NOVEL WEB Chapter 44 - Heart-to-Heart
Chapter Forty-Four: Heart-to-Heart
Liu Mei nodded, her tone candid. “Indeed, Nianyao. Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy is extraordinary. I lingered at Golden Core Late Stage for years, unable to advance. Without his power, I’d never have reached Nascent Soul.” Su Nianyao’s heart twisted with complexity. She’d grappled with shame over using Lin Yuan’s energy, yet her master had sought him out willingly. The revelation left her conflicted.
Noticing Su Nianyao’s turmoil, Liu Mei, aware of her disciple’s sensitive nature, offered comfort. “Nianyao, there’s no need for shame. Dual cultivation is a common practice in the cultivation world, and Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy benefits us immensely.” Su Nianyao’s head dipped, her voice a whisper. “But, Master… I never imagined… with a stranger…” Liu Mei chuckled, stroking her hair fondly. “Silly girl, Lin Yuan’s no stranger. He’s your martial uncle’s disciple—your sect kin. And he saved your life. Don’t forget that debt.”
Su Nianyao bit her lip, her eyes flickering with mixed emotions. Liu Mei sighed, her voice deepening. “Nianyao, the cultivation path is long and arduous. Opportunities like Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy are rare. If shame costs you this chance, you’ll regret it.” She paused, adding, “His power’s a sect secret for now. If word spreads, you may lose your chance to even approach him. Make a good impression while you can.”
Su Nianyao’s heart jolted, her gaze lifting, hesitancy in her eyes. “Master, you mean…” Liu Mei smiled encouragingly. “You’re clever, Nianyao. You understand. Lin Yuan’s power can not only boost your cultivation but carry you far.” Su Nianyao fell silent, resolve dawning. She nodded softly. “Master, I understand. I’ll… consider it carefully.” Liu Mei nodded, satisfied, patting her shoulder. “That’s my girl. Seize this chance—it’s your destiny.”
Su Nianyao took a deep breath, steadying herself, her gratitude shining. “Thank you, Master, for guiding me. I’ll think it over.” Shame gave way to a budding anticipation. Liu Mei’s words rang true—missing this opportunity could haunt her. Seeing Su Nianyao relax, Liu Mei exhaled in relief. They stepped into the steaming bath, Su Nianyao’s thoughts drifting to Lin Yuan. What kind of man is he? she wondered, her cheeks warming.
Liu Mei, catching her expression, smiled faintly, sensing Su Nianyao’s wavering resolve. A little time, and she’ll choose wisely, she thought. In the misty bathhouse, their figures shimmered through the haze.
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Days later, the atmosphere in Tianji Dao Palace’s council hall was heavy. Gu Qinghuan, Yun Qinyue, and Liu Mei sat together, deliberating the Bloodfiend Demon Sect’s growing threat. Liu Mei, as the master of the attacked disciple, broke the silence, her expression stern, fingers tapping the table. “The Bloodfiend Sect’s audacity grows. The assault on Nianyao cannot go unanswered.”
Turning to Gu Qinghuan, she asked, “Qinghuan, your thoughts?” Gu Qinghuan’s brow furrowed. “The Bloodfiend Sect boasts three Late Nascent Soul cultivators. I’m at Nascent Soul Peak, but you and Qinyue are only Early Nascent Soul. Acting rashly offers little chance of victory.” Yun Qinyue nodded gravely. “Aunt Mei’s right. Their numbers and ruthlessness outweigh us. A direct clash favors them.”
Gu Qinghuan fell silent, a chill in her eyes. “They’re formidable, but we can’t sit idle. If we let their arrogance fester, Tianji Dao Palace’s dignity will crumble.” In the cultivation world, strength ruled. Weakness invited predation, not just from demonic sects but righteous ones too. As acting sect leader, Gu Qinghuan couldn’t afford to falter.
Yun Qinyue sighed, her tone weary. “I understand, Senior Sister, but our strength’s lacking. Acting now risks the sect.” Liu Mei’s eyes sparked with an idea. “We’re not without hope. If Qinghuan breaks through to Soul Transformation, no Bloodfiend Sect—or two—could stand against us.” She spoke truth: in the mortal realm, Soul Transformation was the pinnacle, capable of crushing any Nascent Soul, even at its peak.
At the mention of Soul Transformation, Gu Qinghuan’s eyes lit up. Who wouldn’t crave that realm? Yet her talent was modest, outshone by Yun Qinyue and Liu Mei. Without a century of leveraging Lin Yuan’s power, she might still be Golden Core. She shook her head. “Aunt Mei, Soul Transformation’s no small feat. Even with Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy, I’d need years…”