Jiang Yun's days in the valley were a delicate balance of cultivation, research, and preparation. His knowledge of the immortal herbs was his greatest asset, allowing him to identify each one—Cloud Ginseng for vitality, Infernal Delicate Apricot and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass for immunity to ice, fire, and poison, as well as enhanced control over those elements.
He consumed the Cloud Ginseng first, feeling a warm, vigorous energy spread through his body, strengthening his stamina and ensuring he could fight for prolonged periods without tiring. Next came the Infernal Delicate Apricot and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass. The opposing energies surged within him—fiery heat and bone-chilling cold—but Jiang Yun's calm focus allowed him to balance them.
A faint glow enveloped him as his skin subtly shimmered, an invisible resistance to poison, extreme heat, and freezing cold settling within his body. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through him. After a few moment of breath he jumped in the ice fire yin yang well and begin to refine his body and absorb the medicinal power of herbs.
One day later he emerged from the well.
"Are you… really okay?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, watching with a mix of awe and concern.
"I'm better than ever," Jiang Yun assured her, his eyes calm yet sharp. "But I haven't forgotten about you."
He carefully selected the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and the Dafodil Jade Flesh Bone for Zhu Zhuqing. "These will strengthen your physique and increase your soul power level."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, trusting him. Under his guidance, she consumed the herbs. A radiant light surrounded her, her muscles becoming leaner yet more defined. Her agility and speed increased, and her soul power surged from level 27 to level 30.
Jiang Yun's eyes lit up. "You've reached level 30. It's time for your third soul ring."
Zhu Zhuqing's excitement was clear, and the two of them ventured into the nearby forest. Guided by Jiang Yun's keen senses, they tracked down a Ghost Leopard—an agile and ferocious creature with a shadowy, ethereal body.
"It's around 3,000 years old. Perfect for you," Jiang Yun assessed calmly.
The Ghost Leopard's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. It lunged, its body becoming a blur. But Jiang Yun stepped forward, raising his hand. "Henshin!"
A brilliant red light enveloped him, transforming him into Kamen Rider Kuuga Mighty Form, his crimson armor gleaming. His golden eyes fixed on the beast.
The Ghost Leopard struck with shadowy claws, but Jiang Yun's armored form absorbed the blow. "Mighty Kick!" he declared, his leg glowing crimson. His kick blasted the leopard, sending it crashing through trees.
The beast vanished into shadows. Jiang Yun's voice was calm. "Lock on." His second ability activated, his gaze fixing on the creature, making it impossible to escape his attack.
"Chou Henshin!" he roared, his armor shimmering before transforming into Kuuga Dragon Form. His blue armor granted him unparalleled speed. He weaved through the forest, his strikes precise.
The Ghost Leopard snarled, striking back with a shadowy claw. But Jiang Yun's speed outmatched it. A swift lunge and a sweeping kick sent it tumbling.
"Zhuqing, now!" he called.
Zhu Zhuqing, empowered by the herbs, darted forward, her claws glowing as she struck with ferocity. The Ghost Leopard's roars weakened.
Jiang Yun shifted back to Mighty Form, his strength surging. He grabbed the creature, his crushing grip forcing it to the ground.
With a final cry, Zhu Zhuqing's claws pierced the Ghost Leopard's form. Its body dissolved, leaving behind a swirling purple soul ring.
"Sit down. Focus. I'll protect you," Jiang Yun instructed.
Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged, and the purple ring floated towards her. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she concentrated, her soul power resonating with the ring. Minutes felt like hours, but soon the light stabilized, and Zhu Zhuqing's eyes snapped open, a fierce feline glint in them.
"I did it," she excitedly threw herself in Jiang Yun arms,her voice filled with joy and relief.
After a moment of realisation she like a cat stepped on her tail jumped back and blushed fiercely, scolding herself.
Jiang Yun's armor faded, and he smiled. "Congratulations. Your third soul ring."
Zhu Zhuqing checked her soul power and gasped. "Level 37?"
"The immortal herbs are still in your body and they will absorbed slowly and will helpful in future cultivation, it is acceptable that you have reached level 37 after absorbing your third soul ring".
Jiang Yun only smiled, but his mind was clear—this was just the beginning. With their strength steadily increasing, his dream of creating a sanctuary was becoming more real.