Chapter 23: The Supreme Cauldron Furnace

Han Yang pressed his advantage, and the massive phantom of the Golden-Winged Roc lunged toward Master Yinlü, its sharp talons gleaming with a cold, lethal light.

Just as Master Yinlü was about to meet his end, Fairy Miaoyin rushed forward regardless of the danger, shielding him with her slender, fragile frame amidst the howling gale.

"Sect Master!" she cried out in a shrill, desperate voice.

Han Yang paused, the colossal Roc phantom stopping inches before Fairy Miaoyin, the fierce wind whipping her hair into a frenzy. Taking a deep breath, Fairy Miaoyin said, "I... I will honor the wager! Please, spare my Sect Master's life!" She bit her lip so hard it nearly drew blood.

Han Yang eyed her with interest, a wicked smirk curling his lips. "Oh? You’ve got spirit. But what are you offering in exchange for his life?"

Fairy Miaoyin’s face turned pale; she knew exactly what he meant. Lowering her head, she whispered, her voice trembling, "I... I am willing to fulfill the bet..."

"Hahaha!" Han Yang roared with laughter. "That’s more like it! A wise person submits to circumstances! Don't worry, I won't treat you poorly."

He reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her toward him. Fairy Miaoyin trembled uncontrollably but dared not resist. She closed her eyes, surrendering to her fate. Watching her submissive posture, Han Yang felt the intoxicating rush of conquest.

He pulled her into his arms. Her skin was as smooth as jade, and a faint, alluring fragrance filled his nostrils, stirring his heart. Only then did he notice Master Yinlü still standing there, dazed, his eyes fixed longingly on Fairy Miaoyin. The sight irritated Han Yang.

"You old fool, why are you still standing there? Waiting for a demonstration? Look in a mirror—you’re a pathetic sight. Watching won't help you; it’ll only make you feel more inferior!" Han Yang mocked mercilessly.

Master Yinlü’s face cycled between green and white, yet he dared not retort. Supported by his disciples, he turned back repeatedly as he left, his lingering gaze betraying his fear that Fairy Miaoyin might vanish forever.

"Tsk, what a lovesick fool. A pity that the fallen blossoms have intent, while the flowing waters remain heartless," Han Yang chuckled. Scanning the battlefield, he spotted Tiantian, who had fainted in the distance. He had originally intended to take her as well for a triple cultivation session. "Forget it, I’ll let you off today; a dual cultivation is enough."

He turned to his disciples and ordered, "Take her away to rest."

Han Yang couldn't wait any longer. He scooped up Fairy Miaoyin and soared into the sky toward his cave dwelling, leaving behind a scene of wreckage and a crowd of stunned disciples. The disciples of the Blissful Immortal Sect had feared today would be their ruin, facing two of the human world's most renowned factions. Yet, their Sect Master’s power had far exceeded their wildest imagination, sweeping through the opposition with crushing force and even capturing the peerless beauty, Fairy Miaoyin.

Younger disciples were stirred with fervor, whispering, "The Sect Master’s divine might is supreme; he is our role model!" A few lecherous demons gazed in the direction Fairy Miaoyin had disappeared, muttering, "To dual cultivate with Fairy Miaoyin, I’d give up a hundred years of my life!"

A rat demon quickly covered their mouths, hissing, "Do you have a death wish? Are you really eyeing the Sect Master’s woman? If he finds out, he’ll hack you into human sticks!" The minor demons paled, falling silent. Despite their desire, they feared Han Yang’s ruthlessness. The rat demon sighed in relief and whispered, "Remember this: don't look at what shouldn't be seen, don't say what shouldn't be spoken, and don't think what shouldn't be thought! Otherwise, you won't even know how you died." The others nodded frantically.

Having heard the disciples' chatter, Han Yang merely scoffed. As they arrived at his dwelling, Fairy Miaoyin trembled, yet she dared not resist. For the sake of her Sect Master and her sect, she could only endure. Han Yang’s scorching breath against her neck filled her with revulsion, yet she dared not show a hint of defiance.

"What, afraid?" Han Yang teased, lifting her chin. "Where did your courage go? Didn't you want to save that useless Sect Master of yours?"

Fairy Miaoyin bit her lip until it almost bled. Resistance was futile and would only bring more humiliation.

"Heh, still stubborn." He channeled the Vajra Immovable Technique, golden runes pulsing across his skin, radiating a terrifying pressure.

The night was long and intoxicating.

The next morning, Fairy Miaoyin awoke, her body aching, yet she felt a surge of unprecedented power within. To her astonishment, her cultivation had advanced significantly, reaching the verge of a breakthrough. Han Yang, already dressed, was watching her with interest.

"How do you feel?" Han Yang’s voice carried a playful tone.

Fairy Miaoyin’s heart was in turmoil; her feelings toward him were impossible to articulate. "Why... why did you..." she struggled to speak.

"Why didn't I kill you?" Han Yang finished her sentence with a soft chuckle. "For a top-tier cultivation vessel like you, wouldn't it be a waste to kill you?"

Fairy Miaoyin was struck dumb. Her fate was now entirely in his hands.

"As long as you truly submit to me, I will ensure the Heaven Sound Sect remains safe," Han Yang said, his tone softening with a hint of temptation. "Decide for yourself."

He turned away, ignoring her, and walked to the depths of the cave to meditate. Fairy Miaoyin stood there, her mind in chaos. Submission? What a humiliation! She had been sought after by countless human geniuses, yet now, a feathered demon required her to submit. But if she refused, what would become of her sect?

Suddenly, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in Han Yang's mind:

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for absorbing the power of the Nine-Yin Profound Veins. Triggered hidden quest: Find the legendary 'Nine-Yang Divine Body.' Harmonizing Yin and Yang will allow you to break through your current cultivation bottleneck.]

Han Yang’s eyes snapped open, blazing with intensity. The Nine-Yang Divine Body? The legendary embodiment of absolute Yang? If he could devour that...

"It seems it is time to go for a walk..."

He peered into his Dantian and found his True Essence, once a mere stream, now a surging river, vast and endless. "Late-stage God Transformation! Hahaha, I really am a genius!" Han Yang laughed aloud. The taste of those top-tier Nine-Yin Profound Veins was truly magnificent!

At that moment, the system notification chimed again:

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host, Fairy Miaoyin has broken through to the God Transformation Realm!]

[Ding! Due to the feedback effect of the Nine-Yin Profound Veins, the Host has received an extra reward: 200 years of cultivation and 100,000 points of Beast Power!]