Zuzong's reaction naturally didn't escape the notice of Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu. As for Ning Rongrong, she just smiled silently, a beautiful plan slowly forming in her mind.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu exchanged glances, seemingly in sync, and then both approached Zuzong. Each reached out with a delicate hand, grabbing a small bit of skin at Zuzong's waist and twisting it 180 degrees.
Feeling the pain at his waist, Zuzong snapped out of his daze and could only smile wryly. He really brought this upon himself!
"Hmph! Zuzong, Rongrong and Lingling both got some immortal herbs. What do you plan to give me and Zhuqing?" Xiao Wu asked with obvious jealousy.
How should he distribute the immortal herbs to Xiao Wu and Zhuqing?
Truthfully, Zuzong felt a headache coming on. Both were his lovers and held equally important places in his heart. However, there was only one Yearning Hearbroken Red, the king of all immortal herbs, and he really didn't know who to give it to.
Noticing Zuzong's troubled expression, Zhu Zhuqing grew concerned and said, "What's wrong, Zuzong? Even if there's no immortal herb, I don't mind."
"Yeah, me too! It's fine without the herb," Xiao Wu quickly chimed in, assuming Zuzong was in a difficult spot.
Shaking his head, Zuzong reached into his system storage space and took out the Yearning Hearbroken Red and Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone.
In his right hand, he held a pure white flower that looked like a pristine lotus, which he presented to Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu with a smile. "This flower is called Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. It helps strengthen muscles and bones and clears the body's meridians. It's suitable for both of you. To use it, simply eat the petals and then absorb the essence by channeling your spirit power in a calm and focused manner."
Then Zuzong raised his left hand, showing a rather ordinary white flower about the size of a palm. It resembled a peony, with no leaves, and its stem connected to a black stone. The stone was pitch-black, and just from Zuzong's posture, it was clear it was incredibly heavy.
The white flower had a few startling red marks, bright as blood, giving it a somewhat alarming appearance.
Zuzong explained solemnly, "This herb is called Yearning Hearbroken Red, one of the supreme treasures among immortal herbs. There's even a legendary story behind it. Long ago, a young man lived peacefully, tending to his garden full of flowers. He loved them deeply, and when they wilted, he would mourn and bury the petals. His affection for the flowers moved a flower spirit in the heavens, who descended and became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived as the gods forbade the union between mortals and spirits. The flower spirit was taken back to the heavens, leaving the man heartbroken. An old man later told him that his beloved had transformed into a peony in his garden. If he destroyed the flower, the spirit would lose her immortality and return to him, but he couldn't bear to harm it. So, he cared for the flower until his sorrow consumed him, and he died from heartbreak, spilling his blood on the petals, which is what you see now."
As Zuzong finished the story, both Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu were completely entranced, and even Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling were captivated.
Zuzong continued, "This is no ordinary flower. It must be picked with a sincere and devoted heart, thinking of your true love. If your mind wavers, even if you spit blood, you won't be able to pick it. Once picked, it will never wither as long as it stays with its master. Eating this flower can boost spirit power by at least ten levels and greatly enhance the body. This flower is the king of all immortal herbs, so—"
Before Zuzong could finish, Zhu Zhuqing quickly took the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone from his hand. "Even though we're already a couple, I know that Xiao Wu has always had feelings for you, and you have feelings for her too."
"Zhuqing, I—" Zuzong tried to speak, but she cut him off again.
"Let me finish," Zhu Zhuqing said firmly. Xiao Wu, along with Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling, also focused their attention on her.
"Do you remember a few years ago when we were in the cave at Star Dou Forest?" Zhu Zhuqing began. "At that time, you would always joke about how you had a greedy 'stupid rabbit,' even though you acted annoyed, I could tell you were really fond of that 'rabbit.' Back then, I thought it was just a pet. But when I saw Xiao Wu's spirit at the fighting arena in Suotuo City and how close you two were, I realized then that you wouldn't belong only to me."
Tears welled up in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. It was understandable—love is selfish, and no one truly wants to share the person they love.
"Zhuqing…" Zuzong gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close, conveying his feelings without words.
Xiao Wu stood there watching them, her emotions mixed. Surprisingly, she wasn't jealous or upset. She had always thought Zhu Zhuqing had used clever tricks to become Zuzong's girlfriend first. While they didn't have a bad relationship, they had never been as close as Xiao Wu was with Ye Lingling. But now, seeing Zhu Zhuqing's understanding nature, Xiao Wu felt at ease. Perhaps sharing Zuzong with such a kind-hearted girl wasn't so bad after all.
Zhu Zhuqing, after crying in Zuzong's arms for a while, finally felt much better. She wiped her tears away and smiled brightly. "I accept that you and Xiao Wu are together, but we need to respect who came first. Xiao Wu got together with you later than I did, so I should come first. And no bringing random women home in the future, or I'll deal with you."
Xiao Wu nodded in agreement, "Yes, she should come first…" But then she realized something was off. She had met Zuzong first, and he should've liked her first. "Wait a minute! I should come first! I met Zuzong before you, and I'm older than you! Give me back my feelings of being moved!"
Zuzong could only sigh internally—everything had been going so smoothly just a moment ago!
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