Chapter 111: Hearts in Sync, Three Entries into the Palace

Not only Murong Wan.

Lu Xun also sensed the change in atmosphere.

Perhaps it was the influence of the recent heart demon, plus the heat aroused by Babala that hasn't faded.

A certain desire began to surface in Lu Xun's mind.

A voice told him.

Anyway, he and Murong Wan are already "old friends," having had two bouts of utmost intimacy; even a third time wouldn't be out of the question.

But Murong Wan is ultimately Chu Youqing's aunt; the first time was because she wanted to borrow a child, the second time was due to Murong Yan's drugging.

Both times Lu Xun was passive, each with ample reason he couldn't avoid.

This third time... has no excuse or justification.

But under the influence of hormones, and with this atmosphere truly stirring imagination, Lu Xun's desire not only didn't fade, it grew even stronger.

Ah...

Until Murong Wan let out another startled cry.

That cry dispelled the lingering ambiguity in the air.

Lu Xun looked up and saw another cockroach fly in through the window.

Murong Yan forgot to close the window when she left.

Behind the Star-Moon Tower there's a restaurant—no wonder cockroaches keep visiting.

Damn cockroach!

Lu Xun twitched his fingertip, releasing a burst of force that instantly turned the cockroach to ash, leaving not a trace.

There shouldn't be any more; go collect your things.

He closed the window and left the bathroom.

Hmm.

Murong Wan entered the bathroom, picked up her sister's lace panties, and put them in her pocket.

I don't know why Murong Yan suddenly thought of those panties; perhaps she was afraid Lu Xun would see them, so she had Murong Wan put them away.

After putting things away, Murong Wan went out.

Lu Xun was sitting on the living-room sofa, heard the movement, and looked at Murong Wan.

Their gazes met in midair.

Murong Wan's heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

A man and a woman alone in a room—even if they were strangers—will see the atmosphere gradually shift over time.

Let alone that they had already been physically intimate.

I—I'm going back to school.

Murong Wan suddenly grew nervous, her speech slightly stuttering.

She's leaving just like that?

For no reason, Lu Xun suddenly didn't want her to go.

But he couldn't find a suitable excuse.

How's your practice of the Supreme Sword Method I gave you last time? I have some insights; perhaps we can share them.

Lu Xun finally found a reason.

Supreme Sword Method.

Murong Wan has only practiced the first form of this sword method.

That's normal.

Even though the Exquisite Treasure Body is a top-tier cultivation physique, Murong Wan's time is still limited.

In the early stages, time is naturally spent on raising one's cultivation.

Martial techniques can't be mastered to too high a level.

However, the Third Realm for martial practitioners is widely recognized as the realm of martial technique.

The most important thing in this realm is to open the secret apertures one by one.

In theory, if you are sufficiently heaven-defying, you could open all 108 secret apertures at once.

Of course, that exists only in theory and hypothesis.

Opening apertures must not be rushed; it requires steady, solid progress.

The key, above all, is martial divine ability.

Otherwise, even if you opened all 108 apertures at once, lacking any named martial divine ability, what good would it be?

Such a martial practitioner, even if breaking through to the Fourth Realm, would still be far weaker than others in combat power.

So, the training method for the Third Realm no longer revolves around true qi.

Although one still uses the apertures to further refine true qi, this is no longer the main focus.

Most martial artists, after opening all the apertures in a given body part, next need to consolidate, preparing for the next aperture opening.

The best way to consolidate is through martial technique.

Train martial technique.

Murong Wan obviously intends to do the same.

So, when Lu Xun brought it up, Murong Wan felt somewhat tempted.

Lu Xun's today's over-the-top combat power likewise astonished Murong Wan.

She doubted his opinion not at all.

Moreover… perhaps deep down she also longs to spend a few more moments with him.

Then Murong Wan sat down and began to exchange ideas with Lu Xun.

This exchange went on for quite a while.

Lu Xun's insights were indeed useful to Murong Wan.

After all, his Sword of Myriad Tribulations Formless is an advanced form of the Tai'a Sword Technique, so his perspective is naturally unique.

Murong Wan gradually became fascinated, and under Lu Xun's guidance, she immersed herself in the profundities of the martial way.

Cultivation is a bitter endeavor, but for one who wholeheartedly seeks the Dao, it is actually also a source of enjoyment.

Lu Xun gradually entered an excellent state and began to earnestly impart his experience.

"This move should flow like drifting clouds and running water..."

Before his words faded, the sword was already drawn.

A cold gleam flashed, the blade traced a mysterious arc in the air without a whisper of sound—this is the essence of the Formless aspect of the Sword of Myriad Tribulations.

Murong Wan focused intently, mimicking the motions with her Flowing Cloud Sword, yet she always fell short by a hint of spirit.

"Form is easy to learn, intent is hard to grasp."

Lu Xun let out a soft sigh.

Before Murong Wan could react, she felt a warmth behind her and found herself enveloped in a warm embrace.

Lu Xun's hand covered hers, and where their palms met came a scorching heat.

"Your breath should rise and fall with the sword's motion,"

His breath brushed past her ear, "The sword moves light and agile, the heart still as still water."

Murong Wan's cheeks flushed crimson, and even her neck took on a rosy hue.

"Don't lose focus."

Lu Xun noticed her distraction.

At that moment he was actually quite serious, free of distracting thoughts.

Murong Wan calmed her mind and steadied her breath, matching Lu Xun's rhythm.

Their steps gradually synchronized, even the sway of their bodies matching; their figures gradually merged into one, casting a slender silhouette in the candlelight.

As the blades flowed, it became impossible to tell who was leading whom.

This feeling was truly wondrous.

At this moment they seemed to share the same heartbeat, each inhalation and exhalation perfectly in sync.

Where the blade passed, the air rippled, yet remained utterly soundless—this is the very essence of the Sword of Myriad Tribulations.

This state was as if their hearts shared a single spirit.

But such a heart-to-heart connection often lasts only an instant.

Yet Lu Xun and Murong Wan seemed to remain continually in that state of mutual understanding.

"Formless sword, overturn heaven and earth!"

With a soft shout from Lu Xun, two streams of true qi merged at the sword tip.

A cold light flashed, and the distant table split apart with a crack, its break smooth as a mirror.

When the sword qi struck the wall, it was blocked by the formation laid down by Bai Ling.

Otherwise, under this sword qi the wall would be no stronger than tofu.

"Not bad."

Lu Xun released his hand, only to find Murong Wan still holding her sword pose.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, coating her in a silvery sheen, with fine beads of sweat clinging to her trembling lashes.

When their eyes met, Murong Wan hastily lowered her gaze, yet could not hide the crimson spreading across her neck.

Honest words are rare in the world; a woman's blush speaks louder than a thousand words.

Lu Xun's Adam's apple twitched, and his sword sheath clanged to the floor.

At this moment all sword principles and mental techniques were cast aside; only the sound of their increasingly ragged breaths intertwined in the quiet chamber.

"Lu..."

Murong Wan sensed something amiss, her lips parting slightly, but before she could finish speaking, she felt her waist tighten.

Lu Xun's arm had at some point encircled her slender waist, his scorching palm transmitting astonishing heat through the thin fabric.

She instinctively tried to step back, but that force held her fast, almost pressing her into his embrace.

The sword tip drooped, tapping a clear sound on the floor.

That sound seemed to break the last restraint; Lu Xun's breath grew heavy, his gaze falling on her slightly trembling lips.

In the moonlight, that flush of rose glistened with a moist sheen, inviting to be plucked.

Murong Wan felt her heart pounding so hard it seemed it might burst from her chest, her ears filled with the roar of rushing blood.

She wanted to say something, but all her words dissolved into a faint, almost inaudible murmur.

Lu Xun's breath was near, carrying a faint scent of pine that enveloped her entirely.

"Mm..."

The next second, Lu Xun lowered his head and sealed her lips.

This kiss came swift and fierce, laden with long-held desire, leaving her almost breathless.

Murong Wan's hand unconsciously clutched his collar, her fingertips trembling slightly.

As soon as the kiss ended, Lu Xun scooped her up in his arms.

Murong Wan gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

Blushing, she wanted to struggle, but upon meeting his scorching gaze she inexplicably grew still.

"This time... there's no drug involved..."

Murong Wan's voice was as fine as a mosquito's whisper, her eyelashes trembling slightly.

Lu Xun blinked in surprise, then immediately scooped her up and strode toward the bedroom.

At this point, if he were to stop now, he truly wouldn't be a man.

"So, this time it's by mutual consent."

Lu Xun's voice was low and hoarse.

The door closed softly behind them, shutting out all the spring light in the room.

Outside the window, the last sliver of moonlight darted behind the clouds, and even the stars shyly closed their eyes.

The night breeze swept past the window lattice, stirring a faint rustling, as if cheering for this enchanting night.