There were no mishaps. The Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb was still growing by the spring of the Ice and Fire Dual Eye as expected.
This time, Chu Chengzhou came prepared.
A few months ago, before he became Tang San's prospective uncle-in-law, Chu Chengzhou had already obtained detailed information about the Aromatic Silk Beauty through Hu Liena's connections.
Knowledge about immortal herbs wasn't exclusive to Tang San alone. Among others, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan of the Spirit Hall was also an expert on the subject.
Although Yue Guan and Hu Liena shared no blood relation, they were as close as grandfather and granddaughter. When his beloved "granddaughter" came to ask him about flowers and plants, how could Yue Guan, as an elder, hold back any knowledge?
The Aromatic Silk Beauty was the nemesis of all poisons, capable of neutralizing all toxins. Though it couldn't directly detoxify, it could suppress poisons effectively.
Aside from not being able to cut it with metal tools, its harvesting method was as simple as pulling up spring onions.
However, to prevent loss of efficacy, the plant needed to remain intact. For long-term storage, it had to be replanted in nutrient-rich soil.
Thus, the well-prepared Chu Chengzhou employed his usual tactic—he brought a large flowerpot, dug out the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb along with its soil, and placed it inside a storage soul-guidance device.
Though immortal herbs weren't suited for placement in storage devices that lacked air and spiritual energy, short-term storage wouldn't cause much harm.
"Boom boom boom—"
In a certain part of the Sunset Forest, an intense battle was underway.
Titan Giant Ape summon Big Black—no, now renamed Little Ming by Xiao Wu—was holding back his strength while sparring with the summoned Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, Little Black.
Under Xiao Wu's strong insistence, Chu Chengzhou ultimately handed over the naming rights for Big Black to her. Thus, Big Black was renamed Little Ming.
As for Big Black disagreeing? That wasn't an issue. Big Black—now Little Ming—was always obedient to his master!
Of course, to console Little Ming, Chu Chengzhou didn't name the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger summon "Big Black" either but instead called it Little Black.
"All right, stop now!"
After a long while, with more than half of his soul power depleted, Chu Chengzhou stopped the two summons from continuing their sparring.
It must be said that the summoned Dark Demon Evil God Tiger Little Black's strength was quite formidable. Even though its age was less than fifty thousand years, its combat level was firmly within the realm of Titled Douluos.
Of course, compared to same-aged members of its own species, Little Black's strength was undoubtedly weaker.
This wasn't Little Black's fault—it was due to Chu Chengzhou himself.
Currently, his True Spirit Flag martial soul quality was at the top tier, which capped the bloodline level of his summons below god-tier.
Restricted by bloodline level, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger summon Little Black suffered significant reductions in overall attributes and innate soul skills.
However, even with these restrictions, among Chu Chengzhou's seven summons, Little Black's bloodline level remained the strongest.
Take the number of innate soul skills, for example.
Other summons, except for the hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape summon Little Ming, who had three innate soul skills plus one domain, only possessed two innate soul skills each.
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger summon, on the other hand, had three innate soul skills and one domain:
- Similar to absolute defense, the long-lasting but relatively limited-in-power skill Evil God Guardian.
- Evil God Spike, which could negate all abilities of opponents.
- Elemental Domination, identical in name to the soul bone skill attached to the skull Chu Chengzhou obtained.
- Domain: Evil God Domain.
Yes, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's most powerful innate soul skill: Life-and-Death Arena was "sealed." With its bloodline level restricted, this unreasonable innate soul skill had been locked away.
As for the skills like Light Blades, Dash, and Dark Demon Thunder used by the original Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, these weren't innate soul skills but self-created soul skills acquired later.
Just as human soul masters could develop self-created soul skills, intelligent soul beasts could do the same.
Since Little Black didn't inherit the memories or insights of the original Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, mastering these skills would require re-learning them.
However, with the innate soul skill Elemental Domination, it wouldn't be difficult for Little Black to relearn these self-created soul skills.
To be honest, Chu Chengzhou was somewhat disappointed in the summoned Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's strength—it fell short of his earlier expectations.
Fortunately, these issues were solvable. Once the True Spirit Flag martial soul evolved, Little Black's bloodline level would return to god-tier, and the unreasonable Life-and-Death Arena would be restored.
And this wouldn't take long—just over seven months.
Afterward, Chu Chengzhou recalled the two summons and returned to Tian Dou City with Xiao Wu.
That night, Xiao Wu paid the price of obtaining the naming rights for the Titan Giant Ape summon and convinced her two best friends to let Chu Chengzhou experience what it felt like to have triple happiness in a single illusion.
Unlike the previous triple-layered illusions, this time, it was triple happiness within the same illusion.
Early the next morning, Chu Chengzhou took the Aromatic Silk Beauty to Yue Xuan.
Yue Xuan, fifth floor, in a tranquil and elegant hall.
"Is this the treasure you mentioned?"
Smelling the faint fragrance wafting into his nose and looking at the abrupt appearance of a very dim yet ten-meter-wide pink light barrier, Tang Yuehua glanced at the pale pink flower in the flowerpot on the table and asked Chu Chengzhou curiously.
"Yes, this is called the Aromatic Silk Beauty. It's no ordinary plant."
"Do you see this pink light barrier? Within its range, all toxins are nullified, somewhat akin to domain power. It should help you break your martial soul's limitations."
Chu Chengzhou pointed to the faint pink light barrier emitted by the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb.
This barrier was magical. Its range was also the area where the herb's fragrance spread. If one didn't enter it, neither the naked eye nor spiritual perception could detect it.
"Will it really work?"
Perhaps the martial soul's limitation could be broken, but Tang Yuehua couldn't help feeling apprehensive at this moment.
As the saying goes, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
If successful, all would be well. But if it failed, it wouldn't just mean wasting this precious treasure—it would also crush her heart, which had glimpsed light but could never touch it, forever trapped in darkness.
I can endure darkness if I've never seen the light.
"Yuehua, believe me—you can do it! The medicinal effects of the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb are concentrated in its pistil. Suck the pistil and circulate your soul power to absorb it."
"All right!"
After gazing deeply at Chu Chengzhou, Tang Yuehua took a deep breath and nodded.
If she succeeded, there would be hope. She would cast aside age differences and familial reservations—what did they matter?
But if she failed...
'Then I'll spend the rest of my life alone!'
Under the sleeves of her palace gown, Tang Yuehua unconsciously clenched her fists, silently thinking to herself.
Following Chu Chengzhou's instructions, Tang Yuehua began consuming the Aromatic Silk Beauty.
At the same time, Chu Chengzhou stood up and walked behind her, placing his palms on her back to assist her in refining the medicinal properties.
The medicinal properties of the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb were very mild—but only relatively so. For a Level 9 Soul Trainee, the potency of an immortal herb was still overwhelming.
Without assistance, relying solely on Tang Yuehua's own refinement, there was a high risk of her body being torn apart by the immense medicinal force.
Under Chu Chengzhou's guidance, the medicinal force slowly released itself within Tang Yuehua's body.
After several minutes, abruptly, a white-gold ring floated out from Tang Yuehua's body.
Simultaneously, a gentle wave rippled outward, instantly enveloping a radius of over ten meters.
Even the most ruthless evildoers would involuntarily lay down their hostility and find peace in the face of this elegant and natural wave.
This was none other than Tang Yuehua's martial soul: Wishful Ring, and her martial soul's innate domain: Noble Circle.
As the medicinal properties were absorbed, Tang Yuehua's originally white-gold Wishful Ring gradually took on a purplish hue, and her previously colorless Noble Circle domain began to show a faint pink tint.
The changes continued. The purple hue on the Wishful Ring grew stronger, and the Noble Circle domain increasingly shifted toward a pale pink.
Finally, when the Wishful Ring floating before Tang Yuehua completely transformed from white-gold to purple-gold, the previously colorless Noble Circle domain also fully turned pale pink.
Immediately afterward, Chu Chengzhou keenly noticed that the soul power aura emanating from Tang Yuehua had abruptly increased slightly.
Instantly, Chu Chengzhou's heart leapt with joy. Success!
Any individual possessing soul power, unless intentionally controlling it, would naturally emit a soul power aura—even a Soul Scholar without soul rings was no exception.
Other soul masters couldn't perceive it not because there was no soul power present, but because their limited strength and perception ability rendered them unable to sense it.
Tang Yuehua was a Level 9 Soul Trainee. Now that her soul power aura had noticeably increased, her soul power level had undoubtedly broken through to Level 10.
And with the smooth breakthrough in soul power level, it meant that the previous restriction on her martial soul no longer existed!
Of course, this could also be seen from the changes in Tang Yuehua's Wishful Ring.
Unlike Yu Xiaogang, whose rank was stuck at 29 due to his own cultivation talent rather than martial soul restrictions (A/N: As evidenced by his lack of evolution after taking the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia), anyone with innate soul power could surpass the Level 9 limit under sufficient resources.
As the former young lady of the Hao Tian Sect, even if Tang Yuehua was considered a cultivation failure, she shouldn't have lacked sufficient resources. Clearly, her inability to become a soul master wasn't due to her cultivation talent but rather the mutated martial soul.
Now, after consuming the Aromatic Silk Beauty, her Wishful Ring had changed. Therefore, the previous martial soul restriction had naturally been lifted.
Of course, the medicinal properties of immortal herbs were vast, and Tang Yuehua, due to her extremely low soul power level, had an abysmal refinement efficiency. Although her martial soul had undergone transformation, she hadn't fully refined the medicinal properties and remained unconscious.
Time passed slowly. After an unknown amount of time, Tang Yuehua slowly opened her eyes.
"How do you feel?"
Withdrawing his hands from the back of the beauty before him, Chu Chengzhou smiled and asked.
"Very good!"
Feeling the substantial increase in soul power within her body and looking at the transformed Wishful Ring hovering before her, Tang Yuehua nodded excitedly.
She had succeeded. She had broken through the martial soul's decades-long restriction and reached the 10th level of soul power.
This moment—she had hoped for nearly forty years—had finally come true today!
"What time is it now?"
Glancing at the night outside, Tang Yuehua asked.
"It's already early morning—technically the next day."
Mentioning this, Chu Chengzhou felt a bit helpless.
Staying out overnight, especially on days that weren't the fixed dates of the 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, or 28th, meant trouble. If he didn't have a reasonable excuse upon returning home, the three girls at home would surely get jealous.
Unless he was out of town, those six nights each month allowed him to stay out late since those evenings belonged to Hu Liena.
Well, compared to spending the night at Yue Xuan with an older sister, wouldn't it be easier for Xiao Wu and the others to accept that he went to see Hu Liena?
Hmm, given how much Hu Liena loved him, she probably wouldn't mind taking the blame, right?
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua revealed a smile, turned around, wrapped her arms around Chu Chengzhou's neck, and softly said, "Little Brother... no, little man, kiss me~"
Chu Chengzhou naturally didn't refuse such a request from his dear older sister and leaned down to kiss her.
Soon, Chu Chengzhou grew unsatisfied with just kissing and began to explore further.
As the palace gown slid off, revealing her beautiful figure, just as Chu Chengzhou was about to fully undress his lovely older sister, Tang Yuehua stopped him and said, "Not here, in the bedroom~"
"Dear sister, as you wish!"
Saying this, Chu Chengzhou scooped Tang Yuehua up and carried her into the bedroom.
Not long after, a shy moan echoed from the bedroom, accompanied by the blooming of a small blood flower, marking the birth of another true woman in the world.
As the sun rose high, sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains into the bedroom.
On the rosewood bed carved with plum blossom patterns, Tang Yuehua, who had blossomed thrice last night—no, this morning—lazily opened her eyes.
"Awake?"
Looking at the older sister lying on his chest, Chu Chengzhou, who had woken up earlier, smiled and asked.
"Mm~"
Tang Yuehua nodded, her eyes brimming with happiness.
The once towering figure in her heart had unknowingly disappeared, replaced entirely by the graceful young man before her who had given her love and hope.
Gently caressing the jade-like skin of the beauty in his arms, the considerate Chu Chengzhou refrained from further mischief and solemnly asked, "Yuehua, I forgot to ask last night—how has your domain changed?"
Aside from Tang Yuehua, no one else possessed the Wishful Ring martial soul.
Moreover, she hadn't yet added a soul ring, so even Tang Yuehua herself couldn't clearly define what kind of martial soul her Wishful Ring currently was.
However, while the martial soul might be unclear, the effects of the domain power were easily discernible.
"There have been significant changes. My Noble Circle domain's effect of calming the mind and cleansing the spirit remains, but it now also purifies all negative states within its range."
"It seems your Wishful Ring martial soul is of the support type, huh?"
Hearing this, Chu Chengzhou said with interest.
The classification of a martial soul was closely related to its innate domain. Since the domain's effects were supportive, the transformed Wishful Ring was likely also a support-type martial soul.
In Chu Chengzhou's view, Tang Yuehua's exceptional demeanor would make a strong offensive martial soul incongruous. Becoming a support-type soul master suited her better.
Of course, it wouldn't be like his own improper support role—claiming to be a support but doing offensive tasks—but rather like Ning Rongrong's proper support role.
"Probably~"
Tang Yuehua nodded.
"The soul hunting can wait. Later, I'll teach you a secret technique. Once you've mastered it, I'll take you soul hunting."
Chu Chengzhou planned to teach Tang Yuehua Absolute Control.
With the martial soul's restriction lifted, it was time for Tang Yuehua's soul power level to skyrocket.
The medicinal properties of immortal herbs were vast. Even though Tang Yuehua had only absorbed a small portion, her soul power level shouldn't have increased by just one level. However, due to the lack of soul rings, her advancement was capped at the 10th level of a quasi-soul master.
Without the soul ring restriction, Tang Yuehua's soul power level could potentially surge to level 20—or even exceed it.
Of course, the exact level wasn't important. Even if Tang Yuehua had no hidden soul power reserves, equipping a hundred-thousand-year first soul ring would fill—and far exceed—the soul power requirements for the Soul Master stage.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring paired with a hundred-thousand-year soul bone would ensure that soul power levels within the Soul King stage would be fully filled, and even at the Soul Emperor stage, it would likely surpass halfway.
In short, by finding seven hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, Tang Yuehua could rapidly ascend to the Soul Saint level, and her soul power level wouldn't merely be at the entry-level of Soul Saint.
By then, a Soul Saint in her forties—even excluding extraordinary soul rings and soul bones—would be considered a rare genius soul master based on soul power level alone.
Question: How does a failure transform into a genius?
Answer: Immortal herbs, hundred-thousand-year soul rings, and soul bones!
With soul power levels skyrocketing in a short period, it was essential to learn to control one's internal soul power to avoid affecting the foundation.
Thus, Absolute Control would be a necessary technique for Tang Yuehua to diligently practice moving forward.
Of course, it would be limited to Absolute Control.
Chu Chengzhou hadn't forgotten that Tang Yuehua was the eldest princess of the Hao Tian Sect. Just because he was Tang San's prospective uncle-in-law didn't mean Tang San would treat him as a good uncle—after all, they weren't biological father and son.
Until the right time came, many secret techniques couldn't be divulged.
But Absolute Control was different. This technique only enhanced control abilities. Even if a powerful individual learned it, there wouldn't be a significant qualitative change. Even if the Hao Tian Sect obtained it, it wouldn't lead to major consequences.
After taking a bath, having lunch, guiding Tang Yuehua in practicing Absolute Control, and writing down the secret technique, Chu Chengzhou left Yue Xuan and returned home.
Unlike other secret techniques, Absolute Control was easy to learn but difficult to master. Even without his guidance, Tang Yuehua could practice it by following the written instructions, and even if she didn't practice perfectly, there wouldn't be any danger.
Upon entering the house, as expected, Chu Chengzhou, who had stayed out overnight outside the designated time, faced another "three-court trial."
"My Lord Chu, can you tell this humble girl where you were last night?"
In the hall, doors tightly closed, Xiao Wu asked sarcastically.
"That's right, confess and receive leniency; resist and face severity!"
Ning Rongrong nodded in agreement, and Zhu Zhuqing glared at Chu Chengzhou.
"Well…"
Chu Chengzhou hesitated. Wasn't lying and saying he went to see Hu Liena a bit unfair to her?
"Bang—"
"Speak! Did you go see that seductress again last night?"
Xiao Wu slammed the table and questioned ruthlessly.
Counting thirty days per month, the three sisters had allowed Chu Chengzhou six days to see Hu Liena, which was already quite generous, wasn't it?
After all, the three of them were the primary wives, while Hu Liena was only the fourth wife. Sharing the remaining twenty-four days among the three, they averaged just two more days than Hu Liena—not at all excessive.
But now, Chu Chengzhou staying out overnight outside the agreed-upon days to see Hu Liena was simply too much!
"My dear Xiao Wu, Hu Liena is your fourth sister. How can you call her a seductress? You're all good sisters—you should cherish each other forever!"
Chu Chengzhou pointed out the impropriety in Xiao Wu's words and spoke earnestly.
"I don't care! Anyway, this isn't about you seeing Hu Liena last night…"
"I was wrong!"
Before Xiao Wu could finish, Chu Chengzhou immediately admitted his mistake.
I admit my mistake, but I won't mend my ways!
Seeing this, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances.
"Ahem, so tell us, what exactly did you do wrong?"
Clearing her throat, Xiao Wu asked.
"I was wrong in every way possible!"
Chu Chengzhou answered without hesitation.
The three sisters: "…."
For a moment, all three were rendered speechless.
Staying out overnight wasn't a big deal, as Hu Liena had already been accepted by the three sisters—there was no need to escalate things.
But letting him off lightly? Wouldn't that be too easy on him? What if he got greedy later?
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou turned to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Zhuqing, I have a treasure here that should suit you. After you refine it, there's a chance you might awaken domain power."
Saying this, Chu Chengzhou took out a black bead from his storage soul-guidance device and handed it to Zhu Zhuqing.
This black bead was none other than the one left behind by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger after its offering.
Chu Chengzhou guessed that it was something akin to a soul core condensed by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, containing a significant portion of its essence.
Big cats were often referred to as tigers. Among the four of them, the one most compatible with the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was undoubtedly Zhu Zhuqing, who possessed the Nether Spirit Cat martial soul.
Additionally, as a battle-type soul master, Zhu Zhuqing's strength lagged significantly behind both him and Xiao Wu. Thus, Chu Chengzhou decided to give the black bead to her for refinement.
Perhaps, as he suggested, Zhu Zhuqing might awaken domain power after refining it?
Moreover, the best way to shift the topic was to introduce an even more attention-grabbing one.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)