After what felt like hours of trekking through the dense underbrush, they arrived at a clearing. The air was thick with energy, and a sense of foreboding hung over them.
In the center of the clearing stood a magnificent creature—a fire-armored salamander, its scales glistening like molten lava under the sunlight. It was a creature that had recently crossed the 1000-year breakthrough line, and its presence radiated power.
"Look!" Liu Cheng exclaimed, pointing at the beast. "That must be the fire-armored salamander! It has the potential to evolve into a dragon-type soul beast!"
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in awe. The creature was both beautiful and terrifying, its presence commanding respect. "It's magnificent," she whispered, feeling a pull towards the beast.
Zhang Qiu stepped forward cautiously, assessing the situation. "We need to approach carefully. This soul beast may be powerful, but it could also be territorial."
As they advanced, the salamander turned its gaze towards them, its eyes glinting with intelligence and wariness. The siblings felt a wave of energy wash over them, a mixture of fear and exhilaration.
Zhang Qiu spoke up, her voice filled with a hint of excitement. "This fire-armored salamander's soul ring would have great benefits for lizard-type and low-level dragon-type soul masters. It can help them push their Wuhuns one step higher level."
However, she quickly tempered her enthusiasm with a dose of reality. "But Erlong, your Wuhun is already above average, almost top-level.
This soul beast is already above 1000 years old. It's impossible for you to absorb its soul ring. What a pity—if its age were slightly lower, you could absorb it perfectly."
Liu Cheng's eyes sparkled with determination. "Who said it has no fate with us? We have a person who is very compatible with it."
Zhang Qiu raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Brat, didn't you say geniuses are different from common soul masters?
Do you think she can bear a 1000+ year soul ring as her first spirit ring? Even top families and sect persons won't think about having a 1000-year soul ring as their second soul ring."
At this time, Liu Yan spoke up, her voice calm and reassuring. "Okay, sister Qiu'er, calm down. Don't worry, nothing will happen.
From Cheng speaking, I can absorb this spirit ring. For their safety, I will do anything. Do you think I can't pass this hurdle? First, let's paralyze the soul beast with your attack, and I will kill it and start absorbing the soul ring before other soul beasts and soul masters approach here."
Zhang Qiu's expression softened, her eyes filled with a deep trust in her sister. "I'll believe you once. If anything happens to sister Yan'er, I will stop the process."
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in fear as she listened to their discussion. She didn't want her mother to be in danger for their sake. "Brother Cheng, can we find another soul beast instead of the fire-armored salamander? I don't want Mother to be in danger."
Liu Cheng's face fell, his determination wavering for a moment. He looked at his sister, then at his mother, and finally at the fire-armored salamander.
He knew that his sister was right; their mother's safety was paramount. But he also knew that this opportunity was too great to pass up. He took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Let's think about it, Erlong. We can try to find another soul beast, but we need to be quick. We can't let this opportunity slip away from us. Mother, Aunt Qiu, what do you think? Should we take the risk or play it safe?"
The tension in the clearing was palpable as Zhang Qiu took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto the fire-armored salamander.
"We need to subdue it quickly," she said, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "Erlong, stay back. Cheng, be ready to support your mother."
Liu Yan nodded, her expression resolute. "I'll do this for you both. I can't let anything happen to my children." With that, she stepped forward, channeling her energy into her Wuhun, the fiery aura surrounding her intensifying.
Zhang Qiu moved first, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she summoned her own soul skills.
A wave of energy surged from her palms, aimed directly at the salamander. The creature roared in defiance, its scales shimmering as it prepared to retaliate. But Zhang Qiu's attack struck true, paralyzing the beast momentarily.
"Now, Yan!" Zhang Qiu shouted, urgency lacing her voice.