Some days had passed since the awakening of my Martial Soul.
"Defense Talisman: check. Shield Talisman: check. Speed Talisman: check. Teleportation Talisman: check. Illusion Talisman: check. Fireball, Ice, and Electric Talismans: check. Terrain Manipulation Talisman: check."
Almost 100 physical talismans were stored in my spiritual sea, all of them Genuine Creator level (third rank). With this arsenal, I could handle Spirit Masters as strong as level 39.
Since these are third-rank physical talismans, they have a shelf life of up to eight years without use, which allowed me to craft and stockpile a significant quantity. Thanks to the knowledge gained from the "Grand Talisman Formation" reward and the Xiantian energy, I managed to surpass my spiritual talisman creation capabilities by one rank and my physical talisman creation by two ranks.
This way, I have at least a basic guarantee of safety in this world.
But why so many talismans? Simple: I'm heading out to obtain my first Soul Ring.
Normally, the royal family's first three Soul Rings come from a standard Soul Beast raised in captivity. However, I was informed that the Sharp Toothed White Tigers traditionally used are sick. Their age has regressed to only 100–150 years, far below the ideal 423 years for a first Soul Ring.
Accepting a Soul Ring with such low age would be inadmissible for a prince. I was given two options: find a new Soul Beast in the Star Dou Forest or wait for the birth of a new Sharp Toothed White Tiger that could reach 400 years of age.
It was chaos convincing Teacher Qi not to cause a scandal at the breeding grounds. She was on the verge of a complete fury-filled meltdown.
I may not be a genius, but I'm no fool either. This was clearly orchestrated by my brothers. If I accepted an inferior Soul Ring or opted to wait, they would gain the upper hand. But if I chose to venture into the Star Dou Forest, it would create the perfect opportunity for them to act against me. A cruel maneuver.
The age guidelines for Soul Rings weren't invented by Yu Xiaogang; in the Star Luo Empire, they've existed for generations. I imagine the sects also have their own similar knowledge. I hold no grudges against Yu Xiaogang. I know he stole knowledge from the Spirit Hall and published it as his own. It was despicable, but he ended up benefiting the common people, even if that wasn't his intention. To me, he's just another person.
As for Tang San, I also see no reason to antagonize him. As long as he remains alive, he will draw the Spirit Hall's troubles onto himself — it's almost a protagonist's obligation. It would be even better if the entire continent plunged into a state of war, making the rise of the power I want to create simpler. I have a few ideas on how to push the continent toward conflict. In fact, most of the plans are solid and have a high chance of succeeding. But for now, I need to focus on my growth.
My decision to enter the Star Dou Forest is dangerous, but it aligns with my greater goal: to seek out a specific Soul Beast. Thanks to my Martial Soul's attribute, there's a unique possibility — a 1,000,000-year Soul Ring. There is a Soul Beast with the Soul attribute searching for a compatible Soul Master to become a sentient Soul Ring.
Sorry, Huo Yuhao, but this opportunity is mine. I promise that if I reach the peak, I'll make you my disciple.
The royal family's guards officially accompany me, but I don't trust them. That's why Teacher Qi and my elder sister Jiangqi are following me in secret, along with some trusted private forces.
The forest, with 60% of its area in the Star Luo Empire and the rest in the Heaven Dou Empire, had already swallowed us in its twilight. We set up a simple camp as night fell. The guards alternated in watch shifts.
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The forest was silent, shrouded in a somber aura that seemed to suffocate all sound.
It didn't take long for figures clad in black to emerge from the shadows, entering the small camp. Without hesitation, the guards greeted the newcomers and stepped aside, as if fully aware of what was about to happen.
The shadowy figures made their way directly to the largest tent — the royal prince's tent. Without hesitation, they unsheathed their swords and activated their Martial Souls before storming inside. However, upon entering, they were shocked to find it empty.
"Where's the prince?" one of them shouted, urgency and panic lacing their voice. "The guards confirmed he hadn't left the tent…" another said hesitantly.
Unbeknownst to them, several Talisman papers hidden under the bed ignited. Seconds later, a deafening explosion shook the area, obliterating the tent and drawing the attention of countless Soul Beasts in the forest.
From a safe distance, three figures watched the scene unfold.
"It's started," said the smallest figure, their childlike voice unnervingly calm as their red eyes with a single tomoe gleamed in the darkness. "The information was accurate. The eldest prince and the second prince sent forces to assassinate Young Master Bai," commented a feminine voice, tinged with anger.
"Thankfully, we made the necessary preparations. Our private forces should have successfully diverted the second prince's forces into conflict with the eldest prince," the older figure added, their tone carrying a hint of emotion.
Dai Mubai sighed. "I didn't expect my eldest brother, Dai Ming, to be in the Star Dou Forest today."
As of now, there were three heirs to the imperial throne:
Dai Ming, the eldest, 11 years old, with Innate Soul Power of 8.
Dai Weisi, the second, 9 years old, also with Innate Soul Power of 8.
And Dai Mubai, the youngest, 6 years old, with Innate Soul Power of 10.
Despite his age advantage, Dai Ming was a fool. Even in the original work, he met his end.
Normally, the heirs' identities should have remained a secret, but someone had leaked this information, making it public knowledge throughout the empire. To Dai Mubai, it was evident that the Spirit Hall had a hand in this. If Qian Renxue had infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire as a prince, it wouldn't be surprising if something similar was happening in the Star Luo Empire.
According to the information Teacher Qi gathered, the Spirit Hall had also made their move today. Some imperial guards were in the forest, clashing with Spirit Hall agents, even as the empire's strongest forces were tied up in conflict with the Spirit Hall.
As for Dai Weisi, he had shown prudence, listening to his advisors and avoiding the forest. But Dai Ming, stubborn and reckless, had ventured here to confront his brother in the midst of the empire's struggles with the Spirit Hall.
"Dai Mubai, don't think I don't know you're here!" a young but mature voice echoed through the forest, a bit distant from our current position.
We quickly approached the source of the voice, where we located a silver-haired, robust boy surrounded by two older men.
"Dai Ming, I didn't expect today to be our first meeting," Dai Mubai said calmly, emerging from behind the trees alongside two figures in black: Jiangqi and Teacher Qi.
"Today will be our first and last meeting!" Dai Ming shouted, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Everything has been planned for us to meet here. Today, I'll end your life and secure my position as heir to the throne. Martial Soul, Fusion!"
Dai Ming's aura exploded as he activated his Martial Soul. His already robust body became even larger, resembling that of a teenager.
"Teacher Qi, Sister Jiangqi, don't hesitate to use the Talismans I gave you," Dai Mubai whispered, his voice low and steady, audible only to them.
Then he raised his voice. "Martial Soul, Fusion!"
His body underwent a transformation similar to Dai Ming's, but his eyes shone with a vivid red glow, and his hair took on golden streaks instead of black.
"Young Master Bai, we trust you. Leave these two to us," declared Jiangqi, her voice firm as she summoned her Morningstar. She moved away, following one of the figures beside Dai Ming.
"Xiao Bai, be careful," Teacher Qi urged, also pursuing the other figure.
Dai Ming laughed arrogantly. "You're overly confident, Dai Mubai. Do you really think a Spirit Scholar like you has a chance against a level 23 Spirit Grand Master like me?" Dai Mubai simply stared at him, his eyes locked on his brother's.
"Coward! I'll tear you apart!" Dai Ming roared, charging toward him.
"Idiot," Dai Mubai murmured calmly. His eyes glowed intensely, and before Dai Ming even realized it, he had already fallen into an illusion.