Yasenia sat before the Death Saintess. The woman was sitting quietly while Yasenia slowly tasted the dishes the chefs prepared. Xing Jimie observed the young girl as she slowly savored the dishes while keeping a thoughtful expression. This peculiar look piqued her interest. "So… How are they?"
Yasenia was properly wearing her robes, but since they were soft and airy, they didn't do too good of a job of covering her figure. Even then, as a Seventh Realm cultivator, Xing Jimie was more than capable of resisting the charm overflowing from every pore of the dragon woman.
After chewing and swallowing the piece of meat, Yasenia hummed. "This dragon meat is not bad, but it is a bit dry. While edible, I think it could be better."
"Oh? Can I have a taste?"
Xing Jimie looked at the plate, not feeling strange that Yasenia was eating Dragon Meat. After all, other than humans and similar humanoid species, other races didn't care much about the origin of the meat.
Yasenia nodded and pushed the plate in front of her. Xing Jimie used chopsticks to cut the tender flesh and placed it in her mouth. The juicy meat easily melted on her tongue like butter, almost needing no chewing on her part. Instantly, confusion flashed in her eyes. "Huh? Isn't this quite delicious?"
The dragoness dragged the plate to her side, eating while asking. "Is it? I guess that I am a bit too pampered from my own cooking."
While the Death Saintess was doubtful about that claim, she didn't poke deeper. Instead, she began speaking about the important matters. "First of all, I want to ask… What happened a few days ago? You created a giant vortex that, honestly, felt a bit exaggerated."
Yasenia tilted her head, gently picking rice with the chopsticks and bringing it to her mouth. "Hm…" As she munched, she asked back, confused. "What vortex? I don't have any recollection about a vortex of any kind."
Xing Jimie looked at Cai Xue, who stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, Lady Death Saintess. The vortex was caused during Lady Yasenia's bath time. The mixture she created acted as a natural energy-gathering formation of high quality, which amplified Lady Yasenia's already high energy absorption rate."
Yasenia and Xing Jimie exclaimed at the same time. "Oh!"
"..." Xing Jimie deadpanned and scolded lightly. "Why are you also reacting like that!?"
The gorgeous dragon woman showed innocent eyes as she answered. "Well… I also didn't know."
The elegant woman sighed. Shaking her head, she commented. "Anyway, since there are no problems, we will mark it as solved. Another thing I came to inform you about is the status of those elders."
Yasenia nodded, her tail lazily sweeping the floor behind her. The Death Saintess continued. "I've asked for punishment. But naturally, there are people who feel it is too much to punish them. I don't really want to let them go, but becoming antagonistic now won't do any good to anyone. So, I've decided to ground them in solitary cultivation for 200 years. What do you think?"
Yasenia nodded faintly. "Sure." She was honestly indifferent to those people. Their life and death were completely separated from hers.
Thinking as such, she brought up a few things to Xing Jimie. "Speaking of which. You should know that the sect will get some visits after they know I am here, right? The [Star Breaker Realm Bead] was quite an important treasure."
"Don't worry." Xing Jimie waved her hand indifferently. "The only ones I fear somewhat are the Dragon, Divine, and Demon groups. However, those at the top of these powers will not be interested in a treasure like that enough to fight us. After all, if we want to protect you, they won't be able to do so comfortably."
Yasenia understood their position. Since Xing Jimie said so, she wasn't worried. As she pondered, she suddenly recalled something. "Right." Her hand moved, and a communication talisman flashed in her hand. "I had a deal with the people of the [Thousand Pills Verdant Pavilion]."
When she was strolling through the Secret Realm, she encountered a Blazeflower. Then, that girl with the surname Lan managed to steal it under her nose, developing into a chase. Once her elders arrived, Yasenia was hand-tied, so she eventually came to a deal.
The deal was about healing their elder in exchange for the flower. "But…" Yasenia looked into her storage item, and she smiled wryly. "I have a few dozen of them now. Is it even worth it to go get it?"
Xing Jimie listened to her explanation, and she asked something back. "It depends. Do you want to create connections with them? If you want to, then we won't lose anything even if we go."
Yasenia chuckled. "Didn't you say that I would need to live in the sect like half a cripple? Why are you suddenly agreeable for me to go out?"
The Death Saintess looked at Yasenia with a deadpan expression. "Is going out to cure someone the same as going around jumping and fighting everyone under the sky?"
"Yes," Yasenia answered ruefully. "Each time I go out, there are countless people who want to jump around me like a monkey."
Xing Jimie paused and became thoughtful. Her eyes scanned the dragon woman up and down, and then she sighed. "I guess… You are right. Didn't you also speak about some juniors trying to capture you during your tale of your Secret Realm adventures?"
Two nods followed her statement. The dragoness asked, curious. "Do you know if they will cause trouble? Or do I ignore them?"
Xing Jimie sneered. "What can a few mortals stir up? It's better to ignore them. Even if they ask their elders to help them capture you, the only answer they will receive will be a scolding." The woman paused. "Only…"
"Hm?" Yasenia tilted her head.
"No. I was thinking that if they are too stubborn, they might go and put a bounty for your capture out in one of the mercenary sects. There are a few who are quite daring and even target high-level, high-influence people. With enough resources and capital…"
She was a bit reluctant to think that this would become a truth. But looking at the soul-stealing woman sitting quietly in front of her… 'Any mortal would give their very souls just to have her, wouldn't they?'
Seeing Xing Jimie's thoughtful expression, Yasenia knew that the chances were not non-existent. So, she sighed and suggested. "I think we should tell Sect Master Hei Lin so that he keeps an eye on these bounty places. Otherwise, we might get caught off-guard… Ah."
"Hm? What idea did you have?"
Yasenia blinked. "Shouldn't we just put an offer for their heads first? That way, the mercenary places would need to weigh if offending us or them is better, right?"
"That… is not a bad idea. I'll suggest it to Hei Lin." Xing Jimie asked, sighing. "Any other untied knots you have with that Secret Realm? Say them all now at once so that we know what kind of poisonous packet we are holding."
"Hey." The dragoness pouted. "I am not a poisonous packet!"
"Right, right. Just spill everything before I get annoyed."
Yasenia tapped her chin. "Nothing else. If anything, there was a dragon named Ao Jiuyao whom I met. He was bound to speak about me to his elders at the cost of his life."
Xing Jimie nodded. "That's not something we can deal with, so let's allow nature to take its course on that one. Anything else?"
"Hm… Nop."
While there was also Lidia's matter, Yasenia wanted to deal with that when Tatyana arrived. Before that, it would only complicate things further. Lidia had been living on this continent for decades; waiting a few extra months would hurt no one.
"Alright. Follow me."
Yasenia blinked and slowly stood up. Her hands gently supported her protruding belly. Feeling the roundness and life inside her, a soft smile appeared on her lips, and her tail wagged happily. 'Grow well, baby.'
"Where are we going, Lady Death Saintess?"
Xing Jimie commented. "I am going to guide you around the sect for a little bit. You might want to join somewhere to train for the following months. Naturally, you'll have ten hours of mandatory training with me daily. But the rest of the day is for you to do as you please." She added with a snort. "Previously, I wanted to push you for 20 hours a day, but since you are carrying a child, I've decided to be lenient."
Yasenia chuckled. "Thank you, Lady Death Saintess."
The woman clicked her tongue. "You are lucky." Then, she looked over and blinked. "So… Won't you change to less provocative clothes? I feel that if you go out wearing those loose and semi-translucent clothes, our mortal disciples will be in danger."
Yasenia looked down and hummed. After a few moments' thought, she waved her hand and changed. Elegant black and silver robes covered her body, gently cinching right below her full breasts. This gave it an airy feeling and also hid her protruding stomach. When she walked, it felt as if a dark mist with silver threads followed her every step. Moreover, since it had long sleeves and a relatively high collar, she revealed no provocative flesh patches.
Overall, it gave Yasenia a feeling of both elegance, beauty, and nobleness. Moreover, her current silver eyes and cold demeanor only enhanced her appearance, making her seem like an unapproachable goddess.
"Cai Xue, do my hair as you see fit."
"Yes, Lady Yasenia."
With quick steps, Cai Xue floated behind Yasenia to cover their height difference. Then, her deft hands tied her hair in a low, braided bun that lightly revealed her beautiful, clean nape. Observing herself through Spiritual Sense, Yasenia nodded, satisfied. Then, she asked. "How is it?"
Xing Jimie couldn't help but praise her and nodded with approval. "You look great. I can only say that your parents gifted you with the gift of beauty."
Yasenia smiled faintly, her cold face gaining a touch of tenderness. Xing Jimie coughed. "Try not to show that smile. Alright, let's go."
Ignoring the confused dragoness, the group of over 20 people descended the mountain and arrived at the city. Once they arrived, everyone stopped and looked over. Many quickly recognized Xing Jimie and bowed reverently. "We greet the Venerable Death Saintess!"
Those who didn't realize followed suit right after. Xing Jimie, accustomed, waved her hand lightly. "Raise. We are here for personal matters, so ignore us."
Everyone obeyed, and after raising their eyes, they finally noticed the tall dragon woman by their Death Saintess's side. Many opened their eyes widely, not expecting to see someone who surpassed their saintess in pure beauty.
***********************
CHAPTER 1371: WEBNOVEL IS NOT LETTING ME UPLOAD, SO THIS IS MY ATTEMPT AT GIVING THE CHAPTER HERE. I'LL TRY TO FIX IT AS FAST AS I CAN.
In the crowd around the Death Saintess' procession, there was one woman whose eyes were darkened. Her eyes only reflected the figure of the tall and incredibly alluring dragon woman. 'What right does she have?'
Only Heaven could bear witness to the time and effort she put into becoming the Death Saintess's first disciple. 'I, Ling Suya, am not someone who can get easily trampled by a newcomer!'
Regulating her breathing, the woman approached the procession and bowed elegantly. "Lady Death Saintess, it is a pleasure to meet you here."
Xing Jimie blinked, not expecting anyone to approach. However, when she looked to the side, her faintly disapproving expression quickly eased up. "Little Ling, why are you here? I thought you were out on a mission."
Ling Suya smiled softly, ignoring Yasenia. "This disciple heard from an elder that Lady Death Saintess and the others found what they were searching for. So, feeling curiosity, I rushed to finish the mission and returned as fast as possible."
Xing Jimie hummed and nodded. "As expected of one of the most talented disciples of our sect. You are diligent and capable." She then asked, her eyes unfathomable. "Still… Who was this senior who told you about this secret communication?"
Ling Suya's smile didn't falter, but she was sweating inside. 'Is that a matter of anger? Should I sell out that senior? However, it was difficult to connect with a high-level senior to give it up half-heartedly.'
After a few instants of thought, Ling Suya smiled and answered. "Lady Death Saintess, this little one heard it in passing. I ask not to punish them, since this little one would feel burdened."
"Punish?" Xing Jimie showed a faint but cold smile. "I never said that, did I? You are overthinking things, Little Ling. You are also… Overreaching."
"Forgive me, Lady Death Saintess." Ling Suya bowed almost ninety degrees. She was cursing at herself for being too hasty. 'If it weren't because of the sense of crisis that dragon woman gave me, would I have committed such a low-level mistake?'
When she straightened her waist, her eyes couldn't help but move to look at the silver-eyed Dragon woman, a trace of resentment flashing in her eyes.
At that instant her emotions overflowed for a little bit, Ling Suya noticed the dragon woman's eyes move over. The cold light flashing in the depths of the silver-colored dragon's eyes froze her for a moment, her soul feeling a strange chill.
Thankfully, the dragon woman looked away right as she looked over. Her tensed body relaxed, but alongside that feeling of relief, a more profound sense of shame emerged. 'That dragon woman…! How dare she intimidate me!'
Xing Jimie ignored Ling Suya's small actions and spoke to Yasenia. "This is one of the most talented disciples of our sect. She has managed to reach the peak of the mortal realms by her 120th year. Now, after around 240 years of preparation, she might tackle the Heavenly Tribulation at any moment."
Ling Suya smiled, showing a proud look as if showing off.
Meanwhile, Yasenia was feeling weirded out. 'What is wrong with this woman? First, she looks at me resentfully. Now, she is fluttering her wings like a proud peacock…'
She commented lightly. "Is it because her heart is not stable that she has yet to challenge the tribulation?"
Ling Suya froze, while Xing Jimie showed an appreciative look. She asked, confused. "How did you notice?"
Yasenia barely held herself from rolling her eyes. She, instead, answered flatly. "Her emotions are all over the place. While I don't believe that cutting off emotions is the way to achieve immortality, as that feels like an empty path with only a destination and no journey to experience, I do think that gaining control over the more superficial emotions is necessary."
Xing Jimie showed another look of shock, not expecting such a profound insight from this young woman. You must understand that the grand majority of cultivators think that cutting as many emotions as possible and merging with Heaven and the Dao was the quickest way to become stronger.
Young people imitated that, and eventually it became the most mainstream way to teach and cultivate. For Yasenia to achieve immortality while following the path she recited spoke volumes of her talent and vision. Also, of her upbringing and ideas shared by none other than Tatyana.
Xing Jimie was critical of Yasenia; she wasn't blinded by that feeling. Therefore, she was not stingy with praise. "That's a great mentality. Ling Suya, you should internalize the words Yasenia just said. Not only you, but all those who were listening."
The people around made a silent bow, while Ling Suya almost crushed her teeth by gritting them together. She wanted to show off in front of the Death Saintess, but she ended up giving the spotlight to the annoying dragon woman who stole her position!
Yasenia spoke calmly, neither happy nor unhappy about those who showed admiration towards her. "Should we move on, Lady Death Saintess? I want to see what you wanted to show me."
Xing Jimie nodded. "Let's go."
Ling Suya coughed, catching their attention again. "That. Lady Death Saintess, as you know, I am really eager to one day come under your esteemed tutelage. For that, I've been working tirelessly. Therefore, could I take this chance and ask if you are willing to accept that offer?"
Yasenia's clever mind flashed when she heard those words. Instantly, she understood what was happening. Her eyes flashed with disdain as she looked at the woman. 'No wonder she was so strange. She is jealous of me. With that easily corruptible mindset, I don't have to do anything. The Immortal Heavenly Tribulation will devour her whole.'
Xing Jimie frowned for a second, noticing something amiss. Of course, unlike Yasenia, who had a third-party perspective, Xing Jimie had known Ling Suya for a few decades. Their relatively close relationship blinded her from seeing the ugly feelings underneath Ling Suya's facade.
Not thinking much about Ling Suya's strange behavior, she pondered and nodded lightly. "Alright, follow us. Still, I need to focus on Yasenia today. So, you follow silently from behind. You might learn a thing or two if you observe how Yasenia behaves.'
Ling Suya smiled and nodded. "That will be my pleasure."
Yasenia ignored the slightly smug glance that Ling Suya directed towards her. Instead of thinking of stupid people, her hands gently caressed her stomach, and soon, happy feelings bubbled inside her, making her tail wag cutely.
Xing Jimie noticed it, an imperceptible smile appearing on her cold lips. Still, she ignored it and guided the group towards the training area. "Yasenia, you've entered the Transcendence Realm not too long ago—"
"What!?"
Ling Suya's exclamation made Xing Jimie frown. She chided her. "Ling Suya, don't interrupt unnecessarily."
Not noticing the girl's turbulent mind, Xing Jimie continued. "Either way. As I said, you are currently developing through your Beast Path, right? You are a dragon, after all."
Yasenia answered through mental communication to Xing Jimie. She didn't want that Suya girl to know more than the bare minimum. 'Lady Death Saintess, while I tread the Beast Path, I am also advancing in the Spiritual Path.'
Xing Jimie blinked twice, confused about more than one thing. 'Are you communicating mentally because you don't want anyone else to know?'
'That's right. I do not trust others knowing such important details.'
'I understand.' Xing Jimie then tried to clarify her next doubt. 'From what I know, beasts can't practice the human path, or any other path for that matter. How are you able to do so? Does it not hurt your foundation?'
Yasenia shook her head, still answering via mental communication. 'The thing is, my birth had problems. During my infancy, I was more a Beast Human than a complete dragon. This was a big disadvantage, but where there is danger and misfortune, there is also opportunity. After a few lucky encounters, I was able to reform my beast core without losing my beast-human ability to practice human paths.'
Xing Jimie couldn't help but show surprise. 'No wonder you were able to reach the Sixth Realm in your infancy! How could a dragon be so advanced in cultivation otherwise? You can cultivate actively.'
Yasenia nodded, while the Death Saintess showed a pondering look. "No wonder, no wonder… If that's the case, then I need to change quite a few things. Let's change directions."
They all followed silently, not asking about the sudden silence and change of plans. Clearly, Yasenia and Xing Jimie spoke secretly.
Ling Suya frowned, but she followed without question. After a while, she was confused. 'Hm? Isn't this the human cultivator area? Why are we here when that dragon woman is a beast?'
Xing Jimie spoke to Yasenia. "As I was saying earlier. You've just entered your Sixth Realm. While you managed to stabilize the foundation, you need to do much more than that. The most important step is understanding the use of energy and your ability to use the energy from your surroundings, beyond that residing in your dantian. Taking advantage of your environment is what separates mortals and immortals… Well, beyond the difference in raw strength."
Yasenia nodded. Her new skills all followed this principle. 'Hm… perhaps, I can bring back a few of my mortal skills in the future. I only need a bit more practice and understanding.'
She liked her new set of skills, but she did miss a few—for example, Day and Night.
As Xing Jimie explained a few things, she pointed around them. "This arena was created with complex formations that create illusory opponents. You will train against my phantom for ten hours here. Try not to get beaten too badly."
Yasenia blinked and asked, confused. "Isn't it better to use my new treasure? It has this function but specialized for myself, right?"
"If you do that, I can't see." Xing Jimie commented. "While self-learning with a treasure of that degree is quick, you will end up rushing into a wall. Instead of blindly slamming your head against walls again and again, wouldn't it be better for me to look at your fighting and guide you? There are many solved mysteries, so rediscovering them yourself is a waste of time."
The dragoness pondered and agreed. "Alright. I have not had any proper guidance since I entered the Sixth Realm. So, this will be interesting."
"...No guidance?"
Yasenia nodded.
Xing Jimie's eyes shone strangely. 'No guidance, and she already has a peak Level 2 Intent Domain and another powerful Level 1 Intent Domain? Why is she so abnormal!?'
Strangely, Xing Jimie felt pressure as a teacher. 'If my lessons hurt her more than help her… I would probably never forgive myself for leading astray a talent like her.'