Dong Xuan'er

The Utility Room—true to its name—was a space dedicated to storing discarded items. Huangfeng Valley had been passed down for thousands of years, accumulating countless abandoned treasures. While these objects were not entirely without value, they were not particularly useful either. Rather than disposing of them outright, the sect had designated a storage area, which over time became known simply as the "Sundry Room."

After receiving instructions from Hong Fu, Qi Yuan set out early the next morning to the utility room. Guided by sect disciples, he arrived at the hall and met Long Hong, the deacon in charge.

Long Hong, seated on a wooden chair and occupied with chores, looked up upon hearing a visitor approach. With a puzzled expression, he asked, "What's your name? What business do you have in the utility room?"

Qi Yuan, recognizing the man as a foundation-building stage cultivator, bowed respectfully and answered, "Disciple Qi Yuan. I have come to the general affairs room on behalf of Grandmaster Hong Fu."

Long Hong visibly stiffened upon hearing Hong Fu's name. Hastily setting aside his tasks, he stood up and greeted Qi Yuan with a polite smile. "Ah, so it's Nephew Qi. Please, take a seat."

Qi Yuan shook his head. "Uncle Master, there's no need for such formalities. I am only here to carry out my assigned duties. Standing is fine."

Hearing this, Long Hong felt relieved. Qi Yuan didn't seem like someone who wielded power to oppress others. His tone turned more relaxed. "Junior Brother Qi, you are straightforward. I'll arrange a task for you right away. Please wait a moment."

He picked up a file from the tea table and began flipping through it, while Qi Yuan stood quietly aside, waiting.

After a short while, Long Hong looked up and said, "We still need someone to count the waste pills from the Qi Refining Stage. Would you be interested? Your responsibilities would include recording the waste pills delivered from the valley each month and organizing them to ensure no discrepancies. Aside from that, you may arrange your time freely."

Qi Yuan nodded earnestly. "I will follow Uncle Long's arrangements."

Pleased by Qi Yuan's cooperation, Long Hong immediately assigned someone to escort him to the storeroom and familiarize him with the tasks.

---

In the days that followed, Qi Yuan carried out his work diligently while continuing to cultivate with the pills he had been taking. To better manage his duties, he even relocated his residence near the utility room. Occasionally, he would visit Hong Fu, strengthening their relationship in the hopes of gaining her favor.

One day, as he was counting a new batch of waste pills, a young disciple approached him. "Brother Qi, here's the latest shipment of waste pills. Please verify them."

Qi Yuan carefully counted them and then asked, "The number of waste pills has increased this month. Have more disciples begun alchemy training?"

The young disciple nodded. "Yes, several new alchemy disciples were recently accepted into the valley, so naturally, the number of waste pills has risen."

Qi Yuan gestured for the disciples to continue their work while he began sorting the waste pills.

"Yellow Dragon Pill, Golden Marrow Pill… Such valuable pills, now reduced to waste," Qi Yuan muttered to himself, glancing at the countless elixir bottles on the shelves. These pills were several times more effective than the Shanshui Pill he was currently using.

If only I could restore these waste pills to their original potency… My cultivation would soar.

Unfortunately, while waste pills still contained some medicinal value, they no longer met the standards required for proper cultivation.

---

"Junior Brother Qi..."

Qi Yuan suddenly heard a familiar voice. Startled, he turned around. "Senior Sister Dong? What brings you here?"

His wariness spiked. Dong Xuan'er was known for testing him with her charm techniques, using him as a guinea pig for her seduction skills. If he ever lost control, he would surely regret it.

Since her last failed attempt, Dong Xuan'er had been rigorously practicing the Huachun Jue, determined to perfect her art. After half a month in seclusion, she had finally emerged, brimming with confidence in her newfound abilities.

She approached gracefully, a delicate fragrance wafting through the air. With a gentle smile and a honeyed voice, she said, "What's wrong? Can't a senior sister visit her junior brother? Or… do you dislike me?"

Qi Yuan, rather than retreating, took her hand and said smoothly, "Senior Sister, you're overthinking things. How could I possibly dislike you?"

Dong Xuan'er's heart leaped. This was the first time Qi Yuan had voluntarily drawn close to her. Had her charm technique finally succeeded? Yet, as soon as she felt his masculine energy, a strange dizziness overcame her. Her steps wavered.

"Oh, Junior Brother Qi knows how to comfort a lady!" she murmured, feigning shyness.

Qi Yuan's hand slid to her waist. Feeling her body stiffen, he smiled. "With such a beautiful senior sister, wouldn't it be a waste if I didn't show some affection?"

Dong Xuan'er's heart pounded. Though she had always been the one leading such interactions, this time, she found herself flustered. Just as she was about to take control of the situation, Qi Yuan abruptly released her and smirked. "Senior Sister, do you feel triumphant?"

Realization dawned on her. He had been playing along—again! Gritting her teeth, she demanded, "Couldn't you have pretended a little longer?"

Qi Yuan chuckled. "Why should I? I know Senior Sister wants to embarrass me. I simply refuse to comply."

Dong Xuan'er huffed. "I am your senior sister, and Grandmaster Hong Fu is my closest relative. Don't you want to curry favor with me?"

Qi Yuan lifted her chin with a smirk. "Senior Sister, wouldn't it be easier if you just married me? Then we wouldn't have these problems."

"You wish!" Dong Xuan'er snapped, slapping his hand away. She stepped back and glared at him. "I'll tell my master about your misconduct. She'll punish you!"

Qi Yuan burst into laughter. "And what do you think she'll do to you once she hears about this?"

Dong Xuan'er's face paled. She had always been pampered by Hong Fu, but her master was strict when it came to discipline. If she reported Qi Yuan, she might end up facing consequences herself.

Seeing her flustered expression, Qi Yuan sighed. "Senior Sister, your tricks are too obvious. If you falsely accuse me, you'll only bring trouble upon yourself."

Dong Xuan'er's cheeks flushed with frustration. "You…!"

Qi Yuan, unable to resist, pulled her into an embrace. As soon as he did, she tried to shout, but no words came—her acupoint had been pressed.

"Nice try," Qi Yuan whispered. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Dong Xuan'er's eyes blazed with indignation. After a long moment, Qi Yuan finally let her go. She stumbled slightly, then turned and stormed out, throwing one last glare his way.

Qi Yuan chuckled, pouring himself a cup of tea. Lifting his hand, he caught a lingering scent on his palm.

Hmm… smells nice.

(End of Chapter)