"Feng Long slipped out into the quiet darkness of the academy grounds, his mind focused on the path that lay ahead. With each step, the cool night air whispered through the trees, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. He moved silently, the moon casting soft shadows that danced around him.
Approaching Du Boqin's accommodation, Feng Long took a deep breath and steadied his nerves. Using his soul power, he pried into the room and saw Du Boqin immersed in stabilizing his soul cultivation. The gentle hum of energy filled the space, a testament to Du Boqin's dedication and strength. Feng Long hid his presence, blending into the shadows with his spiritual strength, and slipped away unnoticed.
Navigating through the academy grounds, Feng Long reached the edge of Shrek City. The quiet of the night began to fade as he approached the city's night market, a renowned hub of activity even in the late hours. The transition was striking—where the academy was serene and silent, the marketplace was alive with energy.
The night market of Shrek City was a spectacle to behold. Lanterns of various colors hung overhead, casting a warm, inviting glow on the cobblestone streets. Stalls lined the pathways, each one brimming with exotic goods and tantalizing aromas.
Despite the bustling activity, Feng Long's focus remained sharp. He was here for a reason, and the allure of the night market was merely a backdrop to his quest.
As he turned a corner, he spotted an elderly map seller with a small, yet well-organized stall.
"Excuse me, sir," Feng Long began, "Could you tell me how to get to the Ice Jade Forest?"
The old man looked at him thoughtfully. "The Ice Jade Forest, eh? A dangerous place, that is. Are you sure you want to go there?"
Feng Long nodded resolutely. "Yes, I have to. It's crucial for my training."
The map seller nodded. "Very well. You should take the Soul-Guiding Train to get there. It's the quickest and safest way to travel such a long distance. Head to the train station here in Shrek City and look for the train heading to the far north."
He pointed in the direction of the train station. "Once you board the train, it will take you through several stops, eventually reaching the northern border of the Tianhun Empire. You'll know you're close when the landscape starts to change to a wintry scene, covered in snow and ice. That's where the Ice Jade Forest begins. The train ride will take you most of the way, but you'll still need to travel a bit on foot to reach the forest itself."
He paused, then continued, "Once you reach the northern border of the Tianhun Empire, you'll start to notice a drastic change in the climate. The temperature will drop significantly. The forest itself is mystical and treacherous, filled with danger all around. Be prepared for a tough battle once you enter."
The old man gave Feng Long a serious look. "The Ice Jade Forest is mainly filled with powerful ice-type soul beasts. Make sure you're well-prepared."
Feng Long thanked the old man, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Thank you for the directions. I will be careful."
The old man gave him a stern look. "Stay alert and trust your instincts. The Ice Jade Forest is no place for the faint-hearted. Good luck, young soul master."
With those words echoing in his mind, Feng Long set off on his journey to the Ice Jade Forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He quickly purchased a ticket and boarded the Soul-Guiding Train heading north. As the train chugged away from Shrek City, he found a quiet compartment and settled in, the rhythmic motion of the train lulling him into a state of contemplation. The moonlight outside gradually gave way to the soft hues of dawn, casting a serene light over the passing landscape.
Meanwhile, back at the academy, the first light of morning crept through the windows. Du Boqin, having completed his cultivation for the night, stretched and decided to check on Feng Long. He made his way to Feng Long's chamber, only to find it empty.
A neatly folded letter lay on the bed. Du Boqin picked it up and unfolded it, his eyes scanning the brief message: "Going on a hunt for three weeks, keep your promise."
Du Boqin sighed, a mix of concern and admiration crossing his face. "Always so determined," he muttered to himself.
Du Boqin carefully refolded the letter and placed it back on the bed, knowing that Feng Long was on a critical journey. With a renewed sense of responsibility, he turned and left the room, ready to uphold his promise in Feng Long's absence.
As the train continued its journey north, Feng Long's anticipation grew. He watched the landscape change gradually, the greenery giving way to snow-covered fields and icy forests. The train's whistle echoed through the cold air, marking the approach to the northern border of the Tianhun Empire.
Feng Long knew his destination was near, and with a determined heart, he prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead in the Ice Jade Forest.
After five days of travel aboard the Soul-Guiding Train, Feng Long reached the northern border of the Tianhun Empire. Stepping off the train, he felt a noticeable drop in temperature as he prepared to journey on foot towards the Ice Jade Forest. Pulling out a compact soul-guiding tool he had meticulously crafted back at Shrek Academy, Feng Long activated it with a surge of soul power.
The tool hummed to life, enhancing his ice-skating abilities. It transformed the soles of his shoes into sleek, gliding surfaces that allowed him to move swiftly and gracefully over the snow-covered ground. Feng Long's soul energy, a manifestation of his soul cultivation, resonated with the tool, granting him unparalleled control and speed in icy environments.
As he ventured deeper into the northern reaches, the landscape transformed into a pristine white expanse dotted with occasional clusters of frost-covered trees. The air grew colder with each passing mile, a stark contrast to the temperate climates he was accustomed to.
After a full day of swift travel northward on his gliding tool, Feng Long noticed a curious absence of soul beasts in the surrounding area. In other regions, soul beasts of varying strengths and types would have been common, but here, the eerie silence spoke volumes. It was as if the natural inhabitants of the land sensed something ominous about the Ice Jade Forest and chose to keep their distance.
In a gentle yet firm voice that echoed in Feng's mind, Guardian Shu cautioned, "Be careful, Feng long. The absence of soul beasts here is no coincidence. They sense a disturbance, a presence they fear. This silence speaks volumes about the peril that lurks within these icy depths."
(With Guardian Shu's warning echoing in his thoughts, Feng Long prepared himself)
Feng Long tightened his grip on his gliding tool, his senses heightened as he continued onward. He knew from the advice of the map seller that the real challenges lay ahead, within the depths of the Ice Jade Forest itself. With each moment that passed, his anticipation mingled with a cautious apprehension, ready to face whatever trials awaited him in this mystical and treacherous realm.
As Feng Long continued his journey northward on his gliding tool through the icy landscape, he suddenly spotted a commotion ahead. A herd of millennium ferocious soul beasts had gathered, their attention fixed on a remarkable sight—a 45,000-year-old Crystal Caterpillar desperately fleeing for its life.
The crystal caterpillar's body shimmered with fear, its delicate crystalline form contrasting sharply against the predatory ferocity of its pursuers. These ferocious soul beasts were known for their insatiable hunger for spiritual attribute beasts, consuming them to enhance their own cultivation.
(This relentless pursuit was likely contributing to the scarcity of spiritual soul beasts in the region)
Normally, a soul beast of such age would pose an insurmountable challenge, even for titled Douluo. However, the Crystal Caterpillar possessed a rare spiritual attribute, rendering it physically weaker compared to a ferocious soul beast.
(Soul beasts with spiritual attributes could exhaust their soul power quickly, limiting their ability to engage multiple enemies simultaneously—a critical weakness that balanced their extraordinary spiritual abilities)
Feng Long's mind raced with the implications of this encounter. He recalled a similar situation in the past where he had triumphed over a 30,000-year-old Emperor Phantom Spider due to its spiritual attribute. Despite being a mere Soul Scholar at the time, Feng Long's exceptional physical strength had enabled him to match a Soul Elder's prowess in combat.
Watching the Crystal Caterpillar dodge and weave through the ferocious soul beasts, Feng Long made a swift decision. Drawing on his soul power and the enhanced agility provided by his soul-guiding gliding tool, he descended swiftly towards the chaotic scene.
With a decisive motion, Feng Long leaped into action. His gliding tool carried him swiftly towards the herd of ferocious soul beasts, his eyes fixed on the largest and most aggressive among them. Channeling his soul power, Feng unleashed a barrage of punch, utilizing his Body Sect techniques to their fullest extent defeating the beast.
Guardian Shu, in his ethereal form, sighed deeply, shaking his incorporeal head. "Feng Long, must you charge in like a raging bull every time?"
Feng Long paused after the barrage of punch, looking somewhat sheepish as he faced Guardian Shu's disapproving gaze. "But Guardian Shu, isn't that how they do it in Body Sect? Vigorous and direct!"
Guardian Shu floated closer, his voice now tinged with exasperation. "Yes, Feng Long, but remember, You can't break through problems with your fists alone; sometimes, a little finesse and strategy go a long way!"
Feng Long scratched his head, nodding reluctantly. "I guess I got carried away. Sorry, Guardian Shu."
(Feng Long released his Jade Eyes. Patterns started appearing on his forehead and below his eyes. Feng Long's jade green eyes started shining greenish-gray)
Feng Long's initial strategy involved using his Jade Eyes to launch a Soul Shock attack, aiming directly at the soul of the nearest ferocious soul beast. This attack unleashed waves of spiritual power, disturbing the energy flow within the creature's body and impairing its ability to channel soul power effectively. Three of the soul beasts were immediately disabled, while others staggered, momentarily weakened by the unexpected assault.
With precise movements honed through two years of training and duel, Feng Long positioned himself between the weakened Crystal Caterpillar and its pursuers. The ferocious soul beasts hesitated momentarily, sensing the aura of determination and strength emanating from this unexpected interloper.
But Feng Long's advantage was short-lived, as the ferocious soul beasts quickly recovered from the initial shock and regrouped, roaring ferociously. Claws and fangs bared, they launched themselves at Feng Long in a coordinated assault.
Feng Long fought with unwavering focus and precision, exploiting the weaknesses of each opponent while protecting himself from their relentless assaults. His movements were fluid and controlled, each strike calculated to maximize efficiency and minimize his own expenditure of energy.
The ferocious soul beasts, momentarily taken aback by Feng Long's unexpected tactical prowess, attempted to regroup and launch a coordinated attack. However, Feng Long's agility and combat experience with Body Sect techniques allowed him to maintain the upper hand, swiftly neutralizing each threat one by one.
As the battle raged on, Feng Long's determination never wavered. With each opponent he defeated, he drew closer to securing the the Crystal Caterpillar for his second soul ring. The ferocious soul beasts, driven by their hunger for spiritual power, pushed him to his limits, but Feng Long remained steadfast in his resolve.
With a final, decisive strike, Feng Long incapacitated the last of the ferocious soul beasts. He stood amidst the snow-covered battlefield, heaving slightly with exertion but victorious in securing the Crystal Caterpillar for his second soul ring.
Standing amidst the aftermath, his chest heaving with exertion yet heart soaring with victory, Feng Long gazed down at the Crystal Caterpillar lying at his feet. Its iridescent body shimmered even in its near-death state, a cherished prize marking his acquisition of a second soul ring.
As Feng Long caught his breath, Guardian Shu's voice resonated urgently in his mind, a gentle yet insistent presence. "Quickly, Feng Long," Shu urged, "secure the Crystal Caterpillar's soul ring. The Ice Jade Forest remains fraught with unseen dangers."
Without hesitation, Feng Long knelt beside the weak creature, activating his external soul bone, the Eight Spider's Spiritual Legs, which sprang forth from his vertebrae with a shimmering silver light. With practiced precision, he invoked the skill 'Mind Poison', channeling his soul energy to induce a subtle poison that would weaken the Crystal Caterpillar's defenses and take its life.
As the black-tinted soul ring began to materialize above the creature, Feng Long focused his concentration, drawing upon his training and connection with Guardian Shu. With each passing moment, the soul ring's essence flowed into him, merging with his Martial soul. The cold forest seemed to hold its breath, as if acknowledging the sacred ritual unfolding amidst its icy depths.
After some time, the soul ring began to stabilize, and soon the black-tinted soul ring transformed into a jade-green soul ring. Later on, the old man asked Feng Long to enter his spiritual sea.
As soon as Feng entered his spiritual sea, old man Shu began strengthening the crystal caterpillar's soul ring to the limit of Feng Long's spiritual strength. The soul ring began evolving, as its soul age increased to the limit.
(Guardian Shu began strengthening Feng's first soul ring 'Soul Shock' to the limit as well)
In that tranquil yet charged moment, Feng Long completed the absorption, the soul ring's power infusing his Jade Eyes with renewed vigor and heightened abilities. Rising to his feet, he exhaled deeply, a mixture of relief and readiness coursing through him.
(With Guardian Shu's guidance, Feng had secured vital asset for his growth prepared for whatever unseen dangers lay ahead)
Feng Long still couldn't determine the exact age his soul ring had increased by, given its jade-green color, but he could tell both of his soul ring had been substantially upgraded.
(After acquiring his second soul ring, Feng immediately started to study this new ability)
This soul ring ability was named 'Deception', with which Feng Long could alter his aura and appearance to mimic someone or something.
Inside the spiritual sea, Grandpa Shu bore a thoughtful expression as he began to explain
"Feng Long, this soul ring isn't as simple as you think—it's a tool of deception."
He gestured towards the Jade green soul ring hovering around Feng Long, "You have the ability to alter the appearance of your soul ring by simply channeling your soul power, you can change their colors or even create phantom rings that mislead your foes. You don't have to hide your jade green soul ring from your Body sect anymore. Picture this—"
Grandpa Shu's eyes narrowed, a faint smile crossing his lips. "In battle, you might show a ring of fiery red, suggesting a fierce attack, only to switch it to a calming white or yellow at the last moment, veiling your true intentions. Your adversaries will be left guessing, unsure of your next move."
Feng Long listened intently, absorbing every word. "But that's not all," Grandpa Shu continued, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "With mastery, you can manipulate the very trajectory of your attacks. A strike aimed at one opponent might appear to shift suddenly, targeting another. You become a master of illusion, weaving confusion among your enemies."
Guardian Shu instructed Feng "And that's just the beginning. Your ability to blend into your surroundings, akin to a chameleon, enhances your stealth. With each step forward in your training, this radius of deception will expand. Soon, even the keenest eyes will struggle to discern your true position."
Feng Long nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. Grandpa Shu's teachings opened up new avenues for him, turning deception into a formidable weapon. "Thank you, Grandpa Shu," he said respectfully. "I will train diligently to harness these abilities to their fullest."
Grandpa Shu nodded approvingly. "Remember, Feng Long, true mastery lies not only in power but in the art of surprise. Deceive wisely, and you will always hold the upper hand."
Feng Long paused for a moment, reflecting on how he would integrate his newly acquired deception soul skill into his combat techniques—an ability that would profoundly influence his fighting style in the days to come.
Feng Long felt a surge of soul power course through him, marking his ascent to the rank of Soul Grandmaster. His physical strength could now rival that of a soul ancestors realm practitioner. Overwhelmed with joy and newfound strength, he celebrated amidst the serene yet perilous forest, where ferocious beasts prowled.
As he reveled in his achievement, a distant scream shattered the tranquility. Feng Long's senses sharpened instantly, and he recognized the urgency in the girl's cry. Without hesitation, he dashed towards the source of the scream, his agile movements guided by instinct and his newfound mastery.
Pushing through the dense undergrowth, Feng Long soon reached a clearing where he found another herd of millennium ferocious soul beasts surrounding a young girl, trapped and defenseless. Her fear was palpable as she desperately tried to fend off the beasts, but they outnumbered and outmatched her.
Guardian Shu's voice echoed in Feng Long's mind, "Hide your aura and don't reveal your identity to anyone from now on, as you will act as a spy in the Riyue Empire two years from now. You can save her, but don't get attached to anyone until your mission is over."
With a swift surge of soul power, Feng Long leaped into action. His deceptive soul skills came into play as he masked his presence and approached unnoticed. In a blur of motion, he struck with precision, incapacitating the nearest beast with a series of calculated blows.
The remaining beasts turned towards Feng Long, their aggression escalating. Undeterred, he engaged them with strategic maneuvers and decisive strikes, utilizing his enhanced abilities to protect the girl and neutralize the threats swiftly.
In moments that felt like an eternity, Feng Long subdued the last of the soul beasts. Panting slightly from exertion but fueled by adrenaline, he turned to the girl, who looked at him with a mix of gratitude and awe.
Feng Long's face was a blur as he had used his new soul skill to disguise his appearance, as Guardian Shu had suggested.
[I AM SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS SERIES WILL NOT COMMENCE FURTHER]
The world building by tang jian san i.e (soul land author) is too complex for me. I wanted to create a huge project but the research on the continent and his previous work is too complex. So,I am going to try building my own world and create a brand new novel in the future when I get an inspiration of what I truly want to create. Once the new world is fully planned out I will begin pumping out loads and loads of content but for this work I don't have any plans at all. Thank you for your time.