Douluo Continent: Starting with a Self-Created Soul Ring 62

Chapter 62: The Blooming King’s Owner

“Humph!”

“Heartbreak Red, King of Flowers, the finest of the finest, now it’s mine!”

In Bi Bi Dong’s room, she carefully held a flower rooted in a stone—the Heartbreak Red. Since learning about the rarity of celestial herbs, Bi Bi Dong had inquired with Yue Guan about all of them. She wasn’t interested in ordinary plants; she only wanted information on the celestial herbs Gu Ziyue had brought back. Then, she became fixated on one: the Heartbreak Red, known as the King of Flowers. She was drawn to it not only for its unparalleled quality but also for its poignant love story. After learning about it, she liked it even more, yearning for the kind of love depicted, despite its tragic beauty.

So she asked Qian Xunji for the Heartbreak Red. And now, she held it in her hands. However, Qian Xunji, when giving it to her, asked if she had someone she liked, as only someone in love would desire such a flower.

“No, Teacher, I don’t have anyone I like. I just like this flower!”

“And I can keep it, so I want it~”

Bi Bi Dong, though Gu Ziyue’s image flashed in her mind, immediately answered. The Heartbreak Red remained rooted in the Obsidian Stone, unpicked, thus could be kept.

Qian Xunji, indulging his beloved student, agreed. He warned her not to attempt to establish a spirit bond (认主). Bi Bi Dong agreed. Yet, seeing the Heartbreak Red, she felt a strong urge to try.

“I’ll just try. I don’t have anyone I like now, so it definitely won’t work.”

Muttering to herself, Bi Bi Dong pricked her finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the flower’s petal.

Buzz—

Unknown to her, Qian Xunji outside almost intervened.

“What nonsense!” he chided inwardly, anticipating his beloved pupil’s recklessness. However, he paused. He wanted to see if she could successfully establish a spirit bond with the Heartbreak Red. If she succeeded, it would prove she had someone she liked—inevitably Gu Ziyue. He didn’t know whether to be happy or angry at that prospect. He certainly didn’t want Bi Bi Dong engaging in romance at such a young age; she should focus on cultivation. But if it was Gu Ziyue… it would be alright. He wouldn’t have approved of Gu Ziyue before. But the current Gu Ziyue was different. Even if he grudgingly approved, he wouldn’t let them engage in romance during their prime growth period; necessary intervention was needed. So, he decided to observe Bi Bi Dong.

Bi Bi Dong, inside, was unaware of her teacher’s presence. After the blood touched the petal, she felt dazed, involuntarily visualizing Gu Ziyue: training together, studying together, even her playfully teasing him. The Heartbreak Red’s roots seemed to loosen from the Obsidian Stone.

Pfft—

But she failed, suffering backlash and spitting blood.

“Oh dear…”

“It failed, as expected!”

Bi Bi Dong stamped her foot in frustration.

“Whew…”

“Serves you right, you little rascal!”

Outside, Qian Xunji, relieved at her failure, felt a mixture of relief and schadenfreude. He smiled faintly then disappeared. Since she’d failed to bond with the Heartbreak Red, he needed to do nothing more.

Bi Bi Dong remained oblivious to his appearance and departure. After stamping her foot, she patted her cheeks, feeling flushed.

“My thoughts were all about my junior brother…”

“Could it be…that I like him?”

This thought made her heart race, feeling shy and flustered.

“No, no, no… that boring guy, I don’t like him…”

She shook her head.

…

Gu Ziyue knew nothing of the Heartbreak Red ending up with Bi Bi Dong. With his protector, he continued training and studying. In just six months, his Soul Power level rose from 20 to 24. This was due to his fully awakened top-tier Martial Soul and the lingering effects of the Ice and Fire Celestial Herbs. His astonishing progress surprised She Long, his protector. Initially, he felt no honor in being Gu Ziyue’s protector. Gu Ziyue’s Soul Power level and talent seemed insignificant to him. He only agreed due to the Pope’s orders. While Gu Ziyue’s progress surprised him, it didn’t change his opinion. He still considered Gu Ziyue far inferior to Bi Bi Dong, who possessed twin Martial Souls and innate full Soul Power. So, he only fulfilled his duties, protecting Gu Ziyue when he went out. He spent most of his time cultivating, as Gu Ziyue didn’t need much protection within the Pope’s Palace.

Gu Ziyue understood She Long’s attitude and didn’t force anything. He knew She Long’s attitude would change once he grew stronger. Self-improvement was paramount.

“Six months have passed. Time to consume another celestial herb!”

After training, Gu Ziyue retrieved the Eight-Petaled Celestial Orchid from his Soul Guidance Device.

“After this herb, I should break through to level 30.”

“Then, I can try to actively cultivate the Soul Ring and Soul Skill I want…”

With anticipation, he consumed the Eight-Petaled Celestial Orchid.

…

(End of Chapter)

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