Chrysanthemum Douluo
"Zhuqing, I'm planning to go to the Spirit Hall this afternoon to collect this month's Spirit Master stipend and pick up some supplies on the way back." Walking along a forest path and seeing no one around, Yang Yunhai took the opportunity to grab her hand, enjoying the cool and silky touch as he spoke.
The big cat type,once attached, she sticks like glue. Since confirming their relationship, their feelings had deepened rapidly over just a few days.
Though not yet fully familiar with every detail about each other, they were certainly close,sharing a bed and exchanging affectionate kisses.
In this honeymoon period, aside from training, all their spare time was spent together affectionately, providing a rare breath of ease in their intense cultivation life.
She was a perfect cat,gentle, quiet, affectionate, and not destructive. He really liked her.
However, he hadn't told her that he had already joined the Spirit Hall. Not because he couldn't, but because there was no need. If she knew, she'd have to carry that secret with care, always cautious in helping him keep it hidden. If she didn't know, there'd be no such burden.
This way, he believed it would be safer and less likely to be exposed.
"Then let me come with you," Zhu Zhuqing said, lifting her head with a worried expression.
Yang Yunhai had already told her that he was an orphan from the village outside of Nuoding City, raised by a former Spirit Hall deacon. She sensed that the Spirit Hall would use this visit to get closer to him, leveraging his relationship with Elder Tai. They might even try coercion.
Even though going with him wouldn't change much, at least she could help share some of the pressure.
"No need to worry. As long as I haven't joined another spirit master faction, the Spirit Hall won't do anything to me." Yang Yunhai smiled. "In fact, they'll likely try to win me over through Elder Tai's relationship with me and improve my view of the Spirit Hall."
"Sooner or later, I'll have to deal with them anyway. Might as well get it over with now to avoid trouble later."
"Zhuqing, just stay in the valley and focus on training. No need to burden yourself emotionally. Also, give me your spirit master certification,I'll collect your stipend for you too."
"If they want to recruit me and improve our relationship, I doubt they'll mind handing over a bit of money without requiring your presence."
"That's settled then." He gently pinched her soft hand, speaking with confidence.
Previously, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi had both met with Yunhai. With both the Heaven Dou Empire royal family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan showing support, the Spirit Hall wouldn't likely do anything rash. Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment and nodded slightly, her worry easing.
"Then be careful on the way," she said softly.
"I will." Yang Yunhai nodded and smiled. "With such a beautiful woman waiting at home, there's no way I wouldn't come back." He deliberately emphasized the last part.
"What are you saying..." Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed red as she turned away shyly.
She had become well-acquainted with Yang Yunhai's little quirks,his mischievous hands never seemed to stay still.
This guy was a shameless scoundrel who always took advantage of opportunities.
"Heh heh..." Yang Yunhai grinned sneakily, suddenly pulling her into his arms. With a startled yelp from her, he caught her around the shoulders, bent down, hooked an arm around her slender leg, and hoisted her up into a firm embrace before running off.
The breeze rustled the forest, and Zhu Zhuqing could only bury her face in his neck and cling tightly to avoid the wind.
That afternoon, Spirit Hall branch, Heaven Dou City
As Yang Yunhai approached, the guards,already instructed by Salas,immediately reported his arrival.
Yang Yunhai entered with a calm expression and saw the beautiful woman who had previously helped him test his spirit power hurrying over with a cheerful smile. "Little brother, we meet again."
Then, with a slight turn and smile, she gestured, "The bishop is expecting you."
Her tone was respectful.
Yang Yunhai nodded slightly. "Thank you. Please lead the way."
She smiled sweetly, bowed slightly, then turned and swayed her hips as she walked ahead.
Inside Bishop Salas' office
With the help of the woman, Yang Yunhai entered and saw Salas standing, while a man in golden armor sat on the sofa. Pale-skinned with feminine features, he wore heavy eye shadow and lipstick,by modern standards, he would be considered flashy and gaudy.
Yang Yunhai stepped in, heard the door close behind him, and respectfully bowed. "Greetings, Bishop."
He looked at the golden-armored man. "And this elder is?"
"This is Elder Chrysanthemum from Spirit City, a titled Douluo," Salas introduced.
So it really is Elder Chrysanthemum. Yang Yunhai bowed again. "Greetings, Elder Chrysanthemum."
"You're quite impressive, boy," the elder said, stepping forward and speaking in a slightly high-pitched voice. "So young, yet daring enough to bring heavenly lightning into your body for cultivation. Truly courageous. Your theories about spirit masters are astonishing. Most impressively, you actually succeeded in putting them into practice."
He nodded, maintaining a dignified air. "Let's get to the point. I heard you have a strong interest in rare herbs and plants."
"How about it? Are you interested in becoming my disciple?"
"!?" Salas's face changed immediately.
Chrysanthemum Douluo was a Level 95 Titled Douluo, and his close friend Ghost Douluo was another powerful figure, overseeing punishment in the Spirit Hall. Both were major players under the Supreme Pontiff. If Yang Yunhai became his disciple, his status would rise dramatically. And given Yang Yunhai's talent, he had potential to become a Titled Douluo himself.
Salas made a mental note to treat him with more respect from now on.
Yang Yunhai looked surprised, then doubtful, as if asking: So what exactly can you teach me?
Smart kid,knows not to make decisions before understanding the full picture. Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled and proudly straightened up.
"Besides being a Level 95 Titled Douluo capable of guiding your cultivation, my knowledge in medicine, pharmacology, and rare herbs is unmatched on the continent."
"If you become my disciple, I will pass everything I've learned to you."
That's the line I was waiting for. Yang Yunhai immediately bowed. "Disciple greets Master."
So it's my herbal knowledge he wants, not my power. Chrysanthemum Douluo was a bit surprised but pleased. The boy's eyes only lit up when he mentioned herbs. A disciple with shared interests was rare and valuable.
"Good, good." He beamed, helping Yunhai up.
He then opened his hand to reveal two items: a silver-blue sapphire necklace shaped like a crescent moon, with three oval gems neatly aligned, and a jade gourd the size of a duck egg with gold vine patterns.
The necklace clearly held soul power,likely a storage-type soul tool, as he had previously requested. The gourd, however, didn't seem to have any soul power fluctuations.
What is this thing? He couldn't tell what it did.
"Both are storage soul tools," Chrysanthemum Douluo explained. "This sapphire necklace is one of my personal favorites, bought at an auction."
"Each of the three gems can store items and has plenty of space."
"The one you're wearing has small capacity,this one's better."
Probably bought it because it looks pretty. Yang Yunhai could see through his taste instantly.
Smokey makeup, lipstick,definitely someone who values beauty.
"I've compiled all my knowledge of herbs and medicine into a collection inside this necklace. Since you're not going to Spirit City anytime soon, you can study it at your leisure."
"If you have questions, write them down. I'll have Salas summon me, and I'll come personally to explain."
He's surprisingly responsible. Yang Yunhai felt a bit warmed and quickly said, "Thank you, Master."
Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled with satisfaction. "As for this gourd, it was a gift from the Supreme Pontiff. It can store living things,only three cubic meters, but very useful."
"It slowly absorbs energy from the environment to sustain plants inside. A valuable item for those who study medicine."
No wonder I couldn't sense soul power. Yang Yunhai's expression turned serious. "Please thank the Supreme Pontiff on my behalf."
"I will." Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded, pleased with his respectful response. He handed over the items. "Here, take them."
"Thank you, Master." Yang Yunhai accepted them respectfully.
"Now, onto formalities." The elder nodded. "Summon your spirit. I need to assess its quality for the Supreme Pontiff's records."
"Yes, Master." Yang Yunhai stashed the items and summoned his spirit.
A leaf with golden veins. Chrysanthemum Douluo's pupils shrank as he touched and examined it.
"This toughness, this strength, these barbs... Truly worthy of being called the divine black jade bamboo."
He assumed it was this rare bamboo essence that gave the spirit such power.
"Attack me like you did Bishop Salas last time," he said.
"Alright." Yang Yunhai unleashed his first soul skill, sending vines to bind Chrysanthemum Douluo, then channeled lightning through them.
Golden arcs of lightning burst out, illuminating the elder's astonished face.
My disciple… is incredible. Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes burned with excitement.
Then, regaining composure, he smiled. "Alright, retract your spirit."
"Yes." Yang Yunhai complied.
Chrysanthemum Douluo approached, laid a hand on his shoulder. "Don't resist."
"Okay." Yang Yunhai nodded calmly.
A warm energy entered through his shoulder, flowing quickly to his spine, then back out.
Raising his head, Chrysanthemum Douluo was shocked. He gripped both shoulders and urgently asked, "Disciple, during meditation, can your soul power flow freely through all your meridians?"
Yang Yunhai nodded. "Yes, Master. It happened after the lightning strike when I ate those bamboo shoots. I only realized it later."
"That kind of lightning strike had such an effect?" Chrysanthemum Douluo was shocked.
Full meridian circulation was rare, even among Titled Douluo. Most older spirit masters accumulate impurities, making their meridians harder to open. And when they were younger, their control and soul power weren't sufficient to open them.
Most people didn't even know about this.
Only a few top-level experts had the power and knowledge to carefully open all their meridians,enhancing their foundations and raising their potential.
After Level 95, power alone wasn't enough; deeper understanding was required.
Even as a healer, Chrysanthemum Douluo hadn't yet fully opened his own meridians.
But Yang Yunhai had done it,at such a young age, through lightning strikes.
Full circulation. Now he was sure,Yang Yunhai was destined to become a Titled Douluo...
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