After their intense battles in the Star Dou Forest and Feng Ming's successful breakthrough, the Azure Dragon Squad began their journey back to the academy. Their steps were steady and triumphant, yet subdued with contemplation. Each member had tasted real combat and the camaraderie that blossomed in life-and-death moments. With Jiang Yun leading, their return felt less like coming home and more like returning as sharpened blades ready for forging.
Back at the academy grounds, their arrival drew considerable attention. Their group—now composed of strong, harmonious individuals—was slowly becoming the subject of awe and envy among peers.
As the others went to rest, Jiang Yun walked toward the medicinal storage chamber where the immortal herbs they had harvested earlier were carefully preserved.
Jiang Yun gathered the squad in a quiet courtyard away from prying eyes.
Each one stood waiting, eyes steady, trusting him entirely.
Jiang Yun spoke calmly, "You've all reached a critical point. These herbs are not ordinary—they're immortal-grade, and if suitable, they will evolve your martial spirit and elevate your cultivation."
He paused and looked at Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, this one is for you. Take this Qiluo Tulip. It harmonizes well with your spirit. Absorb it slowly; it will greatly benefit your foundation."
Ning Rongrong bowed slightly. "Thank you, Brother Jiang Yun."
He didn't tell her that the Qiluo Tulip had the potential to evolve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasures version. That would be her fate to discover.
Then Jiang Yun turned to the others.
"Feng Ming, Hua Yue, Bai Ling, Qiao Xuan—these are for you."
He summoned the herbs with a sweep of his hand. Four brilliant plants appeared, their radiant auras shaking the air.
A vibrant red-golden flower with phoenix-like plumes: Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.
A glowing lotus with flame dancing at its core: Blazing Heart Flame Lotus.
A fragrant white orchid with eight symmetrical petals: Eight Petal Immortal Orchid.
A rough, earthy vine with heavy stone-like buds and dense qi: Stoneheart Ground Dragon Vine.
Jiang Yun handed each to their rightful owner.
"These are yours. Absorb them now. You will need several hours—focus completely."
Everyone nodded, finding their positions and sitting down cross-legged.
As the herbs entered their mouths, spiritual light enveloped each one. Jiang Yun stood silently nearby, watching over them as hours passed.
---
Six Hours Later
The wind shifted.
Waves of pressure suddenly surged through the courtyard. The first to awaken was Feng Ming.
He rose, wings spreading wide. Flames licked the edges of his once-clear feathers, now tinted with golden-red hues. His Gale Falcon had transformed.
"My martial spirit evolved into the Phoenix Gale Falcon," he said, voice filled with awe. "I've awakened fire attributes… and reached Soul Power Rank 45. Also… I gained a new ability from my fourth ring—Sky Piercer. I can condense wind and fire into a devastating charge that pierces even defensive domains!"
He looked down at his hands, trembling with excitement.
Next, Hua Yue stood up. The fiery lotus she absorbed had completely merged with her aura. Her Crimson Tiger now radiated molten heat, and her presence was more feral, wild, intense.
"My martial spirit is now the Blazing Flame Tiger," she declared. "I feel stronger… more explosive. My soul power is now Rank 46. My fire affinity has become overwhelming."
The ground cracked faintly under her feet as she clenched her fists.
Soon after, a soothing warmth spread out as Bai Ling opened her eyes. Her Radiant Lotus now had a crystalline luster, and an additional petal glowed faintly.
"I feel… renewed," she said softly. "My martial spirit evolved into the Sacred Lotus. I can heal faster, and my sanctuary can resist even poison and curses. I haven't broken through to the next level yet—but once I get my fourth soul ring, I can tell I'll rise quickly. I'm currently still Level 40."
A soft wave of light rippled from her, refreshing everyone around her.
Then the ground trembled slightly. Qiao Xuan stood, his frame sturdier, his aura deeply rooted and unshakable. Behind him, the Earthbind Serpent had grown into a new form—its body coiled with metallic stone scales and faint dragonic horns.
"My martial spirit evolved into the Rockscale Earth Python," he said calmly. "Its defense and binding strength are at a whole new level. My control over the earth is also sharper. My soul power has reached Rank 40."
Finally, Ning Rongrong opened her eyes excited.
"I… I feel strange," she murmured. Her pagoda shimmered faintly—eight layers visible, the ninth hidden, suppressed, as if it couldn't fully manifest.
Jiang Yun approached, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your body is adjusting. Once you get your third soul ring, you'll understand. For now, trust your instincts."
She nodded, confused but trusting.
What she didn't realize was that her Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had already awakened—but without the third ring, it couldn't fully reveal itself or be controlled.
---
Jiang Yun stood before them, arms crossed.
He tells them, "Since Bai Ling and Qiao Xuan have reached level 40 and have not gained their 4th soul ring the additional increase is waiting to be released. After you gain your fourth soul ring atleast you will reach level 42-43. Also Rongrong your seven treasures glazed tile pagoda has evolved it's just your soul power control is not enough to manifest it's true form. After you and others gained their third and fourth soul rings you will see the increase and and the benefits of immortal herbs."
"You've all done well. Remember this moment—not because you grew stronger, but because you earned it through trust, loyalty, and discipline."
"Also you all must never tell anyone about immortal herbs as they are blessing but if someone knows about them and leaked this news to others they will become curse for us as there are many desperate people who can do anything just for gaining power. Of course, Rongrong if your family asks you can tell them that I have given you the immortal herb. Even if your father wants one, he can't get because every immortal herbs are one of a type and I don't have anymore."
Ning Rongrong tells him that she swears she will not tell anyone about how her martial spirit evolved, she will just tell them that after she gained her third soul ring it automatically evolved as their was no evidence of seven treasures glazed tile pagoda evolving into nine treasures glazed tile pagoda except her ancestors.
The Azure Dragon Squad stood united, now far more powerful than they had ever been.
But Jiang Yun knew—they would need this strength for the storm to come.