A group of them left the academy, heading home to celebrate Yan Zhen and Yan Meng’er’s enrollment and move-in.
Mi Xue’er had originally planned to buy some fine liquor and dishes from a restaurant to take back, but Mentor Yu Xuan insisted on showing off her own culinary skills. Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu’s eyes lit up at the idea, so the five of them made a trip to the market. They bought a huge pile of ingredients and lugged them home.
Naturally, it was Yan Zhen who did all the carrying, but he didn’t mind at all. After all, they had purchased plenty of meat and seafood.
Once back at the house, the four women headed straight to the kitchen to get busy, instructing Yan Zhen to obediently wait in his room.
Delighted by the free time, Yan Zhen returned to his room and shut the door. He then activated the Star Shifting Fire Seal on his palm and entered the Crystal Stone Space.
Chen Xi sat in meditation at the center of the altar, as she always did.
Her features were holy and dignified, her silver-white hair cascading naturally down her back. The tips trailed along the ground like a silver waterfall spilling into a still pool.
She still wore her black dress with wide sleeves, its belt cinched tightly around her slender waist. This only accentuated the impressive scale and weight of her ample bosom, which strained high against the fabric as if ready to burst free. A tantalizing glimpse of pale skin peeked from the crossover of her collar, drawing the eye like a focal point.
From one sleeve emerged a pristine white hand, resting on her lower abdomen in a calming hand seal.
It was a pity her bare feet remained hidden beneath the hem of her dress.
—The Beautiful Master truly was breathtaking.
“Master.”
Yan Zhen called out softly.
Chen Xi had sensed her disciple’s arrival long ago. She had simply pretended not to notice while he quietly admired her. Only now did she open her clear, black-and-white eyes and withdraw from her cultivation state.
“You’ve completed the enrollment formalities?”
“All done. Classes start officially tomorrow.” A spark of eagerness shone in Yan Zhen’s eyes. “Master, could you teach me the Art of Technique Refining first?”
“Cultivating in Technique Refining is nothing like cultivating mystic power. Beyond a foundation of mystic power, your divine soul must also meet the mark.”
Yan Zhen blinked.
“Does mine pass muster?”
Chen Xi nodded lightly, a faint smile playing on her lips.
“Your divine soul is exceptionally powerful, Zhen’er—far beyond the ordinary. But to apply it in Technique Refining, you must master specific divine soul techniques. The Emperor Flame Technique does include a divine soul chapter, but it is not intended for beginners. Come closer. This Master will transmit a dedicated method for divine soul cultivation.”
Yan Zhen hurried over to stand before the Beautiful Master. He closed his eyes, tilted his head up, and waited for her to impart the technique.
Chen Xi extended her soft hand and cradled Yan Zhen’s head. Gazing at his upturned face—so eager it almost looked like he was begging for a kiss—waves of affection surged in her heart. She was tempted to lean in and press her lips to his.
“Master?”
Having waited a good while, Yan Zhen opened his eyes and voiced his puzzlement.
Chen Xi came back to herself. She leaned forward until their foreheads touched. As points of soul light flickered to life, the cultivation method flowed steadily into Yan Zhen’s mind.
Yan Zhen had always found this odd. In the script, whenever the Beautiful Master transmitted a technique, she simply tapped his brow with a fingertip. Yet here in reality, it always involved forehead to forehead. He didn’t dislike it, exactly, but it was rather inconvenient.
Once the transmission finished, three large characters materialized in Yan Zhen’s mind:
Ancestral Symbol Scripture
This was a technique for strengthening the divine soul by inscribing special talisman patterns within one’s sea of consciousness. There were nine patterns in all: the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, plus the four phenomena of wind, rain, cloud, and thunder.
When all nine talismans reached completion and fused as one, they formed the Ancestral Symbol.
At that point, one’s sea of consciousness would transform into a boundless divine sea. The divine soul could then assume any form at will, even venturing beyond its domain to roam the vast void.
“The Ancestral Symbol Scripture… it’s so Mystic,” Yan Zhen murmured in awe.
“The Ancestral Symbol Scripture may not be the most powerful divine soul technique in existence,” Chen Xi explained, “but it is the most suitable for Pill Refiners. Its patterns of the five elements and four phenomena address every aspect of Technique Refining.”
She went on, “For now, Zhen’er, focus on learning the Fire Symbol. It is the most versatile pattern, essential for everything from pill refining to artifact forging. It also aligns perfectly with your mystic power. The Origin Fire of the Fire Symbol carries the might of Extreme Flame. Should you be unable to refine true Extreme Flame for the time being, you can use Symbol Fire as a viable substitute.”
Yan Zhen nodded earnestly. His picture of eager obedience filled Chen Xi with gratification and affection. She found herself longing to bestow some sort of “special reward” on him.
“To begin, inscribe the Fire Symbol using yellow paper and cinnabar. Once you’ve successfully drawn the pattern and it ignites on its own, you will have entered the gate. At that time, this Master will begin instructing you in Technique Refining proper.”
“I understand, Master.”
“One more thing: Cultivating your divine soul and practicing Technique Refining will require vast sums of money. Prepare yourself mentally for that, Zhen’er.”
“There’s no need to worry, Master. I’ve squirreled away plenty of pocket money.”
Flush with over a hundred million in savings, Yan Zhen brimmed with confidence.
Chen Xi merely smiled, saying nothing. Inwardly, she pondered how best to remind her precious disciple that he could earn coin from her.
She had unexpectedly fused with the Fire Refining Starry Sky to become its World Spirit. Her personal savings remained entirely untouched—especially the money. If Yan Zhen needed it, she could provide as much as required. But she wouldn’t simply hand it over. No, he would have to show proper “filial piety” first.
The image of Yan Zhen bustling about to massage her shoulders and knead her legs brought a knowing smile to Chen Xi’s otherwise cool, ethereal features.
Yan Zhen gave no thought to such matters. His mind was wholly absorbed by the Ancestral Symbol Scripture as he delved into its mysteries.
Cultivating the Ancestral Symbol Scripture was another pivotal plot point, just like the Emperor Flame Technique. Failure meant starting over from scratch!
Time slipped by unnoticed. Yan Zhen was utterly immersed in his comprehension until the Beautiful Master reminded him that someone was calling from outside.
He withdrew from his meditative state and departed the Crystal Stone Space. Night had already fallen.
It was Yan Meng’er who had called him—dinner was ready.
Yan Zhen opened his door and followed Yan Meng’er to the dining hall. Several dishes were already on the table, with Yan Ruyu and Mi Xue’er bringing out even more.
By the time Mentor Yu Xuan served the final dish, the round dining table was completely filled. Nearly twenty cold and hot dishes crowded its surface.
“Dinner’s served!”
Mi Xue’er, as the lady of the house, announced it loudly.
The five of them took their seats. Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu flanked Mentor Yu Xuan, while Yan Meng’er stuck close to Yan Zhen as usual.
Mi Xue’er solicitously poured sweet wine for everyone, then raised her cup.
“The head chef tonight is Mentor Yu Xuan. Let’s start with a toast to her—thanks for dazzling us with your skills!”
Mentor Yu Xuan smiled radiantly, her brows and eyes soft with warmth. She took a sip of the sweet wine, and a faint pink blush colored her cheeks.
She was the type who blushed after just a little alcohol but took ages to actually get drunk—as if the wine merely added a touch of allure to her beauty.
After draining their first cups, Mi Xue’er refilled them all.
“Second cup: To Little Brother Yan Zhen and Little Sister Meng’er successfully enrolling and moving in! You’ve joined Mentor Yu Xuan’s sect and will be living with us. From now on, we’re not just sectmates but roommates too. Here’s to getting along—cheers!”
Once the drinks were finished, Mentor Yu Xuan urged them, “Everyone, dig in before it gets cold and loses its flavor.”
Yan Zhen fell to with gusto.
The meats and seafood were all quite premium. Mi Xue’er knew Yan Zhen’s tastes, so she had splurged on extra portions.
Mentor Yu Xuan rarely cooked in person like this. She had done so tonight partly as atonement for her earlier verbal slip-up.
Watching Yan Zhen devour his food with sauce dribbling down his chin filled both women with sweet contentment. Each silently wondered, Does this count as winning his heart through his stomach?
“Yan Zhen, try this braised pork elbow.”
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, have some of this spicy chicken.”
Mi Xue’er and Mentor Yu Xuan reached for his bowl at the same moment, their chopsticks clinking together.
The two women looked up, their gazes meeting. Realization dawned, leaving them both a touch embarrassed.
Am I being too obvious?
Have I given myself away?
