Liu Erlong, still buzzing from her mother's recent transformation, felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. "What if we encounter something dangerous? I don't want to put anyone at risk."
"Don't worry, Erlong," Liu Cheng reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "With Mother's new power and Aunt Qiu's experience, we'll be fine. Just stay alert and trust in your abilities."
With their plan set, the group moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of nature enveloping them. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop as they ventured further from their camp.
As they walked, Liu Yan and Zhang Qiu took the lead, their senses heightened. "Keep an eye out for any signs of soul beasts," Zhang Qiu instructed, scanning the underbrush for movement. "We're looking for anything that shows signs of energy or disturbance."
Suddenly, Liu Yan halted, her instincts kicking in. "Wait. Do you feel that?" she whispered, her eyes narrowing as she focused on a nearby thicket.
Zhang Qiu nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, there's definitely something there. Let's approach carefully."
As they crept closer, the underbrush parted to reveal two magnificent creatures—a male(750 years) and female(female) century-level flame wyverns, its scales shimmering with pure flame energy. The soul beasts was basking in the sunlight, unaware of the approaching group.
"Cheng, Erlong, come here!" Liu Yan called softly, beckoning her children to join them. "This is a perfect candidate for you both. Its energy is strong, and it should provide a solid foundation for your first soul rings."
Liu Cheng's eyes widened in awe. "It's incredible! But how do we subdue it without alerting it?"
Zhang Qiu smiled, her confidence returning. "Leave that to me. I'll use my soul skills to immobilize it. Once it's subdued, you can absorb the soul ring."
With a nod of agreement, Zhang Qiu stepped forward, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. "Thunderstorm Bind!" she called, unleashing a wave of energy that crackled with electricity. The wyverns was caught off guard, its body momentarily paralyzed by the powerful attack.
"Now, go!" Liu Yan urged, her heart racing. "Cheng, you take the lead!"
Liu Cheng wasted no time. He charged forward, his determination fueling his every step. "I'll do it!" he shouted, his voice filled with resolve. He struck the male wyvern with a precise blow, ensuring it wouldn't escape.
As the creature lay still, Liu Erlong approached cautiously, her heart pounding. "Is it safe?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's safe," Liu Cheng assured her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Now, let's absorb the soul ring!"
With their mother and aunt standing guard, the siblings prepared for the absorption process. Liu Yan placed a reassuring hand on Liu Erlong's shoulder. "You can do this, my dear. Just focus on the energy and let it flow into you."
Liu Erlong nodded, her heart racing as she knelt beside the female wyvern. She placed her hands on its scales, feeling the energy pulsing beneath her fingertips. As she began the absorption process, a surge of power coursed through her, but it was accompanied by a wave of pain that made her gasp.
"Stay strong, Erlong!" Liu Yan encouraged, her voice steady. "Remember, this is a part of your growth."
Liu Erlong gritted her teeth, focusing on her mother's words. Images of her family flashed through her mind—her brother's unwavering support, her mother's fierce love. I can't let them down, she thought, pushing through the pain.
Meanwhile, Liu Cheng was also undergoing his own absorption process, feeling the energy of the fire wyvern merging with his Wuhun. His eyes gleamed with determination as he channeled the power into his own soul.
As the siblings absorbed the soul rings, their bodies began to glow with a soft, pulsing light. The energy of the two wyverns was transforming them, imbuing them with strength and potential.
Finally, the absorption process was complete. Liu Erlong and Liu Cheng stood tall, their eyes shining with newfound power. They had taken their first steps on the path to becoming powerful soul masters, and their mother couldn't be prouder.
"Well done, my children!" Liu Yan exclaimed, embracing them both. "You've taken the first step towards greatness. Now, let's return to camp and celebrate your success!"
As they made their way back, the group was filled with laughter and excitement. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but with their bond and determination, they knew they could overcome any obstacle.