dmims Chapter 15: Winning Over Oscar, Ma Hongjun's Choice
Chapter 15: Winning Over Oscar, Ma Hongjun's Choice
Ma Hongjun suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with hope.
"Brother Mu Bai, is there any other way to deal with my 'evil fire'?"
"Of course, there are two methods."
Mu Bai held up three fingers.
"Firstly, one can consume rare and precious medicinal herbs or herbs with ice or yin-cold properties to neutralize the evil fire with internal energy."
"Secondly, seek out extremely cold places to cultivate, or use ice-attribute medicinal herbs for medicinal baths to suppress the transformation with external force."
Upon hearing this, Ma Hongjun did not feel happy; instead, he was quite disheartened.
Neither his family background nor his teacher, Flander, had the financial means to allow him to use these two methods.
That's too expensive!
Mu Bai looked at him and suddenly smiled slightly, a smile that carried a reassuring certainty.
"Actually, there is a third way, and it can completely cure the problem."
"To fundamentally purify your phoenix flames, remove their 'evil' nature, return them to their original purity, and make them a true fire phoenix."
"At that time, the evil fire will dissipate on its own, and its power will be even greater than before!"
"In addition, it can greatly improve your cultivation level and enhance your aptitude."
"Little Ao, this opportunity also applies to you!"
What!
Upon hearing this, Oscar and Ma Hongjun both held their breath, their hearts pounding.
"but……"
At this point, Mu Bai changed the subject, his expression becoming extremely serious, his silver double pupils staring directly at the two of them.
"Such an opportunity is too precious to be true; it can be described as defying the heavens and changing one's destiny."
"Although I, Mu Bai, value loyalty and righteousness, I am not a saint who bestows favors indiscriminately."
"Such an opportunity can only be given to those who are truly among my own people!"
He slowly stood up, his aura becoming unconsciously dignified and profound.
"Let's get to know each other properly again!"
"I am Dai Mubai, the third prince of the Star Luo Empire. Due to my struggle with my elder brother Dai Weisi for the position of crown prince, I am currently in a weaker position. Therefore, I have left the capital to gain experience and accumulate strength."
Oscar and Ma Hongjun gasped, their eyes widening in shock.
A prince?! Mu Bai is actually a prince?!
Mu Bai continued, his voice firm and resolute.
"I observe that you two are exceptionally talented and of pure heart; you are promising individuals and trustworthy people."
"I want to accomplish great things, and I need your help by my side."
"If you are willing to truly follow me and acknowledge me as your master, I will not fail you if I gain power in the future."
"At that time, not only will the evil fire be cured, but cultivation will also be within reach, and wealth, honor, and the prestigious position of a powerful figure will be easily attainable!"
The room was completely silent, except for the occasional crackling sound of the oil lamp's flame.
Oscar barely hesitated.
In the past two weeks, Mu Bai's strength, wisdom, generosity, and convincing demeanor have deeply impressed him.
A prince, valuing him so highly as a food-type soul master, and even willing to share an extraordinary opportunity...
He suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Mu Bai, and bowed firmly in his voice.
"Brother Mu Bai! No, Your Highness!"
"I, Oscar, am willing to follow you! I will never betray you in this lifetime!"
Mu Bai smiled with satisfaction, stepped forward and helped Oscar up with both hands, imitating the demeanor of a benevolent ruler from his memory, and said emotionally.
"Great! Great! With Xiao Ao by my side, I'm like a fish in water!"
"From now on, there's no need to address me as Your Highness. Just call me Brother Mu Bai! Let's address each other as brothers and work together to achieve great things!"
Oscar was so moved that his eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded repeatedly.
Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, was caught in a fierce struggle.
He was not a bad person by nature; in fact, he was somewhat simple-minded. He kept his teacher Flander's teachings in mind.
Flander often said that the independence and freedom of Soul Masters should be maintained.
But... the prospects described by Brother Mu Bai, the hope of resolving the evil fire, and Oscar's unwavering loyalty... all strongly impacted his heart.
"Brother Mu Bai... I... I need to think about it, and I also need to ask the teacher..."
Ma Hongjun said with difficulty.
Mu Bai nodded understandingly, patted his shoulder, and smiled faintly: "It's alright, Fatty. This matter concerns your future path, so it should be handled with care. You might as well go and ask Dean Flander."
Without saying another word, he took out a jade box with a warm luster from his storage soul tool and opened it.
The moment the jade box was opened, a delicate and fragrant aroma that invigorated the soul filled the air.
Inside the box, a strange orchid lay quietly.
The petals trembled as if they were alive, their entire body crystal clear like jade, emitting a faint precious light.
"This item is called 'Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid,' a divine herb that strengthens the foundation and enhances soul power. Its medicinal properties are mild and mellow, making it especially suitable for support and food-type soul masters to absorb. It can cleanse the marrow and strengthen the foundation, thereby increasing potential."
Mu Bai handed the jade box to Oscar, a hint of "pain" showing on his face.
"Little Ao, this item is also extremely precious to me."
"But now that I have acknowledged you as my brother, I will bestow this upon you to help you lay a supreme foundation!"
"Take it now, and I will protect you."
Oscar accepted the jade box with trembling hands, looking at the exquisite fairy herb, feeling the abundant spiritual energy contained within it, and then hearing Mu Bai's words that it was "extremely precious" yet given away without hesitation.
The last trace of doubt in my heart vanished, leaving only a heart full of gratitude and a determination to serve to the death.
"Thank you so much, Brother Mubai!"
Oscar said no more, sat down cross-legged, and carefully plucked the eight-petaled fairy orchid according to Mu Bai's instructions, and put it in his mouth.
The herb melts upon entering the mouth, transforming into a warm and vast current that flows into every part of the body.
Oscar's body trembled slightly, a radiant glow seemed to flow beneath his skin, and his aura began to steadily rise...
Mu Bai stood quietly by, protecting the Dharma, but his heart remained unmoved.
While this eight-petaled orchid is indeed precious, it is not irreplaceable for him.
Having lived as a white tiger for 700,000 years and occupied the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire for tens of thousands of years, he had long since thoroughly understood the habits and growth cycles of various immortal herbs.
He would harvest them promptly and store them properly each time they ripened.
He still had several similar rare herbs, like the Eight-Petaled Fairy Orchid, in his storage container.
The "pain" just now was merely a necessary performance to win people's hearts.
Beside him, Ma Hongjun was already dumbfounded.
He could clearly feel that after Oscar took the orchid, his aura became thicker and more solid at an astonishing speed!
What kind of rare and precious herb is this?! Its effects are terrifying!
Several hours later, Oscar's soul power surged suddenly, then gradually subsided.
He opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with a sharp light, as he incredulously felt the surging soul power within him and an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.
"Brother Mu Bai! I...I've broken through to level 30!"
Oscar's voice trembled with excitement.
He was originally just a level 24 Great Soul Master, but a single immortal herb allowed him to break through six levels and reach the threshold of Soul Venerable!
I can't believe it!
Ma Hongjun watched from the side, his eyes wide open and his mouth agape, as if he could fit an egg in it.
This...this effect is just too incredible!
He no longer had any doubt about the "opportunity" that Mu Bai had mentioned; all that remained was endless longing.
"Very good. Tomorrow, tell Dean Flander or Teacher Zhao about this and have them take you to hunt for your third spirit ring!"
Mu Bai nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the expectant Ma Hongjun and smiled.
"Fatty, there's no need to rush."
"Tomorrow, go and ask Dean Flander. No matter the outcome, you are a brother that I, Dai Mubai, acknowledge."
Ma Hongjun nodded emphatically, having already made up his mind.
Early the next morning.
Ma Hongjun then found Flander in the office, who was checking the budget for the soap workshop. He told him everything that had happened the night before, including Mu Bai's identity, recruitment, and the gift of the immortal herb to Oscar, and asked about the dilemma he was facing.
After listening, Flanders put down the ledger in his hand and remained silent for a long time.
He walked to the window, pushed up his crystal glasses, and gazed at Mu Bai's figure on the playground, instructing Oscar on each new training move. He let out a long sigh.