Ning Fengzhi's Scheme
Chen Yuan stood up, the Seven Kill Sword appearing in his hand. The sword was ancient in design, exuding a fierce aura. Two soul rings rose from beneath his feet—one yellow and one purple. This was undoubtedly a soul ring configuration that defied common knowledge on the continent.
"My first soul skill strengthens the sword, and my second soul skill provides a powerful burst. With the immense amplification from these two skills, my combat power should be on par with an average Soul Elder."
Chen Yuan's lips curled into a smile, his expression brimming with confidence.
"Advantages are accumulated bit by bit. Since my second soul ring is a 1,500-year soul ring, I dare to absorb a 5,000-year soul ring for my third. By the time I reach my fourth soul ring, I'll attempt a 10,000-year soul ring. This way, I can offset my lack of innate talent and reach heights that even those with innate full soul power might never achieve. So, I hope you'll continue to support me, Teacher."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xin looked at Chen Yuan with a newfound understanding. Perhaps his disciple's obsession with breaking and surpassing limits stemmed from his innate talent.
After all, while Chen Yuan had innate level-nine soul power, there was still a noticeable gap in soul power affinity compared to those with innate level-ten soul power.
Chen Xin patted Chen Yuan's shoulder and said:
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Your talent is already quite good. Even if you follow the conventional path and absorb standard soul rings, you still have the potential to become a Titled Douluo by the age of 52, just like me. But with your current approach, the risks you're taking are immense. Still, I'll do everything in my power to help you. I just hope this isn't a case of rushing for success and harming your foundation."
Chen Yuan couldn't help but feel the pressure. If he waited until he was 52 to become a Titled Douluo, it would be too late. By then, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have been annihilated, the Sword and Bone Douluo would be dead, and Chen Xin's grave would be overgrown with weeds. So, he had to push himself now.
With determination, he replied:
"Thank you for your care, Teacher. But I still want to strive for the best at every stage of my cultivation, as long as the conditions allow."
Hearing this, Chen Xin stopped trying to dissuade him. He also hoped his disciple could grow stronger, but he worried that the pursuit of powerful soul rings might lead to Chen Yuan's untimely demise. That would be a tragic loss. In the end, he could only say:
"Now that you've absorbed your second soul ring, let's return to the sect."
With that, Chen Xin took Chen Yuan and soared into the sky as a streak of sword light, heading back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
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**Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Main Peak, Hall.**
Thanks to Chen Xin's speed, they returned to the sect that very day. Chen Xin then gave a brief report to Ning Fengzhi.
After hearing the entire process of Chen Yuan absorbing his soul ring, Ning Fengzhi was so shocked he was momentarily speechless. A second soul ring, a thousand-year soul ring—risking his life to defy the common knowledge of soul masters. This boy had guts.
However, Ning Fengzhi's mind quickly turned to the potential benefits of absorbing a thousand-year soul ring.
He took out a soul power testing crystal ball and handed it to Chen Yuan, saying:
"Chen Yuan, test your soul power!"
Without hesitation, Chen Yuan took the crystal ball. He, too, wanted to know how much his soul power had increased. Absorbing a thousand-year soul ring surely meant more than just reaching level 21.
Sure enough, the crystal ball shone brightly, indicating at least level 22 soul power. This meant Chen Yuan had saved himself the time needed to cultivate an entire level of soul power.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with excitement as he thought:
'Chen Yuan's risky absorption of a thousand-year soul ring not only granted him a powerful soul skill but also boosted his soul power by an extra level. The gains are immense. And this method isn't impossible to replicate.'
'Chen Yuan succeeded in absorbing a thousand-year soul ring for his second ring because of the whale glue we acquired, which strengthens bones, muscles, and vitality. This gives our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect a unique method to cultivate elite disciples—one that's unmatched on the entire continent.'
With this in mind, Ning Fengzhi exhaled, composed himself, and turned to Chen Xin with a smile:
"Sword Elder, you're truly bold to let him absorb a thousand-year soul ring. Fortunately, the outcome was positive. He gained a powerful soul skill and even an extra level of soul power."
At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall, and soon, Ning Rongrong came running in, followed by Gu Luo.
Ning Rongrong entered and greeted everyone politely:
"Father, Sword Grandpa, Brother Chen Yuan…"
Then she stared directly at Chen Yuan and asked:
"You've already absorbed your second soul ring and become a two-ringed Soul Grandmaster?"
Gu Luo, who had followed her in, spoke in a soothing tone to comfort Ning Rongrong:
"Rongrong, don't rush. It's just two levels of soul power. Once you break through, I'll hunt down a soul beast of the same age for you, no matter what level Chen Yuan absorbed."
Before Chen Yuan could respond, Ning Fengzhi interjected:
"Bone Elder, don't make promises lightly. Chen Yuan absorbed a 1,500-year soul ring for his second ring. Not everyone can handle that. Rongrong, now you see the gap? If you don't work harder, how will you catch up? Look at how diligently Chen Yuan trains, while you're so casual about it."
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened in shock, but as Ning Fengzhi began to lecture her, she pouted, feeling displeased. Faced with her father's constant comparisons, she thought to herself:
'Hmph, stupid Dad, always comparing me to others. One day, I'll run away from home, and when you can't find me, let's see how worried you'll be!'
As for Gu Luo, who had just promised to hunt a soul beast for Ning Rongrong, he was left speechless. Finally, he looked at Chen Yuan and muttered:
"Kid, you've got some serious luck."
Seeing everyone gathered, Ning Fengzhi smiled and announced:
"In half a month, the eldest prince of the Heaven Dou Empire will come to formally become my disciple. I will host a grand reception for the occasion. At that time, Sword Elder, Bone Elder, both of you must attend. Rongrong and Chen Yuan, you'll also get to meet the prince."
"Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire originally had four children. Unfortunately, the second and third princes passed away at a young age. After a long period of observation and evaluation, the current eldest prince, while not exceptionally outstanding, is gentle and benevolent. The youngest prince, however, is a spoiled brat who spends his days idling around."
"I've made my plans and successfully won over the eldest prince. He's 18 now. Once he becomes my disciple and gains my support, he'll have a 100% chance of being named crown prince by Emperor Xue Ye. This is an offer he can't refuse—and neither can I."
"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has reached its limit in development. If we want to advance further, this is our opportunity."
As he spoke, a flame of ambition burned in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
Chen Xin and Gu Luo exchanged a glance, neither voicing any objections. They spoke in unison:
"We'll follow the Sect Leader's decision."
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,293
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