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Under the protection of two Titled Douluo, Feng Xiao began to absorb the sixty-thousand-year-old Thousand-Faced Spirit Fox spirit ring.
He sat cross-legged, with his hands placed on his knees, as the deep, ink-black spirit ring slowly descended, guided by his spirit power.
To his surprise, the moment the spirit ring touched his body, it transformed into a swirling, dark silver mist, completely enveloping him.
She Long also spoke in a timely manner, "Don't worry, the higher the age of a spirit ring, the more varied changes it will exhibit during absorption due to differences in spirit power attributes."
A hint of realization flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes; the absorption process was far more profound than he had imagined.
Within the mist swirling around Feng Xiao, the phantom images of the Thousand-Faced Spirit Fox's former life occasionally appeared, accompanied by ethereal echoes, as if countless Feng Xiaos were whispering simultaneously.
She Long keenly noticed that the ancient patterns on Feng Xiao's 'Fuxi' zither were undergoing subtle changes, gradually revealing star-like patterns similar to the Thousand-Faced Spirit Fox's crystal.
A full four hours passed, and when the last wisp of dark silver mist was completely absorbed, Feng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes.
To his astonishment, his pupils briefly transformed into multi-faceted prisms, similar to the Thousand-Faced Spirit Fox, with myriad illusions seemingly flowing within his gaze.
He gently caressed the newly refreshed 'Fuxi' zither body, and his sixth spirit ring suddenly lit up:
"Sixth Spirit Ability, Thousand-Faced Doppelganger!"
In an instant, six figures identical to Feng Xiao's main body simultaneously appeared in the forest.
Each doppelganger held a phantom 'Fuxi' zither, and even the sway of their clothes and the frequency of their hair fluttering were precisely the same.
Even more astonishing was that all these doppelgangers were enveloped by the same spirit power fluctuations as the main body.
She Long's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise as he said, "It's actually not a tool Spirit doppelganger, but a normal doppelganger ability; this ability is truly..."
Before She Long finished speaking, he suddenly thought of something, "After all, it's a sixty-thousand-year-old Spirit Beast; how could it be just a simple doppelganger?"
The next second, She Long's Snake Lance suddenly thrust towards three of the doppelgangers.
To his shock, these doppelgangers all made real defensive movements—the left doppelganger strummed the zither to release a sound wave shield, the middle doppelganger dodged sideways, and the right doppelganger directly blocked with the zither body.
Although they were ultimately shattered by the Titled Douluo's power, they indeed displayed tangible combat strength.
"Senior guessed correctly; each doppelganger possesses seventy percent of my main body's strength," Feng Xiao's main body explained, "but for each doppelganger maintained, the spirit power consumption increases by ten percent on top of the original amount."
He demonstrated, and when one doppelganger played, it could truly cause the surrounding plants to resonate.
Ci Xue couldn't help but praise, "This is much more practical than tool Spirit doppelgangers!"
He keenly noticed that when these doppelgangers were attacked, they would produce unique energy ripples like water patterns, clearly inheriting the Thousand-Faced Spirit Fox's abilities perfectly.
Even more remarkably, there seemed to be some energy connection between the doppelgangers, allowing them to transfer spirit power to each other.
When Feng Xiao retracted his Spirit Ability, his face was already slightly pale: "Currently, the limit is six doppelgangers for ten minutes, or one doppelganger for one hour."
He stroked the newly appeared dark silver crystal patterns on the zither body, "The greatest value of these doppelgangers lies in—"
Before he finished speaking, an unexpected change occurred!
Two doppelgangers appeared without warning three zhang behind She Long, simultaneously plucking their zither strings.
Under Feng Xiao's control, the two doppelgangers simultaneously played the 'Fuxi' zither; in just an instant, the strong resonance created a mental interference that made even She Long's mind tremble.
Their cooperation even produced a combined Spirit Ability; although its impact on a Titled Douluo was limited, such effortless coordination was already astonishing.
She Long recalled Feng Xiao's ability, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "Don't tell me, your doppelgangers can also release spirit power amplification abilities."
Feng Xiao smiled and shook his head, "How is that possible? Although these doppelgangers have seventy percent of my strength, they are ultimately constructed from my spirit power.
However, when I use a spirit power amplification ability, it should be able to extend the doppelgangers' duration."
She Long nodded, "That's also very practical; for you, it's even much stronger than a tool Spirit doppelganger.
This isn't a simple doppelganger, but a physical projection that can independently cast Spirit abilities and engage in tactical coordination!"
Such a Spirit Ability would be invaluable in combat—imagine six doppelgangers, each possessing seventy percent of Feng Xiao's strength, simultaneously playing different zither melodies, creating what kind of terrifying composite attack.
Ci Xue suddenly thought of something and frowned, "But will the main body suffer a backlash if a doppelganger is defeated?"
Feng Xiao nodded: "For every doppelganger lost, the main body will suffer a five percent spirit power backlash.
However... since they are doppelgangers constructed from energy, apart from spirit power loss, there are no other effects."
The two Titled Douluo exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
Although this Spirit Ability was powerful and highly compatible with Feng Xiao, it demanded extremely high tactical proficiency and spirit power control from the user.
Used well, it was a divine ability; used poorly, it could instead needlessly weaken one's own spirit power.
Meanwhile, at the Moon Pavilion, in the top-floor elegant room.
The morning light was faint, a golden ray of sunshine piercing through the exquisitely carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the rosewood floor.
Tang Yuehua sat at the table, her slender fingers gently caressing a celadon teacup; the tea had long grown cold, but she remained unaware.
Opposite her stood a young woman dressed in a light purple cloud-patterned long dress, around sixteen or seventeen years old, with a graceful figure like a willow and a remarkably beautiful and refined appearance.
Most striking were her eyes, as clear as a lake—it was Ye Lingling, the successor of the Nine Hearted begongia lineage.
"Lingling, I'm troubling you this time," Tang Yuehua's voice was softer than usual, her fingertips unconsciously tapping the table, "The patient's condition is a bit special."
Ye Lingling bowed slightly, her long dress rippling like water, her voice cool yet respectful: "Madam Yuehua, you overstate it.
You are my elder; this small matter is not worth mentioning."
As she spoke, a jade begonia hairpin in her hair swayed slightly, reflecting a warm luster in the sunlight.
Tang Yuehua rose to lead the way, the jade pendants at her waist making a crisp sound.
The two passed through three layers of Suzhou embroidery screens depicting seasonal flowers, then through a long corridor hung with ancient zithers.
Pushing open the last rosewood door carved with begonia patterns, a scent of medicinal herbs mixed with agarwood wafted out.
Ye Lingling's pupils suddenly constricted, and a familiar figure came into view—on the agarwood couch, a burly middle-aged man was meditating with his eyes closed.
He wore only a thin gray linen tunic, his bare arms covered in hideous scars.
Although he was merely sitting still, he naturally exuded a suffocating sense of oppression, like a sleeping fierce beast.
"Haotian Douluo..." Ye Lingling keenly noticed a faint crimson aura fluctuating in Tang Hao's chest with each breath, indicating years of accumulated internal injuries eroding his vital organs.
"Indeed, Lingling, he is my elder brother, Tang Hao," Tang Yuehua softly spoke this name, which was enough to shake the Spirit Master's world, while carefully observing Ye Lingling's reaction.
Ye Lingling's fingers trembled unconsciously for a moment but quickly regained their composure.
She looked at Tang Yuehua and softly said, "Senior's cultivation is too high; I can only do my best, and some injuries may be beyond my ability to heal."
Tang Yuehua nodded upon hearing this and gently said, "Lingling, just do your best."
Ye Lingling nodded.
She slowly stepped forward, her Nine Hearted Sea棠 Spirit quietly blooming, its pinkish-white petals swirling in her palm, emitting a soft glow: "Senior Tang, please relax your mind."
Tang Hao opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Ye Lingling like lightning, finally resting on the Nine Hearted Sea棠.
He nodded slightly, saying nothing more, simply unbuttoning his collar to reveal his scarred chest.
Ye Lingling took a deep breath, and five spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black—rose from beneath her feet.
She gently cupped the begonia flower in her hands, and her fifth spirit ring shone brightly.
Nine petals floated out, landing around Tang Hao and slowly merging into his body.
"Such severe internal injuries..." Beads of sweat formed on Ye Lingling's forehead.
"At least five old injuries have accumulated for over ten years, three of which damaged the heart meridian, and new injuries affect multiple parts of the body, with extensive damage to the meridians.
The whole person is like... a leaky house."
Tang Yuehua nervously clenched her sleeves, her knuckles turning bluish-white.
Watching the begonia petals summoned by Ye Lingling continuously merge into Tang Hao's body, she understood that her brother's condition was not optimistic.
To her shock, Ye Lingling could sense that Tang Hao's mental state was very poor.
"This is a Titled Douluo-level spiritual trauma?" She looked at Tang Hao in disbelief, her emerald eyes filled with shock, "Did Senior ever burn his soul power? And more than once?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Tang Hao's eyes, and he slowly nodded, "It was from over ten years ago; didn't you see the most recent time?" His voice was hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing.
"Lingling, how exactly are my second brother's injuries?" Tang Yuehua's voice trembled slightly, her slender fingers unconsciously clutching her sleeves, her usually dignified face now filled with panic.
Ye Lingling bit her red lips, about to speak, but Tang Hao raised a hand to stop her: "It's fine, no need to say more."
His low voice held an undeniable firmness.
Seeing this, Tang Yuehua could only fall silent, yet she still couldn't help but cover her lips with a handkerchief, her eyes, clear as autumn water, filled with worry, watching Ye Lingling, who was treating Tang Hao, without blinking.
Under Ye Lingling's continuous efforts, Tang Hao's old wounds began to heal at a visible rate, and his internal injuries were also constantly recovering; however, with her current spirit power control, the treatment was far from meticulous.
During the treatment process, Ye Lingling's delicate body trembled constantly, clearly under immense pressure.
An hour later, Ye Lingling finally ran out of strength and stopped, her face as pale as paper, without even the strength to stand.
Tang Hao let out a long breath, feeling the stagnant spirit power in his body flow freely for the first time in twenty years, and even his breathing became much smoother.
"Thank you."
The iron-blooded tough guy rarely expressed gratitude, his voice still deep but with a hint of warmth.
He stood up and gently supported the tottering Ye Lingling, his movements unexpectedly soft.
Tang Yuehua quickly poured a cup of warm tea, carefully handed it to Ye Lingling, and then thoughtfully helped steady her slightly swaying body.
Her slender fingers pushed the exquisite pastries on the table closer to Ye Lingling: "Lingling, quickly drink some tea and rest; you've truly worked hard."
A faint smile appeared on Ye Lingling's pale face, but her emerald eyes remained as clear as ever: "It's just a bit of spirit power consumed."
She hesitated, looking at Tang Hao, and finally said softly, "It's just... Senior's old injuries are truly too severe.
With my current cultivation, I can only treat them to this extent."
Her voice gradually lowered, "Senior, please remember not to use your Spirit again, and certainly not to fight anyone.
If you forcefully use your Spirit Avatar, I'm afraid..."
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua's teacup trembled slightly, the tea nearly spilling.
She urgently grasped Ye Lingling's hand: "Lingling, even your Nine Hearted Sea棠 can't heal my second brother's injuries?"
Ye Lingling gently shook her head: "To completely heal Senior's injuries, at least the cultivation level of a Spirit Saint is required.
My current spirit power control is simply insufficient."
Tang Yuehua closed her eyes, her slender eyelashes trembling slightly.
She took a deep breath to calm herself, and when she opened her eyes again, she had regained her usual dignified composure.
She gently supported Ye Lingling's arm and said softly, "Lingling, you've worked hard today.
I'll help you back to your room to rest."
Ye Lingling's face was still a bit pale, but she smiled gently and whispered, "Thank you, Madam Yuehua."
Leaning on Tang Yuehua's support, she slowly stood up.
The two walked side by side, their skirts gently swaying, casting two slender shadows in the moonlight.
In the shadow of the corridor, Tang San quietly watched it all.
His right hand tightly gripped the window frame, his knuckles white, and his eyes flickered with complex emotions—both heartache for his father's injuries and gratitude towards Ye Lingling, and a familiar figure also appeared in his mind.
Tang Yuehua led Ye Lingling to an elegant room in the side hall.
After the maid served fragrant tea and withdrew, Tang Yuehua's knuckles, tightly gripping the teacup, were slightly white: "Lingling, please tell me the truth, how exactly are my second brother's injuries?"
Ye Lingling's pale hand, holding the teacup, paused; the celadon made her face appear even paler: "Madam Yuehua..." She sighed softly, "I have done my best to repair Senior's meridians; it is a blessing that his life could be saved.
If he can recuperate quietly, perhaps when I break through to the Spirit Saint realm, I can completely cure him.
But if he forcefully activates his Spirit again..." She looked up directly at Tang Yuehua, her emerald eyes filled with worry, "I'm afraid the next time he makes a move, it will be the time of his death."
"What?!" The teacup in Tang Yuehua's hand shattered with a 'snap,' and the hot tea splashed onto her silk dress, but she remained oblivious.
She suddenly stood up, her moon-white skirt tracing a chaotic arc in the corridor.
By the time she stumbled back to her original spot, the room was already empty, with only the window wide open, swaying gently in the wind.
Tang Yuehua's legs gave way, and she sank onto the cold floor, crystal tears finally streaming from her eyes, leaving deep and shallow marks on her moon-white dress.
In the shadows, Tang Hao gazed at his sister's trembling back, his iron-forged fingers digging deeply into his palm.
A gentle breeze brushed his tattered cloak, carrying away a barely audible sigh: "Yuehua... forgive your second brother.
Your second brother still has many things left undone."