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Han Yue smiled confidently and said, "I am also a student of Jia Nan Academy. I've long admired your reputation and am well aware of your achievements."
Her words took Xiao Yan slightly by surprise. It seemed his name had become quite renowned within the academy.
"Miss Han, how can I help you?" Xiao Yan asked with a polite smile, his tone humble.
A flicker of admiration passed through Han Yue's eyes as she replied without hesitation, "I greatly respect your strength and courage. I hope to learn from you."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. "Miss Han, please speak freely. If there's anything I can do, I'll try my best to assist you."
"Well…" Han Yue hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "I'm actually the eldest daughter of the Han family in Tianbei City, and I do have a favor to ask of you."
Her voice carried a hint of anticipation as her gaze met Xiao Yan's.
Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, slightly surprised by her revelation. However, he maintained his courteous demeanor.
Han Yue sighed lightly, her expression firm yet hopeful. "As the eldest daughter of the Han family, we do have some resources at our disposal.
I would like to borrow the Heavenly Flame in your possession for a period of cultivation. Once I'm done, I'll return it to you immediately.
No matter how much money you want, I'll agree to it."
"You wish to borrow my Heavenly Flame?" Xiao Yan's tone carried a hint of hesitation.
Han Yue nodded earnestly. "Yes, I'd like to use it for a short while to improve my cultivation. Once I've completed my training, I'll return it to you without delay."
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment before shaking his head firmly. "I'm sorry, I can't agree to that. And besides, I'm not in need of money."
Disappointment flashed in Han Yue's eyes, but she didn't give up. "Xiao Yan, I truly wish to borrow the Heavenly Flame for my cultivation. I'm willing to repay you in any other way you ask."
Xiao Yan's refusal dampened Han Yue's spirits, but her resolve only grew stronger. She bit her lip and made up her mind. "Name any condition, and I will accept it as long as you agree."
Xiao Yan blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her determination. After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "What did you just say?"
Han Yue's gaze burned with resolve as she stepped closer to Xiao Yan, her stance unwavering.
"Please believe me, Xiao Yan. I am willing to pay any price for the sake of cultivation."
Her voice was filled with determination and persistence, her eyes shining with an unshakable will.
Xiao Yan was startled by her intensity and, for a moment, didn't know how to respond. Shaking his head, he spoke firmly, "Miss Han, please mind your behavior."
His tone carried a subtle warning, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. This unexpected request had caught him completely unprepared.
Faced with Xiao Yan's rejection, Han Yue's expression darkened with disappointment and anger. She bit her lip, her brows furrowed tightly, frustration evident on her face.
Seeing her reaction, Xiao Yan realized that lingering would only make things more awkward. He decided to leave.
Han Yue remained where she stood, stomping her foot in frustration. Her hands clenched into fists, her eyes blazing with anger.
As she watched Xiao Yan's figure fade into the distance, her heart was filled with conflict and unwillingness. She hadn't expected Xiao Yan to refuse her so decisively.
The next morning.
Xiao Yan, now traveling alone, arrived at a secluded cave. His mind was still reeling from his earlier conversation with Han Yue. Shaking his head in disbelief, he struggled to process the unexpected nature of her request.
Bohai Dong and Yao Lao, noticing Xiao Yan's distracted expression, exchanged amused glances.
"Little Master, were you so captivated by that girl's charms that you're now at a loss for words?" Bohai Dong teased, scratching his head with a chuckle.
Yao Lao also laughed, giving Xiao Yan a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't overthink it, kid. This kind of thing is nothing to worry about."
Xiao Yan responded with a wry smile. "Please, stop teasing me. I was just caught off guard, that's all."
Bohai Dong and Yao Lao shared another knowing glance before Yao Lao let out a hearty laugh. "Haha, this boy—he's still inexperienced in these matters."
"Exactly," Bohai Dong added with a grin. "He must've been completely flustered."
Hearing their remarks, Xiao Yan glanced up and saw the two of them laughing. Embarrassed, he lowered his head slightly, his cheeks flushing red.
"What are you laughing about?" Xiao Yan muttered. "It's not like I did anything shameful."
Bohai Dong chuckled. "It's obvious. This must be the first time a girl made such a bold request of you. It's only natural to feel a bit awkward."
Yao Lao, still amused, chimed in, "Indeed. This is all part of the cultivation journey. They say the path of training is long, and it's not without a touch of charm and intrigue.
You'd best get used to situations like this—there will be plenty more in the future."
Xiao Yan could only sigh in resignation. Though the earlier encounter still lingered in his mind, he knew now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself, determined to focus on the task at hand.
Reaching into his belongings, Xiao Yan retrieved the Core Quenching Body Milk. Gently, he handed it to Yao Lao, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Yao Lao, Master Shui Wuyā told me this would be beneficial for me. But since he's meditating now, I didn't want to disturb him. Can you take a look?"
Yao Lao accepted the Core Quenching Body Milk, examining it closely. A delicate fragrance wafted up, and his eyes narrowed with appreciation as he marveled silently at its quality.
"This Core Quenching Body Milk is truly extraordinary," he remarked, holding the bottle up to the light to sense the energy within.
Seeing Yao Lao's focused expression, Xiao Yan grew even more eager. He waited expectantly, hoping for an answer that would justify his excitement.
After a moment of contemplation, Yao Lao's eyes lit up as an idea struck him.
"Xiao Yan, I've decided. I'll use this Core Quenching Body Milk to prepare a special medicinal bath for you. It will help you absorb its essence more effectively and enhance your cultivation."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't contain his joy. He looked at Yao Lao with gratitude. "Thank you, Yao Lao! You're the best!"
Waving a hand dismissively, Yao Lao smiled warmly. "This is my duty. As long as it benefits you, I'm content."
Xiao Yan felt a wave of warmth in his heart at Yao Lao's words.
---
Meanwhile, in a remote corner of the Netherworld Space, a hidden underground cavern lay shrouded in a faint mist that exuded an aura of mystery.
Inside the cavern, the air was saturated with a profound energy, as if it held countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.
At the center of the cave sat Shui Wuyā in a meditative pose, his eyes closed and his body surrounded by a gentle golden glow, blending seamlessly into the ethereal atmosphere.
His expression was calm and focused, as though he were comprehending a supreme law of the universe.
Suddenly, a radiant light began to rise from the ground, releasing waves of subtle fragrance.
A tender green plant slowly emerged, its crystalline glow illuminating the cavern like a rare and otherworldly flower.
(End of Chapter)