After leaving Columbina's fragrant embrace, Xu Tianming took a deep breath, then looked toward Mavuika beside him.
Seeing that her expression was normal and her breathing was returning to steady, Xu Tianming knew she was probably all right.
As the heated atmosphere faded, an indescribable awkwardness took its place.
At that moment, neither Mavuika nor Xu Tianming knew what to say. Columbina, however, wasn't affected by the atmosphere between them. Seeing that neither of them spoke, she simply took the initiative to break the silence:
"Why have you both gone quiet? Did my sudden appearance just now interrupt you? If so, I can apologize. Though, hugging Xu Tianming the way Mavuika did really felt quite nice."
At her words, Mavuika's expression turned bashful. Xu Tianming was surprised to discover that Mavuika could actually look embarrassed.
Mavuika had meant to say something to explain herself, but stopped short as the words reached her lips. She felt that if she tried to explain, she would only make things worse, so she simply smiled faintly at Columbina:
"My power is recovering rapidly. I need to focus completely on controlling it, so you two chat first."
After saying that, she closed her eyes and sat cross-legged where she was.
Though Columbina could sense that Mavuika seemed to be hiding something, she saw that Mavuika was refusing to talk for the moment and thoughtfully didn't dwell on it. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Xu Tianming, who seemed to be deep in thought:
"What are you thinking about? If you don't mind sharing, you can tell me. Maybe I can help."
Looking into Columbina's curious eyes, Xu Tianming didn't even know what had come over him. The words just slipped out:
"I was just thinking about... Pre-Sun-Moon History... Ahem."
Xu Tianming deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of "Sun Moon," but the pure-hearted little dove didn't understand the special meaning behind it. She immediately tilted her head in confusion:
"Eh? Pre-Sun-Moon History?"
After a moment's pause, Columbina still hadn't figured it out, but she began reciting:
"In the Year of the Dove Bearing a Branch, the eternal throne in the heavens descended, and the world was renewed..."
Seeing Columbina earnestly recite "Pre-Sun-Moon History," apparently intending to repeat the whole thing, Xu Tianming hurried forward and covered her mouth to stop her.
There was probably no chance of a "Punishment of the Heavenly Nail" from Celestia striking Douluo Continent, but the full "Pre-Sun-Moon History" was quite long. Besides, the "Pre-Sun-Moon History" Columbina was talking about was an entirely different thing from the "Pre-Sun-Moon History" he'd just been thinking of.
"Come to think of it, my body is also at a critical point in its growth. If I go too long without controlling it with my consciousness, something might go wrong..."
After finding a plausible excuse to say goodbye to Columbina, he glanced casually at Mavuika. Unexpectedly, as if sensing his gaze, she stealthily opened her right eye and met his eyes for a moment. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
His consciousness returned to his body. After carefully sensing the situation, Xu Tianming was delighted to discover that the medicinal power of the Whale Rubber inside him had almost been completely refined!
There was no doubt that Mavuika had helped him.
Warmth filled his heart. He committed this to memory, then felt that the Whale Rubber had nearly finished strengthening his body. Absorbing and refining that Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring now should pose no problem at all.
Just as he was considering whether to call his uncle back and begin absorbing the Soul Ring immediately, his gaze inadvertently swept over Ye Guyi, standing motionless and silent in the distance, and the half-piece of Ten-Thousand-Year Whale Glue beside him.
"I nearly forgot about her... Even if I eat all the Whale Glue that's left, it probably won't do much more to improve my body."
After thinking for a moment, Xu Tianming decided not to waste it and waved Ye Guyi over:
"Do you want to become stronger?"
Hearing the question, Ye Guyi nodded almost without thinking.
"Mm, I want to become stronger! If I become strong, I'll be able to protect Mom and Dad from harm."
"Then, how far are you willing to go to become stronger?"
Though the question sounded a little strange, young Ye Guyi answered earnestly:
"As long as I can become stronger, I'm willing to do anything! Even if it's dangerous, I'm not afraid!"
Seeing the resolute look in her eyes as she said this, Xu Tianming nodded. Then, right in front of her, he cut off a small piece of Whale Glue and used flame to melt it until it was thick enough to swallow. He held it out to Ye Guyi.
"To become stronger, you first need to build a solid foundation. What I'm holding is a rare treasure that can strengthen your body. However, while it makes your body stronger, it may also cause side effects you can't endure. If you're truly prepared, then take this treasure that represents your future from my hand and swallow and refine it. Prove to me your determination to become stronger!"
As he spoke, Xu Tianming couldn't help but casually knead the melted Whale Glue in his hand.
Watching the black, sticky blob change shape in Xu Tianming's hand, Ye Guyi felt an almost instinctive aversion rise within her.
But the thought of becoming stronger soon surfaced, forcibly pressing the girl's revulsion down into her heart. She kept reassuring herself over and over:
"This is for becoming stronger. This is a rare treasure that can temper my body. Besides... my benefactor just swallowed a big piece right in front of me... How can I doubt the good intentions behind his kindness?"
Having thought it through, she still felt a little repulsed deep down, but it no longer affected her resolve.
After summoning all her courage, she held out her small hand and took the black blob of Whale Glue from Xu Tianming.
She had grasped her future of becoming stronger!
The thought flashed through her mind, filling Ye Guyi with excitement. Then she closed her beautiful eyes, opened her cherry-red mouth, and swallowed the "future" in her hand in one gulp, without wasting even a bit.
Seeing this, Xu Tianming nodded in satisfaction:
"Settle your mind and gather your energy. Focus on sensing the power inside you. If you can't bear it, speak up immediately."
Hearing her benefactor's guidance, Ye Guyi obediently did as instructed.
At first, she felt nothing unusual, just like Xu Tianming. But soon, an unbearable heat emerged and quickly spread throughout her body.
"Ah... Hot, so hot..."
After letting out a couple of involuntary breaths, Ye Guyi realized she had lost her composure. Her pretty face flushed, and she quickly bit her lip.
But the body's instinctive reactions weren't something a girl her age could withstand through sheer stubbornness alone.
Before you continue