Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

100 Natal Sword Progress +1

Yan Zhen was the first to leave the bathtub. He circulated his Mystic Power to dry himself, then put on clean clothes.

Turning around, he saw that Long Ying had somehow shrunk back to her loli form and was holding up her small arms, clearly wanting him to help her get dressed.

Yan Zhen sighed, took the elephant-print boxer briefs from the hanger, put them on her, and then pulled the T-shirt-like top over her head.

On Long Ying’s small frame, the top reached her knees, looking like an oversized dress.

Yan Zhen glanced at Long Ying’s bare feet, wondering if he should make her some shoes.

Although she protected her feet with Mystic Power while walking, keeping them clean, going barefoot still gave off a somewhat wild child impression.

After dressing the little girl, Yan Zhen used a hair tie to style her messy pink hair into cute, high pigtails.

Her hair was thick and smooth, and the pigtails made her look incredibly adorable.

Long Ying happily admired herself in the mirror until Yan Zhen urged her to leave. She took his hand, and they left the room, heading to the dining hall.

After eating their fill, Yan Zhen took Long Ying to the Inner Academy’s Exchange, where he sold the other ores obtained from the Yang Polar Secret Realm for points.

This was Yan Zhen’s first time at the Exchange. The lobby housed the service counters, where materials, secret manuals, and even information were bought and sold at fixed prices. Further inside was an open-air trading plaza filled with students setting up stalls.

The two main ways to earn points in the Inner Academy were the dueling arenas and the Exchange.

After forging his sword, Yan Zhen planned to buy medicinal herbs here, refine pills, and sell them to earn points to support himself and Long Ying.

He discreetly sold the Tier 3 and Tier 4 ores (excluding the fire crystals), surprising the counter attendant and earning a decent amount of points. Satisfied, they returned to the Grand Elder’s residence.

“Alright, we’re done for the day. It’s getting late. Let’s go to bed.”

“Zhenzhen, aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I still have things to do. You go ahead.”

“Are you going to see Sister Xunyi?”

“Not yet. I’ll go later and bring you along.”

“Oh.”

Long Ying obediently climbed onto the bed, untied her pigtails, smoothed her hair, lay down, and pulled the covers over herself.

“Then I’ll sleep now. Goodnight, Zhenzhen.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Yan Zhen nodded, then went to the bathroom, activated the Star Shifting Fire Seal, and entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

Giant pillars, a vast plaza, and atop the central altar, Chen Xi sat meditating as usual in her black dress, her silver-white hair simply tied up, cascading down like silk, making her already stunning face appear even more perfect and ethereal.

Beneath her unparalleled beauty, her neck was long and slender, her collarbone visible beneath the overlapping black fabric, completely concealing her ample G-cup breasts, yet their powerful presence remained undeniable.

Her waistline cinched dramatically, slender and firm, then flared out again into exaggeratedly curved hips.

Top-heavy, narrow waist, curvy bottom – the perfect hourglass figure.

—Beautiful Master becomes more beautiful every time I see her.

Yan Zhen walked over and called out softly, “Master.”

Chen Xi slowly opened her eyes, her blue, gem-like gaze reflecting her precious disciple’s image. A gentle smile appeared on her usually cool face.

“Zhen’er, is there something you need from Master?”

Yan Zhen said seriously, “Master, I’ve collected enough fire crystals and can start forging my sword. Please teach me.”

Chen Xi nodded slightly. “In that case, let’s not delay. Let’s begin now.”

She stood up, and a waist-high forging furnace rose before her.

“To forge the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo into your natal sword, you need to shape it using a large amount of fire crystals. As I’ve said before, one of the abilities of the Gold and Silver Fire is to corrode metal, but it’s not corrosion, rather absorption. What you need to do, Zhen’er, is refine the essence of the fire crystals and infuse it into the sword embryo. As the Gold and Silver Fire absorbs the essence, it will gain a tangible quality. At that point, you can shape the sword.”

Yan Zhen nodded thoughtfully.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t fully understand. Let’s try it, Zhen’er.” Chen Xi pointed to the furnace. “Ignite the furnace with the Fire Talisman, strengthen the flames with the Wind Talisman, and use the Water Talisman for quenching.”

Yan Zhen took a deep breath and summoned the Fire Talisman from his sea of consciousness, projecting it onto the furnace.

Whoosh.

Fierce flames ignited within the furnace. Then, Yan Zhen projected the Wind Talisman, blowing wind into the furnace, intensifying the flames.

He also projected the Water Talisman, placing it nearby for repeated quenching.

Yan Zhen summoned the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo from his dantian, suspending it above the furnace, then poured out the fire crystals from his storage ring.

A small mountain of reddish, translucent ores appeared. Yan Zhen picked one up, ignited the Gold and Silver Fire, quickly extracted the fire crystal essence, and infused it into the sword embryo.

One by one, after refining twenty crystals, Yan Zhen started to feel dizzy. After thirty, his face turned pale, and he swayed, unable to continue.

“Zhen’er, don’t push yourself. Take a break and meditate to recover.”

Chen Xi handed him a milky-white pill.

Yan Zhen popped it into his mouth without looking, chewed quickly, the familiar milky fragrance filling his mouth. As he swallowed, a warm current spread through his body, quickly relieving his physical and mental fatigue.

Beautiful Master’s milk pills were practically cheat-level recovery items!

He continued refining.

After refining all one hundred and eight fire crystals and infusing them into the sword embryo, it took on a crystal-like texture, though its shape was slightly bloated.

Yan Zhen was completely exhausted, beyond the help of even the milk pills. He collapsed backward into Beautiful Master’s embrace, the ultimate softness and delicate fragrance enveloping him, instantly relaxing his body and mind, allowing him to become a contented salted fish.

Chen Xi held her disciple from behind and said softly, “Forging a natal sword takes time. Let’s stop here for today. Come, lie down. Master will give you a massage.”

Yan Zhen, his eyes half-closed, murmured lazily, “Thank you, Master~”

When he emerged from the Fire Refining Starry Sky, it was already late at night, the moon high in the sky, the air cold. Long Ying was still sleeping soundly on the bed. Yan Zhen picked her up and flew towards the cliffside building, landing gently on the open balcony.

The French window was still open, clearly left for him by Zi Xunyi.

Yan Zhen carried Long Ying into the room. Although the lights were on, the room was empty.

He placed Long Ying on Zi Xunyi’s bed, thought for a moment, and then walked towards the bathroom.

As expected, Zi Xunyi was bathing. He could vaguely see her alluring silhouette through the screen, making his heart beat faster. He suddenly heard her voice, “Is that you, Yan Zhen?”

“It’s me.”

Yan Zhen replied as he walked closer.

99 Long Ying: I Want to Taste That Too

Feeling the softness against his arm and seeing Long Ying’s beautiful adult form so close, Yan Zhen was momentarily stunned.

Not stunned by her beauty, but by the shock.

She had reverted back to her loli form, so why did she suddenly change back into her adult form?

In the script, Long Ying wouldn’t regain her adult form until much later, when Yan Zhen was being pursued by Cloud Heaven Palace.

She just got back, and she’s already an adult again?

“Long Ying, you’re—”

The adult Long Ying looked at him innocently. “What’s wrong, Zhenzhen?”

“Don’t you notice?” Yan Zhen avoided looking directly at her stunning figure. “You’ve changed back to your original form.”

Long Ying looked down at herself, then let out a puzzled “Eh?”

“When did I change back? How strange!”

Playful grin.JPG

“Well, since I’ve changed back, I guess I don’t need the little stool anymore.”

She removed the stool from beneath her and sat directly on the bottom of the tub, her side pressing against Yan Zhen from hip to shoulder.

“…”

Yan Zhen quickly scooted away, creating some distance.

Long Ying immediately pressed closer, hugging his arm tighter, her ample breasts squishing against him.

Yan Zhen didn’t dare to move further, staring straight ahead, silently reciting his mantra, “Women are all troublesome,” trying to suppress his rising desire and calm his lower half.

Long Ying was also incredibly shy, but she knew she needed to take drastic measures to change his perception of her. She needed him to see her not as a mischievous child, but as a beautiful, well-developed young woman!

Unlike others, like Ji Ya, who might use subtle, seductive tactics, Long Ying, being inexperienced, only knew the direct approach!

“Zhenzhen.”

“Y-yes?”

“Don’t you like me in my original form, Zhenzhen?”

“It’s not that I don’t like it… I’m just not used to it.”

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek shyly.

This was his honest feeling and also matched his reaction to her adult form in the script.

He could easily tousle the loli Long Ying’s hair, carry her around, even bathe her. But the adult Long Ying was different. Ultimately, there was a difference between men and women, and it would take time and daily interaction to bridge that subtle gap.

“What specifically aren’t you used to?” Long Ying asked, feigning confusion. “Is it because I’m taller than Zhenzhen, so you feel self-conscious?”

“Uh, no.” Yan Zhen was speechless. “Besides, we’re the same height, okay?”

“Nope, I’m an inch taller than Zhenzhen.”

Long Ying raised her hand to compare their heights, her tone playful.

Hearing this, Yan Zhen couldn’t help but turn to look. An expanse of fair skin met his eyes. Her long hair draped over her chest, mostly concealing her ample breasts, but glimpses of a deeper pink could be seen between the strands, shimmering like jewels in the warm water.

Yan Zhen quickly turned back, taking deep breaths to calm his racing pulse.

Then he heard Long Ying mutter, “Zhenzhen got bigger too.”

Yan Zhen was mortified, his face turning bright red. He quickly pulled his knees together and covered himself with his hands, struggling to maintain a calm expression. “Ahem, stop fooling around.”

Long Ying giggled, teasing him. “Is Zhenzhen shy?”

“No.” Yan Zhen instantly denied it, saying seriously, “It’s just a normal physical reaction to contact.”

“But your face is red.”

“It’s the hot water… Aren’t you blushing too?”

—Even your little cherries have turned into rubies, pressing against my arm. Don’t think I haven’t noticed!

However, Long Ying seemed oblivious to her own body’s reaction, still hugging his arm tightly, even rubbing against him intentionally or unintentionally.

“I’m not blushing. It’s the hot water too.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“…”

Long Ying stared at Yan Zhen’s hands, covering himself so tightly, and asked, “Zhenzhen, is it… uncomfortable?”

This familiar line reminded Yan Zhen of how Instructor Yu Xuan had initially “conquered” him. He quickly shook his head. “I’m not uncomfortable!”

“Really?”

“If you let go of me, I’ll be fine.”

Long Ying recalled the scene in the bathroom with Huangfu Wenqing and Yan Zhen. Her face flushed deeper, her body grew hotter, and she murmured, “Shouldn’t you… eat it?”

—Eat it?! Holy crap!

Yan Zhen shuddered, holding himself tighter, and said nervously, “D-don’t mess around, you can’t eat that.”

Long Ying stared at him intently. “You’re lying. I saw it. The bad woman ate Zhenzhen’s in one bite, and Zhenzhen looked so comfortable…”

—Huh? Bad woman means Wenqing? And ate it in one bite means… uh.

Yan Zhen finally understood and felt incredibly awkward, wanting to disappear. She saw them that day? No wonder she ran off to Zi Xunyi’s.

—How am I supposed to explain this? I don’t want to corrupt a child!

“That was… uh… Wenqing and I were just playing around.”

“Then I want to play too.”

“Only fiancés and fiancées can play that game.”

“Hmm, will Zhenzhen play with Sister Xunyi?”

“Ahem, not yet. It depends on the woman’s willingness. Even if you want to force it, you can’t really force it.”

“Sister Xunyi isn’t willing?”

“Well, probably not right now—anyway, we’ve soaked long enough. I’m hungry. Let’s get out and eat.”

Yan Zhen didn’t dare to continue the conversation and quickly changed the subject. However, Long Ying persisted, saying something shocking, “I want to taste that spirit milk the bad woman ate.”

—Spirit milk? Yang Flame Spirit Milk or some other… hiss!

Yan Zhen’s scalp tingled, words like “criminal,” “illegal,” flashing through his mind. He forced a smile. “That stuff doesn’t taste good. I’ll take you to the dining hall. You can order whatever you want.”

Long Ying looked suspicious. “Doesn’t taste good? But the bad woman ate every last drop, even licked her hands clean.”

In her eyes, licking your fingers clean was the highest praise for delicious food!

Yan Zhen felt extremely uncomfortable. Listening to Long Ying’s description, he couldn’t help but recall the sensations from that day, feeling a renewed stirring within him.

Yan Zhen – Ego: Stop talking! Just kill me!

Yan Zhen – Lower Half: Heh! Hah!

“I said it doesn’t taste good, so it doesn’t! It’s… it’s medicine.” Yan Zhen quickly thought of an excuse. “Wenqing had a small problem with her cultivation, so she had to take that medicine… Medicine never tastes good, right?”

“Fine.” Long Ying clearly wasn’t satisfied with the explanation, feeling like he was lying. “If it’s medicine, then I don’t want it.”

Yan Zhen breathed a sigh of relief and said again, “Let’s go, let’s go eat. After we eat, we’ll rest. I have things to discuss with Zi Ji tonight.”

98 Long Ying: (^▽^)

Yan Zhen quickly repaired the faucet, then turned around and found Long Ying staring at him expectantly.

“Can I bathe now, Zhenzhen?”

“Uh.” Yan Zhen blinked. “Let me check again, make sure it’s not leaking.”

He turned back, inspecting the pipes, but his attention was focused on the little Dragon Girl behind him.

Was it his imagination? It had to be, right? Long Ying had re verted back to her loli form. There was nothing wrong with bathing together.

Given her usual personality, she wouldn’t pull a stunt like Senior Sister Xue’er, lacking any sense of shame!

“No problem now.” Yan Zhen turned on the faucet, filling the bathtub. “Once the water is full, we’ll heat it up, and then you can bathe.”

“Okay~”

Long Ying was exceptionally obedient.

Yan Zhen nodded and was about to leave the bathroom when Long Ying grabbed his arm. She looked him straight in the eye and said indirectly, “I’m afraid I’ll break something again…”

Yan Zhen scratched his head. “Then I guess I’ll help you wash.”

Long Ying nodded, her cheeks flushing, her shy demeanor evoking pity.

Yan Zhen, unable to refuse for various reasons, finally agreed.

“Zhenzhen.”

Long Ying raised her small arms, her face blushing, signaling for Yan Zhen to help her undress.

Yan Zhen squatted down, lifted the hem of her shirt, and pulled it off over her arms.

Her petite loli figure was revealed.

Long Ying, shy but obedient, stood still, waiting for his instructions.

Yan Zhen tossed the T-shirt-like garment onto the screen, then gestured for Long Ying to sit on the small stool. He began to bathe her.

First, he scooped hot water and poured it over her head, wetting her long, pink hair, then applied shampoo, gently massaging it into a lather.

His fingers brushing against her scalp sent tingling sensations through her, making Long Ying close her eyes in contentment.

“So comfortable, Zhenzhen.”

“Good.” Yan Zhen smiled slightly. “Your hair is too long. You should either cut it or tie it up. Otherwise, it gets messy and dirty easily.”

“Does Zhenzhen like short hair?”

“No.”

“Then I won’t cut it.”

“Then tie it up.”

“I like it loose…”

“If it gets dirty, you wash it yourself.”

“Hmmph.”

Long Ying turned her head, pouting, but Yan Zhen gently turned her back.

“Don’t move. I’m almost done.”

“Zhenzhen, why aren’t you taking off your clothes? Aren’t we bathing together?”

“No, I’m just helping you first.”

“Hmmph.”

Long Ying turned her head again, dissatisfied, and Yan Zhen turned her back once more.

“Rinsing now. Close your eyes.”

Long Ying obediently closed her eyes as a ladle of hot water rinsed the shampoo from her hair, leaving it smooth and shiny.

“Alright, you can soak in the tub now.”

Long Ying suddenly acted spoiled. “I want you to wash my body too.”

Yan Zhen wasn’t indulging her. “Your body isn’t dirty.”

In fact, if Long Ying wasn’t so careless, her hair wouldn’t get dirty either. As a Mystic King level expert, she could already sense and utilize a small amount of the world’s energy.

Long Ying frowned, stood up, turned to face Yan Zhen, and stared at him.

“Zhenzhen, are you starting to dislike me?”

Yan Zhen felt awkward and denied it. “No, I’m not. Why would you say that?”

“Didn’t we bathe together last time? Why are you unwilling this time?”

—Because last time you were a normal loli Dragon Girl. After transforming into your adult form, you became… strange.

“Ahem, it just depends on my mood. Sometimes I need some personal space… Get in the tub and soak. It’ll be my turn after you’re done. I’ll go—whoa!”

Long Ying suddenly shook her head vigorously, sending water droplets flying from her hair, splashing onto the curtains, walls, and Yan Zhen.

But Yan Zhen wasn’t annoyed. Instead, he was somewhat pleased, because this was exactly how Long Ying acted in the script. Because he refused to bathe with her, she thought he disliked her and started acting out.

—As long as she follows the script, she’s a good Long Ying.

“Alright, alright.” Yan Zhen stopped her. “You get in first. I’ll be right there.”

Long Ying immediately stopped shaking her head, looked up, and said happily, “Really? Then hurry up.”

“Okay, okay, get in and soak. Don’t stand around naked like that. It’s improper.”

Long Ying blushed, padded over to the tub, climbed onto the step, and jumped in with a splash.

Yan Zhen turned his back to her, quickly undressed, wrapped a towel around his waist, and stood under the faucet, rinsing himself.

Long Ying watched his back and asked tentatively, “Zhenzhen, should I scrub your back for you?”

“No,” Yan Zhen said, his tone slightly dismissive. “I don’t want my skin scrubbed off.”

“I wouldn’t be that rough!”

“Heh.”

“…”

Long Ying fell silent, resting her chin on the edge of the tub, watching him wash with interest until he finished, turned around, and then she quickly ducked under the water, blowing bubbles, pretending she wasn’t interested in his body at all.

Yan Zhen removed the towel, stepped into the tub, leaned back against the side, and sighed.

Long Ying swam over, moved the small stool beside him, sat down, and sighed as well.

Yan Zhen glanced at her. “Don’t copy me.”

Long Ying grabbed his arm, hugged it tightly, rested her head on his shoulder, and said proudly, “I’m a good student who loves to learn.”

“A bit too much.”

“…Because… because it’s Zhenzhen.” Long Ying looked up at his profile, his sharp features more mature and captivating than his youthful face, making her heart race. “Zhenzhen is a good role model.”

He took care of her when she was down, tolerated her when she was willful, and trusted and relied on her at critical moments, making her realize that she was needed, not just a troublesome Dragon Princess who only caused trouble.

—That’s why… she liked Zhenzhen the most!

She hadn’t confessed her feelings in her previous life. Now, reborn, Long Ying didn’t want to remain silent. She wanted Yan Zhen to like her too.

To do that, she first had to change his perception of her. Forget the “gluttonous loli” and “violent little dragon girl.” She was a busty, curvy, mature Dragon Beauty.

Although it was embarrassing, she couldn’t back down now!

Long Ying took a deep breath and circulated both her Dragon and Phoenix Mystic Power. Her small body glowed with pink and gold light.

When the light faded, the loli Dragon Girl had transformed back into the adult Dragon Beauty, with ample breasts, a slender waist, perky buttocks, and long legs. Her feet rested on the edge of the bathtub, her body completely bare.

Yan Zhen’s arm was nestled between her full breasts.

“???”

Yan Zhen slowly registered the change, his eyes widening.

Long Ying giggled mischievously.

(^▽^)

97 Yan Zhen is Scared

With lingering apprehension, Yan Zhen and Long Ying spent half a day in the cave.

When Long Ying finally reverted back to her loli form, Yan Zhen breathed a sigh of relief. He extended his Spiritual Perception, scanning the volcano crater to see if any members of the top ten societies were still waiting.

He found only the Black Horn society members remaining, so he decided to wait a bit longer.

After all, with Long Ying back in her loli form, he felt no pressure being around her. He even patted her head as a reward.

After another half day, the Black Horn members also left.

Everyone was racing against time to cultivate. They couldn’t afford to waste any more time waiting for one Fire Spirit Crystal.

“They’re all gone. Let’s go too.”

“Okay~”

Yan Zhen enveloped himself in the Great Crimson Skyfire and jumped into the lava pool first. Long Ying circulated her power and followed closely behind.

Soon, they emerged from the lava pool. Looking up at the wide crater opening, they leaped out simultaneously, landing on the edge, lava dripping from their bodies.

Yan Zhen took out his communication talisman, first sending a message to the two girls letting them know he was safe, then he flew down the mountain with Long Ying.

He extended his Spiritual Perception, scanning a radius of nearly a thousand meters, carefully avoiding the members of the top ten societies, and successfully returned to the foothills, arriving back at the Yang Essence Pool they had occupied earlier.

However, the large pool, over ten meters in diameter, was nowhere to be seen.

Yan Zhen extended his Spiritual Perception again and found the area enveloped in a layer of Light Mystic Power. He immediately understood it was a Light Concealment Barrier created by Zi Xunyi.

Huangfu Wenqing had mentioned in her message that some annoying people had come to bother them, so they must have set this up.

As he thought this, the Light Concealment Barrier suddenly dissipated, and Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing emerged.

“You’re back.”

“Yan Zhen!”

Huangfu Wenqing rushed over and looked him up and down. “Are you alright?”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “Not only am I alright, but I also advanced. I’m a six-star Mystic Master now, just like you, Wenqing.”

Huangfu Wenqing’s lips curled upwards. “I reached seven-star yesterday.”

Ah, this…

Zi Xunyi looked at Long Ying. “Little Long Ying, how are you?”

Facing Zi Xunyi, Long Ying felt a bit guilty, but she figured that since Sister Xunyi hadn’t exposed her reborn identity, she must approve of her staying close to Yan Zhen in her loli form.

—Sister Xunyi is so nice! I wonder if Sister Cai Lian is reborn too? In my past life, Sister Cai Lian knew, hee hee~

“I’m fine. I even drank some delicious spirit milk.”

“That’s good.” Zi Xunyi didn’t ask about the spirit milk, her gaze shifting to Yan Zhen. Seeing him unharmed, she felt relieved. “Don’t be so reckless next time. The top ten societies are saying they’ll find the person who stole the crystal, and some suspect it was you.”

Yan Zhen grinned. “Doesn’t matter. I got what I wanted. Once I forge my sword, whoever comes looking for trouble will be crawling away.”

Zi Xunyi was curious. She hadn’t seen Yan Zhen’s greatsword yet. “What sword?”

“A sword forged from the Gold and Silver Fire Extreme Flame.” Yan Zhen was also looking forward to it. “You’ll see it soon—anyway, how’s your cultivation going?”

Both women indicated they were almost done.

“In that case, let’s leave then.”

The four agreed and left the Yang Polar Secret Realm together, half a day earlier than planned, but it still cost 500 points.

After swiping their cards, the elder on duty let them pass.

Stepping out of the Yang Polar Secret Realm, the cool air felt strange after the intense heat.

They were all still wearing summer clothes.

The four quickly returned to their residences.

Yan Zhen and Long Ying went back to the Grand Elder’s building, while Huangfu Wenqing surprisingly followed Zi Xunyi back to the cliffside building.

Zi Xunyi frowned. “Why are you following me?”

Huangfu Wenqing chuckled. “Didn’t you tell me to stay here? I’m just taking you up on your offer.”

“So you decided to be my servant?” Zi Xunyi retorted. “If you’re not clumsy, I might consider keeping you.”

“Don’t even think about it.” Huangfu Wenqing snorted. “But, as payment for staying here, I’ll do some cleaning.”

Ignoring whether Zi Xunyi agreed or not, she went up to the guest room on the third floor and closed the door.

Zi Xunyi immediately understood Huangfu Wenqing’s plan. It was closer to where Yan Zhen lived, and she could also monitor her and Yan Zhen.

Although she could kick her out, Zi Xunyi wasn’t that petty. Besides, she would soon be with Yan Zhen anyway—

“Ahem.”

Zi Xunyi composed herself, returned to her room, closed the door, and decided to take a long bath.

Back at the Grand Elder’s building, Yan Zhen and Long Ying first reported to Grand Elder Yu Yan, mainly showing off their cultivation progress.

“Six-star Mystic Master?” Grand Elder Yu Yan was surprised. Yan Zhen had just advanced to five-star a few days ago, and now he had advanced again. “Advancing too quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing. You need to properly temper your Mystic Power.”

Yan Zhen nodded. “Don’t worry, Grand Elder—ahem, Great Aunt. I plan to enter seclusion and consolidate my cultivation.”

“Good, that’s the right mindset.” Grand Elder Yu Yan was pleased with his attitude. “Xuan’er isn’t out of seclusion yet. I’ll inform you when she is.”

“Thank you, Great Aunt. Then I’ll go back now.”

“Go ahead.”

They returned to their room.

According to the script, after returning from the Yang Polar Secret Realm, Yan Zhen was supposed to bathe Long Ying. But thinking of her mature form, he felt it was inappropriate and told her to wash herself.

Then Long Ying would pad over to the bathroom, try to turn the faucet, break it, get soaked, come out pouting, and stare at him until he gave in.

Yan Zhen, amused and exasperated, would then take care of her.

The problem was, this Long Ying seemed to be reborn, not really a child.

“…”

Unsure what to do, Yan Zhen decided to follow the script anyway. Following the script was always the safest bet.

“Long Ying, go take a bath first. I’ll take you out for some delicious food afterward.”

“Zhenzhen, are you going to bathe together?”

“You go first.”

“Oh.”

Long Ying didn’t argue, took one of Yan Zhen’s shirts and a pair of his stretchable elephant-print boxer briefs from the wardrobe, and ran to the bathroom.

A moment later, a loud bang was heard, and water splashed out from the bathroom, soaking the floor. Long Ying emerged, soaking wet, blinked her large, innocent eyes, and said, “I broke it. What now?”

“…”

—That look in her eyes… it’s not the look of someone who accidentally broke something. It’s the look of someone whose scheme succeeded.

Yan Zhen felt a chill run down his spine but said, trying to sound calm, “Wait here. I’ll fix the faucet first.”

Long Ying’s eyes sparkled, and she nodded obediently.

“Okay~”

—No!

The word flashed through Yan Zhen’s mind, and he felt awkward again. He hadn’t reacted like this before. He must be too nervous.

96 Who’s the Mount, That Remains to Be Seen

Buzz, buzz.

Feeling a slight vibration, Yan Zhen quickly took out the Cloud Heaven Palace communication talisman. A message from Huangfu Wenqing appeared.

[Fiancée Wenqing: Yan Zhen, where are you? Why aren’t you back yet?]
[Husband Yan Zhen: Sorry, something unexpected happened. We can’t return for now.]
[Fiancée Wenqing: What happened?]
[Husband Yan Zhen: We were chased to the summit and jumped into the volcano. We’re in a cave beneath the lava now.]
[Fiancée Wenqing: Are you injured? Is it serious?]
[Husband Yan Zhen: Not a big deal. The cave is filled with fire crystals. I need to collect them all to forge my greatsword. Are you and Zi Ji okay?]
[Fiancée Wenqing: Yes, just a few annoying guys came to bother us, but we drove them away.]
[Husband Yan Zhen: Which society’s idiots? When I get back, I’ll teach them a lesson!]

Yan Zhen successfully changed the subject, preventing Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing from worrying too much. After chatting for a while, he assured them that he and Long Ying would return as soon as possible and told them to continue cultivating while they waited.

Most of the top ten society members were currently waiting outside the volcano crater, so leaving now would mean facing an ambush.

“…Zhenzhen is so gentle.”

Long Ying’s voice suddenly sounded beside his ear, startling him. He turned and saw that Long Ying had woken up, her bright emerald eyes staring intently at him, making him feel uneasy.

After all, Yan Zhen was still lying in her embrace, his head resting on her arm.

“Are you Long Ying?”

“This is my original appearance. What do you think, Zhenzhen?”

“Quite beautiful.”

“Really? Then do you like it, Zhenzhen?”

“Ahem.”

“Hee hee, Zhenzhen, you’re blushing~”

“Don’t tease adults.”

“I’m an adult now too.”

Yan Zhen sighed. “Anyway, let’s get up first.”

Long Ying reluctantly released him. “Zhenzhen, are your injuries healed?”

“Mostly fine. Thank you for taking care of me, Long Ying.” Yan Zhen sat up, stretched his stiff limbs, looked at Long Ying, who had also gotten up, and asked tentatively, “Will you… stay like this from now on?”

Long Ying blinked, then quickly shook her head. “No, I haven’t fully recovered yet. I’ll change back soon.”

The loli form had its advantages. Being small allowed her to maintain intimacy with Yan Zhen. In her adult form, it wouldn’t be the same.

Yan Zhen’s eyes lit up. He had been worried that without giving him her blood, she would remain in her adult form, disrupting the plot. Fortunately, the worldline was converging.

“I see.”

The atmosphere became awkward. Yan Zhen wasn’t used to the adult Long Ying, especially knowing she might be… interested in him physically.

It sounded strange, but Yan Zhen considered himself a decent person, not someone who would sleep around casually.

His impression of Long Ying was mostly that of the “gluttonous loli.” He liked her, but not romantically. He saw her as a little sister who needed protection, nothing more, even after seeing her… impressive figure.

However, the way Long Ying was looking at him was unsettling. She seemed to be hiding something, yet not very well. Her gaze lingered on his lips, reminding Yan Zhen of how she had taken advantage of him the night before.

She actually kissed him repeatedly while he was “unconscious.” Typical “dragon knight” behavior.

Is this okay? This is not okay!

“Zhenzhen, are you hungry? I still have some energy-replenishing pills.”

“You eat them. If that’s not enough, I have some too.”

“Oh.”

“No.”

“Hmm?”

“Uh, never mind. Force of habit.”

Long Ying took out a roasted meat-flavored energy-replenishing pill and ate it, while Yan Zhen also popped a fruit-flavored one into his mouth.

“We can’t leave here yet. Otherwise, we’ll be ambushed by the people outside.”

“I can crush their dog heads.”

“I know you can, but there’s no need.” Yan Zhen shook his head. “They’ll leave after waiting for a day or two. After all, staying here costs a hundred points a day. Squatting here waiting for someone instead of cultivating isn’t worth it.”

“I see.” Long Ying grinned happily. “Then we can continue to be alone together.”

Saying this, Long Ying realized she had let something slip and quickly covered her mouth, her face flushing slightly.

—Oh no, did Zhenzhen realize I’m interested in him? So embarrassing!

“…”

Yan Zhen felt immense pressure. The Long Ying in the script, after he woke up, immediately reverted back to the gluttonous loli, tugging at his clothes and saying, “Zhenzhen, I’m hungry! I’m only this hungry because I saved you! Hmph!”

She had a very demanding, “trick-or-treat” kind of attitude.

Then Yan Zhen would coax her with a pile of pills and promise to take her to the dining hall for a feast, instantly making her obedient.

Now, it seemed that food alone wouldn’t be enough to appease her.

Yan Zhen had a bad feeling that his innocence was in danger again, hoping she wouldn’t pull another “taking advantage while asleep” stunt like Mi Xue’er.

“There are so many fire crystals here. I need to collect them all.”

“I’ll help you.”

“Okay.”

Yan Zhen took out two small pickaxes he had prepared, gave one to Long Ying, and they started mining the fire crystals.

Forging the Gold and Silver Fire Sword required a large amount of fire crystals. The ones he had collected earlier weren’t enough.

As for the Fire Spirit Crystal, it would be used as a “gemstone” setting.

“Oh right, Zhenzhen, I also snatched a pile of ores earlier. There are fire crystals in there too.”

“Good. The fire crystals are mine. I’ll help you exchange the other ores for points when we get out.”

“Mm-hmm.”

They spent half a day mining in the cave, finally collecting all the high-purity fire crystals, filling two low-level storage rings.

Afterward, they sat on the ground to rest. Yan Zhen took a sip of water from his waterskin and offered it to Long Ying.

Long Ying took the waterskin, but her gaze turned strange as she stared at the opening for a moment, blushing, then quickly started drinking when Yan Zhen looked over.

After drinking, Long Ying returned the waterskin to Yan Zhen, her eyes fixed on him.

Yan Zhen, who had intended to take another sip, awkwardly put the waterskin back into his storage ring.

—Why did the innocent Long Ying become this… slightly lewd girl? Even if she’s reborn, it shouldn’t… In the script, they were “good brothers” until the very end. Why would she suddenly target her “good brother”… How can I safely be her Dragon Knight now?

Thinking about how he still needed to trick her into signing the contract and becoming his mount, Yan Zhen felt a headache coming on.

If they signed the contract now, who would be riding whom, that remained to be seen.

“…”

95 “Dragon Knight” Long Ying

Within the fiery cave, Yan Zhen lay with his head pillowed on Long Ying’s long legs, passively receiving her Qi transfer kiss.

Long Ying, having returned to her mature form, leaned over him, her hands gently holding his chin and the back of his head, their lips barely touching.

This was her first kiss, in this life or her previous one. Having never even read about such things, Long Ying was completely inexperienced, lacking any knowledge of seduction or kissing techniques. She simply held his lips gently, occasionally licking the corners of his mouth.

She was nervous and slightly guilty, like a good child doing something naughty.

But she was also happy, incredibly so, like a puppy finally given a treat.

In her previous life, they started as good friends, experiencing life and death together, their bond deepening into something like “sworn brothers.” Then, Long Ying unknowingly developed romantic feelings for Yan Zhen, leaving her confused and uncertain.

She tried to hide her feelings, not wanting to ruin their friendship.

Watching her two sisters marry him, Long Ying had been filled with envy.

But Long Ying also knew that Yan Zhen only saw her as a little sister who needed protection, not someone he could love. After all, there was nothing romantic about their relationship, and now that she was the Dragon God Clan’s leader, she couldn’t marry the Yan Emperor like Sister Xunyi.

Her long-suppressed feelings, now surfacing, were difficult to control.

After the Qi transfer, Long Ying released his lips, lifted her head, her beautiful face flushed, her eyes filled with tenderness as she gazed at Yan Zhen.

“Zhenzhen, it’s okay. You’ll be fine soon.”

Although she was in her adult form, her voice was still childish, though lacking the usual loli-like sweetness.

Yan Zhen felt a strange mix of emotions. He had been expecting dragon blood, but he got… dragon saliva instead.

Dragon saliva was also a treasure, but its effects were different from dragon blood.

And Long Ying’s Qi transfer felt like she was deliberately taking advantage of him.

—I’m feeling hot. The Yang Flame Spirit Milk’s energy is spreading.

“Zhenzhen’s body is glowing. The spirit milk must be working.” Long Ying touched his face. “So warm… I-I’ll help you cool down, Zhenzhen.”

Blushing, Long Ying undid his belt and opened his shirt.

Considering the Yang Polar Secret Realm’s heat, the students who entered wore summer clothes. Yan Zhen was no exception.

So, this revealed his bare chest.

“Zhenzhen, your chest muscles are so nice, hee hee, let me touch~”

“…”

Feeling her soft hands caressing his chest, her hair tickling his skin, Yan Zhen felt a strange sensation, his body reacting involuntarily.

—Is something wrong with this Long Ying?!

She was supposed to be a simple, gluttonous loli. Even in her adult form, her mind shouldn’t have changed, right?

Seeing his chest muscles, she should have said, “They look so delicious”… uh, that also sounded wrong, the other way around perhaps.

However, this Long Ying was indeed much more… forward than the one in the script.

Yan Zhen decided to endure it for now. Then, he heard Long Ying mutter, “Zhenzhen is sweating so much. He must be thirsty. But I didn’t bring any water. What should I do?”

Hearing this, Yan Zhen did feel a bit thirsty. He hadn’t had anything to drink since he started collecting fire crystals, and with the constant heat and excessive sweating, he needed to rehydrate.

—I have water in my storage ring. Hurry up and get it for me.

Yan Zhen silently prayed that Long Ying would be resourceful.

However, he soon felt soft lips on his again, and a sweet, cool liquid, dragon saliva, flowed into his mouth.

Despite pretending to be unconscious, Yan Zhen instinctively swallowed.

After a while, Long Ying lifted her head, her eyes moist and shining, her hand covering her mouth, a tingling sensation on her tongue.

She had accidentally touched his tongue with hers, experiencing an unprecedented pleasure.

Long Ying looked down at Yan Zhen, a strong urge to do it again rising within her.

“Zhenzhen, I-I’ll give you another sip of water. It’s not because I want to kiss you~~~”

She leaned down and kissed him again.

This time, she tentatively explored his mouth with her tongue.

“…”

—In the script, he was the Dragon Knight, riding Long Ying as his mount. Why was she the “Dragon Knight” now, and he the helpless little dragon?

Yan Zhen wanted to open his eyes and tell her he was awake. Long Ying was getting too carried away. She was already using her tongue. He didn’t dare to imagine what she would do next.

—But I haven’t gotten the dragon blood yet… It seems she’s not planning to give me her blood. I’ll have to rely on the Yang Flame Spirit Milk and her saliva to advance.

The kiss didn’t last long. Long Ying pulled back, her pink tongue slightly out, panting softly, her face flushed, clearly aroused.

Just as Yan Zhen was about to “wake up,” Long Ying said softly, “Sleep well, Zhenzhen. I’ll be here with you.”

She gently stroked his head, just like he usually did to her.

Yan Zhen remained silent. Since Long Ying wasn’t going any further, he would focus on refining the energy and advancing to six-star Mystic Master.

After some time, when Yan Zhen finished cultivating, he found himself resting his head not on Long Ying’s legs, but on her arm.

Long Ying lay beside him, her right arm beneath his head, her left arm tightly around his waist, her ample breasts, no smaller than Yun Xiu’s, pressed against his arm, one of her legs draped over him.

In short, her sleeping posture was terrible.

Yan Zhen gave up on getting up, opened his eyes, and saw the system interface plastered on his face, announcing the mission’s completion. He claimed his reward.

[Special Trump Card – Dragon Knight: Upon activation, forcibly turns a member of the Dragon Clan into a mount for a limited time. After successfully mounting a dragon, the host’s strength is slightly increased.]

“A useless card…”

He was about to trick Long Ying into becoming his mount anyway. What was the point of this card?

Yan Zhen dismissed the system interface and turned to Long Ying.

She smacked her lips and murmured, “Zhenzhen… like… kiss~”

Yan Zhen frowned. He wasn’t insensitive. Judging from Long Ying’s behavior, she seemed to genuinely like him, romantically.

—How did this happen?

He had heard her mention her “past life”… and even before hatching, she had specifically asked for “Zhenzhen.”

—Could it be that Long Ying, like Zi Xunyi and Cai Lian, was also reborn?

This was too strange, but all the evidence pointed towards it.

Then why were they all reborn? Because they were all from God Clans?

Zi Xunyi was from the Celestial God Clan, Long Ying from the Dragon God Clan, and Cai Lian was a branch of the Serpent God Clan.

But Beautiful Master was also from a God Clan. Why wasn’t she reborn?

Yan Zhen felt troubled.

94 Imported Spirit Milk

Seeing Yan Zhen lying before her, his aura weak and blood trickling from his lips, Long Ying’s expression changed. She quickly dispelled the spatial barrier and picked him up.

“Zhenzhen, how did you—”

She had set up the spatial barrier to protect herself. There was no need for Zhenzhen to protect her with his life like in her previous life. Why was he injured?

Yan Zhen coughed and said weakly, “Run… It’s a Tier 6 Magma Beast. We’re… no match for it.”

“Zhenzhen…”

—Idiot, I could protect myself. Why did he still shield me? Such an idiot!

Long Ying’s heart ached, tears welling up in her eyes.

She gently laid Yan Zhen down, stood up, and slowly clenched her fists.

Boom!

Dragon and Phoenix Mystic Power erupted from her small body, a pink and gold light enveloping her, her cherry blossom hair swirling around her.

With each step she took, Long Ying grew taller, her aura intensifying. After ten steps, the one-meter-tall loli had transformed into a tall, imposing young woman, the small, fleshy horns on her forehead lengthening, becoming smooth and jade-like, her ears also changing into the pointed ears characteristic of the God Clans.

Yan Zhen’s shirt, which had reached past her knees before, now barely covered her hips, her long, ivory-white legs extending from beneath the hem, her arms and legs appearing strong and toned.

This was a manifestation of her “power talent.”

Although she looked like an ordinary girl, she possessed immense strength, following the path of overwhelming force!

And her power increased with her emotions.

Long Ying glared at the Tier 6 Magma Fox and said coldly, “You vile fox, how dare you hurt Zhenzhen again!”

Roar!

A dragon’s roar echoed, draconic might erupting. Space rippled, and Long Ying vanished, transforming into a roaring dragon shadow that slammed into the Tier 6 Magma Fox.

Space cracked, and the Magma Fox exploded, its body shattering into pieces of ore.

One-hit kill!

Yan Zhen, lying on the ground, watched with wide eyes. After regaining her true strength, this girl was powerful enough to challenge even a Mystic Ancestor.

However, this transformation was temporary. She would revert back to her loli form soon.

Seeing Long Ying turn back, Yan Zhen quickly closed his eyes, feigning weakness, waiting for his dose of dragon blood.

Dragon blood wasn’t divine blood and couldn’t further his Primordial Dharma Body Chart cultivation, but the energy within could still enhance his strength.

“Zhenzhen…”

Hearing her voice, Yan Zhen opened his eyes and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar beautiful face: the familiar cherry blossom hair and emerald eyes, the unfamiliar dragon horns and pointed ears.

Her gaze was sharp, no longer as innocent, but still bright when she looked at him.

Her high nose bridge and full lips were surprisingly… sensual.

Her long neck, exposed collarbone, and ample breasts, no smaller than Yun Xiu’s, strained against the fabric of her shirt, the curves prominent and eye-catching.

—Such a drastic change, from a flat-chested loli to a busty young woman. Even her character type has changed.

“Zhenzhen, how are you?”

“I-I’m fine… cough, cough!”

After a violent coughing fit, Yan Zhen “fainted.”

“Zhenzhen!”

Her voice was filled with panic.

Yan Zhen felt a twinge of guilt, but for the sake of the plot, he had to continue pretending.

He felt Long Ying’s hand lift his back, his head resting on her long legs, then he heard a soft pop.

“Zhenzhen, don’t worry, I’ll heal you… Drink this first.”

He felt a warm, viscous liquid, fragrant and sweet, on his lips. It must be the Yang Flame Spirit Milk.

He almost opened his mouth to taste it, then remembered he was supposed to be unconscious, so he remained still, letting the spirit milk drip down his chin.

Although the Yang Flame Spirit Milk was a treasure, according to the script, he was supposed to drink dragon blood, which was easier to consume. And if Long Ying didn’t give him her blood, she wouldn’t revert back to her loli form, and he wouldn’t be able to trick her into becoming his mount.

—Such a scumbag, taking advantage of a child!

—No, it’s the script that’s a scumbag, not me.

Yan Zhen consoled himself. Suddenly, he felt soft lips against his, and the warm, viscous Yang Flame Spirit Milk was gently poured into his mouth.

Yan Zhen’s heart skipped a beat, and he almost opened his eyes. He knew what this sensation was.

Was Long Ying feeding him mouth-to-mouth?

—No! I don’t want pre-chewed spirit milk! I only want Beautiful Master’s… milk.

However, Long Ying, unable to hear his thoughts, continued feeding him, mouthful after mouthful.

Yan Zhen couldn’t keep pretending any longer.

Long Ying was his friend. Taking advantage of her like this felt wrong.

But he couldn’t. How could he drink her blood if he wasn’t unconscious? And without her blood, how could he benefit from this misfortune and advance to six-star Mystic Master?

—I’ll endure!

After a while, the jar of Yang Flame Spirit Milk was finally empty. Yan Zhen felt a warmth spreading through his body, filling him with energy, his complexion improving.

Such immense energy was enough for him to advance again.

Could he reach six-star Mystic Master without drinking her blood?

Hmmm…

“You spilled quite a bit. Can’t let it go to waste.”

“?”

Before Yan Zhen could understand what she meant, he felt something soft and wet lick his lips, his heart skipping a beat.

Before he could react, soft lips pressed against his, licking the spilled spirit milk from his mouth and chin.

“…”

Yan Zhen suspected Long Ying was deliberately taking advantage of him, but he had no proof.

Even a glutton wouldn’t lick up the leftovers after feeding him!

“Zhenzhen, are you feeling better?”

Yan Zhen didn’t respond. He was waiting for the dragon blood.

“The spirit milk’s energy isn’t easy to refine. What should I do? Should I still give him my blood?”

—Yes, yes, give me some dragon blood, please~

“But my blood’s energy is too violent. Zhenzhen will be in a lot of pain, like last time.”

—It’s okay, I can handle it. After all, I’m the protag—wait, what did she just say?

Yan Zhen’s heart sank, wondering if he had misheard.

Long Ying did say “last time,” right?

—What does that mean? Did I hear wrong?

“I shouldn’t give him my blood. I’ll transfer my Qi to him and help him refine the spirit milk’s energy.” Long Ying muttered to herself. “I-it’s not like I want to kiss him again. I just want to heal Zhenzhen! That’s all!”

Yan Zhen mentally displayed a question mark.

Before he could open his eyes and stop her, Long Ying leaned in and kissed him, gently transferring her Dragon Mystic Power into his mouth, helping him refine the Yang Flame Spirit Milk’s energy.

93 Yan Zhen: I Feel Like a Clown

“Roar!”

The deafening roar echoed through the cave as the Tier 6 Magma Fox leaped into the air, its sharp claws slashing down towards Long Ying.

Yan Zhen, no longer hiding, jumped out, summoning the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo mid-air and swinging it with all his might.

Bang!

The fox’s thick paw struck the sword embryo, sending a powerful force through Yan Zhen’s arms, his body flying backward uncontrollably, crashing into the wall and embedding himself within it.

—Holy shit!

Yan Zhen gasped, barely able to breathe. He quickly circulated the Great Crimson Skyfire to protect himself; otherwise, that single attack would have severely injured him.

The difference between Mystic Lord and Mystic Master was simply too great. He had been able to dominate Yun Xiu and Jiu Youyue only because they had let him.

Whoosh!

Crimson flames erupted, enveloping Yan Zhen’s body. He gripped the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo in one hand and put on the multicolored snake scale gauntlets on the other.

These gauntlets, crafted from the scales Cai Lian shed during her evolution, were a near Tier 6 Mystic Tool, possessing impressive defensive and offensive capabilities. The crystals on the back of the hand could absorb and store ambient energy, releasing it in a burst powerful enough to injure even a Mystic King.

He pushed off the wall with his left palm, his body shooting forward like a ferocious Magma Beast, wreathed in crimson flames, the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo in his hand like a sharp fang, thrusting towards the Tier 6 Magma Fox.

“Get lost!”

The Magma Fox, about to strike Long Ying, was sent flying, tumbling through the air before landing on all fours, its eyes narrowed at Yan Zhen as it roared again.

Its six tails stood erect, the flames at their tips condensing into six fire bombs that spiraled towards him.

The terrifying energy fluctuations made Yan Zhen’s face pale. His left hand, clad in the snake scale gauntlet, glowed with a brilliant, multicolored light.

“Lend me your strength, Cai Lian!”

He struck out with his palm, the power of heaven and earth converging and transforming into a giant, multicolored serpent that opened its jaws and unleashed a torrent of venomous breath.

Two Mystic Lord level forces collided, creating a powerful shockwave, the explosion shaking the entire cave. Both sides were affected by the backlash. The Tier 6 Magma Fox slid back several zhang before stopping, while Yan Zhen was sent flying, crashing to the ground and coughing up blood.

The blood vessels in his left arm had burst, the entire limb covered in blood, almost unusable.

If it weren’t for his body tempering and the Great Crimson Skyfire’s protection, his left arm would have been crippled.

—Damn it, I can’t hold on. I have to use a trump card!

Although the Yan Zhen in the script managed to endure, he wasn’t willing to risk his life.

And he hadn’t even used his Mystic Master level trump cards yet. It would be a waste not to use them.

“System, Belt Mode!”

[Acknowledged.]

Yan Zhen reached out, and a flame-shaped card box appeared in his hand, which he attached to his lower abdomen.

A belt extended from both sides of the box, wrapping around his waist.

A card with the number “3” appeared between his fingers. Yan Zhen said coldly, “Transform!”

He inserted the card into the box, and three different colored flames erupted, transforming into a dazzling gold and silver greatsword, a sinister grayish-black dragon, and a valiant crimson valkyrie.

The crimson valkyrie embraced him from behind, merging with his body and becoming a suit of armor. The grayish-black dragon soared into the air, then swooped down, entering his body through the top of his head, transforming into horns, claws, and a tail. The gold and silver greatsword landed in his right hand, becoming his weapon.

At that moment, the system’s enthusiastic voice echoed through the cave:

[Emperor Flame! Extreme Flame! Power Unleashed!]

[Now, the Mystic Path transforms into the Heavenly Path! Heavenly Lord Yan Zhen, descends!]

Boom!

An overwhelming aura, the power of heaven and earth itself, erupted from Yan Zhen.

He was no longer a five-star Mystic Master, but a… six-star Heavenly Lord, the same realm as the Tier 6 Magma Fox, but his power was even greater.

Because his power was pure, unadulterated Heavenly Power.

The Tier 6 Magma Fox, sensing the immense danger, couldn’t understand how this small human could suddenly become so powerful!

Its six tails stood erect again, six balls of foxfire swirling around it before shooting towards Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen, clad in crimson armor, with gray horns, claws, and a tail, like a humanoid dragon, raised his right hand and swung the gold and silver greatsword.

The six fireballs were instantly cleaved in two, then exploded.

—Too weak.

Feeling the surge of power within him, Yan Zhen’s confidence swelled. He could probably cut this Tier 6 Magma Fox in half with a single strike.

But he didn’t attack. He only needed to protect Long Ying. Once she recovered, this Magma Fox wouldn’t even be able to withstand a single punch from her.

The Tier 6 Magma Fox, enraged and confused, roared, its Mystic Power surging.

It was preparing to unleash its ultimate move, an area-of-effect attack.

Yan Zhen could clearly sense the immense energy gathering beneath them, about to erupt.

He was protected by his armor and could withstand the attack without serious injury, but Long Ying was still meditating…

Yan Zhen retreated to Long Ying’s side, intending to protect her, but as he reached out, his hand was blocked by a barrier.

“?”

He tapped on it, then realized, to his surprise, that it was a spatial barrier!

Spatial power was something high-star Mystic Ancestors could barely touch, mastered only by Mystic Venerables. But Long Ying, after consuming the Nirvana Fruit, had awakened a spatial talent.

With this spatial barrier, no one below Mystic Ancestor could harm her.

But when did Long Ying create this barrier?

Yan Zhen was dumbfounded. He glanced at the Tier 6 Magma Fox, which was about to unleash its attack, then stepped back, leaving Long Ying unprotected.

Boom!

Torrents of flames erupted from the ground, forming massive pillars of fire that engulfed Long Ying.

Even a Mystic Lord wouldn’t be able to withstand such intense heat and force.

Yan Zhen, watching from behind, blinked. Even through his helmet, he could clearly see that Long Ying was unharmed. More precisely, the flames were blocked by the spatial barrier, unable to reach her.

“Ah, this…”

Yan Zhen looked at the little Dragon Girl, then at his armor, feeling like a clown.

He suddenly understood. No wonder Long Ying hadn’t moved when the Magma Fox attacked, as if she knew he would save her. She had an absolute defense.

The Tier 6 Magma Fox also tilted its head, puzzled as to why its most powerful attack seemed to have no effect.

The tense atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

—Now what? Should I continue protecting Long Ying? Wouldn’t that make me look stupid?

“System, can I cancel this trump card?”

[Negative.]

“…”

With mixed feelings, Yan Zhen took the initiative and engaged the Tier 6 Magma Fox, keeping it occupied.

Until a powerful aura erupted from Long Ying.

“Is she recovering?”

Yan Zhen’s heart leaped with joy. He dispelled his armor and faced the Magma Fox with his own strength.

Bang!

He was sent flying like a cannonball, landing before Long Ying, coughing up another mouthful of blood.

—I’m dying… uh, maybe not that serious.

At the same time, Long Ying finally opened her eyes.

92 Something’s Different About Long Ying

Yan Zhen, enveloped in the crimson flames of the Great Crimson Skyfire, jumped into the volcano’s crater without hesitation, landing in the boiling Yang Essence lava.

Protected by the hottest Extreme Flame, Yan Zhen was unfazed by the high temperature and swam downwards, quickly finding the entrance to a cave on the crater wall.

He swam inside, through a slightly sloped passage, and emerged in a large, open chamber filled with a lava pool.

This was the lair of the Yang Polar Secret Realm’s overlord, a Tier 6 Magma Fox, the air thick with Yang Essence. For any other student, even a single breath here would scorch their lungs.

The chamber was filled with fire crystals, some even glowing like embers.

However, the most eye-catching feature was a small, reddish-orange pool in a depression in the floor.

Drip, drip.

Liquid flames dripped from the red stalactites above, falling into the pool and creating ripples, sending out tiny sparks and emitting an enticing aroma.

Yan Zhen swallowed hard.

That was the Tier 7 treasure, “Yang Flame Spirit Milk,” containing immense energy. If Yan Zhen consumed it and spent ten days to half a month refining it, he had a high chance of advancing directly to the Mystic General realm.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t consume it. The Yang Flame Spirit Milk was meant for Long Ying.

In the script, after being sent to collect fire crystals, Long Ying got lost. When Yan Zhen, chased by his pursuers, arrived here, he would find her by the pool, lapping up the remaining spirit milk.

Long Ying would drink the entire pool of Yang Flame Spirit Milk, the immense energy making her drowsy, and she would fall asleep, her belly full.

Then, the Tier 6 Magma Fox, temporarily away from its lair due to the volcanic eruption, would return and, seeing them, attack.

Yan Zhen, knowing he was no match for it, would pick up Long Ying and try to escape into the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

However, within the secret realm, the Star Shifting Fire Seal was difficult to activate, requiring complete concentration.

The Tier 6 Magma Fox wouldn’t give him the chance. Yan Zhen would have to put Long Ying down and fight.

He would be badly beaten, even alerting Chen Xi.

At the critical moment, Long Ying would wake up, transform back into her true form, her cultivation at the Mystic Ancestor realm, and defeat the Tier 6 Magma Fox with a single punch.

Yan Zhen, severely injured, would take a long time to recover. Long Ying would then cut her wrist and use her blood to heal him.

Yan Zhen, benefiting from this misfortune, would see his cultivation improve. Long Ying, however, would revert back to her loli form due to blood loss.

This event was a turning point in their relationship.

Before this, Long Ying only saw Yan Zhen as a source of food, and he only coveted her divine blood. They both had ulterior motives. After this, Long Ying would become much more obedient, and Yan Zhen would… well, he would trick her into becoming his mount.

“…”

—Ahem, it’s the script that’s a jerk, not me.

Yan Zhen composed himself, hid behind a large rock, concealed his aura, and waited for Long Ying’s arrival, resisting the temptation of the Yang Flame Spirit Milk.

He opened the system interface, saw that the previous mission had been updated, and clicked the “Claim Reward” button.

[Special Trump Card – Black Hand: Upon activation, the host’s next attack will be an undetectable assassination strike. Effective only on those below Supreme Elder realm.]

Yan Zhen put away the card, and the system displayed the new mission: protect Long Ying from the enraged Tier 6 Magma Fox while she was asleep, and then, through a fortunate turn of events after being injured, advance to six-star Mystic Master.

Reading the requirements, Yan Zhen felt a bit uneasy.

The first one was manageable. He had various trump cards and could hold off the Magma Fox for a while. The second one, however, was uncertain. What if Long Ying was afraid of pain and refused to give him her blood? Without the stimulation of her dragon blood, he, a newly advanced five-star Mystic Master, couldn’t immediately reach six-star.

With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, Yan Zhen soon sensed Long Ying’s arrival.

The little Dragon Girl emerged from the lava pool he had entered earlier, her little feet padding softly against the ground as she walked straight to the Yang Flame Spirit Milk pool, her bright emerald eyes fixated on the precious treasure.

“There it is! Hee hee! After I drink this, I’ll regain my beautiful figure and impress Zhenzhen!”

Yan Zhen, hidden behind the rock, frowned, hearing her words, and peeked out. He saw Long Ying, her little bottom wiggling, lying on her stomach at the edge of the pool, lapping up the Yang Flame Spirit Milk, the level in the pool visibly decreasing.

Yan Zhen swallowed hard, feeling a bit tempted. This natural treasure smelled delicious. He should have taken some to taste.

After drinking most of it, Long Ying suddenly stopped and burped. “That should be enough. I’ll save the rest for Zhenzhen.”

She took out a small jar and collected the remaining Yang Flame Spirit Milk.

Yan Zhen felt both touched and surprised.

In the script, Long Ying hadn’t done this. She drank everything and even licked the pool clean. Was it because she was more considerate in this life?

“Mmm, so much energy… I’m a little sleepy.”

Long Ying smacked her lips. Just as Yan Zhen thought she was going to fall asleep, she sat down cross-legged and began to meditate, clearly refining the spirit milk’s energy.

Cherry blossom pink dragon Qi and golden phoenix Qi swirled around her, emitting a faint draconic and avian might that inspired awe.

Yan Zhen frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss.

“Simultaneously controlling Dragon and Phoenix Mystic Power… Is this the Dragon-Phoenix Divine Art?”

Long Ying’s current cultivation technique should be the Dragon King Manual, which cultivated Dragon Mystic Power. She hadn’t mastered Phoenix Mystic Power yet, let alone controlling both simultaneously.

The Dragon-Phoenix Divine Art was a Saint-level Mystic Art that he and Long Ying would develop together much later, combining Dragon and Phoenix Mystic Power for greater strength.

How could she use it now?

—Could I have misidentified it?

After all, he had only read the description of the Dragon-Phoenix Divine Art in the script.

“Hmmm…”

As he was pondering, Yan Zhen suddenly sensed another powerful aura rapidly approaching, one that made him wary.

The Tier 6 Magma Fox was returning.

As he thought this, a wave of lava surged from the pool, and a massive fox-shaped figure emerged, landing on the ground.

Its composition was similar to the Magma Serpents and Magma Ape: lava and crystals. It resembled a large fox with six tails, its ears, paws, and tails burning with foxfire.

A Tier 6 Magma Fox, its strength comparable to a high-star Mystic Lord. Its mere presence exerted a faint pressure on Yan Zhen.

The moment it appeared, the temperature in the chamber rose several degrees. It immediately noticed the empty pool, then looked at Long Ying, who was meditating, and instantly understood what had happened, letting out an enraged roar.

91 Reaping the Rewards

Half an hour had passed since the eruption. The three Magma Beasts that landed halfway up the mountain had already been discovered: a Tier 5 Magma Ape and two Tier 4 Magma Serpents.

The Tier 5 Magma Ape was massive, over ten meters tall, its body formed from rocks, crystals, and magma, with a core at its center. It looked like a golem but was actually an elemental being, possessing strength comparable to a five-star Mystic King.

The two Tier 4 Magma Serpents, one large and one small, resembled King Cobras, their appearance ferocious and intimidating. However, they had already been slain by the top ten societies, their bodies pierced, their eyes dull and lifeless as they lay on the ground.

The leaders of the top ten societies were currently besieging the Tier 5 Magma Ape, while their members surrounded the area, preventing its escape and also keeping other students from the mountain’s base from interfering.

The Inner Academy’s top ten societies: Seven Stars, Broken Mirror, Soaring, Transformation, Black Horn, Water Moon, Killing Life…

Except for Gu Tiange, the leader of Seven Stars, the other nine leaders, also among the top ten on the Rising Star List, were all using their various skills, battling fiercely against the Tier 5 Magma Ape.

The highest cultivation among them was Wen Canglan, a nine-star Mystic General. The second highest was Ling Fei, an eight-star Mystic General. The rest, including Yu Die, were all seven-star Mystic Generals.

Ten high-star Mystic Generals against a five-star Mystic King. They didn’t have much of an advantage. Moreover, this Tier 5 Magma Ape had both high attack and high defense. None of them could withstand a direct hit at full power, so they fought cautiously, exploiting its slow speed and opting for a war of attrition.

Victory was inevitable. After all, Magma Beasts weren’t very intelligent. As long as they were careful and avoided getting hit, they could wear it down with their numbers.

A hundred zhang away, Yan Zhen stood on a boulder, eating pastries while watching the battle below.

Long Ying clung to his back, her chin resting on his shoulder, looking at the fight with boredom.

“Zhenzhen, why don’t you let me join the fight? I can kill that big gorilla with one punch.”

“Why bother fighting when we can reap the rewards without lifting a finger?”

Yan Zhen popped a pastry into his mouth, then offered another to Long Ying behind him. She opened her mouth wide and snatched the pastry, devouring it quickly and licking the crumbs from her lips.

“Then when are we going to ‘reap the rewards’?”

“When they’re almost finished. And we’ll only take the most valuable treasure. Otherwise, we’ll offend too many people, and it will be difficult to escape.”

“I’m not afraid of them. I can just beat them all up.”

“There’s no need for that. It’s better to keep a low profile and bide our time.”

“Fine.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Zhenzhen~”

“Yes?”

“Another one.”

“…”

Yan Zhen silently offered her another pastry, then took one for himself.

They continued eating while watching the show.

Below, the battle reached a critical point. Under the combined assault of the ten Mystic Generals, the Tier 5 Magma Ape was severely injured and began to go berserk.

Wen Canglan, Ling Fei, Yu Die, and the others unleashed their strongest attacks, barely blocking the Magma Ape’s final assault, then counterattacked, ten King-level Mystic Skills slamming into it, finally defeating it.

Its massive body began to crumble, cracks appearing and emitting a dazzling red light, then it exploded like a bomb.

The shockwave swept outwards, sending dust, debris, and smoke flying.

Almost simultaneously, Wen Canglan, Ling Fei, Yu Die, and the others struck out with their palms, dispelling the dust with gusts of wind, then dashed forward, vying for the most valuable treasure—the Magma Beast’s core.

However, a figure was faster than them. Although it was daytime, everyone saw a flash of starlight. In the blink of an eye, Yan Zhen appeared where the Tier 5 Magma Ape had fallen, reached out, and retrieved its core—the Fire Spirit Crystal.

The burning crystal, still coated in lava, was incredibly hot, but Yan Zhen held it as if he couldn’t feel the heat, then he smiled at them and shot into the sky like a streak of starlight.

The ten people who had been about to grab the core were stunned, not expecting anyone to be so audacious as to steal it!

“How dare you!”

A furious roar echoed, snapping everyone back to reality.

Wu Tie, the leader of the Black Horn society, immediately gave chase. The leaders of the Water Moon, Killing Life, and other societies also reacted and followed. Then, the Seven Stars’ second-in-command, Wen Canglan, Ling Fei, and even Yu Die joined the pursuit.

“What is that brat doing?”

Yu Die bit her lip. Even she wouldn’t dare to steal like that. She would have participated in the battle and then competed for the spoils fairly.

Hiding in the shadows and then taking the most valuable treasure, he had offended all ten of the Inner Academy’s top societies, except for her Transformation society. The others probably wanted to skin him alive.

However, just as they took to the sky, they heard a commotion below. They looked down and saw a small figure dashing through the crowd, grabbing a pile of loot with lightning speed, then disappearing.

Those items were supposed to be divided fairly among the participants, yet this small figure had snatched a significant portion.

Yu Die immediately recognized her as the adorable little Dragon Girl, Long Ying!

—He actually used Little Long Ying to do this? You brat, don’t let me catch you!

Long Ying, however, didn’t care what Yu Die thought. Following Yan Zhen’s instructions, she grabbed a pile of scorching hot crystals and ran as fast as she could towards the summit.

They had agreed to meet there.

Long Ying, having awakened her spatial talent, could cover ten zhang with a single step. The pursuers couldn’t catch her. Yan Zhen, however, with his lower cultivation, couldn’t outrun the group of high-star Mystic Generals with just his Starry Sky Dance.

They were only about a hundred zhang behind him, led by Wu Tie of the Black Horn society, their pursuit relentless, unleashing sword Qi and fist force attacks. It was easy to imagine what would happen if they caught him.

—This is terrifying!

Yan Zhen wasn’t sure if he could outrun them like in the script. After a moment’s thought, he decided to use a trump card, taking out “Soaring Wings.” Upon activation, a pair of beautiful wings sprouted from his back.

With a flap of his wings, Yan Zhen’s speed more than doubled, circling around his pursuers, then, seemingly cornered, he flew towards the summit.

After about fifteen minutes, Yan Zhen reached the summit safely. As expected, Long Ying wasn’t there yet.

The summit was the volcano’s crater. Looking down, he could see the bubbling magma.

Numerous Magma Beasts lived within the magma. Jumping down was practically a death sentence.

However, several powerful auras were rapidly approaching from behind. Without hesitation, Yan Zhen leaped into the crater.