With Oscar overseeing his training, Ma Hongjun had no thoughts of sneaking off to brothels to find "sisters." Besides, he was only six years old—he wouldn't even know what to do if he wanted to.
Another five months passed in a blur. During this time, Ma Hongjun's spirit power had risen by two levels. That was an average of one level every two and a half months. He now stood at level thirteen.
It wasn't as exaggerated as it sounded. Ever since entering the academy, Ma Hongjun had trained with Oscar every single day without the slightest slacking. Even when he wanted to give up, Flender and the others constantly encouraged and pressured him to push through.
Now, after seven months of such grueling training, Ma Hongjun had not only become a level thirteen assault-type Spirit Master, but he had also slimmed down significantly. From a somewhat greasy, shifty-eyed little fatty, he had transformed into a boy with a hint of masculine charm.
Though he couldn't compare to Oscar's looks, he was already handsome enough to attract the attention of a few young admirers.
Oscar's own improvement was steadier—he had only gained two levels in this time, just barely breaking into level twenty.
Two levels in seven months might seem slow, but for Oscar, it was actually an excellent pace. After all, he was only eight years and nine months old, with two or three months left before turning nine. At this rate, he could reach level thirty by the time he turned twelve.
Aside from cultivation, Oscar also spent much of his time studying pharmacology and theoretical knowledge.
He had even started buying herbs to concoct his own medicines. Theory meant nothing without practice, and with his growing foundation, it was natural for him to begin hands-on experiments.
Oscar's breakthrough to level twenty made Flender ecstatic. Not only did it set a new record for the academy, but once Oscar obtained his new spirit ring, he would gain another type of sausage. That meant yet another lucrative product for the academy to auction.
Though spirit skills were ideally kept secret as trump cards, Oscar's sausages were simple restorative abilities. Putting them on the market wasn't a problem.
And so, after reaching level twenty, Oscar set out once again for the Star Dou Great Forest under Zhao Wuji's lead. This time, he was far more composed than on his first trip. Having grown accustomed, he even traveled luxuriously—renting a fine carriage, hiring a driver, and enjoying the journey with Zhao Wuji in comfort. Zhao Wuji was delighted at this new arrangement.
Upon reaching a small town on the forest's outskirts, they rested for a night before entering the next morning.
Oscar had already decided: with a powerhouse like Zhao Wuji guarding him, there was no reason to settle for anything mediocre. His second spirit ring had to be of the highest possible quality.
Thanks to years of tempering his body, Oscar's physical constitution had reached an impressive level. This time, he aimed for a spirit ring close to a thousand years old.
He would have liked to try a true thousand-year ring, but without absolute certainty, he chose caution. After all, safety came first.
Zhao Wuji had once tested Oscar's endurance using spirit power suppression. Astonishingly, Oscar's body could withstand the pressure of a level twenty-eight Spirit Master despite only being level twenty himself. For a support-type, this was extraordinary—most beast spirit users could only endure two-thirds of their own level in such suppression. Oscar had surpassed himself by eight full levels.
This gave him confidence that he could absorb a near-thousand-year spirit ring. Still, he chose not to push too far. Too much brilliance at this stage would draw dangerous attention. Better to keep a low profile until Tang San arrives.
Thus, Oscar's target was clear: a spirit beast with a lifespan of just under a thousand years. That would already be a massive boost. Later, during the God Trials, he could always raise the age of his rings.
With that plan, Oscar and Zhao Wuji ventured deep into the forest. They searched in the regions populated by poison-type spirit beasts, for Oscar wanted his second skill to revolve around immunity and detoxification.
The pairing was perfect. His first skill restored vitality. His second would cleanse poisons and negate harmful effects. Together, they ensured his safety. Later on, once he obtained offensive abilities, he would be a complete support Spirit Master.
His staff techniques alone weren't enough for offense. Against true assault-type opponents with powerful innate martial spirits and specialized skills, his stick was just a tool for self-defense—not for carrying battles.
After an entire week of searching, the two finally stopped before a grove of bamboo.
Oscar's eyes shone. There, swaying in the wind, stood a stalk of bamboo nearly a thousand years old.
It was emerald green throughout, its leaves like sharp jade blades that seemed capable of cutting the air. Each joint of its stalk was dotted with golden-violet specks, giving it a dazzling appearance.
This was the Violet-Gold Sword Bamboo—a plant-type spirit beast known for its immunity to toxins and ability to resist nearly all negative statuses. The older it grew, the stronger its effects became.
Not only was it resistant, it could also condense spirit power into sharp, sword-like leaves to strike at enemies. Within the plant-beast category, it ranked among the top existences.
Though this grove was small, its combined strength was enough to firmly dominate the surrounding territory.
For Oscar, the fit was perfect. Not only could it detoxify, but it also carried growth potential. His efforts over the past week were finally paying off.
Having locked onto his target, Zhao Wuji strode into the grove without hesitation. He uprooted the chosen stalk by its roots, but did not kill it—Oscar would have to deliver the final blow himself to claim the ring.
The grove responded furiously, the other Sword Bamboos unleashing a storm of jade-green leaves like a thousand flying swords.
But Zhao Wuji was unfazed. His first spirit ring lit up, his body glowing with radiant power.
First Spirit Skill: Indomitable Vajra Body.
Spirit power erupted outward, forming a barrier of pure defense around him.
Like an unstoppable giant, he casually hauled Oscar's chosen bamboo out of the grove and tossed it aside.
Oscar stepped up, drew a dagger, and pierced the bamboo's vital core. The stalk shuddered, and at last a brilliant yellow spirit ring formed, its color deep enough to border on purple—a sign of its nine-hundred-plus years.
Zhao Wuji frowned with concern. "Little Ao, absorbing a spirit ring isn't child's play. Are you certain about this one?"
Oscar smiled with calm confidence. "Teacher Zhao, don't worry. I wouldn't attempt something I wasn't ready for. Trust me—I'll surprise you."
Zhao Wuji studied him for a long moment. Over the past two years, he had come to know Oscar's steady nature well. Though absorbing such a high-level ring at only his second slot was unheard of, the boy's determination left little room for doubt.
"Very well," Zhao Wuji said solemnly. "I'll protect you. But remember—if it becomes unbearable, do not force it. Your life is far too valuable to be squandered here."
Oscar nodded firmly. He sat cross-legged, summoned his martial spirit, and began pulling the glowing ring toward him.
A wave of immense pressure crashed over him.
This was no ordinary absorption. To take in a ring above one's level demanded total focus. Oscar gritted his teeth, carefully guiding each surge of power, steady and precise.
Five long hours passed. Finally, the brilliant ring sank into his body, circling him before settling into place.
Spirit power surged outward. In an instant, his rank jumped to level twenty-two.
Oscar exhaled slowly, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Teacher Zhao, it worked."
Zhao Wuji burst into hearty laughter. "You little rascal, you've created a miracle! A nine-hundred-and-eighty-year second spirit ring. No wonder you're a full-innate genius!"
Even he, a Soul Sage, couldn't hide his excitement.
"How about the skill?" Zhao Wuji pressed.
Oscar's eyes gleamed. "My second spirit skill is powerful. It's called Special Detox Sausage. Anyone who eats it can be cleansed of poisons from spirit masters or spirit beasts whose level is lower than mine. The stronger I become, the more effective it gets.
But that's not all. For five minutes after eating one, the user becomes completely immune to all negative effects—poison, restrictions, debuffs, nothing will work. However, the immunity lasts only five minutes."
What?! Zhao Wuji's jaw dropped. Immune to all negative effects… and detoxification too? Little Ao, your spirit skill is simply outrageous!