Chi Yao didn’t know how to react.

On one hand, methods that altered one’s energy and spells were relatively common among high-level demonic cultivators.

The only reason she lacked such a technique wasn’t that she had never possessed one, but because her memories of it had unknowingly vanished.

This wasn’t the first time she had encountered such a problem.

She had already noticed missing portions of the Heaven-Swallowing Scripture, and after examining the rest of her memories, she discovered it was far from the only thing affected.

On the other hand, the exquisiteness of the Origin Concealment Technique left her stunned.

Chi Yao was certain that, while it might not be the most powerful technique, it was nearly flawless.

The person who created was a true master.

She didn’t believe Chen Xuan’s claims that he created it by himself.

Even so, the fact that he had obtained such a method piqued her curiosity.

Once again, her Master’s figure became shrouded in mystery. The longer she spent by his side and the more they interacted, the deeper that mystery seemed to grow.

Naturally, Chen Xuan was unaware of Chi Yao’s thoughts.

Watching her aura transform and the fiery phoenix perched atop her palm, he nodded in satisfaction.

Having cultivated the Nirvana Phoenix Art, Chen Xuan also possessed the Nirvana Phoenix Flames.

He could tell that Chi Yao’s phoenix was far more than a simple illusion.

The demonic flame she had summoned had truly transformed into Nirvana Phoenix Flames.

Its essence had changed completely, as had its effects and properties.

Giving Chi Yao a few moments to familiarize herself with the transformation, Chen Xuan smiled.

"Now, you won’t have to worry about your Spirit Body being exposed."

He waved his hand.

The final item before him, a tiny black dot, suddenly expanded under his control.

Before either disciple could react, it had transformed into a majestic dragon.

More than fifty feet long and covered in shining pitch-black scales, it radiated an overwhelming pressure despite being nothing more than a corpse.

It was the remains of the Black Abyss Dragon, a creature whose reputation echoed throughout the world.

Although it was dead, the aura it emitted crashed down upon Chi Yao and Huo Ling’er.

The pressure was not only physical, but spiritual as well.

In their vision, a colossal black dragon shrouded in smoke and dark flames emerged, unleashing a thunderous roar that shook their minds.

Chi Yao remained largely unaffected. Armed with the experiences of her previous life, she quickly suppressed the influence.

However, the immature Huo Ling’er struggled greatly.

Fortunately, the Nirvana Phoenix Feather in her hands activated at the critical moment, forming a thin barrier around her and shielding her from the dragon’s will.

Only then did she regain her senses.

Before either woman could speak and ask what had happened, Chen Xuan’s voice rang out.

"This is the remains of the Black Abyss Dragon. By itself, y itself, it’s valuable, but far from as precious as the Natal Feather I gave to your Senior Sister."

His gaze shifted toward Chi Yao.

"However, it’s just an auxiliary material. My true gift is not it, but another technique. More specifically, a body-refining art."

Another stream of light shot from his fingers.

This time, it was the Dragon-Phoenix Body, or rather, its first level.

"I’ve noticed that although you’ve mastered several spells, you’ve yet to unleash your full potential."

"This is largely because of your lack of physical strength."

Chi Yao nodded.

Indeed, because of her lack of Physique, her close-quarters capabilities were severely limited.

"This technique can make up for your deficiencies," Chen Xuan explained.

"I’m planning to use a portion of the Black Abyss Dragon’s Essence to fulfill its initial requirements. From then on, you can cultivate it on your own."

As he spoke, his expression became serious.

Turning toward Huo Ling’er, he waved his sleeve.

"You may leave for now. The next process will be difficult for your Junior Sister. It’s not suitable for you to remain here."

Hearing these words, Huo Ling’er froze.

Her gaze moved back and forth between Chen Xuan and Chi Yao.

For a moment, she opened her mouth, wanting to protest loudly.

She wanted to say that there was no reason for Chen Xuan and Chi Yao to stay alone!

Yet these words never left her lips.

Faced with Chen Xuan’s stern expression, she could only nod reluctantly and retreat.

Before leaving, she glanced back one final time, only to see Chi Yao looking back at her.

Although her expression remained as indifferent as ever, Huo Ling’er swore she could see a trace of mockery hidden within her eyes.

Her fists tightened.

A chilling killing intent surfaced briefly before she forcibly suppressed it.

She rubbed her buttocks instinctively. She knew she could not let Chen Xuan see it; otherwise, she would suffer greatly.

With countless thoughts racing through her mind, Huo Ling’er descended down the mountain.

She swore to find a Chi Yao-looking training dummy to test her new combat methods on it.

--

On the other side, Chen Xuan watched Huo Ling’er depart, completely oblivious to her thoughts.

After confirming she was no longer nearby, he turned toward Chi Yao.

Seeing her gaze fixed on the dragon’s remains, he chuckled.

"You’ve already sensed the remnant will lingering inside the corpse."

Chi Yao nodded.

"If it were someone else, I would have erased it before doing anything." Chen Xuan continued.

"However, I’ve come to notice that your willpower is exceptional."

With my assistance and the Dragon-Phoenix Body, there’s a chance you can overwhelm that remnant will on your own."

"The benefits would be far greater than having me do it in your stead."

Without giving her time to think further, Chen Xuan patted the ground before him.

Chi Yao hesitated before bending her knees and sitting down awkwardly.

As soon as she did, Chen Xuan’s voice sounded beside her ear.

"Close your eyes."

"Try to withstand the impact for as long as you can. If anything feels wrong, call for me through your mind."

A faint blush crept across Chi Yao’s ears.

Not only because his hot breath brushed against her skin, but also because his palm settled against her bare back.

Instinctively, she wanted to move away.

But before she could do so, a soft moan escaped her lips, and she trembled.

A violent torrent of energy poured into her body, sending a jolt through her mind.