The first rays of dawn pierced the lingering mist of the valley, painting the sky in hues of soft pink and orange. The roiling vapor of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well began to calm, its paradoxical energies settling into a deceptive tranquility.
From the swirling center of the well, two figures emerged, their movements slow and deliberate. The water cascaded from their bodies, glistening in the morning light. They were naked, their forms sculpted and honed by a night of unimaginable agony and transformation.
Zhang Tian stepped onto the grassy bank, his body no longer feeling the separate extremes of heat and cold, but a harmonious fusion of both. He flexed his hands, feeling an immense, consolidated power thrumming beneath his skin.
He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who followed him out of the well. Her wet black hair clung to her elegant neck and shoulders, and droplets of water traced paths down her breathtaking curves. Her skin seemed to glow with a new vitality, a testament to the ordeal she had survived.
'She's even more beautiful now,' he thought, a wave of pride and affection washing over him.
With a thought, a faint light shimmered around his right hand. A simple, elegant ring made of deep green jade appeared on his finger – the Rising Dragon Jade Ring. He willed it, and a set of clean, dry clothes materialized in his hands.
He quickly dressed in a set of deep azure silk robes, intricately embroidered with silver thread depicting swirling clouds. Even as he pulled them on, the dampness of his body caused the fine fabric to cling to his powerful torso and legs, outlining a physique far more defined and formidable than before.
Zhu Zhuqing watched him, her eyes tracing the lines of his muscles through the damp silk. 'He's… stunning.' She then focused on her own hand, where a sleek, black ring materialized – the Dark Nether Ring.
From it, she pulled her own change of clothes. She donned a form-fitting black silk top that was tight across her magnificent breasts, though it modestly covered her cleavage. Below, she wore a very short, dark purple skirt and her signature black stockings that hugged her plump, soft thighs.
The top was cut just high enough to reveal a tantalizing sliver of her flat, toned stomach and navel. As the damp, clinging fabric molded to her form, every seductive curve of her body was accentuated. Her wet hair framed a face that now held a new layer of profound confidence.
Zhang Tian turned back to her and his breath hitched. The sight of her, damp and alluring in the clinging silk, her navel peeking out as if in invitation, sent a jolt of pure, primal desire straight through him.
He closed the distance between them in a single step, his hand gently coming to rest on her exposed midriff. His thumb stroked the soft skin around her navel, sending shivers down her spine.
"You look… breathtaking, Zhuqing," he murmured, his voice a low, husky rumble.
A slow, seductive smile played on her lips. She leaned into his touch, her eyes half-lidded. "And you, Zhang Tian, look like you're ready to cause some trouble."
Their lips met in a searing kiss, a clash of newfound heat and a chilling intensity. It was a kiss that spoke of shared pain, shared victory, and a deep, consuming passion. His hands slid from her waist, one moving up to cup the back of her head, the other dropping lower.
With a playful and confident motion, his hand landed on her curvaceous buttock, giving it a firm, aggressive smack that echoed softly in the quiet garden. A surprised gasp escaped her lips, quickly melting into a purr of pleasure.
For the next few hours, they were lost in a world of their own. Zhu Zhuqing, emboldened by her new strength and perception, was a whirlwind of seductive grace. She teased him, her body a language of promises, her movements fluid and deliberate.
She enjoyed seeing the fire in his eyes, the way his jaw tightened as he fought for control. It was a delightful game, a dance of desire she was now more than equipped to lead.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" he growled, his voice thick with lust as she turned in his arms, her back pressing against his chest.
"Maybe," she whispered, a teasing lilt in her voice. She then shifted, purposefully grinding her seductive, curvaceous hips back against his crotch. She felt him harden instantly against her buttocks, and a triumphant smirk graced her features.
His arms wrapped around her from behind, his hands moving to aggressively fondle her large breasts over the tight silk of her top. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips tracing a fiery path along her damp skin while his hips moved in tandem with hers.
The air grew thick with their ragged breaths and the scent of their desire. It was a raw, powerful intimacy, a celebration of their survival and rebirth.
Finally, with a shuddering breath that spoke of an iron will, Zhang Tian stilled his movements. He rested his chin on her shoulder, holding her tightly.
"If we weren't in a place where that old could walk in at any moment and Rongrong wasn't meditating nearby," he breathed into her ear, his voice still heavy with suppressed passion, "I don't think I could have stopped myself."
Zhu Zhuqing let out a soft, satisfied chuckle, leaning her head back against his. "It's good to know I can have such great effect on you."
After their passions cooled, they began to seriously assess the fruits of their agonizing night.
"Well," Zhang Tian said, a grin spreading across his face. "I don't think we'll need to worry about any fire or ice ever again unless it is extreme ice or extreme fire. And I feel as if no poison in this world could harm both of us now."
He summoned his Blood Silver Grass. The crimson vines were now streaked with faint, yet distinct, patterns of fiery red and icy blue. They seemed to hum with a latent power, far stronger and more resilient than before. His own body felt incomparably stronger, a vessel of perfectly balanced elemental energy.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her expression serious as she focused inward. "My Spirit Power is still at Level 34," she reported. "The immortal herbs focused their power on reforging my body and mind, not directly increasing my rank."
She clenched her fist, feeling the raw physical power coursing through her. "But my body… it feels so strong. I'm certain I could absorb a ten-thousand-year-old Spirit Ring right now, without any issue."
"Considering the growth of your mental energy," Zhang Tian added, smiling. "And the fact that your Purple Demon Eyes reached the Mustard Seed level. You can withstand the Soul Shock from a ten-thousand-year-old beast with ease, which means absorbing the ten-thousand-year-old Spirit Ring should indeed by possible for you."
'The next step is to get her spirit power up,' he thought. 'The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum will be perfect for her. Clearing her meridians and granting her the Vajra Strength Body will accelerate her cultivation speed immensely.'
"But my Martial Spirit…" Zhu Zhuqing's eyes lit up with excitement. "Zhang Tian, look!"
She activated her spirit. The familiar, shadowy form of the Hell Civet appeared behind her. But it was different. Ethereal flames of crimson seemed to lick at its edges, while a chilling, frosty white aura pulsed from its core.
"It's not just Darkness anymore," she said, her voice filled with awe. "It has Fire and Ice attributes now! I can feel it. I can infuse my spirit abilities with either element!"
She demonstrated, her first spirit ring glowing. A shadowy claw strike shot out—Hell Rush Stab. Then, she did it again, but this time the claw was wreathed in roaring flames. A third time, and the claw was made of sharp, crystalline ice.
"My First Spirit Ability, Hell Rush Stab, my Second, Hell Hundred Claws, and my Third, Eclipse Ray Strike… I can use them all with any of the three attributes. It's a pity I can only use one at a time, but this is incredible!"
Zhang Tian's smile widened. "That's more than incredible, Zhuqing. That's a fundamental evolution. You've become far more versatile and unpredictable in a fight."
He then took her hands. "Now, let's consolidate our gains. There's still a lot of excess energy in our bodies. We'll cultivate together. I'm also going to teach you a special cultivation technique."
They sat on the soft grass, facing each other with their palms touching. Zhang Tian began to circulate the profound fourth level of his Mysterious Heaven Skill. A warm, powerful current of spirit power flowed from his palms into hers.
'First, I'll guide her,' he thought, focusing his will. He patiently explained the core principles of the technique, from the very first level. He guided her spirit power through the unfamiliar pathways, opening up her meridians one by one.
He helped her open three crucial meridian points, and he felt her own cultivation immediately accelerate. The energy within her began to circulate smoothly, following the path of the Mysterious Heaven Skill until she had a firm grasp of its third level.
Although her Spirit Power rank remained at Level 34, Zhu Zhuqing could feel the qualitative difference. The speed at which she absorbed the world's energy had tripled, at least.
'With this technique,' she thought with determination, 'I can definitely reach Level 35 within two months. Maybe even faster.'
They continued to cultivate in serene silence, their energies mingling and refining, the last vestiges of the immortal herbs being fully integrated into their beings.
Sometime in the late afternoon, a pair of bright, intelligent eyes fluttered open. Ning Rongrong awoke from her deep meditation, a radiant smile blooming on her face.
She felt… reborn. A vast reservoir of power now resided within her, stable and immense. She checked her spirit power and let out a silent gasp of pure joy. Level 40! She had jumped eight full levels!
But that wasn't the most significant change. In her lower dantian, where there was once only flowing spirit power, there was now a solid, tangible core. It shimmered with a beautiful, nine-colored light, a Spirit Core forged from the celestial essence of the Star Luo Holy Pearl.
With a thought, she summoned her spirit. The familiar pagoda appeared in her palm, but it was no longer the same. It was taller, more intricate, and it now had nine distinct, shimmering tiers.
The Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Pagoda had evolved. It was now the legendary Nine Treasure Glaze Tile Pagoda.
She could feel a new connection, a link to the sky above. She knew, with instinctual certainty, that at night, her pagoda could now absorb the essence of the stars, dramatically increasing her cultivation speed and making her spirit power denser and purer over time.
"Zhang Tian! Zhuqing!" she started to exclaim, wanting to share the incredible news. But she stopped herself.
In front of her, Zhang Tian and Zhu Zhuqing were seated, their palms pressed together, their eyes closed in deep cultivation. A palpable aura of harmony and power radiated from them.
A soft, knowing smile touched her lips. 'They're consolidating their own gains. I won't disturb them.'
She quietly sat down beside Zhang Tian, not touching him, but feeling a sense of comfort and security just from his presence. She closed her eyes and began her own cultivation, familiarizing herself with her new Spirit Core and the miraculous ninth floor of her pagoda.
For the rest of the day, the three of them cultivated in perfect, silent harmony, each lost in their own world of newfound power.
As night fell, Zhang Tian and Zhu Zhuqing were the first to awaken. The sounds of the forest at night filled the air, a peaceful symphony of crickets and rustling leaves.
"Hungry?" Zhang Tian asked, his voice soft.
"Starving," Zhu Zhuqing admitted with a small laugh.
He rummaged through his Rising Dragon Jade Ring and pulled out cured meats, bread, and a waterskin. With practiced ease, he prepared a simple but hearty meal for them both, setting aside a portion for Ning Rongrong for when she awoke.
They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the simple pleasure of the food and each other's company. About an hour later, Ning Rongrong stirred, her stomach rumbling loudly in the quiet night.
She blushed as she saw the two of them looking at her with amused expressions. Zhang Tian handed her the waiting plate of food.
"Thank you," she said, digging in with an enthusiasm that spoke of her own hunger.
After she had eaten her fill, the excitement she had been bottling up all day finally burst forth.
"It worked! Zhang Tian, it worked!" she squealed, practically bouncing on her feet. "I'm Level 40! And my spirit! It's the Nine Treasure Glaze Tile Pagoda now! Look!"
She summoned the magnificent nine-tiered pagoda, its faint, multi-colored glow illuminating their small clearing. "And I have a Spirit Core! It can absorb starlight! I've never felt so powerful!"
Zhu Zhuqing smiled warmly at her friend's unadulterated joy. "That's wonderful, Rongrong. We also had quite a transformation."
They spent the next hour excitedly sharing their stories. Ning Rongrong's eyes went wide as she heard about the agony of the Ice and Fire Refined Body and the evolution of Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Civet.
Her excitement eventually overflowed into affection. She launched herself at Zhang Tian, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You changed my destiny!"
He laughed, catching her easily. "I only provided the key, Rongrong. You were the one who opened the door."
He kissed her then, a deep, loving kiss filled with pride and happiness for her. She responded with equal fervor. Their playful energy was infectious. He gently pushed her back, and she fell onto the soft grass with a surprised yelp, pulling him down with her.
They rolled around playfully, sharing chaste kisses and tight hugs, their laughter echoing through the garden. Zhu Zhuqing watched them from the side, a serene smile on her face. She loved seeing this vibrant, joyful side of Ning Rongrong, and the tender, romantic way Zhang Tian cherished it. There was no jealousy, only a deep sense of family.
It was in the middle of their playful tussle that a new presence made itself known.
"It seems you youngsters have been busy."
The dry, raspy voice belonged to Dugu Bo. He stepped out from the shadows of the trees, and he looked… different. The perpetual green pallor of his skin seemed lessened, and his eyes held a new vitality. He looked at least a decade younger.
He radiated an aura of immense power, but it felt more controlled, more condensed than before.
"I have managed to form the initial stage of a Poison Spirit Core in my middle dantian," he announced, a note of pride in his voice. "But I am uncertain how to proceed with its rotation and refinement."
His sharp eyes swept over the three of them, and he raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You three… you've all changed. Your auras are much stronger. Don't tell me you actually consumed some of these terrifying poisons?"
Zhang Tian disentangled himself from Ning Rongrong and stood up, brushing the grass from his robes. He nodded respectfully. "We did, Senior Dugu. With your permission, we've taken some herbs that were uniquely suited to us. We'd also like to take a few more that would be beneficial for our friends and family."
Dugu Bo grunted, not committing.
"Senior," Zhang Tian continued, his expression turning serious. "Coming here has been a monumental opportunity for us. I am deeply grateful. In return, I wish to offer you an opportunity of your own."
He pointed towards a corner of the garden, where a plant resembling a large melon vine grew along the ground. On it were three golden, fist-sized melons that seemed to pulse with a powerful, earthy energy.
"That is the Earth Dragon Golden Melon," Zhang Tian explained. "If you consume one, I am confident it will not only help you perfectly condense your Poison Spirit Core, but it will also evolve your Martial Spirit from the Jade Phosphorus Serpent Emperor to a true Jade Phosphorus Dragon Emperor."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened slightly.
"It will grant you the Earth attribute, making you far more powerful and resilient," Zhang Tian continued. "And with a true dragon-type beast spirit, your body will be strengthened immeasurably. As for the other two melons, one can be given to your granddaughter, Dugu Yan."
"It will evolve her martial spirit as well, remedying its innate defects and granting her the powerful constitution of a dragon spirit master. Her own immunity to poison will increase, and her cultivation speed and potential will soar. She should reach Level 40 in no time. Whether she becomes a Jade Phosphorus Dragon or a Dragon Emperor will depend on her own fortune."
Dugu Bo stared at the golden melons, a storm of emotions warring in his eyes. Hope, greed, and a deep, instinctual fear.
"You speak of evolution as if it were a simple matter," he said, his voice strained. "When I first found this place, I was tempted to consume an herb. My intuition screamed at me that it would mean instant death. How can you be so certain this melon won't kill me?"
Zhang Tian let out a soft sigh. "I understand your worry, Senior. The herbs here are indeed dangerous if consumed recklessly. They must be matched to the individual. But I have no reason to deceive you. You have allowed me and my lovers to stay here and receive immense benefits. This is my way of repaying the favor."
He shrugged lightly. "Whether you consume them and become stronger… that is your choice. All I ask is that you allow my lovers to remain here and cultivate for a while longer."
Dugu Bo considered this. He agreed, but a question remained. "You and this girl, Rongrong, have both reached Level 40. Why are you still lingering here? Why not hunt for your Fourth Spirit Rings?"
"My Fourth Spirit Ring is… special, Senior," Zhang Tian said cryptically. "I must go to a specific place to acquire it. As for Rongrong, her father, Clan Master Ning, will personally help her hunt for a suitable spirit beast now that her martial spirit has evolved."
The words hung in the air. Dugu Bo's eyes snapped to Ning Rongrong. "Evolved?"
Ning Rongrong beamed, her earlier playfulness replaced by a profound sense of pride. With a thought, she summoned her spirit once more. The magnificent, nine-tiered pagoda shimmered into existence, its nine-colored light bathing the clearing in a holy radiance.
Dugu Bo stared, his jaw slack. He, a Titled Douluo, knew the legends. He knew the absolute, unshakeable limitation of the Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Pagoda. And yet, here it was. Nine tiers. Nine.
He looked from the impossible pagoda to Zhang Tian, then to the golden melons pulsing in the distance.
In that moment, all his skepticism, all his fear, evaporated like dew in the morning sun, replaced by a single, electrifying thought.
'He must be telling the truth.'
~~
A/N: Check out my other novels like "Harem Master: Seduction System" and the "Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist" and I hope you like this story and those stories as well.
Check out more chapters on my P.atreon. The P.atreon will have 20+ Chapters ahead for this story. I hope you like it.
The link of p.atreon is: bit.ly/evildragon