Chapter 184

Chapter 184

On the first day of battle, Wen Qiao lay directly on broken coral, barely able to catch her breath.

Hu Yansheng stood on an intact coral reef, his face dark and unpredictable as he looked at her. To those who didn't know better, it seemed like he was about to do something immoral to the female cultivator lying on the ground.

Of course, Hu Yansheng wouldn't do anything, but his expression was indeed grim, causing the surrounding sea beasts to sneak away and watch from a distance.

After resting for a while and stuffing another piece of honey fat into her mouth, Wen Qiao finally had the strength to stand up.

In this battle, Hu Yansheng did very little, only defending and not attacking. At most, he would neutralize her punches. But Wen Qiao felt that Hu Yansheng must have been enraged by falling from the coral reef earlier, using the pressure of a King-level demon cultivator to suppress her.

When the pressure of the King-level demon beast appeared, Wen Qiao also fell from the coral reef, and the surrounding sea beasts all flipped over, playing dead.

In the subsequent battles, she had to punch under the pressure of a King-level demon beast, which required immense effort and mental focus. After three hours, she was nearly exhausted.

However, the effects were significant. She was now somewhat accustomed to the suppression of a King-level demon beast and could manage to counterattack.

"Senior Hu, thank you for today. Here are three Earth-grade pills." Wen Qiao handed a pill bottle containing Earth-grade pills to Hu Yansheng, whose face was still stiff. She continued, "Come again tomorrow, Senior Hu. If you're busy, I can find other sea beasts."

Hearing her words, the sea beasts that hadn't left stirred with anticipation, staring at her hopefully.

But when Hu Yansheng gave them a fierce glare, they silently retreated further, not daring to compete with the tiger shark.

After settling the spirit pills, Wen Qiao dragged her tired body back to the palace.

Once she left, Hu Yansheng immediately caught a sea beast, dragging it out of Star Crossing Gorge, and said menacingly to the other hiding sea beasts, "Don't worry, it'll be your turn soon. Everyone will get their share!"

The sea beasts scattered, looking for places to hide so as not to be vented upon by the enraged Senior Hu.

Back in her room, Wen Qiao saw Ning Yuzhou refining pills and decided not to disturb him. She found a place to sit down.

She took out several spirit stones from her storage bag and set up a spirit gathering array around her, beginning to meditate. As she absorbed the spiritual energy from the array, she analyzed her battle with Hu Yansheng.

Her mind continuously replayed the battle, the timing, speed, techniques, and power of each punch... She meticulously studied and simulated, gradually devising a more suitable combat strategy. Her furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

Ning Yuzhou, who had stopped refining pills, watched her meditating. Seeing her furrowed brows finally relax, he smiled slightly.

Two hours later, the spirit stones in the spirit gathering array turned to powder, and Wen Qiao opened her eyes.

Meeting Ning Yuzhou's warm gaze, she smiled and said, "Husband, today's battle with Senior Hu was quite fruitful."

It was more like sparring than a real battle, as Hu Yansheng only defended and followed her pace.

Wen Qiao knew Hu Yansheng's concerns; after all, their cultivation levels differed by three major realms. As a demon cultivator with a strong physique, he couldn't risk seriously injuring her, which would offend her.

So Hu Yansheng decided not to attack during the battle, fulfilling her request for sparring and receiving spirit pills in return, achieving multiple benefits.

Ning Yuzhou called her over, taking her hand to feel her pulse.

His long, warm fingers pressed against her wrist, their distinct joints resembling exquisitely crafted jade carvings. Wen Qiao became entranced, missing what he said.

"Chui."

"Hmm?"

Wen Qiao looked up at him, confused.

Ning Yuzhou chuckled, tapping her forehead lightly, "What were you thinking? You didn't even respond."

Wen Qiao blushed, embarrassed to admit she was captivated by his hands. She cleared her throat, "What did you say?"

"It's nothing, just asking about your gains today."

At this, Wen Qiao's eyes lit up, "I gained a lot! Senior Hu is a King-level demon cultivator, truly formidable. His aura is intimidating, making it hard for ordinary people to adapt. And his physique is so strong, no matter how hard I hit him, he doesn't break..."

Ning Yuzhou's expression became subtle hearing "no matter how hard I hit him, he doesn't break."

Indeed, Hu Yansheng was like a punching bag with a King-level demon cultivator's pressure in her heart.

Actually, Wen Qiao's biggest gain today was learning to withstand the pressure of a King-level demon cultivator and improving the *Heavenly Body Fist* under deep-sea pressure, gradually reaching its land-based power.

"...Later, I modified the last move of the third form of the *Heavenly Body Fist*. Senior Hu didn't expect me to suddenly approach him and fell from the coral reef unexpectedly." Speaking of this, Wen Qiao's eyes curved into a smile, "The sea beasts in Star Crossing Gorge were watching, and Senior Hu's expression was quite interesting."

Ning Yuzhou imagined the scene and couldn't help but chuckle.

Hu Yansheng, a very face-conscious demon cultivator, usually showed no mercy to human cultivators. If he hadn't underestimated Chui initially, he wouldn't have been humiliated so spectacularly in front of the sea beasts in Star Crossing Gorge.

Despite losing face, Hu Yansheng didn't blame Wen Qiao or quit, showing decent character.

After she finished speaking, Ning Yuzhou said, "Hu Yansheng is a King-level demon cultivator. Though he tries to suppress his pressure, some still leaks out, making him the best practice partner. If you can withstand his pressure, it will benefit your future battles."

Wen Qiao nodded. High-level cultivators could suppress lower-level ones with their pressure, but if lower-level cultivators could withstand it, they wouldn't lose too badly and could still fight back.

Today, Wen Qiao spent much effort adapting to Hu Yansheng's uncontrolled pressure, treating it calmly.

Ning Yuzhou continued, "Demon cultivators don't have as many treasures and techniques as human cultivators, but their physical strength is renowned. Their sheer strength can resist attacks from treasures and techniques. Conversely, human cultivators are naturally weak, even with diligent training, they can't match demon cultivators. However, this is also a weakness for demon cultivators. Without auxiliary treasures and flexible techniques, human cultivators can often win with both."

Wen Qiao pondered, "Indeed, most of the time, treasures and techniques can compensate for human cultivators' physical weaknesses."

"But if human cultivators could match demon cultivators' strength, combined with treasures and techniques, they would be invincible." Ning Yuzhou smiled meaningfully at her.

Wen Qiao's eyes sparkled, understanding. She patted her chest, "Husband, rest assured. I will seize every opportunity to practice the *Heavenly Body Fist* with Senior Hu."

Ning Yuzhou nodded, rising gracefully, "Let me see how well you've practiced the *Heavenly Body Fist*."

"Now?" Wen Qiao asked in surprise.

Ning Yuzhou nodded affirmatively, pulling her up and having her demonstrate the *Heavenly Body Fist* in the courtyard.

Wen Tutan and Wen Guangun followed her out, squatting beside Ning Yuzhou, munching on spirit pills while watching Wen Qiao practice the Celestial Fist.

Ning Yuzhou stood with his sleeves folded and hands behind his back in front of the veranda, watching the woman practicing her fist techniques in the courtyard.

Wen Qiao had already mastered the second form of the Celestial Fist. Each move, each stance, each punch flowed smoothly and effortlessly, executed with perfect control and continuous repetition.

Despite the power of the technique, her graceful appearance, slender figure, and elegant demeanor added a touch of feminine beauty to her performance.

Her expression was serious, her eyes bright and focused as she practiced each punch with utmost dedication.

When Wen Qiao finished her routine and relaxed her stance, her serious gaze gradually softened as she turned to look at Ning Yuzhou.

Ning Yuzhou stepped forward, approached her, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling, "Not bad. You can start practicing the third form of the Celestial Fist."

Wen Qiao's eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Yes. During this period, you and Hu Yansheng should reinforce the first and second forms when sparring. Once you feel ready, you can begin the third form," Ning Yuzhou said.

Wen Qiao nodded, pondering his words, seemingly gaining insight.

Seeing that she had gained some understanding, Ning Yuzhou did not interrupt her thoughts and led her back to their room by the hand.

***

The next day, Wen Qiao and Hu Yansheng appeared again on the coral reefs within Star Crossing Gorge.

The coral reefs shattered by Wen Qiao's punches yesterday had been replaced with new ones. It was clear that the sea beasts of Star Crossing Gorge were responsible.

Hu Yansheng still stood on the coral reef, hands behind his back, unmoving, only defending without attacking.

But compared to yesterday, he dared not be careless today, to avoid another embarrassing incident.

Hu Yansheng had been troubled all night, still unable to understand how he had stumbled yesterday. He firmly believed that a cultivator at the Primordial Void realm could not affect him much, even though Wen Qiao's punches were indeed more powerful than those of ordinary cultivators. However, due to her low cultivation level and incomplete mastery of the technique, she could not shake a king-level demon cultivator.

What was wrong then?

While he was still puzzled, trying to counter Wen Qiao's punches, a strand of his black hair was suddenly severed by an incoming punch.

Hu Yansheng: "..."

The surrounding sea beasts: Wow~~~~

Enraged once again, Hu Yansheng instantly released his king-level demonic pressure, causing Wen Qiao to fall to the ground, and the surrounding sea beasts to flop over, belly-up like dead fish.

The sea beasts protested to Hu Yansheng, accusing him of being shameless for using his pressure to bully them and a female cultivator. They warned him that he might never find a partner or that if he did, his partner would find him disgraceful and bear offspring with other sea beasts.

"Shut up!" Hu Yansheng was even more infuriated but also relieved that Wen Qiao couldn't understand the sea beasts' words.

Wen Qiao, who understood everything: "............"

Whenever Wen Qiao performed exceptionally well, Hu Yansheng would inadvertently release his suppressed pressure, pinning her to the ground, unable to move.

Under the sea beasts' reproach, Hu Yansheng silently withdrew his pressure and continued the battle.

After three hours, Wen Qiao lay exhausted on the shattered coral reef, and Hu Yansheng walked over to her, looking down from above.

"Do you need me to carry you back to the palace?"

Before Wen Qiao could refuse, the tiger shark had already reached out, grabbed her leg, and lifted her up.

Wen Qiao: "..."

Suspended in the water, Wen Qiao was dragged back to the palace by a demon cultivator holding her leg.

Forget it! Wen Qiao calmly took out a piece of honey fat and put it in her mouth.

Seeing them return, Haizhuer, waiting in the palace, immediately approached with a tray.

Wen Qiao stood on both feet again, accepted the clean, soft towel from Haizhuer to wipe the seawater from her face, and took out a pill bottle to hand the spirit pills to Hu Yansheng.

Hu Yansheng showed no emotion but happily counted the spirit pills from the past two days. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Wen Qiao ask, "Senior Hu, do you have a partner?"

"No." Hu Yansheng frowned at her, remembering the sea beasts' earlier accusations, and coldly snorted, "Why do you ask? Such troublesome things as partners, I don't need them."

Wen Qiao sympathetically replied, "That makes sense. How could you find a partner with your attitude?"

A vein pulsed on Hu Yansheng's temple.

"Even if you did find one, they'd probably despise you and might end up having offspring with other sea beasts."

With that, Wen Qiao left, feeling relieved.

Hu Yansheng glared at her retreating back, then couldn't help but doubt himself.

If even human cultivators agreed with the sea beasts, would his future partner really prefer having offspring with other sea beasts rather than with him?

***

After confronting Hu Yansheng, Wen Qiao returned to the guest quarters, feeling refreshed.

In the guest quarters, Ning Yuzhou was refining pills. Wen Qiao watched as he swiftly cast complex pill-forming seals with his hands. Despite her higher cultivation level, she couldn't follow the intricate movements.

After watching for a while, Wen Qiao's eyes started to strain, so she quickly looked away.

Wen Qiao didn't disturb Ning Yuzhou but set up a spirit gathering array with spirit stones as she had done the previous day. She sat in meditation, absorbing spiritual energy while recalling and analyzing the day's battle.

Once her spirit orifices were filled with primordial spirit energy, Wen Qiao opened her eyes.

At this moment, the air was filled with the fragrance of medicine. Wen Tutan and Wen Guangun, the two demon beasts, couldn't resist sniffing and inhaling deeply, their eyes fixed intently on the pill cauldron.

Wen Guangun instantly understood what pill Ning Yuzhou was refining today upon smelling the medicinal fragrance in the air.

Another hour passed, and Ning Yuzhou cast the sealing technique. Three spirit pills then flew out of the alchemy furnace.

Ning Yuzhou caught the three spirit pills in his hand, glanced at them, and placed them into a pill bottle.

Wen Tutu hopped over, staring at the pill bottle in Ning Yuzhou's hand. Its fluffy long ears twitched, and then it shamelessly flopped onto its back in front of Big Brother Ning, exposing its belly.

Just one spirit pill could earn a pat on the tummy from an Eighth-Stage rabbit. Doesn't Big Brother Ning want to pet it?

Ning Yuzhou indicated that he didn’t want to pet it.

At this moment, Wen Guangun slowly crawled over, eyeing the pill bottle in Ning Yuzhou's hand, and then handed over another bottle.

Rarely seeing the gluttonous Wen Guangun offer something voluntarily, Wen Qiao couldn't help but ask, "Wen Guangun, what is this?"

"Um um." Jade Nectar.

Hearing it was Jade Nectar, Wen Qiao was quite surprised. "Where did you get it?"

"Um um um..."

It turned out that the mother of the little panda, the White Bear, had given it to him.

The White Bear and her cub dominated the entire mountain where the Jade Nectar Purple Spirit Bamboo grew. Naturally, the Jade Nectar produced by the bamboo king belonged to them. Every time the Jade Nectar was about to overflow, the White Bear would collect it. Over time, she had gathered quite a bit, which she gave to her cub.

The Jade Nectar that Wen Qiao and the others took away that day seemed like a lot, but it was actually left there intentionally by the White Bear.

Don't be fooled by Wen Guangun following Wen Qiao and the others out of the Thousand Islands Secret Realm alone. In fact, his wealth far exceeded that of Wen Tutu and Wen Qiuball. He inherited the legacy of his parents, two King-level beasts, and even Wen Qiao didn't know what treasures he possessed.

"Do you want to trade Jade Nectar for Yangyuan Pills?" Ning Yuzhou asked.

Wen Guangun nodded, looking adorably at Ning Yuzhou.

Unfortunately, the unyielding Big Brother Ning wasn't swayed by their cuteness or the Jade Nectar. He calmly put away the Yangyuan Pills and, with his usual elegant demeanor, mocked, "Do you think I care about your Jade Nectar?"

They already had Jade Nectar themselves, so Big Brother Ning wouldn't be swayed by something he already possessed.

Wen Guangun had no choice but to join Wen Tutu in trying to charm their way into getting spirit pills.

Ning Yuzhou ignored the two beasts trying to charm him for spirit pills and instead asked Wen Qiao about her day's harvest.