With this knowledge in hand, their minds began to drift toward other possibilities. Even the disciples of the Water Cloud Palace, who intensely disliked Li Shuwen, could not help but feel surprised. Producing a Core Formation Pill was no trivial matter that anyone could manage at will; possessing an extra Core Formation Pill meant an extra chance to become a Core Formation cultivator.

Palace Master Liu Yu Zhenren’s good opinion of Li Shuwen, that frivolous young master who loved to flirt everywhere, rose considerably. Such a generous gift, at the very least, demonstrated his sincere intentions toward Huangfu Bing'er, proving he wasn't merely speaking idly. Compared to the revulsion Huangfu Bing'er’s fellow senior and junior sisters felt toward Li Shuwen, Liu Yu Zhenren’s considerations were undoubtedly far-reaching.

Although Huangfu Bing'er possessed exceptional talent and diligence, she lacked sufficient backing and might not travel far in a complicated place like Immortal Abode City. If she had the support of a direct descendant of a Nascent Soul Ancestor from the Demonic Heaven Alliance, having ties to both the Heavenly Dao Alliance and the Demonic Heaven Alliance, many future matters would be much easier to handle. Moreover, pairing up for dual cultivation with other cultivators was inevitable sooner or later.

Since Li Shuwen was willing to present such a hefty gift to show his disposition, perhaps he was worth considering. “Bing'er, your cultivation technique involves two elements, and the potential between your Ice and Fire Spirit Roots differs. There will inevitably be danger when forming your Core.

Forming a couple for dual cultivation is the most reliable method to break through the Core Formation bottleneck. Since Young Palace Master Li shows such sincerity, perhaps you should consider it seriously.” “Master.” Huangfu Bing'er remained as tranquil as still water, composed and unhurried. “This disciple will not consider this matter before reaching Core Formation.

Please ask Young Master Li to return.” Li Shuwen met a polite rebuff, his fervent gaze instantly doused by this bucket of cold water. A trace of venomous resentment, impossible to suppress, surged from the depths of his eyes. This was not the first time he had been refused.

Every time, she claimed she would consider it carefully, yet he never received a definitive answer. Was this little wench playing games with him? Sooner or later, she would learn the power of a Young Palace Master like himself.

“Since Junior Sister Bing'er is unwilling to consider it now, I shall call another day. Farewell!” Despite his inherently gloomy nature, he did not let these thoughts show on his face; only his complexion paled slightly as he maintained a forced smile. Li Shuwen departed Water Cloud Palace, leading a contingent of more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding him, leaving in frustration.

“Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Leave a few men behind! I want eyes on her every move.

Report to me immediately the moment she steps out of Water Cloud Palace.” As he turned to leave the palace grounds, he glanced back, a cold smirk hanging on his lips. “Within Water Cloud Palace, I can’t touch you, but once you leave here, I’d like to see what skills you have to escape my grasp.” “Yes, Young Palace Master.” Huangfu Bing'er left Water Cloud Palace, her heart unsettled as she walked the streets of the city. Li Shuwen’s persistent harassment had significantly disrupted her cultivation; she had endured it for a long time.

Having grown up in the complex environment of the Green Pill Sect, one of the seven great sects in the Spirit Mist Realm, and being a core disciple of the higher echelon, she had encountered countless arrogant, privileged young scions who relied on their fathers and grandfathers to act wantonly. She was keenly aware of their tendency to act willfully and engage in covert struggles. In the Spirit Mist Realm, as the daughter of a Golden Core Ancestor of the Green Pill Sect, her status was exalted, and naturally, no one dared harbor improper designs or apply pressure upon her.

However, the situation in Immortal Abode City was entirely different. This place was teeming with powerful cultivators, and supreme authority rested in the hands of Nascent Soul cultivators. Aside from Liu Yu, the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Water Cloud Palace, she had no other backing.

The Golden Core Ancestors of the Green Pill Sect were utterly unqualified to protect her. Li Shuwen was the direct relative of a Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Demonic Heaven Alliance, and she knew she could not afford to offend him. During this period, she had been using the pretext of forming her Core to stall for time, hoping to prevent Li Shuwen from losing his reason in a fit of anger.

Otherwise, if Li Shuwen sought help from that Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Demonic Heaven Alliance, once the ancestor personally intervened, she, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, would be utterly incapable of resisting. In the East Sea Scattered Isles, power was held either by the Heavenly Dao Alliance or the Demonic Heaven Alliance. With her sharp intellect, she naturally knew the best way to handle this situation: achieving Core Formation.

Only cultivators at the Core Formation stage could hold a slight standing within the Heavenly Dao Alliance and possess a degree of autonomy in certain matters. The higher echelons of the Heavenly Dao Alliance would pay more attention to Golden Core cultivators. As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, they held absolutely no voice and were required to obey the commands of their superiors unconditionally.

For the sake of a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was almost impossible for the Heavenly Dao Alliance to intervene. Even Ancestor Liu Yu might ultimately choose to yield under immense pressure, sacrificing her to foster better relations with that Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Demonic Heaven Alliance. Every step she took had to be extremely cautious.

However, these were all previous calculations. What occupied Huangfu Bing'er’s thoughts now had nothing to do with Li Shuwen and the Demonic Heaven Alliance cultivator, but rather centered on something else entirely. “It’s been ten years, and Junior Brother Ye still hasn't reached the East Sea Islands?” Due to an unexpected encounter with a demon storm, Ye Qin was separated from Ye Tai and the main force, and his whereabouts were unknown.

However, she had never worried that Junior Brother Ye Qin had perished. Back at the bank of the lava river in the Myriad Withered Ridge cavern, they had established the ancient secret art of the Blood Link Heart-Soul Imprint. If one died and their primordial spirit vanished, the other would receive a strange sensation.

For more than a decade, the Blood Link Heart-Soul Imprint had shown no particular reaction, meaning Junior Brother Ye was certainly still alive. Although the East Sea was perilous, it might not be enough to overcome the trials Junior Brother Ye had already endured. This was the reason she could persist here.

Furthermore, over the past few days, she felt the Blood Link Heart-Soul Imprint within her warming slightly—an instinctive reaction indicating they were drawing closer. She sensed that Ye Qin was rapidly approaching Immortal Abode City, though she didn't know his exact location. Especially tonight, the imprint felt intensely hot.

This was the true reason she had come to the streets, her heart restless and filled with anticipation. The magnificent lights of Immortal Abode City illuminated the bustling night market streets. Suddenly, a thought stirred in her mind, and her clear, ice-like eyes swept towards the chaotic crowd ahead.

A young cultivator walked slowly down the street, a calm and gentle smile on his face. That familiar countenance caused an irrepressible surge of joy to erupt in her heart. In that instant, the entire street seemed to fall silent.

In her eyes, there was only one figure. “Bing'er Junior Sister!” Ye Qin, too, suddenly snapped awake from his detached, ethereal state and saw Huangfu Bing'er a hundred feet away, momentarily stunned. He had absolutely not expected the woman he missed so dearly to appear right before him.

The two stood gazing at each other from afar for a long time, filled with a thousand unspoken words. “Junior Brother Ye, follow me!” Huangfu Bing'er walked past Ye Qin, her voice soft and gentle. The slight trace of fresh fragrance she stirred brushed past Ye Qin, causing his heart to leap.

Ye Qin wanted to say something. Huangfu Bing'er looked at his bright eyes, but clearly indicated with her gaze that he needed no further questions, just to follow her. Ye Qin naturally kept silent and did not inquire further.

There were many secrets in Immortal Abode City that he was unaware of. The two left Immortal Abode City, cast their flying swords, and headed out over the sea. Several days later, they arrived by sword flight in the central island cluster of the East Sea Scattered Isles, settling upon a small island spanning several miles, yet rich in spiritual energy.

This island was not particularly large and featured a small peak. Huangfu Bing'er retracted her Ice Soul Flying Sword and landed on a rock face halfway up the small peak. Then, she performed several hand seals with her jade-like fingers, and a beam of white light struck the rock.

The illusionary terrain of the rock immediately vanished, the restrictive array opened, revealing a modest cave dwelling. On one side of the cave entrance were the emblems of the Heavenly Dao Alliance and the Water Cloud Palace, displaying the identity and backing of the residence's owner. Ordinary cultivators would not dare harbor designs on such a dwelling.

Ye Qin instantly understood: this was Huangfu Bing'er’s island, and this cave dwelling should be hers as well. Such a spiritually abundant island was rare even in the central cluster of islands. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator to possess such a minor spirit island, immensely beneficial to cultivation, was quite an achievement.

Ye Qin followed Huangfu Bing'er into the cave. Outside the dwelling, heavy illusions were laid down once more. This cave served as both a secluded cultivation spot and a living quarter, containing more than ten stone rooms, including a master bedroom, a study, a seclusion chamber, an alchemy room, and all necessary implements were fully equipped.

The living quarters featured layers of pink drapery. This was Ye Qin’s first time entering Huangfu Bing'er’s private room. Back in the Green Pill Sect, he certainly hadn't enjoyed the fortune of daring to intrude upon her chambers.

“Seen enough?” Seeing Ye Qin staring at her somewhat dumbfounded, Huangfu Bing'er blinked her autumn eyes, and a blush crept onto her face. “Jiu!” Struck by the sudden charm in her gaze, Ye Qin’s heart pounded uncontrollably. He immediately took hold of both her hands.

He didn't say much more; here, words were superfluous. Huangfu Bing'er was surprised by Ye Qin’s sudden boldness and felt a flush of shyness. She tried to pull away but found she couldn’t, earning a light, exasperated sound from her.

Ye Qin possessively claimed her lips, only then realizing that Huangfu Bing'er had already reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. He murmured, “Bing'er, you are already at the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment; you should be able to form your Core. Have you found a Core Formation Pill?” Unable to break free, Huangfu Bing'er simply leaned softly against Ye Qin’s shoulder, savoring the warmth of his broad shoulder, and nodded slightly.

“I already possess a Core Formation Pill. However, as you know, my Ice and Fire Spirit Root potential is uneven. Daily cultivation is not a major issue, but the danger escalates significantly once I attempt to break through the Core Formation bottleneck.

That is why, despite being at the peak of Foundation Establishment, I haven’t consumed the pill yet.” Ye Qin nodded slowly; he was aware of this situation. When Huangfu Bing'er broke through her own Foundation Establishment bottleneck, he had tasted the bitterness of the Nine Levels of Ice and Fire. If the agony he endured—who wasn't breaking through—was so intense, the pain she experienced must have been a hundred times worse.

A wave of tenderness washed over him, and he drew her closer into his embrace. Huangfu Bing'er trembled slightly, nestling into his arms, a faint blush coloring her beautiful features.