"Er-Lai, slow down! No one's going to steal it from you!" Nan Feihuang chuckled, watching Dian Wei wolf down the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum. Apart from the root, the entire herb disappeared into his maw in moments.
The sight was almost comical—like a bull chewing on peonies. Thankfully, no medicinal efficacy was lost from his rough handling.
With Dian Wei taken care of, Nan Feihuang turned his gaze to Lü Lingqi. Xun Yu's Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid had already been gifted, leaving one final treasure for her.
Nan Feihuang reached into his storage and pulled out a seemingly ordinary white flower. It was no larger than a palm and resembled a delicate peony, but without any leaves. The flower's roots were embedded in a jet-black stone, unnaturally dense and heavy. The petals glowed faintly, with streaks of blood-red weaving through them, exuding an otherworldly charm.
"Lingqi," Nan Feihuang began, his voice carrying a rare excitement, "this is the king of all celestial herbs: the Lovesickness Heartbreak Red. Consuming it grants unparalleled benefits—your soul power will increase by at least ten levels, your body will be refined to perfection, and it even has the power to heal the gravest of wounds. This herb is the most potent treasure in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
He spoke with conviction. If Lü Lingqi consumed this herb, her voice might finally be restored. Moreover, her strength would surpass even his and Dian Wei's.
Lü Lingqi stared at the flower in awe, the weight of Nan Feihuang's words sinking in. She never expected the herb prepared for her to be so miraculous.
"Lingqi, to claim it, you must sincerely think of your true love while picking the flower. It demands pure, unwavering affection—your heart's blood must stain its petals."
Hearing this, Lü Lingqi nodded earnestly. She placed a hand over her chest, focused her soul power, and summoned her qi and blood. With a deep breath, she spat a mouthful of blood onto the flower's vibrant petals.
In an instant, the Lovesickness Heartbreak Red radiated an intense crimson light, its rooted black stone beginning to crack.
Lü Lingqi's love was straightforward and true—a testament to her pure heart. She was the perfect candidate for the herb.
However, despite her purity, her heart bore a shadow: the silent burden of her muteness.
Since her arrival at the palace, she had overheard whispers—snide remarks that questioned her worthiness as the prince's future wife.
"An elegant prince and a mute woman? What a pity."
At first, she dismissed such comments, but over time, the words burrowed into her heart. They festered, forming a knot of insecurity.
That unresolved pain halted the cracking stone, leaving the flower's transformation incomplete.
Seeing this, Lü Lingqi's expression dimmed. She lowered her head, carefully handing the flower back to Nan Feihuang. She wouldn't cry—she was the daughter of a war god, after all—but her reddened eyes betrayed her disappointment.
She felt unworthy of Nan Feihuang's kindness, ashamed that her own inadequacy had failed him.
Nan Feihuang gently embraced her. "Lingqi, don't worry about your voice. If anything, I find your 'ah-ah' endearing. Keep this flower. I know you'll claim it one day, and when that day comes, you'll be the strongest female soul master in the world."
Nestled in Nan Feihuang's arms, Lü Lingqi's tension melted away. She nodded quietly, her previous sorrow replaced by a faint smile.
To others, she was cold and unapproachable—her expressionless demeanor earning her the nickname "Iceflower General." Yet, in Nan Feihuang's embrace, she allowed her vulnerability to surface, revealing a warmth few ever witnessed.
The room was silent except for the faint hum of soul power. The others were busy refining their herbs, their auras fluctuating as the medicinal energy coursed through their bodies.
Lü Lingqi, despite her warrior's physique, felt soft and delicate in Nan Feihuang's arms. Her usual strength gave way to a rare gentleness, making it hard for him to let go.
Though shy, she didn't push him away, fearing it might upset him. Her cheeks flushed, but she remained still, allowing herself to be held.
Xun Yu, on the other hand, was the picture of calm. He had already decided to delay consuming his Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid. As a returning exchange student, a sudden surge in soul power would only draw suspicion.
He had his reasons: a gradual increase over time would appear as natural talent and diligent cultivation. But an overnight leap would inevitably raise questions, leading to unwanted attention.
Instead, he busied himself with his thoughts. "Perhaps my next summon should include female soldiers," he mused. "It'd save me from being the perpetual third wheel, surrounded by love-struck couples."
Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, he scolded himself. "No, I'm a gentleman. One true love is enough. Unlike my lord, the incorrigible playboy…"
"Hey, Wenruo," Nan Feihuang interrupted, glancing back with mock irritation. "If you're going to grumble about me, can you at least keep it to yourself?"
Xun Yu smirked, unbothered. "My lord, surely you realize I said it on purpose. Someone has to remind you that a certain someone is still very single here."
Nan Feihuang chuckled, shaking his head. He knew better than to take Xun Yu's jabs to heart.
At that moment, a surge of soul power filled the air. The first to awaken from refining the herbs was none other than Nan Tianchen.
Given his advanced cultivation as a peak Soul Saint, it wasn't surprising he finished first. Moreover, his herb—the Nine-Petal Purple Lingzhi—while potent, wasn't on the same level as the celestial treasures consumed by others.
Nan Tianchen stood, his soul power now more vibrant than before. Though his rank remained at 79, he could feel the bottleneck loosening. Within a month—perhaps even a week—he was confident of breaking through to Soul Douluo.
"Father," Nan Feihuang began with a smile, "it seems the herb has done its job. You'll reach Rank 80 soon enough."
Nan Tianchen nodded, the joy in his expression evident. Though not an immediate breakthrough, the Nine-Petal Purple Lingzhi had solidified his foundation, paving the way for future progress.
Compared to masters who struggled with innate limitations, his path now seemed clear.
As for Grandmaster… well, without the herb, he'd be better off continuing his career as a "perpetual Grandmaster."
Nan Tianchen's future, however, looked brighter than ever.