Breaking through six Levels in one go largely made up for the years of cultivation time Feng Xiaotian had lost due to developing his self-created Spirit Skill.
To him, this was nothing less than a life-changing favor.
Wu Qi smiled and nodded. "We're all classmates here, all working toward the same goal."
As he spoke, Huo Wushuang also walked out.
His spirit power had reached Level 40, but he knew this was far from the limit of the immortal herb's effects.
Once he absorbed a Spirit Ring, his spirit power would increase by several more Levels.
Chen Ping came out shortly afterward. His strength had just reached Level 40 as well, so absorbing a Spirit Ring would not give him an explosive increase.
Even so, for him, this was already a complete transformation.
At the same time, he felt extremely fortunate that he had accepted Wu Qi and Changkong's invitation.
Otherwise, he would never have encountered such an opportunity in his lifetime.
The medicinal power of the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower was extremely overbearing. During the absorption process, Huo Wu endured unbearable pain.
Hearing her agonized cries from inside the room, everyone's hearts tightened.
Huo Wushuang could not help asking, "Captain, what happens if the absorption fails?"
Wu Qi replied solemnly, "Absorbing the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower is like being reborn through flames."
"If she endures the pain, she will undergo nirvana and emerge transformed. But if she fails, she'll be consumed by the flames and reduced to ashes."
Huo Wushuang's expression became heavy.
To gain extraordinary power, one inevitably had to overcome immense trials. All he could do was hope Huo Wu could endure it.
About the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Huo Wu suddenly let out a painful cry, followed immediately by the sound of a phoenix's call.
Everyone snapped back to attention as the noise inside the room abruptly stopped.
"Did she fail?" Chen Ping could not help wondering aloud.
"Quit jinxing it," Changkong cursed.
The group rushed into the room to check on her condition.
At that moment, Huo Wu had completely exhausted herself. Covered in sweat, she leaned weakly against the wall, gasping for breath.
Seeing everyone rush in, she forced out a faint smile.
"I succeeded."
The Fire Shadow spirit was a unique martial spirit and was not naturally compatible with phoenix bloodlines. Yet she had still obtained the Phoenix Flame.
The power of her flames had increased several times over compared to before. Even Wu Qi probably would not dare casually pass through her fire now.
"Looks like we'll need to make some adjustments to the team's coordination details."
Wu Qi stroked his chin as he thought aloud.
"This afternoon, Teacher Sun and I will work out a solution as soon as possible. Also, tonight's spirit fighting match stays as planned. Tomorrow, we'll head out to hunt Spirit Beasts."
Seeing that there were still several hours before nightfall, Feng Xiaotian quickly said, "Captain, we'd like to head home first. This increase in strength is a major matter, and we need to report it immediately."
Wu Qi naturally had no intention of refusing.
After receiving such benefits, the three families would definitely seriously consider his proposal.
As for the Shui Clan, if they were willing to join his side, he would not mind sponsoring Shui Bing'er with an immortal herb as well.
In the future, the sect built upon the Feng, Shui, and Huo families would become the foundation of his ambitions.
After the three left, Chen Ping suddenly dropped to his knees before Wu Qi with a thud.
"What are you doing?" Wu Qi asked in confusion.
They were classmates, not feudal lords and servants.
Chen Ping said sincerely, "Brother Wu, Changkong, from today onward, you're my big brothers. If you tell me to go west, I absolutely won't go east."
"It's not that serious." Changkong pulled him to his feet.
"Since you sincerely want to follow us, we naturally won't treat you unfairly."
"From now on, we're brothers. As long as we have food to eat, you won't be left out."
Chen Ping's eyes filled with tears as he repeatedly thanked them.
Having spent so much time at the Spirit Hall Academy, he understood very well how important background and connections were.
For a commoner like him, unless he could break through to Spirit Douluo, the highest position he could hope for was becoming the Spirit Hall branch master of a small city.
Now that he had attached himself to two powerful figures like Wu Qi and Changkong, he knew his future was bright. How could he not be excited?
"Focus on your cultivation. Everything we're doing right now is for preparation for the Spirit Master Tournament."
As they spoke, the four of them walked out of the room.
Out of the corner of his eye, Wu Qi noticed Ye Lingling sitting alone in a nearby pavilion.
"It's only been a little over a month, and that First Team bunch is already back?" Changkong's expression darkened.
They had only just enjoyed a few peaceful days. Once those people returned, the good times would be over.
Still, he did not care much. With his current Level 38 strength, he was fully confident he could teach Yu Tianheng a lesson.
At that point, he wanted to see what the Emperor Team's First Team still had to act arrogant about.
Wu Qi, however, did not understand the situation.
According to how events originally unfolded, no one from the Emperor Team should have returned early.
He knew his appearance had caused some changes in Douluo Continent, though the overall direction of events remained mostly the same.
After thinking for a moment, he decided not to go over and ask.
He was not close with Ye Lingling, and besides, whatever happened to the Emperor Team's First Team had nothing to do with him.
That night.
After returning from the Grand Spirit Arena, Dugu Bo came looking for Wu Qi.
Dugu Yan had already mastered the method of condensing her poison core. From here on, she only needed to continue cultivating on her own, without anyone supervising her.
"Old man, I actually wanted to ask you something. Did Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling come back early?"
Dugu Bo's expression darkened.
"I was about to talk about that matter too…"
After hearing the details, Wu Qi finally understood.
In the original course of events, Qin Ming had acted more or less the same way.
The difference was that Dugu Yan had not exploded in anger on the spot, nor had she left early.
Wu Qi also could not understand what kind of influence Qin Ming possessed. In the original timeline, after Qin Ming returned to the academy, someone had definitely reported what happened during the spirit fighting matches.
Yet the three education committee members chose to suppress the matter and even agreed to Qin Ming's proposal.
There was no need to guess, Wu Qi knew the three committee members had most likely taken an interest in the talented students from Shrek Academy.
And with this attempt to recruit them, no one could easily punish Qin Ming afterward.
Otherwise, Prince Xuexing and his nephew would not have personally stepped in to drive them away.
After pausing briefly, Wu Qi asked, "The key issue is how you want to handle this matter."
"The three education committee members will definitely protect Qin Ming. As for His Highness the Crown Prince, his temperament is gentle, so he'll most likely let you settle it yourselves."
Dugu Bo took a deep breath and asked, "This old man is too involved to see clearly. Kid, tell me what you think."
Wu Qi pondered for a moment.
He had no favorable impression of Qin Ming, and the man also belonged to the opposing side.
Given Dugu Bo's temperament, this matter would definitely not end peacefully. But killing Qin Ming outright would be letting him off too easily.
With that thought, Wu Qi came up with a plan.
"I think the three education committee members are already old. Prince Xuexing, on the other hand, is in his prime. Perhaps he could help share His Majesty's burdens."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo's expression turned strange.
"Kid, I may not know why you're staying by Xue Qinghe's side, nor do I know what plans you have. But putting Xuexing in power—wouldn't that just be digging a pit for yourself?"
Wu Qi shook his head.
"Not necessarily."
"You'll understand if I put it another way. Right now, Prince Xuexing is merely an idle prince. Other than eating, drinking, and enjoying himself all day, what leverage does anyone actually have against him?"
As for things like visiting brothels, gambling, or forcing women into servitude, those were all tolerated by Emperor Xue Ye himself.
In that case, how could anyone use such matters against Prince Xuexing? And how could Dugu Bo repay this favor afterward?
"Where there are many people, there are always endless problems."
"Prince Xuexing is nominally the academy's vice dean, but whenever something goes wrong, aren't the three education committee members always the ones taking responsibility?"
As for the three committee members, it would actually be better for them to step down and retire peacefully, lest they become entangled in the struggle for imperial power and end up dying without even knowing why.
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