Song Qing found a sense of tranquility amidst the vibrant foliage and fragrant blooms of his herbal garden. It had become his sanctuary, a place where he could not only cultivate rare and potent herbs but also gather his thoughts and plan for the future.
As was his habit, he activated the 'Perpetual Spirit Manifestation' ability of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit's Fifth Soul Ring. A soft, emerald glow emanated from his body, and the gentle aura of 'Verdant Embrace' enveloped the garden, its restorative energy flowing freely without any drain on his soul power.
The Blue Silver Empress seedling, Ah Yin, thrived under this constant nourishment, its delicate leaves unfurling with vigor. Many of the other Immortal Herbs in the garden also benefited greatly, their growth accelerated, their potency enhanced. Song Qing even noticed that some of the older, more sentient herbs were developing a nascent form of consciousness, a faint awareness of their surroundings.
'They aren't spirit beasts, though,' Song Qing mused, carefully pruning a 'Dragon's Blood Grass'. 'Their consciousness will likely remain rudimentary for a very long time.'
Meanwhile, within the confines of a single night, a significant event occurred. The Blue Silver Empress, Ah Yin, stirred. Her consciousness, dormant for so long, flickered back to life. Memories flooded her awareness – her life as a spirit beast, her love for Tang Hao, the birth of their son, and the devastating sacrifice she had made to save him.
Ah Yin's newly awakened consciousness was filled with confusion. She found herself in a beautiful, lush garden, unlike any she had ever seen. Towering trees with luminous leaves, vines bearing glowing fruits, and flowers with petals of every imaginable hue surrounded her.
And then she saw him. A young boy, barely a teenager, yet possessing a remarkable maturity in his features. He was handsome, with an air of quiet strength about him, tending to the plants with a gentle touch.
'Where am I?' Ah Yin wondered, her thoughts still hazy. 'And who is this child?'
Despite Ah Yin's awakening, Song Qing remained outwardly unaware. He continued his routine, meticulously caring for his plants. He knew she was awake; he could sense the subtle shift in the garden's energy. But he had a plan, a carefully considered strategy for how he wanted to interact with her.
'I need to guide her, to make her understand my intentions,' he thought, his verdant eyes focused on a particularly delicate 'Phoenix Tail Fern'. 'I can't just blurt out everything. I need her to trust me.'
The day passed in the quiet rhythm of the herbal garden. As the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the vibrant foliage, a familiar figure approached the garden's entrance. It was his Senior Sister, Hu Liena.
Her beautiful face wore a somewhat petulant expression as she stepped into the garden, her gaze immediately finding Song Qing.
"Little Junior Brother," she called out, her voice carrying a hint of playful accusation, "are you unhappy with me? Have I done something to displease you? Why haven't you come to see your Senior Sister lately?"
Hu Liena looked utterly charming, her every movement exuding a natural grace and allure. The subtle scent of her evolved spirit, the Seven-Tailed Sinful Fox, wafted through the air, its intoxicating sweetness having a slight effect even on Song Qing's well-guarded senses.
Song Qing offered her a self-deprecating smile, putting down the watering can he had been using. "Senior Sister Liena, you wound me with such words. You know how busy I have been these past few weeks, with the spirit beast hunts and my own cultivation."
Hu Liena's expression softened, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Oh, I know, little junior brother. I was just teasing you." She sauntered closer, her gaze lingering on his face. "But still… I have missed your company."
She paused, her dark eyes sparkling with invitation. "Tell me, little junior brother, would you perhaps be free for some dinner tonight? It would be my treat."
Song Qing considered her offer for a moment. He had intended to spend the evening in further contemplation, but the prospect of spending time with his charming senior sister was undeniably appealing.
"That sounds lovely, Senior Sister," he agreed, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
'A dinner with Senior Sister Liena… that could be quite enjoyable,' he thought.
As they made their way towards the Spirit Hall's dining area, Hu Liena couldn't help the flutter of excitement in her heart.
'A dinner with my handsome little junior brother,' she thought, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. 'Perhaps this is my chance to get a little closer to him.'
Throughout their meal, Hu Liena made sure to use her considerable charm to its full effect. Her every glance, every smile, every subtle touch was designed to tease and perhaps even seduce her dear junior brother.
She knew her feelings for Song Qing had grown beyond simple camaraderie. She admired his talent, his strength, and his gentle nature. And she was also keenly aware that he was surrounded by other beautiful and capable girls like Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
'I can't ask him to choose,' she thought, a hint of sadness in her heart. 'But perhaps… perhaps I can simply become an even more important part of his life.'
With the evolution of her spirit to the Seven-Tailed Sinful Fox, her natural charm had been amplified to an incredible degree. She moved with a captivating grace, her voice held a mesmerizing quality, and her very presence seemed to exude an irresistible allure.
Song Qing was certainly not oblivious to his Senior Sister's intentions. He noticed the way her eyes lingered on him, the subtle brush of her hand against his, the suggestive undertones in her voice. But he didn't call her out on it. He found her company enjoyable, and he allowed himself to be swept along by her playful advances.
'She's really quite… captivating,' he thought, a faint blush warming his cheeks. 'Senior Sister Liena's charm has definitely increased.'
He responded with polite conversation and occasional teasing of his own, enjoying the lighthearted banter and the undeniable chemistry between them.
~~
Their dinner ended all too soon for Hu Liena's liking. She found herself lingering, her gaze often drifting towards Song Qing, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Little Junior Brother," she said, her voice a gentle murmur, "the night is still young. Would you perhaps care for a stroll? There's a rather lovely spot just outside the Spirit Hall, quite romantic, I think."
Song Qing met her gaze, a knowing smile in his verdant eyes. "A walk sounds delightful, Senior Sister."
'She certainly isn't being subtle tonight,' he thought, a warmth spreading through him.
They left the brightly lit dining hall and stepped out into the cool night air. The location Hu Liena had in mind was a beautifully landscaped garden just beyond the Spirit Hall's main grounds, complete with softly glowing lanterns, fragrant flowerbeds, and secluded pathways. It was a popular spot for couples seeking a romantic interlude.
As they strolled along the winding paths, Hu Liena made no attempt to maintain a proper distance. She would frequently brush against Song Qing, her arm lightly touching his, her shoulder bumping his as if by accident. But Song Qing could feel the deliberate nature of her movements, the subtle pressure as her charming body pressed against his.
He didn't comment on it, didn't pull away. Instead, his own instincts began to take over. His hand, which had been swinging loosely at his side, naturally found its way to her hip, his fingers gently curving around her slender form.
Hu Liena's breath hitched slightly at his touch. A wave of heat rushed to her cheeks, and her heart began to beat a little faster.
'He… he's touching my hip!' she thought, her mind reeling. 'So bold! I didn't expect him to be so… forward.'
But she didn't pull away either. In fact, she leaned into his touch, subtly increasing the pressure of her body against his.
Their walk continued in this manner, a silent dance of burgeoning intimacy. Hu Liena would lean closer, her hair occasionally brushing against his cheek, her scent filling his senses. Song Qing's hand remained on her hip, his thumb gently stroking the soft fabric of her dress. At one point, as they paused to admire a particularly fragrant rose bush, his other hand reached out, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of her waist, a possessive yet tender gesture that sent shivers down Hu Liena's spine.
A soft gasp escaped her lips this time, and she turned her head away slightly, her blush deepening to a fiery crimson.
'His touch… it feels so… right,' she thought, a wave of happiness washing over her. 'He really does like me!'
The air around them crackled with unspoken desires and a growing sense of anticipation. The gentle glow of the lanterns cast long, dancing shadows, creating an intimate and almost dreamlike atmosphere.
As their walk drew to an end, they found themselves standing near a secluded fountain, the gentle sound of water splashing providing a soothing backdrop. Song Qing turned to face Hu Liena, his verdant eyes filled with a warmth that mirrored the blush on her cheeks.
He leaned in close, his lips just a breath away from her ear. "Senior Sister Liena," he whispered, his voice low and husky, "tonight… I was quite restrained."
Hu Liena held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel his warm breath against her skin, sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
"Next time…" he continued, his voice dropping even lower, "I won't be so… well-behaved."
Hu Liena's blush intensified, spreading down her neck and across her chest. Her dark eyes widened slightly as she met his gaze, a mixture of surprise, excitement, and a deep, undeniable longing swirling within them.
'He… he's not a little boy anymore,' she thought, her mind racing. 'He's becoming a man… a very desirable man.'
A wave of pure joy washed over her. This was what she had hoped for, what she had secretly desired. The realization that her feelings were reciprocated, that her little junior brother was now acknowledging their growing intimacy, filled her with a profound sense of happiness.
She slowly nodded her head, her gaze locked with his, a devoted and almost submissive gesture that spoke volumes of her feelings for him.
~~
The next day dawned bright and clear, and as was becoming his routine, Song Qing found solace and purpose within the verdant embrace of his herbal garden. The air hummed with the gentle energy of the myriad plants, all thriving under his care.
Ah Yin's vines, the physical manifestation of the Blue Silver Empress, had indeed grown stronger and more resilient overnight, their tendrils now reaching out and intertwining with the other plants, a silent testament to her recovering vitality.
Slowly, as the days passed, Ah Yin's nascent consciousness began to grasp the nature of the soothing light that constantly bathed the garden. She could feel it deep within her very essence, a power that resonated with the core of her being. It was a power ancient and profound, the very lifeblood of the plant kingdom.
'This… this is the aura of the Primordial Life Tree,' she realized, a sense of awe washing over her. Even in her weakened state, she could recognize the supreme authority this aura held over all plant life.
As the Blue Silver Empress, Ah Yin possessed a significant influence over the plant world herself. But standing in the presence of the Primordial Life Tree's aura, she felt like a mere sapling before an ancient, towering forest. The difference in their power was immeasurable.
A deep sense of reverence bloomed within her heart, not just for the Primordial Life Tree itself, but also for the young human boy who possessed such a sacred spirit and was so generously using its power to aid her recovery.
'He is… truly extraordinary,' she thought, her consciousness focusing on Song Qing's figure as he carefully tended to a patch of glowing mushrooms. 'I owe him so much.'
She longed to speak to him, to express her gratitude, but her consciousness was still too fragile. She lacked the strength to project her thoughts into his mind unless he initiated contact. All she could do for now was wait, patiently gathering her strength and focusing on her recovery.
On this particular day, Song Qing had a special task in mind. He had spent the morning carefully harvesting a selection of his most potent Immortal Herbs. These were not for his personal use, but for the loyal members of the Spirit Hall who had served Bibi Dong faithfully.
He carefully divided the herbs into several smaller bundles, each containing a specific combination tailored to enhance the recipient's spirit power and potential. He had cultivated these herbs with meticulous care, knowing the profound impact they could have.
'With these,' he thought, examining a cluster of 'Nine-Headed Dragon Ginseng', 'several more Soul Douluo should be able to break through to the Titled Douluo level. And some of the existing Titled Douluo… they could even touch the realm of Super Douluo.'
He didn't personally distribute the herbs. Instead, he presented them to his teacher, Bibi Dong.
"Teacher," he said, offering her the carefully prepared bundles, "I have cultivated these Immortal Herbs. I believe they will be of great benefit to the loyal members of the Spirit Hall."
He then added, his voice earnest, "I would be honored if you would personally distribute them, Teacher. Your personal touch will surely inspire even greater loyalty."
Bibi Dong accepted the bundles, her pink eyes widening slightly as she sensed the immense energy radiating from them. A wave of warmth washed over her heart at her disciple's thoughtful gesture.
'Qing'er… he is always thinking of me, of the Spirit Hall,' she thought, her chest swelling with emotion. It felt as though her heart might leap from her chest. She had raised him, guided him, and he had blossomed into someone truly exceptional.
Despite the emotional turmoil within, she maintained her usual calm demeanor. "Thank you, Qing'er," she said, her voice soft but steady. "This is a most generous gift."
She understood the significance of his gesture. Distributing these powerful herbs herself would indeed strengthen her prestige and influence within the Spirit Hall. While she held the title of Pope, the Elder Hall still possessed considerable power and could, at times, subtly undermine her authority. But with more powerful Titled Douluo owing their advancements to her, her personal influence would become undeniable.
'With this level of support,' she mused, a flicker of a thought crossing her mind, 'I could almost… almost create a force independent of the Elder Hall, if I so desired.' The thought was fleeting, quickly dismissed. She was already at the pinnacle of power within the Spirit Hall; there was no need for such drastic measures.
But the realization of the sheer influence she now wielded, thanks to her dear disciple Qing'er, caused her heart to beat a little faster. He truly was becoming her most reliable and trusted confidant.
Two days later, as Song Qing was in his herbal garden, enjoying the company of Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, a respectful voice echoed from just outside the garden's perimeter.
"Reporting to the Holy Son!" a Titled Douluo announced loudly, careful not to intrude upon the sacred space. "A woman named Liu Erlong, the Dean of the Blue Tyrant Academy, wishes to see you."
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong exchanged confused glances. "Liu Erlong?" Ning Rongrong murmured. "Why would she want to see Qing?"
Song Qing, however, knew exactly why. A faint smile touched his lips. "I made her a promise," he said to the girls. "It seems the time has come to fulfill it."
He turned and walked towards a secluded section of his garden, carefully selecting several specific Immortal Herbs. He chose three vibrant stalks of 'Crimson Phoenix Cockscomb', known for their ability to ignite and enhance fire-based spirits. He added two delicate blooms of 'Infernal Heart Apricot', renowned for their purity of fire energy. And finally, he picked a single, glowing root of 'Dragonfire Essence Vine', believed to possess the very essence of draconic flames.
'This combination should be more than enough to push her Fire Dragon spirit to the next level,' he thought. 'She should be able to evolve it into the Sacred Fire Dragon King, granting her the Ultimate Fire attribute. She will undoubtedly be grateful for this.'
With the herbs carefully stored in a small jade box, Song Qing left the herbal garden and made his way to the Spirit Hall's waiting hall, where Liu Erlong was patiently waiting.
Her fiery red hair and intense gaze were unmistakable. She looked a little out of place amidst the formal grandeur of the Spirit Hall.
"Dean Liu," Song Qing greeted her with a polite nod.
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in surprise and then softened with a hint of relief as she saw him. "Holy Son," she replied, offering a respectful bow.
"Please, follow me," Song Qing said, gesturing towards a less public area. "We should have a private conversation." He knew what he was about to offer her was significant and deserved a degree of discretion.