The Essence of Lin Ran's Martial Soul

"It's all right. We'll have plenty of time together in the future."

Lin Ran did not feel much sorrow at the parting.

Now that he had joined the Body Sect, his path of cultivation had only just begun.

The two casually wandered around Heaven Dou City before preparing to head home. As they passed a street corner, Lin Ran paused, his gaze falling upon a somewhat dilapidated residence.

"What is it?" Vina curiously followed Lin Ran's gaze. A huge plaque hung above the residence's gates, bearing the two bold, sweeping characters: "Tang Sect."

A delicate-looking little girl with a High Ponytail sat on the steps outside. She looked about Vina's age and was happily munching on snacks, her cheeks puffed full. Every so often, she glanced guiltily over her shoulder, her lovely phoenix eyes carrying the furtive look of a thief.

"You're interested in the Tang Sect? It was founded by the Sea God, Tang San, but unfortunately, with the rise of Soul Tools, it has now declined."

Vina's gaze lingered on the little girl. Lin Ran could not possibly be interested in her, could he?

Lin Ran withdrew his gaze and shook his head. "Not interested. Let's go back."

He had merely recalled the Tang Sect's future destruction in the Original Work.

The Tang Sect had not yet been wiped out. Though somewhat run-down, it was still peaceful and serene.

He wondered whether that girl was Tang Ya. She was just as lively and just as fond of food, and there was not a trace of shadow in her clear eyes.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

Lin Ran told Huo Yun'er about going to the Body Sect, and Huo Yun'er had already packed their luggage and daily necessities.

However, seeing that the small courtyard they had rented for several years was about to be left vacant, she could not help nagging Lin Ran about it several times.

Perhaps because they were about to part temporarily, Vina came to see him every day these past few days.

Huo Yun'er seemed to have seen through Vina's feelings. She kept telling Lin Ran that good girls should be cherished, and that he absolutely must not miss a girl who cared for him so deeply.

"Aunt Huo, I'm only six, and she's only nine. What she feels for me right now is nothing more than a little girl's temporary curiosity. Besides, if she really has those kinds of thoughts, you should be worried about me instead."

Huo Yun'er asked, "What should I be worried about?"

Lin Ran said, "Think about it. Someone who has improper thoughts about a six-year-old child—isn't that a pervert?"

Huo Yun'er inexplicably felt a little guilty.

That afternoon, after eating, Lin Ran was about to meditate and cultivate when Vina arrived. She had brought two people with her. One was the Body Sect's steward, Zhong Heng, while the other was a rather distinctive-looking elderly man.

Everyone sat facing one another in the living room as Lin Ran studied the old man across from him.

He was tall and powerfully built. His hair was green, but there was no hair in a ring around the top of his head—he was balding. Under the Soul Guiding Lamp, his scalp gleamed brightly, making it especially eye-catching. His eyes were also dark green, and even his clothes were green. He was green from head to toe.

So this was Du Busi? He looked... very distinctive.

Zhong Heng spoke. "This is the Sect Master of our Body Sect."

"Greetings, Senior." Lin Ran bowed.

"Greetings, Senior." Huo Yun'er bowed as well.

"No need for such formalities." Du Busi nodded slightly, his dark green eyes examining Lin Ran from head to toe. Unable to conceal his impatience, he said, "Child, quickly let this old man see your Martial Soul."

"Yes." Lin Ran activated Martial Soul Possession. His yellow soul ring slowly pulsed, and his entire body became warm, brimming with a sense of strength.

Du Busi's eyes gleamed as he stared heatedly at him. Still, he restrained his excitement and walked over to Lin Ran, placing one hand on his shoulder.

Lin Ran immediately felt a stream of energy enter his body.

Du Busi reassured him, "Don't be afraid, child. Your Martial Soul is not as simple as it appears. This old man needs to confirm something."

Under everyone's curious gazes, Du Busi's expression kept changing. At times he looked astonished, at times hesitant. Finally, as if he had confirmed something, Du Busi withdrew his hand and burst into laughter. "Heaven blesses our Body Sect! As expected, this old man's guess was correct!"

Lin Ran looked at Du Busi in confusion and humbly asked, "Senior, have you discovered something?"

Du Busi straightened up and said, "You said your Martial Soul is blood, correct?"

Lin Ran asked doubtfully, "Isn't it?"

Du Busi nodded, then shook his head. "Yes and no. Or rather, not entirely. Since your Martial Soul is blood, how much do you know about blood?"

After thinking for a moment, Lin Ran said, "Blood is a fluid that flows through a person's blood vessels and heart. It spreads throughout the entire body and is responsible for delivering nutrients everywhere. In addition, it serves protective and immune functions and regulates bodily functions."

Du Busi nodded in satisfaction. "That is already very comprehensive. But consider this: where does your blood come from? What is its core? What is its essence?"

Lin Ran's heart stirred. "You mean my Martial Soul also includes bone marrow and the heart?"

Du Busi was somewhat surprised that Lin Ran knew so much about the structure and functions of the human body. However, as a Body Douluo, he believed that no one understood the various Body Martial Souls better than he did.

"That's right. Your Martial Soul includes bone marrow and the heart—and perhaps even more than that."

"Bone marrow is where the human body produces blood, while the heart is the driving force and core of blood. More importantly, blood, bone marrow, and the heart are closely linked to another type of energy, nearly forming one whole. That energy is Bloodline Power."

After pausing, he continued, "For most soul masters, Soul Power is the foundation of their existence. Beyond that, Mental Power is also very important to soul masters. However, the reason the Body Sect was able to rise to prominence lies in Bloodline Power."

"Soul Power comes from the human body absorbing and converting Heaven and Earth Origin Power, while Mental Power comes from the strength of the soul. Bloodline Power, meanwhile, is the energy contained within the human flesh. It comes from the body, from the depths of one's bloodline, from bone marrow, and from the most fundamental origin of life."

"You all know that the human body has three dantians: the dantian, where Soul Power is stored; the Spiritual Sea, where Mental Power gathers; and the heart, which stores Bloodline Power."

"The channels through which Soul Power circulates in the human body are the meridians, while Mental Power actually has its own pathways as well—the spinal cord is one of them. The channels of Bloodline Power are the blood vessels, and its carrier is blood. Bone marrow does not merely produce blood; it also generates the human body's Bloodline Power."

"So, child, do you understand now? Your Martial Soul is not merely blood—it is also the heart, the marrow, and Bloodline Power itself."

Lin Ran stood dumbfounded.

He had thought his Blood Martial Soul was already powerful enough, but Du Busi had told him that his perspective was far too narrow. Bloodline Power was the true essence of his Martial Soul.

Du Busi watched the stunned Lin Ran with satisfaction. His knowledge had surely shocked the little fellow.

He slowly continued, "Child, you have already obtained your first soul ring. I'd wager that the effect of your soul skill is related to Bloodline Power and vitality. Think carefully about what it does, then compare it with what I've said and see whether I'm wrong."