"The Jade Emperor Purple Lily is one of the rarest immortal herbs, easily the most unique among us," Lou'er explained. "Its effects are to strengthen spiritual power, calm the mind, and inspire awe. But… I don't think it suits your companion here."
"Lou'er, that's not right!" Before Zhu Ziyang or Zhang Lexuan could respond, the Jade Emperor Purple Lily herself interjected. Her tone was sharp yet elegant. "You don't even understand me properly—so how can you decide whether this little girl suits me? In my eyes, she's a perfect match!"
"Well then, you can explain yourself to my master," Lou'er replied lightly, floating back onto Zhu Ziyang's shoulder.
Zhu Ziyang and Zhang Lexuan both stepped closer, curiosity in their eyes.
"Yuyu, you're not thinking of leaving as well, are you?" The Qiluo Tulip Immortal Herb cried out suddenly, her voice trembling with shock and sadness.
"Perhaps, Youyou. Perhaps." The Jade Emperor Purple Lily's answer was deliberately vague. She turned her focus fully onto Zhang Lexuan, her regal aura radiating as she asked, "Little girl, what is your name? And what is your status among humans?"
"My name is Zhang Lexuan. As for status… I suppose you could say I'm the senior sister of Shrek Academy," Lexuan said with a gentle smile.
"That's not all, Lexuan-jie," Zhu Ziyang interjected with a sigh. "You forgot something rather important."
"Oh, right. I'm also… a princess of an empire." Lexuan's eyes twinkled with playful mischief as she added the words.
"A princess?!" At first, the Jade Emperor Purple Lily had prepared to reject her. But upon hearing this, her hopes rekindled. Her petals trembled with excitement as she pressed eagerly, "Then tell me—do you have any chance of becoming empress one day?"
"We are working to help Lexuan-jie ascend as Empress of the Sun Moon Empire," Zhu Ziyang said before Lexuan could respond. His eyes glimmered knowingly; he had already guessed at the herb's true abilities.
"Is this true?" The Jade Emperor Purple Lily turned back to Zhang Lexuan, seeking her confirmation.
"Yes. What he said is correct." Lexuan nodded firmly. Clever as she was, she instantly understood—the two-hundred-thousand-year-old herb had set its eyes on her.
"That's wonderful!" The Jade Emperor Purple Lily nearly trembled with joy. "In that case, may I become your soul spirit? My attributes may not align perfectly with your martial soul, but my abilities are uniquely suited to your identity. If you choose me, I can grant you the aura of a sovereign—and even evolve your martial soul into a one-of-a-kind Imperial Martial Soul."
"I accept," Zhang Lexuan replied without hesitation. Though the Purple Lily lacked moonlight attributes, its powers were undeniably ideal for her future role. She glanced at Zhu Ziyang, who gave her an approving nod.
And so the decision was made. Under Zhu Ziyang's guidance, Zhang Lexuan and the Jade Emperor Purple Lily formed a soul spirit contract. Soon after, a cocoon of light enveloped them both, their fates intertwining.
With both Nannan and Lexuan in the midst of fusion, Zhu Ziyang turned to the Qiluo Tulip Immortal Herb.
"Don't—don't come near me!" Qiluo Tulip shrieked, fear plain in her trembling voice.
"Ziyang, you're not really going to harm Youyou, are you?" Fiery Apricot Jiaoshu asked with a trace of worry.
"Heh. Relax. I have no interest in a herb whose only real use is detoxification," Zhu Ziyang said casually. "I just want to ask her a few things about the Sea God."
"Oh… is that all?" The tulip sagged with relief, though her tone was wary. "Ask, then. But I can't promise I know much."
"Just tell me everything you do know," Zhu Ziyang replied with a smile that was both kind and intimidating.
"...Alright." The tulip hesitated, then began. "The Sea God's name is Tang San. He ascended from Douluo Continent ten thousand years ago. Before leaving, he established a sect—the Tang Sect. What he entrusted to me is connected to this sect. He said that one day, a descendant of the Tang Sect would come to retrieve it. Once I hand it over, he will take me up to the God Realm."
"What exactly did he leave with you?" Zhu Ziyang pressed.
"I… I can't say!" the tulip stammered, shaking her petals vigorously.
"Oh?" Zhu Ziyang narrowed his eyes. A flicker of gray Death Power gathered in his hand.
"Wait, wait! I'll tell you!" Qiluo Tulip panicked instantly. "Put that away—it's too dangerous! Please!"
"Then no more evasions," Zhu Ziyang said coldly.
"I understand! I'll tell you everything." The tulip quivered. "What he left was… a book."
"A book? What kind?" Zhu Ziyang leaned forward, eyes sharp with interest.
"I don't know! I can't read human words. And that book carries the Sea God's divine will. Unless it's a descendant of the Tang Sect, no one can even open it!" she explained quickly, her tone desperate, as if afraid he would force her to hand it over.
"I see…" Zhu Ziyang nodded slowly. Then his eyes narrowed again. "Do you truly believe the Sea God will take you to the God Realm?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't he?" Qiluo Tulip's voice brimmed with certainty. "The Sea God is a deity. How could he deceive a loyal believer like me?"
"Oh, is that so?" Zhu Ziyang murmured, his mind racing. Her words jolted him into a realization. Tang San was not only the Sea God—he also bore the mantle of the Asura God. Why had he never thought to ask Xiaobai about the Asura God's level among the divine hierarchy? He felt a flicker of frustration at his own oversight.
Half an hour later, Jiang Nannan was the first to awaken. Behind her shimmered two purple, four black, and one red ring. On her shoulder stood a petite, delicate figure—the Osmanthus Immortal Tea, now in her flower fairy form.
Similar in size to Lou'er, Chacha's body gleamed in bright yellow. A little skirt and hair ornaments of the same color adorned her. Her silver-white hair and eyes mirrored Nannan's own, the resemblance uncanny.
"Heehee, so this is what a human body feels like? It's so strange and fun!" Chacha giggled, wiggling her tiny hands and feet.
"Haha, don't get too carried away." Nannan laughed, pinching her little cheek. Then, overjoyed, she turned to Zhu Ziyang. "Brother, I did it! I've reached Rank 73 Soul Saint!"
"Yes, I saw." Zhu Ziyang pulled her into a hug, rubbing his forehead affectionately against hers. "And when you reach Contra, Chacha will grant you a spirit ring too. That will save us plenty of effort."
"I understand." Nannan smiled sweetly, her gaze drifting to where Zhang Lexuan remained within her cocoon. "Brother, what kind of herb did Lexuan-jie choose?"
"The Jade Emperor Purple Lily. A very special one—perfectly suited for her," Zhu Ziyang explained.
"Jade Emperor Purple Lily?" Nannan tilted her head curiously. Though she had never heard of it before, something about the name felt undeniably fitting for Lexuan. She smiled. "It really does sound like it was meant for her!"
"Exactly!" Zhu Ziyang laughed, nodding. "With it, Lexuan-jie will gain an imperial aura, and her martial soul will evolve into an Imperial Martial Soul. It seems she was destined to become an empress."
"Brother, what is an Imperial Martial Soul?" Nannan asked in confusion.
"It's similar to a beast king among soul beasts," Zhu Ziyang explained patiently. "For example, the Blue Silver Grass has the Blue Silver Emperor. Not every species has an 'emperor,' but those that do—well, their emperor is always far superior to the rest of the race."
"I see…" Nannan's eyes lit with understanding. "Lexuan-jie's Moon Martial Soul normally wouldn't have an emperor form, but the Jade Emperor Purple Lily will let it evolve. That means she'll hold an incredible advantage when facing the Sun Moon Empire's nobles!"
"Hahaha! Nannan is so clever!" Zhu Ziyang laughed, pinching her cheek playfully.
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