A Ticking Time Bomb

Now he was sitting on a rock while the other disciples scoured the area, marking spots and documenting their findings. Next to him was Li Qingyue, her arms crossed and her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She had been quiet since their earlier conversation, but the weight of his words still lingered in the air between them.

"You're not going to help them?" she asked, breaking the silence. Her tone was casual, but her eyes betrayed her unease. She was testing him, trying to gauge his intentions.

Zhuan Ming leaned back, his posture relaxed, though his mind was anything but. "Why should I?" he replied, his voice calm and measured. "They seem to be doing just fine without me. Besides, I'm injured, remember?" He gave her a faint smirk, the kind that made it impossible to tell if he was joking or serious.

Li Qingyue rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small, exasperated smile. "You're unbelievable," she muttered. "You act like you're on death's door one moment, and the next, you're sitting here like nothing's wrong."

"Appearances can be deceiving," Zhuan Ming said, his tone light but his gaze sharp. "But you already know that, don't you?"

She stiffened slightly, her smile fading. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He didn't answer immediately, instead picking up a small pebble and tossing it idly between his fingers. "You've been hiding it well," he said after a moment. "Your condition. Most people wouldn't notice, but I'm not most people."

Li Qingyue's jaw tightened, and she looked away, her fingers curling into fists. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't," Zhuan Ming said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. "But let's not play games, Li Qingyue. The limitless physique is a double-edged sword. Without the right guidance, it will consume you. Turn you into something… less than human."

Her breath hitched, and she turned to face him, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and fear. "And I suppose you're the one who can guide me?" she snapped. "The great Zhuan Ming, who just happens to know everything about my physique?"

He met her gaze without flinching, his expression unreadable. "I know enough," he said simply. "Enough to save you. Enough to make sure you don't end up as some mindless monster. But like I said earlier, nothing comes for free."

Li Qingyue's fists trembled, and for a moment, it looked like she might lash out at him. But then she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice low and strained.

Zhuan Ming's smirk returned, but there was no humor in it this time. "Your loyalty," he said. "So that you stand by my side. No questions, no hesitation. In return, I'll make sure you not only survive but thrive. You'll become stronger than you ever thought possible."

She stared at him, her mind racing. She didn't trust him—not fully. But what choice did she have? If he was telling the truth, he might be her only hope. And if he was lying… well, she'd cross that bridge when she came to it.

"Fine," she said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "But if you betray me—"

"You'll kill me?" Zhuan Ming interrupted, his tone almost amused. "I'd like to see you try."

Li Qingyue's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, one of the other disciples called out to her. "Senior Sister Li! We found something over here!"

She glanced at Zhuan Ming one last time, her expression unreadable, before turning and walking away. Zhuan Ming watched her go, his smirk fading as his thoughts turned inward. She's strong, he mused. Stronger than she realizes. But strength alone won't save her. Not from what's coming.

He had no need for her loyalty—it was unreliable, after all. People's allegiances shifted like the wind, and trust was a currency he rarely dealt in. No, Li Qingyue was far more useful as a resource. Her limitless physique was a rare treasure, one that could be cultivated, refined, and exploited. But first, he had to stabilize her condition. If she spiraled out of control, she wouldn't just be a danger to herself—she'd be a threat to everyone around her, including him. And that was a risk he couldn't afford.

As the disciples continued their work, Zhuan Ming stood and brushed off his robes. He approached Li Qingyue, who was now examining a strange marking on the ground with the others. She glanced up as he neared, her expression guarded.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice low but firm. "Privately."

She hesitated, then nodded, following him a short distance away from the group. The others cast curious glances but quickly returned to their tasks, too preoccupied to question the odd pairing.

"Your condition is worse than you're letting on," Zhuan Ming said without preamble. "If we don't act soon, you'll destabilize. And when that happens, you won't just die—you'll take everyone around you with you."

Li Qingyue's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue. She had felt it too—the growing strain in her body, the way her spiritual energy seemed to spiral out of control at times. "What do you suggest?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with unease.

"You'll come with me," he said. "To my home. There, I can stabilize you and begin your training. It's not a permanent solution, but it's the first step."

She studied him for a long moment, searching for any hint of deception. But his expression was unreadable, his gaze steady. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But if this is some kind of trick—"

"You'll kill me?" he interrupted, his tone dry. "Yes, I'm well aware of the threat. But you're running out of time, Li Qingyue. And I'm your best chance."

She exhaled sharply, her shoulders slumping slightly in resignation. "When do we leave?"

"Tonight," he said. "After the others have settled. We'll tell them you're accompanying me for further training. They won't question it."

Li Qingyue nodded again, though her expression remained troubled. She didn't trust him—not fully—but she had no other options. And deep down, she knew he was right. Her time was running out.

As they rejoined the group, Zhuan Ming's mind was already racing ahead, calculating the next steps. Stabilizing her would be the easy part. The real challenge would be shaping her into the tool he needed—without her realizing it. But that was a problem for later. For now, he had to ensure she didn't take them all with her.