The night was deep and within the cave, night-luminescent pearls emitted a gentle glow.

Luo Bingning’s breathing gradually stabilized as the medicinal effects of the healing pills slowly took effect within her body.

Lin Xi sat cross-legged nearby, outwardly guarding Luo Bingning, while her consciousness had already sunk inward, carefully sensing the “Body-Refinement Nine Heavens” technique she had just obtained.

A strange power flowed slowly through her meridians.

This power was completely different from spiritual energy, heavier and far more resilient.

It circulated along specific paths within her body and with each cycle, she could clearly feel subtle changes occurring in her muscles and bones.

‘So this is the first layer of Body-Refinement Nine Heavens?’

Lin Xi was secretly astonished.

She could feel her physical strength increasing at a visible rate.

Her skin became tighter, her muscles firmer and even her bones emitted a faint sheen.

When she tried circulating this body-refining power, she immediately felt her entire body fill with explosive strength.

The impact from falling from such a height earlier would have seriously injured an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Yet she had only suffered minor injuries, entirely thanks to the passive protection of the body-refining technique.

‘Good grief, is this turning me from a frail girl into an invincible female juggernaut?’

Lin Xi couldn’t help complaining inwardly.

But she also knew this would be extremely beneficial in future battles.

The cultivation world was filled with danger and having one more method to save one’s life was always a good thing.

Especially when facing evil forces like the Blood Shadow Sect, a powerful physical body could be lifesaving at critical moments.

She continued studying the technique in depth and discovered that the profundity of Body-Refinement Nine Heavens far exceeded her expectations.

The first layer mainly strengthened basic constitution, enhancing defense and recovery.

The second layer allowed the physical body to possess mountain-shattering, stone-splitting power.

The third layer could render the body as indestructible as diamond, impervious to blades and swords.

As for the later layers, the inheritance contained only vague descriptions, requiring corresponding realms to unlock.

‘This is practically a god-tier technique.’

Lin Xi felt secretly thrilled.

With this body-refining method, her survivability would increase dramatically.

Combined with various items from the system shop, she would have fighting strength even against stronger enemies.

Just as she was immersed in studying the technique, a soft moan came from beside her.

“Xi’er…”

Luo Bingning slowly opened her eyes, immediately searching for Lin Xi.

When she saw Lin Xi guarding her side, a satisfied smile unconsciously curved at her lips.

“Bingning-jie, you’re awake?”

Lin Xi quickly withdrew her focus and looked at Luo Bingning with concern.

“How do you feel? Is it still uncomfortable?”

Luo Bingning tried sitting up and discovered her internal injuries had stabilized significantly.

Though she had not fully recovered, at least they would no longer worsen.

“Much better.”

She spoke softly, her eyes filled with gratitude.

“The pills you gave me are very effective. I feel my injuries are healing faster than expected.”

Lin Xi let out a sigh of relief.

The healing pills she had just exchanged had cost quite a few points, but the effect clearly made them worth it.

[Current points: 2500]

[Detected Luo Bingning’s injuries stabilized, nurturing progress +5%]

[Current nurturing progress: 90%]

The system notification made Lin Xi’s heart leap with joy.

Luo Bingning’s nurturing progress was already close to completion; with a bit more effort, more functions would unlock.

“Xi’er, were you cultivating just now?”

Luo Bingning keenly noticed the change in Lin Xi’s aura.

“I feel your cultivation has improved again.”

Lin Xi nodded, not hiding anything.

“Yes, I broke through some bottlenecks just now.”

She extended her palm and lightly clenched her fist.

A powerful force gathered within it and the air let out a faint explosive sound.

Seeing this, a trace of surprise flashed through Luo Bingning’s eyes.

Such pure physical power had already surpassed that of ordinary Core Formation cultivators.

Xi’er’s talent was truly terrifying.

“Xi’er is amazing.”

Her eyes were filled with relief and pride, like a mother watching her child achieve excellent results.

“This makes me even more at ease.”

Lin Xi felt a bit embarrassed under that gaze.

“Bingning-jie is amazing too. If you hadn’t protected me with everything you had earlier, we wouldn’t have escaped.”

“For Xi’er, I’m willing to do anything.”

Luo Bingning’s voice was light, but the determination within it was as heavy as a mountain.

She reached out and gently held Lin Xi’s hand.

“As long as I can protect Xi’er, even severe injuries are worth it.”

Feeling the warmth from Luo Bingning’s palm, a warm current surged through Lin Xi’s heart.

This woman’s feelings for her had already gone far beyond mere repayment.

They were heartfelt protection and attachment.

“Bingning-jie, don’t say that.”

Lin Xi spoke softly.

“We have to grow stronger together and face all dangers together.”

“Mhm.”

Luo Bingning nodded obediently, her eyes filled with attachment.

She suddenly remembered something and showed a slightly coquettish expression.

“Xi’er, I’m a bit tired.”

Her voice carried a hint of soft petulance.

“Can you comfort me a little?”

Seeing Luo Bingning’s girlish demeanor, Lin Xi felt another wave of helplessness.

This former Frost Empress who once dominated the cultivation world was now like a clingy little kitten in front of her.

“Alright, alright, I’ll comfort you.”

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

“What do you want to hear?”

“Xi’er, will you sing for me?”

Luo Bingning’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“I want to hear your voice.”

Lin Xi was completely defeated by that pitiful expression.

She lightly cleared her throat and began softly humming a song from her memories of her previous life.

Her voice was gentle and melodious, slowly echoing through the cave.

Luo Bingning closed her eyes and quietly listened.

A satisfied smile rested at the corner of her lips, her entire being looking especially peaceful.

As Lin Xi hummed, she gently patted Luo Bingning’s back.

Her movements were tender and careful, like soothing a child to sleep.

“Xi’er’s voice is really beautiful.”

Luo Bingning murmured softly in her arms.

“I feel like all the pain has disappeared.”

Lin Xi continued gently patting her back, while her thoughts turned to plans ahead.

The Blood Shadow Sect’s master, Xue Wuya, would never let this go.

Xiao Xuesha’s death would only enrage them further, prompting even stronger pursuers.

She had to help Luo Bingning fully recover her strength as soon as possible—or even become stronger.

Only then could they survive the coming crisis.

[Detected host strategic thinking active]

[Advanced nurturing mode activated]

[New task: Help Luo Bingning recover to Nascent Soul mid-stage.]

[Reward: Body-Refinement Nine Heavens (Second Layer), system function upgrade.]

Seeing the system prompt, Lin Xi’s eyes lit up.

Once Luo Bingning broke through to Nascent Soul mid-stage, her strength would undergo a qualitative leap.

At that point, even facing the Blood Shadow Sect master, she would have the power to fight.

“Bingning-jie.”

Lin Xi spoke softly.

“Once you recover a bit more, we’ll go search for that ancient cave dwelling. It’s not only safe—there may even be some opportunities waiting for us.”

Luo Bingning nodded in her arms.

“I’ll listen to Xi’er.”

Her voice was thick with reliance.

“As long as I’m with Xi’er, anywhere is fine.”

Lin Xi continued stroking her hair, already beginning to plan in detail.

The system shop had various pills and rare materials to increase cultivation.

As long as there were enough points, she could help Luo Bingning achieve a breakthrough in a short time.

Moreover, she had gained 5000 points from killing Xiao Xuesha earlier and was currently quite well-off.

“Oh, right, Bingning-jie.”

Lin Xi suddenly remembered something.

“How much do you know about that ancient cave dwelling? Is there anything special about it?”

Luo Bingning slightly opened her eyes, recalling her experiences from back then.

“That cave dwelling is said to be the cultivation residence of a great expert from ancient times. Inside, there are not only powerful protective formations but also many precious texts and treasures.”

Her voice carried a trace of excitement.

“If I cultivate there, my recovery speed will be much faster.”

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s heart stirred.

An ancient great expert’s cave dwelling—its treasures would certainly be priceless.

There might even be techniques or pills suitable for Luo Bingning.

“Then we’ll set off tomorrow.”

Lin Xi made her decision.

“For now, rest well and recover your energy.”

“Mhm.”

Luo Bingning responded obediently and closed her eyes again.

But she didn’t release the arm wrapped around Lin Xi, clearly unwilling to leave that warm embrace.

Looking at Luo Bingning in her arms, a powerful protective instinct surged within Lin Xi.

This foolish woman was willing to give everything for her.

Then she absolutely could not betray that trust.

No matter how powerful the enemy, she would protect Luo Bingning.

She would ensure she never suffered harm again.

* * *

The night grew deeper and the sounds of insects echoed outside the cave.

Lin Xi continued guarding Luo Bingning while silently circulating Body-Refinement Nine Heavens in her mind.

She could clearly feel every cell in her body undergoing subtle transformations.

Her strength increased, her defense improved and even her reaction speed was faster than before.

This sensation filled her with confidence.

With this god-tier body-refining technique and the system’s assistance, she believed she could carve out her own path in this dangerous cultivation world.

More importantly, she would make Luo Bingning a true supreme empress.

Not only restoring her peak strength, but surpassing her former self.

Becoming the strongest existence in this world.