Yu Yuanzhen fell into deep thought. He had indeed doted on Yu Xiaogang, investing quite a few resources into him. It was precisely because of this support that a talentless individual with only 0.5 innate soul power had managed to reach Rank 29 in cultivation.
However, Yu Yuanzhen was notoriously stingy when it came to immortal herbs. He wouldn't even use such cultivation-boosting treasures on himself. Only for those with promising talent, like Yu Tianheng and the others, was he willing to part with an immortal herb to invest in the future of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
As for the others, they didn't even have a chance to get an immortal herb. At best, they might receive a precious medicinal plant — a Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma.
Right now, only one such Ganoderma remained.
Thinking of his son, who had endured years of ridicule and scorn, Yu Yuanzhen found himself torn between emotions and rationality.
Noticing his expression, Yu Tianming quickly said to Liu Erlong, "Second Uncle is also part of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Grandpa has invested heavily in him too. That's the only reason he managed to reach Rank 29 despite starting with only 0.5 innate soul power. Isn't that already a breakthrough of his natural limits?"
Indeed, this was the reason Yu Xiaogang had been able to reach Rank 29.
Liu Erlong believed what they said completely. Yet, because she loved Yu Xiaogang deeply, she still looked sincerely and pleadingly at Yu Yuanzhen.
"I'm about to become a Soul Sage. From now on, I will dedicate myself fully to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. No matter the cost, if there is a way to improve Xiaogang's talent, I'm willing to pay it."
Yu Yuanzhen had always treated his family well. Seeing her like this, he softened somewhat.
The high-level members of the clan all knew that Yu Xiaogang had secluded himself in Nuoding City, but not a single one had told Liu Erlong.
Even after so many years with no news, she still worried about him. Perhaps their love was real.
Liu Erlong was extremely talented and fiercely loyal to the clan. Giving Yu Xiaogang a Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma—was it really such a loss?
Thinking this, Yu Yuanzhen's gaze toward Liu Erlong became increasingly gentle.
Seeing that he was wavering, Yu Tianming's inner alarm went off instantly.
Although Liu Erlong was somewhat naïve, she was a useful talent for the clan. But she followed Yu Xiaogang with blind loyalty—one could even say she was as faithful as a dog raised by the so-called "Grandmaster."
And Yu Xiaogang, after enduring years of scorn, had developed a twisted mentality. Moreover, he and Yu Tianming had clashed in the past. Giving him the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma would not only waste a valuable resource but might also bring endless trouble.
So, he hurriedly said to Yu Yuanzhen, "Grandfather, the timing is perfect. Why don't we first pay a visit to Yuexuan?"
On the road from Blue Tyrant Academy to Yuexuan, Yu Yuanzhen remained conflicted.
Back at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, they had obtained two Nine-Grade Dragon Ganodermas and three Nine-Grade Purple Ganodermas. The two Dragon Ganodermas had gone to Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. One Purple Ganoderma was given to Yu Luomian. Another was shared between Ah Zhu and Ah Zhi.
Only one Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma remained. While it didn't qualify as a true immortal herb, it was still exceptionally valuable.
After hearing Liu Erlong's heartfelt words, Yu Yuanzhen was inclined to give it to Yu Xiaogang out of personal affection. But on behalf of the clan, giving it to him might have little benefit.
After much deliberation, Yu Yuanzhen finally turned to Yu Tianming, the young clan leader, for his opinion.
"Tianming, Erlong is truly sincere. What do you think about giving the last Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma to Xiaogang?"
"Second Uncle has spent years promoting his 'Top Ten Core Competitiveness of Martial Souls' theory, which has harmed countless civilian soul masters. Not only has he damaged his own reputation, he's brought disgrace to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. If his cultivation improves, he might stir up even more trouble in the soul master world, which would be detrimental to both the clan and himself."
Yu Yuanzhen let out a long sigh, as if he had aged several years. His eyes were filled with a father's disappointment and helplessness.
"Xiaogang lacks both talent and ability, yet he insists on making waves in the soul master world. If we give him the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma, he might cause even more trouble. I cannot shelter him forever. It would be better for him to live quietly as a wealthy nobleman, causing less mischief."
Yu Tianming added, "Second Uncle's martial soul is too flawed. Even if the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma enhances his cultivation, it might not compensate for that defect. He still won't be able to fight. It would be better used by someone who can truly improve with it."
Upon hearing this, Yu Yuanzhen seemed to make up his mind. He looked seriously at Yu Tianming and said:
"Ah Zhu and Ah Zhi are no longer young. They're clever and loyal. Perhaps it would be better to give them the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma to enhance their bloodline and bear children worthy of inheriting your talent as soon as possible."
At this, Yu Tianming looked a bit embarrassed.
"I'm still young. That can wait a year or two. For now, let's go visit Yuexuan first."
As they entered the most prosperous district of Heaven Dou City, they stopped in front of a grand building.
Yu Tianming instinctively looked up at the structure.
It was a five-story building—quite tall by Heaven Dou City standards.
The building gave off a refined and elegant aura. Its architecture was slightly antiquated, and a plaque with just two simple characters hung above the entrance: Yuexuan.
Yu Tianming knew that Yuexuan, as the Royal Etiquette Academy of the Heaven Dou Empire, only admitted students with noble titles under the age of thirty.
Yuexuan admitted only one hundred students per year. To compete for these hundred spots, nobles from across the empire scrambled like mad.
Everyone knew that graduating from Yuexuan was equivalent to being gilded with prestige. Graduates were regarded as true aristocrats.
In noble marriages, it was common for the stronger party to inquire if the children of the weaker party had received an education at Yuexuan. This spoke volumes about its influence among the upper echelons of the empire.
Undoubtedly, this was where the next generation of Heaven Dou nobility was cultivated.
Therefore, although Yuexuan itself didn't appear powerful, no faction dared to extend their hand toward it.
There were even rumors that Emperor Xue Ye had a special relationship with Yuexuan's master, Lady Yue.
But that was just gossip.
In truth, only a few people knew that Lady Yue, the seemingly delicate master of Yuexuan, was actually the sister of the master of the world's number one soul master clan — the Clear Sky Clan.
Few people came and went, but it was clear from their appearance that everyone entering or exiting was either dressed extravagantly or carried an elegant air—both men and women alike.
Upon stepping into the first floor of Yuexuan, a faint fragrance greeted them.
A shadow wall carved from fine boxwood emitted a soft wooden scent. In front of it, two three-meter-tall exotic orchids gave off a gentle fragrance. Just one step into Yuexuan seemed to shut out the chaos of the outside world.
Beyond the wall was a spacious hall. The floor was paved with meter-long grey tiles, and all the furnishings were made of expensive wood.
(End of Chapter)
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