Chapter 304: The Left Leg Bone of the Shadow Demon Lizard, Zhu Zhuqing’s Transformation

Dugu Bo waved his hand dismissively, "Little girl, we didn't really do that much. Without Su Ming's special spirit tool to transfer our soul power to him, we couldn't have helped at all. As for transferring mental power, that's even more challenging. I couldn't manage it myself."

"Transferring mental power is far harder than soul power. Su Ming sustained it for an entire hour, which left him as pale as a sheet. He's better now after a day of rest, but he'll still need a few days of recovery when we get back."

Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing realized the price Su Ming had paid to help her absorb the ten-thousand-year spirit ring. She looked at him as he sat cross-legged, recovering, with a new depth of emotion in her gaze—though she wasn't even aware of it herself.

However, Dugu Bo noticed her change in expression with his sharp eye, and he couldn't help but smile inwardly. If Su Ming realized his assistance, perhaps he'd owe him a favor.

Meanwhile, Dugu Yan couldn't help feeling slightly resentful as she watched her grandfather. He had promised to encourage her relationship with Su Ming, yet here he was seemingly playing matchmaker for Zhu Zhuqing. Had he forgotten about his own granddaughter?

Dugu Bo truly had overlooked her; he simply wanted Zhu Zhuqing to understand Su Ming's efforts. Hearing it from him, as an elder, was more fitting than from her peers.

"Alright, everyone, focus on recovering your soul power. I'll keep watch. Since this spirit ring was obtained, I feel I can now hear finer sounds over a larger area."

Dugu Bo was surprised at this additional benefit for Zhu Zhuqing. This was beyond luck, likely due to the over-level absorption process.

Almost on a whim, he walked over to the corpse of the Shadow Demon Lizard and casually turned it over, suddenly revealing a flash of light that drew everyone's attention.

"Could it be... a spirit bone?!"

Dugu Bo was at a loss for words. Zhu Zhuqing's fortune was exceptional; she had even obtained a spirit bone. Although Su Ming technically killed the beast, Zhu Zhuqing delivered the final blow, drawing all the Shadow Demon Lizard's resentment toward her.

He handed the bone to Zhu Zhuqing. "Here, this spirit bone is rightfully yours. But I don't recommend absorbing it now. Your fourth spirit skill already embodies the lizard's abilities, and this is just a freshly ten-thousand-year left leg bone. It wouldn't improve your strength much and might be a waste."

"I'd advise you to hold on to it for later, unless you find no better option."

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, feeling the spirit bone should belong to Su Ming, given his tremendous effort.

Dugu Bo noticed her reluctance. "Keep it; it's of no use to him. Just hold on to it for now."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded and stored the spirit bone away. As everyone resumed their recovery, she kept her ears alert for any surrounding sounds, occasionally glancing at Su Ming with a soft smile.

It had been so long since anyone had shown her such kindness. After her martial spirit awakened, even her once-close sister had distanced herself, regarding her with wariness. Her family only cared about her cultivation.

At Shrek, however, she found friendship. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong treated her kindly, and then there was Su Ming. Though he was interested in women, unlike Dai Mubai, Oscar, or Ma Hongjun, he never displayed lecherous behavior outwardly and had a warm, unassuming demeanor.

Of course, had she not read his diary, she would have believed it wholeheartedly. Su Ming's thoughts were not as innocent as they appeared. That night, Zhu Zhuqing thought about many things: the Star Luo Royal Family, her family, and everything that had happened since she met Su Ming.

After a day of rest, everyone was fully recovered. Su Ming was the first to wake and immediately found Zhu Zhuqing watching him.

"Zhuqing, why were you staring at me?" he asked with a teasing smile.

Realizing she'd been caught, Zhu Zhuqing quickly looked away, feigning indifference. "You're mistaken. I was just checking on everyone's recovery, and you happened to wake up."

She refused to admit she'd been captivated, finding it too embarrassing to say.

Su Ming didn't press her, noticing from her expression that she wasn't being truthful. That was fine; it added a little charm to the moment.

"Oh, by the way, I got a left leg bone from that spirit beast yesterday while you were resting," Zhu Zhuqing said nonchalantly.

Su Ming immediately interrupted, "You didn't absorb it, did you?"

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "No, Senior Dugu Bo advised against it. I thought I'd ask if you could use it."

Relieved, Su Ming smiled. A fresh ten-thousand-year spirit bone, though valuable, wasn't enough of a boost. He wouldn't waste a slot on it; he had better options in his storage that he hadn't even offered yet.

"I don't need it. Keep it for yourself; just don't absorb it now. It won't help you much."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "That's what Senior Dugu Bo said too."

Just then, Dugu Bo approached. "Alright, everyone seems well-rested. Time to head back. We've been out here quite a while, but it was worth it for all we gained!"