Elemental Butterfly and Han Li's First Battle
Looking at Han Li, who remained bent over and refused to rise, Broad Hill and Azure Luan exchanged a glance. Their eyes held a mixture of shock and delight, while their expressions were somewhat complicated.
After several days together, Broad Hill had come to understand his disciple somewhat. Han Li was as mischievous as Broad Hill had been in his youth, but just as stubborn. From the look of it, he had planned this long ago and had merely been waiting for Broad Hill to arrive.
Setting everything else aside, Han Li was willing to give up a 100,000 Year Soul Ring and a Soul Bone in exchange for the possibility that a little maid could cultivate. As an elder, Broad Hill was both angry and satisfied.
But Han Li had made the decision on his own without discussing it with his teacher at all, which also angered him. What? Did Broad Hill look like someone who would stop him?
Well, that was hard to say.
He had treated Xiu'er gently only for the sake of his disciple. As for how much he liked her, that was another matter. That was a 100,000 Year Soul Ring. Even if Han Li could not endure it at the time, getting a high-year Soul Bone would have been good enough.
She was only a special maid. Was she worth it? As long as Han Li wanted them, and they did not interfere with his cultivation, Broad Hill could find him plenty of Snake Women and Cat Women. Cases of partial awakening like this were rare, but not unheard of.
Yet Han Li had persisted even knowing all this, and might even have angered the teacher he had only recently taken. Then in the future, he might also do something similar for Broad Hill. How could that not please him? "Get up first."
Broad Hill said nothing, but Azure Luan spoke first.
Han Li hesitated for a moment, then looked up at his teacher. He found Broad Hill's expression constantly shifting between happiness and anger, making it impossible to tell whether he agreed or not.
"Sit," Azure Luan said softly. His gaze toward Han Li had softened considerably, and he tugged at Broad Hill, who was still immersed in his own thoughts, signaling that it was time for him to make a decision.
Broad Hill glanced at Han Li, who was still standing, and spoke irritably. "Sit."
Upon hearing that, Han Li's face lit up with joy. He knew the matter was probably settled, and he happily replied, "Thank you, Teacher."
Seeing the delight on his face, Broad Hill felt as though the brat had seen right through him. He deliberately put on a stern expression. "I can agree, but you must also agree to one condition of mine. How about it?"
Han Li answered without hesitation, "All right. Please tell me, Teacher."
Broad Hill was fairly satisfied to see that Han Li agreed without even the slightest hesitation. He tapped the table, then spoke slowly as though deep in thought. "It won't be difficult for you. Since you gave up a 100,000 Year Soul Ring and boasted that it was nothing, then make up for one yourself when the time comes. If you can't, I'll show you what regret means."
As Broad Hill spoke, a sinister grin appeared on his face, as though telling Han Li that he would hang him up and beat him when the time came.
Han Li was not intimidated by his posture. Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief. So that was all. Even if Broad Hill had not mentioned it, he had never planned to give up on a 100,000 Year Soul Ring or a Soul Bone.
"I agree, Teacher. Perhaps I'll fulfill your condition before becoming a Titled Douluo," Han Li answered confidently.
Broad Hill and Azure Luan exchanged smiles but said nothing. Had they not been the same in their youth? It was good for young people to have some spirit.
Over the following time, Broad Hill and Azure Luan personally taught him the precautions for the new Meditation Technique. They even had him enter a meditative state on the spot and personally corrected him.
They reconfirmed the strength of his body, explained some misconceptions he might encounter during early cultivation, and told him the safest way to absorb Soul Rings. They also finalized some cultivation resources according to his individual situation, saying the specifics would be arranged after he absorbed his Soul Ring tomorrow.
They talked for more than three hours. Only when Xiu'er came to inform them that dinner was ready did the two finally stop. After eating and drinking their fill, they left him with instructions to rest well tonight before departing separately.
Ever thoughtful, Azure Luan handed him a new Storage Necklace as he was leaving. He said it was an early gift for Xiu'er, wishing Han Li success with his plan, which earned another round of thanks from Han Li.
Lying in bed, Han Li played with his newly acquired Storage Wristband and Storage Necklace for a while, roughly calculating how many times wealthier he had become in half a day. He did not choose to cultivate and instead went to sleep early.
He had been tense ever since his Martial Soul Awakening a few days ago. On top of that, he had been tossed around on the road for nearly two days. Tomorrow, he would obtain his First Soul Ring, so getting plenty of rest was best at a time like this.
The night passed without incident.
At six in the morning, Han Li woke automatically. This was one of the rare times he had awakened before Xiu'er called for him.
He had slept well last night. Perhaps because he had relaxed all at once, he had gone straight into deep sleep. His current condition could be said to be the best it had been in recent days.
He lay there blankly for a while before a familiar voice came from outside. At Xiu'er's urging, Han Li completed a simple wash-up and headed with her toward the training grounds outside. He had already become somewhat familiar with the area yesterday.
It was not as though he always had Xiu'er wait on him. Or rather, only when he was not training did Xiu'er fully take on the duties of a maid.
Breathing in the crisp air, Han Li began to loosen up. One set of Eaglet Takes Flight, one set of The Times are Calling. Those were the only two he remembered, so he randomly picked one each day to warm up and tried his best to perform it correctly.
There was no helping it. These were the "cultivation techniques" he came with. No matter what, having something was better than nothing, and surely better than simply running?
After warming up came push-ups, burpees, and of course the most basic running, followed by rapid blade swings. This had been his training routine for nearly three years. He had even built a swimming pool at his residence in Notting City and swam two or three times a week, though there was none here for now.
Once he finished training, Xiu'er promptly handed over the towel and salt water she had prepared. She did not participate today. Knowing that Han Li was about to become a true Soul Master, she wanted to ensure the best possible service.
After the two turned and entered the room to clean themselves up, the two figures atop the wall exchanged a glance and vanished.
Just after breakfast, Broad Hill and Azure Luan arrived together, carrying a massive box wrapped in Soul Power.
"Let's go. To the training grounds, to obtain your First Soul Ring."
Broad Hill did not say much. After tossing out those words, he took the lead and strode away.
Han Li said nothing either and followed him into the training grounds.
Once he arrived, Broad Hill directly opened the box, revealing what was inside: a butterfly that looked very beautiful, only much larger. Several different colors shimmered across its wings, making it look dreamlike beneath the sunlight.
"An Elemental Butterfly, just over four hundred years old and extremely rare. The colors on its wings represent the elements it has initially mastered. It has no fixed habitat. Decades ago, a Soul Master accidentally absorbed one and gained the Elemental Affinity soul skill. Later, tests by the Martial Soul Research Department showed that it can only produce this one soul skill. Aside from that, it also slightly enhances Spiritual Power, but the elements it mastered while alive will not attach to the Soul Ring. You could say it perfectly meets your requirements."
"Among those who have absorbed its Soul Ring, no one has yet gained powerful offensive abilities through the soul skill. The strongest can only make a little fire to light cigarettes. You could say its development depends entirely on the Soul Master's ability. You still have a chance to regret this."
Broad Hill spoke with a solemn expression, offering one final reminder.
"It's this one, Teacher. Trust me."
Han Li did not hesitate. His eyes burned as he stared at the Elemental Butterfly, which was constantly trying to break through the Soul Power Shield.
"Good. We'll also take a look at your initial attack power."
Broad Hill stopped trying to persuade him. As he dispersed the Soul Power Shield, he slapped the Elemental Butterfly.
Han Li watched the Elemental Butterfly still wobbling through the air, then looked at Broad Hill, whose eyes were already closed. He would not believe it was not deliberate. He sighed inwardly, My dear teacher, did you forget that your disciple used to practice with blades? I can't shoot arrows at all.
Seeing the Elemental Butterfly preparing to fly higher, Han Li knew he did not have much time to hesitate. He decisively summoned his Martial Soul. The Ice Fire Blade instantly switched positions, and the Ice Blade appeared in his right hand.
As Broad Hill secretly cracked open his eyes with an expression of Huh?, Han Li charged forward and leaped high. The icy Ice Blade instantly slashed into the Elemental Butterfly's head. A wound immediately appeared, but its blood froze at once. Just as its stiffened body was about to fall, a Fire Blade had already stabbed into its soft abdomen, scorching the flesh around the wound.
"Fire!"
With Han Li's shout, flames abruptly surged from the Fire Blade, igniting the Elemental Butterfly's powder-covered wings. Han Li, meanwhile, turned and ran after pulling out his blade, with no intention of pressing the attack.
In only a few steps, he had returned to Broad Hill's side and even edged farther back. He watched the Elemental Butterfly tumble to the ground and roll around helplessly, unable to extinguish the flames, quietly waiting for it to drop its loot.
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