"Mm, go ahead and absorb them. Once you're done, we'll prepare your next soul rings."
Qian Xunji nodded in satisfaction, gesturing for the two to begin fusing with their respective soul bones.
"Oh, right—Gu Han, the soul bone in your hands was given to you by the Fifth Worship, Guang Ling. He said he sees great potential in you."
Gu Han blinked, staring at the 60,000-year spiritual-type Soul Bone cradled in his palm.
"Master, I understand. I'll thank the Fifth Worship in person when I get the chance."
"Good. Go on then, begin."
"Yes."
Gu Han nodded, sat down cross-legged, and began guiding his soul power to fuse the soul bone into his body.
Time slipped by. An hour and a half later—
Buzz!!
The instant Gu Han completed the fusion, the nameless manual in his mind stirred again. A soft white glow radiated from it as the pages turned on their own.
The image of the newly absorbed soul bone was imprinted onto the book's pages—just like with his soul rings. The bone's shape and presence were recorded, and even its abilities were preserved.
Gu Han's spiritual power surged dramatically. The sliver of spiritual light in his innate aperture now burned brighter than ever, like a lone star piercing the blackness of night—radiant and dazzling.
He tried to push further, condensing his spiritual power into form and projecting it outside his body. He succeeded… but the projection lacked substance—it could not interact with the physical world.
"This can only be considered the 'Yin Spirit' stage… I've still got a long way to go before reaching the 'Yang Spirit.'"
Gu Han's current state—his 'Yin Spirit'—was a mental construct formed by condensed spiritual energy. Even while separated from his physical body, he could still perceive its condition and exact location.
"Hm?"
Qian Xunji seemed to sense something and turned his gaze toward where Gu Han's spiritual body hovered. Though invisible to the eye, its powerful mental pressure was impossible to ignore.
Naturally, Gu Han noticed this reaction. He withdrew his spiritual power and slowly opened his eyes, choosing not to hide anything.
"Master, the soul bone granted me a tremendous boost in spiritual strength. I'm now able to project my consciousness outside my body and perceive my surroundings."
"Excellent. That's even better than I anticipated."
Qian Xunji nodded with approval, then asked, "You're at Rank 30 now. With your current level of spiritual power and physical constitution, you may be capable of absorbing a 10,000-year soul ring as your third."
Gu Han nodded slightly but then shook his head.
"Master, while a 10,000-year ring is tempting, there's a particular 8,000-year Ice Crystal Snow Lotus growing on a cliff in the Icebound Forest that I have my eye on."
Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow with interest. "Let's hear it. Why give up the opportunity to absorb a 10,000-year soul ring just for an 8,000-year herb?"
"Master, that Ice Crystal Snow Lotus may not have reached the ten-thousand-year threshold, but in quality, it's no less valuable. It has absorbed the essence of heaven and earth for centuries atop that cliff and is an exceptional ice-element treasure. I'm confident that the soul skill it grants will far surpass what any ordinary 10,000-year soul beast ring could offer."
Still, Gu Han couldn't help but feel it was a pity. If only that Snow Lotus had reached ten thousand years, the effect might have been even greater.
"Good. You understand what benefits you most and don't chase superficial numbers."
There was a rare gleam of admiration in Qian Xunji's eyes. This second disciple of his was remarkably low-maintenance. In fact, Dong'er herself had become noticeably more diligent in her training since spending time with Gu Han. Clearly, he had chosen well back then.
Thinking of how Guang Ling had said that if Qian Xunji hadn't gotten to Gu Han first, he would've taken him as his own disciple, a faint sense of pride swelled in Qian Xunji's heart.
Hmph. My judgment really is outstanding.
Gu Han had no idea what his master was thinking. He bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your praise, Master. There's something else I'd like to ask."
"Oh? What is it?"
"Master, as you know, I come from a small village and was orphaned as a child. The villagers and my grandfather raised me. But the northern climate is harsh, and I was hoping to convince them to move closer to Spirit City when I return. I would be grateful if you could allow that."
Gu Han bowed deeply, his tone earnest.
"This is a minor matter. If they're willing to relocate, I'll arrange a suitable plot of land for them."
Qian Xunji had thought this would be a much more serious request, but it turned out to be nothing complicated. As Gu Han's master—and now that the boy's talent had been restored and his cultivation speed rivaled that of an innate full soul power user—granting a little land was no issue at all.
Of course, whether the villagers would agree was another matter. People were often deeply rooted in their hometowns. Unless there was a compelling reason, few would willingly uproot their lives.
"Thank you, Master. I'll do my best to convince them."
Gu Han felt deeply grateful. He hadn't expected such an easy approval.
The rest would depend on whether the villagers were willing. If they agreed, great. If not, he wouldn't force it.
Just then, Bibi Dong awoke. She had successfully absorbed her 70,000-year Soul Bone, and her spiritual power had skyrocketed.
Even though she was only at Rank 40, her spiritual strength was already on par with some low-ranked Soul Saints.
This was no small feat. Becoming a Soul Saint wasn't just a combat milestone—it also marked a major threshold in spiritual power.
For Bibi Dong to possess the spiritual strength of a Saint at just Rank 40 was nothing short of heaven-defying.
"Master! Junior Brother! Uncle Chrysanthemum! Uncle Ghost! I did it! I feel amazing right now!!"
Bibi Dong stood up, brimming with excitement as she shared the joy of her breakthrough.
Qian Xunji smiled indulgently. He reached out to ruffle her hair, but midway through, he paused and retracted his hand.
"Very good, Dong'er. Go get some rest. I'll have someone bring you a suitable 10,000-year soul beast."
"What about Junior Brother?"
Bibi Dong had just returned from the Star Dou Forest and was more than content to stay put. She didn't even ask to go hunt another soul beast herself.
But upon hearing this, she immediately thought of her junior. Gu Han was already at Rank 30—it was time to obtain his third ring. Why hadn't Master arranged for someone to catch a beast for him, too?
"Senior Sister," Gu Han stepped in to explain, "My third ring will come from the Icebound Forest. I also want to take this chance to visit my village."
"Your village?"
Bibi Dong's eyes lit up with interest. She turned to Qian Xunji, eyes sparkling with curiosity. She didn't even need to say anything—he could already tell what she was thinking.
He sighed and gave a small, helpless smile, then waved his hand.
"Go, but don't get distracted. Go early, return early. You still need to absorb your fourth soul ring."
"Yay! I knew you were the best, Master!"
Bibi Dong leapt for joy, elated by his approval.
Qian Xunji could only shake his head with amusement. He then turned to Ghost, changing his earlier plan.
"As for the ten-thousand-year soul beast, I'll have someone else handle it. You go with Yue Guan instead."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Ghost bowed respectfully.
~~~
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