Chapter 12: Nine Yin Divine Link Meridian . . .
At the Ye Manor, within a chamber permeated with the fragrant aroma of medicinal herbs and veiled in a gentle mist, situated at an isolated nook of the estate.
"Young Master, your performance today at the Drunken Star Manor was truly remarkable. Manor Lord Wan, a formidable figure even beyond Old Master's reach, was completely defeated by you," remarked Lu-er, using a cattail leaf fan to fan the flames beneath an enormous wooden tub, prepared for an herbal bath for Ye Yuan.
The events at the Drunken Star Manor had sent shockwaves through the city. Wan Donghai's treatment of Liu An had culminated in his demise, stunning the onlookers. The renowned Drunken Star Manor, self-proclaimed as the premier establishment in the State of Qin, had been humbled by an audacious young figure. Regardless of Wan Donghai's resilience, the impact on his reputation was undeniable. Post Liu An's demise, Wan Donghai swiftly chose to close the manor for a day, a strategic retreat to mitigate further embarrassment.
Among the spectators, some discerning individuals, though unfamiliar with the specifics of the Heart Inch Fissure poison, speculated that it was concocted by Ye Yuan. The unexpected turn of events had thrust a seemingly insignificant figure into the limelight, significantly elevating Ye Yuan's already considerable reputation.
"Hahaha, just a little repayment of debts. While today's incident may have unsettled the Drunken Star Manor, it's not a fatal blow. Sooner or later, I will make that Wan father-son duo pay the real price," Ye Yuan asserted with a tinge of coldness.
Inheriting the body of his predecessor, Qing Yun Zi, Ye Yuan felt a sense of responsibility to avenge the Ye Family and eliminate their rivals. Moreover, Ye Yuan had experienced firsthand the ruthlessness of Wan Donghai and his son and harbored no goodwill towards them.
However, Ye Yuan acknowledged his current limitations. Despite unsettling Wan Donghai, he lacked the strength to truly confront him. The elimination of the father-son pair required time and significant growth on Ye Yuan's part.
"Indeed, that Wan Yuan is insufferable. In the past, he always bullied Young Master. Young Master must strive hard! Lu-er believes in Young Master!" Lu-er, unwavering in her support, expressed her faith in Ye Yuan.
"Hahaha, I won't let you down, Lu-er. By the way, I can sense your exceptional aptitude. Why not embark on martial arts training?" Ye Yuan suggested, intrigued by Lu-er's latent potential.
Amidst the relaxation following the day's events, Ye Yuan discerned a lack of essence energy within Lu-er's body, rendering her seemingly ordinary. Yet, he could perceive her outstanding aptitude, surpassing that of his inept predecessor.
Responding to Ye Yuan's question, Lu-er's expression turned somewhat crestfallen. "Old Master mentioned that Lu-er has the Nine Yin Absolute Meridian and cannot cultivate. The higher the realm, the sooner I will die."
"Nine Yin Absolute Meridian?" Ye Yuan echoed before grasping Lu-er's wrist to read her pulse.
This physical contact made Lu-er's heart race, and her cheeks flushed crimson. To her, being unable to cultivate was a regret, but being with Young Master made it worthwhile.
With brows initially furrowed, Ye Yuan slowly relaxed while examining Lu-er's pulse.
"Indeed. Old Master and Madam treat Lu-er as their own daughter. If I could cultivate, they would have taught me long ago." Lu-er, considerate as ever, sought to dispel any misconceptions Ye Yuan might have about her treatment.
Ye Yuan released Lu-er's wrist and smiled. "My dear Lu-er, you're overthinking. Of course, Father wouldn't deceive you. However, even he can miscalculate at times. Lu-er, tell Young Master, do you wish to learn martial arts?"
"Of course!" Lu-er replied without hesitation.
"Excellent. Starting tomorrow, you will join me in martial arts training. I will impart to you a technique. With your talent, the confines of this small State of Qin won't contain you," Ye Yuan affirmed with an encouraging smile.
"Young Master, is that really true?" Lu-er's joy was evident. However, her elation soon turned to despondency. "Young Master, you need not console me. Old Master, an Alchemy Grandmaster, deemed it hopeless. How could I possibly learn martial arts? Although I desire it, I don't want to die yet. I wish to stay with Young Master and care for you."
Touched by her sentiments, Ye Yuan reached out, lifted Lu-er's head, and smiled. "Why would Young Master lie to you? While your constitution is indeed special, it's not the Nine Yin Absolute Meridian. Instead, it's an extremely rare variant known as the Nine Yin Divine Link Meridian. This physique not only allows cultivation but promises an exceptionally rapid progress. If major sects discovered your unique constitution, they would vie fiercely to secure you."
Ye Hang's understanding couldn't match Ye Yuan's. Although Lu-er possessed the Nine Yin Absolute Meridian, it was, in fact, a rare variant called the Nine Yin Divine Link Meridian. This distinct constitution had never ventured into the realm of cultivation due to limited resources and information within the Lower Realms.
The Nine Yin Absolute Meridian, lacking a suitable cultivation technique, posed a formidable challenge to those possessing it. In the Divine Realm, an individual with such a unique constitution would inevitably become the subject of contention among major sects. Intriguingly, within Ye Yuan's memories lay a cultivation technique ideal for Lu-er – the Divine Realm's Spirit Snow Divine King's cultivation technique. Notably, this Spirit Snow Divine King shared the identical variant, possessing the Nine Yin Divine Link Meridian physique.
In response to Ye Yuan's revelation, Lu-er widened her eyes in disbelief. "Young Master, is what you said true? You're not deceiving me?"
"Certainly not. While cultivating the Nine Yin Divine Link Meridian is undeniably challenging, having a compatible technique ensures a cultivation speed surpassing that of ordinary individuals. I will impart to you the Heaven Illusionary Ice Soul technique. With your intelligence, Lu-er, you will undoubtedly surpass even Young Master in the future," reassured Ye Yuan in a gentle tone.
Upon hearing this, Lu-er responded with a playful smile. "Hehehe. Lu-er doesn't aim to surpass Young Master. As long as I can stay by Young Master's side, that's more than enough. Previously, Young Master was frequently bullied by others. That's why Lu-er wished to learn martial arts to protect you. However, I was afraid that I would pass away after learning martial arts, which is why I refrained from doing so."
Discovering Lu-er's intention to learn martial arts for his protection left Ye Yuan genuinely speechless. He resolved to expedite his strength, vowing not to let his loved ones suffer harm again in this lifetime.
"My dear Lu-er, the water is almost ready. You can leave; Young Master wishes to take an herbal bath," announced Ye Yuan.
Lu-er, with a skeptical expression, inquired, "Young Master, just go ahead and bathe. Lu-er is here to tend the fire. Previously, I always attended to Young Master's bath. Why are you acting shy about it today?"
Internally sweating, Ye Yuan truly found it uncomfortable having a young girl attend to his bath. However, recognizing that any inconsistencies might raise suspicions, he relented, "Well, alright..."
Hearing this, Lu-er was delighted and proceeded to assist Ye Yuan in undressing.