Chapter 51: The Yin Yang Evil Saint
Late at night, Xiao Yan sat studying the scroll Yao Lao had given him.
"The scroll's contents detail that the Yin Yang Twin Flame is located within the ruins of a Dou Saint named Yin Yang Evil Saint.
The Yin Yang Evil Saint existed thousands of years ago. He was a paradoxical figure, both righteous and evil, acting solely according to his desires. He was infamous throughout Central Plains for his dual cultivation methods and was said to have lovers in nearly every sect, big or small, during his prime."
"A man should live like this!" Xiao Yan sighed in admiration as he read the biography, then continued.
Beyond his numerous lovers and mastery of dual cultivation, the Yin Yang Evil Saint was also an exceptional alchemist. Most of the pills he created were meant to enhance performance in the bedroom. Popular pills like the Six Flavored Earth Emperor Pill, still widely used across the continent today, were his creations. In his time, he was one of the most scandalously famous figures in the land.
But one day, after years of reveling in the flowers of Central Plains, the Yin Yang Evil Saint mysteriously disappeared. No trace of him was ever found, despite his countless companions scouring the entire Central Plains in search of him.
It wasn't until thousands of years later, as the space he had created began to collapse, that the ruins he left behind were discovered in the fertile plains.
Xiao Yan frowned as he deciphered the details of the ruins. The bizarre effects of the ancient city were now clear to him: entering the Yang Side would awaken primal desires, while the Yin Side would transform intruders into mindless killing machines.
The Yang Side was dangerous but comparatively less so for cultivators at the Dou Huang level and above. At worst, it would cause temporary energy depletion or leave someone weakened for a while. Only in rare cases would cultivators lose a level.
The Yin Side, however, was extraordinarily perilous almost a guaranteed death sentence.
Fortunately, the Heavenly Flame was on the Yang Side. As long as Xiao Yan could break through the seal protecting it, he would have a chance to claim the Yin Yang Twin Flame. From the way the ruins were set up, they seemed to have been designed to test candidates for succession.
Meanwhile, in the Pill Tower, Xuan Yi reclined on a plush sofa, her gaze on her prized disciple, Cao Ying.
"I've explained the situation to you. I used to think I already held Xiao Yan in high regard, but I still underestimated the terrifying weight of his background."
"The Xiao Clan leader personally arranged his engagement to the daughter of the Ancient Clan leader. This is an alliance between the two most powerful forces on the continent. Against such titanic entities, even the full influence of the Pill Tower would be insignificant, a mere scratch."
Xuan Yi sipped her tea and sighed. "Ying'er, you need to think carefully. It's not too late to step back now."
Cao Ying sat nearby, dazed. Just hearing the words "Ancient Clan leader's daughter" made her chest tighten.
The Cao family boasted several eighth tier alchemists and a handful of Dou Zun experts. By most standards, it was an elite, first rate force, even stronger than the so called Four Pavilions.
But compared to the Pill Tower, the Cao family was nothing. And the Pill Tower itself paled in comparison to the Ancient Clans especially the two most powerful among them.
Even the weakest of the Ancient Clans surpassed the Pill Tower in strength and heritage. To stand against the strongest was unthinkable. A single sneeze from such a force could obliterate the Cao family.
But could she truly give up on Xiao Yan? Cao Ying bit her lip.
Her beauty, background, and talent had made her the object of countless admirers. Yet she had always believed that her future husband must be someone stronger and more exceptional than herself.
Xiao Yan, with his unique aura and presence, had captivated her like no one else.
If she let this chance slip away, she didn't know if she'd ever find someone like him again. Perhaps never.
"Take some time to think it over," Xuan Yi said with a sigh as she looked at her disciple's conflicted expression. Unbidden, her thoughts drifted to a certain someone from her own past. After so many years, their relationship had amounted to nothing.
At their level of cultivation, marriage was more symbolic than binding, a ceremony to fulfill societal expectations. Yet, for many women, that symbol still carried deep meaning.
The next day, Xiao Yan was ready to depart. His eagerness to find the Heavenly Flame stemmed not only from his desire to increase his strength but also to rid himself of the "weakness" inflicted by the Flame Mantra's demands.
"I'm leaving," he said with a smile, playfully tapping Dan Chen's snowy nose as her teary peach blossom eyes looked up at him.
"Be careful," Dan Chen said softly. She wasn't the talkative type, but her concern was clear in her gaze.
"Don't worry," Xiao Yan replied with a gentle smile. Being with someone like her brought him a sense of genuine affection. Her sweetness and understanding made her presence comforting.
"Hug me," Xiao Yan said, spreading his arms.
Blushing, Dan Chen nestled her head against his chest.
But Xiao Yan wasn't satisfied. He tilted her chin up and teased, "A kiss too."
After hesitating, Dan Chen blushed even deeper before standing on her toes and closing her eyes.
When the kiss ended, she lay dazed in his arms, her cheeks flushed as she murmured, "This time… you're not allowed to flirt with other women while you're gone!"
"Do I look like that kind of man?" Xiao Yan chuckled as he patted her silky hair. "I don't flirt I attract!"
After parting with Dan Chen, Xiao Yan sought out Cao Ying.
"You're going to search for the Heavenly Flame?" Cao Ying asked, her tone calm.
"Yep. Just came to say goodbye," Xiao Yan replied, grinning.
"Master told me about… your fiancée," she said, her expression complicated.
"So you know?" Xiao Yan glanced at her.
"I do." Cao Ying sighed and, to his surprise, stepped forward and hugged his waist.
"I know you're engaged, and perhaps only a girl with that kind of background is truly worthy of being your official wife." She hesitated, and for the first time, tears fell from her eyes. Resting her head on his chest, she added softly, "But I don't want to miss out on you. If I let you go, I don't know when, or if, I'll find someone else like you."
"All I ask is to hold a small place in your heart, even if it's just like Dan Chen's. That's enough for me."
"I'm sorry," Xiao Yan said, his voice surprisingly tender. "You and Dan Chen both of you were my choice to pursue. If you feel unlucky, blame me."
Cao Ying's tear streaked face froze for a moment before she broke into a breathtaking smile. "Unlucky? No. Meeting you, Xiao Yan, is fate I can't escape."
"Witch," Xiao Yan muttered to himself. But as her words sank in, he reached out, gently cupping her chin. Lowering his head, he kissed the fiery red lips that had been tempting him.
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