This was why Wang Chen's Ring Explosion technique had only a twelve-day cooldown, while the Haotian Sect's version required thirty-six.
So his simulation should not focus on reducing cooldown time.
Instead, he needed to simulate a method to minimize soul ring damage during Ring Explosion, while still releasing all the energy inside.
Only by doing so could he drastically reduce the interval between uses.
Once Wang Chen realized the key point, he immediately used the Black Book's second crystal sigil to run another directional simulation of Ring Explosion.
After some time, he opened his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile—this time, it had succeeded.
The simulated technique inflicted far less damage to his soul rings.
If before, using Ring Explosion was like tearing open massive wounds on his rings, now it was like opening a small valve, then applying a special method to press out all the energy.
This reduced the destruction drastically, meaning his rings could recover far faster.
The cooldown time was shortened from twelve days to just one day.
And the most wonderful part—because the damage was so minimal, he could still use his soul skills afterwards.
Yes, from now on, Wang Chen could still unleash techniques after using Ring Explosion.
Before, the rings were too broken to channel any soul skills.
In high spirits, Wang Chen got out of bed, stretched in the warm sunlight outside his window, and went down for breakfast.
Just then, the Great Elder arrived respectfully.
"Clan Leader, Wang Yan has awoken."
Hearing this, Wang Chen immediately rose, preparing to meet Wang Yan.
His father and mother, who had been about to greet the elder, froze when they heard him call their son Clan Leader.
What had he just said—Clan Leader?
Wasn't the clan leader Wang Yan? Since when had their son become clan leader? Had they misheard?
But seeing the Great Elder's respectful attitude, it seemed they hadn't.
Still, what had happened? How had their son become the leader of the clan?
Noticing their puzzled eyes, Wang Chen smiled:
"Dad, Mom, I'll explain everything in detail when I return."
He only intended to let the twelve clan elders know of his new position. Ordinary clansmen would not be told. But to his parents, there was no need for secrecy—he would simply ask them to keep it quiet.
After all, now that he was clan leader, he would have to move his parents into the clan's core territory under strong protection.
His parents looked at his tall, handsome figure, his noble bearing, the aura of a true powerhouse that surrounded him.
He had grown up—like an eagle soaring in the sky, beyond their reach.
They felt pride and comfort, but also helplessness, realizing they could no longer protect him as before.
Wang Chen embraced both of them, then glanced at the Great Elder before leaving.
The Great Elder instantly understood.
Smiling warmly at Wang Chen's parents, his demeanor was unusually gentle, almost familial.
The couple grew nervous. The elder's status in the clan was so high that they had always shown him deep respect. Now, for him to act this kindly toward them was overwhelming.
Wang Chen's mother offered politely:
"Great Elder, please sit. I'll prepare tea for you."
He quickly waved his hands. How could he allow the parents of his clan leader to serve him? That would be losing his fortune.
Yesterday, Wang Chen had defeated Wang Yan with three spears—power so terrifying it had utterly conquered the hearts of the twelve elders.
If anyone claimed Wang Chen could one day defeat even a Titled Douluo, the Great Elder might believe it.
The final three strikes had been so overwhelming, he hadn't even dared to resist.
If Wang Chen hadn't held back, Wang Yan would've died on the spot.
Thus, the elder held him in the utmost respect.
Of course, in truth, the elder was overestimating. Wang Chen's destructive power only came from Ring Explosion. Without it, he couldn't sustain such force. After three strikes, he was spent.
Still, the Great Elder insisted, "No need for tea, I've just eaten."
The couple, realizing their son was no longer ordinary, complied, careful not to embarrass him.
He then praised them:
"You are the benefactors of our Wang Clan. Without you, there would be no Clan Leader Wang Chen, no future prosperity for us."
His words embarrassed them, and only then did he explain everything—how Wang Chen had defeated Wang Yan and been chosen as leader.
They were stunned beyond belief.
Wang Yan had been the clan leader since before they were born. His authority was etched into every clansman's bones.
And now their son had defeated him. It was like the sky itself had been torn open.
Their father sat dumbfounded, staring blankly before muttering:
"My son… is damn incredible."
His wife smacked his shoulder. "What did you just say?"
He grinned sheepishly. "Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue."
She then teared up.
"My poor boy, to have such power at such a young age… how much suffering must he have endured behind it…"
The elder's lips twitched. If I had talent like his, I'd happily train twenty-four hours a day without complaint.
Looking at these ordinary parents, both at the Soul King level, he wondered:
How could such mediocrity give birth to a monster like Wang Chen? Perhaps negative and negative make a positive?
Had they not resembled him so closely, he would never have believed they were his parents.
Like earth birthing a dragon, or sparrows giving birth to a phoenix—utterly absurd.
He waited patiently for them to digest it all, then solemnly said:
"Wang Chen is now our clan leader, but his talent is too shocking. If it spreads, it could bring both fortune and disaster. Please, I ask you to keep it secret."
They immediately agreed. As parents, they would never allow even a chance of harm to come to their son.
Satisfied, the elder chatted warmly a bit more before leaving, determined to build good relations with them.
He firmly believed the Wang Clan was not Wang Chen's end. The entire Sun Moon Empire—perhaps even the whole world—was his true stage.
Meanwhile, in Wang Yan's hall.
Wang Chen gazed calmly at the rare, life-filled plants decorating the hall.
At its end lay Wang Yan, pale and weak upon his bed.
Their eyes met—elder and youth, each staring silently.
Wang Chen remembered standing here three years ago, timid before the same man.
But now the roles had reversed.
Beside Wang Yan stood a towering man, over two meters tall, like an iron tower—his loyal guard, Wang Shan.
A Soul Saint and Level 7 Soul Engineer, Wang Shan had no clan bloodline. An orphan taken in by Wang Yan, he had risen step by step to this post.
He stared at Wang Chen in shock. Three years ago, he had been a fragile chick. Now, Wang Yan lay broken at his hands.
The contrast was too great.
Wang Yan looked at him, a flicker of complexity in his gaze before it vanished.
Never had he imagined being toppled by a boy under fifteen—his own great-grandson.
Though he had little affection for him, he remembered him only because of his talent.
"Wang Shan, leave us," Wang Yan ordered calmly.
The guard hesitated, fearing for his master.
But Wang Yan said, "If Wang Chen wanted me dead, he'd have done it yesterday."
Convinced, Wang Shan left with heavy steps.
Wang Chen paid him no mind. Even without Ring Explosion, he could kill a Soul Saint in two moves now.
The hall grew silent.
Wang Yan finally spoke:
"I didn't expect such power from you.
With just the Soul Emperor level, you defeated me, an eight-ring Contra at the peak of a Level 8 Soul Engineer.
You've won. From now on, you are the clan leader.
But as the former leader, I must remind you:
The elders always opposed our meddling in the succession struggle. But the Wang Clan cannot cut ties with the Second Prince, Xu Tianyu.
For years, I've aided him too deeply. Blood is already on my hands—supporters of other princes have fallen by it.
If we withdraw now, we'll be struck heavily."
Wang Chen's eyes were calm, his voice resolute:
"I didn't come here to flaunt anything. Nor do I plan to break with the Second Prince.
But I have no interest in political schemes.
With my talent and strength, a few years of cultivation will place me atop the Sun Moon Empire.
So I want you to continue handling matters with him. But when there are major moves or intelligence, you must report to me.
When my strength is greater, even if the Second Prince fails, I can protect the clan.
Even without the merits of following the dragon,' the Wang Clan will rise to the empire's peak because of me."
Wang Yan was stunned. He'd expected a show of dominance, not this.
Yet seeing the depth in Wang Chen's black eyes, realizing there was now someone to shield the clan, he felt relief.
He nodded. "I obey the Clan Leader's orders."
Though it might seem humiliating to bow to a boy under fifteen, Wang Yan was an old fox. Pride was worthless—benefit was all that mattered.
Wang Chen acknowledged his wisdom with a nod.
"Rest well," he said before leaving.
He knew better than anyone how grave Wang Yan's injuries were.
His final two soul rings—thirty thousand years and fifty thousand years—had released devastating energy. Had he not held back, Wang Yan would be dust.
Even with healers and medicines, he would be bedridden for at least a week.
Meanwhile, Juzi spotted a recruitment notice posted by the Wang Clan.
Her eyes lit up immediately.