First Spirit Ring?

Looking down at the vast expanse of forest below them, Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

Normally, there was a survival rule not to fly above unconquered lands like these. However, Flender, being a Spirit Saint, didn't concern himself with such rules. After all, it was rare to even encounter a mere thousand-year-old spirit beast in the Soul Hunting Forest, which posed no threat to him.

"Teacher, what kind of beast should we aim for our first spirit rings?" Sheng Jun inquired curiously.

Flender considered their Martial Souls before responding "Considering your Martial Soul, the best choice would be a spirit beast with healing or protecting abilities. If we can't find any, those with good strength and agility will suffice. As for Ma Hongjun, any spirit beast with fire attributes should do. Ah, lucky you, Xiao Hongjun! There seems to be a Flame Dog over 350 years old not far from here" Flender said, directing their attention toward the target. Despite their recent arrival, Flender's 'Predatory Eyes' made it easier to locate suitable spirit beasts within a 10-kilometer radius.

After safely placing Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun down in a relatively secure area, Flender swiftly flew toward the Flame Dog. Covered in flames, the creature stood at a formidable height of 2 meters and a width of 1 meter. With lightning speed, Flender descended upon the Flame Dog, striking it on the head so quickly that the creature couldn't react, rendering it unconscious.

As Flender dragged the Flame Dog back towards them, Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun exchanged bewildered glances. Isn't obtaining a spirit ring supposed to be hard?

Arriving before the two boys, Flender handed Ma Hongjun a knife. "Go on, stab it in the heart" he instructed. Ma Hongjun complied without hesitation, knowing that only the one who kills the spirit beast can absorb its spirit ring.

"Xiao Hongjun, absorb it quickly. Spirit rings can't exist for long after a spirit beast's death" Flender urged, his excitement palpable. Ma Hongjun sat in a cross-legged position as the yellow ring slowly floated towards him.

Unexpectedly, a baffling scene unfolded before Sheng Jun and Flender's eyes: the spirit ring was continuously expelled from Ma Hongjun's body for unknown reasons. After half an hour of futile attempts, and Ma Hongjun opened his eyes. With an embarrassed expression, he scratched his cheeks and apologized "Teacher, My Martial Soul is rejecting it; no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn't let me absorb it"

Both Sheng Jun and Flender listened to Ma Hongjun's explanation in astonishment. After a moment of contemplation, Sheng Jun proposed a possible explanation "Teacher, Phoenixes are inherently proud creatures. I believe they won't accept any other spirit rings that don't complement them, such as those from spirit beasts with phoenix or dragon bloodlines"

With a sigh, Flender couldn't help but feel a slight headache after considering Sheng Jun's explanation. Spirit beasts with phoenix and dragon bloodlines were already rare, especially in the Soul Hunting Forest. However, he couldn't give up now. With determination, he picked up Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun once again and took to the skies, scanning the forest below with his 'Predatory Eyes'. Without this ability, the task would indeed be nearly impossible.

As the sun began to set, Flender couldn't help but release a heavy sigh. Despite his confidence in his 'Predatory Eyes', their search had been fruitless. Not a single spirit beast with phoenix or dragon bloodlines had crossed their path. Worse still, they hadn't found a suitable spirit ring for Sheng Jun either. The options they encountered were either not healing types or focused solely on one attributes such as strength, like the Berserk Ape.

With a resigned expression, Flender descended and instructed Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun to set up a tent and start a fire. Normally, starting a fire in such a dangerous place would not be advised for soul masters, but in the relatively safe Soul Hunting Forest, and with Flender's power as a Spirit Saint, he paid little heed to such concerns.

As he prepared to put away his 'Predatory Eyes' and rest for a while, Flender's attention was suddenly captured by a blur of movement in the distance. A bird-like creature, its feathers shimmering in the setting sun, flew through the sky with astonishing speed. Flender's eyes widened in excitement as he recognized the creature.

"Sheng Jun, I believe we've found a suitable spirit ring for you" Flender exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. "There's a Crystal Swan just nine kilometers from here. Crystal Swans are renowned for their healing and protective abilities, and their meat can even accelerate cultivation speed"

But as Flender scrutinized the approaching swan more closely, his excitement waned, replaced by a sense of regret. "What's wrong, teacher? Is there something amiss with the swan?" Sheng Jun inquired, sensing Flender's change in demeanor.

"Crystal Swan's age can be roughly measured by the number of colors on their body adding one more color every 500 years" Flender explained, his voice tinged with regret. "This one has two colors, indicating that it is at least 500 years old. It far exceeds the normal limit by at least 77 years" Flender said while shaking his head.

 "No teacher, I want this one as my first spirit ring" Sheng Jun said resolutely. Flender's brows furrowed in concern as he listened to Sheng Jun's determined words. "Sheng Jun, you don't understand the risks involved" he admonished, his tone stern. "Absorbing a spirit ring that exceeds your limits is incredibly dangerous. Many people have perished attempting such a feat, and those who survive often suffer crippling injuries"

Sheng Jun met Flender's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I understand the risks, teacher" he replied firmly. "My physique is stronger than most, and with the assistance of the Heavenly Dao Sutra, I am confident that I can succeed"

Flender's concern deepened as Sheng Jun's determination remained unyielding. "This... how confident are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Sheng Jun scratched his head sheepishly, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "I've never tried absorbing a spirit ring before, so I don't know exactly" he admitted with a hint of embarrassment.

"Then forget about it" Flender said dismissively, his tone firm.

"Teacher, I understand my brother's strength better than anyone else. What harm can a mere 500-year-old spirit ring do to him?" Ma Hongjun said confidently, standing at his brother's side.

Flender faltered for a moment, torn between his duty to protect his disciple and his trust in Sheng Jun's abilities. "Teacher, please trust me" Sheng Jun pleaded, his gaze unwavering.

With a resigned sigh, Flender reluctantly agreed. "I will immediately stop your absorption if you are in danger, even if it damages your foundation. It's better than risking your life" he conceded, his voice heavy with concern.

With that, Flender flew away, returning after a while with the Crystal Swan of two colors clutched in his hand. With a heavy heart, he watched as Sheng Jun sat cross-legged, preparing to absorb the spirit ring.