The powerful Spirit Beasts of Sunset Forest all knew about the two unscrupulous Emerald Dragon Snakes that roamed without fixed territory, specializing in ambushes.
They also excelled at toying with other Spirit Beasts.
With their incredible speed and stealth capabilities, they hadn't encountered any real danger during this period.
Their strength had progressed rapidly too, now approaching twenty thousand years in cultivation.
These two Emerald Dragon Snakes would undoubtedly become invaluable spirit companions in the future!
Seeing Ye Lingling's astonished expression, Dugu Feng felt quite pleased with himself.
These two Emerald Dragon Snakes of his would surely astonish everyone someday.
They didn't have to wait long.
Within mere minutes, the two Emerald Dragon Snakes came flying back.
One of them carried on its back a butterfly with silver-white wings edged in blue, their translucent appearance shimmering slightly.
Each pair of wings spanned about thirty centimeters, with antennae emitting intense fluorescent light.
"My grandfather once said you can determine a Moonlight Butterfly's age by the fluorescence of its antennae," Ye Lingling exclaimed excitedly.
"This one's glow is strong but not blinding—you can still clearly see its entire body from a distance, which means it's definitely under five thousand years!"
"Don't worry about absorbing it. What I've found for you is absolutely suitable!" Dugu Feng declared confidently.
When it came to judging Spirit Beasts' cultivation ages, who better than other Spirit Beasts themselves?
His two Emerald Dragon Snakes couldn't possibly make a mistake.
The maximum absorption limit for a fourth Spirit Ring was five thousand years, and given Ye Lingling's physical constitution, attempting to exceed that was out of the question.
"Thank you, Dugu Feng!" Ye Lingling expressed her gratitude before summoning her Martial Soul, the Nine Heart Begonia.
The Moonlight Butterfly had been knocked unconscious by the Emerald Dragon Snake's venom. Ye Lingling produced a sharp dagger and cleanly ended its life.
"Quite efficient!" Dugu Feng praised.
Ye Lingling rolled her eyes at him—did he really think she was some helpless damsel in distress?
She sat cross-legged and began absorbing the Spirit Ring.
Yellow, yellow, purple—three Spirit Rings appeared, undoubtedly the optimal configuration.
Purple energy rose from the Moonlight Butterfly's body and surged violently into Ye Lingling.
A soft moan escaped her lips as she frowned, the absorption process clearly causing her pain.
Though this Moonlight Butterfly didn't exceed the fourth Spirit Ring's absorption limit, its four-thousand-year cultivation wasn't easily assimilated.
As the energy continued pouring in, beads of sweat formed on Ye Lingling's forehead, soaking through the black veil she wore.
The damp veil clung tightly to her face.
Dugu Feng frowned. "There's nobody else around—why wear that veil? You're practically asking for trouble!"
With that, he stepped forward and yanked the veil off her face.
He recalled an ancient Earth punishment called water torture, where wet paper sheets were placed over a person's face—usually by the eighth sheet, the victim would suffocate.
A slow, cruel death by gradual asphyxiation.
Ye Lingling's large eyes filled with resignation at his actions.
Dugu Feng certainly didn't stand on ceremony.
But she had no attention to spare for such matters now, quickly refocusing her Soul Power on absorbing the Spirit Ring.
Ye Lingling was indeed beautiful.
But at this close distance, Dugu Feng had already gotten a clear look through his spiritual perception anyway.
He genuinely had Ye Lingling's best interests at heart.
As time passed, steam began rising from Ye Lingling's entire body.
Her clothes clung tightly to her frame, revealing her well-proportioned figure.
"She doesn't appear particularly impressive normally, but she's actually quite remarkable!"
Dugu Feng calmly assessed in his mind.
After another while, Ye Lingling's aura stabilized, with four Spirit Rings rhythmically pulsating around her.
It was clear she had successfully absorbed it.
Ye Lingling stood up with visible delight—the success had come surprisingly fast.
Only two hours had passed since leaving Heaven Dou City, and now she was already a Soul Ancestor!
Feeling the surging Soul Power within her, she couldn't help but smile.
However, the next moment, a blush spread across Ye Lingling's delicate face.
She became aware of her current state—her light blue dress clung to her like a drenched beauty.
The immense surge of Soul Power during the absorption had caused her to sweat profusely.
The damp fabric outlined her slender curves unmistakably.
Instinctively, she tugged at her skirt, trying to make it less form-fitting, but it was clearly futile.
"Senior, congratulations on advancing to Soul Ancestor!"
Dugu Feng said composedly.
Seeing Dugu Feng's unfazed expression, Ye Lingling relaxed slightly, her embarrassment easing.
Skillfully, she retrieved another veil from her Storage Soul Tool and put it on.
This was her protective shield, as if hiding behind the veil itself.
"Senior, let me take you back."
"Yes! Thank you," Ye Lingling whispered her gratitude.
The two mounted the Emerald Dragon Snake once more and returned to Heaven Dou City.
Regarding Ye Lingling, Dugu Feng wasn't in a hurry to pursue her.
Mainly because he wasn't ready to become a caretaker like Little Snake.
That kind of life would be too miserable!
No need to rush, no need to rush!
Moreover, the Ye family's Martial Soul Defect was even more daunting—only two Nine Heart Begonia Spirit Masters could exist simultaneously.
What if their offspring inherited the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit or Twin Soul Spirits? Wouldn't that mean someone had to die?
Dugu Feng felt it was better to wait until he was stronger before pursuing Ye Lingling.
Perhaps by then, a solution would present itself.
After bidding farewell to Ye Lingling, Dugu Feng headed to Canghui Academy.
The academy was now much livelier, with students quietly training in various Simulated Environments across the practice grounds.
Dugu Feng went straight to the dean's office and met Old Snake.
"Old Snake, take me to Shi Nian and the special training for the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Old Snake led Dugu Feng to the rear of the dean's office.
Surprisingly, there was a dense forest here.
Though its area was small, about the size of two academic buildings.
"Shi Nian said that practicing the Seven Shura Illusion Realm requires a tranquil environment to stimulate the students' mental energy,"
Old Snake explained.
"Hmm!"
Dugu Feng nodded and continued walking when he suddenly sensed fluctuations in mental energy.
"Young Master is truly remarkable to detect it so quickly. They're currently performing the Seven Shura Illusion Realm!"
Old Snake exclaimed in exaggerated admiration.
But it came from the heart—the Young Master's strength was indeed growing rapidly.
The further they ventured, the more intense the energy fluctuations within the forest became.
Moments later, Dugu Feng's vision brightened.
The entire forest had transformed into a dazzling array of colorful lights. The radiant hues appeared harmless, yet their mesmerizing quality made it easy to lose oneself within.
The flowers, plants, and trees in the forest were all enveloped, casting shimmering reflections of light.
It was as if he had stepped into a world of multicolored glass.
This was an illusory realm, one capable of influencing the depths of a person's heart.
Uncontrollably, scenes from Dugu Feng's buried memories surfaced.
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