Chapter 142 – A Soak in the Springs

  Steam rose from the surface of the hot springs in thick, silvery ribbons that blurred the edges of the rocky cliffs around them. There was a strong smell of metal in the air that mingled with the warmth of the Fire Elemental Essence that pulsed from the ground below.

  Jun De sat half-submerged in the water with a towel draped across his shoulders. His eyes were half-closed in calm focus as he tried to relax. The mineral-rich water stung faintly against his skin, purifying and scrubbing away layers of impurities as it worked its magic to refine and temper his body.

  Beside him, Zhao Wuxian was pacing in the water like a caged tiger. Thankfully for Jun De, the man had a towel wrapped around his waist, sparing him from an uncomfortable sight.

  For once, Zhao Wuxian’s booming laughter and endless boasting were absent. His expression was earnest, filled with excitement and even nervousness.

  “You don’t understand, Junior Brother.” Zhao Wuxian suddenly said, stopping and turning toward Jun De.

  “This isn’t some infatuation; I’m in love with her!”

  Jun De cracked one eye open while raising his eyebrow questioningly.

  “You’re in love with who?” Jun De asked, already knowing the answer. He simply wanted Zhao Wuxian to admit it.

  “Han Lian. The Sect Master’s personal Disciple. I have never seen someone so graceful and elegant in all my life. Her cultivation is equal to my own, and I can see her talent in the way she holds herself. Her body is incredible! Toned and refined, I have no doubt that she possesses a strong bloodline.”

  Zhao Wuxian said her name with reverence, and Jun De had to suppress a chuckle at seeing how worked up he had become talking about her.

  “She certainly appears strong.” Jun De commented, recalling how Han Lian’s muscular and toned physique almost equalled that of Zhao Wuxian.

  “But strength isn’t everything!” Zhao Wuxian exclaimed, and Jun De looked at him in shock. To Zhao Wuxian, strength was everything. He was incredibly proud of his body, his bloodline, and the great amount of effort and resources it took for him to achieve it.

  “It’s about our connection. I could feel it when she looked at me. She smiled! I could feel the thread of fate binding us together.” Zhao Wuxian trailed off, then scowled at Jun De.

  “You wouldn’t understand, Junior Brother. You have never had a woman look at you in the way Han Lian looked at me. You spend all your time refining pills or training with Shen Weifeng. When you are older, I will teach you all about attracting women. For now, you should observe my interactions with Han Lian and learn what you can.”

  Jun De closed his eyes once again.

  “Then I will thank you for your help when the time comes.” Jun De replied dryly.

  Zhao Wuixan sank down into the water across from Jun De and let out a dramatic sigh that echoed off the stone walls.

  Jun De couldn’t help but laugh, and the lingering tension in his shoulders eased. Steam drifted across the surface of the water, and for a long time, the pair sat in silence before it became too much for Zhao Wuixan.

  “I have made my decision, Junior Brother. Han Lian is perfection made flesh; there is no one else in the world who can compare with her. I will make my intentions known, then speak with my Clan to make the proper arrangements.”

  “No one else in the world, not even Bai Xuelian? I thought you were taken with her not long ago.” Jun De asked, peeking out of his half-closed eyes to see Zhao Wuxian’s reaction.

  The muscular man scoffed and waved his hand dismissively, splashing water as he did so.

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  “Senior Sister Bai? Don’t misunderstand, I agree that she is beautiful and talented. She also possesses the famed Pure Yin Body, but she is too cold and distant to be a suitable partner. There is no fire in her eyes. But Han Lian has both the talent and the passion that make her the perfect match for me!”

  Jun De laughed quietly, shaking his head. He hoped that Bai Xuelian didn’t hear what Zhao Wuxian had to say about her; otherwise, he could expect her to be even colder to him in the future.

  “A perfect match, is it ?”

  “Of course! We are Yin and Yang, the Sun and the Moon! Elegance and might, grace and power! When the heavens forged her, I am certain they had me in mind.”

  “Then I hope that she feels the same way about you.” Jun De replied as he leaned back against the smooth rock and shifted slightly to get more comfortable.

  Zhao Wuxian laughed loudly and thumped himself on his chest with his fist.

  “Mark my words, Junior Brother, you will see us standing side by side as the most perfect and talented pair in the Tranquil Mountain Sect.”

  Jun De smiled as he let the warmth of the spring soak through him. Zhao Wuxian’s laughter and his continuing explanation of how they were a perfect match were oddly comforting after so many sombre months in the Tranquil Mountain Sect.

  After a few more hours of soaking in the spring, the pair stepped out. The steam still clung to the skin in the night air that was cooler and drier in comparison, although it was still far too hot and humid compared to the Tranquil Mountain.

  They each drew on their Inner Sect blue robes, with Zhao Wuxian leaving his chest and arms exposed as usual. Jun De ran a towel through his hair once before letting it hang loose over his shoulders in the hope that the dampness would keep him cool long enough to reach their residence.

  Outside, a familiar figure was waiting for them.

  Bai Xuelian stood at the entrance, droplets of water still clinging to her platinum-blond hair. The light of the moon overhead caught on the strands, turning them into threads of silver. Her blue robes clung lightly to her lithe frame, accentuating her curves.

  ‘Zhao Wuxian must be blind to think anyone in the Ironvein Quarry Sect is equal to her.’ Jun De thought, although he was careful not to stare at the beautiful Senior Sister.

  “Senior Sister Bai.” Jun De greeted her, smiling warmly as they approached.

  “How did you find the springs? I thought the heat here would trouble you.” Jun De asked.

  Bai Xuelian’s expression was as calm and cool as ever, but there was a faint flush that lingered on her cheeks and neck from the heat. She smiled faintly at Jun De before joining them to walk down the stone path that led back to their residence.

  “It was intense, but it will be good for my training. My body needs to adapt to the temperature to overcome my limitations. Master was correct when he said the Ironvein Quarry Sect was a suitable place for me.”

  Zhao Wuxian chuckled beside Jun De.

  “I agree! A cultivator must temper themselves in all conditions and overcome their weakness!”

  Bai Xuelian gave him a sidelong glance, frowning slightly at the comment about her ‘weakness.’

  “You talk too much, Junior Brother Zhao.”

  Jun De had to hide a smile as Zhao Wuxian deflated slightly at the comment.

  The Ironvein Quarry Sect was nestled between hills and rocky valleys, and it lacked the vegetation and animals they would normally hear at the Tranquil Mountain. Instead, there was only the hum of distant forges and the sound of metallic ringing out in an almost rhythmic pattern.

  Jun De took in his surroundings, feeling the rich earth essence beneath his feet and the peace of the Sect around him.

  “It’s a very calm Sect.” Jun De remarked softly.

  “Yes, it’s very peaceful. The Disciples here are preoccupied with their craft and the labour of the mines. It’s rather refreshing to see such focus.” Bai Xuelian agreed.

  “The hard work and tempering of the body are good, but they are in need of more excitement as well. Tournaments and duels are required; competition brings out the best in us.” Zhao Wuxian added.

  Jun De rolled his eyes, but didn’t answer. He was fine with peace and quiet, although working in the minds didn’t appeal to him at all.

  As they reached the center of the Sect, their assigned residences came into view. Elder Wen’s immortal cave remained dark and silent as it had been since they had first arrived.

  They were given immortal caves near the Sect Master’s own, carved into the hillside. Unlike the Tranquil Mountain, the residences here didn’t have courtyards. Instead, they were all sealed by large bronze doors to keep the heat out.

  But these weren’t simple holes in the rock, but magnificent residences as fine as Jun De’s own in the Tranquil Mountain Sect. They were well-lit, with gardens and ponds maintained through the spiritual arrays and the work of the Servant Disciples.

  “There is still no sign of Elder Wen.” Jun De observed, and Bai Xuelian nodded.

  “His skills are desperately needed for the extraction of the Black Iron Quartz. He won’t be seen until he has refined enough pills to counter the toxic effects of the Ore.”

  “I’m curious to see Black Iron Quartz. It must be extraordinary if the Sect Master needs it to repair his spiritual artifact.” Jun De commented.

  Bai Xuelian was about to reply when the trio turned the corner of the path leading toward their residences, and they spotted Luo Feng pacing impatiently in front of Bai Xuelian’s door.

  The Sect Master’s Disciple looked up at them as soon as they were in sight, and his eyes locked onto Bai Xuelian in excitement.

  “Bai Xuelian! You’ve finally returned!”