Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves outside the window, casting dappled shadows on the bed.
Qian Renxue, nestled in Lin Feng's arms, stirred and opened her sleepy eyes.
Rubbing the corners of her eyes, she glanced at Lin Feng, who was still asleep, and with a hint of mischief, pressed her lips against his.
Her tongue gently explored, stirring the sweetness between them.
The sensation woke Lin Feng, who instinctively responded before opening his eyes.
Seeing Qian Renxue's playful smile, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel amused.
He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, reclaiming the initiative.
"Mmm—"
Qian Renxue's body softened, and she collapsed onto Lin Feng's chest.
"Haah—"
Their lips parted, and Qian Renxue's breathing grew slightly heavier.
Lin Feng pinched her delicate nose, looking at her flushed cheeks, and teased:
"You're all talk but no action. Why do you keep sneaking into my bed?"
Qian Renxue nuzzled against Lin Feng's chest:
"Sleeping alone feels like something's missing. It's so warm and cozy next to you."
Lin Feng's gaze softened as he gently smoothed her disheveled hair:
"Today's our last day in Spirit City. What do you want to do?"
Qian Renxue thought for a moment:
"Let's go shopping. We'll bring Sister Ling Yan too. Besides Heaven Dou City, we haven't really explored here."
After freshening up, the two stepped out of the room.
To their surprise, Ling Yan had already prepared breakfast and was giving Qian Renxue a slightly reproachful look.
Qian Renxue avoided Ling Yan's gaze and pulled Lin Feng to the table.
She shot Ling Yan an apologetic glance.
The two began a silent conversation.
Ling Yan's eyes seemed to say: We agreed last night that neither of us would go to Xiao Feng's room. How could you sneak in, Xiao Xue?
Qian Renxue grinned sheepishly: I couldn't help it, Sister Ling Yan. You can have him tomorrow.
Ling Yan blinked: No, what I'm upset about is that you didn't invite me to join you...
Qian Renxue's eyes widened: No way!
Lin Feng watched their silent exchange with confusion, unable to decipher their expressions.
Shrugging, he finished the last bite of his bun.
The three of them headed out to the bustling market of Spirit City.
---
In a lavishly decorated, purple-themed bedroom, soft light from crystal lamps embedded in the walls bathed the room in a dreamy glow.
A large bed with light purple velvet sheets stood in the center, its curtains swaying gently.
Despite the serene atmosphere, the figure on the bed seemed restless.
Bibi Dong tossed and turned, her brows furrowed.
Ever since she had visited Ju Douluo after Lin Feng and the others returned to the forest cabin, she had been unable to calm her mind.
After humbling herself, she had been granted ten minutes to browse the immortal herb catalog.
The first entry she saw was about the *Yearning Heartbroken Red*.
The tragic, beautiful story and the stringent conditions for the flower to recognize its master had captivated her completely.
Her eyes remained glued to the first page, unable to move on.
By the time Ju Douluo reminded her that her time was up and took the book back, Bibi Dong was still lost in thought.
She no longer cared about the other immortal herbs. The story of the Yearning Heartbroken Red, the king of flowers, was all that mattered.
Over the past few days, Bibi Dong had been restless, constantly wondering if Lin Feng and the others had obtained the Yearning Heartbroken Red.
If they had, had Qian Renxue managed to pluck it?
Though she clung to a sliver of hope, logic told her that Qian Renxue had likely succeeded.
Otherwise, Qian Renxue wouldn't have shouted "Get out!" at her during their last encounter. Lin Feng's place in her heart had far surpassed that of her own mother.
Bibi Dong sat up, her chest heaving beneath her thin nightgown.
"Even if she did pluck it, she probably hasn't consumed it yet. The catalog clearly states that it provides a massive boost in soul power.
Once the Yearning Heartbroken Red recognizes its master, it remains alive, almost as if it has a will of its own.
Given her personality, she's more likely to keep it close."
Bibi Dong knew that once the Yearning Heartbroken Red recognized its master, it wouldn't change owners. Even if she tried to take it by force, it would be useless.
But the flower's effects would still remain. Bibi Dong had a plan—she wanted to test her own feelings.
Despite having added Yu Xiaogang to her kill list, she still sought closure for her past self. What had she loved about him back then?
After all these years, she still couldn't find the answer, aside from the occasional intrusive thoughts urging her to possess Yu Xiaogang.
"They're leaving tomorrow. If I want to ask, it has to be today."
Bibi Dong took a deep breath. Given the current situation, if she wanted Qian Renxue to let her test the Yearning Heartbroken Red, she would have to humble herself immensely.
It might even lead to humiliation.
"I can't worry about that. I need an answer."
Her voice was hoarse as she dressed and vanished from the room.
---
The morning in Spirit City was peaceful and beautiful. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and pedestrians chatting filled the air.
Qian Renxue, Lin Feng, and Ling Yan strolled through the market, happily picking out items they liked.
Lin Feng placed delicate hairpins in Qian Renxue and Ling Yan's hair.
Their already stunning beauty was now accentuated with an air of grace and elegance.
Qian Renxue and Ling Yan exchanged glances, both surprised by how well the hairpins suited them.
Smiling, they pulled Lin Feng toward the clothing district.
Hidden in the shadows, Bibi Dong watched the harmonious trio, her hands clenched tightly.
The sight only deepened her jealousy.
But she reminded herself to give them space. She couldn't disturb them now. If she ruined their mood, Qian Renxue might refuse her request.
Bibi Dong paused, realizing just how low she had stooped.
She was now constantly considering Qian Renxue's feelings, humbling herself to an almost pitiful degree.
Had Qian Renxue once done the same, always worrying about her mother's mood, fearing that any misstep would earn her disdain?
"Heh."
Bibi Dong let out a self-mocking laugh. The Aromatic Silk Beauty in her hand brought her a moment of clarity.
"Not anymore. She's let me go. She has Lin Feng now."
The realization hit her suddenly, and Bibi Dong felt as though a part of her had been hollowed out. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
Shaking her head, she took one last look at the laughing trio before disappearing into the shadows. She would approach them in the evening.
For now, this was all she could do. Everything depended on their mood. She had no room for herself.