12 - The Divine Physician’s Overbearing Wife

**Chapter 12** In the realm of cultivation, spiritual roots were considered innate gifts bestowed by the heavens. To attempt to alter them was to oppose the natural order. Yan Zhuguang forcefully transformed her original five spiritual roots into toxic ones, a complete defiance of the heavens. Thus, just as her alchemical refinement was nearing success, tribulation lightning descended upon her. Had she opted for an alternative route, such as utilizing the treasures the system provided to purify spiritual roots, she would have spared herself from heaven’s wrath. This is not to say that other methods of refining spiritual roots aren’t also defiant; it's largely because these treasures endure heavenly tribulations even at maturity. Such trials ensure that only the rarest and most precious survive, explaining their scarcity. Those surviving treasures are rebellious by nature; using them to commit defiance, the heavenly way becomes obscured, sparing further tribulation. In simpler terms, the heavens turn a blind eye under these circumstances. Yan Zhuguang’s approach was straightforward, involving merely poisons and a few Linggu worms, devoid of defiant treasures that could obscure heaven’s awareness. Beyond the poisons and the worms, the most critical component was the secret method Yan Zhuguang devised to refine spiritual roots. This so-called forbidden technique was the pivotal step in the transformation process. Thus, when she utilized this rebellious technique, the heavens retaliated with tribulation as a warning. This was an anticipated risk for Yan Zhuguang. When she first developed the secret method, she foresaw this consequence in her heart. Given the magnitude of the tribulation, Yan Zhuguang now couldn't find a safe haven to endure this impending ordeal. Enduring the tribulation within Yimiao Sect would undoubtedly attract attention. Even if she survived by fortune, suspicions and interrogations might follow, putting her in immediate danger. Yet, abandoning her quest to transform her spiritual roots was not an option. Hence, Yan Zhuguang instructed the system for Yun Mixue to escort her away. Not out of arrogance, but necessity, as Yun Mixue’s departure aligned with her needs. She had orchestrated everything meticulously because she required Yun Mixue's strength to safeguard herself. She was betting on Yun Mixue’s compassion — once she witnessed the aftermath of Yan Zhuguang’s ordeal, she might soften and offer assistance. Yan Zhuguang never considered her plans foolproof. All she could do was maximize the odds in her favor and leave success to the unfolding of events. As a contingency, Yan Zhuguang requested a Restoration Pill from the system, should all her efforts fail. Unexpectedly, things proceeded smoothly. She didn’t even have to use her backup plans or reveal her celestial roots. Yun Mixue spontaneously requested the sect leader to take her away. It felt like a guiding hand of fate, leading her one step closer to clearing suspicions just like before. Yan Zhuguang finally understood why Yun Mixue became the "white moonlight" in everyone's hearts. In her past life, she had maneuvered her way to the top with little remorse for her choices. Yet in this life, after plotting for mere survival and exploiting Yun Mixue’s kindness, Yan Zhuguang unexpectedly felt guilt as though she was unforgivable. She was deeply moved by the allure of such a "white moonlight." Such a person truly possessed a captivating charm that could overwhelm one’s heart and soul. This warmth enveloped her when Yun Mixue gently took her into her embrace, covering her tenderly with a cloak, administering elixirs with care, or even earlier when their ears whispered closely together. A gentle light had softly entered her heart. With a sigh, Yan Zhuguang relaxed into the embrace. Now, she was in Yun Mixue’s arms. This embrace was warm—the cold aura deliberately dispelled by Yun Mixue as she held Yan Zhuguang gently, just like when she led her by the hand before, enveloped in warmth and softness, utterly comfortable. A hug like this was indeed intoxicating. Yan Zhuguang was not one to fall easily, yet this time she let her guard down. Perhaps, she mused, as the system had suggested, Yun Mixue truly had a disarmingly trustworthy nature. The system, restrained for so long within its space, also sighed in relief. Everything culminated successfully. Its host was far too reckless! The system had been frightened throughout the ordeal, as if its own lifespan had spanned several years. The system never knew there existed such a method to refine spiritual roots. However, despite retaining the largest wood spiritual root, corrosive toxins still lingered upon it. The system had never heard of a method to distill spiritual roots of impurities, so how could Yan Zhuguang resolve this lingering contamination? Unaware of Yan Zhuguang's intent to transform her roots into toxic ones, it believed she sought only to avoid gambling with luck that might remove her largest wood root, hence choosing this radical path. Prior instances of root impurity did exist, but rarely ended well. What would the host do now? The system longed to shake its host vigorously, convinced that even a single, slender spiritual root would serve better than a flawed, sullied foundation. It wished to question her stubborn persistence. But it dared not. It couldn’t even bring itself to activate its voice function. Only when Yan Zhuguang recalled it did it regain the ability to speak. The system was about to inquire about the spiritual root, only to be interrupted, swallowing its words again. Its host was so self-reliant that its interjections were likely futile, and with her spiritual root now altered, nothing short of adopting a new vessel would restore it. Recalling the system she had earlier silenced, Yan Zhuguang engaged in mental communication, asking, "Is the main mission completed?" The system replied obediently, “Completed.” The mission required merely accompanying the senior sister to Fenghua Immortal Sect, not reaching it. Yun Mixue had expressed the intent to take her there, thus marking the mission’s completion. Hearing this, Yan Zhuguang pondered briefly, “Is there any noticeable change when altering a special constitution?” “None,” the system answered, “As the wood spirit body is particularly gentle, and with direct system transformation, there is no noticeable reaction, nor would lightning strike.” Despite its irritation with the tribulation incident, the system simply listened to Yan Zhuguang’s complaint: “Then initiate the transformation now.” The system paused, surprised, “Now?” “Though the wood spirit body is gentle, the transformation process requires the host to be in a forced sleep.” “This means the host will lose consciousness for a period.” “Host, you’re still in senior sister’s embrace right now, are you sure you want to proceed?” Accustomed to Yan Zhuguang’s cautious nature, the system expected resistance. The host was typically unyieldingly vigilant, akin to a lone wolf navigating snowy forests. Yet today, the host left the system stunned, as Yan Zhuguang stated, “Didn’t you tell me to trust her? Now you hesitate?” “No, it’s not that.” The system found itself baffled. What was the host suggesting? Was this a sudden change of heart? Previously, discussions on “white moonlight” had been met with skepticism. “How long will the transformation take?” The system calculated, “Approximately two days. You’ve just faced a tribulation, and though you've taken elixirs, the residual power of the tribulation continues to damage your body.” “Currently, there are three options: One, repair the body first, then transform the constitution. Two, transform the constitution first, then repair the body. Three, do both simultaneously. Which do you choose?” Yan Zhuguang considered, “Is it possible to only transform the constitution without repairing the body?” The system hesitated, “It’s possible, but it will be painful. Host, you should take care of yourself.” Yan Zhuguang felt slightly irked by the system’s reprimand, “In my present state, any sudden recovery might arouse suspicion.” “You can attribute the healing to the wood spirit body’s natural regenerative capabilities.” “No need. Just initiate the transformation.” Wishing to maintain a fragile appearance as she entered Fenghua Immortal Sect, she intended for Yun Mixue to shield her beneath her wings. If she recovered too quickly, Yun Mixue would have less reason to keep her close, severing the bond Yan Zhuguang had painstakingly established. She didn’t want to remain just an ordinary junior; she wanted to grasp this light and stay by Yun Mixue’s side. Hearing Yan Zhuguang's inner determination, the system couldn't help but marvel. Indeed, Yun Mixue was a true "white moonlight," capable of capturing even its incredibly resourceful host's heart. Unable to resist, the system began the forced transformation of Yan Zhuguang’s body. Yan Zhuguang lost consciousness, but her body unmistakably reflected her current condition. The small figure nestled in the embrace squirmed, her brow furrowing deeply, large beads of sweat rolling down her face, making her appear as if she'd been pulled straight from water. Concern knit Yun Mixue's brow as she tightened her hold, anxiety creeping in. What was happening to this child? Had her body not fully recovered, triggering more pain? She instinctively quickened her pace, determined to reach safety with all possible haste.