NOVEL NEXT Chapter 132: Chapter 132
"Boss, could it be in here?" Ma Hongjun looked at Jun Tianlin hopefully. He had been tormented by the evil fire for far too long and had been looking forward to the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower that could completely remove it.
Jun Tianlin didn't keep him in suspense and directly opened the treasure box. Inside were several fragrant flowers and some exquisite jade bottles.
Jun Tianlin took out a fiery red flower and said, "This is the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a pure Yang tonic herb that can greatly purify your flames. I initially planned to refine it into a fire-attributed elixir, which would have enhanced its effects, but doing so would have caused it to lose its pure characteristic. So, I decided against it. This flower can remove the evil fire in your body, but if you want your Phoenix Martial Soul to truly undergo a qualitative transformation, it will still require your own effort and perseverance. Also, once you consume this flower, there is no turning back. From then on, you will become a key focus of the clan's training. The relaxed and comfortable days will completely leave you—until the day you achieve the title of Titled Douluo."
The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower was too precious to be given to someone unworthy. Jun Tianlin had already warned Ma Hongjun about this long ago. However, Ma Hongjun had been mentally prepared for it and nodded solemnly "Don't worry, Boss. Ever since I started following the training habits you advised, I've gradually come to understand your good intentions. I won't let myself go astray anymore."
When the weather was good, he would lay out his blanket to dry in the sun and walk 20,000 steps every day. These two seemingly simple habits actually carried profound meaning—the first was about seizing every opportunity, and the second was about cultivating a persistent mindset.
"Very good. This little fatty has a flying beast spirit just like me, so just leave him to me" Yin Mengyang said with a hearty laugh. Although Ma Hongjun already had a master, it was a pity that he couldn't take him as a disciple. However, he didn't mind guiding such a talented individual for the sake of the clan.
"Then I'll have to trouble Grandpa Eagle" Jun Tianlin said without hesitation. After all, Yin Mengyang would continue to protect Rongrong, so it was only fitting for him to take Ma Hongjun under his wing as well.
"Brother Jian, where is mine?" Ning Rongrong hugged Jun Tianlin's arm and pouted coquettishly.
"No matter who I forget, I would never forget you." Jun Tianlin chuckled and handed her a jade bottle. "This Bu Tian Pill has been waiting for you for a long time."
Ning Rongrong immediately open the bottle and took out the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. A nine-colored light shone on her body, illuminating her entire figure. Ning Fengzhi watched in astonishment—he had not experienced such a vivid phenomenon when he took the pill himself. It seemed that her absorption rate was even higher than his.
Seeing Ma Hongjun and Ning Rongrong receiving such incredible opportunities, Oscar couldn't help but feel deep envy.
Noticing this, Jun Tianlin took out two more pills and handed them to Oscar and Meng Yiran "These are for you two. These are Jade Spirit Pills made from Jade Grass. They assist in cultivation and enhance soul power. Although they are not as potent as immortal herbs but they are still rare and precious treasures."
"We have one too?" The two of them were surprised. Unlike Ma Hongjun, they were not direct members of the clan but rather part of an affiliated family.
"Of course" Ning Fengzhi said with a smile "Whether you join us directly or remain an affiliated family, we are all family—just in different forms. There's no need to draw such distinctions."
As he spoke, he pulled out a book from his robes and handed it to Oscar"This is the meditation technique of our clan. It is stable and balanced, making it ideal for auxiliary spirit masters. Oscar, you can use it as a reference."
"Thank you, Uncle Ning!" Oscar accepted the book gratefully, his heart filled with emotion.
Seeing this, Meng Shu felt the last traces of his former reluctance completely disappear. Initially, he had joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan for the sake of his granddaughter's future. But now, after witnessing the clan's generosity and sincerity, he was genuinely willing to be a part of it.
As the four of them absorbed the medicinal power of their gifts, Chen Xin and Dugu Bo stood guard over them, while Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong invited Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang to the Seven Treasures Hall for a discussion. Jun Tianlin, however, wasn't interested in the talks about treatment and arrangements after joining the clan, so he left it to Ning Fengzhi to handle.
"Gu Ran, come outside with me. I have something to discuss with you" Jun Tianlin said, gesturing outside. He didn't want to disturb those who were absorbing the medicine.
Once outside, Gu Ran asked "Boss, what do you need from me?"
"Listen carefully, Gu Ran. There's a little over a year left before the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Competition. During this period, I want you to put everything else aside. Stop focusing on the self-created spirit skills that Grandpa Bone has been teaching you for now. Instead, devote all your attention to cultivating your soul power. Before the competition, you must break through to level 48—preferably level 49. Do you understand?" Jun Tianlin's tone was solemn.
"I understand." Gu Ran nodded firmly. He never doubted Jun Tianlin's words, but curiosity got the better of him "But Boss, why are you urging me to raise my soul power so urgently?"
"Don't worry about that for now. Just trust me—I won't let you down. If you meet my requirements, I will give you a great gift before the competition. You will shine in the tournament, and you will even be able to compete with the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall!" Jun Tianlin patted Gu Ran's shoulder, making a solemn promise.
Gu Ran was overjoyed. He knew that even though he had taken the Iron-Armored Peony, his natural talent was still far below that of the Golden Generation. In their previous battle, if not for Jun Tianlin's help, he wouldn't have stood a chance against any of them.
But now, he was being given the opportunity to truly match them. He had to seize it.
"Don't worry, Boss! I won't let you down."
Jun Tianlin smiled and nodded in approval. He admired Gu Ran's determination. Among the Emperor Team, Gu Ran had the weakest natural talent, so he had to work harder than everyone else just to keep up. This had forged his unwavering tenacity.
Innate talent didn't matter to Jun Tianlin. Since Gu Ran had chosen to follow him with sincerity, he would help him on the road to greatness.
The reason Jun Tianlin had given this order was because of the power of the fifth soul skill—Phantom Water Thunder. As long as Gu Ran reached a sufficient level, he could use it to forcibly break through his bottleneck and achieve the rank of Spirit King. At that point, he would finally have the strength to compete with the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall.
Apart from Ning Fengzhi and a few Douluo, only Ning Rongrong and Gu Ran were privy to the secrets of the Holy Spirit Realm and Phantom Water Thunder. The three of them had grown up together—they were family, bound by trust. There was no need to hide anything from them.
As for Ma Hongjun and Oscar, though they had joined the clan, their sense of belonging was not yet strong enough. Some secrets were not meant to be shared with them—at least, not for now.
An hour later, the group began to wake up after absorbing the medicinal power. Ma Hongjun's body had visibly slimmed down due to the purification of his flames, and his soul power had broken through to level 30. Now, he was ready to hunt for a spirit beast and advance. Most importantly, he would no longer be burdened by the evil fire.
Oscar and Meng Yiran, who had already surpassed level 30, both advanced to level 35. If they continued at this pace, they might even reach level 40 before or during the tournament.
Finally, Ning Rongrong had the most astonishing breakthrough. The Bu Tian Pill had not only upgraded her Seven Treasures Glazed Tower to Nine Treasures, but it also skyrocketed her soul power from level 32 to level 39—an increase of seven levels!
Jun Tianlin's eyes gleamed. It seemed the first person to truly benefit from his 5th soul skill wouldn't be Gu Ran—but Rongrong!