring at Xiang Shi Yan. The woman brought her face close, stopping herself from a more intimate kiss on the forehead, something her elder sister used to do when putting her to sleep as a child. Attempting what felt too intimate, Xiang Shi Yan only brushed her chin against He Huo's forehead. Moonlight washed over her pink cheeks, barely hidden by her cool demeanor. Knowing her master was shy, He Huo found her charming. Xi Xiang Shi Yan tucked the blanket around her and, after a few words of advice, fled the room in haste. Once outside, Xiang Shi Yan struggled against an inappropriate surge of warmth that almost made her stumble, fearing losing composure before her student. Determined, she made her way to her room. Inside, He Huo curled into a small bundle, like a genuine child finding solace. Just for today, let me behave well, she mused, slowly closing her eyes into sleep.