Chapter 75: Tempting Xuanyuan Ji—No Matter How You Look at It, You Have Nothing to Lose

“Let it eat, young master. I’ve been eating well lately, feasting on delicacies of the mountains and wild game every day,” Ji Yin said with a casual wave of her hand, utterly unconcerned.

The Scarlet Flame Mink wriggled free from Shuang’er’s grasp, tumbled to the floor, and scurried straight toward the chest where snacks were hidden, hastily making off with the rest of the treats.

Ji Yin walked inside, settling herself on the bed. Seeing her begin to meditate, Shuang’er quietly closed the door and withdrew.

“Great Demon, are you preparing to break through to the next stage?” the cauldron’s voice sounded.

“I’ll give it a try,” Ji Yin replied, concentrating her soul power and directing it toward her acupoints. A flash of light burst forth—the meridians opened smoothly, and she broke through to the second tier of the Spirit Domain.

“Your soul power remains strong. I wonder if you can push through to the third tier as well,” the cauldron mused.

Just as Ji Yin was about to attempt another breakthrough, her soul power was suddenly drawn away, devoured entirely by the Seven Star Meridian! This time, not even the faintest glimmer of light appeared. Even when a stone sinks to the bottom of the sea, it at least stirs a ripple—what was this? Feeling the meager remnants of soul power within her, Ji Yin was on the verge of tears.

“This is no bottomless pit; it’s a veritable vampire!” she couldn’t help but roar in frustration.

After breaking through to the second tier, she sensed changes in her strength. In the past, during her time as a demonic infant under the Flowing Fiend Star, her cultivation had never followed the ordinary path. This step-by-step cultivation was nothing short of torment.

Ji Yin collapsed sideways onto her bed, pillowing her head on her arm and crossing her legs.

“If only I could harness Xuanyuan Ji’s soul power, everything would be perfect.”

The cauldron immediately perked up, “Why don’t we think of a way? You could try seducing him, make him offer up his soul power willingly.”

“Heh.”

“Great Demon, think about it—seducing Xuanyuan Ji can only work in your favor.”

“Are you looking to be sealed away again?” Ji Yin’s tone turned icy.

The cauldron instantly fell silent.

“At least I made some progress this time. My strength has improved a lot with the second tier. If I prepare a few more demonic talismans for protection, even if I run into a fourth-tier cultivator, as long as I don’t confront them head-on, I’ll come away unscathed,” Ji Yin comforted herself, ever the optimist.

With this thought, her mood brightened. “Yes, we’ll only grow stronger from here! We will reclaim past glory!”

…

A gentle spring rain began to fall, quietly veiling the world and bringing a chill back to the air that had just grown warm.

Beiming Yu stood outside the towering palace, gazing at the unfolding scene before him.

A shadow robed in black approached from behind, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty.”

“What has Xuanyuan Ji been doing in the Celestial Origin Sect?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Xuanyuan Ji spends his days in his quarters, writing out cultivation methods.”

“Has he grown overly close to anyone there? Especially Ji Yun?”

“Other than having an unusually close relationship with the Seventh Young Master, he has not interacted with others. During his days at the Celestial Origin Sect, he has not met with Ji Yun in private.”

Ji Yun’s power was formidable, and Chiyu held considerable influence. Beiming Yu could not afford to be careless.

Du Wei was the eye he’d placed within the Celestial Origin Sect, keeping watch over everything that transpired there.

Beiming Yu turned to Du Wei. “Once Ji Shaochen returns from probing the situation at the Cloudweaving Mountain, I will dispatch people there officially. When the time comes, you are to follow Chu Yu and obey his commands.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Du Wei replied with utmost respect.

…

The rain kept falling without pause. After their meditation, everyone was soaked through. Ji Yin did not join the others for breakfast, instead heading back to her quarters.

A figure approached from the opposite direction, unfamiliar to her. Yet, the soul power emanating from this person was formidable.

At this hour, most people were at their morning meal—so why was this person coming from that direction? A flicker of doubt flashed through Ji Yin’s mind.