The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, glowing with a blood-red light and shaped like a rooster's comb, was taken out by Qian Renxue.
Its golden-red veins shimmered faintly, and the air around it was filled with the intense heat of fire elements. Ling Yuan could clearly feel the fire energy in the space around her stirring.
Looking at this immortal herb, her heart—and even her Martial Soul—urged her to consume it immediately. This was a deep, instinctual desire. Without a doubt, this herb would have a tremendous effect on her.
"Ling Yuan, you must swallow this flower whole. Do not chew it. After consuming it, focus your soul power to guide its energy. The process might be painful, but you must endure it. Do not give up halfway."
Ling Yuan took the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and glanced teasingly at Lin Feng.
"Do you think I've been too gentle, and you've forgotten I'm a Soul Douluo? Pain like this won't scare me. Don't underestimate me."
Lin Feng chuckled awkwardly.
"I'm just concerned about you."
"Hmph."
After nodding to Qian Renxue, Ling Yuan sat down on the floor and began absorbing the herb.
Ju Douluo, bored, patted Ghost Douluo's shoulder.
"Old Ghost, don't you think what we're doing now is a bit dull? With Ci Xue and She Long handling intelligence and protecting the Crown Prince's residence, we're left with nothing to do. The Young Master has us doing such trivial tasks every day. It's really frustrating."
Ghost Douluo didn't look at him, speaking calmly.
"We'll be returning to Spirit City soon. Just bear with it a little longer."
Ju Douluo glanced toward the secret room and whispered,
"Hey, do you think there's something going on between Ling Yuan, the Young Master, and Lin Feng? They're giving out immortal herbs like candy, and we're here guarding their cultivation."
Ghost Douluo opened his eyes and looked at Ju Douluo with exasperation.
"What do you think? And it's none of my business. You'll get your immortal herb too. Once Lin Feng talks to the Grand Worship, you'll probably get yours. Why are you jealous?"
Ju Douluo's eyes widened.
"Who's jealous? I'm just making a small observation. They get along so well, almost as well as we do. And hey, if you're feeling left out because you haven't gotten an immortal herb yet, don't worry. I'm on good terms with Lin Feng. I'll put in a good word for you."
Ghost Douluo closed his eyes again. "You're ridiculous."
"Tch."
---
As soon as the herb's energy entered her body, Ling Yuan's skin began to glow with a faint red hue.
Sweat poured from her body, soaking her clothes. The already thin fabric clung to her, revealing more than it concealed.
Her hair, damp with sweat, stuck to her cheeks, adding a touch of delicate charm. Her figure, already well-developed, seemed even more pronounced compared to Qian Renxue, who was still growing.
Her lips parted slightly, releasing soft gasps of heat. The occasional low moan of discomfort was enough to stir Lin Feng's heart.
Qian Renxue frowned.
"Why is it like this? Does absorbing this herb always cause so much sweating?"
Lin Feng coughed lightly, looking somewhat uncomfortable.
"I guess so."
His eyes remained fixed on Ling Yuan.
"Hmm?"
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes, turning Lin Feng's head to face her.
Her gaze was accusatory.
"Is it that nice to look at, huh?"
"It is quite nice."
Seeing Lin Feng's serious expression, Qian Renxue felt a surge of irritation.
Ever since she had clarified things between Ling Yuan and Lin Feng, he seemed to have become more brazen.
"Don't—look!"
She adjusted Lin Feng's gaze again, her tone threatening.
Her cheeks puffed out, and her lips pursed in a pout.
Lin Feng chuckled.
"Alright, alright. I won't look at Ling Yuan. I'll just look at you."
He playfully pinched Qian Renxue's nose.
Qian Renxue pinched his waist hard.
"Ouch!"
Though it didn't really hurt, Lin Feng pretended to be in pain, grimacing and winking at Qian Renxue.
"Pfft."
Qian Renxue shook her head and pulled Lin Feng down to sit on the couch.
She glanced at Ling Yuan, who was still absorbing the herb.
"Lin Feng, do you think Ling Yuan's Martial Soul will evolve after absorbing the herb?"
Lin Feng stroked his chin and nodded.
"It should. Ling Yuan's Martial Soul is a fire-type falcon, with a trace of phoenix bloodline. The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower contains pure phoenix essence, which is perfectly suited for her. If her Martial Soul doesn't evolve, that would be strange."
Qian Renxue nodded. She recalled the familiar feeling she had when absorbing the angelic spirit bone. Was it because they shared the same origin?
"Hmm—"
Lin Feng propped his chin on his hand, looking at Qian Renxue with interest.
"W-what?"
Qian Renxue avoided his gaze, her voice soft.
"I've noticed you've become even more beautiful."
Qian Renxue rolled her eyes.
"Only now? Was I not beautiful before?"
Lin Feng lay back on the couch, speaking casually.
"Of course you were. From the moment I saw you in the library, I knew you were stunning."
"Oh? So you fell for me at first sight, huh?"
Qian Renxue giggled, playing with a strand of Lin Feng's hair.
"Something like that."
Qian Renxue tapped Lin Feng's head.
"Then why were you so cold to me back then? I remember clearly, you ignored me, and I had to start the conversation."
Lin Feng took Qian Renxue's hand.
"I just wanted to get your attention."
"I knew it. You're not as clueless as you seem. You're full of tricks."
"Ling Yuan seems to be almost done."
They both turned to look.
Ling Yuan had opened her eyes, exhaling a warm breath. Her expression was one of delight.
Lin Feng and Qian Renxue exchanged a glance and walked over.
"How do you feel?"
Ling Yuan summoned her Martial Soul.
The once fiery falcon had transformed into a more solid, majestic form. Its body was more elegant and proportionate, its feathers now a radiant gold-red. A crown-like arrangement of feathers adorned its head, and its beak, though sharp, was more refined. Its eyes sparkled like sapphires, full of life.
Ling Yuan smiled joyfully.
"The immortal herb is truly a treasure of nature. My soul power has increased by three levels, and my Martial Soul has evolved into a true Fire Phoenix!"
It was worth noting that these were three levels at the Soul Douluo rank. In the original story, Ma Hongjun only gained five levels at the Soul Elder rank. However, the effects of the immortal herb were far greater for Ling Yuan, whose Martial Soul already had a strong phoenix bloodline.
Ling Yuan stood up instinctively.
"Ah—"
She quickly covered herself, her cheeks flushing again. Her figure, now even more pronounced, was accentuated by her tight clothing.
Lin Feng nodded appreciatively, his gaze unwavering.
"Ling Yuan, you've become even more beautiful."
Perhaps due to the effects of the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, the pure yang energy of the herb had refined her body, making her figure even more alluring.
Ling Yuan glanced down, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Did it get a bit bigger?
Qian Renxue nudged Lin Feng's shoulder and pulled Ling Yuan away.
"Come on, Ling Yuan. Let's go take a bath. Don't mind him."
Ling Yuan gave Lin Feng an apologetic look as Qian Renxue dragged her toward the bathroom.
Lin Feng grinned. He had wanted to see Ling Yuan's Martial Soul transformation.