Unexpected Gains

The biggest difference between a ten-thousand-year spirit ring and a thousand-year spirit ring is the soul impact from the spirit beast one must endure during absorption. Absorbing a spirit ring beyond one's level is already extremely dangerous, and the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's violent soul exerted immense pressure on the mental plane. Although Feng Xinglie wanted to wait until his body recovered before absorbing, he dared not stay alone in the Star Dou Forest for long. Most spirit beasts were either stunned by the Titan Giant Ape or scared away by the aftermath of their battle, but there was no telling when a curious spirit beast might return.

Fortunately, years of consistently consuming whale rubber and absorbing the Wisdom Skull to enhance his mental power allowed Feng Xinglie to remain barely conscious. However, the tearing pain within his body made him miserable, reminding him of the scene when he was forced to absorb his first spirit ring.

Time ticked by, and under Feng Xinglie's resilient will, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's spirit ring finally calmed down and slowly settled beneath him. Letting out a long sigh of relief, Feng Xinglie wearily opened his eyes:

"It's finally over..."

Just as he was about to stand up, his peripheral vision caught sight of a small black bead, causing Feng Xinglie to freeze:

"The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's Origin Pearl?"

Feng Xinglie was extremely surprised. This was a treasure containing all the attributes and skills of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. Originally, when Tang San was about to collect it, he forcefully opened a black hole with his own power and escaped to another world. Feng Xinglie, the male protagonist of Heavenly Jewel Change, rose to prominence and ascended to the divine realm after obtaining this pearl. He never expected it to be left here completely intact because of his quick death.

"This is truly..."

Feng Xinglie suppressed his excitement and slowly bent down, as if afraid of disturbing something, and cautiously approached. When he was close enough, he suddenly lunged and grabbed it. The moment the pearl touched Feng Xinglie's blood, it transformed into a black light and vanished into his body, drawing his spirit power to rotate around it, emitting a cold, evil aura.

"Excellent, to be able to obtain this pearl, it's worth it even if this hand is completely ruined."

After a brief assessment, Feng Xinglie grinned.

"It's about time, Xiao Wu should have finished condensing her spirit ring and returned by now."

After simply bandaging his right arm, which was a gruesome sight, Feng Xinglie stretched his body and walked back.

"Third Brother, how are you?"

After bidding farewell to the Titan Giant Ape, Xiao Wu returned to the Shrek Academy team with her newly condensed third spirit ring. But when she saw Tang San surrounded by mist and in pain, she immediately panicked and rushed forward to check on him, only to be stopped by Zhao Wuji.

"Calm down, Xiao Wu. We just arrived, and we're not sure what happened. But Xiao San is clearly absorbing the spirit ring of this Man Faced Demon Spider, and its age has reached two thousand years, far exceeding the limit of one thousand seven hundred for the third ring. But don't worry, the most dangerous phase has passed. As long as we protect him, Xiao San will definitely succeed in absorbing it."

After being persuaded, Xiao Wu calmed down considerably. Looking at Tang San, who was still struggling, she felt filled with guilt:

"It's all because of me, all for me, that Third Brother is risking absorbing a spirit ring."

"Yes, I tried my best to persuade him, but it was no use."

The sudden voice startled everyone, and they quickly turned to see Feng Xinglie limping over.

"Lie? Where did you go? And your hand?"

First, they were confused about why Feng Xinglie was coming from inside the Star Dou Forest, but then their attention was drawn to his almost ruined right arm. Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing quickly surrounded him.

"Where did I go? I went looking for you."

He shot Xiao Wu an annoyed glance, then swung his left arm, throwing a spirit beast onto the ground.

"A fifteen-hundred-year Wind Baboon, stunned by the Titan Giant Ape. I picked it up on the way. Oscar, hurry up."

After speaking, he leaned against a large tree and sat down, cross-legged to cultivate and recover his spirit power and stamina.

"Brother! You're my real brother! Thank you, Lie!"

Seeing that Feng Xinglie was so injured yet still concerned about the whereabouts of his third spirit ring, Oscar was moved to tears. He made several Recovery Sausages and stuffed them into Feng Xinglie's hands before taking out a dagger to deal with the Wind Baboon and begin absorbing the spirit ring.

"So, Lie. What happened to your injury?"

Zhao Wuji asked curiously.

"Ah, well, weren't many spirit beasts stunned by the Titan Giant Ape? Some were unconscious, and naturally, some strong ones endured it. I unfortunately encountered one, but it's already dealt with."

Although Feng Xinglie spoke of it lightly, everyone could imagine how perilous it must have been. Feng Xinglie had always been a symbol of composure and strength in their eyes. He hadn't even been this disheveled during the entrance exam against Zhao Wuji.

"I'm sorry, it's all because of me that everyone is in danger."

Beside them, Xiao Wu lowered her head, her eyes slightly red. The Titan Giant Ape appeared here because he missed his Sister Xiao Wu. If it weren't for her, these troubles wouldn't have occurred. However, not knowing Xiao Wu's true identity, everyone didn't understand the full story and quickly began to comfort her.

"Am I... am I dreaming? Xiao Wu, is it really you?"

On the other side, Tang San had also finished absorbing the spirit ring without any further danger. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was his Xiao Wu, and he immediately rushed over. Everyone fussed over him with concern until Oscar also finished absorbing his spirit ring. Only Feng Xinglie squinted at the Eight Spider Lances, the external spirit bone behind Tang San, and sighed. He regretted not being able to snatch this opportunity, which was second only to immortal herbs in the early stages. Fortunately, he had also gained a lot. At the very least, the black bead within his body, like an inner core from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, was a tremendous gain.

"Inner core? No, perhaps it really is possible..."

As if struck by an idea, Feng Xinglie fell into deep thought again, beginning to deduce the feasibility of his plan.

"Alright, although the process was very dangerous, we successfully obtained the third spirit ring for all three little monsters, and no one died. This is a great cause for celebration. Now, let's return to Shrek Academy as quickly as possible to recuperate. I've decided to give you a few days off!"

Zhao Wuji waved his hand, bringing the operation to a close. On the way back, he personally led the way to escort the students. Feng Xinglie's injuries gradually stabilized with Oscar's continuous supply of Recovery Sausages.

After another two days of travel, the group finally returned to Shrek Academy. After understanding the cause and effect, Flender also sighed with emotion, stating that he would personally lead the team for future spirit hunting expeditions and bring two other teachers to help, ensuring that such dangers would never be repeated.

In the following days, life was very peaceful. Tang San and Xiao Wu, just like in the original story, obtained the spirit skills Spider Web Restraint and Instantaneous Movement. As for Oscar, due to Feng Xinglie's interference, he only obtained a spirit skill that increased movement speed. Although it couldn't compare to high-speed flight for short periods, it was still quite good. As for Feng Xinglie, he concealed his advancement to level fifty-one, the acquisition of the black bead, and the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger spirit ring, and honestly followed Flender to find a high-level support-type spirit master to treat his arm.