Chapter Eleven: The Combat Technique 'Spirit Melody Celestial Pivot Art'

Xiao Xun’er could sense that Ning Jiuyou harbored many secrets. These secrets might have significant implications for Xiao Yan, the Xiao family, and perhaps even the entire Dou Qi continent.

Yet at this moment, Xiao Xun’er concealed her doubts beneath a gentle smile as she stepped forward and said to Ning Jiuyou, “Sister Jiuyou, thank you for your help with Uncle Xiao Zhan’s breakthrough.”

Ning Jiuyou returned the smile and replied, “Xun’er, you’re too kind. Uncle Xiao Zhan’s success was due to his own efforts; I merely lent a small hand.”

The Xiao family members gradually dispersed, each returning to their own affairs. Ning Jiuyou remained standing where she was, watching Xiao Xun’er’s receding figure. She narrowed her eyes slightly, a flicker of inscrutable light passing through them, as if lost in thought.

Xiao Xun’er’s subtly mysterious aura and the occasional inquisitive glint in her eyes when she looked at Ning Jiuyou made the latter realize that this seemingly gentle and amiable girl was far more complex beneath the surface.

Ning Jiuyou shook her head softly, glanced once more at Xiao Xun’er, then cast those thoughts aside and turned to stride toward the back mountain of the Xiao residence. She needed to consolidate her cultivation realm.

However, shortly after Ning Jiuyou left, Xiao Xun’er, who had walked some distance, slowly halted. Turning around, she fixed her gaze intently on Ning Jiuyou’s gradually retreating silhouette, sinking into deep contemplation.

...

Arriving at the back mountain, Ning Jiuyou sought out a tranquil spot. Sitting cross-legged, she began to focus on solidifying her realm as a two-star Dou Zhe.

She slowly closed her eyes, banishing all distractions, immersing herself entirely in the circulation of Dou Qi. As time passed, the Dou Qi within her became increasingly refined, stabilizing what had once been a somewhat unstable realm.

Continuing to guide the Dou Qi through her meridians in a continuous cycle, she tirelessly forged her body. After an indeterminate period, a sudden surge of intense energy erupted within her, propelling her toward a higher level.

Her aura soared as she directly broke through to become a three-star Dou Zhe. Yet she did not stop there. Moments later, that formidable power surged anew, and she successfully ascended to four-star Dou Zhe.

At that moment, Xiao Yan, who was cultivating on the back mountain, happened to witness this. His eyes widened, mouth agape, his face a mixture of shock and envy.

He had lost count of how many times Ning Jiuyou’s talent had astonished him. Though his words of admiration had grown weary, he could not help but marvel at the disparity between people.

“Teacher, look at Jiuyou—her speed of advancement is terrifying!”

“Teacher, from now on, please have me increase the intensity of my training. The current effort is far from sufficient.”

“I’m only at six segments of Dou Qi; the gap between us is too great. I must strive harder and not let her leave me behind.”

“Good, Xiao Yan. Your determination is right. I will tailor a stricter training regimen based on your situation. But remember to progress steadily and avoid overexerting yourself.”

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, stood up, adjusted his posture, and resumed training according to the new plan laid out by Yao Lao.

His heart brimmed with fighting spirit, yearning for the day he might stand shoulder to shoulder with Ning Jiuyou—or even surpass her.

Meanwhile, after ascending to four-star Dou Zhe, Ning Jiuyou slowly opened her eyes.

Feeling the stronger power surging within her, a satisfied smile graced her lips.

Her gaze fell upon Xiao Yan, who was diligently training nearby, and suddenly a particular set of auxiliary Dou skills sprang to mind.

This technique not only accelerated the condensation of Dou Qi but also enhanced the comprehension of the energies between heaven and earth during training—improving efficiency and purging impurities within the body.

At the thought of this wondrous skill, Ning Jiuyou’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Unable to contain herself, she swiftly dashed toward her room.

Xiao Yan, training beside her, saw her suddenly bolt away at great speed. A pang of worry flashed across his face.

He paused, anxiously asking Yao Lao in his mind, “Teacher, Jiuyou ran off so fast—is something wrong with her training? Or has something happened?”

Yao Lao chuckled upon seeing Xiao Yan’s anxious expression and grumbled, “Xiao Yan, stop worrying unnecessarily.”

“That girl is perfectly fine. Considering she just broke through to four stars and is full of vigor, she probably thought of a good idea about her training and hurried back.”

Hearing this eased Xiao Yan’s concerns somewhat, yet he still glanced anxiously in Ning Jiuyou’s departing direction, muttering, “I hope she’s truly alright.”

Elsewhere, after returning to her room, Ning Jiuyou immediately took out a pen and began to write.

If she could successfully cultivate this set of Dou skills, not only would it greatly aid her own training, but it might also help Xiao Yan improve his strength.

With this thought, a gentle smile curved her lips, her eyes shining with hopeful anticipation.

...

Clutching the paper on which she had recorded the “Ling Yun Tian Shu Technique,” Ning Jiuyou returned once more to the back mountain.

From a distance, she saw Xiao Yan still practicing with meticulous focus.

She tiptoed over and quietly sat beside him, her gaze softening as she watched his dedicated form.

Time slipped by gently. A breeze stirred the strands of Ning Jiuyou’s hair as she gazed upon Xiao Yan’s concentration, gradually dozing off unknowingly.

...

At last, Xiao Yan completed his training for the day. He exhaled deeply and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Yao Lao’s teasing voice echoed in his mind: “Xiao Yan, look beside you—someone’s fallen asleep waiting for you.”

He shifted his position within the ring and added, “She’s been there since you began your practice.”

Xiao Yan paused, following Yao Lao’s direction, and noticed Ning Jiuyou had indeed dozed off nearby.

Her face bore a serene calmness that inspired tenderness.

Moved, Xiao Yan instinctively stepped forward, intending to carry Ning Jiuyou to a more comfortable place to rest.

However, just as he reached out and embraced her, Ning Jiuyou instinctively sensed someone approaching and suddenly opened her eyes.

“You—”

At the utterance of the single word, Xiao Yan froze instantly.

Startled and fearful, he lowered his head, meeting Ning Jiuyou’s slightly puzzled gaze. They stared at each other in silence.

Feeling like he had been burned, Xiao Yan jerked away abruptly, his face flushing crimson.

Flustered, he stammered, “I—I’m sorry, Jiuyou. I didn’t mean to take advantage of you. No, that’s not right, I didn’t take advantage of you. It’s not—”