Two Choices

The night wind of Netherworld Valley, carrying a faint miasma, howled in from the valley entrance, causing Ning Buhui's clothes to flutter wildly. He slowly moved his hands, feet, shoulders, and back, quietly observing the earth-shattering changes brought about by the fifth Soul Ring within his body.

Level 52. The depth of his Soul Power is now vastly different from before. If his Soul Power before the breakthrough was like a solid piece of amber, then the power surging through his meridians now is like a boundless ocean, deep and majestic.

Bibi Dong slowly rose from the cold stone platform, gently brushed away non-existent dust from her cuffs, and said softly, "I'm leaving."

Without uttering a single question, or even inquiring whether Ning Buhui needed rest, she directly unleashed her powerful Soul Power. A gentle yet irresistible force enveloped Ning Buhui, propelling him into the air. The return journey was far faster than the journey there. The Titled Douluo flew at full speed, the biting gale crashing against him, making it almost impossible for Ning Buhui to open his eyes. He simply closed his eyes, erecting a Soul Power barrier to protect his entire body, stabilizing himself amidst the violent wind pressure, and silently adapting to the impact of high-speed flight.

After a three-day journey at breakneck speed, the majestic white walls of Spirit City finally came into view.

As they landed, dusk had already enveloped the entire city. Ning Buhui's feet touched the familiar bluestone pavement, his legs went weak, and he swayed slightly. Bibi Dong released the Soul Power that had been supporting him, turned around, and slowly walked towards the direction of the Pope Hall. After taking a few steps, she turned her head and glanced back at him. "Come on, and tell me in detail about the changes after the other Soul Skill were enhanced."

"Yes, teacher." Ning Buhui bowed in agreement and quickly followed Bibi Dong, walking together towards the solemn and magnificent Pope Hall.

Inside the hall, Ning Buhui meticulously explained to Bibi Dong the changes and amplifications that occurred after each Soul Skill absorbed the Netherworld Phoenix Soul Ring, leaving no detail overlooked, not even the slightest fluctuations.

Before he could even take a sip of water, a guard strode into the hall, bowed, and reported, "Your Highness, a child has come to the palace gate. He claims to be an old friend of yours and has come specifically to see you. He seems to have important business to discuss."

Ning Buhui was slightly taken aback, and quickly asked, "What kind of child is it?"

He was about ten years old, dressed like a countryman, with worn-out straw sandals on his feet. He said he met you four years ago at the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City, and his name was Shitou.

Upon hearing this name, Ning Buhui abruptly stopped in his tracks. Shitou. He had almost forgotten this name. He recalled that morning four years ago, outside the gates of the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City, that thin, timid boy clutching a Slime Martial Soul; that boy who, after Martial Soul Awakening, was dismissed Qian Buyi trash by Qian Buyi, filled with despair, yet had his hopes rekindled by a few words from him. Back then, he had casually promised that if he ever encountered difficulties, he could come to him for help. He never expected that Shitou would actually travel thousands of miles to find him in Spirit City.

"Teacher, this disciple will take his leave now." Ning Buhui stood up and bowed to Bibi Dong.

Having said that, he strode towards the entrance of the Pope Hall. From afar, he could see a thin, frail figure standing at the bottom of the steps, carrying an old, coarse cloth bundle on his back, his straw sandals mostly broken, his exposed toes covered in yellow mud from the road. His coarse cloth clothes were faded from washing, and the cuffs were frayed. The boy was looking down at his rough hands, and when he heard footsteps coming from the steps, he suddenly looked up.

Four years have passed in the blink of an eye. Shitou has grown a little taller, but he is still thin, with slightly protruding cheekbones. Years of exposure to the wind and sun have turned his skin a deep blackish-red. Only his eyes remain unchanged from four years ago, dark and bright, with an unyielding tenacity hidden in their depths.

Seeing Ning Buhui descend the steps, his lips moved, his throat dry as if blocked by a wad of cotton. After a long while, he finally managed to call out hoarsely, "Brother Ning Buhui."

Ning Buhui walked down the stone steps and stopped in front of the Shitou. His gaze swept over the tattered straw sandals on the boy's feet, then fell on the old bundle on his shoulder, and finally looked at the Shitou's weathered face.

"Shitou," Ning Buhui said softly, "You've come."

Shitou Tou nodded forcefully, his nose suddenly stinging, tears welling up in his eyes. He bit his lower lip tightly, forcing back the tears that were about to fall, and said in a hoarse voice, "I've come, to keep the promise we made years ago. I've reached level ten and am ready to obtain my first Soul Ring. I don't know which Soul Beast to hunt, so I've traveled a thousand miles to ask for your opinion."

Ning Buhui quietly observed him for a moment, then gently patted his shoulder. "Come on, I'll take you to get something to eat. How many days have you been traveling? You've come at just the right time; if you had come a few days earlier, you might not have seen me. I went out to Soul Hunting beasts in the Netherworld Valley a while ago and only just returned to Spirit City."

"Twelve days," Shitou answered softly.

How long has it been since you had a proper hot meal?

The Shitou didn't reply; it simply lowered its head, its toes lightly rubbing against the pebbles beneath its feet.

Ning Buhui sighed softly, turned and walked inside. "Follow me, don't just stand outside the palace gate."

He took Shitou to the Spirit Hall's canteen and ordered the kitchen to bring two bowls of steaming noodles and a plate of fragrant smoked meat. Shitou stared at the steaming bowls of noodles in front of him for a long time before picking up his chopsticks and wolfing them down into his mouth, practically burying his head in his food.

Ning Buhui didn't urge him, silently pushing the whole plate of braised meat in front of him. Shitou Tou glanced at Ning Buhui, said nothing, and continued to eat heartily.

After Shitou finished his second large bowl of noodles, his pale complexion eased slightly. Ning Buhui then slowly spoke, "Tell me, how have you spent these past four years?"

Shitou Tou swallowed the last bite of noodles, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and slowly recounted his experiences over the past four years. He recalled the mockery and ridicule from the villagers of Green Grain Town, his father's back injury recurring, the family running out of food, his forced apprenticeship at a carpenter's shop to make ends meet, and how he could only secretly train and hone his Martial Soul during the quiet of the night. He spoke slowly, occasionally pausing to recall the past, but every word was a true reflection of his experiences.

"Everyone in town laughed at me, saying my Slime Martial Soul was nothing but a lump of mud, and that no matter how much I cultivated it, it would be a waste of time," Shitou said in a low voice. "I never paid them any attention. I always remembered what you told me back then: my Martial Soul has extremely high growth potential, and I've always firmly believed that."

"After four years of arduous training, I've finally reached level ten." Ning Buhui asked, "What does your Slime Martial Soul look like now?"

Shitou slowly raised his right hand, and a soft, pale blue substance emerged from his palm.

Compared to four years ago, it is now larger, with a faint blue glow on the surface, and its texture is more viscous and resilient.

Ning Buhui leaned down slightly to examine it closely. His Pupil of Illusion Breaking naturally and quietly activated, his gaze penetrating the Slime's outer gelatinous layer to glimpse the slowly flowing Soul Power veins within. At the core of this blue gelatinous mass, a slender silver pattern Entanglement, Pierce the Martial Soul Origin like a blood vessel.

"Very good." Ning Buhui slightly. "Your training over the past four years has been quite solid, and the Slime itself is much more resilient than it was four years ago. You have quite a few options for your First Soul Ring."

Shitou's eyes lit up instantly, and he asked impatiently, "Then which kind of Soul Beast should I hunt?"

Ning Buhui didn't give an answer immediately. She put down her chopsticks, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "There are two different paths. I'll tell you about them, and you can think about them carefully and make your own choice."

Shitou immediately sat up straight and listened intently.

"The first path is to choose the Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard," Ning Buhui explained slowly. "This is a type of scavenging Soul Beast that strengthens its scales by devouring the corpses of other Soul Beast. Ten-thousand-year-old Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard are extremely dangerous and difficult to deal with, but younger ones are relatively easier to hunt. If you choose it as your First Soul Ring, your Slime will most likely awaken its devouring ability, allowing it to absorb some characteristics from Soul Beast corpses to continuously strengthen itself. This path has extremely high growth potential; the later you progress, the stronger its potential becomes. However, its weaknesses are equally obvious. In the early stages, it has almost no decent combat power, and for a long time, you will have to endure the embarrassment of being outmatched in battle."

Shitou listened quietly, his gaze focused, without uttering a sound to interrupt.

"The second path," Ning Buhui continued, "Is to choose Soul Beast with elemental or poison attributes, such as the Scarlet Flame Python, the Ice Toad, or the Poison Swamp Spider. After hunting them, the Slime can obtain the corresponding elemental power, allowing it to pursue the Ultimate Attribute path. The advantage is that it's extremely effective; after obtaining the First Soul Ring, it immediately possesses considerable combat power and won't be at a disadvantage in battles against opponents of the same level. The disadvantage is that the growth ceiling of the Martial Soul will be limited, and once it encounters an opponent with an attribute advantage, it will be put at a great disadvantage."

He paused, then summarized simply. "One path is weaker in the early stages, but has an extremely high potential; the other path allows you to have combat power early on, but has limited room for further development. Think carefully about which path you want to take."

Shitou lowered his head, his gaze falling on the remaining noodle soup at the bottom of the bowl, his fingers gently picking at the edge of the table. After a long while, he raised his head, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. "Brother Ning Buhui, you said back then that my Martial Soul has great growth potential. If I choose the path of absorption, will I be able to go even further in the future?"

"Sure," Ning Buhui replied confidently, "But you must endure the frustration of being constantly suppressed and unable to defeat your opponents in the early stages."

Shitou Tou gritted his teeth. "I've endured four years of ridicule and sarcasm, I can withstand a few more years."

Ning Buhui looked at him intently for two seconds, then nodded gently. "Alright, then we'll choose the Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard. You'll stay at the Spirit Hall for two days while I have someone find out the exact location of the Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard. After that, I'll personally take you hunting. In these two days, I'll give you something good that can raise your potential even higher. I'll tell you how to use it later. Remember, you can't tell anyone about this; it's only for you to know."

Shitou nodded heavily, his eyes slightly red, but he still managed to hold back his tears.

Ning Buhui stood up, raised her hand and patted his shoulder. "Let's go, I'll arrange a place for you to stay first. I'll send your things over tomorrow."

Leaving the dining hall, Ning Buhui led Shitou through the layers of corridors of the Spirit Hall. The bluestone-paved road was clean and tidy, and ever-burning lamps hung under the corridors on both sides, giving it a solemn and dignified atmosphere even in the daytime. Along the way, Spirit Hall disciples passed by from time to time. When they saw Ning Buhui, they would bow and pay their respects. Their eyes would fall on the rustic-looking Shitou beside them. Although they were a little curious, no one said anything.

The two walked to the reception area on the west side of the hall area. This was a residence specifically used by the Spirit Hall to accommodate guests and those waiting for temporary arrangements. It was not the courtyard of the core disciples, but its scale still far exceeded any residence that Shitou had ever seen in his life.

Upon seeing Ning Buhui, the steward standing guard there immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Hearing that they were temporary residents arranged by Ning Buhui, the steward dared not neglect them and led the two to the door of a separate room, pushing open the wooden door.

This is the one.

Shitou followed behind, and the moment he stepped through the door, he couldn't help but hold his breath slightly.

The room wasn't large, but it was spotless. The floor was paved with polished bluestone slabs, swept clean without a speck of dust. A wooden table and two wooden chairs stood by the window, with a rough porcelain water glass on the table. A simple wooden shelf stood in the corner, where bundles and miscellaneous items could be placed. Inside, a wooden bed was set up, covered with a thick, dry mattress and a clean, thin quilt, without a trace of mustiness. The window was bright and airy, letting sunlight stream in through the window frame and fall on the edge of the bed. There was also a side door in the corner of the room, leading to a small courtyard where several clumps of lush green orchids grew. A gentle breeze carried the faint fragrance of the plants into the room.

While not luxurious, it was clean, quiet, and he had his own room. Shitou had been sleeping in a drafty mud house at home since he was ten years old. When he was an apprentice in a carpenter's shop, he could only squeeze into a shared dormitory full of sawdust and swarms of mosquitoes. He never imagined that a boy like him, from the countryside and whose Martial Soul was ridiculed as worthless, would be able to live in such a nice place.

"Settle down here for now," Ning Buhui said. "The reception will provide three meals a day, and hot water will be available on time. If you need anything, just ask the person in charge here. Rest well and get plenty of energy. Soul Hunting beasts requires plenty of stamina; you can't travel when you're tired. I'll come to see you tomorrow to give you the things and explain the habits of the Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard in detail, as well as the dangers to be wary of when hunting."

Shitou Tou nodded vigorously, his hands clenching unconsciously, his fingertips trembling slightly. "Thank you, Brother Ning Buhui."

"You're too kind. Since you trust me, I can't let you down. Get some rest." Ning Buhui smiled, gave a few words of advice, and then turned to leave; she still had many things to take care of.

The door closed gently, leaving only Shitou in the room.

He slowly walked to the bedside, carefully reaching out to touch the soft, dry bedding. The moment his fingertips touched the fabric, an indescribable emotion surged within him.

After trekking for twelve days through mountains and rivers, his feet blistered repeatedly, he endured hunger and cold stares from others, finally arriving at Spirit City. He had thought he could only make do with a place to stay for the night in a corner outside the palace, but to his surprise, Brother Ning Buhui not only treated him to hot noodles but also arranged such a comfortable place to stay.

A warm feeling of emotion welled up in my heart, and my nose tingled.

Shitou slowly sat down by the bed, silently vowing in his heart that his elder brother Ning Buhui was a ray of light in his desperate situation. Four years ago in Nuoding City, everyone said that the Slime Martial Soul was useless, but it was Ning Buhui who saw the potential hidden in his Martial Soul and gave him the thought to persevere in his cultivation.

Now that he had traveled thousands of miles to reach them, they showed no disdain whatsoever, and even kindly took him in, offering to personally guide him in hunting for Soul Ring, and even willing to offer him secret treasures. He would never forget this kindness.

He had nothing to repay Ning Buhui with now, but he secretly vowed in his heart that he would cultivate diligently and hone his Soul Skill in the future. No matter what difficulties his elder brother Ning Buhui encountered in the future, he would definitely stand up for him and do his best to repay this kindness.

The thought that he would soon be able to hunt Shadow Illusory Scale Lizard and obtain his first Soul Ring filled Shitou with an irrepressible joy and anticipation.

For four years, he endured morning runs and squat jumps day after day, and tempered his Soul Power under the moonlight at night. He persevered through countless days of ridicule from others and countless moments of exhaustion when he wanted to give up, all for the sake of reaching level ten.

Soon, his Slime Martial Soul will obtain its first Soul Ring and embark on the path to becoming Soul Master. He can almost see his Martial Soul gradually transforming, no longer the useless lump of mud that others have described.

He raised his palm and summoned the Slime. The pale blue jelly wriggled gently in his hand. Shitou looked at it, a faint smile involuntarily creeping onto his lips.

In a few more days, everything will begin.

He got up and walked to the courtyard, took a deep breath of the air filled with the scent of grass and trees, and clenched his fists. The road ahead was difficult, and he might even have to endure ridicule from all sides in the early stages, but he was not afraid. As long as he could become stronger, all the hardships would be worth it.