Several maids passed through the courtyard carrying tea and snacks. When they heard Qing Lin's words, they all froze in place.
"Did you hear? Xiao Chen defeated Queen Medusa."
"Seriously? She's at the Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor level."
"Qing Lin said it herself, so it must be true."
"Oh my heavens, just how strong is Xiao Chen?"
The maids exchanged glances, each seeing the shock in the others' eyes.
Before long, the news had spread throughout the entire mercenary group.
"Have you heard? Xiao Chen defeated Queen Medusa."
"No way."
"It's true. Qing Lin said so herself, and both captains heard it too."
"That young man is actually that strong?"
"No wonder he wasn't afraid of the Snake-Person Tribe's revenge. He had the strength to back it up."
The mercenaries talked among themselves, their complaints from earlier turning into admiration.
The mercenaries who had previously suggested driving Xiao Chen out now didn't dare say a word. They wouldn't dare offend the man who had defeated Queen Medusa, even if they had ten times the courage.
A young mercenary stood amid the crowd, listening to the chatter around him, his eyes full of admiration.
"If only I had half of Xiao Chen's strength," he murmured.
A somewhat older mercenary beside him patted his shoulder and sighed.
"Half? You're not even worthy of one of his fingers."
The young mercenary said nothing, but his admiration only grew.
In the hall, Xiao Ding sat in a chair and stared at Xiao Chen, the shock still lingering on his face.
He picked up the fresh cup of tea a maid had brought and took a sip to calm himself.
"Xiao Chen, what level is your strength at now?"
--
Xiao Chen looked at him but didn't answer.
Xiao Ding set down his teacup, stood up, and walked over to Xiao Chen, patting him on the shoulder.
"Impressive. Truly impressive."
He had known since childhood that Xiao Chen was talented, but he hadn't expected him to become this powerful.
Xiao Li came over too and gave Xiao Chen's shoulder a hearty slap.
"Our Xiao Clan finally has a true powerhouse. Compared to you, we're nowhere close."
The three exchanged glances and laughed.
Xiao Ding patted Xiao Chen's shoulder, his eyes full of emotion.
"If you ever need help, just ask."
"Right, don't stand on ceremony with us," Xiao Li added.
Xiao Chen nodded. "All right."
That evening, Xiao Chen returned to his room, with Qing Lin following behind him.
"Qing Lin."
"Yes, young master."
"Let's continue cultivating tonight." Xiao Chen took the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid from his robes and handed it to her.
Qing Lin accepted the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid, her face turning slightly red. She knew she would have to take off her clothes to apply it. She had done so several times already, but she still felt shy every time.
"Young master, I—" Qing Lin lowered her head, her voice barely audible.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." Qing Lin shook her head.
She took a deep breath and pushed down her embarrassment.
Xiao Chen said nothing more and turned to leave the room.
Qing Lin watched him go and closed the door. She removed her outer clothes and spread the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid over her body.
The moment the liquid touched her skin, a cool sensation surged through her.
Qing Lin sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and began to cultivate. The Dou Qi within her flowed through her meridians again and again.
She could clearly feel the Dou Qi within her slowly growing. It was a wondrous sensation, as though something inside her were waking up.
The night passed in a flash.
The next morning, Xiao Chen arrived at Qing Lin's door and knocked.
"Come in," Qing Lin's voice came from inside.
Xiao Chen pushed open the door and entered.
Qing Lin stood in the middle of the room, her face bright with excitement.
"Young master, I've broken through!"
Xiao Chen looked her over and nodded. Dou Zhe, Third Stage.
--
Overnight, she had risen from the Seventh Stage Dou Qi to Dou Zhe, Third Stage—a full five levels.
She had advanced even faster than he'd expected. As expected of someone with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and Snake-Person Tribe blood.
"Not bad."
Qing Lin nodded firmly, her eyes full of gratitude.
"Keep working hard."
Qing Lin raised her head, looked at him, and nodded firmly.
"Don't worry, young master. I won't let you down."
Xiao Chen nodded and turned to leave the room.
Qing Lin watched him go, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.
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