Xu Chuan, the instigator of all that had transpired, remained oblivious.
He had just finished cleaning the bloodstains from his body and changed into clean clothes.
*Creak!*
The door opened, and Ning Youci returned with her bow and arrows.
Seeing Xu Chuan sitting up, she was startled.
She knew firsthand how severe Xu Chuan's injuries had been.
Even with the Yuan Yang Pill's aid, he shouldn't have been able to get out of bed for at least three to five days.
Yet, in the short span of a single morning while she was out, Xu Chuan was not only mobile but seemed to have fully recovered!
This was beyond her expectations.
However, she quickly regained her composure and said, "Your recovery is so swift. It seems you have quite a few secrets!"
"Those people outside were after you, weren't they? I checked the edge of the inner perimeter just now, and they've all retreated."
"You're incredibly lucky to have survived a battle between Transcendent Realm powerhouses."
Hearing this, Xu Chuan was momentarily stunned.
But he quickly realized that Ning Youci must have witnessed the aftermath of his previous battle and assumed his injuries were sustained while being pursued, inadvertently stumbling into a clash between powerhouses.
As for why his pursuers had retreated, it was likely they were frightened by the terrifying spectacle.
It was understandable, after all. That was a strike from a peak Transcendent Realm cultivator, more than enough to instantly kill a Reincarnation Realm martial artist, let alone a few Divine Ability Realm cultivators.
Naturally, they dared not pursue him further.
"Thank you, Miss Ning, for the information!"
Xu Chuan expressed his gratitude.
Ning Youci nodded, accepting his thanks.
She then began to ponder how to handle Xu Chuan moving forward.
Since Xu Chuan had discovered her existence, she naturally didn't want to let him leave.
There were countless individuals who would want to capture her to threaten her father. If Xu Chuan were to leave, his escape could easily expose her whereabouts.
However, she couldn't bring herself to keep him trapped here alone. The inner regions of the Dark Soul Mountain Range were fraught with peril, and a cultivator at the second level of the Mortal Transformation Realm would surely perish.
If she had truly wished for Xu Chuan to die, she wouldn't have used the precious Yuan Yang Pill to treat his wounds.
Her objective for this expedition was the ruins of the Taiyin Sect, which were also perilous. With her cultivation at the peak of the ninth level of the Mortal Transformation Realm, she could barely protect herself. Taking Xu Chuan, a liability, along would be even more inadvisable.
She found herself in a dilemma.
Meanwhile, Xu Chuan sat cross-legged on the bed, his eyes closed in meditation.
After the previous battles and returning to his peak state, his cultivation showed signs of breaking through.
Xu Chuan was overjoyed. Ignoring Ning Youci beside him, he quickly assumed a cultivation posture, circulating the Xuan Yang Art and absorbing the world's primal energy.
*Boom!*
By afternoon, a resounding boom emanated from Xu Chuan's body. The Xuan Yang Art spun furiously, and the Great Sun Primal Energy enveloped him, radiating light.
The surrounding primal energy surged into his body like a frenzy.
"Huuu~"
Xu Chuan took a deep breath and ceased his cultivation.
In that surge, he had directly broken through his realm, reaching the third level of the Mortal Transformation Realm.
This was an unexpected joy, akin to surviving a great calamity and being blessed with future fortune.
"Not only did your severe injuries heal so quickly, but you've also broken through your cultivation realm. It's simply unbelievable!"
"What kind of monster are you!"
Sensing Xu Chuan's breakthrough, Ning Youci stood up in astonishment, barely able to believe her eyes!
For a normal person who had sustained injuries like Xu Chuan's, let alone breaking through, survival alone would be a miracle.
Yet, for Xu Chuan, not only did his injuries completely heal, but he also managed to break through his cultivation realm in the process.
She had never encountered anyone like Xu Chuan before.
Looking at Xu Chuan on the bed, she seemed to recall something, her eyes flashing with keenness. She spoke.
"I saved your life. How will you repay me? Let me be clear, that Yuan Yang Pill was not cheap."
Having returned to his peak and subsequently broken through his cultivation realm, Xu Chuan was in high spirits. He smiled slightly and said, "Miss Ning, please state your request. I, Xu Chuan, will do my utmost to fulfill it!"
"As a true disciple of the Taiyi Holy Land, I always distinguish between favors and debts!"
Ning Youci was slightly surprised to hear that Xu Chuan was a true disciple of the Taiyi Holy Land. While she had suspected his background was not simple, she hadn't anticipated him being a Holy Land true disciple. This further solidified her decision.
"I didn't realize you were a Holy Land true disciple. Excellent, I need to accomplish something. If you accompany me, once this matter is resolved, we will be quits."
Ning Youci's gaze was sharp, and she spoke directly, cutting to the chase.
"What matter do you speak of, Miss Ning?"
Although Xu Chuan already knew Ning Youci's intentions from the system, he feigned surprise as he asked.
Ning Youci nodded slightly. "I intend to go to the core area of the Dark Soul Mountain Range to search for the ruins of the Taiyin Sect. I need to retrieve something from there. However, the Taiyin Sect ruins only permit entry to those below the Divine Ability Realm."
"Furthermore, the journey is fraught with danger, and I am not confident in navigating it alone. Seeing as you could escape from several Divine Ability Realm cultivators, you are clearly a top-tier talent among the Mortal Transformation Realm. Hearing you say you are a Holy Land true disciple further convinced me to invite you."
Ning Youci paused before continuing. "Of course, I only require one item from within. All other gains will belong to you."
Having said that,
She looked at Xu Chuan, her eyes clear. "Young Master Xu, what are your thoughts?"
"Very well, I shall accompany Miss Ning on this journey!"
Xu Chuan pretended to ponder for a moment before nodding, agreeing on the spot.
The system indicated that Ning Youci eventually obtained the Taiyin Origin. Clearly, even if she had gone alone, the danger wouldn't have been insurmountable.
Her inviting him now was merely to minimize any potential risks.
Xu Chuan's reasons for agreeing were threefold: firstly, to repay Ning Youci for saving his life; he was not an ungrateful person.
Secondly, to foster a good relationship with her, as cooperating with a "Daughter of Destiny" could enhance his own fortune.
And thirdly, since Ning Youci could find the Taiyin Origin within the Taiyin Sect ruins, perhaps with her luck, she might discover other opportunities.
What he needed most now were opportunities to improve his strength, so he wouldn't face such life-threatening crises again!
"Excellent!"
A smile immediately bloomed on Ning Youci's face. "With Young Master Xu's assistance, this expedition to the Taiyin Sect ruins will undoubtedly be extremely smooth!"
"Miss Ning is too kind. I, Xu Chuan, will do my best."
Xu Chuan replied with a smile.
Subsequently,
The two discussed the details, precautions, and potential dangers of their upcoming journey.
Ning Youci meticulously analyzed all the pros and cons for Xu Chuan.
By the time they had completely ironed out their plan, it was already late into the night.
To prepare for the next day's actions, they both closed their eyes to rest.
However, perhaps due to sharing the same room, neither of them fell into a deep sleep. At the slightest sound or disturbance, their eyes would snap open.