Inside the cave dwelling, mist from the spirit spring curled through the air. Luo Bingning sat cross-legged beside the spring, a faint blue radiance emanating from her entire body.

Lin Xi sat at a stone table not far away, flipping through ancient texts while occasionally glancing toward Luo Bingning, who was immersed in cultivation.

Three days passed and the Empress’s aura grew increasingly dense, her recovery speed far exceeding expectations.

[Detected Luo Bingning’s cultivation steadily rising]

[Current cultivation: Nascent Soul late-stage peak]

[Injury recovery: 99%]

[Estimated full recovery today with a chance to break through to the Soul Transformation stage]

The system’s notification made Lin Xi feel delighted.

Over these days, she herself had not slacked in cultivation either. Her Core Formation mid-stage realm had grown increasingly stable and the first level of the Body-Refining Ninth Heaven had made clear progress.

The circulation of spiritual energy within her body had become smoother and the strength of her muscles and bones was already comparable to that of a Nascent Soul body cultivator.

She closed the ancient book in her hands and stood up, walking deeper into the cave dwelling.

Many ancient-era magical treasures and pills were stored here. Though timeworn, their quality was still outstanding.

Lin Xi casually selected several useful items and stored them in her storage ring, making final preparations for the coming battle against the Blood Shadow Sect.

“Xi’er.”

Luo Bingning’s voice suddenly sounded from behind.

Lin Xi turned around and saw Luo Bingning slowly rising from the spirit spring.

Spring water slid down her snow-white skin, her damp long hair clinging to her fragrant shoulders as she radiated an aura that was both sacred and alluring.

Lin Xi hurriedly looked away, her cheeks warming slightly.

“Bingning-jie, are you done cultivating?”

“Mm, just about.”

Luo Bingning stepped out of the spring and flicked her hand casually. The water droplets instantly evaporated and her clothes became dry.

She walked to Lin Xi’s side and wrapped an arm around hers.

“Xi’er, my condition right now is better than it has ever been.”

Excitement sparkled in Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“With another half day, I’ll be completely recovered and may even break through to the Soul Transformation stage.”

Feeling the powerful aura emanating from Luo Bingning, Lin Xi felt her own excitement rise.

“That’s wonderful, Bingning-jie.”

“But…”

Luo Bingning suddenly stopped, her gaze turning meaningful.

“Xi’er, I thought of a question while cultivating just now.”

Seeing her expression, a vague sense of foreboding rose in Lin Xi’s heart.

“What question?”

Luo Bingning leaned closer and whispered by Lin Xi’s ear, “This spirit spring has such remarkable cultivation effects. It would surely be extremely beneficial for improving your cultivation as well.”

Her voice carried a tempting undertone.

“How about we soak in it together and go into seclusion? Cultivating together should be much more efficient.”

Lin Xi froze instantly.

Images involuntarily surfaced in her mind of the two of them soaking together in the spirit spring.

Warm spring water, drifting mist and Luo Bingning’s perfect figure…

A sudden rush of heat surged up her nose.

“Pfft—”

A stream of blood burst out, splattering several red droplets onto the stone floor of the cave dwelling.

Luo Bingning’s eyes widened, completely unprepared for this scene.

“Xi’er? What’s wrong with you…”

Lin Xi hurriedly covered her nose, her face flushing all the way to her ears.

“N-no, it’s nothing, I’m just a bit overheated.”

Her voice stuttered.

“I’ve been cultivating too diligently lately and there’s too much internal heat.”

Luo Bingning blinked, realization dawning on her face.

“So that’s it.”

She reached out and gently touched Lin Xi’s forehead.

“It does feel a bit warm. Seems you really are overheated.”

Lin Xi was screaming internally.

‘Your Majesty the Empress, this invitation is way too lethal. I’m a normal male soul. Facing this kind of temptation, not getting a nosebleed would be abnormal!’

“Bingning-jie, I think it’s better if we cultivate separately.”

Lin Xi tried her best to keep her tone steady.

“You’re about to break through. I don’t want to disturb you.”

A hint of disappointment flashed through Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“Alright, if that’s what Xi’er wants…”

Her voice carried clear reluctance.

“Then after we deal with the Blood Shadow Sect, we’ll find a secluded place and cultivate together there, always together.”

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s heartbeat sped up again.

‘Empress, that promise is a bit heavy. What do you mean by always together? That kind of ambiguous phrasing really invites overthinking, you know!’

“O-okay.”

Lin Xi could only agree stiffly.

She forced a sweet smile on her face while struggling wildly inside.

Seeing Lin Xi’s smile, Luo Bingning’s mood immediately brightened.

“Then it’s settled.”

She leaned in and lightly kissed Lin Xi on the cheek.

“Xi’er treats me so well. I must repay you properly.”

The sudden kiss made Lin Xi even more flustered.

“Bingning-jie, you should focus on cultivation for now.”

She quickly changed the subject.

“I’ll go prepare some spiritual food for you. You can eat first and replenish some spiritual energy.”

“Xi’er is so considerate.”

Luo Bingning’s eyes brimmed with sweetness.

“With Xi’er here, I feel like no difficulty is insurmountable.”

Lin Xi nodded and turned toward another corner of the cave dwelling.

Various spiritual herbs and ingredients were stored there, perfect for making spiritual meals.

As she busied herself, she also thought about the next steps.

Luo Bingning was about to recover to her peak state. It was time to launch the final revenge against the Blood Shadow Sect.

[Detected emotional fluctuations in the host]

[Recommended that the host remain calm and focus on the current task]

The system’s reminder helped Lin Xi calm down a little.

She took a deep breath and focused on handling the ingredients.

Spiritual meal preparation required precise heat control and spiritual energy infusion. There could be no mistakes.

Lin Xi sliced several precious spiritual herbs and combined them with ancient-era ingredients, slowly simmering them into a pot of fragrant spiritual porridge.

The porridge glowed a pale golden color and radiated dense spiritual energy.

Such a spiritual meal could not only replenish consumed spiritual energy but also stabilize one’s cultivation foundation.

“Xi’er, it smells amazing.”

Luo Bingning’s voice sounded from behind.

Lin Xi turned and saw that she had already returned to the spirit spring, looking at her with an expectant gaze.

“It’ll be ready soon.”

Lin Xi scooped up a spoonful of porridge to taste.

Warm and sweet, brimming with spiritual energy. The effect should be excellent.

She poured the porridge into an exquisite jade bowl and brought it to Luo Bingning.

“Bingning-jie, eat it while it’s hot.”

Luo Bingning accepted the bowl and inhaled its aroma deeply.

“Xi’er’s cooking really keeps getting better.”

She took small bites, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.

“This kind of flavor can only come from Xi’er.”

Watching Luo Bingning enjoy the spiritual meal, a strange sense of satisfaction welled up in Lin Xi’s heart.

Although this Empress sometimes left her feeling helpless, seeing her show such happiness because of her care was deeply rewarding.

“Is it good?”

“Of course it is.”

Luo Bingning set the bowl down, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“Everything Xi’er makes is the most delicious thing in the world.”

She suddenly stood up and walked in front of Lin Xi.

A faint smile appeared on her usually cold face, that pure and content expression warming Lin Xi’s heart.

“Xi’er, thank you for always taking such good care of me.”

Luo Bingning reached out and gently stroked Lin Xi’s cheek.

“When I fully recover, I’ll protect you properly.”

Feeling the cool touch of her palm, Lin Xi’s heartbeat quickened slightly.

“Bingning-jie, go make your final push.”

She said softly, “I can feel it. You’re only one step away from breaking through.”

Luo Bingning nodded and looked deeply at Lin Xi.

“Then I’m going.”

She returned to the spirit spring and sat down cross-legged.

This time, her aura was noticeably more solid than before.

The fluctuations of spiritual energy around her grew increasingly violent, clearly entering the most critical breakthrough stage.

Lin Xi stood quietly at the side, guarding her with anticipation filling her heart.

[Detected Luo Bingning is about to break through]

[Breakthrough success rate: 95%]

[Estimated breakthrough time: 1 hour]

The system’s notification made Lin Xi even more excited.

Once Luo Bingning succeeded, her strength would undergo a qualitative leap.

Facing the Blood Shadow Sect afterward, their chances would be far greater.

* * *

Time slowly passed and the spiritual energy fluctuations inside the cave dwelling grew increasingly intense.

A dazzling ice-blue radiance began to emanate from Luo Bingning’s body, making her look like an ice-and-snow goddess.

Suddenly, a powerful aura burst forth from her.

[Breakthrough successful!]

[Luo Bingning’s cultivation: Soul Transformation early-stage]

[Injury recovery: 100%]

[Nurturing progress +2%, current: 95%]

[Due to overcompletion of the task, breakthrough reward obtained: 10000 points]

[Current points: 9300]

The cascade of system notifications filled Lin Xi with joy.

Luo Bingning had finally fully recovered.

And her points balance had reached a new high, enough to purchase even more powerful items.

The light gradually receded and Luo Bingning slowly opened her eyes.

Her ice-blue pupils shimmered with unprecedented brilliance and her entire presence had subtly changed.

More noble, more powerful and more dangerous.

“Xi’er.”

She stood up, her voice brimming with excitement she couldn’t conceal.

“I succeeded.”

Lin Xi hurried over.

“Congratulations, Bingning-jie!”

Luo Bingning swept Lin Xi up into her arms, lifting her off the ground.

“It’s all thanks to your careful care that I recovered so quickly.”

She whispered by Lin Xi’s ear, “Now, it’s time for the Blood Shadow Sect to pay the price.”