bookpower Chapter 333: Taiyin Jade Essence
Chapter 333: Taiyin Jade Essence
Chapter 333: Taiyin Jade Essence
Lan Chang'an could easily discern that Xia Wenyue harbored an unspoken difficulty.
Given that Ice Moon Fortress had a Nascent Soul True Monarch overseeing it, he had secretly used a puppet clone to send a message and arrange to meet Xia Wenyue in private.
Unexpectedly, Xia Wenyue had brought along a “little tail.” Fortunately, Lan Chang'an had anticipated potential disruptions from the Nascent Soul True Monarch and had set up a fourth-rank illusion array in advance. He trapped Senior Sister Nalan within it, severing her connection to the outside world.
“How have you been faring in Proud Moon Palace all these years?”
Lan Chang'an didn’t bluntly demand the Taiyin Jade Essence but instead spoke in a relaxed tone, first catching up with her.
Sitting cross-legged on a lotus platform, Xia Wenyue calmed her emotions. Her gaze was tranquil, her expression serene:
“Thanks to Master Lan’s assistance, Wenyue’s cultivation in Proud Moon Palace has gone smoothly. My master and senior sister have taken good care of me. However, in those early decades, I often reminisced about... the days at the Xia family in Qingsha Bay.”
The word “reminisce” felt foreign and distant to Xia Wenyue.
In those early decades, the person she missed the most was none other than Master Lan. As a young girl, she’d often written letters to Jin Yun Valley, pouring her feelings into them.
But Lan Chang'an had almost never responded.
Later, she came to understand that Lan Chang'an had intentionally distanced himself from her, ensuring that others wouldn’t connect him to any ulterior motives.
As she matured and gained more experience, she came to understand many things—including Lan Chang'an’s meticulous calculations back then. He had even made her swear a heart demon oath as part of their agreement.
Thankfully, Lan Chang'an had always acted with integrity and had not deceived her emotionally during her youth.
Lan Chang'an had been her benefactor, saving her life and protecting the Xie Family of Qingsha Bay. These were undeniable truths.
From a purely transactional perspective, the agreement they had made back then was fair and just, with no deception involved. Lan Chang'an owed her nothing.
However, Lan Chang'an’s cold indifference and evasiveness during those years, as well as the truths she had since uncovered, had stripped away the halo of admiration she once held for him.
“A few years ago, my master tried to arrange for me to form a Dao companion bond with a Core Formation cultivator from her clan’s descendants. That man’s greedy and vulgar gaze... was utterly repulsive.”
“Fortunately, there was Situ Lan!”
“He shouldered a great deal of pressure for Wenyue. At times, my ability to move freely, refuse other suitors, and avoid unnecessary trouble was all thanks to using Situ as a pretense.”
On the Autumnwind Isle within the fourth-rank illusion formation, Xia Wenyue recounted her experiences over the years.
Over the past century, a persistent and dashing figure, like a gentle sun, had gradually attempted to melt the ice in her heart.
“Situ Lan? On my way here, I heard about this Situ Immortal of Endless Palace—a true gentleman admired by many. Word has it that he and Fairy Xia are considered a match made in heaven and are likely to form a Dao companion bond soon?”
Lan Chang'an smiled faintly, showing no hesitation in bringing up the man directly.
If Xia Wenyue had been moved by Situ Lan, obtaining the Taiyin Jade Essence would inevitably involve dealing with him.
Situ Lan was a peak Core Formation cultivator, a genius born with an innate Dao physique, and a personal disciple of the Alliance Leader Chu. He was just a hair's breadth away from forming a truly perfected, Immortal Golden Dan.
Moreover, Situ Lan was a descendant of Chu Tianfeng’s maternal lineage.
“Dao companions? That is still far off,” Xia Wenyue replied, shaking her head. Yet, a faint warmth flickered in her clear autumn-like eyes.
“Situ has pursued me for over a hundred years. He is a true gentleman, flawless in his conduct. Not only is he not detestable, but he exudes a sense of warmth and reliability. Just like someone from... back then...”
“Six months ago, Situ nearly lost his life protecting me. In the face of such a man, who has pursued me tirelessly for a century, if I were to claim I felt no stirrings at all, I’d be lying to myself.”
As she spoke, Xia Wenyue raised her slender finger, conjuring an icy mirror before her.
Within the mirror appeared the image of a tall and handsome man with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and dressed in a robe of silken brocade.
“Truly a dragon among men,” Lan Chang'an said with a slight nod of approval.
There was no denying that in terms of lineage, talent, and overall ability, Situ Lan was exceptional.
Noticing Lan Chang'an’s composed expression, Xia Wenyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
“So, is this the reason you’re preparing to breach our agreement?”
Lan Chang'an’s smile vanished, replaced by an icy sharpness.
What did Situ Lan’s heartfelt sincerity and tireless efforts have to do with him?
Lan Chang'an had come for what was rightfully his.
“Master Lan, you misunderstand!”
Xia Wenyue’s expression changed slightly, and she hastily explained:
“Wenyue has no intention of breaking our agreement. I merely wish to discuss whether we could replace the Taiyin Jade Essence with another form of transaction.”
“No.”
Lan Chang'an shook his head, his refusal firm and unequivocal.
“Unless Fairy Xia can offer an Infant Transformation Pill or a top-tier Nascent Soul-forming spirit item.”
Lan Chang'an was not unreasonable. However, Xia Wenyue would have to provide something of equal value.
The Taiyin Jade Essence was worth at least half an Infant Transformation Pill in terms of effectiveness.
Moreover, its unique properties allowed for benefits that were unattainable through Infant Transformation Pills. The elixir’s rarity and versatility made it even more valuable.
After all, even if one had multiple Infant Transformation Pills, they couldn’t stack their effects. A cultivator could only use one.
“This... Wenyue is merely at the mid-stage of Core Formation. How could I possibly possess treasures for a Nascent Soul breakthrough?”
Xia Wenyue’s voice grew weaker as she presented her offer:
“Wenyue is willing to pledge a favor and offer my accumulated wealth from one to two centuries to offset the value of the Taiyin Jade Essence.”
Hearing this, Lan Chang'an chuckled softly and shook his head.
Indeed, if Xia Wenyue eventually became a Core Formation Great Cultivator or even a Nascent Soul True Monarch in Proud Moon Palace’s leadership, her favor would hold significant weight.
However, with the ongoing demonic path war, there were too many uncertainties. Whether Xia Wenyue could achieve such heights was far from guaranteed.
Even if she succeeded in reaching the Nascent Soul stage, it would be a long time in the future—useless to Lan Chang'an’s current efforts to form his own Nascent Soul.
Given his current strength, Lan Chang'an could already contend with ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarchs and protect himself with ease. A future Nascent Soul favor would not mean much in the present.
...
"Master Lan, at your current age and cultivation level, staying in the mid-stage of Core Formation makes the pursuit of the Taiyin Jade Essence meaningless—it’s practically a waste."
Xia Wenyue’s gaze turned icy as she spoke bluntly.
Lan Chang'an was over three hundred years old and still at the mid-stage of Core Formation. At this age, his potential was clearly limited, making the prospect of forming a Nascent Soul an impossible dream.
The geniuses Xia Wenyue knew in Feng Kingdom had all reached mid-stage Core Formation—or even late stage—well before they turned two hundred.
“Who says it’s meaningless?”
Lan Chang'an’s face was devoid of expression as the magical power within him suddenly surged, climbing rapidly.
The cultivation base he had deliberately suppressed for years in Jin Yun Valley—mid-stage Core Formation—rose to late-stage Core Formation in an instant.
“A late-stage Core Formation Great Cultivator!”
Xia Wenyue couldn’t hide her astonishment, realizing she had underestimated him.
Her perspective had shifted since joining Proud Moon Palace, where the cultivators she encountered were far more remarkable. The Lan Chang'an she had once admired and revered back then had only been an insignificant low-tier Core Formation cultivator.
In a country as filled with prodigies as Feng Kingdom, Lan Chang'an’s abilities had seemed utterly ordinary, even among her suitors.
Yet she knew well how challenging the late stage of Core Formation was to achieve.
Even among the many talented cultivators of Proud Moon Palace, those who had formed strong True Dan foundations often struggled to break past this threshold.
Take her own Senior Sister Nalan, for example—she had yet to overcome this barrier.
What Xia Wenyue didn’t know was that Lan Chang'an was still holding back.
If he revealed his Immortal Golden Dan, it would likely leave even the lofty and composed Fairy Xuanbing in stunned disbelief.
Xia Wenyue pursed her lips and remained silent for a moment.
Given the current circumstances, what excuse could she offer to persuade Lan Chang'an to give up on the Taiyin Jade Essence?
“Fairy Xia, you are neither married nor have a Dao companion. Why not hand over the Taiyin Jade Essence to me?”
Lan Chang'an’s tone was calm, almost dismissive.
Xia Wenyue responded with a bitter expression:
“The illusion array here... Even if it’s not fourth-rank, it’s not far off.”
Her voice was tinged with frustration and resignation as she tried in vain to establish contact with the outside world. The illusion’s intricate layers severed every attempt she made to communicate.
In the heart of Ice Moon Fortress, within a crystalline palace exuding an icy chill, a woman clad in a golden robe adorned with intricate patterns abruptly opened her eyes.
The fierce sharpness in her phoenix-like gaze was matched only by its cold, calculating edge. Her crown, styled with phoenix motifs, glimmered with ethereal light, and her regal beauty was enhanced by the cinnabar mark on her forehead.
This was none other than the current palace master of Proud Moon Palace—Golden Moon True Monarch, a Nascent Soul cultivator of unparalleled authority.
Through the power of her Immortal Golden Dan, Golden Moon True Monarch had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage. Her talent surpassed that of her predecessor, and she had fully mastered Proud Moon Palace’s ultimate cultivation art, the Golden Moon Dominion Technique.
This domineering and cold metallic-element cultivation technique not only granted her unparalleled strength but also subtly influenced her personality, sharpening her already formidable demeanor.
Suddenly, Golden Moon True Monarch’s expression darkened.
“Something’s wrong! Wenyue’s chastity mark has been broken!”
Her fingers moved in rapid, precise motions as she performed a spell to confirm her suspicions. Moments later, her face grew even colder.
Years ago, during a critical period of Xia Wenyue’s recovery, Golden Moon True Monarch had secretly implanted a faint trace of her power within this disciple. This wasn’t a restrictive technique but rather a subtle mark to monitor Wenyue’s purity.
If Wenyue ever lost her virginity—or even experienced significant emotional or physical intimacy—Golden Moon True Monarch would sense it immediately.
Not even Xia Wenyue herself was aware of this secret measure.
Now, however, the mark had only sluggishly reacted after the event, providing Golden Moon True Monarch with delayed confirmation.
“Situ Lan! You hypocrite! You despicable bastard! You must’ve used some underhanded means to force her—”
Golden Moon True Monarch’s fury erupted, her face turning ashen with rage.
She knew Xia Wenyue’s character well—her disciple was disciplined, reserved, and virtuous. Her relationship with Situ Lan had only ever reached the level of goodwill; it had never gone any further.
For such a situation to arise, Situ Lan must have resorted to unspeakable methods, violating Xia Wenyue’s will and, in turn, jeopardizing Proud Moon Palace’s valuable asset.
BOOM!
A streak of golden light shot into the sky, tearing through the clouds above Ice Moon Fortress like a piercing sword.
...
Feng Kingdom, Endless Palace.
On the main peak of the third-rank superior-grade spirit vein, Situ Lan sat cross-legged, quietly tending to his injuries.
Suddenly, his eyelid twitched, and an inexplicable sense of unease surged through him.
Moments later, the steward of his residence hurried over and handed him an urgent jade transmission slip.
“Uncle-Master Situ, this message requires your immediate attention.”
Situ Lan activated the jade slip and quickly skimmed its contents. His usually calm expression turned dark.
“Wenyue coming to visit me? Nalan Qing also followed, but both disappeared midway?”
Situ Lan’s brows furrowed deeply, and a bad premonition gnawed at him.
His innate Dao physique granted him extraordinary sensitivity and intuition, and his instincts now screamed of danger.
“Wenyue, please... let nothing happen to you!”
Unable to suppress his mounting anxiety, Situ Lan finally stood up, his usual composure cracking under the weight of his worries.
“Uncle-Master Situ, your injuries haven’t fully healed—” the steward called out anxiously.
But before the steward could finish, Situ Lan had already disappeared from his residence, his figure reappearing in the skies above the mountain.
The clear, resonant hum of a sword echoed as he summoned his flying sword and stepped onto it.
Without hesitation, Situ Lan streaked through the air, heading straight toward Ice Moon Fortress.
...
The illusionary space of Autumnwind Isle dimmed as night descended.
A translucent white veil draped down from the top of the lotus platform, gently swaying. Behind it, a graceful silhouette emerged—an ice-cold beauty with peerless elegance, like a divine lotus maiden. Her form moved rhythmically within the rising tides, a vision of serene yet commanding dignity.
Around the lotus platform, scattered belongings told the tale of an intimate encounter. A moon-white palace robe, inner garments, jade hairpins, silken ribbons, and embroidered shoes lay strewn about. The lingering scent of her light, refreshing fragrance filled the air, intoxicating yet soothing to the senses.
At a certain moment, a slender, jade-like leg stepped through the drifting veil. Its flawless, milky skin trembled slightly as it touched the ground, betraying the owner’s weakened state.
“Fairy Xia, after such a profound experience, you must rest and avoid disturbing your qi and blood,” Lan Chang'an said in a soft, reassuring tone. With gentle movements, he supported Xia Wenyue, whose body was still weak and pliant.
Though her cheeks were still flushed with residual warmth, Xia Wenyue turned her head away, her cold eyes brimming with frost. Her voice was sharp and biting:
“If Master Lan hasn’t had enough, you may continue. Tonight, Wenyue belongs to you entirely. Consider it repayment for the debt I owe you from the past.”
Her words were harsh, yet as she spoke, a suppressed groan escaped her lips. Pain flashed across her face, and cold sweat beaded her forehead. Her body trembled as she collapsed into Lan Chang'an’s arms, utterly drained.
She bit her lip, fighting back a tide of emotions—shame, frustration, and humiliation. She had never expected Lan Chang'an to possess such vigor.
Logically, a mid-stage Core Formation female cultivator should have been able to endure, even for her first time. Yet, within less than half an hour, she had been overwhelmed, brought to tears as she softly pleaded for mercy.
“There’s no need for more. I’ve already obtained what I came for. I wouldn’t subject Fairy Xia to further suffering,” Lan Chang'an said, his tone calm and detached.
Sitting cross-legged, he began refining the Taiyin Jade Essence he had just obtained. His Immortal Golden Dan emitted a faint light, surrounded by a misty, jade-like liquid.
A profound and mysterious Lunar Yin Energy was being absorbed into the Golden Core. The sensation reminded him of the Innate Turbid Qi emitted by the withering of the Xuantian Fruit.
However, the energy within the Taiyin Jade Essence was fundamentally different—it provided a potent and pure boost to male cultivators, especially those preparing for Nascent Soul breakthrough.
As Xia Wenyue silently adjusted her qi, she glanced at the white-robed man beside her. His expression was serene, focused entirely on his cultivation. Her emotions churned with complexity.
In her younger years, when she had admired him, he had seemed utterly indifferent to her feelings.
Now that her affection for him had faded and she had begun to develop feelings for someone else, fate had played its cruel joke—leading her to give her most precious first experience to Lan Chang'an.
Eh?
As Lan Chang'an meditated, absorbing the Taiyin Jade Essence, an ominous sensation stirred within him.
“What? How did they find us so quickly!”
His heightened senses detected a powerful Nascent Soul aura rapidly approaching from hundreds of li away.
Lan Chang'an’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he stood up and quickly donned his robes.
Using a mental command, he ordered the Earth Burrowing Rat guarding the perimeter to begin dismantling the fourth-rank illusion array. He prepared for an immediate retreat.
The formation, while formidable, lacked a dedicated spiritual vein to sustain it and was powered primarily by spirit stones. Against a Nascent Soul True Monarch, it wouldn’t hold for long.
“What’s wrong, Master Lan?” Xia Wenyue asked, enduring her pain as she clung to his arm and hastily dressed herself.
“A Nascent Soul True Monarch is approaching at great speed. Judging by the cold, metallic spiritual energy radiating from them, it must be your master—the palace lord of Proud Moon Palace,” Lan Chang'an replied grimly.
“How could it be such a coincidence?” Xia Wenyue’s face paled.
Her voice trembled as she muttered, “Could it be that Master... left some sort of mark on me?”
Her heart sank as realization dawned. The timing was too precise—her master must have sensed the changes in her body and come immediately.
She glanced at Lan Chang'an, her face filled with worry. Knowing her master’s domineering nature, if Golden Moon True Monarch discovered the truth, she would undoubtedly kill Lan Chang'an on the spot.
“Wenyue...” Lan Chang'an started, intending to bid her farewell and escape.
But Xia Wenyue gripped his arm tightly, her gaze resolute.
“Master Lan, my master has already locked onto you. You cannot escape. But please, leave this to me. I’ll plead with her and explain everything. I promise you’ll leave unharmed.”
Her determination was unwavering. If Lan Chang'an fled on his own, he would undoubtedly be hunted down and killed.
Lan Chang'an looked into her tear-filled eyes and briefly hesitated. Was this all part of some elaborate trap?
If he wished, he could easily push Xia Wenyue away with a surge of power, even injuring her severely in the process.
But as he quietly calculated the threads of cause and effect, he found no evidence that Xia Wenyue had schemed against him.
Had this been a plot, Xia Wenyue wouldn’t have willingly given up something so precious to her.
“How bold of you, Xia Wenyue! To dare commit to such a private arrangement without permission—”
A cold, ethereal voice echoed from above, sending chills down their spines.
Buzz!
A brilliant, golden full moon appeared in the sky, spreading its radiant light over the area. Its glow covered miles, replacing the now-dismantled fourth-rank illusion formation.