Chapter 132: Wang Li Rests In Infirmary

Xia Bingling moved with a swiftness that belied her years, a flurry of graceful movements that spoke of honed experience. Each swing of her ice blade was a lethal dance, conjuring shimmering cages of frozen light. The disciples and elders of the Iron Hammer Sect, already demoralized and weakened, found themselves utterly helpless against the might of a Soul Integration Realm cultivator.

One by one, they were encased in large, translucent ice crystals. Their screams of defiance were muffled, quickly replaced by the eerie silence of suspended animation. Three Nascent Soul Realm elders, including the two who had controlled the puppets, and forty Core Formation Realm disciples – all victims of Xia Bingling's wrath.

This was the power of a Soul Integration Realm expert. Her control over her Ice Attribute was absolute, a far cry from the limitations she had faced before. It wasn't her intention to kill them – not yet. She had a score to settle, but for now, these ice crystals served as a temporary prison.

With the battlefield secured, Xia Bingling returned to the Xia Family mansion. The attack had caused some damage, broken pillars and scorched earth marring the once pristine courtyard. However, none of the family members were seriously injured thanks to Xia Qingwu's valiant defense.

A wave of pride washed over Xia Bingling. Her successful ascension to the Soul Integration Realm meant her family was now under the protection of a true powerhouse. The Xia Family, once a respected clan, was poised to ascend to even greater heights.

She issued a series of swift commands, ordering repairs to the damaged areas and the reinforcement of the boundary field formations. Her voice, imbued with the authority of a Soul Integration Realm cultivator, left no room for argument. The Xia Family members, their faces aglow with pride and newfound confidence, scurried to obey their Matriarch.

The news of Xia Bingling's breakthrough had spread through the mansion like wildfire. Morale was sky-high. Cultivators of all ages and abilities beamed with newfound optimism. Having a Soul Integration Realm expert as their leader meant an unparalleled level of safety and prestige. The Xia Family was no longer just a force to be reckoned with; they were a power to be admired and potentially, feared.

By the time evening arrived, the most pressing repairs were completed. Xia Bingling made her way to the infirmary, her steps lighter than they had been in weeks. There, in a simple bed, lay Wang Li, his face pale but his chest rising and falling with a steady rhythm. Xia Qingwu sat beside him, her face etched with concern.

"How is he?" Xia Bingling inquired, her voice gentle but laced with worry.

"The physician has already administered several Earth Attribute elixirs," Xia Qingwu replied, her brow furrowed. "He says the lightning energy should be completely expelled by midnight. After that, it's just a matter of healing the physical injuries. He should recover quickly."

Xia Bingling nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over her. Wang Li's sacrifice had been instrumental in her successful tribulation. She squeezed her daughter's hand. "Inform me when he regains consciousness."

With a reassuring nod, Xia Qingwu settled back beside Wang Li. Xia Bingling lingered for a moment longer, her gaze fixed on the man who had risked everything for her.

The world outside was bathed in the silvery glow of a full moon. The night air, once tinged with fear, now hummed with a sense of peace.

The news of Xia Bingling's ascension to the Soul Integration Realm spread like wildfire through the cultivation world. Whispers turned into excited murmurs, and murmurs into roars of disbelief. Righteous sects and demonic sects alike buzzed with speculation.

A blush crept up Xia Qingwu's neck. "Don't be silly," she chided, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. Yet, she couldn't deny the fluttering in her chest.

Taking a chance, Wang Li slid his hand beneath her loose robe, carefully exploring the cool smoothness of her skin. A gasp escaped her lips as his fingers brushed against the warm swell of her breast.

"Li," she breathed, her voice laced with a mixture of surprise and desire.

"You were incredible yesterday," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "The way you handled those Iron Hammer Sect disciples so swiftly... your strength and power were awe-inspiring.

Overcome with a sudden surge of affection, Xia Qingwu leaned into his touch. Her lips met his in a kiss, hesitant at first, then deepening with a passion fueled by love and gratitude. The infirmary walls seemed to melt away, leaving them in a world of their own. Their moans, muffled by the sheets, were the only sounds that disturbed the peaceful quiet of the morning.

However, their passionate reunion was destined to be short-lived. A sharp knock on the door shattered the intimate atmosphere.

Wang Li, his heart pounding with a mixture of desire and amusement, held Xia Qingwu close. "Come in," he called out, his voice calm and collected.

The door creaked open, revealing a young maid with a tray laden with steaming bowls. Her eyes widened comically as she caught sight of the tableau before her. Xia Qingwu, flustered and breathless, lay sprawled across the bed, her robes askew. Wang Li, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned possessively over her.

A blush bloomed across the maid's face, the color rivaling the sunrise. She stammered, "Apologies, young mistress, Master Wang. I brought your meals."

Placing the tray on a nearby table, she cast another flustered glance at the entangled pair before scurrying out of the room, the door snapping shut behind her.

Wang Li chuckled, a low rumble in his chest that sent shivers down Xia Qingwu's spine. "Seems we startled the poor girl," he teased, his fingers teasingly tracing a path up her arm.

Xia Qingwu swatted his hand away playfully, a fiery blush still staining her cheeks. "Li! Be serious," she pleaded. "You need to focus on recovering. You can have whatever you want after you're healed."

His eyes darkened with desire. "But Qingwu," he murmured, his voice husky, "isn't this precisely what aids healing? Don't they say a happy heart and a fulfilled spirit are the best medicine?"

He trailed a finger down her neck, sending a jolt of electricity through her. "Besides," he continued, his voice a low purr, "if I recover quickly, wouldn't that mean I spend more time... exploring your lovely figure?"