The 8,000-year-old soul ring posed no difficulty for Lin Feng to absorb—not just because of the boost from celestial herbs and whale glue.
The growth of his soul meridians was also a key factor. Lin Feng's physical strength now rivaled that of a Soul King.
As he absorbed the soul ring, Lin Feng thought of the look in the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear's eyes just before death.
To his surprise, this proud bear hadn't fought to the bitter end. Instead, it accepted its fate. Lin Feng hadn't expected that.
He raised an eyebrow—could this guy have just been unlucky? Maybe one of the fierce beasts in the Star Dou Forest's core saw that he couldn't find the right soul beast and deliberately delivered this one to him?
He still didn't understand the intentions of that mysterious figure from two and a half years ago—and hadn't received any updates since.
"Confirm some things"… confirm what? Lin Feng shook his head. It made no sense. Could that person really have come all that way just to get a look at him?
Just what was it all about...?
He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on comprehending his new soul skill.
"Golden Steel Sword Array!"
With a low shout, countless golden sword auras shot out from around Lin Feng's body, weaving into a complex and powerful sword formation.
Golden blades of energy crisscrossed to form razor-sharp barriers—like a massive net, tightly enclosing everything around it.
As he felt the flow of soul power within him, Lin Feng had an epiphany.
The Golden Steel Sword Array not only had powerful offensive capabilities, but also impressive defense and control—greatly boosting his combat prowess.
"So it seems, aside from Breath of Life, all of my soul skills are like this—offensive, defensive, and controlling."
Qian Renxue stepped forward, watching the golden sword aura with interest.
"Xiaofeng, this soul skill... it might even be more imposing than the Angelic Holy Sword."
"There's a much sharper, deadlier vibe to it."
Lin Feng withdrew the skill and smiled faintly:
"Not bad, right? Considering the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear is known for its terrifying destructive power, it's no surprise the soul skill it gave me reflects that."
Ling Yuan brushed a fallen leaf from Lin Feng's shoulder with a smile:
"This skill is extremely powerful—probably your most destructive one so far."
"Ah, I kind of miss the old you, Xiaofeng—when you only had a healing soul skill. Back then you were all gentle and easy to tease."
Lin Feng gave Ling Yuan a side glance as she playfully pinched his cheek:
"Are you saying you're still teasing me now?"
"Haha."
Ling Yuan's hands slid down, wrapping gently around his neck. Her fragrance wafted over as she leaned on his back.
"Nowadays, I even have to tiptoe to do this."
Qian Renxue snorted softly, but didn't stop her.
After all, she had snuck in for a kiss again just yesterday—consider this making up with Sister Ling Yuan.
"Huh?"
Trying not to look at the intimate scene between Lin Feng and Ling Yuan, Qian Renxue shifted her gaze to the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear's corpse.
With a casual swipe of soul power, she flipped over its left paw.
"A soul bone?!"
"Oh?"
Ling Yuan let go of Lin Feng's ear and turned to look.
All three fixed their eyes on the soul bone—a dark golden piece flowing with soul power.
"An 8,000-year-old Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear's left arm bone. What luck! Its quality rivals that of a ten-thousand-year soul bone."
"Given its source, the skill attached to this soul bone must be incredibly destructive."
Qian Renxue stroked her chin:
"Who should take it? Grandpa said I have a full set of inherited soul bones, so I don't need it. For Sister Ling Yuan, its age might be a bit low—though the skill could still be powerful."
"Xiaofeng, you don't need it either. You've already said you won't absorb any more soul bones."
Lin Feng shrugged:
"At least not right now. Once a soul bone is absorbed, removing it is almost impossible. Let's just hold onto this one for now."
Ling Yuan's eyes lit up:
"So it is possible to remove them? In the soul master world, it's common knowledge that taking out a soul bone means losing a limb. Can that be avoided?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"It's possible, yes—but the powers involved are way beyond our current reach. One method involves the divine."
Ling Yuan clicked her tongue: "Then forget it. Better to choose soul bones carefully."
"Mm. Let's go."
Lin Feng stored the massive bear's body away, causing Ling Yuan and Qian Renxue's eyes to widen slightly.
"Are we having a barbecue tonight?"
"Of course. The meat of the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear is tender, without any gamey flavor. It's top-tier—why, you don't want any?"
"I do! Of course I do!"
Qian Renxue laughed and grabbed Lin Feng's wrist. Naturally, her now fuller curves pressed against his arm.
She rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hmm?"
Qian Renxue caught sight of a trace of moisture below Lin Feng's other ear—still not dried.
She chuckled quietly to herself, then, like in a contest, left a mark of her own on his other side.
She also lightly kissed his cheek—staking her claim.
Ling Yuan shook her head with a sigh but casually took Lin Feng's hand and smiled faintly as the three walked toward an open clearing.
Their movements flowed so smoothly, it was like they'd rehearsed them countless times. Nothing felt forced.
Since it was still early, and they were deep in the Star Dou Great Forest, there was no rush to leave. They decided to make camp and relax.
Lin Feng got to work while Qian Renxue rested her chin in her hands, watching him with a smile.
She nudged Ling Yuan beside her:
"Sister Ling Yuan, don't you think Xiaofeng's just too perfect? Is there anything he can't do?"
Ling Yuan rested her cheek on her palm, glanced at her, then turned her smiling gaze back to Lin Feng:
"I don't know. All I know is—I like him."
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes playfully: "Heh, Sister Ling Yuan, you're getting bolder these days, aren't you? Being all lovey-dovey while I'm right here?"
Ling Yuan giggled:
"Xiaoxue, why are you still hung up on that? Last time, you dragged me to help Xiaofeng with... mmph—"
Before she could finish, Qian Renxue quickly covered her mouth, cheeks flushing red. Her tone was a bit threatening:
"Not another word about that!"
"Okay, okay~"
Ling Yuan smirked and gave her an amused look.
She hadn't expected Qian Renxue's body to be that sensitive. Xiaofeng had barely touched her feet and that spot a few times, and she was already gushing.
In desperation, she'd come to her for help—even though she'd changed clothes, her awkward movements made it obvious.
After all, she'd studied under Ye Mother's "strategy guide"!
From romance to lovemaking, from male reactions to female responses—in these past two and a half years, she'd practically engraved the guide into her soul. She was a master now.
Qian Renxue gave her a warning glare, then looked back at Lin Feng, suddenly recalling the day he got his third soul ring.
That day… wasn't it also a barbecue?
She touched her storage pouch—eyes flashing. Though the last batch of whale glue was used up, she had secretly restocked it when Lin Feng wasn't paying attention.
Lately, Lin Feng had been growing so fast, she could barely recognize the soft and passive him from before. Clearly, it was time to spice things up!
Ling Yuan's lips parted slightly. Seeing Qian Renxue reach for her pouch, she immediately guessed what she was up to—and looked at Lin Feng with a hint of sympathy.
T/N: For up to fifteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle