The Storm Subsides, Blade Mantis

"Father, after Bone Douluo personally investigated, it has been basically confirmed that Senior Dugu's murder was the work of Spirit Hall."

Xue Qinghe spoke in a grave tone and continued:

"During this investigation, Bone Douluo was unfortunately seriously injured as well..."

After returning to the palace, Xue Qinghe immediately went to see Emperor Xue Ye and reported everything in detail.

"Spirit Hall!" Emperor Xue Ye slammed his palm onto the table and rose to his feet, roaring in fury. "What exactly are they trying to do?!"

"Please calm your anger, Father. In your son's view, Senior Dugu had an old grudge against Spirit Hall. Perhaps they happened to encounter each other, and a conflict broke out..."

Xue Qinghe paused, his expression growing even more solemn as he continued:

"Spirit Hall is powerful now. It would be unwise for the Empire to confront them head-on at present. This matter must be considered carefully."

Hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye's anger eased somewhat. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Xue Qinghe.

"Qinghe is right... However, Spirit Hall must be guarded against."

Emperor Xue Ye rubbed his brow wearily.

"Pass down the order. Strengthen surveillance over Spirit Hall, and heighten security within the palace."

"Your son obeys."

Xue Qinghe bowed to accept the order, an imperceptible chill flashing through his eyes.

More than ten days passed...

The uproar surrounding Dugu Bo gradually subsided.

Even knowing that Spirit Hall was responsible, the Heaven Dou imperial family could do nothing about it but increase their vigilance.

After this incident, the imperial family became even more reliant on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

After all, among the Upper Three Sects, only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had clearly declared its support for the Heaven Dou Empire.

As a result, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's status within the Heaven Dou Empire rose accordingly.

Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Ji Xuan rose from the spring and clenched his fist, sensing the abundant power within his body. The corners of his lips curled upward slightly.

After two months, he had finally completely refined the medicinal effects of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot.

"How do you feel?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo approached and asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Another person followed behind him—the Seventh Worshipper, Jiang Mo Douluo.

Not long ago, Golden Crocodile Douluo had gone out to send word back to the Worship Hall, asking Qian Daoliu to dispatch someone to guard this place.

Jiang Mo Douluo had arrived here yesterday.

"Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile, Martial Uncle Jiang Mo."

Ji Xuan greeted the two before continuing:

"I've completely absorbed the medicinal effects of the two immortal herbs. My physical constitution has improved by more than double, and my Soul Power has increased as well."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad."

"Xiao Xuan, I heard from your Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile that those immortal herbs... Is there one suitable for this old man?"

Jiang Mo Douluo rubbed his hands together and looked at Ji Xuan expectantly.

Ever since learning that his second brother, Golden Crocodile, had broken through to Level Ninety-Nine because of an immortal herb, he had been insanely envious.

"Of course. I prepared one for every Martial Uncle."

As Ji Xuan spoke, he took out a dark jade-green immortal herb shaped like a bamboo shoot from the Ruyi Hundred Treasures Pouch.

There happened to be two of them in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—one each for Qian Jun and Jiang Mo.

"Martial Uncle Jiang Mo, this immortal herb is called the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. It is highly suited to your martial soul."

Ji Xuan handed it to Jiang Mo Douluo.

"Thanks, Xiao Xuan." Jiang Mo accepted it with a smile.

After Ji Xuan explained how to consume it, Jiang Mo Douluo found a spot and began refining it.

Golden Crocodile looked at Ji Xuan. "Xiao Xuan, when do you plan to hunt for your Third Soul Ring?"

Ji Xuan pondered briefly. "Please wait another half day, Martial Uncle. I still need to refine one more immortal herb. As for my Third Soul Ring... I plan to absorb a Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Ring."

"A Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Ring!" A trace of worry appeared in Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes. "Xiao Xuan, are you sure you can handle it?"

"This old man knows you possess a head Soul Bone, and your Spiritual Power is not weak."

"But the Soul Shock of a Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Ring is no trivial matter. Even a Soul King might not be able to endure it, yet you're only obtaining your third ring..."

"Don't worry, Martial Uncle."

Ji Xuan took out an entirely emerald-green immortal herb with three snow-white leaves growing from its center, each leaf dotted with several droplets of liquid like dew.

"This Immortal Herb is called Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. Consuming it can greatly enhance Spiritual Power."

Golden Crocodile Douluo stared at the Immortal Herb for a moment before finally nodding. "If that's the case... then this old man can rest assured."

Ji Xuan nodded in acknowledgment, sat down cross-legged, tilted the blade of grass, and let several drops of dew fall into his throat.

The entire Immortal Herb swiftly withered in the next instant, turning to dust.

Ji Xuan closed his eyes and began refining it. He could clearly feel his Spiritual Power steadily increasing...

Half an hour later.

Ji Xuan slowly opened his eyes, golden light seemingly flowing within them.

He rose to his feet and looked around.

All the mature Immortal Herbs within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had already been harvested.

As his gaze passed over the spring water, it lingered for a moment.

As for the two God-level Soul Bones at the bottom of the spring, he could only return for them once he was strong enough.

By then, Jiang Mo Douluo had long since finished refining his herb and was walking over with Golden Crocodile.

"Martial Uncle Jiang Mo, did you break through?"

Jiang Mo Douluo laughed heartily. "Level Ninety-Seven! And this old man feels... that breaking through to Level Ninety-Eight in the future is also within reach."

"Congratulations, Martial Uncle."

"It's all thanks to you." Jiang Mo forcefully patted Ji Xuan on the shoulder.

"You're too kind, Martial Uncle." Ji Xuan changed the subject. "By the way, Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile and I plan to leave. I'll leave this place in your care."

"Don't worry. With this old man here, not even a fly will get in."

Ji Xuan then turned to Golden Crocodile Douluo. "Martial Uncle, let's go."

Golden Crocodile gave a slight nod. His vast Soul Power enveloped the two of them, turning into a streak of golden light that vanished from the spot...

After leaving the range of the poisonous miasma.

Golden Crocodile Douluo released his immense Spiritual Power, which swept across the entire core region like a tide.

A few breaths later, he withdrew his Spiritual Power and looked at Ji Xuan.

"Xiao Xuan, seven li to the northeast, there's a Blade Mantis over eleven thousand years old. What do you think?"

"A Blade Mantis?" Ji Xuan pondered for a moment.

This soul beast excelled in speed and offense, and its pair of blade arms possessed exceptionally powerful armor-piercing capabilities.

"That will do." Ji Xuan nodded.

Soon, the two arrived before the Blade Mantis.

This Ten-Thousand-Year Blade Mantis was nearly three meters long, its entire body covered in a layer of dark green armor.

The most eye-catching feature was its distinctive pair of blade arms.

The outer edges of the blade arms were incomparably sharp, cold light glinting off them, with several dark red patterns running across their surfaces.

Their inner edges, meanwhile, were densely lined with serrated barbs.

Two pairs of translucent wings were folded against its back, granting it astonishing speed during short bursts and charges.

"Hiss!"

The Blade Mantis sensed two human soul masters suddenly entering its territory, and a violent gleam immediately flashed through its eyes.

Its massive body instantly lowered, assuming a perfect combat stance.

Its pair of blade arms crossed in the air while the two pairs of wings on its back beat continuously.

Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression remained unchanged as he directly released a terrifying pressure. The Blade Mantis instantly collapsed limply to the ground.

"Xiao Xuan, go on." Golden Crocodile Douluo stood with his hands behind his back, his tone calm.

To him, a Ten-Thousand-Year soul beast was no more than an ant.

Ji Xuan nodded lightly, condensing the Martial Soul Sword of Order in his hand.

The Blade Mantis's weakness was its abdomen. Ji Xuan pierced straight through it with a single strike.

A moment later, the Blade Mantis lost its breath, and a faint black Soul Ring slowly emerged.

Ji Xuan did not hesitate. He sat down cross-legged and began drawing in the Soul Ring.

With Golden Crocodile Douluo guarding him here, he did not need to worry about any interference and could devote himself fully to absorbing the Soul Ring.