"However… this matter still requires careful consideration."
Bai Mu recalled the records he knew. When Huo Yuhao condensed his Spirit Core, many people had risked their lives to assist him, offering their power through sacrifice. Although Bai Mu did not feel that he lacked strength, he still decided to proceed with caution.
"Ah Yin still needs time to grow," Bai Mu thought calmly. "When she performs her next sacrifice for me, I'll seize that opportunity to condense my second Spirit Core."
He had already planned everything out. When the time came, Zygarde, the Immortal Herb spirit souls, and Ye Lingling along with Ye Tianxin would stand guard. Ning Rongrong would assist him directly. With the balance of Yin and Yang, he was confident that success was inevitable.
Time passed quickly. Several months went by in the blink of an eye.
On this day, Bai Mu personally went to the Order Academy to help Ning Rongrong complete her withdrawal procedures. Afterward, he brought her straight to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
The moment they stepped into this paradise-like place, dense spiritual energy washed over them. Immortal Herbs filled the valley, and flowers bloomed in profusion.
"So beautiful!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her eyes shining.
"I never imagined such a place could exist in this world!"
"If you like it, you can stay here as long as you want in the future," Bai Mu said with a smile.
"Mm! I definitely will—eh?!"
Before she could finish, Ning Rongrong spotted Xiao Yue standing obediently nearby, as well as Ye Lingling and Ye Tianxin, who were quietly waiting to the side.
"They're here too?!" Ning Rongrong planted her hands on her hips and glared at Bai Mu.
"So that's why you've been disappearing all the time! You were hiding people here all along!"
She scanned the group again, clearly dissatisfied.
"Enough, enough," Bai Mu quickly interrupted, stepping forward. "Don't jump to conclusions."
Ye Tianxin merely smiled faintly, clearly not offended, and nodded in understanding.
Only then did Bai Mu let out a quiet sigh of relief and lead Ning Rongrong deeper into the valley.
When Ning Rongrong saw the Immortal Herbs everywhere—each radiating the pressure of a hundred-thousand-year existence—and the massive Blue Silver Emperor whose aura alone was overwhelming, she froze in shock.
"S-so many hundred-thousand-year level beings…"
"Impressive, right?" Bai Mu said proudly.
"Choose whatever suits you. I'll arrange the sacrifices—and even prepare a full set of spirit bones for you."
"Really?!" Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up instantly.
She hurried among the Immortal Herbs, carefully examining them, before finally fixing her gaze on six identical Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grasses.
"Why six of the same kind?" Bai Mu asked curiously.
Ning Rongrong lifted her chin proudly.
"I've read about Spirit Bone Fusion Skills. I don't have any spirit bones yet, so this is the perfect chance to try."
"Even if fusion fails, six Ultimate Ice spirit souls are more than enough to protect me. With that kind of control, even facing a Titled Douluo wouldn't scare me!"
Her words were confident and well thought out.
"As expected of you," Bai Mu said approvingly.
Soon after, he signaled for everyone to prepare.
The six Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grasses released brilliant light simultaneously, initiating their sacrifices. Vast waves of icy energy surged forward, pouring into Ning Rongrong.
Six crystal-blue spirit rings slowly formed around her, lighting up one by one. At the same time, six Immortal Herb spirit souls appeared, circling her quietly, radiating an extreme chill.
Ning Rongrong felt her spirit power soar uncontrollably.
Breaking through barrier after barrier, her cultivation leapt forward in a single surge—straight into the Spirit Douluo realm.
When the light finally settled, she stood frozen in place, staring at the six hundred-thousand-year spirit rings surrounding her.
"I… actually reached this level…"
Even she could hardly believe it. Becoming a Spirit Douluo in one step was something she had never dared to dream of.
After she gradually calmed down, Bai Mu spoke again, his tone turning serious.
"Alright. Your part is complete. Now it's time for the next step."
Ning Rongrong blinked in confusion.
"Now? What do you need me to do?"
"Release your Martial Soul and assist me with everything you've got," Bai Mu said firmly. "We'll begin preparing for the condensation of my second Spirit Core."
Ning Rongrong nodded, finally understanding. She focused her mind, her expression turning solemn as she began to circulate her spirit power.
Seeing that she had misunderstood earlier, Bai Mu relaxed slightly and added calmly:
"This is a serious cultivation process. Stay focused."
"Ah—got it!" Ning Rongrong replied quickly, her face heating up in embarrassment as she steadied her breathing and entered a proper cultivation state.
The air within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well gradually grew still.
Everything was ready.