In terms of elemental control, even with both his hands and feet, Li Chang'an still wasn't a match for Gu Yuena. So, without hesitation, he played the part of a diligent student—lavishly flattering her in his own way to seek her guidance.
Despite her countless years of cultivation, Gu Yuena wasn't exactly prepared for someone like Li Chang'an—a seasoned flirt among humankind. Though she maintained an aloof and composed expression, inwardly, she was already starting to crack under the pressure.
It just felt too good being fawned over like that—how could she possibly resist?
And Li Chang'an wasn't your run-of-the-mill sycophant. He didn't throw around cheap compliments or empty praise. Instead, he chose his words carefully—subtle, sophisticated, and hitting just the right notes.
Half a day later, Li Chang'an could already control the Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Ice within his body at will. While he couldn't yet inject soul power into elemental fire to give it a semblance of life like Gu Yuena could, his mastery was starting to take shape.
Worried that Zhu Zhuqing and the others outside might grow anxious, Li Chang'an reluctantly stood up and took his leave. His time with Gu Yuena had not been in vain—he'd built a solid rapport and had even managed to convince her, albeit reluctantly, that he was the successor of the Dragon God. A fruitful encounter indeed.
"By the way... if I ever find myself in danger in the future, how should I contact you?"
Just as he was about to leave, Li Chang'an suddenly turned back and asked.
Gu Yuena had been following him at a short distance, and the abrupt turn meant their faces were now only about twenty centimeters apart. He caught a faint whiff of her scent—fresh, clean, and natural, reminiscent of untouched wilderness. It was intoxicating, and he couldn't help but take a deeper breath.
Gu Yuena blushed and took a few steps back, her flawless cheeks tinged with pink as she glanced at him, flustered.
"Y-You shouldn't just stop like that!"
"Ah, sorry, my bad." Li Chang'an stepped back and apologized earnestly, playing innocent.
Gu Yuena couldn't really blame him—after all, he was asking a serious question.
With a gentle motion, Gu Yuena pulled out a silver dragon scale from seemingly nowhere. It glimmered with a unique rainbow sheen, elegant and mysterious.
"This is one of my Heart-guarding Scales. Keep it with you. If you ever find yourself in mortal danger, I'll sense it and can tear through space to save you."
"But under normal circumstances, I won't intervene. The moment I appear outside the Star Dou Forest, it means I'll be exposed."
At this, she fixed him with a serious look, hoping he understood what that meant.
After all, the consequences of her exposure weren't something to be taken lightly.
Holding the scale in his palm, Li Chang'an could feel the warmth it emitted, along with her lingering scent.
"Don't worry," he said solemnly. "I understand the risks. I won't let you be exposed."
Gu Yuena nodded, not saying anything more. It was too late to take the scale back now—she had already given it away. All she could do was trust him.
"Oh, by the way, you didn't manage to grasp the aura of my Martial Soul this time. Can I come find you again the next time I visit the Star Dou Forest?"
Li Chang'an looked at her sincerely, his face practically shouting, This is for your own good.
Yes, totally for her benefit. Not at all for the sake of... getting closer or anything.
After a moment's thought, Gu Yuena nodded in agreement. After all, it was about improving herself. The subtler implications were something she hadn't quite picked up on.
"One more thing," Li Chang'an added, "I have a friend who needs a dark-type speed spirit beast, about five thousand years old. Could you help me find one?"
It was a convenient excuse—he needed something to show when he got back.
Gu Yuena suddenly felt a strong urge to beat him up. So many requests right before leaving?!
"Fine, I'll find you one." She took a deep breath and nodded.
With a flick of her jade-like hand, she casually tore open space, and a ten-meter-long black panther was yanked out—it was barely breathing.
"This is a Shadow Black Panther, a decent dark-type soul beast. Take it."
Li Chang'an cupped his fist in thanks, then casually hoisted the weakly struggling panther with one hand. He gave Gu Yuena a deep look, then turned and walked away.
After traveling about a kilometer, Xiao Wu arrived from Er Ming's direction. She immediately clung to his arm and called out sweetly, "Brother~"
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Li Chang'an replied, ruffling her hair affectionately with his free hand.
"Brother, what did you talk about with the Lord?"
Looking at Xiao Wu's apple-red cheeks, coupled with the restless energy still simmering in his chest from earlier, Li Chang'an set the Shadow Panther down, then leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
"Mmm... Brother, I'm asking you something—why are you... what's gotten into you?"
"Brother, this place... isn't really appropriate…"
While kissing her, Li Chang'an casually raised a soul power barrier. With a wave of his hand, he took out a luxurious tent from his soul tool. To avoid any unwanted interruptions, he released a hint of the Donghuang Bell's aura.
"Xiao Wu… I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable. Just give me a moment, it won't take long."
"Mmm~ Brother, it's been a while for me too~..."
Her voice was soft and almost inaudible by the end. She didn't resist when he picked her up, and instead buried her face lightly in his chest.
Inside the tent, Li Chang'an held her close, his hands slowly running down the curve of her back. His lips brushed against her neck, then her collarbone, leaving light kisses all the way down. Xiao Wu's breathing gradually grew rapid, and her arms wrapped tightly around him.
Her cropped pink vest was soon removed, revealing her smooth shoulders and fair skin. Li Chang'an's hand brushed over her waist, then upward, gently cupping and sucking her breast. Xiao Wu's body trembled slightly as he sucked her, her face turning redder as she instinctively grabbed his arm.
"Brother… you said it would be quick…"
Li Chang'an chuckled lowly, his lips curving into a teasing smile.
"Almost done…"
Half a day passed.
"Brotheeer~…"
"Mhm… just a little more…"
____
Meanwhile, in another part of the Star Dou Forest, Tang San slowly opened his eyes under everyone's gaze. Behind him floated three spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple!
Yes, while searching for Li Chang'an, Tang San had a fortuitous encounter—he successfully hunted a Human-Faced Demon Spider and unexpectedly obtained an external spirit bone!
Now, having just finished absorbing it, Tang San had achieved perfect control.
If Li Chang'an had seen this, he would've secretly admired the narrative correction power of Douluo Dalu's world Will. Even though he had taken Xiao Wu and fought Meng Yiran, Tang San still became a Spirit Elder and gained an external spirit bone.
That's the thing about protagonists chosen by fate—no matter how messy the script becomes, the story always finds a way to stay on course.
Of course, not everything could be changed. For example, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was now under Spirit Hall's control. Not even Tang San could get any immortal herbs from it anymore.
"Tang San, congrats on advancing to Spirit Elder and obtaining such a rare external bone!"
Dai Mubai clapped Tang San on the shoulder, forcing a smile. Ever since Li Chang'an got captured, Zhu Zhuqing had been in a foul mood. So of course, his own mood had tanked too.
Zhao Wuji cleared his throat. "Alright, since Tang San has finished his absorption, let's keep moving deeper into the forest."
"Sha... sha..."
At that moment, a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby…
__
T/N:
Hello everyone! My Patreon is just $3 — a perfect opportunity to access 70+ advanced chapters and support the translation.
You'll also get access to firsthand girls' pics as a bonus!
🔗 patreon.com/user?u=79514336
Or simply search Translator-Sama on Patreon