C13 He Regained His Confidence

Ling Xiao seemed to see right through his father's conflicted feelings and quickly reassured him, "Dad, it's okay. The immortal once said that this Profound Skill was quite rudimentary for him. I'm responsible for its arrangement and use. He won't blame me for sharing it with anyone."

"Really?" Ling Zhan was so touched that tears cascaded down his face. He had never cried, not even when his meridians were destroyed, but now he was visibly moved in front of his son, clearly showing the depth of his emotions.

Without any further ado, Ling Xiao transmitted the Profound Skill to Ling Zhan. He had made up his mind to put the past behind him and wholeheartedly devote himself to honoring and respecting his parents, forging a new path for himself in this strange world.

Ling Zhan wasn't as familiar with the Heavenly Frost Energy, Cloud Expelling Force, and Wind God Technique as Ling Xiao was, so it took some effort to memorize the incantations. It wasn't until Ling Xiao had recited them five times that Ling Zhan had them down pat. Ling Xiao also explained the essence of the Three Divisions Essence Returning Energy to him, after which it was up to Ling Zhan to continue his own cultivation.

Seeing that Ling Zhan was fully immersed in his cultivation, Ling Xiao quietly left the study.

When Ling Xiao arrived back at his room, he was greeted by Bai Yuxi standing at his doorstep, which elicited a bittersweet smile from him. She was steadfast in her decision to serve as his maid.

"Young Master, you're back. I've prepared your bathwater. Please allow me to assist you with your bath and dressing," Bai Yuxi said, offering a modest curtsy.

Ling Xiao, seeing her unwavering resolve, dismissed the idea of asking her to leave. If she wished to repay her debt, he would let her. Besides, having such a stunning maid at his side was certainly a status symbol.

He nodded, opened the door, and indeed, the wooden tub was filled with steaming water.

"I'll help you with your clothes, Young Master," Bai Yuxi offered, moving forward to clumsily help Ling Xiao undress.

Noticing the tender blush on her cheeks, Ling Xiao understood that she was mentally prepared for anything, even the possibility of sharing his bed, without any resistance. However, Ling Xiao had no desire to pressure her into such intimacy. If they were to share a bed, it would be with mutual desire and without any other considerations.

"That's fine, just prepare the bathwater in the future," Ling Xiao said, shedding his outer garment. "I prefer to bathe alone. You can go and rest now," he told Bai Yuxi.

"This won't do," Bai Yuxi asserted hastily.

Before she could finish, Ling Xiao interrupted her, "Are you considering defying my command?"

Terrified, Bai Yuxi responded, "I wouldn't dare!"

"In that case, since you don't dare defy me, carry out my instructions," Ling Xiao directed with a firm tone.

"Of course, Young Master," Bai Yuxi said, giving Ling Xiao a complicated look before bowing and leaving the room.

"It seems I need to teach her a proper lesson," Ling Xiao reflected as he stripped off his clothes and jumped into the tub.

Time flew by, and ten days had passed in the blink of an eye.

Ling Xiao had been in this world for exactly one month. He had hoped to break through the twelve main meridians by now, but the last few had proven exceptionally difficult. So far, he had succeeded in opening only the tenth meridian.

Tonight, he was ready to take on the eleventh meridian again.

His accumulated profound strength formed a roaring torrent of heat, flowing unimpeded until it reached a critical juncture.

"Boom!" His body's energy crashed against the blocked meridian.

The fierce impact brought on an excruciating pain that elicited screams from Ling Xiao. Sweat poured from him, drenching his body, as his veins bulged and a subtle bloody luminescence seeped from his pores, making him look both ferocious and terrifying.

This marked his fifteenth attempt and failure.

"I refuse to accept that I can't break through!" Ling Xiao clenched his teeth, gathered his energy, and launched another attempt.

Boom.

Once more, Ling Xiao did not succeed. Instead, the backlash of energy caused internal injuries, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"I almost lost my life," Ling Xiao gasped, collapsing to the ground, weakened and powerless.

Ling Xiao spent the night lying there, eyes half-closed, resting in silence.

When he awoke the next morning, he felt revitalized, as if he had never been injured, thanks to the healing properties of the Three Divisions Essence Returning Energy.

Stepping out of his room, Ling Xiao saw Bai Yuxi had already prepared his washing water, waiting at the door.

Now used to her diligent service, Ling Xiao smiled at her warmly. "Yuxi, you're up early. Thank you for your hard work." With that, he picked up a towel and began to wash his face.

Bai Yuxi flashed a captivating smile and said, "It's my honor to serve the Young Master; it's not the least bit taxing."

Ling Xiao was caught off guard by her smile, utterly enchanted for a moment.

Bai Yuxi's beauty was natural and effortless—her skin was smooth and delicate, her eyes shaped like crescent moons, her lips a ripe cherry red, and those subtle dimples that could easily captivate anyone's attention.

Feeling Ling Xiao's intense gaze, Bai Yuxi's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a sweet warmth surge within her. She turned her blushing face away, her shyness making her even more endearing.

"Sorry," Ling Xiao apologized, placing the towel down and dashing off to the courtyard to start his morning exercises.

As he executed the Cloud Trace Phantom technique, Ling Xiao berated himself internally for his inappropriate reaction to Bai Yuxi's enchanting smile.

Bai Yuxi, observing Ling Xiao's extraordinary steps, let her smile bloom again, a smile so radiant it seemed to dim the surrounding landscape.

Not long after, a room nearby was filled with boisterous laughter. "Haha, I've succeeded!"

"Brother Zhan, what's going on?" Meng Xiyun's voice rang out, tinged with worry.

Ling Xiao stopped in his tracks as his father, Ling Zhan, emerged from the room, brimming with the excitement of a child who had just received a sweet treat. "Son, I've succeeded!"

A smile spread across Ling Xiao's face. "Father, have you opened up all the meridians?"

Ling Zhan responded with an awkward chuckle, "Not quite that fast. I've only managed to clear the first meridian after ten days of hard work. But I believe that in less than six months, I'll be able to cultivate once again." His laughter filled the air once more.

"That's fantastic news. I'm looking forward to your full recovery," Ling Xiao congratulated him, his initial excitement tempered slightly upon learning it was just one meridian, yet he remained sincerely pleased for his father's achievement.