Sword and Bone Douluo Were Stunned! What Kind of Bizarre Martial Soul Was This?

Ye Fan walked in with two maids. One carried a bowl of hot porridge, while the other brought Xiao Ran a set of sect clothes.

Ye Fan leaned against the doorframe, admiration written across his face. "You're awake. Good. I never thought you'd actually absorb a thousand-year Soul Ring. I doubt there's a second person like you on the whole continent. You monster!"

Xiao Ran nearly spat out the porridge he was drinking. "Heh, I just got lucky. I should thank you for bringing me here, though. This is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, right?"

"That's right."

Xiao Ran asked, "Huh? Where are Ning Rongrong and the others?"

"The young miss is at the sect master's hall. Once you've changed, we'll head over. The sect master wants to meet you personally."

Xiao Ran raised an eyebrow and quickly weighed the situation. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was a major sect. Even an outer sect steward would be a Soul King at minimum, perhaps stronger.

Someone of that standing wouldn't summon him just for a chat. They had probably taken an interest in his unusual Martial Soul and wanted to recruit him—or probe his background.

"All right, I'm dressed. Let's go."

Only after stepping outside did Xiao Ran realize the courtyard residence was built against a mountainside. Mist curled between the slopes, and the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air.

He took a deep breath. "I've never felt so refreshed! The last time I stayed somewhere this nice was... well, the last time."

They passed a training ground where many disciples were practicing. When those disciples spotted Xiao Ran, they cast curious looks his way, and a few began whispering.

"That's him? The genius who absorbed a thousand-year Soul Ring at level ten?"

"I heard the young miss brought him back. He must be somebody."

As they reached the entrance to the hall, Ning Rongrong came running out, waving cheerfully.

"Over here! Xiao Ran, are you feeling better?"

"Completely! I'm bursting with energy!"

Ye Fan said, "Come on. The sect master is just ahead."

Inside the hall, a slender figure sat in the seat of honor, smiling at them. He wore a blue-and-white robe, his black hair neatly tied back, and his face was gentle and refined.

He was Ning Fengzhi, sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

A man stood on either side of him.

The man on the left had graying hair and a stern face. A sharp aura radiated from him.

The man on the right was tall and powerfully built, with rugged features and a steady, imposing presence.

The one in the middle is Ning Fengzhi. The other two must be Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Xiao Ran felt a surge of awe.

Ye Fan stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Sect Master, I've brought Xiao Ran."

"Good. You may leave."

Ye Fan left the hall.

Ning Fengzhi spoke first. "You must be young Xiao Ran."

"I am. Xiao Ran greets the sect master."

"No need for ceremony. Please, rise. You're the genius our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect specifically asked to meet!"

"This is Sword Douluo, and this is Bone Douluo."

"Greetings, seniors," Xiao Ran said, lowering his head.

"I heard you absorbed a purple thousand-year Soul Ring a few days ago. I've never heard of anyone, past or present, enduring the impact of such a Soul Ring at level ten. Your Martial Soul must be quite unusual."

Xiao Ran scratched his head and cupped his fists. "I just got lucky. My Martial Soul is an ordinary Short Club. There's nothing special about it."

"Haha, no need to be modest. If you're willing, why not release your Martial Soul and let us take a look?"

"All right. I'll give it a try."

Without hesitation, Xiao Ran held out his right hand and summoned the Dark Silver Spark.

Beep!

Super Fusion!

A blinding light forced everyone present to shield their eyes.

Xiao Ran slowly descended from the air, looking like a god.

"Strange! I've seen Martial Souls of every kind, but never anything like this. A Short Club Martial Soul that can merge with its wielder?" Surprise flashed in Sword Douluo's eyes.

Beside him, Bone Douluo Gu Rong narrowed his eyes and rested a hand against his chin. "I've lived more than a century and seen all manner of peculiar Martial Souls, but this form is a first."

Ning Fengzhi had risen from his seat, wonder unmistakable in his voice. "Man and Martial Soul as one... Martial Soul Possession to this degree can't be explained by ordinary talent. Your Martial Soul may already be approaching the threshold of an Ultimate Attribute."

Xiao Ran ended the transformation and returned to his usual grinning self. "Sect Master, seniors, you're praising me too much. My Soul Power is only at level twelve. However you look at it, I'm still a beginner."

"A beginner who dared absorb a thousand-year Soul Ring at level twelve? Now that's a first for me." Bone Douluo laughed and walked up to Xiao Ran, giving his shoulder a pat with one large hand.

The pat looked casual, but it carried a test. Xiao Ran suddenly felt his whole body sink, and his legs nearly gave way. His reaction was quick, however. As his Soul Power circulated, a force blending light and dark helped him steady himself.

Bone Douluo withdrew his hand, approval deepening in his eyes. "Not bad. Quick reactions and a solid foundation. You've got something, kid."

Sword Douluo Chen Xin gave a rare nod. "His Soul Power Level is low, but his mental strength is considerable. His First Soul Ring is a Thousand-Year Soul Ring, and his control over his Martial Soul far surpasses others at his level. A genius like this appears only once in a century!"

Ning Fengzhi rose from his seat and said gently, "Young Xiao Ran, my two uncles and I have seen your Martial Soul and your talent. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always valued talent, and today I'd like to formally invite you to join us. What do you say?"

Xiao Ran had been waiting for those words. He cupped his fists. "I'd be honored to accept, Sect Master. I have just one small request. I'm used to freedom, so I don't want to become anyone's disciple or be bound by sect rules. A guest elder position would suit me. As for cultivation resources, I hope you'll be generous."

Bone Douluo gave a snort and folded his arms, looking Xiao Ran up and down. "You've got nerve, kid. Only level twelve, and you're already making demands of the sect master? And you don't want a teacher? You're bolder than I was at your age."

Xiao Ran chuckled. "You're joking, Senior Bone. I'm simply used to going my own way. As an unaffiliated guest elder, we'd all have room to breathe."

"I understand," Ning Fengzhi said calmly. "With talent like yours, tying you down with formalities might only hold you back. You can be a guest elder, and you won't have to take a teacher. The sect will provide you with resources and give you the freedom you need."

He then took an emerald-green jade token from his sleeve and handed it over. "This is a sect token. You're a friend of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and you'll always be welcome here."

Xiao Ran accepted the token with both hands and cupped his fists. "Thank you, Sect Master. I was planning to spend the next six years cultivating here."

"Oh? Then our sect welcomes you wholeheartedly! You may use the sect's cultivation resources as needed," Ning Fengzhi said happily.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Cultivation knew neither winter nor summer, and the years hurried by.

Six years passed in the blink of an eye.