Of course, Di Tou wasn't so stupid to try the same thing twice. This time, as he went to go grab Fu Hao Xin he was focusing on [A Gentle Touch] in his mind, and correspondingly subconsciously moved in the manner that felt the most correct.
Therefor when he grabbed Fu Hao Xin this time, while his grip was still firm, there was an underlying softness that wasn't present before. Honestly, from Di Tou's side it seemed like nothing much had changed, after all these were all micro changes that were hard to describe or visualize physically. He was operating entirely off of instinct while focusing on the technique in his mind.
Even if someone knew the full technique of [A Gentle Touch] they wouldn't be able to write it down into a skill manual, rather it could be considered more of a special mental state and mentality that allowed for unique phenomenon. Essentially, a manifestation of a certain law.
On Fu Hao Xin's side, however, the experience was entirely different. The moment Di Tou's hand touched his shoulder, suddenly all the pain seemed to have gone away. In his mind he was still acutely aware of the physical damage that had taken place on his body and how he would have to deal with it - this was basic knowledge as a cultivator.
But, he couldn't feel the pain. Instead, he felt an odd sense of courage and bravado spring up in his heart. Lifting one hand to clasp over Di Tou's hand on his shoulder, he mustered the strength he had left to stand up by himself. And slowly but surely, Fu Hao Xin picked himself back up.
Looking at Di Tou right now, Fu Hao Xin couldn't help but have an indescribable emotion. What was this? Why did it feel like… he could say anything right now? That all of his hardships and struggles over the past month were suddenly acceptable. As long as he could return to this embrace… Everything would be okay in the end?
This was the effect of [A Gentle Touch], Nuwa's original sentiment. It could also be called [A Mother's Undying Love]. Of course, it has to be said that in this world there are many bad mothers and many fathers who take up this mantle of care, these two parties are reprehensible and commendable respectively, but it cannot be denied that there is a certain sentiment that is inextricable with the word mother.
Anyways, in the effects of [A Gentle Touch] one of side effects was the removal of pain. Of course, compared to what [A Gentle Touch] was able to actually do and represented, it could truly be considered insignificant, but it was also one of the most obvious effects that had the most blatant impact, especially with Di Tou's amateurish usage of the technique.
In his heart, Fu Hao Xin couldn't help but sigh. It seemed like he had really wronged Senior Mu earlier. He really couldn't help but be a little angry at the fact that he had kneeled for so long, even if it was due to his misunderstanding. After all, at the very least the man should come out and check on him right!?
They had agreed to meet in the morning after all, how unaware of time did someone have to be to miss so many hours? That simply wasn't a reasonable explanation, so it had to be a test of some sort.
But at the moment, he couldn't rise up any of the grievances or anger he had earlier. He could only let out a defeated sigh. It seemed like he was still too narrow minded, too far from having a hao xin (good heart).
At the same time, he couldn't help but feel even greater admiration for Di Tou in his heart. What sort of godly skill was this? He knew his physical state quite well, without some sort of natural treasure it'd take at least two or three days of careful nurturing and medication for him to get better.
Senior Mu on the other hand, he simply raised a hand and all the pain seemed to have dissipated, or rather he couldn't feel the 'pain' aspect of it anymore, although he could still sense it. This was a rather important difference to make. After all, pain is the body's natural warning as to the fact that there is something wrong. Without any pain at all you could be bleeding out and dying but you would be none the wiser.
In reality, overdosing on pain killers has caused people to die. The most obvious example is the removal of pain resulting in the lack of a gag reflex or feeling of problems in one's airways. People have died because they simply couldn't throw up because they didn't feel the need to. (Over drinking is the most obvious route to this specific problem. Drink safely!)
If before Fu Hao Xin had only admired Di Tou because he thought the latter was cool and perhaps a secret rich man, right now he couldn't help but reaffirm his thought that this senior Mu was truly someone with a big heart that could encompass the world.
Further, under the effect of [A Gentle Touch] while Fu Hao Xin was somewhat aware of the fact that his emotions were in disarray and his responses were somewhat unnatural, he couldn't help but want to make Di Tou proud right now.
What an odd sensation indeed.
Having gotten off, Fu Hao Xin gave a smile to Di Tou to show that he was alright, although the smile was rather scary as he was still rather pale. Shifting Di Tou's hand away, Fu Hao Xin grimaced for a moment as he felt the pain return to him, although it wasn't as bad as before and now bearable.
Taking a tentative two steps forward, Fu Hao Xin resolved that this was doable. Straightening his back a bit, he managed to find back a little bit of his confidence.
Gathering up his willpower, Fu Hao Xin bowed, "Thank you senior, I'm alright now, let's go in and talk."
Surprised, Di Tou gave Fu Hao Xin another look, this kid was tougher then he thought! He managed to shrug off the pain so quick!
Commendable, commendable indeed.
Each of them unaware of the other's thoughts, they entered the abode.