Chapter 2790: Strip

“What is it?” Zu An was both overjoyed and confused.

Even someone as knowledgeable about this world as he couldn’t find a solution, but Tingxue, despite having only arrived here not long ago, knew a way out?

“The ancient tomb has a Cold Jade Bed that was passed down from my ancestor. A daoist named Wang Chongyang got it for her to treat her severe injuries. It’s still in the tomb now. Come with me.” Tingxue turned around and left the room.

Zu An hoisted Firework up his arms and followed Tingxue.

Firework usually put on a lofty attitude, but now that she was lying quietly in his arms like a little chick, he found it hard to relate her to that domineering demon spider.

They soon arrived at a room. As soon as they stepped in, a surge of cold air rushed at them. Zu An felt Firework tremble, so he gently channeled a surge of energy into her body.

The warm energy coursing through Firework’s body made her feel comfortable. She opened her eyes to look at the man carrying her. This angle feels familiar. This was how he held me back at the Eight Barren Netherworld Suppression Formation, too.

Oblivious to her thoughts, Zu An was focused on the pristine bed not too far away. The bed looked like an amalgamation of ice and jade, and there was a layer of frigid white air above it. He could feel its chill even from a distance.

“I know this bed helps to hasten the growth of one’s inner energy, but shouldn’t someone injured steer clear of this bed? Otherwise, the cold energy might worsen their injury.”

When resting on a Cold Jade Bed, martial artists could instinctively circulate their inner energy, even when asleep. This greatly enhanced their training efficiency, potentially reaping a week’s worth of gains within a single day.

But those who were injured couldn’t channel their inner energy to protect their bodies. Approaching the Cold Jade Bed in such a state would only result in cold energy seeping into their bodies, thus worsening their affliction.

Return of the Condor Heroes had mentioned that the Cold Jade Bed could be used for recuperation, but it had failed to save Xiaolongnu. That was why Zu An hadn't thought of it right away.

“In order to tap into the Cold Jade Bed’s healing property, you might have to cultivate the Ancient Tomb Sect’s signature skill, the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra,” Tingxue replied.

Zu An anxiously said, “Please save her, Miss Tingxue.”

But Tingxue shook her head and replied, “I can’t do it.”

Zu An was startled. Firework harrumphed. “Don’t beg her! Bring me out, lest I dirty her place.”

Tingxue knew Firework had misunderstood her words, so she explained, “It’s not that I don’t want to save you, but that I’m unable to do so. Cultivating the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra requires two people of opposing inner energy attributes. My inner energy carries the yin attribute, and so does Firework’s. I’d only worsen her injuries if I made a move.”

Firework realized she had misunderstood Tingxue and felt apologetic, but she was too embarrassed to admit it. “Since that’s the case, why don’t you let Zu An learn it? His inner energy carries the yang attribute.”

Zu An had channeled his inner energy into Firework many times now, and the warm feeling it evoked in her was extremely comfortable. With his vast knowledge, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to learn a martial art in this world.

Tingxue frowned. “But there’s a problem with cultivating this martial art.”

“How hard can the martial arts of this world be?” Firework was confused.

“Well...” Tingxue’s cheeks reddened.

Zu An suddenly interjected, “Does the cultivation of the martial art require both parties to be naked?”

Tingxue looked at Zu An in astonishment. “How do you know?”

The Jade Maiden Heart Sutra was the Ancient Tomb Sect’s most prized martial art, and it had never been leaked to outsiders.

“This fellow is very familiar with this world’s setting.” Firework harrumphed. “So, does the cultivation of this martial art really require its practitioners to strip naked?”

Tingxue nodded. “Cultivating this martial art will cause one’s body to heat up and release steam, so it has to be done naked in an empty area, so the steam can swiftly dissipate without any blockages. If the steam accumulates, it can potentially be fatal.

“The Jade Maiden Heart Sutra is divided into nine stages. The odd-numbered stages are called ‘Advancing Yin’ and the even-numbered stages are called ‘Retreating Yang’.

“The Retreating Yang stages can be paused whenever needed, but the Advancing Yin stages have to be completed in a single breath. Pausing in the middle of an Advancing Yin stage will result in a severe backlash. It’s a highly risky process. That’s why both parties have to channel their inner energies for protection.”

Firework harrumphed. “That’s obviously an unorthodox martial art.”

Tingxue didn’t argue against that. “Our ancestor developed this martial art to deal with the orthodox sects’ number one expert, Wang Chongyang. She made many trade-offs to maximize its prowess, making mastering the skill much riskier. The original host of this body learned the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra under Xiaolongnu’s tutelage.”

She then turned to Zu An and continued, “Firework is severely injured. You’ll have to train the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra to a level where you can treat her. I can guide you in learning the martial art, but we’re of different sexes. How can we train together without clothes?”

Her fair complexion reddened, adding a touch of color to the dull room.

Firework teased, “I thought Nebula worshipers abandoned their emotions. It’s just stripping clothes. Are you embarrassed?”

Tingxue lowered her head. “Perhaps I’m still lacking.”

Firework was choked by her honesty.

Zu An chuckled. “That’s not an issue. There should be a camellia field outside the ancient tomb. We can cultivate there—the flowers will conceal our bodies from each other.”

He couldn’t believe he was using the method Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu had used back then. Tingxue probably didn’t know about that, as that was a secret between the couple, and they were too embarrassed to tell their daughter.

Tingxue blinked. “That sounds feasible.”

Firework rolled her eyes. Is that fellow dumb? Tingxue was already hesitating. If I played the pity card, she might have agreed to strip before him. Yet he’s not making full use of this opportunity.

Zu An and Tingxue made their way to the camellia field outside the ancient tomb. He made sure to survey the area to check if there were any Mongols around.

In truth, Zu An and Firework’s sudden appearance had intimidated the Mongols. Prince Zhenjin had felt threatened and hurriedly retreated with his subordinates.

Firework was awestruck by the vibrant camellias that covered the mountain. There are actually so many beautiful scenes in the world. My obsession with exacting vengeance has caused me to miss out on a lot...

Tingxue shared the formula and the things to look out for when cultivating the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra with Zu An. “Have you gotten everything down?”

“Yes, I’ve gotten it down.” With Zu An’s strong mind, it was a piece of cake for him to remember and grasp this world’s martial arts.

Tingxue glanced at Firework. “Aren’t you going to rest in the ancient tomb?”

Firework shook her head. “I hate dark places. I was sealed in one for too long.” You must be kidding me! They’re going to take off their clothes to cultivate. How can I miss such a show?

A tinge of redness touched Tingxue’s face. She sat down in the flowers and said, “Let’s begin.”

Zu An looked uncomfortable as well. No man could remain composed in such a situation, especially with Firework staring at him teasingly.

“Strip!” Firework exclaimed.

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