"What promise?"
Hearing Dong Yue's words, Wang Jianqiang was momentarily stunned.
"After you become a Second-Tier Advanced Alchemist, help me refine a Minor Creation Pill."
Wang Jianqiang raised an eyebrow. "Elder Dong, are you so certain that I'll be able to reach Second-Tier Advanced?"
Dong Yue nodded, her tone firm. "I've watched your progress these past days. I have faith in you."
As she spoke, her gaze carried a warmth and a trace of expectation, the kind of look that made Wang Jianqiang's heart tremble slightly.
"Why me? There are quite a few Second-Tier Advanced Alchemists in the sect, even several Third-Tier ones." Wang Jianqiang asked casually, though his eyes locked intently onto hers.
"Because they won't do." Dong Yue shook her head gently, a strand of long hair sliding down her shoulder with a faint fragrance. "The Minor Creation Pill requires the utmost precision. Not a single trace of pill poison or impurity can remain… and you, perhaps, can achieve that."
Wang Jianqiang understood instantly: so, she had long set her sights on him.
But he did not agree right away. Instead, a meaningful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Elder Dong, a promise in exchange for a condition—are you certain about that?"
"Of course."
Wang Jianqiang leaned closer, his gaze burning. "Good. My condition is simple—spend a night with me."
The air instantly froze.
The candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere in the room grew heavy with unspoken tension and ambiguity.
Dong Yue's face flushed crimson, her eyes wavering. She was a dignified elder, usually aloof and reserved—when had she ever been confronted with such blunt provocation?
"You… how dare you!"
Her voice came out hurried, her chest rising and falling from the surge of emotions. Had it been anyone else, she would have already coldly rebuked them or struck on the spot.
But this time, it was she who had brought up "an exchange of conditions."
Feigning innocence yet speaking with certainty, Wang Jianqiang replied, "Our Joyous Union Sect has always revered the dual cultivation path. I'm merely being straightforward."
"But I'm an elder!" she bit her lip, her voice barely audible.
Wang Jianqiang chuckled, leaning even closer, his voice dropping low. "If you don't speak of it, and I don't either, then who would ever know?"
In the silence, only the sound of their breathing mingled together.
Dong Yue's heart was in turmoil. She knew this was a gamble, yet when she thought of the consequences if she failed to break through, she clenched her teeth and shut her eyes.
"…Fine. I'll agree."
Her whisper was soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet it ignited a forbidden flame.
Wang Jianqiang's eyes lit up, his lips curling into a smile as he slowly extended his hand. "Elder Dong, forgive my offense."
The candle shadows danced, moonlight spilled like water, and the air within the room grew feverish…
The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window lattice as Wang Jianqiang stepped out, stretching lazily.
Thinking of last night, an involuntary smile curved his lips.
No wonder she was called the Iceberg Elder—her cultivation talent was unparalleled, and even the side of her hidden beneath that aloof pride was enough to set one's heart aflame.
Yet, she was far too headstrong. Before dawn had even broken, she had quietly slipped away.
Wang Jianqiang shook his head with a chuckle, thinking: truly, an interesting woman.
He was about to turn back to his room when a figure suddenly appeared in his sight.
Ye Fan!
Wang Jianqiang's brow furrowed ever so slightly.
"Little friend, we meet again."
Moments later, Ye Fan approached, his face beaming with a seemingly friendly smile.
"Greetings, Elder," Wang Jianqiang said respectfully.
"No need for formality." Ye Fan hurried forward two steps, warmly supporting him, then leaned in with a somewhat awkward expression. "Little friend, after we parted ways yesterday, did you happen to see Rou'er again?"
Wang Jianqiang chuckled inwardly, but outwardly he simply nodded calmly. "I did."
Ye Fan's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Then, did you put in a good word for me?"
"Uh…" Wang Jianqiang's expression showed slight apology. "Last night the two of us were simply too exhausted and didn't get around to the matter, Elder."
"Exhausted?" Ye Fan froze.
"Yes. Elder Dong… specially came to guide me in cultivation." Wang Jianqiang replied with a straight face.
"I see." Realization dawned across Ye Fan's face, and he soon smiled. "It seems your relationship with Rou'er is indeed close. Entrusting this matter to you was the right choice."
Wang Jianqiang also smiled, speaking earnestly, "Elder, don't worry. Your matter is my matter. I'll see to it properly."
"Good, good, good!"
Ye Fan was overjoyed, saying the word three times, his face brimming with excitement.
"Though… there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
Wang Jianqiang suddenly changed the subject, his gaze carrying subtle meaning as it rested on Ye Fan.
"We're all family here—say it directly." Ye Fan nodded with a smile.
Wang Jianqiang spoke steadily, "Elder Dong has long been plagued by an old ailment. Her cultivation has stagnated, unable to advance. Elder Ye, you must be aware of this?"
"Of course." Ye Fan sighed. "It's a pity. Pills to heal such wounds are too rare, and I am powerless."
Wang Jianqiang chuckled lightly. "Elder Ye need not worry. Elder Dong already has a path forward. Only, her heart is fully devoted to this matter now. If someone were to disturb her, it might backfire."
"Rou'er already has a solution?"
Ye Fan's eyes first lit up with joy, then he nodded in understanding. "As expected, Brother Wang sees things thoroughly. I will remember this."
Saying so, he bowed solemnly, clasping his hands in salute.
Wang Jianqiang hurriedly waved it off. "Elder, please, that's too much. You and I hit it off from the start. Helping you is only natural."
Hearing this, Ye Fan's heart was moved.
He recalled how poorly he had treated him at their first meeting, and now seeing Wang Jianqiang's generous and considerate nature, he couldn't help but curse himself in silence:
Ye Fan, Ye Fan, look at him, then look at yourself. Are you even human?
Regret welled within him, and he couldn't stop himself from sighing aloud:
"Brother Wang truly is a good man…"