Douluo's Spiritual Pearl and Divine Sword

Flender looked at Tang San who sighed helplessly and said"If there is a good growth environment, a hundred years will be enough. Otherwise and it would take at least two to three hundred years. And that's just for the plant to take form and as for reaching its peak medicinal efficacy, who knows how long that will take?"

Flender's face fell in disappointment 'Only one plant every hundred to three hundred years!' He shook his head. Such a rare herb was far more valuable than a soul bone and with his limited wealth, how could he ever afford something so precious?

In truth if planted in the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire, the herbs would grow much faster. Tianlin had left behind roots and seeds after picking the last Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and it would take just a few decades to regrow in those conditions But he wasn't about to reveal that information as the rarer the herb seemed the more he could maximize its value.

Ma Hongjun's face showed despair He had finally seen hope and only for it to be snatched away again.

At that moment Tianlin gave Ning Rongrong a meaningful glance. Catching on immediately and she stepped forward and clung to Tianlin's arm "Brother Jian, Fatty is my friend now. He's really pitiful. No one in our clan can use the herb anyway. Can't we give it to him?"

Tianlin shook his head firmly "No. This herb is the treasure of our clan. As the person in charge of the medicine hall, I cannot give away our treasure to outsiders. Even if you the future clan Head, order it I won't agree."

Ma Hongjun's eyes softened "Rongrong, thank you for standing up for me but Brother Tianlin is right. How can I accept your clan's treasure?"

Ning Rongrong admired Tianlin even more. He was such a convincing liar making something sound like a priceless treasure when it was just something he'd casually picked from Grandpa Dugu's place.

Tang San could understand Tianlin's stance If anyone had demanded the Tang Sect's most precious weapon, the Buddha's Fury Tang lotus it would have made them an enemy of the sect.

Then, a thought struck Tang San 'Wait… outsiders!' He suddenly approached Tianlin "Brother Jun, you said the herb can't be given to outsiders. But what if Fatty joins your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Then he wouldn't be an outsider anymore, right?"

Flender's eyes sparkled with hope "Yes! Little brother Tianlin and my disciple hasn't joined any clan yet. If, after graduation he were to join your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, could we then talk about the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower?"

Tianlin chuckled inwardly. The bait had been taken. Still he put on a conflicted expression "In that case, it's not impossible. But Hongjun must understand—joining our clan means he will face strict training. The herb cannot be given to someone with no future. Do you agree to that?"

Ma Hongjun's expression twisted in reluctance "Strict training? That sounds tough… Teacher, I think it's fine to keep some of the evil fire. It's more comfortable being a free spirit master."

Flender slapped him hard on the head "You fool! Do you know how powerful the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is? They have four titled Douluo! They're offering you a chance to train with their full support, and you're hesitating?"

He sighed deeply and softened his tone "Besides of all the clans on the continent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has the best reputation. If you join them I, as your teacher, can rest assured about your future."

Ning Rongrong smiled playfully and asked "Fatty, do you think I'm beautiful?"

Ma Hongjun grinned "Beautiful? Rongrong, are you offering yourself to me? If you are, I'll join your clan right away!"

Suddenly a dark blue sword rested against Ma Hongjun's neck. Tianlin's smiling face was calm but the coldness in his eyes made Ma Hongjun gulp nervously "Uh… I was just joking! How could I not know that Rongrong is yours, Brother Tianlin?"

Tianlin withdrew the sword. Ning Rongrong giggled and added "Of course, not me. But there are many girls in our direct family with Seven Treasure Glazed Towers. They might not be as pretty as me, but they're close. If you join our clan, I can introduce them to you."

This wasn't a lie. For a Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda spirit master a strong partner was essential. Ma Hongjun's martial soul was unique and with the herb's help his potential would soar. A future Titled Douluo wouldn't have any trouble attracting a suitable match.

Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up "Really? Then from now on, I'll follow you, Sister Rongrong! You'll be my big sister!"

"Welcome to our clan" Tianlin said with a smile "I don't have the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower with me right now, but when you visit the clan next time, I'll give it to you. For now, take this."

Tianlin pulled out a small bottle from his pocket "This is the Bingpo Pill. Whenever your evil fire flares up, take one. This bottle should last you over half a year."

Ma Hongjun's face lit up "Really? Thank you, Boss Tianlin! From now on, you'll be my boss for life."

He quickly swallowed one of the pills and feeling its cooling effect suppress the evil fire almost instantly "Teacher! The pill works! The evil fire is gone!"

Flender's eyes glistened with relief "Finally! I've spent years worrying about this, and now there's a solution."

Dai Mubai approached with a smile "Congratulations, Fatty! You've finally resolved your biggest issue."

"Hehe, thanks, Boss Dai" Ma Hongjun chuckled "But from now on you're only my boss at the academy. Boss Tianlin is my boss for life!"

Dai Mubai laughed "You traitor! Switching sides so fast."

Their playful banter brought warmth to the group. Meanwhile Tianlin turned his gaze to Oscar "Oscar, your martial soul is a sausage. A very good food-type martial soul. As an auxiliary spirit master, wouldn't you consider joining our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? It's a paradise for auxiliary-type masters."

Oscar shook his head "No, after graduation, I want to explore the world."

Tianlin noticed the subtle sadness in Oscar's eyes and he understood that seeing Ning Rongrong and him together every day would be too painful for Oscar.

Tianlin let him be for now but he had his own plans to bring Oscar around.