I Have Unlimited Resources Among Mortals

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Dong Xuan'er shuddered at the sight of Qi Yuan's sinister smile. Was he planning something devious?

For the sake of his handsome face, should I agree? No, no! That would mean living under his shadow forever...

Feigning toughness, she said, "Junior Brother, let me go, or I'll report this to Master and have her punish you severely."

Qi Yuan smirked. "Don't worry, Senior Sister. I'll untie the ropes. But are you sure you want Grandmaster Hongfu to see you like this? If she does, I'm afraid not only will I be punished, but you'll also be implicated..."

Dong Xuan'er blanched at the mention of Hongfu. Her voice softened as she pleaded, "Junior Brother, I was wrong. Please be magnanimous and let me go. I'll introduce you to some beautiful sisters later as compensation."

Hmph, once I'm free, I'll make sure he pays for this humiliation!

Qi Yuan's binding technique was modeled after the "tortoise shell binding," making Dong Xuan'er appear particularly striking. It was an oddly satisfying sight.

He set aside a painting he had been examining and circled her a few times, scrutinizing her carefully. "Who in Yellow Maple Valley could possibly be more beautiful than you, Senior Sister? None of them are qualified to compensate."

Dong Xuan'er felt a strange warmth in her heart at his words. Just as she was about to get lost in the sentiment, she snapped back to reality. How could she fall for his tricks?

"Junior Brother..."

Before she could finish, Qi Yuan placed a finger on her lips, smearing a bit of rouge. "Senior Sister, what do you think? If I let you eat this rouge infused with Ecstasy Powder, I'll paint a portrait of you."

"No! Junior Brother, you can't do this!" Horror filled Dong Xuan'er's eyes as she struggled against the spirit rope, but the more she fought, the tighter it became.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed closer.

"Mmmph!"

A warmth pressed against her lips. Dong Xuan'er whimpered in protest, but her resistance gradually weakened. Slowly, she found herself drawn into the moment.

Only when he felt it was enough did Qi Yuan release her. If he continued, she might pass out.

Mission accomplished. Now, it was time to paint.

"You beast!" Dong Xuan'er gasped, her face flushed. Her hair was a disheveled mess, but she hardly cared.

She had lost her first kiss—under these circumstances. A wave of sadness washed over her.

Suddenly, her vision blurred, and phantom images danced before her eyes.

Damn it! The Ecstasy Powder is taking effect!

Qi Yuan, holding a purple jade brush, tapped its tip against a blank sheet of paper. He immersed himself in his work, sketching with intense focus.

Nearby, a dazed Dong Xuan'er hung limply, mumbling curses intermittently.

An hour later, Qi Yuan set down his brush and examined his work. Though not a perfect likeness, the painting captured enough resemblance to satisfy him.

Painting is harder than I thought.

He glanced at Dong Xuan'er, now too exhausted to struggle. It was time to release her.

After administering three doses of Qingling medicine, she regained consciousness quickly.

Dong Xuan'er's mind raced as she remembered what had transpired. She lunged for the painting. That portrait must never remain in Qi Yuan's possession! If he used it as leverage, she'd be in deep trouble.

But her body was still weak, and she wasn't fast enough.

Qi Yuan anticipated her move. With practiced ease, he snatched the painting away, rolling it up carefully. This would make a fine keepsake.

"Qi Yuan, give me that painting, and I'll leave you alone." Dong Xuan'er adopted a pitiful expression, attempting to bargain.

Qi Yuan chuckled. "Don't worry, Senior Sister. No one else will ever see this painting. As long as you behave, I won't use it against you."

Clenching her fists, Dong Xuan'er realized she had no way to retrieve the portrait now. She stomped her foot and glared at him. "You're worse than a beast!"

With that, she stormed out.

Qi Yuan watched her retreating figure, hesitating momentarily.

What a mistake! But at least with this painting, I don't have to worry about her causing trouble anymore.

"Senior Brother Qi..."

He turned to see Chen Qiaoqian approaching. Her voice was soft and inquisitive. "Senior Brother Qi, may I see the painting in your hand?"

Qi Yuan stiffened. Did she see Dong Xuan'er leaving just now?

Her gaze shifted to the discarded ropes on the floor. Suspicion flickered across her face.

Qi Yuan sighed, handing the painting over. "Ah... Junior Sister, here you go."

Chen Qiaoqian took the scroll with slightly trembling hands, her palms damp with sweat. She hesitated, praying her worries were unfounded, then slowly unfurled the painting.

Moments later, she burst into laughter, covering her mouth. "Senior Brother Qi, what is this? It's terrible!"

"A picture of chickens pecking at rice," Qi Yuan admitted shamelessly.

Luckily, he had swapped out the real portrait just in time.

Chen Qiaoqian handed the painting back, unimpressed. Yet, as her gaze met Qi Yuan's, her eyes softened. Hope shimmered in them—a longing for a future together.

Qi Yuan noticed the unspoken emotions and tactfully closed the door. Perhaps Junior Sister Chen had been overcome with excitement and couldn't contain her feelings.

---

That day, a large group of disciples gathered outside Huangfeng Valley's main hall. The strongest among them had reached the thirteenth level of Qi training, while the weakest hovered around the eleventh.

These were the chosen ones heading to the Bloody Forbidden Land.

With such a formidable group, Huangfeng Valley was bound to secure a wealth of medicinal resources. But with so many disciples and limited supplies, when distributed, the gains would feel minuscule.

Qi Yuan stood among them, listening to Head Elder Zhong Lingdao's endless speech. His eloquence rivaled that of a sect ceremony speaker.

Glancing around, Qi Yuan's eyes landed on Han Li, standing not far away.

Han Li, having failed to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, had no choice but to enter the Bloody Forbidden Land in search of one.

Sensing Qi Yuan's gaze, Han Li tensed, a wave of fear gripping him.

Why is he looking at me? Did he find out it was me that night? He's going to the Bloody Forbidden Land too... I need to avoid him at all costs!

Qi Yuan, oblivious to Han Li's inner turmoil, had already turned his attention to an elderly man with unnaturally smooth skin, animatedly chatting with disciples—likely looking for teammates.

Could it be Xiang Zhili, the Spiritualization Stage elder?

Qi Yuan's eyes narrowed in contemplation.

(End of Chapter)