Bibi Dong's expression softened. How could she not understand Hu Liena's thoughts?
Her remark that Dugu Feng was her nemesis must have struck a nerve with her proud disciple.
Coupled with the defeat in the finals, this had led to Hu Liena's decision to go to Slaughter City.
"Absorb this Soul Bone first!"
Bibi Dong took out a white skull bone. "This Soul Bone is no worse than the Spirit Condensation Wisdom Skull Bone and is equally suitable for you."
"Teacher, I can't accept this. The failure in this competition was my responsibility. You didn't punish me, and I already feel uneasy.
To absorb such a precious Soul Bone on top of that..."
Hu Liena desperately wanted a Soul Bone. She had already missed out on two opportunities—her External Soul Bone had been stolen by an Evil Soul Master, and the championship reward had been taken by Gem Academy.
This was her third close encounter with a Soul Bone.
Yet, she still felt guilty.
"Absorb it. With this Soul Bone, you'll have a better chance in Slaughter City. That place isn't as simple as you think.
You must come out alive!"
Bibi Dong spoke gently.
Hu Liena's eyes reddened, and tears streamed down uncontrollably.
Though an orphan, Bibi Dong had treated her with a mother's love.
She nodded firmly. Words were unnecessary now—she only wanted to survive the Slaughter Road and repay her teacher.
Hu Liena sat cross-legged and began absorbing the Soul Bone under Bibi Dong's watchful gaze.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong turned her attention beyond Spirit City.
The Heaven Dou Empire's convoy had departed, and the Soul Master Competition had ended.
They had taken her three Soul Bones with them.
"Dugu Family, enjoy your triumph for a little longer!
And Tang Hao, did you think I'd forget about you just because you kept Tang San from participating in the Soul Master Competition?
Just wait. Your days are numbered!"
Dugu Feng was a significant threat, but even if he grew stronger, he would merely become another Dugu Bo.
But Tang San—with his Twin Soul Spirits—once fully grown, would become the next Tang Chen.
His threat far surpassed that of the Dugu Family.
Not to mention, the Clear Sky Sect still had so many Titled Douluos.
Bibi Dong was patient. She had been steadily building her strength, waiting for the moment to overturn the entire Douluo Continent.
Half a month later, in Heaven Dou City...
The entire city was adorned with lanterns and banners, immersed in a sea of celebration.
Xue Ye the Great had commissioned a massive float—ten meters tall and six meters wide.
The float had been stationed several miles outside Heaven Dou City to welcome the returning convoy.
Then, it carried the Soul Masters of Gem Academy into the city for a grand parade and celebration.
Dugu Feng stood among the crowd, watching the float. At the very top were Ning Rongrong, Zhang Jingyang, Little Snake, and the others.
Naturally, he had no interest in participating in such an extravagant celebration.
As the most popular Soul Master of the Gem Battle Team, Ning Rongrong's presence alone was enough to satisfy expectations.
Besides, she loved being in the spotlight.
Little Snake stood stiffly on the float, awkwardly waving to the crowd.
He represented the Dugu Family, having been pushed into the role by Dugu Feng.
"Little Snake, you're a father now. Little Little Snake will be proud of you!"
Dugu Feng chuckled to himself.
He made his way through the crowd and arrived at the Ye residence.
"Senior Sister!"
"You're here!"
Ye Lingling welcomed Dugu Feng inside with evident delight.
Once they reached the living room,
Dugu Feng retrieved a jade box from his Storage Soul Tool and handed it to Ye Lingling.
"Inside is an Immortal Herb that can significantly enhance your Soul Power and cultivation talent!"
Ye Lingling's eyes behind her veil widened instantly.
Enhancing talent and Soul Power?
She eagerly took the box and opened it.
In an instant, the entire living room was filled with an extraordinary fragrance.
It resembled the scent of orchids but carried a refreshing clarity that invigorated the mind and soothed the heart.
Ye Lingling felt her spirits lift and couldn't help but take several deep breaths.
Inside the jade box lay an eight-petaled orchid, its petals pure white, exuding an air of pristine elegance.
"This Immortal Herb is called the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid. Its medicinal properties are gentle yet profound, capable of strengthening one's foundation, purging impurities, and simultaneously enhancing the cultivation talent of Supportive Soul Masters while accelerating their progress!"
Dugu Feng explained.
"Such a miraculous herb exists!" Ye Lingling's eyes widened in disbelief.
Dugu Feng smiled faintly and took a seat nearby.
"Immortal Herbs are precious and must not be exposed. Absorb it now—simply chew and swallow."
Ye Lingling nodded vigorously, placing absolute trust in Dugu Feng's words.
She quickly sat on the nearby couch, removed her veil to reveal her breathtakingly beautiful face, glanced at Dugu Feng, then immediately turned her attention to the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid. She carefully consumed the petals and stamen bit by bit.
Immediately after, Ye Lingling summoned her Nine Heart Begonia and began meditating on her Soul Power.
As the herb's effects took hold, a unique fragrance of the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid emanated from her body.
Simultaneously, a faint, shimmering white mist undulated around her.
The Eight Petal Immortal Orchid's properties were mild.
Ye Lingling's transformation was subtle—she simply appeared more ethereal, enveloped in a fairy-like haze.
Already stunning, she now carried an otherworldly aura of Fairy Aura.
Dugu Feng watched over her with a calm smile.
His Four-Colored Mixed Poison had already enveloped the entire living room upon entry, ensuring no strong presence could sense the Immortal Herb the moment it was revealed.
The Four-Colored Mixed Poison could now block spiritual perception. Anyone attempting to probe the living room would first have to break through his poison barrier, which would create significant disturbances.
Thus, Dugu Feng was completely at ease.
He also continuously exercised his recently enhanced spiritual power, courtesy of his skull bone.
His spiritual energy intertwined with the four-colored toxins, morphing into various shapes that permeated the surroundings.
Dugu Feng fell into deep silence.
Time passed—hours slipped by.
When he opened his eyes, Ye Lingling had completed her cultivation, her eyes brimming with boundless joy.
"My Soul Power actually increased by five levels—I'm now at rank 47!"
She covered her mouth in disbelief.
Such an improvement far exceeded her expectations.
"This is just the beginning. Most of the herb's potency remains latent within you, enough to sustain your cultivation all the way to Soul Saint!"
Dugu Feng said calmly.
After the initial shock, Ye Lingling's expression turned solemn. "This is far too precious. Thank you, Dugu Feng!"
Had it been Ning Rongrong, she might have hugged and kissed Dugu Feng, but the reserved Ye Lingling could only express her gratitude earnestly.
Yet the depth of her emotions was no less profound.
"Senior, for the time being, refrain from leaving the residence. Focus on your cultivation here.
I, too, must enter seclusion for a period to break through to Soul King!"
"I'll come find you again after my breakthrough!"
Dugu Feng waved his hand, accepting her gratitude.
Then he quickly walked out of the Ye residence, eager to begin his cultivation.
Dugu Feng's decisive departure made Ye Lingling both relieved and somewhat disappointed.
She had thought something might happen between them.
Had Dugu Feng made a move, she wouldn't have refused.
"With his intelligence, he must know how I feel.
For the sake of cultivation, he can restrain anything.
That Ning Rongrong must be chasing after Dugu Feng relentlessly."
Ye Lingling thought wistfully.
(End of Chapter)