Wang Chen clenched his fists, joy flashing in his eyes.
He hadn't expected that just two hundred-year-old yellow soul rings could grant him such a massive boost.
What if it were a thousand-year ring, a ten-thousand-year ring, or even a hundred-thousand-year ring? How much greater would the improvement be?
This Ring Tempering technique was truly terrifying—worthy of its origin as a modified version of the Clear Sky Clan's forbidden Ring Explosion Technique, reworked by Shrek Academy.
If two Soul Masters of equal strength fought, one with this secret technique and one without, the difference in combat power would be overwhelming.
Wang Chen carefully savored the power coursing through his body, but soon felt his meridians swelling uncomfortably.
He understood immediately: this was soul power stagnating in his channels after being drawn from the soul rings.
If he didn't release it quickly, it would harm his body.
Of course, this weakness lay in his physique. If his body were stronger, the energy from just two hundred-year soul rings wouldn't burden him at all.
To release the energy, Wang Chen went to the training room beside his bedroom.
Because his family lived in a two-story house, he occupied the upper floor while his parents lived below. The house had been built with soundproof metal partitions, so he didn't need to worry about disturbing their rest.
In the training room stood a black humanoid dummy, one meter tall.
It was forged from steel mixed with the rare metal Crystal Cloud Iron, able to withstand a Soul Sovereign's third soul skill.
Wang Chen looked at the dummy, then retrieved a long spear from his sapphire storage soul tool.
The weapon was about three meters long, forged entirely from Black Profound Gold, a rare metal renowned for its soul power conductivity and toughness.
Its shaft gleamed with a cold light, the diamond-shaped spearhead sharp and deadly, with razor-edged blades on either side. The butt was round, heavy, and engraved with ancient patterns, giving the weapon a sense of weight and stability.
This was a Grade 3 close-combat soul tool, named the Windbreaker Spear.
Close-combat soul tools consumed less soul power than ranged ones, so even as a two-ring Great Soul Master, Wang Chen could wield them.
In fact, he had forged this spear himself, carving three Grade 3 core arrays into it: Sharpness, Destruction, and Penetration. Every aspect of its design screamed of offense.
Gripping the Windbreaker Spear, Wang Chen activated his two yellow soul rings.
Artifact Spirit Martial Soul—First Soul Skill: Attack! Second Soul Skill: Break!
His first skill amplified his weapon's attack power by fifty percent. His second ignored fifty percent of his opponent's defense.
As the skills were activated, the pale white phantom of his Artifact Spirit fused into the Windbreaker Spear.
Silver-white radiance erupted as the weapon brimmed with destructive might.
At the same time, Wang Chen poured his soul power into the spear, channeling it through the arrays.
The power transformed as it passed through the circuits, emerging sharper, more destructive, and devastatingly penetrative—focused into the spearhead.
Under the combined boost of soul skills and core arrays, the Windbreaker Spear reached its peak.
Fixing his gaze on the metal dummy, Wang Chen thrust forward, his figure lunging like a hawk diving on prey.
The spearhead tore through the air with a piercing whistle, heavy yet agile, like a dragon breaking free of the sea.
With a sharp crack, the spear struck—impaling the dummy clean through.
This was a target designed to withstand the third skill of a three-ring Soul Sovereign, yet Wang Chen's attack pierced it as if it were paper.
Pulling the weapon free, Wang Chen glanced at the hole and muttered,
"Looks like I'll need a sturdier dummy."
That night, in the great hall of the Second Prince's palace…
Xu Tianyu sat upon the main seat. His skin was dark, his features sharp. He wore a brilliant yellow brocade robe embroidered with eight lifelike flood dragons in golden thread.
Under the glow of the soul lamps, the dragons seemed ready to soar, radiating majesty befitting their noble status.
He turned his gaze to an elderly man in a purple brocade robe, his hair snow-white.
"Elder Wang, you are experienced. There's something I'd like to ask your advice on."
Wang Yan's voice was calm and warm.
"Your Highness overpraises me. Speak freely. I have lived long, so I may have some experience to share."
The Second Prince's voice dropped into a low rumble.
"One of my men has recently been caught by my elder brother, Xu Tiannan, over a small… mistake. For now, I am uncertain how to act. I ask your wisdom, Elder Wang."
Wang Yan chuckled.
"Your Highness, it depends on how large this flaw is. If small, protect your man firmly. It will establish your authority and cement the loyalty of those under you.
If large, however, cut it off cleanly. Erase it before it grows into a handle for others to seize."
His meaning was clear: if the matter didn't implicate Xu Tianyu himself, protecting the subordinate was fine. But if it could be tied back to him, eliminating the threat swiftly was the safest course.
Xu Tianyu listened in silence, then nodded slowly, a glint of killing intent flickering in his eyes. Clearly, he had decided.
Smiling, he raised his cup.
"Elder Wang, your wisdom is as sharp as ever. Allow me to toast you."
Wang Yan waved a hand modestly.
"I dare not. It is merely the benefit of a few more years of life."
Still, as he looked at Xu Tianyu, he felt satisfied. This was why he had chosen to support the Second Prince—not only for the power of his mother's clan but also for Xu Tianyu's decisiveness and ruthless nature.
With that combination, and Wang Yan's support, he was confident Xu Tianyu could one day outmatch his brothers and seize the throne.
As they conversed merrily, Xu Tianyu suddenly laughed.
"Elder Wang, I've heard your great-grandson, Wang Chen, is on rather good terms with the granddaughter of Hall Master Jing Hongchen, young lady Meng Hongchen?"
Wang Yan nodded.
There is such a thing. But I would advise Your Highness not to waste effort. Jing Hongchen is a rank nine Soul Engineer of immense power. He will never involve himself in this struggle.
Xu Tianyu smiled slyly.
Elder Wang, it's only a trial. If it succeeds, everyone is happy. If not, there is no loss. Would you not agree?