Immortal-Grade Herb, Lovesick Heartbroken Red

"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, I apologize on behalf of Uncle Bone and Han Yu for their behavior. Please rest assured, I, Fengzhi, will treat you with the same respect I show Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone. From now on, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect shall be a pillar of support for you and your granddaughter." Ning Fengzhi stepped forward to smooth things over, his demeanor gentle and refined, his tone sincere.

"I hope Sect Master Ning keeps his word." Dugu Bo cupped his hands in response, sighing repeatedly.

Han Yu watched the resentful look in Dugu Bo's eyes, his heart tightening.

"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, Han Yu was too rude just now. Would you accept this spirit bone as an apology for your granddaughter?" Han Yu said with a hint of remorse.

This was the very arm spirit bone Ning Fengzhi had gifted him when he first became a spirit master. Because the attributes didn't align, he had never absorbed it; when he tried to return it, Ning Fengzhi had waved it off with a grand gesture, telling him to do as he pleased.

Now, it had finally come in handy.

Dugu Bo's eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the ten-thousand-year spirit bone in Han Yu's hand.

He had heard the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was wealthy, but he hadn't expected them to be this wealthy. Just because he had held them hostage for a moment, they were handing over a ten-thousand-year spirit bone.

If word of this got out, he feared people would be lining up to beg Han Yu to take them hostage.

Dugu Bo regained his composure. While the resentment in his heart had eased significantly, he still held Han Yu's character in contempt. He took the spirit bone with a flourish and turned his head away with a soft huff.

A ten-thousand-year spirit bone in exchange for a Titled Douluo—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had made a killing. He tucked the bone away without a shred of guilt, his expression softening slightly.

"Hahaha, I'm back!" Gu Rong's voice rang out before he even appeared.

A black hole materialized, and Gu Rong emerged, beaming with joy, holding an old, tattered book in his hands. The cover bore the four large characters: Ye Family Secret Manual.

"Look, everyone! These are all immortal herbs!" Gu Rong generously spread the book out before the group. He even beckoned Dugu Bo over to look, his enthusiasm so intense that it left the usually solitary Dugu Bo feeling somewhat awkward.

Gu Rong's voice trembled with excitement as he spoke at a rapid pace: "This place is called the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. It is a naturally occurring secret realm with heaven-defying properties for plant growth, which is why it is accompanied by these celestial herbs.

These immortal herbs have various effects; consuming them can consolidate one's foundation, wash the marrow, strengthen one's cultivation talent, and boost spirit power."

"What!?" Chen Xin exclaimed in shock.

That such heaven-defying wonders existed in the world—capable of altering even innate cultivation talent—truly made them worthy of the title "immortal herbs."

Beside them, Dugu Bo felt his guts twisting with regret.

These herbs had such miraculous effects, yet he had guarded this treasure mountain for so many years, foolishly watching over it without ever knowing to harvest them.

Gu Rong's voice was filled with fervor as he smiled and said, "Look there. This immortal herb is called the Earth Dragon Golden Melon. It's earth-attributed and contains a trace of earth dragon bloodline. It is best suited for spirit masters with dragon-type martial spirits and may even promote the evolution of their martial spirit."

Han Yu nodded silently.

This herb was indeed the most suitable for Gu Rong.

"Uncle Bone, then you should consume that Earth Dragon Golden Melon," Ning Fengzhi said, having discerned Gu Rong's intent.

"Right. You all should see if there are any herbs suitable for yourselves as well." Gu Rong nodded generously and walked toward the herb that made his martial spirit yearn for it.

Chen Xin stood between Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo, remaining motionless.

"Eh? What kind of immortal herb is this? It's so beautiful." Ning Rongrong pointed to a page in the book, staring intently at the illustration.

Beneath the drawing, it read:

Lovesick Heartbroken Red, the King of Immortal Herbs.

It resembles a white peony, with petals as thin as blood-spun silk. Its roots are anchored in a dark, ink-colored stone. It possesses the power to bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh on bones.

It can only be plucked by one who is truly devoted to their beloved, by sprinkling a drop of heart-blood onto its petals. If one harbors even the slightest distraction, they will vomit blood and die before the flower can be detached.

"Beloved..." Ning Rongrong murmured softly. She cast a secret glance at Han Yu beside her, her heart racing inexplicably, and felt a profound interest in this herb.

If she could pluck this herb, would Han Yu understand her feelings? Would no one be able to take Han Yu away from her? Could they stay together forever?

Question after question bubbled up. Ning Rongrong felt a bit dizzy, but her eyes grew sharper, and she looked eager to try.

At that moment, Ning Fengzhi stared at an herb and asked in confusion, "What is this one called? It smells so fragrant."

Han Yu looked over at the sound, his mouth twitching.

The herb nearby had stems and leaves like creeping vines, topped with a brilliant, golden tulip. The flower was massive, its petals a dazzling gold, as if crafted from pure bullion.

This was the Tulip of Romance, the very herb that would cause Ning Rongrong's martial spirit to evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. How could it not be fragrant?

"Hm? Tulip of Romance. Elegant and noble. Consuming it allows one to absorb the essence of heaven and earth and the radiance of the sun and moon," Ning Fengzhi muttered to himself, lost in thought.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a treasure-type martial spirit itself. According to the book's description, this Tulip of Romance seemed capable of a complementary effect.

"Fengzhi, does that mean you have a hope of breaking through?" Chen Xin asked, pleasantly surprised.

"No, I am too old. I cannot waste this herb. Let it be for Rongrong. Eh? Where is Rongrong?" Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a bitter smile, a flash of dejection in his eyes, as he turned to look for her.

In the distance.

Ning Rongrong was standing before the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, her gaze burning, completely indifferent to the voices behind her.

She crouched down and embraced the ink-colored stone at its base.

She took a deep breath, using her spirit power to force her blood to surge, and a drop of bright red heart-blood fell onto the petals.

In an instant, her mind was flooded with a surge of memories.

As a child, she had found Han Yu, the only one among the crowds of sycophants who truly treated her as a friend.

Only when she was with Han Yu were her childhood days happy.

Han Yu was like a beacon in her life, leading her out from the darkness of the crowd.

Over time, she gradually developed feelings for Han Yu. Even knowing the disparity in their status, she never once looked down on him because of it.

Later, when Han Yu awakened his twin martial souls, she was overjoyed, believing they could continue to cultivate together.

Han Yu seemed omniscient, possessing deep knowledge in every field. He often shared whimsical ideas and concepts with her, and in battle, he was a natural, his spirit power level skyrocketing and stunning everyone.

Yet, she could only remain at the Spirit Saint level, watching Han Yu's back as he walked further and further away.

Han Yu was like the sun—so dazzling, visible, and capable of providing her with warmth.

Yet he was also so far away, drifting further and further, leaving her to reach out only to watch him slip through her fingers.

Crack.

The memories shattered like glass.

As the beautiful recollections quietly faded, a tear slid from the corner of Ning Rongrong's eye, landing listlessly upon a petal.

"Rongrong, what's wrong?" Ning Fengzhi stepped forward to stroke Ning Rongrong's head, pulling her into his embrace, his voice filled with heartache.

"Papa, is my talent really that poor? Wuwuwu..." Ning Rongrong covered her eyes with her hands, clenching her small fists to wipe away the gushing tears as she sobbed softly.

"It is Papa's fault for lacking the ability to resolve the flaws of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda." Ning Fengzhi gritted his teeth and looked up at the sky, blinking incessantly as his lips trembled slightly, forcing the words out.