In Ye City, within the Ye Clan's guest chamber, Liu Xi sat cross-legged on a soft couch, his eyes closed in deep focus. His hands continuously shifted through intricate hand seals — yet this time, he was not cultivating Dou Qi, but training his soul.
The Soul Tempering Technique — this was Liu Xi's first time earnestly cultivating a true Soul Training Method. His previous Soul Control Technique could barely count as one, being more of a shortcut that enhanced his Spiritual Power through the refining of Heavenly Flame essences.
Inside his spiritual domain, a figure in azure robes sat cross-legged in the void — brow marked with a faint lotus imprint, eyes calm and emotionless. This was Liu Xi's Soul Form, identical to his physical self, beginning his soul cultivation in perfect synchronicity.
Although his Soul Form differed slightly from a normal soul state, its structure and essence were similar enough to cultivate the Soul Tempering Technique properly.
As the Soul Form breathed in and out, streams of milky-white energy imbued with spiritual brilliance flowed from the depths of the endless void, circling around him in quiet rhythm.
"Hmm?"
Liu Xi slightly furrowed his brows. The Soul Tempering Technique was far from easy — as the unseen spiritual brilliance entered his body, a faint sting spread through his soul, like the gentle bite of a mosquito.
'According to the Ye Clan ancestor's notes, this sensation marks the first stage of the Soul Tempering Technique. It is said to contain twelve stages, and with each advancement, the intensity of pain multiplies — the first stage like an insect bite, the twelfth like the agony of childbirth.'
'This is only the first stage, and though the tingling discomfort is noticeable, I can feel my Spiritual Power gradually strengthening. It may not compare to directly refining a Heavenly Flame, but it's something I can continuously cultivate at will.'
'I wonder... once I reach the twelfth stage, just how rapidly will my soul be tempered with each passing moment?'
Suppressing his wandering thoughts, Liu Xi devoted himself wholly to cultivation. As time passed, the pain within his soul grew sharper, yet so too did the dense, vibrant pulse of Spiritual Power within him.
When night faded and the horizon brightened, warm sunlight filtered through the window, casting fractured golden light across the room.
After a full night of training, Liu Xi exhaled a turbid breath and slowly opened his eyes.
"Eh?"
He was momentarily startled — the first thing he saw was Xiao Yixian's fair and luminous face, inches from his own.
Amused, he reached out and gently pinched both her cheeks. Xiao Yixian didn't resist, merely letting him playfully tug at her soft skin.
"What's this about so early in the morning?"
Her slender hands caught his wrists, her voice soft with reproach.
"You should be more serious, Young Master. You've been frowning all night, and near dawn, you looked like you were in pain. Could something be wrong with this Technique?"
Liu Xi chuckled.
"This is just the nature of the Twelve-Stage Soul Tempering Technique. The higher the stage, the more intense the pain. I managed to push it to the sixth stage overnight. Painful, yes — but the gains are substantial. By the time one reaches the twelfth stage, the pain is said to rival that of childbirth. Still, what's a little pain compared to true strength?"
"Childbirth pain…"
Xiao Yixian murmured, her fair face blooming with a faint blush, the flush spreading down her slender neck as her gaze turned hazy.
Liu Xi grinned, his eyes drifting downward toward her waist as he teased, "Don't tell me you want to experience it too? Well… with all our hard work, that day will come eventually. It might hurt a bit, but don't worry — I'll experience it before you do."
Her lips curved into a shy smile, eyes glistening with warmth.
"I'm not afraid," she whispered softly. "I'd gladly bear your child, Young Master."
Liu Xi laughed lightly and pulled her into his embrace, holding the woman who had stood by him through every danger and trial.
"We'll always be together. Everything that's mine… will be yours as well."
"Mm…"
After a moment of quiet warmth, they rose to start the day. Xiao Yixian helped straighten his robe with gentle hands, her eyes filled with affection.
When they stepped out into the courtyard, a blue-robed girl stood gracefully beneath the morning sun — Ye Xinlan.
"You've been waiting long," Liu Xi greeted with a smile.
Ye Xinlan exhaled softly in relief; she had been afraid to disturb him. She hurried forward and bowed slightly.
"Senior, Elder Yao has already emerged from seclusion. Grandfather has made the preparations. We'll depart for Holy Pill City today — otherwise, we'll miss the internal evaluation."
"Elder Yao has emerged, hmm?"
Liu Xi nodded thoughtfully. To make the Ye Clan a true pillar beneath him in the Pill Tower, it wasn't enough to restore their Elder seat — they also needed high-tier alchemists.
He turned to Ye Xinlan with a faint smile. "Xinlan, am I that frightening? Lift your head."
"A-ah! Yes, Senior!"
She nervously raised her gaze, still too shy to meet his eyes directly.
Liu Xi smiled and took out a scroll, handing it to her.
"The Ye Clan ancestor's inheritance ring — I unlocked it last night. Inside were numerous pill recipes, annotations on alchemy, and Soul Training Methods."
"For now, study this — the Soul Tempering Technique. Strengthen your Spiritual Power first. That's the foundation of any true alchemist. If you encounter difficulties, you may come to me anytime."
Ye Xinlan froze in disbelief, her jade-like fingers trembling as she accepted the scroll. Her eyes glimmered with awe and gratitude. "Thank you, Senior," she whispered softly.
Liu Xi smiled faintly and turned to leave with Xiao Yixian.
"No need for thanks. It belonged to your ancestor — perhaps it was the Ye Clan's failure to unlock this inheritance that led to its decline."
"You have great talent, Xinlan. With this inheritance and my guidance, the Ye Clan's glory may yet return. Work hard."
As his figure faded beyond the courtyard, Ye Xinlan gazed after him, clutching the scroll tightly in both hands.
'Senior… I will not disappoint you.'
Inside the discussion hall, Liu Xi soon met with the familiar Yao Tianhuo and the waiting Ye Zhong.
"Elder Yao, it's been a while — still as lively as ever. Elder Ye, I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
Yao Tianhuo chuckled, then paused mid-laugh, eyes widening as he sensed the majestic pressure radiating from Liu Xi.
"Haha, Liu Xi, you've outdone us all. In such a short time, and you've already stepped into the Dou Zun Realm… Truly, you make us old men feel ashamed."
(End of Chapter)
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