Inside the hut back in the valley, Kieran sat cross-legged before the low table in the center of the hut. He placed a Blood Essence & Marrow Enhancement Pill, three Phoenix Tear Fruits, and the sealed jar of Phoenix blood essence before him. Following Sindra's instructions, he prepared for his evolution. Her tone was playful, almost teasing, as she explained that boosting his Yang qi during this process would have surprising benefits. "A little extra vigor never hurt anyone," she chimed with mischief in her voice, though her true thoughts danced far deeper—stronger Yang qi meant a far more insatiable drive, a fact she kept to herself with a sly grin.
Kieran glanced at the three items before him, then asked calmly, "Sindra, what should I start with?" Her voice echoed gently in his mind, laced with amusement, "Start with the pill, Master. Let it stir your blood first."
Without hesitation, Kieran swallowed the Blood Essence & Marrow Enhancement Pill, and almost instantly, he felt a surge ripple through his veins. The pill, having absorbed spiritual chi for countless years, exploded with potency. His divine dragon bloodline roared awake, surging like a tempest beneath his skin, making his body tremble.
"Now the Phoenix Tear Fruits," Sindra urged, her tone gleaming with delight. As soon as he bit into the glowing fruit, a wave of potent yang energy flooded into him, mixing violently with the already-stirring dragon blood. His body flushed with heat, his aura flaring wildly. Finally, he opened the barrel of Phoenix essence, dipping a jade cup into the thick, scarlet liquid. As the scent of ancient flames and rebirth reached his nose, he brought it to his lips and drank. The taste was fierce, and the essence seared down his throat like liquid fire.
As the last drop slid down his throat, his body felt bloated, saturated with power. A dull pain began to spread from his bones outward, and he gasped, gritting his teeth as he clutched his abdomen. He had only managed one cup—but it was more than enough.
Acting on instinct, he activated the sphere, channeling its power to release energy from the Root of Vitality directly into his body. The moment the green energy surged into his meridians, the pressure in his core eased slightly, and his ragged breathing calmed. He felt the vitality wash through his blood, soothing the pain. Then, something changed. His blood, once crimson with hints of gold, began to shimmer with a purple-gold hue. The transformation was slow at first, but soon the absorption rate increased. Each heartbeat echoed like a war drum in his ears, pumping power into every inch of his body. The purple-gold color deepened, brilliant and divine—until Kieran felt his body relax, just as he allowed himself a breath of relief, an excruciating pain tore through him, his muscles convulsed, his vision blurred, and his body trembled violently.
Kieran groaned through gritted teeth, his body wracked with agony as his bones shattered and reformed over and over again. Each crack was followed by the searing heat of regeneration, his very frame reforged under the pressure of the transformation. His meridians stretched, growing wider and more elastic, while his dantian pulsed and expanded, becoming sturdier and more vast. He clenched his fists and dug his nails into the dirt beneath him, vowing not to pass out this time—he had to endure. The sphere spun faster, releasing a pulse that pulled the concentrated spiritual chi from the valley like a vortex.
The energy wrapped around him, thickening and condensing on his skin before hardening into a lustrous shell of glowing purple-gold light. Encased in the radiant cocoon, Kieran fought to keep his consciousness, but the overwhelming energy assaulting his body became too much. With a final, ragged breath, he closed his eyes and slipped into unconsciousness, his body still evolving.
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Back in Kieran's courtyard, Baixue returned to find the entire space awash in a soothing medicinal aroma that seemed to ease both her body and soul. The scent lingered in the air like a gentle mist, calming her thoughts the moment she stepped through the gate. Her divine sense swept through the courtyard and landed on Roulan, who was fully immersed in refining pills, her emerald cauldron radiating a soft glow as she slowly heated it while spiritual herbs melted inside the cauldron. Smiling softly, Baixue walked over to a quiet corner and sat down with the jade slip in her hands. As she began to comprehend the Moon Goddess's Dance sword technique, her expression turned serious. I must become stronger, she thought, determination lighting her eyes. I will become a great swordswoman… so I can protect my husband, too.
The two women spent the entire evening and night in serene focus. Baixue seated gracefully beneath the peach tree, immersed in comprehending the Moon Goddess's Dance, while Roulan remained in her makeshift alchemy room, refining pills with steady hands and focused eyes. The courtyard was peaceful, lit by moonlight, until early morning when a servant knocked at the gate. Baixue rose to greet him and was just about to explain that Kieran wasn't around when Roulan suddenly rushed out, apron still dusted with powdered herbs.
"He's in seclusion," she declared smoothly, cutting Baixue off. The servant, a little startled, bowed respectfully and handed over the invitation to the Golden Clover Auction, stating that the patriarch had decided to send Kieran. Once again, Baixue opened her mouth to speak, only for Roulan to snatch the envelope with a confident smile and assure the servant she would pass along the message. As the servant turned to leave, he silently wondered. "When did the young master start cultivating?" he had never seen him enter or leave the training grounds, but wisely chose not to question it further.
Back in the courtyard, Roulan handed the invitation to Baixue and said casually, "Our husband went back to the valley to cultivate. We should cover for him." Baixue blinked. "What about the auction?" Roulan gave her a wink. "He'll be back before then. Trust me."
Baixue could only nod and go back to comprehending her new sword technique, but before she could start meditating again, Roulan appeared before her. With a sly smile, she reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small jade bottle, pressing it into Baixue's hand. "Here," she said, "I made these just now—yin enhancement pills. Ten flawless ones." Baixue opened the bottle, eyes widening slightly as she caught the faint, delicate fragrance of the pills. Roulan chuckled. "They'll help you improve your Yin chi. Make your skin smoother and beautiful," she added with a playful wink, "but most importantly, make our cultivation sessions more beneficial for Kieran. The stronger our Yin essence, the more his Yang chi will be nourished during dual cultivation. It's a win-win." Baixue flushed a little, but nodded, her fingers tightening around the bottle.
The two women glanced at each other as a blush crept up their cheeks. Both of them thinking. "When will husband do it with me again?"