Wuhun City, Pope's Hall.
Creak, the grand doors were pushed open by the temple knights on both sides as Salas entered respectfully.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chrysanthemum Douluo in golden armor and Ghost Douluo in black armor standing separately at either side of the steps.
At the top of the steps sat Bibi Dong, wearing a long purple robe, a purple-gold crown on her head, and holding a gemstone scepter in her hand. Her expression was calm and unreadable.
Tap tap tap,Salas quickly walked to the bottom of the steps and bowed respectfully.
"Subordinate greets Your Holiness the Pope."
"No need for formalities," Bibi Dong raised her delicate hand slightly, her voice flat. "Speak. What is it?"
Remaining in a bowed posture, Salas lifted his hands. With a surge of spirit power, a stack of documents appeared in his palms.
"Your Holiness, please have a look."
At this, Ghost Douluo stepped forward, took the documents, then with a flash of his figure, delivered them respectfully to Bibi Dong.
She remained expressionless as she took the documents and calmly began reading them.
Moments later, her clear eyes narrowed slightly, and her expression turned a bit more serious. She quickly scanned the contents.
Raising her head after a brief pause, she turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo and said, "Elder Chrysanthemum, you take a look as well. See if you recognize any of the rare items mentioned."
With that, she flicked her finger, sending the documents floating toward Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"Yes, Your Holiness." Chrysanthemum Douluo bowed respectfully and took the documents.
Moments later, his pupils also contracted, and he muttered, "This kid… might be insane?" He was genuinely shocked when he saw Yang Yunhai channel lightning into his body. But within seconds, his face changed dramatically as he read faster.
"The ability to communicate with Blue Silver Grass… if that can be expanded to other plants..." he thought, suddenly intrigued.
Soon, after finishing reading, he looked up at Bibi Dong.
"Well?" Bibi Dong asked indifferently.
"The bamboo shoot indeed exists. It's a rare treasure called the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. Its effect is mainly on martial spirits. It's said that some plant-type spirit masters who consume its essence can greatly enhance the strength of their martial spirit, significantly improving their combat power," Chrysanthemum Douluo explained respectfully. "However, the one this child encountered was still in its early growth stage and hadn't fully matured."
"Even so, if fully absorbed, its medicinal power is enough to help a Grand Spirit Master break through to Spirit Elder effortlessly."
"As for the evolution of the martial spirit and the transformation of the body,though the probability is extremely low, it is not impossible. I believe this transformation was aided by repeated lightning strikes. According to the letter, he practiced by attracting lightning into his body, which likely tempered both his body and martial spirit. So, I believe the transformation was a result of both the rare herb's medicinal power and the lightning tempering effect."
"The pale golden veins in the leaves and his ability to communicate with surrounding Blue Silver Grass… Your Holiness, this child's Blue Silver Grass martial spirit has probably reached a level close to the Blue Silver Emperor. On top of that, his martial spirit has lightning attributes, allowing him to attract lightning for cultivation, and his body has been refined by rare medicinal effects. His foundation is now extremely solid. Also, all three of his spirit rings were absorbed beyond his level."
"Your Holiness, if this child continues to cultivate without mishap…"
"In my humble opinion, he indeed has the potential to become a Title Douluo. His future achievements may even surpass mine." He could control, heal, and had lightning-based attacks. Honestly, even he was envious.
His own martial spirit lacked in offensive capabilities.
Damn brat, I've said all the good things for you,don't let me down, he thought inwardly.
The boy has talent, potential for a title. He's interested in studying rare plants, has the ability to communicate with Blue Silver Grass, and seems intent on developing it further to include other plants.
Whether he'll be able to find immortal herbs in the future is another story, but the main point is not letting talent go to waste. When it comes to knowledge of rare flora, no one on the continent surpasses him. Who better qualified to teach?
Now that he's older, it's about time to take a disciple and pass on his legacy.
"He's worthy of such high praise from Elder Chrysanthemum?" Salas was shocked.
Chrysanthemum Douluo was a level 95 Super Douluo.
The boy's martial spirit had strong control, high-power lightning attacks, healing ability, and great theoretical talent. If he really could grow to the same level as Chrysanthemum Douluo, he'd be even more useful. With proper cultivation, he could be a great asset to Nana in the future. Thinking this, Bibi Dong nodded slightly and turned to Ghost Douluo.
"Elder Ghost, go to the treasury and bring out item No. 38 from the soul tool section and give it to Elder Chrysanthemum."
Then she looked back at Chrysanthemum Douluo, "Elder Chrysanthemum, I want you to go personally. Examine the boy's martial spirit and capabilities thoroughly. Also, bring back the full report on his background."
How convenient. I was just thinking about going, Chrysanthemum Douluo thought and quickly bowed. "Yes, Your Holiness."
"You may go." Bibi Dong nodded slightly and said no more.
"We take our leave." The three below the steps bowed in unison and left.
Several days later, at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Uncle Dust, what did you find?" Ning Fengzhi asked as Sword Douluo landed, riding his flying sword.
Sword Douluo shook his head. "There are a few mountain ranges that fit the conditions. It's still March, so mornings and evenings are cooler. If the sun's out during the day, mist often forms."
"So Yang Yunhai's account is plausible."
"Unfortunately, no rare treasures matching the description were found. Just a lot of ordinary bamboo shoots."
"Seems the kid really had luck on his side," Ning Fengzhi sighed.
"Also, during the search, our men spotted both the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Wuhun Hall operatives," Sword Douluo added. "The former probably came because of Yu Tianheng's report, while Wuhun Hall likely picked up the news later."
"They are putting in real effort. Their search area is massive."
"Still, they found nothing either."
"That's expected. Such rare treasures are extraordinary," Ning Fengzhi said calmly. "If we didn't find it, then it simply wasn't meant to be."
"Fate determines opportunity. We can't force it."
He smiled slightly and added, "I've received news about that boy's background."
"Turns out, Yang Yunhai had a rough start…"
He was born during a thunderstorm. The moment he was born, a century-old tree in front of the house was struck by lightning, and the roof caught fire. If it hadn't been pouring rain, the whole place might've burned down. Because of that, his family and neighbors believed he was a cursed child and abandoned him.
"Seriously!?" Sword Douluo was shocked, then shook his head. "Such superstitions cause real harm."
"Indeed. If not for a passerby taking him in, the boy would've died. That person was Chang Gongtai, a Wuhun Hall deacon at the time in Notting City. An orphan himself, he grew up in an orphanage and later became the village chief after retirement."
"He was also the orphanage director. So, Yang Yunhai was raised by him."
"Then why didn't Yang Yunhai join Wuhun Hall?" Sword Douluo asked.
"Because his innate spirit power was only 0.5. Even though his martial spirit mutated, it was officially recorded as just Blue Silver Grass," Ning Fengzhi replied.
"The reason for the mutation is unknown. But since he already explained everything to Qinghe and the three deans at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we don't need to dig deeper."
"What's certain is that because of his low innate power, he wasn't eligible to attend Wuhun Hall's academy and was sent to Notting City's primary spirit master academy as a work-study student."
"Reportedly, he trained very hard. For some reason, he didn't need to clean the school in the afternoons, so he spent every afternoon cultivating in a field of Blue Silver Grass behind the academy. A natural training environment. It took him two and a half years to reach level 10."
"Hard work compensating for lack of talent," Sword Douluo nodded.
"Then it gets interesting," Ning Fengzhi smiled. "After reaching level 10, he returned to the village for help. I suspect he was sent to Long Gong'ao, a Wuhun Hall patrol captain in the elementary soul beast forest. Records show he received his spirit hunting order alone."
"So Long Gong'ao saw his Blue Silver Grass and looked down on him, casually finding a low-quality, low-age plant-type soul beast?" Sword Douluo guessed.
"Possibly. Or maybe one of his subordinates handled it. Yang Yunhai still respects Chang Gongtai's family, so perhaps he didn't take offense personally," Ning Fengzhi replied.
"True. Chang Gong'ao was probably distant, barely seeing the boy. Not surprising if he looked down on him," Sword Douluo added.
"Maybe Yang Yunhai only realized the true nature of his mutated martial spirit later. After understanding it, he may have grown resentful of that first experience and lost trust in Wuhun Hall."
"That could explain why he later risked obtaining his second ring alone after reaching level 20."
"In a small place like Notting City, his progress would be considered genius."
"If he had joined Wuhun Hall, they'd have definitely helped him get a suitable 700-year-old plant-type beast. Notting City's branch could handle that."
"Agreed," Ning Fengzhi nodded.
Then Sword Douluo smiled. "I bet Wuhun Hall regrets it now."
"He defeated a level 39 opponent while only level 31, and that opponent was a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Anyone with sense would see that his martial spirit evolution made him extraordinary."
"But it's too late now."
"He's enjoying life at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Why would he join Wuhun Hall now?"
"Still, I doubt they'll give up. They'll find another chance to persuade him."
"Like when he next collects his spirit master stipend..." Sword Douluo paused. "Fengzhi, what if Salas himself steps in? Brings up Chang Gongtai or his birth parents?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "No need to guess. We'll know after his next visit to Wuhun Hall."
"Or, we find a chance to meet him ourselves."
"True." Sword Douluo nodded, sat down, and began pouring tea.
"There's something else," Ning Fengzhi turned, smiling. "Uncle Dust, guess who our people found in Notting City?"
"Who?"
"Yu Xiaogang, and his new disciple,Tang San. His martial spirit is Blue Silver Grass, and his innate spirit power is 10. His father's name is Tang Hao, and he's a blacksmith."
"!?" Sword Douluo was stunned. "Tang San… the one in Shrek Academy? Rongrong's teammate?"
"Yes," Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"A blacksmith..." Sword Douluo murmured, then sighed. "So he has a child… No wonder he vanished from the spirit master world."
"Indeed. Quite a surprise," Ning Fengzhi sighed as well. "To think, the mighty Hao Tian…"
Tap tap tap,footsteps came from outside.
The two men immediately fell silent.
"Reporting to the Sect Master: the Crown Prince is here."
"Looks like Qinghe has heard the news too," Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Invite him in."
"Yes!" The voice replied as the footsteps faded.
Soon, Xue Qinghe entered in ceremonial dress.
"Student greets teacher, and Elder Dust."
"No need for formalities," Ning Fengzhi stood up smiling. "Qinghe, what brings you here today?"
"I want to invite Teacher to meet Brother Yang Yunhai, and to help me establish some presence," Qian Renxue said politely. "I've looked into his background, but… it's rather complicated."
"Oh? How so?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"The one who raised him was a Wuhun Hall deacon. His ties with Wuhun Hall are quite deep," Qian Renxue replied.
Ning Fengzhi immediately understood,"Xue Qinghe" wanted to use his presence to pressure Wuhun Hall and show that the royal family values Yang Yunhai, discouraging Wuhun Hall from trying anything rash.
Thinking this, he nodded and smiled. "Very well. I'll go with you."
Better to help his student recruit the boy than let Wuhun Hall snatch him away.
Besides, he wanted to meet Yang Yunhai too.
"Thank you, Teacher," Qian Renxue bowed respectfully.
"Please, Teacher,your carriage is ready outside." He gestured politely.
"Haha, Qinghe, seems you're quite serious about this boy," Ning Fengzhi laughed as he walked out.
"A prodigy like this is worth the effort. Even Father is fond of him and asked me to pay special attention," Qian Renxue followed respectfully.
"Indeed he is," Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded as they walked outside.
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