Ling Yuan and Lin Feng exchanged a glance.
"Shall we go?"
"Sure."
Ye Wanqing noticed them making eyes at each other but saying nothing. She clicked her tongue.
"Hey, I'm still here, you know! Just say whether you're going or not. What are you doing over there?!"
Ling Yuan let out a light laugh and nodded, "Sure, when do we go?"
Ye Wanqing glanced at the freshly served food on the table, a trace of regret flashing in her eyes.
Rolling her eyes, she called a server over to pack everything up and stashed it all into her storage soul tool.
"Alright, let's go now."
She grinned happily.
Lin Feng nodded slightly, thinking to himself, So this girl's a foodie and a mischief-maker, huh.
On the way, Ling Yuan held Lin Feng's arm tightly. The two stayed close, whispering from time to time.
A few steps behind them, Ye Wanqing walked alone, suddenly looking rather pitiful.
So I'm part of your play too?
Ye Wanqing took a deep breath, gathered her soul power underfoot, and suddenly sped up.
Ling Yuan looked at the rapidly receding figure, a bit surprised.
Ye Wanqing's sharp voice drifted back on the wind:
"I'll go wait for you over there. You two just take your time! You know the way, after all!"
Walking alone ahead, Ye Wanqing suddenly felt a sense of relief.
Ling Yuan stopped and let out a giggle.
She teased, "Looks like Wanqing is a bit jealous?"
Lin Feng shrugged.
"Doesn't seem like that's my fault, does it?"
"Haha."
Ling Yuan looked at Lin Feng beside her, covered her mouth as she laughed, and continued walking with him.
"You're heading to the Ye family now—did something come to mind?"
Her voice was gentle.
"Emmm, just some thoughts. I haven't studied this martial soul closely before, so I don't have any practical theories for its application."
"Mhm. If there's no solution yet, don't let it weigh you down."
Lin Feng gently rubbed the soft hand in his.
"I know. Don't worry."
—
Ye Wanqing looked at the slowly approaching couple with mild irritation.
I told them to take their time, and they really did?
Once again I'm being left out. Sad.
Ling Yuan blinked, confused as she looked at Ye Wanqing standing by the main gate:
"Wanqing, why aren't you going in?"
Ye Wanqing gave Ling Yuan a long, emotional look, sighed, and said,
"Ling Yuan, you've really changed."
She shook her head and walked inside.
"???"
Ling Yuan was confused. What's this girl thinking again?
The familiar reception hall had changed slightly since their last visit.
The person sitting next to Ling Yuan was now Lin Feng.
Madam Ye had a gentle, gratified smile on her face. She glanced at Ye Wanqing playing around with Ye Lingling and inwardly scoffed.
This little sister of mine is barely younger than me, yet she still acts like a child. Her best friend's already figured out her love life—why isn't she anxious at all?
She spoke softly:
"Xiao Yuan, that method I taught you last time worked pretty well, didn't it?"
Seeing the teasing in Madam Ye's eyes, Ling Yuan blushed and nodded.
This made Lin Feng curious. Should I borrow that so-called guide sometime and take a look?
Using others' experience to understand their thinking better might help with future interactions.
Ye Lingling looked curiously at Ling Yuan and Lin Feng, who were chatting happily with her parents.
She tugged on Ye Wanqing's sleeve.
"Auntie, who's that big brother that came with Sister Ling Yuan? I've never seen him before."
Ye Wanqing thought for a moment, then solemnly told her:
"Lingling, from now on, when you see that big brother, call him 'uncle.' When you see Sister Ling Yuan, call her 'auntie,' got it?"
Ye Lingling tilted her little head.
"Why?"
"Because~"
Ye Wanqing glanced at Ling Yuan, then lowered her voice and whispered into Lingling's ear:
"They're boyfriend and girlfriend, basically like a married couple. That means they're about to have a baby."
"Your mom's told you this before, right? Once someone gets married, they're like an adult—so you call her auntie now."
"Ohhh~ Got it."
Ye Lingling blinked and nodded earnestly.
Ye Wanqing smiled in satisfaction.
Excitement shone in Ye Lingling's gray-blue eyes. She decided she'd go greet Auntie Ling Yuan right away.
After some small talk, Ling Yuan said:
"Sister, would you mind summoning your Nine-Heart Begonia for a look?
Lin Feng here also has a healing-type soul skill. He wants to see if he can get any inspiration from your martial soul."
Madam Ye waved her hand:
"No need to be so formal for something small like that. Here is the Nine-Heart Begonia."
She flipped her palm over.
A pinkish-red begonia flower appeared in the air. The moment it did, the entire room was filled with a refreshing fragrance that lifted the spirit.
Madam Ye spoke with some pride:
"When it comes to pure healing, even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda from the Upper Three Sects doesn't compare.
Although our martial soul only has an area-healing effect, with me around, it's hard for teammates to die even if they want to."
Lin Feng nodded:
"Would it be alright to demonstrate a soul skill so I can feel its effect?"
"Of course."
Green light spread out and fell over Lin Feng's body.
He closed his eyes to feel it, then suddenly slashed his own arm with a blade.
The others gasped in shock. Ling Yuan looked at his wound with distress.
Madam and Mister Ye exchanged a glance, surprised by Lin Feng's extreme method, even if it was for research.
They watched as the wound visibly healed, and his energy surged again.
Lin Feng nodded slowly, signaling that she could stop.
"This…"
The Ye parents were puzzled, exchanging another look before turning back to Lin Feng.
Lin Feng summoned the Innate Treasure Pearl.
"I wonder if you'd like to experience my self-created healing soul skill?"
"Self-created?"
Madam Ye was startled.
"That's right."
"Go ahead."
Under a gentle white glow, Lin Feng activated his first soul skill:
"Breath of Life."
The Ye couple's pupils contracted—they actually didn't see any soul rings appear?
Madam Ye nodded approvingly. Seems Xiao Yuan picked a pretty capable man.
She focused in, and gradually her brows furrowed slightly.
"This soul skill… is very unusual."
After a moment of contemplation, Madam Ye spoke.
Lin Feng nodded:
"I believe, Sister, that you've already noticed—my healing skill surpasses Nine-Heart Begonia in precision and purity."
To put it in perspective: if Nine-Heart Begonia is like performing surgery, then Lin Feng's skill treats both internal and external issues at once.
While its overall strength still falls short, the skill's quality is undeniably solid.
Madam Ye's expression turned serious. She glanced at her husband and said:
"So, you must have other reasons for visiting today. Speak freely."
Lin Feng and Ling Yuan exchanged a glance, and he shared his idea:
"I think I may have a way to solve the Nine-Heart Begonia's inheritance problem from a different angle."
"What did you just say!!?"
As Lin Feng finished speaking, three voices quickly responded.
One of them, a man's voice, stood out particularly loud.
Father Ye immediately stood up, his eyes intensely fixed on Lin Feng.
He had been quietly sitting there, smiling and listening to the conversation, appearing calm and reserved. But now, he was no longer silent.
In a flash, he stood before Lin Feng, grabbing one of Lin Feng's arms with considerable force.
His warm and gentle face turned unusually serious.
"Xiaofeng, you're not lying to me, are you?"
If an ordinary person had said such a thing, the three members of the Ye family might not have reacted so strongly—they would have taken it as a joke.
But this was someone brought by Ling Yuan, so clearly, he wouldn't speak lightly.
Even if it was just some speculation about the Nine-Hearted Begonia Spirit, it likely came from deep and thorough contemplation.
To Father Ye, there was nothing more important than his wife.
Watching his other half slowly approach death with no way to help—was a form of torture.
No matter how composed he acted in the past, now he could no longer suppress the emotional turmoil in his heart.
What if—just what if—this young man truly had some valuable insight?
Lin Feng patted Father Ye's trembling hand and gently lowered it.
"To be honest, it's just a bit of understanding on my part.
Just now, when Sister was sensing her soul skill, I noticed a problem.
The Nine-Hearted Begonia is indeed one of the strongest healing-type martial spirits—but its origin is sealed."
Mother Ye furrowed her brows, her eyes focusing on the Nine-Hearted Begonia in her right palm.
"Origin?"
Lin Feng nodded.
"Yes. The origin. A martial spirit is the most fundamental aspect of our body. It often reflects a person's traits.
For instance, soul masters with fire-type martial spirits tend to be more free-spirited and unruly.
Healing-type soul masters are generally gentler.
That's because a martial spirit's essential attributes share the same root as ourselves—it's a projection of who we are."
Ye Wanqing, holding Ye Lingling's hand, anxiously asked:
"Then what do you mean by the origin being sealed?"
A glow emitted from Lin Feng's innate soul pearl.
"While the Nine-Hearted Begonia does have peak-level healing soul skills...
The variability of those skills has been fixed to a single trait.
That's what we call anchoring of the martial spirit's origin."
Father Ye frowned.
"I still don't quite understand what you mean."
"To put it simply, the Nine-Hearted Begonia is a martial spirit suppressed by the laws of heaven and earth.
Its powerful soul skills have led the world's natural rules to restrict it.
This world denies the Nine-Hearted Begonia any further advancement and also limits the number of soul masters who can awaken it."
Father and Mother Ye exchanged a glance and sighed, then returned to their seats.
"In fact, we've had similar suspicions ourselves.
Think of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—its martial spirit is like ours. It cannot break through the Soul Saint level.
And in our case, it's even more severe."
Ye Lingling blinked in confusion, unable to grasp their discussion.
"Auntie, are they talking about gods and demons? Lingling doesn't understand."
Ye Wanqing gave an apologetic look to Lin Feng and the others, then led Ye Lingling out of the room.
Since this involved martial spirits, it was better for Lingling not to be exposed too early.
Lin Feng patted Ling Yuan's delicate hand, giving her a reassuring look.
"You should've felt my soul skill earlier. Although not as strong as the Nine-Hearted Begonia, its fundamental trait is highly dynamic.
You probably noticed it—it can produce specific healing effects based on my intent. It can target external injuries or focus on meridians.
I'm able to do this thanks to a cultivation method I've been practicing and the heavenly treasures I've absorbed.
This allowed me to attain a new level of control over the deep laws embedded within soul skills—freeing me from the shackles of worldly rules."
Mother Ye's pupils contracted.
"Then Xiaofeng… you really have a solution?"
Lin Feng nodded.
"There are two approaches I've considered to solve this issue.
The first is martial spirit evolution—enhancing the spirit's grade to break through the suppression of heaven and earth.
The second is gaining mastery over one's origin power to shatter the martial spirit's constraints.
This second method can be achieved with the technique I've cultivated—it allows soul masters to truly connect with the origin laws."
Father Ye frowned deeper, probing:
"Why have I never heard of such a technique?"
Lin Feng chuckled.
"Because I created it myself. I haven't released it yet, but soon."
Father Ye clenched his fist slightly. Suddenly, he realized that Lin Feng had likely come with another motive today.
As expected, Lin Feng continued:
"I have the heavenly treasures needed for martial spirit evolution.
As for the technique to break the origin's chains, I can lay the foundation for you ahead of time.
However, I do have one condition."
"To join the Spirit Hall, right?"
Mother Ye asked calmly, but Lin Feng shook his head.
"If Sister doesn't wish to, then there's no need. I only ask that you don't support any other faction.
As for your future path—I believe you'll make the right choice yourselves."
Mother Ye nodded. As long as it didn't involve openly joining Spirit Hall, they could accept it.
Recently, Dugu Bo had joined Spirit Hall with his entire family.
The Heaven Dou Imperial Family practically spat blood over it.
Xue Xing was sulking for days—the recruitment plan hadn't even started, and the target had already been snatched by Spirit Hall.
Right now, the only titled Douluo that the Heaven Dou Empire could claim were Sword and Bone of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Dugu Bo, a powerful figure on the verge of becoming a Titled Douluo, was supposed to be recruited—but he ran off. How frustrating.
Naturally, the Imperial Family's hostility toward Spirit Hall deepened.
For the Nine-Hearted Begonia family rooted in Heaven Dou, if they were to pledge allegiance to Spirit Hall now, open conflict might break out.
Stealing their young talents wasn't enough—now they were outright raiding?
Seeing their expressions relax, Lin Feng said:
"My technique still needs more time before it can truly help you. The version I'll release publicly won't involve origin-level laws for now.
However, I can give Lingling the immortal herb that can evolve her martial spirit right away."
After presenting both paths, the Ye couple were visibly shaken.
They found themselves believing Lin Feng even more.
Father Ye resumed his usual silence and exchanged a look with Mother Ye.
She nodded:
"This is truly a miraculous path. Though it feels like something's missing, the effects are extraordinary.
Xiaofeng, we agree to your condition. We'll join Spirit Hall secretly. Now, what is this immortal herb?"
After Lin Feng explained its effects, Mother Ye immediately rushed to him.
She understood—now that Lin Feng had shared these two secrets, the Nine-Hearted Begonia clan was effectively tied to Spirit Hall.
Until the ancient martial spirit issue was resolved, everything else had to be set aside.
Seeing her slightly flustered, Lin Feng turned to Ling Yuan and said:
"Go call Wanqing and Lingling back in."
Lin Feng was confident that there was only one immortal herb that could solve the Nine-Hearted Begonia issue—Delicate Fragrant Immortal Camellia.
As for Mother Ye's condition, it would need to wait until he could forge a soul meridian for someone else.
To master the heavenly truths within a martial spirit and break its chains—this was a long process.
Even for Lin Feng, only after months of getting used to his second soul meridian had he become confident in attempting to forge a third—and eventually help others forge theirs.
Suddenly, Father Ye asked:
"Then Xiaofeng, if there's already an immortal herb that can solve Lingling's issue, why bother offering such a heaven-defying technique?"
Lin Feng gave a strange smile.
"When it comes to children, the more the better, right? I just happen to like kids. Don't you agree, Sister?"
Mother Ye blushed, casting a playful glare at Lin Feng and Ling Yuan.
Ling Yuan shyly pinched Lin Feng and whispered,
"You're being improper again." Then she turned to fetch Wanqing and Lingling.
Father Ye coughed awkwardly.
Ye Lingling looked at the yellow flower in front of her.
Her eyes blinked innocently, full of pure confusion.
"Why does Lingling have to eat flowers? Flowers don't taste good."
Lin Feng squatted down and gently patted Ye Lingling's head.
Smiling, he said:
"Lingling, listen to me. You don't need to actually eat it, just lightly suck on the stamen like a bee.
What's inside this flower is much sweeter than honey, even tastier than the candy you usually eat~"
Ye Lingling looked at Lin Feng, her cheeks turning a little red. She tugged at the corner of her clothes.
"Oh… Lingling understands~"
Ye Mother watched the scene thoughtfully.
With Lin Feng's help, Ye Lingling absorbed the essence of the Qiluo Tulip.
To Ye Mother's astonishment, a golden light began to radiate from Ye Lingling's body.
Accompanied by a rich tulip fragrance—noble and pure.
The golden glow sparkled and gradually intensified.
Soon, to everyone's delight, Ye Lingling opened her eyes.
Her once-childlike face now carried a trace of nobility and transcendence.
"Uncle big brother, Lingling feels really good. Do you have more of that flower?"
Lin Feng's mouth twitched. Did she just try to call him 'Uncle'?
He glanced at Ye Wanqing, who was looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, and clicked his tongue silently.
He patted Ye Lingling's little head:
"Big brother doesn't have any more. I already gave it to Lingling."
"Oh~ Thank you, big brother."
Ye Lingling smiled sweetly and enjoyed the warm hand on her head, her eyes gleaming with contentment.
Ye Mother looked at the Nine-Heart Begonia in her palm, her expression complex:
"I can feel that Lingling's Nine-Heart Begonia has changed. That bloodline restriction is no longer manifesting in her.
In fact, it feels like her spirit has evolved—its essence far surpasses the original Nine-Heart Begonia.
Immortal herbs truly are miraculous.
Xiao Feng, if you ever need anything, the Ye family will support you fully. Even joining Spirit Hall is no big deal."
Lin Feng nodded:
"That's naturally good to hear. But there's no need to make it public yet—someone specific will come to discuss it with you later."
Ye Father took Ye Mother's hand, and they bowed together to Lin Feng.
Lin Feng didn't dodge it, which startled Ye Wanqing.
He and Ling Yuan exchanged glances, and Ling Yuan helped Ye Father and Ye Mother up, comforting them:
"No need for this. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Ye Mother shook her head:
"If it weren't for Xiao Yuan, this wouldn't have happened.
Please accept this storage pouch. It contains 3 million gold soul coins. Our Nine-Heart Begonia family may not be a top sect, but we have some foundation.
Please accept it."
"This…"
Ling Yuan looked at Lin Feng. Seeing him nod, she finally accepted the pouch.
Ye Mother sighed in relief. If Lin Feng had asked for nothing, she would have felt even more uncomfortable.
Lin Feng cupped his hands:
"Then, sister and brother-in-law, we'll take our leave for now. As for the cultivation method, it'll have to wait a few more years. I hope you understand."
"In such a hurry? At least stay for lunch. This is your first visit—how can we not treat you properly?"
Seeing Lin Feng hesitate, Ye Wanqing added:
"Yeah, yeah! Eating is the most important thing in the world. Stay for now!
Besides, look how much Lingling likes you. Stay and play with her a bit."
Lin Feng saw Ye Lingling curiously looking up at him from his side and smiled softly.
"Alright then, Sister Yuan, let's stay a little longer."
As the three of them left,
Ye Father sighed emotionally.
"In this world, genius soul masters are as common as the fish crossing the river. Each era has its prodigies.
This Xiao Feng looks young, yet he could develop such a cultivation method. Truly astonishing.
When he releases his theory, the reaction in the soul master world will be massive."
Ye Mother nodded in agreement:
"Ling Yuan and he are both from Spirit Hall. Its prestige will only rise further.
In truth, we're just stepping early into a path that was inevitable."
Ye Father nodded, holding Ye Mother's hand with affectionate eyes:
"None of that matters. Saving your life—everything else is just fleeting dust."
Ye Mother smiled softly and leaned against his chest:
"Once Xiao Feng helps resolve my martial spirit issue, let's have another child."
Ye Father rubbed his lower back seriously:
"Alright."
"We're going to the commercial street for a bit. Wanqing, do you want to come?"
Ling Yuan asked symbolically, but her gaze held a trace of warning.
Ye Wanqing pouted:
"No, it's boring over there. I never go. You two enjoy yourselves."
As she turned away, she quickly muttered:
"Uh… thanks!"
Watching Ye Wanqing's hurried steps as she left, Ling Yuan chuckled, then took Lin Feng's arm:
"Let's go. We've still got the whole afternoon. If the clothes you pick for me don't satisfy me, I might get mad."
Lin Feng thought of the designs he gave Chrysanthemum Douluo earlier and nodded inwardly.
He was confident in his fashion design skills.
The clothes he imagined in his mind gradually merged with the beauty before him. He blinked, feeling some anticipation.
"Really going to wear this? Isn't it a bit too…"
Ling Yuan's ears turned bright red as she looked at the light, feather-thin silk fabric before her.
She nervously glanced around.
Once she confirmed no one was watching, the shame in her heart lessened slightly.
Lin Feng calmly took the piece and stored it in a ring.
He said quietly:
"These are perfectly normal clothes for sale. Just wear them back home."
Blushing, Ling Yuan took another smaller black version and stored it in her pouch.
She shot Lin Feng a glare.
If she really had to wear it, no way she'd be alone—Xiaoxue had to be dragged along too.
Lin Feng was a little surprised and guessed to himself: yep, with someone else there, shame fades, doesn't it?
A spark lit in Lin Feng's eyes—he seemed to have thought of something.
"You're back?"
Qian Renxue lazily lifted her head from the sofa, glancing at Lin Feng and Ling Yuan as they entered the secret room.
"Was the commercial street in Heaven Dou City any fun?"
Lin Feng casually picked up half a cup of tea from the table and downed it in one go, surprised to find it had a hint of fruit sweetness.
Ling Yuan leaned beside Qian Renxue, rubbing her shoulder.
In her heart, she silently apologized to Xiaoxue—Xiao Feng wanted to see, and she couldn't say no. So she had to bring her bestie along.
"It was alright. Just didn't have much time today. We visited the Nine-Heart Begonia family."
"Oh?"
Qian Renxue looked at Lin Feng:
"The plan moved up? Well, it's no big deal."
She then turned to Ling Yuan:
"Sister Ling Yuan, when do you plan to absorb the immortal herb? That Phoenix-Tail Crestflower has long been reserved for you."
Ling Yuan thought for a moment:
"How about… right now?"
Qian Renxue smiled:
"Perfect. With Grandpa Chrysanthemum and Grandpa Ghost around, there's no worry about energy leaks. You can absorb it in peace."
The immortal herb, glowing blood-red and shaped like a rooster's comb, was taken out by Qian Renxue.
The crimson-gold veins on its leaves shimmered faintly.
Amidst the scorching aura, Ling Yuan could clearly feel the fire element dancing in the air.
Just by looking at this herb, her soul—and even her martial spirit—urged her to consume it immediately.
This was a desire stemming from the depths of her bloodline. There was no doubt: this immortal herb would have a tremendous effect on Ling Yuan.
"Big Sis Ling Yuan, you can't chew this flower. Swallow it whole.
After taking it, guide the soul power to circulate it. It might be painful, but you must endure it. Don't give up halfway."
Ling Yuan took the Phoenix Sunflower and shot Lin Feng a teasing glance.
"Have you mistaken me for being so gentle that you forgot I'm a Soul Douluo?
You think I'd be scared of a little pain like this? Don't underestimate me."
Lin Feng chuckled sheepishly,
"I'm just worried about you."
"Hmph."
After exchanging a nod with Qian Renxue, Ling Yuan sat cross-legged on the ground and began absorbing the herb.
Nearby, Chrysanthemum Douluo idly patted Ghost Douluo on the shoulder.
"Old Ghost, don't you think what we're doing now is really boring?
With Ci Tun and She Long around, scouting for information and guarding the Crown Prince's residence isn't even our job.
Our young master always has us doing this sort of thing… it's kind of frustrating."
Ghost Douluo didn't even glance over, calmly replying,
"We'll return to Spirit Hall soon. Just bear with it a bit longer."
Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced toward the chamber, his tone low:
"Hey, do you think Ling Yuan and Young Master Lin Feng might have… something going on?
I mean, he's just handing out immortal herbs to her, and now we're even standing guard while she refines it."
Ghost Douluo opened his eyes and gave him a deadpan look:
"What do you think? Besides, it's none of my business. You'll get your own herb too—once Lin Feng talks to the Grand Worshipper back home.
Why so jealous?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo glared,
"Jealous? Who's jealous? I'm just making logical deductions here! They're getting along so well, almost better than we do!
Also, if anyone's jealous, it's you for not getting a herb yet. Don't worry, I've got a good relationship with Lin Feng. I'll put in a word for you."
Ghost Douluo closed his eyes again:
"Childish."
"Pfft."
—
As the medicinal power of the immortal herb entered her body, Ling Yuan's skin flushed uncontrollably.
Sweat oozed out and soaked through her clothes.
The already-thin fabric could no longer conceal her figure beneath.
Her dark hair was now slightly damp, and strands clung to her cheeks, adding a delicate charm.
Her chest heaved—full and rounded, more developed than the still-growing Qian Renxue.
With her lips slightly parted, she exhaled hot breaths and let out soft, almost musical moans, tugging at Lin Feng's heartstrings.
Qian Renxue frowned:
"Why is this happening? Is sweating like this normal while absorbing this herb?"
Lin Feng coughed lightly, his expression a bit awkward.
"Probably."
But his eyes never left Ling Yuan.
"Hm?"
Qian Renxue narrowed her almond eyes and forcefully turned Lin Feng's head to face her instead, questioning:
"Is it that nice to look at, hmm?"
"It is quite nice," Lin Feng replied solemnly.
Seeing how serious he looked, Qian Renxue was fuming.
Ever since she made Ling Yuan's situation clear, Lin Feng had become increasingly brazen.
"No more looking!"
She forced Lin Feng's gaze back with a hint of threat.
Her delicate face puffed up, and her lips pouted.
Heh.
Seeing her expression, Lin Feng laughed softly.
"Alright, alright, I won't look at Ling Yuan. I'll look at you instead."
He teasingly brushed her nose.
Qian Renxue twisted his waist with a sharp pinch.
"Hiss—"
Though it didn't really hurt, Lin Feng feigned pain, grimacing and winking at her.
"Pfft."
Qian Renxue shook her head and pulled him down to sit on the sofa.
Glancing at Ling Yuan, still immersed in the herb's absorption, she asked,
"Xiao Feng, do you think her martial spirit will evolve after absorbing the herb?"
Lin Feng stroked his chin and nodded slightly:
"Most likely. Her martial spirit is already a fire-attributed bird, and it carries a trace of Phoenix blood.
The Phoenix Sunflower contains pure Phoenix essence and shares the same origin. It's the most suitable herb for her.
If it didn't cause a martial spirit evolution, that would be the real surprise."
Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully. So the familiar feeling she got when she absorbed her angelic soul bone must've also been due to their shared origin?
"Mhm—"
Lin Feng propped up his chin, looking at her with interest.
"W-What?"
Qian Renxue looked away from his gaze, her voice soft.
"I've noticed… you're looking even more beautiful lately."
She rolled her eyes at him.
"You just noticed now? Are you saying I wasn't pretty before?"
Lin Feng lay back on the sofa, speaking calmly:
"Of course not. From the moment I saw you in the library, I knew you were stunning beyond compare."
"Heh, so you're saying you fell for me at first sight?"
Qian Renxue giggled, twirling his hair around her finger.
"Something like that."
She knocked him on the head.
"Then why were you so cold back then? I remember clearly—I had to be the one to start the conversation."
Lin Feng gently held her soft hand.
"Obviously, I just wanted to get your attention."
"Hah, I knew it. You're no blockhead. You're way too sly."
"Looks like Ling Yuan is about done."
The two of them turned to look.
Sure enough, Ling Yuan had opened her eyes.
She exhaled a breath of warm, fragrant air, joy lighting up her eyes.
Lin Feng and Qian Renxue exchanged a glance and approached.
"How do you feel?"
Behind Ling Yuan, her martial spirit emerged.
What was once a blazing firebird now manifested in a more solid, elegant form.
Its proportions were more harmonious. Its red feathers had turned golden-red.
Feathers shaped like a crown appeared on its forehead. Its beak was still sharp, but more refined.
Its eyes had become dazzling, sapphire-blue and lively.
Ling Yuan beamed:
"As expected of an immortal herb created by the heavens and earth. My soul power increased by three ranks, and my martial spirit has evolved into a true Fire Phoenix!"
Three ranks at the Soul Douluo level—that was no small feat. Even Ma Hongjun in the original story only gained five ranks at the Soul Elder level.
But the Phoenix Sunflower clearly had a much stronger effect. Ma Hongjun's spirit was only a mutated chicken with a sliver of Phoenix blood.
Ling Yuan's Firebird spirit was inherently purer. Her transformation was on a completely different level.
She subconsciously stood up.
"Ah—!"
Panicking, she quickly covered herself, her cheeks reddening again just as the previous flush had faded.
The tight clothes clung to her soft, pale skin, leaving little to the imagination.
Lin Feng nodded as if pondering something, eyes never straying:
"Ling Yuan's gotten even more beautiful."
Maybe it was due to the Phoenix Sunflower's pure yang energy burning away impurities—it had given her an even more graceful figure.
Ling Yuan instinctively glanced down and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
Did they… get bigger?
With an annoyed pout, she nudged Lin Feng in the shoulder. Qian Renxue grabbed her by the arm.
"Come on, Sister Ling Yuan. Don't pay attention to him. Let's go bathe."
Ling Yuan shot Lin Feng an apologetic look before being dragged toward the bathroom.
Lin Feng grinned.
He still wanted to get a better look at her martial spirit transformation.