Ning Fengzhi's Plan

Chen Yuan rose to his feet, the Seven Kill Sword appearing in his hand. Its blade was ancient and unadorned, yet it radiated a fierce aura. Two Spirit Rings rose from beneath his feet, one yellow and one purple. This was absolutely a Spirit Ring configuration that shattered the continent's current common sense.

"The First Soul Skill strengthens the sword body, and the Second Soul Skill delivers a powerful burst. With the enormous boosts provided by these two Soul Skills, my combat strength should be no weaker than that of an ordinary Soul Elder."

The corners of Chen Yuan's mouth lifted, his expression brimming with confidence. "Advantages are accumulated bit by bit. My Second Spirit Ring came from a 1,500-year Spirit Ring, so for my Third Spirit Ring, I'll dare to absorb a 5,000-year Spirit Ring. Then, for my Fourth Spirit Ring, I'll dare to attempt a 10,000-year Spirit Ring. If I continue like this, I'll be able to make up for my lack of talent and reach heights even those with Innate Full Soul Power have never attained. So, I hope Teacher will continue supporting me."

After hearing this, Chen Xin gained a little more understanding as he looked at Chen Yuan. Perhaps it was precisely because of his talent that his disciple was so determined to break through his limits—and even surpass them.

After all, Innate Level 9 Soul Power was only one level below Innate Level 10 Soul Power, but the difference in their affinity for Soul Power was far from small.

Chen Xin patted Chen Yuan on the shoulder and said, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Your talent is not poor to begin with. Even if you cultivate step by step and absorb Spirit Rings with normal configurations, you still have hope of becoming a Titled Douluo at fifty-two, just like me. Following your current plan, the risks you'll have to bear are far from ordinary. But as your teacher, I'll do everything I can to help you. I only hope this isn't a case of forcing growth and rushing for results."

How could Chen Yuan not feel pressure? If he truly had to wait until he was fifty-two to become a Titled Douluo, it would be far too late. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have been wiped out, sword broken and bones shattered, and the grass on the old man's grave would be tall by then. So, when it was time to fight, he had to fight.

He then said firmly, "Thank you for your care, Teacher. I still want to do the very best I can at every stage of cultivation, so long as conditions permit."

Chen Xin did not try to dissuade him further. He also hoped his disciple could become stronger; he was merely worried that Chen Yuan would pursue overly powerful Spirit Rings and perish midway through the process. That would truly be more loss than gain. In the end, he could only say, "Now that you've absorbed your Second Spirit Ring, let's return to the Sect first."

Chen Xin then took Chen Yuan with him, transforming into a streak of sword light that shot into the sky before flying toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Main Peak, main hall!

With Chen Xin's speed, they returned to the Sect that very day. Then, they gave Ning Fengzhi a brief report.

After listening to Chen Xin recount the entire process of Chen Yuan absorbing the Spirit Ring, Ning Fengzhi was so shocked that he could not say a word. A Thousand-Year Spirit Ring for his Second Spirit Ring—using his life to break the conventions of the Spirit Master world. This boy truly had some nerve.

However, Ning Fengzhi was quick-witted and immediately thought of the tremendous gains that absorbing a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring could bring.

He took out a Crystal Ball for testing Soul Power and handed it to Chen Yuan. "Chen Yuan, test your Soul Power."

Chen Yuan did not hesitate. Taking the Crystal Ball, he also wanted to know how much Soul Power he had. After taking the risk of absorbing a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, he surely had more than Level 21 Soul Power.

Sure enough, the Crystal Ball shone brilliantly. He had at least Level 22 Soul Power, undoubtedly saving Chen Yuan the time needed to cultivate one more level of Soul Power.

Ning Fengzhi immediately thought in delight, Chen Yuan risked absorbing a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring and not only obtained a powerful Soul Skill, but also gained an additional level of Soul Power due to its immense energy. The gains are enormous. More importantly, this isn't something that can't be replicated.

Chen Yuan successfully absorbed a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring as his Second Spirit Ring because the Whale Rubber we purchased strengthens bones, muscles, and vital energy. This gives our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect another way to cultivate elite disciples—and we're the only ones on the entire continent who have it.

At this thought, Ning Fengzhi let out a breath, then composed himself and looked at Chen Xin with a smile. "Sword Uncle, you really were bold to actually agree to let him absorb a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring. Fortunately, the result was good. He gained a powerful Soul Skill and raised his Soul Power by another level."

At that moment, a burst of hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall. Ning Rongrong soon came jogging in, with Gu Rong following behind her.

After entering, Ning Rongrong first greeted them obediently. "Dad, Sword Grandpa, Brother Chen Yuan..."

Then she stared straight at Chen Yuan and asked, "You've already absorbed your Second Spirit Ring and become a Two-Ring Great Soul Master?"

After striding inside, Gu Rong comforted Ning Rongrong in a gentle tone. "Rongrong, don't worry. It's only two levels of Soul Power. Once you break through successfully, no matter how old the Spirit Ring this kid absorbed was, your Bone Grandpa will hunt you a Spirit Beast of the same age."

Before Chen Yuan could answer, Ning Fengzhi took the initiative to explain, "Bone Uncle, don't make promises so casually. Chen Yuan's Second Spirit Ring is a 1,500-year Spirit Ring. Not just anyone can absorb one. Rongrong, now you know the gap between you, right? You'd better cultivate properly from now on. He cultivates so diligently, while you always cultivate so casually."

Ning Rongrong's eyes widened as she listened. But when Ning Fengzhi began lecturing her, she pouted, feeling somewhat dissatisfied. Faced with Ning Fengzhi, who always used such comparisons to suppress her, Ning Rongrong thought, Hmph, stupid Dad, always comparing me to others. One day, I'll run away from home. When you can't find me, let's see whether you panic then!

Gu Rong, who had just promised to hunt a Spirit Beast for Ning Rongrong, could not say a word for a long while. In the end, he looked at Chen Yuan and forced out, "You brat, you really have a tough life!"

Seeing that everyone was present, Ning Fengzhi smiled and announced, "Half a month from now, the First Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire will come to take me as his teacher. I will receive him ceremoniously. When the time comes, Sword Uncle and Bone Uncle, you two must attend as well. Rongrong and Chen Yuan, you should also come and meet this First Prince."

"Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire originally had four children. Unfortunately, the Second Prince and Third Prince died young. After a long period of contact and observation, the current First Prince is not particularly outstanding, but he is gentle and benevolent. The youngest, the Fourth Prince, is a wastrel who spends his days doing nothing useful."

"So I made my plans and successfully won over the First Prince. He is already eighteen. As long as he takes me as his teacher and gains my support, he will have a one-hundred-percent chance of being named Crown Prince by Xue Ye. This is something he cannot refuse, and neither can I."

"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already developed to its limit. If we want to go a step further, this is our opportunity."

As he spoke, a flame known as ambition burned in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged a glance. Neither had any objections, and they spoke in unison, "We shall follow the Sect Leader's decision!"