Chapter 21: The Burning Verdict

Under the meticulous guidance of Yao Lao, Xiao Yan had made remarkable progress in both alchemy and Dou Qi cultivation through diligent practice and study over this period.

One day, Yao Lao looked at Xiao Yan with a satisfied smile and slowly said, “Xiao Yan, you are now proficient in refining second-grade pills, which is quite an achievement in alchemy. Moreover, your realm has reached the level of a three-star Dou Zhe; your strength has increased significantly.”

Hearing Yao Lao’s praise, a surge of joy welled up in Xiao Yan’s heart, but he merely smiled humbly and replied, “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Teacher. Without your careful instruction, I would not have made such progress.”

Yao Lao waved his hand and continued, “Previously, Jiuyou gave you the cultivation technique, and I have yet to teach you any Dou Qi techniques. But now, it seems the time has come to pass on a Dou Qi method to you.”

Xiao Yan was slightly startled, his heart filled with anticipation for the technique Yao Lao was about to impart.

A suitable Dou Qi technique was crucial for any cultivator; it determined the speed of cultivation and the quality of Dou Qi.

Yao Lao looked at Xiao Yan thoughtfully, his gaze serious as he asked, “Xiao Yan, what kind of Dou Qi technique do you want?”

“Once chosen, this technique is difficult to change, so you must consider carefully. Different techniques emphasize different aspects.”

“Some focus on offensive power, others on defense, and some on speed and agility.”

He paused briefly, then looked at Xiao Yan earnestly. “You must choose based on your own traits and cultivation goals.”

Xiao Yan looked at Yao Lao and said, “Teacher, I want the technique you mentioned before, the one that can evolve. I believe only such a technique can allow me to grow stronger constantly and adapt to more intense battles ahead.”

Upon hearing this, Yao Lao fell silent, his eyes deep and complex, as if recalling something or weighing a difficult decision.

Seeing Yao Lao’s expression, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but feel puzzled and quickly asked, “Teacher, what is it? Is there some difficulty, or is it not the right time yet?”

Yao Lao looked deeply into Xiao Yan’s eyes and slowly said, “This technique, as you said, can indeed evolve, but it is extremely peculiar.”

“Training it grants great power, but the dangers are beyond what ordinary people can imagine.”

“Not to mention the various hardships and perils in the cultivation process, just evolving the technique carries enormous risks. A single misstep could lead to eternal ruin.”

Xiao Yan pondered deeply over Yao Lao’s words.

Suddenly, in his mind appeared the arrogant figure of Nalan Yanran when she came to break their engagement, as well as his father’s expression of sorrow and helplessness at the time.

That scene was etched into his heart like a brand, becoming an everlasting pain.

Then, the image of Ning Jiuyou also surfaced in his mind…

Thinking of these, a resolute gleam flashed in Xiao Yan’s eyes. He looked at Yao Lao firmly and said, “Teacher, I want to try. I know the risks, but I cannot remain weak forever. I want to become strong—strong enough to protect those I care about.”

Yao Lao, seeing Xiao Yan’s resolve, guessed what he had been thinking again. He wanted to smile but felt it was inappropriate.

He cleared his throat a few times and said, “Since I obtained this technique, I have known of its uniqueness and danger. I named it ‘Burning Decision.’ It is an extraordinarily special method.”

Xiao Yan hurriedly asked, “Teacher, what is the cultivation path of this technique? How should I train it?”

Yao Lao sighed slightly and said, “The evolution of this technique requires a special kind of flame—an exotic fire, powerful and varied in nature.”

“Burning Decision can absorb these exotic fires, converting their power into its own energy, thus enabling the technique’s evolution.”

“Each kind of exotic fire absorbed raises the level of Burning Decision, making the cultivator stronger. But…”

“Exotic fires are incredibly rare in this world, hard to obtain. Moreover, during the absorption process, a slight mistake can cause the fire to backfire, leaving no remains behind.”

Yao Lao’s expression grew serious as he continued, “Still, although this technique is extremely dangerous, if truly mastered, its power is unmatched by ordinary methods.”

“On the Dou Qi continent, only those at the pinnacle—Dou Emperors and those who have cultivated supreme-grade techniques—can rival it.”

“With the power gained from evolving Burning Decision, you would secure a place of respect on this continent, becoming an awe-inspiring figure.”

Yao Lao paused, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yan as he asked again, “Now, do you still want to cultivate Burning Decision? You must fully consider the risks involved.”

Xiao Yan was about to reply when Yao Lao waved his hand and added, “I’m not making this choice for you!”

“I just want to say, you know about that Jiuyou girl—she came out of nowhere, her background mysterious, but her identity is definitely not simple.”

“Although you haven’t admitted your feelings for Jiuyou in front of her, I have keen eyes. I can see right through your thoughts.”

Xiao Yan’s face flushed slightly. He wanted to deny it but found no words.

Yao Lao, seeing Xiao Yan’s reaction, grinned mischievously and said, “Just think, if one day you’re not qualified to stand before her, imagine that scene…”

“Tsk tsk, someone better and stronger might appear by her side, and you’d only be able to watch helplessly.”

Listening to Yao Lao, Xiao Yan felt a sharp sting in his chest.

He lowered his head, clutching his chest, feeling both helpless and embarrassed. “Enough, Teacher, please stop! Don’t say anything more.”

Yao Lao looked at Xiao Yan’s shy and vexed expression, thoroughly amused, and burst into hearty laughter.

Between laughs, he teased, “Oh ho, look at you—getting caught off guard like this. Where’s that cleverness of yours usually?”

Xiao Yan’s face reddened further. He turned away, silently cursing his teacher’s relentless teasing.

But he also knew that despite the jokes, Yao Lao’s concern for him was genuine.

After laughing for some time, Yao Lao finally quieted down.

Xiao Yan continued to ponder Yao Lao’s words, reflecting on his past, Nalan Yanran’s humiliation, his family’s hardships, and the mysterious figure of Ning Jiuyou who occupied his thoughts.

After a moment, Xiao Yan slowly turned his head, his eyes shining with renewed determination.

He looked at Yao Lao and said earnestly, “Teacher, I have decided to choose Burning Decision.”

“I know this technique is fraught with danger and that mastering it won’t be easy, but I don’t want to regret being weak and cowardly in the future.”

He clenched his fist slightly and continued, “If I’m going to do this, I want to do it to the best of my ability. I want to become strong.”

“Strong enough to protect those I care about. Jiuyou is so outstanding; I can’t just stand still. I have to keep up with her, even surpass her.”

Yao Lao gazed at Xiao Yan’s steadfast expression, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.