Soul Elder, Earth Splitting Void Shattering Slash

In Sunset Forest, within a valley.

A young man sat cross-legged atop a flat bluestone, his eyes lightly closed as faint Soul Power fluctuations lingered around him.

Before him floated a longsword shimmering with starlight. It was his martial soul.

Beside him stood an old man with his hands behind his back, his silver-white hair drifting gently in the forest breeze.

The two were Lin Yao and Chen Xin.

At that moment, Chen Xin's worldly eyes remained fixed on Lin Yao, while the faint pressure of a Title Douluo radiated from his body.

It dispersed every hidden soul beast aura in the surroundings, erecting an invisible protective barrier around Lin Yao.

Lin Yao was at the critical stage of absorbing a Soul Ring. His spiritual power flowed into the Star Sword like a trickling stream, clearly sensing the convergence and fusion between the sword and the fifteen-thousand-year Soul Ring from the Ground Splitting Tiger.

The Soul Ring floated beside the Star Sword. Its pale black glow contained violent energy that made one's heart tremble, like a slumbering giant beast that could break free at any moment.

Yet the Star Sword stood firm like a pillar stabilizing the sea. The starlight on its blade flared, instantly suppressing the Soul Ring's agitation.

Immediately afterward, the enormous yet pure Earth Attribute energy within the Soul Ring flowed into Lin Yao's body in an endless torrent, as if guided.

As expected of a ten-thousand-year Soul Ring from the Ground Splitting Tiger clan.

Lin Yao sighed inwardly.

The energy within this fifteen-thousand-year Earth Attribute Soul Ring was unimaginably tyrannical. Every strand that surged into his Meridians carried the crushing pressure of a mountain.

An ordinary level-fifty quasi-Soul King with a top-tier Earth Attribute martial soul would likely not even dare attempt to absorb such violent energy.

One moment of carelessness, and their Meridians would shatter, leaving them crippled.

Even though Lin Yao had prepared himself, the absorption process was far from easy.

Earth Attribute energy surged through his body, subjecting his muscles, bones, and Meridians to extreme tempering wherever it passed.

The agony was like countless steel needles piercing him. An ordinary person would have screamed in pain long ago, perhaps even fainted.

Yet Lin Yao's expression remained calm. Only fine beads of sweat seeped from his temples and slid down his cheeks as he endured it with composure.

It was not only because years of Cultivation had made his spiritual power and physical strength far exceed those of his peers, but also because of his unusual experiences.

Every time he fused with another version of himself from the myriad worlds, the increase in strength and abilities came with an extreme test of mental will.

After being tempered time and again, Lin Yao's tolerance for pain had long since been raised to an immeasurable level.

Lin Yao himself had never deliberately noticed it. Perhaps the joy of growing stronger, along with the suppression of his powerful spiritual strength, had quietly concealed this "habit."

The absorption continued. Lin Yao only felt his Meridians becoming packed full with Soul Power, as though they might burst at any moment.

At first, he had thought this fifteen-thousand-year Soul Ring was being absorbed far too smoothly. He had even secretly guessed that this might not be his current limit after all, and that he had been too conservative.

But the swelling pain from his Meridians soon shattered that thought. Clearly, his body had reached the upper limit of what it could bear at this stage.

Not far away, Chen Xin took in everything, a trace of astonishment flashing through his eyes.

He had lived for nearly a century and had seen countless talented soul masters absorb Soul Rings.

Even those gifted geniuses with Innate Full Soul Power usually struggled for quite some time when absorbing ten-thousand-year Soul Rings, much less someone like Lin Yao absorbing one beyond his level.

"This kid's speed at absorbing Soul Rings is simply inconceivable."

Chen Xin muttered softly.

"Anyone unaware of the truth might mistake this ten-thousand-year Soul Ring for a fifteen-hundred-year one."

Watching the Star Sword effortlessly suppress the Soul Ring while Lin Yao calmly absorbed its energy, everything proceeding naturally, Chen Xin could not help but marvel inwardly.

"A Soul Ring that others can barely control even after giving it their all is this easy for him to handle."

What astonished Chen Xin even more was that Lin Yao's second martial soul, the Star Body, had not appeared from beginning to end.

If the Star Body were operating at full strength to assist with the absorption, Lin Yao's current limit would probably be at least a twenty-thousand-year Soul Ring.

"By that logic, his fourth Soul Ring could start directly at thirty thousand years."

Chen Xin pondered inwardly, then shook his head.

"Still, Cultivation should proceed step by step. There is no need to push him too hard. If his foundation is shaken, the loss will outweigh the gain."

At that moment, Lin Yao had fully absorbed the Soul Ring's energy. He did not open his eyes immediately, instead immersing himself in comprehending his Soul Skill.

Within his mind, the characteristics of the earth element grew increasingly clear: heavy, steady, bearing the pressure of looking down upon the world, while possessing indestructible defensive power.

It was the manifestation of the will of the earth.

It could stir the ground into tremors and raise earth-and-stone storms that blotted out the sky.

It could also gather earth elements and construct defensive barriers as unbreakable as a fortress.

It could even draw upon earth's heaviness and innate gravitational pressure to unleash unstoppable, powerful strikes.

He then further considered how this Earth Attribute Soul Ring could work in conjunction with his first two Soul Rings.

His first Soul Ring came from the Dark Jade Bamboo. Wood elements specialized in vitality, resilience, and binding, while the heaviness of earth elements could serve as the "foundation" of wood elements.

When the Dark Jade Bamboo's vines bound an enemy, earth elements could add weight, making the restraints increasingly firm.

When wood elements formed plant barriers, earth elements could merge with them, greatly enhancing their hardness and defensive power.

His second Soul Ring came from the Molten Demon Bear. Fire elements specialized in scorching heat, explosions, and destruction, while earth elements could provide support and amplification.

The explosive force of fire combined with the weight of earth could make attacks far more impactful.

For instance, when the Molten Demon Bear's flame attacks carried earth and stone along with them, they could form a Flame Mudslide, multiplying their destructive power.

At the same time, defenses formed by earth elements could protect him when releasing fire elements, preventing flame backlash or interference from enemies.

Wood gives rise to fire, fire gives rise to earth. I now possess three of the Five Elements Power. I'm another step closer to my goal.

Lin Yao was filled with anticipation. As his grasp of the Soul Ring's power deepened, the outline of his Third Soul Skill gradually became clear.

A moment later, Lin Yao slowly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within them.

He rose to his feet and reached out to grasp the Star Sword floating before him. Three Soul Rings encircled the blade.

The first was pale purple, at the thousand-year level; the second was deep purple, at the five-thousand-year level; the third was pale black, at the fifteen-thousand-year level.

The three-colored Soul Rings flashed in turn, radiating a powerful aura.

"I've finally reached the Soul Elder realm."

A smile appeared on Lin Yao's lips. Feeling the surging Soul Power within his body, he was filled with a sense of strength.

This step brought him one small step closer to his goal of controlling his own fate and not being manipulated by others.

Holding the Star Sword, Lin Yao could clearly sense the power contained within it. He had a precise understanding of his current strength.

"With my current strength, an ordinary Soul Elder isn't even qualified to block a single strike from me.

"If I go all out, even Father at the Soul Ancestor realm probably won't be my opponent."

After all, Lin Yao had taken only a single year to go from entering the ranks of soul masters to becoming a Soul Elder.

While his peers were still struggling to obtain their first Soul Rings, he had relied on his special opportunities and his own efforts to advance as though he had cheat codes.

Such speed was enough to shock the entire soul master world.

After breaking through to Soul Elder, Lin Yao discovered that the attribute powers of the Star Sword had become even stronger.

The small cycle formed by wood, fire, and earth attributes also added a touch of mystique to his martial soul.

However, he also noticed that after breaking through to Soul Elder, the rate at which his Soul Power condensed into liquid had increased considerably. At the same time, the amount of Soul Power needed for future Cultivation far surpassed before.

If he cultivated at an ordinary pace, the speed of his breakthroughs would likely slow down.

But Lin Yao did not care. He had never been someone who judged everything by realm. In a world overshadowed by the pressure of the God Realm, rather than seeking to climb rapidly to the top, it was better to solidify his foundation and pursue the utmost combat power.

"Yao, you're awake?"

Chen Xin's voice came from nearby. He walked over to Lin Yao, an approving smile appearing on his face as he looked at the spirited youth.

"It seems this ten-thousand-year Soul Ring put no pressure on you at all. You truly haven't disappointed me."

Lin Yao smiled and nodded. "Absorbing it beyond my level was indeed easier than I expected. It seems I still underestimated my own limits."

Then a trace of longing flashed through his eyes.

"Master, I feel that my fourth Soul Ring in the future could completely rival the sixth Soul Ring of a Soul Emperor with an optimal Soul Ring configuration.

"If I can successfully obtain those opportunities, I might even challenge the age limit of a Soul Saint's seventh Soul Ring."

Chen Xin raised his brows upon hearing that. Just as he was about to ask about those opportunities, Lin Yao continued.

"Master, this opportunity lies with Senior Dugu, whom you met when you took me to obtain my first Soul Ring. Dugu Bo.

"But I do not want to seize it through trickery or force, and none of this would be possible without your support. If you were not here, Senior Dugu might not treat me as an equal. Once I truly obtain the opportunity, I will explain it to you in detail."

The opportunity Lin Yao spoke of was the Immortal Herbs beside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye.

But since the matter had not yet been confirmed, he did not wish to reveal it too early.

Upon hearing the name of the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, Chen Xin thought of Dugu Yan, the little genius beauty who was not much older than Lin Yao.

After pondering for a moment, he felt this was a major crisis for Rongrong. However, since it was a matter between young people, he had no intention of interfering.

He then said,

"You have your own sense of measure. Just be more careful, but there is no need to be afraid.

"When facing a Title Douluo, there is no need to be overly obsequious. I have left a life-saving measure on you. Dugu Bo will not dare take desperate risks lightly."

After saying that, Chen Xin understood that aside from matters of romance, Lin Yao's words carried a deeper meaning, but he did not press further.

After all, Lin Yao was already a Soul Elder with his own ideas. As his master, the most important thing was to support his decisions.

If Lin Yao could obtain an opportunity from Dugu Bo and further transform his physique and spiritual strength, then challenging the age limit of a Soul Saint's seventh Soul Ring for his fourth Soul Ring would not be impossible.

After discussing the opportunity, Chen Xin changed the subject, curiosity in his eyes.

"By the way, Yao, what exactly is your Third Soul Skill? A Soul Skill born from a Soul Ring over fifteen thousand years old certainly won't be simple."

Lin Yao smiled faintly and suggested,

"Master, demonstrating it alone may not be intuitive enough. Why not use the power of a Soul Ancestor to release your first Soul Skill, and let me receive it with my Third Soul Skill? That way, you'll see the effect more clearly."

A trace of interest flashed through Chen Xin's eyes.

"Oh? Releasing my first Soul Skill with Soul Ancestor-level power? Even so, my Seven Kill Thrust is not to be underestimated. You had better be careful."

Before his words had even faded, Soul Power surged around Chen Xin. A sharp-looking longsword instantly condensed in his hand: his martial soul, the Seven Kill Sword. Its pale yellow first Soul Ring lit up.

"Watch closely. Seven Kill Thrust!"

As his voice fell, Chen Xin's figure blurred. The Seven Kill Sword in his hand tore through the air and stabbed toward Lin Yao at astonishing speed, sharp Soul Power coiling around the blade with the force to pierce through anything.

If an ordinary Soul Ancestor with an optimal Soul Ring configuration faced this blow, they would likely be suppressed in an instant, perhaps even defeated outright.

Facing the incoming Seven Kill Thrust, Lin Yao remained calm. He raised the Star Sword slightly, and the third pale black Soul Ring suddenly lit up.

A yellow-brown glow instantly wrapped around the blade. Ancient, savage patterns emerged along its surface, resembling the claw marks of a Ground Splitting Tiger and radiating a heavy, tyrannical aura.

"My Third Soul Skill—Earth Splitting Void Shattering Slash."

Lin Yao gave a low shout and swung the Star Sword down with a burst of force.

At that moment, the boundary between sword and saber seemed to blur. It possessed the sharpness of a sword and the weight of a saber.

The instant the Star Sword swung, it drew upon the earth elements between heaven and earth.

The starlight on the blade intertwined with the yellow-brown glow, forming a brilliant and terrifying attack.

As the sword descended, the ground within its range suddenly trembled, as if an ancient giant beast had awakened beneath the earth.

Then the ground rose and split apart with a thunderous crash. Countless chunks of earth and stone shot outward like meteors, smashing in all directions with piercing howls.

The strike contained not only the sharp cutting power of starlight, but also the terrifying might of the earth splitting apart, forming a double assault of physical impact and earth-element suppression.

Even more astonishingly, the space within the attack's range briefly twisted, causing the trajectory of Chen Xin's Seven Kill Thrust to shift slightly and its speed to slow.

The next instant, the power of the Earth Splitting Void Shattering Slash collided with the Seven Kill Thrust.

With a deafening bang, Chen Xin's Seven Kill Thrust was wiped out as though it were dry wood before a raging force.

The heavy earth-element power continued onward, carving a long trench into the ground and crushing and snapping all the surrounding grass and trees.

Chen Xin stared at the scene before him, his eyes filled with shock.

He withdrew the Seven Kill Sword and strode to the trench. Reaching down to touch the lingering earth-element Soul Power in the ground, he sighed.

"Yao, the Earth Attribute power of your Third Soul Skill is far too tyrannical.

"What is even rarer is that the earth-element power actually contains the ability to distort space. That is extraordinarily uncommon."

After marveling at it, Chen Xin showed a hint of regret.

"However, your Dark Jade Bamboo Soul Skill from your first Soul Ring also possesses considerable offensive power. Now that you have this Third Soul Skill, I fear your first Soul Skill will be replaced.

"It seems that even top-tier thousand-year Soul Rings inevitably become weak in the later stages and can only be set aside."

In his view, even a genius like Lin Yao could not alter the rule that offensive Soul Skills acquired early on would become inadequate later.

For other soul masters, this was an even more insurmountable shackle.

However, Lin Yao smiled and shook his head. "Master, have you forgotten my Five Elements Power?

"Although I still lack metal and water, the wood, fire, and earth attributes have already formed a small cycle.

"My Soul Skills are not merely simple combinations. They can stack upon one another."

"Stack Soul Skills?"

Chen Xin's heart stirred, and he instantly thought of something.

"Could it be like the Dai Family's Hell White Tiger, where the first five Soul Skills can cooperate with each other?

"But even the Dai Family suffers from awkward transitions between Soul Skills, making it easy for powerful opponents to seize their openings.

"That is why they need martial soul fusion with the Zhu Family, using force to overcome force, in order to establish themselves in the Star Luo Empire.

"If your small cycle can eliminate that weakness, then the power of stacking the Five Elements Soul Skills would be unimaginable!"

"Exactly."

Lin Yao nodded and began explaining in detail.

"When my third Soul Ring works with my first, the Dark Jade Bamboo's vines bind the enemy first and restrict their movement. Then I unleash the Earth Splitting Void Shattering Slash.

"The ground ruptures and impacts caused by earth-element power will make the restrained enemy suffer more concentrated and more violent damage.

"Wood's 'binding' and earth's 'shattering' complement each other, greatly improving both battlefield control and damage output."

"When working with my second Soul Ring, I first activate the Molten Demon Bear's Overlord Body Soul Skill. Fire-element power erupts from my entire body, burning the enemy and weakening their defenses.

"Then, when I unleash Earth Splitting Void Shattering Slash, the heaviness of earth and the violence of fire collide and fuse, forming a Molten Lava Mudslide.

"The flames carry shattered earth and stone with them. Not only does the attack range expand, but the burning lasts longer and the destructive power multiplies. Fire's 'explosion' and earth's 'heaviness' amplify each other."

"More importantly, the cycle formed by the wood, fire, and earth Soul Rings allows the three Soul Skills to erupt simultaneously. Depending on the proportion of Soul Power output, it can even raise their power across entire stages."

After hearing Lin Yao's explanation, a storm rose within Chen Xin's heart.

He had never imagined that Soul Skills could be stacked and linked so perfectly.

After all, the reason soul master teams required seven people was precisely because a single soul master's Soul Skills could not be released simultaneously and could only be used one after another, greatly reducing efficiency.

But Lin Yao's current ability meant that he alone was equivalent to a well-coordinated soul master team.

Because the true effect of his Second Soul Skill was an Overlord Body enhancement, and with the explosive stacking of three Soul Skills, his burst power far surpassed that of teams at the same level. He could truly be called a one-man army.

"Yao, the secret behind your Soul Skill synergy must never be revealed carelessly. You must treat it as one of your trump cards."

Chen Xin warned him with a grave expression.

"I originally thought reaching the Soul King realm would not be difficult for you. By then, you would possess the strength to defeat a Soul Emperor with the optimal Soul Ring configuration."

"But now, it seems that once you gather all five elements and become a five-ring Soul King, the boost from the Five Elements Cycle may give you burst power that even a Soul Saint using their Martial Soul Avatar might not be able to withstand!"

"That depends on the specific effects. A Soul Saint's Martial Soul Avatar is still very powerful."

Receiving Chen Xin's approval, Lin Yao secretly felt that even though a Soul Saint using a move like Martial Soul Avatar—a watered-down version of Law of Heaven and Form of Earth—was indeed formidable, they might not necessarily be able to defeat him. Still, one had to be humble. A brilliant smile appeared on his face as he nodded solemnly.

"Also, rest assured, Master. I understand the stakes involved and will keep it properly confidential."