There was no denying it—Martial Soul Evolution Pills produced by the system were truly top-tier. Just the translucent, crystal-clear appearance of the pill alone was already impressive, not to mention the faint, alluring fragrance it emitted once taken out. Anyone with a nose could tell this was no ordinary product—it was premium-grade!
"What is this?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
The Zhu Clan she belonged to was a prestigious noble family within the Star Luo Empire. She had seen plenty of medicinal pills before. However, the one in Li Chang'an's hand was the most refined and high-level pill she had ever encountered. No comparison was necessary—just the scent alone, combined with its flawless color and texture, made it clear that it was worlds above anything she'd seen before.
"This is a Martial Soul Evolution Pill," Li Chang'an said with a faint smile, fabricating a lie with ease. "It can trigger a beneficial evolution in your martial soul. I found it by chance in an ancient ruin, and today, I'm giving it to you."
"A Martial Soul Evolution Pill? Why aren't you using it yourself—or giving it to Xiao Wu?" Zhu Zhuqing asked warily. She wasn't a naive girl; she didn't believe for a second that Li Chang'an would offer such a precious item without expecting something in return.
Li Chang'an responded calmly, "First, my martial soul is already beyond the point where a pill like this can help. Second, Xiao Wu's martial soul is unique—the Evolution Pill isn't suitable for her."
"More importantly," he added, "if you take this pill, I can guarantee that your future achievements will be no less than those of a Titled Douluo. You'll be able to free yourself from the restrictions of your clan and live your life however you choose."
Even without the Evolution Pill, Zhu Zhuqing had the potential to become a 2nd Class God. With the pill, her prospects only grew more impressive. That was the confidence behind Li Chang'an's words.
Zhu Zhuqing's bright eyes locked onto his. Her voice held a trace of tension. "What do you want in return for giving me this? Just so you know, I won't fall for someone who already has a lover. And even if you didn't, our families make it impossible for us to be together."
Li Chang'an felt awkward for a moment, though he didn't take her words to heart. The so-called family issues weren't a real problem in his eyes—after all, his identity was more than enough to resolve them.
"You're overthinking it," he replied with a sigh. "Seeing you reminded me of myself back then. If you really don't want to accept this for free, then do one thing for me in return. What do you say?"
His voice held a subtle melancholy, like that of a battle-worn veteran. It made Zhu Zhuqing inexplicably believe that he was telling the truth.
Seeing her still hesitating, Li Chang'an simply withdrew the pill and said, "Forget it, then. Let's pretend I never brought it up. Farewell."
He turned and walked away without hesitation or delay. But in his heart, he was silently counting: 'One, two, three… say it!'
"Wait!" Zhu Zhuqing finally called out, her voice trembling with rare emotion. "Two things! I'll agree to two things in return! No matter what you ask—whether it's risking my life or anything else—I'll do it!"
She was desperate to grow stronger. Ever since learning the truth about Dai Mubai's character, she had completely lost hope in their arranged marriage. If Li Chang'an hadn't shown up, she might've kept going down that path. But now, with a real opportunity to change her fate, how could she not seize it?
If she could defeat her older sister, then her misfortune would end. And this pill—this Martial Soul Evolution Pill—was her best chance!
"Deal," Li Chang'an said with a grin. "But don't worry, I won't make you do anything reckless. Still… there's no doubt that someday, you'll bleed for me."
Well, technically, losing your virginity involves some bleeding too.
"I don't care. If I have to bleed, so be it. I'm not afraid," Zhu Zhuqing replied seriously in her unique, calm tone.
Li Chang'an opened his palm again, this time revealing a delicate, shimmering herb. It was a white flower with an ethereal glow, resembling a snow lotus untouched by the world. Smiling, he said:
"This is called the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. It nourishes the tendons and strengthens the bones, enhancing the flow of energy through your meridians. It's perfect for you. Take it first—its effects will enhance the power of the Evolution Pill."
This herb had always been prepared specifically for Zhu Zhuqing. Immortal herbs like this were more effective the earlier they were consumed, so naturally, Li Chang'an wanted her to take it now to maximize the results of the Martial Soul Evolution Pill.
"Alright," Zhu Zhuqing replied with a single word.
Since she'd already accepted one gift from him, taking another didn't make much difference. Her straightforward personality made her dismiss any further complications.
She found a clean spot, sat down cross-legged, and began absorbing the energy of the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. Li Chang'an stood nearby, protecting her.
And "protecting" wasn't just standing guard. He extended his spiritual power, covering a five-kilometer radius to ensure they wouldn't be discovered. At the same time, he focused part of his attention on Zhu Zhuqing, ready to react in case anything went wrong.
As she consumed the herb, a faint jade glow spread across her skin. As its effects took hold, she shifted from a sitting position to standing. She placed both hands on her generous chest, calmly absorbing the herb's power.
About an hour passed before she let out a soft, feline moan—"Meow…"
Then, her dazed eyes slowly opened. She stared at Li Chang'an in shock.
She had assumed it was just a normal herb—but it turned out to be something extraordinary. While she couldn't gauge her exact soul power due to a lack of soul rings, she could tell she had gained at least seven or eight levels!
And that wasn't all. Her skin and figure had become even more flawless. Previously fair and radiant, her complexion now glowed with a crystalline clarity—like that of a pure, untouched body.
"Don't be so stunned," Li Chang'an reminded her, noticing the change. "Take the Evolution Pill now—ride the momentum!"
"Ah—oh… okay." Zhu Zhuqing snapped back to reality, instinctively obeying Li Chang'an and sitting down once more to take the Martial Soul Evolution Pill.
As soon as the pill entered her stomach, her martial soul activated on its own, releasing her soul rings as well.
Just in case, Li Chang'an quickly sealed the area with soul power to prevent detection.
Soon, changes began manifesting in Zhu Zhuqing's body. Her cat ears darkened slightly in color, while her claws gained a subtle, shadowy glow. Behind her, a large, shadowy cat appeared, its body gradually inscribed with glowing, dark runes.
More than that, Li Chang'an sensed a unique aura emanating from her—it felt elemental in nature, and not inferior to his ultimate Fire or ultimate Ice.
'This is… the power of darkness?'
Of course—it made sense. Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Spirit Cat was inherently a dark-type martial soul. With the added effects of the Evolution Pill and the immortal herb, it was no surprise that her soul was being pushed to the limit.
Anything pushed to the extreme becomes terrifying—and darkness, by nature, is already a terrifying element.
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T/N:
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