Chapter 270: Ning Tian, or Ning Rongrong?

In an instant, the system activated a protective barrier around Qian Ran's room, isolating it from the outside world. Without this precaution, the surge of energy from the soul bones would have alerted every team in the hotel.

The system's support never failed to impress.

"Soul bones! These are soul bones!"

"Qian Ran, you're giving us soul bones? And such high-quality ones at that?"

Even though many of the women came from prominent families, soul bones were precious treasures for any soul master. Their families might have a few heirloom soul bones, but they would never allocate them all to one person.

Now, Qian Ran had distributed soul bones to each of them. The gesture left them deeply moved.

Moreover, his generosity astonished them.

High-quality soul bones like these were rarely seen, even at the finest auction houses. The Starlight Auction House, the largest in the Star Luo Empire, was only now putting years of accumulated treasures on the block because of the influx of high-profile soul masters for the tournament.

Normally, soul bones were so rare that they didn't appear at auction for long periods.

Yet Qian Ran had casually taken out so many, all perfectly suited to each of them. This wasn't just about wealth—it was about access to resources that even Shrek Academy couldn't easily provide.

"These soul bones are at least 10,000 years old and will significantly enhance your strength," Qian Ran explained.

"And they've been specially processed, so you can absorb them directly."

"Ahhh! Qian Ran, you're the best—I love you!" Wang Dong'er exclaimed, throwing herself at Qian Ran and planting a heavy kiss on his cheek.

Once Wang Dong'er broke the ice, the others followed suit, swarming Qian Ran in a flurry of embraces and kisses. It was as if he had been transported to paradise.

For a fleeting moment, Qian Ran fantasized about having them all in bikinis, playing out a scene straight out of his wildest dreams.

Unfortunately, it was tournament season, and he couldn't afford to be so reckless. If rumors spread, his reputation across the continent would be ruined. Being labeled as a philanderer would seriously hinder his future escapades.

By the time the group calmed down, Qian Ran's face and neck were covered in lipstick marks. His exasperated expression made the women burst into laughter.

"If we were back at the villa, I'd have locked the doors and taken care of all of you right here," Qian Ran muttered under his breath, clearly frustrated by the constraints of the moment.

With so many women in his life now, he could practically host a party every night.

"Never mind. Tonight, I'll focus on Ning Tian," Qian Ran thought, a sly smile spreading across his face.

Earlier in the day, Xu Jiujie's teasing had left him restless. While their playful moments had alleviated some of the tension, it wasn't enough to satisfy him.

Ning Tian, on the other hand, had been on his mind for some time.

The women began absorbing their soul bones, finding the process surprisingly easy. As Qian Ran had promised, the energy within the soul bones was stable and gentle. Without deliberate effort, the energy wouldn't run rampant in their bodies.

This was a first for them—absorbing soul bones without struggle.

As night fell, most of the women had finished absorbing their soul bones. Their levels had increased by two or three ranks, with even Ma Xiaotao seeing a significant boost. She had reached Level 70, the threshold for a Soul Saint, though tournament rules meant she couldn't advance just yet.

"If not for you, I would've needed at least another six months to reach Soul Saint," Ma Xiaotao said, walking over to Qian Ran. For someone at her level, gaining two or three ranks in a year was already considered fast.

The soul bone had saved her half a year of arduous cultivation and significantly enhanced her combat strength.

"So, how do you plan to thank me?" Qian Ran teased, giving her a firm squeeze on her shapely hips. Ma Xiaotao's fiery figure had always been one of his favorites.

"Anything you want," Ma Xiaotao replied, blushing. With everything Qian Ran had done for her, she felt she owed him deeply.

Even though she knew Qian Ran had a penchant for mischievous requests, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.

"Not tonight. Tomorrow, come to me wearing white stockings—the thin, sheer kind," Qian Ran said, planting a quick kiss on her cheek, clearly excited by the thought.

"Alright," Ma Xiaotao agreed, her face turning crimson.

While she looked great in nude stockings, Qian Ran was eager to see her in delicate white ones.

One by one, the others also came over to spend time with Qian Ran. Surprisingly, none of them turned down his playful requests, leaving him overjoyed.

Normally, the more reserved among them would balk at such things, but tonight, they seemed ready to indulge him without hesitation. Their newfound willingness made them all the more enchanting.

For any man, such a moment would be impossible to resist.

After the group dispersed, Ning Tian stayed behind.

With only the two of them left in the room, she didn't show a hint of shyness. Her gaze was steady, her beautiful eyes locked onto Qian Ran.

"Qian Ran, you're finally mine," she said softly, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"I've waited so long for this day."

Ever since she first saw Qian Ran at Shrek Academy, Ning Tian had been captivated by him.

Her unrequited feelings only deepened her infatuation.

Most of the time, Qian Ran was surrounded by others, making it nearly impossible to get close to him. But now, at last, he was hers alone.

"Me too," Qian Ran replied, his voice sincere. The sweet scent wafting from Ning Tian made his head spin.

"Liar. If you really wanted me, you would've come to me sooner," Ning Tian pouted. "But I don't mind. As long as I'm with you, I'm happy. Once you get to know me, you'll see how special I am."

"I'm going to change," she added after a pause, reluctantly letting go of him.

Still dressed in her Shrek Academy uniform, Ning Tian's student-like appearance stirred a strange mix of emotions in Qian Ran.

"Change here," Qian Ran said with a mischievous grin.

Watching a beauty dress—or undress—was an irresistible delight for him, especially when it involved stockings.

Blushing, Ning Tian seemed to understand his intentions. She began changing in front of him, her face a deep shade of red.

Leaning back, Qian Ran casually took a bite from an apple, thoroughly enjoying the view as Ning Tian slowly dressed herself.

There was an elegance to the way she moved, each gesture full of natural charm, especially as she slipped on her stockings.

"So, Ning Rongrong wore blue and pink back then, huh?" Qian Ran mused as he watched.

Ning Tian's outfit—a flowing, ethereal gown in pale green and white—radiated grace and nobility, making her look like a celestial maiden untouched by worldly concerns. Her hair was adorned with silver ornaments, while white ribbons highlighted her slender shoulders and delicate waist.

Underneath the gown, a pair of form-fitting blue stockings clung to her legs, thick yet perfectly flattering.

For a moment, Qian Ran felt as if he were looking at a reincarnation of Ning Rongrong from ten thousand years ago.

The resemblance was uncanny, as though she had stepped straight out of the legends.

"If only Ning Rongrong weren't in the Divine Realm now as the Nine-Colored Goddess," Qian Ran thought wistfully. "Otherwise, I'd have taken her for myself..."

(Chapter End)