Becoming Stronger

The cold water nearly takes my breath away as it reaches my waist. I look up to find Bai Lei quietly watching me with dark eyes. He reaches out and offers his hand to me. I look to his hand with hesitation before reaching out and taking it.

His larger hand easily wraps around mine as warmth is suddenly felt pouring into me. I look up to him in shock as he says "I can only do this to help you. The rest is up to you." I give him a grateful smile as I look around the pond.

"You need to sit down and begin pulling the energy to you." Bai Lei says moving a little closer. Even though the heat coming through his large hand helps... it doesn't change the cold water! I take a few deep breaths before slowly sitting down.

I struggle to keep my breathing even as the cold water threatens to take it away. Once I sit down, the cold water comes up to my chin. Bai Lei sits beside me but the water isn't nearly as high on him. I take a few calming breaths and close my eyes.

Bai Lei watches Nova with deep unreadable eyes as she closes her beautiful green eyes. Her eyelashes are so thick and dark, they look like butterfly wings resting atop her cheeks. He clenches his teeth in restraint. He's seen plenty of attractive women but something about her was different.

Yes, she was breathtakingly beautiful but it was her smile... the look in her eyes or the way she's always getting in trouble. Even listening to her heartbeat and steady breathing... everything in him wanted her. He wanted every part of her and it terrifies him knowing how deep he's fallen.

What if she never falls for him? An uncomfortable feeling settles itself in his chest making him rub it with his free hand. Would he even be able to accept her not loving him? He was scared to follow that thought process. He didn't want to know how far he'd go in that kind of situation.

I feel the steady heat coming from Bai Lei's hand and finally relax all the way. Now that I got used to the cold water, I hardly felt it. I focus on the golden pool inside and slowly start pulling the energy to me. Just like before, the energy easily starts flowing to me with little to no effort.

The pool fills to the brim before a wave of energy washes over me in a comforting tide. I think that was my favorite part! The pool was now bigger and nearly empty so I continue pulling the energy to me at a slow steady pace.

Bai Lei looks at the woman in shock. Had she really just advanced a level that quickly? Maybe she was right on the cusp of it... but not soon after that, another wave of energy flows over her leaving him in complete shock.

How was that even possible!? She was still in the very beginning stages of cultivating so it was easier to advance but this was unheard of! Bai Lei gently releases his energy and becomes shocked once again. What kind of physique does she have? Her power feels unlike anything he's ever felt.

Even as he feels the energy around him, he quickly realizes she's not even absorbing the normal energy others use! What is she absorbing!? Bai Lei wants to stop her out of worry but he quickly stops himself.

What if he distracts her and causes her to injure herself? His handsome face scrunches up in worry as he watches her steadily advance. She seems to slow down a little bit more after each advancement though... if she didn't, it would be too terrifying to even think about.

When I feel myself about to breakthrough another level, something in me tells me to stop. It was just a feeling but I decide to listen to it. I slowly cut off the energy and open my eyes. I look up to see Bai Lei staring at me with large eyes.

I frown at him and ask "What's wrong?" Bai Lei slowly shakes his head and fixes his face as he says "Are you done? We should get you out of this water and changed before you get sick." I give him a smile as I start to stand but Bai Lei is quicker.

He quickly stands and scoops me up in his arms as he walks out of the water with ease. As soon as we're out, he gently places me down as I awkwardly say "Thanks..." He gives me a gentle look before leading me back to the room.

I really don't know what to make of this new Bai Lei... was this really him or was the other Bai Lei the real one? Or maybe both are... I look over to him as I try to ignore the chilly breeze. He walks with ease and stares ahead but when he feels me looking, he glances over to me.

I quickly smile and look away but suddenly his large hand grabs mine. I look over to him in confusion when I suddenly feel that warm feeling again. I give him a grateful smile as we walk back through the peach blossoms.

Once we reach the room, he releases my hand and says "Take a hot bath and relax... would you join me for dinner?" I blink several times before smiling at him and nodding "Sure! I think this friendship is going to work out after all!" I wave at him and walk in the room to find Chyou. She quickly runs off to set up a bath as I begin stripping.

Bai Lei watches Nova walk in with a tight chest. Friendship? He wants to laugh but he just doesn't have it in him. He turns away and begins to walk away but something suddenly comes to mind. She clearly thought of him as an enemy before so maybe this was a good thing... He just needs to keep trying.