Phoenix Empress: Rise of the Fallen

After several days of training, Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye's coordination had become increasingly seamless, and their strength had improved significantly.

"Sister Qianxue, let's go a bit deeper into the middle layer today," Xiao Hanye suggested. "I heard there are more precious spirit herbs there."

Ling Qianxue pondered for a moment. "Alright, but we must be extra careful. The demon beasts in the deeper parts of the middle layer are all above Seven-Star Awakening Stage."

"With Sister Qianxue here, I'm not afraid of anything," Xiao Hanye said confidently.

The two organized their equipment and headed deeper into the forest.

The further they went, the taller and denser the trees became. Some ancient trees required over a dozen people to encircle them. The concentration of spiritual energy in the air also noticeably increased, invigorating their spirits.

"Careful!" Ling Qianxue suddenly pulled Xiao Hanye back.

In the bushes ahead, a spotted python was devouring its prey. The python was as thick as a water bucket, over ten meters long, its scales gleaming with a metallic luster in the sunlight.

"It's a Golden Scale Python, an Eight-Star Awakening Stage demon beast," Ling Qianxue said quietly. "Let's go around it."

The two carefully changed their route, avoiding the Golden Scale Python's territory.

After walking for another half hour, a strange fragrance suddenly wafted over.

"It smells wonderful!" Xiao Hanye took a deep breath. "What is this scent?"

Ling Qianxue's eyes lit up. "It's the fragrance of spirit fruits! And not just one kind!"

Following the direction of the fragrance, they discovered a natural valley. Various fruit trees grew within, their branches laden with colorful fruits.

"Heavens, so many spirit fruits!" Xiao Hanye exclaimed.

"Don't get excited yet," Ling Qianxue observed their surroundings vigilantly. "Where there are spirit fruits, there are usually guardian demon beasts."

As soon as she finished speaking, a low growl came from within the valley.

A snow-white giant bear slowly emerged. It stood three meters tall, each step making the ground tremble slightly.

"It's an Ice Crystal Bear!" Ling Qianxue's expression turned serious. "An early Foundation Building Stage demon beast!"

The Ice Crystal Bear clearly considered this valley its territory and was hostile toward the intruders.

"Sister Qianxue, let's retreat," Xiao Hanye said. "Foundation Building Stage demon beasts are too powerful."

Ling Qianxue gritted her teeth. "No, this opportunity is too rare. I have a plan."

She took out a small bottle containing deep green powder.

"This is Illusion Powder, specifically for dealing with bear-type demon beasts," she explained. "In a moment, I'll use flames to send the powder near its nose, and it will temporarily fall asleep. We'll quickly gather the spirit fruits."

"Alright!"

Ling Qianxue took a deep breath and conjured a ball of flame in her hand. She precisely controlled the flame's trajectory, silently sending the Illusion Powder near the Ice Crystal Bear.

The Ice Crystal Bear sniffed, then suddenly yawned. Its massive body swayed before slowly collapsing to the ground.

"Success! Quick!"

The two immediately rushed into the valley.

"These are Crimson Flame Fruits, they can enhance fire element talent," Ling Qianxue quickly picked them. "These are Mystic Water Fruits, they can improve water element affinity."

"Sister Qianxue, what are these black fruits?" Xiao Hanye pointed at a short tree.

Ling Qianxue looked and said excitedly, "They're Bone Tempering Fruits! Specifically used for body refinement, they'll greatly benefit your physical cultivation!"

"Wonderful!" Xiao Hanye excitedly began picking.

The two divided the work and cooperated, quickly gathering a large amount of spirit fruits.

"That's about enough, we should go," Ling Qianxue said. "The Illusion Powder won't last much longer."

Just as they were about to leave, Xiao Hanye suddenly stopped. "Sister Qianxue, what's that?"

In the deepest part of the valley stood an ordinary-looking small tree with only three pale golden fruits.

"Those are..." Ling Qianxue's eyes widened. "Body Tempering Golden Fruits! The legendary supreme body tempering spirit fruits!"

"Really?"

"That's right! One Body Tempering Golden Fruit is worth a hundred ordinary Bone Tempering Fruits!" Ling Qianxue said excitedly. "Quick, go pick them!"

Just as Xiao Hanye was about to go, his foot suddenly found empty air.

"Careful!"

There was a trap there, deliberately dug by the Ice Crystal Bear to protect its most precious spirit fruits.

Ling Qianxue reacted quickly and grabbed Xiao Hanye.

"That was close!" Xiao Hanye said with lingering fear.

"I'll use flames to carry you over," Ling Qianxue said.

She condensed a huge fire lotus. Xiao Hanye stepped onto it and carefully floated to the small tree.

"Got them!" He excitedly held up the three Body Tempering Golden Fruits.

Just then, an angry roar erupted.

The Ice Crystal Bear had awakened!

"Oh no!" Ling Qianxue's face changed dramatically. "Run!"

Discovering its most precious treasures had been stolen, the Ice Crystal Bear fell into a berserk state. Cold air emanated from its entire body, the ground freezing into thick ice wherever it passed.

"Ice Spikes!"

Countless ice cones erupted from the ground, chasing their footsteps.

Ling Qianxue continuously cast fire element spells, melting those ice spikes, but the Ice Crystal Bear's attacks were too dense.

"Sister Qianxue!"

Xiao Hanye swept up Ling Qianxue in his arms, using his movement technique to dodge rapidly. His"Indestructible Diamond Body"played a crucial role at this critical moment, withstanding several ice spike attacks.

"Hold on, we're almost out of the valley!"

The two fled desperately and finally rushed out of the valley.

The Ice Crystal Bear chased to the valley entrance, hesitated, and ultimately didn't continue pursuing. It roared angrily several times before turning back into the valley.

"Huff... huff..." The two collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.

"That was too thrilling!" Xiao Hanye wiped his sweat.

"But the harvest was also great," Ling Qianxue looked at the spirit fruits in her storage ring with a satisfied smile. "Especially those three Body Tempering Golden Fruits - they're truly priceless treasures."

"Sister Qianxue, it would be too wasteful to use all these on me," Xiao Hanye said.

"Don't talk nonsense," Ling Qianxue said seriously. "Your physical cultivation talent is very high. With these spirit fruits' help, you'll definitely reach new heights."

"Moreover..." her voice became softer, "I hope you can become stronger, so you can always stay by my side."

Xiao Hanye felt warmth in his heart. "Sister Qianxue, don't worry, I definitely won't disappoint your expectations!"

After resting for a while, the two found a safe place and began counting their harvest.

"Five Crimson Flame Fruits, three Mystic Water Fruits, four Azure Wood Fruits..." Ling Qianxue counted one by one. "Twenty Bone Tempering Fruits, and the most precious three Body Tempering Golden Fruits."

"This really is a great harvest!" Xiao Hanye said happily.

"The Bone Tempering Fruits and Body Tempering Golden Fruits are all for you," Ling Qianxue separated these fruits. "We'll split the others equally."

"No, that's too much," Xiao Hanye declined.

"Listen to me," Ling Qianxue domineeringly stuffed the fruits into his hands. "What you need most now is to improve your physique. With a strong body as foundation, future cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort."

Xiao Hanye was moved as he accepted the spirit fruits. "Thank you, Sister Qianxue."

"Why are you being polite with me?" Ling Qianxue chided.

The two looked at each other and smiled, that tacit understanding and warmth making the surrounding air seem sweet.

"By the way, these body tempering spirit fruits can't be eaten directly," Ling Qianxue reminded. "They need to be combined with medicinal baths to maximize their effects. Let's go back and prepare first."

"Alright."

On the way back, Ling Qianxue explained the precautions for body tempering in detail.

"The body tempering process will be very painful, and your body will expel large amounts of impurities," she said. "But as long as you persist, your physique will undergo a qualitative leap."

"I'm not afraid of pain," Xiao Hanye said firmly.

Looking at his serious expression, a warm current surged in Ling Qianxue's heart.

'This fool, always working so hard,' she thought to herself. 'I hope he can always remain this sunny and pure.'

Before they knew it, the sun was setting.

Golden afterglow sprinkled on the two of them, stretching their shadows very long.

"Sister Qianxue, look at that beautiful sunset," Xiao Hanye pointed at the horizon.

Ling Qianxue followed his finger and looked - it was indeed beautiful. But for some reason, she felt the young man beside her was more captivating than the sunset.

"Mm, very beautiful," she responded softly.

"Shall we watch more beautiful scenery together in the future?" Xiao Hanye said longingly.

"Yes," Ling Qianxue agreed without hesitation.

The two walked side by side, occasionally chatting, but mostly enjoying this peaceful companionship.

As they approached the city gates, Ling Qianxue suddenly said, "Hanye, promise me something."

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens, always trust me, okay?" She looked at him seriously.

Though Xiao Hanye didn't understand why she suddenly said this, he still nodded firmly. "I will always trust Sister Qianxue!"

Ling Qianxue smiled, that smile blooming like spring flowers, beautiful enough to intoxicate.

After entering the city, they didn't go to the Adventurer's Guild but returned directly to the manor.

"Father should be waiting anxiously," Ling Qianxue said.

Indeed, Ling Tianhua was pacing at the door.

"You've finally returned!" Seeing them safe, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Father, we had a great harvest today!" Ling Qianxue said excitedly.

Seeing the smile on his daughter's face, Ling Tianhua also became happy. "Coming back safely is more important than anything. Come, let's go inside first."

At dinner, Ling Qianxue recounted the day's experiences. When he heard they encountered a Foundation Building Stage Ice Crystal Bear, Ling Tianhua was so frightened he dropped his chopsticks.

"Too dangerous! You're not allowed to go to such deep places anymore!"

"Father, don't worry, we were very careful," Ling Qianxue consoled. "And the harvest really was great."

She took out a Crimson Flame Fruit. "Father, this is for you. Although you're not fire element, it can still strengthen your body."

Ling Tianhua accepted it gratefully. "My daughter has grown up."

The family ate dinner in a warm and harmonious atmosphere, making one forget the dangers outside.

After dinner, Ling Qianxue began preparing the medicinal bath for Xiao Hanye.

"We need to prepare many auxiliary medicinal materials," she made a list. "Tomorrow morning we'll go to the medicine shop to purchase them."

"Mm!" Xiao Hanye was full of anticipation.

Night deepened, and the two returned to their respective rooms to rest.

Ling Qianxue lay in bed, her mind constantly replaying images of Xiao Hanye protecting her today.

'He's becoming more and more reliable,' she thought, unconsciously smiling.

In another room, Xiao Hanye held those three Body Tempering Golden Fruits, secretly vowing: 'I must become stronger, strong enough to truly protect Sister Qianxue!'

Moonlight filtered through the window lattice into the room, everything was so peaceful and beautiful.

Tomorrow, new training would begin.