"Sorry. Due to personal reasons, I can't accept blood collection," Aether said, refusing Jiaoqiu's request.
Although he appeared no different from an ordinary Long-Lived Species, his body was anything but normal.
After being chosen by the Aeon of Abundance as an Emanator of Abundance, Aether's body underwent earth-shattering changes. A single drop of his blood contained an immense Power of Abundance.
Aether knew how special he was. He did not dare gamble on Jiaoqiu failing to notice something abnormal. With the potency of his blood, it would be tantamount to announcing his identity as an Emanator of Abundance right to her face.
Unlike the madmen among the remnants of Abundance, Aether only wanted a normal and fulfilling life. He wanted to live without worrying about food and drink, play games online, and slowly enjoy his long lifespan.
The Xianzhou was one of the few places that still carried the atmosphere of his hometown before transmigration. He liked it here and was willing to stay.
If he were forced to leave because his identity was exposed, that would be even more unbearable to Aether than a Mara-Struck outbreak.
Seeing Aether refuse the blood draw, Jiaoqiu frowned slightly. He clearly had not expected this outcome.
As a physician, Jiaoqiu had treated countless patients. Blood collection was the most routine procedure imaginable. Logically speaking, no one but children would object to it.
Yet Aether refused.
"Hiss… this is troublesome," Jiaoqiu said, rubbing his chin. He turned to Fei Xiao, signaling for her to speak.
Understanding his meaning, Fei Xiao sat beside Aether and asked softly, "Aether, is it really not possible? This is very important to me."
With Fei Xiao speaking, Aether wavered.
When he remembered that Fei Xiao had previously claimed she was pregnant, his heart became even more unsettled.
After struggling internally for a long time, Aether finally shook his head. "Sorry. It really isn't possible."
Just as Fei Xiao and Jiaoqiu were feeling regretful, Aether suddenly changed the subject.
"However, I do know a bit about medicine, especially rare inherited bloodline conditions. May I examine General Fei Xiao's situation?"
"Oh? You know medicine?" Jiaoqiu was slightly surprised.
He had assumed Aether was just an ordinary merchant. He had not expected him to have medical knowledge.
"That would be great," Fei Xiao said calmly. "I'll trouble you to take a look. Don't put pressure on yourself. It's fine even if you can't cure it."
"Alright. Give me your hand," Aether nodded, his expression composed.
Fei Xiao extended her hand. Aether took her pulse, and at the same time, quietly activated the Power of Abundance. It transformed into fine threads that slipped into Fei Xiao's blood vessels through his fingertips, examining her body in detail.
Soon, Aether's expression turned strange.
He looked at Fei Xiao, then at Jiaoqiu, and said slowly, "Fei Xiao… was it Jiaoqiu who told you to pretend you were pregnant?"
"You noticed?" Jiaoqiu was not surprised. "As expected, Mr. Aether does have some skill."
"So you admit it?" Aether stared at Jiaoqiu, speechless. "Do you know how scared I was? What kind of idea even is that?"
Still, Fei Xiao's condition was more important. Aether did not linger on the issue and continued his examination.
When he finished, his expression became awkward, as though he had discovered something that was difficult to explain.
That only made Fei Xiao and Jiaoqiu more curious.
"Ahem… well… how should I put this?" Aether hesitated, then began carefully. "This really is related to my blood."
After organizing his thoughts, he continued.
"I am a Pathstrider of Abundance. Due to the blessing of Abundance and other factors, my blood carries a very strong Power of Abundance. Even a tiny amount can heal various injuries."
"Because of that, once my blood enters the outside world, it becomes extremely easy to attract attention and pursuit. General Fei Xiao, due to her Buli bloodline, was indirectly stimulated by it, so…"
At this point, Aether lowered his head, unable to continue.
The conclusion was already obvious. Because of Aether's special constitution, Fei Xiao's bloodline had been stimulated, causing her cravings toward him.
"I see. No wonder the General is only interested in you," Jiaoqiu said, finally understanding, though doubt still lingered.
"Then is the abnormality in the General's body also caused by your blood?"
Aether nodded. "Yes. My blood has many effects. It can even treat inherited bloodline diseases, though the process is slow and requires long-term exposure. Hey? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No wonder. No wonder!" Jiaoqiu suddenly slapped his thigh and stood up excitedly.
"I was wondering why the General's symptoms were so strange. In that case, the emergence of Buli bloodthirsty instincts must also be part of the healing process. Mr. Aether, can you really not let me take some blood back for research?"
"Hey, hey, hey, calm down! I'm not giving blood!" Aether retreated quickly.
"That's a pity," Jiaoqiu said regretfully. Then he looked between Aether and Fei Xiao, his narrowed eyes clearly harboring a mischievous idea.
"Since Mr. Aether's blood can treat inherited bloodline diseases, and the General has already shared a room with him, why not go all the way and get married?"
"What?"
Aether felt as if the sky had collapsed.
Marrying Fei Xiao? He did not dislike the idea. Who wouldn't want a beautiful general as their wife?
But she was a Xianzhou General. If a General married, wouldn't countless high-ranking officials attend? Could his identity as an Emanator of Abundance remain hidden then?
"Mar… marriage? Isn't that a little too fast?"
A faint blush appeared on Fei Xiao's face. Despite her countless battles, she had never experienced romance and was completely inexperienced.
"Only too fast?" Jiaoqiu covered his mouth with a feather fan, feigning surprise. "Does that mean you both like each other?"
"Huh?!"
Both Aether and Fei Xiao flushed red and immediately avoided each other's gaze.
Aether steadied himself and said, "Cough. Jiaoqiu, being that direct really is too fast. Most people date for years before marriage. We've barely experienced anything. Jumping straight to marriage is too abrupt."
Jiaoqiu smiled lightly. "That's easy to solve. Take a step back. Why not just become a couple?"
"You don't dislike each other, and Mr. Aether can help the General treat her inherited bloodline condition. Isn't that a match made in heaven?"
"Uh… that does sound reasonable," Fei Xiao said after thinking it over.
If there was no emotional foundation, then build one.
Hiss. It made perfect sense. So why did it feel like something was still off?