First Spirit Ring

Shi Quan...

Scorching heat was Shi Quan's first sensation. Vast energy surged into his body like burning flames; part of it dispersed through his limbs and bones, while part rushed into his meridians, like wild horses breaking free of their reins and crashing about madly.

The feeling was somewhat similar to when he cultivated the Muscle and Marrow Cleansing method, but this was far more violent. It felt as though his body had become a furnace, being roasted and refined from within.

Besides helping spirit masters break through bottlenecks, spirit ring energy could also improve a spirit master's Physical Fitness to a certain extent and strengthen their meridians. These effects were rather similar to Muscle and Marrow Cleansing.

Does that mean the Muscle and Marrow Cleansing method can assist with absorbing spirit rings?

With that thought in mind, Shi Quan endured the blazing sensation inside him and immediately used the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Divine Art to accelerate the Muscle and Marrow Cleansing method, attempting to guide the violent energy within his body.

"It works!"

As soon as the Muscle and Marrow Cleansing method began circulating, Shi Quan clearly felt the energy in his body becoming easier to absorb. Moreover, the impact brought by the spirit ring's energy became nourishment for his internal cultivation, significantly enhancing the effects of Muscle and Marrow Cleansing.

If only the ring's age were a little higher.

Shi Quan sighed inwardly. The five-hundred-and-fifty-year Man-Eating Vine Spirit Ring did not put him under much pressure. That was one thing, but he also had to pretend to grit his teeth and tremble as though he were in extreme pain, making the absorption seem difficult. It was truly a test of his acting skills.

To avoid absorbing it too quickly, Shi Quan deliberately stimulated the spirit ring's energy, increasing the difficulty for himself and prolonging the absorption process.

From the outside, all they could sense was the violent energy within the spirit ring battering Shi Quan's body again and again. His constantly trembling figure was like a lone boat upon the sea, swaying as if it could capsize at any moment. The danger seemed immense.

Time passed bit by bit. Seeing that it was about time, Shi Quan finally chose to wrap things up.

As the last trace of energy was absorbed—

With a crack, Shi Quan seemed to hear something shatter. The scene before him abruptly shifted, and for a moment, it felt as though he had entered another world.

He seemed to see a raging sea of fire. At its center, a sturdy Blue Silver Grass swayed and danced, appearing agile yet domineering.

Spirit Soul Inner Vision.

After absorbing their First Spirit Ring, all spirit masters would gain Spirit Soul Inner Vision. This was also one of the main reasons Beast Spirit Soul masters could only possess their bodies after obtaining their First Spirit Ring. Only after mastering Inner Vision could one be considered to have truly embarked upon the path of a spirit master.

Within the sea of fire, Shi Quan's Blue Silver Grass did not seem to be scorched by the flames. Instead, it was absorbing them. As it absorbed the fire, the Blue Silver Grass began to change. Its branches and leaves, originally a full size thicker than ordinary Blue Silver Grass, seemed to be tempered by the flames and began to slenderize. The branches and leaves gradually lengthened as well, taking on a faint red hue.

Through the smooth surface of the leaves, he could see the pale red radiance seeping deeper inside. Then, a silent blackness suddenly emerged, and the pale red glow vanished without a trace.

Other than becoming somewhat thinner and longer, the originally sturdy Blue Silver Grass showed no further changes.

Second by second, the rolling heat gradually subsided and turned into streams of warmth.

"Success!" Marde's face was filled with excitement from nearby. He wanted to laugh, but feared disturbing Shi Quan's final absorption, so he could only hold it in while wildly pumping his fists, looking utterly comical.

Dawson, standing beside him, also revealed a thoughtful look in his eyes as he watched Shi Quan.

"Ding. Congratulations, host, on breaking through to Spirit Scholar and successfully stepping onto the path of a spirit master. A Spirit Master Treasure Chest has been triggered and opened for the host. You have obtained one Primary Spirit Ring Enhancement Stone."

Another treasure chest was triggered? Shi Quan was somewhat surprised, but even more delighted.

It looked like a treasure chest would be triggered with every breakthrough in rank.

Awesome!

Shi Quan suppressed the joy in his heart and slowly opened his eyes.

Marde strode forward, gesturing excitedly as he laughed. "Congratulations, Xiao Quan. I knew you would succeed! Hahaha!"

"Haha, I knew my theory was right!" Shi Quan likewise rose with a look of excitement so intense that he seemed unable to stop trembling. After steadying himself for a moment, he gave them a deep bow.

"Teacher, Hall Master, thank you. Without your help, I would never have obtained this spirit ring or verified my theory."

"What are you thanking us for? It is simply what I should do as your teacher." Marde's smile did not fade.

Dawson smiled as well. "We are merely taking what we each need. As we discussed, you need to summarize your theory and submit it to me."

Shi Quan nodded and looked solemnly at Dawson. "Hall Master, I will summarize the theory after we return. However, I still hope Spirit Hall keeps this theory confidential. Although I successfully absorbed a spirit ring over my level, this was only my first attempt. Different people and different spirit souls have different requirements for Physical Fitness. What specific effect does spirit power quality have? How should it be judged? How can the precise age limit be determined? I still need further experimentation and practice. At present, I can only make a preliminary summary of my theory; I cannot guarantee its accuracy."

"I do not want my theory to spread before it has been thoroughly verified and proven feasible, because that could lead many people to attempt it rashly and lose their lives."

Shi Quan's words were sincere and earnest.

After hearing him, the look in Dawson's eyes changed. A child not even eight years old could consider matters so comprehensively.

"No problem." Dawson nodded in agreement before asking, "Then how many attempts do you think you will need before you can be certain?"

After some thought, Shi Quan said, "At least three. I may only be able to confirm it after I reach Soul Elder."

"Soul Elder?" Dawson nodded.

Marde hurriedly asked from the side, "Xiao Quan, how did it feel to absorb a spirit ring over your level? Did your spirit power increase much?"

"My spirit power is only a little above level eleven. I feel I am not far from breaking through to level twelve. After absorbing it, my body feels more agile and relaxed." Shi Quan smiled and moved his arms.

He was different from Tang San. Before obtaining his spirit ring, Tang San had already accumulated a considerable amount of Inner Force, which was why he could directly rise from level eleven to level thirteen after absorbing the ring.

Shi Quan had not accumulated any spirit power, and his spirit ring's age was not much higher than usual. This degree of improvement was already quite good.

"Not even level twelve?"

Upon hearing Shi Quan's answer, both Dawson and Marde frowned.

"How could it be so low?" Marde stepped forward with a frown and placed a hand on Shi Quan's shoulder. "Let me see."

"Really only level eleven?"

Dawson also stepped forward. After checking, his expression was likewise full of surprise.

From their reactions, it was clear they both knew that Tang San, who also possessed the Blue Silver Grass Spirit Soul, had directly risen to level thirteen after absorbing a four-hundred-year Mandala Snake Spirit Ring. Yet Shi Quan had absorbed a Man-Eating Vine Spirit Ring of around five hundred and fifty years, and his spirit power had not even reached level twelve.

"Although his spirit power level has not improved much, his Physical Fitness has improved considerably." After carefully examining Shi Quan's body and confirming there was no problem, Marde fell into thought.

"Could it be because of Compatibility?" Marde quickly asked, "Xiao Quan, let me see your spirit soul."

Shi Quan raised his right hand and summoned his spirit soul. The sturdy Blue Silver Grass had now become slender, its leaves slightly curled. It looked a full size smaller than the previously thick Blue Silver Grass.

"It changed this much?" Marde stared at the Blue Silver Grass in Shi Quan's hand in surprise.

Marde sighed. "Although your spirit power did not increase much, your spirit soul has changed further, and your Physical Fitness has also improved significantly."

Shi Quan smiled. "After all, I absorbed a spirit ring over my level."

"Hahaha, that's right." Marde looked at the sky, then turned to Dawson and continued, "It is about time. If we head back now, we should leave the Soul Hunting Forest by nightfall. We can stay overnight at the market outside. Let's go."

"No problem." Dawson nodded.

The three set off and returned the way they had come.

The sun set in the west, and the bright moon slowly rose. It was deep into the night before the three finally left the Soul Hunting Forest.

After returning to Spirit Hall's encampment, they ate and drank a little before resting for the night in the camp's tents.

As usual, Shi Quan cultivated through the night. Seeing this, Dawson and Marde both praised his diligence.

Early the next morning, the three boarded the Carriage they had arrived in and set off for Notting City.

Two days later, after returning to Notting City, Shi Quan went straight to Spirit Hall to test his spirit power, complete his registration, and collect that month's Spirit Master Subsidy. Only then did he bid farewell to Dawson alongside Marde and return to the academy.

Spirit Hall, third-floor office.

Before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, Dawson watched Shi Quan and Marde gradually disappear into the distance, then suddenly asked, "How did the investigation go? Was there anything unusual over at Stone Family Village?"

"Shi Quan had been clever and quick-witted since childhood. At around one year old, he had already begun reading and studying. He kept it up for five years, and the people of Stone Family Village used to secretly call him a bookworm, since all he did every day was read.

"A year and a half ago, Su Yuntao helped him awaken his spirit soul. At first glance, it was no different from ordinary Blue Silver Grass. Coupled with his Innate Level One Spirit Power, he received no special attention. During the awakening, Shi Quan took the initiative to request the Basic Cultivation Method from Su Yuntao.

"Three months later, he enrolled at Notting Academy. He continued his habit of self-study every day, while also cultivating with great diligence. Every day, aside from cultivation, he studied.

"At the academy, Shi Quan once had a conflict with a student named Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu was also a genius, the same age as Shi Quan. Her spirit soul was the Soft Bone Rabbit, and she possessed Innate Full Soul Power. She had even obtained a Hundred Year Spirit Ring. Despite such a gap between them, Shi Quan relied on a special Self-Created Soul Skill to keep Xiao Wu from getting close, allowing a Spirit Scholar to remain undefeated against a spirit master.

"Shi Quan usually liked cultivating alone on the Back Mountain, in a place with abundant vegetation, which matches the theory he reported. During Notting Academy's break, when Shi Quan returned home, he went to cultivate in the Continuous Cloud Mountain Range every day. Following his tracks, we likewise found an area with dense vegetation. At present, everything about Shi Quan seems explainable by his exceptionally gifted intelligence."

"Is that so?" Dawson rubbed his head, turned around, and returned to his desk. "He even succeeded in absorbing a spirit ring over his level."

The figure before the desk fell silent.

"Blue Silver Grass, Innate Level One Spirit Power, yet he has achieved this much—and he is a child not even eight years old." Dawson shrugged in relief and smiled. "Let the higher-ups worry about and decide these matters. You will have to make another trip when the time comes."

The figure before the desk laughed and cursed, "I am still a Vice Hall Master, yet you treat me like an errand runner every day."

Dawson smiled. "There is no other way. This matter has far-reaching consequences, so to be safe, it is best not to let too many people know. I will have someone keep watch over Notting Academy. Rest well these next few days. Once Shi Quan submits the first draft of his theory, you will have to make a long trip..."

The figure grumbled, "A higher rank really can crush you. Fine, I understand."

Notting Academy.

After returning to Notting Academy, Shi Quan did not idle around. Instead, based on his own circumstances, he began further refining the Spirit Ring Year Limit Theory.

All those years of study had not been for nothing. Combined with the support of the original work, Shi Quan wrote the theory with clear logic and solid arguments, far more accurate than that so-called Grandmaster.

He wrote until late into the night. He did not even go cultivate that afternoon.

When he returned to the Dormitory, Shi Quan had been gone for several days, yet some of his roommates did not even know he had not been staying there. After all, Shi Quan left early and returned late every day. He did not attend classes with them, either, so it was common for him to go several days without being seen.

After a night's rest.

Back Mountain.

"It is time to test the soul skill." Shi Quan muttered to himself. He raised his right hand and summoned his spirit soul as a yellow spirit ring rose from beneath his feet.

His Inner Force circulated and flowed into the spirit ring.

The next moment, the slightly curled leaves of the Blue Silver Grass instantly unfurled and stretched in every direction at tremendous speed. In only a few moments, its branches and leaves had shot beyond fifty meters.

"It grows faster than when using Inner Force, covers a wider range, and consumes very little energy."

Shi Quan nodded in satisfaction. With a flick of his hand, the slender Blue Silver Vines immediately coiled up the tree trunk like thin snakes. Within a few breaths, a large number of Blue Silver Grass vines had completely covered the trunk.

"Let's see how tough they are."

As soon as he spoke, he clenched his five fingers and gripped a Blue Silver Vine, then exerted force. The slender vine instantly stretched taut.

As Shi Quan continued applying force, the Blue Silver Grass, which would normally have snapped long ago, remained straight and unbroken.

Crack, crack—the sound of bark splitting.

Sizzle, sizzle—the sound of the Blue Silver Vines tearing.

"The toughness of a single Blue Silver Vine is ultimately limited. Even after absorbing a spirit ring over my level, Blue Silver Grass is still Blue Silver Grass. There is still a certain gap between it and Blue Silver Grass with Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline."

Shi Quan was somewhat disappointed in its toughness, but after thinking about it, it was only natural. The Man-Eating Vine itself was not particularly tough.