NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: chapter 16
Shen He's Special Physique – Beware of the Hehuan Sect
Jiang Yan was not in a hurry to answer Zhongli and the others' questions. Instead, his expression turned solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice:
"Excuse me."
Before anyone could react, Jiang Yan suddenly appeared behind Shen He, gently placing his palm on her back.
"Jiang Yan?!"
Gan Yu's face filled with anxiety. Just as she was about to say something, Liu Yun stopped her.
"Don't worry, Jiang Yan will not harm Shen He."
Gan Yu was speechless, but Zhongli, standing nearby, sighed quietly.
Liuyun is truly bad at reading people…
Gan Yu wasn't worried about Jiang Yan hurting Shen He—her emotions were written all over her face. It was something else entirely. But love is a delicate matter, and Zhongli chose not to say anything.
Still…
He couldn't help but feel concerned about Gan Yu's attachment to Jiang Yan. If Jiang Yan truly intended to become an immortal, it was uncertain whether he would remain in Teyvat or ascend to a higher realm. Zhongli could only hope that Gan Yu wouldn't be heartbroken in the end.
As everyone silently watched Jiang Yan, golden-purple lines flickered between his brows. A faint trace of purple energy emerged where his palm touched Shen He's back.
Moments later, Jiang Yan's expression shifted slightly, a trace of joy appearing on his face.
This caught Zhongli and the others' attention.
Despite only knowing Jiang Yan for a short time, they could tell he was not someone who easily revealed his emotions. The only times they had seen him react this way were when he discovered extraordinary talent.
Could it be… Shen He is exceptionally gifted?
Zhongli smiled at the thought.
More gifted cultivators in Liyue meant greater strength for the region. If Jiang Yan truly intended to establish a sect, Liyue's power would rise significantly.
After a while, Jiang Yan withdrew his hand and returned to his seat with a graceful movement, as if reflected in a mirror.
Zhongli couldn't help but be curious about Jiang Yan's movement technique, but for now, Shen He's situation was more pressing.
"How is it? Is there a problem?" Zhongli asked.
Jiang Yan shook his head, his tone filled with admiration.
"No, it's nothing bad. In fact, this is quite an unexpected gain."
He paused, then added, "Teyvat truly has many hidden talents. If the Third Elder of the Qinghui lineage saw Shen He, he would be ecstatic to accept her as a disciple."
"The Prime Yin Body… I never expected such a rare physique to appear in a small world."
Liu Yun, who had been growing anxious, finally couldn't hold back.
"What does this physique mean? Is it good or bad?"
Jiang Yan pursed his lips and spoke softly.
"If I were to put it in the worst possible way for you… it's not good news."
"The Prime Yin Body is innately aligned with Yin energy, often bringing misfortune. As time passes, Shen He's emotions will gradually fade, making her increasingly detached from the world."
"If nothing is done, she could become entirely indifferent to everything, even to herself."
Liu Yun's expression turned frantic.
"Is there a way to fix this?"
"Liu Yun! Let Jiang Yan finish!" Zhongli's voice carried a rare sharpness, making Liu Yun immediately lower her head.
"I'm sorry..." she muttered.
"It's understandable," Jiang Yan reassured her. "Your concern is natural."
He continued, "Perhaps I should clarify—when I said the Prime Yin Body is bad news, I meant that it's problematic for her current life in Teyvat."
"But in the world of cultivation, the Prime Yin Body is an exceptional gift for female cultivators."
"In fact, in the Qinghui lineage of Shushan, the Third Elder has always been someone with a Prime Yin Body, passed down through each generation."
"The Third Elder is always a woman, and among the elders, she possesses the strongest combat ability."
"Qinghui lineage only takes one disciple per generation, always someone with a Prime Yin Body, who then inherits the title of Third Elder."
"And every Third Elder has ascended to immortality."
"Before the fall of Shushan, the current Third Elder had already reached the peak of Void Refining and Union Dao, capable of ascending at any moment. However, she delayed her ascension because she had not yet found a suitable disciple with the Prime Yin Body."
"If she knew about Shen He, she would cross realms without hesitation to accept her as a disciple."
Liu Yun's eyes brightened, and she tightly grasped Shen He's hand.
"So… Shen He's talent is exceptional, right? But when I examined her spiritual roots earlier, they seemed…"
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"For those with special physiques, spiritual roots don't matter."
"Shen He only has mid-grade Ice spiritual roots, but the previous Third Elder only had three-rooted spiritual aptitude."
"The Prime Yin Body is unique—it's highly compatible with specialized cultivation techniques."
"Although not necessarily invincible among peers, Shen He's potential far surpasses ordinary geniuses."
"And as she cultivates, her emotions will gradually return."
"However…"
Jiang Yan hesitated for a moment before continuing. Seeing the anxious expressions around him, he finally said:
"The Prime Yin Body is indeed powerful, but its strength also makes it a target."
"Aside from its own emotional drawbacks, there's another danger—because of its natural affinity for Dual Cultivation."
"If the Hehuan Sect or other evil cultivators were to discover her, they would stop at nothing to take her for themselves."
Zhongli frowned. He had a bad feeling about this.
"Can you explain in more detail?"
"In Teyvat, you don't have to worry about this kind of threat," Jiang Yan reassured him.
"But in the world of immortal cultivation, the Hehuan Sect is a notorious sect that specializes in Dual Cultivation. To put it plainly…"
"Their practitioners believe in absorbing the vital energy of men and women through dual cultivation, balancing Yin and Yang to enhance their power."
Hearing this, the immortals' expressions darkened. Zhongli's fingers tightened around his teacup.
"So they call it the 'Dao of Yin and Yang'… but in reality, it's nothing more than a vile, despicable practice."
"Shameless!"
Liu Yun gritted her teeth, her grip on Shen He's hand tightening protectively.
"How could something so disgusting be considered a method of cultivation?!"
Jiang Yan gave a bitter smile.
"But such a sect does exist, and they are considered evil cultivators in the cultivation world."
"The Hehuan Sect's disciples practice by absorbing the vital essence of others. The ones they target… rarely live past the age of twenty-five."
"In the immortal world, the Hehuan Sect is an enemy of all righteous cultivators."
"If they set their sights on someone, they will stop at nothing—kidnapping, drugging… anything to achieve their goal."
"But don't worry," Jiang Yan said, his voice firm. "I am the only cultivator in Teyvat, and I do not practice Hehuan techniques."
Zhongli set his cup down and spoke calmly.
"It seems the cultivation world is far from peaceful."
"That is the nature of all worlds," Jiang Yan replied.
"As long as people exist, there will be conflict. Good and evil will always coexist. That is an unchanging truth."
"But rest assured, Shen He's cultivation path will be smooth. Once she gains the power to protect herself, the Prime Yin Body will be her greatest asset, rather than a liability."
Liu Yun looked at Shen He, who remained expressionless, and felt a pang of sorrow.
Thank the heavens Shen He was born in Teyvat… Otherwise…
Jiang Yan, sensing the heavy atmosphere, changed the topic.
"As I mentioned before, spiritual roots are merely a starting point. True genius comes from special physiques."
"With Shen He's talent, it would be a waste for her not to pursue immortality."
Pausing for a moment, he then said:
"I don't have the Qinghui lineage's techniques with me, but I carry many Shushan secrets. In time, I will unlock them."
"When that happens, Shen He can begin her cultivation."
Jiang Yan turned to Shen He.
"I can take you as a disciple on behalf of the Third Elder. Shen He, are you willing to become a disciple of Shushan and embark on the path of cultivation?"
For the first time, Jiang Yan extended an invitation.
Because the Prime Yin Body…
Was simply too perfect for cultivation!