Chapter Nineteen: One Offense, One Defense

After taking a deep breath, he carefully opened the envelope, his movements gentle as if holding an incredibly precious treasure. Once opened, he gently placed the outer envelope on the table before shifting his gaze to the letter inside.

Old Medicine Master, seeing Xiao Yan’s expression, was at a loss for words.

On the letter, Ning Jiuyou’s delicate handwriting came into view. As Xiao Yan read the words, he seemed to envision her writing them—perhaps with a faint reluctance, or maybe with firm resolve.

He read each word carefully, trying to feel her emotions between the lines, to understand the reasons behind her departure. When he reached the caring words she left behind, a warm current surged through his heart.

“Xiao Yan, by the time you read this letter, I should have already left. During this time, I have been deeply grateful for the care from you and the Xiao family. I have felt warmth here, and everything about this place is unforgettable—especially you, who have given me so much concern and help.

“My memory is incomplete now. Only by advancing my cultivation can I have a chance to recover what has been lost. This is a journey I must undertake. Even though it will be full of hardship, I will not retreat. You must also cultivate diligently and never waste your talent. With your intelligence and effort, you will surely carve out a place of your own on the Dou Qi Continent.

“Additionally, I have left you a set of Dou Techniques suitable for your cultivation. This technique originally had some compatibility with your methods, and I have made some improvements based on my understanding and insights.

“During the refinement process, I carefully considered every detail, repeatedly pondering how to make it unleash its full power while perfectly integrating with your Dou Qi attribute. This Dou Technique should now allow you to achieve twice the results with half the effort in your cultivation.

“Feel free to study it. If you encounter any questions, delve into them. If we meet again... I will definitely help you solve them.

“Xiao Yan, though our acquaintance was brief, I will always cherish this bond. I wish you smooth progress on your cultivation path and the early realization of your goals. Once I recover my memories, I will come back to reunite with you.”

Having finished the letter, Xiao Yan sat quietly, the paper trembling slightly in his hands, his heart a tangle of emotions.

On one hand, learning that Ning Jiuyou left in pursuit of her memories, he felt reluctant but understood her predicament. Although he could not fully empathize with the confusion and pain caused by memory loss, he could imagine it to some extent.

On the other hand, her encouragement and hopes for him, as well as the specially refined Dou Technique she left behind, stirred a warm and empowering feeling within him.

His fingers gently traced the letter.

“Jiuyou, rest assured, I will train hard. One day, I will stand by your side, and even protect you,” he murmured softly, determination shining in his eyes.

---

Thinking of the Dou Technique mentioned in Ning Jiuyou’s letter, his eyes glanced toward the manual resting nearby.

Xiao Yan carefully picked up the manual and gently flipped to the first page.

Seeing Ning Jiuyou’s personal annotations and the refinements she made filled him with a new wave of emotion.

Silently, he vowed, “I have received your earnest efforts. I will not waste your painstaking work.”

He then clutched the Dou Technique manual close and left Ning Jiuyou’s room.

Back in his own quarters, he placed the manual on the table, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to collect his thoughts.

“Teacher!” Xiao Yan called urgently in his heart, a hint of excitement in his voice. “This Dou Technique was refined by Jiuyou for me. Please take a look and help me figure out how to cultivate it better.”

The Old Medicine Master leisurely emerged from the storage ring and, seeing Xiao Yan’s eager expression, teased, “Oh ho, ‘refined by Jiuyou for me,’ listen to that tone! This old bone of mine is truly feeling envious!”

Xiao Yan looked at the faint, smiling figure of his mentor and shook his head helplessly, thinking: For someone your age, you still love to joke around so much.

Feigning anger, he glared at the Old Medicine Master and said, “Alright, Teacher, that’s enough. Don’t tease me anymore.”

The Old Medicine Master didn’t back down and continued to stare intently at Xiao Yan, his face still wearing that mischievous grin.

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable under that gaze, Xiao Yan returned the glare, and the two—one human, one spirit—held each other’s eyes.

After a moment...

Eventually, Xiao Yan relented with a sigh and said helplessly, “Alright, Teacher, I admit defeat. Let’s just focus on studying this Dou Technique and figure out how to cultivate it.”

The Old Medicine Master, sensing the change, turned his attention to the manual on the table.

He carefully leafed through it, and after a while, his eyes gleamed with appreciation as he said:

“That girl Jiuyou is truly remarkable. The refined Dou Technique not only aligns better with your cultivation attributes but also greatly improves its power and execution fluidity. Also, look at the Dou Technique you retrieved earlier from the Dou Qi Pavilion.”

---

Xiao Yan then took out that Dou Technique and placed the two manuals side by side.

“Is there something wrong, Teacher?”

“Take a close look at how these two Dou Techniques operate. Unexpectedly, Jiuyou thought this through far ahead. She anticipated you would bring this technique along.”

“These two Dou Techniques—one offensive, one defensive—complement each other perfectly. I didn’t expect her understanding of Dou Techniques to be so profound. Truly, the younger generation is formidable.”

Pausing, the Old Medicine Master glanced at Xiao Yan and continued, “What kind of lucky streak are you on, young man? To have such a capable and thoughtful girl put so much effort into refining your Dou Techniques. Back in my day, I…”

“Teacher, enough about the past. Let’s focus on the present,” Xiao Yan quickly interrupted. He had no desire to hear the same old stories again—the same few tales that had become painfully repetitive.

The Old Medicine Master glared at Xiao Yan and grumbled, “You’re quite impolite, young man.”

“Well, since you’re my master, I guess I’ll tolerate you. Let’s start by teaching you how to cultivate this Dou Technique,” he relented.

With that, the Old Medicine Master patiently began explaining the key points and cultivation methods embedded within the Dou Technique.

Xiao Yan listened intently, occasionally raising questions. The master and disciple immersed themselves in the study of the Dou Techniques...

After receiving the Dou Technique left by Ning Jiuyou, Xiao Yan began rigorous practice.

Every day, he trained in the mountains behind the house, repeatedly pondering the mysteries within, striving to execute every move to perfection.

At the same time, he did not neglect his alchemy practice. During breaks from Dou Technique training, he devoted himself to refining pills, following the Old Medicine Master’s teachings and continuously experimenting to improve his alchemical skills.

After some time, Xiao Yan successfully produced a batch of pills. He sent them to the Mittel Auction House to sell, exchanging them for cultivation resources and precious medicinal materials.