The journey from the Star Dou Forest back to Spirit City was uneventful.
There were no bandits, nor any foolish Soul Masters who tried to block their way.
The carriage rolled along the smooth main road, and they barely felt a bump.
Hu Liena spent the entire journey in the carriage familiarizing herself with her newly acquired third Soul Skill.
Every so often, she activated Demon Fox Transformation, feeling the Soul Power surging through her body and her attributes rising. She was bursting with energy.
"Junior Brother, look! When I activate Demon Fox Transformation, my strength increases by so much!"
She excitedly showed off to Ling Xiao, her fox tail swaying gently behind her as the Charm aura around her grew stronger.
"Master will definitely be happy when she sees my Soul Skill!"
Ling Xiao leaned against the soft cushions. Looking at Hu Liena's stunning face, he was somewhat lost in thought.
"Senior Sister's third Soul Skill is quite impressive. Its potential for growth is also very high."
He hadn't been idle during the journey back, either.
Besides stabilizing his Soul Power at level twenty-two, he had been studying how to use his second Soul Skill, [Coiling Dragon].
But most of his attention had been focused on the Azure Dragon Fruit in his spiritual sea.
He repeatedly analyzed the fruit's abilities, planning his next moves.
The blueprint in his mind was becoming clearer and clearer.
Three days later, the carriage entered Spirit City and stopped in front of Spirit Hall.
After getting out, they headed straight to the Pope's Main Hall to pay their respects to Bibi Dong.
Inside the main hall, Bibi Dong had just finished a meeting with the elders.
She sat on her throne, massaging her temples, a hint of weariness between her brows.
When she saw her two disciples enter, the fatigue in her eyes faded, replaced by a gentle smile.
"Master."
Ling Xiao and Hu Liena bowed in unison.
"You're back? Judging by your auras, you both absorbed your Soul Rings without any trouble?"
Bibi Dong's gaze passed over them.
She sensed the auras surrounding Ling Xiao and Hu Liena.
She was very pleased.
"This disciple has lived up to your expectations. I successfully absorbed an eight-hundred-year Dragon Blood Vine Soul Ring, comprehended the second Soul Skill, [Coiling Dragon], and advanced to level twenty-two, becoming a Soul Grandmaster."
Ling Xiao answered first, neither servile nor overbearing.
"Master! I also successfully absorbed a one-thousand-one-hundred-year Silver Moon Demon Fox Soul Ring, advanced to level thirty-one and became a Soul Elder, and comprehended the third Soul Skill, [Demon Fox Transformation]!"
Hu Liena hurried to speak, as though claiming credit.
Bibi Dong couldn't help laughing when she heard them.
"Good! Good! Good!"
She looked at her two disciples, her voice full of relief.
"After going out, you not only obtained your Soul Rings without a hitch, but your cultivation also advanced steadily. You haven't let your master down."
"It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Master."
Ling Xiao bowed slightly, his tone modest.
"All right. You've both had a tiring journey. Go back and get some rest."
Bibi Dong waved a hand and gave them her instructions.
"In the days ahead, there's no need to rush your cultivation. First, become proficient with your new Soul Skills and stabilize your current levels."
"Nana, Demon Fox Transformation consumes a great deal of spiritual power. Don't rush your progress."
"Yes, Master!"
They answered, then turned and left the Pope's Main Hall.
Outside the hall, Hu Liena waved at Ling Xiao and said excitedly:
"Junior Brother, I'm heading back to Lanyue Hall first! I'll spend the next few days in seclusion getting used to my new Soul Skill. Once I'm out, I'll come find you for a spar!"
"All right, take care, Senior Sister."
Ling Xiao smiled and nodded.
Watching Hu Liena walk away, Ling Xiao turned and headed toward Qinghui Hall.
When he reached Qinghui Hall, he saw a figure, her curves just beginning to emerge, waiting by the entrance.
It was Ling Xi.
She wore a maid's dress, standing there with an air that was both innocent and alluring.
When she saw Ling Xiao return, her eyes lit up at once.
She hurried forward and curtsied to him.
Her voice was brimming with barely contained excitement:
"Welcome back to the hall, Boss! You've had a long and tiring journey!"
For the past dozen or so days, she had been thinking constantly about Ling Xiao, far away in the Star Dou Forest.
Every day, apart from cultivating, she had waited by the hall entrance for his return.
Now that she saw him come back safe and sound, the worry that had weighed on her for more than ten days finally lifted.
"Get up."
Ling Xiao nodded slightly and walked into the hall.
"Has anything happened at Qinghui Hall while I was away?"
"Everything is well, Boss."
Ling Xi followed close behind him, answering softly.
He entered the inner hall and sat down, accepting the tea Ling Xi handed him.
His gaze fell on her as he spoke calmly:
"Your Soul Power has reached level seventeen?"
Through the soul imprint, he had sensed the change in Ling Xi's Soul Power.
He was merely confirming it face-to-face.
Ling Xi smiled at his question.
"Yes, Boss. A few days ago, while I was in seclusion, I suddenly received a surge of pure Soul Power in return. I went straight from the peak of level fifteen to level seventeen."
"Everything I have is thanks to you, Boss. I can never repay you in this life. I'll give my all to serve you and repay your kindness!"
Ling Xiao looked at Ling Xi's fervent expression.
His voice softened a little:
"Get up. There's no need to be so formal..."
"The Succubus Fruit you ate is part of my Martial Soul. Our origins are linked, and our powers flow from the same source."
"When my Martial Soul improves and the tree's power grows stronger, it naturally raises the fruit's power along with it."
He offered a simple explanation, without revealing too much about the secrets of the Demon Fruit Tree.
But it was enough to help Ling Xi understand how it worked.
Ling Xi stood up, her eyes shining with even greater admiration.
"You don't need to feel burdened."
Ling Xiao took a sip of tea and spoke calmly.
"I gave you these things because I want you to grow quickly, so that one day you can help me handle more matters and become a true right-hand woman."
"Just focus on cultivating. Your growth benefits me, too."
"Yes, Boss! Ling Xi will never let you down!"
Ling Xi's gaze was resolute as she made her promise, word by word.
Ling Xiao put down his teacup, his expression gradually turning serious.
"Next, I'll be going into seclusion for a few days to familiarize myself with my new Soul Skill and Soul Power Level. Don't disturb me while I'm in seclusion unless something important comes up."
"Also, I have a task for you."
"Please give me your orders, Boss!"
Ling Xi immediately answered, ready to get started.
"Go to the Awakening Department and collect the records of every child who awakened a Martial Soul this year in Spirit City and the surrounding towns."
Ling Xiao's voice was calm.
"Focus on those with Innate Soul Power of level five or higher whose Martial Souls are ordinary, or even Trash Martial Souls."
"Record their backgrounds, ages, Martial Soul attributes, and Innate Soul Power levels, then compile everything into a detailed list for me."
Ling Xi was startled.
She abruptly raised her head and looked at Ling Xiao.
She understood what this order meant.
Children with exceptional Innate Soul Power, yet who had awakened Trash Martial Souls.
Hadn't she once been just like that?
If Boss wanted this list, then he must be able to use that heaven-defying method again.
She herself had emerged from that endless darkness.
She knew the despair of possessing great talent, only to have one's entire life shackled by a Martial Soul.
And she knew the kind of earth-shaking transformation Boss's methods could bring to these children.
"Boss..."
Ling Xi could hardly contain her excitement.
"Don't worry! I'll take care of it right away!"
She could almost see countless children, once trapped in despair just like her, having their paths illuminated by Boss's light.
"Mm. Go ahead."
Ling Xiao nodded slightly.
"Bring the list to my study within three days."
"Yes, Boss!"
Ling Xi bowed deeply to Ling Xiao, then hurried out of the hall.
Her steps were light, and she was brimming with energy.
Watching Ling Xi leave, Ling Xiao slowly leaned back in his chair.
His fingers gently rubbed the teacup, a profound glint passing through his eyes.
A long while later.
Ling Xiao stood up and entered the cultivation room in the inner hall, slowly closing the door behind him.
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