Feng Long couldn't determine the exact age his soul ring had increased by, given its jade-green color, but he could tell it had been substantially upgraded.
Inside the Spirit Sea, Feng asked, "Grandpa Shu, what soul beast should we capture next for my spirit body?"
The old man replied, "You won't be adding any soul ring to your second spirit body right now."
Feng Long asked again, "So when will I add the soul ring to my spirit body then?"
The old man smacked Feng Long on the head and told him not to ask too many questions. He instructed Feng to begin walking towards a more populated place quickly, as it would soon be dark.
Feng Long asked once more, "Which way should I go, Grandpa?"
His grandpa replied, "Whichever path you take, it will lead to your destiny."
Feng Long headed northeast and after walking continuously for about three hours, he finally spotted a group of people clad in intricately designed armor marching through a dense forest. It was evident they were soldiers from a prestigious empire, and their camp must have been nearby.
The soldiers wore uniforms that symbolized the empire's cultural heritage, featuring ornate armor, vibrant colors, and unique insignia denoting their rank and unit.
Feng Long stealthily followed them and after some time, observed them returning to their camp.
Feng noticed the soldiers carried a variety of weapons such as swords, spears, and crossbows. Some elite-looking soldiers wielded more sophisticated weaponry with sleek, metallic components and glowing, crystalline parts, blending futuristic technology with magical craftsmanship.
These weapons fascinated Feng Long, prompting him to closely examine the armor and appraise what appeared to be soul-guiding weapons. Feng long soon found the armory of the camp and began to study these weapon closely.
Feng long found out that these artifacts could significantly enhance a soul master's combat abilities by channeling their soul power in various forms.
(Intrigued by these technologies, Feng Long spent considerable time appraising them, gaining a general understanding of their composition.
Soul-guiding weapons were crafted using advanced techniques and materials, often incorporating rare metals and enchanted crystals. They were elegantly adorned with intricate engravings or runes that glowed when activated, attuned to their wielder's soul to amplify combat effectiveness. These weapons allowed precise control over soul energy, enabling soul masters to unleash elemental attacks or enhance their strikes.
There were primarily three types of soul-guiding weapons: soul-guiding staffs, soul-guiding swords, and soul-guiding cannons.)
Feng Long wanted to linger and appreciate these weapons, but upon hearing approaching soldiers, he quickly grabbed some spare soldier garment and stealthily made his way out of the armory toward the camp's exit, which was over a hundred meters away.
Finally, Feng Long managed to escape from the army camp.
Feng asked his grandfather, "Grandpa, do you know how to make those impressive soul-guiding weapons?"
The old man replied dismissively, "Those gadgets are nothing but children's toys. My runes alone are enough to slay a god; what use are those things?"
Feng Long disagreed, stating that those tools were cooler than his grandpa's runes. His grandpa started throwing a tantrum upon hearing such blatant disrespect.
Feng Long declared that in the future, he would invent a soul-guiding tool capable of easily slaying a god. The old man scoffed at Feng's ambitious claim, teasing him for wishful thinking, and proposed a bet: if Feng couldn't achieve this feat, he would agree to always listen to his grandpa without disagreement.
Feng agreed to the bet on the condition that the old man would finally reveal information about his parents. After some thought, the old man nodded and agreed to Feng's terms.
As night fell, a bustling village appeared not far away, bustling with a variety of shops and food vendors.
(Feng Long couldn't help but salivate uncontrollably at the tantalizing aroma of the food.)
The old man instructed Feng Long to retrieve some gold coins and a storage bag from the treasury. Feng closed his eyes once more, and a jade-green glow appeared between his brows. Suddenly, over a thousand gold coins and a worn-out bag materialized out of thin air. Feng began to gather the coins into the bag.
Swiftly, Feng Long began to sweep through every food vendor in his sight and rummaged through every food menu.
After two hours, he finally felt satiated and booked a room at one of the popular inns. While listening to travelers conversing with alcohol in hand, Feng Long found out that the empire he was in was named the Xingluo Empire, and they were near the border between the Xingluo Empire and the Riyue Empire.
Feng long ordered more alcohol for the traveller to obtain more information.
(The Riyue continent arrived in the Douluo continent from the west around 1000 years ago. The Riyue Empire, hailing from the Riyue continent, immediately went to war with the Douluo continent. Initially, the Riyue Empire held an advantage with their highly advanced soul-guiding tools, shifting the early stages of the war in their favor. However, the Douluo continent possessed more powerful soul masters and a larger army than the Riyue Empire. Additionally, the Tang Sect's hidden weapons, which did not require soul power and could be used even by common soldiers, further bolstered their defense.
Ultimately, the Douluo coalition, aided by the Tang Sect, managed to defeat the Riyue Empire, albeit with significant losses on both sides. Following their defeat, the Riyue Empire's movements were closely monitored, and their military activities were restricted by the Douluo coalition. Subsequently, the Riyue continent ceased to exist, and only the Riyue Empire was recognized as part of the Douluo continent.)
After a thousand years, the Riyue Empire began to revolt, focusing on inventing more powerful soul-guiding tools. Upon learning of this development, the Xianglou Empire took action by patrolling and safeguarding the border against potential infiltration or attacks from the Riyue Empire, alongside other empires and renowned sects.
Feng Long, after hours of gathering information, retired to his room and slept like a log throughout the night.
Feng Long extended his stay at the inn for three more days.
During the next two days, he made new friends around his age from the village. Feng wandered around the marketplace and purchased a bunch of high-quality dresses that fit him well.
Feng then began gathering information about soul beasts and their habitats, while also learning about the various powerhouses in the continent. Feng also discovered details about different sects and academies that play significant roles in the cultivation and training of soul masters. These sects typically teach a variety of subjects and skills related to soul mastery, martial arts, weaponry, and tools, among others, to their disciples from a very young age.
The next morning, there was a lot of turmoil in the settlement. Panic spread like wildfire as villagers realized that war had erupted suddenly and unexpectedly.
Feng Long opened his eyes due to the havoc in the early morning. Chaos ensued as people scrambled to gather their belongings and loved ones. Frantic cries filled the air as families rushed to secure their homes & flee to safety.
In the marketplace, stalls are overturned, goods abandoned as vendors hastily close shops and join the evacuation. Children cry out, clinging to their parents' sides, bewildered by the sudden upheaval. Elderly residents struggle to keep pace, their faces etched with worry and disbelief.
(The once-bustling village streets become choked with fleeing villagers, carts laden with hastily packed possessions, and livestock driven by anxious farmers. Smoke rises in the distance, a grim reminder of the approaching conflict. Fear and uncertainty grip the community as they navigate makeshift escape routes, guided by instinct and the desperate hope of finding refuge from the unfolding turmoil.)
Amidst the chaos, Feng Long was enraged by the sight of his friends crying and leaving their homes due to the war caused by the Riyue Empire. He vowed to one day erase the Riyue Empire from the face of the Douluo continent.
Seeing Feng Long in this state saddened the old guardian. Old man Shu tried to encourage Feng and hoped that he would understand how the world works. "Feng Long, this is the truth: the weak are always trampled upon by the strong. If you want to save the weak ones, you have to be stronger than any enemy you may face in the future."
Feng long began contemplating while sitting in the ground with a murderous aura in his eyes.
In that instant, from the eastern horizon, over 300 Soul Emperors, 100 Soul Saints, 40 Soul Douluo, and 14 Titled Douluo began descending upon the desolate village, soaring through the skies.
(The soul emperor immediately started evacuating the villagers as the war ensued.)
Among the 14 Titled Douluo, one started staring at Feng Long with curious eyes.
(Feng Long noticed this and immediately began evacuating along with the refugee.)
After evacuating for more than half a day Feng long could see a giant royal blue dragon flag from the mountain below.
(As he climbed the mountain along with other refugees he saw a formidable stronghold, strategically positioned and heavily fortified. It was the xianglou empires army base that served as a crucial center for military operations, housing a large number of troops and advanced weaponry.
The base had imposing architecture, extensive training grounds, and facilities for both soldiers and commanders. It played a pivotal role in the empire's defense and expansion efforts, reflecting its status as a key military asset)
Feng Long, along with the surviving refugees, sighed a huge sigh of relief after entering the military stronghold.
However, upon entering, everyone had to undergo an identity verification procedure, as spies from the Riyue Empire could enter disguised as refugees.
(There had been substantial changes in xingluo empire ever since an emperor other than one surnamed 'Dai' had ruled the empire. This influenced the empires culture, politics, development, and military strategy. The Xingluo Empire was developing rapidly.)
The other villagers all answered the questions and had their identity plaques checked.
Finally, it was Feng Long's turn, as he did not have an identity plaque. Feng Long was apprehended because his identity was not clear.
(As he was being brought to the interrogation room for further investigation, he bid farewell to the villagers and his new friends.)
In the interrogation room, when asked about his origin sweat beaded on Feng Long's forehead despite the cool room temperature, a testament to his mounting anxiety.
(His heart pounded loudly in his chest, its rhythm betraying his outward calm demeanor as even Feng long himself didn't know his origin. Every question posed felt like a trap closing in on him, and each answer needed to be carefully calculated to conceal rather than reveal.)
Feng Long began to curse at old man Shu because he hadn't told him where he was from.
Old Shu started making excuses, saying, 'Young people nowadays don't know how to respect their elders,' and went on for more than fifteen minutes.
Feng Long started to get annoyed from the nagging and shouted at the old man, "Shut up! If you don't want to tell me, then don't, but keep quiet. I can't even ignore you by closing my ears because it's coming straight from my brain."
Later, Feng Long was arrested by the empire soldiers because he didn't have an identity plaque or anyone to vouch for him.
Inside the jail, Feng Long started to complain, 'Ultimate destiny and all that, what's the use when I'm trapped in a 2x2 cell all alone? I think even a black cat has better luck than me. What terrible luck!... Blah blah...' After more than an hour of fuss, the old man had reached his end's rope and shouted, 'Shut up!! You are even more petty than me!'
Feng Long smirks and says, 'Mission accomplished,' in a low voice. The old guardian replied, 'I heard that.'
After three days, one of the military chief suddenly comes and unlocks the cell door with trembling hand. In a timid tone asks Feng long to come out of the cell. The guard then with an utmost respect takes Feng long outside the prison ward.
Feng long asks himself " what's going on?" The old man inside spiritual sea replies in a pretentious tone "fateful encounter what else" soon, the both of them reach towards the administration hall.
Inside the administrative hall, there were the general, lieutenant, and colonel, all notable and prominent figures of the military stronghold. All of them were sweating from their bald heads.
Among these timid military personnel, there appeared to be a familiar person sitting in the general's seat in a relaxed manner. The military chief asked this familiar-looking figure in an anxious tone, 'Du Bojing sir, Is he the one you were looking for?'
Inside the spiritual sea, 'Du Bojing? I think I have heard this name,' Feng Long asked the old guardian if he remembered, to which Old Shu answered, 'Body Sect Master.'
Feng Long's eyes widened as he exclaimed, 'Oh yes!'
(The familiar-looking person had a robust and imposing stature, with a commanding presence that exuded an aura of authority and strength. His face was sharp, complemented by piercing eyes that reflected his intelligence and determination. His attire consisted of traditional martial robes.)
Ah! Feng Long remembered where he had seen the familiar-looking person.
Feng Long had seen him among the 14 Titled Douluo, the one who had been staring at Feng Long with curious eyes.
Sect Master Du Bojing ordered everyone except Feng Long to exit the room. After everyone had left, Du Bojing sealed the room with his soul and spiritual energy to prevent others from spying.
Then, Du Bojing began inspecting Feng Long's body without consent, his expression filled with curiosity. Sensing Feng Long's discomfort, the sect master apologized for his actions.
Feng Long was astonished at Du Bojing's thoughtfulness despite his commanding presence.
Du Bojing asked Feng Long, "Do you possess a spirit body?"
Feng Long replied, "How did you know?" Du Bojing released his martial soul, which also was a spirit body like Feng Long's.
In disbelief, Feng Long confirmed that he also possessed a spirit body along with spirit eyes.
In astonishment, Sect Master Du exclaimed his excitement by hugging Feng Long tightly and jumping around.
Feng Long, unable to breathe, began tapping Du Bojing's shoulder rapidly like a rabbit. The old guardian laughed hysterically at the sight of his grandson but stopped after a while, reminiscing about a distant past.
Du Bojing released Feng Long from his shoulders and placed him on the ground. Sect Master Du asked Feng, "Where are your Guardians?" to which Feng showed a grim expression.
Du Bojing immediately understood the situation and asked Feng again with anticipation, "Do you want to come with me?" to which Feng Long agreed immediately.
Du Bojing, with a blissful expression, smiled and carried Feng Long, supporting his weight with one arm, and stepped outside the room. Du Bojing thanked the commander and lieutenants with enthusiasm, "Thank you for your service."
(The commander and other personnel were astonished at what had just transpired. The Body Sect's master, who was said to be harder to please than even the emperor across the entire continent, was thanking them for complying with a simple request in an enthusiastic tone. No one could comprehend what had just occurred right then.)
The Body Sect master, Du Bojing, was grinning from ear to ear as he took Feng Long with him outside the military training field.
The sect master asked Feng Long, "Are you scared of heights?"
Feng replied proudly, "No heights can scare me."
The sect master caught Feng Long by his neck like a lost puppy. With a deep breath, Du Bojing activated the device behind his back, feeling a surge of soul energy resonate through his body. The tool hummed to life, emitting a soft glow as intricate runes illuminated its surface. A faint force field enveloped the sect master, lifting him gently off the ground.
The sect master began adjusting the flight soul-guiding tool upwards towards the open sky. Feng Long's heart raced with anticipation as he gradually ascended, the wind whipping past him, exhilaration mixing with nerves.
As Feng soared higher, he marveled at the military camp sprawling beneath him, its rooftops and soldiers now mere specks. Below, the friends Feng had made pointed and cheered at the spectacle of him flying.
(Feng Long began admiring the soul-guiding tool more and more.)
After leaving the parameters of the military camp, Du Bojing maneuvered deftly around tall mountains.
As both of them were flying, Feng Long asked, "Aren't you a Titled Douluo?"
Sect Master Du replied, "Yes. And?"
Feng Long asked again, "Then why use a soul-guiding tool? Can't you just fly?"
Du Bojing replied, "The flying soul-guiding tool is useful for long-distance travel because it draws on soul energy to function, but it doesn't consume the soul energy itself. Instead, it amplifies the energy to enable flight, which helps conserve energy."
(Feng Long snorted at Old Man Shu and began praising the invention of soul-guiding tools.)
Feng Long then started asking questions about soul tools to Sect Master Du. Sect Master Du Bojing began explaining the history of soul-guiding tools on the Douluo Continent.
At first, there were only storage soul-guiding tools, but after the Riyue Empire arrived a thousand years ago on the Douluo Continent, everything changed.
Their soul-guiding tools were more advanced, which is why they could kill more than five of our clan's Titled Douluo masters along with twenty of our clan's student members.
The sect master's face darkened, but he continued explaining, "Although soul-guiding tools were invented by the Riyue Empire, most of our Body Sect members have a prejudice against soul-guiding weapons because we consider them cowardly. However, almost all of our sect members use soul-guiding tools for flight, storage, and transportation because they existed even before the invasion by the Riyue Empire."