The Fourth Soul Ring (Two-in-One)

The day we set off was a cloudy day.

Before dawn, Ning Buhui arrived at the west gate. A black-canopied carriage was parked at the gate, and the driver was squatting on the carriage shaft, eating a steamed bun. Bibi Dong was already sitting in the carriage, her eyes closed, as if she were resting. Ning Buhui quietly climbed into the carriage, sat down in a corner, and did not make a sound to disturb her.

The carriage appears unassuming on the outside, but is quite luxurious inside. It is the Pope's vehicle, much faster than ordinary carriages, and is pulled by the Soul Beast unicorn.

The carriage left Spirit City and headed south-southeast. The northern section of the Star Dou Great Forest was not in the same area as the mid-level rocky mountain region where Ning Buhui had previously stayed. The forest there was denser, the mountains were steeper, and the activity of Soul Beast was more frequent. After five days of travel, they arrived at the last inhabited town on the outskirts of Star Dou. They left the driver and horses in the town and walked into the forest.

Bibi Dong walked ahead at a leisurely pace, with Ning Buhui following behind. The forest was eerily quiet, even the birdsong was sparse. The further they went, the heavier the air became, and the layer of decaying leaves underfoot grew thicker, feeling like walking on cotton. Occasionally, the aura of Soul Beast would sweep across from the shadows, but before it could get close, it was repelled by the faint yet palpable pressure emanating from Bibi Dong.

"The Hell-Suppressing Bear inhabits a rocky mountain deep within," Bibi Dong said without turning her head. "There are quite a few Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in this forest, but don't worry about them; they'll avoid me if they sense my presence."

Ning Buhui and followed closely behind her. The deeper they went, the higher the terrain began to rise. The forest changed from broadleaf mixed forest to coniferous forest, with thick trunks and branches growing horizontally. After walking for another half day, a gray-white rocky mountain appeared ahead, rising abruptly from the sea of trees, like the arched back of a sleeping giant beast.

"We've arrived." Bibi Dong stopped, her gaze sweeping over the rocky mountain. "According to intelligence, the Hell-Suppressing Bear is inside."

Ning Buhui carefully sensed it. There was indeed an extremely powerful aura deep in the rocky mountain. He couldn't pinpoint its exact location, but the oppressive feeling was stronger than any Soul Beast he had encountered in the middle layer of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Bibi Dong continued walking in, her pace undiminished. Ning Buhui followed. After crossing a scree slope and rounding several stone walls, a depression surrounded by rocks on three sides appeared ahead. On a huge rock in the center of the depression lay a bear.

The bear was dark brown all over, with coarse, stiff fur on its back like iron spikes, and its limbs as thick as stone pillars. It was even larger than the Giant Rock Python that Ning Buhui had seen in the middle layer of the Star Dou Great Forest. With each breath, the air around it trembled slightly, and the gravel on the stone surface was shaken and bounced gently. Its fur was much darker than that of an ordinary brown bear, almost blackish-brown, but it was mixed with a layer of dark, earthy yellow halo, which was a manifestation of the overflow of earth-attribute Soul Power.

The Hell-Suppressing Bear. Thirty thousand years.

Ning Buhui held his breath and subconsciously clenched his fists. This was the first time he had ever seen a 30,000-year-old Soul Beast. Compared to the 15,000-year-old Violent Bear he had fought in the middle layer of the Star Dou Great Forest, this one looked like a cub.

"Stand back and hide well," Bibi Dong said.

Ning Buhui retreated behind a giant rock at the edge of the depression, crouching down with only his eyes showing. He was well aware that a 30,000-year-old Soul Beast was beyond his current capabilities.

Bibi Dong slowly walked into the depression, her pace unhurried, and with each step, the oppressive aura around her grew stronger. The Hell-Suppressing Bear opened its eyes when she was ten steps away. Dark red vertical pupils emerged from beneath its heavy eyelids, fixedly locked onto Bibi Dong. It did not immediately get up, but instead let out a very low, muffled roar, causing pebbles to fall from the rock wall.

Bibi Dong did not stop.

The Hell-Suppressing Bear slowly stood up. Standing atop the boulder, it looked down at Bibi Dong, its dark red pupils reflecting the figure in the purple robe. It seemed to be judging, hesitating. Then it made its choice. With a push of its four paws, it pounced down from the boulder, its massive body crashing down on Bibi Dong with a thunderous whooshing sound.

Bibi Dong raised her hand.

The Soul Devouring Spider Emperor Martial Soul appeared behind her. Black, black, black, black, black, red—seven Soul Ring rose simultaneously from beneath her feet, the light of two Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring casting a dark red glow over the entire depression. She moved only slightly; her Sixth Soul Ring lit up— Eternal Wound. A crisscrossing, dark green X-shaped blade of light shot out from in front of her, striking the Hell-Suppressing Bear precisely in the chest. The blade of light was as thin as a cicada's wing, yet carried an irresistible force. The Hell-Suppressing Bear's attack abruptly halted in mid-air, its entire body seemingly trapped by something within, plummeting straight down in front of Bibi Dong, creating a shallow crater filled with flying debris.

It struggled to stand up. Bibi Dong switched her Martial Soul, and the Death Spider Emperor appeared behind her. Her Third Soul Ring lit up, and a Spider Web Restraint. A dark purple light shot out, rapidly expanding in mid-air into a giant spider web that completely enveloped the Hell-Suppressing Bear. The Hell-Suppressing Bear was instantly bound to the ground. Its thick, pillar-like limbs struggled violently, but it could not break free from the spider web's restraints. The more it struggled, the tighter the Spider Web Restraint. Finally, the toxins attached to the web seeped into its body, and its entire body lay sprawled on the ground, unable to move an inch. Its chin hit the rubble, and it let out a low, mournful howl.

Ning Buhui crouched behind the giant rock and saw everything clearly. A 30,000-year-old Soul Beast couldn't even last a single round against Bibi Dong. He didn't even see her use her full strength.

"Come," Bibi Dong said.

Ning Buhui emerged from behind the giant rock. The Hell-Suppressing Bear lay sprawled on the ground, its limbs bound by a ghostly purple light, unable to move. Its dark red vertical pupils stared intently at him, muffled growls rumbling from its throat, but its body was completely immobile. Ning Buhui walked up to it and drew his hunting knife from his waist. The knife was short and thin, like a toothpick compared to the Giant Bear's size.

He crouched down, looking into the eyes of the Hell-Suppressing Bear. His reflection was mirrored in those dark red pupils. He suddenly thought of the Wind Thunder Winged Tiger, the Giant Rock Python, and the Soul Beast he had killed or released. Each one had lived, breathed, and struggled on this continent. He was silent for a moment.

Then he aimed the tip of the knife at the most vulnerable spot on the side of the Hell-Suppressing Bear's neck and stabbed it in forcefully.

The Hell-Suppressing Bear shuddered, its limbs twitching violently, but it couldn't break free. Blood gushed from the wound, and its dark red pupils slowly dimmed. Its last breath escaped from its nostrils, carrying a strong, metallic stench. Then it lay still.

A Soul Ring ring as black as ink slowly rose from above its corpse. The blackness was extremely deep and heavy, thicker than any Soul Ring Ning Buhui had ever seen before. A dark halo shimmered around the outer edge of the ring.

Thirty thousand years.

Ning Buhui stared at the Soul Ring, his heart pounding. He sheathed his hunting knife, found a flat Shitou nearby, and sat down cross-legged. Bibi Dong withdrew her Soul Skill and retreated to the edge of the depression to protect him.

"Be careful when absorbing it," she said. "The energy impact of a 30,000-year Soul Ring is stronger than you think. Your body has been strengthened and can withstand it, but don't let your guard down."

"Disciple understands." Ning Buhui closed his eyes.

He released the Nine Hell Soul-Suppressing Pagoda. The tower hovered above his palm, with black and white fish swimming slowly. Drawn by Soul Power, the black Soul Ring spun and floated over, stopping above his head for a moment. Then, a surge of violent energy rushed into his body through the tower, causing his meridians to swell and his bones to creak.

Ning Buhui gritted his teeth. This energy was much stronger than he had imagined. The Soul Power of the 30,000-year Soul Ring was terrifyingly abundant, and its impact on his meridians was stronger than any previous absorption.

However, his body had been tempered by the tower for more than four years, and he had fought to the death with Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in the Star Dou Great Forest for more than half a year. Recently, he had even leveled up to level 40 and been strengthened by the tower again. The toughness and width of his meridians far exceeded those of others of the same level. When that tyrannical Soul Power rushed in, it only made him feel a slight swelling in his meridians. Then, he gradually gathered, guided, and dispersed this energy to his limbs and bones.

The lingering resentment of the Hell-Suppressing Bear followed closely behind. That resentment was indeed not fierce, but rather an extremely heavy will, like a mountain pressing down on one's heart. The tower shadow in Ning Buhui's spiritual sea trembled slightly, and that lingering resentment was dispelled.

His Soul Power surged through his meridians for about an hour before gradually calming down. Ning Buhui opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath. The fourth Soul Ring hovered quietly around him, black and as thick as ink. With four rings around him, his Soul Power was more than twice as strong as before. The level 40 restriction had completely disappeared, and his Soul Power Level hadn't jumped much, remaining around level 42. But more importantly, he already knew the effects of the two new Soul Skill.

The Bear Iron Wall. The Bear Spirit Curse.

Ning Buhui stood up, stretched his limbs, and felt his Soul Power flowing smoothly without any hindrance. He felt a wonderful sensation of being filled with power throughout his body. He clenched his fists, and his knuckles cracked.

"How is it?" Bibi Dong walked over.

"It's done." Ning Buhui smiled at her. "Thank you, teacher."

Bibi Dong glanced at him twice, making sure he was alright, and nodded slightly. "Pack your things, let's go."

Ning Buhui disposed of the Hell-Suppressing Bear's corpse, taking its hide and several of its thickest finger bones and storing them in her ring. Then she followed Bibi Dong out of the forest. The inhabitants of the hollow had disappeared, leaving only the empty rock walls and bloodstains on the ground as proof that someone had been there.

On the way out of the forest, Ning Buhui introduced his newly acquired Soul Skill to Bibi Dong as they walked.

[Yang· Bear Iron Wall]: Yangyu grants one teammate invulnerability, making them immune to control effects such as knockback, knock-up, freeze, petrification, and stun. All attributes are temporarily increased by 60% for 15 seconds.

[Yin· Bear Spirit Curse]: Yin Yu plants a curse on the target. Each time the target moves, uses Soul Skill, or attacks, a layer of the curse is added. Using a movement Soul Skill will add an additional layer. Each layer increases the target's Soul Power, Stamina, and Spirit Power consumption by 10%, and increases the damage received from Ning Buhui and his teammates by 5%. It can stack up to 10 times.

After listening, Bibi Dong remained silent for a few seconds, astonished by the effect of his Soul Skill. The wind in the forest rustled the needles, and the withered branches crackled underfoot.

Bibi Dong didn't stop walking, only slightly tilting her head. "Fifteen seconds of invincibility, 60% increase in all attributes, this Soul Skill is quite good when combined with burst damage. Add to that your enhanced First Soul Skill, and the two stack up, directly increasing all attributes by 100%, which is a terrifying effect. I estimate it can penetrate the enemy within these 15 seconds."

"The curse effect suits you quite well too. This way, when you encounter an opponent with a super armor, you won't find it so difficult. As long as you can hold out for a while, the opponent will actively cancel their super armor. Otherwise, the Soul Power consumption alone would be enough to wear them down." Bibi Dong paused and then said.

"That's what I think too," Ning Buhui said excitedly. "The Invincible Body makes up for the lack of support, and the Curse makes up for the lack of control. This Fourth Soul Ring was totally worth it."

"Don't be too happy yet," Bibi Dong poured cold water on your enthusiasm. "Soul Skill are good, but you're only level 42. Your Soul Power reserve limit is what it is; you'll be exhausted after using them only a few times. You still need to cultivate diligently when you get back."

"This disciple understands," Ning Buhui replied, suppressing his excitement.

The road out of the forest was faster than the road in. Without any worries, the two walked more freely. Half a day later, they returned to the small town on the outskirts of the Star Dou City. The carriage was still waiting there, and the driver was dozing on the carriage shaft. After getting in, the carriage turned north and headed along the official road towards Spirit City.

Ning Buhui leaned against the carriage wall, mentally reviewing the details of his new Soul Skill several times. The invincibility effect of Bear Iron Wall lasted for fifteen seconds, not a long time, but enough to change the course of a battle. He imagined Yan charging into the enemy formation with Bear Iron Wall —immune to all control effects, with all attributes boosted by 100%, he was practically a humanoid Ferocious Beast. And the ten layers of Bear Spirit Curse, if combined with Xie Yue's continuous output, would multiply the opponent's Soul Power consumption, until they couldn't even unleash their Soul Skill in the end.

He became more and more excited as he thought about it. The carriage jolted, and he almost fell off because he wasn't paying attention.

Five days later, the carriage entered Spirit City.

Ning Buhui got out of the car, said goodbye to Bibi Dong, and walked towards the Jingshi. When he passed the martial arts arena, he didn't see Hu Liena and the other two; they were probably busy with their own things.

Back in her quiet room, Ning Buhui unloaded her things, took a bath, and changed into clean clothes. She sat on the edge of the bed, pondering her next steps.

He has already obtained his Fourth Soul Ring, level 42. This level is already astonishing among his peers in the Spirit Hall, but he wants more than just to be number one among his peers.

With more than a year to go before the Soul Master Tournament, he wanted to reach at least level 48 before the competition. At a normal cultivation speed, it would take at least two or three years to go from level 42 to 48. He couldn't wait that long, so he had to take a shortcut.

The shortcut is a life-or-death battle.

During his six months in the Star Dou Great Forest, he leveled up from thirty-five to forty, averaging one level every month and a half. Although leveling up became slower as time went on, if he went back into the Star Dou Great Forest to fight Soul Beast that were 15,000 to 20,000 years old, the speed would still be much faster than if he had been cultivating in seclusion at the Spirit Hall.

However, before that, he still owed Xie Yue and the others a mission.

They had agreed to go on a mission together, but he went to Star Luo City and then entered the Star Dou Great Forest, which delayed him for almost a year. The three of them didn't urge him, but he remembered it. He planned to go to Xie Yue tomorrow to ask if there were any suitable jobs available recently. The four of them had already practiced their teamwork once, so this time they could take on a more challenging job, which would not only repay the favor but also allow him to practice his new Soul Skill.

As he pondered, darkness fell outside. He lay down, silently calculating before closing his eyes. He would go to Xie Yue tomorrow morning to finalize the mission. The mission would take about ten to fifteen days, after which he would enter the tower for a month of seclusion to solidify his level 42 foundation. Then he would set off for the Star Dou Great Forest again, this time with a clearer goal: 15,000 to 20,000-year-old Soul Beast, aiming to push his level to over 48 before the competition.

He closed his eyes, his breathing slowly settling. The February wind was still blowing outside the window, and the branches of the sycamore tree swayed gently in the moonlight.