Tang San's excitement surged. "Really, teacher? This is for me?"
Tang Chuan's mind, however, quickly calculated the advantages.
The bamboo, only ninety-nine years old...not quite a hundred....was still potent, but not optimal.
Perfect for Tang San, though, as a stepping stone.
"Teacher, given the dangers of this forest, why not let Xiao San absorb this spirit ring first? We can fuse another later," Tang Chuan suggested, feigning humility.
Yuan Longxuan nodded thoughtfully. "You are right, Xiao Chuan. Safety first.
A ninety-nine-year-old spirit ring is easier to handle than a full century-old one. It's better to survive than to risk death here."
Tang San was deeply moved. His brother, his mentor, all looking out for him… he finally understood who truly had his back. "Thank you, brother! Thank you, teacher!"
He drew his dagger and swiftly slashed the bamboo.
A white spirit ring, tinged with faint yellow, emerged. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass shimmered as he began absorbing it.
Tang Chuan's lips curved into a subtle, mischievous arc. "
Yes… just as a good predecessor should behave.
Let him take the first step, and the harder battles will be mine later."
Within fifteen minutes, Tang San completed the absorption.
His eyes glowed with newfound energy. "Teacher! I've broken through! I've reached level eleven!"
Yuan Longxuan smiled faintly. "Well done, Xiao San. Your Xuantian Gong has progressed as well.
This is a pivotal moment."
Tang Chuan clapped once, with a hint of satisfaction. "Good job, little brother.
You've done exactly as expected. Now, the next target… is mine."
The next step was to prepare Tang Chuan's own spirit ring.
Yuan Longxuan guided them deeper into the forest, toward a four-hundred-year-old Mandragora snake, a challenge far beyond Tang San's current strength.
Tang Chuan would absorb this beast's ring without interference from his predecessor, cementing his path as the God King.
Tang San, oblivious to the manipulations, turned to Tang Chuan eagerly. "
Brother, my spirit skill is ready! It's called Root-Rhizome Stone Transformation.
I can harden my Blue Silver Grass, making it incredibly tough."
Yuan Longxuan and Tang Chuan exchanged glances.
The skill was… unusual. Hardening Blue Silver Grass? Practical, but not the enhancement they had hoped for.
Still, Yuan Longxuan nodded, feigning approval. "A solid start. Your first spirit skill is indeed impressive, Xiao San.
But the more pressing task is to ensure your brother gets his first spirit ring safely."
Tang Chuan's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Soon, he would obtain a spirit ring far beyond his predecessor's grasp, while Tang San remained a loyal and unsuspecting stepping stone.
From the shadows, Yuan Longxuan quietly observed, amused at how neatly the two brothers' fates intertwined.
The reincarnated God King, Tang Chuan, had all the advantage....and it was only a matter of time before his predecessor's innocence became his greatest weapon.
Even in the dangerous Soul Hunting Forest, with century-old beasts lurking, the game had already begun.
Tang San, unaware of the machinations, would play his role perfectly, while Tang Chuan quietly prepared to claim the ultimate prize: his ten-year spirit ring.
The forest grew denser, the air thick with the scent of vegetation and latent spirit power. Sunlight flickered through the leaves, casting a golden glow over the three figures as they pressed forward, unaware that the next few hours would define their destinies forever
"Blue Silver Grass, use!" Tang San shouted, his voice brimming with determination.
"First Spirit Skill, Root-Rhizome Stone Transformation!"
Three stalks of Blue Silver Grass sprang from the forest floor, glowing faintly in the dimming sunlight.
Behind Tang San, the white spirit ring he had just absorbed radiated a brilliant light, signaling the growth of his power.
"Buzz!"
With a humming sound, the three stalks solidified into sturdy Blue Silver Staffs. Tang San hurriedly handed them to Tang Chuan and Yuan Longxuan.
"Take these! You can use them for self-defense!"
Yuan Longxuan, observing from the shadows, nodded approvingly. Tang San's spirit skills were unusual, but effective in their own way.
A talented young spirit master, he thought, and clearly, Tang San's future was secured....even if somewhat unconventional.
Tang Chuan's eyes glittered with satisfaction.
The thrones of the Sea God and Asura God awaited him alone, and his former self was now nothing more than a useful stepping stone.
"Alright, Xiao San, now it's time for me to claim my first spirit ring," Tang Chuan said quietly.
Tang San, still unaware, beamed. His first spirit skill may have been mostly flashy, almost eighty percent gimmick, but he genuinely believed it was impressive.
The three continued deeper into the forest. After a quarter-hour, Yuan Longxuan spoke. "Xiao Chuan, have you planned how to obtain your spirit ring?"
Tang Chuan nodded toward a distant lake. Hidden along the shore slithered a massive Mandragora Snake....four hundred years old, a formidable spirit beast.
Tang San's voice broke through the tension. "Brother Chuan! Teacher! Watch out!"
Gray shapes darted through the trees.
Ten-year-old Nether Wolves, led by a hundred-year-old pack leader, surrounded them.
"It's a Nether Wolf! Xiao San, stay close to us!" Yuan Longxuan warned.
Before Tang San could react, Luo Sanpao, under Yuan Longxuan's control, lunged forward with its peculiar combat style.....its rounded body bouncing and twisting like an unpredictable projectile.
Tang Chuan quickly took the protective mask Yuan Longxuan handed him.
"Xiao San, put this on!" Yuan Longxuan instructed.
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