[The Battle to Protect the Queen] Episodes 1-5 Author: Fairy

Cover Character: Xue Xiaochai
[The Queen's Defense]

Author: Fairy
Publisher: Hetu Culture

[Volume 1] Chapter 1: A Celestial Descends

to Earth Xue Tong sat in the soft, comfortable seat of the command cabin of the St. Mary spaceship, his mind filled with anticipation for the mysterious planet they were about to land on. As an eighteen-year-old Earth citizen, he was proud to be the military advisor for the Federation's advance team, accompanying the interstellar warship to explore space.

He wasn't a brilliant scientist, a decorated soldier, or the son of a Federation marshal; his appointment as advisor was solely due to a special ability he possessed—the ability to understand the languages of birds and beasts.

Earth faced a crisis of destruction, and humanity yearned for interstellar migration. Two years ago, an unmanned reconnaissance spaceship discovered a mysterious planet. According to data sent back by the reconnaissance spaceship, the planet was inhabited by life forms similar to humans, making it extremely suitable for human habitation, yet it was also a world overrun by monsters.

After two months of debate and deliberation, the federal government unanimously agreed to send an elite advance team to explore the mysterious alien planet named "Star River Continent." Xue Tong, who could understand animal language, was recommended to the federal marshal. After approval, Xue Tong, as a military advisor, accompanied the advance team aboard the St. Mary spaceship. After a year and ten months of faster-than-light travel, they were about to reach the mysterious planet.

Just as they were about to land on Star River Continent, the warship suddenly experienced a violent jolt. Immediately afterward, alarms sounded, and the safety officer's voice rang out: "Attention all departments, the warship has been attacked by an unknown flame. The engine room is severely damaged, and the weapons bay is damaged. Please prepare to abandon ship..."

Then, the entire warship shook violently again, and Xue Tong's body was thrown overturned by the violent tremor. Through the large screen, it could be seen that the entire warship had been cut in half by a mysterious shockwave.

"Everyone, get to the escape pods!"

the safety officer shouted. Xue Tong, who was closest to the escape pod, opened the keypad door and was the first to crawl inside. "Damn it, how do I open this thing? Can anyone tell me?"

Just as Xue Tong was becoming increasingly anxious, explosions began to erupt from inside the warship. The safety officer shouted, "Those who have reached the escape pods, hold on tight to the levers! May God protect you..."

"It's over! I haven't even enjoyed the good life yet, and I'm already facing the test of death! God! I haven't even tasted the forbidden fruit of Eden yet! Please have mercy on me!"

Xue Tong cried out.

He closed the escape pod's lid, gripped the lever in front of him, and then a flash of lightning sent him flying. Looking back, Xue Tong saw the Saint Mary shattered into pieces, reduced to fragments by a powerful explosion...

The escape pod glided rapidly through the air, revealing a vast continent with mountains and a sea. Xue Tong prayed in his heart, "God!" "Lord, God, Buddha, please help me land safely."

The escape pod crashed heavily into a dense forest. Xue Tong was knocked unconscious by the violent tremor. When he awoke, he found himself safely on land. Although he had suffered some minor injuries, at least he was alive.

Where was he? Could this be the Star River Continent? According to existing information, humans and beastmen shared the world on this continent, and the geographical environment was similar to Earth. It seemed that all his companions on the warship were dead, and he was the only one left. Oh my god!

Xue Tong felt a little scared. He checked his body and found that he had no weapons, only a smartphone with a Polaroid camera function. "Oh no, I've practically been transported to another world! Even a photon pistol would be helpful, but I have no weapons at all. How am I supposed to survive? This is the Star River Continent, a land teeming with demons and monsters!

" "What's done is done. I still have my powers, don't I? Don't be afraid..."

Xue Tong encouraged herself and started walking forward. To survive, she first needed to quickly integrate into this continent and see if she could find a human-like creature to communicate with.

As Xue Tong was daydreaming, her eyes suddenly lit up. She saw a sika deer trudging through the snow from a distant mountain path. What was even more striking was that a woman in flowing purple robes sat atop the deer, though her features were obscured by the distance.

Xue Tong was overjoyed. Humans really existed on this planet! "Hey, girl, wait for me!"

Xue Tong shouted.

The sika deer sped across the rugged mountain path like lightning, arriving in the blink of an eye. Xue Tong was startled. Was this really a sika deer? It had a deer's head, a horse's body, plum blossom patterns all over its body, and a cow's tail growing from its rump.

A young woman riding a four-legged beast swept past Xue Tong. The deer was a bit strange, but the woman was truly stunning. Even in profile, she was captivating, especially with her purple ancient costume and golden umbrella slung across her back. Riding the deer, her flowing robes and proud spirit were breathtaking!

"Heave-ho..."

Before Xue Tong could speak, the four-legged beast had already sped past. The woman riding it clearly hadn't noticed him. Xue Tong thought to himself: So this planet has women too? Hmm, riding a four-legged beast, she can run so fast on mountain roads? Her attire looks like ancient Chinese clothing. Could this be a planet that looks remarkably like Earth? After a

moment's thought, Xue Tong saw that it was getting dark and he needed to hurry down the mountain. So he continued along the mountain path.

After walking for a while, it was completely dark. Several sinister wolf howls echoed in the distance. Xue Tong worried that if he didn't encounter any more travelers, he would be afraid to spend the night in this desolate mountain.

Suddenly, a woodcutter-looking man carrying a load of firewood approached.

Xue Tong wondered if he could have a normal conversation, but decided to try and see if he understood Earth's language. He quickly went to meet him and stopped him, saying, "Brother, could you tell me how to get down the mountain? I think I'm lost."

The woodcutter put down his firewood, looked at Xue Tong, and said in the same language, "Just follow that road ahead, turn left first, then right, and you'll be able to get down the mountain."

With that, the woodcutter turned to leave.

Xue Tong was overjoyed. He hadn't expected the culture of this planet to be so similar to that of China. It was truly a case of "when one door closes

, another opens." He asked, "Brother, are all the people here like you?" The woodcutter looked at Xue Tong's spacesuit and smiled wryly, "Judging from your mismatched clothes and incoherent speech, I know you're not normal. But, I'm giving you a friendly warning: there are many magical beasts on this mountain, especially at night. It's very dangerous. Someone as small as you wouldn't even be enough for them to have a good meal."

Just as the woodcutter finished speaking, a low growl came from the woods beside the mountain path, and a black, monstrous bear staggered out. Seeing the two, it bared its teeth and claws and pounced. The woodcutter drew a gleaming machete from his waist and engaged the black bear in fierce combat, saying as he fought, "Kid, I wasn't lying to you, was I?"

Xue Tong watched in fear, secretly pondering. He had sensed something was wrong here since this afternoon. How could this be? First, he saw a beautiful woman riding a strange deer, then a woodcutter, and then a ferocious black bear. Could it be... could it be that he'd transmigrated?

Just then, the woodcutter roared and cleaved the bear's head with his blade. A bright light flashed across the bear's body, and its massive form turned into a wisp of green smoke... Xue Tong was now certain he'd transmigrated. What kind of world was this?

The woodcutter walked to where the bear had turned to ashes, bent down, and picked up an object from the ground. It was a gleaming, dark object. The woodcutter squinted at it for a long time, finally unable to contain his excitement, shouting, "Bear Demon Core! It really is a Bear Demon Core! I'm rich!"

With that, he turned and ran.

Xue Tong hurriedly called out, "Brother, your firewood!"

The woodcutter, moving with lightning speed and without turning his head, shouted, "One demon beast core can be exchanged for three silver coins! I won't need to chop wood for three months!"

Xue Tong called out again, "Wait for me..."

The woodcutter's steps were incredibly fast, and Xue Tong lost sight of him after only a few steps, feeling extremely frustrated. Worried about another demon beast attack, he followed the path the woodcutter had pointed out and walked a long way. A fork in the road appeared ahead. Should he go left or right?

Xue Tong couldn't remember. Just as he hesitated, he heard another beast roar. Turning around, he saw an even larger black bear, its jaws wide open, chasing after him.

Goosebumps rose all over Xue Tong's body, his hair stood on end, and his legs went weak, almost causing him to collapse to the ground. When Xue Tong entered middle school, he suddenly gained a special ability: he could understand the languages of many birds and beasts. It was precisely because of this ability that he was able to come to this planet. So Xue Tong could hear its angry roar: "Give me back my son's life!"

"Damn it, I didn't kill your son!"

There was no other way but to run! Xue Tong ran ahead, the giant bear chasing behind. Xue Tong was now furious with the woodcutter. They say a good deed should be done to the end, but this man killed the little bear and now the giant bear is seeking revenge, all while claiming to be kind-hearted! This world has no justice!

Although Xue Tong had no martial arts skills, the giant bear wasn't fast either. The two maintained a distance of about ten steps. Although Xue Tong could understand animal language, he couldn't communicate with it and couldn't explain to the giant bear that he hadn't killed its son. If they kept running like this, even if the giant bear couldn't catch him, he'd exhaust himself. He had to find a place to hide and catch his breath.

They ran forward for a while longer. Ahead lay towering ancient trees, and perhaps even more powerful magical beasts lurked in the depths of the dense forest. The terrain ahead was rugged and difficult to traverse, with jagged rocks and thorny thickets everywhere. The further they went, the harder it became, until finally, there seemed to be no path at all. A giant bear was chasing them from behind. Xue Tong used all her strength to barely cross the mountain ridge, unintentionally escaping into a canyon.

Upon entering, she saw lush, verdant trees, their leaves still green. The cliffs on both sides were covered with exotic flowers, which, under the moonlight, shimmered with vibrant colors, like brocade clouds.

The valley path, though narrow, was very clean. The trees on both sides were mostly ancient pines and firs, thick enough for two or three people to encircle, arranged in neat rows, their canopies majestic and continuous. In the distance, Xue Tong spotted an ancient temple, its red walls and green tiles peeking out from among the lush trees. Overjoyed, he ran towards the temple, only to find the gate and walls in ruins, overgrown with weeds. A plaque hung above the gate, bearing the inscription "Hongruo Temple."

Without a second thought, Xue Tong slammed the gate shut, leaning against it and panting heavily. The large bear behind him, seeing Xue Tong disappear into the temple, roared and pounced, slamming its head against the dilapidated gate. Xue Tong and the two gates were sent flying, crashing onto a bluestone platform within the Hongruo Temple grounds with a thud. Xue Tong felt like his buttocks had been split in two. He couldn't even crawl, let alone run. Watching the giant bear slowly approach with its gaping maw, Xue Tong thought, "Am I doomed?"

Just as the bear was about to pounce, a sharp shout rang out. A woman's roar was accompanied by a whooshing sound; the voice wasn't loud, but it was incredibly powerful. Xue Tong's vision blurred, and then a flash of blue light appeared beside him, revealing a woman in purple robes with a golden umbrella on her back. Bathed in moonlight, she stood tall and graceful, with a beautiful face and exquisite features—it was the same woman riding the mythical creature he had encountered earlier. In a panic, Xue Tong cried out, "Heroine, save me!"

The giant bear, about to tear Xue Tong apart, was suddenly struck on the head by a sharp force, staggering back a few steps. Seeing a human in its way, it roared and pounced on the woman in purple. The woman in purple waved her hand, and a bolt of purple lightning illuminated the night, striking the giant bear squarely in the chest. The colossal creature staggered back seven or eight meters, realizing its opponent was too powerful.

It turned to flee, but before it could escape, the golden umbrella behind the woman in purple emitted a clear, ringing sound. A dazzling divine sword was drawn from its sheath, slicing across the bear's neck before spinning back into the woman's hand. The bear let out a mournful cry, its massive body swaying precariously. The woman in purple uttered a soft command: "Collect!"

With a flick of her wrist, a magnificent, five-colored flying wheel enveloped the bear's head.

Before Xue Tong could even comprehend what was happening, the giant bear had transformed into a dazzling golden core, landing in the woman's hand.

The woman in purple, holding her long sword upside down, turned to face Xue Tong and asked, "Are you alright?"

Already possessing an elegant air, she appeared even more imposing under the moonlight, forcing Xue Tong, lying on the ground, to look up at her. This was the first time Xue Tong had faced her directly, and he was stunned by her beauty. She gave the impression that simply standing beside her was enveloped in divine light; it wasn't just a simple beauty, but a kind of beauty that penetrated to the very bone, something to be felt and admired. Having witnessed her demon-slaying, Xue Tong became increasingly mesmerized by this beautiful alien woman.

Xue Tong struggled to his feet. Seeing that he was unharmed, the woman in purple sheathed her sword and slowly entered the temple. "There are many demonic beasts here. Traveling alone at night might be dangerous. You can stay here for the night and continue your journey at dawn."

Although a woman, her voice was loud and clear, each word resounding. Xue Tong followed the woman in purple into the house. She saw the woman walk up to the mythical creature, place the golden pill she had just collected near its mouth, and smile, "Is that enough for ten days' worth of food?"

After the creature swallowed the pill, the woman in purple patted its head with her delicate hand, and the creature vanished without a trace. Xue Tong stared wide-eyed, searching the house several times, but couldn't find it. She was quite puzzled; the aliens' culture was amazing! Where had she hidden that ox-like creature?

The woman in purple sat cross-legged on the ground, closing her eyes to meditate. Xue Tong approached, bowed, and whispered, "I am deeply grateful to the fairy sister for saving me today; otherwise, I would be dead."

The woman in purple nodded slightly but remained silent. A ball of azure divine light slowly ignited around her, enveloping her. By this time, the moon was high, shining through the broken window onto her, making her appear like a celestial being descended to earth. Seeing her graceful bearing and unparalleled beauty, Xue Tong marveled at the existence of such a beauty in the world, lamenting that they had met but could not be friends. He wanted to ask her name but feared it would be inappropriate.

While the woman in purple was deep in meditation, Xue Tong took out his phone and photographed her ethereal beauty. The phone had a built-in camera function and could take pictures quickly; the photos were generated in no time.

Looking at the photograph in his hand, Xue Tong recalled his time on Earth. Although surrounded by beautiful women, those he had encountered were mostly ordinary. He had always thought that the legendary beauties recorded in history were mostly fabrications, admired by those who loved, and not real people. But the woman he saw today was truly a peerless beauty. The woman in purple before him was clearly not of this world. Perhaps life's beauty is fleeting, but if he could spend his days with such a stunning woman, even a short life would be worthwhile.

Xue Tong sat quietly under the moon, lost in thought, when suddenly the woman in purple spoke, "What are you looking at?" Startled,

Xue Tong realized she wasn't asleep. He quickly stood up and respectfully handed her the photograph, saying, "This is a portrait made for my benefactor, to thank you for saving my life, fairy sister. Please accept it."

The woman in purple opened her divine eyes and was overjoyed to see the photograph Xue Tong had taken of her. In the photo, she looked like a goddess descended to earth, possessing a unique beauty that seemed to absorb the essence of heaven and earth, captivating all beings. Her beauty was the kind of mature beauty that ordinary people dared not look directly at, nor dared to defile, making her appear exceptionally ethereal and captivating.

The woman in purple had seen countless famous paintings, but she had never seen such a skillful hand, able to so vividly depict her portrait on this small card in such a short time. The woman in purple couldn't help but cast an approving glance at Xue Tong.

The woman in purple gazed at her own stunning reflection in the photograph, recalling her master's parting words: "Pear Blossom, demonic beasts roam the world unchecked, and humanity faces extinction. You have studied for six years, and now that you have mastered your skills, it is your duty to descend the mountain to slay demons and save the world! I bestow upon you three magical treasures: the Chaos Umbrella, the Immortal-Slaying Sword, and the Heavenly King Ring. Especially this Heavenly King Ring, which was passed down to me by my master. She told me that if I were to meet a man who truly loved me and was worthy of my lifelong devotion, the Heavenly King Ring would split in two. Yet, it caused me to wait half my life in vain. Now, I no longer need it." "That's it. Now I will pass on this Heavenly King Ring to you."

Recalling her master's words before leaving, Fan Lihua subconsciously touched the Heavenly King Ring on her finger. Seeing her holding her photograph and looking at it with great affection, Xue Tong took the opportunity to ask, "May I ask your name, young lady?"

She replied, "Fan Lihua."

Xue Tong exclaimed in surprise, "You are Fan Lihua? Fan Lihua of the Tang Dynasty?"

Fan Lihua calmly said, "I am from Xiyue..."

Xue Tong was completely confused. It seemed that this planet not only had a very similar geographical environment to Earth, but also a historical background that was extremely similar to ancient China.

"Miss Fan, to be honest, I traveled from a distant land across time and space to arrive here. I don't understand many things about this world. Miss Fan, could you tell me about this world?"

Xue Tong's eyes were full of sincerity. Perhaps because of that photograph, Fan Lihua told Xue Tong...

From Fan Lihua, Xue Tong learned that the humans of this Star River Continent had a civilization history of over a thousand years. It could also be said that this planet was somewhat parallel to Earth a thousand years ago, an ancient martial arts continent in the era of cold weapons.

The Tianlong River descends from the sky, dividing the Star River Continent in two. In the south, magical beasts roam freely. The twelve Beast Kings each possess powerful magic, using their power to seal the souls of those half-orcs, establishing the Twelve Demonic Sects. The members of the Demonic Sects cultivate Beast Flames. The higher the level of the Beast Flame, the stronger the combat power. The Beast Flames of the twelve Demonic Sect leaders have all exceeded level ten thousand. Because magical beasts cannot cultivate without Flame Pills, and long-term consumption of Flame Pills will make them susceptible to cold, and the climate in the north of the river is cold, the magical beast army has not yet considered invading the north of the river.

Jiangbei: The Three Kingdoms of Sheng Tang, Xi Yue, and Dong Yue stand in a tripartite balance!

Sheng Tang is very similar to the ancient Tang Dynasty of China, and its national strength is slightly greater than that of Dong Yue and Xi Yue. Sheng Tang's four major legions are Xue Family Army, Thousand Battle Alliance, Brocade Camp, and Black Edge Kingdom. The place I am currently in is called Lingyun Flying Crossing, which is the garrison of Xue Family Army. Two hundred and eighty miles southeast of here is the royal city of Sheng Tang.

In this world, there are no humans sealed by the Beast King. From a young age, they begin to cultivate battle spirits. Battle spirits are cultivated from level one, level ten for strengthening the body, level twenty for strengthening bones, level thirty for techniques, level for gathering spirit, level fifty for bone marrow, level sixty for spiritual communication, level seventy for capturing, level eighty for refining, level ninety for taming, and level two hundred for summoning armor!

When a battle spirit is cultivated to level one hundred, it can be converted into one hundred combat power, and then the Bright Light Armor can be summoned, adding powerful attack and defense capabilities. Reaching level 200 allows you to summon the Mystic Heaven Armor; level 400 allows you to summon the Bronze Armor; level 700 allows you to summon the Snow Silver Armor; and level 1000 allows you to summon the Purple Gold Armor.

The Battle Soul caps at level 2000; reaching level 2000 in Battle Soul cultivation is the moment of becoming a god.

After a moment's thought, Xue Tong mustered his courage and asked, "Heroine, what level is my Battle Soul?"

Fan Lihua's divine gaze lingered on Xue Tong, scrutinizing him for a while before replying, "Level!"

Xue Tong sighed softly, thinking to himself, "Level one, which is the lowest level. On this Star River Continent, even a newborn baby should have a Level one Battle Soul..." Fan Lihua seemed to sense Xue Tong's distress and took out a magic pill from her bosom, saying, "This Jade Luo Pill can double your Battle Soul's growth within a month. Initially, Battle Soul leveling up is very fast. If your aptitude is not bad and you cultivate diligently, you can reach Level fifty within a month. At that time, you won't have to fear the ordinary magical beasts on this mountain. There might not even be any magical beasts above Level two hundred here."

Xue Tong accepted the magic pill, expressing his gratitude profusely. After talking to Fan Lihua for a long time, she seemed tired. She closed her divine eyes and began meditating again. Xue Tong didn't ask any more questions, calming his mind and considering his future.

The next morning, Fan Lihua bid farewell to Xue Tong. With a wave of her hand, the strange beast appeared before her. Having just consumed the golden elixir transformed from the Great Exploding Bear the previous night, it was vigorous and imposing.

Fan Lihua told Xue Tong that this beast was called the Seven-Star Plum Blossom Beast, a top-tier mount that could increase its master's combat power by one hundred. Once her battle spirit reached level seventy and she learned to capture, she too could capture similar divine beasts and tame them as her lifelong mount. After speaking, Fan Lihua smiled brightly at Xue Tong, and the Plum Blossom Beast galloped away. "One must rely on oneself," she said. After careful consideration, Xue Tong realized that to adapt to this world, she needed to find a suitable environment to survive. A place like this, where magical beasts roamed at any time, was clearly unsuitable. It was already bright outside. Remembering what Fan Lihua had said, these magical beasts generally preferred to move at night. Taking advantage of the daylight, Xue Tong ran swiftly down the mountain.

After descending the mountain, he walked a short distance and saw a small town beside the main road. The town had only seventeen or eighteen households, and next to the road was a tofu shop with a sign hanging outside the door—Dou Family Tofu Shop. Xue Tong had been starving all night, and seeing this tofu shop immediately made his stomach rumble.

Entering the shop, he saw that although it was small, it was very clean. Seven or eight people were gathered at four tables, drinking soy milk. The flames on the stove were very strong, cooking fragrant tea eggs, making Xue Tong's mouth water.

The tofu shop was run by an elderly couple. Aunt Dou greeted Xue Tong when he entered and seated him at an empty table. Xue Tong ordered a bowl of soy milk, four eggs, and two fried dough sticks, and began to eat. He had to admit, the ancient soy milk was delicious; at least the soybeans weren't genetically modified and hadn't been sprayed with pesticides.

After finishing his breakfast, Xue Tong suddenly remembered something: he didn't have any money to pay the bill.

Aunt Dou noticed something amiss, as she had seen Xue Tong check his pockets several times. While clearing the table, she said, "Young man, you probably forgot your money, didn't you? It's alright, a few eggs aren't worth much. Just bring some next time to pay me back."

Xue Tong was extremely grateful, but his face flushed. He forced a smile and said, "Auntie, I promise I'll pay you back next time. This time… really…"

Aunt Dou said, "Don't say that, child. Everyone has their difficulties when they're out in the world. Are you full? If not, I'll get you another bowl of soy milk."

Xue Tong quickly waved his hand, "I'm full, no need!"

Leaving the tofu shop, Xue Tong walked along, pondering his next move. He planned to enlist in the Xue family army; that way, he'd have a livelihood. With a little effort and his intelligence, becoming a junior officer wouldn't be bad. Half an hour later, Xue Tong arrived in Wandu City.

After inquiring around, he quickly found the recruitment location. The recruitment site was located on the back street of the Xue Prince's Mansion. Many young men had gathered there, queuing up to wait. Further ahead, there was a wooden platform covered with a red carpet. In the center of the platform stood a purple-gold stone. Below the platform, a dozen fully-equipped soldiers, looking imposing, stood in two rows, their hands on their waist swords. In the middle was an eight-immortal table, with a young man sitting in front holding a roster. On either side of him were two beautiful young women; these three appeared to be the examiners.

Xue Tong stood in the queue, waiting until almost noon when it was finally almost his turn.

After observing for a while, Xue Tong had grasped some of the tricks of the trade. The officers of the Xue family army, the one man and two women, weren't as harsh as others had said, rejecting those with less than level 50 battle spirits. Instead, they focused on those with lower battle spirit levels, asking about military tactics, astronomy, geography, and so on. As long as one had a skill, they would still be hired.

"Next, Xue Tong!"

The young officer called Xue Tong's name. Xue Tong hurriedly climbed onto the platform, approached, bowed, and said, "This humble one is Xue Tong."

The young officer asked, "What is your combat strength?"

Xue Tong honestly replied, "Level 1."

"Level 1?"

The young officer's eyes widened in anger. "Are you here to have fun?"

The two girls couldn't help but laugh. The girl in red on the left said, "I've never heard of such a big man having only a Level 1 Battle Soul. Do you believe it, sister?"

The girl in white on the right also found Xue Tong's words hard to believe. In this continent overrun by magical beasts, regardless of whether you're a soldier or not, whether you need to protect the country or not, the first thing you need to do is defend yourself, right? Cultivating Battle Souls has become an indispensable part of human life.

Xue Tong was a little overwhelmed and said, "I really didn't lie to you."

The girl in white pointed to the purple-gold stone. "Go try it, let us see."

Xue Tong walked to the purple-gold stone, pressed his palm on it, and after some examination, the purple-gold stone displayed the words "Level 1." Immediately, the man and two women couldn't sit still any longer, and the crowd below the stage started discussing it. In our Lingyun Flying Crossing, a place blessed with outstanding people and talents, there was actually an adult with a first-level battle spirit? You should know that this is the famous Xue family army's garrison. As long as you live here for three to five years and learn a little about the cultivation techniques for battle spirits, even if you are not diligent, you can reach level ten or above when you reach adulthood.

The young officer glared angrily and said, "This man is clearly insulting the spirit of our Xue Family Army! Men, throw him away!"

Two soldiers rushed up, grabbed Xue Tong's arms, and dragged him off the stage. A chorus of jeers rose from below: "This guy, look at his clothes, so mismatched. He's eighteen or nineteen years old, and a first-level battle spirit? Is he an idiot?"

Xue Tong lowered his head and slowly left the recruitment area amidst the laughter and jeers. In his heart, however, he was shouting, "Just you wait and see, I will definitely become the strongest in this world!"
[Episode 1] Chapter 2: The Prince's Daughter

Penniless, having wandered the city of Wandu for an afternoon, Xue Tong was exhausted and hungry. He was just about to find a place to get some food to fill his stomach before looking for work when he suddenly saw a donkey cart stuck in a muddy ditch by the roadside. The driver was a kind-looking old man, struggling to whip the donkey. The donkey was exerting all its strength, but the load was too heavy, and after a long time, it still wouldn't budge.

Xue Tong hurriedly ran over and called out, "Grandpa, let me help you."

The old man wiped his sweat, turned around, smiled at Xue Tong, and said, "Young man, thank you."

So, the old man drove the donkey to pull, Xue Tong pushed hard from behind, and the donkey also put in a burst of effort. Finally, they pulled the cart wheel out of the mud pit, and Xue Tong was panting heavily from exhaustion. The old man said to him, "Young man, judging from your clothes, you're not a local, are you? Are you visiting relatives in Wandu City?"

Xue Tong smiled and honestly replied, "No, I originally planned to join the army, but I wasn't selected. Now I'm looking for a job."

The old man nodded and said, "Young man, you have a kind heart. What's your name, and what kind of job are you looking for?"

Xue Tong replied, "My name is Xue Tong. I have no relatives or friends here, so I just want a job that will provide enough food."

The old man said, "My tofu shop is looking for an assistant. I think you're a good person. If you're willing, you can work for me. Food and lodging are provided, and it'll be thirty copper coins a month. How about that?"

Xue Tong now understood that the currency in circulation here was copper coins, silver coins, and gold coins, and the exchange rate between the three currencies was one hundred. With food, lodging, and money, Xue Tong was naturally happy to take the job.

So Xue Tong followed the old man out of the city and back to the small town he had visited before. It turned out that this old man was the owner of the Dou family's tofu shop. Aunt Dou also took a liking to Xue Tong, so Xue Tong stayed at the Dou family's tofu shop, temporarily abandoning his idea of joining the army.

However, Xue Tong did not give up his determination to cultivate his battle spirit. In the past few days, he learned from other people's conversations that as long as he slew demons and monsters, he could cultivate his battle spirit. The Lingyun Flying Crossing stretched for hundreds of miles, and there were many magical beasts of levels one to one hundred. Many people went into the mountains in groups to kill magical beasts and collect divine pills. Some people were not doing it to level up, but only to collect magical beast pills and then exchange them for silver or gold coins in the market. Of course, not every magical beast had a divine pill; the probability was very low.

That night, Xue Tong ate the Jade Luo Pill given to him by Fan Lihua, crossed a mountain ridge, found the forest wolf's camp, and did not rush to attack. He carefully observed the area, found a relatively thin forest wolf, and first used a trick to lure it out of the wolf pack, and then began his first hunt for magical beasts.

Practice taught him that although he had a knife, he couldn't kill the forest wolf with a single blow. This level-five magical beast possessed considerable attack power compared to Xue Tong; its claws and teeth were deadly weapons.

While dodging the wolf's attacks, Xue Tong seized opportunities, his precious knife repeatedly striking the wolf. He could clearly see the wolf's beastly flames gradually diminishing. The final strike! Xue Tong leaped up and delivered a powerful, straight blow to the wolf's head. It howled in agony, its body instantly turning into wisps of green smoke.

Although he hadn't obtained the magical beast's divine pill, Xue Tong was overjoyed. Following his plan, Xue Tong lured another forest wolf over. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he killed the second wolf. By dawn, Xue Tong had slain a total of sixteen forest wolves.

Seeing that it was getting late, Xue Tong descended the mountain. Instead of heading straight back to Dou's tofu shop, he rushed to the Purple Gold Stone at the training ground. His heart pounded; he wondered how his night's cultivation had gone. With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Xue Tong pressed his palm against the stone. After a series of turbulent changes, the Purple Gold Stone displayed the words "Level 5." Unable to contain his joy, Xue Tong roared, "I leveled up!"

Back at Dou's tofu shop, Xue Tong told Grandpa Dou about his advancement to Level 5 Battle Spirit. The old couple were happy for him, knowing he hadn't had a moment's rest the night before, and urged him to rest. But Xue Tong refused to sleep, helping Grandma Dou grind tofu all morning, only going to bed after everyone had left for breakfast.

And so, Xue Tong practiced his skills at Lingyun Ferry every night and helped out at the Dou family's tofu shop during the day. Day after day, after seven days, Xue Tong's battle spirit had reached level eighteen. Old Master Dou said that Xue Tong was simply a genius at cultivating battle spirits. When he was young, it took him a whole year to cultivate a level fifteen battle spirit, and now at sixty years old, he only had a level forty-nine battle spirit.

Xue Tong knew in his heart that the reason he could level up so quickly was not only due to his diligent practice, but also because of the Jade Luo Pill given to him by Fan Lihua. He inquired and found that the Jade Luo Pill in Wandu City was worth ten gold coins. Ten gold coins was equivalent to three years' revenue for the Dou family's tofu shop!

That night, Xue Tong, as usual, went to Lingyun Ferry to practice his battle spirit all night. In the morning, after returning to the shop and helping Old Madam Dou grind tofu, Xue Tong poured himself a bowl of hot soy milk. He had just taken the first sip when he heard the sound of bells from a mandarin jacket outside.

Xue Tong glanced through the window and saw two fine horses parked outside the tofu shop. One was white, and the other was red, making them quite conspicuous in this remote town. The white horse had long, strong hooves, a gracefully undulating body, a handsome head, a broad forehead that gradually narrowed towards the nose, and a long, straight face. Paired with a pair of short, upright ears, its appearance was handsome, clean, and neat—truly a dragon's head! Although it wasn't particularly tall or imposing, it had a long, beautiful neck, a short, flexible back, and its every step and sway of its tail exuded an indescribable elegance and nobility. The girl riding the horse was also dressed in a snow-white fox fur coat, and even more remarkably, she had fair, snow-white skin and a pair of large, watery eyes that were captivating.

Another red horse, its neatly trimmed mane trembling on its strong neck, fluttered in the wind, exuding a majestic air. Its large, flared nostrils pulled at its deep, broad jaw, occasionally emitting a crisp snort. Its wide-set, deep blue eyes darted left and right with keen interest. Beneath its reddish-black skin, bulging muscles rippled and rolled. The glossy, smooth chestnut body was free of any stray hairs, except for its white forehead and heels. Combined with its well-tailored tack, it possessed an even more powerful and rugged appearance! The girl in red, riding a horse, said with a bright smile, "Sister, I think you should wait for me here. I feel bad making you come out with me so early in the morning!"

The girl in white laughed, "Xiao Chai, I think you little devil are trying to play tricks on me again. Father asked me to accompany you to welcome Young Master Su, but you made me wait here. Are you planning to get intimate with Young Master Su behind my back?"

The voice sounded familiar. Xue Tong peeked out the door and was shocked. Weren't these the two female officers who were in charge of recruiting new soldiers for the Xue family army a few days ago? After returning, Xue Tong inquired and learned that both girls were daughters of General Xue Rengui, but they were half-sisters. This was because Xue Rengui had two wives. The girl in white was born to his first wife, Lin Xuezhen, and her name was Xue Qingying. The girl in red, who spoke somewhat shrewishly, was born to his concubine, Lu Qingyuan, and her name was Xue Xiao Chai. What are these two young ladies doing at our tofu shop?

Then Xue Xiaochai let out a silvery laugh, "Hehe... Sister, it's been almost a year since I last saw Young Master Su. Are you allowed to be all lovey-dovey with Xue Dingshan, but I'm not allowed to have a private chat with my Young Master Su about our separation?"

Xue Qingying shook her head and smiled wryly, "Whatever. I'll just have a bowl of soy milk here. After you pick up Su Qin, remember to come here and meet me as soon as possible. Father's Snow Claw Jade Lion is seriously ill, and we need to go back to find a doctor for it."

"I know, sister,"

Xue Xiaochai said, then rode off on her fiery dragon steed.

Xue Qingying tied the jade dragon horse to a large tree outside the tofu shop, then stepped into the shop and called out, "A bowl of soy milk, please."

Xue Tong greeted her, offering her a seat, and said, "Miss, please wait a moment, I'll get you some soy milk."

Xue Qingying nodded. So many people within a hundred miles knew her; she wasn't surprised that Xue Tong recognized her. Besides, she had long forgotten about Xue Tong being rejected when he applied to join the army.

Xue Tong quickly brought over steaming hot soy milk. Xue Qingying had drunk Dou's tofu shop's soy milk several times before and knew it tasted very good. She picked up the celadon bowl, first smelling the fragrant aroma, then licking it lightly with her tongue, savoring the taste, licking it again, savoring it once more, and then taking a big gulp. A surge of heat instantly spread through her body.

Xue Tong watched her drink soy milk, thinking to herself, "This young lady is quite the gourmet; even drinking a bowl of soy milk is so refined."

"Young lady, is our soy milk good?"

Xue Tong asked, trying to strike up a conversation.

Xue Qingying looked at Xue Tong and said, "Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"

Xue Tong replied, "To be honest, my name is Xue Tong. A few days ago, I applied to be a recruit in the Xue family army, but I didn't pass because my battle spirit level was too low..."

Xue Qingying then remembered and couldn't help but laugh, "I remember now, you're the one with only a level one battle spirit?"

"It is I."

Xue Qingying looked Xue Tong up and down again and said, "Although your battle spirit level is low, you do have some unique skills. Why didn't you mention your strengths the other day? Perhaps I can recommend you to the cook camp of our Xue family army."

Xue Tong secretly curled his lip, thinking, "Am I, Xue Tong, only fit to be a cook?"

Xue Qingying took a couple more bites of squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, put down her chopsticks, and asked, "What other talents do you have?"

Xue Tong's mind raced, and he replied, "I can also draw portraits. I can draw a portrait for you, Miss."

Xue Qingying also became interested and asked, "You really know painting? I am also an expert in painting, so you can't lie to me."

Xue Tong quickly said, "I wouldn't dare call myself an expert, but I do know how to draw portraits."

After saying that, he went back to his room to get his phone, thinking to himself, "My chance has come."

When he saw Xue Tong take out a strange thing instead of brush, ink, paper, or inkstone, Xue Qingying was even more puzzled.

Xue Tong, feigning mystery, had Xue Qingying assume a dignified sitting posture. At that moment, morning light pierced through the thin mist, ushering in a warm morning. A ray of delicate morning light shone through the window, illuminating Xue Qingying and making her even more charming and beautiful. Xue Tong pressed the shutter, but didn't immediately take out the photo. Instead, he smiled at Xue Qingying and said, "Miss, I have your face deeply etched in my memory. Please wait here for a moment while I go to paint."

Xue Qingying found it amusing. This person was quite strange. Others painted portraits while looking at the person, but he wanted to avoid her. Were all low-level Battle Souls this childish and ridiculous?

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xue Tong returned happily, handing a photograph to Xue Qingying. Then he stepped back two paces, standing there observing Xue Qingying's expression.

In the photo: Xue Qingying, with her fair skin and noble spirit, sat there gracefully. Bathed in the morning light, she possessed a cool yet elegant beauty. Her oval face, a trait only befits a true beauty, had a smooth forehead and deep, mysterious eyes beneath her delicate, arched eyebrows. Her sculpted, straight nose exuded confidence, and her beautifully curved, soft lips seemed inviting to be bitten. Her pointed yet rounded chin added a touch of allure to her otherwise aloof and unapproachable aura. In short, it was a flawless face. Her slender eyebrows, clear eyes, straight nose, luscious lips, and smooth cheeks were perfectly combined in a pure and refined beauty, complemented by an irresistible charm.

"Miss, is my drawing acceptable?"

Xue Tong looked into her eyes, seeking an answer within them.

Xue Qingying was already captivated by the photograph.

She looked absolutely stunning in the painting. Hearing Xue Tong's question, a blush crept over her for some reason. Instinctively, she avoided Xue Tong's gaze and said, "It's really beautiful!"

Xue Tong noticed that Xue Qingying seemed hesitant to meet his eyes. She was neither frivolous nor extravagant, possessing only the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms and the serene tranquility of water. She was like a gentle breeze, easily encountered, leaving no trace, only a tender tenderness and a lingering sense of wonder. Xue Tong chuckled softly and continued, "Are you satisfied, Miss? If you are, I'll give it to you."

Xue Qingying stood up, delighted, and said, "Thank you so much!"

After a moment's thought, she took out a gold coin from her pocket: "This is for today's meal and the payment for this painting."

Xue Tong replied, "A gentleman loves money, but he earns it honestly. It's my honor to paint your portrait, Miss. This isn't enough for the meal; please take it back, Miss."

Xue Tong pushed the gold coin towards Xue Qingying.

Xue Qingying nodded to Xue Tong, secretly pleased with the young man's eloquent manner. Raising an eyebrow, she said, "My father is about to celebrate his fiftieth birthday. Could you paint a portrait of him? Something like this would be best. If you paint well, I will certainly reward you handsomely."

Xue Tong quickly replied, "It would be my great honor to paint a portrait of Your Highness. I will do my best."

By this time, more and more customers were coming in for breakfast. Xue Qingying took out a few copper coins to pay the bill and said, "I'll give you the money back later."

Xue Tong took the money and went to attend to other customers. About half an hour later, most of the customers at the tofu shop had left. Xue Qingying looked outside anxiously; Xue Xiaochai hadn't returned yet. Judging by the time, Su Qin was riding the Lightning Sunflower Beast, which was faster than her Jade Dragon Steed. They should definitely reach Lingyun Flying Crossing by Chenshi (7-9 AM). That brat must have gone to find a quiet place to have their love talk with Su Qin.

After waiting a while, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Xue Tong went out to see what was happening and found more than a dozen unidentifiable warhorses parked outside the gate. Xue Xiaochai, dressed in red, jumped down from her fiery steed and said to a young man in blue riding a lightning sunflower beast, "Su Qin, my sister is here."

Su Qin, dressed in brocade blue robes and possessing striking good looks, was the young prince of the Black Edge Kingdom, one of the four great families of the Holy Tang Dynasty. He was betrothed to Xue Xiaochai and was nominally the Golden Knife Prince Consort of the Xue family army. Last year, he and Xue Xiaochai had agreed that he would arrive at the Xue family army ten days in advance to prepare a congratulatory gift together. In just ten days, it would be Xue Rengui's fiftieth birthday.

Hearing her sister's voice, Xue Qingying also came out of the tofu shop. After the two sisters greeted each other, Su Qin dismounted and stepped forward, bowing to Xue Qingying and saying, "Miss, how have you been? Su Qin is very kind."

Xue Qingying waved her hand and said, "Su Qin, we are all family, you don't need to be so polite."

Su Qin said with a friendly expression, "Miss, Xiao Chai, in order to get here in time, we traveled day and night from the Black Edge Kingdom. We set off yesterday morning and haven't had a meal yet."

Xue Qingying smiled gently and said, "In that case, let's eat something here first. The tofu in this tofu shop is quite good."

Su Qin said with a grin, "Miss, I just arrived, and you're already treating me to tofu?"

His words were somewhat ambiguous, and Xue Qingying, being a serious person, was inevitably a little unhappy, but she couldn't find fault with Su Qin's words. She could only ignore Su Qin's words and quickly led Su Qin and his men into the Dou family tofu shop, asking Xue Tong to quickly prepare the finest tofu for Su Qin and his men to eat.

Xue Tong disliked Su Qin, a hypocrite who appeared respectable on the surface. He could tell from the way Su Qin stared at Xue Qingying that Su Qin was no good. However, Xue Tong knew that Su Qin was the son of Prince Su Feng, so he did not dare to be negligent. He brought out several dishes of the finest tofu prepared by Aunt Dou and placed them on the table.

Su Qin glanced at the food, then ordered his men to eat. Taking the first bite, he realized the plate was full of tofu. Su Qin cursed, "You little rascal! I've been traveling all night, my stomach is growling with hunger, and instead of good wine and meat, you give me this tofu? Are you afraid I can't afford it?"

Xue Tong hurriedly explained, "Young Prince, this is a tofu shop. We only have tofu, not meat as you described."

Su Qin was taken aback by Xue Tong's words, then thought for a moment and said, "Then hurry up and buy some beef or something to make this."

Xue Tong said, "I can buy beef, but it will take at least one or two hours round trip. I wonder if Young Prince can wait?"

Su Qin cursed, "You little rascal, you're deliberately trying to make me angry! Fine! I just heard a donkey braying in your backyard. Go and kill that donkey now, and get me a table full of meat. Hurry up, or I'll tear down your shop!"

Upon hearing this, Old Man Dou couldn't help but chime in, "Young Prince..." "That donkey is the lifeblood of my family! Our tofu shop relies on it to grind tofu!"

Su Qin slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Enough talk! I want to eat that donkey! I'm ordering four dishes: donkey tongue, donkey leg, donkey kidney, and donkey penis. Not one of these four can be missing. Go and prepare them now!"

Xue Qingying couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Su Qin, isn't this a bit excessive? If you really want to eat meat, why don't you come with me to the Prince's mansion to eat?"

Su Qin replied, "Miss, it doesn't really matter where we eat. I mainly want to help you manage the people of your Xue family army. There are too many unruly people here. In our Black Edge Kingdom, no one has ever dared to go against me."

Aunt Dou came out from behind and pulled Uncle Dou and Xue Tong to the backyard. She sighed, "The people can't fight with the officials, especially since he's a young prince. Old man, I think you should just give up this donkey."

Uncle Dou sighed deeply, at a loss. He walked over with faltering steps, stroked the donkey that had been with him for many years, and couldn't help but shed tears. Xue Tong felt a pang of sadness and resentment towards Su Qin's unreasonable behavior. Just then, a

dog barked from the neighboring yard. Xue Tong's eyes lit up, and he climbed over the wall to look. He saw that Zhang the carpenter next door had tied a rope around the neck of his black dog, hung it from a tree, and was sharpening his knife. It seemed he was going to kill the dog.

Xue Tong asked, "Brother Zhang, what are you doing?"

Zhang the carpenter replied, "This black dog has been sick lately and is about to die. Since it's not going to live anyway, I might as well kill it and eat dog meat."

Xue Tong was secretly delighted. Now, Uncle Dou's donkey wouldn't have to die. So, Xue Tong bought Zhang the carpenter's dog for ten copper coins and asked Zhang to kill it. He quickly stewed a pot of dog meat, and Xue Tong also specially prepared an extra dish for Su Qin, serving it along with the meat.

After waiting for a long time, the food finally arrived. Su Qin and his men, who were starving, immediately picked up their chopsticks and began to eat. The cunning Su Qin sniffed the aroma of the meat and asked suspiciously, "Is this donkey meat?"

Xue Tong replied, "Of course, Your Highness."

Su Qin then pointed to the dish Xue Tong had specially prepared and asked, "And what is this?"

Xue Tong replied, "Your Highness, this is donkey penis, braised donkey penis."

Su Qin nodded in satisfaction, picked up his chopsticks, put a piece of donkey penis in his mouth, and said to Xue Xiaochai and Xue Qingying, "Aren't you two going to eat?"

Xue Qingying and Xue Xiaochai, of course, knew what donkey penis was. Xue Qingying was so disgusted that she almost vomited, while Xue Xiaochai smiled wickedly and reached for the meat with her chopsticks...

Just then, Zhang the carpenter's voice came from outside the door, "Xue Tong, Xue Tong..."

Xue Tong looked ... Su Qin was secretly delighted to see him eating dog penis when Zhang the carpenter burst in. Worried he would reveal the truth, Su Qin was about to gag him when Zhang placed five copper coins on the counter, saying, "My wife said we're neighbors, and a dying mangy dog isn't worth ten copper coins. She insists I give you five. Here's the money, I'm going home."

Su Qin, being shrewd, had already suspected Xue Tong wasn't serving donkey meat. Hearing Zhang's words, he immediately realized the truth. Xue Xiaochai, who had just bitten into a piece of donkey penis, spat it out with a "whoosh," and several of his men who had tasted it also clutched their stomachs and vomited.

Enraged, Su Qin gagged a few times, slammed his hand on the table, drew his sword from his waist, and cursed Xue Tong, "You little rascal, how dare you mock me! I'll kill you!"

Xue Tong then realized he had gone too far with his joke and offended the young prince; he was in serious trouble now. Seeing Su Qin leap over with his sword in hand, Xue Tong instinctively jumped out the door. Aunt Dou knew something was wrong and hurriedly shouted, "Xue Tong, run!"

Xue Tong thought: I caused this trouble; if I run, it will surely harm Master and Aunt.

In fact, even if Xue Tong wanted to run, he couldn't.

Although Xue Tong had leaped outside the door, he felt an invisible, immense suction force coming from behind him, as if his body was being held by a magnet, making it difficult to take another step—this was the Great Suction Hand of the Su family of the Black Edge Kingdom. Su Qin snorted coldly, and with another exertion, Xue Tong's over 100-pound body was sent flying like a leaf into his palm.

Grabbing Xue Tong by the back of his collar, Su Qin slammed him onto the table, facing the plate of dog whips. He cursed, "You little brat, how dare you defy me! You'd better eat this whole plate of dog whips, or I'll have your whole family executed!"

"I won't eat it!"

Xue Tong struggled fiercely.

"You eat it!"

Su Qin tightened his grip, pressing Xue Tong's head down onto the table. Xue Tong couldn't escape Su Qin's control, but his hands weren't idle; he picked up the plate and slammed it down on Su Qin's head. Su Qin, pressed against Xue Tong's body, couldn't dodge. He hadn't expected Xue Tong to dare use such a thing to hit him.

Having a plate of dog whips slammed on his head was worse than being covered in dog excrement. Su Qin wiped the oil from his face, furiously shouting, "Go to hell!"

With that, he threw Xue Tong's body to the ground and then swung his sword!

Seeing that Xue Tong's life was in danger, a flash of silver light appeared, and a sword was extended to block Su Qin's sword.

The one who came to the rescue was Xue Qingying. Miss Xue had long been unable to stand it any longer. She parried Su Qin's sword and angrily said, "Su Qin, do you want to kill someone in front of me?"

Su Qin was startled and immediately said, "Miss, this servant is truly despicable. You saw it yourself; he actually tricked me with dog meat."

Xue Qingying snorted and said, "Su Qin, you forced him to do this. The tofu shop only had one donkey. You insisted they kill it and sell it to you. That's making things difficult for someone."

Su Qin's expression changed, and he said, "Miss, don't forget, I'm your future brother-in-law. How can I speak for an outsider?"

Xue Qingying replied, "I'm upholding justice because I am the eldest daughter of the Xue family army. Everyone here, regardless of age or gender, is my father's subject. Su Qin, this isn't the Black Edge Kingdom; you can't treat human life so lightly. Quickly put away your sword, or I won't be so polite."

"This..."

Su Qin's face grew increasingly grim, and his dozen or so subordinates could no longer contain themselves. Two of them, with their impetuous nature, drew their swords with a "whoosh," awaiting the young prince's order... Xue Xiaochai stamped her feet anxiously, torn between her future husband and her own sister. She glared at Xue Tong resentfully and cursed, "It's all your fault, you servant! Sister, Young Master Su, what are you doing?"

Su Qin calmed down and angrily rebuked his subordinates, "What are you doing? Do you want to die?"

The two subordinates quickly sheathed their weapons and retreated. Su Qin then said to Xue Qingying, "Miss, I'll give you face and let this matter go."

With that, he sheathed his sword, waved his hand, and the group left the Sai Family Tofu Shop.

Xue Qingying stepped forward and helped Xue Tong up, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"

Xue Tong had also been frightened, but fortunately, Miss Xue had come to his rescue. Looking at Xue Qingying, Xue Tong said gratefully, "Miss, you are such a kind person. I will always remember your life-saving grace."

Xue Qingying smiled slightly and said, "Don't stoop to Su Qin's level."

Then she took out a silver coin as payment for the meal. "Xue Tong, I'll come back to see you in a few days. Don't forget I still need you to draw a portrait of my father."

With that, Xue Qingying left the Dou family's tofu shop, mounted her jade dragon horse, and the group headed towards Wandu City.

That night, Xue Tong didn't go up the mountain to cultivate his battle spirit; lying in bed, he couldn't sleep.

One moment he was thinking of Fan Lihua, the next of Xue Qingying. Gazing at the bright moon, Xue Tong mocked himself, "You're just a lowly servant, while Xue Qingying is the daughter of a prince, and Fan Lihua is a goddess from heaven. Why would they even notice you?"

Unable to sleep, Xue Tong simply closed his eyes and meditated on the bed, cultivating his Battle Soul. He was about to advance to level 20 in Battle Soul cultivation. After level 20, he needed to connect his Battle Soul with his bones. What Xue Tong needed to do now was circulate his Small Heavenly Circuit, sublimating his Battle Soul into a stream of energy, slowly circulating it throughout his body, allowing the heat to gradually seep into his bones.

After practicing for most of the night, covered in sweat, Xue Tong slept soundly.

Unexpectedly, Xue Qingying came to see Su Tong the next day. Xue

Qingying had been asked by her father to go with Xue Xiaochai and Su Qin to invite a divine physician to treat her Snow Claw Jade Lion. Xue Qingying didn't want to be associated with Su Qin, so she made an excuse that she wasn't feeling well and didn't go. Last night, she overheard Su Qin secretly instructing two of his men to do something she didn't know. Su Qingying was worried that Su Qin would hold a grudge and try to harm Xue Tong, so she came to check on her.

Seeing that Xue Tong was unharmed, she was relieved. After having breakfast at the tofu shop, Xue Qingying handed Xue Tong a precious sword, saying, "Although your battle spirit is low, I think you're quite intelligent. I'm giving you this sword in the hope that you'll practice diligently. I also have two martial arts manuals for cultivating battle spirit here: 'Marrow Transformation Heart Method' and 'Seven Star Steps,' both very useful to you. Additionally, I have a bottle of Nine-Flower Jade Dew Liquid. Drinking it will double your battle spirit within ten days. Xue Tong, if you practice diligently, I guarantee you'll reach level 50 battle spirit within a month."

Xue Tong was overjoyed and accepted the three treasures from Miss Xue, saying, "Miss, I certainly won't let you down. To be honest, I want to join the Xue Family Army and serve Prince Xue for life."

Xue Qingying nodded and added, "I don't have much to do these past few days. If you have time, I can..." "I'll teach you some swordsmanship so you can be faster when slaying magical beasts."

Xue Tong was overjoyed and immediately said, "Thank you for teaching me, Miss. I have time, anytime."

So, Xue Qingying led Xue Tong onto the Lingyun Flying Crossing and into the depths of the dense forest. Finding a flat spot, Xue Qingying said, "I'll teach you the Seven Star Footwork first. This Seven Star Footwork is divided into forward Seven Star and backward Seven Star. Forward Seven Star is used for attacking, and backward Seven Star is used for retreating. As long as you can master this Seven Star Footwork, you'll be able to deal with these magical beasts with ease."

After saying that, she assumed a fighting stance. "Xue Tong, draw your sword and attack me."

Xue Tong hesitated for a moment, but seeing Xue Qingying's serious expression, she didn't dare to hesitate. She drew her sword and shouted, "Miss, I'm about to make my move. Be careful!"

After saying that, she raised her sword and thrust it at Xue Qingying.

Xue Qingying took a step forward, suddenly grabbing Xue Tong's wrist as he gripped his sword, and laughed, "You're too slow."

The grip was incredibly strong; Xue Tong felt half his body go numb, his bones throbbing with pain. His mind raced, and he instinctively stepped forward, unleashing a "Great Wave Rising to the Sky" strike with his left palm. Xue Qingying, however, moved with unusual slowness. Only after Xue Tong's palm strike landed did she slightly shift her body, keeping her right hand gripping Xue Tong's left wrist, while her left hand suddenly and subtly flipped, using the force of Xue Tong's attack to neutralize it. Xue Tong panicked and retaliated with his left palm. This time, Xue Qingying didn't retaliate. Her white robes fluttered as she dodged, holding onto Xue Tong's left wrist tightly while simultaneously trying to evade Xue Tong's right palm strikes. Strangely enough, Xue Qingying and Xue Tong were only a foot apart, and no matter how hard he struck, he could not hit her once. On the surface, it seemed that Xue Qingying was turning with Xue Tong's palm strikes, but in fact, every move Xue Tong made was following Xue Qingying's movements.

Xue Tong unleashed over a dozen palm strikes, but he couldn't even touch Xue Qingying's clothes, let alone strike her. His left wrist was held captive, so he had to use his right hand. He initially struck a few times, attempting to free his wrist, but after exhausting his options, he realized further fighting would only lead to humiliation and stopped. Xue Qingying still held Xue Tong's right wrist, her clear, watery eyes filled with tender affection as she smiled at him, emanating a sweet fragrance that intoxicated him. Xue Qingying slowly released Xue Tong's hand, smiled slightly, and said, "Take a close look at the footprints I left on the ground, and practice accordingly. With your comprehension, it shouldn't be difficult for you to grasp it. As long as you practice diligently, you can achieve a minor mastery within ten days."

Then, Xue Qingying taught the Seven Star Steps incantation: "Remember, the snake moves, the eagle swoops, the fish swims, the rabbit escapes; the five elements interact, the strong become the weak. The Seven Star Steps are wonderful in their simplicity and speed; even surrounded by powerful enemies, it's not difficult to escape. Try to understand it well. I'll go to the mountains to find some delicious wild fruits; tonight I'll accompany you to Moyun Ridge for practice."

Before Xue Tong could even say thank you, Xue Qingying, dressed in white, had already reached several dozen feet away. She moved like lightning, disappearing in two leaps and two bounds.

The young lady said she'd accompany me to practice tonight—how wonderful! After a period of blissful daydreaming, Xue Tong lowered his head to examine the ground closely. He saw clear footprints of Xue Qingying covering an area of ten zhang (approximately 33 meters). Immediately following Xue Qingying's instructions, he began practicing the Seven Star Steps, tracing the marks. Although the Seven Star Steps appeared simple, they were actually an exceptionally profound skill, containing the interplay of the five elements and countless mysteries. Even with Xue Tong's exceptional intelligence, he couldn't fully grasp it in a short time. Fortunately, he was willing to put in the effort, practicing continuously from morning until sunset, rehearsing at least a thousand times before stopping to rest.

Sitting under a large tree, he wondered, "Why hasn't the young lady returned yet?" As Xue Tong was lost in thought, a figure suddenly moved in the distance, followed by two whistles. Two men in gray, one tall and one short, had arrived. The shorter one stopped and sneered at Xue Tong, "So you're here, kid. We've been looking for you all day."

Xue Tong stood up warily, sized up the two men, and recognized them as Su Qin's men. He was startled; they were definitely here for revenge. How could he, with his mediocre skills, possibly handle them? Although Xue Tong was afraid, he pretended to be calm, crossed his arms, and sneered, "Su Qin sent you, didn't he? What do you want? Speak."

The taller man's face twitched, and he said in a sinister tone, "To take your life."

He then moved to attack.

Xue Tong waved his hand, "Wait!"

The tall man stopped at the sound of his voice. Xue Tong said, "I don't have much of a grudge against you two, do I? You two are just following orders, but it would be a pity to lose your lives like this."

The two men exchanged a glance, and the short man said, "Stop wasting words with him, just cut off his head first."

With that, he moved swiftly, using his Eagle Claw technique to pounce on Xue Tong. Seeing that things were going badly, Xue Tong instinctively used the Seven Stars technique to slide back three steps, which actually avoided the short man's series of attacks.

The tall man saw Xue Tong's strange movements and guessed that since this kid dared to tease the young prince, he was no ordinary person, so he immediately dared not be careless. He shouted, "Bright Light Possession!"

With a loud "crack," a suit of Bright Light armor suddenly appeared on his body. The shorter man roared, "Bright Light Possession!"

He too donned a Bright Light Armor, making them, one tall and one short, like two celestial beings, completely blocking Xue Tong's path forward and backward.

Xue Tong glanced around, inwardly shocked: "This is the legendary Bright Light Armor? It's said that only those with a Battle Soul level of 100 can summon Bright Light Armor. My God, this is so unfair! Using two level 100 Bright Light warriors against a newbie like me who's not even level 20 yet—is there any justice?

" "Boy, prepare to die!"

The two Bright Light warriors, one wielding twin swords, the other swinging a large hammer, attacked Xue Tong from both sides.

Xue Tong closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.

However, after closing her eyes, she heard two crisp sounds of weapons clashing, followed by a delicate shout: "Do you two dare to commit atrocities in my Xue family army territory?"

Xue Tong recognized Xue Qingying's voice and was overjoyed. She opened her eyes and saw Xue Qingying standing beside her with three swords in her hands, but suddenly she was wearing a bronze armor that shone with a blue light.

The shorter man exclaimed in surprise, "Bronze armor? I didn't expect Miss Xue to have advanced to the Bronze Warrior level?"

Xue Qingying coldly replied, "You two lackeys, did Su Qin send you to assassinate Xue Tong?"

The two exchanged a glance, and the shorter man said, "This matter has nothing to do with our young prince. We brothers couldn't stand this kid's behavior and wanted to kill him to avenge our young prince."

Xue Qingying sternly said, "Since you acted on your own initiative without your master's orders and disregarded human life, then I, this young lady, will enforce the military regulations of our Xue family army: those who disregard human life will be executed without mercy!"

With that, she waved her hand, and three swords in her hand flashed brightly. Two of the swords flew out, trapping the two Bright Light Warriors. Her body moved like a startled swan, and in a swift turn, two heads were already flying into the air.

The difference in strength between Bright Light Warriors and Bronze Warriors was too great. They had already seen the killing intent in Xue Qingying's eyes, and these two guys already knew their lives were in danger, so they didn't dare to say that they were acting on the orders of the young prince.

After witnessing the carnage, Xue Tong felt a surge of excitement. It was incredibly satisfying! Those two guys were both very skilled in martial arts, but the young lady single-handedly defeated them, practically annihilating them instantly.

[Episode 1] Chapter 3: Forging in the Deep Mountains

Having sheathed the three swords and removed her bronze armor, Xue Qingying handed the fresh fruit she had picked to Xue Tong, then said, "Last night, I saw those two acting suspiciously. I didn't expect they really had ill intentions."

Xue Tong said, "Miss, won't killing them create an enmity with Su Qin? He's your future brother-in-law. I'd feel terrible if I ruined your relationship."

Xue Qingying said, "How could a villain like Su Qin be worthy of being our Xue family's son-in-law? It's all my second mother's fault for being blind and foolish, and Xiao Chai can't distinguish right from wrong either. But I'll remind Xiao Chai. As for these two servants, I originally wanted to capture them and confront Su Qin, but the Black Edge Kingdom has extremely strict military discipline, and the Su family father and son are notoriously cruel. I doubt these two servants would rather commit suicide than betray their master. Killing them..." "Even better, so they won't harm the world."

After finishing the fresh fruit Xue Qingying had picked, Xue Tong asked, "Miss, why are you so late? If you had come back any later, I would have been dead."

Xue Qingying smiled brightly and said, "Actually, I came back a long time ago, but I didn't show myself."

Xue Tong suddenly realized, "So, Miss, you were hiding in the shadows watching me practice to see if I was slacking off?"

Xue Qingying chuckled, "Even if that's the case, I've noticed that you practice quite diligently, and your comprehension is also quite good. Even though you were in danger just now, your footwork didn't falter. You are indeed a martial arts genius. As long as you work hard, you will definitely make a name for yourself."

Seeing that it was getting dark, Xue Qingying had Xue Tong drink the Nine-Flower Jade Dew she had given him, and then summoned the Jade Dragon Steed, letting Xue Tong ride with her. After the two mounted, the Jade Dragon Steed neighed and galloped towards Moyun Ridge. The jade dragon steed was incredibly fast. Xue Tong, who had never ridden a horse before, sat behind Xue Qingying, clinging tightly to her slender waist, not daring to let go. He felt the beauty's fragrance permeate his heart and soul, but he also remembered the ruthless killing intent of the young lady in her bronze armor. He struggled to overcome his distracting thoughts and dared not entertain any improper ideas.

In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the jade dragon steed had already arrived at the foot of Moyun Ridge. He had heard that this mountain was inhabited by magical beasts of level fifty and above, and only Bright Light Warriors dared to climb this peak to cultivate their battle spirit or gather treasures.

Looking into the distance, towering peaks pierced the sky, and sheer cliffs were shrouded in clouds. Some clouds were thick and billowing, seemingly about to rise; others were white clouds like ribbons, encircling the peaks.

The Jade Dragon Steed climbed the narrow mountain path. When it reached the halfway point, the path disappeared, and relying entirely on its excellent leaping ability, it searched for a new route. It easily leaped over cliffs three or five zhang wide, sometimes so frightening that Xue Tong closed his eyes. He didn't even notice the scenery along the way, only feeling that the peaks were covered in blooming flowers, and that he was immersed in a sea of fragrance, its sweet scent permeating his clothes and refreshing his heart.

The Jade Dragon Steed arrived at the summit of Moyun Ridge, where there was a flat area of about a thousand acres. A bamboo forest grew there, its green trunks reaching towards the clouds, the rows neat and orderly, casting a soft shadow in the slanting moonlight. Within that bamboo forest, there were hundreds of three-headed monsters with blue faces and fangs.

Stopping the Jade Dragon Steed, Xue Qingying said, "These three-headed monsters are hybrids of the Explosive Bear and the Skeleton Wolf. They are incredibly strong and extremely ferocious, gathering on this peak every night to absorb the moon's essence. The lowest level among them is level sixty, and the highest is probably over level one hundred. You've consumed my Nine-Flower Jade Dew; if you join forces with me to kill these three-headed monsters, you can at least level up to level thirty tonight."

Xue Tong was secretly pleased and said, "Miss, with my current skill, I'm afraid it will be difficult to kill even one of them."

Xue Qingying said, "Don't..." "Don't worry , I'm here too."

With that, she summoned her bronze armor, sword in hand. "Xue Tong, these three-headed monsters, though powerful and ferocious, are extremely slow-witted. Use the Seven Star Steps to sneak into the bamboo forest. Remember, do not engage them in combat; simply provoke them and lure them here. Watch me kill them."

Xue Tong understood Xue Qingying's meaning and naturally trusted her abilities. She straightened her clothes and shoes, took a deep breath, silently recited the Seven Star Steps incantation, gathered her inner energy, shouted, and ran into the depths of the bamboo forest. Just as Xue Qingying had said, these three-headed monsters weren't incredibly fast, but they were certainly not slow either. If Xue Tong hadn't learned the Seven Star Steps, she would surely have perished in the bamboo forest.

After running frantically for a while, Xue Tong turned around and broke out in a cold sweat. Forty or fifty three-headed monsters had surrounded her, the tallest being more than twice her height. "Young Miss, save me!"

Xue Tong used all her strength to run back to Xue Qingying's side.

Xue Qingying shouted and charged into the horde of beasts, her feet moving in the Seven Star Step, her three swords flashing as she fought the monsters. Xue Tong jumped onto a large blue stone to watch the battle. Although the three-headed monsters were numerous and strong, some of the higher-level ones could even breathe smoke, poison, and fire, surrounding Xue Qingying. However, Xue Qingying was protected by bronze armor and was fearless. Under her sword light, monsters fell one after another.

After another incense stick's time, Xue Qingying's sword flashed, and all forty or fifty three-headed monsters were wiped out. Only a dozen or so silver pills remained scattered on the ground. Xue Qingying stretched out her jade palm, using a powerful suction force to gather the silver pills in her hand, tossing them to the Jade Dragon Steed. Then, she lightly leaped onto the large blue stone and stood beside Xue Tong.

Xue Tong praised, "The battle just now was like witnessing a god descend to earth! Miss, your martial arts are truly unparalleled!"

Xue Qingying shook her head and smiled, "There are always higher heavens and stronger people. As far as I know, north of the Tianlong River, there are at least a thousand bronze warriors like me, and at least thirty snow silver warriors even more powerful than me."

Xue Tong said "Oh," and asked, "Miss, please forgive my ignorance, I thought someone with your skills would be invincible, but it turns out not. So, if you were facing..." "What would happen to a Snow Silver Warrior?"

Xue Qingying asked. "Do you remember how I killed Su Qin's two subordinates?"

Xue Tong nodded. Xue Qingying sighed, "If they had been wearing Snow Silver armor, then we would have been the ones killed."

Xue Tong exclaimed in shock, "So, if we were facing a Purple Gold Warrior, even if we outnumbered them, we would have no chance of winning?"

Xue Qingying took out a bottle of immortal juice from her bosom and poured it onto her bronze armor. Her bronze armor immediately shone with a magnificent glow. This bottle of immortal juice is used to repair the damage to her battle armor. In the battle just now, she killed over fifty demonic beasts, and her bronze armor suffered some damage. Because she needs to continue slaying demonic beasts, she needs to repair it. Putting away the small jade bottle, Xue Qingying said seriously, "Then there's no question of a direct confrontation. Ten years ago, the Holy Tang King, clad in snow-silver armor, had thirteen bodyguards, all of whom were snow-silver warriors, along with three thousand bronze-armored soldiers and one hundred thousand bright-armored soldiers. To open the road to the overseas immortal mountains, one hundred thousand Tang troops attacked Wushuang City..."

She began, gazing at the bright moon in the azure sky, and sighed again, her voice filled with infinite sorrow, "Guarding Wushuang City were two sisters, the elder named Ning Qingcheng, and the younger named Ning Wushuang. They guarded Wushuang City, preventing our Heavenly Dynasty's one hundred thousand troops from setting foot on the overseas immortal mountains. The King was furious and fought them to a decisive battle beneath Wushuang City..."

"That battle was earth-shattering and awe-inspiring. King Kao Shan never imagined that Ning Qingcheng, hidden so deeply, was actually a Purple-Gold Warrior. It was that battle that cemented the fame of Wushuang City, and the entire 100,000-strong army of the Holy Tang Dynasty was annihilated. King Kao Shan died in eternal rest beneath the millennia-old ice and snow of Wushuang City, and most of the Thirteen Protectors perished. Only my father, Xue Rengui, Qian Zhan, Dou Tianlong, and Su Feng survived."

Xue Tong said, "Miss, hearing you say this has strengthened my resolve to cultivate my Battle Soul, no matter what the future holds." "Even if I never become a Bronze Warrior in my lifetime, at least I tried."

Xue Qingying praised, "Well said! Xue Tong, for the coexistence of humanity and to defeat the magical beasts, we should all work together, otherwise we will become puppets controlled by the magical beasts. Let's begin."

Xue Tong's confidence soared. He jumped off the large blue stone and rushed into the bamboo forest...

Xue Tong once again attracted a large number of magical beasts for Xue Qingying to kill. This went on and on. Before dawn, all four hundred or so three-headed monsters that had gathered on Moyun Ridge that day had been killed by Xue Qingying.

After returning from Moyun Ridge, Xue Qingying and Xue Tong arrived at the Purple Gold Stone in the training ground.

Xue Tong stepped forward and pressed his palm onto the stone surface. After a series of turbulent changes, the Purple Gold Stone displayed the number thirty-six. Xue Tong was secretly delighted; his leveling speed was simply divine.

Xue Qingying was quite satisfied with Xue Tong's leveling speed. However, she didn't know that before consuming the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Elixir, Xue Tong had also consumed Fan Lihua's Jade Luo Pill, resulting in a fourfold increase in his leveling speed over the past few days.

"After your Battle Soul reaches level 50, the speed will slow down, and it will slow down even more after level 100. Once your Battle Soul exceeds level 200, even with double-expansion potions, the leveling speed isn't very noticeable. I can only increase my Battle Soul level by seven or eight levels per year now, which is incredibly slow progress,"

Xue Qingying told Xue Tong. She also told him to rest during the day and that she would visit him at Dou's tofu shop after dark, then take him to Wild Boar Ridge to cultivate his Battle Soul.

After parting ways, Xue Tong returned to Dou's tofu shop, helped Aunt Dou grind tofu, and then went to sleep. After a good night's sleep, Xue Tong woke up as the sun was already setting. She quickly got up, and Aunt Dou said, "Child, you must have been very tired from practicing these past few days. I saw you were sleeping so soundly, so I didn't wake you at noon. Are you hungry? I've prepared some food for you, go and eat."

Looking at the kind old woman, Xue Tong said gratefully, "Auntie, you're so kind to me. I will definitely repay you in the future."

Aunt Dou just smiled kindly and led Xue Tong outside. She had already prepared several kinds of snacks and a plate of braised beef, which Xue Tong quickly ate until she was completely full. Just after finishing her meal, the sound of bells jingling rang out. Running out, she saw that it was indeed Xue Qingying.

Noticing that Xue Qingying's complexion wasn't very good today, Xue Tong asked, "Miss, is something on your mind? If you don't have time today, I can practice by myself."

Xue Qingying forced a smile and said, "There are some things at home, but it's alright. Let's get on the horse; we'll go to Wild Boar Ridge tonight."

Xue Tong didn't ask any further questions and followed Xue Qingying to Wild Boar Ridge.

The Jade Dragon Steed carried the two of them at breakneck speed to Wild Boar Ridge. The road to Wild Boar Ridge was a bit longer than that to Moyun Ridge, and the entire route consisted of high mountains and steep ridges, making it easier to cross. Unlike the valleys with their towering cliffs and gloomy scenery, the winding paths were much more suffocating. Xue Tong suddenly felt a wide-open view before him and asked, "I've heard that the wild boars in Wild Boar Ridge are as big as oxen, and their beastly flames have reached level three hundred. When those large groups of wild boars gallop, the dust rises dozens of feet high, like a dark, surging tide, earth-shattering and incredibly ferocious. If you're not confident enough, you shouldn't come to Wild Boar Ridge."

Xue Qingying said, "Yes, these wild boars are very difficult to deal with. I remember a few years ago, when I came here to practice, my parents escorted me. Although it was fraught with danger, these wild boars were of a very high level. After one night, your battle spirit should reach level fifty."

The two walked a little further and slowly entered a canyon. Although the wild grass ahead wasn't tall, it grew very evenly. The mountain path was extremely steep at both ends, but this long stretch was relatively easy to walk; other parts were difficult for ordinary people to cross. Seeing another ravine ahead, Xue Qingying put away her Jade Dragon Steed, and the two walked forward to the mountain peak and cliff.

This slope was only a dozen feet high, surrounded by chaotic mountains on both sides. Behind the peak, a precipitous cliff rises, overlooking a wide ravine several meters deep. Below, the ground is covered with jagged rocks and wild grass, except for a narrow, swiftly flowing stream at its center. On the opposite bank lies a vast forest, its peaks layered and verdant, a treacherous landscape. Large, ferocious beasts can be vaguely seen running through the forest, and the occasional squeal of wild boars echoes through the air.

Xue Qingying donned her bronze armor, drew her sword, and said, "Wild boars are not like the three-headed monster. They attack with incredible speed, so this time you don't need to lure them. We'll fight our way in together. You just need to protect yourself."

Xue Tong cautiously followed behind Xue Qingying, and the two of them entered the wild boar forest one after the other.

Their entry immediately attracted a large swarm of wild boars. Xue Qingying wielded her sword to meet them; if those two-foot-long tusks had struck her, she would surely have been killed. Xue Tong, on the other hand, carefully used the Seven Star Steps, dodging and weaving, working up a sweat even without attacking.

Fortunately, Xue Qingying possessed profound skill and superb swordsmanship. Half an hour later, the first wave of thirty wild boars that had attacked were all killed. Several golden beast cores fell to the ground. Xue Tong knew that these could be used to feed the Jade Dragon Steed, so she helped Xue Qingying pick them up.

Seeing Xue Tong covered in sweat and panting heavily, Xue Qingying took out a handkerchief. "Xue Tong, wipe your sweat. Let's rest for a while before continuing the fight."

Xue Tong took the handkerchief, smelling its delicate fragrance. She wiped her sweat and handed the beast cores to Xue Qingying. "Miss, can these be used to feed your Jade Dragon Steed?"

Xue Qingying smiled and nodded. "Yes."

She took the beast cores, and the two walked out of the wild boar forest. Seeing Xue Qingying busy feeding the Jade Dragon Steed, Xue Tong held the handkerchief to her nose, inhaled its alluring fragrance, and then put it in her bosom, intending to wash it and return it to her the next day.

Xue Tong walked to Xue Qingying's side and saw that her delicate brows were furrowed, and she seemed lost in thought, clearly troubled. She asked what was wrong.

It turned out that Xue Rengui's fiftieth birthday was approaching, and important members of the other three major families would be coming to celebrate. As usual, the four princes and the young masters and ladies of the various princely mansions would spar with each other. Unfortunately, Xue Rengui's Snow Claw Jade Lion had fallen ill, and it seemed to be terminally ill; many famous doctors had been consulted, but none could cure it.

Xue Rengui's own battle spirit was level 510, the Snow Claw Jade Lion added 100 combat power, the Fangtian Halberd added 60, and the Jade Bright Yellow Stone added 60, for a total combat power of 730.

Therefore, without the Snow Claw Jade Lion, Xue Rengui would have to leave the ranks of the Snow Silver Warriors, which would be an extremely cruel thing. Furthermore, top-quality mounts like the Snow Claw Jade Lion are almost impossible to find in the Holy Tang Dynasty. Xue Rengui's own mount was acquired ten years ago when the Prince of Kao Shan was still alive; he spent a fortune to purchase thirteen such mounts and awarded one to each of his thirteen bodyguards.

In addition, besides the four major family leaders—Xue Rengui, Dou Tianlong, Qian Zhan, and Su Feng—the Holy Tang Dynasty currently has a considerable number of Snow Silver Warriors, with Xue Rengui's Xue Family Army being the most powerful among the four families. However, if Xue Rengui were to leave the ranks of the Snow Silver Warriors, in the Holy Tang Dynasty, which values martial prowess over literary pursuits, his position would undoubtedly attract the covetous eyes of many court officials.

These past few days, Xue Rengui has been suffering from sleepless nights, and his hair has turned quite white. Xue Qingying is heartbroken for her father, hence her unease today. After learning the reason, Xue Tong pondered for a moment and suddenly said, "Miss, to be honest, I can understand some animal language. Perhaps I can help the Prince see what disease the Snow Claw Jade Lion has. Once we find the root cause, there will be a way to cure it, right?"

Xue Qingying's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Xue Tong, you really have this ability?"

Xue Tong said, "My ability isn't very effective, but I'll try my best."

Xue Qingying nodded, "Alright, let's finish work early tonight. You go home and get some sleep, and then I'll come and pick you up to go to Wandu City."

After the two discussed it, they started the next battle, killing a hundred or so large wild boars in one go. Xue Qingying also felt a little tired. The two withdrew from the battlefield. Xue Qingying reached into her pocket to take out her handkerchief, only to remember that she had given the handkerchief to Xue Tong. She couldn't help but glance at Xue Tong and saw that he was looking directly at her. She felt her face flush and turned her head away shyly.

Xue Tong said, "Young Miss, you are kind and upright. The Bodhisattva will help your father through this difficult time out of consideration for you."

Xue Qingying nodded with a smile.

After resting for a while, the two returned to Wild Boar Forest and killed dozens of wild boars. Seeing that it was getting late, they left Wild Boar Ridge and returned to Dou Family Tofu Shop. Xue Qingying told Xue Tong to rest early and that she would pick him up the next morning.

After Xue Qingying left, Xue Tong secretly went to the training ground and tested his battle spirit in front of the Purple Gold Stone. He had actually reached level 50! Back home, lying in bed, Xue Tong excitedly thought that he had advanced to level 50 battle spirit in just seven or eight days. This was all thanks to the help of a benefactor!

The next day, Xue Qingying rode the Jade Dragon Steed and took Xue Tong to Wandu City. Before entering the city, Xue Qingying put away the Jade Dragon Steed, and the two walked. Xue Tong understood that Xue Tong was, after all, the eldest daughter of the Xue family army. While they could ride together in the deep mountains

and wilderness during training, they couldn't in public, as men and women shouldn't be so intimate. Upon arriving at the Xue Prince's residence, Xue Qingying led Xue Tong straight to the main hall, where they encountered Xue Xiaochai on the way. Today, Xue Xiaochai wore a dark yellow long dress with a light golden ribbon tied at the waist. The dress was slightly lifted, highlighting her slender figure, delicate waist, beautiful neck, and fair skin. Every gesture she made exuded charm and captivating beauty. However, upon seeing Xue Tong, Xue Xiaochai's face immediately fell.

"Sister, why did you bring this servant to our residence?"

Xue Xiaochai pointed at Xue Tong, asking in confusion.

Xue Qingying said calmly, "Xiao Chai, from now on, Xue Tong will be my personal guard and a member of our Xue family army. I hope his grudges with Su Qin are completely wiped clean."

Hearing that Xue Tong had become her sister's personal guard, Xue Xiao Chai was furious, pointing at Xue Tong and saying, "Sister, are you joking? This person only has a level one battle spirit, and you want him as your personal guard?"

Xue Tong saw that her sister harbored deep prejudice against her, clearly siding with Su Qin. Although this second young lady was also beautiful, Xue Tong found her unpleasant to look at, and felt extremely disgusted by her slander.

Xue Qingying then said, "I promoted him to be my personal guard because he has now advanced to level fifty battle spirit. Although level fifty isn't high, to advance from level one to level fifty in just seven days, Xiao Chai, you probably can't find many like him in our Xue family army, can you?"

Xue Qingying was right. A warrior who could level up fifty times in seven days was truly a genius among geniuses. Seeing Xue Xiaochai's skeptical look, Xue Qingying added, "If you don't believe me, you can verify it here."

The Xue Royal Mansion certainly had the Purple Gold Stone. The three went to the Purple Gold Stone, and Xue Tong verified his level fifty battle spirit in front of Xue Xiaochai. Xue Xiaochai was immediately speechless with surprise. Xue Qingying continued, "Furthermore, Xue Tong also said he could treat Father's Snow Claw Jade Lion. Xiaochai, our Xue family is facing many difficulties, so don't cause me trouble."

With that, she led Xue Tong straight to the main hall.

Xue Xiaochai followed behind, eager to see how Xue Tong would treat the Snow Claw Jade Lion, knowing that many famous doctors were helpless against its condition!

[Episode 1] Chapter 4: Peril at Seven Star Crags

Xue Qingying, Xue Tong, and Xue Xiaochai arrived at the main hall. In the center sat a man in his forties, with a refined appearance and dressed in a brocade blue robe—this was Xue Rengui.

To Xue Rengui's left sat a dignified and beautiful woman, dressed in snow-white robes that accentuated her figure perfectly. Though dressed casually, her robes could not conceal her innate nobility; her every gesture exuded a noble and unparalleled elegance. Her noble and elegant temperament was incomparable, her breathtaking beauty ethereal and otherworldly, her ethereal beauty seemingly present yet absent. Her exquisitely beautiful face, her finely sculpted features, her delicate, snow-white neck, her chiseled shoulders, and her slender waist created a perfect image. Her silk blouse was stretched taut by her ample breasts, the high arches emphasizing the back of her skirt as if it might burst at any moment. Near her hips, close to the mahogany chair, the silk gauze clung tightly, creating a fold in her skirt that dipped slightly, revealing a shallow cleavage. Her full breasts and hips were breathtakingly alluring. This was Lin Xuezhen, Xue Qingying's biological mother.

To Xue Rengui's right sat another stunningly beautiful noblewoman. Her face was radiant and captivating, her skin flawless and translucent, like a pearl, luminous yet subtly alluring. Her elegant face could express joy or sorrow, her smooth skin rosy and delicate. Between her arched eyebrows were a pair of mesmerizing eyes, clear and bright yet veiled with a misty haze, eyes that sent shivers down one's spine. Her fair neck and jade-like chin were as white and flawless as snow. Her slender waist and graceful figure evoked a sense that she was neither too plump nor too thin. This was Lu Qingyuan, Xue Xiaochai's mother.

Xue Tong bowed and greeted the Prince and Princess. Xue Rengui had already heard from Xue Qingying about Xue Tong's plan to treat the Snow Claw Jade Lion, and he was skeptical. However, the Snow Claw Jade Lion was now critically ill, so they could only try anything, hoping that Xue Tong could bring it back to life.

After giving a few instructions, Xue Rengui, led by Xue Qingying and Xue Xiaochai, arrived at the side courtyard of the Xue Prince's Mansion. This small courtyard was the stable specifically for keeping the Snow Claw Jade Lion, guarded by two of Xue Rengui's personal guards. Upon seeing the eldest and second young ladies arrive, they hurriedly stepped forward to bow and said, "This Snow Claw Jade Lion hasn't eaten for seven or eight days."

Xue Tong went forward to examine it. The Snow Claw Jade Lion, born with a lion's head and a horse's body, originally had a very majestic appearance, but now it was listless, lying there too lazy to even open its eyes. Xue Tong knew that riding pets that had been refined and tamed would not harm people. He went forward and stroked the Snow Claw Jade Lion's fur. The Snow Claw Jade Lion was very docile, opening its eyes to look at Xue Tong and even sticking out its tongue to lick Xue Tong's palm, but it couldn't muster any energy and immediately closed its eyes again.

Xue Tong turned to Xue Qingying and said, "Miss, may I stay here temporarily and keep the Snow Claw Jade Lion company, so we can see if we can find out the cause of its illness?"

Xue Qingying told the two guards of the Prince's mansion, "This is the doctor I invited to treat the Snow Claw Jade Lion. You two should take good care of him."

The two guards dared not neglect him and served Xue Tong water and tea, being quite attentive.

Afterwards, Xue Qingying and Xue Xiaochai returned to the main hall to discuss matters. Xue Tong calmed down and sat down beside the Snow Claw Jade Lion to meditate and cultivate his battle spirit. He had already reached level fifty and entered the bone marrow cultivation stage. Fortunately, with the Marrow Transformation Heart Method given to him by the young lady, Xue Tong's cultivation was progressing very smoothly.

After dinner, Xue Tong came to find Xue Qingying. He told her that after spending the afternoon getting to know the jade lion, he had become familiar with its temperament and figured out the cause of the jade lion's illness. It turned out that the Snowclaw Jade Lion had suffered a poisoning wound during a battle several years ago. To treat this deeply accumulated poisoning, it was necessary to obtain the Netherworld Sacred Fruit from the Seven Star Desperate Cliff and refine it into the Six Gods Pill. Once the Snowclaw Jade Lion consumed the Six Gods Pill, it was guaranteed to be cured.

Xue Qingying then told Xue Rengui this news.

Before Xue Rengui could speak, Su Qin launched an attack, "What? It needs the Netherworld Sacred Fruit? You're talking nonsense! Do you even know what the Netherworld Sacred Fruit is?"

Xue Tong honestly replied, "No."

Su Qin mocked, "You don't even know what the Netherworld Sacred Fruit is, yet you're spouting nonsense here. Uncle Xue, I think he's a spy from the demon beast side, trying to trick us into going to our deaths at the Seven Star Cliff."

Xue Tong angrily said, "Don't make false accusations. That Snowclaw Jade Lion itself said that only the Netherworld Sacred Fruit from the Seven Star Cliff could save it. Unfortunately, it can't communicate with us; it can only talk to itself. I heard its thoughts and relayed them to everyone. If you..." "I don't believe you. How about this, I'll go to Seven Star Crags to find the Netherworld Sacred Fruit, is that alright?"

Su Qin laughed heartily and said, "Great! If you can really bring back the Netherworld Sacred Fruit from Seven Star Crags, I, Su Qin, will be completely convinced."

Xue Qingying said anxiously, "Xue Tong, Seven Star Crags isn't a place we can just go to casually. There are thousands of level-two magical beasts guarding the mountain there."

Xue Rengui said, "If we have no other choice but the Netherworld Sacred Fruit, then... let's give up on this Snow Claw Jade Lion. After all, going to Seven Star Crags is far too dangerous. I'll think about this matter first. You all go and rest. We'll discuss this again tomorrow."

After the meeting, Xue Dingshan and Su Qin returned to the inn to rest.

Seeing Xue Qingying's worried expression, Xue Tong quietly approached and said, "Miss, I really didn't lie to you."

Xue Qingying said, "Xue Tong, I trust you. However, Seven Star Crags is on the south bank of the Tianlong River, which is already within the territory of magical beasts. Especially since Seven Star Crags is guarded by a super demon king of magical beasts, it won't be easy to pick the Netherworld Sacred Fruit."

Xue Tong said regretfully, "Are we just going to watch the Snow Claw Jade Lion die? Besides, if the Snow Claw Jade Lion dies, the Prince will no longer be able to become a Snow Silver Warrior. If those villains take the opportunity to cause trouble, both the Holy Tang and the Xue family army will suffer huge losses. Miss, please think it over."

Seeing Xue Qingying's troubled expression, Xue Tong said, "Miss, how about this? You tell me the way to Seven Star Crags, and I'll go get the Netherworld Sacred Fruit myself. I'm not being stubborn, but I can rely on myself and listen to advice." "With the ability to understand animal language, I can find the weaknesses of magical beasts and infiltrate Seven Star Crags... Miss, please trust me."

Xue Qingying said, "Xue Tong, that's too dangerous. I won't allow you to joke with your life."

Xue Tong smiled leisurely, "Miss, thank you for your concern, but I still want to try. A person fights for their pride, and even Buddha receives incense. I want to compete with Su Qin. If I succeed this time, I will have a certain place in the Prince's heart, and only then will Su Qin hesitate to harm me. Otherwise, I will always be useless in everyone's eyes, and no one will stand up for me. Su Qin's desire to kill me will always remain."

Xue Qingying nodded. What Xue Tong said made sense. After careful analysis, Xue Qingying also wanted to heal her father's Snow Claw Jade Lion, after all, such a high-level mount was not easy to obtain. Xue Qingying made up her mind to go to Seven Star Crags with Xue Tong.

Of course, this matter could not be known to anyone and needed to be carried out secretly.

Xue Qingying first secretly led Xue Tong to her room, then retrieved paintbrushes and paints, slightly altering both Xue Tong's and her own appearances, painting crimson beast flames between their brows. Xue Qingying told Xue Tong that the area south of the Tianlong River belonged to the demonic beasts. Those humans whose souls were sealed by the demonic beasts had evolved over many years into half-beastmen, all bearing this beast flame on their faces. Aside from being slightly more robust than normal people, they were otherwise largely the same. After completing

the makeup, at midnight, Xue Qingying left a letter, then quietly left the Xue Wang Mansion with Xue Tong, their jade dragon steed heading straight for the Tianlong River. After a night and a day, the jade dragon steed arrived at the Tianlong River the following night. By the moonlight, they could vaguely see the main peak of the Seven Star Crags rising straight into the clouds on the opposite bank.

They spent a gold coin to buy a fishing boat, and under the cover of darkness, the two sailed towards the opposite bank of the great river.

The Tianlong River was very wide, stretching for over ten miles, with a swift current and churning waves. Neither of them were skilled at rowing, and it took them a great deal of effort to paddle their small boat to the other side. After hiding it in a patch of reeds, they followed the rugged path along the riverbank towards the shore. They

had only walked a short distance when they heard a commotion ahead. Someone shouted, "Everyone, keep up! Be on high alert tonight, patrolling and guarding against enemy attacks from the other side!"

Xue Qingying, holding Xue Tong's hand, crouched down in a clump of grass and whispered to Xue Tong, "These are the orcs. They're patrolling the river. Let's wait until they've finished their inspection."

The two crouched in the grass, patiently waiting.

But the orc soldiers were very thorough in their inspection. Suddenly, two orcs with single horns on their heads shouted, "General, there's a boat here!"

"Is that so?"

The leading orc walked over and saw the boat where Xue Qingying and Xue Tong were hiding. The leader shouted, "It must be enemy troops from Jiangbei who have infiltrated! Everyone, search this area carefully. There will be a big reward for anyone who catches an enemy spy!"

Seeing the orcs searching towards them with torches, Xue Qingying quickly pulled Xue Tong into the depths of the grass. Xue Qingying comforted her, "Don't be afraid. Although these orc soldiers are large, most of them are not fully intelligent because their souls are sealed by the Beast King. Besides, their beastly aura is low, so they shouldn't be able to find us. But we can't disturb the grass..." "We've startled the snake; let's hide."

Their hiding place was very well concealed, with layers of shadow beneath the trees. The bright moonlight filtered through the gaps in the branches, the thick trunks shielding them. Peeking through the gaps, they saw two orc soldiers carrying spears approaching. Xue Tong curled up in the bushes, close to Xue Qingying. Being so close to the young lady made Xue Tong's heart itch. The bright, beautiful, and gentle Xue Qingying possessed an ethereal, otherworldly quality. Xue Tong squinted at Xue Qingying, who was intently watching the orc soldiers, her heroic and captivating charm utterly alluring.

Xue Tong quietly admired her perfect, beautiful face, taking a whiff of her delicate, orchid-like fragrance, which filled his lungs and intoxicated him. "Oh no, the orc soldiers are coming this way!"

Xue Qingying reached out and wrapped her right arm around Xue Tong's waist, leaning down so her head rested against his right collarbone.

Xue Tong quickly snapped out of her reverie and saw two orc soldiers, one carrying a torch and the other a spear, approaching the bushes under the large tree. Suspecting someone might be hiding there, the orc soldier with the spear began wildly thrusting it into the bushes.

In her haste, Xue Qingying pushed Xue Tong to the ground, her body falling on top of him. The young lady's soft breasts pressed against Xue Tong's chest, a sensation like an electric shock that made Xue Tong's hair stand on end. He instinctively reached out and embraced the woman on top of him.

Clinging so intimately to Xue Tong, Xue Qingying felt a surge of shyness, her body trembling slightly.

At that moment, the two orc soldiers with spears drew even closer. Xue Qingying dared not move, which only fueled Xue Tong's wicked desires. Xue Tong raised his chest slightly, his body brushing against Xue Qingying's high, firm breasts. "They're so firm and full! They're absolutely gorgeous."

The two were almost face-to-face, pressed tightly together. Taking advantage of Xue Qingying's inability to make a sound, Xue Tong moved his body higher, his cheek now touching Xue Qingying's beautiful face. Her delicate fragrance filled the air, making Xue Tong feel intoxicated.

Hearing Xue Qingying's uneven breathing, Xue Tong suddenly felt afraid. He and the young lady had actually engaged in such an intimate act; would she blame him? After all, she was Xue Dingshan's fiancée. Remembering all the kindness the young lady had shown him, Xue Tong felt he shouldn't have dared to defile her in his heart.

The more he tried to control himself, the less he could. Before, he only entertained these thoughts in his mind, not showing them on his face, but now it was different. Xue Qingying had been lying on top of him for so long, and Xue Tong felt his lower body rapidly swell with blood. His unruly dragon spear pressed hard against Xue Qingying's lower abdomen.

"This is terrible, Miss, I didn't mean to..."

Xue Tong was filled with endless regret. Just then, two half-beast soldiers walked by. The half-beast soldier carrying a spear even thrust it in his direction, the spearhead grazing Xue Qingying's hair—how dangerous!

The two half-beast soldiers ultimately failed to discover the two hiding deep in the grass. After they had gone far away, Xue Qingying rolled off Xue Tong. "Miss, I..."

Xue Tong was about to explain when Xue Qingying put her finger to her lips, gesturing for silence.

The orc leader waved his hand, and a group of orc soldiers marched past in neat formation, slowly disappearing into the distance.

Xue Tong let out a long sigh of relief, and Xue Qingying sat up, her cheeks slightly flushed, and said, "Xue Tong, let's hurry. Now that we've transformed into orcs, low-level orcs won't recognize us. Tonight, let's scout out the Seven Star Crags area."

In Jiangnan, one cannot ride the Jade Dragon Steed because orcs don't know how to capture or tame mounts. The two walked to the vicinity of Seven Star Crags. Although it was night, the several paths leading to Seven Star Crags were filled with guarding monsters. This was because Seven Star Crags was the palace of the Demon Scorpion Cult leader, who spent the sweltering summer there every year.

The Netherworld Sacred Fruit was one of the Demon Scorpion Cult leader's favorite delicacies. Continuing upwards, they were bound to encounter monsters checking them. The monsters of Jiangnan were different from those of Jiangbei; they and the orcs were absolutely loyal to the Beast King, and even the lowest-level monsters were above level 500. Once magical beasts reach level 500, they can understand human language. If they encounter higher-level magical beasts, they can discern that Xue Qingying and Xue Tong are not orcs. How can they safely reach the main peak of Seven Star Crags?

Xue Qingying and Xue Tong wandered around the foot of Seven Star Crags, but couldn't find a good solution, so they returned to the orc territory by the river. Xue Qingying said, "Orcs are easy to fool. Let's find an inn tonight and figure something out tomorrow."

Orcs also have inns. Although they are puppets controlled by the Beast King, they have their own way of life. This small water town in Jiangnan has the distinct characteristics of ancient Jiangnan's human life. Two or three pleasure boats drifted on the rippling water, and on them, the songs of courtesans rose and fell, mixed with the unrestrained laughter of men and women.

Xue Tong asked in shock, "Do orcs also have prostitutes?"

After asking, she suddenly realized that her question was a little abrupt for the unmarried Miss Xue.

However, Xue Qingying answered very seriously: "The culture of the orcs is very similar to that of us humans. They have governments, armies, restaurants and inns, and of course, courtesans."

Looking back at Xue Tong, Xue Qingying said, "Seeing these orcs reminds me of ourselves. Perhaps, years from now, we'll all look like this..."

She sighed sadly, then said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go find an inn to stay in."

They walked towards an inn with lanterns hanging above it. On the way, Xue Qingying instructed, "Orcs are very suspicious. We don't look alike, so we can't pretend to be siblings. Let's pretend to be a couple. These orcs are very disciplined; they won't steal anything." "Lazy. My mother said that more than ten years ago, when she and my father came to Jiangnan to spy on the enemy, the orc soldiers even checked the rooms at night. At that time, my father and mother were not yet married, and they said they were siblings, but the orcs said they didn't look alike and even used a special potion to identify them..."

Xue Tong laughed, "There's such a thing? What happened later?"

Xue Qingying shook her head and sighed, "Of course, they couldn't keep up the pretense anymore and had to take action. Fortunately, they were both skilled in martial arts and managed to break through the encirclement and escape, but that trip was a complete failure."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the inn.

The orc inn didn't have the good service of a normal human inn. The orc owner didn't seem interested in money. If a guest came, you could stay; if you liked to eat something, you could buy it yourself on the street; if you needed to wash your face and feet, there was a deep well in the backyard of the inn, you could draw it yourself.

Xue Tong returned from the backyard with a bucket of water. "Miss, it's so hot in Jiangnan. You've been all sweaty just now. Why don't you wash up?"

Xue Qingying hummed in agreement. She had indeed sweated a lot and felt sticky and uncomfortable. But... Xue Tong sensed her meaning and quickly said, "Miss, I'll go wait in the courtyard for a while. Call me when you're done."

Xue Qingying replied, "How can that be? I've already said that although orcs aren't very intelligent, they are quite suspicious. We've already said we're husband and wife, yet we're still avoiding each other like this. It will definitely arouse their suspicion. How about this, you help me close the screen..."

Upon hearing this, Xue Tong immediately opened the screen and stood outside. He faintly heard the rustling sounds of clothes being undressed inside. Xue Tong's heart stirred; he longed to witness the young lady's beautiful body. But such voyeurism was hardly the act of a true man.

It would be a real pity to miss this opportunity. After all, Xue Qingying already held an extremely important place in Xue Tong's heart. Even if he couldn't win her favor or be with her forever, surely he could at least catch a glimpse of the young lady's beautiful body? Anyway, I'm not a real man, so who cares! Xue Tong couldn't help but move his feet slightly, getting closer to the screen, his eyes peering through the gaps...

Xue Qingying had already taken off her moon-white brocade robe and peach-red undergarment, leaving her only in close-fitting white trousers and a white silk bodice. Her half-naked, slender body exuded an extremely alluring charm in the candlelight. Her full, rounded breasts stood high and trembled slightly beneath the tight white silk bodice. The silk, clinging to her skin and damp with sweat, faintly revealed the tender, rosy buds of her breasts, rising and falling with Xue Qingying's breath, further arousing Xue Tong's heart.

At this moment, Xue Qingying removed her white silk bodice, scooped up some water, and washed the sweat stains from her chest.

As the eldest daughter of the Xue family, Xue Qingying had practiced martial arts for many years, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful and athletic figure. Her slender neck, smooth shoulders, and firm, full breasts, accentuated by her slender waist and rounded, pert buttocks, made her even more alluring. Her legs were straight and long, her figure exquisite, and her curvaceous figure was undeniably captivating. Even more remarkable was her flawless, porcelain-like skin, completely free of any blemishes, delicate and smooth – truly a beauty among beauties.

Xue Tong couldn't help but swallow hard, feeling his whole body burning and his lower body beginning to swell. He immediately dared not look any longer, turning his head away to slowly cool the lust burning within him. He thought to himself, "Such a beauty, if only I could stay with her forever, until we grow old together, how wonderful that would be!"

Xue Qingying quickly washed herself, then put on her clothes and let Xue Tong wash as well. After Xue Tong finished washing, it was time for him to rest, but there was only one bed. Although Xue Qingying politely declined, Xue Tong still dared not share a bed with her, so he dozed off on the table.

Xue Qingying no longer declined, lying on the bed fully clothed. Afraid that the orcs outside might eavesdrop, neither of them dared to speak much, each lost in their own thoughts, waiting to drift off to sleep.

The next day, Xue Tong and Xue Qingying got up early and went to the foot of Seven Star Rock Peak to gather intelligence. Relying on his ability to understand certain beast languages, Xue Tong learned from a group of patrolling mountain beasts that the orcs often brought some fine wine up the mountain. However, the orcs responsible for delivering the wine needed waist tokens to pass through the monster checkpoints smoothly.

So, Xue Tong and Xue Qingying returned the way they came and ambushed the road leading to Seven Star Crags. They remained hidden until evening. During this time, although orcs passed by continuously, they were all patrolling soldiers armed with knives and spears.

After a while, they saw a man and a woman carrying a food box approaching from afar. Xue Tong said, "This couple seems to be delivering wine."

Xue Qingying nodded. The two quietly concealed themselves, and when the couple drew near, Xue Qingying and Xue Tong suddenly appeared, knocking the two orcs unconscious. A search of their bodies revealed two waist tokens.

Looking into the food box, they saw it indeed contained fine wine. Overjoyed, the two immediately put away the waist tokens, dragged the two orcs into the roadside bushes, tied them up, and then, carrying the food box, swaggered towards Seven Star Crags.

Using their waist tokens, they successfully bypassed the monster patrol area and quickened their pace towards the main peak of Seven Star Crags. Along the way, they encountered several monsters attempting to intercept them, but all escaped unscathed. Half an hour later, they arrived at the foot of the main peak.

This final stretch of mountain path was extremely treacherous, filled with sheer cliffs and precipices. As they walked along a winding mountain path, the road suddenly ended. To the left, a sheer cliff rose thousands of feet, its top invisible; to the right, a deep ravine stretched out, with no ground below. A narrow, steep, and slippery natural plank road appeared beneath their feet. A slight misstep and they would fall to their deaths, but victory was in sight. Ignoring the danger, they moved forward step by step along this small plank road.

Xue Tong had never walked such a treacherous mountain path before, and several times she nearly fell into the valley while shifting her stance. Although Xue Qingying was highly skilled in martial arts, she had never experienced such a perilous journey either; this thrilling trip was also a first for her.

The two cautiously wound their way along the narrow, winding path on the cliffside. Although both were highly skilled and daring, they couldn't help but feel dizzy, uneasy, and apprehensive. After walking for a while, because it was their first time traversing this route, time passed quickly, but the distance they covered didn't seem to increase. Looking ahead, the terrain mostly looked the same, and they had no idea when they would reach the summit.

Finally, after a difficult turn, the terrain ahead became more spacious. Encouraging each other, they continued onward. After another incense stick's time, they rounded the last bend, only to be met by a gray, white cliff blocking their path. Looking up at the top, it was still dozens of meters high, a sheer cliff face as if carved by a knife and axe, making it difficult even for agile monkeys and birds to climb and fly across. Just as Xue Tong was feeling frustrated, he heard Xue Qingying excitedly call out, "It's here! That's the main peak of Seven Star Crags! Xue Tong, look! There's a ladder to the heavens!"

Xue Tong followed Xue Qingying's finger and indeed saw a ladder-shaped path carved into the cliff face. It seemed there really was a path. Overjoyed, Xue Tong immediately began climbing the stone steps towards the summit. Xue Qingying kept telling Xue Tong to be careful as she followed closely behind. At first, it went smoothly, but halfway up, the stone steps on the cliff became increasingly steep. In some places, the steps were only half a foot wide, allowing only half a foot to step on them. Xue Tong

was wearing cloth boots, and stepping on such treacherous stone steps, with the ground hanging precariously below, it was already difficult to descend. A slight misstep would mean certain death. The more frightened he became, the weaker his legs felt, and they began to tremble uncontrollably.

Seeing Xue Tong slowing down, Xue Qingying guessed the danger Xue Tong was in and quickly reminded her, "Xue Tong, make sure you stand firm! We have no way out, you must hold on!"

Xue Tong ignited her battle spirit, steadied herself, glanced down at Xue Qingying to indicate she was alright, then shook herself and continued climbing. Just as she was nearing the summit, Xue Tong suddenly cried out, "Miss, the stone steps end here!"

Her voice was filled with sorrow. Imagine being suspended on this cliff, having expended all your strength to climb, only to find the path blocked, unable to go up or down—how tragic!

Xue Qingying looked up and saw that the path indeed ended there; the stone steps stopped there, about ten zhang above the cliff top. Relying on her lightness skill, she knew she couldn't leap over it. In her anxiety, she suddenly noticed an iron chain a few feet to her side, hanging precariously, leading straight to the summit. Before Xue Tong could speak, Xue Qingying blurted out, "Xue Tong, there's a way out! There's an iron chain here; it must lead straight to the summit."

Before Xue Tong could reply, Xue Qingying had already leaped towards the chain…

Xue Tong felt a chill, thinking, "What if this chain is just an illusion? The young lady will surely fall to her death."

Fortunately, this fear was unfounded; Xue Qingying was already firmly attached to the chain, showing no sign of falling.

Xue Qingying hadn't been unaware of the chain's unreliability, but she couldn't bear the previous situation any longer and had no choice but to take the risk. After leaping onto the chain and finding nothing amiss, she quickly called for Xue Tong to come up. Xue Tong immediately jumped over, and the two, relieved, followed the chain straight to the summit.

Was this Seven Star Crags? Xue Tong's eyes widened. Everywhere were exotic flowers and rare herbs, shrouded in mist and clouds, mysterious and unpredictable, like a fairyland. "Look!"

Xue Qingying pointed with her jade-like hand. Xue Tong looked in the direction Xue Qingying was pointing. Not far away, on a stone wall, grew several huge, strange trees. The trunks were as thick as three people could hug, and the leaves were shaped like willow leaves. However, the trees were full of fresh fruits that looked like strawberries.

Those must be the Netherworld Sacred Fruits. Xue Tong and Xue Qingying ran over with joy. Just as they were about to climb the tree to pick the fruit, they heard someone shout, "Who are you? How dare you trespass on my king's forbidden land?"

The two turned around at the sound of the voice and saw six women walking out of a cave. They wore short skirts with light red lotus flowers tied around their waists and cloud-patterned shawls of the same color over their shoulders. Their arms and legs were completely naked, and their bodies were shrouded in a thin layer of colorful smoke. These six women were all exquisitely beautiful, like fairies. Their soft skin and alluring bones were like jade reflecting pearls, sparkling like stars, and they were incredibly beautiful. Their voices were so soft and seductive that they melted the soul of anyone who heard them.

The six women approached, glanced at Xue Tong and Xue Qingying, and the leader said, "Sisters, this man and woman must be spies from Jiangbei, trying to steal our Netherworld Sacred Fruit while our King is away! Humph! Let's capture them, strip the girl naked and throw her down the mountain. The man is quite handsome, so why don't we keep him and enjoy him together before making a decision?"

The other five women chuckled lewdly and said in unison, "We'll leave it to you, sister."

Seeing their revealing attire and lewd speech, Xue Qingying guessed that these six women must be the Beast King's concubines. "

These sluts! I'll take the Jade Dragon Steed you used to feed me!" With that thought, Xue Qingying donned her bronze armor, drew her sword, and charged towards the six female demons.

The six female demons hadn't expected this girl to be a bronze warrior. Seeing her charging menacingly with three swords in hand, they were terrified and spun rapidly backward. Their already scantily clad bodies were exposed as they moved quickly, revealing their fair arms, snow-white thighs, and jade-like breasts. For a moment, they danced gracefully, their legs flying. The glimpses of their alluring figures and pink gardens through their clothing were even more alluring, easily captivating the eye and stirring the heart.

"Shameless!"

Xue Qingying was even more enraged by the exposure of the six female demons as they retreated. Her sword flashed, silver light dancing wildly, showing no mercy. One of the slower demons was beheaded with a single stroke, her body falling to the bottom of the cliff.

The remaining five, their faces pale with fear, also drew their weapons, reformed their formation, and surrounded Xue Qingying.

Xue Tong roared, "Demon, prepare to die!"

Drawing her sword, she leaped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xue Qingying, and the seven of them instantly engaged in a chaotic battle.

Of the five female demons, only the one who called herself the eldest sister possessed any real skill; the others were insignificant. Xue Qingying, hating their immoral behavior, showed no mercy, instantly slaying three of them. Xue Tong knew these seemingly beautiful women were actually half-beasts whose souls had been sealed by the Beast King, so she showed no pity, killing the demon closest to her with a single strike.

Now, only the leader demon remained.

Seeing the situation was dire, the demon dared not be careless, unleashing her full magic. With a twist of her body, she transformed into dozens of white streaks of energy, which shot into the air like bolts of lightning, then swept towards Xue Tong and Xue Qingying with incredible speed.

"Oh no, poison!"

Xue Qingying's keen senses immediately realized that the demon was about to use poison against her. She hastily raised her battle spirit to its maximum, and instantly, a layer of azure light enveloped her bronze armor.

The dark azure energy wave shot by the demoness approached rapidly. Even from several feet away, Xue Tong, without armor to protect her, felt an intense chill penetrate to her bones, causing her to shiver uncontrollably. Xue Qingying, having spent twelve years training with her father, had not wasted her time; she possessed exceptional skills. Seeing the demoness unleash her poison technique, Xue Qingying released three precious swords. The swords flew into the air, transforming into hundreds of silver sword lights that blocked the incoming poisonous smoke.

Seeing Xue Qingying's formidable skill, the demoness devised another plan. Hidden within her sleeves were five sharp throwing knives, called the Five Phoenixes Facing the Sun. Holding two knives in each hand, she roared, "Die!"

Four streaks of cold light shot out simultaneously, hurtling towards Xue Qingying. Xue Qingying, prepared, summoned back a sword and twirled it. With several clangs, the four throwing knives were deflected.

Enraged that her opponent had so easily deflected her four knives, the demoness unleashed her final attack! With a series of swift movements, strange sounds arose as she transformed into a ten-zhang-long azure python. From its mouth surged a raging torrent of roaring waves, accompanied by countless extremely shrill and ear-piercing cries. The attack was even more ferocious and devastating than before.

Xue Qingying shouted, "Xue Tong, be careful!"

She immediately chanted an incantation, unleashing the Xue family army's "Blazing Fire and Ice Calamity." A crimson wave of energy rose instantly, forming a protective shield. Utilizing the incompatibility of ice and fire, she used "Blazing Fire and Ice Calamity" to counter the demoness's Ice Python Whirlwind Slash.

"Young Miss, be careful!"

Xue Tong yelled, leaping to shield Xue Qingying. He saw the demoness, while using her final ultimate attack, secretly fire her fifth throwing knife. The knife's sharp glint aimed straight for Xue Qingying's heart.

Xue Qingying had concentrated all her power on the Blazing Fire and Ice Calamity, completely oblivious to the demoness's hidden weapon. By the time she noticed, it was too late. At the critical moment, Xue Tong stepped forward, using his own flesh and blood to block the fatal blow.

After being struck, Xue Tong collapsed in front of Xue Qingying. "Xue Tong!"

Through tear-blurred vision, Xue Qingying unleashed all her strength to deliver the final strike. With a deafening roar, the giant python that the demones had transformed into was cleaved into more than a dozen pieces by Xue Qingying's Blazing Ice Calamity. The demones, screaming in agony, revealed their true form, mutilated and lying on the ground, barely alive.

Having killed the demons, Xue Qingying quickly helped Xue Tong up, softly calling, "Xue Tong, how are you?"

Stabbed in the left chest by the demons' blade, the force of the throwing knife wasn't great, but the poison was extremely potent. In just a short while, Xue Tong's face had turned ashen, and she spoke with great difficulty. With a nonchalant smile, Xue Tong said, "Miss…you, you're alright…that's good." "

Xue Tong, you're so foolish! Why did you take that blow for me?"

Xue Qingying gently stroked Xue Tong's cheek with her jade-like hand. Xue Tong felt the poison invading very quickly. Perhaps it was because her battle spirit was too weak; in such a short time, her brain's reaction was noticeably sluggish. Forcing a smile, Xue Tong said, "Young Miss, you have been so kind to me... How could I... Watch you die? Don't worry about me, quickly pick... the Netherworld Sacred Fruit, let's go..."

Tears welled up in Xue Qingying's eyes as she hugged Xue Tong tightly, saying sadly, "Xue Tong, you did this to save me, I won't abandon you."

At this moment, a great commotion was heard below the cliff, accompanied by the howls of demonic beasts.

[Episode 1] Chapter 5: Dual Cultivation to Detoxify

Xue Qingying hurriedly went to the edge of the cliff and looked down. She saw demons dancing wildly below, countless large and small demonic beasts had gathered near the Heavenly Ladder, and more than a dozen small demonic beasts were climbing up the ladder. Fortunately, the cliff was forty or fifty feet high, and these demonic beasts could only climb up from here.

Xue Qingying picked up a large rock and threw it downwards. The half-climbed demonic beast was struck, its corpse falling into the cliff below. Xue Qingying guessed that it must have been because she was in the heat of battle that the first banshee she had killed had fallen below and been discovered by the demonic beasts.

Seeing another group of demonic beasts climbing up, Xue Qingying's mind raced. She threw her flying sword, completely severing the ladder, preventing the demonic beasts below from climbing up.

Xue Tong laboriously climbed over, looked at the situation below, and said, "Young Miss... how will you escape if you cut the ladder? You should take advantage of the Beast King's absence and quickly fight your way out of Seven Star Rock. Don't worry about me."

After saying this, Xue Tong had no strength left to speak. She felt a darkness before her eyes and fainted.

When Xue Tong woke up again, it was already evening.

Xue Qingying had been by Xue Tong's side the whole time. Seeing him wake up, she asked with delight, "Xue Tong, how are you feeling?"

Xue Tong rubbed his arm, feeling much better than before. He had been able to wake up because Xue Qingying had given him the Hundred Flower Jade Dew Elixir, which could detoxify him, and because Xue Qingying had expended a large amount of her battle spirit, sacrificing her own power to temporarily control the cold poison within Xue Tong's body.

"I'm much better..."

Xue Tong's voice sounded weak. Xue Qingying felt a pang of sadness looking at him, and without thinking, she pulled him into her arms, warming him with her own body heat. Because she still had to be wary of magical beasts climbing the cliff, Xue Qingying dared not take Xue Tong into the cave to rest.

On this high peak, as night fell, the mountain winds grew stronger, and Xue Qingying felt helpless as she watched Xue Tong's slightly cold body. Xue Tong said haltingly, "Miss, please don't... do this. It's too much for me. Men and women shouldn't touch each other."

Xue Qingying replied, "Xue Tong, if you hadn't taken that blow for me, I would be the one lying here. No matter what, I will heal your wounds and take you away from here."

Xue Tong sighed, "Miss, please don't worry about me. The demonic beasts can't attack for now, but we killed the Demon King's six concubines. They will definitely inform the Demon King. This Demon King is the leader of the Demon Scorpion Cult. If he comes, we definitely can't stop him from coming up the mountain. Miss, please listen to me and leave quickly."

"No, I won't leave,"

Xue Qingying said firmly. "Xue Tong, you risked your life for me. If I abandon you, would I still be human?"

Xue Qingying sighed and continued, "Xue Tong, all I hope for now is that you can heal your poison wounds quickly, and then we can fight our way down the mountain together. Even if we die in battle, I will have no regrets in this life if I can die with you!"

Xue Tong asked in surprise. "Is there really any cure for my poison?"

Xue Qingying nodded and said, "Use the Star Shift Technique to transfer your poison to me, and then I'll slowly digest it..."

Xue Tong said gratefully, "The Star Shift Technique? I can never repay your kindness, Miss."

Xue Qingying unbuttoned her upper garment, revealing her firm, white breasts. "Xue Tong, if you like me, come on."

With the beauty's consent, Xue Tong untied her white silk bodice. On her dazzlingly white skin, two shy, soft, and lovely breasts, like flower stamens shyly blooming in the snow, trembled slightly as they met Xue Tong's lustful gaze. Xue Qingying blushed, feeling infinitely shy and unsure of what to do. Before she could even cover her full, perky breasts with her hands, he had already taken one of her full breasts into his mouth, making her feel even more shy.

Xue Tong grasped one of her soft, firm breasts and caressed it wantonly, while his other hand ventured into her forbidden zone to touch Xue Qingying's full, slightly protruding virgin petals. Xue Qingying's delicate body trembled involuntarily. He was secretly delighted and immediately removed her lower garment, revealing the stunningly beautiful woman completely naked before Xue Tong's eyes.

He saw a patch of dark, slightly curled pubic hair shyly concealing the alluring jade-like crevice at the base of Miss Xue's beautiful, smooth, snow-white, and slender legs. Seeing this flawless, alabaster-white female body lying on the rocky cliff, Xue Tong excitedly pressed down upon her.

Xue Qingying let out a soft moan, extremely shy, her face blushing even more deeply.

Xue Tong, with one hand on Xue Qingying's full, snow-white breast, sucking on its delicate pink nipple, and the other hand on Xue Qingying's other firm, soft breast, gently kneading it. He also lightly stroked Xue Qingying's smooth, white, and translucent abdomen, his fingers slowly inserting into her lower body.

"Ah..."

A hot and shy cry escaped Xue Qingying's cherry lips. Her mind went blank; though her heart was filled with boundless shyness, she couldn't suppress the blush-inducing moans that escaped her lips... Between the tightly closed, rosy slits of her lower body, one drop... two drops... of clear, slippery, milky-white virgin love fluid gradually increased, forming a stream of slippery virgin dew that flowed from Xue Qingying's lower body, covering his hand. Xue Qingying was filled with shyness, her jade-like face flushed. She didn't know why her lower body was so wet and slippery.

Xue Tong's hard dragon spear approached, its tip resting against the center of her smooth jade valley. With a forceful thrust, he broke Xue Qingying's virginity, opening her sacred, delicate, and tender virgin bud. A sensation of pain mixed with a tingling, fulfilling fullness spread throughout Xue Qingying's body. She realized that Xue Tong had broken her hymen and taken her virginity.

"Qingying, I'm inside, it feels so good."

Xue Tong had obtained the first virginity of the young lady he had longed for. With another forceful thrust, his dragon spear suddenly penetrated the entire secret passage. Xue Qingying couldn't help but groan again as Xue Tong's thick dragon spear was already more than halfway inside. "Ah... ee... ah ah... um um um..."

Although there was sufficient lubrication during their first intercourse, Xue Qingying's virgin valley was exceptionally narrow. Xue Tong's swollen and thick dragon was tightly surrounded and squeezed by that wonderfully constricted valley, leaving no gaps, making it difficult for him to move.

Between Xue Qingying's long, slender thighs, her delicate pink vulva was stretched to its limit, its original tender pink now replaced by a deep, engorged red.

Knowing he must have hurt her, Xue Tong, filled with deep guilt and overflowing tenderness, gently kissed her fragrant cheek, extending his tongue to tenderly lick away her tears and sweat of pain, before turning to deeply kiss her aching, bloodless lips.

He temporarily halted the advance of his throbbing member, slowly rotating it, letting the rounded tip grind against her vulva, trying to widen the walls of her virginity as much as possible. "Hmm, Xue Tong, it hurts a little..."

Xue Qingying still found it difficult to adapt to Xue Tong's enormous member, frowning as she spoke.

Unable to bear inflicting further pain on Xue Qingying, Xue Tong, despite his reluctance, withdrew instead of advancing, gently and slowly withdrawing his massive dragon spear from the beautiful woman's body, leaving only the tip of the spear remaining within her mysterious valley. As he slowly withdrew his spear, a large amount of fragrant, crystalline, smooth liquid, mixed with specks of bright red, immediately flowed from the entrance of Xue Qingying's secret passage.

This striking, dazzling crimson color was Xue Qingying's most precious and sacred virgin blood. It flowed onto the bluestone beneath her, like elegant red plum blossoms blooming proudly in the snow, delicate and beautiful, glistening with moisture!

The intense pain of Xue Qingying's first sexual experience, the pain of her newly broken hymen, had gradually subsided after Xue Tong's gentle care and tender affection. At the same time, another strange feeling began to take its place. She was also tormented by a tickling sensation deep within her lower body, a feeling that seemed to bees and butterflies flitting and fish and insects leaping and swimming within her delicate core, lightly touching and then fleeting away, leaving her with an indescribable emptiness and sorrow. She was almost overwhelmed by this boundless, suspended feeling. She longed for Xue Tong to shower her with affection, but her inherent reserve prevented her from speaking out, even though she desperately craved his love. She could only subtly sway her pert buttocks, hinting to Xue Tong to act sooner to soothe her heart.

Xue Tong looked with delight at the drops of blood clinging to his spear, his heart aching as he gazed tenderly at the shy, blushing face of his beloved. Her rosy cheeks were adorned with a gentle smile, her eyes brimming with unspoken longing, her pink lips parted slightly, and soft, seductive murmurs escaped her throat. All this alluring scene beckoned to him. Xue Qingying's delicate, limp hands began to tightly embrace her lover's body, her hips swaying slightly as if pleading for Xue Tong to penetrate her further.

Xue Tong immediately understood her intention and readily complied, beginning his actions. He bent down and lifted the blushing, star-like Xue Qingying, gently parting her smooth, white legs, letting her straddle his lap. His massive member remained inside her secret passage, the friction and contact between them creating an intoxicating pleasure.

Xue Qingying experienced some pleasure, but simultaneously, an overwhelming thirst and ecstatic desire surged through this once pure and beautiful woman. She was completely overwhelmed by the vortex of passion, yearning for further ecstasy and surrender…

Xue Tong, aided by the lubrication of her spring-like opening teeming with desire, once again plunged deep into Xue Qingying's exquisite valley. This time, the dragon finally broke through all the obstacles in the secret passage, directly finding Xue Qingying's mysterious source, successfully striking the tender bud deep within Eden. Xue Tong's erect desire finally found a soft, warm, and moist haven at the end of Xue Qingying's mysterious passage. This sacred, unopened virgin palace now opened its tightly closed jade gates to welcome the beloved jade man in the heart of the jade woman. "The winding path has never been for guests, but now the humble gate is opened for you."

Xue Tong no longer suppressed his desire, thrusting his erect dragon in and out, gently yet powerfully pumping...

When Xue Tong touched the swollen core within her, Xue Qingying's core quickly melted and dispersed, secreting thick love fluid. That magical heat quickly rippled through her body, her flesh feeling as if it were immersed in warm bathwater, the comfort growing stronger within her, making her even more eager for Xue Tong's penetration and thrusting. She swayed her jade hips, matching Xue Tong's rhythmic movements. Their point of union

was already steaming with heat, love fluid squeezed out by the dragon's entry, making beautiful sounds. Sweat dripped from Xue Tong's face onto Miss Xue's face, and Miss Xue's entire body was already drenched in fragrant sweat. The love fluid flowing from her lower body also covered Xue Tong's entire groin, and sweat accumulated between their overlapping breasts.

"Ah, Xue Tong, I feel so good, you...you can go deeper, harder, mmm, so beautiful."

Xue Tong, seeing Xue Qingying's state of pleasure, was overjoyed, knowing that the young lady before him had been subdued. He then comfortably and slowly thrust in and out, gradually bringing her to the peak of her desire...

"Xue Tong, I...I..."

Xue Qingying softly called Xue Tong's name, her hands gripping Xue Tong's back tightly. Her vagina tightened, and Xue Tong knew she had reached her climax. He quickly thrust in and out a dozen times, letting out a roar, and shot a stream of hot semen deep into Xue Qingying's honeyed depths.

Afterward, the two collapsed to the ground, falling into a deep sleep. After

a short nap, they suddenly heard strange noises from below the mountain. Xue Qingying hurriedly opened her eyes. It turned out that the demonic beasts below had begun their attack again. Although the Heavenly Ladder was gone, there were still grooves in the steep stone wall. Some agile demonic beasts, with shields on their heads, were climbing up the mountainside.

The two hurriedly dressed and began hurling large rocks from the mountaintop down. Each rock, weighing hundreds of pounds, generated a force of tens of thousands of pounds. The mountain had more than enough rocks; the attacking demonic beasts were immediately smashed, howling and screaming, many falling to the bottom of the cliff.

Seeing that a direct assault was ineffective, the guardian beast flew into a rage, continuously spewing flames towards the mountaintop. These flames reached several meters high, indicating the beast was at least level three thousand. Xue Tong looked down at the endless horde of beasts below, a sense of desolation washing over her.

Although this place was easy to defend and difficult to attack, Qingying and I couldn't stay here indefinitely. If we couldn't escape, we would surely die at the hands of the beast king; but if we could escape safely, would the young lady still have feelings for me? Even if she was willing, would her parents agree? Looking towards the north bank of the Tianlong River, Xue Tong suddenly conceived a bold plan.

"Young Miss, you stay here and guard the mountain. Don't let the monsters attack. I'm going to make something; maybe we can leave Seven Star Crags this afternoon,"

Xue Tong said as she ran towards the cave.

Xue Qingying didn't know what Xue Tong was up to, but she knew Xue Tong was quick-witted and might actually come up with a good idea.

Xue Tong went into the cave and found some clothes and bedding, all belonging to the six female demons. Seeing the Tianlong River not far below from the mountaintop, Xue Tong remembered the hang glider. If she could make a simple hang glider this afternoon, she could use the southeast wind to fly across the Tianlong River.

Without further ado, she found a tree trunk of suitable thickness, tore the six female demons' clothes into strips, and used the strips to tie the main body of the hang glider. Then, she used the bedding to make the wings. Although the hang glider was rather rudimentary, Xue Tong was still full of confidence in it.

As dusk approached, the hang glider was finished, and Xue Tong called Xue Qingying over to see it.

"Xue Tong, what's this?"

Xue Qingying asked.

Xue Tong smiled leisurely, "These are our wings, Miss. If we hold this main branch tightly, it will carry us to the north bank of the Tianlong River."

Xue Qingying was somewhat skeptical, "Xue Tong, are you cured of your poison? Are you joking?"

Xue Tong said seriously, "Miss, I'm serious. Look, a strong wind is picking up, a southeast wind at that. It's the perfect time for us to escape. If we don't leave now, we won't be able to leave once the Beast King returns."

Although she didn't agree with Xue Tong's plan, risking her life to try was much better than waiting to die here. Xue Qingying carefully put away the Netherworld Sacred Fruit and followed Xue Tong to the north side of the cliff. About twenty steps from the cliff, Xue Tong and Xue Qingying took their running start positions.

Xue Tong said, "Young Miss, believe me, we will definitely be able to fly."

Xue Qingying, disregarding life and death at this moment, smiled and said, "Xue Tong, I'm willing to live and die with you."

Xue Tong counted down to three, and the two of them, holding up their hang gliders, rushed towards the cliff!

After taking off, aided by the wind, the hang gliders indeed took flight. Xue Qingying experienced the feeling of flying for the first time. High in the sky, looking down at the mountains and rivers below, it was so exhilarating! "Xue Tong, we really flew!"

Xue Tong hummed in agreement, instructing Xue Qingying to hold on tight to the hang glider. They flew straight towards the Tianlong River, the wind quite strong that evening, quickly carrying them across. After crossing the river, the hang glider's speed gradually decreased, and once they landed safely, the two, who had shared such a harrowing experience, couldn't help but embrace.

"Xue Tong, you're amazing! Not only did you help me escape, but you also let me experience the feeling of flying!"

Xue Qingying's fiery gaze made Xue Tong's heart flutter. "Xue Tong, I've truly fallen in love with you."

Xue Qingying nestled her delicate body into Xue Tong's arms, and Xue Tong instinctively reached out and pulled her close, feeling a soft, warm body nestled in his embrace.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and someone shouted, "Here they are!"

Xue Tong quickly released Xue Qingying, and the two looked towards the sound to see about a hundred soldiers in full military uniform surrounding them.

Leading the group was a woman clad in bronze armor. The armor couldn't conceal her natural beauty; instead, it accentuated her slender yet strong, pure and elegant aura. From afar and up close, a divine charm emanated from her very being—a rare beauty, truly exceptional.

"Xuehui?"

Xue Qingying called out happily as she approached.

This woman was Qian Xuehui, the daughter of Qian Zhan, the leader of the Thousand Battles Alliance, and the same age as Xue Qingying. Today, she had been leading her men on a patrol along the river to guard against attacks from magical beasts. Seeing something floating from the Seven Star Crags on the opposite bank, she suspected it was a magical beast airborne force and quickly led her men to surround it. Unexpectedly, it was Xue Qingying.

The two women recognized each other and embraced. Qian Xuehui asked what had happened, and Xue Qingying briefly described her journey to the Seven Star Crags to retrieve the Netherworld Sacred Fruit. Upon hearing this, Qian Xuehui and her subordinates were full of praise. Qian Xuehui said, "Qingying, you truly deserve to be the daughter of Prince Xue. Wearing bronze armor, you dared to venture alone into Seven Star Crags. I admire you greatly."

Xue Qingying smiled and said, "I was forced into this situation. Xuehui, these Netherworld Sacred Fruits have miraculous healing effects. I picked a dozen or so, leaving two for you. I have important matters to attend to today, so I must take my leave."

With that, she summoned the Jade Dragon Steed, mounted it, and called for Xue Tong to mount as well.

Qian Xuehui put away the Netherworld Sacred Fruits and asked with a smile, "Qingying, who is this handsome young man?"

Xue Qingying replied, "He is my personal guard, named Xue Tong. He invented that glider just now. Xuehui, I am in a hurry to treat my father's Snow Claw Jade Lion, so I must take my leave now."

With that, the Jade Dragon Steed carried the two of them away.

By the time they returned to Prince Xue's residence, it was already dusk the following evening.

As soon as they entered the gates of the Xue Prince's Mansion, the guards cheered, "The eldest young lady is back!"

Since Xue Qingying left a letter and ran away, the Xue Prince's Mansion had been in chaos. Xue Rengui was furious when he learned that his daughter had secretly gone to Seven Star Crags; a bronze warrior daring to venture into Seven Star Crags was clearly courting death. His wife, Lin Xuezhen, was weeping uncontrollably. Xue Rengui sent Xue Shangwu and his son Xue Dingshan to pursue them, but they failed.

Five days passed without any news of Xue Qingying and Xue Tong. Xue Rengui suspected his daughter was in grave danger, but then the guards reported that the eldest young lady had returned.

Forgetting his anger at his daughter's unauthorized departure, Xue Rengui, along with his two wives, Xue Xiaochai, Su Qin, Xue Shangwu, and Xue Dingshan, went out to greet them. There, they saw Xue Qingying indeed returning, walking towards the main hall of the mansion with Xue Tong.

Approaching, Xue Qingying knelt down. "Father, I acted without your permission. Please punish me. I have brought back the Netherworld Sacred Fruit

." She then presented the fruit.

Xue Rengui initially wanted to reprimand his daughter, but ultimately couldn't bear to. His anger subsided, and he helped Xue Qingying up, saying, "Qingying, your sudden departure worried your mother and me terribly. Thankfully, you've returned safely. Come inside with me." After entering and

sitting down, Xue Qingying recounted to her parents how she had obtained the Netherworld Sacred Fruit.

Xue Rengui laughed heartily, saying, "Xue Tong seems to be a truly talented individual. I've heard Ding Shan mention him; although his battle spirit level is somewhat low, he is meticulous and learned. I will allow him to become a member of our Xue family army, and from now on, he will be your official personal guard. Furthermore, Xue Tong has saved my precious daughter twice; I should also show my appreciation. Someone, bring a consecrated blue crystal as a reward for Xue Tong." Upon hearing this, Xue Xiaochai nearly jumped up from her chair, shouting, "

Father, this consecrated blue crystal is the highest honor awarded to our soldiers. Only those who achieve first-class merit can receive it. I asked you for one before, but you refused, and I still don't own one. Yet you're going to reward Xue Tong with it?" Xue

Rengui nodded and said, "That's right. He saved your sister twice, which should be enough for first-class merit, right? Also, his battle spirit level is low, and he will have to shoulder the responsibility of protecting your sister in the future. This consecrated blue crystal can increase his combat power by forty."

Xue Qingying smiled and said, "Xue Tong, hurry up and thank your father."

Xue Tong hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Thank you for the reward, Your Highness. I will swear to be loyal to Your Highness and to Miss Xue Tong to the death."

The two princesses also praised Xue Tong's intelligence, while Su Qin watched coldly from the side, her resentment towards Xue Tong growing stronger. This brat first insulted me, then conspired with the young lady to kill two of my men, and now he's showing off in front of Xue Rengui! Xue Tong, don't be so smug, we'll see!

The next day, after eating the Netherworld Sacred Fruit, the Snow Claw Jade Lion immediately regained its vitality and became lively again. Xue Rengui was very happy. His fiftieth birthday was in a few days, and he had already sent out invitations. People from the other three major families would all come to celebrate his birthday, and the Jade Lion's recovery would save face.

Xue Tong received the consecrated blue crystal as a reward from Xue Rengui, and was overjoyed. After returning from Seven Star Crags, he secretly went to the training ground and verified on the Purple Gold Stone that his battle spirit had reached level sixty, which must be because he had killed the Beast King's concubine. Xue Tong thought to himself, "My battle spirit is now level sixty, and with the consecrated blue crystal bestowed by Prince Xue, it should be enough for one hundred. Can I summon the Bright Light Armor now?"

Regarding this issue, Xue Tong specifically sought advice from Xue Qingying. Xue Qingying replied, "Normally, it shouldn't be possible, but you can."

Xue Tong asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"

Xue Qingying softly said, "Because I can help you." Xue Tong happily

said, "Then thank you very much, Miss. How exactly will you help?"

Xue Qingying took a sip of fragrant tea and said, "Level 70 capture, level 80 refining, and level 90 appraisal—you don't need to practice these for now. I'll help you melt the combat gems, and you can absorb them with your battle spirit. Once you've accumulated 100 combat power, first summon the Bright Light Armor, and then permanently embed the combat gems into your armor."

Xue Tong understood Xue Qingying's meaning and smiled, "So you mean to reverse the order, put on the Bright Light Armor, and then go back to practice the three techniques of capture, refining, and appraisal, right?"

Xue Qingying said, "That's it. Xue Tong, come with me."

Xue Tong followed Xue Qingying to the refining room of the Xue Royal Mansion. Inside the secret chamber, a thousand-year-old divine cauldron burned. Made of red copper, its surface shimmered with golden light, illuminating the surroundings. Xue Qingying told Xue Tong that this cauldron was specifically used to refine combat gems. Ordinary combat gems needed to be consecrated before melting, a process that took thirty days. This involved slowly refining the gem in the furnace fire, a process that would consume approximately a hundred gold coins over thirty days, demonstrating the exorbitant price of a single consecrated crystal.

Xue Qingying placed the consecrated blue crystal into the cauldron. A seven-colored sphere of glass rose from the cauldron, enveloping the battle gem and undulating around it. The blue crystal, heated by the furnace fire, instantly glowed with a mid-red hue, like a setting sun, but with countless rays, forming silver rings, constantly shimmering and radiating a cool, luminous glow that wasn't dazzling.

Xue Qingying said to Xue Tong, "Wait here for two hours. When I open the furnace, use your battle spirit to absorb all the colorful energy emanating from it, then quickly summon your battle armor and permanently embed it into it."

Xue Tong said with difficulty, "But I don't know how to summon battle armor yet."

Xue Qingying smiled again, "Isn't there still two hours? I'll teach you the incantation here; two hours should be enough."

Xue Tong was overjoyed at the thought that in two hours he would be able to wear the Radiant Battle Armor and cultivate his battle spirit among higher-level magical beasts. He immediately sat down to meditate and began learning how to summon battle armor from Xue Qingying.

Two hours later, Xue Tong had memorized the incantation to summon his battle armor. In addition, with Xue Qingying's guidance, he could now control his level 60 battle spirit at will. Xue Qingying nodded in satisfaction, then opened the treasure cauldron, and a stream of five-colored water vapor rose out...

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