"Junior Sister, this is a meeting gift from your Senior Brother."
In the courtyard, Liu Ling smiled as he retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring and offered it to Qing Lin.
Earlier, when Liu Ling had rushed into the yard, he had been momentarily bewildered upon seeing Qing Lin—someone he had never met before. However, after Gu He's introduction, the two quickly became acquainted.
Though initially awkward at the sudden appearance of this adorable little junior sister, Liu Ling quickly adjusted. After all, he had already gone through a similar experience when the Little Fairy Doctor first arrived.
Gazing at Qing Lin's delicate features, Liu Ling couldn't help but feel fondness for her. Following Gu He's introduction, he happily presented her with a bottle of medicinal pills as a gift.
On Qing Lin's side, however, she timidly hid behind Gu He upon seeing the unfamiliar masked figure, peeking out with curious eyes. When Liu Ling extended the jade bottle toward her, she hesitated, too shy to accept it.
Compared to the Little Fairy Doctor—a gentle and beautiful senior sister—it was much easier for Qing Lin to warm up to her.
But Liu Ling, a masked older brother, would take some getting used to. Instead of taking the gift, she glanced nervously at her teacher, silently pleading for reassurance.
Seeing her reluctance, Liu Ling worried that his gift might be too meager. He recalled how, when his second junior sister first arrived, his offering had earned him ridicule from their teacher.
Thinking quickly, he explained, "Little Junior Sister, this is a third-grade medicinal pill refined by your Senior Brother. Please don't think poorly of it."
A third-grade pill—this was the best Liu Ling could currently produce, and it came from a place of genuine sincerity.
Nearby, Gu He's expression flickered with amusement at Liu Ling's words. "You've broken through to the third-tier alchemist level as well? Good. It seems neither of you slacked off during this past month. Later, I will reward you properly."
A spark of joy flashed across Liu Ling's face. Another chance to receive Gu He's empowerment and cultivation techniques! His strength was about to soar once more.
But soon, surprise overtook him. "Both of us? Could it be—"
As realization struck, his eyes widened in disbelief. He turned to the Little Fairy Doctor beside him and asked in astonishment, "Junior Sister… have you also reached the third-tier alchemist level?"
The Little Fairy Doctor gave a slight nod, smiling. "I broke through just a few days ago."
Liu Ling fell silent, his heart stinging.
Others might not know, but he was well aware—the Little Fairy Doctor had only begun learning alchemy after becoming Gu He's disciple. In less than a year, she had already advanced to the third-tier.
'This… this is just outrageous!'
His pride had already taken a hit when she surpassed him in cultivation speed. Now, even his alchemy skills—his greatest point of pride—had been eclipsed. The blow was devastating.
'I need to work even harder.'
Remembering Gu He's words about "extraordinary physiques," Liu Ling could only sigh in resignation. Compared to these freaks of nature, he was just asking for humiliation.
His gaze drifted to Qing Lin, still hiding behind Gu He, and a thought struck him.
'This new junior sister must also have an extraordinary physique.'
The idea sent a jolt of urgency through him.
'Being overshadowed by one junior sister is bad enough. If another one joins, will I even have any standing left as the senior brother?'
'I can't afford to slack off anymore.'
Gu He observed Liu Ling's shifting expressions and immediately understood—his disciple had been dealt another blow to his pride.
But Gu He didn't offer comfort. Compared to the Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin, Liu Ling's talent was indeed lacking. Without pressure, he might grow complacent.
Turning to Qing Lin, Gu He spoke gently, "Since your Senior Brother is offering, you should accept it."
At his words, Qing Lin glanced at Liu Ling before timidly reaching out and taking the jade bottle. In a soft voice, she murmured, "Thank you, Senior Brother."
With the introductions complete, Gu He turned to the Little Fairy Doctor. "Take your junior sister to pick a room. She'll be staying in this courtyard from now on."
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded, taking Qing Lin's small hand. "Come, Junior Sister. Let's go together."
Qing Lin cast one last hesitant look at Gu He, who gave an approving nod. Only then did she allow herself to be led away, though not without reluctance.
Now, only Gu He and Liu Ling remained in the courtyard.
A glimmer of excitement lit up Liu Ling's eyes as he looked at his teacher expectantly.
Gu He understood immediately. "Kneel in front of me."
Liu Ling's breath hitched. "Yes, Teacher!"
He quickly obeyed, kneeling eagerly before Gu He, anticipation written all over his face.
"Try to last longer this time," Gu He remarked casually before rising and placing a hand on Liu Ling's back.
Liu Ling clenched his fists. "Teacher, I won't disappoint you!"
His expression turned solemn as he silently vowed to endure longer than ever before—to prove himself.
During his time away, he had rigorously tempered his body with Crimson Flame Spirit Liquid, preparing meticulously for this moment. He was certain he could surpass his previous limits.
"Focus."
With that, Gu He activated his empowerment technique. A torrent of dou qi surged from his palm into Liu Ling's body.
The sheer force of it startled Liu Ling. 'Teacher's power has grown even stronger!'
He didn't dare hesitate, channeling the dou qi with all his might.
But the violent influx of dou qi immediately strained his meridians to their limits. His face paled as he desperately guided the dou qi toward his dou qi vortex.
Gradually, his aura began to shift.
Less than ten breaths after the empowerment began—
'Bang!'
Seven-Star Dou Master!
In an instant, Liu Ling broke through to the seven-star.
But Gu He wasn't done. The empowerment continued.
Thirty breaths later—
Eight-Star Dou Master!
Liu Ling's power climbed yet again.
…
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