Golden Tortoise Emperor

"Hahaha... what a wonderful sight, this old man feels nostalgic seeing this." Suddenly a bald old man dressed like a monk with a turtle shell on his back appeared out of nowhere before them.

The Old Man's aura revealed an ancient aura that had gone through countless ages. The unfathomable Cultivation-Age Gap between them and the Old Man was palpable, sending ripples of caution through Feng Qian's neck.

"A human?" Said Feng Qian stunned.

Swoshh~

Cautiously observing the Old Man, Feng Qian couldn't help but sense the overwhelming presence emanating from the Old Man.

"Sigh~~ back in my days, the young ones knew to honor and respect their elders once they awakened their intelligence," the Old Tortoise mused, a touch of sorrow lacing its words.

"But alas, in these times, even after meeting their benefactors, the youth seem to have lost touch with these valued traditions," it lamented, casting a wistful gaze at the young Feng Qian and the others.

Feng Qian, who was perceptive to the situation, realized the identity of their benefactor. Understanding that the Old Man was the one who might have saved them, he then tried to show respect towards Old Man.

With a bow, he greeted the Old Man, "Greetings, esteemed benefactor," Feng Qian said respectfully, his attitude showing honor and respect for an elder.

"Hmm, good... you should be more like him, little tortoise! You are embarrassing the Golden Tortoise's dignity..." The old man nodded in satisfaction at Feng Qian's greeting and teased the Golden Tortoise.

However, the Golden Tortoise who knew nothing about the Old Man, felt a little embarrassed and confused.

"Uhmm.. G-Greetings, esteemed benefactor, how do you know me?" asked the Golden Tortoise in confusion.

"Hahaha… Of course, I am the Golden Tortoise Emperor," The Old Man exclaimed it proudly, and continued, "how could I not know my own descendants." Said the Old Man as his mood brightened up,

"Y-You are my ancestor?" The Golden Tortoise said in disbelief.

"Impudent!" The Old Man suddenly became mad hearing him being called 'Ancestor' by his descendant.

Feng Qian who heard that was also in disbelief, "Excuse me, esteemed benefactor, could you please tell us what happened when we fell unconscious?" Asked Feng Qian.

Suddenly the Old Man approached, "What is your name, son?" Old Man asked while looking at Feng Qian in seriousness.

"I-I'm Feng Qian, and this is my sister Feng Linlin." Feng Qian introduced himself and Feng Linlin while feeling nervous.

"Hmm, Feng Qian, Feng Linlin?... alright, I will explain it to you," he began in a voice that echoed in ears, "you both have received Soul Cores from the fallen Nine Hells Demon Dragon. These cores carry the essence of its power and legacy..."

After the Old Man explained significant information about the aftermath of their encounter with the Nine Hells Demon Dragon, Feng Qian now had some understanding of what had happened to them.

"Soul Core?" Feng Qian asked, remembering in his memory he felt like he had read it in his past life.

The Old Man, exuding an air of ancient aura, began to impart his knowledge about Soul Cores, "Soul Cores," the Old Man began, "are the condensed essence that forms within a Spirit Beast after it reaches the monumental Cultivation-Age of one hundred thousand years. These cores embody the culmination of a spirit beast's spiritual growth and prowess."

The words carried a profound weight, and Feng Qian and the other spirits listened intently, absorbing the wisdom imparted by the Old Man.

"The function of a Soul Core," the Old Man continued, "is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves to augment one's comprehension in cultivation, enabling the spirit beast to refine its energies and channel them more efficiently. With the aid of a Soul Core, one's cultivation becomes more refined and potent, leading to faster progress along the path of spiritual advancement."

Feng Qian nodded in understanding, recognizing the immense value of such a precious knowledge.

"But beyond mere cultivation prowess," the Old Man added, its voice carrying a profound significance, "Soul Cores also hold great importance in strengthening one's own bloodline. Since this core carried the spirit beast's bloodline and inheritance, it would refine one's bloodline to be even purer.

This revelation about the importance of enhancing the bloodline through the Soul Essence resonated deeply within Feng Qian. "This must be the reason why Linlin and I have evolved." Feng Qian thought inwardly as he finally understood what was happening.

"Thank you, esteemed Benefactor, for saving us from our demise…" said Feng Qian gratefully.

Shiing~~

Suddenly the Old Man's eyes flashed with golden light as he inspected Feng Qian's body.

"Hmm, good... now son, answer my question truthfully," The Old Man paused for a moment, then continued. "tell me who you really are?" The Old Man glanced coldly at Feng Qian.