Douluo: Ma Hongjun The Ancestor Phoenix!

"Aunt Erlong, this is a gift I specially prepared for you. After taking it, your body might feel a bit strange, but that's completely normal."

Ma Hongjun ignored Flander's curious gaze and walked toward Liu Erlong.

In his hand was a glowing branch, radiating a vivid red light.

The branch was completely transparent, shaped like a dragon's horn, and remarkably beautiful.

"This is a branch from the Fire Dragon Horn Tree. It's extremely rare. Although technically a tree, it's incredibly short—this small section is already half its total size."

"I know your martial spirit, Aunt Erlong, is a mutated form of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex—the Fire Dragon."

"This tree suits your attributes perfectly. It can crystallize your martial spirit's scales, enhancing your defense, and the accompanying fire energy can raise the temperature of your flames."

He hadn't expected to find a Fire Dragon Horn Tree growing in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Though it looked like a small plant, it dazzled like coral.

After confirming its nature with the system, the first person Ma Hongjun thought of was Liu Erlong.

No one else was more suited for it.

What made it even more valuable was that the tree had absorbed a trace of the Fire Dragon King's aura—faint, but present.

That trace might allow Liu Erlong's Fire Dragon spirit to evolve.

Surprise flickered in Liu Erlong's beautiful eyes. She hadn't expected the boy to prepare something for her.

"Hey, kid, I haven't even given you a gift yet, and you're already giving me one?"

She stood up a bit awkwardly, instinctively trying to decline.

She was the elder, after all—it didn't feel right to accept something from the younger generation.

"Erlong, just accept it. It's a gift from the heart."

Flander didn't hesitate. He directly took the Fire Dragon Horn Tree from Ma Hongjun.

The moment he touched it, a warm current surged through his body.

"This is a good one."

He marveled, then placed it into Liu Erlong's hand.

She glared at him, but there was no blame in her eyes.

"Now you're the one stealing from the child."

"Aunt Erlong, this was always meant for you. Please don't be polite. I really want to thank you for saving me last time."

Ma Hongjun spoke sincerely.

Liu Erlong pursed her lips, and a satisfied smile formed at the corners of her mouth.

How lucky Boss F was to have such a thoughtful student.

"You brat—where's your teacher's gift?"

Flander crossed his arms, his sharp gaze fixed on the red-haired boy.

"Teacher, how could I forget you?"

"This is Fuying Ice Grass, something I specially picked for you. It doesn't grow alone—it only appears at the root of the Fire Dragon Horn Tree."

"The tree absorbs all surrounding heat. Its roots are pure yin, devoid of any yang energy, and that's where this rare herb forms."

"The grass balances yin and yang, greatly strengthening both elements and solidifying one's foundation."

As he spoke, Ma Hongjun shot a sly wink at Flander.

Then his gaze shifted toward the Fire Dragon Horn Tree in Liu Erlong's hand.

Flander was still admiring the Fuying Ice Grass, but after hearing the implication, he immediately caught on.

His face flushed red at first, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his disciples.

Cough cough...

He cleared his throat, grabbed the herb, and began shooing everyone out.

"Alright, alright, time to go."

"Go refine your herbs somewhere else. Don't stand around here getting in the way."

Ma Hongjun grinned devilishly and pulled everyone out, leaving only Liu Erlong and Flander behind.

Late that night

At the bistro.

"Fatty, we're brothers—no need for flowery words. Just drink!"

Dai Mubai filled a large bowl with wine and downed it in one go.

His face was flushed from the alcohol, but he couldn't hide his excitement.

After taking the strange chrysanthemum Ma Hongjun had given him, his soul power had jumped directly to level 40.

And it didn't stop there—he could feel medicinal energy still latent inside him.

Once he acquired his fourth soul ring, his soul power would surely increase again.

Such rapid progress was astonishing.

"Boss Dai, how many times have you said that line? Come up with something new already."

Oscar sat with his head down, eyes glazed.

His unusually handsome face was now a shade of red.

"Fatty, listen—if you ever need anything from me, just ask. I, Oscar, will never say no."

He sat up, slurring slightly as he spoke.

Several nearby girls looked at him with visible disdain.

"Brother Hongjun, thank you so much. My martial spirit has evolved into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!"

Ning Rongrong's face was flushed pink, her excitement obvious.

Although she didn't fully understand the implications, she could clearly feel her own strength increasing.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing also looked at Ma Hongjun, their eyes filled with admiration.

"Hey, how come the dean didn't show up?"

Oscar blinked at the table where Zhao Wuji and the others sat, clearly confused.

As the dean, wasn't this the kind of event he should attend?

A playful smile crossed Ma Hongjun's lips. He shook his head.

"The teacher's probably very busy right now. I doubt he'll make it to the party. Come on, let's drink."

In the thatched hut.

"Erlong, go ahead and take the herb. I'll stand guard. With a big brother like me here, what are you worried about?"

Flander's tone was serious.

With someone protecting her, Liu Erlong no longer hesitated. She nodded and sat cross-legged.

The medicinal power of the Fire Dragon Horn Tree began flowing into her body.

Its fiery red glow slowly faded as its essence was absorbed.

Liu Erlong closed her eyes and focused.

As the powerful medicine surged through her, a frown formed on her brow.

A deep internal heat began to rise from within.

Her cheeks flushed, and a soft moan escaped her lips.

Flander swallowed involuntarily.

He had loved Liu Erlong for as long as he could remember.

Sadly, she never felt the same.

He had once buried those feelings, sincerely wishing happiness for her and their other friend.

But fate had played a cruel joke—the two had turned out to be blood relatives.

Now, seeing Liu Erlong in pain, Flander felt distressed but helpless.

This was the opportunity Ma Hongjun had created for him—a chance to reveal his true feelings.

He recalled what his disciple had whispered before leaving:

"The Fire Dragon Horn Tree and Fuying Ice Grass are a pair. Alone, their medicinal powers are too violent."

"Only when yin and yang are balanced can the full effect be realized."

"This tree is perfect for Aunt Erlong. I'll need to trouble you, Dean, to help her balance the energy."

The words still echoed in his ears.

Flander hesitated, then his gaze turned firm.

Tonight, he would confess his heart to Erlong.

No matter how she responded—he would have no regrets.