"Level Forty-six, thirteen and a half years old. You're already level forty-six, Little Chen. In half a year, you've actually advanced two levels."
"After entering level forty, it becomes very difficult to advance. For you to have cultivated to this point, you must have put in far more effort than ordinary people," Grandmaster praised.
Ye Chen smiled faintly, "Teacher, without effort, how can one become stronger and surpass others?"
Grandmaster looked at Ye Chen with a smile, "Yes, when you were at Nuoding Academy, you trained diligently every day and never slacked off."
"Little Chen, training also requires a balance of work and rest. Only then can you go further."
This statement wasn't just for Ye Chen, but also for Tang San.
Tang San's diligence was no less than Ye Chen's.
Tang San never admitted defeat. If Ye Chen was stronger than him, he would become even stronger.
Shrek's Seven Devils were one entity, with a common goal: to become stronger.
"Teacher, I'm going to see them. I haven't seen them in half a year." Ye Chen couldn't wait to see his partners.
"Alright, I'll go with you," Grandmaster nodded with a smile, looking at Ye Chen and Tang San's return with great joy.
Liu Erlong watched Grandmaster's figure, her gaze not lingering on him, and led the many Spirit Masters towards the main teaching building.
Now, Shrek Academy not only had the students of Shrek's Seven Devils, but also many students and teachers from the former Blue Tyrant Academy.
Currently, the other six of Shrek's Devils were training in the simulated environment. Ahead was a forest, and within the forest, everyone was training hard.
Ye Chen missed Ning Rongrong dearly, and Tang San missed Xiao Wu just as much.
After Grandmaster led Ye Chen and Tang San into the forest, Grandmaster whistled softly and shouted towards the bushes, "Xiao Wu, look who's here?"
Hearing Xiao Wu's name, a flicker of emotion crossed Tang San's eyes. He hadn't seen Xiao Wu in half a year and only felt longing now.
With a flash of movement, a slender pink figure rapidly emerged from the bushes. Those exceptionally long, beautiful legs, her slender waist, the scorpion braid that reached the ground, and her cute rabbit ears – who else could it be but Xiao Wu?
"Grandmaster, you're here." Before Xiao Wu could finish speaking, her gaze fell upon Tang San.
"Brother." The emotions of the past half-year erupted instantly. Tears welled up in Xiao Wu's eyes. Disregarding Grandmaster's presence, Xiao Wu leaped into Tang San's arms, hugging him tightly.
Tang San reciprocated, wrapping his arms around Xiao Wu's slender waist. His eyes were already red. Holding Xiao Wu in his arms again, how could Tang San not be excited?
"Xiao Wu, don't cry. Aren't I back?" Tang San gently held Xiao Wu, looking at the girl in his arms.
"Wuwu... Brother, you don't want Xiao Wu anymore? Why did you leave for so long?" Xiao Wu choked back sobs. Ever since she met Tang San, she had never been separated from him for so long. This time, they had been apart for half a year.
During these past six months, Xiao Wu wanted to know where Tang San was, but Grandmaster wouldn't let her know. After all, how could Xiao Wu go to Sunset Forest alone?
"Xiao Wu, be good. How could I bear to abandon you? It's all my fault," Tang San gently caressed Xiao Wu's cheek.
Xiao Wu raised her head, her eyes red and swollen. She pouted her small mouth and looked at Tang San, saying, "Then you're not allowed to leave me anymore. No matter what you do, you have to take me with you."
"Okay, I promise you everything," Tang San said, looking at the girl in his arms and feeling her familiar scent. He had missed her so much.
Tang San thought he had died and would never see Xiao Wu again. Now that they were reunited, Tang San's heart was filled with excitement.
"Brother, I don't care. Swear that you'll never leave me again," Xiao Wu blinked her eyes and wrapped her arms around Tang San's neck.
"I swear, unless I die, I will never leave Xiao Wu again," Tang San said seriously, raising his hand.
Xiao Wu also leaned gently on Tang San's shoulder. "Xiao Wu also swears, I will never leave you, not even in death."
Ye Chen watched Tang San and Xiao Wu silently, a smile on his face. This was a moment meant only for Tang San and Xiao Wu, and he didn't want to intrude.
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu and gently patted her. "Xiao Wu, come down. Teacher and Brother Chen are still here."
Xiao Wu's pretty face turned red. She willingly linked her arm with Tang San's and stuck out her tongue.
"Brother Chen, you're back too! Hehe, Rongrong missed you a lot," Xiao Wu said, looking at Ye Chen.
"Rongrong..." Ye Chen smiled slightly and walked into the forest with everyone.
Ning Rongrong was sitting in the forest, her eyes closed, cultivating the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Divided Control.
She wore a cyan long dress, her waist slender, her skin snow white, and her figure was still so good. She was pure and flawless, unstained by any impurity.
The heavenly proud daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong.
Ye Chen looked at Ning Rongrong like this, his eyes slightly reddening.
He had been with Rongrong since childhood, except for the three years they were separated. Most of the time, they were together.
After this half-year separation, when Ye Chen saw Ning Rongrong again, he had already missed her immensely.
After Ye Chen left, Ning Rongrong often dreamed of him. How she wished she could see Ye Chen when she opened her eyes.
But she had too many dreams. Every time she woke up, there was only an empty sense of loss.
Now, while cultivating Divided Control, Ye Chen's figure appeared in her mind again. Ning Rongrong didn't want to wake up. She wanted to stay in the dream, so she could always see Ye Chen.
After finishing her cultivation, Tears flowed from Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes.
It had been half a year. She finally knew how much she missed Ye Chen.
"Rongrong, why are you crying?" Ye Chen's voice rang out.
Ning Rongrong was surprised. Was she hallucinating again?
She opened her eyes, and through her tear-blurred vision, she saw the figure that had always appeared in her dreams. It was Ye Chen.
"Bro... Brother..." Ning Rongrong looked at Ye Chen, a hint of surprise in her beautiful eyes.
Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong walked forward and threw herself into Ye Chen's arms.
"Rongrong, I'm back, aren't I? You silly girl." Ye Chen embraced Ning Rongrong, a smile on his face.
"Brother, where have you been these past six months? You have no idea how much I missed you."
"From now on, you can't leave me again. You're never allowed to leave me. You promised Father you'd protect me for a lifetime," Ning Rongrong said, her body trembling slightly in Ye Chen's embrace.
"Mmm, I promised your father I'd protect you for a lifetime," Ye Chen chuckled.
"No, I want you to promise me. Protect me for a lifetime. No matter what happens, you're not allowed to leave me again," Ning Rongrong nestled in Ye Chen's arms.
"Brother, no matter what difficulties we face in the future, I'll be with you. Don't leave me alone," Ning Rongrong said.
"I promise you everything. You are my Rongrong, and I won't leave you alone ever again." Ye Chen looked at Ning Rongrong in his arms and held both her hands.
This was a promise. A lifelong promise to a girl.
No matter what crises and storms they faced in the future, Ye Chen was determined to protect Ning Rongrong for a lifetime.
"I haven't agreed to that yet. How did I become 'your' Rongrong?" Ning Rongrong gave a sweet smile and blinked at Ye Chen.
"Rongrong." Ye Chen ruffled Ning Rongrong's long hair. He had been tricked by Rongrong again.
"Hehe, you barely passed," Ning Rongrong linked her arm with Ye Chen's, revealing a beautiful smile.
"Let's go. We should go see the others too," Ye Chen said.
"Mmm! Zhuqing misses you a lot too, Brother. Where exactly did you find all these sisters outside? Am I not enough?" Ning Rongrong let out a soft hum, looking at Ye Chen, clearly jealous.
Xiao Wu, standing nearby, also giggled, "I'm his sister too. Who wouldn't like Brother Chen? Maybe many girls will actively want to be Brother Chen's sister in the future. Rongrong, you need to be careful and keep a close eye on Brother Chen."
Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed slightly. "Xiao Wu, what are you talking about?"
"I won't let anyone else be your sister. Me, Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu are enough. If you dare bring back another sister, I'll bite you to death," Ning Rongrong declared.
"That won't happen," Ye Chen said with a smile.
Ye Chen wasn't particularly moved by beauties; he was mostly focused on his cultivation.
Only Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu received his wholehearted attention.
Having never known any kin, Ye Chen had already come to regard the Shrek's Seven Devils as his brothers and sisters.
"Teacher, Xiao San and I have prepared gifts for everyone upon our return. Moreover, I can help everyone break through their current bottlenecks," Ye Chen said, exchanging a glance with Tang San.
"Oh?" Grandmaster asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
For a long time, cultivating Spirit Power relied solely on a Spirit Master's own practice. Yet, Ye Chen claimed the gift he prepared could help everyone break through their bottlenecks.
Such a statement was almost world-shattering for Douluo Continent.
Immortal-grade herbs were inherently rare on the continent, and many ancient texts didn't even mention them.
However, Immortal-grade herbs were genuine treasures that could help a Spirit Master break through their personal bottlenecks and reach their limits.
"Little Chen, did you bring back Immortal-grade herbs from Dugu Bo? The existence of Immortal-grade herbs is akin to pulling up seedlings to help them grow. While they can boost Spirit Power, the Strength gained isn't stable. If one relies on eating Immortal-grade herbs to increase their Strength, I worry it might have negative effects on the children," Grandmaster said.
Tang San looked at Grandmaster with confidence and said, "Teacher, Brother Chen and I have studied this thoroughly. The gifts we're giving everyone are tailored to their individual personalities and will have no Side Effects. They can even help strengthen their foundations."
Not long after, the Shrek's Seven Devils reunited.
Everyone felt a surge of excitement upon seeing Ye Chen and Tang San.
They hadn't seen each other for half a year, and now, seeing each other again filled everyone's hearts with joy.
"Brother Chen, Third Brother, haha, you're finally back," Oscar said, smiling as he looked at Ye Chen and Tang San.
"Little Chen, Little San, you're both finally back. We've been cultivating together during this time, and our Strength has improved rapidly. I've already broken through to Level Forty. I only just broke through not long ago, and my Spirit Power hasn't completely stabilized yet," Dai Mubai said with a smile.
He was the oldest among the Shrek's Seven Devils, which was why everyone called him Dai Laoda.
With the return of Ye Chen and Tang San, the Shrek's Seven Devils once again had their pillars of support.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Ye Chen from afar, then saw Ning Rongrong linking arms with Ye Chen. A hint of envy flickered in her beautiful eyes.
She hadn't interacted with many males since childhood, only her father and some clan members.
Ye Chen's appearance had saved her life and disrupted her original life.
Yet, a trace of sadness lingered in her heart.
If only I had met Ye Chen earlier, perhaps...
Life had no "ifs." Zhu Zhuqing knew Ye Chen and Ning Rongrong had a good Relationship. It was enough for her to silently bless them.
Zhu Zhuqing displayed a rare, beautiful smile and walked up to Ye Chen, deliberately creating some distance between them.
If it were in the past, she might have rushed into Ye Chen's arms.
Her personality was cold. If she couldn't pursue him, she could only offer her blessings from afar. After all, she wasn't Ye Chen's biological Sister, so why would she make Ning Rongrong jealous?
"Brother, I'm back," Zhu Zhuqing said.
"Mm, you're back," Ye Chen replied.
"It's good that you're back." After Zhu Zhuqing finished speaking, she quietly walked to Xiao Wu's side, remaining silent, her emotions unreadable.
She would always silently care for Ye Chen, no matter how badly injured he was, she would be there.
Being able to accompany him and offer her blessings was enough.
What else could she hope for?
What else could she possibly hope for?
Among the Shrek's Seven Devils, no one noticed Zhu Zhuqing's change. She was always like this.
Dai Mubai stepped forward, putting his arms around Tang San and Ye Chen. "You two even prepared gifts for us. Hurry up and take them out, hehe."
"Yeah, Brother Chen, Third Brother, don't play favorites." Ma Hongjun walked up to Tang San and Ye Chen.
Tang San smiled faintly. "The gifts I prepared this time are for everyone, each person gets one. Of course, Rongrong and Zhuqing's gifts will be given by Brother Chen."
"Brother Chen has also prepared gifts for everyone." Tang San looked at everyone.
"Oh, Brother, just give them to me already. Don't keep us in suspense." Xiao Wu couldn't wait any longer.
"No rush, let's go to a quiet place first," Tang San said.
Led by the Grandmaster, everyone entered a secluded wooden house.
Under everyone's gaze, Tang San took out a plant from his Ruyi Hundred Treasures Pouch.
"Dai Laoda, this is what I specially prepared for you. It's called the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. It's a neutral immortal-grade medicinal herb. Consuming it strengthens the limbs and vitalizes the eight meridians, allowing one to forge an indestructible body."
"Of course, an indestructible body is a bit of an exaggeration, but this immortal herb is very compatible with your martial soul. You've just reached Level Forty, and if you consume it, it will stabilize you at Level Forty and greatly increase your spirit power. Even though you haven't obtained a spirit ring yet, with the effect of this herb, your level will rise significantly after you absorb your fourth spirit ring," Tang San said.
Dai Mubai had only recently broken through to Level Forty and hadn't had time to absorb a spirit ring yet. His spirit power had already made great progress. With this immortal herb, Dai Mubai's spirit power would increase even further once he absorbed a spirit ring.
"Greatly increase? To what level?" Dai Mubai was somewhat excited. He had cultivated for half a year and only advanced from Level Thirty-Nine to Level Forty. The breakthrough process had been exceptionally arduous.
"Above Level Forty-Three." Tang San replied.
Hearing Tang San's words, everyone was somewhat surprised.
The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum could bring such great benefits, and Dai Mubai's strength would soar.
He was already the second person among the Shrek's Seven Devils to reach Level Forty.
"The immortal herbs chosen by Brother Chen and I have no drawbacks for everyone. They can not only increase spirit power but also strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality." Tang San handed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai took the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and looked at Tang San. "We're brothers, so I won't say thank you. How do we eat this?"
"Eat the stamen first, then the petals. Cultivate immediately after eating to resolve the medicinal properties. If the medicinal properties accumulate in your body, they will instead block your meridians," Tang San said.
Dai Mubai nodded and walked to a corner. He ate the immortal herb and began his own cultivation.
"Xiao Ao, this is for you." Tang San handed the jade box to Oscar.
"Third Brother, hehe, I get one too." Oscar looked excited. After opening the jade box, a rich fragrance wafted out.
Tang San said, "This item is called the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid. Stored in jade, it doesn't wither for a thousand years and doesn't fade for a hundred generations. Such an immortal herb can solve the problem of slow cultivation for Food System Spirit Masters."
Hearing Tang San's words, Oscar's eyes widened. He happily took the medicinal herb and also went to cultivate.
The one Tang San gave Ma Hongjun was also an immortal-grade medicinal herb, which could help Ma Hongjun resolve the evil fire in his body.
"Alright, I've given out all my gifts," Tang San said with a smile.
He had given gifts to Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun. Most importantly, he still hadn't decided who to give the Lovesick Heartbreak Red to.
Should he give it to Zhu Zhuqing? But Tang San didn't know who Zhu Zhuqing liked.
He could also give it to Ning Rongrong, but the Lovesick Heartbreak Red wasn't suitable for Ning Rongrong. There were other immortal-grade medicinal herbs.
Therefore, the decision was handed over to Ye Chen.
Before this, Ye Chen had also given Grandmaster an immortal herb, the Nine-Rank Purple Ganoderma, and let Grandmaster cultivate.
"Hmph, Brother, where's my gift? You're biased, only giving to the boys and not the girls. Are you treating me like I'm easy to bully?" Xiao Wu pouted, looking displeased.
"Yeah, Third Brother is biased," Ning Rongrong agreed.
"Brother, are you going to give us a gift?" Zhu Zhuqing looked at Ye Chen.
The gazes of the three girls were all on Ye Chen.
Ye Chen smiled. Tang San didn't know who to give the Lovesick Heartbreak Red to, but he knew very clearly. As the saying goes, the bystander sees more clearly than the person involved.
The feelings between Tang San and Xiao Wu had always been pure, so pure that they didn't realize their relationship was already inseparable.
But in the eyes of others, was it really just pure?
Tang San's eyes were only on Xiao Wu, and Xiao Wu's eyes were only on Tang San. The two of them seemed destined to be together.
"Xiao Wu, this is the Lovesick Heartbreak Red. It's a divine-grade treasure among immortal-grade medicinal herbs. It also has a story. It's said that in the past, there was a youth who loved planting flowers and plants the most. Whenever he saw fallen petals, he would feel infinitely sad. His love for flowers moved a flower fairy from heaven, who secretly descended to the mortal realm and married him."
"However, good times don't last. The gods were furious when they learned that the flower fairy had descended to the mortal realm and married an ordinary person. They recalled the flower fairy to the celestial realm. The youth lost his wife and spent his days neglecting his flowers, leaving his garden desolate. One day, a white-haired old man came and told the youth that the beloved white peony in his garden was the embodiment of his wife. As long as the flower was destroyed, the flower fairy would lose her immortal body and become a mortal again, marrying him anew. But he must not abandon his flower cultivation."
"The youth suddenly awakened, regretting that he had abandoned his flower cultivation. He began to care for the plants in his garden again. Although he loved his wife, he couldn't bear to destroy his wife's immortal body or the peony. He wept by the flower every day, his tears drying up, his heart breaking, and he died of lovesickness."
"This herb is called Lovesick Heartbreak Red. When picking it, you must think of the person you love and spit out a mouthful of fresh blood before you can pick it. If your heart wavers even slightly, it will be impossible to pick the Lovesick Heartbreak Red."
"Once you consume the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, I can guarantee that your spirit power, Xiao Wu, can increase by more than ten levels, possibly even surpassing mine. Xiao Wu, do you want to try picking the Lovesick Heartbreak Red?"
"We've known each other since childhood. Back then, you were already with Xiao San. Only when you have the person you love in your heart and are completely devoted can you pick this flower," Ye Chen said solemnly.
Upon seeing this flower, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes held a trace of envy.
Especially Zhu Zhuqing.
Her eyes had been continuously looking at Ye Chen, and also at Xiao Wu.
She could see that Xiao Wu's eyes had been continuously looking at Tang San.
Xiao Wu gently nodded, stepped forward, circulated her spirit power, and fresh blood landed on the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.
In less than a moment, the Lovesick Heartbreak Red directly fell, landing in Xiao Wu's hands.
Xiao Wu had picked the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.
Her gaze had been continuously fixed on Tang San. Gently stroking the flower in her hand, a smile appeared on Xiao Wu's pretty face.
She had done it.
Ye Chen saw it very clearly. The feelings between Xiao Wu and Tang San, even they themselves didn't know the extent of, but it was absolutely irreplaceable.
In this world, even if someone more outstanding than Tang San appeared, it would be impossible to shake Xiao Wu's heart.
In Xiao Wu's heart, there was only Tang San, only him.
In Tang San's heart, there was also only Xiao Wu.
The Lovesick Heartbreak Red was the best testament to this.
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu, his expression stunned.
Xiao Wu lowered her head, her fingertips gently stroking the petals. "Brother, the story you told must be true."
Ye Chen smiled and looked at Tang San.
Tang San said, "Xiao Wu, eat it. It will bring you a great increase in spirit power."
Xiao Wu shook her head. "Brother, this is an immortal herb, how can I consume it? You said that once it recognizes its master, it won't wither. I'll just let it accompany me forever."
"Brother, I will also cultivate diligently and will definitely not fall behind everyone," Xiao Wu looked at Tang San.
Among Shrek's Seven Devils, she was the only girl who wouldn't eat immortal medicinal herbs.
She couldn't bear to.
After Xiao Wu obtained the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, Ye Chen looked towards Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
He should also prepare gifts for Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
The gifts prepared for these two girls were also carefully selected by Ye Chen, and he had even tried the effects of these immortal herbs.
And these gifts were the most suitable for the two of them!
Before you continue
Explore the wiki