Wang Yan sat before the fallen BladeWing Crow, the forest silent around him. He closed his eyes, centering his mind, and focused on the black soul ring hovering above him. Slowly, it descended, heavy with energy and potential, drawn to him as if acknowledging its new master.
The moment it touched his aura, a powerful pressure pressed into him, coiling and twisting through his soul. The force was immense, testing every fiber of his being. He remained perfectly still, guiding the energy carefully, synchronizing his own essence with the soul ring.
Step by step, the resistance eased. The soul ring merged completely, and the forest seemed to hold its breath. When Wang Yan finally opened his eyes and checked his power, he noticed a subtle change in his aura. It was no longer purely crimson—it shimmered with a faint blackish crimson, a hint of devilish power now threading through his energy. His cultivation had risen to level fifty-two.
At the same moment, from the crow's left leg, a golden-blackish Soulbone slowly emerged, hovering in the air with a metallic hum. Liu Ming stepped forward. "This is yours," he said simply. "Take it."
Wang Yan reached out, letting the left-legged Soulbone hover near him. He began absorbing it, letting its metallic, golden-blackish energy integrate with his own. The Soulbone attached naturally to his left leg, resonating perfectly with the fifth soul ring he had just absorbed.
When the absorption completed, Wang Yan tested his power. The integration was flawless. His cultivation remained at level fifty-two, peak stage. He would break through to fifty-three within a month.
All his friends stood in awe. The subtle devilish tint to his aura, the ease with which he had absorbed both the soul ring and the Soulbone—they realized the immense power he now possessed. Smiles of relief and pride spread across their faces. They were happy—not just for the victory, but for Wang Yan's growth and the strength he had gained.
With everything complete, they gathered themselves and began the journey back.
The four of them were making their way back toward the city, the forest quiet around them.
Liu Ming's gaze fell on Wang Yan. "The fifth soul ring skill… what is it like?"
Wang Yan's hand rested lightly on his sword. "It's called Furious Triple Strike. Three slashes executed in rapid sequence on a single target. The first pierces defenses, the second stacks immediately above it, and the third lands with maximum concentrated force. Each strike flows into the next, precise and lethal, carrying the crow's cutting essence."
Chen Yu tilted his head slightly. "Hmm… isn't that a little like your second soul ring skill, Continuous Edge? That one is also rapid, chained strikes."
Wang Yan's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Yeah… on the surface, it can seem similar, but not at all. Continuous Edge flows across multiple targets, spreading its strikes. Furious Triple Strike is entirely different. Each slash grows stronger than the previous, focused on one target, stacking precise power."
With a swift motion, Wang Yan summoned his sword, the weapon appearing in his hand. His eyes narrowed, and in a blink, he unleashed the Furious Triple Strike on a nearby tree.
The three slashes struck with astonishing speed, each more precise than the last. The first cut cleanly into the trunk, sharp and deliberate. The second landed immediately above, stacking force, splitting bark and wood with intense effect. The third slammed down at the perfect point, and the tree shattered completely under the sheer concentrated power.
The friends exchanged glances. Each strike had carried more power than the last, just as Wang Yan had said, leaving the tree splintered and broken.
After a pause, Zhao Qing's curiosity finally got the better of him.
"So… what about the Soulbone you got?" he asked, glancing at Wang Yan.
Wang Yan's expression remained calm as he began. "It grants flight, speed, agility, and precise positioning. I can soar through the air as long as I want, without using any soul power. The precise landing allows me to strike exactly where I intend."
He continued, "When combined with the right-leg Soulbone from the Blood Spike Alligator, it forms a deadly synergy. The Alligator provides raw strength and crushing power, amplifying every sword strike. The Crow gives flight and incredible mobility. I can leap or fly with extreme speed, land perfectly, and unleash Furious Triple Strike or any other sword skill. Each strike hits harder than it would alone."
The two leg Soulbones worked in perfect harmony. With this combination, Wang Yan had become a highly mobile, high-impact fighter — blending precision, lethality, and raw force. Single targets could be devastated while he remained extremely difficult to hit due to his unmatched agility.
Chen Yu, Zhao Qing, and Liu Ming exchanged impressed glances, finally realizing the full devastating potential of Wang Yan's new abilities.
They continued on their way, and by evening, the city's walls rose into view, marking the end of their journey through the forest.
Night had settled over the city. After dinner, the four friends gathered in their room.
Wang Yan spoke quietly but firmly, "Tomorrow, we should go and meet Commander Shuo Tian. If we are to settle here and move forward, we need a background that can support us from time to time."
The three friends nodded in agreement, showing their understanding and respect.
The discussion continued through the night, as they planned carefully for the journey ahead.
The next day, the four friends made their way to the mansion of Commander Shuo Tian.
When they arrived, the mansion's sheer size and structure immediately drew their attention. Even from a distance, it radiated a powerful presence, a silent testament to the authority and strength of its master. Guards were stationed strategically around the grounds, their watchful eyes scanning every approach.
Wang Yan led the group forward and approached the two guards at the gate. Bowing slightly, he spoke with measured respect, "We are here to meet Commander Shuo Tian. We are from Green Pearl City, and we come as friends of Instructor Liang Qiu. We have come ourselves to pay our respects and seek guidance."
The guards did not respond immediately. Their eyes studied the four carefully, noting their movements, posture, and the aura they carried. After a moment, one of them spoke, "Wait here. We will inform our commander of your arrival. You may enter once we receive his instructions."
With that, one of the guard turned and moved swiftly toward the mansion, leaving Wang Yan and his friends waiting at the gate, anticipation and curiosity mixing as they observed the massive structure before them.
End of Chapter.