Gao Xian had a problem: the memories left by the original host were fragmented, and he couldn't recall many people or events.
Since this woman looked familiar, the original host must have known her.
But what was their relationship?
Judging by her demeanor, Gao Xian couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't exactly... wholesome.
Ever since Zhu Qiniang had come looking for him last time, Gao Xian had realized that the original host wasn't exactly a saint.
The woman tried to push the door open but found it bolted from the inside.
After a moment's thought, she raised her hand and gently knocked on the door. "A-Xian, it's me..."
Her tone carried a sense of familiarity, which made Gao Xian nervous. He couldn't remember anything about her.
Gao Xian didn't want to open the door, but a wooden door wouldn't stop a cultivator. The woman seemed to have a strong inner energy, likely at least at the mid-stage of Qi Refining.
If she forced her way in, it would be even harder to deal with.
After some deliberation, Gao Xian decided to open the door and let her in. As he was trying to figure out how to greet her, the woman suddenly threw herself into his arms.
Gao Xian was so startled that he almost activated the Genggold Sword Talisman in his left hand.
Fortunately, he was always cautious and knew how dangerous talismans could be, so he didn't act rashly.
The woman, unaware of this, hugged Gao Xian passionately. "A-Xian, I've missed you so much. Have you missed me?"
Her soft body felt like it was hiding a fire, so hot that Gao Xian could barely breathe. Instinctively, he wrapped his arm around her slender waist.
Even through the layer of his Daoist robe, Gao Xian could clearly feel the smoothness of her skin and the curves of her body.
Having practiced the Great Puppet God Technique with Sister Lan every day, Gao Xian had gained some "practical experience."
Sister Lan surpassed this woman in every aspect—figure, appearance, charm, and even technique—by a hundred, no, a thousand times.
But this woman was a living, breathing person, and that made the psychological experience completely different.
Moreover, she was something new. At least for Gao Xian, she was.
It was like someone who ate imperial banquets every day wouldn't refuse a street snack once in a while.
In his previous life, Gao Xian had been an office worker with little experience with women, but he was secretly quite the romantic.
As their breaths mingled, a memory suddenly flashed in Gao Xian's mind: the woman's name was Qingping, a fifth-level Qi Refining cultivator. The Crimson Blood Pill had come from her...
Qingping and the original host had a simple, physical relationship.
As Gao Xian recalled more about Qingping, he immediately realized that this woman was bad news!
The reason was simple: the Crimson Blood Pill was extremely potent. Although the original host had managed to break through to the second level of Qi Refining after taking it, his soul had shattered, leading to his death.
What kind of friend would give someone such a dangerous pill?
Gao Xian comforted himself internally: Just play along and don't let her notice anything's off.
The morning light filtering through the window paper illuminated Qingping, outlining her graceful curves. She seemed to glow.
Qingping's fair skin, now glistening with a fine layer of sweat, looked as if it had been coated with a transparent glaze, making her appear even more radiant, full, and alive—a truly beautiful sight.
Gao Xian hadn't touched Qingping, but he was certainly tempted. However, the thought of how dangerous she was made him hesitate.
No matter how attractive a woman was, his life was more important.
Qingping slowly came to her senses. She grabbed Gao Xian's hand and said softly, "A-Xian, I really wish I could stay with you forever..."
Her voice was soft and smooth, carrying a hint of post-satisfaction laziness and a coquettish charm that was both playful and alluring.
Although Gao Xian was wary of Qingping, her words still flattered him.
What man doesn't enjoy being praised by a woman? Maybe some don't, but Gao Xian certainly wasn't one of them.
Unsure of how to respond, Gao Xian simply offered a polite smile.
Qingping clung to Gao Xian's arm, snuggling closer. With a look of concern, she asked, "My dear, how did the Crimson Blood Pill work for you? Was it effective?"
At the mention of the Crimson Blood Pill, Gao Xian immediately sobered up. The original host had died because of that pill.
If Qingping truly cared for the original host, she wouldn't have given him such a dangerous pill.
Qingping, nestled in Gao Xian's arms, couldn't see the change in his expression.
She was still basking in the afterglow of their intimacy, her senses dulled.
"My dear, you're still young and have a strong foundation. You can use the Crimson Blood Pill to quickly boost your cultivation.
"Especially now that you're at the second level, during the critical stage of strengthening your bones and renewing your blood, the Crimson Blood Pill is perfect for you.
"While I can still get it, you should stock up on a few more pills, just in case..."
Gao Xian sighed inwardly. He had thought she was just a casual fling, but it turned out she was a drug pusher.
Stock up on a few more? One pill almost killed me! This woman really doesn't care if I die.
With a troubled expression, he said, "The Crimson Blood Pill is great, but I don't have the money. I still don't know how to make up for the deficit from buying the last pill!"
Qingping turned and wrapped her arms around Gao Xian's neck, her face filled with concern. "You're an alchemist with a bright future. Why stay in a small medicine shop? Come with me. I'll find you a place to practice alchemy, and it'll be much better than staying here."
Gao Xian panicked. This woman wasn't just a drug pusher—she was also a human trafficker!
He quickly refused, "I can't do that. My master would kill me."
Qingping sighed and gently caressed Gao Xian's cheek. "You're a grown man. You don't always have to listen to your master..."
Gao Xian shook his head. "A master for a day is a father for life."
Although his memories of his master were of a strict, even cold, man, he was still more reliable than this woman.
Seeing Gao Xian's firm stance, Qingping could only say, "No rush. You're always welcome with me. Whenever you make up your mind, come find me."
The conversation had hit a snag, and Qingping quickly dressed, her attitude noticeably cooler.
"Do you have any White Dew Pills left? Give me some."
"No, I used them all to trade for the Crimson Blood Pill," Gao Xian lied. Even if he had some, he wouldn't give them to Qingping.
He could see now that this woman was the type to take advantage, showing no courtesy. He had no idea how the original host had gotten involved with someone like her.
Qingping's displeasure was evident. She suppressed her anger and said, "You need to refine more White Dew Pills. I need them urgently."
Gao Xian was also getting annoyed. I don't owe you anything. I didn't even charge you for the massage!
Not to mention, the original host had died because of her. How dare she make so many demands? Did she think he was her lapdog?
With Sister Lan by his side, Gao Xian wasn't about to grovel for anyone!
Qingping noticed Gao Xian's dark expression and realized she had been too harsh.
She playfully poked Gao Xian's chest with her finger. "You're a grown man. Be more magnanimous. Don't let your displeasure show on your face. I'm only doing this for your sake!"
As she spoke, Qingping took out a yellowed book from her robe and handed it to Gao Xian. "I found the spell you wanted."
She emphasized, "This is a gift from me!"
Gao Xian took the book and couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Sister Qingping."
Qingping chuckled. This guy's mood swings were something else!
But that was fine. A childish personality was easier to manipulate.
Sigh, his face is really something. Handsome, eloquent, and fun to be with! I'm really going to miss him.
Qingping lovingly stroked Gao Xian's cheek. "Practice well. I'll come see you again in a few days..."