After the Snow Empress and the others departed, Nan Shui Shui's expression darkened as she looked at Nan Qiuqiu, who was shrinking her neck nervously in front of her.
"You know what you were doing just now?" she asked in a low voice.
Nan Qiuqiu forced an awkward smile, her tone turning aggrieved.
"Mom… I just felt you were being wronged like that. You're the sect master, after all. Not only did they show you no respect, but after taking our things, they still acted so high and mighty. I—"
Before she could finish, the world suddenly spun. In the next instant, she found herself pinned against a low stone bench by Nan Shui Shui.
A sharp slap landed. Then another. And another.
Each strike carried a trace of soul power, not meant to seriously injure her, but enough to sting and leave a lesson behind. Nan Qiuqiu froze in shock, her eyes quickly reddening. Yet under her mother's authority, she endured it in silence.
Only after the punishment ended did Nan Shui Shui's voice ring out again, filled with frustration and disappointment.
"Nan Qiuqiu, it seems I've truly spoiled you. Among the younger generation in the sect, no one dares provoke you. They treat you like some big sister figure, don't they? And that's what gave you the confidence to say something so thoughtless."
"Let me tell you this clearly—strength is power. Strength is truth. Strength is what people call justice. Even if I were more than just the master of the Earth Dragon Sect— even if I stood at the very peak of the world— before those people, I still could not rely on status or position to feel superior!"
"Their attitude was already restrained. Even if they had mocked us after getting what they wanted, we would have had to endure it. Because you are not alone. Behind you stands an entire sect—countless lives! You cannot risk the future of the sect over your personal pride. If you continue like this, how could I ever entrust the sect to you a hundred years from now?"
"Qiuqiu, you're not a child anymore. Don't blame me for being harsh. You need to grow up. You can't let your emotions decide everything…"
Her voice softened slightly, but the authority in it remained unmistakable.
Nan Qiuqiu fell silent. Just as she was about to apologize, Nan Shui Shui continued:
"After this, you'll go to Fallen Dragon Cliff and cultivate there in hardship for one month. It's bitterly cold year-round, with relentless winds. It will temper your character."
"If you come down before a month is over, then for every remaining day, your punishment will become three. Qiuqiu, this is for your own good."
Nan Qiuqiu's eyes widened in horror. The next second, she rolled her eyes and fainted on the spot.
Mom… she's definitely my real mother…
She roared inwardly as tears streamed down her face.
…
Meanwhile, Shu Yan and the others had already set off toward the Extreme North.
Midair, Xu Jiujiu held Shu Yan's hand, her face filled with astonishment.
"A Yan… you really broke through to Soul Emperor?"
Shu Yan smiled and nodded. He gently ruffled her hair.
"The Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow is priceless to ice-attribute soul masters. Its effects aren't something ordinary heavenly treasures can compare to. Still, being able to break through to Soul Emperor so quickly wasn't just my doing. Sister Xue helped a lot. On my own, it wouldn't have been possible."
Xu Jiujiu stuck out her tongue playfully, but her expression soon dimmed.
"A Yan, you're cultivating so fast… I'm afraid that in a few years, I won't be able to keep up with you. When that happens… will you stop caring about me as much?"
Shu Yan glanced at the Snow Empress and Ice Empress beside them, who were pretending not to notice. He lowered his voice.
"Don't worry. Once we finish matters in the Extreme North, we'll visit a treasure land from ten thousand years ago. There are immortal herbs and rare treasures there that can rapidly boost your cultivation. If we're lucky, your Star Crown martial soul might even evolve into a true super martial soul."
Xu Jiujiu frowned slightly in thought before her eyes widened.
"Immortal herbs? A Yan… are you talking about the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well? One of the Three Great Medicinal Treasure Basins?"
Shu Yan nodded with a light chuckle.
"You know of it?"
"Of course. I often read ancient texts. The royal archives contain many rare records of events long buried by history."
"The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well is a place where the essence of heaven and earth gathers. Countless rare treasures grow there, including miraculous immortal herbs with heaven-defying effects. It's said that Tang San, the founding ancestor of the Tang Sect, benefited greatly from it. The original Shrek Seven Devils were also closely connected to it. Later, it became the sacred inheritance ground of the Tang Sect, once the number one sect on the continent. But in this era… it seems many have forgotten about it."
She looked at him curiously.
"So, A Yan, how did you learn about this place?"
Shu Yan smiled faintly.
"From a book as well. And I happen to know its current location. After ten thousand years, many of the immortal herbs there have cultivated into soul beasts. Some have even surpassed the hundred-thousand-year level."
"As far as I know, there's one called the Star Luo Spirit Pearl that suits you perfectly. It absorbs the essence of stars and moonlight at night to strengthen itself—an ideal match for your Star Crown. And the Qiluo Tulip, which is especially effective for jewel-type martial souls, would also be perfect for you."
"Once we secure the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, your cultivation will leap forward again. If fate favors us, even a ten-level breakthrough isn't impossible. As for martial soul evolution… that's not out of the question either."
All three women looked at him in astonishment.
Shu Yan waved a hand and joked, "Don't look at me like that. I just happen to know a bit more and be a bit smarter. What? Jealous? Planning to silence me?"
The Ice Empress snorted and turned her head away.
"Stop being narcissistic. This Empress is far smarter than you."
The Snow Empress smiled faintly but said nothing, though it was clear her interest had been piqued.
Xu Jiujiu gazed at Shu Yan with gentle eyes. She had many questions, but she knew he rarely explained such matters on his own. She was intelligent—and she loved him deeply. She didn't want to make things difficult for him. So no matter how many doubts lingered in her heart, she only voiced the simplest, easiest questions.
More often than not, what Xu Jiujiu cared about wasn't how many opportunities she could gain.
What she cared about most was Shu Yan—the man who had stood by her side for so long.Hidden TreasuresHidden TreasuresHidden TreasuresHidden TreasuresHidden Treasures
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