Chapter 44: A Risky Attempt? Even the Flirtatious Liu Erlong Accepts?

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"Xiao Wu, you've reached the 40th rank?"

Tang San looked at Xiao Wu in astonishment.

Xiao Wu smiled. "It's all thanks to the immortal herb Yunhan gave me—it boosted me significantly. Little San, you're only at the 32nd rank. You need to work harder."

Today, Yu Xiaogang had gathered all seven of them together, and now only they were present.

"Rongrong, you're also at the 40th rank?"

Oscar stared at Ning Rongrong in shock.

Ma Hongjun also gasped. "Zhuqing, you too? All three of you are at the 40th rank?"

He then turned to Xu Yunhan, his tone ingratiating. "Boss, about those immortal herbs… do you have any left?"

Xu Yunhan shook his head. "I used two myself and wasted one. The remaining three went to Zhuqing and the others. There are none left now.

Maybe we'll come across more in the future, but such things are rare and hard to find."

Of course, he still had other immortal herbs—but why would he give them to Ma Hongjun and the others?

"I see…" Ma Hongjun was half-convinced, his face falling in disappointment.

Immortal herbs! Tang San was stunned. He hadn't expected such treasures to exist in the Douluo Continent. Where had Xu Yunhan found them?

If he could obtain some, his cultivation would advance even faster, his future achievements would be greater, and he'd grow stronger more easily!

Damn it! Why did Xu Yunhan get so lucky? Tang San felt like he had missed out on far too much.

And indeed, he had—external spirit bones like the Eight Spider Lances, immortal herbs, and even Xiao Wu.

Before long, Liu Erlong, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Zhao Wuji arrived together.

They had been discussing Xu Yunhan's discovery of the immortal herbs in the neighboring office.

Yu Xiaogang and Flender had even wanted Xu Yunhan to share some with Tang San and Ma Hongjun.

Unfortunately, Xu Yunhan had claimed they were all used up. Even if they suspected otherwise, there was nothing they could do.

The changes the immortal herbs had brought to Xu Yunhan and the three girls were too shocking—and too tempting.

Though Xu Yunhan insisted there were no more, Liu Erlong still asked him to record the names and effects of the herbs they had consumed, preserving the information in the Shrek Academy archives for future reference.

Xu Yunhan deliberately altered the names of the two he had supposedly used, just in case someone like Dugu Bo or others noticed something amiss.

If Dugu Bo found out Xu Yunhan had stolen his immortal herbs, it would spell trouble.

Unless, of course, Xu Yunhan became his grandson-in-law—then he might let it slide.

Having a Title Douluo as a backer? That might be worth considering.

"We called you here today for two reasons," Flender addressed the group. "First, to discuss the immortal herbs and congratulate Xu Yunhan and the others on their gains.

However, this matter must remain confidential—do not speak of it to outsiders.

Second, Xu Yunhan, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu all need spirit rings.

As such, Tang San, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun will remain at Shrek Academy under the Grandmaster's guidance.

Xu Yunhan and the others will accompany me, Erlong, and Zhao Wuji to the Sunset Forest to hunt suitable spirit beasts for their rings."

Xiao Wu was nervous, already thinking about how to slip away and fake an excuse for "accidentally" obtaining her ring.

Once arrangements were made, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Liu Erlong set off with Xu Yunhan and the three girls toward the Sunset Forest.

Inside the carriage, Liu Erlong explained, "Some of you may not be familiar with the Sunset Forest, so let me clarify…"

Ning Rongrong had been there before—her second spirit ring had come from the Sunset Forest.

Zhu Zhuqing had never gone but had heard of it.

Xu Yunhan had visited in both lifetimes.

Xiao Wu, however, had only seen the name on a map.

After discussing the Sunset Forest, Liu Erlong turned to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, is your fourth spirit skill confirmed to be a defense boost?"

Ning Rongrong nodded. "Strength, speed, spirit power, defense, attack—my father and the sect planned this progression."

Liu Erlong acknowledged. "In that case, we'll need to find a spirit beast with strong defensive attributes, preferably one with supportive abilities."

Then, to Xiao Wu: "Your spirit is the Soft Bones Rabbit, blending flexibility and strength. You'll need a power-type spirit beast."

Xiao Wu nodded silently, her mind elsewhere.

Xu Yunhan found it amusing and took her hand reassuringly.

Xiao Wu glanced at him, comforted by his gaze, and inexplicably felt more at ease.

Liu Erlong noticed, surprised at Xu Yunhan's charm—he had won over all three girls, especially considering Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's notable backgrounds.

What a playboy!

Yet she couldn't bring herself to dislike him. Instead, she found him increasingly admirable—even his flirtatiousness was forgivable.

"Yunhan, I heard you have a unique way of absorbing spirit rings—they submit to you willingly, allowing you to absorb higher-ranked ones."

Liu Erlong couldn't help but marvel. "You really are a monster."

Xu Yunhan chuckled. "I don't know how it works either.

This time, I plan to attempt a near 50,000-year spirit ring. The immortal herbs enhanced my physique, spiritual power, and spirit, so I can handle higher limits.

Zhuqing, Rongrong, and Xiao Wu can also absorb higher-ranked rings—around 10,000 years should be manageable."

He had already discussed this with Liu Erlong and the others. Yu Xiaogang opposed it, as it contradicted his theories.

Xu Yunhan was already an exception—a freak.

Yu Xiaogang didn't approve of Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, or Xiao Wu taking such risks.

Liu Erlong, however, trusted Xu Yunhan and supported his proposal.

Zhao Wuji also believed in him.

Flender remained neutral.

Thus, the decision was still up in the air.

Zhu Zhuqing spoke up. "Teacher Erlong, I trust Yunhan. I'm willing to try."

Xiao Wu added, "Yunhan's reasoning makes sense. Even if 10,000-year rings cause spiritual shock, our mental strength has increased at least tenfold thanks to the herbs. We can endure it."

Ning Rongrong nodded. "I'm willing too."

Xu Yunhan's theory—that spiritual power, physique, and spirit determined absorption limits—was refreshing.

Though Yu Xiaogang refused to acknowledge it openly, he secretly wanted to test it.

His absence from this trip was deliberate—if anything went wrong, his theories wouldn't be blamed.

Liu Erlong studied the four of them, hesitating for a long moment before finally saying, "I believe Yunhan. Since you're all willing, we'll proceed."

Her gaze settled on Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhuqing, why don't you go first?"

If Ning Rongrong tried first and failed, the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect would demand answers.

Xiao Wu hadn't volunteered, leaving Zhu Zhuqing as the only choice.

Xiao Wu wanted to, but she had her own constraints.

Zhu Zhuqing met her eyes firmly. "No problem. I trust Yunhan."

Xu Yunhan squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."

This was a well-tested method from ten thousand years in the future—nothing would go wrong.

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