Chapter 131

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Qi Yuan left Hongxia Island and flew for half a day before arriving at a large island called Baidan. Like Hongxia Island, Baidan had a major city where various treasures for spiritual practice could be purchased.

Passing through the city, Qi Yuan headed directly to the seaside, where a mountain was shrouded in white mist. He sent out a sound transmission note. Moments later, two graceful figures emerged, bowing respectfully.

"We didn't know you were coming. Please forgive us," they said in unison.

Qi Yuan's gaze remained steady. "What happened?"

Yuan Yao pursed her lips. "I was supposed to be watching over Sister Xiaomei's Dan-forming today. I got too focused on my cultivation and lost track of time, so I didn't notice your sound transmission."

"It was my fault," Yanli admitted, lowering her head and wringing her hands nervously. "I encouraged Yuan Yao to practice harder. Please punish me instead."

Qi Yuan had given them strict instructions to monitor Xiaomei's Dan-forming process, taking turns to ensure everything proceeded smoothly. But Xiaomei's progress had been steady for a long time, and Yanli's mind had begun to waver. Seeing Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei forming their elixirs together had stirred envy within her. Without Qi Yuan's presence, her thoughts had turned restless.

She had convinced Yuan Yao that cultivating harder would keep her from falling behind and losing favor in Qi Yuan's eyes.

"Let's go inside," Qi Yuan said calmly, stepping forward. He wasn't visibly angry, but his silence carried weight.

As they entered, Qi Yuan considered how to handle their mistake. He had assumed that keeping their primordial Yin bodies intact until they reached the Dan stage would ensure their loyalty and stability. However, he had overlooked how their emotions and ambitions could make them unpredictable over time.

Yuan Yao was more impressionable, easily swayed but generally obedient. Yanli, however, needed to be dealt with carefully. If she wasn't brought back under control soon, she could become a hidden threat.

Qi Yuan took the main seat in the cave. Yanli quickly poured a cup of spiritual tea, knelt before him, and raised the cup with both hands. "Master, please have some tea. Even if you are going to punish me, at least moisten your throat first."

Qi Yuan glanced at her without reaching for the cup. Though she remained kneeling, looking submissive and delicate, he remained unmoved.

Yuan Yao, sensing the tension, hesitated before kneeling beside her senior sister, lowering her head. Yanli's heart pounded. Even with Yuan Yao following suit, Qi Yuan had yet to speak. If he cast her out, where would she go?

She had grown accustomed to the life of cultivation under Qi Yuan's care, never lacking for treasures, elixirs, or magical tools. Compared to elite disciples in major sects, her treatment had been exceptional. Losing everything in an instant would be unbearable.

"Master, whatever punishment you see fit, I will accept it. I only wish to remain by your side and serve you with all my heart."

"I also ask for your punishment, Master," Yuan Yao added, bowing deeply.

Qi Yuan's voice was calm but firm. "Yanli, come with me inside. Yuan Yao, remain here until I say otherwise."

He vanished into the inner chamber. Yanli took a deep breath, placed the teacup down, and patted her cheeks before rising. As she moved toward the chamber, Yuan Yao grabbed at her sleeve.

"Senior Sister Yan, the Master seems truly angry this time. Maybe I should take your place?"

Yanli shook her head. "Not this time, Junior Sister. If we anger him further, there will be no way to salvage the situation."

Yuan Yao hesitated, her hands loosening their grip. Guilt filled her heart. If she had followed Qi Yuan's orders completely, maybe things wouldn't have reached this point.

Yanli sighed and walked forward. She entered the room and quietly approached Qi Yuan, waiting for his judgment.

Qi Yuan regarded her for a moment. "Go and prepare a bath for me."

Yanli's heart skipped. She bowed. "Yes, Master."

The hot steam filled the chamber. Yanli's delicate features flushed from the heat, her long black hair damp with mist, strands clinging to her fair skin. Dressed in a light pink gauze robe, the fabric hugged her curves, her feet barely touching the ground as she moved gracefully.

Qi Yuan stood before her, his presence commanding. He forbade her from using her magic, forcing her to rise on her toes as he pulled her close.

Yanli endured in silence until her legs ached. She gasped softly. "Master, my legs are sore. Can you punish me another way?"

Qi Yuan smiled. "Of course."

He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bed.

Outside, Yuan Yao remained kneeling, listening intently. Her mind raced. How was the Master punishing Senior Sister Yan? What was happening inside?

Time passed. Eventually, the door creaked open, and Yanli emerged, leaning against the frame for support. Her steps were unsteady, her face pale yet radiant. A strange light shimmered in her eyes, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction.

Yuan Yao's heart sank. Something felt off. Had Senior Sister Yan…

Yanli approached, her voice soft yet firm. "The Master says you may rise now. He warns you not to repeat this mistake."

"Thank you for your mercy, Master," Yuan Yao said, bowing deeply toward the chamber before standing. Her knees ached from kneeling so long, and she struggled to regain her balance.

She turned to Yanli. "Senior Sister, what happened?"

Yanli gently pinched her cheek. "No more questions. From now on, let's serve the Master well and not make any more mistakes. He has already forgiven me."

Yuan Yao said nothing, helping Yanli walk back to their quarters. Her mind reeled. The young master had always emphasized the importance of the Yuan Yin body. Yet, from what she sensed, Yanli had already lost it.

Qi Yuan, still inside, withdrew his spiritual sense. He had been keeping an eye on Xiaomei's retreat, ensuring her safety. Satisfied, he closed his eyes and began to absorb the Yuan Yin Qi he had obtained. While it did little for his cultivation, he had no regrets.

(End Of Chapter)