The next morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and a thin mist had yet to fully dissipate. Marco finished packing his belongings, with the spirited Qing Yu perched on his shoulder, ready to formally bid farewell to the elders of the Spirit Hall. His heart was filled with both anticipation for the future and a faint sense of melancholy. Over the past six months, the meticulous guidance of the two Douluo and the tacit permission and protection of the Grand Enshrinement had fostered a deep, reluctant-to-part attachment to this sacred land for Soul Masters.
He first went to the main hall of the Elder Hall. Qianjun Douluo and Xiangmo Douluo seemed to have anticipated his arrival and were standing side by side in the hall waiting for him. Seeing Marco enter, the two dignified elders revealed gentle smiles on their faces, though deep within those smiles lay a trace of barely perceptible reluctance.
"Kid, all ready to go?" Xiangmo Douluo was the first to speak, his voice still resonant but lacking some of its usual boldness, replaced instead with a touch of concern.
"Reporting to both Seniors, everything is prepared," Marco replied respectfully, his tone sincere. "I will never forget the kindness of your teachings over these past six months."
Qianjun Douluo gave a slight nod, his gaze profound as he looked at Marco. "A young eagle must eventually leave the nest to soar. Remember, the path of cultivation is long; hold fast to your true heart to see it through to the end." His words were brief, yet they contained the most genuine expectations an elder could have for a junior.
A warm current surged in Marco's heart. He took a deep breath and retrieved three exquisite jade boxes from his Storage Soul Tool, "Star Orbit." The moment the jade boxes appeared, the spiritual energy within the entire hall seemed to grow noticeably denser.
He first presented the most ancient-looking jade box, which emitted a soft white light, with both hands to Qianjun Douluo and Xiangmo Douluo. "Grandfather Qianjun, Grandfather Xiangmo," he addressed them naturally, his voice filled with familiarity, "As I am about to depart, I have little with which to repay you. This item is called 'Dragon Awakening Herb.' Although it is not of immortal grade, it is a rare herb of heaven and earth. Its function is singular; it is said to have the effect of awakening the dragon soul. I came across it by chance and, considering the characteristics of your Martial Souls, thought it might be of some assistance. It is but a small token of my esteem, and I sincerely hope you will accept it."
"Dragon Awakening Herb?" Qianjun Douluo and Xiangmo Douluo exchanged a glance, seeing both confusion and surprise in each other's eyes. Having inherited the Coiling Dragon Staff Martial Soul for many years, they had never heard of such a rare herb. However, the moment the jade box was cracked open, revealing the two herbs shaped like swimming dragons, emerald green all over, and emitting a strange, dragon-chant-like fragrance, the Coiling Dragon Staff Martial Souls within them trembled slightly uncontrollably, conveying an unprecedented sense of yearning and excitement!
This tremor, originating from the very source of their Martial Souls, could not be false! The two Douluo instantly understood that this item was probably more precious to them than any Immortal Herb! Although they didn't know exactly what "awakening the dragon soul" entailed, it was undoubtedly greatly connected to the very root of their Martial Souls.
"This... is too precious!" Xiangmo Douluo, being straightforward by nature, couldn't help but exclaim, though his eyes were full of delight. Qianjun Douluo also looked solemn; they were well aware of how rare such a heaven-and-earth treasure that could resonate with their Martial Souls was. Marco's address of "Grandfather" and this generous gift filled their hearts with warmth.
Marco smiled and said, "A fine sword is meant for a hero, and an Immortal Herb for a true friend. In my hands, this treasure is merely a collectible. Only by aiding the cultivation of you two grandfathers can it truly fulfill its purpose. I sincerely hope you will accept it."
Seeing Marco's genuine sincerity and recognizing the immense value of the gift to them, Qianjun Douluo ceased his refusal. He solemnly received the jade box and said in a deep voice, "Good child, we shall remember this kindness." Xiangmo Douluo gave Marco a hearty pat on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "Haha, excellent! From now on, you are my own grandson! If anyone dares to bully you outside, I, your grandfather, will be the first to object!"
Later, accompanied by the two enshrinement grandfathers, Marco proceeded to the secluded cultivation chamber of the Grand Enshrinement, Qian Daoliu. Passing through the tranquil corridors, they arrived at the simple yet sacred meditation room. Qian Daoliu stood before the colossal Angel Statue as if he had been there since time immemorial.
Hearing Marco's purpose for visiting, Qian Daoliu slowly turned around. His clear gaze fell upon the youth, carrying a trace of appreciation and gentleness.
Marco took out a second jade box, even more exquisite than the first. Carved entirely from warm jade, its surface was adorned with patterns of angel wings. He presented it respectfully, saying, "Grand Enshrinement, as I am about to depart, I happened to acquire this item named 'Radiant Paradise Herb.' I offer it to you as a token of gratitude for your protection over these past six months."
"Radiant Paradise Herb?" Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu's typically impassive face showed clear astonishment for the first time! He accepted the jade box, his fingers trembling slightly. When he gently opened the lid, an extremely pure, warm, serene, and sacred radiance instantly illuminated the entire meditation room! Lying within was an Immortal Herb shaped like a tiny angel, with crystalline, translucent petals, emanating dense luminous energy.
"It's truly... the legend is actually real!" Qian Daoliu's voice carried barely suppressed excitement as he looked at Marco with disbelief in his eyes. "Child, do you know the origin of this item? According to the secret texts of the Spirit Hall, our ancestor, the Angel God, once vanquished evil in a place of ultimate light and sanctity, established his divine position, and ascended to godhood. Over ten thousand years, the residual divine aura in that place could potentially give birth to such an Immortal Herb! For those who possess the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, it is a supreme treasure that can greatly enhance the purification power and light attributes of the Angel Domain, and even improve the Martial Soul constitution!"
Qianjun and Xiangmo, the two enshrinements in the room, were also deeply moved. Though they knew the item was extraordinary, they had not anticipated its origins to be so astonishing and its effects so heaven-defying!
Qian Daoliu carefully closed the jade box, his gaze complex as he looked at Marco—filled with gratitude, appreciation, and a profound sense of recognition. "Child, this gift is too weighty. It holds extraordinary significance for me and for the entire Angel lineage." After a moment of contemplation, a flash of light appeared in his hand, revealing a token neither metallic nor wooden, engraved with intricate angel patterns and inlaid with a pure golden feather at its center.
"This is the Angel Token," Qian Daoliu said, handing it to Marco with utmost solemnity. "Seeing this token is akin to seeing me. Today, I, Qian Daoliu, hereby pledge that as long as you, Marco, never act against the Spirit Hall or endanger the continent in this lifetime, holding this token grants you one request of my assistance. Regardless of who the opponent is, no matter where you are."
The meditation chamber was utterly silent! A promise from a ninety-ninth-level Peerless Douluo carried enough weight to shake the entire continent! Marco's heart trembled violently, understanding this was not merely gratitude, but a profound trust and expectation. His hands slightly trembling, he accepted the Angel Token and bowed deeply: "This junior Marco thanks the Grand Enshrinement for this generous gift! I shall never forget this kindness and virtue! I will surely guard my original heart and never betray the promise made by the Grand Enshrinement today!"
Qian Daoliu stepped forward, personally helping Marco to his feet, a rare gentle smile appearing on his face: "Good child, there's no need for such formalities. From now on, in private, you may call me Grandpa Qian."
Marco raised his head, seeing the genuine warmth in Qian Daoliu's eyes, his heart warmed, and he nodded solemnly: "Yes, Grandpa Qian!"
Qianjun Douluo and Xiangmo Douluo also stepped forward. Xiangmo Douluo said in a clear voice: "That's right! And us two grandpas too! Kid, if any fool dares to bully you outside in the future, just come back to us! These old bones of ours can still back you up!"
Though Qianjun Douluo didn't say much, his firm gaze said everything.
When the time came to bid farewell, sunlight bathed the white dome of the Spirit Hall. Marco took one last look at the magnificent hall where he had lived for half a year, glanced at the three respectable grandfathers, then turned and strode away. His figure appeared tall and resolute in the morning light, the Angel Token warm against his chest, the green feathers on his shoulder humming softly. Though the road ahead was unknown, his heart was filled with strength and warmth.