"Boil it once more?"

Ling Ningzhi was a little stunned, "Zhixia, what do you mean by that?"

"Just the literal meaning." Shen Zhixia's cheeks flushed slightly, her expression helpless, "It's strange, my brother came to Martial Saint Mountain this time, I was all prepared to reach a successful outcome with him, but every time it inexplicably fails..."

"..."

Ling Ningzhi and Ji Hongxiu exchanged a glance, feeling guilty as they lowered their heads.

Though neither meant to sabotage Shen Zhixia's plans, the previous two times were indeed partly linked to them.

"My brother entered the Secret Realm this time, I don't know when he'll return, if he ends up attracting a few Holy Daughter leaders, I don't even know what place I'll be in line..." Shen Zhixia bit her lip, spoke softly. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Actually, what she cares most about is the Princess's marriage proposal.

Regardless of Empress or Imperial Consort, even if they are fond of Chen Mo, their status is a hindrance, bound by social customs and laws, they dare not brazenly snatch away a person.

But the Princess is different.

Not only is her age similar to Chen Mo, but she is also not yet married, and coupled with the Holy Emperor's personal matchmaking, who knows how it might develop in the end!

Although Chen Mo says it's just a formality, once he participates in a spouse selection, it's beyond his control, if he actually becomes a Prince Consort, not to mention entering the gate, even being a mistress would be impossible!

Moreover, the girls around Chen Mo, including Ling Ningzhi, are progressing far faster than her, it's truly unsettling.

"Then I and my master will take our leave first, so as not to interrupt your cooking session."

Ling Ningzhi appeared somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, immediately preparing to stand up and leave.

"Daoist, please stay."

Shen Zhixia hastily stopped Ling Ningzhi, saying, "I still need the Daoist's help."

Ling Ningzhi asked puzzledly, "What could a Daoist do to help with your matters?"

Shen Zhixia took out a book from her chest, the cover featuring the words "Dong Xuanzi Yin Yang Thirty-Six Skills," said, "This dual cultivation technique was given to me by my brother, I am now at the Peak of Fifth Grade and hope to use this opportunity to break through to Fourth Rank."

"But I received this technique too recently and am currently only at the entry-level, far from mastering it."

"To ensure effective cultivation, I wish for the Daoist to assist on the side."

?!

Ling Ningzhi's eyes widened, stumbled over her words, "How could someone assist with this matter? This is far too absurd!"

Shen Zhixia's eyes flashed with a trace of embarrassment, but was quickly replaced with determination, she replied earnestly, "We are all sisters, there's no reason to be embarrassed, besides, this isn't the first time, I recall the Daoist being very skilled last night, it made my eyes dizzy..."

"Stop, stop saying that!"

"Can't the Daoist just help you?"

Ling Ningzhi, blushing fiercely, hurriedly covered Shen Zhixia's lips, hesitantly said, "I could help you promote True Yuan circulation, but to achieve the best effect, you must understand the technique thoroughly yourself."

"But my brother sets off early tomorrow, where would he find the time to study the technique?" Shen Zhixia frowned.

"Ahem..."

At this moment, Ji Hongxiu cleared her throat, and spoke up, "Miss Shen, let me take a look at that technique book."

Shen Zhixia handed over the book as instructed.

Ji Hongxiu quickly skimmed through it, knowing enough, closed the book and contemplated.

After about the duration of one incense stick, she opened her eyes, tapped Shen Zhixia's forehead, a white light flashed, and Shen Zhixia was suddenly dazed, lost in thought for a long while.

"This is..."

In an instant, various insights poured into her mind, as if she had undergone years of hard cultivation, giving her a new understanding of dual cultivation!

"The technique itself is mediocre, it might be useful during the Transcendence Realm, but beyond that realm, it wouldn't suffice."

"I have combined the Taoist Yin Yang Mutual Birth Skill, slightly adjusted the technique's circulation, improving Dao Power circulation efficiency, thus even when you become a Grandmaster in the future, you can still use it."

"Now, having soaked in the enlightenment, you should have made some progress, at least breaking through to Fourth Rank is now a breeze for you."

Ji Hongxiu said coolly.

Being the Taoism Ultimate Venerable, such a method was no big deal for her.

Shen Zhixia regained her senses, very excited, bowed and expressed gratitude, "Thank you Daoist Venerable for imparting your wisdom!"

"Just a small favor, Miss Shen need not be concerned, besides in previous matters, it was my fault first." Ji Hongxiu shook her head, being Chen Mo's legitimate fiancée, her tolerance for Shen Zhixia's presence was already quite generous.

"Ah, what are you talking about now?"

Shen Zhixia waved her hand, said, "Daoist Qingxuan and I are good sisters, and Daoist Venerable is the most important person to Daoist Qingxuan, naturally she is my family as well… henceforth we talk about our respective matters separately, Qingxuan calls you master, I call you sister..."

This is all nonsense...

Ji Hongxiu almost couldn't hold it in, her cheeks like a fiery blaze.

For her, discussing such topics with two juniors was still very embarrassing...

"Let's leave such matters for later discussion, for now focus on cultivation, next Qingxuan will assist you, I won't participate."

"Alright, Daoist Venerable sister."

"..."

"Uh, however..."

At this time, Chen Mo, who had been unable to get a word in, said, "You all seem to not have asked for my opinion, right?"

The three turned to look at him, the air went silent for a moment, then they turned back to continue talking, completely ignoring him.

Chen Mo: "..."

Ji Hongxiu stood up, spoke, "It's getting late, you should hurry up, try to cultivate several times before setting off tomorrow, it'll be more secure… I'll go guard outside, lest Yu Youhan comes charging over."