After Qian Renhan left, Bibi Dong emerged from a hidden corner. Watching what Qian Renhan had done, the favorable impression and faint maternal affection that had arisen in her heart because of the Fallen Angel's birth instantly plummeted by more than half.
The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul was Yu Xiaogang's legendary work. Bibi Dong regarded it as a treasure and had specially preserved it with care in a fine cover, yet Qian Renhan had thrown it away like garbage. Not only had he insulted Xiao Gang's painstaking work, he had also treated her feelings like trash.
Three days later, at Spirit City's main gate, two luxurious carriages set out. Qian Xunji, Snake Lance, and Porcupinefish Douluo sat in one, while Qian Renhan, Qian Renxue, and a maid sat in the other.
The Angel Aura emanating from Qian Xunji made Qian Renhan uncomfortable, so naturally, the two could not remain together for long. And as for whom Qian Renxue preferred to stay with, wasn't that obvious?
Qian Renxue asked, "Brother, what kind of Spirit Ring should I obtain?"
"Of course, one that best matches the Martial Soul's attributes, and from as high-ranking a Spirit Beast species as possible."
Qian Renhan smiled faintly. "Xiaoxue, theoretical books say that only the most suitable spirit bone can unleash the greatest power. Spirit Rings are the same. After absorbing a Spirit Ring, it merges with our bodies and Martial Souls. Only a Spirit Ring whose attributes best suit our Martial Soul can be used more easily and with greater power, while also better preserving our Martial Soul's grade."
Qian Renxue nodded and asked again, "Brother, some Branch Members of our Angel Clan have devolved Martial Souls. Could that be because they chose the wrong Spirit Rings?"
"Not necessarily. Perhaps the mother's innate talent and physique were insufficient, leaving her unable to bear the pressure brought by the Six-Winged Angel, forcing it to devolve."
Qian Renhan's eyes flickered. It was easy for a Martial Soul to downgrade, but difficult for one to evolve. With Bibi Dong's power, his Eight-Winged Fallen Angel could at most reach the peak of a Level One God. To evolve further, he would either need an exceptionally powerful Spirit Beast, or... Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, how much help could you provide me?
After half a day of long travel, the group entered the Star Dou Great Forest to obtain the first two Spirit Rings for Qian Renhan and Qian Renxue.
The two elders searched, and before long, they brought over a Bright Saber-Toothed Tiger whose age had just surpassed seven hundred years after beating it half to death.
The Bright Saber-Toothed Tiger was a top-tier Light Attribute Spirit Beast. The Six-Winged Angel possessed Ultimate Light, Ultimate Sanctity, and high-quality flames. Thus, among those three types of Spirit Rings, the first two were the primary choices. As always, devolution was easy, while evolution was difficult.
"Father, Elders, I want a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring from a Dark Attribute Spirit Beast for my first Spirit Ring." Qian Renhan glanced at the saber-toothed tiger and spoke loudly. He had trained since the age of one, and with Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, Medicinal Baths, and the enhancement of his even stronger Fallen Angel Martial Soul, his physical condition was several times better than Qian Renxue's. He had every confidence to challenge a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring.
Qian Xunji was startled and said gravely, "Xiaohan, the energy of a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring is on a completely different level from a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring. A Thousand-Year Spirit Ring is too dangerous!"
Qian Renhan's calm voice brimmed with confidence. "I cannot receive the God Ancestor's blessing like Grandfather and increase my Spirit Ring Age, so I chose a higher one. A Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, at Soul Elder Level—I have that confidence."
After hesitating for a moment, Qian Xunji waved his hand. "Elders, capture a Thousand-Year Dark Attribute Spirit Beast."
Snake Lance and Pufferfish set out once more. Along the way, they discovered a Man Faced Demon Spider and a Cave Spider, but left after a single glance. Though both spiders possessed Evil Attributes, they also had Poison Attributes and were unsuitable.
While the two elders searched, Qian Xunji handed Qian Renxue a dagger and said gently, "Xiaoxue, kill this beast and make it your first Spirit Ring."
"Father, can I wait until Brother absorbs his first Spirit Ring before choosing mine?" Qian Renxue replied. Though she was obedient and sensible, she was still fiercely competitive at heart. If Qian Renhan absorbed a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring while she absorbed a seven-hundred-year Hundred-Year Spirit Ring, the gap would be far too great. Even if he was her brother, she found it a little hard to accept.
Qian Renhan looked at Qian Renxue, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes. The moment he saw the seven-hundred-year Bright Saber-Toothed Tiger brought over, he had immediately spoken up because he wanted to spur Qian Renxue into choosing a higher-age Spirit Ring. This silly little sister had not disappointed him.
"That works." Qian Xunji had also guessed Qian Renxue's thoughts. He sent a strand of Soul Power into the Bright Saber-Toothed Tiger's body to prevent it from dying from its severe injuries.
After a while, a Spirit Beast three meters long was thrown over. Its entire body was pitch-black and covered in strange purple patterns, and it resembled both a lion and a tiger.
Qian Xunji was mildly surprised. "It's actually a Netherworld Lion Tiger Beast."
The Netherworld Lion Tiger Beast was a rare hybrid born from a tiger and lion unable to control their lust and forcibly mating. Their numbers were extremely scarce, and they were among the most top-tier Dark Attribute Spirit Beasts. He had not expected them to capture such a Spirit Beast.
"Its age is between eleven hundred and twelve hundred years, Xiaohan." Qian Xunji looked quietly at Qian Renhan, awaiting his decision.
Qian Renhan drew his sword, without the slightest pity or reluctance in his eyes. He had no idea how much Spirit Beast meat he had eaten. To him, Spirit Beasts were no different from livestock on Blue Star: they either filled one's stomach or made money. This one would both increase his strength and fill his stomach.
He drew his sword across the Netherworld Lion Tiger Beast's throat. Blood sprayed out, and a purple Spirit Ring floated from its corpse. The entire process was completed in one smooth motion, without a single unnecessary movement.
Qian Renhan then sat down cross-legged, released his Fallen Angel Martial Soul, and absorbed the Spirit Ring. Qian Xunji and the other two kept their eyes fixed on him in case anything went wrong, so they could promptly intervene and shatter the Spirit Ring.
Half an hour later, Qian Renhan opened his eyes, a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring circling his body.
Qian Xunji asked with some delight, "Xiaohan, how does it feel?"
Qian Renhan frowned slightly, dissatisfied. "Not very good. This Thousand-Year Spirit Ring's age is still somewhat below my limit. Aside from some pain at the beginning, I barely felt anything afterward."
Three black lines appeared across Qian Xunji and the two elders' foreheads. A first Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, and he was still dissatisfied with it, even sounding disdainful.
Qian Renxue, however, was overjoyed. "Brother is amazing! Father, I want a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring too!"
Upon hearing that, Qian Xunji nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. He flatly refused, "No!"
"Why?"
"Xiaoxue, your physique is not as strong as your brother's. You cannot take such a risk. A Hundred-Year Spirit Ring will do."
Qian Xunji spoke gravely. He absolutely could not allow Qian Renxue to act recklessly. If anything happened to her, Qian Daoliu would skin him alive. It was only a few hundred years of Spirit Ring Age, after all. The Angel Eighth Trial granted ten thousand years of Spirit Ring Age enhancement, so this little amount was nothing.
"Xiaoxue, choose a lower age. If you cannot have a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, then choose a nine-hundred-year one." Qian Renhan rubbed Qian Renxue's soft hair. From the first time he met Bibi Dong, he had roughly gauged the gap between Qian Renxue and himself from that palm strike. The risk of a Thousand-Year Spirit Ring was indeed too great.
PS: I recommend a book, Douluo: The guardian Angel's Oath
Before you continue