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The lingering glow of the setting sun dyed the horizon a magnificent orange-red.
The warm light lazily spilled over Spirit City, draping this grand city in a soft golden veil.
Within the Spirit Hall, there was a serene, secluded courtyard reserved for core disciples or special individuals.
At this moment, the courtyard was filled with intense fluctuations of soul power.
The spacious yard was meticulously maintained. One corner was planted with cold-resistant flowers and plants, while the other side featured a flat open space, clearly intended for training.
Currently, four graceful figures were immersed in training, each adopting different postures.
Hu Liena sat cross-legged at the center, her body emitting a faint pink glow. The shadow of her Fox martial soul flickered intermittently.
Even during cultivation, her innate charm exuded allure, but her brows were solemn...
As the core of the Golden Generation and the direct disciple of Pope Bibi Dong, she never slackened in her efforts.
Not far away, Ning Rongrong was surrounded by radiant nine-colored lights. Her Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda hovered above her palm, slowly rotating and drawing in surrounding soul power.
This little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had seemingly reined in some of her previous playfulness since deciding to evolve her martial soul into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, gaining a sense of calmness.
However, her slightly pouting lips still hinted at some lingering dissatisfaction about someone's disappearance once again.
Zhu Zhuqing's method of cultivation was entirely different. She wasn't sitting still but instead continuously darting and twisting on the open ground, her movements ghostly and unpredictable. Her Nether Spirit Cat martial soul manifested, accompanied by sharp whooshing sounds.
Her actions were swift and precise, striving for perfection with every strike. Her sweat-soaked black training attire clung to her body, outlining breathtaking curves.
Her clear, beautiful face was filled with determination and perseverance.
From Star Luo Empire to Spirit City, she always remembered her original goal of becoming stronger—to take control of her own destiny, and... to catch up with that person's footsteps.
Xiao Wu appeared somewhat restrained, choosing a spot near the corner to quietly cultivate her soul power.
She had only recently arrived in Spirit City, though Dai Chengfeng took good care of her...
Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing did not truly reject her.
But being at the heart of human power in Spirit City, she couldn't shake an indescribable unease deep inside.
It seemed that only through increasing her strength could she feel secure.
Thus, she trained with exceptional dedication, her long ponytail swaying gently behind her with each breath.
Just then, the courtyard door was gently pushed open, and a figure entered, carrying an air of contented laziness.
It was Dai Chengfeng.
Almost simultaneously, as soon as he stepped into the yard, four pairs of eyes locked onto him.
Ning Rongrong was the first to jump up, quickly retracting her Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda back into her body.
"Dai Chengfeng, where have you been again? You've been missing all day! How can you disappear even in Spirit City?"
Hu Liena also gradually ended her practice, opening her beautiful eyes, which carried a hint of inquiry and concern.
It was as if asking: Does Master have a new mission?
Zhu Zhuqing stopped her movements too, breathing heavily, her cool gaze fixed on Dai Chengfeng. Though silent, her eyes conveyed clear meaning.
Xiao Wu also timidly glanced over.
Dai Chengfeng shook his head, signaling them not to worry.
Then, he calmly observed these four uniquely styled yet equally stunning young women before him, a lazy smile spreading across his face.
He walked to the stone bench in the yard, casually sat down, and said:
"Adults' affairs, children should ask less."
Ning Rongrong immediately protested, her pretty face flushing red as she angrily approached Dai Chengfeng:
"Hmph! Who are you calling a child?"
"Whoever cares, whoever refutes, is the child," Dai Chengfeng chuckled.
"???"
For a moment, Dai Chengfeng and Ning Rongrong's exchange made Hu Liena cover her mouth and giggle, while Zhu Zhuqing shook her head helplessly, clearly accustomed to Ning Rongrong's personality.
Dai Chengfeng merely smiled without speaking, his gaze moving past Ning Rongrong to Zhu Zhuqing, who had just finished intense training.
He stood up and slowly approached Zhu Zhuqing, naturally extending his hand to grasp her small hand, reddened and slightly sweaty from training.
Zhu Zhuqing's hand trembled slightly, instinctively trying to pull back, but Dai Chengfeng held it firmly.
She looked up, meeting his smiling eyes, her cheeks flushing with two rosy hues. Fortunately, her already flushed face from the exercise masked it somewhat.
"My little fiancée is truly diligent," Dai Chengfeng's voice carried admiration.
"You just returned from hunting soul rings in the Great Star Dou Forest and didn't rest properly. Why are you pushing yourself so hard?"
Zhu Zhuqing felt the warmth of his palm and heard the term "little fiancée," causing ripples in her heart. But she feigned aloofness, glaring at Dai Chengfeng.
She tried to pull her hand back again, failing, and let it go, only whispering:
"Do you think everyone is like you, a monster whose cultivation increases even without practicing?"
"I just… don't want to fall too far behind you."
Her voice grew softer, almost inaudible, but the resolve in her words was unmistakable.
Dai Chengfeng smiled, offering no explanation.
Had he really not practiced? His Xiantian Technique was extraordinary, capable of self-operation, constantly absorbing and refining the essence of heaven and earth, allowing his cultivation to steadily improve even without deliberate meditation like ordinary people.
But the mysteries and hardships within, how simple was it on the surface?
Cultivating the Xiantian Technique required extremely high mental fortitude and insight. Its efficiency of self-operation was closely related to his state, definitely not effortless gain.
However, he naturally wouldn't speak much about such confidential matters.
He released Zhu Zhuqing's hand, his gaze sweeping over Hu Liena, who had resumed training or adjusting her breath, and Xiao Wu, who looked somewhat at a loss in the corner.
He didn't disturb Hu Liena's deep meditation but walked to Ning Rongrong, watching her re-condense her Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, occasionally commenting:
"Rongrong, when the soul power flows to the third layer of the pagoda, it feels a bit sluggish. Try focusing your mind more, guiding the soul power like a stream, not a flood."
Ning Rongrong initially wanted to retort, but after trying Dai Chengfeng's method, she indeed felt smoother control over her soul power and couldn't help but glance at him in surprise.
Muttering, "You're actually somewhat useful," she immersed herself again.
Next, he turned to Zhu Zhuqing: "Zhuqing, your speed and Silent Steps are nearly perfect, but your attack points can be more cunning."
"You don't need to pursue maximum force every time. Combine reality and illusion, attack unexpectedly, and the effect might be better."
Zhu Zhuqing pondered, then resumed her movements, attempting to integrate Dai Chengfeng's advice into her techniques.
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