C11 Don't be Envied by Others

Hu Nao's movements quickened, each one executed with explosive force, his presence as commanding as a rainbow. A dark gold glow began to flicker on his palms, standing out starkly against the deep night and the reflective snow. The light radiated intense heat, melting the falling snowflakes into droplets that quickly evaporated into the chilly air.

A surge of joy filled Hu Nao's heart. "The fire energy within me originates from the dark gold feather. By practicing Dragon-Elephant Divine Might and refining my breath through meditation, I can harness it. And now, as I train in Phoenixfire Palm, refining my body also triggers it. Once I've mastered both techniques, I wonder how intense the heat will get. Surely it won't disappoint."

The memory of the day the dark gold feather merged with his body flashed through his mind—the searing heat was terrifying, as if he were engulfed in flames or trapped in the depths of hell, his very soul shaking. Yet, this recollection only fueled his excitement.

Back then, he was the one being consumed by the flames. In the future, he would wield that scorching heat, turning it upon others. With growing exhilaration, Hu Nao's techniques flowed more naturally, seamlessly transitioning like a river finding its course.

Mastering the Phoenixfire Palm was no small feat; it was an art of exceptional complexity, challenging even for the most gifted. Without years of dedicated study, grasping its essence was impossible, and reckless practice could lead to internal turmoil and madness.

Fortunately, Hu Nao had previously ingested the Nirvana Pill, gleaning insights from the martial experiences of numerous Nirvana Realm masters, which set him apart. Still, it was unrealistic to expect overnight mastery of such a profound martial art.

As the night deepened and snow blanketed the heavens, Hu Nao immersed himself in his practice, move by move. Meanwhile, the dark gold flames within him grew fiercer, the fire energy emanating from him becoming ever more refined, a torrent of life essence revitalizing his every muscle and vein.

His entire being was in the midst of a profound transformation.

As his strength grew, his inner breath became more powerful and sustained, echoing like the beat of a war drum and the bellow of a dragon.

Gradually, his body resonated with these dragon roars and elephant bellows, the sound waves deep and fierce, pulsating and swelling until his body began to expand, muscles ballooning as if he were an inflating airship.

"Ah!"

Hu Nao let out a sudden, loud cry, entering a mysterious state of being. He seemed to exist and yet not, hovering between reality and the void, like an unseen, intangible gust of wind that was undeniably present.

"I've broken through! I've made it!"

Hu Nao exclaimed with joy.

Upon closing his eyes for introspection, he saw deep within his body the presence of a dragon and an elephant, adding to the previous ones, totaling Two Dragons and Two Elephants.

Simultaneously, his blood, bones, and meridians had transformed into something akin to air currents—wispy and elusive, yet tangibly real and incredibly resilient. Should anyone attempt to strike him, they would find their blow not only ineffective but also recoiling upon themselves.

This was the hallmark of the Sixth Heaven of Body Tempering, the stage of training vital essence into energy.

"Upward!"

With a leap, Hu Nao shot into the air like an arrow released from its bow, soaring dozens of feet and demonstrating his remarkable power. He then descended gracefully, his complexion unchanged, his breath steady—his entire being had become as light as air.

For Hu Nao, training vital essence into energy made the heavy seem light.

Nan Xi had always seen herself as Hu Nao's attendant, residing in the maid's quarters adjacent to his room. That night, she and Hu Xiangsi had engaged in a lengthy conversation and had yet to sleep. Hu Nao's recent outcry had drawn their attention, prompting them to step out of their room.

To their amazement, they witnessed Hu Nao's incredible leap, his explosive strength having advanced dramatically, a clear sign he had reached the Sixth Heaven of Body Tempering.

The two women stood there, utterly astonished, their complexions drained of color.

After quite some time, Nan Xi finally spoke up hesitantly, "Young Master, I was worried you were so absorbed in your training that you'd lost your way. I never imagined you would actually..."

Hu Xiangsi's words were a bit slurred as she chimed in, "Hu Nao, you're just too extraordinary. For anyone else, it would take at least three to five years of dedicated practice to advance from the Fifth to the Sixth Heaven of Body Tempering. I heard from Nan Xi that you had only reached the Fifth Heaven a few days ago, and now you've already broken through to the Sixth... It's enough to provoke both divine and mortal envy!"

Divine and mortal envy?

Hu Nao grinned roguishly, "That would be perfect. I've never been fond of this damned, thieving sky. As for mortal envy... well, only the mediocre escape jealousy."

Hu Xiangsi was left at a loss for words.

Could anyone be more arrogant?

Yet Hu Nao topped his own arrogance as he continued, "Cousin, didn't you want to spar with me yesterday? How about giving it a try now?"

With that, he shrugged nonchalantly, the very picture of a scamp.

But Hu Xiangsi, with her Seventh Heaven Body Tempering cultivation, was acutely attuned to auras. She instantly sensed that seemingly indolent yet formidable presence, reminiscent of a tiger dozing yet intimidating, something to be observed from a distance but not approached. It was akin to the lazy stretch of a dragon's claw, commanding respect and forbidding desecration.

Was he really that powerful?

A shiver ran through Hu Xiangsi as she realized just how formidable and freakish Hu Nao's constitution was. Only yesterday, he had managed to force Jinhong, who was at the Sixth Heaven, into retreat with his Fifth Heaven cultivation. Now, it seemed likely he could defeat even her, a Seventh Heaven cultivator, with his newfound strength at the Sixth Heaven.

However, it was the thought of Jinhong that ignited a fierce determination within her, an unyielding will to fight.

As a member of the Hu family, she was bound to confront formidable foes head-on, whether victory was within reach or not.

She would not concede defeat.

Her cultivation at the Seventh Heaven of Body Tempering, where training energy cultivates spirit, had harmonized her breath with her spirit. With her battle intent kindled, her entire being exuded a piercing and formidable aura, like the flash of blades and the flight of arrows.

Hu Nao was taken aback.

There's a clear distinction in realms. Despite his considerable strength and formidable presence, he lacked the fluidity and ease of his cousin. Defeating her would be no simple feat.

But what of it?

With determination, Hu Nao stepped forward, ready to engage.

But to his surprise, Nan Xi swiftly moved in front of Hu Xiangsi, shielding her, and said with a beaming smile, "Young Master, Xiangsi has traveled a great distance back to Egluarsall. She's been up late and is utterly exhausted. If you're looking for a challenge, why not spar with me instead?"

She rubbed her delicate white hands together, clearly itching for a match.

"Spar with you? I'm at the Sixth Heaven and you're at the Ninth Heaven. How is that a fair fight?" Hu Nao's courage faltered, and he inwardly fumed, 'What is this madness? Just yesterday, Nan Xi was fiercely protective of me, and now, before the night is even over, she's switched sides. This is preposterous!'

Nan Xi playfully stuck out her tongue, her smile unwavering.

Hu Xiangsi couldn't help but laugh uproariously, her mirth unrestrained. "Oh, Hu Nao, this is the cycle of karma at work. Retribution is swift, and fortunes do change. Now who's at a loss for words?"

What could Hu Nao possibly retort?

"Time for bed!" he declared, sweeping his sleeve dramatically as he strode toward his room.

"Young Master, you're not upset with me, are you? You and Xiangsi are kin; why engage in such a pointless rivalry? Regardless of who's stronger, the one who loses is bound to feel sour..." Nan Xi, seeing Hu Nao's fury, quickly attempted to soothe him.

However, as Hu Nao approached her, he suddenly reached out and gave her a sharp slap on the behind. "You little rascal, just you wait! One day I'll surpass you, and then it'll be your turn to get spanked every day!"

Caught off guard, Nan Xi's heart raced with anxiety. She hadn't managed to dodge his rogue slap, and as she processed his brazen words, her face flushed with embarrassment. She stood there, heart pounding and cheeks aflame, at a loss for words.

Hu Xiangsi glanced at Nan Xi and then at Hu Nao, who was strutting away with a carefree air. She let out a deep sigh.

This kid, who knows what good fortune he had in a past life to make Nan Xi so infatuated with him.

If it were anyone else, how could they still be alive after treating someone of the Ninth Heaven Body Tempering caliber in such a manner?

The night wind picked up, yet it wasn't fierce. It softened the falling snow, making it seem as gentle as the musings of a young girl, endlessly winding and twisting.

The next morning, Hu Manor was abuzz with activity. Servants and maids bustled about, preparing for the adoption ceremony of the family head, Hu Bugui.

Though the servants were unaware of the true purpose behind Hu Bugui's grand affair, the presence of numerous Hu family branches at yesterday's viewing indicated its significance. Nan Xi's reputation for kindness and humility had won her many admirers, so everyone was eager and diligent in their tasks, anxious to avoid any mistakes.

While Hu Manor was immersed in celebration, in the secluded depths of the Keep, atop an ancient, aromatic pavilion, a young girl with cascading black hair lay in an exquisitely comfortable bathtub.

The steam obscured her face.

She gently stirred the water with one hand while resting the other on the edge of the tub.

Carved from pristine white jade, the bathtub was outshone only by her hand, which was even whiter and tenderer than the spring's first blooms.

The creak of the antique wooden door announced the entrance of a strikingly pretty maid, moving with such grace that she scarcely seemed to breathe.

She understood well that her mistress, who was meticulous about cleanliness, required an undisturbed bath each morning.

Any disruption would be met with dire consequences.

Yet, she had to interrupt: "Miss, Young Master Qin Feng has arrived and is waiting for you in the parlor."

Given Qin Feng's distinguished origins, she felt compelled to report his presence.

"Understood," replied the girl in the tub, nodding slightly as her lustrous hair danced around her, a vision of beauty.

"Hmph, that Hu Nao, with a fiancée like me and yet he dallies with the maids. It's infuriating. I'm curious to see his reaction when he finds me in the company of another man."

The maid quickly consoled, "Miss, Young Master Hu is utterly devoted to you. Surely, he wouldn't..."

The young woman in the bathtub interrupted, "I'm aware he wouldn't, which only makes me more..."

Realizing she might have revealed too much, she abruptly ceased speaking.

But the maid had caught on, and a tidal wave of astonishment surged within her.

Good heavens, the young lady, as dignified and flawless as she was, feeling jealous over Hu Nao, a man known for his less-than-stellar reputation!

How could this be?