After a few days of interaction, Guang Ling had come to understand his disciple somewhat. Like himself when he was young, Han Li was mischievous but equally stubborn. It seemed he had already thought this through and was just waiting for this moment.
Putting aside other considerations, Han Li was willing to give up a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone in exchange for the possibility of a maid being able to cultivate. As an elder, Guang Ling felt both angry and satisfied.
But Han Li making such a decision without any consultation, acting on his own, made him a bit angry. What? Did he look like someone who would stop him?
Well, maybe.
His gentle attitude towards Xiu'er was because of his disciple. As for how much he liked her, that was another matter. A hundred-thousand-year soul ring was no small thing. Even if Han Li couldn't handle it, a high-year soul bone would still be great.
A special maid—was it worth it? If Han Li wanted, without affecting his cultivation, Guang Ling could find him a bunch of snake women or cat women. Such semi-awakened situations were rare but not unheard of.
Yet, knowing all this, Han Li still insisted, even risking angering his newly acknowledged teacher. This showed that he might do similar things in the future, which couldn't help but please Guang Ling.
"Stand up first."
It wasn't Guang Ling who spoke, but Azure Luan.
Han Li hesitated, glanced at his teacher, and saw his face constantly changing between joy and anger, unable to tell if he agreed or not.
"Sit."
Azure Luan said softly, his eyes showing more gentleness as he glanced at Guang Ling, who was still lost in his thoughts, signaling him to make the decision.
Guang Ling looked at the still-standing Han Li and spoke reluctantly, "Sit down."
Hearing this, Han Li's face lit up with joy, knowing that the matter was mostly settled. He happily replied, "Thank you, Teacher."
Seeing the joy on his face, Guang Ling felt like this kid had seen through him, so he deliberately put on a stern face. "I can agree to your request, but you must also agree to one of mine. How about it?"
Han Li answered without hesitation, "Sure. Please tell me, Teacher."
Seeing his immediate agreement, Guang Ling was quite satisfied. He tapped the table and slowly spoke as if in thought, "It's not too difficult. Since you gave up a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and said it's nothing, then when the time comes, you should get one yourself. If you can't do it, I'll make you understand what regret feels like."
As he spoke, Guang Ling's face twisted into a sinister smile, as if telling Han Li that he'd be in for a beating if he failed.
Han Li wasn't intimidated. Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief. So it was just this.
"I accept, Teacher. Perhaps even before becoming a Titled Douluo, I will fulfill this condition," Han Li replied confidently.
Guang Ling and Azure Luan exchanged smiles, saying nothing. When they were young, they were just as ambitious. It was good for young people to have some spirit.
In the following time, Guang Ling and Azure Luan personally taught Han Li the key points of the new meditation method, even guiding him into a meditative state on the spot and correcting him.
Once again, he confirmed his physical strength, discussed potential pitfalls during the early stages of cultivation, and explained the most reliable methods for absorbing soul rings. Based on his situation, they revised some training resources, deciding to arrange specifics after he absorbed the soul ring tomorrow.
They talked for over three hours, and it wasn't until Xiuer reminded them that dinner was ready that they stopped. After a satisfying meal, they left him with a reminder to rest well tonight and went their separate ways.
The considerate Azure Luan handed him a new storage necklace as he was leaving, saying it was an early gift for Xiuer, wishing him success in his plan. Han Li expressed his gratitude once again.
Han Li lay in bed, playing with his new storage bracelet and necklace, roughly estimating how many times his wealth had multiplied in half a day. He chose not to train and instead fell asleep early.
In the few days since his martial soul awakening, he had been under a lot of stress, and after being jostled around on the road for nearly two days, he would obtain his first soul ring tomorrow. It was best to rest and recharge.
The night passed without incident.
At six in the morning, Han Li woke up automatically, one of the few times he woke up before Xiuer called him. He had a good night's sleep, perhaps because he relaxed all at once and went straight into deep sleep. He was in his best condition in recent times.
After lying in bed for a while, he heard a familiar voice outside. Urged by Xiuer, Han Li completed a simple wash-up and headed to the training ground together, having already familiarized himself with the environment yesterday.
He wasn't always served by Xiuer. Only when he wasn't training did Xiuer fully take on her maid duties.
Breathing in the fresh air, Han Li began to exercise his body. He performed a set of exercises from his previous life.
It couldn't be helped; these were his innate "techniques". In any case, having them was better than not, and it was better than just running.
After warming up, he did push-ups, burpees, and, of course, the most basic running, followed by rapid sword swings. This had been his training method for the past three years. In his residence in Nuoding City, he even had a pool where he swam two to three times a week, though unfortunately, there wasn't one here yet.
When he finished his workout, Xiuer handed him a prepared towel and saltwater promptly. She didn't participate today, knowing that Han Li was about to become a true soul master and she needed to provide the best service.
As the two turned to leave and went inside to clean up, two figures on the wall exchanged glances and disappeared.
Just after breakfast, Guang Ling and Azure Luan arrived together, carrying a large box enveloped in soul power.
"Let's go to the training ground and get your first soul ring."
Guang Ling didn't say much, throwing out a sentence as he took the lead.
Han Li said nothing more and followed him to the training ground.
When he arrived, Guang Ling opened the box, revealing its contents: a butterfly that looked very beautiful but was much larger, with wings shimmering in several different colors that appeared dreamy under the sunlight.
"Elemental Butterfly, just four hundred years old, very rare. The colors on its wings represent the elements it has initially mastered. It has no fixed habitat and, decades ago, a soul master accidentally absorbed it and gained an elemental affinity soul skill. Subsequent tests by the Martial Soul Research Department showed that it only produces this one soul skill. Besides that, it slightly enhances mental power, but the elements it mastered in life do not attach to the soul ring, making it perfectly suited to your needs."
"No one who has absorbed its soul ring has gained a powerful attack ability from the soul skill. The strongest can create a spark to light a cigarette. How it develops depends entirely on the soul master's ability. Now, you still have a chance to regret this."
Guang Ling said solemnly as if giving another reminder.
"It's this one, teacher, trust me."
Han Li didn't hesitate, his eyes fixed eagerly on the Elemental Butterfly constantly trying to break through the soul force shield.
"Good, also see what your initial attack power is."
Guang Ling stopped persuading and, at the same time as dispersing the soul force shield, slapped the Elemental Butterfly.
Watching the Elemental Butterfly still fluttering unsteadily in the air, Han Li glanced at Guang Ling, who had already closed his eyes. Even if it wasn't intentional, he couldn't believe it. He sighed inwardly: My good teacher, did you forget that your disciple used to practice with swords and doesn't know how to shoot arrows at all?
Seeing the Elemental Butterfly about to take off, Han Li knew he didn't have much time to hesitate. He immediately summoned his martial soul without hesitation. The Ice and Fire Blades instantly swapped positions, with the ice blade in his right hand.
The moment when Guang Ling opened his eyes quietly with a puzzled look, Han Li dashed forward and leaped up. With the chilling ice blade, he swiftly struck the Elemental Butterfly's head. Instantly, a wound appeared on its head, and the blood was frozen, its body stiffening as it was about to plummet. At the same time, a fiery blade was already thrust into its soft abdomen, burning the flesh and blood near the wound.
"Fire."
With Han Li's loud shout, a layer of flame surged fiercely on the fiery blade, igniting the Elemental Butterfly's wings. Meanwhile, Han Li turned and ran without any intention of attacking again.
Just a few steps, and he had already returned to Guang Ling's side, leaning back, watching the Elemental Butterfly rolling on the ground, unable to extinguish the flames, quietly waiting for it to explode into gold coins.
(Note-The last statement is a joke, a RPG game reference.)
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