Absorbing the First Soul Ring

Yue Guan and Gui Mei's grave, wary attitudes and stern warnings left Lin Ze'an stunned.

He nodded instinctively, only realizing in hindsight what the ability he had just displayed truly signified.

This was a fantasy world, where the possession of a treasure was a crime in itself.

That was not merely a gift; it was a root of disaster capable of inviting total annihilation.

His gaze drifted involuntarily toward the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear on the ground, which had long since lost all signs of life, and he fell into a slight trance.

Life is precious... and soul beasts are life as well.

Humans hunt soul beasts to obtain soul rings, to continue their cultivation, to survive, and to protect—this is the rule of this continent.

But extra, unnecessary slaughter, done solely to plunder the energy within their soul rings to strengthen oneself... is that truly right?

That was close; one more step, and he would have walked down the wrong path.

Mo Ruier did not enjoy conflict, and she was more sensitive to life than anyone else.

She would feel sorrow because green hills were destroyed by war, which was why in battle, she was more inclined to heal her injured companions.

A pure soul must not be betrayed.

Lin Ze'an kept his head lowered, silent for a moment. When he looked up again, the confusion and bewilderment in his eyes had faded significantly.

He whispered, "Master, I understand. This ability came because of me, and I will not let it bring disaster."

Seeing his disciple so sensible, Yue Guan felt both gratified and heartbroken.

He nodded, then a look of hesitation and anxiety appeared on his face, his gaze drifting involuntarily toward Gui Mei at his side, even carrying a hint of pleading.

Having lived and fought side-by-side for so many years, how could Gui Mei not understand his thoughts?

Before Yue Guan could speak, Gui Mei's hoarse, low voice sounded: "You accidentally consumed a rare treasure, which allowed your soul ring to evolve."

He paused, then added, "You have already consumed it, leaving no evidence behind. If the Pope has any doubts, I will provide corroboration."

Hearing this, Yue Guan's eyes lit up, and he let out a long sigh of relief: "Old Ghost... thank you."

The heavy stone in his heart finally fell. With this explanation and Old Ghost's testimony, even if the Pope had doubts, there was a high probability he would believe it was a stroke of fortune.

A flash of gratitude crossed Lin Ze'an's eyes. He stepped forward and bowed to Gui Mei: "Thank you, Uncle Ghost. Lin Ze'an will keep this in mind."

Ghost Douluo was his master's closest friend; calling him "Your Excellency" felt too distant, so given their seniority, "Uncle" was just right.

Gui Mei was taken aback.

His gaze rested on Lin Ze'an, and after a moment, he said slowly: "Mm, let's go."

Yue Guan watched from the side, smiling as he patted Lin Ze'an's shoulder: "Old Ghost may have a cold face, but he has a warm heart. In the future, if you can't find your master, finding your Uncle Ghost will be just as good!"

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Following Lin Ze'an's intuition, the two finally found a plant-type soul beast that looked quite promising.

It was a plant about half a person tall, entirely emerald green. Its form was orchid-like yet distinct, with thick, crystalline leaves, and at its peak bloomed a bowl-sized flower radiating a jade-green light.

As the light flowed, it emitted a pure, refreshing aura and a gentle healing power.

Even the grass and trees around it appeared exceptionally lush and verdant.

"Found it!" Lin Ze'an's eyes lit up as he pointed at the plant.

He had sensed it just moments ago—a plant that resonated with his attributes.

However, Yue Guan said with some hesitation: "It looks like a thousand-year-old Jade Spirit Healing Flower. It possesses healing and minor purification effects; it's considered top-tier among plant-type healing soul beasts."

"Its energy is gentle, which is very suitable for the life attribute of your martial soul. With your talent, absorbing it shouldn't be risky, but..."

He paused, his brow furrowed: "Are you sure you want to choose this? It has no offensive power."

In his view, with such great talent, having his precious disciple obtain a purely healing skill for his first soul ring seemed like a waste of potential.

However, Lin Ze'an nodded: "Master, we might not find anything more suitable even if we keep looking. Let's go with this one."

If his expectations were correct, for Mo Ruier, the soul rings of the Douluo Continent would not affect her; her soul skills would remain what they were meant to be.

Thinking of this, Lin Ze'an lifted his small face and explained to Yue Guan: "I know you are worried that choosing a healing soul skill will limit my future development."

"But Master, Mo Ruier herself is a symbol of life; healing and protection are her instincts."

"This Jade Spirit Healing Flower not only perfectly matches my attributes, but its energy is also gentle and pure. For me, it is the best choice."

He paused, then added: "Besides, powerful healing ability is also a form of protective power. I can not only protect myself but also protect others."

These words, though spoken by a small six-year-old child, sounded exceptionally mature.

The two men beside him were slightly stunned, not expecting Lin Ze'an to have such a profound understanding of his martial soul at such a young age.

Yue Guan squatted down and gently ruffled Lin Ze'an's hair: "Alright, since you have decided, then it shall be this one."

Hearing this, Lin Ze'an took a deep breath and slowly raised his small hand, placing it gently upon the Jade Spirit Healing Flower.

The moment his palm touched the petals, the vibrant plant seemed to sense something instantly and trembled slightly.

Immediately, the entire plant began to slowly transform into countless crystalline green light particles, which gathered and swirled gracefully in the air.

Before long, they condensed into a soul ring radiating a jade-green glow.

But soon, that trace of emerald gradually shifted into the pale purple that the group was familiar with.

A thousand-year spirit ring hung quietly before Lin Ze'an, rotating slowly.

Yue Guan's eyes lit up with joy, and he hurriedly said, "Now is the time. Sit cross-legged, relax your mind, and try to sense it through meditation."

"Guide this energy to fuse with your martial soul. Your master and Uncle Gui will stand guard nearby; do not be afraid."

Hearing this, Lin Ze'an no longer hesitated and sat cross-legged exactly where the Jade Spirit Healing Flower had originally grown.

He slowly closed his eyes and began to attempt to establish a connection with this, his very first spirit ring.

At the same time, Mo Ruier also radiated an intangible, incredibly gentle aura of life.

Like a spring breeze sweeping across the earth, wherever it passed, even the dust in the air seemed to brim with vitality.

What was even more astonishing was that this aura rapidly condensed around Lin Ze'an, forming a domain field.

Seeing this, Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance, both of their eyes filled with an identical look of disbelief.

"That is... a domain?!"

And it was the rarest kind, a companion domain inherent to a martial soul.

But in the next second, excitement eclipsed the shock, and Yue Guan said with a tremble, "This is my disciple! Hahaha! My disciple has the potential to become a god!"