“We cannot go on like this!” Yi Xin declared tiredly. He’s been routinely administering acupuncture on Xiao Xue and with the aid of Xie Yuan’s spiritual energy infusion, they’ve been tirelessly working to purge the aphrodisiac from her system.

But with the mixed poisons and Xiao Xue’s weakened constitution, the outcome of the treatment is not ideal. With their combined efforts, they only managed to suppress the drug’s effects and keep Xiao Xue from accosting someone. But with this method they cannot wholly get rid of the root of the problem.

“There has to be something else we could do to help her.” Xie Yuan grounded out. He’s been sitting next to Xiao Xue, helpless, as she suffered the effects of Eternal Spring Bliss.

Everyone thought by now the efficacy of the medicine would be weakened. But as the time slowly ticked by, the effects of the drug only grew stronger.

Yi Xin stared at Xie Yuan as if he was looking at an idiot. But after some thought, he retracted his disapproving gaze and patiently explained. “Apprentice’s sister dantian is injured. We cannot continue to forcefully infuse her with spiritual energy because it stresses her already injured core. The pills and elixirs would do more harm than good due to the Body Eroding Poison’s effects. There is only one way to help her!”

Xie Yuan realized what Yi Xin was getting at and unconsciously flushed deep crimson. Of course he knew about ‘that’ way. It’s the safest and surest route at their disposal. But because Xiao Xue has been barely lucid since the incident happened and was not able to make a decision on the matter, Xie Yuan was hesitant to perform the deed.

If it was up to him, it does not matter whether they consummate their vows now or later. It is true that Xie Yuan never imagined his first time to be under such circumstances. But the woman involved his lover, his wife. He shouldn’t have reservations about performing the intimate deed if it meant helping Xiao Xue. But for Xie Yuan, having Xiao Xue’s consent in the matter is important regardless of the circumstance.

“Young lord, saving the young mistress is currently our priority.” Zhang Lao dutifully came forward to softly advise Xie Yuan.

Though the two have yet to perform the ceremony that would bind them as husband and wife and dao companions for life, they are already living and behaving as such. Xiao Xue’s condition will only get worse. If they continue to waste more time, Xiao Xue could suffer irreversible backlash that could lead to more problems later.

It is unfortunate that the two are cornered by the untimely and unfavorable situation. But as long as Xie Yuan or Xiao Xue do not change their minds about being together after the fact then Zhang Lao cannot perceive any problem with forging ahead.

Knowing that Xie Yuan was still hesitating, Yi Xin uttered. “If you do not want to do it then I can only…”

Before Yi Xin could finish his words, Xie Yuan’s brutal energy slammed through his body. “If you breathe more nonsense, I will cripple you!” Xie Yuan growled angrily. How could the man even think of such a thing? Xie Yuan would kill anyone who dares to touch his Little Xue!

Yi Xin wiped the sweat from his brow as he regained his balance. Actually, what he was going to say was that he could inform Yi Sheng. Their Master should have a way to deal with the current problem. But since it would take time for Yi Sheng to receive the news and send word back, Xiao Xue’s situation would be delayed and she was bound to suffer more.

After witnessing Xie Yuan's violent reaction, Yi Xin smartly kept his own counsel. As a respectable man, Yi Xin could understand Xie Yuan’s hesitation. As Xiao Xue’s apprentice brother, he’s grateful for Xie Yuan’s gentlemanly behavior.

But dithering would not do anyone good, especially Xiao Xue. The concentration and dose of Eternal Spring Bliss was too potent even for him, who was in good health. If they delay further, it would cause irreversible damage to Xiao Xue’s foundation and affect her future as a cultivator.

“Ah Yu…” a weak and shallow call sounded from the bed.

The men set aside their varying thoughts and turned to the person lying on the bed.

It’s not like Xiao Xue was unaware of what was happening around her or understood the current condition of her body. It was just that the effects of the drug were too potent and without the protection of spiritual energy, Xiao Xue had no way to reduce the effect and could only put up with it calmly.

Xiao Xue has been suffering from hallucinations. Every male she sees and hears looks and sounds like Xie Yuan. This makes it difficult for her to discern which one of the people in the room was her lover. Even if she cannot discern all that’s going on around her, she could easily guess that they’ve exhausted all avenues and have done what they could in order to help her. Her situation was not ideal to begin with and to last this long, without extreme intervention, is already quite a feat.

But Xiao Xue was growing tired and she knew her body better than anyone. If nothing is done soon, the damage she would sustain would be too severe. Even if they manage to acquire the Phoenix Revival Pill and purge the Body Eroding Poison, this recent incident would leave a lasting mark in her body that she does not want to suffer in the future.

Xie Yuan held Xiao Xue’s trembling hand and slowly infused her with spiritual energy, slowly circulating it through her meridians. Before the action brought her momentary relief but now, it only made her body burn hotter.

“Ah Yu, do you regret it?” Xiao Xue asked hoarsely.

“Regret what?” Xie Yuan asked back, confused.

“Are you having second thoughts?” Xiao Xue asked in turn.

Xie Yuan, not fully grasping what she was talking about, squeezed her hand tighter. Was this also an effect of the blasted drug? Or was his Little Xue talking about something else?

“What are you talking about, Little Xue?” He asked softly, gently wiping off the sweat from Xiao Xue’s brow.

Instead of uttering it in words, Xiao Xue showed him what she meant with her actions. Xiao Xue slowly brought their joined hands near her face and gently but fervently kissed the back of Xie Yuan’s hand. Xie Yuan froze from her sudden display but did not pull away.

“What silly thoughts are running through your head?” He chuckled as he leaned forward to kiss Xiao Xue’s forehead. Looking at her flushed face and staring at straightforward eyes, he felt his heartbeat quicken. It’s not as if Xie Yuan did not understand what his little wife meant by her actions but he needed to be certain that she was aware of what was about to happen.

Once his doubts were cleared, Xie Yuan turned to Yi Xin and Zhang Lao, who were standing not far behind him and trying hard to diminish their presence. “Leave!” He curtly ordered.

After Yi Xin and Zhang Lao left the room and the door was firmly closed, Xie Yuan turned back to Xiao Xue and deeply kissed her parted lips, entangling her tongue with his. “You cannot back out now that you’ve given me your consent.” He breathed out harshly once their lips separated.

“You will not regret it?” Xiao Xue asked breathlessly. Even in her befuddled state, Xiao Xue was worried that Xie Yuan was only carried away by his current emotions and would feel contrite about the matter afterwards.

Xie Yuan bit her soft earlobe and humorously laughed. With his amethyst eyes trained on her, he steadily pulled off his robe. “The only thing I would regret in this life, Little Xue, is if I do not claim you as mine!”