Taiyi Dao Fruit-Chapter 1173 - 393: Technique Approaches the Dao

'Caught off guard.'

Thought the situation was settled, but was unexpectedly countered.

The reversal of victory and defeat can be so sudden at times.

Thus, the smile shifted from Jiang Li's face, blooming into a firework-like smile on Tianxuan's face.

She turned her head, and said leisurely, "I thought you would make excuses. I was ready to present evidence."

"Keep kneading."

Speaking softly, Tianxuan gave a light order.

Jiang Li obediently continued kneading her shoulders and said earnestly, "Honesty leads to leniency, after all."

He, Emperor Jiang, was a man of dignity, not the type to stubbornly resist when caught. Besides, stubbornness wouldn't work...

As for Gongsun Qingyue and Primordial Lord Rain Master, both couldn't help but widen their phoenix eyes, looking at Jiang Li in utter astonishment.

"Now I see how wise it was to whisk you away; otherwise, the Xuanyuan Sword might have really cut you down," Gongsun Qingyue couldn't help but say.

Meanwhile, Primordial Lord Rain Master shook her head, wearing a helpless expression.

She had no intention of contesting with Tianxuan, so she willingly backed down to resolve the fire in Jiang Li's backyard, not expecting that Jiang Li had a big secret hidden underneath.

Now with the Vermilion Bird at play, the fire instantly became a raging inferno.

Tianxuan softly tapped her thigh with a scroll in her hand, "Now you know that honesty leads to leniency, huh? I actually preferred your defiant nature before."

Previously, these two ungrateful disciples cooperated to unveil secrets in front of her, now they appear timid instead.

"He's not being honest for leniency; he knows he can't hide it anymore."

Gongsun Qingyue gave Jiang Li a look and said, "I heard Aunt Ling Guang likes people kneeling on Fire Lotus. Does our Emperor Jiang share this hobby as well?"

"He has quite a few quirks, like making your master call him daddy," Primordial Lord Rain Master tried once more to help Jiang Li by attempting to entangle Tianxuan in the situation.

Not having many desires herself, Primordial Lord Rain Master naturally inclined towards smoothing over the conflict, making her Jiang Li's most steadfast ally.

As for Gongsun Qingyue and Tianxuan, while they weren't irate, they definitely felt a sting. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Hope someone else can keep smiling next time they have to face this."

Tianxuan glanced at Primordial Lord Rain Master, not falling for it, turning her sights on Jiang Li, "Shall I prepare two Fire Lotus for you to kneel on?"

"If Master commands, this disciple will accept the punishment," Jiang Li said humbly, his head lowered in contrition.

After being found out, he had mentally prepared to experience the royal perks.

However, upon hearing this, Tianxuan's hand paused with the scroll, becoming suddenly quiet.

After a brief moment, she said softly, "Are you truly willing to kneel?"

"Forget it, kneeling on Fire Lotus is nothing for a rebel like you." Tianxuan brushed aside the punishment, gently resuming her rhythm with the scroll.

With Jiang Li's current power, even Southern Ming Li Fire and True Sun Fire might not harm him.

As one with Fire Destiny, having mastered the art Qi Tomb to perfection, fire could not harm him. True Water or different methods might cause him discomfort, but not true fire.

Kneeling on Fire Lotus is mainly for hurting one's pride, especially for those who are strong-willed and proud.

Jiang Li might seem thick-skinned, but he is strong-willed and sensitive, and kneeling on Fire Lotus would likely have an effect on him.

However, Tianxuan did not wish to do so.

Though she said it was nothing to Jiang Li, she actually couldn't bear to do it.

This did not escape Jiang Li, nor the other two present.

It was unexpected to see such behavior from the usually calculating Tianxuan, making her seem unfamiliar to friends and foes alike.

"Yuan Xi," Jiang Li called out, head lowered.

Hearing this, Tianxuan's body tensed subtly, her tone indifferent, "What? Feeling guilty? Using a retreat to counter me, yet falling for the same trick."

"I love you."

Thought long and hard, and only these three words seemed fitting for this moment, albeit slightly embarrassing.

Even with his current mental state, Jiang Li felt a warm current in his heart, unlike his usual demeanor.

Even Supreme Forget Love isn't loveless; sometimes emotions hit, making it hard to bear.

[In simple terms, he's infatuated.]

A line surfaced timely on the Karma Collection.

On Tianxuan's side, matters seemed similar. Clenching the scroll tighter, delicate cracks formed under her fingers.

At times, swaying the heart is difficult, with no words capable of stirring it, yet sometimes it requires just an emotional phrase to suffice.

Just like Tianxuan, feeling light, she didn't even notice being picked up until a sensation of restraint let her know she was placed on Jiang Li's lap.

"You rebellious disciple, what are you trying to do?" Tianxuan scolded, face tense.

The favorable situation turned in an instant; clearly, they held the upper hand while the rebellious disciple was cornered, yet the roles switched, and she became the one trapped.

This is simply cheating.

"Master," Jiang Li replied.

"I'm asking what you're trying to do?"

"Master."

Her pristine white dress spread like a lotus, tearing with a ripping sound, causing Tianxuan's body to shake.

"You..."

Biting her lip, she said, "Rebel—"

Words unspoken, Tianxuan's fingers clenched, digging into the armrest.

Because Jiang Li was now making deep, intrusive moves.

"—lious disciple!"

Tianxuan's face was flushed; even she felt immensely embarrassed doing such things in front of master and disciple.

But now the tables were turned, and the control was no longer hers.

All without finding out how the rebellious disciple had gotten involved with Ji Lingguang, she was overwhelmed by the disciple with his unorthodox method.

"Rebellious disciple, you're cheating—" Tianxuan's words lingered.

"Master,"

Gongsun Qingyue, watching Tianxuan, couldn't help but sigh, "Here's your chance, and you're botching it."

Saying this, she couldn't help but laugh herself.

She'd waited a long time to return this remark to Tianxuan.

But amidst the laughter, even Gongsun Qingyue's cheeks reddened.

This scene, and the people involved...

Broad daylight might be fine; it wasn't the first time, but mainly it's the people—Primordial Lord Rain Master was still present, after all.

Tianxuan tried to maintain a dignified posture, despite it being futile, but nothing could be helped now.

Yet, Jiang Li was ferocious.

Truly:

Yuan Xi doesn't braid her hair, letting it drape over her shoulders,

Gently resting upon the gentleman's knee, how pitiful?