590: Chapter 590 Awakening the Spiritual Root

Cui Zhu and Chun Hua were just about to respond when they suddenly felt a sticky discomfort all over their bodies.

Their light-colored dresses had long been soaked by the expelled grime, clinging tightly to their skin. A layer of dark, black filth covered their bodies; it was the mundane dross and Impurities thoroughly expelled from their Meridians, bones, and blood during the marrow cleansing and vein tempering, still carrying a faint, foul odor of dust and filth.

The two of them instinctively withdrew their hands and looked down at their filthy clothes. Their cheeks instantly turned bright red, and they gripped the corners of their dresses in embarrassment. Hanging their heads, they didn't dare look at Liu Xuaner, their earlobes so red they looked ready to drip blood, their hearts filled with shyness and panic.

Just moments ago, they had been fully immersed in their cultivation and the flow of spiritual energy, not noticing a single bit of discomfort. Now, with Liu Xuaner's arrival, they suddenly realized how embarrassing their appearance was, wishing they could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Situ Jun took in their embarrassment, a faint smile rippling in the depths of his eyes. He thoughtfully stepped in to save them from the situation, saying:

"Marrow Cleansing and Meridian Purification will inevitably expel all mundane filth from the body. This is perfectly normal, so please clean yourselves up without worry. The inner room has been prepared in advance with warm hot springs, clean dresses, and Spiritual Flower Dew. Take your time to bathe and cleanse your bodies. I will take Xuaner out first so as not to disturb you."

After saying that, he led Liu Xuaner out of the side room and gently closed the door, leaving the entire space to the two of them so they wouldn't have to feel restrained or embarrassed anymore.

Only when the door closed did Cui Zhu and Chun Hua breathe a sigh of relief. They looked at each other, seeing deep shyness and embarrassment in each other's eyes.

"This... this is too humiliating."

Chun Hua covered her face, her voice muffled, her cheeks still burning hot.

Cui Zhu, her face red, gave her a light push. Suppressing the shyness in her heart, she said softly:

"Don't talk about that. Quickly go to the inner room and wash up, then it will be fine."

In the inner room, an exquisitely carved white jade bath had already been prepared.

The pool water was scattered with dried Frost-Condensing Flowers, Moon-Glory Grass, and other Spiritual Plants—all top-grade Immortal Plants for nourishing the skin and calming the mind.

The warm water emitted a faint, elegant floral fragrance in the mist, which curled and rose, filling the entire room with a cozy warmth.

The two of them shed their sticky old clothes. The filth on their skin varied in thickness; with a light rub of a fingertip, fine dust and debris fell away.

That was the mundane foul Qi accumulated in their bodies over many years. Now that it was all expelled, they felt as if every pore on their bodies was completely transparent. Even their breathing became crisp and smooth, and their entire bodies felt indescribably light.

Cui Zhu was the first to step into the bath. As the warm water slowly rose over her shoulders, the warmth rapidly seeped through her skin into her limbs and bones. The slight fatigue and soreness remaining from her cultivation instantly vanished, leaving her feeling exceptionally comfortable.

Chun Hua followed closely behind, stepping into the warm pool water. The fragrance of the Spiritual Plants and flowers swirled around her nose, refreshing her heart and mind.

The two of them raised their hands to scoop up the spring water, carefully rinsing their bodies.

Wherever the water flowed, the last traces of filth were washed away, revealing their newly born skin—lustrous and fair, shimmering with a faint spiritual light, so delicate that not a single blemish could be seen, like the finest jade.

Their jet-black hair, soaked in the warm water, became even more supple, gleaming with a soft luster.

It had to be said that their skin was finer and firmer than ever before, and their entire bodies felt incredibly light. Even their features radiated an elegant Immortal Qi they had never possessed before; they had truly been reborn and made anew.

On the white jade table beside the bath, two sets of brand-new dresses were neatly placed, both being high-quality Cloud-Garments prepared in advance by Liu Xuaner.

One was pale green, with slender and lively green bamboo embroidered on the skirt and a lustrous white jade pendant at the waist, elegant and refined, perfectly matching the name Cui Zhu. The other was pale pink, with brilliant blooming spring flowers embroidered on the dress and rounded pearl tassels adorning the hem, charming and lovely, truly suiting the meaning of Chun Hua.

The fabrics were all top-grade Cloud-Silk Brocade, light and soft. They felt warm and smooth to the touch and even shimmered with a faint Spiritual Qi. When worn, they felt as light as nothing, as if their bodies were draped in a layer of rosy clouds, both ethereal and elegant.

After washing their bodies, the two of them dried their hair and skin with soft, clean brocade towels and rose to slowly change into their new clothes.

The pale green cloud-dress draped over Cui Zhu's slender and graceful figure. Her features were gentle, her posture as tall and straight as a lily, and her entire being exuded a refined aura like green bamboo, indifferent and extraordinary.

The pale pink dress complemented Chun Hua's charming face, making her look lively and lovely. A simple smile brought out shallow dimples, full of gentleness and delicacy, like spring flowers newly blooming on a branch, bright and moving.

They helped each other comb their jet-black long hair, simply tying it into gentle buns and pinning them with exquisite jade hairpins. Standing before the water-chestnut mirror, they looked at their reborn selves in the reflection, which now carried an innate immortal charm. Their eyes were filled with uncontrollable surprise and disbelief.

Their former aura as mundane maidservants had vanished without a trace, replaced by a pure and ethereal immortal charm. The shyness in their features had not diminished, but it was now joined by the composure and certainty of a Cultivator.

"Sister Cui Zhu, you... you are so beautiful, like a Fairy stepped out of a painting."

Chun Hua looked at Cui Zhu in the mirror, her eyes full of amazement, unable to look away for a long time.

Cui Zhu also turned to look at her, her eyes curving as she laughed softly:

"You have changed a lot too. Your whole being has become so lively, it's like you're a different person."

The two of them smiled at each other. At this moment, the last of the tension and apprehension in their hearts completely transformed into profound gratitude and anticipation for the future.

When they pushed open the door, the late spring afternoon breeze brushed against their faces, their sleeves fluttering lightly. The fragrance of Spiritual Plants and flowers intertwined with the faint scent of the young women, drifting in the breeze, fresh and pleasant.

Situ Jun and Liu Xuaner, who were waiting under the corridor, looked at the two transformed women before them. Their eyes were filled with praise and smiles.

Liu Xuaner stepped forward quickly and examined the two of them carefully, her heart full of joy:

"Wonderful, truly wonderful! Now that you have completely shed your mundane dross, this elegant appearance is worthy of your status as my husband's Dao Companions. From now on, we are one family."

Cui Zhu and Chun Hua lowered their eyes and smiled, their cheeks tinged with a faint post-bath flush. They bowed gracefully to the two of them, their voices soft and gentle. Their entire beings were now filled with the spiritual charm of young female Cultivators, with no trace of their former mundane selves remaining.

Liu Xuaner took their hands and turned to look at Situ Jun, a mischievous smile in her eyes as she teased him softly:

"Husband, are you satisfied with these two beauties who are as lovely as flowers and jade?"

Situ Jun gave her a helpless look but nodded frankly, his tone gentle:

"If Xuaner is satisfied, then I am satisfied."

Liu Xuaner covered her mouth and laughed softly, while Cui Zhu and Chun Hua lowered their heads in shame, their earlobes turning red again, their hearts filled with a young girl's bashfulness.

...

As the twilight deepened and after a warm dinner, Liu Xuaner looked at the lively and elegantly dressed Cui Zhu and Chun Hua beside her, her eyes brimming with a gentle smile.

She gently took their hands and led them slowly toward Situ Jun, speaking in a soft, melodious voice:

"Husband, although we cleansed their Meridians and tempered their bones during the day so they could enter the Body Refining Realm, their Spiritual Root Aptitude has not yet been truly activated, so they cannot continue to Cultivate. Please work hard tonight to activate the hidden cultivation Spiritual Roots within them, so they can truly have a Foundation for cultivation."

Pausing for a moment, Liu Xuaner looked up and scanned the apprehensive Cui Zhu and Chun Hua beside her, her voice gentle yet solemn:

"Cui Zhu, Chun Hua, since you have already stepped onto the threshold of cultivation, from now on, you are no longer maidservants in the residence, but my husband's legitimate Dao Companions, equal to me, companions to each other, to stay together for a lifetime."

Hearing this, Cui Zhu and Chun Hua's hearts trembled violently. Their fingertips tightened slightly, and layers of crimson spread across their cheeks. They kept their eyes downcast, their long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Their hearts were filled with both nervous unease and great expectation and emotion.

Cleansing the Meridians and tempering the bones during the day had only granted them the Opportunity to step onto the immortal path. But now, in the quiet of the night with their intentions made clear, their fate was truly being sealed as cultivation Dao Companions, making a promise to stay together for a lifetime.

Situ Jun looked at the two charming, gentle, and spiritually beautiful women before him. After shedding their mundane dross, one was as elegant as bamboo, indifferent and warm; the other was as delicate as a flower, lively and lovely. The shyness and sincerity in their eyes were clear and moving, without a hint of falsehood.

He sighed softly, the last of his usual helplessness fading from his eyes, replaced only by gentle tenderness and solemnity.

He stepped forward slowly, his gaze falling heavily upon the two of them, his tone firm and gentle:

"Helping you cleanse your Meridians and temper your bones during the day was only to help you push open the door to the immortal path. But in the Dao of cultivation, being without a Spiritual Root is like water without a source; you cannot move forward."

Situ Jun's voice was exceptionally low and gentle in the quiet night. Carrying the unique solemnity and certainty of a Cultivator, he continued:

"Tonight, I will use all my effort to help you activate your Spiritual Roots, so you can truly possess the Aptitude for cultivation. At the same time, let us also set our Dao Companion covenant here. The immortal path is long; from now on, we shall never leave nor abandon each other."

Hearing this, Cui Zhu and Chun Hua's eyes turned slightly red. Endless warmth and emotion welled up in their hearts, and all their previous nervousness and apprehension were completely transformed into peace of mind and deep feeling.

They looked at each other, both seeing determination and sincerity in the other's eyes.

Then they looked up together, staring fixedly at the handsome and extraordinary man before them. Without any hesitation, they bent their knees and slowly bowed, performing the most solemn Dao Companion salute in formal greeting.

"Cui Zhu is willing to accompany Manor Lord Situ Jun. Though the immortal path is long, my original heart shall not change. I will follow you through life and death and never fail you!"

"Chun Hua is willing to accompany Manor Lord Situ Jun. Through ten thousand tribulations, I will never leave nor abandon you. I will always stay by your side, unchanging in this life!"

Their two soft yet incredibly firm voices echoed gently in the quiet night. The night wind, carrying the fragrance of flowers from the courtyard, quietly recorded these two sincere oaths under the vast sea of stars, becoming an eternal witness.

Situ Jun reached out and gently helped the two of them up.

The moment their palms touched, the warm sensation slowly spread from their fingertips to their hearts, bringing endless warmth and connection.

Liu Xuaner stood to the side, quietly watching this warm and moving scene. Her eyes curved into a gentle smile, her heart full of gratification.

She took a step forward, gently holding their three overlapping hands, and laughed softly:

"Today is a day of great joy for our manor. On such a beautiful night with such wonderful scenery, you two should hurry back to your room. Do not let this grand night go to waste."

...

The night grew deeper, and the moonlight was gentle.

In the bedroom of the side room, the furnishings were elegant and warm. Lily Incense was burning on the table to calm the mind, its blue smoke curling and dispersing a light, non-greasy, elegant fragrance that filled the room.

Cui Zhu and Chun Hua had changed into soft sleepwear, one in pale green and one in soft pink, and were sitting side by side on the edge of the bed.

Their fingertips tightly gripped the hems of their clothes, their long lashes lowered. Their cheeks had been stained with a lingering flush from the beginning, their hearts full of a young girl's shyness and awkwardness.

Situ Jun looked at their at-a-loss, shy, and uneasy appearance, a faint smile rippling in the depths of his eyes. He walked closer and comforted them in a gentle tone:

"There is no need to be so restrained. From now on, you are my, Situ Jun's, Dao Companions. You no longer need to be as cautious and careful as you were in the past."

After speaking, he slowly sat down on a nearby soft couch.

The flickering candlelight fell upon his ink-colored hair, casting a gentle halo that made his features appear even more mild and tender, making it hard to look away.

Cui Zhu was the first to pluck up her courage. She looked up slightly, stole a glance at Situ Jun, and then quickly lowered her head again. Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's buzz, carrying a hint of panic:

"Manor... Manor Lord, we... we just, for the time being, aren't used to this kind of status."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she suddenly remembered that she was no longer a maidservant in the manor but his Dao Companion. Her earlobes instantly turned a transparent red, and she hurriedly corrected herself, her voice becoming even softer and more delicate:

"I... we aren't being restrained on purpose, it's just..."

Seeing her at a loss and in a panic, Chun Hua also gently pulled on her sleeve to signal her not to worry, but her own heart was also thumping like a drum. When she looked up at Situ Jun, her eyes were full of shy dependence and joy.

Situ Jun sighed inwardly, knowing that since the two of them had been maidservants since childhood, it would be difficult for them to completely let go of their restraint in a short time, so he didn't force it.

He smiled and took the initiative to speak, chatting with them about daily trifles and cultivation basics, patiently explaining common knowledge of the Dao of cultivation to gradually ease their nervous moods.

The atmosphere in the room gradually became warm, tender, and full of gentleness.

The candlelight swayed slightly, tinting the light and shadows in the room even softer. The scent of Lily Incense swirled around their noses, removing the last trace of awkwardness.

Situ Jun looked at the two women before him, who were looking down in shyness. His gaze was as warm and moist as water. He rose slowly and said in a low voice:

"It is getting late. I will now activate your Spiritual Roots. This process requires the unity of mind and spirit, so do not panic. Just trust me."

Cui Zhu and Chun Hua looked up together, a bit more certainty added to the shyness in their eyes. They both nodded lightly and responded softly:

"We will follow your instructions, Husband."

When they said "Husband," their cheeks were crimson, but it hid a heart full of certainty and attachment.

Situ Jun raised his hand, a wisp of lustrous white Spiritual Qi condensing at his fingertips. He gently brushed it over the doors and windows of the room, laying down a layer of Mind-Calming Barrier to isolate them from the outside world, lest external sounds disturb the process.

Then he signaled for the two of them to sit cross-legged in the center of the soft couch while he sat opposite them. A warm, pale-gold Spiritual Qi slowly emanated from his body, carrying more of a lingering Dao rhythm than during the marrow cleansing and vein tempering of the day.

"The Spiritual Root is hidden within the Origin of the Meridians. Awakening the latent Spiritual Root Aptitude may involve some slight discomfort; just relax your body and mind."

His tone was gentle. He was the first to reach out his hands, spiritual power flashing at his fingertips, and the bed curtains isolated a small, warm space.

Cui Zhu and Chun Hua looked at each other, seeing shyness in each other's eyes, and moved closer to Situ Jun together.

Amidst the flickering candlelight, the pure Dragon-Phoenix Spiritual Qi was gently transferred into their bodies.

The Dragon-Phoenix Spiritual Qi was no longer as sharp as it had been when flushing their Meridians during the day; instead, it was like spring water, slowly flowing through their limbs and bones, finally converging at the Dantian's Origin, nurturing pure Five Elements Origin Power.

Cui Zhu only felt a surge of warmth at her Dantian, and a lively aura slowly grew. Her Meridians became increasingly transparent, and she could vaguely feel the free-floating Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth gathering toward her body.

That was the aura belonging to the Wood-Attribute Spiritual Root, pure and long-lasting, complementing her personality perfectly.

She looked down at their joined hands, feeling the temperature of Situ Jun's palm. Warmth surged in her heart, and the previous sense of fatigue all over her body completely vanished, leaving only a heart full of stability.

Beside her, a faint pink glow emanated from Chun Hua's body. Her Fire-Attribute Spiritual Root slowly awakened, and the warmth grew even stronger, yet it wasn't scorching; instead, it exuded a delicate Spiritual Qi. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi continuously poured in, making her entire being even more lively and charming. The look in her eyes as she gazed at Situ Jun was full of dependence and devotion.

Situ Jun focused entirely on controlling the strength, carefully Awakening their Spiritual Roots, his gaze remaining gentle throughout.

In his ink-colored eyes, the faint light of the candle was reflected, as were their shy faces. The aura of the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Derivation True Scripture perfectly merged with their Spiritual Roots, carefully nourishing them.