Chapter 64: Dividing the Spoils

After another two days of travel, Gu Chen and Gu Yuena returned to Wuhun Academy.

The two of them walked into Class One of the Heaven-Ranked Division. Inside the classroom were Luo Chen, Hua Buluo, Feng Xiaoyu, Xue Youyou, Xuan Mo, Jin Zi, and Ling Xiaojiu.

The original member of Class One, Feng Ming, had switched to Class Two after Gu Chen and Gu Yuena were named Holy Son and Holy Maiden, choosing to follow a certain elder of the Spirit Hall.

Meanwhile, Jin Zi and Ling Xiaojiu, who had been in Class Two, had transferred to Class One.

Now, Class One of the Heaven-Ranked Division could be considered Gu Chen's base of operations.

"You two have been gone from the academy for two weeks. What exactly were you up to?" Luo Chen asked as soon as he saw them.

"We went to a wonderful place and brought back some good stuff for you," Gu Chen said with a mysterious smile.

"What good stuff?" Ling Xiaojiu and Xue Youyou asked curiously.

"Resources that assist in cultivation. I'm at level 47 now, and Na'er has reached level 48," Gu Chen replied.

"Wow!" Everyone gasped. Just what kind of treasure had they found that allowed them to level up so quickly?

Gu Chen took out several boxes from his system backpack.

One of them was a white jade box, which looked quite expensive—though in truth, it only cost two gold soul coins...

"Luo Chen, this is for you," Gu Chen said, handing him the white jade box.

Luo Chen took it with delight. "Thank you, Brother Chen!"

Opening the box, he found an Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid inside.

"This is called the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid. It's an immortal-grade herb. It must be stored in jade containers to last for millennia without wilting. Among all the immortal herbs I brought back, this one has the gentlest but richest medicinal properties. It's easy to absorb, though it takes time. It strengthens your foundation and purifies impurities in your body. It will help compensate for your slower cultivation speed as a food-type soul master. The effects may even last until you reach level 70," Gu Chen explained.

"So amazing?! Thank you so much, Brother Chen!!" Luo Chen's hands trembled with excitement. He rubbed them together and carefully received the jade box containing the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid.

Ling Xiaojiu asked with concern, "Will using herbs to boost cultivation have any side effects? I've heard of soul masters who trained this way before, and it usually ended badly. We're already blessed with great talent—we don't need shortcuts."

"Don't worry. I picked herbs specifically tailored to your martial spirits. There won't be any side effects," Gu Chen reassured.

Ling Xiaojiu gave a sweet smile. "Then thank you, Brother Chen."

"Jin Zi, this one's for you," Gu Chen said, pulling out a large chrysanthemum from his system backpack. The flower had a magnificent purple hue, and strangely, each petal looked soft and fuzzy. It emitted no fragrance, and its central stamen rose half a foot above the petals, glowing faintly gold.

"What is this?" Jin Zi asked.

"This is the Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. It's a neutral immortal herb. Consuming it will energize your limbs and unblock your meridians, helping you to cultivate an indestructible body," Gu Chen explained.

"Indestructible body?" Jin Zi was thrilled.

"Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but this herb perfectly suits your martial spirit. Your soul power is neutral, powerful, and focused in your limbs. With this, your training will be twice as effective with half the effort. Its effects are long-lasting and should provide a great boost," Gu Chen said. The Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, though also suitable for someone like Dai Mubai with his Evil-Eyed White Tiger, was given to Jin Zi—because a loyal and powerful subordinate is always better than a friend who might turn against you.

"Thanks, Brother Chen!" Jin Zi accepted the chrysanthemum with care.

"Xiaojiu," Gu Chen called.

"Yes? You've got something for me too?" Ling Xiaojiu's eyes sparkled.

Gu Chen nodded and took out a Beautiful Silk Tulip: "This flower is noble and elegant. Inhaling its essence lets you absorb the energy of heaven and earth, and sunlight and moonlight. Since your Nine-Leaf Sword Grass martial spirit is already herb-based, this tulip will complement it perfectly. Don't eat it—inhale the essence from its pistil slowly while cultivating your soul power. This way, the medicinal effect will spread through your entire body."

"Thank you, Brother Chen!" Ling Xiaojiu's bright little eyes sparkled as she accepted the tulip.

"Brother Chen, how should we use our herbs?" Luo Chen asked.

"There's no special method. Just chew and swallow them—they're sweet and fragrant. You and Jin Zi should circulate your soul power to help absorb the effects over time," Gu Chen said.

Luo Chen nodded.

"These were the only immortal herbs, but I also brought a bunch of high-quality earthly herbs that suit your martial spirits," Gu Chen added.

Though Feng Xiaoyu, Xue Youyou, Hua Buluo, and Xuan Mo felt a bit disappointed about not getting immortal herbs, they still looked at Gu Chen expectantly.

Gu Chen took out a white, crystalline herb that resembled a pure lotus. Handing it to Feng Xiaoyu, he smiled, "This is called Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It nourishes the muscles and bones and clears the meridians. Though not an immortal herb, it suits you perfectly."

The immortal-grade version of this herb had been consumed by Gu Yuena during her dual-element body refinement. The one given to Feng Xiaoyu was a high-tier regular version—but even as a "mortal herb," its effects were comparable to low-end immortal herbs.

"Thank you, Brother Chen." Feng Xiaoyu's voice remained cool but now carried a hint of emotion.

"When using it, only consume the petals. Suck the pistil last to draw out its essence. Use your soul power to guide the process, and remember to keep a calm heart," Gu Chen instructed.

"Hua Buluo, this is Nine-Rank Spirit Cherry. Your martial spirit is cherry blossom-based, so this will cleanse and strengthen it," Gu Chen said, handing her a cherry blossom.

"Thanks, Brother Chen," Hua Buluo said, receiving it with a smile.

"Unleash your martial spirit and use it to absorb the energy," Gu Chen said.

"Got it." Hua Buluo nodded.

"Xue Youyou, here's a Millennium Snow Ganoderma. It'll strengthen your martial spirit and enhance your ice element power," Gu Chen said, giving her a snow-white herb.

"Thank you, Brother Chen!" Xue Youyou's ice-blue eyes lit up as she took the herb.

"Just like Hua Buluo, use your martial spirit to absorb it," Gu Chen instructed.

"Xuan Mo, this is for you: Jade Mud Crystal. It's not an immortal herb, but it's an exceptional material. Use your Mountain-Crushing Shield martial spirit to absorb it—it will boost its strength in every way," Gu Chen said, handing him a jade-like stone embedded in soil.

"Thanks, Big Brother Gu Chen!" the honest and straightforward Xuan Mo said gratefully as he accepted the Jade Mud Crystal.

"You can all absorb your herbs here in the classroom. Na'er and I will protect you while you do," Gu Chen said, tapping the desk with his slender fingers.

(End of Chapter)