Return to Martial Soul Hall

After Murong Huai finished absorbing his Spirit Ring, the medicinal effects of the Immortal Grade Herb he had just consumed manifested at this very moment. Coupled with the boost from the ten-thousand-year Spirit Ring, Murong Huai's spirit power surged directly to level thirty-six.

The Empty Realm Severed Thought Bamboo allowed Murong Huai's Martial Soul, the Immortal Lord Nine-Arrival Sword, to combine its spatial power with the way of the sword, thereby granting him a powerful domain. However, the increase to his spirit power was not particularly significant, only rising by about three or four levels. After all, the quality of Murong Huai's spirit power was now several times that of his peers.

If it were not for the Heavenly Scourge Power purifying Murong Huai's spirit power until it was incomparably solid, he might have reached the Soul Ancestor realm directly. However, only with a firm foundation could one step toward a higher level of cultivation.

Conversely, if spirit power rises too quickly, it cannot be saturated and consolidated. Although the difference might seem small, if it accumulates bit by bit, one might miss out on success at a critical moment in the future because of this very factor.

The three of them returned to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, where Gui Mei, Yue Guan, and Dugu Bo were sitting cross-legged on the ground, each with their own unique spirit power circulating within them.

Seeing Murong Huai and the others, Thousand Jun and Falling Devil, who were standing to the side, bowed in salute. Murong Huai spoke up:

"Oh, it seems the two Elders have finished absorbing."

Hearing Murong Huai's words, Thousand Jun and Falling Devil bowed in gratitude:

"We have both finished, many thanks to the Holy Son for bestowing the immortal herbs."

The herb Yue Guan had found for the two was the twin-born Dragon Soul Flower. After consuming it, although their cultivation did not break through directly to level ninety-four, they possessed the strength of a peak level ninety-three, breaking through in less than a year. Moreover, the ancient dragon souls within their Coiling Dragon Staff Martial Souls became even more powerful, and their Martial Souls became complementary, showing signs of a Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

Murong Huai waved his hand, "The two Elders need not be so formal."

Subsequently, the group rested for a while, waiting for Yue Guan and the others to finish absorbing their Immortal Grade Herbs.

After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the three woke up one after another. Yue Guan had found suitable Immortal Grade Herbs for each of them.

He had sought out the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, which was the same as his own Martial Soul. After consuming it, not only did his spirit power increase by one level, but he also forged an indestructible body.

For Gui Mei, it was a Ghostly Sky-Roaming Grass. After consumption, Gui Mei's spirit power also increased by one level. His own Martial Soul, Ghost, was extremely eerie, and after absorbing the Immortal Grade Herb, the dark attributes within it became even more potent.

Finally, there was Dugu Bo. Yue Guan possessed extensive knowledge of herbs and naturally knew how to resolve the poison within Dugu Bo's body.

Yue Guan had picked an herb called the Myriad Poison Soul-Devouring Fruit for Dugu Bo—a name that sounded like a highly toxic substance—and paired it with a segment of the root of the Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass. Taken together, it caused the inner core produced by Dugu Bo's Martial Soul evolution into the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor to gain the effect of storing and converting toxins, feeding them back into his own body while also significantly enhancing the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor's poison.

"We thank the Holy Son." Gui Mei, Yue Guan, and Dugu Bo all bowed in unison toward Murong Huai.

Murong Huai nodded, "No need for formalities. From now on, the three of you are this Holy Son's guards; just be diligent and responsible."

"Rest assured, Holy Son, your subordinates will protect the Holy Son's safety with all our hearts."

The three responded with cupped fists. Dugu Bo seemed to have something to say but hesitated. Seeing this, Murong Huai asked:

"Dugu Bo, what do you wish to say?"

Hearing this, Dugu Bo knelt on one knee and cupped his fists:

"I dare not deceive the Holy Son. My son unfortunately inherited my Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul and has consequently been afflicted by the Jade Phosphorous Serpent poison. He is only ten years old now, suffering from the torment of the poison day and night. It pains my heart to see it.

Therefore, I implore the Holy Son to heal my son's poison. I will surely serve you with all my strength."

Hearing Dugu Bo's words, Murong Huai waved his hand indifferently, "Does such a small matter need to be reported to me? You have a good relationship with Yue Guan; he can help you detoxify, so your son should be no problem either. However, like you, he will need to join Martial Soul Hall."

Hearing this, Dugu Bo quickly said, "That is only natural, that is only natural."

Murong Huai then looked at Yue Guan, "Yue Guan, when you have time, detoxify his son as well. If his talent is decent, you may consider finding an herb for him."

"Yes, Holy Son." Yue Guan bowed in response.

"Many thanks, Holy Son." Dugu Bo also bowed to thank Murong Huai.

"Hmm, very well. Have all the other herbs been harvested?"

"Reporting to the Holy Son, the medicinal materials for the Elders have all been harvested."

"Good, then let us return to Martial Soul Hall."

"Yes."

Martial Soul City.

Murong Fuhai and Wu Xianyun returned to the Murong Mansion, Thousand Jun and Falling Devil returned to the Elder Hall, while Murong Huai took Gui Mei, Yue Guan, and Dugu Bo to the Pope Palace.

Inside the Pope Palace, Qian Daoliu was handling a desk full of government affairs, and Qian Xunji was sitting at a small table nearby, assisting Qian Daoliu with the memorials.

Although Qian Pocheng had asked Qian Daoliu to succeed as the Grand Worship before he passed away, everything had happened too suddenly, and there had been no preparation beforehand.

If he were to serve as the Grand Worship, the position of Pope would certainly be left vacant. Thus, Qian Daoliu intended to personally guide Qian Xunji, teaching him the responsibilities a Pope must fulfill, the government affairs, and so on, so that he would not be completely lost once he succeeded as Pope.

"Your Holiness, Young Master, the Holy Son has arrived." The voice of a guard came from outside the door.

Hearing this, Qian Xunji was startled and looked toward the door with interest. Qian Daoliu raised his head, set down his brush, and said:

"Huai'er is here, let him in!"

As the words fell, the doors of the Pope Palace opened. Murong Huai walked in and bowed to the two:

"Teacher, Senior Brother."

Qian Xunji waved his hand with a smile. Qian Daoliu also sensed something and said with some surprise:

"Level thirty-six?"

Hearing Qian Daoliu's words, Qian Xunji was stunned. He then carefully sensed the aura on Murong Huai's body and exclaimed in surprise:

"Holy crap, Junior Brother, level thirty-six spirit power? Didn't you just break through to level thirty two days ago? How are you at level thirty-six already?"

"Ahem... Xunji, watch your language!" Hearing Qian Xunji spout profanity, Qian Daoliu reprimanded him. He truly didn't know who he had learned that from.

Murong Huai heard their exclamations and proceeded to explain the matter of consuming the Immortal Grade Herb.

Qian Daoliu and Qian Xunji could not help but develop an interest in the legendary Immortal Grade Herb after hearing Murong Huai's explanation.

"Oh, Huai'er, is this Immortal Grade Herb truly so miraculous? Not only did it pull the Third Offering and the Second Elder back from the gates of death, but it also effortlessly healed your father's hidden injuries."

Murong Huai nodded, "That is indeed the case. There are dozens of Immortal Grade Herb specimens in the Sunset Forest, and I have already dispatched Yue Guan and the others to deliver one to every elder injured in this campaign."

Hearing Murong Huai's words, Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction, "Mm, not bad. You have done very well, Huai'er. When I entrusted you with the distribution rights for all the immortal herbs, it was to give you the opportunity to establish a firm foothold within Martial Soul Hall. You have done well."

Murong Huai then produced two more Immortal Grade Herb specimens and handed them to the two men, saying:

"Teacher, Senior Brother, these are the immortal herbs I have selected for you both: the light-attribute Dawn Nebula Fruit and the Sacred Flame Radiance Lotus. Both are of the highest quality among immortal grades. Please make your choice."

Upon hearing this, Qian Xunji looked at the two immortal herbs, his gaze eventually settling on the Sacred Flame Radiance Lotus. However, he did not move; since Qian Daoliu had not yet made his choice, how could he possibly go first?

"Very well, I shall take this one." Qian Daoliu reached out with a beckoning motion, and the Sacred Flame Radiance Lotus landed in his hand.

Qian Xunji's eyes never left the herb, staring fixedly at the one in Qian Daoliu's hand. Seeing this, Qian Daoliu extended his hand toward him.

"Here, take it..."

"This... this wouldn't be appropriate, would it?" Qian Xunji was stunned, scratching his head with a smile, though his gaze never once strayed from the Sacred Flame Radiance Lotus.

"Then I won't give it to you." Qian Daoliu immediately withdrew his hand.

Huh?

ᓫ(°⌑°)ǃ