299. Humanoid Bonsai

"Mm~"

In the bathtub.

Zhu Zhuqing’s face flushed red, biting her lip as she endured the itching sensation in her body.

Even though she was soaking in ice water, beads of sweat still appeared on her forehead.

Qian Renjue sat at the edge of the tub, his eyes glowing with a white light as he carefully observed Zhu Zhuqing’s condition.

He held a spoonful of melted whale jelly to her lips.

"Open your mouth."

"Mmm, ah~"

Zhu Zhuqing obediently opened her delicate lips, swallowing the thick and foul-smelling whale jelly again.

Instantly, a surge of heat overwhelmed her.

She couldn’t help but murmur, "Teacher, I feel so hot."

"Feeling hot is normal. The whale jelly has two main effects: stimulating the body and strengthening it," Qian Renjue explained, placing his hand on Zhu Zhuqing’s sweat-covered forehead, enveloping her and the tub in a chilling mist.

"As long as you keep taking it, obtaining a thousand-year spirit ring won’t be a problem. Do you understand?"

"Mhm," Zhu Zhuqing heard his words, but she was too overwhelmed to respond clearly, letting out only soft, sultry sounds.

She stopped speaking and focused all her efforts on circulating her Mysterious Heaven Technique.

The thousand-year spirit ring had become her greatest motivation.

Time passed, and as the moon rose high in the sky, after consuming the whale jelly several more times, Qian Renjue finally stopped feeding her.

Zhu Zhuqing sat in the tub, her face and skin flushed as if her blood was glowing through her body.

Her petite frame trembled, her hair soaked through, and she slowly opened her eyes, her lashes seemingly dripping with dew. Her light purple eyes gleamed like translucent gemstones—pure and radiant.

Shivering, Zhu Zhuqing tilted her wet, porcelain-like face toward Qian Renjue, her voice trembling with tears.

"Teacher, is it over?"

"Yes, that’s all for today. You can get up now," Qian Renjue smiled, standing up and taking a few steps back.

"Yes," Zhu Zhuqing bit her pale lip, feeling weak all over. She shakily reached for the edge of the tub.

Splash—the ice had mostly melted.

Zhu Zhuqing struggled to stand, hugging her youthful body as she shivered, letting the water drip from her skin.

Just like when she got in, Zhu Zhuqing grasped the edge of the tub and tried to climb out.

"Ah!"

Her feet, now pale from the long soak, gave way as soon as she stepped out, leaving her legs weak and unstable, causing her to slip.

Before she hit the ground, a strong hand appeared beneath her, easily scooping her small frame into its arms.

"Mm..."

Zhu Zhuqing clutched Qian Renjue’s robe, her eyes wide with panic and lingering fear.

"Th-Thank you, Teacher."

"It’s nothing," Qian Renjue shook his head, gently holding the trembling girl in his arms, stroking her softly.

"Ah Yin, come out."

"Yes."

As soon as he spoke, a blood-red line flew from Qian Renjue’s body, transforming into the figure of a stunning, curvaceous woman with elegant poise.

Zhu Zhuqing, nestled in Qian Renjue’s arms, stared in shock. Was that the healing plant? It can turn into a person? She’s so beautiful, and she smells so nice—just like Teacher...

Ah Yin smiled at Zhu Zhuqing, kneeling gracefully beside Qian Renjue and lowering her posture to reveal a glimpse of her ample chest.

"Master, do you have any orders?"

Qian Renjue glanced at her voluptuous figure and calmly instructed, "Find some clothes for Zhuqing to change into."

"Yes, this slave will take care of it."

Ah Yin smiled sweetly, standing up and walking toward the wardrobe, her face showing a hint of inexplicable joy.

Qian Renjue’s actions had not escaped her attention. It had been over half a month since Qian Renjue had last toyed with her body, and just thinking about that tingling sensation made her heart race.

Zhu Zhuqing, listening to Ah Yin’s self-reference, looked at Qian Renjue in surprise. As a noble, especially from the royal Zhu family, she had heard of such indecent things before.

But her teacher, Qian Renjue, didn’t seem like the kind of person who would need a slave to satisfy his desires...

"Teacher, who is that lady?" Zhu Zhuqing gently rubbed her face against the warmth of Qian Renjue’s chest, asking softly.

"Just a bonsai that took human form," Qian Renjue replied nonchalantly, holding Zhu Zhuqing as he stood up.

"Bonsai took human form?!"

Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes filled with confusion and astonishment.

"Alright, stop thinking about it. You’ll learn everything in time," Qian Renjue said gently, setting Zhu Zhuqing down on a bench.

"Mhm," Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, reluctantly letting go of his warm embrace, holding her shivering body as she sat on the bench.

"As long as you work hard, Teacher will do everything in his power to help you surpass your sister in the shortest time possible."

Qian Renjue gently brushed away the wet hair stuck to Zhu Zhuqing’s face and playfully pinched her soft cheek.

"Yes, Zhuqing believes in you, Teacher! Mm!"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded firmly, but she couldn’t help but shiver again.

Qian Renjue stood up, rubbing her head and sternly warned, "But if you ever betray me, I will personally take care of you."

"Zhuqing would never betray you, Teacher!" Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed, looking up at him anxiously.

He was the only one who supported her—how could she betray him?

"Good," Qian Renjue smiled, then glanced at Ah Yin, who was ready.

He turned and left the bathroom, closing the glass door behind him.

"Help her clean up."

"Don’t worry, Master," Ah Yin nodded softly, turning her gaze to the little girl in front of her, smiling gently.

She introduced herself, "Little sister, my name is Qian Yin’er. I’m the Master’s pet plant. Don’t worry, I won’t harm you."

"Thank you, Sister Yin’er," Zhu Zhuqing said softly, curiously watching Ah Yin while offering her polite thanks.

"No need to thank me; it’s just the Master’s command," Ah Yin smiled, kneeling to undress Zhu Zhuqing.

Her delicate hands glided over Zhu Zhuqing’s fragile body, glowing with a green light.

Zhu Zhuqing blushed, but soon, as the soothing life energy washed over her, she felt relaxed and comfortable, her eyelids growing heavy.

Outside, Qian Renjue sat at the table, slicing up more of the thousand-year whale jelly. He had already calculated Zhu Zhuqing’s limits. With the right amount, she could safely consume it on her own.

For larger doses, however, he would still need to supervise her.

Creak!

The bathroom door opened again.

Ah Yin emerged, cradling the now-sleeping Zhu Zhuqing.

"Master, the little one has fallen asleep."

"Oh?"

Qian Renjue glanced back and pointed to the bed.

"Put her under the covers. Once she’s settled, we’ll head home."

"Yes."

Ah Yin bowed slightly.

With Zhu Zhuqing sleeping soundly against her soft chest, Qian Renjue wrote a note with care instructions, then walked over as Ah Yin tucked Zhu Zhuqing in.

He placed a metal box and the note by her pillow, adjusting the blanket around her.

He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, then stood and smiled at Ah Yin, beckoning her.

"Let’s go home."

"Yes, Master~" Ah Yin quickly leaped into his arms, clinging to his warm body, her face flushed.

"Master~ I want you."

"Handle it yourself," Qian Renjue replied, used to her antics, holding her voluptuous figure.

With a soft moan, Ah Yin shifted her body, leaning forward to bite into Qian Renjue’s neck, her tongue swirling as her sharp fangs pierced his skin.

A ripple of energy spread through the space, and the two vanished together.