I felt a sudden pull deep within me, an instinctual tug that I didn't resist. Trusting the feeling, I reached out and took Xiao Wu's hand, pulling her with me into my inner world.
Xiao Wu stiffened the moment we arrived, her eyes going wide as an overwhelming sensation washed over her. She instinctively understood where she was and, more importantly, who I was. This was my domain—my world. Here, I was its Sovereign, a god in my own realm.
"Welcome to my inner world," I said with a small smile. "Let me show you around."
Still in shock, she let me guide her forward, her eyes darting around to take in everything—the lush fruit trees swaying gently in the breeze, the grand manor in the distance, the crystal-clear sky stretching endlessly above. The sheer abundance of spirit energy in the air made her feel an odd sense of comfort, as if this place was more than just a space—it was alive.
However, her breath hitched when her gaze landed on a massive blue and gold vine nestled near the pond. Her rabbit instincts kicked in immediately. She recognized it in an instant.
"Blue Silver Emperor!"
As a rabbit spirit beast, Blue Silver Grass was one of her primary food sources. But this wasn't ordinary Blue Silver Grass. No, the sheer aura it exuded told her this one was ancient—far beyond 100,000 years. From the density of its energy, it had to be at least 350,000 years old.
Before she could say anything, the massive vine stirred, shifting as if sensing her presence. A soft, melodious voice rang out.
"Master! You've come to see me? Oh? You brought another spirit beast?" Ah Yin's tone was filled with warmth as her vines extended, affectionately wrapping around me. Her form had changed since the last time, her face now more defined—almost fully human-like.
Xiao Wu froze. Her identity was exposed.
I chuckled. "Yep, just showing her around. Her name is Xiao Wu—I found her in the woods." Then, I pulled a few bottles from my Gate of Babylon and began watering the Blue Silver Emperor. "Also, would you like me to bring in some Blue Silver Grass to keep you company?"
Xiao Wu watched in stunned silence as I casually tended to Ah Yin, as if I were merely taking care of a garden rather than conversing with an ancient spirit beast.
"Oh, that would be lovely!" Ah Yin chirped before her voice took on a hopeful tone. "Can I come out and gather them myself?"
I nodded. "Sure."
The transformation was instant. Ah Yin's form shimmered as she took on her human appearance—a breathtaking woman in her mid-twenties with a mature yet gentle aura. Her long blue hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her regal presence was accentuated by her sleek blue summer dress. Her pale white skin glowed with vitality, and her ample curves added to her enchanting beauty. Spirit beasts over 300,000 years old can take on a temporary human form and move around freely, she just preferred to be in her vines form as it felt more natural and was faster for cultivation.
Without hesitation, she walked over and wrapped me in a tight embrace, rubbing her face against mine with pure affection.
Xiao Wu's jaw practically hit the floor. "Wh-What is going on?!" she asked, both confused and wary.
I laughed lightly. "I told you—I'm just showing you around my home. Don't worry, you're safe here."
"Master won't hurt you," Ah Yin added, her voice filled with certainty. "He doesn't need spirit beasts for Spirit Rings—he can make his own! Just like 100,000-year-old spirit beasts can."
Xiao Wu's ears twitched as her mind reeled from the revelation. He doesn't need spirit rings? He can create his own? That went against everything she knew. But Ah Yin wasn't lying—her presence, her power, and the ease with which she interacted with Ryan made that clear.
Even more stunned than before, she let me lead her toward the manor.
Inside, she was introduced to the rest of my peerage, each member greeting her with curiosity rather than hostility. Despite her initial wariness, their genuine hospitality and lack of ill intent slowly put her at ease.
Of course, she had a million questions. And we answered most of them.
Though she still held some reservations—after all, trust wasn't built in a single day—she could feel it deep inside.
She was safe here.
"You are welcome to stay with us, we have plenty of rooms. We plan to attend the Nuoding Primary Spirit Academy in the next few months and I can pay for you." I didn't know how she got a working class permit in the original story, probably plot armor or something. "If you don't want to stay with us that's fine too, we aren't forcing you and you are free to leave. Like I mentioned before we don't need your spirit bones or spirit ring. All of us here can make out own, also Luna and Hermione aren't spirit masters."
To prove my point I showed my Hate Ground No Handle Spirit, the large silver spirit rings were certainly not normal. "Even if we did hunt a spirit beast you don't match any of our spirits."
A blood bat, black snake creature, shadow like creature and a bird like creature appeared behind the other girls showing purple spirit rings. None of them was a match for a rabbit spirit beast.
"Why are their rings purple?" Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask.
"Well when we condense a spirit ring it depends mainly on how strong your body and soul are the level of spirit ring you can get. They can also enhance their spirit rings freely so eventually they could become black or red. The laws of the Doulou world don't apply here, why don't you try?" I suggested.
Xiao Wu looked sceptical but nodded and sat down. Soon a ring started to form behind her it started white then gradually turned yellow before stopping. However Xiao Wu felt it, she could improve her spirit ring! Slowly she added more energy to the spirit ring and gradually it became darker however her current body wasn't strong enough to make a 1000 year old spirit ring. Still the fact she could improve her spirit rings here proved Ryan was telling the truth.