Dual Cultivation Method

"You've been in seclusion for three months... completely out of touch with the outside world! You don't even know about the recent changes in the Wei Dao Si."

"To prevent regional branches from forming their own power bases, the Wei Dao Si headquarters is planning to add an executive position below the deputy and chief commanders of the Hound and Snake Guards."

"The Hound Guard will have four executives, each managing a number of Hound Guards. The same applies to the Snake Guard."

"As a result, those noble families in Jinling County who were previously suppressed saw an opportunity to rise. They've united and are trying to seize one or two executive positions."

"Lord Sinan doesn't want to cede his power to members of these noble families. Therefore, he nominated you, Lin Beihai, and Jiang Feng for the Hound Guard executive positions."

"Then what about the remaining executive position?" Xia Qi'an blurted out, interrupting.

Hong Xian rolled her eyes at Xia Qi'an. "Naturally, it's reserved for someone chosen by those noble families in the city... We can't completely cut them off, can we?"

"Alright... So Su Changqing was plotting against me? Because Lord Sinan recommended me as a Hound Guard executive?" Xia Qi'an rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

"That's likely it!"

Hearing this, Hong Xian nodded gently as she looked at Xia Qi'an.

"I see, now I understand. But... will those noble families also plot against Instructor Jiang and Instructor Lin?"

Hong Xian teased, "That's unlikely... Jiang Feng and Lin Beihai are different from you. They both have deep qualifications and equally prominent family backgrounds. You're new and without a family background..."

Xia Qi'an sighed, sounding both resentful and wistful. "It seems I'm being treated like a pushover..."

"Isn't that the truth!..." Hong Xian chimed in agreement.

She then added, "However, a recommendation is just a recommendation. Whether you can actually secure the executive position will depend on your own strength."

"The day of the executive assessment will be like a martial arts tournament! All those vying for the executive positions among the Hound Guards will have to challenge you on stage."

"If you win, everyone will be happy. But if you lose, not only will you not get the executive position, but your future prospects in the Wei Dao Si will be bleak. Those united noble families won't make your life easy either..."

Xia Qi'an naturally understood this logic.

"That's perfect... I've always disliked beating around the bush. It's best when things can be settled with fists, simple and brutal," Xia Qi'an said, his eyes shining with confidence.

Seeing his confidence, a flicker of sadness appeared in Hong Xian's eyes, and she said with a hint of melancholy, "Your martial arts talent is exceptionally high, it truly makes one envious..."

Noticing Hong Xian's sudden sadness, the alluring charm in her eyes vanished. Xia Qi'an asked, "What's wrong? ... We were having a good conversation... why are you suddenly like this...?"

Hong Xian stood up and turned her back to Xia Qi'an, as if recalling something she didn't want to face. "It's nothing...!"

This, however, made Xia Qi'an even more curious. "We're friends now, right? ... You can tell me if something's bothering you... I'll help if I can! And if I can't now, I'll definitely help when I have the ability later."

"There's nothing anyone can do about this kind of thing... But... if you want to hear about it, I can tell you..."

This situation was perfect for reminiscing about the past, and Hong Xian felt the urge to confide in someone.

Then, Hong Xian began to recount a past event from her adulthood.

It turned out that Hong Xian's real name was Xiahou Hongyao, and she was a descendant of the former dynasty's remnants from the Qiluo Kingdom.

Members of the Xiahou family were, from birth, relegated to a lowborn status, forbidden from entering officialdom. Their aptitude was also crippled, and they were not allowed to practice martial arts.

The Xiahou family chose to go into business.

But even so, the Xiahou family could not escape the fate of being purged.

When Hong Xian was five years old, her entire family was wiped out by a mysterious martial artist.

Out of the more than fifty members of the clan, only the five-year-old Hong Xian and a wet nurse from another branch of the family miraculously survived.

Hong Xian was raised by the wet nurse and later became the shopkeeper of Duobao in Jinling County.

However, her aptitude had been crippled since childhood, making her unable to practice martial arts, and revenge became a distant hope.

This was why she felt envious upon seeing Xia Qi'an, who possessed extraordinary martial arts talent.

After listening to her story, Xia Qi'an couldn't help but think of his own grandfather.

He could understand her feeling of relying on her wet nurse.

Compared to his situation, Hong Xian's background was even more tragic.

"I often have nightmares these years. The person who killed my entire family never leaves me in peace! ... I only regret that I can't practice martial arts and can't personally avenge my clan..." As she spoke, Hong Xian gritted her teeth, her body trembling slightly, her emotions on the verge of breaking down.

Xia Qi'an didn't know how to comfort her, so he picked up a piece of meat for her and offered her a handkerchief, saying, "Eat first...!"

Xia Qi'an refilled her wine cup and then asked, "What was that person's name... and what was their cultivation level?"

"What... do you want to avenge me?" Hong Xian turned her head, looking at Xia Qi'an with complex eyes. In those eyes, there was gratitude, hope, and an indescribable emotion.

"Of course... If you can offer sufficient conditions! I don't mind acting as an assassin!"

Hong Xian shook her head slightly and sighed, "That person was already at the early stage of the Spirit Condensation realm back then. Now, they've probably advanced further!"

"Actually, I wish I could personally kill my enemy to dispel the nightmares of many years! But unfortunately... I probably won't have the chance in this lifetime...!"

Seeing her stubbornness, Xia Qi'an hesitated whether to mention the dual cultivation method to her.

The Yin Yang Harmony Manual was an immortal cultivation method created by cultivators. Its effects were miraculous, not only allowing for rapid cultivation progress but also improving spiritual roots and martial aptitude. It could even repair crippled aptitude in mortals.

However, the conditions for this cultivation method were too difficult for a normal person to accept.

After much hesitation, Xia Qi'an finally said slowly, "There is a way to repair aptitude... but the conditions are rather harsh! As a friend, I can tell you."

"What? Are you telling the truth... you're not lying to me?" Hong Xian's emotions instantly became agitated. She grabbed Xia Qi'an's hand and asked eagerly.

Afterward, Xia Qi'an explained the cultivation method and side effects of the immortal cultivation technique, the Yin Yang Harmony Manual, to her.

To his surprise, Hong Xian rolled her eyes repeatedly upon hearing this. "Does such a cultivation method truly exist in this world? You're not trying to trick me into sleeping with you, are you!..."

"Although I act wild, I'm still a virgin! Do you think I'm some promiscuous, low-class woman?"

Xia Qi'an shook his head like a rattle, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

He had no choice but to take out the ancient text of the cultivation method. "What I'm saying is true... cultivators do exist in this world, it's just that the current environment has changed, and cultivators no longer easily reveal themselves."

The Yin Yang Harmony Manual required two people to cultivate it together, and one of them had to have exceptional aptitude.

Once cultivation began, it would automatically connect the nascent souls of both parties, like Cupid's arrow, thus forming a master-servant contract.

Therefore, it would be useless even if Hong Xian memorized the scriptures and talisman patterns from the ancient text.

This was why he had so readily flipped through it in front of Hong Xian.

Seeing that Xia Qi'an's tone was not feigned and observing the physical evidence he presented, Hong Xian's heart immediately believed him for the most part, and her anger gradually subsided.

The resentment in her eyes subtly transformed into a burning desire.

"If this dual cultivation method can truly repair my aptitude and allow me to personally take revenge on my enemies, then what's the harm in giving you this stinking skin pouch?"

As she spoke, Hong Xian grabbed Xia Qi'an's hand and pressed it against her chest.

Xia Qi'an was caught off guard, his fingers sinking slightly into the soft fullness.

The exquisite sensation, which one hand could not possibly encompass, was simply indescribable.

He couldn't help but squeeze her once before, fearing he would lose control, he quickly withdrew his hand and said seriously, "I do intend to find someone for dual cultivation. But not now, I need to break through to the Spirit Condensation realm first!"

Upon hearing this, a captivating blush appeared on Hong Xian's face, her eyes misting over, clearly showing she was somewhat aroused. "I thought you were a lustful demon... I didn't expect you to have principles..."

Xia Qi'an could see clearly that a woman like Hong Xian, harboring hatred, would become like dry tinder and fierce like a wolf once ignited.

He immediately let out a soft hum, pinched Hong Xian's delicate chin, and said with a hint of reprimand, "Hmph... tone down that vixen aura of yours... When I reach the Spirit Condensation realm, I'll let you taste the power of my... thing...!"

"By then, I'll make sure you beg for mercy...!"

After uttering the harsh words, Xia Qi'an fled as if he were escaping.

His speed was so fast it was like a phantom.

However, Xia Qi'an's teasingly harsh words did not calm Hong Xian down at all.

She leaned forward slightly, resting her chest on the table, panting softly. The haze in her eyes turned into an unresolvable passion, like a pool of spring water rippled by a gentle breeze, creating tiny waves.