Barbara jumped onto the bed next to Leyvi without hesitation. Her movements were quick and eager.

"Is that true? Will you really let me see your core?" Her eyes were wide with anticipation, sparkling like a child about to unwrap a gift.

"No problem," Leyvi replied calmly. "My core looks nothing like any normal core. Right now, I'm just in the early stage, so there's no problem yet. But I'm worried about what might happen when I reach the peak stage. I'm not sure if I can enter the Nascent Soul Realm smoothly."

"Leave it to me, leave it to me! I'll help you investigate your gorgeous, lovely core thoroughly, no matter how long it takes!" Barbara declared with fiery enthusiasm, bouncing up and down on the bed like she had springs in her shoes.

Gorgeous, lovely core? Leyvi thought dryly. Girl, you haven't even seen my core yet.

"Hahaha! Thank you, Miss Barbara. With your expertise, I'm sure things will go well for me. After all, you already solved Ava's problem."

"Then, let me see it now! Please, please…" Barbara leaned closer, batting her eyes while still bouncing.

"Miss Barbara, this matter can be done later. Right now, we must focus on spiritual cultivation first."

"Ah, right. Spiritual cultivation." The bouncing stopped abruptly.

For some reason, the excitement she'd felt moments ago faded like steam from a kettle taken off the heat. All because she had become more interested in Leyvi's core at the moment. But regardless of her personal feelings, she had started this task, and if she didn't see it through, she couldn't call herself a researcher.

Barbara steadied herself with a deep breath. She adjusted her posture carefully. Her fingers smoothed the folds of her scholar's robe. "Pardon my actions. I must have appeared terribly childish," she said softly. Her voice carried a lingering trace of embarrassment. She glanced at the timer resting on the bed. Its faint ticking seemed to mock her earlier frenzy.

Her gaze locked onto the timer. Her heart skipped a beat. "Oh no, I ruined the talent test. I forgot to stop the timer when you woke up… eh? Only 20 minutes have passed? Then… when did you wake up?" she asked. Her voice quivered with astonishment. Her eyes widened, reflecting the dim glow of the spiritual vein. Disbelief washed over her like a tidal wave. This can't be right, she thought, her mind reeling.

It didn't make sense. She was certain more time had passed while she was lost in her energy-induced daydream. Yet in reality, it had only been around a quarter of an hour. And even stranger, touching Leyvi during the test should have been nowhere near enough to pull him from the illusion. Normally, it took either considerable force or a specific disruption technique.

Meaning… he had cleared the test in less than twenty minutes! That was faster than every other Spiritual Cultivator currently in training under the program. A new record for top-grade talent! She'd have to redo the test later for precision's sake, but regardless, his result was already history-making.

A spark reignited within her. Her passion for spiritual cultivation research blazed anew. It surged with an intensity that made her heart race.

In Barbara's mind, Leyvi's image had undergone several rapid evolutions: from the irresponsible husband she had assumed he was because of Ava's situation, to a surprisingly pleasant man upon meeting him, and now, an irreplaceable specimen of unparalleled research value.

His core's energy, his record-breaking talent—both were treasures begging to be explored. Her scholarly heart thrummed with reverence for the mystery he embodied. If she could keep him close, she was certain she would make groundbreaking discovery after groundbreaking discovery.

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Her fingers twitched unconsciously. She wished she could spirit him away and study him to her heart's content. She couldn't wait to dissect him, not literally, of course.

Suddenly, a chill crawled down Leyvi's spine, prickling every inch of his skin. It was the unmistakable feeling of being locked onto by a ferocious predator.

What the heck? Who's trying to eat me?

He instantly pushed his spiritual sense to its maximum range… only to find nothing. The sensation vanished as quickly as it came.

Weird. I swear I was being targeted. Did I just imagine that?

"Leyvi," Barbara's voice pulled him back, her tone unusually firm. She was holding a jade slip poised to record. "Describe the illusion you had while you were unconscious."

Leyvi blinked. Something about the air around her had shifted. Her energy felt more focused, her gaze sharper, as if she had shifted from playful chatter to full researcher mode.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, it's the same illusion I had before. A repeating night battle with a thousand succubus-like ladies, led by Anda. But this time, it was much easier to break free. Maybe my night battle techniques have improved. Hahaha!" he said, chuckling at his own jest.

Barbara's eyes lit up like fireworks. I knew it! He remembers the illusion clearly! That means… he's at least on par with those five!

…But what in the world is a night battle?

She leaned forward, curiosity radiating from her, and pressed for details.

Leyvi noted her dedication. Her serious demeanor sparked his respect. He didn't want to let her down. So he described the illusion vividly. Every detail poured out effortlessly. He realized it was far easier to recall this time. Back then, he could only grasp fragments. Now, the images were sharp and clear.

Barbara's cheeks flushed deeper with each word Leyvi spoke. Her face grew redder as he described the illusion. She hadn't expected the "night battle" to be that. She'd read plenty of erotic novels in secret. But hearing such vivid details from someone with real experience sent tingles through her body. Her imagination sparked, painting steamy scenes against her will.

Leyvi finished his description. Barbara's breath caught. She realized something startling. His recounting was impossibly detailed. He recalled every moment of the illusion with perfect clarity. Even the five prodigious Spiritual Cultivators in her program could only remember fragments. Leyvi's memory was flawless.

Her mind raced with awe. What kind of talent is this? Is Leyvi more gifted than all of them? Could he rival Demoness Cocolia from history? If true, he could grow to match the Protectors' strength as a Spiritual Cultivator. Her heart pounded at the thought. Such potential was unheard of.

She clasped the jade slip tightly. Her scholarly excitement surged. Incredible! If his talent were revealed, he'd be every woman's dream. Who wouldn't want a husband destined to be the continent's strongest? she thought, her admiration swelling.

A sudden thought struck her. She remembered Ava's harsh opinions of Leyvi. Her best friend's complaints echoed in her mind.

Barbara frowned, her resolve hardening. Ava, what are you doing? You have a husband this remarkable, and you're complaining? No, no, no. I can't let her keep this mindset. She might regret it when he tires of her attitude. As her best friend, she felt a duty to intervene. If they divorced, researching Leyvi would get awkward. I can't let that happen, she thought, her determination fueled by both friendship and scholarly ambition.

Barbara's eyes blazed with newfound resolve. A fresh mission ignited within her. She vowed to clear the misunderstandings between Ava and Leyvi.

She would help Ava see her husband's remarkable qualities. Ensuring their marriage thrived became her goal. Her heart swelled with determination. I'll make sure they stay together, she thought.

The fire of purpose shone brightly in her gaze. She stood taller, ready to act.

Unbeknownst to Anda, she had gained an ally. Barbara became her unwitting pandassistant. She would work to strengthen Ava and Leyvi's bond without Anda's prompting.

Leyvi began his spiritual cultivation at last. All preparations were complete. He sat within the spiritual vein's radiant embrace. Barbara observed closely. The mantra's rhythmic chant filled the chamber. Its echoes pulsed with energy.

Without the bamboo formation's amplifying boost, focus proved challenging. Leyvi struggled to maintain concentration. The absence of the formation heightened every difficulty.

At first, Barbara's slightest movements disrupted him. A shuffle or step broke his chant. Mistakes slipped into his mantra. But weeks passed. He adapted gradually. Barbara could now walk freely in the chamber. His focus held firm, undisturbed.

Meanwhile, over those weeks, Tamina worked her own strategy. She had fully convinced Dastan to abandon his claim to the spiritual vein.

Dastan agreed to Anda's terms completely. In exchange, he secured his safety until they left the Mystic Realm. His acceptance sealed their deal.

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