Douluo:Peerless Tang Sect: Douluo of Peaceful Heaven

It wasn't long before Mu En finished reading the ancient book in his hands.

"Ziyang, bring it out," Mu En said, glancing at Zhu Ziyang.

"Alright," Ziyang nodded, immediately understanding what Mu En meant. He retrieved the Phoenix Tail Crestflower, which he had put away not long ago, and presented it before the others.

"This is… the Phoenix Tail Crestflower?"

Yan Shaozhe's eyes were wide with excitement. His voice trembled slightly as he stared at the rare herb in Ziyang's hand.

Beside him, both Xian Lin'er and Ma Xiaotao were similarly stunned. But Ma Xiaotao's expression went beyond shock—it was filled with indescribable excitement and emotion. In that instant, she finally understood why Mu En had summoned her here.

"The Phoenix Tail Crestflower. I'm sure you all recognize it," Mu En said with a smile.

"In this biography—The Legend of the Phoenix Douluo—it's written that the original Phoenix Douluo, Ma Hongjun, once consumed this very herb. According to the book, the younger the age and the lower the cultivation level, the more effectively one can absorb the medicinal essence of this immortal herb.

"When Ma Hongjun took the Phoenix Tail Crestflower, he was only thirteen. That allowed him not only to correct the flaws in his martial soul and trigger an evolution—but also to gain almost five levels of soul power.

"If I remember correctly, Xiaotao, you're eighteen now, aren't you?"

"Yes, Elder Mu," Ma Xiaotao answered breathlessly, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Indeed. At your age and with your soul power above Rank 60, the Phoenix Tail Crestflower's medicinal power should primarily be used to repair the flaws in your martial soul. It may not raise your soul power by much, but fixing your martial soul is far more important than any level gain. Don't you agree?"

"You're absolutely right, Teacher!" Yan Shaozhe responded immediately, his tone firm. As Ma Xiaotao's master, he understood that solving her martial soul's flaw was already an immense gift. Whether her cultivation rose or not was secondary.

"Very well," Mu En said. "Xiaotao, prepare yourself. You'll begin the absorption shortly. Shaozhe, you'll stand guard for her."

"Yes, Teacher!"

Yan Shaozhe replied with visible emotion.

"Good luck, Sister Xiaotao," Ziyang said with a warm smile as he passed her the Phoenix Tail Crestflower.

"Thank you, Ziyang!"

Ma Xiaotao's heart was overwhelmed. She knew without a doubt that this treasure had been found especially for her—and that it was Zhu Ziyang who had braved countless dangers to bring it back. Her heart trembled, overwhelmed with gratitude. Impulsively, she embraced him tightly before taking the precious herb.

Yan Shaozhe and Ma Xiaotao quickly left Sea God's Pavilion.

Though Xian Lin'er couldn't stand Yan Shaozhe, she was genuinely happy for Xiaotao. With them gone, she finally had a chance to speak to Mu En about her own plans.

"Teacher, Duoduo, Fan Yu, and I have discussed it—we're ready to begin the Extreme Individual Soldier Project, with Fan Yu's disciple and Caitou as temporary candidates."

"Very good," Mu En nodded approvingly.

"You're careful and meticulous—I trust your judgment."

"Understood, Teacher!"

Xian Lin'er's face lit up at the praise.

"Alright, that's enough for today. Leave me—I need a short nap," Mu En said, closing his eyes.

Zhu Ziyang and Xian Lin'er bowed and exited the Sea God Pavilion.

Outside, Xian Lin'er turned to Ziyang, her curiosity piqued.

"Junior Brother, where did you even find the Phoenix Tail Crestflower?"

"In the Icefire Yin-Yang Well," Ziyang answered with a grin.

"Actually, it was thanks to Nannan. If it hadn't been for her, we might not have even made it out alive—let alone brought back a Phoenix Tail Crestflower."

"I see…"

Xian Lin'er was surprised. She knew of the Icefire Yin-Yang Well, but had never imagined that Ziyang and Jiang Nannan would actually dare to go there.

"You two are far too reckless. Don't take such dangerous risks again!"

"Hehe, I know, Senior Sister," Ziyang said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Teacher already scolded me for it."

"Good," Xian Lin'er nodded with a touch of admiration.

As they strolled and chatted, a figure approached rapidly from the distance. It was Yan Shaozhe, looking unusually anxious.

"Ziyang, quickly—come with me. Xiaotao needs your help!"

Shaozhe's voice was tight with urgency as he grabbed Ziyang's hand.

"What's wrong, Senior Brother?"

Ziyang asked, startled.

But Yan Shaozhe didn't explain. He just pulled Ziyang along at high speed, Xian Lin'er following behind with rising concern.

When they reached Ma Xiaotao's room, the scene before them was terrifying.

The room was ablaze—red-black flames engulfed everything. Only Xiaotao's head remained visible above the sea of fire. Her face was twisted in agony, groaning in torment.

"Sister Xiaotao!"

Ziyang was shocked, his heart instantly tightening.

"Ziyang, only your Ultimate Ice can suppress the flames and help her absorb the Phoenix Tail Crestflower safely," Shaozhe said urgently. His voice held a plea, but if one looked closely, there was something else in his eyes—a strange glint.

"What should I do?"

Ziyang asked without hesitation, unaware of the flicker in Shaozhe's expression.

"Just take her hand and channel your Ultimate Ice into her. I'll stand guard outside."

Without waiting for a response, Yan Shaozhe turned and left the room.

Ziyang hesitated for a second, but seeing Xiaotao's face contorted in pain, he discarded his doubts and stepped forward. He reached for her hand through the blaze.

The moment he touched her…

The flames exploded outward, completely engulfing him.

His clothes were incinerated in an instant.

Panicking, Ziyang released his Ultimate Ice at full force, fighting back against the searing heat. As he steadied himself, his hand brushed against something soft—smooth, warm, and unmistakably intimate.

His breath hitched.

That was… her skin.

He quickly withdrew, restraining his thoughts. Eyes shut, he focused entirely on releasing Ultimate Ice, trying to stabilize her soul power and the rampaging medicine.

But it was futile.

The space was too small. No matter how he shifted, he kept touching more of her. Her soft, fragrant warmth pressed against him again and again, causing his face to flush deep red.

Then her face emerged through the flames—dazed, pained, but beautiful.

He couldn't let himself be distracted.

"Stay calm, focus on absorbing the Phoenix Tail Crestflower's energy!"

he said sharply.

Xiaotao blinked, refocused, and began circulating her soul power.

Ziyang poured all his strength into helping her—his Ultimate Ice suppressing the violent herb within her as best as it could, while he resisted the rising tide of emotion and desire.

Outside the room, Xian Lin'er arrived just in time to see Yan Shaozhe waiting alone. She sensed that the aura within the room had stabilized.

Her heart relaxed—then hardened.

She understood immediately what he had done.

She walked straight up to him.

"Yan Shaozhe, I can't believe how shameless you are! You actually plotted against your own disciple and your junior brother!" she hissed, furious.

"Lin'er, what are you doing here?"

Shaozhe looked surprised—but not angry. He gave a bitter smile.

"I know what I did was low. But I did it for the academy's sake. Xiaotao and Ziyang together… that's the best possible outcome."

"Spare me the garbage!" Lin'er spat.

"For the academy? You really think I'm that stupid? Do you not know Ziyang and Nannan are a couple? Be glad nothing indecent happened in that room—or I'd have made sure you couldn't show your face again!"

"I know…"

Yan Shaozhe's face darkened.

"But Ziyang is a once-in-a-generation genius. Isn't it normal for a genius to have several soulmates?"

"Soulmates?!"

Xian Lin'er's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You're still chasing your delusional harem dreams after all these years? Disgusting!"

She gave him a glare full of contempt and turned to leave.

Yan Shaozhe stood alone, her words echoing in his ears. His expression twisted—regret, longing, bitterness, and shame blending together as he lowered his head in silence.