The next morning.
Dawn light filtered through the thin mist, painting the world in soft, milky white.
Dai Chengfeng stirred with the morning breeze, eyes fluttering open.
But before anything else, he felt the warm, supple body curled against his chest.
Zhu Zhuqing lay nestled in his arms, sleeping peacefully—one hand resting unconsciously on his chest, the other tucked beneath her cheek, her breaths even and deep.
"This little kitten…"
Dai Chengfeng smiled, not moving. He simply watched her, utterly still.
Pale sunlight seeped through the half-drawn curtains, casting a gentle silhouette across her face.
The sharp, cool lines that usually defined her features were now softened in sleep. Her long, thick lashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks; her nose was straight, her lips naturally flushed from restful slumber.
Her black hair spilled across the pillow—strands clinging to the damp skin of her neck. Her throat arched like a swan's, flowing seamlessly into bare shoulders.
The quilt had slipped to her waist, revealing the full expanse of her back—smooth, resilient, every muscle and bone elegantly defined. Her shoulder blades rose like wings about to unfurl, rising and falling with each breath.
Her waist was impossibly narrow, loosely encircled by his arm.
Below, the quilt hid more—but one long leg stretched out, resting over his own.
Her ankle was delicate, the skin of her foot nearly translucent in the morning light, faint blue veins visible beneath. Her ten toes relaxed naturally, nails rounded and tinged with healthy pink.
Dai Chengfeng's gaze lingered on her, heart swelling with quiet satisfaction.
Who would believe that the cold, aloof, formidable Nether Spirit Cat soul master—the woman others revered and feared—now slept so defenselessly in his arms?
His hand drifted to her bare back, fingertips tracing the dip of her spine downward.
Her skin was cool silk beneath his touch.
"Mmm…"
In her sleep, Zhu Zhuqing seemed to sense his caress. She shifted slightly, murmuring something unintelligible—but didn't wake. Instead, she burrowed deeper into his chest.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, then bent down to press a feather-light kiss to her forehead.
Just then, her long lashes fluttered—and slowly opened.
Her deep eyes were hazy at first, but quickly cleared.
She blinked, adjusted to the light—and found Dai Chengfeng's face inches from hers.
"Awake?"
His voice was rough with morning huskiness.
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing tried to move—but a wave of soreness flooded her limbs, making her frown.
Last night's memories rushed back.
Heat bloomed across her cheeks.
Instinctively, she reached for the quilt to cover herself—but found most of it tangled around Dai Chengfeng, leaving her almost entirely exposed to his gaze.
"Don't look…" She whispered, tugging at the fabric.
But Dai Chengfeng was faster. He pulled the quilt up, wrapping her snugly—leaving only her flushed face visible.
"Hungry?" he asked, arm still draped around her.
She shook her head, settling into a more comfortable position in his embrace—then suddenly remembered something. She glanced toward the window.
"What time is it?"
Her voice was soft, drowsy—utterly unlike her usual crisp tone.
Dai Chengfeng glanced at the soul-guided clock on the nightstand. "Just past the hour of Chen. Still early." (7am-9am)
"Chen hour…?"
Zhu Zhuqing repeated—then her eyes widened. "It's already Chen hour? But training—"
"Rest today," he cut in gently, fingers combing through her hair. "You need time to adapt and recover."
"We'll pause training for a few days."
At that, Zhu Zhuqing's tense muscles relaxed.
"But the others…" she began, still uneasy.
"Already arranged."
Dai Chengfeng looked down at her, gaze tender yet firm. "Your only task now is to rest—and consolidate your power."
She held his gaze—then gave a small nod.
But then—a soft gurgle came from her stomach.
She froze. Her face burned even hotter.
Dai Chengfeng let out a muffled laugh, his chest vibrating.
"Hungry?"
"…Mm."
She admitted quietly, burying her face in his chest, unwilling to let him see her embarrassment.
After last night's exertion, hunger gnawed at her.
"Wait here."
He kissed the top of her head, then sat up.
The quilt slid off, revealing his sculpted torso—broad shoulders, narrow waist, muscles defined yet fluid. Faint red marks dotted his back—her unconscious handiwork from the night before.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes followed him as he rose, took a robe from the stand, and shrugged it on, tying the sash with careless grace.
Morning light outlined his profile—every line radiating contained power, yet wrapped in lazy elegance.
He turned—and caught her staring.
One brow arched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not had enough yet?"
Zhu Zhuqing immediately looked away, turning her face to the side—but her ears betrayed her, turning crimson.
Dai Chengfeng didn't tease further. He walked to the window and drew back the curtain halfway.
Brighter light flooded in, washing the room clean.
He pushed the window open. Cool, fresh air flowed inside, dispelling the lingering intimacy of the night.
"What would you like to eat?"
He asked without turning, voice carried on the breeze.
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment. "Something light… congee, with a few side dishes."
"Alright."
He nodded, walking to the door—but paused before leaving, glancing back.
Zhu Zhuqing sat propped on the bed, quilt gathered around her, hair tousled over her shoulders, cheeks still flushed from sleep. Her eyes—clear, yet heavy with drowsy tenderness—made him want to stay forever.
But he left anyway.
Silence settled over the room.
Only when his footsteps faded did Zhu Zhuqing finally relax, letting out a quiet sigh.
She shifted—and the soreness intensified.
Especially in her waist and legs—they barely felt like her own.
She focused inward, circulating her soul power. The Asura God Force responded instantly—a warm, potent current flowing through her meridians, easing the fatigue in her muscles.
Yet she also sensed it clearly: this power hadn't fully merged with her own. Mastery would take time… and practice.
"Asura God Force…" She murmured, lifting her palm.
A thread of dark violet light shimmered above her skin—menacing, lethal—yet perfectly contained within her control, not a wisp escaping.
Within the glow, a complex sigil flickered briefly before vanishing.
Is this… the true power of Asura?
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read the completed exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect' + get up to 30 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)