"Don't misunderstand, I'm just helping you treat your injuries. The one I like is Ye Ziyun. It's nice to meet you, and I hope we can become friends in the future," Nie Li explained as he glanced at Xiao Ning'er's enchanting face.
Upon hearing Nie Li's words, Xiao Ning'er's shoulders trembled slightly.
She nodded and softly responded without saying much.
Nie Li placed his finger on the bruised area, gently infusing it with soul force.
"Um," Xiao Ning'er couldn't help but let out a painful groan.
"Your injury isn't severe, but it has already reached your meridians. Please bear with it for a while," Nie Li spoke gently.
"Okay," Xiao Ning'er lowered her head more, her face turning a charming shade of red.
Nie Li's heart stirred as he looked at her.
In his past life, Xiao Ning'er was indeed as famous for her beauty as Ziyun.
Though she was only thirteen, she was already this captivating.
In their past lives, for boys like them, both Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun were goddesses they admired.
Ye Ziyun's elegance and nobility, Xiao Ning'er's charm and allure—both were the dream lovers in the hearts of these boys.
However, having Ye Ziyun by his side now, Nie Li no longer thought of others.
Presently, he focused on helping Xiao Ning'er heal her injuries.
Under Nie Li's attentive massage, the intense pain she initially felt slowly transformed into a soothing warmth flowing from Nie Li's palm, easing much of the pain in her foot.
The bruise had been there for six or seven months, frequently causing sharp, unbearable pain.
Xiao Ning'er had endured with steely determination, but it was a constant torment.
She had anticipated the treatment of this bruise to be extremely painful.
To her surprise, Nie Li's touch was very gentle, and soon enough, the torturous pain that had plagued her reduced significantly.
Tears welled up in Xiao Ning'er's eyes.
No one knew how excruciating the pain had been.
In the stillness of night, she would sometimes secretly cry, but after wiping away her tears, she would continue to train with gritted teeth.
She hadn't expected that Nie Li's massage would alleviate so much of her suffering, filling her heart with gratitude.
The moonlight was bright, illuminating Nie Li's distinct features.
His focused expression caused ripples in Xiao Ning'er’s heart, a calm that was disturbed and hard to settle.
"Okay, it's done," Nie Li stopped and smiled slightly.
"There might still be a little pain over the next few days, but with some rest, it shouldn't be much of a problem."
"Okay," Xiao Ning'er nodded, her cheeks once again blushing.
She said, "There's another bruise. Can you help me treat that one too, Nie Li?"
"Another one?" Nie Li paused, then realized that if Xiao Ning'er's bruise had only been on her foot, she wouldn't have been bedridden for two years, so there had to be a more serious one.
"Where is it?"
Xiao Ning'er hesitated inside, feeling a bit shy.
"If it's inconvenient..."
Nie Li began, noticing Xiao Ning'er's expression, he immediately sensed that the bruise might be in a difficult place to talk about.
"Nie Li, you said you like Ye Ziyun?"
"Yes," Nie Li nodded, recalling the memories of his past life, the trials and tribulations he shared with Ye Ziyun, and felt a sense of happiness.
Having reborn, Nie Li was determined to protect Ye Ziyun.
A faint disappointment flitted across Xiao Ning'er's eyes.
After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Does Ye Ziyun like you?"
At this moment, Ye Ziyun didn’t know Nie Li at all—she didn't even dislike him, which was already good enough.
Nie Li chuckled, shaking his head, and then confidently said, "She will come to like me!"
Xiao Ning'er looked at Nie Li, speechless.
She then chuckled.
It turned out Nie Li was just single-mindedly in love.
She couldn't figure out where Nie Li's confidence came from, thinking that a girl as distinguished as Ye Ziyun would fall for him.
It wasn't that Xiao Ning'er thought Nie Li was unworthy of Ye Ziyun's affection; rather, the chances of two people who did not yet understand each other to be together seemed too slim.
Ye Ziyun didn’t know Nie Li now, and surely had no feelings for him.
If, someday, Ye Ziyun got to know Nie Li, perhaps she might end up liking him, this thought unexpectedly made Xiao Ning'er uneasy.
In the eyes of others, Nie Li was seen as an unlearned and idle rich boy, but only Xiao Ning'er knew that Nie Li's abilities far exceeded what others could imagine.
Nie Li would surely become a legendary demon spirit master like Ye Mo!
Xiao Ning'er hesitated internally before slowly lifting her clothing.
Seeing Xiao Ning'er's actions, Nie Li felt a bit embarrassed and shifted the topic, "Your injuries are okay; they haven't harmed your internal organs. Otherwise, I would be helpless."
"Thank you, Nie Li. Without you, I really wouldn't know what to do..."
Xiao Ning'er said with a voice trailing off.
Considering the situation, Nie Li found it necessary to prioritize healing over any concerns.
He could not stand by watching Xiao Ning'er be robbed of all hope by her ailment.
Her pretty face delicately adorned with makeup appeared clean and charming, with a hint of childishness between her brows.
It wouldn't be long before Xiao Ning'er grew into a stunning woman, enchanting and alluring.
Nie Li steadied his mind, his gaze falling on the alarming bruise under Xiao Ning'er's ribs, only about the size of a thumb but deeply colored.
Nie Li felt a deep sympathy for this pitiable girl.
How had she endured such intense pain?
He laid his hand on the bruise, channeling a thread of soul force to begin treating Xiao Ning'er.
Quietly, neither of them spoke, and the woods were peaceful and serene.
Xiao Ning'er sensed the warmth from Nie Li's palm, as the soul force gradually dispelled her pain.
Though strong, she often felt lonely in the dead of night, especially when faced with such unbearable pain.
She longed for support.
However, within her family, neither her brother nor her father provided solace.
Only at this moment, did Nie Li give her the feeling of someone she could rely on.
Fully absorbed and focused, Nie Li diligently massaged the bruised area.
His earnest manner filled Xiao Ning'er's heart with gratitude.
After a while, Nie Li exhaled a deep breath, revealing a bright smile.
"It's done!"
When Nie Li's hand moved away, Xiao Ning'er realized the pain had eased considerably.
She had to admit that Nie Li's massage technique was miraculous, easing her torment significantly, and finally allowing her tense emotions to relax.
"Thank you," Xiao Ning'er softly uttered, lowering her head and adjusting her clothing.
Nie Li calmed his stirred emotions and advised earnestly, "Rest well in the coming days, and the pain should considerably lessen. I’ll massage you every three days, and it should resolve in a few more sessions. Before reaching the Bronze level, don't practice soul force at night anymore. Absorbing too much moonlight essence without balance might cause severe consequences!"
"Okay," Xiao Ning'er nodded.
She promised herself not to practice recklessly again.
If not for Nie Li, the future could have been dreadful, rendering her previous efforts futile!
Seeing Xiao Ning'er safe and sound, Nie Li stood up and announced, "I should be leaving."
"Oh," although she couldn't quite describe the emotion within her, Xiao Ning'er quickly nodded.
After a moment of silence, she said, "Nie Li, you helped me. If you ever need my help, I will do my utmost to aid you!"
Seeing her earnest expression, Nie Li chuckled and nodded.
"Alright, if I ever need help, I'll come to you!" In truth, Nie Li only helped Xiao Ning'er because he pitied her, never expecting anything in return.
As Nie Li turned and left, his silhouette vanished into the woods.
Xiao Ning'er stood there for a long time watching him go.
Feeling her illness alleviated, a newfound lightness and joy filled her heart.
"Nie Li, what kind of person are you really?" Xiao Ning'er murmured to herself, her heart filled with a touch of excitement as she headed towards the exit of the Trial Grounds.
The night was cool and clear, the moonlight like a gentle veil over the dark skies.
(The End of the Chapter)