Return to Martial Soul Hall, Azure Dragon Seeks Master

The journey back to Martial Soul City from the Star Dou Forest was uneventful.

There were no bandits or ignorant Soul Masters blocking their path.

The carriage traveled on the smooth official road, without any jolts.

Hu Liena had been inside the carriage, familiarizing herself with her newly acquired third spirit ability.

She would occasionally activate her Demon Fox transformation, feeling the surge of spirit power and attributes within her body, her energy boundless.

"Junior Brother, look! See how much my strength increases when I activate my Demon Fox transformation!"

She excitedly showed Ling Xiao, her fox tail swaying gently behind her, the Charm aura around her growing more potent.

"Master will surely be very happy when she sees my spirit ability!"

Ling Xiao leaned against the soft cushion, gazing at Hu Liena's stunning beauty, momentarily lost in thought.

"Senior Sister's third spirit ability is quite good, and its future growth potential is very high."

He hadn't been idle on the return journey either.

Besides consolidating his level twenty-two spirit power, he was studying the use of his second spirit ability, [Coiling Dragon].

More of his attention was focused on the Azure Dragon Fruit in his sea of consciousness.

He repeatedly deduced the fruit's abilities, planning his subsequent moves.

The blueprint in his heart became clearer and clearer.

Three days later, the carriage entered Martial Soul City and stopped in front of the Martial Soul Hall.

After alighting, the two immediately headed to the Pope's Main Hall to pay their respects to Bibi Dong.

Inside the main hall, Bibi Dong had just concluded an elder meeting.

She was sitting on her throne, rubbing her temples, a hint of fatigue in her expression.

Seeing her two disciples enter, the fatigue in her eyes vanished, replaced by a gentle smile.

"Master."

Ling Xiao and Hu Liena bowed in unison.

"You're back? Judging by your auras, your spirit ring absorption went smoothly?"

Bibi Dong's gaze swept over them.

Sensing the auras of Ling Xiao and Hu Liena.

She was very satisfied.

"Your disciple has not failed in his mission, successfully absorbing the eight-hundred-year Dragon Blood Vine spirit ring, comprehending the second spirit ability [Coiling Dragon], and breaking through to level twenty-two Soul Grand Master."

Ling Xiao replied first, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Master! Your disciple has also successfully absorbed the eleven-hundred-year Silver Moon Demon Fox spirit ring, breaking through to level thirty-one Soul Elder, and comprehending the third spirit ability [Demon Fox Transformation]!"

Hu Liena spoke up eagerly, as if seeking praise.

Bibi Dong couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

"Good! Good! Good!"

She looked at her two disciples, her voice filled with relief.

"You went out and not only successfully obtained spirit rings but also steadily advanced your cultivation, not disappointing your master's expectations."

"It is all due to Master's excellent guidance."

Ling Xiao bowed slightly, his tone humble.

"Alright, you must be tired after the journey. Go back and rest well."

Bibi Dong waved her hand, instructing them.

"For the next few days, don't rush your cultivation. First, hone your new spirit abilities and stabilize your current realm."

"Nana, your Demon Fox Transformation consumes a lot of mental energy, so don't be too hasty."

"Yes, Master!"

The two responded and then turned to exit the Pope's Main Hall.

Outside the hall, Hu Liena waved to Ling Xiao and said excitedly:

"Junior Brother, I'm returning to Lanyue Hall first! I need to go into seclusion for the next few days to familiarize myself with it. When I come out, I'll spar with you!"

"Alright, Senior Sister, take care."

Ling Xiao smiled and nodded.

Watching Hu Liena's receding figure, Ling Xiao also turned and walked towards Qinghui Hall.

Upon reaching the front of Qinghui Hall, he saw a figure, already showing signs of allure, waiting at the entrance.

It was Ling Xi.

She stood there in her maid dress, a blend of purity and charm.

Seeing Ling Xiao return, her eyes instantly lit up.

She immediately strode forward and curtsied to Ling Xiao.

Her voice carried unconcealed excitement:

"Welcome back to the Hall, Boss! You must have had a tiring journey!"

For the past ten-plus days, she had been constantly thinking of Ling Xiao, who was far away in the Star Dou Forest.

Every day, besides cultivating, she would wait by the Hall's entrance for his return.

Now that she saw Ling Xiao had returned safely, the worry that had hung over her for ten days finally lifted.

"Rise,"

Ling Xiao nodded slightly and walked into the Hall.

"During my absence, did anything happen at Qinghui Hall?"

"Replying to the Boss, all is well."

Ling Xi followed closely behind him, replying softly.

Entering the inner hall and sitting down, she accepted the tea Ling Xi handed her.

His gaze fell upon her, and he spoke lightly:

"Your Soul Power has broken through to level seventeen?"

He had sensed Ling Xi's Soul Power changes through the soul imprint.

He was merely confirming it in person now.

Ling Xi smiled upon hearing this:

"Replying to the Boss, yes. A few days ago, while in seclusion, I suddenly received a feedback of pure Soul Power, directly breaking through from the peak of level fifteen to level seventeen."

"All of this was given to me by the Boss. Ling Xi can never repay your kindness in this life, except by shattering herself to serve you!"

Ling Xiao looked at Ling Xi, whose eyes were filled with fervor.

His tone softened slightly:

"Rise, there's no need for this..."

"The Succubus Fruit you consumed was originally part of my Martial Soul. The two are intrinsically linked, sharing the same origin."

"As my Martial Soul improves, the power of the fruit tree also strengthens, naturally causing the fruit to improve in sync."

He explained briefly, not revealing too much about the Demon Fruit Tree's secrets.

But it was enough for Ling Xi to understand the crux of the matter.

Ling Xi stood up, her eyes filled with even greater admiration.

"You don't need to have any psychological burden,"

Ling Xiao took a sip of tea and said lightly.

"I gave these to you hoping you would grow quickly and be able to help me handle more matters in the future, becoming my true right-hand person."

"Just focus on cultivating. Your growth is also beneficial to me."

"Yes! Boss! Ling Xi will never disappoint you!"

Ling Xi's eyes were firm as she made her promise word by word.

Ling Xiao put down his teacup, his expression gradually becoming serious.

"Next, I will be in seclusion for a few days to familiarize myself with new Soul Skills and my Soul Power level. During my seclusion, unless it's a matter of great importance, do not disturb me."

"Also, there is something I need you to handle."

"Please instruct me, Boss!"

Ling Xi immediately responded, ready to receive the task.

"Go to the Awakening Department and collect the information of all children in Martial Soul City and its surrounding towns who have completed their Martial Soul awakening this year."

Ling Xiao's voice was calm.

"Focus on filtering out children with Innate Soul Power above level five, but whose Martial Souls are ordinary or even considered trash."

"Organize their background, age, Martial Soul attributes, and Innate Soul Power level, and provide me with a detailed list."

Ling Xi was startled.

She suddenly looked up at Ling Xiao.

She understood what this order implied.

Outstanding Innate Soul Power, yet awakening a trash Martial Soul.

Wasn't she once like this?

The Boss wanting this list meant he could use that heaven-defying method again.

She herself had emerged from that boundless darkness.

She understood the despair of having talent but being trapped by one's Martial Soul for a lifetime.

She also understood the Boss's methods and the earth-shattering changes they could bring to these children.

"Boss..."

Ling Xi's voice couldn't hide her excitement.

"Don't worry! I'll get it done immediately!"

She seemed to see countless children, once trapped in despair like her, having their paths illuminated by the Boss's light.

"Mhm, go ahead."

Ling Xiao nodded slightly.

"Within three days, bring the list to my study."

"Yes! Boss!"

Ling Xi bowed deeply to Ling Xiao and turned, quickly running out of the hall.

Her steps were light, and her entire being was filled with energy.

Watching Ling Xi's receding figure, Ling Xiao slowly leaned back in his chair.

His fingertips gently caressed the teacup, a deep light flashing in his eyes.

After a long while.

Ling Xiao stood up and walked into the cultivation room of the inner hall, slowly closing the door.