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Dai Chengfeng didn't expect Ning Rongrong to suddenly ask such a question. He froze for a moment and instinctively nodded.
After all, that was indeed his initial impression of her.
Although his perception had changed somewhat over time, deeply ingrained opinions weren't so easily erased overnight.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong didn't get angry. Instead, she smiled faintly, with a touch of self-deprecating humor and understanding.
She spoke softly: "I know that in many people's eyes, I'm willful, capricious, and sometimes even unreasonable."
"But you know what? Back when I was at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, around Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone, they never got truly upset with me. They just thought I was cute."
"I thought… that was how you were supposed to interact with people."
Her voice gradually grew softer, tinged with a barely perceptible sense of grievance and newfound clarity from her growth: "Later, after leaving home and meeting all of you, I slowly began to realize…"
"Not everyone is like Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone, willing to unconditionally indulge me."
"Some of my actions might seem immature or troublesome to you all… I know it's wrong. Actually… I've been trying hard to change."
"It's just that sometimes, habits are really hard to break all at once…"
She raised her head, her gaze burning into Dai Chengfeng's eyes, pure and resolute: "I want this immortal herb not just to grow stronger, but also to prove to my father, to Grandpa Sword, and to Grandpa Bone!"
"Their little troublemaker has grown up!"
"I can endure pain, discern right from wrong, and work hard toward my goals, persevering through anything!"
"I, Ning Rongrong…"
"Am no longer the fledgling who needs their eternal protection!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the girl before him—now stripped of all her usual coquettishness, revealing only sincerity and determination—and felt a slight stirring in his heart.
He saw the unwavering resolve in Ning Rongrong's eyes, as well as her genuine desire to be acknowledged.
At this moment, he believed she was truly prepared to face any challenge brought on by the drug's potency, including the embarrassing "side effects."
He fell silent for a moment, and eventually, all traces of teasing and scheming melted into a soft sigh, tinged with admiration and solemnity:
"Alright, I understand."
His gaze sharpened and became focused. "Since you're determined, then I'll support you!"
"Just don't disappoint me—or your father, Grandpa Sword, or Grandpa Bone!"
With that, Dai Chengfeng flipped his wrist, and a smooth jade box appeared in his palm.
He carefully opened the lid, and instantly, a rich orchid fragrance wafted out.
It was invigorating—just a single breath seemed to quicken the flow of soul power.
Inside the jade box lay a peculiar plant.
It resembled a vine, but atop it bloomed a dazzling golden tulip.
The petals gleamed like gold, shimmering with light, while the stamen swayed gently, radiating an astonishing aura of spiritual energy.
"This is called the 'Beautiful Silk Tulip,'" Dai Chengfeng's voice carried a tone of reverence. "It is regal and majestic, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, the light of the sun and moon. It is among the 'kings' of immortal herbs."
"Its nature is balanced yet contains infinite mysteries—it is the perfect supplement for your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul."
"By consuming it, you have a great chance of breaking through the limits of your martial soul, allowing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda to evolve into the legendary Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
Ning Rongrong held her breath, her eyes fixed unwaveringly on the Beautiful Silk Tulip. Her heart raced with excitement and anticipation.
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda… Her dream was within reach!
Dai Chengfeng meticulously explained the method of consumption: "Remember, this flower cannot be swallowed directly. First, consume the eight petals, then gently inhale the stamen, slowly absorbing its essence into your body. Finally, use your soul power to guide and refine the medicinal energy."
"The process may be agonizing, but you must keep your mind clear and direct the medicinal energy toward your martial soul."
"I will stand guard for you during cultivation, but whether you succeed ultimately depends on you."
He solemnly extended the jade box containing the Beautiful Silk Tulip toward Ning Rongrong.
"I understand!"
Just as Ning Rongrong eagerly agreed, her beautiful eyes glued to the life-changing Beautiful Silk Tulip, Dai Chengfeng abruptly shifted topics:
"This… isn't over yet."
"Not over?"
Ning Rongrong blinked in confusion, looking at him quizzically.
Dai Chengfeng flipped his wrist again, and two more boxes of different designs appeared in his hands.
One was a small bottle carved from top-grade white jade, smooth to the touch and exuding a faint coolness; the other was a pitch-black inkstone box, cold to the touch and far more mysterious.
"The Beautiful Silk Tulip primarily refines the essence of your martial soul and breaks through its limits."
"But the evolution of a martial soul requires a strong foundation and abundant soul power to support it. Moreover, once your martial soul evolves, pairing it with higher-year soul rings will maximize its power."
Dai Chengfeng patiently explained. Since he had decided to invest in her, he intended to do it properly.
Let Ning Rongrong—and by extension, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—owe him an enormous favor.
He first picked up the white jade bottle, uncorked it, and a refreshing herbal fragrance immediately filled the air, invigorating the senses.
Dai Chengfeng looked at Ning Rongrong. "Take this pill first to build a solid foundation."
"This pill is called the 'Great Rejuvenation Pill.' Its effects are relatively mild, cleansing and strengthening your meridians, broadening your channels, and reinforcing your foundation while boosting your soul power level."
"This way, it will be easier for you to absorb the Beautiful Silk Tulip's potent energy, and your body will better withstand the impact of your martial soul's evolution."
Next, Dai Chengfeng's gaze shifted to the inkstone box, his expression growing significantly more serious, even tinged with a hint of mischief.
"And this…"
He gently opened the inkstone box, and a more intense, almost domineering medicinal energy spread out. Inside lay a lychee-sized, dark yellow gel-like substance.
"And this is what I mentioned earlier—the pill that enhances soul ring years. Whale… uh, Dragon Blood Soul-Refining Pill."
Dai Chengfeng hesitated briefly but decided against revealing the name "whale glue," instead making up a random title.
If Ning Rongrong were to accidentally let slip the effects of whale glue later, it would make collecting more of it troublesome for him.
Thinking about this, Dai Chengfeng shook his head. "The main ingredient of the Dragon Blood Soul-Refining Pill contains the essence of dragon blood, which is extremely yang and powerful. Its effects are overwhelming—it refines soul rings and enhances their quality while causing the blood and qi to boil… That 'special' side effect mainly stems from this."
"And when its effects kick in, they'll follow the Great Rejuvenation Pill and the Beautiful Silk Tulip, combining with their energies. Especially once the Beautiful Silk Tulip's heavenly essence is activated, it will further amplify the potency of the Dragon Blood Soul-Refining Pill…"
"So, that 'side effect' will likely be several times stronger than what Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena experienced."
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