Ma Hongjun Lost His Dignity! Ye Lengleng's Embrace!

Tang Shuo watched Ye Lengleng tilt back her fair neck slightly as her throat moved, the liquid already sliding down into her stomach.

Tang Shuo could only hesitate, unable to speak.

"Ah... I was dying of thirst."

Ye Lengleng set down the cup and let out a long breath, only then noticing the strange look in Tang Shuo's eyes.

"What were you about to say?"

Tang Shuo looked at her moist lips and shook his head.

"Nothing."

Ye Lengleng did not think much of it and continued her introduction enthusiastically.

Tang Shuo nodded, already having a plan in mind.

He glanced out the window, suddenly remembering something, and asked:

"By the way, where's Dugu Yan? Has she been at the academy lately?"

At the mention of Dugu Yan, the charming blush on Ye Lengleng's face instantly faded, replaced by a barely noticeable stiffness.

"How would I know where she is?"

Ye Lengleng pursed her lips, a thin mist rising in her watery blue eyes as she looked somewhat aggrieved.

"You care about her so much, so why don't you go find her and ask her yourself?"

"Anyway, she definitely knows all about the spirit arena. Why would you need me to prattle on?"

She felt stifled inside.

She had been pouring her heart out here, worrying about his safety and explaining the rules of the spirit arena to him in every possible detail.

And what happened?

The moment he turned around, he asked about that little seductress.

Seeing how her expression had changed in an instant, Tang Shuo froze briefly before laughing helplessly.

How could he not understand a young woman's little thoughts?

"Lengleng, you've misunderstood."

Tang Shuo's voice was gentle, carrying a helpless smile.

"I have serious business with her."

"What serious business?"

Ye Lengleng snorted and turned her head away, wearing an expression that plainly said, I don't believe you.

Tang Shuo was in no hurry and slowly explained:

"I've already resolved the problem Senior Dugu Bo had."

"The backlash from the snake poison that had accumulated in his body over years of cultivation is no longer a serious issue."

At those words, Ye Lengleng's body trembled slightly. She abruptly turned back, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Y-you're telling the truth?"

Even Poison Douluo had been helpless against that chronic affliction, yet Tang Shuo had solved it?

Tang Shuo nodded and continued:

"As his granddaughter, Dugu Yan possesses the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor martial soul as well, so she naturally inherited the same hidden danger."

"Although it isn't obvious yet, as her cultivation deepens, it will eventually become a grave threat."

"Since I accepted Senior Dugu Bo's favor, I naturally have to help him eliminate this future worry."

"So, I want to help Dugu Yan completely remove this problem as well."

After hearing Tang Shuo's explanation, the frost on Ye Lengleng's face slowly melted away.

So that was it...

The nameless anger in her heart dissipated by more than half, though she still spoke stubbornly.

"At least you have a conscience."

Her tone softened considerably, though it still carried a hint of resentment.

"She's been in seclusion cultivating lately. She said she wanted to break through the fortieth-rank bottleneck."

"Even if you want to see her, you'll probably have to wait a few days."

"I see."

Tang Shuo nodded to show he understood.

Ever since he had entered Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ye Lengleng had indeed given him much selfless help and concern.

He had always remembered that kindness.

"Lengleng."

Tang Shuo called softly.

"Thank you for everything these past days."

As he spoke, he carefully took something from his robes.

It was a chrysanthemum that gleamed gold all over, its layered petals resembling sculpted gold. Each petal was broad and vigorous, its edges flashing with a metallic luster.

A strange fragrance instantly spread through the air. Taking just one breath of it made one feel several degrees more refreshed, down to the very bones.

It was none other than the finest of immortal medicinal herbs—the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.

"This is..."

Ye Lengleng stared at the extraordinary chrysanthemum in Tang Shuo's hand, her breathing catching.

Her mother had been a rather renowned apothecary, and having been influenced by her since childhood, Ye Lengleng had seen her fair share of rare medicinal herbs.

Yet she had never seen, or even heard of, the one before her.

But the surging life essence rushing toward her, along with its profound and unfathomable medicinal fluctuations, told her one thing: this was absolutely an immortal herb beyond the realm of ordinary plants.

"It's for you."

Tang Shuo held the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower out to her, his gaze sincere.

"This is called the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. It is an immortal medicinal herb with a balanced and gentle nature."

"Your Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul is a top-tier support-type martial soul. Its healing abilities are powerful, but they also place an enormous burden on the spirit master's body."

"After you take it, it will strengthen your foundation and vital energy, circulate through your limbs, and open your blood channels. It will greatly enhance your physique, giving you stronger physical support when you use healing soul skills and indirectly improving your healing abilities."

Ye Lengleng was stunned.

She stared blankly at Tang Shuo, then at the immortal herb radiating sacred light. For a moment, she could not speak.

An immortal herb!

This was a legendary treasure that could only be encountered by chance, one capable of changing a spirit master's fate for life!

He... he was simply giving it to her?

Her eyes grew hot as mist quickly gathered into tears.

The next moment, she could no longer contain her emotions. She suddenly stepped forward, spread her arms, and tightly embraced Tang Shuo.

"Mm!"

Tang Shuo only felt a fragrant breeze rush toward him before a soft, warm, sweet-smelling body crashed into his arms.

Ye Lengleng hugged him tightly, with all her strength, as if she wanted to meld herself into his body.

The girl's sweet fragrance mixed with the fresh scent of the immortal herb, filling his nose and making Tang Shuo's heart skip a beat.

He could clearly feel the slight tremble of the girl in his arms, as well as her utterly overwhelming excitement.

"Lengleng... i-if you squeeze any harder, I won't be able to breathe..."

Tang Shuo was nearly strangled by her embrace and spoke with some difficulty, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Only then did Ye Lengleng snap back to her senses. Her pretty face instantly flushed crimson like a ripe apple. She hurriedly released him, took two steps back, and lowered her head, too embarrassed to look at him.

"I... I didn't mean to..."

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, her hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Tang Shuo smiled at her shy and adorable appearance, then placed the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower into her hands again.

"Alright, don't delay any longer. Absorb it now."

"The sooner you absorb its medicinal effects, the better."

His expression turned serious.

"Cultivate without worry. I'll guard you here. No one will disturb you."

Elsewhere, at Shrek Academy's temporary residence, the atmosphere was oppressive.

The air was filled with a heavy medicinal smell and a lingering trace of blood.

Ma Hongjun lay on the bed, his face as pale as paper. His empty eyes stared at the ceiling. Those peach-blossom eyes that had once always gleamed with lewdness and smugness now held nothing but lifeless silence.

His body had just undergone a round of treatment from Tang San that had nearly drained all his mental energy.

The poison had been removed, but the price was the most fundamental dignity he possessed as a man.