"This doesn't make sense! Logically, if you can feel such a strong pull, the compatibility between you two should be high! How can it still fail?" Tianmeng Iceworm, unable to contribute in any practical way, continued to shout nervously in Huo Yuqing's mental sea, acting as the perfect mood-setter.
Wang Rui's violent and scorching soul power had nearly burned away all of Huo Yuqing's soul power that had merged into his meridians. The synchronized fluctuations of soul power between the two began to turn chaotic, verging on collapse. Huo Yuqing was visibly flustered and cast a pleading glance toward Wang Rui.
"Stay calm," Wang Rui said in a low voice, offering reassurance.
It was time to use a cheat.
Hidden beneath his forehead protector, the Eye of Fate opened, channeling the surrounding force of destiny into motion. The soul power fluctuations between the two instantly stabilized, resuming their previous synchronized rhythm.
At the same time, the pulling sensation intensified.
The cyan-gold Eye of Fate at the center of Huo Yuqing's forehead quietly opened as well. In her mental sea, the cyan-gold liquid sun began to radiate brilliantly and spin faster. Her somewhat dense spiritual power gradually converted into soul power, flowing back into her meridians. Under the enhancement of the Eye of Fate, her soul power seemed to gain an indescribable depth and complexity.
Wang Rui's soul power also became more harmonious, steadily interacting with Huo Yuqing's power. The two forces began to slowly blend together at a measured pace.
Flashes of fiery red and gold alternated on Wang Rui's body, corresponding to the icy blue and pale gold hues on Huo Yuqing. The distinct colors of their soul power began to intertwine in a complex yet stable rhythm.
The glow surrounding them also started to merge.
With her soul power fully integrated into Wang Rui's, Huo Yuqing reached a meditative state. After Wang Rui identified the perfect cycle of their soul power, their combined power naturally began to operate on its own, even more efficiently than during their individual cultivation. Wang Rui, too, gradually entered a state of deep meditation he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Thin threads of icy blue soul power flowed out from their clasped hands, encircling them both. Tianmeng Iceworm, finally finding a way to help, gathered its strength within Huo Yuqing and formed a large cocoon around them, ensuring that none of the fused energy or aura escaped.
Soon, only a large, glowing ice-blue cocoon remained on the bed, faintly radiating a shifting light.
The night wind blew in through the half-open window, causing the light brown curtains to sway slightly.
Aunt Mouse climbed back into the room along the vine. Observing the large cocoon on the bed, her beady eyes showed a trace of confusion. After sniffing the air and confirming the familiar scents were still present, she relaxed and tucked a few grains into her little nest.
Not far away, a large golden-brown owl with a heart-shaped face perched on the rooftop, vigilantly scanning the surroundings like a loyal sentinel, occasionally swiveling its head.
As the night's warmth dissipated, the wind grew colder and more humid. Dew formed on the leaves, and a thin layer of morning mist began to rise. The pitch-black sky gradually lightened.
A new day had arrived.
The ice-blue cocoon had vanished, revealing the scene within. The automatic circulation of soul power between Wang Rui and Huo Yuqing had ceased, but they still maintained a meditative posture facing each other.
Wang Rui slowly opened his eyes. It had been a long time since he'd experienced such deep rest, leaving him momentarily disoriented. He moved slightly to stretch his arm, which had been raised all night, and a warm body immediately fell into his embrace.
Out of reflex, he tightened his arm around Huo Yuqing, holding her steady as she lost her balance in her sleep.
The girl woke with a start as she tilted forward, momentarily dazed before realizing her face was pressed against Wang Rui's chest. Her face turned bright red as she quickly straightened herself.
"Sorry!" she exclaimed loudly, blushing furiously with embarrassment.
Yet, the faint scent of something akin to embers remained in her nostrils, lingering from the intense fusion process.
"Did we succeed?" she asked eagerly.
"We did." Wang Rui nodded and extended his hand. "Try it out."
Huo Yuqing hesitantly gathered her soul power in her hand and grasped his. The moment their skin touched, their soul power instantly merged, forming a noble violet-gold hue.
Huo Yuqing could faintly sense that if she activated her skills granted by Tianmeng Iceworm's soul ring in this state, every ability would receive a significant boost. Additionally, her soul power seemed to circulate at a much faster rate than during her normal meditation... Wait, had her total soul power increased overnight?
Did this mean that maintaining their fused state would accelerate cultivation?
Huo Yuqing's eyes immediately lit up with excitement as she gazed intently at Wang Rui.
Meanwhile, the three-eyed lion Beast remained blissfully unaware that he was about to become a personal cultivation accelerator for the training fanatic, Huo Yuqing.
"Our soul power has fused, but how do we activate the martial soul fusion skill?" Huo Yuqing asked.
"Just maintain this state and release your martial soul. But don't try it today... we still need to register in the afternoon," Wang Rui said. "During the fusion process, I split my martial soul's power into two parts: the dragon's strength, derived from my bloodline, and the elemental power of extreme fire. These correspond to your two martial souls, so we should theoretically have four different martial soul fusion skills, but we'll need to experiment to know the specifics."
Unlike Tianmeng Iceworm's approach in the original story, Wang Rui hadn't tried to seize control over their martial soul fusion skills. He and Huo Yuqing could each lead two fusion skills, though their exact nature remained to be seen.
"Uh, aren't you curious about my second martial soul?" Huo Yuqing asked hesitantly.
Wang Rui paused, shrugged, and said, "Everyone has secrets. Normally, people don't casually reveal their second martial soul, right? Besides, your second martial soul hasn't fully awakened yet, has it?"
Huo Yuqing was about to say more, but a knock on the door interrupted her.
"Are you guys awake? It's time to go," Jiang Nannan's voice called from outside.