Battle Through the Heavens: Starting with Cao Ying as an apprentice

Looking into Little Fairy Doctor's clear, bright eyes, filled with pure tension and unease, Cao Ying was overjoyed: "With such a simple mind, she's easy to fool."

The more she thought about it, the more satisfied she became, and she couldn't help but chuckle softly. The laughter carried a hint of suppressed excitement, which sounded somewhat eerie in the quiet night.

"Hehe, this is a godsend!" Cao Ying thought to herself with wild joy. "Finally, I've got a junior sister who's younger and more innocent than me. It's finally my turn to become the 'boss'! Hahaha!"

Little Fairy Doctor felt uneasy from Cao Ying's laughter, especially the way Cao Ying looked at her. It was like a starving wolf eyeing a plump sheep, its pupils seemingly gleaming with a faint light, as if it wanted to devour her alive.

Her heart was pounding faster and faster, her hands and feet were getting weak, and her mind was filled with the tragic stories her teacher had told her. She felt that the senior sister in front of her was even more terrifying than the villains in the stories.

"Senior Sister, if you have nothing else, I'll go back to rest first." Little Fairy Doctor couldn't stand the suffocating gaze any longer, and suddenly stood up, wanting nothing more than to escape this place as soon as possible.

"Stop!" Cao Ying shouted immediately upon seeing this, her voice carrying an undeniable air of authority. She couldn't let her long-awaited "little toy" get away.

The shout was like a thunderclap, startling Little Fairy Doctor so much that she froze, tears welling up in her eyes instantly. She dared not utter another word and ran into the house, wanting nothing more than to hide back in her room.

Seeing this, Cao Ying's eyes flashed with a triumphant smile. She lightly touched the ground with her toes, her internal fighting spirit quietly circulating, and she chased after him like a nimble butterfly.

"Help! Help!" Little Fairy Doctor cried out as she ran, her voice filled with fear.

Her steps faltered, her skirt swaying slightly as she stumbled on the cobblestone path, and the footsteps behind her grew closer and closer, like the urgent beat of a drum.

At this moment, Doctor Liu was having tea and chatting with Cai Die in the room, and the topic had just come up to Little Fairy Doctor's extraordinary talent.

Upon hearing the cries for help from outside, Dr. Liu's expression changed, and he immediately put down his teacup and was about to get up: "Something's wrong, I'm afraid something has happened!"

Cai Die reached out and stopped her, her face still calm and composed, and said softly, "Don't worry, it's alright. Cao Ying is outside. She's a bit impulsive, but she doesn't have any bad intentions. She's probably just playing around with Junior Sister."

She paused, then added, "The two of them will be spending every day together from now on. They're both fellow disciples, so letting them get to know each other better will actually strengthen their bond. Little Fairy Doctor is a bit introverted right now, so spending more time with Cao Ying will make her more outgoing."

Upon hearing this, Doctor Liu paused, pondered for a moment, and felt that what Cai Die said made a lot of sense. Little Fairy Doctor had a tragic past and was somewhat timid, so she did need more opportunities to interact with people, while Cao Ying, although mischievous, was not a bad person at heart.

She nodded and sat down again, but a faint worry still lingered between her brows.

In the courtyard, the figures of one chasing and the other fleeing broke the tranquility of the night.

Little Fairy Doctor had no cultivation whatsoever, and relying solely on her two feet, how could she possibly outrun Cao Ying, a fighter? Cao Ying circulated her battle qi, and her speed suddenly increased. In just a moment, she caught up with Little Fairy Doctor, and gently placed her warm hand on her shoulder.

"Hehehe..." Cao Ying lowered her head, leaned close to Little Fairy Doctor's ear, and let out a sinister laugh. The laugh carried a hint of childish smugness, but to Little Fairy Doctor, it sounded like a ghostly whisper: "Finally, it's my turn, finally, it's my turn..."

Little Fairy Doctor froze, as if frozen in place, her body trembling as she slowly turned her head. When she saw the mocking, almost ferocious smile on Cao Ying's face, she could no longer hold back. Her legs went weak, and she squatted down on the ground, tears streaming down her face like broken pearls.

"Waaah, Senior Sister, please don't hit me!" Little Fairy Doctor sobbed, clutching her head tightly with both hands, her voice thick with nasal congestion: "I'll take good care of you from now on. I'll help you with your laundry and cooking, and help you organize your medicinal herbs. Please don't hit me, okay?"

Her shoulders were trembling violently, and she was crying her heart out; she was clearly terrified.

Cao Ying looked at the Little Fairy Doctor, who was squatting on the ground crying with tears streaming down her face. Her smile froze instantly, and her eyes were full of helplessness.

She was still a child herself, and seeing Little Fairy Doctor crying so sadly, she panicked and said repeatedly, "Uh, don't cry, I'm not going to hit you!"

She racked her brains, thinking for a long time, but could only manage to utter this one sentence. Seeing that Little Fairy Doctor was still crying incessantly, Cao Ying was so anxious that she scratched her head and cheeks, and her tone softened: "Really, I won't hit you, I just... I just want to play with you."

Upon hearing the words "I won't hit you," Little Fairy Doctor's crying gradually subsided. She raised her tear-streaked face, long eyelashes still adorned with glistening teardrops, like a frightened fawn, and timidly asked, "Then, then why were you laughing so horribly? Weren't you going to suppress me? The village teacher said that all newly initiated junior sisters are suppressed by their senior sisters..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ying was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized. So this junior sister was frightened by those old, tired stories! Suppressing her laughter, she put on a serious expression, patted her chest, and said, "Of course not! Why would I hit you? I just wanted you to experience our special treatment!"

She paused deliberately, looking at Little Fairy Doctor's curious yet wary eyes, and continued, "Moreover, this treatment is only for the youngest person in our group! You see, I used to be the youngest, so I always got 'special treatment.' Now that you're here, you're the youngest, so it's my turn to 'take care' of you!"

Little Fairy Doctor blinked her wet eyes, looking at Cao Ying with a mixture of understanding and confusion.

Looking at her senior's sincere expression and recalling the "terrifying" laughter from earlier, she was still somewhat frightened, but her crying gradually subsided.

Chapter 81 Special Benefits!

Cao Ying traced the last stroke of her fingertips across Little Fairy Doctor's soft cheek, a hint of lingering satisfaction in her eyes, before walking briskly toward the door.

Moonlight filtered through the sycamore leaves in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows behind her. A triumphant smile lingered on her lips—the "special perk" she had just received had left the adorable Little Fairy Doctor completely bewildered, providing her with endless amusement.

Little Fairy Doctor, who was left behind, looked rather disheveled.

Her once smooth, black hair was now a mess, resembling a bird's nest. Her fair cheeks were rosy from being pinched, like ripe peaches, and there were a few glistening drops of saliva on her forehead, left by Cao Ying's surprise kiss before she left.

She stood there, dizzy, her heart still pounding. Her fingertips unconsciously touched her forehead, where the warmth of the other person's touch still lingered, making her cheeks burn even hotter.

After a while, she covered her burning face and slowly moved to another room with small, hesitant steps.

Although the courtyard was not spacious, it was clean and elegant. Two side rooms stood facing each other. Now Cao Ying and Cai Die lived in one room, while Xiao Yi Xian and Doctor Liu shared the other.

As soon as she pushed open the door, a clear, crisp laugh greeted her. Seeing Little Fairy Doctor's embarrassed state, Cai Die burst into laughter, "Hahaha, little fairy, did Cao Ying do something to you? Look at your messy hair and your face so red it could bleed!"

When Cai Die saw through her words, Xiao Yi Xian's cheeks turned even redder, and even her ears turned crimson.

She nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, her eyes darting around. Her hesitant and shy expression made her look like a frightened little rabbit, so adorable that you couldn't help but want to tease her a little more.

"Oh dear, little Cao Ying is too outrageous! How dare she bully our Xian'er like this!" Cai Die stood up with a smile, patted her chest, and said indignantly, "Wait, I'll go and get justice for you and teach her a lesson!"

After saying that, she turned around and ran to the opposite room in a hurry, leaving Little Fairy Doctor standing there, even more embarrassed.

After the butterfly left, Doctor Liu saw Little Fairy Doctor's appearance and a gossipy glint immediately flashed in his eyes. With a smile on his lips, he teased, "Oh ho, what's wrong with our fairy? Why is your face as red as a ripe cherry and your hair all messy? Did someone bully you?"

Doctor Liu's tone was somewhat teasing, and Little Fairy Doctor was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground. She stammered in a low voice, "Senior Sister... she's too enthusiastic!"

"Oh? How enthusiastic are you?" Dr. Liu followed up, her eyes gleaming with even more gossip.

Little Fairy Doctor lowered her head, her voice barely audible: "She first touched my head, then... then pinched my cheeks, and finally said... said..." At the crucial point, her cheeks turned so red they almost bled, and she swallowed the words back, unable to say them.

Seeing this, Dr. Liu became even more interested and leaned closer, coaxing, "Don't be shy, what did she say? Tell me."

Pressed by Doctor Liu, Little Fairy Doctor could no longer hide the truth. She raised her head, her eyes darting around, her cheeks burning, and stammered, "She said... she said I was so cute, and then she cupped my face and kissed me on the forehead."

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and pounced on the bed like a startled deer, pulling the blanket up to wrap herself up from head to toe like a little dumpling, leaving only a bulging figure, which made Dr. Liu chuckle.

Seeing the little fairy doctor's shy appearance, Doctor Liu's smile gradually softened. She stepped forward, gently patted the quilt, and the worry in her heart quietly dissipated.

Although Cao Ying's behavior is somewhat unconventional, her straightforward affection and love are genuine.

She had been worried that Xiao Yixian, being gentle and burdened by past traumas, would be bullied when she traveled outside. But now it seems that with Cao Ying and Cai Die treating her so sincerely, her worries were unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Cao Ying was in high spirits in the opposite room. When she returned to her room, her chest was straight and her chin was slightly raised. She looked like a victorious general returning home, arrogant and proud, as if she were declaring, "I am invincible."

The sense of accomplishment from teasing Little Fairy Doctor was still lingering in her mind, making her unable to help but smile.

But this smugness didn't last long. The door was pushed open with a bang, and Cai Die strode in with a murderous aura, hands on her hips, saying, "Cao Ying! How dare you bully Sister Xian'er! See how I deal with you!"

Before Cao Ying could react, Cai Die pounced on her and, on the grounds that she had "bullied" Little Fairy Doctor, pinned her to the bed on the spot.

The room was immediately filled with Cao Ying's pleas for mercy and Cai Die's laughter. Another "special perk" was being played out, only this time the protagonist was Cao Ying.

Time slips away like sand through our fingers, and a night passes in the blink of an eye.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, there was movement in the courtyard. Doctor Liu got up early and helped Little Fairy Doctor comb her long hair and change her into clean and tidy clothes. Her jet-black hair was styled into a simple bun, adorned with an elegant wooden hairpin, making Little Fairy Doctor even more beautiful and charming. After getting ready, the two of them went out of the room together.

"Good morning, you're awake? Come and have breakfast with us." Cai Die was carrying a tray out of the kitchen. On the tray were several bowls of steaming rice porridge, several plates of delicate side dishes, and a few steamed buns. The aroma was enticing.

With a gentle smile on her face, she greeted Doctor Liu and Little Fairy Doctor.

"Yes, thank you for your trouble." Doctor Liu replied with a smile, pulling Little Fairy Doctor to sit down at the table. Cao Ying had already finished washing up and was sitting at the table setting out the dishes. When she saw Little Fairy Doctor, a sly glint flashed in her eyes, but she didn't tease her like she had yesterday.

Breakfast was a warm and fleeting moment, with the group chatting casually as they ate, creating a very harmonious atmosphere. After breakfast, Doctor Liu escorted the three to the entrance of the courtyard, his gaze finally settling on Little Fairy Doctor, his eyes filled with reluctance and concern.

"Xian'er, you must study hard while following Senior Su this time, and do not waste this opportunity." Doctor Liu paused, and continued in a particularly solemn tone, "As for those things before, try to forget them. Those who have passed away would not want you to live with guilt for the rest of your life."

These past few days, Doctor Liu had already discerned the crux of Little Fairy Doctor's heart: the deep-seated guilt weighing on her like a boulder, making it hard for her to breathe. She didn't want this poor child to be bound by the past for the rest of her life.

Upon hearing Dr. Liu's words, Little Fairy Doctor's nose suddenly stung, and her eyes instantly reddened. These past few days, Dr. Liu had taken meticulous care of her, showing concern and warmth like a biological mother, allowing her to feel a long-lost warmth in this cold world.

Looking at the woman who had saved her life and was also her family, Little Fairy Doctor could no longer hold back her tears. She threw herself into Doctor Liu's arms, hugged her tightly, and cried out, "Godmother! Thank you... thank you for saving me and taking such good care of me... I will definitely come back to see you often in the future!"

The word "godmother" was filled with all the gratitude and dependence in Little Fairy Doctor's heart. During their time together, Doctor Liu had already become the closest person to her.

Doctor Liu trembled, her arms tightening slightly around Little Fairy Doctor. She had long cherished Little Fairy Doctor as her own daughter. Hearing this call, tears welled up in her eyes.

The two embraced tightly, their unspoken words turning into silent longing and reluctance to part, making the air at the entrance of the courtyard feel exceptionally warm.

After a long while, the two slowly separated. Cai Die stepped forward, took out a mid-level Xuan-rank cultivation technique and a porcelain bottle from her storage ring, and handed them to Physician Liu: "Physician Liu, this is a small token of our appreciation. Please keep the technique to practice, and the pills will also help strengthen your body. We will take good care of Xian'er, so please don't worry."

Doctor Liu accepted the gift without hesitation, and once again reminded her, "Xian'er, you must take good care of yourself while you are away, and be careful in everything you do."

Little Fairy Doctor nodded with tears in her eyes and gave a heavy "Mmm".

Finally, under Doctor Liu's reluctant gaze, Cai Die turned and left with Cao Ying and Little Fairy Doctor.

The three figures gradually disappeared at the end of the path, while Doctor Liu remained standing at the door, gazing in the direction they had left, without moving for a long time.

The road ahead is long, but may this child break free from the shackles of the past and find his own light and happiness on this new journey.

Chapter 82 The Second Function of the Heavenly Profound Pearl; Cao Ying's Beautiful Dream!

The past few days have passed like sand slipping through my fingers.

In the inn room of Qingshan Town at night, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the figure in a blue robe sitting cross-legged.

Su Baichen closed his eyes slightly, surrounded by a faint white halo. Strands of heaven and earth energy, indistinguishable to the naked eye, gathered like streams and swirled and condensed in front of him.

The bead floating in mid-air was about the size of a fist, with fine, mysterious patterns flowing across its surface—the Heavenly Profound Bead!

At this moment, the blue light emitted by the bead became even more intense, like a miniature blue star, sometimes shrinking like dew, sometimes expanding like moonlight, and with each breath it could cause the surrounding energy to fluctuate violently.

"call--"

Half an hour later, Su Baichen slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them. He then exhaled a long breath of turbid air. The turbid air was a faint grayish-black color and vanished instantly upon landing, clearly indicating that the impurities accumulated in his body had been refined out by the Heavenly Profound Pearl.

The suspended Heavenly Profound Pearl seemed to have completed its mission, transforming into a stream of azure light that flowed directly into his brow and disappeared.

Su Baichen raised his hand, feeling the more refined and condensed battle qi within his body, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips: "The new function of this Heavenly Profound Pearl that I just unlocked is quite good, it's so practical!"

His consciousness sank into his sea of ​​consciousness, and the new functions of the Heavenly Profound Pearl clearly emerged:

[Gathering Spirit: This bead can actively draw in surrounding天地能量 (heaven and earth energy) and transform it into pure, attribute-free energy after nine layers of purification. Users can enjoy ten times the cultivation speed during practice, and the energy is gentle and does not harm their foundation. Even without deliberate cultivation, it can automatically absorb energy for five times the speed of autonomous cultivation, perfectly avoiding the hidden dangers of a weak foundation.]

"With this spirit-gathering function, my cultivation efficiency has doubled!" Su Baichen was overjoyed. His fingertips unconsciously tapped his knee as he pondered, "This way, I can save more time to study other skills."

Many thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant: alchemy requires constant practice to improve, puppetry techniques need to be improved, sword intent in swordsmanship needs to be honed, weapon crafting is stuck at the bottleneck of fusing high-level materials, not to mention the array inheritance recorded in the Heavenly Book, the crafting of high-level array flags requires a huge amount of rare materials.

"Sigh, the saying 'don't bite off more than you can chew' is indeed true." Su Baichen sighed softly, a hint of helplessness on his face.

From the time he first started cultivating until now, it has only been about fourteen years. His ability to explore so many fields at the same time is entirely due to his innate multifaceted talents and cultivation speed.

However, each of these skills is a major drain on resources: alchemy requires precious medicinal herbs, puppet making requires special high-grade paper, weapon crafting requires high-grade crafting materials, and even the materials required for high-level spirit gathering in the last instance of array formation were extremely expensive.

"Poor!" The word echoed repeatedly in Su Baichen's mind as he rubbed his temples. If it weren't for the occasional opportunity to exchange his alchemy skills for resources, he probably wouldn't have been able to support such enormous expenses long ago.

Shaking off the jumbled thoughts in his mind, Su Baichen calmed his mind, and his soul power spread out like an invisible tide, silently permeating into every room of the inn.

As a Dou Zun powerhouse, his soul power had long since reached the level of external detection without alerting those with lower cultivation levels than him.