"Nana, what reward did you receive?" Bibi Dong asked.
Hu Liena, filled with joy, replied, "Teacher, I received a reward that purified my bloodline. Now, my cultivation speed has increased, and my innate spirit power has gone from level nine to level ten!"
Although Hu Liena's reward seemed relatively ordinary compared to others, it was still a great gift. Innate cultivation speed is typically unchangeable unless a special opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, not far from Soto City, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were in a hotel, excitedly looking at their rewards. This was the first time they had received rewards from the system, aside from the guaranteed spirit power boost.
Dugu Yan covered her mouth in shock. Her reward was Martial Spirit Evolution!
Unable to contain herself, Dugu Yan immediately released her martial spirit. The original Jade Phosphor Serpent transformed into the same Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor as her grandfather, Dugu Bo!
As soon as she released it, the soul power pressure from the transformation caused vibrations that shook the rooms nearby.
Yu Tianheng and Qin Ming sensed the disturbance immediately and rushed to Dugu Yan's door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Yan Zi, what's going on?" Yu Tianheng asked, concerned.
Inside the room, Dugu Yan hadn't expected such a commotion just from releasing her martial spirit. Is this the same Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor as Grandpa's? She felt her soul power surging, and thanks to the evolution, her level jumped from 39 to 40!
And that was without her fourth spirit ring. Once she added a fourth ring, her level would rise even further.
Originally, Dugu Yan was at level 38, but both she and Ye Lingling had gained one level recently due to the system's guaranteed soul power boost.
Ye Lingling had also advanced from level 35 to 36.
However, Dugu Yan wondered if the poison in her body had also become stronger after the evolution. Well, it doesn't matter right now. I'll figure it out later.
There was no avoiding the fact that her martial spirit had changed and would eventually be noticed. Sharing her suspicions with Ye Lingling through a glance, Dugu Yan decided to explain the situation as best she could.
She opened the door and found Yu Tianheng, Qin Ming, and others standing outside, clearly alerted by the disturbance.
With a smile, Dugu Yan said, "It's nothing. While I was cultivating, my martial spirit suddenly evolved, and my soul power increased from level 39 to level 40."
The group was stunned. Qin Ming led the others into the room and said, "Quick, show me your martial spirit."
With that, Qin Ming created a barrier around the room to prevent the soul power from leaking out.
With no choice, Dugu Yan released her martial spirit again. When the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor emerged, its eerie eyes stared at Qin Ming and the others.
Even though Qin Ming quickly recovered, the rest, including Yu Tianheng, took a step back in fear. The oppressive aura of a superior martial spirit was palpable.
Dugu Yan's martial spirit had now evolved from a high-level, low-tier martial spirit to a low-tier, top-tier one. If not for the drawbacks of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, Dugu Yan's strength would have been even greater.
Although several people on the team possessed top-tier martial spirits, the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor's terrifying appearance and their lack of mental preparation had caught them off guard, making them retreat instinctively.
Qin Ming, realizing what had happened, was overjoyed. "Congratulations, Dugu Yan! Your martial spirit has evolved into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, just like your grandfather's!"
But then he frowned slightly. "Still, it's strange that your martial spirit evolved so suddenly. Usually, evolution happens when a soul master reaches the Soul Sage level and obtains their seventh ring. Even with your grandfather's influence, the probability of evolution shouldn't have been this high…"
Shaking his head, he continued, "Well, no matter! This is a great thing. Now that your martial spirit has evolved early, you might have a chance to evolve it a second time when you reach level 70, though that's a rare occurrence."
"Your soul power has already increased to level 40 due to the evolution. After we finish in Soto City, we'll hunt for your fourth spirit ring. In the meantime, you can use the upcoming battles to stabilize your strength. After all, you just broke through to level 39 recently, and such a sudden jump could be destabilizing."
Dugu Yan nodded in agreement, while Yu Tianheng, although happy for her, couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. He had always been the strongest, but once Dugu Yan obtained her fourth spirit ring, she would surpass him!
With the situation understood, Qin Ming told them to rest early before leaving with the others.
Qin Ming assumed that Dugu Yan's rapid progress was due to late-night training. Yu Tianheng and the rest shared his view, looking at her with admiration. If the vice-captain was working this hard, what excuse did they have to slack off?
Once everyone left, Dugu Yan let out a sigh of relief. At least they didn't suspect anything.
She then turned to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, what reward did you receive?"
Dugu Yan was curious since she hadn't had a chance to ask during the earlier commotion.
Ye Lingling's normally cold expression showed a hint of confusion as she replied, "My reward said that my martial spirit's healing effects would improve and that it now contains a life attribute. When the time is right, it will trigger a special effect."
"The healing part I understand, but the rest… It feels like the system is being cryptic. I don't really know what it means."
Dugu Yan smiled. "Well, let's not overthink it. Whatever will come, will come. Your healing was already impressive before. Now that it's enhanced, you might actually be able to revive the dead!"
Ye Lingling shook her head. She didn't know either. Secretly, she felt a little troubled. Her martial spirit, the Nine Hearts Begonia, only had one effect: healing. No matter what spirit ring she attached to it, its ability would still only be healing.
While this gave her incredible healing power, the limitation was obvious. She couldn't help but wish her martial spirit could have more versatility. Maybe the system will give me a pleasant surprise in the future?