Xun'er's Unconditional Trust

The white flame in Yao Lao's palm gradually weakened, receding like the tide until it finally vanished completely.

The temperature in the room fell with it, slowly returning to normal.

Above his palm floated a droplet of liquid.

Its color resembled jade, emerald-green and translucent, reflecting a soft sheen beneath the light.

It hovered there quietly, like a solidified raindrop—crystal clear and so beautiful that it looked less like medicinal liquid than a finely carved jewel.

Xiao Yan's exceptional Soul Power allowed him to clearly sense the energy contained within that droplet.

It was gentle without being violent, abundant without being ostentatious—like a deep pool, calm on the surface yet concealing unfathomable power beneath.

It would not cause any impact to the meridians. Instead, it would silently nourish the consumer's body like spring rain moistening all things.

Xiao Yan could not help clapping his hands.

"Teacher, that was incredible."

His voice carried heartfelt admiration. It was neither courtesy nor flattery, but the sincere respect of a student who had only just entered the field when facing a master.

"Three Purple Leaf Orchid Grasses, two Bone-Washing Flowers, and one Magic Core became a drop of elixir in your hands as easily as a magic trick. This alchemy truly turns decay into something miraculous."

As he spoke, his eyes shone like two stars.

The expression on Yao Lao's face did not change much. He still looked calm and composed, yet he did feel somewhat pleased inside.

He had lived for so many years that he had heard countless flattering words and had long since become immune to them.

But Xiao Yan's words were different—not empty praise, but a genuine feeling born from observation and understanding.

That showed Xiao Yan was truly watching, learning, and carefully experiencing every detail.

What teacher would not like a disciple who knew how to appreciate, was willing to learn, and had a sincere attitude?

Yao Lao raised his hand, took an empty jade bottle from the table, and flicked his finger.

As though supported by an invisible hand, the jade-like medicinal liquid slowly drifted into the bottle, spreading into a thin layer at the bottom with a faint chime.

He handed the jade bottle to Xiao Yan.

"If you can master the alchemy I teach you, you will be able to do the same."

Yao Lao's tone was calm, as if he were stating something self-evident.

Xiao Yan accepted the jade bottle and gently shook it. The emerald liquid left a thin film along the bottle's wall before slowly sliding down.

He said nothing, only nodded solemnly.

He understood what Yao Lao meant.

For now, he could only watch Yao Lao refine medicine and marvel at his teacher's techniques and speed.

But one day, the one standing before the flames, hands moving swiftly as he turned herbs into miracles, would be himself.

Yao Lao did not rest.

He reignited the Bone-Chilling Flame and picked up the second batch of ingredients.

The first time had been a demonstration. He had deliberately slowed down, making every step clear and distinct so Xiao Yan could see every detail.

There was no need for the following refinements to be so slow.

His speed began to increase.

The herbs went from being added one stalk at a time to two at a time, then from two at a time to three at a time.

His control over the flame's temperature changed from minute manual adjustments into nearly instinctive muscle memory. Every temperature point was timed with extreme precision, as though a sophisticated temperature-control system had been built into his body.

The time needed to refine one batch of ingredients dropped from an hour to forty minutes, from forty minutes to thirty, and from thirty to twenty.

Later, Yao Lao simply began refining several batches of ingredients at once.

A Purple Leaf Orchid Grass in his left hand was swallowed by flame while his right hand had already thrown a Bone-Washing Flower into the fire.

Here, a Magic Core was being refined; there, three Purple Leaf Orchid Grasses had already fused into emerald-green liquid within the flames.

Several processes proceeded in parallel without interfering with one another, like the separate parts of an orchestra—operating independently while echoing each other, ultimately converging into a harmonious, complete movement.

Xiao Yan watched without blinking, feeling that what unfolded before him had already surpassed the realm of "alchemy." It was more like an artistic performance.

Every movement was precise, fluid, elegant, and full of strength and beauty.

Yao Lao was not refining medicine. He was conducting a concert only he could hear.

Four hours.

All eighteen batches of ingredients had been refined.

Including the first batch used for demonstration, nineteen bottles of Foundation-Building Elixir now lay quietly within the Bone Flame Ring.

The jade bottles were lined up in a row. In Xiao Yan's spiritual perception, every one of them emitted an emerald glow, gentle yet bright.

Xiao Yan looked at those jade bottles, then at Yao Lao. He rose to his feet, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Teacher. You have worked hard."

His bow was a perfect ninety degrees.

It expressed Xiao Yan's heartfelt respect and gratitude toward Yao Lao.

Yao Lao waved his hand and said no more.

His soul body flickered slightly before turning into a streak of light that entered the Bone Flame Ring.

Xiao Yan felt a faint suction coming from the ring—that was Yao Lao absorbing the Dou Qi within his body to maintain the stability of his soul body.

Although today's alchemy was nothing much to him, it had lasted several hours and consumed quite a bit of Soul Power.

Xiao Yan did not continue disturbing Yao Lao.

He quietly sat back down on the bed, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes.

Dou Qi slowly circulated through his meridians, nourishing his bones and flesh. His body, which had gone without sleep all night, gradually regained its vitality under the nourishment of Dou Qi.

Yet his awareness did not fully sink into cultivation. Deep in his mind, every step Yao Lao had just taken during alchemy replayed over and over again.

The angle at which the Purple Leaf Orchid Grass entered the flames, every point at which the Bone-Chilling Flame's temperature changed, the moment the Bone-Washing Flower merged into the medicinal liquid, the process of the Magic Core being peeled apart layer by layer and its violent energy cleansed away... every detail was carved into his memory stroke by stroke, as if by the finest engraving knife—clear in structure and vivid down to the smallest detail.

He pondered those scenes again and again, like someone starving for too long who had finally received a piece of bread. He could not bear to swallow it in one bite, instead savoring and chewing it bit by bit until every trace of flavor had been squeezed out and absorbed into his bones and blood.

Once, twice, three times.

Only after every step had become deeply ingrained in his mind did he slowly withdraw his thoughts and sink into deep cultivation.

Dou Qi circulated within his body again and again, endlessly repeating.

With every breath, faint red streams of energy entered through his nose and mouth, moving through his meridians, nourishing every inch of bone and tempering every strand of flesh.

Although his cultivation speed was not fast, it was steady and solid, like a gentle stream—never raging, yet never ceasing.

The night passed without incident.

Morning sunlight slanted in through the carved window lattice. Golden rays passed through the motes of dust in the air and cast a patch of warm light upon the bed.

That patch of light slowly shifted from Xiao Yan's feet, climbed onto his knees, crossed his waist and abdomen, and finally fell across his face.

It was warm and slightly ticklish, like a gentle hand softly stroking him.

"Whew..."

After meditating for a long time, Xiao Yan took a deep breath. A visible stream of pale red energy poured into his body through his mouth and nose, circulated through his meridians once, then slowly merged into his limbs and bones. It carried the unique freshness and chill of early morning, instantly refreshing his spirit.

His eyes suddenly opened.

A white glint flashed through them and vanished in an instant. Those golden-red eyes appeared especially bright beneath the morning light, like two gems pierced by sunlight—clear and profound.

Xiao Yan slowly stretched and loosened his body. His bones let out faint crackling sounds, crisp as popping beans.

A night of cultivation had restored his body to its peak condition. He was full of energy, and his Dou Qi was abundant.

He rolled off the bed, washed up, and changed into clean clothes.

He wore a black robe embroidered with golden patterns. Its style was similar to yesterday's outfit, but less formal and more casual.

After changing, he stood before the bronze mirror and adjusted his collar. The youth reflected within stood tall and straight, with handsome features and clear eyes. A faint smile rested at the corner of his lips.

Just as he was about to leave, Xiao Xun'er's sweet, clear voice sounded outside the door.

"Brother Xiao Yan, are you still not up?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, like a cool breeze in summer. It carried a hint of reproach, along with a touch of playfulness.

Xiao Yan paused slightly, then hurried to the door and pulled back the bolt.

Outside, Xiao Xun'er stood gracefully.

Today, she wore an elegant pale green outfit. The light color made her seem especially pure, like a newly emerged lotus in a summer pond, still moist with morning dew.

A pair of fitted trousers wrapped around her slender, long legs, accentuating their smooth curves. As she moved, they faintly revealed the captivating lines of a young girl just beginning to blossom.

Her long black hair was loosely tied behind her head, with several stray strands hanging beside her ears and swaying gently in the breeze.

She was clean, fresh, and bright, like a newly completed meticulous painting, every stroke perfectly placed.

"Xun'er? Why are you here?" Xiao Yan looked at the girl at the door with a hint of surprise.

Xiao Xun'er paused slightly, pouted, and feigned displeasure. "What? Am I not allowed to come see Brother Xiao Yan?"

With that tone and expression, she looked exactly like a little girl who had been wronged.

Yet amusement was clearly hidden within those ink-black eyes. They sparkled as though two stars were concealed inside.

"You can come. Of course you can."

Xiao Yan smiled as he stepped outside and raised a hand to rub Xiao Xun'er's head. Her hair was soft and smooth, gliding lightly through his palm like the finest silk.

"What brings Xun'er to see me so early in the morning?"

Xiao Xuner narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly enjoying Xiao Yan's touch. She tilted up her face to look at him, and a bright smile bloomed across her little face.

"Brother Xiao Yan recovered his strength yesterday and displayed his might in the hall, but Xun'er did not get the chance to congratulate you."

Her voice was light and sincere. "I came over this time just to personally say one thing to Brother Xiao Yan—congratulations."

Her gaze was as clear as water, without the slightest impurity. There was only pure joy and pride in her eyes, as if she were saying, "I knew Brother Xiao Yan would return."

Looking into those eyes, Xiao Yan felt a certain string in his heart gently tremble.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something—to explain how his strength had recovered, to tell Xun'er about Yao Lao, the flames, and the system.

But when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them again.

It was not that he did not want to tell her. He simply did not know how to begin.

"Xun'er, my strength—"

A slender index finger pressed against his lips.

Her fingertip was cool and soft, carrying the warmth and fragrance unique to a young girl.

Xiao Xun'er shook her head, her long black hair swaying softly over her shoulders.

"Brother Xiao Yan, there is no need to explain anything to Xun'er."

Her voice was very soft and gentle, like a feather brushing past his ear.

"Xun'er will always believe in Brother Xiao Yan. If Brother Xiao Yan is willing to tell Xun'er everything, Xun'er is willing to be a faithful listener. If you are unwilling, Xun'er will not ask too many questions."

She stared steadily at Xiao Yan. There was no curiosity or probing in those eyes, only complete and unreserved trust.

That was the rarest thing in this world.

It was not difficult for someone to believe in you.

What was difficult was for her to continue believing in you without reservation even when you said nothing at all.

She did not ask for the reason or demand an explanation. She simply believed that everything you did had its reasons, and every word you chose not to say had its considerations.

Xiao Yan looked into those clear, water-like eyes. A warm current rose within his heart and spread from his chest through all four limbs, making his eyes sting slightly.

He had lived in this world for fifteen years. Other than his father, no one had ever given him such trust.

"You silly girl." He reached out and lightly flicked Xiao Xun'er's nose, the corner of his lips slowly rising.

"Since that's the case, how about we go out for a stroll together? To Wutan City."

The smile on Xiao Xun'er's face deepened. It was as bright as March sunlight, dispersing the last trace of morning chill.

Her eyes curved into crescents, and excitement brought a faint blush to her cheeks. She was like a flower awakened by the spring breeze, unfolding every petal beneath the morning sun.

"Okay."

She reached out and naturally took Xiao Yan's hand.

The movement was smooth and familiar, as though they had done it countless times before. There was not the slightest hint of deliberateness or bashfulness.

Their fingers intertwined, palms pressed together, warmth passing between them.

Xiao Yan lowered his head and glanced at their clasped hands, then at Xun'er's smiling, flower-like face. He said nothing, only tightened his grip slightly.

The two walked side by side toward the exit of the Xiao Clan.

Along the corridors and in the courtyards, groups of two or three clan members passed by from time to time.

The moment those people saw Xiao Yan, subtle changes appeared on their faces.

Their relaxed expressions suddenly stiffened. Their casual gazes turned into deliberate avoidance. Some instinctively stepped half a pace back, some nearly dropped what they were holding, while others simply took a detour, preferring to walk farther rather than pass in front of Xiao Yan.

Their eyes were filled with awe and fear.

Yesterday's Xiao Clan hall, yesterday's open ground behind the mountain, yesterday's reckoning—those scenes had been nailed into the hearts of every Xiao Clan member.

They had watched Xiao Yan punch a Five-Star Dou Practitioner into serious injury. They had watched him defeat the Misty Cloud Sect Master's direct disciple head-on. They had watched three elders lower their heads before him, and they had heard him recite, one by one, the names of those who would be expelled from the core family.

That Xiao Yan was an entirely different creature from the gentle youth they had known for three years.

Xiao Yan's gaze swept across those people without lingering, without expression.

He felt neither pride because of their reverent looks nor displeasure because of their evasive gazes.

Their opinions had never mattered to him.

He and Xiao Xun'er walked side by side through the corridor, across the courtyard, and out through the Xiao Clan's gates.

Behind them, the clan members watched their figures disappear beyond the entrance before they finally dared to relax their tense bodies slightly and let out long breaths.