Chapter 277: The Lovers' Bath
Dugu Feng pulled Ye Lingling to the center where the cold spring met the hot spring. The merging of ice and heat produced clouds of vapor, shrouding the place in mist like a celestial paradise.
Ye Lingling was completely stunned by the sight.
Two springs born as one, yin and yang opposing, spiritual energy converging!
Even if she had never heard of the Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eyes, she could tell this was a treasure land.
Around the twin springs grew countless rare medicinal herbs.
Ye Lingling glanced around and saw several glowing plants whose brilliance rivaled the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid she had once taken.
No one would have expected such a place to exist in the center of the Sunset Forest.
Under the filtration of Dugu Feng's miniature Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eye, the energy surrounding Ye Lingling was pure heaven and earth essence.
The toxins of fire and ice had already been filtered away, allowing Ye Lingling to absorb it freely.
The energy condensed quickly, like morning dew, dampening her black dress until it clung tightly to her body.
Her curvaceous figure was accentuated, her silhouette veiled in a faint, alluring mist.
Only now did Dugu Feng realize that Ye Lingling's figure was quite generous—more voluptuous than Ning Rongrong's.
She was older than both him and Ning Rongrong, and her body was more mature.
With the warmth rising around them, Ye Lingling's face turned rosy, glowing with a delicate radiance.
"How about cultivating in this spring?" Dugu Feng said.
"Ah! Such pure energy must contain extreme ice and fire! Wouldn't that be too dangerous?" Ye Lingling asked in surprise.
She was so overwhelmed by the surroundings that she hadn't yet noticed the changes in her body.
Dugu Feng smiled confidently. "For others, yes, it's dangerous. But for us, it's the perfect chance to train seriously."
As he spoke, he wrapped his arm around Ye Lingling and drew her into his embrace.
"Hold on to me!"
Splash!
The two fell straight into the Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Springs.
The icy and fiery energies within Dugu Feng erupted, shielding them.
Ye Lingling let out a startled cry and clung to Dugu Feng like an octopus.
They slowly sank several meters before stabilizing themselves.
To Dugu Feng, the spring's power felt no more than a hot spring. His body's strength easily withstood its scorching heat and freezing cold.
But for Ye Lingling, it was extremely dangerous.
Only by relying on Dugu Feng's ice and fire power could she remain unharmed.
Under this protection, a shimmering barrier formed across her skin.
However, that barrier didn't protect their clothes.
The moment they entered the water, their garments dissolved completely, leaving them entirely exposed to one another.
Realizing this, Ye Lingling froze.
This had to be intentional on Dugu Feng's part.
She buried her head in his chest, eyes tightly shut.
"Senior sister, do you feel it? The energy here is the purest heaven and earth energy—perfect for you to absorb!"
Dugu Feng spoke calmly. "Senior sister, release your Martial Soul and feel it."
Ye Lingling hesitated, thinking, In a situation like this, how can I possibly focus on cultivation?
But she still followed his instruction and released her Nine Heart Begonia.
Five soul rings of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black rose as a pink begonia bloomed within the waters.
The flower swayed gracefully, drawing in energy from the spring and channeling it into Ye Lingling's body.
As she sensed it, she realized Dugu Feng had spoken the truth.
Only the energy here could possibly allow her Nine Heart Begonia to evolve!
But in the next moment, anger and embarrassment filled her.
As the two had fallen into the mixing point of ice and fire, the water shone milky white. They had sunk several meters beneath the surface, dimming the sunlight and blurring her vision, giving her a faint sense of safety.
Yet as her five soul rings rose, colorful light lit up the water around them.
She was now completely visible to Dugu Feng.
He had definitely done this on purpose!
Ye Lingling suddenly lifted her head and glared at him, only to find Dugu Feng unashamedly admiring the view.
"Dugu Feng!"
Ye Lingling snapped angrily.
"Mmph!"
Dugu Feng, unsatisfied with only looking, tightened his hold like a playful cat toying with a mouse.
The colors of the soul rings danced through the water, creating ripples that spiraled around their intertwined figures.
The Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eye became a lovers' bath.
Even the mist rising into the sky was disturbed; clouds above churned and swirled as if stirred by the scene below.
No one knew how much time passed before two heads emerged from the surface of the spring.
Dugu Feng and Ye Lingling met each other's gaze, sitting cross-legged in the water as they began cultivating.
They were still holding hands, allowing Dugu Feng to filter the energy of ice and fire and help Ye Lingling absorb it.
The earlier passion had stimulated Dugu Feng's soul power.
Even more active now were his ice and fire energies.
The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Beauty Herb appeared on his shoulders.
The two celestial plants acted as filters, aiding both in their cultivation.
Ye Lingling's mind was completely immersed in her Martial Soul.
She recalled what Dugu Feng had said—the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid had altered the essence of her Martial Soul, but lacked the energy to trigger its evolution.
Although she had yet to calm down from their earlier closeness, that very turmoil made her soul more alive than ever.
She could feel her connection with the Nine Heart Begonia deepening. If she used her soul skills now, they would follow her will effortlessly.
As the energy of heaven and earth from the Ice and Fire Two Phenomena Eye fused into her, the stems of the begonia seemed to grow longer.
The petals tilted toward a single direction.
"There's something over there attracting my Martial Soul!" Ye Lingling exclaimed.
Dugu Feng opened his eyes and focused his senses.
In the cold spring not far from them, there was a peculiar herb.
At once, Dugu Feng recognized it. It resembled Ye Lingling's Nine Heart Begonia, with pink petals—yet it bloomed two large flowers on a single stem.
"That's the Twin Lotus of One Stem!"
It was a legendary celestial herb recorded in the Dugu family's pharmacopeia.
Two flowers on one stalk, also known as the Lovers' Twin Lotus.
"This is also a celestial herb—and it's actually attracting your Nine Heart Begonia!"
Dugu Feng's eyes lit up.
He extended his right hand, and a streak of killing intent shot from his fingers, cleanly severing the Twin Lotus.
The entire stalk, from stem to bloom, was cut down and drawn to his palm by his soul power.
"Take it, senior sister. The Twin Lotus of One Stem symbolizes dual life and shared fate. Its meaning directly counters the Nine Heart Begonia's Martial Soul defect!
Take it the same way as the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid—chew and swallow. Perhaps the evolution of your Martial Soul will begin right now!"
Dugu Feng said encouragingly.
(END CHAPTER)
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