Chapter 125: Taking an Apprentice?

Chapter 125: Taking on Disciples?

In the lowest deck of the iron ship, Shi Yan wore a grave expression as he tapped repeatedly on the ironwood planks of the ship.

Xia Xinyan stood silently beside him, quietly watching his every move.

“The iron ship is sturdy, but it won’t hold against me. If I give it my all, I can blast through these planks,” Shi Yan said after a moment, his expression easing into a smile. “We’ll stay here and wait. If any experts come to confront us, I’ll just break a big hole and we’ll jump into the sea to escape.”

Xia Xinyan nodded softly. “Li Wei won’t let this go easily. He’ll probably send people over soon.”

“Xinyan, your charm is truly astonishing. Even disguised like this, you still attract attention. Tsk tsk.” Shi Yan shook his head, marveling. “If your looks were restored, every man on this iron ship would surely go mad. It seems we can’t stay here long. It’s best to leave while we still can.”

“You’re the one attracting all the attention. What nonsense.” Xia Xinyan rolled her eyes but didn’t seem truly angry. In fact, she felt a little pleased inside.

Though Shi Yan’s words weren’t flattering, he was praising her beauty. In the past, she might have scoffed, but now she found herself somewhat pleased. Looking at Shi Yan, she didn’t find him so disagreeable either.

That moment before, when Shi Yan stood blocking the door alone against four Hundred Tribulations cultivators, had left a deep impression on her mind and stirred faint ripples in her heart…

“This is the first time I’ve seen you fight. I didn’t expect you to be so strong,” Xia Xinyan said hesitantly, curiosity shining in her bright eyes. “I heard you didn’t practice martial arts before you turned seventeen, yet overnight you reached the Innate Realm. Is that true?”

“Yeah, some opportunities came my way.” Shi Yan replied calmly, unwilling to delve deeper into that subject. He smiled and added, “It’s not that I’m exceptional. Li Wei and those three others were just very ordinary. They have no martial soul, and their vital energy isn’t very pure. They’re probably weaker than other Hundred Tribulations cultivators of the same rank.”

“You observe carefully,” Xia Xinyan nodded. “In the Yin-Yang Cave Heaven, many disciples get obsessed with romantic affairs and don’t train diligently. The various dual cultivation techniques here are a double-edged sword—they help enhance vital energy but also corrode their will. Many talented disciples fall into decline, losing motivation and struggling to break through further.”

“Indeed, most disciples here have impure vital energy. Although Li Wei has reached the Second Level of Hundred Tribulations, his vital energy is even less pure than that of a First Level cultivator. Against me, he stood no chance, especially since he lacks a martial soul.”

“Li Wei may be weak, but you’re ridiculously strong.” Xia Xinyan’s brows furrowed slightly as she said coolly, “When I was at the First Level, I couldn’t have handled Li Wei so easily—unless I used the Reincarnation Martial Soul, but that would be cheating.”

Shi Yan and Xia Xinyan were no ordinary people. After injuring Li Wei on his own turf, they still laughed and joked as if death held no meaning.

Their lighthearted conversation passed quickly, and three hours slipped away.

Unexpectedly, Li Wei did not return. Instead, that girl Xiao Feng came early with food and fresh water.

Xiao Feng’s eyes shone brightly as she set down the provisions and glanced curiously at Shi Yan.

Without wasting words, Shi Yan opened the basket and suddenly laughed. “Xiao Feng, what’s going on? The food this time is quite lavish.”

Inside the basket were no longer salted fish buns but cooked beef, fragrant roast chicken, a small flask of wine, and a large jar of fresh water.

This meal was a step above the usual, baffling Shi Yan somewhat.

“You’re the one who injured Li Wei, right?” Xiao Feng asked with curiosity.

“That’s right.” Shi Yan was momentarily taken aback, watching her with a hint of surprise. “What, is Li Wei your enemy?”

“I’d kill him if I could.” Xiao Feng bit her lip, her eyes full of hatred. “I had three sisters—all tormented to death by Li Wei. If I had the strength, I would have killed him long ago.”

“I’d like to help you, but Li Wei seems to be that yellow-faced man’s nephew. If I’ve hurt him, I probably can’t stay on your ship either.” Shi Yan tore into a chicken leg, chewing heartily, then took a swig of wine. He casually handed a large piece of cooked beef to Xia Xinyan. “Wife, eat more. You need strength to survive.”

Xia Xinyan stood behind him, quietly squeezing his waist with a firm pinch before glaring at him in mock anger. Then she casually stepped away, taking the beef and hiding a trace of triumph in her bright eyes.

Shi Yan grinned wryly and shook his head. “You stubborn woman, I’ll see how I deal with you later.”

Xiao Feng seemed to notice their small exchange but didn’t mind. She explained, “Though Li Wei is the nephew of Protector Li Zhuang, he doesn’t dare act recklessly. When he was injured, he immediately reported to Protector Ju. Ju told me to understand the situation. As long as it’s not your fault, Ju will protect you.”

Shi Yan’s heart stirred. He realized that Protector Ju must be at odds with Li Zhuang. Since he had injured Li Wei, Ju was likely pleased secretly and would take this chance to suppress Li Zhuang.

“This is what happened. Li Wei is despicable; he even tried to harm my wife. I…” Shi Yan exaggerated wildly, vilifying Li Wei with every word.

“I understand.” Xiao Feng nodded with a bright smile. “Li Wei is indeed despicable. You described it perfectly. I’ll report to Protector Ju right away. Don’t worry, Ju likes you and will surely protect you.” With that, she left gracefully and soon ascended the stairs.

“That Protector Ju must be the woman who spoke for you at the start and let us board the ship,” Xia Xinyan suddenly said after Xiao Feng left.

Shi Yan smiled. “Looks like we don’t need to jump into the sea after all. With those two protectors fighting, we’re right in the middle and might have some chances.”

“That woman probably likes you. She might even take you as a disciple. You should think carefully.”

“Take me as a disciple?” Shi Yan was stunned.

“In Yin-Yang Cave Heaven, both protectors and elders can take disciples. Usually men take female disciples, and women take male disciples. The relationship between master and disciple here is very intimate—intimate enough to involve sharing a bed to pass on the teachings. I know you understand what I mean,” Xia Xinyan said lightly.

“A favorite?” Shi Yan exclaimed.

“Something like that. Outwardly, they’re called master and disciple, but at night, they sleep together. I don’t know how many disciples Protector Ju has, but if you become one, you’ll be favored a few days each month. Naturally, you’ll learn some secret techniques of the Yin-Yang Cave Heaven. Isn’t that what you want? You should be happy.”

“Several disciples?” Shi Yan’s face darkened.

“Several is the minimum. Some female protectors have dozens of disciples. Besides disciples, they have various partners. If they encounter allied forces and take a liking to a man, they can undress and lie beside him anytime. ‘A thousand sleeping arms, ten thousand tasting lips’—that’s what they say about the women of Yin-Yang Cave Heaven.”

“Isn’t that worse than being a prostitute?”

“No, it’s different. For them, it’s a hobby, not paid work. Understand? It’s like some people like flowers and plants, others like gold and jewels. People in Yin-Yang Cave Heaven just like this kind of thing. They don’t see it as anything wrong—just a form of human connection. Soon, you’ll be received by Protector Ju, and then you’ll understand.” Xia Xinyan casually revealed the secrets within.

Shi Yan’s expression grew increasingly grim.

“Knock knock knock.”

Sure enough, Xiao Feng soon returned, standing smiling at the stair entrance. She beckoned to Shi Yan. “Protector Ju wants to see you. She has something to discuss. Your luck has arrived. Once Protector Ju accepts you, Li Zhuang definitely won’t dare to harm you. Hurry—the protector is already waiting.”

“I’m feeling unwell. Maybe next time.” Shi Yan held his stomach, his face twisted in pain.

“You must have been injured by Li Wei too, right?” Xiao Feng was surprised but nodded. “It’s nothing. Protector Ju has plenty of healing medicines and might even reward you some. Your injuries will recover quickly. This is a great opportunity—you shouldn’t miss it. Come on.”

Shi Yan still shook his head.

“What? Afraid?” Xia Xinyan smirked secretly. “Even I, your wife, don’t mind. What are you scared of?”

“Fine, I’m going.” Shi Yan’s face hardened. Suddenly, he darted to Xia Xinyan’s side and grabbed her delicate hand forcibly. “Come with me.”

Xia Xinyan’s hand was plump and soft, like holding a precious jade—warm and smooth, very comfortable.

Her eyes flickered with panic as she struggled and said coldly, “Let go. You go yourself. Why drag me along?”

Shi Yan held tight, not letting go despite her struggles. Calmly he said, “I can’t leave you here. Who knows if Li Wei might come while I’m away? From now on, you’re not allowed to leave my sight. Wherever I go, you follow.”

“You…” Xia Xinyan exclaimed, both angry and annoyed by Shi Yan’s dominance, but also somewhat touched. She looked at him for a few complicated seconds, then reluctantly stopped resisting. Her neck flushed red as she let him hold her hand.

“I’ll go, but she has to come with me. I can’t leave her here alone.” Shi Yan looked at Xiao Feng.

“Alright.” Xiao Feng nodded helplessly. “When we reach the entrance, I’ll report to Protector Ju. Let’s go.”

“Mm.”

Xiao Feng led the way ahead, while Shi Yan held Xia Xinyan’s slender jade-like hand, following calmly toward the third deck of the ship.

Xia Xinyan lowered her head. Though her disguise kept her expression unchanged, her neck gradually flushed with a rosy hue, her heart burning with shyness.

At that moment, Shi Yan’s broad face quietly leaned closer, whispering into her ear.

Xia Xinyan shuddered, glaring fiercely at him, signaling him not to misbehave.

But Shi Yan ignored her, his large mouth close to her rosy ear, softly saying, “That woman might get angry and embarrassed later. Listen carefully for my signal. Jump into the river first; I’ll follow after.”

“Mm, you… be careful yourself.” Xia Xinyan murmured faintly, then hurriedly put some distance between them. The white skin of her neck glowed pink.

…

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