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Facing the powerful Mysterious Turtle of the Abyss, Yang Lin and Sun Yu wore expressions of deep concern. This was a 540 year-old soul beast—a formidable choice even for a second soul ring. Never in the history of soul masters had anyone attempted to absorb such a high age soul ring as their first.
Yet Yang Xiong showed no hesitation. Grasping a sharp sword, he thrust it directly into the turtle's head. Blood immediately flowed down the blade.
Surprisingly, the Mysterious Turtle of the Abyss wasn't killed instantly. Though previously knocked unconscious, its eyes began to open, showing signs of regaining awareness.
With astonishing strength, the turtle bit down on the sword, shattering it into pieces. Its head then attempted to retract into its shell.
Lin Gong, who had been observing the turtle, reacted swiftly. Countless strands of soul power surged from his body, and purple bamboo shoots erupted around the turtle's head, immobilizing it as if it were trapped in a dense bamboo forest.
"Hurry up and finish it! Once it retracts its head, you'll never kill it with your current strength!" Lin Gong shouted urgently.
Yang Xiong didn't hesitate. Grabbing another sword from the side, he plunged it directly into the turtle's eye, piercing through its skull.
The turtle's defense was indeed formidable. Even its most vulnerable spots—the eyes and head—felt as hard as iron. No wonder it was later regarded as the strongest defensive-type soul beast in history.
After several more strikes, blood pooled on the ground. The struggling Mysterious Turtle of the Abyss finally ceased moving, leaving behind a yellow soul ring hovering above its corpse.
Lin Gong withdrew his bamboo constructs and spoke gravely. "Yang Xiong, it's not too late to back out now. If the absorption fails, the consequences could range from crippling injuries to death."
A faint smile appeared on Yang Xiong's face. "Teacher Lin, your martial soul seems unusual. It's not ordinary bamboo, is it? I think it resembles the legendary Purple Emperor Bamboo."
Lin Gong frowned. "You little brat, hurry up and absorb the soul ring before it dissipates!"
Yang Lin quickly interjected, "Thank you, Teacher Lin. Please forgive my son's insolence."
Yang Xiong sat cross-legged on the ground and summoned his martial soul to begin absorbing the soul ring.
Unlike typical martial souls, which manifest on specific parts of the body, Yang Xiong's Body Martial Soul caused his entire body to radiate with soul power.
Under the influence of his soul power, the yellow soul ring of the Mysterious Turtle of the Abyss quickly enveloped Yang Xiong's body.
As the soul ring settled into place, an overwhelming surge of energy flooded into Yang Xiong's body. This force was wild and ferocious, threatening to overwhelm him completely.
The soul ring's energy rapidly infused every part of his body—skin, blood, and bones—all seemed to writhe under its influence. His blood boiled, his skin felt as though it were being torn apart, and his bones seemed crushed under immense pressure.
The pain of absorbing a soul ring beyond his limits far exceeded Yang Xiong's expectations. It felt as though his entire body were submerged in molten lava, on the verge of melting away.
To Yang Lin, Sun Yu, and Lin Gong, Yang Xiong's face twisted in agony. His skin turned crimson, and it seemed as though blood might seep from his pores at any moment.
The three watched anxiously, fearing that the absorption process had failed and that his body might explode at any second.
Unexpectedly, as time passed, Yang Xiong's expression of torment gradually eased. The crimson aura emanating from his body subsided, and the yellow soul ring encircling him grew exceptionally radiant.
When Yang Xiong opened his eyes, he felt an overwhelming surge of strength coursing through his body. It was as though he had undergone a profound transformation. Both his physical power and overall capabilities had significantly improved.
Yang Lin and Sun Yu hurried to his side. Sun Yu, visibly tense, asked, "Xiao Xiong, how do you feel? Is there any discomfort?"
Yang Xiong carefully examined his body and even meditated briefly. He noticed that the flow of soul power within him had accelerated noticeably. He seemed to have grown a few centimeters taller, and his muscles felt more defined.
Upon inspecting his Body Martial Soul, he realized that it had grown slightly stronger alongside his enhanced physique. However, the change was subtle—not yet resembling a second awakening.
"Mom, Dad, I feel great. My soul power seems to have reached level thirteen."
Yang Lin and Sun Yu quickly examined his body and used a crystal ball to test his soul power. Everything checked out perfectly. His condition was excellent, and his soul power was remarkably stable—far beyond what one would expect of someone newly reaching level thirteen.
They finally breathed a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Lin Gong appeared visibly excited. "I can't believe I've just witnessed a historic moment in the world of soul masters. Yang Xiong, you are likely the first soul master in history to absorb a first soul ring exceeding five hundred years."
At that moment, a figure appeared in the space nearby. Towering and skeletal in appearance, it was none other than Bone Elder.
Everyone quickly bowed. "Greetings, Elder Gu."
Bone Elder's expression was stern. "Listen carefully, everyone present. Yang Xiong absorbed a 400 year Mysterious Turtle soul ring. Not a word of this is to be leaked to anyone outside. Violators will be punished for betraying sect secrets."
Bone Elder's reputation within the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect was unparalleled. His words carried the weight of an imperial decree.
Everyone nodded earnestly, knowing better than to question him.
Even Yang Xiong was puzzled. Absorbing a soul ring was a personal matter—why had it drawn the attention of someone as important as Bone Elder? Moreover, it seemed he had been observing the entire time.
For now, Yang Xiong set aside his curiosity. His focus was entirely on the first soul skill he had gained—it surpassed his expectations and could only be described as divine.
Without making a fuss, Yang Xiong followed his parents home. Lin Gong, however, looked troubled. Though he had witnessed a miracle in the world of soul masters—one that could rewrite history—he was bound by sect rules and unable to share or publish his findings.
Once back in his room, Yang Xiong's previously calm expression contorted in pain. He spat out a mouthful of blood as his soul power spiraled out of control.
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