Earth Net Spirit Root

Liu Feng listened quietly to everyone's discussion, but his thoughts had drifted far away.

In this era, the theories surrounding Soul Ring absorption had yet to be perfected. Most people relied on experience and instinct to judge whether a Soul Ring was compatible.

But as a transmigrator, he clearly knew about the Soul Ring Absorption Limit Theory that "Master" Yu Xiaogang would publish in the future—the limit for a First Soul Ring was approximately Four Hundred Twenty-Three Years.

The Four Hundred Year Earth Net Spirit Root Soul Ring before him was close to that limit, but it remained within the safe range.

Moreover, the Earth Net Spirit Root Soul Ring had gentle attributes and mainly specialized in healing and Recovery Ability, so it would not place too much burden on his body.

More importantly, successfully absorbing it would strengthen the root abilities of his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, laying a solid foundation for future Martial Soul Evolution and making his future Cultivation Path smoother.

At that thought, Liu Feng raised his head and looked at his father. Determination shone in his eyes as he said steadily, having made up his mind, "Father, I want to try absorbing this Soul Ring. I believe I can succeed."

Liu Qing looked at his son's resolute gaze. His heart was full of relief, though it was mixed with a trace of worry.

He knew that Liu Feng had always had his own opinions since childhood and acted with composure.

Since his son was so determined, he must have great confidence in himself.

Liu Qing pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "All right, Xiao Feng. Since you think there won't be a problem, we'll give it a try. But you must be extremely careful. The moment you feel any discomfort, stop absorbing it immediately. We'll guard you with everything we have and ensure your safety."

Liu Feng nodded gratefully and said solemnly, "Thank you, Father. I'll definitely be cautious."

Everyone moved swiftly.

With his keen Scouting Ability, Sun Lao San carefully searched the surroundings, making sure no Soul Beasts were lurking nearby.

Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma bent down and began digging, intent on finding the Earth Net Spirit Root Soul Beast's root stem.

"Found it! There's a root stem here!" Zhang Ma shouted excitedly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

With everyone working together to dig, the Earth Net Spirit Root's full form gradually appeared before them.

This Plant Soul Beast possessed an extremely developed Root System. It plunged roughly four meters into the ground, like a massive and dense spiderweb covering an area nearly a hundred meters across.

Its Main Root Stem was thick and sturdy, about two meters long and flattened into an oval shape, with a diameter of nearly half a meter. Its surface carried a faint Earth Yellow sheen, its patterns crisscrossing as if recounting the tales of time.

The area around the root stem was densely covered in Fine Roots as thick as little fingers. Each was about a meter long, pale white with a faintly translucent texture. Like countless nimble tentacles, they stretched out in All Directions, weaving a vast Root System network underground.

Not only were these Fine Roots numerous and widely spread, but they also reached deep below ground, with the deepest extending seven or eight meters down.

They gripped the surrounding soil tightly, greedily absorbing underground Nutrients and water.

Many tiny Rootlets grew from the ends of the Fine Roots. Though as slender as fuzz, they were astonishingly numerous, like tiny suction cups firmly attached to the soil, further enhancing the Root System's absorption ability.

The Rootlets' surfaces were covered in soft yet tough Grayish-White fuzz, as though nature had bestowed upon the Earth Net Spirit Root unique "feelers." They were not only tools for absorbing Nutrients, but also vital organs for sensing its surroundings.

The Earth Net Spirit Root's aboveground portion resembled a low shrub, its Branches and Leaves lush and filled with a Greenish Hue.

The oval leaves had smooth surfaces and tiny Serrations along their edges. A faint glow seeped from between the clear Leaf Veins. They appeared ordinary, yet contained considerable Life Force and could provide weak Healing Power to nearby small Soul Beasts.

"So this is the Earth Net Spirit Root Soul Beast's full form. That Root System is truly enormous!" Sun Lao San exclaimed, his eyes filled with shock.

Zhang Niu nodded and looked at the others. "Should we start cutting through the root stem now?"

They moved quickly. Sun Lao San summoned his Gold Devouring Rat Martial Soul, his Hands digging through the ground like rapidly Circulated machinery and swiftly exposing the Earth Net Spirit Root's Root System in its entirety.

Zhang Niu swung his heavy Double-sided Axe and precisely severed several of the Earth Net Spirit Root's main roots to prevent it from escaping.

Zhang Ma vigilantly scanned the surroundings, remaining alert for an Ambush by other Soul Beasts.

Liu Qing took out a bundle of finger-thick rope from his Backpack and skillfully bound the Earth Net Spirit Root's main roots to prevent them from retracting.

Liu Feng stood to one side, nervously watching every movement everyone made, afraid that something unexpected might happen.

Before long, the Earth Net Spirit Root was completely subdued.

More than half of its Root System had been cut apart, and the Branches and Leaves aboveground gradually lost their vitality and began to wither.

To avoid being attacked by other Soul Beasts while absorbing the Soul Ring, everyone decided to swiftly retreat with the Earth Net Spirit Root.

Liu Qing carefully dug out the Earth Net Spirit Root's root stem and confirmed once more that it was around two meters long, broad and flattened, with densely packed Fine Roots around it extending dozens of meters in every direction.

Liu Feng looked at the Earth Net Spirit Root before him, his heart brimming with joy. He knew that his first Soul Ring had finally been secured.

Everyone quickly packed up their equipment and carried the Earth Net Spirit Root Soul Beast's root stem as they rapidly retreated along the Cavern passage.

Torchlight swayed and flickered through the narrow passage, illuminating the road ahead.

"Everyone, be careful. There may be other Soul Beasts in this Cavern." Liu Qing wore a Grave Expression, his tone carrying unquestionable severity.

Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma cleared the way ahead, Sun Lao San handled scouting in the middle of the group, while Liu Qing and Liu Feng guarded the rear.

Their steps were swift and orderly as they tried to minimize the time they spent inside the Cavern.

After hurrying for nearly Half an Hour, they finally emerged from the Cavern and arrived beside the tranquil lake.

Moonlight spilled across the Lake Surface, making it shimmer like a peaceful painting.

"We're finally out." Liu Qing Sighed in Relief, a Relieved Smile appearing on his face. "It's safer here. We'll absorb the Soul Ring here."

Everyone returned to the place where they had camped the previous night. They quickly built a fire, fetched water from the lake, and after boiling it, ate some Dry Rations with hot water before resting briefly.

Liu Feng also used this time to adjust his condition and make his final preparations for absorbing the Soul Ring.

Liu Feng slowly stepped forward and stared at the Earth Net Spirit Root before him. His heartbeat involuntarily quickened, while his eyes remained full of determination.

Liu Qing stepped forward, gently patted his son's shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Xiao Feng, go. End its life with your own hands and absorb its Soul Ring."

Liu Feng took a deep breath, tightened his grip on the Short Spear in his hand, and steadily walked before the Earth Net Spirit Root's Main Root Stem.

He adjusted his breathing once more, calming his emotions. Then he fiercely drove the entire Short Spear into the center of the root stem.

The Earth Net Spirit Root's body trembled slightly before it went completely still.

When the Earth Net Spirit Root's Life Aura had completely Disappeared, a Yellow Soul Ring emitting a gentle glow slowly rose from its body and hovered in the air, as if waiting for a new owner.

Liu Feng stared at the Yellow Soul Ring before him, too excited to contain himself.