Ma Hongjun was fully focused on absorbing the power of his new soul ring, while Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and the others nearby were visibly anxious.
They had all heard what Teacher Liu Erlong had said—the soul beast in front of them was over ten thousand years old.
That kind of power was far beyond anything they could handle at their current level.
"This isn't good. The lingering scent is attracting other ten-thousand-year soul beasts nearby."
Flander's expression instantly darkened.
He had originally hoped to use the magical herbs to lure out a suitable soul beast, but things were spiraling out of control—more and more powerful soul beasts were gathering.
"Hongjun can't be disturbed right now. Erlong, stay here and guard him. I'll go hold them off."
Flander gave the order decisively.
But Liu Erlong, standing beside him, wasn't pleased.
"We need to go together. There are three ten-thousand-year soul beasts out there. You can't take them on alone."
She glanced around quickly, reading the battlefield in an instant.
Flander hesitated, then nodded, agreeing with her judgment.
"Dean, Teacher Erlong, don't worry about Fatty. We'll protect him."
Dai Mubai stepped forward confidently.
By now, they had the ability to defend themselves.
"Good. I'll leave Hongjun to you," Liu Erlong said with a smile. It was bright and reassuring, but behind her eyes burned a fierce fighting spirit.
She and Flander vanished in a flash. Not long after, a violent battle broke out in the distance.
Sensing danger in the surroundings, a sharp glint appeared in Dai Mubai's eyes.
He wouldn't let anyone lay a finger on his brother.
Just as he was ready to act, Gu Yuena stepped forward.
"It's fine."
Her silver hair flowed as she spoke with calm certainty.
Her voice was soft but firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Dai Mubai hesitated. After being suppressed by her multiple times, he was well aware of how terrifying her strength was—even if he still couldn't fully grasp her true power.
"Boss Dai, since Nana says it's okay, there's nothing to worry about."
Xiao Wu had absolute trust in Gu Yuena now.
She believed that if Gu Yuena said everything would be fine, then it definitely would be.
Dai Mubai relaxed, and everyone once again gathered around Ma Hongjun.
After enduring the most difficult phase, Ma Hongjun finally subdued the violent energy surging through his body.
His severely damaged body slowly began to recover to its peak condition.
The power of the Scarlet Flame Fire Owl's soul ring was eventually fully absorbed—faster than average, nearly twice the speed of a normal soul master.
As the pain faded, Ma Hongjun felt mentally drained.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, a voice called to him.
"Control your breathing. Don't fall asleep."
Gu Yuena had been monitoring his condition closely.
The moment she sensed he was slipping into unconsciousness, she immediately spoke.
Although Ma Hongjun had already absorbed the energy of the flame soul ring and would be fine even if he passed out, to truly maximize the benefits, he had to hold on through this final stage—a full-body cleansing.
"Guide the remaining energy through your body. Keep flushing it through until it's fully exhausted."
Gu Yuena instructed calmly.
Ma Hongjun jolted awake and focused his attention. He guided the lingering energy inside him, repeatedly circulating it through his body.
With each pass, he felt himself growing stronger.
He didn't know how long it lasted. Eventually, the final trace of energy faded. Ma Hongjun opened his eyes and saw his companions surrounding him with concern.
"I'm fine. I successfully absorbed the Scarlet Flame Fire Owl."
He broke into a broad smile.
The group let out a collective sigh of relief. Seeing him safe and sound, they quickly turned excited.
"Fatty, you're the first among us to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring. What's your fourth soul skill?"
Oscar asked eagerly.
He had always known Ma Hongjun was powerful, but when he saw that black fourth soul ring, it confirmed everything.
Four soul rings now floated around Ma Hongjun.
The invisible pressure of the ten-thousand-year ring gave him a powerful, mysterious aura.
Unlike the bright glow of a thousand-year ring, a ten-thousand-year soul ring gave off a steady, restrained intensity—
—and danger.
"Scorching Rain of Fire."
As soon as Ma Hongjun spoke, countless flames burst into view above everyone's heads.
Under his control, the flames instantly covered an area spanning dozens of meters.
Any soul beasts caught within were blasted back by the overwhelming heat.
Dai Mubai and the others watched in stunned silence.
An area-of-effect attack with such a wide range and destructive power…
"My fourth soul skill draws from the Scarlet Flame Owl's fire feather technique and combines it with my Phoenix Flame to create a powerful group attack. It's pretty good, huh?"
Ma Hongjun grinned, clearly pleased with the result.
The skill had wide coverage and high power—perfect for battle.
"Fatty, this ten-thousand-year ring was a total win for you."
"My fourth soul skill doesn't even come close."
Dai Mubai had once been proud of how strong his fourth soul skill was.
But now, standing next to Ma Hongjun, it suddenly seemed… ordinary.
"Brother Hongjun, I sensed a soul beast ahead that suits me really well. I want to go after it and get my soul ring."
Xiao Wu stepped forward. Her voice held a trace of hesitation.
Right now was the best opportunity. She had to secure her fourth ring as soon as possible.
Otherwise, the others might try to help her, which wasn't what she wanted.
"No need to make it complicated, Xiao Wu. If you've found a soul beast you like, just say the word—I'll help you get it."
Oscar patted his chest confidently.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and the others all nodded.
They were a team—there was no way they'd let Xiao Wu hunt alone.
"I'll go with her. You go help the others."
Gu Yuena stepped forward again, her purple eyes sweeping across the group.
In truth, the moment Xiao Wu opened her mouth, Ma Hongjun had already guessed what she was thinking.
She likely wanted to use this chance to quietly slip away and obtain her fourth soul ring.
Naturally, Ma Hongjun wouldn't stop her.
"Alright. You two go together. The rest of us will go support the dean and Teacher Erlong."
"Once you've absorbed your ring, come find us right away."
Since Ma Hongjun had spoken, the others didn't press the issue.
Though they were curious why Xiao Wu wanted to go alone, they didn't ask.
Xiao Wu's eyes immediately filled with gratitude.