Squeak, squeak—
The bed creaked rhythmically, and the sound of rain pattered heavily against the window.
Outside, the downpour continued unabated. Wang Menglu and Tang Yuxin, who had been eavesdropping outside, were both blushing furiously.
Initially, Tang Yuxin wanted to leave, but Wang Menglu had insisted they stay.
"Yuxin, did you hear that?" Wang Menglu asked, her tone firm. "Horn must be up to something. It sounds like he's watching a short film."
"I heard a woman's voice," she added.
Tang Yuxin's anxiety grew. "Let's go quickly. If Horn finds out we were eavesdropping, he'll be upset."
Despite her protests, Wang Menglu was still amused. "Xiao Xinxin, next time, you should remember to help Horn cool down."
"If he knew we heard him, he'd definitely be embarrassed to face us again."
With a smile, Wang Menglu led Tang Yuxin away. Tang Yuxin was relieved, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Back in Horn's room, the sounds continued unabated. Although Horn could sense the movement outside, he was too absorbed in the moment to care. If misunderstandings arose, so be it.
The night passed quickly. The rain eventually stopped, and the morning sun began to rise.
Lin Zixuan, still in Horn's arms, stirred as she sought a more comfortable position. Suddenly, she became aware of something amiss. Her eyes flew open as she saw Horn so close to her. She nearly kicked him out of bed.
"Dean Lin, what's wrong? You haven't even put on your pants yet. Are you going to deny what happened?" Horn teased, his eyes glinting playfully.
Lin Zixuan, wrapped tightly in the quilt, began to recall the events of the previous night. She had been the one to initiate everything. Her delicate face now showed a mix of confusion and shame.
How could this have happened? She never expected Horn to be the first man in her life.
The room was silent except for the sound of Horn shifting. "Don't you notice the changes in yourself?" he asked.
Lin Zixuan, on the brink of anger, wanted to scold Horn but gasped instead when she realized the extent of her breakthrough. Her cultivation had soared overnight from the Late Stage of the Sky Control Realm to its Great Perfection.
How could this be? Under normal circumstances, with her qualifications, it would have taken her years to reach such a level.
Horn's exercises had helped correct the flaws in her fairy body, allowing her to make this incredible leap.
Lin Zixuan recalled Horn's words about how merging with a male practitioner of water-based skills could accelerate her cultivation. The progress had been astonishing.
"You're right. I'm the one who was taken advantage of," she said, her face flushed with embarrassment. "This is the first time I've had such an effect."
Horn explained, "My cultivation is extraordinary, and our union has enhanced your potential. You'll be able to reach even greater heights in the future."
Lin Zixuan couldn't sense this yet.
"How dare you say I took advantage of you!" she exclaimed, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Horn.
Just then, Tang Yuxin knocked on the door. "Horn, are you awake? I've cooked breakfast!"
Lin Zixuan's breakthrough had been discreet and had not caused much disturbance. Therefore, Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu hadn't noticed anything unusual.
Lin Zixuan quickly dressed in her pajamas and slipped out of the room, returning to her own.
Horn, catching the lingering scent in the room, called out, "Yuxin, I'm awake. I'm not dressed yet. Please wait!"
Tang Yuxin, who was about to enter, stopped and said, "I'm downstairs. I'll wait for you."
A few minutes later, Horn joined Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu at the dining table. Lin Zixuan appeared soon after, wearing a light blue dress and light makeup.
Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu were struck by Lin Zixuan's enhanced beauty.
"Dean Lin, you look even more beautiful and feminine than yesterday. If I were a man, I'd be captivated," Wang Menglu complimented.
Lin Zixuan felt a pang of guilt. "Menglu, stop flattering me."
Tang Yuxin added, "Menglu isn't exaggerating. You really do look more beautiful."
Lin Zixuan felt a bit awkward, especially since she had been the one who had inadvertently caused a stir.
Horn, ever the gentleman, peeled an egg for Lin Zixuan. "You must have been tired from last night. Eat this to regain your energy."
Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu thought Horn had finally shown some consideration for Lin Zixuan. Lin Zixuan, however, frowned, thinking Horn was teasing her. The memories of the previous night were still fresh in her mind.
"Young disciple, you'll pay for this," Lin Zixuan sent a secret message to Horn.
Horn, unfazed, replied openly, "If you have something to say, just say it. There's no need for secret messages."
"I just meant that you seemed tired from staying up late working on academy matters. I saw a light in your room early this morning," Horn explained.
Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu looked at Lin Zixuan with curiosity. Horn took a sip of his milk, maintaining a casual demeanor.
Lin Zixuan, frustrated, wanted to lash out at Horn but was aware of the potential scandal. If word got out, she would become a laughingstock in elite circles.
Just then, her phone rang. After answering, her expression grew serious.
After a brief conversation, she ended the call. "We have some leads on the space cracks expected to appear in Linzhou. I need to return to the academy immediately."
Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu expressed their desire to accompany Lin Zixuan back to the academy.
Horn remained calm. "I'll stay here today and take care of some matters of my own."
He planned to deal with his enemies in Linzhou, targeting the Su family branch there. Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu, confident Horn would be safe, did not insist on his company.
Before leaving, Lin Zixuan sent a final message to Horn: "Disciple, if you encounter any trouble, contact me immediately."
She left a business card on the table and departed with Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu.
Horn watched the three women leave and muttered to himself, "What a duplicitous woman!"