Word Count: 2,535 Words
******
Sun Moon Imperial Academy, girls' dormitory.
Ning Tian stood before a full-length mirror, running a comb through her cascade of platinum-blonde hair. Her cherry lips parted as she spoke with deceptive casualness:
"Xiao Feng, you seem to have been awfully busy these past two months."
"H-have I?"
Wu Feng broke into a cold sweat, her hands twisting together anxiously.
"Most of the time you're either napping or forging metal, but you used to come to Illustrious Virtue Hall with me every day. Now it's down to just twice a week."
A trace of seriousness entered Ning Tian's eyes as she spoke slowly. "Are you keeping a little secret from me?"
"Ah, well..."
Wu Feng had always been stubborn and competitive with Ling Bai, but with Ning Tian, she had never hidden anything. Now caught off guard, her brain's CPU spun frantically as she tried to conceal her panic. Sighing dramatically, she said, "Illustrious Virtue Hall is just so boring. I don't understand those Spirit Guidance blueprints you draw, so I've been looking for that bastard instead.
He's always sparring with the Sun Moon Academy's Spirit Emperors and Spirit Saints. Watching made my fingers itch, so I joined in too."
Her excuse was reasonable enough. As a fire-attribute Spirit Master with an impatient temperament, being cooped up day after day forging metal was suffocating. The Spirit Dueling Arena was where a top-level Martial Spirit like hers truly belonged.
Ning Tian did not press further. Instead, she nodded encouragingly. "In that case, just come to Illustrious Virtue Hall once a week to help me temper some rare metals, and spend the rest of your time training with Bai-ge. That way he can keep your combat skills sharp."
She smiled warmly. "It seems to be working already. I remember you broke through to Rank 50 a whole week before I did."
Wu Feng's pretty face turned bright pink at those words. She and Ling Bai had been passionately intimate for two months now.
Twice-daily 'nutritional supplements' packed with rich energy had fueled her rapid progress. Her Red Dragon flames grew increasingly fierce, gradually evolving toward the power of a true Fire Dragon.
Ning Tian had practically given her a legitimate reason to go indulge in lewd activities. Wu Feng unconsciously licked her red lips. Beyond the pleasure and comfort of being with Ling Bai, that sweet and rich flavor was endlessly memorable.
She seemed to have become addicted to that taste and texture. Missing even a single day left her craving more, almost as if she were possessed.
Looking at her flawless reflection in the mirror, Ning Tian smiled with satisfaction and beckoned to Wu Feng. "I'm ready now. Let's go. Bai-ge and Auntie are probably getting anxious."
"Mm-hmm!"
Wu Feng exhaled in relief, grateful to have muddled through. It's all that bastard's fault. Next time I'll keep a straight face while 'eating'!
The two girls arrived outside Mingdu's city gates, where Ling Bai and Ning Fengyu were already waiting. The three younger women had each reached significant bottlenecks—Wu Feng and Ning Tian at Rank 50, and Ning Fengyu at Rank 90. Their destination for today's spirit beast hunt was one of the Sun Moon Empire's largest spirit beast habitats: the Valley of Life, a paradise for plant-type spirit beasts.
"You look especially beautiful today."
Ling Bai immediately noticed the carefully dressed-up Ning Tian and gave her an appreciative smile.
"I have so little time with you, so I have to make sure I'm perfect whenever we meet."
Ning Tian's eyes sparkled like stars.
The Spirit Guidance Device technology at Illustrious Virtue Hall was as vast and deep as an ocean. She had been absorbing knowledge like a sponge, overwhelmed from dawn until dusk, which meant neglecting her time with Ling Bai.
Even though he had never complained, her heart remained filled with apology.
Their eyes met in silent understanding. The pink bubbles floating between them made Ning Fengyu groan theatrically, "Enough with the lovey-dovey nonsense! Have mercy on your poor, eternally single aunt!"
She clapped her hands decisively. "Destination: Valley of Life. Let's move!"
Ning Fengyu soared into the sky, taking the lead. Ning Tian and Wu Feng activated their flying Spirit Guidance Devices while Ling Bai unfurled his six angelic wings. He and Ning Fengyu positioned themselves to the front and rear, keeping the two younger women safely between them.
During the journey, Ling Bai quietly flew up behind Wu Feng and patted her perky bottom, sending his voice in a focused line:
"You're looking especially beautiful and sexy today as well."
"Hmph!"
Wu Feng turned away with a snort, but a sweet warmth blossomed in her heart. What girl didn't dream of spring? They were in the heat of passion, and she needed his attention more than ever.
The Valley of Life was not far from Mingdu. After three hours, a verdant valley came into view.
The closer they approached, the fresher the air became. This was a life essence completely different from that of the Star Dou Forest. The pure fragrance of plants made it feel less like a dangerous spirit beast gathering place and more like a paradise untouched by human feet.
"We've arrived."
Ning Fengyu guided everyone down to the valley's edge. Looking down from above, a gentle breeze stirred the endless sea of Blue Silver Grass below. Wildflowers of every color dotted the expanse. The vast ocean of green and blooms stretched all the way into the forest at the heart of the valley, the scent of flowers and grass washing over them in delicate waves.
"Such rich life force! This turtle wants out too!"
An excited voice suddenly echoed from Ning Tian's Storage Spirit Guidance Device. After a confirming nod from Ling Bai, she released the speaker: a massive dark-gold turtle, the Golden Tortoise.
"Ahh, finally some fresh air! If I'd stayed in there another year, this turtle would have suffocated!"
The Golden Tortoise took a huge gulp of fresh air. To avoid attracting attention at the Sun Moon Imperial Academy, it had been living in Ning Tian's top-tier Storage Spirit Guidance Device that could sustain living creatures. With a look of utter bliss, it exclaimed:
"Soooo~ comforta~ble!"
Ning Fengyu glanced sidelong at the cheeky Golden Tortoise before turning to Ling Bai with grudging admiration. "You're quite impressive, getting your hands on a 100,000-year turtle."
Before Ling Bai could speak, the Golden Tortoise jumped in arrogantly. "Woman, mind your tone when addressing this turtle!
This turtle is an auspicious beast with heaven-reaching abilities, capable of increasing fortune and protecting entire regions!"
"Enough with the hot air before you pop."
Ling Bai gave the Golden Tortoise a knock on the head. Even the Emperor Destiny Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, wouldn't dare use the phrase 'heaven-reaching abilities.' Yet this thick-skinned turtle had the nerve.
"Aunt Yu, this is the Golden Tortoise, a 100,000-year spirit beast I met in the Star Dou Forest."
Ling Bai explained. "It voluntarily agreed to guard me for ten thousand years, bringing fortune to me and my descendants. I was worried about Xiao Tian and Xiao Feng encountering danger in the Sun Moon Empire, so I had it accompany Xiao Tian.
You'll be dealing with it for a long time, so today seemed like a good opportunity for an introduction."
"Golden Tortoise, hmm..."
Ning Fengyu naturally knew of the Golden Tortoise's reputation. Her smile suddenly grew more enthusiastic. "Xiao Bai, lend me the Golden Tortoise for a month to train with—ah no, to get familiar with!"
"That... might not be a good idea..."
Ling Bai squinted suspiciously. Ning Fengyu had the expression of Gargamel about to do something wicked, and he could roughly guess what she intended.
"Xiao Bai, have you heard that saying?"
Ning Fengyu drifted closer with lotus-light steps.
"What saying?"
"The gaze of someone in love can't be hidden..."
She smiled like a cunning fox, her voice dropping to a whisper that drifted into Ling Bai's ear. "But if you love many people, you'd better hide it well."
Ling Bai made his decision instantly. "Golden Tortoise, serve Aunt Yu for one month. Treat her like your own grandmother!"
"Huh?"
The Golden Tortoise was left in a daze. Its grandmother had been dead for eighty thousand years!
"Such a sudden change of heart. What did Auntie say to you?" Ning Tian giggled.
Ling Bai gazed at the existentially confused Golden Tortoise, genuine pity in his eyes.
"Don't ask. Just remember one thing...
Aunt Yu is about to get a new puppy."
Having achieved her goal, Ning Fengyu was in high spirits. In her eyes, Ling Bai's descendants = Ning Tian's descendants = Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's descendants. Even if the Golden Tortoise exaggerated its abilities, it remained universally recognized as an auspicious beast.
Ten thousand years? Not enough.
Ling Bai was too soft-hearted.
She wanted 'forever.'
The Golden Tortoise would belong to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan forevermore.
She closed her eyes, and tendrils of Sky Azure Vine Emperor burst from the earth, their emerald light dazzling in the sun. Her Life Unending Domain expanded, enveloping a section of the Valley's plant life.
"What's Aunt Yu doing? Why aren't we going in yet?"
Wu Feng had sidled up to Ling Bai's other side, and together with Ning Tian, held him between them. Her bare legs, revealed beneath her shorts, occasionally brushed against the back of his hand.
Ling Bai turned his hand over, palm up, enjoying the sensation of her soft skin as he explained, "Plant-type spirit beasts maintain an even stricter hierarchy than animal types. Higher plants can assimilate lower ones through a dominating ability. Aunt Yu is using her Life Unending Domain and Sky Azure Vine Emperor to assimilate these plants, borrowing their awareness to search for spirit beasts suitable for you both.
We just need to wait. Aunt Yu will find them eventually."
"Oh, I see."
Wu Feng's voice trembled slightly. From the corner of her eye, she cautiously glanced at Ning Tian on Ling Bai's other side. Her gaze never lingered more than two seconds before guiltily darting elsewhere.
The Sky Azure Vine Emperor ranked among the top plant overlords, and the Valley of Life was a plant paradise, essentially home turf for Ning Fengyu. With the Life Unending Domain's enhancement, she quickly became ruler of all plants within a ten-mile radius.
Once the assimilation was complete, she sent out a thought through her spiritual power, transmitted via the Sky Azure Vine Emperor to every plant in range. The valley teemed with plant life—giving Ning Fengyu countless 'eyes'—and information flooded back to her mind.
After fifteen minutes, she detected a clear response. A particular plant had located her target.
"Follow me."
With a wave of her hand, she led the three humans and one tortoise into the Valley of Life, heading straight in a specific direction.
Most plant-type spirit beasts were not naturally aggressive, and with the Sky Azure Vine Emperor's protection, their journey remained smooth and uneventful.
Deep within the Valley of Life, surrounded by dense forest, they glimpsed iridescent colored light through gaps in the foliage.
Ling Bai summoned the Angel Sword. With a single brilliant slash, he cleared away the tangled ancient trees, revealing the source of the light. It was an enormous tree with a crystalline trunk, as if carved from the purest glass. Every leaf shimmered with rainbow luster, releasing the most dazzling colors in the world.
"A 10,000-year Phantom Colored Glazed Tree!"
Ning Tian covered her lips in delighted surprise, her beautiful eyes shining.
The first four spirit skills of her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda enhanced strength, speed, attack, and defense. According to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's millennia of research on optimal combinations, her fifth and sixth skills should amplify attributes and spirit power respectively.
Obtaining attribute amplification was relatively straightforward, as top-level spirit beasts generally possessed excellent attributes. Spirit power amplification, however, was more demanding—it required the spirit power concentration within the beast to far exceed that of others at the same level. The Phantom Colored Glazed Tree's trunk and leaves could store and accumulate massive amounts of spirit power, making it almost certain that Ning Tian could obtain a spirit power amplification skill.
"There's something beneath the Phantom Colored Glazed Tree."
Wu Feng noted, catching a scent of familiar scorching energy.
Under the tree coiled a fiery red vine resembling a sleeping dragon. When the breeze stirred, its red leaves rustled like scales rubbing against one another.
"A Crimson Flame Dragon Blood Vine! And it's 10,000 years old too!"
Wu Feng's face lit up with joy. Wherever a Crimson Flame Dragon Blood Vine grew, the soil had surely been nourished by a fire dragon's blood. It was an extremely rare top-level fire-attribute plant-type spirit beast.
The Phantom Colored Glazed Tree stood magnificent with its luxuriant branches and captivating colored light, while the Crimson Flame Dragon Blood Vine slept beneath, silently guarding. They existed in perfect symbiosis, forming an absolutely breathtaking scene.
"This is a sign! Ning Tian and I will never be apart!"
Wu Feng pounded her chest enthusiastically. The two plant-type spirit beasts seemed to perfectly match the two of them. Ning Tian smiled warmly. If possible, she also hoped Wu Feng would remain by her side throughout life's journey.
With beast types and cultivation perfectly suited to their needs, it was time to hunt. Ling Bai slashed out with holy sword light. Both the Phantom Colored Glazed Tree and the Crimson Flame Dragon Blood Vine were 10,000-year spirit beasts that had already developed intelligence; they would not accept death passively.
The Phantom Colored Glazed Tree released its stored spirit power in a violent eruption. A ball of colored light exploded like blooming fireworks, falling like smoke and mist in a rain of prismatic colors.
The Crimson Flame Dragon Blood Vine rose up, transforming into an enraged fire dragon. A thunderous roar echoed as flames condensed into draconic form. With a sweep of its tail, it lunged at the sword light with jaws gaping wide.
To be fair, the two great plant-type spirit beasts were not weak. Unfortunately, their opponent was the Seraphim, and even a casual strike from the Angel Sword was beyond what 10,000-year spirit beasts could withstand.
The sword light sliced through the fire dragon with unstoppable momentum and carved a shocking gash in the Phantom Colored Glazed Tree's trunk. As the two spirit beasts' life force dissipated, Ning Tian and Wu Feng delivered the finishing blows. Two deep black spirit rings materialized in the air.
The young women sat cross-legged on the ground to absorb the spirit rings while Ling Bai, Ning Fengyu, and the Golden Tortoise stood guard.
Ling Bai's gaze fell to the lush Blue Silver Grass blanketing the ground. Ning Fengyu teased, "Since when does the Seraphim, who looks down upon the mortal world, spare a glance for mere Blue Silver Grass?"
Ling Bai shook his head. "I just feel that the Blue Silver Grass here is growing with unusual vigor..."
"The answer is quite simple." Ning Fengyu's smile carried a hidden meaning.
"Because the ruler of the Valley of Life is a 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor..."