Profound Presence

"Here is the Jingguan Mansion, Lady Zhu. On the right side, do you see the lamps and the elevated building? It's the Ningjing Mansion. That's Huan Xue's place of residence. Then, on the left side is my Shijian Mansion. These are only three main mansions in the Islands. However, some rich families that lived here had also registered their family manors," said Elder Xia and swirled his hand in the air.

A tiny force quickly pushed the wooden door open, exposing an intoxicating fragrant scent of wild orchids, giving a different allure to the darkness. Elder Xia move to the side as Huan Xue took a step and entered the place. Qiaolian followed behind him.

"This fragrance is impressive! It's soothing to the nerve," Qiaolian mumbled and took a deep breath. She scanned the place and saw the dense fireflies encircling one place, illuminating the flowers.

Qiaolian momentarily stopped her steps and just stared at the mystical scenery. "This is a great place. Thank you, elder!"

"Hehehe... You're welcome, Lady Zhou. There... on that terrace, you can see the full building of Ningjing and Shijian Mansion. When the daylight comes, you'll definitely love to see the scenery there!"

"I will, elder. Then, I won't keep you for long. Hehehe... Master Huan, after your seclusion, be sure to remember Qiaolian."

Hearing the sentimental tone of her voice, Huan Xue could only shake his head. "Master Xia is here. If you have requests, don't hesitate to tell him."

"That's right. The Shijian mansion will not hesitate to provide any of your requests. Our Scarlet Island does not lack anything. Lady Zhou does not need to hold back."

Qiaolian simply nodded her head. After their brief discussion, Huan Xue and Elder Xia left her to rest.

~

Since the matter of residence was settled, Elder Xia handed Huan Xue a small Manual of Cultivation for Elemental Space.

"The sooner you comprehend this cultivation, the earlier you can start practicing time and space techniques. Huan Xue, read that manual and once you've finished refining your inner core, try mastering the technique."

Huan Xue carefully examined the manual and flipped the pages in silence. Seeing that he was immersed in the content in the pages, Elder Xia continued to speak...

"To understand elemental space cultivation, it's favorable for you to go beneath the oceans without circulating your inner force. Just swim and dive to the sea bottom. Let your body understand the flow of water and energy around it. It has similarities to space. The only difference is that the water is tangible while the space is invisible. But, there is a certain area in the vast ocean near the Frozen Azure region of the North. It's called Oceans of Decayed Interference. The elements of space and water intertwined in that place. If you managed to find that location, it would be a good place for you to visit and train."

Elder Xia stared at Huan Xue for a while. His attention was still on the manual but his thoughts seemed to have wandered somewhere else.

"Huan Xue, are you listening to me? You are abnormally silent."

After a while, Huan Xue finally nodded his head. "Master Xia... During my seclusion, the Ningjing Mansion will be closed with barriers."

"Naturally! I have set everything. Once you start refining your inner core, the Ningjing Mansion will elevate and float higher to avoid any disturbance. You must concentrate and not think of any else."

"Hmm... My uncle Hougong cannot enter the island but he might find a different method to attack. He seemed to have a capable accomplice last night."

Elder Xia could only take a deep breath about the matter. "Hougong is being brainwashed by the sea monsters. I know you still respect him as your uncle. And I don't need to intrude on your family matter. Huan Xue, he saved you once. Without his past heroic deeds, you may have long been dead. I also respect him as long as he does not cause too much risk on this island."

"I've remembered everything that uncle Hougong did for me. Anyway, Master Xia, something had happened to Qiaolian's elixir field. She is only relying on her inner force. Perhaps, you can guide her to be a Void Practitioner?"

"Hehehe... Silly boy. Your thoughts are actually on Lady Zhou and not on your uncle Hougong!"

Huan Xue finally raised his head and place the cultivation manual on the side. He clasped both his hands and contemplated, "After we exchanged our primal essence, Qiaolian lost her elixir field."

"Oh? Lady Zhou's power is indeed a bit strange..." Elder Xia tilted his head and paused for a few seconds. "Although I can't sense her elixir field too, I can feel profound energy within her body."

"Profound?" Huan Xue never sensed it. He furrowed his brows and looked at the elder with a confused expression.

"If you don't sense it, then, it's only natural. You are still young and may not understand the presence of its power. But, with my decades of experience in the outside world, I know there is profound presence in Lady Zhou."

"Then... That's a relief! Master Xia, does it mean... Qiaolian can still continue her cultivation?"

"I'm not certain yet. That presence... I don't think it's from your primal yang or it's a force in her inner core. I think it comes from a different source. Maybe a bloodline that is not yet awakened? Ahhh... It's hard to guess. No matter what, I will definitely check her welfare. What are you anxious about?" Elder Xia expressed with a helpless expression on his face.

"Master Xia, it's not that I'm anxious. Hehe... With a master like you in here, there is nothing that Huan Xue is worried about! It just came to my mind that maybe, if you know a technique for Void Practitioners... then, maybe you can share it with Qiaolian?"

"Alright. If she asks for my guidance, I will try my best to find an appropriate technique for her. Although, there is an important matter that I need to consult you on... As I've observed, Lady Zhou's eyes were full of curiosity. She is your cultivation partner... And she was also caught on Hougong tricks... If Lady Zhou asks about your origin, I might not be able to keep it a secret from her."

His origin!

Huan Xue suddenly felt uneasy about the sensitive discussion. He massaged the bridge of his nose and thought for a while.

"Master Xia, it's strange but, somehow... I felt that Qiaolian will not bring harm to me."

"That's good! If she finds out your origin from others and exaggerates the past events... her reaction may not be within our expectations. You know... certain people on this island love spreading false rumors! Huan Xue, I think it's more suitable to actually just directly tell her about it. I'll talk to her tomorrow if she happens to ask about the matter of Hougong."