Winter settled over Frostwood City with cold wind and quiet snow.
Most students struggled to meditate in the freezing dormitories, but Mu Yuan felt calmer than ever. His soul power had been steady for weeks, like a full river waiting for the final drop.
One night after meditation, the change came.
His soul power deepened gently, spreading through his meridians like warm roots sinking into soil.
Mu Yuan broke through.
Level Ten.
At the same moment, another understanding appeared clearly in his mind.
He did not need to hunt a spirit beast.
A faint ring of light formed around his martial soul inside his soul space. It was real… but it carried no soul skill and gave no extra level.
A nascent soul ring.
Mu Yuan opened his eyes slowly.
He understood his path was different.
---
The next morning, Mu Yuan asked for leave from the academy.
Dean Lu Shengxuan approved immediately. "First soul ring is important," he said kindly. "Return safely."
Mu Yuan traveled home with his father and explained everything that evening.
"When I reached Level Ten, a soul ring appeared by itself," he said. "It gave no skill… and I feel I should not hunt spirit beasts."
The room became quiet.
Mu Qinglin looked at Mu Qingshan. Lin Yaozhi held Mu Yuan's hand gently. Su Wanqing listened carefully.
After a long moment, Mu Qingshan spoke.
"This must be part of your inheritance," he said calmly. "Ancient martial souls sometimes follow different rules."
Mu Yuan nodded.
He trusted his grandfather's judgment.
---
Su Wanqing spoke softly, "Even if your martial soul creates its own ring, outsiders must believe we hunted a spirit beast."
Mu Qinglin agreed. "When people ask, we will say our family helped you hunt your first ring."
Mu Yuan understood.
Secrets must be protected.
---
Mu Qingshan checked Mu Yuan's soul power carefully that night.
"Your foundation is stable," he said. "No imbalance. Your path is safe so far."
Lin Yaozhi smiled warmly. "Our Little Tree grows quietly… but deeply."
Mu Yuan felt relieved.
Because even with his inheritance, he did not want to harm his future.
---
Later, Mu Yuan entered his inner world.
The small land had changed again.
Near the glowing tree, a weak spring had become a clearer spirit pond. The air felt thicker, richer. The soil looked stronger.
His world was growing.
Mu Yuan stood quietly and whispered,
"I will grow with you."
The glowing tree swayed gently, as if answering him.
---
Back in the real world, Mu Yuan sat beside his grandfather.
"Grandpa, what should I do next?" he asked.
Mu Qingshan smiled. "Cultivate steadily. Think carefully before your next inheritance."
Mu Yuan nodded.
Because Level Eleven was coming.
And with it… another choice that would shape his entire future.