In the afternoon, it was the ideal time for a midday nap....one of the rare moments of tranquility in Yuan Longxuan's day.
During the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, he had no cause for concern.
After Dugu Yan, his team had gained three more Soul Emperors in quick succession.
Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, and Xue Wu....these three had always been the leading figures of the Tianshui Team.
With the boost from immortal herbs, their cultivation progressed at an astonishing pace, like soaring on a rocket.
Zhu Zhuqing, Wu Ling, and Meng Yiran had also reached the peak of level 49 Soul Ancestor.
Even the team's weakest member, Ning Rongrong, now possessed level 47 Soul Ancestor strength.
The other girls had all advanced to the Soul King realm, while Dugu Yan had attained the peak of level 69 Soul Emperor, just one step away from becoming a Soul Saint.
Dou Dou and Xue Ke had not grown complacent after taking the immortal herbs; their current strength far surpassed what it had been before.
As for that little cat girl... Yuan Longxuan had not given her any immortal herbs.
Those treasures were reserved for his wives, and her present role was merely that of a maid.
[Cat Girl Jiang Jing's current favorability: 85.6%]
Yuan Longxuan wasn't entirely sure why, but after leaving her alone for three full months, her favorability toward him had continued to rise steadily.
Perhaps it was because he had provided her with a safe, comfortable environment to live and cultivate, stirring genuine gratitude in her heart.
*Knock knock knock.*
A gentle knocking sounded at the door, and Yuan Longxuan knew exactly who it was.
"Come in."
Upon hearing his voice, the visitor seemed to hesitate outside for a moment....perhaps stunned or deep in thought....before slowly pushing the door open.
"It's the middle of the day. Why aren't you resting? What brings you here, Jiang Jing?"
Indeed, the person who entered was Jiang Jing, the cat girl he had purchased from the Tiandou Auction House three months earlier.
Yuan Longxuan lay with his back to her, lazily reclining on a large, dark brown sofa bathed in warm sunlight.
With a soul master's resilient physique, the sun's ultraviolet rays posed no threat to his skin. He particularly enjoyed lounging on the soft, plush sofa at noon to soak up a relaxing sunbath.
"I..."
Jiang Jing opened her mouth as if to speak, yet struggled to find the right words.
"If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise, return to your cultivation or rest. Within Tianshui Academy, I won't restrict your freedom."
To Yuan Longxuan, he already had two magnificent cat girls, both far superior to Jiang Jing in beauty and figure.
He didn't know what thoughts occupied her mind, but as long as she harbored no intent to flee and cultivated diligently within the academy, he had no desire to force her into anything.
In the future, he might travel to other parallel universes within the Douluo world.
The only ones he could bring along would be his beloved wives.
In all honesty, aside from that unfortunate misunderstanding with A Wu long ago, he had never coerced a single woman.
Willingness was willingness; reluctance was reluctance.
Perhaps Zhu Zhuyun had initially submitted merely to survive, but affection grows with time.
They had spent nearly two years together, growing deeply familiar and close.
As for this little cat girl, after the events three months prior, Yuan Longxuan's expectations for her had diminished considerably.
He seldom concealed the fact that he had partners, though Meng Yiran and Wu Ling remained unaware.
They believed only that he and their dear friend Xiao Wu were together, oblivious to how their other close sisters had long since succumbed to his charm.
Hearing his words, Jiang Jing did not turn to leave. Her lips parted slightly, as though on the verge of speaking.
After a long silence...
"M-Master."
Yuan Longxuan did not rush her away for lingering in place; he simply continued to lie there quietly, enjoying his sunbath.
"I... I want to apologize to you."
Her voice trembled with unease, revealing the intense emotions churning within her.
"Hmm."
A single, understated "hmm" conveyed volumes without need for elaboration.
"Master, I..."
Jiang Jing knew full well that she possessed nothing of value to offer him....nothing except...
"If there's nothing more, go back and rest. Your circumstances are much like young Xue Ke's: she has a despicable father as emperor, while you have one addicted to gambling."
Yuan Longxuan spoke with remarkable calm, as if discussing the most ordinary matters.
"If you long for freedom and a simple life, then cultivate earnestly here in the academy. Within five years,
I will lead the team away from this place—at that time, you will naturally regain your liberty."
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