Chapter 16: Hold on, and only when you reach Nirvana will you be worthy of being called a phoenix!

It was not until Lin Xiao's figure disappeared that Ye Qingxian stopped her subtle murmuring, just loud enough for Lin Xiao to hear. She wasn't sure whether Lin Xiao fully understood her underlying message.

As an elder, she felt obligated to guide him. Seeking shallow pleasures might seem glamorous, but beneath the surface, they are fraught with hidden dangers. Only a seasoned doctor understands how tainted those indulgences can be. Her warning, though cryptic, was for his safety.

"In the future, if he ever finds himself tempted by weakness, I hope he remembers my words."

Ye Qingxian admired Lin Xiao's resolve. Unlike many others his age, he didn't use his martial soul defect as an excuse for indulgence. His restraint made him worthy of her respect and help.

The Next Day

While Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were at school, Lin Xiao remained in the Ye residence, practicing his Five Animal Exercises diligently. Each movement was slow but powerful, every motion executed with precision.

Ye Qingxian watched silently, impressed by his dedication.

"Lin Xiao, come here. I need to assess your body strength and adjust the medicinal bath dosage accordingly."

Lin Xiao obeyed, removing his shirt without hesitation. His young body already displayed surprising resilience; lean but muscular, with lines of definition unexpected in a boy so young.

"Your strength rivals that of a great soul master. How did you manage this?"

Lin Xiao explained his method: using the Evil Fire Phoenix outbreaks to damage his body and then using the Five Animal Exercises to recover, strengthening his meridians and physical limits each time.

Ye Qingxian nodded approvingly, noting his bravery and innovation.

"Most adults would shy away from such pain, yet you embrace it."

That afternoon, Ye Qingxian prepared the special medicinal bath.

"Get in the tub. We need to begin immediately."

The water, infused with rare herbs, seemed warm at first. But soon, Lin Xiao felt a heat rising from within his body—the evil fire was stirring.

"Aunt Ye, the medicinal food and Nine-Hearted Begonia… now."

Without hesitation, Ye Qingxian handed him a bowl of fortified medicinal food. As Lin Xiao consumed it, she activated her Nine-Hearted Begonia, pouring immense healing energy into his body.

The battle within him began.

His meridians felt like rivers of molten lava; his skin burned, reddening as the evil fire surged. Lin Xiao bit down on a towel to muffle his cries.

"This pain… it's even stronger than before."

"Hold on, Lin Xiao," Ye Qingxian encouraged, her voice steady. "True strength comes from enduring the unbearable."

His body screamed for release. Muscles trembled, tendons stretched to their limits, yet he continued.

"This is your phoenix's trial by fire. Only by surviving this agony can you ascend."

Gradually, the fire's destructive rampage slowed. His enhanced body resisted the flames, his meridians growing tougher.

"It's working," Ye Qingxian whispered. "His resilience is increasing."

By the time the session ended, Lin Xiao collapsed against the side of the tub, steam rising from his reddened skin. His breathing was ragged but steady.

Ye Qingxian placed a hand on his forehead.

"He made it through the first round… but there will be more."

Hours later, as Lin Xiao lay wrapped in a blanket, regaining his strength, Ye Qingxian sat beside him.

"You should be proud. Most adults wouldn't survive what you just endured."

Lin Xiao, his voice hoarse but determined, responded:

"It's not enough… I need to push further."

Ye Qingxian nodded, admiration shining in her eyes.

"Hold on, Lin Xiao. Only those who endure the fiercest flames can truly be called a phoenix."

And so, the path to Nirvana continued.