Luo Bingning sat cross-legged in the center of the cave dwelling, her body surrounded by pale blue spiritual energy. The energy flowed around her like living beings, sometimes condensing into ice crystals, sometimes turning into mist.

Lin Xi stood to the side, holding a yellowed ancient book, staring intently at Luo Bingning’s cultivation state.

‘Bingning-jie’s recovery speed is truly astonishing.’ Lin Xi secretly sighed in her heart.

In just over ten days, Luo Bingning’s cultivation had risen from the early Core Formation stage to the late Core Formation stage. Although there was still a huge gap compared to her peak Divine Transformation stage, it was already enough to intimidate ordinary Core Formation cultivators.

Luo Bingning slowly opened her eyes, faint light flickering in her ice-blue pupils. She stretched out her jade-like hand and at her fingertip, a crystalline ice flower formed.

“Xi’er, my Cold Laws have recovered seventy percent.” Her voice was still cold, but when she looked at Lin Xi her gaze carried clear attachment.

Lin Xi nodded and handed the ancient book in her hand to Luo Bingning.

“Bingning-jie, this is the Fundamentals of Primary Formations I found among my master’s writings. There are many records about ice-type formations inside, perhaps it can help you.”

Luo Bingning accepted the ancient book and casually flipped through a few pages, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.

“This Fundamentals of Formations actually records the method of arranging the ‘Nine Heavens Frost Formation’?” Her voice carried disbelief. “This is a top-tier defensive formation from ancient times. Even back then I had only heard rumors of it.”

Lin Xi felt joy in her heart. Anything from the system was indeed extraordinary. This Fundamentals of Formations had cost her a full 500 points, but it was worth it.

“Bingning-jie, we can arrange some defensive formations around the cave dwelling so we won’t have to worry about surprise attacks from enemies.”

Luo Bingning nodded, her gaze lingering on Lin Xi’s face for a moment before softly saying, “Xi’er, accompany me in setting up the formations.”

Lin Xi was a little surprised. With Luo Bingning’s talent, learning these formations should not be difficult and she shouldn’t need help from an “outsider” like her.

But when she saw Luo Bingning’s expectant gaze, she still nodded.

“Alright, I also want to learn some formation knowledge.”

A faint smile appeared on Luo Bingning’s face as she reached out and grasped Lin Xi’s wrist.

“Then let’s start now.”

* * *

In the following days, Luo Bingning led Lin Xi in arranging several defensive formations around the cave dwelling.

Frost Mirror Formation, Frozen Thousand Miles Formation, Snow Shadow Maze Formation… Each formation contained powerful Cold Laws and even the air carried a faint chill.

Lin Xi marveled at Luo Bingning’s formation talent. The complex formation runes seemed alive in her hands, shifting freely.

What surprised Lin Xi even more was that Luo Bingning displayed unprecedented patience during the formation process. For every formation node, she would carefully explain the principles and functions to Lin Xi.

“Xi’er, this formation core requires the infusion of ice-element spiritual power to activate the entire formation.” Luo Bingning crouched on the ground, pointing at a stone carved with complex runes.

Lin Xi nodded, carefully recording the knowledge. Although her cultivation wasn’t sufficient to arrange these advanced formations yet, understanding the principles would still be beneficial.

“Bingning-jie, I’ll go to the nearby valley to gather some spiritual herbs. You continue working on the formation.” Lin Xi looked at the sky and prepared to leave.

Luo Bingning’s movements suddenly paused, her eyes full of unease.

“Xi’er, where are you going?” Her voice was still calm, but Lin Xi could hear the tension in it.

“Just to the nearby valley. I found some Cold Marrow Grass there, which is good for your recovery.” Lin Xi explained.

Luo Bingning was silent for a moment, then softly said, “I’ll go with you.”

Lin Xi felt troubled. She actually wanted to enter the system space to take out some pills, then pretend she had gathered them in the valley. If Luo Bingning followed, that plan would be impossible.

“Bingning-jie, aren’t you still setting up the formation? Besides, I’ll just be nearby and come back quickly.”

Luo Bingning’s gaze suddenly turned cold and the surrounding temperature plummeted.

“Xi’er, do you not want me to come with you?” Her voice carried accusatorily.

Lin Xi’s heart trembled.

‘What was going on?’ Luo Bingning’s reaction was far too intense.

“No, Bingning-jie, I just didn’t want to disturb your work.” Lin Xi quickly explained.

Luo Bingning stared at her for a moment, then the icy look in her eyes gradually softened. She sighed lightly and her tone eased.

“Xi’er, I’m just worried about your safety. Even though I’ve set up defensive formations, people from the Blood Shadow Sect could appear at any time.”

Lin Xi felt a warmth in her heart. So Luo Bingning was worried about her safety.

“Bingning-jie, I’ll be careful. Besides, with your formations protecting us, I should be fine nearby.”

Luo Bingning hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.

“Then go and come back quickly. Don’t go too far.”

Lin Xi nodded and left the cave dwelling.

Once outside, she let out a long breath. Luo Bingning’s protective instincts seemed to be growing stronger and it made her a little uncomfortable.

“System, display Luo Bingning’s status panel.”

[Supreme Empress: Luo Bingning (Frost Empress)]

[Cultivation: Divine Transformation Stage Peak (sealed, current usable strength: Late Core Formation)]

[Bloodline: Ice Phoenix Bloodline (unawakened)]

[Status: Severely injured (60% recovered), strength sealed 70%]

[Loyalty: 85/100 (deep dependence)]

[Affection: 55/100]

[Special Status: Strong affinity for system pills, strong dependence on the host]

Lin Xi noticed a new line on the panel: “Strong dependence on the host.”

‘So this is the reason behind Luo Bingning’s unusual behavior lately?’ Lin Xi thought to herself.

She shook her head and continued toward the valley. Since she was already outside, she might as well collect some real herbs to have something to show when she returns.

The valley was lush with vegetation, various spiritual herbs exuding faint energy. Lin Xi carefully identified them and picked the useful ones.

Just then, she discovered a hidden cave. The entrance was covered in thick vines, hard to notice unless observed carefully.

Lin Xi’s heart stirred and she cautiously pushed aside the vines and entered.

The cave wasn’t large, but rich spiritual energy poured out. At its center, a clear spring bubbled, releasing a faint fragrance.

‘This is… a Spiritual Spring?’ Lin Xi was pleasantly surprised to find that the spring’s energy was pure and dense, perfect for Luo Bingning’s cultivation and recovery.

She carefully took out a jade bottle to collect some of the spring water for Luo Bingning.

At that moment, an icy aura suddenly struck from behind. Lin Xi’s heart jumped, but before she could turn, a pair of cold hands grabbed her shoulders.

“Xi’er, what are you doing?” Luo Bingning’s voice sounded in her ear, full of dissatisfaction.

Lin Xi turned and saw Luo Bingning standing behind her, exuding chilling energy. Her ice-blue eyes flickered with dangerous light as if ready to erupt at any moment.

“Bingning-jie? Why are you here?” Lin Xi was surprised and also a little guilty.

“Xi’er, where did you go? Why didn’t you bring me?” Her tone carried grievance, starkly different from the icy aura.

Lin Xi’s heart softened. She reached out and held Luo Bingning’s hand.

“Bingning-jie, I just wanted to give you a surprise. This Spiritual Spring’s energy is perfect for your cultivation. I wanted to bring some back for you.”

Luo Bingning’s expression eased somewhat, but she still held Lin Xi’s hand tightly.

“Next time, don’t go out alone, understand?” Her voice carried command, but her eyes revealed deep worry.

Lin Xi nodded, though she felt helpless inside. Luo Bingning’s possessiveness seemed to be getting stronger, leaving her breathless.

[System Prompt: Luo Bingning’s affection +5, loyalty +5! Host obtained one copy of Fundamentals of Primary Refinement!]

Lin Xi felt a little better from the system’s reward. At least Luo Bingning’s affection and loyalty were steadily rising, which was a good sign.

“Bingning-jie, let’s collect some spring water together.” Lin Xi changed the topic, pointing at the spring.

Luo Bingning nodded, but still held tightly to Lin Xi’s hand, as if afraid she might run away again.

* * *

The two collected some spring water together and then returned to the cave dwelling.

Back at the cave, Luo Bingning seemed to be in much better spirits. She began studying the spring water’s properties and tried integrating it into her cultivation.

“Xi’er, this spring water contains abundant water-element energy, very compatible with my Cold Laws.” Luo Bingning spoke excitedly, her eyes glowing brightly.

Lin Xi nodded, though inwardly she pondered Luo Bingning’s recent strange behavior.

“Bingning-jie, do you have something on your mind lately?” she asked tentatively.

Luo Bingning’s movements paused for a moment before she softly said, “No, I’m just worried about your safety.”

Lin Xi knew she wasn’t telling the truth, but didn’t press further. Everyone had their own secrets and she respected that.

* * *

In the following days, Lin Xi decided not to provoke Luo Bingning’s jealousy for now and focused on helping her recover.

She exchanged system points for various pills and spiritual foods suitable for Luo Bingning and gave them to her regularly.

Luo Bingning’s recovery was indeed astonishing. With the system pills’ help, her cultivation had stabilized at the late Core Formation stage and her injuries were mostly healed.

“Xi’er, I feel some changes.” One night, Luo Bingning suddenly spoke.

Lin Xi was sorting herbs and raised her head at the words.

“What changes?”

Luo Bingning’s gaze deepened as though she was looking far away.

“The Blood Shadow Sect’s forces seem to be lying low, but their spying hasn’t ceased.”

Lin Xi’s heart tightened. “You mean the Blood Shadow Sect’s people are still nearby?”

Luo Bingning nodded, cold killing intent flashing in her eyes.

“They’ve always been searching for my trace. Although the formations I set up can hide our aura, they won’t give up easily.”

Lin Xi frowned. This was not good news.