The depth of the spirit vein was unfathomable.

As Ning Fan and Yun Qingyao submerged into the spirit vein, their field of vision instantly contracted to less than five meters. After all, the vein was composed of highly concentrated, pale blue liquid energy.

Objects at any significant distance were obscured from the naked eye.

This was one of the primary reasons Ji Wuxi had chosen not to pursue Ning Fan into the vein; sight was severely restricted, and the environment was entirely submerged. To engage in combat under such conditions would be an arduous, foolhardy task.

As for the necessity of breathing?

It was unneeded.

The spirit vein was a dense, liquid manifestation of Spiritual Qi. While immersed, a cultivator's body was constantly nourished; every pore absorbed and exhaled the surrounding essence. Breathing was irrelevant.

"Move."

Ning Fan spoke.

The liquid Qi posed no danger to his lungs, though it forced him to raise his voice for his words to carry through the dense medium.

He pulled Yun Qingyao along, swimming in a random direction. Once he judged they were far enough to avoid detection, he drew her into his embrace.

Yun Qingyao understood his intent immediately.

It was time for dual cultivation.

Engaging in such a practice underwater was a stimulating endeavor for them both, though the sensation was secondary to their true purpose. Given the immense density of the Spiritual Qi and the rare fruit from the mysterious tree in their possession, it would be a grievous waste to forgo the opportunity.

"Hum-"

With a flash of white light, the figure in Ning Fan's arms shifted from Yun Qingyao to Ye Honglian. Though she had experienced the intensity of their previous sessions, the sight of their surroundings still caused the Saintess of the Tianxuan Holy Land to widen her eyes in shock.

Mandarin ducks playing in the water?

This was too indulgent, surely?

But the realization dawned on her a moment later. This was no ordinary water, but a highly concentrated accumulation of Spiritual Qi-a phenomenon only found within a true spirit vein.

"This is a spirit vein?" Ye Honglian asked.

"Indeed."

"Here, Fairy Sister."

Ning Fan handed the five fruits to her. Ye Honglian took them, her expression flickering with surprise.

"Spirit Fate Fruits?"

"These are exceptionally rare treasures. They enhance a cultivator's potential and greatly assist in breaking through bottlenecks. With these five fruits, advancing to the Profound Extreme Realm will be well within your reach."

"Where did you obtain these?"

Ning Fan recounted the discovery of the spirit vein, the strange tree, and the fruits. Ye Honglian pondered his words for a moment before shifting the conversation.

"Little lecher, do you know how the Spirit Fate Fruit earned its name?"

"Why is that?"

"The 'Spirit' refers to the environment required for its birth; it must grow where the Spiritual Qi is most abundant, just as this vein provides. As for the 'Fate,' such an ancient tree is no drifting weed. Its roots are undoubtedly anchored to a much greater Fated Chance."

"Oh?"

Ning Fan's eyes gleamed with excitement at the prospect of further opportunity.

"Hmph."

Ye Honglian pouted, visibly displeased.

"Could you refrain from doing that so suddenly?"

"My apologies. I was overcome with excitement."

Ning Fan felt a flash of shame. The mere mention of a great Fated Chance always stirred his blood, making his movements somewhat unruly. It was only natural, of course.

"Haa..."

Ye Honglian drew a deep breath, suppressing the lingering agitation within her as she asked, her voice trembling slightly, "And the... the Thunder Roar Grass? Did you find any?"

"Of course."

Ning Fan produced Shao Hong's storage ring. With a sweep of her Heaven Extreme Realm Divine Sense, Ye Honglian instantly located the stalks.

"Two stalks? Two whole stalks of Thunder Roar Grass?"

Her voice betrayed her excitement. This was a heavenly material she had struggled to procure even with the vast resources of the Holy Land, yet Ning Fan had acquired two so effortlessly. With these, she could elevate her Tianxuan Heart Sutra to a much higher level.

"Sss-"

Just as her excitement peaked, a sharp intake of air escaped Ning Fan's lips, and his movements ceased.

"F-Fairy Sister, your enthusiasm is... it's simply..."

"Too intense!"

"You little lecher!"

Her cheeks flushed a deep, vibrant red, and her body shuddered. As a Saintess of the Tianxuan Holy Land, she had never been subjected to such suggestive talk, yet she could not deny the truth of his observation.

"Fairy Sister, how do you intend to handle the Thunder Roar Grass?" Ning Fan asked, quickly steering the conversation back to safer ground. If she did not cooperate, he would be the one to pay the price.

"I will take it, of course," she replied without hesitation.

"I suspect our regions are separated by a vast distance. What is rare in my lands is common in yours, and perhaps the reverse is true as well. If we continue to exchange these resources, our path to the peak will be far smoother."

"Oh?"

Ning Fan paused. This sounded strange. If she was merely a second personality of Yun Qingyao, how could she take physical items into her own possession? Were they separated by space, or was she an entirely independent entity?

He could not decipher the mystery. For now, it was best to simply remain cautious.

He focused his mind, sinking into meditation. Bolstered by the Spirit Fate Fruit, the barrier to the Profound Extreme Realm began to crack.

Hum-

A resonance echoed through the water as the spiritual pressure surrounding him intensified, drawing the local Qi into a chaotic vortex.

Profound Extreme Realm.

Achieved!

He felt his physical shell grow stronger and his muscles more dense, a testament to both the fruit and the marrow-cleansing power of the spirit vein. The gains from this session were immense.

As the Yin and Yang energies reached a final, harmonious sublimation, a white light engulfed Ye Honglian. When it faded, she had once again returned to the form of Yun Qingyao.

Ning Fan looked at her, his gaze complicated and lingering.

"Husband?" Yun Qingyao tilted her head, her eyes wide and innocent.