In the city of Heaven Dou, at Shrek Academy for Advanced Spirit Masters.
In a quiet, empty courtyard, five people were gathered: Zuzong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Lingling, and Ning Rongrong.
Zuzong had asked Liu Erlong to prepare this place for him. It was originally a cozy home that Liu Erlong had built for herself and "Xiao Zong" back when she founded Blue Tyrant Academy. Later, she couldn't bear the pain of longing for him, so she moved into a small grass hut in the forest, growing flowers and plants to heal her sorrowful heart. The courtyard had been left empty since, but judging by its condition, someone still came by regularly to clean and maintain it.
Zuzong had picked up Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling from Heaven Dou Royal Academy earlier in the day.
Upon hearing that Zuzong had gifts for her, Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Xiao Wu said, "Xiao Zong, what gift do you have for me? Let me see!"
Zuzong smiled calmly and said, "Don't rush, you'll get yours soon. But first, can you guess what my current spirit power level is?"
"Level 41?" Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu answered in unison.
In their minds, Zuzong had already reached level 39 over five months ago, and given his talent, it made sense that he would have reached level 40 by now. Plus, after spending two months in Sunset Forest acquiring his fourth spirit ring, reaching level 41 seemed like a solid guess.
Ye Lingling nodded in agreement, indicating she shared the same thought.
As for Ning Rongrong, she had grown numb to surprises—being a 13-year-old Spirit Ancestor was shocking in most places, but with Zuzong, it felt natural.
Zuzong shook his head and asked again, "Want to try guessing again?"
"Level 42?" Xiao Wu asked hesitantly.
Zuzong shook his head again.
Growing impatient, Xiao Wu wrapped her arms around Zuzong's arm and whined playfully, "Just tell us already! I can't guess anymore, and I refuse to believe you're still at level 39!"
Zuzong said seriously, "I'm at level 46 now."
The four girls gasped in shock.
Xiao Wu: "What?"
Zhu Zhuqing: "Is that true, Xiao Zong?"
Ning Rongrong: "I must be dreaming."
Ye Lingling: "…"
Instead of explaining, Zuzong decided to show them. Without summoning his spirit, he simply displayed his spirit rings. Using the Blue Silver Domain's disguise ability, four rings appeared around him: yellow, yellow, purple, and purple, glowing brightly. A strong aura radiated from him, confirming without a doubt that he was at level 46.
Xiao Wu exclaimed, "It's true! You really are level 46! How did you do it?"
Zuzong explained, "I reached level 40 two months ago, and I found some immortal herbs in Poison Douluo's medicinal garden. After consuming them, not only did they improve my physique, but they also boosted my spirit power by an additional four or five levels after I absorbed my fourth spirit ring."
"Are there any side effects from these herbs?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, frowning. On the Douluo Continent, few people used drugs to enhance their cultivation, as it often damaged their foundation, causing long-term harm. She didn't want Zuzong to hurt himself for a quick gain.
Zuzong replied seriously, "No, these herbs are known as immortal herbs—beyond mortal items. They are incredibly rare and not only strengthen your foundation but also nourish and restore vitality."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing let out a sigh of relief.
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, "So, are you planning to give us these immortal herbs as gifts?"
Zuzong smiled and nodded. Reaching into his system's storage space, he pulled out a radiant herb. A flash of gold appeared, and in his hand was an exotic herb.
The herb was unique—its roots and leaves were draped like finely woven vines, while its top was a golden tulip. Its rich fragrance gave off a sense of luxury.
"For your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, I carefully selected this immortal herb for you. It's called the 'Beautiful Silk Tulip.' Consuming it will allow you to absorb the essence of the heavens and the earth, and the sun and moon. Your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is already a treasure-type spirit, so this tulip will perfectly complement it. Don't eat it—just inhale the fragrance of its petals and slowly absorb the essence into your body. Then, cultivate your spirit power gradually, allowing the effects to spread throughout your body."
Ning Rongrong accepted the Beautiful Silk Tulip with a playful smile, "Zuzong, I could just kiss you for this! But I don't want to make Zhuqing jealous, so I'll hold off. But I won't take this gift for free—I'll repay you one day."
Zuzong replied, "No need for repayment. You convinced your father to send Sword Douluo to help rescue me from the Poison Douluo. We're even now. Oh, and when you fully absorb the tulip's essence and activate your spirit again, you might find a surprise waiting for you!"
Ning Rongrong felt a little sad, but hearing about the potential surprise made her smile again.
"Thank you, Zuzong," Ning Rongrong said softly.
Zuzong nodded. Though he wasn't particularly fond of her original character in the story, he knew her heart was in the right place, and most importantly, he didn't like being indebted to others.
Turning to Ye Lingling, who had been quiet the whole time, Zuzong hesitated before pulling out a pale purple herb. At its top was a spirit mushroom, with a jade-colored stem and nine leaves.
"This is the 'Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia,'" Zuzong explained. "Your Nine Hearts Begonia is a rare support spirit, but it's not perfect. This immortal herb strengthens the foundation and boosts energy. After consuming it, while it may not completely fix the flaws of your spirit, it will speed up your cultivation. Just break off the mushroom cap, chew it, and swallow."
Ye Lingling trembled slightly, surprised by his kindness. Why was he so good to her? Not only had he taught her cultivation, but now he was also gifting her this priceless herb.
"Why are you being so kind to me?" Ye Lingling asked, her cold voice softening slightly.
Zuzong hesitated, then smiled, "I've told you before—we're companions. Back in Sunset Forest, even though you're a support-type spirit master, you still rushed forward with Xiao Wu when you saw me in danger. That's what true friendship means."
"Friends? Thank you, Zuzong." Ye Lingling nodded, accepting the herb with a rare smile. The smile was beautiful, like a blooming snow lotus, so ethereal that even Zuzong couldn't help but be captivated.
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