Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Dr. Lloyd, did you know Fran has come to Blumedale?" Lauren asked with a bright smile as Andrew stepped into the Rhodes residence's grand hall.

Andrew smiled. "Yes, I saw her yesterday, actually."

Lauren's smile immediately turned suggestive as she lowered her voice. "So, did you two immediately go at it for hours when you met?"

Andrew gave a wry smile. "No, nothing like that happened. But Lauren, you seem quite interested in these matters."

Lauren's cheeks flushed pink as she boldly admitted, "Of course I'm interested! That busty Francesca got to enjoy what should've been mine first!"

Andrew wiped his brow. "Hey, I'm not some 'thing' to be enjoyed!"

"Oh, I know," Lauren giggled, "Fran already told me all about your... big equipment."

Well, Andrew was thoroughly defeated in this battle of wits. When it came to dirty talk, he realized he was no match for experienced players like Francesca and Lauren.

"Hey, Andrew, glad you're here. Did you manage to get those rare medicinal herbs from Dr. Goddard that I mentioned to you last time?" Jameson asked with a beaming face as he and Tiana approached together.

Andrew nodded. "Yes, I did. I really have to thank you for that, Mr. Rhodes."

Jameson looked surprised. "Dr. Goddard's supplies aren't easy to obtain! No need to thank me being able to get them is all due to your own ability."

"Andrew's talents go beyond just getting a few herbs. It's second nature to him," Tiana chimed in with a smile.

Lauren gave her mother a strange look. "Mom, your attitude toward Andrew has really changed, hasn't it?"noveldrama

Jameson also wore a suspicious expression. "Tiana, you're starting to look at him like a mother-in-law who's growing fonder of her son-in-law."

A blush appeared on Tiana's face as she replied coldly, "Andrew and I have business to attend to. You two are not to interrupt us."

Lauren pursed her lips. "Fine, got it."

Jameson advised earnestly, "Tiana, your martial training has reached a critical moment. Don't push yourself too hard."

Turning to Andrew, he added, "Andrew, I'm counting on you. Our family will owe you a huge favor for this."

Andrew waved his hand with a smile. "Mr. Rhodes, there's no need to be so formal. Mrs. Rhodes advancing in her martial arts is a happy occasion, and I'm glad to help."

Tiana had already started walking toward the backyard of the Rhodes residence- a place Andrew was always reluctant to visit. She instructed, "Andrew, follow me."

In a pitch-black secret chamber in the Rhodes family's backyard, Tiana lit several candles with a match to provide illumination.

"Whether I can advance to the martial king level depends on this attempt. Honestly, I'm not entirely confident, but I've made all necessary preparations. This secret chamber completely isolates us from the outside world and can only be opened from the inside. Andrew, let's begin," she said as she sat cross-legged on the floor.

Andrew surveyed the chamber, noting its simple furnishings. Wealthy families typically built secret chambers like this for meditation retreats and breakthrough attempts in martial arts training. It was also why there was not even electric lighting the goal was absolute safety and isolation.

"Mrs. Rhodes, here are the medicines you requested. Please check them," Andrew said, taking out Tiana's requirements from his small bag.

After examining everything, Tiana smiled with satisfaction. "Excellent, very thorough preparations. Andrew, your medicine-making skills have reached a high level. You truly live up to your reputation as the Lloyd family prodigy. I've rarely seen someone as well-rounded and gifted as you."

Andrew responded to Tiana's praise with calm indifference. "Mrs. Rhodes, now that everything's ready, what method do you plan to use for your breakthrough?"

Previously, Tiana had mentioned that her lineage had a unique method for breaking through barriers. Attempting to reach the martial king level was extremely dangerous.

Originally, Andrew had not supported her advancing so quickly in her martial arts training. However, given Tiana's headstrong nature, he was unsure he could dissuade her.

Moreover, since Tiana was very confident in her special method, Andrew was curious to see what it entailed.

"Hehe, my method is called 'Divine Enlightenment,' passed down from my martial lineage," she explained.

Divine Enlightenment? Under Andrew's puzzled gaze, Tiana slowly began removing her upper garments.

First, her outer clothing. Then, her undergarments. Finally, only a lace bra remained covering the essential parts of her fair body.

"What are you doing?" Andrew demanded, both angry and shocked.

Tiana's fair cheeks had already turned pink. However, she acted as if nothing unusual was happening, saying calmly, "Relax, don't make such a fuss. The Divine Enlightenment method requires exposing the body to release heat, allowing the body's meridians and energy points to interact with the surrounding environment.

"That's why I brought you to this secret chamber-it's a necessary approach..."