Afterward, under the insistent demands of Dugu Bo and Dugu Chen, Dugu Xin had no choice but to give up on the matter.
"Xin, absorb it here. We'll stand guard for you!"
Dugu Bo set up a Poison Formation around them. This was an overlooked corner within Wuhun City.
With the Soul Bone's aura fluctuations concealed, it was very safe.
Dugu Xin nodded. Soul Bones were far too precious; it was best to absorb it now, lest complications arise later.
He took a deep breath, then pressed it against his right leg.
"Buzz—"
As a faint hum rang out, Dugu Xin felt his right leg tremble. Immediately afterward, an icy-cold aura seeped into his leg from every direction.
He did not dare let his guard down and hurriedly steadied his mind, beginning to absorb the energy within the Soul Bone.
Several hours later.
Dugu Xin slowly opened his eyes. By then, the sky had completely darkened.
Seeing him awaken, Dugu Bo quickly stepped forward and asked, "Xin, how do you feel?"
Dugu Xin smiled. "Father, I feel fantastic!"
As he spoke, he clenched his fist hard, and a powerful surge of soul power burst from his body.
"This is... the peak of Soul Saint?" Dugu Bo was overjoyed.
Dugu Xin shook his head slightly, a trace of regret appearing on his face.
"I'm still a little short. My soul power is currently still at rank seventy-nine, but I have a feeling that the day I break through will come very soon!"
"Congratulations, big brother. It seems letting you absorb this Soul Bone truly was the right choice!"
Dugu Chen broke into a bright smile. "By the way, big brother, what soul skill did you gain?"
Dugu Xin closed his eyes to sense it, then slowly said, "The Soul Bone skill is Gale Demon Slash!"
"It greatly enhances my speed, strength, and defense. By consuming soul power, I can condense an immensely powerful Gale Demon Slash. There are no restrictions on its use."
"Not bad. The Gale Demon Wolf's signature skill, Gale Demon Slash, is an extremely powerful ability. From now on, you'll have another method of attack!"
A pleased look appeared on Dugu Bo's face as he patted Dugu Xin's shoulder approvingly.
"All right, big brother, Father, let's find a hotel for the night. We'll head back tomorrow!"
Dugu Chen stretched lazily and said with a yawn.
They had been away from home for nearly half a month now. At this moment, he missed Ah Yin's soft embrace more than anything!
"Fine. You're the great hero today, so we'll listen to you!"
Dugu Bo and Dugu Xin exchanged a glance and could not help chuckling.
The three of them then found a luxurious hotel in Wuhun City and stayed there.
Early the next morning.
Dugu Bo took the two of them onto a carriage bound for home.
The three of them had drawn far too much attention during yesterday's match, and coupled with that Soul Bone, this journey was destined to be anything but peaceful.
More than ten days later.
Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Ah Yin sat outside the valley, watching the rising sun in the distance as longing surged within her heart.
Whenever she saw the sun, she could not help thinking of Dugu Chen's warm embrace and that smile as radiant as sunlight.
She was like a sunflower, forever chasing the sun in her heart, blooming only for him.
"Xiao Chen, I miss you so much!"
Ah Yin pressed both hands to her chest, her face filled with longing.
The sorrow of separation was like a carving knife, leaving marks in her heart that would never fade. They would only grow deeper as time passed.
Just then, the distant sun suddenly flashed with a dazzling burst of light, only for it to vanish an instant later.
Like a brilliant star flickering once before returning to normal.
Ah Yin's gaze froze. She swiftly rose to her feet and looked into the distance, but found nothing.
"Was it an illusion?"
Ah Yin sighed softly, then slowly turned and walked into the valley.
One step, two steps, three steps...
Her footsteps suddenly halted. She turned around with a dazed expression, her eyes filled with endless hope and longing.
The next moment, a miracle truly happened!
Beneath the dappled sunlight, a tall figure stood where the valley had been empty moments before.
Gentleness lingered in his brows and eyes, and a delighted smile surfaced in his gaze. Reunited after so long apart, the tides in his heart surged beyond restraint!
After searching through the crowd a thousand times, she suddenly turned her head, only to find him beneath the dim lantern light!
Ah Yin stood stunned for a moment before a radiant smile suddenly bloomed across her face. Her blue dress swayed in the wind as she rushed into his embrace beneath the first rays of the morning sun.
Tears suddenly welled in her eyes and slowly dampened Dugu Chen's chest.
"Xiao Chen... I missed you so much!"
Ah Yin buried her head in his embrace, her arms tightening around him as though she wished to melt her entire being into his body.
The two embraced, their warm bodies pressed tightly together without the slightest gap.
Dugu Chen raised a hand and gently patted Ah Yin's beautiful back, patiently soothing her.
Until the person in his arms gradually softened from her initial stiffness into a tender stream of spring water.
He closed his eyes, his palm sliding down from Ah Yin's hair. It felt even smoother and silkier than the finest silk.
"I'm back. I made you wait too long!"
Dugu Chen closed his eyes and gently inhaled Ah Yin's faint fragrance, speaking softly.
"It's enough that you're back!"
Ah Yin wept with joy. Only after a long while did the two separate slightly.
Seeing the tears at the corners of her eyes, Dugu Chen gently wiped them away for her.
Then he bent down, lowered his head, and precisely sealed her pink, glistening lips.
The moment their warmth touched.
A fresh, elegant sweetness spread out like a clear spring.
A misty layer of moisture gradually veiled Ah Yin's blue-gold eyes, and a soft, fleeting hum escaped her throat.
Her pale arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she slowly pressed her soft body against his, responding with practiced familiarity.
A long while later.
Ah Yin's hand rested at his waist, her fingers curling from time to time. Her breath was fragrant and warm as it gently brushed against the hollow of his neck.
Dugu Chen's hands slowly wandered over her body.
Even through her dress, he could still feel that softness and elasticity, instantly stirring a blazing heat in his heart.
Under his advances, Ah Yin soon melted into a limp heap, a seductive crimson flush spreading across her pretty face.
Her soft body leaned against his chest, faint little moans slipping from her nose.
Just then, a crisp cry of surprise suddenly echoed through the quiet valley.
"Ah!"
A Rou, who was within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, heard the commotion and slowly walked out of the valley.
But the moment she emerged, she saw the two of them...
The embracing pair sprang apart as though struck by lightning. Ah Yin's face was like a ripe peach, and her eyelashes lowered shyly.
Dugu Chen, however, remained utterly composed. His skin was thick enough, and he offered A Rou a gentle smile.
"Xiao Chen, you... you're back!"
A Rou looked at Dugu Chen, then at Ah Yin, who was sweetly bashful like a young girl.
A faint smile and delight appeared in her eyes.