Mortal: Starting with the Seven Mysterious Sects, I proved my Dao through sacrifice.

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Murong Fan achieved Foundation Establishment without consuming any elixir, completing the leap from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment in just a few days. This talent quickly spread throughout Huangfeng Valley, and naturally, it soon reached Dong Xuan'er's ears. Who was Dong Xuan'er? She was the illegitimate daughter of Huangfeng Valley Elder Hong Fu and the Hehuan Sect's Old Demon Yunlu. Not only did she possess three spiritual roots, but she also had a naturally alluring body, and her aptitude was extraordinary. She had successfully established her Foundation at the age of twenty, making her a role model in Huangfeng Valley.

Having heard that her mother, Hong Fu, was devoting all her resources to nurturing her junior brother, Murong Fan, while she was away cultivating elsewhere, she was already filled with resentment. Murong Fan not only received an audience with the Linghu Patriarch but also shattered her Foundation Establishment myth, which only added to her displeasure. With Lu Yunfeng adding fuel to the fire, she became utterly irreconcilable with Murong Fan.

Dong Xuan'er possessed exceptional talent and, despite her arrogance and capriciousness, was remarkably intelligent. Instead of directly confronting Murong Fan, she congratulated him and paid him a visit as his senior sister, her words filled with admiration. Their relationship gradually evolved from initial unfamiliarity to one of deep camaraderie.

Murong Fan gradually developed feelings for this senior sister. Getting closer to each other was only Dong Xuan'er's first step; seducing Murong Fan was her core plan.

"Junior Brother Murong, there are quite a few female disciples in Huangfeng Valley. Have you ever had a Daoist partner?" Dong Xuan'er's eyes immediately sparkled, her tone carrying a hint of allure. As they spoke, a light veil slipped gently from her beautiful shoulders, revealing glimpses of her graceful figure and stirring the imagination. Her skin was as white as snow, gleaming in the dim light filtering in from outside the cave. Her affectionate eyes shimmered like autumn water, seemingly capable of stealing one's soul.

Murong Fan felt a chill run down his spine as he noticed a faint, exotic fragrance emanating from the other person. The fragrance was unlike any other incense, possessing a strange and alluring power that caused a barely perceptible disturbance in the spiritual energy that had just stabilized within his body.

Murong Fan calmly circulated his internal energy to suppress the strange feeling, pretending to be completely unaware, and said with a faint smile, "Senior Sister is joking. Junior Brother is focused on the Dao and has no such thoughts for the time being."

Seeing that he remained unmoved, Dong Xuan'er's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her charming demeanor. She took a half step forward and breathed softly, "Junior Brother, with such talent, you are sure to be a leader in the cultivation world. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a close companion by your side to explore the path of immortality together, and to share joy and sorrow when you are troubled? I... am willing to introduce you to a few talented and beautiful junior sisters." As she spoke, her fingers intentionally or unintentionally brushed against Murong Fan's sleeve, her fingertips slightly cool, yet carrying an indescribable tingling sensation.

Murong Fan slightly turned his body to avoid her touch, his vigilance growing even stronger. Dong Xuan'er's seductive arts were indeed well-deserved; if it weren't for his firm will and the secret protection of the altar's power, he would probably have already swayed his mind.

Murong Fan knew the other party's intentions were not good, but he still maintained his politeness: "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister, but I have just entered the Foundation Establishment stage and my foundation is not yet stable. I still need to focus on cultivation. I will not consider the matter of a Daoist partner for the time being."

Seeing that he remained unmoved, Dong Xuan'er's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly concealed it. She bit her lower lip and put on a wronged look: "Junior brother, are you keeping me at arm's length because you think I... am not worthy of introducing you?" Her voice choked, her eyes were slightly red, and her tearful appearance was enough to make any man feel pity.

Murong Fan had never seen anything like this before. Having never been in a relationship, he blushed and felt hot, but he still managed to resist the temptation.

Murong Fan sneered inwardly, thinking to himself that this woman was indeed cunning and her acting was incredibly convincing. He remained unmoved, but his tone became even more distant: "Senior Sister, you flatter me. That's not what I meant. I'm simply devoted to the Dao, and I hope you can understand." With that, he made a move to stand up. "If Senior Sister has nothing else to say, I need to continue my seclusion to consolidate my cultivation, so I won't keep you any longer."

Seeing that Murong Fan had given her the order to leave, Dong Xuan'er knew that continuing to pester him would be futile and would only provoke his displeasure. She suppressed her resentment and forced a smile back onto her face, though a hint of coldness lingered within it: "Since Junior Brother is working so diligently, Senior Sister will not disturb you any longer. However, since Junior Brother has only recently entered the Foundation Establishment stage, if you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, you are always welcome to come to Senior Sister. Senior Sister will certainly answer all your questions without reservation." With that, she gave Murong Fan a deep, complex look, her gaze a mixture of resentment and a hint of determination.

Then, she turned and gracefully left the Tranquil Cave, leaving behind a faint fragrance and Murong Fan's solemn expression.

After Dong Xuan'er left, Murong Fan immediately sat cross-legged and began to circulate his internal energy to carefully examine his body. He discovered that although he had suppressed the strange fragrance, it had not completely dissipated; a trace of it still lingered in his mind, attempting to influence his spirit.

Murong Fan quickly activated the altar's power, and the soft green light instantly purified the remaining aura. Murong Fan secretly rejoiced, thankful that he had been prepared; otherwise, he might have truly fallen for this seductive woman's trick today. He knew that Dong Xuan'er would not let this go so easily, and a new storm was likely to be brewing soon.

Sure enough, within three days, Dong Xuan'er visited again. This time, she didn't deliberately use her charms. Instead, she held up a yellowed ancient book and said with a smile, "Junior brother, I heard that you activated the earth's spiritual energy during your Foundation Establishment stage, so your control over spiritual power must be unique. This is a fragment of the 'Azure Origin Sword Manual' that I obtained by chance. It contains several annotations on the transformation of wood-attribute spiritual power, which may be helpful for stabilizing your cultivation." She handed the ancient book to Murong Fan, and a faint fragrance of ink and spiritual energy emanated from its pages.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister. This gift is far too precious for me to accept." Murong Fan closed the ancient book and handed it back. Since ancient times, no one has ever accepted a gift without merit. Thinking of this, his doubts deepened. Just a few days ago, Dong Xuan'er had been trying to seduce him in every way. Why was she being so "kind" today?

He didn't believe this woman would be friendly for no reason.

Dong Xuan'er pressed down on his hand, the soft warmth of her fingertips returning, carrying a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy: "Junior Brother, what do you mean by this? We are fellow disciples, it is only natural for us to support each other. Besides, this incomplete scroll is just gathering dust in my hands, it would be better to give it to someone as talented as you, Junior Brother, so that it can be put to good use." Her eyes were sincere, and her tone was earnest. If Murong Fan had not been on guard, he would have almost been moved by her "sincere" appearance.

Murong Fan sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "I appreciate Senior Sister's kindness. However, this sword technique is profound, and as I am only at the Foundation Establishment stage, I fear I will find it difficult to grasp its essence. I will wait until my cultivation has improved before asking Senior Sister for guidance." He tried to push the ancient book back again.

Dong Xuan'er gently shook her head, forcefully stuffing the ancient book into his arms, its blade brushing against his chest as she continued to tease him: "Junior brother, why be so modest? Who in the entire Yellow Maple Valley doesn't know your talent? Take this incomplete scroll and study it slowly. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me." Without waiting for Murong Fan to refuse again, she turned and said, "Junior brother, please continue with your work. I won't disturb you any longer."

Watching Dong Xuan'er's departing figure, Murong Fan looked down at the ancient book in his arms, his brows furrowed. He had heard his master, Hong Fu, mention this "Azure Origin Sword Manual" before; it was a lost, superior wood-attribute cultivation technique, and even a fragment was priceless. Dong Xuan'er's easy gift of it must be a trap. He carefully put the ancient book away, deciding not to touch it for the time being, and to consult his master or Elder Linghu later before making a decision.

However, Dong Xuan'er's "goodwill" did not end there. In the following days, she would either bring him rare cultivation materials or "accidentally" meet him at the training ground to instruct him on a few exquisite wood-type spells. Even in front of the sect disciples, she showed care and protection for this "junior brother." Before long, rumors circulated in Huangfeng Valley that Senior Sister Dong had a great fondness for Murong Fan, this newly promoted Foundation Establishment junior brother, and that there was even a possibility that they might become Daoist partners.

Murong Fan naturally scoffed at this, but he also understood Dong Xuan'er's sinister intentions. Her ostentatious display of goodwill was nothing more than an attempt to lull him into a false sense of security and convey the illusion of a harmonious relationship to others. Once he lowered his guard, or if he appeared to be on close terms with her in the eyes of others, she could then secretly strike, leaving him powerless to retaliate and possibly ending up in the ridiculous situation of "hatred born of love, and hurt by love itself."

That day, Murong Fan was consolidating his cultivation in the Tranquil Cave when he suddenly heard a commotion outside. He frowned slightly, got up, and went to the cave entrance. There he saw Dong Xuan'er surrounded by several outer sect disciples. One of them said with an unfriendly expression, "Senior Sister Dong, what right do you have to give that 'Dew-Condensing Grass' to Murong Fan? Our team went to great lengths to collect it from Black Maple Valley!"

Dong Xuan'er's eyebrows furrowed, and she said coldly, "Junior Brother Murong has just entered the Foundation Establishment stage, and this is precisely the time when he needs resources to stabilize his realm. The Dew-Condensing Grass is of great benefit to his cultivation, so what's wrong with giving it to him? When have you outer disciples ever dared to question your senior sister's decision?"

"But..." The outer disciple wanted to argue, but was forced back by Dong Xuan'er's sharp gaze.

"No buts!" Dong Xuan'er's voice deepened, releasing the pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. "If you still disagree, go to the Enforcement Hall to receive your punishment!"

The faces of the outer disciples turned pale and then red, and in the end they could only leave unwillingly.

Dong Xuan'er then turned around and saw Murong Fan at the cave entrance. Her face immediately softened into a gentle smile: "Junior brother, I'm sorry you had to see this. These outer disciples are ignorant, making such a fuss over a single Dew-Gathering Grass. I've already had someone deliver the Dew-Gathering Grass to your cave; please use it wisely."

Murong Fan looked at her, his heart turning cold. This Dong Xuan'er, in order to put on this act well, didn't hesitate to bully outer disciples; her methods were truly despicable. He said calmly, "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister, but I cannot accept such a reward without merit. Please take the Dew-Condensing Grass back."

Dong Xuan'er's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal: "Junior brother, why bother? Do you think that everything I've done for you is for ulterior motives?" A hint of grievance flashed in her eyes, and her voice trembled slightly. "I know you might still be upset with my previous abruptness. But my appreciation and concern for you are genuine. We are both disciples of Master Hong Fu, and it is only right that we help and support each other."

Murong Fan watched her tearful appearance without feeling a ripple of emotion. This woman's acting skills were simply superb. He didn't want to get entangled with her any longer and turned to return to his cave: "I understand Senior Sister's intentions. However, I am aloof by nature and used to being alone. I hope Senior Sister won't have to go to such trouble in the future."

"Could it be that my junior brother already has someone he likes, and I am ultimately no match for that girl Chen!" She took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anger in her heart, and put on that pitiful look again.

"Senior sister, don't talk nonsense. Junior sister Chen and I are just fellow disciples!" Murong Fan replied calmly.

Dong Xuan'er gazed at Murong Fan's retreating figure and said softly, "Fellow disciples? You can give away Foundation Establishment Pills so casually, and you call that fellow disciples? Why don't you give them to your other fellow disciples? Since you said you don't like Chen girl, why are you keeping me at arm's length? I think that's the truth. Since that's the case, I won't force you. Just remember, no matter what, I will always be on your side."

As soon as Murong Fan's figure disappeared into the cave, Dong Xuan'er's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a sinister look. She turned and gave a wink in a dark direction before gracefully departing.

Inside the Tranquil Cave, Murong Fan listened to the footsteps outside fading into the distance and slowly closed his eyes. He knew that Dong Xuan'er's patience was almost exhausted, and her real scheme was probably about to begin. And he had to be fully prepared.