**Chapter 159: Dragon Phoenix Immortal Flame**
Ten minutes after Liu Erlong began absorbing the ten-thousand-year soul ring, discomfort flickered across her face despite her closed eyes.
Zhao Ling recognized the source: remnants of the One-Horned Fire Dragon's will lingering within the soul ring. However, he refrained from interfering. Liu Erlong's ability to absorb it independently would greatly benefit her cultivation.
Over half an hour passed, and Liu Erlong's expression twisted in pain. Sweat drenched her body as her breathing grew labored. Concerned for her safety, Zhao Ling finally stepped in to assist.
With his help, the pain on her face gradually faded, and her body relaxed.
After another ten minutes, Liu Erlong fully absorbed the soul ring. Her soul power rose from level 40 to 43.
She opened her eyes, relief and exhaustion etched across her face. Without hesitation, she threw herself into Zhao Ling's arms.
"Husband, Long'er successfully absorbed the ten-thousand-year soul ring. Thank you! If you hadn't helped me, I…"
Zhao Ling silenced her with a kiss, pressing his lips gently to hers. A minute later, he released her, smiling.
"Alright, Long'er. The barbecue should be ready by now… wait, why does it smell burnt?"
Sniffing the air, Zhao Ling quickly turned toward the fire. Nearly all the skewers closest to the flames were charred.
Fortunately, while Liu Erlong absorbed the soul ring, he hadn't added more firewood, limiting the damage. The barbecue was still edible.
Zhao Ling grabbed two skewers, handing one to Liu Erlong.
"Long'er, what are the names of your four soul skills now?" he asked casually.
Taking the skewer, Liu Erlong closed her eyes for a moment to feel the changes within her body.
"The first soul skill mutated into Dragon Phoenix Possession. It's a power-boosting skill that increases attack, defense, and speed by 45%," she began.
"The second soul skill transformed into Dragon Phoenix Claw, a pure offensive move. I'll need to test its full power later.
"The third skill is still called Raging Thunder, but its strength has doubled—maybe even tripled—after the mutation.
"The fourth soul skill is Dragon Phoenix Immortal Flame. I can unleash incredibly high-temperature flames that are difficult to extinguish. If an opponent of equal or higher rank gets hit, the flames are tough to remove. What do you think, husband? Isn't Long'er impressive?"
Zhao Ling pondered her words before nodding with a grin.
"Very impressive. When we get home tonight, I'll make sure to reward you properly."
Liu Erlong's smile froze. Her proud expression quickly shifted to dread.
"Husband, can you please not torment me tonight? I finally left the room today. Can't I rest for a few days?" she pleaded.
"No can do. I tormented Xi'er and Yin'er yesterday. If I target them again tonight, I'll feel guilty. So, it'll have to be you," Zhao Ling teased.
Liu Erlong's cheeks puffed in frustration as she stuffed nearly a third of the skewer into her mouth in one bite, chewing aggressively.
Zhao Ling chuckled at her defiance.
"Alright, alright. I was just joking. I won't bother you tonight, I promise. Is that better?"
Liu Erlong swallowed the food with some difficulty, snorting.
"I don't believe you. If you really wanted to mess with me, would a promise stop you? Am I a child to be coaxed so easily?"
Her sharp gaze lingered on him, a clear warning flashing in her eyes.
Feeling a chill down his spine, Zhao Ling instinctively shuffled a few meters away.
He had almost forgotten—though Liu Erlong could be gentle, she was still the notorious "female tyrannosaurus." Even as a Titled Douluo, provoking her could end poorly.
Better not test her limits today.
After finishing their meal, Zhao Ling stored the remains of the One-Horned Fire Dragon's corpse in his spatial storage.
A ten-thousand-year soul beast's meat must be of higher quality than a hundred-year-old beast's. The mansion staff will definitely appreciate this, Zhao Ling thought.
Once the cleanup was complete, Zhao Ling retracted his domain, taking Liu Erlong's hand in his.
"Long'er, it's still early to return home. How about I take you to a hot spring?"
"A hot spring?" Liu Erlong's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Where?"
"In a mysterious place," Zhao Ling replied with a mischievous grin.
Lifting her into his arms, he soared into the sky, heading toward the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire.
Ten minutes later, they landed at the steaming hot spring.
Liu Erlong eagerly jumped from his arms, stepping forward to inspect the crystal-clear water. Just as she began removing her clothes, a thought struck her.
"Husband… are you sure no one else comes here? What if someone sees us?" she asked hesitantly.
Zhao Ling chuckled and shook his head.
"No one will disturb us. This valley is naturally protected by poisonous gas. Without my guidance, no one dares approach. Plus, my spiritual sense covers the area—if anyone comes close, I'll know immediately."
Relieved, Liu Erlong let her guard down. With how possessive her husband is, he wouldn't let another man lay eyes on her without dire consequences.
She quickly slipped out of her clothes and entered the hot spring, sighing contentedly as the warmth enveloped her.
After a while, she heard water splashing behind her.
Turning, she found Zhao Ling joining her, his arms wrapping gently around her waist.
In that moment, only one thought filled Liu Erlong's mind—
'I forgot to guard against my husband! I should have known better…'
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(End of Chapter)