Ning Rongrong dashed over to Li Xun, leaped up, and clung to him. She then planted a firm kiss on his left cheek.
"Brother! My Martial Soul has evolved! It's now the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed excitedly.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had a limitation where Soul Power could only be cultivated up to level 79. Her father, Ning Fengzhi, had been stuck at this level for years, unable to progress further.
Now that her Martial Soul had evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, it meant she might have overcome this limitation and could potentially cultivate to the level of a Titled Douluo in the future.
It was currently the students' lunch break.
Ning Rongrong's outburst drew the attention of many students.
When they saw Ning Rongrong clinging to Li Xun, their expressions changed, and they quickly turned their heads, pretending not to see anything. They were afraid Li Xun might cause them trouble.
After all, the scene of Yu Tianheng lying bloodied on the ground was still fresh in their minds.
"Was the gift I brought you good?"
Feeling the soft touch on his cheek, Li Xun chuckled and turned his right cheek toward her.
"Y-yes," Ning Rongrong stammered, understanding his meaning. She glanced around at the crowd, her face instantly flushing red.
She had been so overwhelmed with excitement that she had kissed Li Xun without thinking. Now, coming back to her senses, she wished she could disappear into the ground.
"Where did all that boldness go?" Seeing Ning Rongrong's shy expression, Li Xun narrowed his eyes and laughed heartily, about to put her down.
Ning Rongrong, her face still red, quickly glanced around and pecked Li Xun's right cheek like a dragonfly skimming the water. She then swiftly slid off him, turned around, and ran toward the dormitory with her head down.
"That little rascal," Li Xun chuckled as he watched Ning Rongrong flee.
Zhu Zhuqing had regained her usual composure and walked over to Li Xun with cat-like grace. "Brother Li Xun, thank you."
"Did you take the Immortal Herb?" Li Xun looked Zhu Zhuqing up and down.
Zhu Zhuqing was wearing a black bodysuit that accentuated her well-developed figure. At first glance, there didn't seem to be much change, but Li Xun, who often interacted with her, noticed subtle differences from before.
Previously, Zhu Zhuqing's figure had given her a somewhat alluring appearance, but it lacked depth. Now, she exuded an ethereal aura that was more pronounced than before.
"..."
Hearing Li Xun's question, Zhu Zhuqing's usually cool face flushed slightly. She didn't speak but nodded instead.
She truly didn't know how to face Li Xun at the moment.
"How much Soul Power do you have now? Has your Martial Soul changed?" Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's awkwardness, Li Xun smiled gently. "Let's talk while we walk."
With that, Li Xun turned and headed toward the dormitory.
Zhu Zhuqing's lips curved into a faint smile as she quickly followed behind Li Xun with small steps. "After consuming the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, my Soul Power has increased to level 30. I also feel that the speed at which I gather Soul Power during cultivation has significantly improved."
Her previous Soul Power level had been 22. After consuming the Immortal Herb, she had directly reached level 30. All she needed now was to obtain a Spirit Ring to advance to the Soul Grandmaster realm.
The efficacy of the herb far exceeded Zhu Zhuqing's expectations. She hadn't expected Li Xun to give her something so precious.
"The Lovesick Heartbreak Red offers a comprehensive enhancement, capable of boosting Soul Power by approximately ten levels. Since you've reached your current level cap, some of that Soul Power will only manifest after you obtain a Spirit Ring," Li Xun said, glancing at Zhu Zhuqing.
"Can it really boost Soul Power by ten levels?" Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned. She happened to meet Li Xun's gaze as he turned his head, and she quickly lowered her eyes.
"Do you know why it's considered the treasure among Immortal Herbs?" Li Xun chuckled. "This thing can bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh from bones."
"Boosting Soul Power is just one of its most trivial effects."
This herb has saved the lives of many—Tang San, Dai Yuhao, Wang Qiu, Tang Wulin. In fact, the entire family of Tang Shenwang has relied on it for survival.
"Ah! I thought that was just an exaggerated claim about this Immortal Herb."
"Brother Li Xun, wouldn't it be a waste if I just ate it like this?" Zhu Zhuqing felt a pang of anxiety. "You could keep it for yourself."
Being a Soul Master was never a safe profession. Every time one obtained a Spirit Ring or engaged in combat, they faced life-and-death trials. Having something that could save one's life at a critical moment would undoubtedly add an extra layer of security on the long path of cultivation.
"Eating it isn't a waste."
Li Xun stopped walking and turned to face Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhu Zhuqing, remember this: treasures aren't meant to be enshrined. They are meant to be used. If it can enhance your strength, use it immediately. As long as your strength is sufficient, you'll never need to rely on this to save your life."
Seeing Li Xun's serious expression, Zhu Zhuqing's lips curved into a faint smile, which she quickly suppressed. "I understand, Brother Li Xun..."
Li Xun ruffled Zhu Zhuqing's hair. "When you're happy, you should show it. Why always keep a straight face?"
Humans have emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. If one never shows them, they might end up with a stiff face. Li Xun certainly didn't want to face a Zhu Zhuqing with a frozen expression.
"Mmm," Zhu Zhuqing responded softly with a smile, nodding her head.
"You mentioned earlier that your Martial Soul has also evolved?" Zhu Zhuqing's smile caused Li Xun's heart to skip a beat. He coughed lightly and turned to continue walking toward the dormitory.
"My Martial Soul is now called Nirvana Nine-Tails," Zhu Zhuqing said, her eyes filled with tenderness as she gazed at Li Xun's back.
"Nirvana Nine-Tails? Nine tails? Has it evolved into a Nine-Tailed Cat Demon?" Li Xun was startled and turned around abruptly.
At the mention of nine tails, the first thing that came to his mind was the Nine-Tailed Cat Demon, as this mythical beast was quite famous.
Zhu Zhuqing revealed a serene smile. "It has grown nine tails, but it's not called the Nine-Tailed Cat Demon. I was quite surprised at the time."
To help Li Xun understand better, she summoned her Martial Soul.
Meow~
A rose-golden paw suddenly extended from the void, followed by a small cat's head adorned with a crown, cautiously peeking out and looking around.
The rose-golden kitten, sensing no danger, quickly leaped onto Zhu Zhuqing's shoulder.
Only then did Li Xun get a full view of it.
The Nine-Tailed Cat's entire body was rose-golden, with a massive gemstone on its chest, surrounded by twinkling starlight, as if wearing a luxurious gemstone scarf. Behind it stood nine ethereal tails.
These nine tails spread out like a blooming flower, a noble fan, each adorned with what seemed like precious pearls.
"Wow..."
Li Xun gasped in astonishment.
The Nine-Tailed Cat Demon was a notorious monster widely rumored among the people, yet in Zhu Zhuqing's presence, it seemed to transform into a revered divine beast.
Seeing Li Xun's surprised expression, Zhu Zhuqing smiled warmly and gave a slight shrug. The kitten immediately understood her gesture and leaped into Li Xun's arms.
Li Xun quickly caught it with both hands, carefully stroking the kitten's ears as if handling
a precious treasure.
"This cat looks extraordinarily noble. Does it have any special abilities?"
(End of Chapter)