Chapter 14: The Elemental Butterfly and Han Li’s First Battle

Chapter 14: The Elemental Butterfly and Han Li's First Battle

Seeing Han Li bow deeply before him without getting up, Guang Ling exchanged glances with Qing Luan. Their eyes held a mix of shock and admiration, though their expressions were complicated.

After spending several days with Han Li, Guang Ling had a fair understanding of his disciple's character just as mischievous and stubborn as he had been at that age. Clearly, this had been planned for a while; Han Li had simply been waiting for an opportunity.

Setting everything else aside, the fact that Han Li was willing to forgo a hundred thousand year spirit ring and spirit bone for the mere possibility of allowing his maid to cultivate made Guang Ling both exasperated and proud.

But making such a big decision without discussing it with his teacher first? That annoyed him.

What? Did Han Li think Guang Ling would have stopped him?

Well… maybe.

His kindness toward Xiu'er was mostly because of Han Li. If it had been anyone else, he wouldn't have cared. After all, that was a hundred thousand year spirit ring! Even if Han Li couldn't withstand it, he could at least get a high level spirit bone.

It was just a maid. Was it really worth it? If Han Li wanted one, Guang Ling could have found him a dozen snake girls or cat girls. Half awakened cases like Xiu'er weren't that rare.

But Han Li had known all this and still insisted, even at the risk of angering his newly acknowledged master.

Which meant that someday, Han Li might make a similar decision for him.

And how could that not make Guang Ling happy?

"Get up first," Qing Luan spoke before Guang Ling could respond.

Han Li hesitated and glanced at his teacher, whose face was shifting between joy and frustration. He had no idea whether that meant 'yes' or 'no.'

"Sit," Qing Luan added gently, his gaze softer now.

At the same time, he nudged Guang Ling, signaling that it was time to make a decision.

Guang Ling glanced at his disciple, let out a huff, and finally relented. "Sit down already."

Han Li's face brightened with joy. "Thank you, Teacher!"

Seeing that happy expression, Guang Ling felt like he had been thoroughly seen through by this little brat.

So, just to mess with him, he deliberately put on a stern expression. "I'll agree, but on one condition. You up for it?"

Han Li didn't even hesitate. "Of course! Whatever you say, Teacher."

Guang Ling, pleased with the immediate response, tapped his fingers on the table and slowly continued. "It's nothing difficult. Since you're giving up a hundred thousand year spirit ring, and since you said it doesn't matter to you… then you'll just have to make up for it later. If you don't manage to do that, I'll make you regret it."

His lips curled into a wicked grin, a silent promise that Han Li would suffer dearly if he failed.

But Han Li, instead of looking worried, just sighed in relief.

Oh, that's all?

He had never planned to give up on a hundred thousand year spirit ring or spirit bone in the first place.

"I accept, Teacher. And I might not even need to wait until Titled Douluo to fulfill this promise." Han Li answered with confidence.

Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged smiles.

Ah, the arrogance of youth.

That was fine. It was better to have some ambition.

For the next few hours, Guang Ling and Qing Luan personally guided Han Li through his new meditation technique, even making him enter a trance so they could make direct corrections.

They checked his body's natural limits, pointed out common early stage mistakes, and went over the safest methods for absorbing spirit rings. They also adjusted his planned training resources, deciding to finalize the details after he obtained his first ring.

Three hours passed in deep discussion before Xiu'er arrived, informing them that dinner was ready.

As they left, Qing Luan handed Han Li a storage necklace. "A small gift in advance for Xiu'er. I hope your plan succeeds."

Han Li expressed his sincere gratitude.

That night, lying in bed, he played around with his new storage gear, estimating how much his net worth had multiplied in a single afternoon.

He decided not to meditate.

Instead, he allowed himself to fall into a deep, restful sleep.

Tomorrow, he would become a true Spirit Master.

At exactly 6 a.m., Han Li woke up naturally.

It was one of the rare times he woke up before Xiu'er's usual wake up calls.

After a night of high quality sleep, his mind felt sharper than ever.

Lying in bed for a while, clearing his thoughts, he eventually heard familiar footsteps outside his door.

Under Xiu'er's urging, he quickly washed up and then headed toward the training grounds for his morning routine.

Despite having servants, he always insisted on personally handling his own physical training.

Breathing in the crisp morning air, Han Li began his warm up routine.

A set of Young Eagle Takes Flight. A set of The Times Are Calling.

These were the only two structured training routines he knew, so he randomly alternated between them each morning, trying to execute the movements as cleanly as possible.

No matter how you looked at it, something was better than nothing, right?

After warming up, he moved on to push ups, burpees, basic running drills, and finally, rapid sword swings. This had been his training regimen for nearly three years.

In Nuoding City, he had even installed a swimming pool to round out his conditioning.

Unfortunately, there wasn't one here.

By the time he finished, Xiu'er handed him a towel and a prepared saltwater drink.

She had chosen not to train alongside him today she wanted to ensure she gave him the best possible care before his upcoming spirit ring absorption.

As they left the training field, two figures on the wall exchanged glances before silently vanishing.

After breakfast, Guang Ling and Qing Luan arrived, carrying a large spirit power sealed container.

"Let's go," Guang Ling said simply. "It's time for your first spirit ring."

Han Li didn't ask questions. He just followed them into the training ground.

Guang Ling unsealed the container, revealing a beautiful yet oversized butterfly.

Its wings shimmered in multiple colors, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling, dreamlike display.

"An Elemental Butterfly. Just over 400 years old. Incredibly rare.

The colors on its wings represent the elements it has begun to master. It has no fixed habitat.

Decades ago, a Spirit Master accidentally absorbed one, acquiring the Elemental Affinity ability.

Subsequent studies confirmed that this species only grants that one skill. It also slightly enhances spiritual power, but none of its elemental traits transfer to the spirit ring itself.

Perfect for your needs."

Guang Ling's voice carried a note of solemnity.

"That said…

No one who absorbed an Elemental Butterfly's ring has ever developed a powerful offensive ability.

At best, they could light a candle with a flicker of flame.

The skill's potential is entirely dependent on the user.

This is your last chance to reconsider."

Han Li didn't hesitate.

"This is the one, Teacher.

Trust me."

Guang Ling no longer tried to dissuade him.

"Fine. Let's see your first combat ability while we're at it."

With that, he slapped the Elemental Butterfly.

Han Li watched as the dazed butterfly staggered in the air.

Then he glanced at his teacher, who had already closed his eyes, pretending not to have just sabotaged him.

Yeah, right.

"My dear Teacher, have you forgotten?" Han Li thought grimly. "I trained with swords. I don't know how to shoot a bow yet!"

The butterfly fluttered upward, regaining its balance.

Han Li had no time to hesitate.

Summoning his martial soul, he switched his Ice and Fire Blades bringing the Ice Blade into his dominant right hand.

Guang Ling, now peeking through half opened eyes, muttered, "Huh?"

Han Li sprinted.

Leaping into the air, he slashed the Ice Blade striking first, freezing the butterfly's wound.

Then, as it stiffened, his Fire Blade plunged into its abdomen, scorching the wound.

"Fire!"

At his command, the Fire Blade flared with heat, igniting the powder on the butterfly's wings.

Han Li immediately turned and ran back toward Guang Ling.

There was no need to risk himself further.

Sure enough, moments later, the butterfly crashed to the ground, writhing, unable to extinguish the flames.

Han Li calmly stood by his teacher's side…

And waited for it to drop his loot.

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