Within his Qi Sea, a ball of azure lightning energy churned and pulsed.
The Deep Water Lightning had finally condensed—successfully transforming into an even more powerful form.
This means that once my cultivation technique and cultivation absorb it, they will evolve. Advance.
He had waited long for this moment.
What realm will I reach after absorption?
A small figure darted before him.
"Xiao Jietian!" Zi Yan's voice was pure grievance. "You've finally stopped cultivating! I've been so bored waiting!"
He rose, stretching.
"I finished refining the pills long ago." A pause. "But you were sleeping so soundly. I didn't wish to wake you."
Zi Yan's cheeks flushed—barely, briefly.
When she had awakened, she found her shoes removed, a blanket tucked around her.
He did this.
He cared for me while I slept.
A warmth spread through her chest. She liked that feeling.
"Then show them to me! Quick!"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Three jade bottles materialized in Xiao Jietian's hand.
"Here."
"Wow!" Zi Yan's excitement exploded. "So many! I can eat for a long, long time!"
She launched herself at him.
Her small, soft body crashed into his arms. He caught her reflexively, arms supporting her weight.
Her dark, intelligent eyes shone with joy.
"Let me see! I've been thinking about them for so long!"
Xiao Jietian held up two bottles.
"Keep these safe first."
Zi Yan obediently tucked them away.
He produced the third bottle—the one from the hand supporting her.
"This one has slightly fewer pills. Eat these first."
She snatched it.
Opened it without hesitation.
Fragrance.
Rich, familiar, intoxicating.
She brought her nose to the opening and inhaled deeply.
"So fragrant! This scent—I remember it!"
A pill tumbled into her palm.
Into her mouth.
Chew.
Her face bloomed with ecstasy.
This taste. This feeling.
She hadn't eaten for an entire day.
She had missed this desperately.
Xiao Jietian watched her intoxicated expression, a gentle smile curving his lips.
The pill dissolved, transforming into pure energy that nourished her body.
Mm.
Closer. A little closer to growing up.
Her eyes narrowed with satisfaction.
She planted a big kiss on his cheek.
Then hopped out of his arms, grinning.
"Xiao Jietian, you're so good to me! Thank you!"
She turned and walked away.
Another pill emerged from the bottle. Into her mouth.
Crunch. Crunch.
If she had turned around, she might have noticed the faint blush on her own face.
She did not.
"Eat slowly." Xiao Jietian's voice followed her. "Don't consume too many at once. Your body may not handle it. And you'll run out too quickly."
Each herb yields about twenty pills. If she doesn't restrain herself, she could finish a bottle in under half a minute.
Even for a nascent Ancient Void Dragon, that wouldn't feel good.
"I know!" Her voice floated back. "But I really need this energy!"
A pause.
"When I grow up, I'll protect you!"
Another pause.
"When I finish these, I'll come find you to refine more. You can't refuse!"
Another pause.
"And about that thing you asked me last time… I agree."
Another pause—longer, this time.
"But I want to stay by your side."
She stepped through the doorway.
Gone.
Xiao Jietian stood still.
That thing I asked her last time…
Recruiting her.
She agreed.
A smile spread across his face.
"Finally." His voice was quiet, satisfied. "I've tied that adorable little beast to my chariot."
All that time spent refining pills.
Worth it.
He wiped his cheek.
A small, damp mark remained—left by Zi Yan's enthusiastic kiss.
"Seriously." His tone was lightly disgusted. "She even left a saliva mark."
But the subtle smile tugging at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.
Hypocrite.
People like you should be drowned in a pig cage.
Zi Yan emerged from Pan Gate's main entrance.
She paused.
Turned.
Her dark eyes blinked once, twice, at the direction of Xiao Jietian's room.
A smile bloomed on her face.
She skipped away.
Xiao Jietian waved his hand. The door closed.
He entered the Eternal Heaven Realm.
Yun Yun. Han Yue. The other women.
"I will be entering seclusion for a period," he announced. "To break through."
The women understood.
All except Han Yue—they knew the nature of his cultivation technique. They knew he could not be disturbed at this critical moment.
Ya Fei moved first.
Her lips pressed firmly against his.
"Encouragement," she murmured. "To cheer you on."
The others silently cursed her sneakiness.
Then they, too, approached.
Kisses landed on different parts of his face.
Only Han Yue hesitated.
No intimate relationship yet.
Not accustomed to such scenes.
Shy. Uncertain.
"Oh no!"
Medusa, standing beside Han Yue, swayed dramatically.
"The wind—so strong! I almost fell!"
She stumbled—directly into Han Yue.
Han Yue stumbled forward.
Into Xiao Jietian's arms.
His arms wrapped around her—soft, elastic, warm. Even through her robes, he could feel the smoothness of her skin.
Han Yue understood instantly.
Medusa did this on purpose.
Creating an opportunity.
A Dou Zong, blown over by wind?
She cast a grateful glance at Medusa.
Medusa looked away haughtily.
Don't overthink it. I simply couldn't stand steady because of the wind.
Han Yue lifted her head.
Met Xiao Jietian's gaze.
Gathered her courage.
Rose on tiptoe—
Xiao Jietian shifted slightly.
Their lips met.
Her eyes flew wide.
This is—
His arm tightened around her waist.
Gentle. Guiding.
She had kissed him before—briefly, fleetingly.
This was different.
Deeper.
Longer.
More.
Under his guidance—under the love flowing through it—her eyes slowly closed.
She became immersed.
Responding.
Involuntarily.
The surrounding women watched.
Hands rose to cover their eyes.
The gaps between their fingers were… substantial.
Bright eyes sparkled behind them.
When he finally released her, their gazes intertwined.
Han Yue had forgotten the others completely.
Her eyes shimmered with a moist, luminous light.
He stroked her cheek—gently, as if caressing a rare treasure.
A strand of hair, tucked behind her ear.
She felt the depth of his affection.
Her heart was unbearably sweet.
She also felt something else—a certain… abnormality in his body.
She rose on tiptoe.
Pressed close to his ear.
And whispered.