Ancient Flower of the Other Shore

"It seems everyone gained quite a lot." Lu Changsheng slowly rose to his feet, dusting the dirt from his robes as his gaze swept over the group.

Shi Jingtian immediately crowded over, thumping his chest so hard the air trembled. "Of course! I feel like I'm bursting with strength right now. Even if a Ninth-Grade Martial Venerable came, I could blow them apart with one punch!"

"Pfft! Stop bragging."

Tu Jiao shot him a sidelong glance and rolled her wrist, her knuckles cracking loudly. "You just broke through and you're already floating on clouds? How about the two of us spar and see who's stronger?"

"Fine, let's spar! Who's afraid of who?" Shi Jingtian hoisted the Mountain Shaker Staff onto his shoulder, his eyes wide with eagerness.

"Enough." Lu Changsheng waved a helpless hand. "Your realms haven't stabilized after your breakthroughs. What are you fighting for? Save your strength. There'll be plenty of fights ahead."

Lin Qingxuan looped her arm through Lu Changsheng's and tipped up her little face, a sly curve appearing at the corner of her lips. "Brother, from now on, it's my turn to protect you. I'm a Sixth-Rank Martial Venerable now, one level above you."

Lu Changsheng turned to look at her, tenderness surfacing in his eyes as he reached out and rubbed the top of her head.

"Alright. When you grow stronger, we'll go to the Immortal Realm and find Father and Mother."

At the mention of their parents, Lin Qingxuan's eyes dimmed slightly, then brightened again. She nodded firmly, and the Qing Ling Sword at her waist gave a light, cheerful hum from within its sheath.

At that moment, Rui'er slowly opened her eyes nearby. Her eyes were clearer and deeper than before, like two springs reflecting a sky full of stars. Spiritual-soul power