First Soul Ring! Phoenix Holy Light Blast! Jade Marrow Ganoderma!

A yellow soul ring slowly rose from the corpse of the Holy Light Phoenix.

Five hundred years!

"Teacher, the soul ring has appeared."

Zhao Tian turned to look at Chen Xin.

Chen Xin nodded and said solemnly, "Tian'er, sit cross-legged and calm your mind. Guide the soul ring into your body. I'll stand guard nearby. If anything goes wrong, I'll immediately interrupt the process."

"Yes, Teacher."

Zhao Tian took a deep breath and sat cross-legged, using his thoughts to connect with the yellow soul ring hovering above the corpse.

As though drawn by something, the soul ring slowly drifted toward him. It finally settled around his body and began merging into him.

In an instant, an enormous surge of energy flooded through his limbs and bones.

This energy carried the Radiant Attribute and a holy quality. Warm and gentle, it resonated intensely with the Radiant Phoenix Spirit within him.

Zhao Tian could clearly feel his spirit cheering with joy.

It was the absolute suppression of a superior over an inferior, as well as the perfect fusion of powers from the same origin.

Before the Radiant Phoenix, the Holy Light Phoenix's energy was as obedient as a minister before a king. It showed no resistance at all and actively cooperated with the fusion process.

This feels so comfortable...

Zhao Tian thought to himself.

There was none of the pain he had imagined, none of the tearing torment. The entire absorption process felt like soaking in a hot spring, pleasant and relaxing.

Chen Xin stood at the side, watching Zhao Tian's condition closely.

Only when he saw Zhao Tian's rosy complexion and steady breathing did his taut nerves relax slightly.

"As expected of the Radiant Phoenix. The suppression a superior spirit exerts over an inferior one is truly terrifying."

Chen Xin sighed inwardly.

He had seen countless disciples suffer miserably while absorbing soul rings, but this was the first time he had seen someone handle it as effortlessly as Zhao Tian.

At that moment, Ning Rongrong had also turned around and was secretly watching Zhao Tian.

The reluctance from earlier still lingered on her little face, but curiosity outweighed it now.

"Grandpa Sword, is he really all right?"

Ning Rongrong asked softly.

"He's fine. This child's spirit is powerful. Absorbing this Holy Light Phoenix won't pose much of a problem for him."

Chen Xin reassured her.

Time passed bit by bit.

After roughly the time it took to burn an incense stick, the yellow soul ring around Zhao Tian finally merged completely into his body.

The next second, he opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them.

With a thought, the yellow soul ring rose from beneath his feet and circled his body.

Zhao Tian rose to his feet and stretched his body. His bones crackled loudly.

"Tian'er, how do you feel?"

Chen Xin stepped forward and asked, placing a hand on Zhao Tian's wrist to examine his condition.

"Teacher, I feel great. Better than ever before."

Zhao Tian answered truthfully.

After completing his examination, Chen Xin revealed a satisfied expression.

"Your Soul Power Level has reached thirteen. Your first soul ring raised you by three levels, and your foundation is solid, with no sign of instability. Good, very good!"

"Next, release your first soul skill. Let me see it."

Chen Xin retreated several steps, leaving Zhao Tian enough room.

Zhao Tian nodded, and his thoughts stirred.

The Radiant Phoenix Spirit appeared behind him, its wings spread wide as it radiated holy brilliance.

The first yellow soul ring lit up.

"First Soul Skill: Phoenix Holy Light Blast!"

Zhao Tian shouted softly and thrust both hands forward.

A dazzling pillar of light erupted before him, carrying a destructive aura as it blasted toward a massive boulder ahead.

Boom!

The boulder was struck by the beam and instantly exploded, fragments scattering in every direction.

Chen Xin's pupils contracted slightly.

The power of that attack had already far surpassed the scope of an ordinary soul master's first soul skill.

Zhao Tian had only just obtained his first soul ring!

"Good, very good!"

Chen Xin clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

"This Phoenix Holy Light Blast is not only a single-target attack, but also carries the purifying effect of the Radiant Attribute. It has additional restraining power against dark-type life forms. It's extremely practical."

Zhao Tian withdrew his spirit, a smile appearing on his face as well.

He was extremely satisfied with this soul skill.

Its attack power was formidable, and it came with a special effect. It truly deserved to be the soul skill granted by a five-hundred-year Holy Light Phoenix.

"Grandpa Sword, he's so amazing..."

Ning Rongrong's eyes widened, her small mouth slightly open.

Though she was young, she could still tell how terrifying Zhao Tian's strike had been.

"Rongrong, Tian'er is indeed impressive, but you needn't belittle yourself. Your Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda is the continent's number one support spirit. Once you obtain a soul ring as well, you'll be just as impressive."

Chen Xin crouched down, meeting Ning Rongrong's eyes as he spoke seriously.

"Mhm! Rongrong understands!"

Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously. The envy in her eyes faded somewhat, replaced by determination.

She secretly resolved that she had to cultivate diligently and could not fall too far behind Zhao Tian.

"All right. Since Tian'er has successfully obtained his first soul ring, it's time for us to head back."

Chen Xin stood and summoned the Seven Kill Sword once more.

Just as the three of them were about to leave.

The Radiant Phoenix phantom around Zhao Tian trembled slightly, as though it had sensed something.

Zhao Tian's heart stirred, and he followed that subtle sensation with his gaze.

In the grass not far away, a flower emitting a faint glow could be seen indistinctly.

The flower was snow-white all over, its petals seeming to be carved from jade. Under the sunlight, it reflected a seven-colored halo and looked exceptionally beautiful.

"Teacher, wait."

Zhao Tian called out to Chen Xin.

"There's something there. The Radiant Phoenix is telling me that it's a treasure."

Zhao Tian raised a hand and pointed toward the flower.

Chen Xin and Ning Rongrong looked in the direction he indicated.

Chen Xin raised an eyebrow, put away the Seven Kill Sword, and walked over to inspect it.

After parting the grass, the flower appeared in its entirety before the three of them.

Chen Xin studied it carefully for a moment, surprise flashing through his eyes.

"This is... Jade Marrow Ganoderma?"

Chen Xin crouched down and carefully observed the flower's features.

It was snow-white throughout, with jade-like petals. A faint milky-white sap seeped from its stem, releasing a tranquil fragrance.

"That's right. It is Jade Marrow Ganoderma. It's an extremely rare spiritual herb containing pure energy. After consuming it, one can nourish the meridians and slightly increase Soul Power."

Chen Xin stood and continued, "However, this spiritual herb has strict restrictions regarding Soul Power Level. It is only effective for soul masters below level ten. Once a soul master breaks through level ten, consuming it will have no effect whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tian understood.

He was already a level thirteen soul master, so this Jade Marrow Ganoderma was useless to him.

But Ning Rongrong was different.

Although she had awakened the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda and possessed level nine Innate Soul Power, she had not yet obtained her first soul ring. She was still a level nine soul master.

This Jade Marrow Ganoderma was perfectly suited for her.

"Grandpa Sword, this flower is so pretty. Can Rongrong have it?"

Ning Rongrong also came closer, her large eyes fixed on the Jade Marrow Ganoderma with undisguised fondness.

Chen Xin patted Ning Rongrong's little head and smiled. "Of course you can. This Jade Marrow Ganoderma is just right for you. After taking it, your Soul Power should rise from level nine to level ten. Then you can directly obtain your first soul ring, without needing to spend more time cultivating for a breakthrough."