Chapter 17: The Boundless Power of the Ancient Immortal in Shinjuku

Faced with the old man's words, Little Dragon Maiden furrowed her brows slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion as she looked toward Cloud Crane at the elder's side.

What on earth was going on?

Cloud Crane stood by Ouyang Feng, fidgeting like an ant on a hot pan, constantly shooting meaningful glances at Little Dragon Maiden, hoping she would understand.

At the same time, Cloud Crane had made his preparations: if anything went awry, he would immediately use the Sorrowful Breeze.

Now that he had mastered the Nine Yin Manual, Ouyang Feng no longer held much value for him.

Of course, this was a last resort, to be used only if forced. After all, Ouyang Feng was no ordinary man and still held some use for Cloud Crane. With him around, even Guo Jing would have to think twice before making a move against Cloud Crane.

Little Dragon Maiden caught Cloud Crane’s look and understood his meaning. Her expression remained cold, and she said nothing.

Seeing this, Cloud Crane let out a long sigh of relief, glanced hurriedly at Ouyang Feng, and said, “Godfather, my greatest wish now is to master martial arts. Matters of love are not something I wish to consider at the moment.”

Ouyang Feng gazed at “Yang Guo” with admiration. Since his son had spoken so, as a father, he would say no more.

However, when Little Dragon Maiden heard Cloud Crane’s words, a trace of sadness flashed through her eyes. She lowered her head in silence, looking deeply dejected.

Cloud Crane watched her expression from the corner of his eye, thinking to himself that he would comfort her properly once Ouyang Feng left.

“You have now learned the Nine Yin Manual. In the future, you must practice diligently and never slacken!” Ouyang Feng said sternly.

“I understand.”

Cloud Crane answered seriously, his eyes turning slightly as he pondered how to send Ouyang Feng away without arousing suspicion.

As his thoughts raced, a sudden gust of wind sounded at his ear. Looking up, he realized Ouyang Feng’s figure had already vanished.

Do all masters love to appear and disappear like dragons?

Scanning his surroundings, Cloud Crane muttered silently to himself.

Then, he turned his gaze to Little Dragon Maiden, a gentle smile curling his lips as he stepped inside.

“What exactly happened just now?”

Faced with Little Dragon Maiden’s inquiry, Cloud Crane told her everything truthfully.

When he finished, he looked at her and said, “Long’er, will you come down the mountain with me?”

But Little Dragon Maiden shook her head. Seeing the disappointment in Cloud Crane’s eyes, she smiled gently and said, “Go and venture into the world as you please. Just don’t forget that I am here, waiting for you in the ancient tomb.”

With those words, she gently rested her head on Cloud Crane’s chest, finding unprecedented peace in the strong rhythm of his heartbeat.

Cloud Crane realized she had made up her mind and sighed softly, breathing in the faint fragrance from her body as he hugged her more tightly.

It was as if he wanted to draw her into his very being.

“Before I leave the tomb, let's master the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra together,” he said.

Hearing his suggestion, Little Dragon Maiden seemed to recall something. A blush crept up her cheeks as she nodded shyly.

...

[Congratulations, Host, new martial skill acquired: Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, current level, first tier!]

The prompt sounded in his mind, and Cloud Crane slowly opened his eyes, satisfaction flickering within them.

The Cold Jade Bed was indeed an unparalleled aid for cultivating inner strength.

Now, the true energy within him flowed like a serene lake. With his current martial arts, he could already be considered a second-rate expert.

As his thoughts drifted, he heard Little Dragon Maiden let out a soft moan. Looking up, he saw the heat radiating from her body rapidly dissipate.

The energy he had guided into her body now surged back into him with surprising force.

Realizing this, he quickly discarded any stray thoughts.

Closing his eyes, he focused inward, circulating the Nine Yin Manual. His true energy coursed through his limbs and bones before settling into his dantian.

He exhaled deeply, a flash of vigor lighting his eyes.

Little Dragon Maiden also slowly opened her eyes and gazed at Cloud Crane. Their eyes met; her face was as red as a ripe apple, and she subconsciously averted her gaze.

A smile played at Cloud Crane’s lips. He reached out, lifting her pale chin, and leaned in.

After their intimacy, Little Dragon Maiden lay in his arms, her hair cascading freely, her cheeks still flushed with the glow of passion, looking utterly charming.

Cloud Crane buried his face in her hair, intoxicated by the lingering fragrance.

No one knew how long this lasted before he finally spoke, his hesitant voice echoing through the stone chamber: “Now that the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra is mastered and my injuries are healed, it’s time to descend the mountain.”

At his words, Little Dragon Maiden, who had been resting with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them wide. She propped herself up and looked at him, asking, “When do you plan to leave?”

Startled by her sudden movement, Cloud Crane’s reply caught in his throat, his eyes inadvertently drawn to the scene before him.

Her vigorous motion left nothing to the imagination, and Cloud Crane felt a surge of heat rush to his head, his body immediately responding.

Sensing his gaze, Little Dragon Maiden pulled the blanket over them to cover herself.

Seeing her reaction, Cloud Crane suddenly felt sheepish, awkwardly touching his nose, unsure how to speak.

But Little Dragon Maiden was astute; noticing his hesitation, she understood his intentions, a trace of disappointment in her eyes.

Then, fixing her gaze on him, she surprised Cloud Crane by swinging her leg over and straddling him for another round of passion.

The next day.

Cloud Crane, sword slung across his back, stood outside the ancient tomb.

He looked at Little Dragon Maiden and said gently, “Within a year, I will return!”

With those words, he turned away resolutely, not daring to look back, afraid that if he did, he would be unable to leave.

Little Dragon Maiden stood at the tomb entrance, her eyes following his retreating figure, filled with longing as she watched him disappear from sight.

Then, she triggered the mechanism; the tomb door slowly descended, separating the two worlds within and without.

Cloud Crane moved swiftly down the mountain, reaching the foot before noon.

The bustle of the market below greeted him, the air thick with the aroma of daily life.

He breathed deeply, utterly content, his gaze finally settling on an inn. He strode toward it.

“Waiter, a premium room, the best wine and dishes you have!”

With a grand gesture, Cloud Crane tossed a silver ingot onto the counter.

His face practically declared to the world: “I am rich!”

The waiter, all smiles and flattery, led him upstairs.

Entering his room, Cloud Crane ordered hot water for a bath, intending to enjoy a well-earned rest.

“New Inn’s Immortal—limitless in power!”