When Zong Shou emerged from the main hall of the academy, three hours had already passed. Around him, almost everyone’s eyes shone with excitement.

The news that Lin Xuanshuang was not dead, that her Nascent Soul had reunited and her physical body could be remolded, was like a powerful tonic injected into the hearts of all present. Although Zong Shou had clearly stated that Lin Xuanshuang’s injuries were not fully healed and her body could only be restored to the level of the Ultimate Realm.

Even so, this was more than enough to offset the news of the Dao Sect purchasing a thousand Spirit Realm enslaved cultivators. With Lin Xuanshuang’s Ultimate Realm cultivation, even if her body was slightly weaker, her deployment of spirit techniques amidst the heavy defenses within the Azure Heavens Dome was virtually equivalent to a true Ultimate Realm master; the difference was negligible.

Her specialization in martial arts, rather than spirit techniques, was only relative to those of the same rank. Especially that technique, the Source Life Spirit Breath Art, which could help one gather vital energy and restore injuries, was a first-rate healing secret method.

This only deepened the anticipation— Even Wei Xu seemed to possess a bit more vitality, a sliver more hope. Within the Azure Heavens Dao Sect, it could be said that two quasi-Ultimate Realm combat strengths had suddenly increased in a single day.

While Yuan Jing Sanren and Lin Xuanshuang might be insufficient to resist a full frontal assault, they could shield Xiuguan, freeing the sect from worry. Only Zong Shou observed this with cold eyes, his heart showing neither joy nor sorrow.

He knew that for these people, Lin Xuanshuang’s revival was like grasping a lifeline in desperation. He, however, was not so optimistic, suspecting that the Dao Sect’s machinations extended far beyond this.

Wei Xu was a top-tier strategist, nearly flawless in his calculations. Yet, even such a figure had fallen into Qing Xuan’s trap.

The depth of foresight and the meticulousness of the plotting were unimaginable. Reflecting closely now, during those last few days spent together outside the Nine Absolute Death Prison, every word and action of Lin Xuanshuang had held deeper meaning.

Did she not favor this coming battle? After his bloodline sublimated and his Sky-Burning Blood Pupils awakened, did she leave to seek alternative leverage?

He also wondered when his Master would finally return. Though his heart was quite pessimistic, Zong Shou did not let the mood show on his face again.

There was no need to pour cold water over the surging morale of the crowd now. Otherwise, the elders would certainly seek him out for a reckoning.

That evening, Chu Xue practically clung to his side, refusing to leave him for even half a step. When Zong Shou entered his meditation, she rested her head on his knee and slept soundly, sweetly.

This left Fan Meng Sanren Lin Xuanxuan frustrated, and she departed helplessly. It was only when Zong Shou awoke the next day that he found Chu Xue still deep in slumber.

He couldn't help but be puzzled. Could the lethargy of the Weak Water poison be contagious?

For cultivators reaching the Spirit Realm, remaining awake for days or even tens of days was a minor issue; often, meditating for a few breaths could restore their energy. But Chu Xue had slept continuously for several hours, which was inexplicable.

Gently stroking Chu Xue’s soft, dark, and lustrous hair, Zong Shou’s eyes held a mixture of tenderness and surprise. In terms of cultivation, Chu Xue had indeed given him an immense surprise this time.

Flesh body unyielding, true essence like jade, immortal body, spirit-forged jade bones, spirit-locking immortal skin. This little girl had actually reached the peak of the Immortal Realm, standing on the threshold of the Divine Realm!

How could he, her master, not feel deeply impressed? He could faintly sense five auras within Chu Xue’s sleeves, none inferior to those of Immortal Realm cultivators, locking onto him with a subtle warning.

Tense and ready, it seemed that should he harbor any ill intent towards Chu Xue, they would spring out to devour his flesh and blood. These were the five subspecies divine beasts Zong Shou had found for Chu Xue back then, naturally inclined to protect her.

However, they had clearly undergone significant changes; calling them subspecies was hardly accurate anymore. Judging by their vital energies, they had certainly crossed the lowest threshold of the Divine Beast level, losing the immaturity of newborn creatures.

A hidden fierceness lingered, carrying a hint of bloodlust, suggesting they had surely endured much slaughter— Zong Shou pursed his lips, unconcerned, and rubbed Chu Xue’s cute cat ears, then pinched her delicate nose. He mused that these little fellows’ wings had indeed hardened.

I am your master; let’s see what you can do to me? A few muffled beast cries reached his ears, clearly subdued by Zong Shou’s presence, refraining from further aggression.

Chu Xue, however, persistently waved her arms, batting his hand away. Finally, her body trembled slightly, and she woke up groggily.

When she opened her eyes, Chu Xue saw Zong Shou’s teasing gaze. Her expression had not fully cleared yet, and after stretching, she curled up again like a kitten, hugging Zong Shou even tighter, wishing she could melt entirely into his embrace.

A few breaths later, her face flushed crimson, and she buried her head between Zong Shou’s chest and abdomen, unwilling to look up. Zong Shou couldn't help but laugh out loud; he hadn't felt this carefree in a long time.

“Why so sleepy? It’s as if you haven’t slept in years?” “No!” Chu Xue immediately shook her head, her tone coquettishly sweet, “But Xue’er truly hasn't closed her eyes for months.

Only when I’m by the Young Master’s side can I sleep soundly.” Zong Shou’s eyes narrowed dangerously. What started as a joke turned out to be true.

“Was it Fan Meng Sanren? Did she not let you sleep?” If she had truly abused his Xue’er, even if Lin Fanmeng was his Master, Lin Xuanshuang’s own sister, he would still have to settle this score properly with her.

Chu Xue only hummed, “Not at all! Master is very kind to me.

It’s just that for a period, I had so much homework every day, packed completely full, too busy to manage. At first, I even called her an old hag!

Then she threw me alone into a place called the Spirit Concealment Realm, where there was no one, only all sorts of strange-looking spirit beasts. I had to fight almost every day—” Zong Shou’s lips curled slightly; this Fan Meng Sanren truly possessed skill.

He hadn’t heard of the Spirit Concealment Realm, but he knew Chu Xue’s combat instincts and her Martial Body could only be developed to their peak through continuous high-intensity combat! The fierce nature of Chu Xue’s five guardian divine beasts was clearly derived from this source as well.

It wasn't only Chu Xue who benefited from the fierce battles. “—But once Xue’er was injured, Master took care of me for seven days and seven nights.

After that, she took me to pursue and kill that Beast Emperor who injured me, killing it. Then Xue’er changed her mind and stopped cursing her.” Zong Shou sighed deeply.

He truly didn't know what to say about Chu Xue; she was too easily bought off. It was all his fault for not training her well enough before.

“After recovering from my injuries for several months, Master dripped something called ‘Ou What-Not Yuan Liquid’ into my body every day. My bones itched, and it hurt quite a bit then.

But after those injuries healed, those spirit beasts in the Spirit Concealment Realm couldn't beat me anymore—” Zong Shou’s brows shot up. It must have been the Spirit Lotus Yuan Nurturing Liquid.

Extracted from the Ten Thousand Year Longevity Lotus, its juice was refined with other spiritual medicines. Although not an Immortal Pill, it was one of the most expensive and precious body-tempering spiritual medicines in this world.

It was something Immortal Realm and Divine Realm cultivators desperately dreamed of. Could this be the source of the Spirit-Forged Jade Bones and Spirit-Locking Immortal Skin?

His Martial Aunt was truly generous! “After a few more days, when Xue’er had no more worthy opponents in the Concealment Realm, Master let me out.

But then she threw me under a waterfall where there was a huge vortex. The water there was also different from the water in our Cloud Realm; it was at least a thousand times heavier.

Not only did I have to stand firm under the waterfall, but I also had to recite scripture daily, memorize those Dao classics, and take a medicine called the Nine Heavens Profound Understanding Pill—” Zong Shou’s lips were already twitching. The Nine Heavens Profound Understanding Pill?

Consumed daily? This pill was highly renowned in the Cloud Realm for vastly boosting cultivation.

Very few existed in the world, and even fewer people could refine it. However, few people with ample lifespan would take it.

Rapid cultivation advancement naturally agitated the foundation. Only those who had no hope of further advancement would crave the Nine Heavens Profound Understanding Pill to attempt breaking through their current realm.

At this point, he finally understood how Chu Xue achieved her astonishing cultivation. Large amounts of Spirit Lotus Yuan Nurturing Liquid were implanted into Chu Xue’s body.

After the medicinal properties dissipated, residues remained. Beneath the waterfall, in the immense force of the vortex, the turbulent flow acted like blades, perfectly tempering Chu Xue’s physical body and simultaneously stimulating the residual medicinal power.

And while taking the Nine Heavens Profound Understanding Pill was a double-edged sword for others, for Chu Xue, it was beneficial and harmless. The Martial Body inherently did not require excessive immersion in martial arts or spirit techniques; it could grasp the Great Dao instinctively.

He had already investigated; the foundation of Chu Xue’s being was even stronger than his own. As for reciting and memorizing Dao classics, this also held deep significance.

One could not abandon personal comprehension simply because one possessed a Martial Body. By rote memorization, even small insights gleaned incidentally in the future would benefit Chu Xue for life.

This Fan Meng Sanren truly deserved to be called a true Master! In such a short time, she had refined Chu Xue to this level— Thinking of the Nine Heavens Profound Understanding Pill and the Spirit Lotus Yuan Nurturing Liquid, Zong Shou couldn't help but feel a surge of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Look at Xue’er’s master; she was truly dedicated. And his own masters, whether Long Ying or Lin Xuanshuang, were all kinds of unreliable.

“Later, things eased up. Master said my progress was too mundane and that it wasn't a good thing.

From then on, I didn't need to cultivate intentionally, nor rush to advance. I could just play freely.

It was only a few months ago when we returned to the Cloud Realm that I went to the Instantaneous Void Dragon Palace. Xue’er didn’t want to play because she wanted to help the Young Master, so I stayed there for several months.

Master even chastised me several times—” As if recalling something else, Chu Xue added, “Oh, right! Master also gave Xue’er a lot of things, so many Immortal Stones.

And more than ten treasures, all Immortal Treasures, capable of killing people.” She produced a Storage Ring, cheerfully dangling it in front of Zong Shou’s face, looking over triumphantly. It seemed to say, Xue’er has backing too; if you bully me again, I’ll find my Master to settle accounts with you.

This made Zong Shou feel rather annoyed; this little girl clearly needed a lesson. To think he had just felt sympathy for her earlier, planning to seek out Martial Aunt Fan Meng for an explanation?

Thinking this, Zong Shou immediately acted. He reached out to pinch Chu Xue’s delicate cheek.

Xue’er giggled and straightened up, dodging backward. But in the next instant, their movements suddenly froze.

Zong Shou’s hand had, by sheer ill-chance, landed squarely on Chu Xue’s chest. After a few breaths, Chu Xue’s face turned completely red.

Clutching her chest with both hands, she fled in embarrassment. “Young Master, you pervert!”