225: The Pearl of the Northern Star

The sensation of consciousness returning was like surfacing from warm water.

Qin Feng was the first to awaken, his five senses rapidly recovering. The weight and warmth on his arm was Little Chun; she leaned against him, breathing evenly, still deep in a peaceful slumber. Her cheeks, originally pale from the immense exertion, now glowed with a healthy blush, even more radiant than before she fell unconscious. The air in the valley, a blend of moisture, the fresh scent of ancient wood, and a hint of nascent sacred power, permeated his heart and mind, clearing his spiritual platform.

His gaze sharply swept the surroundings. The deep pool was like a mirror, reflecting the light from the sky and the Xuanwu's carapace, which was exposed above the water and whose patterns had become even more profound and mysterious. All was quiet; Li Changqing and Sikong Ye's presences were already outside the valley. The profound yet harmless drowsiness that had come so suddenly and departed so cleanly left only a faint trace of doubt in his heart.

"Mm..." Little Chun's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, at first hazy, then clearing. Her gaze immediately went to the deep pool. Seeing the Xuanwu's true body, whose aura was as vast as an abyss yet now felt more approachable and profound, safe and sound, she completely relaxed, a relieved smile naturally blooming on her lips. She stirred gently and sat up from Qin Feng's embrace.

"How do you feel?" Qin Feng asked softly, meticulously sensing her condition at the same time. Her Origin was full, her vitality vibrant, even more perfectly rounded and profound than at her Peak. A subtle, ethereal coolness in her brows gave her an unprecedented spiritual elegance.

"Wonderful, Brother Feng." Little Chun stretched her arms, her eyes sparkling. "I'm not tired at all; in fact... I feel even more energetic, and I can see things more clearly." Little Fire, the reddish-brown beast by her leg, also woke up, rubbing affectionately against her palm, its dark, round eyes curiously darting around. It felt less fear towards the colossal creature in the pool and more a ignorant of nascent curiosity.

At this moment, the Xuanwu's ancient, peaceful, yet now inexplicably more majestic and intimate will, gently flowed into their hearts:

"It's good that you're awake. You both suffered considerable mental exhaustion just now. I merely used a small technique to help stabilize your physiques and nourish your Divine Souls."

It omitted any mysteries that might have occurred during the deep slumber, as if it were merely a thoughtful gesture from an elder.

"Little girl, you helped me remove my chronic illness, an act of grace akin to rebirth. My words are by no means empty promises."

As its voice fell, the deep pool's surface rippled slightly. Several points of deep green, almost black, light, with faint golden edges, rose from beneath the water, like calm stars, hovering before the two of them.

The light receded, revealing the gifts.

Hovering before Qin Feng were four scales, each about the size of an adult's palm, perfectly shaped, and made of neither metal nor jade. The scales were entirely dark black, with intricate and harmonious patterns naturally formed on their surface, subtly creating a miniature Xuanwu star chart. Their edges were smooth and rounded, yet to the touch, they felt strangely warm and indestructible. Merely gazing at them, one could feel a profound Concept of "invulnerable to all methods, unmoving through eternity" wash over them.

Hovering before Little Chun was still the pigeon-egg-sized, translucent azure "northern darkness star essence pearl," its cool vitality permeating the air, joyfully resonating with the Myriad Medicine Origin within her body.

"Qin Feng, lad," the Xuanwu's will transmitted, "these are four heart-guarding scales that naturally shed when I underwent Bloodline reversion. There's no need for any refining or polishing; you only need to attach them directly or simply affix them to crucial points on the inside of your inner armor. They will naturally blend with your armor's aura, raising its overall defense by one Grade and imbuing it with 'Xuanwu True Intent,' which provides extremely strong resistance to various energy impacts, Soul erosion, and curse sneak attacks. Although not as potent as the Natal defensive treasure I personally refined, its advantage lies in its natural formation, its inconspicuousness, and its perfect compatibility with your current Realm."

Raising it by one Grade! The white dragon armor was originally Earth Rank Medium Grade; if it could be elevated to Earth Rank High Grade, its defensive power would undergo a qualitative change! Moreover, the comprehensive resistance brought by the additional "Xuanwu True Intent" sometimes even surpassed mere physical defense in value! This gift was both substantial and practical, and it also considered the hidden danger of possessing a treasure, showing truly profound thoughtfulness.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and solemnly accepted the four scales with both hands. The scales felt slightly heavy in his grasp, cool for a moment before turning warm, and a reassuring, stable power seeped into his palms in threads. "Many thanks for Senior's generous gift! This item is exactly what I need, Junior is endlessly grateful!"

The Xuanwu's will turned to Little Chun, with added warmth: "Little girl, this 'northern darkness star essence pearl' was condensed by me using the essence of Northern Darkness Profound Ice, mixed with a trace of star Origin and endless vitality. It is not skilled in offense or defense, but it is a supreme treasure for nurturing Origin, purifying vitality, and calming the Divine Soul. It will greatly benefit your control over the Myriad Medicine Body, your Cultivation of the Returning Origin Guiding Heart Art, and even your future refining of High Grade Medicinal Pills. Wear it for a long time, and its wondrous uses will gradually become apparent."

Little Chun carefully held the azure treasure bead. The bead felt cool in her hand, instantly transforming into a warm current that flowed into her limbs and bones, making her spiritual platform clearer and more lucid than ever before. The circulation of vitality within her body was as easy as moving her arm; she could even perceive the joyous spiritual Qi of plants and trees more subtly. "Thank you, Senior Xuanwu! This bead... it's so comfortable, it feels like I'm constantly soaking in the best spiritual spring."

There seemed to be a smile in the Xuanwu's will: "Compared to what you gave, this meager gift is not worth mentioning. Remember, do not flaunt your wealth. The scales are to be integrated into your inner armor, and the treasure bead worn close to your body. Do not reveal their extraordinary nature to anyone who is not family or utterly trustworthy."

"Junior will remember!" Both responded solemnly.

"Alright, what needed to be given has been given, and what needed to be said has also been said."

"As for you two," the Xuanwu finally said, "though the world within the valley is safe, it is ultimately not a place for fledgling eagles to linger. The outside, though dangerous, is the true Trial Grounds. When you are ready, then depart."

"Yes, Senior." Qin Feng nodded, the journey to the Imperial Capital was already a decided plan.

"Go then.

Li and Si are already outside the valley. In the future, if you encounter genuine hardship, you can silently recite in your heart using the scales or the treasure bead. If the distance is not too far and my state allows, I might be able to sense it and provide a faint guiding light. But it is better to rely on yourselves than on others; the path ahead must ultimately be walked by yourselves."

"Many thanks to Senior for the grace of protecting our Dao!" Both bowed deeply, their hearts filled with reassurance and the courage to move forward.

Glancing once more at the Xuanwu's true body, which remained unmoving in the deep pool yet was as reassuring as a divine sea-stabilizing needle, Qin Feng took Little Chun's hand and steadily walked out of Xuantian Valley.