Chapter 98: Platonic Foot Washing

Chapter 98: Platonic Foot Washing The night wind gently swept across the land. Within the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, Chu Feng’s room remained brightly lit as always. He was holding a literary classic in his hand, reading with great interest. Knock knock knock... Suddenly, a knock came at the door, startling Chu Feng so much that he instinctively stuffed the book under his pillow. He quickly straightened up and asked, “Who is it?” A cold and clear voice came from outside. “Head Chu, it’s me—Bing Yan.” Hearing the familiar voice, an image of a proud and aloof figure flashed through Chu Feng’s mind. Without thinking too much, he said, “So it’s Elder Bing. What brings you to me so late at night? If it’s nothing urgent, let’s talk tomorrow.” Outside, Elder Bing paused. This kind of matter... if brought up in broad daylight and overheard, she’d lose face completely. “It is indeed something important. And it concerns the two of us directly.” ??? Chu Feng’s face was full of confusion. ‘When did I get so deeply involved with her?’ With doubt still in his mind, he casually flipped the latch. “Elder Bing, the door’s not locked. Come in.” Creak— The door was pushed open from the outside, and Elder Bing slowly stepped in. Unlike her usual cold, prideful demeanor that kept people at a distance, tonight Elder Bing seemed slightly nervous to Chu Feng. “You alright?” The words slipped from Chu Feng’s mouth instinctively. Silence. A long stretch of silence. Elder Bing thought to herself, ‘Am I that obvious?’ She turned around and closed the door, then shook her head. “I’m fine.” Chu Feng, seeing the door shut behind her, grew even more puzzled. ‘Don’t tell me... she actually wants me to have a problem?’ Even so, he maintained a calm tone. “Please have a seat, Elder Bing.” “Thank you, Head Chu.” Elder Bing sat down in a chair beside the table. Her hands, with nowhere to rest, instinctively gripped the hem of her dress. Chu Feng naturally noticed this subtle detail, but chose not to point it out. He calmly walked over, poured her a cup of tea, sat down, and asked: “Now then, Elder Bing, could you tell me what brought you here tonight?” At his words, Elder Bing stood up and bowed deeply. “Head Chu, I’ve come today to apologize.” “Apologize?” Chu Feng was so shocked at the word, he barely resisted the urge to reach out and touch her forehead. He even activated the World-Ending Eye to check if she’d been possessed. “That’s right.” Elder Bing calmed herself and explained everything about how she had secretly tried to learn his Taiji Sword Technique. “Uh... this...” This scene was something Chu Feng had never imagined. ‘In the past, people drilled holes in walls to steal knowledge. Now in this life, someone’s trying to steal sword arts through foot washing?’ ‘Wait no, she hasn’t even brought me foot water yet! I’ve been robbed here!’ ‘There’s no way I’m forgiving her that easily.’ “That’s the full story. I await your punishment, Head Chu.” After saying that, Elder Bing’s entire demeanor shifted. The nervousness disappeared without a trace, and the proud, cold Elder Bing returned in full form. Chu Feng stood up, keeping a stern expression. “Elder Bing, are you truly willing to accept punishment?” “I am.” Though her tone was cold, it was firm and resolute. “Then fulfill your earlier promise first. Someone who can’t even keep a promise—I don’t believe they’ll genuinely accept punishment.” Chu Feng looked her in the eyes, speaking each word with utmost seriousness. “Very well. I ask Head Chu to wait a moment.” After replying, Elder Bing turned and left. Chu Feng watched her retreating back and thought nothing of it. ‘Come or don’t come, it’s not me who made the mistake anyway.’ Before long, Elder Bing returned, carrying a basin of steaming hot water. She set it down on the floor and, in a perfectly casual tone, said: “Head Chu, please.” Chu Feng looked at her serious expression. It felt strange—but he still sat down and soaked his feet. Mmm... comfortable... A look of pure satisfaction appeared on his face. After a while, once the water cooled, Chu Feng slowly opened his eyes to see Elder Bing sitting beside him, eyes closed in meditation. “All right, Elder Bing. You can return and rest now.” Elder Bing didn’t say much. She picked up the basin and left quietly. She knew Head Chu wouldn’t forgive her just for tonight. Chu Feng watched her disappearing silhouette, then closed the door and returned to his bed to keep reading. — Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Every night at midnight, Elder Bing would knock on Chu Feng’s door right on time, bringing him a basin of warm foot water. Chu Feng never refused. The two barely exchanged a word. After a while, Chu Feng summed it up for himself: ‘This is probably what you’d call platonic foot washing.’ ‘In my past life, even the girls in foot massage parlors would chat and flirt while working.’ ‘As for when I’ll forgive her? I’ll wait until she brings it up.’ — Noon. Chu Feng and Qin Qin were busy cooking in the kitchen. Wang Baole had gone into seclusion two days ago to break through the Dao Foundation Realm. [Ding, host’s youngest disciple Wang Baole has broken through to the Dao Foundation Realm. Rewarding host with five years of cultivation. Yin-Yang Taiji Palm – Mastered. Bone-Shifting Divine Hand – Mastered.] Hearing the familiar voice, Chu Feng’s lips curved into a bright smile. “Master, did something good happen?” Qin Qin asked curiously, glancing sideways toward Elder Bing’s room. Chu Feng replied with a smile, “Your junior brother just broke through to the Dao Foundation Realm.” Qin Qin’s eyes lit up. “Then should we make an extra dish for him to celebrate?” Chu Feng said, “One dish isn’t enough. Tonight, let’s throw him a banquet. Let that little fatty feel the warmth of our Miscellaneous Dao Institute.” “Okay!” Qin Qin resumed her cooking with renewed energy. Not long after, Wang Baole came bouncing into the kitchen. “Master! Senior Sister! I broke through to the Dao Foundation Realm!” “Not bad. You’re the fattest,” Chu Feng said, giving him a big thumbs-up. Wang Baole’s smile froze. “Master... could you praise me properly for once?” Pfft— Qin Qin giggled. “He’s teasing you. Just earlier, Master said you broke through and we’re throwing you a banquet tonight.” Wang Baole immediately jumped with excitement. “Thank you, Master! I knew you were the best!” Chu Feng said flatly, “Stop jumping. If you bounce any more, you’ll bring down my whole kitchen.” Wang Baole: “...” — That evening, the banquet began as scheduled. Except for Xiao Chen, who was still in seclusion, everyone in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute was present. The courtyard was filled with the aroma of delicious food. Cao Youqian and the others nearly drooled at the sight of the colorful, fragrant dishes. Even Elder Bing, still in her room, twitched her fingers at the smell. ‘Chu Feng’s cooking skills... seem to have improved quite a bit!’ ‘I wonder what dishes he made today?’ She subconsciously opened her eyes, wanting to take a look—when Chu Feng’s familiar voice rang out from the courtyard: “Elder Bing, hurry up—we’re all waiting on you!” ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44