Chapter 17: Lighting the Fire and Heating the Pot

Han Yang hauled the wailing Zhao Wuji along like a sack of tattered rags, strolling casually back into the grand hall.

Several elders remained standing there like wooden stakes, their rigid postures seemingly sharp enough to pierce the heavens.

"You elders have worked hard. Don't your legs get sore from standing so long?" Han Yang asked with a beaming smile, though his eyes were fixed on Zhao Wuji as if appraising a piece of livestock ready for the butcher’s block.

"Would you like to taste some black beef?"

Upon hearing this, the elders immediately caught his drift. One elder, whose hair and beard were white as snow, let out a cackle and rubbed his hands together. "The Sect Master jests. This black ox is plump and sturdy; its meat must be succulent. I have long been drooling at the thought."

With that, the elders began to skillfully set up a cauldron and build a fire, acting as if they were about to cook Zhao Wuji right on the spot.

Seeing this, Zhao Wuji was terrified out of his wits. He struggled desperately, emitting incoherent pleas for mercy like a pig waiting for the knife.

"Sect Master, spare me! I know I was wrong! I will never dare to do it again!" Zhao Wuji shrieked, his voice hoarse, snot and tears streaming down his face as he presented a truly pathetic sight.

Han Yang, however, turned a deaf ear, watching the elders work with keen interest.

The elders were swift and efficient; in no time at all, they had flayed and dismembered Zhao Wuji, cleaning him thoroughly. Bright red blood splattered onto the floor. Zhao Wuji’s screams grew weaker and weaker until they finally vanished altogether.

The prepared meat was tossed into the cauldron to simmer. A rich, thick aroma soon filled the air, whetting everyone’s appetite.

"How is it?" Han Yang asked with an ambiguous smile.

One elder nodded and bowed obsequiously, offering insincere praise: "The meat is tender and melts in the mouth. As expected of a Black Ox Demon—truly extraordinary!"

...

Han Yang scanned the crowd and spoke slowly: "From this day forward, the Blissful Immortal Sect will implement new regulations, abolishing outdated and inappropriate practices."

"First, the rigid hierarchy among disciples is abolished. In the past, the clear distinction in rank allowed high-ranking disciples to bully those below them at will; this culture must stop! From now on, all disciples are equal. No one may use their status to oppress others. Offenders will be punished without leniency!"

"Second, the privileges of the elders are abolished, and a fair and impartial examination system shall be established."

"Previously, disciple promotions relied entirely on elder recommendations, a process rife with corruption and favoritism. Henceforth, a dedicated examination body will be established! No one shall engage in malpractice; offenders will be punished without leniency!"

Han Yang’s voice was resonant, echoing in everyone’s ears. The announcement of these new rules sent a ripple of excitement throughout the Blissful Immortal Sect.

After handling the sect's affairs, Han Yang returned to his cave dwelling. He sat cross-legged and began to circulate the Diamond Immovable Art to cultivate.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged frantically into his body, rushing through his meridians. Han Yang’s cultivation base grew steadily.

After finishing his meditation, Han Yang checked his system interface.

[Level: 6]
[Beast Power: 1.7 million / 20 million]
[Current Cultivation: 2,000 years]
[Cultivation Growth Rate: 0.007 years/s (Growth rate increases with level)]
[Talents: Eye of Truth, Wings of the Demon Lord, Body of the Demon Lord, Soul of the Taotie]

Two thousand years of cultivation—that would scare the wits out of anyone. Yet, looking at the sluggishly increasing numbers on the system panel, Han Yang felt a bit of doubt. With the Soul of the Taotie and the Diamond Immovable Art, both being top-tier assets, why was his cultivation progressing like an old ox pulling a broken cart?

He rubbed his chin, and the charming face of Ye Lingyin surfaced in his mind.

Of course! The third layer of the Diamond Immovable Art was a dual-cultivation secret technique that allowed one to "take flight" with a beauty!

At this thought, a wicked smirk curled the corners of Han Yang’s lips.

Testing the results of his cultivation? Heh, what a perfect excuse!

Ye Lingyin’s cave was elegantly furnished, though it lacked a bit of warmth. Han Yang swaggered in to find Ye Lingyin sitting cross-legged, breathing in spiritual energy. Her pale purple gauze robe outlined a graceful figure, making Han Yang’s heart itch with desire.

"Yo, little Lingyin, practicing?" Han Yang greeted her with a smile, his tone tinged with teasing.

Ye Lingyin opened her eyes, and upon seeing Han Yang, she immediately stood up to bow, her enchanting face lighting up with a hint of delight. "Sect Master, to what do I owe this visit? Do you have any instructions?"

"No instructions needed." Han Yang waved a hand, walked up to her, and looked her up and down, clicking his tongue in admiration.

"Your cultivation speed is truly impressive. However, merely practicing in isolation isn't enough; we need to test your results through actual combat."

How could Ye Lingyin not understand the implication in Han Yang’s words? Her cheeks turned crimson, and she lowered her head bashfully, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. "I leave it to the Sect Master’s arrangements..."

Han Yang laughed heartily, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and whispered in her ear: "Then let us find a quiet place to have a proper 'exchange' and see exactly how your cultivation results are."

With that, he brought Ye Lingyin into the secret chamber.

Inside, the two sat cross-legged, facing each other. Han Yang circulated the Diamond Immovable Art, and a powerful surge of true energy poured from his body, enveloping Ye Lingyin.

Ye Lingyin cooperated by circulating her own technique, and their energies merged to form a massive vortex of power. As the technique progressed, both their bodies emitted waves of golden light, and the surrounding spiritual energy surged violently into them.

Han Yang felt a warm current flowing through his body—an indescribable sense of comfort. Ye Lingyin’s high-grade furnace physique worked its miraculous effect, continuously purifying his true energy and feeding it back into him, causing his power to soar rapidly.

"Little Lingyin, this furnace of yours is quite top-tier—like a butterfly; it truly lives up to its reputation!" Han Yang teased while enjoying the thrill of his skyrocketing power.

Ye Lingyin panted, her eyes misty with allure. "The Sect Master flatters me... My meager skills are all thanks to the Sect Master's guidance..."

Several hours later, the dual cultivation ended. Han Yang felt refreshed, his body brimming with strength. He checked the system panel again and was satisfied to find that both his Beast Power and cultivation had increased significantly.

"This Diamond Immovable Art is truly the essential divine skill for home or travel, perfect for absorbing the essence of female demons!" Han Yang couldn't help but exclaim.

As for Ye Lingyin, she was stunned to discover that, thanks to this session, she had broken through to the Golden Core stage in one go! She was overwhelmed with joy and quickly thanked Han Yang. "Thank you for your grace, Sect Master! I am deeply grateful!"

Han Yang looked at Ye Lingyin, calculating internally. This top-grade furnace was indeed remarkably effective. It seemed he would have to "test" it more often in the future...

Just then, a system prompt chimed:

[Ding! Detected that the host's cultivation has broken through the Nascent Soul bottleneck. A Heavenly Tribulation is imminent! Please prepare yourself!]

Han Yang’s expression shifted. *Damn it, what is this? Am I playing for such high stakes?*

"Damn it, playing for such high stakes?" Han Yang cursed internally, though he forced a relaxed smile onto his face and pinched Ye Lingyin’s chin.

"Little Lingyin, you play by yourself for a while. Your brother has something he needs to take care of."