Wang Li witnessed her emotional turmoil, a flicker of empathy passing through his eyes. "Miss Shi," he said gently, "I understand your desire for revenge, the need to see justice served. Right now, my own cultivation allows me to fight Ye Fan on equal footing, even with a good chance of victory. However, he remains elusive, a serpent hiding within his burrow."
He paused, a shadow of frustration crossing his features. "If I find him," he continued, his voice hardening, "I will deal with him mercilessly. By the time I'm done, there won't be a trace of Ye Fan left to mourn."
A shiver ran down Shi Feiyan's spine as she looked into his eyes. The raw intensity of his hatred mirrored her own, yet it burned with a ferocious brightness that seemed to consume him. It was both unsettling and oddly comforting.
"Give up on vengeance, Miss Shi," Wang Li urged, his voice softening once again. "Focus on your own growth, on refining your cultivation. Become stronger, not just for vengeance, but for yourself. Become a cultivator worthy of the Stone Mountain Sect's legacy."
Shi Feiyan bit her lip, torn between her burning desire for personal retribution and the logic of Wang Li's words. She couldn't deny the truth in his advice. However, leaving the execution entirely to him felt... wrong.
"I won't take revenge from your hands, Patriarch Wang," she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her heart. "But... I want to be there. To witness it. To see justice served."
Wang Li frowned. "That would be... impractical. Ye Fan is a cunning adversary. It wouldn't be feasible to send a message in the heat of the moment. Besides, our locations are far apart. I reside at the Wang Family's Manor, while you..." he gestured at the serene surroundings, "remain within the Emerald Sea Palace walls."
A solution sparked within Shi Feiyan's mind. "Then I will request a mission," she announced, her voice filled with newfound determination. "An expedition, perhaps. One that takes me closer to your location."
The implication hung in the air. Wang Li understood her veiled message, but his heart sank. Leaving the Emerald Sea Palace, a haven of rich spiritual energy, for the sparser environment of the Wang Family Manor was a significant sacrifice for a cultivator like her.
"Miss Shi," he began, concern replacing his previous frustration, "there's no need for that. It's a drastic step."
Instead of words, Wang Li reached into a pouch secured at his waist and retrieved two vials. Each held a shimmering pill, radiating a faint golden glow. "These," he explained, "are Nascent Soul Condensation Pellets. They will greatly aid you in your attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm. When you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, then consider joining me at the Wang Family's Mansion.
Then, if the opportunity arises, you can witness Ye Fan's end firsthand."
Light flared in Shi Feiyan's eyes, replacing the dull ache of despair. Here was a tangible path to achieving her goal. "Thank you, Patriarch Wang," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I will diligently cultivate and break through to the Nascent Soul Realm. Then, and only then, will I join you at the Wang Family Manor."
With a newfound sense of purpose, Shi Feiyan bowed respectfully and took her leave, the precious pills clutched tightly in her hand. She returned to her quarters, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
The path ahead was challenging, but the prospect of increased power and the looming promise of witnessing Ye Fan's downfall fueled her resolve.
As she settled into a meditative state, the potent energy of the Nascent Soul Condensation Pellets surged through her, marking the beginning of her arduous journey towards Nascent Soul Realm.
The days that followed Shi Feiyan's determined departure were a whirlwind of focused cultivation for her and strategic maneuvering for Wang Li. While Shi Feiyan delved deep into the potent energies of the Nascent Soul Condensation Pellets, her pores absorbing the spiritual essence like a thirsty desert flower, Wang Li received the Emerald Sea Palace's official response.
Her heart lurched. The playful mood that had permeated the room moments before seemed to evaporate, replaced by a sense of unease. "Of course, Li," she readily agreed, her voice laced with a newfound concern. "What is it?"
Wang Li hesitated, his gaze flickering away from hers for a brief moment. "As you know," he finally said, "cultivating the Dual Cultivation Art requires a constant influx of pure yin energy. While the pleasure we share undoubtedly benefits both of us, it's not enough to fully optimize my progress."
Song Jingyan remained silent, a knot forming in her stomach. Where was this leading?
"Therefore," he continued, taking her hand in his, "I need your assistance in locating certain... resources."
His words hung heavy in the air, leaving a cold dread in their wake. Song Jingyan's grip tightened on his hand. "Resources?" she echoed, her voice barely a whisper.
"Yes," Wang Li spoke softly, his gaze searching hers. "Virgin women with strong elemental affinities. Their pure yin energy would significantly enhance my cultivation."
A wave of jealousy, sharp and unexpected, washed over Song Jingyan. The thought of Wang Li seeking intimacy with other women, especially virgins, ignited a possessive fire within her.
"Other women, Li?" she blurted out, her voice tight with emotion. "Why do you need... others?"
Wang Li let out a frustrated sigh. He gently squeezed her hand, his eyes filled with concern. "Jingyan, understand. I trust you more than anyone. This is a delicate matter, something that requires utmost secrecy. If I asked someone else..." his voice trailed off, the implication hanging heavy in the air.
As the Patriarch of the Wang Family, his every whim was readily catered to. There would be no shortage of women vying for his attention, or his cultivation needs.
Song Jingyan bit her lip, torn between her jealousy and her desire to be of service to the man she loved. "Would you... still need me, Li," she asked, her voice barely a squeak, "if I... if I help you with this?"
Wang Li cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing a gentle path along her jawline.
"Jingyan," he murmured, his voice filled with husky affection, "you are my confidante, my lover. There's no one else I trust with this task." He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "And," he whispered, sending shivers down her spine, "if you do this for me, I promise... every time I visit the Song Family, our first night together will be just as passionate, just as... memorable."
The promise, though a mere repetition of their usual routine, held a new weight in the context of his request. It was a concession, a gesture of appreciation that made her heart skip a beat.
Song Jingyan met his gaze, a flicker of determination replacing the earlier jealousy. "For you, Li," she said, her voice resolute, "I will do it. I will find those women for you."
A relieved smile spread across Wang Li's face. He pulled her back into a tight embrace, his touch filled with a newfound appreciation. "Thank you, Jingyan," he whispered. "You are truly irreplaceable."
Despite the lingering sting of jealousy, Song Jingyan couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. In agreeing to his request, she had not only proven her loyalty, but also secured a promise of their continued intimacy. The weight of his mission may have loomed large, but for now, in the warmth of his embrace, she found a temporary reprieve, a promise of stolen moments and passionate nights.