"Well then, absorb it quickly. Once it's fully integrated, we'll prepare your soul ring."
Qian Xunji nodded with satisfaction, signaling them to start merging with their respective soul bones.
"Oh, by the way, Xiaohan," he added, "the soul bone in your hand was personally given to you by Wu Fengguangling. He said he admires you greatly."
Gu Han's eyes widened as he looked at the sixty-thousand-year-old spiritual skull in his hand.
"Master, I will personally go thank Lord Wufu for this kindness."
"Good, now get to it."
Gu Han nodded, settled into a cross-legged position, and began to channel his soul power, pulling the soul bone closer and fusing it with himself.
Time passed—an hour… two and a half hours.
Whum!
At the moment of final fusion, the book in Gu Han's mind flared bright white, and its pages flipped on their own.
An image of the soul bone appeared, almost identical to the soul ring imprint. The essence of the soul bone was etched in the pages, but its effect remained intact.
Gu Han felt his spiritual strength surge dramatically; the innate spiritual light within him twinkled like stars piercing the dark night, dazzling and vibrant.
He condensed his mental strength and attempted to leave his body.
Success—sort of. He managed to project his mental body but couldn't reach his physical self.
"This can only be considered the realm of the Yin God; it's still too early to break into the Yang God."
His Yin God form—an extension of his spiritual power—allowed him to sense his body's position and surrounding environment.
Qian Xunji sensed something and turned to observe Gu Han's mental body. Though invisible, he could clearly feel the overwhelming spiritual energy present.
Gu Han returned his consciousness to his physical form, opened his eyes slowly, and honestly explained his progress.
"Master, this soul bone has greatly increased my spiritual strength. Now, I can extend my spirit and explore my surroundings."
"Excellent. Better effect than I expected."
Qian Xunji nodded approvingly, then asked, "You're at level 30 now. With your current mental strength and constitution, you should be able to absorb the ten-thousand-year-old soul ring in the third ring."
Gu Han hesitated before shaking his head.
"Master, while the ten-thousand-year soul ring is powerful, I am more interested in the eight-thousand-year-old Ice Crystal Snow Lotus growing on a cliff in the Frozen Forest."
Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Tell me, why give up the soul ring to pursue the Ice Crystal Snow Lotus?"
Gu Han explained confidently, "Though it's younger, the Snow Lotus quality matches or exceeds that of the soul ring. It thrives year-round on the cliff, absorbing the pure essence of heaven and earth. Its ice attribute should grant soul skills far surpassing the ten-thousand-year soul beast's ring."
Still, he admitted a twinge of regret: if only the snow lotus reached ten thousand years, the effect would be even greater.
Qian Xunji smiled approvingly.
"Good. Knowing what suits you best, and not chasing appearances, that's wisdom."
He looked proudly at Gu Han, recalling Guangling Douluo's words—that if not for him, he'd have accepted Gu Han as an apprentice.
Hmph, your eyesight is truly sharp.
Gu Han, unaware of Qian Xunji's thoughts, bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your praise, Master. I have a request."
"Speak."
"Master, as you know, I come from a village and was raised by orphans and villagers. The weather in the north is harsh. This time, I'd like to persuade my grandfather and the villagers to relocate near Martial Soul City. I hope you could help with that."
Gu Han bowed sincerely.
Qian Xunji smiled kindly.
"That's a small matter. If they agree, I will arrange a piece of land for them."
He considered it a trivial request but understood its importance to Gu Han.
Of course, persuading the villagers would be the real challenge—they'd lived there for generations and might be reluctant to leave.
"Thank you, Master Chengquan. I will do my best to convince Grandpa and the villagers."
Gu Han's heart was full of gratitude; he hadn't expected such easy approval.
The rest depended on the villagers' willingness.
At that moment, Bibidong awoke, having successfully absorbed the seventy-thousand-year-old Mental Immune Skull. Her spiritual power had soared.
Though only level 40, her spiritual strength rivaled some low-level soul saints.
Reaching soul saint level is a major milestone for soul masters, marking a sharp increase in power.
Bibidong's jump to soul saint-level strength at just 40 was astonishing.
"Master, Brother, Uncle Ju, Uncle Gui, I did it! I feel amazing!"
She stood, radiating joy.
Qian Xun smiled warmly, reaching to pat her head, but she playfully dodged.
"Rest well, Dong'er. I'll arrange for a suitable ten-thousand-year-old soul beast to be caught for you."
"What about my younger brother?"
Bibidong had just returned from the Star Forest, nearly worn out from playing, and wasn't eager to hunt soul beasts again.
But she quickly thought of Gu Han, now level 30 and ready for his third soul ring.
"Senior sister," Gu Han volunteered, "my soul ring quest must be in the Frozen Forest. I also want to visit the village on the way back."
"Your village?"
Bibidong's eyes sparkled with interest as she glanced at Qian Xunji.
He smiled wryly but waved it off.
"Go ahead, but don't overdo it. Come back early you still have to absorb the fourth soul ring."
"Of course, Master! You're the best!"
Bibidong happily jumped up at the approval.
Qian Xunji chuckled at their youthful enthusiasm, then looked at the ghost and changed his mind.
"I'll find someone else for the ten-thousand-year-old soul beast. You better go with Yueguan."
"Yes, under the Pope's crown."
The ghost bowed.