Chapter 32: Dugu Yan's Mild Symptoms

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is truly kind. Despite his busy schedule and concerns for the students, he still finds time to visit us." Jun Han interjected with a tone that was neither warm nor cold.

Others might not have detected the underlying meaning in his words, but Xue Qinghe did. He did not take offense, however. "Naturally, one must be attentive to Sister Xi'er. After all, she is still just a child and requires extra care."

The two men observed each other in silence. Xue Qinghe offered a faint smile, not giving Jun Han a second thought. To him, this was merely a way to build rapport with Ning Xi; why should he care about a mere child? Over the past few months, he had heard everything there was to know about Ning Xi. How could he let such an outstanding talent slip through his fingers? He had originally intended to bring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to his side, and now that he had access to Ning Xi, he would naturally start with her.

Jun Han’s grip tightened on his chopsticks as he stared back, expressionless. Yet, because he was young, his attempt at rivalry appeared endearingly naive compared to the Crown Prince.

"Brother, you’re acting strange today. Is it because Sister Xi'er is too impressive?" Xue Ke looked up, studying Xue Qinghe with curiosity.

Xue Qinghe took a soft sip of tea, lowered his voice, and laughed. "Hehe, Xi'er is our teacher's daughter. Isn't it normal for me to show some concern?"

"I suppose so. Let’s eat."

Ning Xi smiled faintly. "Big Brother Xue, you are busy with official duties. You don't need to go out of your way to dine with us; it wastes your time."

"It is no trouble."

Xue Qinghe’s gaze fell upon Jun Han, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile—a lazy, provocative expression that did not escape Jun Han’s notice. The two remained locked in a silent standoff, completely unnoticed by Xue Ke and Ning Xi, who were deep in conversation.

After the meal, Xue Qinghe departed the academy. Seated within his carriage, he looked at the small object in his hand, feeling immensely satisfied. Caressing the item, he felt a strange sense of comfort.

Back in her dormitory, Ning Xi immediately took out the Wishful Treasure Pouch, beginning to study the rare artifact. It required a precise soul guidance formation, a life-support system, rare soul crystals, ores, and a variety of complex materials. It was far too profound.

Just as she headed downstairs to practice her swordsmanship, she unexpectedly ran into Jun Han. He sensed her preoccupation at once. "What’s wrong? Did something happen?"

Ning Xi hesitated for a moment, but having spent so much time together, she trusted Jun Han and explained how Xue Qinghe had given her the pouch. Having watched her craft soul tools, Jun Han immediately understood the function of the pouch—the ability to store living creatures was indeed remarkable.

"Let me see it; perhaps I can help you."

A blue leather pouch, no larger than two adult palms, appeared in Ning Xi's hand. As Jun Han took it, a faint blue light merged into his brow. He closed his eyes tightly, and when he opened them again, a flash of blue light flickered through his pupils.

Watching this reaction, Ning Xi could only marvel at the wonder of Jun Han’s martial soul. It was worthy of being a body-type martial soul.

"What did you sense?"

Jun Han returned the object to her, whispering, "I think I understand how to craft it."

"You... you understand how to craft it? You know how to make one?" Ning Xi was astonished. Jun Han had once crafted a Level 4 soul tool, which had shocked her, though he hadn't made another since, focusing instead on broader theoretical problems.

Jun Han nodded with a smile. "Yes. I will write down the materials for you, and you can have someone search for them." He owed his current situation to Ning Xi’s help, and once he had studied such a device, the construction method was clear. Otherwise, wouldn't all those books he had pored over have been for nothing?

"Alright." With those words from Jun Han, Ning Xi’s mood lightened considerably.

...

After returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and asking Ning Fengzhi to dispatch men to find the materials, Ning Xi returned to the academy. Through long periods of shared cultivation, her relationship with Dugu Yan and the others had grown closer than anyone else's. However, Ning Xi had discovered that Dugu Yan seemed to have poison in her body. This might be due to her martial soul, but judging by her demeanor, Dugu Yan seemed unaware of the situation.

Unable to be certain, Ning Xi decided to intercept Dugu Yan after class. Following lunch, she quietly pulled Dugu Yan away for practice. Sunlight filtered through the leaves of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, casting dappled shadows across the hillside grass.

The two sat side by side on a blue stone. Their training session had just concluded, sweat trickling down their cheeks and soaking their clothes. Dugu Yan leaned against Ning Xi’s shoulder and sighed wearily, "I'm truly exhausted. Why is it so difficult to improve soul power?"

She looked up at the sky. It was strange—Ning Xi had insisted on training and sparring with her alone today. Still, she had gained much experience, which left her satisfied. Despite Ning Xi’s youth, her resolute character had earned Dugu Yan's genuine affection. Yu Tianheng and the others were busy with their own affairs, so they hadn't come looking for them.

Ning Xi smiled slightly and patted Dugu Yan’s back. "Sister Yan, don't be anxious. You are already excellent."

She turned her head to look at Dugu Yan’s face, only to find her complexion unnaturally pale, a stark contrast to her usual rosy glow. Ning Xi noted this silently, her heart sinking, though she maintained a calm facade to avoid alerting Dugu Yan to her concern.

"By the way, Sister Yan, have you felt anything strange in your body lately?" Ning Xi asked softly, keeping her tone casual, as if in idle conversation.

Dugu Yan paused, then chuckled. "What do you mean? Do I look strange?" Though she didn't understand why Ning Xi was asking, she felt the sincerity behind the question and felt a warmth in her heart. She was happy that someone cared for her.

Ning Xi thought for a moment and decided to be more specific. "Sister Yan, I’ve heard that some people experience strange symptoms whenever it’s cloudy or rainy."

Dugu Yan, who was wiping away sweat, paused. "Oh? What kind of symptoms?"

Ning Xi watched her expression closely. "For instance, a numbing itch on the flanks that gradually intensifies, recurring at noon and midnight, each time lasting for a period. Also, in the dead of night, around the third watch, a needle-like stabbing pain in the crown of the head and the heart, accompanied by full-body spasms that last for at least half an hour."

Dugu Yan froze, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes as she recalled something. She frowned, thinking carefully. "Now that you mention it, I do seem to have had similar symptoms. However, mine are quite mild. The itching on my flanks isn't very noticeable, and the episodes at noon and midnight don't last long—only about fifteen minutes."

Ning Xi’s heart tightened.