"Zhuqing, this afternoon I plan to head over to Spirit Hall to collect this month's soul master subsidy. On the way back, I'll pick up some supplies."
Walking along the mountain path, seeing no one around, Yang Yunhai reached over to take her hand. As he enjoyed the cool, soft touch, he spoke casually.
The big cat was the type to latch on once she made up her mind. Ever since confirming their relationship, in just a few short days, their feelings had deepened immensely.
They hadn't reached the point of complete intimacy, but they were certainly past the level of mere acquaintances—sharing a bed, kisses at the neck, and all.
They were in their honeymoon period. Outside of cultivation, all free time had become sweet, clingy time together, a much-needed breath of fresh air in the grind of training.
She was a docile cat—no fights, no tantrums, no wrecking the place, letting him pet her, hug her, kiss her. Just the way he liked.
But about his official entry into Spirit Hall, he still hadn't told her. Not because he couldn't, but because it wasn't necessary. If she knew, she'd carry that weight, carefully helping him keep the secret. If she didn't, there was no burden. To him, that meant less risk of exposure—and more safety.
"Then I'll go with you." Zhu Zhuqing lifted her gaze, worry etched across her face.
Yang Yunhai had already told her about his background in Lone Grass Village's orphanage, and how the director, who raised him, was once a Spirit Hall deacon. She could already guess that Spirit Hall would use this visit to try to pull him in—very likely with pressure, perhaps even threats.
Even if she couldn't stop it, at least she could share the weight with him.
"Don't worry. As long as I haven't joined another sect, Spirit Hall won't dare to touch me." Yang Yunhai smiled. "On the contrary, they'll use my connection with Grandpa Tai to soften my view of them."
"One way or another, I'll have to face them. Better to meet them now than let things fester."
He gave her hand a squeeze. "Zhuqing, you just focus on your cultivation here. Going along will only make you uneasy for no reason. Oh—and pass me your martial soul certificate. I'll collect your subsidy while I'm there."
"Spirit Hall wants to win me over. They won't quibble over something this small, certainly not insist you come in person."
He nodded with confidence.
She thought for a moment. With Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi having already spoken with him, both the Heaven Dou royal family and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were backing him up. Spirit Hall likely wouldn't go too far. Slowly, she relaxed and nodded.
"Then be careful on the way," she said softly.
"Mm, I know." Yang Yunhai grinned. "With a beauty like you waiting at home, there's no way I wouldn't come back." He deliberately stressed one word.
"What are you saying…" Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks instantly reddened. She turned her face away and muttered.
She was already well aware of his mischievous habits. Those wandering hands never stayed still. He really was a shameless rascal.
Yang Yunhai chuckled slyly. With a sudden tug, Zhu Zhuqing yelped, "Ah!" as he scooped her up by the shoulder and legs. With one smooth lift, she was secure in his arms, and he bolted forward at a run.
The forest breeze whipped past. Zhu Zhuqing buried her face and clung to his neck to shield herself from the rushing wind.
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That afternoon, Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City.
The moment Yang Yunhai approached, the gate guard—already briefed by Salas—hurried inside to report.
Calm and composed, Yang Yunhai strode through the grand doors. Almost at once, the beautiful woman who had tested his soul power before walked briskly over, her smile radiant.
"Little brother, we meet again," she greeted warmly.
Then, with a graceful turn, she gestured. "The Bishop is waiting."
"Thank you for leading the way," Yunhai replied smoothly.
With a swaying waist and light steps, she led him forward.
Soon, they arrived at Salas's office.
Inside stood Bishop Salas, and sitting on the sofa was a man in golden armor. Pale-skinned, with delicate, almost feminine features, his eyes were painted in thick shadow and his lips dark with rouge. In Yunhai's former world, people would've called him gaudy.
Yang Yunhai entered, the door closing behind him, and bowed politely. "I greet the Bishop."
He glanced toward the golden-armored man. "And this senior is…?"
"This is Elder Chrysanthemum from Spirit City, a Titled Douluo," Salas introduced.
As expected—old Chrysanthemum. Yunhai cupped his hands. "Greetings, Elder Chrysanthemum."
"You're quite something, boy," Chrysanthemum Douluo said as he rose, eyes roaming up and down. His voice was sharp, almost feminine, but carried authority. "So young, yet you dared to draw down heavenly lightning into your body. Courage commendable! Your theories are shocking, but more importantly—you succeeded in practice."
He nodded, keeping his tone dignified. "No need for small talk. I hear you have a passion for rare herbs. Well then—do you have interest in taking me as your teacher?"
Salas froze. His face paled.
This was Chrysanthemum Douluo—a 95th-rank Titled Douluo. His closest friend was Ghost Douluo, head of punishment within Spirit Hall. Together, they were the Pope's left and right hands. If Yang Yunhai became Chrysanthemum Douluo's disciple, his status would change entirely.
Yang Yunhai blinked, half doubtful, half curious, as though silently asking: 'So, what exactly can you teach me?'
'Smart kid,' Chrysanthemum thought, smiling faintly. He puffed out his chest, voice brimming with confidence.
"Aside from my strength as a Titled Douluo, I am unmatched on this continent in medicine, pharmacology, and knowledge of rare herbs. Take me as your master, and all I know will be yours."
'That's all I needed to hear.'
Yang Yunhai immediately bowed deeply. "This student greets his teacher."
Not for the power, but for the knowledge—that was what lit Yang Yunhai's eyes. Chrysanthemum Douluo noticed, and was secretly even more satisfied. Talent was one thing, but to share a passion for herbology—that was priceless.
"Good, good, good!" Chrysanthemum beamed, pulling him up.
With a wave, two objects appeared in his palm. One was a silver-blue necklace inlaid with three oval sapphires, each glowing faintly with soul power. The other was a jade-green gourd, etched with golden leaf designs.
"This necklace is a storage soul tool I acquired at auction—three compartments, each with decent space. Better than the one you're wearing."
So he bought it because it was pretty, Yang Yunhai thought, seeing right through him.
"As for this jade gourd, it was a gift from the Pope herself. Though the space is only three cubic meters, it can sustain living plants, nourishing them with external energy. For a healer or herb researcher, it is priceless."
Yunhai's face grew solemn. "Then please thank the Pope on my behalf."
Chrysanthemum nodded, pleased. "Take them, disciple."
"Thank you, Teacher." Yang Yunhai accepted both.
"Now, formalities. Summon your martial soul. I must evaluate it fully before reporting back."
"Yes, Teacher." Yang Yunhai called forth his Blue Silver Grass, golden-veined leaves unfurling.
Chrysanthemum's eyes widened. He touched the vines carefully, astonished by their toughness and sharp barbs. "Truly worthy of the Black Jade Divine Bamboo's essence… astounding."
"Attack me as you did Bishop Salas."
Without hesitation, Yunhai sent vines forward, binding Chrysanthemum Douluo's golden-lit body, then channeled lightning through them. Golden arcs lit the room, reflecting on the elder's painted face.
'Remarkable…' Chrysanthemum's gaze burned hotter.
He composed himself. "Enough, retract it."
Yang Yunhai obeyed.
Then Chrysanthemum stepped close, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Do not resist."
Yang Yunhai nodded. A warm energy entered his body, surged through his meridians, then withdrew.
Chrysanthemum froze, then gripped his shoulders tighter. "Disciple, during meditation, does your soul power flow unobstructed through all channels?"
"Yes, Teacher. After being struck by lightning, I discovered my meridians were fully opened."
"Eight extraordinary meridians—completely open!?" Chrysanthemum was shocked. For most soul masters, even Titled Douluo, this was unattainable. But Yang Yunhai had achieved it at such a young age.
This meant his cultivation speed, endurance, and potential were extraordinary—perhaps even surpassing Tang Hao's in his prime.
Yang Yunhai only said humbly, "It was mostly luck."
Chrysanthemum believed him. Too many had tried lightning tempering only to die. This was no path to recommend.
"But luck or not, this is a heaven-sent gift," Chrysanthemum said, smiling. He tested Yang Yunhai's healing soul power as well and was impressed.
Finally, he asked gently, "About your parents—shall I send someone to look after them?"
Yunhai shook his head. "No. Cutting ties is the best protection. To me, I have no parents—only Grandpa Tai. Without him, I'd have died long ago."
Chrysanthemum's eyes softened. He nodded, then changed the subject. "You've been here long enough. Best not draw attention from the Seven Treasure Clan's spies. Time is long, disciple. We'll meet again. Go now—your little girlfriend must already be waiting."
Yunhai smiled bashfully and bowed. "Then I'll take my leave, Teacher."
"Go." Chrysanthemum nodded.
As Yunhai left, Salas stepped forward, cupping his hands. "Congratulations, Elder Chrysanthemum, on accepting such a fine disciple."
Chrysanthemum smirked proudly. "Well done, Salas."
Downstairs, Yang Yunhai's face returned to calm indifference. He collected both his and Zhu Zhuqing's subsidies without issue, then left Spirit Hall.
On the way back, he bought a pair of sachets, slipped the jade gourd into one, and hung it at his waist. The sapphire necklace he wore under his clothes. After picking up some daily supplies, he returned straight to the academy.
(End of Chapter)
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