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Zhuo Ruting was different. Her fair cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, revealing her shyness. Having grown up in Miaoyin Sect, she was well-disciplined and did not refuse, even though she felt uneasy.
She had witnessed with her own eyes the moment Qi Yuan beheaded the Qing Jian Patriarch. It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved. Finding a Jindan cultivator as a backer would greatly benefit her future cultivation. Besides, Qi Yuan was powerful.
Zhou Yuan glanced at the two women, sensing their budding emotions and chaotic thoughts. He smirked.
"Since neither of you is speaking, are you unwilling? If so, I'll find other female disciples to carry out the task."
"No, Master, I am willing," Fan Jingmei quickly responded, bowing deeply, afraid of missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Zhuo Ruting met their gazes, lowered her head, and said, "I will follow the Sect Master's instructions."
"Good. You have both undergone the strict training of Miaoyin Sect and possess deep knowledge of seduction and intimacy. As long as you execute the plan smoothly, there should be no issues. I trust you will complete this mission wholeheartedly."
Zhou Yuan nodded in satisfaction. Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting had been carefully selected from among many female disciples. Their spiritual roots, beauty, figures, and talents far exceeded ordinary cultivators.
If they worked together, could they truly enchant him?
Elsewhere, Qi Yuan sat in a quiet hall, engrossed in a book on formations. He planned to bid farewell to Zhou Yuan soon, as it was time for him to return and check on Xin Ruyin and her daughters while also handling the matter of forming an elixir.
"Big brother, have some tea!"
A cheerful voice broke his concentration. Qi Yuan looked up and smiled. "It's Siyue. Sit down."
Wen Siyue had grown into a graceful young lady with a tall, curvy figure. Despite her youth, a natural charm radiated from her delicate features, a combination of purity and allure that hinted at her future beauty.
"Brother, that won't do. If the law enforcement disciples see us, I'll be punished."
She stuck out her tongue mischievously, her face full of delight.
Qi Yuan took her hand and gently pulled her down to sit. "Don't worry. I'll handle it. Just sit."
Wen Siyue blushed, her smile brightening. "Big brother, when will you take us out to play again?"
"In a few months. Then, I'll come to Miaoyin Sect to take you and Ziling out for a trip."
Qi Yuan calculated the time required for the two women to complete their elixir formation and gave his answer.
Overjoyed, Wen Siyue leaped up excitedly. "Great! I'll go tell the lady right away!"
She threw herself into Qi Yuan's arms for a brief hug before running off happily.
Qi Yuan chuckled, shaking his head. Was going out really that exciting?
Standing up, he went to bid farewell to Zhou Yuan, instructing her to monitor any news regarding Tianlei Bamboo and inform him immediately if she found anything. Given that the item was likely tied to Ji Yin's conspiracy, Qi Yuan warned her not to engage in the conflict, as Miaoyin Sect would be at great risk.
Months passed.
On two separate islands, cultivators successfully formed their elixirs, drawing large crowds of spectators. However, when visitors attempted to meet the newly promoted Jindan cultivators, they were turned away in disappointment.
In Tianxing City, at a secluded courtyard, a group of young women chatted and laughed.
"Sister Xiaomei, congratulations on forming your elixir. I owe you an apology."
Yanli, once a rebellious wildcat, now gazed at Xiaomei with guilt, her expression softening after Qi Yuan's guidance had won her over completely.
Yuan Yao spoke next. "Sister Xiaomei, I apologize as well."
Xiaomei smiled warmly. "We are like sisters. Let the past stay in the past. Just don't do anything reckless again."
She had sensed trouble before but believed it was best left to the seniors to handle. Her role was to maintain harmony and ensure a safe cultivation environment.
Yanli, eyes red, threw herself at Xiaomei and hugged her tightly. Yuan Yao quickly followed, embracing them both.
Qi Yuan smirked. "Is Xiaomei getting all the affection now? Should I join in?"
Xiaomei turned to him playfully. "Senior, isn't it enough that you already have my lady in your arms?"
Xin Ruyin blushed furiously at Xiaomei's words, her body tensing before relaxing again.
Qi Yuan chuckled, pulling the cool beauty Yan Ruyan close. "What, Xiaomei? Are you saying you dislike me now?"
Xiaomei immediately released Yanli and Yuan Yao, ran over, and hugged Qi Yuan's neck from behind, pressing her lips against his.
The sudden turn of events left Yuan Yao completely stunned, exchanging bewildered glances with Yanli.
Qi Yuan finally found a brief moment to speak. "You two, go prepare in the bath."
"Yes, sir."
Yanli and Yuan Yao nodded before heading toward the bath, their expressions a mix of envy and anticipation.
Over the following months, Qi Yuan focused on perfecting his magical techniques, spending most of his time in secluded cultivation. Occasionally, he gathered the women to discuss Daoist scriptures, deepen their understanding of elixir formation, and guide their experiences.
He aimed to reach the late stage of Jindan as soon as possible, temporarily setting aside alchemy and artifact refinement.
After some time, he traveled to Miaoyin Sect to fulfill his promise to Wen Siyue, taking her and Ziling on a trip. However, since her father's death and the Qing Jian Patriarch incident, Ziling had become more reserved, her usual lively demeanor dampened.
Only time would heal her sorrow. Qi Yuan resolved to help her find new happiness once she was older, as lingering grief could hinder her cultivation.
Meanwhile, Xin Ruyin planned to open a small shop in Tianxing City to experience the mundane aspects of life, with Xiaomei assisting her. Qi Yuan fully supported the idea.
Yan Ruyan had already completed her worldly practice during her years of caring for Xin Ruyin.
As for their protective magical artifacts, Qi Yuan intended to craft them himself. After consulting the women, he formulated a preliminary plan.
Before refining the artifacts, Qi Yuan decided to host a private Jindan gathering, inviting his Jindan friends to exchange cultivation experiences and trade treasures. Over the years, he had made many connections in Tianxing City, and this would be a good opportunity for his companions to broaden their horizons.
To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei would suppress their Jindan cultivation, leaving only Yan Ruyan to display her strength. If news of four Jindan cultivators in one residence spread, it could attract Nascent Soul cultivators' unwanted interest.
(End Of Chapter)