Gale transformed into a white sphere and was stored within Su Wen's spiritual sea, floating quietly in place.
Though Gale was more like a detached martial soul and could remain outside without consuming soul power, it seemed to prefer staying inside the Poké Ball.
Each Poké Ball came with its own internal space.
While it was far smaller than the Star Dou Great Forest, it was peaceful, safe, and undisturbed.
Even in the outer regions of the forest, Wind Baboons were still at the bottom of the food chain.
That was why they lived in groups for protection.
Having finally found such a comfortable environment, Gale had grown somewhat attached to the Poké Ball.
The summer night breeze was cool and refreshing, brushing gently across Su Wen's shoulders above the water.
Enjoying the tranquility, he pulled out a small bottle of pills.
"Muscle-Cleansing Pill. Same medicinal properties as the Xuanshui Pill Huo Yuhao used in the original story.....just a more straightforward name.
Since it came from Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan, the quality shouldn't be lacking."
Su Wen nodded slightly.
His biggest impression of this kind of pill was simple....after consuming it, black, foul-smelling impurities would be expelled through the skin.
Perfect timing, since he was already bathing.
"Gulp."
He swallowed it without hesitation.
Warmth immediately spread from his abdomen, surging through his meridians.
Su Wen quickly sat cross-legged in the pool, circulating soul power according to the meditation technique Zhang Lexuan had taught him earlier that day, trying not to waste the scorching medicinal energy rampaging inside his body.
"Buzz…"
Ripples spread outward from his body, disturbing the water's surface and stirring up waves of insect chirps.
He didn't know how much time passed.
When Su Wen slowly opened his eyes.....
An exquisitely beautiful face suddenly filled his vision, bright eyes curiously studying him.
"Hiss—!"
Startled, Su Wen instinctively leaned back. With no footing in the water, his head plunged under the surface.
He flailed clumsily, gulped down a few mouthfuls of water, and was promptly hauled up by the figure in front of him....pulled straight into a warm embrace.
"Sister Xiaotao, can you not pop out like that?"
Su Wen spat out water helplessly.
"Hey, I was worried something might happen to you," Ma Xiaotao retorted, poking his forehead.
"I stayed here bored out of my mind for three or four hours, and you're complaining? You think I enjoy staying up all night?"
"..."
Su Wen very much wanted to nod.
Unfortunately, the dangerous glint in those narrow, crimson eyes made him abandon that thought instantly.
"Alright. Get dried off and go back to sleep."
Ma Xiaotao leapt lightly onto the shore. Only then did Su Wen realize...
She had come to bathe as well.
The sudden flash of pale skin nearly blinded him.
"Glug—!"
He lost control again, tipping backward and choking on another mouthful of water.
Silver laughter rang out by the poolside.
Covering his backside and vital areas, Su Wen scrambled ashore in embarrassment.
Just as he reached for his clothes, Ma Xiaotao stopped him.
"What are you shy about? You're just a little brat—afraid your big sister might see something?"
As she spoke, flames ignited in her palm.
Warmth spread outward, dispersing the chill of the night and instantly drying Su Wen's drenched clothes.
"Ah…"
Wrapped in warm fabric, the embarrassment from running around naked finally faded.
But Su Wen soon noticed something odd.
He glanced down at his clothes, then sniffed lightly.
They carried the scent of freshly dried fabric....mixed with a faint fragrance.
They had been washed.
Su Wen looked up at Ma Xiaotao in surprise.
Her?!
This girl… could actually be that considerate?
What kind of look is that?"
Ma Xiaotao frowned and flicked his forehead.
"Nothing, Sister Xiaotao. Let's go back to the hut. I'm really sleepy…"
Su Wen rubbed his eyes.
Although refining the Muscle-Cleansing Pill had raised his soul power by one level,
overwhelming drowsiness still crept in.
Normally, meditation didn't cause this—but perhaps it was due to just awakening his martial soul.
Inside the wooden hut.
Watching Su Wen sleep soundly, Ma Xiaotao found herself wide awake.
She sat with her long legs together, gazing at him with gentle eyes.
"Sleep well… From now on, you're one of Shrek's own."
Su Wen unconsciously rubbed against a soft pillow, half-asleep. Only after opening his eyes did he realize....
The "pillow" was a long, smooth leg.
"Awake?"
Following the voice upward, he saw Ma Xiaotao standing there with her arms crossed, a teasing smile on her face.
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