After that, most of the remaining fairy grass was carefully preserved. Yueguan picked up the Bright Paradise Grass and placed it into a jade box.
This place's situation definitely needed to be reported to the Pope and the major offerings. It was truly incredible—surely a Title-level powerhouse was guarding here. Of course, Yueguan wanted to stay here himself.
That's also why he chose the Bright Paradise Grass. He knew Bibi Dong's talent wasn't the best among the angels, so he hoped to use this as leverage to secure a position in the Ice and Fire Two Eyes valley.
As for the soul ring matters of Bibi Dong and Gu Han, those would wait until Bibi Dong returned and absorbed the Spiritual Soul Bone.
Gu Han's third soul ring quest would lead him to the Frozen Forest. There was snow and ice everywhere in the Preast Land, and the few soul beasts there were extremely dangerous.
If one ventured into the core area, the extreme cold would be unbearable for Gu Han at his current level.
Moreover, the soul beasts were mostly gathered in the middle and edges, patrolled by the two Snow Emperors. Even a Title Douluo had little chance of survival there.
Perhaps Gu Han would break through the extreme ice barrier in the future, but that was a goal for after reaching Soul Saint rank.
Gu Han also had his own target for this third soul ring: deep within the Frozen Forest, on a cliff, grew an 8,000-year-old Ice Crystal Snow Lotus.
This snow lotus, rooted year-round in the cliffside, was largely ignored by others—making it the perfect prize.
Its ice attribute could grant Gu Han a powerful bonus to his cultivation.
He also hoped to visit his old village on the way back—after all, it was where he was raised. If possible, he wanted to use the teacher's connections to secure land near Martial Soul City for the villagers, so they could all move closer and be better cared for.
As for the other fairy grasses, Gu Han didn't have much use for them. The Autumn Water Dew wasn't very helpful for his spiritual cultivation, so it was better reserved for Bibi Dong, who needed its aid more.
Regarding Dugubo's poison problem, Gu Han didn't rely on Xiancao. Xiancao only helped one person—it couldn't solve a generational issue.
The root of Dugubo's problem was simple: his cultivation method limited his ability to fully absorb refined toxins, leading to accumulation. It was an easy problem to fix by modifying the method and creating a specialized technique. With the unknown method's help, Gu Han was confident he could do it.
The four packed up and began their journey back to Martial Soul City.
Martial Soul Hall, the Hall of Offerings.
Qian Xunji stood beneath the hall, holding two ten-thousand-year-old spiritual skulls, sweat beading his forehead.
Above the main hall stood the Seven Great Offerings, led by Qian Daoliu.
Yes—on the day Gu Han and Bibi Dong left, Qianjun and Demon Shun had broken through to level 96, entering the Offering Hall as the sixth and seventh offerings.
"Thank you, father, for the offering bones, and thanks to the five great offerings for their favor."
Qian Xunji carefully placed the soul bones away and bowed slightly to the Seven Great Offerings.
"Ji'er, no need to be so formal. Though the soul bones are special, I trust you won't object. I only hope Dong'er won't disappoint us."
"Haha, a fourth soul ring ten thousand years old—if it really can be absorbed, it will be worth it."
The Golden Crocodile smiled. Aside from the evolved soul ring of the elder brother, no soul master had ever absorbed a ten-thousand-year soul ring from the fourth ring before.
If this soul bone could break that myth, the senior spirits in heaven would surely rejoice. At least, if it were his own wish, he'd be thrilled.
Guangling Douluo waved his hand generously.
"Don't mention it. I've seen your apprentice. Honestly, I admire that boy a lot. If you hadn't taken the lead, I'd have accepted him myself. I already have a skull—I'm happy to give this one to him. After all, he's Martial Soul Hall's next generation."
"Haha... Xiaohan being recognized by the five offerings is truly his honor."
Qian Xun smiled, quietly relieved. But when had Guangling Douluo actually met Xiaohan? Could it have been that day…?
Qian Xunji recalled the moment his father summoned him and how Guangling met him at the memorial hall's door. That had to be the day.
Though he didn't think much of it, it made earning the favor of a worshiper easier—a boon for future support of Xiaohan.
Still, Qian Xunji sighed quietly. Though he was the Pope, real power lay with the Worship Hall, under his father's control.
Outwardly, the worshipers and elders respected him—but behind the scenes, it was all politics and power struggles.
Misuse of key resources required approval from the offerings or his father.
Of course, Qian Xunji didn't crave power himself. He only wished for the angels' favor and a divine examination—to break through to level 99 without losing his ancestral legacy.
"Well, Ji'er, you have your duties. Don't get caught up arguing with us old timers. Go on."
Qian Daoliu waved and turned away.
"Yes, father."
"To the offerings, farewell."
Qian Xunji bowed and left the memorial hall.
After he left, Qian Daoliu's eyes turned toward Guangling Douluo.
"How's the investigation in Xingluo Empire?"
"Ha! Those bastards gave up fast. As soon as they noticed our people snooping, they ordered a massacre of all their hidden fallen soul masters."
Guangling sneered. The Martial Soul Hall had long suspected the Xingluo Empire of raising evil soul masters but had lacked proof.
Those foxes were slippery, always one step ahead—every investigation ended with leaked info, and no result.
This time was no different. Guangling had just sent out operatives and was involved himself when, on the third day, the Xingluo Empire caught wind and wiped out the evil souls.
"Hmm!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo snorted.
"What slippery old foxes."
Qian Daoliu closed his eyes slightly.
"You can't hide forever. No matter how deep the secrets, they'll slip eventually."