"That's not it at all."

The Dragon Ancestor shook his head with a wry smile upon hearing this, "For most spiritual cultivators, even if they reach the peak of Heaven Spirit Ninefold cultivation without having weathered the spiritual tribulation, their bodies still lack the capacity to endure godly power. Yet you're only at the Dan Ling Ninefold stage but already possess such divine might. Your body's peculiar constitution is unprecedented in my centuries-long existence. If that were possible, even if I wished to gift my divine power to you entirely, it would be like trying to pour the ocean into a teacup."

Nie Kong finally understood. His body's ability to withstand godly energy stemmed primarily from enduring the full ninety-one-sound "Heart Drum War Chant" refinement ritual. Without that conditioning, he'd never have claimed first place in the War Clan's "Ding Zhan Ling Ting Shen Tai" and secured the Golden Scripture "War God Star Seal," nor would he have received even a sliver of Xie Lian's divine power.

"Moreover, your ability to secretly enter this Dragon Pearl realm proves our divine energies are exceptionally compatible. When I infuse my godly might into you, these two forces will not clash—they'll gradually merge. This is the most critical factor," The Dragon Ancestor suddenly grew solemn while nodding, "I'm very curious to see what heights you'll reach with this divine power."

"Thank you, Senior."

Nie Kong smiled as he watched golden tendrils begin to seep from the old dragon's weathered body. As they coiled into his chest like serpents, he immediately activated the "War God Star Seal." Nine shadow stars ignited wildly within him, siphoning the divine energy into their depths.

The process was maddeningly slow—after what felt like hours or even days of painstaking refinement, only a grain-sized portion had been absorbed. Yet Nie Kong remained patient, his Fourth Shadow Star slowly transforming as golden radiance enveloped him like an incense-lit statue of enlightenment.

When the last wisp vanished from the Dragon Ancestor's form, the ancient being appeared to age several decades at once. His hunched posture and snow-white hair spoke volumes about the drain he'd endured. "That's all I can do," his parched lips trembled, "Nie Kong... just don't make me regret this..."

"Regret?"

In the tranquil Dragon Valley, Long Xuechan lay sideways on her chaise lounge, her gossamer white dress barely concealing the curves of her body as she languidly opened and closed her legs. The faint blush of pink peeking through her translucent lace was enough to send ripples of temptation through the air.

"Who said anything about regret?" She smirked at her sister Long Meixian, plucking a ruby-red fruit from the table and biting into it with a soft pop. As milky white juice trickled down her chin, she licked it away with that same red tongue, radiating sensual charm.

Long Meixian's delicate brows furrowed upon witnessing this display. "Fifty-eight days have passed since he entered, yet there are still no signs of him emerging... And more importantly, the energy flow from our Dragon Island isn't replenishing—it's accelerating its decline. Doesn't that disappoint you?"

"There's nothing to be disappointed about!" Xuechan shrugged indifferently, "Didn't our Dragon Emperor confirm with Grandfather in the pearl realm? He said this drain is temporary—the island's vitality will return soon!"

She paused to flick a teasing glance at her sister, "Though I'm curious... wasn't that what you were really thinking about?"

Long Meixian stiffened. "What are you implying?"

"Come now," Xuechan mimicked her sister's earlier words with exaggerated precision before letting out a sultry laugh, "I wonder if your counting was so precise because you've been thinking of him every night? Maybe even..." Her voice trailed off suggestively.

"Silence!" Meixian flushed crimson, glaring at the younger woman. "Who needs to think about that when I haven't even mentioned it? If anyone's obsessed, it should be you! You're the one who can't stop thinking about him!"

"I do miss him every night," Xuechan sighed dramatically, crunching another fruit as she licked the juice from her lips with a contented hum. "I get so hot just thinking about him..."

"Long Xuechan!" Meixian's face burned brighter when memories of past encounters on this very chaise suddenly flooded back. She bit back whatever retort was forming in her throat.

Xuechan tilted her head quizzically. "What is it now?"

"Why are you wearing my white dress? You used to prefer green ones," the elder sister hissed, teeth grinding together.

"Because I'm not trying to seduce your little boyfriend anymore!" Xuechan burst into peals of laughter at the scandalized look on her face, "Or maybe you're wondering if I'm imagining what happens when I wear white and..." Her voice dropped conspiratorially.

Meixian's cheeks now matched a burning sunset as she stormed toward the exit. "You're insufferable!"

"Wait!" Xuechan yanked her sleeve just in time, "Aren't we supposed to discuss something important? Why are you running away?"

"This ridiculousness is why I can't even speak to you!"

"I swear," Xuechan quickly raised both hands, "the next thing out of my mouth will be absolutely proper."

The elder sister hesitated. These sisters had always shared their secrets freely before—except for the particular confession currently burning in her throat. But who else could she confide in besides this foolish little sister?

After a long pause filled with swallowed words, Meixian finally leaned close enough to whisper into Xuechan's ear.

"Wait—what?" The younger woman slid off the chaise with an audible thud, landing heavily on her bottom as her eyes widened comically. "Are you telling me..." Her own face suddenly flushed with realization, and to her surprise, a weight she hadn't realized was pressing against her chest now began to lift.