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A full month had passed since Dai Weisi returned to Star Luo City. In that time, his days fell into a simple routine: indulging in shamelessly happy moments with Zhu Zhuyun, then buckling down to rigorous cultivation. But now that he had reached the Soul Emperor rank, every increment in soul power required exponentially greater effort. Despite an entire month of grueling practice, Dai Weisi remained stalled at Rank 63.
Still, he refused to be discouraged. Cultivation was never a one‐step process. Compared to his counterpart in the original story, he was already far ahead: not only had he achieved Rank 63 soul power, but he also possessed the world's foremost Beast Martial Soul and three soul bones—advantages his original self never enjoyed.
He was confident that—even if his foolish younger brother Dai Mubai received ten Strange–Sky Chrysanthemums instead of just one—he would still be no match for Dai Weisi in a fight.
Meanwhile, young Anna continued to absorb the Blue Silver Emperor's essence, steadily improving her martial soul's innate quality. Her Ink-Jade Divine Grass had surpassed ordinary iron wire in both hardness and toughness. This rapid enhancement enabled her to cultivate soul power far more efficiently than before: after a month of dedicated training—and assimilating additional soul energy from Blue Silver Grass—she had broken through into Rank 40 and was poised to become a quasi-Soul Master.
True to his promise, Dai Weisi planned to take her straight to the Star Dou Forest to claim her fourth soul ring as soon as she reached Rank 40.
Just then, the butler Li Hu arrived with news: President Yang Wudi of the Alchemist Association was here to pay his respects.
"Senior Yang has come?" Dai Weisi asked in mild surprise.
"Yes, Your Highness. President Yang is already waiting outside," Li Hu replied respectfully. Since Dai Weisi had been named Crown Prince of Star Luo, even his butler enjoyed elevated status. Rumor had it that whoever allied themselves with Dai Weisi would rise with him—and many of Star Luo City's wealthy merchants were clamoring to curry favor.
"Shouldn't he be in the Association working on new elixirs?" Dai Weisi murmured. After its destruction six months ago, the Alchemist Association had been rebuilt, and Yang Wudi had resumed his craft.
"His visit at this hour can only mean he has a major breakthrough," Dai Weisi concluded, rising to greet his guest. "Li Hu, please show President Yang in."
A few moments later, Li Hu ushered in Yang Wudi, who looked both dusty and jubilant. Though his robes were smudged, his eyes sparkled with excitement.
Upon seeing Dai Weisi, Yang bowed deeply. "I pay my respects to the Crown Prince!"
"You needn't be so formal," Dai Weisi said warmly, helping him to his feet. "You came so early and seem delighted—surely you bring good news?"
"Indeed, Your Highness. Behold!" Yang Wudi produced a single, water-blue pill and pressed it into Dai Weisi's hand.
Dai Weisi examined it carefully. Unlike the potent Ninth-Grade Qingling Pill, this one radiated a gentler aura.
"At this hour?" he asked.
Yang Wudi nodded eagerly. "Your Highness, this is my latest creation: the Peiyuan Pill. As its name suggests, it fortifies the root and nurtures the source."
He explained that the Peiyuan Pill modestly boosted both martial soul quality and soul power. Its effects weren't as dramatic as those of a Ninth-Grade Qingling Pill, but its cost was exceedingly low: one Ninth-Grade Purple Ganoderma plus a handful of common, well-balanced herbs yielded three Peiyuan Pills.
"Ah," Dai Weisi said, eyes lighting up. "In that case, we could distribute Peiyuan Pills to every soul master in the Star Luo Empire."
After all, rare spiritual herbs were precious, but premium medicinal herbs—like those used in the Peiyuan Pill—matured in only a decade or so. They could easily be cultivated in quantity, improving every soul master's martial soul and soul power across the empire.
Yang Wudi added, "Not only soul masters benefit. Even ordinary civilians who take a single Peiyuan Pill will see their physiques tempered—an average soldier could fight ten men after consuming one."
He paused, then issued a caveat: "However, each person can only take one Peiyuan Pill—any more brings no further effect. And for someone like Your Highness, who has already ingested genuine celestial herbs, it would likewise be ineffective."
"Heh—so long as it's inexpensive, none of the other problems matter," Dai Weisi chuckled. "Senior Yang, the Peiyuan Pill is crucial to the Star Luo Empire. You must safeguard the recipe diligently."
"You have my word, Your Highness," Yang Wudi replied respectfully. "At present, I am the only alchemist in the Association capable of producing the Peiyuan Pill."
"Excellent. While you keep the formula secure, please produce as many Pills as possible." Dai Weisi was already envisioning his White Tiger Legion's future. Although its current strength of fifty thousand troops was impressive, he still feared insufficient firepower. Master Lougao was working around the clock to forge more cannons and shells, and Dai Weisi intended to boost his soldiers' fighting capabilities with the Peiyuan Pills.
Thus, even if their ammunition ran dry in battle, the Legion would still possess the strength to hold its own against a Titled Douluo.
"Yes, Your Highness! I will spare no effort!" Yang Wudi nodded eagerly, then added, "There is one more matter I wish to report—news concerning Tang Hao."
At the mention of Tang Hao's name, Dai Weisi's interest peaked. "Oh? Tang Hao? What of him? Please, Senior Yang, do tell."
Yang Wudi cleared his throat and began his explanation. For some time, he'd been vexed that the Tribe of Strength—the fourth of the major single-attribute clans—had not yet joined the Star Luo Empire. The other three great clans had aligned themselves already; only the Strength Tribe hung back. He had repeatedly attempted to persuade their leader, Titan, to bring his people into the fold.
Perhaps tired of his entreaties, Titan finally informed Yang Wudi that he had located Tang Hao's son, Tang San—and that the Strength Tribe had thrown in its lot with young Tang San.
Over the past month, Tang San had completed Yu Xiaogang's third-stage training. Under Ning Rongrong's guidance, he enrolled in the Tian Dou Royal Academy. As expected, after thoroughly defeating Prince Xuebeng, he was promptly expelled by Prince Xuexing. On Flan's urging, the Six Demons of Shrek then joined the Blue-Fire Academy founded by Liu Erlong.
Shortly thereafter, Blue-Fire Academy was officially renamed Shrek Academy. Upon entry, Tang San fought Tai Long, drawing the attention of Tai Nuo and Titan. During his battle with Titan, the Hopper Hammer was inadvertently revealed. Tai Nuo recognized the weapon immediately and led the Strength Tribe in pledging allegiance to Tang San.
(End of Chapter)