Absorbing a Soul Bone

In the days that followed, Nuoding Academy entered a relatively peaceful period. Su Ge paid no mind to Yu Xiaogang, who was gradually giving up, and spent his time outside of class each day poring over the Soul Beast information Xiao Chenyu sent him, batch after batch.

In his spare time, he also tested his Soul Power.

The results showed that after absorbing the Lion-Tiger Beast's Soul Ring, his Soul Power Level had broken through to level fifteen.

He wasn't surprised by the result. He simply tucked the news away in his heart.

It wasn't time to show his edge yet. He would sharpen his sword day after day; one day, he would test its edge!

As the first holiday drew near, Su Ge's Soul Power Level had already smoothly reached level sixteen, and was steadily advancing toward level seventeen.

But with the holiday about to begin, he didn't rush to cultivate. He simply packed his things by himself.

"Packed" was hardly the word for it, since most of his belongings were already stored in his Storage Ring. He only had a few small items to bring along.

Besides those, he had also prepared many things to take back to Small Stone Village for everyone there.

Most were food, clothing, and daily necessities. The most valuable among them were several plans to improve life in the village, approved by City Lord Xiao.

For example, Nuoding City would allocate part of its supply purchases to Small Stone Village. Other measures, such as tax relief, were also being gradually implemented to improve the village's economy.

Su Ge didn't refuse any of this. Since he had accepted their help, he wasn't the sort of person who failed to repay kindness.

"Su Ge, are you going home?"

Just as he was nearly done packing, Xiao Wu appeared from who knew where, watching him pack with curiosity.

"Yeah. I'm going back to visit. I might not get many chances to do that in the future."

"Huh? Why not?"

Xiao Wu blinked at Su Ge, puzzled by his words.

"As we get stronger, we'll definitely have to go farther away to study. After graduation, other things will surely push us onward, too."

Su Ge sat on the bed, the dagger Su Dashan had given him appearing in his hand.

"So we're bound to leave home behind, and the chances to return will grow fewer and fewer."

"Times when we can come and go so freely will eventually pass for good. So we should cherish them while we can!"

Thinking of Su Dashan's no-longer-robust health, he let out a deep sigh, then looked at Xiao Wu.

"If you can, you should go home and visit, too."

After saying that, Su Ge didn't add anything else. He picked up his things and waved to Xiao Wu over his shoulder.

"I'm off. See you when school starts."

Watching Su Ge's retreating figure, Xiao Wu's thoughts churned. She had originally planned to go back with him, or, failing that, to visit the village with Tang San.

But after hearing what he said, Xiao Wu decided to go home and visit, too. After all, just as Su Ge had said, she might really get fewer and fewer chances in the future!

Su Ge didn't give a second thought to the fact that his words had influenced Xiao Wu's decision. He had no desire to covet her Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, nor any interest in following Tang San's lead and raising someone to his liking.

When it came to Xiao Wu, he preferred to let things take their natural course.

Riding in the carriage back to Small Stone Village, Su Ge wasn't overcome by sentiment. His goal remained clear: to grow stronger, and keep growing stronger!

"The palm bone is basically confirmed not to be part of the limb bones. So that foot bone really is an External Soul Bone..."

Su Ge looked over the notes he had organized. He had already decided to absorb this Soul Bone as soon as he returned to Small Stone Village. If nothing went wrong, his Soul Power Level should soon break through to level twenty!

"If all goes well, even without any other opportunities, I should reach the Soul Ancestor realm by the time I graduate..."

Leaning against the carriage's soft cushions, he opened his notes again. They contained information about a Soul Beast.

At the very top, in bold characters, were the words "Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear"!

This was Su Ge's choice for his Second Soul Ring: a Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear nearing ten thousand years old. It should give him a powerful burst-type Soul Skill.

He looked over the information again. It included the Soul Beast's estimated age and its likely location, making for a fairly detailed report.

Su Ge closed the notes and put them in his Storage Ring. Then he sank into the soft cushion behind him and closed his eyes to rest. The slight jolts of the carriage didn't bother him at all.

I've already asked City Lord Xiao to keep an eye out for Whale Rubber that's over ten thousand years old. Those two great tonics should give me quite a boost.

The next few years will be my best chance to develop.

By the time I graduate, I must be strong enough to protect myself in most situations!

In Small Stone Village, Su Ge personally handed out the things he'd brought for everyone. Only after listening to their grateful praise did he return home.

Everything in the house was spotless, as if someone cleaned it regularly.

He knew Su Dashan had done it. When Su Ge was handing out the gifts, Su Dashan had even asked whether bringing all those things would put a burden on him.

After Su Ge assured him it wouldn't, the old man, who had spent his whole life laboring for Small Stone Village, smiled with relief and accepted the things Su Ge offered him.

"Phew~"

Back in the familiar little house, Su Ge let out a long breath and stretched out on the somewhat hard bed.

He probably wouldn't be able to come back often from now on. Every year, he would have someone send things to Small Stone Village, while he planned to spend his holidays in the Star Dou Great Forest.

Besides hunting Soul Beasts and processing and reselling the ones he caught, he was drawn to the fact that the Star Dou Great Forest was home not only to Soul Beasts, but also to humans.

There were things he would have to face sooner or later. He would have to fight Soul Beasts, and Soul Masters as well!

"But for now, I should strike while the iron's hot and absorb the Soul Bone. I wonder what effects it'll give me?"

Su Ge sat up and took the Lion-Tiger Beast's External Right Leg Palm Bone out of his Storage Ring.

Based on what he'd seen in the original story, External Soul Bones usually provided enhancements or additional attributes, and rarely granted Soul Skills. Soul Bone Skills mostly came from the six main Soul Bone positions.

So this Soul Bone would most likely enhance his condition and strengthen him through the resonance of their shared origin.

With that thought, Su Ge didn't hesitate any longer. He began absorbing the Soul Bone. If all went well, it shouldn't be a problem for him to break through to level eighteen in one go!

He sat cross-legged on the bed, focusing his mind on the Soul Bone. In the little house, he began to absorb it.

When night fell and silver frost blanketed Small Stone Village, a pair of golden eyes opened in the darkened house. A powerful aura gradually spread through the darkness!

Su Ge took the Soul Power testing crystal ball out of his Storage Ring. As he watched the crystal ball, which could measure up to level thirty, light up more than halfway, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.