355 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 355: Cross-Species Courtship? The moment Ye Ling Long absorbed the celestial energy, she felt an immediate boost in her cultivation level. The celestial energy was indeed purer than spiritual energy, gradually transforming her body, and her internal true energy was slowly being replaced by it. However, this process required time. Ye Ling Long estimated that it would take until she reached the Great Ascension stage for her true energy to be fully transformed into celestial energy. After checking her condition, Ye Ling Long intended to release Xiao Hei and Feng Li from her spatial space. She had placed them there when the teleportation array activated. But just as she prepared to do so, a rustling sound emerged from the forest behind her, suggesting someone's approach. Qian Jun quickly warned, "Don't release the phoenix and leopard here. This is the Celestial Realm, and their exceptional qualities could attract unwanted attention." Ye Ling Long immediately abandoned the idea of bringing them out. She turned towards the sound's origin, noticing her complexion paling. The approaching entity's cultivation level was incredibly high, seeming insurmountable for her current strength. "Hey! Are you from the Ascension Platform?" A booming voice reached her before she saw the owner, a massive figure over two meters tall, clumsily emerging from the forest. His simple-minded appearance made it clear he wasn’t very bright. Ye Ling Long observed him silently without speaking. Unsure if he was friend or foe, she thought it wise to remain silent. "A little girl?" The man seemed surprised to see such a beautiful young woman, his face turning slightly red, and his voice softened. "Are you from the lower realm?" he asked while scratching his head. "That's strange; I remember this Ascension Platform was abandoned long ago, ever since the lower realm was sealed. How did you ascend from here? Did I remember wrong?" His puzzled self-talk caught Ye Ling Long’s attention, providing her with a crucial piece of information. Indeed, there was a connection to the Celestial Realm regarding the blocked ascension; the man’s mention of the lower realm being sealed hinted at their severed ties. Feigning ignorance, Ye Ling Long replied, "I don't know. I was exploring a secret realm, touched something, and then found myself here when I woke up." She pretended to look frightened, glancing around, "Big Brother, where is this? Am I still in the secret realm?" Her performance was flawless, embodying an innocent girl's fear and trepidation in an unfamiliar place. If she were dealing with a savvy individual, they might suspect, but facing someone simple-minded, her words weren't questioned. "Don’t be scared, girl. This is the Celestial Realm. You must have been teleported here via an old teleportation array." The man expressed concern with a gentle face. "I am of the Flying Bear Tribe, and this mountain is mine. Feel free to stay here." Ye Ling Long was almost disappointed at how easily deceived he was, yet also felt a hint of guilt for misleading him, although she quickly brushed it aside. She needed information. Despite Qian Jun's origins in the Celestial Realm, a millennium had passed, and things had changed drastically. It was essential to know her exact location in this realm. Through careful conversation, Ye Ling Long encouraged him to reveal what he knew, and he readily shared all, sometimes even volunteering information she hadn't asked for. At one point, he nearly divulged embarrassing childhood secrets, prompting her to hastily intervene to stop him. His name was Xiong Fei, a member of the Flying Bear Tribe. He wasn't human but a winged brown bear. Though not as powerful as the Dragon or Phoenix Tribes, the Flying Bear Tribe was formidable due to its sturdy builds and aerial capabilities. They were in the southern celestial region, on an immortal mountain, once home to a prominent family before being abandoned. The stone platform, an ancient teleportation array, was the only structure that remained intact after millennia. Xiong Fei had discovered it a century ago during his coming-of-age exploration. Once he reached adulthood, his parents pushed him to venture beyond their territory. Lazy by nature, he quickly decided to claim this mountain as his own after driving away its previous occupants. He spent his days raiding wild honey from bees on the mountain, indulging in leisurely naps in his cave. The commotion from the teleportation array had disturbed him, which led him to investigate. Concluding his tale, Xiong Fei suddenly realized something and shyly scratched his head, asking Ye Ling Long, "I've been talking so much, yet I don't even know your name. Are you unmarried? If not, would you consider me?" Ye Ling Long was speechless.