Two days later.

“Not bad at all, old servant. Compared to last time, you’ve improved quite a bit more.” Zhuo Hongyi half-slumped against the wall, panting heavily with an expression full of satisfaction.

Over these two days, she not only got her fill but even vaguely felt signs that she was about to break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

Originally, according to Zhuo Hongyi’s estimation, she would need at least another two or three years of cultivation before breaking through. Last time, it wasn’t too obvious. This time, Zhuo Hongyi deeply experienced the wonders of Dual Cultivation.

What Zhuo Hongyi didn’t guess was that her significant cultivation increase was entirely due to Han Lie’s Pure Yang Sacred Body.

If it were anyone else, such an effect would be impossible. Mainly because Han Lie was an old geezer almost ready for burial, with his cultivation still stuck at the Qi Refining Stage; so she never even considered thinking about something like the Pure Yang Sacred Body.

“You flatter me too much, Captain Zhuo; you’re not bad yourself either,” Han Lie chuckled.

Perhaps due to last time’s experience, Zhuo Hongyi’s technique had clearly become much more proficient. With just one lift of his hand, she knew what he wanted.

Of course, none of this mattered. Most importantly—just as anticipated—he smoothly broke through into the eighth level of Qi Refining!

Within half a month, going from the fourth level of Qi Refining to breaking through into the eighth level—such terrifying speed, even across the entire Tianyuan Continent, probably ranked among the top tier!

The Pure Yang Sacred Body, plus the Yin Yang Demonic Art, plus Dual Cultivation—all were indispensable!

Without someone practicing Dual Cultivation with him, properly cultivating seriously would take four or five months minimum to go from the fourth level of Qi Refining to the eighth level—and during that period, it would require ample Spirit Stone support too!

“Thus, charging towards Foundation Establishment seems within reach!” Han Lie rejoiced inwardly.

Once he handled the matters regarding the Servant Department and squeezed out the five thousand Spirit Stones promised by Ye Qingxuan, then he could seclude himself and charge towards the Foundation Establishment Stage!

Five thousand Spirit Stones were enough to go from the eighth level of Qi Refining to charging towards the Foundation Establishment Stage!

But…

“Speaking again, though, having such an obvious effect practicing Dual Cultivation together with Zhuo Hongyi; what effect would it have if practicing together with Ye Qingxuan…”

Han Lie dared not imagine!

Zhuo Hongyi was merely a captain within the Law Enforcement Hall division, absolutely incomparable to Ye Qingxuan herself!

Han Lie neither knew what level Zhuo Hongyi cultivated nor what level Ye Qingxuan cultivated either, but using his toes, he could guess the gap between these two people’s cultivations resembled a bottomless chasm, impossible to surmount!

But Ye Qingxuan’s mood was unpredictable. Moreover, given her level, three or five decades were akin to his own three or five months. The difference waiting for the next time he was called to practice Dual Cultivation together—who knew what monkey year or horse month that would arrive!

“I cannot simply wait idly. I must find a way to remind her of the benefits of practicing Dual Cultivation together.”

Mainly, he wanted to see, after cultivating the Yin Yang Demonic Art, then practicing Dual Cultivation together with a big shot like Ye Qingxuan, what kind of effect it would have. Definitely NOT craving her body!

Coming out of Zhuo Hongyi’s residence, it was exactly morning time. Han Lie hadn’t forgotten the matter regarding Bai Ling. Therefore, avoiding a potential ambush, he purposely chose crowded routes, walking cautiously and safely returning to his small wooden hut in Violet Heaven Palace.

Returning to the hut without resting, he immediately sat cross-legged, circulating the Yin Yang Demonic Art to stabilize his realm.

Without Spirit Stones, he could only absorb heaven and earth spiritual energy. Although less concentrated than Spirit Stones, under the circumstances, it was the only option available. Under the support of the Pure Yang Sacred Body and the Yin Yang Demonic Art, heaven and earth spiritual energy continuously flowed, following his breath, entering his body, passing through his meridians, flesh, and blood, finally converging in his dantian.

The next day, a sudden knocking sound pulled Han Lie out of his cultivation state.

Unsurprisingly, the visitor was indeed the newly appointed manager of the Servant Department, Zhou Ze.

Placed half a month ago, perhaps he would still be wary. Now, Zhou Ze before him was akin to an unarmed child; there was little difference. Although merely a single level of Qi Refining difference, it was enough to form a crushing, even instant-killing advantage.

Therefore, facing Zhou Ze again, he no longer needed wariness, nor did he need to bow and scrape, lowering his voice as he did previously. He spoke first.

“Hearing you took over the Servant Department manager position, seeking This Senior regarding what matter?” His tone already carried hints of disdain and contempt.

“Heh.” Zhou Ze chuckled with a friendly attitude. “Don’t misunderstand, Brother Han Lie. Actually, I bear no malice towards you. When I first arrived, I might have bullied you, but that was childhood ignorance and playing around. I hope you forgive me.”

“?”

The opening words left Han Lie speechless. However, he wouldn’t naively believe Zhou Ze truly changed his character. Abnormal occurrences indicate hidden schemes; perhaps he was plotting sinister, cunning plans.

“A visitor is a guest, also an old acquaintance. Not inviting me to sit inside?” Zhou Ze continued smiling invitingly.

Since one shouldn’t hit a smiling person, he also invited him inside, wanting to see exactly what medicine he was selling.

Sitting down, Zhou Ze naturally put an arm around his shoulder, speaking earnestly. “Speaking of which, we are also a pair of unfortunate brothers within the Servant Department. Many years journeyed together—it’s not easy.”

Han Lie inwardly rolled his eyes. Who the hell is a brother of yours?

“Brother Han Lie may not believe my words, but listen. You might think fellow townsman Lu Mingtong and I were friends for many years, so after taking over the manager position, I would target you. But a possibility exists that I’m actually grateful to you. If you hadn’t ousted Lu Mingtong, that old scum, I possibly would never have sat in the manager position in my lifetime.”

“Mhm, mhm, right.” Han Lie nodded perfunctorily, then extended his hand. “Verbal gratitude is meaningless. At least bring practical stuff.”

“Hey, who is whom between us? Easy to talk!” Zhou Ze, seemingly prepared beforehand, took out a storage ring containing five hundred Spirit Stones and handed it over. “Spirit Stones may not be many, please accept happily, Brother Han Lie.”

Subsequently, lowering his voice, he cautiously said, “Don’t flaunt. You know these Spirit Stones are not clean.”

Finished, he stuffed another three hundred Spirit Stones, saying, “These consider small compensation for previously bullying Brother Han Lie. Please don’t mind past matters, okay?”

“If still insufficient, I’ll go back and find a few new female servants to accompany you. Guarantee original and genuine!”