Li Chang'an paused to gather his thoughts before explaining:
"Soul shock is a special effect produced when a high-level spirit beast dies. Before its soul completely dissipates, it releases this dangerous fluctuation. Only spirit beasts of ten thousand years or more possess it. Normally, absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring requires at least a level 50 spirit master. At level 50, a spirit master's body and mental power have matured to the point where soul shock becomes much less threatening. For an adult at that stage, the risk is minimal."
"But Zhuqing, you're only fourteen. Your body hasn't fully matured yet. Even though you've been at level 40 for some time, and after absorbing this ten-thousand-year spirit beast your soul power will likely surge past level 45, if you can't withstand the shock… you could lose your mind, or worse, become an idiot."
After saying this, Li Chang'an folded his arms and looked at Zhu Zhuqing seriously. The choice was hers. Though he was ninety-nine percent confident he could help her succeed, he could never promise absolute certainty.
(And if you're wondering how he himself once absorbed a ten-thousand-year soul ring? Ahem. Back then, the Pangu Axe only needed to say one word—and the spirit beasts immediately obeyed.)
Zhu Zhuqing listened carefully, then raised her eyes to him. With a firm nod, she said, "I understand. Let's begin."
Li Chang'an raised an eyebrow, resting both hands on her shoulders.
"Have you truly decided?"
Zhu Zhuqing placed her hands over his and, for the first time, a faint smile touched her usually cold face.
"You know me. I never give up a chance to grow stronger. Besides… I trust you."
Her words made him laugh softly. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering in her ear:
"Don't worry. I'm here."
It was then he noticed something amusing. Even when holding her close, there was still a slight distance between their bodies. Glancing down, he realized the reason.
'Ah… so it's because of her size. Well, that explains it.'
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing nodded lightly against his shoulder, completely unaware that he was being mischievous again.
She sat cross-legged, calming her mind, and drew the pitch-black ten-thousand-year soul ring toward her. The absorption began.
Li Chang'an stood guard, ready to intervene the moment she faltered. At first, Zhu Zhuqing's expression was calm, but soon pain twisted her features. Still, this proud girl clenched her teeth, refusing to cry out even once.
Ten minutes passed. Twenty. Thirty.
Li Chang'an kept his focus sharp, his hand hovering near his weapon—the Donghuang Bell, ready to suppress the Phantom Tiger's lingering soul at any moment. Though Zhu Zhuqing hovered on the edge of collapse, she never called for help, never gave up.
A sigh escaped him. "You poor girl. But if you endure this, your talent and willpower will stand among the very best."
Meanwhile, he extended his vast spiritual power like a gentle ocean, softly soothing her unstable spirit. It was like a father carefully cradling his cherished daughter, steadying her through the storm.
Feeling his presence, Zhu Zhuqing's pained expression softened slightly, even showing a faint smile. Strengthened by his support, her mental power steadied, and her absorption sped up.
Three full hours passed before her eyes slowly opened.
The transformation was clear. Her aura had grown sharper, her expression colder yet more resolute. Her figure had lengthened slightly, her bearing more mature—no longer the shadow of a girl, but the beginnings of a woman with quiet strength.
The fusion of soul rings always influenced a spirit master's body, pushing their growth and development. Though the Shrek Seven Devils were still young, with three or more soul rings each, their appearances were already approaching adulthood.
"Thank you, Chang'an."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't bother with restraint. She threw herself into his arms, resting her head against his chest like a content kitten.
No one else could understand how harrowing the process had been. The might of a ten-thousand-year spirit beast had nearly destroyed her several times over. But each time, his steady, gentle spirit had been there, soothing her, giving her the courage to hold on.
Thanks to him, she had succeeded. Her soul power now surged to level 46.
"Is that so? Then how do you plan to thank me?"
Li Chang'an chuckled, one arm wrapped firmly around her waist as his gaze dropped to her lips.
Though shy, Zhu Zhuqing didn't look away. Instead, she leaned forward and kissed him.
"Mmm—"
Li Chang'an was momentarily surprised, but quickly took control, deepening the kiss as his hands wandered slightly across her back.
"Ah…" A soft sound escaped her, her body going weak in his embrace. It was her first time being so close to him, and the sensation overwhelmed her.
"Chang'an… no… not here. Wait until we're back, alright?" she whispered, tugging lightly at his hand.
He smiled and kissed her again. "Relax. I won't cross the line. Just let me hold you."
Believing him, Zhu Zhuqing loosened her guard—only to realize a moment later that his hands were wandering more boldly than his words suggested.
"Chang'an, no… you promised… keep your hands outside my clothes!"
He chuckled. "Inside or outside… it's still just holding, isn't it?"
"Ah… don't… not too much…"
...
A while later—
"Now look what you've done. I have to change my clothes."
Li Chang'an rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Don't worry, I have a tent. You can change inside."
Honestly, it wasn't his fault. Zhu Zhuqing insisted on wearing tight-fitting clothes, even her inner garments hugged her body perfectly. They highlighted her flawless figure, yes—but the downside was obvious: hard to take off, even harder to resist.
In the end, he had been a bit too reckless.