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Chapter 89: The Sharp Ache
🕑 Added 2025-05-05 07:34:17 +0000 UTCChen Xiao had tried using his spiritual energy to move his body before. He had struggled when trying to move energy from his forehead to his hands and then release it. So, he clearly understood how intricate it was to precisely control the true essence to cover his hands with just a thin layer of heat. This kind of delicate control was no small feat. With a sincere tone, he said, "Big Brother is truly impressive."
The praise from Chen Xiao made Xi Yunqing's nervousness fade somewhat. He straightened his face, then pressed his hands down firmly on Chen Xiao's body and said, "Stay still."
Chen Xiao obediently turned his head back. Soon, he found himself no longer marveling at or admiring Xi Yunqing's skill. Xi Yunqing seemed to have an intimate understanding of the human body's meridians and muscles. Every press and rub was precisely targeted at his sore spots. Simply using massage had already brought considerable relief, not to mention that the heated medicinal oil further accelerated its effects. Almost immediately, Chen Xiao felt a warm, tingling sensation on his back, followed by a cooling, soothing feeling that seemed to seep into his body.
"Mm..." Chen Xiao barely managed to suppress a moan that nearly escaped his lips. Xi Yunqing's pressure was intense, each movement both painful and strangely refreshing. The pain made him wish he could escape from under Xi Yunqing's hands, but the refreshing sensation made him want to continue enjoying it. Soon, his back was covered in a fine layer of sweat.
Xi Yunqing, naturally, heard Chen Xiao’s suppressed moans. He knew it must be painful. When he was younger, his training intensity had been several times higher than Chen Xiao’s current level, yet he had never complained. Initially, his senior brother had helped him release his tightly wound muscles, and later, when his internal energy had reached a certain level, he had managed to alleviate the discomfort himself.
He spoke to Chen Xiao, who was subconsciously tensing his muscles to avoid the pain, "Relax and don't resist. The more you try to resist, the more it will hurt. After it's over, all that will remain is comfort, with no more pain."
Avoiding pain was a natural instinct, but it wasn’t easy for Chen Xiao to relax immediately, especially when the pain was so intense. It felt like a form of torture that could rival the trials of the day. Unable to say anything, even his breathing became labored.
Every muscle in his shoulders, neck, and back, as well as the two major tendons, were carefully attended to. At first, Chen Xiao had been a little shy when climbing onto the bed wearing only his undergarments, but by now, the thought of being embarrassed had completely slipped his mind. The only moment he had time to breathe was when Xi Yunqing briefly stood up to pour more medicinal oil into his palm. He quickly sank back into the agonizing yet pleasurable mix of pain and relief.
The massage on his upper body lasted just over a moment, and then Xi Yunqing began working on Chen Xiao’s legs. His lower limbs were even more tense and stiff than his upper body. Every time Xi Yunqing pressed his fingers onto the meridians, Chen Xiao couldn’t hold back the tears anymore.
His breaths became short, shallow, and urgent, with occasional sobs that slipped out unintentionally. Perhaps feeling embarrassed at crying over pain at his age, Chen Xiao gripped the pillow under his head so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
Xi Yunqing, seeing this, felt a pang of sympathy. However, the only thing he could think of was to speed up his movements to finish the massage quicker. His well-meaning attempt, however, backfired, as Chen Xiao couldn’t hold back a cry of pain, "Ah—" The sound made Xi Yunqing’s heart flutter, and his hands paused instantly.
When the hands on his back stopped, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but turn his head. Xi Yunqing’s brows were furrowed slightly, and his expression was full of concern and a hint of reluctance as he looked at Chen Xiao. Chen Xiao's face flushed again, and he awkwardly said, "I’m fine, Big Brother. I can handle it. Don't worry about me, keep going."
Though there were no tears on his face, his eyes and the tip of his nose had reddened. His handsome face, which was already quite endearing, became even more lovable with the flush of embarrassment. Even Xi Yunqing couldn't help but feel a wave of tenderness. His heart softened, and he said, "The medicinal oil I used will leave no residual pain after the massage, ensuring you sleep well tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll feel refreshed and light."
Chen Xiao turned back, responding with a muffled "Mm." He said, "I know Big Brother means well. It's just my body that’s failing me."
Xi Yunqing resumed massaging his legs. The muscles here were even denser, tighter, and more elastic. As he touched the smooth and delicate skin of Chen Xiao's legs, a thought flashed across Xi Yunqing’s mind, how remarkable the sensation of human skin could be. It felt as if it were drawing him in, a sensation so addictive he almost couldn’t pull away. Such smooth skin, as soft as refined jade, surely it was a feeling that one couldn’t help but cherish?
Xi Yunqing quickly realized that this thought was entirely inappropriate, and he was ashamed for even having it. He immediately suppressed it, scolding himself internally before pushing the thought aside.
To distract himself, Xi Yunqing replied to Chen Xiao's words, "Don't sell yourself short. You’ve already done well enough." Chen Xiao's willpower and endurance had genuinely impressed him. Even disciples of the Chongxuan Sect, during their initial training, often cried out in pain, filled with frustration and resentment. But Chen Xiao had never once complained or made a sound, even though his age made his tolerance for pain greater. His resilient character was undoubtedly the key to his strength.
Chen Xiao chuckled softly, saying, "Big Brother, stop praising me. I doubt there are many in the Chongxuan Sect who would endure pain like I do."
Xi Yunqing responded, "You're mistaken. Not to mention those who cry uncontrollably when stretching or pressing their legs, even after training, there are plenty who cry from the pain of the massage."
Chen Xiao turned around curiously and asked, "Do they also do this kind of massage after their basic training?"
Xi Yunqing nodded. "Of course. Fellow disciples often help each other out, including with massages."
Xi Yunqing was very familiar with this. Due to his age, he often came across younger disciples. The bond of mutual assistance between the disciples had once made him envious. Given his special abilities and position, this envy had stayed with him, eventually turning into regret.
As Xi Yunqing recalled the past, his mood sank for a moment. However, when he saw Chen Xiao turning his head, looking at him with curiosity, his downcast mood immediately dissipated. He said, "So, after your training in the future, I’ll come help you. I’ll massage you with the oil every day, and you’ll recover faster."
Chen Xiao felt like something was off, but since Xi Yunqing had mentioned that this was how disciples in his sect helped one another, it seemed natural for his older brother to care for him this way. He could only agree obediently, thanking Xi Yunqing for his kindness.
The sight of Chen Xiao nodding obediently lifted Xi Yunqing’s spirits. Indeed, giving was more satisfying than receiving, he thought.
The next day, when Chen Xiao woke up, he felt incredibly light. His body was filled with energy, and he felt as though he could almost fly. Full of confidence and energy, he headed to Xi Yunqing's east courtyard for training. With his current condition, he was sure he wouldn’t return feeling like a dead dog this time.
However, all of this was just his illusion. The evening's interaction had brought them closer, but Xi Yunqing remained as cold and unyielding as ever, showing no mercy. After the basic training was completed, they began learning martial arts techniques. The difficulty of the movements increased, as did the physical strain. Xi Yunqing truly didn’t leave him any room to relax, this was very much in line with Xi Yunqing’s meticulous approach to everything.
That evening, as usual, Chen Xiao trudged back to the south courtyard. On the surface, he didn’t show it, but inwardly, he felt like crying, thinking his older brother was too cold-hearted and relentless. However, after taking a bath, as promised, Xi Yunqing arrived with the medicinal oil. After an intense yet soothing massage, Chen Xiao crawled into bed, feeling completely at ease. Once again, he thought, his older brother was truly thoughtful and considerate, there was no one better than him.
In the cycle of pain and relief, Chen Xiao quickly laid a solid foundation and his martial arts movements began to take shape. At this time, Master Yin had finished discussions with Han Yuanchun regarding the formal affiliation of Hanshan City with the Chongxuan Sect. The official meeting required the city lord, Han Yuanchun, to personally visit the Luocheng Grand Heaven Realm to meet with the head of the sect. However, since Han Yuanchun couldn’t leave at the moment, they would have to wait until the internal strife settled down before he could set off.
After the official matters were settled, Master Yin set off with the people from Changjia Village. When it was time to leave, Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing both went to see them off. Master Yin was fine with this, he was used to such scenes. However, the people from Changjia Village, after spending some time with Chen Xiao, had grown attached and were reluctant to part ways. Chen Xiao smiled and said, "Don't be like this. There will be chances to meet again in the future. Once your cultivation progresses and you’re ready to go out on your own, we might cross paths then. Or, one day, when I visit the Chongxuan Sect, we’ll meet again."
Master Yin then turned to the usually emotionless Xi Yunqing and asked, "This time, you really won’t be going back with us?"
Xi Yunqing looked at him calmly and said, "No need. This time, you brought the reward for the task, and the merit has already been counted. The mission is essentially complete. I don’t need to return to the sect for now. Besides, the Master is in closed-door meditation, and I don't want to disturb him. It’s fine to travel and explore with my companions for now."
Master Yin followed Xi Yunqing’s gaze to where Chen Xiao was talking to a few people. Thinking of how his junior had finally made a friend, he could understand why he would be reluctant to return. And as for Xi Yunqing not wanting to go back, he was probably concerned that his abilities might unintentionally spiral out of control, causing problems for his Master’s meditation.
He patted Xi Yunqing on the shoulder. "Alright, then. Go ahead and travel. If anything comes up, I’ll have someone inform you."
Xi Yunqing turned to him, his obsidian-like eyes locking with his, and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother Yin."
With their departure, the Mountain Residence became much quieter. Chen Xiao then suggested returning to the City Lord's Mansion. After thinking it over, Xi Yunqing agreed that it wouldn’t make much difference where they went. They tidied up a few things in the Mountain Residence that couldn’t be left for long and returned to Hanshan City.
Upon returning to the City Lord's Mansion, Tong Nuonuo immediately started complaining when she saw him. His injuries had almost healed completely, with only faint scars remaining, and he still needed some topical medication to help fade them. He was already able to move around, but being directionally challenged, he was too afraid to wander alone in the large City Lord's Manor. Every time he wanted to go out, he couldn’t find anyone to accompany him.
