Time flew by, and with the sunrise came a new day.
Xu Tianxi emerged from his night of meditation, rising to greet the morning sun. He offered Xiao Changfeng and Yue Lao a gentle, bright, and cheerful smile.
"Senior Martial Uncle, Yue Lao, this trip was a complete success. Let's head back."
"Alright."
Xiao Changfeng nodded, motioned for Yue Lao to return to the Soul Guidance Ship, then took Xu Tianxi to the deck to take in the view.
He had guarded Xu Tianxi and Yue Lao all night but showed no signs of fatigue. He handed Xu Tianxi a Soul Guided Ring with a vast storage space.
"Tianxi, inside are Elixirs and Soul Guided Devices I picked out for you, a few Gold Soul Cards, and a token of worship from our Black Tortoise Merchant Guild. Take a look and tell your Martial Uncle if you're still short on anything."
"Our Black Tortoise Merchant Guild is one of the top merchant guilds on the entire continent, and we also have some properties in the Sun Moon Empire. With this token, you can mobilize resources with the highest authority, which will be convenient for you later on."
"You'll be going out for training on the continent soon, and then you'll be heading to the Sun Moon Empire alone. Any thoughts?"
"Not many thoughts, just overcoming challenges, breaking through difficulties, and defeating enemies, that's all."
Xu Tianxi took the Storage Ring and his Spiritual Power permeated it, causing his eye to twitch involuntarily.
There were twenty Elixir boxes for Mystic Water Pills alone. Was he supposed to eat them like candy?
Still, eating more of them wouldn't hurt, as it wouldn't damage his foundation.
His Spiritual Power extended deeper, and a series of Elixir boxes came into view, each with its own specifications.
Five boxes were labeled "Healing Holy Product Black Tortoise Divine Pill," one box was labeled "Soul Ascension Pill," and several other boxes were labeled "Tears-Inducing Pill"…
Xu Tianxi: "…???"
Tears-Inducing Pill? What kind of effect was that? He had never heard of such a strange thing before.
"Don't forget your persona: the third young master of the Xuanming Sect who lost his mother in childhood, suffered countless grievances, ran away from home, and is determined to seek revenge. Even if you're not full of deep-seated hatred, you should be full of bitterness. When you meet people from the Sun Moon Empire and talk about your past, you'll inevitably need to shed some tears."
Xiao Changfeng's voice was light, and a slight smile played at the corner of his lips.
"But you can't just cry on command, so you'll have to rely on external help. This Elixir is a folk remedy found by my teacher, and I personally refined it. Taking it will speed up the circulation of Soul Power and induce tears. This Elixir is very reliable; even a Titled Douluo investigating it would only detect the illusion of chaotic Soul Power circulation, and it's even beneficial for Spiritual Power."
Hearing this, Xu Tianxi's mouth twitched slightly, and a black line appeared on his forehead.
So, before I go to the Sun Moon Empire, I need to brush up on my acting skills first?
The Douluo stage is open, come and perform if you have a show?
It was like a Spring Festival Gala skit, specifically designed to amuse the audience, but it was tough on him, the actor.
Xu Tianxi rubbed his temples, a headache brewing, and sighed, "Senior Martial Uncle, you really are incredibly thoughtful."
"No need for flattery. As your elder, I, Xiao Changfeng, naturally consider everything for the younger generation. As for the Evil Soul Master intelligence you requested, I will certainly deliver it to you within half a month."
"For the next while, you should familiarize yourself with the strength you've gained after your breakthrough. Also, try practicing the techniques for using Thunder Attribute Soul Power. If you can master it, your combat power will surely rise to another level."
Xiao Changfeng stood with his hands behind his back, facing the wind, looking straight ahead. He accepted Xu Tianxi's praise without changing his expression, his demeanor utterly unrestrained.
Xu Tianxi covered his face with his hand, thinking to himself that this Senior Martial Uncle was also a flamboyant character with hidden depths, probably a free-spirited individual in his youth.
Then, thinking of Xu Sanshi's mischievous appearance… Xu Tianxi felt that there must be a culprit in the Xuanming Sect who had corrupted the entire sect's moral atmosphere, causing the higher-ups to be crooked and the lower-downs to follow suit.
And that person… probably, possibly, surely wouldn't be Senior Martial Ancestor Xu Xiaoyun… right?
A month later.
Within the Moon Gazing Platform's mimetic cultivation environment.
Xu Tianxi, having emerged from his breakthrough, received a wanted poster from Yue Lao, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Star Luo Empire Adventurers Guild Quest: Locate and eradicate the 'Abomination Demon Soul' assassin group, which frequently attacks merchants and small Soul Master teams on the outskirts of the Ming Dou Great Forest.
Intelligence Summary:
The leader of the 'Abomination Demon Soul' assassin group is suspected to be an Evil Soul Master, calling himself the 'Abomination Envoy.' In a battle half a year ago, he displayed the cultivation of a top-tier Soul Ancestor, enduring the attacks of a Soul King and two Soul Ancestors, retreating unscathed and even killing one of them. His defense is exceptionally strong.
He commands six 'Demon Soul Knights,' with cultivation ranging from high-tier Soul Elder to low-tier Soul Ancestor. Their Martial Souls possess mental attributes, and they excel in illusions and assassination techniques, being incredibly elusive.
Additionally, the assassin group includes dozens of Soul Masters and over two hundred vicious butchers, who commit all manner of burning, killing, and looting. They are skilled at concealment and changing battlefields. Adventurers are advised to carefully consider whether to attempt this quest.
Recommendation: Have three or more Soul King experts lead the charge, launching a decisive assault with a sharp spearhead to eradicate the assassin group with lightning speed…
After completion, adventurers can claim their Gold Soul Coin reward at the Adventurers Guild office by presenting crucial physical evidence of the assassin group members to prove task completion…"
"The Adventurers Guild? Where most of the Three Great Empires' nobles participate, and the imperial families of the Three Great Empires oversee operations, issuing bounty quests to Soul Masters across the land? Martial Uncle is quite fast at finding targets."
Considering the nature of the Adventurers Guild, Xu Tianxi nodded slightly, a serious gleam in the depths of his eyes.
In the original story, Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire shrewdly auctioned off the Snow Empress embryo for a high price of 150 million Gold Soul Coins, severely fleecing Mingde Hall. Then, he turned around and issued a bounty quest through the Adventurers Guild for 100 million Gold Soul Coins to snatch the Snow Empress embryo, effectively pocketing a 50 million Gold Soul Coin difference.
Two Soul Douluo from the Body Sect took on the quest on behalf of their sect, which led to Mingde Hall's first crisis. Poison Undying led a rampage at Mingde Hall, and Huo Gua fished in troubled waters, stealing the Zero Mech that Jing Hongchen was researching, leaving Jing Hongchen in tears.
Only the imperial families and top-tier nobles of the Three Great Empires could establish such a communication platform. Many of Shrek Academy's supervisory missions also originated from here.
In other words: a mercenary guild.
Yue Lao stood respectfully before Xu Tianxi, introducing a somewhat gloomy-looking middle-aged man in a green robe beside him.
"Young Master, this is Zhi Sen, a Soul Sage of seventy-eighth rank, a Control System Battle Soul Master with the top-tier plant-type Martial Soul, Azure Ghost Vine. He has been arranged by Ice Phoenix Crown to be your protector on this journey."
"Azure Ghost Vine? Youngster, may I boldly guess that Senior Zhi Sen's Martial Soul mutated from an Azure Vine?"
Xu Tianxi sprang to his feet, offering a gentle smile to the gloomy, gray-haired Zhi Sen.
"The Young Master is indeed knowledgeable. My Martial Soul did indeed mutate from an Azure Vine."
Zhi Sen bowed respectfully to Xu Tianxi, his deep voice filled with deference, his posture very humble.
Xu Tianxi looked surprised. Even with my noble status, it shouldn't warrant such respect from a Soul Sage whose cultivation is close to a Soul Douluo, right? A powerful individual of this caliber is a core strength, or higher, in any faction.
Could it be that I've underestimated my own standing?
"Young Master, please don't be surprised. In the past, Ice Phoenix Crown saved my life and guided my cultivation. Zhi Sen's life belongs to Ice Phoenix Crown. Since you are someone Ice Phoenix Crown values, Zhi Sen will naturally serve you with all his might."
As Zhi Sen spoke, his eyes were dim, as if recalling a deeply ingrained memory.
Looks like he's a man with a story.
Thoughts spun in Xu Tianxi's mind, but he showed nothing on his face. He then led the two to bid farewell to Xiao Changfeng.
At Vast Sea City's port.
Xiao Changfeng stood with his hands behind his back on the coast, then suddenly turned and smiled. The sea breeze ruffled a few strands of hair by his ears, making him look elegant and dashing.
"You're here?"
"Yes, Grand Master-Uncle, thank you for your care during this time. Tianxi will always remember it."
Xu Tianxi walked up to Xiao Changfeng and bowed deeply, a ninety-degree bow, expressing his gratitude.
Over the past two years, Xiao Changfeng had meticulously looked after him, his grand-nephew by discipleship. He had provided all the cultivation resources he needed and held nothing back when teaching him unique skills, sharing all his cultivation insights. He had even suppressed his cultivation multiple times to spar with him, showing none of the airs of a Super Douluo.
Even when handling a supreme treasure like a Soul Bone, he had given Xu Tianxi full respect, exuding a gentle and refined aura and personal charm in every gesture.
Even with one's own child, few could achieve this level of consideration, making Xu Tianxi's solemn bow well-deserved.
Xiao Changfeng reached out to help Xu Tianxi up, then patted his shoulder. His eyes, as deep as a pond, were clear and bright.
"Before you leave, Grand Master-Uncle will give you one last gift. Don't be nervous, relax your mind."
"Remember one thing from your Grand Master-Uncle: A true man should travel far and wide, for all green mountains are the same; let the blue waves ripple, and your heroic spirit endure."
With that, blue lights flickered in Xiao Changfeng's eyes. Xu Tianxi immediately rose off the ground, his expression surprised but not panicked.
The next moment, Xu Tianxi felt countless finger-like forces land on the vital points all over his body. Dozens of warm and gentle streams of Soul Power surged into him, giving him a feeling of blissful ecstasy, making him involuntarily close his eyes.
"Click~ crack!"
After an unknown amount of time, the sound of a bottleneck breaking echoed in his ears. When Xu Tianxi's feet touched the ground again, he was pleasantly surprised to find his body felt even lighter. Simply clenching his hand brought forth immense power.
His Soul Power had broken through the thirty-third rank bottleneck, actually soaring from mid-level thirty-three to peak thirty-four, and he could vaguely sense the bottleneck of thirty-five!
More importantly, despite this sudden enlightenment, his foundation remained unaffected. His Soul Power showed no signs of instability; instead, it had become even purer.
Such an incredible feat could only be accomplished by a Super Douluo like Xiao Changfeng.
Xu Tianxi was about to seek out Xiao Changfeng, but he saw the pier was bustling with people, and he couldn't spot that dashing blue figure anywhere.
"Grand Master-Uncle is truly Grand Master-Uncle; he hides his achievements and fame well."
Uttering a heartfelt sigh of admiration, Xu Tianxi turned and smiled, waving to Yue Lao and the other person.
"Let's go, it's time for us to leave. For the journey ahead, I'll have to trouble you two seniors to look after me."
"As the Young Master commands."