"Xiaofeng, you can come in now."
"Then I'm coming in~"
As Lin Feng stepped into the large tent, his eyes immediately lit up.
He saw Qian Renxue leaning against a tree trunk not far from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. Her skin glowed like creamy jade, and her eyes shimmered like autumn water, though slightly drowsy. Her golden hair cascaded down to her waist, shining under the sunlight streaming through the top of the tent.
Wrapped in a newly changed purple gauze dress, Qian Renxue's already proud figure now appeared even more striking. After refining the two immortal herbs, she seemed taller and more graceful. Her chest had become fuller, her waist supple, and her long white legs were smooth and elegant.
Qian Renxue noticed Lin Feng staring blankly and smiled teasingly. She walked gracefully over to him, placing a finger over her cherry lips and gently parting them.
"Little brother, have you looked enough?"
Lin Feng chuckled softly:"Do you want me to look enough?"
Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned, then rolled her eyes at him playfully before burying her head into his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Thank you, Xiaofeng."
Lin Feng gently hugged her back.
"Do we really need to say that to each other? How do the herbs feel? You should be immune to fire, water, and all poisons now, right?"
Relaxed, Qian Renxue smiled slightly:"Mm. My physical constitution and spiritual power have improved to the point that I can now absorb ten-thousand-year spirit rings."
"But I'm tired today. Let's go back first."
"Whatever you say."
The two immortal herbs hadn't directly boosted Qian Renxue's spirit power, but they had greatly elevated her foundation. Her future cultivation speed would be significantly faster. Even someone with Tang San's talent could increase three levels in just a month or two.
Thinking of Tang San, Lin Feng couldn't help pondering his real talent. After all, training with Xuan Tian Gong from a young age had allowed him to reach innate full spirit power. And although he was stuck due to not having a spirit ring, he jumped straight to level 13 after absorbing one. That suggested his spirit power had been rising silently all along.
In other words, his original talent likely wasn't enough for innate full spirit power. Otherwise, with Xuan Tian Gong and full innate spirit power, how could he be 8 levels lower than Dai Mubai, who was three years older? Tang San's true breakthrough only came after forging his golden body with the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
As Lin Feng mused to himself, he noticed Qian Renxue hadn't moved for a while and suddenly realized—oh.
With a soft exclamation, he bent down and carried Qian Renxue in his arms.
She hooked her arms around his neck and gazed up at him sweetly.
Finally, this guy takes the initiative for once.
The innate treasure orb on her abdomen glowed faintly, soothing her exhaustion with a spring-like warmth.
"Xiaofeng, your orb seems to have changed—it feels warmer and really comfortable."
Lin Feng thought for a moment.
"It probably started when I forged my second spirit vein. A reddish mist appeared around the orb."
"I see. Xiaofeng, can I borrow your orb tonight? I want to sleep hugging it."
"No problem."
Qian Renxue smiled contentedly with her eyes closed.
Meanwhile, Chrysanthemum Douluo was perched on a tree branch outside the poison barrier, bored and flipping through some picture books Lin Feng had given him. He nodded from time to time and clicked his tongue in admiration.
When he saw the two emerging, he casually put away the book and jumped down, saying meaningfully:
"Young Mistress, Xiaofeng, are you done absorbing the herbs?"
Qian Renxue gave him a sideways glance with visible annoyance.This lightbulb again. Why is he always around?
She pointed at him with a jade-like finger:
"We'll walk back alone. Grandpa Ju, it's best if you don't stay near us."
Uh…
"Alright…"Chrysanthemum Douluo winced internally but obediently stepped back. Of course, he didn't actually leave—just took the lead clearing the path for them.
"Xiaofeng, let's go. By the way, won't it be tiring for you to carry me the whole way?"
With a light chuckle, Lin Feng put her down, crouched, and patted his back.
"Hehe."
Qian Renxue blinked her sapphire-blue eyes, leaned forward, and latched onto Lin Feng's back.
Lin Feng supported her soft, smooth thighs, feeling a gentle ripple in his heart.
Qian Renxue ran her fingers through his hair and gave a regal command:
"Let's go!"
As they were about to leave the Sunset Forest, Chrysanthemum Douluo led them back, stopping briefly to bid farewell to Dugu Bo.
The journey back had already satisfied Qian Renxue's desire for time with Lin Feng. After all, she would soon begin her mission, and time with him would become scarce.
Even though not all events required the Crown Prince's presence, he still had royal obligations. Losing even a few hours each day made every moment now feel precious. Though it would never be enough, she wanted to make up for it a little.
Leaning against Lin Feng's shoulder, Qian Renxue felt a twinge of regret over accepting the mission. But if she gave up now and returned to Spirit Hall, she'd surely face mockery from her older sister.
With her pride, Qian Renxue simply couldn't accept that.
More importantly, she understood her position. As the heir to Spirit Hall, she had taken on this mission—quitting halfway would make her look weak and unfit to lead.
She sighed inwardly.Fine, it's only a few hours of separation. I'll just treat it like time I would've spent with Lingyuan anyway.Looking at it that way, she almost felt like she'd gained time.Strange…
Upon returning to the base, a figure in black was already waiting in the courtyard.
"Old Ghost? Why are you back? Aren't you supposed to be watching Xue Qinghe?"
Ghost Douluo adjusted his cloak and replied hoarsely:"He went to the royal palace today. Likely summoned by Emperor Xue Ye."
"With the upcoming noble banquet in a week, many high officials will attend. As a prince, he needs to be well-prepared in etiquette and conduct."
Qian Renxue nodded:"Even so, stay alert. The closer we get to the mission, the more cautious we must be."
"Grandpa Ghost, I'll trouble you to keep watch for a few more days. Sorry for the trouble."
Ghost Douluo bowed:"It's my duty."
Chrysanthemum Douluo patted Ghost Douluo on the shoulder:
"Since you're free tonight, come with me. I have something good to show you—and a dose of whale glue for you too."
Ghost Douluo's eyes lit up:
"Oh? That legendary whale glue said to enhance physical strength? You found some? Is it effective?"
Qian Renxue nodded:"It works. You can use it for yourself or give it to a junior."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Ah, enough of that. Come on, come on, I'll show you some art—good stuff, rare and precious!"
Looking utterly confused, Ghost Douluo was dragged away by Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Qian Renxue frowned slightly, poking Lin Feng:
"What treasure did Grandpa Ju get his hands on that he's so eager to show Grandpa Ghost?"
Lin Feng kept a straight face:
"How should I know? Probably some ancient artifact or curiosity."
T/N: For up to thirteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at P@treon.com/LordHipposApostle