Chapter 15: Acquiring Soul Rings (Part One)

“Does that mean we can’t bathe?”

It’s scorching hot now; she would go crazy without bathing.

The Lion was taken aback, not expecting Tang Nian Nian to care about such a thing.

But girls are usually more delicate, so it wasn’t surprising.

He turned to Qing Luan, seemingly seeking advice. “Then, shall we make more trips?”

Qing Luan remained silent.

The Lion gave Guang Ling a glance, who understood immediately and joined in, singing a tune with the Lion: “Third brother, I think Fourth brother makes a good point. With this heat, if we’re unlucky and can’t bathe for a long time, it’d be really uncomfortable. Little Nian Nian and I both love cleanliness. From my perspective, why not just make more trips? It’s no big deal, right?”

As he spoke, Guang Ling sidled up to Qing Luan and gave him a look. He whispered, “At least give me some face. Don’t make me look useless in front of my little apprentice. Otherwise, the wheel of fortune will turn, and sooner or later, it’ll be your turn, Big Blue Bird.”

“...”

This wasn’t a discussion—it was a threat.

Qing Luan’s expression was complicated.

He hadn’t even refused, so why were these two so eager to pin that label on him? It was really too much.

“Making more trips is fine, no big deal. Just set off earlier.”

If luck was on their side, maybe they could finish it the same day. Qing Luan hesitated earlier because he thought it might be spoiling Nian Nian too much. But then he reconsidered: their little girl from the Martial Soul Hall was a treasure—would they really want to throw her into hardship?

Obviously not.

Tang Nian Nian was a genius; she didn’t need to be toughened up.

After deciding to go and return the same day, the three titled Douluo set off with Tang Nian Nian.

The Lion and Guang Ling flew separately while Qing Luan took Tang Nian Nian on the true form of his Martial Soul. Within two hours, the four arrived neatly at the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest.

Before retrieving the soul rings, Qing Luan and the others first assessed Tang Nian Nian’s physical constitution to determine the maximum age of soul rings she could absorb.

Ordinary soul masters’ first soul ring generally doesn’t exceed 500 years; the second is usually within 800 years. Those with higher innate soul power and constitution tend to choose soul beasts close to a thousand years old for their soul rings. Usually, the limit is about a thousand years; exceeding that is considered skipping levels. Skipping levels isn’t impossible, but it depends heavily on the individual’s constitution—those who can’t bear it will suffer body rupture and death.

Tang Nian Nian possessed a divine-level Martial Soul and innate super soul power, making her strength two or three times that of ordinary people. Qing Luan’s tests confirmed this: her constitution could absorb soul rings several thousand years old, at least between one to three thousand years. To be safe, they chose a middle ground.

They aimed for soul beasts aged between 1,500 and 2,200 years, prioritizing light-attribute beasts with strong attack capabilities.

Since they didn’t plan to stay overnight and speed was essential, the three split up. If no suitable soul beasts were found in Star Dou Forest, they’d have to search other forests—this was a major task.

Tang Nian Nian was Guang Ling’s apprentice, so she accompanied him.

Soul beasts aged around a thousand years mostly dwell in the central and outer regions of Star Dou Forest. For her safety, Guang Ling and Tang Nian Nian searched the outskirts, while the Lion and Qing Luan went to the central area.

Guang Ling didn’t expect to find suitable soul beasts in the outskirts, so he leisurely strolled with Tang Nian Nian, treating it like a sightseeing trip.

Tang Nian Nian thoroughly enjoyed it. This life of wealth and power was exactly what she had dreamed of.

The army crossing dimensions didn’t lie!

“By the way, Little Nian Nian, your parents are soul masters, right?”

As they walked, Guang Ling suddenly asked.

With the Blue Silver Grass and Eight Yat Soul Mirror appearing together, he found it strange and took advantage of the downtime to inquire.

Tang Nian Nian’s system had already patched her identity. She nodded and explained, “Yes, my parents are soul masters, but I don’t know who they are. I was raised by my grandfather. I know very little about my parents; Grandpa only told me they were soul masters.”

“...Oh, I see.”

Tang Nian Nian spoke sincerely, so Guang Ling did not doubt her. A few days ago, Qian Daoliu asked him to investigate her background. As she said, she was raised by her grandfather, but that old man wasn’t her biological grandfather—just an ordinary person. When asked about her parents, he knew very little, so Guang Ling returned empty-handed.

Today’s question was partly a test, partly to see if her parents had secretly tried to find her. Judging by current facts, the latter was impossible.

In truth, Tang Nian Nian was essentially abandoned by her parents. Guang Ling didn’t want to probe too deeply, so he quickly changed the subject. “Nian Nian, you’ve read a lot about soul beasts and soul rings these past few days. Have you thought about which soul beast you want to choose?”

Though Guang Ling was usually playful and carefree, he took important matters seriously. Since Qian Daoliu trusted him with Tang Nian Nian, he would teach her well and not disappoint either Qian Daoliu or his apprentice.

These days, he had borrowed many books from the library—some he wanted Tang Nian Nian to read, others she chose herself. Guang Ling had to admit her learning ability was impressive; she could remember about 70-80% of a theoretical book after just one reading. She was undeniably a genius.

It wasn’t just Guang Ling and the others who were busy researching soul rings and Martial Soul cultivation methods for Tang Nian Nian; she also made her own plans. So when Guang Ling asked, she proudly patted her chest and said, “Of course I have!”

“Then tell me about it.”

Smart children were always more endearing. Guang Ling raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Tang Nian Nian’s plan.

She giggled, “My first Martial Soul is a fire-light attribute weapon-type. So, for my soul rings, I want to focus on attribute matching. These past few days, I’ve studied all the recorded light-attribute and fire-attribute soul beasts. I personally think the Blazing Emerald soul beast would be a perfect fit.”

“Blazing Emerald?” Guang Ling frowned. “But that’s a plant-type soul beast, and its soul skill is more about control and support. Nian Nian, that doesn’t match your first Martial Soul.”