Chapter 8: Old Fox

Lin Yun's furious shouts reverberated through the empty forest, his voice carrying an undeniable rage that seemed to take on a life of its own.

The towering trees stood witness, their branches quivering in response, as if echoing his fury. His fists clenched with such force that the veins on his arms bulged, pulsating with unrestrained anger. How could someone as insignificant as Lin Yang dare to humiliate him, the esteemed sixth young master of the Lin Clan?

As Lin Yun seethed, his mind filled with images of the recent encounter. Lin Yang had easily tossed him aside, a smug smirk playing at the corner of his eyes.

The crafty old fox had long been aware of a lurking presence, someone clandestinely following his every move. Yet, Lin Yang had cunningly turned the tables, expertly outmaneuvering his pursuer. With sadistic satisfaction, he had made the unseen observer suffer, skillfully utilizing the terrain to lose them in the dense forest.

With no one following him, Lin Yang climbed over several large mountains and found his target on a steep cliff. It was a Profound Yang Ginseng that appeared no different from an ordinary ginseng. Its weight was only slightly heavier than that of a regular ginseng, and holding it in his hand, there was hardly a noticeable difference.

However, for Lin Yang, who was well-versed in the Dao of herbs, he could tell at a glance that this was a hundred-year-old Profound Yang Ginseng. Guarded by a spirit snake, this ginseng possessed remarkable qualities. Unfortunately, the snake posed no problem for Lin Yang.

Though unable to defeat the arm-sized red spirit snake, Lin Yang had applied a repellent herb on his body, making him repulsive to snake insects. He easily drove away the spirit snake and secured the ginseng in his hands.

With the successful acquisition of the herb, Lin Yang's spirits were lifted. He decided to venture down the mountain from the other side, aiming to obtain a woman's primordial yin.

Descending the mountain, a magnificent waterfall came into view. Its powerful rush echoed like thunder, its crystal-clear deluge cascading from the mountain like a heavenly jade dragon. It formed a deep pool, flowing along the valley of the grand river. The water surged, its clarity remarkable.

Lin Yang paused at a mountain path beside the waterfall, taking a moment to rest by the pool. As he prepared to return to the mountain, his sharp eyes caught sight of a peculiar white object floating on the water's surface.

As it neared, the object revealed itself to be an unconscious woman in white. She drifted above the pool, her features obscured, but her condition deeply concerning. Without hesitation, Lin Yang rushed into the water, splashing as he retrieved the woman.

"What a stunning woman..." Lin Yang muttered, turning her body over. His heart skipped a beat as he felt the incredible suppleness of her slender waist. He looked directly into her face, his eyes filled with amazement. Having lived for thousands of years and witnessed countless beauties, ordinary ones would not even capture his attention.

Yet, this unconscious woman invoked a sense of astonishment, even in the depths of his experienced mind. His emotions, akin to an ancient withered tree, could not resist the ripples caused by her presence.

Examining her carefully, Lin Yang marveled at her delicate and enchanting features, akin to a heavenly fairy. Flawless skin, rosy lips, and long, fluttering eyelashes projected an ethereal beauty that captivated his senses, even in her unconscious state.

With a soft sigh, Lin Yang brushed away a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her forehead. Something stirred within him, a longing he had not felt in centuries. "How could someone so exquisite find themselves in such a perilous situation?"

True beauty, in all its forms, could only be distinguished by one's temperament. Graceful and dignified, noble and charming, pure and elegant, cold as ice and snow, knowledgeable, wise and elegant, generous and calm, seductive and charming… Temperament acted as the line that separated top beauties from ordinary ones.

Irrespective of a woman's physical beauty, lacking temperament prevented her from being recognized as a top beauty. Similarly, possessing temperament without physical beauty also fell short of achieving top beauty status. Only those who possessed both could be praised as the kind of beauty capable of toppling cities.

The woman before him was undeniably deserving of such a title. At first glance, she appeared delicate and pitiful, but with a second look, she exuded a cold and elegant aura reminiscent of ice and snow. Cast yet another glance, and she emanated a dignified and elegant presence. She possessed the elegance of a noble lady, along with the charm of a mature woman.

But she also exuded the power and strength befitting a queen.

The white-clad girl seemed to be seriously injured, a faint purple light visible between her eyebrows. It indicated a peculiar energy causing havoc within her body. Judging by her cultivation level, she was at least at the Core Formation Realm.

With exceptional eyesight, Lin Yang was confident he had not mistaken her condition. This girl in white had fallen prey to an extremely strange energy, seemingly just and honorable, vast and mighty, akin to the source of light embodying the Dao of light.

Paradoxically, this seemingly powerful and luminous energy incessantly eroded her life force in a barbaric and tyrannical manner, destroying her meridians. Despite her profound cultivation allowing her to temporarily suppress it, prolonged exposure would inevitably lead to her demise.