As Qin Lian turned away from the window, her expression remained unreadable. She couldn't ignore the unsettling sensation that had brushed past her spiritual sense just moments ago.
Something or someone had been watching them.
She would have to investigate, but for now, she wouldn't let her suspicions disturb the peaceful night. For Ye Xiaotian and Qin Mei, this was a rare moment of warmth, and she had no intention of ruining it.
Unbeknownst to her, far above, hidden amongst the swirling clouds, a figure shrouded in shadows continued to watch the scene below. His eyes, sharp and cold, lingered on Ye Xiaotian.
"She sensed me," he muttered a hint of surprise in his voice. "Impressive."
He had been careful, using every ounce of his skill to conceal his presence. But Qin Lian, the Sect Master of the Vermillion Flame Sect, was not one to be underestimated.
"It's time to leave," he decided, turning away from the scene. "I have to relay the news. This boy… he's in the Vermillion Flame Sect."
With a flick of his wrist, he vanished into the night, leaving no trace of his presence. The wind carried his words away, whispers lost in the vastness of the mountains.
The air in the pavilion grew still as Ye Xiaotian bid farewell to Qin Lian and Qin Mei. He returned to his pavilion, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling within him. The evening had been a pleasant respite, a reminder of the warmth and camaraderie he had found within the Vermillion Flame Sect.
He entered the cultivation chamber, closing the door behind him with a soft click. The air within the chamber was cool and still, infused with the subtle hum of spiritual energy.
A black portal opened, as Ye Xiaotian stepped back into the familiar embrace of the Spirit World. A wave of tranquility washed over him, the gentle hum of the world's energy a soothing balm to his restless spirit.
His spirit beasts were sleeping peacefully. Lanyu, lay curled up on a bed of soft moss, her furs gleaming faintly in the dim light. Yin'er, on the other hand, was curled up on the head of Tianlei, the Heavenly Thunder Ox, her soft fur blending seamlessly with his thick hide. Tianlei himself slumbered peacefully, his massive form a testament to his immense strength.
Ye Xiaotian smiled, a sense of calm washing over him. He had missed his companions, their presence a constant source of comfort and reassurance.
He turned towards the Chaos Fluid pool, its surface shimmering with an ethereal green light. The pool, a source of immense power, was the heart of the Spirit World.
Without hesitation, Ye Xiaotian stepped into the pool, immersing himself in the cool, invigorating liquid. The Chaos Fluid enveloped him, its energy seeping into his pores.
He closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of Spiritual energy within his body. The energy from the Chaos Fluid flowed through his meridians, cleansing and purifying his body, and entered in spiritual root, further strengthening his foundation.
Even though he had chosen the path of alchemy, Ye Xiaotian knew that cultivation was paramount. It was the foundation upon which all other skills were built. Without a strong cultivation base, he would be limited in his ability to progress in alchemy, to explore the deeper mysteries of this ancient art.
He continued to cultivate, his mind focused, his spirit tranquil. The hours passed unnoticed as he absorbed the energy of the Chaos Fluid, refining his Qi, strengthening his body, and expanding his consciousness.
As the first rays of dawn began to touch the horizon of the mortal world, Ye Xiaotian emerged from the pool, his body revitalized, and his spirit refreshed. He felt a surge of power coursing through him, a newfound clarity and focus.
He was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, to continue his journey into the heart of alchemy, to explore the mysteries of the world, and to fulfill his destiny as a cultivator.
The soft glow of dawn filtered through the windows of Ye Xiaotian's cultivation chamber, signaling the start of a new day. He emerged from his meditative state, feeling refreshed and invigorated after a night of absorbing the potent energy of the Chaos Fluid.
Stretching his limbs with a satisfying crack, he exited the chamber and made his way to the washroom. The cool water revitalized him, washing away any lingering traces of sleepiness. Suddenly, his jade transmission token trembled.
It was from Qin Lian.
A single, short message appeared in his mind:
"Little Brother, I sensed something unusual last night. Be careful. If anything feels off, inform me immediately."
Ye Xiaotian's gaze darkened.
Qin Lian had sensed something.
He had been too absorbed in cultivation to pay attention to the outside world, but if even she was being cautious… it meant that he was being watched.
"Looks like things are getting complicated," he muttered.
Still, there was nothing he could do about it now. Until the enemy made their move, he had no choice but to focus on what was in front of him.
And right now, that was alchemy.
As he looked out the window, the first rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and gold.
"It's time to study the second book," he murmured, a hint of determination in his voice.
He returned to his study, his gaze falling upon the thick tome that lay waiting on his desk. "Comprehensive Guide to Spiritual Herbs," the title proclaimed in bold, elegant calligraphy. A sense of anticipation coursed through him. The world of herbs, with its endless variety and hidden wonders, beckoned him.
With a gentle touch, he opened the book, the scent of aged parchment filling the air. The first page displayed a meticulously drawn illustration of a vibrant flower, its petals unfurling like flames. Beneath the image, a description in elegant script detailed the herb's name, properties, and uses.
Crimson Sun Orchid:Rarity: Common
Habitat: Volcanic regions, thrive in areas with high concentrations of fire essence.
Properties: Yang attribute, potent fire energy, enhances internal energy circulation, strengthens the heart and meridians.
Uses: A key ingredient in many fire-attribute pills, used to treat Qi stagnation and cold-related ailments. Can be consumed directly to temporarily boost fire-attribute cultivation techniques.
Ye Xiaotian's eyes scanned the page, absorbing the information with his usual efficiency. The Crimson Sun Orchid, he noted, was a relatively common herb, yet its properties were potent. He could already envision its potential uses in enhancing his fire-based techniques, or perhaps even in creating a pill to counter the effects of Yin-type poisons.
He turned the page, eager to delve deeper into the world of herbs. The next entry showcased a delicate flower, its petals a pale blue, almost translucent.
Moonlit Bloom:
Rarity: Uncommon
Habitat: High altitude regions, blooms only under the direct light of the full moon.
Properties: Yin attribute, absorbs and stores moonlight essence, enhances spiritual perception, aids in cultivating Yin-type techniques.
Uses: Key ingredient in high-grade Yin-attribute pills, used to refine spiritual senses, enhance soul strength, and even aid in breaking through certain mental cultivation bottlenecks. Rumors suggest it can be used to create elixirs that grant temporary night vision and enhanced stealth.
Ye Xiaotian's interest was piqued. The Moonlit Bloom, with its unique properties and elusive nature, was a far more valuable herb than the Crimson Sun Orchid. He could already imagine its potential uses in enhancing his spiritual perception.
He continued to read, each page revealing a new wonder, a new secret of the natural world. The book was a treasure trove of knowledge, a testament to the intricate relationship between alchemy, cultivation, and the delicate balance of the elements. As he immersed himself in the world of herbs, Ye Xiaotian felt a growing sense of excitement. The path of alchemy was proving to be even more fascinating than he had anticipated.
The pages of the "Comprehensive Guide to Spiritual Herbs" turned with a soft rustle, each one revealing a new wonder, a new secret of the natural world. Ye Xiaotian, completely absorbed in his studies, lost track of time. The hours flew by as he delved deeper into the intricate world of herbalism, his mind a whirlwind of information.
He learned about the Five Elements and their corresponding herbs, each possessing unique properties and applications. He discovered herbs that could enhance cultivation, heal wounds, detoxify poisons, and even grant temporary invisibility. He marveled at the intricate illustrations, visualizing the herbs in their natural habitats, their roots drawing nourishment from the earth, their leaves reaching towards the sun.
As he read, Ye Xiaotian began to see the interconnectedness of all things. The herbs were not just ingredients for pills; they were a part of a larger ecosystem, a delicate balance of energies and elements. He realized that alchemy was not just about manipulating these elements, but about understanding them, respecting them, and working in harmony with them.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across his study. Yet, Ye Xiaotian remained oblivious to the passage of time, his focus entirely consumed by the book in his hands. He was lost in a world of wonder, a world where the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual blurred, where the secrets of nature were revealed to those who sought them with patience and dedication.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Vermillion Flame Sect, a storm was brewing.
Qin Mei, her face etched with worry, hurried through the tranquil gardens towards her sister's pavilion. The news she carried was grave, a threat to the very foundation of their sect.
She burst through the doors, her voice laced with urgency. "Big Sister! Big Sister!"
Qin Lian, who had been meditating in her chambers, opened her eyes, her gaze sharp and alert. "What is it, Qin Mei?" she asked, sensing the distress in her sister's voice.
"Did you get the news about Ye Xiaotian?" Qin Mei asked, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Qin Lian nodded, her expression grim. "I did. Those bastards… they sent an assassin here, into our sect."
Qin Mei's eyes blazed with fury. "We have to do something! They've already sold the news about Ye Xiaotian to the Black Serpent Sect, and it's leaked all over the Desolate Shadow Continent!"
Qin Lian's face hardened. The Black Serpent Sect, their sworn enemies, would stop at nothing to eliminate Ye Xiaotian, the young cultivator who had slain one of their own. And now that his presence in the Vermillion Flame Sect was known, they would be coming for him.
Suddenly, a memory flashed through Qin Lian's mind. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and regret. "I knew it was something I felt last night when Ye Xiaotian came for dinner. One of them was spying on us from a distance! I felt it! Those bastards… they want to die!"
A wave of killing intent surged through her, her aura flaring with the power of a seasoned cultivator. She would not allow anyone to threaten her sect, her family, or her Xiaotian.
The Vermillion Flame Sect was about to face its greatest challenge yet. The Black Serpent Sect was coming, and with them, the storm of war.
The atmosphere inside the pavilion remained tense, the air thick with unspoken words. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on Qin Lian's shoulders.
She closed her eyes briefly, gathering her thoughts. When she reopened them, her golden gaze burned with resolve.
After a pause, she turned to Qin Mei. "Don't let Xiaotian find out about this."
Her voice was calm yet firm, leaving no room for debate.
"Let him focus on his alchemy without any worries. His growth is our top priority. Until the situation is fully assessed, he cannot be distracted."
Qin Mei, though still visibly agitated, nodded in agreement. "I understand, Big Sister."
Qin Lian's gaze turned sharp. "I will go to the Ancestral Hall."
The moment the words left her lips, Qin Mei's expression shifted. "The Ancestral Hall? You're planning to talk to Mother?"
A flicker of hesitation crossed Qin Mei's face. Their Mother, the former Sect Master of the Vermillion Flame Sect, had long since stepped into seclusion. Speaking with her was no easy task.
But Qin Lian's expression remained unwavering. "If necessary, we might even need to call the ancestors out of their seclusion."
Silence filled the space between them.
Qin Mei took a deep breath, nodding in understanding. "Okay, Big Sister. I'll inform the elders and make sure no word of this reaches Xiaotian."
Qin Lian placed a hand on her younger sister's shoulder, her grip gentle yet firm. "Good. Go now."
Qin Mei hesitated for only a second before bowing her head. "Be careful, Big Sister."
With that, she turned and left, her silver robes flowing behind her as she disappeared into the night.
Qin Lian, now alone, stood silently for a moment, staring up at the moonlit sky."So it has begun," she murmured, her voice low and dangerous.