Since Gu Han was already close to reaching Rank 40, the group didn't rush back to Spirit Hall. Instead, they sent a brief letter explaining the situation.
After that, they headed toward Dragon City. Gu Han originally intended to participate in some battles, but Bibi Dong voluntarily dismissed the idea.
She said there would be plenty of opportunities to fight in the future, so there was no need to rush now.
Besides, watching him beat up weaklings of the same rank wasn't particularly entertaining.
What she truly enjoyed was seeing her junior go all out against powerful foes—after all, a true swordsman always draws their sword against the strong.
Though her words sounded a bit childish, there was some truth to them. What's more, Gu Han was already somewhat of a known figure in the area. To return less than half a year later and already be at Rank 39? It was utterly astonishing.
To avoid stirring up unnecessary trouble, Gu Han decided to lay low for a while. If he were to make a move, it wouldn't be for at least another two or three years.
As for the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament three years down the line, Gu Han had no intention of participating.
This generation didn't have many exceptional talents. Aside from Tang Hao, no one stirred his fighting spirit.
However, Tang Hao hadn't joined any academy, and Spirit Hall had never seen a disciple from the Clear Sky Clan participate in the tournament. It was unlikely this time would be any different.
So Gu Han had zero interest. Rather than wasting time on something meaningless, he preferred to spend it training and studying with Bibi Dong.
Over the following days, Gu Han remained focused on cultivating his soul power. Thanks to the support of medicinal herbs and century-old whale jelly, he successfully broke through to Rank 40 in just three days.
For his fourth soul ring, he chose a Snowy Mountain Spirit Fox with just over ten thousand years of cultivation. With his already powerful spiritual power, enhanced further by the wisdom skull bone condensed over sixty thousand years, he had no trouble absorbing the ring.
The Snowy Mountain Spirit Fox not only enhanced Gu Han's innate ice element but also granted him a fascinating new soul skill:
Teleportation.
As long as he had sufficient soul power, Gu Han could use this skill repeatedly with virtually no cooldown. Most importantly, it consumed very little energy.
The maximum teleport distance per use was around 500 meters—making it a formidable close-combat ability.
Given that his offensive capabilities were already impressive and that ice naturally provided control effects, this teleportation skill instantly elevated Gu Han's combat effectiveness by several levels.
Whether it was for initiating a charge, dueling, group combat, or even retreating, this was an incredibly versatile ability.
"A space-type soul skill… That's practically a divine technique," Yue Guan couldn't help but marvel. This kid's luck was just ridiculous. To stumble upon such an exceptional ability—it was almost unfair.
—
Spirit City.
After returning, Bibi Dong immediately absorbed her fourth soul ring. It came from an 11,000-year-old Thorn Demon Spider and granted her a defensive skill.
It allowed her to coat her body in a layer of armor covered in poisonous thorns, significantly boosting her defense while delivering toxic damage to enemies. An excellent utility skill.
After absorbing their fourth soul rings, Gu Han's soul power reached Rank 42, while Bibi Dong hit Rank 43.
The power gap between the senior and junior disciples had essentially closed in record time.
Ever since discovering the bodily-enhancing effects of whale jelly, Qian Xunji had dispatched a trusted Soul Douluo along with a team of Soul Masters to Sea God Island to secretly procure it.
To maintain secrecy, only the elders and a handful of trusted Soul Douluos were aware of the whale jelly's existence and effects. Spirit Hall had no intention of making it public just yet.
If it were made known, the price would skyrocket and potentially outstrip supply. That would only benefit the two great empires and rival sects—something that went against Spirit Hall's interests.
Better to keep it under wraps.
With Gu Han and Bibi Dong's arrangements settled, Qian Xunji finally found time to visit the Hall of Consecration, unable to wait any longer. Clutching the Radiant Paradise Grass, he arrived full of anticipation.
"The Radiant Paradise Grass!" Qian Daoliu was stunned. He'd only ever seen illustrations of this rare immortal herb in ancient texts—this was his first time seeing the real thing. The powerful energy within it, harmonizing perfectly with his Martial Soul, was something even he could feel clearly.
"Xunji, where did you find this?" Qian Daoliu asked, astonished.
Qian Xunji recounted the events surrounding the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu let out a sigh.
"To think your great opportunity came through your disciple."
"Since they discovered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and Yue Guan understands medicinal herbs, let Yue Guan guard the site. But just in case, I'll assign one of the Worship Elders to stand watch alongside him."
"Wise decision, Father," Qian Xunji agreed without objection. In the past, no one paid much attention to the well. But after learning of the value of the immortal herbs within it, everything changed.
Sending a Worship Elder to guard it was more than justified.
Who would be assigned was his father's business—he had no say in that.
"Also, we old fogies won't waste the immortal herbs. Have Yue Guan pick out a few slightly less rare but still top-tier herbs for the Worship Elders. They've given their lives to Spirit Hall—it's only right we don't shortchange them."
"Understood. I'll inform Yue Guan of this."
"Good. In that case, go ahead and absorb the herb here."
"Yes, Father."
Qian Xunji nodded and, following Yue Guan's instructions, consumed the Radiant Paradise Grass.
The moment it entered his body, it transformed into a pure source of light energy, merging seamlessly with him. His Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul instantly manifested.
Divine energy surged throughout the Hall of Consecration. Qian Daoliu watched his son's every move, closely observing each stage of absorption.
The process went smoothly. With the help of the immortal herb, Qian Xunji's soul power soared straight to the peak of Rank 95.
At that moment, the statue of the Angel God seemed to react, releasing a sacred glow that resonated with Qian Xunji's Martial Soul.
"It's the God's Trial!"
Qian Xunji was overwhelmed with emotion as he locked his eyes on the golden cards flying toward him—eight in total.
Just like his father, he had received the Trial of the Eight-Winged Angel.
Once, he hadn't even qualified to initiate a god trial. But now, after absorbing the Radiant Paradise Grass, he had obtained a high level of divine test—the Eight Trials of the Angel God.
"The Angelic Eight-Trial… Incredible."
Even Qian Daoliu was both astonished and gratified. The Radiant Paradise Grass—once consumed by their ancestors—was indeed as powerful as the legends claimed.
That Qian Xunji had been chosen for the Angelic Trials also meant his legacy was secure.
As long as Xunji successfully completed the eight trials, and the two young disciples matured to take over the Pope's role, Qian Daoliu could finally retire from his position as Grand Worshiper.
Then, he could urge his son to get married and have children.
And finally—he could enjoy the blessings of family life.
Just thinking about it filled him with joy.