Chapter 156: The Golden Tortoise's Mother-in-Law, and the Fate of the Sacred Sun Heaven Spirit Tiger

Word Count: 3,056 Words

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Ning Tian and Wu Feng sat cross-legged on the bed, absorbing their 10,000-year spirit bones. Dense spirit power fluctuations filled the wooden house. Ling Bai stood guard for them, his brows tightly knitted together.

He was not worried about the failure of their spirit bone fusion. The Mystic Moon Jade Deer possessed a gentle temperament, and the Scorching Sun Fire Dragon was exceptionally compatible with Wu Feng. The two girls' breathing was steady and deep, indicating no accidents would occur.

Ling Bai worried about something else. Although Wu Feng would accompany Ning Tian to the Sun Moon Empire, the two great academies held longstanding grievances. Incidents of xenophobia and bullying were sure to happen. If they provoked some brainless imperial descendant at the Sun Moon Imperial Academy, and that person recklessly summoned the imperial patrol to arrest them, even ten Wu Fengs could not stop them.

The horrific torture Huo Yuhao had endured remained vivid in his mind. Ling Bai believed preparations were necessary to prevent them from suffering a similar fate, and a decision gradually formed in his heart.

Dawn broke as golden sunlight streamed through the window lattice, bathing the room. Ning Tian and Wu Feng awoke one after the other, sensing the effects of their new spirit bone abilities. Smiles simultaneously appeared on their faces.

"Looks like you gained quite a bit. What spirit skills did you get?" Ling Bai asked.

Wu Feng sprang off the bed like a coiled spring. Faint crimson, dragon-shaped flames flickered around her as her spirit power surged. She let out a hearty laugh, her voice resounding like a barbell's clang, "The Scorching Sun Fire Dragon torso bone gave me an all-around amplification type spirit skill called Scorching Sun Dragon Body! It can combine with my Blazing Dragon Armor in its Dragon Transformation state. Plus, with the Dark Gold Terror Claw right palm bone, I can't wait to clash with those Spirit Guidance Masters from the Sun Moon Empire!"

Ning Tian smiled softly, her lips pursed. "The Mystic Moon Jade Deer's spirit skill is called Mystic Moon Clear Shadow. Using the mystic moon as a guide, it can immobilize a single enemy. The duration depends on the difference in cultivation between myself and the enemy, but under moonlight, its effect is absolute. At the very least, it will restrain the opponent for one second."

"You two are lucky. Scorching Sun Dragon Body and Mystic Moon Clear Shadow are the top innate spirit skills of those two great spirit beasts, and they suit you perfectly."

Wu Feng's combat style relied on the physical superiority of dragon-type Spirit Masters to engage in close combat. Scorching Sun Dragon Body would maximize her ability to unleash her power.

The true strength of Mystic Moon Clear Shadow lay in its absolute control under moonlight. Even a single second could change the course of battle. Ning Tian now possessed support, control, and Spirit Guidance Device abilities. As long as she surpassed the Spirit Saint bottleneck of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda, her future would be limitless.

Furthermore, Mystic Moon Clear Shadow seemed capable of synergizing with Big Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan's Moon Martial Spirit to achieve completely reliable crowd control. Unfortunately, the two were not familiar with each other, and Ning Tian was about to depart for the Sun Moon Imperial Academy.

"Xiao Tian, Wu Feng, keep these safe. If you ever encounter danger beyond your limits, take them out."

Ling Bai produced two Storage Spirit Guidance Devices and handed one to each of them. The girls immediately released their spiritual power to examine the contents. After a moment of stunned silence where their pupils seemed to quake, Ning Tian covered her lips, her eyes wide as she looked up at Ling Bai and exclaimed:

"This... this is a Stationary Spirit Cannon! A Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon from Illustrious Virtue Hall! Bai-ge, where did you get these?!"

"What? Class 9 Stationary Cannons???"

Wu Feng didn't understand Spirit Guidance Devices, but she could feel the intimidating aura these metal lumps gave off. When Ning Tian revealed their true nature, her palms broke out in a cold sweat, and she almost dropped the storage device.

"The source doesn't matter. Just remember what I said," Ling Bai replied calmly.

These were the Stationary Spirit Cannons Jing Hongchen had once used to threaten Shrek City. Ling Bai had dispatched Spectral Creatures to snatch away the eight Stationary Spirit Cannons, four Class 9 and four Class 8, before Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er could reach them. He now gave two Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannons to the girls. If they ever faced an enemy they absolutely could not resist, they could threaten mutual destruction.

"I have a question," Wu Feng raised her hand. "If we really set off the Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon, wouldn't we be blown up along with it...?"

"Yes, which is why you'll have a bodyguard."

As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of dark gold light appeared. An enormous tortoise, over five meters in diameter, instantly occupied half the wooden house. Ling Bai's Storage Spirit Guidance Device was high-grade and capable of storing living creatures. The Golden Tortoise, who had been sleeping soundly, was suddenly tossed out. It rubbed its drowsy eyes and mumbled:

"What are you doing? This tortoise was peacefully sleeping..."

"It can speak human language! A 100,000-year spirit beast!"

Ning Tian and Wu Feng were numb from shock by now. 10,000-year spirit bones, Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannons, and now a living 100,000-year spirit beast—just how many secrets was Ling Bai hiding?!

"The Golden Tortoise. I helped it with a minor favor in the Star Dou Forest," Ling Bai explained. "This fellow took the initiative to request guarding me and my descendants for 10,000 years. It was so persistent, no matter how I tried to shake it off, it wouldn't budge, so I reluctantly agreed."

The Golden Tortoise snapped awake instantly. 'Took the initiative,' 'persistent,' 'couldn't shake it off'... why did those phrases sound so unfamiliar? Clearly, it was this brat who took and took!

Ling Bai ignored the Golden Tortoise's resentful glare and continued, "Originally, I planned to take it back to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan during the break and keep it in the back garden pond. But to be absolutely safe, the Golden Tortoise will go with you two to the Sun Moon Empire. It'll be less than three years, anyway.

Don't underestimate the Golden Tortoise's low attack power. One of its innate spirit skills is Invincible Barrier. Usually, you don't need to let it out, lest the people of the Sun Moon Empire covet it. Only call it out if you're forced to detonate the Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon and need it to save the day."

"Wait, this Tortoise isn't being a bodyguard!" the Golden Tortoise protested. "That wasn't in the contract! I want to find Sister Spirit Tide and have baby turtles!"

Ling Bai pointed at Ning Tian. "Spirit Tide Sea Turtle is Xiao Tian's pet. That makes her practically your mother-in-law."

"Hehe, why didn't you say so earlier! We tortoises are the best at being bodyguards!"

The Golden Tortoise's attitude flipped faster than turning a page. It immediately patted its shell with loud thumps, guaranteeing that with it around, they'd be safer than wearing armor.

Ning Tian communicated with the Golden Tortoise for a while and promised to find it a top-quality turtle concubine in three years. The Golden Tortoise was so overjoyed that it couldn't stop grinning. The girl and the turtle hit it off immediately, tearfully calling Ning Tian 'Mother-in-Law'. Protecting Mother-in-Law was a tortoise's bounden duty!

Ling Bai spent the entire following day with Ning Tian and Wu Feng. When night fell, he escorted the two girls back to their residence before turning to leave.

The exchange students were to gather at the east gate of Shrek City early the next morning. Yan Shaozhe, the Dean of the Martial Spirit Department, would personally escort them to the exchange location. The girls told Ling Bai there was no need for him to waste time accompanying them the next day; their official goodbyes would start tonight.

…

A silver moon hung low on the horizon, casting a gentle, clear radiance over the magnificent Shrek City.

Creak—

The door to a certain wooden house on Sea God Island was pushed open. A figure entered against the moonlight, seeming to carry the chill of frost and snow.

Ma Xiaotao, sitting on the edge of her bed putting on stockings, glanced over at the sound. The backlight made it nearly impossible to see the visitor's face. She squinted to make out their features.

The visitor wore the red uniform of Shrek Academy's Inner Courtyard. His long hair draped naturally, and his pupils were a dazzling gold. The corners of his eyes tilted slightly upward, and a gentle smile graced his features, bestowing a brilliant light upon the world.

"You don't come see me during the day, but you turn up at night, huh?"

Ma Xiaotao pursed her lips and gave a cold snort, her attention returning to the black stockings in her hands. She gently slipped the sheer black silk over her fair toes, slowly drawing it up her leg, ensuring the thin material fit snugly against her skin, accentuating the slender, alluring lines of her legs. The entire process held a captivating beauty.

Ling Bai had to admit, a beautiful woman putting on stockings was incredibly sexy. He walked over, sat beside Ma Xiaotao, and naturally rested a hand on those flawless legs, his fingers tracing the smooth, firm curve of her thigh beneath the silk. With a smile, he said, "I was a bit busy during the day. From now on, I'll be able to spend more time with you."

"Pah! I'm too embarrassed to even call you out!"

Ma Xiaotao stretched out her long leg and gave Ling Bai a playful kick, yet her pink eyes couldn't hide her delight. Who wouldn't crave their lover's company?

Wearing black stockings late at night… just a woman with a dishonest mouth.

Ling Bai caught both of her long legs, his fingers exploring the smooth, firm thighs wrapped in black silk. Her calves were long and sculpted, the jade-white skin beneath the sheer fabric a tantalizing contrast. When held together, there wasn't the slightest gap, as if not even a whisper of air could slip between them.

An intimate atmosphere quietly spread through the room. Ma Xiaotao's cheeks flushed a vivid peach, her breath hitching as she leaned in close. Her sweet, fragrant breath brushed against his face. After their lips met several times, her voice softened into a nasal whisper:

"That Ning Tian girl of yours is really quite shrewd, you know. The second day she arrived on Sea God Island, she sent me a set of skincare products, thanking me for 'taking care of you…'

Luckily, she's participating in the exchange program between Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Imperial Academy, otherwise, she'd be watching you so closely, it would be very difficult for the two of us to have moments like today."

Ling Bai's hand slid higher, gliding over her waist to the proud, snowy peaks of her chest. His fingers traced the beautiful, dewy curves, feeling the heat radiating from her skin as he said:

"Why do you put yourself in that kind of position?"

"I can't help it. You and she are childhood sweethearts, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan Head probably wants you together too, right?" she admitted. "Truthfully, I want to spend my life with you. But more than that, I need to hear it from you. What am I to you? Will this, us, just fade away after you graduate?"

Ma Xiaotao pulled back slightly and shifted to the side, her sharp eyes fixed on his deep, dazzling golden pupils. The lamplight flickered in her gaze, burning quietly, creating a tension akin to stepping onto a battlefield.

Her heart pounded like a war drum, her shallow breaths growing thunderous in her ears. This was the heart-pounding sensation she hadn't felt in a long time.

"I'm someone who starts things but can't bring myself to end them," Ling Bai said slowly.

"What do you mean?"

Ma Xiaotao clenched her silver teeth, hot tears welling in her eyes. As Ning Tian gradually matured, she found herself growing anxious. That was why she wanted to probe Ling Bai's true feelings, but the answer didn't seem to be what she had hoped.

"Saying 'let's break up' is something I just can't do," Ling Bai clarified with a gentle smile.

"Me neither!!!"

Ma Xiaotao was overjoyed. Those simple words carried more weight than any sweet talk. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a fierce, passionate kiss. Her lips crashed against his with a fiery hunger, her tongue seeking his and plunging deep as if trying to devour him whole.

Once a woman let go of her burdens and truly unleashed herself, she could be unfathomably wild. In the heat of passion, anything was possible. An unknown amount of time passed before the entangled red and golden strands of hair finally separated. Ma Xiaotao's face was flushed, her gaze soft and hazy as she looked at Ling Bai.

"As expected, you're still so incredible. My whole body feels warm and cozy, like I'm soaking in a hot spring. I don't want to move at all…"

"That won't do. We haven't done this in over a year. Tonight, I'm not stopping until I've had my fill of you."

"Who's afraid of who? Bring it on, pretty boy!"

A few heated minutes later, 'Little Bai' was brimming with energy once again. Their clothes were shed in a frenzy, scattered across the floor as the room filled with the sounds of their lovemaking.

After several relentless rounds, their pace finally slowed, both of them spent and breathless. Ma Xiaotao lay draped over Ling Bai's arms, her chest heaving as she gasped for air, an expression of pure bliss on her flushed face. The way she gazed at his handsome features was filled with raw affection, her eyes locked on the one she loved most. She narrowed her pink eyes, lazily tracing circles on his sweat-slicked chest with a trembling finger, her voice slightly hoarse as she murmured:

"The day you came out of seclusion, I thought I saw six wings. Isn't that the state a Seraphim reaches when breaking through to Titled Douluo?"

"That's right."

Ling Bai chuckled, his hand gliding over her silky, damp skin as he caught his breath. "Normally, the Seraphim Martial Spirit awakens with two wings, evolves to four wings at the Spirit Saint rank, and unlocks six wings at the Titled Douluo rank.

I obtained some benefits during my training in the Star Dou Forest. You must have sensed it that day too; my Seraphim evolved Ultimate Light and Ultimate Fire. Coupled with successfully condensing my first Spirit Core, I was able to unlock my six-winged form ahead of time."

"A Tri-Ultimate attribute God-level Martial Spirit..."

Ma Xiaotao felt a heavy blow land. She suddenly didn't want to talk to Ling Bai anymore. She had practically given everything for her bottom-tier Ultimate Fire, yet in less than two years, the Seraphim had surpassed even the Evil Fire Phoenix in the fire attribute!

It felt like the heavens were simply force-feeding Ling Bai, holding a bowl behind him and shoving it down his throat!

In fact, that wasn't all. The Martial Spirit evolution had also granted his Angelic Domain a domain skill: Hymn of Praise.

When the Angelic Domain covered Shrek Academy, thousands upon thousands of angels chanting hymns took flight amidst the divine flames. Hymn of Praise was a spiritual-type domain skill that dissolved an enemy's mental resistance through holy chants. Any being with spirit power twenty ranks lower than Ling Bai would instantly lose all will to fight and kneel in submission, while others would suffer varying degrees of mental disruption.

Seeing the word 'envy' practically carved onto Ma Xiaotao's face, Ling Bai couldn't help but chuckle. He calmly got out of bed, naked, found his Storage Spirit Guidance Device, and took out a dazzling, sun-like golden spirit bone. He said:

"Here's your gift. A 100,000-year Sacred Sun Heaven Spirit Tiger torso spirit bone."

"For me?"

Ma Xiaotao pointed at herself, her face filled with disbelief. This was a 100,000-year spirit bone!

A national treasure!

Anyone else would have hurried to absorb it the moment they got their hands on it, yet Ling Bai could give it to her without batting an eye!

"The Sacred Sun Heaven Spirit Tiger is known as the Sun's Sacred Beast and possesses an extremely powerful fire attribute," Ling Bai explained. "You want to become the Sea God Pavilion Master, don't you? One more 100,000-year spirit bone is one more advantage."

"Mhm, mhm!"

Ma Xiaotao nodded repeatedly. She was the direct disciple of the Martial Spirit Department Dean, Bright Phoenix Douluo Yan Shaozhe, and the grand-disciple of the Sea God Pavilion Master, Dragon God Douluo Elder Mu. Even with her impeccable background, she hadn't managed to extract a 100,000-year spirit bone from Shrek Academy's vast foundation accumulated over ten thousand years. The only 100,000-year head bone she possessed came from the spirit beast she killed for her seventh spirit ring.

The very first gift Ling Bai gave her was a 100,000-year torso bone. Moreover, the feeling that he always kept her words close to his heart was incredibly warming.

The two soon rolled together again and again, the bed creaking under their renewed fervor. Ma Xiaotao's breath came in short, sharp gasps against his shoulder as he moved within her, her earlier exhaustion forgotten. "Mmm∽Ngh∽Mmm... Forgot to tell you… tomorrow morning, Big Senior Sister wants you, me, Han Ruoruo, Wu Ming, Hua Yao, and Gu Fan to meet at the pavilion by Sea God Lake for a discussion..."

"Aside from me, everyone there is an Inner Courtyard student at Spirit Saint rank or above. What's the topic?" Ling Bai asked.

"Go easy…" Ma Xiaotao murmured, her body arching slightly as a fresh wave of pleasure washed over her. "The people from Sun Moon Imperial Academy are coming. Looks like they want to discuss how we should handle them…"