2 Ch.2: First Spirit Ring

Dugu Bo warned Dugu Xin not to tell anyone that he was born with Innate Full Soul Power unless it was his own family. While the truth couldn't remain concealed indefinitely, the precarious situation surrounding the Dugu family demanded prudence. In a world rife with enemies, protecting Dugu Xin was paramount, and for now, their discretion bought them time for both of them to mature.

News swiftly spread that the youngest scion of the Dugu lineage had successfully awakened the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, with an innate soul power reaching level 8. It was a measured disclosure, calculated to alleviate the apprehensions of those around them. The Dugu family's emergence of a Spirit Douluo was tolerated with clenched teeth. After all, the looming threat of Spirit Hall's desire to annex their family was a grim reality. Dugu Tian, a formidable Titled Douluo at level 91, once engaged in a fierce battle against one of Spirit Hall's elders, Liu Qi Cang—the Lone Wolf Douluo, in Anshno City. This confrontation led to the complete annihilation of the Spirit Branch Hall, with the venomous effects of the green-jade poison infesting the city, rendering it uninhabitable for decades. Even the Lone Wolf Douluo succumbed to the venom's grip, paying the ultimate price for his actions. This confrontation served as a grim reminder to the world of the Dugu Family's unique and potent martial spirit—the "Most Poisonous Martial Soul Family."

Despite Dugu Tian's ultimate demise, he ensured that his legacy endured. The Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul's lethal poison was solidified in the collective consciousness. Tragically, this power came at a cost; Dugu family members bore the brunt of the poison's effects. Their lifespan was greatly shortened, and their potential for ascending to Spirit Douluo, let alone Titled Douluo, was significantly diminished. This was a harsh reality that constrained the family's expansion and resource acquisition. It also explained the cautious, superficial alliances maintained by the other Great Sects with them —a balance between tolerance and a lack of motivation to eliminate the Dugu family.

Innate Full Soul Power, however, carried different implications. As a Titled Douluo, even with a shorter lifespan, an individual could significantly influence a family or sect for a span of fifty years or more. The rise of a lineage would inevitably absorb nearby forces and resources, reshaping the power dynamics. Post the awakening ceremony, Dugu Bo embarked on a nocturnal journey with Dugu Xin to the Star Dou Great Forest. Their arduous trek took three days and nights, culminating at the border of Suotou City and the Star Dou Forest. The sentries stationed there, Spirit King level guards adorned in imposing armor, wielded halberds and demanded identification. Dugu Bo produced the family token, emblazoned with the Jade Phosphor Serpent, prompting the guards to exchange glances before granting them passage.

With a quizzical expression, Dugu Xin inquired, "Father, how do ordinary people gain access for soul beast hunting?"

Patiently, Dugu Bo elucidated, "Ordinary individuals acquire hunting approval tokens for a nominal fee. These tokens are registered to facilitate locating individuals in case of emergencies, and they also serve as a means to recruit talented soul masters. For families like ours in the Heaven Dou Empire, such measures are unnecessary. However, during times of war, our family takes the lead in joining the army."

Dugu Bo led the way, guiding his son, "Today, we'll establish camp here and rest before beginning the soul ring hunt tomorrow."

The next morning, as the sun pierced the horizon, Dugu Bo meticulously imparted knowledge about the Star Dou Forest's intricacies and the art of survival. In the midst of his discourse, a sudden wolf's howl disrupted their tranquility. Frowning, Dugu Bo tightened his grip on Dugu Xin and assumed a defensive stance. The resonating growls culminated in the encirclement of ten-year Wind Wolves, led by a centenarian Blue Horned Wind Wolf. Dugu Bo just smiled slightly as his teeth sharpened and his eyes took on the hue of golden snake pupils.

He scoffed, "A pack of foolish beasts who don't know their place." The eruption of his soul power triggered the illumination of his soul rings: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, and black. The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor materialized behind him.

The 100-years Blue Horned Wind Wolf began to tremble in fear. The 10-years Wind Wolves had it even worse, as they were already kneeling unable to move up. Dugu Bo's lips curved into a faint smile, "It's growing late; let's conclude this swiftly. 3rd Spirit Skill, Jade Phosphor Phantom Snakes" A convergence of green-jade spirit power in his hand spawned a multitude of smaller Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperors. They rushed toward the wolves, as the Blue Horned Wind Wolf countered with a wind slash from its tail. A cold smile touched Dugu Bo's lips as the green serpents were destroyed, dispersing a torrent of venom that swiftly engulfed the Wind Wolves.

Death claimed the weaker wolves instantly. The Blue Horned Wind Wolf struggled in vain, its efforts futile as foamy spittle flecked its mouth before it died. Dugu Bo retracted the venomous mist, revealing white soul rings over the Wind Wolves' forms and a yellow one above the Blue Horned Wind Wolf.

"A soul ring around 400 years old. A shame it's unsuitable for you, Xin'er," he commented with a hint of regret.

Dugu Bo took the opportunity to educate Dugu Xin further: "Our family records suggest that the first soul ring should ideally be around three hundred to four hundred years old. Given our martial soul's unique potency as a dragon-subspecies, and as an 'Emperor' at that, it's vital to select poisonous, snake, or sub-dragon spirit beasts. Xin'er, the first soul ring should ideally approach the age of 430 years, with a preference for a sub-dragon type soul beast. However, that only applies to normal spirit masters. You, my son can absorb an 800-years -old spirit ring."

Dugu Xin replied excitedly: "Really? You can't lie to me!" Dugu Bo replied amused by Xin's excitement.

"Yes. However, you have to be very careful. If I sense something is wrong I will instantly stop you. Do you…"

Dugu Bo's question was abruptly interrupted by a change in his demeanor. His body tensed; his senses heightened. The scent of poison pervaded the air, discernible to Dugu Bo's heightened sensitivity due to the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. He acted decisively, pulling Dugu Xin into his arms and advancing, resembling a cobra poised to strike. The surroundings blurred as Dugu Xin felt himself propelled forward at a rapid pace. Eventually, they reached a swamp within the Star Dou Forest.

Amidst the cacophony of roars, two distinct calls emerged from the depths. Looking into the depths, it was a hundred years old Datura Snake riddled with wounds, fleeing for its life. Dugu Bo's attention was fixated on this creature, a beast aged around 600 - 750years. It was a fitting match for Dugu Xin's first soul ring. The chase, however, was not one-sided. The pursuit was evident in the form of a smaller serpent spirit beast, about three-quarters the size of the Datura Snake, distinguished by its golden scales and a sharp, red horn atop its head.

Dugu Bo's eyes sparkled with excitement, "An 800-year-old Red Horned Golden Serpent! It not only has an extremely powerful venom but it also has a thin bloodline of a Golden Dragon. Xin'er, your soul ring awaits."

The Datura Snake faced a grim choice—confront the relentless pursuit or fight to the death. The Red Horned Golden Serpent's demeanor contrasted sharply; leisurely strolling closer. The Datura Snake's resolve shattered, prompting it to coil and face its adversary.

The Red Horned Golden Serpent exuded an air of aloof indifference, its movements marked by an explosive surge of soul power. Swift as a striking viper, it evaded the Datura Snake's attack, its fangs dripping with corrosive venom that sizzled upon contact with the earth. The serpents" fight continued as the Red Horned Golden Serpent lunged at the Datura Snake, delivering a savage bite to its abdomen. The Datura Snake retaliated, seeking to strangle its opponent, but the Red Horned Golden Serpent was not one to linger, Relinquishing its grip, the confrontation evolved into an waiting game, but the Datura Snake was not shy at all, and immediately changed its tactics and directly spit out a mouthful of venom at the Red Horned Golden Serpent. Although the Red Horned Golden Serpent is extremely fast, it was really too late to dodge. Its chest and face were stained with venom that began to corrode its body with its wounds becoming greenish and losing a great amount of blood.

The Datura Snake, riddled with scars and purple corrosion, battled on relentlessly, and the Red Horned Golden Serpent, its body filled with green spots and bleeding attacked and recoiled, trading ferocious blows, until silence descended like a heavy shroud, broken only by the haunting echoes of their roars. Dugu Bo's voice punctuated the stillness, providing insight into the battle. "Snakes possess an inherent pride," he explained to Dugu Xin.

"The Red Horned Golden Serpent, injured and affronted, seeks swift vengeance, while the Datura Snake, cornered and without escape, prepares to fight to the death. The next round will determine the victor."

He continued, his tone grave, "Xin'er, observe this battle closely. It embodies the essence of serpent martial soul combat—quiet as stone, and yet, when they strike, it's with merciless swiftness, like a bolt of lightning aimed at the heart."

The teasing glint in the Red Horned Golden Serpent's eyes had vanished, replaced by a chilling intensity as it initiated its offensive. The ensuing exchange was swift and fierce. With a roar, the Red Horned Golden Serpent's soul power surged, propelling it towards the Datura Snake. In response, the Datura Snake expelled venom in a relentless barrage, seeking to redirect its opponent's assault. Unexpectedly, the Red Horned Golden Serpent withstood the venom's onslaught, biting into the Datura Snake's flesh with ruthless precision, injecting its venom. The Datura Snake roared in agony, retaliating with a strangling grip that sealed its own fate as he fell to the ground dead.

However, the once-lifeless Datura Snake sprang to life, constricting the Red Horned Golden Serpent in a death grip. The Datura Snake's defiance was palpable, as he tightened its grip. Bones audibly creaked, causing the Red Horned Golden Serpent to release a pained hiss. Simultaneously, the Datura Snake tried to bit the body of Red Horned Golden Serpent, injecting his deadly green toxins. But in a blaze of determination, the Red Horned Golden Serpent 's soul power erupted, causing barbed protrusions to sprout from all over his body, heavily wounding the Datura Snake, and used its tail to puncture the Datura Snake's head.

The Datura Snake's soul power dissipated, leaving the venom-laden blood to seep down, corroding the Red Horned Golden Serpent's visage. The Red Horned Golden Serpent stirred, arching his back with a triumphant roar, shortly after he began to feast on its fallen adversary. Dugu Bo's gaze shifted to Dugu Xin, his expression serious.

"Never lower your guard until the battle's end," he cautioned. Dugu Xin nodded, absorbing the hard-earned lessons etched into this battle.

As the Red Horned Golden Serpent began to lower his guard Dugu Bo's soul power surged once more: "1st Spirit Skill, Jade Phosphor Piercing Fangs". His soul power and poison manifested and materialized several lethal projectiles aimed at the now-vulnerable Red Horned Golden Serpent, striking the serpent and bringing it down. Urgently, Dugu Bo presented a dagger to Dugu Xin, instructing him with icy resolve,

"It's your turn to end this." Dugu Xin accepted the weapon, approaching stealthily. His gaze focused on the Datura Snake's bone-white remnants of its being.

As the dagger descended, aiming for the serpent's head, the Red Horned Golden Serpent unexpectedly launched a final attack. Its maw snapped open, jaws closing in on Dugu Xin. In a heartbeat, Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor materialized, immobilizing the serpent.

His voice, cold as ice, resonated, "Xin'er, you must never let your guard down on your opponent. Let this be a lesson learned."

Dugu Xin nodded fiercely, and pierced the snake's head with all his strength, a yellow soul ring appeared. Dugu Xin immediately sat down cross-legged, as the yellow soul ring approached Dugu Xin, beginning to absorb the ring. However, the absorption of a soul ring was no easy feat as the energy emanating from the soul ring surged like a wild river.

Dugu Bo observed closely, his expression a blend of vigilance and encouragement. He knew that this moment was a critical juncture in Dugu Xin's growth. The path of a soul master was strewn with challenges, and this was one of them – to seize the essence of a fallen soul beast and merge it with one's own power. As the fusion of energy commenced, Dugu Xin embarked on the next phase of his journey, his ascension to a Titled Douluo.