Setting Off, Obtaining the Second Soul Ring

"I am very likely to explode and die."

Bibi Dong remained silent for a long time before slowly uttering these words.

"That is correct."

Ban Shu's expression also turned serious: "Therefore, this is the predicament we must resolve right now—the issue of the twin martial souls."

"But, what should we do?"

Bibi Dong looked up at Ban Shu, her face somewhat pale; she did not want to end up like those predecessors.

"Don't worry, Sister Dong'er."

Ban Shu reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder: "Since your little brother has brought up this problem, there will naturally be a solution."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, you have to trust your little brother."

Ban Shu patted his chest: "The drawback of twin martial souls being unable to maintain balance only appears gradually later on. Before level fifty, there won't be any major issues, so set your heart at ease."

"Alright then."

Bibi Dong nodded, and her heart calmed down for the time being.

"Alright, it's getting late. Go get some sleep; we still have training tomorrow."

Ban Shu yawned, preparing to see her off before resting himself.

At this moment, Bibi Dong suddenly grabbed Ban Shu's hand: "Um, how about we sleep together tonight?"

"Huh? I don't have a problem with that."

Ban Shu nodded nonchalantly, turned around, and lay down on the bed.

Bibi Dong also slowly lay down beside him, clutching his arm, and gradually drifted off to sleep.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the day for hunting soul rings arrived.

This time, however, Qian Xunji brought someone unexpected to Ban Shu.

"Xiao Ban, Dong'er, let me introduce you. This is the Second Consecrator of the Consecration Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo. He has specially come with us today to hunt for your soul ring."

"Greetings, Your Excellency Golden Crocodile."

Ban Shu and Bibi Dong immediately bowed.

"Sigh, don't be so formal. Just call me Grandpa Golden Crocodile; there's no need to be so reserved."

The usually stern and serious Golden Crocodile Douluo was kind-faced and approachable toward the two of them.

He had long wanted to meet them, but he rarely stepped out of the hall, remaining inside to guard it.

The reason he had come out in person to hunt for Ban Shu's soul ring today was mainly to see what the boy was truly like, and also to provide an extra layer of protection.

Ultimately, he was just too bored and wanted to go out for a stroll.

It was a journey of over half a day from Spirit Hall to the Star Dou Great Forest, and by the time the group arrived, it was already afternoon.

Without resting, the group immediately entered the forest to begin searching for a soul beast for Ban Shu.

"Teacher, Grandpa Golden Crocodile, I already decided yesterday what kind of soul beast I want to obtain."

Hearing Ban Shu say this, Qian Xunji felt the urge to test him: "Oh? Then tell us your thoughts."

"It's like this."

Ban Shu laid out his plans for the future: "I believe that if I absorb my soul rings this way, my strength should be much greater than that of an average soul master."

"Hmm..."

Golden Crocodile Douluo pondered for a moment and nodded: "Xiao Ban, what you say makes some sense. Obtaining augmentation skills for the first five soul rings, and then obtaining attack-type soul skills afterward."

"In that case, you will have an absolute advantage when fighting soul masters of the same rank in the future."

"Indeed. Once a soul master reaches a certain level, the first few soul skills become almost useless. If you do it this way, you can maximize their potential."

Qian Xunji also agreed with Ban Shu's point of view: "Besides, with us here, almost no one will dare to touch you before you grow up. Very well, let's do it."

"Yes."

Seeing that both of them agreed, Ban Shu took out the list from yesterday: "This is the list of soul beasts I have carefully selected that are suitable for me."

"Good, let's start searching according to the soul beasts on this list."

Golden Crocodile Douluo took the paper, released his spiritual power, and began to scan for soul beasts.

"There is one more thing, Teacher."

Ban Shu paused, then continued: "For the second soul ring, I want to try for a thousand-year one."

When he said this, Ban Shu appeared very calm, as if he were speaking of a trivial matter.

However, these words left Qian Xunji unable to remain composed.

"What?"

Qian Xunji frowned, then refused without the slightest hesitation: "This is absolutely out of the question, Xiao Ban. A thousand-year spirit ring is no joke."

"I know you've consumed Whale Glue, but a thousand-year spirit ring and a hundred-year spirit ring are simply not on the same level. To attempt such a leap at only level twenty is far too impatient."

"You have exceptional talent and such a detailed plan for the future; you cannot afford to stumble here."

Bibi Dong also chimed in to dissuade him: "That's right, Xiao Ban. This is no laughing matter. If you're not careful, you'll be finished!"

"Teacher, Sister, I have confidence in myself."

Ban Shu shook his head, his tone unwavering: "Teacher, have you forgotten? My spirit is special. Back then, even without Whale Glue, I absorbed a seven-hundred-year spirit ring relying solely on my own strength."

"I believe that, as I am now, even a thousand-year spirit ring is well within my capabilities."

"..."

At this moment, Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up: "Ji'er, since that is the case, let him give it a try."

"This... very well."

In the end, Qian Xunji nodded in agreement. Although he was unwilling to admit it, in his heart, he knew Ban Shu might truly be capable of it.

The four of them continued deeper into the forest, searching for a spirit beast.

After searching for about an hour, they finally found a suitable target.

Not far away, there was a cave. It was damp and dark inside, but as they ventured deeper, a faint yellow glow became visible.

Taking a few more steps forward, they saw a creature shaped like a hound lying on the ground, eyes closed in rest.

The spirit beast's fur stood on end, forming irregular lightning-bolt shapes, and two fangs protruded outward like those of a saber-toothed tiger.

Most uniquely, two long, ribbon-like appendages protruded from its spine.

The sound of Ban Shu and the others entering the cave had already alerted the spirit beast. Its ears pricked up, yellow lightning crackled from its fur, and it let out a low growl, as if issuing a warning.

Unfortunately, in the eyes of Qian Xunji and Golden Crocodile Douluo, its display was no different from a kitten hissing.

"Thunder-Charging Beast. It possesses immense offensive power and can unleash terrifying strength in a short burst. At five hundred years, it can suppress spirit beasts around a thousand years old. It is one of the top-ranked spirit beasts in my plan."

Ban Shu carefully observed the creature before him: "The two lightning lines on its back are its most powerful weapons. Judging by its body size and the length of those lines, it is roughly twelve hundred years old."

"Teacher, this is the one."

Ban Shu looked at Qian Xunji, who hesitated for a moment before nodding.

The Thunder-Charging Beast seemed to sense danger from Qian Xunji. The fur on its body began to flicker with electricity, its aura instantly doubling, and it lunged toward him.

Regrettably, no matter how formidable it was, it was still just a thousand-year spirit beast. Qian Xunji didn't even need to manifest his spirit; he simply swatted it unconscious with a casual palm strike.