Senior Sister Yao, Are You Really All Right?

"Uh-huh..."

Even though she was prepared and had excellent physical fitness, Shi Xuanxuan's body still tensed up instinctively the moment the Heavenly Flames energy invaded her meridians, and she couldn't help but let out a suppressed groan.

Fine beads of sweat instantly appeared on her forehead, and a faint cobalt blue light seemed to flow beneath her wheat-colored skin.

While the tempering of Dou Qi with Heavenly Flames is remarkably effective, the burning sensation it brings is far more intense and penetrating than the burning sensation caused by the Heart Fire projected by the Fallen Heart Flame. It's as if every wisp of Dou Qi is being meticulously tempered and purified by the flames.

Xiao Yan was completely focused, his soul power highly concentrated, monitoring every flow of the Heavenly Flames in Shi Xuanxuan's meridians like the most precise instrument.

He carefully controlled the heat, ensuring that it would effectively refine her Dou Qi while avoiding burning her resilient yet somewhat fragile meridians in the face of the Heavenly Flames.

However, after honing his body-refining Dou Technique and tempering his Heavenly Flame Body Tempering, Xiao Yan's Fire Energy is now much stronger than that of some Sixth-Grade Alchemist with solid basic skills. Therefore, the process can be considered quite smooth.

A strange silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint hissing sound of the flames burning the Dou Qi, and Shi Xuanxuan's increasingly heavy, patient breathing.

Sweat soaked her temples and slid down her smooth back.

She could clearly feel that some stubborn blockages and minor hidden injuries that had accumulated deep within her body were being burned away and cleared away little by little by this domineering and pure power of fire.

What followed was a strangely refreshing feeling, though accompanied by intense pain, as if a blocked drain had been forcefully cleared. The exhilarating sensation made her want to groan out loud.

Time passed slowly as the two focused on their training.

After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Yan realized that Shi Xuanxuan's Dou Qi had been tempered to an extremely pure and refined state, and thus understood that this tempering should come to an end.

So, his eyes narrowed slightly, and with a slight suction from his palm, the wisp of Azure Green Lotus Myriad Beast Fire, like a spirit snake returning to its nest, quickly and obediently withdrew from Shi Xuanxuan's body and was completely absorbed into Xiao Yan's body.

"Call..."

As the last wisp of flame energy left her body, Shi Xuanxuan's tense body suddenly relaxed. She exhaled a long, hot breath, her body swaying slightly, feeling somewhat exhausted.

Although the process didn't require her to do much, having the Heavenly Flames rise within her body for an extended period was indeed unpleasant.

At this moment, she looked as if she had been pulled out of the water, her whole body was soaked in sweat, her skin flushed from exercise, and she was steaming with heat.

Without a second thought, she immediately sat cross-legged, formed cultivation hand seals, and began to guide the exceptionally pure and active Dou Qi within her body, circulating it throughout her body according to the cultivation method to consolidate this hard-won achievement.

Xiao Yan slowly withdrew his palm and gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although the main purpose is manipulation, maintaining such precise control for a long time also takes a considerable toll on his soul power and Dou Qi.

He watched quietly as Shi Xuanxuan entered a deep meditation state without disturbing her. He simply grabbed the outer garment that Shi Xuanxuan had taken off from the side and draped it over her, covering her from the spring light that filled Xiao Yan's vision. Then he went to a round table not far away, sat down, took out three drops of Earth Core Body Tempering Milk Essence, and put them into a jade bottle.

About half an hour later, the fluctuating Dou Qi around Shi Xuanxuan gradually calmed down, and her aura became more refined and steady than before.

She slowly opened her eyes, her bright pupils now appearing even more profound; clearly, this ordeal had greatly benefited her.

She looked down at the clothes she was wearing, then at Xiao Yan sitting upright in the distance, his eyes fixed straight ahead. A gentle smile appeared on her face, a smile that most of the Inner Academy students had never seen before.

As expected, Junior Brother Xiao Yan remained as upright as ever.

"The effect... is even better than I expected." Because of the significant loss of fluids, her already deep voice sounded somewhat hoarse, but her tone was full of satisfaction. "Your fire control skills are probably comparable to some Seventh-Tier Alchemist, and after this tempering, I can vaguely sense the bottleneck in my breakthrough. Thank you, Junior Brother Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yan touched his nose. Seventh-Tier Alchemist? That's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it? But since it was a genuine compliment, Xiao Yan accepted it gladly.

But recalling how Shi Xuanxuan had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, grabbed him, and pulled him into the house, even saying "Come in with me, "Xiao Yan was speechless.

Are all the Shi Clan people this wild?

"I'm glad you're satisfied, senior. But next time, please be more direct. If someone saw what happened just now, it wouldn't be good for your reputation."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, Shi Xuanxuan rolled her eyes at him, but the smile on her lips remained unchanged.

"You're getting the better end of the deal and you're still acting innocent? As long as my junior doesn't mind, let them say whatever they want. Even if there's something between us, what does it have to do with those people?"

Wow, is it really that blatant?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was stunned. When did he accumulate so much goodwill towards Shi Xuanxuan? Was it really okay to say something like that so directly?

But Xiao Yan certainly wouldn't act foolishly like a stubborn old man and spout high-sounding nonsense right now. After thinking seriously for a moment, he said in a deep voice:

"I don't care at all. After all, as long as I'm strong enough, someone will defend me. But it seems that you think the same way, which is quite gratifying."

Hearing Xiao Yan say this, Shi Xuanxuan's smile deepened; these words resonated deeply with her.

She casually pulled the outer robe that Xiao Yan had draped over her shoulders tighter and buttoned it up, then got off the bed, strode over a few steps, and sat down opposite Xiao Yan.

"Now, junior, can you tell me what exactly happened these past few months? Your physical fitness has improved by an astonishing amount."

The thin outer garment offered little protection, and coupled with the influence of his Natural Charm Body, it was truly difficult for Xiao Yan not to activate his auto-aim.

After forcing himself to look directly into Shi Xuanxuan's eyes, Shi Xuanxuan Xiao Yan briefly explained to her his cultivation of body -Dou Technique and his search for the Earth Core Body Tempering Milk.

"A body-refining Dou Technique that uses Heavenly Flame Body Tempering the body and strengthen the physical body? And the Earth Core Body Tempering Milk?" Shi Xuanxuan's eyes lit up with excitement as she listened, clicking her tongue in amazement. "No wonder it smells so 'fragrant,' and my physical attributes have increased so much. So that's why. But to be so ruthless to yourself, using Heavenly Flame Body Tempering and strengthen your physical body, junior brother's tenacity is also truly admirable."

"It's all for getting stronger," Xiao Yan said frankly, his eyes shining with determination. "Senior, I've also come back this time intending to go into deep seclusion in the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower. This time, my goal is to use the deeper Heart Fire to further temper my body and improve my cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Shi Xuanxuan's expression became more serious, and she nodded:

"Yes, that's right. In that case, we'll go together later. If you have something to do, go ahead and take care of it. If you don't have anything to do, you can sit here for a while."

"Okay." Xiao Yan smiled, then stood up and said, "Then, Senior, you should first regulate your breathing and stabilize your body. I won't disturb you any longer. These are three drops of Earth Core Body Tempering Milk, which are quite helpful in improving physical fitness. I imagine you need them, so I'm giving them to you."

As Xiao Yan spoke, he put down the Earth Core Body Tempering Milk and, without waiting for Shi Xuanxuan to say anything, turned and left.

"Hey!"

Shi Xuanxuan wanted to call out to Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan had anticipated her prediction. Therefore, she could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yan winked at her and closed the door.

As the door closed, Shi Xuanxuan looked at the jade bottle on the table, pursed her lips, reached out and picked it up, opened it and gently smelled it.

A comfortable and pleasant feeling instantly swept over my whole body, reaching the depths of my soul, sweeping away the fatigue brought on by the tempering of my Dou Qi by the Heavenly Flames.

"It really is a good product..."

Feeling the surging energy within, Shi Xuanxuan sighed softly, staring blankly at the closed door.

Before meeting Xiao Yan, she never imagined that she would be so close to a man.

Although their relationship developed so quickly due to some unexpected circumstances, given her personality, once she's committed to someone, she'll make the same choice regardless of how fast or how long the process takes.

She is now also starting to look forward to seeing how far Xiao Yan will go in the future.

Perhaps, he really can help me and save the Shi Clan!

As Shi Xuanxuan's thoughts were churning, Xiao Yan, after closing the door and turning around, saw Yao Ling, who had just opened her own door and had a particularly rosy complexion.

Why does Yao Ling look a little strange?

Xiao Yan looked at Yao Ling, whose face was unusually rosy, with a hint of doubt.

Her breathing seemed a little more rapid than usual, her fair skin had an unnatural flush, and although she tried to keep her eyes clear, there was an indescribable sense of unreality in their depths...

"Senior Sister Yao?" Xiao Yan spoke again, his tone tinged with concern, "Are you... alright? You don't look too well."

Yao Ling seemed to be startled awake by Xiao Yan's voice. She abruptly raised her head, and the moment her eyes met Xiao Yan's, her gaze flickered as if she were somewhat flustered. She then forced herself to remain calm, managing a slightly stiff smile.

"Oh, it's Junior Brother Xiao Yan... I'm fine, I just finished cultivating and my blood and qi are a little turbulent."

Her voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly, and became more melodious, a stark contrast to her usual cool and aloof tone.

"It doesn't look like it... Let me take a look." Xiao Yan frowned and reached out to Yao Ling's wrist, but she immediately dodged him.

"Oh, really, it's nothing! I'm an alchemist, how could I not know?"

Yao Ling dared not let Xiao Yan take her pulse. There was nothing wrong with her internal Dou Qi, but her blood and qi were churning violently. After all, she had just engaged in some intense mining activities, which had consumed a lot of her physical strength. She mainly wanted to go out to see Xiao Yan, since they hadn't seen each other for almost three months.

"Senior Sister Yao, are you really alright?"

Seeing Yao Ling's guilty expression as she tried so hard to understand, Xiao Yan knew there must be something wrong. However, judging from her complexion, it wasn't anything serious, and she didn't seem injured. Since she said she was fine, there was no need for him to insist.

"No, did you just temper Xuanxuan's Dou Qi again?"

Yao Ling dared not continue to dwell on this matter with Xiao Yan and quickly changed the subject.

"Yes, Senior Sister Shi's cultivation method must be quite special. The effect of the Heavenly Flames on tempering her Dou Qi is indeed very significant. However, I can't keep tempering her for her forever. I was thinking, if all else fails, I'll find her a Heavenly Flames?"

Xiao Yan said thoughtfully.

"No need for that, Shi..." Yao Ling was about to say that the Shi Clan also had a inherited Heavenly Flames, but then realized that she couldn't talk about this directly with Xiao Yan, so she quickly changed her words, "The Shi family also has an inherited Heavenly Flames, but with Sister Xuanxuan's current strength, she is not strong enough to withstand the energy of the inherited Heavenly Flames, so we'll have to trouble you during her time at the academy."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Xiao Yan curious upon hearing this. He truly knew nothing about the Shi Clan and the Ling Clan, relying entirely on the Yao Ling, this fully automatic leaking machine, to spit out information.

"Well, actually, we have some at home too, but we definitely can't give them away. You know, things like Heavenly Flames are far too precious..."

Yao Ling didn't mind revealing information to Xiao Yan. After all, the current Xiao Yan was much stronger than the Xiao Yan she remembered. Knowing more might not be a bad thing for him.

"Yes, indeed."

Xiao Yan nodded, but began to make plans in his mind.

Counting her own two, her teacher's one, the two from the Jia Nan Academy, and the one from Black Corner Region, she already has six flowers in total. There are only twenty-three flowers on the list, and she already has a quarter of them around her.

And this doesn't even include the Heavenly Flames like the Three Thousand Burning Flame that I already know about!

Tsk, is this what they call the protagonist's halo?

"Hmm, when are you free? I'd like to discuss Alchemy with you. Also, I'd like to experience what it feels like to temper your Dou Qi with your Heavenly Flames..."

Yao Ling regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth.

She was just making conversation; her mind was a mess, and she started rambling.

She remembered perfectly how Shi Xuanxuan looked when her Dou Qi was tempered by the Heavenly Flames...

Although she wasn't actually opposed to being seen naked by Xiao Yan, being seen naked like this didn't quite match the scene she had fantasized about many times.

Moreover, Dou Qi one's Xiao Yan with Heavenly Flames is no easy feat. What if she couldn't help herself and made some unpleasant noises like "Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh"? Wouldn't that completely ruin her image as a cold and aloof goddess in Xiao Yan's heart?

Oh no!

"Well..."

Seeing that Yao Ling shut up as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Yan knew that his senior was definitely not in a good state today, otherwise she wouldn't be talking nonsense like that. But as an upright person, he naturally couldn't watch his senior make a mistake.

"I'm going into seclusion for a while. If you'd like to discuss Alchemy, let's wait until I come out. As for tempering Dou Qi, the effect varies from person to person. This method suits Senior Sister Shi, but it might not suit you, Senior Sister Yao. Let's forget about it."

Logically, under normal circumstances, Yao Ling would definitely nod, indicating that what Xiao Yan said made sense.

However, because the climax replaced thinking, the negative buff of the small head controlling the brain had not been completely removed, so Yao Ling said the wrong thing again:

How will you know if you don't try?

"?"

Xiao Yan was taken aback upon hearing this.

Is this something you can just try out whenever you want?

Is this how you test the younger students?

Who could withstand that?

"Uh, sorry, I guess I'm still half asleep..."

Realizing what she had said, Yao Ling promptly backed down, retreated back into her room, and closed the door.

"I'll rest a little longer and won't disturb my junior's seclusion..."

Yao Ling blushed and spoke through the door.

"Uh... Goodbye, senior?"

Suddenly turned away, Xiao Yan puzzled as to what was going on with the Senior Sister Yao today. However, he had been focusing on his cultivation lately and wouldn't be bothered by such things. So, after saying hello, he went downstairs directly.

As Xiao Yan's footsteps faded into the distance, Yao Ling breathed a sigh of relief, then sighed again.

"Just bear with it a little longer, just bear with it a little longer, he's still just a child!"

A voice, tinged with a deep sense of melancholy, echoed softly throughout the room...