Ning Rongrong watched in horror as Shen An deliberately cut himself. Had fighting scrambled his brains?
Tom also looked worried, placing a paw on Shen An's forehead and lifting his eyelids as if performing an examination. The physical injuries had just healed—had his mind gone haywire now? This was truly concerning for a cat.
"Shoo, shoo! I'm just conducting an experiment."
Shen An pushed Tom away, staring blankly at his finger. This didn't make sense—if even his fingernails could regenerate, he should have some degree of healing ability.
Baffled, he looked again and found the bleeding wound had already scabbed over.
This recovery speed is insane.
Could it be my special constitution? But even then, reattaching fallen connective tissue shouldn't be possible.
He fell into deep thought again. Why? Had he only absorbed part of Tom and Jerry's regenerative abilities? But where did this regenerative power even come from?
"Ahem, Shen An... maybe put your clothes on first?" Ning Rongrong's cheeks were tinged pink, her large eyes occasionally darting to Shen An's bare torso.
Shen An also stared blankly at himself—his broad chest, firm and powerful muscles, every contour exuding masculine vigor. This was the natural result of repeated system enhancements and spirit ring absorptions refining his physique.
"AAAAAH—!" A sharp scream erupted, startling both Shen An and Ning Rongrong.
Annoyed, Shen An smacked Tom. "What are you screeching for?"
Tom grinned sheepishly. Wasn't screaming the proper reaction when someone wasn't dressed? Last time he accidentally saw Jerry bathing, the mouse had shrieked for ages while covering himself.
Ning Rongrong also shot Tom a glare. "Shen An, are you feeling better? Should I ask Aunt Tan to treat you again?"
Though still slightly weak, Shen An wanted to test his body's self-healing capabilities. Injuries were rare for him, so this was a valuable opportunity to understand his limits.
He shook his head gently. "No need. Let's head out—no point worrying everyone. By the way, how's Zhuqing? We've been gone so long..."
"I notified her immediately. She arrived last night, and we took turns watching over you."
Warmth flooded Shen An's chest. He then turned to Ning Rongrong. "Uh, I need to get dressed. Maybe step out for a bit?"
Ning Rongrong's face stiffened. "Hmph, it's not like I haven't seen it before. Fine, I'm leaving."
But as she turned, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. On her way out, her small hand "accidentally" gave Shen An's chest a firm squeeze.
"Mmm, nice texture." Her blush deepened.
Shen An was stunned. Since when did this girl become so bold?
Outside, Zhuqing—who had been dozing on the sofa—was jolted awake by Tom's scream. Fear kept her from barging in immediately.
Please, don't let anything be wrong. Otherwise, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I'll spend the rest of my life making you pay.
For a mere Spirit Elder to harbor such thoughts against a colossal entity like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was ludicrous. Yet her resolve was unshakable.
"Rongrong, how's Shen An?" Zhuqing rushed forward, her voice trembling with apprehension.
Ning Rongrong's expression faltered. She'd completely forgotten Zhuqing was outside when she groped Shen An.
The realization—ahem—of doing such a thing in front of the wife sent an illicit thrill through her. So exhilarating!
Tch. Who says she'll be the main wife anyway? Why am I already resigning myself to second place? Ning Rongrong scolded herself for lacking ambition.
"Shen An's fine. He's freshening up and will be out soon," she replied, forcing calm into her voice.
"That's good." Relief colored Zhuqing's tone before she eyed Ning Rongrong suspiciously. "But why does your face look so flushed?"
"Hahaha! Just happy to see Shen An awake!" Ning Rongrong laughed nervously.
Thanks to Tuffy's diaper's infinite storage (where Shen An stashed daily necessities without restraint), he soon emerged fully dressed.
The moment the door opened, a soft, warm body collided with his chest.
"Shen An, I was so worried!" Zhuqing clung to him desperately, as if he might vanish if she loosened her grip.
"Zhuqing, relax. I'm okay." Shen An patted her back soothingly.
"Shen An, my apologies. Your sword intent that day was extraordinary—I couldn't resist testing it." Sword Douluo Chen Xin arrived via flying sword, looking sheepish.
He subtly distanced himself from Tom, who was glaring daggers at him. Those seemingly harmless kitten punches had sent a Titled Douluo flying without resistance—utterly terrifying.
Bone Douluo Gu Rong had laughed about it nonstop since yesterday, even leading later-arriving Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples to admire the human-shaped crater Chen Xin had created.
In the fucking mountainside! Gu Rong had flown groups up to see it!
Furious, Chen Xin had obliterated all traces with a single sword slash.
"No blame to you, Elder Chen. That duel taught me much." Shen An wasn't being polite—he'd genuinely gained insights.
His One Blade of Grass Sword Intent had grown sharper and more formidable after clashing with the Seven Kill Sword Intent, embodying the principle of thriving under pressure.
Of course—without such resilience, how could a mere blade of grass sever suns and moons?
Ning Fengzhi arrived then. Seeing Zhuqing nestled against Shen An while his own daughter pouted nearby, he sighed inwardly.
My girl's fallen hard.
No wonder—Shen An was monstrously talented, having comprehended sword intent at such a young age, ridiculously handsome, and even-tempered. After living together so long, his daughter's infatuation was inevitable.
Ning Fengzhi didn't oppose Ning Rongrong's feelings—he even quietly hoped they'd end up together.
But as sect master, he absolutely refused to let his most gifted daughter share Shen An with another.
I'll need to remind Rongrong—some battles must be fought.
Masking his thoughts, Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Shen An, since you've just recovered, why not rest here a while longer?"
"Thank you, Uncle Ning, but I'm fine." Shen An declined politely. As comfortable as Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was, he missed his own nest.
This homesickness was something he shared with Tom.
"Dad, if Shen An leaves, I'm going too! Being near him motivates my cultivation!" Ning Rongrong declared.
Ning Fengzhi's face darkened. Daughters really do grow away—and mine hasn't even grown up yet!