Chapter 2, Sister Xuexi

"Indeed," Ling Fei said with determination in her eyes, "It won't be long before my body fully recovers."

Great Buddha, please bless that my elderly family member's illness may improve

He does not want his adoptive father to say that he is just talking big without substance

Since practicing the "True Dragon Body Refinement Technique," Ling Fei's resistance to cold has become extraordinary

He also felt the changes in his body

"Yes, adoptive father!" Upon seeing the adoptive father emerge, Ling Fei's expression became solemn, and her slightly youthful and charming face immediately took on a more mature demeanor

For nearly eight years, starting with the tempering of skin, membranes, flesh, and tendons using the cold dragon's energy, he has endured this pain for an unknown length of time.

At that time, no one dared to mock my brother anymore

"Yes!" Ling Fei nodded obediently and followed his adoptive father into his bedroom

Although this Xuexi is only fifteen years old, she has already grown to a height of 1.65 meters, making her a true beauty

As soon as I arrived in front of my bedroom, there was already a young girl dressed in a white long coat waiting eagerly by the corridor.

This was specifically arranged by Elder Ling

The deities reside high above, and although they may occasionally grant the requests of mortals, ultimately, mortals cannot escape the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death. My adoptive father, who is a physician himself, finds it difficult to heal himself. If one wishes to dispel suffering and seek longevity, one must strive independently and cannot rely solely on others.

"That's great! Once my brother recovers, he will be able to become a powerful warrior," Xuexi said, her eyes brightening with excitement.

As soon as I entered the bathroom, a refreshing fragrance wafted towards me.

"That is only natural." Seeing the joyful expression on the little girl's face, Ling Fei felt a warmth in his heart. He then playfully stroked the charmingly upturned bridge of Xue Xi's nose and said with a smile, "When the time comes, let your brother protect you, and you can obediently be a princess who is being protected, how does that sound?" As these words fell, Ling Fei couldn't help but recall those memories from his childhood.

In the *Illustrated* Book of the Tang Empire, martial arts flourished, and young people not only had to learn martial arts but also had to study literature and writing, which placed a heavy burden on them

The light in the corners of his eyes flickered, and when he looked at his adoptive father in front of him, a wave of compassion surged in his heart

"Foster father, why do all mortals experience birth, aging, illness, and death?" Ling Fei suddenly raised his head and asked

Longtan Town is not large, and Ling Fei walked briskly, arriving in the town in just a little over half an hour

Moreover, within his flesh and blood, as well as in his veins, there still lingered remnants of the cold dragon energy.

At this time, every household in Longtan Town had already lit their candles, and it was difficult to see any pedestrians on the street

... ...

However, he ultimately pressed his lips together

Ling Fei would only manage to squeeze out some spare time to learn to read and write.

To this end, he consulted numerous materials and inquired with many experts to learn that the Tianyuan Pill can cure a hundred ailments, and it should be able to assist his adoptive father in recovery

After stepping out of the cold pool, Ling Fei gazed around, and upon confirming that there was no one nearby, he swiftly made his way towards the valley exit

It was only after he had circulated the cold dragon energy through his body for twelve cycles that his tightly shut eyes finally opened

Entered the bathroom inside the bedroom

Then, she gracefully stepped forward, walking directly towards Ling Fei, her jade-like hand linking with the latter's arm as they walked together

In his youth, Ling Fei was frail and sickly; at the age of four or five, he walked with a slight tremor. Observing her brother in such a state, Xiao Xixi was quite obedient and often assisted him in walking. Over time, she developed this habit, even though Ling Fei's health has gradually improved now

However, Ling Fei has been gritting his teeth and persevering, solely because he harbors a dream of becoming a strong individual

It is getting dark now, I should return home. My adoptive father must have already prepared the medicinal solution for me to soak in, allowing me to recover my health

However, when he looked at Ling Fei, his murky eyes were filled with affection

"The divine is far beyond our reach, yet the path lies beneath our feet. If we do not take steady steps forward, we will never reach our destination. If you are certain of the road ahead, then you must persistently continue on your journey. Perhaps one day you will find the path you desire. Therefore, whether one can become divine is not important; what matters is whether you possess a resolute heart of a true warrior," said Elder Ling.

This child! The sudden flash of determination in Ling Fei's eyes was clearly noticed by Old Ling, who, upon seeing this, nodded with heartfelt satisfaction

"Come, your adoptive father has already prepared a medicinal bath for you. If you can endure a little longer, your health will gradually improve," said Old Ling with a smile.

Because, at least, he has not yet become a strong individual

This is an exquisite manor, with the outer courtyard serving as a medical clinic, while the inner courtyard is the residence of Ling Fei and others

Upon landing, water flowed down from Ling Fei's robe, which immediately transformed into ice crystals; however, his skin remained unfrozen

Likewise, he is determined to become a divine guardian

As these sounds reached his ears, Ling Fei's brows slightly furrowed.

The changes in Ling Fei over the past eight years have naturally not escaped the keen eyes of Old Ling

Ling's Medical Hall is located in a remote area of the town

In the cold pool, Ling Fei continuously guided the cold Chi Dragon energy to temper the bones

Tell him that he will definitely become a strong person in the future and that I will treat his illnesses and injuries

Then Ling Fei and Xue Xi assisted Old Ling into the house

As he walked forward with his younger sister holding his arm, Ling Fei's gaze shifted slightly, and within his bitter smile lay a hint of awkwardness

"Brother Ling Fei, you have arrived!" Before Ling Fei could approach, the exquisitely beautiful little girl revealed a sweet smile and spoke softly.

"Brother, I see that your complexion seems much better today than yesterday!" said Xuexi, blinking her long eyelashes.

"Bring me that book 'Chronicles of Gods and Demons' to take a look," Ling Fei said

"Faye has returned!" Elder Ling said with a slight squint in his eyes, accompanied by a smile that carried a hint of affection

This elder is none other than the venerable Ling who once appeared by the cold pond

I must strive to become a divine guardian and obtain a Tianyuan Pill for my adoptive father to cure his illness. After seeing the increasingly haggard appearance of my adoptive father, Ling Fei clenched his fist tightly, pondering in his heart, and the light in his eyes appeared incredibly resolute. No matter how precious the Tianyuan Pill is, he must obtain it.

For the young lady of today is no longer the child she once was

In his youth, Ling Fei was frail and easily bullied, often becoming the target of ridicule by his peers, and Xue Xi consistently stood up for her brother in these situations

In his youth, Ling Fei also succumbed to despair and dejection due to his frail health and frequent illnesses

Although the cold dragon aura is quite thin, as a descendant of the dragon, even if the dragon aura is sparse, it is still exceptionally domineering

Since witnessing his adoptive father suffering from a serious illness and spitting out black blood, he has become stronger and more understanding

"Alright!" Xuexi nodded happily, and then, with a playful flutter of her long eyelashes, said, "I want to be the little princess behind my brother."

"Foster father, wait for me, I will definitely give you a surprise." Ling Fei thought to himself

At that time, a frail girl stood before him, shielding him from those mischievous children

Upon entering, Ling Fei immediately felt a surge of medicinal energy flowing into his body as if transformed into a current of air

The elder's temples were graying, and his dry hair appeared slightly disheveled as it fluttered. His eyes were murky, resembling those of a man who was exhausted and on the verge of fading away.

Therefore, during the evening hours, these youths are unwilling to let go

Thereafter, Ling Fei took the ancient book that contained the line and began to read it

For some unknown reason, every time he returned from the cold pool and soaked in the medicinal liquid, he felt that his body had become increasingly solid.

Whenever he encounters a point of confusion, Ling Fei will inquire with Elder Ling

If one becomes a divine guard, there will be an opportunity to obtain this elixir

Meanwhile, Ling Fei's cultivation posture was subsequently retracted

These medicinal effects began to nourish his flesh and blood, as well as his tendons and veins, providing an unparalleled sense of comfort

Since childhood, he has been well-versed in the classics

The universe has its own rules of operation, and even the deities cannot change them significantly. Elder Ling, stroking his long beard, said solemnly: Therefore, to escape the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death, one must rely on oneself

Studying the "Pharmacopoeia" and the "Nine Needle Secret Techniques" is aimed at treating my adoptive father.

As long as the bone tempering is completed, he will be able to truly recover

Even so, Ling Fei could faintly hear the prayers of some mortals.

Old Ling habitually stayed by the side

Ling Fei of today possesses a mental resilience that has long surpassed that of his peers

In fact, as early as eight years ago, when Ling Fei accidentally saw his adoptive father spitting out a mouthful of black blood, he developed the intention to cure his adoptive father.

Great Nine Heavens Goddess, please bless my son, that he may soon step into the Ninefold Body Refinement Realm and enter the Chosen Academy

Although this residual cold dragon energy will dissipate on its own, it can still provide him with some protection for a while

Stepping over the snow and passing through the corridor, Ling Fei headed towards the small courtyard where he resided

Certainly, Ling Fei's most extensive studies are in works such as the "Pharmacopoeia," "Nine Needle Secret Techniques," as well as the "Records of Ancient Emperors" and "Chronicles of Gods and Demons"

The heart of the strong? Ling Fei's eyes revealed a steadfast light

Ling Fei nodded slightly, as if committing it to memory. Then, his gaze lifted, and he asked again, "Can a mortal become a deity?"

It is hard to imagine where a girl finds the courage to dare to face the bullying of those boys

Alright! Xuexi cleverly took an ancient book from the nearby bookshelf

This is a matter of habit

The current adoptive father is truly old, seemingly reaching a state of near exhaustion and depletion.

That breath, when inhaled, refreshes the spirit and invigorates the mind

He pressed his foot against the rock, leaped forward, and landed quite gracefully by the edge of the pond

This woman has a delicate appearance, with features as picturesque as a painting. Her lively eyes are sparkling and seem to be able to speak, while her charmingly prominent nose captivates one to the point of wanting to steal a kiss.

Now, the fact that my elder brother can recover his health is truly a momentous occasion

Then Ling Fei stepped into the wooden barrel

It is hard to imagine that there exists such a beauty in this world, and this woman is indeed Ling Fei's sworn sister

"What is Sister Xuexi looking at?" Being scrutinized up and down by his own sister, Ling Fei couldn't help but roll his eyes.

The medicine has already been prepared!" Xue Xi smiled gently, her sparkling eyes scanning Ling Fei up and down.

Although Ling Fei is very strong and has never given up on herself, she also understands the weight of the grievances her brother bears

Reading "The Ancient Emperor's Record" and "The Chronicles of Gods and Demons" is to gain an understanding of this martial arts world

The pain brought by every trace of the cold dragon aura entering the body is beyond what an ordinary person can endure

Similarly, for this sister-in-law, Ling Fei has a genuine affection and concern for her

Ling Fei approached the medicine barrel and removed his boots

Gazing at the slightly stooped figure of his adoptive father, Ling Fei's lips twitched as he attempted several times to speak, wanting to tell his adoptive father about his experiences in the cold pool

Similarly, this woman is also a girl adopted by Old Ling, named Xuexi, who has already turned fifteen this year, just three months younger than Ling Fei

Beside him, Xuexi skillfully helped him remove the still slightly damp clothing

As he approached the door, an elder dressed in a blue robe, leaning on a mahogany cane, stepped out with some difficulty, dragging his legs behind him

Her chest, where the delicate buds have just begun to emerge, evokes an unusual feeling in those who come into contact with it

After entering the Bone Tempering Realm, Ling Fei's complexion has indeed improved significantly compared to before

"Brother, what book are you going to read today?" After Ling Fei sat in the medicine barrel, Xue Xi blinked her sparkling eyes and said with a smile.

The two individuals walked side by side towards the house ahead

Ling Fei smiled and patted the back of the girl's head

"Sister Xuexi, have you prepared the medicine?" Regarding this adopted sister, Ling Fei held a fondness in his heart as he said with a smile

The cautious Ling Fei was unaware that, at the moment he ceased his cultivation, a figure had already transformed into a long rainbow and departed from this place

Ling Fei glanced at the sky and then got up

Various medicinal herbs are soaking in the wooden barrel