Wuhun City, Worship Mountain, Guang Ling's seclusion place.
It was only after the figures of the three people disappeared that the tense atmosphere dissipated.
The Lion Douluo touched his head and was the first to speak: "Old Five, is it possible to change one's temperament through seclusion? How can you, Guang Ling, make deals with Bibi Dong? Why does this feel so surreal? It's still night, and I haven't slept yet."
Guang Ling glanced at the lion douluo with a contemptuous look and clicked his tongue: "You don't understand anything. You'll get it in the future. Or do you want a copy of my insights? I can write one for you too. But if I share it with everyone later, you won't be able to listen. How about it? Agree?"
Although the lion douluo couldn't understand what Guang Ling was up to, he wasn't stupid. Just by looking at Guang Ling's expression, he knew this guy was setting a trap for him. Moreover, Guang Ling's current strength surpassed his, so he just snorted coldly, turned his head away, and stopped talking.
Golden Crocodile didn't know what Guang Ling was planning either, but the current situation wasn't too bad. He glanced at Guang Ling and left with a, "Don't cause any big trouble."
Although the others wanted to hear Guang Ling's lecture right away, they looked at the dilapidated house, and then at the two kids. Knowing that Golden Crocodile had already left, they realized it wouldn't happen tonight. So, they all said their goodbyes and chose to leave.
Soon, only the four of them were left.
Guang Ling glanced back at the house, which had become dilapidated due to the breakthrough, and then looked at Azure Luan. He initially wanted to go to Azure Luan's place first to drink and celebrate. But then he thought about having to make things up and inevitably discuss things with his apprentice, so he decided to go directly to Azure Luan's place, which was just a few steps away anyway.
So, he looked at Azure Luan and said: "Let's go to Xiao Li's place. You come too, just for reference."
Azure, having already guessed this, smiled and replied: "Sure, I'll have someone send over the prepared food and drinks. You take them over first."
"Okay, hurry up then."
After saying this, Guang Ling didn't wait for him to respond and happily carried the two kids toward the nearby mansion.
Azure Luan, helpless, swallowed his subsequent words and walked towards his residence, thinking that Guang Ling's nature was just like that.
A gust of wind blew by, and Han Li and Xiu'er were placed in the courtyard. They had just steadied themselves when they heard Guang Ling's voice.
"How's your cultivation going? Did you slack off while I was in seclusion?"
Remembering his childhood cultivation, Guang Ling asked suspiciously. Then he saw Han Li looking at him like he was an idiot, prompting him to finally observe the two little ones in front of him.
He first glanced at Xiu'er. Hmm, not bad, she should have already obtained her soul ring. Then he carefully observed his disciple and noticed that his aura was still a bit unstable, likely just having broken through.
"Fourteenth level?"
He asked uncertainly. It had been a long time since he had interacted with new soul masters; the fluctuations in spirit power were too weak for him to be sure.
"I, Han Li, a genius, fifteenth level, broke through a minute before you."
Fifteenth Level Already?
Guang Ling could hardly believe his ears. Even though he was in seclusion, he had a rough sense of time—it had only been a bit over three months. And Han Li had jumped three levels?
Though leveling up is indeed easier during the early stages for soul masters, and Han Li was close to the thirteenth level after absorbing the external soul bone, this speed was astonishing. It completely overturned Guang Ling's previous understanding.
"This is all thanks to the training schedule you set, Teacher. Even my sleeping time was strictly regulated," Han Li said wistfully.
"Ah, so you stuck to that schedule for the whole three months," Guang Ling realized, finally recalling the contents of that manual.
"Is something wrong with that?" Han Li immediately caught a potential flaw in Guang Ling's words, staring intently at his teacher's face.
"There's no real problem. I just didn't expect you to stick with it for three months. I forgot to remind you—and to inform the others—that it was only a half-month training plan. After enduring it, you could have halved the intensity. After all, you're still growing; constant strain isn't ideal," Guang Ling admitted, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face.
"Oh," Han Li replied blankly. He had wondered how other kids, genuinely six years old, could endure such training. Now it made sense.
"Hey, don't be mad. You persisted and broke through to the fifteenth level, which shows that my plan was effective," Guang Ling said, squatting down with a smile and patting Han Li's head.
"It was effective, no doubt. But I was in pain even while sleeping," Han Li complained verbally but wasn't truly angry. The results were evident, though he felt mentally exhausted. He could cope with that.
"Alright, now that I'm out of seclusion, you don't have to follow that plan anymore. Take a break. Of course, your training time shouldn't decrease," Guang Ling said after thinking for a moment, setting a new training schedule.
"Okay," Han Li sighed in relief. He could have endured a bit longer if necessary. His body, supported by medicinal supplements and the hard work of healing soul masters, hadn't suffered any hidden injuries.
However, his mind needed some relaxation. For the past three months of almost mechanical training, he'd been driven by the belief that if other children could do it and he couldn't, he was worthless—reduced to eating at the same table as Yu Xiaogang. Now, he realized it was his teacher's oversight, and he could finally rest a bit.
Guang Ling was extremely satisfied with Han Li's performance. As long as he didn't slack off in training, other matters were trivial.
At that moment, Azure Luan, who had left earlier, returned, followed by a group of servants carrying the prepared food and drinks.
"Perfect timing, we can celebrate both our breakthroughs," Guang Ling laughed heartily.
"Three reasons to celebrate. Tomorrow we can even score a big win," Han Li reminded from the side.
"Haha, indeed, three reasons to celebrate. We definitely should," Guang Ling said, taken aback for a moment before his smile grew even broader.
After a boisterous period, Xiu'er excused herself to return to her room. She hadn't finished her training yet, and with her young master already at the fifteenth level, she couldn't afford to fall too far behind.
The revelry continued until eleven o'clock when Guang Ling's enthusiasm finally began to wane. During this time, Han Li mostly listened quietly to the conversation between the two older men, occasionally pouring wine. Even so, he gained a lot of knowledge and heard many interesting anecdotes. After all, these were two titled Douluo with experiences far beyond his own.
Suddenly, Guang Ling shifted the topic toward Han Li.
"By the way, Xiao Li, I can understand the gold soul coins and medicinal herbs, but why did you ask me to get those plant illustrations from that Chrysanthemum Douluo? Do you like that stuff?" Guang Ling asked curiously, unaware that his young disciple had such an interest.
As expected, the inevitable question came. Han Li sighed inwardly, thinking that this must be the opportunity-grasping ability of a top assistant director (AD). Not only were they sharp at finding people's weaknesses, but their ability to identify key points was also unparalleled.
Despite the world being humorously dubbed the "continent of romance," Han Li had quickly realized after waking up that few people here were truly foolish. Due to cultural reasons, they were rather "innocent" in certain aspects. Especially these top-level experts—if they didn't notice anything at all, it would be truly strange.
"To be honest, Master, I am indeed very interested in this. Not just in various plants, but also in medicine. I plan to study it in my spare time," Han Li replied truthfully.
Hearing his words, Guang Ling and Azure Luan didn't react much. After all, Han Li had said he would only study in his spare time, as a hobby. They didn't oppose this.
"Well, that's fine then. As long as it doesn't affect your training, you can do as you please. But you sure have a keen eye. Chrysanthemum Douluo cherishes those precious plants of his a lot. Asking for that was practically taking half his life," Guang Ling said, downing another cup of wine with a hearty laugh.
"So, Master, it's time to write down your insights," Han Li reminded him.
"Sure, no problem. Let's start now. I'll write them. Whether they can grasp it or not will depend on their understanding," Guang Ling said, exchanging a glance with Han Li. Both master and disciple shared a knowing smile, which Azure Luan couldn't help but notice. Despite not spending as much time together as he had with Guang Ling, the two seemed inexplicably in sync on such matters. He could only attribute this to the unique bond between master and disciple—something that words couldn't fully explain.
Under Azure Luan's watchful eyes, the master and disciple duo began to murmur to each other while taking out a booklet and starting to write.
At first, Azure Luan was surprised that Guang Ling was genuinely writing out his cultivation insights. But after a while, he looked up at the sky, his face dark with realization.
Yes, Guang Ling did write in great detail. However, he had started from the first soul master stage, including steps so meticulous that even Azure Luan couldn't find any faults. It wasn't until he reached the ninety-fifth level that his true intentions became clear.
He had indeed written his real insights. However, these were essentially internal records of the Martial Soul Hall, available for any Titled Douluo to read. Once he hit the more specific aspects, his writing turned vague.
For example: "Breaking through to the ninety-sixth level is quite simple. Once you reach the ninety-fifth level, you can begin developing the unique characteristics of your martial soul. It's relatively easy." Or: "This topic is clearly explained in the internal records. Those who understand will understand. For those who don't, it's a matter of personal talent. If you don't get it, even if I explain it, you still won't get it. So, do you understand?"
Of course, Guang Ling didn't just write nonsense. His heart wasn't entirely black, but he wasn't overly generous either. He specifically noted that if you had twin martial souls, you could try adding spirit rings to the second spirit, which might allow a breakthrough. If you didn't have a twin martial soul, then there was nothing he could do.
Did Guang Ling tell the truth? He did, but not the whole truth. He had indeed read the internal records and broken through to the ninety-sixth level. However, he had been stuck for a long time afterward.
He simply didn't include his insights on breaking through to the ninety-seventh level or the advice given by other elders. After all, Bibi Dong's requirement was to guide Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to the ninety-sixth level, and these were his insights. He had no right to share others' secrets.
He hadn't lied at all. The Angel God could testify to that, and he even planned to swear an oath in person tomorrow.
After finishing, Guang Ling read through the booklet once more, ensuring that the only useful information was from the original internal records. He was quite satisfied with this. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had already read these records multiple times. If they could break through with his "those who understand will understand" guidance, Guang Ling would accept it.
He then glanced at Han Li, asking if he had anything to add.
Han Li thought for a moment. It's wise to leave some room for future interactions, as they all belonged to the Martial Soul Hall and might align on the same front in the future.
After hesitating for a moment, he took the booklet and added a final note:
"The main reason you two can't break through to the ninety-sixth level is that you took the wrong path before reaching the Titled Douluo stage, exhausting your potential.
The Starlight Immortal Chrysanthemum and Ghost martial soul don't naturally belong to the power attack and agility attack categories. Forcing your way to the Super Douluo level is already pushing it. If you can find suitable heavenly materials and earthly treasures, one to strengthen your essence and the other to enhance your soul, then you might find the right path.
Even if they now understand the mysteries of their martial souls, forcing a promotion could lead to undesirable consequences. Please remember this."
After reading the final note, Guang Ling handed the booklet to Azure Luan. The two of them stared at the last annotation for a long time, then looked at Han Li with a strange expression before finally looking away, both letting out similar sighs.
"You really are a freak, kid. Are these the insights a six-year-old should have? Sometimes, I want to open up your head and see what's inside that makes you think of these things."
"Maybe it's the blessing of the Angel God," Han Li replied casually, not minding their exclamations.
He had always relied on his unique approach to gain favor and naturally didn't mind showing off a bit more. Besides, what he was displaying now were just thought patterns. As long as Qian Daoliu wasn't suffering from dementia, Han Li was safe.
Moreover, he had a series of actions planned. If he didn't act a bit extraordinary, how could he garner strong support from those behind him? So, he wasn't planning to play dumb. As long as he firmly aligned himself with the Worship Hall, others would clear the obstacles for him, wouldn't they?
"The blessing of the Angel God?"
Guang Ling and Azure Luan's expressions grew even stranger. Although they didn't know much, they were somewhat aware of their boss's superior. Not to mention there was a "senior" right in front of them.
If they remembered correctly, this kid had passed by the angel statue several times without any reaction. If you're going to make up an excuse, at least make it a believable one. If the Grand Worship hears this, a beating is inevitable.
Yes, the last person to spout nonsense was Guang Ling, who got a thorough thrashing from Qian Daoliu. However, the master-disciple tradition wasn't lost.
Seeing that it was late, the two Titled Douluo didn't linger. They sent Han Li back to his room and gave him the day off tomorrow before leaving together.
Indeed, they were tired. Back in his room, Han Li decisively abandoned his meditation and went straight to sleep. Not long after, the quiet room was filled with the sound of even breathing.
The night passed without incident, and it wasn't until nine o'clock the next morning that Xiu'er woke Han Li up.
After a simple wash, he hurried towards Azure Luan's residence. The transaction time was set for ten o'clock in the morning, and he couldn't afford to miss it.
Most importantly, he had to get the information about the immortal herbs. He couldn't let his teacher be deceived by Chrysanthemum Douluo. Everything else could be negotiable, but this was non-negotiable.