March 16, inside the Quiet Chamber.
Chen Shu sat cross-legged with his back against the wall.
There was no Auxiliary Potion before him this time, only an Otherworldly Beast Core and a Ninth-Tier Essence-Returning Pill.
Chen Shu met Qingqing's eyes, his gaze burning. "The water isn't full this time, right?"
Qingqing looked at him calmly without answering.
A few seconds passed. When he kept staring, the corner of her mouth lifted slightly, and she shook her head.
"Good!"
Only then did Chen Shu relax and summon the Otherworldly Beast Core into his hand.
In an instant—
The rest went without saying.
Who knew how much time had passed before a knock sounded outside.
Then the door to the Quiet Chamber was pushed open.
Ning Qing turned her head.
A young girl came in carrying a plate. A round mound of white rice sat in the middle, apparently molded in a small bowl and tipped out. Around it lay yesterday's leftover potatoes stewed with Braised Pork, with more meat than potatoes. She walked carefully on tiptoe, afraid of making a sound.
When she reached them, she glanced at her brother-in-law and handed the plate to her sister, along with a spoon. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Will Brother-in-law get smaller this time?"
"No."
"Why are you talking so loud?"
"..."
"I'm leaving, then. Eat quickly. I'll come collect the plate in ten minutes, and if you haven't finished, you're not allowed to eat anymore."
"?"
"!"
Her sister's gaze startled the girl. She hurriedly corrected herself. "I'll come back a little later."
"Didn't I say I wanted pickles?"
"There's only a little left."
"?"
"Peach and I need some too."
"Have you got your Otherworldly Beast Core yet?"
"!!"
The girl frowned. Within seconds, her brows drew tighter and