The Green-Scaled Python did not immediately counterattack. Instead, it repeated its earlier tactic—just like when facing Wang Xing before—slowly coiling its body, then suddenly bursting forward with explosive speed.
Just as Wang Nan was about to dodge, the light orb that had always remained dormant within his spiritual sea finally stirred. The python, which had been mid-lunge, abruptly changed direction and dove straight into the orb. A flash of white light erupted, and then—silence.
There was no time to ponder what had just happened. A surge of pure soul power flowed through the Coiling Dragon Staff into his body. Wang Nan had no choice but to put aside his confusion, return his consciousness to his body, and focus on absorbing the soul ring.
When a soul master absorbs a ring, they usually can't fully harness the power within it. But for Wang Nan, this time was different. It seemed that his earlier battle within the spiritual sea had completely erased the python's consciousness. The absorption process was unexpectedly smooth.
Unlike the violent resistance described in most cases, this soul ring felt as if it had always been part of him. Its contained energy merged seamlessly with his own. And though it was merely a hundred-year soul ring, the increase in soul power it granted far exceeded expectations. His soul power level kept rising until it finally stabilized at level thirteen.
"Did it succeed?" Wang Xing asked when he saw Wang Nan stand up.
"Yes, it worked." Wang Nan released his martial soul as he spoke. A yellow soul ring rose slowly, circling rhythmically around his Coiling Dragon Staff.
"Do you feel any discomfort?"
"None at all. Everything went smoothly. It's just that this sudden increase in power will take a bit of time to get used to," Wang Nan replied, though his mind was still turning over the strange events—the spiritual sea, the python, and that mysterious orb of light.
"That's fine. I'll train with you more when we get back." Wang Xing glanced at the sky—it was already dusk, and the sun had nearly vanished. "Let's leave here. The forest becomes far more dangerous at night."
Upon hearing that, Wang Nan really did feel as though some hidden beast was watching them from the darkness. He pushed down his questions, packed up the Green-Scaled Python's corpse, and followed Wang Xing out of the forest.
…
A few days later, in Star Luo City.
Wang Nan was sparring with his father in the courtyard. Two Coiling Dragon Staffs clashed repeatedly, each collision ringing with the sound of metal striking metal.
"How is it, Nan'er? Have you gotten used to your strength?"
"Yes, I've already mastered it."
"Good. Now try using your soul skill."
"Alright, be careful." As Wang Nan spoke, his newly acquired yellow soul ring lit up. A faint cyan glow spread over his Coiling Dragon Staff, then flowed along his arms to envelop his entire body.
First Soul Skill—Wind Control.
It wasn't truly controlling the wind.
This soul skill enhanced Wang Nan's agility, making his movements lighter and his Coiling Dragon Staff far swifter. Both his attack speed and his control over the weapon improved by at least thirty percent. Each motion carried the illusion of wind aiding him, so he had given it that name himself.
Normally, a soul master's first two rings wouldn't exceed a thousand years. Only from the third ring onward would they have the ability to withstand a thousand-year soul ring. For this reason, when choosing his first soul skill, Wang Nan had avoided offensive abilities and instead opted for one that enhanced himself. Offensive skills would be reserved for future rings—those of higher age and greater power.
Watching Wang Nan skillfully unleash his first soul skill, Wang Xing nodded in satisfaction. At not yet eight years old, his son already possessed level thirteen soul power and fought with a proper stance and rhythm. Such talent was enough to stir envy—even for someone like him. Truly worthy of seven levels of innate soul power.
Still, the gap between a Soul Master and a Spirit King wasn't something talent alone could bridge. Despite Wang Nan's use of a soul skill, Wang Xing remained composed. His Coiling Dragon Staff moved like an impenetrable wall, giving Wang Nan no opening at all.
Testing his son's limits, Wang Xing gradually increased his strength. His aura grew heavier with each strike, pressing Wang Nan step by step toward the edge of the courtyard.
With no room left to retreat and his father closing in, Wang Nan instinctively recalled that moment during his soul-ring absorption—the Green-Scaled Python compressing its body before a sudden strike…
In Wang Nan's spiritual sea, waves suddenly rippled across the lake below, splashing against the shore. The orb of light above him glowed faintly, revealing the faint outline of a long, serpentine shadow.
An idea flashed through Wang Nan's mind. He crouched low, gripping his Coiling Dragon Staff at his waist. In the next instant, his legs exploded with power—his body uncoiled like a spring, the force surging from his legs through his waist and into his arms. The Coiling Dragon Staff shot forward like a serpent spitting its tongue, thrusting straight at Wang Xing's chest.
For a split second, Wang Xing truly saw a python lunging toward him.
No—this was spiritual influence!
He realized it at once, but it was too late to dodge. In haste, his second soul ring lit up, and his Coiling Dragon Staff drew a half-arc through the air, redirecting Wang Nan's attack to the side. The blow struck the ground, carving a half-meter-deep pit into the reinforced courtyard floor.
The courtyard had been specially reinforced, sturdy enough to rival a small arena. Yet even so, the impact left a gaping crater—proof of the immense force behind the strike.
After delivering that blow, Wang Nan felt half his soul power drained, along with a significant portion of his spiritual energy. He stopped, lowering his staff.
Wang Xing also withdrew his martial soul, glancing at the crater as he recalled the sensation of that attack. Its power was impressive—but what truly surprised him was the mental force behind it. For a moment, he had genuinely believed a Green-Scaled Python was striking at him.
"Nan'er, did you learn that move from the Green-Scaled Python?"
Wang Nan's astonishment was no less than his father's. During that fight in the spiritual sea, the light orb had swallowed the python's final strike—yet now, he had replicated it instinctively. The strength of the move rivaled a true soul skill.
On the Douluo Continent, soul masters could indeed possess abilities beyond soul skills—like the staff techniques Wang Nan practiced now. But to create a self-developed skill independent of soul rings required both cultivation and understanding few possessed.
So this is how my 'gift' works!
Realizing that, Wang Nan simply nodded, pretending that his father's guess was correct. The explanation wasn't entirely wrong anyway—the power truly had come from the Green-Scaled Python.
"Haha! Excellent! As expected of my son! Come—again. Get used to your new move." Wang Xing laughed heartily, summoning his Coiling Dragon Staff once more and positioning himself at the other end of the courtyard, smiling with renewed excitement.
Looking at his father's ever-familiar grin, countless thoughts flickered through Wang Nan's mind—but he quickly pushed them down.
"Alright, Father."
(End of Chapter)