"Excellent, excellent! You truly are the student I value most! I never imagined your talent would be so extraordinary, and your willpower, frankly, is the most resilient I've ever seen in my life."
Jing Hongchen's old face flushed red as he spoke, his eyes reflecting undisguised admiration.
A 25,000-year-old fourth Soul Ring, and from a super Soul Beast like the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger at that—Jing Hongchen had never witnessed anything like it in his entire life.
He was absolutely certain that if Xu Tianxi were given another twenty years, this young man could reach a level comparable to his own.
The Dean is too kind," Xu Tianxi replied with a smile.
"Old Xu, you really outdid yourself this time. I'm genuinely impressed."
Xiao Hongchen gave Xu Tianxi a thumbs-up, offering the highest form of acknowledgment between men.
He had witnessed the entire painful process of Xu Tianxi absorbing the Soul Ring. Although he was very confident in himself, he also knew his limits.
If it had been him, let alone a fourth Soul Ring, he wouldn't have been able to endure even a fifth. His Three-legged Golden Toad simply couldn't compare to the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
"Don't be discouraged. Next time, you can try as hard as I did. Challenge a Soul Beast over 50,000 years for your sixth Soul Ring."
Xu Tianxi offered the suggestion with a grin, implying, Young Master Xiao, you can't slack off, or else I'll only have that Sword Maniac to fight with at the academy.
Ji Juechen had broken through to six rings recently, and his sword intent was astonishingly strong. Before his breakthrough, Xu Tianxi would have lost more often than not against him, even without using his Deep Sea Silver Demon Whale.
That guy's comprehension was simply incredible. While Xu Tianxi was in secluded cultivation, Ji Juechen had also entered Deep Meditation and was now delving into the nascent form of a Domain.
Even now, Xu Tianxi wasn't guaranteed victory against that guy. He was practically a born Sword God seed, completely defying common sense. His combat power and lethality were terrifyingly potent.
"Don't worry, I won't slack off," Xiao Hongchen said, his eyes burning with fervor.
Meng Hongchen bit her lip, her voice hesitant. "Little Xu, if possible in the future—don't take such risks. It's very dangerous."
"You can become a top-tier powerhouse by following the proper steps. You don't need to push yourself so hard."
Xu Tianxi had spent a day absorbing the Soul Ring, and she had spent that entire day worrying, her heart churning like a spilled bucket.
"It's rare to encounter such a Soul Beast. I was just excited by the hunt. Senior Sister, there's no need to worry; I have my limits."
Xu Tianxi smiled as he answered Meng Hongchen. This senior sister had given him a lot of supplementary lessons after he entered the academy, and her help was significant in him becoming a fifth-level Soul Engineer so quickly.
Seeing this, Jing Hongchen's eyes flickered slightly. He handed the already sealed Evil God Tiger Black Pearl to Xu Tianxi, then activated his Bionic Aircraft, carrying the three of them back.
Under the moonlight, a streak of dazzling golden light, like a shooting star, shot out from the depths of the primeval forest, disappearing over the horizon into the night.
At the same time, within Xu Tianxi's Sea of Spirit.
Brother Tianmeng, who had witnessed Xu Tianxi absorb the Soul Ring but hadn't been able to contribute, plunged back into the water, muttering to himself:
"Tianxi's perseverance is astonishing. It looks like I need to quickly take him to the Far North Land to find Bingbing during his break. With her on board, it'll be difficult for Tianxi's talent not to reach godhood. And I'll finally be able to play some role too—"
"Hehe, Ultimate Water transforming into Ultimate Ice, I wonder what kind of changes will occur—"
Filled with anticipation for the future, the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm silently released a small portion of its Spiritual Origin into the Sea of Spirit, then resumed its comfortable and monotonous sleeping life.
"Now, Tianxi's Spiritual Power has taken another huge leap towards the Tangible and Intangible realm. Once he truly reaches that realm, his cultivation speed won't be affected by extreme attributes anymore. I can finally rest easy. This feels great—"
Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Xu Tianxi didn't expect to be intercepted on his way back to the dorms to catch up on sleep.
Blocking his path was an acquaintance he really didn't want to encounter right now. The newcomer's face was terrifyingly handsome. Xu Tianxi, who was confident in his own good looks, had to admit that compared to the man in front of him, he seemed quite green.
Logically, such a handsome person would surely attract many admirers, but this person was, if not universally detested, then at least "loathed by all" within the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy. Most people avoided him like the plague. Xu Tianxi was one of the few "friends" he acknowledged.
Ji Juechen's eyes were indifferent, almost devoid of light, his cold expression conveying a "keep both strangers and acquaintances away" vibe. He held a longsword that resembled a Firewood Stick in both hands, staring at Xu Tianxi, and slowly spoke, his voice devoid of any emotion:
"You're back. Fight me."
Xu Tianxi pressed a hand to his forehead, smiling wryly. "Old Ji, I just got back from hunting a Soul Ring. I'm dizzy right now. Can you wait a few days for me to recover before we fight?"
His body had just undergone a major battle; he only wanted to rest and recuperate. Yet, he ran into the Sword Maniac. How was he supposed to reason with that?
Ji Juechen nodded slightly, a rare hint of concern appearing on his stoic face. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Just need a few good sleeps."
Xu Tianxi stepped forward, pushed aside the obstructing Ji Juechen, and was about to slip back to his dorm.
Ji Juechen turned to stare at Xu Tianxi's retreating back, speaking each word with unparalleled conviction in his voice:
"I will wait outside until you've recovered. Before that, no one can disturb you, unless they defeat me!"
Hearing this, Xu Tianxi's steps halted, a wry smile appearing on his face. "Thank you so much."
"It's only right," Ji Juechen answered straightforwardly.
Xu Tianxi was speechless at this "door god." He quickened his pace, blue light flashing around him, and disappeared from Ji Juechen's sight.
Standing there, a hint of excitement welled up in Ji Juechen's indifferent eyes. His speed increased a lot, so his strength should be greater too, right?
Ten thousand miles away, deep within the back mountains of the Xuanming Sect.
The gate of a quiet courtyard, slightly ajar, opened as if by itself, though there was no wind. A tall figure in plain clothes stepped out.
Xu Xiaoyun looked up at the sky, his eyes calm and serene, reflecting a cloudless, sunny, and peaceful landscape.
"Without entering this realm, one cannot comprehend the mysteries of heaven and earth—"
Xu Xiaoyun let out a soft sigh of wonder, fully extending his senses. After his breakthrough, he felt his body had merged with the boundless world, giving him a sense of being one with the cosmos.
At that moment, a blue light streaked across the sky, and Xiao Changfeng emerged.
Seeing that it was indeed Xu Xiaoyun coming out of seclusion, his face lit up with joy, and he congratulated loudly, "Disciple congratulates Teacher on coming out of seclusion and overcoming the Natural Barrier!"
In this moment, Xu Xiaoyun's essence was completely contained, not revealing the slightest hint of his aura. If Xiao Changfeng relied solely on perception, he wouldn't be able to sense his presence, yet his Teacher was clearly standing right in front of him.
This could only mean one thing: his Teacher had finally taken a step further, reaching the pinnacle of human Soul Masters—the Limit Douluo realm!
Limit Douluo signified ultimate power, making one nearly unrivaled across the world, and it also granted an extra century of lifespan.
Moreover, Xu Xiaoyun's complexion was rosy, his hair had regained its dark roots, his formerly grizzled silver hair had turned black, and most of his wrinkles had disappeared. He now looked to be in his forties or fifties, completely different from before his breakthrough, clearly brimming with vitality.
Conservatively estimated, living for another 150 years would be no problem for him; he might even outlive his father Xu Fu's generation.
Having such a powerful figure presiding over them would be an immense blessing for any Soul Master faction, a matter worthy of grand celebrations lasting ten days to half a month.
Xu Xiaoyun shook his head, smiling calmly. "There's nothing to congratulate. I wouldn't have been able to take this step on my own. It was that child Tianxi who brought me a rare treasure, giving me this opportunity."
Taking out the crystalline Gold of Life, Xu Xiaoyun's face filled with emotion.
"Such a rare treasure is truly wasted on an old man like me. It should be used by Tianxi and you young people instead."
"I have no use for it now. Here, take it. Help me return it to Tianxi later."
Half a year ago, Xu Tianxi brought the Gold of Life. Before that, he had repeatedly failed to break through, and a sense of powerlessness had begun to creep into his heart, making him believe he would never succeed.
It was Xu Tianxi who returned with this treasure, something he had never seen before, and brought him hope.
After absorbing the life energy from this piece of Gold of Life, his body underwent incredible changes. All unnoticed hidden injuries were healed, and new vitality was infused into all his aging organs and bones.
Just one absorption made him feel as if he had grown decades younger. After several periods of recuperation, his body recovered to its peak state from over a century ago, even better than when he was in his prime.
He was astonished that his Great-Grandson had such a profound opportunity after only a few years away, but he chose not to ask, giving his Great-Grandson his space. He was even more delighted that his cultivation at that time was already level 39, just a step away from becoming a Soul Ancestor. The mix of emotions was indescribable.
Xu Tianxi came and left in a hurry, leaving him, who had lived for over two hundred years, with a sense of realization: the next generation has grown up, no longer like children.
Having recovered to his peak state, he finally succeeded in his breakthrough, relying on his rich experience. Looking back now, it felt like a dream, and it was time for the item to return to its rightful owner.
Xiao Changfeng would never accept the Gold of Life. He stood motionless, his expression serious, and said,
"Half a year ago, Tianxi retrieved it from the Golden Hawksbill's belly and told me when he asked me to bring him here,
that you, venerable elder, have shown him profound kindness. Even sending this item cannot repay your great benevolence. This is a token of his sincerity. I cannot deliver it; if you wish to return it, you should do so yourself."
Xu Xiaoyun chuckled, pointing at Xiao Changfeng and scolding him with a laugh, "After all these years, you're still as cunning as ever."
"It's all thanks to Teacher's excellent guidance," Xiao Changfeng replied.
"Oh, you, you... Fine, I'll go see him later. I miss him very much now—oh, by the way, how's your cultivation progressing?"
Xu Xiaoyun shook his head, smiling, a strong sense of longing appearing on his face, before asking about Xiao Changfeng's cultivation.
Half a year ago, when Xu Tianxi activated the Gold of Life to inject life energy into him, Xu Fu and Xiao Changfeng were also present and benefited greatly, each returning to seclusion to digest what they had gained.
Looking at Xiao Changfeng now, although he was still at level 96, his spirit and vitality were completely refreshed, and his Soul Power fluctuations were extremely active.
"Within three years, I will definitely break through," Xiao Changfeng answered decisively, then added, "If I go into seclusion with a single-minded focus, one year will be enough."
"Single-minded focus isn't easy, there are still many things you need to do. It's time for this master to go out and move around too."
Xu Xiaoyun said lightly, his gaze drifting towards the area outside the Xuanming Sect, becoming deep and distant.
"You mentioned that Tianxi found several general locations of the Immortal Herb obtained by the legendary Original Shrek Seven Devils in ancient texts, and one of them is Sunset Forest. But the depths of Sunset Forest are now riddled with poisonous mist, so even Titled Douluo cannot go deep, is that right?"
"That's correct."
"Riddled with poisonous mist—that sounds like a very suitable place for that Old Poison—let's go. Follow this master to meet an old friend from the Body Sect. It's time for this old man to do something for Tianxi."
With that, Xu Xiaoyun took a light step, his figure silently appearing several thousand meters away.