Long-browed Daoist sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed, fully focused on circulating his energy.
He could clearly feel a tremendous power flooding his meridians, continuously cleansing his marrow and washing his tendons.
Vigorous life force coursed along his circulation paths, radiating endless vitality throughout his body. His flesh and bones grew stronger by the moment.
At the same time, his cultivation was soaring.
From a distance, Mo Tianji watched the scene and smiled. “Master’s luck is truly something. Once he fully absorbs the power of that demon core, his cultivation will leap forward.”
Lin DaNiao looked on with open envy. “Second Brother really stepped in dog-shit luck. Why don’t I ever get chances like that?”
Mo Tianji glanced at Ye Qiu, then said to Lin DaNiao, “Your luck will only get better from now on.”
Lin DaNiao did not catch the deeper meaning and simply laughed. “I hope so!”
Nearby, Yun Xi openly hooked her arm through Ye Qiu’s and said, “I never imagined your medical skills were that impressive. Especially when you used those golden needles just now. They danced between your fingers and left me dizzy trying to follow them.”
Ye Qiu replied, “That was nothing. I have an even more amazing technique. Want to see it?”
“What is it?” Yun Xi tilted her head, eyes full of curiosity.
Ye Qiu leaned close and whispered, “Golden needles crossing the acupoints.”
Yun Xi understood instantly. She rolled her beautiful eyes and pouted coquettishly. “You’re so bad~”
Then, in a honey-sweet voice, she added, “Ye Lang, your little servant wants to see that golden needle technique right now. Is that all right?”
Damn, still not full?
Ye Qiu said, “I’ll show you later when we get the chance.”
“No later. Right now, please?” Yun Xi pressed. “As soon as I activate the array, no one will see us or know what we’re doing.”
Ye Qiu’s eyes widened. “Xi’er, you want to do it with all these people right here…”
“Doesn’t that make it more exciting?” Yun Xi gave him a seductive, misty-eyed look.
For a moment Ye Qiu was speechless. He had thought she was joking, but she was serious.
True, once the array was active, outsiders would perceive nothing even if they stood inches away. Yet inside the array they could still see everyone outside perfectly. Doing it in front of so many people made Ye Qiu feel incredibly awkward.
“What, scared?” Yun Xi giggled. “I watched you slaughter those geniuses without batting an eye, yet something this small frightens you?”
“Ye Lang, your courage is so tiny.”
Ye Qiu thought, It’s not that my courage is small. Yours is just too big.
“Come on, Ye Lang, say yes to your little servant. I can’t wait any longer.” Yun Xi refused to let it drop.
Ye Qiu’s head swelled. “Xi’er, the old man is still cultivating. We don’t know if something unexpected might happen. I need to stay here and watch him. As for what you want, can we find a secluded spot later?”
“No, I want it right here.” Yun Xi pleaded.
This woman was pure desire!
Not only that, as she spoke she deliberately rubbed against his arm. With her stunning beauty and those watery eyes, refusing her was almost impossible.
Yun Xi continued, “Ye Lang, stop hesitating. Trust me, I’ll make you feel so good.”
Ye Qiu’s head felt ready to explode. “But the old man…”
“You don’t need to worry about the Daoist. Once he finishes absorbing the demon core, his cultivation will skyrocket,” Yun Xi said. “Ye Lang, hurry~ Your servant really can’t wait.”
As she spoke, she pulled out the jade pendant engraved with the array.
Ye Qiu quickly grabbed her hand and begged, “Xi’er, please, I’m scared. I surrender.”
“Finally scared?” Yun Xi smiled charmingly. “Fine, we don’t have to do it here, but you must promise me one thing.”
“What is it?” Ye Qiu asked.
Yun Xi said, “Come back with me to Azure Cloud Sword Sect.”
Only then did Ye Qiu realise she had been leading him in circles. Her real goal was to get him to return with her to the sect.
Seeing Ye Qiu silent, Yun Xi asked, “Do you have some worries?”
“Don’t worry. You’re so outstanding. Once my father meets you, he definitely won’t oppose us being together.”
“Besides, you killed Tuo Ba Xiong and An Ruoxi. The powers behind them will never let you go. If you come with me to Azure Cloud Sword Sect, they won’t be able to touch you.”
“So coming with me is your best choice.”
“What’s more, if you come to Azure Cloud Sword Sect, we can be together every day. Sister Bai Hua is there too. Then she and I can keep you company together. Isn’t that nice?”
She emphasised the words “keep you company” heavily. Ye Qiu understood exactly what she meant.
Still, he did not want to go to Azure Cloud Sword Sect right now.
Yun Xi’s father was the sect master, a saint-level expert. What if the old man didn’t approve and decided to chop him up?
Moreover, as the top sect in the Eastern Desolation, Azure Cloud had countless disciples. There were surely plenty of young heaven-defying geniuses pursuing Yun Xi. If those suitors wanted him dead, it would be troublesome on their home ground.
Ye Qiu said apologetically, “Xi’er, thank you for thinking of all this for me, but right now I can’t go back with you to Azure Cloud Sword Sect.”
“Why?” Tears welled in Yun Xi’s eyes the moment she heard he wouldn’t go. She looked at him pitifully. “Don’t you like me?”
Ye Qiu hurriedly replied, “How could that be? If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t be with you.”
“Then why won’t you come with me to Azure Cloud Sword Sect?” Yun Xi asked. “Are you afraid of my father…”
“No,” Ye Qiu denied quickly. “Xi’er, I still have some matters to handle. Once I’ve settled them, I’ll come to Azure Cloud Sword Sect to find you.”
“You mean finding your father?” Yun Xi asked.
Ye Qiu nodded.
Yun Xi said, “Sister Bai Hua already told me about that. Don’t worry, I’ll send people to search for your father in secret. The moment we have news, I’ll tell you immediately.”
“Thank you,” Ye Qiu said gratefully.
“I’m already yours. Why say thank you? You’re being too polite.” Yun Xi continued, “Fine. Once you’ve handled your affairs, come straight to Azure Cloud Sword Sect to find me. I’ll wait for you.”
“Ye Lang, don’t make Xi’er wait too long.”
“You know, flowers need watering, or they’ll wither.”
Ye Qiu thought, What are you talking about? I’m young and innocent. I don’t understand.
At that exact moment,
Long-browed Daoist finished circulating his qi and stood up. Powerful aura burst from his body as he shouted, “My fate is mine, not heaven’s!”
Boom!
A bolt of heavenly lightning ten thousand zhang long crashed down from the sky.
