The three of them looked back simultaneously to see Shi Yi walking over slowly. "Oh, Fifth Brother, it's only been a few days, how have you become so pathetic? To think the dignified Guang Ling Douluo would be nearly suppressed by a bird—it's truly an eye-opener."
Guang Ling rolled his eyes at him and retorted irritably, "Since you're here, hurry up and help instead of standing there spouting sarcasm."
Although Chen Xin and Lin Yuan did not recognize this person, seeing how familiar he was with Guang Ling, they remained silent, though their gazes held a hint of inquiry.
Shi Yi chuckled. "Fine, since Fifth Brother has asked, I naturally must help."
Shi Yi raised his hand, and a primitive, mysterious staff appeared in his grasp.
The first soul ring on his body suddenly lit up, emitting a faint purple glow.
"First soul skill, Time Slow." As his words fell, a wave of blue Soul Power surged toward the Cinder Fire Phoenix.
The phoenix's movements instantly became sluggish; its wings flapped as if in slow motion, and even the flames burning around its body seemed to freeze in mid-air.
Guang Ling curled his lip. "Your martial soul is truly perverted; it's enough to make one envious."
His eighth soul ring suddenly ignited, and he aimed his Guang Ling Bow at the target.
A massive blue magic circle suddenly emerged beneath the phoenix, and a bone-chilling cold instantly enveloped the creature.
"Eighth soul skill—Endless Boundary!"
With Shi Yi's assistance, the group coordinated perfectly and soon completely finished off the Cinder Fire Phoenix.
The phoenix's massive body crashed to the ground, and a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone emitting a scarlet light, along with a right arm bone radiating intense heat, emerged from the remains.
Lin Yuan stepped forward, sat cross-legged, and began to absorb the soul ring.
Shi Yi crooked his finger, using his Soul Power to draw the Hundred Thousand Year right arm bone dropped by the Cinder Fire Phoenix toward him, examining it closely in his hand.
The bone was covered in complex patterns with faint flames flowing through them, as if it contained immense energy.
He turned his head to look at Chen Xin and offered a smile. "I have long heard of your great name, Sword Dao Chen Xin, Sword Douluo. I am Shi Yi."
Chen Xin could feel that the person named Shi Yi before him possessed an extremely powerful aura, one that even brought him a strong sense of oppression.
Strangely, however, this pressure carried no hostility; instead, it felt like a display of pure power that commanded awe.
He scrutinized Shi Yi, thinking to himself, This person's strength is unfathomable, and his martial soul is so unique. If he were an enemy, he would likely be a troublesome opponent.
Chen Xin nodded at Shi Yi, then walked to the side, leaning against a tree to close his eyes and rest.
Shi Yi looked at Guang Ling and shook the soul bone in his hand. "Fifth Brother, what should be done with this soul bone?"
Guang Ling glanced at the bone and said indifferently, "Before we set out, Xiao Che said to let Lin Yuan absorb it directly. The soul ring and soul bone are of the same origin, which will be of greater benefit to her."
Shi Yi nodded, his gaze shifting to Lin Yuan, who was currently absorbing the soul ring, his tone carrying a hint of approval.
The Young Master and Fifth Brother were both of the ice attribute, so this fire-attribute Hundred Thousand Year soul bone was indeed the most suitable for Lin Yuan.
At this moment, Lin Yuan's absorption of the soul ring was nearing its end.
Her body was wrapped in a layer of intense flames. A moment later, she slowly opened her eyes, her entire temperament appearing refreshed and renewed.
Seeing this, Guang Ling walked over with a smile. "It seems the absorption went very smoothly. Congratulations, Lin Yuan."
Lin Yuan stood up, her face filled with joy. "Thank you, Fifth Consecrator."
Shi Yi handed over the soul bone he was holding. "This soul bone also belongs to you. Absorb it, and your strength will reach a new level."
Lin Yuan looked toward Guang Ling, and seeing him nod, she finally accepted the bone from Shi Yi. Feeling the powerful energy contained within, she could not help but feel a surge of excitement.
She looked at Shi Yi; although she was still unclear about his identity, judging by his performance just now, he was clearly a senior of great strength.
She bowed respectfully to express her gratitude, then sat cross-legged once more to begin absorbing the soul bone.
Fierce flames surged from the bone, enveloping her body as if she had been fused into the fire itself.
Ning Jingchen sat opposite Qian Lingche and asked curiously, "Lingche, once Sword Grandfather and the others return, are you going back to Spirit Hall?"
Qian Lingche didn't quite understand what he meant, but he replied, "Yes, why?"
For these past few days, Qian Lingche had been staying alone in the Separate Courtyard. Fearing he would be bored, Ning Fengzhi had called Ning Jingchen, who was the same age, to keep him company.
Come to think of it, there was a bit of an intention to win him over; after all, Qian Lingche was only a child under nine years old, and surely he must be looking forward to having friends?
Ning Jingchen scratched his head, a trace of reluctance appearing on his face. "Nothing, I just feel like you've been living here quite well, and now that you're leaving so suddenly, I'm a bit reluctant to see you go."
Hearing this, the corners of Qian Lingche's mouth lifted slightly. "Jingchen, why does your tone sound like you're actually reluctant to part with me? We've only known each other for a few days, haven't we?"
Ning Jingchen laughed sheepishly. "Although we haven't known each other long, I feel like we get along quite well. Besides, you are the Young Master of Spirit Hall; it won't be easy to see you in the future."
Qian Lingche shook his head. "You fellow, you certainly know how to talk. However, there is no banquet in the world that doesn't end; I have to leave sooner or later."
Ning Jingchen sighed, his tone filled with a hint of regret. "Alright, then when you come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect next time, you must stay for a few more days."
Qian Lingche rested his chin on his hand and looked at the scenery in the distance. "Fine, next time I come, I'll be sure to chat with you more."
The two shared a smile. Ning Jingchen picked up his teacup for a sip, then suddenly seemed to recall something. "Right, Lingche, what do you usually do at Spirit Hall? I've heard the rules at Spirit Hall are very strict—is that true?"
Qian Lingche curled his lip and said helplessly, "There are indeed many rules, but they don't really have much to do with me."
"Unlike you, the young master of the Great Elder's family in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; no one really manages you as an auxiliary soul master."
A few days later, Guang Ling, Chen Xin, and Lin Yuan finally returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Upon receiving the news, Qian Lingche couldn't wait and ran to the mountain gate to welcome them.
Only when he saw their figures in the distance did he finally heave a sigh of relief, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Guang Ling walked forward and patted Qian Lingche on the shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of arrogance, "Xiao Che, we're back. Lin Yuan has successfully absorbed the spirit ring and spirit bone, and has officially advanced to a Title Douluo."
Qian Lingche nodded and turned to look at Chen Xin, "Thank you for your hard work, Sword Douluo."
After the pleasantries, Qian Lingche turned to look at Ning Fengzhi, who was standing to the side, "Uncle Ning, thank you for the help of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. We have troubled you for these past few days, so we will be heading back now."
Ning Fengzhi maintained his usual gentle expression, "There is no need for such formalities, Xiao Che. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect welcomes you to visit anytime."
After Qian Lingche left, Ning Jingchen stood at the mountain gate, watching Qian Lingche's retreating figure in the sky. He couldn't help but wave his hand and shout aloud, "Lingche, you must come again!"
Qian Lingche looked back at him, smiled, and waved his hand, "I will!"
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