Thousand-Year Soul Ring, Core of Life

Deep within Qinglan Academy, in the courtyard of the headmaster's residence, rich Life Spiritual Energy lingered like something tangible. The plants grew exceptionally lush, every leaf gleaming with a crystalline sheen. Simply standing there made the circulation of soul power throughout one's body smoother.

A white-haired elder sat upright on a stone stool, studying Lin Chen with a gentle gaze. His seemingly clouded eyes appeared capable of seeing through everything in the world, precisely discerning the secrets of the martial soul's origin within Lin Chen.

After bowing in greeting, Lin Chen stood quietly to one side, composed and entirely at ease, without the slightest arrogance or impatience over his heaven-defying talent.

His temperament deepened the approval in the elder's eyes.

On the Douluo Continent, those who achieved fame young yet remained rash were everywhere. For Lin Chen to remain unruffled by favor or disgrace, steady and restrained at only six years old, was far rarer than innate full soul power or perfect life affinity. This was the true makings of someone who could reach the pinnacle of the martial path.

The elder slowly raised his hand and waved it gently. An incomparably warm yet boundless surge of Life Soul Power instantly enveloped Lin Chen, slipping gently into his body to carefully examine the origins of his martial soul and soul power.

Lin Chen offered no resistance, allowing the soul power to examine him. He could clearly sense that it held no malice, only pure gentleness and acceptance. It matched his Life Blue Silver Grass soul power perfectly, without the slightest rejection.

A moment later, the elder withdrew his soul power. His eyes filled with wonder and relief, and he stroked his beard with a smile. "Excellent! What an innate physique of all living things! What a strand of primordial Life Blue Silver! I have guarded Qinglan Mountain all my life, and at last, I have found the one destined by heaven!"

"The one destined by heaven?" Lin Chen raised his brows slightly, a trace of confusion stirring within him. He looked up at the elder and quietly waited for him to continue.

The elder stood and slowly walked beneath the towering ancient tree in the courtyard. Looking up at its luxuriant branches and leaves, he spoke slowly, his voice carrying the weathering of years. "I am True Person Qinglan, the third headmaster of Qinglan Academy. I have spent my life studying life soul power and plant martial souls. My remaining years are few, and my sole lingering wish is to find someone who can inherit my legacy of life."

"A hundred years ago, I foretold that a strand of ultimate Life Blue Silver would descend into this world a century later. It would possess perfect life affinity and the physique of all living things—a heaven-blessed prodigy capable of cultivating a life martial soul to its utmost, perhaps even transcending the limits of the Douluo Continent. Now that I have met you, you truly are that destined one!"

Understanding dawned on Lin Chen. So that was it. His Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul was no mere coincidence; it matched the prediction True Person Qinglan had made a hundred years ago. That was why he was valued so highly.

"You praise me too much, Headmaster. I merely awakened a special Blue Silver Grass martial soul through a fortunate coincidence," Lin Chen replied calmly, his tone still humble.

True Person Qinglan turned toward him, his gaze utterly solemn. "This was no coincidence. It is where the fortune of heaven and earth converges, and it is your destiny. Your Life Blue Silver Grass has potential far beyond every plant-type martial soul in this world. Ordinary ten-year and hundred-year soul rings are utterly unworthy of it. They would only undermine the foundation of your cultivation."

"For ordinary soul masters, absorbing a ten-year soul ring at level ten and a hundred-year soul ring at level twenty is already a top-tier arrangement. But you are different. Your martial soul and body can bear a stronger soul ring, and your foundation can withstand it!"

As his words fell, True Person Qinglan waved his hand. An emerald-green crystal, seemingly carved from jade, slowly floated into the air.

The crystal was only the size of a fist, yet it radiated incomparably dense Life Spiritual Energy, almost thick enough to turn viscous. Its gentle glow carried an endlessly renewing aura of origin. Merely looking at it sent the soul power within one's body surging wildly and completely captivated the mind.

Inside the crystal, a living presence seemed to pulse. Every beat released an immense amount of Life Force, making the surrounding air ever fresher.

"This is..." Surprise flashed through Lin Chen's eyes. He could clearly sense the immense vitality within the crystal, far surpassing that of a hundred-year soul beast, or even an ordinary thousand-year soul beast. It resonated with his Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul to an extraordinary degree.

"This is the Life Ancient Tree Core, the Innate Soul Core formed from a Life Ancient Tree Soul with three thousand eight hundred years of cultivation," True Person Qinglan explained slowly, revealing the crystal's origins. "This Life Ancient Tree Soul was a soul beast I saved a hundred years ago. It spent its life rooted on Qinglan Mountain, absorbing the mountain's Life Spiritual Energy to cultivate. Free from illness or calamity, it died peacefully of old age, leaving behind this Innate Soul Core. It contains the purest Life Force, without a trace of hostility, making it ideal for your Life Blue Silver Grass to absorb."

A Three-Thousand-Eight-Hundred-Year Soul Ring!

Lin Chen was utterly stunned. Even with his steady temperament, he could not keep his heart from stirring.

Under the cultivation rules of the Douluo Continent, a level-ten soul scholar could absorb, at most, a hundred-year soul ring. Even a prodigy with heaven-defying talent could only manage one a little over four hundred years old. This was already an iron law acknowledged throughout the continent.

Yet True Person Qinglan intended to have him absorb the soul core of a three-thousand-eight-hundred-year soul beast, several times beyond the normal limit. If word got out, it would shake the entire soul master world!

"Headmaster, this is the soul core of a three-thousand-eight-hundred-year soul beast. I am only a level-ten soul scholar. There is no way I can absorb it. If I force it, the immense vitality will burst my body and scatter my soul!" Lin Chen said gravely. He was not being timid; those were simply the facts. An ordinary soul master could never cross such a vast gap to absorb a soul ring.

True Person Qinglan waved his hand, his face bearing a confident smile. "Others cannot, but you can!"

"You possess the All Things Lifeform physique, and your martial soul is Life Blue Silver Grass with perfect life affinity. You are already the vessel most compatible with Life Force between heaven and earth. The Life Ancient Tree Soul's power contains neither aggression nor hostility, only pure nourishment. Not only will it not burst your body, it will thoroughly temper your flesh, martial soul, and soul power, solidifying the foundation of your cultivation!"

"Moreover, I will personally stand guard over you, using the Life Soul Power I have cultivated throughout my life to guide you and control the speed and intensity of your absorption, ensuring nothing goes wrong. This Life Ancient Tree Soul Ring was prepared specifically to be your first soul ring. If you miss this chance, you will never find another soul ring so perfectly suited to you!"

Lin Chen watched the Life Ancient Tree Soul Core floating in the air. Feeling the resonance of life that seemed linked to his very blood, he gradually reached a decision.

He was already walking a path that defied heaven, standing against Tang San. If he wanted to contend with this chosen son of heaven in the future, he had to break convention and forge a path others neither dared nor were able to walk!

Ordinary ten-year or hundred-year soul rings could never bring about a complete transformation in his Life Blue Silver Grass. Only this three-thousand-eight-hundred-year Life Ancient Tree Soul Ring could send him soaring to the heavens in a single step, establishing the absolute strength to crush anyone at his level!

Fortune lay amid danger. Besides, with a supreme expert like True Person Qinglan personally standing guard, the risk had already been reduced to a minimum.

At that thought, Lin Chen's gaze grew firm. He bowed deeply to True Person Qinglan. "I am willing to try. Thank you for granting me this opportunity, Headmaster!"

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" True Person Qinglan laughed, repeating the word three times, his eyes filled with relief. "You truly are the one destined by heaven. With such resolve, you will surely achieve greatness! Sit cross-legged beneath the ancient tree and relax your body and mind. I will help you absorb the soul core!"

Lin Chen did as instructed. He walked slowly beneath the Life Ancient Tree and sat cross-legged, closing his eyes and relaxing completely. At the same time, he activated the Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul within him and fully released his Life Soul Power, forming a perfect resonance with the surrounding Life Spiritual Energy and the Life Ancient Tree Soul Core in the air.

Pale green Life Blue Silver Grass slowly emerged from his palm. Its leaves swayed gently, radiating a warm glow as they eagerly reached toward the soul core overhead, as though meeting a long-lost kindred spirit.

Standing beside him, True Person Qinglan's expression instantly grew grave. Immensely powerful Life Soul Power erupted around him, yet without ostentation. Instead, it formed an invisible green barrier that completely enveloped Lin Chen and the soul core, shutting out all outside disturbances while firmly controlling the rhythm at which the soul core released its power.

"Steady your mind and calm your breath. Guide your martial soul, accept the Life Force, and temper yourself!"

With a low command, True Person Qinglan raised his hand and lightly pointed. The floating Life Ancient Tree Soul Core slowly descended above Lin Chen's head and instantly blossomed with towering rays of green light. Life Force of the utmost purity flowed like a gentle stream, slowly entering his body through the Baihui acupoint at his crown.

There was no pain, only a warm, peaceful power flowing throughout him, nourishing his limbs, every part of his body, his meridians, and his bones.

As vast quantities of Life Force poured in, Lin Chen's body became like a dried-out sponge, madly devouring the power. His Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul greedily drew in the Life Origin within the soul core. Its leaves grew visibly greener and tougher, while its once-slender stems gradually thickened. Faint golden patterns began appearing beneath the leaves.

Even so, the power of a three-thousand-eight-hundred-year soul beast was far too immense. As more and more poured into his body, Lin Chen gradually began to feel pressure. His meridians swelled slightly, and his body felt as though it might split apart.

At that very moment, True Person Qinglan's soul power intervened, gently channeling the power within Lin Chen. It tamed the surging vitality, guiding it little by little into his meridians, flesh, and martial soul, steadily tempering and transforming his body.

Time trickled past. Before they knew it, an entire day had passed.

Lin Chen remained seated cross-legged, green light swirling around him. He absorbed and integrated the Life Ancient Tree Soul Core's power bit by bit. The Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul in his palm grew ever more radiant, its aura of life increasingly rich.

Outside the courtyard, Su Qingyuan had been restless ever since they parted. She kept pacing near the headmaster's residence, worried about Lin Chen's safety. Time and again, she tried to approach, only to be stopped by the powerful soul power barrier within the courtyard. All she could do was wait anxiously outside.

She did not know why the headmaster had summoned Lin Chen, much less that a heaven-defying soul ring absorption capable of shocking the entire continent was taking place inside.

Meanwhile, the students at the assessment grounds who had once doubted Lin Chen had already learned that the headmaster had personally summoned him. The last traces of resentment in their hearts vanished completely, leaving only profound awe. No one dared underestimate this boy with a Blue Silver Grass martial soul anymore.

Inside the courtyard of the headmaster's residence, the power within Lin Chen finally reached its critical point.

The final wisp of the soul core's power entered his body, instantly igniting all the strength he had accumulated. Under the impact of that immense Life Force, the barrier of a level-ten soul scholar shattered like paper!

Boom—

A surge of soul power far beyond that of an ordinary soul master erupted from Lin Chen's body. Pale green Life Soul Power swept outward in every direction. Nourished by it, the surrounding flowers and grasses grew wildly, shooting up several inches in an instant.

The Life Ancient Tree Soul Core floating above his head completely dissipated, transforming into an emerald-green Thousand-Year Soul Ring wreathed in a faint halo of life. It slowly descended from above his head, circling once, twice, three times... before finally settling steadily around him. It was quiet and peaceful, without the slightest trace of a soul ring's hostility.

His first soul ring: a three-thousand-eight-hundred-year Life Ancient Tree Soul!

Successfully absorbed!

Lin Chen slowly opened his eyes, two pale green gleams flashing through them before vanishing. His entire aura had been renewed. The soul power within him was abundant and powerful, and his flesh, thoroughly tempered by Life Force, had become even tougher. His senses were incomparably sharp; every stirring of wind and grass around him registered clearly in his mind.

He could clearly feel that his Life Blue Silver Grass martial soul had undergone an earthshaking transformation. Not only had its strength and toughness soared, it had also awakened its exclusive first soul skills!

[Soul master realm breakthrough: level-ten soul scholar → level-eleven soul master!]

[First soul ring: three-thousand-eight-hundred-year Life Ancient Tree Soul!]

[First soul skill: Life Healing (active)—activate Life Soul Power to rapidly heal injuries to yourself and others. Healing ability strengthens with cultivation and can neutralize certain low-level toxins!]

[First soul skill: Life Binding (active)—manifest Life Blue Silver Grass to create an exceptionally powerful binding force, restricting the target's movements. Suppresses all non-life and evil powers!]

[Martial soul transformation: Life Blue Silver Grass evolved into Mystic Life Blue Silver Grass. Life Force and soul power affinity increased across the board!]

Two soul skills, one for healing and one for binding, perfectly matched Lin Chen's path of life. Neither held any offensive power, yet they were far more useful and formidable than offensive soul skills!

Life Binding in particular could suppress evil powers. This meant that when facing Tang San's Blue Silver Grass in the future, or any number of evil soul masters and evil soul beasts, Lin Chen would possess an inherent advantage!

"You succeeded! You truly absorbed a Three-Thousand-Eight-Hundred-Year Soul Ring and set a precedent in the soul master world!" True Person Qinglan watched Lin Chen rise, his eyes brimming with excitement and relief. Even his voice trembled.

His lifelong wish had finally been fulfilled. His legacy of life finally had an heir!

Lin Chen stood, feeling the surging strength within him, and bowed once more to True Person Qinglan. His tone was utterly sincere. "Thank you for granting me this opportunity, Headmaster. I will remember your kindness in teaching and guiding me until my dying day!"

Without the opportunity True Person Qinglan had given him and his personal protection, such a transformation would have been impossible. This debt of gratitude ran far deeper than that of an ordinary master and disciple.

"There is no need for such courtesy. This was all made possible by your own talent and temperament." True Person Qinglan waved his hand, then took an aged blue-green book from his robes and handed it to Lin Chen. "This is the Life Soul Power Cultivation Manual, which I spent my life writing. It contains the secrets of cultivating Life Soul Power, techniques for using plant martial souls, and a matching set of soul skills, the Azure Mist Life Art. Keep it safe and devote yourself to cultivating it. One day, you will surely carry it to greater heights."

Lin Chen accepted the book with both hands and clasped it tightly. To him, this manual was undoubtedly a timely gift. It would allow him to fully master his Life Soul Power and spare him countless detours.

"I will devote myself to cultivation and will not fail your trust, Headmaster!"

Just then, soft footsteps sounded outside the courtyard. Su Qingyuan had finally seen the soul power barrier dissipate and hurried inside. When she saw the green Thousand-Year Soul Ring encircling Lin Chen, her beautiful eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief. She covered her mouth just in time to stifle a cry.

A Thousand-Year Soul Ring!

Lin Chen had actually absorbed a Thousand-Year Soul Ring at level ten!

This was the most unbelievable thing she had ever heard!

Lin Chen turned toward Su Qingyuan. Seeing her adorable, astonished expression, he could not help a gentle smile from lifting the corners of his mouth.

Having broken through to soul master, gained a thousand-year first soul ring, obtained a supreme life cultivation manual, and found a beautiful companion at his side, his path as a soul master had finally settled firmly onto its proper course.

At this very moment, the gap between him and Tang San had opened completely!

While Tang San was absorbing a hundred-year soul ring at Nuoding Academy, he already possessed a heaven-defying three-thousand-eight-hundred-year soul ring. On the road ahead, he would use absolute strength to crush every obstacle, contend with Tang San, protect those beside him, and forge a legend of Life Blue Silver that belonged to him alone!

Watching the two exchange smiles, True Person Qinglan's eyes flashed with understanding. Stroking his beard, he smiled. "All right, Lin Chen. Go with this young friend and get settled. From now on, cultivate here at the academy with peace of mind. If you need anything, come to me. Remember, your path is unlike any other. Only by holding fast to your original heart can you reach the end."

"I will remember your teachings, Headmaster."

Lin Chen bowed in farewell, then walked out of the headmaster's residence side by side with Su Qingyuan.

The sun sank in the west. Golden evening light spilled across the summit of Qinglan Mountain and shone upon the two of them, stretching their shadows long.

Su Qingyuan still had not recovered from her shock. Every so often, she turned to look at the Thousand-Year Soul Ring around Lin Chen, her eyes filled with admiration. "Lin Chen, you're incredible! A Thousand-Year Soul Ring—you're practically a monster!"

Lin Chen chuckled and raised a hand to ruffle her hair, the gesture natural and affectionate. "I was just lucky. From now on, I'll protect you."

Those simple words instantly turned Su Qingyuan's cheeks crimson and sent her heart racing. She lowered her head, unable to keep a happy smile from curling her lips.