News of Xin Tian's awakening and his 100,000-year spirit ring spread far beyond Spirit Hall's walls. As the days passed, the event became a topic of heated discussion across the Douluo Continent. Rival factions, royal families, and powerful sects all received reports detailing the prodigy's miraculous talents.
The Reactions Begin
Within the Star Luo Empire, the imperial court was in uproar.
"A child who awakened eleven martial souls? Impossible!" Emperor Dai Tian snarled, slamming his fist onto the armrest of his throne. "Are we expected to believe Spirit Hall harbors such a monster?"
One of his advisors stepped forward cautiously. "Your Majesty, the reports have been confirmed by multiple sources. This boy, Xin Tian, even absorbed a spirit ring that transformed into a 100,000-year ring."
The emperor's eyes darkened. "If Spirit Hall truly possesses such a figure, they will only grow more dangerous. Keep an eye on them. We must prepare for any moves they make."
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye sat quietly as Prince Xue Qinghe—Bibi Dong's undercover daughter, Qian Renxue—delivered the news.
"This child could become the cornerstone of Spirit Hall's dominance," Qian Renxue said, her tone measured. "If left unchecked, he may tip the balance of power across the continent."
Emperor Xue Ye frowned. "Then we must find a way to counter him. Use our resources wisely, Qinghe. Monitor his every move."
Qian Renxue nodded, a hidden smirk playing on her lips. Let them worry. Xin Tian's rise is inevitable, and it will only solidify Spirit Hall's supremacy.
Xin Tian's First Quest
Back in Spirit Hall, Xin Tian was summoned to the Grand Hall, where Qian Daoliu and several elders awaited. The atmosphere was tense but expectant.
"Xin Tian," Qian Daoliu began, "your awakening has brought great hope to Spirit Hall, but it has also drawn the eyes of our enemies. To solidify your position and Spirit Hall's power, you must undertake your first mission."
"What is the mission?" Xin Tian asked calmly.
"You will travel to the nearby Spirit Beast Forest and eliminate a rogue faction of spirit masters who have been interfering with our operations. This will be your first step in showing the continent the might of the Celestial Arbiter."
Xin Tian nodded. "Consider it done."
Preparation and System Assistance
Before setting out, Xin Tian reviewed his system panel once again.
[System Panel Update]
• Current Quest:
o Title: The Heavens' Arbiter
o Objective: Subjugate the rogue faction in the Spirit Beast Forest.
o Rewards: Access to Celestial Bow Martial Soul and Divine Insight Orb.
The system provided additional rewards for the mission:
• Weapon Unlocked: Heavenly Bow (Linked to Celestial Bow Martial Soul).
• Passive Ability: Divine Precision – Enhances accuracy and attack power with ranged abilities.
Xin Tian smirked. The system's support made him feel unstoppable.
Into the Forest
The Spirit Beast Forest was dense and teeming with danger. Xin Tian moved swiftly, his senses heightened. Using his Void Walker martial soul, he concealed his presence, blending seamlessly into the shadows.
It didn't take long to locate the rogue faction. A group of twenty spirit masters had set up camp deep in the forest, their leader a Rank 50 Spirit King known for his cruelty.
"Spread out," the leader barked to his men. "Spirit Hall won't sit idle after what we've done, so stay alert!"
Xin Tian observed them from a distance. He activated the Divine Dragon Soul, its golden glow momentarily illuminating the darkness. With the Infernal Domain ability, he unleashed a wave of flames, engulfing the outer perimeter of the camp.
Screams echoed as several spirit masters were caught in the attack. The remaining enemies rushed toward Xin Tian's location, only to be met with his Heavenly Bow. Each arrow he fired was precise, striking vital points with unerring accuracy.
The leader roared in fury, summoning his martial soul—a massive Iron-Clawed Wolf. "Who dares attack me?!"
Xin Tian stepped forward, his expression calm. "Your actions against Spirit Hall end here."
The leader sneered. "A mere boy? Let's see if your arrogance can match your strength!"
The Spirit King's Defeat
The battle was short but intense. The Spirit King launched a flurry of attacks, his iron claws tearing through the air. However, Xin Tian's Eclipse Sword effortlessly parried each strike.
"Is this all you have?" Xin Tian taunted, his voice icy.
With a burst of speed, Xin Tian activated the Starlight Compass, its glowing energy distorting the battlefield. The Spirit King found himself unable to move as the compass locked him in place.
"Goodbye," Xin Tian said, striking the final blow with the Heavenly Scythe.
The Spirit King fell, his life force dissipating. The remaining rogue spirit masters surrendered, their will to fight shattered.
The Aftermath
As the sun rose, Xin Tian returned to Spirit Hall, his mission a resounding success. The elders praised his efficiency, and even Qian Daoliu seemed impressed.
"You've done well," Bibi Dong said, her voice filled with rare warmth. "This is just the beginning of your journey, Xin Tian. Spirit Hall will rise, and you will be its pillar."
The system chimed in his mind, signaling his rewards:
Quest Complete:
• Access to Celestial Bow Martial Soul granted.
• Divine Insight Orb added to inventory.
Xin Tian's martial soul panel updated as he activated the Celestial Bow, feeling its power surge through him. The Divine Insight Orb, a mysterious artifact, glowed faintly in his hand.
The heavens continue to favor me, Xin Tian thought. Soon, the entire continent will bow before Spirit Hall's might.
End of Chapter 3