After some playful banter, the atmosphere finally lightened up.
Guang Ling looked at the two "injured" individuals, one big and one small, and said, "Alright, from now on, you two should focus on recovering properly. With me here, nothing will go wrong."
"Oh right, Xiao Li, how long do you think it will take for you to recover?"
"It'll probably take at least half a month," Han Li replied uncertainly.
"Will recovering affect your ability to absorb a soul ring? You can tell me in advance what you want for your third soul ring, and I'll help you look around. There's someone who often hangs around here; I can ask him to help you as well."
As he spoke, Guang Ling gave Dugu Bo a meaningful look. Dugu Bo nodded in agreement.
Han Li thought for a moment and then said, "To be safe, let's leave it for now. But I do need your help to start looking for a soul beast."
"My physical strength is comparable to that of a Spirit Emperor, and my mental strength is on par with that of a non-spirit system Spirit King. However, I haven't taken the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew yet. Once I do, it should be sufficient. So, let's look for a soul beast aged between fifteen thousand to twenty thousand years."
"As for the soul beast, let's stick to the original plan. My first three rings will follow the amplification route. I already have armor-piercing abilities, and my elemental powers are sufficient. Plus, I can perform area attacks even without relying on my martial soul, so I don't need to consider that. I'm thinking of overall amplification or increasing range or arrow speed."
"Considering the Ice Fire Dragon Blades, it would be best if the soul beast also has abilities suitable for dual blades, like enhancing attack speed or breaking shields. If possible, I'd prefer a flying soul beast. Based on experience, I should be able to fully inherit its abilities. Hahaha."
As Han Li spoke, he couldn't help but laugh awkwardly, realizing his demands might be a bit excessive. He blushed a little.
Guang Ling and Dugu Bo's faces darkened upon hearing his requirements.
It wasn't that they were incapable, but combining so many conditions at once made it tough to think of any soul beast that could meet all the criteria.
Guang Ling thought of the Golden Scale Eagle that the Martial Soul Hall personnel had previously sought. He hadn't paid much attention to it at the time. Thankfully, it was for the second soul ring; meeting such conditions now would be a nightmare, no matter how many people helped.
Seeing their expressions, Han Li spoke again, "If it's impossible, a normal strength-type or speed-type beast would do. I don't need it to meet all the criteria right now. I don't rely heavily on spirit abilities anyway; I can make up for it later."
Guang Ling took a deep breath, glanced at Dugu Bo, who seemed to be doubting life but was still deep in thought, and sighed, "No problem. You don't need to worry about this. I'll go back to the Martial Soul Hall tomorrow and mobilize people to help you search. I'll keep looking too. Just focus on getting better first."
"Dugu Bo, accompany me back and help me procure some living supplies."
Guang Ling suddenly turned to Dugu Bo with a look that brooked no refusal.
Dugu Bo said nothing and nodded in agreement. He knew Guang Ling was still wary of him, but he understood. If he were in Guang Ling's shoes, he would do the same.
It happened that he was already planning to return to take care of some matters and visit Yan Yan along the way, so he didn't mind.
Han Li saw that his master had made a decision and didn't object. Instead, he walked to the side, found a place to sit down, and began cultivating. He needed to address the hidden dangers in his body and martial soul as soon as possible.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well grew quiet, and the three of them each entered their cultivation.
The other two focused on conditioning their bodies, while Guang Ling stabilized his recently broken-through realm and familiarized himself with his surging power.
The next morning, Guang Ling sent Dugu Bo out to find some edible vegetables and fruits, using the excuse that they had eaten too much meat. He didn't care about Dugu Bo's disdainful look.
After confirming that Dugu Bo had left, Guang Ling, with a slightly flushed face, pressed Han Li into a chair. Rubbing his hands awkwardly, he asked in a somewhat ingratiating manner, "Xiao Li, what are your plans for those two fire-attributed immortal herbs?"
Han Li immediately guessed his master's intentions but didn't hide anything. He straightforwardly said, "Which one do you need, Master?"
"If it's the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, it is a pure Yang tonic and shouldn't be taken recklessly. Its main function is purification and refinement, with the enhancement of fire attributes and soul power being secondary."
"As for the Infernal Delicate Apricot, you know its fire attribute is no less potent than the ice attribute of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass. It's very strong, but generally, soul masters find it hard to absorb directly."
"Then the Infernal Delicate Apricot?" Guang Ling probed, his face slightly flushed.
Counting what he had eaten himself, he had taken two of the top-tier herbs. Although each had significant flaws when split, their value was undeniable.
"Sure, Master. Here you go."
Han Li took out a jade box from his wristband, which contained a fiery red cabbage, and handed it to Guang Ling. He then asked, "Do you need me to prepare some auxiliary absorption medicines for you?"
Guang Ling, stunned, took the box and instinctively replied, "Yes, yes, and some for body conditioning afterward as well."
"Alright, please wait a moment. I need some time to prepare. You can rest over there."
Without asking for a reason, Han Li immediately dismissed Guang Ling, who was still trying to help.
Guang Ling didn't mind his attitude. Watching Han Li start to prepare the medicines, he fell into deep thought.
Something's off. Why didn't Xiao Li ask why?
You should ask. If you ask, I'll tell you.
Could it be that the kid has already guessed something? Impossible. Absolutely impossible. How could he know? The records in the Martial Soul Hall wouldn't have any related information anyway.
Could he think I have a dog outside?
While Han Li was following the recipe to prepare the medicine, he sensed his master's changing expressions through his antennae and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. His master's facial expressions were indeed quite rich.
The reason Han Li didn't ask was very simple: he knew, but he didn't want to know. It was better not to ask, to avoid bringing trouble upon himself.
Since his master wanted it, he would give it to him. It was just a highly toxic immortal herb anyway, and it was useless to him. Moreover, absorbing it successfully required either sufficient strength or a high-quality martial soul.
Since Guang Ling wanted to give it to Qian Renxue, he might as well hand it over and consider it protection money.
After returning, he would distribute the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, which was abundant compared to other immortal herbs. He would give one to each of the Worships. Who could then say he wasn't generous?
As for the other top-notch medicinal herbs, he could share some of them. But the immortal herbs would remain his foundation.
Regarding Azure Luan, unfortunately, there were no wind-attributed immortal herbs here. However, there were plenty of quasi-immortal herbs like the Purple Spirit Ganoderma, which could help him break through.
The claim that one could only consume one immortal herb was nonsense. As long as the herbs didn't conflict, one could continue consuming them after digestion, with only slightly reduced efficacy.
If his body hadn't temporarily reached its current limit due to the Ice and Fire baptism, he would have eaten a few more herbs just for fun. Such was his extravagance.
The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and the Yearning Heartbroken Red were prepared for Sister Xiu'er.
With the foundation of the immortal herbs and a bit of luck, the first Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear martial soul in human history might appear. If not, it was beyond his concern. That's what being the Father of Luck meant (Lakad Matatag)!
The Nine-Rank Dragon Ganoderma (Fire) was tentatively for Dugu Yan. Even if she didn't marry him, the grandfather and granddaughter were already tied to his chariot and couldn't be ignored.
If needed, he could add a Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. This herb's passive beautifying effect was also impressive. The combination of a snake martial soul and smooth skin—hiss—perhaps Old Master Dugu could try the snake swallowing the dragon? A snake might not necessarily be inferior to a dragon. Hmm, it was worth a try. He could let him choose later.
As for the Beautiful Silk Tulip and the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, along with some quasi-immortal herbs not mentioned in the original work, those could be dealt with later.
At worst, when his level was higher, he could actively use the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's abilities to cultivate more herbs. Though they wouldn't match the immortal herbs, they would still be good enough.
Thinking of this, Han Li's mood improved significantly, and his movements in preparing the medicine quickened, leaving Guang Ling even more bewildered.
Han Li skillfully finished preparing the medicine, checked it again to ensure there were no mistakes, and handed it to Guang Ling.
He also took out a notebook and detailed the usage instructions and precautions, providing a thoughtful service.
Guang Ling, still somewhat confused, accepted everything without receiving any inquiries from his disciple. Every time he tried to explain, Han Li deliberately interrupted and steered the conversation elsewhere.
In this back-and-forth between master and disciple, Dugu Bo, who had been sent to find vegetables and fruits, returned. Guang Ling gave up on explaining, deciding to leave it for another time.
The three of them casually boiled some vegetables, paired them with their dry rations, and ate some fresh fruits for breakfast.
After the two Title Douluo scouted the area to ensure there were no threats to Han Li's safety, they set off back to Heaven Dou City.
Watching Han Li wave them off, Guang Ling couldn't help but mutter to himself: Strange, how could this kid hold back from asking?
Dugu Bo, walking alongside him, couldn't help but turn his head and ask curiously, "What's wrong with you? Can't bear to part with your disciple? It's just a day, it's not that bad, is it?"
Guang Ling glanced at Dugu Bo, who was younger but looked much older than him, and said sinisterly, "If you can't speak properly, it's better not to speak at all. Imagine if I secretly took you out on the way back and told Xiao Li you were preparing to escape. Do you think he would act as if nothing happened?"
"You..."
Dugu Bo, furious, shot him a glare but couldn't be bothered to deal with Guang Ling, who changed his expression as quickly as flipping a book. He continued heading straight towards Heaven Dou City.
"Tch."
Watching the old man walk away, Guang Ling suddenly froze, and a thought surged in his mind.
There's only a two-year difference between nine and seven years old. If Dugu Bo can do it, why can't I, Guang Ling? Xiao Xue is only nine years older than his disciple. Once Han Li becomes a Title Douluo, an age difference of zero won't matter at all.
Moreover, in the world of soul masters, especially among high-level ones, it's common to see younger wives with older husbands and vice versa. Xiao Xue is the sole heir of the Qian family; she needs to continue the bloodline, right? At least it's worth a try. Better to benefit his disciple than others. The fertile water should stay within their fields.
Furthermore, his disciple is not inferior to Xiao Xue at all. According to Han Li's estimation, his martial soul might upgrade to a god-level martial soul in the future. By then, wouldn't they be a perfect match?
As this thought took root, Guang Ling became more convinced of its logic, almost as if he were possessed.
It wasn't until Dugu Bo's shout came from the front that he snapped out of his thoughts and sped up to catch up.
While catching up, Guang Ling thought of Dugu Bo's words and couldn't help but touch his storage belt. Should he say it was a gift from Xiao Li? Given his relationship with Xiao Xue, he didn't need this item to maintain their connection.
Yes, that's decided. But he couldn't say it too plainly. Xiao Li wouldn't know Xiao Xue. He'd use the excuse of a friend's junior to improve her impression.
At this moment, Han Li was unaware that Guang Ling's thoughts had gone astray. He was still at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, diligently addressing his hidden dangers.
...
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away at Nuoding Academy, the early-rising Tang San, after completing his Purple Demon Eyes training, felt a vague sense of misfortune.
Who could have thought that at the crucial moment of gathering purple energy, a flock of birds would fly overhead, and not the kind that had just relieved themselves, forcing him to take another bath early in the morning?
Oh, and there was an urgent order today that needed to be handled at the blacksmith shop. Shaking his head, Tang San brushed off the ominous feeling and quickly left the academy, heading towards the blacksmith shop.
On the way, he couldn't help but feel a bit resentful towards his teacher and the Martial Soul Hall.
It's been over a year, and since that incident, the Martial Soul Hall stopped providing subsidies for him and his teacher.
Even though the individuals who had clashed with Yu Xiaogang were transferred, their treatment was never restored.
He had to rely on the blacksmith shop's income to support both their living expenses, to the point where he couldn't even lend money to Xiao Wu when she asked, which was truly embarrassing.
Yu Xiaogang had also made a fuss about it later, but it was to no avail. In short, the two of them had been blacklisted.
Seeing the blacksmith shop right in front of him, Tang San put away his complaints.
"A teacher for a day, a father for life." How could he complain about his teacher just because of a little frustration? It was all the fault of the Martial Soul Hall for not recognizing talent, causing a master of theory like his teacher to be overlooked.
He must work hard to vindicate his teacher's name. He also needed to reflect on his attitude just now and strive to forge an extra tool in the morning. At noon, he would treat his teacher to some chicken legs as an apology.
Taking a deep breath, Tang San walked into the blacksmith shop. After nodding a greeting to his colleagues, he went to his workbench and skillfully began swinging his hammer.
"Don't worry, teacher. I'll apologize with a special lunch."
With this thought, Tang San felt a surge of motivation. He swung his hammer with force, but the workbench instantly collapsed. The red-hot iron piece, struck by his hammer, flew at high speed and landed on his left toe.
"Ah!"
A heart-wrenching cry escaped from the young man. The blacksmiths quickly gathered around, seeing Tang San clutching his left foot. The toe of his shoe was burnt through, and his big toe was severely swollen with burn marks.
The blacksmiths hurriedly helped him out and examined his injury.
"It's okay, it's okay. Just a minor burn and a bruise. A simple treatment will be fine." The blacksmiths were not too concerned; such accidents had happened before and were not uncommon.
"Tang San, you're a soul master. You should recover faster. Go home and rest." The blacksmith shop owner paused before continuing, "You'll still get your wages during your recovery. But, you know, this batch needs to be delivered in three days. Given your condition, you can't make it. The share I promised you will have to go to someone else. You don't mind, do you?"
Tang San, who had just had his injury treated, felt the stabbing pain in his toe and couldn't help but stand up to show he could still work. But as soon as he stood up, he winced in pain.
"Alright, boss. I'll go back and rest. I'll return once I'm healed."
Resigned, Tang San gave up the idea of working while injured.
"Hehe. It's nothing. Go home and rest well. Come back when you're better. You're a soul master with good skills. You won't lose your job here."
The blacksmith shop owner patted his shoulder and said with a smile.
"Come, someone helps Tang San back to the academy. The rest of you, disperse. Xiao Wang, clean up the workbench. Everyone, let's work hard to finish this batch early. Drinks are on me afterward."
"Let's go."
An apprentice came to Tang San's side and helped him out.
Tang San didn't refuse. Until he left the blacksmith shop, he could still hear the increased clanging sounds from inside, clearly spurred on by the boss's promise.
Forget it. Sighing, Tang San accepted that he wouldn't make quick money this time. He should go back and rest.
Additionally, he could spend the next few days learning from his teacher, using the time to recuperate.
If he had known he would have such bad luck today, he would have skipped gathering the purple energy and avoided coming to the blacksmith shop. Today was truly unfortunate.
PS: Han Li is Absorbing all luck.
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