Meanwhile, Soyang was meditating in his room, calmly cultivating when the system's familiar ding interrupted his peace.
[New Mission Achieved!]
Mission: Acquire the Most Powerful Flame in this Realm – The Eternal heart Flame
"The Eternal heart Flame?" Soyang muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like something cooked up by a virgin poet with too much time."
System: "The flame is located in the Inratin's Cave, guarded by the soul of a powerful female cultivator. She only allows women to claim the flame. No exceptions."
Soyang blinked. "So how the hell am I supposed to get it? Last I checked, I'm rocking the wrong anatomy for this."
System: "Simple. You must become a girl."
Soyang stared blankly. "What kind of gender-bending nonsense is this?"
System: "You now possess the Jade Yin Body—a physique only women are born with. Using it, we can temporarily transform your appearance. The soul guarding the flame won't be able to tell the difference."
Soyang slumped. "So, I'm getting cursed with womanhood… to rob an ancient woman of her flame. Cultivation world logic really is top-tier madness."
System: "The cave opens in one month. You must leave the sect tomorrow and head to Flaming Valley."
Soyang exhaled slowly. "Fine. Guess I'll go rob a ghost granny."
---
The Next Day…
As the sun peeked over the mountains, Soyang strolled through the sect one last time. He didn't make a scene, didn't tell anyone he was leaving. He just acted casual, nodding to disciples, smirking at a few rivals, and ignoring the sycophants.
Then, he crossed paths with Lian Ru.
She looked especially dazzling today—hair flowing like silk, her eyes carrying that same cold edge, but… softer. She noticed him and walked over, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
"You look peaceful today," she said gently.
Soyang snorted. "I finally understood the Dao of Disappearing."
She smiled. "Wherever you go, don't cause too much chaos."
"No promises," he said with a wink.
A brief silence lingered—comfortable, yet unspoken.
Then, with a final glance, Soyang turned and left the sect without looking back. Flaming Valley awaited… along with a very awkward transformation and a soul that hated men.
On the way, Soyang said to the system, "System, change my appearance into a woman."
The system replied sadly, "Okay..."
A white mist suddenly covered Soyang's body. Within the mist, his appearance began to change. The silhouette inside shifted—his legs grew longer and jade-like, his figure softened into that of a stunningly beautiful woman, and his chest expanded dramatically. His facial features also transformed into those of a breathtaking girl.
As the mist gradually faded, Soyang looked around, then walked toward a river to see his reflection.
Upon seeing his new appearance, Soyang frowned and shouted at the system, "Why did you make me this beautiful?! And why the hell are the boobs so big?!"
The system responded cheerfully, "It's not my fault. The transformation depends on the user's inner desires."
Soyang's face darkened. "Forget it. Let's go."
Soon, she arrived at the Flaming Valley and glanced around. A group of people was gathered on a nearby hill.
Soyang asked, "System, what's my name now?"
The system replied, "Please decide your name yourself."
Suddenly, everyone noticed that the ancient seal on a cave nearby was cracking—it would fully open in one hour.
A nearby young master spotted Soyang and stared in awe. "Who is that girl? She's incredibly beautiful..." he murmured, before making his way over to her.
As Lingyan stood in the Flaming Valley, admiring her new form (and secretly hating the size of her chest), a suave voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Hello, young miss," a young man said sweetly, brushing imaginary dust off his silk robe. "My name is Ching So. And yours is...?"
Lingyan turned, eyes cold, voice deep, and very much not matching her body. "Why should I tell you who I am? Who are you?"
Ching So's lackey gasped. "How dare you speak to our Young Master like that!"
But Ching So waved his hand, calm and noble. "Silence. She's just playing hard to get." Then, turning back to Lingyan with a practiced smile, he said, "I am the youngest master of the prestigious Ching Family. Our name is respected across the land."
Lingyan didn't blink. "And what do you want me to do? Clap?"
Ching So's smile twitched.
"My family," he said, voice straining, "is the largest, most powerful clan in all of the Eastern Provinces."
Lingyan raised an eyebrow. "So is your ego. What now?"
Ching So looked like he was about to combust on the spot, but instead, he forced a grin and said, "Forget it. Anyway, the inheritance cave is about to open. Come with me—I'll protect you inside. I'll give you anything you want."
Lingyan crossed her arms (carefully, to avoid squishing her ridiculous chest). "I don't need your help. I can stand on my own, thanks."
That did it.
Ching So exploded, red-faced and flailing. "WHO EVEN ARE YOU?! You're just a pretty face with big... never mind! Come with me and I'll give you everything—spirit stones, treasures, cultivation techniques! I LIKE YOU!"
Just then, a loud, annoyed voice cut through the chaos.
"Ching So! Again? Are you seriously flirting with another random woman before a life-threatening inheritance trial?!"
A girl in a green robe strode up to Lingyan's side and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about this walking peacock. He's all talk, no sword."
Ching So pointed furiously. "DuDu! Why are you always in my way? I like her! I want her!"
DuDu rolled her eyes. "You liked that demoness last week and she nearly killed you with a sneeze."
She turned to Lingyan. "Anyway, I've got your back if this clown tries anything."
Lingyan blinked. "I don't need your help either. And someone get this funny-faced clown out of my way. If you come near me again, I'll cut something off—and it won't grow back in the next realm."
With that, she turned, tossed her hair dramatically, and strolled off toward the next hill like a queen abandoning a burning kingdom.
Ching So stood frozen for a second, then shouted after her: "YOU'LL REGRET THIS! I