"Kira Tulip!"
"This kid..."
Suspended in midair, Dugu Bo's pupils shrank when he heard Ning Rongrong's exclamation.
He was familiar with the herbs used—after all, he had collected and delivered them himself. But he hadn't anticipated that the Qiluo Tulip, one of the rarest immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, could actually push the Qibao Glazed Tile Pagoda to evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!
Even though he recognized the herb's importance, Dugu Bo didn't voice it. He had already given all the immortal-grade herbs to Yu Chen—how they were distributed afterward was no longer his concern. Yuchen had cured his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, and even purged the poison from his own body. In return, those herbs were a trivial price.
To Dugu Bo, even if the entire herb garden in the Sunset Forest were offered, it would still not repay the favor Yu Chen had done.
"Kira Tulip?!"
"Xiao Chen's miracle again!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes followed the direction Rongrong pointed to, a look of disbelief overtaking his normally composed demeanor.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong also turned sharply toward Yu Chen, surprise etched deep on their faces.
They hadn't expected that the evolution of Ning Rongrong's martial spirit—an advancement thought impossible—was entirely due to Yu Chen's intervention.
"Xiao Chen... your talent and fortune far exceed my expectations."
"The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... our sect has dreamed of this breakthrough for generations. This is an unparalleled favor. I will personally speak to your father about arranging the marriage."
Ning Fengzhi's tone was solemn and unwavering. According to ancient sect regulations, any outsider who assisted the heir in such a transformation was to be joined to the sect through marriage.
Ning Rongrong, standing beside Yu Chen, turned a brilliant shade of crimson, her blush blooming like a ripe apple. Shrek Academy's members exchanged awkward glances at the sudden intensity of the conversation, all eyes subtly drawn to Yu Chen.
"Ahem... Uncle Ning, there's no need to be hasty."
"I happen to have another Qiluo Tulip. If Uncle Ning needs it, please take it."
Yu Chen coughed lightly, breaking the tension. He flipped his palm, revealing another radiant Qiluo Tulip.
Thanks to his divine-level talent and the mysterious technique [All Things Grow], Yu Chen was no longer bound by the scarcity of spiritual herbs. These once-rare treasures were now reproducible.
"This..."
"Such an invaluable herb... I cannot accept it for nothing!"
"In return, take this Glazed Defense Crystal. It is one of our sect's core artifacts—capable of withstanding three full attacks from any Title Douluo below Rank 95!"
Overwhelmed by Yu Chen's generosity, Ning Fengzhi fumbled through his storage ring and handed over a palm-sized, translucent crystal shield with a rainbow luster.
Despite his calm exterior, it was clear that Ning Fengzhi had long coveted the Qiluo Tulip. He, the Sect Master, had been stuck at Rank 79 for decades. Advancing required a fundamental change in his martial spirit—something only the Qiluo Tulip could potentially provide.
Even with the vast influence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, finding another such herb had proven impossible.
"Thank you, Uncle Ning."
Yu Chen received the Glazed Defense Crystal with composure, quietly pleased with the fair trade. For him, the Qiluo Tulip's value paled compared to strategic artifacts like this.
"You've evolved Rongrong's martial spirit and now gifted us another chance to break through."
"From this moment, you are the honored benefactor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I will personally deploy more people to guard you—your cultivation must remain undisturbed."
"If Rongrong ever finds herself in danger, she need only activate her family token."
Ning Fengzhi's voice softened as he placed a hand on Yu Chen's shoulder. With the matter settled, and eager to begin refining the herb, he departed with Sword and Bone Douluo in tow.
"This child... will change the entire trajectory of the Douluo Continent."
"I really am getting old."
Dugu Bo watched them leave, then turned away. His presence had only been triggered by the arrival of the two Douluo elders. Now that they were gone, he had no reason to linger.
"Brother Chen, don't worry about my father's words... I'll explain everything to him later!"
Ning Rongrong, still flustered, muttered hastily before fleeing toward the dormitory.
Although raised as the cherished heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, spoiled and prideful, Ning Rongrong had transformed since joining Shrek. Yu Chen's terrifying strength and unparalleled destiny had long melted away her princess attitude. Around him, she was just a shy girl.
"Now that the elixir's been absorbed, let's stabilize our cultivation."
Yu Chen's gaze lingered on Rongrong's retreating figure, a soft smile forming on his lips.
With the Spirit Hall still watching closely, Yu Chen couldn't afford to involve too many others. But he wouldn't abandon his companions, either.
"Yes, Brother Chen!"
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and the others, finally snapping out of their reverie, returned to cultivation.
The lingering medicinal energy from the herbs still flowed through their meridians. Without delay, each one focused fully on absorbing the benefits.
"Xiaogang... this boy Xiao Chen is the most remarkable spirit master I've seen—both in talent and temperament."
Liu Erlong's gaze was gentle as she looked at Yu Chen's silhouette, whispering to Yu Xiaogang beside her.
"Indeed. If he continues on this trajectory, ten or twenty years from now... he may just ascend to the legendary realm—the God Domain."
Yu Xiaogang nodded slowly, his expression reflecting hope and awe.
——
Time slipped by as the group cultivated. Night fell upon Shrek Academy.
The students returned to their dormitories, many still immersed in meditation.
"Brother Chen, we're moving next door to you. When you activate the mimicry space, make sure to include us!"
Dai Mubai, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar swiftly transferred their belongings, setting up camp in the adjacent dormitory.
"Xiao Wu, Brother Chen—we'll take the room next to yours. It's optimal for training."
Even Zhu Zhuqing, normally aloof, and Ning Rongrong, peeking shyly from behind her, had brought their things and extra bedding. The dormitory now held two additional beds placed beside Xiao Wu's.
Since mimicry training spaces were more potent in smaller, enclosed areas, sharing dorms with Yu Chen allowed maximum spiritual growth.
"Alright."
Yu Chen nodded and, with a wave of his hand, activated the mimicry space, enveloping the two dormitories in dense spiritual energy.
MORE ADVANCE CHAPTERS ON MY PATREON PAGE. DO A ONE TIME PURCHASE OR JOIN AS A PAID MEMBER TO CONTINUE ENJOYING THIS WONDERFUL BOOK.
patreon.com/Prince209