Chapter 15: Everything Is Ready Except the East Wind

"Okay, Lin Xiao, when will you start training?"

"I'm free after school!"

Ye Lingling waved her fist, full of energy. She didn't want Lin Xiao to suffer from his martial soul defect any longer. Now that he gave her hope of removing her own family's curse, she was eager to help.

Lin Xiao had a plan. The idea was to draw out the evil fire in his body, allowing it to rampage through his meridians. At the same time, he would use the Ice Heart Technique, Five Animal Exercises, and the healing power of the Nine-Hearted Begonia to repair the damage. This would enable his body to break down and rebuild itself stronger than before:

The Ice Heart Technique would clear his mind and control the evil fire, preventing madness and excessive damage.

The Five Animal Exercises would guide the energy in his body, strengthening his meridians, organs, and physique.

The Nine-Hearted Begonia would heal injuries rapidly and reinforce his physical structure.

"We can start anytime," Lin Xiao said. "But I need some medicinal baths, nutritious food, and plenty of drinking water. Once I get all that, we can begin."

Ye Lingling beamed. "That's easy! My family has all the herbs and recipes. We have ginseng, ganoderma, and water—that's the simplest part!"

"Then tomorrow night, after school," Lin Xiao agreed.

A calm voice interrupted them. "I'll handle it."

Lin Xiao turned and saw Ye Qingxian standing at the doorway. Her expression was serene but determined.

"Lingling is still just a great soul master," Ye Qingxian explained. "The evil fire in your body is too fierce. If Lingling's healing can't keep up, it might cause irreversible harm. I'll personally oversee your treatment."

Ye Qingxian offered improvements:

She would tailor the medicinal baths, starting with cooling ones to temper the fire gently.

The nourishing food would avoid over-stimulation and focus on gradual reinforcement.

Soul power restoration would be prepared in case of emergencies.

Ye Lingling pouted but had to agree with her mother's logic.

Lin Xiao hesitated. "Aunt Ye, you have many responsibilities. I don't want to trouble you."

Ye Qingxian shook her head calmly. "You're Lingling's friend, and I respect your determination. Besides, I like your character."

Then she asked a sensitive question: "Can you draw out the evil fire on your own?"

Lin Xiao paused. Drawing out the evil fire wasn't something he could always control. It often erupted without warning.

Ye Qingxian seemed to understand and offered a solution. "I'll add herbs to your medicinal bath that stimulate the six desires. The evil fire will naturally surface."

Lin Xiao's face turned red.

Ye Lingling tilted her head, clueless, while Dugu Yan looked mildly confused.

Lin Xiao quickly bowed. "Sorry for troubling you, Aunt Ye."

Ye Qingxian nodded. "Come tomorrow evening. I'll prepare everything by then. And since you don't have family here, stay at our house."

Dugu Yan muttered, her voice low. "Feels like we're losing him to the Ye family already."

Lin Xiao walked out of the room but overheard Ye Qingxian muttering, "A few days ago, some patients came with syphilis. I had to disinfect the entire clinic..."

Lin Xiao paused in mid-step, then continued walking, trying to suppress his growing anxiety.