Three days later, Li Chang'an returned to Spirit Hall with Mu Xi. After they arrived, Mu Xi immediately went to rest.
Even with her strength as a spirit Elder, she had been worn out by Li Chang'an. Especially since there were times when Li Chang'an was too lazy to move, and Mu Xi, out of heartache for him, would take the initiative herself.
As a result, Mu Xi needed a few days to recover, and she also had to hurry to reach level forty to complete her first trial.
Of course, this was deliberate on Li Chang'an's part. After all, he had been away with Mu Xi for more than ten days. If Hu Liena found out, even if she didn't say anything, she would definitely feel jealous.
By arranging things this way, he could now properly spend some time with Hu Liena—after all, one has to keep things balanced.
Sure enough, after escorting Mu Xi back to her dormitory, Li Chang'an ran into Hu Liena, who had clearly rushed over after hearing the news.
Today, Hu Liena wore a light pink blouse, black slim-fit pants, and small gray boots. Her short, curly chestnut hair fell to her shoulders, her makeup was just right, and her slender waist peeked out—an image that could easily ignite a man's desire.
But at the moment, Hu Liena's expression wasn't very pleasant. Instead, it was rather cold and distant. Li Chang'an immediately understood what she meant.
"Ah, Nana, why are you standing here?" Li Chang'an jogged over to her, opening his arms as if to hug her.
Unexpectedly, Hu Liena shifted to the side, avoiding his embrace. With her enchanting voice carrying a hint of coolness, she said, "Chang'an, I don't object to you going out with Mu Xi, but could you at least tell me beforehand next time? I was really worried about you two."
"Alright, alright, I was wrong. That day weren't you in the Star Dou Great Forest? How was it—how does it feel to become a level fifty spirit King?"
Speaking warmly, Li Chang'an moved behind Hu Liena and naturally placed his hands on her shoulders, beginning to massage her.
His massage technique was professional—something he'd picked up in his past life. Back then, whenever his older lover got angry, he'd coax her with massages. The comfort level of the massage usually determined how quickly she would forgive him. Many times, with his skill, he'd persuade her to set aside her work and join him in a hotel.
This method worked just as well on Hu Liena. After only a few presses, she began to soften.
"Mmm~ Chang'an, I didn't mean anything by it. I was just worried about you, that's all. I'm not the kind of petty woman to hold grudges."
Li Chang'an easily understood her real meaning. He gently led Hu Liena toward a pavilion while continuing to massage her shoulders.
"We actually went out for serious reasons. Mu Xi… she's not human, you know?"
Sure enough, Hu Liena turned her head with concern, her slender waist swaying slightly, a sight that could stir any man's heart.
"Actually, Mu Xi…"
Li Chang'an recounted the journey in a half-truthful manner, emphasizing Mu Xi's pitiful situation as an orphan. As for her inheritance from the God of Nature, he conveniently left that part vague—after all, the God Realm still had oversight over the continent.
As expected, women are emotional creatures. After some time under his massage, Hu Liena's attention was already fixed on the fact that Mu Xi was an orphan without clan or kin. The issue of divine inheritance? Completely forgotten.
"I'm sorry, Chang'an, I was wrong." Hu Liena clung to his arm, shaking it gently, her beautiful eyes filled with coquettish charm.
"It's alright. I share some of the blame too—I didn't tell you in time, and I came back a little late." Li Chang'an lifted her chin with one hand, his voice soft with apology.
Though he seemed to be apologizing, he had already seized the initiative. Now Hu Liena was on the defensive, and the conflict had been completely redirected.
This was the result of Li Chang'an's keen understanding of Hu Liena and his ability to create openings in conversation. Without it, she might have merely let go of her anger—not elevated Mu Xi's status in her heart.
One could say that this was truly killing two birds with one stone.
"By the way, Chang'an, in just over five months, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament will be held. Will you come back to participate?" Hu Liena suddenly asked, resting against Li Chang'an's chest, her gaze fixed on the face she longed for day and night.
Given Li Chang'an's strength, the academy would likely keep him as a reserve—not really a substitute, but a hidden trump card. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't need to make a move.
As for herself, she was already level fifty-two. With hard work, and with the Immortal Herb as a foundation, reaching level fifty-seven or fifty-eight in five months wouldn't be a problem—enough to sweep through almost any opponent.
And since the Spirit Hall Academy would directly enter the final rounds, Li Chang'an's return would mainly serve as reassurance. But if he participated, then without question, he would be their captain.
Li Chang'an stroked her hair with one hand while his other hand slipped around to caress her slender waist, his touch lingering teasingly.
"Nana, I won't be returning for that tournament. I have other plans. In fact, you might be reassigned by me—we may even form an entirely new team."
"As for the people and the reason, I'll keep it secret for now. It's just an idea at the moment. I'll tell you when the time is right."
"Alright. No matter what choice you make, I'll follow you. Mm~ Chang'an, don't touch me like that, I can't take it…"
Hu Liena had not seen Li Chang'an for a long time. As a young woman at the height of her curiosity and longing for intimacy, she couldn't resist his constant caresses. Her breathing quickened, and she was already getting wet.
"Then, Nana, shall we go? The usual place."
For her happiness, Li Chang'an once again had to put in some effort. After all, her taste and shyness were completely different from his delicate Mu Xi.
"Mm… alright." Hu Liena wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her whole body against him, already too overcome with passion to care that it was still daytime.
A night of toil, with no words—only sounds.
The next day at noon, Li Chang'an finally brought Hu Liena out for lunch. Supporting her, he returned with her to Spirit Hall Academy.
"Chang'an… I… I was wrong. I'll never try new positions again." Hu Liena's voice was weak, whispered into his ear as he helped her walk.
It was her fault for being careless last night—she had casually suggested trying something new. Li Chang'an had leaned close and whispered the name of one: the Rocking Chair.
And then… she ended up in this state.
"Really? No new ones?" Li Chang'an raised his brows, amused.
After all, last night, she had clearly been enjoying herself more than him.
Hu Liena shot him a glare, then helplessly leaned in and whispered a few word into his ear:
"…I want it."
'Heh. Women.'
Just then, as the two of them laughed and chatted on their way back to the academy, they reached the main gate—only to see a familiar figure.
That person was also heading toward the academy, and happened to see them together.
The expression on her face shifted rapidly—anger, sadness, disappointment, and even regret flickered across her features.
Li Chang'an and Hu Liena were still holding hands. They couldn't avoid it now, nor could they pretend otherwise. The only thing left was to walk up to her and greet her politely.
"Teacher…"
"Teacher…"
__
T/N:
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