The three of them turned toward the sound at the same time. Shi Yi strolled over and called out, "Well, Fifth Brother, it's only been a few days. How'd you get so weak? You're the mighty Guang Ling Douluo, yet you nearly got beaten down by a bird. Now that's a sight to behold."
Guang Ling shot him a look and said sourly, "Since you're here, hurry up and help. Don't stand there making sarcastic remarks."
Chen Xin and Lin Yuan didn't know the newcomer, but seeing how familiar he was with Guang Ling, they said nothing, only studying him with curiosity.
Shi Yi chuckled. "All right. Since Fifth Brother asked, of course I'll help."
Shi Yi raised a hand, and an ancient, mysterious staff appeared in his grasp.
The First Soul Ring on his body suddenly lit up, radiating a faint purple glow.
"First Soul Skill: Time Slow." As his voice fell, a stream of blue Soul Power washed over the Fire Phoenix.
The Fire Phoenix's movements instantly slowed. Its wings beat as if in slow motion, and even the flames burning around it seemed to freeze in midair.
Guang Ling pursed his lips. "Your Martial Soul really is ridiculous. I'm so jealous."
The Eighth Soul Ring on his body suddenly lit up, and the Guang Ling Bow in his hand took aim.
A massive blue magic circle suddenly appeared beneath the Fire Phoenix, and a bone-chilling cold instantly engulfed it.
"Eighth Soul Skill—Endless Boundary!"
With Shi Yi's support, the group worked together seamlessly and soon finished off the Cinder Fire Phoenix.
The Fire Phoenix's massive body crashed to the ground. A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring glimmering with a crimson light and a right arm bone radiating scorching heat appeared.
Lin Yuan stepped forward, sat cross-legged, and began absorbing the Soul Ring.
Shi Yi crooked a finger, drawing the Hundred Thousand Year right arm bone dropped by the Cinder Fire Phoenix toward him with Soul Power. He held it in his hand and examined it closely.
Complex patterns covered the bone, with flames seemingly flowing through them, as though they contained immense energy.
He turned to Chen Xin with a smile. "I've heard so much about you, Sword Douluo Chen Xin. I'm Shi Yi."
Chen Xin could sense that the man called Shi Yi radiated an immensely powerful aura, one that even put him under tremendous pressure.
Strangely, though, the pressure didn't feel aggressive. It was more like a pure display of power, inspiring awe.
He studied Shi Yi, thinking to himself, This man's strength is unfathomable, and his Martial Soul is so unusual. If he were an enemy, he'd be a formidable opponent.
Chen Xin nodded to Shi Yi, then walked over to a tree and leaned against it, closing his eyes to rest.
Shi Yi looked at Guang Ling and gave the Soul Bone in his hand a shake. "Fifth Brother, what should we do with this Soul Bone?"
Guang Ling glanced at it and said dismissively, "Before we set out, Xiao Che said Lin Yuan could absorb it directly. The Soul Ring and Soul Bone come from the same source, so it'll benefit her more."
Shi Yi nodded and turned his gaze to Lin Yuan, who was absorbing the Soul Ring, his tone carrying a note of agreement.
The Young Master and Fifth Brother both had ice attributes. This Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone with a fire attribute was indeed best suited for Lin Yuan.
Just then, Lin Yuan's absorption of the Soul Ring was nearing its end.
A layer of blazing flames enveloped her. A moment later, she slowly opened her eyes, her whole bearing transformed.
Seeing this, Guang Ling smiled and walked over. "Looks like the absorption went smoothly. Congratulations, Lin Yuan."
Lin Yuan stood up, delight on her face. "Thank you, Fifth Consecrator."
Shi Yi held out the Soul Bone. "This Soul Bone belongs to you, too. Absorb it, and your strength will rise another level."
Lin Yuan looked at Guang Ling. When he nodded, she accepted the Soul Bone from Shi Yi. Feeling the immense energy within, she couldn't help but grow excited.
She looked at Shi Yi. Though she still didn't know who he was, from what he'd shown just now, he was clearly a powerful senior.
She bowed respectfully in thanks, then sat cross-legged once more and began absorbing the Soul Bone.
Blazing flames surged from the Soul Bone and wrapped around her, as if drawing her whole body into the fire.
Ning Jingchen sat across from Qian Lingche and asked curiously, "Lingche, once Grandpa Sword and the others come back, are you going back to Spirit Hall?"
Qian Lingche didn't quite understand what he meant, but answered anyway. "Yeah. Why?"
Over the past few days, Qian Lingche had been staying alone in the Separate Courtyard. Ning Fengzhi, worried he'd get bored by himself, had asked Ning Jingchen, who was about his age, to keep him company.
Truth be told, there had also been some intent to draw him closer. After all, Qian Lingche was still a child under nine. Surely he still hoped to have friends?
Ning Jingchen scratched his head, a trace of reluctance on his face. "It's nothing. I just think you've been enjoying your stay here, so it's a little sad that you're leaving all of a sudden."
At that, Qian Lingche's lips curled slightly. "Jingchen, why do you sound like you don't want me to go? We've only known each other for a few days."
Ning Jingchen smiled a little sheepishly. "We haven't known each other long, but I feel like we get along. Besides, you're the Young Master of Spirit Hall. It won't be easy to see you once you leave."
Qian Lingche shook his head. "You sure know how to talk. But there's no banquet that never breaks up. I have to leave eventually."
Ning Jingchen sighed, his voice tinged with regret. "All right. Then next time you visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you have to stay a few extra days."
Qian Lingche propped his head on his hand and gazed into the distance. "Sure. Next time, I'll spend more time chatting with you."
They exchanged smiles. Ning Jingchen picked up his teacup and took a sip, then suddenly seemed to remember something. "By the way, Lingche, what do you usually do at Spirit Hall? I heard the rules there are really strict. Is that true?"
Qian Lingche pursed his lips and replied helplessly, "There are quite a few rules, but they don't really affect me."
"You're lucky. You're the little young master of the Ning family, whose head is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Grand Elder. You're an auxiliary-type Soul Master, so no one really keeps an eye on you."
A few days later, Guang Ling, Chen Xin, and Lin Yuan finally returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Once Qian Lingche heard the news, he couldn't wait and ran to greet them at the mountain gate.
Only when he finally spotted them in the distance did he breathe a sigh of relief, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Guang Ling stepped forward and patted Qian Lingche on the shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Xiao Che, we're back. Lin Yuan successfully absorbed the Soul Ring and Soul Bone. She's officially advanced to Titled Douluo."
Qian Lingche nodded, then turned to Chen Xin. "Thank you for your hard work, Sword Douluo."
After exchanging pleasantries, Qian Lingche turned to Ning Fengzhi, who stood nearby. "Uncle Ning, thank you for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's help. We've imposed on you these past few days, so we'll be heading back now."
Ning Fengzhi's expression remained as warm as ever. "There's no need to thank me, Xiao Che. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will always welcome you as guests."
After Qian Lingche left, Ning Jingchen stood at the mountain gate, watching his silhouette in the sky. He couldn't help waving and calling out, "Lingche, you have to come again!"
Qian Lingche looked back at him and waved with a smile. "I will!"