"As expected, she's here…"
Xiao Hua quietly left the area and made his way toward the waterfall, which was a little over a hundred meters from the cave Xue Yue had discovered. Coincidentally, it was along the path he needed to take to return to his own cave.
Standing by the river beneath the cascading waterfall, his gaze fell upon a lone figure floating on the water. As expected, a beautiful woman, dressed in simple attire, lay motionless, her tightly shut eyes and pallid face a clear indication of her severe injuries.
It was Yun Yun—the very same woman who had just fought the Amethyst Winged Lion.
"Of all places… why did you have to end up here?"
Xiao Hua ran a hand over his face, feeling slightly exasperated by the situation. His frustration only grew when he realized that the cave his sister had stumbled upon was the very same one where Xiao Yan had first encountered Yun Yun in the novel.
Without further hesitation, he stepped into the river and carefully lifted Yun Yun, her drenched body cold to the touch. One hand supported the back of her head, while the other cradled her calves. The smooth, jade-like warmth of her delicate skin was unexpectedly pleasant to the touch.
"Enough letting your heart flutter. Unless you wish to be attacked by Magical Beasts, I suggest you move quickly."
Xue Yue's cold voice echoed in his mind, snapping him back to reality. Xiao Hua let out a helpless smile. Though beauty no longer held much sway over him after spending time with Lady Azure and Xue Yue—and already engaged with Xun Er—he was still a man…
Shaking off any unnecessary thoughts, he swiftly dashed toward the cave, ensuring that he carried Yun Yun with utmost care so she wouldn't be affected by his speed.
Only when he reached a safe distance did he finally slow down. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, confirming that all was quiet before he entered the cave.
"Is the cave secure?" Xiao Hua softly asked Xue Yue within his soul. The unusual calmness within tens of meters of the cave piqued his curiosity. With so many Magical Beasts searching frantically for Yun Yun, it was strange that none had scoured this spot.
"The formation array I set up causes the mind to overlook the cave, making it seem unimportant. Even if someone were to stare directly at it, they wouldn't register its presence," Xue Yue assured him calmly.
Her formation concealed the cave not just visually but also from the keen senses of Magical Beasts. It was precisely because of this Xiao Hua's could recovered within the cave undisturbed, allowing them a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos outside.
Xiao Hua glanced around and spotted a stone platform suitable for placing Yun Yun. After gently laying her down, he knelt beside her, observing her closely.
His gaze swept over her delicate face, so fragile it seemed a single breath could shatter it. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, and he let out a soft sigh, filled with both amazement and admiration.
To call her beautiful would be an understatement. With elegantly arched eyebrows and jade-like skin, her features were sculpted with a perfect harmony of bone structure and complexion. Her graceful and noble demeanor are something that even the simplicity of her dress could not conceal.
Yet, admiration quickly faded into gravity.
Beneath her neck, five deep claw marks marred her chest, fresh blood seeping from the wounds and staining her clothes a vivid crimson. Even in her unconscious state, her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, a faint expression of pain flickering across her face. Despite her injuries, there was an undeniable loveliness to her current appearance.
"It's not as bad as it looks… but for the seal—" Xiao Hua murmured as he carefully examined Yun Yun's condition. He can heal the injuries but breaking the seal is impossible with his current state.
Regardless, he still had to treat her. Retrieving a jade bottle from his Storage Ring, he took out a sixth-tier medicinal pill for its remarkable healing effects. However, since she was unconscious, he had no choice but to feed it to her himself.
Just as he reached out to place the pill in her mouth, Yun Yun's tightly shut eyes suddenly snapped open. Those beautiful eyes carried a sharp coldness, suspicion, and a hint of astonishment as they locked onto Xiao Hua.
"Uh… you're awake?" Xiao Hua was slightly startled by her abrupt awakening. However, his initial surprise soon turned into confusion—she neither moved nor spoke, merely staring at him in silence.
Hearing no response, Xiao Hua shook his head and placed the medicinal pill beside her.
"This will help with your injuries," he said calmly before stepping back. Taking a few steps away, he sat down behind a nearby rock, positioning himself so that both of them were shielded from view.
Only after he had settled behind the rock did Yun Yun finally exhale softly, her tense posture relaxing slightly. The coldness in her gaze faded a little, but the astonishment remained.
She had never expected to encounter Xiao Hua again so soon—let alone in the depths of the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
Yun Yun was about to reach for the medicinal pill when she suddenly realized that her body was completely numb—she couldn't move.
After a brief struggle, she let out a slow breath and closed her eyes. A moment later, she reopened them, gritting her teeth as she said, "That damn beast… I'm under its seal."
"Do you need help?"
Xiao Hua, who had been sitting behind the rock to show his lack of ill intent, understood her current condition. Now that she was aware of her injuries, he offered to help her take the pill.
"I'm sorry for troubling you, Master Xiao Hua…"
Her voice was soft and pleasant, carrying a natural elegance. However, the faint blush tinting the tips of her ears betrayed her composed demeanor.
"It's no trouble at all."
Xiao Hua shook his head lightly before stepping forward. Without hesitation, he picked up the pill and gently fed it to her.
As the pill dissolved in her mouth, its potent medicinal energy surged through her body. The claw marks on her chest began healing at an astonishing rate, the wounds closing without leaving the slightest scar. Meanwhile, her internal injuries gradually stabilized as the pill's medicinal energy worked its way through her body.
"Thank you." Yun Yun's voice carried genuine gratitude.
"Think nothing of it, Lady Yun," Xiao Hua replied with a slight smile. "Consider it compensation for the trouble caused by Xiao Yan and his reckless promises."
Now that Yun Yun was gradually recovering, Xiao Hua stood up to check the surroundings. However, just as he was about to take a step, a soft voice called out from behind him.
"Master Xiao Hua… about my seal…"
"Unfortunately, I cannot help you…" Xiao Hua sighed helplessly. He knew what Yun Yun wanted but he cannot assist her.
Yun Yun's brows furrowed in confusion. Given his strength as Dou Zong expert and status as an eighth-tier alchemist, lifting a seal should have been a trivial matter. If it was a question of compensation, she was more than willing to offer the treasures within her Storage Ring.
Noticing the doubt in her expression, Xiao Hua let out another sigh and began explaining his current situation.
"Your strength is sealed?" Yun Yun's eyes widened in surprise. "How is that possible?"
She found it hard to believe that anyone could suppress Xiao Hua. While she had never personally witnessed his strength, the reports she had received spoke volumes of his capabilities.
Not just within the Jia Ma Empire, but even across the entire North-West Region, few—if any—could claim to be his equal.
Xiao Hua could see the surprise and disbelief in Yun Yun's eyes and couldn't help but chuckle softly. This was truly embarrassing—his strength had been sealed due to his own reckless decision.
Shaking his head, he explained in a calm voice, "Each time I break through a minor realm, I am struck by lightning due to the unique nature of my Qi Method." He let out a sigh, as if recalling past hardships.
He glanced at Yun Yun, pausing briefly before continuing, "You've seen it before, haven't you?"
"I have," Yun Yun nodded, her expression solemn. She had witnessed it firsthand, and the memory still lingered vividly in her mind.
The lightning that descended back then was unimaginably powerful, its sheer destructive force enough to annihilate even a Dou Huang expert with ease. No matter what defensive methods she might have tried, she knew she wouldn't have lasted even a single moment under its might.
"The power of the lightning increases a hundredfold with each trial," Xiao Hua continued. "Once I endure it, the lightning not only heals me instantly but also transforms my body, making me stronger and more resilient."
His voice paused for a brief moment before he added, "But if I fail to withstand it… my cultivation is temporarily sealed."
"Are you sure it's fine to tell me about your Qi Method?" Yun Yun asked hesitantly. This was an incredibly sensitive matter—especially considering that it directly related to his current weakened state.
If she were an ungrateful person, she could easily take advantage of this knowledge. The next time they crossed paths, she could simply wait for him to undergo a breakthrough and deliberately disrupt it, ensuring his failure. Even if he survived, he would be left severely weakened, vulnerable to any attack.
"It's fine." Xiao Hua shook his head with a smile. "I only told you about the dangers of my Qi Method, not its full details. Besides, as you know, the risks involved are truly life-threatening. Even with full preparation, one's survival is never guaranteed."
He paused for a moment before meeting her gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering trust. A warm smile graced his lips as he said, "I trust you to keep this matter a secret."
He knew Yun Yun's character—serious, disciplined, and unwavering in her principles. Never had she been one to succumb to greed or ill intentions, not in the past, not in the present, and certainly not in the future.
For a brief moment, Yun Yun found herself mesmerized by his gentle smile, staring blankly before realizing her lapse. She quickly shook her head, regaining her composure.
When she looked back at Xiao Hua, the deep trust in his eyes made her feel slightly embarrassed. Letting out a soft, awkward chuckle, she wondered why he trusted her so deeply. And now, she couldn't help but feel a little guilty for putting up her guard against him.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Xiao Hua glanced behind him and changed the subject. "Both of us are in a difficult situation right now. Let's help each other out, alright?"
"Of course, Master Xiao Hua. I only hope my presence won't cause you any trouble."
Suddenly, Yun Yun flashed him a perfect smile. For a brief moment, Xiao Hua was slightly mesmerized. He had to admit—it was one of the most stunning smiles he had ever seen. Though, in his heart, Xue Yue's rare, gentle smile still held the top spot.
…
On a secluded mountain peak, Xiao Hua stood atop a large rock, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings. The magical beasts in the Magic Beast Mountain Range were more agitated than ever, frenzied by the Amethyst Winged Lion's wrathful order to hunt down Yun Yun. Because of this, he had refrained from summoning Fairy Doctor or Zi Yan.
Fairy Doctor, despite awakening the Woeful Poison Body and consuming the poisonous herbs he had provided, was still only at the Dou Shi level. Even under normal circumstances, her strength was insufficient to handle the dangers of the inner region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Now, with the beasts in a frenzy, searching for Yun Yun, bringing her here would be too great a risk.
As for Zi Yan, while she possessed the bloodline of the Ancient Void Dragon, she was still too young and inexperienced to face multiple fifth-ranked magical beasts or stronger foes. If she were to stir up trouble, it would only increase the risk of their location being exposed to the Amethyst Winged Lion—a risk Xiao Hua could not afford to take.
Fortunately, the cave remained undiscovered, concealed by the protective array. As an added precaution, Xiao Hua had scattered special medicinal powders in the surrounding area, irritating the beasts' noses and masking their scents.
For the past two days, he had vigilantly monitored the situation four times a day, ensuring that nothing unexpected occurred. If anything changed, he would be able to react immediately.
Now, all that remained was to wait. In a few more days, Yun Yun's seal would break, allowing her to resolve this matter herself.
"Regardless of your efforts, as long as that woman remains in your cave, trouble will always find you. Do you plan to continue like this?" Xue Yue asked, her elegant figure poised atop a nearby rock as she gazed at him.
"As long as she hasn't settled her fight, the mountain will remain restless. I'd rather keep an eye on where the battles take place than risk them spreading to the outer region and endangering those two girls, Sister Xue Yue."
"And here I thought you had been charmed by another beauty, making you go to such lengths…"
Xiao Hua could only let out a helpless smile at her words. He couldn't deny that he still harbored some lingering affection for Yun Yun, which made him want to help her.
"She's at her weakest right now. It's only natural for someone to lose control when such a beauty is within arm's reach… Don't tell me you're not even tempted, child?"
"I have certain lines I will never cross in my life," Xiao Hua rolled his eyes at her teasing. "Besides, if I didn't, you would have turned me into an ice sculpture long ago, or Sister Azure would have burned me to ashes without a trace."
"That's true." A rare smile crossed Xue Yue's face. She had watched over him since he was a child, so she was merely teasing—she knew Xiao Hua would never do such a thing.
If anything, she was certain he would rather suffer a severe backlash than violate his own principles.
"Alright, we've been out for a while. Let's head back." Xiao Hua took one last glance at the now peaceful surroundings before waving his hand, unwilling to dwell on the conversation any longer.
With a graceful leap, he descended from the rocky outcrop, landing lightly before making his way back to the cool, hidden cave.
Upon entering, he saw Yun Yun sitting idly, resting her cheek on her palm. When she noticed his return, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"You're back."
Xiao Hua returned her smile with a nod. Walking closer, he retrieved a few plump fish he had caught under the waterfall from his Storage Ring. He sat down, lit a fire, and casually asked, "How's your condition? Have your internal injuries healed?"
Yun Yun stood up, a faint fragrance accompanying her movement as she approached his side. Slightly furrowing her black brows, she sighed softly. "My internal injuries have completely healed, but the seal..."
"The Amethyst Seal requires patience. Neither of us is in a position to break it right now, and I don't have a method to help you." Xiao Hua replied calmly.
He paused, skewering the fish onto wooden sticks. After placing them over the flames on a makeshift rack, he turned to Yun Yun with a reassuring smile.
"Stay here for now. They shouldn't be able to find this place."
Dressed in a fresh silk-white robe adorned with intricate blue and green patterns, Yun Yun's attire elegantly complemented her slender figure. The soft curves of her silhouette, paired with the flowing fabric, evoked a sense of serenity—like the endless sky and the gentle breeze of spring.
Her previous silk dress had been torn to shreds by the Amethyst Winged Lion's strike. Seeing this, Xiao Hua had offered her a set of clothing—dresses he had once bought at Lady Azure's request. Apparently, she had intended to wear them once she regained a physical body.
As Yun Yun moved with elegant, lotus-like steps, a glimpse of her jade-white calves occasionally peeked through the flowing fabric—a sight both graceful and alluring.
Gracefully seating herself, her beautiful eyes lingered on Xiao Hua as he meticulously sprinkled seasoning over the fish.
"I never expected Young Master Xiao Hua to be skilled in cooking…" she remarked, a trace of curiosity in her voice.
"It's an essential skill for those who live alone," Xiao Hua replied casually.
Yun Yun tilted her head slightly, a hint of confusion in her gaze. "I thought Lady Xun Er had always been by your side?"
"Uh…" Xiao Hua suddenly realized his slip—he had unconsciously drawn from his past life. Quickly, he composed himself and searched for an appropriate response.
"It's not always the case. Whenever I take on missions, I usually go alone, so I picked up a trick or two along the way."
"Is that so?" Yun Yun responded thoughtfully, finding nothing unusual about his words. After all, some disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect had also learned to cook while training outside or completing missions—whether to save money while traveling or to sustain themselves while evading pursuers.
"Would you like some?"
Relieved that he had successfully diverted her attention, Xiao Hua swiftly changed the subject, offering her the barbecued fish in his hand. Yun Yun gave a light nod of gratitude before accepting it.
The two of them ate gracefully, savoring the taste of the fish. Normally, with their strength, food was unnecessary, but with their cultivation sealed and unable to absorb Dou Qi, they had no choice but to eat to sustain themselves.
"Are you still planning to fight the Amethyst Winged Lion?"
While eating, Xiao Hua casually inquired about her next move. Though he already knew her intentions, he couldn't bear the heavy silence lingering between them.
"En. I need to obtain the Purple Spirit Crystal." Yun Yun let out a soft sigh, her voice laced with determination.
"For Nalan Yanran?" Xiao Hua cast her a sidelong glance. As an alchemist, he knew all too well that the Purple Spirit Crystal was only beneficial for those below the Dou Wang level.
With Yun Yun already at the Dou Huang class, she had no need for it herself. In other words, it had to be for her disciple.
Yun Yun responded with a wry smile. It was just as Xiao Hua had guessed. The Purple Spirit Crystal was one of the key ingredients required for the pill she had requested from Gu He, and until she obtained it, retreating was not an option.
Xiao Hua could only shake his head, feeling a trace of pity for the Amethyst Winged Lion. Until Yun Yun acquired the Purple Spirit Crystal, the poor beast would have no respite.
Mistaking his reaction as doubt in her chances, Yun Yun frowned slightly, feeling a tinge of dissatisfaction. She quickly explained the circumstances of their previous battle.
"The gap between our strength isn't that vast. I simply didn't expect it to possess a Sealing Technique. That's the only reason I lost. But in our next battle, my Extreme Wind: Meteor Kill won't necessarily be defeated."
Xiao Hua was momentarily confused, but realizing she had misunderstood his reaction, he simply smiled and nodded. "That move is indeed formidable."
For the next two days, the two of them lived peacefully in the cave, undisturbed. However, on the third day, that tranquility was abruptly shattered by the eerie howl of a wolf.
Just after finishing lunch, Xiao Hua's expression darkened, and his brows furrowed. He calmly stood up and glanced at Yun Yun.
"Did you go out?" he asked.
With his cultivation sealed and his body still recuperating, Xiao Hua had been meticulously masking his scent with medicinal powders and covering his tracks daily to ensure they remained undetected. The only way the magical beasts could have picked up their trail was if Yun Yun had unknowingly exposed them.
Meeting Xiao Hua's questioning gaze, Yun Yun's delicate face darkened with regret. In a slightly subdued tone, she softly admitted, "Sorry… I went out to take a bath today."
"As I said before, she's only bringing you more trouble," Xue Yue's voice echoed in Xiao Hua's mind, carrying a hint of exasperation and resignation.
Xiao Hua let out a dry chuckle. He hadn't expected her to leave the cave despite his warnings. Given his status and strength, he had assumed Yun Yun would be more cautious. But he had underestimated just how much effort women put into maintaining themselves…
The cave might have a formation array to deceive the senses of Magical Beasts, and medicinal powders might have been scattered within a fifty-meter radius to mask their presence and cause them to leave the area, but none of that mattered if she was the one who left.
She was the primary target of the relentless search. Naturally, the Magical Beasts would focus on her scent above all else. Even if the medicinal powders irritated their noses and the formation array distorted their senses, they would still pursue her without rest until they captured their prey.
Regardless, they had been discovered. Now, he had to deal with the problem. Loosening the tension in his shoulders, he instructed Yun Yun, "I'll go out and lure the magical beasts away. Stay here—and don't try anything reckless, Yun Yun."
"But…but your injuries…it is better for me to do it, Xiao Hua."
After spending time together in the cave, their relationship had grown closer. Over time, whenever Yun Yun spoke to Xiao Hua, the noble tone she once carried—one befitting someone who had lived in a position of high status for a long time—had gradually faded.
This, in turn, made Xiao Hua feel slightly more at ease. After all, he had never been fond of stiff, formal conversations.
"Stop being stubborn, Yun Yun!" Xiao Hua abruptly halted and turned his head, his voice low yet firm. "If you go out now, you'll only attract more magical beasts and make the situation worse!"
Yun Yun flinched at his sudden outburst. Shock flickered across her delicate face as she stared at him in disbelief. Her mind momentarily went blank—did… did this guy just yell at her?
Ever since she was a child, as Yun Shan's disciple, no one had ever scolded her in Misty Cloud Sect—let alone raised their voice at her. This was a completely new and shocking experience, rendering her momentarily speechless.
Even so, Xiao Hua had his reasons for not letting her assist him. Unlike him, Yun Yun had never undergone body refinement. With her Dou Qi sealed, she was no different from an ordinary person. If she ventured outside in her current state, she would be offering herself up to the beasts on a silver platter.
Even though his body hadn't fully recovered, it was still far stronger than Yun Yun's delicate frame.
"Don't take another step out of the cave, or we'll both die here!"
With a severe tone and a hardened expression, Xiao Hua left no room for argument. Without another word, he spun around and dashed out of the cave. He could already foresee that this battle would push him to his limits—there was no choice but to force himself to slaughter these beasts.
"Looks like I'll have to disregard my injuries for this… I really have my work cut out for me, Sister Xue Yue."
"The silver lining is that you have hundreds of recovery pills. At least you won't be fighting empty-handed," Xue Yue's voice echoed in his mind.
"That's true… I suppose I should be grateful."
Xiao Hua let out a bitter grin. He hadn't expected this fight to be even more difficult than his battle against the Old Ground Demon Ghost…
He clenched his fists, and the silver metallic armband on his right hand suddenly flickered before transforming into a gleaming gauntlet that wrapped around his arm. Intricate, ancient runes shimmered across its surface.
"It's been a long time since I last used this… Let's hope you can at least mitigate some of the attacks coming my way."
The Heavenly Suppression Band—an artifact he had long discarded after reaching the Dou Zong realm. Back then, he had deemed it unnecessary. But now, in his current condition, he had no choice but to rely on it.
"I should find a way to repair this artifact and restore it to its full potential in the future…"
Lady Azure had once told him that the gauntlet was an ancient, broken artifact. Moreover, from the System, he learned that this is an incomplete one. However, rather than attempting to restore it himself or assistance of others, it was better left to Primordial Heaven Lightning, whom he had named Yu Ru Meng with Lady Azure's permission. Artifact refinement was her specialty, after all.
Regardless, it would be a waste to let such an artifact to collect dust—especially one from ancient times. Once Yu Ru Meng awakened, he would see to its restoration. Even if he rarely used it, having a life-bound artifact was never a bad thing.