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Chapter 44 : Special Trump Card ‘Blazing Tripitaka(1)*

 

After much effort, the master and disciple finally managed to separate.

 

A flash of light, and the water stains on Chen Xi’s body evaporated completely. She then took out a set of clean black clothes from her storage ring and changed into them.

 

The boundless spring scenery was once again concealed, but it still lingered clearly in Yan Zhen’s mind.

 

However, during the previous slow and tedious process, he had another round with his beautiful master, and now he was in the state of post-coital tranquility, so he was not feeling lustful.

 

Ahem, he should be.

 

Yan Zhen lowered his head and silently cursed himself, “Don’t raise your head, you stud! How embarrassing!”

 

Even now, he still found it hard to believe that he had cultivated with his beautiful master for a day and a night.

 

Sigh, he didn’t expect it to go so wrong so quickly, but fortunately the system allowed him to reboot and replay.

 

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the key plot ‘Refining the Extreme Flame’. You can claim the reward on your own.]

 

—What?

 

He had already cultivated with the beautiful master, and it wasn’t considered a failure of the plot? This was completely different from the script!

 

—System, why didn’t you reboot?

 

[The host indeed refined the Extreme Flame with the help of the beautiful master, and he did not exhibit any behavior that would collapse his character setting, so there’s no need to rewind.]

 

“…”

 

Yan Zhen was at a loss for words.

 

Upon careful consideration, it seemed that the beautiful master had been the one taking the initiative the whole time, and he just sat there enjoying it.

 

Since he was forced to cultivate, it didn’t count as a character collapse? And since he successfully refined the Extreme Flame, it counted as completing the task?

 

—System, your judgment seems problematic.

 

[No.]

 

—Okay, as long as it doesn’t affect my ultimate invincible ending, and don’t play word games about heavenly enemies or else our friendship will be in trouble.

 

[The system is honest and straightforward.]

 

Yan Zhen let go of the system and checked the reward, which turned out to be a special trump card.

 

It seems that apart from the breakthrough plot, the regular rewards are all special trump cards.

 

However, this special trump card is different from the previous ones. The previous ones were “skills”, but this one is a “summon”, with an image of a handsome monk with a burning flame on his head, wearing a kasaya, and with a benevolent expression. It’s called “Blazing Tripitaka”.

 

After summoning, the summoned being will have the same cultivation level as the summoner. Now it’s a five-star Mystic One, and when he reaches the Mystic Scholar realm, the summoned being will be a Mystic Scholar.

 

Quite interesting~

 

It’s just the name that makes one not know how to comment on it.

 

The special skill is also a bit strange, called “Tripitaka Has a Gun”, which describes suddenly pulling out a gun and shooting.

 

Yan Zhen imagined it and felt the style was a bit bleak and weird.

 

At this time, Chen Xi had changed into her clothes and turned around, seeing Yan Zhen still soaking in the tub, so she said:

 

“Zhen’er, you shouldn’t soak in there anymore, come out quickly.”

 

“Ah? Oh!”

 

Yan Zhen felt a bit guilty and quickly stood up from the water, splashing water everywhere, making a loud noise.

 

Seeing her still vigorous and fierce disciple, Chen Xi paused for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly.

 

—This child, is he still not satisfied? They had been cultivating for a day and a night, and although it was aided by the dual cultivation technique, it was still a bit too much.

 

Chen Xi recalled that in her previous life, on the second day of Yan Zhen’s wedding, he didn’t come to pay his respects to her until almost noon, and the two new brides were walking with a strange gait, fully demonstrating what it meant to be “unable to get out of bed”.

 

Her disciple had crushed two at the same time, so if it was just her, she wouldn’t possibly be… No, no, no, now her cultivation was far surpassing Yan Zhen’s, so even if it was like that, she wouldn’t be “unable to get out of bed”.

 

Thinking of this, Chen Xi’s cheeks flushed even more, and the snow-white jade legs under her black dress slightly clenched together.

 

Noticing that he was exposing himself, Yan Zhen quickly turned around, facing away from the beautiful master.

 

He stepped out of the bathtub and similarly used his Mystic Energy to evaporate the water. Then he took out a new set of clothes from his storage ring and put them on quickly, before shyly walking up to the beautiful master.

 

“Master, I’m sorry for making you sacrifice so much for me.”

 

Chen Xi calmed her emotions and gently smiled, saying:

 

“Zhen’er, I did not force myself, nor do I dislike cultivating with you, so you don’t need to apologize. Moreover, this is not the last time, but the beginning. When you reach the Mystic Warrior and Mystic Master realms, I will still use the method of dual cultivation to help you refine the Extreme Flame. If you truly feel sorry for me, then focus on your cultivation.”

 

Yan Zhen was almost moved to tears: the beautiful master was both powerful and beautiful, and she was so gentle and kind to him. It was truly a blessing from his previous life.

 

The only problem was that the beautiful master was gradually straying from the script, how should he deal with this?

 

“I understand, Master, I will work hard.”

 

“Good, that’s my good disciple.” Chen Xi reached out and patted Yan Zhen’s head, pausing for a long time before continuing, “Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Zhen’er, try to activate the Golden-Silver Flame within you.”

 

Yan Zhen opened his palm, focusing his mind to mobilize the spark of his cultivation technique. A strand of it flowed along the meridians to his palm and burst out into a golden and silver flame.

 

The golden and silver flames burned quietly, emanating intense heat. Yan Zhen felt his Mystic Energy being rapidly consumed.

 

“Is, is this right, Master?”

 

Chen Xi nodded slightly:

 

“Not bad, Zhen’er, you have a talent for controlling fire. The Golden-Silver Flame has high plasticity, and in battle, it can be shaped into weapons to counter metal and jade-type Mystic Artifacts. But Zhen’er, you are still at the Mystic Cultivator realm, so using the Extreme Flame will consume a lot of your Mystic Energy. You need to plan carefully when using it in battle.”

 

Yan Zhen indicated that he understood.

 

“Mm, these next few days, Zhen’er, you should rest and consolidate your rapidly rising realm. After the New Year, I will teach you more techniques for controlling fire.”

 

“Thank you, Master. Then I’ll be going?”

 

“Go, you’ve been here for a day and a night on the first day of the New Year, your family must be worried.”

 

“Hehe, goodbye, Master~”

 

Yan Zhen scratched his head, activated the Star Shift Flame Seal in his palm, and disappeared.

 

After he left, Chen Xi sighed softly.

 

In fact, she wanted to linger a bit longer with Yan Zhen, to feel more of the warmth of their skin contact.

 

Chen Xi raised her right hand, and the large sleeve slowly slid down, revealing her fair and delicate wrist.

 

Her palm slowly opened, and a semi-transparent ice pearl hovered above it, with a vivid scarlet color inside, which was the blood she had specially frozen before.

 

“It’s really done…”

 

She had united with her disciple.

 

From now on, she was no longer just his master.

 

Chen Xi smiled faintly, her elegant smile now carrying a touch of charm and seduction.

 

A newly wedded immortal beauty.

 

“Phew.”

 

Yan Zhen appeared on his own bed, heaving a big sigh. Thinking about the gentle figure of his master in his arms, his heart burned with passion, but then he remembered that his behavior had slightly deviated from the script, and the heat in his heart immediately subsided.

 

—No, I have to pull myself together. This is just a small setback, as long as I continue to play my role well, everything should be fine.

 

Thinking about the upcoming plot, Yan Zhen’s mood improved greatly.

 

He had leveled up, learned the “Eight Extremes Explosion”, and refined the Golden-Silver Flame. At this point, the script should arrange for a suitable “villain” for him to show off.

 

And that villain…

 

“Cousin! Are you there? Your cousin and I have come to play with you~”

 

Ah, there’s his good cousin bringing the villain cousin to spank him.

 

Yan Zhen smiled graciously and went out to greet them.

 

——————

 

Tripitaka(1)* Buddhist monk in the classic novel “Journey to the West”

 

43. Peerless Beauty in the World

 

The tallest mountain Yan Zhen had ever seen was called Mount Everest, and the whitest snow was the snow on the peak of Everest.

 

But even on that snowy mountain at the top of the Earth, there would be no cherry blossoms blooming on the summit, let alone glittering gems.

 

Whether it was snowy mountains, cherry blossoms, or gems, they were all pleasing and beautiful sights of this world.

 

When they were combined together, the degree of beauty exponentially soared, emanating an indescribably peerless charm that could be called the most beautiful in the world!

 

The key was that there wasn’t just one, but a matching pair!

 

Double the peerless beauty in the world!

 

Adding the light and smooth silver-white hair floating and adorning them, half-concealing and half-revealing, that was equivalent to super extra happiness!

 

Yan Zhen stared blankly at his beautiful master in front of him, feeling a rush of blood surging to his head, making him dazed for a moment.

 

If his usual beautiful master was a cold and aloof fairy, then at this moment, she was a pure goddess!

 

Bathing together with her beloved disciple for the first time, even with Chen Xi’s many years of experience in calming her mind, it was of no use at all now. Seeing Yan Zhen look at her body and lose his composure like this, a thread of joy welled up in her heart. The shyness that followed made her subconsciously bend her jade-like arms and hold her ample bosom.

 

“Zhen’er, don’t stare at your master like that.”

 

Yan Zhen instantly came back to his senses, his handsome face turning bright red. He quickly covered his eyes with his hands.

 

“Sorry, Master! I won’t look anymore!”

 

Chen Xi was startled, realizing she had said the wrong thing. She silently cursed herself for being a fool.

 

Seeing Yan Zhen immediately not looking when he said he wouldn’t, she was half helpless and half amused. After a slight hesitation, she moved a bit closer to him.

 

The water rippled gently between them.

 

“Zhen’er, take your hands away. Your master will pass on the dual cultivation method to you.”

 

Really going to dual cultivate? There’s no need!

 

Yan Zhen was in a complete panic.

 

In this plot segment of refining the extreme flame, as long as his beautiful master passed on the flame normally and he directly skipped it, it would be fine.

 

How simple, how did it turn into dual cultivation?

 

“Master, I’m shy~”

 

He didn’t take his hands away.

 

Although he really wanted to look, and even wanted to touch, he had to endure it!

 

—I am an emotionless leveling machine~

 

Yan Zhen silently chanted in his heart, comforting the long-nosed elephant on his boxers.

 

Chen Xi grabbed Yan Zhen’s hands and gently but firmly opened them, revealing those lively eyes.

 

Their gazes met. Yan Zhen was so ashamed that even his ears turned red. Chen Xi’s heart also raced, but neither of them looked away.

 

Chen Xi tried hard to maintain her expression and said indifferently:

 

“No need to be shy. Just treat it as a special cultivation lesson. First, remember the dual cultivation method. In a moment, leave everything to your master. Zhen’er, you just need to focus on feeling it.”

 

Although Chen Xi herself also had no experience, she was the master and should guide her own disciple.

 

Without letting go of Yan Zhen’s hands, Chen Xi’s face slowly approached Yan Zhen’s, touching her forehead to his like before.

 

Yan Zhen could feel that it wasn’t just his beautiful master’s forehead pressing against him, but also two extremely substantial soft mounds.

 

A faint pressure was transmitted from his chest, different from usual, making one even more addicted.

 

Soon, a warm current flowed into Yan Zhen’s eyebrow center, transforming into a dual cultivation method that directly conveyed the essence, unfolding in his mind.

 

—No, Master, I don’t want to learn any dual cultivation method!

 

However, with his heaven-defying comprehension ability, plus Chen Xi’s easy to understand explanations, he instantly understood it on the spot.

 

Yan Zhen opened his eyes, looked at his beautiful master’s flawless pretty face that was so close, and swallowed his saliva.

 

“Master… Mmph!”

 

As soon as he opened his mouth, he was kissed by his beautiful master. Two snow-white jade-like arms reached over and hooked around his neck.

 

Out of instinct, Yan Zhen also stretched out his arms and embraced his beautiful master’s slender waist.

 

After a long while, their lips parted. Both of them were panting lightly.

 

Chen Xi held Yan Zhen’s face and said emotionally:

 

“It’s about to begin, Zhen’er. Let yourself go. Your master will guide you.”

 

Under the guidance of his beautiful master, the dual cultivation method automatically operated. Yan Zhen only felt an instinctive heat rising in his body, dispelling the coldness of the water.

 

Chen Xi’s snow-white delicate body also began to turn an alluring pink all over, becoming hot in Yan Zhen’s embrace.

 

With the sound of a low moan, the dual cultivation officially began.

 

Phew.

 

The gold and silver flames slowly seeped out bit by bit from Chen Xi’s delicate body, silently burning all over her, searing the extremely cold water around them.

 

Chen Xi immediately operated the technique. The gold and silver flames surged along certain meridians on the surface of her body, gathering in her mouth and transforming into a quiet little flame seed.

 

Holding the flame seed with the Gold and Silver Fire, Chen Xi kissed Yan Zhen again, passing it into his mouth.

 

—Hot!

 

Yan Zhen shuddered, as if he had swallowed a freshly cooked glutinous rice ball. It burned from his mouth to his throat, all the way through his chest, and finally to his dantian in his lower abdomen, aching with a burning pain.

 

He was about to cry out in alarm when a cool aura suddenly came from below, swirling in his dantian, quickly alleviating that scorching pain and making him feel warm and very comfortable.

 

—Awesome!

 

Following his beautiful master’s instructions, Yan Zhen immediately operated the “Imperial Blaze Art”, controlling the weak technique flame seed to slowly wrap around the flame seed of the Gold and Silver Fire and devour it.

 

Because the flame seed of the Gold and Silver Fire had already been completely tamed by Chen Xi, Yan Zhen’s technique flame seed, even though it was ridiculously weak, could still rely on its own power to gradually consume it bit by bit.

 

However, relying solely on Yan Zhen’s strength, completely refining the flame seed of the Gold and Silver Fire would probably take a very long time. But now he also had the enhancement of dual cultivation with his beautiful master.

 

Chen Xi split off a thread of her half-saint power to help him refine it. It was estimated that it could be successfully refined in a day and night.

 

Of course, during this period, they needed to maintain the state of dual cultivation.

 

Whenever Yan Zhen exhausted his mystic power, Chen Xi would carefully transmit her own mystic power into his body.

 

As time passed, the water in the large bathtub that was originally bone-chillingly cold slowly boiled in the high temperature of the extreme flames, turning into scalding hot spring water.

 

As the water rippled, it reflected the intimate figures of the master and disciple.

 

A day and night later, Yan Zhen successfully refined the extreme flame, making the technique flame seed rise to the Mystic One level, displaying the gold and silver colors of the Gold and Silver Fire.

 

The aura on his body also soared along with it, skyrocketing from One-Star Mystic One to Five-Star Mystic One in one go, and then slowly dropping to Three-Star Mystic One.

 

Bang!

 

The surging mystic power shook out of control, causing small cracks to appear on the large bathtub, and the water inside also splashed in all directions.

 

After venting, Yan Zhen’s aura calmed down, and he exited the cultivation state.

 

Feeling his entire body wrapped in snowy skin and tender flesh, Yan Zhen slowly opened his eyes. His pupils reflected the peerless snowy peaks. His gaze raised upwards before seeing his beautiful master’s pretty face.

 

“Master…”

 

Yan Zhen didn’t know what to say for a moment, his emotions too complex.

 

But it didn’t matter anymore. He had messed up the act anyway and should start over.

 

“Don’t think too much, Zhen’er. It’s already over.”

 

Chen Xi gently caressed Yan Zhen’s face, then leaned over and kissed his forehead before getting up from the water.

 

However, as soon as she lifted her bottom, she let out a soft and charming moan. Then her waist went limp, and she sat back down again.

 

This time, Yan Zhen couldn’t help but let out an “Oh” sound, his face turning red.

 

“Ma- Master?”

 

Chen Xi was very embarrassed. She had no experience. The first time lasted a day and night. At the same time, she had to protect Yan Zhen and replenish his energy for him, consuming a lot.

 

“Sorry, Zhen’er. Your master wasn’t paying attention for a moment.”

 

“Um, do you want me to support you?”

 

“No need. Your master will get up now. Zhen’er, don’t move first— Mm, Zhen’er? Why aren’t you listening…”

 

“Master, I didn’t want to either. This is an instinctive reaction!”

 

“/(//o/ω/o//)/

 

 

42. Now It Was Her Turn to Care for Him

 

[Ding! Key plot opening]

[Current plot – Chapter 38: Refining the Extreme Flame]

[Acting requirement: Refine the heaven and earth extreme flame given by Chen Xi]

[Completion 0%]

 

The system issued the mission at an inopportune time, but Yan Zhen wasn’t in the mood to pay attention to it right now.

 

Because his beautiful master actually said she wanted to dual cultivate with him…

 

Did he hear wrong?

 

“Master, you said dual cultivate, right?”

 

“As I just said, your master is now the spirit of the Fire Tempering Star Space. Besides being able to suppress the fierceness of extreme flames, I can also pass on the flame to others through dual cultivation after refining an extreme flame. The Gold and Silver Fire originally belonged to your master. As long as we dual cultivate, it can be directly passed on to you without any risk.”

 

There was not a trace of hesitation on Chen Xi’s face, as cold and aloof as ever, as if dual cultivation was just a small matter to her.

 

However, Yan Zhen couldn’t remain calm. What the heck was dual cultivation to pass on flames? This segment wasn’t in the script!

 

[Ding! System kind reminder: Chen Xi proposes dual cultivation to pass on flames in Chapter 520] 

 

Chapter 520? Yan Zhen quickly recalled the contents of that chapter and suddenly realized.

 

That chapter wrote that in order to confront the upcoming powerful enemy, Yan Zhen needed to greatly improve his strength. At that time, Yan Zhen had just broken through not long ago. To improve further, he had to refine a new extreme flame.

 

However, extreme flames were difficult to find. Yan Zhen was very troubled by this and rushed about every day, but still had no results.

 

So his beautiful master proposed “dual cultivation to pass on flames”.

 

Even with full preparation, the success rate of refining extreme flames was still very low, and one had to endure great pain. But if he dual cultivated with his beautiful master, her Starlight Glaze Fire could be passed on to Yan Zhen with zero risk.

 

Of course, Yan Zhen firmly refused, with the reason that he couldn’t commit an act that would harm his own master for the sake of power.

 

—Dual cultivation to pass on flames was actually real! Was this kind of ambiguous setting something a harem novel without a female lead should have?

 

Yan Zhen really couldn’t understand this original author, writing whatever nonsense.

 

However, his beautiful master proposing dual cultivation to pass on flames was in Chapter 500 something. Why was she proposing it now?

 

Damn it, in any case, he had to refuse. Only this way would it conform to the protagonist’s character setting.

 

“Master, I think, uh, isn’t dual cultivation not very good? After all, we are master and disciple.”

 

Chen Xi’s expression was calm:

 

“Since Zhen’er, you chose the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’, your master has to ensure that you can cultivate it well. The success rate of refining extreme flames is extremely low. Perhaps you were lucky and succeeded this time, but what about next time? The time after that? You won’t have good luck every time, and the consequence of bad luck is perishing in body and Dao. Your master can let you try your best, but can’t just watch you risk your life every time. Do you understand?”

 

“Master…”

 

Yan Zhen was greatly moved. It turned out his beautiful master had already considered things to this extent for him? She was willing to sacrifice her own chastity to create a stable cultivation environment for him.

 

His beautiful master was really too good to him, sob sob sob~

 

But this wasn’t right!

 

This was a harem novel world without a female lead. As the protagonist, an emotionless leveling machine, could he dual cultivate with his beautiful master? He couldn’t. There was no such plot, understand?

 

Besides, he wouldn’t fail in refining extreme flames. The later it got, the more he got the hang of it. When he advanced to Mystic Lord, with the assistance of the Fire Tempering Star Space, there was basically no risk. So this worry was unnecessary!

 

But how should he explain it to his beautiful master?

 

“Master, um, I can’t harm Master for my own sake!”

 

Yan Zhen tried to play the emotional card to make his beautiful master change her mind.

 

However, Chen Xi’s heart was moved upon hearing this: This child, he was still the same as his previous life, knowing to care for her.

 

Yan Zhen’s words made Chen Xi even more determined. While reaching out her jade-like hand to gently stroke his head, she said:

 

“Silly child, your master will likely be imprisoned in this Fire Tempering Star Space and not gain freedom in this lifetime. This body is already a useless shell. If it can be used for Zhen’er’s cultivation, nothing could be better. What harm is there to speak of?”

 

“Master, don’t say that…”

 

Wait until we advance to Mystic Lord, then we can take over the Fire Tempering Star Space and give Master back her freedom. Don’t give up hope of escaping so quickly!

 

Yan Zhen was a bit scared. His beautiful master said this as if she was going to become his cauldron. It was too outrageous!

 

Little did he know, Chen Xi indeed planned to do so.

 

Originally, Chen Xi intended to maintain her persona as the master and slowly capture Yan Zhen’s heart through daily interactions. But that New Year’s Eve dinner moved her greatly, making her resolve to abandon her own pride and actively become Yan Zhen’s cultivation cauldron.

 

Chen Xi was the spirit of the Fire Tempering Star Space. Her actively becoming Yan Zhen’s cultivation cauldron was equivalent to Yan Zhen indirectly becoming the master of the Fire Tempering Star Space. So he could borrow the power of Chen Xi, that is, the Fire Tempering Star Space, to refine extreme flames.

 

If Chen Xi had already refined an extreme flame, she could even pass on the flame with zero risk.

 

In her previous life, she watched her disciple risk his life to refine extreme flames again and again, but she thought this was a necessary trial on the path to becoming stronger. Even though she knew of a safer method to pass on flames, she didn’t intend to let him use it.

 

Until her feelings gradually changed, she finally proposed that she could dual cultivate with him to refine extreme flames safely and stably, but he firmly refused her.

 

Because Yan Zhen cared about her as his master.

 

Then now, it was Chen Xi’s turn to care for her precious disciple.

 

—Ahem, of course, it wasn’t without a tiny bit of selfish motive~

 

“Alright, Zhen’er, your master has made up her mind. There’s no need to say more.”

 

After saying that, Chen Xi telekinetically summoned the large bathtub Yan Zhen usually used for medicinal baths. With a flip of her jade-like hand, the colorful Starlight Glaze Fire was tossed into the tub, but it didn’t burn the tub at all.

 

Chen Xi made a hand seal, and the colorful flames instantly froze, actually condensing the fire into ice. She then flicked her finger, and the ice turned into water, filling the tub.

 

This was the technique of a Master Alchemist!

 

The water with traces of colorful light emitted a faint white mist, looking very cold at a glance.

 

“This way, it can reduce the high temperature generated when refining the extreme flame… Zhen’er, take off your clothes and get in.”

 

Yan Zhen’s scalp went numb. He tried to struggle and said:

 

“Master, I think we still need to reconsider—Ahhhhh!”

 

Before he finished speaking, Yan Zhen was grabbed by Chen Xi. She untied his waistband, shook off his clothes, even stripped off his long-nosed elephant patterned boxers, and threw him into the tub naked.

 

With a splash, water splashed everywhere.

 

Yan Zhen shrank in the icy water, his face red and ears burning, looking at his beautiful master with a cold and stern face, shivering.

 

He realized that his beautiful master was serious!

 

“Zhen’er, turn around first. Your master needs to undress.”

 

That cold and aloof face of Chen Xi suddenly showed a trace of unnaturalness, or rather, shyness?

 

“Master, don’t be impulsive. We can still discuss this properly—Glub glub glub.”

 

A fair jade-like hand pressed on top of Yan Zhen’s head, forcefully pushing him under the water, cutting off his words.

 

Then Yan Zhen heard the sound of silk rustling above the water. Then, a fair and delicate foot first stepped into the water. His gaze moved up, seeing legs like pillars, straight and long.

 

Yan Zhen widened his eyes, watching his beautiful master’s second jade-like foot enter as well, followed by large expanses of snowy skin, swaying in the flowing water, dazzling his eyes.

 

When his beautiful master was completely in the water, the jade-like hand pressing his head let go. Yan Zhen immediately floated up, gasping for air.

 

“Zhen’er, it’s about to begin.”

 

His beautiful master’s clear voice called back Yan Zhen’s attention. Focusing his gaze on her side, his eyes instantly went straight.

 

41. The Beautiful Master’s Method of Passing on the Flame

 

Chen Xi gazed at Yan Zhen with a gentle look:

 

“The three techniques each have their strengths and weaknesses. Naturally, your master hopes that you can inherit your master’s technique. The Grand Void Sword Saint was said to have the strongest offensive power at the same cultivation level. If you want to learn the sword, you can choose his sword art. However, Zhen’er, your bloodline and physique lean towards fire, so perhaps the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’ is the most suitable for you—think it over carefully. No matter which one you choose, your master will teach you wholeheartedly.”

 

“No need to think, Master. I choose the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’!” Yan Zhen’s eyes were resolute. “The best technique is right in front of me. Of course I have to seize the opportunity. If I don’t dare to try because the cultivation difficulty is too high, I might as well give up cultivation and be an ordinary person!”

 

Hearing this, Chen Xi smiled with satisfaction.

 

These words were exactly the same as what he said in his previous life. Indeed, Zhen’er was still her Zhen’er. He wouldn’t lose his brave heart just because she was a bit more gentle with him.

 

“Since you’ve decided, your master will pass on the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’ to you.”

 

“Thank you, Master!”

 

“Mm, the essence scriptures of the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’ contain an immense imperial pressure that you can’t bear in your current state. Your master will have to share the memory with you. Zhen’er, open your mind.”

 

“I understand, Master.”

 

Yan Zhen closed his eyes. Soon, the elegant fragrance from his beautiful master’s body slowly wafted closer, and her forehead lightly touched his.

 

—Hm? Is it necessary to share memories like this? Can’t it be transmitted remotely?

 

Yan Zhen grew doubtful.

 

—Forget it. How to pass it on is his beautiful master’s business. It’s useless for him to overthink.

 

“Starting now, Zhen’er.”

 

Speaking at such a close distance, his beautiful master’s slightly warm breath fell on Yan Zhen’s face, seemingly carrying a faint sweetness.

 

Ripples emerged on the calm lake of Yan Zhen’s heart, but he quickly suppressed them.

 

A faint glow lit up where the master and disciple’s foreheads touched, growing brighter and brighter. From a distance, it looked as if the two were holding a dazzling star between them.

 

As the glow brightened, Chen Xi’s technique memory flowed like a warm current, slowly entering Yan Zhen’s mind.

 

A full half an hour later, Chen Xi finally finished passing the complete “Imperial Blaze Art” to Yan Zhen.

 

After the transmission, Chen Xi separated from Yan Zhen and discovered that the attributes of his mystic power had already begun to change.

 

The reborn Chen Xi naturally knew how highly compatible the “Imperial Blaze Art” was with Yan Zhen. It was simply tailor-made for him.

 

Another half an hour passed. Yan Zhen successfully condensed the technique’s fire seed in his dantian, and under the tempering of the fire seed, all of his mystic power transformed into fire mystic power, taking on a domineering and cool white-gold color.

 

He slowly concluded his cultivation and exited the cultivation state, reopening his eyes.

 

He had just advanced to One-Star Mystic One yesterday. After cultivating the “Imperial Blaze Art”, his mystic power had become incomparably stable and even richer.

 

Compared to yesterday, his cultivation level didn’t change much, but his combat power had likely more than doubled.

 

The system’s prompt of 100% plot completion sounded in his ears. Yan Zhen casually claimed the reward and found that it was another useless special trump card. He threw it into the system inventory without even looking at it.

 

“Master, I succeeded!”

 

“Not bad. Your qi is continuous. Perhaps you can quickly attempt to break through to Two-Star Mystic One, provided that you have already refined a strand of heaven and earth extreme flame and upgraded the technique’s fire seed to the Mystic One level. Otherwise, your cultivation will be forever stuck at One-Star Mystic One.”

 

Yan Zhen flattered with a grin, “Master letting me learn the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’ means you must have prepared a heaven and earth extreme flame for me in advance, right?”

 

“You’re quite clever.” Chen Xi’s cold expression quickly melted away. She looked at Yan Zhen with meaningful eyes. “Apart from the Starlight Glaze Fire, your master indeed has another strand of heaven and earth extreme flame that can be passed on to you.”

 

“Hehe, Master treats me the best.” Yan Zhen buttered up and curiously asked, “What kind of extreme flame is it?”

 

Chen Xi flipped her jade-like hand, and a strand of fierce gold and silver flame suddenly ignited in her palm. An intense high temperature immediately descended, making Yan Zhen feel as if he was in a furnace.

 

“This fire is the first strand of extreme flame your master refined. It’s called ‘Gold and Silver Fire’. Although it’s not on the list of extreme flames, and its power is relatively weak, its functionality is powerful. Not only does it have high plasticity, able to transform into a sword or armor, but it also has a certain corrosive effect on metal and jade-type mystic tools. When facing sword cultivators or blade cultivators, it can easily gain the upper hand.”

 

Wow, Yan Zhen’s eyes reflected the gold and silver flames, his face full of desire.

 

Although he already knew the plot, who wouldn’t covet the cool treasures in the novel when reading it?

 

What Yan Zhen coveted the most in this harem novel without a female lead was the heaven and earth extreme flames. Each one was stronger and cooler than the last!

 

“The Gold and Silver Fire is so cool. Thank you for the gift, Master. I will definitely treat it well.”

 

Yan Zhen was about to reach out his hand when his beautiful master slapped it away.

 

“Take your paws away. Do you not want to live anymore? Although the Gold and Silver Fire isn’t as powerful as other famous extreme flames on the list, it’s still not something you can touch right now.”

 

“Ah, this… If I can’t even touch it, how do I refine it?”

 

Yan Zhen asked knowingly, perfectly acting out a confused and silly expression.

 

“With your current cultivation, it’s absolutely impossible for you to refine the Gold and Silver Fire. The moment the flames enter your body, you would turn to ashes. Your master has to use an alternative method to pass this fire to you.”

 

“What method?”

 

Seeing Yan Zhen’s eager look, the corners of Chen Xi’s mouth slightly curved into a beautiful arc, and her heart also sped up a little.

 

But she couldn’t smile now, lest she reveal her intentions.

 

She tightened her face again and said indifferently, “This ‘Fire Tempering Star Space’ has an extremely strong suppressive power over heaven and earth extreme flames. As your master is the spirit of this place, as long as I activate the array formation plaza under my feet, I can greatly reduce the wildness of the extreme flames. Even so, refining extreme flames still has great risks. If you’re the slightest bit careless, you’ll explode and die. Moreover, when the flames enter your body, it’s extremely, extremely painful. Ordinary people would find it hard to endure.”

 

Hearing this, Yan Zhen felt a bit frightened in his heart.

 

The process of refining extreme flames was described in great detail in the script, with a whole chapter of 2,000 words describing how painful it was for him. Afterwards, he even fainted for a day and a night due to the excruciating pain. Just thinking about it was scary.

 

It was probably to showcase the protagonist’s extraordinary willpower, after all, this was a leveling up and monster-slaying harem novel without a female lead.

 

However, Yan Zhen now possessed the system’s “skip” function. As long as he endured the pain for a short while at the beginning, then directly skipped, it would be fine. He wasn’t worried at all.

 

“I’m not afraid, Master. I can endure it!”

 

“But your master is afraid. Your master is afraid of accidentally losing you, you silly disciple.”

 

“Uh, there’s no other way. We have to give it a try.”

 

“There’s an even safer method.”

 

“An even safer method? Is there one?”

 

There wasn’t, right? This wave relied on him exerting the power of the protagonist’s plot armor and gritting his teeth to get through it.

 

“There is.”

 

“What method?”

 

Yan Zhen was at a loss, his little brows slightly furrowing in thought.

 

Chen Xi paused for a long time, then let out a soft sigh, as if she had made up her mind. She resolutely said:

 

“It’s for you and your master to engage in dual cultivation, and your master will refine the Gold and Silver Fire for you.”

 

Yan Zhen froze for a moment, then his eyes slowly widened, as shocked as if he had seen a ghost.

 

—Dual cultivation… When did this plot appear???

40. The Beautiful Master’s Mysterious Cultivation Technique

 

On New Year’s Eve night.

 

Yan Zhen had a dream. In the dream, he was still a little child, being chased by a monster named “Year”, running away desperately while crying out. Then, his beautiful master in white robes and with silver hair gracefully descended, killing the “Year Beast” with one strike and saving him.

 

“Are you willing to become my disciple?”

 

His beautiful master hugged his young self and asked.

 

Little Yan Zhen looked up at his beautiful master’s peerless fairy-like face with utmost admiration, nodding repeatedly like a pecking chick.

 

His beautiful master smiled faintly and asked again:

 

“Then, are you willing to become my husband?”

 

Little Yan Zhen instantly froze.

 

“Not saying anything means you agree by default?” The gentle smile on his beautiful master’s face became strange. “Then from today onward, you are my husband.”

 

Little Yan Zhen was dumbfounded. He heard his beautiful master say:

 

“Good husband, let’s consummate our marriage now~”

 

After saying that, she eagerly kissed him.

 

Little Yan Zhen only felt an indescribable softness enveloping him.

 

At this moment, a red system interface suddenly popped up in front of his eyes. A cold, mechanical voice broadcasted:

 

[Ding! System Warning: Detected that the host’s behavior seriously violates the protagonist’s character setting. Please stop immediately. Please stop immediately.]

 

Ding! Ding! Ding!

 

Instantly, hundreds and thousands of red system interfaces popped up around him, repeatedly broadcasting the same sentence.

 

[Please stop immediately. Please stop immediately.]

 

Little Yan Zhen’s scalp went numb, his eyes filled with horror. He finally screamed out loud.

 

“Ahhhhh—”

 

On the altar in the crystal space.

 

“—Ahhhhh!”

 

Yan Zhen woke up from the dream with a shout, panting heavily, his chest palpitating.

 

“Awake?”

 

His beautiful master’s voice came from above, but Yan Zhen’s vision was blocked by two towering G-peaks, unable to see her face.

 

“Master, how did I…” Yan Zhen blinked his eyes, slowly coming back to his senses. “Ah! Master, I’m sorry. I’ll get up right away.”

 

Yan Zhen hurriedly sprang up from his beautiful master’s lap pillow, but unexpectedly, his face bumped right into the heavy G-peaks and was bounced back.

 

Chen Xi’s cheeks turned slightly red from her disciple’s series of blind operations. She reached out her hands and lightly pressed down on him, saying:

 

“Don’t rush, Zhen’er. You just got drunk and slept on your master’s lap for a while.”

 

“So that’s what happened. Thank you for taking care of me, Master.” Seeing that his beautiful master wasn’t angry, Yan Zhen also relaxed. Then he tentatively asked, “Um, I didn’t do anything weird, right?”

 

“No,” Chen Xi shook her head with a smile. “But you did say a few things in your sleep.”

 

Yan Zhen’s heart sank.

 

“What did I say?”

 

Chen Xi tried to recall.

 

“Zhen’er, you said, ‘Master smells nice and feels soft. I want to take a bite.’ Hehe~ Your master isn’t a snack, you know.”

 

“Ah?” Yan Zhen was startled and hurriedly explained, “Master, I didn’t mean it that way. I- I might have dreamed that I was hungry, so I said those things!”

 

Chen Xi just smiled without saying anything.

 

Yan Zhen felt even more guilty, secretly thinking, how could I say such things in my sleep? Could it be that deep down in my heart, I really have the desire to disrespect my master? No! I’m not like that! I’m just an emotionless leveling machine!

 

“Alright, Zhen’er, get up and clear your mind. While there’s still time, your master will pass on the cultivation techniques to you.”

 

Cultivation techniques!

 

At the mention of this, Yan Zhen immediately perked up. He got up, patted his cheeks, then knelt upright in front of his beautiful master, looking at her with anticipation.

 

Chen Xi also put on a solemn expression and said seriously:

 

“Your master has three mystic techniques here. Zhen’er, you can choose one to cultivate.”

 

Yan Zhen quickly nodded twice.

 

“The first one is what your master is currently cultivating, called the ‘Star Dance Divine Art’. It’s a sacred mystic technique that can directly lead to the Mystic Saint realm.”

 

The “Star Dance Divine Art” involves the cultivator absorbing the power of the stars and integrating it into their own mystic power, giving the mystic power various wondrous uses. It’s especially suitable for Master Alchemists.

 

“The second one is something your master obtained by chance, called the ‘Grand Void Sword Art’. It was created by the Grand Void Sword Saint and is also a sacred mystic technique.”

 

The “Grand Void Sword Art” is relatively straightforward. It’s the sword Dao of the void. When cultivated to a profound level, one can sever the void with their sword, possessing powerful offensive capabilities.

 

“As for the third one, it’s a strange mystic technique derived from this mysterious and unfathomable Fire Tempering Star Space. After your master unexpectedly merged with the star space and became its spirit, she learned the complete chapters. Although your master hasn’t cultivated it, based on her deductions, this technique has a high possibility of directly leading to the Celestial Sovereign realm!”

 

Celestial Sovereigns are the pinnacle existences on the Mystical Heavenly Continent, truly invincible supreme experts who can destroy a country like the Gallo Kingdom with a single finger.

 

Gulp~ Yan Zhen swallowed his saliva, craving it. He asked:

 

“What technique is that?”

 

Chen Xi looked at Yan Zhen and slowly recited:

 

“The ‘Imperial Blaze Art’.”

 

—Here it comes!

 

Yan Zhen got excited. At the same time, the system also issued a mission.

 

[Ding! Key plot opening]

 

[Current plot – Chapter 36: Imperial Blaze Art]

 

[Acting requirement: Cultivate the “Imperial Blaze Art” and transform mystic power into fire attribute]

 

[Completion 0%]

 

That wasn’t all. With another ding, a new interface popped up on the side.

 

[Ding! System kind reminder: The “Imperial Blaze Art” is the protagonist’s fundamental technique. If unable to cultivate it, you need to act again from the beginning]

 

—Rest assured, I’m definitely learning the “Imperial Blaze Art”. Even God can’t stop me, I’m telling you!

 

“Master, I choose the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’!”

 

“Little greedy ghost, don’t be in a hurry to choose. Your master hasn’t finished speaking.” Chen Xi glanced at Yan Zhen indifferently, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. “Although the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’ is incomparably powerful, it also has a fatal flaw.”

 

—I know, I know, but I won’t say it. I’ll just ask.

 

“What flaw?”

 

“After cultivating the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’, a strange fire seed will condense within your body, serving as the foundation of the technique. Every time you reach a major realm, you must refine a strand of heaven and earth extreme flame to upgrade the fire seed within your body.”

 

“Refine heaven and earth extreme flame?”

 

“That’s right. From Mystic One to Celestial Sovereign, you need to refine at least ten strands of heaven and earth extreme flame. If you don’t refine heaven and earth extreme flame, your cultivation will slowly stagnate until you refine it. Zhen’er, do you know what this means?”

 

Yan Zhen weakly nodded.

 

Chen Xi said to him seriously:

 

“Heaven and earth extreme flames are extremely rare. Even mystic cultivators with profound cultivation find it difficult to collect a single strand, let alone ten. And once you advance to a new realm, if you can’t refine heaven and earth extreme flame in time, your cultivation will be hindered. You could say that if you choose to cultivate the ‘Imperial Blaze Art’, apart from cultivation, you also need to spend a lot of time and effort to find and even seize heaven and earth extreme flames. Now, do you still want to choose it, Zhen’er?”

 

—Of course I do. “Seeking heaven and earth extreme flames” is the main plotline of this harem novel without a female lead. That’s why the system said if the “Imperial Blaze Art” isn’t cultivated successfully, it needs to be redone from the beginning. Because without learning the “Imperial Blaze Art”, the subsequent main plotline can’t be developed.

 

However, Yan Zhen still showed a conflicted expression on the surface, displaying that he was both moved by the Celestial Sovereign-level mystic technique and worried about its extremely high cultivation requirements.

 

“Which one does Master think is better for me to choose?”

39. Eating New Year’s Eve Dinner Together

 

“Zhen’er, come sit beside your master.”

 

Chen Xi patted the spot next to her. Her usually cold face now emitted a faint, gentle glow, like a holy mother.

 

“Okay, Master.”

 

Yan Zhen obediently knelt down beside his beautiful master and picked up the wine pot to fill the cups.

 

The aroma of wine mixed with the fragrance of the dishes was the scent of happiness that common people sought.

 

“Master, please enjoy.”

 

Chen Xi picked up the small wine cup and brought it to her lips, taking a light sip.

 

The wine moistened her lips, sparkling faintly under the blazing starlight in this space, adding a touch of moving charm.

 

“Not bad wine… Zhen’er, why don’t you have some with your master?”

 

Yan Zhen didn’t like drinking much, but he didn’t refuse his beautiful master’s suggestion. After pouring another cup for his master, he filled one for himself too.

 

“Master, I toast this cup to you, thanking you for your guidance these past few months.”

 

After saying that, Yan Zhen closed his eyes and downed the cup of wine in one gulp, feeling a burning sensation from his mouth to his throat. A thin blush quickly rose on his cheeks.

 

He was a lightweight when it came to alcohol.

 

Seeing her disciple’s face turn red after drinking one small cup of wine, Chen Xi’s heart instantly rippled with layers of emotion, secretly thinking how adorable~

 

Yan Zhen opened his eyes and discovered his beautiful master staring at him, making him feel awkward.

 

“Master, try the dishes. They’re all made by the head chefs at home and taste quite good.”

 

Chen Xi looked over the dishes and asked, “Zhen’er, which ones do you like?”

 

“Me?” Yan Zhen blinked. “I prefer meat dishes, like braised pork, roast duck, fried chicken, and the like. But I guessed Master’s taste would be lighter, so I didn’t bring that much meat. What does Master like to eat? I’ll go get it.”

 

“No need. These are enough. Your master will try the braised pork you like first.”

 

Chen Xi picked up her chopsticks and picked up a chunk of braised pork. The square piece of meat was already so tender it was like tofu. Pressing down with the chopsticks could easily break it apart.

 

Chen Xi broke off a small piece and brought it to her mouth. Indeed, it melted as soon as it entered.

 

Of course, to her tongue that had tasted all kinds of delicacies, the flavor could only be considered ordinary. But she was very happy in her heart.

 

Because this was the “New Year’s Eve dinner” that Yan Zhen had specially prepared for her.

 

“How does it taste, Master?”

 

“Not bad.”

 

“Then please have more, Master.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Chen Xi used her chopsticks to break off another large piece. After picking it up, she brought it to Yan Zhen’s mouth.

 

“Zhen’er, you eat too.”

 

Yan Zhen was stunned for a moment and said awkwardly, “Master doesn’t need to mind me. I can pick it up myself.”

 

“You can’t eat what your master picks up for you?”

 

“Uh, that’s not what I meant.”

 

“Open your mouth, Zhen’er.”

 

“…”

 

Under his beautiful master’s quiet gaze, Yan Zhen had no choice but to open his mouth and eat the meat held by the chopsticks.

 

“Is it good?”

 

Yan Zhen nodded vigorously. It seemed to taste a bit better than what he had eaten from the table earlier.

 

“Then have another bite?”

 

His beautiful master’s gentle voice almost made Yan Zhen nod again. Coming back to his senses, he hurriedly said, “I can do it myself. Master, please try the other dishes.”

 

“Alright then.”

 

Chen Xi didn’t insist. This time, she picked up a large prawn and put it in her bowl. She looked at it, seemingly not knowing where to start.

 

Seeing this, Yan Zhen tried asking, “Master, should I help you peel the shell?”

 

Chen Xi nodded.

 

“Then I’ll trouble you, Zhen’er.”

 

“No trouble at all. It’s a small matter.”

 

Yan Zhen skillfully peeled off the shrimp shell, dipped the shrimp meat in minced garlic vinegar, and then placed it back in his beautiful master’s bowl.

 

Chen Xi ate the shrimp meat coated in minced garlic vinegar and smiled faintly.

 

“I brought two kinds of dipping sauces. Besides minced garlic vinegar, there’s also scallion oil. Master can also try dipping in scallion oil for a different flavor.”

 

“Then I’ll have to trouble Zhen’er to peel another shrimp for your master.”

 

“Leave it to me. Master, just eat as you please.”

 

Yan Zhen nimbly peeled another large prawn. After dipping it in scallion oil, he was about to place it in his beautiful master’s bowl when he saw her use her free left hand to tuck her silver-white hair behind her ear, then slightly open her mouth and come forward, biting the shrimp meat.

 

Yan Zhen froze, dumbly watching his beautiful master bite away the shrimp meat he was holding, feeling the lingering softness and slipperiness on his fingers. He swallowed his saliva with a gulp.

 

Chen Xi slowly chewed for a while, then gently swallowed and elegantly licked her lips, saying, “It indeed has a different flavor. Let’s try some others… Zhen’er, don’t just stand there. Eat together. There are so many dishes that your master can’t finish alone.”

 

“Oh~”

 

Yan Zhen started eating big mouthfuls along with her, occasionally picking up some dishes for his beautiful master.

 

Chen Xi would also pick up dishes for him and even feed him.

 

Seeing the gentle smile on his beautiful master’s face that was like melting ice and snow, Yan Zhen didn’t think too much. He just thought she was happy because it was the New Year and readily accepted being fed.

 

“Come, Zhen’er, toast with your master.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“This wine is indeed not bad. Let’s have another cup.”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Happy New Year’s Eve. Cheers.”

 

“Happy New Year’s Eve.”

 

“Your master will also toast you a cup.”

 

“Ah? Oh.” 

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

Cup after cup, Yan Zhen couldn’t hold his liquor and was already dizzy.

 

Chen Xi, on the other hand, didn’t show any abnormality at all, except for a few shades of blush on her pretty face, as if she had applied rouge.

 

“Zhen’er, your face is so red. Are you drunk?”

 

“A- a little.”

 

“Then sit closer and lean on your master.”

 

Saying that, Chen Xi reached out her left arm and encircled Yan Zhen’s waist, letting him intimately lean against her body.

 

With the alcohol going to his head, Yan Zhen felt his mind heavy and sluggish. He didn’t resist at all and instead leaned over as if using his beautiful master’s shoulder as a pillow.

 

“Master smells so nice.” Yan Zhen sniffed and said dazedly, “Smelling it makes me a bit sleepy.”

 

Hearing this, Chen Xi smiled with pursed lips and held him a bit tighter. 

 

“If you want to sleep, then sleep. When you wake up, your master will give you a big, big red envelope.”

 

“Red envelope… is it a cultivation technique?”

 

“It’s your master’s most precious thing.”

 

“Most precious… Master treats me so well~”

 

“Good boy, sleep.”

 

“Oh~”

 

Yan Zhen slowly closed his eyes, his body softly sliding down from his beautiful master’s shoulder.

 

Chen Xi steadily caught him, then lightly placed him on her lap, giving him a lap pillow.

 

Lowering her head and looking at Yan Zhen’s quiet sleeping face, Chen Xi’s long-suppressed surging emotions silently erupted. No longer enduring, her jade-like hand caressed his cheek, gently rubbing. Her five fingers entered his hair, tenderly combing through it.

 

Yan Zhen groggily said, “Master, tickles~”

 

Hearing this kind of silly and cute voice, Chen Xi smiled knowingly. Then she lowered her head and lightly kissed his forehead.

 

Smooch.

 

Stopping at that, separating after a touch, leaving only a faint residue of wine.

 

— Kissing Yan Zhen’s forehead while he was asleep was something Chen Xi had always wanted to do in her previous life but couldn’t. Now she easily accomplished it.

 

But she wasn’t satisfied with just this.

 

She still wanted to kiss openly and aboveboard.

 

“Wait until tomorrow.”

 

Chen Xi made up her mind.