“Reporting Master! Your disciple merely feels… that you might not permit me to cultivate it.” Bai Ling replied very naturally, “Your disciple wishes to cultivate the Yin Yang Demonic Art.”

Upon hearing Bai Ling’s words, Ye Qingxuan stopped playing with the water, turning her head toward Bai Ling instead.

Being stared at like this by Ye Qingxuan made Bai Ling tense up instantly. Her small pink fists clenched tightly behind her back; she dared not meet Ye Qingxuan’s gaze directly.

After what felt like an eternity, Ye Qingxuan finally spoke. “Do not assume the Yin Yang Demonic Art is some excellent technique; there are reasons why this master forbids its cultivation.”

“Master? What specific reasons are those?” Bai Ling seemed unwilling to give up.

“You need not know; rest assured, this master means no harm toward you.”

“This master possesses another technique here called the Ten Thousand Blood Floating Pagoda Art; its grade falls only slightly below the Yin Yang Demonic Art’s level—take it and cultivate it instead.” With a flicker of her jade finger, a scroll of ancient blood-colored parchment landed within Bai Ling’s grasp.

Yet despite receiving the parchment scroll, Bai Ling still wore an expression of grievance and reluctance, saying, “Master… your disciple still wishes…”

Seeing Bai Ling persist stubbornly, Ye Qingxuan’s tone turned several degrees colder. “This master already stated earlier—the Yin Yang Demonic Art isn’t some great technique. Don’t be fooled by the billions of demonic cultivators chasing after its reputation—in reality, significant flaws exist within this art.”

“If you truly wish to cultivate the Yin Yang Demonic Art, then wait until you find a suitable Dao Companion someday—this master shall impart it unto thee then.”

From her own perspective, for the present moment, cultivating other advanced arts would prove far superior compared to starting now upon a path leading toward mastery over the dualistic energies inherent within said infamous method known throughout the lands. Simply because she knew full well the consequences awaiting those who tread such treacherous grounds without a proper partner to share the burdens alongside them during critical junctures where balance must be maintained lest catastrophic failure ensue, rendering the entire endeavor worthless. Compared against alternatives available currently which offered stability and safety, albeit lesser potential heights reachable theoretically speaking—unless matched with a perfectly complementary counterpart whose own cultivation aligned harmoniously, creating synergy elevating both beyond ordinary limits achievable otherwise alone, making it truly worthy of being called a top-tier demonic art across the continent indeed!

“Alright then, I shall return to practicing now, Master.” Since words spoken thus far left little room for argument and further discussion was pointless anyway, she decided to accept her fate gracefully, bowing out of the scene and leaving behind a solitary figure pondering silently beside the tranquil waters reflecting the sky above.

After her young apprentice vanished beyond sight, leaving the teacher alone once more, Ye Qingxuan murmured softly under her breath, “Youthful impatience often leads toward regret later in life… This Palace learned a hard lesson in the past regarding this matter…”

Long ago, when she first discovered the ancient ruins containing secrets pertaining to the Grandmaster dualistic method coveted by countless generations prior, she fell prey to the allure of fame surrounding the name, ignoring warnings and proceeding recklessly, abandoning her previous foundation built painstakingly over years. This resulted in her current state of stagnation, which could have been avoided entirely given the natural talent and comprehension abilities she possessed, otherwise leading to higher realms of power undoubtedly!

Not long after her apprentice left, another arrived clad in crimson robes, hair silver-white, with a tall, slender frame exuding an aura of sinister elegance. Named Chi Lian, she served the role of Grand Elder within the council overseeing sect affairs, closely allied by friendship ties binding the two women together, allowing liberties taken otherwise punishable by death for anyone else daring to speak so casually toward the leader of such a mighty organization!

Chi Lian covered her mouth, giggling teasingly. “My, oh my, why does this old woman feel like the Sect Leader appears rather lonely today? Perhaps missing the company of a certain someone? Maybe thinking about men, hmm?”

Ye Qingxuan shot a sidelong glance, glaring coldly and retorting, “Chi Lian, you better have a good reason for disturbing me, otherwise I wouldn’t mind sending you back to bed rest for a few years again!”

Not only was she the Grand Elder, but also a close confidante, enabling bold banter between them without fear of reprisal, unlike others who’d lost their heads uttering similar remarks previously!

Hearing the threat, Chi Lian instinctively touched her rear, recalling the last incident that provoked Ye Qingxuan’s wrath, resulting in a whip lash confining her bedridden for several years to recover fully!

“Alright, alright, your temper needs adjusting, dear!” Sitting down beside her, she passed over an information jade slip containing records of the past decade’s financial transactions requiring review and approval.

Instead of examining it, Ye Qingxuan immediately asked, “Any unusual occurrences lately within the sect?”

“Unusual occurrences? None really, everything proceeding normally in a routine fashion… however…” She deliberately paused, creating suspense.

“Three… two…” Ye Qingxuan began counting down inexplicably.

“Aiya, absolutely no sense of humor!” Chi Lian hurriedly interrupted the countdown, continuing, “Straight to the point then: according to the latest intelligence reports, another spy has infiltrated our ranks. Moreover, they hold a relatively high position, potentially accessing core secrets. Specifics remain unknown currently!”

“What purpose?” she inquired calmly.

“Unknown presently!” Chi Lian replied honestly, adding, “If we knew the objective, it would be easier to pinpoint their location!”

“You have three years to uncover their identity!” Ye Qingxuan issued a stern command without hesitation.

“I’ll do my best; cannot blame me if I fail though!” She retorted playfully, knowing full well the capabilities of her trusted friend. Having successfully rooted out over twenty spies in the past century, she was confident in handling the current situation similarly; the statement was merely providing an escape route in case unforeseen complications arose later.

“Dismissed unless you have further business. Leave; I want quiet time alone now!”

“Leaving then. Remember to tell me if you’re looking for men; I’ll help find a suitable match!” Before finishing her sentence, she felt intense killing intent, prompting a swift retreat, fleeing the premises hastily to avoid potential consequences lingering longer might bring upon herself!

Elsewhere, having soaked in the Jade Clear Pool, Han Lie felt refreshed and revitalized; it was worth spending thirty stones indeed. Returning to his hut, night had already fallen, stars shining brightly forming a magnificent milky way stretching across the heavens above.

“Still must wait!” Glancing toward the main entrance of the Violet Heaven Palace, he thought inwardly. Since it wasn’t currently cleaning hours, he needed to await a summons before collecting the promised five thousand Spirit Stones. However, he was patient and confident; given her status, she was unlikely to renege on a promise.

Though one matter still troubled his mind regarding the Bai Ling situation. Speaking of an apprentice personally chosen after centuries of searching—a sole direct disciple—he lacked concrete evidence proving she was definitely problematic. Targeting others was manageable, but involving a beloved Disciple was risky without solid proof. He dared not make bold claims before her teacher and remained silent, worried about a potential ambush in the future.

Yet in the midst of his internal conflict, a mental voice suddenly echoed, commanding his entrance. Immediately obeying without delay, he hastened his steps, entering the grand hall once more.