Late into the night, when everything was still and silent, Xia Zhi returned to his room and sat at his desk, reviewing the spoils of the day's events.
At the banquet in the Jade Chamber, he had managed to "skill steal" a new assortment of random abilities from others.
Among them, the most practical was [Power of the Outer World], which he learned from Granny Ping. This ability allowed him to create a small, self-contained dimension, much like Xiangling's portable mansion, [Serenitea Pot].
After some thought, he purchased some adepti materials like [Glazed Sand] and [Emerald Rock] from the [Shop], then experimented with creating a brand-new [Serenitea Pot].
The teapot he crafted was nearly identical to Xiangling's.
He entered the teapot's inner space for a quick look. The landscape was barren and desolate, clearly in need of further decoration and construction.
After exploring for a bit, he exited the teapot. Using the leftover materials on his desk, he crafted a few [Outer World Rings].
He thought it might be nice to gift these to his friends later. With such storage artifacts, even something as simple as buying groceries in the morning could become much more convenient.
Having stowed away his creations, Xia Zhi completed a quick tasks when he heard the faint tapping of a knock on the wall beside him. Ah, it was time for some bonding with his girlfriend.
Xia Zhi walked over and used the [Master Key] to unlock the wall, transforming it into a door.
In walked Shenhe, dressed in her sleepwear. She sat quietly on the bed, gazing at him for a moment before softly speaking.
"Boss."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"You seem preoccupied."
Xia Zhi sat beside her.
"Why don't you tell me about it?"
"It's nothing… I was just thinking about the performance I heard earlier."
"Miss Yun Jin's rendition of The Divine Damsel of Devastation?"
"Mm..."
"Did you not like it?"
"No, I really liked the story."
"Then?"
"It's just that, in my opinion, the little girl in the opera… might not have been as brave as everyone says she was."
"Oh?"
"After the performance, I heard everyone praising her, but I feel like she doesn't deserve such accolades."
"So, you noticed, huh? Well, it makes sense. After all, Miss Yun Jin herself mentioned that the story was adapted from the legend of Mt. Tianheng. It's only natural you'd pick up on it."
"..."
Shenhe lowered her head slightly, her expression quiet and pensive.
Xia Zhi reached out and gently stroked her silky white hair. After a moment's thought, he softly said, "How about I sing it for you again?"
Shenhe paused, startled, and looked up at him. "Boss, you… can sing opera?"
Xia Zhi chuckled and replied, "Of course I can. How else would I have guided Yun Jin?"
Shenhe murmured, "That's true."
"But I may not sing it as beautifully as Miss Yun Jin since she's been practicing for so long. Don't laugh at me, alright?"
"I won't."
"Alright, then I'll begin."
"Mm."
"Where's that [Silence Orb]?"
"Here."
"Take it out first. It's quite late, and we wouldn't want to disturb anyone."
"Okay."
Xia Zhi calmed himself and began softly singing.
He used his natural voice, but thanks to his [Mastery of Drama], his singing was still captivating.
Shenhe listened intently, her cold, clear eyes glimmering faintly.
Gradually, the song reached its end.
"In the vast sea of karma and worldly dust, all vanishes like smoke…"
Though the original opera ended there, Xia Zhi altered his melody and continued:
"A lofty tune—though rare, it has its audience, with fine lyrics and kindred spirits in harmony. The crimson tassels whip like meteors, pointing to the angry tides, cleansing the seas anew."
Hearing this, the light in Shenhe's eyes brightened.
"Well? What do you think?"
"Beautiful."
"Truly beautiful?"
"Truly beautiful."
"Haha, it's okay if it wasn't perfect. After all, I sang it just for you."
"Mm."
"It's just a play. Don't dwell on it too much."
"I'm not dwelling on it."
"You say that, but you were…"
"…I'm not now."
"When you're upset, have some candy."
"I finished all the fruit candy."
"Oh? I'll give you another jar, then."
"Okay."
"You have to say thank you."
"Thank you, Boss."
"That sounded insincere."
Shenhe, holding the jar of candy, leaned forward and planted a kiss on Xia Zhi's cheek.
Her eyes sparkled with a soft smile. "How about that?"
"Not bad. You braided twin tails again tonight?"
"Mm, because you like them."
Shenhe opened the jar, preparing to toss a piece of fruit candy into her mouth.
"Hey, don't eat that yet."
"Hmm?" Shenhe looked at Xia Zhi, puzzled.
"I'm about to eat a spicy strip. If you eat candy now, it'll mess up the flavor."
"Spicy strip?"
"I just want to try something."
"Try what?"
"You'll see soon enough."
"Okay."
Obediently, Shenhe closed the jar and tucked it into her [Outer World Space], which was linked to her hairpin.
Xia Zhi "looked" at her hairpin, sensing the [Power of the Outer World] emanating from it. Curiously, he asked, "Madam Ping gave that to you, didn't she?"
Shenhe nodded. "Mm."
"And Miss Ganyu also has something like that, doesn't she?"
Shenhe nodded again. "Yes, Sister Ganyu's bell functions the same way."
"I see."
Shenhe's gaze carried a hint of anticipation. "Boss…"
Xia Zhi smiled. "Don't rush me."
He retrieved a spicy strip, a bright red, fragrant delight—from his inventory.
Activating his latent skill [Pure Yang Body], which he had previously disabled, Xia Zhi took a bite of the spicy strip.
A burst of fiery heat surged into his mouth, transforming into a wave of warmth that spread throughout his body, making him feel incredibly flushed and hot.
Shenhe watched him, a bit worried. "Boss, your face is so red."
"Touch it."
"It's so hot!"
"Right?"
"What's happening?"
"Don't worry. Keep touching."
"Huh?"
As Shenhe continued to touch his face, she noticed something peculiar, her expression momentarily frozen in a cute stupor.
And that… was that.
If there was more to the story, it would only be an admission that the [Pure Yang Body]'s Dual Cultivation Buff (+50%) was indeed potent. Shenhe, for all her strength, couldn't resist it.
As for Shenhe, the sensation of a warm Xia Zhi also left her with a unique and lingering impression.
Her bell jingled faintly for quite some time before falling silent.
---
When Xia Zhi finally returned to his normal temperature, he cradled an exhausted Shenhe in his arms. Together, they ventured into the [Dream World].
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata seemed to have been waiting for quite a while. Just as Xia Zhi stepped into the dream, he heard a knock at the door.
Once again, it was time for some cousinly bonding.
"Shenhe."
"So tired. Boss, could you get the door?"
"Alright."
Xia Zhi walked over and opened the door. Outside stood the petite form of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Huh? Why is it you, Cousin? Where's Shenhe?"
"She's on the bed."
"Oh… Shenhe, what happened to you?"
Shenhe lazily glanced at her, too tired to respond.
The Greater Lord seemed to understand something, falling into silence before turning to Xia Zhi.
"Cousin, you've really outdone yourself."
----
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