Lady Azure smiled softly, a gentle warmth blooming in her heart at Xiao Hua's words. Even Xue Yue, who was ever shrouded in a veil of cold indifference, revealed a rare, gentle smile that softened her usual aloofness.
"Anyway," Lady Azure lightly coughed, shifting the subject. "What do you intend to do with the eight strands of Origin Qi sealed within that light cluster?"
"Naturally, I will share them with Brother Ming Cheng and the others," Xiao Hua nodded. "But that will be a matter for the future, not now."
With a flick of his finger, he stored the cluster of light into the Mysterious Heaven Ring, concealing its unique aura from the prying senses of others.
Lady Azure and Xue Yue nodded in agreement. They exchanged a brief glance before quietly returning to the depths of Xiao Hua's spiritual sea.
Xiao Hua then summoned the System and turned his attention to the Pity Draw he had obtained several months ago while waiting for Tian Huo Zun-zhe's soul to awaken.
[You have one Pity Draw available. Do you wish to use them now?]
Upon giving his silent acknowledgment, the System immediately displayed the rewards he had drawn.
[95 Batches of Extremely Rare, High-Grade Medicinal Ingredients.]
[35 Batches of Extremely Rare, High-Grade Medicinal Ingredients.]
[4 Parts of Ancient Beast, the Deep-Tide Leviathan: Leviathan's Abyssal Scale, Leviathan's Deep Tide Heart Core (Monster Core), Leviathan's Fangs and Oceanic Vein Tendrils.]
[4 Parts of Ancient Beast, Pure Heavens Lightning Beast: Pure Heavens Lightning Core (Monster Core), Heart of Pure Thunder, Thundercloud Horn and Thunder Pure Marrow.]
Xiao Hua studied the options indifferently, though a trace of hesitation flickered in his gaze. Without much thought, he immediately dismissed the medicinal ingredients—though valuable, they lacked the attraction in his eyes.
His attention shifted to the final two choices.
Both the Deep-Tide Leviathan and the Pure Heavens Lightning Beast held significant value—one aligned with Xin Yu's affinity, the other with Ming Cheng's path.
After a lengthy moment of contemplation, Xiao Hua ultimately selected the Pure Heavens Lightning Beast. Its listed components were not only rarer, but also carried far greater utility, especially in assisting with Ming Cheng's Dou Techniques.
Once the selection was confirmed, the System immediately stored the four parts of the Pure Heavens Lightning Beast into the Mysterious Heaven Ring.
Without delay, Xiao Hua released his spiritual sense, sweeping across the cave to observe the conditions of Han Yue and Xiao Yu, who were each secluded in their respective multicoloured pools.
In an instant, two exquisite, suet-like figures surfaced in his min. Within their respective multicolored pools, Han Yue and Xiao Yu were seated in a mermaid-like posture, their delicate bodies completely bare as they silently endured the refinement process. Though the scene was undeniably alluring, Xiao Hua paid it no heed, directing his full attention toward their physical states.
That said, he could not entirely suppress the involuntary shift in his breathing. Such a reaction was, after all, only natural for a man. If one remained completely unmoved in the face of such a sight, it might cast doubt on whether he was truly a man at all...
Upon confirming their state, Xiao Hua let out a soft sigh of relief. Their conditions, while far from ideal, were not critical. It was evident they were enduring the overwhelming surge of pure energy within the multicolored pool—a trial that strained both body and spirit.
He had long harbored concerns about whether Han Yue and Xiao Yu's physiques and willpower could withstand the potency of the true Core Quenching Body Milk.
Unlike Xiao Yan, whose body had been forged through Heavenly Flames and honed under harsh and bitter training, Han Yue and Xiao Yu were, by comparison, far less seasoned in tempering their physiques.
Though Han Yue and Xiao Yu possessed considerable strength and some experience, their physiques were still far inferior compared to the likes of Xiao Yan, Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, and Lin Yan.
'It's a relief… Seems the pills and training I provided are indeed helping them endure the volatile energy within the multicolored pool.'
Xiao Hua murmured inwardly, his heart lightening with relief. Fortunately, nothing had gone wrong.
The pills he had distributed—not only to Han Yue and Xiao Yu, but also to Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, Lin Yan, and Liu Fei, who had been present at the time—had served to temper their bones, refine their Qi Paths, and strengthen their bone marrow, gradually enhancing their physical constitution.
As for the training he had given, it was not solely to raise the proficiency of their Dou Techniques. It also emphasized the forging of one's physical strength and endurance.
Because of his training and pills, they were now capable of withstanding the immense and violent influx of energy entering their bodies.
Seeing that Han Yue and Xiao Yu might truly be able to endure the painful process while fully absorbing and refining the immense pure energy, Xiao Hua slowly retracted his spiritual sense and closed his eyes. Since everything had been entrusted to Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin, there was little need for excessive worry.
Even so, as a precaution, he would periodically monitor the situation to ensure nothing went amiss.
...
With his hands clasped behind his back, Xiao Hua stood silently at the entrance of the mountain cave. A full week had passed since Han Yue and Xiao Yu began their cultivation within the pool of Core Quenching Body Milk, their bodies undergoing a complete and profound transformation from within.
Before long, Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin emerged from the cave, followed closely by Han Yue and Xiao Yu, who walked a step behind them. Their auras were calm yet subtly changed.
"It seems the Core Quenching Body Milk has granted you considerable benefits," Xiao Hua remarked, his gaze sweeping over the two women. With a light probe, he could sense their cultivation had each risen by two stars—a clear sign of their progress.
Now, both Han Yue and Xiao Yu had stepped into the realm of 9-Star Dou Ling—just a breath away from reaching the Dou Wang class. If they were to face the Snow Demon Sky Ape again, the outcome would be entirely different. With several trump cards now in their grasp, they would no longer suffer a heavy defeat.
Of course, that only applied to the Snow Demon Sky Ape before it consumed the Body Transformation Pill and the Chilling Goldenroot Vine. If it had already ingested both, then even without activating its Wild and Violent Bloodline, its strength would be enough to suppress a 5-Star Dou Wang—let alone Han Yue and Xiao Yu.
"This is all thanks to Cousin Xiao Hua," Xiao Yu said with a radiant smile, her eyes brightening at his praise.
"That's right, Elder Xiao Hua," Han Yue added with a soft, graceful smile. Her voice was gentle as she spoke, "If you hadn't given us the opportunity to train in the Core Quenching Body Milk, it would've taken us far longer to reach this stage."
"Ke ke, while that may be true, the credit also belongs to your own efforts," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile. "Enduring the pain of your bones and marrow being tempered and refined by the Core Quenching Body Milk is no easy feat. Your perseverance deserves recognition."
His gaze lingered on the two for a brief moment—filled with quiet pride. Though he had provided the means, it was their own determination that allowed them to walk this far.
"Now then, I'm sure your bodies could use some stretching. How about heading to the Fighting Arena to test your current strength?" Xiao Hua suggested with a faint smile.
"In that case, we shall follow Elder Xiao Hua's suggestion," Han Yue responded, cupping her hands respectfully before turning to leave.
Xiao Yu followed after her, but not before casually dropping a piece of news that left Xiao Hua momentarily stunned.
The two could clearly sense that Xiao Hua still had matters to attend to and thus chose to excuse themselves without lingering. Besides, they truly needed to familiarize themselves with their newly attained strength—what better place than the Fighting Arena to temper it?
"…To think that Xiao Mei and Xiao Yan would actually end up together…" Xiao Hua muttered in mild astonishment as he watched their figures disappear into the distance.
"Is it really that surprising?" Little Fairy Doctor's delicate brows rose slightly, her expression tinged with confusion. "From what I've heard, she stayed by Xiao Yan's side even after he lost his talent and fell to his lowest point. It doesn't seem strange that the two would eventually become lovers."
"Perhaps it's simply because he didn't expect it," Cai Lin remarked, her voice carrying its usual seductive undertone. "Xiao Hua likely believed Xiao Yan would devote himself entirely to cultivation rather than matters of the heart."
"That's true. Xiao Yan has always been driven by his goal to revive his master, Yao Zun-zhe," Xiao Hua nodded in agreement. "It's indeed surprising that he found room in his heart for romance amidst deep determination."
'Besides… I've already taken Xun'er, Sister Ya Fei, Xian'er, and Cai'er. Naturally, I assumed Xiao Yan would prioritize strength and cultivation above all else, leaving romantic ties for later…'
Xiao Hua mused silently in his heart. That said, he had once thought it would be Xiao Yu who ended up with Xiao Yan. But upon reflection, that seemed nearly impossible—after all, Xiao Yu seldom returned to the Xiao Clan and spent most of her time within the Inner Academy.
"Regardless, what do you plan to do in the meantime, Xiao Hua? I doubt you'll stay idle," Little Fairy Doctor asked, curiosity flickering in her gentle gaze.
"Are you preparing to refine another Tier 9 Treasure Pill?" Cai Lin followed up, her tone laced with intrigue as her alluring eyes studied him.
If even Han Yue and Xiao Yu could sense that Xiao Hua had unfinished matters to attend to, then it was only natural that Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin—who knew far more of his secrets—could perceive it even more clearly. They understood, perhaps better than anyone, the nature of his so-called 'business.'
"That's right. I am," Xiao Hua replied with a nod. A faint smile appeared on his lips, though it carried a trace of irritation. "The conditions for the ninth trial are absurdly demanding. Without a quiet and secure place like Jia Nan Academy, I wouldn't even consider attempting it."
"That… might be true," Little Fairy Doctor laughed softly, though the corner of her mouth twitched slightly, revealing her sympathy for his plight.
Cai Lin remained silent, but a glimmer of concern surfaced in her eyes as she gazed at Xiao Hua. Even she couldn't help but feel a pang of pity at the difficulty he faced just to initiate the ninth trial and push his strength forward.
'To think he must absorb twelve clusters of Black Demon Lightning... Xiao Hua truly is fortunate to be an alchemist. Without that advantage, who knows when he'd ever fulfill such a condition…'
Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor exchanged a glance. In that brief moment, a flicker of mutual understanding passed between them. And then, as if resigned to the fate he carried, they both smiled helplessly at the arduous path of cultivation their man was walking.
...
Time flowed like spring water over ancient stone—gentle, constant, and unnoticed. Amidst the scent of herbs and quiet laughter, more than four months had slipped by. Now, as the leaves turned and the wind cooled, the world stepped softly into its eleventh month.
"Huu…"
A long breath escaped Xiao Hua's lips, unusually warm and faintly crackling with the remnant power of lightning. His eyes, closed for an extended period, slowly opened—revealing heterochromic irises: crimson in the left, cyan in the right. In that instant, five-colored glows of fire and lightning burst forth from his gaze, surging with profound intensity before dissipating into the air.
He had successfully refined four Tier 9 Treasure Pills—each one focused on healing and restoration, capable of mending shattered limbs and even repairing damaged soul essence to near perfection.
After completing the fourth pill, he had remained seated in meditation for an entire week, silently harmonizing the refined energy and allowing his body to return to equilibrium.
After a brief moment of quiet, Xiao Hua rose to his feet and stretched his limbs. A series of crisp bone-popping sounds echoed lightly through the room. He then changed into a black robe adorned with golden-crimson lines and flowing patterns, its fabric gently swaying with his movements.
Once dressed, he stepped toward the door. The moment it opened, a breeze of cool morning wind greeted him, accompanied by the soft radiance of sunlight spilling across the threshold. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as a wave of calm satisfaction welled within his chest.
He made his way to the rear of the wooden cabin, stepping into a lush, verdant garden where the gentle rustling of leaves and the fragrance of flowers eased the heart and mind. A few strides brought him before a circular bamboo pavilion, broad enough to comfortably seat ten.
There, his gaze landed on three familiar figures.
Two were graceful women—one exuding a soothing, warm aura, the other possessing a majestic and enchanting presence. Between them sat a charming little dragon girl, quietly sipping warm tea as she basked in the tranquil morning.
Sensing his arrival, the three lifted their heads in unison. Two soft, knowing smiles appeared on the women's faces, while the dragon girl perked up, standing on her chair and waving excitedly at him, her bright eyes full of joy.
"Xiao Hua, you finally came out of your retreat!" Zi Yan beamed, patting the seat beside her. "Come, sit here!"
"It was only a week. That's nothing compared to the time I spent secluded with Cai'er," Xiao Hua chuckled softly, shaking his head.
At his teasing words, a faint blush threatened to rise on Cai Lin's cold yet beautiful cheeks. She shot him a frosty glare, her proud, phoenix-like eyes shimmering with regal disdain and hidden embarrassment.
But Xiao Hua, completely unfazed by her intimidating gaze, stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her slender waist—a waist that carried an alluring charm. His expression brimmed with affection as he drew close, his warmth quietly dispelling the chill radiating from her Yin-natured body.
Cai Lin didn't resist. Instead, she sighed softly, a hint of exasperation in her breath. Though she maintained her usual cold demeanor, the edge in her gaze gradually melted. A subtle, tender smile formed on her noble, icy features—quietly betraying how much she welcomed his warmth and affection.
Little Fairy Doctor let out a gentle chuckle, while Zi Yan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, an exasperated look settling on her face as she muttered under her breath, clearly irked by the public display of affection.
"I'm surprised I haven't heard any complaints about you stealing medicinal ingredients from the forest. Did someone finally grow tired of your antics?" Xiao Hua teased after a while, turning his gaze toward Zi Yan.
He was genuinely surprised. Not a single word had reached him about Zi Yan causing trouble among the Inner Academy students—especially those from Chaos Gate—or pilfering their medicinal ingredients as she often did.
"Bored, my foot," Zi Yan rolled her eyes and snorted in annoyance. "It's just that my time with Sister Cai Lin has been getting shorter lately, especially since we're preparing to leave for the Central Plains. It's not like you're the only one who wants to spend time with her."
Xiao Hua blinked, caught slightly off guard, before a soft smile appeared on his lips. He gently placed his hand atop Zi Yan's head and lightly ruffled her violet hair, his actions filled with quiet fondness.
In truth, Xiao Hua had already made up his mind to depart for the Central Plains after witnessing the outcome of the 'Three-Year Agreement.' Based on the time, they had at most a month left to spend peacefully in the North-West Region before they set off.
Moreover, he held some curiosity toward how the event would unfold. He bore no grudge against either Xiao Yan or Nalan Yanran, and unlike others, he wasn't emotionally invested in the outcome.
With the current influence and strength of the Xiao Clan, it was doubtful that Yun Leng, the First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect, would dare to stir trouble or openly voice dissatisfaction—especially if Nalan Yanran were to lose the duel.
It was precisely because of this that Zi Yan mentioned their time with Cai Lin was growing shorter. She simply wished to remain by her side a little longer, and thus, had no interest in searching for or eating wild natural treasures for the time being.
"Then, how about we stay by her side until the time comes?" Xiao Hua said softly, his voice carrying a gentle warmth.
"Naturally! That's exactly what I planned to do!" Zi Yan puffed up her chest proudly, a smug smile blooming across her adorable little face.
Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin exchanged a glance, a knowing light flickering in their eyes. A soft laugh escaped their lips, and neither raised any objections. The group quietly basked in the serene, comforting atmosphere that lingered from morning into evening.
However, such peace did not last long.
As dusk approached, the tranquility was suddenly broken. A faint pulse of energy rippled through the air, and an emerald-colored communication jade abruptly slipped free from their storage rings, hovering in mid-air with a trembling glow.
Xiao Hua and the others were momentarily startled by the sudden emergence of the jade. A flicker of solemness flashed across Xiao Hua's eyes as he narrowed them, a vague sense of unease stirring in his heart. Without delay, he channeled his Dou Qi into the communication jade.
In response, the jade emitted a deep emerald glow, forming a long, detailed message—sent by none other than Xin Yu.
As Xiao Hua's gaze swept across the words sent by one of his sworn elder sisters, his expression darkened. A heavy silence fell. In the next breath, he abruptly rose to his feet with a chilling gloom settled over his features.
In that instant, his terrifying aura surged outward, so fierce that even the once-calm pond, adorned with pond lilies and darting fish, to tremble under the weight of his wrath.
"The Wind-Lightning Pavilion joined forces with two other Dou Zun to ambush Brother Ming Cheng!"
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