Indeed, within the confines of the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown, A'Rou's understanding of Song Qing had deepened immeasurably over the past few months. Their mental connection, initially a mere thread, had woven itself into a strong and intricate cord, allowing her to perceive the nuances of his thoughts, his emotions, and his very being.
'That child,' she often mused, her ethereal form shimmering with a gentle light within the crimson gem, 'he is truly something extraordinary.'
She had become intimately aware of the two powerful spirits that resided within him. The first, the Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor, remained a source of both awe and a primal fear. Its presence was a vast, unknowable darkness, a power that felt ancient and destructive. Even in her incorporeal state, the faint echoes of its energy sent shivers down her spiritual spine. 'Such immense power… it feels like the very void itself,' she'd often contemplate, a sense of wonder mixed with caution.
But it was his second spirit, the Primordial Life Tree Spirit, that held her complete fascination. From it radiated an energy so pure, so vibrant, so intrinsically tied to the essence of life, that it resonated with every fiber of her being. She could sense the ancient wisdom held within its core, the boundless potential for growth and creation, the sheer, unparalleled uniqueness of this spirit. 'It is as if the heart of the world has manifested in his soul,' she'd think, her mental gaze often drawn to the faint green aura that occasionally pulsed around Song Qing. 'Truly, the most remarkable spirit I have ever encountered.'
A'Rou had also observed, with a quiet sense of knowing, that Song Qing still hadn't absorbed a fifth soul ring for his first spirit. She understood the reason, of course. Her own soul, the essence of her being, and by extension, her hundred-thousand-year soul ring, resided within the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown. He held the key to immense power, yet he had chosen to wait.
'He holds my very essence within his grasp,' she pondered, a feeling of profound vulnerability intertwined with a deep sense of trust settling within her. 'He could become so much stronger with it, yet he delays his own progress for my sake.'
She knew his motivations, at least in part. He had promised to help her create a new body, a chance to live again, and to reunite her with her beloved daughter, Xiao Wu. He had even been diligently nurturing her spiritual energy, using the unique, life-giving properties of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit, she suspected, to help her condense a spiritual form strong enough to properly interact with her daughter.
'He is so incredibly thoughtful,' she mused, a warm, almost maternal feeling spreading through her incorporeal form. 'He truly intends to keep his word.'
A'Rou couldn't help but wonder about the deeper currents that drove him. She sensed his burning desire for revenge, a cold, unwavering determination directed towards someone named Tang Hao, the individual who had inflicted such grievous injuries upon him three years prior.
She intuitively understood that her reunion with Xiao Wu was likely intertwined with his intricate plans for retribution, though the specifics remained shrouded in mystery.
But she trusted Song Qing. She had sensed no malice, no ill intent directed towards her or Xiao Wu. In fact, his every action spoke of a genuine desire to help, to heal, and to right past wrongs.
'He is a good child,' she concluded, a growing fondness blossoming within her ethereal heart. 'I truly hope he and Xiao Wu become good friends.' She often envisioned the two of them together, perhaps even standing side-by-side, fighting for what they believed in. The thought filled her with a sense of hope and quiet anticipation for the future.
In the quiet solitude of her spiritual confinement, A'Rou sometimes allowed herself to drift into the realm of 'what ifs'.
If only she were younger, if only her life hadn't already been lived, if only she didn't have Xiao Wu… perhaps, in another lifetime, under different circumstances, she might have entertained the notion of a deeper connection with Song Qing.
There was a certain undeniable charm about him, a quiet strength that belied his youth, and a fundamental kindness that resonated with her on a profound level.
'But alas,' she sighed mentally, a hint of wistfulness coloring her thoughts, 'those are merely dreams, fleeting fantasies.'
Her focus now was firmly fixed on Xiao Wu. The longing to see her daughter, to hold her close, to know that she was safe and happy, was a constant ache within her spiritual being. And she felt an unwavering conviction that Song Qing was the key, the catalyst who would make that reunion a reality.
'I must make sure Xiao Wu likes him,' she thought with a newfound determination, a determined glint in her spiritual eyes. 'He is kind, powerful, and he wants to help us. A strong, positive relationship between them… that would be the best possible outcome.' She envisioned the two of them standing together, perhaps even fighting side-by-side in the future, a powerful duo protecting each other. The thought filled her with a deep sense of hope and anticipation for what lay ahead.
Meanwhile, in the tangible world, Song Qing remained blissfully unaware of the intricate tapestry of thoughts and desires swirling within the mind of the soul residing in his Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown. He continued his daily routine, tending to his precious herbs, immersing himself in the knowledge contained within the Spirit Hall's vast library, and enjoying the company of his friends.
His mind was focused on his immediate goals: strengthening his own power, nurturing the growth of his immortal herbs, aiding A'Rou, and eventually, enacting the carefully constructed plans he had laid out for revenge.
The future, with all its inherent complexities and unforeseen turns, stretched before him, waiting for its story to unfold.
As time continued its relentless march forward, the immortal herbs in Song Qing's garden flourished under his constant care. The air was thick with their potent fragrances, and the vibrant colors painted a breathtaking scene. Song Qing knew that many of them had reached a stage of maturity where they could be safely consumed to enhance his own abilities.
Remembering his stunted growth from the past three years of being bedridden, Song Qing decided it was time to utilize some of these botanical treasures.
He carefully selected several herbs known for their ability to strengthen the physique and stimulate growth. Among them were the 'Ten Thousand Year Ginseng King', the 'Jade Bone Immortal Flower', and the 'Dragon's Blood Spirit Grass'.
Over the next few weeks, Song Qing began to ingest these potent immortal herbs. He followed the instructions carefully, ensuring he absorbed their energies safely and effectively. It wasn't long before he started to notice significant changes in his body. His height began to increase noticeably, his frame filling out with lean muscle.
His physique, which had been somewhat frail after his long recovery, now felt stronger and more resilient.
But the changes weren't just physical. It seemed as though the energies of the immortal herbs resonated deeply with his two spirits. The dark blue of his hair began to lighten, gradually transforming into a vibrant, almost electric blue. And his eyes, which had always been a deep, dark shade, now shimmered with a captivating emerald green.
His soul power also experienced a significant boost. Through the combined effects of the immortal herbs and his diligent cultivation, it steadily climbed from level 54 to a respectable level 57. Song Qing felt a surge of satisfaction. His body was finally catching up to his age, and his strength was steadily increasing.
~~
The changes in Song Qing's physique did not go unnoticed by his friends. In fact, the next time Zhu Zhuqing came to visit him in the herbal garden, her usually composed demeanor faltered slightly as she took in his taller stature and more defined muscles.
"Qing?" she asked, her brown eyes widening in surprise. "You've… you've grown quite a bit."
Song Qing chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, well, all that rest and good food must be doing wonders." He then winked. "Plus, I've been experimenting with some of the more mature immortal herbs."
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze swept over the lush garden, her eyebrows arching in astonishment. "These herbs… they've matured this much already?" She was clearly impressed, but also a little puzzled. It hadn't seemed like that much time had passed.
"They have their own pace," Song Qing said with a mysterious smile, carefully avoiding any mention of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit's unique abilities. He then plucked a vibrant, crimson-leafed herb. "Here, Zhuqing. This 'Blood Strengthening Vine' should help enhance your physical prowess even further."
Zhu Zhuqing accepted the herb with a grateful nod, her initial surprise giving way to appreciation.
When Ning Rongrong arrived for her next visit, her reaction was even more dramatic. She stopped dead in her tracks at the entrance of the garden, her jaw practically dropping as she stared at Song Qing.
"Qing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with utter astonishment. "Did you… did you suddenly sprout? You're so much taller! And… and you look… different!" She tilted her head, her cyan eyes studying him intently. "Your hair is even brighter! And are your eyes… green now?"
Song Qing laughed, finding her reaction quite amusing. "Yep, that's me. Just a little bit of a growth spurt, courtesy of some very potent herbs."
Rongrong's eyes darted around the garden, taking in the abundance of mature-looking plants. "But… how? It hasn't been that long!" Her usual sharp mind was clearly struggling to comprehend the rapid growth.
"Immortal herbs are just… different," Song Qing said vaguely, handing her a cluster of shimmering, purple berries. "Here, Rongrong. These 'Spirit Replenishing Berries' should help boost your soul power."
Rongrong accepted the berries, her mind still clearly occupied by Song Qing's transformation. But then, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. She leaned in close to Song Qing, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Qing," she began, her expression earnest, "there's… there's something I need to ask you."
Song Qing raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden seriousness. "What is it, Rongrong?"
She fidgeted for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Well… you know how you said these immortal herbs can do all sorts of amazing things?"
"That's right," Song Qing replied, a sense of anticipation building within him.
"So…" Rongrong continued, her gaze darting around as if she didn't want anyone to overhear, even though they were alone in the garden, "is there… is there an immortal herb that can… make my chest more plump?"
Song Qing nearly stumbled backward, his eyes widening in utter shock. He blinked several times, trying to process her incredibly direct request. "Rongrong… did I hear you right?"
Rongrong nodded, her expression a mixture of hope and slight embarrassment. "Yes! You know… make them… bigger." She gestured vaguely towards her chest.
Song Qing let out a nervous cough. "Rongrong… I… I don't think there's an immortal herb specifically for that." He racked his brain, trying to recall any such information from the Primordial Life Tree Spirit, but nothing came to mind.
Rongrong's face fell, her bright eyes clouding over with disappointment. Her lower lip trembled slightly, and she looked as though she was about to burst into tears. "Oh," she said softly, her voice filled with dejection. "Really? Not even one?"
Song Qing sighed inwardly. He hated seeing her so upset. He knew her insecurities about her figure, especially compared to Zhu Zhuqing. He stepped forward and gently pulled her into a hug.
"Rongrong," he said softly, holding her close, "I like you a lot just the way you are right now. You're beautiful, and your natural growth as a woman is what truly… well, it's what's more enchanting than any effect from some herb." He wasn't sure if he was making any sense, but he hoped she understood his sentiment.
Rongrong's eyes fluttered slightly as she heard his words. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and the sadness in her eyes began to recede, replaced by a glimmer of happiness. She leaned into the hug, her small arms wrapping around his waist.
"Really, Qing?" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
"Really," Song Qing affirmed, smiling gently. "You're perfect just the way you are, Rongrong. Trust me."
Rongrong finally pulled back from the hug, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Okay, Qing," she said, her voice sounding much brighter. "I believe you." Though, a mischievous glint returned to her eyes as she added, "But I still hope I naturally get… at least not too small later on."
Song Qing chuckled, relieved that he had managed to coax her out of her momentary despair. He reached out and gently patted her head. "I'm sure you'll be just fine, Rongrong."