Chapter 28

"That is indeed the case. If we harbored any hostility toward the adepti, we would not have come alone today to receive you — we would have brought a full contingent of the Millelith." Ningguang added by way of explanation.

The three of them had come without even a single attendant. It was, by any measure, a gesture of considerable sincerity.

At that moment, a short, youthful-looking adeptus flickered into view. His voice was flat and indifferent. "I tracked that group into a mountain valley. They changed into a different set of uniforms and left from there."

"If I'm reading this right, the Fatui were trying to stir up trouble between us and fish in troubled waters," Lu Lin analyzed.

"Hmph. Even so, allowing an enemy faction to run rampant within Liyue's borders speaks poorly of the Qixing's capabilities. The Rex Lapis was nearly assassinated at the Rite of the Descension, and instead of hunting down the true culprits, the Qixing recklessly suspected the mortal observers. Utterly foolish!

We have honored our covenant with Rex Lapis and guarded Liyue for a thousand years. We withdrew to the mountains only because the mortal world had grown prosperous. If the Qixing has proven so disappointing, then perhaps we adepti should enter the city and take charge of affairs ourselves!"

The adeptus known as the Moon-Carving Yang-Builder had not yet shed his fury, and now he was openly expressing profound distrust of the Qixing — even suggesting a seizure of power.

At those words, Ningguang raised her eyes, a sharp gleam flashing through them. Keqing was even less restrained; her hand went straight to her sword hilt.

Lu Lin, however, remained perfectly composed. He laughed openly and said:

"The adepti have dwelt deep in the mountains for so long, far removed from the mortal world, that the changes Liyue has undergone may not yet be fully apparent to you. To pass judgment without seeing things for yourselves would be rather one-sided, wouldn't it? Why not come into the city, take a look around, see things through your own eyes — finish the Rite of Parting for Rex Lapis, and then discuss everything else?"

The white crane adeptus, who had not spoken until now, spread her wings and restrained the deer adeptus. "Moon-Carving, this young friend makes a fair point. We have been away from the mortal world for too long. Let us first enter the city and see what Liyue is like today before we say anything more.

Young friend, you mentioned the Rite of Parting for Rex Lapis — preparations are already underway?"

"They are underway as we speak. We'll need Lumine's help as well!"

"Excellent. The Qixing has not forgotten the old traditions. That puts my heart at ease." The white crane adeptus was none other than Cloud Retainer. She clearly appreciated Lu Lin's calm and unhurried manner — though a flicker of puzzlement crossed her eyes.

There was something about this person… a strangely familiar aura.

The tense standoff dissolved for the time being. The adepti, however, did not enter the city alongside the Qixing. Instead, they took on mortal guises and went to observe Liyue for themselves.

Ningguang and Keqing had clear consciences and let them go without objection.

"You've worked hard today. Thank you," Lu Lin said, walking over to Lumine.

"What exactly is going on? How did you end up working alongside the Qixing?" Lumine had been quietly watching the situation unfold, and she had many questions.

"It's a long story. Why don't we find somewhere quiet and talk privately?" Lu Lin invited with a smile.

Ningguang and Keqing each had their own matters to attend to. Lu Lin brought Lumine and Paimon to the Serenitea Pot.

"Wow! What an amazing, beautiful place!" The moment they stepped inside the Serenitea Pot, Paimon darted about like a child who had never seen anything so wonderful, flying here and there, looking at everything.

Ganyu had recently fenced off the area around her little building with a low hedge, creating a simple courtyard where she had planted all manner of flowers and plants.

The Serenitea Pot had a way of accelerating the growth of flora, and within just a few days the courtyard had burst into a riot of blossoms — truly lovely to behold.

Lumine was also charmed by the beautiful, tranquil natural scenery. She said warmly, "I never imagined you had a hidden paradise like this."

【Ding! Random Quest triggered: Healer's Compassion】

【Quest Details: The system has detected that the guest brought by the host carries serious injuries. Please treat them as soon as possible.】

【Quest Rewards: 500,000 Mora, 100 Points, 100 EXP, one random Residence Entry!】

Hm? Lumine was actually injured?

The sudden system notification left Lu Lin genuinely startled. How had she gotten hurt while visiting the adepti?

But this was no time to dwell on that — treating the injury came first. Lu Lin asked directly: "Unless I'm mistaken, you're carrying an injury?"

"Oh? You know medicine?" Lumine asked, surprised.

She was indeed injured.

She had fought a fierce battle with Childe. Although she had won, he was after all one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, and he had activated his Foul Legacy transformation — his power had been immense, and he had inflicted no small amount of damage on her.

But she hadn't wanted anyone to worry, so she had concealed it carefully. Even Paimon didn't know she was carrying wounds. And yet Lu Lin had seen through it at a glance?

"Huh? Lumine, you're hurt? Why didn't you say something sooner?" Paimon exclaimed.

"It's just a minor injury. Nothing to worry about!" The golden-haired girl shook her head.

"Minor or not, it needs to be dealt with promptly, or it could leave lasting problems. I know a bit of medicine — shall I take a look?" Lu Lin said.

"That's right, you can't be careless about injuries. Let Lu Lin have a look!" Paimon was full of concern.

"Then… all right," the golden-haired girl said, hesitating slightly before agreeing.

"Then let's go to the room so I can examine you first." Lu Lin led her into the first-floor bedroom.

This bedroom was where Lu Lin slept when he stayed here alone. Though he rarely slept in it, Ganyu tidied and cleaned it every day, keeping it neat and spotless.

"Paimon, would you mind waiting outside? The treatment shouldn't be interrupted," Lu Lin said.

"Alright, I'll be in the sitting room. Call me if you need anything!" Paimon was quite obedient about following medical instructions and went outside without suspicion.

"Come on, lie down."

Lumine was actually a little hesitant. The last time Lu Lin had saved her, there had been close physical contact between them, and that strange feeling was still vivid in her memory.

Having him help treat her injuries today would certainly involve close contact again. If it turned out like…

But her injuries weren't as trivial as she had made them sound to Paimon. They were actually quite serious, and she needed proper rest and care. Having a doctor help treat them would be ideal.

Lumine didn't hesitate for long. She did as she was told — pulled off her long boots and lay flat on the bed.

Her slender, fair legs were fully exposed before Lu Lin. She turned her head away, a faint blush of shyness on her face. This was the first time she had ever shown her legs like this in front of a man.

Lu Lin, for his part, kept his gaze straight ahead, his expression serious and professional.

Lumine's injuries were far more severe than he had imagined — and they were all internal. Fortunately, her constitution was unusual, and her body had already been slowly repairing itself, preventing further deterioration.

"Injuries this serious — who did this to you?" Lu Lin did a quick assessment and asked, his expression grave.

"Childe from the Fatui tried to get close to me under a disguise. We fought, and he lost — his injuries are far worse than mine!" Lumine said with a hint of pride.

"Childe knows to get treatment when he's hurt, so he'll bounce back in no time and go right back to causing trouble. You, on the other hand, dragged your feet and left it untreated — it's your own body that suffers.

Don't do this again. If you're injured, come find me for treatment right away. Understood?" Lu Lin's tone was quite stern.

"Mm, I understand. This time it was because the adepti were so angry — I was afraid something might go wrong, so I rushed back without resting…"

Lumine knew she was in the wrong and spoke in a slightly subdued tone. She had barely finished her sentence when she felt Lu Lin unfastening her dress.

"Lu Lin, you…"

"Don't move. How am I supposed to treat you through your clothes? Don't worry — I'll only undo half of it." Lu Lin's mind was genuinely focused at this point.

Lumine's dress was short in the front and long in the back, which concentrated the exposed area toward the front — fashionable and practical at once.

Lu Lin undid the clasps at her back without pulling the dress off entirely. Instead, he lifted the skirt hem upward, revealing her white lace safety shorts and her smooth, pale abdomen.

The cool air made her skin prickle with goosebumps all over. Fortunately, with the safety shorts still in place, she was embarrassed but within the bounds of what she could accept.

Lu Lin placed his hand on her adorable navel and began to gently press and knead.

"Ah!" Lumine let out an involuntary cry as a wave of warmth flooded into her, flowing through her internal organs, filling her with a cozy, comfortable sensation.

Her abdomen had taken a heavy blow, injuring her internal organs. Lu Lin's treatment method was straightforward and direct — he simply channeled a large amount of life force to repair the damage.

It was thanks to the abundant life force provided by the [Miraculous Healing] entry that he could be so generous with it.

As Lu Lin continued his kneading, Lumine's injuries improved rapidly. After about fifteen minutes, the damage to her internal organs had largely healed.

But as [Miraculous Healing] worked its effects, [Nimble Hands] gradually began to exert its influence as well.

After fifteen minutes of continuous kneading, Lumine felt herself growing increasingly flushed and warm. That strange sensation she had experienced the last time Lu Lin had held her was returning.

The feeling deepened and deepened, building and pooling in her lower abdomen. She couldn't help but let out soft, shallow breaths.

By now her lower abdomen was faintly tinged with pink, and her legs shifted restlessly in a way that was utterly captivating.

Lu Lin naturally noticed the change in Lumine. While treating her injuries, he had genuinely been as pure as a saint — his mind entirely on healing her. But now that the treatment was complete…

Lu Lin's hand grew gradually bolder, carefully savoring the delicate softness of her skin as it slowly moved upward.

Lumine, for ease of movement, was wearing a form-fitting dress that perfectly accentuated her slender waist. But with the clasps already undone, no amount of tightness could stop his hand.

"Lu… Lu Lin, is it not done yet?" Lumine's voice carried a soft, yielding quality — and a faint, irresistible allure.

"Mm~ your internal organs were injured, and you left it for so long. It's a bit complicated." Lu Lin replied with perfect composure.

"But…" But Lumine herself felt that the injury had fully healed. She wasn't a doctor, though, and ultimately didn't dare question him.

Lu Lin's fingertips continued to trace circles on her lower abdomen, occasionally brushing against the areas covered in white.

Lumine felt the peculiar sensation growing more and more pronounced — she was nearly at her limit!

"Ah!"

At last, the golden-haired girl let out a startled cry and began to tremble violently.

Quite a flood, that.

Lu Lin marveled inwardly.

He was becoming more and more convinced that the [Nimble Hands] entry was absurdly overpowered.

Under normal circumstances, who could bring someone to the peak just by kneading their abdomen? Even the legendary master practitioners from certain countries in his old world couldn't manage that, could they?

Lumine was so mortified she had her eyes shut tight, unable to look at Lu Lin. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't have imagined that what started as a simple injury treatment would end up like this.

The white lace trim was now completely soaked through, clinging tightly to her delicate skin. The trembling continued for a while before she finally settled.

She narrowed her eyes and peeked through the tiniest crack, watching Lu Lin's expression — and found him unexpectedly composed, his hand still maintaining the same kneading rhythm, his mind apparently elsewhere entirely.

Could it really be her own problem? Was he not taking advantage of her on purpose?

He didn't seem to have done anything too extreme. His hand had been sliding upward, yes, but the back of it had only occasionally grazed the peaks — it didn't seem intentional.

He was probably checking whether other areas were injured, wasn't he?

Lu Lin's perfectly serious demeanor was extraordinarily deceptive. His actions weren't without transgression, yet he disguised them so well as accidental contact that Lumine was now half-convinced she was simply being too sensitive.

But his hands really did seem to have some kind of magic. She couldn't help but… she didn't react like this when she rubbed her own stomach, did she?

No — how was it building up again so quickly?!

The golden-haired girl bit her lip. Her smooth, fair calves rubbed together instinctively, her jade-white feet stretched taut, as she braced herself for another round of endurance.

"Is it… is it not done yet? I… I'm about to…" Lumine's voice came in broken fragments, yet it was soft and utterly beguiling.

In truth, she was not much of a talker in her daily life. Most of the time it was Paimon acting as her mouthpiece, which made Lumine seem somewhat cool and aloof.

But now that cool facade had been completely stripped away, revealing a breathtaking, captivating girlish charm. The extreme contrast nearly made Lu Lin lose control and push things further.

It took considerable willpower for him to hold back from acting recklessly. After all, their relationship wasn't quite close enough yet — a bit more romantic tension needed to accumulate before it would be appropriate to advance further.

So he maintained his perfectly serious expression, playing the role of a compassionate healer — though of course, while actually treating her injuries, he had genuinely been focused.

"Lu Lin~ I…" Lumine's soft cry cut off abruptly, followed by another violent trembling!

This time she could no longer control herself at all, arching her body and shifting in small, helpless movements…

A faint, flower-like fragrance diffused through the room.

"All done! Treatment complete — everything's fine now. In the future, don't tough it out when you're injured. Understood?" Lu Lin withdrew his hand at the right moment.

Phew.

Having survived the peak, Lumine exhaled a long breath. Her eyes were slightly dazed, and it took a while before she came back to herself from the lingering afterglow. She didn't dare look at Lu Lin, and only murmured, "Lu Lin, am I… am I very wanton?"

"Not at all. It's a perfectly normal reaction. Don't think anything of it." Lu Lin stroked her golden hair, damp with perspiration, and offered gentle reassurance.

"There's a bathroom inside. You can freshen up and change."

"Mm, alright!" Lu Lin's calm, unbothered manner actually helped ease much of the embarrassment in Lumine's heart.

When Lu Lin opened the door, Paimon had long been standing guard right outside, her face anxious. "How is she? How is she?"

She couldn't help but be anxious — when Lumine had reached her peak, she had cried out twice, and the sounds had been quite audible. Paimon had naturally heard them.

She hadn't known what was happening inside, and hadn't dared go in to interrupt, so she had been pacing anxiously in circles by the door.

"She's fully recovered. Nothing to worry about!"