Chapter 87: A Deep Bond
Roar!
From the cave tunnel behind him, the furious roar of the little Amethyst Winged Lion King rang out.
Hearing this, Xiao Yuan immediately knew—the cub had gotten free of the beast-binding rope.
He had tied its mouth shut earlier, so the fact that it could now roar clearly meant it had broken free.
He picked up his pace.
While the young lion's speed wasn't slow, it was still no match for Xiao Yuan, who now possessed speed close to that of a Da Dou Shi, thanks to his wind-attribute Dou Qi.
"Time to run!"
Muttering under his breath, Xiao Yuan activated Phoenix Soaring Step.
This was Mu She's Dou Technique—only a high-level Yellow Rank—but in terms of straight-line speed, it outperformed Dragonstep.
High-level Yellow Rank techniques were easy to train. Xiao Yuan had casually mastered it—it was always good to have more skills.
He picked up incredible speed, the wind howling past his ears. Soon, light shone ahead.
Releasing his soul perception to confirm safety, Xiao Yuan dashed to the cave's mouth, took a few strides, and leapt out.
Roar!
Moments later, the little Amethyst Winged Lion King charged out, its body ablaze with glimmering purple light, flames rising under the sun's rays.
In the sky, Yun Yun noticed Xiao Yuan had made it out—and the cub's furious, vengeful roars confirmed he'd succeeded.
She knew it was time to end the fight.
With a flicker in her phoenix eyes, she slashed a sword beam at the cub.
Seeing this, the lion king was shocked and quickly blocked the blow, placing himself in front of his child and swatting the sword light away with a paw.
"Roar! Roar!"
The cub let out a series of aggrieved cries, as if tattling.
Yun Yun flapped her wings and, just before Xiao Yuan crashed into the ground, scooped him into her arms.
Realizing he had fallen into a warm, soft embrace, Xiao Yuan shamelessly hugged her tighter, wrapping his arms around the Dou Huang's waist.
Before Yun Yun could scold him, he whispered into her ear, "Got it. Let's go!"
His breath was hot, and Yun Yun shivered slightly. Then she realized—Xiao Yuan's body was burning like a furnace.
"What's wrong with you?"
She asked urgently.
"It's fine… I took some tonic, and it's getting to me."
Xiao Yuan could feel waves of heat surging through his meridians, seeping into his bones and flesh. He responded helplessly.
He had underestimated the sheer energy of the Companion Amethyst Source.
As violet light spots began appearing on his skin, and the heat radiating from his strong body intensified, Yun Yun realized something was wrong.
"You despicable humans—stealing the Companion Amethyst Source! Today, you'll die for it!"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King's furious roar shook the skies, as a sea of purple flame surged outward.
"Hmph!"
Yun Yun snorted coldly. With a graceful twist of her hand, a massive cyan tornado swirled into existence, blowing the purple flames back.
She followed with an elegant sword stroke. Her blade shimmered and trembled, then her voice rang out:
"Wind's Edge—Falling Kill!"
The lion king growled grimly. Its massive head lowered, and purple light again filled the sky.
Just as the lion king prepared to face the same deadly strike that had once destroyed its horn, Yun Yun suddenly retracted her sword, spun in mid-air, and with a flap of her wings, vanished with Xiao Yuan in a flash.
"Despicable human!"
The lion king bellowed in rage at being tricked again—but Yun Yun's speed was too great. He could only roar helplessly and vent his fury across the mountains.
Meanwhile, Yun Yun flew at top speed back to the valley with Xiao Yuan in her arms. As they landed, she realized the brat was clinging tightly to her—completely unconscious.
It took considerable effort to pry him off. When she checked his condition, she exclaimed, "Such intense energy… what has this brat done?!"
But despite the heat radiating from him, he looked peaceful and unharmed.
Still, just because he was fine now didn't mean he'd stay that way.
So Yun Yun remained vigilant, watching over him anxiously.
As time passed, the violet glow on his body intensified. It almost looked like he was forming a cocoon. At the same time, his aura gradually grew stronger.
Seeing this, Yun Yun tilted her head in confusion.
She had never seen something like this.
No human ever formed a cocoon-like state just from absorbing excess energy.
But it seemed… he'd be okay.
A while later, as the violet glow began to fade, Yun Yun finally relaxed.
Inside Xiao Yuan's body, purple light flowed through every part of him. It was especially concentrated near his heart.
The heart belonged to fire—and the Companion Amethyst Source contained incredibly pure fire energy. The resonance caused most of the energy to gather in his heart before flowing through his meridians, enhancing his entire body.
Occasionally, sparks of violet flame flared up, only to be cowed by Xiao Yuan's Heavenly Flame, obediently transforming into pure energy that strengthened him.
The violent components? Harmless.
Please—what flame could out-rage a Heavenly Flame?
Eventually, the energy from the Companion Amethyst Source split—part merging into his body, enhancing his physique; the rest flowing into his Qi Palaces, increasing his strength by one star.
When Xiao Yuan opened his eyes again, he was lying on his bed.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air. He sat up and stepped out the door.
The house was empty.
He opened the front door—and froze.
There stood the noble Dou Huang herself, Yun Yun, who never lifted a finger in the kitchen, now making porridge for him.
This had to be a dream!
Xiao Yuan shook his head and was about to pinch himself—when Yun Yun's cool voice, laced with concern, interrupted:
"You're awake? The porridge is almost ready. Just a moment."
"Uh… thanks, Sister Yun."
Xiao Yuan smiled and walked over, watching her work.
"This is the Amethyst Spirit Crystal. Here, take it."
Xiao Yuan pulled it from his ring and handed it over.
"Mm."
Yun Yun nodded, then hesitated. "Would you… like to come train at Misty Cloud Sect?"
"Hm? Why do you ask?"
Xiao Yuan asked, expression unchanged.
"You have wind-attribute Dou Qi and great talent. Misty Cloud Sect suits you."
She said casually.
"I'm already enrolled at Jia Nan Academy. I'm just on a break. It wouldn't be right to join another sect."
Xiao Yuan shook his head, rejecting what he considered a suicide mission.
Who knew if there were Soul Hall people lurking in Misty Cloud Sect? Going there would be suicide.
Besides, he had plans to find Elder Hai and enjoy that refreshing training.
Misty Cloud Sect? No, thanks.
"Of course, if I could train with Sister Yun… that might be fun."
Just as Yun Yun prepared to persuade him again, the brat was already teasing her. She immediately pinched his waist with lightning speed.
"Hiss! I was wrong! Sister, go easy!"
Xiao Yuan grimaced.
"Hmph! Fine, don't go. Don't appreciate my kindness. Now eat up. I'm leaving after this."
She extinguished the fire, filled a bowl of porridge, and handed it to him.
Hearing she was leaving, Xiao Yuan hesitated. "If I don't eat, will you stay?"
Yun Yun stiffened. "If you don't eat, I'll personally throw you out!"
Xiao Yuan fell silent and obediently took a spoonful.
"HISS!"
The hot porridge made his eyes roll back. He quickly activated his ice Dou Qi to soothe the burn.
Seeing his ridiculous expression, Yun Yun's lips curled—but she quickly resumed her calm demeanor and ate slowly.
She wasn't a great cook, and the porridge was plain, but it was edible.
They ate slowly, and neither spoke. But every meal ends, and every gathering must part.
After clearing the dishes, Yun Yun broke the silence.
"I'm leaving."
"…Mm."
Xiao Yuan lowered his head and muttered.
Seeing his sulking face, Yun Yun felt a pang in her chest. Though their meeting had been unusual, the handsome boy before her had stirred something in her calm heart.
"In five years, I'll become a Dou Huang. When that time comes…"
He looked up, staring into her eyes with unwavering resolve.
She blushed, catching his unspoken meaning. "Then I won't have to worry about accidentally slapping you to death."
"Hehe."
Xiao Yuan laughed.
"I'm going. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
Yun Yun smiled faintly, then grew serious.
"That day won't be far off."
Xiao Yuan's eyes sparkled like stars.
Yun Yun didn't reply. She unfurled her wings, gave him a long look, then soared into the sky.
"I left something for you on your bedside. I hope it helps."
She smiled one last time, then vanished into the clouds.
Xiao Yuan clenched his fists, calmed himself, and returned to the cabin.
The faint scent of her lingered—but the beauty was gone.
He sat by the bed and opened the drawer.
A soft blue glow greeted him.
It was the inner armor he had once taken off Yun Yun.
Two dark cyan scrolls lay atop it.
Underneath was a delicate note written in flowing handwriting.
"This inner armor is called the Heart of the Sea. It's crafted from a rare metal found inside sixth-rank sea magical beasts—the Three-Tailed Blue Whale.
Its defense scales with its wearer's strength. Though you're only a Dou Shi, this armor can block even attacks from a typical Da Dou Shi.
The two scrolls are high-level Xuan Rank Dou Techniques.
One is a wind-attribute movement skill, Wind Drift Remnant Shadow. Excellent for both pursuit and retreat.
The other is Wind's Edge – Falling Kill. When mastered, it rivals Earth Rank techniques. Use it as your trump card.
Train well. I look forward to seeing you as a Dou Huang one day."
"She actually gave me techniques of this level?"
Xiao Yuan was dazed, staring at the scrolls.
These were likely Misty Cloud Sect's top-tier Dou Techniques.
"She's treating me way too well…"
He rubbed his temples and took a long breath. Then he glanced at the inner armor.
Top-grade material. Perfect craftsmanship. And she had already repaired it.
This armor had been worn directly against her skin for days.
Thankfully, it looked more like a combat vest than underwear—otherwise, Xiao Yuan wouldn't even be able to wear it.
Still… it was like sharing clothes with her. It even retained her scent.
Even with his self-control, Xiao Yuan couldn't stay calm.
But honestly, this armor was vital to him. No one took chances with their life.
Still… what if Yun Yun got into trouble without it?
Xiao Yuan hesitated, but in the end, he put the armor on.
The Tagor Desert was more dangerous than the Magical Beast Range.
And those two Dou Techniques? Definitely worth learning too.
Scrolls in hand, he stepped outside and returned to his usual training spot.
Opening the scroll for Wind Drift Remnant Shadow, he began to study.
Soon, Xiao Yuan's figure flitted like willow fluff, dancing with grace.
In the valley, his silhouette flickered and vanished, moving with the same elegance Yun Yun once showed.
(END CHAPTER)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30th, get 40% off your subscription and the purchase of the novel.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1