Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were not surprised by Lin Mo's words.
When Lin Mo took these Immortal Herb from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he did not hide it from them.
Among these Immortal Herb, there was one that was prepared for Dugu Yan, an Immortal Herb called Snow-Colored Swan Kiss.
Of course, for the vast majority of people, it would be more appropriate to call it a poisonous plant, as it can multiply any toxin by hundreds or thousands of times.
Even Lin Mo doesn't dare to use this Immortal Herb to enhance Dugu Yan's own strength right now, as it could potentially backfire if not handled properly.
We should wait until Dugu Yan's cultivation level breaks through to the eighth ring before we can consider it further.
That evening, Shui Bing'er and Xiao Bai returned together.
Shui Bing'er wore a light blue dress, and her brows showed signs of fatigue. However, judging from her aura, which was much stronger than before, it was clear that she Harvest a lot from this trip.
Xiao Bai was visibly stunned when he saw Lin Mo, and his steps unconsciously slowed down by half a beat.
Dugu Yan went up to her, smiling, and took Shui Bing'er's arm. " Bing'er, you're back? How was it? Did everything go smoothly?"
Shui Bing'er nodded slightly. "It went very smoothly. Sister Xiao Bai helped me find a 65,000-year-old Ice Crystal Sea Serpent, and its Soul Ring has been fully absorbed."
"Congratulations." Huo Wu stepped forward, patted Shui Bing'er on the shoulder, and a look of envy flashed in her eyes. "Now you're Soul Saint too."
Shui Bing'er nodded gently, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Dugu Yan turned to Xiao Bai and said sincerely, " Sister Xiao Bai, we've booked a place at Sea Dragon City tonight. Let's go get something to eat together. You've worked hard these past six months."
Xiao Bai subconsciously glanced at Lin Mo was standing not far away.
"No, thank you." She shook her head, her voice tinged with unease. "I have something to do, I'll head back now."
After saying that, without waiting for Dugu Yan to stop her, she turned and walked towards the sea.
After taking a few steps, he looked back at Lin Mo again. Seeing that Lin Mo wasn't coming over, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickened his pace to jump into the sea.
The grey-blue shark fin sliced through the water and quickly disappeared into the night.
Dugu Yan looked in the direction where Xiao Bai had disappeared and shook her head helplessly.
Huo Wu leaned closer and whispered, "Is she scared of Lin Mo?"
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at her and didn't reply.
Sea Dragon City, Sea-Viewing Pavilion.
This is the largest restaurant in Sea Dragon City, a three-story wooden building. You can see the shimmering sea in the distance just by opening the windows.
Lin Mo had booked the largest private room on the third floor in advance; the round table was large enough to seat more than a dozen people at the same time.
The table was laden with a variety of dishes: steamed grouper, braised sea cucumber, garlic oysters, salt and pepper Clefairy shrimp, and several other seafood dishes whose names I didn't know, all emitting a wonderful aroma.
The Charizard lay beside Lin Mo, a specially made large plate in front of it, happily eating.
Everyone sat around the round table, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than usual.
After more than six months of arduous training, everyone was exhausted and breathless.
He would get up before dawn every day to cultivate, then spar with Xiao Bai in the sea until they were exhausted, and continue cultivating at night.
Even the cultivation maniac Feng Xiaotian found it difficult to keep up with this high-intensity pace.
Today was a relaxed day, so everyone ate to their heart's content.
Soon, after several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the meal was finished.
Lin Mo put down his chopsticks and coughed softly.
The private room gradually quieted down, and everyone's eyes fell on him.
Lin Mo glanced around and said calmly, "I have something to inform you. For the next six months, in addition to sparring with Xiao Bai, you have two new options."
"What options?" Feng Xiaotian put down his chopsticks, a look of excitement flashing in his eyes.
Lin Mo pointed to himself and Charizard: "Me, and Charizard."
After he finished speaking, the private room fell silent for a moment.
The next moment, Feng Xiaotian suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "Sect Master, you said it yourself!"
A hint of anticipation also flashed in the eyes of the others.
The last time they sparred with Lin Mo was a very, very long time ago.
At that time, they were only in the third or fourth ring road, and Lin Mo was only in the Six Rings.
But now they have all grown into Soul Emperor and Soul Saint, and can be called high-level Soul Master across the entire continent.
Lin Mo's cultivation level was even more astonishing; he ascended to level 88 in one fell swoop.
But they were not afraid.
On the contrary, everyone was eager to try.
Lin Mo took in everyone's reactions and smiled, "Then it's settled. Starting tomorrow, we'll officially begin extra training. You can decide who comes first."
Feng Xiaotian was the first to raise his hand. "I'll go first!"
Huo Wu rolled her eyes at him. "Why should you go first? I'll go first."
"I'm the first one to raise my hand!"
So what?
The two argued back and forth, neither willing to give in.
Shui Bing'er said softly, "How about we draw lots?"
"That's great!" Shui Yue'er raised both hands in approval.
Dugu Yan picked up a pair of chopsticks from the table, broke them into different lengths, and held them in her hand. "Here, the shortest ones go first."
Everyone stepped forward to draw lots.
Feng Xiaotian drew the shortest one and laughed heartily, "See? Even the heavens are on my side!" He turned to Lin Mo, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Sect Master, please guide me tomorrow!"
Lin Mo nodded. "Okay."
The banquet was drawing to a close.
The group gradually stood up, preparing to leave.
Huo Wu remained seated, chopsticks in hand, her gaze fixed on the plate in front of her, but she didn't pick up any food.
She seemed out of sorts from the very beginning of the banquet.
Lin Mo's previous words had piqued her interest.
She thought about it all night, but still couldn't figure out what it was.
Huo Wu bit her lip and secretly glanced at Lin Mo, but still couldn't discern anything amiss.
Just then, Lin Mo suddenly beckoned to her. " Huo Wu, come out with me for a moment, I have something to tell you."
Huo Wu paused for a moment, then stood up.
Everyone turned to look, their gazes shifting back and forth between the two, their faces filled with mocking smiles.
Huo Wu glared at them, then steeled herself and followed Lin Mo out.
Zhu Zhuqing sat in the corner, her gaze falling on Huo Wu's back, then glancing at Lin Mo, her fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of her cup.
She recalled once again the scene when Lin Mo saved her.
After that, she stayed at the Dugu Manor and became a steward, spending her days cultivating and handling the affairs of the mansion, leading a quiet and fulfilling life.
She thought she had gotten used to this kind of life...
But as Huo Wu walked towards Lin Mo, she realized that an inexplicable emotion had welled up inside her.
Is it envy or jealousy?
Zhu Zhuqing gently swirled the cup in her hand, gazing at her reflection: or perhaps both?
Zhu Zhuqing was startled by her own thought, lowered her head, and drank the wine in her glass in one gulp.
Shui Bing'er Frisk her unusual behavior and asked softly, " Zhu Zhuqing, are you alright?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "It's nothing."
She raised her head, her gaze falling on Lin Mo again. She lowered her eyes and sighed inwardly.
When did Lin Mo become so important to her? She herself didn't know.
At the seaside, moonlight spills onto the sea, creating a shimmering effect.
The salty sea breeze swept over her, ruffling Huo Wu's hair.
Lin Mo stopped and turned to look at her.
Huo Wu lowered her head, not daring to look at him, her hands behind her back, her fingertips twisting together.
What... are you going to give me?
Lin Mo did not answer, but reached into the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse at his waist.
The next moment, a plant appeared in his hand.
It was a red, trembling, Limber and delicate Immortal Herb, which looked very simple, consisting only of red grass leaves.
The very tip of the blade resembles a rooster's comb, but upon closer inspection, its unique feature becomes apparent: the veins are a reddish-gold color.
Huo Wu froze on the spot.
Although she didn't recognize the object in front of her, she could tell from its aura and energy that it was no ordinary item.
"What... what is this?" Huo Wu's voice trembled.
Lin Mo handed the Immortal Herb to her. "Take it."
Huo Wu tremblingly reached out and took the immortal Immortal Herb.
This plant is called the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.
Lin Mo began his introduction, "It's a Fire-type Immortal Herb of extremely high quality. If you can successfully refine its medicinal power, your Soul Power and your own flames will be significantly purified."
Huo Wu stared blankly at the Immortal Herb in her hand, her throat dry.
She had already witnessed the effects of flame purification.
With the help of Charizard, the flames she controlled had long been refined, but she had also vaguely reached their limit.
Smack
Lin Mo snapped his fingers.
A flame ignited from his fingertips.
Even though Huo Wu was Fire-type Soul Master, she still felt a burning sensation from the faint Ember, as well as an instinctive fear.
This is the huge difference between her and Lin Mo, both of whom are Fire-type Soul Master.
The difference in Fire-type.
In terms of temperature, the flames controlled by the two sides are not even in the same league.
Even though Huo Wu is considered the most talented Fire-type Soul Master among her peers and Soul Master of the same level—of course, Lin Mo is an exception.
The gap still exists.
It's like the difference between a firefly and the bright moon.
Huo Wu looked at the wisp of flame, then at the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower in her hand, and asked as if possessed, "If I eat this Immortal Herb, will my flames reach the same level as yours?"
Lin Mo shook his head and put away the flame at his fingertips.
"It's difficult."
He spoke frankly, "However, with the help of this Immortal Herb, it is foreseeable that you will become the number one person after me in the field of fire."
Lin Mo did not deceive Huo Wu.
Charizard's mastery of fire has long reached the level of Ultimate Fire, and it has gone far in this Domain of Fire.
Even if Huo Wu takes the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, the best outcome would only be to raise her Fire-type to almost the Ultimate Fire.
This boundary is not so easy to cross.
At the very least, it would be very difficult for Huo Wu, with her seventh-ring cultivation level, to break through directly!
Even so, that's enough.
Huo Wu took a deep breath, carefully put away the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, and accepted it without hesitation or refusal.
"Thanks." She looked up at Lin Mo, a smile playing on her lips. "I'll accept this Immortal Herb herb."
Lin Mo nodded and turned to leave.
"Etc."
Huo Wu's voice came from behind.
Lin Mo stopped and turned to look at her.
Under the moonlight, Huo Wu stood on the beach, her hands behind her back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Her gaze was fixed on him without flinching.
"Why did you give this to me?" she asked. "Is it because it's the only one left?"
The reason Lin Mo called her out alone and gave her the item was probably because there was only one of this kind of rare plant.
The surroundings immediately fell silent.
The waves crashed against the rocks, making a splashing sound, and the moonlight shimmered on the sea.
Without any hesitation, Lin Mo got straight to the point. "Because we are partners, and you are also a member of the Body Sect."
Huo Wu stood still, without saying a word.
The sea breeze ruffled her hair, revealing her slightly flushed cheeks.
"Is that all?" she asked, her eyes slightly red.
Lin Mo remained silent for a moment.
"If we absolutely have to find other reasons,"
"That means your cultivation level should be at its peak at level 69. After refining the medicinal power of this Immortal Herb, you should be able to break through to level 70 without any problems."
After absorbing the Soul Ring, you will become a true Soul Saint. Giving you this grass is making the best use of it.
Huo Wu shook her head.
She took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind.
The next moment, she strode forward and hugged Lin Mo tightly.
Lin Mo's body stiffened slightly, and he subconsciously wanted to back away, but she hugged him tightly.
Huo Wu buried her face in his shoulder, her nose filled with the scent she had been longing for.
Lin Mo, I like you.
Her voice was soft, yet carried an unprecedented firmness.
"From the moment I agreed to come to Sea God Island with you, I was absolutely certain that I had fallen in love with you!"
Huo Wu's voice trembled, but she didn't stop.
"I am Fire-type Soul Master, and water and the ocean are natural enemies to me. You should also know how much psychological pressure Fire-type Soul Master has to endure in a place like this."
She raised her head, her eyes fixed on Lin Mo, her eyes reddening, yet she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall.
"But I still came."
"Why?"
Huo Wu's voice grew softer, yet more resolute.
"Because I'm afraid this is the last chance. If I miss it, I'll never have another chance like this."
She became more and more agitated as she spoke, her voice trembling with emotion.
Do you know why I always hide in my room alone every time I take Whale Rubber? Do you know why I have to wait all night before I can come out?
Lin Mo's body stiffened.
"I always think, 'If only you were here, if you were by my side, I wouldn't be alone.'"
Huo Wu's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.
"I even... thought about you more than once, at those times."
Lin Mo was completely stunned.
He hadn't expected Huo Wu to be so straightforward, daring to say anything.
Huo Wu wanted to continue speaking, but Lin Mo interrupted her directly.
"That's enough," Lin Mo's voice was a little hoarse. "Stop talking."
He gently patted Huo Wu's back, comforting her.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Huo Wu Wu's breathing and heartbeat quickened.
A sea breeze swept by, quickly carrying away the heat.
Huo Wu's breathing gradually calmed down, and her heartbeat slowly returned to normal.
After a long while, she finally let go and took half a step back.
She lowered her head, not daring to look at Lin Mo.
Lin Mo looked at her and sighed helplessly.
"Eat the Immortal Herb first."
He said, "After we've completed our cultivation breakthrough and acquired our Soul Ring, we can talk about the rest after we've all passed the Sea God Trial and left Sea God Island."
Lin Mo was currently in a state of utter confusion and had a terrible headache.
He has never minded having multiple partners, but the current situation is not suitable.
We'll talk about it when we get back to the mainland.
He originally thought that Shui Yue'er would be the first to lose her composure, after all, that girl had never hidden her thoughts, but he didn't expect it to be Huo Wu.
Before successfully passing the Sea God Trial, everyone's future was uncertain.
The risks of the assessment are too great. Even Lin Mo can only say that he will try his best to help everyone pass the assessment and bring everyone back.
But he can't guarantee that everyone will pass the next assessment.
This was, after all, a test sent down by the gods, full of unknown variables.
Upon hearing this, Huo Wu lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, the blush on her face still lingering.
After a long while, she whispered, "I understand."
Lin Mo sighed inwardly as he looked at her like this.
He reached out, intending to pat her shoulder, but then withdrew his hand halfway through.
"Let's go back," he said. "Absorb the Immortal Herb as soon as possible."
Huo Wu nodded and turned to walk towards the restaurant.
After walking a few steps, she stopped again and looked back at Lin Mo.
Under the moonlight, her face was still flushed, but a smile played on her lips.
" Lin Mo," she said softly, "You didn't refuse me just now, does that mean you're going to agree?"
After saying that, she quickened her pace and soon disappeared into the night.
Although Huo Wu didn't receive a definite answer from Lin Mo, she remained confident.
She will strive to achieve what she wants!
We will never give up halfway!
She could also tell that Shui Yue'er genuinely liked Lin Mo, but hadn't yet taken any action.
This time, they've taken the first step.
Lin Mo gave her the good stuff separately and did not reject her confession.
That already speaks volumes!
When Huo Wu returned to the restaurant, everyone had already left.
She went into her room, closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh.
My heart is still beating fast.
She reached up and touched her cheek; it was burning hot.
"Calm down, calm down."
She muttered to herself, took a few deep breaths, and forced herself to calm down.
A moment later, she took out the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower from her Storage Soul Tool and sat cross-legged on the bed.
The Immortal Herb trembled gently in my palm, emitting a warm aura.
Huo Wu closed her eyes and, following Lin Mo's instructions, put the Immortal Herb into her mouth.
It melts in your mouth.
A scorching stream of air slid down his throat into his abdomen, instantly spreading to every part of his body.
Huo Wu's body trembled slightly, then she calmed her mind and began to refine it.
On the other side, not long ago...
Shui Yue'er, holding Shui Bing'er's arm, crouched down and hid behind a low bush, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the two figures in the distance.
When she saw Huo Wu hug Lin Mo, she almost cried out, but Shui Bing'er quickly covered her mouth.
"Don't make a sound." Shui Bing'er lowered her voice and glared at her.
Shui Yue'er nodded frantically, but her eyes kept glancing in that direction.
Once Huo Wu left, Shui Yue'er breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to look at Shui Bing'er with a disappointed expression.
"Sister, look, Huo Wu has already made her move! If you don't act now, it will be too late!"
Shui Bing'er raised her hand and flicked her forehead.
"Ouch!" Shui Yue'er covered her forehead, looking at her with a pitiful expression. "I haven't said anything yet!"
Shui Bing'er glared at her. "Don't I know you? You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth. Do you think I don't know what you're trying to say?"
Shui Yue'er guiltily looked away and muttered softly, "I just felt..."
"Jue?" Shui Bing'er interrupted her, "Jue should be like Huo Wu, rushing up to hug Lin Mo and saying, 'I like you!'"
Shui Yue'er opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word.
Shui Bing'er sighed and reached out to ruffle her younger sister's hair.
" Yue'er, let's pretend we didn't see what happened today. Don't talk about it, do you hear me?"
Shui Yue'er nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice. "I heard it, I heard it."
Shui Bing'er withdrew her hand and turned to walk towards the restaurant.
After walking a few steps, she stopped again and looked back at the spot where Lin Mo had stood.
She looked away and quickened her pace to leave.
Lin Mo stood on the beach, watching the direction Huo Wu had left, and remained motionless for a long time.
He could sense that several auras remained around him.
He shook his head helplessly.
I thought everyone had left, but it turns out most of them were secretly hiding.
Only the cultivation fanatic Feng Xiaotian obediently returned home early.
With that thought in mind, Lin Mo no longer hesitated and turned to walk towards the bushes not far away.
There, two figures were crouching low, trying to leave silently.
" Sister Lingling, Sister Yanyan." Lin Mo's voice rang out in the night.
The two figures froze simultaneously.
Dugu Yan turned around, her face showing the guilt of being caught red-handed, but she still forced a smile, " A-Mo, what a coincidence."
Ye Lingling stood behind her, head down, her ears turning red.
Lin Mo looked at them. "What a coincidence! How long have you been peeping?"
Dugu Yan chuckled and pulled Ye Lingling out from behind the bushes.
"It wasn't long, I only saw a little bit." She counted on her fingers, "It started from when Huo Wu hugged you."
Lin Mo: "..."
Dugu Yan looked at him with a smile, " A-Mo, how did it feel to be confessed to face-to-face for the first time?"
Ye Lingling's purple eyes also held a smile.
Lin Mo sighed helplessly, "You call this only seeing a little bit? Didn't you see everything?"
Dugu Yan nodded matter-of-factly. "Of course I saw it all. How could I miss such a wonderful scene?"
She took Lin Mo's arm and leaned against him. "But I'm not Huo Wu. That girl Huo Wu really has a good eye for people."
Ye Lingling said softly, "She's a good girl, A-Mo, you mustn't let her down."
Lin Mo glanced at her, then at Dugu Yan. Both women wore smiles, showing no displeasure whatsoever.
He reached out and put his arm around the two of them, leading them back.
The moonlight cast long shadows across the three figures.