Su Ji, just you wait.

Over the next month, the entire Xiangsi Sect operated with unprecedented efficiency.

A plaza ten times more magnificent than the original rose from the ground under the hard work of countless disciples.

Li Fan's soul-cultivating Dao companion completely spent the massive amount of spirit stones provided by Su Ji, laying down layers of interlocking, complex grand formations all around the plaza.

Meanwhile, Su Ji, acting as the ultimate hands-off boss, spent most of his time lounging in Su Jiu's courtyard, aside from occasionally going to inspect the construction progress and showing approval of Li Fan's work.

He called it discussing important matters.

Junior Sister, look at these sects: the Blood Fiend Sect, the Joyous Union Sect, the Green Blade Sect... They will definitely jump out and make a fuss when the time comes. Tell me, which one should I rob first?

Su Ji lay on the edge of the wall by the back door of Su Jiu's courtyard, pointing at a map of the Great Xia sect power distribution that he had gotten from who-knows-where.

Su Jiu sat on a stone stool in the backyard, holding a cup of clear tea. Hearing this, she couldn't even be bothered to lift her eyelids.

Aren't you invincible in this world, Senior Brother? Just rob them all at once.

Over the past month, she had grown accustomed to Su Ji's state of intermittent ambition and continuous loafing around waiting to die.

As long as he didn't bring up the matter of her treatment, anything was fine.

That may be true, but there still needs to be an order of priority, Su Ji said self-righteously. This is called strategic planning.

Su Jiu put down her teacup and finally looked him straight in the eye.

Senior Brother.

Hmm?

That day, you told me not to take action... She hesitated for a moment but still asked, Why exactly was that?

The smile on Su Ji's face froze slightly.

Fortunately, he had used Peering into Heaven's Mandate to look again recently. After making up his mind not to fight with his full strength, those purple eyes had disappeared.

He fell silent for a moment and didn't answer. Instead, he jumped down from the wall and walked over to Su Jiu's side.

He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair by her temple behind her ear.

His movements were very light and gentle.

The sensation of his fingertips brushing across her cheek caused Su Jiu's heartbeat to skip half a beat.

Because... Su Ji's voice carried a rare hint of seriousness. I don't want you to get hurt.

He didn't want her to see those purple eyes that looked down upon all living beings with indifference.

He didn't want her to experience that ultimate despair where one didn't even have the right to resist.

Some burdens were enough for him to shoulder alone.

Su Jiu looked into his deep eyes. Although she didn't understand the meaning behind his words, she could feel the heaviness hidden beneath his calm facade.

She didn't press the matter further.

She just gave a soft Mm and rested her head on Su Ji's shoulder.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was rarely this warm and peaceful for a moment.

Leaning on Su Ji's shoulder, Su Jiu felt a long-lost tranquility. The exhaustion from the past few days seemed to dissipate significantly.

She liked this feeling.

However, this cozy atmosphere didn't last very long.

Su Ji suddenly moved, breaking the silence.

Junior Sister.

Hmm? Su Jiu responded lazily, too lethargic to even open her eyes.

I suddenly remembered something extremely important. Su Ji's voice sounded incredibly solemn.

Su Jiu continued to lean against him, her voice carrying a slight nasal tone. What is it?

Counting the days, Su Ji cleared his throat and spoke in an unquestionable tone, it's time for your treatment again.

Su Jiu: ...

Her body, resting on Su Ji's shoulder, suddenly stiffened.

The warm atmosphere vanished without a trace.

She abruptly sat up straight. Her pretty face, which had just regained a bit of color, instantly flushed bright red.

What nonsense are you talking about!

I'm not talking nonsense. Su Ji wore a look of utter heartache. He pointed at Su Jiu's face. Look in the mirror yourself, isn't it starting to turn pale again? Let me tell you, illness comes like a falling mountain but goes like spinning silk. You must be treated on time to consolidate the healing effects. We absolutely cannot give up halfway!

He spoke with such righteous indignation, acting as if he were truly a divine doctor dedicated to saving the world.

Su Jiu gritted her silver teeth and squeezed a few words out from between them.

I'm not sick!

You are! Su Ji said resolutely. You're just hiding your illness for fear of treatment! Junior Sister, listen to my advice, this illness cannot be delayed!

As he spoke, he stood up and advanced toward Su Jiu.

Su Jiu instinctively backed away, her cold, clear eyes filled with vigilance.

You... what do you want to do?!

You.

I don't want to!

Without a second thought, Su Jiu turned around and tried to flee back into the house.

However, just as she turned, her wrist was caught by a strong, powerful hand.

Su Ji had appeared behind her at some unknown point. With a slight pull, he dragged her back and pulled her directly into his embrace.

Junior Sister, stop making a fuss.

Su Ji's voice rang in her ear, carrying a domineering tone that brooked no refusal.

If we delay your condition and it leaves behind a root cause, that would be terrible.

Su Jiu struggled in his arms, but her meager strength was no different from a kitten's scratch in front of the current Su Ji.

Let me go! You bastard!

I won't.

Not only did Su Ji not let go, but he hugged her even tighter.

He gave Su Jiu no further chance to resist, directly pressing her against the cold stone table.

You... what are you doing?! Su Jiu was completely panicked.

Treating your illness, Su Ji answered self-righteously. Right here is fine. The scenery is good, the air flows well, and it helps the circulation of spiritual energy.

Su Jiu's mind instantly went blank, and all her struggles vanished into nothingness amidst extreme shame.

She could only bury her face in the crook of her arms.

Looking at her ostrich-like posture, the corners of Su Ji's mouth curled into a triumphant smirk.

He reached out his hands, wandering over her back in a seemingly professional manner while muttering under his breath.

Hmm... the meridians are blocked, qi and blood are not flowing smoothly. No wonder your divine soul is weak.

...

Half an hour later.

Su Ji.

Hmm?

Just you wait.

After saying these three words, Su Jiu rolled her eyes back and completely passed out.