Chapter 164: Flirtation by the Pool
"So? Where have you been all this time? I haven't seen you anywhere in the inner court."
Ma Xiaotao naturally guessed Ye Chen hadn't been entirely honest, but she didn't push the issue—instead, she smiled and asked curiously about his recent activities.
"Well, I toured the three empires for a bit, and then…" Ye Chen gave a vague explanation of his journey.
He didn't mention Zhang Lexuan or Ice Emperor at all.
His relationship with Zhang Lexuan was still a closely guarded secret—something best left for another time.
"Really, Xiao Chen? You went traveling and didn't take me?" Ma Xiaotao feigned anger, swatting his wandering hand away.
"But I brought back a gift for you~" Ye Chen said with a grin.
"Hmph, you should've said that earlier…"
Her cheeks turned slightly pink as she caught his hand again, gently placing it on her thigh, letting his fingers glide along her silky skin.
"So? What kind of gift? Something special from another country? A gemstone? A necklace? Or maybe a ring~?"
Like all women, she loved pretty, sparkling things.
"Well, it's a bit of a special gift," Ye Chen replied with a small smile. "I'll give it to you when we're back at the academy."
He was referring to the Phoenix Crest Aster—the immortal herb that could cleanse her demonic flame—and the Scorching Resin, which would evolve her martial spirit into the purest Extreme Fire Phoenix.
If she consumed them here, the explosion of energy would attract attention from every powerhouse nearby—a social disaster waiting to happen.
Better to do it quietly at the academy.
"Hmph, so mysterious… You sure you're not just stalling because you're unprepared?" Ma Xiaotao teased, flicking his hand away again in mock irritation.
"How could I? I'd never lie to you, Xiao Tao‑jie~" Ye Chen said, pulling her close, wrapping one arm around her slender waist.
"You'd better keep your word, or I'll really get angry…"
Her token protest melted as he held her tighter.
Days of longing boiled over in an instant.
She responded fiercely, arms circling his neck as her lips met his.
Their breaths tangled; the air grew hot.
The table bumped aside, wine spilled, and neither of them cared.
Ma Xiaotao straddled him, pressing him down onto the couch, one black‑stockinged foot brushing playfully against his leg.
A warm breeze drifted through the open door, scattering the lingering aroma of food, while soft sounds of passion filled the courtyard.
…
Splash—
Water exploded into glittering arcs.
Wearing a red bikini, Ma Xiaotao dove into the pool, moving like a graceful fish.
She swam across and slid into Ye Chen's arms, her laughter mingling with the rippling water.
"When are we going back? It's been two days already. If I stay away too long, my teacher's definitely going to scold me."
Leaning against him, she pouted softly.
Spending the last two days here with Ye Chen had been addictive, but reality was calling.
Though students of the inner court had freedom, her teacher Yan Shaozhe was strict. If she got caught sneaking off, she'd be grounded for a month at least.
Of course, part of her just wanted to know what kind of "gift" Ye Chen was still hiding.
She'd teased and coaxed him in every way, but he refused to give away even a hint—driving her wild with curiosity.
"Tomorrow," Ye Chen said nonchalantly, though his gaze had already shifted—drawn helplessly to her swimsuit.
The vivid red bikini stood out dazzlingly in the clear blue water, clinging to her every curve.
The top hugged her chest tightly, emphasizing every perfect contour and the deep line of cleavage.
The bottoms were minimal—barely covering what needed to be covered—revealing her flat, toned stomach and her flawless legs.
Every detail of her body radiated a fiery, irresistible charm.
"You're impossible! I'm talking about serious stuff, and your mind's gone somewhere else again!" she scolded, pinching his nose.
Ye Chen, though, looked genuinely aggrieved.
"Come on, Xiao Tao‑jie, look at what you're wearing. How am I supposed to stay calm?"
"You—! It's a swimsuit! That's normal for swimming! It's not my fault your head's full of nonsense!" she cried, then lunged at him, pushing him back into the water.
The pool erupted with splashes and laughter, echoing beneath the golden setting sun.
Only when dusk settled did they finally climb out and retreat to rest.
…
The next morning.
The two returned to the academy.
"Alright, we're back now. You can finally tell me what the gift is, right?" Ma Xiaotao asked, eyes shining with anticipation.
"Don't worry—it'll be worth it."
Ye Chen smiled, taking out a jade box.
He slowly lifted the lid. Inside lay a brilliant, crimson herb emitting a faint fiery glow.
Its soft leaves resembled molten feathers, with a flame‑shaped crown swaying gently, threads of golden red tracing its veins.
As soon as the box opened, the surrounding air turned noticeably warmer by several degrees.
This was no ordinary herb—it was a top‑tier fire‑attribute immortal plant, radiating immense, pure vitality.
"W‑what is this…?"
Ma Xiaotao swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on the herb. Even before touching it, her body trembled with longing—her martial spirit reacting instinctively.
She had seen many heavenly treasures before, yet none had ever invoked such burning desire in her heart. Just the sight of it made her soul ache to consume it.
"It's called the Phoenix Crest Aster," Ye Chen said gently. "A supreme fire‑attribute immortal herb of pure yang energy."
Then he smiled faintly. "I read about it in an ancient text. That's why I left the academy—to find it for you."
"Your demonic fire comes from impurity in your phoenix flames. If you consume this herb, it will purify that flaw completely and transform your martial spirit into a true Fire Phoenix."
(END CHAPTER)
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