But I Succeeded

Chen Li understood. The Rumble-Rumble Fruit itself had granted him basic yet powerful abilities such as controlling lightning and Elementalization. In theory, through precise control, he could simulate lightning attacks in all kinds of forms, like the thunderbirds and thunder dragons from his memories.

But a soul skill differed in that it was not merely a change in form. Rather, it was a unique trait or rule tendency solidified and elevated through the fusion of a soul ring's fundamental laws with one's martial soul.

The core value of this Lightning Strike—Spellbreaker lay not in the lightning's form or power, but in its added anti-magic property—its ultimate penetration and destructive power against energy defenses!

This was a qualitative enhancement, allowing his lightning attacks to achieve defensive-breaking effects far beyond the norm when facing certain types of enemies. It was precisely what he urgently needed right now, something that could effectively deal with defensive-type soul masters or opponents who relied on soul skills to protect themselves.

The first step had finally been taken firmly...

The boulder that had hung over Chen Li's heart for months finally fell away.

Not only had he resolved the desperate predicament of being unable to absorb a soul ring, but he had also soared to the heavens in a single step, using a thousand-year soul ring as his foundation and obtaining such a practical, powerful soul skill. This proved that the path he had envisioned—refining with the Munch-Munch Fruit and absorbing with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit—was entirely feasible!

Achieving his goal also caused his ambition to quietly grow, like a savage beast freed from its shackles. Since he possessed such a heaven-defying beginning and such a unique system of growth, his sights naturally could no longer be limited to merely surviving or becoming a little stronger.

He wanted to stand higher, see farther, and even... touch the domain of the legendary gods! He wanted to seize his fate completely in his own hands!

Slowly, Chen Li let out the foul breath trapped in his lungs, thick with the scent of blood and scorched flesh, as though expelling all the frustration, unease, and confusion of the past along with it.

He opened his eyes.

In that instant, fine arcs of purple lightning seemed to flash deep within those pitch-black eyes, sharp and brilliant, carrying the purity and piercing force of newborn thunder.

His entire bearing was utterly different from that quiet youth who had nonetheless carried an unavoidable air of gloom. He now possessed confidence and resolve that came from within, as well as a trace of the sharp edge belonging to the strong.

At the very moment his gaze regained focus and he fully awoke,

Yue Guan, seated by the window, moved.

There was no afterimage and no sound. It was as though space had merely twisted slightly, and his figure had already vanished from the chair, appearing like Ghost Charm directly before Chen Li, just one step away.

The speed of a Titled Douluo was displayed to the fullest.

Yue Guan looked down at Chen Li, who had just risen to his feet, still covered in blood yet full of vigor. There was no smile on his enchanting face. Instead, it was covered in a faint frost, and a sharp light filled his peach blossom eyes. His voice also carried obvious displeasure and accusation.

"You've got quite the nerve, kid."

Yue Guan's voice was not loud, yet it carried the spiritual pressure unique to a Titled Douluo, bearing straight down on Chen Li's mind. "Who gave you the nerve to use tenth-level Soul Power to touch a thousand-year soul ring? Hm? Did you think your life was too long, or did you think Spirit Hall brought you back just so we could collect your corpse?"

His tone was full of reproach and anger, as though Chen Li had not just created a miracle, but had instead attempted a foolish suicide.

"Lord Yue Guan." Chen Li steadied himself. Though his clothes were in tatters and his body was covered in blood, he still respectfully bowed to the Titled Douluo before him.

That respect was not entirely feigned. No matter what, Yue Guan had brought him back to Spirit Hall from the mountain forests at the border, giving him the chance to access a higher platform. Without Spirit Hall, without checking in here, he did not know when he would have awakened the Munch-Munch Fruit, much less when he could have taken this first step to break the deadlock.

Seeing the sharpness that had yet to fully fade from Chen Li's eyes, along with his vigorous youthful spirit, the little bit of performative anger in Yue Guan's heart dissipated somewhat. His tone softened, though it still carried a warning.

"You're too impatient. A miracle is a miracle precisely because it cannot be replicated. You succeeded by luck this time, but what about next time? Remember, both ambition and power require life as their vessel. Once your life is gone, everything is gone."

His words were half a reminder and half a probe.

He knew that this six-year-old child must have harbored deep resentment toward the Star Luo Empire and the Dust Family. If properly guided, that resentment would become a blade pointed at their enemies; if it spiraled out of control, it could also devour its owner. He needed to ensure that Chen Li's hatred was used effectively rather than burned blindly.

"But I succeeded, Lord Yue Guan." Chen Li lifted his head, a clean smile appearing on his face, one filled with unquestionable confidence.

With a slight thought, the phantom of lightning behind him appeared once more. That profound Purple Soul Ring slowly revolved amid the lightning, radiating an intoxicatingly magnificent glow.

He greedily stared at his first soul ring with his own eyes, not merely his senses—the proof that symbolized breaking free of shackles and opening a path toward infinite possibilities.

"Cough..." Yue Guan was momentarily speechless at his frank yet slightly boastful demeanor. Then he waved a hand. "Forget it. It is a good thing in the end. Rest properly and stabilize your realm. Tomorrow, I will take you to meet Your Majesty the Pope."

"Yes." Chen Li withdrew his martial soul and answered solemnly. He knew that from the moment he successfully absorbed the thousand-year soul ring, his status had undergone a qualitative change.

He would go from an oddity worth observing to a treasure worth investing in.

Taking the initiative to show this miracle to Bibi Dong and Yue Guan was his best choice at present.

Concealment might bring temporary safety, but at the heart of Spirit Hall, under the watchful eyes of a Titled Douluo, deliberate concealment would instead invite deeper suspicion and investigation.

Displaying his value, entering the core's field of vision, and gaining open protection and preferential resources were the safest strategy at this stage.

As for a Soul Tool that concealed soul rings? How could Spirit Hall possibly lack one?

"Enough. This place is no longer fit to stay in, and your potential qualifies you to move somewhere more central." Yue Guan glanced at the wrecked room and shattered doorframe. "Someone will take you to your new residence. Get some proper rest."

Before long, a silent deacon arrived and led Chen Li to another independent courtyard that was quieter and better equipped. Yue Guan's figure flickered, and he disappeared.

The new room was spacious and clean.

Chen Li washed away the blood covering his body and changed into fresh clothes, but he had no desire to sleep. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he did not immediately begin meditating. Instead, he sank his consciousness into the system space and carefully examined the first soul ring he had just obtained.

[Soul Ring 1: [Thousand-Year Soul Ring (Quality: Excellent)] (Upgradeable)]

His gaze locked firmly onto those three words: upgradeable.