"Since you have resolved upon this path, I shall withhold nothing from you. Before the Pill Gathering commences, I will impart every ounce of knowledge and skill I have gathered across my lifetime!"
Yao Lao stroked his long beard, his voice calm yet resonant with deep approval.
He lowered his gaze for a moment, calculating silently, then turned to Xiao Jietian. "The Pill Gathering is still more than two years away, is it not?"
"It is held once every thirty years," Xiao Jietian replied with a nod. "The timing is indeed as you say."
"Two years…" Xiao Yan murmured, his eyes brightening. He had assumed the grand event was imminent, yet now he learned he possessed ample time. With two full years of preparation, his chances of success would soar far beyond his earlier expectations.
"Very well. I have said all that needed to be said. The rest belongs to master and disciple alone."
With those words, Xiao Jietian's figure slowly dissolved into the air like mist beneath the morning sun. In the past he might have bartered these three treasures for further favors from Yao Lao, but today he lacked for nothing. His coffers were full; he could afford such noble generosity.
Once Xiao Jietian had departed, a translucent soul body drifted forth from the white ring on Xiao Yan's finger, hovering gracefully in mid-air. It was none other than Venerable Skyfire—Xiao Yan's future guardian and steadfast benefactor.
"Young friend, do not forget this old man in the days to come," Venerable Skyfire said with a warm chuckle.
"Elder Yao has guided this junior with boundless kindness. Naturally, I shall never forget you," Xiao Yan replied solemnly. During these recent days, Venerable Skyfire's counsel had proven invaluable. Though Yao Lao's alchemical mastery was unparalleled, the venerable one—sharing the same fire attribute—possessed far greater insight into the arts of combat.
"Your word is enough."
With a satisfied nod, Venerable Skyfire slipped back into the ring to nourish his wounded soul.
"Teacher…" Xiao Yan turned to Yao Lao, hesitation flickering across his face.
Yao Lao understood his disciple's unspoken wish at once. "You may depart once you break through to the Dou Zong realm. Only then will you possess the strength to safeguard yourself."
"After all, you carry the essence blood and bone wings of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix. Given the temperament of that ancient clan, the moment your secret is exposed they will surely seek to reclaim what they view as theirs. Conflict will be unavoidable."
A shadow of worry crossed Xiao Yan's brow, yet it vanished as swiftly as it had come. He harbored no regrets. Even knowing the terrifying might of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix clan, the pursuit of greater power mattered far more.
Yao Lao offered no further admonition. He knew his disciple's unyielding nature all too well.
Xiao Yan met his teacher's gaze with eyes like tempered steel. "Then, Teacher… please continue to temper me without mercy."
In the days that followed, mournful cries echoed ceaselessly through the ancient forest. Countless low-level magical beasts, unable to endure the relentless torment, gathered their kin and fled en masse. Who could blame them? Better to abandon their territory than to remain and become neatly arranged families of corpses.
…
The following morning, beneath a blossoming peach tree within the Eternal Heaven Palace, two graceful figures sparred with flowing elegance while Xiao Jietian leaned casually against the trunk, offering occasional guidance with the effortless authority of a true master.
Elsewhere, at the cultivation grounds of Heavenly Beast Mountain, a tightly sealed stone door finally creaked open. A petite girl clad in snowy white emerged, hands planted triumphantly on her hips, lips curved in a smug little smile. She tilted her head from side to side, her short legs carrying her forward with unmistakable pride.
With a nimble leap, she alighted atop the pavilion roof overlooking the lotus lake. Choosing the perfect vantage, she struck her most regal pose—hands on hips, chin lifted high.
"Hahaha~! This Young Miss has emerged from seclusion! Xiao Jietian, why don't you come greet me?!"
Her childish, bell-like laughter rang throughout the entire Eternal Heaven Palace.
Xiao Jietian had sensed her awakening the instant the door opened. Curious to see what grand display this smug little dragon would attempt, he had deliberately remained beneath the peach tree.
Yet when her voice echoed across the grounds, black lines appeared on his forehead. He had expected something extraordinary. Instead… this?
His figure vanished from beneath the peach tree in a flicker of shadow.
*Slap! Slap! Slap!*
A crisp series of smacks rang out, accompanied by indignant cries and colorful curses.
"Xiao Jietian! How dare you treat me like this?! I'll tell Senior Sister Fei Yan and the others!!"
"If you hit me again, I swear I'll fight back!"
But before long, the defiant voice dissolved into pitiful pleas.
"I was wrong… please stop hitting me…"
…
"Jiajia, was that Zi Yan?" Han Xue and Hu Jia paused their sparring at the commotion. Han Xue asked curiously.
She knew of the palace's inhabitants only through her elder sister, Han Yue.
"Indeed. That is Senior Sister Zi Yan," Hu Jia answered with a smile. "Do not be fooled by her childlike appearance. She is a transformed magical beast of immense power. Within Jia Nan Academy, she reigned unchallenged at the pinnacle of the Strong Ranking for years."
Han Xue's eyes widened. She had heard tales of the academy's Strong Ranking from her sister. Even Han Yue had only managed a mid-to-upper placement.
"That powerful?"
"Indeed. If someone as delicate as you took even one of her punches, you would weep for days," Hu Jia teased.
"Oh? Jiajia, you dare mock me? Taste my super-invincible tickle technique!"
Han Xue lunged for Hu Jia's most sensitive spots. Hu Jia dodged with a laugh, yet Han Xue pursued relentlessly.
"Don't run! Let me dote on you properly~"
…
"Alright, I have healed you. Now say 'thank you.'"
Zi Yan could only submit to Xiao Jietian's intimidation. Through gritted teeth she forced out each syllable: "I… thank… you!!"
He had spanked her soundly and now demanded gratitude? The man was utterly inhuman!
Paying no heed to her murderous glare, Xiao Jietian rose with a refreshed smile. The familiar feeling, the familiar thrill—bullying Zi Yan truly never grew old.
"Come. I shall show you some new toys."
Hands clasped behind his back, he strolled leisurely toward the peach tree, the picture of serene contentment.
Behind him, Zi Yan rubbed her sore little bottom, lips pouted high enough to hang a lantern. She glared daggers at his back, yet the promise of "new toys" proved too tempting. With a reluctant huff, she trotted after him.
Beneath the peach tree, Xiao Jietian formally introduced Zi Yan to Han Xue and the others. Upon learning she was Han Yue's younger sister, Zi Yan offered a polite greeting.
"Very well. You two may continue your sparring. Your Dou Techniques are still far too crude. Unless… you would prefer Zi Yan to practice with you?"
Xiao Jietian settled back against the tree with a faint smile.
At the mere mention of combat, Zi Yan's eyes sparkled like twin lanterns.
Han Xue and Hu Jia shook their heads frantically. "No need! We'll spar by ourselves! No trouble for Senior Sister Zi Yan!"
They fled the scene at once.
Fight Zi Yan? That was a one-way ticket to the afterlife!
Zi Yan pouted, then leaped straight into Xiao Jietian's arms, nestling against him like a spoiled kitten.
"Where are these new toys you mentioned? Bring them out and let me see!"
Her voice was still sulky, yet the curiosity shining in her eyes betrayed her true excitement.
Xiao Jietian merely smiled, the peach blossoms drifting gently around them like snow in spring.