Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Capturing Su Ling
Aric's thoughts turned to how he might test his new ability.
"Perhaps with Su Ling," he considered. "But I should be cautious not to arouse suspicion."
Under the guise of Yu Haotian, he approached the campsite. He found Su Ling seated by the fire, tending to a simmering pot of herbal tea.
Su Ling looked up as he entered. "Senior Brother Haotian, you're back!" she exclaimed, relief evident in her eyes. "I was starting to worry."
"Apologies for the delay," Aric replied, maintaining his alias as Yu Haotian. "I found some intriguing things that took longer than expected."
She gestured to the spot beside her. "Come, sit. I brewed some tea."
He took a seat next to her, accepting the cup she offered. "Thank you, Su Ling. Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated."
As they sipped their tea, Aric decided to test his newly acquired Mental Suggestion ability. He began to subtly influence her thoughts, aiming to strengthen their bond and perhaps deepen her feelings toward him.
He's always been there for me, the suggestion whispered. His strength and wisdom are admirable.
They sipped their tea in comfortable silence for a moment before Aric spoke. "Su Ling, you seem to be making great progress in your cultivation."
She blushed slightly. "Thank you. Your guidance has been invaluable."
"I've merely offered a few pointers," Aric said modestly. "Your dedication is what truly drives your advancement."
She looked at him thoughtfully. "Still, I feel fortunate to have you here."
He smiled. "The feeling is mutual."
"Did your exploration yield any valuable discoveries?" Su Ling asked, her eyes reflecting the firelight.
"Indeed," he nodded. "I came across some rare herbs, including the Azure Lotus Grass. It's known to enhance one's cultivation significantly."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Azure Lotus Grass? That's incredibly rare! You were fortunate to find it."
"I thought you might benefit from it," he said, handing her a small pouch containing the delicate blue leaves. "Your progress is important to me."
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She looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Senior Brother. This means a lot."
As she prepared the Azure Lotus Grass by adding it to her tea, Aric continued his subtle mental suggestions.
Senior Brother Haotian has always been there for me. His guidance and support are invaluable. His presence is comforting. There's a connection between us.
She took a sip of the enhanced tea, a gentle warmth spreading through her. "This has a unique flavor," she remarked. "I can feel its energy already."
"I'm glad it's effective," Aric said, watching her closely.
A few minutes passed, and Su Ling's expression began to change. A faint flush appeared on her cheeks, and she shifted slightly as if uncomfortable.
"Is everything alright?" Aric asked, his tone laced with concern.
She placed a hand over her heart. "I'm not sure... I feel warm all of a sudden."
He leaned forward. "Perhaps the day's exertions are catching up to you."
She shook her head gently. "No, it's different. It started after I drank the tea with the Azure Lotus Grass."
Feigning realization, Aric said, "I recall now—this particular strain can sometimes cause a temporary surge in energy. It might be affecting you more intensely due to your current cultivation level."
She took a deep breath, her gaze meeting his. "I see. It's just... my heart is racing."
He maintained eye contact, his voice soothing. "Focus on your breathing. I'm here if you need anything."
Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Brother Haotian. You always know how to help."
He sensed the Mental Suggestion taking hold.
He is so considerate. I feel safe with him.
He moved a bit closer. "Let me check," he offered, placing a gentle hand on her forehead. His touch sent a subtle thrill through her, amplified by his mental suggestions.
His touch is comforting. I wish he'd stay close. I feel drawn to him. Maybe there's more between us than I realized.
They began to stroll around the perimeter of the camp. The night was peaceful, with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call of nocturnal birds creating a soothing backdrop.
As they walked, Aric continued his mental suggestions.
He's always been so supportive. I trust him completely. Perhaps my feelings for him are deeper than I thought.
"Thank you for always looking out for me," Su Ling said softly. "I feel at ease when you're around."
He smiled gently. "Your well-being matters to me. We're partners, after all."
She glanced at him, her eyes searching. "Sometimes, I feel it's more than just partnership."
He looked at her thoughtfully. "What do you mean?"
She took a moment before speaking. "I... I think I've developed feelings for you, beyond friendship."
He paused, meeting her gaze. "Su Ling, I've been feeling the same way."
Her cheeks flushed. "You have?"
"Yes," he affirmed. "Our time together has been meaningful, and I've come to care for you deeply."
She smiled softly. "I'm glad to hear that."
They stood beneath the canopy of stars, a gentle breeze weaving through the trees. The moment felt intimate and significant.
"May I?" Aric asked softly, stepping slightly closer.
She nodded, her heart pounding gently in her chest. "Yes."
He leaned in slowly, giving her every opportunity to pull away. When she didn't, their lips met in a tender kiss. The world seemed to fade around them, leaving only the warmth of their connection.
As they parted, Su Ling looked into his eyes, a mixture of happiness and vulnerability reflecting in her own. "That was..."
He smiled reassuringly. "It felt right."
She nodded. "Yes, it did."
They lingered close, the atmosphere between them filled with unspoken understanding. The feelings that had been building were now acknowledged, bringing them even closer.
"Perhaps we should head back," he suggested gently. "It's getting late."
She agreed, though a part of her wished to stay in the moment a little longer. "You're right."
As they walked back to the camp, their hands brushed lightly. Su Ling felt a comforting warmth from the brief contact, and without overthinking, she gently took his hand. He responded with a gentle squeeze, a silent affirmation.
Back at the campfire, they settled beside each other. The fire had dimmed to glowing embers, casting a soft light.
"Would you like to sit a while longer?" Aric asked.
She nodded. "I would."
They sat in comfortable silence, the quiet of the night enveloping them. After a while, Su Ling spoke softly. "I'm glad we shared tonight."
"So am I," he replied. "It means a lot to me."
She hesitated before continuing. "I don't feel quite ready to sleep yet. Would you mind if we talked a bit more?"
"Not at all," he said warmly. "I'm here for as long as you'd like."
They continued to share stories and thoughts, the conversation flowing easily. As time passed, the initial excitement settled into a deeper sense of closeness.
Eventually, a cool breeze swept through the camp. Su Ling shivered slightly. "It's getting chilly."
Aric noticed and offered his cloak. "Here, this should keep you warm."
She accepted it gratefully. "Thank you."
As she wrapped the cloak around herself, she glanced at his tent and then back at him. "Would it be alright if we sat inside? It's warmer."
He considered for a moment. "Of course."
But then Aric leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Su Ling's, his breath warm against her skin. He kissed her again, his lips pressing firmly against hers, drawing her deeper into the moment. This time, the kiss was more intense, filled with a passion that neither of them could deny.
Su Ling's heart raced as she felt Aric's hand move around her, his fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her robe. His touch sent shivers through her, and slowly, deliberately, he began to undress her. The soft rustle of her robe falling to the ground echoed through the room, and her body was exposed to the cool air, her skin tingling in anticipation.
Their kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more heated. Aric's hand roamed across Su Ling's body, exploring every inch of her soft, delicate skin. He trailed his fingers down her neck, across her collarbone, and over the curves of her waist, all while keeping their lips locked in a fervent embrace.
Su Ling gasped softly, her mind swimming in the warmth of his touch, her body responding instinctively to his every movement. Her hands reached up, wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer as the fire between them grew stronger.
Aric kissed her deeply, his lips tracing a path from her mouth to her neck, leaving a trail of warmth and desire. His hands moved lower, caressing her hips, her thighs, his touch both gentle and possessive. He took his time, savoring every moment, as if committing the feel of her body to memory.
Soon, their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, and the room was filled with the quiet sounds of their shared intimacy. Su Ling's breath hitched, her body trembling beneath his touch, as the connection between them grew more intense.
The night passed slowly, filled with whispered words and lingering touches. They shared more than just their bodies—there was a deeper connection forming, a bond that tied them together in ways neither of them had anticipated. Su Ling's virginity had been given, but more than that, she had entrusted herself fully to Aric, and he had accepted her without hesitation.
As they lay together afterward, their bodies still entwined, Aric gently kissed her forehead, his hand tracing lazy circles on her back. Su Ling rested her head against his chest, her breathing soft and content, the sound of his heartbeat steady and reassuring