Chapter 13: Nine-Hearted Begonia, Ye Qingxian

Dugu Bo had been away for a while and wouldn't return anytime soon. In the meantime, Lin Xiao stayed at the Dugu residence.

The days passed quietly.

While Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling attended classes at Tiandou Royal Academy, Lin Xiao remained at home, focusing on his training. When the two girls returned from school, the trio would gather, sharing stories and laughter.

Evening.

A light drizzle earlier had left the courtyard wet, and the air was crisp with the scent of rain. Lin Xiao practiced diligently under the covered corridor.

His movements were fluid and graceful, drawing from the ancient Five Animal Exercises—sometimes mimicking a monkey climbing a tree, other times embodying a crane spreading its wings, or a tiger roaring in the mountains. There was an elegance in every step and every motion.

From a distance, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling watched in silence.

"Yanyan, what kind of martial art is Lin Xiao practicing?" Ye Lingling asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I don't know," Dugu Yan replied. "But it looks impressive."

Their conversation soon shifted.

"When will Poison Douluo return?" Ye Lingling asked, her tone softening with concern.

"No idea," Dugu Yan admitted. "Every time Grandpa leaves, he's gone for months. And whenever I ask, he never explains why."

Ye Lingling hesitated before speaking.

"Lin Xiao said his martial spirit also has a defect. What if it worsens suddenly? Maybe my mother could help."

Ye Qingxian, Ye Lingling's mother, was the current heir of the Nine-Hearted Begonia—a martial spirit famed for its unparalleled healing abilities. A Soul Emperor-level powerhouse, she was also well-versed in medicine.

Dugu Yan nodded slowly.

"Alright, Lingling. When should we visit?"

"How about tonight? There are plenty of rooms at my house," Ye Lingling suggested with a gentle smile.

Later that evening.

Lin Xiao finished his training, his body soaked with sweat from performing the Five Animal Exercises and the Eight Section Brocade technique.

When Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling suggested visiting the Ye family for a health evaluation, Lin Xiao agreed without hesitation.

After cleaning up, Lin Xiao followed the girls to Ye Lingling's residence.

The Ye Family Residence.

Located in one of the most prosperous areas of Tiandou City, the Ye family estate was close to the Imperial Palace itself.

Inside, Lin Xiao was introduced to Ye Qingxian. She wore elegant palace robes, and a white veil covered her face, lending her an ethereal beauty that exuded both grace and mystery.

"Mom, these are my friends—Lin Xiao and Yanyan. Their martial spirits have defects. Could you help them?" Ye Lingling asked.

Ye Qingxian's gaze lingered on Lin Xiao for a moment longer before nodding.

"Come inside."

In a quiet room.

The three guests sat down. Ye Qingxian's voice was calm, yet commanding.

"Tell me about the defects of your martial spirits."

Lin Xiao and Dugu Yan explained their situations in detail. Ye Qingxian listened carefully, her expression serene but tinged with sorrow.

Even the Nine-Hearted Begonia cannot heal congenital defects, she thought.

Despite her scepticism, she decided to try.

"Nine-Hearted Begonia, manifest."

A faint, sweet fragrance filled the room as a radiant pink-and-white flower bloomed in her palm. Petals shimmered with soft light, and her soul power channelled healing energy toward both Lin Xiao and Dugu Yan.

As the light enveloped him, Lin Xiao felt a warm, soothing energy spread through his body, repairing even the tiniest injuries left by the outbreaks of his Evil Fire Phoenix martial spirit.

Suddenly, Lin Xiao's mind cleared. He knew what to do next.

The light eventually faded, and Ye Qingxian let out a small sigh.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I cannot resolve your martial spirit defects."

"A congenital flaw is not something even the Nine-Hearted Begonia can fix."

Dugu Yan's shoulders sagged with disappointment.

"It's okay, Aunt Ye. You tried your best."

Lin Xiao, however, clenched his fists.

I'll find another way. I have to.

And deep down, he realized—his journey was only beginning.