DD Spiritual Sword [411-413] (Patreon)

Chapter 411: Immortal Herb Fire Phoenix

Ma Hongjun picked up the flower and examined it. The flower resembled a rose and was completely different from the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower he ate before, but the intense fire attribute it contained was almost on par.

"Teacher, is this flower an immortal herb?"

Flender shook his head. "I'm not sure. Ever since I learned about the existence of the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Wuji and I have paid extra attention. We sensed there was something extraordinary about this flower, so we spent a huge sum to buy it at an auction—one hundred thousand gold soul coins! Luckily, most people in this world don't know about immortal herbs, so no one recognized its value, and there weren't many bidders. But this cost me my entire life's savings. Take it back and have Jun Tianlin appraise it. If it's not worth the price, I'll go settle the score with that swindler."

A hundred thousand gold soul coins might be nothing to Tianlin, but for someone like Flender, who has little backing, it took years of saving. After all, a soul master's monthly stipend is just one gold soul coin, and after level forty, there's no more stipend. Shrek Academy never recruits on a large scale either, so the fact that Flender could save so much is thanks to his frugal lifestyle and taking mercenary jobs, helping noble families' young disciples hunt soul beasts for advancement.

Holding the flower, Ma Hongjun found himself unable to say what he wanted. He didn't want his teacher, who placed so much hope in him, to know how useless, timid, and fearful he was—how he lacked the courage to seize opportunities, and still hoped for his teacher's guidance.

Now he had to overcome his psychological barriers on his own. Ma Hongjun bid Flender farewell. Before leaving, he suddenly turned and asked, "Teacher, I heard that a first-level god in the God Realm can take family with them. Would you like to see what the God Realm is like?"

"You really have your head in the clouds. First-level god? I'd be satisfied if you could become a Title Douluo! Besides, even if you become a god, I'm not interested. For me, a leisurely life with Wuji, Fatty Shao, and the others is much more comfortable. You should go and enjoy your newlywed life with your Xiangxiang." Flender closed his eyes and continued to relax on his lounge chair.

Seeing this, Ma Hongjun smiled wryly. Nothing he said would matter now. He decided to wait until he succeeded and then come for Flender—surely Flender would be gratified then.

Unfolding his flaming wings, Ma Hongjun flew straight back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

…

At this moment, Tianlin was holding Ning Rongrong in a pavilion by a small pond. The newlyweds were whispering sweet words to each other, so inseparable that Tianlin had even neglected his cultivation lately.

Chen Xin thought to himself, "Luckily this disciple isn't a playboy. Otherwise, if he was a groom every day, he'd forget all the swordsmanship I taught him within a month."

Seeing that the couple would soon separate, Chen Xin, as an elder, decided to give them a few more days off.

"Boss!"

Suddenly, a roar came from the sky, filled with anxiety.

Tianlin's face darkened as he turned. "Ma Hongjun, you flaming guy, you're no longer just a third wheel—do you want to be the sun now?"

Ning Rongrong was also annoyed. Every time she and Tianlin were being intimate, this guy would show up and ruin the mood. She longed to summon her Ice Sky Snow Maiden and freeze him to death.

"Xiangxiang, can't you control your fatty?" Ning Rongrong shouted angrily at the bushes behind.

She knew a bunch of people were hiding there, peeking. But as long as they didn't show themselves, she actually enjoyed the feeling—after all, half the fun of being in love is showing it off.

So she didn't mind others watching, but Ma Hongjun's sudden intrusion was another story.

"You idiot, when will you ever get your lost wits back?" Bai Chenxiang jumped out of the bushes, pulled Ma Hongjun by the ear, and apologized to Ning Rongrong, "Sorry, Sister Rongrong, I'll teach him a lesson later. Please continue."

"Wait, Junior Sister, let go of Hongjun first. I want to see if he really has something important. If it's just some trivial nonsense, I'll turn his Fire Phoenix into a roast chicken!" Tianlin said fiercely.

At the same time, a group of people emerged from the bushes.

Gu Ran: "Boss, no need for you to do it. I'll roast him and string him up on my bones as skewers!"

Yu Tianheng: "Fried chicken cutlets with lightning might taste better, though."

Dugu Yan: "No, no, I think poisoning him first is best. I've been learning poison cuisine lately. As long as you neutralize the poison, it's not only harmless but even strengthens the body."

Meng Yiran: "Really, Yan? Can you teach me? I'll make it for Oscar. And we happen to have the ingredients right here."

Zhu Zhuqing: "Cats eat fish, not meat, so I'll just have soup."

Ma Hongjun gulped nervously. These people were so vicious! He could only hope Flender hadn't set him up and the flower was valuable enough—he didn't want to become the main ingredient!

"Um, boss, my teacher gave me a flower when I went home. I sensed its fire attribute is almost as strong as the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, so I'd like you to appraise it." Ma Hongjun nervously took out a treasure box.

Hearing this, Tianlin's interest was piqued. The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower is an immortal herb, so any flower said to be on par must be another fire-type immortal herb. He opened the box, and a blazing red light shone, painting everyone's faces blood-red even in daylight.

"This… this is!" Staring at the rose-shaped red flower, Tianlin's eyes sparkled.

At that moment, a figure dashed over madly from afar—it was Yang Wudi. As soon as the box was opened, his herbal radar went off.

"Rose-shaped, blood-red, flames blazing skyward—there's no mistaking it. This is the Fire Phoenix!"

Yang Wudi was as excited as when he first saw the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng.

Ma Hongjun asked in confusion, "Fire Phoenix? Senior Yang, are you calling me?"

Yang Wudi gave him a disdainful look. "Of course not. You're just a mutated fire chicken—even after purification by the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, you're still far from a true Fire Phoenix. I'm talking about this flower in the box. If the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower you ate brought you purity in fire, this Fire Phoenix brings you extremity. Any fire-type soul master who consumes this will see an explosive increase in fire power!"

Chapter 412: Teaching Ma Hongjun

"I can't believe this flower has the same name as my martial soul—what a coincidence!" Ma Hongjun said happily. His teacher really gave him a great gift.

"Such a pity!" Yang Wudi suddenly shook his head.

Ma Hongjun was puzzled. "Senior Yang, what's the pity?"

Yang Wudi raised two fingers. "Two things. First, this Fire Phoenix flower, though precious, was harvested before it reached peak medicinal effect, so it's not a true immortal herb. Second, you've already consumed the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a great pure yang herb, and your body is saturated with medicinal power—you can't take this one."

Ma Hongjun was disappointed. He thought maybe he could consume another immortal herb and gain the strength to resist demonic flames, but it was all for nothing. "My teacher spent his life savings—one hundred thousand gold soul coins—on something useless."

"One hundred thousand gold soul coins?" Yang Wudi was furious. "Which idiot set that price? Even if this Fire Phoenix isn't at its peak, it's still a top-tier herb—better than even a Grade Nine Purple Ganoderma. It's worth at least five million gold soul coins! This is market sabotage!"

To Yang Wudi, rare herbs are priceless. Selling a Fire Phoenix for only a hundred thousand was an insult—he even wanted to find the seller and pay another four million to set things right.

The others didn't quite understand this logic—wasn't finding treasure at a bargain a good thing?

"Grandpa Yang, don't be angry. I have a question: if Hongjun took this herb together with this, would it be okay? Didn't you and Senior Brother say this pill can fuse medicinal effects?" Bai Chenxiang soothed the nearly-crazed Yang Wudi and took out a Crystal Immortal Spirit Pill.

She hadn't yet taken the pill, hoping to take other herbs first to maximize the effect. But after hearing so much talk about gods lately, she realized her own talent could never reach godhood. The immortal herb might let her become a Title Douluo, but that was her limit.

"If you take it with the Immortal Spirit Pill, it's not impossible. The Fire Phoenix herb isn't at its peak, which makes it easier to fuse. Otherwise, if it were a top-grade Fire Phoenix, even the Immortal Spirit Pill couldn't fuse two fire-type immortal herbs. Tianlin succeeded last time because his three herbs balanced each other—Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew was mild, while the Infernal Delicate Apricot and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass neutralized each other." Yang Wudi nodded thoughtfully.

"That's great!" Bai Chenxiang said with joy.

"No, Xiangxiang, this was given to you by Boss—I can't take it." Ma Hongjun refused. Without an immortal herb, Bai Chenxiang could never become a Title Douluo—at best, she'd reach Soul Sage or Soul Douluo with effort.

"Hongjun, listen. I'm doing this for myself too. Senior Brother said gods are ranked—second-level gods can't bring others to the God Realm, only first-level gods can. If you only reach second-level, we'll have to part: one of us will live forever in the God Realm, the other will grow old alone." Bai Chenxiang persuaded him.

She was clear: if one of them became a second-level god and the other a Title Douluo, they'd be separated forever. Better to help one reach first-level, so even if she never cultivates again, she can live eternally as a god's family member.

Ma Hongjun looked at Tianlin, who nodded silently. What Bai Chenxiang said was right: for them to stay together, Ma Hongjun had to become a first-level god.

Encouraged, Ma Hongjun took the Immortal Spirit Pill and promised, "Xiangxiang, don't worry. I'll pass the trials—I won't let you down."

"Mm!" Bai Chenxiang smiled and nodded.

Tianlin patted Ma Hongjun's shoulder. "Now your pressure is even greater. But pressure gives you motivation. Later, come train with me. I'll teach you a Daoist meditation technique for mental clarity. As brothers, we'll help all we can, but the rest is up to you."

"Boss, thank you!" Ma Hongjun's trembling heart finally calmed.

He took out a soul bone given to him by Gu Ran. Even though it was a misunderstanding, Gu Ran's intentions were sincere.

Tianlin's technique, Gu Ran's soul bone—this was brotherly love. Bai Chenxiang's immortal pill—romantic love. The Fire Phoenix herb—teacher's affection. Unknowingly, he had received so much. With all this support, what was there to fear from demonic flames?

…

That night, Tianlin finally left his newlywed wife Ning Rongrong for a bit, to train Ma Hongjun.

"The Dao of Man is faint, the Dao of Immortals is vast, the Dao of Ghosts is joyful.

For humans, life is precious; for immortals, life is honored; for ghosts, death is the end.

The immortal path is auspicious, the ghost path is perilous, clarity reigns above.

A sorrowful song echoes through the heavens, wishing only for immortality, not the misery of humanity.

...

All the heavens are vast, and my Dao prospers."

"Hongjun, memorize these mantras. They're not the most advanced, but they're orthodox Daoist techniques—quieting the mind and clearing the heart, perfect for countering demonic flames," Tianlin instructed.

"Don't worry, Boss, I've memorized most of it." Ma Hongjun smiled easily. The mantras weren't long, and as a soul master, his memory was excellent.

Tianlin shook his head. "Hongjun, most of it isn't good enough. My greatest idol once said: If you're always almost in your practice, you'll fall just short at the crucial moment."

"What profound words! Boss, you have an idol? A god? Is it the Asura God who passed his inheritance to you?"

Tianlin shook his head. "No. While that great one's office is similar to the Asura God—presiding over judgment and law—he's even stronger. His power comes not from fame, fortune, or status, but from love, hatred, passion. People might die for love or hate, but would they die for fame? Especially since his love is a universal love. He said the world needs love, not indifference; needs feeling, not apathy; needs reunions, not separations. For this, he would give up anything. So he's strong—unbeatable."

"If you seek godhood for fame, fortune, or status, let me tell you: you'll never make it, because you won't have the heart to resist the demonic flames."

"How admirable!" Ma Hongjun muttered. "To think such a person exists. I'd like to meet him someday."

"You'll get your chance. Actually, I'm not totally unconnected to him. My Holy Spirit Pearl and a treasure owned by his younger sister both come from the Nuwa Goddess, so there's some connection. Hongjun, if we ever get strong enough to break through this universe's limits and reach a higher world, maybe we'll meet him." Tianlin encouraged him.

Ma Hongjun nodded. "Hehe, Boss, you've taught me so much—things Mu Bai never taught me as my old boss."

"What did Dai Mubai teach you?"

"Drinking, eating, womanizing, gambling—does that count? I used to have evil fire attacks only every ten days or so, but after following him, I went to brothels even when I didn't need to, and the more I went, the worse the evil fire got—eventually it became every few days, even every day. Now I get it—you have to resist certain things. If you always give in to desire, it will control you." Ma Hongjun scratched his head, embarrassed.

Tianlin smiled wryly. "Then throw out everything he taught you. Let me tell you about that great one's story. From now on, make him your role model…"

Tianlin hoped Ma Hongjun could make that person his idol too. With such a heart, the trial of demonic flames would be as easy as taking a hot bath.

Chapter 413: Parting Ways

Happy times are always short. Several days passed, and Yu Tianheng and the others had reported home.

His grandfather, Yu Yuanzhen, was both worried and pleased to hear his grandson was heading to the legendary Sea God Island. Pleased at his courage, but worried about the danger. Still, he agreed—if all the other geniuses went, how could their Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan's heir fall behind?

As for Tianlin, Yu Yuanzhen didn't even consider him human anymore—he was a monster.

During this time, Ma Hongjun took the Fire Phoenix herb and Immortal Spirit Pill and received the skull bone. His level was close to seventy, even surpassing Gu Ran.

People say genius is 99% hard work and 1% talent, but often that 1% is far more important. Ma Hongjun surpassed Gu Ran not just because of immortal herbs, but because his talent was simply much greater.

After consuming two immortal herbs, his martial soul evolved again. Now, his Fire Phoenix could unleash the purest, most intense ultimate fire.

He was diligently practicing the Daoist technique, calming his mind. Once he mastered it, Tianlin would permit him to enter the Scorching Hell.

The Shi brothers and others also received parental approval. Finally, the day of departure arrived—the day of parting.

Especially for Tianlin and Ning Rongrong, newlyweds who would be separated after less than a month together. They were understandably reluctant to part.

"Rongrong, aside from Master's coordinate, inscribe mine too. If you're ever in danger, don't hesitate—call for me right away, okay?" Tianlin reminded her.

Ning Rongrong nodded. "Don't worry, Sword Brother, it's all set. Grandpa Sword's coordinate is still in the same place—on my storage belt. But do you know where yours is?"

Tianlin was puzzled. He hadn't noticed. Was it important?

Ning Rongrong smiled charmingly and pressed her right hand over her heart. "Here. So it's like you're always protecting me."

Tianlin smiled. He hadn't expected her to be so playful as a wife. "Yes, I'm your husband, so I'll always protect you. As I said, if you're ever in danger, call for me immediately."

"Enough with the mushy stuff. When Yan and I got married, we weren't stuck together like you two," Yu Tianheng grumbled. He and Dugu Yan had been married for years, long past the honeymoon phase, but now he felt like a single man eating dog food.

"Alright then, let's set out. Remember the route: head north from here, take a detour to Ice Forest to help Oscar get his sixth soul ring—it must be a Mirror Shadow Beast—then return via Hargen Kingdom to Hanhai City, and from there sail to Sea God Island. Got it?" Ning Fengzhi reminded them. Most of these youths were the future of their sects; even those who weren't were elite allies, so he had to care.

The carriages were already prepared—three luxurious ones for the large group. Not only Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi came to see them off, but also Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Poison Douluo, Thunder Eagle Douluo, Dragon Snake Douluo, and other key sect figures, plus Yang Wudi, Lou Gao, Bai He, and other important leaders. They personally saw the group off. All belongings were packed into soul tools.

Parting was emotional. Even normally composed Ning Fengzhi repeatedly reminded Ning Rongrong. She had traveled before, but always with Tianlin, so he wasn't worried. This time, with Tianlin staying, he was no longer a wise sect master—just a worried father.

Farewells are always sad, especially since no one knew how long this separation would last. Bai Chenxiang cried for a long time in her grandfather's arms. Bai He was also uneasy: this time, her senior brother Tianlin and lover Ma Hongjun would both stay behind, so he entrusted her to Ning Rongrong's care. Naturally, Ning Rongrong promised—Bai Chenxiang was Tianlin's junior sister, so her own, and thus, also the Ice and Snow Empresses' sister. No one would hurt her.

Each carriage was drawn by four strong horses. Ning Fengzhi assigned sect disciples as drivers, and the group headed north.

As the carriages faded into the distance, the light in Ning Fengzhi and Tianlin's eyes dimmed. Everyone felt as if their hearts had gone with the departing youths.

"Let's go back, Boss. I believe that when Rongrong and the others return, they'll be even stronger. We have our own path to train on," Gu Ran said to comfort Tianlin.

Tianlin looked at the ones who stayed. "Gu Ran, Sister Lingling, everyone's gone to pursue their goals. You can't slack off either. I have something very important to entrust to you—this concerns your future."

Hearing this, Gu Ran became serious. He knew Tianlin and Ye Lingling had another path prepared, but didn't know what it was.

Tianlin leaned in and whispered something only Gu Ran and Ye Lingling could hear. The more he said, the wider their eyes grew.

"Boss, are you kidding? Someone like me, can I really shoulder such a heavy responsibility?" Gu Ran was shocked.

"Xiao Tian, your plan for us… isn't it a bit too much?" Even confident scholar Ye Lingling was flustered.

Tianlin nodded. "Of course you can. This is a path not reliant on talent, but on perseverance. In the Emperor Battle Team, you two have the strongest willpower: Gu Ran makes up for lack of talent with hard work, and Lingling, you never stop learning. Only you two are qualified to reach the peak of this path."

"Gu Ran, Ye Lingling, listen. As vice sect master, I order you to leave Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect immediately. For the next four years, you cannot use the sect's name—you must act on your own. Gu Ran, you will fight evil and protect the people; Lingling, you will cure disease and benefit the world. Make sure your names become known throughout Douluo Continent!"

Gu Ran and Ye Lingling exchanged determined looks, then knelt on one knee. "We obey, Vice Sect Master!"