Chapter 189: Visiting Chrysanthemum Douluo
After a brief rest, Yang Potian and Sword Douluo had mostly recovered. Sword Douluo looked at Yang Potian's resilience, shaking his head in admiration. "Truly, heroes emerge young. For one your age, your physical resilience is extraordinary. In less than a decade, I expect there will be no one able to match you."
Yang Potian shook his head modestly. "You overestimate me, Senior Sword Douluo. I still have much to improve."
Sword Douluo thought for a moment before speaking, "A hundred-thousand-year spirit ring typically grants two abilities. Does your second ability have even greater power?"
Yang Potian nodded, saying, "It's powerful, but it's more focused—it's a single-target attack."
Sword Douluo's expression shifted subtly, realizing the strength hidden in Yang Potian's words. The five of them enjoyed a short tea break and casual conversation, then Yang Potian took his leave from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Each man knew that no more needed to be said aloud; understanding was often best left unspoken among the wise.
After Yang Potian departed, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo gathered again, each looking thoughtful and serious.
Finally, Ning Fengzhi spoke up, "Uncle Sword, what do you make of that match with Yang Potian?"
Sword Douluo shook his head. "Both of us revealed some of our strengths, but neither of us went all out. For example, Yang Potian didn't use his Martial Soul Avatar. A hundred-thousand-year Martial Soul Avatar would likely have unimaginable power."
Ning Fengzhi pondered this. "Uncle Sword, how could Yang Potian withstand a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring for his seventh ring? A typical body shouldn't be capable of that level, not even for an eighth ring. It's almost unheard of."
Bone Douluo's brows furrowed with concern. "Fengzhi, Uncle Sword, why didn't we keep him here just now? With the three of us working together, it's possible."
Sword Douluo shook his head. "We wouldn't have been able to. Don't forget, he has a pair of wings he didn't even use. Plus, when he avoided my Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect, it was likely a spirit bone ability, probably one with spatial attributes. Old Bones, you must have felt it too."
Bone Douluo thought for a moment. "Yes, it did feel like a spatial-type spirit bone skill, and probably of very high age."
"But why did Yang Potian accept your challenge, Uncle Sword? He could have avoided it altogether, or even walked away."
Sword Douluo's face grew solemn. "There are likely two reasons. First, Yang Potian himself may be nearing a bottleneck. By sparring with me, he likely hoped to gain an insight to progress his cultivation. Don't forget, he was only sixty-seven during the last Spirit Master Tournament, yet now he's reached eighty-four. Sure, treasures could boost his spirit power, but only in battle can he truly refine his combat skills."
"His journey to travel the continent is likely a way to stabilize his strength and broaden his perspective."
"The second reason, I'd guess, is a demonstration of strength. That match was his way of proving he possesses the power of a Titled Douluo. While I may be able to defeat him, there's no way I could hold him here, which is a warning to not underestimate him or his family."
Ning Fengzhi nodded thoughtfully. "Do you think Yang Potian harbors any animosity toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan? And why would he venture to Spirit City next? Isn't he worried Spirit Hall will attempt to keep him?"
Sword Douluo shook his head. "Ordinary Titled Douluo wouldn't be able to detain him, and that old master in Spirit Hall wouldn't lower himself to deal with a young man. Besides, Yang Potian has never shown hostility toward any faction."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes brightened. "Uncle Sword, does this mean you're nearing a breakthrough?"
Sword Douluo replied, "I'm not quite there yet, but after witnessing Yang Potian's fighting style, I've gained some insights into my swordsmanship. Yang Potian's strategy of focusing on power-type spirit rings, wielding his immensely heavy yet razor-sharp Soul-Breaking Spear, is unheard of."
Bone Douluo added in surprise, "That's impossible. Doesn't he only absorb power-type spirit rings?"
"That's the mystery. His hundred-thousand-year spirit rings must be exceptional."
Yang Potian, meanwhile, left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan astride his black steed. Though he'd taken a few minor injuries, he would recover soon, and his sparring session with a master like Sword Douluo had proven insightful, allowing him to refine his spear techniques and better control his spirit power.
He could have avoided the battle, but he decided it would be beneficial. To improve, he needed to fight against true experts like Sword Douluo, known for his mastery of weapon spirits. Additionally, it was a subtle display of strength, a reminder to those who might think of his family during his upcoming four-year absence on Sea God Island.
Over the next month, Yang Potian traversed forests, streams, and mountains. He walked his horse at times, galloped at others, drank from mountain springs, and hunted spirit beasts for food. He enjoyed the simplicity of traveling alone, experiencing the vast beauty of the continent.
After a month, he reached Star Luo City, vastly different from Heaven Dou City. While Heaven Dou's royal family showed weakness, resulting in a more open, diverse environment, Star Luo City exuded a strict, military-like atmosphere, with a society ruled by strength. Even Spirit Hall respected its power.
Yang Potian even caught sight of the Star Luo Emperor and Empress on a public outing, and the Star Luo Emperor was indeed formidable—a Titled Douluo whose martial soul was the White Tiger, radiating a fierce, commanding presence.
After a brief stay, Yang Potian left Star Luo City and continued to Spirit City. A month later, he arrived, feeling the profound aura that Spirit City radiated. Now that he had advanced two major levels, the sensation of Spirit City's strength felt even deeper.
Once in Spirit City, Yang Potian went straight to Chrysanthemum Douluo's residence, his closest acquaintance within the city and someone he genuinely liked. When he knocked on the door, a melodious, feminine voice called out from within, "Who's knocking so loudly? Can't they see I'm recovering?"
But when the door opened, both Yang Potian and Chrysanthemum Douluo were equally startled to see each other.
To Yang Potian's surprise, Chrysanthemum Douluo opened the door wearing an extremely feminine outfit, clearly taking liberties with his style at home, which made one wonder about his gender. Chrysanthemum Douluo was equally shocked to see Yang Potian.
"Yang Potian? What on earth are you doing in Spirit City? You know we're sworn enemies, right?" Chrysanthemum Douluo exclaimed.
Suppressing a chuckle at his attire, Yang Potian responded, "Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo, I'm traveling across the continent and ended up in Spirit City. I thought I might stay a few days, so I came to visit you."
Chrysanthemum Douluo seemed exasperated. "Not the least bit concerned, are you? Aren't you worried I'll report this to Her Majesty the Supreme Pontiff and have you arrested?"
Yang Potian laughed, "Why would Her Majesty arrest me? I'm no enemy of Spirit Hall."
"But you took the three spirit bones meant for the Golden Generation. You're a high-ranking enemy to us now."
"That's hardly my fault," Yang Potian replied. "And even if I hadn't taken them, the Golden Generation still lost to the Heaven Dou Team, so it wouldn't have gone to them either way."
Chrysanthemum Douluo found himself at a loss for words but replied anyway, "The injuries I have now are courtesy of your grandfather and your maternal grandfather. We're enemies."
Yang Potian opened a jade box with a sly grin. "It was just one battle—no one died. I was planning to let you sample this thousand-year Purple Gold Orchid, but if you don't want it, I'll keep it."
Before he even finished speaking, Chrysanthemum Douluo snatched the jade box, muttering under his breath, "I'm only letting you in because you've got nowhere else to stay, not for this orchid."
Just then, a voice called out from within the house, "Old Chrysanthemum, who's at the door? Can't believe someone would come visit you."
Chrysanthemum Douluo hurriedly responded, "Just a young one, probably here to admire me."
Upon entering, Yang Potian saw Ghost Douluo lounging on the central sofa, wearing casual clothes and completely relaxed, devoid of his usual eerie or imposing presence.
Suppressing his amusement, Yang Potian greeted him, "Greetings, Senior Ghost Douluo."
Ghost Douluo looked at him, mildly surprised. "Aren't you that young lad from the Yang clan? What brings you to visit old Chrysanthemum?"
"I've been traveling around the continent and happened to reach Spirit City, so I thought I'd pay my respects to Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo."
Ghost Douluo merely grunted, "Ah," then closed his eyes again, appearing unconcerned, leaving Yang Potian feeling a bit awkward.
Meanwhile, Chrysanthemum Douluo was examining the Purple Gold Orchid, his face lighting up with delight. "Young Potian, where did you come across this orchid? It's marvelous. If it were ten thousand years old, it'd be perfect."
"I recently took a trip to the Star Dou Forest and found it there."
Chrysanthemum Douluo looked incredulous. "How do you always manage to find such treasures in the Star Dou Forest? First, it was that rare Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, then a Phoenix Cockscomb Herb. Maybe I should go wander around there a few more times myself."
He sighed, then added regretfully, "But why did you pick it so early? If you'd let it grow for a few thousand more years, it could have turned into an immortal herb."
Yang Potian shook his head. "I don't have a few thousand years to wait. Besides, if I didn't pick it, someone else would have. And if it really did grow for a few more millennia, it might even become the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes sparkled. "So, you know about the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid? Don't tell me you have one too?"
Yang Potian quickly shook his head. "That's impossible. The Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid is a legendary herb. How could I possess something that rare?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo muttered under his breath, "It's not like you haven't had any immortal herbs before…"
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