Looking at his casual movements, Guang Ling and Azure Luan exchanged glances. Instead of dampening his spirits, they praised him, "Not bad. Your mental strength has also increased significantly, almost reaching the level of a regular Soul Elder."
A clear expression of joy appeared on Guang Ling's face. "Not only that, but it also compensates for your early-stage lack of combat power. As long as you follow me and hone your archery skills, even with just this one soul skill, you won't be weaker than those so-called geniuses."
Azure Luan nodded in agreement with Guang Ling's statement.
"Yes," Han Li responded with a smile. He had originally planned to forgo early-stage combat power, but now that he could enhance it without giving it up, he was naturally delighted.
"Come, switch to the Ice-Fire Blades. Let's see if it's the same case," Guang Ling urged impatiently.
Han Li was also curious about what changes would occur in the Ice-Fire Blades mode, so without delay, he switched forms.
Two scimitars, even more dazzling than before, appeared in his hands. Han Li glanced upwards and saw that the soul rings were still intact behind his head. However, at the end of the handles of both scimitars, there were small, illusory yellow rings hanging like decorations, equally inconspicuous.
He raised his hands to demonstrate, then closed his eyes to sense the changes in the Ice-Fire Blades.
After half a minute, Han Li reopened his eyes and swung the Ice Blade and Fire Blade in his hands towards the open space ahead. A streak of ice-blue blade energy and a streak of fiery-red blade energy appeared out of thin air and collided, causing an explosion.
Han Li estimated the distance and said, "The amplification is consistent with the Ice-Fire Bow, currently both at 30%. However, there's a new addition of blade energy that can attack from a distance. But at the moment, I can only control it within five meters, and its strength is not enough. The consumption is also much higher compared to arrows. Right now, I can only swing about twenty full-powered strikes."
Guang Ling and Qing Luan's mouths twitched. "Only five meters," "Strength is not enough," they didn't know what to say.
From their perspective, although this blade energy might not surpass the third soul skill of some strong attack-type Soul Elders, it wasn't far off. The key point was that there was no cooldown time, which soul skills couldn't compete with. It could already be considered a self-created soul skill.
No, it was a self-created soul skill. As Han Li's strength increased, whether it was the blade energy or the perfect mixed ice-fire energy arrows he hadn't used yet, they all fit the category of self-created soul skills, even though they were derived from the martial soul's inherent functions. Many tool martial soul battle soul masters couldn't launch attacks from a distance without soul rings.
"Not bad. Compared to my younger days, you are also quite qualified," Guang Ling said with a controlled, calm expression, not noticing the disdain in Azure Luan's eyes.
Had Han Li not been present, Azure Luan would have scoffed. Just with Guang Ling's limited skills, he dared to make such a comparison.
Guang Ling was indeed fortunate. Watching Han Li run off to show his new skills to Xiu'er, Azure Luan saw Guang Ling grinning with silent laughter and felt a pang of jealousy for the first time. Why couldn't he receive such a disciple?
Fortunately, Guang Ling was someone he had watched grow up, so there was some connection. He comforted himself with this thought.
Using his authority as an elder brother, Azure Luan stopped Guang Ling's "crazy" behavior and pointed to Han Li, who was already pulling Xiu'er towards them, to calm him down.
"Teacher, now that my soul ring has been absorbed, can we proceed with what we discussed yesterday?" Han Li looked at Guang Ling with some anticipation.
Guang Ling looked at Xiu'er, who was still clearly clueless about the situation, sighed, and then pointed at Han Li.
"You just finished absorbing your soul ring. Go take a bath and change into clean clothes." Guang Ling glanced at Xiu'er again and continued, "Take her with you. Your idea is good, but I'm not sure if it's feasible. No one has attempted it before. It's a good opportunity to have the High Priest take a look as well. Since the promise will be used up anyway, we might as well go all out. With the High Priest present, even if it fails, it shouldn't affect your future."
"Thank you, Teacher. I'll go right away. Please explain the specifics to Sister Xiu'er."
For the first time, Han Li's emotions were so openly displayed. After giving Xiu'er, who had no idea what they were discussing, a hug, he quickly dashed towards the bathing area, his laughter faintly audible.
Xiu'er looked at the two titled Douluo gazing at her, then glanced at Han Li who had already run off. She wanted to chase after him but didn't dare to, so she just stood there, bewildered.
"Let me explain."
Azure Luan took the initiative, looking at the confused girl, and started to explain gently.
Soon, Han Li returned to the hall in fresh clothes, finding the three already waiting for him. Xiu'er's eyes were red, clearly having just cried.
Upon seeing him, Xiu'er rushed towards him, tears welling up again.
Han Li hugged her, gently patting her back and soothing her in a soft voice, eventually calming her down. He controlled the not-yet-strong fire element to evaporate the tears from the front of his clothes, then looked at his teacher and senior uncle, quietly expressing his gratitude.
It was clear that Xiu'er hadn't said anything like "Young Master, don't" or "This isn't right." These two had greatly helped him. Although he had entrusted them the previous night, the result was even better than he had imagined.
"Let's go."
Seeing that the two had regained their spirits, Guang Ling and Azure Luan didn't say much more. Each grabbed one of them and swiftly headed towards the Worship Hall.
In no time, the four arrived at the Worship Hall. Guang Ling and Azure Luan set the two down and then walked slowly inside.
Han Li, holding the very nervous Xiu'er's hand, stepped into the grand hall. As soon as they entered, they noticed everyone staring at him, even Qian Daoliu, who rarely opened his eyes, was watching.
Huh? Is there something wrong with me?
Han Li looked himself over but didn't notice anything unusual.
"Ahem, alright, Xiao Li, put away the external soul bone on your head. It's just a small thing, nothing worth showing off. What? Afraid others won't know you've completely fused with it?"
Guang Ling, already back in his place, cleared his throat and spoke, emphasizing the words "external soul bone" and "completely fused" noticeably. It was clear he did it on purpose.
"Hmm? Oh, right, Teacher, I forgot."
Han Li then realized he hadn't retracted the external soul bone after the absorption. The external soul bone wasn't very old, so it integrated with him easily after absorption, becoming part of him. In his excitement, he hadn't noticed it.
It was clear Guang Ling did this intentionally to show off, and Azure Luan understood his intention, playing along lightly without any harm.
As for the "complete fusion," Guang Ling wasn't worried that anyone in the Worship Hall would act against them because of it. They wouldn't go that far. He was still showing off; achieving complete fusion upon obtaining it meant the two were extremely compatible. This was what talent and luck were all about (leaning back proudly).
One has to admit, that Guang Ling was quite the expert at attracting attention. With a simple sentence, he drew everyone's gaze, even making Jiang Jun feel the urge to punch him. Only the presence of the two children made him hold back.
Everyone present had seen Han Li's information and naturally knew about the half-awakened raccoon maid beside him. However, it was clear she didn't belong here.
Even if Han Li were not very sensible, Guang Ling and Azure Luan wouldn't allow him to act recklessly. The fact that this girl was present indicated there was something more to it.
Seeing everyone's curiosity, Han Li didn't dare keep them guessing. He took a few steps toward Qian Daoliu and bowed respectfully.
"Grand Worship, I have a request. May I use the condition you mentioned earlier?"
After Han Li spoke, the atmosphere in the Worship Hall became peculiar.
Not only did the various Worships show surprise at hearing Han Li's request, but even Qian Daoliu exhibited a trace of confusion.
The others turned their gazes towards Guang Ling and Azure Luan to understand the situation, but both shook their heads and gestured towards Han Li in the center, indicating that he should continue speaking. It was clear they were supportive.
Jiang Jun's eyes flickered as he glanced at Xiu'er, seemingly guessing something, before sighing inwardly without saying a word.
Qian Daoliu also glanced at Xiu'er but showed no reaction. Instead, he spoke seriously, "Alright, but are you sure? I may not be able to fulfill your request."
"I'm sure. Even if it fails, I want to try."
Han Li didn't rise, but answered loudly, his still youthful voice full of determination.
"Then state your request."
Qian Daoliu spoke calmly.
"Yes, Grand Worship."
Han Li bowed again and then straightened up. "I hope to obtain a ten-year, no more than a hundred-year, bear-type soul bone of any part, and have you, Grand Worship, protect Sister Xiu'er during the absorption."
As his words fell, the Worship Hall fell silent. Even Qian Daoliu's expression became briefly bewildered as if he thought he had misheard.
It wasn't that Han Li's request was excessive, but rather that it was too simple, so simple that it didn't seem to match the significance of the promise. Although soul bones of such low age were rare, the continent was vast. Even if they had to hunt one down, it wouldn't disrupt the maintenance of the soul-beast forests. A ten-year soul bone, in the face of the soul beasts' reproduction rate, could be replaced within a few years.
The key question was, what use was such a low-age soul bone? It would be of little benefit even to a soul master, let alone one of higher rank. Was this boy playing a trick on them? Additionally, the girl couldn't cultivate; could she even absorb a soul bone?
Seeing the confusion, Han Li immediately explained his thoughts in full. With Guang Ling having previously hinted at his insights on martial soul development, the Worships didn't dismiss his ideas. Instead, they seriously considered the feasibility, finding it more plausible the more they discussed it.
Qian Daoliu also narrowed his eyes in thought for a while, then signaled for silence.
"I've received your request. However, whether it's feasible can only be determined through experimentation. But I can assure you, with me here, even if it fails, there will be no adverse effects. I'll ask you again, are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Han Li answered firmly.
"Very well, as you wish."
Qian Daoliu flipped his palm, and a soul bone emitting a faint soul power fluctuation appeared in his hand, shining like crystal.
"You're quite fortunate. If it were another type of soul bone, we might need to search for it. But for bear-type, I happen to have one, even weaker than you anticipated."
"Strictly speaking, I cannot confirm its age. I acquired it while traveling the continent, after killing a pregnant crystal bear. This bone did not belong to the mother but was from the stillborn cub. I thought it would remain a memory in my soul storage, but it seems it will serve a purpose today."
As Qian Daoliu spoke, his face bore a trace of reminiscence. If it weren't for Han Li's request, he might have forgotten he had such an item in his storage space.
"Bring her over. Perhaps this is fate; no one could be more suitable for this soul bone. Even though I, the owner, don't know what part of the body this soul bone corresponds to, it undoubtedly carries a strong bear-type soul beast aura. It's perfect for this experiment."
After a moment, Qian Daoliu emerged from his memories and looked at the eager Han Li.
"Alright, Grand Worship."
Han Li quickly led Sister Xiu'er closer to Qian Daoliu, his eyes full of encouragement.
Qian Daoliu glanced at Xiu'er, and a flash of white light enveloped her as his soul power guided the soul bone toward her.
The moment the soul bone touched her, Xiu'er, who had been trying to meditate with her eyes closed, felt a sharp contraction in her heart and then lost consciousness.
Han Li nervously held the collapsing Xiu'er, seeing her frown as if in pain. He looked up at Qiandaoliu, about to speak, when he heard Qian Daoliu exclaim "Huh" and increase the infusion of his divine power.
"Don't worry, she's fine. She's benefiting from this. Your idea worked, but it might also be a coincidence. This soul bone corresponds to a heart position, which has never appeared before. By a stroke of luck, her internal soul power has started to flow. They are now merging, and once she wakes up, she can start cultivating."
Seeing Han Li still wanting to say something, Qian Daoliu added proactively.
"That's good, that's good."
Finally relieved, Han Li sat on the ground, smiling at the unconscious Xiu'er in his arms.
After five minutes, Qian Daoliu withdrew his protective soul power, and Xiu'er's frown relaxed. Her complexion looked healthy, and Han Li, closest to her, could hear her heartbeat.
"In another five minutes, she should wake up. Don't worry."
Qian Daoliu first reassured Han Li, then looked at him sternly. "Don't attempt this again. This success was partly due to luck. If it were someone else, another soul bone, or without my protection, she could have died on the spot."
Qian Daoliu deliberately exaggerated the danger. This boy was too daring, and he knew, in reality, that this experiment had succeeded.
If it were a different soul bone, success could be achieved even under the care of a Soul Emperor. But this method, without widespread applicability, needn't be made public. Even a ten-year soul bone represents significant wealth, and semi-awakened individuals are exceedingly rare.
Moreover, he could confirm that even if others succeeded similarly, their soul power levels wouldn't be very high. Therefore, there was no need to disclose this information.
Han Li, feeling a chill of fear, tightened his hold on Xiu'er and decisively replied, "Rest assured, Grand Worship, there will be no next time. I only have one Sister Xiu'er."
Qian Daoliu nodded and spoke again, "This experiment holds considerable significance for the Martial Soul Hall, so it won't count against your request. The promise I made to you still stands."
With that, he closed his eyes, signaling he was done communicating.
Han Li wanted to say something, but Guang Ling came over and covered his mouth, giving him a threatening look to keep quiet.
Helpless, Han Li nodded, though he muttered internally that he wasn't going to refuse. He was going to say, "Thank you, Grand Worship." It seemed his teacher still didn't fully understand him.
He and Guang Ling started chatting quietly, neither noticing that Qian Daoliu, with his eyes closed, had a slight smile on his lips, which quickly vanished. Such emotionally driven individuals would be the best support for Xue'er in the future.
As Qian Daoliu had said, a little over five minutes later, Xiu'er woke up, clearly feeling the flow of soul power within her. Little golden droplets fell again.
After crying for a while and noticing the smiles on the Worship around her, she shyly climbed out of Han Li's embrace, respectfully bowed to the Worships, and then ran back behind Han Li.
"Test your soul power."
Azure Luan thoughtfully handed over a soul-power-testing crystal ball. Han Li gave him a grateful look, realizing he had forgotten to prepare such an essential tool.
"Here, Sister Xiu'er, test your soul power level."
Han Li took the crystal ball and placed it in Xiu'er's hands. A blue light shone, and the crystal ball emitted a considerable glow.
"Level eight."
Han Li exclaimed in surprise. This was much higher than he had expected. At that moment, he also noticed that Xiu'er's previously brown ears had somehow turned crystal-colored, shimmering with various colors in the light. It must be due to the Crystal Bear's heart soul bone.
"Your martial soul has evolved into a Crystal Bear, with innate soul power at level eight. Sister Xiu'er, you can be considered a genius across the entire continent." Han Li praised her without reservation, feeling very happy.
"Mm."
Xiu'er gave a sweet smile in response to Han Li's happiness, without sharing his excitement. She didn't care about the level; it was all thanks to Jan Li.
"Sister Xiu'er, try to retract your martial soul," Han Li continued to instruct.
Obediently, Xiu'er closed her eyes. After a while, she opened them in frustration and said softly, "Xiao Li, I let you down. I can do everything else you said, but it seems I can't retract my ears."
"Hmm? That's a good thing!"
Han Li blurted out, then noticed the Worships looking at him as if he were a pervert. He gave a sheepish smile and held Xiu'er's hand. "Sister Xiu'er, don't misunderstand. I meant that I like girls with animal ears."
Immediately, he felt like slapping himself. Sure enough, the Worships' gazes became even stranger, and even the eavesdropping Qian Daoliu's mouth twitched.
Xiu'er's face turned beet red, and she kept her head down, not daring to look at him. In an even softer voice, she said, "As long as you like it, Xiao Li, I don't mind."
No need to explain further. How did he accidentally blurt out his true feelings? Han Li looked up at the sky, speechless.