In the Worship Hall, Guang Ling vividly recounts his disciple's martial soul abilities and development ideas. In the end, he casually mentioned that he might have found a path for further breakthroughs, causing the Lion Douluo, Jiang Jun, and Jiang Long to lose their composure.
Azure Luan, on the other hand, showed no unusual reaction. He had always been fond of Guang Ling. Seeing his younger brother make progress made him happy. Although he had a beast martial soul, it also carried elemental attributes. Listening to Guang Ling's ideas, he felt a subtle stir within himself.
Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile exchanged a glance, seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected that Guang Ling would gain something from the casual suggestion they made when he took on a disciple. Moreover, from Guang Ling's description, they keenly sensed that Han Li's talent might not just lie in his martial soul. His way of thinking could be his greatest asset.
While discussions about the future path of cultivation began in the Worship Hall, Han Li had already followed the guards to the residence Guang Ling had prepared for him.
Through conversations with the guards along the way, Han Li learned that currently, aside from the several Worships, only he and his sister lived here. The Worships only stayed here occasionally; Guang Ling and Azure Luan were the permanent residents, living right next door.
After thanking and seeing off the guards, Han Li entered the place where he would live for the next few years. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he saw Xiu'er running towards him, clearly having waited for a while.
"Young Master, you're back."
Xiu'er stopped in front of him, shouting with delight.
"Yes, Sister Xiu'er, I'm back. How do you find the place our teacher arranged?"
Han Li proactively took her hand and asked with a smile.
"Yes, it's much bigger than the courtyard in Nuoding City. But... there are also many more servants. I told them I am just the young master's maid, but they wouldn't listen and insisted on calling me 'Miss' and serving me, which I'm not used to."
Xiu'er's little face was full of conflict. When she mentioned the servants, she secretly observed Han Li's expression, as if afraid they would take her place as his maid.
Han Li naturally noticed Xiu'er's little actions but didn't say anything. He looked around, then led her to sit in a pavilion.
"Sister Xiu'er, rest assured. Also, you should know that I have always regarded you as my sister, so let's drop the 'maid' talk."
Seeing Xiu'er, who had stood up in a rush at his words, Han Li gestured for her to sit down again before speaking: "Don't worry, let me finish. I understand your concerns. Sister Xiu'er, you know that our teacher is a Title Douluo, so we have to learn to adapt. Since he says you are my sister, then you are my sister."
Having persuaded her many times before, Han Li now used the "Guang Ling Douluo" trump card, which was extremely effective.
Seeing the girl still conflicted but less resistant, Han Li pressed on: "This is all arranged by the teacher, so Sister Xiu'er, you wouldn't want to upset him over such a small matter, would you?"
Xiu'er's face changed, and she quickly said, "Then I'll listen to you, Little Li."
Seeing Han Li nod in satisfaction, Xiu'er, feeling a bit down, softly asked, "Little Li, does this mean I won't be able to take care of you like before?"
Han Li couldn't help but laugh. 'I'll take it slow. This is a complex issue for Sister Xiu'er to resolve.'
He spoke seriously, "Of course not, Sister Xiu'er, you are my sister. Who can stop a sister from taking care of her brother?"
Seeing Xiu'er lift her head in surprise, he continued, "Besides, I'm used to your care, Sister Xiu'er. In my heart, you are my only personal maid."
"Of course, I'll still be the one taking care of you, young master," Xiu'er said confidently.
"But, Sister Xiu'er, promise me that you will accept the care of the other maids too. Is that alright?" Han Li asked in return.
"Well... okay."
Xiu'er began to refuse but then seemed to think of something and agreed, albeit a bit slowly.
With that settled, Han Li mentally gave himself a pat on the back. Comforting the girl was indeed challenging. This time, using his teacher's influence had made Xiu'er back down a bit. It was a long-term task that would need to be approached gradually.
Seeing Xiu'er return to her usual self after their conversation, Han Li's eyes gleamed as he thought of Qian Daoliu's promise.
Perhaps it was time to advance his plan to help Xiu'er regain her ability to cultivate.
This matter had been brewing in his mind for a long time. After confirming that ordinary reawakening methods wouldn't work, he had come up with a bold idea from years of reading various books. He just hadn't had a chance to try it yet. Now, he saw a glimmer of hope, and that hope came from Qian Daoliu.
As Xiu'er happily dragged him around to explore their new residence, Han Li's resolve to make a specific request only grew stronger.
Indeed, he could take Xiu'er to the divine realm after becoming a god, but her life up until then would be too dull. As for celestial herbs, it wasn't that he was unwilling to use them. Even the weakest and mildest celestial herb might be too much for someone who had never cultivated before, potentially causing her body to explode.
There was no reason to hesitate, right? Han Li made his decision as he watched Xiu'er's happy figure ahead.
After touring their new residence, it was time for dinner. Han Li finally saw his teacher, accompanied by Azure Luan Douluo. Xiu'er quickly ran to the kitchen to inform the staff of Han Li's preferences.
After exchanging greetings, Guang Ling tossed a few items to Han Li: a meditation method he had refined for martial souls tool based on the Angel lineage's cultivation, a Worship token, and a manual.
Curious, Han Li opened the manual, and Guang Ling explained, "The people listed in this manual are my followers. You can contact them for minor issues. For anything they can't solve, come to me. As for the meditation method, it must not be shared outside your family and disciples. Oh, and you have no one to teach it to anyway since Xiu'er can't cultivate."
Before Guang Ling finished speaking, Azure Luan poked him. Han Li looked up at Guang Ling's embarrassed expression, knowing he didn't mean any harm. Seeing Azure Luan's apologetic look, Han Li shook his head to indicate it was fine.
After ensuring Xiu'er wasn't nearby, he turned to the two Super Douluo with a serious expression, "Teacher, after obtaining my first soul ring tomorrow, I would like to meet the Grand Worship and make a request."
Guang Ling and Azure Luan looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to use the promise so soon. They exchanged puzzled glances.
Guang Ling coughed and spoke up, "Disciple, you probably don't realize how important the Grand Worship's promise is. Let me give you an example. Do you know about the hundred-thousand-year soul rings?"
Han Li nodded to indicate he understood.
Guang Ling continued, "I suggest you don't rush. It's best to wait until you're ready to advance to the Titled Douluo stage before making your request. You might receive a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and the corresponding soul bone. By that time, surpassing me will just be a matter of time."
Han Li nodded again, but his expression remained unchanged. Seeing the concerned looks from both of them, he spoke, "Teacher, I understand, but I still wish to make the request now."
Standing up respectfully, Han Li bowed to the two of them and spoke earnestly, "Teacher, Uncle Master, please hear me out."
"I'm not being reckless or ignorant. It's just that, for me, there are things more important than a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone. I have an idea that might only be realized through the Grand Worship."
"You've seen Sister Xiu'er's situation. Because of past events, she had a partial awakening but has never been able to cultivate. I have a bold idea that perhaps the reason she can't cultivate is due to an incomplete awakening that left the flow of soul power in her body blocked, resulting in a semi-possessed state. I need a soul bone from a bear-type spirit beast, preferably one that is less than a hundred years old, or the weaker the better, ideally a ten-year one. If she can absorb it, it might re-activate her soul power through the same source of energy, allowing her to start cultivating again. If not, at least I can give up this hope once and for all."
"I am aware of how difficult it is to obtain such a soul bone. I know my choice may seem immature, but this is my wish. Besides, as for a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone, I believe I can achieve that on my own in the future. So, Teacher, please grant my request."
With that, Han Li bowed deeply and remained bowed for a long time.
Looking at Han Li, who was bent over and unwilling to rise, Guang Ling and Azure Luan exchanged glances. Their eyes carried a mix of shock and delight, and their expressions were somewhat conflicted.
After a few days of interaction, Guang Ling had come to understand his disciple somewhat. Like himself when he was young, Han Li was mischievous but equally stubborn. It seemed he had already thought this through and was just waiting for this moment.
Putting aside other considerations, Han Li was willing to give up a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone in exchange for the possibility of a maid being able to cultivate. As an elder, Guang Ling felt both angry and satisfied.
But Han Li making such a decision without any consultation, acting on his own, made him a bit angry. What? Did he look like someone who would stop him?
Well, maybe.
His gentle attitude towards Xiu'er was because of his disciple. As for how much he liked her, that was another matter. A hundred-thousand-year soul ring was no small thing. Even if Han Li couldn't handle it, a high-year soul bone would still be great.
A special maid—was it worth it? If Han Li wanted, without affecting his cultivation, Guang Ling could find him a bunch of snake women or cat women. Such semi-awakened situations were rare but not unheard of.
Yet, knowing all this, Han Li still insisted, even risking angering his newly acknowledged teacher. This showed that he might do similar things in the future, which couldn't help but please Guang Ling.
"Stand up first."
It wasn't Guang Ling who spoke, but Azure Luan.
Han Li hesitated, glanced at his teacher, and saw his face constantly changing between joy and anger, unable to tell if he agreed or not.
"Sit."
Azure Luan said softly, his eyes showing more gentleness as he glanced at Guang Ling, who was still lost in his thoughts, signaling him to make the decision.
Guang Ling looked at the still-standing Han Li and spoke reluctantly, "Sit down."
Hearing this, Han Li's face lit up with joy, knowing that the matter was mostly settled. He happily replied, "Thank you, Teacher."
Seeing the joy on his face, Guang Ling felt like this kid had seen through him, so he deliberately put on a stern face. "I can agree to your request, but you must also agree to one of mine. How about it?"
Han Li answered without hesitation, "Sure. Please tell me, Teacher."
Seeing his immediate agreement, Guang Ling was quite satisfied. He tapped the table and slowly spoke as if in thought, "It's not too difficult. Since you gave up a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and said it's nothing, then when the time comes, you should get one yourself. If you can't do it, I'll make you understand what regret feels like."
As he spoke, Guang Ling's face twisted into a sinister smile, as if telling Han Li that he'd be in for a beating if he failed.
Han Li wasn't intimidated. Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief. So it was just this.
"I accept, Teacher. Perhaps even before becoming a Titled Douluo, I will fulfill this condition," Han Li replied confidently.
Guang Ling and Azure Luan exchanged smiles, saying nothing. When they were young, they were just as ambitious. It was good for young people to have some spirit.
In the following time, Guang Ling and Azure Luan personally taught Han Li the key points of the new meditation method, even guiding him into a meditative state on the spot and correcting him.
Once again, he confirmed his physical strength, discussed potential pitfalls during the early stages of cultivation, and explained the most reliable methods for absorbing soul rings. Based on his situation, they revised some training resources, deciding to arrange specifics after he absorbed the soul ring tomorrow.
They talked for over three hours, and it wasn't until Xiuer reminded them that dinner was ready that they stopped. After a satisfying meal, they left him with a reminder to rest well tonight and went their separate ways.
The considerate Azure Luan handed him a new storage necklace as he was leaving, saying it was an early gift for Xiuer, wishing him success in his plan. Han Li expressed his gratitude once again.
Han Li lay in bed, playing with his new storage bracelet and necklace, roughly estimating how many times his wealth had multiplied in half a day. He chose not to train and instead fell asleep early.
In the few days since his martial soul awakening, he had been under a lot of stress, and after being jostled around on the road for nearly two days, he would obtain his first soul ring tomorrow. It was best to rest and recharge.
The night passed without incident.
At six in the morning, Han Li woke up automatically, one of the few times he woke up before Xiuer called him. He had a good night's sleep, perhaps because he relaxed all at once and went straight into deep sleep. He was in his best condition in recent times.
After lying in bed for a while, he heard a familiar voice outside. Urged by Xiuer, Han Li completed a simple wash-up and headed to the training ground together, having already familiarized himself with the environment yesterday.
He wasn't always served by Xiuer. Only when he wasn't training did Xiuer fully take on her maid duties.
Breathing in the fresh air, Han Li began to exercise his body. He performed a set of exercises from his previous life.
It couldn't be helped; these were his innate "techniques". In any case, having them was better than not, and it was better than just running.
After warming up, he did push-ups, burpees, and, of course, the most basic running, followed by rapid sword swings. This had been his training method for the past three years. In his residence in Nuoding City, he even had a pool where he swam two to three times a week, though unfortunately, there wasn't one here yet.
When he finished his workout, Xiuer handed him a prepared towel and saltwater promptly. She didn't participate today, knowing that Han Li was about to become a true soul master and she needed to provide the best service.
As the two turned to leave and went inside to clean up, two figures on the wall exchanged glances and disappeared.
Just after breakfast, Guang Ling and Azure Luan arrived together, carrying a large box enveloped in soul power.
"Let's go to the training ground and get your first soul ring."
Guang Ling didn't say much, throwing out a sentence as he took the lead.
Han Li said nothing more and followed him to the training ground.
When he arrived, Guang Ling opened the box, revealing its contents: a butterfly that looked very beautiful but was much larger, with wings shimmering in several different colors that appeared dreamy under the sunlight.
"Elemental Butterfly, just four hundred years old, very rare. The colors on its wings represent the elements it has initially mastered. It has no fixed habitat and, decades ago, a soul master accidentally absorbed it and gained an elemental affinity soul skill. Subsequent tests by the Martial Soul Research Department showed that it only produces this one soul skill. Besides that, it slightly enhances mental power, but the elements it mastered in life do not attach to the soul ring, making it perfectly suited to your needs."
"No one who has absorbed its soul ring has gained a powerful attack ability from the soul skill. The strongest can create a spark to light a cigarette. How it develops depends entirely on the soul master's ability. Now, you still have a chance to regret this."
Guang Ling said solemnly as if giving another reminder.
"It's this one, teacher, trust me."
Han Li didn't hesitate, his eyes fixed eagerly on the Elemental Butterfly constantly trying to break through the soul force shield.
"Good, also see what your initial attack power is."
Guang Ling stopped persuading and, at the same time as dispersing the soul force shield, slapped the Elemental Butterfly.
Watching the Elemental Butterfly still fluttering unsteadily in the air, Han Li glanced at Guang Ling, who had already closed his eyes. Even if it wasn't intentional, he couldn't believe it. He sighed inwardly: My good teacher, did you forget that your disciple used to practice with swords and doesn't know how to shoot arrows at all?
Seeing the Elemental Butterfly about to take off, Han Li knew he didn't have much time to hesitate. He immediately summoned his martial soul without hesitation. The Ice and Fire Blades instantly swapped positions, with the ice blade in his right hand.
The moment when Guang Ling opened his eyes quietly with a puzzled look, Han Li dashed forward and leaped up. With the chilling ice blade, he swiftly struck the Elemental Butterfly's head. Instantly, a wound appeared on its head, and the blood was frozen, its body stiffening as it was about to plummet. At the same time, a fiery blade was already thrust into its soft abdomen, burning the flesh and blood near the wound.
"Fire."
With Han Li's loud shout, a layer of flame surged fiercely on the fiery blade, igniting the Elemental Butterfly's wings. Meanwhile, Han Li turned and ran without any intention of attacking again.
Just a few steps, and he had already returned to Guang Ling's side, leaning back, watching the Elemental Butterfly rolling on the ground, unable to extinguish the flames, quietly waiting for it to explode into gold coins. (-The last statement is a joke, a RPG game reference.)
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