A long while passed-the sun was already setting.
Gu Qingnian came out again, picked up the nourishing meal, and entered the tent. Ma Xiaotao lay limp on the bed, her eyes vacant as she questioned her life, looking utterly broken from being played with.
Gu Qingnian went over, pulled her into his arms, and began feeding her the nourishing meal again. This time, Ma Xiaotao no longer refused him. She was perfectly obedient.
Only after she had finished everything did color gradually return to Ma Xiaotao's face. Her strength slowly recovered too, allowing her to prop herself up and lean against Gu Qingnian's chest.
Just as she was about to say something, her Soul Power began rising. A trace of delight appeared on her face-this was a sign of an impending breakthrough.
"Steady yourself. I'll stand guard while you absorb it," Gu Qingnian said.
Ma Xiaotao hurriedly nodded and sat straight up. That abrupt movement sent a violent stab of pain through her lower body, catching her completely unprepared and instantly bringing glistening tears to her eyes.
Gu Qingnian pressed a hand to his forehead, then stepped forward and gently supported her by the shoulders, helping her sit properly. She shot him a fierce glare, but had no time to dwell on it. She sat cross-legged and began cultivating.
Gu Qingnian walked over to sit opposite her, also crossing his legs. He closed his eyes and began stabilizing his Soul Power while splitting his attention to stand guard over Ma Xiaotao.
Soul Power erupted from both of them at once, continuing to rise...
Time passed again...
The hours flowed into the following morning...
Neither had moved all night. At last, a terrifying surge of Soul Power burst from Ma Xiaotao first, as though she had broken through some shackle.
Immediately