Chapter 99: Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum and the Matter of Preferences
By the time Guang Ling and Han Li entered the dining hall, Dugu Yan and Xiu'er hadn't arrived yet.
It was understandable after all, girls took longer to get ready. Waiting a bit longer wasn't an issue.
Fortunately, they didn't take too long. Just as Han Li and Guang Ling finalized the new version of his lucky encounter story, less than ten minutes later, the two girls arrived together, looking noticeably closer than before.
Indeed, bathing together was a surefire way to quickly build relationships. This principle applied not only to men but apparently to women as well.
"Alright, let's eat first. Afterward, Xiu'er and I will take you around the area so you can familiarize yourself with your new environment."
Han Li gestured to the seats opposite him and Guang Ling.
"Sounds great! After being stuck in a carriage for so many days, I need to move around. I feel like my body is rusting."
Dugu Yan's tone was back to her usual lively self.
"Mhm, Han Li and I will take you to see the flowers. This place holds most of the rare plants collected from across the continent. It's quite impressive even some poisonous flowers and herbs are included."
Xiu'er smiled as she made a recommendation.
"Oh? Then I definitely have to take a look."
Xiu'er's words struck a chord with Dugu Yan. While rare plants in general were interesting, she was particularly fascinated by toxic flora.
Oh right, I almost forgot about that.
Han Li suddenly remembered the batch of flowers and herbs Chrysanthemum Douluo had sent him. From the way Xiu'er spoke, it seemed like they had been well taken care of.
I should probably exchange some medicinal ingredients with him in return as compensation.
And as for Xiu'er using the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum… should I consider making him her teacher?
Of course, Guang Ling didn't count he was just a nominal master, and Xiu'er only called him that out of habit. But truly acknowledging Chrysanthemum Douluo as a master… that was another matter.
Forget it. Best not to bring it up for now. This could get messy.
He decided to discuss it later with Guang Ling and his Senior Uncles. Either way, there was no chance he was handing over the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum to Chrysanthemum Douluo. Not only would it tie into the internal faction struggles within Spirit Hall, but there was no guarantee that Chrysanthemum Douluo could even be swayed. Han Li wasn't generous enough to make such a gamble purely for goodwill.
Besides, this particular immortal herb was crucial for Xiu'er's future martial soul evolution. There was no way he'd compromise on that.
Even if their Yin Yang Stasis Domain was powerful, it wasn't irreplaceable. The deal simply wasn't worth it.
Dinner was pleasant. Seeing Dugu Yan and Xiu'er getting along so well put Han Li in a good mood, making the food taste even better.
Afterward, Guang Ling stayed a little while longer to remind Han Li about the meeting tomorrow before taking his leave.
In the afternoon, Han Li and Xiu'er took Dugu Yan on a tour of the estate, introduced her to some key figures, and then spent the rest of the day in the rare plant conservatory on the property.
As expected, Dugu Yan did have some solid knowledge inherited from her family. While she wasn't well versed in all plant life, her expertise in poisonous flowers and herbs was undeniable. She even managed to transplant a sample into her personal storage pouch right on the spot.
Han Li didn't interfere. With her external spirit bone, there was no real danger. Meanwhile, Xiu'er, watching from the side, was filled with envy after all, when she tended to these plants, she had to be incredibly careful, keeping a safe distance at all times.
Seeing this, Han Li decisively handed her the Fragrant Silk Immortal, which instantly brightened her mood.
By the time they emerged from the conservatory, it was already past five in the afternoon.
"What's next?" Dugu Yan asked, still eager.
"Mm… There isn't much to do up here on the mountain. In a few days, once we move down to the city, I'll take you out to explore properly."
Han Li glanced at the time and made his decision.
"Alright, that works. I'm feeling a bit tired anyway."
Dugu Yan nodded. She could tell Han Li had something planned.
"Actually, you should come along. I'm about to have Xiu'er take the immortal herb. You've gone through this before, so you can share your experience with her."
Han Li didn't want her to leave just yet. She had just arrived keeping her close would be better. Otherwise, she might start overthinking things on her own.
"Oh? I definitely want to see this. I've never seen any other immortal herbs before."
Dugu Yan's interest was piqued, though she gave Han Li a somewhat resentful look. This guy sure knows how to keep secrets.
"No problem, I'll show you all of them. Alright, let's not talk about this outside let's head to my room. No one dares to intrude there."
Han Li led the way inside, shutting down the conversation until they were in a more secure location.
Once inside, he ordered the maids to delay dinner until midnight and instructed the guards not to approach unless summoned. Then, using his soul power, he set up a simple barrier before retrieving the immortal herbs.
Hmm… except for that one.
Han Li's gaze lingered momentarily on the Blood Swan Kiss. He decided not to let Dugu Yan come into contact with it just yet. Her spirit bone's age was still too low better to wait until later.
Xiu'er, who had read about rare plants before, was momentarily stunned seeing so many immortal herbs all at once.
And so, Han Li sat her down and began recounting everything that had happened during his journey.
Of course, he slightly edited the details about Dugu Bo, painting it as a tale of fateful brotherhood between Guang Ling and the old poison master. After all, both he and Dugu Bo had agreed that they definitely didn't want Dugu Yan learning the real story.
Even though she had experienced part of it firsthand, she still listened attentively. Seeing herself woven into an epic adventure from a different perspective was rather entertaining.
Han Li was good at storytelling he filled in dull moments, shifting the viewpoint in interesting ways. Dugu Yan found herself thinking, Wow, the me in this story sounds way cooler than I actually was…
At the climax of the tale, Han Li presented Xiu'er with the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum.
Ugh… I suddenly feel a little envious.
Dugu Yan pursed her lips, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
But then she remembered I was the main character in this story!
Oh, never mind then.
Her mood quickly improved.
Xiu'er, on the other hand, didn't hesitate. She had no reason to refuse and immediately accepted the purple chrysanthemum with golden pollen glimmering at its center.
"Alright, Xiu'er , take it now. Eat the central flower bud first, then the petals one by one. Don't eat the roots. Afterward, start meditating to refine the medicinal power."
Han Li pointed to his usual training spot, signaling her to sit there.
"Mhm."
Xiu'er nodded and did exactly as instructed.
As she began absorbing the herb, Dugu Yan leaned in closer to Han Li. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered playfully into his ear:
"When we were bathing earlier, I tested something Xiu'er's ears are very sensitive. Be honest… do you have some kind of fetish? You kept staring at my lower body when my martial soul was activated, and you even touched my tail."
Han Li instantly stiffened. He shot a quick glance at Xiu'er, who was meditating, before hissing back:
"I swear, don't slander me! It's not some weird fetish I just happen to like people with a few beastly traits, alright?"
Dugu Yan smirked, her eyes gleaming mischievously. She playfully poked his chest.
"Oh, is that so? Well then… I'll just assume that's the case."
Han Li rolled his eyes, dragging her over to sit beside him as they observed Xiu'er's condition.
(End of Chapter)
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