In a secluded corner of Bingwen's quarters, Xiaofen was directed to sit in a cultivation position. The room was grand and chilly, but filled with a palpable essence of spiritual energy.
"These are the five colored earth crust energy stones," Bingwen began, his voice steady and knowledgeable.
"Each color serves a specific purpose. The red stone measures spiritual energy levels, the blue indicates physical constitution prowess, the yellow stone measures energy core levels, the white stone signifies soul constitution, and the black stone is used to detect purity."
Xiaofen listened intently,as she studied the stones before her.
Bingwen nodded approvingly as Xiaofen reached out to touch each stone, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of each one. Bingwen was silent as Lan Ren, standing nearby, remained expressionless as he observed the results.
"Control your breath and internalize," Bingwen instructed, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Concentrate on feeling your surroundings." He guided Xiaofen through the process, helping her focus on harnessing the energies around her. As Xiaofen began to cultivate, a sensation began to stir within her. It started as a faint spark, barely noticeable at first, before flickering and fading away. But then it lit up again, this time with a stronger and more vibrant intensity. It felt as though a blockage had been cleared, like a dam breaking open and unleashing a powerful rush of energy through her spiritual pathways. Xiaofen's focus deepened as she experienced this transformative surge within her.
The room crackled with spiritual energy, swirling around Xiaofen as she absorbed it with a voracious hunger. Bingwen and Lan Ren shared a knowing glance, silently communicating before Lan Ren activated the room's concealment formation. As Xiaofen's body consumed the energy, her posture hunched slightly and her expression tightened in concentration, beads of sweat formed on her brow. Sensing her struggle, Bingwen moved to her side, taking a seat in the center formation and assuming a Cultivation posture. With a steady gaze and a focused mind, Bingwen channeled his own energy into Xiaofen, helping her to navigate the turbulent currents that threatened to overwhelm her. Together, they worked in harmony, blending their energies to bring balance and clarity to Xiaofen's cultivation. And as the spiritual energy continued to flow around them, Xiaofen's body gradually relaxed, the tension melting away as she found her center once more.
After her hue and aura gradually dissipated Xiaofen fell back into Bingwen's embrace. The touch of her body against his caused a rush of warmth and tingling sensations to run through him, but Bingwen maintained a stoic expression. Lan Ren silently slipped away, allowing the two some privacy.
Xiaofen's eyelids fluttered open slowly as she adjusted to the dimly lit room. She realized she was lying on Bingwen's bed, while he sat at his table, engrossed in revising some scrolls.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, without glancing up. As Xiaofen sat upright, a sharp pang of pain shot through her head.
"Your body is still weak," Bingwen continued. "You need to train your body if you want to control the power within you."
"Get up, it's time for training," Bingwen instructed, his tone firm but supportive.
In a lavishly decorated room, Binggan knelt before a figure, his whole body trembling with fear. As he slowly lifted his gaze, he met the piercing ruby-red eyes of the person before him. The intensity of those eyes held a mixture of power and condescension, sending shivers down his spine. The person's smile, sweet yet ominous, seemed to mock Binggan's apprehension. His presence exuded an aura of authority and command, making it clear that he was not to be trifled with. Binggan felt small and insignificant in his presence.
Chang-Yuchan, being a poised and elegant figure, spoke with a polite tone as he addressed his unexpected visitor.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he inquired, his voice calm and composed.
"Aha, where are my manners," he continued with a smile, gesturing towards a seat, "Do have a seat."
Binggan nodded in acknowledgment and hurriedly made his way to a nearby table. As he settled into the seat, Chang-Yuchun clapped his hands as a group of courtesans emerged from the inner chambers, gliding gracefully towards him.
The courtesans, with their alluring presence and delicate movements, surrounded Binggan with an air of enchantment. Their beauty was mesmerizing, their gestures inviting, as they sought to captivate him with their charm.
"Xanadu boasts the finest beauties; do allow them to serve you well," Chang-Yuchan offered with a polite smile, his voice smooth and persuasive. The courtesans, their smiles flirtatious and their movements graceful, attended to Binggan with a sense of charm and allure.As they lavished him with attention, pouring plum wine into his cup and offering massages, Binggan couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him. Despite their hospitality, a sense of discomfort settled over him, intensified by the piercing gaze of Chang-Yuchan, who watched his every move with unyielding scrutiny.
Binggan cleared his throat, a dry cough signaling his discomfort, and polite dismissal of the courtesans. Chang-Yuchan nodded to the ladies, who gracefully exited the room, leaving Binggan alone with his host.
"What can I do for you?" Chang-Yuchan inquired, his eyes fixed on Binggan with a mixture of curiosity and speculation. After a moment of hesitation, Binggan gathered his courage and spoke,
"I humbly request the Crown Prince's assistance in my bid to become the next Marquis."
Oh…" Chang-Yuchan's eyebrow arched in surprise at Binggan's bold request.
"We are both certain that the crown prince will eventually ascend to the throne," Binggan declared, his nervousness hidden behind a casual sip of wine.
"If and when that happens, I wish to pledge my unwavering loyalty to his highness, in exchange for his assistance in realizing my own ambitions."
"And what if we were to decline your offer?" questioned the former. Binggan's smile was sly as he spoke,
"My nephew is astute, and I have no doubt he will soon uncover the crown prince's intentions. If this knowledge were to reach the emperor, everything you have worked for would be at risk."
Chang-Yuchun's eyes narrowed, as Binggan continued, "If his highness were to lend his support, we could easily frame Bingwen for treason and..." He trailed off, taking a deliberate sip of his wine to savor its taste. A full grin spread across Chang-Yuchun's face as he spoke, his tone carrying a hint of both admiration and malice.
"Shall I deem your tone as bold or downright audacious?" Binggan's expression mirrored that of a cornered animal, his fear palpable as he hastily rushed forward and prostrated himself before Chang-Yuchun.
"Forgive this humble servant for his presumptuousness," he pleaded, voice quivering. "I meant no disrespect. I beg for your mercy and understanding."
Chang-Yuchun gazed down at Binggan, a smug satisfaction playing on his features.