**Chapter 164: Don't You Believe Your Husband Can Do It?**
By the time they returned to the mansion, it was nearly nine o'clock. Zhao Ling stepped off the carriage, cradling Liu Erlong in his arms as they made their way inside.
After soaking in the hot spring for two hours, Liu Erlong still felt lightheaded and sluggish. Too lazy to move, she rested against Zhao Ling, allowing him to carry her.
As Zhao Ling passed through the courtyard, he noticed Bo Saixi and A Yin sitting and waiting for him.
Upon seeing him, both women visibly relaxed and rose to greet him, moving toward Zhao Ling with graceful but hurried steps.
"Hubby, you're finally back. We left our room this afternoon and heard that you'd gone out early in the morning. We were worried something might have happened," Bo Saixi said softly.
"That's right," A Yin added, her eyes full of concern. "Next time, please tell us when you take Long'er with you. Otherwise, we'll worry."
Both women spoke in a lighthearted tone, but there was a hint of complaint in their words.
However, their attention soon shifted to the woman resting in Zhao Ling's arms.
Her long, vibrant red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her delicate features rivaled their own. Her figure was equally striking, drawing curious frowns from Bo Saixi and A Yin.
Where's Liu Erlong?
Instead of bringing Liu Erlong back, their husband had returned with a red-haired beauty in his arms. Worse still, the woman hadn't even acknowledged them.
Though Bo Saixi and A Yin didn't mind Zhao Ling bringing home beautiful women—in fact, they saw it as a relief from their own burdens—the lack of courtesy from this stranger rubbed them the wrong way.
The two women exchanged glances.
Then, with narrowed eyes, they turned their attention back to Zhao Ling.
"Hubby," Bo Saixi began, folding her arms, "what's the meaning of this? Where is Long'er? And who exactly is this woman you've brought back?"
A Yin stepped forward, tugging on Zhao Ling's ear with mock severity. "Yes, husband," she said with a teasing yet firm glare. "You'd better explain yourself. If you don't, we won't let this slide."
Although A Yin acted as if she intended to twist his ear off, her grip was gentle.
Of course, even if she used all her strength, Zhao Ling—whose body was now enhanced several times over—wouldn't have felt much.
Smiling at their misunderstanding, Zhao Ling set Liu Erlong down carefully. He brushed his hand across her forehead, the cool touch rousing her from her dizziness.
"Long'er, wake up and help your husband explain. If you don't, your sisters might throw me out of the mansion," Zhao Ling said playfully.
Still leaning against him, Liu Erlong smiled lazily at Bo Saixi and A Yin. "Xi'er, Yin'er, I'm right here. Don't you recognize me?"
Both women blinked in disbelief. "What? You're Long'er?"
They hurried closer, carefully inspecting Liu Erlong's face.
Though the woman in front of them did bear a resemblance to Liu Erlong, something about her felt different.
"Yes, it's me," Liu Erlong confirmed with a soft laugh. "After I took the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, my martial soul evolved… and so did my appearance."
Understanding dawned on them, but Bo Saixi still pouted, her cheeks puffing up in mild annoyance.
"Husband, this isn't fair," she huffed. "First, you gave Yin'er two immortal herbs, boosting her power and talent. Now, Long'er has taken one, and her strength and beauty have improved!
"What about me? I don't care about becoming stronger, but I wouldn't mind getting a little more beautiful…"
A Yin chimed in, her lips pursed, "That's right! If I had known there were herbs that could make me prettier, I would've picked that one instead!"
Zhao Ling chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Xi'er, Yin'er… I swear I didn't know the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower would enhance Long'er's beauty. I gave it to her because it was the best match for her martial soul."
Zhao Ling smiled, his tone gentle. "Besides, you two are already stunning. If you get any more beautiful, how will the other sisters keep up?"
His words immediately softened their moods, bringing satisfied smiles to their faces.
Bo Saixi, clearly pleased, stood on her toes and kissed Zhao Ling's cheek. "Well said. In that case, I'll let it go. I don't need the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower anymore."
A Yin giggled and nodded. "Same here. Besides, Long'er looks so stunning now that even I feel like kissing her."
With that, A Yin leaned over and pecked Liu Erlong on the cheek, causing her to giggle.
As the women laughed together, Zhao Ling retrieved something from his storage space – a glowing ninth-grade purple ganoderma.
"Xi'er," Zhao Ling said, presenting the herb to Bo Saixi, "I've been trying to find the right immortal herb for you. I think this ninth-grade purple ganoderma suits you best.
"It doesn't directly boost soul power, but you don't need that. Instead, it strengthens the body, replenishes qi, and enhances cultivation potential.
"With this, you might even have a chance at ascending to the position of Sea God."
Bo Saixi's eyes widened in astonishment.
Becoming Sea God…
But as quickly as the excitement appeared, it faded.
She was merely the high priestess—a mortal representative of Sea God. When the Sea God's successor emerged, her role would end, and she would sacrifice herself to aid their ascension.
Taking the herb felt pointless.
Sensing her hesitation, Zhao Ling smiled and cupped her face gently. "Take it," he said softly. "Leave the rest to me.
"When the time comes, I'll find a way. If I must, I'll march into the God Realm myself and demand Sea God release you from your duties.
"I'll make him grant you the Sea God Nine Trials. Don't you believe your husband can do it?"
His unwavering confidence left Bo Saixi speechless.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched the herb to her chest. "I believe you," she whispered.
PS: Read +40 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]
(End of Chapter)