After living in the Star Dou Forest for an entire month, Qi Lin finally remembered the reason he came here in the first place.
'Right… I came here to get my fourth soul ring. How did I get so comfortable that I nearly forgot?'
Without delay, he informed the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python about his plan. His requirements were simple—since his martial soul was plant-based, any plant-type soul beast would do as long as it had abundant life force. Whether it was a Sky Vine, Solar Bloom, or Ink Bamboo didn't matter. As long as the soul beast was between 10,000 to 20,000 years old, it was fine.
Of course, if he had a choice, the best outcome would be finding a Tree of Life.
Among plant-type soul beasts, the Tree of Life was one of the most powerful in terms of life force. In the original Peerless Tang Sect, the Golden Tree at Shrek Academy had evolved from one such Tree of Life after merging with Ah Yin.
But such a soul beast was incredibly rare.
To find a Tree of Life in the vast Star Dou Forest was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
And yet, the very next day, while riding the Titan Giant Ape through the depths of the forest, Qi Lin's eyes were suddenly drawn to an enormous tree in the distance. It towered over the forest canopy, its emerald leaves stretching into the heavens. Its trunk shimmered like jade, exuding a powerful life aura.
In that instant, Qi Lin recalled Di Tian's descriptions.
It's the Tree of Life! I actually found one!
Even more unbelievable, its cultivation was within the ideal range—around 15,000 to 20,000 years.
"Er Ming, over there! That's the one!" Qi Lin pointed excitedly.
The Titan Giant Ape let out a grunt and charged forward with massive strides.
Sensing their approach, the Tree of Life reacted instinctively. Dozens of thick roots burst from the ground like emerald pythons, lashing out toward the Titan Giant Ape.
Unfortunately for the Tree of Life, Er Ming wasn't just any opponent. With a casual swipe, the Titan Giant Ape tore the roots apart like brittle twigs.
There's no comparison in strength here.
"Roar!"
With a low growl, Er Ming ignored the defensive roots and landed a powerful punch directly on the tree's jade-like trunk. The entire tree trembled, nearly splitting in two.
After some effort, Qi Lin personally uprooted the last of its defenses. A moment later, a deep black soul ring slowly emerged, hovering above the Tree of Life's remains.
Qi Lin's eyes lit up. This might be the most normal soul ring he has gotten so far…
Wasting no time, he sat cross-legged and began to absorb the ring.
Only half an hour later, Qi Lin opened his eyes with a puzzled look and scratched his head.
This soul skill… doesn't feel like it belongs to a regular 10,000-year soul ring.
Fourth Soul Skill: Nature's Domain
Effect: Creates a domain with a one mile radius around the user. Within this area, all plant life is subject to the user's will—regardless of cultivation level.
Even more impressive—it was a growth-type soul skill. As Qi Lin's cultivation increased, the domain would expand accordingly.
Tang San: What the hell? Isn't that my natural counter?!
At that moment, Qi Lin released all four of his soul rings.
The black soul ring from the Tree of Life shimmered for a moment… and then unexpectedly turned a dazzling emerald green.
"Huh?!"
Qi Lin sighed dramatically:Tsk, seriously… you're making this cheat way too obvious.
He shook his head: Next time, tone it down a bit. I don't wanna get targeted by a god or something!
Just as he was grumbling, a soft green glow emanated from the core of the Tree of Life's trunk.
Qi Lin's gaze sharpened.
A soul bone!
---
At the Lake of Life
When Xiao Wu and the Azure Bull Python heard about Qi Lin's latest experience, their faces were full of disbelief.
But then again, strange things happening to Qi Lin was nothing new. One more anomaly didn't make much difference.
Three days later, Qi Lin and Xiao Wu formally bid farewell to the Titan Giant Ape, the Azure Bull Python, Di Tian, and the Silver Dragon King.
---
Inside the Crystal Palace
Qi Lin stood before the immense figure of the Silver Dragon King, smiling as he raised a hand in farewell.
"Xiao Wu and I are heading out. It's been great staying here. I'll come visit again when I get the chance."
"Farewell," the Silver Dragon King replied, her voice cold and serene, portraying no emotion.
Still, Qi Lin sensed a subtle reluctance behind her composure. She held too high a status—Di Tian and the others could never truly converse with her as equals. For once, she had enjoyed simple, genuine company.
After Qi Lin and Xiao Wu left, the grand Crystal Palace felt emptier than usual.
A strange feeling—loneliness—settled in her heart.
A fleeting thought emerged in her mind…
---
Back at the Lake of Life, after saying their goodbyes to Er Ming and the Azure Bull Python, Di Tian stepped forward.
Grabbing Qi Lin in one hand and Xiao Wu in the other, he soared through the forest. Within minutes, he dropped them off near the forest's edge.
"This is as far as I'll take you. The rest is up to you."
With a wave of his hand, several enormous dragon scales appeared in front of Qi Lin.
"Kid, here's the material. Next time we meet, don't forget my armor."
Qi Lin chuckled. "No problem. I'll bring it myself next time I visit the forest. I promise you'll be impressed."
Satisfied, Di Tian nodded and vanished into the shadows.
"…He left just like that?" Xiao Wu muttered under her breath. "Would've been nice if he could've dropped us all the way back."
Qi Lin turned to her, grinning. "Come on, don't complain. We get to see more of the world this way."
"Hmmph… fine," she pouted. "I guess that's not so bad."
---
Half a Month Later
As they approached the familiar sight of Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu beamed. The students they passed greeted her with respect.
"Welcome back, Sister Xiao Wu!"
She giggled. "We're finally home!"
Qi Lin reached over and ruffled her hair. "Alright, let's go check in with the Dean. Can't just sneak back in unannounced."
"Mm!" Xiao Wu nodded cheerfully.
---
On their way back from reporting in, a familiar voice called out behind them.
"Qi Lin, Xiao Wu—you're back!"
They turned to see Tang San approaching. He was slightly shorter than Qi Lin, dressed in a fitted blue outfit, a belt at his waist studded with twenty-four gemstones. Though not as strikingly handsome as Qi Lin, he still had a refined appearance—definitely better looking than Yu Xiaogang, at least.
Xiao Wu greeted him with her usual boldness. "Hey, Little San! Long time no see!"
Tang San smiled. "Yeah, it's been a while. Did something happen while you were away? Family matters?"
Xiao Wu grinned mischievously. "Wrong guess! We went to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul rings!"
Tang San's eyes widened.
"Wait… which one of you broke through?"
He sincerely hoped it was Xiao Wu. Though Qi Lin was a friend, some part of Tang San resisted the idea of being left too far behind.
Xiao Wu puffed out her chest proudly.
"Both of us did! I'm a Soul Elder now—level thirty-one!"
She looked at Tang San teasingly. "Better hurry up and catch up, Little San!"