Time passed unknowingly, and before long, it was already past midnight.
In the courtyard, two figures were whispering to each other on the swing.
Suddenly, a strange change occurred.
Turning his head, Chu Chengzhou saw the Crimson Flame Spear martial spirit in front of Su Nan suddenly emit a dazzling red glow.
Then, within the crimson firelight, a noble phantom of the king of birds—the phoenix—materialized.
Clang—!
With the cry of the phoenix echoing through the air, flames ignited around the fiery phoenix's form, illuminating the entire courtyard.
Gradually, the phoenix's image dissipated, revealing a crimson-gold spear etched with feather-like patterns resembling phoenix plumes. The tip of the spear appeared like the breath of a phoenix—radiant and golden-red.
"A top-tier power-attack type martial spirit?"
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou raised his eyebrows, a smile playing on his lips.
He could sense it—after consuming the immortal herb Phoenix Tail Crestflower, Su Nan's previously high-quality Crimson Flame Spear martial spirit had now evolved into a top-tier power-attack type tool martial spirit.
Of course, even among top-tier martial spirits, there were distinctions.
Chu Chengzhou estimated that this spear, with its many phoenix traits, still fell short of the renowned Clear Sky Hammer, said to be the greatest tool martial spirit under the heavens.
"Grandpa, congratulations!"
Chu Chengzhou stepped forward and smiled as he offered his congratulations.
It was clear to him that the gains weren't limited to just the evolution of the martial spirit—Su Nan's soul power had also risen from level 47 to a level 50 quasi-Soul King.
"Little Chengzhou, what on earth is that Phoenix Tail Crestflower? My soul power increased this much, and even my martial spirit evolved!"
Su Nan was in total shock.
He knew that herbs which could boost soul power levels existed—he'd heard of such things before. But using them usually came with heavy drawbacks, like damaging one's foundation or vitality.
Yet he could clearly feel that not only was his foundation intact and vitality untouched, but even his cultivation talent had significantly improved, and his body felt much younger.
And most importantly—even his martial spirit had evolved!Just one herb... and it evolved his martial spirit?
Could this Phoenix Tail Crestflower be a divine herb from legends?
"Grandpa, you don't need to know the details. Just know—it's a good thing."
Chu Chengzhou smiled and didn't explain further.
Su Nan gave him a deep look and then nodded.
As a key figure in Nuoding City, he wasn't a fool. At the very least, he understood the wisdom of keeping wealth a secret—a treasure like this would only bring disaster if widely known.
Half an hour later, Grandma Li Wan finished refining the medicinal power of the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid.
Just like Su Nan, due to the high compatibility between her martial spirit and the immortal herb, her Jade Magnolia martial spirit also evolved into a top-tier support-type martial spirit. Her soul power jumped from level 38 to level 40, reaching quasi-Soul Ancestor status.
The Next Day, Near Noon
In their room, Xiao Wu was teasing Chu Chengzhou's nose with the tip of her scorpion-tail braid.
The tickling sensation woke him from his deep sleep.
Opening his eyes, he was greeted by Xiao Wu's smiling face.
"You big lazy pig, get up… Mmph—!"
Before she could finish, Chu Chengzhou pulled her into his arms, flipped over, and kissed her.
Last night—or rather, early this morning—in his illusion realm, yet another girl's soul had blossomed into womanhood.
Dressed in a fairy-like crystal princess dress and enticing white stockings... the childhood bride he'd raised for years—he'd finally gotten halfway there.
After a while, they separated.
"How about another round?"
Chu Chengzhou licked his lips and hinted suggestively.
"Mmm~"
Blushing, Xiao Wu shyly nodded, then pouted.
"But not that kind of reminiscing~"
Smiling, Chu Chengzhou released his spiritual power, pulling her into an illusion realm.
After Su Nan and Li Wan's power boost from the immortal herbs and breakthrough in soul power and martial spirit quality, it took them three days to stabilize their levels. Then, Chu Chengzhou took them to the Star Dou Great Forest.
The hunt went smoothly. With Chu Chengzhou's power, arranging a 13,000-year soul ring and a 6,000-year soul ring for his grandparents was effortless.
Thanks to these above-optimal rings and residual medicinal energy from the herbs, Su Nan advanced to level 52 Soul King, and Li Wan to level 43 Soul Ancestor.
His grandparents, unlike Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu, lacked enhanced physical bodies. Though they had body-training techniques, their ability to handle soul rings was far lower.
Old age had weakened them, and their previous soul ring configurations were poor.
Take Su Nan for example: his ring configuration was yellow-yellow-yellow-purple—not even optimal, let alone exceptional.
Li Wan's rings were slightly better (yellow-yellow-purple), but their ages were still low: 200, 400, and just over 1,000 years respectively—totaling only 1,600 years across three rings.
Without good foundational rings, and with old rings needing to be compensated for, their limits were much lower.
After teaching them Nine-Breath Soul Meditation, Chu Chengzhou took Xiao Wu and left Nuoding City.
They returned to Lanba Academy after a two-week leave.
Right as they entered, they ran into Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, who had already returned.
"You're finally back!" Rongrong ran over. "Whoa! Xiao Wu, you look so pretty!"
Blinking, she stared at Xiao Wu's new look.
No more cute braids or pink princess dress—now she wore a high ponytail, crystal princess dress, and crystal shoes, just like her five-year time-skip look in the original novel.
"Really? Pretty, huh? My brother styled me!"
Happy with the compliment, Xiao Wu twirled around.
"Not bad, not bad! Looks like Senior Chu's fashion sense leveled up! Tell me honestly, Xiao Wu—did love change you?"
Rongrong giggled mischievously and poked her friend.
"Pfft! You're the one soaked in love! You little minx, go tease Zhuqing instead!"
Blushing, Xiao Wu swatted her hand away and gestured toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Of course, there was no real love involved—it all happened in the illusion realm. It didn't count.
"Wait, Zhuqing, your soul power…"
"My soul power reached level 37!"
Zhu Zhuqing cast a grateful glance at Chu Chengzhou.
Before eating Water Fairy Jade Bone, she was only level 28.
After getting her third soul ring, she jumped straight to Soul Elder (level 37). It was like saving years of effort.
"Hehe~ It's all thanks to Senior Chu's immortal herb! After I added my third soul ring, I also jumped to level 36!"
Ning Rongrong grinned at him.
Even Chenxin and Gu Rong were shocked by her progress. So was she.
"Wait—you two were only level 27 and 28 before the herbs?!"
Xiao Wu gasped.
Nine levels after the ring addition?
"Rongrong, Zhuqing, what were the years of your third soul rings?"
Chu Chengzhou asked.
"Mine's a 1,900-year-old Bi Guang Tree. It boosts power, speed, and soul power by 40%!"
Rongrong puffed up with pride.
"Mine's a 2,000-year-old Shadow Leopard—a single-target attack skill."
Zhu Zhuqing shared.
"All around 2,000? Looks like my body-forging techniques do work!"
Chu Chengzhou nodded with satisfaction.
Typical soul masters can only handle about 1,700 years for their third soul ring—especially support types or agility types. For girls, even 1,500 is excellent.
But the difference between 1,500 and 2,000 isn't massive—until much later, when soul power starts snowballing.
That Night
Unable to sleep, and starved of "romantic nourishment" for two weeks, Ning Rongrong came knocking.
"Rongrong, couldn't sleep because you missed me again?"
Chu Chengzhou teased as he opened the door.
"Tch, who'd miss a big jerk like you?"
She rolled her eyes, half-lying.
Then she grew serious.
"My dad's Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda turned into the Eight Treasures Glazed Pagoda after eating your herb. Thank you."
"Oh? Then how do you plan to thank me?"
Chu Chengzhou licked his lips, playful again.
Blushing, Ning Rongrong closed her eyes in surrender.
Chu Chengzhou scooped her up and carried her away.
In the Illusion Realm
Under the starry sky, a white cloud floated over the vast sea of clouds.
On the cloud, the youth plowed the field, while the girl sang joyfully.
Suddenly, the boy's expression shifted—his body froze.
Noticing the change, the girl asked softly:
"What's wrong?"
Blushing, Ning Rongrong looked up.
"…Xiao Wu's coming!"
"…Xiao Wu?!"
Panic flashed across her face.
She was doomed if caught. Nothing had really happened, and their clothes were still on—but how would she explain being in his room this late?
"Don't make a sound—follow my lead!"
Chu Chengzhou exited the illusion.
"Bro, you in there?"
Xiao Wu's voice came from outside.
Chu Chengzhou quickly used his spiritual power to cloak Ning Rongrong and pointed under the bed:"Quick, hide under the bed!"
Rongrong hesitated. If caught now, she might explain it away. But if found under the bed? No way.
Still, there was no better hiding spot.
She gritted her teeth and slid under.
"All good!"
Double-checking the room, Chu Chengzhou opened the door.
"What took you so long? Were you doing something shameful in there?"
Xiao Wu narrowed her eyes.
She'd heard some boys did 'evil' things when they didn't have girlfriends…
"Shameful? No way! I was just cultivating!"
Chu Chengzhou lied smoothly and pulled her inside.
"Really?"
She squinted.
"So why are you here this late?"
"Hm?"
"Love me~"
She whispered, her face beet red.
How could he turn her down?
He lifted her and carried her to bed, pulling her into the illusion again.
Meanwhile, back in the real world, he whispered to under-the-bed Rongrong:"You're safe. Come out."
At that moment, Chu Chengzhou felt that inventing illusion techniques with his cheat power had been an absolutely genius move.
Rongrong crawled out, shot a guilty look at her dazed friend, glared hard at Chu Chengzhou—and fled the room like her life depended on it.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
Chu Chengzhou smacked his lips, feeling a bit regretful.
He wasn't sure whether it was due to his strength not being up to par, or because the illusion technique was still at a low level—but at the moment, he couldn't cast two illusionary realms at the same time. Otherwise, wouldn't it be possible to have both girls in the illusion at once?
Pah~! I'm a righteous gentleman, how could I think such things? That's completely inappropriate!
With that thought, Chu Chengzhou focused all his attention back into the illusion realm.
The next morning.
Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong were in the forest simulation training grounds of the academy, practicing martial arts to strengthen their bodies.
Blue Tyrant Academy had stricter rules than Shrek. The mornings were dedicated to various academic courses, while only the afternoons were open for free cultivation.
However, there were always exceptions. Talented students could be granted special privileges—as long as they weren't slacking off, they could apply for independent cultivation time.
At that moment, a student suddenly ran over, saying Dean Liu Erlong was looking for Chu Chengzhou and Ning Rongrong.
There was nothing to be said—when the Dean calls, you answer.
When Chu Chengzhou and Ning Rongrong arrived at Liu Erlong's office, they found not only Liu Erlong, Flender, and Zhao Wuji present, but also two unfamiliar figures.
One appeared to be a refined and gentle man, around thirty to forty years old, holding a cane, his face like a polished jade.
The other was an elder with white hair and beard, but his skin was as smooth as a baby's. The aura he gave off was unfathomably deep.
"Aren't these my future father-in-law and Sword Douluo?"
Though they hadn't met before, Chu Chengzhou instantly guessed the identities of the two.
"Dad! Grandpa Jian!"
Sure enough, as soon as Ning Rongrong saw them, she called out sweetly.
"Greetings, Sect Master Ning, and Sword Douluo, Your Excellency!"
Chu Chengzhou immediately saluted respectfully.
Chen Xin narrowed his eyes slightly, the sharpness in his gaze brushing over Chu Chengzhou without restraint, making Chu Chengzhou's scalp tingle a bit.
Even though he knew Chenxin probably wouldn't do anything to him—after all, they wouldn't have brought Ning Rongrong if they intended to be hostile—standing before a Titled Douluo still came with immense pressure.
"You don't need to be so formal, young man. Dean Liu, may we borrow this office for a while?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled and waved his hand, then turned to Liu Erlong and the others.
"Of course, no problem at all."
Hearing that Ning Fengzhi had something private to discuss with Chu Chengzhou, Liu Erlong immediately nodded and left the room with Flender and Zhao Wuji.
Liu Erlong trusted Ning Fengzhi. As the leader of the prestigious Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he wouldn't harm a junior like Chu Chengzhou.
Besides, he had brought Sword Douluo with him. If they really wanted to cause trouble, there was no way she could stop them anyway.
"Sect Master Ning, may I ask why you've summoned me?"
Knowing this man was a cunning old fox and he couldn't possibly outwit him, Chu Chengzhou decided to be straightforward.
"Young man—or rather, dear nephew. May I call you that?"
Ning Fengzhi said with a gentle smile.
"Uncle Ning, you're Rongrong's father—of course you can!"
Chu Chengzhou jumped at the opportunity, addressing him as "Uncle" with ease.
From Sect Master Ning to Uncle Ning, and soon to future father-in-law—this was perfectly natural!
Hearing this, both Ning Fengzhi and Chenxin couldn't help but twitch their mouths.
Calling you 'nephew' once and you already call him Uncle? These young people nowadays—truly amusing (and shameless)!
"Come, nephew, have a seat!"
Ning Fengzhi gestured for Chu Chengzhou to sit, then spoke sincerely, "You helped Rongrong evolve her spirit into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and later assisted me in evolving mine to the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Such tremendous favors cannot go unrewarded. If there's anything you want, just name it!"
Ning Fengzhi had clearly taken the lead in this conversation.
"Uncle Ning, Rongrong is my classmate. There's no need to mention this."
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand casually.
At the moment, he truly didn't want anything. And even if he did, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect probably couldn't afford it.
Besides, asking for something directly would make him seem petty.
Well... I don't want anything else. Just marry your precious daughter to me in the future, and we're good!
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow, looking at Chu Chengzhou with growing satisfaction.
"In that case, if you ever need help in the future, just speak up."
Ning Fengzhi admired how the young man knew when to advance and when to retreat. This kind of gratitude would not be forgotten, so he gave his promise.
"Thank you, Uncle Ning!"
Chu Chengzhou nodded with a smile.
"Nephew, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is one of the three great clans on the continent, with two Titled Douluo overseeing it. What's your impression of our sect?"
No need to guess—Ning Fengzhi's old habit had kicked in again. Whenever he saw a genius, he wanted to recruit them.
"I understand your intention, Uncle Ning. But for now, I have no intention of joining any sect.
Rest assured though—Rongrong is my classmate and friend. If I ever do consider joining a faction, your sect will be my first choice."
After pretending to hesitate, Chu Chengzhou politely declined.
"That's a shame!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou refuse, Ning Fengzhi looked visibly disappointed.
He had personally witnessed the changes in his daughter after taking the Delicate Fragrant Immortal Herb. Not only had her level increased significantly without side effects, but her spirit evolved, and even her cultivation talent transformed dramatically.
Since Chu Chengzhou could give such a treasure to his daughter, it was clear he must have also used something similar—perhaps even better—for himself.
After all, who would give away good stuff to others and not keep some for themselves?
So in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, Chu Chengzhou was an absolute top-tier genius—a future Titled Douluo for sure.
Even though Ning Fengzhi's intel was outdated—he still thought Chu Chengzhou was 18 years old—he didn't know that the boy was actually only 14.
But Ning Fengzhi quickly composed himself.
Even if he couldn't bring Chu Chengzhou into the sect, just maintaining this relationship could lead to an alliance in the future.
Moreover...
Ning Fengzhi subtly glanced at his precious daughter.
Was this just one-sided love from her side? Or was this young man planning to two-time?
Ning Fengzhi, coming from nobility and once (still) being the most charming man in Heaven Dou City, wasn't against the idea of men having multiple wives.
But if it involved his beloved daughter, he couldn't just sit back and accept it.
Unless, one day, Chu Chengzhou became a true powerhouse—one of the strongest on the continent. Otherwise, he would never approve.
"Oh right, nephew, I'm quite interested in the spirit-forged armor you crafted. Would you be willing to sell us the forging method? Name your price—I won't bargain."
At five million gold soul coins per set, even someone as wealthy as Ning Fengzhi found it hard to afford.
But if it was a forging technique, then no matter how expensive, he'd be willing to buy it.
After all, one suit of armor benefits just one person—but with the forging technique, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could produce them in-house.
Even if Chu Chengzhou asked for a sky-high price—like a billion gold soul coins—he might still be able to accept it.
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead and twelve chapters ahead on my other translation, become a p@tron at p@treon.com/LordHipposApostle