Chương 66: Xin Ruyin's Choice! Star Pavilion, 6th Floor! Level 4 Demon Beast Essence Blood! Yin

Star Pavilion, 6th Floor! Level 4 Demon Beast Essence Blood! Yin Zhou Ding stood at the entrance of the inn, looking at Xiao Mei in front of him.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto this cobblestone street.

The lights of the market town in the distance were gradually thinning out, and the night breeze brought a touch of coolness.

Xiaomei was wearing a light green dress, her face showing a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

The moonlight shone on her, illuminating her beautiful face.

Her eyes sparkled in the darkness, yet held a hint of trepidation, as she dared not meet Zhou Ding's gaze.

"Xiaomei, are you aware of your young mistress's decision?"

Zhou Ding asked, his voice calm and revealing no emotion.

Xiaomei looked up at him but didn't answer directly.

She bit her lower lip, remained silent for a moment, and then mustered her courage to ask, "Young Master Zhou, will you treat my young lady well?"

The question was a bit abrupt, but Zhou Ding immediately had the answer in his mind.

Looking into Xiaomei's expectant eyes and at her slightly trembling body, he suddenly understood something.

Is this young lady vetting someone for her mistress?

She feared that her young mistress had entrusted herself to the wrong person, that Zhou Ding's actions were merely a passing fancy, and that her young mistress would suffer in the future.

That's why she asked that question?

Even knowing that this might offend Zhou Ding, she still wanted to find out the truth.

A smile appeared on Zhou Ding's face; it was a genuine smile from the bottom of his heart.

"That's natural."

His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying an undeniable sincerity.

Xiaomei looked at him, and seeing his sincere smile, a smile also appeared on her face.

That smile, like the spring sunshine, dispelled all the gloom and illuminated that delicate little face.

"Then I will treat you well, Young Master Zhou."

She spoke earnestly, her eyes sparkling with innocent light.

Zhou Ding smiled and nodded.

The two walked one after the other towards the bamboo grove courtyard.

The moonlight, like water, spilled through the bamboo forest.

A gentle night breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, as if they were whispering something.

The lights of the distant market gradually faded away, and the noise became increasingly faint, leaving only the tranquil bamboo forest and the winding bluestone path.

Xiao Mei walked ahead with light steps, occasionally glancing back to see if Zhou Ding was keeping up.

Zhou Ding followed behind her, his steps neither hurried nor slow.

He looked at the small figure in front of him and felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

This little girl is quite loyal.

He would do anything for his mistress.

Such a master-servant relationship is truly rare in the world of cultivation.

The cultivation world is full of intrigue and deceit.

Looking at the little girl in front of me, I suddenly realized that the cultivation world is not entirely cold and heartless.

At least, there is still this sincere friendship.

……

A moment later, the two arrived at the bamboo grove courtyard.

The courtyard remains the same, the bamboo fence remains the same, and the pavilion remains the same.

The moonlight spilled down, draping the entire courtyard in a layer of silver gauze.

The bamboo leaves shimmered with a faint silver light under the moonlight, and a gentle breeze rustled through them.

In the pavilion, a slender figure sat quietly, like a sculpture, blending into the night.

It was Xin Ruyin.

Today she was wearing a light blue dress, her long hair simply tied back, with a simple wooden hairpin in her hair.

Although her complexion was still pale, it was much better than it had been three days ago.

Those clear, watery eyes were now gazing towards the courtyard gate, their gazes filled with complex emotions.

There was anticipation, nervousness, trepidation, and a hint of barely perceptible shyness.

When Zhou Ding entered, she stood up and gave a slight bow.

"Young Master Zhou."

Her voice was soft, but carried a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

Zhou Ding nodded, walked into the pavilion, and sat down opposite her.

Xiaomei tactfully stepped aside, but didn't go far. Instead, she stood by the bamboo grove not far away, pricked up her ears, and secretly listened to the conversation between the two.

She glanced at Zhou Ding for a moment, then at her young mistress, her eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Zhou Ding looked at Xin Ruyin with a calm and honest gaze.

The moonlight shone on her face, illuminating her delicate features.

Xin Ruyin's eyelashes were very long, casting faint shadows in the moonlight.

Her lips were slightly pursed, indicating a bit of nervousness.

"Miss Xin, have you thought this through?"

Xin Ruyin raised her head and met Zhou Ding's gaze.

A complex emotion flashed in her eyes. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke.

"Young Master Zhou, I have a few questions for you. We've known each other for so long, yet I still don't know your background."

Her voice was soft, yet carried a hint of determination.

Clearly, although a decision had been made, a lingering concern remained in their hearts.

Zhou Ding nodded.

"Miss Xin, please ask."

Xin Ruyin looked at him and asked, "Is Young Master Zhou a rogue cultivator from Yue Kingdom, or a disciple of a sect?"

Zhou Ding answered truthfully, "I am a disciple of Huangfeng Valley in the Yue Kingdom."

A hint of surprise flashed in Xin Ruyin's eyes.

Huangfeng Valley, one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom, is a powerful force with a considerable reputation in the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom.

Although she lived in seclusion in this bamboo grove courtyard, she had heard of the name of Yellow Maple Valley.

She originally thought Zhou Ding was a member of a powerful family or a rogue cultivator, but she never expected him to be a disciple of a sect.

This put her at ease.

Disciples of a sect at least have a clean identity and are not destined to wander aimlessly.

She nodded and continued, "Is Young Master Zhou married? Is there a woman you admire?"

Her voice trembled slightly as she asked the question, and a hint of nervousness flashed in her eyes.

This is her biggest concern.

She didn't want to become someone's concubine, but she was also afraid of scheming against the "original wife".

She just wants to find someone who truly loves her and spend her life with them.

Looking at her nervous appearance, her slightly trembling eyelashes, and her tightly pursed lips, Zhou Ding understood.

He smiled slightly.

"Mr. Zhou is unmarried. Apart from Miss Xin, he has no other woman he is interested in."

Upon hearing this, a blush appeared on Xin Ruyin's pale face.

The blush spread from her cheeks to her ears, adding color to her originally pale face and making her look exceptionally beautiful.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes sparkled with surprise.

"That's good then."

Xin Ruyin lowered her head, not daring to look at Zhou Ding again.

After a moment of silence, she said softly, "I am honored by Young Master Zhou's high regard for me, and I wish to stay by your side."

Her voice was very soft, almost inaudible, yet it carried a firm resolve.

That decision was the choice she made after considering it for several days.

A smile appeared on Zhou Ding's face.

That was a genuine, heartfelt smile of satisfaction.

Xiaomei, who had been listening nearby, could no longer contain herself and rushed forward.

"Young Master Zhou, can your method truly save my young lady?"

She looked at Zhou Ding with expectant eyes, mixed with a hint of worry.

This is her biggest concern.

She wasn't afraid of hardship or toil; her only fear was that her mistress would die.

Zhou Ding nodded.

"Natural energy."

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Xiaomei's eyes.

Tears welled up and slid down her cheeks, but she was oblivious, only murmuring, "Miss is finally saved... finally saved..."

She rushed to Xin Ruyin's side, hugged her, and burst into tears.

In that cry, there was joy, release, and all the heartache and worry of the past years.

Xin Ruyin gently patted her back, tears welling up in her eyes.

How could she not know Xiaomei's feelings?

This girl has been with her since she was a child, sharing her hardships and sufferings, and has never uttered a single complaint.

Every time she had a relapse, Xiaomei would stay by her bedside, staying up all night and secretly wiping away tears.

Now, there is finally hope.

As Zhou Ding watched this scene, a complex mix of emotions welled up within him.

This master and servant have relied on each other for so many years, and their deep affection is truly touching.

He didn't disturb them, but simply sat quietly to the side, waiting for them to calm down.

A moment later, Xiaomei wiped away her tears and stepped aside.

Her eyes were red, but she had a smile on her face.

Xin Ruyin also calmed down and looked at Zhou Ding with gratitude in her eyes.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Young Master Zhou."

Zhou Ding shook his head, took out a jade slip from his bosom, and placed it on the stone table.

"Miss Xin, this is the 'Yin Yang Creation Secret'."

He pushed the jade slip in front of Xin Ruyin.

"This technique is divided into two parts: Yin and Yang. The female part is Yin, and the male part is Yang. This volume is the Yin part. You should memorize it first."

Xin Ruyin took the jade slip, took a deep breath, and probed it with her divine sense.

In his mind's eye, lines of ancient characters slowly emerged.

She read it carefully, word by word, afraid of missing any detail.

A moment later, a look of surprise appeared on her face.

The "Secrets of Yin and Yang Creation" are described in a way that is extremely mysterious.

By practicing dual cultivation, one can harmonize Yin and Yang, complement each other's natural resources, and not only improve one's cultivation level but also enhance one's aptitude and strengthen one's foundation.

This exercise is especially effective for people like her who have congenital physical defects.

According to the cultivation method, her Dragon Roar Body was due to an excess of Yang energy and a deficiency of Yin energy within her body.

Through dual cultivation, the yin and yang energies within the body can be harmonized, thereby suppressing the onset of the Dragon Roar Body.

It's even possible to completely cure it!

Xin Ruyin raised her head and looked at Zhou Ding, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Young Master Zhou, this cultivation technique..."

Zhou Ding waved his hand, interrupting her.

"Now that you've decided to stay by my side, there's no need to call me 'Young Master Zhou' anymore."

Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin's cheeks flushed again.

The blush spread from her cheeks to her ears, and then from her ears to her neck, making her seem as if she were enveloped in a light pink hue.

She lowered her head and softly called out, "Zhou Lang."

The voice was soft, with a hint of shyness, yet exceptionally beautiful.

Zhou Ding smiled slightly.

"Like a sound."

This was the first time he had called her name.

Hearing this call, Xin Ruyin felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She looked up at Zhou Ding, her eyes sparkling.

"Zhou Lang, when... when shall we begin?"

Her voice was very soft, and by the end it was almost inaudible.

Zhou Ding found her shy appearance amusing.

"I can do it anytime. As long as you memorize the Yin chapter."

Xin Ruyin nodded.

"Then let's do it in three days."

She paused, then said, "Zhou Lang, don't go back to the inn. Just stay here in this courtyard. Anyway... anyway, we'll be living together from now on."

As she finished speaking, her voice grew softer and softer, and her cheeks became increasingly red.

Zhou Ding smiled and nodded.

"it is good."

Xin Ruyin turned to look at Xiaomei.

"Xiaomei, go and prepare a room."

Xiao Mei nodded repeatedly and ran off happily.

……

The next day.

Xiao Mei nodded repeatedly and ran off happily.

……

The next day.

The morning sunlight shone through the bamboo forest, dispelling the chill of the night.

Dewdrops clung to the bamboo leaves, shimmering with iridescent colors in the sunlight.

Birds chirped merrily on the branches, adding a touch of life to the tranquil morning.

Zhou Ding left the bamboo grove courtyard and walked towards the center of the market.

His destination was the Star Pavilion.

Since we've already decided to stay here, and will be staying with Xin Ruyin for the next while, we might as well take this opportunity to purchase all the necessary supplies.

He needs more of the essence blood of a level-three demon beast.

If we could acquire the essence blood of a level four demon beast, that would be even better.

……

Star Pavilion is located in the very center of the market. It is a magnificent nine-story building.

The pavilion features flying eaves and bracket sets, carved beams and painted rafters, with exquisite lanterns hanging on each floor, gleaming in the sunlight.

The vermilion pillars, the blue tiles, and the gold decorations all highlight the extraordinary nature of this pavilion.

The storefront was spacious, with a constant stream of cultivators coming and going, creating a bustling scene.

There were rogue cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, sect disciples in the Foundation Establishment stage, and some elderly people with profound auras, who were clearly high-ranking members of various families.

Zhou Ding stepped into the lobby on the first floor.

The hall was extremely spacious, measuring several tens of feet square, and contained dozens of counters.

A dazzling array of magical artifacts, elixirs, talismans, and materials were on display, shimmering with light and brimming with spiritual energy.

A wooden sign hangs above the counter, indicating the types and prices.

The ritual implements section has everything: swords, spears, halberds, axes, hooks, and forks.

The medicine section was filled with bottles and jars, a dazzling array of items, and the air was thick with the aroma of herbs.

In the talisman area, talismans of various colors were neatly stacked, emitting a faint spiritual light.

The materials area was piled high with ores, spirit wood, and monster materials.

Many cultivators in the Qi Refining stage lingered at the various counters, asking questions. The place was bustling and noisy.

"How many spirit stones does this flying sword cost?"

"Two hundred spirit stones, no bargaining."

"That's too expensive, can you make it cheaper?"

"Fellow Daoist, two hundred spirit stones is already a very reasonable price."

Zhou Ding glanced at the goods on the first floor that were clearly targeted at Qi Refining stage cultivators, and shook his head.

He doesn't care about these things.

A sharp-eyed Qi Refining stage servant saw Zhou Ding enter and quickly came to greet him.

The young man was about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in a gray short jacket, with a smile plastered all over his face.

He glanced at Zhou Ding. Although he couldn't see through Zhou Ding's cultivation level, he could feel the faint but powerful aura emanating from him, and his attitude immediately became respectful.

"Welcome to Stardust Pavilion, senior! What would you like to do for me? I can show you around and introduce you to some things."

Zhou Ding glanced at the goods on the first floor that were clearly targeted at Qi Refining stage cultivators, and shook his head.

"I need some rare treasures, do you have any?"

The servant was taken aback upon hearing this, but his smile remained unchanged, and his tone became even more respectful.

"Senior, I'm truly sorry! This is only the first floor, and I'm afraid there's nothing suitable for you. If you truly wish to purchase fine items, please proceed to the third floor or higher, where high-level cultivators are specifically accommodated. The goods on the fourth to sixth floors are of even higher quality."

Zhou Ding nodded without saying anything more and walked towards the stairs.

As he walked, he released the aura of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The aura was faint, yet it was enough to make the cultivators along the way give way.

Zhou Ding didn't linger and went straight to the sixth floor.

The layout of the sixth floor is completely different from the floors below.

There are no counters or dazzling array of goods here, only a few rows of exquisite wooden shelves displaying treasures in brocade boxes.

The wooden frame is made of fine sandalwood and is carved with exquisite patterns.

The brocade box was made of the finest silk and embroidered with golden runes.

The entire floor was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, bringing peace to the mind.

A girl in red sat on a futon in the corner, resting with her eyes closed.

She looked no more than seventeen or eighteen years old, with a beautiful face, yet she was as cold as ice.

She wore a long red dress that made her skin look as white as snow, and her long, black hair was draped over her shoulders with a few strands falling across her forehead.

With his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, he exuded a calm and composed aura, subtly displaying a hint of arrogance.

Sensing someone approaching, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on Zhou Ding.

His gaze was cold and detached, carrying a hint of scrutiny and indifference, as if he were looking at a stranger.

"What would you like, fellow Daoist?"

She got straight to the point, her tone flat, lacking the usual enthusiasm of a shopkeeper.

"As long as you can afford the price, my Star Dust Pavilion's sixth floor can provide most of what you desire."

Zhou Ding sized her up, secretly speculating in his mind.

This young girl has already reached the early stage of Foundation Establishment at such a young age, and she can also sit in charge of the sixth floor of the Star Pavilion, so her identity must be extraordinary.

Perhaps he is the offspring of a Core Formation elder, or a disciple whom the Heavenly Star Sect is focusing on cultivating.

Her indifferent attitude and condescending tone showed that she was no ordinary shopkeeper.

However, Zhou Ding didn't care.

He came to buy things, not to make friends.

"I need high-quality demon beast blood. Level three or four demon beast blood, as much as you can get."

The essence blood of demonic beasts is considered an uncommon substance in the cultivation world.

Most cultivators don't need it; only a few body cultivators or alchemists would require it.

The person in front of me, who immediately asked for Level 3 or 4 certification, was clearly no ordinary person.

She looked Zhou Ding up and down but didn't ask any further questions.

With a thought, a puppet emerged from the corner.

The puppet was a humanoid puppet, about the size of a normal person, completely black, and moved nimbly.

It walked to a row of wooden shelves, opened two brocade boxes, took out six jade bottles, and presented them to the girl.

The girl pointed to the jade bottles.

"Three bottles of level three demon beast blood essence, and three bottles of level four demon beast blood essence. They are the blood essence of the Crimson Flame Wolf, the Frost Python, the Golden Armored Rhinoceros, the Purple Lightning Eagle, the Mystic Water Turtle, and the Fiery Lion."

Zhou Ding was secretly alarmed.

As expected of the Star Pavilion, they can take the essence blood of a level four demon beast without hesitation.

It should be noted that a level four demonic beast is equivalent to a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator; they are powerful and extremely difficult to hunt.

Its essence and blood are even rarer, and can hardly be found on the market.

The girl took out three bottles in one go.

He picked up the jade bottles and examined them carefully.

The jade bottle is about the size of a palm, crystal clear, and faintly glows with a blood-red aura.

A sealing talisman was affixed to the mouth of the bottle to prevent the spiritual energy of the contents from escaping.

He opened a bottle and took a gentle sniff.

A strong, pungent smell of blood wafted over, accompanied by violent fluctuations of demonic power.

The aura contained a powerful life force, as if a ferocious beast was roaring.

It is indeed the essence blood of a level four demon beast, and of superior quality.

Zhou Ding nodded in satisfaction.

"I'll take them all. How many spirit stones?"

The girl casually stated a number.

Zhou Ding raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not say anything more.

This price is indeed not cheap, but it's worth the money.

Level 4 monster blood essence is extremely rare and valuable; being able to buy it is pure luck.

He took out the spirit stones from his storage bag and handed them over.

The girl accepted the spirit stone without changing her expression, as if it were just a trivial matter.

Zhou Ding carefully put away the jade bottles and turned to leave.

……

Upon arriving on the first floor, Zhou Ding purchased another batch of medicinal herbs for refining the Purple Essence Pill.

The Purple Essence Pill is his most frequently used elixir, and it is quite helpful in improving his cultivation level.

It's always good to have extra.

After completing his shopping, he left Xingchen Pavilion and returned to the Bamboo Grove Courtyard.

……

In the days that followed, Zhou Ding lived in the bamboo grove courtyard.

Every morning, he would cultivate in the courtyard for an hour, circulating the true essence of the "Qingyuan Sword Technique" several times.

Every afternoon, he would discuss formations with Xin Ruyin in the pavilion.

Now Zhou Ding has mastered the basics of formations and no longer simply listens to Xin Ruyin's lectures.

He could occasionally offer some rather novel insights that would catch Xin Ruyin's eye.

Some of those insights came from the records in the "Qingyang Array Manual," while others came from his way of thinking as an Earthling in his previous life.

For example, you can compare the array to an electrical circuit, the runes to electronic components, and the flow of spiritual energy to an electric current...

These metaphors gave Xin Ruyin a new understanding of formations.

On one occasion, Zhou Ding proposed a new idea about the "Five Elements' generating and restraining relationships," which left Xin Ruyin stunned for quite a while.

"Zhou Lang, your idea... is something no one has ever thought of before."

She lowered her head in thought, her fingers lightly tracing lines on the stone table, deducing Zhou Ding's ideas.

A moment later, she looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It's feasible! This idea is feasible! If it can be implemented, the power of this formation can be increased by at least 30%!"

Zhou Ding smiled slightly.

"I'm glad I could help you."

Xin Ruyin looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

……

On this day, the two were discussing formations when Xin Ruyin suddenly spoke.

"Young Master Zhou, I have already memorized the Yin chapter of the Yin-Yang Creation Secret."

Her voice was soft, but Zhou Ding understood what she meant.

He looked up at her.

As the sun set, the evening glow painted half the sky red. Golden sunlight bathed her, giving her a soft, radiant glow.

Xin Ruyin's cheeks were flushed with a faint blush, and her eyes were filled with shyness and anticipation.

Zhou Ding smiled slightly.

"Then let's begin tonight."

Xin Ruyin lowered her head and softly replied, "Mm."

……

night.

The bright moonlight spilled through the bamboo grove, draping the entire courtyard in a silvery veil.

The bamboo leaves shimmered with a faint silver light under the moonlight, and a gentle breeze rustled through them.

The market town in the distance was brightly lit, and a few sounds of noise could be faintly heard, which only made the courtyard seem more tranquil.

Zhou Ding sat quietly inside the room, closing his eyes to rest.

In the next room, Xin Ruyin was getting ready.

In front of the bronze mirror, Xiaomei stood behind her, carefully combing her long hair.

Xin Ruyin's long hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, jet black and glossy.

Xiaomei gently combed her hair with a wooden comb, her movements slow and careful, as if afraid of hurting her mistress.

Xin Ruyin's face was reflected in the bronze mirror. Her pale face was now flushed with a faint blush, and her eyes held both nervousness and anticipation.

"Xiao Mei".

Xin Ruyin suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.

Do you think I'll regret it in the future?

Xiao Mei paused in her movements.

She paused for a moment before saying, "I don't know either."

She walked up to Xin Ruyin, knelt down, and took her hand.

Those little hands were cold and trembling slightly.

Xiaomei looked up at Xin Ruyin, her eyes full of seriousness.

Xiaomei looked up at Xin Ruyin, her eyes full of seriousness.

"But as long as it can save Miss's life, I feel I have nothing to regret."

She paused, then continued, "Young Master Zhou is a very good person; he should be a good match for you."

As Xin Ruyin listened to Xiaomei's words, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Then I trust Xiaomei's judgment."

She stood up and took a deep breath.

Xiaomei helped her straighten her clothes and then inserted a jade hairpin into her hair.

It was a white jade hairpin, crystal clear, with a plum blossom carved on the head.

Xiaomei bought it with spirit stones she had saved up for a long time, and she had been reluctant to use it. Today, it finally came in handy.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Xin Ruyin felt that she had never looked so good.

The red dress made her skin look as white as snow.

A white jade hairpin adorns the long, black hair.

The blush on her cheeks added to her charm.

She turned around, pushed open the door, and walked towards Zhou Ding's room.

……

Zhou Ding's door was not closed.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the room.

Xin Ruyin gently pushed open the door and went inside.

Zhou Ding opened his eyes and looked at her.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, shining down on her.

She wore a red dress, her long hair was loose and adorned with a jade hairpin, and her face was lightly made up, making her look like a fairy under the moon.

The red dress made her skin look as white as snow.

The white jade hairpin gleamed softly in the moonlight.

Those clear eyes were looking at him, filled with trust and expectation.

"Have you really thought this through?"

Zhou Ding asked softly.

Xin Ruyin nodded.

She walked up to him, looked up at him.

"Please, Zhou Lang, have mercy on me."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried a firm resolve.

Looking into her clear eyes, at the trust and expectation in them, and at her slightly trembling eyelashes, Zhou Ding felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He stood up and gently picked her up.

Her body was light and soft, with a faint fragrance.

Moonlight spilled down, and the candlelight flickered.

He blew out the lamp.

……

The next day.

Three poles in the sun.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the room.

Zhou Ding opened his eyes and looked at the woman in his arms.

Xin Ruyin was still asleep, her long eyelashes covering her eyelids, and a faint smile on her lips.

Her breathing was steady, and her complexion was much better than yesterday, no longer so pale.

Zhou Ding got up gently without waking her.

He got dressed, pushed open the door, and walked out of the room.

The sun was shining brightly, casting its rays into the courtyard.

The bamboo forest appeared exceptionally green under the sunlight, with glistening dewdrops hanging on the bamboo leaves, shimmering with iridescent light.

Birds chirped merrily on the branches, adding a touch of vitality to this beautiful morning.

Zhou Ding sat down in the pavilion and took a deep breath.

He looked great and was in a good mood.

I felt refreshed and invigorated.

Xiao Mei brought over a cup of spiritual tea and placed it in front of him.

"Young Master Zhou, you're awake."

She secretly glanced at Zhou Ding, her eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of shyness.

Zhou Ding picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Where is my young lady?" Xiaomei asked, glancing at the closed door.

"Ruyin overworked herself last night and is still resting."

Upon hearing this, Xiaomei recalled the sounds she had vaguely heard last night, and her cheeks turned even redder, her ears turning completely red.

Zhou Ding smiled slightly and remained silent.

Xiao Mei looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Young Master Zhou, are you tired? Would you like me to give you a massage?"

As she spoke, she was about to step forward.

Now that Young Master Zhou has become Miss's Daoist partner, he is Xiaomei's master.

Moreover, as long as Young Master Zhou can save Miss, Xiao Mei has promised to treat him well.

Zhou Ding found it amusing to look at her serious expression.

He shook his head.

"From now on, call me son-in-law."

Xiao Mei was taken aback for a moment, then a smile appeared on her face.

That smile was like the spring sunshine, bright and innocent.

"Yes, son-in-law!"

She responded cheerfully and ran off with the tea tray.

……

Time flies, and March has passed in the blink of an eye.

That day, in the room.

Zhou Ding sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to cultivate.

Within his body, the azure true essence circulated rapidly through his meridians, washing over his limbs and bones again and again.

The true essence was much richer and purer than it had been three months ago, flowing through the meridians like a ceaseless river.

Compared to three months ago, the amount of Qingyuan True Essence in his body has increased by at least half.

That feeling was like a small stream turning into a rushing river.

He opened his eyes, a look of satisfaction flashing in them.

The effects of these three months of dual cultivation far exceeded his expectations.

Xin Ruyin's Dragon Roar Body has accumulated an extremely terrifying amount of Yang energy over the years.

That yang energy was originally a burden on her body, a deadly poison.

Each attack causes her excruciating pain and drains her life force.

However, under the transformation of the Yin-Yang Creation Technique, that Yang energy was transformed into pure true essence, which was then transferred into his body through the dual cultivation method.

He benefited greatly from each night's dual cultivation.

The feeling was like taking the most advanced elixir, causing one's cultivation level to rise rapidly.

After three months, his cultivation level increased significantly.

Normally, at the pace of cultivation, it would take at least five years to progress from the mid-stage to the late-stage of Foundation Establishment.

But now, with Xin Ruyin's help, this time has been reduced by at least half.

In other words, in about two more years, he will be able to try to break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment!

A surge of excitement welled up in Zhou Ding's heart.

He stood up and walked out of the room.

The courtyard was bathed in bright sunshine.

Xin Ruyin was sitting in the pavilion, holding a scroll of array diagrams in her hand, concentrating on deducing them.

Her complexion was much better than it had been three months ago.

No longer so pale, no longer so weak, and even faintly regained some color.

Those clear eyes were brighter than before, sparkling with wisdom.

The Dragon Roar Body was temporarily suppressed.

She will not have another episode for at least the next few years.

Moreover, Xin Ruyin's cultivation level has also improved significantly, from the fourth level of Qi Refining to the sixth level.

Zhou Ding walked over to her and sat down beside her.

Xin Ruyin raised her head and looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Zhou Lang, your cultivation is complete."

Zhou Ding nodded and put his arm around her waist.

"What are you looking at?"

Xin Ruyin leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I'm studying an ancient formation. This formation is very complex. I've been working through it for several days, but I still haven't fully figured it out."

Zhou Ding glanced at the scroll diagram; the densely packed runes and lines were dazzling to behold.

He shook his head.

"I don't understand these. Take your time to study them, there's no rush."

Xin Ruyin smiled slightly.

"Um."

The two of them nestled together, gazing at the bamboo grove outside the courtyard.

The wind blew, and the bamboo leaves rustled.

The sunlight streamed down, warm and bright.

At this moment, all is peaceful and serene.