Breaking Through the Illusion, a Five-Thousand-Year Soul Ring

Within the Life Secret Realm, the Life Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth was almost viscous. With every breath, pure Life Force poured into Lin Chen's body through his pores, nourishing every limb and bone. His Life Blue Silver Grass manifested around him of its own accord, its leaves greedily drinking in the surrounding energy. A gentle green glow suffused it, making it ever more vibrant.

As far as the eye could see, there were no vicious birds or ferocious beasts in the Secret Realm. Immortal Spiritual Plants rarely seen in the outside world grew everywhere. In the central clearing, the five-thousand-year Life Illusion Mist Lotus Soul bloomed quietly, her petals overlapping in layer upon layer. She was translucent emerald green throughout, and pure Life Origin flowed through every petal. Rather than a Soul Beast's savage aura, she exuded peace and sanctity.

A faint azure mist lingered around the Lotus Soul. This very mist formed the life illusion that could devour souls, and it was the sole obstacle to absorbing this Soul Ring.

Lin Chen slowly approached, his steps steady and his gaze fixed on the Mist Lotus Soul at the center, without a trace of impatience. He knew she was neither vicious nor malicious. Her illusion was not an attack, but something that drew out the deepest obsessions and inner demons buried in one's heart. Once he succumbed, the Secret Realm's life force would assimilate him, trapping him in illusion forever.

He tightened his grip on the Azure Jade Talisman. a faint Guardian Divine Light flowed over it, capable of protecting his soul for a short time. Yet it was ultimately an external aid. To pass the illusion's trial completely, he would have to rely on his own unwavering resolve in his chosen path.

When he was only ten paces from the Mist Lotus Soul, the azure mist around her suddenly churned, sweeping toward him like a tide and engulfing him in an instant.

In a heartbeat, heaven and earth spun around him. The surrounding Secret Realm vanished completely, replaced by a scene both familiar and strange—

Towering buildings of steel and concrete, streets flowing with endless traffic, and the bustling voices of everyday life. This was Earth before his transmigration, the homeland that haunted his dreams, yet to which he could never return.

Pedestrians came and went along the street. His parents' familiar smiling faces appeared before him, and they waved, their voices gentle. "Chenchen, come home. It's time to eat."

This was the deepest attachment in Lin Chen's heart, the longing that had returned in countless midnight dreams since his transmigration. It was also the illusory prison the life illusion had fashioned specifically for him.

An ordinary boy would already have been ensnared by familial affection, immersed in this false happiness and utterly lost.

But Lin Chen merely stood where he was, looking at the familiar scene and his parents' warm smiles. There was not the slightest confusion in his eyes. Instead, they remained perfectly clear.

In the six years since his transmigration, he had long since put down roots in this world. He had a path to follow and people to protect: Qinglan Academy's headmaster, Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi at his side, and his own mission to rise against heaven and stand against Tang San. All of this was far more real than an illusory homeland, far more worthy of his steadfast devotion.

"A mere illusion. Why try to imprison me?"

Lin Chen spoke softly, his voice calm but firm. The Life Soul Power within him abruptly surged into motion, and his Mystic Life Blue Silver Grass erupted with brilliant green light. Pure Life Force, carrying his unwavering resolve, slammed into the surrounding illusory mist.

"My homeland is here on the Douluo Continent! My path lies in Life Blue Silver! My duty is to protect those beside me and quell the injustices of this world!"

His forceful shout echoed through the illusion. Without a trace of lingering attachment in his eyes, Lin Chen swept his hand out. His Life Soul Power became a blade that could cleave through anything and slashed straight at the illusion before him!

The years since his transmigration had already tempered his resolve until it was indestructible. A mere illusion of familial love could not shake him in the slightest!

Boom—

The illusion collapsed instantly. The vision of his homeland shattered, and the azure mist rapidly dispersed. Lin Chen abruptly returned to his senses, still standing within the Secret Realm. Before him, the Life Illusion Mist Lotus Soul swayed gently, as though acknowledging his resolve.

The illusion's trial had shattered at a touch!

Sensing Lin Chen's steadfast soul and pure Life Force, the Mist Lotus Soul offered no resistance. Instead, she willingly blossomed with boundless green light, enveloping him and offering up her Soul Core and Soul Ring power.

This was what made life-type Soul Beasts unique. They did not crave slaughter and acknowledged only those compatible with them. Once they gave their approval, they would offer everything without reservation.

Lin Chen's heart stirred. Without further hesitation, he immediately sat cross-legged before the Mist Lotus Soul. Following the method True Person Qinglan had taught him, he activated his Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and began absorbing the power of this five-thousand-year Soul Ring.

In an instant, the Mist Lotus Soul slowly dissipated, becoming a mass of emerald-green Soul Ring essence of utmost purity that hovered above Lin Chen's head. Vast quantities of Life Force surged like a rushing river, pouring wildly into his body through the acupoint at the crown of his head.

This power was far richer and purer than that of the thirty-eight-hundred-year Life Ancient Tree Soul he had absorbed before. It contained not a trace of malice, only endless nourishment and transformation.

Under the torrent of power, Lin Chen's meridians, bones, and flesh were continually tempered and strengthened. His Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, already of supreme quality, underwent another transformation. The golden markings along its stems spread across every leaf, faintly revealing a sacred luster as its quality rapidly climbed toward that of a ten-thousand-year Martial Soul.

At the same time, his Life Soul Power was continually compressed and refined, gradually changing from a gaseous state into liquid. Under the impact of the immense five-thousand-year Soul Ring power, the barriers beyond his rank-eleven Soul Master cultivation tore apart one after another like paper!

Rank twelve, rank thirteen, rank fourteen...

His cultivation soared, sweeping through every obstacle like a blade splitting bamboo!

Outside the Secret Realm, True Person Qinglan stood before the curtain of light, his expression grave throughout. He watched every movement within, ready to intervene at any moment.

He knew that Lin Chen's attempt to absorb a five-thousand-year Soul Ring was already an act that defied heaven. No matter how gentle its power was, a backlash could occur at any moment. Every passing second tugged at his heart.

At Qinglan Academy, Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi were even more restless. Neither had the heart to cultivate. They remained at the junction of the path leading from the academy to the Secret Realm, waiting anxiously.

Su Qingyuan's eyes were slightly red. She clenched her hands tightly, her face full of worry. "It's already been two hours. Why haven't we heard anything from Lin Chen? Could something have happened to him...?"

Yue Huaxi's expression was cool, but she could not hide the worry in her eyes. She gently reassured her, "No. Lin Chen is strong. He'll definitely succeed. We have to believe in him."

Yet only she knew that the unease in her heart had never faded. Without realizing it, she had already given Lin Chen the most important place in her heart, and she dreaded even the slightest mishap befalling him.

The two peerless beauties waited with hearts full of concern, longing only for that boy's return.

Within the Secret Realm, Lin Chen's absorption had entered its final stage.

The emerald-green Soul Ring above his head gradually took shape, coiling once, twice, three times. The vivid green five-thousand-year Soul Ring settled securely around him, shining in harmony with the thirty-eight-hundred-year first Soul Ring below it. Those two green Soul Rings became Lin Chen's most dazzling hallmark!

[Soul Master realm breakthrough: rank-eleven Soul Master → rank-twenty-one Soul Grandmaster!]

[Second Soul Ring: five-thousand-year Life Illusion Mist Lotus Soul!]

[Second Soul Skill: Life Domain (passive)—Upon activation, forms a life domain within ten meters of the user, doubles the user's Soul Power recovery speed, increases allies' Soul Power and combat strength by 30%, and suppresses the power of enemy plant-type and evil Martial Souls by 20%!]

[Second Soul Skill: Life Revival (active)—Activates life essence to instantly heal injuries over a wide area, neutralize moderate toxins, and repair damaged souls, consuming a small amount of the user's Soul Power!]

Two Soul Skills, one a domain and the other a healing skill—both could be called heaven-defying!

Life Domain in particular could not only strengthen him and heal his teammates, but also suppress plant-type and evil Martial Souls. It was a perfect counter to Tang San's Blue Silver Grass. Even Tang San's Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline would be heavily suppressed before it!

Now both of Lin Chen's Soul Rings were green and over a thousand years old: his first was thirty-eight hundred years old, and his second was five thousand. Across the entire Douluo Continent, from ancient times to the present, there had never been another like him!

Lin Chen slowly opened his eyes, and two flashes of emerald brilliance flickered through them. His aura was as deep and mighty as an abyss, and his rank-twenty-one Soul Grandmaster cultivation had fully stabilized. His physical strength, soul power, and Martial Soul quality had all undergone tremendous transformations. Even against a rank-thirty Soul Elder, he now had the strength to fight!

He could clearly feel the surging Life Force within him and the formidable power of his two great Soul Skills. The potential of his Life Blue Silver Grass had been fully unleashed, far surpassing every plant-type Martial Soul in the world!

"It worked! I succeeded!"

Excitement welled up in Lin Chen's heart. After years of restraint and effort, he had finally achieved another heaven-defying transformation.

He rose, his two green Soul Rings slowly revolving around him. His bearing became even steadier and more ethereal, and the life aura surrounding him was rich beyond measure. Wherever he passed, the Secret Realm's Immortal Spiritual Plants grew wildly, bursting with vigorous life.

Without lingering, Lin Chen turned and walked toward the Secret Realm's exit.

Outside the Secret Realm's curtain of light, True Person Qinglan sensed the powerful life aura emanating from within. His eyes widened instantly, and wild joy spread across his face. "He succeeded! He really succeeded! Heaven-defying! This is simply heaven-defying!"

As soon as his words fell, the Secret Realm's curtain of light slowly opened, and a tall, straight-backed figure walked out.

Lin Chen stood before the curtain of light, his two green Soul Rings gleaming around him. His bearing was extraordinary, his gaze sharp. The aura he radiated made even True Person Qinglan, who had lived for hundreds of years, feel a faint pressure.

"Headmaster, I lived up to your expectations. I successfully absorbed the Soul Ring and broke through to Soul Grandmaster!"

True Person Qinglan hurried forward. Looking at the two green Soul Rings surrounding Lin Chen, he was so excited that his hands trembled. He nodded repeatedly. "Good! Good! From this day onward, you are Qinglan Academy's pride. The entire Douluo Continent will tremble because of you!"

A five-thousand-year second Soul Ring. This achievement was enough to overturn everything the Soul Master World believed and crush every genius of his age. Even the peerless geniuses of the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were not worth mentioning before Lin Chen!

The two returned to the academy, and the news quickly spread throughout Qinglan Academy.

When everyone learned that Lin Chen had not only successfully absorbed a five-thousand-year Soul Ring but also broken through to rank-twenty-one Soul Grandmaster, the entire academy erupted!

Every student and instructor rushed toward the entrance, eager to witness this heaven-defying boy's brilliance firsthand.

Waiting at the junction, Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi saw Lin Chen return unharmed, his aura transformed, and instantly wept with joy. They hurried forward and crowded close beside him, one on his left and the other on his right.

"Lin Chen, you're finally back! This is wonderful!" Su Qingyuan's eyes were red, but her smile was dazzling, her heart filled with delight.

Yue Huaxi looked at Lin Chen, her cool eyes full of tenderness and admiration. She said softly, "Welcome back. You did wonderfully."

Seeing the concern and happiness of the two beauties beside him, Lin Chen felt warmth fill his heart. He raised his hands and ruffled each woman's hair, a gentle smile curving his lips. "Sorry for worrying you. I'm back."

Sunlight fell over the three of them, and the two green Soul Rings shone brilliantly. The boy stood tall with two beauties at his side, forming a lovely, dazzling scene.

Lin Chen knew that absorbing a five-thousand-year second Soul Ring and breaking through to Soul Grandmaster was merely another starting point on his road to greatness.

At this moment, Tang San might still have been congratulating himself over a hundred-year Soul Ring, still cultivating step by step under Yu Xiaogang's guidance, unaware that Lin Chen had already left him far behind.