Xiao Tian smiled faintly as he reached over and gently touched Xiao Wu's soft rabbit ears before setting her back down. "Alright, Xiao Wu. I brought you all some goodies. But first—how have you progressed these past two months while I was gone?"
Xiao Wu puffed up proudly, her voice laced with joy. "Hehe, brother, you're going to be surprised—I broke through to level 37 just a few days ago!"
Xiao Tian raised his brows in approval. For Xiao Wu to gain three levels in just two months was indeed remarkable.
Ning Rongrong quickly chimed in, her skirt swishing as she leaned closer. "Zhuqing and I also improved. We just came back from the Sunset Forest. I've reached level 32, and Zhuqing's already at 33."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her sapphire eyes calm but faintly glowing with pride. "And… we have to thank you, Xiao Tian. That ten-thousand-year whale glue you gave us worked miracles. Our physiques strengthened tremendously. Because of it, we both could absorb higher-age rings. Rongrong pushed her third ring to over three thousand years, and I managed a four-thousand-year one."
Xiao Tian's gaze immediately found Zhu Zhuqing. "Oh? Then tell me, Zhuqing, what's your third skill?"
Her lips curved faintly. "It's called Netherworld Hidden Slash. When I activate it, I can enter stealth. My speed soars by two-hundred percent, and my attack doubles. When I strike, my hands condense poisoned claw blades that slash directly at the target."
Xiao Tian blinked, momentarily stunned.
Isn't this an upgraded version of Netherworld Slash?
In the original timeline, she had only gained the simplified strike—pure damage, no concealment. Clearly, the higher ring age had unlocked far more potential. The right soul beast, at the right level, made all the difference.
He grinned. "Congratulations, Zhuqing. This is excellent. Against anyone whose spiritual power isn't greater than yours, they'll never sense you coming. As long as you hide your aura properly, there'll be no escape from your slash!"
The quiet girl's face warmed just slightly at Xiao Tian's praise.
Satisfied, Xiao Tian reached into his soul guide. Three herbs emerged, glowing faintly with sacred light.
"These… are Acacia Heartbroken Red, Dark Night Soul Chasing Grass, and Qiluo Tulip. I obtained them from the old monster." He smirked at the thought of Dugu Bo. "Each one is among the top-grade immortal herbs. After absorbing them, your talent, soul power, your very martial souls—all will evolve."
The three girls stared wide-eyed.
For Zhu Zhuqing, hope surged. Her innate talent was only level seven. If something could truly change her foundation, her lifelong path might extend far further.
For Xiao Wu, the moment she laid eyes on the Acacia Heartbroken Red, her steps faltered. She froze, transfixed at the crimson petals glowing with longing. How could she, a soul beast in disguise, not recognize the king of all herbs? Her breath caught. Brother… you're giving me this?
But it was Ning Rongrong who broke the silence with a conflicted sigh. "Xiao Tian, even if these herbs boost my talent, it won't change much for me. I'm already innate rank nine. What I lack isn't talent… it's the flaw of my martial spirit."
Her voice softened bitterly. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda can never surpass the Soul Saint realm. It only allows seven rings at most, so I can't achieve Title Douluo even if I wanted to. Knowing that—what's the point in stressing cultivation too much?"
Her words carried the weight of resignation she had long lived with.
But Xiao Tian just smiled knowingly. "Really, Rongrong? You won't even try? Have faith. This herb may give you… a very unexpected surprise."
Her head tilted, her cheeks coloring faintly. A herb that could fix a martial spirit's defect? Impossible… right? And yet Xiao Tian's tone was too calm, too sure. Her heart pounded harder with each passing moment.
Xiao Tian shifted his eyes to Xiao Wu, who still stared longingly at Acacia Heartbroken Red. "And you, Xiao Wu. Still hesitating? Don't you want to try?"
Xiao Wu's voice softened to a whisper. Her fingers brushed delicately across the flower, as if stroking something alive. "This herb is too beautiful… I can't bear to destroy it by consuming it. I'd rather keep it near me forever."
But as she stroked the stem, its thorny leaves suddenly stiffened. A sharp edge sliced into her finger, blood dripping across the root.
Instantly, scarlet radiance erupted. Dazzling light engulfed the entire hall as the Acacia Heartbroken Red responded—not in refusal, but acceptance.
As blood touched its roots, Xiao Wu's heart blazed with memories of all her time with Xiao Tian. The Acacia Heartbroken Red recognized her bond and her love, fully accepting her.
The flower tore itself free, glowing brilliantly, and floated directly into her palm.
All eyes widened.
"The Acacia Heartbroken Red has recognized you," Xiao Tian said softly. "From this day forward… it will live within you, protecting you eternally."
Still, Xiao Wu hesitated, her slender legs trembling. "But… but if I absorb it now, when my cultivation isn't ready, I'll waste its effect. I wanted to wait."
Her selfish wish trembled on her lips.
Xiao Tian stepped closer, his voice drifting gently into her mind through spiritual sense. "Xiao Wu… don't hold yourself back. Power delayed is opportunity lost. If you wait until 'perfect timing,' you'll drag behind unfairly. Absorb it first. When the time comes, another immortal herb can still aid you. But this one—you must take it now."
Her eyes shot up, shimmering with shock. He knew. He saw right through me.
A silent thread wove itself between them. Her heart beat in flawless rhythm with his.
Tears brimmed, then vanished as she nodded fiercely. She tightened her fists, glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, then sat, clutching the Acacia flower tightly.
Light wrapped around her.
Time passed.
First, Ning Rongrong's body trembled. A burst of light shot from her chest, soul power rising like a rushing river.
Her eyes flew open in disbelief. "Xiao Tian! My level—my soul power jumped from 32… to 38! A full six levels!"
Her voice cracked with joy.
Xiao Tian chuckled, his tone mischievous. "Oh? No need to panic from numbers. Look at your martial spirit. See what has changed."
Blinking, Rongrong summoned her pagoda.
Her face froze.
Then she screamed in disbelief. "This… this is… the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda?!"
Shock turned to ecstasy as tears brimmed her eyes. Her hands clasped the luminous pagoda trembling. For generations, the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda had been revered as the strongest auxiliary spirit, yet cursed by an unbreakable limit. To see hers evolve—turning into the lost Nine Treasures—was a miracle no sect elder ever imagined.
Her body moved on its own. She leapt forward, throwing her arms around Xiao Tian and planting a fierce kiss on his cheek.
The room fell silent.
A beat later, Rongrong's face flared scarlet as she realized Xiao Wu was still meditating and Zhu Zhuqing stared blankly. She backpedaled, guilt flooding her. "I—don't misunderstand! It was just thank you—it doesn't mean anything…"
Xiao Tian smirked, voice playful. "Oh? Such gratitude, Princess Rongrong. Your kiss was truly… priceless."
Rongrong bit her lip, her ears glowing pink. But a smile flickered—it was true. The Nine Treasures Pagoda had changed her entire destiny.
"Xiao Tian… you have no idea…" Her voice trembled seriously now. "…what this means to my sect. What it means to me."
--
Loving the story? Read 200+ extra chapters on my Patreon — link's in the description! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: The Godly Drunkard System" & "Douluo Dalu: My Harem System is Bugged!" — don't miss out!