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The breakfast that Coroll had brought back was quickly devoured by the trio.
"Ah Yin, since you've broken through to level 60, and it's still early, should we head to the Sunset Forest today to get your sixth soul ring? Or should we wait a few more days?" Lin Yongming asked, wiping his mouth after finishing his porridge.
"Uh..." Blue Silver Empress hesitated, glancing at Lin Yongming and Coroll. She wasn't sure how to respond.
What should I do? My soul rings are automatically generated until level 70. With Lin Yongming and Coroll by my side, I won't have a chance to explain. If it were just Lin Yongming, I could tell him the truth about my identity, but Coroll is from the Spirit Hall. I trust Lin Yongming, but not everyone is like him.
Blue Silver Empress had always been cautious about revealing her true identity to Lin Yongming, but now she felt more confident that he would keep her secret. However, with Coroll present, she couldn't be sure. Even if she tried to speak to Lin Yongming privately, she wasn't certain Coroll wouldn't eavesdrop.
"That's right, Blue Silver. I think we should act quickly. A sixth soul ring isn't too hard to find in the Sunset Forest. I'll help you hunt down a suitable soul beast," Coroll chimed in, mistaking Blue Silver Empress's hesitation for concern about facing a thirty-thousand-year soul beast.
"Alright, let's go to the Sunset Forest today. The sooner I get my sixth soul ring, the better," Blue Silver Empress replied with a smile, masking her inner turmoil.
I'll just have to play it by ear. If I can't find a suitable soul beast in the Sunset Forest, I'll say none matched my requirements. My main goal is to enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to retrieve the immortal herbs. Once that's done, we can leave Heaven Dou City and head to the Star Dou Forest.
"Good. Let's go now. We can stock up on supplies along the way," Lin Yongming said, sensing Blue Silver Empress's unease but choosing not to press her.
Lin Yongming understood her concerns and had already thought of a plan to distract Coroll, allowing Blue Silver Empress to safely obtain her sixth soul ring.
"Alright, let's not waste any more time," Blue Silver Empress said, feigning eagerness.
The trio quickly cleaned up, disposed of their trash, and left the hotel. They purchased some food and a new tent before hiring a carriage to take them to the Sunset Forest.
Standing at the forest's entrance, Lin Yongming took a deep breath. "It's been a while since I've been in a forest. The air here is so refreshing compared to the city."
"Yes, the natural energy here is much purer. Even with the city's greenery, it can't compare to the untouched beauty of a forest like this," Blue Silver Empress agreed.
"That's true. Training in a forest is much more effective than in the city. The tranquility here is unmatched, though it can get monotonous over time," Coroll added.
"Enough of your philosophical musings. Let's go. I'll lead the way," Coroll said, stepping into the forest.
"Ah Yin, stay close to me. Be careful," Lin Yongming reminded her.
"Don't worry. I'll watch your back," Blue Silver Empress replied with a smile.
The trio ventured deeper into the forest, and by midday, they had reached the inner regions. Coroll seemed familiar with the area, guiding them effortlessly through the outer perimeter.
"Brother Coroll, you seem to know this place well. Have you been here before?" Lin Yongming asked.
"Of course. I've been in Heaven Dou City for over ten years. During that time, I've brought Spirit Hall members here to hunt for soul rings more than twenty times," Coroll explained as they took a short break.
"No wonder. You've been so dedicated to the Spirit Hall. Since you were assigned to protect us, you've hardly left our side. I admire that," Blue Silver Empress said sincerely.
"It's nothing. This past year has actually been quite relaxing for me. Normally, I'd be out on missions, but protecting you two has been a welcome change. Besides, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan hasn't caused any trouble, so it's been peaceful," Coroll replied modestly.
"Regardless, we're grateful for your protection. Without you, we would've been targeted by many factions, especially with our frequent visits to the Great Spirit Arena," Lin Yongming said.
"After Ah Yin obtains her sixth soul ring, we plan to leave Heaven Dou City and return to our hometown for a while before heading to Spirit City. We truly appreciate everything you've done for us this past year," Lin Yongming added.
"That's right. We've already discussed it. Once one of us obtains a soul ring, we'll head back to the Balak Kingdom," Blue Silver Empress said, glancing at Lin Yongming.
"You're leaving Heaven Dou City?" Coroll was momentarily surprised but quickly nodded. "That's understandable. You've both made quite a name for yourselves in the Great Spirit Arena, especially Lin Yongming with his Purple Gold Battle Badge. It's time for you to return home and spend time with your families. The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition is less than a year away, so it's good to rest and prepare."
"Yes, it's time to visit our families. Cultivation is important, but so is family," Lin Yongming said thoughtfully.
"Alright, let's continue. By the way, Blue Silver, what kind of soul ring are you looking for?" Coroll asked as they resumed their journey.
"Since my martial soul is plant-based, I'd like a soul ring from a plant-type soul beast," Blue Silver Empress replied without hesitation.
"Plant-type soul beasts are rare, especially those over ten thousand years old. But don't worry, we'll do our best to find one for you, even if it takes some time," Coroll assured her.
"That's right. Soul rings are a lifelong investment. We'll make sure you get the best one possible," Lin Yongming added.
"Thank you both," Blue Silver Empress said sincerely.
"Let's get moving. Stay alert. Plant-type soul beasts are masters of camouflage," Coroll said, leaping onto a tree branch.
The trio spread out, searching the forest for a suitable soul beast. However, as Coroll had warned, plant-type soul beasts were exceedingly rare. By the end of the day, they had only encountered a nine-thousand-year soul beast, far below Blue Silver Empress's requirements.
They set up camp for the night and continued their search the next day. By midday, they had encountered several soul beasts over twenty thousand years old, but none were plant-type.
"This is harder than I thought. Plant-type soul beasts are just too rare," Lin Yongming remarked as they ate lunch.
"I'm sorry for putting you through all this trouble," Blue Silver Empress said apologetically.
In truth, she had already spotted several suitable plant-type soul beasts, but since she couldn't use their soul rings, she kept quiet.
"Don't apologize. Let's keep looking. We'll find one eventually," Lin Yongming reassured her.
After lunch, the trio resumed their search, spreading out to cover more ground.
My king, come to us. We have a solution.
Blue Silver Empress paused as a voice echoed in her mind.
Are you the Blue Silver Grass living here? she asked, sensing the source of the voice.
Yes, my king. You can use our energy to conceal the formation of your soul ring. Just say you used your martial soul to control us and make us sacrifice our cultivation.
That's a great idea! But this method only works if you're nearby.
It is our duty to serve our king, the voice replied respectfully.
"Lin Yongming, Brother Coroll, I've found a suitable soul ring!" Blue Silver Empress called out.
"You have? Where?" Lin Yongming asked, though he was more curious than surprised.
Is she really going to form her soul ring in front of Coroll? This doesn't seem like her. Maybe she has a plan. If not, I'll have to intervene.
"Blue Silver, are you sure?" Coroll asked, joining them.
"Yes, follow me!" Blue Silver Empress said, leading them to a valley.
As they entered the valley, Coroll gasped. "This is incredible! I've never seen so much Blue Silver Grass in one place."
The valley was filled with Blue Silver Grass, and at its center stood a towering Blue Silver Tree, nearly ten meters tall. It was clearly a soul beast, and its aura suggested it was at least ten thousand years old.
"This is it. These Blue Silver Grass plants may not have much individual soul power, but together, they can provide enough energy for a soul ring of at least thirty thousand years," Blue Silver Empress explained.
"How does that work?" Coroll asked, puzzled.
"My martial soul is a mutated Blue Silver Grass. I can absorb the soul power of other Blue Silver Grass plants to form a soul ring. Since I'm level 60, I can make them sacrifice their energy to create a soul ring for me," Blue Silver Empress explained.
"That's incredible! I've never heard of such an ability," Coroll said, amazed.
"Brother Coroll, I've heard Ah Yin mention that her strength increases significantly in forest environments," Lin Yongming added, supporting her story.
How did she come up with this plan? Or was this her intention all along? Lin Yongming thought, relieved.
"Brother Coroll, I know this sounds unbelievable, but this method requires sacrificing the lives of these Blue Silver Grass plants. If word got out, it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Can you keep this a secret?" Blue Silver Empress asked.
"Of course. What I've seen today will remain confidential. You're someone Elder Ju highly values, after all," Coroll assured her.
"Thank you. Let's proceed," Blue Silver Empress said, leading them to the center of the valley.
She sat down beside the Blue Silver Tree and closed her eyes, summoning her martial soul.
My king, your aura has grown stronger. It feels almost divine. Have you broken through your limits? the Blue Silver King asked in her mind.
Yes, I've evolved. But I'm not sure if it will succeed.
I see. Let's begin. After this, make some of the grass appear withered to maintain the illusion.
Understood, my king.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 200 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 120 power stones I will publish the next chapter.