A God-given soul ring!
Only those destined to inherit a god's position could even hope to lay hands on such a treasure!
As Fu Ye finished speaking, the breaths of everyone present—even the composed Gu Rong—grew heavier.
A god—an existence that had not walked the continent for thousands of years.
Fifteen thousand years ago, Poseidon, the God of the Sea, waged war for over a millennium, conquering the oceans and ascending through the power of faith.
Ten thousand years ago, a maiden wielding a holy sword purged the world of evil and plague, eradicating every evil soul master organization of her time.
She founded the Spirit Hall, an order dedicated to exterminating wicked soul masters.
Through humanity's faith, she shattered the limits of a 99th-level cultivator, reaching the divine threshold of 100th-level soul power and ascending as a god.
Since then, legends spoke of two god-level martial souls—bestowed by the heavens themselves. One was the Sea God, the other the Seraphim.
Yet, after the Angel God's ascension, no new god had emerged in ten thousand years.
So long had it been that most had forgotten the age of gods entirely.
"Could this divine relic belong to Brother Fu Ye?"
Ning Fengzhi's breathing hitched. Anything bearing the mark of "god" was anything but ordinary!
"Hah, after exploring a few ruins, I happened to acquire some of these."
With that, Fu Ye produced a blood-red sphere.
This was a God-given soul ring, infused with the power of the Asura God. Of course, it was a flawless replica—sold by the system—undetectable even by the true Asura God in the divine realm.
Without hesitation, Fu Ye placed the radiant orb on the table.
Ning Fengzhi immediately summoned his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, its golden light shimmering as he appraised the treasure.
Fu Ye had to admit—this martial soul was exceptionally useful for identifying valuables.
"A God-given soul ring…?"
Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin stared at the crimson sphere with unconcealed awe.
"Normally, this orb is indestructible. The seal within can only be broken when absorbing the soul ring. Whether you're a Spirit Master or a Titled Douluo, anyone can absorb it."
"However, its lower limit is low, and its upper limit… is staggering. If your body can endure it, this ring's age can reach up to 990,000 years upon absorption."
Silence.
990,000 years?!
"This God-given soul ring isn't particularly valuable. Brother Chen Xin, take it."
Chen Xin's path was one of swordsmanship and slaughter—making this Asura God-infused soul ring the perfect match for him.
"Brother Fu Ye, I—"
Before Chen Xin could refuse, Fu Ye tossed the orb to him.
"Just take it. How many decades do we even have left in this world? If trading this trinket for fifty years of your service is a loss, then you're the one losing out."
Fu Ye had noticed—people on Douluo Continent had no concept of time. Fifty years was an entire lifetime for a commoner on Blue Star.
As Shakespeare once said: Life is short—enjoy it while you can. You arrive with nothing, leave with nothing. Past lives, future lives? Only happiness in this life matters.
"I won't interfere with your affairs. Help me run the shop, and the soul ring is yours. The rest is up to you."
Ning Fengzhi's ambition to recruit Chen Xin didn't conflict with this arrangement.
But making the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect the continent's top faction?
Impossible.
An auxiliary-type sect could never claim supremacy. Neither the Clear Sky Sect nor the Spirit Hall would allow it.
At most, Chen Xin's combat prowess would rise by 20-30%—hardly enough to shift the tides.
The grand scheme remained unchanged. But with Chen Xin guarding his restaurant, Fu Ye could at least ensure it wouldn't be reduced to rubble when he time-traveled later.
A gleam flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes—this man was sharp!
"Boss! The dishes you requested are ready!"
Xiao Li and two waiters hurried in, carrying plates of fragrant bear paw, tender earthworm tendons, and other delicacies brewed from thousand-year ingredients.
Fu Ye could have used ten-thousand-year ingredients, but those were too troublesome to prepare.
One of the waitress trailing behind was Liu Erlong, the newest addition to Juxiang Pavilion.
Head bowed, she didn't dare meet Fu Ye's gaze.
"Set them down."
Fu Ye's eyes lingered on her.
"Well, well. Fancy meeting you here, little girl."
Amused, he watched the flustered girl squirm under the collective stare of Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong.
"Ah… y-yes, what a coincidence…"
Young Liu Erlong was painfully shy, her words stumbling.
"Ahem. Xiao Liu, this is Fu Ye—our boss."
Xiao Li, ever the professional, smoothly introduced him. Clearly, she'd met Fu Ye before without knowing his identity.
"Wha—?! You're the boss?!"
Before she could finish, Fu Ye waved Xiao Li off.
"She'll handle the serving. The rest of you, dismissed."
"Yes, boss!"
As the others left, Ning Fengzhi studied Liu Erlong with interest. If she knew Fu Ye, she must be someone noteworthy.
(He was wrong. They'd truly met by sheer accident.)
"Darling, everyone here is an esteemed guest. Serve well, and I'll give you a raise."
Fu Ye couldn't resist teasing her before the meal.
"You—! Fine."
Liu Erlong relented—she needed the money.
Since six years old, she'd been self-reliant, but after reaching Soul Ancestor, the Spirit Hall's subsidies stopped. Now, her funds were running dry.
Fu Ye casually produced fifty jars of Millennium Soul Wine. Ning Fengzhi, the old fox, should be able to handle it—if luck was on his side.
The moment the rich aroma hit, Gu Rong's eyes lit up. Ning Fengzhi, too, perked up—only Chen Xin remained unphased, having drunk his fill before.
"No soul power—just a drinking contest. First to collapse barks like a dog. Do you dare?"
Chen Xin: "Bring it. Today, I'll outdrink you!"
Gu Rong: "Oh? Then I won't hold back!"
Ning Fengzhi: "With food and wine like this, why refuse?"
The table was laden with thousand-year delicacies, including a plate of Red Jade Shrimp—a dish even Ning Fengzhi had never tasted. The aroma alone was enough to ignite their appetites.
And Liu Erlong's, too.
…
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 10 advanced chapters for just $3.
Your support helps me bring more translated content to you, faster.
patreon.com/DarkLord621