168 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 158: Parched Throat Cultivators possess bodies more resilient than ordinary humans. Although Xiang Shi Yan might appear delicate and fair-skinned, having achieved the Great Ascension, her physical form has diverged significantly from that of ordinary folk. Mundane weapons hardly pose any threat to her. Yet, why hadn't the marks from the girl's frustrated bites faded overnight? Standing before the water mirror, Xiang Shi Yan carefully observed the faint bite marks on her face. The oval impression was undeniably subtle, but its presence was unmistakable. The bite had been placed on her lower jaw by He He, requiring Xiang Shi Yan to lift her chin to even see the lower half. Witnessing the contrast between her white neck and the pale pink bite mark, she couldn't help but blush. She felt restless, repeating countless times a mantra of tranquility, yet the restless thing kept dancing within her. It wasn't anything significant, nothing to cause such agitation, yet when calm returned, she found herself frequently reaching to touch that peculiar mark. Xiang Shi Yan gave up on meditation, burying herself beneath her bedding in an attempt to sleep it off. However, curled in the darkness, the skin pressed with neat bite marks itched unbearably. She found herself reaching to caress it, half in an attempt to smooth it away, half with a suppressed feeling to touch it one more time. With the bite mark still visible come morning, the skin had become red from Xiang Shi Yan's incessant rubbing. Facing the mirror again, she gazed at the vacant-eyed woman, annoyed as her hand instinctively rose, leading her to clench her fist in frustration. He He hadn't kissed her, yet how was it different from a kiss? Xiang Shi Yan could still recall the gentle touch of soft lips and moist breath on her skin, the unintentional brush of a tongue... She applied ointment vigorously to the stubborn bite mark, and upon spotting the small jade bottle, recalled the timid, shy farm girl she first encountered. He He loved reading, growing up enamored by tales of mythical creatures and now affected by their crude, romantic content. Once gleefully babbling when her diligent mentor exchanged a few words with her, the young girl could now brazenly spout indecent language in her presence. Xiang Shi Yan regretted her absence in her disciples' lives for so long. However, would this incident have been expedited had she not secluded herself? Jolted back to focus, Xiang Shi Yan realized the bite mark was perhaps a trap—a tiny mark ensnaring all her thoughts in a vortex named “He He.” After stewing in her mind enough, Xiang Shi Yan applied extra powder to conceal it—out of sight, out of mind. She needed to visit Fu Liu Peak to discuss Long Rui Qing with Yu Ming. Exposed before her senior sister, Yu Ming would surely inquire about it. Yu Ming wasn't tight-lipped, and if this got back to Lian Long... Xiang Shi Yan shivered. Extending her spiritual sense around the hilltop cottage, He He wasn't around, possibly due to secluding herself in a mountain retreat as claimed. Perhaps it was for the best, as Xiang Shi Yan wasn't sure how to face her, thus avoiding saying hurtful things seemed wise. Unfortunately, her restrictions proved ineffective on He He. Xiang Shi Yan pondered whether to reconstruct the spells outside her door, but the intent would be unmistakable, appearing rather unseemly. With lowered gaze, the girl observed the book pages she'd painstakingly copied and bound, muttering phrases like "harmony of flavors to replenish essence." Her feet, driven by habit, led her toward the private kitchen on Mo Zhu Peak. The earlier simmered chicken should be tender by now, its savory aroma mingling with the herbs and spices lazily drifting around the courtyard. As she attempted to step over the kitchen threshold, she collided with someone hastily exiting, causing Zhu Yu to lose her balance and tumble to the ground with a hiss, her book slipping from her grasp. Raising her head in surprise, the girl found none other than Qin Miao, wearing an unusual expression. It wasn't meal time yet, and since Zhu Yu gradually took over the cooking duties in these past years, even He He rarely ventured into the kitchen. Qin Miao also hadn't dined with them, preferring solitude with fasting pills. What brought him here today...? "Sister, are you alright?" Qin Miao, calm through the collision, bent to pick up Zhu Yu's fallen book and extended a hand to help her up. Zhu Yu wasn't closely acquainted with this senior brother, but during a previous encounter, she'd felt an unsettling loss of control. Despite no mention of him practicing any mind-disturbing sorcery from Xiang Shi Yan, Zhu Yu remained wary, harboring caution towards him ever since. Ordinarily, Zhu Yu would avoid unnecessary physical contact with him, but in the lingering heat of the fall, Qin Miao's hand felt inexplicably cold, as if chilled by snow. Noticing her attention, Qin Miao attempted to retract his hand, but the girl grasped his wrist instead. "Senior brother, why is your hand so cold? Are you unwell?" Zhu Yu questioned softly. A slight tremor ran through his hand as perspiration clung to it, exposed as if revealing something: "The injuries from repelling the beast tide haven't fully healed yet..." "I see," Zhu Yu succinctly released her grip, "Why visit the kitchen today? If there's anything you'd like, let me know and I'll prepare it." Qin Miao hesitated, "No, not exactly. Passing through the courtyard, the aroma of chicken soup tempted me to check it out." Clearing his throat, he straightened, "Were you intending to serve it to the mentor? How about I deliver it for you?" Zhu Yu’s bright eyes sparkled briefly, a subtle smile gracing her lips as she scrutinized Qin Miao: "No need for such formality, brother. Though intended for the mentor, I'm sure she wouldn't mind sharing. There's no harm in serving you a bowl." Taken aback momentarily, Qin Miao smiled, "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony." As they ventured into the kitchen together, Qin Miao suddenly slapped his head, claiming he needed to attend to matters at the main peak, abruptly excusing himself. Watching him leave, Zhu Yu furrowed her brows, slightly uncertain over Qin Miao's odd behavior. Unsure if it was guilt or something else, the unease lingered. She lifted the lid, letting the swirling steam escape as the aroma of herbs mingled with the meat. Taking a moment to carefully sniff, Zhu Yu discerned nothing amiss. Not deeply cultivated, Zhu Yu couldn't work with supreme earthly treasures. While He He could generally acquire anything for them with gentle requests, Zhu Yu's culinary abilities were limited to dishes needing no spiritual enhancement. Although perhaps lacking great benefit to the Ascended Xiang Shi Yan, it was her labor of love since midnight, and should Qin Miao have tampered with it... Zhu Yu struggled to pinpoint her distrust and aversion toward Qin Miao, wary but unsure why, deciding the safe course was discarding everything. Hesitating, she prepared to taste a bit of the soup when a hand halted her. He He, moving with soundless grace, stood behind, pressing down on her wrist. Stepping forward, He He leaned in to inhale deeply over the pot. Zhu Yu watched anxiously for her reaction, relieved as He He shook her head. Yet not entirely at ease, He He dipped a tasting spoon, sampling the broth. Preferring the original flavor of ingredients rather than nuanced seasoning, the Black Dragon smacked her lips, casting a glance at the curious Zhu Yu. This kid certainly had some talent... He He's sense of taste wasn't particularly sharp, duller than the average person. Parsing such complex flavors was thanks to this human guise. Less impressive compared to her keen scent, ordinary poisons and toxins rarely affected her. Her tasting confirmed no harmful additives tainted it. There were indeed potent, undetectable concoctions capable of deceiving a sensitive demon's senses, and He was aware Qin Miao knew of Xiang Shi Yan's demon heritage. Should he scheme, it would be through covert, flavorless means, but for now, her body showed no reaction—evidently, if anything had been done, it wasn't in such an obvious place as this soup. Lately, Qin Miao's behavior had grown increasingly odd, perhaps disturbed by some insight from her brother's soul. Tsk, initially deeming him a potential plaything justified sparing him, she'd believed despite his faults he was above such ignoble acts. Apparently, her judgment had been too generous. Zhu Yu inched forward with trepidation, "So how is it?" "Hmm, nothing that acts immediately," He replied, casting a suspicious glance around the seemingly ordinary kitchen, "Qin Miao is acting strange; keep an eye on him if you have time." Focused on refining the dragon pearl obtained from the Valley of Grievance, He He spent most of her time secluded in a mountain cave away from Xiang Shi Yan. Embedded with concentrated, potent spiritual energy, the pearl, though millennia old, remained as potent as its prime. A misstep might easily alert Xiang Shi Yan. Yesterday, she acted mostly to ensure Xiang Shi Yan wouldn't dare approach her easily, preventing an unprepared exposure. While completely immersed in refining the dragon pearl, He He inevitably neglected to keep watch over Qin Miao and others, leaving her somewhat uneasy. Neither that person nor the soul within him harbored good intentions. If events from back then were to replay themselves... No, she wouldn't allow it. Zhu Yu glanced regretfully at her day's-long labor, feeling decidedly uncomfortable, when He He abruptly turned back at the door and remarked, "If this is prepared for the master, the flavor should be milder. At this stage of cultivation, her senses are far keener than a commoner's palate can handle. Maintaining the natural freshness of the ingredients is more than enough." Although those in the Great Ascension undergo the final transformation of the mortal body, compared to the six ancient bloodlines of mythical beasts, it's a mere fraction. Xiang Shi Yan would eventually realize she was on a path diverging further from humans. On a related note, Xiang Shi Yan's resilience shows she could achieve true enlightenment on her own, though the path she treads is much more arduous than her ancestors’. Ahead lie challenges greater than the bottleneck that trapped her for years. Even if she could breach the barrier to godhood on her own, what about the tribulations thereafter? Having chosen the path of emotions, she would inevitably face them. The girl lowered her head, gently pressed against her heart, pondering if her heart could help Xiang Shi Yan ascend. Beneath the thin, fragile human flesh lay an unsettling commotion of a monstrous shift, not the robust heartbeat of youth. He He lowered her gaze, knowing even if she offered it, Xiang Shi Yan might not accept it. By evening, Xiang Shi Yan was at her desk, meticulously planning her next move; she hadn't yet decided where to place her next piece against Xuanjiu. However, she couldn't just sit idly by, being led by the nose like before. Even so, Xiang Shi Yan felt uneasy. That afternoon, she had visited Yu Ming, who had isolated Fu Liu Peak after breaking ties with Long Rui Qing. Yesterday, she had He He deliver the mother gu there, but only managed to breach because she first sent a paper crane with a message. Yu Ming’s state was concerning; mental lethargy was perilous for a cultivator, risking being devoured by inner demons. She could only hope that the item Long Rui Qing risked his life to deliver would offer a turning point. At this stage, mentioning their incompatibility seemed untimely. Xiang Shi Yan merely wished Yu Ming well, with ethics and norms trailing far behind. After returning to her mountain, Xiang Shi Yan painstakingly examined the Fu Ling elixir again. The patterns bore a familiar trace, but it was undeniably a genuine Earth-grade pill. She wanted to give it to the equally damaged Yu Ming, but her refusal, along with Xuanjiu’s elusive intent, persuaded her to keep it for now. She was still sorting her own matters; how could she meddle in her senior sister’s personal affairs? The thought that both Huai Ye and He He were smitten with her seemed implausible. Surely, it was the so-called system halo affecting them. As things stood, Xiang Shi Yan felt like another Qin Miao, experiencing unsolicited affections disrupting her peace of mind. Cultivators should be single-minded in their pursuit of the Dao, not get sidetracked by emotions. Besides, those two deserved partners undisturbed by public scorn, cultivating relationships without burdens unlike her, a hesitating mentor. "Why is the master sighing again?" The girl’s crisp laughter startled Xiang Shi Yan instinctively. He He peeked through the window, grinning yet with a trace of complaint in her tone. "Locking the door—isn't the master too timid?" With that, the girl swiftly vaulted through the window, seeing Xiang Shi Yan freeze, wary of her presence. Not approaching further, He He amiably settled at the table, pouring herself tea. I should have sealed the window too! Xiang Shi Yan's hand slightly trembled on her pen. She maintained her seriousness, "Your senior brother Qin and I have matters to discuss shortly, it’s best you’re not here." The incense wafting from the room was Xiang Shi Yan's custom blend, though He He didn’t know the inspiration behind it. She knew it masked Xiang Shi Yan’s alluring scent specifically. In the past, that fragrance was only ignited on certain days monthly. Passing by the courtyard and catching its scent piqued He He's attention—Xiang Shi Yan was either meeting Huai Ye or Qin Miao. Huai Ye, that timid fool, was no threat, but Qin Miao… “What kind of isolation is it for you and brother Qin to be alone? I’m staying!” He He defiantly retorted, stubbornly refusing to leave. “I’m already drinking tea, no chance of kicking me out.” Xiang Shi Yan's heart dropped, suspecting her previous lack of stern rebuke had misled the girl into assuming she'd consented to their relationship. He He seemed to inch ever closer. This wasn’t good; she'd have to clarify matters with her soon. Xiang Shi Yan decided she’d address it right after Qin Miao’s visit to avoid future awkwardness. Unperturbed by Xiang Shi Yan's internal turmoil, He He held little trust in Qin Miao, coming expressly to watch him, ensuring he schemed nothing. Yet, her curiosity about Qin Miao’s potential issue was piqued. He He had sensed a similar aura between him and Huai Ye and wanted to see how Xiang Shi Yan would respond. The white-robed woman, always indulgent toward her, helplessly sighed, observing He He refrained from disturbing her, allowing her to stay. Xiang Shi Yan was still uneasy about Qin Miao, another person watching was better. To be truthful, He He had no real interest in romantic entanglements. To her, prolonging life and propagating lineage equated to having a meal or drink, mundane concerns transcended by humanity defying natural orders—neglecting food and drink, thus conquering such desires posed little challenge. Of course, certain mythical lineages, like the Jade Fox clan, retained ancient habits due to their special bloodline and cultivation methods, facing unimagined hardships, quite unlike Xiang Shi Yan, who surely endured much due to it. While all beings require sustenance, not everyone enjoys the right to preserve their lineage. For He He, suppressing desire seemed far simpler than abstaining from food, a principle she abided by. Yet, as she gazed at the focused Xiang Shi Yan, why did her mouth suddenly feel dry and parched? **Author’s Note:** Here we start anew. From "Su Wen·On the Coordination of Viscera and Seasons": "Five grains nurture, five fruits aid, five livestock benefit, five vegetables enrich; harmonizing flavors supplements essence and vitality." 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