Champion! Soul Emperor!

After the championship ended.

Spirit Hall Academy entered a brief period of rest.

The three battles in the finals had spread Lin Tian's name throughout Spirit City.

But he paid no attention to the outside discussion.

After returning to his residence, he took out all the Whale Rubber Bibi Dong had sent him.

Hu Liena sat beside the cultivation chamber.

She had already absorbed the Wisdom Skull.

Pink Soul Power slowly flowed across her brow, and her spiritual power was much stronger than before.

"I am level fifty-four now."

Hu Liena opened her eyes.

She wore the Light Golden Long Skirt, its hem falling just above her ankles.

Black stockings wrapped around her calves, while white soft boots covered her feet.

"You still need six more levels."

Lin Tian sat cross-legged in the center of the stone platform.

His two martial souls floated behind him.

The Primordial Chaos Azure Lotus cast down Azure Divine Light, while the Nine Nether Beast suppressed the Soul Power fluctuations within the cultivation chamber.

"I have already risen two levels."

Hu Liena walked up to Lin Tian.

She extended her hand and pressed it against his shoulder.

"Rising from level fifty-two to level fifty-four is already very fast."

"But you went from level fifty-six to level sixty in less than a month."

"The higher your Soul Power, the more energy you need to advance."

"Are you still going to absorb Whale Rubber?"

"Yes."

Lin Tian picked up a piece of dark golden Whale Rubber.

The moment it entered his mouth, immense energy immediately surged into his body.

The Tank Engine began to operate.

His Bloodline Power and Soul Power rose together, and the bottleneck at level fifty-six began to loosen.

Hu Liena did not disturb him.

She sat down beside Lin Tian and formed a cultivation seal with both hands.

Their Soul Powers gradually intertwined.

An hour later.

The Soul Power in the cultivation chamber suddenly contracted into Lin Tian's body.

Lin Tian opened his eyes.

Level fifty-seven.

Hu Liena looked at him and immediately asked,

"You broke through again?"

"Yes."

"I need to keep going too."

She picked up a piece of Whale Rubber and directly put it into her mouth.

Lin Tian raised his hand.

The Primordial Chaos Azure Lotus bloomed, and Azure Divine Light fell upon Hu Liena.

Hu Liena circulated her Soul Power and absorbed the energy within the Whale Rubber.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

This time, the power brought by the Whale Rubber was even more violent than before.

Lin Tian placed his palm against her back.

Life Divine Light entered her body along her meridians, suppressing the constantly crashing energy.

"Slow down the circulation of your Soul Power."

"I know."

"Do not force your way through the bottleneck."

"Can't you say something nicer?"

"Your current condition is not suitable for further advancement."

Hu Liena opened her eyes.

She turned around and sat directly beside Lin Tian.

The Light Golden Long Skirt pressed against the stone platform, while her long hair fell over her shoulders.

"All you ever talk about is cultivation."

"Cultivation can increase strength."

"I know."

Hu Liena reached out and took Lin Tian's hand.

She pulled his hand to her waist.

"But I have finished cultivating for now."

Lin Tian looked at her.

"You have only temporarily stopped absorbing Whale Rubber."

"That still counts as being finished."

Hu Liena leaned back, her body pressing against Lin Tian's chest.

She pressed her legs together, her black stockings brushing against Lin Tian's trousers.

"Will this affect cultivation?"

"No."

"Then let's sit like this for a while."

"All right."

Lin Tian's arm settled around her waist.

Hu Liena closed her eyes.

The cultivation chamber returned to silence.

A moment later, she raised her face.

"Lin Tian."

"Yes."

"I heard Teacher say that you are almost level sixty."

"I still need three levels."

"After reaching level sixty, are you going to hunt for your sixth Soul Ring?"

"Yes."

"Where are you going?"

"The Great Star Dou Forest."

Hu Liena immediately sat upright.

"I'll go with you."

"Your Soul Power has not reached level sixty yet."

"I can protect myself."

"There are Fifty-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts there."

"I know."

Hu Liena looked at Lin Tian.

"I am no longer level forty-six like when I first joined the academy."

"The Wisdom Skull has increased my spiritual power."

"My fifth soul skill can also be maintained for longer."

"And you will be by my side."

Lin Tian did not refuse.

"All right."

Hu Liena's eyes brightened.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Then when are we leaving?"

"After I break through to level sixty."

"How long will that take?"

"I don't know."

"Then I'll cultivate with you every day."

She wrapped her arms around Lin Tian's waist again.

"When you reach level sixty, I need to reach level fifty-five as soon as possible too."

"Do not force yourself to advance."

"I'll be careful."

Hu Liena leaned against Lin Tian's chest.

Her fingers rested on his chest, lightly tracing the patterns on his black-and-gold lapel.

"Once we reach the Great Star Dou Forest, what kind of Soul Beast are you planning to hunt?"

"One with a destruction attribute or a strength attribute."

"I'll help you look."

"You only need to stay close to me."

"Then I'll stay close to you."

Hu Liena raised her face.

"Never leaving your side."

"All right."

Satisfied, she leaned back against him.

For the next half month.

Lin Tian continued absorbing Whale Rubber in the cultivation chamber.

His Soul Power gradually rose from level fifty-seven to level fifty-eight.

Then he broke through to level fifty-nine.

He was only one final step away from level sixty.

Hu Liena no longer forcefully absorbed Whale Rubber.

She stayed by Lin Tian's side every day. After cultivating, she would rest in his arms.

Sometimes, she prepared food herself.

Other times, she held a cup of tea and sat by the stone platform, watching Lin Tian cultivate.

"What did you make today?"

Lin Tian looked toward the wooden box on the table.

Hu Liena opened the lid.

Inside were several pieces of roasted Soul Beast meat and sliced spirit fruit.

"Your favorite Earthsplit Bear meat."

"I never said I liked it."

"But you finish it every time."

Hu Liena picked up a piece of meat and brought it to Lin Tian's lips.

"Open your mouth."

Lin Tian lowered his head and took a bite.

Hu Liena did not withdraw her hand.

She watched Lin Tian finish the piece of meat before pulling back her fingers.

"Is it good?"

"It's all right."

"All right again."

She picked up another piece of Soul Beast meat.

"Are those the only two words you can use to praise someone?"

"It tastes good."

Only then was Hu Liena satisfied.

"Say it again."

"It tastes good."

"I'll remember that."

She brought the Soul Beast meat before Lin Tian.

"Have another piece."

"Eat it yourself."

"I'm taking care of you."

"I'm a Soul Master. I don't need that kind of care."

Hu Liena placed the soul beast meat in his hand.

"But I want to."

Lin Tian glanced at her.

Hu Liena did not look away.

She sat beside Lin Tian and raised her arms around his.

"I'll accompany you in cultivation every day, and you'll accompany me for every meal."

"That's fair."

"And you have to hug me every day."

"You have a lot of demands."

"I'm already being very restrained."

Hu Liena leaned closer.

The Light Golden Long Skirt pressed against Lin Tian's black-and-gold robes.

"If I weren't restraining myself, you wouldn't be able to cultivate right now."

"You can try."

"After you break through Level 60."

Hu Liena lifted her chin.

"You're going to hunt a Fifty-Thousand-Year Soul Beast."

"The Soul Power in your body can't be affected."

"So I'll let you cultivate in peace first."

Lin Tian withdrew his gaze.

"Not bad."

Hu Liena's eyes immediately lit up.

"You praised me."

"That was an evaluation."

"I'll take it as praise."

She leaned against Lin Tian's shoulder.

Their palms rested together, their fingers naturally intertwined.

The night grew deeper and deeper.

Soul Power continuously circulated within the cultivation room.

Lin Tian's Level 59 Soul Power gradually gathered.

Under the Tank Engine's continuous operation, the final bottleneck slowly began to loosen.

Hu Liena sensed the change.

She immediately sat upright.

"You're about to break through?"

"Mm."

Lin Tian closed his eyes.

The Primordial Chaos Azure Lotus and the Nine Nether Beast appeared simultaneously.

Five black Soul Rings revolved around his body.

Azure Life Divine Light and pitch-black destructive power descended at the same time.

The Soul Power in the cultivation room surged toward Lin Tian.

His aura continued to rise.

The peak of Level 59.

The next moment.

An even stronger surge of Soul Power spread from Lin Tian's body.

The surface of the stone platform cracked.

The teacups on the table trembled at the same time.

Level 60.

Lin Tian opened his eyes.

Deep Soul Power flashed through his gaze.

Hu Liena came before him.

She first looked at Lin Tian's face, then at the two great martial souls behind him.

"You really reached Level 60."

"Mm."

"Then when are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow."

Hu Liena froze for a moment.

"Tomorrow?"

"The sooner we hunt the Soul Ring, the sooner we return."

"I still wanted to cultivate with you tonight."

"We're entering the Great Star Dou Forest tomorrow."

"We can still cultivate before entering the forest."

Hu Liena pursed her lips.

She reached out and grabbed Lin Tian's sleeve.

"Then tonight, you're not allowed to only cultivate."

"What do you want to do?"

"Eat first."

She pulled Lin Tian to his feet.

"After we eat, stay with me for a while."

"How long?"

"Until I fall asleep."

"Aren't you going into the Great Star Dou Forest with me?"

"That's why I need to sleep well tonight."

Hu Liena opened the door.

When she reached the doorway, she turned back.

"Lin Tian."

"Mm."

"When you hunt the Fifty-Thousand-Year Soul Beast tomorrow, will you get hurt?"

"No."

"What if you do get hurt?"

"Ye Lingling isn't here."

"I'll help treat you."

Hu Liena looked at him seriously.

"I can use healing potions now too."

"You're not a healing-type Soul Master."

"But I know how to take care of you."

She raised a hand and adjusted Lin Tian's collar.

Her fingertips brushed over the golden patterns on his lapels before finally resting on his chest.

"You can't always think only about becoming stronger."

"You need to let me be part of it too."

"You will be."

"Then it's settled."

Hu Liena rose onto her toes.

Her red lips lightly brushed the corner of Lin Tian's mouth.

She quickly drew back, but still held onto his sleeve.

"This is an advance reward."

"There'll be more after hunting the Soul Ring?"

"Of course."

Hu Liena looked at him.

"As long as you return safely, I'll give you an even bigger reward."

"What reward?"

"You'll find out when we get back."

She did not explain further.

Lin Tian withdrew his gaze and followed her out of the cultivation room.

The next morning.

Outside the Worship Hall.

Qian Daoliu, Bibi Dong, and Hu Liena had all come to see him off.

A black carriage stood below the long staircase.

Six Spirit Hall knights stood beside it.

Bibi Dong looked at Lin Tian.

"After Level 60, a Fifty-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring will bring a stronger impact."

"I know."

"The soul beast you choose should preferably be compatible with the Nine Nether Beast's power."

"I've already decided."

"What soul beast?"

"A Fifty-Thousand-Year Nether Demon Wolf."

Bibi Dong's gaze fell behind Lin Tian.

The Nine Nether Beast's aura slowly spread.

"This kind of soul beast lives in the inner region of the Great Star Dou Forest."

"Its speed and destructive power are both very strong."

"It suits your martial soul."

Qian Daoliu stood on the steps.

"Are you planning to hunt alone?"

"Hu Liena will come with me."

Qian Daoliu looked at Hu Liena.

Hu Liena immediately moved to Lin Tian's side.

"I'll stay close to him."

"If you encounter danger, don't force yourself to act."

Qian Daoliu looked at her.

"Your task is to ensure your own safety."

"I understand."

Hu Liena raised her eyes toward Lin Tian.

"I won't hold him back."

Bibi Dong handed Lin Tian a violet-gold token.

"With it, the Martial Soul Holy Temples along the way will provide you with supplies."

Lin Tian accepted the token.

"Thanks."

"After you return, come to the Pope Hall first."

Bibi Dong glanced at Hu Liena.

"I'll inspect your cultivation progress."

Hu Liena linked her arm through Lin Tian's.

"Teacher, I'll go with him."

"I know."

Bibi Dong studied their clasped hands.

"When you enter the Great Star Dou Forest this time, you must listen to Lin Tian's arrangements."

"I always do."

Hu Liena lifted her chin.

"I only occasionally voiced my own thoughts."

"Then don't voice them when it's dangerous."

"I understand."

She turned to look at Lin Tian.

"We should leave."

Lin Tian nodded.

The two of them walked down the long steps together.

Hu Liena linked her arm through his, the Light Golden Long Skirt swaying gently with each step.

When they reached the carriage, she climbed inside first.

Then she turned and held out her hand to Lin Tian.

Lin Tian took her hand and entered the carriage.

Hu Liena shifted farther inside.

"Sit here."

"You can sit there too."

"I want to lean against you."

She patted the seat beside her.

Once Lin Tian sat down, Hu Liena immediately leaned against him.

She rested her head against Lin Tian's shoulder, one hand placed at his waist.

The carriage slowly left Spirit City.

"Lin Tian."

"Mm."

"After you absorb the Fifty-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, will you break through directly to level sixty-one?"

"Maybe."

"Then I want to reach level fifty-five too."

"Don't rush."

"I'm not rushing."

Hu Liena closed her eyes.

"I just want to be a little closer to you."

Lin Tian did not answer.

His hand settled on Hu Liena's waist.

The wheels rolled over the stone pavement, gently rocking the carriage.

Hu Liena pressed herself even closer.

"If the soul skill brought by the Fifty-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring is powerful, will you tell me?"

"Yes."

"What if the Soul Bone is powerful too?"

"I'll show it to you."

"What if we find a Soul Bone that suits me?"

"I'll give it to you."

Hu Liena opened her eyes.

"You haven't even hunted the soul beast yet, and you've already decided?"

"Soul Bones aren't of much use to me."

"Then I won't hold back."

"Mm."

Hu Liena raised her arms and wrapped them around Lin Tian's neck.

"When you come back, I want you to personally give me the Soul Bone."

"Fine."

Only then did she close her eyes again.

"Then I'll sleep for a while first."

"Wake me when we reach the Great Star Dou Forest."

"I won't let you go in alone."

"I know."

Hu Liena leaned against Lin Tian's chest.

"You'll always be by my side."

The carriage continued along the official road.

Several hours later, the forest ahead gradually blocked out the daylight.

Endless ancient trees stretched together in vast swathes.

They had arrived at the Great Star Dou Forest.

Lin Tian lifted the carriage curtain.

From the distant sea of trees came the sounds of soul beasts moving about.

Hu Liena stood as well.

She smoothed the Light Golden Long Skirt and swept her long hair behind her.

"Are we going in?"

"Mm."

Lin Tian stepped down from the carriage.

The Nine Nether Beast emerged behind him.

Five black Soul Rings rose in succession.

An inky aura of destruction spread into the depths of the forest.

Hu Liena came to his side.

Her Demon Fox martial soul appeared as well, five Soul Rings circling her body.

She linked her arm through Lin Tian's.

"We'll find your sixth Soul Ring together."

"Stay close to me."

"I won't let go."

Lin Tian stepped into the Great Star Dou Forest.

Their figures quickly vanished into the dense woods.