Chapter 27 Physical Exposure
"Master's wife?!"
Zhou Tian's heart sank suddenly, and the joy of breaking through to the Golden Core stage was instantly replaced by surprise and doubt.
He looked down at Qin Ruoxue in his arms.
Qin Ruoxue's cheeks, which had been flushed with passion, were now completely drained of color, her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, and her eyes were filled with panic and embarrassment.
If his master's wife were to see him like this, anyone would be able to guess what had just happened in the cave.
Don't panic.
"Put your clothes on first. Your mistress must have come on important business; she may not have noticed anything."
Zhou Tian suppressed the turmoil in his heart, firmly supported her with his arm, and spoke in a steady and powerful voice.
"Um."
Qin Ruoxue bit her lower lip and nodded hurriedly.
She was, after all, a cultivator who had practiced for over a hundred years, and she forcibly suppressed the shame in her heart.
Her fingers trembled slightly, but she quickly picked up the plain white dress that had fallen to the ground.
Zhou Tian also turned around to straighten his clothes, his mind racing at the same time.
Why did Master's wife suddenly come here?
Could it be that something unexpected has happened to the sect?
Two thoughts intertwined in his mind.
He subconsciously activated his Golden Eyes of Truth, a flash of golden light appearing in his eyes as his gaze pierced through the stone door of the cave.
On the misty mountain path outside, several graceful figures were seen rushing towards them.
The woman in the fiery red dress at the head of the group was none other than the master's wife.
She was followed by Liu Ruyan, Zi Ling, Zhao Qinglian, and even a few senior sisters she hadn't yet "conquered".
The faces of everyone were solemn, indicating that this was no ordinary visit to friends.
"Hurry up."
Zhou Tian said in a low voice, as he was already dressed.
Qin Ruoxue managed to tie the last sash and hastily gathered her wet, long hair.
However, the lingering spring fever in her eyes and the faint red marks on her neck could not be concealed in a short time.
Outside the cave, Long Ling'er's anxious voice rang out again: "Junior brother! Master's wife and the others are almost at the door!"
"They're here."
Zhou Tian took a deep breath to calm the surging energy of his newly formed Golden Core, and then waved his hand.
The ice stone door slowly slid open to both sides, allowing the outside light and several pairs of eyes to simultaneously stream in.
Outside the cave, led by the master's wife, seven or eight stunningly beautiful fairies stood on the cliff face shrouded in mist.
A mountain breeze swept by, causing skirts to flutter, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland painting, yet the atmosphere was so tense it was suffocating.
The master's wife, dressed in a red dress that accentuated her graceful figure, had a face that was naturally charming but devoid of any smile.
Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sharp as lightning. She first swept her gaze over Zhou Tian, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"This kid's aura... he's already reached the Golden Core stage?!"
"How come they've all broken through to the Golden Core stage?"
His gaze then shifted to Qin Ruoxue, who was standing behind Zhou Tian with her head bowed, and then swept over Long Ling'er, who looked nervous. His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Zhou Tian,"
"What are you doing in Ling'er's cave? Is Ruoxue here too?"
When the master's wife spoke, her voice revealed neither joy nor anger.
Zhou Tian's mind raced, but he bowed respectfully.
"Reporting to Master's Wife, I was discussing sword techniques with Senior Sister Ling'er earlier and had some insights. I was looking for a secluded place to verify them when Senior Sister Ling'er kindly invited me to her cave. As for Senior Sister Qin..."
He stepped aside to give up half a body space, speaking naturally.
"Senior Sister Qin happened to visit and, upon hearing that I had some basic understanding of the 'Flowing Water Sword Technique,' she stayed to exchange ideas."
This statement was half true and half false, yet perfectly plausible.
It is common for cultivators to discuss and verify their understanding with each other, and it is common knowledge that Long Ling'er and Qin Ruoxue have a close relationship.
The master's wife gave Zhou Tian a deep look. This wasn't a joke; it was a recommendation for the treasure book, "Many Children, Many Blessings: My Master's Wife Forced Me to Marry Nine Senior Sisters."
That gaze seemed to pierce through one's heart.
Zhou Tian steadied his mind and quietly activated his Golden Eyes of Truth, and he could faintly sense the vast spiritual energy fluctuations within his master's wife's body, which far surpassed the power of a Golden Core cultivator.
This seemingly charming and languid master's wife has probably already reached the Nascent Soul stage in cultivation.
However, Zhou Tian also noticed that his master's wife was injured.
"Oh? Discussing sword techniques?"
"Ruoxue, you don't look too well?"
The master's wife smiled faintly, but did not delve into it further, instead turning to look at Qin Ruoxue.
Qin Ruoxue trembled, then looked up and forced a smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Master's wife. I'm fine these days; it's probably just from over-cultivating..."
Her voice was gentle, and her reasoning was impeccable.
However, her slightly reddened ears and evasive eyes made it clear to the senior sisters present who had already been intimate with Zhou Tian.
Liu Ruyan stood beside her master's wife, dressed in white, looking as aloof and ethereal as a fairy.
Her gaze shifted between Zhou Tian and Qin Ruoxue, a complex look flashing in her eyes.
There was resentment, helplessness, and a hint of "I knew it."
Zi Ling blinked her alluring eyes, a playful smile playing on her lips, as if she were observing the scene.
Zhao Qinglian's cold face remained expressionless, but her fingers tucked slightly into her sleeve.
Long Ling'er was the most nervous, her small hands clutching the hem of her skirt, and the phantom image of the dragon horns on her forehead flickered due to her emotional fluctuations.
"That's enough."
The master's wife waved her hand, seemingly believing her explanation, but her eyes remained thoughtful. She suddenly changed the subject, looking at Zhou Tian with a serious tone.
"We'll talk about that later. Zhou Tian, now that you've broken through to the Golden Core stage, you should know that this protective mountain formation can't hold on any longer."