Chapter Twenty: Acquiring the Soul Ring

“It's been half an hour already, and you still can’t move? Get up and walk on your own!” Ling Xiao looked at Ning Rongrong, utterly unmoved.

“Hmph! I’m not getting up!” Ning Rongrong pouted, flicking her small head and ignoring Ling Xiao.

“Maybe I’ve been spoiling you too much lately!” Ling Xiao said, narrowing his eyes.

Suddenly, Ning Rongrong’s whole body stiffened as she recalled the painful training she had endured for so long. She turned her head to look at Ling Xiao, her eyes red-rimmed and her small lips trembling.

Hmm?

Ling Xiao found her expression odd.

“Wah~ wah~ wah~”

Caught off guard, Ning Rongrong suddenly burst into sobs, tears streaming down her face as her small hands wiped them away repeatedly.

“Why are you crying now?” Ling Xiao asked in surprise.

“You big bully, you’ve been picking on me for so long, and now you won’t even agree to this small request. Go away, I won’t play with you anymore!” Ning Rongrong said resolutely, turning her head and waving her hand dismissively, leaving only her sobbing echoing in Ling Xiao’s ears.

Ling Xiao’s mouth twitched. Alright, you’re good! How do you manage to cry whenever you want? He had never cried before.

“Stop crying, I’ll carry you!” Ling Xiao said, rubbing his forehead.

“Good, you know you were wrong. I forgive you!” Ning Rongrong turned back, the sadness on her face vanishing instantly, replaced by a tsundere pride. If it weren’t for the tear tracks on her face, one wouldn’t believe she had just been so heartbroken.

Ling Xiao resignedly turned around. Ning Rongrong immediately climbed onto his back, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Ling Xiao was a head taller than Ning Rongrong, and easily lifted her by holding her thighs.

“You big bully, tomorrow I’m going with Grandfather Sword to get a soul ring. Will you come with me?” Ning Rongrong rested her chin on Ling Xiao’s shoulder, speaking lazily.

“I probably will, since there’s nothing for me to do at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower anyway,” Ling Xiao replied.

“What do you mean probably? I don’t care. We’re finally going out, and you have to come!” Ning Rongrong said, swinging on Ling Xiao’s back.

But with her little strength, it was no challenge for Ling Xiao.

“When you grow up and get stronger, you can play outside as long as you want. No rush for tomorrow!” Ling Xiao said calmly.

Ning Rongrong suddenly quieted down, lying quietly on Ling Xiao’s back and whispered, “Big Bully, the world outside is so vast, I want to see it all. Can you come with me?”

“Don’t think too much. When you grow up, you’ll travel alone. The world needs to be explored by yourself. I can’t stay with you forever; I’m destined to leave,” Ling Xiao said calmly.

“Why can’t you? Why do you have to leave? Isn’t the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower good enough?” Ning Rongrong’s voice grew anxious upon hearing Ling Xiao speak of leaving.

“No one stays with you forever in this world. Even with ties, time erodes everything. I can’t always be by your side. Maybe in the future, you’ll forget me.”

“I won’t!” Ning Rongrong shouted back. “Even if Big Bully can’t stay with me, I won’t forget him!”

“Maybe,” Ling Xiao said calmly.

By the time they finished talking, they had arrived at Ning Rongrong’s room. Ling Xiao put her down on the bed and left; he had other matters to attend to.

Today was the day Xiao Wu enrolled in human society. He wanted to check in, and see if anything was amiss.

Ling Xiao mounted the Demon-Eyed Blood Sword and arrived at Notting City in a little over ten minutes, the town where Xiao Wu studied.

He fixed his gaze below, locking onto a large courtyard — the residence purchased by Tu Rou and Xiao Wu for thousands of gold soul coins, a rare treasure in a small place like Notting City.

“Brother!” Xiao Wu’s voice rang out just as Ling Xiao landed in the courtyard.

He smiled at the two emerging from the house.

“Tu Rou, Xiao Wu.”

“How’s your first day at school?” Ling Xiao asked after entering.

“It’s okay. On my first day, the teacher called me the academy’s strongest genius!” Xiao Wu said proudly.

“Xiao Wu is a soul beast in human form, so she’s innately a full-level ten soul power. This talent is rare among humans,” Tu Rou explained.

“Indeed,” Ling Xiao nodded. “With this kind of aptitude, many teachers at the academy probably want to instruct you.”

“Of course, most teachers at the academy sought to be my mentor. In the end, I chose a Beasts Soul martial teacher, a Soul Grandmaster,” Xiao Wu said.

“Only a Grandmaster? Tu Rou would be a better teacher; she’s almost a Soul Saint,” Ling Xiao remarked.

“Actually, whether there’s a teacher or not doesn’t matter. After soul beasts take human form, they need to live in human society and get close to humans. Otherwise, my guidance is enough,” Tu Rou said.

“Does Xiao Wu board at school?”

“No, it’s close to home, so no boarding needed,” Tu Rou shook her head.

“Alright, since there’s no problem, I’ll take my leave,” Ling Xiao stood up.

“Brother is leaving again; he always stays only a little while,” Xiao Wu said, lowering her head, sounding a bit disappointed.

“It’s not like we won’t see each other! No need to be sad. Next time we meet, I’ll cook you a delicious meal,” Ling Xiao said with a smile.

“Really!” Xiao Wu’s eyes lit up. The best food she had ever eaten was made by Ling Xiao.

“Of course. Looking forward to next time!” Ling Xiao said, walking outside.

Tu Rou and Xiao Wu watched him leave.

...

The next morning, Sword Douluo, Ning Rongrong, Ling Xiao, and Ning Fengzhi rode a carriage toward the Soul Hunting Forest.

The long journey was surrounded only by woods, and Ning Rongrong had already fallen asleep from boredom.

“Fengzhi, the emperor of the Tian Dou Royal Family sent another letter yesterday, wanting you to be the tutor for the crown prince. What do you think?” Sword Douluo asked.

“I’ve been thinking about it. If it were before, being a prince’s teacher wouldn’t be a problem. But circumstances are special now,” Ning Fengzhi replied, troubled. He was now affiliated with the Martial Soul Hall.

At that moment, Ling Xiao suddenly asked, “Sect Master Ning, who are the princes of the Tian Dou Royal Family?”

“The crown prince is Xue Qinghe, the second prince Xue Junlin, the third prince Xue Haicang, the fourth prince Xue Beng, and the fifth princess Xue Ke. These are the current younger generation of the Tian Dou Royal Family,” Ning Fengzhi answered without hesitation.

Since they were cooperating, and Ling Xiao was the Martial Soul Hall’s scion, it was natural for him to inquire about the Tian Dou Royal Family.

“The current emperor of the Tian Dou Empire is the Great Emperor Xue Ye, along with Prince Xue Xing. The Tian Dou Royal Family’s soul beast is the swan, which lacks combat power and has relatively low innate soul power levels. Thus, the nation's strength is weaker than the Xing Luo Empire and the Martial Soul Hall. However, because the top three sects and the bottom four sects are all in the Tian Dou Empire, the rule remains stable.”

“I see. Sect Master Ning, will you choose to tutor any prince?” Ling Xiao asked.

“I don’t know. I can only take it one step at a time.”

“In my opinion, choosing the crown prince Xue Qinghe is best. He has the most potential to vie for the throne. Taking him as a disciple could help assimilate the Tian Dou Royal Family. Having an emperor inclined toward the Martial Soul Hall would make it much easier to transform the Tian Dou Empire into their sphere of influence.”

“Not necessarily. Until the heir is confirmed, no one can predict the outcome. Maybe choose another prince,” Ning Fengzhi shook his head.

The competition among princes was fierce; no one could guarantee their chosen prince would become emperor. Even Emperor Xue Ye was not the crown prince but ultimately ascended the throne.

“No need. The crown prince is the most competitive, especially with backing,” Ling Xiao said.

“Indeed. With the Martial Soul Hall’s support, the crown prince’s position should be unshakable,” Ning Fengzhi nodded.

After about an hour, they finally entered the Soul Hunting Forest. At that moment, Ning Rongrong woke up.

Due to the road conditions, they disembarked and walked.

“Fengzhi, what kind of soul beast should we find for Rongrong?”

“Find a power-type soul beast around 400 years old,” Ning Fengzhi considered.

“No, find a two-thousand-year-old giant strength griffin. Rongrong can absorb it now!” Ling Xiao suddenly said with conviction.

“What? The first soul ring is two thousand years old? That’s impossible. Rongrong is only level ten!” Ning Fengzhi shook his head in disbelief, thinking it was because Ling Xiao hadn't experienced weakness that he believed a soul master could absorb a thousand-year soul ring.

“Dad, just trust Big Bully. He wouldn’t hurt me!” Ning Rongrong said.

“But the first soul ring at two thousand years is unprecedented,” Sword Douluo said. “A soul ring over two thousand years should be the third ring.”

“Just because it hasn’t happened before doesn’t mean it can’t happen now. If Sect Master Ning trusts me, let Rongrong absorb a two-thousand-year soul ring!” Ling Xiao stared directly at Ning Fengzhi.

“This...” Ning Fengzhi hesitated. Success would be a milestone, but failure might mean death.

“Dad, I trust Big Bully. I want to absorb the two-thousand-year soul ring!” Ning Rongrong took the initiative when Ning Fengzhi hesitated.

Ning Fengzhi frowned, then sighed reluctantly. “Alright, Sword Uncle, if anything goes wrong, I’ll leave it to you.”

Sword Douluo nodded solemnly. If danger arose, they would forcibly interrupt the process, which might cause injury but was better than death.

Seeing their decision, Ling Xiao stretched out his hand. A black chain appeared from afar, binding a two-thousand-year-old soul beast—a giant strength griffin.

“So you had it prepared all along. No wonder you said this beast and not another!” Ning Fengzhi said, eyeing the struggling and roaring griffin.

Ling Xiao nodded and looked at Ning Rongrong. “Rongrong, how about absorbing this soul ring?”

“Let’s try!” Ning Rongrong nodded, though nervous. Her palms were sweaty.

Ling Xiao focused his mind; the chain tightened rapidly, instantly crushing the griffin’s skeletal structure and internal organs. It coughed up blood, its eyes dimming, barely alive.

Ning Rongrong’s face turned pale watching this, but she mustered courage and drove a dagger through the griffin’s throat.

The griffin, already at its last breath, died instantly, and a purple soul ring appeared.

“Rongrong, now use your soul power to draw the soul ring to yourself and meditate to absorb its energy. Remember to be careful and guard your heart. Thousand-year soul beasts generate resentment that can affect the soul master!” Ning Fengzhi solemnly warned.

Ning Rongrong nodded and followed his instructions.

The purple soul ring slowly enveloped her, and she felt a chill—that was the soul beast’s resentment.

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo surrounded her, their eyes filled with concern, watching her furrowed brow. Several times, they wanted to intervene but feared disrupting her.

After about fifteen minutes, Ning Rongrong suddenly opened her eyes, gasping heavily, sweat covering her smooth forehead.

“Rongrong, how do you feel now?” Ning Fengzhi asked worriedly.

“Dad, I’m fine. I did it!” Ning Rongrong smiled.

Ning Fengzhi gazed at the purple soul ring floating around her, trembling inside.

“It really succeeded. This can be considered a miracle in the soul master world!” he said excitedly.

“Hahaha! The first soul ring is over two thousand years old. If other soul masters found out, they’d be shocked!” Sword Douluo laughed with relief.

“This is thanks to the training back then,” Ning Fengzhi looked at Ling Xiao.

“Mm,” Ling Xiao nodded.

“That training also strengthened Rongrong’s willpower and physical endurance. Her willpower resisted the thousand-year soul beast’s resentment, and her body, soaked in medicinal baths, could withstand the powerful soul energy impact.”

“Incredible! Even seeing it with my own eyes,” Ning Fengzhi marveled.

This was a precedent in the soul master world. If this training method became widespread, the world would change drastically.

Other soul masters’ soul rings were only centuries old; hers was in the thousands, a huge difference in quality.

As a supportive-type soul master, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower could only flee when facing enemies, lacking physical strength compared to offensive types.

But with this training, Ning Rongrong, though only a soul master, could now knock out a regular soul overlord with a single punch, no longer just relying on other soul masters’ protection.

They had acquired the soul ring faster than expected; it was originally thought to take at least an hour.

Back in the carriage, Ning Rongrong, exhausted from absorbing the soul ring, fell asleep immediately.

The carriage moved slowly toward the Tian Dou Royal Family.

“Fengzhi, Rongrong is so tired she’s asleep. Can’t we visit the royal family another time?” Sword Douluo complained.

“Sword Uncle, it’s better to settle this matter now to avoid other princes coming later,” Ning Fengzhi said.

Sword Douluo reluctantly gave in.

Soon, they arrived at the palace, and Ning Rongrong woke up, holding Ling Xiao’s hand and curiously looking around.

A group of guards, seeing Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, showed no disrespect, quickly inviting them inside.

Just as they sat, the voice of Xue Ye came from afar.

“Hahaha! Sect Master Ning, have you decided which prince to tutor?”

They looked toward the Great Emperor Xue Ye sitting on the throne.

“His Majesty honors the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower as one of the empire’s top three sects, so Fengzhi naturally won’t refuse. The crown prince Xue Qinghe is a fine choice,” Ning Fengzhi said with a refined smile.

“No need for such formality, Sect Master Ning. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tower is the foundation of the empire. Qinghe becoming your disciple reassures me. I will summon Qinghe now!” Emperor Xue Ye waved his hand, knowing a prince as a disciple of the sect leader would help stabilize imperial rule.

Soon, a young man with a courteous and affable appearance arrived.

“Your Majesty!” Xue Qinghe respectfully bowed.

“Qinghe, your father has found you a teacher — this one, Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower,” Emperor Xue Ye said.

Xue Qinghe glanced at Ning Fengzhi and Ling Xiao. Upon seeing Ling Xiao, his expression stiffened with disbelief but quickly returned to normal. He bowed slightly to Ning Fengzhi.

“Student Xue Qinghe greets the teacher!”

“No need for such formality, Crown Prince,” Ning Fengzhi waved him off.

“Sect Master Ning, that little girl beside you must be your daughter, Ning Rongrong. And the other child is…” Emperor Xue Ye looked curiously at Ling Xiao, and Xue Qinghe perked up.

“Your Majesty is correct. This is my daughter, Ning Rongrong, and the other is the current young master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower — a prodigious youth I met by chance,” Ning Fengzhi replied. No one knew about Ling Xiao being the Martial Soul Hall’s scion.

“I see! It seems Rongrong is very close to this young master!” Emperor Xue Ye nodded.

“Yes, they are close. Unless something unexpected happens, they will likely marry in the future,” Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.

He didn’t notice the cold glare Xue Qinghe cast his way, his fist clenching tightly behind his back, especially at the sight of Ling Xiao holding Ning Rongrong’s hand, flames flickering in his eyes.

“Oh! Sect Master Ning seems quite fond of this young master!”

In the midst of their conversation, Xue Qinghe suddenly said, “Teacher, Father, I want to spend some time with this young master. How about it?”

“Sect Master Ning, what do you think?” Emperor Xue Ye asked Ning Fengzhi.

He saw no harm in it. Ning Fengzhi clearly valued this young master, and building good relations between Xue Qinghe and the young master would strengthen ties between the royal family and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower, stabilizing imperial rule.

“No objection. Since the crown prince is willing, then so be it!” Ning Fengzhi said, his eyes gleaming as he glanced at Xue Qinghe and Ling Xiao, as if understanding something.

“Thank you, teacher!” Xue Qinghe bowed to Ning Fengzhi, then smiled at Ling Xiao. “Little one, brother will take you to have some fun, alright?”

Ling Xiao nodded and released Ning Rongrong’s hand.

Xue Qinghe then took Ling Xiao away, while Ning Fengzhi’s gaze grew more peculiar. Ling Xiao wasn’t the child he appeared to be. How could he casually follow a stranger?

Ling Xiao and Xue Qinghe walked in silence until they reached Xue Qinghe’s room.