The Glory of the Sun and Moon in the Peerless Tang Sect

"Should we acquire these five level-three core magic arrays?"

"Take it! Of course I'll take it!" The middle-aged boss's eyes lit up. He himself had a soul power of more than ten levels. Although he could barely be considered a first-level soul master, he could still tell that these five level three core magic arrays were definitely top-grade among top-grade ones.

He poured his soul power into each one, and just as he had expected, each level-three core array emitted a straight halo when soul power was poured in.

Upon seeing this, the smile on his face deepened.

"Eight hundred gold soul coins each, what do you think?" he asked Xu Zihuang tentatively.

Xu Zihuang readily nodded.

"can."

Normally, the rare metals used to inscribe level-three core magic arrays aren't particularly valuable, typically costing around 500 gold soul coins. However, the five level-three core magic arrays inscribed by Xu Zihuang have extremely low error rates and are therefore more durable. At 800 gold soul coins each, they aren't overpriced.

In reality, this middle-aged boss can definitely still make a profit.

Xu Zihuang could understand, especially since he hadn't come for the money. He just wanted to get rid of these things he wouldn't need in the future.

The middle-aged boss accepted the five level-three core magic arrays and then handed Xu Zihuang four purple-gold cards with a face value of one thousand gold soul coins.

Xu Zihuang took it, casually put it into his storage soul tool, and disappeared into the dense crowd under the middle-aged boss's awe-inspiring gaze.

Ning Tian already knew that Xu Zihuang was able to inscribe a level-three core magic array, so he wasn't too surprised. However, compared to Xu Zihuang's powerful strength and amazing potential, his talent in soul tool making was inevitably overshadowed.

Subsequently, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian officially began purchasing goods in the southern part of the city.

Shrek City is really too big. Although this South City is only a quarter of the size of the entire Shrek City, it took almost an hour to stroll around and purchase all kinds of supplies.

Seeing that it was getting late, the two decided to have dinner in the southern part of the city before returning to the academy.

……

The next morning, as the sky in the east was just beginning to lighten, a group of more than ten people slowly walked out from the main gate of Shrek Academy.

It was the fourteen members of the main team and reserve team who were heading to Xingluo City to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, along with Elder Xuan and Wang Yan, who were leading the team.

None of them were wearing Shrek Academy's uniforms at the time; some wore simple clothes, while others wore elaborate robes, each with their own distinct style.

Today, Xu Zihuang was dressed in a form-fitting, black robe adorned with purple cloud patterns and gold thread. His medium-length black hair was neatly combed and cascaded down his back, with a few strands of purple hair echoing the purple cloud patterns on his robe. Tall and slender, with an ethereal air, he simply walked quietly in the center of the crowd, yet he was exceptionally eye-catching.

Wearing fine clothes does not necessarily mean one is beautiful, and wearing plain clothes does not necessarily mean one is mediocre.

For example, Yao Haoxuan, dressed in fine clothes but appearing rather sleazy due to his small stature, and Jiang Nannan, dressed in plain clothes but possessing unparalleled beauty.

But that's only because the difference in their looks and appearances is too great.

Someone like Xu Zihuang, who already possesses outstanding looks and temperament, looks like a celestial being descended to earth when dressed in exquisite and gorgeous attire.

Perhaps it was because his preconceived notions about Yu Tianhuang had changed, but even Wang Dong, who was lagging behind the others, couldn't help but take another look at Xu Zihuang.

Without prejudice, Xu Zihuang's excellence and charm finally came into his view.

Ning Tian, ​​standing beside Xu Zihuang, was similar. In terms of looks alone, she was only slightly inferior to Jiang Nannan. Dressed in a magnificent white gown, she appeared even more dignified and elegant, instantly overshadowing Jiang Nannan.

Elder Xuan and Wang Yan walked at the front, followed by the regular team members, and then the seven reserve team members.

Xu Sanshi slowed his pace slightly and landed next to Xu Zihuang, saying sourly.

"Tianhuang, you're really giving us no chance. You're talented, strong, handsome, and even have such a great presence. If we weren't so familiar with each other, I would have really thought you were a prince from some country."

Xu Zihuang's heart stirred slightly, but on the surface he remained calm and responded to Xu Sanshi with a teasing smile.

"Senior Brother Xu, I'm not going to compete with you for Senior Sister Jiang, so why are you so concerned? Do you have other targets besides Senior Sister Jiang?"

Xu Sanshi quickly patted his chest and righteously denied it.

"How is this possible?!"

At this point, Xu Sanshi suddenly had an idea and leaned closer to Jiang Nannan in an incredibly cheesy manner.

"Nannan, don't worry, you've always been the only one in my heart."

Jiang Nannan turned her head and gave him a cold look.

"What you think is none of my business. Just don't bother me again."

Xu Sanshi's face immediately fell.

"Nannan, I'm truly sincere towards you. What do I have to do for you to be with me?"

"No matter what, I can never be with you. Forget about it. Also, my name is Jiang Nannan. Please address me by my surname as well." Jiang Nannan's expression was icy.

After saying that, she quickened her pace and distanced herself from Xu Sanshi.

Bei Bei had somehow appeared beside Xu Sanshi, and as was his usual habit, he was sure to say a few sarcastic remarks to insult Xu Sanshi. However, at this moment, both he and Xu Sanshi were attracted by the item that He Caitou had taken out of the soul tool.

"By the way, Junior Brother Yu, here's what you wanted." He Caitou handed the wooden box to Xu Zihuang with an honest and simple expression. The lid of the wooden box was open, and it was filled with thick, black cigars.

Beibei and Xu Sanshi couldn't help but show surprise.

"Caitou, what is this thing you took out?"

“Cigars,” He Caitou explained, sounding slightly embarrassed.

"Actually, the cigar is my martial spirit."

Apart from Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian, ​​who were aware of the situation, the rest of the reserve team members were filled with doubt.

Even Ning Tian, ​​who already knew about it, had a strange expression on his face when he saw He Caitou take out the box of cigars.

The soul incantation used by He Caitou when he used his soul skill was really a bit...

"You're saying this is your martial soul?!" Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi exchanged a glance and asked in unison.

Xu Zihuang casually picked up one with his right index and middle fingers, then took out two more and handed them to Beibei and Xu Sanshi respectively.

"Senior Brother Bei, Senior Brother Xu, why not give it a try? The amplification effect of your martial soul is quite good."

Xu Zihuang didn't care whether He Caitou's soul skills and spells were despicable or not, as long as they could enhance his strength.

"Great! Cai Tou, give me a soul tool to light this up!" Xu Sanshi was very interested and stuffed it into his mouth, shouting at He Cai Tou.

He Caitou gave a simple, honest smile, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. No one knew how he did it, but a flame appeared on his right hand, and he lit the other end of Xu Sanshi's cigar.

"Cough cough cough..." The thick smoke choked Xu Sanshi, causing him to cough incessantly. However, he quickly recovered, pinching the cigar out of his mouth with his right thumb and forefinger, letting out a soft "Eh." He then took a deep drag and exhaled the thick smoke. A rich aroma of tobacco instantly filled the surroundings.

"This is great stuff! It's invigorating and refreshing; I feel like even my mental strength has been enhanced."

As Xu Sanshi let out a soft exclamation, He Caitou lit the cigars in Bei Bei and Xu Zihuang's hands as well. The three of them immediately began puffing away.

After taking a sip, Beibei's eyes also showed surprise and doubt.

"It does have a significant amplifying effect on mental strength."

As a spirit-attribute soul master, Xu Zihuang was even more sensitive, feeling as if his seven orifices were filled with the rich aroma of cigars, even disturbing the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm slumbering in his spiritual sea. An indescribable comfort instantly spread throughout his body, and the strength of his spiritual power increased by at least fifteen percent in an instant. A brilliant golden halo unconsciously flowed deep within his deep purple eyes.

This was also the first time he had experienced the stimulating effects of radish cigars. But his surprise was no less than that of Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.

It's important to understand that his mental strength was already very strong, almost reaching the realm of tangible yet intangible existence, but this 15% or more increase in mental strength was genuine. The only question was whether it could stack with the 10% mental strength amplification effect of his first soul skill. If it could, that would be even more monstrous.

This demonstrates the power of He Caitou's cigar-themed martial spirit.

The martial souls passed down in the Sun Moon Empire's royal family don't include cigars, but the quality of these cigar martial souls is not weak. He Caitou's martial soul was inherited from his mother, meaning its quality is comparable to the Sun Moon Empire's royal family's inherited martial souls. Even if it's slightly inferior, it wouldn't be by much. Otherwise, He Caitou would possess his father's Sun martial soul.

"Damn, this feels so good! It feels like every pore on my body is opening up. This is amazing! What kind of soul skill is this?" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's intoxicated voice echoed in Xu Zihuang's spiritual sea.

"Zihuang, you can use this more often in the future. This soul skill not only has a very good nourishing effect on my soul, but long-term use can also have a positive effect on improving your mental strength."

Xu Zihuang did not respond to Tianmeng Bingcan, because Elder Xuan, Wang Yan, and the seven regular team members who were walking in front all stopped and looked over.

Even Elder Xuan looked at the black cigars in the hands of Xu Zihuang, Bei Bei, and Xu Sanshi with surprise, and then asked He Caitou.

"Your martial soul is food-type?"

Elder Xuan, being a man of great experience, immediately recognized that He Caitou's martial soul possessed the characteristics of a food-type martial soul.

Wang Yan, standing behind Elder Xuan, also showed great interest.

He Caitou nodded sheepishly.

Xu Zihuang respectfully handed a thick cigar to Elder Xuan and Wang Yan, which He Caitou then lit.

The two only took a sip. Elder Xuan was somewhat better off, but Wang Yan's expression was suddenly replaced by shock.

Elder Xuan stared intently at He Caitou.

"A soul skill that amplifies mental power, with an amplification effect of about ten percent. Tell me, which soul skill is this?"

He Caitou touched his bald head in bewilderment.

"This is my first soul skill? Elder Xuan, what's wrong?"

Elder Xuan grumbled and cursed in annoyance.

"That bastard Fan Yu! He actually let such a talented food-type soul master become a soul master. It's such a waste."

"You're not allowed to insult my teacher." Even when facing Elder Xuan, He Caitou still defended Fan Yu. In his heart, Fan Yu held a position akin to that of a father. Although his usual naiveté was to conceal something deeper within him, his respect for Fan Yu was irreplaceable.

Without Fan Yu, he would never have survived to this day.

"I didn't say anything wrong." Elder Xuan snorted in dissatisfaction, but didn't say anything more.

Xu Zihuang kept this in mind.

He could tell that Fan Yu held a high position in He Cai Tou's heart. This might not seem to have any impact now, but it could very well affect their future revenge plans.

Wang Yan also stepped in to smooth things over.

"Caitou, if you had enough time, given your current soul power cultivation, how many of these thick cigars could you make? And how long could they be preserved?"

He Caitou honestly replied, "At least a thousand can be made. However, these thick cigars will dry out if not smoked for two days, and then they won't be effective anymore."

Upon hearing this, the seven inner court disciples, including Ma Xiaotao, widened their eyes in surprise.

As inner court disciples, they naturally had some understanding of food-type spirit souls. The duration of a food-type spirit master's skills was measured in hours. A food-type spirit skill that could be preserved for more than three hours was already considered quite excellent.

Anyone who can preserve something for more than twelve hours is considered a genius. But for He Caitou to be able to preserve it for forty-eight hours with just his first soul skill is simply unbelievable.

Xu Zihuang was pleased that He Caitou was being valued by Wang Yan and Elder Xuan. He handed the wooden box in his hand to Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and the others who had gathered around.

"Senior Sister Xiaotao, Senior Brother Dai, would you like to give it a try too?"

"Alright." Dai Yueheng laughed heartily and took one from the wooden box as well. Surprisingly, Ma Xiaotao followed closely behind. The inner court disciples seemed quite used to these strange and unusual martial spirits.

Even the seemingly aloof Ling Luochen casually lit a cigarette and started smoking. The scene was rather bizarre.

Just like Xuan Lao and Wang Yan's previous behavior, everyone's gaze towards He Caitou changed instantly.