ARTIFACT SPIRIT RING

Coming out of the virtual world, Xuanyu was first embraced by Ye Ling. Her excitement was evident—after all, this was her first time guiding a participant, and her student had emerged victorious in the finals. This achievement was not only a testament to Xuanyu's abilities but also a significant boost to Ye Ling's career prospects within the Spirit Pagoda.

Xuanyu, on the other hand, felt like he was in heaven. Being hugged by Ye Ling, he found himself momentarily distracted. His head was pressed against Ye Ling's chest, and he couldn't help but think, It's definitely a D-cup. Flustered, he quickly regained his composure as Ye Ling released him, her face glowing with pride.

"Congratulations, Xuanyu," she said, her voice warm.

"Thank you," Xuanyu replied politely. "Your guidance was instrumental to my success."

Afterward, Xuanyu reunited with his family. Little Xu'er could hardly contain her excitement, bouncing around and shouting in delight. Lan Xiao and Nan Cheng stood by, their faces glowing with pride over their son's remarkable achievement.

As the celebrations continued, strangers and acquaintances alike approached Xuanyu to offer their congratulations. He responded with a polite smile, basking in the recognition but maintaining his humility. Ye Ling's family, too, took the opportunity to praise him, their words reflecting genuine admiration.

The atmosphere was lively until a sudden voice interrupted. "I see the Tang Sect works quickly. To think they'd send someone here so soon."

The speaker was a strikingly beautiful woman who appeared to be in her twenties. Her sweet smile exuded a quiet confidence, and accompanying her was Lisa, a familiar face.

Tang Xiaoli's expression shifted subtly. Stepping forward, she greeted the woman with a respectful smile. "Greetings, Senior Bai Lingshuang. I'm here on Tang Sect business. When I learned about Xuanyu and his martial spirit, I couldn't resist visiting him. Upon confirming that his martial spirit is indeed the Clear Sky Hammer, I extended him an invitation to join us as a reserve member of the Tang Sect, which he accepted."

Bai Lingshuang returned the smile, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes. Internally, she lamented the missed opportunity. If only the Spirit Pagoda had acted faster. He could've been one of ours. Perhaps even my disciple.

Ye Ling, noticing the tension, quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Vice-Pagoda Master," she said, her tone reverent.

The others, startled, followed her lead, their voices echoing in unison. "Greetings, Vice-Pagoda Master."

Bai Lingshuang acknowledged them with a gentle nod before turning her attention to Xuanyu. "Congratulations on winning the One-Ringed Soul Master Competition," she said, her voice carrying the weight of her position.

"Thank you, Vice-Pagoda Master," Xuanyu replied politely. He was well aware of the significance of the woman before him. Bai Lingshuang, the Vice-Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda, was rumored to be a God-ranked powerhouse—a legend in her own right.

She studied him for a moment before speaking again. "You are indeed a remarkable talent. It's unfortunate that the Tang Sect claimed you first. Nevertheless, let's discuss your rewards for the competition."

Xuanyu nodded, listening intently.

"As Ye Ling may have informed you, one of your rewards is a 95% discount on a spirit ring purchase. Additionally, you've earned an opportunity to enter the Spirit Ascension Platform," Bai Lingshuang explained.

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, "However, we've recently decided to modify the reward structure. There's a new option available—Artifact Spirit Rings."

The room fell silent as confusion spread across the faces of those present. Tang Xiaoli, despite her high-ranking position within the Tang Sect, looked particularly intrigued. Even she had never heard of such a concept. Only Lisa remained calm, her expression giving nothing away.

Sensing their curiosity, Bai Lingshuang elaborated, "Artifact Spirit Rings are a groundbreaking innovation. Unlike traditional spirit rings, which are derived from spirit beasts, these rings are not connected to any living creature."

The revelation left everyone stunned. Spirit rings had always been synonymous with spirit beasts, and the idea of an alternative was almost unimaginable.

"Do you all know about the Void Treasure Land?" Bai Lingshuang asked.

Everyone nodded, their interest piqued. The Void Treasure Land was a legendary secret realm, known for its immense treasures—ranging from Mortal rank to God rank. It was a place where fortunes could be made, though the risks were equally high. Beasts roamed the realm, guarding the treasures, and unlike traditional spirit beasts, they did not yield spirit rings upon defeat. Instead, they left behind beast cores.

"The Void Treasure Land contains artifacts, ancient relics, and treasures that defy explanation," Bai Lingshuang continued. "It's a place of mystery and danger. Many of its secrets remain unsolved, including the origin of its artifacts. Decades ago, during one of my expeditions there, I stumbled upon a library filled with esoteric knowledge. That discovery laid the foundation for Artifact Spirit Rings."

She paused, allowing her words to resonate before continuing, "These rings are empty vessels—pure energy without any inherent soul skills. They require a core to activate, much like traditional spirit rings depend on spirit beasts. However, the core for an Artifact Spirit Ring is an artifact itself. Using a special technique, the artifact is merged with the ring, creating a spirit ring with unique abilities."

The room was abuzz with murmurs of astonishment. Even Tang Xiaoli appeared captivated, her usual composure momentarily slipping.

Bai Lingshuang turned to Lisa. "For instance, Lisa's first spirit ring is an Artifact Spirit Ring. Its core is this Divine Rank Waraxe, which I discovered in the Void Treasure Land."

Lisa stepped forward and activated her martial spirit. The waraxe materialized in her hands, radiating a powerful aura.

"The waraxe possesses several divine-level skills, which Lisa will gradually unlock as her cultivation advances. While it's true that Xuanyu defeated Lisa in the competition, it's important to understand the disparity. Lisa is still a One-Ringed Soul Master, yet the artifact's immense power far surpasses her current capabilities. Mastering it will take time."

The crowd regarded Lisa with envy and admiration. To possess a Divine Rank artifact as the core of her first spirit ring was an unparalleled advantage. It was clear that her potential for reaching God rank had increased dramatically.

Xuanyu, observing the exchange, felt a mix of awe and excitement. The introduction of Artifact Spirit Rings opened up new possibilities.

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