These past few days, Qian Daoliu's mood had been a rollercoaster, his head aching from the stream of news brought by Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
He rubbed his throbbing temples and sighed.
First came the miraculous effects of whale glue, which gave Qian Daoliu a vision of the younger generation of Spirit Hall experiencing a collective surge in power.
Taking advantage of the fact that the effects of whale glue hadn't yet been publicly revealed, he ordered a market sweep and a thorough gathering effort along the eastern seaboard.
This would become a massive startup fund for the Wuhun Empire.
Then there was the matter of Xiaoxue herself planning to use whale glue to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
Though he later relaxed upon hearing that Qian Renxue had successfully refined the Ice and Fire Immortal Herbs, he had initially been furious. He mentally cursed that brat Lin Feng countless times.
Next came the discovery of the immortal herbs. When Chrysanthemum Douluo reported that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's herbs could instantly raise one's spirit power by 8 levels, improve innate aptitude without side effects, and even evolve Dugu Bo's martial spirit, Qian Daoliu was stunned.
Learning that the remaining herbs could cultivate dozens of high-tier Soul Saints was overwhelming.
Originally content to stay holed up in Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu personally hosted Dugu Bo and even helped him obtain his ninth spirit ring.
He offered Dugu Bo a guest elder position, with the promise of discussing any official roles he might want in the future.
This left Dugu Bo flattered and overwhelmed, secretly believing Lin Feng and Chrysanthemum Douluo had spoken highly of him and pulled some strings.
He proudly praised his own wise decision.
Now he strutted through Spirit Hall like a tiger among sheep, boasting to his peers at every opportunity about how much Qian Daoliu valued him—truly basking in his newfound status.
But the most critical issue was Qian Renxue's request for a replacement.
Although she was never the intended candidate for the original mission, considering Bibi Dong's current state, Qian Daoliu was deeply troubled.
He had hoped to send Qian Renxue away to distance her from Bibi Dong, but now it seemed the two would be meeting again.
That wouldn't do.
As the next Angel God chosen by their ancestor, Xue'er absolutely couldn't be put at risk.
Qian Daoliu thought about simply letting Qian Renxue and Lin Feng travel and train together. With a Titled Douluo as her companion, her safety wouldn't be too much of a concern.
They could check in at Spirit City from time to time to report on their situation.
Wait a minute...
Qian Daoliu frowned.
Why did this sound like a newlywed daughter returning to her parents' home for visits?
She hadn't even officially married yet!
"That damned brat!"
Qian Daoliu snorted coldly and sent a message: Qian Renxue and Lin Feng should remain in Heaven Dou City a bit longer. Once the mission could be officially handed over, they would return to Spirit City first.
If they agreed to his proposal and were about to embark on a long journey, he needed to give them clear instructions and ensure they took everything necessary.
When the message arrived in Heaven Dou, Qian Renxue joyfully threw her arms around Lin Feng's neck and exclaimed:
"Great news, Xiaofeng! Grandpa agreed to my request.He even said we could travel around and only return to Spirit City occasionally!"
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. He hadn't seen the word "occasionally" in Qian Daoliu's letter...
"That probably won't happen right away—might still be a few months."
Qian Renxue waved her hand dismissively.
"No big deal, it's just a short wait. As long as I'm with you guys, it doesn't matter where we are."
Ling Yuan smiled brightly.
It seemed Xiaoxue had genuinely accepted Lin Feng.
"By the way, Xiaoxue, how's your cultivation progressing?With those two immortal herbs and the twin cultivation paths, I bet your speed's skyrocketing, right?"
"Of course! My speed has more than doubled. At this rate, I'll be able to get my fourth spirit ring soon—and it'll be the first ten-thousand-year fourth ring ever, haha!"
On the bed, Qian Renxue was visibly excited, clenching her fists.
"But…"
She glanced sideways at Lin Feng.
"Even though I'm almost 98% ready, it's still best to improve my physical condition a bit more.
We haven't even really used that ten-thousand-year whale glue yet.
Speaking of which, Xiaofeng, when are you going to try it? Really, that batch smells amazing. It's nothing like the fishy stuff Grandpa brought us before."
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled with an odd light, as if she were secretly anticipating something.
Lin Feng nodded.
"It's definitely time. I never really focused much on the age of spirit rings before.
But recently I've had some new insights—I'm considering pursuing spirit rings close to the limit."
Ling Yuan was startled.
"Why? With your spirit vein cultivation method and the innate nurturing from your soul orb, your spirit veins get stronger naturally as you improve.
There's no need to chase extreme spirit ring ages—moderate ones should be fine."
Qian Renxue was also confused.
"I had some new insights recently and want to test a theory.
The higher the age of a spirit ring, the harder it is to control the attached skill. What I want to test is whether I can better control the skill during absorption.
If it works, it could significantly accelerate my research into creating spirit veins for others."
"So soon?!"
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan exchanged wide-eyed glances.
Lin Feng chuckled.
"It's just a hypothesis for now, needs testing.Why do you two look more shocked than I do?Aren't I the one researching this?"
Qian Renxue pinched Lin Feng.
"Hey, we've been jealous of your spirit vein progress for years!Of course we're happy for you—and yeah, a little excited for ourselves too."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she continued:
"Well then, since that's the case, taking the whale glue can't wait any longer.Sister Ling Yuan, hold Xiaofeng down!"
??????
"Sorry, Xiaofeng,"
Ling Yuan giggled softly, using her soul power to restrain Lin Feng's body.
Qian Renxue chuckled wickedly and took out a portion of whale glue from her storage ring.
She carefully sliced off a piece and melted it with blazing fire.
A fragrant aroma filled the room, intoxicating and alluring.
Qian Renxue brought the whale glue to Lin Feng's mouth.
"Xiaofeng, it's time for your medicine—ahhh~"
With a look of silent indignation, Lin Feng obediently swallowed the whale glue.
Seriously? It's not like I was refusing to take it. Was all this really necessary?
As soon as the glue entered his mouth, it melted into a liquid like a cool spring, flowing smoothly down his throat.
A strange, enticing fragrance mingled with an indescribable taste.
As the effects began to take hold—
A heat rose in Lin Feng's body, and his eyes became dazed.
His breathing grew heavier, a flush crept across his cheeks.
The figures of the two girls before him seemed more beautiful than ever, their charm magnified, their movements enchanting and graceful.
Lin Feng clamped his legs together, trying to hide the changes in his body.
He forcibly broke free from Ling Yuan's hold and sat cross-legged, using his robes to conceal the situation.
Sweat beaded across his forehead, lending him an unusual allure.
"Gulp."
Two swallowing sounds echoed beside him.Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan's faces flushed slightly as they shyly glanced at each other.
T/N: For up to fourteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle