Ch 50: Capturing the Nine Yin Foundation Dew

Wang Feng sat cross-legged beneath a towering ancient tree, his eyes shut in meditation as threads of Qi swirled in a steady stream around him, weaving into his body like a quiet tide. The golden hue of the setting sun cast dappled rays across his form, the light flickering like flames dancing on his skin.

Within his Dantian, Wang Feng's senses observed a vast ocean of six-colored Qi, each hue exuding a distinct aura—blazing heat and chilling cold, sharp edges and soothing waves, tranquil currents and chaotic pulses. These forces wove together in a seamless, perpetual dance, stabilizing one another in elegant balance.

And yet… something was missing.

His awareness shifted through the energies, his thoughts sharpening like a blade. 'Fire, Water, Metal, Wood, Earth… and Yang. Only one remains—Yin. Once I integrate it, I can finally break through to the Foundation Realm.'

His attention turned inward, toward his own body—more precisely, the Golden Bones residing within him. Even now, he could feel the sealed reservoir of Yin Qi locked away inside them. His brows furrowed.

'I just hope it won't conflict during the process…' he thought grimly, the tension evident in his frown.

He sighed softly as he opened his eyes and turned to the side. Nearly two days had passed since he and Xia Ning Chang had arrived in this secluded valley.

Xia Ning Chang had departed almost immediately upon their arrival, stating that she needed time to make preparations. Wang Feng had offered his assistance, aware that she would be setting up a formation to secure the area.

However, she had simply shaken her head and told him to rest and conserve his strength. She mentioned that Meng Wu Ya had already outlined the preliminary framework, and she merely needed to make a few minor adjustments.

In truth, she simply didn't want to remain near Wang Feng for too long—partly out of embarrassment, and partly out of frustration. She was flustered by what he might do, and irritated by the relentless teasing she had endured during their journey.

With a casual shrug, Wang Feng had opted to focus on his cultivation, while Xia Ning Chang went off to complete the array.

As Wang Feng glanced to the side, he caught sight of Xia Ning Chang approaching. She ran her fingers through her tousled hair, trying to tame the windblown strands as the last golden rays of sunlight shimmered across her porcelain skin, casting her in an almost ethereal glow.

When she reached him, her steps slowed. She blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as she tilted her head slightly, her voice soft and uncertain, "W-What is it, Junior Brother Feng?"

Wang Feng shook himself from his reverie, a wry smile curving his lips. "Oh, nothing…" he replied, voice tinged with playful charm. "Just momentarily stunned by the breathtaking scenery."

Xia Ning Chang's blush deepened. She fumbled for words, her voice flustered, "W-We should get ready! It's almost time...!"

Chuckling, Wang Feng rose to his feet, brushing dust from his robes. He opened his mouth to respond, but his words stalled as he noticed a change in the air. The golden hue of sunset was fading fast, replaced by an encroaching veil of gray mist. The sun dipped behind the mountain ridges, surrendering the sky to night's chill.

Sensing the shift, Xia Ning Chang immediately stepped forward. Without hesitation, she grabbed Wang Feng's hand and pulled him close. In the same breath, she activated a protective artifact—an elegant motion that conjured a radiant golden barrier around them.

The shimmering curtain shimmered like flowing silk, encasing them in warmth and light. Its purpose was clear: to shield them from the corrosive waves of Yin Qi that now gathered in the air, thickening with every passing second, like an invisible storm slowly taking form.

Xia Ning Chang exhaled in quiet relief as the swirling Yin Qi collided against the golden barrier and dispersed harmlessly. But in the very next heartbeat—she froze.

She had suddenly become acutely aware of the warmth pressed against her. Her slender fingers were entwined with a larger, calloused hand. Her soft form pressed tightly to a firm, unyielding chest. Hot, steady breath brushed against her skin, and a pair of dull golden eyes—brimming with amusement and something far more dangerous—met her gaze.

Wang Feng's lips curled into a slow, devilish smirk. His voice came low and smooth, laced with a husky edge. "My, Senior Sister~ I didn't know you could be so... bold~"

A shiver raced down Xia Ning Chang's spine as color flooded her skin. Her cheeks turned crimson, and a flustered heat spread across her body—every inch of her now unmistakably pressed against his. Her voice came out in panicked fragments, "Wha—Wh… Shut up! You—You shameless Junior Brother! I only pulled you in because of the Yin Qi!"

Despite her raised voice, there was no real anger in it—only mortified embarrassment.

Not to mention, the delicate hand holding the hairpin—the artifact projecting the golden barrier—was now firmly resting against his chest, right where she had instinctively placed it.

Wang Feng couldn't help but chuckle at her expression. The way she glared up at him, lips pursed in indignation, only made her more endearing. As she began to pull her hand away, her frustration boiled over. With a flustered pout, she started pounding her small fists against his chest.

"Haha, alright, alright! I surrender!" Wang Feng laughed, raising his hands in mock defeat. "I'm sorry, Senior Sister. You're just too cute when you're flustered~"

Her fists paused mid-motion for a split second—but at his final comment, they resumed with a bit more force. Even so, there was a subtle gleam in her eyes, a flicker of delighted embarrassment she couldn't quite hide.

Eventually, she relented with a huff, and Wang Feng's teasing ceased as his attention shifted outward. The valley was now completely shrouded in dense Yin Qi, the thick mist swirling ominously beyond the protective veil.

The two stood in silence, pressed lightly against each other, their eyes fixed on the ever-thickening mist outside. Yet, every so often, their gazes drifted—stealing subtle, lingering glances at one another.

Even Wang Feng, normally so composed, could feel a warmth blooming beneath his skin. The soft rise and fall of Xia Ning Chang's breath against him, the delicate fragrance of her body, and the gentle pressure of her curves pressed against his own—it was all beginning to intoxicate him.

The air between them grew charged, the tension almost tangible. Their breaths came slightly heavier now, and each occasional swallow betrayed a quiet struggle to maintain composure.

Then, after what felt like an eternity wrapped in silence, the Yin Qi outside began to stir.

"It's starting…" Xia Ning Chang whispered, her voice barely audible as she emerged from her trance-like state.

Wang Feng gave a curt nod, his golden eyes narrowing as the dense cloud began spiraling inward, converging rapidly toward a point just a few meters from them. "Get ready," he murmured, already beginning to circulate his Qi—specifically, his surging, searing Yang Qi.

Xia Ning Chang's expression shifted to one of calm focus. She held a jade token in her hand, her gaze locked on the coalescing mass of Yin Energy as it funneled with eerie precision.

For several minutes, they watched in stillness. The Yin Qi compacted tighter and tighter until it began to condense—glistening drops of liquid slowly forming in the air, suspended in defiance of gravity. Each drop shimmered with a spectral blue hue, pulsing faintly with raw, chilling power.

Without a word, the two exchanged a glance—and then moved.

The moment the Yin Qi finished transforming into ethereal Dew suspended in the air, Xia Ning Chang deactivated the golden barrier and funneled her Qi and spiritual intent into the token in her grasp.

Wang Feng erupted into motion. With a forceful stomp, his figure vanished like a blur, his movements fluid and shadow-like. At the same time, brilliant Yang Aura flared to life around him—his body a blazing sun amidst a sea of ice.

Sensing the sudden threat, the Dew seemed to react, bolting in an attempt to escape.

But just as it surged forward, a dome of golden light snapped into existence around the area—a barrier invoked by Xia Ning Chang's token. The shimmering yellow dome locked down the space, cutting off all paths of escape.

The Dew hesitated, its motion faltering for a mere second.

Wang Feng seized the opening without hesitation. In a flash, he surged forward, mouth open. With the precision of a predator, he bit down on the floating drop of Dew, sealing it inside.

A wave of frigid cold exploded inside him the moment the Yin Dew touched his tongue, a numbing chill that sought to freeze him from within. But it was met head-on by the roaring heat of his Yang Qi, which surged through his meridians in a torrent of steam and flame.

Even his Golden Skeleton stirred within, trembling faintly in resonance—drawn to the overwhelming Yin essence now housed within him.

But Wang Feng didn't swallow. Nor did he allow the Golden Skeleton to devour the Yin Dew. Instead, he carefully wrapped it in a cocoon of Yang Qi, isolating its power and holding it steady within his mouth.

Only after stabilizing the volatile energy did he exhale slowly in relief.

Turning his head, he caught sight of Xia Ning Chang standing a few steps away, her face awash in pink. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her robe, clearly flustered—either from the proximity, the intensity of the moment, or perhaps… both.

Her flushed cheeks, luminous eyes, and shy demeanor ignited a slow-burning fire within Wang Feng. His breath caught in his throat, and a subtle shiver ran through him, a prelude to the anticipation coiling in his chest.

Xia Ning Chang inhaled deeply, a flicker of determination lighting her gaze. She stepped forward, each movement deliberate—graceful yet laden with emotion. With every step, Wang Feng's pulse quickened, his desire and curiosity heightening in tandem.

Moments later, she stood before him—her face crimson, her wide, soulful eyes veiled by a haze of emotion and unspoken vulnerability.

Wang Feng remained motionless, silently watching her. He couldn't speak—not with the Yin Dew still sealed in his mouth—but even if he could, words might have failed him. He had anticipated this moment, dreamed of it, but now that it was here… a rare nervousness stirred within him.

Their eyes locked in silence, the world around them fading into a hush of suspended time. Slowly, Xia Ning Chang lifted a hand, her movements gentle and reverent, and pulled down her veil—never breaking eye contact.

Wang Feng froze.

It was the first time he had seen her unveiled. The sight left him utterly breathless. His gaze roamed across the contours of her face, drinking in every exquisite detail—her delicate features, her soft lips, her unblemished, snow-white skin. Pure. Enchanting. Perfect.

Xia Ning Chang's heart pounded against her chest. The look in Wang Feng's eyes—stunned, awestruck, burning with admiration and something far deeper—sent a wave of warmth cascading through her. A shy, radiant smile curved her lips, though her face was still flushed with embarrassment.

Then, with graceful tenderness, she raised her hands and placed them gently on Wang Feng's face, her palms cradling his cheeks, fingers brushing lightly along his jaw.

The warmth of her touch snapped him out of his trance. Wang Feng's eyes flickered, surprise softening into something more intimate. He leaned forward, bridging the final inch of space between them.

Xia Ning Chang tensed instinctively the moment she felt his strong arms encircle her waist, his hands resting on the small of her back. But there was no force, only the careful pressure of someone holding something precious. His gaze met hers—steady, affectionate, quietly intense.

The last of her nervousness melted under that gaze. Her body relaxed into his embrace, surrendering to the moment.

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