"Well, not bad. In terms of strength and defense, compared to soul masters of the same type from ordinary martial souls, you have a certain advantage even in battles with opponents ten levels higher. However, that third strike just now—if your speed had been a bit faster, you could have dodged it. You need to practice more."
Guangling nodded in satisfaction but also pointed out Xiu'er's mistakes in the battle.
"Yes, Master."
Xiu'er's little face became serious again.
"Alright, someone come and treat them."
Guangling called out to the sidelines, and two soul masters stepped forward. One was from the food system, and the other from the healing system. After examining Xiu'er's injuries, they also explained some precautions to take during the medicinal bath at night.
"Now, do you understand why we're not worried about Sister Xiu'er's willpower?"
Han Li looked at the still somewhat dazed Dugu Yan.
"Yes, Sister Xiu'er—no, Xiu'er has always trained like this."
Dugu Yan looked at Xiu'er, who was receiving treatment in the arena and had resumed her sweet smile and delicate appearance, with a complex expression.
"Yes, there's no other way. Sister Xiu'er's martial soul is like this. We can't just stop because of a little setback. It will get better with time. Maybe, when she becomes stronger, soul masters of the same level or even one level higher won't be able to break her defense. Since her martial soul evolved, the injuries she sustains have become much lighter."
Han Li's voice unconsciously became gentler as he smiled and waved at Xiu'er, who was looking over from the arena.
"In the future, I want to train like this too. As for the money, my grandpa will pay for it."
Dugu Yan said through gritted teeth, then added shyly, blushing a little.
Han Li was taken aback at first, then said with a wry smile, "Your main focus is long-range attacks. Why imitate Sister Xiu'er? Your training method should be similar to mine. Don't worry about it. Master and the training team will test your abilities and give you a corresponding training plan."
"Yes, we also need to add aerial combat to the list. I need to learn that as well, so we can train together. As for the money, don't worry about it. You and your grandpa are my followers, after all. I can afford this. No need to feel embarrassed; all I need is your loyalty."
In the last sentence, he winked at Dugu Yan, implying something unspoken.
"That won't do. There are three of us in my family. We can't let you bear all the costs. Besides, my grandpa only has one granddaughter. If he doesn't spend money on me, who will he spend it on? I'll write him a letter."
Dugu Yan was stubborn, but when it came to taking advantage of her grandpa, she was relentless.
Seeing he couldn't persuade her, Han Li gave up.
Fine, when he sent the carriage to the old man, he'd include a card with it. Back then, Dugu Bo was willing to offer his family assets. Han Li knew that most of the old man's wealth was in fixed assets, so he didn't have much cash on hand. He didn't want to squander the properties in Heaven Dou City, one of the three most prosperous cities on the continent. Selling them hastily wouldn't be wise.
After the treatment was complete, the group of five headed towards the living room.
Two young girls fell behind, chatting about something unknown.
Han Li turned to Azure Luan.
It had been a long time since he had last seen his martial uncle. Previously, in the Hall of Worship, they had only exchanged brief greetings. Throughout the process, Han Li mostly observed without actively participating.
"Martial Uncle, you haven't taken the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, have you?"
"No, your Martial Uncle Lion tried it. The effect was decent, but as your master said, it has limited benefits for us. However, it should be quite effective for your Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile, as it aligns with his path. Hopefully, it will help him break through."
"Why, are you regretting it now, or do you find the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng? If so, you can take it. It doesn't do much for me."
As Azure Luan spoke, he produced the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng and handed it to Han Li.
"You misunderstand, Martial Uncle. How could I take back something I've given? You keep it. I don't need it. Here, this is for you. I specifically saved it for you. Although it's not an immortal herb, it's close. It's particularly well-suited to your attributes."
Han Li, smiling wryly, pushed the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng back. He then took out a flower with a bell-shaped crown, white at the base and light purple at the edges, from his bracelet and handed it over.
"Martial Uncle, this is called Wind Chime Grass. It has wind attributes and carries a certain degree of sonic and mental attack. Like this."
As Han Li spoke, he gently touched the petal with his soul power, causing a bell-like sound to echo and faint ripples to appear in the air ahead.
"It's perfect for you. You can study it first; there's no rush to consume it. I've treated it to ensure it retains its essence for a month and a half without losing potency. Once you're done studying, wash it thoroughly and swallow it whole. Do not chew it."
Han Li pointed to the roots wrapped in the soil from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and explained the specific method of consumption before stopping.
"Alright, then I won't be polite."
Azure Luan accepted it directly and stored it in his space item. Although he had a device capable of storing living things, it wasn't large. This was why Guangling hadn't directly asked him for it initially.
Han Li didn't say much else. Although he addressed Azure Luan as Martial Uncle, their relationship was nearly the same as that of master and disciple.
When he returned, he planned to use the recipes from Chrysanthemum Douluo's plant compendium to make something good and send more to his martial uncle. Even if it didn't lead to an immediate breakthrough, he could help Azure Luan reach the threshold of level ninety-seven through rare medicinal herbs alone.
Guangling, standing nearby, also smiled. Two of his closest people getting along so well made him very happy.
"Let me know when you go into seclusion. I'll have a surprise for you when you come out."
Guangling suddenly remembered something and said to Azure Luan.
"Surprise? What kind of surprise?"
Azure Luan asked curiously.
"Ah, don't ask. If I tell you in advance, it won't be a surprise. I just think you're too aloof, so I've found something to keep you busy. I'll discuss it with Han Li later. Rest assured, I guarantee you won't refuse this time."
Guangling wore a mysterious expression and winked at Han Li.
Han Li looked at his master in confusion. What was he talking about? Why was he suddenly involving me? I don't know anything about this!
However, seeing Guangling continuously winking at him, Han Li still nodded.
Fine, I'll ask Master after Martial Uncle leaves. Hopefully, Master won't cause a big commotion. If necessary, I'll keep an eye on him. If things get out of hand, I'll complain to Grand Uncle!
Azure Luan glanced at the master and disciple duo, who lacked tacit understanding and smiled. However, he didn't inquire further.
Azure Luan didn't stay long with Han Li. He mainly came because they hadn't met in a while, and since Xiu'er was about to absorb a soul ring, he learned from Guangling that Han Li's third soul ring came from the Green Shadow Godly Eagle and that he had obtained its wings. So, he came to take a look.
Now that he had seen everything and even gained an unexpected Wind Chime Grass, he felt that although Han Li said it had over a month's shelf life, time was still tight for him. So, after everything was settled, he left in a hurry.
Guangling stayed behind because he had to help plan Dugu Yan's training schedule in the afternoon. Additionally, he needed to participate in the aerial combat training that Han Li had previously mentioned.
Although Guangling could teach on his own, he was primarily a long-range combat archer.
Han Li was different; he was proficient in both close and long-range combat, similar to Dugu Yan, who leaned more towards long-range.
When it came to laying the groundwork, Guangling preferred to observe first rather than directly imparting all his experience to the two. If necessary, he was even prepared to invite members of the Angel Legion for assistance. After all, he had learned his aerial combat skills from them. The Grand Worship probably wouldn't refuse, right?
Seeing the two young girls engrossed in their conversation, Guangling decisively moved over to his disciple.
Han Li looked at him, and it was perfect timing since he had something to ask his master as well.
"Why don't you go first?"
Guangling saw Han Li looking at him with a peculiar expression, similar to how he usually looked at Han Li. Unable to help himself, he frowned and spoke.
"Alright, Master, please don't get angry. I just want to ask, the surprise you mentioned for Martial Uncle, won't cause a big mess, right? And why did you drag me into it? If it goes wrong, Martial Uncle will increase my practical training again, and it hurts a lot."
Han Li asked tentatively, but by the end, he couldn't help but show a troubled expression.
Listening to his disciple, Guangling barely resisted the urge to smack him on the head. What kind of talk was this? Is this how a disciple should speak to his master? No wonder the boy's gaze was off earlier. Who's the master here anyway?
With a stern look, Guangling glanced at Han Li, and then at the two girls nearby. He raised his hand and set up a soul power barrier before threateningly saying:
"Good disciple, you wouldn't want me to tell Xiu'er and Dugu Yan about your fondness for looking at Skywater Academy student records, would you?"
Han Li gave him a speechless look. Go ahead and say it if you want. He wasn't afraid; he looked at the records for legitimate reasons, not with any bad intentions.
Huh?
Could the surprise Master mentioned for Martial Uncle have something to do with Skywater Academy? Otherwise, why would he bring it up?
So, Han Li tentatively asked, "Master, the surprise you mentioned, is it Shui Bing'er?"
"Yep, that's right, that little girl. Didn't you tell me about her?"
Guangling looked at him with an approving gaze and said confidently.
"You don't mean to capture her and make her Martial Uncle's disciple, do you?"
Han Li asked in a highly doubtful tone.
Guangling squinted his eyes and said in a displeased manner, "I allow you to reorganize your language."
Han Li, feeling apprehensive, asked again, "Are you planning to prepare a genius disciple for Martial Uncle?"
This time Guangling nodded with satisfaction, "That's right, just as you thought."
"Master, aren't you being a bit too optimistic? The situation at Elemental Academy is quite uncertain now. Aren't you afraid of getting a cold shoulder? Even though Shui Bing'er is still in the Junior Academy, her parents are high-ranking officials at Skywater Academy. It's not that easy to bring her here."
Han Li did not want to get himself and his master involved in the mess. Bibi Dong was currently in a power struggle with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Why would they voluntarily wade into the mud?
"You seem to be more diligent in reading the intelligence reports than I am."
Guangling teased.
He naturally knew the situation over there as well.
"But don't worry. As your master, I am confident. The intelligence reports mentioned that Shui Bing'er has trouble controlling her martial soul, and you also mentioned before that her martial soul's possession form somewhat resembles a mutated little Phoenix."
"We don't need to get involved in their fight. We just need to talk to her parents. A Title Douluo taking disciples and offering to solve her martial soul problem without interfering with Skywater Academy's choices afterward—do you think her parents would agree?"
Guangling had a confident look, though the smile on his face was a bit sly.
"But they have to believe it. A Title Douluo personally taking a disciple—saying this is not a decision from the Martial Soul Hall, do you think others would believe it? If you go ahead, the situation will escalate. What will you say to the Pope? She might come knocking on your door again. And will Martial uncle agree?"
Han Li earnestly tried to persuade his master. Sure enough, Guangling wanted to stir things up and give Bibi Dong more trouble.
"No problem. At that time, I will swear by the Angel God. Big Brother will agree."
Guangling had an indifferent attitude.
Han Li couldn't help but facepalm. No wonder he found it so easy to deceive people on the Douluo Continent. He had sworn by the Angel God several times, making even Azure Luan Uncle look at him strangely. So, the source was here.
Why are you so proficient at this?
Han Li wanted to shake his master to sober him up.
"Did you ask Martial uncle?"
"No."
"And you're just so sure that he will agree?"
"Big Brother is not made of mud; he has some fire in him. Bibi Dong has been going overboard lately. Recently, she even tried to propose making her disciple the Holy Maiden of the Martial Soul Hall. What nonsense! That Hu Liena, does she even qualify? She can't compare to Xiao Xue at all. Not only is it unacceptable to attempt it, but just having that thought is out of line."
After Guang Ling finished speaking, he realized he had slipped up and quickly looked at Han Li, only to find that Han Li didn't seem surprised at all.
"You know?"
Guang Ling asked in surprise.
"I didn't originally, but I found out yesterday. Grand Uncle mentioned it to me, but only briefly," Han Li nodded calmly.
"You talked to Grand Worship alone? How come I didn't know?" Guang Ling looked at him in confusion, seemingly questioning why he was unaware of such an important matter.
"Grand Uncle said it didn't matter whether you knew or not, so he didn't tell you for now."
Han Li's words were a bit harsh to Guang Ling, but he said them plainly.
Guang Ling looked constipated but didn't press further. Since Grand Worship said it wasn't necessary to know for now, he didn't ask.
"How much do you know?"
After a while, Guang Ling continued to ask.
"A tiny bit."
"Alright then, that's the gist of it. So now you know why I'm confident that Big Brother will agree, right?"
Guang Ling regained his previous demeanor, speaking with great confidence.