Chapter 182: Going Swimming with Beauties

The morning air was chilly, unsuitable for swimming, so I returned to my room, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began cultivating.

While practicing Nine Revolutions of Heaven and Earth, my mind wandered. Since Mei’er helped me build my foundation, I’ve only met one cultivator, Li Qingxiao, with the rest being ancient martial artists. Yet, Long Qingyang’s pressure surpassed Li Qingxiao’s.

Ancient martial arts and cultivation differ greatly: one follows Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow ranks; the other, Stellar Vortex, Lunar Reflection, Solar Crown. Each rank in ancient martial arts has three stages, like the early, middle, late stages of cultivation. Thus, ancient martial arts has twelve levels, while cultivation has nine.

But ancient martial artists can’t fly, whereas cultivators can after reaching late Stellar Vortex. Ancient martial artists only cultivate Qi at the Mysterious rank, lagging behind cultivators who gain True Qi upon foundation building. According to Mei’er, cultivators at late Lunar Reflection can wield the five elements’ spiritual Qi for spells, while ancient martial artists rely on physical combat and Qi, like warriors versus mages in games—one melee tank, one ranged high-damage dealer.

One focuses on physical training, the other on mental strength and True Qi. Cultivators can ascend to immortality, but can ancient martial artists? There are tales of entering the Dao through martial arts, but they’re just legends. I prefer the close-combat thrill of ancient martial arts—more impactful, unlike Li Qingxiao’s thousand-sword Qi clash, which was pure True Qi showdown. Could I dual-cultivate martial arts and cultivation?

Knock, knock, knock!

A sudden knock interrupted my thoughts. Since Sister Lin dragged me up this morning, I locked the door to avoid her barging in, mistaking me for a cult member.

“Coming!” I stopped cultivating, answered, and opened the door. It wasn’t Sister Lin but Tang Shuyao.

Tang Shuyao beamed, “Narcissist, get ready! We’re going swimming!”

“Now?” I asked, as I had little sway over this girl.

Tang Shuyao put her hands on her hips. “The sun’s up, it’s warm—perfect for swimming!”

I smiled. “Alright, call the others. Let’s go together.”

“Okay! I’ll get Sister Mengxin!” Tang Shuyao turned to fetch Sister Lin and the rest.

I remembered Qin Mengdie’s sprained ankle. “Is Qin Mengdie’s foot healed?”

“Still swollen. She can’t join,” Tang Shuyao sighed.

I thought for a moment. “Go call Sister Lin and the others.”

Tang Shuyao nodded and headed to their room. I hurried to Tang Shuyao and Qin Mengdie’s room.

Bad timing… Qin Mengdie was changing, having just removed her pajamas, standing in only a bra and panties. The sunlight highlighted her stunning curves, making Little Xia Tian want to “rise again.” She didn’t notice me, so I quietly retreated, swallowing hard.

Her mounds were impressive, like Mei’er’s, and she favored white clothes, even underwear. Qin Mengdie was beautiful but too cold.

Knock, knock! 

I tapped the door. 

Soon, Qin Mengdie’s voice came, “Who is it?”

“Xia Tian!” I replied softly, avoiding attention.

“Wait, I’m not ready,” she said.

She was already fully seen, so of course.

After a bit, she said, “It’s unlocked. Come in.”

I entered, smiling at her. Qin Mengdie, now dressed, looked puzzled. “What do you want?”

“Heard your foot’s not healed. Just checking,” I said, smiling.

“I’m fine,” she said coldly.

I approached her bed. “Show me your foot.”

“I said I’m fine!” Her tone grew icier, almost angry.

“Sorry!” Ignoring her, I lifted the blanket, revealing… she wasn’t wearing pants!

“What are you doing?” Her voice was calm but tense.

I quickly covered her, exposing only her foot. “I’ll massage it. It’ll be quick. Bear with it.”

I placed my hands on her ankle, gently massaging while using True Qi to reduce swelling.

“It… tickles! Stop!” Qin Mengdie suppressed a laugh, frowning.

I continued channeling True Qi silently. Soon, her foot was fully healed.

“Phew…” I stood. “Yao Yao and the others are going swimming. Your foot’s fine now. Get ready and join us.”

Qin Mengdie, expressionless, tested her ankle, then said faintly, “Thanks…”

“No problem. Old Xia family massage technique—works fast!” I grinned.

She paused. “Family technique?”

“Yeah!” I said awkwardly, fearing she’d see through me. “Hurry up, I’m leaving!” I bolted.

As I exited, Xu Xin, Mei’er, Wang Ziyan, and Tang Shuyao approached.

“Narcissist, what were you doing in my and Mengdie’s room?” Tang Shuyao asked.

I scratched my head, laughing. “Checking her injury…”

As we were talking Qin Mengdie emerged. 

Tang Shuyao gasped, “Your sprain’s healed?”

“It’s fine,” Qin Mengdie replied coolly.

“Great! Now you can swim with us!” Tang Shuyao exclaimed.

“Where’s Sister Lin?” I noticed her absence.

Mei’er said, “Sister Mengxin’s unwell, so she can’t swim.”

Unwell? She was fine this morning.

“I’ll go check,” I said, entering Sister Lin’s room.

Sister Lin lay on her bed, legs crossed, playing on her phone.

“Cough, cough!” 

“Sister Lin, heard you’re unwell?”

“Y-Yes! Oh, my head hurts!” She dramatically groaned.

Her rosy face betrayed her act. I smirked. “Sister Lin, are you avoiding swimming because your b00bs are too small, afraid of being laughed at in a swimsuit?”

“Who’s afraid!” She sprang up, though her voice lacked conviction.

I laughed. “Then come swim with us!”

“Fine!” She stood.

“Sister Mengxin, your head’s better?” Tang Shuyao asked.

I gave Sister Lin a knowing look. “With Dr. Xia here, what illness can linger?”

Sister Lin glared, then awkwardly told Tang Shuyao, “Y-Yes!”

“Everyone’s here! Let’s have fun!” Tang Shuyao cheered, waving. “Let’s go!”

“Let’s go!” I and the beauties shouted.

Time to swim! These beauties in swimsuits will look amazing—except Sister Lin’s flat airport runway…