T/N: Sorry for no uploads, I've accidentally only been uploading on p@treon, will do a mass release probably on sunday. Sorry again.
While Tang San was still suffering inhuman torture—yet somehow enjoying it—Lin Feng, on the other hand, was already indulging in the joys of family and intimacy.
This was the very definition of "once you've had a taste, you can't go back."
There are some things in life where the only difference is between zero times and countless times.
Ever since those two days, Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan seemed to have opened the door to a whole new world, indulging nightly in passionate pleasures.
They were completely addicted, unable to stop.
Fortunately, Lin Feng's body wasn't as fragile as that of a typical soul master.
He held up quite... admirably.
But over time, his desire to condense the fifth soul vein in his kidneys only grew stronger.
Qian Renxue was still manageable. Ling Yuan, however, was another story.
Her Title Douluo-level strength was not something a mere Soul Sect like Lin Feng could easily withstand.
If not for Ling Yuan's tenderness and holding back her full strength, Lin Feng might truly have collapsed.
——
On a snowy white plain, Lin Feng and Qian Renxue awoke inside a tent.
Rubbing her still-sleepy eyes, Qian Renxue let out a long yawn.
Without opening her eyes, she reached out and groped for Lin Feng.
"Did I win last night?"
Lin Feng twitched at the corner of his mouth. The two of you rotate daily without giving yourselves rest, and just because you won at the last moment, you think it's worth bragging about?
"Fine. You win."
"Haha~"
Qian Renxue giggled smugly, rubbing her cheek against Lin Feng's chest.
"I know you're exhausted, so I'll let you off for a while."
Are you sure it's me who's tired? It's just a single win or loss—you take it so seriously?
Picking up a wooden comb, Lin Feng gently combed her golden hair.
Qian Renxue, meanwhile, tidied the front of her robe.
Lin Feng spoke gently:
"Where do you want to go next?"
Qian Renxue paused, thought for a moment, then said:
"How about we head to the border?
We've seen enough snow. Rumor has it, beyond that point lies unexplored territory. It's very dangerous.
Even high-level Soul Douluo have perished there. With only Sister Ling Yuan as our lone Title Douluo, we should be cautious."
Lin Feng slowly nodded:
"Heading south from the Kingdom of Häagen-Dazs, past the Jincheng Mountains and Star Luo Highlands, we can reach a main city near the junction of the two empires."
"Which one?"
"Gengxin City. Known as the City of Metal. The headquarters of the Blacksmith Association is there—it's a paradise for blacksmiths.
It gathers both rare and common metals from across the continent.
I need to go there. Ideally, to form a partnership."
Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly:
"Xiao Feng, are you implying...?"
"Gengxin City is located between Spirit Hall and the southern borders of both the Star Luo and Heaven Dou Empires.
Though usually unremarkable, its strategic location makes it a contested spot in times of conflict.
As the City of Metal and haven for blacksmiths, it will become a vital supply hub. Not everyone is a soul master, and once blacksmiths reach the peak of their craft, their weapons cannot be underestimated.
It's best if we control that power ourselves."
Qian Renxue nodded, leaning her head back, her sapphire eyes gazing at Lin Feng:
"Why this sudden thought? Is it because you were named the Holy Son?"
"Not quite. I have no desire for power, but I understand the suffering of the people.
Eventually, the continent must be unified. As long as the two empires compete, war will inevitably return."
Qian Renxue sighed, raising her jade arms to pinch Lin Feng's cheeks:
"Nine Heart Begonia, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Title Douluo Dugu Bo, and their secret dealings...
You've already done so much. Don't overexert yourself."
He pinned the hairpin he bought for her into her hair.
In the dressing mirror, Lin Feng studied her carefully. Unlike before, the contours of Qian Renxue's face had softened, radiating a subtle allure.
A more mature charm.
"My little Xue is getting more and more thoughtful."
"Hmph~ You big pig hoof, just be grateful!"
——
Outside the tent, Ling Yuan was already waiting.
"Let's head back. Winter is coming. This area will soon be buried in blizzards—not suitable for further exploration.
We'll head south, stop by Heaven Dou City, then go straight down to Star Luo and Gengxin City."
Ling Yuan nodded. With a cry of the wind, a massive fire phoenix appeared in front of Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
"Isn't this a bit too flashy?"
Ling Yuan snorted lightly:
"This isn't the domain of those two seniors. We'll switch back to human form near the cities.
What?"
The phoenix's beak curved into a smirk:
"You rode me last night. Why afraid today?"
Qian Renxue glared, scolding:
"Sister Ling Yuan! You're being outrageous!"
How shameful! Has Sister Ling Yuan unlocked new techniques? Does that mean I'm falling behind?
The phoenix let out a playful chirp:
"Fine, fine, I won't say anything. Don't get mad, Your Highness~"
Qian Renxue, a bit annoyed, found a faintly golden feather and gave it a hard yank.
"Cry—!"
"Xiao Xue~!"
Ling Yuan trembled, a tingling sensation rippling through her body. She glanced back in mock reproach.
Qian Renxue proudly met her gaze:
"I'm not the only one who knows your weak spots. Want me to tell Xiao Feng where this feather maps to on your human body?"
Lin Feng's eyes lit up. He coughed lightly:
"Actually, I think... that's a good id—"
Ling Yuan abruptly jolted the spot Lin Feng was sitting on.
"Nope!"
Seeing Lin Feng shut up, Qian Renxue's eyes glinted mischievously. Mimicking a strange tone she'd heard somewhere, she chuckled:
"Miss Ling Yuan, are you sure you want Xiao Feng to not know where that feather maps to on your body?"
It was a bizarre sentence, with an oddly magical tone that made one unwilling to resist.
Ling Yuan lowered her phoenix head and nodded slightly, a little defeated:
"My bad. I won't say those things in front of Xiao Xue anymore."
(I'll just tell Xiao Feng in secret later, hehe~)
Qian Renxue smugly nodded, then laid down on Ling Yuan's back.
"Why doesn't this fire phoenix come with fire?"
"Silly, Ling Yuan suppressed it. You think she'd roast us all the way?"
Qian Renxue keenly noticed Lin Feng's change in how he addressed Ling Yuan. She narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.
Since Lin Feng chose to call her differently—and things had already reached that point—she might as well let him.
Ling Yuan, hearing this, felt secretly pleased.
Yet also slightly... disappointed. Not being called "sister" anymore felt like something was missing.
A strange feeling indeed.
——
The trio quickly made their way and soon arrived in Heaven Dou City.
Two and a half months passed swiftly.
It had been quite a while since they last visited Sunset Forest.
Because of Gu Yuena's sudden appearance back then, they hadn't stopped in Heaven Dou City and had gone directly north.
Now, returning once again, it was finally time to rest for a few days—and help Ye Mother condense her soul vein.
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at p@treon.com/LordHipposApostle