They walked into the Spirit Hunting Forest as Ma Nuo turned to Li Shen and asked, "Li Shen, have you thought about what kind of spirit beast would suit you best for your first spirit ring?"
Before Li Shen could reply, it was Bai Hua—resting comfortably in Sisi's arms—who answered instead.
The moment they entered the forest, Li Shen had released her from Book of Infinity Martial Spirit of his and the moment Sisi saw the cute bear cub she couldn't help but hold her in her arms. Initially, the little spirit beast resisted, squirming around to return to Li Shen's side. But after a few moments in Sisi's warm embrace, she gave up and snuggled in, falling asleep peacefully. Since then, Bai Hua had been in her arms.
Aside from Ma Nuo, there were three deacons accompanying Li Shen for his spirit ring hunt: Su Yuntao, Sisi, and Chen—another loyal deacon. At first, they had been surprised and skeptical about Li Shen's strange Martial Spirit. It didn't look like any beast or weapon, but rather... a book.
However, Ma Nuo had explained that this was simply looking Martial Spirit true power they were awed from that moment.
They had originally believed Li Shen to be born with a useless spirit, but now they were both relieved and excited for him. He wasn't talentless at all—in fact, he might have one of the most unique spirits they had ever seen.
In their eyes, Li Shen was more than just a promising spirit master. Having grown up in the Spirit Hall's headquarters in Nuoding City under their collective care since he was a baby, he was like a little brother to all of them.
And now that their little brother was finally about to receive his first spirit ring, they would ensure everything went perfectly.
"I think it's best if we seek the spirit ring of a predator-type spirit beast," Baihua said in her soft, melodic voice. "Something like a tiger or panther-type beast would complement us greatly. It will help amplify both speed and strength, which Li Shen will benefit from."
Ma Nuo nodded after hearing Bai Hua's advice. "A predator-type beast it is, then. That matches well with Li Shen's Spirit. We'll go deeper into the forest and find one that's around 400–500 years old. That's the safe limit for a first spirit ring with innate full soul power."
Li Shen, however, shook his head firmly. "No. I want a 4,000-year-old spirit beast."
The others froze in surprise.
Ma Nuo stepped forward, frowning. "Li Shen, don't be reckless. The human body has natural limits. For your first spirit ring, the safest range is around 400 to 500 years. Anything more than that could overload your body with spirit energy. Your soul might explode from the pressure."
But Li Shen didn't waver. "It's fine. My physique is different—far beyond normal. Ever since I formed a contract with Bai Hua, she's been subtly improving me. She's a spirit beast herself, and because of that bond, my body has evolved too."
He raised his arm, faint spirit light pulsing beneath the skin. "You can examine it for yourself."
Ma Nuo looked into Li Shen's spirit energy with narrowed eyes, placing a hand on his shoulder. His brows slowly lifted. "This… this is true, Your body is so much stronger, even compared to an Spirit Elder like me."
Li Shen simply nodded. "Exactly. So I can handle it. 4,000 years—it has to be that."
Ma Nuo still hesitated. "Are you sure someone didn't put this idea in your head?"
Li Shen gave a mysterious smile. "Let's just say… a certain voice told me. And I trust it completely."
The other deacons looked toward Ma Nuo, tension rising in the forest air. One of them spoke up hesitantly, "Master Ma, didn't you say it was that same Voice who revealed the truth behind Li Shen's Martial Spirit? If it has guided him again… maybe we should trust it."
"But this isn't like before," Sisi said, her arms still wrapped protectively around Bai Hua. "This time, it's dangerous. What if something happens to Li Shen during the absorption? We can't just gamble with his life!"
The group began murmuring in argument, concern etched across their faces.
Ma Nuo raised his hand, silencing everyone with a stern glance. He turned back to Li Shen, his eyes sharp but calm.
"This 'voice'... did it truly tell you that you can withstand the power of a 4,000-year-old spirit ring?"
Li Shen nodded without hesitation. "Not just 4,000. He said I could absorb a 4,100-year-old spirit beast for my first ring."
That number made everyone hold their breath.
Ma Nuo fell silent, his gaze lingering on the boy's steady posture and unwavering eyes. After a moment of deep thought, he let out a slow sigh.
"Very well," he said at last. "If your body is truly capable… we will help you find a 4,000-year-old spirit beast. But know this—if I sense even the slightest thing going wrong during the absorption, I will intervene and stop it. Agreed?"
Li Shen's smile deepened. "Don't worry, uncle Ma. It won't come to that."
The others looked between them, as they just nodded.
"Let's move, then," Ma Nuo said, leading the group deeper into the forest. "This region has spirit beasts up to 5,000 years of age, so we'll need to be cautious. If we're lucky, we'll find a suitable 4,000-year-old beast before nightfall."
The group advanced silently, tense but ready. Li Shen was at the center, flanked by the four deacons—Sun Yuntao, Sisi, Chen, and Ma Nuo himself—each one alert and protecting him from all sides. The outer forest had been safe enough, but now they were entering the core zone, where true apex predators roamed.
This was no place for hesitation.
As they moved through the misty trees, Li Shen tapped into his interface again, his eyes narrowing.
[Current Spirit Points: 560]
'Genesis,' Li Shen asked mentally, 'Is there any spirit beast in this forest that can drop an External Spirit Bone?'
[Deducting 100 Points: Consultation Access Granted]
[Response: No spirit beast in this region will drop an External Spirit Bone upon death.]
Li Shen exhaled quietly, a tinge of disappointment crossing his face. 'Pity,' he thought.
****
Like It?
Ream more at
patreon.com/be_king