Although Ning Rongrong had prepared herself mentally, when the moment finally came, she couldn't contain her excitement. The issue that had plagued her sect for so many years had been resolved by a single immortal herb! After her initial excitement subsided, she carefully held her Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her trembling hands. She understood that Su Ming's kindness was not just for her but for the entire sect. She was about to accompany Su Ming to her sect soon, to discuss settling the villagers from Holy Soul Village, and now it seemed her father and the two grand elders might no longer have any objections toward Su Ming.
Seeing that all three girls had finished absorbing the herbs, Su Ming asked, "So, how did it go?"
Suddenly, Ning Rongrong rushed forward, giving Su Ming a big hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him—though not on the lips.
This act stunned both Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing. They both knew that Ning Rongrong already had access to the diary and was aware of what would happen. Why was she still so emotional? As they watched Ning Rongrong embrace Su Ming, they couldn't help but have strange expressions on their faces.
Ning Rongrong had thought she could control herself, but seeing everything happen in front of her overwhelmed her, and her body reacted instinctively.
Su Ming wasn't surprised by Ning Rongrong's actions. He didn't avoid her embrace either. Their relationship had already surpassed mere friendship, and this wasn't the first time they had been close. Avoiding her would have seemed insincere.
After all, it was a hug and kiss from a beautiful woman—why would he avoid it? Though Xiao Wu was standing nearby, it felt a little awkward. But no, if he wanted to be a true "scoundrel," he had to have thick skin!
"Su Ming, thank you! Really, thank you so much. This herb has solved the problem that has troubled our sect for years. I know it might not be appropriate to say this in front of Xiao Wu, but I have to—if she doesn't mind, I'd gladly offer myself to you as thanks!"
Xiao Wu walked over and knocked Ning Rongrong on the head, pouting. "You two have already kissed—what does it matter if I mind or not? Even if I did, would it make a difference? Hmph!"
Then, Xiao Wu relaxed. She had always known about the connection between Su Ming and Ning Rongrong. There was no stopping it. "Fine, go ahead and offer yourself. After all, we're all on the same side now. I suppose I have a new sister."
With a mischievous smile, Xiao Wu pulled Ning Rongrong aside and whispered a few things to her, making Ning Rongrong's face blush deeply. It was clear they weren't discussing anything proper.
Su Ming could only pretend not to hear their conversation, though his spiritual power was so strong that Xiao Wu's whispers sounded like regular speech to him. He stayed calm, acting as though he hadn't heard anything.
Clearing his throat, Su Ming said, "Ahem… well, if Xiao Wu doesn't mind, then I certainly don't."
"Ah, ah, ah! That hurts! Xiao Wu, be gentle!"
Taking advantage of Su Ming's distraction, Xiao Wu pinched his side, making him wince.
"Hmph, enjoying the benefits and acting all smug!" Xiao Wu pouted.
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but laugh.
Afterward, the three girls each shared their experiences of absorbing the immortal herbs. Su Ming was astonished to learn that Xiao Wu's spirit power had increased by six levels thanks to the "Lovesick Heartbroken Red"! That was a considerable improvement, especially considering that in the original story, Ning Rongrong had only gained six levels after absorbing the "Glorious Qiluo Tulip," going from level 32 to level 38.
The "Lovesick Heartbroken Red" truly lived up to its name as the king of flowers. Although its primary purpose wasn't to boost spirit power, the increase was still remarkable.
Zhu Zhuqing's absorption of the "Netherworld Water Narcissus" left her feeling strange. The nether energy within her had become denser, and her martial spirit seemed to have undergone a slight change, although it hadn't evolved as dramatically as Ning Rongrong's.
Satisfied with their progress, Su Ming said, "Now, you should focus on stabilizing your power. Rongrong, tomorrow I'll go with you to your sect."
As Su Ming said this, he remembered Bone Douluo's words and felt a little nervous. Looking at Ning Rongrong, he asked, "Rongrong, do you think going to your sect tomorrow counts as walking into a trap?"
Ning Rongrong giggled. "Oh? Are you telling me there's something Su Ming doesn't have the courage to do?"
Su Ming felt embarrassed but retorted stubbornly, "Who said I'm scared? I'm just trying to avoid making things awkward. After all, your father and the elders are my seniors. If things get tense, it might put you in a tough spot."
Ning Rongrong shook her head with a smile. "It won't be a problem. If we had gone before my martial spirit evolved, it might have been tricky. But now? They'll probably want to thank you."
Su Ming thought about how much Ning Fengzhi valued the sect and realized she was probably right. However, just in case, he decided to prepare a gift—after all, he had practically won over their precious daughter. Offering a dowry in advance seemed appropriate.
Meanwhile, Dugu Bo had already found his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, and brought her to his residence.
"Yan Yan, I'm back! Did you miss Grandpa?" Dugu Bo beamed with joy.
Dugu Yan, seeing her grandfather again after two months, was shocked. "Grandpa? Is that really you? You look so much younger, and your complexion is so much better! Did the detoxification succeed?"
Dugu Bo lovingly patted her head. "Yes, Yan Yan, here, Su Ming gave me this cultivation technique called the 'Heavenly Poison Scripture.' Once you master it, you'll be able to control the poison within your body, and your strength will improve since your poisoning isn't as severe."
"You should focus on practicing this. Later, I'll make a copy for you, but you keep the original."
Dugu Yan felt deeply touched. Her grandfather always put her first, even giving her the original of the technique he used.
"Now, Yan Yan, have you acquired your fourth spirit ring yet?"
Dugu Yan shook her head. "Not yet. I was waiting for you to come back so you could help me find a suitable spirit beast. I wanted to hear your advice."
Dugu Bo was relieved. "Good, then we can maximize the effects of the immortal herb and spirit bone."
"Here's the plan: for your fourth spirit ring, choose a speed-type snake spirit beast. If you're lucky, you might even gain an attack-type spirit skill that also enhances your speed!"