Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After the Spirit Jade flower pot was carved, Wen Qiao moved to a new home, one crafted from Spirit Jade instead of White Jade.

The demonic beast carriage sped along, unlike their journey there where she had been drowsy. Now, Wen Qiao was wide awake. As a tiny sprout, she felt that she didn't need sleep at all. Each day, she remained energetic, her leaves rustling as she thrived.

Wen Qiao believed this might be related to Ning Yuzhou's daily feeding of Spirit Medicine liquid. With such nourishment, rest seemed unnecessary.

As she pondered this, she saw her husband begin his daily routine of nurturing and watering her, three meals a day without fail, just as he had fed her three meals a day when she was in human form.

After finishing the Spirit Medicine liquid, Wen Qiao shook her leaves and rubbed against Ning Yuzhou's hand, wanting to chat with him.

Ning Yuzhou, with his good temper, indulgently asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

The small sprout's leaves vigorously brushed against his fingers.

The corners of his handsome lips curved slightly as Ning Yuzhou smiled. "You want to talk about me?"

The little plant's leaves swayed up and down, nodding like a human being. Ever since she overheard Emperor Chengkang mention something in passing, Wen Qiao had become particularly curious about her husband's past. Although it made her feel a bit bashful, learning more about Ning Yuzhou's earlier life still brought her joy.

Ning Yuzhou held the Spirit Jade flower pot and casually tossed a Spirit Pill to the rabbit that had approached. With a swish of his long sleeves, he gently brushed it away.

Why did this rabbit come over while they were having their conversation?

Ning Yuzhou was indeed rather stingy.

The demonic rabbit didn't mind at all. As long as it got to eat a Spirit Pill, it was content to nestle in a corner, occasionally casting glances at the small sprout named Miao Miao.

"I... Although I can't cultivate, I have a great interest in supplementary skills like Pill, Talisman, and Array Formation techniques. My awakened bloodline inheritance also contains a relatively complete legacy in these areas. Thus, I organized my knowledge and handed it over to the Ning Clan for arrangement. Later, my father and the others realized that I had a natural insight into these supplementary methods, even if I couldn't practice them myself. So, they allowed me to guide the Alchemists and Array Formation Masters in our family..."

The inability to practice didn't mean he was ignorant of it. On the contrary, he had been extremely intelligent since childhood, with high comprehension abilities and the inheritance within his bloodline. Even without personally engaging in combat, guiding alchemists and array masters was effortless for him.

Over the years, he had instructed the Ning family's alchemists and talisman masters in their cultivation.

Wen Qiao recalled their training in the Scale Platform Hunting Valley, where the Hidden Scale Guards deployed talismans as if they were worthless and consumed countless spirit pills – all well-prepared. She finally understood.

Back then, she assumed the Ning family's profound foundations allowed such extravagance. Little did she know that these were all the results of his guidance, and his contributions made these resources abundant. Naturally, he didn't attach much importance to them.

With this realization, Wen Qiao understood why the Ning family held him in such high regard.

How could he not take it seriously? Ning Yuzhou, with his complete bloodline inheritance, was an irreplaceable existence, no matter how many talented disciples there were. It was no wonder the Ning Clan protected him so fiercely, even dispatching a team of Hidden Scale Guards to safeguard him at all times. No amount of envy from Ning Yaozhu could change that fact.

Poor were those who were unaware, believing Cheng Hao Emperor had lost his senses to protect a good-for-nothing.

The significance of divine bloodlines was too great, and only a few in the Ning Clan knew the truth. Only Cheng Hao Emperor and a few Ning Clan elders held the knowledge; everyone else was kept in the dark.

Until Ning Yuzhou grew strong enough that no one dared to covet his bloodline power, his role within the Ning Clan would remain a secret.

Wen Qiao then inquired about her father's situation, wondering why Cheng Hao Emperor said he was protecting her by leaving her alone in the Wen Family.

Ning Yuzhou stroked her leaf gently, pausing for a moment before he spoke, "Actually, the deaths of Wen Boying and his wife weren't caused by the beast rampage. There's more to it than meets the eye. Your poisoning by fire was also a result of that incident. Had you not been poisoned by fire, the mastermind behind your parents' death might not have allowed you to survive. Father was afraid that this person would target you as well, so he couldn't openly protect you. Instead, he left you in the Wen Family..."

Wen Qiao's leaf trembled with shock.

This was the first time she had heard such a tale.

She had always believed her parents perished during the beast rampage. Rumor had it that her mother encountered a fire elemental beast, which not only led to her premature birth but also injured the newborn Wen Qiao, leaving a fire poison within her that weakened her health from a young age, dooming her to an early death.

Now, Ning Yuzhou revealed that her parents' deaths held a hidden motive, and her fire poison was intentionally inflicted upon her.

The one who harmed her probably assumed she wouldn't survive the fire poison beyond twenty, thus allowing her to suffer through life.

Ning Yuzhou hastily stroked the agitated leaves and said softly, "Ah Chuo, don't be agitated. Now that we're married, your parents are my parents as well. I'll avenge your father and mother in the future. You just need to rest assured."

Wen Qiao still appeared somewhat listless, like a wilting Miao Miao.

Seeing this, Ning Yuzhou couldn't help sighing. "I originally didn't want you to know the truth too soon. Our current strength is too weak. Even if we uncover the hatred from the past, we wouldn't be able to avenge it now."

Wen Qiao knew he was right. If not for Cheng Haodi's assumption that she wasn't present and his slip of tongue, she might not have known the truth for who knows how long.

Ning Yuzhou decided to change the subject. He really didn't want to see little Miao Miao lose her spirit. "I saw you when you were born and proposed our marriage back then."

Wen Qiao was taken aback, her leaves tilting uncertainly towards him.

How old was he when she was born? To make such a life-changing decision for her without her consent? Wasn't that a bit hasty?

Seemingly aware of her thoughts, Ning Yuzhou couldn't help laughing. "I could remember things since birth, maturing faster than ordinary children. By four years old, I already understood right and wrong and knew what I wanted. Wen Boying and his wife saved my life, and you were quite adorable. Moreover, there was always an inexplicable sense of familiarity whenever I saw you, so I naturally wanted to secure you, to avoid any regrets later on."

In this way, it could also console Wen Boying and his wife, alleviating their concerns for their only daughter.

Wen Qiao... Wen Qiao's entire being seemed to be turning crimson once more.

"I now understand why I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity towards you before," Ning Yuzhou said, placing his hand over his heart. There lay a drop of her essence blood, as if she herself was resting within his chest.

Logically, no one's essence blood could end up in another person's body without cause or reason, unless that person had deliberately taken it and forged a blood pact. However, back then, her essence blood had effortlessly entered his body and helped him break through the seals within, as if they were innately compatible with each other.

This was why Ning Yuzhou felt such a strong affinity towards Wen Qiao.

Both of them possessed divine bloodlines, one already awakened while the other still slumbered. Yet, this was enough to foster a mutual fondness between them. Even though he was still unsure what kind of divine bloodline Wen Qiao had inherited, Ning Yuzhou could sense that their bloodlines had once been perfectly attuned, allowing them to come together in this vast universe through some mysterious connection.

Wen Qiao was utterly bewildered by these words.

As she stood there in confusion, the demonic rabbit, having finished its spiritual pill, leaped up and took the chance to lick Wen Qiao when Ning Yuzhou wasn't looking.

Wen Qiao froze – she had just been licked again by the little bunny.

Ning Yuzhou snapped out of his thoughts and, upon seeing this scene, a cold glint flashed through his gentle eyes as he unceremoniously tossed the demonic rabbit out of the monster beast carriage.

Wen Qiao: "..."

Ning Yuzhou reassured, "Don't worry, it won't get lost."

Sure enough, after half an hour, a small rabbit pushed its way through the window and climbed in, calmly seeking Ning Yuzhou for spirit pills to eat. If it didn't get any, it would lick Miao Miao to satisfy its cravings.

Fortunately, Ning Yuzhou was unaware that the monster rabbit had licked Wen Qiao countless times while guarding her. Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't have brought it out of the Lin Tai Hunting Valley.

***

Five days later, they returned to the capital city of Dongling.

The monster beast carriage drove through the imperial city's streets and entered the Seventh Prince's residence.

Upon receiving news of their return, the servants came out to welcome their master. Lian Yue, among the maidservants of the Seventh Prince's residence, strained her neck, hoping to catch a glimpse of her young mistress at first sight.

Leading the way down from the carriage was Seventh Prince Ning Yuzhou, holding a spirit jade basin.

Following him was the little rabbit.

Lian Yue stretched her neck to peer into the monster beast carriage. However, no matter how hard she tried, she could only see the Seventh Prince and the little rabbit—no one else.

Lian Yue was on the verge of tears, an ominous feeling welling up within her.

Wen Qiao was delighted to see her dear little maid, but when she noticed Lian Yue's reddened eyes struggling not to cry, she couldn't help but feel sympathetic. Promptly, she jostled the leaf to catch Ning Yuzhou's attention.

Ning Yuzhou stroked her leaf gently and addressed Lian Yue in the crowd, "This is the rabbit Ah Chu raised. Bring it over here."

With tears held back, Lian Yue secretly wiped her eyes with her sleeve, then picked up the adorable little rabbit and followed behind him.

The demon rabbit appeared obedient and cute, calmly nestling against Lian Yue's underdeveloped chest.

Back in the resting chamber, Ning Yuzhou dismissed everyone except Lian Yue. He placed the Spirit Jade Basin on a side table and moved the Potentia Flower from the window sill to join it.

Without Wen Qiao's spiritual energy nurturing it, the Potentia Flower had grown at an excruciatingly slow pace over the past month. Its condition had even worsened due to the thinning spirit energy around it.

Upon seeing the Potentia Flower, Wen Qiao's spirits lifted.

"Your Highness, where's my young lady?" Lian Yue asked timidly, her face filled with fear, dreading any bad news.

Ning Yuzhou said, "Ah Chuo is not in Dongling at the moment. After some time, I will go find her myself."

Lian Yue was taken aback and hesitantly asked, "Then, where is Miss?"

"Don't worry, Ah Chuo is fine. From now on, you'll live in the estate. If you need anything, just ask the stewards; there's no need to hold back," Ning Yuzhou reassured gently. "When Ah Chuo is better, she'll come back to see you."

Staring blankly at him, Lian Yue nodded numbly before leaving in a daze.

After Lian Yue left, Ning Yuzhou spoke to Wen Qiao, "Although your maid is loyal, she's just an ordinary person. It's best that fewer people know about your situation."

Wen Qiao understood his intentions and approved of his decision. The less Lian Yue knew, the safer she would be.

Despite being an ordinary mortal who couldn't cultivate, Lian Yue cared for her deeply, almost like family. Wen Qiao vowed to ensure Lian Yue lived a peaceful and worry-free life.

Back at the estate, Ning Yuzhou didn't rest but instead activated the protective and spirit-gathering arrays in the courtyard where he resided.

"Ah Chuo, the estate is very safe. Try cultivating first," Ning Yuzhou suggested.

Earlier, outside with many people around, it wasn't convenient for either Ning Yuzhou or Wen Qiao to attempt cultivation. Now that they were back on their own turf, Ning Yuzhou had made all necessary preparations, allowing Wen Qiao to commence her unique cultivation method.

The cultivation methods of plant spirits differ from both human cultivators and demonic beasts.

Wen Qiao rustled her leaves, invigorated as she widened her senses to begin her practice.

In her perception, there were several spirit plants within a radius of a mile. Among them, the Face-Revitalizing Flower inside the room contained the richest essence of vegetation, and it was also of the highest rank.

Wen Qiao attempted to communicate with these spirit plants. Upon receiving a response, she promptly began to nurture them without restraint.

Ning Yuzhou did not engage in cultivation. Instead, he sat by the side, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the tiny Miao Miao on the table.

He then witnessed the adjacent Face-Revitalizing Flower growing visibly at an astonishing speed. It slowed down only when it reached a ten-year-old state.

Next, an extremely pure aura gushed in from all directions. Unlike the celestial essence energy in the world, this aura invigorated one's spirit. The pure energy rushed crazily towards the spirit jade basin.

Not just the Face-Revitalizing Flower, but also the ornamental spirit flowers and exotic plants in the courtyard grew rapidly.

However, they were different from the Face-Revitalizing Flower. While it grew, its pace was not as swift. In contrast, the spirit plants in the yard frantically blossomed, bore fruit, withered, and dropped their seeds. These seeds would then swiftly germinate and grow, experiencing several cycles of growth and decay within a short period.

In a brief moment, they went through several seasons of life and decay, the cycle of nature's vitality.

***

Wen Qiao immersed herself in cultivation for three full days.

When she emerged from her meditative state, she discovered that the Rejuvenation Flower had matured to a fifty-year-old condition, appearing exceptionally vibrant.

Stunned, Wen Qiao could hardly believe what she had accomplished.

In just three days, she had somehow nurtured the Rejuvenation Flower to a half-century state.

"It was indeed you," Ning Yuzhou confirmed, twisting a leaf as he gazed at her, somewhat bemused. Could it be that he had been sitting there watching her the entire time she was cultivating?

As if sensing her thoughts, Ning Yuzhou validated her speculation with a warm expression. "It's alright. I wanted to see if you could cultivate using the surrounding plants. From what I can see, your influence on spirit plants is even greater when you're in your demonic form."

Through his explanation, Wen Qiao came to understand the differences between her human and demonic forms in cultivation. In her human form, her impact on the surrounding spirit plants was limited, and their growth acceleration was slow. However, in her demonic form, she seemed to possess an innate knack for nurturing spirit plants; they flourished wildly, and the essence they returned to her was abundant and rich.

Wen Qiao could sense an abundance of power within her, and intuitively felt that if she continued absorbing the essence of plants and trees, she might eventually reach a critical point where she could transform.

This discovery filled Wen Qiao with immense joy. She nuzzled Ning Yuzhou energetically, eager to share her delight, though alas, she was unable to speak.

Ning Yuzhou, however, was astute enough to read her reaction and understand that this cultivation session had been highly beneficial. He smiled and said, "It seems that the spiritual energy from these plants has greatly aided you." After a moment's thought, he inquired, "Ah Chuo, does it mean that the higher the rank of the spirit herb, the more concentrated the essence of plants and trees it returns to you?"

Wen Qiao swayed her leaves, affirming his conjecture.

Among all these, the most superior one is the Everyouth Flower, which also provides the purest and finest essence of plants and trees to her.

Ning Yuzhou pondered for a moment before suddenly saying, "Azhu, shall I take you to a place to cultivate?"

Wen Qiao looked at him in confusion, unsure of his intentions.

Ning Yuzhou smiled at her warmly and said softly, "You'll understand when we get there."

With that, he lifted the Spirit Jade Basin.