Chapter 12: A Thousand Arrows in Unison
A purple mist slowly rose from the corpse of the Ice-Armored Thorn Beast, gradually condensing into a halo that emitted a faint violet glow.
Looking at the thousand-year spirit ring, Xiao Han was a little excited.
But Lin Zhiruo still had some concerns.
This would be the second spirit ring Xiao Han would absorb, and its age had already exceeded what an ordinary spirit master could normally withstand.
"Xiao Han, have you really decided to absorb this spirit ring?"
"Of course. Mom, don't worry, I can handle it."
Xiao Han was full of confidence.
He had spent half a year finishing that high-quality thousand-year whale gelatin, which gradually made his body more resilient.
That was proof enough that the whale gelatin worked.
Xiao Han knew that for most spirit masters, the limit for the second spirit ring was about 700 years.
This thousand-year spirit ring only exceeded that by about 200 years.
He was confident he could absorb it.
Seeing Xiao Han's determination, Lin Zhiruo said no more. She simply stood by quietly to guard him during the process.
Xiao Han sat beneath the purple spirit ring, preparing to bring himself to his optimal state before beginning the absorption.
Shui Bing'er sat cross-legged in the snow to cultivate, using the time to recover her strength.
She had also expended a lot of spirit power in the recent battle.
But the battle also pushed her limits, allowing her to break through to level 20. This meant she could now obtain her second spirit ring as well.
Once he had adjusted his state, Xiao Han began absorbing the thousand-year spirit ring.
A surge of powerful energy from the ring slowly entered Xiao Han's body.
This energy was far more intense than when he absorbed his first ring—like a raging river, its overwhelming momentum trying to break through his internal defenses.
Beads of sweat appeared on Xiao Han's forehead, but he kept his eyes tightly shut and gritted his teeth. Every cell in his body seemed to awaken, fiercely resisting and integrating with the incoming energy.
As time passed, the extreme cold power began to calm and was guided by Xiao Han through his meridians, slowly blending with his existing spirit power.
His breathing gradually became steady, and his expression peaceful.
During this time, Shui Bing'er had fully recovered.
"Dean Lin, Xiao Han is amazing—he's already subdued the energy."
"Mmm. This brat is too reckless, but thank goodness he pulled through."
Lin Zhiruo finally relaxed.
"Dean Lin, I also reached level 20."
"Really? That's wonderful! Once Xiao Han finishes absorbing the spirit ring, we'll find a suitable spirit beast for you to obtain your second spirit ring."
"Okay."
The two exchanged smiles as they waited for Xiao Han to finish his absorption.
Time passed minute by minute.
When the last trace of energy was fully absorbed, Xiao Han slowly opened his eyes.
Absorbing this thousand-year spirit ring had taken much longer than last time—four whole hours.
By now, night had fallen.
Even in the dim light, Xiao Han could feel he could now see farther and more clearly than before.
Obviously, the absorption of this spirit ring had enhanced his mental power, improving his perception.
"Xiao Han, you've finally finished absorbing the ring."
"Yeah. Mom, I did it!"
Xiao Han stood up, feeling the surging power within him, and a confident smile appeared on his face.
He looked at Lin Zhiruo, who had stayed by his side the whole time, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Without his foster mother's support and trust, he would never have been able to absorb this thousand-year ring.
Lin Zhiruo nodded with satisfaction, her eyes slightly moist.
"Not bad—my money wasn't wasted."
Shui Bing'er sensed the powerful aura emanating from Xiao Han, and a trace of surprise and envy flashed in her eyes.
She knew she would have to work even harder to catch up to this partner who always seemed one step ahead.
"Xiao Han, congratulations on obtaining a thousand-year spirit ring."
"Hehe, no need to envy me—you'll have your second ring soon, too."
"That's right. Bing'er has already reached level 20."
"That's great! When morning comes, we'll find a suitable spirit beast for Bing'er."
Shui Bing'er nodded with a smile and then asked: "Xiao Han, how many levels did your spirit power increase?"
"About two and a half—almost three."
Shui Bing'er blinked in surprise and joked: "Looks like it's going to be even harder to catch up to you."
"It's still early—maybe you'll catch up after you get your second ring."
"So what's your second spirit ability?"
"Something like the Ice-Armored Thorn Beast's ice spike attack. I call it 'A Thousand Arrows in Unison.'"
After speaking, Xiao Han released his martial spirit and spirit rings.
With a flash from his second purple ring, the second spirit ability—A Thousand Arrows in Unison—was activated.
In an instant, countless ice-blue arrows shot out from the Zhenbing Bow, like a meteor shower targeting their foes.
Xiao Han explained: "This spirit ability can be used as an area attack or, under my control, all arrows can converge to strike a single target."
"Amazing!"
Shui Bing'er genuinely praised him.
Lin Zhiruo also nodded in satisfaction.
"This spirit skill isn't bad. Alright, it's getting late. You two rest—I'll keep watch."
"Mom, you and Bing'er go rest. I'll take the night watch."
Lin Zhiruo knew Xiao Han cared about her, and although touched, she still felt uneasy.
"We're not in the outer area anymore. It's more dangerous here. Let me do it."
"No! You go rest—I'll do it. I'm now nearly a level-23 spirit master. I can handle a night watch. If anything happens, I'll wake you immediately."
"You brat—you've grown some nerve. Fine, let's see how you do."
"Don't worry, I've got this."
Xiao Han said as he helped set up the tent and leaned against a large tree.
He then let Lin Zhiruo and Shui Bing'er rest inside.
Having just absorbed the thousand-year spirit ring, Xiao Han was in great mental condition. He kept watch by the tent until dawn.
Fortunately, no spirit beasts disturbed them during the night.
Lin Zhiruo quietly stepped out of the tent and gently patted Xiao Han on the shoulder.
"Xiao Han, you did great for your first night watch. It's almost dawn—go get some sleep."
"Mom, I'm not tired."
"We still have to search for spirit beasts today. You need to be well-rested. Go sleep—I'll wake you in an hour."
"Alright then."
Xiao Han gently entered the tent.
Shui Bing'er was still sleeping soundly.
Looking at her rosy little face, Xiao Han didn't want to wake her. He carefully lay down beside her and quickly fell asleep.
The sky gradually brightened.
Shui Bing'er slowly opened her eyes in a daze, surprised to find Xiao Han sleeping beside her.
Looking at the sleeping Xiao Han, a gentle smile appeared on Shui Bing'er's face.
Unknowingly, she had known Xiao Han for three years.
The once immature boy was growing into someone dependable—someone she could trust and rely on.
(End of Chapter)
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