The walls around Yun Xiao and the Diva appeared to have been enchanted with a celestial array, absorbing every sliver of light.
Normally, the Corona of the Diva would be more than dazzling enough. Yet, it was impossible to see anything beyond a meter.
"No!" the Diva growled, pushing back the words Yun Xiao had just spoken.
"Sure, whatever you prefer."
Then, silence fell once again. It was easy to imagine. But when it came to act, the Diva stood still in the darkness, arms wrapped around herself, her cheeks quivering, eyes reddening, utterly at a loss for how to begin.
"If it's hard to speak, you might as well lie down and close your eyes, pretending it's for healing. You are the patient, and I, the healer. No matter the process, if the medicine cures the disease, achieving immortality is the path of righteousness. If it is the right path, why cling to the small matters of the flesh?" Yun Xiao's calm voice echoed.
His analogy of doctor and patient transformed a moment of potential shame into one of life-saving grace, casting the act in a noble light.
Hearing this, the Diva's tensed figure gradually relaxed.
"You, merely a slave with a fragile life, have quite the insight."
In the dark, her pale eyes gave him a lingering look.
"Before I came to the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm, I too was considered a prodigy with dreams of boundless heights," Yun Xiao said cheerfully.
"That’s a pity, a waste of heaven’s gifts," the Diva replied.
"You're joking. My modest talents pale in comparison to the disciples of the Harmony Divine Palace," Yun Xiao responded.
The Diva let out a soft laugh, tacitly agreeing. She accepted the patient-healer metaphor, and leaned on a half-person tall table, her delicate face resting on her arms, her white hair cascading beautifully to one side.
Yun Xiao quietly moved to her side, rolling up his sleeves.
"What does it feel like to be cleansed?" the Diva suddenly asked.
"Ah, it snaps off just like that, not much pain," Yun Xiao replied.
"I mean emotionally, any changes?" she asked softly.
After a pause, Yun Xiao fabricated, "It was very painful at first, then I came to terms with it, and finally became numb. No more improper thoughts, even in the presence of numerous celestial maidens in the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm, my heart only holds respect for the higher celestial beings."
"Right? I told you, cleansing is truly beneficial. If the Divine Spring could replace men, the entire Samsara Galaxy would no longer suffer from war or strife, nor so many lives lived in agony," the Diva declared.
"Absolutely," Yun Xiao agreed with an inward smile, then solemnly added, "But enough talk, I'm starting now."
"You must harbor no lewd thoughts, only purity and clarity," the Diva instructed.
Clearly, her earlier questions were merely a way to stall, her mind wandering in uncertainty.
"Rest assured, I've always been sincere since childhood. Moreover, this act is one of lifesaving necessity. Saving one life is greater than creating a seven-tier pagoda, saving you is akin to saving millions. How could my intentions be impure?"
As Yun Xiao spoke, his inner thoughts were far less noble. Just wait and see how I'll handle you later.
"Indeed, indeed..." the Diva sighed deeply, then closed her eyes tightly, burying her face in her arms, holding her breath.
"I shall begin the healing," Yun Xiao declared.
"Proceed with the healing, doctor..." Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's, barely audible.
"Yup, plenty!" Feng Yao replied. She was someone who couldn't keep things to herself, spilling everything at the slightest provocation.
"Speak up then," Yun Xiao said.
"You really want to know...?" Feng Yao crossed her arms and asked.
"Forget it then," Yun Xiao waved dismissively.
"Hey, wait!" Feng Yao grabbed his arm, "The Harmony Divine Pool is composed of the blood of those Harmony Divine Beasts. You remember that Six-Hearted Serpent, right?"
"Divine Spring Blood? Drinking it increases a daughter's talents?" Yun Xiao asked.
"Yes, exactly that," Feng Yao said excitedly.
Yun Xiao remembered that the Sea Storm Valkyrie from the Sea Lineage had drunk the blood of a Seven-Hearted Beast and produced a daughter with an Extreme Yin Divine Physique.
"How much?" Yun Xiao asked.
"A lot, a whole lot. All of it is blood," Feng Yao replied.
"Is the Divine Spring Blood related to the Divine Spring Water?" Yun Xiao asked.
"It is. The Harmony Divine Beasts are nourished by the Divine Spring Water, not born from a mother." Feng Yao felt it was quite miraculous.
"I see..." Yun Xiao nodded, "So your path to advancement, any trouble?"
"There's still an issue. The Harmony Divine Pool is divided into an inner and outer pool. One must be a Valkyrie Princess or higher to enter the outer pool. My master was allowed in as an exception for her merits. I went to the outer pool today; it contains the blood of Harmony Divine Beasts with less than six hearts. The inner pool, which only Valkyrie Queens and Divas can enter, is said to have the blood of Harmony Divine Beasts with seven hearts or more. It’s more potent, though not as noticeable when consumed."
After finishing, Feng Yao quietly asked Yun Xiao, "What do you think, if I ask the Diva to let me into the inner pool, will she agree?"
Yun Xiao thought for a moment and said, "If it’s about breaking the rules, you might need approval from the Divas of the Sea and Ice Lineages as well. Better ask."
"I'll try asking the Diva when I see her. Do you know where she is?" Feng Yao casually inquired.
"I don’t know, haha," Yun Xiao laughed. He knew she was casually trying to get information out of him. So, he deflected, "By the way, I heard the Diva gave you the Heaven Devourer Bow? Did it come with arrows?"
"Of course!" Feng Yao replied.
"What grade?"
"Way better than what you gave me! Upper Swallowing Heaven grade, just below the highest Burying Heaven grade! Only Valkyrie Princesses are allowed to receive such a high quality celestial weapon. I’ve tested it, and it’s incredibly powerful," Feng Yao said with high spirits.
"Let me see it then," Yun Xiao said.
"I'm not giving it to you, unless you take me to see the Diva. You definitely know where she is," Feng Yao teased.
"..." Yun Xiao fell silent.
Just then, footsteps echoed through the deep corridor.
A woman with white hair, flushed cheeks, and a dazed look staggered out, leaning against the wall, gasping for breath...
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