Chapter 9: Establishing the Path of Cultivation and Departure

Chapter 9: Establishing the Path of Cultivation and Departure

"You flatter me, Teacher."

Han Li wasn't about to let Guang Ling's excitement get to his head.

He was well aware that he wasn't some unparalleled genius. Back in his previous life, he was nothing more than an average college graduate with a humanities degree, constantly at risk of unemployment. It was only in this world, where intelligence seemed to be a rare commodity, that he appeared exceptional.

"It seems the reports were right you've been reading extensively for years. But tell me, how did you come up with such an unconventional approach to developing your martial soul? No one taught you, did they?" Guang Ling couldn't help but ask.

"To be honest, Teacher, after going through most of the books in both Spirit Hall and Notting Academy, I came to a simple conclusion martial souls are inherited through bloodlines."

Han Li spread his hands and continued, "For someone like me, the only way to break past my limits is through mutation."

Guang Ling remained silent, listening intently. He himself was a beneficiary of martial soul mutation and understood this truth better than most.

"My parents' martial souls were both mutated, though their mutations weren't very pronounced. It was highly likely that I would inherit one of them though there was also the risk of regression. But I refused to accept that as my fate."

Han Li paused before continuing, "Then, I discovered examples of elemental tool martial souls evolving by stacking attributes. That realization sparked my idea.

Even if my experiment failed, as long as I could stabilize my martial soul's elemental properties, at the very least, my descendants wouldn't have to start with a basic iron sword, right?"

He chuckled. "But now, that concern is unnecessary. My martial soul is far stronger than I expected. Still, I want to pursue this idea.

As you said, Teacher, adding only elemental rings or pure enhancement rings would waste my potential and could even lead to unstable mutations. This is especially true given that my martial soul has two completely different combat forms."

Guang Ling found himself nodding unconsciously he was convinced.

As a Super Douluo, he had long since passed the stage where raw soul power accumulation dictated strength. From Rank 95 onwards, it was all about refining and comprehending one's martial soul.

To him, while Han Li's approach might not be entirely perfect, it was certainly not wrong.

At the very least, it was a method that could easily push both himself and his disciple to Rank 97.

My disciple has the potential of a Super Douluo.

The thought flashed through Guang Ling's mind, and his heart swelled with joy.

Aside from Qian Renxue, who was destined to reach Rank 99 due to her divine inheritance, none of the Worship Hall elders had ever produced a disciple who broke past Rank 95. Even those they had mentored never surpassed this barrier.

But he, Guang Ling, had a disciple who would one day surpass him.

That alone was enough.

Bibi Dong, thank you. But when the day comes for you to step down as Pope, my disciple and I will be waiting.

Guang Ling's smirk deepened as he imagined their future battle.

"Teacher? Teacher?"

Han Li noticed Guang Ling suddenly lost in thought, grinning to himself. Raising his voice, he called out.

"Ahem."

Guang Ling snapped back to reality, feigning a cough before adopting a serious expression.

"Your idea is sound. I approve of it, and I can ensure your development in the early stages. But that doesn't mean you can completely neglect combat training.

I will personally train you so that even without soul skills, you'll still have a solid foundation in battle."

"However, this kind of training will be tough. Are you prepared for that?"

Originally, Guang Ling had planned to let Han Li focus entirely on his unique path, sacrificing his early combat potential.

But then he thought of Bibi Dong.

No way.

His disciple must surpass that little fox.

Technically, Qian Renxue was a few years older than Han Li, but as Guang Ling's disciple, Han Li must never fall behind anyone.

He had complete faith in his disciple's potential.

Han Li watched as Guang Ling's expression shifted from stern to… suspiciously smug?

A sense of foreboding filled him.

Still, he gritted his teeth and nodded.

So what if the early stages were rough? He just had to endure for twenty years.

He'd treat it like paying off a mortgage endure now, enjoy the good life after becoming a god.

Satisfied with Han Li's agreement, Guang Ling asked, "For your first soul ring, will you choose one that boosts elemental control or go with a general enhancement?"

After a brief moment of thought, Han Li replied, "Elemental control. This way, I can further refine my path. Even if it doesn't work, the impact on my future development will be minimal."

Hearing this, Guang Ling combed through his memories for suitable soul beasts. After some contemplation, he said, "If I recall correctly, Spirit City has a reserve of captive soul beasts, and there should be one suitable for your first soul ring.

There's no need to take you out for a hunt."

"However, I need to warn you about something." Guang Ling's face turned serious again. "I was too excited earlier and forgot to mention this.

For your theory to work, it will depend entirely on your comprehension ability.

As far as we know, there are plenty of soul rings that grant Elemental Affinity, but none have been found that grant Elemental Control."

Han Li nodded thoughtfully.

No known soul rings grant Elemental Control, huh?

Well… there was one way killing the Silver Dragon King.

If he could actually slay a god tier beast, she might drop a soul ring with Elemental Control.

But that wasn't an option.

Still, Elemental Affinity alone was enough for now. He could use celestial herbs and enhance his spiritual power to bridge the gap.

With time, fortune, and his knowledge of his past life's theories, he could definitely make this work.

"This is enough, Teacher. After all, I'm your disciple."

Han Li grinned.

"Haha! Well said! Just wait one day, our master disciple duo will make them all envious."

Guang Ling laughed heartily.

"You'll live to see that day, Teacher."

Han Li clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.

"Come, introduce me to the people who have looked after you all these years. I must thank them properly for allowing me to receive such a fine disciple."

Guang Ling chuckled and pulled Han Li along.

That meal was filled with laughter and celebration.

In a rare show of generosity, Guang Ling praised the three men Matthew Nuo, Xiao Zhan, and Su Yuntao offering compliments left and right.

Given his personality, it was clear he was forcing himself.

But even so, he went a step further and promised them each a reasonable favor.

The three men, stunned by the unexpected gift, quickly composed themselves and, under Han Li's guidance, made their requests. Guang Ling wasted no time, sending out orders immediately.

Within days, they would receive their rewards.

Han Li was genuinely happy for them.

Right now, he was still weak and lacked the ability to repay their kindness.

But with his teacher's help, he could at least offer them something in return.

That night, after the farewells, Han Li gathered all the servants in the estate, paid them six months' wages in advance, and dismissed them.

Then, he took Xiu'er and approached Guang Ling.

Locking the door behind him, he turned for one last glance at the place he had called home for nearly three years.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward to where Guang Ling and Xiu'er were waiting.

Guang Ling said nothing.

He simply lifted the two into his arms, unfolded his icy blue wings, and, under the stunned gazes of the people of Notting City, soared into the sky.

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