Chapter 303: Actually, choosing a safer method isn’t bad!

The more the Spirit Sovereign discussed the Dao of Artifact Refining with Li Xuanfeng, the more delighted and satisfied her gaze became.

She felt that no one in this world understood her Dao of Artifact Refining better than Li Xuanfeng!

Since childhood, the Spirit Sovereign had displayed astonishing talent for cultivation and Artifact Refining, and her appearance was exceptionally outstanding. She had countless pursuers throughout her cultivation journey.

Not only did male Cultivators regard her as a Fairy of the Heavenly Palace, but even many female Cultivators were obsessed with her.

However, the Spirit Sovereign was uninterested in them. Their cultivation talent couldn't compare to hers, and their Artifact Refining talent was utterly crushed; in her favorite field of Artifact Refining, no one could keep up with her thoughts and insights.

As she became more and more brilliant in the Dao of Artifact Refining, fewer and fewer people could be her opponent.

She had her own unique theoretical system in Artifact Refining. Even many high-level Artifact Refiners sometimes found it difficult to understand her strange angles and novel perspectives. The Spirit Sovereign felt that most Artifact Refiners were too conventional and lacked flexibility.

As her strength grew and her status rose, the Spirit Sovereign clearly realized that she was unique in the Dao of Artifact Refining, and her talent was also one of a kind.

No Artifact Refiner could understand her; she was destined to spend her life accompanied only by Artifact Refining.

Matters of men and women, love and affection, had nothing to do with her; Artifact Refining was her true love.

If she ever truly looked for a Dao Companion, she hoped the other party could help her in cultivation and Artifact Refining, and ideally understand her unique set of Artifact Refining theories.

Outsiders thought she hadn't found a Dao Companion because her standards were too high and various geniuses couldn't catch her eye, but in her own view, she simply preferred to go without than to settle for less.

A Dao Companion wasn't a necessity; if she didn't meet someone suitable and liked, it wouldn't matter if she never had one.

Yet now, she knew she had met her "ideal type," even though this "ideal type" was still a Junior in her eyes.

For hundreds of years, no one had truly understood her in Artifact Refining. Suddenly, one day, someone appeared who not only understood her but could also continuously bring her inspiration and surprises. The joy, excitement, and relief were things only those who had experienced them could understand.

A scholar dies for his confidant, and a woman beautifies herself for the one who appreciates her.

The Spirit Sovereign's heart fluttered for the one who understood her.

Her previous firm stance on Li Xuanfeng's side and her lack of hesitation in helping him were not just because she had decided to invest in him early on, but more importantly, because she already had a high level of favorability toward him.

When Li Xuanfeng taught her the Yin-Yang Profound Refining Technique, she was only slightly embarrassed and annoyed, but not repulsed. Had it been any other man, her face would have turned cold long ago, and she might have even slapped him.

The Spirit Sovereign held a high status, possessed great strength, and was an authority in the Dao of Artifact Refining, yet she was a complete novice in matters of the heart.

For hundreds of years, she had been immersed in cultivation and Artifact Refining, with no emotional experiences whatsoever. She hadn't even read any related stories; she was a blank sheet of paper in this regard.

At most, due to her powerful Divine Sense, she had inadvertently overheard Disciples of the Ten Thousand Artifacts Sect chatting and bragging about things like love and affection.

So, even if she didn't reject the idea of practicing the Yin-Yang Profound Refining Technique with Li Xuanfeng, her lack of experience and inner reserve made her too embarrassed to admit it, let alone speak up first.

"I didn't expect that I wouldn't actually reject Dual Cultivation with him. Even though he has so many women, and he's just a Junior… when I became the top person on the Sovereign Ranking, he was probably still a little kid, right?"

The Spirit Sovereign looked at Li Xuanfeng quietly, unable to help but think to herself.

"I feel happy just talking to him. The more I look at him, the more pleasing he seems, the more handsome he looks, and the more I like him. Even a brief eye contact makes my heart race. This feeling is truly wonderful!"

"It seems it's not just because he understands my Dao of Artifact Refining. Could this be that feeling of a heart fluttering between a man and a woman?"

"But, I can't just jump straight into Dual Cultivation just because my heart fluttered, right? I heard those Disciples from the Ten Thousand Artifacts Sect say it should start slowly with holding hands, hugging…"

"No! What am I thinking?"

The Spirit Sovereign suddenly snapped out of it; this was the first time she had been distracted while discussing Artifact Refining.

"Why is Fellow Daoist Xin looking at me like that?"

Li Xuanfeng noticed that the Spirit Sovereign's gaze was becoming softer and her smile deeper.

"I…"

"I think you explained it so well. You're simply a peerless Genius in the Dao of Artifact Refining. If you had started Artifact Refining earlier, your achievements would definitely be no lower than mine. Being able to sit and discuss the Dao with a Prodigy like you is truly a great fortune in life!"

The Spirit Sovereign tried hard to maintain her persona as the number one on the Sovereign Ranking and the Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Artifacts Sect. She remained calm, her expression steady with a faint smile, but the flash of panic in her eyes was still caught by Li Xuanfeng.

"Oh."

Li Xuanfeng glanced at her; he was no stranger to this expression.

It seemed there was great hope in personally teaching her to Cultivate the Yin-Yang Profound Refining Technique.

She called him improper, but maybe the Spirit Sovereign was just distracted thinking about something improper herself!

Seeing that Li Xuanfeng didn't seem to suspect anything, the Spirit Sovereign secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Silence suddenly fell between the two.

The Spirit Sovereign didn't take the initiative to start another discussion on Artifact Refining. Instead, she occasionally stole a glance at Li Xuanfeng from the corner of her eye and then fell into some kind of deep thought.

Buzz!

Energy rippled out. Unknowingly, all thirteen Domains had been refined by Li Xuanfeng.

"Not enough Sovereigns came. To transform into a High-tier Domain, I'm still a bit short after all."

Li Xuanfeng thought to himself.

Among the thirteen Middle-tier Domains, eight belonged to powerhouses on the Sovereign Ranking. Despite this, after refining them, he still couldn't surpass Perfection and transform into a High-tier Domain.

To achieve transformation by refining Sovereign Realm Domains, only quantity could trigger a qualitative change.

The thirteen Domains brought him a bit closer to a High-tier Domain. To break through, he would need to refine a few more high-quality Sovereign Realm Domains.

"It's about time to leave this place!"

Li Xuanfeng looked at the Spirit Sovereign.

"To the Central Palace?"

The Spirit Sovereign asked.

Li Xuanfeng nodded.

"Fellow Daoist Li, I think the risk of competing for the Spirit Flame and Precious Medicines is still too great. Actually…"

"Actually, choosing a safer method isn't bad!"

The Spirit Sovereign said, seemingly calm.

"You mean Dual Cultivation?"

Li Xuanfeng spoke very directly.

The Spirit Sovereign's composure broke instantly, her cheeks flushing crimson, but she still nodded, feigning calmness.

She didn't want Li Xuanfeng to take a huge risk competing with Venerables. Hinting to this extent was already her limit; she had just made this decision after much deliberation.

"With me?"

Li Xuanfeng asked, knowing the answer.

The Spirit Sovereign couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. That moment of charm left Li Xuanfeng a bit dazed.

He was the one who taught her the Secret Art; who else could it be with?

If she were to truly do that kind of thing, she only wouldn't feel repulsed by Li Xuanfeng. Yet he still had to ask the obvious. Didn't he know how embarrassing it was for her to hint this far?

If she weren't worried about Li Xuanfeng's safety, she wouldn't have had the courage to make such an obvious hint.

She would rather go through a great battle than say such embarrassing things.

"I can't help you Cultivate this Secret Art for the time being."

Li Xuanfeng smiled at the Spirit Sovereign, his eyes filled with an indiscernible meaning.

This expression and tone were exactly the same as when the Spirit Sovereign had previously said, "I have no use for this Secret Art for the time being."

The Spirit Sovereign suddenly froze.

She had finally mustered the courage once, only to be met with a rejection!

Was Li Xuanfeng not interested in her?

Then why did he teach her this Secret Art?

Could it be that she was just being self-indulgent?

The Spirit Sovereign suddenly regretted it deeply—regretted having the courage to give Li Xuanfeng such an obvious hint.

The feeling of being rejected made her feel lost and distressed.

After finally having her heart flutter once, she had unexpectedly lost so completely.

"Because there's not enough time!"

Li Xuanfeng's voice rang out again.

The Spirit Sovereign looked confused. What did he mean by not enough time?

"Even if I help you, raising a Domain to Perfection isn't something that can be done overnight. It might take several months, or even several years!"

Li Xuanfeng looked at her.

He had seen the obvious disappointment in the Spirit Sovereign's eyes just now. It had to be said that when such an expression appeared on a peerless Fairy face, it was somewhat heart-wrenching and pitiable.

The Spirit Sovereign's beauty was truly impeccable!

Hearing Li Xuanfeng's words, the Spirit Sovereign didn't react immediately, but after understanding his meaning, another blush couldn't help but rise on her face.

How could he say such things so casually? Li Xuanfeng was indeed not proper at all!

The disappointment and distress in her heart were swept away.

"I will definitely help you raise your Domain to Perfection, but not now. We'll talk about it after finding a suitable place."

Li Xuanfeng smiled at her.

"Mhm."

The Spirit Sovereign nodded gently, feigning calmness on the surface, but her heart was racing in secret.

Although she didn't know why that kind of thing would take months or even years, she had no experience. Li Xuanfeng had so many women, so he must know better. The Spirit Sovereign could only follow his arrangements.

The Spirit Sovereign's features were flawless, and her skin was fairer and more tender than that of an exquisite young girl. The faint blush rising now made her look rosy and white, truly beautiful.

That high-and-mighty Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Artifacts Sect, the number one in Artifact Refining talent in the Eastern Wasteland and the number one on the Sovereign Ranking, rarely showed such a soul-stirring side.

Especially the way she feigned calmness to maintain her status while clearly feeling shy inside, it possessed a unique kind of attraction.

Fortunately, Li Xuanfeng had a group of beauties like Luo Li and had developed good self-control; otherwise, he would have definitely been unable to suppress his impulses.

Li Xuanfeng wasn't willing to share such a rare and beautiful scene with anyone else; his vast Divine Sense had long since blocked any outside prying.

"Let's go."

Li Xuanfeng smiled and reached out his hand to her.

The Spirit Sovereign hesitated for a moment. This… was it time to start holding hands?

Although she felt it was a bit fast, if she didn't even dare to do this, wouldn't she be looked down upon?

Thinking of this, she gently placed her peak tier, slender, jade-like hand into Li Xuanfeng's palm.

Her hand was soft as silk, like warm fragrant jade.

The Spirit Sovereign, who could face six Sovereign Ranking powerhouses without batting an eye, felt her body tense up and her heart race in panic the moment Li Xuanfeng grasped her hand. She completely lost her aura as the number one in the Sovereign Realm.

"Relax."

Li Xuanfeng gently caressed the back of the Spirit Sovereign's smooth hand.

"Mhm."

The Spirit Sovereign's voice was as soft as a mosquito, and her tense body relaxed a lot.

Seeing her like this, Li Xuanfeng couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

Who would have thought that the high-and-mighty Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Artifacts Sect, the number one in the Sovereign Realm who had domineeringly protected Li Xuanfeng in front of countless Cultivators, would also have such a girlish side.

The sharp contrast between her high-and-mighty self and her current shy, delicate self was simply too wonderful!

The Spirit Sovereign is wonderful; I must have her.

Whether it was the Innate Spirit Flame or the High Grade Precious Medicine, Li Xuanfeng wanted them all. Of course, he wanted the Spirit Sovereign too.

But just as he said, trying to help the Spirit Sovereign raise her Domain to Perfection through the Yin-Yang Profound Refining Technique certainly couldn't be done in a few days. The time spent could range from months to years.

After all, no matter how much of a Genius the Spirit Sovereign was, she couldn't compare to someone like Li Xuanfeng who had cheats; it was hard for her cultivation to experience a sudden explosion.

So to pleasurable cultivation with her, he had to find a suitable time and place.

Now was not a good time, let alone a good place.

Since the Spirit Sovereign could say something with such obvious hints and was now willing to give him her hand, Li Xuanfeng already understood her feelings. So, it wouldn't be too late to personally teach her the Yin-Yang Profound Refining Technique after getting the Innate Spirit Flame and the High Grade Precious Medicine.

With a thought, the Divine Sense barrier blocking the outside world dissipated, and Li Xuanfeng appeared in public holding the Spirit Sovereign's hand.

Whether it was the Yao Race or the Human Race, large groups still lingered at the entrance of the Heaven Refining Hall.

Deterred by Li Xuanfeng's powerful strength, no one dared to take a step into the Heaven Refining Hall. So many Yao and Human Cultivators were still waiting here, just to see if there would be any follow-up.

They wanted to see if any Venerables would come, or where Li Xuanfeng would go next.

"The Peerless Sovereign has appeared!"

"Those thirteen Domains have all disappeared. It seems they've already been refined by him. What terrifying speed!"

"I thought this battle might draw a Venerable here!"

"The Venerables are busy competing for the Innate Spirit Flame and High Grade Precious Medicines; they probably can't spare the effort to deal with the Peerless Sovereign!"

"If they can't spare the effort now, I feel like they won't have the chance later!"

"Wait a minute! The Peerless Sovereign and the Spirit Sovereign, how…"

"No! How… how are they already holding hands?"

"Is this right?"

"This isn't right!"

Whether it was the Yao Race or the Human Race, everyone was collectively stunned the moment they saw Li Xuanfeng holding the Spirit Sovereign's hand.

It was no secret that the Spirit Sovereign firmly sided with Li Xuanfeng, but in everyone's eyes, that was just a high-risk investment based on valuing Li Xuanfeng's talent and potential.

It certainly wasn't mixed with any romantic feelings between a man and a woman.

An outstanding Fairy like the Spirit Sovereign shouldn't have a Dao Companion in this life!

If they couldn't have her, it was best for such a Fairy to grow old alone!

But what was the situation now?"

With such an intimate way of holding hands, anyone could see that the relationship between the two was definitely not as simple as ordinary Fellow Daoists!

"It's over, it's all over!"

"So the Spirit Sovereign has already lost her heart to the Peerless Sovereign!"

"Forget holding her hand, other male Cultivators don't even get a chance to say a few more words to her!"

"No wonder she was willing to take such a huge risk and go against the general trend to help the Peerless Sovereign. It turns out she already belonged to him in her heart!"

"Sigh, only a peerless Prodigy like the Peerless Sovereign could move the heart of a perfect person like the Spirit Sovereign!"

Strands of Divine Sense intertwined.

Countless human Cultivators had their hearts broken at this moment; the Fairy in their hearts, who was high and untouchable, already had someone she liked.

Li Xuanfeng's indifferent gaze swept across the gate of the Heaven Refining Hall. The intertwined strands of Divine Sense instantly dissipated, and all the Cultivators fell silent, not daring to discuss further via Divine Sense in private.