Chapter 41.

The continuous influx of energy, under Wang Feng's control, flowed into the Meteoric Tears in his heart. There, it condensed and purified into quintessential soul power.

The energy was still flowing relentlessly. Without control, Wang Feng might have exploded at that very moment. Even with Meteoric Tears, he wouldn't have survived the sheer soul power of the ten-thousand-years soul ring.

In fact, had this absorption not taken place and had the ice emperor lizard not willingly become his soul ring, there would have been no chance to absorb this remaining energy. As there was no trace of resentment in this soul energy and it had no adverse effect on his own martial soul, allowing him to manage it calmly.

Even if he had Meteoric Tears, it might not have been enough. The immense energy of the ten thousand years soul ring could have instantly overwhelmed his body and consciousness, leaving no chance for Meteoric Tears to reconstruct him.

After a considerable time, Wang Feng opened his eyes and as a rainbow colored light gleamed within them. Two soul rings slowly ascended from his feet, one purple and one black.

"My soul power level must be around twenty-three now." Wang Feng concluded, taking a deep breath.

Normally, reaching these three levels would take at least half a year. Most of the energy from the ten thousand years soul ring had been used to break through the cultivation bottleneck and the awakening of Red Lotus, while a small portion had been compressed and purified by the Meteoric Tears granting him three soul levels.

Even this smaller portion could have propelled an ordinary spirit master from level 20 to level 30 very easily and even might led to their demise. But for Wang Feng, it had merely elevated him by three soul levels.

"It appears that in five years, I should be able to reach level 30. Furthermore, now that I possess a ten thousand year soul ring, I meet the requirements for admission into the Shrek Academy," Wang Feng said with a hint of joy. 

"There's no need to worry about the third soul ring."

He could feel the explosive energy coursing through his body.

"My body feels way lighter again and it seems that my physical fitness has improved significantly. While it may not be as significant as the first time my body was rebuilt and enhanced, the improvement is still noticeable."

With the weight of his protective gear still on him, Wang Feng felt the difference keenly.

"Now, in my deified state, I could easily crush that six-thousand-year-old Resplendent Golden Thunder Leopard!" 

(E/N: Deified state means when he is using [Deification] soul skill on himself.)

Wang Feng flexed his hands, a confident grin forming. 

"Facing a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast, now I could at least hold my own. If not, I could still make a quick escape! When I reach level 30, I should have a good chance of defeating a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast without even acquiring the third soul ring!"

It was worth noting that a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast was equivalent to a human soul emperor at level sixty-one!

If Wang Feng were to face the enemy from before, that Soul Ancestor, he could approach and eliminate him before he even had a chance to unleash his soul skills. He wouldn't allow him the opportunity to use his abilities. That's how much difference he felt after absorbing the ten thousand year old soul ring

"Though remaining seven levels will be tougher to achieve than the previous ones. And I must stabilize the improvements from gaining three soul levels at one, which I achieved right now." Wang Feng pondered. He spread his palms and the Ice-Crystal Red Lotus bloomed.

The Red Lotus now was undeniably more beautiful than before, with its lotus petals adorned with ice crystals that shimmered alongside the vibrant red.

The blend of ice and fire created a stunning and contradictory spectacle.

"Let me test your power," Wang Feng declared.

While lying nearby, the sleeping Starlight Fox rubbed its eyes and glanced at Wang Feng, emitting a few curious noises. The young Ice Emperor Lizard, a couple of meters away, also opened its eyes, still carrying traces of lingering sadness.

Wang Feng addressed the two soul beasts, "You two little ones, step back."

Starlight Fox obediently carried the Ice Emperor Lizard cub and retreated few steps back.

Ignoring the two spirit beasts for now, Wang Feng leaped tens of meters high from a nearby tree with a gentle push from his feet.

Then, he spurred the Red Lotus in his hand to encase a piece of ice crystal within its petals, infusing it with his soul power.

The ability of the Golden Lotus were [Deification] soul skills, capable of doubling the attributes and abilities, including a paralyzing lightning attack effect.

And this Red Lotus...

Wang Feng felt the overwhelming power it contained.

"Go!" Wang Feng selected a single Red Lotus petal, funneling half of his soul power into it and willed it forward.

In mid-air, the ice-crystal-coated red lotus petal emitted peculiar rays under the morning sun.

"Detonate!" Wang Feng mentally commanded.

In the next moment, the ice crystal shattered, unleashing a tremendous explosion of icy crimson fire!

Boom!

Within a hundred meters, the combined might of ice and fire swept through everything, sparing nothing in its path. Even Wang Feng was not spared from its impact.

Wherever the explosion reached, all was reduced to ashes and then get frozen in a thick layer of ice.

The towering trees within a radius of about two hundred meters were rapidly reduced to ashes by the flames.

There was even a crater on the ground at the epicenter of the explosion.

Wang Feng's clothing was also scorched, his body enveloped in a thick layer of ice, while countless ice shards bounced off him with a crispy 'ding' sound.

Wang Feng stared at the scene before him in awe for a few moments.

"My second soul skill/ability is a wide-range, group attack skill... and it seems to pack quite a punch. This level of power would give a hard time even to a defense-focused soul masters below level Soul King," Wang Feng mused.

He retrieved a fresh set of clothes from his soul guide and quickly dressed himself, examining the scorched earth around him with wide eyes.

Looking at the ice-crystal Red Lotus in his hand, Wang Feng thought to himself, "If I were to detonate all the lotus petals and the entire Red Lotus... I fear..."

He shook his head, thinking, "This second soul skill/ability, let's call it 'Ice Flame Fury Lotus'?"

After naming his second soul skill/ability, Wang Feng gracefully descended from mid-air. He noticed that the Starlight Fox and the Ice King Lizard cub were both staring at him with a trace of fear in their eyes. Clearly, the explosive display from earlier had startled them. Even now, there was still a lingering scorching heat emanating from the explosion pit in front of them, along with the burnt remnants of trees and earth.

Wang Feng approached the cub and observed it closely. The appearance of the Ice Emperor Lizard reminded him of the ferocious 'Garchomp' from the Pokémon world he was familiar with in his previous life but this creature was entirely ice-blue, including its wings. Currently, the cub stood at only two meters in height, while the ten thousand-year Ice Emperor Lizard reached a towering ten meters in height alone.

It was evident that this cub was quite weak right now.

"He's too large for me to take out of here safely. But within this Soul-Hunting Forest, he's vulnerable to attacks by other soul masters and soul beasts," Wang Feng contemplated. 

"I'll just have to keep a close eye on him."

This was, after all, a soul beast hunting forest established by humans, complete with guards and patrols to prevent poaching. The Ice Emperor Lizard was far too massive to be easily transported out of here without anyone noticing it.

"I'll visit you regularly from now on." Wang Feng assured the cub as he gently patted his head.

Turning his attention to the Starlight Fox, Wang Feng spoke again, "When I become stronger, I'll find a way to get you both out of here. If you encounter a soul master or soul beast that you can't handle in the forest, quickly run and hide until the next time I come to meet."

He directed this message at the Starlight Fox because of its greater intelligence. The Ice Emperor Lizard cub was still quite naïve and cute.

The Starlight Fox nodded and then emitted a series of calls towards the Ice Emperor Lizard behind it, as if conveying a message.

After exchanging a few more words, Wang Feng retraced his steps back to his three teammates.

By now, the sky was fully illuminated. When he returned to the camp, Silk Rong, Old Black and Ling Ren were all awake. Their injuries had nearly completely healed, except for the missing arm. Wang Feng believed that once he grew stronger, Golden Lotus healing powers could also regenerate their limbs.

"I understand you might have some questions." Wang Feng began, addressing the trio who were silently observing him. 

"Both of them are dead now and I saved you from your injuries. Once we leave the hunting forest, I suggest you leave the city where you're currently located. The noble lady's family is formidable and if they discover that they hired our team and died in the forest while you survived, they won't spare you."

"However, there are numerous teams outside the Soul Hunting Forest. Even if they find you, as long as you've already left, they won't go to great lengths to track you down."

"Find another city to settle in."

Wang Feng continued, studying their reactions.

Lin Shan had been a noblewoman in the province of Fasnuo, which was merely one of many provinces within the Heaven Dou Empire. Wang Feng estimated that the strongest among them was only around level sixty, though he couldn't be certain and he didn't have the time to investigate further. Moreover, Lin Shan and the old servant had met an unspeakable end, leaving no evidence of their death behind. When Silk Rong, Old Black and Ling Ren discreetly disappear from the province of Fasnuo, no one could trace them.

"Very well." Old Black and Ling Ren nodded in agreement.

Surviving their harrowing ordeal had not been easy experience.

"That's settled then. I've been wanting to leave the province of Fasnuo for a while now," Silk Rong added with a smile. She turned to Wang Feng. 

"Thanos, where would you like us to go?"

Both Ling Ren and Old Black were taken aback by her statement, as was Wang Feng.

"I won't be leaving the province of Fasnuo just yet," Wang Feng replied. He possessed a disguise and even his name was a false one. Lin Shan's family couldn't possibly track him down.

"However, approximately five years from now, I plan to go to the neighboring city of Suotuo in the Balak Kingdom," Wang Feng stated.

"Well then, we'll head to Suotuo City first. The Balak Kingdom is a vassal kingdom of the Heaven Dou Empire. Under the current circumstances, it operates independently from the Heaven Dou Empire's control. They even pay tribute annually and the province of Fasnuo doesn't have any influence there," Silk Rong explained, her smile returning. 

"Although Old Black and Ling Ren may not be able to fight without their hands, they won't starve to death. When the time comes, we'll be waiting for you in Suotuo City."

With that, Silk Rong turned to Old Black and Ling Ren, as if seeking their approval.

The two exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

"Very well, I'll come and find you in Suotuo City," Wang Feng said, taking a deep breath as he gazed intently at the trio.

With that, he was the first to exit the soul beast hunting forest.

By now, it was nearly noon.

Outside the Soul-Hunting Forest, the sun shone brightly, its soft, warm rays enveloping the world. Wang Feng, stepping out of the forest, felt a familiar warmth, a sensation he is used to while living in the Douluo Continent.

The sunlight penetrated his black robe, its radiance seeming to pierce through the fabric and reach the youthful body concealed beneath.

Wang Feng turned to glance at the magnificent Soul-Hunting Forest in the distance, feeling a wave of emotion wash over him.

After a moment's reflection, he turned and with a gentle lift of his black robe, gracefully melted into the bustling crowd...

....

E/N : This arc ends here. From the next chapter, Shrek Academy arc will start and I gurantee you this, its one of the best arc in this story. So tune in to find out what happens in the next chapter of Sign-in In Douluo Dalu.

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