Song Qingshu's desperation grew palpable, realizing that the sweeping monk before him was akin to a godlike figure in the annals of the Golden Book. If even he claimed inability to save him, then all hope seemed lost.
Witnessing Song Qingshu on the verge of collapse, the sweeping monk silently invoked the name of Buddha and spoke in a measured tone, "Martial arts exist beyond the physical realm. Why should young heroes cling so desperately to it? Though martial prowess occasionally saves the righteous, the purpose of Buddhism transcends the preservation of a mere one or two lives. Why not delve into the study of Buddhism, with its aim of saving sentient beings..."
The sweeping monk's voice seemed to possess a tranquilizing effect. Gradually, Song Qingshu regained his composure. However, when the monk urged him to embrace Buddhism, Song Qingshu harbored a deep disapproval and swiftly declined, "Master, I appreciate your kindness, but my heart remains burdened with numerous doubts that must be addressed one by one. I simply cannot abandon all worldly matters and seek refuge in the buddhist path."
"Very well, I shall desist from further persuasion," Wuming shook his head. Suddenly, he extended his fingers and punctured several significant acupoints on Song Qingshu's body. Sensing a surge of warmth coursing through his veins, Song Qingshu watched as Wuming turned and departed, his voice echoing from a distance, "For now, I shall safeguard your meridians with true energy, preventing their further deterioration. However, only the Four Great Physicians may possess the means to address your injuries..."
"The Four Great Physicians?" Song Qingshu pondered Zhou Zhiruo's words, furrowing his brow in contemplation. Then it struck him—Genius Doctor Xue of Songzhou City, and the legendary Poisonous Hand Medicine King.
Witnessing her husband's eyes brimming with hope, Zhou Zhiruo felt a pang of sympathy. She offered words of comfort, "Qing Shu, Zhang Wuji has obtained the true teachings of Hu Qingniu. Even he couldn't provide a solution. The other famed physicians are no match for Hu Qingniu, let alone surpass him..."
Song Qingshu's reaction caught Zhou Zhiruo off guard, his outburst revealing his deep-seated animosity toward Zhang Wuji due to their shared history. Regret washed over him as soon as the words left his lips.
Zhou Zhiruo, taken aback by his sudden outburst, understood the underlying emotions. Aware of Song Qingshu's enduring affection for her, she softened her tone and gently consoled him, "Qingshu, martial arts prowess is not everything. Let us return to Emei together. Let's set aside the grievances and conflicts of the martial world. What matters more than martial arts or accomplishments is our happiness, don't you think?"
Never had Song Qingshu witnessed such tenderness and vulnerability in Zhou Zhiruo's demeanor. As he gazed upon her radiant and captivating countenance, he felt a profound sense of foolishness engulfing him.
As Song Qingshu found himself lost in a daze, the realization of their marital bond could not shield Zhou Zhiruo from a surge of shyness. She shot him an indignant glance and retorted, "Haven't you had enough of staring at me for so long?" "A lifetime wouldn't be enough~" Song Qingshu blurted out without thinking, suddenly struck by the drastic change in her demeanor. He regarded her with uncertainty and asked, "Are you truly willing to accompany me back to Emei?"
"You are my husband, why wouldn't I go back to Emei with you?" Zhou Zhiruo's voice softened, yet a hint of loneliness lingered in the corner of her eyes. That night when Zhang Wuji took the initiative to hold her, Zhou Zhiruo had initially refused, but a flicker of joy had stirred within her. She knew of Zhang Wuji's deep affection for her. However, after countless days had passed, without any explanation from him, she surmised that the princess empress still occupied his thoughts. Disappointed, she pondered that Zhang Wuji failed to match even a fraction of the care and devotion Song Qingshu had shown her. At this moment, with Song Qingshu on the brink of becoming a crippled man, Zhou Zhiruo yearned to return to Emei swiftly and spend the remainder of her days with him.
Overwhelmed with joy, Song Qingshu couldn't resist enveloping Zhou Zhiruo in his embrace. Thoughts of the hardships he had endured and the martial world's challenges paled in comparison to the prospect of having such a breathtaking beauty by his side.
Caught off guard, Zhou Zhiruo stiffened in his arms, but the realization that he was her husband gradually eased her resistance, allowing her body to relax.
With her delicate form nestled against him, Song Qingshu swiftly discerned her alluring curves, prompting him to lower his head and plant a kiss upon her cheek.
Instinctively, Zhou Zhiruo sought to evade his advance, but memories of his unwavering support for her flooded her mind, leaving her momentarily dazed.
Gone was the foolish boy who had once bickered over matters of the heart. Before Zhou Zhiruo could fully process her hesitation, Song Qingshu seized the opportunity to capture her small, cherry-like lips with his own.
Zhou Zhiruo's eyes widened in astonishment, and in that moment of surprise, Song Qingshu deftly parted her lips with his.
A fragrant breath mingled between them, leaving Song Qingshu feeling an almost indescribable sensation coursing through his entire being. Beyond the initial shock, Zhou Zhiruo closed her eyes as if surrendering to her fate, yet her heart remained a whirlwind of emotions.
Even the brief embrace she had shared with Zhang Wuji had evoked a rapid and erratic heartbeat within Zhou Zhiruo. Yet, now that she was being kissed by Song Qingshu, she found herself devoid of any significant feelings, merely permitting his advances while her heart remained in disarray. Only the innate shyness of a young girl and an overwhelming sense of hesitation enveloped her.
Song Qingshu remained oblivious to the tumultuous thoughts swirling in Zhou Zhiruo's heart. In this fleeting moment, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of happiness. With one hand wrapped around her slender waist, he instinctively reached beneath her skirt, attempting to explore the softness of her bosom.
"Pop!" A sudden chill met his hand as Zhou Zhiruo swiftly reacted, delivering an instinctive slap and swiftly breaking free from Song Qingshu's embrace. She turned around, her face etched with anger.
Song Qingshu inwardly cursed his carelessness. Unconsciously employing modern flirtatious techniques, he failed to consider that she was still an innocent maiden of ancient times, unable to tolerate such advances. How could he have misjudged the situation? Yet, even though the slap was not severe, a trace of embarrassment lingered on his face.
Observing the faint red mark on his cheek, Zhou Zhiruo felt a twinge of remorse. Reminding herself that he was her husband, she offered an explanation, "We are currently in a secluded area of Shaolin, and it's broad daylight. Your behavior is rather inappropriate."
Upon hearing her words, Song Qingshu was filled with elation. He couldn't help but entertain a thought: "Could it be that in a different setting, under the veil of night, I could indulge in such actions with you, and you would reciprocate?" Of course, he dared not voice this sentiment, so he instead inquired, "Now that my injuries are nearly healed, when shall we depart for Emei?" His primary aim was to distance himself from Zhang Wuji as soon as possible. Once he succeeded in separating them and employed a combination of persuasion and coercion, along with their legitimate husband and wife status, he believed it was only a matter of time before he truly won her over.
"If it's not too late today, let's rest and depart tomorrow morning," Zhou Zhiruo replied, before hastily exiting the room, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her flushed face.
Left alone in the room, Song Qingshu pondered the exhilarating sensations he had experienced earlier. Seated on the bed, he couldn't help but chuckle, believing that fate had smiled upon him. Not only had he been restored to human form, but he had also been bestowed with the companionship of a stunning beauty. Compared to the loss of his martial arts skills, what significance did it hold in the face of such good fortune?
As darkness descended, Zhou Zhiruo returned to the room. Given the appearance of an ordinary husband and wife, it was expected that they would share the same sleeping quarters. Assisting Song Qingshu in lying down, she settled onto the bed opposite.
Casting a sidelong glance, Song Qingshu's gaze fixated on the graceful contours of Zhou Zhiruo's figure. Gazing upon this unparalleled beauty, he couldn't help but salivate. Yet, it was a cruel twist of fate that this exquisite delicacy lay before him, tantalizingly out of reach.
Gradually, drowsiness overcame him. Just as Song Qingshu closed his eyes, a masked figure stealthily entered through the window, swiftly applying pressure to several vital acupoints on his body.