Upon hearing this, Tang Feng showed no disappointment, but rather a hint of understanding.
He nodded. "Caution is a good thing. This flower recognizes its owner; it cannot be forced. If one's heart is not sincere, one will only suffer the consequences."
Tang Feng put the " Lovesick Heartbreak Red " back into his Hundred Treasure Purse, and then took out another Immortal Herb.
This is a pure white, crystalline Immortal Herb, seemingly sculpted from the finest jade and snow. Its petals are like jade, its stems and leaves like flesh, and its entire body exudes a faint, refreshing chill and a lustrous sheen—truly " Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone."
"This is ' Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone,'" Tang Feng handed it to Zhu Zhuqing, his voice calm. "Its medicinal properties are gentle and mild, perfectly matching the Yin-sensitive attribute of your Nether Civet Martial Soul. Taking it will nourish your tendons and bones, and unblock your Qi through your seven meridians and eight extraordinary vessels. It will not only greatly enhance your Soul Power but also fundamentally temper your tendons, bones, and meridians, improving your cultivation speed and physical flexibility. Moreover, its medicinal properties are balanced and mild, just right for your current needs for stable improvement."
Looking at the precious Immortal Herb before her, so different in style from the " Lovesick Heartbreak Red " herb, Zhu Zhuqing felt as if a warm pebble had been thrown into her cold heart. Tang Feng's thoughtfulness and attentiveness had once again exceeded her expectations.
She stretched out her hands and solemnly accepted the " Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone ". It was warm to the touch, and the cool and supple aura spread along her arms, calming her Soul Power, which had been slightly agitated due to her restless mind in recent days.
"... Thank you." This time, her gratitude was more genuine than ever before, a hint of real warmth and appreciation shimmering in her cool eyes. She didn't refuse, because the gift was indeed what she needed.
Tang Feng nodded slightly and raised his hand to indicate, "No need to be polite. You can absorb and refine it here."
"Okay." Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing said no more and each found a quiet corner in the hall to sit down cross-legged.
Oscar took a deep breath and solemnly put the jade-white " Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid " into his mouth. The fairy orchid melted in his mouth, turning into a warm and mellow current that slid into his stomach.
Zhu Zhuqing appeared even calmer. She carefully consumed the crystal-clear " Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone " herb, and a cool and supple aura instantly permeated her entire body.
The two quickly entered a state of complete absorption in their practice.
A profound silence fell over the hall, broken only by the faint sound of the wind outside the window and the steady, long breaths inside. Sunlight filtered slowly through the window frames, casting long, dappled patterns on the floor.
Tang Feng did not leave, but sat quietly to the side, occasionally glancing at the two of them, sensing the steady fluctuations of their Soul Power and medicinal power merging within them, to ensure that they were safe.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Oscar was the first to wake up. He didn't suddenly open his eyes, but rather, as if he were naturally waking up from a deep and restful sleep, he first let out a long sigh, his chest expanded, and his bones made a few soft cracking sounds, as if he had been freed from some invisible restraint.
A glint of light flashed in Oscar's eyes, quickly replaced by deep surprise.
"Phew! That feels so good!" Oscar couldn't help but stretch out, feeling light and refreshed, his Soul Power flowing smoothly and powerfully, more so than ever before.
"How are you feeling?" Tang Feng's voice rang out at the right moment, tinged with a smile.
Oscar turned around at the sound, his face instantly breaking into a radiant smile. He was so excited he was almost incoherent. "Level four! I've leveled up four levels! I'm level forty-seven now! My god, this feeling... it's unbelievable! My Soul Power seems to flow much more smoothly, circulating at an alarming speed!"
Tang Feng walked up to Oscar and nodded, saying, "' Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid ' has the mildest and most mellow medicinal properties. Increasing your Soul Power by four levels is only its most direct manifestation. Much of its medicinal power has already settled within your limbs and bones, and will continue to be released during your future cultivation, strengthening your foundation and greatly improving your cultivation efficiency and Soul Power recovery speed. Your foundation is now far more solid than others of the same level."
"Great!" Oscar clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, filled with anticipation for the future.
Just then,
Meow!
A very soft, gentle meow, carrying a hint of laziness and contentment, rang out in the hall. Although the sound was soft, it clearly attracted the attention of Tang Feng and Oscar.
The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw that Zhu Zhuqing had also opened her eyes at some point on the other side.
She didn't make any big movements like Oscar; she just sat quietly in place, but her entire demeanor underwent a subtle yet significant change.
Her already fair skin appeared even more radiant and translucent, like the finest white jade, subtly shimmering with a cool, clear luster.
The aloof and cold aura around him remained, but it seemed to have been cleansed, losing some of its sharpness that kept strangers at bay, and gaining a sense of otherworldly purity.
What is most striking are her eyes. Originally as deep and cold as a pool, they are now much clearer and brighter, and there is a breathtaking charm in the way they move.
Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head slightly, seemingly also carefully sensing the earth-shaking changes within her body, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows under her eyelids.
" Zhu Zhuqing," Tang Feng called softly, his tone questioning, "How much has your Soul Power increased?"
Zhu Zhuqing looked up at the sound, her gaze meeting Tang Feng's. A hint of excitement flashed in her clear eyes, then she furrowed her brows slightly, her voice carrying a rare trace of worry arising from her rapid improvement. "Level six... My Soul Power has increased by a full six levels. Now, I've broken through the bottleneck of level fifty."
She paused, feeling the surging yet easily controlled new power within her, and added, "Not only that, but my entire body's muscles and meridians feel as if they've been cleansed by a cold spring, making them more resilient and unobstructed. My speed, explosive power, and extreme flexibility have also greatly improved. Moreover, the right metacarpal bone of my ' Dark Gold Dreadclaw ' has completely fused with me."
As Agility Attack System Soul Master, she has the most acute perception of her physical abilities. This comprehensive physical enhancement is no less valuable than the surge in Soul Power.
Tang Feng sensed the slight worry in her tone about the potential instability of her foundation caused by the sudden increase in strength, and explained gently and reassuringly, "Don't worry. ' Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone ' and even ' Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid ' are both sacred treasures nurtured by heaven and earth to strengthen your foundation. They don't forcibly elevate your cultivation level, but rather cleanse, broaden, and solidify your cultivation foundation in the gentlest way. The increase in Soul Power and the leap in physique that you feel now are natural manifestations of your foundation being greatly strengthened. They will only make your future path smoother and wider, and will never shake your foundation. As your cultivation deepens in the future, you will naturally experience their wonders."
Tang Feng's explanation was calm and powerful, carrying a convincing certainty that instantly dispelled the last trace of doubt in Zhu Zhuqing's heart.
She nodded slightly, closed her eyes again, and focused her mind, carefully experiencing the revitalized, solid, and powerful body and Soul Power.
Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, both seeing undisguised shock in each other's eyes.
Just three months ago, with Tang Feng's assistance, they obtained their Fourth Soul Ring and officially entered the Soul Ancestor realm.
The joy and anticipation for the future are still fresh in my mind, but who would have thought that just a hundred days later, the situation would have changed drastically.
Zhu Zhuqing actually crossed the level 50 threshold and became a Soul King!
Oscar, too, soared to the level of a high-level Soul Ancestor at an astonishing speed, only one step away from becoming Soul King.
All of this happened so fast, like a dream, yet so real, so unforgettable.
Without a word, a deep sense of gratitude and an almost awe-inspiring respect surged within them. They turned around simultaneously, faced Tang Feng, and bowed deeply and solemnly.
Tang Feng stepped forward slowly, gently patted Oscar on the shoulder, and met Zhu Zhuqing's clear yet complex eyes.
"Though the Immortal Herb are wonderful, they are ultimately external things. The true path lies in every step you take. With your strength increasing dramatically, you must quickly adapt to and master them, making them your own."
Tang Feng continued, "You two rest at the sect for a few days. After I finish dealing with other matters, I will head to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt the most suitable Fifth Soul Ring for Zhu Zhuqing."