Chapter 69: Star Dou Great Forest

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Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin exchanged looks at the words they heard. They acknowledged the immense strength of Dugu Bo, but he was a Poison Master, eccentric by nature, a loner, and there had never been any mention of his skill in cultivating Soul Masters.

However, Wang Li, only twelve years old, at level 40, was an undeniable fact that stood before them. It was hard for them to dismiss it as unbelievable.

Zhilin, who possessed the Azure Vine Martial Soul, had a deeper understanding of plant-based Martial Souls and plant-type Soul Beasts. The terrifying power displayed by Wang Li's Blue Silver Grass earlier left him utterly bewildered.

At this moment, Zhilin spoke up:

"Wang Li, though this may seem a bit forward, may I ask what kind of Soul Beast your third Soul Ring absorbed?"

Wang Li smiled slightly. There was no harm in sharing this, and it would serve as the perfect excuse for his strength:

"It's a Great Diamond Vine that's over two thousand years old!"

At these words, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, Zhilin, and even Qin Ming, who had been nearby, all displayed expressions of shock.

Meng Shenji hastily said:

"The third Soul Ring for most Soul Masters should be from a Soul Beast around fifteen hundred years old. How did you manage to absorb one that's over two thousand years old? A Great Diamond Vine is a power-type plant Soul Beast! A two-thousand-year Soul Ring is on par with those that are six or seven thousand years old. You… you… how could you possibly dare to attempt this?!"

The limit for a third Soul Ring is 1,760 years, but not every Soul Master has the privilege of even approaching that limit. This is why Meng Shenji mentioned that the ideal age for a third Soul Ring is around fifteen hundred years—this is the conventional approach taught in formal academies: stable, safe, and without risk.

Wang Li stood tall, his chest puffed out, and with a smile said:

"But I made it through. I specifically tempered my body under the guidance of Senior Dugu, enduring countless pains to achieve this. Others should not attempt it easily."

"I come from a small town in the Fansuo Province, on the far west edge of the Heaven Dou Empire. It wasn't easy to get here. The three of you and Senior Dugu gave me this opportunity, so how could I not seize it?"

"Even if it meant enduring pain, even if it meant facing danger, it's because, aside from my mutated Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, I have nothing. I wanted to grow stronger. I crave strength. I must grow stronger!"

Each word was firm and resonated with conviction. Wang Li's unshakable belief directly impacted Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin.

They looked at Wang Li, moved. Meng Shenji exhaled deeply and then solemnly said:

"I understand now. No wonder you've grown so strong. Even if others have the guidance of a Titled Douluo, they would never dare to take such a reckless path like you!"

Wang Li didn't mind how the three of them interpreted it. His goal was simply to make others understand that his strength was born from his own recklessness. Even if he had Dugu Bo's protection now, he still had to remain cautious.

Much like Yu Tianheng, who had already recovered from his injuries under Ye Lingling's treatment, he had initially been very unwilling to accept his defeat. But hearing Wang Li's words, he felt that his loss was not unjust.

His third Soul Ring came from a Soul Beast that was only around fifteen hundred years old, of medium quality. Coming from a large sect, his Soul Ring, and its age, had all been predetermined.

Powerful Soul Beasts were rare, and rarity meant they couldn't be distributed widely among every disciple. The sects had spent years developing the most suitable hunting plans for Soul Beasts, selecting creatures of decent quality, but whose populations were large enough to ensure that they could continuously provide the most appropriate Soul Skills.

Yu Tianheng gritted his teeth, his face twisted in bitterness. Damn, he had been defeated by a Blue Silver Grass Soul Master, and now he strangely felt his loss wasn't entirely undeserved.

At this point, the other members of the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team, who had once envied Wang Li's strength, no longer did. They came from prestigious backgrounds and were certain they would eventually become strong. But they also knew they would never recklessly risk their lives. If they were to die, that would be a massive loss.

Only Dugu Yan, at this moment, felt an overwhelming sense of heartache. If it weren't for the fact that the three committee members and Qin Ming were all present, she would have rushed out to comfort Wang Li with a soft embrace.

Among the three committee members, Zhilin increasingly admired Wang Li, but he also felt some regret. He had once considered taking Wang Li as his disciple, but now that Wang Li had been cultivated by Dugu Bo, it would be awkward for him to take him on as a disciple.

However, Zhilin didn't mind showing his utmost goodwill. With a warm smile, he said gently:

"Wang Li, we understand your situation. You've broken through to level 40, but haven't yet found the Soul Beast you're most eager to obtain."

"Why don't you tell us which Soul Beast you're looking for? While we may not be as powerful as Lady Biphos, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy has vast connections. If we mobilize them, we can help you find that Soul Beast. When the time comes, I'll personally take action and assist you in hunting it down!"

Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan nodded in agreement. They didn't see this as an abuse of power. Given Wang Li's current Soul Power, his next Soul Ring would be at level 41. If he trained seriously for two more years, he would reach the mid-level Soul King rank at the very least, perhaps even high-level Soul King. In the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Competition, he would be a top-tier combatant.

Wang Li's heart lifted. If the three of them were to help, the possibility of finding the Greedy Root Demon would greatly increase. He immediately spoke up:

"What I want is the Greedy Root Demon. In battle, if I can use it to drain the opponent's Soul Power and weaken them, it will greatly improve my control ability and reduce my Soul Power consumption. While my Blue Silver Grass has powerful Soul Rings attached to it, its own consumption is still very high."

"Senior Dugu recommended the Spiny Thorn Bush, which can enhance my ability to break armor, but I still think the Greedy Root Demon would be better!"

"If the three of you are willing to help with this, I would be truly grateful."

After hearing this, the three committee members furrowed their brows. As expected, the Greedy Root Demon was a rare Soul Beast. Not only was it scarce, but it was also a plant-type Soul Beast that could move on its own, making it even harder to find.

At this moment, Qin Ming suddenly spoke up:

"Why don't we, along with the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team, take Wang Li to the Star Dou Great Forest? With Wang Li's strength, he will certainly become a key member of the team, but he has had very little interaction with the other members, which isn't ideal for participating in the Advanced Soul Master Tournament!"

"We can use the journey to the Star Dou Great Forest to search for his fourth Soul Ring and also help him build rapport with the rest of the team. This will allow him to familiarize himself with everyone!"

Qin Ming had originally planned to lead the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team to participate in soul fighting, but now he decided it was better to first integrate Wang Li into the team. Once they developed coordination and teamwork, they could move forward together.

Meng Shenji thought for a moment and then spoke:

"That's a good idea. Let everyone get familiar with each other. In the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Competition, you'll all be close-knit teammates."

"As for the journey to the Star Dou Great Forest, whether or not we find the Greedy Root Demon is less important. The main focus should be on team-building. We also have some old friends who can help. I'm sure we'll make some progress."

(End of chapter)