After everyone entered the grounds, they showed no interest in the great hall directly opposite Ziyao Palace; instead, they were fascinated by the rare beasts and Immortal Herbs that surrounded them.
After all, once you're used to Spirit Hall's opulence and solemn grandeur, this light, natural elegance is irresistible.
Devil Bear Douluo had already followed a Dao-child into the bamboo grove on the side, hoping to find a stroke of fortune.
Bibi Dong couldn't be bothered with what he did; she was no longer Supreme Pontiff—she only needed to please herself.
Qian Renxue, however, was frowning; the moment she turned her head she saw Xiao Wu and Chu Feng walking together.
Xiao Wu's face was as red as an apple; a little rabbit falling in love for the first time, she had no idea how to hide it.
So Qian Renxue ran over and demanded, "What were you two dawdling about back there?"
"N-no… nothing," Xiao Wu hurriedly shook her head.
Chu Feng teased, "Just chatting with her, to make it easier for her to become a god later."
"Later? You mean Xiao Wu can become a god?"
Qian Renxue sounded speculative; mostly she was a little jealous.
The first to ascend, her progress had now slowed so much she wasn't even sure she could beat Bibi Dong.
And Chu Feng himself was evolving at lightning speed—as if he were leaving her behind.
Chu Feng laughed and said, "Perfect—today we cheated death on Mount Buzhou and have some free time; let's gather and I'll teach you a few cultivation tricks."
He knew what these goddesses were thinking; if he didn't let them improve, they'd collapse in the coming war and be crushed by the approaching struggle for supremacy.
Qian Renxue was delighted; she no longer cared what had happened between Xiao Wu and Chu Feng—her mind was fixed on surpassing her mother Bibi Dong.
"Cultivation—can I cultivate?"
Xiao Wu asked timidly; she didn't want to be so reserved, but her heart was racing.
Chu Feng smiled. "Of course—this time we'll all cultivate together."
The idea came mainly from the system: behind Ziyao Palace, between the rear-hill, lay an Immortal Pool that gathered the essence of heaven, earth, sun, and moon, then flooded the entire grounds with advanced spiritual power. It was simply the fastest method.
Right now the whole estate was only at the level of a low-grade loose immortal—far from the great deity ranks—but ratings didn't matter; the grounds could evolve with their owner's strength.
Bibi Dong walked over, sneezed, and wrinkled her nose. "What are you discussing?"
"We're heading for an Immortal Pool bath; otherwise you girls will all catch cold."
The earlier heavy snow could easily chill one to the bone. Chu Feng's resistance was fine, but the girls weren't so lucky—after all, that was Primordial Violet Qi snow, and it could still harm the body.
Qian Renxue stared in disbelief. "Your idea of cultivation is everyone bathing together? Planning to take advantage again?"
"Huh? Bath?"
Xiao Wu gasped, lowered her head at the faint spring view before her—she was still so young.
Chu Feng spread his hands helplessly. "This pool is brimming with spirit energy; it should boost your divine force by a huge margin—you know I never lie."
They knew, yet making the decision still took courage.
Flame Eagle Douluo suddenly arrived. A fringe member, she'd meant to seek fortune with Devil Bear, but upon hearing one could grow stronger by bathing, how could she miss such a relaxing opportunity?
Though she still carried the lofty air of her former Elder status, she felt it probably wasn't what she imagined.
"Dao Ancestor, I'm in."
With Flame Eagle Douluo taking the lead, the other three girls had no excuse; deep down they craved power.
Led by a Dao-child, the group skirted the great hall and headed straight for the Immortal Pool; once there, the child quietly vanished.
The Immortal Pool covered more than an acre, three sides pressed against the mountain, one side planted with green bamboo; the view was open, and rosy light streamed in warmly.
The five arrived at the edge, stood, and looked at one another—no one wanted to enter first.
Chu Feng spoke solemnly, "Remember, you must be in full contact with the pool to merge with its Dao. For low-level cultivators this is unavoidable."
In other words, they had to be as slick as loaches—how embarrassing.
Qian Renxue bristled. "Then the four of us will get in—you go cool off somewhere else."
"Exactly—don't get any ideas."
Bibi Dong chimed in at once.
But Chu Feng sighed. "Without me the Primordial Chaos Aura can't enter your bodies; your present divine force can't control it."
He was right—only Chu Feng possessed sufficient Dao ability; without him it was impossible.
"Th-then… don't you dare misbehave."
Xiao Wu stammered, even as Flame Eagle Douluo dove in with a splash.
Truly the only female Elder of Spirit Hall and highly cultivated—her slender, graceful figure looked even more stunning rippling in the water.
"Hmph~"
Qian Renxue pouted, shoved Chu Feng in, and said, "Fine—since you want to look, we'll satisfy you."
Then she, Bibi Dong, and Xiao Wu entered the water one after another.
Instantly the pool steamed with white mist, turning everything hazy.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
Several shrieks rang out as everyone began their proper cultivation.
Chu Feng called, "Meditate more—learn to ponder and understand; only with complete honesty can you obtain this Dao aura."
Hearing him, Xiao Wu complied, and soon felt an inexplicable power surging inside—she knew it definitely wasn't spirit power.
As she swam deeper and immersed herself further, she could almost see the throne of godhood beckoning.
Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong wouldn't waste the chance either; though they couldn't see one another's movements in the mist, the tangible boost to their divine force was real.
Flame Eagle Douluo, starting lower, rose three or four levels after exchanging insights with Chu Feng—remarkably effective.
Yet the gains went far beyond mere strength; the true treasure was the leap in comprehension, letting them grasp their abilities more deeply in future battles and opportunities, opening unforeseen possibilities.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
More excited cries echoed from the pool—this time exclamations of delight at their breakthrough.
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