Chapter 28: A Wu's Special Treatment, Hulena Takes the Initiative to Visit_1

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The next morning dawned bright and clear.

Warm rays of the sun poured into the Empress's Sleeping Palace.

"Slick-slide!"

A sensation of dampness spreading along his arm roused Luo Yu from his deep slumber.

Blinking away the sleepiness in his eyes, he saw the Soft Bone Charming Rabbit extending its pale pink tongue to lick his arm.

Luo Yu started in alarm, quickly retracting his arm as he eyed the rabbit warily.

What was it trying to do?

So early in the morning, licking me; could it be craving a taste of my flesh, Brother Yu?

"What are you doing!!"

"Benefactor, Aren't there many red scratches on your body?"

The Charming Rabbit's watery pink eyes conveyed a voice as wronged as a young wife's.

"So what if there are? What does it have to do with you licking me first thing in the morning!" Luo Yu glared, feeling like even sleep had become perilous…

"Aren't you aware? The saliva of a soul beast can heal wounds. I saw all these scratches on you and decided to heal them as a way of paying back your kindness," said the Soft Bone Rabbit earnestly.

"Please, do those look like wounds to you???"

"Besides, I can heal those 'wounds' myself with my Soul Power."

A black line appeared on Luo Yu's forehead. Looking into those innocent, watery pink eyes of the rabbit, he couldn't tell if she was genuinely clueless or feigning ignorance.

The Soft Bone Charming Rabbit said guiltily, "You got injured when I wasn't around. I failed to protect you, so I must take responsibility."

"Besides, this method really heals external injuries super fast."

"Um…"

Luo Yu was at a loss for words.

Suddenly, he realized something.

Hurriedly looking down at his chest, then rubbing his back a couple of times.

Smooth as jade, not a single scratch!

Where was my "man's symbol of honor" on my back?

He glanced at the rabbit, who looked as if she was expecting praise for her deed.

"I've healed every other spot for you, benefactor, your arm is the last one!"

Luo Yu couldn't help but smile wryly.

That's it, am I tainted now?

To be taken advantage of by a rabbit without a clue…

"Benefactor, why do you seem unhappy? Did I do something wrong?"

Da Wu was feeling a bit anxious; after all, it was her first time using this method to heal someone's external injuries.

Although she knew about it, she was a germaphobe, and the thought of doing it was unbearable.

That's right, she even felt disgusted at the idea of licking her own wounds, preferring to endure and heal slowly with her Soul Power.

But upon seeing her savior injured, she didn't hesitate to use the fastest and most effective method available.

"It's nothing, I'm very happy, you didn't do anything wrong." Luo Yu pulled a helpless smile, not having the heart to say much else—after all, she meant well.

"You know, Da Wu, next time something like this happens, you don't have to use this method, okay? I can heal myself just fine," he said almost pleadingly.

"But this way heals external injuries really fast!"

"Even if it's fast, it's not okay! Men and women are different!!" Luo Yu said sternly.

"I don't mind!" came a casual female voice.

"Well, I mind!" Luo Yu glared back, "And what if other people see us?"

"So you're afraid of losing face, benefactor? Then we can just do it secretly," she suggested.

Luo Yu's mouth twitched; how was this not sinking in?

He realized it was time for Da Wu to learn a bit about the human ways.

Otherwise, what if Xiaowu saw her mother doing this to him? How would he explain that?

Wouldn't that cause an uproar?

"Benefactor, may I ask you for something?"

"Go ahead."

"Da Wu sounds too ugly. Just call me A Wu from now on."

"Okay."

Luo Yu got out of bed; all external injuries had been taken care of by A Wu.

Still, he could feel a slight soreness in his muscles all over his body,

He shook his head with a wry smile.

It seemed talent alone wasn't enough; he had to focus on improving his Cultivation Level.

Otherwise, even lasting an entire night in battle was questionable.

Getting up, he noticed that Bi Bidong was nowhere to be seen.

A basin and towel were already prepared, placed neatly beside the bed.

In the center of the room, a table was set with a full spread of dishes, all covered with overturned plates to keep them warm.

There was also a graceful note left behind.

Luo Yu scanned it quickly.

The image of the Empress's tender admonition appeared vividly on the paper.

"I didn't want to attend the early morning court; I wanted to have breakfast with you."

"But there has been a flood at the Western Coast, and the commoners from a few towns are suffering. As Empress, I cannot ignore this, and must personally organize and send Soul Masters to help. So I have to let you eat breakfast alone, Brother Yu."

"On the table is a nutritious breakfast specially prepared for you. Make sure to eat it all!"

"Don't leave any leftovers, or I'll be unhappy!"

❤❤❤

Luo Yu smiled knowingly, his heart warmed.

He had thought the Empress was above worldly concerns but found her to be unexpectedly thoughtful.

Everything had been prepared just for him.

Outsiders could never imagine that the Empress, so formidable in public, would become so soft and tenderhearted when dealing with the man she liked, just like a demure and loving young wife.

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"Dong dong dong!"

The sound of knocking came.

"Squeak!"

Upon opening the door, a pair of snow-white, slender legs came into view, culminating in an astonishing curve wrapped in shorts cut at the hip; looking up, one saw golden, neat short hair and a face carved from pink jade—an air of nobility coexisting with a fox-like charm.

"How about that, bet you didn't expect I'd come looking for you!"

Hulena beamed a radiant, sunny smile and blinked her eyes.

Luo Yu rolled her eyes, "When I heard the knocking, I knew it was you. Who else but you, the direct disciple, would dare to come to the Empress's Sleeping Palace?"

With a pout, Hulena said, "That's no fun! I hate dealing with smart people. There's never any surprise."

"Is it that hard to guess?"

Hulena's pretty face suddenly drooped.

Luo Yu shook her head slightly and turned to walk towards the dining table.

"Come on in. It doesn't matter if it's a surprise or not, I'm just happy you came."

At the sound of the gentle voice ahead, Hulena's face broke into a wide smile, quickly following with her snow-white, slender legs.

"I was just about to have breakfast, want to join?"

"Sure, I haven't eaten yet," Hulena readily agreed, her cheeks tinting a light pink.

In fact, she'd risen especially early to practice her cultivation and had already eaten, but she feared any excuse to stay would be inadequate, and Luo Yu might drive her away.

"Then sit down and let's eat together," Luo Yu said in good spirits.

"Is it really okay for me to mooch off your meal like this?" Hulena felt a bit embarrassed.

Luo Yu chuckled, "Of course not, having the goddess herself as company is a great honor, something many dream of without ever having the chance."

"Stop teasing me," Hulena complained with a pout, but couldn't hide the joy in her eyes.

Gazing at the man's handsome features and his ethereal aura, as tranquil as a gentle breeze, Hulena felt her pulse quicken.

She also remembered his domineering and bewitching manner in yesterday's fight, and felt herself about to succumb.

In the past, no one around her could match her—in beauty, strength, or background.

She was like a snow lotus on the Tianshan Mountains, blooming high above, admired only by herself, with no one worthy to enter her heart.

But then she met Luo Yu.

Everything had subtly changed.

Hulena was well aware she was about to fall, yet she was willing to indulge in it, eager to savor the taste of this unique emotion.

She admired his handsome face, was astonished by his strength, and was fascinated by his temperament—poised and scholarly when calm, determined and decisive when in action.

Now, she wanted to be close to Luo Yu, but didn't know what to say or do. After all, when it came to matters of the heart, she was completely inexperienced.

"What are you thinking about?" Luo Yu had already divided the bowls and chopsticks and was waving his hand in front of her.

"No, nothing!" Hulena tried to look composed, inwardly berating herself for acting silly at a time like this.

She might fancy him, but did not know how he saw her.

And besides, she was being way too forward!

"Come on, let's see what delicious things your teacher has prepared for me."

Rubbing his hands together, Luo Yu lifted the lid.

"???"

Luo Yu was shocked: "What... what is this thing?"

Hulena, slightly startled, said in surprise:

"Codonopsis soup with old turtle?"

"Nourishes yin and kidney, enriches qi and blood."

"Brother Yu, you have this for breakfast? Isn't that a bit too nourishing?"

Luo Yu suddenly had an ominous feeling and quickly uncovered the other dishes, his mouth twitching.

"Black-boned chicken and ganoderma soup?"

"Braised Geosaurus Whip??"

The shape of the last dish seemed a bit off—deep-fried macaques??

Luo Yu's forehead creased with black lines; he felt like he was about to lose it.

What is Bi Bidong implying!!!

And now, the major issue wasn't even what Bi Bidong meant anymore.

The point was the changing look in the eyes of Hulena, who was beside him and opening her rosy lips.

"Cough cough, let me explain."

With astonishment, Hulena exclaimed, "Brother Yu, did all of your talent come from such nourishment?"

"I..."

Just as Luo Yu was about to explain, he suddenly realized that Hulena hadn't caught the implied meaning and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He nodded with a smile, affirming loudly, "Right, as a Soul Master, one should eat like this, how else can one cultivate well?"

"Yes, you're right, Brother Yu," Hulena agreed fervently.

Luo Yu had the feeling that the girl's gaze was slightly off.

At that moment, Hulena was inwardly sighing, lamenting the genius lost too soon!

Who would have such a nourishing breakfast early in the morning, and all for boosting the kidneys... Brother Yu probably had some unspeakable troubles, she thought. Men are usually quite sensitive about such private issues; she must not expose his secret.

No, I must find a way to help Brother Yu. How can such a perfect man have flaws?

And besides... perhaps someday...

Hulena blushed and halted her thoughts.

...

"Brother Yu, can you accompany me out for a bit?"

"What for?" Luo Yu was perplexed.

Hulena bit her lip slightly, her cheeks reddening. "I... I have something I want to give you, something you might need."

"What do I need?" Luo Yu was clueless, not understanding.

Hulena shook her head, chiding, "Oh, just come with me, and you'll see."

With curiosity piqued, Luo Yu was led out the door by her…