C29 Water of Life

Ye Tian was certain that this unique physique was so rare that fewer than a handful of people in the entire world could discern it.

As he gently traced the lines on Su Xue's palm with his own meager Genuine Qi, Ye Tian could just barely sense the faint patterns etched upon her bones.

These patterns were the same as the green lotus image that had appeared behind Su Xue, albeit quite blurry, yet already forming its initial shape. It was the elusive Green Lotus Saint Body, a phenomenon so scarce that even with his knowledge from a past life, Ye Tian had encountered it only on the rarest of occasions.

The workings of the Heavenly Dao brought forth innumerable wonders, and the Green Lotus Saint Body was among them—a rarity that inspired envy for its scarcity.

Those blessed with the Saint Body were leagues ahead of their peers from the outset. Ye Tian couldn't help but feel envious that his own maid had stumbled upon such fortune.

He was assessing the development of Su Xue's body, though she remained oblivious to her young master's intentions.

Her thoughts were filled with romantic notions, oblivious to the fact that Ye Tian's mind was far from such matters.

"Xue, you have impressive bones. Would you be interested in cultivating?" Ye Tian inquired, releasing his hold and speaking with patience.

He couldn't reveal the truth to Su Xue. Unaware as she was, it would be perilous if someone with ulterior motives were to discover her secret.

Su Xue, initially taken aback by Ye Tian's sudden change, felt a twinge of disappointment before quickly regaining her composure. "Young Master, how could I even entertain such thoughts? I am merely your servant..."

She was acutely aware of the gap between their statuses. Although Ye Chengfeng and his son Ye Tian never treated her as a mere servant, in the eyes of the world, that was her assigned role.

In this world, the social hierarchy was rigid: servants were forbidden from cultivating to ensure their masters' safety.

Despite her deep yearning, Su Xue understood there were things she simply could not aspire to.

"Don't overthink it. Just give me a nod, and I'll introduce you to the realm of cultivators," Ye Tian offered with a nonchalant wave of his hand, recalling that even the servants in his previous life were formidable in their own right.

Yet, Ye Tian knew he couldn't impose his will on Su Xue. If she declined, he was prepared to let her live out her days in contented simplicity.

Su Xue nodded shyly upon hearing this. She couldn't pass up such an opportunity, especially knowing that her young master, Ye Tian, was not one to deceive.

In his excitement, Ye Tian forgot he was still in the bath barrel and stood up abruptly, inadvertently revealing himself to Su Xue's gaze.

"Good heavens!" Su Xue's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She covered her eyes with her hands, yet couldn't resist peeking through a small gap, taking in the sight of Ye Tian with clarity.

Realizing his thoughtless act, Ye Tian shrugged off the embarrassment, too elated from discovering the Blue Lotus Sacred Body to fuss over such minor details. He quickly wrapped a towel around himself, then moved to the table to pen down a lengthy script.

"Xue, this is the Profound Blue Lotus Technique I've mastered. Commit every word to memory and diligently practice it. Within a year, you'll rank among the top experts of the Ye family," Ye Tian instructed with great care. The Profound Blue Lotus Technique, a method developed from the Blue Lotus Sacred Body, was a treasure he had acquired in his past life.

Now, with a worthy disciple in Su Xue, Ye Tian was confident that her future accomplishments would shine brilliantly.

Su Xue watched intently as Ye Tian meticulously transcribed the technique, her gratitude deepening. The affection she harbored for him stirred more fiercely within her.

Ye Tian urged Su Xue to begin her training immediately, as the bath's medicinal properties had been fully absorbed. There was no need for her to linger.

Once alone, Ye Tian examined the items he had taken from the Heaven Hunting Sect disciple. Among the Vast Essence Coins and various pills, a gourd-shaped bottle caught his eye.

The bottle appeared unremarkable, likely to be overlooked if dropped on the street. Yet, Ye Tian was certain that no disciple from a prominent sect would carry something worthless.

He picked up the small gourd, attempting to open it, only to discover a protective seal. Any attempt to force it open would cause the gourd to shatter instantly.

"Hehe, they actually dared to put such a laughable seal on this," Ye Tian scoffed. In his previous life, he had encountered far more sophisticated seals, and this one was not only simplistic but also incomplete.

Ye Tian's hands danced through a series of enigmatic seals, his Genuine Qi flowing in harmony, casting ripples into the air with each gesture.

As the ripples were absorbed by the seal on the small gourd, a faint crackling sound emerged. With another movement, the seal on the gourd vanished entirely.

"Let's see what secrets you hold inside," Ye Tian murmured, eager to discover its contents.

Tilting the gourd, he watched as several droplets of water fell, indistinguishable from ordinary water except for a sweet scent that tantalized his senses.

"This is the Water of Life!" Ye Tian's excitement was palpable. As precious as gold, even the small amount in the gourd could be worth a fortune.

The Water of Life was a rarity, known for its ability to enhance one's soul force—a boon that Ye Tian was currently seeking.

With the Water of Life, the prowess of the Heaven Hunting Sect was evident, not merely an empty claim. And for Ye Tian, it was the perfect gift.

He drank the Water of Life greedily, like a parched wanderer stumbling upon an oasis. A soft glow enveloped his body, casting an ethereal light.

His soul force surged, and upon consuming the last drop, Ye Tian's eyes snapped open, their brilliance rivaling the stars above.

His soul force had ascended to the Great Perfection of Mortal Stage, brushing against the next realm.

With his newfound strength, facing Daoist Qianhe would not be the same as before.

Basking in his joy, Ye Tian was a step closer to his aspirations. He settled down to rest, readying himself for the next day's lessons.

Come morning, the academy's teachers rallied the students for a practical expedition to the Fallen Maple Forest—a haven for magical beasts and a prime training ground for the disciples, where the rewards for slaying beasts were bountiful.

Every year, Spirit Feather Academy holds an event designed to hone the skills of all its students, pushing them to further their advancement.

The top student in each year's competition receives the coveted prize of Void Grass, a reward that turns many green with envy.

Void Grass, a rare and valuable component in pill refining, produces medicines capable of healing serious bodily injuries.

Due to its exorbitant cost, it's virtually unobtainable on the open market, and only an influential institution like Spirit Feather Academy has the means to bestow such a prize.