"Those toxic vines should be venomous bramble. The purple stripes are a sign of its toxins' maturity. Judging by its length, it's been around for about 1,150 years—perfect for me. Thank you, Brother Tianlin," Tang San said, demonstrating his extensive knowledge as he quickly identified the plant-based soul beast.
He wasn't picky. After all, thousand-year soul beasts that matched his attributes so well weren't easy to come by.
"Since the gift is a soul beast, Tang San, you should just accept it," Zhao Wuji said. This kind of thing was of no use to Tian Lin, so there was no harm in letting Tang San take it.
Tang San nodded in gratitude, thanked Tian Lin again, and immediately killed the venomous bramble to absorb its soul ring. A mere soul ring of less than 1,200 years was an easy feat for Tang San to handle.
In less than half an hour, Tang San had successfully absorbed the soul ring and officially became a Soul Elder. Tian Lin had been watching him closely the entire time, and only after confirming that Tang San didn't gain any external soul bones, as he did in the original story, did Tian Lin feel relieved.
The acquired spirit ability was decent, named Blue Silver Constriction, which resembled the binding ability he already had. However, this new ability was more offensive. Instead of merely restraining the enemy, it added lethal force.
When this ability was used, sharp, poisonous thorns would grow from the Blue Silver Grass, capable of delivering fatal damage.
Tang San was quite satisfied with this ability. At this moment, Tian Lin stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and said, "Tang San, I believe you will become an immensely powerful Titled Douluo one day."
Tang San was stunned. He didn't understand why Tian Lin would suddenly compliment him, but he still responded politely, "Thank you, Brother Tianlin, for your kind words."
What Tang San didn't notice, however, was that when Tian Lin spoke, his eyes reflected not just blessings but also pity. Yet, in the world of Douluo Continent, saying someone could become a Titled Douluo wasn't seen as pity—it was the highest compliment.
That is unless people knew Tang San's true potential. In the original timeline, he was a double deity, a god-level being. Compared to that, a Titled Douluo was like an ant.
Now, however, the key to Tang San's godhood—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and the Eight Spider Lances—had been taken away by Tian Lin. At best, Tang San might inherit a single god position in the future, and that would already be a stroke of incredible luck.
Tang San, I'm sorry.
Tian Lin thought to himself.
Even though I don't see you as an enemy, this continent doesn't need two protagonists. We have no grievances, and you're not an evil soul master, so I won't kill you. But from now on, you'll have to settle for the Titled Douluo level—it's a bright enough future. The double deity path is beyond your reach.
With this, Oscar, Tang San, and Ning Rongrong all successfully obtained their soul rings. There was no longer any reason for the group to remain in the Star Dou Forest, so they prepared to leave.
Just then, a voice suddenly echoed in Tian Lin's mind: ["Hey, kid, don't leave! Come save me. I've got something good for you."]
Tian Lin instinctively paused, his heart racing. That wasn't a spiritual transmission technique—it was a voice that directly reached his soul!
He immediately checked his Spiritual Sea and found it intact, fully sealed from outside interference. Even a Titled Douluo skilled in mental attacks couldn't have directly communicated with his soul under such conditions.
If the voice's owner had malicious intentions, they could have instantly obliterated his soul.
Tian Lin instinctively scanned his surroundings, but there was nothing nearby except plants.
["Kid, stop looking around. I'm not out there. Find a way to ditch those people around you, and I'll guide you to me."]
The voice spoke again. It sounded like a young boy, casual and slightly annoying. Tian Lin couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen this voice somewhere before.
Wait… seen? Why would I think I've seen it, not heard it?
Tian Lin realized the oddity of his thoughts.
"Brother Sword, why did you stop?" Ning Rongrong asked, noticing Tian Lin's hesitation.
"It's nothing, Rongrong. Now that you've obtained your soul ring, it's time for me to leave," Tian Lin said, deciding to trust his instincts. The first step was to leave the group.
"Boss, why are you leaving? Isn't it good to stay with everyone?" Ma Hongjun protested.
"I'm not a student of Shrek Academy. How could I possibly stay with you all forever?" Tian Lin explained. "I only came this time because I was worried about Rongrong. Now that she's doing well, I can leave without worry. Let's part ways here."
"Well, alright then. Brother Sword, I'll come back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan during the holidays. You have to wait for me," Ning Rongrong said reluctantly, clinging to Tian Lin's arm.
Tian Lin nodded. "Alright. Now that you've advanced to the Soul Elder level, it's time for you to use that thing. Remember to bring Hongjun along next time, too."
Ning Rongrong understood his meaning—they could now consume the Heavenly Mending Pill and the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. Since Tian Lin had promised Ma Hongjun, he wouldn't go back on his word.
"Xiao Tian, let's at least part ways after leaving the forest. I'll escort you out," Yin Yang offered.
"No need. This is the outer perimeter. You rarely see ten-thousand-year soul beasts here, and even a thousand-year soul beast isn't a match for me. Grandpa Eagle, don't worry," Tian Lin declined Yin Yang's offer. Protecting Ning Rongrong was more important for him.
"Farewell then, Brother Tianlin. Take care," Tang San said. He had no idea that Tian Lin had sabotaged him, and instead thought Tian Lin had been helping him all along. He was deeply grateful.
"Until we meet again, Tang San. By the way, if you encounter the rest of the Emperor Team later, tell them I've returned to Heaven Dou Academy for now," Tian Lin said before walking off in another direction.
...
About an hour later, Tian Lin estimated that the others had likely left the forest. He sent out a soul transmission: "Hey, are you still there? I've left the group. Tell me where you are."
["Of course, I'm still here! I've been waiting for you for years. Head deeper into the forest. I've already cloaked you with a spiritual shield—your aura won't leak out. As long as you're careful and don't walk directly into a soul beast, they won't notice you. Aren't I amazing? When you meet me, don't worship me too much!"]
The voice spoke again, sounding as arrogant as ever. Tian Lin was now almost certain of what it was.
While its tone was cocky, its abilities were impressive. As Tian Lin ventured deeper into the forest, he realized that, as long as he avoided walking straight into a soul beast's line of sight, they wouldn't notice him.
Following the voice's guidance, Tian Lin eventually arrived at a glowing golden cave.