"Your talent can still improve. Take this medicinal herb. I hope it can give you a helping hand."
Lu Li said with a calm expression and a smile.
The talent of the man before him was already enough to make anyone sigh. He had been stuck at Soul Emperor for six or seven years, yet more than a decade later, he would still reach the rank of Super Douluo.
Though not as good as Lu Li, his talent was still remarkable.
Even if the system hadn't rewarded him with this Mysterious Ice Grass, he would still have searched for heavenly treasures to make up for his good friend's lack of talent. It wasn't just out of consideration for their friendship; he was also investing in him.
"Brother Lu Li, this is far too precious."
"I can't accept it."
Wu Changkong struggled to tear his gaze away from the Mysterious Ice Grass, then took a deep breath and said firmly.
Of course he knew the value of this heavenly treasure.
He knew even better how important it was to him.
Once he refined and absorbed it, he would undoubtedly be able to completely heal his hidden injuries—and might even advance to a higher level of cultivation.
But he couldn't accept it.
One shouldn't accept a gift without having earned it. He was very grateful to Lu Li for giving him such a gift, but he absolutely couldn't take it. Accepting it would be the greatest disrespect to his friend.
"..."
Lu Li said nothing, only watching him quietly.
"Brother Lu Li, please show some self-respect."
Wu Changkong's face was full of helplessness. He desperately wanted the heavenly treasure, yet didn't want to take it. He spoke solemnly.
Self-respect?
"If you can beat me,"
"then I'll show some self-respect."
A smile curved Lu Li's lips as he said mildly.
Sorry, Changkong. That's your line, but I'm saying it now.
"..."
Wu Changkong froze in place, bewilderment in his usually cold eyes. How had those words come out of the other man's mouth?
Wasn't that supposed to be his line?
"Anyway."
"If you still consider me a friend, take it."
"Mm..."
"Thanks, Lu Li."
Seeing that the other man left him no room to refuse, Wu Changkong took a deep breath and accepted the medicinal herb Lu Li held out. Its weight in his hands felt like a thousand pounds.
"Afterward, I'll repay you with something of equal value. I won't let you give so much without getting anything in return..."
He added.
"We're brothers. Don't make things so formal."
Lu Li shook his head.
"Mm... All right, brother."
Wu Changkong smiled warmly and patted him on the shoulder.
"Hm? You're finally not scowling. You may be the aloof, handsome type, but you seem more human when you smile."
Lu Li looked at him in surprise and chuckled.
"..."
Wu Changkong silently wiped the smile from his face.
"All right, go back and absorb this herb."
"You've been stuck at Soul Emperor, and your cultivation really is a bit weak. Once you become a Soul Saint and pair that with your Two-Word Battle Armor, you'll truly have joined the ranks of the strong."
"For your future, this heavenly treasure will be the icing on the cake."
Lu Li looked at him approvingly again and spoke frankly.
"You think highly of me."
"I'm already twenty-seven. Am I really worth it?"
Wu Changkong clearly hadn't expected the man before him to value him so much. He spoke bitterly. Was he really worth it?
He was nothing but a failure who'd been driven out of the Shrek Inner Court, while the other man was the youngest Titled Douluo...
He truly hadn't expected a dignified Titled Douluo to value him so highly.
"You are."
Lu Li patted him on the shoulder.
Because he was Wu Changkong, so...
He was worth it.
"..."
Some time later, Wu Changkong didn't know how he'd made it out of Lu Li's office. He stared dazedly at the heavenly treasure in his hand, clearly still unable to fully accept what had happened.
The heavenly treasure he'd dreamed of obtaining to cure his hidden injuries had appeared in his hands as a gift from the other man.
"I owe you an enormous favor, you rascal."
"Lu Li."
He sighed helplessly.
He was only a Soul Emperor, a Six-Ring Soul Emperor in his twenties, three major realms weaker than the other man.
"I've never called anyone 'brother' before. But if it's you, I think I can."
"Thanks, brother."
"..."
"What's with Wu Changkong...?"
Meanwhile, Lu Li sat in his office, silently staring at the status panel before him.
Because just moments ago, Wu Changkong had completed a brand-new special mission for him!
[After spending a long time with Teacher Wu, you used your unique personal charm and superpowers to earn his deep friendship. Even though your cultivation is weak, you still became good friends] [You have become a trusted friend in his heart] [The character bond attribute branch has been unlocked] [Ding! Congratulations, you have become Wu Changkong's close friend] [One close friend has been added] [Current close friends: Wu Changkong] [A Level 69 Power Attack System Battle Soul Emperor with the Heavenly Frost Sword Martial Soul. His cultivation is extremely powerful, and he is your future goal] [Bond attribute: The other party's cultivation speed increases by 20%, and the strength they develop increases by 20%] [At the same time, until your cultivation surpasses his, you will gain a 100% bonus to your cultivation speed, a massive cultivation boost, and the ability to share some of his Soul Skills] [The effects will increase in sync once your cultivation surpasses his]
"The bond attribute branch..."
Lu Li looked surprised. He truly hadn't expected the system to have an ability like this.
So, by building relationships with other people, he could gain other kinds of buffs. He wondered how much his teacher and Na Nali would add...
"Why am I thinking about her too?"
Lu Li was taken aback, then smiled helplessly. It was only natural that he'd thought of his teacher, but he hadn't expected Na Nali to cross his mind too. Love really was contagious...
But then again.
Staring at the information on the status panel, Lu Li silently facepalmed.
"System, let me ask you something. Is it possible that my cultivation has already surpassed his?"
What did it mean that the effect lasted until his cultivation surpassed the other man?
[Absolutely impossible]
The system's voice sounded immediately.
"What's my cultivation level right now?"
"Level 91 Titled Douluo, One-Ring Soul Master."
Lu Li: "..."
Listen to that. Was that supposed to be something a human would say?
What did it mean to say a Titled Douluo was a One-Ring Soul Master?!
"System, I don't need the 100% cultivation speed bonus. I'll settle for 20%."
Lu Li took a deep breath and asked.
[Dear host, you'll be at a disadvantage]
[You're only a Soul Master, five whole major realms below him. You'd be taking a huge loss]
The system's concerned voice rang out. Though it was still cold and mechanical, its concern and intelligence came through clearly.
Yes, intelligence.
"..."
"Then let's just take a small loss, shall we?"
Lu Li paused, then continued.
The system seemed to be considering it. Could there be a chance?
[The host's wishes are strong. Your cultivation speed has been changed to 50%]
[Dear host, you're a true hero!]
[Those who value their friends shouldn't meet a bad end. This system greatly admires you, and your charm has increased by one point]
[Current charm: Transcendent +1] "Okay, thank you, System..."
Lu Li's face was frighteningly calm. It wasn't because he was aloof, but because he was having a hard time holding it in.
A 50% cultivation speed bonus! For a Titled Douluo, that went without saying.
[You're welcome. This is what this system should do]
"Nothing to do today, so let's meditate!"
Lu Li's lips curled into a smile. He didn't even feel like going home. He sat down cross-legged and began cultivating!
"This really is a top-grade heavenly treasure."
"I just swallowed it, and I can already feel warm all over."
Meanwhile, in the dormitory, Wu Changkong had just swallowed the Mysterious Ice Grass. Seeing golden light welling up from inside him, he remarked in amazement.
But...
Wasn't this thing supposed to be ice-attribute?
"..."
"Wulin, what did you say to Teacher Lu Li earlier?"
In the boys' dormitory, Tang Wulin had only just returned when Xie Xie, who'd been slacking off next door, kicked the door open and walked in curiously.
"Nothing."
"I'm just interested in heavenly treasures, so I asked Teacher Lu Li about them. I found out they're being auctioned now, hehe."
Tang Wulin smiled and shook his head, answering honestly.
"Oh? You're interested in those?"
"Then why don't we go check them out today? The auction house usually puts its auction items on display. If there's anything you want, you can bid on it later..."
Xie Xie mused, then said with a grin.
"Really?"
"Then why don't we go now?"
Tang Wulin's eyes lit up. This was a great opportunity to check the prices of heavenly treasures in advance and figure out how to buy one later!
"Let's go."
"This young master will show you a good time."
Xie Xie chuckled and nodded.
"Mm, I trust you!"
"..."
The two set off at once, leaving the dormitory building together and heading out of the academy.
Unbeknownst to them, a black-robed figure had secretly overheard every word from somewhere nearby.
"Looks like"
"I can put my plan to test him into action today."
Di Tian wore a cold smile. He moved in sync with the two, then vanished in a flash.
And just like that, he had his chance to leave.
Tang Wulin...
Let me see what you're really made of.
"..."
Before you continue