Feeling the astonishing elasticity and warmth from his arm, Su Yu felt his dormant Qi and Blood surge at his senior sister’s touch.

He couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated.

’Does Senior Sister really think I’m some naive, innocent boy who knows nothing of the world?’

This body of his was indeed a virgin, and coupled with the vigorous Qi and Blood from practicing Martial Arts, some physical reactions were inevitable.

’But I have plenty of experience from my previous life!’

Instead of dodging when Lin Wanzhu leaned in, Su Yu seized the initiative and moved to meet her.

His eyes, deep as pools, stared unflinchingly into Lin Wanzhu’s dark pupils. His voice was low and magnetic, tinged with a hint of aggression. "Senior Sister, how do you want your junior brother to repay you?"

They were mere inches apart, their breaths mingling.

Lin Wanzhu’s heart skipped a beat, and the playful, confident smile on her face froze.

She had intended to tease her innocent junior brother, but she never expected him to react like this.

Gazing at her handsome junior brother’s face, so close, the fiery masculine scent washed over her like a heatwave. It made her body, ripe for years but never plucked, start to lose control.

At that moment, she felt her body go weak, and she subconsciously squeezed her legs together.

Su Yu took in her reaction, and the corner of his mouth curved into a knowing smile.

’As expected.’

’This senior sister of mine acts like a seasoned player, but in reality, she’s the inexperienced one. Her usual ripe and voluptuous appearance is simply natural beauty.’

Beneath the table, his leg extended slightly, and his knee, as if by accident, gently pressed against Lin Wanzhu’s long, jade-like leg, which was wrapped in a silk skirt.

"Ngh..."

Lin Wanzhu’s delicate body trembled violently. The electric, tingling numbness almost made her moan aloud.

At this moment, the thin paper window between them felt like it could be broken with a single poke. And once it was broken, their relationship would change.

Su Yu’s expression was calm.

’He actually didn’t mind being with his senior sister. After all, she was a Flesh Refining Realm expert. Her family background, strength, and appearance were all top-tier.’

’Moreover, she didn’t need his protection and could even protect him in return. If they were to get together, they would also be a great help to each other on the path of Martial Arts.’

Just as the amorous atmosphere was about to deepen, Lin Wanzhu suddenly shrank back.

Her pearly teeth bit down hard on her red lips, the tips of her ears flushing crimson. A hint of panic and struggle flashed in her eyes, but in the end, reason prevailed. She forced herself to say, "J-Junior Brother, let’s talk business."

She took a deep breath, calming her heaving chest. Her voice still trembled slightly. "That Bone Marrow Cleansing and Bone Forging Pill is in the Merit Pavilion of the Law Enforcement Mansion. If you have enough merit, you can redeem it."

Hearing about serious business, Su Yu’s eyes sharpened, and he regained his usual clarity.

’Good!’

’Since it’s in the Merit Pavilion, there’s a way to get it. It’s no longer just some ethereal, unattainable object.’

’But a pill like this won’t be easy to redeem. I’ll wait a few days for my merit points to be awarded and see how many I get.’

"Thank you for telling me, Senior Sister!" Su Yu cupped his fist, his tone solemn.

"But..." Lin Wanzhu watched him instantly regain his composure and felt an inexplicable emptiness in her heart. She said in a low voice, "A lot of people have their eyes on this pill, even people from prominent families like the Liu Family are coveting it. You must accumulate merit as quickly as possible. If it’s not enough when the time comes... I, and the Lin Family, can help you make up the difference."

"I am grateful for your great kindness, Senior Sister."

Having gotten the information he wanted, Su Yu didn’t linger. He rose crisply to take his leave, his steps firm and without a trace of hesitation.

’Su Yu had seen his senior sister pull away just now. Although he didn’t know why, he wouldn’t dwell on it.’

’No matter what, his path of Martial Arts always came first!’

...

The door closed, and the sound of footsteps faded into the distance.

Silence returned to the room, leaving only the faint aroma of tea.

Lin Wanzhu seemed to have been drained of all her strength. She collapsed limply into her chair, waves of disappointment washing over her.

She sighed again, cupped her heavy bosom with one hand, then draped herself exhaustedly over the table, allowing it to be pressed out of shape against the wood.

"Sigh..."

’On a normal day, outsiders envied her for being the Second Master of the Lin Family, a woman of limitless prestige and the reigning beauty of the Outer City. But only she knew how tired she was, weighed down by the heavy burden of her family’s business, just like the heavy weight on her chest.’

’She was a woman, too. She also wanted a broad shoulder to lean on, to hide behind someone when the storms came.’

’In that moment, her heart had truly been moved.’

"But... it’s impossible."

Lin Wanzhu closed her eyes, a bitter smile touching her lips.

’She was the pillar of the Lin Family, bound by all sorts of shackles.’

’Now, with the world in decline, trade routes were frequently beset by trouble, and there were faint signs of great chaos on the horizon.’

’The Lin Family was relying entirely on her and her older brother to stay afloat. Her marriage had long ceased to be a personal matter.’

"Oh, Junior Brother, Junior Brother... You’re growing fast, but still not fast enough."

"If only you were a few years older... if only you were already in the Flesh Refining Realm..."

Her thoughts drifted back to that light touch under the table and the masculine scent that had washed over her.

She immediately felt another wave of heat surge through her body. She subconsciously squeezed her legs together again, and a captivating, drunken blush appeared on her face.

...

「Su Mansion, Front Courtyard Martial Arts Arena.」

"HYAH! HAH!"

The sound of whistling fists broke the tranquility of the courtyard.

Su Can was bare-chested, the muscles on his remaining right arm bulging as he practiced his forms with meticulous precision. Although he was missing an arm, which made his stance a little unsteady, his eyes were resolute. He put his full strength into every punch, his sweat glistening in the sunlight.

Behind him, Li Jin and Li Da were also practicing their Martial Arts. Despite the cold winter wind, they were already drenched in sweat.

"Second Brother!"

"My Lord!"

Seeing Su Yu enter, the three of them quickly stopped and bowed.

Su Can wiped away his sweat, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. "Second Brother, I saw that these two have a good foundation, and since they’ll be guarding the mansion, I thought I’d teach them a few moves. They’ll be able to hold their own if something happens."

Su Yu nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the dark, sturdy young man. "Li Jin, have you ever succeeded in Knocking?"

Li Jin hurriedly bowed, his respectful expression tinged with regret. "Reporting to you, my lord. This subordinate is slow-witted and has never succeeded in Knocking."

"No matter." Su Yu patted his shoulder. "Since you’ve entered the Su Mansion, just train diligently with Third Brother from now on. I’ll also give you each a dose of Herbal Decoction every month. Sooner or later, you’ll have a chance to break through."

"Yes! Thank you for your guidance, my lord!" Li Jin was so excited his face flushed red. ’Lord Su is even giving me an Herbal Decoction! He’s too good to us!’

’I must serve Lord Su to the death in the future!’

Then, Su Yu turned to the more refined-looking Li Da. "Li Da, since you’re literate, besides practicing Martial Arts, I’ll entrust some of the mansion’s bookkeeping and miscellaneous tasks to you."

"Thank you, my lord! This subordinate will do my utmost!" Li Da was also delighted. Compared to practicing Martial Arts, he was more interested in managing accounts.

After instructing the two men, Su Yu called Su Can aside. "Third Brother, the mansion is short-staffed right now. I want to give you the responsibility of Guard Commander."

Su Can was instantly thrilled. Ever since moving into the Su Mansion, he had been wanting to do something to help his second brother, which was why he had taken the initiative to teach Li Jin and Li Da martial arts. Now, he finally had his chance.

"Second Brother, just leave it to me. With my current strength of Three Times of Knocking, dealing with common thugs is no problem at all."

Seeing his enthusiasm, Su Yu felt a sense of relief. The mansion was lacking loyal guards, but with his third brother here, he wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore.

"Third Brother, this guard work isn’t easy. From now on, your monthly salary will be five taels of silver."

"Second Brother, I can’t accept that! I’m already content just living here, how could I also take a salary!" Hearing he would be paid, Su Can waved his hands hastily in refusal.

Su Yu shook his head and patted his shoulder heavily. "Third Brother, it’s not a lot of money, don’t refuse it. Besides, my expectations for you don’t stop here. Use the extra money to cultivate properly and see if you can try to break through to the Martial Artist realm again!"

’A Martial Artist!’

Su Can’s entire body trembled, and his eyes instantly turned red.

’Ever since he lost his arm, everyone had treated him like a cripple. Even he himself had given up. But his second brother... still had hope for him?’

"Second Brother..."

He recalled how everyone’s attitude at the martial arts hall had changed after he failed to break through, and his respect for Su Yu grew even deeper.

’How laughable I was, unable to distinguish who was truly on my side. I must not fail Second Brother’s expectations in the future!’