Fifteen days later.
A faintly lingering, sensuous fragrance still hung in the air.
A large bed had been added to the cave.
Song Wen seemed to have exhausted himself. His head rested on Crimson-Scaled King's lap, while his hand lay on Qing Lian's leg.
The scales on her leg were smooth and cool to the touch. They felt rather nice.
"Crimson-Scaled, what are you planning to do next?" Song Wen asked.
Crimson-Scaled King wore a thoroughly satisfied expression. Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, as though she did not wish to think, and she asked instinctively, "What aspect do you mean?"
Song Wen said, "Naturally, advancing to the ninth rank. You said before that you had failed a breakthrough attempt. Do you not intend to try again?"
Crimson-Scaled King's drifting gaze gradually focused, as if she had been dragged from a beautiful dream back into reality.
"Of course I am unwilling to give up just like this. But Extreme Yin, attempting to break through to become a Ninth Realm Venerable is no trifling matter. How could one simply start over whenever one wishes? During my last breakthrough, I used up the heavenly treasures our clan had accumulated over many years, yet I still failed. I even nearly suffered a decline in cultivation..."
Crimson-Scaled King's voice turned somewhat wistful.
"Even if I attempt another breakthrough, I will need at least several hundred, perhaps a thousand years of preparation. Otherwise, I will merely end up with the same result."
Song Wen said, "Actually... you need not make so many preparations. The Willow Snake Clan possesses a supreme treasure that might help you break through."
Upon hearing this, Crimson-Scaled King abruptly flipped over and sat up, pulling Song Wen upright with her.
"Extreme Yin, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself!"
Crimson-Scaled King