Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward.
Shen An gazed at her—her aura now even more ethereal, skin flawless like jade, her already striking figure now even more captivating. She resembled the moon itself: pure, luminous, and utterly mesmerizing.
Her eyes shimmered with hidden joy. "Shen An, my martial soul seems to have mutated—a beneficial one. My soul power has increased significantly, though I won't know the exact extent until I obtain my next soul ring."
"The boost should be substantial. I remember Rongrong reaching rank 37 immediately after getting her third soul ring."
Zhu Zhuqing's lips parted in astonishment. Such a huge leap in soul power?
She had awakened her martial soul at six, training diligently every day, yet had only reached rank 30 by now.
Ning Rongrong, after consuming just one immortal herb, had gained seven levels. At her usual pace, that would've taken two years.
Her gaze lingered on Shen An. How could she ever repay him for such a priceless gift?
"Zhuqing, what does your martial soul look like now?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Zhu Zhuqing summoned her martial soul. A delicate, shadowy figure materialized before them, drawing Tom and Jerry's attention.
Tom studied the sleek, black Nether Spirit Cat, deciding it was almost as handsome as itself—though still far prettier than that alley cat Butch.
"Wow! So cute! It's beautiful!" Ning Rongrong couldn't help but gush.
The Nether Spirit Cat was petite, its fur pitch-black, with eyes like bottomless pools flickering with moonlight. Its ears stood sharp, and its tail swayed like a silken ribbon.
Most strikingly, when Zhu Zhuqing channeled soul power, a veil of moonlight draped over the cat, as if it were the moon's favored child.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes sparkled. "My first two soul skills have grown stronger, and I've gained an innate soul skill."
"An innate soul skill? That's amazing! What does it do?" Ning Rongrong asked, envy creeping into her voice.
Her Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda had no innate skills—though she was content enough.
"It's called Moon's Blessing. At night, all my attributes increase by 30%, and my soul power recovery doubles."
Shen An was stunned. This skill is ridiculously overpowered! Even limited to nighttime, it was awe-inspiring.
Tom and Jerry, indifferent to soul skills but pleased by everyone's excitement, puffed up proudly. They had picked that herb, after all.
Night had fully fallen. As Zhu Zhuqing activated her soul power, moonlit gauze enveloped her, transforming her into an ethereal moon goddess.
The celestial moon and earthly beauty seemed to mirror each other, their radiance captivating.
"Wha—Hey! What are you—Stop that!" Ning Rongrong suddenly shrieked.
In a blur, Zhu Zhuqing darted forward and pressed a kiss to Shen An's cheek.
Tom and Jerry, now seated on tiny stools munching watermelon, watched with relish.
True spectators of drama.
Shen An froze, the soft, cool touch lingering on his skin. Her delicate fragrance filled his senses, sending his heart racing.
Before he could react, Zhu Zhuqing pulled away—just as Ning Rongrong's outcry erupted.
Flushed, chest heaving, Zhu Zhuqing fought to steady her breath. "D-Don't misunderstand, Rongrong. That herb was incredibly precious. I was just... thanking Shen An."
Shen An, still touching his cheek, was lost in the sensation.
Had this been a manga, Ning Rongrong would've been steaming.
"Heh. I understand. After all, I thanked Shen An the same way."
Her words were gritted out, "thanked" dripping with venom.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression darkened, fingers curling into fists with an ominous crack.
Though close since their days in Suotuo City's teahouse, the two girls turned into frenemies the moment Shen An was involved.
Ahem. "Zhuqing, it's getting late. Let's head back. I'll inform Elder Meng—we can get your soul ring tomorrow," Shen An interjected.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, having missed him dearly during their separation.
"Then hurry up! It'll be pitch-black soon!" Ning Rongrong snapped, still sulking.
"Wait, Rongrong." Shen An turned to her. "Earlier, you seemed to be hiding your Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda?"
Ning Rongrong sighed. "Yeah. Dad said not to reveal it in public. The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda is already coveted—evolving to nine treasures would make me a target."
"But how long can I hide it? In tournaments or the Elite Soul Master Competition, it'll come out eventually."
"Then I'll either be stuck in the clan or trailed by bodyguards. Ugh."
"If only I could conceal the pagoda's layers. But that's impossible—everyone sees your martial soul when released."
Her frustration was palpable. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had enemies—even allies might resent their fortune.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, for instance, would lose it if they learned of her evolution.
Shen An smiled. "Simple. Let Tom handle it."
Tom, though clueless, puffed up proudly at the implied praise.
Ning Rongrong blinked. "What?"
Shen An produced the invisible ink. "Release your martial soul. Tom will show you."
"Huh? Jerry, why are you tugging my pants?"
Jerry pointed at Tom, shook its tiny finger (Not him!), then thumped its chest confidently (Me!).
Shen An chuckled. These two always competed. "Fine, you do it. Just paint the bottom two layers."
Ning Rongrong was baffled. Painting her pagoda? What kind of solution was that?
Tom's face fell. This rodent's stealing my spotlight?
It marched over, gloved hand rearing back—
"Boing!"
Jerry went sailing through the air in a perfectly straight line, expression blank until—
Thud!
It slid down a tree trunk, then fixed Tom with a glare.
This isn't over.