Junior Sister, You're Already Poisoned

"What?!"

Gu Yue froze when she heard that.

Fang Ming smiled. "Feel it for yourself."

Gu Yue stopped moving, and her expression changed slightly.

She could feel an invisible force slowly corroding her Soul Power.

At the same time, a burning sensation traveled upstream along her spiritual power, rushing straight toward her sea of consciousness.

"I've... been poisoned?"

Gu Yue frowned slightly. Her voice was cool, and a trace of gravity appeared in her eyes.

"Fire poison."

Fang Ming's tone was calm. "My Flame contains both Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Poison."

"Although your water curtain blocked that last attack, the poison had already spread with the water vapor."

"You were poisoned the moment you breathed it in."

Gu Yue fell silent for a moment and mobilized her Soul Power, trying to drive out the poison, only to find it exceptionally stubborn.

Like maggots clinging to bone, it relentlessly corroded her Soul Power.

"Don't waste your effort."

Fang Ming said, "The poison of the Netherworld Poison Flame isn't so easily expelled. If you forcibly circulate your Soul Power, it'll only accelerate the poison's spread."

"You..."

Gu Yue's gaze sharpened slightly, and her assessment of Fang Ming rose by several degrees.

She had to admit that she had indeed underestimated him.

"Alright, that's enough."

Leng Yaozhu's voice rang out, carrying a trace of satisfaction. "Gu Yue, I've seen your strength."

"Your control as an Elemental Emissary is indeed outstanding. Given time, your future will be limitless."

She paused, her gaze settling on Fang Ming with undisguised admiration in her eyes. "Ming'er, I'm also very satisfied with your performance."

"You wielded the dual attributes of fire and poison with complete mastery. Even I didn't expect you to end the battle so quickly."

"You flatter me, Teacher."

Fang Ming dipped his head slightly, his expression calm as still water.

He looked at Gu Yue and spoke gently. "Give me your hand."

Gu Yue hesitated for a moment, but still held out her hand.

Fang Ming took her hand, and a gentle stream of Soul Power slowly flowed into her.

The next moment, Gu Yue felt the poison within her vanish.

She withdrew her hand. A complicated emotion flashed through her eyes, but she said nothing.

"Gu Yue."

Leng Yaozhu looked at Gu Yue, her tone growing gentler. "Are you willing to take me as your teacher?"

Gu Yue was slightly stunned.

She had thought there would be more tests, but she hadn't expected Leng Yaozhu to be so decisive.

Gu Yue glanced at Fang Ming. He was looking at her with an indifferent expression, as though none of this had anything to do with him.

"This disciple, Gu Yue, pays respects to Teacher."

Gu Yue did not hesitate and bowed.

"Good."

Leng Yaozhu nodded slightly, a smile appearing at the corner of her lips. "From today onward, you are my, Leng Yaozhu's, second disciple."

"Fang Ming is your senior brother. You must look after each other from now on."

"Yes, Teacher."

Gu Yue responded, though her gaze swept over Fang Ming almost imperceptibly.

Fang Ming noticed her gaze and returned it with a faint smile.

Gu Yue looked away and said nothing more.

"Alright."

Leng Yaozhu spoke in a relaxed tone. "Ming'er, Gu Yue, Teacher will take you to a feast."

"Alright, Teacher."

Fang Ming and Gu Yue nodded slightly.

Then, Leng Yaozhu led Fang Ming and Gu Yue out of the Spirit Pagoda.

Eastsea Grand Hotel.

The most renowned restaurant in Eastsea City, Eastsea Grand Hotel had always been the first choice for dignitaries and nobles entertaining guests.

The entire building stood nine stories tall, constructed entirely from white jade stone. Above the entrance hung a gilded plaque bearing the five bold characters: "Eastsea Grand Hotel."

Two imposing stone lions stood at the entrance, while neatly dressed attendants waited on either side, bowing to greet every guest.

Leng Yaozhu had clearly made arrangements in advance.

The moment the three entered the lobby, an attendant hurried over and respectfully led the way. "Your Excellency Tianfeng, the private room is ready. Please follow me."

The attendant led the three through the magnificent lobby, up a spiral staircase to the third floor, and stopped before an elegant private room. He pushed open the door and stepped aside.

The room was lavishly furnished. A rosewood round table stood in the center, already set with exquisite tea ware and several small plates of appetizers.

"Sit."

Leng Yaozhu took the seat of honor and gestured for the two to sit.

Fang Ming sat down as instructed. Gu Yue also took a seat opposite him, her posture upright and her expression cool.

Leng Yaozhu picked up the menu, casually flipped through two pages, and listed a string of dishes. "Boston lobster, steamed king crab, tuna sashimi... and a serving of the house specialty, East Sea Eight Treasures Stew."

The attendant noted each item and bowed before withdrawing.

"Ming'er, have you gotten used to Eastsea Academy?"

Leng Yaozhu raised her teacup, took a light sip, and looked warmly at Fang Ming.

"It's alright. The dormitory conditions are good, and my roommate hasn't arrived yet," Fang Ming answered honestly.

"Mm."

Leng Yaozhu nodded. "What about you, Gu Yue?"

"Teacher, I plan to stay in Eastsea City and attend school with Fang Ming."

Gu Yue spoke calmly.

"Good."

Leng Yaozhu nodded slightly. "Ming'er, then sorry for the trouble, but take Gu Yue to register."

"Alright."

Fang Ming nodded. His gaze met Gu Yue's in midair before they both looked away.

Before long, there was a light knock at the private room door, and attendants filed in while pushing dining carts.

The Boston lobster was bright red all over, its flesh plump and tender. The steamed king crab had a glossy shell and thick legs, giving off an enticing fresh aroma.

The tuna sashimi had been cut into evenly thick slices, its grain distinct and its presentation as exquisite as a painting.

Finally, the centerpiece, the East Sea Eight Treasures Stew, was brought to the table. The instant the clay pot's lid was lifted, a rich fragrance filled the room.

"Come, try this Eight Treasures Stew. It's this restaurant's specialty."

Leng Yaozhu picked up the serving spoon and filled a bowl for Fang Ming first, then another for Gu Yue.

Fang Ming accepted the bowl and took a sip. The broth was rich and savory, while the ingredients were tender and flavorful. It truly lived up to its reputation. "Teacher, it tastes excellent."

Gu Yue also lowered her head for a taste and nodded slightly.

Leng Yaozhu watched her two disciples eat, a trace of gratification showing in her eyes.

Fang Ming possessed extraordinary talent and a steady temperament. He was a rare, promising seedling.

Though Gu Yue's temperament was somewhat cold, her potential was equally not to be underestimated.

The meal passed with host and guests all enjoying themselves, the atmosphere harmonious.

After the meal, Leng Yaozhu put down her chopsticks and looked at the two of them. "Ming'er, Gu Yue, Teacher needs to return to Spirit Pagoda headquarters."

"There are still matters waiting to be handled there, so I cannot stay long."

She paused. "Cultivate diligently at Eastsea Academy. Contact me anytime if anything comes up, whether it's confusion in cultivation or any trouble you encounter."

"Yes, Teacher."

Fang Ming and Gu Yue answered in unison.

"Gu Yue, this is for you."

Leng Yaozhu took out a spatial soul tool and handed it to Gu Yue. "I prepared these things for you long ago."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Gu Yue accepted it and carefully put it away.

Then, the three left Eastsea Grand Hotel together.

Leng Yaozhu's figure flashed, transforming into a streak of red light that vanished into the horizon.

Fang Ming looked at Gu Yue. "Let's go. I'll take you to register at Eastsea Academy."

"Mm."

Gu Yue nodded softly.