Several days later, Yin Yang took Ma Hongjun to the Soul Hunting Forest to obtain his third soul ring, while Oscar and Meng Yiran returned to Shrek Academy. Ning Rongrong, however, was asked to stay behind by Tianlin.
"Since everyone else has left, Rongrong, let Sword Brother take you to the Sunset Forest to hunt soul beasts and advance to Soul Ancestor," Tianlin suddenly said to Ning Rongrong one day.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong was utterly confused. "Sword Brother, are you feeling alright? I've just reached level 39 and still need some time to cultivate before breaking through to level 40. How can I hunt for a soul ring now?"
"Trust your Sword Brother; he's never wrong. I'm quite familiar with the Sunset Forest, so I'll take you there this time," Dugu Bo interjected as he approached. These two were the future hope of the sect, and Ning Fengzhi naturally wouldn't let them go alone to hunt soul beasts. What if something happened?
"Alright, thank you, Grandpa Dugu," Ning Rongrong replied without further questions. Since both Sword Brother and Dugu Bo said so, she had no reason not to trust them.
"Old Monster, my sword can't carry this many people, so you'll have to follow on foot this time," Tianlin teased with a smile.
"Hmph, you little monster who prioritizes romance over friendship, I was already prepared for this," Dugu Bo said proudly. "So what if you can fly on your sword? With my speed as a Titled Douluo, do you think I can't keep up with you? Just fly at full speed."
"Alright, then we'll go on ahead." Tianlin summoned his magic sword, pulled Ning Rongrong close, and wrapped his arm around her waist as they soared into the sky.
Ning Rongrong wasn't scared in the slightest. Ever since she was a child, Chen Xin would often take her flying on his sword for fun. She was used to it and even exclaimed with delight, "Wow, Sword Brother, your sword-flying skill is just like Grandpa Sword's! But it seems a bit slower than his."
"Of course," Tianlin chuckled. "After all, I'm just a small Soul King, while Master is a Titled Douluo. But don't worry. Once I grow stronger, I'll surpass Master. Then, I promise to take you on my sword to explore every corner of the Douluo Continent."
"Mm!" Ning Rongrong leaned happily into Tianlin's embrace, the joy on her face impossible to hide.
Meanwhile, Dugu Bo, running below them, grumbled to himself. "Ugh, I can't bear to watch this. An old man like me has no rights."
"If only my dear Bingbing were here, I could be just like these two lovebirds."
Even Skydream Iceworm, nestled in Tianlin's spiritual sea, couldn't escape the public display of affection. After enduring it for a while, it finally blocked out its senses and went silent, likely reminiscing about its sweet memories with Bingbing.
Speaking of Bingbing, wasn't that the legendary Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, one of the three great kings of the Extreme North? Hmm, it did seem like an excellent match for Brother Skydream. Next time, I'll find an opportunity to bring her here, Tianlin thought.
"Yes, that's the plan. And it's not because I want the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion's soul ring or soul bone. I just feel sorry for my single worm buddy. Yes, that's it!" Tianlin almost convinced himself with his self-deception.
Far away in the Extreme North, the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion suddenly shivered. Confused, she wondered why she, a powerful soul beast wielding ultimate ice, would feel cold.
Little did she know that her body had already been targeted by a certain shameless individual.
Before long, the trio arrived at the entrance to the Sunset Forest. Ning Rongrong's goal this time was her fourth soul ring, which needed to be at least 5,000 years old. Only places like the Sunset Forest or the Star Dou Forest could provide such a soul ring quickly—ordinary Soul Hunting Forests wouldn't suffice.
"Sword Brother, Grandpa Dugu, what exactly is your plan to help me?" Ning Rongrong finally asked after they arrived, hoping to understand how they intended to let her, at level 39, hunt a fourth soul ring.
Tianlin nodded and explained the secret of his fifth soul skill, Illusory Water Thunder.
"Sword Brother, your fifth soul skill is insane! Not only can it be used in battle, but it's practically a cheat for assisting cultivation!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, both excited and delighted. Her Sword Brother had given her yet another big surprise.
"Rongrong, I have a suggestion for you. Listen carefully and decide for yourself," Tianlin said seriously. "My Illusory Water Thunder doesn't just enhance you—it can also enhance soul beasts."
"So, if we find a soul beast that's 5,000 years old, I can forcefully enhance it to 10,000 years before killing it. The resulting soul ring will be no different from a normal 10,000-year ring. However, the soul inside will still belong to the original 5,000-year-old beast, so it won't cause a soul shock. Combined with my Holy Spirit Domain and the Heaven-Mending Pill you've taken, I'm almost 100% certain you'll succeed in absorbing it. The process will just be a bit painful."
"Rongrong, it's your choice. Do you want this over-limit soul ring? Don't worry if you refuse—it's fine. I can just find a 10-year-old soul beast, enhance it to 5,000 years, and that'll be enough for you to absorb."
Tianlin never pressured Ning Rongrong. In truth, he didn't want her to endure the pain of absorbing an over-limit soul ring.
But this time, he underestimated Ning Rongrong's determination. Without hesitation, she replied, "Of course I want it. Sword Brother, do you still think I'm the little witch I used to be? I'm the future master of the sect. I can't let you bear all the burdens alone—I need to contribute too."
Tianlin smiled faintly. "Well said. Then, my future sect master, leave the rest to me and Old Monster. All you need to do is rest and prepare to absorb the soul ring."
"Exactly. Just follow us," Dugu Bo added. "By the way, the first three soul skills you've gained enhance strength, speed, and soul power, right? For the fourth ring, how about focusing on defense?"
Tianlin nodded. "That works. Uncle Ning suggested the same. More important enhancements, like attack and attribute boosts, can be left for the fifth and sixth rings. Defense is perfect for the fourth."
"Then follow me. I know just the right defensive soul beast," Dugu Bo said as he walked ahead, hands clasped behind his back. Having lived in the Sunset Forest for decades, this place felt like home to him.
Tianlin took Rongrong's hand and followed behind him.
Eventually, Dugu Bo led the two to an open area near a small lake, where a group of soul beasts was drinking water.
"These soul beasts are… Armored Rhinos!" Tianlin said, recognizing them from the soul beast compendium Qian Renxue had given him.
It was said that in terms of pure defense, Armored Rhinos surpassed even Diamond Mammoths. Though they lacked the immense strength of Diamond Mammoths, their defense was unparalleled. The Defense Clan of the Four Single-Attribute Clans even had this as their martial soul.
This was indeed an ideal choice for Rongrong's fourth soul ring.