Shen Lian paused, then continued speaking to Xu Chengye:
"Wait until you reach Rank 70 and your Soul Power foundation is stable before absorbing it. By then, it can at least grant you a three- or four-hundred-thousand-year seventh Spirit Ring. It might even evolve your Martial Soul once more. When that time comes, I'm afraid gods will come looking for you without me needing to search for them."
Xu Chengye's hands trembled slightly as he held the jade box, his eyes filled with emotion.
He knew how precious such a treasure was. Shen Lian could have kept it for himself, yet he had given it to him without hesitation.
"Cousin, this is far too valuable..."
Xu Chengye hesitated for a moment before speaking to Shen Lian again:
"You're at the critical point of striving for godhood. You should keep it for yourself."
"Take it."
Shen Lian left no room for argument as he stuffed the jade box into his arms, speaking to Xu Chengye with unquestionable resolve:
"This inner core's attributes don't suit me, but it's a perfect match for you. Besides, do you think I still need something like this to become a god?"
Shen Lian raised an eyebrow and smiled confidently before continuing to Xu Chengye:
"Once we reach the God Realm, I might even need your help, Cousin."
Seeing the sincerity in Shen Lian's eyes, Xu Chengye finally stopped refusing.
He clutched the jade box tightly, as though he were holding a weighty hope, then said to Shen Lian:
"Alright! I'll accept it! Don't worry, Cousin. I'll cultivate diligently and never let you down! If we truly make it to the God Realm one day, we'll face any enemy together!"
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves and fell upon them, stretching their shadows long.
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