After obtaining his second spirit ring, Ji Lin once again plunged into an endless cycle of cultivation.
In the world of Douluo Continent, strength reigns supreme. Without power, one could accomplish nothing. Moreover, Ji Lin possessed an ultimate attribute, which meant his cultivation would slow significantly after reaching level 30. Thus, Ji Lin trained with exceptional dedication.
He even put aside his study of soul devices to focus entirely on improving his cultivation and physical strength.
Xu Jiujiu often called him a cultivation maniac. Whenever she had the chance, she would drag him out to go shopping or take walks.
Ji Lin knew she was worried he might overwork himself and turn foolish from excessive training. So whenever she came to find him, he never refused, always making time to accompany her.
Over time, their relationship grew closer. Once, Xu Jiawei even joked about the two of them, saying that when Ji Lin got a bit older, he might have to start calling him "brother-in-law." Xu Jiujiu was so embarrassed that she avoided Ji Lin for days.
After that joke, Xu Jiawei seemed to have realized something. Not long after, he approached Chiyuan with a request.
"Lord Chiyuan, I would like to arrange a betrothal between Ji Lin and Jiujiu. Once Ji Lin graduates from Shrek Academy, they can officially marry. What do you think?"
Chiyuan wasn't surprised. She had long seen through Xu Jiawei's intentions. After all, Xu Jiujiu was a princess of the Star Luo Empire, yet she spent nearly every day glued to Ji Lin's side, and Xu Jiawei had never interfered.
Ji Lin was a prodigy—an ultimate attribute spirit master who had just advanced to level 30, officially becoming a Spirit Elder. With a mysterious and powerful teacher like Chiyuan backing him, Xu Jiawei naturally wanted to tie Ji Lin to the Star Luo Empire permanently. Not only did he provide Ji Lin with cultivation resources and knowledge, he now sought to make him part of the royal family.
And given Xu Jiujiu's close relationship with Ji Lin, it wasn't a forced match but a case of "helping a couple along." As for their age difference, no one was concerned. Titled Douluos could live for centuries, and he was confident both of them would reach that realm eventually. A few years' gap was trivial.
"This matter should be left to the two of them. I respect Lin's decision," Chiyuan replied, shaking her head.
Ji Lin didn't oppose the engagement. Xu Jiujiu was beautiful, sweet-voiced, had a great figure, noble status, and was obedient toward him. Who could say no to that?
As for Xu Jiujiu, she had no objections either. She'd watched Ji Lin grow up. With his white hair, blue eyes, and handsome looks, he matched her tastes perfectly. His unparalleled talent and the time they spent together made her fall for him deeply.
Plus, from her position as a princess, forming a bond with a top genius like Ji Lin was politically advantageous. Since she liked him anyway, why would she say no?
Soon, Xu Jiawei arranged the engagement ceremony. It wasn't a grand affair—after all, it was only an engagement, not a wedding. Only a small circle of nobles and the Title Douluos from the Worship Hall were invited.
Notably, Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger lineage was absent due to his stationing at the western border near the Sun-Moon Empire. He simply couldn't get away.
In his place, the duchess attended. According to the original novel, she was the Emperor's most beloved youngest daughter—but Ji Lin suspected he might've read a bootleg version of Douluo Dalu.
He had seen Xu Jiawei's youngest daughter—a golden-haired loli younger than him named Xu Yun. Her spirit was also the Star Crown, making her the third to awaken this spirit after Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu.
The engagement ceremony didn't last long. It mainly served to introduce Ji Lin and his teacher, Chiyuan Douluo, to the empire's elite and to help Ji Lin expand his network.
After the banquet, Ji Lin and Xu Jiujiu returned to Ji Lin's room. Seeing Xu Jiujiu kneeling on his bed in her black stockings, he was stunned by the sight.
Noticing his gaze, Xu Jiujiu smiled mischievously. Understanding Ji Lin well, she patted her thigh teasingly and said with sultry charm,
"Want it? Just say it. 'Princess, I want a lap pillow.'"
"Princess, I want a lap pillow," Ji Lin replied shamelessly.
Dignity? What's that compared to a lap pillow?
He immediately climbed onto the bed, rested his head on her thighs, and sighed contentedly.
"So soft... so fragrant~~"
As his cheek rubbed her thigh and his breath tickled her skin, Xu Jiujiu's face turned red. She quickly held his head still, looked down into his sapphire-like eyes, and began to fall deeper.
The atmosphere grew increasingly intimate. Xu Jiujiu slowly leaned down, lips pursed, and lightly kissed Ji Lin's lips.
Ji Lin instinctively licked his lips, startling Xu Jiujiu, who jerked away like a frightened deer.
"So soft... so sweet... so good..." Ji Lin savored the experience. It was unforgettable.
In his past life, he had died a virgin, never even held a girl's hand. He'd never experienced such incredible sensations.
Flustered, Xu Jiujiu put on her shoes and ran out the door, her face crimson.
"It's getting late—rest early. I'll come see you tomorrow."
She vanished before Ji Lin could say anything.
"What the hell!" Ji Lin clutched his head, groaning in frustration.
Such a golden opportunity wasted! Even if he couldn't "eat meat" due to their age, he could've at least "tasted the appetizer!"
He rolled around the bed, howling,
"Damn you, Xu Jiujiu! How can you leave me like this?"
"One day, I'll make you take responsibility for seducing me and running away!"
After his tantrum, Ji Lin touched his lips again and grinned foolishly.
"Hehe, so soft… so sweet…"
Watching secretly through spiritual power from next door, Chiyuan twitched her eye and wore a strange expression.
She didn't want to admit this shameless fool was her disciple.
Feeling conflicted, she touched her lips with a finger, puzzled:
"Can something like that really feel that good?"
Meanwhile, back in her own room, Xu Jiujiu slammed the door shut, kicked off her shoes, dove into her soft pink bed, and buried her red face in a pillow.
"Ahhh! What was I thinking?! Xu Jiujiu, you've gone too far!"
Our princess had no idea she had just "teased and abandoned" someone