While Tang San was enduring inhuman suffering and somehow enjoying it, Lin Feng was already savoring the joys of life.
Once you've tasted something, it's hard to stop.
Some things only have two possibilities: never doing them, or doing them countless times.
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan, after those two days, seemed to have opened the door to a new world. They indulged in the pleasures of the night, unable to tear themselves away.
Fortunately, Lin Feng's body wasn't as fragile as an ordinary soul master's.
He held up remarkably well.
But as time went on, his desire to condense the fifth soul vein in his kidney grew stronger.
Qian Renxue was manageable, but Ling Yuan was different.
As a Title Douluo, her strength wasn't something Lin Feng, still a Soul Ancestor, could easily handle.
If it weren't for Ling Yuan's gentle and considerate nature, holding back her full power, Lin Feng might have truly been defeated.
On a vast, snowy plain, Lin Feng and Qian Renxue woke up in their tent.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Qian Renxue let out a long yawn.
With her eyes still closed, she absentmindedly reached out to touch Lin Feng:
"Did I win last night?"
Lin Feng's mouth twitched. The two of them took turns day after day, giving him no time to rest. And now she was proud of winning once at the last moment?
"Sure, you won."
"Haha~"
Qian Renxue chuckled triumphantly, nuzzling her face against Lin Feng's chest:
"I know you're tired, so I'll let you off for a while."
Are you sure it's not you who's tired? It's just one win. Why take it so seriously?
Picking up a wooden comb, Lin Feng gently combed Qian Renxue's golden hair while she adjusted her clothes.
Lin Feng asked softly:
"Where do you want to go now?"
Qian Renxue thought for a moment, then said:
"How about we go to the border?
We've seen the snowscapes. It's said that beyond here lies unexplored territory, which is very dangerous.
Even high-level Soul Douluos have perished there. With only Sister Ling Yuan as a Title Douluo, we need to be cautious."
Lin Feng nodded slowly:
"From the Kingdom of Hagen Dazs, heading south through the Golden Mountain Range and the Star Luo Mountains, we can reach a major city near the border of the two empires."
"Which city?"
"Gengxin City, known as the Metal Capital. The headquarters of the Blacksmith Association is also located there. It's a paradise for blacksmiths on the continent.
The city is rich in rare metals and has a large supply of common metals.
I need to go there and, if possible, establish a partnership with the people there."
Qian Renxue's eyes sharpened:
"Xiao Feng, what are you planning?"
"Gengxin City is located at the intersection of Spirit Hall, the Star Luo Empire, and the southern border of the Heaven Dou Empire.
As the Metal Capital, it might not seem particularly special under normal circumstances, and its blacksmiths might not be highly valued.
But in times of crisis, its strategic location makes it a key military target.
As the Metal Capital and a haven for blacksmiths, it would become a crucial logistical hub. Not everyone is a soul master, and when a blacksmith's skills reach their peak, the weapons they forge can be incredibly powerful.
This force is best kept under our control."
Qian Renxue nodded, leaning her head back and looking at Lin Feng with her azure eyes:
"Why are you thinking about this now? Is it because of your recent title as Holy Son?"
"Not exactly. While I have no desire to conquer, I understand the suffering of the people.
The continent will eventually be unified. As long as the two empires remain in competition, conflict will inevitably arise again."
Qian Renxue sighed, raising her arms to gently pinch Lin Feng's cheeks:
"The Nine-Heart Begonia, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Title Douluo Dugu Bo, and the secret dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Clan.
Xiao Feng, you've already done so much. Don't overwork yourself."
Lin Feng carefully placed a hairpin he had bought for Qian Renxue into her hair.
In the mirror, he noticed that Qian Renxue's face had become softer, exuding a subtle charm and a more mature allure.
"My Xiao Xue is becoming more and more considerate."
"Hmph~ You big oaf, you should be grateful~"
Stepping out of the tent, they found Ling Yuan already waiting.
"Let's head back. Winter is coming, and this area will be hit by blizzards. It's not suitable for further exploration.
We'll head south, pass through Heaven Dou City, and then go straight to Star Luo and Gengxin City."
Ling Yuan nodded. With a soft cry, a massive fire phoenix appeared before Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
"Isn't this too conspicuous?"
Ling Yuan snorted:
"We're not near where those two seniors are. We'll return to human form before approaching the city.
What's the matter?"
The phoenix's beak parted slightly:
"You weren't shy about riding me last night. Why hesitate now?"
Qian Renxue glared:
"Sister Ling Yuan! You're being too bold!"
Ugh, has Sister Ling Yuan already unlocked new positions? Am I falling behind?
Ling Yuan let out a soft cry:
"Fine, fine, I won't say anymore. Don't be mad, Your Highness~"
Qian Renxue sat on Ling Yuan's phoenix form, annoyed, and found a faintly glowing golden feather. She gave it a hard tug.
"Cry—"
"Xiao Xue~!"
Ling Yuan's body shuddered, a tingling sensation spreading through her. She turned her head, giving Qian Renxue a reproachful look.
Qian Renxue smirked, staring into Ling Yuan's phoenix eyes:
"It's not just you who knows weaknesses, Sister Ling Yuan. Should I tell Xiao Feng where this feather corresponds to on your human body?"
Lin Feng's eyes lit up, and he coughed lightly:
"Well, I think that's a good—"
Ling Yuan, still in flight, suddenly twisted the spot where Lin Feng was sitting:
"No!"
Qian Renxue, seeing Lin Feng fall silent, tilted her head and mimicked a tone she'd heard somewhere:
"Dear Sister Ling Yuan, you wouldn't want Xiao Feng to know where that feather corresponds to on your human body, would you?"
The strange phrasing and magical tone seemed to strip away any resistance.
Ling Yuan lowered her phoenix head, nodding dejectedly:
"I was wrong. I won't say such things in front of you anymore, Xiao Xue."
I'll just whisper them to Xiao Feng later, haha~
Qian Renxue nodded triumphantly, then lay back on Ling Yuan's back.
"Why doesn't the fire phoenix have fire?"
"Silly, Ling Yuan retracted it. Do you want to be roasted by flames the whole time?"
Qian Renxue noticed Lin Feng's change in how he addressed Ling Yuan but chose not to comment.
If Lin Feng wanted to change how he addressed her, and given how close they'd become, she'd let him have his way.
Ling Yuan, hearing this, felt a mix of joy and a faint sense of loss.
Not being called "sister" felt like something was missing.
It was a strange feeling.
The three of them traveled swiftly and soon arrived at Heaven Dou City.
Two and a half months passed quickly.
It had been a long time since their last visit to Sunset Forest.
Because of Gu Yuena's sudden appearance, they hadn't even stopped by Heaven Dou City, heading straight north instead.
Now, returning, they could rest for a few days and help Ye mother condense her soul vein.