At that moment, Zhu Wuneng and Ma Liang were still in the thick of absorbing their soul rings.
Dense energy fluctuations swirled around their bodies, the radiance of their soul rings intertwining with their martial souls in a silent dialogue.
Inside the fiery-red cave, the violet soul ring shimmered, its soul power flowing down like a gentle stream.
Ma Wencai was drenched in sweat. Rivulets slowly seeped from his body and soaked the stray locks over his forehead, leaving them glistening.
The scene returned to two hours earlier.
Determination shone like stars in Ma Wencai's eyes. Absorbing this soul ring held extraordinary significance for him; it was vitally important.
Watching Ma Wencai's resolute gaze, Chen Xiaojun nodded inwardly.
Although Ma Wencai usually seemed quiet and reserved, an unyielding fighting spirit lay within him.
"Wencai, remember-no matter how great the difficulties or challenges, you must persevere," Chen Xiaojun said earnestly.
"Your martial soul has extraordinary potential. As long as you keep uncovering and harnessing it, you'll surely accomplish something remarkable in the future."
Warmth welled up in Ma Wencai's heart.
He looked gratefully at Chen Xiaojun and nodded. "Thank you for the encouragement, Xiaojun. I'll definitely work hard."
With that, Ma Wencai took a deep breath and began adjusting his breathing and mindset, preparing himself fully for the coming soul ring absorption.
He drew another deep breath, closed his eyes, and began guiding the fifteen-hundred-year Blazing-Wing Spirit Luan soul ring toward himself.
As the soul ring approached, powerful energy fluctuations began spreading around him.
Ma Wencai gritted his teeth and put everything into resisting the energy's onslaught.
His body trembled, but his will remained exceptionally firm.
He could not give up-not merely for himself, but for everyone who had always supported and encouraged him.
Finally, after an arduous struggle, Ma