"This..."
Lu Xuan hesitated slightly, silently weighing his options.
The Spirit-Gathering Cloud-Milk Flower was a genuine immortal herb, after all. If the Clear-Verdant Spirit-Horned Deer ate it, its cultivation would surge by at least two or three thousand years.
Once the soul beast's cultivation age soared, whether Ye Lingling could still absorb its soul ring smoothly would become an unknown.
"Please..." The Clear-Verdant Spirit-Horned Deer lowered its head, undried tears still clinging to its long lashes, looking utterly pitiful. "Once I've eaten my fill, I'll sacrifice myself to that big sister, all right?"
Looking at the earnestness filling the little deer's eyes, Lu Xuan was ultimately moved by that pure sincerity and nodded gently.
"All right."
If the Clear-Verdant Spirit-Horned Deer's cultivation soared after it ate the immortal herb and it changed its mind at the last moment, refusing to sacrifice itself, he would simply let the matter drop.
At worst, he could find Ye Lingling another suitable third soul ring. Keeping this healing spirit deer, whose potential would have multiplied, to serve as Ye Lingling's fourth soul ring in the future was also an option!
With Lu Xuan's permission, a joyful glimmer instantly lit up the Clear-Verdant Spirit-Horned Deer's eyes, and much of its tearful distress faded. It eagerly stretched its head forward, opened its little mouth, and promptly swallowed the Spirit-Gathering Cloud-Milk Flower before it.
The immortal herb's sweet, soothing medicinal power instantly swept through its entire body. Rich spirit energy flowed through every limb and bone, making it sway its head in comfort as its fur grew ever more lustrous and translucent.
Just then, Ye Lingling hurried over as well. Her gaze settled on the Clear-Verdant Spirit-Horned Deer, which had stopped crying and now looked content. Curiosity filled her eyes as she asked softly, "Brother Lu Xuan,