Within the grand halls of the palace, Blue Snow's soul power erupted, shaking the ornate structure to its foundations. Her icy aura sent chills through the air, her fury unmistakable.
"Such audacity!" she roared, her voice carrying the chilling edge of her anger. "What kind of assassin organization dares lay a hand on my son? Do they have a death wish?"
The Soul Saint escorting Nan Feihuang had promptly reported the assassination attempt, despite it being resolved effortlessly. Protocol demanded it.
At that moment, Blue Snow wasn't the queen of Gulei Kingdom—she was the overprotective and enraged Xuanbing Douluo.
"If I find out who commissioned the hit, I'll freeze them into an ice sculpture!" she declared venomously.
Standing nearby, Xun Yu, the mastermind behind the event, remained calm and composed, wearing an innocent expression that could fool even the sharpest observer.
There was no way Blue Snow could trace the incident back to him. Firstly, the assassination had been orchestrated as a preliminary move for a larger plan. Secondly, even with her abilities, the trail would lead nowhere—or rather, somewhere else entirely.
"Mother, please calm down," Nan Feihuang interjected, his voice soothing. "It's nothing serious. Father's foresight in sending guards ensured my safety. I wasn't harmed in the slightest."
"Besides," he added with a grin, "I brought back gifts for everyone. Perhaps they'll cheer you up."
Blue Snow's expression softened slightly, though a faint trace of anger lingered.
"Father," Nan Feihuang continued, "you might recall that my Dunjia Tian Shu records numerous locations of rare herbs. During my time in the Heaven Dou Empire, I managed to procure quite a few of them. These herbs won't just enhance your cultivation—they'll refine your bodies as well. Father, with their help, you may very well reach the rank of Titled Douluo!"
"T-Titled Douluo?" Nan Tianchen's excitement was palpable. His wife's status as a Titled Douluo brought him pride, but also a sense of inadequacy. He longed to stand beside her as an equal, rather than be seen as reliant on her strength.
Nan Feihuang's assessment was conservative. Without external aid, Nan Tianchen's potential likely capped at the peak of Soul Douluo. The herbs, however, opened the door to new possibilities.
Still, his advanced age would inevitably result in some loss of efficacy. If Nan Tianchen had been younger, the same herbs might have granted him the potential to reach Super Douluo.
For now, however, Nan Tianchen was content with the prospect of simply breaking through to the Titled Douluo rank.
"Father," Nan Feihuang said, smiling, "since you seem the most eager, I'll start with you."
From his storage, Nan Feihuang retrieved a pristine, shimmering lingzhi mushroom.
"This is Nine-Petal Purple Lingzhi. Though not quite a divine herb, it's ideal for you. As a high-grade medicinal herb, it will fortify your foundation and boost your soul power. With it, you should reach the peak of Rank 79 and soon after break through to Rank 80 with consistent cultivation."
"Such miraculous effects from an herb… Feihuang, it's truly thanks to your unique martial soul, the Dunjia Tian Shu, that we even know such treasures exist." Nan Tianchen accepted the lingzhi with reverence. "Tell me, how should I consume it?"
Nan Feihuang patiently explained the method of consumption. Without hesitation, Nan Tianchen stepped aside to follow the instructions and began consuming the herb.
Turning to his mother, Nan Feihuang's tone softened.
"Mother, most people can't safely consume more than one divine herb. However, since you've already taken the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, which enhances the absorption of other herbs, you're an exception."
With a flourish, Nan Feihuang presented a radiant, golden herb. "This is Mixed Origin Herb, one of the most potent herbs I found. It won't enhance your talent—you don't need it—but it will significantly amplify your soul power.
"In my estimation, this should elevate you to at least Rank 95. Over time, as you fully absorb the energies of both divine herbs and refine them through cultivation, even Rank 99 or the legendary Rank 100 isn't out of reach."
Nan Feihuang held absolute confidence in his mother's potential. Were it not for her innate ice attribute hindering her mid-stage cultivation, she might have been recognized as one of the youngest Soul Emperors in history, surpassing even Tang Hao and Qin Ming.
"Feihuang," Blue Snow said, her tone gentle but resolute, "I don't care much about godhood or rank. My only goal is to protect you, even if it costs me everything."
Accepting the herb, she continued, "But I promise to become stronger, for your sake."
"Mother," Nan Feihuang replied with a warm smile, "you protected me when I was young. Once I grow stronger, it'll be my turn to protect you."
Blue Snow's eyes softened. She lovingly patted her son's head before moving to sit beside Nan Tianchen and began consuming the herb.
Turning to his elder sister, Nan Feihuang's gaze brightened.
"Third Sister, your turn."
Nan Feiling's face lit up. "I knew you wouldn't forget me! Come on, little brother, what treasure have you prepared for me?"
With a flourish, Nan Feihuang revealed a ginseng-like plant emitting seven distinct hues of light.
"This is Seven-Luster Ginseng. It contains the energies of seven elements: water, fire, wind, lightning, earth, light, and darkness. It's perfectly suited to the array formations of your Ancient Thunder Tome. By refining its power, you'll easily achieve the potential to become a Titled Douluo."
"A Titled Douluo? Me?" Nan Feiling's joy was boundless. "That's amazing!"
The prospect of becoming a Titled Douluo meant no one would dare pressure her into political marriages. In fact, such a valuable talent would likely lead to an entirely different dynamic, with suitors vying for her favor.
Lastly, Nan Feihuang turned to Dian Wei. "And for you, Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum. This neutral divine herb strengthens the body, opening your meridians and fortifying your bones. It will grant you an indestructible physique.
"To consume it, start with the central stamen, then eat each petal one by one. Be careful not to consume the—"
Before Nan Feihuang could finish, Dian Wei had already begun eating the herb as instructed, devouring it without hesitation.
His unwavering loyalty and silent demeanor left Nan Feihuang both exasperated and amused. It was no wonder that even in another lifetime, Cao Mengde had held Dian Wei in such high regard.