Double penetration, plunder and hypnosis Entry - Chapter 37

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Subtle Probing

For cultivators, the ultimate pursuit was breaking through realms and elevating cultivation, and Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy was an unparalleled catalyst for shattering bottlenecks. Liu Mei mused inwardly, If I harness his power, I could break past Golden Core Late Stage into Nascent Soul. Observing Gu Qinghuan’s radiant demeanour, envy and longing stirred within her. If Gu Qinghuan and Su Nianyao could advance through Lin Yuan, why can’t I? Biting her lip, determination gleamed in her eyes. I’ll find a way to use his Pure Yang energy, no matter what.

As an elder, however, directly requesting such aid felt too forward. She patted Su Nianyao’s shoulder gently. “Nianyao, you’ve just recovered. Rest now. I have matters to discuss with the Palace Master.” Su Nianyao, still puzzled but obedient, nodded. “Yes, Master. I’ll take my leave.” Once Su Nianyao departed, Liu Mei turned to Gu Qinghuan, her gaze probing, laced with intent. Smiling lightly, she teased, “Qinghuan, Nianyao’s poison… resolved smoothly, I presume?”

Gu Qinghuan’s veiled face flushed, the lingering Pure Yang energy in her abdomen warming faintly. Composing herself, she nodded coolly. “Aunt Mei, the poison’s gone, and Nianyao’s cultivation has risen—a fortunate outcome.” Liu Mei, noting Gu Qinghuan’s evasion, grew surer of her suspicions. Shifting tactics, she sighed, “Nianyao’s recovery is a relief.” Her expression darkened, eyes flashing coldly. “But the Bloodfiend Demon Sect’s audacity against our Tianji Dao Palace cannot go unpunished!”

Gu Qinghuan’s brow creased, her tone grave. “You’re right, Aunt Mei. Their ambush was calculated. If we don’t retaliate, they’ll grow bolder.” Liu Mei nodded, her voice tinged with resentment. “Indeed. But the sect’s strength, especially the Bloodfiend Elder, nears Soul Transformation. With the sect leader in seclusion, acting rashly could backfire.” Pausing, she added wistfully, “If only I’d broken through Golden Core Late Stage. I could contribute more to the sect.”

Gu Qinghuan caught the hint, sensing Liu Mei’s true aim. Glancing at her, then Su Nianyao’s retreating form, she weighed her response. “Aunt Mei, cultivation can’t be rushed,” she said softly. “But… you might consider external aid to break your bottleneck.” Liu Mei’s eyes brightened, though she masked it with feigned confusion. “External aid? What do you mean?” Gu Qinghuan smiled, her tone layered. “Aunt Mei, you’ve heard from Qinyue about the Pure Yang Sacred Body. If willing, you could leverage his power to advance.”

Liu Mei’s heart leapt, though she maintained composure. “Is that… appropriate? Lin Yuan’s your disciple—would it be proper?” Gu Qinghuan shook her head, her voice steady. “No need for concern, Aunt Mei. If he agrees, you’re welcome to try.” Liu Mei exhaled, feigning reluctance. “If you say so, I’ll consider it. But please, ask Lin Yuan if he’s willing.” Gu Qinghuan nodded, a faint smile in her voice. “Rest assured, Aunt Mei.” Liu Mei nodded, her calm belying her eagerness. “Thank you, Qinghuan.”

Gu Qinghuan’s gaze deepened. “It’s for the sect’s benefit, Aunt Mei. But this must remain secret—news of the Pure Yang Sacred Body could invite trouble.” Liu Mei agreed, “I’ll keep it confidential.” Gu Qinghuan continued, “Whenever you’re ready, seek Lin Yuan.” She handed Liu Mei the sect leader’s token. Accepting it, Liu Mei smiled, anticipation in her eyes. “I won’t hold back, then.” Gu Qinghuan nodded, her heart tinged with complexity.

…………………………………………………..

Meanwhile, Lin Yuan grappled with his surging spiritual energy. His dual cultivation with Gu Qinghuan, amplified by his Dual Cultivation attribute, had propelled him to Foundation Establishment, teetering on the edge of the Golden Core stage. But the rapid ascent left his foundation unstable, his aura fluctuating wildly. Sweat beaded on his brow as he fought to tame the chaotic energy. Too fast. If I don’t stabilise, I risk hidden flaws, he thought, forming seals to guide the energy’s flow.

Foundation Establishment’s power dwarfed Qi Refining, and even his Pure Yang Sacred Body struggled to master it swiftly. As he faltered, the system chimed: 「Detected host crisis. Issuing special attribute: Cultivation Storage (Gold)」 「Cultivation Storage (Gold) (Experience: 0/100,000): Stores excess cultivation gained rapidly, preventing risks like qi deviation. Can store up to Soul Transformation-level cultivation.」