Chapter 16: Senior Zhu Ziguang

"Jing Junior, it seems we're quite fated to meet here."

As Jing Shaoyu was lost in the refreshing atmosphere of the primeval forest, a familiar voice reached his ears.

Looking over, he saw a boy holding a golden scythe with a miniature lion perched on his shoulder, smiling as he approached.

"Senior Zhu," Jing Shaoyu greeted with a smile, recognizing Zhu Ziguang, the most powerful of the seven students on this Spirit Ascension Platform excursion.

"Since it's your first time here, stick with me. I'll guide you around and show you what to do," Zhu Ziguang offered kindly.

"Thank you, Senior Zhu. I'd appreciate it," Shaoyu replied, smiling in agreement.

"Just call me A-Guang," Zhu Ziguang said, smiling. "Can I call you Shaoyu?"

"Of course," Shaoyu replied.

"Alright then, let's get going," Zhu Ziguang said with a satisfied smile. "Our main objectives in the Spirit Ascension Platform are to sharpen our combat skills and gather as much spirit energy as possible. A-Shi, scout ahead."

This last part was directed at his spirit, and the little lion on his shoulder immediately leaped forward. Jing Shaoyu called forth Hong Fei in response, "Hong Fei, you go too."

With a joyful chirp, Hong Fei flapped her wings and flew ahead.

"So that little bird is your spirit?" Zhu Ziguang observed with interest. "It looks quite lively—more spirited than my A-Shi."

"It might be that Hong Fei is just naturally playful," Shaoyu replied with a smile. "Senior A-Guang, your A-Shi is a Holy Light Lion, right?"

"Correct." Zhu Ziguang nodded with pride. "A-Shi's spirit power is currently 400 years. It originally had 300 years of power, but it's been upgraded here."

"Impressive! That's quite an achievement," Shaoyu praised sincerely.

"It's mainly luck on my part," Zhu Ziguang said, scratching his head with a laugh. "By the way, it seems like you're familiar with the rules of upgrading spirits in the Spirit Ascension Platform?"

"I know a little, but not much," Shaoyu admitted with a smile. "Maybe you could explain it more?"

"Alright then." Zhu Ziguang smiled and began, "As you may know, the Spirit Ascension Platform simulates the ancient Star Dou Forest, so there are plenty of spirit beasts here. When we defeat these beasts, we obtain a tenth of their spirit power, which our spirit rings absorb, allowing the rings to increase in power. Since spirit rings originate from spirits, the growth in the ring's power also enhances the spirit's cultivation level."

Shaoyu nodded in understanding, and Zhu Ziguang continued, "For example, my A-Shi is currently a 400-year spirit. That's close to my limit. If I want to upgrade my spirit and ring further, I'll have to reach the two-ring level. At that stage, the spirit power we gather in the platform will split between both rings. So, if I take down a 100-year beast and gain 10 years of spirit power, each ring will receive 5 years."

Zhu Ziguang sighed. "If I want A-Shi to evolve into a thousand-year spirit, both of my rings need to reach the thousand-year level, meaning A-Shi is effectively 600 years short of evolution, but I actually need to gather 1200 years' worth of spirit power!"

"I get it now," Shaoyu replied thoughtfully.

"Yeah, unfortunately, getting A-Shi to a thousand-year level might only be feasible when I reach the Spirit Elder rank. By then, it'll be an even harder process!" Zhu Ziguang sighed.

"Don't be discouraged, Senior A-Guang," Shaoyu replied. "You're only at level 15; there's no need to jump to conclusions. Who knows what adventures might await you in the future?"

"Thanks for the kind words, Shaoyu. I hope you're right! Maybe I'll get lucky and find a spirit bone or something to increase my physical strength. I really envy you beast spirit users; your bodies are naturally stronger than ours with tool spirits!"

"Fair enough," Shaoyu laughed.

"Hey, you!" Zhu Ziguang laughed back.

The two felt a stronger connection after their conversation.

Soon, Hong Fei and A-Shi returned to report, and after Zhu Ziguang nodded in confirmation, they both moved forward. About 100 meters ahead, they spotted their target.

A Wind Baboon!

Seeing this spirit beast, Shaoyu's face lit up with amusement. This was the famed "Wind Baboon the God-Slayer," a legendary creature that had almost taken down a god king. To see it reduced to a lowly ten-year spirit beast was something else.

"Shaoyu, step back. This is just a ten-year Wind Baboon; I can handle it," Zhu Ziguang called out, charging forward with his large golden scythe.

Shaoyu chuckled at being underestimated, but instead of retreating, he raised his hands, palms down. Soft green light flashed, and the ground plants grew into long, thick vines, crawling forward across the ground like serpents under his control.

Plant Manipulation!

At that moment, Zhu Ziguang closed in on the Wind Baboon, his spirit ring glowing behind him. The scythe in his hands shone golden as he swung it down toward the baboon.

The Wind Baboon's eyes filled with fear as it tried to dodge, but its legs were bound by the thick vines, immobilizing it.

The massive scythe cleaved down, cutting the baboon in half and leaving it on the verge of death.

"Shaoyu, come finish it off!" Zhu Ziguang called, leaving the beast half-alive for Shaoyu.

"Huh? Is that alright? I didn't really do much," Shaoyu said, slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it," Zhu Ziguang replied warmly. "We're teammates now, and since you're a healer, this is just part of it."

"Alright, thank you," Shaoyu said, moving forward. A vine wrapped around the baboon's neck, and with a tug, it snapped.

"Wait—were you controlling those vines?" Zhu Ziguang asked in surprise, realizing why the Wind Baboon had seemed to trap itself. "I thought you were a healer! How are you controlling plants?"

Shaoyu chuckled, watching as a white spirit ring of energy floated from the Wind Baboon and was absorbed by Hong Fei. "It's a gift from my Origin Elf spirit. My spirit is the master of the forest."

"Now that's a top-tier spirit for you!" Zhu Ziguang said in admiration. "That innate full spirit power—just amazing."

"Shall we continue, then?" Shaoyu suggested. "I'll handle control, and you handle offense. How does that sound?"

"Perfect!" Zhu Ziguang agreed enthusiastically. "My scythe is powerful but a bit unwieldy. With your support, there'll be no problem!"

With that, the two continued forward in sync.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Xu Xiaoyan crouched in a clump of bushes, clutching her Star Wheel Ice Staff. Her face was pale, eyes wide with fear.

A pack of black wolves with green, glowing eyes circled around her, their low growls filling the air, revealing sharp fangs that gleamed menacingly. They howled, a haunting sound that echoed through the trees.

Xu Xiaoyan had been unlucky from the start, landing right in the middle of this wolf pack. Only her quick reflexes had saved her—she'd managed to freeze one wolf and flee, or else her Spirit Ascension Platform session might already be over.

Despite her escape, the wolves had pursued her relentlessly. Now, hiding in the bushes, she hoped they would lose her trail, but she knew that wolves had keen noses. It was only a matter of time.

Tears filled her eyes as despair crept in.

"Brother Shaoyu, please come and save me!"