Li Shen nodded, already preparing in his mind. The next morning, he returned to the Spirit Hall, where Bai Xue and Lin Yuan were already waiting for him, geared up and ready.
The moment Bai Xue saw him, she ran forward with a bright smile. "Morning, Young Master!" she said cheerfully.
"Good morning," Li Shen replied, giving her a nod.
"Let's go and make this quick," Lin Yuan said, stepping ahead. Li Shen, Bai Xue, and Lin Yuan then set off toward the Soul Hunting Forest.
Inside the spirit beast carriage, Li Shen closed his eyes and mentally communicated with Genesis, his system.
Genesis, what kind of spirit ring would be best for Bai Xue now—after everything that's happened to her?
The mechanical voice of the system responded:
[Analyzing Host's companion: Bai Xue…]
[Due to the fusion of the White Dove Light element and Blue Silver Grass martial spirit, and the refinement effect of the Marrow Cleansing Pill…]
[Her martial spirit has evolved into: Blue Silver Light Empress — a top-tier plant spirit infused with Top-grade Life and Advanced-grade Light elements.]
{Elemental Affinities are ranked in the following order: Low → Medium → Advanced → Top → Ultimate}
[Her physique has also undergone refinement due to the Marrow Cleansing Pill. Recommended spirit ring age: ~1300 years.]
Li Shen opened his eyes slightly, intrigued.
So, her new affinities are Life and Light… and neither of them are low-tier, he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Just then, the system chimed again:
[Best-matched spirit beast for her first ring: Sunshine Vine Spirit Beast — Age: 1,290 years]
[Spirit beast match: 98.7% affinity — ideal pairing]
[Coordinates uploaded to host's mental map]
Li Shen mentally nodded. Sunshine Vine, huh? Perfect match for a Life and Light-based spirit. Let's get this over with before any other hunters sniff it out.
Turning to Bai Xue and Lin Yuan, he said, "We're heading to the eastern section. There's a perfect spirit beast waiting for her there—it's a Sunshine Vine, and it's exactly what she needs."
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow but didn't question his confidence. "Lead the way, then."
Bai Xue blinked, surprised. "A… Sunshine spirit beast? That sounds gentle…"
"It's not as docile as it sounds," Li Shen said with a light chuckle. "But it's exactly what your spirit needs."
As they ventured deeper into the Soul Hunting Forest, the aura of spirit beasts grew increasingly dense, creating a faint tension in the air. However, with Ling Yuan casually releasing her Title Douluo pressure, not a single beast dared approach. Even the braver ones quickly scurried away, their instincts screaming at them to retreat.
After about half an hour of walking through thick underbrush and shadowed trees, the terrain began to shift—sunlight trickled through the dense canopy, casting golden beams onto a small clearing ahead. The atmosphere grew gentler, warmer.
"There," Li Shen said, pointing toward a spot where sunlight poured directly onto the forest floor. Nestled at the base of a large, ancient tree was a shimmering spirit beast.
Its body was long, like many interwoven vines, covered in glowing golden-green tendrils that pulsed gently with life energy. It swayed ever so slightly in the light, as if basking in the sun.
The Sunshine Vine.
"That's the one?" Bai Xue asked, eyes wide with awe at its serene beauty. "It doesn't look aggressive…"
Li Shen didn't answer immediately. He took a step forward, eyes narrowing. "Looks can deceive."
Without warning, the Sunshine Vine suddenly stirred. As if sensing danger, it snapped awake from its slumber. Dozens of radiant tendrils writhed, shimmering with light energy, and then—with an ear-splitting hiss—lashed out toward Li Shen like a flurry of glowing whips.
Li Shen hugged Bai Xue and leapt backward, shielding her from the incoming attack. Her face immediately turned red from the close contact, but she didn't resist. In fact, she leaned in slightly—almost subconsciously—as if seeking more of his warmth.
"Stay here," he said firmly before stepping forward.
Ling Yuan called out from the side, "Do you need help?"
"No," Li Shen replied calmly, his hand moving to the long sword at his hip. He drew it in one smooth motion and charged at the Sunshine Vine. "Holy Sun Slash!" he roared, unleashing a brilliant wave of burning white flame from his blade.
The flaming arc crashed into the vine, igniting it in divine fire. The Sunshine Vine shrieked as white flames consumed its tendrils, searing its surface with a holy light that it could not resist. It tried to counterattack, but its movements had slowed—the flames of Li Shen's strike had crippled it.
"There, now!" Li Shen shouted. "Stab its core!"
Bai Xue rushed forward, trembling but determined. She gripped her weapon tightly and thrust it into the exposed base of the Sunshine Vine, where the core pulsed with golden light. Her blade sank in deep—and the beast finally collapsed, disintegrating into sparkles of light.
A moment later, a beautiful purple spirit ring rose into the air.
"It's clearly just over 1,000 years old…" Ling Yuan observed. "Are you sure she can absorb it? That's quite a stretch for a first spirit ring."
"She'll be fine," Li Shen replied confidently. "Her body has already been strengthened by the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline and the Marrow Cleansing Pill. She's more than capable."
As if on cue, Bai Xue stepped forward. She turned to Li Shen, eyes filled with absolute trust and loyalty. "I'm ready, Young Master."
She then sat cross-legged near the body of the fallen spirit beast, closed her eyes, and began absorbing the purple ring. Streams of violet light flowed into her as her aura surged, her back straightening with resolve.
Ling Yuan stood close by, ready to intervene if anything went wrong during the absorption process. But nothing did. In fact, it went smoother than expected. The spirit ring synchronized with Bai Xue's body as if it had been made just for her.
Moments later, her aura pulsed gently. The light faded.
Bai Xue slowly opened her eyes—and they glowed with joy. She immediately turned to Li Shen, leapt up, and hugged him tightly. "I did it!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I absorbed a 1,100-year spirit ring… my first spirit ring!"
****
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