The process of absorbing the soul ring went smoothly.
Looking at the purple soul ring surrounding the Innate Soul Pearl in his hand, Lin Feng fell into deep thought.
This soul ring had granted him an offensive soul skill.
"Second Soul Skill, Earthfire Surge."
Whoosh—
Crimson flames instantly spread out from Lin Feng, covering the surrounding area.
Accompanied by a wave of scorching heat, the flames quickly expanded to cover a hundred square meters.
Amidst the sizzling sound of burning, the Blue Silver Grass on the ground was gradually incinerated.
Fire elements danced lightly in the air. With a thought from Lin Feng, the surging earthfire began to gather in his hand.
Finally, the flames condensed into a more solid fireball, its energy even more violent.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo was somewhat surprised. "Secondary use of a soul skill?
Kid, is your second soul skill really that easy to master?"
Lin Feng hurled the fireball in his hand, and the surging energy struck a tree trunk thick enough for two people to embrace.
"Boom!"
The tree fell with a loud crash, causing the Chrysanthemum Douluo to raise his eyebrows slightly. He clicked his tongue and said:
"Kid, you still call yourself a support-type soul master?
This level of power is top-tier even among attack-type Soul Grandmasters."
Lin Feng's lips curled into a slight smile, clearly satisfied with his second soul skill.
After all, who wouldn't want to have real combat power instead of being a support-type soul master?
"Xiao Feng, do you still have any of those immortal-grade herbs?"
The Chrysanthemum Douluo asked hesitantly, his demeanor resembling a cat eyeing a treat it couldn't reach.
"Grandpa Ju, let's return to the base first. Among the herbs I took, there's one that's perfect for you."
"Really!?
Quick, quick, show it to me."
Lin Feng chuckled softly:
"Grandpa Ju, let's head back to the base first. I plan to give the herbs I collected to Xue'er first.
As for this one, you can take it now."
With that, Lin Feng handed a jade box to the Chrysanthemum Douluo.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo trembled as he accepted it, swallowing hard.
"This is... the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum! An immortal-grade herb, it really is!"
The Chrysanthemum Douluo carefully placed the jade box down, his gaze filled with obsession and intoxication.
For a moment, a flash of greed appeared in his eyes, but it quickly vanished. He returned the jade box to Lin Feng.
With a sigh, he said, "Immortal-grade treasures are rare. Just being able to see one is a great fortune for me.
Kid, you should hand this over to the Grand Worship. It would be best to keep it as part of the Spirit Hall's foundation."
Lin Feng smiled as he took it back. "Don't worry, Grandpa Ju. I'll try to get it for you from Xue'er."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo grinned. "Well, that would be great.
Xiao Feng, if you can get it for me, you can count on me for anything in the future.
Even if you want to marry that Dugu Yan girl, I'll support you!"
Lin Feng's face darkened, and he said irritably, "Grandpa Ju, please stop joking."
"Hahaha."
...
The two then returned to the base.
They arrived at the courtyard just as evening approached.
Qian Renxue was listening to a report from the Snake Spear Douluo, nodding occasionally.
Seeing Lin Feng and the Chrysanthemum Douluo return, she waved her hand, signaling the Snake Spear Douluo to leave.
The Snake Spear Douluo paused, then shook his head helplessly and went to the back to organize his thoughts.
He had been in the middle of his report when he was suddenly interrupted, and now he couldn't remember where he left off.
Now, what was supposed to be an oral report had turned into a written one. Couldn't he save some ink?
He shot a resentful glance at Lin Feng before heading to the study.
"Xiao Feng, how did it go? Did you resolve Dugu Bo's issue?
Is he willing to join our Spirit Hall? If he treated you poorly, let me know. I'll make sure to get justice for you!"
Qian Renxue smiled brightly.
Lin Feng felt a warm glow in his heart. Having a childhood friend who always looked out for him—who could understand such joy?
Meanwhile, Ling Yuan's eyes gleamed as she appeared beside Lin Feng in a flash. She reached out to touch his hand and exclaimed in surprise:
"Xiao Feng, you've broken through to level 20? How did that happen?!"
"Huh?"
Qian Renxue also stopped smiling, her brows furrowing as she hurried over to Lin Feng.
She was filled with anxiety. How could someone gain six levels of soul power in just half a day?
Aside from the methods used by fallen soul masters or those sinister techniques that deplete one's foundation, Qian Renxue couldn't think of any other possibilities.
Thinking this, her gaze turned sharp, and she shot a questioning look at the Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Ling Yuan also glared at the Chrysanthemum Douluo, her eyes filled with anger.
What does this have to do with me?
The Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly explained:
"It's not what you think! It's the immortal-grade herbs, the immortal-grade herbs!"
"Immortal-grade herbs?"
Ling Yuan and Qian Renxue were both confused.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo hurriedly explained the situation to them.
Who could understand the terror of these two women's glares? My old ghost is much gentler and more understanding.
After hearing the Chrysanthemum Douluo's explanation, both women were shocked.
"Such miraculous things exist in the world? They can help a martial soul evolve and build a top-tier foundation?"
The Chrysanthemum Douluo placed his family's illustrated herb guide on the table:
"Exactly. The records state that these immortal-grade herbs are once-in-a-thousand-year treasures, obtainable only by those with great fortune.
Their effects and abilities are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
Even a mortal who can't cultivate could likely awaken a martial soul with their help.
Dugu Bo's herb garden is likely a treasure trove nurtured by heaven and earth. With so many immortal-grade herbs, it must be one of the three great treasure lands!"
Qian Renxue's lips curled into a smile:
"Xiao Feng, did you pick one for me?"
Ling Yuan also looked at Lin Feng with expextations in her eyes.
Lin Feng chuckled. "Let's talk inside."
When Lin Feng brought out five or six immortal-grade herbs, their radiant glow filled the room.
Even with the proper storage containers, the fragrant aroma couldn't be contained.
The three of them fell silent.
Especially the Chrysanthemum Douluo, whose eyes lost focus. Only someone who knew how precious immortal-grade herbs were could understand how terrifying this scene was.
He knew of one immortal-grade herb that was treated as a treasure by a sect, passed down through generations.
But that was just a common grass, nothing compared to the quality of the herbs before him.
"Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, Beautiful Silk Tulip, Aromatic Silk Beauty, Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew..."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo muttered unconsciously, then slapped his own face hard, leaving a red mark before stopping.
After confirming he wasn't dreaming, he cried out like a madman:
"No! I have to go find that old poison guy. He must have more immortal-grade herbs there!
One of the three great treasure lands—I must see it with my own eyes!"
"Grandpa Ju! Stop!"
Qian Renxue's eyes cleared for a moment, and she quickly stopped the Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Qian Renxue's mind raced.
"Ah, young master, you've seen my herb guide. You know how precious these immortal-grade herbs are.
Such a treasure land should belong to our Spirit Hall!"
Qian Renxue glanced at Lin Feng and shook her head:
"No need. Xiao Feng has already taken the immortal-grade herbs, so there's no need to go back.
Besides, Dugu Bo is now a member of our Spirit Hall. We can discuss the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with him later."
Qian Renxue didn't care about any three-year agreement. Once you're on the Spirit Hall's ship, there's no getting off. Dream on!
The Chrysanthemum Douluo was stunned for a moment, then thought that Lin Feng didn't seem like the type to leave any immortal-grade herbs behind, so he nodded in agreement.
"These immortal-grade herbs will be kept by Xiao Feng and me for now. Once we return to the Spirit Hall, we'll let my grandfather decide.
Any objections?"
"Understood."
"Alright, everyone, step back for now. Calm down and remember: don't say what shouldn't be said, and don't ask what shouldn't be asked."
"Yes."
After the two left, Qian Renxue beckoned Lin Feng over:
"Xiao Feng, come with me. Let's have dinner, and you can tell me all about Dugu Bo."
Qian Renxue smiled. "Especially about his granddaughter. I'm very interested."
Lin Feng: ...You're jealous of a child?
...
At the table, Lin Feng took out a white flower connected to a black stone and handed it to Qian Renxue.
"Xue'er, this is a gift for you."
Qian Renxue happily accepted it and asked softly:
"Is this also an immortal-grade herb?"
Lin Feng nodded and replied in a gentle voice:
"Yes, it has a very tragic story and a beautiful name."
"Love's Sorrow, the Yearning Hearbroken Red."