In the blink of an eye, ten full days had passed since they entered the Star Dou Great Forest.
After several rounds of searching, the two finally found a Thousand-Year Sabertooth Tiger.
Judging by its size, it was around 1,200 years old—perfectly suitable.
This time, their coordination was far smoother. Lin Xian focused on control, while Zhu Zhuqing capitalized on bleed effects, steadily wearing the Sabertooth Tiger down until it died.
Originally, Lin Xian had suggested using their Martial Soul Fusion Skill to finish it instantly.
However, Zhu Zhuqing refused, choosing instead to defeat it through her own combat techniques as a form of training.
While she absorbed the spirit ring, Lin Xian entered his card space to check the black card he had obtained earlier.
[Myriad World Wardrobe ×1]
Function: Clothing item. By spending a certain amount of gold coins, it can manifest any outfit you imagine. There is a very small chance of a critical effect, granting attributes to the clothing. Myriad World series home furnishings—satisfaction guaranteed!
…
Silence.
Utter silence.
After all that anticipation, this was the result.
What a letdown.
Sure, there was a chance to get useful attributes…
But the description clearly stated it was a tiny chance.
Forget it—he'd just treat it like a wardrobe.
At least being able to materialize clothing from his imagination added some fun to life.
Still, it felt like the Myriad World Wardrobe had some hidden potential worth exploring.
Soon, Lin Xian exited the card space.
Zhu Zhuqing had already finished absorbing her spirit ring.
"How is it? Similar to the Palm Blade effect?" he asked.
"You were right," she nodded. "When I activate it, sharp wind blades form along my palms, greatly increasing my attack power. It perfectly covers my weakness."
"I've named it Dark Night Slash."
"Nice name."
"Still far from your abilities," she said.
"That's different. My Martial Soul is special."
As he spoke, Lin Xian stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist—his favorite habit.
From time to time, he'd lightly pinch her soft waist, clearly enjoying himself.
"By the way," he added, "didn't I promise you a gift after you got your third spirit ring?"
"Mhm. What is it?"
"Kiss me first, and I'll tell you."
Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes, a fleeting charm flashing across her face.
Then she turned, stood on her toes slightly, and pressed her lips gently against his.
…
Like a small boat drifting on a vast ocean, swaying with the rhythm of rising and falling waves—
Sometimes gentle, sometimes intense—
Until, at last, the little boat could no longer endure the storm.
…
They had grown accustomed to moments like this over the past few days.
Zhu Zhuqing could feel herself improving…
But compared to Lin Xian, she was still like a beginner.
Still, lasting this long today was already progress.
"As for your gift," Lin Xian said softly, "wait until you've caught your breath. You're not in the right state right now."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, resting against his chest as she listened to his steady heartbeat, gradually calming down.
After a while, she stood up again, fully recovered.
"Alright. Show me."
Lin Xian raised his hand, and a purple card appeared.
[Soul Ring Age Enhancement Card (Primary)]
Can only be used by Spirit Elders.
Back when he was still a Spirit Grandmaster, Lin Xian could have used it—but the effect wouldn't have been as strong.
The greater one's physical endurance, the higher the enhancement limit.
At the Spirit Elder stage, most Spirit Masters could absorb rings between 1,000 to 1,700 years.
By conventional theory, using it at Rank 39 would yield the greatest benefit.
But Lin Xian didn't think that way.
Use it early, enjoy it early.
Why wait?
What if he later obtained a Ten-Thousand-Year enhancement card?
His philosophy was simple: do whatever felt right.
Besides… it was time to give Dai Mubai a little "surprise."
After understanding how the card worked, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively wanted to save it.
But in the end, she was convinced by Lin Xian.
"Hold on as long as you can," he reminded her. "But don't force it. We'll have other chances to improve later. Don't treat this like a once-in-a-lifetime treasure."
She nodded.
After adjusting herself to peak condition, Zhu Zhuqing finally activated the card.
A vast surge of energy rushed into her body.
Her three spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple—floated into the air.
As the energy poured in, the first two yellow rings began to deepen in color.
Fifteen minutes later—
A faint purple hue emerged.
The two hundred-year spirit rings had successfully evolved into thousand-year rings.
And Zhu Zhuqing… felt no pressure at all.
As the purple deepened, her third spirit ring—the 1,200-year Sabertooth Tiger—began to tremble.
All three rings started increasing in age simultaneously.
1,400 years…
1,800 years…
2,000 years—breakthrough!
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing released her Martial Soul.
Dark Night Monarch—the Nine-Tailed Cat!
Having reached Spirit Elder level, her Martial Soul now had a third tail, swaying behind her with an elegant, mysterious aura.
The pressure on her body instantly eased.
She continued absorbing the energy.
2,100 years…
2,500 years…
2,800 years…
As the numbers climbed, pain began to show on her face.
But she refused to stop.
This was a rare opportunity—she had to seize it.
As she approached the 3,000-year threshold, her vision began to blur.
Just then—
A familiar energy enveloped her.
Lin Xian gently pulled her into his arms.
High above, a massive Shadow Planet streaked across the sky and descended.
Martial Soul Fusion Skill—
Dark Night Star Armor!
Lin Xian could clearly feel her stubborn resolve.
And because of that, he didn't stop her.
Instead, he stood behind her—
Supporting her with everything he had.