17 - The Divine Physician’s Overbearing Wife

Chapter 17 The summit of Zhouxue Peak is perpetually blanketed in snow, with layers of white mist surrounding the mountainside. The ethereal clouds create an enchanting, half-hidden scene that is truly breathtaking from afar. However, those situated within may find it less idyllic. Yun Mi Xue practices the art of ice and snow. Her demeanor is gentle, yet her spirit exudes a bone-chilling coldness. Half of Zhouxue Peak's majesty is due to the mountain's natural beauty, and the other half is credited to her icy power. This environment is perfect for Yun Mi Xue's cultivation, as she thrives on Zhouxue Peak like a fish in water. But for others, especially those lacking strength, the peak is an unforgiving land of bitter cold. Take for example, the young girl braving the snowy winds—she's experiencing the harshness of Zhouxue Peak acutely. Dressed in a thin white dress and shoes, the howling cold wind makes her attire flutter wildly, threatening to sweep her into the sky at any moment. It seems the ribbon tying her hair has been blown away, her long black hair dances frantically in the wind, obscuring her features save for her frostbitten, purplish lips. She clasps her hands tightly to her chest, occasionally bouncing a few steps forward, a sight that almost seems comical. Yet, amidst her disheveled hair, her eyes shift slowly left and right, searching for something. “Host, stop searching, and head back,” the system advised, its heart aching. The place where senior sister resides isn't like the small hill in the miscellaneous area of the Yimiao Sect that can be ascended or descended at will. Here, the icy aura is something Yan Zhu Guang, a mere level one Qi Refinement cultivator, cannot withstand. Finding sustenance in such conditions? Nearly impossible. This freezing peak hardly supports life. Even if there were wild animals, Yan Zhu Guang would stand no chance against them. Despite Yan Zhu Guang's strong resolve, she couldn’t suppress the tremble in her voice: "Would you choose starvation or freezing?" The system hesitated, then suggested, “What if I issue a side quest? You complete it, and I’ll reward you with a fasting pill?” “I don’t like those,” Yan Zhu Guang declined. The system was conflicted. Host, now is not the time to be headstrong. “Seeing I'm already out here, it’s too late to return now. Instead of debating these choices, why don’t you help me locate some food?” Yan Zhu Guang knew the system had the capability to explore the surroundings, so she decided to use it, commanding the system without hesitation. The system complied reluctantly but decided to assist Yan Zhu Guang: “I’ll mark anything alive on the mini-map. You can take a look.” Since forming a bond with the system, the mini-map could be accessed, though Yan Zhu Guang found the icon obstructive and ignored it till now. A circular mini-map appeared in the top-right corner of her vision, with a green dot in the center representing Yan Zhu Guang's position, surrounded by dispersed red dots indicating signs of living creatures, though they remained largely unmoving. Yan Zhu Guang tried moving toward the nearest red dot, but after a few steps, the green dot on the map barely budged, indicating her snail-paced progress. Steeling herself, Yan Zhu Guang pressed on. The system, watching anxiously, feared the host might collapse from exhaustion. But what could it do if she fell? It was powerless and couldn’t call for help. Fortunately, the system's concerns were unnecessary. Even numbed by the cold, Yan Zhu Guang’s steps were steadfast and unwavering. Impressed, the system wondered what kind of person its host had been previously. Why had she become a wandering soul in her past life despite her abilities? In the past, the system thoroughly investigated candidates before selecting them as hosts. But Yan Zhu Guang was discovered by chance, trapped between worlds. Drawn by her beauty, the system rashly claimed her as a host. The system knew neither from which world she originated nor the authenticity of her name, leaving it with nothing to begin a search. Beyond her original world, the system contemplated directly scanning her memories but dared not. Such an act would likely result in its destruction. The feeling wasn’t baseless; it was a gut instinct. Lacking knowledge of her background, the system could only harbor curiosity while keeping it bottled up internally. It believed itself to be the most constrained system among all worlds. Engrossed in self-pity, the system was brought back by a savory aroma—meat intermingled with the fragrance of herbs, unlike any scent it had previously encountered. Returning to its senses, the system noticed its host had found a sheltered nook, where a small fire crackled with a piece of meat on a spit. Yan Zhu Guang was sprinkling crushed leaves over it, and the enticing aroma emanated from the cooked meat. Given the host's extraordinary skills, the system wasn’t surprised at how she managed to start a fire despite losing her fire element and her limited current strength. Taking a whiff, the system asked, “Host, what’s that spice?” Yan Zhu Guang casually replied, "My spices were destroyed during the thunder tribulation, so these are merely common toxic grass—not edible, but aromatic." The system stiffened, “Host intends to eat that?” “Avoiding poison?” she scoffed. For her, possessing a poison spiritual root meant these toxins offered more benefit than harm, although this life she must carefully nurture the root and only indulge in mildly poisonous plants. The system found no rebuttal. Given her prowess, it seemed eating toxic greens posed little threat. In no time, the meat was ready. Unafraid of the heat, Yan Zhu Guang tore off a small piece and asked the system, “Want to try?” “Of course!” Since it didn’t digest food physically, these toxins aimed at flesh were of no consequence to a system, leaving nothing untried. Yan Zhu Guang's roasted meat vanished. The grilled meat was so delectable that the system relished it, conjuring a satisfied expression in its illusory eyes, contemplating that it was indeed the luckiest of systems! Unaware Yan Zhu Guang was indulging in self-mockery, she devoured the meat swiftly. A comforting warmth spread from her belly, radiating to her limbs. Cross-legged, Yan Zhu Guang settled into meditation, recalling the Qingmu Revival Technique and began circulating her energy accordingly. Observing Yan Zhu Guang cultivating in such harsh conditions, the system silenced itself, avoiding disruption. It then scanned Yan Zhu Guang's current status, stunned by the finding: The host had already reached the second level of Qi Refinement? The system hurried to review past events. Approaching her target, Yan Zhu Guang advanced cautiously through the obscured white landscape. The system speculated something was buried beneath the snow. Without rashness, she extended her hand into the snow, enduring the cold till nearly her entire arm burrowed deep, seemingly touching the earth beneath. Suddenly, a small explosion of snow erupted, sending white flakes airborne. Something emerged from within. Emerging was a snow-white hare with blazing red eyes. Kicking up snow, it charged fiercely at Yan Zhu Guang. However, upon leaping, it fell into the snow, creating an impression of its outline. Unknown to it, several withered vines had entangled its hind legs, causing the rabbit's struggle and rage. It attempted to launch icy darts at Yan Zhu Guang, but she effortlessly dodged them. As it prepared to continue its assault, the vines slowly coiled, binding the hare entirely, rendering it immobile. Yan Zhu Guang approached, swiftly breaking the hare's neck, muttering, “Stupid rabbit.” After all, if it could launch ice attacks, why hadn't it cut the vines binding its legs? Tossing the rabbit aside, Yan Zhu Guang calmly meditated, recovering the spiritual energy she had expended—a process that seamlessly elevated her to the second level of Qi Refinement. System: Incredible single-element spiritual root. Yan Zhu Guang's advancement appeared effortlessly natural, leaving the system pondering how frustrated she must've been while tethered to her original five-element limitation, taking over half a year to reach the first Qi Refinement level. Upon reaching the Qi Refinement level, Yan Zhu Guang halted further cultivation, focusing on circulating her spiritual energy throughout her body. In fact, her rapid advancement owed largely to being reborn and cultivating anew. Previously remaining at the first level of Qi Refinement was due to a lack of focus on cultivation. Now, with improved spiritual roots, there was no need to hide her capabilities. After marveling at his host's speed of cultivation, the system suddenly alerted, “Host, someone is coming.” Yan Zhu Guang quickly opened her eyes, suppressing the fire to a mere flicker, dispersing the protective spiritual energy around her body. She purposefully made herself appear disheveled, curling up and shivering as she warmed herself by the fire, biting her lip. The system was taken aback by her swift transformation. Soon, a voice sounded overhead: “Looks like you don’t need much help after all.”