After making sure Xiao Feng was resting peacefully—
The four girls finally gathered around the campfire near the cave entrance.
The sky had already turned dark.
Stars filled the heavens above.
The crackling sounds of burning firewood echoed softly throughout the quiet forest.
Several dishes made from magical beast meat and fresh vegetables had already been prepared.
The aroma alone was enough to make anyone hungry.
Yet—
Not a single person was paying attention to the food.
Instead—
All four girls were staring toward the sleeping Xiao Feng.
The atmosphere was strangely tense.
After a long silence—
Xue Ni was the first to speak.
"So..."
"What exactly are we going to tell him when he wakes up?"
The moment those words were spoken—
Everyone became nervous.
Liu Fei immediately lowered her head.
Her beautiful face instantly turned red.
"If Senior Brother Xiao Feng remembers anything from the hot spring..."
"I think I'll die from embarrassment."
Beside her—
Even the usually mature and composed Ruo Ling looked uncomfortable.
The elegant instructor gently rubbed her forehead.
"I was originally planning to get to know him properly."
"Slowly."
"Normally."
"Who would've thought things would become this chaotic in a single day?"
Meanwhile—
Xiao Yu could only sigh helplessly.
Looking at the two embarrassed women—
And then at the sleeping Xiao Feng—
She suddenly felt a headache coming.
Everything had started because of a simple prank.
Who could have expected Xiao Feng to rush into the cave at the worst possible moment?
Thinking about that scene—
Even Xiao Yu's face became slightly red.
Fortunately—
She suddenly remembered something.
Then her eyes brightened.
"Wait."
"Everyone calm down."
Immediately—
The others looked toward her.
Xiao Yu confidently pointed toward the sleeping Xiao Feng.
"He's not unconscious because of anything serious."
"He only fell asleep after the wine and medicine affected him together."
"And before that he already had terrible alcohol tolerance."
"Trust me."
"When he wakes up tomorrow, he'll only remember drinking wine and falling asleep."
"Everything else will feel blurry."
Hearing that—
Liu Fei instantly became hopeful.
"Really?"
Xiao Yu nodded firmly.
"Really."
"He'll probably think everything else was just a dream."
Only then did everyone finally relax.
Ruo Ling released a long breath.
"Thank heavens."
Xue Ni immediately laughed.
"I've never seen four people so terrified of one person's memory before."
That sentence caused everyone to laugh awkwardly.
After that—
The four girls quickly came to a silent agreement.
No matter what happened tomorrow—
Their story would remain exactly the same.
Xiao Feng drank wine.
Xiao Feng fell asleep.
Nothing happened afterward.
That was the official version.
Soon—
The girls finished preparing dinner.
The atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.
Warm food was arranged around the campfire.
The night breeze drifted through the forest.
Everything appeared peaceful and normal.
However—
Just to be safe—
The four girls even rehearsed their answers beforehand.
"If he asks what happened?"
Xue Ni immediately answered.
"We tell him he drank too much."
"If he asks why he slept so long?"
Liu Fei replied.
"We tell him his alcohol tolerance is terrible."
"If he asks about the hot spring?"
Ruo Ling asked nervously.
Before anyone else could answer—
Xiao Yu spoke immediately.
"We tell him nothing happened."
Everyone nodded.
Perfect.
No flaws.
No loopholes.
Everything was prepared.
At that exact moment—
"Mmm..."
A sleepy sound suddenly escaped Xiao Feng's mouth.
The four girls instantly froze.
Their hearts almost jumped out of their chests.
Then—
Under everyone's nervous gaze—
Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
For several moments—
He simply stared at the starry sky.
Then the campfire.
Then the food.
And finally—
The four girls sitting around him.
For some reason—
They all looked unusually nervous.
Seeing this—
A dangerous feeling immediately appeared inside Xiao Feng's heart.
His first thought was simple.
I definitely did something stupid.
Slowly sitting upright—
He rubbed his forehead.
His head felt surprisingly heavy.
The memories after drinking wine seemed strangely blurry.
Then—
Looking toward everyone—
He asked cautiously.
"What happened?"
Immediately—
The four girls exchanged glances.
Liu Fei reacted first.
Her expression was perfectly calm.
At least on the surface.
"You drank wine."
"Then you fell asleep."
Xiao Feng blinked.
"...That's it?"
Everyone nodded simultaneously.
"That's it."
The synchronized answer immediately made Xiao Feng suspicious.
However—
Seeing how serious everyone looked—
He began doubting himself instead.
Then—
A fragment of memory suddenly flashed through his mind.
The hot spring.
Mist.
A warm fragrance.
Something soft.
But before he could think deeper—
The memory disappeared.
Frowning slightly—
He asked again.
"Did anything happen after training?"
"Maybe near the hot spring?"
"I feel like I remember something."
The moment those words left his mouth—
All four girls nearly choked.
Fortunately—
Xiao Yu immediately sat beside him.
Then she casually leaned against him.
"You drank too much."
"You probably dreamed something."
"Nothing happened."
Seeing Xiao Yu answer so naturally—
Xiao Feng relaxed slightly.
After all—
He trusted Xiao Yu completely.
Maybe she was right.
Maybe it really was just a dream.
Then—
He suddenly remembered something else.
His expression became strange.
"Actually..."
"I did have a dream."
Immediately—
Everyone became interested.
"What dream?"
Xue Ni asked curiously.
Xiao Feng scratched his head.
"It was one of the nicest dreams I've had recently."
The girls instantly paid attention.
Even Xiao Yu became curious.
Then—
Under everyone's gaze—
Xiao Feng answered honestly.
"I was sleeping."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Everyone stared at him blankly.
"...That's the dream?"
Xiao Feng nodded.
"Yes."
"But it felt really strange."
"I was sleeping comfortably."
"And for some reason it felt like I was hugging two giant pillows."
The moment those words were spoken—
The expressions of Liu Fei, Xiao Yu, and Ruo Ling instantly froze.
Meanwhile—
The completely innocent Xiao Feng continued.
"One of the pillows felt smaller."
"The other one was bigger."
"Both were extremely soft."
"And both smelled really nice."
His eyes revealed confusion.
"I don't know why."
"But one fragrance felt familiar."
"Like Xiao Yu."
"The other fragrance was unfamiliar."
"But also very pleasant."
"It felt so realistic."
"Honestly..."
"They didn't even feel like pillows."
"They felt more like real people."
At that moment—
The three women immediately turned bright red.
Even Ruo Ling nearly dropped her bowl.
Liu Fei's entire face looked like a ripe tomato.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Yu quickly looked away.
Only Xue Ni barely managed to hold back her laughter.
Seeing everyone's strange reactions—
Xiao Feng became confused.
"Why are your faces red?"
"Is the food too spicy?"
"Or are you feeling unwell?"
The moment those words left his mouth—
Xue Ni finally lost control.
"Pfft—"
"Hahahahaha!"
She burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Soon afterward—
Even the others couldn't hold it anymore.
The entire campfire area filled with laughter.
Only Xiao Feng remained completely confused.
He genuinely had no idea what was so funny.
And somehow—
Seeing his innocent expression only caused the girls to laugh even harder.
For the rest of the evening—
Whenever they looked at Xiao Feng—
They would remember his description of the "two soft pillows."
Which only made their faces become red all over again.
Meanwhile—
The poor Xiao Feng still believed it had all been nothing more than a strange dream caused by alcohol.
As the conversation gradually shifted away from the awkward topic, the atmosphere within the courtyard slowly became relaxed once more.
Xiao Feng also put aside the blurry memories from earlier.
Perhaps it truly had just been a strange dream.
After all, everyone around him looked completely normal.
Soon, the discussion moved toward the Inner Academy Competition, the rewards from the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, and the recent developments within the Inner Academy.
Listening to Xiao Feng explain everything, the four girls became increasingly fascinated.
"The Sky Burning Tower is really that miraculous?" Xue Ni asked curiously.
Xiao Feng nodded.
"It can greatly accelerate cultivation speed. The stronger your resistance to the Heart Flame Tempering process, the greater the benefits you receive."
"Not only that."
"Our Fire Faction has completely secured its position within the Inner Academy."
"Many students are already applying to join."
Liu Fei's eyes sparkled.
"And the city in the Black-Corner Region?"
"The one you announced during the competition?"
Xiao Feng smiled.
"Fire City."
"It has already begun developing steadily."
"The auction house is operating well, and the defensive forces are being organized."
"In the future, it will become one of our most important foundations."
Everyone listened carefully.
Even Instructor Ruo Ling found herself impressed by Xiao Feng's plans.
At such a young age—
He was already thinking far beyond what ordinary students could imagine.
After speaking for some time, Xiao Feng suddenly took out several jade bottles from his storage ring.
With a flick of his finger, four sets landed before the girls.
Everyone looked at the bottles in confusion.
"What are these?" Xue Ni asked.
Xiao Feng casually replied,
"Cultivation resources."
"The Fifth-Rank Dou Spirit Break Pill."
"The Fourth-Rank Three Lines Green Spirit Pill."
"The Fourth-Rank Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill."
"And several healing and Dou Qi recovery pills."
The moment those words fell—
Silence filled the courtyard.
The girls stared at him in complete shock.
Even Ruo Ling's breathing became slightly hurried.
Those treasures were valuable enough to attract the attention of powerful Dou Kings.
Yet Xiao Feng was handing them out as casually as if they were ordinary medicine.
Liu Fei immediately pushed her bottle back.
"I can't accept this."
"It's too valuable."
Ruo Ling and Xue Ni nodded immediately.
Only Xiao Yu remained calm.
She already knew Xiao Feng's personality.
Once he decided to help someone—
He would never be stingy.
Xiao Feng shook his head.
"Take them."
"Resources only have value when they're used."
"I want all of you to become stronger."
His gaze moved toward Xue Ni and Ruo Ling.
"And when I'm not around, help me look after Xiao Yu."
The two women nodded seriously.
Then Xiao Feng gently rubbed Liu Fei's head.
The latter immediately froze.
Xiao Feng smiled.
"You and Liu Qing are important friends."
"So don't overthink things."
"Just focus on becoming stronger."
Although the words weren't exactly what Liu Fei wanted to hear, warmth still filled her heart.
At least—
Xiao Feng genuinely cared about her.
After that, Xiao Feng took out several ancient scrolls.
The moment they appeared, everyone became nervous.
The aura radiating from them was extraordinary.
"These are cultivation techniques?" Ruo Ling asked carefully.
Xiao Feng nodded.
"Earth Rank techniques."
The courtyard instantly fell silent.
Everyone's expressions changed dramatically.
Even Xiao Yu was surprised.
Although she knew Xiao Feng possessed Earth Rank techniques—
Seeing him casually prepare several copies still felt unbelievable.
Before anyone could refuse, Xiao Feng raised his hand.
"I know what you're worried about."
"So I prepared something else."
He placed several white medicinal pills onto the table.
"These pills will strengthen your mental defenses."
"They can help prevent soul probing from stronger experts."
"And these scrolls contain concealment methods that can hide your true cultivation."
Hearing this, the girls finally relaxed slightly.
Still, they remained hesitant.
Seeing this situation, Xiao Yu suddenly stood up.
She crossed her arms and looked at everyone.
"All of you stay here."
"Xiao Feng, leave for thirty minutes."
The young man blinked.
"...Why?"
"Because I said so."
Xiao Yu pointed toward the door.
"No eavesdropping either."
Seeing her serious expression, Xiao Feng could only laugh helplessly.
"Fine."
"I'll be back later."
After he left, Xiao Yu turned toward the other three.
"What are you all hesitating for?"
"Liu Fei."
"You want to stand beside him in the future, right?"
Liu Fei nodded quietly.
"Then become stronger."
"Don't just admire him from behind."
She then looked toward Ruo Ling.
"Teacher."
"You understand better than anyone how dangerous this world is."
"Strength means freedom."
"And Xiao Feng is giving you an opportunity most people would never receive."
Finally, her gaze moved toward Xue Ni.
"Even if you only see him as a friend, strength is still your own."
"Nobody can take that away."
For the next thirty minutes, Xiao Yu patiently convinced each of them.
When Xiao Feng finally returned—
Everyone had already made their decision.
Seeing the determined expressions on their faces, he smiled.
It seemed Xiao Yu had accomplished something he never could.
Afterward, he personally explained the cultivation paths suitable for each person.
Xue Ni would continue using a High Xuan Rank technique until she reached the Dou Spirit realm.
Only then would she transition into the Earth Rank Fire Technique.
Ruo Ling and Xiao Yu received a Water-Attribute Earth Rank cultivation method that suited their physiques.
Finally—
Liu Fei stepped forward.
The moment Xiao Feng handed her the scroll, she could no longer suppress her happiness.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Xiao Feng."
Without thinking, she happily hugged his arm.
The sudden action startled everyone briefly.
Realizing what she had done, Liu Fei immediately released him and looked away in embarrassment.
The others couldn't help laughing.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Feng simply shook his head helplessly.
Looking at the four women before him, he felt unexpectedly relaxed.
For the first time in a long while—
There were no battles.
No schemes.
No enemies.
Only friends gathered together peacefully beneath the setting sun.
And for Xiao Feng—
That was a rare treasure far more valuable than any pill or cultivation technique.
As the matter regarding the cultivation techniques was settled, Xiao Feng seemed to remember something important.
"There's one more thing."
The girls immediately turned their attention toward him.
Without wasting any time, Xiao Feng raised his finger and gently tapped the center of each of their brows one after another.
A stream of information flowed directly into their minds.
The process lasted only a few moments.
When it ended, the four women revealed surprised expressions.
"This is..." Ruo Ling muttered softly.
"A soul-tempering method," Xiao Feng explained calmly.
"It is only a Yellow Rank skill, so there is no need to make a fuss about it."
"Compared to the Earth Rank techniques, its value is much lower."
The four women nodded instinctively.
After all, Earth Rank techniques were already shocking enough.
A mere Yellow Rank skill naturally didn't attract much attention in comparison.
However—
None of them noticed the faint smile hidden within Xiao Feng's eyes.
The soul cultivation method he had passed down might only be classified as Yellow Rank, but that was because it focused purely on nourishing and strengthening the soul gradually rather than providing combat abilities.
Its effects were subtle but extremely beneficial over the long term.
"Practice it for at least one hour every day."
"It will help improve concentration, mental endurance, perception, and cultivation stability."
"Especially when breaking through bottlenecks."
Hearing this, the girls immediately became interested.
For cultivators, anything that could improve breakthrough success rates was valuable.
Xue Ni asked curiously,
"Does it have any side effects?"
Xiao Feng shook his head.
"None."
"You can treat it as a mental cultivation exercise."
"Even if progress is slow, continue practicing it consistently."
Everyone nodded seriously.
Although they did not fully understand the purpose behind the technique, they trusted Xiao Feng completely.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng chose not to explain anything further.
The subjects of soul power, spiritual perception, soul realms, and soul cultivation were far too complicated.
More importantly—
Most cultivators throughout the continent never paid much attention to soul cultivation unless they were alchemists.
Even many powerful experts lacked proper knowledge regarding the mysteries of the soul.
Trying to explain everything now would only create more confusion and questions.
It would also force him to reveal many secrets before the appropriate time.
Therefore, Xiao Feng simply kept the deeper truths to himself.
Even Liu Fei, who had spent considerable time around him recently, knew very little about his attainments in soul cultivation.
In Xiao Feng's opinion, there was no need to burden them with such matters yet.
When the time came—
They would naturally understand.
For now, all they needed to know was that the technique would benefit them greatly.
Looking at the four women carefully studying the new information inside their minds, Xiao Feng smiled faintly.
"Don't underestimate that technique."
"If you persist for several years, you'll thank me later."
Seeing his unusually serious expression, the girls immediately stored the method carefully within their memories.
After all—
Anything Xiao Feng personally emphasized was never simple.
And although they didn't realize it yet, the seemingly ordinary soul cultivation technique would become one of the most valuable foundations for their future growth.