He changed Tiwat

Han Fulai closed his eyes and shook his head: "...There's no need to negotiate face-to-face. You can go back now."

Xingqiu reached out and poked Han Fulai's cheek: "Okay, okay, I'm not kidding you anymore. Open your eyes and take a look."

Han Fulai barely managed to open his eyes a crack and saw... a snow-white bath towel.

He remembered that when Xingqiu was startled and tried to rush out of the bathroom, she did run out of the bathtub, and that's when she picked up the towel and put it on.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Sigh, I've been tricked again.

Han Fulai complained irritably, "Hey Xingqiu, lately you seem to really enjoy teasing your brother Han... You're clearly a female knight-errant, don't act like those vixens, okay?"

Xingqiu tilted her head and pointed to her lower lip with her finger: "Hmm, you're right, I don't look like a witch at all like this."

Before Han Fulai could react, the bath towel wrapped around Xingqiu suddenly fell off and floated away with the water.

Beneath the bath towel lay the naked body of a young girl.

His mind went blank, but his gaze was involuntarily fixed on Xingqiu.

A delicate, upturned pink lotus leaf, a slender waist, and snow-white legs clasped together...

When he fell at the "Yuying Furnace Heart", he had held Xingqiu once and knew that her body was very light. In addition, with her slender and bony figure, she should have looked thin.

But Xingqiu before him had no bony frame whatsoever. While not exactly voluptuous, she was curvaceous, and her fair skin was incredibly translucent, making her delicate rosy complexion appear even more vibrant and luscious...

Especially her legs.

When Han Fulai first saw Xingqiu, his gaze also fell on her legs. At that time, he only felt that Xingqiu's legs were fair and delicate, unlike the martial arts practitioners he had in mind who were exposed to the wind and sun. But now, when he saw them again, the impact was completely different from what he had felt before.

Xingqiu's thighs were very slender, only slightly thicker than Han Fulai's upper arm, and the proportions were incredibly long. Paired with slender and straight calves, it made people wonder why such a creature existed in the world.

All the women he had ever seen in his life possessed beautiful bodies, but Yura was the most outstanding. When she danced the "Ritual Dance," her long legs were simply captivating. However, when it came to the words "slender" and "straight," no one could compare to Xingqiu.

On Earth, legs like Xingqiu's would be the most eye-catching type on the catwalk, the kind of "chopstick legs" that internet celebrities strive for and that even Photoshop can't create.

Xingqiu stood gracefully in the water, the flowing water carrying a small tuft of dark, curly hair as it passed in front of her, revealing an alluring, unintentional charm amidst her pure beauty.

It was only then that he realized with astonishment that his "Brother Xingqiu" was so beautiful and charming.

Han Fulai abruptly turned his head away, not daring to look again, but then heard Xingqiu speak up: "You just asked me what conditions required to be discussed here, and my answer is—"

She paused, then said, word by word, "Brother Han, please help me with my cultivation."

Chapter 370 The spring flows silently, cherishing its gentle stream; the shade of the trees reflects on the water, loving the soft sunshine. [4k5]

"To help you... in your cultivation?"

Han Fulai lowered his head and covered his face, feeling as if his forehead was covered with boomerangs.

He had said these words to Xingqiu not long ago, and now Xingqiu was returning them verbatim.

"Well, I'll help you cultivate, and you'll help me cultivate. That's called equal value, a fair trade. Brother Han, you shouldn't refuse, right?"

Xingqiu smiled and spoke in a completely normal tone, as if he were talking about something perfectly natural.

Admittedly, "counter-trade" in business is indeed the fairest form of transaction—but the fact that this concept can be applied to "spiritual cultivation" is probably something that Miss Xingqiu pioneered.

The key point is that Han Fulai really couldn't find a reason to refuse the condition proposed by Xingqiu.

The saying goes, "A drop of water in need is repaid with a spring of water." Xingqiu helped him so much, so it was only natural for him to help Xingqiu improve his martial arts skills in return.

He not only thought about it, but he was already doing it.

In fact, during these days of sparring, he had been trying to use his newly acquired demonic eye to observe the flaws in Xingqiu's moves and help her fill in the gaps—if he didn't not know how to "transfer power" like Zhongli, he would have already shared his immortal power with Xingqiu.

The question is, what kind of "spiritual practice" does Xingqiu want?

“I’m naturally willing to help you cultivate… but this isn’t a place for cultivation. Shall we go out first?” Han Fulai asked tentatively.

Although he couldn't see Xingqiu's expression, Xingqiu clearly shook his head.

"No... Brother Han, what I want you to teach me is the cultivation of immortals, that is... the kind you and Sister Shenhe practice."

Han Fulai sighed silently.

He had actually already guessed it.

Xingqiu is a genius in his own right, and his martial arts skills have already reached the pinnacle among his peers. If he wants to go even further, he would need another "fortuitous encounter".

Among the younger generation in Liyue, Xingqiu's martial arts skills are outstanding, but that's only for now... If nothing unexpected happens, in another three to five years, Xingqiu will be surpassed by Xiangling and others.

This is not a problem with Xingqiu himself, but rather a problem with the inheritance of the Guhua School—as the former head of the Guhua School said, "It is not that Xingqiu needs the Guhua School, but that the Guhua School needs Xingqiu."

Xingqiu's martial arts skills are truly among the worst of his generation.

Xiangling's master is Granny Ping, who taught her the immortal spear technique that cultivates immortality through martial arts; Chongyun has a pure yang body, and his family also inherits immortal magic; the most terrifying is Master Hu, whose guest is named Zhongli. If she were to use the time she spends writing doggerel on martial arts practice, she would probably already be the number one Pyro DPS in Liyue, surpassing Xiangling...

Looking at the next level, Shen He's "Flowing Sky Spear Technique," Ke Qing's "Cloud-Coming Sword Technique," Ning Guang's "Starry Sky and Jade Screen," and Ye Lan's "Spiritual Treasure and Mysterious Gate"... aren't they all inherited from immortals? Not to mention the two half-immortals, Gan Yu and Yan Fei.

To put it bluntly, Xingqiu is a "martial arts hero" in the world of "fantasy heroes"—even if you cultivate your martial arts to the level of the Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar, can you compare to them who "ride the wind on their swords and vanquish demons across the world"? This is one of the reasons why she is so drawn to the story of "Chinese Paladin".

Xingqiu's martial arts talent is undoubtedly exceptional, as he stands out among a group of immortal lineages with his self-created "pupil technique." However, even a fine horse needs a discerning eye, and a great disciple needs a renowned teacher.

In Xingqiu's own words, "One cannot learn martial arts without a teacher."

The fact that she could understand this sentence so deeply, and even cherish it so much as to tell her Brother Han about it, shows that she had gone through a lot of detours in this regard and had the most painful experience.

Moreover, compared to her other friends, Xingqiu's family has always been reluctant for her to learn martial arts. The fact that she can "roam the martial world" like this now is because she has been given "free time" after completing the mission of the Chamber of Commerce. It would be absolutely impossible for her to spend several years learning martial arts like she did when she was a child.

If there's any "fortuitous encounter" she could possibly have now to help her "progress," it would only be her sworn brother, who is the "successor of the Emperor."

But Han Fulai simply couldn't agree to this.

"I'm sorry, Xingqiu."

"I can promise to help you cultivate, and I can also help you obtain cultivation techniques from the immortals. I also have a unique lineage from the Ye family of Yilongbu. After I return to Liyue and ask the successor of Master Boyang, I might be able to pass it on to you. With your intelligence, you will surely be stronger than me..."

"But the kind of cultivation you have with your sister Shenhe... won't work. Putting aside everything else, you don't even have the immortal power to support that kind of cultivation technique, so even if you cultivate it, it will be useless."

"Why not?" Xingqiu bit her lower lip. "I heard from Miss Yanfei that when you and Sister Shenhe were 'cultivating together,' you didn't have your current level of immortal cultivation. If you can do it, why can't I?"

As expected, it was Yan Fei... Han Fulai felt like another boomerang had been thrown at him. His landlady had probably been putting up with them for a long time.

"At that time, I already possessed the Emperor's inheritance, and I also had your sister Shenhe... um, who controlled the operation of the cultivation technique..."

Han Fulai blushed slightly when he said this.

Looking back, it was always Ah-He who was on top...

Strange, why does it feel like he's the one who's the furnace?

"Then when we cultivate together, Brother Han, you will take the lead, and I... I will... I will cooperate well, okay?" Xingqiu's tone was almost pleading.

Han Fulai remained silent for a moment, then shook his head: "It really won't work."

If we really have to ask whether this method is feasible, then it is indeed feasible.

He and Ye Lan practiced dual cultivation using the "Wuzhen Pian" under his guidance. As long as he passed on the cultivation techniques and incantations to Xing Qiu and taught her how to practice, dual cultivation would be effortless. Moreover, he was now at the level of a "True God and True Immortal"... In terms of primordial energy, it was probably comparable to the empowerment and transmission of skills by martial arts masters. Even if Xing Qiu only received a tiny bit of it, she would benefit greatly.

but--

"This kind of thing should only be done with someone you truly love. Only those who are in love can practice 'dual cultivation' correctly; those who are not in love are engaging in 'sexual intercourse,' which is an evil path and should never be practiced."

Han Fulai spoke with utmost sincerity, but Ke Xingqiu remained unmoved.

She lowered her head and said, "Isn't that perfect? ​​The person I truly like is you, Brother Han."

Faced with such a direct confession, even though Han Fulai was no longer the naive young man he once was, he couldn't help but choke for a moment.

Everyone says that a direct approach can break a tsundere's temper, but actually, it can break even someone who isn't tsundere.

Han Fulai finally understood what it meant to be "the only way to break through all martial arts." Compared to those arrogant twin-tailed girls, awkward female knights, and older sisters who said one thing but meant another... what he feared most was this kind of straightforward approach.

—Thinking back, the last person who could easily break through his defense was Shen He.

Han Fulai forced himself to calm down and earnestly said, "Xingqiu, you and I are sworn brothers, and we swore an oath before Ancestor Guhua. Even though we are now like brother and sister, there is no romantic love between us. As the elder brother, I cannot do something that you will regret..."

With a splash of water, Xingqiu seemed to have squatted down.

Before Han Fulai could react, Xingqiu had already leaned down and rested on his shoulder.

A smooth, delicate touch came from my shoulder, even more tender than almond tofu.

He raised his hand to push them away, but then remembered that they were both naked and he was afraid of touching something he shouldn't. So he quickly turned his head ninety degrees—and with a "thud," his head hit a rock.

Fortunately, his head is relatively hard now.

Xingqiu gently stroked his forehead with her small hand and whispered in his ear, "We did indeed make a vow to Ancestor Guhua back then, but does Brother Han still remember what our vow was?"

"..." Han Fulai did not answer. If Xingqiu did not mention it, he really couldn't remember it for a moment.

Xingqiu then gave the answer: "Under the guidance of Ancestor Guhua, today Yun Xingqiu and Han Fulai have become sworn brothers. From now on, we will share both good fortune and hardship."

"To report to the nation above and to bring peace to the common people below."

"To help those in distress and to uphold justice."

"We do not ask to be born on the same day, month, and year, but we ask to die on the same day, month, and year."

“Those who betray their word and forget kindness shall be punished by being eaten by the rocks.”

Well, when they swore brotherhood, Han Fu said "brothers of different surnames," but the Second Miss said "brothers of different sexes"... "Brothers of different sexes" can be "brothers," but of course it can also be "of different sexes."

"...Listen, is there a line in the vow that says there can be no romantic feelings between us?"

Han Fulai had nothing to say.

So the Second Miss was scheming during the sworn brotherhood ceremony? I'm talking about Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang, and you're talking about bird-born fish soup? What kind of Little Xuanzi and Little Guizi are these...?

Sigh, thinking about it carefully, "Ancestor Guhua" is his roommate in the bunk above him. What's the use of swearing an oath to his roommate? Even if they really broke their oath, "Master Hu" doesn't have the power to strike him with lightning. This "sworn brotherhood" has never had any contractual guarantee from the beginning.

Xingqiu's gentle words rang in his ears again: "Besides, Brother Han, you clearly like me too, don't you?"

"No, I have absolutely no intention of overstepping my bounds with you."

Han Fulai almost instinctively denied it.

Xingqiu gently stroked his cheek with her finger: "You're lying. If you don't like me, why don't you dare to open your eyes and look at me? Do you think your own sister would be interested in you?"

"I..." Han Fulai stammered.

He really wanted to say, "You're not my biological sister, and a biological sister wouldn't be taking a bath with her brother at this age." But then again, since they're not blood-related siblings, what's wrong with developing feelings for each other?

Another fragrant breeze wafted by, and Xingqiu cupped his cheeks in her hands, forcing him to face her directly.

"And... if you don't like it, why don't you leave?"

Han Fulai was startled, his eyelids involuntarily twitching open, and he met Xingqiu's clear, bright eyes.

He stared blankly at Xingqiu, saying nothing.

Yeah...why didn't he leave?

Afraid of embarrassment?

No, the awkwardness had already occurred when Xingqiu got the bath time wrong. He had plenty of opportunities to leave, and he could have just pretended nothing had happened after he left—wasn't that how he got away with it when Xingqiu kissed his cheek on the sand?

If he wanted to leave, could Xingqiu stop him? Could he possibly stop him?

And the divine child... Why didn't the divine child come?

This "spiritual time chamber" was built by the Divine Child, so she could see everything inside if she wanted to. Moreover, he had just sent the Divine Child a distress signal, so why hadn't she replied after reading it?

No, from the very beginning, when the Divine Child agreed to let him and Xingqiu come in to cultivate together, that was probably the intention, wasn't it?

...To be precise, it should be said that the fox spirit priest had seen through them both long ago.

Han Fulai finally raised his hand and grasped Xingqiu's arm.

The girl's arms were perfectly toned, and the muscles, honed through martial arts training, resembled the finest silk, seemingly smooth and delicate, yet brimming with the resilience and vitality that symbolizes youth.

He was gentle on the outside but firm on the inside, just like the Xingqiu he knew.

That kind of beauty, which comes from within, cannot be enhanced by any cosmetics; it is a beauty that belongs only to the girl named "Xingqiu".

Xingqiu was also looking at him at this moment. She could feel the heat in his palm, which was even hotter than the water from the charcoal stove.

His hand slowly moved up and finally covered the back of Xingqiu's hand that was cupping his cheek.

"Xingqiu, I... do like you."

“But we shouldn’t do those things, at least not now. When you’re older, if your feelings haven’t changed, I’ll go and propose to President Yun.”

In reality, Xingqiu is old enough to get married in Liyue, but as a transmigrator from China, Han Fulai is the type with a "thought imprint" in this regard—at least all the women he has encountered so far have been "legal".

Xingqiu pouted slightly, her gaze secretly shifting down to her chest. She thought to herself, "Even at this point, Brother Han is still able to control himself. Could it be that I... I'm really still young?"