Ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber

Half a month had passed since their audience with Bibi Dong.

Ever since Hu Liena had been accepted as Bibi Dong's disciple and began following her in daily cultivation, the three of them had spent much less time together.

At first, Xie Yue had been rather anxious and deeply worried about his younger sister, Hu Liena. It was the first time since their birth that the siblings had been apart for so long.

Yan, on the other hand, adjusted quickly. Or rather, his mindset had not fluctuated much to begin with. He had merely moved from the Orphanage to the better environment of the Pope Palace for cultivation.

That was right. Thanks to the three of them being so talented, after meeting Bibi Dong, they had been allowed to remain at the Pope Palace to continue cultivating.

Of course, Hu Liena had played a part in that as well. As the Pope's disciple, she naturally had to live closer to the Pope.

Although Bibi Dong had already ordered them to attend Spirit Hall Academy for training,

considering their talents, it had ultimately been decided that all three would first cultivate to Rank 10, obtain and absorb their first Soul Rings, and only then head to Spirit Hall Academy.

Setting Hu Liena aside for the moment, Yan and Xie Yue had already learned Spirit Hall's exclusive Soul Power Meditation Method from the Soul Saint sent by Spirit Hall to teach them.

Although Douluo Continent had no concept of cultivation techniques, countless cultivation methods and techniques had been passed down through the ages since the birth of Soul Masters.

Meditation methods that could accelerate cultivation, in particular, were possessed by nearly every somewhat larger Soul Master faction.

As the number one Soul Master faction on the continent, Spirit Hall naturally possessed its own exclusive meditation method. After years of continuous refinement and removal of flaws, it was already little different from certain low-level cultivation techniques.

Yet in Yan's eyes, as someone who possessed the Flame Emperor's inheritance, Spirit Hall's meditation method was still far too crude.

Aside from meditating and cultivating each day, Yan spent most of his time strengthening his body under the guidance of the Soul Saint instructor.

The so-called Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul proposed by Yu Xiaogang had long been studied by Spirit Hall. They simply had not been presented so systematically.

The relationship between a Soul Master's physical strength and the age limit of the Soul Rings they could absorb was especially well understood.

Yan possessed an exceptionally powerful physique and outstanding talent. He had been born with the aptitude to absorb Soul Rings beyond the usual age limit. Both Bibi Dong and Yue Guan understood this, so they placed particular emphasis on Yan's physical training.

Over the past half month, Yue Guan had also asked Yan about Whale Rubber. Although he had not spoken with Yan again afterward, he had presumably verified whether Yan's words were true.

If nothing unexpected happened, Spirit Hall should already have begun secretly researching the effects of Whale Rubber on improving a Soul Master's physique.

"Yan, Chrysanthemum Douluo wishes to see you."

Yan was cultivating the Flame God Body Tempering Method in the Cultivation Room when an abrupt knock sounded, followed by a voice.

Chrysanthemum Douluo?

Yan raised a brow, a few guesses forming in his mind.

He had no real dealings with Chrysanthemum Douluo. Their only private conversation had been about Whale Rubber.

Could there have been progress regarding the Whale Rubber?

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Yan slowly ended his cultivation, replied toward the outside of the Cultivation Room, then hurried out of the training room and changed into a clean set of clothes before going to see Yue Guan.

It could not be helped. This Title Douluo elder of Spirit Hall was somewhat of a clean freak. If Yan went to see him covered in grime, he likely would not receive a pleasant expression.

"Greetings, Chrysanthemum Douluo."

On the plaza outside the Cultivation Room, Yue Guan stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly having waited for quite some time.

"Come with me."

Yue Guan turned to glance at Yan. Seeing that his clothes were neat and clean, he secretly nodded.

"Yes."

Yan did not ask why and hurriedly followed Yue Guan.

They left the training area and arrived in a room within a palace hall. Yue Guan sat in the seat of honor and looked at Yan, who stood to one side. A smile could not help appearing on his face.

"Yan, you have rendered a great service."

"This... I have been cultivating these past half month and do not seem to have rendered any service."

The moment Yue Guan spoke, Yan knew it was likely related to the Whale Rubber. Still, he feigned hesitation, unwilling to make his understanding too obvious.

"No, have you forgotten when this elder asked you about Whale Rubber?"

Yue Guan smiled slightly and told Yan about the Whale Rubber matter.

"I would not dare claim credit. I merely happened to know of it. Being able to contribute to Spirit Hall is my honor." Yan bowed slightly, his tone respectful, with no intention of taking credit.

The smile on Yue Guan's face deepened. He was clearly very satisfied with Yan's humility and sense of the bigger picture.

"No need to be modest. After this one and several Soul Masters proficient in medicinal principles verified it, the information about Whale Rubber that you provided proved entirely true.

Whale Rubber subjected to special treatment could indeed significantly strengthen a Soul Master's physique." Yue Guan lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertip.

"This discovery is of great significance. It is enough to raise the overall strength of Spirit Hall's younger generation by an entire level, and the Pope greatly appreciates it as well."

He paused, his gaze falling on Yan with a trace of barely perceptible expectation. "According to the rules of the Hall, one who offers such a method beneficial to Spirit Hall's foundation deserves a generous reward.

The Pope has granted special permission: when you obtain your first Soul Ring, the Hall will provide you with a Soul Ring of the highest age possible. In addition..."

With a turn of Yue Guan's hand, an exquisite jade box appeared in his palm.

The lid opened slightly, and a gentle warmth immediately spread through the air, accompanied by a faint, unusual fishy fragrance.

"This is a piece of premium Whale Rubber taken from a Sea Soul Beast over ten thousand years old. It has been refined through a secret method, removing its impurities and side effects. Its efficacy far surpasses that of ordinary Whale Rubber.

The Pope has specially bestowed it upon you to help solidify your foundation. When you reach Rank 20, the Hall will prepare another piece for you."

Yan's gaze fell upon the jade box, and a flash of delight passed through his eyes.

This reward was indeed generous and practical. Ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber, especially after Spirit Hall's special preparation, was absolutely a rare treasure and perfectly suited for his use.

"Thank you for the Pope's generous reward. Thank you, Elder Chrysanthemum Douluo."

Yan bowed again, genuine excitement now coloring his voice.

He accepted the jade box with both hands. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, as though he were holding a mass of condensed, gentle energy.

"Make good use of it." Yue Guan rose to his feet and walked to the window.

"Both the Pope and I have seen your talent.

Nana has the Pope personally guiding her, so her future need not be mentioned.

Xie Yue's talent and temperament are likewise excellent.

And you..."

He turned back to look at Yan and said meaningfully, "You possess a top-tier Martial Soul, Innate Full Soul Power, and an exceptionally rare physical constitution.

This piece of Whale Rubber, combined with your own efforts, may allow you to surpass many others from the very beginning. Do not waste this talent, nor disappoint the Pope's expectations.

Absorb this piece of Whale Rubber as soon as possible. Then obtain your first Soul Ring. Spirit Hall Academy is where you will truly begin to reveal your brilliance."