Chapter 5

Qin Chen received his first mission: to obtain a 1,000-year-old spirit ring. The challenge hung heavy in the air; absorbing a spirit ring beyond the limit could be perilous.

Yet a spark of hope kindled within Qin Chen. His sister, Xiao Wu, a spirit beast herself, understood the intricacies of the spirit world. With her guidance, Qin Chen felt a glimmer of confidence.

With puppy eyes filled with determination, Qin Chen turned to Xiao Wu. "Sister, can you accompany me to get my first spirit ring?" he pleaded.

Xiao Wu hesitated, torn between her nature as a spirit beast and her love for her little brother. Finally, she relented, her smile masking her inner turmoil. "Ok, sister, I'm going to accompany you," she said, her voice filled with unwavering support.

Excitement surged within Qin Chen as he and Xiao Wu embarked on their quest. Surprisingly, their journey was uneventful. Qin Chen's empathetic nature had forged friendships with the spirits they encountered, ensuring their safety.

After a brief walk, they stumbled upon a rare creature—a demon fox, with its two tails and sharp ears marking it as a formidable opponent specializing in mental attacks and illusions. Qin Chen, aware of the power of control skills, decided to face this challenge head-on.

To everyone's astonishment, the demon fox didn't attack. Instead, it playfully engaged with Qin Chen, as if it recognized a kindred spirit. This unusual friendship blossomed, with Qin Chen eventually addressing the inevitable: his need for a spirit ring.

The demon fox, shocked by Qin Chen's request, hesitated. The creature was ancient, far exceeding the limit for a first-spirit ring. But Qin Chen, with unshakeable confidence, assured him that willingness was all that mattered.

With the wind howling around them, a solemn moment enveloped the trio. Xiao Wu, overwhelmed by worry, advised her brother to retreat if things went awry. But Qin Chen, undeterred, gazed defiantly at the demon fox.

Then the sacrifice began. A dark ring emerged above the demon fox, accompanied by a magnetic force. Qin Chen and the fox levitated, their eyes locked in a silent understanding. Time seemed to stand still as they shared their final moments together.

With a burst of energy, the demon fox exploded, leaving behind a spirit ring. Slowly, it merged with Qin Chen, infusing him with newfound strength and knowledge. In that moment, Xiao Wu's heart swelled with pride. Her little brother had faced a formidable challenge and emerged victorious, marking the beginning of his extraordinary journey in the spirit realm.

Empowered by the sacrifice of the demon fox, Qin Chen felt a surge of energy coursing through him. The 25,000-year-old spirit ring had bestowed upon him unparalleled mental prowess and a deep connection to the spirit world. With his newfound abilities, he could sense the thoughts and emotions of those around him, making him a master of empathy and control.

As the winds settled and reality returned, Xiao Wu watched her brother in awe. Qin Chen's eyes, once filled with uncertainty, now glowed with a newfound sense of purpose. He was no longer just a young spirit master; he had become a force to be reckoned with.

The notification on Qin Chen's interface confirmed his success:

"Mission Accomplished! Congratulations, Qin Chen, on obtaining a 25,000-year-old spirit ring. Your strength and knowledge have significantly increased. Reward: 1000 Etherium Crystals."

With the reward in hand, Qin Chen's dream was finally within reach. He could afford the Butterfly Wings Cloak, an artifact that had captured his imagination since he first heard of it. The thought of owning this legendary item filled him with excitement and anticipation.

"Thank you, Sister, for accompanying me," Qin Chen said, his voice filled with gratitude as he hugged Xiao Wu. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Xiao Wu smiled, her eyes reflecting pride and love. "You've always had strength within you, little brother. I'm just here to support you."

"Little brother, now that you already have your first spirit ring, why don't you show it to me and tell me what it can do?" asked Xiao Wu.

Qin Chen, his eyes sparkling with excitement, nodded at his sister's request. With a confident smile, he focused his energy, and a subtle glow enveloped his hand. Slowly, a spectral image of the 25,000-year-old demon fox's spirit ring materialized in the air before them.

"This is my first spirit ring, Sister," Qin Chen said, his voice filled with pride. "It's not just a source of power; it's a connection to the spirit world, a testament to our friendship with the demon fox."

As he spoke, the spirit ring began to emanate a gentle aura, a manifestation of the demon fox's unique abilities. "This ring allows me to delve into the thoughts and emotions of others," Qin Chen explained. "I can sense their fears, their hopes, and their desires. It's not just about control; it's about understanding, about forging connections between souls."

Xiao Wu watched in awe as her brother demonstrated his newfound abilities. She could feel the energy emanating from the spirit ring, a testament to its immense power. "That's incredible, little brother," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "But what else can it do?"

Qin Chen's eyes glinted with determination. "The spirit ring grants me control over illusions and mental attacks," he continued. "I can create illusions so convincing that they become reality, trapping my enemies in their deepest fears. And in battle, I can manipulate the thoughts of my opponents, confusing them and gaining the upper hand."

As he spoke, the air around them shimmered, and a mirage of a lush forest appeared, surrounding them with the illusion of nature's beauty. Xiao Wu gasped in amazement, marveling at her brother's mastery of illusionary arts.

"But there's more," Qin Chen added, his voice turning serious. "The spirit ring also enhances my empathy. I can heal emotional wounds, calm raging spirits, and inspire hope in the darkest of times. It's not just a weapon, Sister; it's a tool of understanding and compassion."

Xiao Wu nodded, her eyes filled with pride and affection. "You've truly become a master of your abilities, little brother," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "Your empathy and control over illusions make you a force to be reckoned with. I have no doubt that you'll change the world with your gifts."