After observing the red crystal with golden runes for a little while, Yasenia stepped out of the room and transformed back into her humanoid form. âHow much longer do I have before I need to leave this room?â
The dragoness looked outside and checked the formation, which displayed the remaining time she had before the three-month deadline. "There should be around one and a half months... left. Ha?"
A surge of disbelief surged inside of her when she saw that only one week was left before she needed to leave. "No, thatâs impossible. When did so much time pass? I entered the temple when I had almost two months left!"
Something was amiss, so Yasenia crossed her arms under her bosom and began thinking. "Was it my cultivation session? No, thatâs impossible. Even if time gets somewhat blurry when cultivating, thatâs when you are experiencing deep cultivation. What made me so dazed that I didnât even feel that an entire month had gone by?"
The dragoness pondered and stilled for a moment. Then, she looked back at the room. "Was it me looking at the pillar? Draheart, Dramel, Soluna, are any of you aware of what happened?"
An answer reached her not long after she asked. "Master? You are finally out of the Temple? We couldnât reach you at all during the last month. Itâs as if the communication between us had been blocked by something powerful!"
Dramelâs melodious voice reached Yasenia, making her even more doubtful. "How is this possible..." Looking at the door again, she was shocked. "Iâll need to prepare some sort of alarm the next time I come. To think that I stayed dazedly looking at the crystal for over a month, and it felt like a few minutes. The secrets hidden inside are truly exceptional."
Dramel commented. "By the way, Master. Soluna is still cultivating. However, she can stop whenever you want to keep you company."
"Why? Canât you come to keep me company?" The dragoness smirked, and soon, a petite girl with adorable big eyes and mature curves appeared in front of her.
"Hehe~. Here I am!"
Yasenia extended her arms and hugged Dramel tightly. "You really know how to choose your body! You are so cuddly and cute!"
The dragoness rubbed her face against Dramelâs and squeezed her in a tight hug, making the weapon spirit laugh beautifully. "You need to thank me, Master! Draheart actually wanted us to get a body similar to yours when transforming. She was saying some stuff about respect or something like that."
The dragoness fondled Dramelâs soft cheeks while chuckling. "I see. If you two had similar bodies to mine, it would be a problem for the world. Being cute and adorable like now is best~."
"I alpho thin sho!"
Hearing the muffled words, Yasenia stifled her laughter and hugged the petite girl again. The jade-green, soft hair was perfect for burying your face in. "Although I want to continue cuddling with my adorable instrument, I need to check the rest of the doors and the stairs at the end of the temple. Come with me."
Dramel smiled happily and took Yaseniaâs hand. When they walked hand in hand, they looked more like mother and daughter than weapon and master. Yasenia checked all 27 doors and noticed that only the first three were open. The rest were sealed behind some restrictions that she couldnât guess right then.
Yasenia sighed at that. "Everything is locked behind something. I feel as if I own a giant treasure trove, but I only have access to the coins that spilled outside the door leading to it." With a smile, she looked at Dramel. "Are you also part of this hidden treasure as well~? Are you hiding something from me, too~?"
The cute weapon spoke while giggling. "I am not! Master can play with me whenever she wants. I am making sure to keep my chords tuned and in perfect condition just for that~."
Yasenia used her tail to lift and hug her up in her arms. Then, as she carried the cute and adorable petite girl outside, the dragoness muttered. "The stairs are also blocked by a barrier. Regardless of what I did, it doesnât even budge. It seems that Iâll need to explore things slowly."
At that moment, Yasenia saw Dramelâs twin sister appearing. The petite girl had a deadpan face as she looked at the dragoness. Nevertheless, our dragoness could easily spot a trace of joy deep in her eyes.
"Master."
Draheartâs personality was a mystery for Yasenia. At first, she was somewhat mature and seductive. Now, she was like Cecile at firstâcommunicating with her eyes while keeping a stiff face. But, remembering what Dramel had told her, perhaps Draheart was trying to copy her to show the respect that Dramel had mentioned. This would go against her own nature, so she never revealed her true nature. Only now, once Draheart understood Yasenia, did she reveal her actual personality.
"Draheart." Yasenia approached after setting Dramel aside, making the weapon somewhat nervous.
âDid I do something wrong? Why is she approaching with such a serious expression?â
Yasenia opened her arms wide, and Draheartâs head was suddenly buried between Yaseniaâs massive mountains. "Why are you so adorable!? Ahh! My weapons are the best in the world!"
Although she knew that she was in her soul form, Draheart honestly felt as if she would suffocate between the soft, massive bundles of joy. "Master... Please let me go. I canât breathe."
The dragoness blinked a few times and looked down. "Do you even need to breathe? Stay put and let me hug you."
Dramel giggled when she saw Draheart staying perfectly still. "Big Sister Draheart is clearly enjoying it~."
Draheart looked sideways, wanting to give a bad look at Dramel, but the bust of her master was so large she just couldnât make eye contact. â... I guess Dragons are truly unparalleled in this regard.â
After hugging her two adorable weapon spirits for a while, Yasenia just floated with both little girls through her soul. "Say... Why does it feel somewhat different?"
"What does?" Dramel raised her head, puzzled.
"Itâs like... As if I have more control over everything? My soul, body, dantian, meridians, and even my understanding of concepts seem to be clearer for no rhyme or reason."
Hearing her words, Dramel and Draheart exchanged puzzled looks. These looks werenât directed at Yaseniaâs remarks, though. They were questioning why their master would make such observations. "Master, didnât you sort out your energy problems and connection to the Primordial Palace during the last month?"
When she heard Dramelâs words, our dragoness was confused. "What do you mean? Didnât I tell you that I just looked at that red crystal for a few minutes, and suddenly, a few months had passed?"
Draheart commented. "That red crystal must have some special qualities, then. You mightâve been affected by the inscriptions on it, and it made you subconsciously understand how energy moves and much more. Try to control and manipulate your skills, Master."
"Such a good thing exists in this world?" While doubtful, she didnât argue and instead tried it out. To her surprise, the energy she moved flowed through her smoothly. Moreover, when she tried to activate the skills that still worked, it was several times faster and more efficient. "Woah..." The dragoness sighed and glanced at the temple. Then, the words of admiration she was going to say got stuck in her throat. "You..." Yasenia squinted and looked at the palace deeply. "Itâs not possible... You truly linked with my soul!"
As the dragoness extended her hand, she felt a clear connection between the [Primordial Palace] and herself. The dragoness was shocked and then laughed incredulously. "Those two gods would be so angry if they knew, hahaha."
Dramel and Draheart were also surprised, but as Yaseniaâs weapons, they didnât mind much. The stronger Yasenia was, the happier they were. Moreover, both of them were linked to Yasenia, so a case where they became outdated would not happen unless their potential ran out. To avoid this, the weapon spirits needed to cultivate as well and harmonize and absorb Yaseniaâs energies as best as they could.
The dragoness flicked her tail and clicked her tongue. "It also seems that Iâve harmonized myself with the surrounding energy. I need to find time for myself as quickly as I can. For now, though, I have a certain Star Forge Lady to soothe and a disciple to guide."
She opened her eyes in the real world and waved her hand. A sumptuous feast with a myriad of plates appeared in front of her. "Even then, I need to eat to feed my baby well before I go! Nutrients are important during pregnancy!"
In Star Forge Ladyâs compound, the woman was sitting cross-legged with a few youths in front of her. These people were not talented per se, but their potential was high. In Star Forgeâs opinion, a bit of hard work and her guidance would be enough to set them on the path to becoming genius cultivators. "Xuefei, have you gotten accustomed yet? Are your Senior Brothers and Sisters bullying you?"
The number of people under Star Forge was not that many. Therefore, there was a sense of community among them. Relations were mostly peaceful, and Feixue had not been slighted during the last months. On the contrary, she became close with a few of them.
A young man with some maturity in his face spoke indignantly. "Master, you shouldnât be so partial to Little Xuefei. Otherwise, how can we spoil her too? She will always ask for Masterâs help!"
Feixue laughed a bit. These last three months have been reinvigorating and even therapeutic for her. A lot of the gloom in her heart cleared thanks to their great company and care, making her look better than ever. "Donât worry, Master. Everyone treats me exceptionally well. Moreover, with such talented Senior Brothers and Sisters, I can learn things every day."
"Thatâs great." Star Forge Lady wanted to say more, but her words paused. She frowned, looking toward the entrance. "Whoâs there? Reveal yourself!"
"Aiya~, donât be so scary, Star Forge~."
A seductive voice filled with mischief reached everyone, dazing the disciples. When Star Forge listened to that memorable and alluring voice, her face twisted and ordered. "What are you doing outside!? Come inside so that I can beat you up!"
"Are you sure you want me to go inside? The Birth Rate will plummet if I do so~."
Star Forge wanted to roll her eyes, but she couldnât. She still remembered that she was somewhat dazed for a while when they met for the first time. Even then, she thought that it would be great training for the heart if her disciples saw this calamitous beauty. "Just come here and stop playing tricks."
"As you wish~." Yasenia slid the door to the side and entered the humble hall. The place was decorated with bamboo tiles and white walls. The walls were decorated with illustrations of flowers, rivers, lakes, and mountains, breaking the monotony while providing a profound sense of tranquility.
Yet, Yaseniaâs existence seemed to be the very thing that could mess up the entire atmosphere, or more specifically, make it her backdrop. Feixue didnât know how to react, but when she saw Yasenia smile at her and walk, she felt joy flowing into her heart.
Star Forge waited for Yasenia to sit by Feixueâs side before looking around. â... No one was able to resist being enthralled. Truly fearsome.â
Clap!
A loud clapping sound snapped everyone out of their daze. "Stop ogling. Now, let me present this woman to all of you before I resume her scolding."