Female Protagonist Assistance System

Xiao Han entered the room and immediately saw Gu Xun’er lying on the bed, her entire body trembling, eyes tightly shut.

“How pitiful,” Xiao Han communicated mentally to the system.

The system wiped nonexistent cold sweat, thinking that if her words had contained even a hint more compassion, it might have believed this seemingly naive host.

Xiao Han did not immediately approach to examine Xun’er’s condition. Instead, she remained in place, her voice hoarse and low, “Why conceal yourself, sir? Why not come out and have a chat?”

There was no response.

Xiao Han inwardly snorted coldly. Without any visible movement from her, a beam above her head suddenly cracked with a sharp sound.

A black shadow flashed overhead, and in the blink of an eye, a middle-aged man appeared before Xiao Han.

“I was unaware that a Dou Huang of your stature enjoyed playing the role of a peeping tom,” Xiao Han’s lips curved slightly upward, her words dripping with mockery, quite provocative.

Ling Ying, however, was not as relaxed. The black-robed figure before him, gender indiscernible, possessed an unfathomable strength, like a still, ancient well.

For Ling Ying to be unable to gauge someone’s strength, they were either an uncultivatable waste or a powerful expert far beyond his level. Xiao Han’s previous display eliminated the first possibility.

Therefore, this person’s strength far exceeded his own!

System: Another poor soul fooled by the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique.

Realizing this, Ling Ying adjusted his attitude. Though still cautious, he became noticeably more respectful: “May I inquire about the purpose of your late-night visit?”

Xiao Han shifted her gaze to Gu Xun’er: “I can help this little one suppress the Golden Emperor Skyscorching Flame.”

Hearing this, Ling Ying was internally alarmed, but he maintained his composure and feigned ignorance: “I’m not sure what you mean, sir…”

“The daughter of Gu Yuan, Young Lady Gu Xun’er of the Gu family,” Xiao Han said slowly, facing Ling Ying’s suddenly grim expression. “Am I mistaken, Guardian Ling Ying?”

Ling Ying stepped back, his muscles tensing as he assumed a defensive posture: “Who exactly are you?”

“Is my identity truly important?” Xiao Han laughed coldly. “Rest assured, I’m here only to help her.”

“Why…”

“The desire to nurture talent is universal. I happen to be in need of a disciple, and this little girl seems quite promising,” Xiao Han said with a serious expression.

System: [Host, do you intend to take on a disciple?]

“Don’t be ridiculous. Disciples are such troublesome creatures. Why would I want one? This is merely a delaying tactic.”

After all, with her strength barely at the level of a Great Dou Master, it was only due to the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique that Ling Ying couldn’t detect her true cultivation level, naturally categorizing her as a “powerful expert.” If Ling Ying were to attack, her true strength would be exposed in an instant.

Ling Ying hesitated.

“Hmph.” Xiao Han snorted coldly again. Lightning flashed beneath her feet, and she vanished, reappearing instantly at Gu Xun’er’s bedside.

Nine Heavens Thunder Technique – Body Cultivation Method: Formless Thunder Shadow.

Startled by this sudden movement, Ling Ying instinctively wanted to attack but restrained himself in the next moment.

After all, this person was unfathomable. If they truly had no hostile intent, as claimed, his rash attack would surely displease them. If it came to a real fight, he and the young lady would be at a disadvantage.

And if the other party was lying, he could still act later.

Subconsciously, however, Ling Ying chose to believe the other party. He reasoned that given their apparent strength, there was no need for such deception to lower his guard. This person could have acted directly; if it came to blows, he would certainly be no match for “them.”

The system, which had been nervously monitoring Ling Ying’s actions, saw that he made no move and only watched anxiously. It couldn’t help but sigh in relief, [Host, he doesn’t intend to attack.]

Xiao Han, who had raised her hand to grasp Gu Xun’er’s, responded with a “Mm,” showing no surprise.

The system couldn’t help but wonder: [Host, you predicted this?]

“Yes. As Gu Yuan’s personal guardian for Gu Xun’er, how could Ling Ying be so foolish? In his mind, I am a ‘powerful expert’ many levels above him. If he were to act rashly, not only would he be unable to defeat me, but he might also provoke me.” Xiao Han explained calmly. “It’s better for him to wait and see. If I were to make a move, he could still act then. Moreover, he has already accepted that my words are true. After all, given my ‘strength,’ if I truly wanted to act, why would I waste words?”

System: ……

It mentally applauded its host’s brilliance.

As soon as she touched Gu Xun’er’s fingers, Xiao Han raised an eyebrow. The reason was simple: the girl’s skin was scorching hot, as if it might burst into flames at any moment.

Steadying herself, Xiao Han activated the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique. Dou Qi, silver with a hint of purple, circulated within her body, flowing through her meridians. As if attracted by something, the wild energy rampaging unchecked within Gu Xun’er’s body surged towards Xiao Han, pouring into her.

Gold and silver intertwined, causing her meridians to expand. Bone-chilling pain instantly spread throughout her body, yet Xiao Han merely furrowed her brow slightly.

As the violent energy was continuously absorbed, the Dou Qi within her circulated more rapidly. The system was surprised to detect a faint silver-purple layer covering Xiao Han’s meridians. Her already robust meridians were gradually strengthening. Though not obvious, almost imperceptible, it was remarkable considering Xiao Han’s body was only five years old! This meridian strength was comparable to that of a Dou Huang.

Another major characteristic of the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique was its ability to assimilate and absorb energy from different sources. As long as the user’s physical strength was sufficient, absorbing a certain amount of energy could enhance their own power.

Gradually, a faint silver light enveloped Xiao Han, while Gu Xun’er’s body was coated in a golden glow. Silver and gold, complementing each other, became the only two points of light in the dark room.

As the violent energy was drawn away, the pained expression on Gu Xun’er’s face gradually eased. Finally, she returned to normal, falling into a deep sleep.

Having absorbed the last bit of violent energy from Gu Xun’er’s body tonight, Xiao Han withdrew her hand.

“This…” Ling Ying, who had witnessed everything, was dumbfounded. This further solidified his belief in the other party’s extraordinary strength, and he inwardly rejoiced that he hadn’t acted rashly at the beginning.

After all, this was a Heterogeneous Flame that could melt even a Dou Huang.

Xiao Han exhaled, organizing the somewhat chaotic Dou Qi within her body, before addressing Ling Ying coolly: “Until she can fully master the Golden Emperor Skyscorching Flame, I will come every night to help suppress it. Also, do not mention this to her, understand?”

Ling Ying finally reacted, bowing respectfully to Xiao Han: “Thank you for your assistance, sir. I will not inform the young lady.”

Xiao Han maintained her dignified posture, waved her hand dismissively, and then used the Formless Thunder Shadow to depart.

Ling Ying gazed solemnly at the peacefully sleeping Gu Xun’er on the bed. After a while, he sighed and vanished from the spot.

Meanwhile, Xiao Han circled Wutan City several times, ensuring no one was following her before returning to her own courtyard.

Upon returning, Xiao Han’s body rapidly shrank, quickly reverting to her original five-year-old form.

Without a word, Xiao Han returned to her inner room, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to break down and absorb the violent energy of the Golden Emperor Skyscorching Flame. Silver and golden Dou Qi battled fiercely within her meridians, causing Xiao Han’s small face to suddenly turn pale.

Finally, as the last trace of energy was absorbed, her internal Dou Qi reserves surged significantly.

Xiao Han sighed in relief.

If initially helping Gu Xun’er was due to mission requirements, now, even without the task, she would actively assist the female lead.

Tonight’s ordeal, using the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique to absorb and transform the violent power of Gu Xun’er’s Golden Emperor Skyscorching Flame for her own use, had increased her strength more than two months of diligent cultivation.

Although the process was painful, that wasn’t important. In her previous life, Xiao Han had understood a principle: in some aspects, the world is very fair. To gain something, one must exchange an equivalent price.

Enduring intense pain in exchange for powerful strength was a worthwhile trade.

Xiao Han was just that pragmatic.

“System,” Xiao Han called out suddenly, looking at her palm.

[What is it, Host?] The system responded instantly.

“This world has Heterogeneous Flames, fire-attribute heavenly energy,” Xiao Han said slowly. “Wouldn’t there also be heavenly energy of other attributes?”

System: [Host, your guess is correct. This world doesn’t only have Heterogeneous Flames as its sole heavenly energy. With fire attributes, there naturally exist other attributes. However, heavenly energies of other attributes are extremely rare, not ranked like Heterogeneous Flames. Moreover, the locations of other attribute heavenly energies are too remote and dangerous. Almost no one can bring them out alive, so they remain largely unknown.]

Xiao Han nodded: “That’s perfect. Also, if I remember correctly, the ‘Flame Mantra’ Xiao Yan obtained was only a fragment.”

[That’s right.]

“Then do you know where the complete ‘Flame Mantra’ is?”

The system was puzzled: [Host, aren’t you lightning-attribute? Why do you want the ‘Flame Mantra’?]

Xiao Han stood up, tucked the black robe back into the system space, then walked to the table to pour a cup of water. After taking a sip to moisten her throat, she said, “I don’t need the Flame Mantra, but someone else will.”

The system pondered briefly, then exclaimed in shock: [Host, do you intend to give the Flame Mantra to Gu Xun’er?]

“What else?” Xiao Han set down the cup, speaking matter-of-factly. “Since we want Gu Xun’er to seize Xiao Yan’s destiny, naturally, all the opportunities she receives should surpass those of Xiao Yan in the original story.”

“But we can’t completely follow Xiao Yan’s path,” Xiao Han said calmly. “I need to carefully consider Gu Xun’er’s future development path. At the very least, it absolutely cannot be inferior to Xiao Yan’s in the original story.” Otherwise, she would lose face.

The system wiped nonexistent sweat, thinking that the host’s actions were no different from taking Gu Xun’er as a disciple, nurturing her with the heart of a loving master.