Chapter 145: The Cauldron!

The An Residence.

This was the small pavilion where An Ran usually practiced. She sat cross-legged in silent meditation, while opposite her sat a man with sword-like brows and star-bright eyes. He was handsome, dashing, and possessed a majestic build. Clad in expensive attire, a cold, arrogant smile perpetually graced his lips.

Ye Wenbin, the most outstanding genius of the Ye family in East Sea.

Opposite him sat An Ran. She wore a simple, light gauze dress, yet she appeared far more radiant than she had a few months ago. She had always been an exceptionally beautiful girl with an elegant temperament, but now, there was an added touch of ethereal refinement about her.

Their palms were pressed together, and streams of Yang energy flowed from Ye Wenbin into An Ran’s body, only to loop back through her palms into his. As this process repeated, Ye Wenbin’s scorching internal energy carried a subtle, Yin-like quality.

Harmony between rigidity and softness!

Internal energy at the Dan rank is divided into three levels. The first is "Dan Formation," where energy condenses into a pill, allowing for greater capacity. The second level is "Yin-Yang," a crucial realm where internal energy differentiates into Yin and Yang. Before reaching this stage, energy is either scorching or freezing, but upon reaching the Yin-Yang realm, the energy becomes multifaceted; it can be both scorching and icy. Many martial artists spend their entire lives unable to break through this boundary.

In the state of "Yin-Yang Interdependence," internal energy can rapidly regenerate to a certain degree, allowing the practitioner to manifest actual flames or freeze flowing water—it is the pinnacle of the Yin-Yang stage.

The third level of Dan-rank internal energy is "Deriving Essence," another vital milestone. Here, the alternation of Yin and Yang derives true power, representing a qualitative change in energy. Once broken through, the energy can undergo incredible transformations, forming a seed of true Qi, which leads to the Xiantian realm.

*Hoo!*

Ye Wenbin suddenly opened his eyes. His chest rose and fell slightly as he exhaled a breath of internal energy. He stood up, looking at his palms, which shone with a crystalline, jade-like luster. Sensing the changes within his body, a smile spread across his face. "Not bad. The Pure Yin Body truly has unique effects. Who would have thought I would break through to the Yin-Yang Interdependence realm so quickly? Wait, is it not fully stabilized yet? The Yin energy actually neutralized some of my Yang energy. That’s a bit..."

An Ran, still sitting on the ground, raised her eyelids and glanced at Ye Wenbin. A faint curve formed at the corner of her lips, and for a moment, it seemed as if flames were burning in her eyes, only for them to vanish without a trace.

"Brother!" A voice called out, and Ye Wenze hurried in. Seeing Ye Wenbin, he paused, then asked in astonishment, "Brother, have you broken through to the Yin-Yang realm?"

Ye Wenbin merely glanced at his younger brother, causing Ye Wenze to tremble. Ye Wenbin shook his head slightly. "Not yet. The Yin energy in my body has not fully adapted; I still need more time for dual cultivation!"

At this, Ye Wenbin looked at An Ran and said indifferently, "An Ran, your progress is far too slow. You possess a Pure Yin Body, second only to the Nine Yin Body. Your cultivation speed is still lacking."

An Ran met his gaze and replied in a soft voice, "I have already consumed all the medicinal pills you provided. This is my limit. Even with a Pure Yin Body and being naturally suited for the Kunyuan Unified Qi Technique, it is not enough. After all, I am not a Nine Yin Body, capable of absorbing the absolute Yin energy of heaven and earth at all times. Furthermore, I started martial arts late; my foundation was already set. I am not like you, who have been tempering your bodies since childhood; naturally, your progress is incredibly fast."

"I have already considered your situation," Ye Wenbin replied with a nod. He turned to Ye Wenze and asked, "Did you bring what I asked for?"

"Heh, don't worry, Brother, I've brought it!" Ye Wenze quickly pulled a small wooden box from his robe. It looked antique, exuding a faint fragrance, and was carved with exquisite patterns.

An Ran’s pupils contracted slightly. Just by looking at the box, she knew it was a rare treasure. It was crafted from premium "Essence Wood"—trees that had lived for thousands of years and survived lightning strikes, nearly attaining sentience. Such wood naturally absorbed the essence of heaven and earth. A box made of such material not only preserved the medicinal properties of its contents but also enhanced them. The patterns were not merely decorative; they were special carvings designed to help the box absorb more natural energy. She immediately realized that whatever was inside was no ordinary item.

*Click.*

Ye Wenbin took the box and opened it to reveal a large, pitch-black pill. It emitted a deep, mysterious medicinal scent. An Ran took one whiff and knew this pill was far from simple.

"This is our Ye family’s ancestral Nine-Layer Profound Fire Pill, created by one of our great ancestors generations ago. It contains nine layers of profound fire, each coupled with a specific herbal medicine. Through these nine layers, you will be reborn, fundamentally transforming your constitution. Even if you were born a talentless wretch, this pill would turn you into a martial genius," Ye Wenbin said dismissively. "You can take it now. In nine days, you will be reborn, and I will prepare more pills to help you accumulate internal energy. After consuming it, use your internal Yin energy to strike against the pill’s power to trigger its effects."

"I understand," An Ran said. She took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation.

Ye Wenbin smiled, and An Ran added coldly, "I am going into seclusion." She turned and left without further ceremony.

Once she was gone, Ye Wenze quickly whispered, "Brother, are you really that trusting of this girl? You gave her the Nine-Layer Profound Fire Pill—aren't you afraid she might betray us one day?"

"Betray us? Hmph, she would need the ability to do so first," Ye Wenbin sneered. "I haven't taught her any martial techniques. Even if her internal energy is strong, what good is it? If she doesn't know how to use it, she will always be clay in our hands."

Ye Wenbin continued, "Besides, I have planted a restriction within her body. If she dares to resist, I can subdue her instantly. Also, when I break through to the Xiantian realm, I will need a massive amount of Yin energy. When the time comes, I will drain her, and she will be left helpless. Why worry?"

"Heh, that's true!" Ye Wenze chuckled. "This An Ran, hmph, she always acts so high and mighty. She’s so ungrateful. Without the Ye family, where would she be today?"

Ye Wenbin sneered. "Ultimately, we still need to use her for now. She wants dignity? I’ll give it to her. She wants status? I’ll give her that too. She can have whatever she wants, as long as she cooperates and helps me break through to the Xiantian realm. As for when I succeed... well, we can settle accounts then."

"A furnace is just a furnace," Ye Wenze laughed. "Our family’s techniques are primarily Yang-based and have many drawbacks. With this Pure Yin Body, we can mitigate them. Tsk tsk, she has no idea that she’ll have quite a few 'husbands' in the future!"

A wicked smile appeared on Ye Wenbin’s face. "We’ll see about that later. Though, I’ve heard that a Pure Yin Body is incredibly pleasurable."

The two brothers exchanged identical, lecherous expressions.

*Do these two brothers really think I know nothing?* Back in her room, An Ran wore a cold, mocking expression. She gently raised her palm, and a terrifying heat surged from it.

As the heat dissipated, she whispered to herself, "I never expected the Pure Yin Body to have this effect—to actually be able to plunder Ye Wenbin’s Yang internal energy. My energy now contains Yang properties; I wonder if this counts as the Yin-Yang realm? Ye Wenbin, I will make you regret this. I will not be a mere furnace. The Ye family is destined to be nothing more than stepping stones for me."

As she spoke, a chilling, terrifying light gleamed in her eyes.

Meanwhile, just before Ye Wenze had taken out the wooden box, in a nearby car, Chen Feng was staring in confusion at the interface of his "Great Extraction System," muttering to himself, "Nine-Layer Profound Fire Pill? What kind of thing is that?"