Lyra’s cheeks flushed pink, but before could answer, Flaxseed hopped off his seat and paced with his hands clasped behind him, brow furrowed, thoroughly disgruntled.

“Mr. Flaxseed, you just advanced to Earthly Immortal Realm Level Nine. That’s a cause for celebration, so why the troubled expression?” Jared asked in puzzlement.

Flaxseed halted immediately and turned to stare at Jared. “What do you think? You two kept moaning over there every day. How was I supposed to concentrate? I may have broken through, but now I’m simmering with fire, and there’s nowhere to put it, that’s hardly cause for joy!”

Jared burst into booming laughter. Meanwhile, Lyra, mortified, wished the floor would swallow her, both hands flew over face, and even the tips of ears turned scarlet.

“My oversight, my oversight entirely,” Jared admitted, still chuckling.

“Once we’re back outside, I’ll find a few female cultivators so you can indulge yourself. Mr. Flaxseed. How’s that?” Jared added.

Flaxseed huffed, but the promise softened his scowl. Even so, the look threw at Jared fairly dripped with envy. After tidying their belongings, the trio stepped out of the Pentacarna Tower.