The night was deep.
Lu Xia's residence was brightly lit.
He sat cross-legged on the bed, cultivating.
The Heavenly Flames slowly circulated within his sea of qi, while the power of the Woeful Poison Body continuously tempered his Dou Qi.
He was just one final step away from becoming a Dou Venerate.
Yet he could never take that step.
He had been wondering whether he should find another opportunity to try harmonizing yin and yang with Xiao Yi Xian.
The last time, simply transferring the poison had produced such obvious results.
If they went deeper than that...
Knock, knock, knock!
A light knock sounded. Lu Xia opened his eyes, somewhat puzzled.
Why had Xiao Yi Xian come at such a late hour?
"Master, are you asleep?"
Xiao Yi Xian's voice came from outside the door, carrying a trace of nervousness.
Lu Xia rose from the bed, walked to the door, and opened it.
When he saw the person outside, Lu Xia froze slightly.
Xiao Yi Xian was not wearing her usual white dress today, but a long red gown.
The scarlet dress resembled fire, and her features were as lovely as a painting.
The usually cool and aloof young woman looked several degrees more radiant and alluring tonight.
A faint flush colored her cheeks, and her gaze kept darting away, unable to meet Lu Xia's eyes.
"You..."
Lu Xia had just begun to speak.
Xiao Yi Xian raised her head, gathered her courage, looked at him, and softly said:
"Master, won't you let me come inside to talk?"
Lu Xia snapped back to his senses and stepped aside.
"Come in."
Xiao Yi Xian entered the room. Lu Xia closed the door, then turned to look at her.
"It's so late. What did you come to see me about?"
He poured