Chapter 41: Don’t Overthink as a Person  

The first dragon soul was merely the beginning. Soon, one after another, dragon souls were continuously absorbed into Su Chen’s body.  

In the end, a total of ninety-nine dragon souls were fully integrated into him.  

Ying Qingge was utterly stunned.  

She could clearly sense that this wasn’t Su Chen’s limit—it was the limit of Dragon Burial Ridge itself.  

All the dragon souls had been swept clean!  

As the dragon souls merged into his body, the dragon pattern inscriptions on Su Chen’s physique fully solidified, as if a lifelike true dragon was coiled upon him. His every movement radiated majestic dragon might, like an emperor descending to the mortal realm.  

Within his body, the Golden Core Prototype was undergoing a similar transformation, aided by the ninety-nine dragon souls.  

For ordinary cultivators, a golden core merely emitted a golden glow.  

But Su Chen’s Golden Core Prototype was far more radiant and resplendent than even fully formed golden cores, exuding an aura of nobility and grandeur.  

It could be called a Dragon Soul Golden Core Prototype.  

Faint dragon qi swirled around it, shimmering with platinum light.  

As Su Chen successfully condensed it, his every action manifested dragon might, as if a true dragon had descended.  

Even Ying Qingge, standing beside him, felt waves of pressure.  

At this moment, Su Chen didn’t stop cultivating—he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to.  

Foundation Building First Layer… Second Layer… Third Layer…  

The vast, boundless power continuously propelled his cultivation, consolidating his realm and perfecting his being.  

This cultivation process was profoundly intricate yet remarkably effortless.  

Su Chen barely had to do anything; the immense power and the momentum of the heavens, like an invisible millstone, pushed him forward according to a unique rhythm.  

This state of unity with heaven and nature was the ultimate realm of cultivation—smooth as flowing water, entirely natural.  

After Su Chen finished cultivating, Ying Qingge immediately checked his condition.  

She felt a mix of concern and anticipation.  

Su Chen’s situation was unprecedented in the history of the cultivation world.  

It wasn’t that such a case was bad—rather, ordinary prodigies, even peerless ones, could never achieve what Su Chen had.  

After her inspection, an incredulous expression appeared on Ying Qingge’s stunning face.  

“Unbelievable!”  

Upon seeing the Dragon Soul Golden Core Prototype in Su Chen’s body, Ying Qingge was at a loss for words to describe its wonder, or Su Chen’s monstrous, heaven-defying talent.  

As she looked at her refined, harmless-looking junior brother, it was as if she were gazing at a monster.  

She couldn’t help but be shocked. To condense a Golden Core Prototype upon entering Foundation Building—and a Dragon Soul Golden Core Prototype at that—was unheard of.  

Even if it was true, no one would believe it.  

The notion was too fantastical. Even witnessing it firsthand, few would dare accept it, yet it was undeniably real.  

Looking at her pure, innocent junior brother, the joy in Ying Qingge’s beautiful eyes grew stronger.  

My taste is impeccable!  

It seemed such “helpful” massages were indispensable.  

She’d have to put in more effort in the future!  

Meanwhile, as Ying Qingge hatched bold ideas, Su Chen could feel the earth-shattering changes in his body.  

Though he had just entered Foundation Building, he was already close to its peak.  

While he hadn’t faced a Golden Core cultivator, with his current strength, he held a significant advantage.  

…  

After returning from Dragon Burial Ridge, Su Chen’s life settled into temporary tranquility.  

The matter of being the Empress’s consort was now firmly settled.  

In cultivation, he had broken through his bottleneck at Dragon Burial Ridge, successfully advancing to the Foundation Building Realm.  

And it wasn’t an ordinary Foundation Building.  

With his Empress senior sister’s “heroic” assistance, he had gained the Dragon Pattern Inscription, absorbed ninety-nine dragon souls, and formed the Dragon Soul Golden Core Prototype.  

As for how strong he was now, even Su Chen himself wasn’t entirely sure.  

All he could clearly feel was the ceaseless surge of vital energy and boundless spiritual power coursing through him.  

In the courtyard, with his senior sister attending court, Su Chen had rare free time to experience the changes in his body. Just then, a graceful palace maid appeared before him.  

“This servant pays respects to the Imperial Consort. Her Highness, the Imperial Consort, has a letter for you.”  

As she spoke, the maid presented a letter.  

“Imperial Consort?”  

Su Chen paused, suddenly recalling the “big sister” he met at the bath and his senior sister’s warning about her.  

Best to have less contact.  

Her allure is too much for me to handle.  

Uh, something seemed off?  

While pondering, Su Chen opened the letter. It contained just a few words, essentially inviting him to visit for tea.  

Tea? What’s so great about tea?  

I prefer milk tea.  

Su Chen pursed his lips but casually agreed,  

“If I have time, I’ll go.”  

“Tell your mistress not to go to too much trouble.”  

“Very well.”  

“This servant takes her leave.”  

After hearing his response, the maid bowed deeply and left to report to the Imperial Consort.  

Meanwhile, Ying Wuyan was somewhat surprised by Su Chen’s reply.  

He didn’t outright reject her invitation?  

Did his words mean he was tempted but hesitant due to the Empress’s presence?  

Yet he’d still make time tomorrow.  

“Hmph, men are all the same!”  

Ying Wuyan gave a self-mocking smile, her delicate foot gently splashing the water in the pool.  

A few droplets slid down her curves.  

Reflected in the lake, her flawless figure could drive any man mad.  

With such charm, it wasn’t impossible for him to be swayed.  

However, she might have overcomplicated things.  

At the very least, Su Chen’s thoughts were simple.  

It’s rare for someone to invite you—rejecting outright wouldn’t be polite, right?  

So I might go, or I might not.  

If senior sister keeps me busy tomorrow, I definitely won’t have time.  

And so, as Ying Wuyan dressed up and prepared a warm reception, Su Chen unsurprisingly failed to show.  

“Hm?”  

In the Imperial Consort’s residence, after waiting in vain and receiving only an apology, Ying Wuyan’s anticipation turned to suspicion.  

“Playing hard to get?”  

Staring at the empty seat across from her, Ying Wuyan fell into deep thought.  

Even after being stood up, she wasn’t angry—rather, she found it intriguing.  

How many times can you refuse me?  

The next day, a similar scene and conversation unfolded.  

“Imperial Consort, my mistress…”  

“Another invitation? I’ve been quite busy lately.”  

“I’m not sure I’ll have time to attend!”  

***

After hearing the maid’s report, Ying Wuyan’s expression grew strange. She mulled over his words several times before asking,  

“That’s exactly what he said?”  

“Precisely.”  

A mocking glint flashed in Ying Wuyan’s eyes.  

“Hmph, how bold.”  

“‘Not sure I’ll have time’? Daring to play hard to get with me—you’re not afraid of tripping up!”