Two and a Half Years of Cultivation

In the days that followed, Chen Yuan practically

grew tired of eating whale glue, but his physique continued to strengthen significantly.

However, once his physique reached a certain level, the effects of hundred-year and thousand-year whale glue began to diminish. Gradually, Chen Yuan stopped consuming it.

Even without whale glue, Chen Yuan continued to strengthen his physique through rigorous training. The iron sword he used for training started at one jin in weight, then increased to two jin, four jin, and eventually eight jin. The constant change in swords was a testament to his growth.

After two and a half years of cultivation, Chen Yuan finally broke through to the 20th level of soul power. On the very same day, he shared this good news with Chen Xin.

Overjoyed, Chen Xin took Chen Yuan to the main hall of the sect to inform Ning Fengzhi of the news.

"Sect Leader, my disciple has reached the 20th level of soul power. In the coming days, I will take him out to select and hunt a suitable soul beast for his second soul ring."

Ning Fengzhi had no reason to refuse Chen Xin's request. With a gentle and refined smile, he looked at Chen Yuan and praised him.

"At just eight years old, you've already reached the 20th level of soul power. Impressive, truly impressive. If only Rongrong were as diligent as you. She's only at the 18th level right now."

Although Chen Yuan was only eight years old, his physique had been enhanced by whale glue, and his rigorous training had brought him to a height of 1.6 meters. His youthful face exuded a heroic aura. Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, he responded confidently.

"Sect Leader, I am a battle soul master, so it's natural for me to progress faster. Rongrong is a support soul master, and her current cultivation speed is already quite fast."

Ning Fengzhi's expression showed helplessness, but he was inwardly pleased. He waved his hand and said with a wry smile.

"You, always making excuses for her. Just like Sword Elder and Bone Elder, you'll spoil her rotten one day."

After some more conversation, Chen Xin took Chen Yuan and left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Flying high in the sky, Chen Xin pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Yuan'er, based on my own soul ring configuration, the first two soul skills are one for attack and one for defense—'Sword's Edge' and 'Spirit Sword's Protection.' This combination provides a balanced approach. For your second soul ring, I suggest hunting a defensive soul beast."

Chen Yuan didn't simply defer to his teacher's decision. Instead, he thought carefully before responding.

"Teacher, a balanced approach of one attack and one defense is indeed effective. However, further enhancing the sharpness of the Seven Kill Sword could also yield excellent results. If possible, we could hunt a soul beast with sharp teeth, claws, or large horns."

At this point, Chen Yuan's expression turned confident, and he spoke with determination.

"Moreover, this soul beast should ideally be over a thousand years old. Teacher, you know my current physical condition. It's no worse than that of a 30th-level soul master. Absorbing a thousand-year soul ring isn't impossible."

Chen Xin gave Chen Yuan a deep look. He wasn't a rigid person. Although he himself followed a balanced path, he wouldn't stop his disciple from pursuing a path of extreme attack power by enhancing sharpness.

However, he still asked seriously.

"Yuan'er, you can choose the type of soul beast, but are you sure about the thousand-year requirement? Even a nine-hundred-year soul beast would pose no danger to you. But a thousand-year soul beast could still carry risks."

Chen Yuan nodded firmly.

"Teacher, I've trained hard these past two years precisely to push beyond the limits for my second soul ring. This is just a leap from a hundred to a thousand years, not from a thousand to ten thousand. There's no soul shock, only energy impact. As long as my physical body is strong enough, I can withstand it."

Seeing his disciple's resolute expression, Chen Xin finally agreed.

"Since you're determined, then so be it. If you succeed, you'll be breaking the common knowledge of the soul master world."

Chen Yuan smiled.

"Thank you, Teacher, for your support."

Chen Xin shook his head and changed their flight direction.

"This is your own choice. If you want a good thousand-year soul beast for your second soul ring, ordinary soul hunting forests won't have many options. For soul beasts over a thousand years, we'll need to go to a wild soul beast forest. Let's head to the Sunset Forest. Aside from the Star Dou Forest, it's the richest in soul beast resources within the Heaven Dou Empire."

Once the decision was made, they quickly arrived at the Sunset Forest thanks to Chen Xin's speed. However, as they approached, Chen Xin's brow furrowed. He sensed an extremely powerful aura within the forest. Although weaker than his own, it was still at the level of a Titled Douluo.

An unknown powerhouse. He needed to determine whether they were friend or foe. Immediately, he descended toward the source of the aura.

Upon landing, Chen Xin and Chen Yuan saw the owner of the aura.

It was an old man with long, dark green hair. His cheeks were gaunt, and his eyes were sharp and cold, exuding a terrifying aura that made it hard to meet his gaze.

Beside the old man stood a girl around fourteen or fifteen years old. She had a well-proportioned figure and delicate features. Her short purple hair and emerald-green eyes gave her an exotic charm.

Seeing this pair, Chen Yuan immediately recognized them. They were the infamous duo from the Douluo Continent—Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, and his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.

Dugu Bo, who guarded a treasure trove but ended up giving it all away, including the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and the surrounding immortal herbs, without keeping a single one for himself.

Chen Xin also recognized the man. Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo. Although weaker than himself, he was undoubtedly one of the most fearsome figures on the continent. His terrifying poison skills made him nearly invincible below the Titled Douluo level.

Wary of the man, Chen Xin spoke first.

"So it's you. Yuan'er, this is the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, also a Titled Douluo. Show respect in his presence."

Chen Yuan understood that Chen Xin's words served two purposes: to inform him of the other's identity and to let Dugu Bo know who he was. He stepped forward and bowed.

"Junior Chen Yuan greets Senior Dugu!"

Dugu Bo's eyes flickered as he gave Chen Yuan a deep look, committing his face to memory. This was their introduction, and he wouldn't cause trouble for the boy in the future.

While Chen Xin was cautious of Dugu Bo, the latter was even more wary of Chen Xin. Not only was Chen Xin stronger, but he also represented a more powerful faction.

Dugu Bo smiled, though his smile was somewhat unsettling, indicating he meant no harm.

"Sword Douluo Chen Xin, your presence is as imposing as ever. I've brought my granddaughter here to hunt soul beasts. It seems you're here for the same purpose. Yan Yan, come and greet them."

Upon learning Chen Xin's identity, Dugu Yan didn't hesitate. She stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Junior Dugu Yan greets Senior Chen Xin!"

Chen Xin nodded slightly, acknowledging her.

(End of Chapter)

Word Count : 1,247

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