Chapter 699 680: No Intimacy Between Human and Horse

Before long, the entire courtyard was completely refreshed. A few simple arrangements had a surprisingly magical effect, as if even the air had become much fresher.

"There, much better. This is the kind of environment suited for recovery."

By now, it was getting late. The evening glow filled the horizon, and night was about to fall.

"Haha, thanks…" Just as Wang Meng was about to offer to take Zhan Yingluo home, she spoke first. "Oh, it's so late! Time to make dinner."

With that, she happily scurried into the kitchen…

Wang Meng remembered the delicious meal he'd had at noon and shut his mouth. 'If you want to enjoy a good meal, you have to keep your mouth shut.'

However… when the moon had risen above the treetops, Wang Meng realized Zhan Yingluo still hadn't left.

"Um… Yingluo, it's getting late…"

"Then let's just turn in early. By the way, no one's staying in the room on the right, are they? I'll sleep there."

As she spoke, Zhan Yingluo walked straight to the room on the right and slammed the door shut with a BANG.

Wang Meng stared, jaw-dropped, at the closed door… 'Something's not right. How did this girl suddenly become so assertive? Isn't she afraid of what people will say? Won't it ruin her reputation?'

Meanwhile, Zhan Yingluo leaned against the door, her face flushed beet red. She hadn't planned on staying the night when she came over, but seeing Wang Meng covered in bandages, she just couldn't bring herself to leave him alone.

THWACK! Zhan Yingluo suddenly threw the door open again, only to see Wang Meng staring blankly at her. For some reason, seeing the stunned look on his face—a look she had caused—made her feel a sudden sense of satisfaction. She said, "I just wanted to tell you, don't get any funny ideas. I only promised your aunt I'd watch over you and make sure nothing happens."

"I wasn't getting any funny ideas."

"Good. In any case, it wasn't my idea to stay."

Zhan Yingluo felt like she was only digging herself a deeper hole. With another SLAM, she shut the door. Then, as if on some strange impulse, she called out from the other side, "Besides, you're not good enough for me anyway!"

Wang Meng smiled. 'Silly girl,' he thought. 'Who's the one letting their imagination run wild here?'

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Zhan Yingluo had breakfast ready. However, something of a situation arose: before Wang Meng could even take a bite, Old Horse had snuck in and eaten it all. Fortunately, the sisters Zuojing and Youjing had also prepared some food. While not as delicious as Zhan Yingluo's, Wang Meng still ate it with great relish.

Zhan Yingluo, however, was intrigued by Old Horse. "What exactly is his story?" she asked.

To have snuck in and devoured the entire breakfast under her watch, without making a sound, Old Horse was definitely no ordinary True Essence Beast.

"Found him on the road."

Wang Meng said.

With a look of disbelief, Zhan Yingluo ran over to Old Horse and examined him from all sides. Just as she reached out to touch him, Old Horse sidestepped away.

"A lady and a stallion should not be so familiar. Keep your hands to yourself."

Old Horse had really been letting loose lately, growing much bolder.

Zhan Yingluo was clearly stunned. This horse… could talk!

Old Horse was used to this kind of reaction. Human Cultivators were always so easily shocked.

"Little lass, you have a good heart, but I'd advise you not to get involved with this ungrateful brat Wang Meng. The kid has too many secrets. You should keep your distance."

Old Horse advised in the tone of a seasoned elder.

Master Wang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Old Horse, you're too much! You eat my food and drink my water, then you badmouth me to my face."

Old Horse snorted. "I'm just telling it like it is. Don't want you ruining a good girl."

Standing to the side, Zhan Yingluo couldn't help but chuckle. This man and his horse were just too amusing.

'This old horse is getting more and more provocative,' Master Wang thought. 'If I don't teach him a lesson, things will get completely out of hand.'

"Oh, Old Horse, I heard the Beauty God has been quite active lately. Rumor has it she's taken a liking to some handsome, dashing, and dazzling Nine-Transformation Holy Light Divine Beast. Tsk tsk. I was thinking of putting in a good word for you, but now it seems…"

MOOO…

Old Horse's eyes immediately lit up. "Young lady, actually, I wasn't finished. While this fellow has many secrets, he's a man of principle at heart. In fact, he's worth getting to know."

Zhan Yingluo smiled faintly. "Old Horse, I think you're quite a character. Let's be friends."

"Young lady, you have excellent taste!"

Master Wang rolled his eyes. 'This old gray horse really knows how to steal the show.'

Zhan Yingluo, however, was suddenly reminded of something Wang Meng had said during Han Chuxue's lecture: Treat your True Essence Beast as you would have it treat you… Sincerity for sincerity.

Easier said than done.

At first, Zhan Yingluo had thought Wang Meng was just spouting a concept. After all, under the circumstances, he wouldn't have been able to get away without saying *something*.

But now, looking at Old Horse, Zhan Yingluo realized Wang Meng didn't just talk the talk—he had actually walked the walk.

Old Horse glanced at Zhan Yingluo. 'I saw it long ago,' he thought. 'This dame is into Wang Meng... I just don't get humans and all their rules and reservations. If you like someone, just go for it.'

But that was none of its business. As for Zhe and the others, their recent training was starting to show results. Old Horse spoke directly to Wang Meng, "It's time."

Wang Meng nodded and released the five little ones. The moment they were out, they swarmed Old Horse. Wang Meng's injury had hit Zhe and the others the hardest; every one of them was now desperately pushing themselves to become stronger.

At first, Zhan Yingluo didn't think much of it; she also let her own True Essence Beasts out from time to time. But… the scenes that followed left her utterly stunned…

To better wield its Power of Tribulation, Zhe was constantly expelling all the Fire Element True Essence from its body, forcing itself into a perpetual state of weakness. Only in this condition could the trace of the Power of Tribulation fused deep within its bloodline become more distinct… But for a True Essence Beast, the weakness from expelling one's True Essence is excruciatingly painful, like being hung upside down by a rope.

The Water Spirit Beast, Big Mouth, was by the pond, constantly drinking water, though for what cultivation purpose, she couldn't tell. Its stomach was bloated and distended, yet it didn't stop…

Little Jia and Big Guy were fighting each other, trading blows in a head-on clash. One was defensive earth, the other destructive metal. Both were already covered in wounds.

Only Snake-tailed Flower seemed to be in better shape, floating quietly in the air…

Zhan Yingluo was at a loss for words. She had only ever seen True Essence Beasts slack off; never had she seen them train so hard without being forced to by their master.

For a True Essence Beast, there was really no such thing as freedom. Whether they stayed outside or lived inside a Spirit Containing Artifact depended entirely on their master's whim. Under such conditions, how could you expect a True Essence Beast to train diligently? Even a captured sparrow would starve itself in protest! Once a True Essence Beast was subdued and transformed through Spirit Control, it lost its original wildness. But to expect it to actively fight for its master without any benefit was utterly impossible.

'What kind of benefit did Wang Meng give these True Essence Beasts?'

(Asking for monthly tickets! One a day keeps the blues away. Come on, my brothers and sisters, show your support!!!) (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)