Rearing Demons
Chapter 89: Flustered Bath

Chapter 89: Flustered Bath

"Julian, did you hear the recent news?" The King sat in a dark room with Julian, both of them wearing somber expressions.

Julian nodded, his eyebrows knitted together. "The Sect Master of Raging Dragons was mysteriously killed, throwing the entire sect into chaos." He leaned back, looking at a large brown map. "With the turmoil in the sect, maybe this is the best time to strike?"

Despite stating it aloud, it sounded more like a question than a declaration.

"They still have two rank fives on their side." Unlike most of the royal family, Julian and the King had access to much more classified information. "Based on my informant, the elder from the sect is staying in the Welit Kingdom. He isn’t leaving."

"Still, this could be our chance." Julian’s voice was laced with hesitation. "That elder is definitely preoccupied with his sect’s crisis. He won’t be entirely focused."

"But can you handle two Luminous Heart cultivators?" The King’s tone was grave. If there was only one, Freau would have a high chance of winning. Julian was a monstrous talent few could match. But against two? That changed everything.

"Do you think we could ask for his help?" Julian suddenly suggested. "He’s our best bet."

"We can’t trust him yet." The King shook his head. "We’re already taking a risk having him guard members of the royal family."

"But he’s our only real shot at winning this war." Julian rubbed his temples. "Too many have already died. More will die if we hesitate."

The King agreed but remained silent. Could he truly entrust the most decisive battle of the war to Yur? How could he be sure Yur wouldn’t turn his back on them at the most crucial moment?

"I know what you’re worried about," Julian said, pacing the room. "I feel the same way. But we don’t need him to lead the charge. We just need him to hold back one of the rank fives. That’s all."

"How would you convince him? More importantly, how do we know he won’t abandon us in the middle of the fight?"

"We have to take the risk." Julian’s voice was firm. "The Raging Dragon Sect is in disarray. We won’t get another opportunity like this."

Sighing, the King nodded. "Fine. Go and try to convince him. I’ll begin preparing for war."

"Understood." With that, Julian vanished, leaving the King alone to contemplate their uncertain future.

————————————————————————

Yur lay submerged in a vast, steaming bath, his eyes closed. The room was thick with fog, tendrils of heat curling through the air.

He was deep in thought, running through the instructions for the Rite of the Hollow.How do I execute this for the best possible result?

Scratching his chin, he analyzed every step, trying to ensure maximum benefit from the rite that would propel him toward the next rank.

"The bath is warmed up for you."

Yur heard the soft voice from behind. Quin.

"Thank you." A second voice followed, much softer, much sweeter.

Yur remained still as he listened to the soft pat of bare footsteps approaching the bath. The rippling of water reached his ears.

"This feels amazing." A sigh of contentment echoed through the room. "Quin, would you mind scrubbing my back?"

Silence.

"Quin?" Xia called again, turning her head slightly.

The fog was thick, concealing most of her surroundings. She frowned. Where did she go?

Shrugging off the thought, she leaned back, sinking deeper into the soothing heat of the water.

Yur watched from afar, observing her intently. Not with lust. Not with curiosity. Just cold calculation.

"Come here. I’ll scrub your back."

"Ah!" Xia yelped at the sudden deep voice. "Y-Yur?!"

"Who else?"

Her face turned crimson. "S-Stay there!"

"Why?" His voice was calm, indifferent.

"Why else?! This—this is inappropriate!"

Yur’s shadow loomed closer. "Inappropriate?"

"Yur, wait—I’m leaving." She hurriedly covered her chest, her arms crossing tightly.

"No, stay." His voice was firm, yet eerily composed. And then, through the fog, he emerged.

Xia’s breath hitched. The steam coiled around him like a shroud, clinging to his damp skin. His wet black hair hung messily, and his sculpted body gleamed under the dim lantern light.

Her gaze faltered, flickering downward—

Her face burned.

She immediately turned away, covering her face with her hands. "Y-Yur, stay back! Or—I’ll scream!"

Yur stopped a few feet away and leaned against the bath’s edge. "Alright, I won’t come closer." He sat, tilting his head slightly. "Is this better?"

"Turn around! No—just leave, and I’ll go first!"

"You can leave," he said flatly. "But I’ll keep watching. I’ll make sure to remember everything I see."

Her heart pounded. This guy!

Despite the situation, despite knowing she should be furious, she didn’t hate it. A tiny part of her—no, a large part of her—felt strangely flustered.

"What... what do you mean?" she asked hesitantly.

"Just marry me." The words were spoken so casually, yet they hit her like a hammer.

"W-What?"

"Then you could sit next to me without clothes at all times. And it wouldn’t ever be awkward."

Her face exploded in heat. "I—I can’t just say yes!"

"I don’t see why not."

"It’s not that simple!"

She glanced at him again—only to find his eyes already locked onto hers. Not on her body. Not on her exposed skin. Directly into her eyes.

"You know," Yur murmured, his voice deep and unwavering. "I can see your entire body, right?"

Xia stiffened.

"H-Huh?!"

"I’m a strong cultivator," he said. "You think steam and water can block my vision?"

Her mouth opened slightly in shock before she spun around in panic. "Then look away!"

"No."

His response was immediate.

"I like what I see."

Xia’s breath faltered. "T-Then I’m leaving." She moved to rise from the water.

"Xia."

She froze. His voice—low, smooth, yet laced with a subtle magnetism—rooted her in place.

"Stay."

"No."

A heavy sigh left Yur’s lips, and before she could react, water splashed—

"Ah!" Xia yelped as she was pulled back into the bath.

She twisted, glaring at him. "What are you doing?!"

Yur didn’t answer. He simply looked at her. His gaze was unreadable, his presence overwhelming.

"Calm down," he said. "Just sit next to me."

"I—"

"I’ve already seen everything. And you’ve seen me, too." His voice dropped lower. "There’s no more mystery."

"That’s not how it works..." she whispered, both frustrated and... entranced?

Then, Yur leaned in slightly, his eyes darkening with something unfamiliar.

"Has anyone ever told you..." His voice dipped into something almost hypnotic, his gaze flickering to her lips. His hands lifted and brushed against her chin, tilting her face towards his. "...that your lips are extremely sexy?"