Xiao Feng sat in his room, deep in thought, when a sudden knock on the door broke his focus. Opening it, he found a group of outer disciples standing respectfully, carrying several ornate boxes. Each box was filled with treasures that shimmered and glowed with an otherworldly brilliance. Rare herbs, priceless elixirs, and jewels that radiated spiritual energy were neatly arranged inside.
One of the disciples handed him a letter. With a smirk, Xiao Feng opened it and read:
"These items are our humble apologies to you. We hope to put aside past grudges and foster cooperation. Let bygones be bygones."
The smirk on Xiao Feng's face widened into a sly grin. He muttered under his breath, "So, they want peace? Interesting. They must be trying to cover their tracks, afraid of what I might do. Oh well, let them have their moment of peace for now. After all, if it weren't for their betrayal, I wouldn't be here. I suppose I owe them a visit to discuss this 'peace contract.'"
He placed the treasures aside and stretched leisurely. "But first, let's pay a visit to my precious, beautiful master."
Xiao Feng made his way to Fairy Yulan's private chamber. As her direct disciple, he was the only one in the sect permitted to enter without prior invitation. The privilege wasn't lost on him, and it gave him a sense of amusement each time he passed the stunned disciples who whispered enviously as he walked by.
Reaching her chamber, Xiao Feng entered without hesitation. Fairy Yulan was seated in her meditative posture, her graceful figure illuminated by the soft glow of the spiritual lamps around her. She opened her eyes and greeted him with a warm, albeit slightly weary, smile.
"What do you want, Xiao Feng?" she asked.
Xiao Feng's sharp eyes caught the faint shadow of frustration on her otherwise serene face. Raising an eyebrow, he tilted his head. "Master, I didn't come here to ask for anything. I came because you seem... troubled. Have I done something wrong? Or is there something else that's making you unhappy?"
Fairy Yulan shook her head quickly. "No, no. You've done nothing wrong. I'm very happy with your return, Xiao Feng. You've exceeded all my expectations. It's just..." She hesitated, her voice dropping slightly. "It's your story. It frustrates me."
"My story?" Xiao Feng asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
She nodded, her gaze drifting as if lost in thought. "Your story makes me think of my own failures. If I hadn't been in seclusion, consumed by my own cultivation, perhaps I could have saved you from what happened. I could have protected you better."
Xiao Feng stepped closer, his expression softening. "Master, none of that was your fault. What happened to me was inevitable, given the circumstances."
But Fairy Yulan shook her head again, this time more firmly. "That's not all. I'm also frustrated with myself. For the past ten years, I've been stuck in the Nascent Soul realm. Ten years without progress! It feels like I'm at the end of my path, and I can't break through no matter how hard I try. Maybe this is it for me, Xiao Feng. Maybe I'll be stuck in the Nascent Soul realm for the rest of my life."
Xiao Feng's mind raced. Not willing to accept such an outcome, he mentally summoned the system. System, why can't my master progress to the Ascension realm?
The system's reply was as direct as ever: "Host's master, Fairy Yulan, has reached her cultivation potential. She cannot progress any further."
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed. Her cultivation potential? You're saying she's hit her limit?
"Precisely. Her body and spirit have reached the maximum level they can handle."
Frustration bubbled within him. No. I don't accept that. She's my master, my precious chess piece. I can't allow her to become useless. Is there any method to increase her cultivation potential?
The system responded coolly: "There is a method. Host's dual cultivation technique can help her surpass her potential by sharing your innate energy and unlocking her latent abilities."
Xiao Feng froze, blinking in disbelief. Dual cultivation? With my master? No, no, no. That's suicidal. She'd kill me before I even explained it.
"In that case," the system continued, "there is another method: the use of a specific elixir that can enhance cultivation potential. However, this elixir has yet to be discovered."
Xiao Feng's expression shifted as he recalled something from the game. Elixir? Wait... I know about that elixir. It's discovered much later in the storyline. If I can get my hands on it, I can solve this problem.
Fairy Yulan noticed the thoughtful look on his face and frowned slightly. "Xiao Feng, is something wrong?"
He shook his head quickly, schooling his features into a calm expression. "No, Master. I was just thinking. You've always been the strongest and wisest person I know. If anyone can find a way past this, it's you. Don't lose hope."
She smiled faintly at his words, though the frustration in her eyes remained. "You're kind to say that, Xiao Feng. But for now, let's focus on your progress. You've been through so much, and yet, you've returned stronger than ever. That's all that matters to me."
Xiao Feng nodded, though his thoughts remained fixed on the elixir. I'll find it, Master. No matter what it takes.
With that silent vow, he excused himself and left her chamber. As he walked back to his quarters, his mind was already planning his next move. The elixir, the elders, the peace contract—everything was part of a larger game. And Xiao Feng had every intention of winning.