Just got back from work, sorry for the late update.
Enjoyy
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"Rules?"
Ning Bowen raised a hand to stop several elders who were about to step forward. He asked calmly, "Tell me—what are the rules here?"
The Aromatic Silk Beauty shook its large blossom and said in a warning tone, "Pass my test. One of you must consume a herb from this area. If you do, you may pass. But be warned—many herbs here are highly poisonous. Death is the price of failure."
Ning Bowen glanced at Yang Zihan. Of everyone present, his wife had the most knowledge of herbs across the continent.
But her expression darkened.
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well housed thousands of herbs, some of which had changed over centuries. Although Yang Zihan knew the vast majority, a few obscure ones remained beyond her understanding.
She could only hope the herb chosen was one she recognized. The Nine Treasure Glazed Sect could not afford to walk away empty-handed.
"We accept," Ning Bowen said after a beat.
After consulting with Yang Zihan, he turned over the next problem in his mind: who should be the one to take the herb?
"You choose someone," the Aromatic Silk Beauty replied.
"I'll do it."
Before anyone else could speak, Chen Junting stepped forward, unwavering.
"Foolish! Stand back!" Ye Xuanji shouted, sweeping his arm and sending Chen Junting to the back of the group. "This is too serious for you to act on your own."
"Master, I mean it," Chen Junting said as he regained his balance. He understood his master was trying to protect him—but he also knew someone had to do it.
He had two layers of insurance: the Living Gold within him and Elder Yi.
And he believed the Aromatic Silk Beauty wouldn't risk offering a deadly herb. If anything went wrong, it would face the wrath of eight Titled Douluo.
These immortal herbs feared death, too.
Seeing his determination, Ning Bowen frowned. "Junting, you must think carefully. Even your aunt Yang can't guarantee recognizing every herb here. This could kill you."
Ning Tian grabbed her brother's arm, eyes full of worry. She didn't stop him, though. She knew Junting wouldn't make a reckless decision.
Chen Junting gently patted her hand and addressed the Aromatic Silk Beauty: "Bring out the herb. I'll take it."
Ye Xuanji sighed and narrowed his eyes, releasing killing intent toward the flower.
A clear warning from a Level 97 Titled Douluo.
The six other supreme elders followed suit.
The Aromatic Silk Beauty shivered.
It hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing its options under the threat.
Yang Zihan, meanwhile, stared at it coldly—as if it were already dead. If Chen Junting were poisoned, she would kill the herb spirit and fuse its body with him. That wouldn't cure him, but it might save his life.
Finally, the Aromatic Silk Beauty softened its tone.
"You are a brave human. Let me find the herb that suits you best."
A faint purple glow emerged from its pistil and landed on Chen Junting. He didn't resist.
The light scanned him, then retreated.
"I see. So that's your martial spirit... I believe I've heard of it before. In that case, this one suits you."
A second purple light launched from its pistil, soaring about a hundred meters to land on a distant rock wall.
There, a brilliant golden herb grew, shaped like Curculigo, with seven sword-sharp leaves.
Ning Bowen recognized it at once—this was no ordinary herb. It was an immortal herb. The rock wall behind it even concealed a rich metal vein.
He quickly messaged Yang Zihan, "Zihan, do you know that herb?"
"That's the Golden Bone Immortal Spirit," she replied. "It's not only safe—it greatly benefits soul masters with weapon-type spirits." She gave Chen Junting a reassuring nod.
A purple light retrieved the herb and brought it to Chen Junting.
As he reached out to take it, golden energy sliced his palm.
"Hiss—" He flinched at the cut and wiped the blood with his fingers. "So sharp."
He cloaked his hand in soul power and grasped it properly.
"How do I take it?" he asked.
"Simple," the Aromatic Silk Beauty said. "Chew the rhizome first. Then hold the leaves in your mouth—but don't swallow. Here, I'll help."
Chen Junting obeyed.
The flower guided the process—separating the leaves and placing the rhizome in his mouth.
A bitter, spicy flavor hit his tongue. He resisted the discomfort, closed his eyes, and focused on the soul power coursing through him.
Then he placed a leaf in his mouth. Its sharpness made blood drip from his lips, but he held firm.
Ning Tian and Huo Yuhao watched nervously.
The Supreme Elders, though, saw it clearly: this was the start of a transformation.
Chen Junting sat down and entered meditation, absorbing every change within him.
Half an hour passed.
With all seven leaves in his mouth, pain racked his body. His forehead dripped with sweat. But then—his body glowed faintly gold. His soul power surged. Something immense was awakening.
A searing pain shot to his right hand—then exploded.
Buzz—
The shadow of the Seven Killing Sword emerged behind him.
Chen Junting's eyes snapped open.
He spat out the dull leaves, reached into the void—and the Seven Killing Sword materialized in his hand.
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(End of Chapter)
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