At this moment, aside from Han Li, there were only three people in the training ground.
Xiu'er looked at him with sparkling eyes, showing a hint of admiration.
Guang Ling and Azure Luan both had peculiar expressions. Azure Luan glanced at Guang Ling's face, shivered, and turned away, clearly holding back laughter.
Guang Ling, on the other hand, wore an outdated old-man expression. Seeing his beloved disciple already standing beside him, he didn't know how to express his inner emotions.
He, Guang Ling, the strongest long-range shooter on the entire continent, had taken on a genius student. But his disciple, when hunting for his first soul ring, chose to kill the enemy with dual blades.
This wasn't so bad; Guang Ling naturally knew he hadn't practiced archery. He hadn't had high hopes, intending only to use this opportunity to teach him some basics, lest his disciple think it was easy. At the same time, he had an obsession: as a long-range attacker, he couldn't learn from others who used daggers to obtain soul rings, could he? That would be so degrading.
But what he never expected was that this mischievous disciple would draw his blades and charge straight in. That would still be fine, but the key was that after finishing a set of moves, he just slipped away. Slipped away?
He wanted to grab this kid and ask, "Where's your courage? Where's your passion? Or do you think that having two titled Douluos here can't guarantee your safety?"
But looking at the Elemental Butterfly on the ground, whose life force was continuously weakening, he couldn't say it. Because strictly speaking, Han Li's choice had no issues. It was just that Guang Ling had a lump in his chest with no way to release it, which made him very uncomfortable.
As a teacher, he couldn't say that what Han Li did was wrong. What if he established an incorrect combat style for the boy, and it couldn't be corrected later?
The first experience is always the most unforgettable and the most important.
Amidst this strange atmosphere in the training ground, the Elemental Butterfly finally stopped struggling. With its already low combat strength, after being slapped by Guang Ling and combo-attacked by Han Li, it finally offered up its soul ring.
Perhaps because it was burned to death, the training ground now emitted a burnt smell. But no one cared about that at the moment; all eyes were on the yellow soul ring floating up from its corpse.
Han Li let out a breath and looked at Guang Ling, using his eyes to ask if he should start absorbing it now.
Guang Ling wanted to tell him to "get lost," but seeing that face, the words couldn't come out. He waved his hand, signaling Han Li to go ahead.
Han Li then stepped forward, moving much faster than usual. Though his face remained calm, his heart was surging. In his subconscious, this was the first step into the extraordinary.
Standing beside the Elemental Butterfly's corpse that emitted a foul smell, Han Li didn't start absorbing it immediately. Instead, he silently recalled the advice given by the two titled Douluos last night, ensuring there were no issues before sitting down.
The four-hundred-year limit was almost Han Li's absorption limit. This was thanks to him not lacking money previously, having eaten plenty of ten-year-old soul beast meat, and consistently exercising to build a solid foundation. Plus, the Elemental Butterfly was relatively weak in its early stages, making it absorbable for him.
Closing his eyes, he meditated briefly before attempting to draw the soul ring onto his martial soul.
At this moment, Han Li's martial soul wasn't the Icefire Scimitar Blades used in the battle but had been switched to the Icefire Bow. This was the suggestion given by the two titled Douluos last night. Since his martial soul wasn't the dual-wielding type but had opposite attributes, the three agreed that using the perfectly fused Icefire Bow to absorb the soul ring would be more suitable.
As Han Li's martial soul aura touched the soul ring, the yellow ring instantly shrank, appearing on the bowstring in a flash.
Han Li felt a surge of scorching energy rush into his body, mingling with his soul power and wreaking havoc within. His body began to tremble uncontrollably.
"Focus on your martial soul and stay conscious."
Guang Ling's timely voice exploded in his ears, stabilizing Han Li's somewhat agitated emotions. He quickly resumed a meditative state, guiding the energy's circulation within his body.
Unlike his usual cultivation, where he needed spiritual power to push soul power through his body, Han Li now felt the incoming energy propelling his consciousness forward, making him feel somewhat ethereal. If only regular cultivation could be this fast, he thought, while managing the energy flow within his body.
He didn't know how long it took, but the rapidly surging soul power within him finally calmed down, still much faster than before. At last, he no longer had to exert all his effort to maintain the soul power's circulation.
Only then did he have the energy to observe other things. He quickly noticed a difference. As his consciousness delved into his body, he seemed to see the soul power's circulation path, making it much easier compared to relying purely on instinct before.
Internal vision? A thought flashed through Han Li's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. It likely wasn't to that level yet. Unfortunately, he had no cultivation technique and knew nothing about meridians. The medical skills in this world were also quite backward, making it hard to find a place to learn even if he wanted to.
As Han Li's aura gradually stabilized, Guang Ling and Azure Luan in the training ground stopped focusing on him and started chatting.
Seeing Guang Ling's gloomy face, Azure Luan thought of Han Li's earlier performance and a smile reappeared on his usually cool face.
"Xiao Li's personality is really... steady," Azure Luan hesitated, choosing a suitable word.
Hearing Azure Luan's words, Guang Ling seemed to find an outlet for his frustration and couldn't help but blurt out, "Steady? He's just scared to death. This kid is too timid. We were both there, and he still turned and ran, even hiding behind me."
"I could tolerate him not using a bow, given he had no foundation and had practiced with blades before. But..." Guang Ling struggled for a long time but couldn't find the right words, his face turning red with frustration.
"Alright, no need to be angry. In reality, his approach is more suitable for long-range attacks than yours," Azure Luan said, trying to console Guang Ling, who looked displeased.
"Yeah, I know, which is why I'm so annoyed. The romance of being an archer, he's thrown it all into the dirt. Do I, Guang Ling, not need any face?" Guang Ling said, waving his hands in frustration.
"Alright, stop acting up. Maybe things will change once he matures," Azure Luan added.
Guang Ling was about to say something when suddenly, a surge of energy rose from Han Li's direction, accompanied by a muffled groan from him.
"Not good!"
Guang Ling and Azure Luan's expressions changed. They turned and in a flash, appeared beside Han Li.
Seeing the changes in Han Li, they both breathed a sigh of relief and their faces showed a look of envy.
Han Li, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly grew two black antennae on his head, identical to those on the Elemental Butterfly. They were swaying continuously, and his face had already regained its calm.
In the distance, Xiuer also ran over. Since she was farther away, she didn't hear the sound but instinctively followed when she saw the two titled Douluos suddenly move closer.
Seeing the two of them looking at Han Li with envy, she felt relieved and returned to her previous position. However, the sudden appearance of antennae on Han Li's head still caught her attention. Though she didn't understand, as long as Han Li was fine, she didn't mind. They were just antennae, after all; she herself had two raccoon ears on top of her head.
"Getting an external soul bone on his first spirit ring acquisition. This kid's luck is just too good."
Guang Ling couldn't hide the jealousy in his voice as he stared unblinkingly at the antennae on his disciple's head.
"Are you seriously jealous of your disciple now?" Azure Luan teased, finding Guang Ling's childish behavior amusing.
"Tch, this is an external soul bone we're talking about. I can't believe you're not envious. Apart from Bibi Dong, this is the second one I've ever seen. If this kid weren't my disciple, I'd have killed him for it already, showing him the harsh realities of the soul master world."
Guang Ling straightened up and pouted as he spoke.
"Alright, enough with the jokes. Your prized disciple is about to wake up," Azure Luan reminded him.
As Azure Luan's words fell, Han Li opened his eyes. Ignoring the dust on his clothes, he stood up with a face full of joy.
First, he waved to Xiu'er in the distance to show he was fine, then he turned to the two titled Douluos in front of him.
"Thank you, Master. Thank you, Martial Uncle, for guarding me."
He wasn't surprised to see the two of them by his side. After all, he had made some noise while absorbing the external soul bone, and such a conspicuous situation couldn't go unnoticed.
"Well, if it isn't Young Master Han! You still remember I'm your teacher, huh? You were pretty slick when you chopped the Elemental Butterfly. Now that you have your first soul ring and an external soul bone, I'm afraid my status as your teacher is even lower," Guang Ling said with an exaggerated expression.
Huh?
Listening to his teacher's sarcastic tone, Han Li's forehead instantly filled with question marks.
However, he reacted quickly, realizing that Guang Ling was annoyed because he had been provoked. He was complaining.
Immediately, Han Li dashed forward, hugged Guang Ling's arm, and shook it, tilting his head without saying a word, just looking at him.
"Scram, scram, scram."
Guang Ling looked down at him, seeing that he had no intention of letting go. Knowing he had underestimated the boy's shamelessness, he waved his arm in disdain, flinging Han Li back to where he was.
Azure Luan watched the interaction between the teacher and disciple, shaking his head with a smile. Guang Ling had met his match, completely dominated by his disciple. This was good; the dull Worship Hall would now have more entertainment, saving Guang Ling from wandering around looking for fights out of boredom.
Seeing Han Li about to pounce again, Guang Ling directly used his soul power to hold him firmly in place, speaking seriously: "Alright, kid, tell me honestly, what exactly does that thing on your head do?"
Han Li, who was just putting on an act, stood up straight again. He wasn't used to the new appendage on his head and fiddled with the antennae before organizing his thoughts:
"For now, its effects are quite varied and not fully systematized. Fortunately, it can be used even when retracted, though the effect is slightly weaker. I'll briefly explain its functions: First, perception, including but not limited to climate, temperature, and taste; second, communication, allowing me to send information to others unilaterally without being detected; third, amplification, slightly increasing my spiritual power and providing about a 1.5 times boost when I extend my spiritual power outward.
"The most important fourth point is that it enhances my affinity and perception of elements. Crucially, since it shares the same origin as my first soul ring, it strengthens and continuously improves the soul skill's effect, solidifying it as a passive skill. However, due to my martial soul, it strongly rejects elements other than water and fire."
Han Li spoke with some frustration. The external soul bone greatly enhanced his perception of water and fire elements, but it also brought some negative effects. In the short term, it was beneficial, but in the future, it might cause him to miss some opportunities.
Seeing Han Li's troubled expression, both Guang Ling and Azure Luan felt an urge to smack him.
What are you even worrying about? Do you know how envious we are? This kid is completely taking advantage of his fortune and still complaining.
Guang Ling and Azure Luan exchanged a glance. Azure Luan nodded subtly, and Guang Ling's face showed a sinister smile. Before Han Li could react, Guang Ling pinned him over his knee and delivered a smack to his rear.
"Let this kid show off, huh? Like to act up, right? Today I'll show you the perils of adulthood."
Smack, Smack, Smack!
A series of four or five smacks followed. One had to admit that Title Douluo's movements were indeed swift. By the time Han Li realized what had happened, Guang Ling had already finished and placed him back in his original spot, looking quite satisfied.
To be fair, Han Li had merely been expressing his genuine thoughts. After all, as the next generation star like Hu Yuhao, without a million-year first soul ring, he needed some other form of compensation, right? And here it was, a compensation mechanism that he was quite pleased with.
Unexpectedly, he found himself the victim of an unprovoked spanking. Seeing his unscrupulous teacher's expression, he felt utterly bewildered. It wasn't until he felt the pain in his buttocks that he realized what had happened. He wasn't exactly angry, just a bit embarrassed.
Seeing his teacher's malicious stare, Han Li quickly abandoned any thoughts of resistance. He silently vowed to remember this day. My dear teacher, the patience of a Red Archer—I fear you won't be able to bear it.
Seeing Han Li lower his head in silence, Guang Ling's expression changed, and he started to panic. Could this kid have been scared by the spanking? This was his first time taking on a disciple, and he didn't want to create any animosity over this. He quickly cast a pleading look at Azure Luan.
Azure Luan simply smiled without speaking. This kid's look was the same as Guang Ling's after getting spanked in the past. Something was definitely fishy.
Receiving no help from Azure Luan, Guang Ling thought for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed. He knelt and patted Han Li's head, coughing lightly, "Good disciple, it was my fault just now. I promise I won't do it again. Also, I'll agree to one of your conditions, okay?"
Han Li hadn't expected such a good outcome from doing nothing. He immediately dismissed the idea of making his teacher write a pledge and respectfully replied, "Everything is up to you, Master. Although I don't know why you acted earlier, it must have been my fault. I will remember this lesson."
If every spanking allowed him to make a request, Han Li wouldn't mind a few more. Getting spanked at six years old by an elder—what's the big deal? No problem at all. Many people don't even get this opportunity.
Hearing Han Li's words, Guang Ling felt deeply guilty. Damn it, as a teacher, how could he be swayed by his emotions? Xiao Li was still a child; he didn't understand much. He was a truly unqualified teacher.
Azure Luan, watching from the side, was somewhat dumbfounded. This was too ridiculous.
Poor Guang Ling, being played like a fool. But Azure Luan didn't feel the need to intervene; Guang Ling's suffering a bit wouldn't hurt. After all, it was his disciple, and no major harm would come of it.
Seeing that Guang Ling had realized his "mistake," Han Li quickly changed the subject, "Master, Martial Uncle, after absorbing this external soul bone, I've reached level twelve. I'm not far from level thirteen, and I should reach it within half a month. Also..."
Seeing the two nod in satisfaction, Han Li summoned his martial soul. The Ice and Fire Bow appeared instantly in his hand. Interestingly, his soul ring wasn't in the usual position but was inconspicuously located at the center front of the bow, like an aiming track. If not carefully observed, it could easily be overlooked.
"Don't worry, it's small but quite cute," Guang Ling said, thinking Han Li was concerned about the unconventional position and size of his soul ring.
Han Li's face darkened at his words. What was he even saying?
"Master, don't interrupt. That's not what I wanted to say. My first soul skill has also changed. Besides the affinity with water and fire elements, my regular attacks have been enhanced."
After a moment's thought, Han Li decided to infuse soul power into the bow. The bowstring and arrow instantly formed. Guang Ling and Azure Luan then saw that as the arrow passed through the yellow soul ring, its strength increased significantly.
Boom!
Not far from the training ground, the impact of the arrow created a small crater, with a few flames still burning around it. Han Li nodded in satisfaction. With the aid of his mental power, he could now control the approximate range even at his current level. For targets beyond his mental power's reach, he would have to rely on luck for now.
Seeing the two Title Douluos' eyes light up, Han Li didn't dare keep them in suspense and continued, "The current enhancement is only 30%, but it will grow along with the external soul bone. Moreover, the energy consumption is very low. Of course, I can also choose to cancel it actively."
With a wave of his hand, his soul ring returned to its position above his head and then, under his control, moved to appear behind him.
PS: In the original, Tang San already knew that Hu Yuhao was a new-generation star like himself. By sending his daughter to Shrek, he basically chose Hu Yuhao for her. An extraordinary individual was the best match for his daughter.