Chapter 42: Preparation for the Far North
"What is a ring explosion?" Tianmeng asked, blinking in confusion at Xiao Qiang's sudden shift in topic.
"To put it simply," Xiao Qiang explained, "it means forcibly breaking a spirit ring to release a sudden burst of spirit power. Normally, only some Title Douluo dare to do it, but with you here, Brother Tianmeng, I don't think it's impossible. After all, you're far stronger than an ordinary Title Douluo."
"That's true. I've cultivated for a million years—those so-called Title Douluo are nothing to me," Tianmeng replied proudly. "But your physical condition seems far too weak to withstand the power released by a broken spirit ring. Even if I help guide the energy, it won't be easy. Your first two rings have already been upgraded to thousand-year level—this isn't something to take lightly."
Tianmeng didn't mention that he was fully capable of controlling the explosion. After all, even non-spiritual-type Title Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect could handle it. For him, a spiritual power expert, managing the backlash was even simpler.
"My body really isn't strong enough… yet," Xiao Qiang admitted, pulling out several whale glue tonics. Their quality was nearly ten thousand years old.
Xiao Qiang didn't have Huo Yuhao's incredible luck—he couldn't wait for a weathered ten-thousand-year-old whale glue to fall into his lap. Fortunately, ever since becoming Jing Hongchen's student, money was no longer an issue.
If fate didn't provide, he'd simply buy what he needed. Expensive as it was, the Mingde Hall was rich, and Xiao Qiang was content to spend when necessary.
"If you add these whale glues…" Tianmeng thought for a moment. "Then it might work. But the risk is still high—I'm not sure it's worth it."
"It is," Xiao Qiang insisted seriously. "After all, we're heading to the Far North soon. I only have spirit power at level 40. With the soul tools and soul skills you've given me, I can take on a level 50 soul master, but if a level 60 opponent appears… that's dangerous."
He paused, his eyes darkening. "If it weren't for your help last time, we might've died. We can't afford to take chances on the way. You wouldn't want something to happen that we can't handle, would you?"
Xiao Qiang wasn't Huo Yuhao. He didn't have plot armor or protagonist luck. When Huo Yuhao had just his second ring, he had managed to go to and return from the Far North. But that didn't mean Xiao Qiang would be as lucky.
He remembered clearly: even Huo Yuhao had been captured by an evil soul master during his early cultivation. If Ma Xiaotao hadn't wasted Tianmeng's ultimate move, Huo Yuhao might have died trying to take the enemy down with him.
Even Huo Yuhao had been in that much danger. Xiao Qiang needed to prepare better. He needed backup plans—he needed trump cards.
Only after gaining the protection of the Snow Emperor would he truly feel safe. Until then, he was still too fragile.
"I get it," Tianmeng finally said, his tone softening. "Leave the ring explosion to me. Controlling a wisdom soul ring is a headache, but a mere ring explosion? That's no problem. I'll handle it."
"I knew Brother Tianmeng was the strongest!" Xiao Qiang grinned.
…
With Tianmeng handling the ring explosions, Xiao Qiang's spirit power would occasionally surge uncontrollably, but it was manageable. Combined with the strengthening medicine Xiao Hongchen had given him—courtesy of Meng Hongchen—Xiao Qiang's cultivation soared. The Sun Moon Empire had two semesters per year. With a week still left in the first semester, Xiao Qiang's spirit power had already reached level 38.
On the first day of the holiday, Jing Hongchen summoned him.
"Teacher," Xiao Qiang greeted respectfully.
"Take these two Sun Moon Pills," Jing Hongchen said, handing over two white-gold pills.
"Sun Moon Pill?" Xiao Qiang's eyes widened. He immediately recognized them—super-enhanced versions of the Black Tortoise Pill. Just one could raise a regular person to an innate level 5 soul master. Even among the imperial family, such treasures were rare.
"It seems you already know," Jing Hongchen said with a nod. "Good. Saves me the trouble of explaining. Take them. I haven't acquired the Body Sect's training method yet, but the Sun Moon Empire's alchemical resources are nothing to scoff at."
He looked Xiao Qiang in the eye. "Your innate soul power is only level 5. But after consuming both pills, your potential will rival those born with full innate power."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Xiao Qiang accepted the pills without complaint, but he had no intention of taking them himself.
He couldn't yet make a move against Jing Hongchen—but that wouldn't be the case for much longer. With the prophet's intel and the Snow Emperor's power on the horizon, the future would be different.
"Go. If you need a spirit ring, find Ma Teng or Jing Yun. I don't have time to instruct you personally right now, but if you need anything else, tell me directly."
"Yes, Teacher."
Xiao Qiang bowed and left. Outside, he looked down at the two pills in his hand and sighed.
These pills were incredibly precious. A few years ago, he would've taken them immediately. But now? He was already at level 38. He planned to buy a soul-raising pill to break through to level 40 before heading to the Far North.
Once he fused with the Ice Empress—gaining her soul ring, soul bone, and martial spirit—his talent issue would be solved completely. These pills were no longer necessary for him.
But they wouldn't go to waste.
He already had the perfect candidates in mind.
When he returned home, two small figures ran up to him—his younger siblings, Xiao Sheng and Xiao Lan.
"Brother!"
"Big brother!"
Xiao Qiang smiled and rubbed their heads affectionately before taking out the pills.
"These are Sun and Moon Pills," he explained. "They can give ordinary people innate level 5 spirit power. For spirit masters, it can boost your starting power by several levels. You two take one each."
Xiao Lan blinked in surprise, then shook her head and gently pushed the pill back toward him.
She didn't know much about cultivation pills, but she understood value. Her brother had sacrificed so much for them. How could she accept a precious pill like this?
"Big brother, you and second brother should take them. I'm already close to breaking through to level 10 on my own. You need them more."
Xiao Sheng also declined. "I'm twelve already. Even if I get innate level 5 power now, it won't help much long-term. Don't waste them on me."
Xiao Qiang sighed. These two were too thoughtful.
Without saying another word, he suddenly stuffed the pills into their mouths.
"You're eating them," he said firmly. "I gave them to you because I want you to have them. I have other plans for myself. Just do as I say."
As the head of the family, Xiao Qiang's word was law. Neither Xiao Sheng nor Xiao Lan could resist. They swallowed the pills as instructed.
He watched them as they meditated and absorbed the medicinal effects. When they finished the next morning, he left behind a few instructions and set off—his next destination: the Far North.