This process lasted for a long time, until the night sky was completely drenched in ink, with a few sparse stars dotting the heavens.
The violent fluctuations of soul power around Zhu Zhuqing finally began to stabilize, and the deep purple soul ring had fully settled.
Like a docile pet, it harmoniously pulsed along with her two yellow soul rings beneath her.
She slowly opened her eyes, and in that instant, a tangible flash of brilliance flickered through them.
Her overall aura was noticeably stronger than before, more restrained yet also sharper.
"Success!" Ning Rongrong was the first to exclaim joyfully.
Hu Liena also let out a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across her face.
Zhu Zhuqing stood up, stretched her limbs, and felt the surging power within her. Her usually cold features were now tinged with an undeniable blush of excitement and joy.
She first turned to Zhu Hongye, who had been guarding her throughout, and bowed respectfully:
"Aunt, I've succeeded."
A flicker of relief passed through Zhu Hongye's eyes as she nodded, saying, "Very good. How does it feel? Has your soul power level increased?"
Zhu Zhuqing checked, her voice filled with a surprising mix of disbelief and delight: "My soul power… has directly risen to Level 33!"
The benefits of absorbing a high-quality soul ring beyond her level were immense, allowing her to leap two levels immediately after absorption, saving countless hours of arduous cultivation.
"Oh?"
Zhu Hongye raised an eyebrow, clearly satisfied with this outcome. "It seems the quality of this Nether Shadow Panther's soul ring is indeed exceptional."
"So, what is your third soul skill?"
This was the question everyone was most eager to know.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't keep them guessing. With a thought, the newly acquired deep purple soul ring beneath her feet suddenly flared to life!
"Third soul skill, Nether Shadow Evasion!"
As her cool voice echoed, everyone could feel Zhu Zhuqing's presence shift dramatically, as if she had instantly merged with the surrounding shadows. Her figure became blurred and indistinct.
The next moment, she moved!
Her speed was so fast that it was almost ghostly, leaving behind a near-perfect afterimage while her true form appeared over ten meters away.
The entire process was silent, accompanied only by the faintest movement of air.
Zhu Zhuqing stopped, her eyes gleaming with excitement, as she explained to the group:
"My third soul skill is a powerful enhancement-type ability. It doubles my speed for a short period of time!"
"Moreover, at the moment of activation, it provides a strong concealment effect, greatly interfering with an opponent's ability to lock onto me."
"Whether used for ambushes, pursuits, or evasions, it's extremely practical!"
A 100% increase in speed!
For someone whose martial soul, the Nether Spirit Cat, already excelled in speed, this was like adding wings to a tiger.
Everyone present understood just how formidable this soul skill was, especially its terrifying potential in actual combat.
Dai Chengfeng wore a heartfelt smile as he stepped forward and sincerely congratulated her: "Congratulations, Zhuqing."
"This soul skill is perfect—it meets and even exceeds our expectations."
"With it, your strength will undoubtedly soar."
Hearing Dai Chengfeng's praise, Zhu Zhuqing's joy deepened even further. However, the look she gave him was filled with an overwhelming tenderness and gratitude.
She gently shook her head, her voice unconsciously softening: "Without you, I wouldn't have been able to obtain such a powerful soul ring. I would've only been able to settle for an ordinary thousand-year soul ring."
"So, I should be the one thanking you."
Recalling everything Dai Chengfeng had done for her, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes shimmered, almost brimming with tears.
Dai Chengfeng looked at her rarely displayed tender expression, his heart stirring. Instinctively, he reached out and gently caressed her smooth, delicate cheek.
His thumb brushed lightly against her skin, his tone gentle and laced with affection: "Don't be silly."
"The success of absorbing it ultimately depended on your own hard work and strong willpower."
"It's what you deserve."
His intimate gesture and tender words made Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flush red, the color spreading all the way to her ears.
Under normal circumstances, she would've shyly pulled away, but at this moment, feeling the warmth of his palm, she felt overwhelmed with immense happiness, almost reluctant to break the moment of tenderness.
She simply lowered her head slightly, not dodging his touch.
For a moment, the atmosphere between the two became incredibly romantic and flirtatious.
It was as if pink bubbles had risen around them, isolating Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and even Grand Priest Zhu Hongye from their world.
"Cough! Cough cough!"
At this moment, a deliberately exaggerated, somewhat jealous-sounding cough broke the silence.
Hu Liena crossed her arms, glancing at the two with an expression that screamed "I can't watch this" and "I'm not happy," pouting as she said:
"Hey, hey, hey, can you two show a little restraint? Have some decency!"
"We're in the middle of nowhere, pitch dark and windy, and there are elders present!"
"Can't you wait until we've set up the tents and ensured safety before getting all lovey-dovey?"
Interrupted by her, Zhu Zhuqing snapped out of her trance-like state, realizing her inappropriate behavior—especially in front of her aunt and companions. She blushed furiously, her cheeks burning like fire.
She quickly took a step back, pulling away from Dai Chengfeng's hand, and muttered in a barely audible voice, "I… I'll go help set up the tent!"
Then, like a startled rabbit, she dashed toward the pile of tent materials without looking back, moving so fast she nearly created a gust of wind.
Dai Chengfeng watched Zhu Zhuqing's fleeing figure, shaking his head in resignation. He then shot a displeased glare at Hu Liena, who had ruined the moment.
But Hu Liena was unfazed. On the contrary, she lifted her chin proudly, throwing Dai Chengfeng a smug "I did it on purpose—what are you going to do about it?" glance, her lips curling into a mischievous grin.
Grand Priest Zhu Hongye observed the interactions among the younger generation with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. Still maintaining her composed demeanor, she steered the conversation back on track:
"Well, since Zhuqing has successfully absorbed the soul ring, and it's getting late, we should focus on setting up camp."
"Hurry up and get things done."
"Yes, Grand Priest," they replied in unison.
Hearing that they needed to set up the tent, Zhu Zhuqing felt relieved and quickly threw herself into the task, using her busyness to mask her embarrassment.
The camp was soon set up.
Next came dinner preparations.
After a full day of travel and the tension of absorbing the soul ring, everyone was famished.
Ning Rongrong retrieved some pre-prepared dried food, jerky, and water from her storage-type soul tool. While it could fill their stomachs, the meal looked rather bland and monotonous.
Dai Chengfeng glanced at the food, then at the three stunningly beautiful girls in front of him, each with their unique charm, as well as the dignified Grand Priest beside them. He suddenly smiled and said:
"This stuff isn't very appetizing. How about I show off my skills tonight and make something warm to eat?"
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