20+ Advance chapters on Patreon
The next day, Jiansheng returned with Zhu Zhuqing. She'd hunted a thirty-thousand-year Blood Demon Tiger and gained a new weapon-type soul skill: the Nether Blood Spear. It boasted greater power and speed than a Blue Silver Tyrant Spear of the same age, a devastating single-target attack that doubled as a usable weapon.
With Zhu Zhuqing's soul ring secured, the group began to part ways. Zhu Qing needed to return to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, while Jiansheng, after his long absence, headed back to lead his clan. Xiao Wu said she had to "go home," leaving Ning Tian, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ye Lingling to continue their training journey.
"Little ones, I'm looking forward to seeing what you achieve," Jiansheng said with a farewell nod before departing.
Suddenly, only five remained: Ning Tian, Zhu Qing, Ye Lingling, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
Ning Tian glanced at them and smiled. "Let's head out tomorrow."
"Okay," the four women replied in unison, their cheeks flushing as if they sensed what was coming.
That evening, they skipped cultivation for once. Instead, they gathered around a bonfire drinking and laughing together. By dusk, the alcohol had taken its toll; all of them grew drowsy, their heads nodding.
Acting quickly, Ning Tian scooped them up one by one and carried them into the cave. But when he lifted Zhu Qing, her eyes fluttered open, catching him off guard.
She gave him a charming, knowing smile and didn't resist. "Aren't you worried about the rumors? If word gets out that a teacher and a student are lovers, people might mock you. You're the brightest genius of your generation on the Douluo Continent."
"What's there to worry about?" Ning Tian shot back confidently. "We'll keep it quiet for now. Once I'm a Title Douluo, let's see who dares to talk about it."
Zhu Qing's smile faltered, turning wistful. "You're still so ruthless. But… are you sure about choosing me?"
"Absolutely," Ning Tian said without hesitation.
"I'm twenty years older than you."
He met her gaze steadily. "Age doesn't matter. You've taken immortal herbs, reaching Title Douluo won't be an issue. In a few hundred years, twenty years is nothing. I want you, all of you. Zhuqing, Rongrong, Lingling, Xiao Wu, and you."
With that, he stopped hesitating. Under Zhu Qing's mix of moved and helpless gaze, he carried her inside.
As he stepped in, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu greeted him with sly, teasing smile, while Ye Lingling looked away, her cheeks burning with shyness. It turned out all three had been faking their drunkenness, eavesdropping on his exchange with Zhu Qing.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu exchanged a glance and shed their clothes without a word. "With Sister Zhu Qing and Lingling here to help," Xiao Wu said, smirking, "let's see how you overpower us now."
"No point talking, let's all take him on," Zhu Zhuqing added, her voice firm.
In the past, Ning Tian had always dominated them with his sheer strength. Now, with all four united, they aimed to turn the tables.
"Bring it on," Ning Tian challenged, diving in as Zhu Qing let out a startled cry.
What followed was a fierce clash. Ning Tian held nothing back, overwhelming them relentlessly, even Ye Lingling wasn't spared.
…
"Wait, it's dawn already! How's he still going so strong?" Xiao Wu slurred, breathless. "Lingling, use your Sacred Heart Begonia, quick!"
"On it," Ye Lingling replied, activating her healing martial soul to bolster their stamina.
Even with her support, the four fought on until Ye Lingling's soul power ran dry, yet they still couldn't gain the upper hand against Ning Tian's relentless vigor.
After bathing together with them, Ning Tian said his goodbyes, hoisted Xiao Wu onto his back, and flew toward the Star Dou Great Forest. Exhausted from the ordeal, Xiao Wu drifted off to sleep on his back without realizing it.
They reached their destination in the early morning. By then, Xiao Wu had stirred awake. She slowly opened her eyes and murmured, "Are we there?"
"Yes," Ning Tian replied with a nod. He descended to the ground and gently set her down.
Xiao Wu's eyes were red with emotion as she spoke. "When I reach the mature stage, you have to come find me."
Ning Tian brushed her cheek tenderly, offering a warm smile. "The Lovesick Heartbroken Red has incredible effects. Once you consume and refine it, I'm confident you'll reach the mature stage within five years."
She nodded firmly, planted a soft kiss on his cheek, and began walking into the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest. Ning Tian stood there, watching her go in silence. Half an hour later, the familiar roar of the Titan Giant Ape echoed from the direction she'd taken. Only then did he turn and leave.
Rather than returning directly to the Sunset Forest, Ning Tian made his way to the vicinity of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. He found a secluded, empty spot and performed a quick test to confirm Ning Fengzhi's presence within the sect. Satisfied, he consumed the blood ginseng and began refining its power.
With the herb's potent energy coursing through him, Ning Tian shattered the level 50 bottleneck in one decisive push.
A system notification chimed in his mind:
[Ding! Detected that the host has consumed blood ginseng. Life force is being drained at 4.5 times the normal rate. Please select a target to bear the side effects.]
"After taking the blood ginseng, my cultivation speed has more than doubled," Ning Tian mused with a wry smile, "but my life force is draining 4.5 times faster. This stuff is more trouble than it's worth." He chuckled, transferred the side effects to Ning Fengzhi, and headed for Heaven Dou City.
He was preparing to depart soon, but first, he needed to see Qian Renxue.
…..
By evening, Ning Tian arrived at the Prince's Mansion. After giving his name, he was allowed inside and made his way to the small courtyard where he'd first met Qian Renxue in her true form. The servants informed him she was out, so he settled in to wait. With nothing else to do, he sat cross-legged in the courtyard and began cultivating.
Night had fully fallen by the time he opened his eyes. Qian Renxue had returned at last.
She closed the courtyard gate behind her, removed her mask, and released her soul bone skill. Her once-slender frame transformed, becoming curvaceous and elegant.
"So, not off with that Star Luo Empire girl for some romantic getaway?" she said with a teasing lilt. "What brings you here all of a sudden? I thought you'd forgotten about me."
Ning Tian couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but her words seemed tinged with a hint of jealousy. He smiled faintly and stood. "What's this? Are you jealous?"
The moment he rose, Qian Renxue froze, her gaze fixed on him. She hadn't gotten a clear look at his face earlier, with him seated in the dim light. Now, illuminated by the moonlight, she saw how his features had sharpened, enhanced, perhaps. As someone who adored beauty, she was utterly captivated. Her breathtaking face flushed red at a visible pace.
"Pfft, as if I'd bother with something as petty as jealousy," she scoffed, turning away. Her hand pressed lightly against her chest, trying to steady her racing heart.
Ning Tian smiled, choosing not to press the matter. "I came because I need something from you."
"What is it?" she asked, turning back with her composure restored.
"I want information about two places, and I've brought you a gift. Also, there's something I'd like to discuss."
Her heart lifted at the mention of gifts, though she masked it with a casual tone. "Go ahead."
"I'm heading to the Slaughter City next for some training. Zhuqing can't come with me, it's not a place for her. I plan to send her and Lingling to somewhere else to train, and I'd like you to arrange some discreet protection for them."
He retrieved a book from his soul guide and held it out.
Qian Renxue felt a surge of irritation 'He's only here for those other girls, isn't he?'
"Your Six-Winged Angel martial soul is already among the best in this world. Ordinary immortal herbs wouldn't do much for you beyond a slight improvement. After some thought, I decided this would be perfect." He took out a page detailing the Hunyuan Immortal Herb, then produced the herb itself. "This is the Hunyuan Immortal Herb. It strengthens your foundation and raises your soul power by ten levels. It is enough to make up for the years you've lost."
Recognizing the herb's significance, Qian Renxue felt her frustration fade. "For these treasures, I'll arrange for someone to look after your little girlfriends. Now, what's this thing you want to discuss?"
"No rush," Ning Tian replied with a cryptic smile. "Let's wait until you've refined the herb."
...
Soon after, they relocated to the underground training room where they'd once sparred. After ensuring it was empty, Ning Tian had Qian Renxue instruct Snake Lance douluo and Porcupinefish douluo to stay out, no matter what happened.
At last, she consumed the Hunyuan Immortal Herb.
As its power took effect, her soul power surged at an astonishing rate. The sacred fire within her ignited, burning away her clothes in an instant.
Ning Tian's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her flawless figure. She was stunning, her beauty unmatched in both face and form. Even after his recent escapades, he couldn't help but marvel at her.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━
patreon.com/DUKE3500 for advance chapters for all the novels i translate for 2$