Chapter 190: Arriving in Vast Sea City

Chapter 190: Arriving in Vast Sea City

After arriving at Chrysanthemum Douluo's residence in Spirit Hall, Yang Potian settled into a leisurely rhythm with the two Douluo, living comfortably with no need for formality. Surprisingly, he found he had a lot in common with Chrysanthemum Douluo. Although the house had limited rooms, the garden out back was expansive, filled with exotic flora and medicinal plants, many of which had grown for a thousand years—likely collected by Chrysanthemum Douluo over the years, some of them quite rare.

Yang Potian took a keen interest in these plants, often pulling out one or two unique herbs from his own collection, much to Chrysanthemum Douluo's envy. Despite their shared enthusiasm, they had differing views: Chrysanthemum Douluo treated his plants with utmost care, seeing them as precious life forms, while Yang Potian's focus lay in the medicinal uses of these plants, discussing how they could be prepared or combined for treatment. This perspective irked Chrysanthemum Douluo slightly as he preferred to appreciate the plants as they were.

Meanwhile, Ghost Douluo observed their interactions with a relaxed detachment. Though he didn't speak much with Yang Potian, he showed no hostility toward him either. Surprisingly, Chrysanthemum Douluo, a connoisseur of refinement, turned out to be an excellent cook. Yang Potian even suspected Ghost Douluo was only sticking around to enjoy Chrysanthemum Douluo's food without the hassle of cooking for himself.

In their conversations, Yang Potian gained insight into the backgrounds of the two Douluo. Ghost Douluo came from humble origins, while Chrysanthemum Douluo hailed from a declining noble family; both had been nurtured by Spirit Hall since childhood, dedicating themselves fully to it. Yang Potian couldn't help but feel sympathy, realizing their fierce loyalty to Spirit Hall wasn't easily swayed. Nevertheless, he found them to be genuine individuals worthy of friendship.

Yang Potian couldn't help but notice that, whether due to Chrysanthemum Douluo's prickly personality or Ghost Douluo's role in Spirit Hall's disciplinary arm, they hadn't received a single visitor over his two-week stay. Not even healers checked on their recovery, which left Yang Potian slightly puzzled.

Chrysanthemum Douluo explained, "Most of our injuries healed long ago. What's left are deep-rooted issues, and no healer can fix those—they'll only get better with time and rest. Her Majesty the Supreme Pontiff used countless rare herbs to get us to this point, and even the most skilled Spirit Saints wouldn't be able to speed up our recovery. Besides, our closest friends are all Titled Douluo themselves, either off on missions or busy cultivating in seclusion. None of the younger generation interests us enough for regular visits."

After hearing this, Yang Potian couldn't help but wonder if the Douluos' personalities were keeping others at bay or if Ghost Douluo's reputation as the enforcer in Spirit Hall was intimidating potential visitors.

One afternoon, as the three of them lounged about after lunch, a knock sounded at the door. Without moving a muscle, Chrysanthemum Douluo mumbled, "Potian, would you mind getting that?"

Slightly amused, Yang Potian went to open the door and was surprised by the visitors: Hu Liena, whom he'd met at the Spirit Master Tournament, and a beautiful middle-aged woman whom he recognized from descriptions in the original text as Blazing Eagle Douluo, also known as Lingluan Douluo.

Hu Liena looked puzzled when she saw Yang Potian. "Aren't you Yang Potian from Heaven Dou Team Two? What are you doing at Chrysanthemum Douluo's home?"

Yang Potian gave a casual laugh. "I'm just traveling and decided to drop by and visit Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo."

Blazing Eagle Douluo seemed unsurprised and led Hu Liena into the sitting room. Their conversation was open, suggesting they were all quite familiar with each other. They seemed to be checking in on the Douluos on the orders of the Supreme Pontiff. Yang Potian noticed a close rapport between Chrysanthemum Douluo and Blazing Eagle Douluo, and though he knew Chrysanthemum Douluo's personality well, it made him wonder about their relationship.

After the two visitors left without acknowledging Yang Potian further, he turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo. "Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo, I think it's about time I head home. If you ever find yourself near Armo Mountain, please visit—I have many rare items there that might interest you."

Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes lit up, clearly tempted by the invitation, though it was unclear whether he was more interested in Yang Potian's collection or in saying goodbye. Ghost Douluo, who rarely spoke, suddenly offered his own advice: "Armo Mountain is a wise choice for your clan. With such a remote location, nobody will pay much mind to whatever goes on there."

Yang Potian bowed, "Thank you for the advice, Senior Ghost Douluo."

As Yang Potian departed, Chrysanthemum Douluo mused, "Old Ghost, what do you think of him?"

Ghost Douluo opened his eyes briefly, considering the question. "He's sharp and talented, yet a bit of a waste, given the circumstances."

Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is a pity."

Meanwhile, as Blazing Eagle Douluo and Hu Liena walked away, Hu Liena asked, "Senior Blazing Eagle, what was Yang Potian doing here in Spirit City? Should we report this to Her Majesty?"

Blazing Eagle Douluo shook her head. "The Supreme Pontiff was aware of his presence the moment he entered Spirit City. There's no need for you to worry about it. But, Nana, remember this—you share the same generation as him. If you don't strive to surpass him, he may one day become an insurmountable obstacle for everyone of your era."

As Yang Potian departed Spirit City with his horse, he took a long look at its towering gates. "Spirit City truly is a marvelous place, especially for cultivation. It's a shame, though."

During his stay, he had found that the unique aura within Spirit City had profoundly calmed his mind and even aided his spirit power's gradual growth without formal cultivation. It was an unexpected boon.

Continuing his journey, he roamed the continent, retracing memories and even revisiting the site of his birth at the old Clear Sky Clan grounds. Looking at the towering mountains, he felt a mix of nostalgia and resentment before finally letting out a sigh and moving on.

Eight months passed this way, and Yang Potian had traveled through much of Douluo Continent, eventually arriving in Vast Sea City—his final destination. On the way, he encountered the Wolf Bandits, their brutal killings stirring memories of the bloodlust in the Slaughter City. Succumbing to a savage impulse, he wiped out every last bandit, sparing no one, and was rewarded with a spirit bone for his left leg.

When he reached Vast Sea City, he felt like a different person. Gone was the casual, wandering traveler—he had regained his powerful composure and decisiveness.

Standing before the boundless ocean, watching the waves crash along the shore, Yang Potian felt a newfound tranquility settle over him. This was the first time in both of his lives he had seen the sea. The sight of it resonated with him deeply, helping him reach a higher state of mind. In that moment of serene understanding, his spirit power reached level 85. It had all come together naturally, as he hadn't focused on cultivation during these past eight months, aiming instead to fortify his mental strength.

At this moment, Yang Potian's heart felt as vast as the ocean itself, his spiritual power reaching an unprecedented level. When he opened his eyes, it was as though time and space shifted around him—a sign that his spirit had broken through to a new realm.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Vast Sea City, Yang Potian released the black horse that had accompanied him for so long. He settled into a local inn, waiting for his younger sister and the rest of their group to arrive. In the meantime, he roamed every corner of the city, gathering supplies, and even managed to purchase the Longyuan Boat, mentioned in the original story, making this journey unexpectedly rewarding.

Yang Potian's remaining time was spent adapting to the unique combat style of sea spirit masters. However, with his current spirit power level, participating in the Battle Arena was impossible, so he settled for spectating. To train himself, he went so far as to rent a beach where he practiced swimming and conditioning his body—efforts that proved fruitful.

After waiting nearly a month in Vast Sea City, the members of Tianxing Academy finally arrived, led personally by Yang Zhentian. Their reunion was a joyful one, especially for Ye Lingling, who shared an intimate embrace with Yang Potian that lingered a bit too long. Off to the side, Dugu Yan seemed slightly resentful, her expression tinged with wistfulness.

The group had made significant progress during their rigorous training. Yang Tianyue had advanced the most, reaching a spirit power level of sixty-six—the highest among them. With her body tempered by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, four high-grade spirit bones, and an external spirit bone, she was virtually unmatched at her level. Her sixth spirit ring, from an exceptional seventy-thousand-year Ice Crystal Dragon, was the result of a difficult hunt in the Extreme North, with Yang Zhentian and both grandfathers personally taking part.

Ye Lingling now stood at level sixty-five, ranking second in spirit power among the group. Although auxiliary-type spirit masters typically advanced more slowly, her progress was still commendable. Having already consumed whale glue once, taking it again would have limited effect, but considering she had only been at level sixty before leaving Tianxing Academy, her five-level increase in less than a year was a solid improvement.

Yang Ping'an had reached level sixty-five, bolstered by the benefits of whale glue, his sixth spirit ring, and a rare spirit bone.

Dugu Yan, at level sixty-two, was making steady progress. Her level was satisfactory, particularly after consuming the immortal herb, which helped her keep pace with the others.

Niu Meng, on the other hand, was at level fifty-nine, the only one among them who had yet to reach the Spirit Emperor rank.

Yang Potian carefully considered their situation. With about a month and a half remaining until Tianyue's Seagod Island trial, there was time for another boost in strength.

Taking out the left leg spirit bone he'd obtained from the wolf bandits, Yang Potian handed it to Niu Meng. "Niu Meng, absorb this spirit bone as quickly as you can. Try to reach level sixty and acquire your spirit ring before we depart for Seagod Island. This way, we'll have an entire team of Spirit Emperors."

Yang Potian was well aware that during the Seagod Island trials, they would each have a chance to receive a God-bestowed spirit ring. Naturally, the higher their spirit level, the better the results from absorbing such a ring. Ideally, if they could reach level eighty or ninety before taking the God-bestowed spirit ring, the effects would be outstanding—though that may be asking too much. For Niu Meng, whose progress had been relatively slow, this spirit bone with its speed-enhancing properties was perfect.

(End of Chapter)

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