Chapter 132: Tian Lin’s Benefits

"Boss, could this be it?" Ma Hongjun looked at Tian Lin with hopeful eyes. He had been tormented by his evil fire for far too long. The anticipation of finally ridding himself of it with the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower wasn't just a matter of days but something he had been longing for. Tian Lin didn't tease him and directly opened the treasure box. Inside were several fragrant flowers and a few exquisite jade bottles. Tian Lin took out a fiery red flower. "This is the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a medicinal herb of pure yang. It can greatly purify your flames. Initially, I wanted to refine it into a fire-attributed elixir, which would have been more potent, but it would lose its purity, so I gave up on that idea. While this flower can eliminate the evil fire within you, for your Phoenix Martial Soul to truly evolve, you'll need to put in your effort afterward. One more thing: after consuming this flower, there's no turning back. You'll become a key figure for our sect, and the carefree days you've enjoyed will be gone for good—until the day you attain the title of Douluo." The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower was not something to be given to a slacker. Tian Lin had already warned Ma Hongjun about this, and Ma Hongjun was mentally prepared. He nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Boss. Ever since I started following the lifestyle habits you taught me, I've begun to understand your good intentions. I won't let myself slack off anymore." Drying blankets on sunny days and walking 20,000 steps every day—these two seemingly simple habits carried deeper meanings. The first taught him to seize every opportunity and the second cultivated perseverance. "Very well. This Fatty has the same flying beast-type martial soul as me. You can leave him to my care," said Yin Yang with a hearty laugh. Although he felt a bit regretful that he couldn't take Ma Hongjun as a disciple due to the latter already having a Master, he didn't hesitate to offer guidance to such a talented member of the sect. "Then I'll trouble you, Grandpa Eagle." Tian Lin didn't have any objections. After all, Yin Yang would continue protecting Ning Rongrong in the future, so it was fitting for Ma Hongjun to learn from him. "Brother Sword, what about me?" Ning Rongrong clung to Tian Lin's arm and pouted coquettishly. "Of course, I didn't forget you." Tian Lin handed her a jade bottle. "This is the Heaven-Mending Pill, which I've kept ready for you for a while." Ning Rongrong poured out the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. Immediately, a nine-colored light radiated from her body. Even Ning Fengzhi, who had taken the same pill in the past, hadn't experienced such a phenomenon. It seemed that Rongrong's absorption of the pill was even better than Ning Fengzhi's. Watching Ma Hongjun and Ning Rongrong receive divine herbs and elixirs along with guidance from Title Douluos, Oscar couldn't help but feel deeply envious. Seeing this, Tian Lin took out two more pills and handed them to Oscar and Meng Yiran. "These are for you. These pills, refined from Emerald Jade Grass, are called Emerald Jade Spirit Pills. They can assist in cultivation and increase soul power. While they aren't on the same level as immortal-grade items, they're still extremely rare treasures." "For us too?" The two were surprised. After all, unlike Ma Hongjun, who had officially joined the sect, they were merely part of the sect's affiliated families. "Of course," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile. "Whether you join us directly or as part of an affiliated family, we're all one family. There's no need to draw such strict distinctions." As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi pulled out a book and handed it to Oscar. "And this is for you—a meditation technique from our sect. It's upright and balanced, making it especially suitable for auxiliary-type soul masters. You can use it as a reference." "Thank you, Uncle Ning!" Oscar said, deeply moved as he accepted the book. Seeing this, Dragon Duke, who had initially harbored some resentment about joining the sect for the sake of his granddaughter's safety, felt his dissatisfaction melt away. Now, he was genuinely willing to stay, as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect truly treated its own with utmost generosity. The four began cultivating after consuming their celestial herbs or pills, with Chen Xin and Dugu Bo guarding them. Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi invited Dragon Duke and Snake Granny to the Seven Treasure Hall for a discussion about treatment and benefits for sect members. Tian Lin, however, had no interest in such matters and left them to Ning Fengzhi to handle. "Gu Ran, come with me. I need to talk to you," Tian Lin said, gesturing outside. He didn't want to disturb those who were absorbing the medicinal effects. Once outside, Gu Ran asked, "Boss, what's the matter?" "Listen closely, Gu Ran. There's just over a year left until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. During this time, I want you to set everything else aside. Even the self-created soul skills Bone Grandpa taught you should be put on hold. Focus entirely on cultivating your soul power. Before the tournament, you must reach level 48, preferably level 49. Do you understand?" "I understand," Gu Ran replied with a nod. He never doubted his boss's words. However, his curiosity got the better of him. "But Boss, why the sudden urgency to have me focus on soul power cultivation?" "You don't need to worry about that for now," Tian Lin said firmly. "Just trust me. I promise you this—if you meet my requirements, I'll give you a great gift before the tournament. It'll make you shine in the competition, even allowing you to rival the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall!" Tian Lin patted Gu Ran's shoulder, offering him this assurance. Hearing this, Gu Ran was ecstatic. He knew that even though he had consumed the Iron Armor Peony, his talent still fell short compared to the Golden Generation. During their previous encounter, he hadn't been a match for any of them without Tian Lin's help. Now that he had the chance to match their level, he was determined to seize it. "Don't worry, Boss. I won't let you down." Tian Lin smiled approvingly. He admired Gu Ran's diligence. Among the Emperor Team, Gu Ran had the weakest innate talent. To avoid falling behind, he had to work harder than anyone else, which had forged his tenacious spirit. So what if his innate talent was poor? Since Gu Ran had chosen to follow Tian Lin sincerely, Tian Lin was determined to help him reach the peak. The reason for Tian Lin's command lay in the secret of his Fifth Soul Skill: Illusory Water Thunderstorm. Once Gu Ran reached the required level, Tian Lin could use this skill to help him break through his bottleneck and become a Soul King. At that point, Gu Ran would have the strength to compete with the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall. The secrets of the Holy Spirit Domain and Illusory Water Thunderstorm were known only to Ning Fengzhi and the Elders. Among their peers, only Ning Rongrong and Gu Ran were privy to this knowledge. Having grown up together, they trusted each other implicitly as family, so there was no need to hide anything from them. As for Ma Hongjun and Oscar, though they had joined the sect, their sense of belonging wasn't deep enough yet to share such secrets. An hour later, the others awakened after absorbing the medicinal effects. Ma Hongjun's body had significantly slimmed down due to the purification of his flames, and his soul power had broken through to level 30, making him ready to hunt for a soul ring and advance. Most importantly, he no longer had to suffer from the torment of the evil fire. Oscar and Meng Yiran, who were already above level 30, had both advanced to level 35. It seemed likely that they could break through level 40 before or during the tournament. Finally, Ning Rongrong's transformation was the most dramatic. The Heaven-Mending Pill not only upgraded her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda but also increased her soul power from level 32 to level 39 in one go—a leap of seven levels. As expected, her absorption of the pill surpassed even Ning Fengzhi's. Tian Lin's eyes lit up. It seemed that the first person to truly benefit from his Illusory Water Thunderstorm wouldn't be Gu Ran but Ning Rongrong!