Chapter 1287: Don't Overthink It

"What's wrong with you?" Yan Xuehen was startled, but quickly regained her composure and said sternly, "I won't fall for your tricks this time."

However, the other party didn't respond; his body was limp and sinking into the water.

Yan Xuehen thought he was deliberately taking advantage of her. Startled, she instinctively recoiled, simultaneously raising her hand to cover her chest, preventing his head from touching her.

To her surprise, Zu An showed no reaction at all and sank completely beneath the water.

Only then did Yan Xuehen realize he had actually fainted. Frightened, she rushed over and pulled him up. "Zu An, what's wrong? Don't scare me!"

Reaching out to check him, she immediately discovered that his vital energy was in complete disarray. The previous cracks had reappeared on his skin, and faint red blood began to seep out.

"Why is this happening?" Yan Xuehen panicked. These were clearly the backlash symptoms after he had used "Key-Come."

But hadn't she given him Primordial Spirit Dew to temporarily suppress his condition? According to her estimation, he should have been able to hold on for at least another hour.

Her gaze fell upon the steaming hot spring nearby, and she suddenly had a realization. This hot spring was incredibly mysterious, capable of dissolving even the terrifying Snow Maiden's cold poison. Could it be that during his earlier cultivation, the heat and medicinal properties of the spring entered his body, dissolving and neutralizing the effects of the Primordial Spirit Dew?

As a Grandmaster, she quickly deduced the most probable reason.

Her expression flickered. She had originally planned to discuss how to treat his backlash with Zu An once he woke up, but now it had become solely her problem again.

She was a Grandmaster and the Abbey Master of White Jade Capital. Few people in the world possessed more knowledge than her in cultivation, yet despite all her learning, she could find no method to treat Zu An.

Unless...

But if she did, how could she face him, or Chu Yan, or anyone else afterwards?

Yan Xuehen bit her lip until it nearly bled. Her gaze fell on Zu An's face, observing his pained expression even in unconsciousness. Her mind involuntarily recalled the numerous times he had desperately saved her life in recent days.

Yan Xuehen, oh Yan Xuehen, he has saved your life so many times, yet you're so conflicted over such a trivial matter?

Superior detachment from emotions... even if that were to happen, it would be nothing more than fleeting smoke. Yes, it wouldn't change anything.

She continuously reminded herself of this.

Finally, a resolute look appeared on her face, and her entire being seemed to radiate a sacred glow.

She lowered her head and kissed Zu An's lips, transferring her vital energy into his body.

Although their previous embrace, allowing their cultivation to circulate between them, could be broadly considered Taoist dual cultivation, true dual cultivation required the two parties to reach the most intimate state for their Dragon and Tiger energies to merge, and for the innate Yin and Yang energies to fully combine.

Combined with the healing function of Zu An's own Primordial Chaos Scripture, she believed this should be able to resolve the backlash that was pushing him to the brink of collapse.

Yan Xuehen, being from a Taoist sect, naturally knew the relevant methods. In her early days, it wasn't uncommon for fellow disciples to harbor intentions towards her. However, her inherently cold nature meant she had no regard for such individuals. Later, as her strength grew and her ethereal, detached demeanor became more pronounced, no one dared to entertain such thoughts about her anymore.

Earlier, beneath the Yu family's mine in Cloudmidst Commandery, she had even been prepared to do this to save Zu An and repay his kindness.

Unexpectedly, his own cultivation method was unique, and he had healed his injuries simply by being with Yu Yanluo.

That had left her feeling incredibly embarrassed when Yun Jianyue mocked her for it.

Who would have thought that after all this, she would still have to rely on this method to save him?

However, she was no ordinary person. While she might have been conflicted before making a decision, once it was made, she became exceptionally resolute.

Knowing Zu An's condition couldn't be delayed, she proactively began to transfer her vital energy and guide him.

She was fortunate that she had previously taught him the "Chapter on Superior Detachment from Emotions," which made guiding the qi within his body considerably easier now.

First, she allowed the qi to circulate several cycles within both their bodies, laying the foundation. Only the final step remained.

Yan Xuehen's delicate cheeks were already as red as blood. A month ago, she would never have believed she would willingly do such a thing with a man.

With a soft sigh, she followed the Taoist cultivation method to help guide Zu An's qi and blood.

She was startled almost immediately, fearing that something had gone wrong with her method and that his qi and blood might explode.

However, she quickly recalled the comments made by the demon race after Zu An's fight with the Golden Crow Prince in the Serpent tribe, which had resulted in his clothes being torn. She secretly scoffed, "No wonder he was mistaken for being from the donkey tribe."

Although she had previously claimed no regrets, when it came down to the crucial moment, she was somewhat intimidated.

Is this really necessary...?

Once she took this step, there would be no turning back.

Her face showed a struggle, but she quickly calmed down, looking at the man so close to her with a complicated expression. "I must have owed you something in a past life."

Immediately, she stopped resisting, and her entire body gradually sank into the water.

The unconscious Zu An let out an inarticulate murmur, but Yan Xuehen's brows furrowed tightly, and a look of pain appeared on her face.

If it's so uncomfortable, why are there so many lovesick men and women in the world?

Yan Xuehen had no time to ponder further. She quickly focused on circulating the profound Taoist incantations, guiding the primordial Yin and Yang energies to fully merge.

A faint Taoist aura seemed to flow around them. The vital energy from the entire cave and the hot spring surged desperately towards them. The cracks on Zu An's body visibly diminished and even began to slowly heal.

Initially, Yan Xuehen controlled everything, guiding the qi to circulate between their bodies according to the methods described in Taoist texts. However, later, a series of suction forces suddenly came from his body, beginning to guide her instead.

Yan Xuehen was surprised but quickly realized that this was how he had healed Yu Yanluo's injuries in the mine. Clearly, he was quite skilled in this method as well.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a little sour. No wonder he was so practiced; even unconscious, his body could automatically circulate qi.

But what surprised her most was that his cultivation method gained the upper hand even while he was unconscious, proving its level was far beyond the Taoist secret arts she knew. How was this possible? What she knew was already the most supreme cultivation method in Taoism for this purpose.

Although she found it hard to believe, the truth was right before her eyes. She could only secretly pay attention to the path of his cultivation method's vital energy circulation, hoping to gain some insight.

Unfortunately, her mind soon became disoriented. No matter how calm and detached she usually was, she was, after all, a blank slate in this regard. How could someone inexperienced truly remain unperturbed?

After another moment, Zu An's body trembled slightly. It seemed his spiritual injuries had been repaired, and he slowly began to regain consciousness.

He felt as if he had just had a dream, finding himself among clouds that were as soft and comfortable as cotton.

He couldn't help but wonder. Shouldn't he be in great pain from his severe injuries? Why was he having such a pleasant dream instead?

Just as he was about to groggily open his eyes, everything went dark. He felt a soft, warm hand covering his eyes.

"Don't open your eyes!" Yan Xuehen's voice, tinged with embarrassment and irritation, came from beside him. Compared to her usual coolness, it now seemed to carry a slight tremble.

Zu An was momentarily stunned, but as his awareness returned, he realized that at their cultivation level, one didn't even need to use their eyes to perceive. Was Yan Xuehen being foolish to make such a mistake?

However, sensing the intimate scene in the hot spring, he felt as though he were in a dream, almost unable to believe it was real.

Invincible Fortress Master

Yan Xuehen's fair skin was now completely flushed with crimson. Clearly, she too had realized that she couldn't hide this from him, so she softly said:

"I'm treating your injuries. Don't let your mind wander."