In the aftermath of Jian Zhi’s Xīnyù, the first step of **Soul-Substrate Doping** was complete—a second, successful attempt born of their combined efforts. The newly formed seed hovered, stable and shimmering, withstanding the latent hostility of his desert soul. Jian Zhi still held her hand, a lingering point of connection as she glanced between the seed and him, her mind racing.

  [Wǎn Lù]: (Internal Monologue) "[A silent sigh of relief] It’s holding. The integration of his aura must have changed its spiritual signature… [Her gaze drops to their joined hands] Wait. Shouldn’t he have released me once the procedure concluded? Why is he still…? No. Impossible. He doesn’t feel anything; how could it be intentional?" She tried to subtly pull her hand free, but his grip was firm. "What the… why is he holding on so tightly?"

  Jian Zhi registered her minute struggle and immediately released her, his expression unchanging.

  [Jian Zhi]: "[A slight, acknowledging nod] Your assistance was adequate. Upon sufficient growth of the seed, the blueprints will be transferred. I have prepared the preliminary plans and structural schematics for the locomotive service to your capital. However, you must secure your mother’s formal approval and coordinate with our engineers. You possess the capability for sustained flight, correct? Expedite the approval process. The timeline is critical."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Understood. But the priority is nurturing the seed first. Or… you could accompany me to the capital. I could show you around. [She offered a tentative smile]"

  [Wǎn Lù]: (Internal Monologue) "'Show you around'? Wǎn Lù, what is wrong with you? Are you going soft? Do not be disarmed by pragmatic cooperation. Maintain distance."

  [Lin Wei]: "Thank you for your diligence, Princess Wǎn Lù. [Her smile was warm and grateful.] I have observed a discrepancy: the potency of your aura diminishes significantly at its outer edges. For the seed's safety, maintaining a proximity of five meters or less is advisable. Now, you should both rest." Lin Wei’s spirit began to fade, and Wǎn Lù prepared to depart. Before she could, a massive, shimmering form descended—the Golden Azure Crimson Dragon, its presence both majestic and imposing.

  [Golden Azure Crimson Dragon]: "Bearer of the Abyssal Water Phoenix. By forging the seed with your essence within this domain, you have been acknowledged. You are now among the souls this one serves. In moments of dire need, your distress will resonate with my master, and you may channel a fraction of this one's power."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "I… thank you, Great Dragon. I did not anticipate such a connection or boon. But it is… a favourable development." The Dragon gave a slow, acknowledging blink before dissolving into light.

  Wǎn Lù and Jian Zhi returned to the waking world, materialising back in her dimly lit bedchamber.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "[A long, weary exhale] Finally. Phase one is complete. Now we have to keep it alive and let it grow. You may return to your quarters; I require sleep." She noticed his eyes—still analytical, but with a faint, unfamiliar glimmer of vitality—and the sense that he was processing a new set of calculations.

  [Jian Zhi]: "My mother noted your aura’s radial attenuation. The intensity is inversely proportional to distance. Therefore, to maximise the growth stimulus, minimal distance is optimal. Correct, Princess?" In one fluid motion, he leaned in, closing the gap until mere centimetres separated their faces. His gaze was intent, peering into her wide, shining black eyes—pools that now reflected sheer shock. She could feel the warmth of his breath.

  [Wǎn Lù]: (Internal Monologue) "[Her heart stuttered, then began to hammer] W-what is he doing? Why is he this close? Did the Water seed somehow… awaken something? Affection? Of all things? His eyes… has he always possessed this kind of boldness? No one has ever invaded my space like this. Who does he think he is?!" She shoved him back with both hands, her cheeks flushing a deep, betraying crimson.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "H-hey! You brat! Go back to your room! I’m sleeping! Don’t be a creep! Shoo! Shoo!" Flustered beyond reason, she yanked the blankets over her head, creating a cocoon of denial. Jian Zhi, his experiment concluded, left without another word.

  The next morning, Lǐ Róng and Xuè Lán rushed to Jian Zhi’s chambers, their knocks rapid and excited.

  [Xuè Lán]: "Hey, brat! How do you feel? Any different? We saw you and her flying back last night. The process has begun, yes? Tell us everything! [Her eyes sparkled with excited hope]"

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  [Jian Zhi]: "Physiologically, I am within standard parameters. However… I have a persistent desire to experience a soft texture and a state of peace. [He tapped his chest] There is an undefined pressure here. And [he pointed to his throat] something here remains… unexpressed."

  [Xuè Lán]: "[Her smile softened] That’s called anxiety. Is there something you wish to say?"

  [Jian Zhi]: "[He nodded once] I offer an apology for my historical failure to comprehend your emotional states. I will attempt to rectify this deficiency moving forward. [He smiled.]" It was a small, simple gesture. But for the first time in eight years, it was **natural**, uncalibrated, reaching his eyes. The couple stared, their joy so immense it was a physical pressure in the room.

  It was then that Lǐ Róng, using his **Soul-Sight**, peered into Jian Zhi’s spiritual core. His expression shifted from joy to concern.

  [Lǐ Róng]: "Jian Zhi… your seed. It’s flickering, dimming. Is that part of the process? Should I summon the Princess?" Before he finished the sentence, Jian Zhi was a blur of motion. He shot out the window, using his flight to cross the distance to Wǎn Lù’s room in a heartbeat. The couple followed as quickly as they could, Xuè Lán carrying Lǐ Róng, and arrived to find Jian Zhi already seated calmly beside Wǎn Lù’s bed, watching her sleep.

  [Lǐ Róng]: [Whispering] "Are you thinking what I’m thinking? [He covered a silent, gleeful giggle]"

  [Xuè Lán]: [Whispering] "Look at him. Aww~ Can’t bear to be apart from his healer? [A muffled giggle] And his eyes… they’re not empty anymore. He’s actually *looking* at her. Oh—he’s looking at *us*. Shhh!"

  [Jian Zhi]: "Current status? Is it still degrading?"

  [Lǐ Róng]: "It’s stabilised now. But it’s not… bright. Shouldn’t it be luminescent?"

  [Jian Zhi]: "Luminance correlates directly with growth vitality. It should be shining." He stood and began a methodical test, moving incrementally away from the sleeping princess while Lǐ Róng monitored.

  - At 4+ meters: The seed visibly dimmed.

  - At 2-3 meters: It held a neutral, steady state.

  - Within 1 meter: It pulsed with a soft, growing light.

  [Jian Zhi]: "The data is clear. Her aura’s effective nurturing radius is critically limited. To ensure consistent growth, I must remain within one meter of her. This mandates near-constant proximity. [He began mentally restructuring his schedule]"

  [Xuè Lán]: "What about direct physical contact? Wouldn’t that amplify the effect?" As they debated, Wǎn Lù stirred in her sleep, her face twitching with discomfort.

  (Wǎn Lù’s Dream)

  [Jian Zhi]: "Princess Wǎn Lù… [a sickeningly sweet, simpering voice] no, my princess. I’ve prepared your breakfast. Allow me to feed you.

  "[Wǎn Lù]: "Why are you doing this? [Her dream-self was panicked] Are you in my dream again?" He advanced, spoon outstretched. "No! Stay back!"

  (Waking World)

  [Wǎn Lù]: "NOOOOO—!" She bolted upright, gasping, only to find three pairs of eyes fixed on her from the foot of her bed. Confusion and deep embarrassment warred on her face.

  [Xuè Lán]: "A nightmare, poor dear! You need more rest. Don’t fret; we’re here."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "I’m… fine. [Her gaze landed on Jian Zhi, and a strange, dream-tinged wariness flickered in her eyes] Why are *you* here?"

  [Jian Zhi]: "[His voice was oddly calm, almost gentle] Your aura’s potency is insufficient. The seed was destabilising at a distance. Preserving your effort is logical, hence my urgency. Empirical testing confirms that a safe growth zone exists only within a one-meter radius. Outside this boundary, growth stagnates or reverses. Therefore, a mandate of one-meter proximity must be maintained until the seed reaches maturation."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Oh, I see… [She nodded, processing… then the implications crashed down.] *What?!* Are you insane? How am I supposed to maintain a one-meter bubble with you at all times? Why are you so *needy*? Are you some kind of spiritual parasite? Absolutely not!"

  [Jian Zhi]: "Then consider the blueprints void, and your early return home forfeit."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "You—! AHHH! Fine! But we establish rules. Clear, strict rules. Violate them, and I’ll let the seed wither myself."

  1. Rule 1: You will not look at me within the radius without explicit permission, nor will you encroach closer than mandated.

  2. Rule 2: The radius is suspended during private activities: sleeping, eating, and bathing. You may only approach during designated, agreed-upon times.

  3. Rule 3: No physical contact.

  [Jian Zhi]: "Rule 3 may be counterproductive. Physical contact could increase growth efficiency by an estimated thirty to forty per cent. Reconsider."

  [Wǎn Lù]: "[Her mind flashed to the dream, then to his hand holding hers. Her face heated.] N-no. We’ll proceed slowly. I am not in a hurry. Do you agree to the terms or not?" Jian Zhi gave a single, definitive nod.

  The One-Meter Mandate was thus enacted—a treaty of forced proximity born of pure necessity. The question now hung in the air, as tangible as the new space between them: Would this clinical arrangement foster the seed’s growth, or would it inevitably cultivate something else entirely?