Chapter 42 - Nascent Soul
Chapter Forty-Two: Nascent Soul
As the radiant pillar of spiritual energy dimmed, a tiny figure clad in a red undergarment materialised before Liu Mei—a nascent soul, her own, curiously drawn to Lin Yuan. It darted toward him, only for Liu Mei to summon it back with a flick of her wrist, amusement tinged with exasperation. As the nascent soul reintegrated, she revelled in the surging power within, her gaze settling on Lin Yuan with a sultry smile. “Little rogue, you’re my lucky star,” she purred, her fingers grazing his cheek before planting a soft kiss. “Nascent Soul… a dream I never dared entertain.”
Her eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Without your Pure Yang energy, I’d have languished at that bottleneck forever.” Lin Yuan smiled, saying little. He’d reaped immense benefits too—Liu Mei’s breakthrough had propelled his cultivation. Closing his eyes, he sensed the changes within. His once-unstable spiritual energy, bolstered by the Cultivation Storage attribute, now flowed steadily. From Foundation Establishment Third Layer, he’d soared to Ninth, his true cultivation reaching Golden Core Fifth Layer.
Golden Core Fifth Layer… he marvelled silently. A handful of dual cultivations, and I’ve climbed this far. Liu Mei’s Nascent Soul breakthrough had amplified the effect, but his Pure Yang Sacred Body and Dual Cultivation attribute were pivotal. Liu Mei, noticing his introspection, nudged him playfully. “What’s on your mind, rogue? Plotting more mischief?” Her voice was a teasing lilt, her allure undimmed.
Lin Yuan’s gaze met her enchanting form, his heart stirring. Clasping her hand, he murmured, “Aunt Mei, I’m wondering if we might… repeat this dual cultivation more often.” Liu Mei’s cheeks flushed, a flicker of shyness giving way to her usual charm. Pinching his arm, she scolded, “You rogue! Barely done tormenting me, and you’re already planning the next round?” Lin Yuan grinned, teasing, “What, Aunt Mei, lost your appetite already?”
Her blush deepened, and she swatted his chest. “You’re getting too bold, little rogue.” Yet her eyes betrayed her. “If you insist, Aunt Mei… might indulge you.” Lin Yuan’s smile widened, sensing her surrender. “One more go, then?” Liu Mei bit her lip, anticipation flashing, but she shook her head. “Not now. I’ve just reached Nascent Soul—I need to stabilise. Don’t be greedy, rogue.” Lin Yuan nodded, respecting her need. “Rest well, Aunt Mei. We’ll pick up later.”
She nodded, her gaze tender. “Agreed. But don’t neglect the others, mind.” Lin Yuan knew she meant Gu Qinghuan and Yun Qinyue. “I’ve got it covered,” he assured her. Liu Mei’s expression grew complex, aware that his Pure Yang energy was a rare boon for Tianji Dao Palace’s female cultivators, herself just one beneficiary. “I’m off to meditate,” she said, fatigue in her voice. With a final kiss, she drifted away.
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At Qixia Peak, Su Nianyao, heeding Liu Mei’s advice, secluded herself to refine the lingering Pure Yang energy. Seated in her chamber, spiritual energy swirled as she guided the energy into her spiritual sea. With the final strand absorbed, her aura surged, her cultivation leaping from Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer to Ninth, a mere step from Golden Core. Opening her eyes, she gasped, “This Pure Yang energy… it’s astounding!”
Shock rippled through her. One dual cultivation, and I’ve gained so much. Another dose could push her to Golden Core. But the thought sparked a flush of shame. How could I even consider it? She scolded herself, clutching her robes. That’s… a man’s… essence! A faceless male figure haunted her mind, fueling her panic. She fought to quell the yearning, but the craving for Pure Yang energy grew like wildfire.
Sensing Liu Mei’s return, Su Nianyao, eager to share her breakthrough, flung open her chamber door. But the sight of her master froze her. Liu Mei stood in a daring scarlet gossamer gown, its hem barely covering her thighs, its plunging neckline revealing swaths of pale skin. Her cheeks glowed, her eyes brimming with languid allure. “M-Master?” Su Nianyao stammered, stunned.