Chapter 543: I Ultimately Look Down on You

Lu Yuan's emanating spiritual power intertwined with the gray-white mist spreading in the room, forming a beautiful and solemn sight.

A faint golden light suddenly appeared on his brow, accompanied by a weak thunderclap.

The soul's golden threads, fused with the Thunder Ancestor Dragon bloodline, constantly danced around Lu Yuan's body, emitting a resonant sound.

Lu Yuan felt a subtle vibration from the dragon pearl within him, realizing it signaled the approaching critical moment in the hatching process.

"I can't wait any longer!"

A surge of determination boiled in Lu Yuan's heart, and he decided to hasten the hatching process.

As he focused, the thunder bloodline within him erupted like a volcano, instantly releasing intense, scorching energy.

The surrounding air seemed to ignite, blazing with electricity. Lu Yuan immersed himself in cultivation, concentrating on controlling the soul's golden threads, continually driving the thunder bloodline within him.

Beside him, a gray mist began to thicken gradually.

As Lu Yuan was immersed in cultivation, a soft laugh broke the silence.

"Ha ha, you really are a naive fellow."

Lu Yuan blinked slightly, turned his head, and saw Zi Xi'er standing coldly by the roadside.

She wore a purple long dress, her black ink-like hair cascading over her shoulders, her features flawlessly beautiful.

Yet a hint of mockery colored her beautiful face.

"You're still cultivating?"

"What good is such obsessive behavior?"

Zi Xi'er looked at Lu Yuan with disdain.

Lu Yuan turned, smiling: "Cultivation is how I increase my strength, protect myself and my loved ones."

"Although it takes more time and energy, to me it's worth it."

Zi Xi'er snorted: "Worth it?"

"Do you think relying on those immortal arts can make you invincible?"

"Lu Yuan, do you know that in this world, immortal arts are nothing but empty illusions."

Lu Yuan calmly looked at her: "Zi Xi'er, I never said immortal arts would make me invincible."

"Cultivation is merely one method I use to reach my goals."

"Everyone has their own choices and beliefs."

A flicker of doubt crossed Zi Xi'er's face; she hadn't expected Lu Yuan to respond this way.

"You… why do you think that?"

Lu Yuan smiled: "Because in my eyes, everyone has potential to be developed."

"I believe that as long as we persevere, any difficulty can be overcome."

Zi Xi'er slightly frowned: "What a joke!"

"Do you think cultivation can change everything?"

"Some things are destined to be irreversible."

Lu Yuan softly sighed: "Perhaps, in some situations we cannot completely alter fate."

"But at least we have tried, leaving no regrets."

His voice gradually lowered, then he closed his eyes again and continued cultivating.

Watching his focused back, a complex emotion welled up in Zi Xi'er's heart.

His perseverance and resolve made her involuntarily question her own views. Lu Yuan took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes.

Immediately, he felt a breeze brush past, and a sense of vigilance arose in his heart.

Beside him, a mysterious woman appeared.

She wore a blue long robe, like a fairy from an immortal mountain.

Her hair fell like a waterfall to her waist, and her brows bore an air of arrogance.

"Nice to meet you, Lu Yuan." The mysterious woman spoke softly.

"I saw your conversation with Zi Xi'er and heard clearly of your perseverance and resolve in cultivation."

Lu Yuan blinked slightly, then regained his composure.

"Who are you?"

"How do you know my name?"

He stared warily at the mysterious woman.

The mysterious woman smiled and explained: "I am merely an observer, with no ill intent."

"I only wanted to tell you a piece of news."

She paused, then said: "I can help you win Zi Xi'er's favor."

Hearing that, Lu Yuan's heart stirred.

Although he wasn't sure whether to trust this stranger, for Zi Xi'er's sake he decided to hear what the person had to say.

"How would you help me?" Lu Yuan asked, raising his eyebrows.

The mysterious woman smiled and said: "Well, this requires us to cooperate together."

"I am a disciple of the Guanyin Temple, possessing a special ability."

"If you wish, I can help you perform an immortal art that will make Zi Xi'er look at you anew."

Lu Yuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I refuse."

His voice was firm and resolute.

A flicker of disappointment crossed the mysterious woman's eyes, but she quickly recovered her smile.

Since you don't need my help, then forget it.

However, if you ever need help in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. She said that and turned to leave.

Wait!

Lu Yuan suddenly spoke, "Although I don't need your help, I still want to thank you."

The mysterious woman stopped her steps, lightly nodding in acknowledgment. Immediately after, Lu Yuan quickly left that desolate valley, still doubtful in his heart about the identity of the blue-clad woman.

He wanted to know who she really was and what kind of formidable power she possessed.

A few days later, Lu Yuan and Zi Xi'er arrived at a beautiful secluded orchid valley.

Here floral fragrance filled the air, as if they were in a mysterious fairyland.

After leaving the gloomy, oppressive valley, their mood also became cheerful.

Just as they were admiring the scenery of the secluded orchid valley, a sudden gust of wind blew.

The blue-clad woman, coming with great force, appeared before them again.

"I finally found you."

The blue-clad woman's gaze swept over Lu Yuan and Zi Xi'er, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes.

Lu Yuan's face changed slightly, but he did not respond to her mysterious words.

"Who are you again?"

Zi Xi'er stepped forward warily, "Why do you keep following us?"

The blue-clad woman gave a light smile: "I'm just passing by."

She seemed not to want to answer the question directly.

"However, since you keep mentioning the Tian Gang Bei Dou Formation, do you really know how to use it?"

Lu Yuan was slightly startled, then immediately showed a thoughtful expression.

He realized that this blue-clad woman knew his innermost thoughts completely.

But at the same time he remained polite.

"We are still learning."

Lu Yuan answered respectfully, "The Tian Gang Bei Dou Formation is a highly complex spell; I still need more time to comprehend it."

The blue-clad woman's mouth corner slightly curled, revealing a hint of dignity and provocation.

"Hmph, you say that so lightly."

"The Tian Gang Bei Dou Formation is a top-secret art passed down for a thousand years, capable of forming an invincible force with stellar power—but how confident are you that you can master it?"

Lu Yuan was not shaken by the blue-clad woman's sharp and sarcastic words.

"Although I have not yet fully mastered it, there is no doubt I will do my best." He spoke firmly. (End of chapter)