Self-Inflicted Three Drinks

(This chapter has been revised, containing normal healing content with no implications.)

Su Ji looked at Su Jiu’s eyes, which were clearly written with the words “Do you think I’m an idiot?” and found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

There really wasn’t much to explain.

Was he supposed to say she had misunderstood, and he merely went along with the misunderstanding?

If he said that, it would probably be even more infuriating than just admitting he was a cheat.

Silence was the best choice at this moment.

Su Ji put on a thoroughly unapologetic, resigned expression.

“I was wrong.”

Short and blunt.

This caught Su Jiu off guard, who had prepared a whole barrage of accusations, leaving her deflated.

She looked at his roguish demeanor, as if he were saying “do what you will with me,” and could only gnash her teeth in frustration.

“Saying you’re wrong is enough?” Su Jiu crossed her arms, lifted her chin slightly, and narrowed her fox-like eyes dangerously.

“So what do you want, then?”

Su Ji spread his hands, adopting a gesture of utter submission.

Su Jiu circled around him, inspecting him carefully from head to toe.

Finally, she stopped in front of him, a sly curve forming on her lips.

“Punish yourself with three rounds.”

“Three rounds of what?”

Su Ji froze for a moment and instinctively glanced around.

In this godforsaken cave dwelling, there wasn’t even a cup, much less any wine.

Su Jiu seemed to read his thoughts. She gave a light snort, a hint of smugness in her expression.

“Who said anything about wine?”

“When spiritual energy reaches its peak density, it can condense into droplets.”

“Given how badly I’m injured, I need the purest spiritual energy to nourish myself.”

“So, your punishment is...” Su Jiu drew out her words, her eyes shining brilliantly in the dim cave.

“to heal me.”

Su Ji: “...”

That sounded even more taxing than just drinking wine.

Before he could object, Su Jiu produced a magical artifact woven from countless strands of shimmering [Refined Heavenly Silk].

[Refined Heavenly Silk] complemented her impure celestial constitution perfectly, making it ideal for the healing ahead.

The threads glowed with a faint splendor in the dim light of the formation, subtly outlining her elegant figure.

When Su Ji’s eyes met hers, he saw a clarity mixed with playful cunning in her gaze, and his heart stirred. He quickly pulled his focus back.

The gentle spiritual energy inside him, which he had just finished repairing, seemed to ripple again.

“Let’s begin, then.”

Su Jiu said softly, sitting down cross-legged with a dignified posture, though the smile in her eyes still shimmered like spring water.

Su Ji sat down opposite her, steadied his mind, and slowly channeled his spiritual energy outward.

Within the cave, the spiritual energy grew denser, like mist mingling with dew, lightly enveloping them both.

“Looks like Senior Brother is in a bit of a tight spot.”

Su Ji’s old face flushed red, and he clumsily changed the subject: “When you’re caught, you just have to take your punishment.”

“Hehehe.”

It was Su Jiu’s crisp, unrestrained laughter.

Su Ji ignored her teasing, sat down cross-legged again, and began to activate his newly recast, chaotically crackling dark-gold core.

This was an excruciatingly painful and energy-draining process.

His current state was like someone who had just undergone heart bypass surgery—forced to run a marathon instead of resting.

Every ounce of spiritual energy he churned with his willpower violently tugged at his fragile meridians, bringing waves of unbearable pain.

Su Jiu’s laughter gradually faded.

Without a word, she quietly walked over and sat down before Su Ji.

She knew this was a necessary process.

Only by breaking down could one build anew; without destruction, there could be no creation.