Master and Disciple's First Meeting

Night was as black as ink, wrapping the entire city of Wutan in silence. The Xiao Family Training Ground had long lost the daytime clamor of youths punching and practicing swordsmanship. Only a few old red lanterns hung from the Old Locust Tree in the corner of the courtyard, their cords gently swaying in the evening breeze. Dim yellow light filtered through the holes in the lantern paper, casting mottled, shifting shadows across the Bluestone Ground like scattered stars, flickering bright and dark.

Xiao Yan sat cross-legged beside the Old Locust Tree's thick roots, his back against the Slightly Bright trunk as his fingers repeatedly rubbed the black Storage Ring on his right index finger. His mother had left him this ring before her death. He had worn it for years, and it had long been warmed by his body heat into something familiar. Yet recently, an unusual warmth had been Faintly visible from the ring. Taking a deep breath, he slowly circulated the Dou Qi that he had barely Stabilized with Qi Gathering Powder over the past few days. That Dou Qi was as weak as a Flickering candle in the wind. When it flowed through his meridians, it carried a sluggish, heavy sensation as it gradually traveled through his fingertips and entered the Storage Ring.

Over the past few days, the Storage Ring's warmth had grown stronger by the day. Especially when Nalan Yanran had arrived with elders from the Misty Cloud Sect during the day, her gentle yet incomparably firm words still echoed in his ears: "Brother Xiao Yan, after giving it much thought, I've decided to give you three years. During these three years, I'll help you withstand the pressure from the sect elders and keep them from disturbing your cultivation again. You needn't care about others' opinions either—just focus on increasing your strength. Three years from now, if you can ascend the Misty Cloud Sect and defeat me before all the sect's disciples and elders, I will honor our engagement and become your true wife. From then on, I will Stand shoulder to shoulder with you as Madam Xiao Yan. No matter how the sect elders object, I will not waver again. But if you cannot do it after three years, then it means we truly have no fate together. At that time, the engagement will dissolve on its own. I will personally step forward to ensure the elders no longer make things difficult for you, and I will never let anyone mock you again."

Those words had stirred enormous waves in Xiao Yan's long-still heart. At that moment, the ring had suddenly flashed with an exceedingly faint ripple of soul force, so fast it seemed like an illusion, yet it ignited a thread of expectation that even he did not dare examine too deeply. Now, as Dou Qi slowly flowed from his fingertips into the ring, it suddenly changed. The familiar icy touch vanished instantly, replaced by a mild heat, as though he were holding a piece of Warm Jade freshly taken from burning coals. The warmth spread from his fingertips to his wrist, and he could even vaguely sense something gently pulsing within the ring, like a life that had slept for ages and was slowly awakening.

"Mm..."

An old, hoarse voice suddenly sounded in Xiao Yan's mind without warning. It was soft and carried the laziness of someone freshly awakened. Its drawn-out ending concealed an undeniable exhaustion, like the first groan of an old man who had stayed up half the night as dawn began to break. Xiao Yan shuddered violently as if struck by lightning. The steady flow of Dou Qi abruptly halted, his hands unconsciously clenched tight, and his knuckles turned white from the force. His heart pounded uncontrollably against his chest. That voice! The vague thoughts that had occasionally flashed at the edge of his mind these past days must have come from its owner! There really was a senior hidden within this Storage Ring!

He pressed hard against his chest, forcing himself to calm down. Only after his Adam's apple bobbed several times did he gather all his focus and attempt a tentative response in his mind. His voice trembled uncontrollably. "S-Senior? Have you... awakened?"

His mind fell into brief silence, with only his own heartbeat clearly echoing beside his ears. A moment later, the old voice rang out again, carrying a hint of scrutiny mixed with barely noticeable surprise. "Little fellow, you awakened earlier than I expected. You can actively use Dou Qi to nourish the ring and precisely sense the fluctuations of my consciousness. It seems that although you have been trapped in hardship these three years, you have not completely abandoned the heart to cultivate."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's taut nerves seemed to soak in warm water and instantly relaxed. An indescribable joy surged into his heart, making his eyes heat up and his nose sting. Over the past three years, he had gone from the once universally admired "Young Master Xiao Yan" to the "good-for-nothing" discussed behind everyone's backs. He had watched his Dou Qi regress day by day, felt the gazes of his clansmen shift from respect to pity and then estrangement, and endured the mockery and contempt of others. He had long grown accustomed to burying his emotions deep inside. Yet Nalan Yanran's "Brother Xiao Yan" during the day, her promise to shield him from pressure, and her wish to "stand beside you as Madam Xiao Yan" had been like a warm current breaking through the grievances he had suppressed for so long. And this suddenly appearing voice was like light shining through a crack, Dispelled all the gloom.

He hurriedly spoke, his voice choked with emotion. "Senior, you've finally awakened! These three years, I... I really was almost unable to hold on. Dou Qi is like sand I can't hold onto. I could barely gather it one day, only to wake the next and find more than half of it gone. I used every medicinal ingredient the family could find, and even secretly took the Qi Gathering Powder Father had treasured, but it could only Stabilize it temporarily. The moment I use it, it feels as if there are invisible holes leaking it away. I can barely even practice the most basic fist techniques anymore... Miss Yan Ran came today. She defended me so fiercely and was willing to give me three years, but in my current state, I fear I'll even disappoint her expectations..."

"I have seen your condition, and it is time I explained it to you." The old voice gently interrupted him, carrying a faint but sincere apology. "Do you know why you have been unable to retain your Dou Qi? It is not because you have lost your talent, nor because something went wrong in your cultivation, and certainly not because someone harmed you. It is... because of me."

Xiao Yan abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with astonishment. His reddened eyes widened instantly, and his lips parted, but no sound came out. He had only known that his Dou Qi was regressing; he had never imagined it was connected to this senior who had just awakened. After a long while, he finally found his voice, disbelief filling his tone. "B-Because of you? Senior, h-how can that be? Didn't you only just awaken?"

"Though I have only just awakened, during the years I slept within the ring, my soul body remained in a faint state of 'breathing.'" The voice explained patiently, sounding helpless. "My soul body was injured back then, and I could only survive by attaching myself to this Storage Ring. To keep my soul body from dispersing, I needed a constant supply of energy, and Dou Qi was the most suitable choice. Whenever you cultivated while wearing the ring, part of the fluctuations generated by your circulating Dou Qi would be unconsciously absorbed by the ring, just as spring seedlings absorb nutrients from the soil."

He paused, and his tone grew more remorseful. "At first, the absorption was exceedingly slight and had little effect on you. But as my soul body grew weaker, the amount I absorbed unconsciously increased. Especially when you cultivated, your Dou Qi was already unstable. After being 'diverted' in this manner, it naturally became difficult to gather, making it seem as though it was constantly regressing. Feel your meridians carefully—is there always a faint sense of sluggishness three inches below your Dantian whenever you circulate Dou Qi? That is not a blockage. It is merely the subtle fluctuation caused by your Dou Qi being drawn toward the ring."

Xiao Yan instinctively closed his eyes and followed the other man's words to sense the meridians within his body. Sure enough, when he focused and circulated his Dou Qi, a faint sluggishness truly came from below his Dantian. The sensation was slight, normally concealed by his anxiety over losing Dou Qi, but once it was pointed out, it became terrifyingly clear. Yet there was none of the Stinging pain of being sabotaged. There was only the light sensation of energy being gently "drawn away." He abruptly opened his eyes. The force in his hands gradually loosened, and his tense shoulders sagged. The anger in his voice vanished, leaving only relief and a trace of confusion. "So that's how it is... No wonder I couldn't retain my Dou Qi no matter how hard I tried. Senior, then... now that you've awakened, do you still need to absorb Dou Qi? Miss Yan Ran has done so much for me. If I cannot even fulfill our agreement three years from now, I'll truly have wronged her..."

"Silly boy, do not fear." The old voice held a warm smile. "Previously, my soul body was weak, so it could only absorb passively. Now that I have awakened, I can control it actively. I will no longer 'plunder' your Dou Qi as before. On the contrary, I will teach you how to gather Dou Qi efficiently and Make up for the losses of these three years. Forget defeating that girl before everyone at the Misty Cloud Sect—even making it possible for her to truly stand at your side as 'Madam Xiao Yan' is not impossible." His tone suddenly turned serious. "However, I have only just awakened from my slumber, and my soul body is still very weak. Like a candle in the wind, it could disperse with the slightest movement. I still need to borrow some of your Dou Qi—not through limitless absorption, but by having you actively guide it to help me stabilize my soul body. This will also train your control of Dou Qi and greatly benefit your future cultivation."

The weight in Xiao Yan's heart finally lifted completely, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. The worries caused by his regressing Dou Qi and his fear of disappointing Nalan Yanran all transformed into anticipation for the future when he learned the truth and heard the senior's promise. He nodded forcefully, his tone utterly earnest. "Rest assured, Senior! As long as I can help you, as long as it can make me stronger and keep me from disappointing Miss Yan Ran, you can have as much Dou Qi as you need! Just give the word, and I will do exactly as you say!"

"Good. It is enough that you have such resolve." The old voice was filled with gratification. "Listen carefully. Relax your mind now. Do not deliberately suppress your Dou Qi. Simply place your palm against the ground and let the Dou Qi in your Dantian flow naturally through your meridians and into the Storage Ring. Remember, keep the pace slow. Let your Dou Qi flow steadily like a stream. Do not be impatient, and do not force it. Feel the process of Dou Qi flowing from your meridians into the ring."

Xiao Yan immediately followed the senior's instructions and pressed his palm firmly against the cold Bluestone Ground. The chill from the ground passed through his palm, clearing his muddled mind somewhat. He closed his eyes and calmed his mind, trying to slowly awaken the weak Dou Qi in his Dantian. Like a stream flowing across a rocky shoal, it gradually moved through the meridians in his arm toward the Storage Ring on his right index finger. This time, he no longer worried about losing Dou Qi. Instead, he settled his mind and carefully sensed its path. The Storage Ring seemed to possess a gentle pull, drawing in the Dou Qi without causing the slightest discomfort.

The instant his Dou Qi touched the Storage Ring, it trembled slightly. Ancient patterns normally invisible on its surface seemed to awaken, suddenly lighting up with a faint Golden Halo. The glow was soft but not dazzling, Covering Within Xiao Yan's entire hand. The cold in his palm was instantly Dispelled, replaced by a warm, enveloping sensation. He could clearly feel the old consciousness in his mind becoming clearer bit by bit, while the once-weary voice gradually gained strength. "Not bad. Your temperament is quite steady. Your control of Dou Qi may be crude, but you can still control its release and withdrawal freely. You have not disrupted your method out of impatience. It seems that although you faced countless hardships these three years, you never abandoned the refinement of your foundations."

Xiao Yan did not speak. He merely focused on guiding the Dou Qi, sensing it flow out of his body and be gently accepted by the Storage Ring, as though he were silently communicating with this mysterious senior. Time passed bit by bit, and the night grew deeper. The lanterns in the locust tree swayed more slowly, while only the rustle of wind through leaves and Xiao Yan's steady breathing remained in the Training Ground. About half an hour later, the Golden Halo on the Storage Ring seemed to have completed its task. It gradually dimmed before disappearing completely. The ring returned to its usual black appearance, with only that mild warmth lingering more distinctly upon its surface.

"All right, it has been stabilized for now." The old voice sounded again, carrying obvious exhaustion but also unconcealed relief. "Little fellow, thank you. If you had not been willing to help me actively, I would have needed to expend considerable effort. I caused you hardship by passively absorbing your Dou Qi these past years. I will certainly compensate you many times over in the future, help you grow strong as soon as possible, and ensure you do not disappoint that girl's feelings, so that she may stand beside you as she wishes."

Xiao Yan slowly withdrew his hand, his fingertips lightly rubbing the now-calm Storage Ring. His heart was full of excitement, reverence, and a trace of closeness. He raised his head toward the swaying lanterns on the Old Locust Tree, his voice solemn. "You overestimate it, Senior! I'm happy just to be able to help you—how could I call it hardship? If not for this ring, if not for you, perhaps I would have completely given up long ago because of my regressing Dou Qi. I certainly would not have had the courage to face the agreement three years from now or respond to Miss Yan Ran's feelings. But there is one matter I do not understand. Who... exactly are you? Why were you sleeping within this Storage Ring?"

His mind sank into a long silence. It lasted so long that Xiao Yan thought the other man would not answer when the old voice finally rang out again. Its tone held an unshakable ancient weariness, as if recounting a distant past. "My true name is Yao Chen. In my youth, I was obsessed with the art of alchemy and also studied methods of Dou Qi cultivation, earning myself a modest reputation. But many years ago, I was betrayed. The person I trusted most joined hands with outside enemies to plot against me. Not only was my cultivation destroyed, but my soul body was also shattered beyond repair. Only a wisp of my remnant soul remained, barely attached to this natal Storage Ring as it drifted from place to place. Later, your mother found the ring in an ancient place. Seeing that its material was unusual, she kept it and eventually passed it on to you."

A wave rose in Xiao Yan's heart. Though he did not know what the name "Yao Chen" represented, nor how weighty this so-called "modest reputation" truly was, words like "betrayed," "soul body shattered," and "drifting while attached to a Storage Ring" were enough to make him understand that this senior had endured an exceptionally tortuous past. He steadied himself and spoke with unwavering resolve. "Rest assured, Senior! As long as I, Xiao Yan, live, I will find a way to help you search for the medicinal ingredients needed to restore your soul body. No matter how difficult it is, I will never give up! And if you need Dou Qi to nourish yourself during my future cultivation, just tell me. I will fully cooperate! Three years from now, not only will I defeat Miss Yan Ran at the Misty Cloud Sect, I will also make her my wife in glorious fashion and let everyone know that she did not choose the wrong man!"

Elder Yao's voice carried a trace of warmth, as though he had been moved by the youth's sincerity and fighting spirit. "Good boy. Having such intentions is enough. But restoring my soul body will not be easy. Not only must we search the world for heavenly treasures, you must also become strong enough yourself. After all, without sufficient strength, even if you find the medicinal ingredients, you will not be able to protect them, much less fulfill your agreement with that girl. By the way, what exactly did that girl from the Nalan Clan say earlier? Tell me in detail. For her to say such things, she is indeed a responsible young woman."

Xiao Yan paused, then realized that although this senior had been sleeping, he could sense movements in the outside world but might not know the details. He collected himself and recounted everything that had happened during the day, even carefully describing the gentle way Nalan Yanran had called him "Brother Xiao Yan" and the firm manner in which she had defended him before the sect elders. "Miss Yan Ran is the personal disciple of Yun Yun, the Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. Today, she brought two sect elders to the Xiao Family. The elders originally intended to raise the matter of dissolving the engagement directly, but Miss Yan Ran stopped them. Before everyone, she said she would give me three years. She said she would help me withstand the sect's pressure during those three years and prevent anyone from disturbing my cultivation. She also told me not to care about others' opinions. Three years from now, if I can ascend the Misty Cloud Sect and defeat her before all its disciples and elders, she will honor the engagement and become my wife, no matter how the elders object. But if I fail, she will personally dissolve the engagement and protect me from ridicule."

"The Misty Cloud Sect..." Elder Yao's voice carried a faint nostalgia. "When I traveled through the Jia Ma Empire back then, I met the former Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect several times. He was quite an upright man. I never expected that the sect could now raise a junior with such character. That Nalan girl not only has the responsibility to defend you but also the clarity to give you an opportunity, and she is even willing to bear the pressure for you. With such temperament, she deserves your sincerity. As for Yun Yun, she has always been a perceptive person. She must have seen through that girl's feelings, which is why she tacitly allowed this Three-Year Pact. It is an opportunity for the two of you."

At this point, Elder Yao's tone abruptly became serious, carrying an unquestionable gravity. "But Xiao Yan, you must understand that this Three-Year Pact contains that girl's feelings, but it also contains an enormous challenge. The Misty Cloud Sect is one of the foremost sects in the Jia Ma Empire. Its cultivation resources far surpass anything the Xiao Family can offer. As Yun Yun's personal disciple, Nalan Yanran has access to the finest techniques and medicinal pills. Her progress will surely advance by leaps and bounds. Meanwhile, your progress was delayed for three years because I absorbed your Dou Qi, and your cultivation is now stagnant. If you wish to catch up to her in three years and defeat her before everyone in her sect, your current state makes that absolutely impossible. You must put forth ten times, a hundred times more effort than ordinary people. You must begin from the foundation and refine yourself anew, step by step, if you are to live up to her feelings and seize this opportunity."

"I understand!" Xiao Yan clenched his fists hard, a fierce light flashing in his eyes—the unwillingness he had accumulated over three years and his newly rekindled fighting spirit. "These three years, I will give everything I have! No matter how much I suffer or how late I train, I will never give up! I will not only win, but win beautifully, so Miss Yan Ran can stand proudly by my side and everyone will know her choice was not wrong! It's just..." He paused, and helplessness entered his tone. "What I cultivate now is only the Xiao Family's most basic breathing method. I can barely stabilize my Dou Qi, much less improve quickly or catch up to Miss Yan Ran..."

"That you possess such determination already puts you above far too many people." Elder Yao's voice held clear praise before turning solemn. "Little fellow, I see that your temperament is resilient, that you value affection and honor your promises. Though trapped in hardship, you have not lost your lofty aspirations. Such character suits my heart. Though my soul body is damaged now, when it comes to the ways of alchemy and Dou Qi cultivation, there are few in the entire Jia Ma Empire who can compare to me."

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. He vaguely sensed Elder Yao's meaning, and his breathing unconsciously became a little hurried.

Elder Yao continued, "If you are willing, then take me as your master. I will impart all my life's knowledge to you without reservation. I will not only teach you the finest alchemical arts and help you gather heavenly treasures, but also pass on a cultivation technique called the Blazing Art. This technique is no ordinary method. Though you must establish a solid foundation in its early stages, it holds limitless potential and can continuously evolve as its practitioner's strength rises. Refining Heavenly Flames can increase its power manyfold, allowing you to break through realms quickly. Catching up to, even surpassing, that Nalan girl will be no difficult matter."

"The Blazing Art?!" Xiao Yan abruptly raised his head, his eyes full of shock and wild joy. Though he did not know just how formidable this technique was, Elder Yao's words—"impart all my life's knowledge," "limitless potential," and "refining Heavenly Flames"—had already made him feel its extraordinary nature. He took a deep breath and suppressed the excitement in his heart. Facing the Storage Ring on his fingertip, he solemnly knelt on the Bluestone Ground and kowtowed three times with utmost respect. His voice trembled with unconcealed emotion and determination. "This disciple, Xiao Yan, pays respects to Master! From this day onward, I will strictly obey Master's commands, cultivate diligently, and never disappoint Master's teachings and expectations!"

"Good! Good!" Elder Yao's voice was filled with gratification and rare hearty cheer. "Rise. Now that we have acknowledged the bond of master and disciple, there is no need for excessive ceremony in the future. Tonight, I will transmit the incantations and circulation method of the Blazing Art into your mind. Familiarize yourself with them first. Tomorrow, you can refine it together with improved Qi Gathering Powder for better results."

As soon as his words fell, Xiao Yan felt warmth surge through his mind. Countless profound words and diagrams of the cultivation technique flowed into his mind like a stream. They were the complete method of the Blazing Art. He closed his eyes, carefully absorbing the new knowledge in his mind, his heart filled with unprecedented hope and strength.

"Master, thank you!" Xiao Yan bowed again, his tone brimming with gratitude.

"There is no need to thank me. The fate between master and disciple began with this Storage Ring. In the future, we will support one another. You will help me restore my soul body, and I will help you reach the pinnacle. That is a fine thing indeed." Elder Yao's voice regained some calmness, though it remained warm. "First, bring out the Qi Gathering Powder Nalan Yanran left today. I will improve it for you, and you can try the basic circulation method of the Blazing Art."

Xiao Yan's heart leaped with joy. He quickly took out the Brocade Box embroidered with lotus patterns from his robes. Nalan Yanran had left it behind during the day, saying, "This is to aid your cultivation these three years. Don't be stingy with it. If it isn't enough, I'll find another way." It contained three bottles of Qi Gathering Powder. He carefully opened the Brocade Box, revealing three pale white porcelain bottles. Delicate lotus patterns were carved onto the bottles, and a faint medicinal fragrance drifted from them, as though carrying Nalan Yanran's feelings. He placed the Brocade Box on the Bluestone Ground Before His Eyes and said softly, "Master, Miss Yan Ran left three bottles of Qi Gathering Powder for me. She said they would help stabilize my Dou Qi, and that if they were not enough, she would find another way."

The moment he finished speaking, a faint glimmer suddenly appeared from the Storage Ring on his fingertip. An invisible soul force slowly emerged from the ring, like a thin veil gently wrapping around one bottle of Qi Gathering Powder. Xiao Yan's eyes widened. He clearly saw the originally somewhat cloudy medicinal aura in the porcelain bottle slowly become clear beneath the soul force. A mild sheen Appeared on the bottle, and the once-faint medicinal fragrance grew richer and more pleasant.

In only a moment, the invisible soul force withdrew into the Storage Ring, and its faint glow vanished as well. Elder Yao's voice sounded again. "All right, the improvement is complete. This bottle of Qi Gathering Powder is thirty percent more potent than before, and its impurities have been removed. Take it tonight and refine it while circulating the first stage of the Blazing Art. It will stabilize your Dou Qi while familiarizing you with the technique's circulation, laying the foundation for formal cultivation tomorrow."

Xiao Yan quickly picked up the improved bottle of Qi Gathering Powder. It felt warm in his hand, noticeably warmer than the other two bottles, and its rich fragrance was invigorating. He bowed deeply toward the Storage Ring on his fingertip, his tone incomparably solemn. "Thank you, Master! This disciple will refine it properly and never disappoint Master's painstaking efforts!"

"Go on. Remember, when first practicing the Blazing Art, the key is gradual progress. Do not be greedy for speed." Elder Yao's voice carried a touch of laziness but was full of concern. "I have only just awakened, and my soul body still needs rest. You should return early as well and focus on refining the medicine and cultivation technique."

"This disciple will remember Master's teachings!" Xiao Yan answered solemnly. He carefully put away the improved Qi Gathering Powder, returned the other two bottles to the Brocade Box, and tucked it close against his chest, as though doing so could protect Nalan Yanran's feelings and his master's expectations. He stood up and Glanced at the Storage Ring on his fingertip one last time. It was as though he could see the figure of the master he had just acknowledged through the ring's cold surface. His heart was filled with gratitude and longing. Then he turned and walked toward his room.

The night remained deep. The lanterns on the Old Locust Tree still swayed gently, and the Bluestone Ground of the Training Ground still reflected a faintly cool light. But in Xiao Yan's heart, a blazing fire had been ignited, bright as day and burning hot. Elder Yao's awakening, the bond between master and disciple, and the inheritance of the Blazing Art had not only solved the mystery of his three years of regressing Dou Qi, but were also like a beam of light cutting through darkness, illuminating his path toward the pinnacle and allowing him to see hope of protecting Nalan Yanran's feelings. He knew that the coming three years were Destined to be filled with thorns and hardship. He would have to make efforts beyond ordinary imagination and endure endless sweat and exhaustion. But he was not afraid—with his master's guidance, the support of the Blazing Art, Nalan Yanran's feelings and protection, and the fighting spirit that had never gone out in his heart, he would surely break through the obstacles Before His Eyes, catch up to Nalan Yanran step by step, win that promised battle before the gates of the Misty Cloud Sect, and make her his wife in glorious fashion. More than that, he would make the entire city of Wutan and the entire Jia Ma Empire remember the name "Xiao Yan" and witness his rise from "good-for-nothing" to the pinnacle!