Chapter 2649: Conditions

"One slight misstep and your soul could be scattered," Zu An said gravely. He knew that after reaching the Earth Immortal stage, cultivators' Yin and Yang spirits could indeed leave their bodies, and the stronger they were, the further their spirits could travel.

However, that was in a normal world, where spiritual energy was abundant and could nourish the Yin and Yang spirits. Even then, cultivators greatly feared weapons specifically targeting the soul, and their physical bodies needed protection. Otherwise, if their spirit left their body and their physical form was destroyed by an enemy, no matter how powerful their spirit, it would eventually dissipate.

Moreover, this time they were heading to the Underworld, a place inherently hostile to spirits, where they faced immense suppression and corrosion.

"No matter how great the danger, I must go," Yan Xuehen said, her brows etched with sorrow. "For years, I've worried about Chu Yan, searching through countless texts but never finding a way to save her. Now that I finally have news of her, my heart won't rest until I see her with my own eyes."

Zu An sensed her emotional turmoil. He knew this matter had always been a deep-seated concern for her; she felt their relationship had led to Chu Yan's misfortune. If this knot in her heart wasn't untangled soon, he feared it would transform into an inner demon, which was precisely what Yan Xuehen's cultivation method most strictly warned against.

Thinking this, he said in a deep voice, "Alright!"

"When shall we leave?" Yan Xuehen asked, visibly relieved when he agreed.

Zu An looked at the night sky outside. "It's almost midnight. That's when the Yin energy is strongest, perfect for entering the Underworld."

He then proceeded to explain the general situation of the Underworld and the necessary precautions to Yan Xuehen, to prevent her from being startled by anything later.

Yan Xuehen remained calm. Under his guidance, she quickly sat in meditation in the room, performing the technique he taught her, and began to let her spirit leave her body.

Watching her face up close, Zu An secretly marveled at her picturesque beauty. Coupled with her unique, ethereal coolness, it was no wonder that even figures like Zhao Hao from their generation had pursued her.

Suddenly, Yan Xuehen opened her eyes, meeting his gaze as he appraised her. Her cheeks flushed faintly. "I have another question. Once my spirit leaves my body, will anything happen to my physical body here?"

Having had many admirers over the years, she was accustomed to protecting herself. She wouldn't know what happened to her physical body once her spirit departed, so a sense of unease was inevitable.

Zu An smiled slightly. "No need to worry. This is already the safest place in the academy, and I'll set up a formation around us to ensure no one can approach. Furthermore, if anything unexpected happens, I can return immediately. In this world, if I wish it, I know everything that occurs in every location."

Only then did Yan Xuehen relax. At the same time, she felt a profound yearning for his realm. "The supreme realm recorded in Taoist scriptures, which cultivators throughout history believed to be merely the imagination of ancient sages, you have actually managed to achieve it."

"Call me Master from now on, and I'll teach you," Zu An said with a grin, leaning closer.

"Pah!" Yan Xuehen spat, turning her face away in embarrassment.

She had heard his recent lectures, where he mentioned his current realm, which was indeed high enough for him to be her master.

But back then, she had been discussing cultivation seriously. Now, however, his tone clearly indicated he wanted to exploit this status to play inappropriate games. How could she agree?

Knowing her easily embarrassed nature, Zu An worried that teasing her further might cause emotional fluctuations and affect their upcoming task. He decided not to joke anymore. "Are you ready? Shall we begin?"

"Yes!" Yan Xuehen closed her eyes again. Under his guidance, she recited a special incantation, and soon a faint, ethereal figure rose from her body.

Seeing her physical body sitting upright on the bed, Yan Xuehen felt a momentary unfamiliarity. "This soul egress seems a bit different from the previous separation of Yin and Yang spirits."

As Zu An altered the surrounding environment to protect her soul, he chuckled, "Actually, it's not that different. Yin and Yang spirits are both parts of the soul. Your current state is merely the extraction of the most essential spark of spiritual light from your body..."

The ethereal figure looked exactly like Yan Xuehen. Zu An was curious: theoretically, the soul state should be the purest, without any adornment, so why did every soul that left the body seem to be wearing clothes? He mused that it must be the subconscious at play. Even when the soul left the body, people instinctively felt the need to wear clothes, so their garments were also materialized.

Yan Xuehen found his explanations about the soul incredibly insightful, thinking that after they returned, a period of secluded cultivation would likely lead to further advancement for her.

Seeing his solemn expression, her gaze unconsciously softened. She thought, "Ah Zu is indeed very handsome when he's serious."

If she knew what Zu An was currently thinking, her rosy perception of him would likely shatter.

"Don't you need to leave your body as well?" she suddenly asked, noticing Zu An's state with curiosity.

Zu An smiled faintly and reached out to take her hand. "The Underworld indeed doesn't allow any living beings to enter, but I am the sole exception. Come, I'll take you."

This time, Yan Xuehen didn't refuse. In her current soul state, she naturally felt insecure and instinctively wanted to stay close to Zu An.

However, as she took his hand, her body trembled. "Why does it feel so strange?"

"In the soul state, touch is much more intense than usual..." As Zu An spoke, he suddenly recalled the time in the demon world when, by chance, he and Jiang Luofu had also merged in their soul states. That feeling had indeed been unforgettable. He wondered if she was truly safe now.

Noticing his unusual expression, Yan Xuehen instinctively mumbled, "Are you holding my hand but thinking of another girl?"

The moment the words left her lips, she regretted them. It was truly unlike something she would say.

Zu An was equally surprised. "So, Sister Yan gets jealous too?"

"I'm merely supervising on Chu Yan's behalf," Yan Xuehen retorted, her face stern as she spoke coldly. "Since she's not here, as her master, I naturally can't let you philander around."

"Yes, yes, yes," Zu An said, unable to suppress his smile. He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Since Master is supervising on Chu Yan's behalf, and she's not here, I'm quite lonely and miserable alone in an empty room. Shouldn't Master accompany me in her stead?"

"How can you be so shameless!" Yan Xuehen exclaimed, both embarrassed and flustered. It was the first time she realized that even a soul body could blush.

"If you're going to help, then help all the way," Zu An pressed on. "If you don't help, I'll have to find someone else, and then wouldn't you have failed your duty to supervise me for Chu Yan?" Zu An found that teasing the ice-cold fairy was surprisingly amusing.

Yan Xuehen blinked, feeling something was off but unable to pinpoint it. "My supervision for Chu Yan doesn't mean I also have to... help her with that."

"Isn't this better?" Zu An countered. "If you take care of me, I naturally won't have the energy to find anyone else. That way, you'd be guarding me properly for Chu Yan."

Hearing his words, Yan Xuehen surprisingly found herself swayed. It did seem logical: it was better for him to be with her than to philander outside. Compared to other women, Chu Yan would probably be more accepting of him only being with her. After all, they were the closest people, and this would keep the benefits within the family.

The moment this thought emerged, her cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly pinched the man beside her hard. "You almost tricked me! Even if Chu Yan were by your side, with your energy, how could you not go out philandering?"

His boundless energy was still fresh in her memory; how many nights had she spent tossing and turning because of it? How could one or two people possibly keep him contained?

Zu An's eyes lit up. "By your tone, it sounds like you actually considered it just now?"

Yan Xuehen was utterly mortified. Deciding to just give in, she said, "If you promise not to pursue anyone other than Chu Yan in the future, I can temporarily help her... take care of you."