Thunderfall Valley
As the black thunder's energy settled within his kidney meridian, Xiao Bai's consciousness snapped back from his sea of consciousness.
"Ugh!"
A familiar, searing pain hit, drawing a faint groan.
Hastily examining his body, he found the black thunder's essence resting calmly within his kidney. He let out a relieved breath.
"Good, no surprises this time."
No sooner had he spoken than a shocking scene unfolded.
The Bing Fire Yang Thunder, dormant in his heart since its integration, erupted. Crimson lightning surged toward the black thunder in his meridian.
… Xiao Bai froze.
The previously idle black thunder, as if provoked, flared with dark electricity, charging at the crimson bolts.
Bang!
A faint thunderclap echoed within him. His silver-white glow split into red and black, arcs leaping across his body.
Grimacing through the pain, Xiao Bai snapped to action, pulling the Bing Fire Yang Thunder back to his heart. The red lightning faded from his skin.
As the crimson bolts retreated, the black thunder withdrew its dark arcs, settling back into his kidneys, still.
"Water and fire really don't mix," Xiao Bai muttered.
From the information in his mind, he knew this dark thunder's name: Gui Water Yin Thunder.
Gui Water Yin Thunder: A fusion of water's chilling yin energy and the raw might of thunder. Unlike the fiery, explosive Yang Thunder, it moves silently, cold and fluid, excelling at dismantling spiritual bodies and restraining both physical and law bodies.
""Physical and law bodies?" Xiao Bai mused, then dismissed the thought with a wry smile. Law bodies, a concept tied to the Dou Di realm, were far beyond his current concerns. No point dwelling on it now.
Clearing his thoughts, he formed hand seals, activating his technique to refine the Gui Water Yin Thunder.
Having done this four times, he was adept. Soon, a wisp of the thunder's essence peeled from its core, flowing into his meridians.
"So cooperative?" Xiao Bai's eyes snapped open, startled.
Unlike the tortuous refinement of the other thunder seeds, the Gui Water Yin Thunder was eager, almost impatient, as if annoyed at his pace, willingly offering its essence.
Suspicion crept in. After the ordeals of the prior seeds, this ease felt unnatural, like he'd grown accustomed to struggle.
"Whatever, it's a good thing. Refine first, worry later." Glancing at the distant dragon, he snorted, "Why so far? I'm not carving out your essence!"
"My lord, what's that black thunder? Why's it different from the little thunder orb?" Little Golden Dragon stuck out its tongue, wincing.
Seeing the black lightning on Xiao Bai, it had assumed it was like the orb it ate, nibbling a bit. But that tiny taste had nearly unraveled its newly grown spiritual body, its tongue barely holding together.
"Not like the orb at all!"
"Serves you right for eating everything!" Xiao Bai's lips twitched, amused at the dragon's crumpled expression.
"It's your fault! Right after I ate that orb, you whip out new black thunder you've never used before," the dragon protested, waving a claw. "I thought it was a snack for me!"
"Dream on!" Xiao Bai shot it a look, too busy to bicker. Closing his eyes, he split his focus: one part suppressing the restless Ice Fire Yang Thunder, the other refining the Gui Water Yin Thunder's essence.
Little Golden Dragon pouted, slinking to the valley's edge. Soaking in the lightning's "massage," its massive body shielded Xiao Bai from stray thunder pillars.
The valley quieted, save for the flickering lightning and booming thunder.
___
Inner Court, Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower, Third Floor
In a private high-grade cultivation room, a white-robed figure sat cross-legged on a stone platform. Wisps of tangible red energy swirled around her, rushing into her body.
It was Xiao Yi Xian.
Eyes closed, she radiated a devouring force, like a black hole consuming the surrounding energy. Yet, moments after entering, the energy was expelled, as if missing something.
Her brows furrowed, her energy fluctuating wildly. Gray streams poured from her, clashing with the dense fire-attribute energy, sizzling.
Pop!
A faint sound echoed as a gray ripple spread from her.
Her eyelids trembled, and she opened her eyes, a gray mist flashing in her pupils.
"Dou Ling!" A radiant smile lit her face. "Xiao Bai was right. The Fallen Heart Flame's endless fire poison makes this tower perfect for my cultivation."
Since Xiao Bai left, with Purple Sky thriving under his reputation and Xun'er's management, Xiao Yi Xian had little to do, spending most of her time cultivating here.
Thoughts of Xiao Bai's familiar, striking face brought a pang of longing to her eyes.
Over half a year… how is he?
The urge to return and check surged. She hopped off the platform, pulling her Fire Energy card from the wall. Seeing the dwindling double-digit balance, she bit her lip. The thousand Fire Energy Xiao Bai left her was nearly gone.
"The tower's great for cultivation, but it burns through Fire Energy so fast," she thought helplessly. I need to take on missions to earn more, or I can't keep training.
Pondering which missions would yield Fire Energy, she opened the door and stepped out.
Along the way, tower students parted for her, their gazes filled with admiration for the ethereal, white-haired woman.
"She stayed the full seven days again, right?" one whispered.
"No surprise. For over half a year, she's always maxed out her time," another replied.
"If not for the tower's rule—forcing you out after seven days to avoid fire poison—I bet she'd stay forever!"
"Don't stare. You're jealous, but it's pointless. She's with a sixth-grade alchemist. Fire Energy and poison? Not her problem," a pretty girl said sourly, eyeing Xiao Yi Xian's back.
… The others glanced at her, thinking, You're the most jealous one here.
"What? Never seen a beauty like me?" the girl scoffed, glaring. "Useless men!" She strutted off, head high.
The group exchanged looks, exasperated. Since that man arrived, women's standards had skyrocketed, making it tough to find partners.
Xiao Yi Xian ignored the chatter, exiting the tower.
Outside, warm sunlight bathed her. Squinting at the blue sky, she breathed deeply, her mood lifting.
The tower's cultivation environment was excellent, but its oppressive, dim atmosphere felt like a cage.
"No wonder the academy limits stays. It's not just fire poison—long exposure could warp your mind," she thought, shaking her head. With a light step, she headed to Purple Sky's base.
___
Inner Court, Spacious Pavilion, Top Floor
In a wide room, a green-robed figure leaned over a desk, studying documents intently.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her flawless face. Elegant and alluring, she was like a swaying green lotus, untouched by dust.
Sensing something, she looked up.
"Xian'er, you're back from cultivation!" Xun'er's face bloomed with a smile as Xiao Yi Xian entered. "Oh? Dou Ling already? The tower really suits you!"
"It's great," Xiao Yi Xian said, guilt flickering in her eyes. "Xun'er, why don't you cultivate there? I can manage here."
Since Purple Sky's founding, Xun'er had tirelessly organized everything, a burden Xiao Yi Xian felt keenly. While she idled, Xun'er toiled, unable to train in the tower.
"Hehe," Xun'er giggled, seeing her guilt. "Silly Xian'er, don't overthink. The tower doesn't make much difference for me."
"For you, it's a rare opportunity. As Xiao Bai-gege said, it tempers your rapidly rising Dou Qi, and the fire poison nourishes your physique. Seize it, okay?"
"But you…" Xiao Yi Xian began, then froze, stunned. "Dou Ling?!"
"See?" Xun'er retracted her energy fluctuations, smiling. "No need to worry about me, little Xian'er!"
… Xiao Yi Xian felt a mix of frustration and awe. Xun'er managed Purple Sky and kept up her cultivation. How was she supposed to compete?
And calling her "little Xian'er" again—she was older!
"Xun'er, are you one of those old monsters reborn from Xiao Bai's stories?" Xiao Yi Xian's gentle eyes glinted with mock resentment.
"Pfft! What are you talking about?" Xun'er shot her a playful glare. "Old monster? That's awful!"
Pulling Xiao Yi Xian to sit, she said softly, "Your Fire Energy's low, right? Give me your card—I'll transfer some."
"No, no!" Xiao Yi Xian waved her hands. "Purple Sky needs Fire Energy for so much. I'll take missions."
"Missions?" Xun'er huffed. "Xiao Bai-gege started Purple Sky to gather resources for our cultivation. Why else bother?"
"Resources?" Xiao Yi Xian blinked, surprised.
"Exactly. He's never said it, but I know him. Xiao Bai-gege hates trouble. If not for us, he'd be happiest roaming free," Xun'er said, her eyes flashing. She didn't add, With beauties by his side.
Her gaze hardened, teeth clenching. That flirt!
"I see," Xiao Yi Xian said thoughtfully, realizing Xun'er knew Xiao Bai best.
"So don't skimp, Xian'er. Do what you need to raise your cultivation!" Xun'er patted her hand.
"Xun'er… are you leaving?" Xiao Yi Xian asked softly, a premonition stirring from their past talks in the Beast Mountain Range.
Today, Xun'er seemed to be passing on responsibilities.
Xun'er blinked, silent for a moment, then nodded. "In a bit, though not much time left."
Her clan had urged her return when she joined Jia Nan Academy, but she'd delayed, reluctant to leave. Recently, Ling Ying warned that further delays would prompt the clan to fetch her.
"It's just for a while, not forever," Xun'er said, seeing Xiao Yi Xian's downcast look. Her smile softened. "We'll meet again."
Over time, her wariness of Xiao Yi Xian had faded, their bond deepening. This gentle, unassuming girl had earned her trust.
"He hasn't returned?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, concern creeping in.
"Not yet," Xun'er shook her head. "I asked the Grand Elder. Xiao Bai-gege's still in Thunderfall Valley."
"But with Cousin Xiao Yan's three-year Agreement nearing—just months away—Xiao Bai-gege should emerge before he heads to the Yun Lan Sect."
"Don't worry about his safety. Though the Grand Elder called Thunderfall Valley dangerous, with what I gave him, he'll be fine."
"Mm." Xiao Yi Xian nodded.
She'd seen the item Xun'er gave Xiao Bai—a Dou Zun's safeguard, easing her worries.
She marveled at Xun'er's background, casually wielding a Dou Zun's creation.