Watching the unfolding scene, Yi Tianxing couldn't help but feel a bit stunned. The turn of events had developed far beyond his expectations. He had thought he was in for some good fortune with a beautiful woman, only to be startled instead.
He had to admit, Qin Hongyi's charms were indeed substantial, the kind that few men could resist.
"Nannan, you're awake."Yi Tianxing smiled at the little girl and spoke gently.
"Big brother, who was that woman just now? Nannan doesn't like her."Nannan blinked her clear eyes and asked innocently, without hesitation revealing her dislike.
It was an instinctive, inexplicable aversion.She simply didn't like her — not at all.
"Big brother belongs to Nannan."A thought surfaced in her mind.
"That was just a friend. If you don't like her, I won't associate with her," Yi Tianxing chuckled and shook his head. "How are you feeling? Hungry?"
Nannan nodded. "A little. After cultivating with you, I feel like I'm stronger. There's a warm energy swirling inside my body. It's a strange but comfortable feeling. I've never felt this good before."
It was her first time cultivating, and she could clearly feel changes in her body. This kind of strength had never been present before. After practicing the Vajra Dragon Elephant Technique (金刚龙象功), it felt like all the food she'd eaten was instantly digested and converted into nourishing energy. Quite a miraculous experience.
"It's nighttime, and since this is your first time cultivating, don't eat anything too heavy. Focus on recovery. Drink another bowl of Three-Delicacy Blood Essence Congee (三鲜珍血粥), and this time, don't cultivate your body. Just nourish it first. After eating, continue practicing the 'Sitting Forgetfulness Scripture' ("坐忘经") to help you better control your inner power, strengthen your blood and flesh, and develop your true qi."
Yi Tianxing handed her a bowl of congee.
Nannan's Divine Sea was far too small. It had to be filled entirely before she could start breaking into the Twelve Standard Meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. With her natural aptitude, her inner meridian pathways were not only narrow but also clogged with massive impurities. To break through and open these meridians would take far more effort and energy than normal cultivators. She also needed to nourish and strengthen her meridians constantly to avoid serious damage when attempting breakthroughs.
This was the burden of poor aptitude.
Without talent, cultivation consumed exponentially more resources and time.
"Got it, big brother!!"Nannan nodded happily.
She opened the container and started drinking. The Three-Delicacy Blood Essence Congee was incredibly delicious—something she had never tasted before in her previous life. She loved it.
After finishing, she sat cross-legged on the bed and began practicing the Sitting Forgetfulness Scripture as Yi Tianxing instructed.
Seeing her progress, Yi Tianxing nodded silently.
Others can offer help, but whether someone walks the path of greatness is up to themselves. If one doesn't work hard, then even the greatest opportunities and treasures won't help them reach the peak.
Without delay, Yi Tianxing sat beside her and began cultivating the 'Heavenly Emperor Dragon Sovereign Scripture' ("天帝御龙经"), absorbing the world's energy while using his true essence to refine the treasure pagoda. The cracks in the pagoda were rapidly healing.
Though this was just a clone body, the marvelous thing about the Starry Sky Immortal Talisman (星空仙游符) was that once a clone returned, all cultivation gains, breakthroughs, and opened life apertures would instantly merge back into the main body. Even treasures and rare items obtained could be brought back—everything except for living beings.
Living people couldn't traverse space with it. The talisman wasn't yet strong enough for that.
The next morning, Yi Tianxing and Nannan once again absorbed Eastern Purple Qi, and practiced the Vajra Dragon Elephant Technique to refine their bodies.
As they trained, another layer of black impurities was forced from Nannan's body. After cleansing, they walked through Darkness City again.
Overheard conversations buzzed around Yi Tianxing:
"They say that death-laced Source Crystal Mine has started producing rare divine treasures. Strange divine lights and visions have been emerging for days. If true, those treasures could be priceless."
"Several major powers are preparing to enter the mine together to seize the treasures hidden within."
"There are said to be large reserves of Divine Source (神源) in the mine. If it weren't so dangerous, cultivators would've swarmed in long ago. I've heard people saw ghost soldiers patrolling inside."
"Yeah, and white-furred monsters have been spotted too, carrying a terrible aura. Anyone who enters doesn't come back."
"Last time it opened, tens of thousands entered and fewer than a hundred made it out. Ghostly wails echoed from within for half a month after."
Listening quietly, Yi Tianxing's gaze turned thoughtful.
"As expected, the dangers hidden within this Source Crystal Mine are extraordinary. Tens of thousands perished… that alone would create a death zone on any battlefield, let alone a volatile area like this. Who knows what abominations might emerge."
He was sure of one thing: this expedition would not be peaceful. Many would die—and not just a few.
Despite the fearful rumors, he knew that once the moment arrived, cultivators would flood in. Human nature is greedy and selfish—especially in a place like Darkness City, where such instincts were amplified tenfold.
Everyone would gamble. Everyone would chase fortune.
Time passed quietly.
By the third morning—
Knock knock knock!
Just as Yi Tianxing and Nannan finished their morning cultivation, a crisp knock echoed at the door.
"Come in!"
He took a deep breath and steadied himself. It was time.
The door opened to reveal a woman in a red palace gown holding a red umbrella. Entering, she bowed slightly and said:
"Mr. Yi, the appointed time has arrived. The city's major powers are preparing to enter the Source Crystal Mine together. The Tower Master sent me to invite you."
Her tone was polite and her gaze carried a hint of awe.
So this is the man who killed Tiger King Wu Hai in a single blow… even without activating his life apertures. He even suppressed a swarm of ghostly wraiths with ease. If I could build a connection with him… that would be incredible.
"Lead the way," Yi Tianxing nodded calmly.
In these three days, he had learned enough. The mine was exactly what Qin Hongyi said—a true Source Crystal Mine.
"Yes, sir!"
"Nannan, bring what you need. We may not return. Use the storage ring I gave you—there's enough space for anything."
Nannan responded, "I'm ready, big brother."
The red-dressed woman was startled. "You're… bringing her? Mr. Yi, forgive me, but the Source Crystal Mine is deadly. With her cultivation, she won't be able to defend herself at all. She might not survive. Isn't that… unwise?"
Taking a little girl into such a perilous place? She couldn't understand it—it was reckless and dangerous.
Yi Tianxing replied evenly, "If I'm taking her, I naturally have ways to protect her. If I can't survive in the mine, then dying there is still better than leaving her alone in Darkness City."
Leaving Nannan alone here was even more dangerous. He didn't trust this cruel world to protect her in his absence. Better to keep her close—at least until he no longer could.