Seeing Lin Chen's gesture made Su Mei feel unexpectedly good, though she remained cautious. She knew Lin Chen's reputation, he was far from faithful and was known to have relationships with other junior sisters.
Despite this, she decided to focus on the fruit for now. Is this truly the key to my breakthrough? Her thoughts raced, but her expression stayed calm.
She looked up at Lin Chen and asked seriously, "Are you certain, Junior Brother Lin? Do you truly want to give this fruit to me?"
Lin Chen smiled confidently. "Yes, Senior Sister. I've already taken one, so I don't mind giving this one to you. I just hope it helps you.
And… if you're happy with its effects, I was hoping you might consider going out with me." His voice grew shy as he finished speaking.
Su Mei frowned inwardly at the suggestion. She didn't particularly like the idea, knowing Lin Chen's history with other junior sisters.
Still, she decided to keep her composure and replied calmly, "Why not, Junior Brother? If what you've said is true and this fruit helps me break through, then I'll consider it."
Lin Chen's face lit up with excitement. "Alright, Senior Sister!" He quickly cupped his fists, turned, and left the cave, saying, "I'll look forward to that day, Senior Sister!"
As the stone door closed behind him, Su Mei sighed softly and turned her attention back to the glowing fruit in her hands. Whether this works or not, my breakthrough depends on it, she thought, her determination rose up.
She examined the fruit closely, marveling at its warm glow. It was unlike anything she had encountered before. Should I research it first? she wondered. But the thought was quickly dismissed.
If word of the fruit spread, it would attract the attention of powerful figures within the sect. Even her father, an inner sect elder, or the sect master might want to take it from her.
Resolving herself, she sighed and decided to consume it immediately.
Opening her red lips, she tilted her head back and swallowed the fruit whole without chewing—a method unique to cultivators that preserved the fruit's potent properties.
It slid smoothly down her throat, and as soon as it reached her stomach, a warm energy began spreading through her body.
The energy moved in gentle waves, traveling down to her core and forming a soothing circle of energy. It felt as if her body was being wrapped in a comforting embrace.
The warmth pushed away all distractions, calming her restless thoughts. Her mind became as clear as a still lake, and she quickly entered a meditative state, fully focused on cultivating.
Days passed—10, then 20...
Su Mei was finally ready to break through to the late stage of the Vein Fusion Realm, but the process was not easy. She ran into the same bottleneck again when she directed her spiritual energy. The invisible wall remained in place, preventing her from moving forward.
As the spiritual energy clashed within her meridians, she began sweating & her breathing became heavy. She gritted her teeth, pushing her willpower to its limit, trying to force the energy to go against the wall.
Just as she was about to give up and started getting negative thoughts a strange energy washed over her mind, bringing an unexpected calm.
As her thoughts cleared and she approached the barrier once more, it suddenly vanished. The spiritual energy surged forward, flooding her meridians without resistance. The power caused her robes to ripple, and she emitted a gentle golden glow.
As the breakthrough settled, the spiritual energy around her gradually faded. Her long, dark purple hair, which floated a little in the spiritual energy, now returned softly over her shoulders, same with her robes it went back to its place. She felt as though a heavy weight had been removed from her.
Su Mei opened her purple eyes and let out a long, quiet breath.
She placed a hand on her big chest, feeling the smooth, steady flow of spiritual energy circulating within her. a tiny smile appeared on her lips as she said, "I finally did it and It only requires focus and a calm heart."
"The fruit's effects were stronger than I expected... Without it, I might have failed again."
For a moment she closed her eyes, trying to feel what she had achieved. For the first time in years, her body and mind were in perfect harmony.
A sense of fulfillment washed over her, but a lingering thought remained. "I wonder how long this peace will last," she murmured.
Curious, Su Mei decided to examine her spiritual core, where she had felt the energy from the fruit gather. She guided her spiritual energy inward, allowing it to flow through her meridians and into her core. But as she focused, something unexpected caught her attention.
Her spiritual core was resonating with a steady rhythm, sending calming waves throughout her body once more. Su Mei frowned slightly and concentrated harder. That's when her eyes widened in shock. Inside her core, a tiny life form was forming.
What is this? How is this possible? Her mind raced with questions. Cultivator women could easily block pregnancy through spiritual energy, and there had been no such event to even suggest this. Yet the life inside her was undeniably there.
The small, growing presence absorbed spiritual energy from her core and returned it as soothing waves that calmed her mind.
Su Mei placed a trembling hand over her stomach, her thoughts filled with worry. This was no ordinary event—it was something beyond her understanding.
Su Mei's face turned cold as anger flared inside her. How could this happen? she thought. If her father or the other disciples found out, it would be a disaster.
The tiny life form inside her core was rapidly taking shape, resembling a baby. Though it didn't seem to hinder her cultivation yet, who could say for certain it wasn't some sort of parasite or other malicious force?
As these thoughts spiraled in her mind, her core emitted another wave of calm energy, forcing her racing heart to slow. She gritted her teeth, frustrated at her inability to stay angry. "I need to find Lin Chen," she muttered, clenching her fists.
But as soon as her frustration surged, another calming wave spread through her, making it impossible to hold onto the emotion.