"Father, it really works!!"
Qian Xunji stood up excitedly. After absorbing the energy of an entire piece of whale glue, he didn't advance in level, but he clearly felt that his foundational strength had been reinforced.
If he could obtain more, there was a real chance he could trigger the divine examination.
The Martial Soul Hall's divine examination differed greatly from the one on the sea god Island. On Sea God island , any sea soul master could participate. But the Martial Soul Hall was different—only those with the six-winged angel martial soul were even eligible, and even then, they had to meet strict conditions. Without enough talent, the divine test would never descend.
Qian Xunji had always been one of those whose talent fell short. Though he had once tried to break through to Soul Saint, he failed to receive the angel's divine examination.
Now, after absorbing the whale glue, he felt his innate limitations had lessened. For the first time in years, hope stirred within him.
"Excellent. If it's effective, I'll take a team out to sea in a few days and hunt for more," Golden Crocodile Douluo said with a wide smile. Qian Xunji had grown up under his watchful eye. Although the boy's accomplishments had never been exceptional, he was still the son of the eldest brother.
Now that there was a method to fix the damage caused by youthful recklessness, even the old crocodile couldn't help but be excited.
Qian Daoliu silently examined Qian Xunji using the divine power of the Angel God, then sighed.
"Ji'er, take the rest of the whale glue back to refine. The ones under ten thousand years won't help you—distribute them however you see fit."
"Thank you, Father."
Oblivious to his father's inner conflict, Qian Xunji accepted the remaining fourteen whale glues and left cheerfully.
"Sigh..."
"Big brother, why the sigh?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked, puzzled. "Isn't it good news that his talent can be remedied?"
Qingluan Douluo and Xiongshi Douluo also looked at Qian Daoliu with curiosity.
"I examined Ji'er with divine power. Though whale glue helps, it's ultimately too little. It improves his physique, yes, but not his true cultivation potential."
"So what? If 80,000 years isn't enough, we old bones will hunt down a 100,000-year whale!" Golden Crocodile Douluo barked, filled with determination.
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "Even 100,000 years isn't enough. Unless..."
"Unless what?" they asked.
"Unless he can find the legendary Bright Paradise Grass. Without it, no amount of whale glue will earn him the Angel God's recognition. He'll forever be stuck at Rank 97."
"Bright Paradise Grass? What's that?" Xiongshi Douluo frowned.
"A mythical immortal herb, rarely seen in a thousand years. Legends say an ancestor greatly advanced in cultivation after consuming it. His training became as easy as breathing."
Qian Daoliu shook his head again. "But that's just a legend. Who knows if such a divine herb even exists? And even if it does, would we ever find a second one?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo sighed deeply. "A cruel twist of fate, indeed."
"Even so, we must do what we can. At least help Ji'er reach Rank 97. As for the rest, leave it to the heavens."
Qian Daoliu nodded silently. "That's all we can do."
Meanwhile, Qian Xunji had returned to his secret chamber, eager to refine the remaining four ten-thousand-year whale glues.
—
Gu Han had just wrapped up his daily class when he found himself blocked by Bibi Dong.
"Brother, let's continue the story!"
Gu Han smiled. "Senior Sister, stories are fine, but you also need to study."
"Hmph... I know! Let's go to the library for an hour first, then you can tell me a story."
She pouted, grabbed his arm, and pulled him along playfully.
Gu Han liked her spirited personality—she was strong-willed, yet not spoiled.
"Alright, but let's make a little agreement."
"What kind of agreement?" she tilted her head.
With a warm smile, Gu Han said, "If you study with me in the library for one hour each day, I'll tell you a story every evening."
"Books, huh..." Bibi Dong hesitated. Her bright eyes dimmed slightly.
"So, Senior Sister? Deal?" Gu Han pressed.
"Fine... but your stories better be fun, Brother!"
"I promise they will be."
Gu Han grinned. He had countless tales from the modern world, including classics and online novels.
They arrived at the library, chatting and laughing. Before stepping inside, Bibi Dong paused. She stared at the entrance, clenched her little fists, then bravely stepped in.
"So many books..."
Her eyes widened as she scanned the colorful spines. She looked like a mischievous child forced to do homework.
"If you don't understand something, I'll explain," Gu Han said, gently ruffling her hair.
She pouted but didn't protest.
Gu Han could guess she didn't like books—not just because she was playful, but because soul master theory books were often wordy and dull. Even adults barely glanced at them.
He selected a few books on choosing soul rings.
Bibi Dong sniffed and said, "That many? Have you read them all?"
Gu Han chuckled. "They may look thick, but the real content is quite small. I'll explain everything to you."
"Okay..."
Watching her reaction, Gu Han felt more determined to protect this innocent girl from being led astray in the future.
(End of Chapter)