"Sister Zhuqing, have you already broken through to Spirit Emperor at level sixty-one?"
"I heard your sixth spirit ring is a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, a red one?"
"Can you let us see it? Sister Zhuqing is the first among us sisters to have a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, right? I'm so envious!"
Zhu Zhuqing, who had learned how to use the Soul Bursting Sky Piercer, carefully placed it back into her spirit tool before stepping out of the Spirit Tool Pavilion. The faint metallic hum of the weapon still lingered in her ears, a reminder of the immense destructive power she had only just begun to master. Her expression remained composed, but beneath her calm exterior, a quiet confidence had taken root.
As she emerged, she was immediately surrounded by a cluster of younger disciples. Their bright eyes sparkled with curiosity and admiration, their voices overlapping in excitement. The atmosphere beneath the blooming cherry blossom trees was lively, petals drifting gently through the air as if drawn by the energy gathering around Zhu Zhuqing.
Many of the junior sisters had already heard whispers of her breakthrough. To them, Zhu Zhuqing had always been someone distant yet inspiring—a figure who advanced steadily without faltering. But now, with the addition of a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, she seemed almost untouchable, like a legend stepping into reality.
After all, such a spirit ring was something most Spirit Masters could only dream of. It represented not only power but also unimaginable luck, perseverance, and opportunity.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't dampen the enthusiasm of her junior sisters.
Six dazzling spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, black, black, and red—appeared at her feet. When the hundred-thousand-year red spirit ring shimmered, it illuminated the surrounding cherry blossoms in a deep red hue.
The glow spread like ripples across water, tinting the pale pink petals with a crimson brilliance. For a moment, the entire grove seemed suspended in a surreal dream, as though reality itself had been painted anew by the radiance of that single ring. A faint pressure accompanied the light, subtle yet undeniable, pressing gently against the senses of everyone present.
Instantly, admiring the red spirit ring amidst the cherry blossom fragrance, a chorus of 'wows' erupted, and the ground was filled with envy.
Some of the younger disciples clasped their hands together in awe, while others leaned closer, trying to memorize every detail of the extraordinary sight. A few even held their breath unconsciously, afraid that any sudden movement might shatter the moment.
"This hundred-thousand-year spirit ring was entirely due to luck and my teacher's grace, not my own strength."
"I believe I won't be the only one in the academy with a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring. You might even obtain red spirit rings stronger than mine in the future."
Zhu Zhuqing said to her junior sisters.
Her tone was calm and sincere, lacking even a trace of arrogance. Yet those words carried a quiet encouragement that settled deeply into the hearts of those listening.
Dugu Yan's envious gaze was filled with a desire for improvement: "Mm!"
Her fists clenched slightly at her sides, resolve flashing across her eyes. With her current physique, strengthened through relentless training and body tempering, she knew her limits were steadily expanding. The thought of reaching eighty thousand years—or even pushing toward one hundred thousand—for her seventh spirit ring no longer seemed like an impossible dream.
Nearby, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, and the other disciples exchanged glances, their expressions equally determined. Over the past two years, they had grown accustomed to the academy's rigorous routines. None of them had slacked in their cultivation or physical conditioning. Now, witnessing Zhu Zhuqing's achievement firsthand, their ambitions ignited like dry tinder catching flame.
The allure was too great—so great that, in their hearts, it almost rivaled a fraction of their teacher's overwhelming charm.
"Have you seen enough?"
"Alright, alright, as expected of a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring. When it appeared, Sister Zhuqing's aura was clearly different; it was too domineering!"
"If you've seen enough, then I'll put them away."
Zhu Zhuqing's cool face showed a faint smile. The spirit rings on her body slowly disappeared, and the playful sounds of her junior sisters slightly improved her mood.
Yet as the last trace of crimson light faded, so too did the warmth in her eyes. Her gaze dimmed almost imperceptibly, a shadow passing through her thoughts. Without lingering any longer, she turned and walked out of Heart of Fire Academy, her steps steady and purposeful.
Beyond the lively cherry grove, the academy grounds gradually quieted. The distant laughter of disciples faded behind her, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the whisper of wind brushing against stone pathways.
Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu had just settled down in Heart of Fire Academy and found lodging. Hearing the surprised sounds of the girls in the cherry forest, they were drawn out to investigate.
Curiosity quickly turned into realization when they caught sight of the dispersing crowd—and at its center, the familiar figure of Zhu Zhuqing walking away alone.
The two sisters quickly caught up to Zhu Zhuqing, looking at her back and saying:
"Second Sister (Second Elder Sister), are you returning to the Star Luo Empire now?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded faintly, only giving a soft hum.
Her response was brief, but the weight behind it was unmistakable. There was no hesitation in her decision.
"Let us go back with you. At least we can help and look after each other!"
Zhu Zhuyun took a step forward and couldn't help but say.
Her voice carried a mix of concern and determination. The dangers within the Star Luo Empire were no secret to any of them, and facing them alone was no small matter.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, shook her head, turned, and looked at Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu, saying:
"No need. You are not yet a match for Spirit Saint and Spirit Douluo powerhouses. If you both come, I'll be distracted."
"You two stay in the academy for now, listen to the teacher, and go find the Poison Protector for body-tempering medicinal baths. These are the essentials of the unique techniques I've cultivated over the years; take them and study."
Her words were firm, leaving no room for argument. Yet beneath that firmness was a quiet concern—one she chose not to voice directly.
Zhu Zhuqing pulled out two booklets from her spirit tool. What was recorded on them was precisely her movement technique—Crossing the Yellow Springs—and her insights into learning the Nine Yin White Bone Claw.
The techniques were not merely skills but crystallizations of her countless battles, struggles, and moments of life-and-death realization. Passing them on was no small gesture; it was, in a sense, entrusting a part of herself to her sisters.
The moment their two soft hands touched, Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun's bodies trembled, and a special emotional atmosphere spread.
At this moment, it was as if the accumulated grievances between the two over the years, like the scorching sun shining on an iceberg, began to slowly melt.