Vanessa rose from her bed and slowly approached Yuan, her heart heavy with concern for her daughter. She knew Yuan must understand what was happening to Valeria and why she seemed to be in such agony. As a mother, she couldn't bear to see her child in pain.
"What's happening to her? Why does she look like she's suffering so much?" Vanessa asked, her voice trembling with worry. She clenched her hands tightly, her nervous gaze fixed on Yuan.
Yuan smiled gently and, to her surprise, pulled her into his embrace. He guided her to sit on his lap and pressed a soft kiss against her neck.
"She's undergoing the Bloodline Awakening process," he explained with a proud smile. "In just a short while, she will awaken her true potential and become much stronger than before."
His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close.
"The same process I went through yesterday?" Vanessa asked softly.
"Exactly. The same process that left your body weak—and to help you recover your strength, we had to dual cultivate," Yuan replied, his voice calm yet affectionate.
Vanessa hesitated before speaking, her expression uncertain. "Do you regret it? If you feel bad about what happened between us, we can stop. I don't want you to feel burdened."
Yuan cupped her face with a tender smile and brought her closer, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. His tongue teased hers, igniting a spark between them. When the kiss ended, he whispered near her ear, his voice low and reassuring.
"Don't say such things. How could I regret making love to you? You're a stunning, captivating woman, and I want you to be mine. Don't ever doubt that—and don't speak like this again." He paused, his tone softening. "Now, please, give me your answer soon."
Vanessa's lips curved into a sweet smile as she replied, "Be patient, dear. I'll give you my answer before the auction begins. Oh, and by the way, I'll be joining the auction with you all."
She leaned in and kissed him again, this time with a passion that washed away her earlier worries.
From her actions alone, Yuan could sense her answer. Yet he resolved to wait until she said the words herself, knowing her feelings could still be influenced by the lingering effects of their intimacy.
"By the way," Yuan asked with a curious smile, "did you finish learning the cultivation technique?"
"That's right! I finished it quickly," Vanessa said, giggling like a schoolgirl. "Aren't I amazing?"
Yuan chuckled, admiring her renewed energy. "Yes, you're brilliant. And once you fully step into the path of cultivation, you'll regain your youth. Soon, both you and Valeria might look more like sisters than mother and daughter." His grin widened at the thought.
"Well, it seems I was worried over nothing," Vanessa said with a soft smile as she stood up from the bed. "You know, I was quite concerned that I'd look old and ruin your image. It seems I was wrong."
She approached the private bathroom door, her movements graceful despite her lingering weakness.
"I'll take a quick bath and clean myself up. I still feel a bit weak, so would you mind joining me in the hot tub?" Vanessa paused at the door, casting him a playful, seductive grin before opening it.
"Sure. How could I refuse an invitation from a beautiful and alluring woman? Besides, I can help you wash your back," Yuan replied with a wide grin, rising to follow her inside the bathroom.
'A fierce aura surrounds her...' Yuan thought, his curiosity piqued. 'It feels as through I'm standing in front of a predator. Is this the power of her Bloodline?'
He couldn't help but speculate about its grade. Vanessa's Bloodline was of Immortal Grade, an incredibly rare and potent level. As her daughter, Valeria's Bloodline should logically also be Immortal Grade. However, Yuan knew that Bloodline awakenings could be unpredictable. Sometimes, the union of two powerful Bloodlines resulted in an even higher grade—or, unexpectedly, a downgrade.
'Only Fang Xiaoyan could determine the exact grade of Valeria's Bloodline. I'll ask her to examine it later,' Yuan resolved, his thoughts racing.
Approaching Valeria, he smiled warmly and kissed her on the cheek. "Congratulations on awakening your Bloodline, Valeria! I'm really excited to find out its grade."
"Thank you, my dear husband. It's all thanks to you," Valeria replied with a playful giggle. Rising from the bed, she shot her mother a teasing smile before heading toward the bathroom.
—
"What was that earthquake just now? It was so powerful! And what was that heavy pressure?" Emperor Philip gasped for air as he stood from the sofa, his face pale and glistening with sweat. Panic flickered in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Emperor Philip," Anna said calmly, her voice unshaken as she sipped tea from her cup. "It was just a normal earthquake—albeit a bit stronger than usual. As for the pressure, it was from Valeria. She's awakened her Bloodline."
"I see..." Empress Selena murmured, her voice distant, as though lost in thought. Her expression was dazed, clearly overwhelmed by the realization that Valeria had awakened her Bloodline, just like her mother.
"What Bloodline are you talking about? And what about Mother? Is she alright? That shaking was incredibly strong!" Emperor Philip's voice wavered between concern and curiosity. While his interest in the Bloodline was apparent, his foremost worry was his mother's well-being.
"Miss Vanessa is fine," Grace interjected in her usual cold, emotionless tone. Her expression remained detached, as though nothing in the world could faze her. "In fact, she's better than ever. Her body has grown strong enough to support her Bloodline."
"I see... That's a relief," Philip sighed, his tense shoulders relaxing as he exhaled deeply. The thought of his mother recovering brought a wave of comfort to his heart.
Anna glanced at Philip, Selena, and Priscilla, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. She couldn't help but reflect on everything that had occurred in Vanessa's room. The Imperial Family had no idea what had transpired there. If they found out that Yuan had not only healed Vanessa but had also made love to her—repeatedly—it would feel as if the ground beneath their feet had vanished.
Moments later, Yuan entered the living area, accompanied by Valeria and Vanessa. Their presence immediately turned heads, radiating a powerful aura that demanded attention. The servants froze in shock as they caught sight of Vanessa walking into the room, healthy and radiant.
Whispers spread quickly among the palace staff, the news of Vanessa's miraculous recovery passing from one servant to another until it reached every corner of the palace.
"Hubby!" Xi Meili's excited voice rang out as she shot up from the sofa like a child who had spotted her favorite treat. She dashed toward Yuan, her face alight with joy.
"Meili!" Yuan called her name warmly, catching her as she leaped into his arms. He planted a gentle kiss on her cheek before carrying her like a princess and settling down on the sofa between his two mothers.
As Yuan lavished affection on Xi Meili, Fang Xiaoyan couldn't help but pout in jealousy, her sharp gaze fixed on the pair.
Meanwhile, Emperor Philip's attention was fixed entirely on Vanessa. His eyes widened, and his expression froze in shock. He could hardly believe what he was seeing.
"Mother..." Philip's voice trembled as emotions welled up within him. Tears streamed down his face as he took a hesitant step forward.
"Finally... Finally, you've recovered from your illness. Congratulations, Mother..." His voice cracked, carrying the weight of years of worry and relief.