The cold poison dissipated

At the summit of Purple Bamboo Peak, within the Cold Jade Palace.

The place was covered in ten-thousand-year-old profound ice year-round, and the biting cold was oppressive.

Ordinary Cultivators, if they even approached within ten yards, would find their blood frozen by the bone-piercing chill.

However, at this moment, deep within the layers of Restriction Formations...

Inside that sleeping palace, which symbolized supreme majesty, a strange, warm fragrance permeated the air.

It was not like the deathly, icy silence of the past.

Instead, it exuded an indescribable charm.

On the massive ten-thousand-year-old cold jade bed, mist swirled.

An exquisitely graceful figure was lazily reclining on her side.

She was a woman of breathtaking beauty.

Her long black hair cascaded like a waterfall over the snowy-white jade pillow, with a few playful strands resting against her stunning face.

Her skin was whiter than snow, yet tinged with a faint pinkish hue.

She looked like a snow lotus frozen for ten thousand years, quietly blooming at this very moment.

Yun Yuzhen slowly opened her eyes.

In those phoenix eyes that should have been as cold as the moon, looking down upon all living beings, there was now a hint of post-slumber confusion.

And a trace of unhideable bashfulness.

She instinctively reached out and felt the spot beside her.

It was empty.

Her hand met only the cold touch of the cold jade bed.

“That Rebellious Disciple...”

Yun Yuzhen's red lips parted slightly; her voice was a bit raspy, yet it possessed an indescribable magnetism.

She propped up her upper body, causing the cloud-silk quilt covering her to slide down slightly.

This revealed a large expanse of snow-white skin beneath her delicate collarbones.

Along with the faint, lingering traces of last night's frenzy.

Yun Yuzhen glanced down, and her originally cold face was instantly stained with two red clouds.

“Simply... lawless.”

She gritted her teeth, sounding as if she were scolding him, yet also as if she were reminiscing.

Ever since she was trapped in this Cold Jade Palace three days ago by that Rebellious Disciple under the pretext of 'healing'...

She, the dignified Peak Master of Purple Bamboo Peak and a Great Power of Tribulation Crossing Realm, had completely lost her former majesty.

What 'Dragon Trapping Formation,' what 'detoxification'?

It was clearly just an excuse for that Rebellious Disciple to commit insubordination and betray his Revered Master!

But... Yun Yuzhen frowned slightly and slowly began to circulate the Grand Yin True Scripture within her body.

The Cold Poison, which used to sting her Meridians and obstruct the flow of Spiritual Qi as soon as she activated it, was now surprisingly quiet.

In fact, much of it had dissipated.

The 'Nine Nether Severed Meridian Cold Poison' that had entangled her for hundreds of years, causing her cultivation to stagnate and forcing her to stay in seclusion year-round to suppress it...

Had actually been mostly absorbed by that Rebellious Disciple!

“How is this possible...”

Yun Yuzhen's beautiful eyes widened, a flash of disbelief crossing them.

She performed an internal inspection.

Within her Dantian Qi Sea, which was once a dead, frozen world...

There were now strands of extremely pure yang energy.

This aura was domineering and scorching, like a blazing sun, melting the stubborn ice within her body bit by bit.

That was Su Ye's aura.

It was the pure yang power transformed by the Supreme Bone and Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art within that Rebellious Disciple's body.

“Taiyin and Taiyang, the harmony of Yin and Yang...”

Yun Yuzhen murmured to herself.

As a Great Power of Tribulation Crossing Realm, she naturally understood the principles involved.

She just never expected that this Dual Cultivation method, which only existed in ancient legends, would actually have such miraculous effects.

Furthermore, that Rebellious Disciple... Thinking of Su Ye's focus during the 'healing' and his tenderness, which, though domineering, held a hint of carefulness...

Yun Yuzhen's originally hardened heart unconsciously cracked open a sliver.

“Could it be that he really did it to save me?”

The moment this thought surfaced, she forcibly suppressed it.

“Hmph, what saving me.”

“He clearly just coveted my Taiyin Sacred Body and wanted to use it to achieve a Breakthrough in his cultivation.”

“That little brat has been full of bad ideas since he was a child.”

Despite her verbal scolding, the slight upward curve of Yun Yuzhen's lips betrayed her true feelings.

Most of the chronic illness in her body was gone, and there were signs that her cultivation was loosening.

That long-lost sense of lightness made her feel as if she were floating.

If she weren't trapped here, she would have wanted to let out a long cry to vent the joy in her heart.

Yun Yuzhen tried to mobilize her Spiritual Qi.

With a light tap of her finger...

A crystal-clear ice lotus bloomed in the Void Realm.

Although she still only had twenty to thirty percent of her peak power, for her, who had suffered from Cold Poison for centuries, this was already a massive surprise.

“Hmph, I suppose you have some conscience.”

Yun Yuzhen gave a proud, soft snort.

She pulled back the brocade quilt, intending to get out of bed.

But as soon as her jade-like bare feet touched the floor, her legs went weak.

An indescribable soreness swept through her entire body.

It was the aftereffect of several consecutive days of 'high-intensity healing'.

“Su Ye!”

Yun Yuzhen held onto the edge of the bed and called out that name in shame and annoyance.

In the empty sleeping palace, only echoes vibrated.

No one answered.

The culprit who had worked her to the point of exhaustion was nowhere to be seen.

Only the light screen of the Formation still locking the palace gates flickered with a faint glow.

It seemed to silently mock her helplessness.

“He left?”

“He just left me here alone?”

Yun Yuzhen looked at the closed palace gates, and a strange sense of loss welled up in her heart.

He was just saying 'Revered Master has suffered' and 'Disciple will share your burdens' one moment.

And the next, he pulls up his pants and doesn't recognize her anymore?

How is this a gentle and jade-like Senior Brother?

This is clearly an irresponsible heartbreaker who eats his fill and leaves!

“Gurgle...”

Just then.

An untimely sound abruptly rang out in the silent palace.

Yun Yuzhen's body stiffened.

She instinctively covered her flat abdomen.

A very rare look of embarrassment appeared on her cold, otherworldly face.

She was hungry.

She, a Great Power of Tribulation Crossing Realm who had been Fasting for hundreds of years, the Taiyin Fairy who could live forever by consuming wind and dew...

Actually felt the hunger that only Mortals experience.

If this were to get out, it would probably make the entire Taichu Holy Land die of laughter.

But she couldn't be blamed.

The Cold Poison in her body had been removed, and her bodily functions were being reshaped.

Furthermore, Su Ye had been taking her primal yin day and night for several days, consuming a large amount of her energy and spirit.

At this moment, like a Mortal newly recovered from a serious illness, she was in urgent need of energy replenishment.

“Damned Rebellious Disciple...”

Yun Yuzhen pouted slightly, feeling somewhat wronged.

In the past, although Su Ye was mischievous...

Every time he came to Purple Bamboo Peak to pay his respects, he would bring her something delicious in various ways.

Hundred-Flower Brew, Spirit Crane roasted wings, ten-thousand-year ginseng soup.

Even though she would say, 'One who practices the Dao must not covet worldly flavors,' she finished every bite every single time.

It could even be said that her stomach had long been spoiled by this eldest Disciple.

But now.

In this empty Cold Jade Palace.

Forget Spirit Crane roasted wings; there wasn't even a cup of hot tea.

Yun Yuzhen walked barefoot on the cold floor.

She walked to the jade desk she usually used to review the peak's documents.

It was empty.

She didn't give up and went to the curio shelf on the side to search.

Aside from a few hard Top-Grade Spirit Stones and some ancient scrolls, there was nothing.

“Su Ye!”

Yun Yuzhen finally couldn't take it anymore.

She turned around and stomped her foot hard toward the empty hall.

“Thud!”

Her white, jade-like foot hit the floor, making a crisp sound.

This stomp lacked the slightest demeanor of a Great Power of Tribulation Crossing Realm.

Instead, she looked like a little girl who had been wronged and was acting spoiled toward her lover.

“It's one thing to lock me here.”

“It's one thing to do... that kind of thing to me.”

“But you... you didn't even leave me a single bite to eat!”

Yun Yuzhen walked angrily to the palace gate and reached out, wanting to pound on the light screen.

But halfway there, she pulled her hand back.

She was the Revered Master.

If she made such a scene crying for food, wouldn't it be even more embarrassing?

If the Disciples outside heard her, what would become of her majesty as the Peak Master of Purple Bamboo Peak?

But... she was really hungry.

The hollow feeling from her stomach made her feel waves of panic.

It was even worse than when the Cold Poison flared up.

“Stupid Su Ye, smelly Su Ye!”

“When my cultivation is restored, I'll definitely hang you in the Purple Bamboo Forest and beat you for three days and nights!”

Yun Yuzhen leaned her back against the cold palace gate and slowly slid down to sit on the floor.

She hugged her knees and buried her head in her arms.

Her waterfall-like long hair draped down, covering her world-toppling face.

Only a pair of reddened ears were visible.

At this moment, she didn't look like her usual high-and-mighty self at all.

She was the spitting image of an abandoned, resentful wife.

“Roast chicken...”

“I want to eat roast chicken...”

A faint voice came from her arms, carrying a hint of a sob.

If the outside world knew that the 'Taiyin Rakshasa' Yun Yuzhen, who struck terror into the hearts of countless Demonic Path giants...

Was currently about to cry because she wanted to eat a roast chicken...

The entire cultivation world would probably be shaken.

However, right then.

A slight fluctuation of Spiritual Qi suddenly came from the Restriction outside the palace gate.

Immediately after.

An incredibly enticing aroma drifted in quietly through the gaps in the Formation.

That was... the smell of roasted meat!

It was even mixed with the clear, sweet fragrance of spirit fruit wine.

Yun Yuzhen snapped her head up.

Those originally dim phoenix eyes instantly became incredibly bright.

Like a kitten that had smelled fish.

Even through the thick palace gates, she could tell.

This was the smell of Five-Colored Spirit Chicken!

And it was roasted using Purple Bamboo Peak's unique purple bamboo charcoal through eighty-one steps.

Only that Rebellious Disciple, Su Ye, could make it!

“He's here?”

Yun Yuzhen felt a surge of joy and instinctively started to stand up to open the door.

But halfway up, she sat back down.

No.

I can't forgive him so easily.

I am the Revered Master; I must maintain the Revered Master's dignity.

If I act too greedy, won't that Rebellious Disciple laugh at me?

At this thought, Yun Yuzhen hurriedly straightened her messy clothes.

She took a deep breath, tried to put on a stern face, and restored her usual cold and aloof expression.

Then she sat upright on the floor, her back to the palace gate.

She posed as if she were meditating with her eyes closed, indifferent to the world.

Even though the hunger pangs in her stomach were already rolling wildly.

Even though that aroma was making her mouth water.

She had to maintain her final bit of dignity!

“Creeak—”

The heavy palace gate was slowly pushed open a crack.

A familiar figure walked in against the light.

The newcomer wore snow-white robes, with a jade pendant hanging from his waist and his long hair tied in a crown.

His face was like polished jade, and his eyes were like bright stars.

A gentle, jade-like smile played on his lips.

In his hand, he carried an exquisite food box.

It was the 'busy man' who had just rushed over from Lingyun Cave, Su Ye.

Su Ye looked at the stunning back of the woman sitting on the floor 'meditating' with her back to him.

Especially when he saw those jade-like bare feet, still faintly visible even though they were hidden under her skirt.

A doting smile flashed deep in his eyes.

On the System panel, the favorability rating belonging to Yun Yuzhen was slightly flickering.

【Ding! Detected strong emotional fluctuations from the target 'Yun Yuzhen'.】

【Emotion Analysis: Hunger, grievance, expectation, tsundere.】

【Current Favorability: 85 (↑)】

As expected.

To capture the Revered Master's heart, one must first capture the Revered Master's stomach.

Especially since she was a tsundere Revered Master who had just gone through 'strenuous exercise' and was in a physically and mentally fragile period.

“Ahem.”

Su Ye gave a light cough, breaking the silence.

“Disciple Su Ye pays his respects to Revered Master.”

“Disciple just went to prepare a medicinal meal for Revered Master and arrived a bit late. I ask for Revered Master's forgiveness.”

His voice was warm and respectful.

There wasn't the slightest trace of that previous 'unfilial' madman.

Yun Yuzhen's back trembled slightly.

But she did not turn around.

She only gave a cold snort:

“I have long since reached Fasting; why would I need mundane things?”

“Take it away.”

Her voice was cold, indifferent, and kept him at a distance.

That is, if one ignored the slight tremor at the end of her words and the action of her frantically swallowing her saliva.

Su Ye suppressed a smile.

He didn't leave; instead, he carried the food box and walked step by step behind Yun Yuzhen.

Then, in front of her, he slowly opened the lid.

“Since Revered Master isn't hungry, then it seems I've been meddlesome.”

“It's a pity for this freshly roasted Five-Colored Spirit Chicken.”

“And this jar of 'Drunken Immortal Brew' buried under the purple bamboo for three hundred years.”

“Since Revered Master won't eat, then I have no choice but to...”

While speaking, Su Ye took out the golden-brown, fragrant roast chicken from the food box.

He even deliberately tore off a chicken leg.

That rich meat aroma instantly exploded within the entire Cold Jade Palace.

“...have no choice but to take it to feed the Spirit Beasts in the back mountains.”

Before he could finish his sentence.

Yun Yuzhen, who had been sitting as still as a lotus, finally broke character.

She spun around, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on the chicken leg in Su Ye's hand.

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, she blurted out:

“You wouldn't dare!”

This shout was full of vigor.

She didn't look weak at all.

Su Ye held the chicken leg in mid-air, looking at her with a half-smile.

“Didn't Revered Master say she wasn't hungry?”

Yun Yuzhen's face instantly turned red.

She looked at Su Ye's playful gaze and knew she had been played by this Rebellious Disciple again.

But... that chicken leg looked really delicious.

And that wine fragrance was clearly the one she had personally buried three hundred years ago and had been reluctant to drink.

This Rebellious Disciple had actually dug it up!

“I...”

Yun Yuzhen bit her lower lip, her eyes darting around, before she finally decided to just go for it.

She had already been bullied by him so many times anyway.

One more time wouldn't make a difference.

“I... was only testing your filial piety!”

“Since you are so sincere, if I were to refuse, wouldn't it seem like I'm being heartless?”

Saying that, she snatched the chicken leg from Su Ye's hand with lightning speed.

Then, regardless of her image, she opened her cherry-like mouth and took a big bite.

“Mmm...”

The tender chicken meat melted on the tip of her tongue, and the rich Spiritual Qi slid down her throat into her belly.

That moment of satisfaction made Yun Yuzhen involuntarily squint her eyes.

She even let out a satisfied soft hum.

She looked so adorable it made one want to commit a crime.

Su Ye looked at his Revered Master before him, who was currently gorging herself without any defenses.

The desire for conquest in his heart began to stir again.

He slowly crouched down.

His line of sight was level with the seated Yun Yuzhen.

Then he reached out and extremely naturally wiped away a bit of grease from the corner of her mouth.

His movement was gentle and ambiguous.

“Eat slowly.”

“No one is going to take it from you, Revered Master.”

Yun Yuzhen's body stiffened slightly.

The chicken in her mouth suddenly didn't taste as good anymore.

She looked up and happened to crash into Su Ye's eyes, which were as deep as an abyss.

She was all too familiar with the fire within them.

“You...”

Yun Yuzhen instinctively shrank back, still clutching the chicken leg tightly.

She was like a startled little beast.

“You... what do you want to do?”

“I... I'm not full yet!”

This soft warning sounded like the most seductive invitation to Su Ye's ears.

Su Ye smiled slightly and leaned forward, pinning her into a corner.

The distance between the two was mere inches.

They could even feel each other's breath.

“Revered Master can keep eating.”

“I just want to remind Revered Master of one thing.”

Su Ye's voice was low, carrying a hint of danger.

“Only when you're full will you have the strength...”

“To continue neutralizing the poison.”