Buzz—!
As his intention fell into place, the newly revived Aromatic Silk Beauty was completely enveloped in a mass of intensely brilliant green light.
The light was soft and pure, brimming with the breath of life.
It was as if the vitality of the entire Soul Beast Paradise were converging on it at that very moment.
Within the sphere of light, the graceful silhouette of a woman slowly gathered and took shape.
She seemed like a goddess emerging from the very source of life. Every contour was flawless, exuding an innate nobility and serenity.
[Congratulations, Host! The Aromatic Silk Beauty has successfully evolved!] [Due to her plant life nature and her strong resonance with the Soul Beast Paradise, she will be the Paradise's natural manager and guardian, skilled at regulating ley lines, balancing energy, and promoting the growth of medicinal plants.]
The system's notification rang in Li Hao's mind, carrying a hint of self-congratulation.
A natural manager?
Li Hao's mind, groggy from overexertion, cleared a little at once.
Just then, the dazzling green light began to slowly recede, like a tide ebbing away, until it had completely merged into the figure within.
A young woman in a long emerald-green dress appeared before them.
She stood quietly beneath the Illusion Dream Tree Demon, her small, snow-white bare feet resting on the soft grass.
Her expression was serene and gentle, her skin so fair it was nearly translucent. Her clear eyes seemed to hold the purest wisdom and tranquility in the world.
Her long, dark-green hair fell smoothly down her back, adorned with a fully blossomed Beautiful Nine-Petal Immortal Flower—the very image of the Aromatic Silk Beauty's true form.
A faint, refreshing fragrance wafted from her, filling everyone nearby with renewed energy.
She wasn't as lively as Xiao Wu, as domineering as Medusa, or as cool and aloof as Zhu Zhuqing.
She was like the valley itself: tranquil, gentle, and embracing all things.
The young woman's gaze immediately settled on Li Hao, whom Zhu Zhuqing was helping to stand.
She slowly lifted her skirt and performed an ancient, graceful bow to Li Hao.
Her lips parted. Her voice was as clear as a mountain spring, its tinkling notes washing over the soul.
"Master... Qiluo reports for duty."
As her words fell, an invisible golden contract quietly formed between them, etched deep into their souls.
It was a Soul Contract.
Feeling the absolute loyalty and dependence that welled up from his soul, Li Hao was left utterly dazed.
A fourth family member...
Had just been born like that?
And she looked like the especially reliable, housekeeper type?
[New bond detected: "Qiluo" has been formed.] [Name: Qiluo] [Race: Aromatic Silk Beauty (Plant-type Soul Beast)] [Abilities: Mastery of Pharmacology, Promote the Growth of All Things, Affinity for Spiritual Energy, Paradise Management (Talent)] [Assessment: She has no direct combat ability, but on her own, she could support the logistics and foundation of a top-tier sect. Host, your dream of a carefree life has taken another big step forward.]
Looking at the list of abilities the system had provided, Li Hao's heart began pounding despite himself.
Mastery of Pharmacology!
Promote the Growth of All Things!
And most importantly... Paradise Management!
Wasn't this the perfect tool... ahem, the perfect family member he'd always dreamed of?
A super steward who could keep the whole Paradise running like clockwork, so he could fish in peace and leave everything to her!
At long last, this lazy, antisocial landlord of his was about to be liberated!
"Wow! A new big sister!"
Xiao Wu was the first to approach. She circled Qiluo curiously, then gave a vigorous sniff with her little pink nose.
"You're so pretty! You smell wonderful—way better than carrots!"
Qiluo gave Xiao Wu a gentle smile. It was like a spring breeze brushing over her, and Xiao Wu took to her at once.
Medusa stood to one side with her arms folded, her emerald snake eyes studying Qiluo.
When she heard about Qiluo's innate abilities, even she, a former Dou Emperor, couldn't help showing a hint of surprise.
Support abilities of this caliber had strategic value greater than even that of a Titled Douluo!
She could sense just how earth-shaking a change the arrival of this new family member would bring to the Soul Beast Paradise.
Zhu Zhuqing, too, gave Qiluo a rare second glance.
She could feel the pure life force radiating from Qiluo, and it soothed the body that had long been tainted by Nether Power.
This new family member seemed... quite nice.
Just as Li Hao was giddy with joy, imagining the wonderful carefree life ahead of him,
Qiluo had already begun stepping into her role as the Paradise's chief steward.
She closed her eyes, and the Beautiful Nine-Petal Immortal Flower in her hair began to glow softly.
An invisible sense spread out from her, instantly encompassing the entire Soul Beast Paradise.
Every inch of the valley, every current in the lake, every leaf on the Illusion Dream Tree Demon—even the emotions of the Shadow-Devouring Butterfly and Nightmare Beast cubs that had just been drawn here—all appeared clearly in her mind.
A moment later, she opened her eyes, walked over to Li Hao, and reported softly:
"Master, the Paradise's life-energy circulation has three areas of stagnation. The shadow power in the Nether Ecological Zone is too domineering, affecting the growth of the surrounding plants. The rate at which energy gathers on Lake Heart Island could also be increased by thirty percent..."
She clearly and efficiently pointed out several problems in the Paradise, and had already come up with solutions for all of them.
Without even waiting for Li Hao's approval, she turned and bowed slightly to the Illusion Dream Tree Demon in the center of the valley.
The Illusion Dream Tree Demon's vast canopy rustled, and countless branches swayed gently, as though responding to her.
In the next instant, the flow of energy throughout the Paradise shifted, subtly yet efficiently.
Li Hao: "..."
He felt as if he was about to be put out of work as the landlord on the spot.
This feeling...
It was just too good!
With Qiluo officially joining them and organizing the Paradise's energy,
a vast stream of Soul Power, purer and greater than any he had received before, flowed back into Li Hao through the bond of Ability Sharing.
His qi sea, drained by extreme fishing, was instantly replenished—and seemed on the verge of a breakthrough.
His spiritual power also grew more resilient and expansive through his connection with Qiluo, and his perception of the entire Paradise became several times clearer.
Li Hao let out a long breath, and the weakness that had gripped his body vanished, replaced by a fullness and strength he had never felt before.
Watching the perfect steward "converse" with the Illusion Dream Tree Demon, he felt a deep sense of security and reliance.
From this day on, he could finally...
But before he could finish the thought,
Qiluo, who had been organizing the Paradise's energy moments ago, suddenly showed a trace of solemnity on her serene face.
With a flicker, she appeared beside Li Hao.
"Master."
Her voice was no longer as clear and gentle as before. Instead, it held a note of wariness.
"Outside the Paradise, in the southeast, there's a very powerful Soul Power fluctuation approaching us at high speed."
"It seems... to be heading for the Paradise."
Li Hao's heart sank.
Qiluo paused. A cold glint appeared in her clear eyes.
"I can sense that she carries an extreme chill... and undisguised killing intent."
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