The mere thought of Lei Ying's smug smile and Yè Qí's guarded demeanor fueled Wu Dian's resolve. Gritting his teeth, he pushed through the agony, moving his battered body in sync with the instructions. Every step was a battle of will, every movement an act of defiance against fate.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the golden light dimmed, and the crushing pressure subsided. Wu Dian collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.
His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles screaming for relief, but his spirit burned brighter than ever.
He had survived the ordeal, and with it, he could feel the transformation within—a newfound strength coursing through his veins.
After some time, Wu Dian dragged himself to the lake behind his hut. The cool water soothed his aching body as he bathed, washing away the grime and sweat of his grueling practice.
Dressed and refreshed, he picked up a broom and began sweeping the courtyard outside.
The rhythmic strokes of the broom allowed his mind to wander, his thoughts inevitably drifting back to Yè Qí.
His grip tightened on the broom handle as he caught sight of her. Yè Qí's figure was unmistakable as she entered the pavilion designated for Lei Ying.
Her graceful steps and flowing black robe stirred a mix of emotions—admiration, protectiveness, and a simmering frustration that bordered on rage.
"Damn it," Wu Dian muttered under his breath. His voice was low, but the bitterness was unmistakable.
"Apart from his terrifying background, I doubt his strength is much higher than the other so-called geniuses out there."
It was rare for Wu Dian to allow his emotions to surface. He had always prided himself on his endurance, his ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
But this time was different. This time, the stakes felt too high, the threat too personal.
If I don't grow stronger soon, he thought, his jaw tightening, Yè Qí will end up in Lei Ying's poisonous hands.
With renewed determination, Wu Dian tightened his grip on the broom and resumed sweeping. Every action, no matter how small, was a step toward his goal—a step closer to protecting what mattered most.
___
A flash of purple light flickered across Lei Ying's eyes, and his lips curled into a subtle, amused smile.
"Interesting," he muttered, his gaze drifting toward the direction of Wu Dian's courtyard.
"A martial art that refines the skeleton, making it incredibly tough? And it even turns the bones golden?
The legendary Immortal Golden Skeleton... Why would Wu Dian possess something like this so early? Unless..."
Lei Ying's eyes narrowed, suspicion gnawing at the edges of his thoughts. Could this be because of me?
"System," he called inwardly, his tone calm yet probing. "Why does Wu Dian have this technique so soon?"
The system's response appeared almost instantly, its words tinged with a smug undertone.
"Don't you get it? It's because of you."
Lei Ying's brow twitched. Before he could respond, the system continued, a rare hint of insolence in its tone.
"Aren't you a little dumb for wanting to be a full-time villain? Tsk!"
Lei Ying's mouth twitched, his irritation barely concealed. The system, once obedient and deferential, seemed to be testing its boundaries lately.
"What's gotten into you?" he muttered under his breath, the question more rhetorical than genuine.
The system pressed on.
"Naturally, you're an anomaly in this world. The heavens can't eliminate you, so their only option is to strengthen their chosen ones. Wu Dian is just the beginning."
Lei Ying's expression darkened for a fleeting moment before a chuckle escaped his lips. "So I'm not just a thorn in this world's side. I'm the whole damn forest."
Before he could dwell further, a knock at the door interrupted his musings.
"Young Master," Xue Ling's calm, melodious voice called from outside. "Ye Qi is here to see you."
Lei Ying's smile deepened, a glint of mischief lighting his eyes. Rising gracefully, he adjusted the intricate folds of his robes, ensuring every line exuded elegance.
"Speak of the devil," he murmured to himself. "Let's see what the heavens' 'chosen ones' have to say about this."
"Send her in," he instructed, his tone warm yet commanding, a subtle contrast to the storm of amusement swirling within him.
As the door opened, golden morning light spilled into the room, framing Ye Qi's figure like a masterful painting.
Draped in her veil, her posture exuded composure, but Lei Ying could sense the guarded determination behind her measured steps.
The faint fragrance of tea wafted through the room. Lei Ying stood by the teapot, his attention fixed on adjusting the fire beneath it.
His white hair shimmered faintly in the light, each strand catching the glow like threads of crystal. Though his robes were loose, lending him a languid air, there was an undeniable precision in his movements.
Ye Qi hesitated for a moment. The scene before her seemed surreal, almost ethereal, as if she were gazing upon an immortal casually tending to mortal trifles.
"Miss Ye Qi," Lei Ying greeted with a warm smile, gesturing toward a seat across from him. "What brings you here so early?"
Ye Qi sat cautiously, her gaze fixed on him. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence thick with unspoken thoughts.
"Is there something on your mind?" Lei Ying finally asked, feigning concern. "You haven't brought out your pill furnace yet. Are you feeling unwell?"
Ye Qi's eyes narrowed. She met his gaze directly, her voice cool and steady. "Young Master Lei Ying, there's no need to pretend. Just tell me your real purpose. I know you're not here to learn about alchemy."
Lei Ying chuckled softly, setting his teacup down with deliberate care. "You're right. I do have an ulterior motive." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a smooth, almost conspiratorial tone. "I want you to submit to me."
Ye Qi's expression froze for an instant before her gaze turned icy. "Sure enough," she said bitterly. "You're no different from the others—always lusting after beautiful women."
Lei Ying shook his head, his faint smile unfaltering. Lifting his cup once more, he took a slow sip before gesturing toward the steaming pot. "Tea?" he offered, his voice light.
Ye Qi stiffened, her mistrust evident. Yet there was something in Lei Ying's demeanor—an air of unshaken confidence—that made her pause. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was in for something far more unexpected than she had anticipated.