He opened another system tab in his mind—a golden interface with flowing script appeared before his inner eye:
[Cultivation Path Menu: Open]
[Subfunction: First Spirit Ring Compatibility Detector – Activated]
A soft hum echoed within his soul sea as streams of light traced invisible lines in his spiritual perception. The system began scanning his martial spirit, current soul power, and innate body constitution. Then came the results:
[Compatible Spirit Beasts (Optimal Matches):]
– Crimson-Striped Holy Tiger – 4,100 Years
– Thunder-Scaled Python – 3,800 Years
– Ice-Eyed Night Panther – 4,050 Years
Each entry came with additional annotations: natural affinity, growth potential, synergy with Bai Hua, and risk level. The Crimson-Striped Holy Tiger was glowing gold—marked as Highly Compatible with his martial spirit and affinity matching.
Li Shen's eyes flickered with clarity as he lowered his hand and turned his gaze toward the dense treeline to the north. A gentle breeze swept through his hair as he said calmly,
"I can feel it. A powerful spirit beast lies ahead in the northern direction… its aura feels pure, sharp… divine."
The others tensed slightly.
Su Yuntao raised a brow. "You sure?"
Li Shen didn't hesitate. "It's the one I need."
Ma Nuo studied him for a moment—those calm eyes, steady breath, the quiet certainty of someone not guessing, but knowing. He couldn't sense anything himself… but somehow, he trusted the boy. Perhaps it was instinct. Or perhaps…
That voice again… he thought, his eyes flashing with clarity. It must be guiding him.
He gave a nod. "Very well. Lead the way, Li Shen."
Without another word, Li Shen moved forward, his steps light yet confident as the group fell into formation around him. Sisi walked close behind, still carrying Bai Hua in her arms, who remained curled up peacefully, occasionally opening one eye with curiosity. The deacons—Sun Yuntao, Chen, and the others—followed quietly, eyes alert, weapons ready.
The forest grew darker as they ventured deeper—sunlight fractured by the towering canopy overhead. The air was charged. Even nearby spirit beasts retreated, hiding, avoiding something.
After nearly half an hour of silent movement, they entered a stone-cleared glade. Claw marks shredded through boulders. Trees were snapped at the base. The scent of blood lingered faintly in the air.
And then they felt it.
A heavy pressure swept over them—a kingly, primal force.
BOOM.
A growl, deep and ancient, rumbled through the ground.
From between the shattered rocks, it emerged. A majestic creature with fur like burning silver and crimson stripes that shimmered like divine fire. Golden eyes radiated intelligence and ferocity.
Crimson-Striped Holy Tiger
Age: 4,100 Years
Status: Alert – Territorial
The beast snarled, muscles coiling with terrifying grace as it locked eyes with Li Shen. The others tensed immediately—hands on hilts, spirit power rising.
"Uncle Ma, brothers, and sisters, I'll leave him to you," Li Shen said calmly as he took Bai Hua from Sisi. Then, without looking back, he began to retreat.
Ma Nuo stepped forward, eyes locked on the tiger. A spirit emerged—a spectral owl with glowing eyes, two yellow and one purple spirit rings shimmering around it.
The others readied themselves. Su Yuntao summoned his lone wolf spirit, Sisi released her spirit dove, and Chen manifested a flaming sword. Together, they encircled the Crimson-Striped Holy Tiger.
Ma Nuo's voice rang out, firm and commanding.
"Injure him just enough—don't kill him. Li Shen needs to finish this himself."
Without giving the tiger a chance to react, Ma Nuo activated his third spirit ring skill. Countless glowing chains shot forth, each tipped with razor-sharp ends, binding the tiger's massive frame.
The beast snarled and thrashed, but the ethereal chains shimmered with unyielding spiritual energy, locking it in place.
"Attack now!" Ma Nuo commanded, his eyes sharp as the tiger struggled.
The others unleashed their spirit skills. Blasts of energy and razor-precise strikes rained down on the bound beast—relentless yet controlled. Soon, the great creature collapsed, panting heavily, wounded but alive.
"Li Shen, come out now. You can finish him and absorb his spirit ring," Ma Nuo called out.
Li Shen stepped forward, Bai Hua now tucked gently back into the Book of Infinity. He drew his dagger, approached the tiger, and drove the blade into its eye.
The tiger gave one final growl before falling completely still.
A beautiful, radiant purple spirit ring slowly rose from the tiger's chest, pulsing with raw power.
"Li Shen, now calmly draw out your martial spirit and attract the spirit ring. This will begin the absorption process," Ma Nuo instructed, ready to intervene if necessary.
Li Shen nodded and summoned his martial spirit from the Book of Infinity. As it materialized, the spirit ring hovered near him, glowing brighter as he began to absorb its potent energy.
Ma Nuo and the other deacons formed a protective circle around him, watching for interference.
As the absorption continued, overwhelming purple energy radiated from the ring, wrapping Li Shen in a shimmering aura.
After what felt like an eternity—but was only half an hour—Li Shen's eyes snapped open, glowing momentarily before settling.
"I have it," he said, a confident smirk curling his lips.
And a notification also flashed
[ Book of Infinity : Spirit Armament form unlocked ]
Ma Nuo's eyes widened. Then, with a laugh, he swept the boy into the air and spun him around like a proud uncle.
"Hahahaha… wonderful! Just wonderful, Li Shen!"
The others gathered around, grinning. Even the skeptical deacons were smiling now.
"Come on, show us your first spirit skill!" Ma Nuo encouraged, eyes gleaming.
Li Shen nodded and summoned Bai Hua from the Book of Infinity. The tiny spirit creature emerged gracefully, glowing faintly. A brilliant purple spirit ring encircled Li Shen, declaring him a true one-ring Soul Master.
"First Spirit Skill: Triple Divine Claw!" Li Shen declared.
****
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