Chapter 28: The Making of a Spiritual Beast
After breakfast, I took them along to where Mo An was, and then we headed to Ma Xiaotao's location. At this point, our goal was to resolve Ma Xiaotao's problem and obtain Wang Chiu'er, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
As we walked toward the Sunset Forest, Ma Xiaotao got to know Ning Tian and Wu Feng, informing them that I wasn't from this timeline. She didn't say much else, except that she had chosen me and would accompany me anywhere I wished—whether in this world or another.
We continued toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Thanks to Mo An and the spirit tools we possessed, we were able to resolve every problem we encountered. Even the poisonous smoke had no effect on us, especially since I had anticipated the challenges ahead and was fully prepared.
Now, before me… was a hot spring, not very large, but divided into two sections. In the oval pool, the spring water varied between milky white and crimson. What was even stranger was that, despite being in the same pool, the two waters remained clearly separated, never mixing—each retaining its own distinct side at all times.
As soon as we arrived, Xiao Huo greeted us. His voice echoed through the surroundings:
"Humans, what brings you here? You are not of the Tang Sect—go back, there is nothing here for you."
Before he could finish, I intervened calmly but firmly:"I have come for you—Infernal Delicate Apricot, whose name is Xiao Huo."
Surprise flickered across his face for a moment, and he asked,
"You know me? What do you want from me, human?"
I replied without hesitation:"Well… I want you to make my beautiful wife happy; her spirit is the Evil Fire Phoenix. And yes—also, you should know why I've come to you."
Xiao Huo reacted angrily, his voice blazing like fire:"Human! You must be dreaming! I won't do that; it will harm my spiritual core… Do you want to kill me?!"
He unleashed his concentrated energy toward us, and a crushing pressure swept the area. Its force was so harsh that Ning Tian and Wu Feng couldn't withstand it, and they vomited blood.
However, thanks to Master Mo An, I was protected from his overwhelming energy.
I stepped forward, locking eyes with his blazing gaze, and said calmly: "It seems you have misunderstood me. I did not come to harm your core or to kill you… I want you to become a Al-Rouh Al-Rouhiya for her."
I raised my hand lightly and continued:"Let me explain."
I summoned Tianming, and he appeared before us with a majestic presence, revealing his true form. In that moment, Xiao Hou could not ignore him, nor did she refuse to speak; instead, she began addressing him directly about the matter.
At his appearance, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Ma Xiaotao themselves were left in astonishment.
At the same time, Tianming's aura suppressed Xiao Huo's fiery aura.
What followed was a discussion lasting nearly an hour, a mixture of threats and attempts at peaceful persuasion. Although Xiao Huo showed no fear of Tianming, she eventually realized the truth:
If a battle were to break out, she would inevitably lose. She could not face both Master Mo An and Tianming at the same time.
After a long debate, Xiao Huo finally relented. We reached an agreement:
She would become Ma Xiaotao's Al-Rouh Al-Rouhiya, helping her purify the evil fire… but with a clear condition—her freedom must never be restricted, and she must be allowed to roam wherever and whenever she wishes, without ever being deprived of her liberty.
Ma Xiaotao agreed to this condition. As for me, I set off to search for the beautiful Silk Tulip.
It didn't take long—within minutes, I found it. But… I didn't expect to witness unusual movement in that place.
I quickly turned toward the source and immediately recognized it.
Before my eyes stood a huge, pale pink flower, leafless. Its stem stretched three feet tall, and the bloom was massive, fully filled with petals. Each petal seemed as translucent as crystal, and its pistils were purple, resembling amethyst gems set in the center.
It was… the Aromatic Silk Beauty—You You.
I looked at her steadily, then spoke calmly, addressing her by name:
"You You… I don't advise you to do anything you might regret later. Don't worry, we didn't come to harm you."
Her voice trembled in surprise, and she spoke with astonishment:
"You… you know my name? Who are you? You're not the person who spoke to me ten thousand years ago… nor one of their descendants… and you're not the Predestined One either?"
I smiled lightly and replied:"You're right. I'm not Tang San… It seems he tasked you, didn't he? Testing the Predestined One and handing over the record of herbs and immortal poisons."
She closed her eyes for a moment, and I added with a deeper smile:
"That sounds fun… don't you agree?"
You You said:"It seems you know a lot… this is very close, even enough that you know about the test set by that person, and that I possess the record of herbs and immortal poisons. Alright, tell me, what do you want?"
I smiled lightly and replied:"Nothing, really… I had forgotten you for a moment. But your movements caught my attention, so I noticed you and remembered you. It seems these were your mistakes, dear You You… How about we make an agreement now? Look, I've removed the set of jade phosphor poisons. Do you want to hear what I want? There's no point in fighting. Your friend, if she knew there was a chance to win, wouldn't have given up."
At that moment, You You let out a heavy sigh and said:
"Alright… tell me what you have in mind."
I exhaled deeply and explained:"I want you to become her Al-Rouh Al-Rouhiya, and in return, I will let you grow for a million years directly."
You You trembled in shock, saying:"You… what? Are you sane? What nonsense is this? How will you let me grow for a million years? Is this a trick of yours or what?"
I replied confidently:"No, it's not a trick. I'm serious… I have the power to let you achieve a million years of cultivation."
You You stared at me for a moment, then said hesitantly:"I don't mind… truly, becoming your Al-Rouh Al-Rouhiya, as long as you are honest in letting me reach a million years. Alright, do it before I become your Al-Rouh Al-Rouhiya… if you do, I promise I will become your spiritual beast."
I smiled inwardly and responded:"I will do it… but not now."
And I thought to myself: Thinking about it… I really do need a treasure like the Painting of Mountains and Rivers…