"Now that we've settled matters with this little girl," Xiao Hua said, a faint smile gracing his lips, "I have prepared gifts for Brother Ming Cheng, Sister Li Mei, Sister Mei Ling, and Brother Wei Jie. Of course, Sister Xin Yu won't be left out either."
With a wave of his hand, twelve dazzling lights emerged before him, illuminating the area with their radiant brilliance.
Four of the lights exuded a sharp, crackling aura, making the air feel charged with electricity and causing everyone's skin to tingle. The other eight lights radiated an intense, searing heat that caused the surrounding temperature to surge dramatically.
As the radiance dimmed, the forms of the gifts were revealed. Among the four crackling lights, two were sparks of Heavenly Execution Lightning, and the other two were Heavenly Judgment Lightning, their raw energy potent enough to send shivers down one's spine.
The eight fiery glows unveiled themselves as seeds of Primordial Heavenly Flames, each one emitting a terrifying heat. They included the Primordial Fallen Heart Flame, Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame, Primordial Bone Chilling Flame, and Primordial Life Spirit Flame.
"The Heavenly Lightning sparks are for Brother Ming Cheng and Sister Li Mei," Xiao Hua continued, his tone calm yet firm. "As for the seeds of the Primordial Heavenly Flames, they are meant for Sister Mei Ling and Brother Wei Jie."
"You've done well, Third Brother," Ming Cheng said, a rare, faint smile tugging at the corners of his usually stern face, revealing an unexpectedly softer side.
"Indeed," Li Mei added, her typically cold and indifferent demeanor softening into a radiant smile that seemed to make the world around her bloom with an ethereal beauty.
"That's right. He's put in a great deal of effort," Xin Yu said with a gentle smile, her presence as soothing as a spring breeze.
Mei Ling and Wei Jie remained silent, but their expressions mirrored the others, their smiles filled with gratitude and respect.
How could they not understand the significance of Xiao Hua possessing these sparks of Heavenly Lightning and seeds of Primordial Heavenly Flames?
He must have endured unimaginable, excruciating pain over the years to obtain such priceless treasures. Naturally, none of them entertained the thought of a hypocritical refusal. Instead, they accepted the gifts with solemn gratitude.
Carefully, they stored the treasures within their bodies, planning to refine these invaluable 'presents' at a later time, as such rare items required meticulous preparation.
"Now, the present for Sister Xin Yu."
A faint glow emerged between Xiao Hua's brows, radiating an intense chill that sharply countered the heat lingering in the air.
As the white glow dispersed, it revealed its form—a breathtakingly beautiful flower resembling an orchid, exuding an ethereal and otherworldly aura. Its delicate petals, pure as freshly fallen snow, were soft and smooth, almost translucent, gleaming faintly under the golden hues of the afternoon light.
The flower's bloom resembled an elegant, cup-like shape, its edges curling inward with a subtle silver sheen, as though touched by the winds of heaven. Each petal shimmered with a celestial brilliance, emanating an aura of peace and serenity, as if untainted by the mortal world.
"This is an Ethereal Orchid," Xiao Hua said with a warm smile. "It is formed by merging thousands of petals of the Celestial Ancient Frost. Since Sister Xin Yu will be traveling to the Central Region with Brother Ming Cheng and the others, I won't be around to send petals of the Celestial Ancient Frost to you both regularly."
He paused briefly, allowing them to admire the orchid's beauty before continuing.
"However, this orchid will solve that problem. According to Sister Xue Yue, it will last until you reach the peak of the Dou Zun class."
Xin Yu's Qi Method, the Serene Ocean Scripture, required the petals of the Celestial Ancient Frost flower. To initiate the technique, she needed to refine a single petal in accordance with the scripture's intricate instructions.
Upon refining her first petal, Xin Yu experienced a profound transformation within her body. Her meridians subtly shifted, and a unique space emerged, vast and boundless, brimming with pure heavenly energy. This unique realm became known as the Ethereal Serene Ocean.
Unlike Xiao Hua's Chaos Mantra, Ming Cheng's Lightning Punishment Arts, or Li Mei's Ethereal Heaven Mantra, the Serene Ocean Scripture demanded an extraordinary quantity of petals with each minor advancement.
Furthermore, upon advancing to a major realm, Xin Yu was required to merge the refined petals into a colossal tree within the Ethereal Serene Ocean. This tree, called the Celestial Serene Tree, acted as a reservoir of immense heavenly energy.
However, the scripture came with a significant drawback. If Xin Yu failed to refine the petals after advancing a realm, the energy within her Ethereal Serene Ocean would stagnate, becoming unstable and tainted with impurities. This energy would feel like a dense, viscous liquid—murky and slow to circulate—rendering her cultivation clumsy and ineffective.
It was for this reason that Xin Yu frequently relied on Xiao Hua after each breakthrough. Naturally, Xiao Hua, understanding the critical nature of her Qi Method, never hesitated to assist.
To his surprise, he discovered that the petals of the Celestial Ancient Frost flower would regenerate after being plucked. Informed by Xue Yue, he learned that as long as the flower's core remained intact, the petals would regrow, albeit requiring time. With this revelation, Xiao Hua decided to formed the Ethereal Orchid by using thousands petals from the Celestial Ancient Frost, ensuring Xin Yu had a sustainable source of petals to progress smoothly in her cultivation.
Xin Yu nodded and accepted the Ethereal Orchid. As it entered her body, the orchid remained dormant within the special space of her Ethereal Serene Ocean, its petals ready to be utilized only when she advanced to a higher realm.
Xiao Hua's gaze swept across the group. "There are still more 'presents' for Sister Xin Yu, Sister Mei Ling, and Brother Wei Jie."
With a flick of his fingers, five ornate boxes materialized on the table, radiating faint glows. "Two of these contain Bodhisattva Hearts, and the other three hold orbs imbued with the Comprehension of the Nature of the World."
Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie's eyes widened in astonishment, their minds reeling at the mention of such rare treasures. While the Bodhisattva Heart was an extraordinary treasure in itself, their confusion lay with the orbs Xiao Hua described.
"Let's set aside how you managed to obtain such treasures for now," Ming Cheng said, rubbing his temples as he tried to process Xiao Hua's words. "But what exactly is this 'Comprehension of the Nature of the World' contained in the orb?"
Xiao Hua's expression remained calm as he explained, "Within each orb is a swirling mist that encapsulates the profound knowledge of the world. Upon crushing the orb and absorbing its essence, one will undergo a mysterious transformation, experiencing a hundred lifetimes of reincarnation in an instant. Through these experiences, one can gain an epiphany—a unique comprehension aligned with their deepest desires or cultivation bottlenecks."
Despite his clear explanation, a hint of uncertainty lingered in the others' expressions. Xiao Hua noticed their hesitation but remained unperturbed. He knew that the concept of Comprehension of the Nature of the World was intangible and abstract, making it challenging to fully grasp without experiencing it firsthand.
"Regardless," Xiao Hua continued, his tone reassuring, "I suggest you try it when the time feels right. Even if it seems vague, this treasure will undoubtedly assist you in breaking through obstacles or cultivating a deeper understanding in areas where you feel stuck."
"Then, we shall accept it." Xin Yu responded with a gentle smile as she reached out to take the boxes meant for her. Beside her, Wei Jie and Mei Ling nodded in agreement, receiving their own treasures.
Although they didn't fully comprehend the orbs' mysterious effects, they trusted Xiao Hua completely. They knew he would never offer them anything that could negatively affect their cultivation.
Xiao Hua then turned his attention to Ming Cheng and the others, scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.
"I have three Bodhisattva Seeds prepared for Brother Ming Cheng, Sister Li Mei, and Xun Er. However, I lack the ability to refine them into proper medicinal pills just yet. Once I reach the level of a Tier-Nine Alchemist, I promise to refine them for you without fail!"
"It's fine, Hua'er," Li Mei said softly, her voice as calm and reassuring as her smile. "I have a feeling it won't be long before you reach that level."
"However," Xun Er interjected, her delicate face cutely tilted as a thoughtful frown appeared on her face. "Doesn't refining a ninth-tier medicinal pill require one's Spiritual State to reach the Heavenly State? I've heard that achieving the Heavenly State is no easy feat, even for someone as talented as Brother Xiao Hua..."
"Actually, Xun'er…"
Xiao Hua scratched his cheek awkwardly, his expression tinged with embarrassment as he explained what Lady Azure and Xue Yue had revealed to him about the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning.
Xun Er, stunned by the revelation, turned to Li Mei. "Sister Li Mei… did you anticipate this when you said those words earlier?"
Li Mei let out a helpless sigh, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Xun'er, do you truly think I would know anything about Heavenly Lightnings when even Hua'er himself was unaware of their mysteries?"
"Even so…" Wei Jie muttered blankly, his face frozen in disbelief. "To think you've completely skipped over Dou Zun and Ban Sheng realms…" His thoughts seemed to scatter, unable to comprehend Xiao Hua's meteoric advancement.
"Our little brother isn't just leaping forward anymore," Mei Ling said, her tone a mix of astonishment and amusement. "He's flying straight to the peak, isn't he, Sister Xin Yu?"
"Indeed, that's the case, Sister Mei Ling…" Xin Yu replied, a faint, resigned smile tugging at her lips. The sheer impossibility of Xiao Hua's cultivation journey left a strange sense of acceptance in her heart.
But her expression soon turned serious, her voice carrying a note of solemnity. "However, this isn't a free meal. Each step forward requires him to endure unimaginable suffering every time he advances even a minor realm...
While Xiao Hua hadn't explicitly mentioned the unimaginable pain he endured each time he advanced to a minor realm, they instinctively understood. After all, none of them believed such immense benefits could come without significant drawbacks and setbacks.
"Since that's the case," Ming Cheng said in a grave tone, "Sister Mei Ling, Second Brother, both of you should prepare some healing medicinal pills for our little brother before we leave for the Central Plains."
"You don't have to worry about that, Brother Ming Cheng," Mei Ling replied, her eyes narrowing with a serious and resolute expression. "We've accepted these gifts of his, but there's no way we'll let him suffer without giving something in return!"
Wei Jie didn't speak, but the determination in his eyes spoke volumes. "For our little brother," he finally said, his voice steady, "we'll refine a couple of eighth-tier medicinal pills before returning to the Xiao Clan with you."
Xiao Hua sighed and shook his head wryly, realizing that nothing he said would change their minds at this moment.
Still, he found this turn of events rather favorable. It meant he could act as a lightning rod for Pill Lightning, drawing in sufficient lightning energy to prepare for the Heavenly Punishment Lightning trial.
Yet, there was another matter occupying his mind, one that filled his heart with quiet joy...
"It seems Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling have successfully become eighth-tier alchemists!" Xiao Hua exclaimed joyfully. "Congratulations, Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling!"
"Thank you, Hua'er." Mei Ling giggled softly, her demeanor elegant. "We actually achieved the rank of eighth-tier alchemist three years ago. Since then, through countless refinements and Lady Azure's invaluable guidance, we managed to summon eight-colored Pill Lightning."
"With a bit of luck, we might even summon nine-colored Pill Lightning soon," Wei Jie added with a faint smile.
"It's also thanks to that achievement that several elders at the peak Dou Zong realm have remained in the Inner Academy," Mei Ling continued with an amused smile. "We've been tirelessly refining medicinal pills to improve our alchemical proficiency."
'Now that Sister Mei Ling mentions it…' Xiao Hua's mind wandered as he recalled the time his Spiritual Strength enveloped the entire Inner Academy.
He remembered sensing numerous strong presences but had paid little attention at the time. His focus had been on locating the source of a commotion, which turned out to be Zi Yan activating a formation array.
'It seems Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling must have been overwhelmed with requests to refine pills for advancing to Dou Zun…' Xiao Hua thought with a helpless smile spreading across his face.
"Anyway, it's settled. For the next week, Sister Mei Ling and Second Brother will focus on refining medicinal pills, while the rest of us will handle the preparations for returning to the Xiao Clan," Ming Cheng declared firmly.
His words were met with unanimous agreement from the others. Although Xiao Hua felt awkward about how this decision had been made without consulting him, he couldn't bring himself to refuse. After all, their actions were driven by concern and care for him.
After some further discussion about the necessary preparations, Ming Cheng and the group stood up and left the pagoda. Mei Ling carried Zi Yan in her arms, who was cheerfully playing with a small medicinal herb.
Of course, the real reason for their departure was more discreet. They knew a certain couple needed some alone time, and none of them wanted to linger as third wheels.
Xiao Hua and Xun Er did not wander far. Instead, they moved closer, their shoulders gently brushing—a subtle yet intimate gesture that bridged the silent years of their separation.
Xiao Hua's gaze rested on the young lady beside him, her elegance so serene it seemed almost unreal. Eight years had passed since their last meeting, and now she appeared like a dream made flesh. Her pale-green dress flowed like ripples over a calm lake, its delicate fabric tracing her silhouette with the grace of a green lotus unfurling in bloom. Surrounded by a garden bathed in radiant hues, softly veiled by the ethereal mist of heaven and earth's energy, her presence outshone even the most breathtaking scenery.
She seemed to embody nature itself, nurtured by the skies and earth, her beauty so exquisite and otherworldly that one could only look on in awe. Like an untouchable goddess descended from the heavens, her radiance captivated, her very existence leaving the heart trembling in reverence.
As if sensing the warmth of his gaze, Xun Er turned her face toward him, her delicate features adorned with a faint smile. The boy she had once known had changed. Gone was the childish softness she remembered. In its place was a quiet strength, his features now etched with a maturity that spoke of perseverance and depth. The trace of youthful beauty that once lingered in his boyish face had sharpened into a striking and commanding handsomeness.
"I missed you, Xun Er," Xiao Hua murmured, his voice deep and steady. Though softly spoken, it carried the ache of eight silent years, each word a tender thread weaving together the moments they had lost.
Xun Er's lips curved into a smile, soft and radiant, as though the morning sun had broken through a veil of clouds, casting its warmth upon a once-cold world. In that instant, the garden's beauty faded into the background. The vibrant blossoms seemed to lose their luster, their colors drawn toward her, as though nature itself bowed in deference to her unmatched radiance.
Her smile was more than just an expression—it was warmth, light, and solace. It was the beacon Xiao Hua had yearned to see, the embodiment of all he had missed in their years apart.
"Me too, Brother Xiao Hua," she murmured, her voice as clear and cool as spring water flowing over polished stones, now softened by an undeniable tenderness. The delicate melody of her words lingered in the air, as if reluctant to fade. Then, as if realizing the depth of her admission, Xun Er's eyes flickered toward Xiao Hua, and a shy blush crept across her cheeks. Her porcelain skin was suffused with a rosy hue, a delicate red that only served to enhance her already breathtaking beauty.
What followed left Xiao Hua utterly stunned, his mind blank and his body frozen like a carved wooden figurine. The young lady who had grown into an ethereal, untouchable presence—distant yet captivating—suddenly moved with a resolve that shattered all the composure he had built over the years.
Xun Er, who had never shown such intimacy to anyone, even those within her own clan, slowly opened her slender arms. Without hesitation, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them, and nestled herself into his embrace.
Her arms encircled him with a gentleness that belied the depth of her longing, as though seeking to anchor herself to the warmth she had missed for so many years. Her delicate frame pressed against him, trembling slightly, as if afraid that should she loosen her hold, he might vanish like a fleeting dream.
Xiao Hua's body stiffened momentarily before instinctively softening as he returned her embrace. His arms encircled her slender, delicate waist, pulling her closer, as though to shield her from the relentless flow of time that had kept them apart. He lowered his head, his face sinking into the silk-like strands of her ebony hair.
A faint fragrance—reminiscent of blooming orchids in a secluded valley—wafted into his senses, stirring emotions buried deep within his heart. He inhaled deeply, as if the very essence of her presence could fill the void of longing that had consumed him over the last seven years.
Neither of them uttered a word. There was no need. Their embrace spoke volumes—a silent symphony of longing, affection, and the unspoken emotions they had carried in their hearts. In that moment, their reunion transcended words, each heartbeat resonating with their shared understanding.
"It seems you have returned to your clan," Xiao Hua finally said, his voice low and steady as he held her close. "How is it? Did those elders force you into anything?"
Xun Er didn't move away, her head resting lightly against his chest, her voice soft yet clear as she replied, "They've been discussing the possibility of my engagement to a young talent from the Gu Clan after discovering I've reached Dou Wang. However, thanks to Father, the matter has been postponed. They plan to revisit it on my next coming-of-age ceremony, as none of the younger generation has yet proven exceptional."
"When will your adult ceremony be, Xun Er?" Xiao Hua asked, his arms unconsciously tightening around her.
She tilted her head slightly, her tone warm and soothing. "Don't worry yourself, Brother Xiao Hua. There's still time before my adult ceremony. Besides, if the trial of the Heavenly Judgement Lightning is true, it won't be long before your strength surpasses even their expectations."
Xiao Hua clenched his teeth, his jaw tightening as frustration burned within him. He knew the truth of her words—his current strength was insufficient to stand against the Gu Clan's expectations or to protect what he held dear. Yet, amidst the swirling emotions of inadequacy and determination, a fiery resolve ignited within his chest.
No matter how treacherous the path or how arduous the trials, he vowed to break through the barriers of strength and rise above all who dared to challenge him. For her, for their shared future, he would endure it all.
Xun Er's words held undeniable truth. Once Xiao Hua successfully endured the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning, his strength would surge to the Half-Step Dou Di realm, and his spiritual state would ascend to the Di State. Such a transformation would solidify his standing, leaving the Gu Clan Elders with no choice but to acknowledge their relationship.
Furthermore, Xiao Hua was a member of the Xiao Clan—one of the Eight Ancient Clans. Even if the clan had fallen from its former glory, its name still carried weight. This, combined with his inevitable rise in strength, would make it easier for the Gu Clan to accept their bond.
Of course, the matter of his Heavenly Lightning Bloodline—a force that had devoured and replaced the original Xiao Clan bloodline—remained a secret known only to three people: himself, Lady Azure, and Xue Yue. Unless one of them revealed the truth, it was impossible for anyone to uncover this hidden power.
For now, the three had agreed to keep the matter confidential, ensuring that unnecessary complications would not arise.
After a while, Xiao Hua reluctantly loosened his arms, slowly pulling away from Xun Er. Though the warmth of her embrace lingered, filling him with an ache of loneliness at its absence, he could not ignore the teasing gazes of their sworn siblings nearby. The weight of those playful stares left him with no choice but to end the moment, no matter how reluctant he was.
Xun Er, who had nestled against his chest like a delicate bird seeking shelter, seemed to sense the same playful scrutiny. Without a word, she stepped back, her movements graceful and calm. Yet, her usual composure faltered slightly as an intoxicating blush bloomed across her elegant, lotus-like face.
The soft red hue transformed her typically serene demeanor into something even more enchanting, adding a layer of tenderness and vulnerability that made her beauty utterly breathtaking.
"Xun Er, have you returned to the Xiao Clan during these past years?" Xiao Hua asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
"I have," Xun Er nodded gently, her voice calm yet reassuring. "I delivered the gifts you wanted to send but hesitated back then because the Xiao Clan lacked the strength to protect them. Rest assured, they were received safely."
Xiao Hua's eyes brightened with a glimmer of eagerness. "Could you tell me what has happened in the Xiao Clan during those times?"
"Of course," Xun Er replied, a faint smile gracing her lips. Yet, she cast him a knowing glance and asked softly, "But shouldn't you first inform your master about your return?"
Xiao Hua chuckled, his reply swift and confident. "Master has a heart tempered by years of patience; he won't mind waiting a little longer."
Initially, he had intended to visit his master before anything else. However, a mischievous little thief had attempted to steal his precious medicinal ingredients, delaying his plans. And now, standing before Xun Er, he found himself wholly captivated by her presence. Any guilt about postponing his visit faded away, though he reminded himself to prepare a gift for Elder Huo to smooth over any displeasure.
'I've already prepared a Serene Soul Pill for him,' Xiao Hua mused inwardly, thinking of how it would help his master's spiritual strength reach the Soul State. Still, he pondered other offerings to ensure Elder Huo wouldn't sulk too much.
"It will take some time to tell you everything," Xun Er said, her smile tinged with warmth.
"Time is the last thing I'll worry about when I'm with you," Xiao Hua said, his focus shifting entirely to her, brushing aside his earlier thoughts.
A soft giggle escaped Xun Er's lips, her laughter as light as a breeze through the trees. She understood his meaning all too well—he was willing to set aside anything just to remain by her side. Her feelings mirrored his, her heart equally unwilling to let go of this moment.
She leaned her head gently against his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. Resting there, she began recounting everything she had heard from Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao about the changes in the Xiao Clan. Her voice was soothing, and the quiet intimacy of their shared moment made the world around them fade into insignificance.