"There are three ways for a Soul Master to obtain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring. The first is by directly killing a hundred-thousand-year soul beast — this, you all know. Now, I'll tell you the other two ways."
Raising two fingers, Chen Xiaoming gnced at Xiao Wu, who remained silent on the other side, and smiled faintly.
"The second method to obtain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring is called Sacrifice — Soul Beast Sacrifice."
At the mention of the word 'Sacrifice,' Xiao Wu's body trembled, lowering her head even further as she huddled beside Tang San, like a frightened little rabbit.
She didn't dare gnce at Chen Xiaoming from the corner of her eye. Ever since she learned Chen Xiaoming was a Titled Douluo, fear had gripped her heart. As a transformed hundred-thousand-year soul beast, others might not see through her identity, but Chen Xiaoming certainly could.
The thought of this made her heart feel as if it were being clenched tightly, filled with terror.
"Soul Beast Sacrifice?"
A term unfamiliar to Tang San. The Grandmaster's teachings hadn't covered this. Tang San raised his head in confusion, looking toward Chen Xiaoming.
"Yes, Soul Beast Sacrifice. It's a rare occurrence. Normally, the retionship between soul beasts and humans is that of predator and prey. What soul beast would willingly sacrifice itself, transforming into a soul ring to gift someone?"
Chen Xiaoming paused, casting an extra gnce at Tang San. It seemed this family had a unique knack for such things.
Tang Hao and the Blue Silver Grass, Tang San and Xiao Wu — and wasn't there another one ter on?
Hiss — Chen Xiaoming drew a sharp breath. The so-called Four Great Romantic Heroes of his past life couldn't compare to Tang San's family.
Xu Xian, the Hero of Grass and Serpents — weak.
Ning Caichen, the Undead Knight — weak.
Luo Shiyi, the Insect-Wielding Sword Immortal — weak.
Dong Yong, the Heaven-Man Unity — weak.
Four men combined couldn't match the romantic exploits of this one family.
Ahem, no need to dwell on that.
With two soft coughs to cover his awkward thoughts, Chen Xiaoming gnced at Tang San and Xiao Wu, then continued.
"If such a soul beast does exist, its sacrifice allows a Soul Master to break through the soul power age limit. For example, you're currently at the twenty-something rank. If a hundred-thousand-year soul beast willingly sacrificed itself to you, you'd gain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring without the risk of your soul power being overwhelmed."
Hiss — everyone inhaled sharply.
Such a thing was possible? Dai Mubai and the others couldn't help but gnce at Chen Xiaoming.
Had he obtained his hundred-thousand-year soul rings through this method?
"But, this method isn't something ordinary people can encounter, so don't bother thinking about it."
He gnced at Tang San again. Only someone like him would be able to enjoy such fortune. Chen Xiaoming shook his head.
"Now, I'll tell you the third method — one you can strive for."
"What is it, Teacher Chen? Please tell us!"
Hearing that there was a method within their reach, Dai Mubai and the others eagerly turned to Chen Xiaoming.
"God-bestowed Soul Rings."
"For now, just remember the name. Your cultivation is too low to obtain one. When the time is right, I'll expin further. Focus on improving your strength first."
The half-spoken revetion left everyone hanging, their curiosity piqued but unsatisfied. But facing Chen Xiaoming, they dared not compin.
"Teacher Chen, what level must we reach?" Tang San, ever sharp, asked as Chen Xiaoming rose.
"Reach Soul Emperor at rank sixty, and then you'll have a chance."
Gncing at the sky, Chen Xiaoming noticed Oscar's soul ring absorption nearing completion. Soon, it would be time to wait for that big fellow.
Only, Tang San's soul power hadn't yet broken through.
"Shall I lend a hand?"
A glint fshed in his eyes. Soul power surged within him, sending a wave of energy toward Tang San.
Startled by the incoming soul power, Tang San looked up in shock.
"Teacher Chen..."
"Don't speak. Circute your soul power to resist."
Chen Xiaoming's voice was calm. Though puzzled, Tang San followed the instruction, channeling his Mysterious Heaven Skill.
To his surprise, the incoming soul power wasn't overwhelming. He found himself able to withstand it.
"Teacher Chen, what are you doing?" Dai Mubai stepped forward, while Xiao Wu watched anxiously, fearing Chen Xiaoming had discovered her identity and pnned to use Tang San against her.
"Don't interrupt. Tang San's soul power is at a breakthrough threshold. Since we're already in the Star Dou Forest, I'll help him advance. I don't want to make another trip."
Chen Xiaoming's expnation was light, but his decision was deliberate. The Mysterious Heaven Skill, rooted in Daoist principles, banced yin and yang, making it uniquely suited for such an intervention.
With Tang San as the protagonist, it was only natural to lend a hand.
Faster than expected, Tang San's soul power surged. Chen Xiaoming smiled, withdrawing his energy.
"Not bad. You didn't waste my effort."
After adjusting his internal energy, Tang San opened his eyes, stood, and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Teacher Chen."
Chen Xiaoming nodded in satisfaction, ignoring the envious gazes from Dai Mubai and the others. He gnced at Xiao Wu, who had been shrinking away ever since he revealed his Titled Douluo strength.
Half an hour ter, Oscar finished absorbing his soul ring, gaining the ability to fly. But after the day's shocks, even such an extraordinary skill barely registered.
Because of Tang San's breakthrough, the group lingered in the Star Dou Forest, searching for suitable soul beasts without success.
Two days passed. By nightfall, the forest was quiet.
Chen Xiaoming waited patiently, feeling the faint ripples of energy in the distance.
His eyes lit up. His battle spirit ignited.
"It's finally here — the King of the Forest, Titan Giant Ape!"
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