"Xiaogang, have you truly made up your mind?"
Outside the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's estate, Yu Yuanzhen stood alone, his gaze locked tightly on Yu Xiaogang.
"Father, I've decided. In this life, I must find a way to break through Rank 30. If I can't… I'll never come back."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes were resolute. Staying within the clan meant nothing anymore. With his pride, he couldn't resign himself to living out his days idly. He needed to leave. Only by venturing out could there be any hope of finding a solution.
In this moment, his resolve was set: if he could not surpass the barrier of Rank 30 in this lifetime, then he would never again be worthy of returning to his clan.
Yu Yuanzhen's expression softened with pride. He clapped a heavy hand on Yu Xiaogang's shoulder.
"Good child. Go, find your path. But remember this—no matter what happens, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will always be your home. Its gates will always be open to you."
Yu Xiaogang's heart twinged, his eyes grew hot, and he cupped his fists respectfully.
"Take care, Father."
Without another word, he turned and walked away without looking back.
As he watched his son's figure disappear into the distance, Yu Yuanzhen's heart was filled with emotions too complex to name. In the end, all his thoughts dissolved into a long sigh.
As Yu Xiaogang walked away from his family, an inexplicable sense of emptiness settled deep in his chest.
Yet despite the hollow ache, his eyes remained firm, his steps unwavering.
He knew well—someone like him, mocked within the clan for his lack of power, could only reclaim his dignity by shattering the barrier of Rank 30 and returning with his head held high.
Taking a deep breath, Yu Xiaogang buried his sorrow and hesitation deep within, stepping boldly onto an uncertain road.
"Spirit Hall possesses the most complete knowledge of Martial Souls across the entire continent."
"The other sects might allow me access to their libraries out of respect for my father, but they'd never let me see their true core knowledge."
"Only Spirit Hall… only Spirit Hall opens its resources without reservation."
His eyes gleamed with hope as he muttered to himself, gaze turning toward the direction of Spirit City.
It was said that Spirit Hall had stood for nearly 9,000 years, close to ten millennia. With its vast foundations, it had never once stopped awakening Martial Souls for the people. Nearly every Martial Soul that had ever appeared on the continent could be found recorded in its archives.
Not just their traits and abilities—but detailed biographies of those who had wielded them. It was a veritable treasure trove of knowledge.
Clenching his fists, Yu Xiaogang felt a surge of uncontrollable excitement.
"As long as I can gain access and study those archives thoroughly, I'm sure I can find a way to break through Rank 30!"
His gaze grew more determined, as though he could already see the moment of his breakthrough. When that time came, all the ridicule and humiliation he had suffered would vanish like mist.
They say that when fate closes one door, it opens a window.
For Yu Xiaogang, that window was his extraordinary memory.
Thanks to this gift, he could retain every piece of Martial Soul knowledge he encountered—intricate traits, bizarre abilities, the stories tied to each soul—it was all imprinted in his mind, ordered and accessible.
This was his greatest pride. Though he lacked talent in cultivation, he possessed a brilliant mind.
Yu Xiaogang firmly believed that with his unparalleled intellect, he would find the key to overcoming his limitations—and carve out his own path on this continent.
—
Back at the open courtyard of the Holy Maiden Palace, Bibi Dong and Gu Han were practicing their swordsmanship as usual.
At that moment, a familiar floral fragrance drifted through the air.
Bibi Dong instantly recognized it and beamed with joy. Turning her head, she saw Yue Guan standing nearby, watching them with a gentle smile.
"Uncle Chrysanthemum!" x2
Both Bibi Dong and Gu Han lit up.
"Haha, you two little rascals—very impressive. Just last year you had just broken through Rank 50, and now you're almost at 60. The effects of those immortal herbs are truly remarkable."
Yue Guan smiled elegantly. His soul power had now reached Rank 94, and he was only a step away from Rank 95.
Combined with the second evolution of his Martial Soul, the Amazing Intoxicating Chrysanthemum, his offensive power now rivaled that of the Seven Kill Sword.
With his Indestructible Diamond Body added in, he could even match a Rank 96 Super Douluo in combat.
"Uncle Chrysanthemum, what brings you back?" Bibi Dong asked affectionately, holding onto his arm, her face full of delight.
Gu Han, too, was curious. Ever since Yue Guan's trip to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, he hadn't returned. His sudden appearance now was both surprising and puzzling.
"Haha, I came back to bring you two something good!"
Yue Guan chuckled, rubbing Bibi Dong's head fondly. Then he reached into his soul tool and produced two radiant fruits that emitted a gentle glow.
"What are these?"
Bibi Dong asked in confusion, and even Gu Han looked puzzled. Though he had studied many medicinal herbs under Yue Guan's tutelage, this fruit was beyond his knowledge.
The fruits were oval-shaped, about the size of a fist, and milk-white in color. A soft white glow emanated from their surface.
"These are Holy Spirit Fruits, which I personally cultivated. So far, only two have grown."
Yue Guan couldn't help but show a trace of pride as he spoke.
"Though not quite at the level of immortal herbs, these fruits were grown in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well—a site of immense natural power. They absorbed the essence of many immortal herbs and high-grade medicines. In terms of quality, they're in no way inferior to immortal herbs."
"Come now, each of you take one. Once you eat it, your Martial Soul attributes and innate potential will rise to an even higher level. I believe you two will go on to become the youngest legends this continent has ever seen!"
Yue Guan's eyes were full of anticipation, as though he already saw the day when the two of them would become Titled Douluo in their youth and inscribe their names in Spirit Hall's annals of glory.
With that, he placed a fruit into each of their hands. Seeing them still curiously examining the fruits, he urged:
"Don't just look—eat them!"
"Ah… alright."
Both Bibi Dong and Gu Han responded at once, feeling a surge of emotion in their hearts. They hadn't expected Yue Guan to travel all this way just to personally deliver these fruits.
"Thank you, Uncle Chrysanthemum."
"What's with the thanks? Go on, eat!"
Hearing this, the two no longer hesitated and consumed the fruits.
The taste was crisp, not unlike an apple. The fruit had no core and dissolved into pure energy the moment it entered their stomachs, spreading throughout their bodies and strengthening both their physical constitution and mental strength.
At the same time, Gu Han clearly sensed his Martial Soul attributes being enhanced.
At this rate, Gu Han believed that by the time he reached Rank 70, his Martial Soul would fully evolve into the Extreme Ice attribute.
This attribute would bring his combat prowess to a new level—not just in suppressing individual opponents, but also in countering large-scale threats. His capabilities would see a qualitative leap.
~~~
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