"Good morning, Miss Xu, Senior." Yuan bowed to them in a respectful manner when they got close enough.
"We've kept you waiting." Xu Jiaqi nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"There's still a few days before the agreed date." Yuan smiled.
He turned to look at Lady Xiang whom he was unfamiliar with, but he didn't want to be noosy, so he didn't ask for her identity.
'She seems a bit dazed for some reason.' He thought to himself.
Xu Jiaqi also noticed this, so she decided to introduce Lady Xiang instead.
"This is Lady Xiang from the Divine Essence Monastery. You probably haven't heard of this place since they only exist in the upper heavens, but they're one of the top 10 powers in the Nine Heavens. As for her reason for being here—"
"I am here to teach you my soul cultivation technique." Lady Xiang suddenly spoke, interrupting Xu Jiaqi.
"My apologies for the late introduction. I had something on my mind just now. I am Xiang Biyu, the current Holy Maiden of the Divine Essence Monastery. You may address me as Sister Biyu."
Senior Bai and Xu Jiaqi looked at Lady Xiang with raised eyebrows. Why would Lady Xiang allow Yuan to address her with such familiarity despite this being their first meeting?
Lady Xiang continued without pausing, "In my possession is what I believe to be the strongest soul cultivation technique in the Nine Heavens, so Lady Xu went to the right person if that's what she— you are looking for."
"Tell me, why are you seeking such a powerful technique when you're just a mere Spirit King? Did you not stop to think that you might be biting more than you can chew?"
Yuan smiled and said, "I was just looking for a suitable soul cultivation technique. It was Miss Xu who offered to find me the best one she could find. There's no way I could refuse such an offer. As for whether or not I can chew it… I guess we will find out once I bite into it."
Lady Xiang glanced at Xu Jiaqi for a second but didn't say anything.
"Fortunately for you, unlike most soul cultivation techniques out there, my soul cultivation technique doesn't discriminate against one's cultivation, so anyone can learn it as long as they qualify. However, that is easier said than done, as there have only been three people since ancient time that have managed to learn this soul cultivation technique."
"Only three people…?" Yuan was surprised to hear this, but he was also excited. After all, the harder it was to learn something, that something is usually more unique and powerful.
"If you do not have what it takes to learn this soul cultivation technique, there is nothing I could do for you. It just means you are not fated to learn it." Lady Xiang said a moment later.
She turned to look at Lady Xu and continued, "As I have mentioned before coming here, if he doesn't learn it, don't expect any compensation, as this was part of our deal."
"I am well aware." Xu Jiaqi nodded.
Lady Xiang returned to Yuan and smiled, "She destroyed an entire faction just to get you this chance, young man. Try not to waste it— even if you don't really have a choice."
"You did what?" Yuan looked at Xu Jiaqi with wide eyes.
"Don't misunderstand. Even though it was part of the agreement, the Celestial Overlords have a duty to deal with any Demon Worshippers, so I would've dealt with them the moment I learned that they were Demon Worshippers even if it wasn't part of the agreement."
"Whatever you say, Lady Xu."
Lady Xiang proceeded to glare at Yuan with a serious look on her face.
"Are you ready?" She asked.
"I am." He nodded.
"Let's go." Xu Jiaqi suddenly said to Senior Bai, who nodded in silence.
The two of them proceeded to leave Lady Xiang and Yuan alone.
Since Lady Xiang only promised to teach Yuan the soul cultivation technique, it was only natural for everyone else to leave.
Once they were alone, Lady Xiang spoke, "This technique is a little special, so the learning method will be a little special as well. Though, it's quite simple."
Lady Xiang closed her eyes, and her aura suddenly began to soar.
A few moments later, a massive golden bell materialized behind her.
This bell didn't appear to be completely solid and seemed somewhat semi-transparent. It was the size of a four-story building, and it emanated an otherworldly aura.
Upon closer inspection, Yuan could see tiny words engraved onto the front of the bell, exactly 1,000 words.
"Is that the soul cultivation technique inscribed on the bell?" Yuan asked.
"Indeed. It may seem very insignificant compared to even the most ordinary technique, but each word ecompasses a profound secret that will lead you closer to learning the technique."
"What is this technique's name?"
"You will learn it if you are fated to. Otherwise, you are not worthy to know its name." Lady Xiang said.
Yuan's gaze was fixated on the golden bell ever since it came into view, looking as though he was bewitched by it.
"It could take weeks, months, even years to learn this technique. I will give you fifty years." Lady Xiang said a moment later.
Although 50 years may sound a lot, it would feel no different than a few weeks for an Immortal who has lived millions of years. Furthermore, it took Lady Xiang, one of the most talented individuals in her era, 120 years to learn the technique, so 50 years was actually very little time.
However, almost as though he couldn't hear her, Yuan remained silent.
Lady Xiang continued speaking regardless, "Once you think you have comprehended the technique, ring the bell with your spiritual energy. Even a little is fine. Once you do, the bell will ring, and each ring will signify your understanding, so the more times it rings, the more you'll comprehend it."
'I doubt you'll be able to learn this technique in 50 years, but there's no need to worry, because I will—'
In the midst of Lady Xiang's thoughts, Yuan suddenly lifted his finger and pointed it at the bell.
And before Lady Xiang could even wonder what he was thinking, Yuan released a strand of spiritual energy that flew straight at the bell.
"What are you—?!" Lady Xiang exclaimed in a shocked voice after seeing his seemingly reckless actions, but she had no time to be shocked, as Yuan would surely be dead before the bell could even finish ringing once.