Upon their return to the Spirit Hall, Song Qing was immediately instructed to focus on absorbing his newly acquired Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings. Such a potent external spirit bone, especially one with growth potential, required careful and dedicated assimilation. He retreated to his private chambers, the pair of silver-tinged wings resting on the floor beside him, radiating a faint but noticeable draconic energy.
The absorption process began with Song Qing entering a deep meditative state. He focused his spiritual power, gently reaching out to the external spirit bone. The moment his spiritual energy made contact, a searing pain shot through his back, as if a thousand needles were simultaneously piercing his flesh. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm.
'This is… intense,' he thought, sweat beading on his forehead. The draconic energy within the wings was wild and untamed, resisting his attempts to integrate it into his body. It felt like trying to tame a ferocious beast, each pulse of energy sending shivers of pain down his spine.
He persisted, knowing the immense benefits that awaited him. He channeled his soul power, guiding it like gentle streams of water, trying to soothe the raging energy within the wings and coax it to merge with his own being. Slowly, painstakingly, the resistance began to lessen. The pain didn't disappear entirely, but it became more manageable, replaced by a sensation of intense heat spreading across his back.
He could feel the bone structure of the wings beginning to meld with his own, the silver light intensifying before gradually fading as they became a part of him. It was a strange and surreal sensation, feeling new appendages growing from his body, yet somehow feeling inherently natural.
After what felt like an eternity, the intense sensations finally began to subside. Song Qing slowly opened his eyes, a profound sense of connection to the wings now present within him. He could feel them, not as foreign objects, but as extensions of his own will.
The Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings. That was the name that resonated within his mind. Their primary ability was Aerial Supremacy. These wings not only granted him the power of flight, but they also significantly enhanced his agility and maneuverability in the air. The draconic essence within them provided bursts of incredible speed, allowing him to outmaneuver most aerial opponents.
He immediately thought of the second ability he had unlocked for his First Soul Ring: Abyssal Dragon Wings. While that skill allowed for temporary flight using pure shadow energy, the Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings were a permanent addition, offering sustained flight and greater physical presence. He could now combine the two, using the external bone for long-duration flight and the soul skill for sudden bursts of speed and agility, creating a formidable aerial combat style. Although flying with the Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings did consume soul power, it was a manageable amount, something he could definitely endure for extended periods.
As the external spirit bone fully integrated with his body, Song Qing felt another surge of power coursing through him. He focused his senses, and a wave of elation washed over him as he realized his soul power had jumped again. He was now a Soul Grandmaster at Level 34!
'Four levels just from absorbing an external spirit bone!' he thought, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The benefits were even greater than he had anticipated. 'I'm getting stronger so fast… but it's still not enough.'
He knew the challenges ahead were immense. The world was filled with powerful Spirit Masters and dangerous spirit beasts. He needed to continue pushing his limits, to become strong enough to protect himself and achieve his goals. The memories of the future, the looming threats, they fueled his relentless pursuit of power. 'I need to reach Title Douluo, Super Douluo… even beyond that if possible.'
Just as Song Qing was acclimating to his newfound power, a familiar and powerful aura descended upon the Spirit Hall. Bibi Dong had returned. Her presence was as commanding as ever, but there was a subtle shift in her energy, a hint of something darker and more profound.
News of Song Qing's acquisition of a third soul ring of over five thousand years and an external spirit bone had already reached her. The Super Douluo who had accompanied him had relayed the astonishing details. Bibi Dong immediately summoned Song Qing to her chambers.
As Song Qing entered, he bowed respectfully. Bibi Dong's gaze swept over him, her beautiful captivating pink eyes widening slightly in surprise and then softening with genuine pleasure. She could sense the significant increase in his soul power and the potent draconic energy emanating from his back.
"Song Qing," she said, her voice carrying a note of pride, "you have done exceptionally well. A third soul ring of that caliber and an external spirit bone… this is truly remarkable progress."
"Thank you, Teacher," Song Qing replied humbly.
The news of Song Qing's achievements spread like wildfire throughout the Spirit Hall. Disciples and elders alike were astonished by the young boy's rapid growth. Soon after his meeting with Bibi Dong, a familiar figure arrived at his door with a bright smile.
"Little Qing! You're back, and you've become even stronger!" Hu Liena exclaimed, stepping into his room. Her eyes widened as she noticed the faint draconic aura around him. "Level 34 already? You're leaving me in the dust!" She feigned a pout, but her genuine happiness for his progress was evident. She was currently at Soul Power Level 33, and the fact that her junior brother was now ahead of her in cultivation, while surprising, didn't diminish her fondness for him. She knew his talent was extraordinary, and she was excited to see just how far he would go.
~~
"Little Qing, you've gotten so strong! Tell me everything!" Hu Liena exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity. She moved closer to him, her lithe form gracefully settling beside him on the edge of his bed. She purposely sat just a little too close, her shoulder brushing against his.
Song Qing, still slightly overwhelmed by his recent power-ups and the attention, felt a familiar warmth creeping up his neck. "It wasn't really that exciting, Senior Sister," he mumbled, trying to downplay his achievements. "The two honored Super Douluo helped me find a suitable spirit beast, and the absorption went… well, it was a bit painful, but I managed."
Hu Liena giggled, finding his bashful demeanor utterly adorable. "A bit painful? You absorbed a spirit ring from a beast over five thousand years old! And you got an external spirit bone! That sounds incredibly exciting to me!" She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You're so modest, Little Qing. It's quite charming, in its own way."
Song Qing's face flushed a deeper shade of red. He avoided her gaze, fiddling with the hem of his robes. Hu Liena loved seeing him flustered; it was one of her favorite pastimes.
"So, this external spirit bone…" Hu Liena continued, her curiosity piqued. She reached out a delicate hand, her fingers hovering near his back. "Can I see it? What does it look like?"
Before Song Qing could answer, Hu Liena suddenly leaned in and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. She then gently maneuvered his head until it rested against her chest, right where her budding plumpness was becoming increasingly noticeable. "Tell me all about it, Little Qing," she murmured sweetly, her voice laced with playful intent.
Song Qing froze, his face pressed against the soft fabric of her robes, feeling the gentle curve beneath. His mind went blank for a moment, overwhelmed by the unexpected closeness and the rather… prominent sensation. His ears burned, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Hu Liena chuckled softly, feeling his reaction. "Oh my, Little Qing, you're so cute when you're embarrassed!" She gently patted his head, thoroughly enjoying his flustered state.
"S-Senior Sister!" Song Qing finally managed to stammer, his voice muffled against her chest. He tried to pull back slightly, but Hu Liena held him firmly in place.
"Just relax, Little Qing," she said soothingly, though her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Tell me about your amazing wings."
Song Qing took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure despite the rather distracting circumstances. "They're called the Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings," he began, his voice still a little shaky. "They're… well, they're wings. They allow me to fly."
"Wings!" Hu Liena exclaimed, her grip loosening slightly as her curiosity took over. She pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes wide with excitement. "You can fly now? That's incredible! Can you show me?"
Song Qing nodded, relieved to have a change of subject. "Of course, Senior Sister." He stood up, a little unsteady, and focused his will. The Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings materialized from his back, their silvery surfaces shimmering in the light.
Hu Liena gasped, her eyes wide with admiration. "They're beautiful, Little Qing! They really do look like dragon wings!" She reached out to touch them, her fingers gently tracing the intricate bone structure.
"They feel quite sturdy," she mused. "So, you can really fly with these?"
"Yes," Song Qing confirmed, a small smile returning to his face, his embarrassment slowly fading. "Would you… would you like to go for a flight, Senior Sister?" The offer came out a little hesitantly.
Hu Liena's eyes widened even further. "Fly? With you? Really?" She looked genuinely thrilled at the prospect.
Song Qing nodded again, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yes. I think… I think I can carry you." He wasn't entirely sure, but he was eager to try.
Without waiting for a second invitation, Hu Liena grabbed his hand, her excitement bubbling over. "Let's go, Little Qing! I've always wanted to fly!"
Song Qing carefully extended his wings, feeling their power thrum through him. He turned to face Hu Liena, a slight blush returning to his cheeks. "Hold on tight, Senior Sister."
He gently wrapped his small arms around her lithe body, his hands finding purchase on her waist. He could feel the softness of her form beneath his hands, and his heart skipped a beat.
With a surge of soul power, the Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings beat powerfully, lifting them both off the ground. They ascended slowly at first, then with increasing speed, soaring out of the Spirit Hall and into the clear afternoon sky.
Hu Liena gasped again, but this time it was a gasp of pure exhilaration. The wind whipped through her hair as they climbed higher and higher, the world shrinking beneath them. She looked down, a wide smile on her face, then looked back at Song Qing, who was concentrating intently on controlling his flight.
It was then that Hu Liena noticed the rather… intimate way Song Qing was holding her. His small arms were wrapped firmly around her waist, and she could feel his breath on her neck. A blush crept up her own cheeks, much to her surprise.
'He's so small,' she thought, looking down at his focused face. 'Yet here he is, carrying me through the sky.' A strange feeling fluttered in her chest, a sensation she hadn't quite experienced before. It was a mix of surprise, a little bit of shyness, and something akin to… affection?
She had always thought of Song Qing as her cute little junior brother, someone she enjoyed teasing and looking after. But seeing him now, with his magnificent wings and the determined look on his face as he held her, she couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for him. He was growing up so quickly, becoming stronger and more capable with each passing day.
She tightened her grip on his arm, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "This is amazing, Little Qing! You're doing great!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Song Qing, feeling her hold tighten, glanced at her, a little surprised by her flustered expression.