Walking out of Liu Erlong's room, Li Chang'an let out a soft sigh. He wasn't sure if he was sighing for Liu Erlong as a person, or for something else about her.
Just as he was about to return to his dorm to think about how to explain everything to Xiao Wu and the others, Ning Rongrong suddenly came running toward him.
Her delicate face was flushed, clearly showing her urgency.
Today, she wore a pale green long dress that was obviously expensive, paired with elegant gray boots. Her long hair flowed loosely around her shoulders, making her look every bit like a noble princess.
And in truth, she was a princess—daughter of the world's second-strongest sect, the wealthiest clan under the heavens. Ning Rongrong's identity was as lofty as it came.
Yet despite her status, the way she looked at Li Chang'an now was filled with shyness and excitement, almost like a maiden greeting her beloved.
"Li… Li Teacher," Ning Rongrong said, patting her heaving chest from the run before glancing up at him.
"Ah, Rongrong. What is it?" Li Chang'an asked casually, appearing oblivious, like a block of wood.
"It's nothing. I just heard you were back and… I wanted to see you." Ning Rongrong lowered her head, fiddling with the hem of her skirt, too shy to meet his eyes.
"Mm. Thank you for your concern. I'll head back to my dorm then," Li Chang'an nodded indifferently and made as if to leave.
"Wait!" Ning Rongrong quickly grabbed his arm, her eyes filled with longing.
"Hm? Rongrong, is there something else?" Li Chang'an asked, glancing at her hand on his arm, feigning confusion.
"Yes. Teacher Li, did you know that Tang San and the others have all improved their strength recently?" she asked, trying to find a topic while still refusing to let go of his arm.
It was her first time holding onto him like this.
"I know. And I also know there weren't any suitable herbs for you. But Rongrong, remember—medicine is three parts poison. The herbs Tang San and the others took all have side effects. Not taking them may be the better choice," Li Chang'an said, comforting her like a father.
Not even the Divine Realm could conjure up more immortal herbs out of thin air. His decision not to give Ning Rongrong one back then had been the right call—especially since her martial soul couldn't rely on herbs for true growth.
"Oh, I see… But Teacher Li, the tournament is coming soon. Everyone else's soul power is already close to Spirit Ancestor Rank, yet I'm still stuck at level 33. Doesn't that make me too weak?" she said sadly.
"Not at all. You're from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—how could you possibly be weak? Just work hard and cultivate steadily." Li Chang'an comforted her again, gently trying to withdraw his arm.
A young lady had to protect herself, after all.
"But Teacher Li, I'm still worried. You're so strong—couldn't you help me improve too?"
Ning Rongrong asked, feigning disappointment.
In her heart, she knew he probably didn't have a way. She only wanted to stay with him longer.
'Improve you? I'm strong enough to make you fly,' Li Chang'an joked inwardly.
But instead, he pulled a fruit from his storage soul tool—a High-grade Soul Power Fruit.
Though it only cost a few tens of thousands of points, for Ning Rongrong it might push her directly to Spirit Ancestor. It was more than enough.
In the past, he might have hesitated to spend that much, but now? It no longer mattered.
And as for why he hadn't given her an immortal herb before—Li Chang'an had his reasons. He didn't believe that, when the time came and she was stuck at level 79, his supreme version of the Soul Power Fruit wouldn't push her through to the next stage.
"This is a fruit I found during my travels. It can increase your soul power. I don't know by how much, but I can guarantee it has no side effects. If you trust me, try it."
"I trust you!" Ning Rongrong said without hesitation. Even if the fruit did have side effects, she would have eaten it—simply because it came from Li Chang'an.
"Wait. Don't eat it here. We need a proper place first, or your soul power might surge uncontrollably," Li Chang'an warned, stopping her just as she was about to bite into it.
Normally, a mid-grade fruit was already enough for a Spirit Elder, but this was high-grade. She needed to prepare.
"Then… let's go to my dorm. You can protect me while I absorb it," Ning Rongrong said with sparkling eyes.
By now, the Seven Devils were strong enough to graduate, so each enjoyed the privilege of their own room.
"This… might not be appropriate. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing are also in the girls' dorms," Li Chang'an said awkwardly.
"Then let's go to a hotel nearby. It's quiet there. How about it?" Ning Rongrong suggested boldly, her face instantly turning crimson at her own forwardness.
"Teacher Li, would you really bear to let me risk an accident while cultivating?" she added, puffing her chest out slightly. Not so small anymore, Li Chang'an noted.
"…Alright then," he finally agreed, after weighing her safety.
"Great, let's go!" Ning Rongrong chirped, grabbing his arm and tugging him along.
But Li Chang'an quickly pulled his arm free.
"I already have a girlfriend, Rongrong. You need to be mindful of that," he said seriously.
"Yes, I know—you have two girlfriends," she replied cheekily, sticking out her tongue before finally keeping a respectful distance beside him.
Hotels were plentiful outside the academy, but Li Chang'an led her to the Li family's own hotel nearby.
Why build one there? Of course, to make money.
Not for Li Chang'an's convenience.
They booked a luxurious suite and, under the knowing looks of the staff, went upstairs together.
"This place is pretty nice," Ning Rongrong said as she glanced around at the elegant decor, then turned expectantly to Li Chang'an.
"Eat it. Begin," he instructed, settling onto the sofa as she sat cross-legged to cultivate.
"Yes," Ning Rongrong nodded obediently and gracefully ate the fruit, every gesture elegant like a refined young lady.
The very next moment, shock lit her face. A surge of pure, concentrated soul power burst from her core, flooding into her limbs!
Level 34.
Level 35.
Level 36.
Her strength kept climbing—but the torrent of soul power didn't weaken. It overflowed, some of it even bursting out of her body.
Rip!
Her long dress split apart under the force, torn open by the surging energy.
Smooth, fair skin peeked through the tatters. She was left wearing only a tight pink camisole on top and a pair of short pink under-shorts below—both form-fitting, perfectly accentuating the curves of her youthful body.
"Gulp." Li Chang'an swallowed hard. Right now, Ning Rongrong was like a proud young swan.
"Teacher Li… my soul power—it's overflowing. I can't… hold it anymore!" Ning Rongrong gasped, her voice trembling with both strain and a hint of breathless allure.
And then she noticed—her dress was gone.
Li Chang'an expected her to scream in embarrassment. But instead, she only glanced at him once, then half-heartedly covered herself with her hands—barely enough to count as modesty.
_____
T/N:
For readers who would like early access, my Patreon is available for just $4 per month. You'll unlock 80+ advance chapters and help support ongoing works.
🔗 patreon.com/user?u=79514336
You may also search Translator-Sama directly on Patreon.
Your support is sincerely appreciated