Chapter 040: The Femme Fatale

The moment he mastered the fifth transformation of Dragon and Serpent, Xu Xuan deeply sensed the power of the “Stillness” technique. The profound tranquility it brought allowed him to perceive the tiniest changes around him. If he were to face the situation where Xu Dahu and Cao Fei ambushed him together again, Xu Xuan was confident that he could dispatch both of them in just a couple of exchanges, giving them no chance to resist.

In this state, even if four or five adversaries equal to Xu Dahu’s strength appeared, he would not be the least bit afraid and could defeat them with ease.

That night, Xu Xuan began attempting the sixth transformation, the “Poison” technique and its associated breathing method. However, the difficulty of the sixth transformation was even greater. Its essence lay in enabling every joint and bone in the body to possess a deadly, snake-like method of attack.

Every movement of the “Poison” technique aimed for a lethal strike. If he didn’t act, nothing happened; if he did, he would strike a vital point, killing the enemy in an instant.

Thus, cultivating the “Poison” technique required analyzing the opponent’s weaknesses, which was built upon the powerful, subtle sensory perception developed by the “Stillness” technique.

In his previous life’s memories, there was also a map of human meridians, striving to ensure that every attack met the deadly requirements of “poison killing.” The body’s meridians and acupuncture points are exceedingly complex; some areas may not seem vital, but are crucial to the body’s meridians and points, and can be killed or crippled with a single blow.

After Xu Xuan finished studying this diagram and understanding every attack method of the “Poison” technique, he couldn’t help but gasp.

“This ‘Poison’ technique is virtually lethal with every move—each action brings death, and even the most merciful strike still cripples… It’s simply too ruthless.”

Xu Xuan hadn’t practiced yet; just understanding and contemplating it made his heart pound in fear.

If the essence of the “Stillness” technique was to use stillness to control action, focusing on defense, then the “Poison” technique was all offense, and incredibly vicious.

These attack methods, combined with the Dragon and Serpent Nine Transformations’ movements that exceed the limits of human bones, were as cunning as vipers. Many of the killing techniques were astonishing.

Consequently, the difficulty of the sixth transformation, the “Poison” technique, was more than twice that of the fifth.

That night, exhausted, Xu Xuan fell asleep. In his dreams, he again entered the sea of memory stars. The previously bright region expanded outward to cover six or seven miles, flooding his mind with more memories and insights.

This meant his soul had grown a bit stronger than before.

The next morning, he rose early and immediately went to the foot of the mountain to transport Blacksteel Ore.

When Steward Jia saw him, his eyes lit up slightly, but he only coldly instructed him to work.

Xu Xuan hoisted a load of Blacksteel Ore and felt much more relaxed than the day before. After reaching the fifth level of body refinement, he could exert five or six hundred pounds of strength with one hand. His muscles and bones were more resilient, his energy channels longer; carrying this load on his shoulders was twice as easy as for others at the same level.

He could even quicken his pace as he walked, at times managing a brief jog.

From morning till sunset, Xu Xuan not only completed his task but also made two extra trips.

A total of four trips left him exhausted, nearly collapsing, but he was gratified that such training made him progress much faster than usual.

“This is your pay from the sect.” Steward Jia handed him eight Spirit Coins with an indifferent expression.

Over the next four or five days, Xu Xuan enthusiastically completed extra tasks.

By the fifth day, he had gone from two trips to five. He earned forty or fifty Spirit Coins in all—not much, but better than nothing. After all, as an outer sect disciple, his monthly stipend was only 300 Spirit Coins.

When Steward Jia looked at him, his gaze held not only approval but also a hint of admiration.

During the day, he completed his assignments; at night, he cultivated the Dragon and Serpent Nine Transformations.

The sixth transformation, the “Poison” technique, he only tried a little, making slow progress, but the sixth layer of the corresponding breathing method was nearly mastered.

But soon enough, Wan Fushan heard news of Xu Xuan’s situation and his face darkened immediately.

He had intended to make things difficult for Xu Xuan, but hadn’t expected him to earn extra on the side while working—how leisurely!

The report to Wan Fushan came from Xu Yuan, a fellow villager of Xu Xuan, who had long forgotten Yang Xiaoqian’s kind advice.

“Hmph, since that’s the case, I’ll assign him to gather herbs in North Mountain. The terrain there is treacherous; in the past, some disciples have fallen into the thousand-foot abyss.”

A murderous gleam flashed in Wan Fushan’s eyes.

“Senior Brother Wan, from what I know, Xu Xuan is quite adept at lightness skills. If he’s sent to gather herbs, he might not fall so easily,” Xu Yuan quickly reminded him, having witnessed Xu Xuan’s agility firsthand.

“The North Mountain has cliffs and precipices, and is adjacent to the Starfall Sword Sect. Even if an outer sect disciple occasionally ‘disappears,’ the sect won’t pay much attention.”

Wan Fushan emphasized the word “disappear,” making Xu Yuan beside him shudder in fear.

He was also secretly startled: the rumors were true—on Starfeather Mountain, there was not only the Windfeather Sect, but another sword cultivation sect as well.

The next day, Wan Fushan transferred Xu Xuan to gather herbs in North Mountain.

“Gathering herbs?” Xu Xuan was somewhat interested in the task, but when faced with Wan Fushan’s smiling eyes, he felt a hint of murderous intent.

Clearly, this job would not be so simple.

Unexpectedly, the transfer was rejected by Steward Jia.

“The sect needs manpower to build the Spirit Tower, especially hardworking disciples like Brother Xu,” Steward Jia said coldly, sending Xu Xuan back.

Wan Fushan’s face was ashen, but he didn’t dare oppose. Steward Jia’s cultivation, status, and reputation in the inner sect far surpassed his own.

He had to swallow his anger, thinking, “Hmph, once the Spirit Tower is finished, let’s see what reason you have to protect him.”

“Thank you, Brother Jia.”

Xu Xuan sincerely expressed his gratitude. Though Brother Jia seemed cold, he was kind-hearted, at least not bullying the weak and causing trouble like Wan Fushan.

“I can only help you for a while. The Spirit Tower will be finished in at most half a month,” Brother Jia said mildly.

That night, as Xu Xuan prepared to cultivate, a clear, melodious female voice came from outside: “May I come in?” It was quite familiar.

“Miss Yang?”

Xu Xuan opened the door and saw the tall, bright, graceful young woman.

Compared to before, Yang Xiaoqian’s usual noble reserve was gone; her brows were laced with worry and helplessness, making her appear tender and fragile.

“Miss Yang, you’ve come for a visit?”

Xu Xuan smiled, genuinely surprised.

“Xu Xuan, you needn’t tease me. Now that we’ve entered the immortal sect, there’s no longer any difference in status; cultivation and strength are all that matter.”

Yang Xiaoqian’s usual flower-like smile was tinged with bitterness.

“Well then, Sister Yang, what brings you here?”

Xu Xuan certainly understood Yang Xiaoqian’s proud, aloof nature wouldn’t dissipate so easily, nor would she seek him out without reason.

“Xu Xuan… I have a favor to ask.”

Yang Xiaoqian’s clear eyes shimmered, gazing at Xu Xuan with helplessness, appearing delicate and pitiable.

“Go on. You helped me catch the opportunity to enter the immortal sect; I owe you a favor. As long as it’s not too difficult, I’ll consider it.”

Xu Xuan spoke calmly.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaoqian’s eyes grew moist, tears glistening in her beautiful gaze.

Xu Xuan’s heart stirred slightly. Though his feelings for Yang Xiaoqian had changed, and he no longer harbored youthful infatuation, this bright, captivating girl had left an indelible impression on his childhood.

Under Xu Xuan’s gaze, Yang Xiaoqian’s cheeks flushed, her head lowered, and in tearful helplessness she explained her purpose.

“You mean Wan Fushan…”

After hearing her out, Xu Xuan’s face darkened.

It turned out that since arriving at the mountain, Wan Fushan had been targeting Yang Xiaoqian. She worked in the secluded “Spirit Fragrance Hall,” and Wan Fushan would approach under the pretense of supervision and care, whispering sweet words.

At first, Wan Fushan was restrained, but later he repeatedly found excuses to get close. Recently, he even tried to touch her, angering and humiliating Yang Xiaoqian. With her usual pride and purity, she could not endure it.

If that was all, she could have endured it until she became an inner sect disciple and no longer needed to humble herself.

“Just yesterday… Wan Fushan, that shameless man, under the guise of care, asked me to move to a small courtyard on that mountain. He said it was where an inner sect steward used to live. I didn’t dare refuse…”

At this point, Yang Xiaoqian’s tears fell like rain, making her appear heartbreakingly delicate.

Xu Xuan naturally understood Wan Fushan’s intentions in moving her to that secluded, empty courtyard. It would be easy for him to have his way with such a rare, refined beauty.

“Tell me, how do you want me to help?”

Xu Xuan was silent for a long time before asking.

“Do this…”

Yang Xiaoqian’s eyes sparkled, her slender figure leaned close, her rosy lips nearly touching Xu Xuan’s ear as she detailed her plan.

Looking at the beautiful face so close, and smelling the alluring fragrance that lingered near his nose, Xu Xuan’s blood stirred slightly, but his heart calmed in an instant.

After explaining the plan, Yang Xiaoqian glanced at him secretly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at some parts of the plan.

Yet, Xu Xuan was no longer the naive boy he once was; his face remained serene.

“Alright, since I’ve already offended Wan Fushan, I’ll help you this once—but only this time.”

Xu Xuan pondered for a moment, finding the plan feasible.

His agreement was partly to repay a favor, and partly because they came from the same village and shared similar hardships; he couldn’t bear to let Yang Xiaoqian, such a beautiful girl, fall into Wan Fushan’s hands.

“This small gift is your reward, Brother Xu.”

Before leaving, Yang Xiaoqian smiled sweetly, placing a small wooden box on the table.

Xu Xuan paused, opened the box, and found more than twenty inferior spirit stones and a spirit ginseng worth seven or eight thousand Spirit Coins.

Altogether, it was worth ten thousand Spirit Coins!

Even for the Yang family, a humble village clan, this was not a small sum.

To resolve this crisis, Yang Xiaoqian had truly made a sacrifice.

Reflecting on their earlier discussion, Xu Xuan felt a mix of emotions, but remained calm: “Though Yang Xiaoqian is only a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old beauty, her scheming is far from simple. In the future, she might well become a femme fatale…”

(Two chapters posted, summoning recommendation votes)