As the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Song Qing finally made his way back to the Spirit Hall's herbal garden.
Night had begun to fall, casting long, dancing shadows among the rows of precious plants.
The air was still thick with the fragrant aroma of the various herbs, a calming and revitalizing scent.
Ah Yin was still there, her voluptuous figure illuminated by the soft glow of several strategically placed spirit lamps.
Her long blue hair cascaded down her back as she meticulously inspected the leaves of a rare, luminous flower, her movements fluid and graceful. Her blue eyes, reflecting the lamplight, held a look of focused concentration.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was curled up near a patch of glowing moss, its golden fur shimmering in the dim light. It looked peaceful, but its head snapped up instantly as it sensed Song Qing's approach, its three eyes lighting up with recognition and excitement.
"You are back!" it mentally chirped, its voice filled with youthful enthusiasm.
Song Qing smiled warmly, approaching the young beast. "Of course, little one. I promised I would come back to see you."
He knelt down beside the lion, gently stroking its head. The fur felt even softer than he remembered.
Ah Yin glanced over, offering a respectful nod before returning her attention to her gardening. Her voluptuous curves were subtly accentuated by the way she knelt, her form a natural embodiment of seductive grace.
"Now," Song Qing began, his gaze turning serious as he looked at the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. "I want to tell you about some of the wonderful things we have here that can help you grow stronger."
The lion's three eyes widened with anticipation, its tail giving a little thump against the ground. "Really? Stronger?"
"Absolutely," Song Qing confirmed. "This garden is filled with Immortal Herbs, plants that possess incredible power and can greatly accelerate your cultivation and even your lifespan."
He gestured towards a plant with vibrant, flame-red leaves that seemed to pulse with inner fire. "This, for example, is a Blaze Heart Flower. It has potent fire-attribute energy. For a beast with the Golden Dragon bloodline, a little bit of this could do wonders for your power."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion stared at the flower, its three eyes shining with a newfound interest. "Flame energy? Like the Scarlet King?"
"Similar, but purer, more refined," Song Qing explained. "It will help awaken and strengthen the fire aspect of your draconic heritage."
He then pointed to another plant, its leaves a brilliant, almost blinding white, radiating a gentle warmth. "And this is a Holy Light Grass. It's brimming with light-attribute energy, which will be incredibly beneficial for an Auspicious Beast like yourself."
The lion tilted its head, its third eye glowing softly. "Light energy? That sounds… nice."
"It is," Song Qing agreed. "It will nourish your core power and enhance your auspicious aura."
He moved on, showcasing a root that looked ancient and gnarled, radiating a subtle, earthy energy. "And this is a Ten Thousand Year Old Ginseng. It's a treasure that can significantly increase your lifespan and overall vitality."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's excitement grew with each new herb Song Qing described. "Can I eat them now?" it asked eagerly, its mental voice filled with impatience. "Can I try them all?"
Song Qing chuckled, gently shaking his head. "Not all at once, little one. And we need to prepare them properly to ensure you get the maximum benefit. There will be an opportune time later."
"Later?" the lion repeated, its enthusiasm dipping slightly.
"Yes, later," Song Qing reassured it. "Trust me. It will be worth the wait."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion looked at Song Qing, its three eyes filled with a mixture of longing and trust. 'Meeting him really was the best thing that has happened to me,' it thought, a warm feeling spreading through its small body. 'He knows so much, and he wants to help me.'
"Now," Song Qing said, standing up and stretching slightly. "I promised you I would show you the city, didn't I?"
The lion's ears perked up instantly, its earlier disappointment forgotten. "The city! We are going now?"
"Yes, we are," Song Qing confirmed. "But you need to stay close to me, understand? You can't run off or wander around on your own. This is a big place, and it can be dangerous if you don't know your way around."
The little lion immediately rubbed its head against Song Qing's leg, its golden fur brushing against his robes. "I understand! I will stay right beside you!" it mentally promised, its obedience absolute.
Song Qing smiled, scooping the lion up into his arms once more. It nestled comfortably against his chest, its excitement palpable.
"Ah Yin," Song Qing said, turning towards his maidservant. Her voluptuous form straightened as she acknowledged him. "I will be taking the little one to explore the city for a bit. I will return later."
Ah Yin nodded gracefully. "Be careful, Holy Son." Her blue eyes held a hint of concern.
"We will be fine," Song Qing assured her.
With the Three-Eyed Golden Lion securely in his arms, Song Qing turned and began to walk out of the herbal garden, the bright lights of Martial Soul City beckoning in the distance. The little lion craned its neck, its three eyes wide with anticipation, eager to experience the wonders of the human world it had only witnessed in Song Qing's memories.
~~
Stepping out of the grand Spirit Hall building, Song Qing gently lowered the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to the ground.
The little beast stretched its legs, its three eyes blinking in the slightly brighter light of the city compared to the dim interior of the Spirit Hall.
"Wow!" it exclaimed mentally, its voice filled with awe. "This is the city! It's so… big and noisy!"
Song Qing chuckled, taking a step back to allow the lion to take in its surroundings. "It is quite different from the forest, isn't it?"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion took a tentative step forward, its golden paws padding softly on the cobblestone street. It looked around, its gaze darting from the towering buildings to the bustling crowds of people.
'So many humans!' it thought, a hint of nervousness mixed with its excitement.
Song Qing placed a reassuring hand on its back. "Don't worry, I'm right here. Just stay close."
"I will," the lion promised, its mental voice firm.
And so, their exploration of Martial Soul City began. Song Qing walked slowly, allowing the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to take in the sights and sounds at its own pace.
He pointed out various shops and buildings, explaining their purpose to the curious beast.
"That building over there is a restaurant," Song Qing said, gesturing to a brightly lit establishment. "They serve all sorts of delicious food."
The lion's ears perked up. "Food? Like… meat?"
"And many other things," Song Qing replied with a smile. "We will try some later."
They continued their stroll, passing by stalls selling colorful trinkets, spirit tool shops displaying their wares, and academies where young Soul Masters trained.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was fascinated by everything it saw. It would stop every few moments to examine something that caught its eye, its three eyes wide with wonder.
"What is that?" it would ask, pointing with its nose to a strange-looking contraption.
"That's a carriage," Song Qing would explain patiently. "It's used to transport people."
'It's amazing to see the world through its eyes,' Song Qing thought, a sense of joy filling him. 'Such innocent curiosity.'
As they rounded a corner, passing by a lively plaza filled with street performers, Song Qing suddenly heard two familiar voices calling his name.
"Qing!"
He turned to see Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing hurrying towards him, their expressions a mixture of excitement and relief.
Ning Rongrong looked even more radiant than he remembered. In the past year, her beauty had truly blossomed. Her once petite figure had filled out in all the right places, her chest now noticeably more plump beneath her elegant dress.
There was a newfound maturity in her beautiful face, a subtle sophistication that complemented her inherent cleverness and vibrant personality. Her bright eyes sparkled with affection as she approached him.
Zhu Zhuqing, as always, possessed an alluring, devilishly seductive aura. Her already curvaceous body had become even more voluptuous in the past year.
Her plump chest had grown larger, straining the fabric of her dress in a way that hinted at the incredible curves beneath.
Her movements were fluid and graceful, each step a subtle display of her captivating physique.
Song Qing couldn't help but appreciate the way Zhu Zhuqing intentionally used her seductive charm to please him, a silent language of love and devotion that always made his heart race.
"Rongrong! Zhuqing!" Song Qing exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He was truly happy to see them.
"We heard you were back," Ning Rongrong said breathlessly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "And that you had a… a very adorable little friend with you!" Her gaze fell upon the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, and her eyes widened in delight.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded in agreement, her gaze also fixed on the lion. A rare, soft smile touched her lips. "It's even cuter than I imagined."
Song Qing chuckled. "Indeed. Girls, allow me to introduce you to a very special friend. This is… well, it's a Three-Eyed Golden Lion."
He gently nudged the lion forward. The little beast looked up at the two girls with a curious tilt of its head.
"And," Song Qing continued, smiling at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, "this little one, these are Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. They are very close friends of mine." He deliberately avoided using the word 'beloved' out loud in this public setting, but his gaze conveyed his deep affection for both of them.
Ning Rongrong immediately knelt down, her vibrant energy radiating towards the lion. "Hello there, little cutie!" she said in a sweet voice, reaching out a hand slowly. "You are absolutely adorable!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, initially a little hesitant, seemed to sense the genuine warmth in Ning Rongrong's voice and the lack of any malice. It cautiously approached her outstretched hand and sniffed it curiously.
Zhu Zhuqing also knelt down, her movements as graceful and silent as a shadow. Her gaze was intense but not threatening. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of her usual cool composure, but with a touch of warmth directed at the little beast.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion looked from Ning Rongrong to Zhu Zhuqing, its three eyes blinking. 'More humans!' it thought, a thrill of excitement coursing through it. 'And they seem very nice! And they are very close to Song Qing. He has such kind friends.'
It tentatively licked Ning Rongrong's hand, its small tongue surprisingly rough.
"Aww!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her eyes sparkling even brighter. "It likes me!"
Zhu Zhuqing reached out a slender finger and gently stroked the top of the lion's head. The fur was incredibly soft beneath her touch.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion leaned into her touch, its third eye pulsing with a soft, contented light. It seemed to enjoy the attention.
Song Qing watched the interaction with a warm smile. He was glad that the little lion was getting along so well with Rongrong and Zhuqing.
Soon, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing turned their attention back to Song Qing, their affection for him evident in their eyes and their actions.
Ning Rongrong threw her arms around Song Qing's neck, giving him a tight hug. "Qing! We missed you so much!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine emotion. Her plump chest pressed against his, a familiar and comforting sensation.
Zhu Zhuqing, never one for overly public displays of affection, stepped closer and gently took his hand, her slender fingers intertwining with his. Her touch was cool and reassuring, a silent expression of her deep love. Her curvaceous body brushed against his side, a subtle reminder of her alluring presence.
Song Qing hugged Ning Rongrong back tightly, then turned his gaze to Zhu Zhuqing, offering her a warm smile. He squeezed her hand gently, conveying his own affection.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion watched the romantic interactions between the two beautiful girls and Song Qing with wide, intrigued eyes. It had witnessed similar displays of affection between the Scarlet King's heads, but this felt… different. Warmer, perhaps. It tilted its head, trying to understand the complex emotions it sensed. 'They really like Song Qing,' it thought. 'And he likes them too. It's nice to see.'
Ning Rongrong, still clinging to Song Qing, looked back at the Three-Eyed Golden Lion with a playful glint in her eyes. "So, Qing, where did you find this adorable little creature?" she asked, her fingers gently stroking the lion's back. "It's so… unique!"
Song Qing chuckled. "That's a story for another time, Rongrong. But let's just say it's a very special beast."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the lion's three eyes. "It definitely feels… different. Powerful, in a way."
"It is," Song Qing confirmed. "And it will be staying with me for a while."
"Staying with you?" Ning Rongrong repeated, her eyes widening. "In the Spirit Hall?"
"Yes," Song Qing replied. "I will be taking care of it."
"Well, we will help you!" Ning Rongrong declared enthusiastically. "It looks like it needs lots of cuddles!" She reached out and gently scratched the lion behind its ears, eliciting a soft purr.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded in agreement. "We can take turns looking after it." Her gaze met Song Qing's, a silent promise of support in her dark eyes.
Song Qing's heart warmed at their offer. He knew he could always count on Rongrong and Zhuqing.
"I appreciate that, girls," he said sincerely. "But for now, I was just showing our little friend here the city. Would you like to join us?"
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged excited glances. "Of course!" they said in unison.
And so, their little group continued their exploration of Martial Soul City, now with two more beautiful companions showering Song Qing with their affection and showering the adorable Three-Eyed Golden Lion with their attention.
The little lion, initially nervous, was quickly becoming accustomed to the warmth and kindness of these humans, its earlier apprehension replaced by a happy curiosity about this strange and wonderful new world.