A purple halo descended above Tianlin's head. Without giving him any chance to react, the millennium soul ring contracted sharply, wrapping tightly around his body as if trying to crush him.
The power of a millennium soul ring was indeed far superior to that of a century-old soul ring. Tianlin felt as if he was engulfed in a sea of flames, his body and soul both enduring the searing heat.
In an instant, it felt as though his insides were burning, and his body was on the verge of exploding. The Holy Breath Domain activated on its own to protect its master, rapidly repairing Tianlin's body.
"Xiao Tian, fire-attribute soul rings are inherently more domineering than others. No matter how much the soul ring's power impacts your body, you must remain conscious. Remember, if you fall, you'll never get up again," Chen Xin said. Ever since he became a Titled Douluo, few things could stir his emotions.
But when it came to Tianlin, who was at a critical moment, he couldn't help but worry.
At this point, Tianlin was slowly adapting to the burning sensation of the flames. Since his first soul ring was water-attribute, the magic sword in his possession, much like the Holy Spirit Pearl, automatically released cold air to protect him, significantly reducing the heat of the flames.
Tianlin entered a meditative state, observing himself internally. His sea of spiritual energy was unusually stable. No matter how intense the external flames were, they couldn't destroy it.
Seeing his disciple's complexion gradually stabilize, Chen Xin finally breathed a sigh of relief. The most dangerous moment had passed. His disciple had succeeded in absorbing a millennium soul ring beyond his level.
"Roar!"
But suddenly, Tianlin seemed to hear a roar. Turning around, he saw the golden eyes of the Purple Flame Golden-Eyed Beast appearing in his spiritual world.
The beast then emitted a brilliant light that shot into Tianlin's eyes.
"Ah!"
Tianlin couldn't help but cry out. His body fell backward, and he fainted on the spot.
"Xiaotian, what's wrong?" Chen Xin's expression changed drastically. Just moments ago, Tianlin had succeeded. Why did he suddenly collapse? He couldn't understand.
Perhaps Ning Fengzhi would know the answer. Without hesitation, Chen Xin activated the Seven Kill Sword and used its third soul skill, Sword Wings, to fly at maximum speed, carrying Tianlin back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
...
Three days passed.
Tianlin lay on a large bed in his room. Beside him, Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos wore anxious expressions.
Ning Rongrong was crying her heart out. "Sword Brother, wake up and look at Rongrong. I promise I'll never make you angry again."
"Be good, Rongrong. Your Sword Brother will be fine. He's just tired from cultivation and needs a few more days of rest," Bone Douluo said, feeling sorry for his granddaughter as he held her in his arms to comfort her.
"Fengzhi, you checked on Tianlin a few days ago and said his body and soul were perfectly healthy. So why hasn't he woken up yet? It's been three days!" Chen Xin was restless and worried.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "I don't quite understand either. From what you described, Tianlin had already successfully absorbed the soul ring at that time. Why he suddenly fell unconscious afterward is something I've never seen before."
In truth, the reason Tianlin hadn't woken up was that his soul had been mysteriously attacked. However, this attack didn't harm him. Instead, it greatly expanded his sea of spiritual energy.
Over the past few days, his consciousness had been immersed in his spiritual sea, sorting through his suddenly surging spiritual power.
"Phew! Finally done." Inside his spiritual sea, Tianlin let out a long breath. He didn't understand why the eyes of the Purple Flame Golden-Eyed Beast had appeared in his spiritual sea, but the benefits he gained were undeniable.
Now that his spiritual power was fully sorted, his spiritual sea was more stable than ever. He felt that if he cast the Holy Breath Domain now, it would undoubtedly be more effective than before.
Of course, this wasn't the most important result. His greatest reward this time wasn't the second soul ring or the enhancement of his spiritual power. Rather, it was that the Shu Mountain Treasure Record in his mind had turned a page.
The second part of the Shu Mountain Treasure Record, titled Yuheng Herbal Scripture, was authored by Cao Gu, one of the Seven Saints of Shu Mountain. It contained detailed records of various medicinal herbs, including the likes of the legendary Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and Narcissus Jade Flesh Bone. It provided not only descriptions of the herbs' effects but also methods for preserving and consuming them.
Additionally, the scripture's alchemy section recorded how to use these immortal herbs as medicinal catalysts, combining them with other herbs to refine elixirs that could far surpass the effects of the herbs themselves.
Shu Mountain, as expected from a sect focused on immortal cultivation, had knowledge of immortal herbs and their uses that likely exceeded Tang San's Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record tenfold.
With this, Tianlin no longer needed to curry favor with Tang San. He could even seize the immortal herbs before Tang San encountered Dugu Bo.
Of course, Tianlin's opinion of Tang San hadn't changed. They weren't enemies and could still befriend each other, but there was no need for a deep bond.
...
Another day and night passed. Tianlin was completely immersed in studying the Yuheng Herbal Scripture, losing track of time and forgetting that people outside were anxiously watching over him.
"Sword Brother, why haven't you woken up yet?" Ning Rongrong gently wiped Tianlin's face with a cloth.
If others in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan saw this, they would surely be shocked. When had their little witch become so well-behaved, even caring for someone like this?
Outside, Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Thanks to Xiao Tian, Rongrong has truly matured. I hope Xiao Tian wakes up soon."
As a doting father, he couldn't bear to see his daughter crying every day.
He also firmly believed that the future hope of their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, their future Guardian Douluo, would not fall because of a mere millennium soul ring.
"Sword Brother, I've reached level 15 in soul power now! I'm not as amazing as you, but Father says I'm the fastest cultivating support-type soul master. When you wake up, I'll become your exclusive support soul master, okay?" Ning Rongrong kept talking, hoping her words would reach Tianlin.
Perhaps heaven rewards those who are persistent. Inside his spiritual sea, Tianlin truly heard a voice calling out to him.
"This voice… Rongrong!"
"Damn it! I was so focused on studying the Shu Mountain Treasure Record's alchemy section that I forgot people outside are worried about me!" Tianlin immediately felt regret.
Studying alchemy could be done anytime. At the very least, he should have first ensured that those outside knew he was safe. He had been too selfish.
Deciding this, Tianlin quickly allowed his consciousness to return. In the real world, he slowly opened his eyes and saw Ning Rongrong gently wiping his face. Smiling, he said, "Rongrong, I'm back. I'm sorry for worrying you!"
Seeing Tianlin awake, Ning Rongrong was overjoyed, tears welling up in her eyes. But she didn't forget the most important thing and rushed to the door, shouting, "Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, Father, come quickly! Sword Brother is awake!"
PS: Ohh, Rongrong is so sweet.