"Ha~"
"Ha~~"
Outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
After frantically fleeing for several hours, Chrysanthemum Douluo finally escaped to a safe area just beyond the forest as his spirit power neared exhaustion. He collapsed, gasping for breath.
"To think I, the exalted Chrysanthemum Douluo, would be reduced to such a pitiful state."
"Ha~"
After catching his breath, Chrysanthemum Douluo shuddered at the memory of the hundred terrifying ten-thousand-year spirit beasts that had chased him in a beast tide. Had he not focused solely on escape and burned his spirit power recklessly, the outcome would have been unthinkable.
I must report this to the Pope immediately.
Dragging his exhausted body, Chrysanthemum Douluo trudged toward a mercenary town ahead—a stronghold controlled by the Spirit Hall. After sending word to Bibi Dong, he retreated to a room to rest and await her response.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Ah Yin's Residence. Kitchen.
The pregnant Ah Yin hummed cheerfully as she cooked dinner, her baby bump accentuating her maternal charm. Beside her, the equally pregnant Liu Erlong assisted with practiced ease—her years living solo in the Blue Tyrant Academy's forest cabin had honed her culinary skills.
Suddenly, knocks echoed from the front door. Tang Yin, seated in the living room, opened it to find Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
"Why are you here?" Tang Yin asked, puzzled.
"To congratulate Vice-Headmaster Liu, of course!" Ning Rongrong chirped, revealing a small gift box hidden behind her back. The cool-faced Zhu Zhuqing likewise held a gift bag.
Tang Yin frowned. How did they learn about Liu Erlong's pregnancy?
"Come in first. How did you know?"
Ning Rongrong explained, "Grandmaster told us!" She recounted Yu Xiaogang's implications that Liu Erlong carried his child.
Tang Yin nearly laughed aloud. The audacity! If not for me intercepting Flender's scheme last time, Yu Xiaogang might've actually succeeded.
Liu Erlong emerged from the kitchen, surprised. "Zhuqing? Rongrong?"
"Congratulations on the baby, Vice-Headmaster!" Ning Rongrong dashed forward with her gift. Zhu Zhuqing followed suit, her eyes briefly lingering on Tang Yin.
Accepting the presents, Liu Erlong's brow furrowed at Yu Xiaogang's presumption but masked her irritation. "Ah Yin and I made extra dinner. Stay and eat with us?"
"Gladly!" Ning Rongrong agreed, while Zhu Zhuqing nodded—her unspoken wish to "cultivate deeply" with Tang Yin tonight clear in her gaze.
As Liu Erlong returned to the kitchen, Ning Rongrong sighed dramatically at Tang Yin. "Zhuqing's already at level 39, almost breaking through to 40! I'm stuck at 31…" Her wide eyes pleaded: Help me tonight. Don't let me hold everyone back in the Star Dou Forest tomorrow.
Tang Yin understood. He'd forgotten the fairy grass meant for her. With a wave, he materialized a jade box containing a golden tulip-like plant—Qiluo Fragrance Golden Tulip (Qiluo Yujinxiang). Its regal aura and rich scent captivated Ning Rongrong instantly.
"This fairy grass complements treasure-type spirits like your Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda," Tang Yin explained. "Gently inhale the stamen's essence, then circulate your spirit power to absorb it. Go upstairs and refine it now."
Ning Rongrong kissed his cheek. "Thank you!" Clutching the fairy grass, she hurried to a room to begin her breakthrough.
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