The 8,000-year soul ring posed no difficulty for Lin Feng to absorb, not just because of the enhancements from the immortal herbs and whale glue.
The growth of his soul veins was also a key factor. Lin Feng's current physical strength was already comparable to that of a Soul King.
While absorbing the soul ring, Lin Feng recalled the look in the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear's eyes before its death.
The proud Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear hadn't chosen to fight to the death in its final moments. Instead, it had accepted its fate, which surprised Lin Feng.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. Could it be that this bear was an unlucky one, sent by the fierce beasts of the Star Dou Forest's core because they noticed he couldn't find the soul beast he needed?
Even now, he hadn't figured out the meaning behind the mysterious figure from two and a half years ago, nor had he received any further messages.
What exactly was there to confirm? Lin Feng shook his head, unable to make sense of it. Did they come all this way just to take a look at him?
What could it be…
Setting aside his thoughts for now, Lin Feng focused on comprehending his new soul skill.
"Golden Sword Formation!"
With a low shout from Lin Feng, countless golden sword energies shot out from around his body, forming a complex and powerful sword array.
The golden sword energies crisscrossed, creating sharp barriers that enveloped the surroundings like a massive net, trapping everything within.
Feeling the flow of soul power within him, Lin Feng gained some insight.
The Golden Sword Formation not only had immense offensive power but also high defensive and control capabilities, significantly boosting his combat strength.
"It seems that, aside from Breath of Life, all my soul skills are versatile—capable of offense, defense, and control."
Qian Renxue stepped forward, intrigued by the golden sword energies crisscrossing the air:
"Xiao Feng, this soul skill of yours seems even more imposing than the Angel Holy Sword.
It has an added sense of sharp, killing intent."
Lin Feng retracted the skill and smiled:
"It's decent. After all, the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear is known for its terrifying destructive power, so this soul skill is within expectations."
Ling Yuan gently brushed a fallen leaf off Lin Feng's shoulder:
"This soul skill is very powerful. It's probably the most destructive one you have right now.
Ah, I kind of miss the old Xiao Feng who only had a healing soul skill. Back then, you were so gentle and easy to handle."
Lin Feng glanced at the hand pinching his cheek and rolled his eyes at Ling Yuan:
"Isn't it you who's handling me right now?"
"Haha."
Ling Yuan's hands slid down, naturally wrapping around Lin Feng's neck. A faint fragrance wafted over as she leaned against his back.
"Now, I even have to stand on my tiptoes."
Qian Renxue snorted but didn't stop her.
After all, she had sneaked ahead yesterday, so this could count as an apology to Sister Ling Yuan.
"Huh?"
Not wanting to watch Ling Yuan and Lin Feng being affectionate, Qian Renxue turned her gaze to the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear's corpse.
With a wave of soul power, she flipped open the bear's left paw.
"Is this a soul bone?!"
"Oh?"
Ling Yuan released Lin Feng's ear and turned to look.
The three of them saw a dark golden soul bone glowing with soul power.
"An 8,000-year Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear left arm bone. What luck! With its quality, this soul bone can rival other ten-thousand-year soul bones.
Coming from a Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, the soul skill it carries must have extreme destructive power."
Qian Renxue rubbed her chin:
"Who should get it? Grandpa said I have a set of inherited soul bones, so I don't need it. For Sister Ling Yuan, the age is a bit low, even though the skill might be powerful.
Xiao Feng, you don't need it either, since you've already decided not to absorb soul bones."
Lin Feng shrugged:
"At least for now, I won't absorb soul bones. Once a soul bone is absorbed, replacing it is nearly impossible. Let's keep this one for now and decide later."
Ling Yuan's eyes lit up:
"So there's a way to replace them? The common knowledge in the soul master world is that removing a soul bone means losing a limb. Can that be avoided?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"There are ways, but they involve powers beyond our current reach. One method involves deities."
Ling Yuan clicked her tongue: "Then forget it. Soul bones should be chosen carefully."
"Right, let's go."
Lin Feng stored the massive body of the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, causing Ling Yuan and Qian Renxue to widen their eyes in surprise.
"Are we having barbecue today?"
"Of course! The meat of the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear is tender and flavorful, without any gamey taste. It's perfect for cooking. Don't you want to eat it?"
"I do, of course I do!"
Qian Renxue chuckled, pulling Lin Feng's arm and naturally pressing her now fuller chest against it.
She rested her head on Lin Feng's shoulder.
"Hmm?"
Qian Renxue's gaze caught sight of the still-damp glistening mark below Lin Feng's other ear.
Smirking inwardly, as if competing, she left a similar mark on her side.
At the same time, she pecked Lin Feng's cheek, asserting her position.
Ling Yuan shook her head helplessly and casually took Lin Feng's hand, smiling softly as the three of them walked toward a clearing.
Their movements seemed practiced countless times, with no hint of awkwardness.
Since it was still early and they were deep in the Star Dou Forest, it would take a long time to leave. They decided to set up camp in a clearing, so there was no need to rush.
Lin Feng busied himself with preparations, while Qian Renxue propped her chin on her hand, watching him with a smile.
She nudged Ling Yuan with her elbow:
"Sister Ling Yuan, why is Xiao Feng so perfect? Is there anything he can't do?"
Ling Yuan rested her cheek on her hand, glanced at Qian Renxue, and then turned her gaze back to Lin Feng, her eyes filled with affection:
"I don't know. All I know is that I like him."
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes: "Hmph, Sister Ling Yuan, I've noticed you've been getting bolder lately. You dare to get close to Xiao Feng even when I'm around?"
Ling Yuan burst into laughter:
"Xiao Xue, why are you still hung up on this? Last time, you dragged me to help Xiao Feng, and then…"
Before Ling Yuan could finish, Qian Renxue covered her mouth, not letting her say another word.
Her cheeks flushed as she threatened:
"Don't you dare bring that up again!"
"Alright, alright~"
Ling Yuan smirked, amused by Qian Renxue's reaction.
She hadn't expected Qian Renxue's body to be so sensitive. Just a few touches from Lin Feng on her feet and a gentle rub there had caused her to lose control.
In a panic, Qian Renxue had sought her help, though by the time she arrived, Qian Renxue had already changed clothes. However, her awkward movements couldn't hide the truth.
After all, Ling Yuan had studied the "Mother Ye's Guide" thoroughly!
From romance to intimacy, from a man's reactions to a woman's responses, Ling Yuan had mastered it all over the past two and a half years. She was now a true expert.
Qian Renxue glared at Ling Yuan, then turned her gaze to Lin Feng, suddenly recalling the day he had obtained his third soul ring.
That day, they had also had barbecue, and then…
She touched her storage pouch, her eyes glinting. Although the last batch of whale glue had been used up, she had secretly restocked while Lin Feng wasn't looking.
Lately, Lin Feng had been growing too fast, and she could hardly see the gentle, submissive side of him anymore. She definitely needed to add some spice!
Ling Yuan's lips parted slightly. Seeing Qian Renxue touch her storage pouch, she knew exactly what she was planning. She gave Lin Feng a sympathetic look.