In the world of martial cultivation, the location in which one trains is often overlooked in favor of profound, ancient techniques and rare materials. Equipping oneself with potent artifacts and periodically cleansing one's body through rituals and diets suffice to purify any impurities from daily life that enter the body while training. However, cultivating in an area free of such impurities not only prevents such sediments from tainting one's spiritual vessel, but the spiritual energies in such places are of a higher quality and typically in high quantity.
Such was the environment of Mount Aocang, the domain of the venerated Perfected Lord who Retains the Clouds by Borrowing the Wind, where the illuminated crane trained her mortal disciple for over a decade. Rich in all the bounty needed to raise a child of calamity into a powerful exorcist and proficient warrior, such an isolated setting was the perfect place for Shenhe to grow so she could overcome her fate.
But the newest resident of Mount Aocang was not like her. Her martial nephew, her sole remaining familiar connection to mortal society, was not born with a cursed body, abandoned as a sacrifice to the husk of a malevolent god, and raised away from human society. He was blessed with strong spiritual powers, a loving family, and a disposition that drew others in.
As she approached the spot where she spent years meditating under the watchful gaze of her temperamental master, the silver-haired beauty looked across the lake to cliffs and waterfalls at the border of Chenyu Vale. When not being instructed by her master or gathering materials and resources for her training, she would sit at the base of the giant Sandbearer tree by the lake and refine her yin energy. In the months since her nephew had come to live and train with her, she had seldomly visited the tranquil location, as the white-haired boy's potent yang energy benefitted her cultivation more. The memories she had there were neither fond nor unpleasant, but she found herself growing nostalgic as she sat next to the rapidly growing sapling in the larger tree's shadow.
I could have spent the rest of my life here, in Shīfu's domain. Never venturing back into the realm of mortals. Never encountering Limune and Paimon. Never learning of the fate of my village. Never meeting Yúnr…As her thoughts were weighed down by the memory of her old mannerisms, if not for her nosey, meddlesome, motherly master, she may have never left the immediate area around Mount Aocang. Stubbornly refusing the world that cast her aside, she had been content living in seclusion, away from mortals. While she still didn't understand all the intricacies and etiquettes of the Liyue Harbor and the various villages across the nation, the people she had met were not what she had imagined. There were people who were warm, welcoming, patient, and understanding.…and while I will always think of this place as my home, I cannot force Yúnr to live here as well. He still has a life in Liyue Harbor. It's already been six months and I've kept him here the whole time.
Holding a hand over her lower abdomen, the lack of the younger exorcist's presence in her body had become foreign and uncomfortable not just for her, but for him as well. It was natural for her to go through her training while they used the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo to sequester the young man inside of her body. With the Fángfǔ píngzhàng, there was no worry about food, water, or even air, which meant he could focus on refining his yang energy within an area of potent yin energy: her womanhood.
The natural interaction between yin and yang energies was one of feeding and consumption. Yin sought out and devoured yang while yang sought to fill the void of yin.
Shīfu has always been preparing me to return to mortal society, but I never had a reason to try and integrate with the people of Liyue Harbor before.As she cleared her mind and attuned herself to the tranquility of nature, a phantom smile graced Shenhe's lips as she sensed a potent source of yang energy approach her. Getting up, she came around the mighty Sandbearer tree and approached the boy in white with two large, full backpacks waiting for her.
"A-Are you sure about this, Xiǎoyí?" He asked hesitantly. "You don't have to move to Liyue Harbor because of me. We can stay here if you want."
Seeing him fret over something she already decided on, Shenhe reached out and pulled her nephew into an embrace, burying his face into her soft, ample bosom. Through the physical contact, she could feel the trace amounts of her yin energy still lingering in his spiritual vessel. In time, it would need to be expelled so as not to compromise his cultivation base, but for now, she was ignoring it. He had ceased resisting their moments of familial skinship thanks to the side effects those pools of yin energy caused, like accepting the embrace she held him in currently. "I told you, Yúnr, I've decided to live in Liyue Harboe myself. I have been contemplating it ever since the battle against Beisht. If you wish to remain with Shīfu, I'm sure she'll welcome you."
Tightening his grip on her, he shook his head. "N-No. I want to stay with you…" Muttering under his breath, such an adorably stubborn reply would have likewise been impossible before they began their paired cultivation.
Rustling his snow-white locks, the silver-haired beauty nodded and took one of the backpacks from him. "I want to stay with you as well. Now, do you have everything?"
"Yes." Nodding enthusiastically, he followed after his aunt as she led them south.
As they passed into the shadow of the towering mountain where she was raised, Shenhe looked up the nigh-sheer cliffs she used to climb for training. Near the peak, she thought she saw an avian shadow for a moment, but when she focused, it vanished. However, just as the thought that she was imagining it crossed her mind, a single feather of unblemished white and radiant gold fluttered softly down towards her. Farewell, Shīfu. Thank you for all you have done for me. Though I may end up tripping and falling along the way, I know there are people who will help me stand back up.Knowing the temperament of her master, as well as already having said her goodbyes, Shenhe smiled up toward the adepti's abode and snatched the feather out of the air.
From a well-hidden vantage point atop Mount Aocang, the elegant, illuminated beast watched as the two Cryo Vision Bearers made their way to the valley on the northeast face of Qingyun Peak.
"Once more, another of one's disciples journeys to settle in Liyue Harbor." Trying to mask the melancholy in her voice despite her solitude, the majestic crane thought back on the conversation she had with her disciple when she came to inform her of her decision.
"Shīfu, I have decided to leave for Liyue Harbor and live there with Yúnr."
"One sees. One had hoped that young lad would serve as the connection needed for you to return to mortal society. That he came to live upon one's mountain instead was a miscalculation, but it would appear all has worked out for the best."
"Yes. Though I know not if I can adjust to life there, I'm more confident having Yúnr with me."
"Then go with him, Shenhe. With Chongyun as your partner, one need not concern oneself with your training. Just make sure to continue to wear your red rope at all times."
"Yes, Shīfu."
"And be sure to indulge in moderation. One is sure there shall be much you wish to try, but take your time."
"Yes, Shīfu."
"And…"
"Shīfu. Thank you for raising me. Everything you've taught me, I'll keep in my heart. I want to repay your kindness, and I hope that I will make you proud."
She couldn't respond to Shenhe's words properly at the time, instead turning and walking off, but now that her youngest disciple had taken flight to grow, there was only one thing left for her to say. From the fierce and powerful little girl she had found so long ago in that cave to the beautiful, powerful woman who fought against her fate without running or complaint, even if she wondered beyond the range of her wingspan, she had nothing to worry about.
"One has always taken great pride in you, Shenhe."
Some Time Later
"One is quite disappointed in you, Shenhe!"
With all of her disciples living away from her abode, choosing the bustling Liyue Harbor to live instead, and recent events drawing more of her attention to the trade hub of the nation, the reclusive avian adepti had made the decision to take up residence in the city as well. Having distanced herself from the affairs of mortals to focus more on developing mechanisms and gadgets, seeing how far the larger world had advanced was an unexpected pleasure as well. Though, few of the inventions of mortals could compare to the mechanical wonders she had developed.
However, given the reputation and cultural significance of the adepti, as well as their decision to allow mortals to lead themselves to whichever future they decided on, living among them in her bird form was out of the question. As such, the alabaster crane used her adeptal magic to assume human form for the first time in decades, if not centuries even, to avoid drawing too much attention to herself. As a bespectacled beauty with her long ebony locks tied up in a high ponytail and clad in a dark, dress and tights, however, the arrival of the disguised Perfected Lord who Retains the Clouds by Borrowing the Wind, under the alias of Xianyun, was far from inconspicuous.
After settling into the property she purchased near Chihu Rock overlooking the Liyue Harbor's docks, an unexpected reunion led to her taking on a young, new disciple. Xianyun's days were not as quiet and peaceful as she had hoped, but being closer to other disciples afforded her the chance to observe how they were integrating themselves with the mortals. There was little to worry about with her first disciple, and she trusted her third not to abuse the potentially dangerous Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo, allowing her to focus more on her newest disciple. However, as she happened to run into Shenhe while out running errands, Xianyun could sense Shenhe had an additional Fángfǔ píngzhàng active within her.
And so, dragging the silver-haired woman to her residence to chastise her in private, Xianyun stared down at her kneeling disciple, arms folded under her shapely bosom. "One thought one had warned you of the dangers of misusing the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo. Whomever else it is you have trapped within your body, his yang energy is dangerously low. Do you mean to consume him utterly?" Less upset and more worried for the girl she had raised for years and years, the sternness in the illustrious adeptus was softer than her usual lectures. "For what reason did you have to take such an action."
"Shīfu, the situation isn't as you think it is. While I'll admit to using the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo that you taught me on someone other than Yúnr, I have not touched their yang energy." Finally having an opportunity to explain herself, Shenhe gently rubbed her stomach and smiled slightly. "Yúnr is my only cultivation partner."
Taking a moment to concentrate on the second presence in her disciple, Xianyun noticed that all the yin energy that conflicted with the yang in the unknown person's body was not Shenhe's. In fact, overlapping the Fángfǔ píngzhàng, she sensed another barrier that prevented spiritual energy from entering or exiting the target. "O-One sees one may have been a bit hasty in one's assessment of the situation. As you have not caused harm with the use of the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo, one is willing to overlook this. However, if not to refine one's spiritual vessel, for what reason is there to imprison another in your body? Is that some Treasure Hoarder or Fatui cur that you as transporting to the Millileth?"
Freezing up for a moment, rather than confidently maintain eye contact, Shenhe turned her gaze from her master. "N-Not exactly. However, they did request that I show them how I have been training with Yúnr." Unaccustomed to the nuances of deceit and misdirections, Shenhe's lack of ability to draw suspicion away from what she'd rather not be known was less than adequate. Where she would rather use physical force to dissuade others from sticking their noses into matters unrelated to them, that wasn't an option with the mighty illuminated beast.
"Shenhe…" Not since the silver-haired beauty was a child had Xianyun needed to scold her with such a tone. Shenhe's dedication to her training meant she seldom misbehaved. "Speak plainly."
With no avenue left but to confess, Shenhe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, nodding. "This morning, as I was getting ready to go to work, someone came looking for Yúnr…"
Earlier That Morning
"Hello? Is anyone home?"
Not expecting a guest so early in the morning, Shenhe was on guard as she approached the door of her home. I don't believe I had any plans with anyone today, and Yúnr didn't mention anything before resuming his cultivation within me.With rumors of small-time scammers going around tricking people into signing illegal contracts, she was all the more suspicious as there are very few in Liyue who would visit without contacting them first. The only ones she could think of to drop in on them unannounced would be the traveling duo who come and go like the wind. While the voice was slightly familiar, she knew it didn't belong to her friends.
"That's odd. Did Chongyun give me the wrong address?" Hearing the person on the other side of the door mutter to themself, that they seemed to be an acquaintance of her nephew dissuade her worries a bit.
"Sorry, were you looking for Yun–" Opening the door, Shenhe was about to tell them Chongyun was unavailable, but seeing the blue-haired, effeminate young man who she had often seen hanging around her nephew, Shenhe's gaze hardened once more. "Oh, Xingqiu. Good morning. Did you need Yúnr for something?" While not hostile, her opinion of the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild was not overly positive.
And her frosty attitude towards him wasn't something he didn't notice. "O-Oh, Shenhe-xiǎojiě. G-Good morning to you as well. I hope I am not bothering you." Tensing up and chuckling nervously, Xingqiu did his best to remember his etiquette and greet her properly. "Somehow I keep forgetting that you and Chongyun live together now.
"Yes. Having Yúnr with me has helped greatly." Though not one for small talk, she had learned that in a nation so steeped in business and contracts, it was all but unavoidable. "There is much about the mortal world that I need to learn."
"It's nice that you two can make up for all the time you lost and nurture a healthy, familial relationship like this." However, her impatience wasn't lost on the Hydro Vision Bearer either, which was both refreshing and intimidating. "Speaking of Chongyun, is he in? Things have been busy at the Guild lately, but I was able to free up my schedule today. It has been some time since I last saw him, so I hoping to treat him to a meal later."
How long has it been since we resumed our paired cultivation again? Yúnr has other responsibilities he has to attend to, so we can't train for more than a week most of the time.Trying to remember how long her nephew had been in her womanhood, Shenhe was reluctant to let him out just so he could spend time with a boy she didn't approve of. Chongyun had told her about many of the pranks Xingqiu had pulled on him in the past. Of course, if he truly didn't like it, he would have stopped associating with Xingqiu, but there was just something about the young man that she couldn't accept. "Unfortunately, Yúnr is in… secluded mediation to refine and stabilize his yang energy. As the one overseeing his cultivation, I cannot agree to disturbing him before he is ready to come out." Trying to be as vague as she could be, what she said wasn't technically a lie.
"Oh? Is this that ancient cultivation technique he won't tell me about? Whatever it is, it appears to be rather effective. Surely giving him a break now and then couldn't hurt." Just like a merchant, Xingqiu tried to push for some leniency so he could see his friend while trying to not be demanding.
However, Shenhe wasn't budging. "Yes, it has dramatically benefited him, but the technique also has inherent dangers if used carelessly. I'm sorry, but I'll have to insist that he not be bothered." Unconsciously, she moved her hand over her lower abdomen as if to protectively claim the shrunken young man in her. "I'll inform Yúnr that you wish to meet when the opportunity presents itself."
Reading the air as the taller, mature beauty asserted the finality of her words, Xingqiu relented and took a step back from her door, sighing. "Very well, forgive my immaturity and ignorance. I understand that risks can be unavoidable when refining spiritual energy, but there is no reason to jeopardize his training. The benefits of this mysterious technique are well worth the risks though, given how much he's progressed since coming under your tutelage. May I ask to train under you as well, Shenhe-xiǎojiě?"
"Yúnr is not training under me. We are partners in a paired cultivation technique Shīfu entrusted me with." Wanting to end the conversation quickly, Shenhe didn't even consider his request. "You're neither an exorcist nor a practitioner of adeptal arts. Surely you would be better served seeking out Guhua-pài arts instead. I have no intentions to take on a disciple, especially one who only wishes to distract Yúnr."
"As embarrassing as it is to admit… I've hit a bottleneck in my cultivation and the Guhua-pài has lost much since its decline. There is little left for me to learn with what documents remain." Realizing that even his ulterior motive had been exposed, Xingqiu knew when negotiations had broken down beyond salvaging. "But if there's nothing that can be done, I'll not keep you, Shenhe-xiǎojiě. However, before I leave, the technique you practice with Chongyun, would you mind showing it to me sometime? Lately, I've noticed a decline in my yang energy and have been searching for a way to fix it. Given how effective it has been for Chongyun, there might be something I can learn from it too."
The Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo isn't something I can just let others learn, even if they're friends of Yúnr. Besides, the only person I could demonstrate it on would be–!?As she was about to reject even that idea, Shenhe paused as she had an epiphany. With her neutral expression serving her well in this case, she finally opened the door fully to Xingqui and motioned for him to enter. "This will have to be quick. I have work today, so I'll demonstrate the technique on you."
Present
"...and then I showed him the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo just like I said I would, but I was running late for work so I brought him with me. And because I know the risks, I cast a barrier to keep his and my spiritual energies separated." Finishing her explanation, other than the unauthorized use of a forbidden technique on someone other than her nephew, Shenhe clearly felt like there was nothing wrong with her actions.
Having listened to her disciple's story patiently, Xianyun held a hand to her forehead as she took a moment to calm her mind. "And why, pray tell, Shenhe, did you not simply release the technique and allow him to go about his day? If nothing else, one would surmise it would take longer to secure the boy than if you were to release him."
"Because I have witnessed him tormenting and threatening Yúnr before. This was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the consequences of his actions." Without a hint of repentance, the silver-haired woman asserted her reason as if it were logical and reasonable.
While she had never met Xingqiu personally, from what Xianyun knew of the youth, he was a friend to both Chongyun and the Traveler, as well as in the good graces of some of Streetward Rambler's disciples. Even for the son of a merchant, he couldn't be as distrustful as Shenhe was implying.
"Relinquish the young man to oneself." Rather than waste more time on what seemed to be a personal grudge, Xianyun adjusted the spectacles on her face and held out her hand.
Hesitating for a moment, though she wanted to refuse, Shenhe relented and averted her gaze from her master. "May I borrow your lavatory, Shīfu?"
"The lavatory? Why would you need–?"
Retrieving the shrunken, naked young man from Shenhe before sending her on her way, Xianyun tried her best to ignore the pungent undertone that fouled the scent of the glaze lily soap used to wash him up. Whether it was an additional precaution to keep him safe from her potent yin energy or a result of her bias against him, that Shenhe kept him out of her womanhood was something Xianyun didn't expect. But again, it was just another of the things best not commented on.
"One apologizes for one's disciple's misconduct. One shall have her reflect on her actions at a later date." She said as she sat at her workbench.
"I-It's quite alright, Xianyun-géxià. I'm just thankful you got Shenhe-xiǎojiě to let me go." Doing his best to not think about where he had spent most of the morning, and trying to conceal his nudity while clinging to her fingers, Xingqiu wasn't in a position to lodge complaints. The perpetrator herself would likely disregard them, and criticizing one's rescuer would be rude. "However, I feel the need to ask… Wh-Why is it you didn't have her dismiss her technique on me?"
Focusing more on the yin and yang energies within the delicate-looking male, his state of undress was of little concern to her. The amount of yin energy spreading through his spiritual vessel, had Shenhe not cast this basic barrier upon him, one would have concluded hers had infected him. However, such soft features indicate that this boy's body has a higher affinity with yin rather than yang.Without any clothes on, if not for the male genitalia he possessed, she would have thought Xingqiu was a petite, flat-chested woman who preferred to crossdress. Even his genitalia were much smaller than typical males, a sign that the ratio of yin to yang energies has favored the former for much longer. "One has a multitude of reasons for one's actions, though most relevant for you would be that your attire is still at Shenhe's abode, would it not?"
"Ah, yes… An astute observation. Forgive me. I was not thinking clearly." Nervously chuckling at the sound logic, especially given his position within the Feiyun Commerce Guild, he couldn't very well be seen leaving her home like he was now. "So then, could I request that you escort me to their home so I can retrieve my clothes?"
"One still has errands to run so one had intended on do as such even without being asked to." Revealing her intentions to help alleviate his worries, now that she was aware of something so crucial to his well-being, she couldn't leave him to his fate. However, she needed more information before she could decide on a course of action. "For now, as one shall require one's hands to be free, one shall nestle you within one's bosom for your own safety." Loosening the collar of her dress, Xianyun made a gap between her neck and clothing as she brought the shrunken Vision Bearer under her chin.
"As much as I'd like to insist–wait… What?" Because she had been conducting herself more maturely and reasonably, Xingqiu had lowered his guard and wasn't expecting her to suggest such an action. "Xianyun-géxià, i-is that not a l-little inappropriate?"
Dropping the young man down her clothes without a hint of shame or embarrassment, Xianyun pushed him down until he slipped between her soft endowments. "Hmph. One has held and carried more youths against one's breast than season you have experienced, young lad. 'Tis no safer place for you until one visits Shenhe and Chongyun's dwelling." Adjusting his position to comfortably sit in her breast valley, the golden-yellow tassel hanging from her neck completely obscured any sign that he was there. "One shall ask that you remain as stationary as possible. Should one believe your behavior 'inappropriate', one may consider Shenhe's methods instead."
Trapped within the gorgeous older woman's breasts, the constrictive fit of her attire meant that the jiggling masses on either side of Xingqiu squeezed together, preventing him from mounting any resistance. Despite the mild amount of perspiration that Xianyun generated as she spent most of the day walking all over Liyue Harbor, there was no distinct change in her body's aroma. Instead, he was cradled in the comforting and calming scent of qingxin and violetgrass and left to his own devices.
However, despite the lovely aroma and uncannily soothing sound of her steady heartbeat attempting to set him at ease, the shrunken young man couldn't calm down. Being unable to move didn't mean he was content with the manner in which he was being transported, but he also didn't want to risk her making good on her threat. Xianyun-géxià is Shenhe-xiǎojiě's master, so that should mean she is Perfected Lord who Retains the Clouds by Borrowing the Wind of Mount Aocang, no? She certainly shares in Shenhe-xiǎojiě's lack of, for lack of a better term, 'mortal sensibilities'. And I'd much rather not end up in another woman's posterior today if I can help it…Compliance wasn't willing, it was just the most sensible option to avoid an even less desirable outcome.
The greatest saving grace of his confinement was that, due to a lack of development of his secondary sexual traits, Xingqiu's lean, supple thighs were enough to protect his undersized phallus. While it was often a source of concern for the young man, he was actually thankful for his small size as he was unable to move his arms to cover himself. However, despite how otherwise pleasurable his situation should be, Xingqiu was not aroused in the slightest.
Both Xianyun-géxià and Shenhe-xiǎojiě are beautiful women, and my diminutive stature does not change that, and yet still, neither cause my heart to stir like…As the second son of one of Liyue's most successful merchants, there had been no end of merchants and political figures offering their daughters' hands in marriage.
Using his dedication to the sword as an excuse, he had been able to politely decline them all so far, but the truth of the matter was he wasn't attracted to any of the most beautiful women in Liyue Harbor. He was friendly with Wanmin Restaurant's Head Chef, Xiangling, cordial with the 77th director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and knew many other influential young women of Liyue Harbor. While his opinions of most of them were mostly favorable, there wasn't even an inkling of romantic interest.
But of all his friends, acquaintances, colleagues, employees, and agents, there was only one relationship he could consider truly special. One that made his heart tighten and left him anxious and unsure how to best express himself, and so, like a child, he'd resort to teasing and pranking to express himself.
And it was thoughts of this certain, white-haired someone that got him through the day as, finally, the slender fingers of his gigantic caretaker slipped down into her cleavage to pull him free.
Having spent most of her day on her feet, Xianyun sat in the common room of Shenhe and Chongyun's dwelling as she retrieved the young man in her bosom.
Hmm… One hasn't sensed any untoward thoughts or actions from the young lad. One would have thought the lust of a young man would take hold of his senses. While one does not enjoy boasting about oneself, one's form oft does attract the gazes of the males, and some females, that one passes.Conflicted with how well-behaved Xingqiu was, she couldn't be upset, and while she wasn't attempting to seduce or tempt him, she felt an unexpected sense of loss. Perhaps one's comment about reenacting Shenhe's treatment of him was a tab excessive."Forgive one for the delay. One's errands took longer than one had initially estimated. Just one moment." Setting the shrunken Vision Bearer on the floor, Xianyun had gathered his clothes beforehand and released him from the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo.
Disoriented from the sudden shift in his perspective, the young man almost fell over as he returned to normal, but was able to keep his footing thanks to his marital training. Quickling grabbing his clothes to cover his nudity, he blushed and bowed politely at the proficient adeptal arts practitioner. "Y-You have my thanks, Xianyun-géxià. O-Once I get changed I'll–"
"One wishes to borrow a bit more of your time, Xingqiu. There is a dire matter one must speak with you about." She said, cutting him off before he could excuse himself.
With the sky outside already turning crimson from the sun's descent, Xingqiu wanted nothing more than to go home, wash up, and try to forget his harrowing experiences. However, the serious tone of her voice and concern on her face wasn't something he could just ignore. Nodding, he went into a different room to get dressed.
When he returned, he took a seat across the table from her, unsure just how serious of a topic she was going to discuss with him.
"Since the day is short, one shall not waste time and get to the heart of the matter. One has heard from Shenhe that you have experienced a bottleneck in your cultivation as of late. While this is not uncommon, many factors may lead to one being unable to advance to the next stage of their training, and not all of them are benign. One has also heard from Chongyun that you are a practitioner of Guhau's sword arts, is that correct?"
"Huh? Oh, y-yes. Though the material at the dojo where I trained was lacking, so I've also dabbled in the polearm forms as well." Answering honestly, he wasn't sure where the conversation was going, but if he could get pointers from an adeptus experienced in training others, he was more than willing to cooperate.
"And have you been experiencing deficiencies with your health since entering this stagnant period of your cultivation? Chills, fatigue, lethargy, irritation in the chest and groin, shortness of breath?" Continuing her line of questioning, Xianyun adjusted her glasses and leaned forward, resting her chin on one of her hands while the other supported her elbow. "Of course, without sign of illness."
His eyes widening in surprise, Xingqiu wasn't taken aback by the question itself, but that she knew to ask and the certainty that he was ailed as such. "How did you know? I haven't even told Chongyun about that."
"Given your relationship with Chongyun and Shenhe, one surmises that you are aware of one's true identity. You would do well not to underestimate the experience that one gains through millennia of living. One simply confirmed one's suspicions by inquiring about your daily activities once one finished with one's errands." With a subtle, prideful smirk, Xianyun adjusted her glasses once more before leaning back in her seat and crossing her legs. "From what one has learned, one is all but certain that your natural spiritual affinity with yin energy is far greater than your affinity for yang energy, which is rather rare for males. As your training strengthened and expanded your spiritual vessel, your capacity for yin energy has conflicted with the yang energy you have been refining, and your entire cultivation base has been strained by this imbalance. If not corrected, this deficiency will cripple your cultivation in the near future. This bottleneck you are experiencing is merely your cultivation reaching its limit."
There was no reason for him to distrust what he had been told. Despite his prodigious rise in the Guhua-pài, it was mainly because his swordsmanship was several levels higher than his cultivation base. Through expert proficiency with the blade, he had been able to conceal the truth of the matter, yet Xianyun saw through it in a single afternoon. "Is there nothing I can do to correct this?"
"While one has no intention of taking on another disciple so soon after Shuyu, one believes this issue can be rectified with a… transaction of sorts. As the son of a merchant, one would presume such means of cooperation and resolution would be more familiar, no?"
With their discussion transitioning into a realm he was more comfortable with, Xingqiu nodded as, if there was no solution to his problem there would be no business to do. "While I would appreciate that, Xianyun-géxià, if your hope is to take advantage of the Feiyun Commerce Guild's connections, I'm afraid I only have so much influence." Choosing his words carefully, he was far too experienced in negotiations taking a turn at even the slightest slip-up.
"One would not presume to capitalize on the inexperience of the young simply for one's own benefit. All one wishes to procure from this transaction is introductions to skilled craftsmen and trustworthy merchants so one can acquire the materials and parts one needs for one's mechanisms. In return, one shall render assistance in correcting the imbalance of yin and yang energies in your spiritual vessel." Valuing expediency in this matter, Xianyun presented what she wanted and what she had to offer without holding anything back. "However, one should mention that one would need to escort Xingqiu to one's abode on Mount Aocang to fulfill one's side of the contract. One left many a mechanism behind when one relocated to Liyue Harbor, and one, in particular, should aid in stabilizing your cultivation base."
Had it been a mortal he was engaging with, Xingqiu would have listened to the weariness ingrained in him from years of experience handling similarly important clientele. Without Mora changing hands, such a deal favored him so significantly, it was suspicious. However, trying to judge the values of an illuminated beast, especially one who served so closely with Rex Lapus himself, by mortal standards was an exercise in futility. "If I may make one change to our contract, I would be happy to agree." He said with a sly, mercantile smile.
"One believes the terms one set are more than fair. However, as one continues to learn with each passing day, far more than just the language mortals use has changed since the ancient times when one associated with mortals more." So long as the change he suggested was reasonable, Xianyun was willing to hear him out. "In what way would you suggest our agreement be changed."
"That I introduce you to my father instead," Xingqiu replied was a much more genuine smile. "Rather than rely on the limited connection at my disposal, I am sure Fùqīn will be able to offer far more assistance."
For a merchant, his sincerity is admirable indeed. Is this what mortals call 'chivalry'? One is quite fond of youth who know to conduct themselves with humble confidence.Extending her head with a silent nod, Xianyun was willing to accept his offer. "As one would prefer to settle this matter swiftly, one would like to depart for Mount Aocang within two days' time."
Sealing their deal with a handshake, Xingqiu nodded back. "I'll inform my father to make arrangements for a meeting as quickly as he can. Thank you, Xianyun-géxià."
"Very well. One also has affairs to attend to to prepare for one's absence. One shall–" As they concluded their business, Xianyun was interrupted as the front door opened and Shenhe returned home.
"Shīfu? Was there a matter you wished to–?" Looking into the room after seeing the footwear at the entrance, the silver-haired woman paused seeing Xingqiu was still there as well.
"One shall send word when one is prepared, Xingqiu. Now, if you'll excuse us, one must have a word with one's disciple."
Three Days Later
Their departure being pushed back one day due to the amount of preparations needed for Xingqiu to take a leave of absence, Xianyun awaited the young man at her home near Chihu Rock as the sun began to rise into the sky. Having met with the head of the Feiyun Commerce Guild the night prior to both explain the necessity of the trip as well as fulfill Xingqiu's side of the agreement, the Guild Manager had invited a special guest to verify the validity of her claims. As it was a matter dealing with one of his sons, Xianyun let the implicit insult to her credibility slide, especially when the specialist in question was none other than Rex Lapus in his mortal persona!
It would appear one cannot throw a stone and not hit someone who doesn't know of 'Zhongli-xiānshēng'. One was not prepared to encounter him again so soon.Still unsure of how to interact with the former Archon, she had been so conscious of his presence the entire night, it led to an embarrassing misunderstanding among the staff by the end of the night.It has become quite fortuitous that one shall be away for a month now.
As she was about to spiral back down into the pit of mortification, there was a knock at her door.
Going to receive the young man, Xianyun was able to compose herself by the time she got to the door. "Greetings, Xingqiu. One trusts you have finished all of your preparation."
"Yes. Fùqīn was upset that I hid something so crucial from him, but he wishes to pass his sincere gratitude for helping me, Xianyun-shīfu." Unable to contain his excitement, the young man was practically beaming as bright as the celestial orbs rising over the horizon.
"One thought one was clear before. One shall not be instructing you and one has enough disciples at the moment. One is simply fulfilling one's responsibilities as an elder to look after the younger generations." As of yet, she had only taken in one of her disciples intending to train them as such. Ganyu was left in her care, she never officially made Yuandai her disciple, and she couldn't simply abandon Shenhe after she found her. Shuyu was the first mortal she had accepted as a disciple outright, and she had her hands full with her. "Now, there is but one last preparation needed to do before departing." Motioning for the young man to enter her home, Xianyun began weaving hand signs and circulating her yin energy. "As one stated prior, though male, your body has a natural, higher affinity for yin energy rather than yang energy. You may equate it similarly to Chongyun's blessed constitution. While your spiritual vessel is attuned to accept yang energy, your body generates yin energy instead. The yang energy you've cultivated until now has prevented your symptoms for a time, but your cultivation base has reached a stage where the generation of yin has outpaced your cultivation of yang. As such, your spiritual vessel views this circumstance akin to acute yin-poisoning. Until we arrive at one's abode, one is going to have you cultivate to slowly attune your spiritual vessel to yin energy."
While he could follow her line of reasoning, Xignqiu's understanding of spiritual energies and cultivation was telling him what she was suggesting was impossible. However, he was largely ignorant of adeptal arts and the potency of artifacts that were thought to only exist in legends. "Alright, but won't having to stop so I can cultivate like that make the trip take even longer?" The journey to Mount Aocang could take as long as eleven days, depending on weather and the conditions of the road, as far as he heard from Chongyun when he used to visit there. Arrangements had been made for him to be away for a month, and it could be stretched a bit longer, but keeping to that now would be much tougher.
"We shall not be stopping. One has already thought of a way to travel while you cultivate." As she finished weaving signs and accumulated the necessary energy, Xiangyun pressed a palm to his forehead and began to surround him with a yin technique. "One is confident you recall the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo that Shenhe demonstrated before? While one is not as practiced with it as she, one's mastery of adeptal arts far eclipses one's disciples."
As a familiar sense of vertigo began to disorient him, Xingqiu began to panic as he remembered when Shenhe shrunk him. How roughly she handled him, and the sight of the hole buried in her ample backside spreading to accept him and plunge him into a fetid, putrid darkness. But it was already too late to attempt to escape or resist, as he was reduced to the size of a fraction of his former size.
"Hmm… One intended to reduce you a size similar to what Shenhe reduces Chongyun to, yet you appear roughly twice that." The ancient adeptus said, plucking the shrunken young man from his clothes. "Though, it should matter not so long as you fit within one's body."
"W-Wait, Xianyun-géxià, th-there must be another–"
"Hush now and focus on your cultivation. One's hands are the best you could ask to be in." Disregarding the shrunken mortal's embarrassment, Xianyun pulled down her tights a bit to grant access to her human form's sex. Before he could utter another word, she pressed his face into the slender lips. "Once you're i-inside, c-cultivate and refine your y-yin energy. W-With the Fángfǔ píngzhàng, y-you'll n-not need to worry about s-sustenance." Unable to simply insert the young man dry, she began to rub Xingqiu's face into her lower lips to moisten the entrance and loosen the tight muscles. One has not e-engaged in such activities f-for some time now. One feels m-more sensitive than before.Biting her lip as the warmth spread from her crotch, the mature woman stifled the inelegant moans that tried to escape her throat. Between her efforts and Xingqiu inadvertently massaging her long-neglected sex, within a few minutes her vaginal tunnel had loosened enough for the shrunken young man's head to slip inside.Mmnm~ perhaps one was h-hastey in n-not reducing his s-size further.
As her pussy stretched to accommodate the struggling, niggling mass she was slowly feeding it, Xianyun focus on her task rather than the pleasure. Xingqiu was not her lover, partner, or toy. No matter how satisfying it felt to insert him into her.
Once she got to his hips, the aroused adeptus steadied her breathing. With one final thrust, she swallowed Xingqiu with her pussy, plunging her fingers as deep into her now thoroughly soaked womanhood to push him as deep as she could. Due to his larger size, however, her forcefulness caused his head and upper torso to penetrate her cervix. Mmmm~ I-It would appear that h-he is too big. One will have to draw h-him into one's w-womb as w-well.While she was able to maintain her composure, the pleasure washing over her was potent and enticing.
But it was the same temptation that the Love-mad Maiden must have fallen to. The same temptation that Shenhe was able to overcome. There was no way she'd fall for something as base as the pleasure of the flesh.
Steadying her breathing, Xianyun used her muscles to pull the rest of Xinqiu's body into her womb. Fixing her tights, she rubbed her stomach over where she felt the shrunken Vision Bearer squirming. "Focus on your cultivation. One shall not be releasing you until we reach Mount Aocang." Circulating her yin energy, she directed it towards the minuscule source of yang energy in her sex and with expert precision, began to strip bits and whisps of it away from him.Once he's converted over to yin energy, this yang energy will only be a detriment to his spiritual vessel. One shall slowly 'devour' it on the way to one's abode.
With all of her preparations in place, Xianyun was finally ready to 'escort' Xingqiu to her old home. With only slightly unsteady strides, she began the long, but sure-to-be pleasant, journey.
Locked once more into a not-so-unfamiliar darkness after being unwillingly subjected to the forbidden paired cultivation technique, Xingqiu was beset by the less-than-enjoyable time he had in Shenhe's ample rear. However, much unlike the fetid atmosphere within the bowels of his best friend's aunt, there was more than the gentle warmth of Xianyun's flesh that eerily set him at ease. A strong, strangely relaxing aroma filled his lungs while drops of sweet nectar filled his mouth anytime he attempted to voice his objection to his travel arrangements.
But beyond the physical comfort he was surrounded by, the refreshing chill of the potent yin energy entering his spiritual vessel was rapidly robbing him of the agency to protest his entrapment.Th-This is h-highly inappropriate… For an unwedded man and woman to be s-so i-i-intimate. I d-did not agree t-to this, Xianyun-géxià… A-And yet… And yet~
The swaying motion as his captor walked, the relief in his spirit as an irritant was slowly dissipated, other than being inserted into a feminine sex, he hadn't felt at as ease as he currently did for years. Instinctively he wanted to circulate the yang energy within his spiritual vessel, but the gentle chilling sensation guided him to the reserves of yin energy instead. Rather than circulate it throughout his body, he was guided to fill in the void spaces within his spiritual vessel that were appearing.
Immediately upon following these wordless instructions, a relief for an ache he had long suffered yet was unaware of spread from his core. The tenseness of his breathing and his subtly strained muscles relaxed. It was a sensation beyond mere relief, it was borderline euphoric, blissful even.
Wh-What is thishhh~ My b-body f-feelsh shhho good~ Xianyun-géxià…As a heavy haze filled his mind and weighed down his consciousness, Xingqiu's subconscious continued to follow the guidance he received. Slowly, his mind sunk deeper into the welcoming darkness without the sting of light to caution him away.
By the time she had crossed the leading north towards the Qiongji Estuary region, Xianyun's 'travel companion' had settled down, allowing her to more easily compose herself. Adjusting to having a foreign object within her body was much easier the less he moved, though a part of her didn't mind the occasional bit of movement.
One could make the journey to one's abode in a matter of hours if one were to use one's crane form, however, the use of the Zhǔ yīn xiāohào yáng qì jìqiǎo requires a humanoid form.Reaching toward the drifting clouds as she strode and stretched with a bounce in her step, she elegantly made her way to the pass that leads to the Guili Plains. Pressing a hand over her womb, she stripped away a bit more of the yang energy in Xingqiu.While one could have taken a route through Lisha to reach Minlin with more haste, the conversion of a spiritual vessel is best done as gradually as time allows. Taking a bit more time to reach our destination should cause no harm.
5 Days Later
With inclement weather a nonissue for one capable of shaping the clouds, Xianyun's pace remained unhurried as she passed Luhua Pool and crossed the Guili Plains. At night, she would meditate briefly to cause Xingqiu to stir, though not rouse the young man from his pseudo-comatose state. He was instinctively rebuilding his spiritual vessel, infusing it and supplanting the ingrained yang energy with yin energy, following in the wake of her own. So long as this process wasn't interrupted, there would be no risk to his cultivation base going forward, however, being exposed to such potent yin energy, and given the young man's natural affinity for it, had kept him in a state of mind-numbing bliss.
After a couple days of Xingqiu remaining in such a state, she worried it might develop into something more serious, however, she sensed no signs of his mind deteriorating. Though her curiosity tempted her to peak into whatever delightful fantasies were occupying his thoughts, such voyeuristic practices were beneath her.
As midday approached and she covered just under half of the distance to Mount Aocang, reaching the crossroad that spits west towards Minlin or east to lead either towards the Bishu Plain or Mingyun Village, Xiangyun decided to stop at the Millileth guard tower that overlooked the area. Most guard towers doubled as areas for travelers to prepare meals, rest up, or report any strange activities to the authorities. However, as it turned out, she wasn't the only one who chose to take a break from their travels at this particular rest stop.
"Oh? Is that Xianyun-yí?" Turning her head towards the voice calling out to her, she saw a young man with dark hair and an eyecatching outfit of black, reds, and greens waving at her from a table.
Smiling, the typically reclusive adeptus approached the young man. "One was not expecting to encounter a familiar face during one's trip. One would presume you have been contracted to escort some goods once again, Gaming?"
With a bright, cheerful grin, he nodded. "Lu-yé ran out of Amber Rock fragments for a commissioned piece he's working on, so he asked me to gather some for him when I finished a delivery to Qingce Village." Patting the stuffed backpack on the bench next to him, he motioned to the free seat across the table. "I was just stopping to get some lunch, would you like to join me? My treat."
"While one shall accept your invitation, as one is oft to remind you, t'would reflect poorly on one to foist the responsibility of preparing one's meal on today's youth." Joining the extroverted, generous young man, Xiangyun took care of the remaining preparations left to complete the meal he was cooking, as well as adding some more side dishes to account for another mouth to feed.
As she sat and made conversation with Gaming, she discreetly circulated a bit more of her spiritual energy to sustain Xingqiu for the day. Though this caused the shrunken swordsman to stir in her some more, after days of experiencing the novel, pleasing sensation, she was able to maintain her composure more easily so that her dinner mate didn't notice.
Once the two had eaten their fill and spoken to their satisfaction, after cleaning up and preparing their belongings, it was time for them to continue towards their respective destinations.
"Hey, Xianyun-yí? I don't know how far you're going, but would you like to join me at least until Wangshu Inn?" Gaming asked, adjusting the cumbersome backpack full of rocks on his back.
"Wangshu Inn?" Slightly confused as to why he would make such an offer, the wise humanoid crane then realized where they were. To the west, the Minlin region had no mortal settlement and the area around the domains of her and her fellow adepti still had the stigma of being sacred lands not to be tread upon carelessly. And to the east, the road led to the mining village of Mingyun, though it had been abandoned due to the mines in the area drying up. It would make sense for him to assume one's destination would be northbound after seeing one come from the south. Perhaps one could take a slight detour and visit the Conqueror of Demons.While it would add a few days to her travels, given how smoothly the conversion of Xingqiu's spiritual vessel was progressing, she could afford to keep him inside of her for a bit longer. One would have the option to revert to one's avian form to return to Liyue Harbor if pressed for time.
"Oh, were you not heading in that direction? Sorry, I just assumed…" Taking the slight pause as her trying to think of a way to politely decline his offer, Gaming instead tried to give her an out.
"Not at all. As it would happen, one has not visited an acquaintance residing at Wangshu Inn for some time now." With a subtle clench of her abdominal muscles to reassure her shrunken passenger that she hadn't forgotten about him, Xianyun began to walk towards the northern exit of the rest area. "Shall we be off then?"
Unable to mark the passage of time, Xingqiu's blissful experience within the powerful adepti's womb continued without interruption or communication. Between slipping into indulgent fantasies of days getting up to mischief with his best friend, and waking to an ever more comfortable body as he followed the Xianyun's guidance, there was no need for concern.
During a phase of awareness and lucidity within the comforting darkness of the gigantic woman's sex, he wiggled as much as the tight confines would allow just to remind his joints that they could move. Of course, this action got a response from his guardian, as she tightened her muscles and put a bit more bounce in her step and sway in her hips, but even that was soothing to him now. It's so strange. My chest feels so light now, I can breathe so easily. Though all I'm filling my lungs with is Xianyun-géxià's lovely fragrance.Inhaling to his full capacity, he drew in more of her yin energy as well, mixing it with his own and melding it into his spiritual vessel. There was no longer an irritation or rejection as he did so, only a soothing chill to balance out the warmth of the bodily heat radiating into him. I wonder how much longer until we reach Mount Aocang? It feels like I've finished converting my spiritual vessel… Would it be okay for me to cultivate a bit then?
Unsure of what to do next, while he could just relax and enjoy himself, something from deep within his core desired the acquisition and refinement of even more potent yin energy. Of all the yin arts practitioners he had encountered, Shenhe had possessed the deepest and most pure well of yin energy he had ever encountered, yet Xianyun was in a league of her own. Her expert control over the amount she allowed to flow into was equally praise-worthy, as the quality seemed to become richer and denser as he acclimated.
Since she has stated that she will not be taking me as a disciple, I may never get another chance like this in the future. I have to make the most of the opportunity I have been blessed with.
14 Days Later
Enjoying the time she had to travel with Gaming, the illuminated crane of Mount Aocang altered her travel route further so that she could continue accompanying him on his delivery. The journey took a few days longer than estimated due to some heavy rain and harsh winds they encountered while passing through the ruins south of Wuwang Hill; forcing them to take shelter until it passed.
Though she could have dispersed such inconvenient weather, not only was the area due for some rainfall, thus making her reluctant to deprive the ecosystem of the blessing it was receiving, Xianyun didn't mind spending a bit more time with Gaming. Watching over the growth of the younger generations had become a hobby of hers and her fellow adepti, Streetward Rambler, as they were the only two to take on disciples. While they waited out the storm, Gaming occupied himself by practicing his Wushou dancing. She enjoyed observing and offering what advice she could until the rain ceased and they could continue on.
Of course, she was also aware of what Xingqiu was doing, taking advantage of the extra time to advance his cultivation with her yin energy. Given that she had slightly, but within reason, altered their agreement, she overlooked such a transgression. She had mostly grown used to his presence in her womb, and since he was now a yin energy practitioner, she wasn't constantly assailed with spiritual pleasure like she would be with someone like Chongyun. Her attention would chiefly only linger upon the well-being of the shrunken young man only at times of rest or boredom; when she'd increase the quality and quantity of yin energy flowing into Xingqiu.
As they came out of the bamboo forest along the path leading to Qingce Village, Xianyun had delayed her departure long enough. "As always, one has enjoyed our time together, Gaming, however, one must return to attending to the business that has brought one out of Liyue Harbor." She said just before reaching the archway that stood at the official border of the secluded village's territory. Reaching out, she ruffled the young man's slightly puffy hair.
"You're leaving already, Xianyun-yí? Didn't you have stuff to do here?" Gaming asked, both confused and mildly disappointed. "At least let me thank you properly before you go."
"One simply stated one's business would bring one through this area. One does not recall stating one's business was with or in Qingce Village itself." Smiling back at the open and friendly young man, with a flick of her wrist, Xiangyun surrounded herself with currents of wind and leaped back, past the bridge they just crossed. Channeling Elemental Power through her Vision, she leaped off the air twice more to land at the top of the cliff that overlooked the gorge they were exiting. "Now, tarry no longer. You must not keep your client waiting. As one has safely seen you to your destination, one shall resume one's heading to Mount Aocang."
Hearing her destination, Gaming immediately realized just how far out of her way he had taken her and felt guilty. "Mount Aocang!? Xianyun-yí, you didn't have to–!"
"One enjoyed your company, Gaming. When you return to Liyue Harbor, perhaps you could come visit one at one's abode for some repose and conversation." Waving off his concerns as she waved farewell, she launched herself into the air once more, southwestwardly bound.
5 Days Later
More than a week later than she initially intended to arrive, Xianyun reached her home atop the tall peaks of Mount Aocang. Even while making use of her elemental-infused leaps to bound across the beautiful landscape of Liyue's Minlin region, it was late into the day when she finally arrived.
Without the companionship of Gaming to distract her from her boredom, she had spent most of the last leg of her journey entertaining herself with Xingqiu. Slightly indulgent, but not without its merits. His accumulation of yin energy had advanced drastically as a result.
However, arriving so late into the day left little time to find and set up the mechanism that would ensure his spiritual vessel was completely stabilized. By the time she finished, they would have had to spend the night on the mountain regardless, so she decided to keep the shrunken young man within her for one last night.
As she climbed into her nest to relax, Xianyun rubbed her stomach as she caused Xingqiu to stir once more.One has not been able to fully indulge oneself while we were traveling. As one shall be returning you to your proper height in the morning…
Pouring more and more of her yin energy into Xingqiu, throughout the whole journey, she had never exposed him to the full quantity or quality of her spiritual energy. The difference between his aptitude and her potency was too great, even now. However, she could, for the first time, test the limits of what he could handle not that he was a yin energy practitioner. In reaction to her actions, Xingqiu began to violently thrash and squirm within her as his spiritual vessel was drowned in her energy.
A-Any more w-would be d-dangerous…Adjusting the output of her yin energy to remain at its current levels, the pleasant feeling of having something moving around in her had her womanhood heating up rapidly. H-His affinity i-is q-quite impressive. E-Even Shenhe w-would s-struggle to m-maintain her f-focus i-if I infused this m-much energy into h-her.Rubbing her drooling lips through her tights, while she was assessing how well the shrunken swordsman was handling her 'test', it was merely a pretense.
Even as an adeptus, she was still a woman, and one who preferred her solitude. The path to enlightenment only requires one to remain pure of spirit, and while tainting one's body would easily lead one astray, denying the needs of the body was just as dangerous. So long as she didn't lose herself to it, satisfying the lust that accumulates in her body is a necessary act to remain on her spiritual path; and was the subject of more than a few mechanisms she had and planned to develop.
S-Something that c-can be independently i-inserted and a-activated remotely. One shall test the validity of s-such an idea.Quickly stripping her clothing off, she continued by plunging her fingers into her sex.
The depths of the abyss he had been floating in for more than half a month ran far deeper than Xingqiu could have ever imagined. Even as the potency of Xianyun's power was magnitudes of times greater than any she used to guide him before, he still couldn't even fathom her true power.
If before he was, at most, laid in a comforting pile of snow that was packed slightly atop him, she had now plunged him into thick slush on the verge of freezing completely. He had no control of his body as it jerked and twitched in response to the subtle variations of consistency as the aroused giantess tried to keep from overloading his spiritual vessel.Xianyun-géxià! S-So c-c-cold… Your e-energy f-feels s-so good~! It's l-like I'm on f-fire! I'm b-burning up! Ahn~ Is this how Chongyun feels? Oh, Chongyun, I feel… I feel…
Unable to cultivate, unable to focus, drowning in power and lust, Xingqiu didn't fight it. This was the true power and potential of yin energy that he would have to aspire to. He needed to embrace it, to harness and control it. But first, he needed to indulge in it.
Pleasuring herself well into the night resulted in Xianyun waking up much later than she intended. However, the itch that had been gradually building up for months had finally been scratched and she could focus on the task at hand.
"One is both reluctant and relieved to release you, Xingqiu." Standing by the mechanism that necessitated this whole journey, the beautiful adeptus was reaching deeply within herself as she slowly pushed the young man from her womb. After nearly a month of continuously holding and squeezing him, her body didn't want to let something that felt so good go, but she was eventually able to squeeze him out. While there was the temptation to pleasure herself once more with the relatively large, shrunken young man's body, she pulled him free without indulging. "The time for one's fun has passed. Stabilizing Xingqiu's spiritual energy must–?!" However, as she looked at the reduced body in her hands, covered in the fluids of her humanoid womanhood, Xianyun was struck speechless. "One had not anticipated this…"
A Few Weeks Later
"And that is why one has decided to oversee Xingqiao's cultivation." Finishing recounting an abridged version of events to Shenhe and Chongyun, Xianyun motioned to her newest student.
The lovely, beautiful blue-haired girl sitting next to Chongyun smiled and giggled happily, as if nothing was wrong while clinging to the white-haired boy's arm. On the opposite side of the confused and mildly uncomfortable exorcist, his unamused, silver-haired aunt had claimed his other arm and glared at the brazen young lady.
"U-Uh… S-So th-this girl really i-is Xingqiu?" Chongyun asked, being the only one who fully paid attention.
"Geez, I told you already, Chongyun. My name is 'Xingqiao' now." While trying to sound annoyed at the young man, Xingqiao's face was still beaming a bright smile as she pulled him closer. "I told you I was kidding when I said I was Xingqiu's long-lost twin sister separated at birth. I didn't think you'd actually believe me. How silly, and yet, it's so like you."
Pulling her nephew back towards her, Shenhe embraced his head into her prominent bosom. "I believe I've told you not to get so close to my Yúnr, haven't I, Shīmèi?" She said, resisting the urge to pry the audacious girl from Chongyun.
"Well, this level of intimacy has always been normal for me and Chongyun, Shījiě." Not backing down though, Xingqiao nuzzled her cheek against his. "Right, Chongyun? My dear friend."
"W-Well… Th-That was w-when you were still a man…" Quietly unable to refute that he had been more lenient and dismissive of how close his friend had gotten to him before, the young exorcist couldn't ignore the female cultivator he had become.
Little about Xingqiu's stature changed after becoming Xingqiao, though her frame was that of a woman's now. She wasn't taller or shorter, and her features were already incredibly feminine. However, in the time that he had last seen his good, if not mischievous friend, her hair had grown out to her mid-back, her hands and fingers had become more slender, and there was a plumpness to her thighs that wasn't there before. Most of her wardrobe needed little tailoring to accommodate her wider hips and slimmer waist, and the change in her chest was so slight, it was only noticeable when she clung to him as closely as she was now.
"...now it's a bit…"
"Chongyun? Do you not like me now that I'm a woman?" Xingqiao asked, cutting him off and letting go of his arm, turning away from him.
Realizing he was being insensitive, Chongyun broke away from his aunt, much to her surprise, and grabbed onto his friend's shoulder. "Wh-What?! No, th-that's not what I meant! You're still my best friend! That will never change. Whether you're Xingqiu or Xingqiao, you're still important to me."
Turning around with an impish smile on her face, Xingqiao threw her arms around Chongyun's neck and embraced him tightly. "Ohhh~? Is that so~? I'm still important to you?" She parroted, snickering while staring right at Shenhe.
"Well, at least that part of you hasn't changed…" Heaving a defeated sigh as Shenhe would tolerate no more and pulled him back away from Xingqiao, while the two women seemed more interested in antagonizing each other, he looked to Xianyun. "How did this even happen?"
"Xingqiao's father asked one the same question when one brought her home, but one has not encountered a situation similar to this before." While she left out the part of how she had been carrying Xingqiu during the trip to Mount Aocang from the Feiyun Commerce Guild Manager, Chongyun and Shenhe would guess even if she tried to conceal it. "However, if you will entertain one's hypothesis, one believes Xingqiu's abnormally high yin affinity despite being male may indicate he was always meant to be born female. After one removed the yang energy within his body, the extended period of being exposed to one's yin energy, combined with the nourishing nature of the Fángfǔ píngzhàng afforded all that was needed for Xingqiu's body to undergo metamorphosis within oneself."
"So… does that mean you technically gave birth to Xingqiao?" Speaking before he could even think about what he was saying, Chongyun's eyes went wide and he covered his mouth out of embarrassment, but it was too late. His statement was even enough to stop the two women quarreling over him as they turned to look at the illuminated beast.
However, Xinayun was not perturbed by the conclusion the young man came to, as it may not be entirely wrong. She simply couldn't say one way or the other, but in a manner of practice, Xingqiao came out of her womb. "Hmph. Such details are unimportant. One has raised two and had just taken on a third. In one's eyes, whether they are disciples or daughters matters not." Adjusting her glasses as she looked at the two 'daughters' before her, she smirked slightly. "One simply wishes health, good fortune, and a happy future for them with the partner they choose."
"Don't worry, Shīfu. I am plenty happy with Yúnr." Shenhe said quickly, holding the embarrassed young man closer.
"And I'll be sure to make my partner happy too," Xingqiao added, clinging tighter to Chongyun. "Right, partner?"
Watching the two fight over Chongyun, Xianyun couldn't help but giggle at how she now had two 'daughters' fighting for the same male's attention. And after the trip with Xingqiao back to her secluded abode, she could understand why. Not only was the amount of yang energy he emanated enticing, she had seen the effects it had had on his body.Those old fossils would never allow one to hear the end of it should one pilfer one so young. However, as an example to model one's next mechanism, one can think of no better candidate. Though… One will have to take some measurements to ensure the size is correct… personally.
