Star Dou Great Forest, Lake of Life, one of the nodes of the continental Five Elements formation.
The concentration of spiritual energy here was several times, or even dozens of times, greater than in other regions. As a special territory, only a few people and soul beasts could stay here.
Apart from the Fierce Beasts and the innermost members of the Spirit Empire, the five great formation nodes would be opened to exceptionally talented individuals from the outside world at regular intervals. Whether soul beasts or humans, they all had the opportunity to enter and experience this treasure of heaven and earth.
When Lin Feng's Self-Condensing Soul Vein Method was passed down, humans no longer needed to rely on absorbing soul beast rings to increase their strength. This change, like a gentle spring breeze and rain, completely altered the cultivation landscape on the continent. The Self-Condensing Soul Vein Method allowed humans to directly absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, condensing their own Soul Veins, thus opening a new path of cultivation.
The Lake of Life, as an important node of the Five Elements formation, had become a holy land that many cultivators dreamed of.
Such a treasured land was jointly managed by the upper echelons of both humans and soul beasts, further promoting the exchange and cooperation between the two races.
Although conflicts still existed, they were mostly in the smaller soul beast forests and were mostly minor matters.
As for major matters, Lin Feng had directly taken Ling'er, the personification of the Douluo Star's plane will, and "kindly" helped her modify the rules of heaven and earth on the Douluo Star. Those who maliciously harmed other races would trigger a heavenly thunder punishment, a different kind of heavenly Dao sanction.
The matter of moving the soul beasts was temporarily put on hold. Gu Yuena had once conducted a humanized "questionnaire survey" on the Douluo Star. All soul beasts with a cultivation of over ten thousand years and who had developed spiritual intelligence were asked for their opinions.
The majority of the opinions received were actually "Why aren't the humans the ones leaving the Douluo Star?" and "Actually, I think it's pretty good now."
So after discussing with Lin Feng, Gu Yuena planned to revisit this matter when the Douluo Star's capacity was nearing saturation and conflicts between the two races began to appear again.
After all, conflict is the driving force that pushes things forward.
And at this moment, although it was not the time for the five great formation nodes to be open to the outside world, a graceful figure was still sitting cross-legged by the Lake of Life, quietly cultivating.
It was Ye Lingling. She was wearing a light blue long dress, the hem of which swayed gently with the wind, like ripples on the surface of a lake.
Her long, light blue hair fell softly on her shoulders, and a few stray strands danced with the wind, adding a touch of elegance.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, and her eyes revealed a faint tenderness and tranquility. With just a glance, one could feel an indescribable peace and serenity from her.
The phantom of a Sacred Heart Begonia floated behind her. This was not her martial soul's true body. Nowadays, the vast majority of soul masters on the Douluo Star began to re-integrate their martial souls into their bodies when they reached the Soul Sage level.
The re-projected martial soul was just a manifestation of one's own cultivation's Dao Fruit.
As her thoughts flowed, the phantom of the Sacred Heart Begonia gradually became more solid. A faint light seemed to flicker on the petals, emitting a pure and powerful life force. Ye Lingling's eyes were slightly closed as she focused on feeling the fluctuations of the surrounding spiritual energy. At this moment, her Soul Veins seemed to resonate with the spiritual energy between heaven and earth, continuously absorbing this gift.
Her breathing became longer and deeper. As time passed, the aura on Ye Lingling's body gradually became stronger and more stable. Her cultivation at this moment seemed to have broken through some kind of shackle, reaching a new height.
"Hah—"
Ye Lingling opened her eyes, a trace of pleasant surprise flashing in them. This cultivation session had brought her another step closer to breaking through to the true god-level.
She slowly stood up, stretched her muscles and bones, and felt the vigorous power surging in her body. A smile of satisfaction and anticipation appeared on her face.
She suddenly had a feeling in her heart and looked towards the sky not far away. The figures of Lin Feng and Hu Liena appeared in her line of sight, which made her slightly stunned, and then her heart filled with joy.
Before she could make a move, Lin Feng and Hu Liena had already instantly appeared in front of her, bringing with them a slight fluctuation of spiritual energy.
"Brother... Brother Lin Feng." Ye Lingling's voice trembled slightly, and a blush quietly appeared on her cheeks. Her shy appearance was both delicate and reserved.
She lowered her head, not daring to look directly into Lin Feng's eyes. Her fingers unconsciously fiddled with the hem of her dress, and her heart was pounding like a frightened deer.
"It's been a long time, Lingling."
"Mmm, mmm, it's been... a long time." Ye Lingling responded softly.
Hu Liena watched from the side, secretly amused. She walked to Ye Lingling's side, placed her small hand on her shoulder, and brought her cheek close to Ye Lingling's, wanting to see her eyes at this moment.
She teased, "Why aren't you greeting me?"
"Nana~" Ye Lingling pursed her lips. She gently pushed Hu Liena, a hint of coquettishness in her eyes.
"Haha~"
Hu Liena laughed and dodged, spun around gracefully, and then very naturally took Lin Feng's hand, winking at Ye Lingling.
This sudden intimate gesture made Ye Lingling slightly stunned, and an inexplicable emotion rose in her heart.
As the owner of the Sacred Heart Begonia, her perception of life auras was extremely keen. After coming to her senses and perceiving it, Ye Lingling could clearly sense the faint intertwining of auras between Hu Liena and Lin Feng.
In addition, Hu Liena, whose cultivation was not much higher than hers, had that subtle change that came after a first romantic experience, which Ye Lingling could also faintly perceive.
This... how could this be?
I was the one who met Brother Lin Feng first. Why did Nana get to him first? I was here first~
Nana has Teacher Bibi Dong to help her. What about me... should I go find my little aunt, and then Sister Ling Yuan? Or should I just go directly to Sister Xue'er...
Ye Lingling lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twirling the hem of her dress, her heart filled with complex emotions.
Hu Liena seemed to see Ye Lingling's current disappointment and confusion and said with a light laugh, "It seems Lingling still remembers our agreement. Your long hair looks great."
Ye Lingling was stunned. An agreement? What does it have to do with long hair... I only grew my hair long because Brother Lin Feng likes it. Bibi Dong once mentioned that Lin Feng really likes ponytails...
Meeting Hu Liena's slightly cunning smile, Ye Lingling's heart suddenly became clear.
Her cheeks also reddened slightly. This girl is really... as annoying as Yanyan. How can such an agreement be counted...
The few of them had once agreed to take down Lin Feng together. If anyone snuck ahead, they would have to help the others create opportunities.
Although she had blushed furiously at the instigation of Dugu Yan and Hu Liena at the time, she had not said no. After all, to her, such an agreement was very embarrassing.
But if they were to really not include her, that would be a different matter.
"Lingling? Lingling?" Seeing that she was a little lost in thought, Lin Feng couldn't help but call out softly, "Lingling, what are you thinking about? You're so engrossed."
Ye Lingling came back to her senses, looked up at Lin Feng, a trace of panic flashing in her eyes, which then returned to calm.
She quickly walked to Lin Feng's other side, smiled slightly, and said softly, "It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of some things."
Under Hu Liena's astonished gaze, Ye Lingling directly took Lin Feng's other hand. Her action seemed both natural and carried a trace of imperceptible determination. She squeezed Lin Feng's hand gently, and after confirming that he would not pull his hand back, an inexplicable sense of courage and peace of mind rose in Ye Lingling's heart.
She looked up at Lin Feng, her eyes sparkling with a light that was a mixture of determination and gentleness, as if at this moment, she had made some important decision.
"Brother Lin Feng, actually, there's something I've always wanted to say to you." Ye Lingling's voice was soft yet exceptionally clear, every word as if it were a sincere confession after deep thought. "For a long time, I've always admired you. You are not only powerful but also kind-hearted, always giving your all to protect everyone. In my heart, you are like a light, illuminating the path ahead for me."
"Whoa—"
Hu Liena couldn't help but cover her mouth, her eyes wide, a look of surprise flashing in them. She had not expected Ye Lingling to confess her feelings to Lin Feng so directly.
"Heavens, has an otherworldly demon possessed my Lingling? A single sentence with more than twenty words, and she even confessed directly. Is this still that tranquil and slightly aloof Ye Lingling?" Hu Liena exclaimed in her heart. She now had no doubt that if the protagonist of the secret chamber from the past two days had been Ye Lingling, she would have acted even more decisively than her.
Ye Lingling was still speaking, "Brother Lin Feng, I've always been very grateful to you, grateful for everything you've done for us. I know, I may not be the strongest by your side, nor the smartest, but I have a heart that is willing to give everything for you. Whenever and wherever, as long as you need me, I will be by your side."
Ye Lingling's voice was gentle, but it no longer had the slight tremor it had when they first met. Instead, the more she spoke, the more firm and frank she became. "I... want to stay by your side. It comes from love, not gratitude."
The gratitude she spoke of was naturally for the kindness of Lin Feng helping the Nine Heart Begonia family solve their martial soul problem, bringing them from Heaven Dou into the Spirit Hall, teaching them the Soul Vein method, the attention of a god, and so on.
But what she was expressing at this moment was a purer emotion that surpassed all of that.
Ye Lingling raised her head and met Lin Feng's gaze, as if at this moment, she had gathered all her courage and determination in her eyes.
How could one refuse this! Lingling is too good at this. A gentle girl mustering up her courage to confess bravely. Hu Liena couldn't help but look sideways, but she always felt that something was a little strange. When did Lingling learn this trick?
This pitiful gaze, this expression that made one's heart ache with love…
How could Lin Feng refuse such a Ye Lingling?
Lin Feng looked at Ye Lingling, gently patted her shoulder to signal that she didn't need to be so nervous, and then said in a calm tone, "Lingling, I understand your feelings. I admire your resilience and kindness, and I am also very happy to have you by my side."
Hearing Lin Feng's words, a warm current surged through Ye Lingling's heart. She felt that her courage had been reciprocated, as if the whole world had become brighter. She held Lin Feng's hand tightly, tears shimmering in her eyes. They were tears of happiness.
Hu Liena watched this scene from the side, also feeling very gratified in her heart. So I don't need to make a move? Lingling solved the big problem herself.
"Brother Lin Feng, can I really stay by your side?" Ye Lingling asked again.
Lin Feng smiled and nodded. "Of course, you can, Lingling. There has always been a place for you by my side, whether as a friend or as someone closer."
Hearing this, the blush on Ye Lingling's cheeks became more obvious. She lowered her head, her heart filled with shyness and joy.
It was just that a trace of imperceptible cunning flashed in her eyes. In her storage soul tool, "Mother Ye's Guide - Ling Yuan's Enhanced Edition" was instantly refined and turned to ash.
Anyway, I won't be needing it in the future. I should destroy the evidence as soon as possible!
Her grip on Lin Feng's hand tightened, their fingers intertwined, and she smiled sweetly.
Hu Liena looked at Ye Lingling's overflowing happiness, feeling both gratified and a little teasing. She coughed lightly. "By the way, what about Zhuqing and the others?"
As she spoke, she took Lin Feng's hand again.
"Tsk, tsk, if Zhuqing and stinky snake were to see this scene now, I wonder what they would think?" Hu Liena mused to herself, a playful smile on her lips. Her gaze wandered back and forth between herself, Lin Feng, and Ye Lingling, as if she were enjoying this subtle atmosphere.
Ye Lingling felt Hu Liena's gaze, and the blush on her cheeks deepened.
"As for Zhuqing, she should be seeking guidance from Uncle Di Tian."
Ye Lingling said, a faint smile in her eyes. "Zhuqing is the most ambitious among us. Although her aptitude is not the most outstanding among us, her dedication and pursuit of strength make us all feel inadequate.
She always says that she has to become stronger to be able to stand in front of us, and also to be worthy of standing by your side, Brother Lin Feng."
She glanced at Lin Feng's expression and continued, "All matters in the Star Luo Province are being handled by her older sister, so she can devote herself entirely to cultivation. Over the years, she has been constantly challenging herself, and every improvement has been impressive.
This time, coming to the Lake of Life was her idea.
In order to stimulate her own potential, she didn't let me assist her and chose to spar with Uncle Di Tian to temper herself. She said that only in front of a true expert can she force out her own limits, and also better comprehend and improve.
She should reach the god-level before me."
Lin Feng nodded. He had also seen the changes in Zhu Zhuqing.
Ever since Zhu Zuyun and Lin Feng's two letters were delivered to Zhu Zhuqing, her personality seemed to have become more resilient. It was also at that time that Lin Feng's shadow was completely buried in the bottom of Zhu Zhuqing's heart, never to be dispersed again.
When he arrived at the Star Dou Great Forest, he had already sensed that in an alternate space of the Lake of Life, Di Tian was confronting Zhu Zhuqing. To be precise, Zhu Zhuqing was constantly challenging Di Tian, while Di Tian, in the manner of a senior, was both fighting and guiding.
Di Tian had been told by Gu Yuena long ago that Hu Liena, Ye Lingling, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others were all possible future mistresses of his. As for their growth, challenges, and tempering, Di Tian naturally gave his all.
"Let's go take a look."
With a thought from Lin Feng, he took the two girls and directly crossed the void, appearing on the battlefield of Di Tian and Zhu Zhuqing.