Chapter 29: Get Used to It, Desensitization Works!
Night fell over the Demon Suppression Prison.
Disheveled and leaning against the wall for support, Nangong Ling emerged after a day inside. Even with her eyes blindfolded by black silk, her flushed face betrayed her mood.
What a fruitful day it had been.
The sect had been preoccupied with recruiting new disciples, leaving both her master and senior sister too busy to contest her time there. She had indulged to her heart’s content.
Still, she knew that in a few days, she would be caught up in her own responsibilities.
The Qinglian Sect severely lacked top-tier combat power. Even she had to take on a share of teaching new disciples and selecting potential protégés. It was a tedious job, but for the sake of the sect’s growth, she had no choice but to comply.
Summoning a radiant, extraordinary-grade celestial sword, her prize from the recent competition, Nangong Ling ascended into the sky. Overindulgence had left her energy unstable, and returning too slowly might expose her condition. Using the sword for support was the safest option.
As she soared away, a graceful figure with flowing white hair stepped out of the forest shadows—Liu Ruyan.
Watching her disciple’s retreating figure, Liu Ruyan couldn’t help but mutter, “Young people these days have no restraint. Let’s see how I’ll deal with her when she returns.”
Steeling herself, Liu Ruyan approached the entrance of the Demon Suppression Prison.
In the past, she would rush in eagerly, but now she hesitated, a hint of apprehension flickering across her face.
Biting her lip, she clutched the now-dry spherical spirit artifact in one hand and the sect master’s token in the other. Activating the array that sealed the prison doors, she layered it with a simple isolation barrier to prevent interruptions.
With mixed emotions, Liu Ruyan descended to the prison’s lowest level, where a young man sat casually on the bed as if waiting for her.
“Master, come in and sit.”
For once, Ning Chen wore a warm, springlike smile. It carried a soothing, healing quality that was utterly out of place in this dark setting.
Recently, he had been smiling more, especially around this woman.
To Liu Ruyan, however, that smile seemed less inviting and more unsettling. Yet, she unconsciously followed his invitation, only realizing her compliance after stepping closer.
“Ning Chen, why did you contact me so suddenly?” she asked, holding up the spirit artifact in her hand, her voice tinged with irritation.
If this had happened in public, how would she face anyone?
A few days ago, her eldest disciple had requested a means of contacting her directly, citing the need for immediate communication in emergencies. Thinking he was trying to bridge the gap caused by past grievances, she had reluctantly agreed.
She even gifted him the artifact, refined into a spiritual tool bonded with his blood. Using a special technique, she ensured it could be activated with just a thought, bypassing the need for spiritual energy.
It was Ning Chen who suggested she keep it on her person to detect signals promptly. She had foolishly complied, choosing an unconventional location to carry it for convenience.
Until today, everything had been fine—until the sudden jolt she received earlier.
The sensation had been overwhelming, leaving her, a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, completely defenseless for a moment. It was an entirely new experience.
“I only have control over the artifact. How was I supposed to know something went wrong?” Ning Chen shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unapologetic.
His words stunned Liu Ruyan into silence.
Her confidence faltered as her pale cheeks flushed. Still, she grumbled, “You could’ve chosen a better time. It’s best not to activate it during the day!”
“How could I risk that?” Ning Chen countered, his tone suddenly firm. “What if something urgent happened? Would you let me fall into danger?”
Her posture slumped as her authority took another hit.
“What do you want, then?” she asked, pressing her lips together.
A mischievous grin spread across Ning Chen’s face. “I know a way to reduce its effect on you while ensuring you’re immediately alerted.”
“It’s simple,” he said matter-of-factly. “Take off your outer clothes.”
The abruptness of his suggestion left her momentarily stunned.
“Fine…” Liu Ruyan eventually complied, sensing his intense gaze.
When had the dynamic between them shifted?
Once, she had been the one in control. Now, she felt like she was being steered.
The rustling of fabric filled the air as her elaborate robe fell, revealing her stunning figure clad in a pure white undergarment.
Unlike traditional designs, this one featured intricate lace trim and deliberate slits at certain points, leaving just enough exposed to be tantalizing.
The damp, cool air in the stone chamber brushed against her skin, causing her to shiver slightly. The faint golden marks on her lower abdomen glowed faintly in the dim light, evidence of her dual cultivation practices.
“Perfect,” Ning Chen said approvingly, his eyes scanning her form.
Liu Ruyan instinctively moved to cover herself, but his next command froze her.
“Put the artifact back in place.”
“It’s part of the treatment,” he said with feigned seriousness.
Reluctantly, she obeyed. The sensation of the artifact settling back into place sent a wave of warmth through her body, leaving her cheeks even redder.
“And now?” she asked hesitantly.
“Now?” Ning Chen smirked, snapping his fingers.
A faint hum filled the air as the artifact activated, sending vibrations throughout her body.
“Desensitization begins now,” he said.