As Ziyuan left Li Yundong’s room, Su Chan keenly sensed her unusual demeanor. She watched Ziyuan depart, then tiptoed into Li Yundong’s room and carefully closed the door behind her.
The little girl rushed toward Li Yundong as if stealing something, whispering, “Master, your girl is here!”
Seeing her like this, Li Yundong immediately laughed and beckoned her over. “Little girl, come over to your master’s side.”
Su Chan gave a sweet smile, nestling close to Li Yundong obediently and charmingly, her eyes fluttering as she gazed at her companion with devoted affection. The little girl murmured softly, “Yundong, you didn’t argue with Sister Ziyuan just now, did you?”
Li Yundong chuckled, “Don’t be silly. Ziyuan is both my teacher and my friend. She has sacrificed so much for me; I respect her too much to ever quarrel. Even if she were in the wrong about something, I would defer to her.”
Hearing this, Su Chan finally relaxed, smiling sweetly, “That’s a relief. Sister Ziyuan had her own sect sealed because of us. I was so afraid you two might argue and leave her homeless. I’ve been driven out before, and I know how terrible it feels to have no home.”
Li Yundong was deeply moved. He gently wrapped an arm around Su Chan, his large hand softly stroking her dark hair. “You truly are kind; you think of others in every situation.”
Su Chan blinked her eyes. “Because Sister Ziyuan is exactly that kind of person! She thinks of everyone but herself, which is why I respect her character so much and strive to learn from her.”
Li Yundong laughed heartily. “Good, good. Then you should take Ziyuan as your master too; the Ling Gong Sect will gain another auxiliary disciple.”
Su Chan wiggled her body, coquettishly pouting, “No way, I want to take True Man Li as my master.” Saying this, she grabbed Li Yundong’s right hand and struck a mock pose of obeisance. “Master above, your disciple Su Chan pays her respects!”
Li Yundong burst into laughter, pulling the little girl into his embrace. He said softly, “Little girl, let’s stop messing around for a moment. I actually have something important to discuss with you.”
Su Chan giggled, wrapping her arms around Li Yundong’s waist and burying her face against his chest, greedily inhaling his potent masculine scent. “Tell me, I’m listening.”
Li Yundong knew the little girl was naturally playful and energetic; aside from practicing cultivation, it was almost impossible to get her to stay still for even a minute. He smiled, not pressing her, and simply held her close, whispering, “Think for me—who should receive this Human Origin Golden Elixir?”
Upon hearing this, Su Chan instantly froze, countless images flashing rapidly through her mind.
From her master seizing the Human Origin Golden Elixir and entrusting it to her for safekeeping, to Ziyuan and Ruan Hongling hunting her down, her desperate flight until she encountered Li Yundong, and finally, in order to escape pursuit, swallowing the elixir whole—which led to Li Yundong accidentally consuming the Human Origin Golden Elixir.
From her initial intent to drain Li Yundong dry, to slowly getting to know him, becoming companions, falling in love, and loving him deeply—these moments passed before her eyes like a turning lantern. In the little girl’s mind, it was crystal clear: the reason she could share this profound, heart-stirring love with Li Yundong was entirely because of this Human Origin Golden Elixir!
She had lost the Human Origin Golden Elixir, yet she had gained a companion in Li Yundong who she loved so profoundly it was etched into her soul. How could the gains and losses in this exchange possibly be explained in three days and three nights?
Now that the Human Origin Golden Elixir was before her again, how should she choose?
Su Chan thought blankly, lost in her contemplation. Li Yundong did not rush her, merely gazing at her with loving eyes, like a powerful guardian deity, silently watching over her to ensure she suffered no harm whatsoever.
Gradually, Su Chan’s gaze cleared. She climbed out of Li Yundong’s embrace and sat up straight, her expression unusually solemn and serious. She grasped Li Yundong’s hand and said, “Yundong, you already have a decision in mind, don’t you?”
Li Yundong smiled slightly. “I have a general inclination, but I haven't made a final decision. I wanted to hear your opinion.”
Su Chan spoke earnestly. “Then let me share my thoughts.”
Li Yundong nodded. “Yes, I’m listening.”
Su Chan looked steadily at Li Yundong and spoke word by word, “I want to give this Human Origin Golden Elixir to Sister Zhou Qin.”
Li Yundong was surprised. “Why don’t you keep it yourself? You should have received this Human Origin Golden Elixir in the first place. When I accidentally consumed yours, it prevented you from evolving from a Three-Tailed Demon Fox to a Six-Tailed Spirit Fox. This should rightfully be yours! This is just returning property to its rightful owner.”
However, Su Chan shook her head, gripping Li Yundong’s hand even tighter. “No, that’s not how I see it. I admit I coveted the Human Origin Golden Elixir greatly before I met you, wishing every day to become a great cultivator like the Heavenly Mystery Black Fox. But after meeting you, I slowly began to realize there are things in this world more interesting than cultivation, that having someone love and cherish you is such a happy and beautiful thing.”
The little girl’s eyes grew distant as she murmured dreamily, “I feel this must be the blessing accrued from my past lives that allowed me to meet you. Heaven made me lose the Human Origin Golden Elixir, yet gave me you; this shows Heaven is fair—you must give something up to gain something. But if I were to obtain the Human Origin Golden Elixir again now, I’m terrified I might lose you...”
Su Chan collapsed into Li Yundong’s arms, murmuring, “Master, you cannot leave your little girl. I can’t manage without you.”
Hearing Su Chan’s words, Li Yundong felt a surge of emotion. He vividly recalled the days he spent with Su Chan when he was at his lowest and most destitute, and he remembered her heart-wrenching shout when they were forced apart: Yundong, you must become strong!
Li Yundong’s eyes grew warm and slightly moist. He smiled, patting the little girl’s back, and said softly, “Don’t be foolish. Your master is very strong now; no one can separate us. You don’t need to worry about that.”
Su Chan shook her head and insisted, “No, it’s not just that. I suggest giving the Human Origin Golden Elixir to Sister Zhou Qin for another reason.”
Li Yundong asked, confused, “Then tell me what that reason is?”
Su Chan continued, “If I consume the Human Origin Golden Elixir, it will take me a full three months to digest it—even with your help, it would take at least two months. Yundong, you sent me away earlier. Though you didn’t say it, I understand your heart. You were likely worried because of all the strange and bizarre things that happened tonight. Moreover, since we seized the Human Origin Golden Elixir in front of so many cultivators tonight, we are sure to attract many enemies. Therefore, we should give the elixir to the person who can absorb it the fastest and become a powerful cultivator in the shortest time.”
Su Chan spoke very seriously. “I am a fox demon; my natural cultivation speed is slower than that of pure humans. Furthermore, my aptitude is inherently inferior to Sister Zhou Qin’s. She is naturally a Profound Yin Virgin Cauldron, and now she also possesses your Golden Elixir vital energy. For her to use the Human Origin Golden Elixir is perfectly complementary, achieving twice the result with half the effort. I trust that with your guidance and the aid of the Human Origin Golden Elixir, given Sister Zhou Qin’s aptitude, she can certainly reach the Foundation Establishment stage within a month. By the time of the Lotus Gathering Assembly, she will surely be a powerful aid to you!”
Li Yundong listened, deeply moved. He looked at Su Chan with complex emotions, thinking: This girl usually appears carefree and somewhat naturally clumsy, perhaps a little airheaded, but in reality, she is astute and her intelligence is second to none. In this current situation, she sees things more clearly than anyone else; her understanding is perfectly lucid.
Li Yundong said softly, “Aren’t you even a little regretful, a little jealous of her?”
Su Chan merely offered a sweet smile, linking her arm through his, and said cheerfully, “She should be jealous of me! Because I have you! With you by my side, I am completely content and desire nothing else.”
Saying that, the little girl stuck out her tongue and playfully poked Li Yundong’s right hand, saying, “Master, oh Master, it’s just hard on you; your Five Dragons Embracing the Pillar Divine Art will probably take even longer to cultivate now.”
Li Yundong chuckled, pinching her nose, and feigned sternness to tease her. “Nonsense, it’s clearly you cultivating the Five Dragons Embracing the Pillar Divine Art!”
Su Chan’s cheeks flushed red as she giggled, burying her head in Li Yundong’s chest, refusing to look up. “You just like bullying me, I hate it!”
Li Yundong laughed. “Don’t worry. Since you are so generous in yielding the Human Origin Golden Elixir to Zhou Qin, I won’t let you suffer a loss. We also heard Wan Zhenyuan mention he plans to refine the Earth Origin Spiritual Elixir. When that elixir appears, we’ll go snatch it from him. At that time, the Earth Origin Spiritual Elixir will be for you to consume, and you are forbidden from passing it to anyone else! Your master is waiting for you to reach fruition so we can soar together—do you have the heart to let him live as a widower his whole life?”
Su Chan burst into laughter. “The Earth Origin Spiritual Elixir? That’s too hard to refine; I don’t believe he can actually make it.”
Li Yundong smiled noncommittally. After spending some intimate time with the little girl, he said to her gently, “Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll give the Human Origin Golden Elixir to Zhou Qin. You still have time to change your mind!”
Su Chan pulled the Human Origin Golden Elixir from her embrace. Instantly, a dazzling golden light erupted, brilliantly illuminating the room. Without hesitation, she placed the elixir into the palm of Li Yundong’s hand, shook her head firmly, and said earnestly, “No, Sister Zhou Qin has paid far more for you than I have; this is what she deserves. If it is truly my destiny to consume an immortal elixir, there will be others in the future!”
Li Yundong slowly nodded, admiring and moved. “I was worried you might feel burdened by this, but I didn’t expect my little girl to be so clear-sighted, broad-minded, and understanding—it is truly rare. I am blessed indeed.”
Su Chan giggled, “Then you need to cook more delicious food for me as compensation!”
Li Yundong laughed. “All you think about is eating! Alright, you stay here in the room. I’ll go find Zhou Qin and see if she’s asleep yet.”
Saying that, Li Yundong clenched the Human Origin Golden Elixir in his palm and turned to leave the room.