Qian Daoliu's mood had been fluctuating these past few days, overwhelmed by the news brought by Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, he sighed.
First, there was the miraculous use of whale glue, which gave Qian Daoliu a glimpse of the potential for a significant boost in the overall strength of the younger generation of the Spirit Hall.
At the same time, before the effects of whale glue were publicly announced, they had already swept the market clean and collected a large amount from the eastern seas.
This provided a massive financial foundation for the Spirit Empire.
Then came the news that Qian Renxue wanted to consume whale glue to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring.
Although Qian Daoliu breathed a sigh of relief when he later learned that Qian Renxue had refined the Ice and Fire Immortal Herbs, he had been furious when he first heard the news, cursing Lin Feng in his heart countless times.
Next were the immortal herbs. When Ju Douluo informed him that the herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye could instantly boost soul power by eight levels, enhance innate talent without side effects, and even evolve Dugu Bo's martial soul, Qian Daoliu's mind went blank.
The remaining herbs could elevate the potential of at least several dozen high-level Soul Sages.
Originally content to stay secluded in the Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu personally went to receive Dugu Bo and even helped him obtain his ninth soul ring.
He arranged for Dugu Bo to serve as a guest elder for now, with the promise of a formal position later if he desired.
This left Dugu Bo feeling both honored and flustered, secretly believing that Lin Feng and Ju Douluo's kind words and arrangements had played a role.
He praised his own wise decision.
Now, whenever Dugu Bo walked through the Spirit Hall, he did so with an air of importance, boasting to his peers about Qian Daoliu's high regard for him, basking in the glory.
However, the most pressing matter was Qian Renxue's request for a successor.
Although Qian Renxue was not originally intended to be the primary candidate for the mission, considering Bibi Dong's current state, Qian Daoliu felt a headache coming on.
Originally, he had wanted Qian Renxue to leave and distance herself from Bibi Dong, but now it seemed the two would cross paths again.
This couldn't be allowed. As the next Angel Goddess chosen by their ancestors, Qian Renxue's safety was paramount.
Qian Daoliu considered letting Qian Renxue and Lin Feng travel and train outside, accompanied by a Titled Douluo for safety.
They could return to Spirit City periodically to report on their progress, which would suffice.
Strange...
Qian Daoliu frowned. This arrangement felt like bringing a daughter-in-law back to her parents' home for a visit—except she wasn't even married yet!
"That damn brat!"
Qian Daoliu snorted and sent out a message.
He instructed Qian Renxue and Lin Feng to remain in Heaven Dou for a while longer. Once the mission could be handed over, they were to return to Spirit City first.
If they agreed to his plan, they would need to prepare thoroughly before embarking on their journey, taking everything they might need.
When the message reached Heaven Dou, Qian Renxue excitedly wrapped her arms around Lin Feng's neck, exclaiming:
"Great! Grandpa has agreed to my request.
He even said we can travel and only need to return to Spirit City occasionally."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. He hadn't seen the word "occasionally" in Qian Daoliu's letter.
"That probably won't happen right away. It might take a few months."
Qian Renxue waved her hand dismissively:
"It doesn't matter. It's just a short time. With you two by my side, it's the same wherever we are."
Ling Yuan's beautiful face lit up with a smile.
It seemed Qian Renxue had truly accepted her.
"By the way, how's your soul power cultivation going now?
With the Ice and Fire Immortal Herbs and the dual-path enhancement, your progress must be rapid, right?"
"Of course! My speed has more than doubled. At this rate, I'll soon be able to obtain my fourth soul ring. When that happens, I'll be the first in history to have a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring. Haha."
Qian Renxue, sitting on the bed, clenched her fists excitedly.
"But..."
She glanced at Lin Feng:
"Although I feel like I already have a 98% chance of success, it's still better to improve my physical condition further.
We haven't really used that ten-thousand-year whale glue yet.
Speaking of which, when are you going to use it, Xiao Feng? Seriously, that ten-thousand-year whale glue is really fragrant, without the fishy smell of the ones Grandpa sent."
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled with an inexplicable light, as if she was secretly looking forward to something.
Lin Feng nodded:
"I do need to take it. Previously, I didn't have a pressing need for high-year soul rings.
But recently, I've had some thoughts about soul veins and want to pursue soul rings close to the limit."
Ling Yuan was taken aback:
"Why? With your soul vein cultivation method and the nourishment from the innate treasure pearl, your soul veins strengthen as you improve.
There's no need to chase after limit-breaking soul rings. Moderate ones should suffice."
Qian Renxue was equally puzzled.
"I had a new insight recently and want to test a hypothesis.
Higher-year soul rings make it more difficult to control their attached soul skills. What I want to verify is the degree of control over the soul skills during absorption.
This could potentially accelerate my research into creating soul veins for others."
"So soon?!"
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan exchanged glances, their pupils contracting in surprise.
Lin Feng smiled:
"It's just a hypothesis for now and needs verification. Why do you two seem more excited than I am?
Isn't this my research project?"
Qian Renxue pinched Lin Feng:
"Of course we're excited! We've been eyeing soul veins for years. Any progress makes us happy for you, and yes, a bit excited for ourselves too."
Her eyes sparkled as she continued:
"In that case, taking the whale glue can't wait any longer. Sister Ling Yuan, hold Xiao Feng down!"
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"Sorry, Xiao Feng."
Ling Yuan covered her mouth with a light laugh, using her soul power to immobilize Lin Feng.
Qian Renxue grinned and took out the whale glue from her storage ring.
She carefully cut off a small piece and melted it with fire.
A fragrant aroma filled the air, tantalizing the senses.
Qian Renxue brought the melted whale glue to Lin Feng's lips.
"Xiao Feng, it's time to take your medicine. Open wide—"
Under somewhat humiliating circumstances, with a resentful look in his eyes, Lin Feng silently swallowed the whale glue.
What's with this treatment? It's not like I wasn't going to take it. Do you really have to do it like this?
The moment the whale glue entered his mouth, it turned into a clear, spring-like liquid, flowing down his throat.
A strange fragrance mixed with an indescribable taste.
As the effects of the whale glue took hold, Lin Feng's body began to heat up, and his eyes grew hazy.
His breathing became heavier, and his cheeks flushed with an unnatural redness.
The two women before him grew increasingly alluring, their movements becoming more seductive and graceful.
Lin Feng clenched his legs tightly, not wanting them to notice his unusual state.
He broke free from Ling Yuan's hold with some effort, sitting cross-legged and using his robes to hide his condition.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, giving him an unusual allure.
"Gulp." Two sounds came from beside Lin Feng.
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan's cheeks turned red as they glanced at each other, embarrassed.