Chapter 48: Xiaoyi the Young Priestess’s Martial Spirit (Part 3)

"This is Evergreen Vine… and judging by the soul pressure, it's a top-tier martial spirit!" said Mu Lingyun, sensing the suppression of her own Green Lotus Martial Spirit.

"I feel it too. That suppression is extremely strong—at least the level of an eighth-grade peak martial spirit!" added Ye Xiuxin, who also had a plant-based martial spirit and could naturally sense it.

"It's not just an ordinary Evergreen Vine. It's the peak of its kind—Undying Evergreen Vine! One of the kings among vine-type martial spirits!" said Chen Cong, his eyes flashing with insight.

Chen Xiaojun mused aloud:

"The Ten Thousand Leaves Flower Stream—a high-level yin-yang technique that manipulates plants and revives vegetation. When cast, thousands of leaves burst forth, each like a blade. It can use leaves and vine whips as weapons and even allows brief levitation.

Awakening a vine-type martial spirit fits perfectly—and not just any vine, but a top-tier one. That's the Young Priestess's martial spirit!

I wonder if it's her natural gift, or if it was influenced by the Ten Thousand Leaves Flower Stream cultivation method… or maybe, for once, that unreliable system did something right."

"Second Brother," asked Chen Yu, "do any hidden aristocratic families in the current soul master world possess this kind of martial spirit?"

In his memory, there was no record of such a martial spirit.

Top-tier martial spirits never emerged from nowhere—every one of them had a traceable lineage or evolved through known stages.

"None that I know of," Chen Cong replied with certainty. "Even within our family's ancient records, there's no mention of anyone ever awakening this martial spirit."

He paused to study xiaoyi's martial spirit carefully and said,

"Among vine-type martial spirits, there are only a handful of top-tier variants within the Evergreen Vine category—and none like the Undying Evergreen Vine.

From what we've seen so far, it's at least an eighth-grade peak martial spirit, but most likely a ninth-grade, possibly even a ninth-grade peak—a king-class martial spirit!"

King-class martial spirits were the elite among their kind, possessing overwhelming suppressive force against others of the same type.

Chen Yu and Chen Cong exchanged glances, both secretly astonished.

"To awaken a king-class vine martial spirit... Are we truly blessed by fate? Is this the heavens favoring the Chen clan?"

Xiaoyi began to gasp slightly.

There was no need to fully release her martial spirit to such a size—even with the energy support of the awakening stones, it was exhausting.

Seeing this, Ye Xiuxin immediately called out:

"Xiaoyi, use your thoughts to retract the martial spirit—quickly!"

Xiaoyi followed her instructions. The massive vine spirit rapidly shrank and was reabsorbed into her body.

Chen Xiaojun stepped forward, took her hand, and said with a smile:

"Xiaoyi, this is a very rare and powerful martial spirit. It suits you perfectly.

Now, let's test your innate soul power. Place your hand on this blue soul-measuring crystal."

He handed over a blue crystal orb, already guessing that Xiaoyi must possess extremely high innate soul power.

Nervous but obedient, Xiaoyi placed her hand on the orb.

A strong suction force immediately emerged from the orb. Xiaoyi felt her palm being drawn in tightly, as if unknown energies within her were being extracted and absorbed.

As her internal energy was drawn into the crystal, it began to glow—radiant blue light spreading outward.

Soon, ninety to ninety-eight percent of the orb was fully lit, glowing with a soft, dazzling azure—a beautiful and rare sight.

Chen Xiaojun's eyes flickered with regret—then were overtaken by excitement.

"Judging by the orb, her innate soul power is at least at level 9.5!"

This advanced soul-measuring crystal was far superior to the standard ones used by the Spirit Hall for commoners, capable of measuring to the hundredth percentile.

"It's exactly 98%," said Chen Yu, beaming. His gaze toward Xiaoyi grew even gentler as he inwardly marveled:

"Such a high level of innate soul power, plus a manifested soul body—her talent may even rival Xiaojun's, and she might surpass him before reaching Title Douluo rank."

Everyone present showed visible envy and admiration.

The Chen family, particularly Chen Yu's main lineage, had always been strong—Chen Yu, Chen Xun, and Chen Jianjun all had innate level 9 soul power. Even the secondary branch members like Chen Zhang and Chen Feng weren't far behind.

Chen Xiaojun, of course, was a prodigy—and now even a foster child from outside had such talent. One top-tier martial spirit after another, paired with extraordinary soul power—how could they not be jealous?

"Seven outstanding members from one family!"

"Clan leader, what amazing fortune—you even foster such dazzling talent."

"Xiuxin, how's the awakening banquet prep going? Let me lend you a hand."

"Sister-in-law, congratulations! Xiaoyi gave us all a massive surprise."

"Madam, Tianhao's second uncle sent a fine rack of beef ribs yesterday. I'll bring it over."

"Jianjun, Xiaojun, bring Xiaoyi out to play with us more often!"

"Xiaoyi, this hairclip is so pretty—I'm giving it to you!"

"Master!"

Zhu Tianhao entered from the door and bowed to Chen Yu respectfully.

Chen Yu turned around and asked, "Tianhao, you're back? Where's Chen Xun?"

"Master, Lord Hong, First Lord, and Second Lord all returned. They're in the ancestral hall's council chamber. A few guests have also arrived. First Lord asked me to invite you over."

Tianhao's deep voice was firm.

The Second Lord referred to Chen Zhang, the younger brother of Chen Xun.

"Oh? Who's here?" Chen Yu asked, curious—clearly, these guests carried some weight.

"Ximen Rongcheng, Yang Zhiqiang, Xue Tianming, Ma Zhibin, and Ning Ze," Tianhao replied respectfully.

Chen Yu was visibly surprised—those names were all prominent figures.

Ancestral Hall — Council Chamber

Chen Hong sat in the seat of honor on the right, others seated on either side of the lower ranks. Servants brought out Fragrant Snow Spirit Tea.

Xue Tianming sipped first, then smiled contentedly:

"Chen family's Fragrant Snow Spirit Tea truly is elegant and refined—never grows old."

This tea was one of the top ten spirit teas. Its leaves were tightly curled and covered in fine hairs. The color was emerald green, and its qualities included: a clear fragrance, rich taste, and a bright, uniform leaf bottom.

Besides its excellent flavor, it also had many effects—quenching thirst, clearing the mind, improving eyesight, boosting alertness, and aiding digestion.

Over 200 years ago, the Chen family had many reasons for moving here—not just spirit beast resources. Fragrant Snow Spirit Tea was one of them.

The Dalin and Shaolin Mountains nearby had deep valleys, about a thousand meters above sea level. Misty with lush forests, temperate all year, and rich in rain—the area was perfect for growing tea. These unique natural conditions helped create this tea's signature flavor.

Though other regions also tried growing it, the survival rate was low. While not exclusive to the Chen clan, it was still a significant economic resource for them.

Every year, the Chen family would gift some to allied forces and families—including the Xue family, where Xue Tianming came from.

"If you like it, Brother Xue, take a jar home," said Chen Xun warmly.

"In that case, thank you kindly." Xue Tianming smiled in gratitude.

"Old Xue, shameless as always!"

Ma Zhibin's voice interrupted with playful indignation. "Old Ximen, you lot are something else—coming to the clan festival without even telling me. Good thing I fly fast, or I would've missed it. I haven't been back.