The bottle was transparent, as if made of crystal or glass, yet it was far more exquisite than either.
Though crafted from clear porcelain, the bottle's surface shimmered with an iridescent glow, so dazzling it threatened to blind the onlookers, yet it possessed a captivating allure that held their gaze.
"This is the Spirit-Infusing Water," Yi Zhi Xie announced, tossing the bottle towards Zheng Wei. Zheng Wei's heart leaped with every movement of Yi Zhi Xie's hand.
What if it fell to the ground?
Just as Zheng Wei was about to stand and catch it, a slender vine swept past him. By the time he refocused, the tip of the vine had already coiled around the porcelain bottle.
"Mi Mi..."
Zheng Wei instinctively looked towards Shen Xiao Yan, only to find her face adorned with a smile, her thoughts inscrutable.
"If you're not careful next time, hmph."
Shen Xiao Yan took the bottle, admiring it as she spoke.
Although her words were not directed at anyone specific, everyone understood she was addressing Yi Zhi Xie.
"A true gentleman does not quarrel with a lady. I am currently injured and not at my best, so I will not stoop to your level."
As soon as Yi Zhi Xie finished speaking, he covered his mouth, feigning regret. However, the expression vanished in an instant, and he nonchalantly lowered his hand, as if he had said nothing.
Despite his outwardly indifferent demeanor, he was inwardly filled with remorse. How could he have been so easily provoked by Shen Xiao Yan's words and blurted out such information?
What should he do now?
Na Mu Zhong observed Yi Zhi Xie with a complex gaze.
Yi Zhi Xie had always avoided mentioning his injury. Yet today, he had inadvertently revealed it. Perhaps it was a matter that was bound to be disclosed sooner or later, no matter how well it was hidden.
"You're injured? When? Yesterday? Why didn't you say anything so we could examine it?"
Upon hearing that Yi Zhi Xie was injured, Lu Tao Bao abandoned his hiding spot and emerged from behind Zheng Wei, speaking as he approached, intending to check where Yi Zhi Xie was hurt.
"It's nothing, it's nothing. Please don't be so enthusiastic, I really can't handle it."
Yi Zhi Xie said, dodging Lu Tao Bao's inquisitive hands.
"How can you say that? I'm doing this for your own good. Don't be so unappreciative." Lu Tao Bao stopped, his tone and expression conveying a sense of "I'm trying to help you, why can't you understand?" "We're both men, I have what you have, what are you afraid of? Is it because there are so many people here that you're shy? Is it a sensitive area? Come on, let's go to your room, and I'll check it for you."
Lu Tao Bao spoke as he attempted to lead Yi Zhi Xie away.
Yi Zhi Xie had already recovered from his momentary lapse in judgment. He knew he could not place any hope in this idiotic fellow.
How could he believe that Lu Tao Bao was genuinely concerned about him?
This was clearly an attempt to gross him out.
"You don't need to worry about it. Even if you injured a sensitive area, it wouldn't be mine."
Yi Zhi Xie slapped away Lu Tao Bao's hand that was grasping his sleeve. His voice was clear and melodious, implying a considerable force behind the gesture.
Yet, his tone was gentle, as if he were truly thanking Lu Tao Bao.
"Don't be so polite with me. No matter how you're injured, I won't dislike you..."
Lu Tao Bao looked into Yi Zhi Xie's eyes and said deeply.
"Alright, stop messing around. Let him explain the important matter first."
Zheng Wei finally couldn't stand it any longer and intervened, stopping Lu Tao Bao's antics.
Although he was eager to learn more about the Spirit-Infusing Water, he had also successfully rescued Yi Zhi Xie, earning him a grateful glance.
"Speak, or else..."
Zheng Wei didn't finish his sentence, but his gaze flickered towards Lu Tao Bao.
Yi Zhi Xie felt he had instantly understood Zheng Wei's meaning. Although he inwardly cursed Zheng Wei for being uncouth, he quickly said, "When you cultivate again, consume this, and you will surely succeed in infusing spirit."
Zheng Wei wanted to say, isn't that stating the obvious?
You've already explained its effects – consuming it will surely lead to successful spirit infusion. He wanted to know how this Spirit-Infusing Water was made.
"You mentioned before that this item is very common in the Holy Spirit Continent?" Shen Xiao Yan asked, holding the bottle.
"Yes."
"Then its formula isn't a secret, is it? Do you have it?" Shen Xiao Yan continued to ask.
Although she had it well under control, Zheng Wei could still detect a hint of excitement in Shen Xiao Yan's voice. He looked at her with some curiosity, wondering what was going on.
"I do have it, but why are you asking?" Yi Zhi Xie asked, puzzled.
As the words left his mouth, he seemed to have an answer and continued in surprise, "You don't mean you want to make it yourself?"
"Can't I?" Shen Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow.
"You can." Yi Zhi Xie smiled and then proceeded to recite the formula.
After hearing the formula, Shen Xiao Yan felt that Zheng Wei's intervention to stop Lu Tao Bao from pestering Yi Zhi Xie had been a mistake.
"No wonder you were so cheerful. It turns out the precious medicinal ingredients required for this simply don't exist where we are," Shen Xiao Yan stated with understanding.
"Yes, they don't." Yi Zhi Xie nodded seriously. "Therefore, don't think about making it. Besides, you don't have... *cough cough*. Actually, I have a few more bottles. If you all can cultivate to this level like Zheng Wei, you won't need to worry about the Spirit-Infusing Water."
Shen Xiao Yan smiled faintly and said nothing further. However, Zheng Wei, who had been watching her, saw a determined glint in her eyes.
"Alright, since he's finished speaking, Lu Tao Bao, why don't you quickly help him check where he's injured."
Shen Xiao Yan said to Lu Tao Bao, then looked back at Yi Zhi Xie, a radiant smile blooming on her face.
"You didn't keep your word!" Yi Zhi Xie exclaimed indignantly.
"What did I say? I didn't say anything just now."
Shen Xiao Yan spread her hands, feigning utter innocence.
Upon hearing Shen Xiao Yan's words, Lu Tao Bao nodded at her and then approached Yi Zhi Xie. "Let's go."
Yi Zhi Xie was naturally reluctant to go with Lu Tao Bao. However, he dared not run off haphazardly. After all, there were unmentioned servants outside. With his current appearance, how could he dare to run around?
Resignedly, he followed Lu Tao Bao to the west annex, where he underwent a thorough examination.
When the two emerged again, Lu Tao Bao wore a look of confusion, while Yi Zhi Xie appeared nonchalant.
"What's wrong?" Zheng Wei asked, looking at them.
"No wounds," Lu Tao Bao said dejectedly. "His skin is truly good, so tender and smooth. Ah, if he were a woman, I would definitely..."
"Would definitely what?" Shen Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. Her gaze towards Lu Tao Bao made him shiver.
"I would find him a good husband. Sister-in-law, you don't know, I have several cousins who are just the right age, distinguished, and dashing, and are still unmarried. Introducing them would be perfect! This is what they call keeping the good fortune within the family."
Lu Tao Bao said, nodding his head. He seemed quite proud of his idea.