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Feng Xiao led Xue Qinghe through several rooms, finally stopping in front of the room he frequently used, under Xue Qinghe's puzzled gaze. Feng Xiao slowly pushed the door open and explained, "Your Highness, I often meditate in this room, and I've had many strange thoughts here. I'm quite used to it."
Xue Qinghe nodded and smiled, "I see."
"Your Highness, please have a seat." Feng Xiao found a cushion and gestured for him to sit.
Xue Qinghe gracefully gathered his robes and sat cross-legged, while Feng Xiao quietly sat opposite him, placing the ancient guqin "Fuxi" across his lap.
"Your Highness, please concentrate fully now and remember the trajectory of your spirit power's circulation," Feng Xiao said, his fingertips gently caressing the strings, his voice flowing like a clear spring.
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly and slowly closed his eyes. As the first note sounded, he immediately felt that familiar, profound sensation surge again. Unlike before, when he passively received it, this time he clearly perceived the spirit power within his body slowly flowing along specific meridians. He then, as Feng Xiao instructed, focused all his attention on the movement of the spirit power within his body.
If there were an observer, they would surely be amazed; at this moment, the breathing of the two was completely synchronized, even the slightest rhythm of inhalation and exhalation was perfectly matched. Dots of blue light shimmered around their bodies.
When Xue Qinghe became completely familiar with the cultivation method, he began to actively guide the spirit power's circulation, and an unprecedented sense of exhilaration surged through his heart. This method of actively absorbing the energy of heaven and earth was far more efficient than passive meditation. A look of intoxication unconsciously appeared on his handsome face.
Seeing Xue Qinghe gradually entering a state of immersion, Feng Xiao quietly released his mental force, like threads of silk, Binding Xue Qinghe, carefully sensing Xue Qinghe's spirit power circulation.
Xue Qinghe unconsciously frowned; she was no third-rate Spirit Master who couldn't sense the presence of mental force. In the past, she would have instinctively counterattacked. But at this moment, he also wanted to know what Feng Xiao intended to do, so he endured it, still maintaining the circulation of his spirit power.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe's spirit power circulation was like a huge gear, and what Feng Xiao wanted to do was to perfectly mesh his small gear with it.
As the resonance deepened, the speed of Feng Xiao's spirit power circulation suddenly increased. He was secretly alarmed, "As expected of a Spirit Emperor-level cultivation, which is the sixth layer according to the Mysterious Heaven Skill's calculations. This circulation efficiency is almost more than twice mine."
At this time, Xue Qinghe also felt that the efficiency of his internal spirit power circulation had begun to show an upward trend. Although the improvement was not much, it was something he could truly feel.
Feeling Feng Xiao's mental force quietly recede, Xue Qinghe also lowered his guard against Feng Xiao and gradually immersed himself in cultivation.
The next morning, Feng Xiao slowly awoke from deep cultivation, and what greeted his eyes was a stunning woman with golden hair like a waterfall.
Her golden hair spread out like flowing sunlight, every strand seemingly kissed by the dawn, shimmering with dazzling luster. Her exquisite face was now fully revealed—her skin as delicate and flawless as the finest mutton-fat jade, gleaming with a faint pearlescent luster in the morning light; her eyes, originally gentle, now displayed the purest gold, with a slight upward tilt at the outer corners, carrying an innate nobility and sharpness.
Feng Xiao instinctively rubbed his eyes, suspecting he had cultivated a hallucination. When he opened his eyes again, Qian Renxue also awoke from her cultivation.
Looking at Feng Xiao's extremely astonished expression, Qian Renxue asked with some confusion, "Little Feng..."
A clear, pleasant female voice sounded, and only then did Feng Xiao confirm that the scene before him was not an illusion. Qian Renxue also seemed to realize something; when she looked down and saw the obvious curves of her chest, the image of the gentle and refined Crown Prince instantly froze.
"During the operation of this cultivation method, I unconsciously used all of my spirit power, and the effect of the Spirit Bone must have disappeared at that time." A hint of annoyance flashed in Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes.
The two fell into an awkward silence. Feng Xiao looked at Qian Renxue's gradually dangerous eyes and quickly waved his hands, "Your Highness, please understand, this cultivation method doesn't have the ability to turn you into a woman!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's lips curved into a dangerous arc, "You are quite clever." She elegantly tidied her scattered golden hair. "I can let you go, but it will cost a secret of sufficient weight."
Feng Xiao put on a heartbroken expression, "Your student is utterly loyal to Your Highness, even imparting my self-created cultivation method without reservation. What secrets could there possibly be left?"
"Stop pretending!" Qian Renxue suddenly stood up, six spirit rings instantly blooming, and a powerful pressure caused her robes to flutter without wind. She leaned in close, her exquisite face inches away, "Do you think I don't know? This cultivation method is clearly using me to accelerate your cultivation."
"This is called mutual benefit and win-win," Feng Xiao said, looking at that exquisite pretty face, his Adam's apple unconsciously bobbing. He subtly leaned back. "Didn't your cultivation speed also increase? Your student truly has nothing more to hide."
Qian Renxue gazed into Feng Xiao's eyes, feeling a dilemma for a moment. Her intuition told her that this young man still hid more secrets. Killing him now would be a pity. Feng Xiao, as a chess piece, was both important and highly potential. But letting him go directly, wouldn't she then be caught by Feng Xiao with a handle?
The sunlight refracted into a colorful halo through the window. Qian Renxue seemed to have thought of something and suddenly smiled, a smile like melting ice and snow, breathtakingly beautiful. She elegantly straightened up, the phantom of Seraphim faintly appearing behind her, "I want you to become my sharpest sword in the Heaven Dou Imperial Family."
Feng Xiao's pupils contracted slightly, and he looked puzzled. Qian Renxue, however, gave him no chance to think. The Seraphim phantom behind her glowed brightly. She stood in the morning light, her golden hair cascading, the Seraphim phantom unfolding behind her, sacred and majestic.
Her voice was no longer disguised, clear and firm, as if heaven and earth bore witness for her at this moment. She clasped her hands in front of her chest, her cherry lips slightly parted, uttering several ancient syllables.
Feng Xiao looked at Qian Renxue with confusion, not knowing what Qian Renxue wanted to do for a moment. Feng Xiao looked at Qian Renxue's gradually devout expression and secretly thought, "Is this a prayer?"
Uncertain of Qian Renxue's attitude, Feng Xiao dared not act rashly. His abilities were all reflected in the strength of his spirit power. Facing a six-ring Spirit Emperor like Qian Renxue, he had no chance of winning.
The ancient syllables continued, and Feng Xiao couldn't understand a single word.
Translation: "By the blood of an angel, by the soul of divinity, I swear."
Qian Renxue lightly tapped her heart with her fingertip, and a drop of golden blood appeared, transforming into brilliant light patterns that flowed.
"What is seen today, shall be borne together forever; what is established today, shall be shared in life and death."
"If you are loyal to your oath, I will protect your path with my wings."
The six-winged phantom slowly converged, enveloping the two like a protective shield, the holy light shining brightly.
"Where your sword points, there the holy sword shall go."
With a raise of Qian Renxue's hand, an illusory Angelic Sword hovered before Feng Xiao, its sharpness contained but its pressure awe-inspiring.
"But if you betray..."
Her voice suddenly turned cold, and the depths of Qian Renxue's golden pupils ignited with the fire of divine punishment.
"Where these six wings reach, there will be no place for you to stand."
"This oath, heaven and earth bear witness."
Above the firmament, a golden light pierced through the clouds and descended, as if a god had cast down his gaze, and the oath was complete.
The wings suddenly spread, and a streak of flowing light entered Feng Xiao's glabella. A golden mark flashed across Feng Xiao's forehead. He immediately felt a sacred warmth.
"Your Highness, this is..." Feng Xiao asked, puzzled.
Qian Renxue suddenly leaned closer, her red lips almost touching his earlobe, a hint of triumphant playfulness hidden in her voice. Her breath carried a faint fragrance, "An angel's secret. You may go. One day, you will understand. It's best not to have any small thoughts."
Feng Xiao stiffened. At this distance, he could clearly see the tiny golden flecks on Qian Renxue's eyelashes and the sacred patterns flowing in her golden eyes.
"Your student understands." Feng Xiao hurriedly responded, not daring to hesitate for another moment, and quickly got up and strode out of the room.
Watching Feng Xiao's panicked escape, his stumbling appearance was completely unlike his usual calm and elegant demeanor. A nearly imperceptible smile flitted across Qian Renxue's eyes, but it vanished in an instant. Her slender fingers unconsciously stroked her golden hair, and her exquisite face once again became frosty.
"The plan cannot fail," she murmured softly, her voice echoing in the empty room, "Bibi Dong, I will prove to you that I am right."
On the other side, Feng Xiao ran several hundred meters out of the Ni Tai Training Field before stopping when he confirmed he was safe. He leaned against an ancient tree, panting heavily, his back soaked with cold sweat. As he raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, he subconsciously touched his forehead.
"She didn't put some curse on me, did she?" Feng Xiao's pupils contracted slightly, and he immediately circulated his spirit power to carefully check the meridians throughout his body. However, after three cycles, he found no abnormalities. This made him even more uneasy, like an invisible thread tied to his heart.
The morning light pierced through the forest mist, illuminating his slightly pale face. Feng Xiao took a deep breath and suddenly noticed the surging spirit power within him—he had actually broken through the fortieth-level bottleneck overnight. This unexpected gain slightly eased his tense nerves.
"I'll take a leave of absence; it's a good time to find Senior Dugu," he murmured, his steps unconsciously quickening. On the forest path, the young man's figure quickly disappeared into the morning mist, leaving only a few startled fallen leaves swirling in the air.
Soon, Sunset Forest, Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Dugu Bo withdrew his fingers from Feng Xiao's wrist, frowning slightly, and looked at him with a strange expression, "You brat are sturdier than an ox, what problem could you possibly have? Don't tell me you specifically came to show off your breakthrough to level forty to this old man?"
"There's really no problem at all?" Feng Xiao asked persistently, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the faint coolness on his forehead.
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, flicking his sleeve, "If you keep mumbling and won't explain clearly, how am I supposed to know what you want me to check? Did someone put a curse on you?"
Feng Xiao choked. It was true, but he naturally couldn't reveal a single word about Qian Renxue, so he could only let out two dry laughs and quickly change the subject, "Since there's nothing wrong, then... since I'm already here, could you conveniently help me with the spirit ring matter?"
Dugu Bo glanced at him sideways, his mouth twitching, and snorted, "Heh, you brat certainly knows how to order people around. Do you really think this old man is your exclusive Spirit Hunter? For such a small matter, go find those three old fellows at Heaven Dou Academy and have them arrange it for you!"
Feng Xiao immediately put on a smiling face, rubbing his hands together and stepping closer, his tone fawning, "Hehe, Senior Dugu, what are you saying... how can those three Heaven Dou faculty members compare to your extensive knowledge and heaven-defying cultivation? At most, they only teach students, but you are different. You are the Poison Douluo, whom even Spirit Hall must be wary of. Looking at the entire continent, who doesn't know your prestige?"
Dugu Bo listened, narrowing his eyes, his mouth unconsciously curling upwards, clearly quite pleased. But just as he was listening with relish, Feng Xiao suddenly stopped speaking. He immediately frowned and said irritably, "Just these few words? You brat's flattery skills have regressed."
Feng Xiao's eyes darted around, and he immediately added, "Oh, how could that be! I'm just afraid of saying too much and sounding too exaggerated! Besides, how can your amazingness be summarized in just a few words? How about you take me to hunt a spirit ring first, and I'll tell you all about it slowly on the way?"
Dugu Bo snorted, flicking his sleeve, "Slick tongue! However... seeing as you still have some discernment, this old man will reluctantly make a trip."
Before Feng Xiao could agree, Dugu Bo instantly flashed over, picked up Feng Xiao, and fled into the distance. With a few leaps, their figures were hidden in the jungle.
Seven days later.
Deep within the Star Dou Great Forest, the clear moonlight penetrated the dense canopy, showering down upon a ten-thousand-year-old Spirit Bamboo, which was entirely crystalline. This rare Spirit Bamboo glowed with a jade-like luster, and liquid spirit power could be faintly seen slowly flowing within its nodes. Centered around it, the vegetation within a ten-zhang radius was tinged with an eerie emerald green, swaying gently in the night wind, as if bowing to this Spirit Bamboo.
"Now!" A sharp glint flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes, and his wide sleeves fluttered without wind. The Jade Phosphor Serpent phantom behind him instantly glowed brightly, and seven streaks of green light, imbued with the potent venom of the Jade Phosphor Serpent, shot through the air, precisely embedding themselves into the Spirit Bamboo's body. The ten-thousand-year Spirit Bamboo immediately trembled violently, and painful, twisted patterns appeared on its body.
Feng Xiao seized the opportunity, his figure flashing like a ghost to the front of the Spirit Bamboo. The dagger in his hand drew a silvery arc in the moonlight, but upon contact with the bamboo's body, it erupted in dazzling sparks like metal striking stone.
"Damn, it's so hard!"
"Let me do it." The Jade Phosphor Serpent behind Dugu Bo instantly came to life, its tail coiling around the ten-thousand-year Spirit Bamboo and uprooting it.
"Alright, you just need to chop at its roots," Dugu Bo said lightly, his hands clasped behind his back.
Soon, a black ten-thousand-year spirit ring slowly rose. The moment the spirit ring formed, the entire bamboo forest around them seemed to sense the demise of its kin, and all the leaves trembled simultaneously, a dense rustling sound echoing in the silent forest.
"A ten-thousand-year Spirit Bamboo is already extremely rare, brat. It's basically impossible for you to find a Spirit Bamboo of a higher age for your next spirit ring," Dugu Bo slowly said to Feng Xiao.
"Thank you, Senior." Feng Xiao smiled, slowly sitting cross-legged. When the ten-thousand-year spirit ring slowly descended upon Feng Xiao, Feng Xiao's brows furrowed in an instant.