Inside the training grounds of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the members of the Imperial Fighting Team had just finished a high-intensity sparring session. Sweat soaked their clothes, and panting filled the air.
Team leader Sun Buyu surveyed the team members with a serious expression and said in a deep voice, "Children, there is only one year left until the Continental Elite High-Level Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. You are the hope of the academy and even the empire. At that time, you will face top geniuses from all over the continent. With your current strength, although you are competitive, you are far from enough to challenge for the final championship!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone. " Yu Tianheng, level 37; Dugu Yan, level 38; Shi Mo, Shi Mo, level 35; Osler, Yu Feng, level 34; Ye Lingling, level 32. Only Lin Yan is currently a level 44 Soul Ancestor. Apart from Lin Yan, the rest of you have decent Soul Power Level in the Heaven Dou Empire, but don't forget, the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation is said to have already broken through to the Soul Ancestor realm! In the coming year, I need you to put in two hundred percent effort to raise your Soul Power Level as much as possible!"
"As the ace team of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, you are under immense scrutiny and naturally bear tremendous pressure. The Academic Affairs Committee and the Three Teaching Committees have given us clear instructions: train with all your might and improve your Soul Power Level as much as possible before the competition begins. The academy will also make the most of its resources for you!"
Teacher Sun Buyu's words weighed heavily on the hearts of each team member. They were exceptionally talented, but the cultivation of Soul Master becomes increasingly difficult in the later stages. How easy is it to make significant progress in just one year? Even the most talented Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan could not guarantee that they could break through to level 40 before the competition.
After everyone dispersed, Lin Yan frowned slightly as he looked at his teammates' dejected appearance. He knew clearly that, at the normal training speed, it would be difficult for them to advance one or two levels in a year. If they wanted to go further in the Elite Tournament, or even challenge the Spirit Hall, their current foundation was far from sufficient.
He possessed a large quantity of Immortal Herb from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, rare treasures powerful enough to transform a person's talent and potential. Dugu Yan's transformation was the best example. Should he offer them to help his teammates?
This is a difficult decision. The value of the Immortal Herb is immeasurable, and once its existence is revealed, it will inevitably attract countless covetous eyes. Moreover, how can such a precious treasure be easily given away to someone who is neither a relative nor an acquaintance?
That night, Lin Yan arrived at Dugu Bo's residence once again.
Lin Yan shared his concerns with Dugu Bo, wanting to hear the teacher's opinion.
After listening to Lin Yan's concerns, Dugu Bo took a sip of tea. "Young man, the fact that you can think of this shows you've grown up. The matter of the Immortal Herb is of great importance. You asked for my opinion, and my answer is simple: do not give it lightly to anyone who is not absolutely trustworthy."
"You know the value of the Immortal Herb better than I do," he said slowly. "It's something that could drive any power or Soul Master mad. If you're going to give it to them, it can't be a simple gift."
He put down his teacup and looked sharply at Lin Yan: "First, you need to determine whether they are trustworthy and whether they are 'one of your own'." He emphasized the words "one of your own".
"These youngsters in the Imperial Fighting Team are all exceptionally talented and have excellent temperaments. If we could recruit them, they would undoubtedly be a great asset in the future. But words are meaningless; you need their promises, and even more so, you need to keep them in check."
Dugu Bo leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "If you decide to give them the Immortal Herb, then you must make them swear an oath of allegiance to you, or to the power you will establish in the future. Using this Immortal Herb is both a favor and a shackle. Make them understand that with something gained, something must be given in return. Otherwise, 'a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' Your generosity today may not earn you gratitude tomorrow, and might even raise a tiger to cause trouble."
Lin Yan remained silent. Although Dugu Bo's words were realistic and even somewhat cold, they hit the nail on the head.
Lin Yan did indeed have the idea of building his own power, and the money provided by the Hundred Herbs Hall gave him ample confidence. According to the original storyline, the Spirit Hall and the two great empires would inevitably clash in the end, and only by building his own power could he better protect himself.
Thinking of this, Lin Yan raised his head, his gaze resolute. "Teacher, to be honest, I do indeed intend to establish my own power base. Moreover, I am not without any foundation."
"Oh?" Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, showing interest.
"Do you know about ' Hundred Herbs Hall '?" Lin Yan asked.
A hint of surprise flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes. "Of course I know. The fastest-growing medicinal herb trading company in Heaven Dou City in recent years seems to have some connection with the Spirit Hall. Their supply channels are mysterious, and the quality is extremely high. Even I have purchased from them a few times. Why?"
"My disciple owns a portion of the Hundred Herbs Hall's shares," Lin Yan said calmly.
"What?!" Even with Dugu Bo's composure, he couldn't help but be moved, his teacup pausing slightly. He knew the scale and profits of the Hundred Herbs Hall all too well; it was practically a behemoth that generated massive amounts of Gold Soul Coin every day! He had originally thought Lin Yan was just exceptionally talented, but he hadn't expected him to have such wealth hidden away?
"On the surface, it's the Spirit Hall that's operating, but the core medicinal resources and some of the pill formulas come from your disciples," Lin Yan further explained. "Currently, I have several million Gold Soul Coin at my disposal, if not tens of millions."
Dugu Bo took a deep breath, and his gaze towards Lin Yan completely changed. This kid's strength had not only increased terrifyingly, but the wealth and power he had secretly accumulated were equally astonishing! He suddenly felt that his decision to invest in this kid might have been one of the wisest decisions of his life.
"Good! Good! Good!" Dugu Bo exclaimed three times in a row, a hearty smile spreading across his face. "With such financial resources and such talent, it's the perfect time to build your power! In that case, the Imperial Fighting Team members are even more worthy of your investment! Using Immortal Herb to bind them to your cause—this deal is definitely worthwhile!"
With Dugu Bo's affirmation and support, Lin Yan's last trace of hesitation vanished.