Chapter 22
At this stage, Li Chang'an only displayed the trait of rapid cultivation; his martial soul hadn't yet revealed any overwhelming power. To Emperor Tiandou and others, his future might be boundless. But to Qian Renxue — hailing from the Wuhun Temple, with innate level 20 soul power and heir to the Angel God — he was just average.
Even if Li Chang'an reached Limit Douluo someday, he would still be powerless before a god. He simply posed no threat.
However, if he cultivated quickly and showed the ability to absorb soul rings far beyond his level's age limit, Qian Renxue would be 100% certain he had a god-level martial soul. Or worse, that he was a trial taker chosen by a god, someone with a chance to become a god in the future — a threat to the Wuhun Temple's dominance.
In that scenario, she would undoubtedly move to eliminate him.
Li Chang'an, still weak and fragile at this point, preferred to appear normal rather than risk provoking Qian Renxue's wrath. Besides, limits on soul ring ages could be improved later during the god trials. There was no reason to jeopardize his safety for such a minor advantage.
...
This time, acquiring the third soul ring was again supervised by one of the three education committee members. Li Chang'an was Tiandou's treasured asset, regarded as the future guardian of the empire. No mistakes could be allowed.
A Soul Douluo led him to hunt a thousand-year soul beast. The Soul Beast Forest was artificially created, with soul beasts' maximum ages only reaching tens of thousands of years, so accidents were impossible.
"Bang!"
A six-meter-tall Vajra Berserk Ape, covered in spiky golden fur and exuding raw ferocity, crashed to the ground. The education committee member slowly withdrew his hand, then gestured for Li Chang'an to step forward and finish it off.
This Vajra Berserk Ape was a metal-attribute soul beast, with a body as tough as steel. Its talent skill, Vajra Body, comprehensively enhanced its strength, agility, power, and durability.
Li Chang'an chose this beast mainly because of its amplification skill. Though not comparable to top-tier soul beasts like the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, the Vajra Berserk Ape was still an elite-level beast, suitable for a third soul ring.
The Jade Phosphor Sword effortlessly pierced through the ape's skull. Soon, a violet thousand-year soul ring condensed and floated before him.
Sitting cross-legged, Li Chang'an guided the soul ring into himself with steady soul power.
The absorption was smooth and swift.
In just half an hour, he had fully absorbed the soul ring. Yet, to avoid raising suspicion from the watching committee member, he pretended to meditate for another three hours before opening his eyes.
"How is it? What soul skill did you get?" the committee member hurried forward.
Li Chang'an held the Jade Phosphor Sword, carefully sensing the new skill. After a moment, he whispered, "Third Soul Skill: Sword Bone."
At that instant, his aura surged noticeably. The committee member could tell he'd obtained an amplification-type soul skill — though whether it boosted soul power, physical strength, or sword attack power was unknown.
"This soul skill increases my soul power by 30%," Li Chang'an explained.
"Excellent," the education committee member's eyes gleamed, stroking his beard in approval.
Don't underestimate that 30%. For an amplification soul skill, a 30% boost was significant. Gaining 30% more power in battle could be decisive — the difference between victory and defeat.
In truth, Li Chang'an concealed some of the soul skill's effects: it not only increased soul power but also enhanced physical fitness, agility, attack resistance, and the sword's sharpness. It was a comprehensive upgrade.
Such a wide-ranging amplification was far superior to a simple soul power boost — a true advantage in combat.
This skill, inherited from the Vajra Berserk Ape's talent, might not shine at low levels. But once Li Chang'an reached Soul Douluo or even Title Douluo status, a 30% increase would be devastating.
Simultaneously, Li Chang'an wondered if soul skills still functioned after becoming a god at level 100.
If they did, would the 30% boost remain constant?
That would be absurd.
He recalled that soul ring skills in the original lore had limits. For example, Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body could avoid damage briefly, but only for mortal soul masters. Divine powers or ancient soul skills at god level could override them.
Thus, such soul skill effects probably only applied during the mortal phase. At god level, they likely ceased to exist.
"It's time to leave."
With his goal accomplished, Li Chang'an had no intention of lingering in the Soul Beast Forest.
On the way back, I need to buy some gifts for Yan'zi. It's about time to confirm our relationship, he thought.
After spending so much time together, he and Dugu Yan were just one step away — a confession away from becoming a couple.
He felt the timing was right to bring this beautiful snake into his life.
Otherwise, what if Yu Tianheng, the four-legged lizard, made a move?
Everyone knew Yu Tianheng had been trying hard to get close to Dugu Yan recently — even a blind man could see his intentions.
Tiandou Royal Academy
"Yu Tianheng! I've told you, I'm not interested! Stop bothering me," Dugu Yan's beautiful eyes flashed coldly, her tone sharp and indifferent.
"Yan'zi..." Yu Tianheng looked at her with deep affection, about to speak, but she cut him off immediately.
"Stop!"
"Are you even worthy to call me Yan'zi?"
Dugu Yan, clearly losing patience, snapped, "Please call me Dugu classmate!"
"...Fine," Yu Tianheng's face flushed with anger and humiliation. No woman had ever dared talk to him like that before.
If it weren't for Dugu Yan's grandfather being a Title Douluo, he might have exploded.
Suppressing his rage, he forced calm and said, "Dugu classmate, I came to tell you something today."
"Spit it out," Dugu Yan said bluntly, her disgust evident. This young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect had pushed her to the edge of her nerves.
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