"Hmm.."


    Standing before Zhao Tian’s half-naked figure, Yan Zijin’s gaze lingered on him, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she scanned his physique.


    Her eyes narrowed in thought, and without hesitation, she stepped closer. Her fingers, slender and cool to the touch, reached out to rest on his chest.


    The sudden contact sent a jolt of warmth through him, though he remained still, watching her every move with a subtle smile tugging at his lips.


    "Your physique has grown stronger,"


    "The medicinal bath has worked wonders. I can feel the difference."


    She traced the contours of his chest, her fingers brushing over the firm ridges of muscle that rippled beneath her touch.


    Zhao Tian smiled in his heart, as this is the second refinement process in the total of nine refinement processes, with the first Honoured One left in her notes.


    He really wants to do all nine refinements quickly, but he can’t.


    As it was stated in the notes, after every refinement, the body must be given time to stabilize and cool down, allowing the changes to settle before proceeding further.


    That’s why he did the second refinement a month after the first refinement.


    "You’re quiet," Yan Zijin said suddenly, pulling him from his thoughts.


    Her fingers trailed down from his chest to his abdomen, where the taut muscles flexed instinctively under her touch.


    Her lips curled into a faint smile. "Were you just going to stand there and let me inspect you without saying a word?"


    Eh? Zhao Tian showed a smile "Well you were inspecting so seriously.. so I didn’t disturb you."


    She moved her hands to his shoulders, her fingers gently kneading the firm muscle there. "I have to be serious. This refinement process isn’t something to take lightly. I need to make sure your body is adapting properly."


    "And what do you think?" he asked, as her hands moved along his arms, her touch firm but careful.


    "I think..." Yan Zijin’s voice trailed off as she stepped behind him, her hands sliding down his back, tracing the lines of his muscles. Experience tales with novelhall.Co?m


    Her fingertips pressed lightly against his shoulder blades before trailing down to the small of his back. "...your body is responding perfectly. The medicinal properties have seeped into every inch of you."


    She moved back around to face him, her eyes locking onto his. "Your strength has increased significantly since the last refinement."


    Her lips pressed into a thin line as she continued her examination, her fingers gliding over the defined muscles of his arms and chest once more. "You said there are nine refinement stages with the notes you follow, right?"


    "And you need rest before doing the next refinement..."


    He nodded, "Yeah... I really want to do the next refinement, but I can’t.."


    Yan Zijin shook her head, her fingers flicking his forehead lightly, startling him. "Don’t get reckless, Tian. The notes were clear for a reason. If you rush, your body could collapse under the strain."


    "I know," he said, smiling faintly. "That’s why I have you to keep me in check, isn’t it?"


    Her hand rested on his chest again, this time lingering longer than necessary.


    Finally, she spoke, "She’s been blaming herself. She thought her curse was the reason for your disappearance... for your death."


    Zhao Tian’s eyes widened slightly ’So that’s why...’


    He hurriedly walked to Zhou Hanyue’s room and knocked on the door "Hanyue... hear me out. I wasn’t trying to worry."


    "I just went to the Tianhe forest, sorry I didn’t tell you about that."


    He didn’t receive an answer from the other side but he knew his words must have reached her ears.


    With a sigh, he turned to Lan Shuqin "Shuqin..."


    Lan Shuqin gave a faint bow "Master Tian.. I know you have been flying between your Sect and the Imperial palace for the past few days."


    "But if you are taking long trips, please do tell me..."


    He nodded his head "Mhm, I will tell you next time.. so you don’t have to worry."


    Hearing this, a smile bloomed on her face "Thank you, Master Tian... Lady Hanyue must also be relieved now."


    Seeing her smile calmed his heart and he gave a nod "Yeah..."


    ...


    The next day...


    The streets of the Capital bustled with life, filled with the chatter of merchants calling out their wares, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and the laughter of children darting through the crowds.


    Walking through the streets of the Capital city, a faint blush streaked across Lan Shuqin’s cheeks, who was walking beside Zhao Tian.


    "Master Tian... you don’t have to apologize with an outing."


    Looking at her, Zhao Tian smiled "You are always inside the palace, so I thought... a little outing might help you get some air."


    Lan Shuqin hesitated, looking down at her feet as they continued walking. "I mean..." she trailed off, stealing a glance at the passersby.


    Everywhere she looked, people’s eyes seemed to be drawn to Zhao Tian.


    Men and women alike stared openly at him, some with admiration, others with envy.


    His tall figure, and effortless charm made it impossible for him to blend into a crowd.


    Normal people don’t know that Zhao Tian is actually the Husband of Zhou Hanyue as noble and some notable figures were the only ones who were invited for the wedding.


    ’But still... this is embarrassing...’


    Huh? However, Zhao Tian who was walking beside Lan Shuqin felt a powerful gaze on him and his eyes narrowed ’Someone is spying on me...’


    ----------------------------------------------


    I hope you guys liked this chapter!