Chapter 292: The Favor of a Dou Sheng, Return to the Pill Tower
Feeling the agitation of the Dou Qi within his body, Xiao Ze stood up and sincerely thanked Sheng Ling. This advancement wasn't achieved thanks to the system but mainly with Sheng Ling's help. Under Sheng Ling's control, the world's energy flowed incessantly into his body, allowing him to avoid using system rewards, which must be used wisely.
"Thank you, Sheng Ling, for helping me advance!"
Seeing that Xiao Ze had completed his advancement, the great elder returned and examined Xiao Ze from head to toe. Although he had just broken through to the second level of Dou Zun, Xiao Ze's energy was contained, showing no signs of instability typical after a recent advancement. While he superficially appeared to be a two-star Dou Zun, his true strength would likely rival that of a high-level Dou Zun. After all, when Xiao Ze fought alone against the remains of a Dou Sheng, the great elder already knew that his strength was terrifying. What he had shown so far was just the tip of the iceberg of his power.
"Haha, no need to thank me. If I am now a Dou Sheng, it is all thanks to the opportunities you gave me," Sheng Ling laughed, not giving much importance to Xiao Ze's gratitude. For her, helping Xiao Ze was just a trivial effort compared to the risk Xiao Ze took for her.
"Sheng Ling, we're done here. The great elder and I need to return to the Pill Tower. What are your plans now?" Xiao Ze asked, bowing.
Hearing Xiao Ze's question, Sheng Ling's golden and black eyes showed brief confusion. She looked at the sky, as if her gaze pierced through space, seeing the Sea of Spirits.
"I plan to resolve the matter of the Great Sea Saint and then stay in the Sea of Spirits, preventing those greedy ones from entering and being corrupted by the dark energy. After that, I will use my power to purify the Sea of Spirits, freeing the spiritual slaves. If the Sea of Spirits remains as it is, it could become a calamity for the continent. I was born here, and I must do something about it."
Hearing Sheng Ling's words, Xiao Ze and the great elder felt deep respect. Her decision was worthy of her name.
Noticing their expressions, Sheng Ling smiled.
"Don't look at me like that. I also have my own motives. By merging with the spirit of the Sea of Spirits, training here is very effective. Finding a place like this to train at the Dou Sheng level is not easy."
The great elder, hearing this, felt even more respect. For Sheng Ling, the Sea of Spirits was a training place, but for others, it was a dangerous place, and she was willing to destroy it.
Sheng Ling took out a golden spatial jade and handed it to Xiao Ze.
"This is a spatial jade I made while you were advancing. If you ever face insurmountable danger, break it, and I will come to help you."
"Thank you, Sheng Ling!" Xiao Ze felt the weight of gratitude in his heart. Sheng Ling's help was invaluable.
Having the protection of a Dou Sheng on the Dou Qi continent was a huge advantage. Sheng Ling accompanied Xiao Ze and the great elder to their exit from the Sea of Spirits. Once safe, she resealed the ancient ruin, planning to purify the dark energy within it.
Back on the coast of the Sea of Spirits, the great elder commented with envy, "Xiao Ze, you have really gained the favor of a Dou Sheng."
"Yes, I didn't expect it," Xiao Ze replied, storing the spatial jade.
"This trip has been very fruitful. The Pill Tower will surely reward you generously. If it weren't for your lack of experience, they might promote you directly to one of the eight great elders."
The great elder looked at the coast, now almost deserted.
"I hope the Pill Tower gives me enough merits. I am eager to access their collections of pill formulas," Xiao Ze smiled, also looking at the coast. "It seems that the news of the resurgence of a Dou Sheng has scared everyone away."
"That's right. A Dou Sheng is a rare and powerful figure on the Dou Qi continent. No one would dare ignore a Dou Sheng."
They both returned to the base of the Pill Tower, where only Elder Mu remained. Seeing them, Mu ran excitedly towards them.
"Great Elder! Xiao Ze! What a relief to see you safe!"
The great elder smiled and calmed Mu. Curious, Xiao Ze asked, "Elder Mu, did something happen? Why are there no more disciples?"
"The news of the resurgence of a Dou Sheng in the ancient ruins made everyone disperse for safety. I sent them to other posts of the Pill Tower while I waited here alone."
After hearing Mu's explanation, Xiao Ze felt new respect for him.
"Now that you are safe, let's return together to the base of the Pill Tower."
The three of them returned to the base, where the disciples of the Pill Tower felt relieved to see their leaders safe. Shortly after, Xiao Ze and the great elder set off on their journey back to the Pill Tower. Although Xiao Ze had been away for quite some time, Medusa and Qinglin had not yet advanced. Xiao Ze, keeping in touch with Xun Er through the small golden tree, chatted with the great elder as they traveled.
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