This… this was really just martial arts, not cultivation?
He wondered, as he practiced, and finally, the bathwater began to change. At first, it became more transparent, its herbal essence rapidly absorbed into his body. But then, gradually, it turned murky once more.
Was it the impurities being pushed out, or was it his skin, shedding and changing?
It didn't matter. There was progress… a noticeable progress. And that was enough.
Before long, Hong Wei finally came back to his senses from that strange state and emerged from the bath.
As he stepped out, he felt different. Was martial cultivation always supposed to feel this effective?
He wondered once again, as he clenched his fist.
There was naturally no earth-shattering change. He couldn't suddenly break stone with his bare hands, nor could he bend steel to his will… but still, he was stronger.
And he could feel it. At this moment, if he were to compare himself to the most powerful ordinary people back on Earth, he would probably turn out to be stronger.
Noticing his confusion, Shan Mei spoke with a bright smile. "Master, it seems like you have a natural aptitude for martial arts. And because this is your first time using a medicinal bath, the effects were extraordinary."
"Is that so?" Hong Wei asked, raising an eyebrow.
But then, his attention shifted to Shan Mei's face, flushed, avoiding his gaze, yet every now and then, her eyes would wander downward… only to quickly snap back up to his face. He blinked.
Only then did he remember his current state… and how he was completely naked.
Hurriedly, he looked around for something to cover himself. But his clothes, soaked with dried sweat, had already been taken away. Instead, Shan Mei was holding a towel in her hands, but for some reason, she seemed to have forgotten to pass it over.
With his strange behavior and his gaze fixed on her, she finally seemed to notice the situation and handed him the towel, though… even if reluctantly.
Hong Wei accepted it with what dignity he could muster, trying to thicken his skin and act like it was nothing. But no matter how hard he tried… he couldn't. Not with her flushed face in front of him, and Seren still staring from afar.
Am I being harassed by my female subordinates?
He wondered, in a strange mood, before he finally found the change of clothes set to the side, and put them on himself.
"Master, let me give you a body massage," Shan Mei suddenly said. "I'm proficient in it, and it will even be helpful to your practice."
At that, Hong Wei, who had just put his pants on and was still bare-chested, didn't mind and immediately gave his agreement. If it was something that would benefit his martial arts journey, how could he refuse?
Most importantly, the important part had already been hidden!
As he lay his body down on the dry wooden platform near the edge of the bathtub, Shan Mei walked to his side, and before he knew it, he suddenly found himself grunting… not from pain, but from unexpected pleasure.
She is infusing Qi into her hands, right?
Feeling her cool palms and catching the faint glow of her fingers from the corner of his eyes, Hong Wei wondered in amazement.
Shan Mei's magical and skilled hands worked their wonder on his back and body, and Hong Wei found himself utterly relaxed, his eyes gently closing.
… But, maybe he shouldn't have?
Suddenly, Hong Wei heard his mother's voice, as she asked:
"What are you doing?"
With her strange gaze and tone, Hong Wei found himself strangely, slightly panicking… as if he had done something wrong.
Luckily, Shan Mei, whose cheeks were slightly more flushed than usual, replied with practiced calm, "I'm giving the young master a massage. After his medicinal bath."
"Is that so?" Xue Yiran said, raising an eyebrow, clearly noticing the ambiguous atmosphere in the air… her son nearly naked, and Shan Mei sitting above him.
She didn't pry any further though, and simply turned around to leave.
Even so, she couldn't help but wonder on her way out… what should the grandchildren be named?
Unaware of the deeper misunderstanding brewing in his mother's mind, Hong Wei continued receiving the massage for some time.
Shan Mei's hands remained steady, her Qi flowing evenly as her fingers pressed into his muscles. And time passed quietly like this… with neither of them saying a word.
When the massage finally ended, Hong Wei felt his muscles loosened, his breathing even, and his strength at its peak. His body was entirely relaxed.
And he strangely felt like practicing martial arts once again.
But he knew it should already be enough for today. After all, it was his first day.
And he shouldn't exhaust himself. Rest was an equally important part.
Unlike cultivation, which one could do always.
…
Author's Note:
So, finally this introduction part ends here, how did it take 17 chapters, when what I planned for it, was just around 10? I don't know, hopefully no one will complain about the slow start!