The Marriage Lock

Inside the bath. Su Qing leaned against the edge of the tub, a look of enjoyment on her face.

Bathing had always been a deeply enjoyable experience, and Su Qing particularly favored this method of relaxation.

Just as Su Qing closed her eyes to savor the moment, she suddenly felt the water in the tub ripple. Clearly, someone had entered.

Su Qing didn't pay it much mind; after all, besides Little Bai, there was no one else here. And who else but Bai Suzhen would slip into the tub while she was bathing?

Still, Su Qing eventually opened her eyes and looked at Bai Suzhen... not out of politeness, but because her 'white rabbits' had been caught.

"Little Bai, are you really that impatient?" Su Qing chuckled, looking at her as she asked.

Bai Suzhen didn't speak, but with her lips, like 'red jade,' she gave her answer.

Su Qing felt a shiver run through her body, instantly understanding what the girl meant.

Helplessly, Su Qing reached out and pinched her cheek... then transformed into a half-snake, intertwining her tail with Bai Suzhen's.

Since the girl was so eager, she might as well indulge her fully.

For a time, the entire bathwater was churned, sweeping away the petals that had floated within.

Thus, the two beautiful snake spirits intertwined in the pool for a long while.

Only after the bathwater had begun to cool slightly did the two snakes pause.

Bai Suzhen leaned against Su Qing, then suddenly froze, closing her eyes.

Su Qing was startled by this sight and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Little Bai?"

Bai Suzhen didn't answer Su Qing's question. She simply kept her eyes closed, as if comprehending something profound.

Su Qing watched Bai Suzhen, and after a moment's thought, decided not to speak further. She could tell Bai Suzhen was in a state of comprehension, and it was crucial not to disturb her during such a time.

Still, Su Qing found it rather strange... The girl had merely engaged in their usual intimacy, and now, having just rested, she was experiencing a sudden enlightenment?

Should she say the girl was truly amazing, or simply truly odd?

Su Qing shook her head helplessly, then stopped pondering such amusing questions. She simply sat there quietly, waiting for Bai Suzhen to finish her comprehension.

Time passed, minute by minute. Approximately the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Bai Suzhen suddenly opened her eyes. Then, with a look of pleasant surprise, she exclaimed, "Sister Xiao Qing, I have great news!"

Su Qing rubbed her face, a little sleepy, and asked, "Good news? What good news? What did you comprehend just now?"

Bai Suzhen had been in deep comprehension for so long, and now she was so excited; she must have gained a significant insight. But what exactly, Su Qing didn't know, and had to ask.

Insights like these were generally quite personal, and usually not shared with outsiders. However, Su Qing was no outsider. Bai Suzhen herself had intended to tell Su Qing about it.

"Just now... I suddenly had an inspiration, and then comprehended a special cultivation method," Bai Suzhen said with a beaming smile, looking at Su Qing.

Su Qing yawned, and feeling her mind clear a little, asked, "What kind of cultivation method? One that excites even Li Shan Lao Mu's personal disciple so much?"

As Li Shan Lao Mu's disciple, Bai Suzhen had seen countless treasures, and no shortage of rare cultivation methods. After all, though Li Shan Lao Mu could be a bit tricky at times, she was always very good to her own disciples...

So, Su Qing was now extremely curious what kind of cultivation method Bai Suzhen had just comprehended. One that made her so excited. Could it be even better than what her master had taught her?

Bai Suzhen chuckled, then shook her head and said, "If we're talking about power, especially in cultivation, this method is definitely far inferior to the ones Master gave me. However, this method has a particular ability that I've always wanted, one that Master's methods cannot achieve, which is why I'm so surprised."

Bai Suzhen didn't beat around the bush, immediately explaining what this ability was. She said, "This cultivation method allows women to conceive offspring with other women... much like the Mother-Child River. However, compared to the Mother-Child River, I feel this is more akin to a certain secret technique of the Dragon Clan..."

Su Qing listened, momentarily stunned. After Bai Suzhen finished speaking, she looked at Su Qing's surprised expression and couldn't help but chuckle.

"It seems, Sister Xiao Qing, that you're also quite surprised by this cultivation method!"

Su Qing nodded, saying, "Indeed, it's quite astonishing. I truly didn't expect you to comprehend such a cultivation method..."

What Bai Suzhen had comprehended was truly beyond ordinary expectation... Even Su Qing had completely failed to anticipate that she would grasp such a cultivation method.

"It's just... I don't quite understand why you would suddenly comprehend this kind of cultivation method?" Su Qing asked with a helpless smile.

Bai Suzhen shook her head and said, "I'm not entirely sure... it just suddenly came to me. However, although I don't know the exact circumstances, I do have some simple theories."

"Then let's hear your theories," Su Qing nodded, saying.

Even though it was just Bai Suzhen's speculation, even a guess could offer Su Qing some clues.

Hearing this, Bai Suzhen naturally voiced her theory: "My life in the past few days has been very ordinary; nothing happened that could possibly lead to comprehending such a cultivation method. But today is different. Sister, you gave me a Marriage Lock..."

"Ah?" Su Qing paused, then asked, "You think the Marriage Lock might have led to this comprehension?"

Bai Suzhen nodded, saying, "Yes! After all, haven't you and I engaged in intimacy every time we meet? In the past, nothing special ever happened during those times, but only today did I comprehend something... So it definitely wasn't solely due to our intimacy. And today, besides our intimacy, Sister, you also gave me a Marriage Lock... So I connected the two and think it's very likely the cause."

Su Qing pondered in silence for a moment, then nodded, agreeing that it was indeed possible... After all, Su Qing herself wasn't entirely clear on the full effects of the Marriage Lock. Therefore, even if the Marriage Lock truly possessed such an ability, it wouldn't be particularly strange.

"I see, there is indeed such a possibility," Su Qing said. "So, do you want to learn it?"

Bai Suzhen answered without hesitation, "Of course I want to learn it..."

"..." Su Qing nodded, not saying much more. After all, it was Bai Suzhen's choice... Even if she voiced her opinion, she couldn't stop Bai Suzhen from wanting to practice it.

"If you want to learn it, then learn it!" Su Qing said. "However, more importantly, I think we really should get out. The water's getting cold."

Su Qing and Bai Suzhen were still soaking in the water... and with the water quickly cooling, it wouldn't be comfortable to stay any longer.

Hearing Su Qing speak, Bai Suzhen chuckled and followed Su Qing out of the bath.

"I'm sorry, Sister Xiao Qing, because of me, you couldn't enjoy your bath properly," Bai Suzhen said.

Su Qing shook her head at this. "It's fine... You should quickly dry yourself off!"

As Su Qing spoke, she tossed a towel to Bai Suzhen, telling her to thoroughly dry herself.

Bai Suzhen nodded with a smile, then dutifully dried herself and put on her clothes.

And after all that was done... Su Qing and Bai Suzhen could finally go to bed to rest.

Time passed quickly... In the blink of an eye, it was the next day.

Last night, Su Qing and Bai Suzhen both slept soundly and peacefully. Since they had already 'finished their business' during their bath the previous evening, they could naturally get a good night's sleep.

Of course, it was more likely because Bai Suzhen wanted to use the night to continue comprehending that cultivation method... which was why she didn't launch another 'night attack'.

Nevertheless, Su Qing had a very good rest that night.

In the early morning, after washing up, Su Qing prepared to leave. She still had to visit the Women's Kingdom to see Bai Yuhe...

After all, since she was back, she had to spend time with everyone individually... to ensure fairness as much as possible.

As Su Qing was about to depart, Bai Suzhen was naturally very reluctant to see her go. However, she didn't try to hold her back excessively. Seeing that Su Qing was indeed leaving, she simply wished her a safe journey.

"Mm, I'll naturally come to see you again in a few days. Pinky promise!" Su Qing extended her little finger, smiling as she spoke.

Seeing this, Bai Suzhen pouted, saying, "Sister Xiao Qing, you're so childish."

Then she also made a pinky promise with Su Qing, "no changing for a hundred years..."

Although such things were very childish, she genuinely believed in them!

Of course, Su Qing truly had no intention of deceiving Bai Suzhen. After all, she had plenty of time.

"Alright, now that we've made our pinky promise, I'll be off. Little Bai, remember to cultivate diligently."

Su Qing clapped her hands, then smiled and waved goodbye to Bai Suzhen.

Bai Suzhen nodded, saying, "Understood, I will definitely cultivate diligently."

Su Qing chuckled at this, then walked out of the bamboo courtyard and headed towards the Old Mother's Hall...

Although Su Qing still intended to visit the Old Mother's Hall, she wasn't going to see Li Shan Lao Mu... After all, Li Shan Lao Mu had already told her not to seek her out when leaving. So, Su Qing naturally wouldn't visit Li Shan Lao Mu on her departure.

She was only going to the Old Mother's Hall to inform the new disciple, Si Lingxiu, of her departure.

Su Qing quickly arrived at the Old Mother's Hall, found the new disciple, Si Lingxiu, who had arrived that day, and informed her of her departure.

Then she directly mounted her Somersault Cloud and departed, soaring towards the Women's Kingdom.

Su Qing's Somersault Cloud was incredibly fast. Before long, she was already above the Women's Kingdom capital.

As always, Su Qing surveyed the panoramic view of the Women's Kingdom capital, checking for any recent changes or signs of demonic energy...

After confirming there were no changes and no demonic energy, Su Qing descended her cloud and landed in the Women's Kingdom's imperial palace, seeking out the Queen of Women's Kingdom, Bai Yuhe.

"Why are you here?" Bai Yuhe was both happy and a little surprised to see Su Qing.

Bai Yuhe knew about Su Qing becoming the Acting Guardian of the Northern Continent, and also understood the immense responsibility of guarding an entire continent. Thus, she had always assumed Su Qing wouldn't be able to travel for at least half a year, and had mentally prepared for a long absence.

But unexpectedly, here she was... naturally, Bai Yuhe felt quite surprised.

Su Qing smiled, repeating the explanation she had given several times before to Bai Yuhe.

After listening to Su Qing, Bai Yuhe nodded with a look of understanding... "I always thought your job was tough work, but it turns out to be quite easy," Bai Yuhe said, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Well, that's good too; this way you can come and keep me company more often."

Su Qing chuckled and nodded at this, then said, "Indeed! Oh, and this time, I brought you something!"

Bai Yuhe blinked, looking at Su Qing as she asked, "Oh? What did you bring me?"

Su Qing didn't waste words, directly taking out the Marriage Lock and placing it in her hand... "What's this?" "A Marriage Lock." "What's it for?" "I'm not entirely sure," Su Qing said with a helpless smile. "However, at present, someone has gained a cultivation method from it. Hmm, it allows women to conceive offspring with other women through intimacy."

"That's not of much use to me... the Mother-Child River can already do that," Bai Yuhe said. "However, this item is still a good thing! I'll accept it! After all, it's a gift from my Empress, how could I possibly refuse?"

Bai Yuhe was right... If judged solely by its known function, this ability was of little use to her.

If she wanted offspring, she could simply drink from the Mother-Child River... why would she need to cultivate a special method for that?

Nevertheless, the item still held great significance. After all, it came from the Marriage Tree... so she certainly had to accept it.

Su Qing pursed her lips at this, saying, "Although only one effect is known so far, I believe it definitely has other uses!"

"Well, no matter what its use, since you've given it to me, I won't be returning it," Bai Yuhe said with a beaming smile to Su Qing. "However, Sister Xiao Qing, do you want children? If so, should I get you some Mother-Child River water? No need for ten months of pregnancy, it only takes three days! It's very quick!"