Chapter 252: Soul Core Awakens, Spirit Ring Hunt Begins
When Xiao Qiang finished his closed-door cultivation, he opened his eyes. The two soul cores—one in his chest and one above his head—resonated in harmony, frantically drawing in the surrounding soul power from heaven and earth.
"So this is the Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core? The efficiency of absorbing spiritual energy has more than doubled compared to having just one core."
After calmly absorbing a bit more spiritual power and sensing the changes in his body, Xiao Qiang left the retreat chamber. He inquired about Mu Qingxue's recent status and, upon confirming that nothing major had occurred during his retreat, he decided it was time to treat himself for reaching level 90 at just 18 years old—a feat earned through tireless effort.
He indulged in a feast of fine delicacies, and then returned to the Soul Hall to resume his laid-back days working alongside Senior Sister Meng. However, just as he arrived at his quarters, he saw a familiar figure waiting at his door.
"Uncle Bai? What are you doing here? If you've got something to say, just go inside and wait."
"Uh…" Bai Qingshan was momentarily stunned. It hadn't clicked that Xiao Qiang, as the Hall Master, could simply come and go as he pleased.
"Is something wrong?" Xiao Qiang asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's just… I've reached level 60. I was wondering if I could get a sixth spirit ring—something over 50,000 years, ideally." Bai Qingshan looked sheepish.
Xiao Qiang had already given him far more than originally promised. In just four years, Bai Qingshan—who normally wouldn't have even reached level 50 in his lifetime—had reached level 60. That kind of leap was hard to believe, even for him.
Still, ambition had no limits. If there was a chance to go further, who would willingly stop at Soul Emperor? Even though he felt a little ashamed to ask again, he couldn't give up the opportunity. Yet when he reached Xiao Qiang's door, his embarrassment froze him in place. Now that the opportunity was right in front of him, he could only bite the bullet and speak up.
"You're level 60 and need a new spirit ring? Come with me."
Xiao Qiang didn't waste time. He led Bai Qingshan into his private quarters, where only the two of them were present. There, he pulled out the Youxiang Qiluo Immortal Product.
"Hmm? Another human? Is it finally my turn to become a spirit? Finally! One that can actually talk! Let's go!" the Youxiang Qiluo Xianpin chirped excitedly.
The herb had long anticipated this day. Other plant spirits like the Eight-Angled Mysterious Ice Grass and the Fiery Apricot had already become spirits, and both were doing well. So, naturally, this one was eager to follow.
"He… he can't be… 100,000 years old, right?" Bai Qingshan asked in awe. Even as someone with limited knowledge of spirit beasts, he knew that only spirit beasts above 100,000 years could speak like this.
"It is a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast," Xiao Qiang affirmed. "Regular spirit rings can't help you reach Soul Douluo, even with medicinal support. But a hundred-thousand-year ring is different. As your sixth ring, it can push your soul power directly to level 66 or 67. That, plus the body tempering, means you won't hit a bottleneck on the road to Soul Saint."
He continued, "At level 70, the second hundred-thousand-year spirit ring will raise you to about 75. After that, only five levels separate you from the next major threshold, and I have both medicines and methods to help. The body refinement from the third hundred-thousand-year ring will remove any residual toxins. With that, even a level 5 innate soul master like you can reach Title Douluo."
"Seriously? Just two levels of innate power, and I can reach Title Douluo?" Bai Qingshan was dumbfounded.
"Under normal circumstances, even level 5 innate soul power wouldn't cut it. But a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring isn't just a boost in strength—it's practically a top-tier cultivation method. Combine that with advanced medicines and my support, and yes, it's very possible."
Bai Qingshan was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke.
"Honestly, when I helped you back then, I had my own selfish motives."
Xiao Qiang smiled and shook his head.
"A gentleman judges deeds, not intentions. I needed what you gave me, and I used it well. Besides… innate level 5 isn't what I'd call genius."
He thought of others like Wang Sheng from Douluo Dalu 1, or the sword-wielding childhood friend Tang Wulin met in Douluo Dalu 3—none of them had stellar innate power. Their first spirit rings were even just white rings. So, for Xiao Qiang, Bai Qingshan's contributions were appreciated and returned fairly.
"Absorb the ring. Once that's done, I'll teach you how to hide it. Just don't stray too far from me until you reach Title Douluo."
"Got it." Bai Qingshan nodded, his voice filled with emotion. He had believed Xiao Qiang was exaggerating when he promised to help him reach Soul Douluo. Now, he realized Xiao Qiang had meant every word. This wasn't just some generous help—these were resources most Title Douluo couldn't even imagine having.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy…
Unknowingly, more than a year had passed since Du Bu Si went into seclusion. Only a little over three months remained before the next All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
On Shrek's side, progress was steady. Long Aotian had successfully reached level 70. Beibei, who had been three levels behind, followed a similar path to Xiao Hongchen in the original timeline and used a precious herb to push himself to level 70 as well—all for the sake of Shrek's glory.
This year, Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan would lead the team. A powerful Titled Douluo was also assigned to accompany them for the soul ring hunt in the Soul Beast Forest. With a level 94 cultivation and a true spirit awakening soon, this Titled Douluo was close to becoming a Super Douluo—more than capable of protecting the team.
Everything was going according to plan.
Until…
Xuanzi, unable to bear watching Moon's great-great-grandson go through so much without being able to help, stepped in.
"I'll lead the ring hunt personally this time."