Zhu Zhuqing: Sleep... Together?
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing blushed even more and stood awkwardly to the side, stammering softly, "I... I didn't mean to..." Unable to bear the strange looks from everyone, Zhu Zhuqing ran back to her room, her face flushed with embarrassment.
After calming Xiao Wu and Rongrong down,
Yan Zu looked at the expectant Oscar: "Oscar, you are Food System Soul Master, and your physical constitution is your biggest weakness. I will teach you the Bone Forging Chapter, the Inner Power Chapter, and the Movement Technique Chapter Manual to fundamentally improve your physique, enhance your Soul Power foundation, and strengthen your survival ability. In addition, I will also teach you the ' Six Meridian Divine Sword '."
"Six Meridian Divine Sword?" Oscar was taken aback. "Boss Yan, I'm Food System, what use would an attack-type Soul Skill be to me? Besides, where would I get a sword?"
Yan Zu smiled slightly, "This sword is not that sword. The Six Meridian Divine Sword is based on Soul Power, transforming into invisible sword energy. It can attack from a distance or defend up close, and it is silent and unpredictable, making it impossible to defend against."
Although you are Food System, your total Soul Power is not weak; you simply lack effective offensive methods. Once you learn this technique, you will no longer be a mere support in the team; you can protect yourself in crucial moments and even unexpectedly turn the tide of battle.
The corresponding cultivation manual was handed over. Oscar took it and read it silently. His face was blank at first, then he was overjoyed. He tried to circulate his Soul Power according to the method. His index finger trembled slightly, and a wisp of extremely weak sword energy flashed by. Although weak, it was real!
"I... I can attack?!" Oscar stared at his fingers, so excited he was almost incoherent. "Hahaha! I, Oscar, am no longer a pushover who can only hide in the back! Boss Yan, you're truly my second father!"
Yan Zu then took out two more United Hearts Pendants and handed them to Oscar.
"Keep this jade pendant with you at all times. It can accelerate the recovery of Soul Power and reduce the cooldown time of skills. Give the other one to Zhu Zhuqing later."
Xiao Wu said angrily, "Alright, alright, the technique has been taught. Go back and rest now, Little Brother A-Zu. You'll have to sleep on the floor tonight."
That night, the moonlight, as clear as water, streamed into the cozy bedroom through the sheer curtains.
Xiao Wu peeked out and beckoned to Zhu Zhuqing, who was in the second bedroom, "Zhu Zhuqing, come here!"
Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback. "I'm going back to my room..."
"Hey, come on, come on!" Xiao Wu ran over without saying a word, grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's hand and dragged her towards the master bedroom, "Starting today, you'll sleep with us!"
"What?" A rare look of surprise and panic appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's usually cold and beautiful face. "Sleep together...?"
Xiao Wu half-dragged, half-pulled her into the master bedroom. The master bedroom was extremely spacious; the luxurious bed could easily sleep four or five people. Ning Rongrong had already changed into a silk nightgown, and was sitting on the bed with a pillow in her arms, looking at her with a grin.
"Rongrong, you..." Zhu Zhuqing was even more confused.
Ning Rongrong blinked, her tone slightly mischievous. "Zhu Zhuqing, from today onwards, you'll sleep here. Oscar is a boy, so there are some things that are inconvenient for him, but it's different for you."
Zhu Zhuqing's heart raced inexplicably, her cheeks flushed slightly. She glanced at the large bed, then at Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong's meaningful smiles, and an embarrassing thought uncontrollably surfaced—could it be that Yan Zu... needed the three of them... together...?
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her dress, her ears flushed, and her voice trembled slightly. "This... this isn't appropriate... I..."
"What are you thinking about!" Xiao Wu chuckled at her expression, then stepped forward and put her arm around her shoulder.
"It's cultivation! A-Zu has a special cultivation method that's incredibly efficient, but it requires trusted people to be together. Oscar is a boy, so Rongrong and I obviously can't let him sleep here, but you're our best friend!"
"Cultivate... cultivate?" Zhu Zhuqing was stunned, the blush on her face had not yet faded, and she looked a little dazed.
At this moment, Yan Zu also walked in. Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's embarrassed appearance, he shook his head helplessly. "Xiao Wu, stop teasing Zhu Zhuqing."
He explained gently to Zhu Zhuqing, "I have a special Mimicry Training Ground the flow of time is different from the outside world, and it can absolutely conceal one's aura. However, entering requires physical contact, and one is completely unprepared for the outside world while cultivating, so only the most trusted partner can be present."
Previously, it was always the three of us— Xiao Wu, Rongrong, and I—together. Now that you and Oscar have joined, Oscar is a boy, to avoid any inconvenience or awkwardness, we won't invite him to join us for nighttime cultivation. But it's different for you; since you're a companion, there's no need to worry."
"I see." Zhu Zhuqing breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt a wave of embarrassment at her absurd guess. Her cold, beautiful face flushed even more, and she whispered, "I understand."
"Then what are we waiting for? Come on, get in bed!" Xiao Wu casually pushed Zhu Zhuqing to the bedside.
Zhu Zhuqing sat down somewhat stiffly, looking at the luxurious bed so close to her, the two smiling girls on the bed, and Yan Zu standing calmly by the bedside. Her heart was still pounding. This was completely different from the nights she usually spent cultivating alone, cold and vigilant.
"Relax, close your eyes, and feel my Soul Power guiding you." Yan Zu's voice was calm, carrying a reassuring power.
Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes as instructed, and immediately felt a hand gently pressing on her shoulder. Warm Soul Power penetrated her body, not domineering, but flowing like a clear spring, guiding her consciousness.
The next instant, the world spun around.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a vast and mysterious void. Beneath my feet was a smooth, jade-like bluestone ground that stretched to the horizon; in the distance were hazy, indistinct mountain silhouettes; above me was a sky shimmering with a silvery-gray halo, where stars seemed to be peeking out.
The concentration of Soul Power in the air was far higher than that in the outside world, and it was extremely pure; one could feel the Soul Power leaping with every breath.
"Where is this...?" Zhu Zhuqing looked around in shock. The keen senses granted to her by the Nether Civet Martial Soul told her that this space was incredibly real, yet independent of the outside world.
"Martial Soul Mimicry Training Ground, one of my innate abilities." Yan Zu's figure materialized beside her, and Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong appeared one after another. Xiao Wu was obviously used to it, while Ning Rongrong was a little proud, as if she were showing off her own treasure.
"Time flows at about three times the speed of the outside world here," Yan Zu continued, "And it's absolutely safe. We can cultivate without any worries about being disturbed or suffering backlash. Although we can't increase our Soul Power, it's extremely helpful for familiarizing ourselves with cultivation techniques, practicing Soul Skill, and developing teamwork."
Three times the time! Absolutely safe! Zhu Zhuqing gasped. This meant that in the same amount of time, they could achieve three times the cultivation effect! No wonder Yan Zu and the other two were so powerful!
"Let's get used to it first, and then we'll show you our true cultivation level." Yan Zu nodded to Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu understood, a sly smile playing on her lips. She no longer suppressed her aura, releasing her Soul Power without reservation!
Buzz--!
A powerful surge of Soul Power swept across the area, and four Soul Ring slowly rose from beneath her feet, their colors from low to high being: yellow, purple, purple, and black!
The Fourth Soul Ring, as black as ink, Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring!
"A... Four-Ring Soul Ancestor?! Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring?!" Zhu Zhuqing's beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Xiao Wu in disbelief. A twelve-year-old Soul Ancestor? And the fourth ring is already ten thousand years old? This completely overturned her understanding! In the Star Luo Empire, this was practically a legendary miracle!
Immediately afterward, Yan Zu also released his aura. Four Soul Ring appeared: yellow, purple, purple, and black! The fluctuations of his Soul Power were steady and vast.
She finally understood why Yan Zu could easily subdue Dai Mubai, and why they were so composed when facing Zhao Wuji. They weren't just Soul Elder at level 30-something; they were genuine top-tier Soul Ancestor with Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring!
After the initial shock, a wave of immense relief washed over me. I was glad I had made the right choice, leaving Shrek, a place rife with narrow-mindedness and conflict, and joining this team with limitless potential.
But then came the immense pressure. With such strong teammates, wouldn't he become a burden if he couldn't grow quickly?
Yan Zu keenly sensed the change in her emotions and said gently, "Zhu Zhuqing, there's no need to feel pressured. I'm telling you this so you understand our strengths and that you can trust that we have the ability to meet future challenges."
Your talent is exceptional; all you lack is the right guidance and resources. Here, you have three times the time and the best techniques; catching up with us won't be difficult. Most importantly, we are a unified whole, trusting and supporting each other.
Xiao Wu walked over and put her arm around Zhu Zhuqing's shoulder. "Yes, Zhu Zhuqing, from now on we're real sisters! Let's get stronger together, and protect... well, protect everything we want to protect!"
Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously. "That's right! With A-Zu here and this training ground, we will definitely become the most powerful Soul Master team on the continent!"
Looking into the sincere eyes of the three people, Zhu Zhuqing felt the pressure in her heart gradually transform into motivation. She nodded heavily, and an unprecedented fighting spirit ignited in her cold gaze. "I understand! I will work hard and will never hold anyone back!"
That night, Zhu Zhuqing diligently practiced the newly acquired "Nine Yin Manual" and "Nine Yin Divine Claw" in the training ground. With Yan Zu's guidance and Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong's sparring and exchanges, she made rapid progress.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Oscar was alone in his room, digesting the mysteries of the Six Meridian Divine Sword. Although he had not been able to enter the training ground, the door to a new world had already opened for him.
The following afternoon, Yan Zu summoned everyone together.
"We have a basic grasp of our techniques, but we need real combat experience to hone them. The Soto Great Soul Arena is a good choice."
Yan Zu unfolded a map of Suotuo City and pointed to the location of the Great Soul Arena. "So we cultivate our Soul Power during the day and go to the Soto Great Soul Arena at night to hone our skills."
Yan Zu stayed in Suotuo City to Soul Fighting in the Great Soul Arena, not only to give everyone practical experience, but also for another important purpose.
According to the original plot, the Heaven Dou Royal Team will soon arrive in Suotuo City for Soul Fighting. This is a good opportunity to make contact with Dugu Yan. At this time, Dugu Yan has been corrupted by the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison. However, his Fourth Soul Skill, Life's Praise, combined with Little Jade's auspicious aura, should be able to help Dugu Yan.
Through Dugu Yan, one can establish contact with Dugu Bo and then plot the Immortal Herb. However, how exactly to do it will depend on the circumstances.
(Thanks to book friend ALing Dream for your monthly ticket support, and thanks to 1101 for the reward)