As she asked the question, Hun Yu realized he didn't even know what physique he had.
"System," he called out, requesting information.
{
Malefic Heart Physique:
Abilities:
- Cultivation Harvest: By defeating enemies, you can absorb their cultivation energy, directly increasing your own cultivation level and enhancing your abilities. The more powerful the foe, the greater the boost.
- ??
- ??
}
As he read the content of the ability, Hun Yu's face turned dark.
Such abilities or techniques were considered pure evil, and if he told Yun Xiu about it, he couldn't predict her reaction.
He looked at the two question marks.
"Are there more abilities?" he asked the system.
{Yes, there will be two more awakenings to fully awaken this physique: Stage 2 and Stage 3. Each awakening will grant a unique ability.}
Though he didn't want to lie, he decided it might be the best option for both of them.
"I don't know, I just feel stronger than before, and I can also sense movements around very easily," he said, deciding not to tell her about the true nature of his abilities.
He didn't know if this was due to his physique or not, but he was able to lie very efficiently, so much so that the other party couldn't even tell if it was true or not.
Yun Xiu believed Hun Yu was telling the truth and didn't ask any further questions.
"So, Hun Yu, what do you think we should do?" she asked.
"With just this book containing the lifelong experience of a grade 7 alchemist, it is enough to get many alchemists on the side of our sect."
"And this pool, although currently normal disciples cannot enter it because of its extremely hot temperature, if that flame at the bottom of the pool is removed, the temperature will return to normal."
"But my attribute is of wind; it will be very hard to control a flame. In the worst-case scenario, it will just amplify it," she said.
Hun Yu heard this and thought... even he wouldn't stand a chance, because if a High Lord rank cultivator would have problems dealing with such a flame, then what chance did he have?
"I think we should..." Hun Yu paused, considering their options. "...try to find someone with a water or ice attribute to help us first.
If we try to control the flame ourselves, we might end up making things worse. We need someone who can counter the flame's heat directly."
"Hmm, you're right, but I think the fewer people who know about this location, the better," she said.
"The pills we got from the skeleton remains are enough to sustain the sect for months. That should give us enough time to fully prepare to capture this flame."
"But before that, we should go back and inform Old Man Chen about this," she added.
"Alright, let's go," Yun Xiu said, her voice steady as she picked up Hun Yu. With a swift motion, she flew towards the place they had fallen from, casting an illusion barrier to hide the cave. They headed back to Moon Herb City, the wind whistling past them.
...
"Where is that masked guy? He seems to appear and vanish into thin air," Huang Yi wondered, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Your Highness, what are you doing?" the maid asked, noticing the princess sitting by the window since morning. From there, the entire city stretched out like a living map.
"Nothing," she replied, turning away. She changed her clothes and prepared for sleep, the day's weight settling on her shoulders.
...
Hun Yu and Yun Xiu arrived at the Alchemist Pavilion in Moon Herb City. They knocked on Old Man Chen's door, and he opened it, his eyes widening at the sight of them.
"Welcome back! I didn't expect you so soon," Chen said, ushering them inside.
"Did you think we'd die out there?" Yun Xiu asked, wasting no time.
"No, no, I was just surprised. I didn't Aspect Sect Master to Return So fast," Chen replied.
Yun Xiu explained about the Ember White Flame, mentioning they needed a few months to prepare for capturing it.
"Excellent! I'll start making the necessary pills," Chen said, excitement evident in his tone. He had been searching for such a special flame for decades.
If he could obtain it, his career as an alchemist would soar.
Joining the Sky Wind Sect was out of the question—why risk the wrath of the imperial family when he could simply join them after securing the flame?
Yun Xiu and Hun Yu stood up to leave, but just as they reached the pavilion's exit, Hun Yu stopped. Yun Xiu paused, looking at him curiously.
"What is it?" she asked, her tone gentle.
"Miss Yun," Hun Yu called, his voice hesitant.
"Yes?"
"I have a request," he said.
She stopped a few meters away, already bracing for a difficult Request. "Go ahead."
"Actually, I would like to travel alo—"
"No," she interrupted, her tone final.
"..."
"I promise to return in four to five months."
"No."
Hun Yu stood there, unsure of how to continue. "Miss Yun, you see, I don't have any experience in the outside world. I think I can protect myself now."
"Don't overthink it. I'm only saying no because I need someone to make food for me," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile.
Yun Xiu's expression hardened. "Hun Yu, the world outside is perilous. You have no idea what dangers you might face. I can't just let you go on a whim."
"I'll take every precaution. I'll avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on my cultivation. Please, Miss Yun, I need to do this for myself."
She stared at him, her gaze unyielding. The silence stretched, tension thick in the air. Finally, she spoke, "If you truly believe this journey is necessary, then you must agree to my conditions."
Hun Yu nodded eagerly. "Anything, Miss Yun."
"First, you must write to me regularly. I want updates on your progress and whereabouts. Second, you must take this." She handed him a small, intricately carved jade pendant.
"If you crush this, a shield will deploy around you and I will immediately know your location. Keep it with you at all times."
Hun Yu took the pendant, feeling its cool weight in his hand. "I will, Miss Yun. Thank you."
"Just be careful," she said, her stern facade softening ever so slightly.
Yun Xiu looked at him, a mixture of concern and resignation in her eyes. "Hun Yu, you have a long way to go.
This journey will be difficult, but if you believe it's necessary, I won't stand in your way."
With those words, she left, leaving Hun Yu in the bustling city. The morning light cast a fresh glow over everything, and the scent of the city air filled his lungs.
Though refreshing, it couldn't compare to the intoxicating aroma of the sect master.
His eyes fell on an inn nearby. He decided to stay in the city for a month. The real reason he asked Yun Xiu to let him travel alone was that he couldn't perform certain unconventional acts around her.
Now, free to do as he pleased, he smiled—a smile that could be mistaken for sinister—as he approached the inn.
It was a luxurious place, and he glanced at the receptionist. "Is there a room available?"
The receptionist nodded. He checked the price on the board, paid for a month's stay, and received the key to his room. After settling in briefly, he ventured out to explore the city.
As he wandered through the streets, filled mostly with herb and alchemy shops, he felt a sense of freedom. These shops held no interest for him, but the city itself was a new world to explore.
...
The princess, Huang Yi, just awoke.
Glancing out her window, the first thing she saw was a man with long black hair and a mask walking through the streets.
Quickly, she grabbed a robe to conceal herself and jumped out of the window, following him.
...
Hun Yu, while exploring, sensed someone trailing him. After about fifteen minutes, he confirmed his suspicion.
Despite the person's good hiding skills, his heightened senses, due to his physique awakening, easily detected the follower.
He walked toward a quiet alley and suddenly stopped, turning around. "Come out. How long do you plan to follow me?"
Huang Yi, who had been observing Hun Yu, realized she might be misunderstood.
She stepped forward, ready to explain and introduce herself, but before she could speak, Hun Yu pinned her against the wall, rendering her immobile.
Before he could do more, he noticed a panel floating above her:
{
Name: Huang Yi
Occupation: Only Princess Of Falling Star Empire
Age: 19
Cultivation: Not initiated
}
Hun Yu's eyes widened in surprise as he read the information.
"Princess?!?" Hun Yu thought, remembering his promise to Yun Xiu to stay away from trouble. Yet, here it was, finding him.
He released her, and she leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, still recovering from nearly being choked.
"Tell me, what is your purpose in following me?" he demanded. Though he recognized her as the princess, he decided to play dumb.
She moved her hand to reveal her face hidden in the robe. In the next moment, a beautiful face appeared before Hun Yu.
"Are you crazy?" Huang Yi exclaimed. "I just wanted to talk to you, and you attacked me!"
"You are..." Hun Yu pretended not to recognize her.
Huang Yi's face turned blank. Hadn't he seen her just two days ago? How could he forget her looks?
"I am Huang Yi, the princess," she introduced herself.
"What princess? Are you kidding? Do you think I'll believe that?" Hun Yu scoffed. "You little pretty girl, do you think you can deceive me with your words? I know your intentions aren't right."
Huang Yi's face turned red with frustration. She wanted to punch him hard but remembered she was just a normal human, while he was a cultivator.
And he called her a little pretty girl! This was so humiliating. She just wanted to talk to him because he seemed interesting and different from the rest.
"Okay, okay, how can I make you believe I am the princess?"
"Just show me something like the seal of the royal family, or you know," he suggested.
Huang Yi turned to check her pockets but found nothing. "I don't have it with me now, but if you come with me, I can show it to you."
"Now you want to take me with you into your trap," Hun Yu said, enjoying the game. Despite knowing she was the princess, he found this amusing.
Huang Yi felt like crying. Why was this guy so infuriating?
With a huff, she turned and gestured to leave. Hun Yu disappeared, leaving her alone.
As Huang Yi walked through the dark alley, she suddenly felt something was wrong. Three men appeared in front of her: one was fat, one looked skinny, and the other also looked kind of skinny.
She backed up a little.
"Oh, such a nice-looking lady. What are you doing here, delivering yourself to us?" one of them sneered.