Chapter 226: Tall Tales!

Jiangnan's mind buzzed, as if struck by lightning.

Double Cultivation? Feng Ying, are you out of your mind?

He instinctively stepped back and awkwardly rubbed his hands.

"Feng Ying, this... this isn't appropriate, is it?"

Xia Yurou was even more stunned, as if she had heard some tall tale.

She looked at Jiangnan in disbelief, then at Feng Ying.

Her lips trembled slightly, yet she could not utter a word.

What era is this, still pondering such matters?

Feng Ying saw their intense reactions, and the flush on her cheeks deepened.

But she did not retreat; instead she inhaled deeply and said firmly.

"Jiangnan, Miss Xia, I know this request is abrupt."

"But it concerns the survival of the Zhengyang Sect and the safety of all living under heaven; I hope you can understand."

She paused, her gaze burning as she stared at Jiangnan, then continued.

"The Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, though a Double Cultivation method, is also one of the supreme arts of our Zhengyang Sect."

"Only through male-female Double Cultivation, the harmony of yin and yang, can its power be fully unleashed."

"And the ultimate secret of this art is that, within a short time, it can elevate the cultivators' level to a new realm!"

"Jiangnan, your Golden Core is complete, and you are but one step away from the Yuan Ying Stage."

"If you and I Double Cultivate, harnessing the power of the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique,"

"you will surely break through to the Yuan Ying Stage, and then you can activate the Zhengyang Mirror."

"Seal the Black Fog again and save all living!"

Jiangnan, after hearing Feng Ying's explanation, felt enlightenment rise within him.

When he previously received the Zhengyang Sect's inheritance, he had indeed skimmed the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique in haste.

But because of the technique's peculiar nature, he did not examine it closely.

Now, hearing Feng Ying speak so, he realized the technique's great power.

If it truly allows a breakthrough to the Yuan Ying Stage, wouldn't that be…

His thoughts halted there, and he furtively glanced at Feng Ying.

Although she was not old, her aura was mature and enchanting, full of charm.

Especially the flush now blooming on her cheeks added a few more alluring hues.

"But…"

Jiangnan hesitated briefly, then spoke.

"This Double Cultivation matter is no trivial thing…"

"I know," Feng Ying cut off his words, her tone resolute.

"But the situation is now critical; we have no time to hesitate."

"Jiangnan, for the Zhengyang Sect, for all living under heaven, I am willing to give everything!"

Saying so, Feng Ying's gaze grew even more steadfast; she slowly approached Jiangnan, extended her delicate jade hand, and gently placed it on his.

Her hand was warm and soft, slick as oil; Jiangnan felt a surge of electricity instantly spread through his body, making him shiver.

"Jiangnan…"

Feng Ying's voice became even softer, tinged with a hint of pleading.

"Will you agree, okay?"

Jiangnan looked at the nearby Feng Ying, inhaled the faint fragrance she exuded, and felt his heart warring between heaven and man.

Saving all living under heaven is indeed no falsehood.

But if he agrees to Double Cultivate with Feng Ying solely because of this,

wouldn't that be pure mischief?

At that moment, the previously silent Xia Yurou suddenly spoke, her tone icy.

"Miss Feng, are you forcing him?"

Feng Ying turned to look at Xia Yurou, a flash of complex emotion crossing her eyes before she regained composure.

"Miss Xia, I am not coercing Jiangnan; I merely hope he can make the right choice for the greater cause."

"The right choice?"

Hearing this, Xia Yurou let out a cold sneer.

"Your so-called right choice is to have him Double Cultivate with you?"

"Have you ever considered his feelings?"

"I…" Feng Ying opened her mouth, but didn't know how to rebut.

And Xia Yurou gave her no chance to speak again, continuing.

"Feng Sect Leader, I know your heart is for all living under heaven, but you cannot, in order to achieve your goal, use any means, can you?"

"Double Cultivation is no child's play, is it?"

"But…"

Feng Ying tried to explain, but was cut off again by Xia Yurou.

"Enough! I don't want to hear any more of your lofty words."

"Jiangnan, let's go!"

Saying that, Xia Yurou grabbed Jiangnan's hand and turned to leave.

Jiangnan was pulled by Xia Yurou, looking back at Feng Ying with every step, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

He didn't know whether he should agree to Feng Ying's request.

After all, this really is the quickest way to increase one's strength.

If one were to reach the Yuan Ying Stage by other means, there would be too many variables……

But if he were to act solely for this reason, even Jiangnan himself could not actually accept it.

Just then, Feng Ying suddenly shouted.

"Wait!"

Jiangnan and Xia Yurou stopped in their tracks and turned to look at Feng Ying.

Feng Ying, meanwhile, took a deep breath, as if making some resolve, then spoke slowly.

"Jiangnan, if you don't want to do double cultivation, I… I still have another method."

Hearing this, Jiangnan's heart stirred, and he hurriedly asked.

"What method?"

Feng Ying's gaze became somewhat evasive, and her tone grew hesitant.

"I… I can… I can…"

She gritted her teeth and finally spoke.

"I… I can sacrifice my own yin essence to help you break through to the Yuan Ying Stage!"

Upon hearing Feng Ying's words, Jiangnan's body shuddered, his eyebrows nearly jumping off his head.

"Feng Ying, what nonsense are you spouting!"

"Sacrifice your yin essence? Are you crazy?"

Even Xia Yurou, who had been displeased, couldn't help but exclaim.

"Feng Ying, why go to such lengths?"

"Doing this would cause you immense loss, even endangering your life!"

Feng Ying gave a bitter smile, beautiful yet tragic, but her eyes were full of resolute light.

"Miss Xia, I know this is dangerous, but…"

"If not this way, how can we resist that Black Fog?"

"For the sake of all living beings, I have long disregarded life and death!"

Hearing this, Jiangnan's heart jolted, a warm surge rose in his chest, yet mixed with deep helplessness.

"Feng Ying, I appreciate your kindness, but this must absolutely not happen!"

"How could I, Jiangnan, be one who clings to life and fears death?"

"Even without resorting to such extreme measures, I will surely find another way!"

"Another way?"

Shaking her head, Feng Ying gave another bitter laugh.

"Jiangnan, you're too naive!"

"That Black Fog comes with overwhelming force; do you think there's still time for you to slowly seek another method?"

Jiangnan opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing.

He understood that what Feng Ying said was correct.

The time now is indeed pressing, leaving no room for him to remain indecisive.

Yet, to let him watch Feng Ying sacrifice herself for him, he simply could not bring himself to do it.

"Could it be… that there truly is no other way?"

Jiangnan muttered to himself, his expression also turning grave.

Now there are only two options before him.

One is to practice double cultivation with Feng Ying; the other requires Feng Ying to sacrifice her life.