Chapter 159: The Undying Flame of Dragon Phoenix

Roughly ten minutes after Liu Erlong began absorbing the ten-thousand-year spirit ring, her eyes remained closed, but her face showed obvious signs of discomfort.

Zhao Ling knew that the lingering will of the Unihorn Flame Dragon within the spirit ring was likely affecting her. However, now wasn't the right time for him to step in and assist.

If Liu Erlong could absorb this ten-thousand-year spirit ring on her own, it would benefit her immensely. He had to be patient.

More than half an hour passed, and Liu Erlong's expression grew increasingly pained, her body drenched in cold sweat. Zhao Ling began to worry that she might be in danger and had no choice but to intervene and help her absorb the spirit ring.

With Zhao Ling's assistance, the pain on Liu Erlong's face gradually eased, and the sweating stopped.

Another ten minutes later, she finally completed the absorption of the Unihorn Flame Dragon's ten-thousand-year spirit ring, and her spirit power rose from level 40 to 43.

She slowly opened her eyes, a look of relief washing over her face. Without hesitation, she threw herself into Zhao Ling's arms.

"Husband, I successfully absorbed the ten-thousand-year spirit ring. Thank you. If you hadn't helped me, I'm afraid I would've..."

Zhao Ling didn't let her finish. He kissed her tender red lips deeply, only letting go after a full minute.

"Alright, Dragon'er, the roast meat should be ready. Hmm? Why does it smell burnt...?"

Zhao Ling suddenly sniffed the air and looked toward the roast meat. He discovered that the skewers facing the fire were almost completely charred.

Fortunately, he hadn't added any more firewood while Liu Erlong was absorbing the spirit ring, so the charring wasn't too severe—still edible.

He picked up two skewers and handed one to Liu Erlong, asking gently, "Dragon'er, what are your four spirit abilities now called?"

Liu Erlong took the skewer from him, sensed her spirit energy briefly, and answered:

"My first ability evolved into 'Dragon Phoenix Possession,' a buff-type skill. It currently increases attack, defense, and speed by 45%."

"My second ability became 'Dragon Phoenix Claw,' a pure attack-type skill. I'll need to test it later to gauge its true power."

"My third ability still retains its name—'Thunderous Wrath.' But its power is now at least two or three times stronger than before my martial spirit mutated."

"The fourth ability is 'Undying Flame of Dragon Phoenix.' It can release flames of extremely high temperature. These flames are very hard to extinguish—if a spirit master of the same level or even one rank higher gets caught in it, it'll be a nightmare for them. What do you think, husband? Aren't I amazing?"

Zhao Ling paused in thought, then nodded firmly. "Yes, Dragon'er, you truly are amazing. When we get home tonight, your husband will definitely reward you well."

Liu Erlong's smug expression froze immediately and turned bitter.

"H-Husband... Can we not... today? It's rare that I can leave the room for once. Can't I rest for a few days?"

"No can do. Your sisters Xi'er and Yin'er were already 'tormented' by me yesterday. If I go to them again today, I'll feel guilty. So I can only trouble you."

Zhao Ling found her miserable expression hilarious. Just a while ago, this little minx had been taunting him, saying she didn't believe he could do anything to her. She surely believed it now, didn't she?

Liu Erlong angrily chomped down a third of the meat skewer, her cheeks puffing up as she chewed with difficulty.

Zhao Ling gave a helpless chuckle. "Alright, alright, I was joking. I promise I won't come to your room tonight. Satisfied?"

Liu Erlong finally swallowed the tough boar meat and gave a cold snort. "You think I'd believe that? Once you get any ideas, you think you'll let me go? Who do you take me for, a child?"

She took another third of the skewer into her mouth and glared at Zhao Ling with sharp eyes, clearly issuing a warning.

Zhao Ling felt a chill down his spine and instinctively took several steps back.

Dragon'er had always been gentle with him, as gentle as Yin'er in fact, which made him forget—this woman was still a fiery-tempered female dragon.

Better not mess with her. Even as a Title Douluo, he didn't dare anger this dragoness. Who knew how crazy she might get?

After lunch, Zhao Ling stored the corpse of the ten-thousand-year Unihorn Flame Dragon in his storage space. A ten-thousand-year beast's flesh surely surpassed that of a mere century-old spirit beast.

He planned to take the meat back home to treat the others. They'd be grateful for sure.

After storing the corpse, Zhao Ling withdrew the domain he had been maintaining around them. Reaching out to take Liu Erlong's soft hand, he smiled gently.

"Dragon'er, it's still early to head back. Let your husband take you to a place to soak in a hot spring. Want to go?"

"What? A hot spring? Where?" Liu Erlong's eyes immediately lit up. Though she had access to hot baths at home, soaking in a real hot spring was a completely different experience from bathing in a tub.

Who would want to go home and use a bathtub when there's a hot spring?

"It's in a very mysterious place," Zhao Ling said with a grin and lifted her into his arms, soaring into the sky toward the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Less than ten minutes later, they landed beside the hot spring.

As soon as Liu Erlong got down from his arms and stepped onto the ground, she was about to undress when a thought struck her. She quickly asked, "Husband, are you sure no one else will come here? What if someone sees us?"

Zhao Ling smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry. No one else is around. There's a natural poisonous gas barrier around this valley, so almost no one dares enter. Besides, with my spiritual sense, no one can sneak in without me noticing. You're safe."

Liu Erlong relaxed. Knowing her husband's domineering nature, there was no way he'd let another man even look at her.

If a man really tried to take advantage of her, he'd be lucky to escape with his life.

Having reassured herself, she quickly took off her clothes and entered the spring.

The sensation of being immersed in the warm springwater was indescribably soothing. Liu Erlong closed her eyes, thoroughly enjoying the feeling, as if every cell in her body rejoiced and relaxed.

But not long after, she heard splashing. She opened her eyes and saw Zhao Ling behind her, arms wrapping around her waist.

At that moment, her mind went blank with just one thought: Crap! How could I forget about him?! I knew he wouldn't pass up the chance to "torment" me! Why didn't I stay on guard?!?