The morning sun slowly climbed higher, its rays piercing through gaps in the leaves, brushing the rooftops with golden light. The morning air was gentle, carrying a faint chill like a soft cloth grazing the skin. Birds flitted across the sky, their wings shimmering in the light, as if painting delicate streaks across the blue expanse. Such a scene was perfect for relaxation, sipping warm tea, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation of the world.
Yet, not a shred of that serenity touched Yao Yue's heart. Her breaths came rapid and uneven, her chest rising and falling in disarray. She hurriedly covered her mouth with both hands, as if to ensure she was still awake. Her gaze fixed on Yifan. What had she just witnessed? How could someone enhance another's cultivation with such ease? It was as if pouring water from a teapot into a cup.
All her life, Yao Yue had never heard of anyone possessing such a skill. Even the founder of her sect, the revered Liuyao Heavenly Emperor, famed in legend, was never known to wield anything remotely similar. Yao Yue looked at Yifan once more. It felt like staring at the tip of an iceberg, its peak hidden deep within the mist, leaving a mystery far beyond reach.
Meanwhile, Xue Yao opened her eyes slowly. Realizing that her cultivation had increased by two minor stages at once, her eyes widened, as if to confirm she wasn't dreaming. Her gaze locked onto Yifan, a brief silence falling before she finally spoke:
"Thank you, Young Master." Her voice was soft, yet clear. Her breaths still came slightly uneven.
"Just a small gift," Yifan replied calmly, as though what he had done was no more than brushing a fallen leaf off her shoulder.
'A small gift?' The words echoed in the minds of both Yao Yue and Xue Yao. To them, it struck like a hammer against reason.
To instantly raise someone's cultivation, was that merely a small gift? Yifan's words sounded simple, but precisely because of that simplicity, they carried an air of authority, as if the very statement was law itself, hard to argue against.
Xue Yao then bowed her head slightly, sensing something strange within her. It was as though something had latched onto her being. She realized there was a technique embedded in her consciousness. She pondered for a moment, then mustered the courage to ask.
"Young Master, that technique…" Her words hung in the air as she awaited his answer.
"That's my second small gift to you," Yifan replied casually.
"The technique is called Worldly Freezing," he continued.
"Worldly Freezing…" Xue Yao murmured, her tongue stumbling slightly over the unfamiliar name.
Yao Yue frowned, clearly the technique sounded alien to her ears.
"It's an Immortal-level technique. With it, you can freeze everything," Yifan explained.
The word "Immortal" made Yao Yue's head spin. She recalled the previous auction that had shaken the world merely over fragments of Immortal artifacts. And yet now, Yifan had handed her an intact Immortal technique? Not a fragment, not a counterfeit? The world seemed to spin faster than ever.
Immortal… What exactly were they? Beings surpassing legend? Or merely a title bestowed upon those who stand at the pinnacle? Yao Yue could hardly contain the flood of thoughts.
'I must ask the elders about this.' She thought, her heart a whirl of confusion and awe.
Xue Yao remained silent, yet Yifan spoke before she could, as if he could read her thoughts.
"You might be confused, because until now you've trained in blood skills, not ice. So why give you this technique?" Yifan's gaze met hers briefly, his tone flat, but each word felt like a piercing arrow.
"Have you ever imagined what happens when blood and ice are combined?"
Xue Yao stared blankly, her mind spinning rapidly.
"It's a new skill. You will have comprehension of two Laws simultaneously, Blood Law and Ice Law. And if you can balance them, you will advance further than you have ever imagined."
To Xue Yao, his brief explanation was like sunlight breaking through a crack in a dark room. A new understanding blossomed instantly. Yao Yue, too, felt its influence, as if catching sparks of comprehension herself. Her breathing eased, a sign that her cultivation quivered, nearly breaking through.
Knowing Yifan was like grasping a rare blessing. Yao Yue ground her teeth softly, her resolve strengthening. She must hold onto this figure tightly.
"Alright, let's head back first," Yifan said, his voice casual.
They returned to Paviliun Liuyao.
---
The cool morning air persisted, and Yifan chose to relax on the upper terrace. He sat on a sturdy wooden chair, in front of him fresh fruits, a teapot, and several cups of tea. The breeze wafted faintly with the scent of wildflowers.
This time, only Yun Xi accompanied him. Yao Yue had hurried to consult the elders upon returning, while Xue Yao secluded herself to train. The atmosphere was quiet. Yifan initiated conversation.
"Yun Xi, why have you been so quiet lately?" he asked.
Yun Xi turned her head slowly, her gaze calm but her lips bearing a trace of irritation.
"What would Huangfu Xiyan do if she saw you hugging another girl?" Her voice was flat, yet sharp.
"Perhaps she'd attack you immediately," she continued.
Yifan smiled faintly. He glanced at Yun Xi, who looked adorable yet annoyed, like a little fox sulking rather than frightening, making him tempted to tease her.
"It seems it wouldn't be her attacking me, but you," Yifan replied lightly.
"Tch…" Yun Xi only let out a small snort, her eyes glancing with irritation.
Yifan rose and stepped closer, standing directly in front of her. He looked at the beautiful girl's face, his hand brushing her smooth jade-like shoulder. Yun Xi didn't resist but turned her head, bowing silently. Her teeth lightly bit her lower lip, as if restraining a surge of emotion she couldn't articulate.
"Are you angry, Yun Xinyao?" Yifan called her by the name he rarely used.
Yun Xi immediately turned, their eyes meeting. The closeness made her heart race uncontrollably, her breaths ragged.
Yifan wrapped his arm around her slender waist, drawing her into an embrace. Yun Xi stiffened at first, then returned the gesture, pressing her body closer. The warmth made her want to linger longer. Beneath her elegance, she was simply a girl yearning for attention.
"It's been so long since anyone called me by my real name, brother…" Yun Xi whispered.
There was nostalgia in her tone. She called Yifan "brother," not because they were siblings, but because of a shared past they had once lived.
Yun Xi's eyes glistened. She closed them, whether to hold back tears or savor the warmth. Yifan stroked her glossy black hair.
After a long moment, they slowly released each other, leaving only a gaze of mutual understanding. Yifan then took Yun Xi's hand, guiding her to sit on the adjacent chair. From the upper floor, the city below appeared lively, people beginning their day, their distant voices mingling with the morning breeze.
A smile played on Yun Xi's face, yet her expression turned serious as she recalled something. There was a piece of information she had kept secret not long ago.
"Brother… Yan Yunxue sent a message…" she whispered softly.
"It seems Xian Zhu is starting to stir," she continued.
Her gaze fixed on Yifan, as deep and restless as a lake swept by the wind.
What would truly unfold next?