**Chapter 5: Requesting a Portrait, Devouring the Magic Core**
**Chapter 5: Requesting a Portrait, Devouring the Magic Core**
The next day, at the main peak of Yunlan Sect, a serene courtyard stood at its summit.
"Feng'er, why are you here so early in the morning? Come inside first," Yun Yun said as she opened the door.
She had clearly just woken up, dressed in soft pink pajamas that lightly clung to her fair skin.
As Chen Feng stepped into her room, he was greeted by a faint fragrance in the air—a distinct scent that belonged only to Yun Yun. He couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Following Yun Yun into the room, he found a seat and tried his best to stay composed. His eyes, however, kept wandering to his teacher.
Her loose pajamas shifted slightly as she walked, emphasizing her graceful neck and the glow of a pure amber necklace resting against her fair skin.
Chen Feng quickly lowered his gaze, clasped his hands together, and straightened his posture, striving to appear like an obedient disciple.
He cursed inwardly: 'Ever since I awakened the dragon-elephant body, my thoughts have been out of control. This never happened before—it must be the fault of this body.'
She's my teacher! How can I think this way?
"Feng'er, you still haven't answered me. What brings you here so early?" Yun Yun asked, placing a plate of cakes on the table.
"You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Have some of these. I made them myself—osmanthus cakes."
"Um, thank you, Teacher," Chen Feng replied.
He picked up a piece and took a small bite, using the moment to calm his restless heart before speaking.
"Teacher, do you have any magic cores with you?"
"Magic cores?" Yun Yun asked, sitting down across from him. Her slightly open collar made Chen Feng avert his eyes hastily.
'No, I can't look! If I keep staring, something bad is bound to happen.'
"Yes, Teacher," Chen Feng replied, his voice steady. "I need them to ask Senior Brother Liu to refine some pills for me, but I'm short on magic cores."
Yun Yun nodded and retrieved a few magic cores from her storage ring, placing them gently on the table. "I don't have many on hand. Are these enough? If not, I can get more for you."
Yun Yun had always doted on Chen Feng, her favorite disciple, and rarely denied his requests as long as they weren't unreasonable.
"These are more than enough, Teacher," Chen Feng said, inspecting the magic cores. They were high-quality, ranging from third to fifth level.
Satisfied, he rose to leave. "Thank you, Teacher. I'll take my leave now."
"Why the rush?" Yun Yun said, picking up another piece of osmanthus cake and handing it to him. As she raised her arm, her collar opened slightly wider.
Chen Feng's scalp tingled. He quickly grabbed the cake and shifted his gaze elsewhere.
Just as he was about to leave, Chen Feng's eyes landed on a portrait hanging on the wall.
"Teacher, who painted that?" he asked.
The painting depicted Yun Yun in exquisite detail, her likeness so vivid it seemed to radiate life.
"Oh, this was painted by Hua Ling, a renowned artist from the capital," Yun Yun replied casually.
After a brief hesitation, Chen Feng spoke, "Teacher, may I have this painting?"
Yun Yun blinked, surprised. "What do you need the painting for?"
Chen Feng quickly composed an explanation. "Teacher, I've been struggling to focus on my cultivation lately. After some reflection, I realized it's because I lack your supervision. Since you're the leader of the sect and can't always be by my side, I thought having your portrait would remind me of your guidance. With it, I'll be more disciplined."
"I see," Yun Yun said, her expression softening. She hadn't expected to hold such an important place in her disciple's heart.
"Feng'er, it's commendable that you've recognized your shortcomings. If this will help you, then you may take the painting."
"Thank you, Teacher!" Chen Feng said, bowing deeply.
He carefully removed the painting and stored it in the small world within his Qiankun Treasure Box.
"Teacher, I'll take my leave now," he said, turning to leave.
As he stood, Yun Yun remained seated. From his angle, he accidentally caught a glimpse of something he shouldn't have. Embarrassed, Chen Feng quickly turned and left the room, his face burning.
"Feng'er is always in such a hurry," Yun Yun muttered with a soft smile. She shook her head and got up to close the door he'd left open.
Back in his room, Chen Feng took a deep breath to calm his restless heart.
"Teacher truly is worthy of her title as the sect leader," he muttered, still flustered.
He hung the portrait above his bed, gazing at it for a moment. "With Teacher watching over me, I'll be able to concentrate better on my cultivation."
Satisfied, Chen Feng turned his attention to the magic cores. Picking up a third-level core, he sat cross-legged on his bed.
He had no intention of asking Liu Ling to refine pills for him—after all, their relationship was strained due to Nalan Yanran. Instead, he intended to use the magic cores to practice the Swallowing Yuan Jue.
As a heavenly-grade technique, the Swallowing Yuan Jue allowed him to absorb the immense energy stored within magic cores, energy that even a Dou Wang would struggle to handle safely.
Holding the third-level core between his palms, Chen Feng activated the technique. A powerful devouring force surged from his hands, enveloping the core.
Soon, pure energy began flowing into his body.
Chen Feng focused intently, his breathing steady, as he greedily absorbed the energy.
**End of Chapter**