The term "Wind Spirit" speaks for itself. It is a spirit born of nature, formed from the essence of wind, and capable of manipulating the element throughout the cultivation world.
If a cultivator manages to tame one at the moment of its birth—when it first awakens with a sliver of sentience—and forms a contract with it, their future cultivation will gain a strong affinity with wind-attribute spiritual power. In time, they may even borrow its strength directly.
The same is true for the elemental spirits of water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. Each possesses a unique affinity tied to its corresponding element.
Du Yanran had always desired a Fire Spirit. Unfortunately, such a being had yet to appear in the cultivation world, leaving her without a lead. For now, she had no choice but to acquire the Wind Spirit first and pursue the others later.
"Zhēnjūn, I've been feeling a block in my cultivation lately. My mood's been unsettled. Will you accompany me for a walk?"
"Where would you like to go, Yanran?"
Fan Ji'an spoke with a warm patience. He had rescued a beauty and won her affection, which made him feel all the more proud of himself. The way she clung to him, docile and obedient, stirred a sense of triumph in his heart.
If not for his cultivation technique, which forbade seeking a Dao companion before reaching Divine Transformation, he might have dual cultivated with her already. This delay had made Du Yanran somewhat anxious, fearful that her Zhēnjūn would cast her aside. Her unease only fed his vanity further.
In truth, Du Yanran had never planned to give herself to a mere Nascent Soul cultivator. She was already in the Nascent Soul stage herself. If she sought a backing, it needed to be someone at Divine Transformation or higher.
Still, Fan Ji'an held a special position. He was the trusted right hand of Peng Xilai, Lord of Yunling City. Peng Xilai himself was in the Divine Transformation realm, and behind him stood a powerful Void Refinement-level master. That mountain was the one she truly aimed to climb.
Now, back to the present.
Du Yanran's eyes glinted with cunning as she said, "Zhēnjūn, I heard that Howling Stone City is rather novel. I'd like to visit."
"There's nothing interesting there. Just stone caves and mountain winds. If it's wind you want, why not visit Windcloud Tower instead?"
"But I've never been to Howling Stone City, and that's exactly why I want to go. Please, say yes."
Her voice dipped into a soft, coaxing tone. Eventually, Fan Ji'an gave in and agreed to take her.
This time, they traveled in a much quieter fashion. No entourages, no grand procession like before. Just the two of them.
Hua Clan Residence
"Patriarch, this time the jade slip pointed to a natural treasure—a Wind Spirit, freshly formed and just beginning to gain awareness. It's located near the outskirts of Yunling City, in Howling Stone City."
Hua Kun gestured for the speaker to continue.
"That area rarely sees cultivators. The spiritual energy is too sparse, and the mountain wind that howls through the caves creates such a racket that it drove most people away. Years ago, there were some explorers, but they found nothing. Nowadays, no one really visits."
"A Wind Spirit is valuable. Send a reliable team and ensure it is brought back safely."
"Yes, Patriarch," the steward replied, and immediately set about gathering the necessary personnel.
Just then, Hua Qian stepped into view.
"Brother, this Wind Spirit is the first treasure mentioned in the Mó Yuè jade slip. I want to go see it."
"You want the Wind Spirit for yourself?"
Hua Kun picked up a cup of tea and took a sip to moisten his throat.
"I want to confirm whether the information she gave us is real—whether it's worth the three promises we offered."
"You're still bitter about losing to Mó Yuè, aren't you?"
"Brother! I admit Mó Yuè is clever, but I still have my doubts about her."
"Very well. You may go, but stay hidden."
Hua Kun knew his sister well. He would not stop her from doing as she wished.
Hua Qian turned and vanished from the hall.
With her intervention, Du Yanran was destined to walk away empty-handed.
Du Yanran had nearly succeeded. She had lured the still-innocent Wind Spirit with her own aura and was moments away from forming a contract. But Hua Qian intercepted her at the last moment.
Her first impression of Du Yanran was poor. A Nascent Soul cultivator pretending to be weak, with a chaotic spiritual signature that hinted at secrets and instability—none of it sat well with her.
Just as Du Yanran was about to seal the contract, Hua Qian used a spatial barrier to isolate her. Though the Wind Spirit was right before her eyes, she could no longer reach it. Hua Qian then moved in, sealed the spirit into a windstone, and took it away.
For a brief moment, the pressure of a Divine Transformation-level cultivator rippled through the air, vanishing as quickly as it came. Fan Ji'an broke out in a cold sweat and immediately dragged Du Yanran away from Howling Stone City.
Du Yanran was furious, her silver teeth grinding in frustration. Her opponent had been too powerful, and Fan Ji'an was completely useless. There was nothing she could do except retreat.
They returned to Yunling City in silence, not daring to mention what had happened. Du Yanran seethed with hatred but failed to realize the true issue. She simply redirected her attention to the next rumored site of a great cultivator's legacy.
Hua Qian returned to the Hua Clan ahead of schedule. The first thing she said upon seeing her brother was:
"Mó Yuè didn't deceive us. I've captured the Wind Spirit."
Hua Kun wasn't surprised. He had never believed Mó Yuè would bother lying to their clan.
"I also ran into someone today."
He glanced at her bright expression with mild curiosity.
"Someone we know?"
"Quite well. It was Du Yanran—the same one Mó Yuè told us not to receive."
He gestured for her to continue.
"She went there specifically for the Wind Spirit. Her goal was clear."
"How would she know it was there?"
"I have two guesses. One, she'd been there before and knew something was forming, so she kept tabs on it."
"Easy enough to verify. Just trace her movements."
"Second, she might be like Mó Yuè, able to predict future opportunities. If so, they may be rivals."
Hua Kun did not refute her logic, but he added one important note.
"Whether your guess is correct or not, we must remember this. Mó Yuè gave our Hua Clan an incredible opportunity. That means she has the strength to retaliate if we ever betray her."
Hua Qian froze for a second. So her brother had already seen through her plan.
"If Du Yanran truly has that kind of foresight, we'll know soon enough. The next time a legacy site appears, we can test it."
"Yes, Brother."
"Ah Qian, you are my sister. Most of the time, you stay in the shadows and focus on cultivation. Though the clan elders have raised you well, you still lack in some areas."
"I..."
She looked slightly wronged, her expression stubborn as she met his eyes.
"Please tell me plainly."
Hua Kun remained calm. He beckoned her to sit beside him, activated the defensive formation, and prepared to speak seriously.
"You thought Mó Yuè was being too forceful. She offered us a future opportunity in exchange for three favors, and you felt that was a poor deal. That's why, when you saw Du Yanran, you had the thought: if she could bring us similar benefits, we could trade her for Mó Yuè."
"Yes. She would also be easier to control."
This time, Hua Qian didn't deny it.
"But have you considered what kind of person Du Yanran really is? Look closely at her path through the cultivation world. You'll see she's not from here at all."
"She appeared out of nowhere. For a cultivator like that, I wouldn't dare place my trust. What's more, she once belonged to the Yin-Yang Sect. She had a seemingly justifiable reason to defect, yet betrayed her own master in the process and made them a target of public scorn. Someone that calculating... do you truly believe she would ever submit to our control?"