Yang Hao sat cross-legged in the room, his breathing steady as he focused on the swirling energy inside him. In just a single day, he had grasped the essence of the Yin Element, just as he had done with the Yang Element before. Now, within his body, two opposing forces coexisted—Yin and Yang.
Unlike most warriors, who possessed only one elemental affinity, Yang Hao had six. His Yang Element granted him mastery over Fire, Thunder, and Light, while his newly acquired Yin Element gave him control over Water, Wind, and Darkness. It was something great, only one with six elements, yet before he could bask in his happiness, Yan Ruyi's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Don't let this get to your head," Yan Ruyi said, crossing her arms as she observed him. "There are others in this world who have more than six elements. Some possess seven, eight, or even ten. And there is a legend of an existence who wielded every element in the universe."
Yang Hao met her gaze and nodded.
Yan Ruyi doesn't know if he understood or not, but she hope he doesn't get arrogant.
Now that Yang Hao had mastered the Yin Element, he quickly realized that it could further enhance his Skin Tempering. By circulating Yin energy through his body, he strengthened his skin beyond its previous limits.
With the power of both Yin and Yang, he was far superior to ordinary warriors. He could adapt his attacks based on his opponent's element, countering them with the most effective force. However, the price of such power was high. Training two elements meant twice the effort. But Yang Hao did not mind—he welcomed the challenge.
At the current Body Training Stage, the benefits of having multiple elements were not as evident. However, he knew that when he reached the Elemental Gas Realm, the Core Realm, and even the Crystal Realm, his dual-element foundation would give him an immense advantage.
For the next month, Yang Hao focused solely on tempering his skin with Yin energy. Every day, he endured excruciating pain as he pushed his limits. But no matter how much he trained, he eventually hit a wall—his skin could no longer absorb any more Yin energy.
Noticing his struggle, Yan Ruyi handed him a paper slip. "This is a formula for a special bath," she explained. "Prepare it and soak in it. It will help you temper your skin even further."
Yang Hao took the jade slip and nodded. He wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and preparing the medicinal bath. The moment he submerged himself, he felt a searing pain course through his body. Gritting his teeth, he endured, letting the medicinal properties strengthen his body.
For fifteen days, he repeated this process. By the end of it, he felt a noticeable difference—his skin was tougher, denser, and more resilient than before. However, he had no way to measure his strength. He did not know how strong a Skin Tempering warrior was supposed to be, nor the power level of those in the Tendon Tempering or Internal Organ Tempering stages.
But according to Nivrita, he had reached a level where he could fight against ten ordinary Skin Tempering warriors at once. Against a Tendon Tempering warrior, he could hold his ground, but victory was beyond him for now.
Yang Hao clenched his fists, feeling the strength surging within him. He did not care about rankings or comparisons. He only knew one thing—he was getting stronger. And that was all that mattered.
---
Mo Yanyu had just slain a fox-type monster. Its body crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as she swiftly extracted its monster core. The glowing orb pulsed faintly in her palm before she slipped it into the small bag hanging from her waist.
Without wasting time, she turned to leave the forest. But just as she took a step forward, an inexplicable sense of unease washed over her. She halted, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings. Something—or someone—was nearby.
Then, without a sound, a figure materialized before her.
The woman stood in the middle of the narrow woodland path, her presence almost surreal. She was tall, her mature figure cloaked in a flowing dark robe, its fabric so fine it shimmered under the filtered moonlight. A hood concealed most of her face, revealing only the lower half-soft lips curved into a faint smile and pale skin that seemed almost luminescent.
Mo Yanyu tensed, instinctively summoning her dark element. The air around her shifted as her seven dark arms manifested behind her, each wielding a different weapon. She felt the power of this woman and she knew that this woman was way too strong, Mo Yanyu directly summoned the strongest technique.
The woman remained unfazed. In a calm, tone she asked, "What is your name? Where do you come from?"
Mo Yanyu narrowed her eyes. She didn't answer. Instead, she countered, "What do you want from me?"
The woman let out a soft chuckle. "I am simply a traveler, wandering the world to witness its wonders." She paused, tilting her head slightly. "And I happened to come across you. You are… interesting."
Mo Yanyu's grip on her weapons tightened. "Is that so? Then you can move along."
She turned her back on the woman and walked away, ignoring her. The fight with the fox monster had left her exhausted, and she had no time to entertain strangers who spoke in riddles.
However, after only a few steps, she realized that the woman was following her.
Mo Yanyu's brows furrowed. "Why are you still here?" she demanded, not bothering to turn around.
"I wish to travel with you," the woman replied simply.
Mo Yanyu scoffed. "I have no interest in companions. Find someone else."
"Perhaps," the woman murmured. "But for now, I will walk with you."
Mo Yanyu clicked her tongue in annoyance but didn't stop. If the woman wanted to follow her, then so be it. She knew that if she were to fight with this woman in her current situation, she would not be able to defeat her. So best to avoid fighting as much as possible.
---
Inside the main hall of the Han household, Han Zhentian sat at a long wooden desk reviewing documents. The news of Han Tianming's defeat by Mo Yanyu made him disappointment.
Han Tianming was now locked away in his room, punished and isolated. Today, Han Zhentian had made a decision—he would no longer rely on his son but instead place his trust in his daughter.
After a short while, the door opened and Han Tianxue entered the hall. At eighteen, she carried herself with calm dignity. Her short, jet-black hair was cut into a neat bob that framed her angular yet well-balanced face. Her warm bronze-brown skin was clear and smooth, and her eyes shone with quiet determination. She wore a crisp, clean shirt and fitted trousers that highlighted her lean, muscular build.
Han Zhentian looked up and fixed his stern gaze on her. His tone was cold and businesslike as he began, "Han Tianxue, do you want to be the clan head?"
She met his gaze without any emotion. "I will do whatever you want me to do," she replied.
"You must not lose to anyone, not a single person. If you ever lose in any fight, then you must kill yourself on the spot. I will not tolerate failure. If you do not do this, I will be forced to do it for you."
Without a change in her expression, Han Tianxue simply nodded.
Han Zhentian continued, "You are also absolutely forbidden from having any relationship with any man. I don't care what distractions come. If you ever get involved with a man, I will personally have you killed along with that man. There will be no exceptions."
Again, Han Tianxue nodded.
After a moment of silence, Han Zhentian spoke once more, "Now, go and train with Elder Han Jiang. Under him, you will learn everything needed to become strong head. You must return only after you have completed your training. Understand that you cannot show any weakness."
Han Tianxue inclined her head slightly. "Yes, Father," she said, her voice still neutral and emotionless.
Han Zhentian's eyes did not leave her as he added, "Remember, you must win every fight. Failure is not an option. The future of our clan depends on your strength. Do not disappoint me."
Han Tianxue nodded. Then, without another word, she turned and walked out of the hall.
After that Han Zhentian ordered his men to kill Mo Yanyu. Mo Yanyu became the 9th Stage Mortal Elemental in three years and was a serious threat to them, if possible then kill it.