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"Does this mean that in the future, I'll also have the chance… to absorb soul rings beyond my level?!"
Instantly, this thought flashed through Zhu Zhuqing's mind like lightning.
On the path of a soul master, absorbing soul rings that match one's limits is crucial. It not only signifies stronger soul skills and a deeper foundation but is also an opportunity countless soul masters dream of…
As for absorbing soul rings beyond one's level—it's something countless soul masters long for but can never achieve.
Zhu Zhuqing never imagined that with Dai Chengfeng's help, such an almost impossible feat had become within reach.
This favor was immense.
For a moment, Zhu Zhuqing looked at Dai Chengfeng, her clear eyes seeming to solidify a certain resolve. "Chengfeng, thank you! Your help, I, Zhu Zhuqing, will remember."
With that, she slightly bowed.
Beside them, Hu Liena had already felt the surging power and transformation within her body, her heart equally stirred.
She had intended to express her gratitude, but seeing Zhu Zhuqing beat her to it, she pouted slightly.
However, soon, she seemed to recall something, a seductive smile curving her lips, her eyes shimmering with natural allure.
She slowly pushed through the water, moving closer to Dai Chengfeng, almost pressing half her soft body against his arm. Her voice was sultry, dripping with undisguised intimacy:
"Yes, Brother Chengfeng~ Thanks to you this time, you've helped me so much. How should I repay you?"
As she spoke, she deliberately cast a glance at Zhu Zhuqing, filled with three parts smugness and seven parts provocation.
Zhu Zhuqing naturally noticed Hu Liena's blatant gaze and obvious attempt to provoke her with flirtatious actions. Her cold eyes simply glanced at Hu Liena indifferently before shifting away, completely ignoring her presence.
"Childish!"
"Zhu Zhuqing, are you calling me childish?"
"What else would you call it?"
"Hmph, you're not childish, Zhu Zhuqing? Your figure alone is childish enough!"
"Hu Liena!"
"What? You're not satisfied…?"
"…"
Dai Chengfeng watched as the two women began arguing again, feeling both exasperated and amused. Normally, he might have enjoyed watching, but he had things to do soon. Thus, Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but cough lightly.
"Cough~"
"Alright, now that the medicinal effects have been refined, your foundations are secure, and you've experienced what needed to be experienced."
His gaze swept over the two stunning young women clad only in their undergarments, their perfect curves fully exposed. Even with his firm composure, he felt a slight stir in his heart.
But quickly, Dai Chengfeng suppressed the heat rising within him, stood up, creating a splash of water, and his tone returned to calm, even carrying a hint of teasing: "And I imagine… you're both eager to get dressed, right?"
Indeed.
This "reminder" instantly stopped Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena from arguing.
Although the effects of the Whale Jelly had been absorbed, its influence hadn't completely dissipated, so their minds were still somewhat affected by it.
Now, hearing Dai Chengfeng mention it, they suddenly realized their nearly "barely clothed" state, especially recalling the "voluntary embrace" and "intimate entanglement" during the refinement process.
Their faces turned crimson, like fiery clouds, even their delicate earlobes flushed an intoxicating pink.
"Uh… yes, yes!"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
"We'll go now!"
In an instant, Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena, almost speaking in unison, scrambled out of the pool with unmistakable panic and embarrassment, hastily grabbing their clothes from the shore.
Not even bothering with their soaked undergarments, they haphazardly threw on or wrapped themselves in their outer garments, then fled hurriedly.
"Heh…"
Dai Chengfeng watched the flustered backs of the two women, shook his head, and couldn't help but smile.
"These two personalities are truly… poles apart, yet both… rather amusing…"
Soon, Dai Chengfeng snapped back to reality, no longer dwelling on it. He swam to the shore.
While circulating his internal energy to dry the remaining moisture on his body, he swiftly dressed himself.
"I originally planned to refine Soul-Shaping Pills, and now I also need to refine Great Rejuvenation Pill. Since that's the case, I'll do them together."
"But I still need some herbs. Fortunately, none of them are rare; the pharmacies in Spirit City should have them…"
Dai Chengfeng straightened his robe, stepped out of the inner courtyard, and prepared to head to the center of Spirit City to replenish the herbs he needed for his alchemy.
"Meow~!"
But just as Dai Chengfeng pushed open the door, a streak of golden light, accompanied by cheerful meowing, leapt into his arms.
Dai Chengfeng was already accustomed to Qiu'er's sudden attacks. Smiling, he extended his arms, catching her as she affectionately nuzzled against him. His hand instinctively rubbed the soft, smooth golden fur.
"Dai Chengfeng, are you going out?"
Qiu'er lifted her small head, her moist golden eyes looking at him.
"Mm, I'm going to buy some herbs in Spirit City." Dai Chengfeng nodded. "You stay here and guard the house."
"No~"
Upon hearing the words "guard the house," Qiu'er immediately protested, hopping around on Dai Chengfeng's shoulder. Her fluffy golden tail brushed across his cheek, her voice petulant yet pleading. "I want to come too! Please take me along; it's been so long since I've gone out."
"Please take me with you, please~"
As she spoke, Qiu'er continuously rubbed her little head against Dai Chengfeng's ear and neck, emitting contented purrs.
Seeing Qiu'er's adorable antics, Dai Chengfeng's eyes flickered with indulgence.
"Alright," he nodded leniently. "Then we'll go together, but you must behave and not wander off."
"Yay! Qiu'er is the best behaved!"
Qiu'er immediately spun around excitedly on Dai Chengfeng's shoulder, her golden fur shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.
"You…"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled helplessly. Soon, one person and one small beast left the courtyard, walking along the road leading from the Spirit Hall to Spirit City.
The sun was bright, the breeze gentle.
Dai Chengfeng walked steadily, a cute golden creature perched on his shoulder curiously observing the passersby and shops. This sight drew many glances from pedestrians.
Dai Chengfeng didn't mind.
Qiu'er occasionally meowed at the aroma of food wafting from a stall or peered curiously at the vibrant flowers by the roadside. Dai Chengfeng would softly explain a few things to the little one, chatting about daily life, enjoying a leisurely stroll.
However, this trip wasn't just for leisure. With a clear purpose, after entering the city, Dai Chengfeng headed directly to one of the largest pharmacies in Spirit City, "Hundred Herb Hall."
With a precise prescription in mind, Dai Chengfeng quickly selected the herbs he needed for refining Soul-Shaping Pills and Great Rejuvenation Pill, including century-old Snow Lotus cores, nine ginsengs, Ice Spirit Cold Spring Grass, and more than a dozen others.
The transaction was simple and efficient. After paying with gold coins, the herbs were carefully packed, not taking much time.
Throughout the process, despite Qiu'er's curiosity and constant looking around, she didn't cause any trouble.
With the purchased herbs, Dai Chengfeng took Qiu'er for a short stroll, buying her some snacks before returning to the Spirit Hall.
"Now that all the herbs are bought, next comes the alchemy. But there's another challenge with alchemy…"
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