Xia Zhi went upstairs to his bedroom and retrieved the [Essence Bottle] from the windowsill, where it had been absorbing sunlight. He poured a small amount of [Essence of Sun and Moon] into a cup before returning downstairs.
"Here."
"This is—?!"
"You asked what's in the oils? This essence."
"How is it made?"
"Just drink it."
"Tell ~"
"Or I take it back."
"Wait!"
Xia Ci hastily accepted the cup, carefully draining every drop.
"How's the taste?"
"Indescribably subli."
"And your divine power?"
"Recovering…"
As she spoke, Xia Zhi saw her hair lengthen, her body growing taller.
Within monts, the once petite girl had transford into a radiant young woman.
Xia Ci stretched lazily, her now-elegant figure a near match for the poised, scholarly beauty.
"So good~"
"How much power is restored?"
"About 20%!"
"Not bad."
"Cousin, is there more?"
"Not for now."
"For now? Then when?"
"Depends on your performance."
"!"
Xia Ci blinked rapidly.
"Cousin, are you thirsty?"
"No."
"Tired, then?"
"A bit."
"You've been on your feet all afternoon—cooking, massaging. You must be exhausted. Let massage you!"
"No need…"
"Don't worry! I know massage techniques too. After all, aromatherapy massage originated in Suru. I'm just not as skilled as you."
"You never ntioned this before."
"I was too short before! Now that I've grown, it's perfect. Co on, cousin~"
"…Fine. Let's try."
Xia Zhi lay down on the bed.
This was only his second ti being massaged—the first was by Shenhe.
The verdict?
Not bad.
But lacking Shenhe's… generous touch.
Or rather, her expertise in pressure points.
Shenhe, after all, was an experienced driver who knew all the best routes.
Xia Ci leaned close, whispering:
"Cousin, how was it?"
"Pretty good."
"If you like, I can massage you daily."
"…No need."
"It's no trouble~"
Xia Zhi chuckled.
"That eager to restore your power?"
"Who said anything about power? I just care about you!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
"Alright, thanks. I'm refreshed now—my turn."
"Oh."
…
After the massage, Xia Ci returned to the bathhouse, imdiately drawing everyone's attention.
"Xia Ci…?"
"Mm. Why the surprise?"
"!!!"
"How did you grow so much overnight?!"
"Ah… long story. This is actually my original size."
"What?!"
Xia Ci sank into the bath with a blissful sigh.
"You might not believe it, but I'm only slightly younger than my cousin."
"?"
"Once, while playing in the mountains, I found a strange fruit. Foolishly, I took a bite—then passed out. When I woke up, I'd beco a child."
"That's incredible!"
"The effects have been fading over ti, which is why I've partially reverted now."
The others listened, fascinated.
Chi Yu sighed. "Your holand sounds miraculous. First a fruit that revived , now this…"
Zhu Zi nodded. "And those delicious mushrooms!"
Diona clasped her hands. "I have to visit Boss's hotown!"
Xia Ci smiled enigmatically.
Nearby, Shenhe shot her a sidelong glance.
Noticing the gaze, Xia Ci turned and t Shenhe's eyes—her own brimming with inexplicable triumph.
Shenhe was baffled.
Why are you looking at like you just stole my man?!
She turned away, silently soaking.
Xia Ci smirked and resud bathing.
Yaoyao paddled over, poking Xia Ci's shoulder with starry eyes.
"Xia Ci sister, you're so tall now!"
"Right?"
"We used to be the sa height! Now you're way taller. I'm so jealous!"
"Eat well, Yaoyao. You'll grow too."
"How long will it take?"
"About two years."
"That's forever!"
"It'll pass quickly. Enjoy your childhood while it lasts."
"But I wanna grow up fast…"
…
Nightti.
Back in her room, Xia Ci sat on the bed and took out the Akasha Terminal.
Instead of chanting the activation phrase, she pressed a finger to it, channeling her divine power.
At the sa mont, in a locked chamber deep in Suru, the Dendro Gnosis trembled faintly.
[WARNING: Unauthorized access detected.]
[WARNING: Intrusion attempt in progress.]
[WARNING: Security breach imminent.]
[Beep—]
[Identity confird.]
[Welco ho, Master.]
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