Chapter 111: Zhu Zhuqing's Deep Confession
Zu Zong's reaction naturally fell into the eyes of Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu. As for Ning Rongrong, she only smiled without speaking, a beautiful plan gradually forming in her mind.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu exchanged a glance, as if sharing a tacit understanding, then walked up to Zu Zong. Each extended a slender jade hand, pinched a piece of skin at his firm waist, and twisted it one hundred and eighty degrees.
Feeling the pain at his waist, Zu Zong came back to his senses, revealing a helpless bitter smile. He truly had brought this upon himself.
Xiao Wu said unhappily, "Hmph! Xiao Zong, Rongrong and Lingling both received immortal herbs. What do you plan to give me and Zhuqing?" Clearly, she was jealous.
How should he allocate immortal herbs to Xiao Wu and Zhuqing?
To be honest, Zu Zong felt a headache coming on. They were all his wives, each holding the most important place in his heart. Yet there was only one Acacia Heartbroken Red. He really did not know whom to give it to.
Sensing Zu Zong's uneasy expression, Zhu Zhuqing asked with concern, "What is it? Xiao Zong, even if there is no immortal herb, it doesn't matter to me."
"I feel the same, it doesn't matter if I don't have one either," Xiao Wu quickly added, thinking Zu Zong was in difficulty.
Zu Zong shook his head, reached into the system's storage space, and brought out the Acacia Heartbroken Red and the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone.
In his right hand was a crystalline white flower, pure and flawless like a white lotus. He handed it to Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu, smiling.
"This flower is called the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It nourishes the muscles and strengthens the bones, opening the meridians throughout the body. It suits both of you well. When using it, eat only the petals, then suck the stamen to absorb its effects. You must circulate your soul power with a calm heart to refine its essence."
His tone then shifted as he raised his left hand. There was an ordinary-looking white flower, about the size of a palm, shaped like a peony with no leaves. Its root was attached to a massive black stone, and judging from how he carried it, the weight was immense.
On the white petals, a few startling streaks of red stood out, as vivid as fresh blood, striking to behold.
Zu Zong spoke solemnly. "This herb is called the Acacia Heartbroken Red. Among immortal herbs it is the supreme treasure of the earth rank. It carries a legendary story. Long ago, there was a youth who loved peace and quiet.
His greatest joy was tending flowers, filling his garden with lotuses and blossoms of every color. He would chant poetry to the flowers, drink wine beneath the moon, and whenever petals fell, he grieved deeply, gathering them up to bury in the earth with tears.
"Moved by his devotion, the flower fairy of the heavens secretly descended and became his wife.
Their days together were blissful. But good fortune did not last. The gods learned of this and, angered by the union of immortal and mortal, recalled the flower fairy to the divine realm.
From then on, the youth wasted away, abandoning his garden. The flowers withered and the garden became desolate.
"One day, a white-haired elder appeared and told him that his beloved wife had incarnated as the white peony in his garden. If he destroyed the flower, she would lose her immortal body and descend to reunite with him.
But he must never abandon the care of the flowers. Then the elder vanished with the wind. The youth suddenly awoke to his folly. Though he longed for his wife, he could not bring himself to harm the peony. Instead, he devoted himself even more, day and night weeping to the flowers, until his heart broke and he died of grief.
"At his death, he shed blood upon the petals. The crimson stains you see are the mark of his lifeblood."
Quietly listening to Zu Zong's tale, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu both seemed entranced. Even Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling were shaken, unable to compose themselves.
Zu Zong continued solemnly. "This flower is no ordinary herb. It chooses its master. When plucking it, you must focus only on the one you truly love, with absolute sincerity. You must spit a mouthful of blood upon its petals. If there is any hesitation, even at the cost of your life, you will never be able to take it.
Once claimed, as long as it stays by its master's side, it will never wither. The stone beneath it is called Wujue. If it is destroyed, the Acacia Heartbroken Red will lose all effect. Consuming this herb grants a body unperishing with heaven and earth.
Conservatively, it can raise one's soul power by over ten levels and transform the body completely. This is the king of immortal herbs, therefore—"
Before he could finish, Zhu Zhuqing directly took the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone from his hand. "Although you and I are already true partners, I know Xiao Wu has always liked you, and you also care for her."
"Zhuqing, I—"
Zhu Zhuqing interrupted him again. "Listen to me first."
Zu Zong nodded, while Xiao Wu focused intently on her. Even Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling were paying close attention.
Zhu Zhuqing said, "Do you still remember a few years ago, when we were in that cave in the Star Dou Forest? At that time, you talked with me, always teasing that you had raised a greedy 'dead rabbit.'
Although you acted as if you were gnashing your teeth, I could see that you truly cherished that 'rabbit.' Back then, I thought you really just had a pet.
Until in the Soto City Spirit Arena, when I saw that Xiao Wu's spirit was a rabbit, and with your intimate actions and the way you looked at each other, from that moment I knew you would no longer belong to me alone."
As she spoke, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes reddened, faint tears flickering. It was no wonder—love is selfish, and who would willingly share the one they love with another?
"Zhuqing." Zu Zong lifted his free right hand and pulled Zhu Zhuqing into his embrace, words unnecessary.
Xiao Wu looked at Zu Zong and Zhu Zhuqing with complex eyes, unusually without jealousy or temper.
All along, she had thought Zhu Zhuqing had been cunning, securing her place as Zu Zong's girlfriend first. Thus, while their relationship wasn't hostile, it was far from the closeness she shared with Ye Lingling.
Now it seemed Zhu Zhuqing was truly a considerate and understanding girl. Realizing this, Xiao Wu felt at ease. To share Zu Zong as husband with such a girl was not something she could not accept.
Resting in Zu Zong's arms, Zhu Zhuqing cried for a while, finally releasing the words she had held in her heart for over half a year. Her mood lightened, and after wiping away her tears, she smiled radiantly.
"I accept you being with Xiao Wu, but we must observe order. Xiao Wu confirmed her relationship with you later than I did, so I come before her. And another thing—you cannot bring women home casually, or else I'll castrate you."
"Mhm, mhm, you come before me—" Xiao Wu nodded. Suddenly, she realized something was wrong. Clearly, she was the one who met Zu Zong first, and she should have been the first he liked. Why should she be second while Zhu Zhuqing became first?
A cross mark appeared on Xiao Wu's forehead as she pouted. "No, I want to be first. I clearly met Zu Zong before you, and I'm older than you. Give me back my feelings from just now!"
"Uh…" Zu Zong sighed inwardly. Wasn't the atmosphere just fine a moment ago?
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