As the Joy Factor entered her body, everything in Xayah's vision underwent a massive transformation in an instant.
The anger she initially felt because Faen played with her tongue dissipated at an astonishing speed, replaced by shock at the entirely renewed world before her.
It was like arriving in a brand new world. With her perception vitalized, the colors in the sky were no longer as monotonous as before, and the scents in the air were no longer ordinary. It felt as if her entire nervous system was continuously growing at an incredible speed in that moment, breaking through the limits of bone and flesh, spreading toward the sky, the ground, and the edges of her vision like proliferating coral tentacles.
It truly felt like stepping into a brand new world.
"I feel... I feel stronger." Looking down at her hands, Xayah's voice was thick with astonishment. "It's like... like I've become a part of the world, and the world has become a part of me."
Saying this, she paused, then turned her brilliant, sparkling eyes toward Faen beside her. Swallowing hard, she asked, "Is this... what you called 'vitalizing the body'?"
"Mhm, it looks like the effect is quite good."
Hearing Xayah's question, Faen nodded, then stared at her unblinkingly, observing her closely. If it were before, Xayah would never have just stood there obediently letting Faen scrutinize her. But things were different now. Able to tangibly feel the changes occurring in her body, Xayah's inner thoughts were correspondingly influenced. This was exactly how so-called "trust" was slowly forged under these circumstances.
Especially now, Xayah could sense that Faen wasn't just looking at her; he was checking to ensure her body hadn't developed any abnormalities. Although she had no concrete proof, this was the judgment her enhanced senses provided.
And sensing Faen's thoughts, coupled with her sharpened perception, Xayah felt as if Faen was seeing right through her entire body.
Is this what this guy meant when he said I would become more sensitive and acute to his actions?
Thinking this, feeling as if she were completely seen through and exposed by the other party, her entire body seemingly stripped of any privacy, Xayah couldn't help but swallow hard. A subtle shyness surfaced from the bottom of her heart. Although Xayah tried her best to suppress these thoughts and not let them show, consciously or unconsciously, she adopted slightly more coy, feminine postures—pressing her legs tightly together, her hands seemingly trying to cover her sensitive areas. Combined with her slightly evasive gaze, let alone Riven nearby, even a little virgin like Akali could see that something was off with Xayah.
What the heck? What's going on? Why are you acting all shy right now... What in the world are you blushing for?!
Amidst her confusion, Akali turned her gaze to Faen.
Did this Vastaya's attitude toward Teacher change only after she ate Teacher's bodily fluid?
It must be—Although Xayah hadn't seen it, Akali saw it clearly: that pearl-like liquid on her teacher's fingertip had indeed seeped out from his body.
It wasn't condensed moisture from the air, nor was it created through magic. It was purely a fluid from his own body.
If it really is that useful... then should I perhaps ask for some too?
While Akali was still lost in thought, Faen, having observed for a moment, said unhurriedly, "Although bodily vitalization takes effect immediately, normally, the results aren't as pronounced as yours... Mhm, it should be because you are a Vastaya and inherently possess a tighter connection to the consciousness of natural magic. Consequently, your perceptual connection after vitalization is also stronger than an ordinary person's."
Hearing Faen's words, Xayah's ears twitched first, then a confident smile appeared on her face. But she quickly hid this confident smile subconsciously, instead raising her head proudly, tilting her chin up, and saying, "Hah, I knew it would be like this. After all, we Vastaya inherently possess a connection to nature far surpassing that of humans! Under the same circumstances, it's only natural that my vitalization effect is stronger!"
As a Vastayan supremacist, Xayah was full of pride regarding her bloodline. However, most of the time, she disdained expressing this pride. After all, the vast majority of humans couldn't even perceive so-called nature spirits; even if she told them about this Vastayan talent, they wouldn't understand.
But now... talking about it shouldn't be a problem, right?
Xayah thought to herself—Since this guy named Faen could vitalize my perception, it at least proves that his own connection to nature is equally tight. And if his connection to the consciousness of nature is tight, then he cannot be compared to ordinary mortals. Furthermore, according to him, he is also recognized by the Spirit of Ionia and bestowed with the Mark of the Twin Dragons by the Enlightened One, Karma. Although I still can't confirm if that's true, since he dares to say it and possesses such abilities, he must be somewhat credible, right? After all, if he gets exposed, he'd lose an immense amount of face.
Thinking this, unwittingly, the guardedness and vigilance in Xayah's eyes toward Faen lessened significantly, replaced by a sense of casualness and intimacy. As she pondered, looking at Faen, Xayah nodded thoughtfully.
Plus, his figure and looks are quite good too. Well-proportioned, sleek, and perfectly aligned with the avian tribe's usual aesthetics—after all, being related to birds, a clean, streamlined look scores a lot of points in avian aesthetics.
And in Xayah's eyes, although Faen didn't have beautiful, gorgeous, noble purple feathers like she did, he actually looked quite good upon closer inspection. His features were distinct, handsome, and sharp. And his entire body radiated a strong masculine aura...
Thinking this, Xayah felt a strange restlessness stirring in her body, but she quickly calmed herself down. Seriously, what am I thinking? Mhm, this must be what Faen meant when he said my senses toward him would become sharper, right? It's not a bad thing, actually. After all, it allows me to see the man before me more clearly.
And he looks... quite nice.
With these thoughts, Xayah nodded and said, "It feels pretty good. It seems you are trustworthy after all... Let's go, I'll take you to our tribe."
"Alright."
Hearing this, Faen nodded and asked, "Is there anything I need to pay special attention to?"
"I'll tell you on the way," Xayah said as she mounted another horse. "Stay close to me, I'll explain."