Acceptance and Searching Herbs

Morning broke with a veil of mist curling over the forest like the lingering memory of a dream. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the trees, catching on dew-laden leaves and dancing over the surface of a still pond. Ling Xian sat cross-legged, the tranquility of the environment at odds with the quiet storm inside him.

Though his body appeared calm, his spiritual sea trembled beneath the surface.

He had temporarily stabilized his cultivation by circulating the Nine Revolutions Breathing Scripture through his meridians, layering it atop the Heaven-Devouring Art in a carefully measured pattern. It was delicate work—holding back the storm while channeling just enough power to remain steady.

But it would not last.

Ling Xian could feel it: the creeping tide of imbalance, the silent pressure building with each breath he took. His cultivation had reached a point where restraint became suffering. The Yin-Yang Harmony Technique he now relied on had forged a new path for him—one that demanded dual cultivation not as a luxury, but a necessity.

He opened his eyes slowly.

A presence stirred nearby. Soft footsteps against mossy earth, a whisper in the wind. He turned, already knowing who it was.

Yan Ruyin stepped into view, her expression uncertain. She wore a soft violet robe today, her dark hair cascading down her back like a silken waterfall. The morning sun caught her eyes, illuminating the hidden turmoil within.

"You're awake early," Ling Xian said gently.

She nodded but did not sit. "I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking."

There was a long pause between them.

Then, her voice came out quiet and deliberate. "I've made my decision."

He tilted his head, waiting.

She stepped forward, stopping just short of his meditation circle. "You said this Yin-Yang Harmony Technique could benefit me too. That… it could elevate my cultivation."

He nodded once. "Yes. You're at the Core Vein realm, mid stage. If we proceed, your cultivation could rise by a grade or more depending on compatibility. But… it's not just about strength."

Yan Ruyin folded her arms, frowning slightly. "I know that. I'm not someone who would make such a choice lightly."

Ling Xian stood, meeting her gaze. "Then why?"

She looked away for a moment, gathering herself. "Because I trust you. Because I see something in you I've never seen in another person. You're dangerous, yes… but your danger comes from power, not malice."

Her gaze returned to his, steady and unwavering. "And… because I want to walk this path beside you."

Ling Xian felt a quiet warmth bloom within him—not the heat of desire, but the fire of companionship, of mutual respect forged in quiet moments.

Still, he would not let her walk blindly.

"If we begin this journey," he said, "then I want to help you achieve more than just temporary gain. You deserve to ascend, just as I do. That's why I will prepare something to aid your breakthrough—a pill to boost your foundation."

Yan Ruyin blinked, surprised. "A pill? You're an alchemist too?"

"I know enough," he replied modestly. "The pill I have in mind requires four ingredients. If we gather them all, I can refine it for you."

Her lips curved slightly. "And you expect to find rare herbs in this forest?"

Ling Xian gave her a confident nod. "At least two of them. The remaining herbs, and the alchemy furnace itself, we'll need to find in the nearby city."

She thought for a moment. "Then let's start. We'll search today, and travel to the city tomorrow."

He raised an eyebrow. "So decisive now."

"Hmph," she replied with a faint smirk. "You're not the only one who can change."

By midday, the two had scoured the deeper parts of the forest, where ancient trees grew twisted and dense with spiritual qi. Their search bore fruit.

Near the base of a crimson-streaked stone, they found the Moonlight Cold Lotus, its silver petals pulsing with Yin energy. Perfect for body purification and a stable qi cycle.

Further in, in a moss-covered crevice, Ling Xian carefully plucked a Verdant Blood Vine, its scarlet veins brimming with active fire essence—a rare pairing with the Yin-based lotus.

Two herbs down. Two remained.

They returned to their camp just as the sun began to dip below the horizon.

Ling Xian placed the herbs into a jade container, sealing their essence. He then turned to Yan Ruyin. "We've made good progress today. The remaining herbs—Crimson Frost Orchid and the Starlit Core Root—can only be found in specialized shops or auctions."

"Then we go to the city," she said.

He nodded. "But not just for the herbs. I'll need a decent-grade alchemy furnace. One capable of balancing both ice and fire elements."

Yan Ruyin folded her arms. "We'll have to be careful. I'm well-known in this region. If anyone sees us together—"

He interrupted gently, "I'll make sure no harm comes to your name. If anyone questions it, I'll say I've been hired to protect you or we can just disguise ourselves."

She studied him for a long moment, then looked away. "That might just work. But Ling Xian… there's one more thing."

He waited.

Her voice was softer now, hesitant. "About the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique… I want us to talk more about it. I want to understand it, not just use it. If we do this, it won't be casual."

He gave her a warm, sincere smile. "Nor should it be. I'll teach you everything you need to know. I'll help you cultivate—not just power, but confidence. You'll rise, Yan Ruyin. I promise you that."

She looked at him, her heart stirred again, and nodded. "Then let's go to the nearby city tomorrow. Together."

To be continued...