Going through the details of the Ice-Burning Yin and Yang Physique, Fei Ling's breath caught in her throat. Line after line unveiled truths she had only heard in whispers—how such a physique could merge extremes, wield balance in chaos, and cultivate at speeds that defied reason.
Her gaze drifted once more to Jian, and for the first time, she saw him in a new light—not as the reckless helper fucker who moved against convention, but as someone carrying a secret far greater than he let on.
At the front, Elder Han Mei's voice broke the silence.
"You all know the drill," she said firmly, her sharp eyes scanning the hall. "There will be a test. Those who pass will be awarded points; those who fail will not. Simple as that."
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Scrolls were closed, backs straightened, and anxious murmurs rippled through the disciples as the weight of competition settled upon them.
The monthly assessment is around the corner and those with less than seventy thousand points and lesser achievements will be demoted to League two while those in league two or other league will be added to league one based on their merit.
Jian effortlessly passed the test, securing a perfect score of one hundred. Not a single mistake. The hall buzzed with disbelief, but he paid it no mind. Once the lecture ended, he rose calmly and made his way out, his steps unhurried as though nothing remarkable had happened.
Back at his quarters, he was met by Maria, who darted forward the moment she saw him. She threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly.
"I haven't had the chance to talk to you… to be with you for days," she said softly, her voice carrying both relief and a trace of loneliness.
Jian smiled faintly, resting his hand against her back.
"I've been a little busy," he admitted. "But I haven't forgotten you." His tone carried a quiet weight, steady and sure. "I don't intend to remain here for long. My path is strength… and I must walk it without delay."
Maria's eyes trembled slightly at his words, but before she could respond, he leaned closer, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.
"I will eventually take on more partners," he whispered, his voice low and resolute. "But you… you will always remain in my heart. You are my favorite."
Hearing those words, Maria smiled, her cheeks glowing crimson as she pressed herself even closer to him, burying her face in his chest.
Just then, Jian's communication talisman vibrated faintly. His brows furrowed as he pulled it from his sleeve. Pouring a thread of spiritual Qi into it, a familiar voice rang clearly in his mind.
"I see you've finally broken through to the Meridian Connection Realm… and even surprised me by stepping into Core Formation. I had thought it would take some months before we'd have our first session, but I am impressed.
Tomorrow, come to the Elders' Pavilion."
The voice was calm, composed, yet carried an undertone of approval that felt rare. It belonged to none other than Fairy Mei Lian.
After the message, Jian chose not to dwell too much on it. Instead, he devoted the rest of the day to Maria, making sure she felt his presence. He even used his accumulated points to purchase several home appliances, knowing she had long wished to make her Western pie properly.
Later, while they shared a quiet moment, Jian spoke with a calm but serious tone.
"The Ice-Burning Yin and Yang physique grants you the ability to wield both Yin and Yang energy. But it comes with a price. Your body naturally produces Yin Qi, but no Yang Qi. That imbalance forces your body to crave Yang Qi—because without it, your cultivation and even your physique itself cannot function properly."
Maria listened intently, her expression soft yet focused.
"The cultivation technique you've been using is suitable for now," Jian continued, "but as you progress, it won't be enough. Simply converting spiritual Qi into Yang Qi has limits. Eventually, your cravings for Yang Qi will grow stronger. At that stage, you'll need Yang-related treasures, or Yang Core crystals, to advance further. Otherwise, your cultivation will stagnate."
Maria's brows knitted slightly, but Jian's steady voice quickly reassured her.
"But you don't need to worry. As long as I'm here, you won't need to chase after those things. I'll make sure you always have what you need. I'm only telling you this so you understand, in case I'm ever not by your side."
Hearing his words, Maria nodded gently. Her lips curved into a bright smile, her eyes glowing with warmth as she leaned closer.
Maria tilted her head, her tone soft but curious.
"Enough about me… what about you? What do you intend to do in this sectand how long will you even stay here?"
Jian leaned back slightly, fingers brushing his chin as he hummed in thought.
"Hmmm… I don't know yet," he admitted, his gaze distant. "But one thing is certain I intend to get strong. Once I reach the Core Soul Realm, I'll take the evaluation for the inner court. From there, I'll rise to become a core disciple."
Maria's eyes widened a little, not because she doubted him, but because of the clarity in his voice.
"And after that?" she asked quietly.
Jian's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"After that, I'll leave this sect. By then, it won't hold anything of value for me anymore."
Maria's voice was softer this time, almost hesitant.
"What… what do I do when you go about your activities?" she asked again.
Jian tilted his head toward her, his gaze steady.
"What do you want to do?" he countered.
She paused, fingers tightening slightly around his sleeve before she found her courage.
"I… I want to get strong," Maria said at last, her cheeks tinting a faint red. "Strong enough to fight alongside you—because I know trouble will definitely find you."
Jian's lips curved into a wry smile at her words, but his tone was serious when he spoke.
"If that's the case, then prepare yourself," he said firmly. "It won't be an easy path."