"Master, why do they call you Boxuan?"
Atop a beautiful mountain, Salas stood with his hands behind his back. The soft breeze blew through his hair as he gazed into the distance like a benevolent sage.
Xiao Wu, standing at his side, puffed her cheeks and asked curiously.
"Because I allow them to call me that... After all, I haven't announced my title after reaching the Titled Douluo level, so they can't address me by it yet," Salas replied with a gentle smile.
"Then... that name? Is it Teacher's real name? Did Teacher remember some of his lost memories?" Xiao Wu asked, her large, curious eyes blinking.
"No, not exactly... but I feel like that name should belong to me.
"Recently, after breaking through in my cultivation, I began having strange dreams... Visions. In them, a woman calls me Boxuan," Salas said calmly.
Hearing that, Xiao Wu sighed. Her master... was truly pitiful.
What must it feel like to forget everything about yourself? She tried to imagine, but couldn't. The thought alone was terrifying.
But there was one thing she was sure of—she never wanted to forget her own memories. Her memories of San-ge. Her friends. Her mother and two brothers. And now, her memories of this new, caring master... someone who had become a father figure to her.
With those thoughts, she started to understand how lonely her master must be. Maybe, deep inside, he was crying... even while staying strong on the outside.
Walking closer to her elegant and composed master, Xiao Wu gently took his hand and spoke with determination, "Teacher, don't worry. I'll help you recover your memories."
Hearing her say that, Salas scoffed inwardly. He didn't care for her words.
The promises of girls already in love with another man were worthless. To them, their lover's words always came first. They only thought about others after prioritizing their own beloved. Even the so-called sacred master-disciple bond was no exception.
In the end... all he wanted was their loyalty and obedience. He wasn't planning to interfere with their romantic feelings anyway.
"I believe in my disciple's words... But for that, you'll need to grow stronger," Salas said with a smile as he gently patted her head.
"Yes, Master. Xiao Wu will become strong and powerful!" she nodded firmly.
There hadn't yet come a day where she was forced to choose between Tang San and her master, so for now, her affection and trust for Salas were genuine. She was mostly obedient too.
Over the past three months, Salas had spent about five days each month with her, and their relationship had grown noticeably closer. Xiao Wu had truly begun to see him as a father figure. Everything was progressing according to his plan.
Naturally, in that time, he had also gained a bit of goodwill from Tang San.
"Yes, yes... Xiao Wu will definitely become powerful. But if you want to grow stronger faster, you'll have to follow Teacher's methods," Salas said with a warm smile.
"Yes, Teacher… Are we doing that medicinal bath today too?" Xiao Wu asked. Unlike her carefree self from canon, this version of her had a burning desire to grow stronger—to one day take revenge for her brothers. Salas had carefully nurtured and encouraged that desire.
Her cultivation method was also unique. It improved with increased contact with humans, so Salas didn't need to intervene too much. Instead, he distracted her with so-called "special" medicinal baths, claiming they would improve her physique.
To be fair, the medicinal bath was genuine. A legacy mix derived from Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi—it had significant effects on Xiao Wu. She could feel her body strengthening after each session. It was painful, yes, but it was also more effective than Grandmaster's basic concoctions.
"Yes, sort of... But today's medicinal bath is a bit different. This time, it's a secret formula Teacher has prepared. It can only be used twice in one's life. It'll make your body stronger than ever before," Salas said with a smile.
Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Teacher, give it to me quickly!"
"Heh, calm down and listen. Unlike the usual bath, this one will be extremely painful. Are you really willing? You'll definitely lose consciousness if you're not careful… and if you do, the medicine's effect will be wasted," Salas warned with a smile.
Xiao Wu hesitated. She wasn't someone who enjoyed suffering… but thinking of her revenge, and the faith her master placed in her, she clenched her teeth and nodded firmly.
Salas smiled, clearly satisfied. He patted her head again, as though Xiao Wu hadn't let him down in the slightest.
But inside, he was licking his lips with anticipation. Tonight, he would enjoy her again.
Placing his hand on Xiao Wu's shoulder, he disappeared. When they reappeared, they were in front of a hotel room.
Xiao Wu blinked and asked, "Teacher, this isn't the place where I usually take my medicinal baths, is it?"
"No. Since there's a chance you may lose consciousness today, I can't leave you unattended like before. This place has female caretakers who'll monitor your condition in case something happens," Salas said seriously, with the tone of a considerate teacher. After all, when doing wicked things, it was important not to leave any loopholes.
Though Xiao Wu saw him as a father figure, maintaining the expected concern and care was still essential to keep up appearances.
"Teacher is very thoughtful…" Xiao Wu nodded again, reassured. She felt once more that her master was meticulous and deeply respectful of her privacy.
They quickly arranged a room and selected a caretaker.
The medicinal bath was mostly the same as usual… except for one important detail—what Salas held in his hand.
"Little Wu, this is the special medicine Master has prepared. There's only one dose. If you waste it, it'll take me at least a year to gather the ingredients again. So you must make the most of this chance," Salas said seriously, holding out a steaming bowl emitting a strange aroma.
Of course, all of this was made up. He just didn't want her asking for another portion to give Tang San. He had no intention of letting that happen.
As for whether the medicine truly worked and could improve Xiao Wu's physique? Absolutely.
And what was the main ingredient in this "special" medicine? Heh… It was whale glue—boiled to a liquid state and combined with herbs that suppressed any stimulating side effects so Xiao Wu wouldn't be affected in the wrong way…
"Xiao Wu, one last warning. You must not lose consciousness. Otherwise, it'll all go to waste," Salas warned again.
Xiao Wu nodded seriously, a trace of nervousness in her eyes as she stared at the steaming bowl.
Salas then went over a few final instructions and precautions about how to absorb the medicine's effects. Once everything was done, he called in the caretaker and gave her strict instructions.
"You must keep a constant eye on her. If she loses consciousness, take care of her and notify me immediately. I'll be in the room just opposite," he said with a solemn tone, slipping a gold coin into the woman's hand.
The beautiful caretaker bowed quickly and assured Salas that she would watch over Xiao Wu without blinking.
Salas finally handed Xiao Wu the medicine. After watching her drink the so-called secret formula, he left the room, satisfied.
"Hehe... This time, I'll make sure to empty my venom sack completely..." Salas smirked wickedly as he walked into the room across the hall.