"What?" Azure Luan Douluo showed a hint of surprise.
What kind of variation could a four-hundred-year Spirit Skill possibly produce?
Because of that, he had not paid it much attention at first.
Wu Qi spread his arms. The Azure Luan martial spirit flapped its wings faster, and the gust it generated grew stronger.
The feather blades that had previously shot outward were drawn back by the wind and gathered together, forming a large azure blade.
Under Wu Qi's control, the blade slashed toward nearby trees.
In a single strike, it cut down more than a dozen massive trees that were thick enough to require two people to encircle.
Azure Luan Douluo raised an eyebrow, now genuinely interested.
For a four-hundred-year Spirit Skill to have such a variation would certainly catch an opponent off guard in battle.
However, it clearly consumed a great deal of spirit power. Wu Qi, still only at the Spirit Master level, was already exhausted after using his Spirit Skill twice in succession.
He leaned against a tree stump, breathing heavily.
'It's still too forced. In future battles, unless it's for a finishing blow, I can only use one form,' he thought.
Sensing his thoughts, Azure Luan Douluo stepped forward and patted his shoulder. "Your spirit power rank is still too low. Once you break through to Spirit Grandmaster or higher, using low-level Spirit Skills will consume far less spirit power."
Originally, he had planned to leave the forest immediately.
But now Wu Qi's spirit power was nearly depleted. He did not even have the strength to walk.
Left with no choice, they remained in the forest for a while longer.
Following the meditation method Azure Luan Douluo had taught him, Wu Qi sat cross-legged on the tree stump and steadily recovered his spirit power.
As his spirit power replenished, he felt a strange sensation on his back.
It was subtle, an itch he could not quite locate, no matter how he tried to scratch it.
Soon after, as the itching faded, it felt as though something beneath his skin was about to break through.
Noticing the change, Azure Luan Douluo made no move to interfere. He simply watched quietly.
Suddenly, a pair of azure wings tore through Wu Qi's skin and emerged from his back.
The sharp pain of his skin splitting nearly caused him to lose consciousness.
"As I expected. This is indeed the sign of an External Spirit Bone forming," Azure Luan Douluo murmured.
He could not help but admire Wu Qi's fortune.
At the Spirit Master stage, he possessed a first Spirit Skill with a variation and now an External Spirit Bone, second only in rarity to a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bone.
It could be said that Wu Qi's starting point already surpassed nearly all Spirit Masters. Most could not even compare to where he stood now.
With the appearance of the External Spirit Bone, information about it flowed into Wu Qi's mind.
His gaze grew resolute.
Although he did not possess twin martial spirits, his foundation was already exceptionally high.
Tang San, as a transmigrator, was widely regarded as a benchmark of strength.
Now that he had joined the Worship Hall, future conflict with Tang San would be unavoidable. Previously, he would not have dared to speak of opposing him. But now, he had confidence that he could surpass him in the future.
"Master, my External Spirit Bone enhances my control over wind attributes, and it also can—"
Azure Luan Douluo nodded.
It was indeed remarkable.
Night had already fallen, so they did not linger.
Azure Luan Douluo took to the air, carrying Wu Qi as they flew toward Spirit City.
Inside the Pope's Palace, upon learning that Ghost Douluo's mission had failed, Bibi Dong was not surprised, yet she was still displeased.
Such a promising talent, if placed under the Pope's Palace, would certainly have become a key member of the Golden Generation. Now that he had fallen into the hands of the Worship Hall, his future growth would have to be closely monitored.
Full innate spirit power, something even Hu Liena had not achieved.
Unfortunately, Bibi Dong had only recently begun consolidating her authority within Spirit Hall and could not leave the Pope's Palace without careful consideration.
Otherwise, she would not have yielded so easily. After reprimanding Ghost Douluo, her mood improved slightly.
Still, she intended to see just how far Wu Qi would grow under the guidance of those elders in the Worship Hall.
Taking Wu Qi's condition into account, Azure Luan Douluo spent ten days returning to Spirit City.
Having already witnessed the prosperity of Heaven Dou City, Wu Qi did not appear overwhelmed upon seeing Spirit City, one of the three great cities of the Douluo Continent.
"In terms of commerce, Spirit Hall may not compare to Star Luo City or Heaven Dou City," Azure Luan Douluo explained patiently. "But this is the sacred place in the hearts of Spirit Masters. Many Spirit Masters save for a lifetime just to come here and experience its atmosphere."
Wu Qi would be living here for a long time. Helping him understand the city would ease any unease he might feel.
As they passed several residences within the city, Spirit Masters could be seen cultivating from time to time.
Compared to other cities, the cultivation atmosphere here was far stronger. In roadside tea houses and taverns, there was less idle boasting about business and more discussion about cultivation experiences among Spirit Masters.
It was also worth noting that Spirit City did not prohibit ordinary people from entering, nor did it charge any entrance fee.
At present, Spirit Hall held an unshakable and sacred position in the hearts of Spirit Masters. They walked at a steady pace and eventually arrived before the Pope's Palace.
After glancing at it from a distance, Azure Luan Douluo led Wu Qi elsewhere.
The Douluo Hall stood adjacent to the Worship Hall. By rule, only newly promoted Titled Douluo or designated Worship were permitted to enter the Douluo Hall.
Wu Qi was no exception.
However, he was granted special permission to bypass it by taking a small path behind the Douluo Hall and entering the Worship Hall instead.
At the center of the Worship Hall stood a golden statue of the Six-Winged Angel, radiating a sacred presence.
Seated at the head position, Qian Daoliu rested his right hand against his cheek, his eyes closed in quiet repose.
With just a single glance, Wu Qi felt the sacred and imposing aura surrounding him.
The only Limit Douluo on the continent truly lived up to his reputation.
"Grand Worship, Xiao Qi has arrived," Azure Luan Douluo said with a slight bow toward the high seat.
He then brought Wu Qi to sit at the seat on the right below the main position.
As Qian Daoliu spoke, the solemn atmosphere in the hall eased.
"It seems we have gained a new member. Xiao Qi, you may call me Grandpa Qian or Grand Elder."
Golden Crocodile Douluo patted his chest. "Call me Grandpa Golden Crocodile."
With the tension lifted, Glowing Feather Douluo rose from his seat and walked over to Wu Qi, lightly poking his cheek.
"Call me Grandpa, and I'll look after you from now on."
In his previous life, Wu Qi had known Glowing Feather Douluo's personality.
Seeing him in person now, he felt slightly awkward.
The person before him seemed even more childish than himself.
"Glowing Feather, you should rein that in," Azure Luan Douluo said with a helpless smile.
Given Glowing Feather Douluo's age, he was more than qualified to be called Wu Qi's grandfather. It was just that his appearance and behavior did not quite match the title.
Toward Wu Qi, the new arrival, the Worship Hall's elders all showed goodwill and concern.
After all, the group of elders spent their days together in relative monotony. Having a child around would at least bring some liveliness to their routine.