Luring Cao Ying Away

After sleeping with Medusa, Ling Yuan figured Zi Yan would need some time to break through.

There was no point watching her during this idle time. He could not waste it; he could go to the Cao Clan and lure Cao Ying over.

If he did not go now, then once Zi Yan finished breaking through and gradually grew up, she would definitely cling to him all day. It would be difficult to get away then.

With his mind made up, Ling Yuan did not delay and immediately summoned a Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate.

The Cao Clan was not particularly strong, so a Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate was more than enough.

The Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate left the Ling Realm with Ling Yuan and sped toward the Cao Clan.

The Cao Clan was one of the five great alchemist clans under Danta and enjoyed considerable renown in the alchemy world.

Before long, the two arrived outside the Cao Clan residence.

The Cao Clan residence was not extravagant, but it exuded the atmosphere of an alchemist clan everywhere. Two stone lions carved with medicinal herb patterns stood at the entrance, security was strict, and most of those coming and going wore alchemist attire.

Since they were not here to rob anyone, Ling Yuan stopped the Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate from releasing his aura and forcing his way in.

They had someone notify the Cao Clan Head. Before long, Cao Can personally came out with several core clan members to greet them.

Cao Can was slightly plump with a gentle expression. He radiated the aura of a Four-Star Dou Venerate and was an Eighth-Rank Alchemist with no low standing in Danta.

It was precisely because his standing was not low, and because he had seen much of the world, that he understood even more clearly the terrifying strength of a Dou God Clan.

It was no exaggeration to say that if the Ling Clan wished to control Danta, it would not be difficult. Much less a tiny Cao Clan like theirs, one that depended on Danta.

"Forgive me for failing to welcome such an honored guest from afar."

The Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate stepped forward. His tone was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority as he introduced Ling Yuan to Cao Can. "This is the Young Clan Leader of the Ling Clan, Lord Ling Yuan."

"The Young Clan Leader of the Ling Clan?!" Cao Can's body stiffened abruptly, and the respect on his face deepened severalfold.

"So it is Young Clan Leader Ling Yuan. Please forgive my discourtesy. Please, come in!"

Cao Can hurriedly stepped aside to lead the way, inviting Ling Yuan and the Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate into the residence. He brought them directly to the main hall and respectfully invited Ling Yuan to take the seat of honor.

Ling Yuan picked up his teacup and took a light sip. Without any needless pleasantries, he went straight to the point.

"Clan Head Cao, I came today because I heard that your Cao Clan has produced a talented young alchemist named Cao Ying. Is this true?"

Cao Can replied, "She is indeed my youngest daughter. She has a little talent, but calling her a genius would be too much."

Ling Yuan asked, "Could you have her come out so I can meet her?"

Cao Can's heart skipped a beat. Could Ling Yuan have taken a fancy to my daughter?

"Yes, yes. I will have someone call her at once." Cao Can did not dare delay and immediately ordered a servant beside him to fetch Cao Ying.

Before long, light footsteps sounded, and a small figure entered from outside the hall.

It was Cao Ying. She was only twelve years old, still a childish little girl with a slender figure and delicate brows and eyes.

Her body had already begun to develop, and she was starting to show the makings of a beauty. One could vaguely see the outline of the breathtaking beauty she would become in the future.

Once Ling Yuan confirmed that this girl was Cao Ying, a trace of astonishment flashed across his face. Isn't she a little too young? She's about the same age as Qing Lin.

Uh...

Ling Yuan had originally had some thoughts about this demoness of the Cao Clan because of the anime from his past life, but now he was rather dumbfounded.

Zi Yan was a legal loli, and even then Ling Yuan had not dared do anything. Much less Cao Ying.

Cao Ying's age had caught Ling Yuan off guard. In his past life, he had only known that Cao Ying possessed outstanding talent in alchemy. Who would specifically pay attention to the exact age of a supporting character?

Besides, he had been busy cultivating lately and had not had time to inquire carefully into Cao Ying's circumstances.

Cao Ying walked into the center of the hall and timidly bowed to Cao Can. She then glanced curiously at Ling Yuan before lowering her head, her small hands tightly clutching the hem of her clothes as she appeared somewhat reserved.

Ling Yuan steadied himself and carefully examined Cao Ying's aura, discovering that she was only at the Dou Zhe realm. Clearly, she had not been cultivating for long.

After asking around, Ling Yuan learned that Cao Ying had yet to take Xuan Yi as her master and had not even joined Danta.

She had only gained a little fame because her soul was powerful and she had displayed impressive alchemy talent within the small circle of alchemist clans.

Her young age was unexpected, but it was not without its advantages.

Ling Yuan calculated inwardly that at such a young age, her thoughts were pure. If he personally raised her, there would definitely be no issue with her loyalty, and she would be easier to control.

Moreover, she was only at the Dou Zhe realm and had not cultivated for long. Even if she switched to cultivating the Burning Mantra, she would not lose much of the Dou Qi she had cultivated before.

Ling Yuan fell silent for a moment before making his decision. He raised his eyes to Cao Ying. "Cao Ying, release your soul so I can take a look."

Cao Ying froze briefly and turned to look at Cao Can. Seeing her father nod, she obediently did as she was told.

She lightly closed her eyes, and a thread of weak yet pure soul power flowed from between her brows, lingering around her body.

Ling Yuan activated his own soul power and gently wrapped it around Cao Ying's soul, carefully sensing it.

A moment later, he slowly withdrew his soul power, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes.

Cao Ying's soul strength truly far surpassed that of cultivators her age. Even most Da Dou Shi might not possess a soul as exceptional as hers. No wonder her alchemy talent was so outstanding.

After confirming Cao Ying's talent, Ling Yuan looked up at Cao Can.

"Clan Head Cao, Cao Ying has excellent soul talent and alchemy talent. I think highly of her. I wish to take her back to the Ling Clan and personally train her in alchemy and cultivation, so that she may become a Ninth-Grade Alchemist in the future."

"A Ninth-Grade Alchemist?!"

The excitement on Cao Can's face was impossible to hide, and even his body trembled slightly.

"To receive the Young Clan Leader's personal guidance and even have hope of becoming a Ninth-Grade Alchemist is my daughter's blessing, and an immense honor for our Cao Clan!"

There were only a handful of Ninth-Grade Alchemists on the entire continent. If the Cao Clan could produce one, its status in the alchemy world would rise tremendously.

No alchemist clan could refuse such a temptation.

But Cao Ying, who stood to the side, suddenly spoke up. "Father, didn't you say you wanted me to join Danta?"

Ever since she was young, her clan had instilled in Cao Ying that Danta was the sacred land of alchemists, a place all those who loved alchemy yearned for. She had also hoped to join Danta.

As soon as she said this, Cao Can's expression changed instantly.

"Young Clan Leader Ling, my daughter is young and ignorant. Please do not take offense."

As he spoke, he turned to Cao Ying. "Silly child, the Ling Clan is far more powerful than Danta. Join the Ling Clan, and you will have better prospects. You will become a top alchemist faster."

Cao Ying blinked her beautiful eyes and looked curiously at Ling Yuan as she asked in a soft voice.

"Really? Is the Ling Clan even more powerful than Danta?"

"Of course. The Ling Clan has every kind of medicinal ingredient, whether ordinary herbs or high-grade spiritual medicines. We also have Heavenly Flames. As long as you have the ability, you will be given Heavenly Flames." Ling Yuan appeared extremely confident.

Ling Yuan thought to himself, There are plenty of Heavenly Flames. I'm just afraid you won't be able to refine so many.

Cao Ying had been obsessed with alchemy since childhood and had always longed to obtain a Heavenly Flame.

Upon hearing Ling Yuan's words, Cao Ying's eyes immediately lit up. All the restraint vanished from her face, replaced by longing.

"Then I want to join the Ling Clan. I want to cultivate with you. I want to become a Ninth-Grade Alchemist!" No longer hesitating, she nodded firmly.