Zhu Zhuyun's eyes were tightly shut, her brows furrowed in pain.
Her delicate body trembled continuously.
Although the excess energy from the 100,000-year Sky Azure Bull Python's soul ring was constantly being absorbed by the creep beneath her, the energy still had to pass through Zhu Zhuyun's body first. And a Soul Ancestor at level 40 could, at most, safely absorb a thousand-year soul ring.
But this was a 100,000-year soul ring!
The difference between the energy of a thousand-year ring and a hundred-thousand-year ring was like comparing a puddle to the vast ocean.
And on top of that, a 100,000-year ring came with two soul skills!
If Zhu Zhuyun could fully absorb it, not only would her soul power undergo a qualitative leap, but she'd also gain one more soul skill than others—an overwhelming advantage in combat.
"Mmgh!"
Sweat began to bead on Zhu Zhuyun's forehead as her body tensed under the strain. She clenched her teeth, enduring the pain flooding her entire being.
It felt like countless blades were slicing through her, as the immense energy tore through her muscles and meridians.
The phantom of her fourth soul ring hovered faintly around her—still not fully solid, which meant the fusion was incomplete.
BOOM—!
A burst of force erupted from Zhu Zhuyun's body, accompanied by a savage, primitive aura.
"AH!!"
She cried out in pain. The energy from the Sky Azure Bull Python's soul ring was simply too overwhelming—she was at her limit.
In her mind, an image of Lin Fan surfaced, and a bitter smile curved her pale lips.
"My Lord… I'm sorry… I've failed you…"
The raging energy within the ring rampaged through her body, tearing and ravaging everything it touched.
HUM—!
Suddenly, a cool stream of energy flowed into her back.
As soon as it entered, it began to circulate gently through her meridians. The damaged pathways began to heal at a remarkable speed.
Even more amazing—this energy began to merge with the overwhelming soul ring power, pacifying it. The violent flood turned into a gentle stream, now flowing slowly and steadily into her body.
The phantom of Zhu Zhuyun's fourth soul ring gradually solidified.
"Ah~"
The shift in energy soothed her immensely, eliciting a soft moan. It felt like stepping into a cool oasis after enduring the scorching desert—relief that touched every nerve in her body.
Opening her eyes, Zhu Zhuyun saw Lin Fan right in front of her—barely five centimeters away!
Wait... if Lord Lin Fan is in front of me… then who was behind me?
Sensing more carefully, she realized a pair of soft, slender hands were pressed against her back, transmitting that calming energy.
It was Xiao Wu!
The realization dawned, and a flush of gratitude swept across her face.
Lord Lin Fan... you're so kind to me...
She immediately refocused, sitting upright and closing her eyes to concentrate fully on absorbing the soul ring.
Suddenly, a wave of heat surged from in front of her.
Before she could react, a pair of warm lips pressed against hers.
Her entire body trembled. A strong arm wrapped tightly around her.
Startled, Zhu Zhuyun opened her eyes to see Lin Fan passionately kissing her, holding her close.
"L-Lord Lin Fan…"
She lowered her head, breathless and shy. "My soul ring isn't fully absorbed yet…"
Lin Fan smiled, holding her gently.
"It's fine. You just keep absorbing. I'll guard you."
"…Okay."
She obediently sat in his lap, focusing again on absorbing the soul ring.
A short time later—
"Mmngh!"
Zhu Zhuyun let out a muffled groan. The heat coursing through her was too intense.
Her body felt as if it was burning from the inside out.
She cried out again: "Lord Lin Fan… I… I'm so hot!"
Lin Fan looked at her pained expression, thoughtful.
It seems soul masters in this world don't emphasize physical conditioning… and the power of a hundred-thousand-year ring really is enormous. No wonder she's struggling.
Even Tang San nearly died absorbing a 2,000-year ring back then… and this is a 100,000-year one.
Lin Fan pressed close to Zhu Zhuyun, channeling energy from the Zerg creep into her body to ease her pain.
"How is it? Feeling any better?"
Zhu Zhuyun's brow eased slightly as she replied softly, "Much better… thanks to you, my Lord…"
But Lin Fan's expression tightened.
"That energy… it's moving toward your heart!"
"I'll purge it for you."
Without waiting, he drew her closer and placed his hands over her chest, guiding his power to calm the raging soul force threatening her heart and veins.
"Thank you… thank you, Lord Lin Fan…"
She felt tingles race across her skin—like a surge of electricity sweeping through her. The discomfort from the uncontrolled energy quickly faded.
But then Lin Fan frowned even more deeply.
This soul force… it's moving lower… toward her dantian!
Alarmed, he pressed a hand to her lower abdomen.
"Careful—it could damage your core. I'll suppress it!"
Zhu Zhuyun's face turned serious, but she nodded. "I trust you, my Lord…"
Lin Fan held her tightly in his arms.
"I'll purge this energy. Once it's gone, you'll fully absorb the ring."
Zhu Zhuyun closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace.
Lin Fan focused, sending his energy into her again, scanning for the rogue soul force.
Found it.
A massive, resilient current resisted his probing.
His eyes sharpened.
So it's you!
He injected more of his energy, forcefully attacking and dissolving the soul force inside Zhu Zhuyun's body.
"AHHH!!!"
****
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