Although Su Bai could have forcibly taken both of them, he knew that doing so might drive Zhu Zhuqing, with her strong-willed nature, to seek death. Hence, he agreed to her request. After all, Ning Rongrong couldn't escape either. One at a time works fine.
"What should we do now?" Oscar asked once Su Bai had left, and the group finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Only Dai Mubai remained tense, clenching his fists in frustration. Whether it was competing with his elder brother for the crown prince position of the Xingluo Empire or watching Zhu Zhuqing get taken away, he was furious—furious at his own lack of power. If he had the strength, the crown prince title would have been his, and Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't have been taken by a soul beast. It all came down to his lack of strength.
Hearing Oscar's question, Tang San pondered momentarily before saying, "Let's take Teacher Zhao and leave first, then seek reinforcements."
The others nodded in agreement.
Dai Mubai's face darkened as he glared at them, questioning coldly, "Zhu Zhuqing willingly got taken to save us, and you're planning to abandon her? Are you even human?"
Tang San's expression turned cold at this accusation. He hadn't meant to abandon Zhu Zhuqing, but he understood the depth of Dai Mubai's feelings and remained silent.
"Dai Laoda, what nonsense are you spouting?" Ma Hongjun retorted, dissatisfied. "That was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. It's not something we can handle. Even the dean wouldn't be a match. You can't expect us to throw our lives away."
Ning Rongrong added, "Don't worry. Zhuqing helped me, and I won't leave her to die. I'll go back and get my Grandpa Jian and Grandpa Gu. They're both titled Douluo; they will definitely be able to rescue Zhuqing."
"That's our best option," Tang San and the others nodded in agreement, then set off with Zhao Wuji.
Dai Mubai hesitated before finally following them. A hundred-thousand-year soul beast was beyond his ability to fight. Besides, he didn't want to die, especially not for a woman. If he were willing to risk his life, he wouldn't have left Zhu Zhuqing behind when he fled the Xingluo Empire. Despite his frustration, he had no choice but to give up on Zhu Zhuqing for now. He hoped Ning Rongrong could bring back the titled Douluo in time to save her.
Meanwhile, Su Bai brought Zhu Zhuqing back to his temporary cave dwelling, not the Life Lake area.
When they arrived, he set Zhu Zhuqing down. Her face was pale, lacking any color. The thought of what might happen next filled her with despair. She couldn't bear the idea of being violated by a soul beast. Her expression conveyed utter hopelessness.
Suddenly, Su Bai's form shifted. The massive dragon body vanished, transforming directly into a human shape.
This scene left Zhu Zhuqing stunned.
A dragon that could transform into a human? And he actually looked quite handsome? Especially with that unique aura, he was the most striking and distinctive man she had ever seen.
For a moment, a thought crossed her mind. If it were a man like him, it might not be entirely unacceptable?
But she quickly shook her head, almost frightened by her own thoughts. No matter how extraordinary this man appeared, he was still a soul beast. She couldn't let herself be deceived by appearances.
Su Bai looked at her, speaking calmly, "You should know what you need to do, right?"
Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, remaining silent.
Su Bai was in no hurry. He continued, "If you obediently comply, I promise not to kill them. You wouldn't want your companions to die, would you?"
"Moreover, with my strength, even if they escape to a human city, I can still find and kill them."
Zhu Zhuqing's last hope was shattered by Su Bai's words. Her face was filled with bitterness, tears streaming down as she fell into despair. She had resigned herself to her fate.
Silently, she began to remove her clothes, revealing her stunning figure. With just one glance, Su Bai felt a surge of heat in his heart. It had to be said that Zhu Zhuqing had an exquisite appearance and an exceptional figure. That perfect curve could easily be described as golden proportions. One could only wonder how she maintained herself so well.
But now, it would all benefit Su Bai. As for Dai Mubai, well, he could go cool off somewhere else!
Su Bai was captivated by her alluring figure. Wasting no time, he pulled Zhu Zhuqing into his arms and moved directly to the bed. Lowering his head, he kissed her cold yet beautiful face, his right hand slowly caressing downward. The soft sensation continuously excited him, making his breath quicken.
...
[Ding! The host has taken Zhu Zhuqing's virginity, rewarded with fifty thousand years of cultivation, one Qiluo Tulip, and one Water Immortal Jade Bone.]
Satisfaction.
Feeling his cultivation increase again, Su Bai nodded in satisfaction. As expected of an important character in Douluo, the rewards were indeed generous. And this was just from taking her virginity. In the future, as her affection increased and if they had children, there would be even more rewards.
Thinking of this, Su Bai felt extremely pleased. As for the celestial herbs, they would be left for Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong. Immortal herbs had little effect at his power level, rendering them somewhat superfluous.
Better to leave them for his wives!
He watched as Zhu Zhuqing lay beside him, her fiery curves on full display, her face flushed from their recent intense activities.
Su Bai felt another surge of heat, but the only thing that marred his satisfaction was the burning resentment in Zhuqing's eyes. If she could, he was sure she would have killed him on the spot.
But that was wishful thinking.
Even if Su Bai stood motionless and allowed her to strike, his formidable physique would render her attempts futile.
As for emotions?
They could be nurtured over time.
And Su Bai believed in the power of time to foster affection.
"Here, this is for you."
Su Bai produced the Water Immortal Jade Bone and extended it to Zhu Zhuqing.
She frowned, suspicion clouding her features. Was he trying to buy her off?
She wanted to refuse, but the extraordinary aura emanating from the celestial herb gave her pause.
"Don't want it?" Su Bai's smile was almost teasing. "You should know this is an immortal herb, coveted by many but acquired by few. Consuming it will enhance your physique, expedite your cultivation, and directly elevate your level."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, grappling with her decision.
"Rest well. I'll return tonight," Su Bai announced before leaving, leaving behind the celestial herb and his parting words.
After his departure, Zhu Zhuqing's expression was a swirl of conflicting emotions.
She never imagined being entangled with a soul beast like this.
And yet...
Her gaze fell upon the celestial herb left behind by Su Bai.
After much deliberation, she decided to consume it.
If the soul beast hadn't lied, she could harness its power to strengthen herself and bide her time for escape.
For now, enhancing her strength took precedence.
After all, she had fled from Star Luo to seek empowerment.
When she finally opened her eyes, she was astounded by what she found.
Her cultivation had indeed soared.
Not only had she ascended to level thirty, but she also sensed that reaching level forty with a new soul ring would be within reach.
Her expression reflected her complex thoughts.
The soul beast hadn't deceived her.
And he had even bestowed upon her such a valuable celestial herb.