117 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

**Chapter 117: Animation** It was evident that the ulterior motive was not the alcohol itself. Xiang Shiyan paused momentarily, unhooking the jade pendant from her waist, only to unsurprisingly detect some unusual spiritual energy emanating from it. This aura was remarkably similar to that of Xuan Jiu and Lin Zhaodi, who thrived under her spiritual nourishment. As soon as she lifted the pendant, Lin Zhaodi, who ordinarily seemed somewhat spiritless and uninterested, immediately raised her head. Xuan Jiu had already taken action, meddling with Xiang Shiyan's storage artifact without her consent, essentially forcing her to accept it. Xiang Shiyan found it hard to believe that Xuan Jiu was acting out of pure goodwill. If she truly had a method to tame and soothe spirits, logic dictated that she would not willingly relinquish it. Moreover, the transmitted message came in the usual casual manner, as if it wasn't a difficult decision at all and she was rather pleased with the outcome. Highly suspicious. Xiang Shiyan frowned. If the intent was to feign control over the spirits only to let Lin Zhaodi run amok and remove Xiang Shiyan as an obstacle... putting aside whether it could kill her or not, Xuan Jiu likely wouldn’t resort to such simplistic plans. If she desired Xiang Shiyan’s death, now would be the ideal time. Burying both master and disciple in the mountains would be child's play for someone like Xuan Jiu. So, it wasn't about taking her life—then what was Xuan Jiu plotting so generously behind the scenes? "Master?" He He’s attempt to plead was unsuccessful, as he despondently rewrapped his bandages. Inside, he wondered if Xiang Shiyan's hesitance partly stemmed from her scarred appearance, no longer as pitifully beloved as before. If so, gouging out his left eye to gain sympathy might have been a misstep. Xiang Shiyan was oblivious to her disciple's thoughts. She snapped back to reality upon hearing his words, intending to respond, but was interrupted by Xuan Jiu’s whispers, "What are you still hesitating about?" Xuan Jiu's flowy form, like a ribbon or a slender snake, lovingly coiled around Xiang Shiyan’s neck. She then realized that the previously chilling spiritual energy had now been warmed by her body heat, which caused a brief look of discomfort to cross her face. Watery by nature, Xuan Jiu’s makeshift body was an extension of her spiritual energy. Whether the threats she previously uttered were malicious jokes or sincere plans against Xiang Shiyan remained unclear, but this intimate contact felt undeniably strange to Xiang Shiyan. While her thoughts swirled, Xiang Shiyan held the jade pendant still, holding off on deciding how to handle it. Lin Zhaodi, still in a delirious state, was instinctively drawn to the pendant infused with Xuan Jiu’s energy, slowly reaching out to touch it. In a flash of spiritual light, Xiang Shiyan did nothing to stop it, silently observing the ghostly girl being absorbed into the watery-patterned pendant like smoke. Creating a new space within the artifact instantly, even Xuan Jiu couldn't achieve that feat. The water-patterned spirit engravings on the pendant were a temporary array that allowed Lin Zhaodi to find refuge there. Being refined from a water ghost by Xuan Jiu’s spiritual energy, she was naturally susceptible to Xuan Jiu’s influence and control. What was initially just a kind gesture, surprisingly revealed the underappreciated talent hidden within the multi-elemental girl. If nurtured properly, she might prove useful someday. Observing Lin Zhaodi's ethereal form being absorbed, He He showed a conflicted expression of relief and concern, "Master... are you planning to capture Sister and deal with her later?" Xiang Shiyan sighed, reattaching the pendant to her belt, and reassured him, "I will ensure her safety. While her freedom will be restricted, I won’t let her get easily harmed." "Are you satisfied now?" He He was momentarily taken aback, unable to discern if Xiang Shiyan was addressing him or subtly cautioning "Xuan Jiu"… As Xiang Shiyan suspected, it was indeed a loss to forfeit a valuable spirit capable of significant potential. He He clearly had other plans, so her decision wasn't made impulsively. Briefly severing connection with Xiang Shiyan's soul hinted to He He that, with her fragmented soul, she couldn’t fully detach from Xiang Shiyan. Reclaiming only a part of her body, she couldn’t guarantee maintaining clarity when far from Xiang Shiyan. Given she couldn't entirely sever ties with her mentor and would have to remain hidden for a while, depositing Lin Zhaodi with Xiang Shiyan wasn’t entirely disadvantageous. With the master accepting this hot potato, she probably had some suspicions about "Xuan Jiu's" real motives. Originally an inferior water ghost, Lin Zhaodi had been refined and purified by Xuan Jiu’s spiritual power. Naturally, she would also serve as Xuan Jiu's channel to monitor Xiang Shiyan. He He could sense Xiang Shiyan’s whereabouts through their soul connection, but without physical investigation, it was difficult to ascertain where Xiang Shiyan had been or what she had done. If she sought revenge, it would inevitably involve the Taixu Sect, potentially pitting Xiang Shiyan against her, labeling her as a threat needing restraint. Recognizing that Xiang Shiyan, like Qin Miao, might know future events, He He acknowledged Xiang Shiyan as a potential obstacle. She needed a way to restrain her movements, as Xiang Shiyan, despite lacking power compared to her, was still far superior to Qin Miao in strength and influence. Xiang Shiyan’s actions in Xinyang City and Huaihai City had support from the Yao tribe, which conflicted with He He's future plans. Forcing Xiang Shiyan to take in Lin Zhaodi was indeed mostly for her sister’s welfare, given the complex nature of ghostly energy, difficult to conceal. Constantly interacting with Yuan Ying-level practitioners risked exposure. Starting with Xiang Shiyan’s assistance in safeguarding Lin Zhaodi instead reduced doubts. Moreover, ghostly energy clashes with living beings. Xiang Shiyan, at Yuan Ying level, feared nothing, but He He’s typical interactions with low-ranked disciples of Jade Cang Mountain posed risks. The malevolent and subtle ghostly influence might indiscriminately affect them, leading to stagnant cultivation or worse, potential fatalities for those in weaker health. With Zhaodi as an overt surveillance, Xuan Jiu was transparent about her intentions, laughing off the deeper meaning, making Xiang Shiyan wary of acting rashly. The level of control was only manageable enough to make Xiang Shiyan, aware of Xuan Jiu's formidable power, feel somewhat fortunate. As for He He herself… she couldn’t clearly explain whether it was partially due to hearing of Xiang Shiyan’s jeopardy in Huaihai City. Perhaps, when grown, Zhaodi could become a helping hand to Xiang Shiyan. Wishing for a future without rivalry against Xiang Shiyan was a small personal wish. Currently, the master's cultivation was stalled due to the fox spirit nature and obstruction on the path of the Ruthless Way. Her small disciple couldn’t offer much aid, but if Xiang Shiyan was willing to converse, the great demon might disclose methods for her to change her cultivation approach. He He appreciatively grasped Xiang Shiyan’s hand, causing the latter to tense. Her disciple’s eyes sparkled like gemstones, captivating attention. Her warm, soft hands entwined with Xiang Shiyan’s, but so did the flowing water, which also managed to capture attention. Xuan Jiu’s spiritual manifestation tenderly caressed Xiang Shiyan’s neck, while extending down her shoulder with a hint of defiance, eventually grasping Xiang Shiyan’s other hand. Her touch felt like a lover’s post-coital caress, causing Xiang Shiyan to struggle uncomfortably until the water slipped through her fingers, interweaving with her digits, revealing an unexpected, non-malicious stroke in her palm. Xiang Shiyan lingered briefly, flicking her wide sleeve to gently lay her weary disciple onto the stone bed. Supporting He He to prevent a harsh impact, she ensured her rest before standing up irritably, telling the embedded Xuan Jiu within her attire, "Such disrespect—this doesn't convey any sincerity for a conversation." Xuan Jiu surely had more to say; otherwise, she wouldn't prolong this entanglement. "Yuehua Jun seems to hold many misunderstandings toward me. I sought you out today to clear things up, hoping for reconciliation." A large fog wafted from Xiang Shiyan, quickly reforming into the apparition resembling He He, even incorporating his left eye in place, uncannily lifelike yet eerily unsettling. Turning her gaze coldly toward the smiling, clasped apparition, Xiang Shiyan retorted, "You speak of peace, yet I only sense levity and disregard from you. Your recent actions…” She paused, blushing slightly, “Your frivolous behavior—I can hardly ignore it. Far from reconciliation, it deepens our animosity!” To her surprise, Xuan Jiu chuckled softly, "Indeed, I was distracted by my own whims and offended Yuehua Jun. That’s my fault." Xuan Jiu, though bold, exercised some restraint, merely teasing Xiang Shiyan’s neck and palm. It wasn’t just the unwarranted touch that troubled Xiang Shiyan; it was the realization of her own limited cultivation, making her vulnerable. She’d spent close to a century avoiding this kind of powerlessness, and the resurgence of such humility was a bitter pill to swallow. "No cause to concern myself with a mere Yuan Ying," Xuan Jiu taunted, "With your talent of a mid-tier Tian rank, don't waste any more time." "What do you mean by that?" "A minor goodwill reminder; the Jade Fox is an ancient lineage, its cultivation methods are unique, unforgiving even to hybrids." Xuan Jiu paused, "Have you thought about your future?" Xiang Shiyan frowned. "I have a question myself." "Oh?" "How did you know I am of the Yao lineage?" "Let's return that question to you. Yuehua Jun hasn’t answered my previous queries, have you?" The misty apparition grinned, her smile secretive and enigmatic, seeming less eager to know what Xiang Shiyan did. Yet she wielded this reason as a tool to stall or confuse, blurring her true motives. Xiang Shiyan’s suspicion was justified. She knew Xuan Jiu had formidable spiritual strength, but even so, Xiang Shiyan's hybrid Yao aura was faint, concealed for years. No ordinary person could uncover it at a glance unless Xuan Jiu had been watching her closely enough to pick up the most minute of clues. A chill ran down her spine. Xuan Jiu might still be lurking, but Xiang Shiyan had preemptively sensed her presence. Finding out from the masters in Huaihai City would logically raise suspicion about her, so it was unsurprising if Xuan Jiu monitored her for some time. It was possible she tailed He He to the Nine Saddle Peak precisely to lure Xiang Shiyan here. Sunlight poured through the cave mouth, illuminating the apparition with a surreal glow, rendering her already vague features even more indistinct. The sunlight was a reminder to Xuan Jiu as she remarked, "Time runs late, I'll take my leave today. I hold no ill will toward Yuehua Jun. I hope you realize that soon." "I’ll discern your intent myself, whether good or ill." Xuan Jiu seemed uninterested in making an enemy of her, and Xiang Shiyan sensed a faint invitation or proposal to collaborate. But without fully understanding her motives or methods, aligning with her felt reckless. Xiang Shiyan couldn’t take such a risk. After all, even if Xuan Jiu harbored no lethal intent, that didn't mean she wouldn’t someday plunge the cultivation world into chaos. Xiang Shiyan dared not trust someone with such a dangerous reputation, one who had claimed many innocent lives. Hearing this, the misty shadow feigned a disheartened expression. "It seems you’ve not felt my sincerity. If that’s the case, let me offer you something more." Suddenly, a veil of mist enveloped Xiang Shiyan. She instinctively retreated, realizing she was unharmed, though her neatly arranged hair had been loosed. With what seemed like countless hands, the mist re-tied her hair within moments. Xiang Shiyan watched as the misty figure casually swallowed her hairpin. She tentatively touched the unexpected jade pin now in her hair, hearing Xuan Jiu say, "If you encounter danger or need urgently, use this jade pin to contact me." The cool jade warmed upon touch, clearly no ordinary object—a communication artifact Xuan Jiu had prepared in advance. No sooner did these words fall than the shadow collapsed inward, spiraling into a vortex before vanishing completely from sight. Xiang Shiyan stood still for a good while, finally relaxing once she was certain Xuan Jiu had departed. The madness known from the original work seemed a gradual evolution. At least, the Xuan Jiu she conversed with appeared rational and clear-minded. Would she remain so in the future? Xiang Shiyan hesitated, pondering this. In the short term, Xiang Shiyan’s cultivation couldn’t hope to reach Xuan Jiu's level. Perhaps a mutually beneficial approach that spared the innocent was feasible; yet, placing hope in someone so unpredictable seemed tenuous. Turning her gaze to the slumbering girl, Xiang Shiyan noted He He's wound had stopped bleeding but still required careful tending to prevent infection. She lightly touched the bandage over He He's left eye before quickly withdrawing her hand. How could she trust someone who targeted an ignorant young girl? An abrupt buzzing in her ears pierced Xiang Shiyan's mind, prompting her to rub her temples. Slowly, she perceived a faint, disordered whisper. "Host... can you hear... Xiang..." "System?" "Important... animation..." No adverts here, permanent domain (xbanxia.com).