MTLNOVEL Chapter 28: Evolution
Qian Daoliu didn't flinch. His tone sharpened just slightly, but the weight of his words was unmistakable.
"If you truly must know, then understand this—if she misses this opportunity now, then who knows when she might get it."
His words sent a ripple of exclamations through the hall.
Bibi Dong's eyes widened momentarily, her sharp gaze shifting protectively toward Hu Liena. She said nothing, but gave a faint nod and slowly backed away, now watching more carefully than before.
Qian Daoliu turned back toward the girls. "This is not a punishment—it is an opportunity. The result of Ling Yuan's mission is a gift… one that I wish I could use myself, but it is suited only for those who have recently awakened their Martial Soul."
He raised his hand slightly, and with a faint flash of light, a delicate jade bottle appeared in his palm.
"Inside this bottle is a Marrow Cleansing Pill—a miraculous creation from a source none of you yet understand. It purifies the body, strengthens the foundation of one's cultivation, and—if taken early—can determine the height one may reach in the future."
He turned toward the girls once more.
"Each of you will receive one. Take it, and let us observe the effect… and perhaps glimpse the future of Spirit Hall," Qian Daoliu declared solemnly.
He uncorked the jade bottle, and three golden pills floated gently into the air, hovering for a moment before one flew into the hands of each of the three girls.
"Just eat it and sit cross-legged," he instructed.
The girls exchanged hesitant glances but followed his command. As they consumed the pill and sat down in meditative positions, the atmosphere within the Worship Hall grew tense with anticipation.
Moments passed, and then—
A faint golden mist began to rise from their bodies, accompanied by a low hum of energy. Sludge—thick, black, and foul-smelling—seeped from their pores and pooled onto the ground. Their expressions tightened in discomfort as their bodies underwent a deep, painful cleansing.
Many of the elders and Titled Douluo looked on with concerned eyes, but seeing the Grand Priest's calm expression, they relaxed as well. Even Bibi Dong, despite her pride and suspicion, couldn't hide her concern. She glanced sharply at the other two girls beside Hu Liena and thought silently, If they've all taken the same pill and are showing similar reactions, then it's unlikely to be harmful…
She allowed herself to relax slightly, though her gaze never left her disciple.
Then came the change—subtle at first, then drastic.
The spirit power fluctuations in the room surged to a new height. Golden light burst from the girls' bodies as their spirit energy became increasingly refined and radiant. One elder gasped aloud as the dense aura began to spread.
Qian Daoliu's expression remained calm, but a flicker of satisfaction shone in his eyes.
Suddenly, someone among the elders asked aloud, "Are their Martial Souls evolving?"
Qian Daoliu nodded. "Indeed. The marrow cleansing has reached the critical point. It's not just purifying their bodies—it's optimizing their very foundations."
And just as he finished speaking, a wave of bright light engulfed each girl.
First was Golden Crocodile Douluo's granddaughter. Her Martial Soul had originally been the Golden Crocodile King like her grandfather's, but now, it was showing a dominance that only a Dragon Spirit could exhibit.
"It's… it evolved into the Golden Dragon!" Golden Crocodile Douluo exclaimed, eyes wide as he stared at the majestic golden dragon. "How is this possible!?"
Then it was Ling Meimei's turn. Flames began to ripple around her body. Her previous Martial Soul, the Spirit Kite, began to glow with blinding brilliance. A fiery silhouette took shape behind her—a winged creature wrapped in divine fire.
"Her spirit… it's become the Spirit Fire Phoenix!"
Finally, all eyes turned to Hu Liena.
Foxfire burst from her body, and nine burning tails erupted behind her. Her previous spirit, the Enchanting Fox, now roared with a newfound majesty. No longer a mere charm-type beast, it radiated supreme dominance.
"It's… the Nine-Tailed Fox! A top-tier beast with not just charm but now illusion abilities too!" Jian Long Douluo muttered in disbelief.
The entire hall was stunned into silence.
Three girls. Three spirit evolutions. All triggered by a single pill.
Bibi Dong stood frozen. She had been training Hu Liena for two years and never imagined such an explosive transformation was even possible. Her hand involuntarily clenched around her sleeve as pride and unease battled in her heart.
Qian Daoliu turned to the rest of the hall, his voice calm but resolute.
"This is just the beginning. What you witnessed was the result of a single pill. Ask yourselves now—what kind of being has the power to create such a thing… and why has he given them to us?"
Silence reigned.
As the golden glow from the three girls faded and their evolution stabilized, a hush fell over the Worship Hall. One by one, the high-ranking priests, elders, and Titled Douluo slowly turned their eyes toward Ling Yuan—the woman whose silent return had just shaken the very foundations of Spirit Hall.
What kind of mission was she on?What secrets had she uncovered?
The atmosphere grew thick with speculation.
Then, Qian Daoliu broke the silence.
"Ling Yuan," he said, his voice calm but authoritative, "take Meimei and Yu'er with you as you return. I had considered sending Hu Liena as well, but as the declared Saintess of Spirit Hall, her face is already known publicly—so she can't go."
Ling Yuan bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "I understand, Grand Priest. I also agree with the decision. After all…" She allowed a slight smile to cross her lips, as she thought, '…at the end of the day, Li Shen is still a young man. Charming him with girls is a good idea.'
Other priests looked at each other, wondering what mission this was and how taking those girls would help Ling Yuan on it.
But before anything else could be said, Golden Crocodile Douluo stepped forward, his face serious and tense.
"Wait—Grand Priest." His voice was deep, laced with concern. "Where exactly are you sending my granddaughter? And what is this mission Ling Yuan is taking them on?"
He looked between Qian Daoliu and Ling Yuan, his hands clenched behind his back. "I am overjoyed by her breakthrough. This… this evolution of her spirit is the realization of a dream that my family has pursued for generations. But I cannot, and will not, send her off blindly—especially now that she is the hope of my family."
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