The three of them ventured deeper into the Star Dou Forest.
The forest was teeming with life, from the rustle of leaves to the occasional distant roar of a spirit beast.
As they walked, Hu Liena glanced at Xuan Yan "Little Brother, what kind of spirit beast do you want.. Do you have any preference?"
With a nod, Xuan Yan replied "An attack type spirit beast and the age should be.. more than 2000."
H-Huh? Bibi Dong and Hu Liena were startled to hear this.
Letting out a soft sigh, Hu Liena began to explain again "Little Brother, spirit beasts are categorized by their age and type. The older the beast, the stronger its spirit ring, but also the harder it is to absorb."
"Typically, for someone obtaining their first spirit ring, a ten-year or hundred-year beast is more appropriate."
Xuan Yan gave a nod. "What about thousand-year spirit beasts?"
Hu Liena chuckled lightly. "Thousand-year spirit beasts are for experienced spirit masters. They're far too powerful for someone obtaining their first ring. Even attempting to absorb one could be fatal."
Bibi Dong, walking slightly ahead, turned her head slightly to interject. "She's correct, Yan'er. Your body and soul power aren't yet strong enough to handle the energy of a thousand-year spirit ring."
"You must start with something suitable for your level. Recklessness will only lead to your destruction."
Xuan Yan frowned slightly, "But isn't it possible? If the person is strong enough in will and body, can't they absorb a higher-age ring?"
Bibi Dong sighed, her gaze softening as she stopped walking and turned to face him. "Possible, yes. But not advisable. Many geniuses before you thought the same and perished in the attempt. You're talented, Yan'er, but talent must be tempered with wisdom."
Hu Liena nodded in agreement, her expression turning serious. "Your first spirit ring sets the foundation for your journey as a spirit master."
"It's not just about power... it's about compatibility and stability. A poorly chosen or forcibly absorbed ring can lead to backlash, even crippling your cultivation permanently."
However, Xuan Yan's resolve didn't waver as he wants to convince them "I understand, Teacher, Sister. But if the opportunity arises, I want to push my limits. I won't grow stronger by playing it safe."
Bibi Dong's lips pressed into a thin line as she looked at him.
His confidence reminded her of herself at his age... unrelenting and ambitious. She could sense his potential, but it also worried her.
Finally, she sighed and nodded. "We'll see. But you must listen to me if I decide it's too dangerous."
"Of course, Teacher," Xuan Yan replied, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
Hu Liena reached out and ruffled his hair "Why are you so confident that you absorb a thousand year old spirit ring? Is becoming a genius taken over your head?"
Xuan Yan shook his head "No, senior sister.. I really believe I can absorb a thousand yesr old spirit ring. I have good physical strength."
Bibi Dong was curious as Xuan Yan is so confident about obtaining a thousand year old spirit ring and turned to him.
"Yan'er..." Crouching down, she gently reached out and grabbed his wrist, letting her spirit energy enter him.
Hm? Her eyebrows arched up in surprise. "You really do have great bone and muscle strength."
Her eyes squinted in concern "You might be able to absorb a thousand year old ring."
What? Hu Lian was surprised and glanced at the cute little guy 'Little Brother...'
Suddenly at this time *whoosh* *whoosh* a blur of white leapt out from the dense bush.
A majestic Blue-Eyed Phantom Tiger lunged toward Xuan Yan, its icy gaze locked onto him.
Its massive body shot like a blur of white fur, as it launched towards them "GRRGHH!"
Before Xuan Yan could react, a suffocating pressure filled the area.
*WOOSH* *THUD* The tiger froze mid-leap, crashing heavily to the ground as Bibi Dong released her overwhelming aura.
At this time, Gui Mei and Yue Quan landed on the floor beside them with a bow.
"Let me kill the beast, Your Majesty..."
As Yue Quan extended his hand to kill the beast, Xuan Yan intervened "Wait a minute Elder Quan."
Hm? The four of them turned to him and Xuan yan walked to the Tiger which was pressed on the ground by Bibi Dong's aura.
"Teacher, I want this beast's spirit ring."
Huh? Bibi Dong shook her head in disapproval "Yan'er, this is a 4,500-year-old Blue-Eyed Phantom Tiger. Are you seriously considering absorbing its spirit ring?"
Xuan Yan turned to her, "Yes, Teacher. It's a strong attack-type beast, and I believe I can endure the process."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed. "This is no laughing matter. A spirit beast of this age is far beyond what your body can handle. Even attempting this could cost you your life."
Hu Liena chimed in, her voice laced with concern. "Little Brother, listen to Teacher. A thousand-year beast for a first ring is already a gamble, but this... this is madness."
Xuan Yan met their gazes, "I understand your concerns, but I'm confident in my ability. And if something does go wrong, Teacher, you'll be here to intervene."
Yue Quan and Gui Mei exchanged glanes confused by Xuan Yan's antics.
Bibi Dong sighed in her heart 'I don't know if he is being arrogant because of his talent or confident in his abilities... Once he tastes the defeat, he will give up.'
With a nod, she replied "Fine.. if anything happens, I will intervene."
Releasing his martial spirit, Xuan Yan summoned Ea.
The void rippled as the sword emerged, radiating a presence so overwhelming that the air around them seemed to distort.
Hu Liena, and even Ghost Douluo were momentarily stunned by the sheer majesty of the weapon.
Hu Liena's gaze trembled in astonishment 'This is Little Brother's martial spirit...'
*sleesh* With a single slash, Xuan Yan ended the Blue-Eyed Phantom Tiger's life.
"GRAAARGHHHH!" The beast collapsed, and a vibrant purple ring emerged, glowing with power.
Taking a soft breath, Xuan Yan retracted his martial spirit and sat cross-legged as he began absorbing the spirit ring.
Bibi Dong stood nearby, her aura primed to act at the slightest sign of distress.
Minutes passed, and the tension in the air grew thick.
*woosh* Then, with a sudden surge of energy, the purple spirit ring slowly moved around Xuan Yan and a few seconds later, it settled around him.
As he opened his eyes, a flicker of red energy passed through his eyes and he turned to look at Bibi Dong, who had a surprised expression on her face.
[Spirit ring absorption complete. Congratulations, Host.]
Everyone stared at him in stunned silence.
"You... you absorbed a 4,500-year spirit ring on your first try," Hu Liena whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.
Bibi Dong hurriedly crouched beside him, her gaze scanning his face and body for any signs of discomfort "Yan'er.. do you feel any pain in your body? Can you feel the spirit energy flowing in your body? How is it?"
Xuan Yan showed a reassuring smile "I am alright teacher."
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she affectionately ruffled his hair "Congratulations on becoming a spirit master, Yan'er."
"Mhm..."
Bibi Dong stood up with a thoughtful expression on her face 'My disciple is really extraordinary...'
'He will really surpass me and seems like he will achieve my dream.'
'Since he has level 20 innate soul power, he can even get his second spirit ring now...'
While Bibi Dong was lost in thought, Hu Liena approached Xuan Yan, a bright smile on her face.
She placed a hand on her hip, her amber eyes sparkling with admiration and disbelief "You really surprised me, Little Brother," she said, her tone a mix of pride and teasing.
"You broke the theories that we've followed for centuries. No one has ever absorbed a 4,500-year ring for their first spirit ring, yet here you are, perfectly fine."
Bibi Dong gave a faint nod "His martial spirit is powerful, the strongest tool spirit in mainland.. even better than Clear Sky Hammer. So, it is good to have a powerful spirit ring and a solid foundation."
Hu Liena blinked her eyes 'Stronger than Clear Sky hammer.. which is considered the best tool spirit?'
Looking at him, Bibi Dong asked "Yan'er.. do you want to get your second spirit ring today?"
H-HUH?
Hu Liena, Yue Quan and Gui Mei were taken aback to hear this and Hu Liena spoke "Teacher? Even with 4500 year old spirit ring, his level could only have reached 15 or 16..."
"So, how could he..."
Bibi Dong shook her head "No.. Yan'er has level 20 innate soul power."
HUHHHH?!!
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