Liam Ardent's gaze lingered on Lady Moira Drake, his sharp eyes reading more than her pale expression let on.
"Lady Drake," he said evenly, "your internal injuries show damage to the Lung Meridian from an exchanged palm strike. I can guide the flow of your qi with acupuncture through your robes. But your fractured ribs…" His gaze moved briefly to her side, "will require direct work at the site. That means I will need to treat you without the covering of cloth."
Moira's cheeks flushed faintly; her eyes flickered with a mixture of hesitation and resolve.
"You are the physician here," she said softly. "I will trust your judgment. But… perhaps we could move inside? I would prefer not to be treated in view of others."
Liam tilted his head, mildly surprised by her request.
"Of course," he replied.
From within her sleeve, Moira withdrew a bloodstained golden ornament—an exquisitely forged Golden Flower.
"In the Linhuai Pavilion, we were ambushed," she explained. "Fifteen of my companions were injured. This flower belonged to the woman who engineered the trap. She told us to come here to Butterfly Valley for Master Edric Thornwell's treatment… but also claimed he would refuse us, forcing us to stay and 'wear down his resistance.' I merely arrived ahead of the others. They will be here soon enough. My wound is… in a compromising place. I would rather they not see."
Liam nodded. "Then follow me."
With Isla Drake at his side, the three made their way into the thatched hut. The faint scent of dried herbs filled the air, mingled with the earthy scent of freshly ground poultices.
Without a trace of ceremony, Lady Moira removed her outer garment and lifted her inner blouse, revealing a swath of flawless skin marred by a jagged bruise and swelling at her left ribs. Several bones had clearly shifted from their natural alignment.
For all her composure, this closeness with a man was rare for her. Since her separation from Victor Drake years ago, she had never allowed another to approach her so intimately. Now, even knowing Liam's intent was purely medical, the heat in her cheeks deepened.
"Sir Liam…" her voice faltered, quieter than a whisper, "…I leave myself in your hands."
Her tone carried both a flicker of embarrassment and an undercurrent of trust. Liam inclined his head, his own voice calm and measured.
"There is nothing to fear, Lady Drake. This will be over quickly."
He inhaled deeply, suppressing the flicker of warmth that stirred in him. His palms met the air over her wound, and with a smooth shift of stance, he pressed them gently to her side. Internal strength surged from his core, flowing into his hands before seeping into her body.
Moira's breath caught—soft, involuntary. The sensation was unlike anything she'd felt in years; the warmth of his qi threaded through her like an electrified current, untangling the stagnant knots of pain.
Her mind flickered, unbidden, to the only other time a man's touch had lingered on her—long ago, under entirely different circumstances. She almost flinched… until she felt the delicate precision of Liam's control. This was not the grasp of possession, but the steady hands of a healer.
In moments, she could feel the fractured bone knitting with startling speed. Deep bruising lightened as congested blood dispersed under his qi's guidance. She chided herself silently for the earlier doubt.
As the tension drained from her body, her admiration for him rose without resistance.
[System Prompt: Favorability +8 — Current Favorability: 90 (Reverence)]
From the corner of his vision, Liam saw Isla's brows knit together.
"Mother? Did he hurt you?" she asked, her young voice tinged with concern.
Moira's lips curved faintly, though her words were breathy. "No… it is only that the wound is tender."
Liam, for his part, understood perfectly the source of her reaction and kept his expression serene. Still, the light in her eyes as she met his gaze did not escape him.
"I'll be careful," he reassured Isla. "But your mother's ribs must be aligned before the injury heals incorrectly."
Guiding his internal force with the precision learned from the Midnight-Noon Acupuncture Classic, he adjusted the rib fragments one by one. When the last clicked into place, he reached for a pouch of golden needles—slender as hair, their tips honed to gleam under the light. One after another, they slid into her acupoints in a sequence designed to rouse vitality and speed the repair of damaged tissue.
Her body eased under his work, her breathing steadying. Finally, he smoothed a thin layer of healing salve over the injury and wrapped it in clean linen.
When he stepped back, he exhaled slowly. "It's done. The salve will encourage new flesh to grow. In a few days' rest, you'll be yourself again."
The familiar mechanical chime sounded in his mind.
[Achievement Unlocked: "Miracle Healer" – Reward: Mid-grade Experience Pill ×3]
[Manual Skill Applied: "Midnight-Noon Acupuncture Classic" – Internal Strength +100]
A grin tugged at his lips. "Even this counts toward my progress."
Without hesitation, he consumed the three pills. Warmth bloomed in his dantian.
[EXP +3000 — Current EXP: 25,300 / 32,000]
[Internal Strength: 13,200]
Moira sat up carefully, her face softer now. "Sir Liam, I am deeply in your debt. My pain has all but faded."
Her favorability edged even higher—98. Only a breath away from absolute loyalty.
Before Liam could respond, Isla bounded toward him and clung to his neck, her lithe frame almost hanging from him like a vine.
"Brother Liam!" she said, planting a quick, impulsive kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for healing Mother! You're the best!"
Liam's eyes widened fractionally as the system chimed again.
[Favorability Maxed — Isla Drake: 100 (Devotion)]
He couldn't help the chuckle that rose in his chest. His high looks and timely skill seemed to charm the Drake women alike—and for once, he wasn't about to complain.
Glossary – Chapter 5
Lung Meridian (Taiyin) – A vital qi channel controlling respiratory energy and linked to emotional balance. Damage can cause weakness and difficulty breathing.
Golden Flower Token – An ornate gold ornament used as both a calling card and mark of challenge by certain martial world elites.
Midnight-Noon Acupuncture Classic – Golden-grade manual containing advanced acupuncture methods synchronized with the body's energy cycles, used for rapid healing.
Healing Salve – Special herbal paste that stimulates regeneration of tissue and soothes pain.
Lady Moira Drake – Disciple of the Emei Sect, famed for her beauty and quiet strength; estranged wife of Victor Drake; mother of Isla Drake.
Isla Drake – Daughter of Victor Drake and Lady Moira Drake; spirited and pure-hearted, deeply attached to those she trusts.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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T/N :
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