After quietly returning to Heaven Dou City, Marco did not rush to handle the gains obtained from the Sunset Forest cave. He first carefully inspected the storage condition of the Ten-Thousand Year Stone Stalactite and Marrow Cleansing Pearl, ensuring the spiritual energy of these natural treasures hadn't dissipated. Afterwards, he properly stored most of the spiritual treasures in specially made jade containers, only taking out a portion to distribute to his companions.
Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Marco contacted Osler through a special communication method.
"Boss, you were looking for me?" Osler quickly arrived at Li Mansion, his face showing respect and inquiry.
"Hmm," Marco nodded, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable authority. "There are two matters I need you to handle immediately. First, continue to increase surveillance on Shrek Academy, especially that Tang San. If they make any unusual moves, particularly any signs of returning to the academy, you must notify me at once."
Osler immediately thumped his chest in assurance: "Don't worry boss, I've already assigned my most capable subordinates to monitor them in shifts twenty-four hours a day. The moment they make a move, I guarantee you'll be the first to know!"
"Second," Marco continued, "notify Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Shimo, Shimò, Ye Lingling, Li Qiuyao, and Lu Zhou to gather at Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's Number One Training Ground tomorrow morning at the si hour. I have important matters to announce."
Osler's eyes lit up. Although he didn't know the specifics, when Boss Marco personally summoned everyone, it was bound to be good news! He quickly responded: "No problem! I'll go notify them right now! I guarantee no one will be missing!"
The next morning, under bright sunshine, inside Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's Number One Training Ground.
The training ground was spacious and bright, with the enormous glass dome evenly spreading sunlight across the polished floor. The core members of the Royal Fight Team who arrived one after another all had looks of curiosity and anticipation on their faces.
Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan walked in side by side, their outstanding temperaments now carrying additional steadiness in their expressions after their experiences in Suotuo City. The Shimò and Shimo brothers followed silently behind them, their steps firm and powerful. Ye Lingling, unlike her usual aloof self, bounced in happily and called out cheerfully when she saw Marco: "Brother! Why have you called us here in such a hurry? Is there something good?"
Li Qiuyao also sweetly called out "Brother Marco" and trotted to his side, looking up at him curiously. Lu Zhou arrived last, still maintaining his cold demeanor, carrying the cross long blade "Night" on his back. He gave Marco a slight nod before moving to the side and standing with his arms crossed.
Osler ran in panting, fine sweat on his forehead: "Boss, I'm not late, am I? I just finished handling some trivial matters at home and rushed over as fast as I could."
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Marco scanned the group, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment before he spoke: "I've called everyone here today because I have some things to give you." His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
Upon hearing this, everyone's attention immediately focused on Marco, their expressions growing even more curious and expectant.
Marco said no more, retrieving seven exquisitely prepared jade boxes from his Storage Soul Tool and handing them one by one to Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Shimo, Shimó, Ye Lingling, Li Qiuyao, and Osler. Each box was carved from the finest mutton-fat white jade, with simple cloud patterns engraved on the lids, giving them an ancient and elegant appearance.
"Brother, what is this? It's so mysterious," Ye Lingling said as she took the jade box, eagerly opening it. Inside, soft silk cushioned a perfectly round pearl the size of a longan fruit. The pearl had a warm, milky-white hue, with misty energy swirling within, emitting a refreshing fragrance that invigorated the spirit with just a whiff.
"Wow, such a beautiful pearl! It smells wonderful!" Ye Lingling picked up the pearl, admiring it fondly.
Li Qiuyao also opened her jade box, blinking her large eyes as she asked, "Brother Marco, is this pretty candy delicious?Yu Tianheng opened his box and sensed the pure, gentle energy fluctuations contained within the pearl, his eyes showing surprise and doubt. "Brother Marco, what is this...?"
Dugu Yan carefully examined the pearl. As an expert in poisons, her perception of energy was particularly sharp, and she could feel the pearl's peculiar nourishing effect on both Martial Soul and Soul Power. The honest brothers Shimo and Shimó held their pearls somewhat awkwardly but could still sense their extraordinary nature. Osler's eyes gleamed brightly; though his knowledge was not as extensive as Yu Tianheng's, the pearl's appearance and aura alone told him it was no ordinary item! "Boss, this... this is too precious, isn't it?"
Lu Zhou did not immediately take the jade box, instead looking at Marco with a stern, questioning gaze.
Marco smiled slightly and began to explain: "This is called the 'Marrow Cleansing Pearl,' an extremely rare treasure of heaven and earth that I came across by chance." He paused, allowing everyone to absorb the information, then detailed the pearl's effects:
"The primary function of the Marrow Cleansing Pearl is to cleanse the essence and refine the marrow, enabling a rebirth of the body. After consumption, the pearl's energy will permeate the body's meridians and bone marrow. The process is like the most precise cleansing, accurately stripping away accumulated impurities and toxins from the tendons and meridians, repairing damaged meridian fibers. Simultaneously, it penetrates deep into the marrow, replacing old and waste marrow, activating the marrow's blood-producing and regenerative functions."
He described the sensations after consumption: "During the process, you will feel a slight warmth in your body and a mild soreness in your meridians. This is a normal reaction as impurities are expelled and tissues are repaired, typically lasting about two hours before gradually subsiding. It will be accompanied by profuse sweating, with the sweat carrying a faint fishy smell, which is the expelled toxins and impurities."
Finally, he mentioned the benefits for Soul Power: "Moreover, after the marrow cleansing, the circulation of Soul Power will become smoother, and the quality of Soul Power will be purified and enhanced, greatly benefiting future cultivation."
After hearing Marco's detailed description, everyone present gasped in astonishment! Cleansing the essence and refining the marrow, enabling a rebirth of the body! For a Soul Master, this was a dream-come-true opportunity! It meant purer Soul Power, more resilient meridians, greater potential, and a more solid foundation! Its value even far surpassed that of many Immortal Herbs that could directly boost Soul Power!
"Brother! This... this is incredible!" Ye Lingling was the first to exclaim in astonishment, her hand trembling slightly as she held the Marrow Cleansing Pearl.
"Boss... this... this is too precious! We don't deserve such generosity..." Yu Tianheng's voice tightened with emotion. As a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he knew full well how rare and valuable such spirit items that could enhance one's innate talent were.
Dugu Yan covered her mouth with her hand, her beautiful eyes filled with shock and gratitude. "Marco, this gift is too generous..."
Though the Shimo and Shimo brothers were men of few words, their clenched fists and excited eyes revealed their inner turmoil.
Osler was so overwhelmed he became incoherent: "Boss! This... I... you're my true boss! From now on, my life belongs to you! If you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!"
Though Li Qiuyao didn't fully understand the specific meaning of "marrow cleansing," seeing everyone's excited reactions told her this was something extraordinary. She smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you, Brother Marco!"
Lu Zhou remained silent for a moment before solemnly reaching out to accept the jade box. He gave Marco a deep look, saying nothing more, but his tightly gripping hand on his sword hilt and the sharp glint that flashed in his eyes spoke volumes. The bond between swordsmen needed no excessive words.
Marco waved his hand dismissively, his tone calm yet sincere: "There's no need for this. You're my teammates, my friends, and partners I can trust with my back. Your strength improvement benefits us all. I hope this item can help you walk more steadily and further on your path as Soul Masters."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Yu Tianheng. Half-joking and half-serious, he said: "Tianheng, if you encounter any troubles you can't handle in the future, don't always try to bear them alone. Use the reputation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan when you should, but when you truly can't hold on anymore, remember you have us, your companions."
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng felt warmth in his heart and nodded heavily, his tone resolute: "I understand, Brother Marco! I, Yu Tianheng, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family will remember this kindness!"
He then looked toward Lu Zhou. Their eyes met, and everything was understood without words. The trust and camaraderie between swordsmen often carried more weight than any spoken language.