Chapter 20 - Transformation
Chapter Twenty: Transformation
A spark of excitement glinted in Lin Yuan’s eyes. The blue-tier Hypnosis attribute could now influence Nascent Soul cultivators, albeit weakly. It was his only chance. “Gu Qinghuan,” he called softly, a subtle chill in his tone. She opened her eyes, confusion flickering within. “Little Yuan, what is it?” Lin Yuan smiled, a strange light in his gaze. “Master, I have something to say.”
Her brow furrowed, sensing something amiss. “What do you wish to say?” Instead of answering, Lin Yuan’s eyes flashed with blue radiance, unleashing the Hypnosis attribute’s power. “Gu Qinghuan, from now on, you will obey my every command,” he intoned, his voice low and mesmerizing, carrying an irresistible force.
Gu Qinghuan’s body tensed, a flicker of resistance in her eyes, before her gaze dulled, mirroring the entranced students of the risqué world. “From this day forward, you answer to me!” Lin Yuan commanded. But the spell shattered in less than a second. Gu Qinghuan’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Very well, Little Yuan. What would you have me do?”
Lin Yuan met her mocking expression, realising the hypnosis had failed. Though upgraded to blue-tier, Hypnosis was too feeble against a Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivator like her. She hadn’t fully resisted, but complete control was beyond his reach. Fine. If I can’t hypnotise you, I’ll make you regret it another way, he thought, his face a mask of calm.
Ignoring her, he turned to Yun Qinyue, his tone softening. “Martial Aunt, your Nascent Soul breakthrough is fresh, your cultivation unsteady. Rest and stabilise it. If you seek further advancement, come to me anytime.” Yun Qinyue blinked, startled by his sudden kindness. Glancing nervously at Gu Qinghuan, she blushed. “Thank you, Martial Nephew…”
Gu Qinghuan’s brow twitched, a pang of bitterness rising within. She had never seen Lin Yuan so gentle—not with her, only ever met with his scorn. “Little Yuan, you…” she began, but he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “Martial Aunt, go regulate your energy. Once stable, find me. I’ll aid your cultivation further.” Yun Qinyue nodded, gratitude in her eyes. “Very well, Martial Nephew. I’ll go now.” Clutching her abdomen, she left the room cautiously.
Gu Qinghuan watched her depart, her heart a tumult of emotions. Turning to Lin Yuan, her voice carried an edge. “Little Yuan, what is this? Why treat her so kindly?” Lin Yuan’s lips curled into a cold sneer. “Master, are you not overstepping? I choose whom to favour. You’ve taken what you wanted—now stop lingering.”
Her heart stung. “Little Yuan… how can you speak to me this way?” Lin Yuan’s tone remained icy. “How? Master, have you not always seen me as your cultivation tool? The tool’s served its purpose—what more do you want?” Panic flashed in Gu Qinghuan’s eyes. “Little Yuan, that’s not true! I never saw you as a tool, I only…”
“Only what?” Lin Yuan cut her off, his eyes brimming with mockery. “Only wanted my Pure Yang energy, correct? No need for excuses, Master. I understand perfectly.” Gu Qinghuan paled, words failing her. Lin Yuan felt no pity. She’s only ever used me, never cared, he thought. Why should I spare her feelings?
“Master, leave,” he said, his voice cold and final. “Don’t bother me unless necessary. I’ve helped you both advance—be content.” A wave of loss crashed over Gu Qinghuan. “Little Yuan, I…” Her voice trembled with a plea, but Lin Yuan turned away, his back to her, dismissing her presence.
She stood frozen, her mind in chaos. His silhouette stirred a storm of regret. I’ve mishandled him, she admitted, his rejection cutting deeper than expected. With a heavy heart, she flew from the glazed palace, gazing down at it. “Have I… truly erred?” she whispered, the memory of Lin Yuan’s warmth toward Yun Qinyue stoking her jealousy. She doesn’t force his affection, unlike me.
Perhaps… I must change, she resolved, unaware that Lin Yuan’s fleeting hypnosis had subtly shifted her will, a change even he hadn’t noticed. Carrying this thought, she sought Yun Qinyue. “Junior Sister, regarding Lin Yuan… we need to talk.” Yun Qinyue, fearing reproach, blurted, “Senior Sister, I swear I’ve no designs on Martial Nephew! I’ll steer clear of him, please don’t worry!”
Gu Qinghuan shook her head. “That’s not my intent. I’ve decided… I’ll no longer claim Lin Yuan solely for myself.”
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