After days of relentless training, Yuan Jin had finally gained more control over his spiritual energy. However, he knew that cultivation wasn't just about mastering energy control—it was also about understanding deeper techniques. One such technique that piqued his interest was the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method, a technique said to enhance power at a far greater speed than conventional methods.
As the sun began to set, Aether stood before Yuan Jin, studying him thoughtfully. She could see that he had made great progress, but there was still much he had yet to learn.
"Yuan Jin, do you know what the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method is?" Aether asked, her voice calm yet serious.
Yuan Jin thought for a moment before answering, "The Yin-Yang Cultivation Method... If I'm not mistaken, it's a technique that merges Yin and Yang energy, right?"
Aether gave a faint smile and nodded. "That's correct, but there's more to it. The Yin-Yang Cultivation Method is one of the oldest techniques in the cultivation world. It harnesses the balance between the two fundamental forces of the universe. Yin represents darkness, coldness, and gentleness, while Yang represents light, heat, and strength. A true Yin-Yang cultivator must not only merge these energies but also maintain perfect balance between them within their body."
Yuan Jin listened intently. He had heard of the Yin-Yang theory many times before, but he hadn't realized that it could be directly applied to cultivation.
"Would you like to try the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method?" Aether asked.
Yuan Jin pondered for a moment before replying, "I'm interested in it. But the problem is, I don't naturally possess either Yin or Yang energy within me. Besides, this method requires a partner—someone with strong Yang energy to complement my cultivation."
Aether nodded slightly. "That's correct. This method can't be performed alone. A Yin cultivator needs a Yang partner to synchronize the spiritual flow. If you truly wish to try it, I can help you find someone with strong Yang energy."
Yuan Jin looked at Aether with determination. "Alright. I want to give it a try."
With that decision, they began their search for a suitable Yang cultivator.
---
The next morning, Yuan Jin and Aether left their training grounds and headed toward the nearest major city. They walked through the bustling streets, filled with merchants and cultivators from various backgrounds.
"We need to find someone with stable and strong Yang energy. Not everyone can balance Yin and Yang properly," Aether explained as she observed their surroundings.
Yuan Jin nodded, realizing that this task wouldn't be easy.
They arrived at a large training arena in the heart of the city, where many cultivators gathered to hone their skills. There, Yuan Jin saw several individuals with strong energy, but none seemed to be the right fit.
That was when Aether suddenly stopped and fixed her gaze on a young woman training in the center of the arena.
"We might have just found the one," Aether said, pointing towards the woman.
The woman had long golden hair and striking blue eyes. Every movement she made radiated intense heat, as if her body itself was a source of Yang energy.
"Who is she?" Yuan Jin asked.
Aether smiled. "Her name is Hu Xue. She is known as one of the strongest Yang-energy cultivators in this region. If you want to learn the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method, she might be the only one who can help you."
Yuan Jin observed Hu Xue with curiosity. He knew that the next step in his journey would be a decisive one for his cultivation path.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward to speak with her.
Yuan Jin took a deep breath as he approached the training arena, where Hu Xue was fiercely practicing her martial arts. Flames flickered around her fists, her every movement radiating immense heat. The air around her shimmered, a testament to the sheer intensity of her Yang energy.
Aether stepped beside him and whispered, "She's a prodigy in Yang cultivation. If you wish to learn the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method, you must first gain her trust."
Yuan Jin nodded and walked forward. "Hu Xue!" he called out.
The golden-haired woman turned toward him with a sharp gaze. Her eyes glowed like molten gold, filled with power and authority. She wiped the sweat from her brow and folded her arms. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice firm.
"I'm Yuan Jin, a cultivator seeking to master the Yin-Yang Cultivation Method," he said confidently. "I heard that you possess a strong Yang energy. I want to train with you."
Hu Xue raised an eyebrow. "And why should I train with you? Do you even have Yin energy?"
Yuan Jin clenched his fist, summoning his spiritual power. A soft blue aura emerged around his body, releasing a cold yet stable energy. The moment it appeared, the temperature around them dropped slightly, as if a winter breeze had brushed past.
Hu Xue's expression shifted slightly, impressed but still skeptical. "Your Yin energy is pure, but controlling Yin and Yang is more than just having opposing energies. If you can't handle the fusion, you'll destroy yourself from within."
"That's why I came to you," Yuan Jin said, his tone unwavering. "I want to learn how to maintain the balance."
Hu Xue smirked. "Fine. But if you want to train with me, you'll have to prove yourself first. Show me that you can handle my Yang energy in combat."
Without waiting for his response, she charged forward.
---
A surge of flames erupted from Hu Xue's palm as she struck toward Yuan Jin. The moment the fire got close, he felt an overwhelming heat press against his skin, forcing him to react immediately.
He swiftly dodged to the side, but Hu Xue was relentless. She spun, sending a fiery kick toward him. Yuan Jin barely managed to block it with his arm, but the force behind her attack sent him skidding backward.
"You're too slow!" she taunted. "If you can't withstand my Yang energy, you'll never be able to cultivate with me!"
Yuan Jin gritted his teeth. He focused his Yin energy, releasing a chilling aura around him. The frost-like energy clashed with the heat of Hu Xue's flames, creating a burst of steam.
Seeing this, Hu Xue smirked. "Not bad. But can you keep up?"
She rushed forward again, her fists coated in golden flames. This time, Yuan Jin didn't dodge. Instead, he controlled his Yin energy, directing it toward his hands. The moment Hu Xue's burning fist collided with his palm, an intense shockwave erupted—ice and fire battling for dominance.
Yuan Jin held his ground, his muscles tensing from the sheer force. He could feel Hu Xue's energy trying to overwhelm him, but he refused to back down.
Aether watched from the sidelines, nodding in approval. "This will be an interesting partnership."
The battle lasted several more minutes, but eventually, Hu Xue withdrew her flames and took a step back. She examined Yuan Jin with a smirk.
"You're stubborn, I'll give you that," she said. "Most people would've collapsed under my flames, but you endured it. Fine, I'll agree to train with you."
Yuan Jin exhaled in relief but maintained his composure. "Then let's begin."
Hu Xue extended her hand. "A partnership in Yin-Yang cultivation isn't just training together. It requires trust. If you betray me or hold back, this won't work. Understood?"
Yuan Jin clasped her hand firmly. "Understood."
As their energies intertwined for the first time, a powerful force surged between them—a balance of Yin and Yang, the key to unlocking a new level of cultivation.
To be continued...