One by one, the family members entered their baths. The warm water enveloped them like a comforting embrace, and they immediately felt a surge of energy coursing through their bodies. The herbs worked their magic, opening meridians and enhancing the flow of Qi with a gentle yet powerful force.

After some time, Shun, feeling the heat spreading through his limbs, closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. "This heat is intense," he muttered, trying to steady his breath as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"Just breathe through it, Shun," Ling Li advised, her voice calm and reassuring. "The heat is a sign that the herbs are working to open your meridians."

Ren, experiencing a tingling sensation in her muscles, smiled with a mix of discomfort and determination. "It feels like my muscles are buzzing," she said, her voice tinged with awe and wonder.

Ling Li nodded, her eyes filled with pride. "That's the herbs working to detoxify and strengthen your muscles. Embrace the sensation."

Ling Li approached Four Eyes, "Honey, how do you feel?"

Four Eyes, always composed, felt a rush of power and clarity. He concentrated on his Qi, channeling it with precision. "I can feel my Qi flowing more freely," he remarked, his voice steady and filled with a newfound sense of confidence.

Chu Yan, feeling the euphoria and warmth, let out a deep sigh of contentment. "This feels incredible," he said, his eyes closed in bliss. "Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

Ling Li nodded in satisfaction, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her family's progress.

As Ling Li moved from bath to bath, checking on each family member and offering guidance, her presence became a source of comfort and assurance. Her expertise was invaluable in ensuring the baths were effective, and her gentle words of encouragement spurred each member to persevere through the challenges.

As the baths progressed, the intensity of the process began to take its toll on some family members. Shun winced as the heat became almost unbearable, his muscles straining under the pressure. "It's so hot... I don't know if I can take it much longer," he groaned.

"Hang in there, Shun," Ling Li encouraged, her voice firm yet compassionate. "This is when the herbs are most effective. Push through the discomfort, and you'll reap the benefits."

Chatty bit his lip as the pain grew more intense; he felt his bone-crushing in his body on fire, his resolve tested by the fiery pain. "It's like my muscles are on fire," he said through gritted teeth, his determination unwavering.

Ling Li placed a reassuring hand on Chaty's shoulder. "You're doing great, Murphy. The herbs are purging the toxins from your body. Keep focusing on your breathing."

Cannonball, who was attentively watching Chatty from the ground, leaped to Chatty's shoulder, "Master, this herbal bath is clearing your meridians and also eliminating the toxins in your body; after this, you'll be able to absorb all energy at full potential every time you cultivate," he said, trying to encourage Chatty to endure the discomfort. He knew the process was painful but also necessary for Chatty's growth.

Chatty winced but managed a nod. "Thanks, Cannonball. I'll endure it, but I hope next time, they can make it smell less like old socks!"

Only at this time did the group realize the presence of the little Enfield on Chatty's neck. The familiar-looking Enfield surprised the group who had returned from the Mystic Mountain, most especially Four Eyes.

When Ling Li noticed the attention was on the Enfield, she chuckled. "This is not the Enfield that you met. This is Cannonball, and he has been with me for several years now. Cannonball, come over," Ling Li called.

Cannonball, who was on Chatty's shoulder, shivered when he heard Ling Li call him, which Chatty evidently felt. "Cannonball, Madam is calling you, go," Chatty instructed; the Enfield once again shivered. "Are you afraid of Madam?"

"Isn't it obvious? Deity is too scary," Cannonball whispered to Chatty, his eyes wide with fear.

"But I'm afraid she will be scarier if you don't listen to her," Chatty flatly said, raising an eyebrow.

The Enfield swallowed his saliva hard before leaping from Chatty's shoulder, landing perfectly on Ling Li's with a soft thud. "Hello, Deity!" Cannonball greeted nervously, trying to muster some charm.

"He is not called Cannonball for no reason; he can leap and dart long distances." Ling Li said as she tapped Cannonball's head, which made him cower. The playful tapping was enough to elicit a small whimper from him.

"I rescued Cannonball from an evil practitioner, and since then, he's been training and cultivating with the rest. Cannonball is level four; he is more powerful than most of you. Since Chatty had developed animal telepathy, I decided to let him have Cannonball." Ling Li explained.

Ling Li looked at Cannonball, "Are you satisfied with your new Master?"

Cannonball looked around nervously and stopped his gaze at Four Eyes. "Deity, you could have given me to that person instead; he is more powerful," he mustered to say despite his voice trembling.

Ling Li followed his gaze and was not surprised to realize Cannonball was referring to Four Eyes; she chuckled. "Do you like my husband instead?"

Learning that Four Eyes was Ling Li's husband, Cannonball shivered and hurriedly said, "No Deity, my new Master is perfect!" Without waiting for Ling Li's response, Cannonball leaped back to Chatty, making Ling Li more amused with the Enfield's silliness.

Once back at Chatty's shoulder, Chatty couldn't help asking, "Why do you call Madam Deity?"

"Because she is!" Cannonball replied, his eyes wide with admiration and fear.

"What do you mean she is a Deity?" Chatty asked again.

"Because she is indeed a Deity; Deity is a Deity. She is invincible; and most especially, she is im…." Before Cannonball could finish his words, he heard Ling Li whisper in his ear, "Don't you dare say it." If only Cannonball could show his color like a person who turns pale, he would have been colorless from being scared to his wits. He wishes he could play dead.

"She is what?" Chatty insisted for Cannonball to finish what he was saying, his curiosity piqued.

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