Chapter 48: Dugu Yan — Level 50?

Three days later, Dugu Yan returned to Lanba Academy.

She glanced around, hoping Oscar would tell her if Yun Yibai had come back. But Yun Yibai had already heard voices outside and walked out first—Oscar hadn't yet finished absorbing the Eight‑Petal Orchid.

"You're back! Looks like I don't need to look for Little Oscar," Dugu Yan said softly, her eyes like gentle spring water when she saw Yun Yibai.

"Guess what I've got?" She leaned close with a bright smile.

Her happiness was infectious. Yun Yibai slowly curved his lips into a smile. "Looks like you already know!"

"Now Dugu Qianbei doesn't have to worry about you!"

Dugu Yan replied, "Sigh," sensing a mismatch between his words and her question. She brushed back her hair with a gentle sigh, exasperated.

"How did I end up falling for such a wooden block like you?"

"Is it because of my looks?" she murmured later.

"Uh… was that wrong?" Yun Yibai replied, thinking she was happy because she'd been fully detoxed.

Dugu Yan gave a mocking chuckle. "You forget what you gave me?"

"Right, you goof—you spend day and night just training. It's a rarity you'd remember anything about me."

Yun Yibai watched as she reached into her cloak and pulled out a single bloom—vivid, richly red, glowing scarlet. It took his breath away.

The flower was palm-sized, peony-like, and petal-only.

Yun Yibai recognized it instantly—it was the Soul‑Breaking Crimson he had gifted her.

But its petals were a deeper shade of red, not the usual pale white—his pupils widened in shock.

He, usually calm and composed, was utterly stunned inside.

Soul‑Breaking Crimson—the absolute king among immortals. Its effects border on divine: reviving the dead, purging flesh from bone.

Legend tells of a boy who adored flowers. On his deathbed, he dripped his blood onto a white peony—staining it red. Thus it became Soul‑Breaking Crimson, symbol of eternal love. Only someone with true devotion can harvest it: a drop of heartfelt blood must be placed on the petals; any hesitation, and the harvester dies trying.

When consumed, it grants power equal to the heavens: at least a ten-ring soul power increase, full physical transformation—effectively a second life.

Yun Yibai had obtained one in secret to gift to Dugu Yan—but he wasn't sure her devotion was strong enough. That's why he paired it with the Fragrant Tulip of Qiluo.

The tulip, also from Ice‑Fire Two‑Trials Eye, is known as Xiangxiang. A supreme immortal herb that discerns and commands all living breath—it overwhelms plant-based soul beasts by half. Consuming it can absorb the essence of heaven and moonlight and may trigger the evolution of martial spirits.

He had meant it as a backup, unsure if she'd pass the strict test of the crimson flower.

But she did—and he was surprised. Four years of friendship, two years of shared feeling… he hadn't believed she'd be truly devoted. Yet here it was: she saw only him. He hadn't expected it.

"You're so silly, Yun Yibai!" Dugu Yan was elated.

Yun Yibai's gift of the Soul‑Breaking Crimson proved his devotion. Though including the Backup Tulip still made her a bit miffed—that didn't matter. His quiet care made her feel confident in her choice.

"I am silly!" Yun Yibai laughed.

"But simple-hearted people get simple luck. I'm not the fool—you are!" And he pulled Dugu Yan into his arms.

She leaned against his broad chest.

"Looks like I'll be relying on Big Sister Dugu going forward."

"Ha ha ha."

Dugu Yan's soul power had already reached level 40 a while ago. Soon after Yun Yibai left, she consumed his bottled blood.

Yun Yibai's blood detoxed and granted more—so she broke through to level 40.

Two days later, Oscar emerged from seclusion smoothly.

Dugu Yan absorbed the Soul‑Breaking Crimson faster—taking little time.

Oscar, excited: "Boss, seriously, I'm crying!"

Yun Yibai smiled, "Don't be dramatic—tell me how much you improved."

Oscar beamed: "Boss, your herb is amazing! I jumped five levels—now at level 38! Maybe I can break the same breakthrough as you did at 14 years old!" His excitement overflowed.

Yun Yibai couldn't bear to deflate him—since Dugu Yan, likely, was already level 50.

Dugu Yan was nearly two years older and an 18-year-old Soul King, far ahead of Yun Yibai, an almost-16-year-old with his current strength.

Both Yun Yibai and Dugu Yan—now level 40 or above—are ready to obtain soul rings.

Oscar still needed time, but could journey with Dugu Yan to the Star-Forest to get his rings.

Yun Yibai didn't know yet whether he'd reached level 50—but with Fiery Apricot Petal, Eight‑Spoked Ice Grass, and the 100,000‑year Blue‑Silver Emperor soul bone, Yun Yibai had undergone epic upgrades. Even if he hadn't reached 50, he was very close.

"Huh? Heading north to obtain soul rings?"

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow when Yun Yibai mentioned hunting soul beasts in icy lands.

"You're a lightning Blue-Electric Tyranno—why head north of ice and snow?"

"Whatever—you're independent-minded. I'll assume you've got your plan." Dugu Bo merely asked out of habit.

"M'nian — these young people are much stronger than we were."

"By the way, our Po Zhi clan has begun relocating. As planned, we'll be stationed at Haoyue City, north of Sunset Forest."