"Repair a Martial Soul?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly. He had never heard of such a Martial Soul. "You mean this Sun Disc can repair the defects in my Martial Soul?"
"That's right!"
"May I ask what his innate Soul Power level is?"
"That's a Spirit Hall secret."
Naturally, Bibi Dong would not reveal Luo Chen's true information, but Luo Chen had told her that if they wanted Yu Xiaogang to believe in his abilities, they would have to disclose a few things.
"But as long as you promise not to reveal that child's information to anyone else, Xiao Gang, I can tell you about him."
"What kind of person do you take me for?"
Yu Xiaogang felt insulted. "Would I, Yu Xiaogang, ever do something so despicable?!"
Yes, Yu Xiaogang, who had lived his whole life upright and aboveboard, had organized Spirit Hall's years of research into the "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul," then made it public to gain fame.
Bibi Dong had naturally read the book. She had even placed it in Spirit Hall's library herself.
Thinking about it now, how was that any different from leaking secrets?
What on earth did I ever see in this fellow?
And that Martial Soul Theory book-thinking it over carefully, wasn't it all common knowledge?
Bibi Dong found Yu Xiaogang increasingly hypocritical, but remembering the purpose of her visit, she temporarily suppressed her displeasure and continued, "Xiao Chen has innate full Soul Power, and his Martial Soul is the Sun Disc, a top-tier support-type tool Martial Soul."
A genius with innate full Soul Power naturally qualified to become Bibi Dong's personal disciple.
Once this information spread, it would be enough to dispel some people's doubts.
"Innate full Soul Power?!"
Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened somewhat. Spirit Hall really is lucky, coming across another genius like this.
A support-type Martial Soul that can repair Martial Soul defects...
Luo Chen had certainly left a deep impression on Yu Xiaogang.
Unfortunately, he belonged to Spirit Hall.
From Yu Xiaogang's standpoint, it was a case of such a fine soul, yet you've cast your lot with thieves. Such a promising seedling, handed to Spirit Hall for nothing.
"All right."
Despite his regret, Yu Xiaogang agreed. "What do I need to do?"
His level 29 Soul Power was Yu Xiaogang's obsession. As long as he could break through and continue cultivating, he was willing to try anything.
"Find somewhere secluded in the academy. I'll bring Xiao Chen to meet you."
Seeing Yu Xiaogang agree, Bibi Dong really did not want to waste any more words on him. She simply returned to the hotel and told Luo Chen his decision.
"It's time!"
Luo Chen, who had been resting, perked up. He heard Na'er say, "Master, after stripping away the bloodline, I'll expel the blood-colored energy from your body. It may be extremely painful."
"Since we have to force it out sooner or later, better a short, sharp pain than prolonged suffering."
The blood-colored energy would have to be dealt with sooner or later.
As for the pain, Luo Chen had already prepared himself mentally.
The torment he had endured over the past six years had given Luo Chen a strong resistance to pain.
Fortune and misfortune went hand in hand. At least those difficult years had given Luo Chen a will he could never have imagined in his previous life.
"Master, I'll definitely make whoever struck at you from the shadows pay!"
Na'er hated the source of the blood-colored energy to the bone for making her beloved master suffer so much.
To borrow Tang Xiaosan's classic saying:
Na'er: You mastermind behind the scenes, you've already courted death!
"Mm."
Luo Chen did not hesitate at all. "Teacher, let's go."
"Right now?"
Bibi Dong had not expected Luo Chen to be so decisive. The stunningly beautiful Supreme Pontiff was deeply moved.
But remembering Yu Xiaogang's arrogant manner, Bibi Dong could not help saying with concern, "But Xiao Chen, your health..."
"It's fine, Teacher."
"I know my own body best," Luo Chen said. "Besides, haven't I obtained my first Soul Ring? I'm not as frail as before."
Though that was a lie, with Na'er's life force supporting him, Luo Chen did indeed seem much better than before.
And so Bibi Dong was persuaded by Luo Chen once again. She took him to Nuoding City Junior Soul Master Academy and sensed Yu Xiaogang's presence on the hill behind it.
"You're here?"
Yu Xiaogang was not much in terms of strength, but he certainly had some nerve.
Throughout the whole process, he had not only made Bibi Dong, the exalted Supreme Pontiff, run back and forth.
Now that they had arrived, he still stood pretentiously with his hands behind his back, turning around at a leisurely pace.
"..."
At that unhurried, leisurely attitude, Bibi Dong nearly lost the urge to hold back from giving Yu Xiaogang a resounding slap.
She cherished her precious darling so much it hurt, yet what was this fellow playing at?
What did he take her Luo Chen for, a tool?
"Teacher, cough, cough, cough."
Seeing that Bibi Dong was about to lose her temper, Luo Chen hurriedly took her hand.
Feeling the pressure from Luo Chen's hand, Bibi Dong understood what her disciple meant.
She forcibly suppressed her anger, but her dissatisfaction with Yu Xiaogang had clearly reached its peak.
"Hmph!"
Bibi Dong truly regretted it. She should never have let Luo Chen come to help him!
"Huh?"
Na'er was rather surprised by the scene. "What's gotten into this foolish woman?"
"Grandmaster Yu, could you summon your Martial Soul and let me take a look?"
Luo Chen did not answer Na'er. He walked straight forward, releasing his Sun Disc Martial Soul at the same time.
The instant the Sun Disc appeared, Yu Xiaogang felt an unprecedented pull. It was Luo Sanpao's longing.
"Could this Martial Soul really solve my problem?"
Such intense emotional fluctuations left Yu Xiaogang unable to maintain his composure any longer.
Yu Xiaogang brought his hands together before his chest, then quickly swept them downward and apart, shouting, "Come out, Luo Sanpao!"
"Pfft!"
With a muffled sound like a fart, a stream of pale purple Soul Power emerged from Yu Xiaogang's palms.
In the blink of an eye, a strange creature appeared before Luo Chen.
The creature was as large as a fat pig but looked like a dog. Pale purple fur covered its body, and two small ears drooped down. It was over a meter and a half long, but its girth was almost equal to its length.
It waggled its rump, its fat body wriggling constantly as it rubbed against Yu Xiaogang's leg.
"So this is Luo Sanpao?"
Luo Chen approached Luo Sanpao, then crouched on the ground and made a show of examining him.
Yu Xiaogang did not ask any questions.
He had seen hope in Luo Chen's Martial Soul, so he was extremely nervous, terrified that this hard-won opportunity would fall through.
This Martial Soul really is rather interesting.
To be honest, Luo Chen did not know how to accurately assess Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul.
If you called it weak, well, it certainly was.
Yet it was also very special.
Throughout the history of the Douluo Continent, a Martial Soul like Luo Sanpao, which could be summoned directly and possessed its own consciousness, was practically unheard of.
What is this supposed to be?
Luo Chen chuckled inwardly. The Douluo version of "I choose you"?
"Master, we can begin."
Just as Luo Chen was letting his thoughts wander to pass the time, Na'er's voice sounded in his heart.
"All right."
Luo Chen stood and told Yu Xiaogang, "I examined it carefully with my Martial Soul, and I did find where the defect lies."
"Then!"
Yu Xiaogang was extremely excited. If the problem could be identified, it might be possible to solve it.
"It's just that, since you're a little old, Uncle, I can't guarantee I'll be able to repair it completely."
Luo Chen was laying the groundwork in advance. He had never intended to truly restore Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul.
Did he want to be like Wang Sheng and Hu Liena, not only gaining increased innate Soul Power but also a qualitative evolution of his Martial Soul?
Luo Chen could only say, Heh, go to sleep, Grand "Master." You can have anything in your dreams.
"Ah, well..."
Yu Xiaogang was clearly getting anxious. He stepped forward and placed both hands on Luo Chen's shoulders, unconsciously tightening his grip. "Then how much can you restore, young friend?"
The sight made Bibi Dong's heart leap into her throat, terrified that Yu Xiaogang would hurt Luo Chen.
Noticing Luo Chen's slight frown of pain, Bibi Dong hurriedly knocked Yu Xiaogang's hands away. "Let go! You're hurting this child!"
At that moment, Bibi Dong clearly saw her own heart.
Between Yu Xiaogang and Luo Chen, Bibi Dong found that she clearly cared more about Luo Chen.
"I-I was just too excited."
Yu Xiaogang released him and took two steps back. "Sorry for hurting you, Xiao Chen?"
Since Yu Xiaogang had apologized, Bibi Dong could not very well say anything more. She merely warned him, "Xiao Chen is frail. If you do that again, I'll take him away right now!"
"Yes, yes, I understand."
After realizing that Luo Chen really could change his Martial Soul, Yu Xiaogang's attitude improved considerably.
"Teacher, I'm fine."
"Besides, Uncle didn't do it on purpose."
Luo Chen brushed the matter aside lightly, instantly sending Yu Xiaogang's favorable impression of him soaring.
For some inexplicable reason, Yu Xiaogang found himself thinking how wonderful it would be if Luo Chen could become his disciple.
Innate full Soul Power... though his body is a little frail, talent like that might very well substantiate my theories.
Yu Xiaogang sighed. Ah, such a good child. Why did he have to board Spirit Hall's pirate ship?
Luo Chen did not know what Yu Xiaogang was thinking.
If he had known, Luo Chen would definitely have pointed at his nose and said, You've got some nerve, wanting me to take you as my teacher!
Soon, Luo Chen soothed Bibi Dong's emotions and continued, "I can let you cultivate normally like other Soul Masters, Uncle. As for how high you can reach afterward, I can't guarantee that."
"But at least you won't be trapped at the level 30 bottleneck anymore."
Luo Chen truly was not lying to Yu Xiaogang about that.
What he wanted to take was the Dragon King bloodline within Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul. Once the bloodline curse disappeared, Yu Xiaogang's original cultivation talent would manifest.
The Sun Disc could bestow ascended power upon others, but it could not take away a person's aptitude.
Even stripping away the Dragon King bloodline was only possible because of Na'er's existence.
That was Na'er's power and had nothing to do with the Sun Disc.
"Breaking through level 30..."
To Yu Xiaogang, this was practically a dream.
The only question was whether this repair process was dangerous, and what side effects it would cause him.
Yu Xiaogang wanted to get clear answers. He did not want to lose his life for no good reason.
"Yu Xiaogang!"
Hearing Yu Xiaogang say such things, Bibi Dong could no longer bear it. "Repairing the defects in your Martial Soul will already cost Xiao Chen a tremendous amount of effort. Since he has guaranteed he can let you break through level 30, he can definitely do it, and there certainly won't be any danger!"
Bibi Dong had not known Luo Chen long, only two short days.
But she knew that Luo Chen never spoke or acted without a target in mind.
If he said he could do something, he could definitely do it.
That had been true when he performed the Ascension Ritual for Wang Sheng and Hu Liena, and when he chose the age of the Soul Ring he would absorb!
Admittedly, Yu Xiaogang did not know the Sun Disc's true might.
Unlike Bibi Dong, he did not understand Luo Chen's abilities or character.
But so what?
You really don't want to bear even the slightest risk, do you?
Bibi Dong wanted nothing more than to slap Yu Xiaogang. How could this fellow be shameless to such an extent?
"That's not what I meant. I..."
That was exactly what Yu Xiaogang meant. He did not trust Bibi Dong and her disciple.
And both Bibi Dong and Luo Chen had noticed it.
"Um..."
Luo Chen was helpless. To make Yu Xiaogang obediently fall into the pit, he had no choice but to take the responsibility upon himself. "Don't worry, Uncle. I guarantee there won't be any danger, and it won't leave you with any side effects."
"Phew..."
Bibi Dong felt she must have gone mad to bring Luo Chen here.
Just listen to Luo Chen's words. He had kept preserving Yu Xiaogang's dignity and giving him a way to back down. To maintain their relationship, he had even humbled himself again and again.
Had this scene taken place before, Bibi Dong would have felt gratified.
But now, Luo Chen's conversational skills were so practiced that they made her heart ache.
This child was right. I've been far too humble in front of Yu Xiaogang.
Bibi Dong found her so-called debt to him utterly laughable. I'm the exalted Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, a Quasi-Titled Douluo, yet now, because of a useless man like this, I've made my disciple lower himself so far!
She did not even dare imagine what her image in Luo Chen's heart would become.
"Teacher?"
Luo Chen turned back and gave Bibi Dong an encouraging smile. "Please watch over us and make sure no one disturbs us."
"Xiao Chen."
Emotion rippled through Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes. She finally understood Luo Chen's painstaking intentions.
Luo Chen had done all this, even setting aside his pride to restore the Martial Soul of someone he disliked, precisely so she could see herself clearly and see Yu Xiaogang's true character.
He was clearly still just a child, yet those little hands wrapped tightly around Bibi Dong, giving her a sense of security she had never known before.
Bibi Dong knew Luo Chen would never look down on her.
Recalling her past, Bibi Dong felt as though she were trapped in a filthy mire, filled with despair, cold, and fear.
Yet when she had already abandoned hope, a tiny figure had disregarded the filthy black mud and resolutely reached out to her.
He clearly had so little strength, yet he used every last bit of it to try to pull her out of the mire.
What have I, Bibi Dong, ever done to deserve Heaven sending Xiao Chen to my side?
Bibi Dong's heart settled completely. She knew she was not alone.
Even if everyone under heaven despised her, there would still be a child willing to call her his teacher.
"Xiao Chen, go ahead. Your teacher will stand guard here for you."
Bibi Dong ignored Yu Xiaogang. Her heart was completely filled with her disciple, leaving no trace of Yu Xiaogang.
"All right."
Noticing the change in Bibi Dong's expression, Luo Chen knew the time had come!
"Now!"
Luo Chen made a show of raising the Sun Disc, while secretly contacting Na'er and having her use her means to seize Yu Xiaogang's Dragon King Bloodline.
"Buzzz..."
The Sun Disc spun continuously, humming, while a beam of pale blue light fell from above Yu Xiaogang's head.
But all this activity was merely for show and had no actual significance.
"Uncle, are you ready?"
"Uh, oh, yes."
Yu Xiaogang's gaze was completely drawn to the spectacle created by the Sun Disc. He had never seen such a wondrous Martial Soul. "What do I need to do?"
"Nothing at all. Just trust me, then open your body and mind."
Luo Chen delivered the lines he had prepared long ago. Although he would not grant Yu Xiaogang an Ascension Ritual, he still sensed his condition.
The result did not surprise Luo Chen either. Yu Xiaogang did not trust him at all.
Just as I thought.
Luo Chen inwardly shook his head. Yu Xiaogang is wary of both me and Teacher. Even if I really intended to perform the Ascension Ritual, he wouldn't meet the requirements.
"Master, I've located the source of that bloodline."
Na'er said, "But I'll need some time. Please stall for a while."
"Mm, just go ahead. Don't worry."
Luo Chen continued his performance, sitting cross-legged on the ground as the Soul Power throughout his body resonated with the Sun Disc above Yu Xiaogang's head.
An immense spectacle erupted on the hill behind the academy. Had Bibi Dong not been there to conceal it, even this brief interval would likely have drawn a large number of teachers and students over to investigate.
"Has it already begun?"
Yu Xiaogang stood within the curtain of light. He could feel how powerful and precious this Ascended Power was.
Only...
Yu Xiaogang felt no changes in his body.
"What's happening?!"
Suddenly, Yu Xiaogang felt as though something inside him had been caught by a pulling force and was rapidly draining away.
Yu Xiaogang froze, instinctively wanting to grab hold of it.
But before he could act, an entirely new change came from his Martial Soul.
"My Soul Power has broken through!"
Wild joy surged through Yu Xiaogang's heart. How could he still care about that strange sensation just now?
After all, wasn't the truth right before his eyes?
The bottleneck in his Soul Power shattered, and he rose from rank 29 to rank 30.
Moreover, Yu Xiaogang felt a pleasure akin to having his marrow cleansed and his body purified.
The sensation was extraordinary, yet Yu Xiaogang was certain of his judgment. "My cultivation talent is improving."
The speed at which his Soul Power circulated, his Martial Soul's efficiency in refining Soul Power, and the ease with which he could cultivate from here on-all of it told Yu Xiaogang that his Martial Soul's defect had been repaired.
Bibi Dong had not lied to him. Luo Chen had truly done it.
For a moment, a trace of guilt toward Bibi Dong arose in Yu Xiaogang's heart.
But as soon as he thought of Bibi Dong's current status, Yu Xiaogang suppressed that trace of guilt. With Bibi Dong's personality, she must have some ulterior motive for helping me like this.
That's right. She must value my wisdom and want me to return to Spirit Hall to help her.
With his Martial Soul restored, Yu Xiaogang was no longer tense as he had been before. He even had the leisure to think about other matters. Bibi Dong is now the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall. This is precisely when she needs people.
Unfortunately for her, he, Yu Xiaogang, was pure as ice and spotless as jade. He would never wallow in the mire with Spirit Hall.
(End of chapter)