Chapter 49: Tang Hao - “Brother Zhou, You’re Always Welcome”

Inside the five-story building, Tang Yuehua rested her flushed, delicate face against Zhou Yi's chest. Her silky black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her eyes shimmered with languid contentment.

At this moment, she resembled a fish out of water, lips slightly parted, breathing softly. Though exhaustion weighed on her, the allure of a mature woman exuded from her every gesture, brimming with an enchanting charm.

"How about now? Your martial soul should have transformed," Zhou Yi said with a gentle smile, his fingers caressing the soft locks of the beauty in his embrace and tracing the smooth curve of her jade-like back.

Hearing his words, Tang Yuehua took a deep breath and propped herself up slightly, her captivating eyes brimming with excitement as she replied in a trembling voice:

"See for yourself!"

She raised her slender, fair hand, summoning her martial soul.

Her martial soul had originally been the Ruyi Ring. Now, while it remained ring-shaped, it had undergone a complete metamorphosis. The ring was now golden, adorned with intricate, mysterious patterns, and bore two ancient characters: Heaven and Earth (Qiankun).

Indeed, after consuming the immortal-grade medicinal herb crafted by Zhou Yi using the Delicate Fragrance Immortal Orchid, her martial soul had evolved into the Heaven and Earth Circle.

Although it still resembled a ring, its power was worlds apart from before. Tang Yuehua could sense its formidable strength, no longer inferior to her clan's inherited martial soul—the Continental Number One Tool Martial Soul, the Clear Sky Hammer.

Previously, her Ruyi Ring had been weak and lacked offensive capabilities, causing her Soul Power to stagnate at level nine for years. Now, the evolved Heaven and Earth Circle had pushed her Soul Power to level ten.

With the addition of a Soul Ring, she would officially become a Soul Master.

The Heaven and Earth Circle was versatile: it could grow large or small, attack or defend, and even trap enemies.

"Zhou Yi, thank you!"

Tang Yuehua withdrew her Heaven and Earth Circle, wrapping her pale arms around Zhou Yi's neck and planting a soft kiss on his lips. It seemed that only such a gesture could fully express the gratitude and joy in her heart.

As a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Clan, even though she was a woman, Tang Yuehua had always yearned to become a powerful Soul Master. However, her martial soul had constrained her to a life of mediocrity. To survive, she established the Moon Pavilion, using her innate talent for noble etiquette to instruct aristocratic children. While this brought her power and status, it could not compare to the strength that came from personal cultivation.

"Zhou Yi, meeting you has been the greatest blessing of my life. You're like a savior sent by the heavens," Tang Yuehua said, her voice tinged with emotion.

She recalled the moment in the cave outside Notting City when she had been abducted by the flower thief Luo Zhifan. Without Zhou Yi's intervention, she would have either met her demise or become Luo's plaything.

Outside the room, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao stood like stone sentinels, eagerly awaiting news of Tang Yuehua's success.

Hearing faint sobs from inside, Tang Hao frowned. "Could her martial soul transformation have failed?"

A sinking feeling settled in their hearts. The muffled cries seemed to confirm their worst fears. Despite their worry, neither dared to interrupt. They feared that barging in might disrupt the transformation and bring irreversible consequences.

Even as the sun dipped below the horizon and exhaustion took hold, they remained steadfast, clinging to the faint hope of success.

Finally, their patience bore fruit.

Inside the room, Zhou Yi adjusted Tang Yuehua's clothing and stepped toward the door. Straightening his belt, he opened it with a confident smile.

The sight of Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, their faces filled with nervous anticipation, greeted him.

"Brother Zhou, how did it go?"

Their voices trembled with a mix of fear and hope.

"Rest assured, brothers. Mission accomplished!" Zhou Yi declared.

Boom!

The words hit Tang Xiao and Tang Hao like a thunderclap. Success! The transformation was a success!

"Excellent! Wonderful!"

Overcome with joy, they burst into laughter, the tension of the entire afternoon melting away in an instant.

"Brother Zhou, we owe you a great debt. If you ever need our help, say the word!" they said, bowing deeply in gratitude.

"You're too kind," Zhou Yi replied with a faint smile, his energy as vibrant as ever despite the day's efforts.

Eager to check on Tang Yuehua, the two brothers rushed inside. She lay on the bed, her cheeks flushed, a trace of tears still visible at the corners of her eyes—a testament to the ordeal of her martial soul's transformation.

"Yuehua, how do you feel?" they asked, concern evident in their voices.

"I'm fine. I just need some rest," Tang Yuehua said softly. She summoned her newly evolved martial soul, adding, "My Heaven and Earth Circle has transformed, and my Soul Power has reached level ten!"

"Good, good, good! Once you've recovered, we'll help you acquire your first Soul Ring," Tang Xiao and Tang Hao exclaimed, their joy evident.

Zhou Yi gently intervened, saying, "Brothers, Miss Tang needs rest. Let's step outside for now."

The two nodded, their senses picking up a faint, lingering fragrance in the room.

"What's that smell?" Tang Hao asked.

"That's the aroma of the Delicate Fragrance Immortal Orchid and camellia blossoms used in the potion. It lingers strongly but will dissipate once the windows are opened," Zhou Yi explained, his composure unshaken. He discreetly winked at Tang Yuehua, who promptly buried her flushed face under the covers.

Later that evening, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao hosted Zhou Yi for a celebratory banquet. Despite their insistence, Zhou Yi eventually declined their offer to stay longer, citing urgent matters at home.

Before leaving, he made sure to visit Tang Yuehua one last time.

"Don't worry; I'm just here to hold you," Zhou Yi whispered, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Zhou Yi cradled the soft, warm body of the beauty in his arms, breathing in the faint fragrance of her hair as he drifted off to sleep.

Though reluctant, Tang Yuehua eventually nodded, content in his arms.

However...

In the middle of the night, Zhou Yi woke up.

Tang Yuehua was also awakened by his movements.

"You said you wouldn't—"

"I have to leave tomorrow!"

Zhou Yi's words silenced Tang Yuehua. Her grip on his hand loosened, allowing him to...

The next morning, Zhou Yi rose, refreshed and full of energy, showing no signs of fatigue.

The power of the Twelfth-level Golden Bell Shield was evident—he could forgo sleep and still maintain an endless flow of vitality and energy.

"Brother Zhou, why are you leaving so soon? Have we not treated you well enough?"

Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, seeing Zhou Yi preparing to bid farewell, quickly stepped forward to persuade him to stay.

"Not at all. I just have pressing matters to attend to at home."

"Besides, Er Long is already expecting!" Zhou Yi said with a smile.

"Ah, I see! In that case, we won't keep you. Otherwise, your wife might blame us for delaying you!"

Tang Xiao and Tang Hao exchanged regretful looks before congratulating him with smiles.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhou! You're going to be a father!"

After exchanging a few more polite words, Zhou Yi suddenly said:

"By the way, Brother Xiao, Brother Hao, Miss Tang successfully completed her martial soul evolution yesterday. She may feel particularly drowsy today, but that's normal. After a day of rest, she'll be fine. Tomorrow, you can take her to obtain a soul ring."

"Understood. Thank you, Brother Zhou!"

"Brother Zhou, you're always welcome here. Next time you visit, we'll make sure to receive you with the utmost hospitality!"

"Of course, of course. I'll definitely return!" Zhou Yi replied courteously.

Naturally, he meant it.

But not to visit Tang Xiao and Tang Hao.

What would he do with those two old men? Play games? Nonsense!

No, it was their younger sister who kept pulling him back.

Besides, Tang Yuehua had lost a bet to him the day before.

Next time he came, Zhou Yi was determined to make her honor their wager.

A promise is a promise.

"Off I go!" Zhou Yi waved, leaving without a trace, like a cloud dispersing in the sky.

What he left behind, however, was practically all his belongings.

Empty-handed, Zhou Yi embodied selflessness.

If nothing else.

--------------------------------

If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:

patreon.com / igotneonlight