# Chapter 11: Hidden Acquisitions
After settling back into Saint Spirit Village, Chen Sheng found a quiet moment to examine the treasure chest he had earned from Tang San's emotional turmoil.
The system notifications had been accumulating, and it was time to see what rewards awaited him.
System, open the treasure chest.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Mental Power Cultivation Method (Douluo Version)"』
Chen Sheng's eyes widened as information flooded into his mind. This wasn't just any meditation technique—it was a comprehensive system for cultivating spiritual force, the foundation upon which Soul Masters built their power and control.
The method detailed progressive stages of mental refinement, each one enhancing perception, soul power control, and resistance to mental attacks. As he absorbed the knowledge, Chen Sheng understood that this would complement his physical enhancements perfectly, creating a more balanced foundation for future growth.
This is exactly what I needed, Chen Sheng thought with satisfaction. Physical power alone isn't enough. Mental strength determines control, perception, and ultimately how far a Soul Master can advance.
Over the following days in Saint Spirit Village, Chen Sheng began incorporating the mental cultivation method into his daily routine. Each morning before dawn, he would sit beneath the ancient tree where he used to train, focusing inward to strengthen his spiritual sea.
The progress was subtle but unmistakable. His perception sharpened, allowing him to sense soul power fluctuations from greater distances. His control over his own martial souls improved, and he found it easier to maintain extended activation periods without fatigue.
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The peaceful days in Saint Spirit Village passed quickly, and soon it was time to return to Notting Academy.
The journey back felt different this time—Chen Sheng, Tang San, and Xiao Wu had all grown significantly in power and closeness.
Once back at the academy, Chen Sheng resumed his carefully orchestrated training regimen.
Over the next year, he subjected both Tang San and Xiao Wu to increasingly demanding exercises, pushing them to their limits while appearing to struggle himself just enough to keep them motivated.
The results were remarkable. Tang San finally raised his soul power to level twenty and, with the help of Notting Academy's dean, obtained his second soul ring—a Ghost Vine, just as in the original timeline Chen Sheng remembered.
However, Tang San's progress was still the slowest among the three. By this time, Chen Sheng had reached level twenty-five, and Xiao Wu had achieved level twenty-two.
When it came time for Chen Sheng to obtain his second soul ring, he deliberately chose to go alone to the Soul Hunting Forest, refusing all offers of companionship from Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and Xiao Wu.
"I need to do this myself," he had explained firmly. "Understanding my own limits and capabilities is essential for growth."
In truth, Chen Sheng wanted the freedom to use his system rewards without witnesses. The hunt was straightforward—he tracked and battled a 1,600-year-old Red Flame Tiger, using his phanthom technique, enhanced physique and Shadow Rush ability to overcome the dangerous beast.
The resulting soul ring granted him exactly what he needed:
[Second Soul Skill: Tiger Rage]
[Effect: Increases attack power by 200% for a limited duration]
The aggressive enhancement perfectly complemented his combat style, turning him into an overwhelming force when both soul skills were activated simultaneously.
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Another Year Passed
During the following year, Chen Sheng accumulated an impressive total of 27 treasure chests from various emotional interactions with Master, Tang San and Xiao Wu at the academy. The anticipation of opening such a large collection was almost overwhelming.
Finding privacy in his usual secluded spot, Chen Sheng began the process.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Soul Ring Age Enhancement Card (700 years)"』
Without hesitation, Chen Sheng applied the card to his first soul ring, watching as its age jumped from 790 to 1,490 years—firmly into the thousand-year category, though he kept it displayed as yellow using his aura adjustment ability.
The subsequent rewards were a mixed collection:
『Mike Tyson's Boxing Training Manual』
『Modern Light Bulb』
『Soccer Ball』
『Flashlight』
『Portable Radio』
『Emergency Flares』
Chen Sheng's expression grew increasingly complex as mundane modern-world items continued appearing. However, as he approached the final rewards, something extraordinary materialized.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Mysterious Jade Pendant"』
『Description: An ancient storage artifact containing a pocket dimension of 1,000 square meters. Living organisms can be stored within, as the space maintains a stable environment with self-sustaining properties.』
Chen Sheng held the jade pendant in his palm, marveling at its potential. Unlike typical storage souls tools that could only hold inanimate objects, this artifact could preserve living plants and even small creatures indefinitely.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Soul Ring Age Enhancement Card (2,500 years)"』
Excellent, Chen Sheng thought, immediately applying this card to his second soul ring. The Red Flame Tiger ring's age jumped from 1,600 to 4,100 years, dramatically increasing the power output of his Tiger Rage ability.
---
Four Years Later
Time continued its relentless march forward. Four more years passed at Notting Academy, with Chen Sheng maintaining his careful balance of demonstrating strength while concealing his true capabilities.
During this extended period, he accumulated numerous additional treasure chests. The rewards varied wildly—some provided soul ring enhancements that pushed his first ring to 2,800 years and his second to 8,400 years, while others offered mundane items that he stored away for potential future use.
It's worth mentioning that a year ago, when Chen Sheng's soul power finally reached level thirty, he made an important announcement to his companions.
"I'm going out to obtain my third soul ring," he told Tang San, Xiao Wu and Yu Xiaogang. "This is something I need to do alone."
Yu Xiaogang frowned with concern. "Chen Sheng, acquiring a third soul ring is significantly more dangerous than the first two. It would be safer if—"
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's envy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"I appreciate your concern, Master Yu," Chen Sheng interrupted respectfully. "But I've made my decision. I'll be careful and return safely."
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Shock & envy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's love emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "God bestowed Soul Ring Age (undefined)"』
『Spider man movie ticket』
『Wooden Stick』
Tang San and Xiao Wu also wanted to accompany him, but Chen Sheng remained firm in his refusal. In truth, he had no intention of hunting any spirit beast.
He possessed a god-bestowed soul ring reward from his system that would allow him to bypass the traditional hunting process entirely.
More importantly, this provided the perfect opportunity to accomplish two secret objectives away from Tang Hao's watchful eyes.
Under the cover of night, Chen Sheng left Notting City and made his way toward Saint Spirit Village. The journey was calm and uneventful, allowing him time to finalize his plans.
His first destination was the back mountain behind Saint Spirit Village. Using knowledge from his past life, Chen Sheng navigated directly to a specific rock formation and retrieved a carefully hidden box.
Inside lay the Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone—a 100,000-year spirit bone that Tang San would eventually discover in the original timeline. Chen Sheng carefully placed it in his mysterious jade pendant for safekeeping.
This bone contains tremendous power, Chen Sheng reflected. In the original story, it granted Tang San flight capabilities and significant attribute boosts. Whether I use it myself or find another purpose for it, this is too valuable to leave behind.
His second objective required more careful approach. In a damp cave on the back mountain, Chen Sheng found exactly what he was searching for—a Blue Silver Grass with distinctive golden patterns.
This was Ah Yin, Tang San's mother, who had sacrificed herself to save Tang Hao. After her sacrifice, her consciousness had survived within this ordinary hundred-year Blue Silver Grass, slowly recovering over the years in this hidden cave.
Chen Sheng squatted beside the delicate plant. "Ah Yin, you don't want to stay in this cold and damp cave your whole life, do you? Tang San and Tang Hao are both in Notting City now and haven't returned for several years. How about I take you to reunite with them?"
The Blue Silver Grass immediately reacted, its vines wrapping around Chen Sheng's hand in obvious resistance. Despite being reduced to a simple plant, Ah Yin's consciousness remained aware enough to recognize danger.
Unfortunately for her, a hundred-year Blue Silver Grass had no real power to prevent Chen Sheng's actions.
"Ah Yin, you should behave," Chen Sheng said calmly. "I'm also Tang San's friend. By staying with me, you can always watch over Tang San. Isn't that better than being alone in this cave?"
He paused, then continued with deliberate calculation. "Moreover, aren't you curious about those unique techniques Tang San uses? Do you really think he's a prodigy who learned hidden weapons and poison knowledge before even awakening his martial soul? That's impossible."
Chen Sheng's voice dropped lower, carrying an edge of cold truth. "And do you really believe your sacrifice to Tang Hao back then was purely circumstantial? I have to say, you've lived for tens of thousands of years only to remain naïve. You grew in age and power but not in wisdom."
The impact of his words was immediate. Ah Yin's tiny form seemed to freeze as if struck by lightning. These were thoughts she had buried deep within her consciousness—doubts she refused to acknowledge Tang Hao's convenient decisions that had led to her sacrifice.
Who was this person who seemed to know so much about events that should have been private?
The grass's resistance gradually ceased. Ah Yin didn't sense any obvious malice from Chen Sheng, and perhaps by staying near him, she could discover the truth about matters that had haunted her consciousness.
Chen Sheng noticed the subtle shift in Ah Yin's reaction and understood she had reluctantly agreed. He carefully transferred her into the mysterious jade pendant, where the stable environment would preserve her better than this damp cave ever could.
If Ah Yin couldn't sense Tang Hao's manipulations back then, she certainly won't detect mine now, Chen Sheng thought pragmatically. Instead of letting her slowly fade away in this cave, why not give her a chance to witness the truth about her husband and son? What she does with that knowledge will be her own choice.
Instead of letting Ah Yin disappear, why not let her re-humanize and become his wife? Chen Sheng thought.
As for how to make Ah Yin give up on Tang San and Tang Hao, this matter could only be slowly planned. Anyway, it was impossible for Ah Yin to humanize so quickly.
---
With both objectives complete, Chen Sheng traveled to a secluded location far from any settlements. He needed complete privacy for what came next.
Settling into a meditative position, Chen Sheng retrieved the god-bestowed soul ring from his system storage.
Unlike normal spirit rings that came from slain beasts, this reward would allow him to generate a soul ring of increasing age based solely on his ability to withstand the pressure.
System, hide the soul power fluctuations.
The moment he initiated the absorption process, Chen Sheng felt tremendous pressure descending upon his body and soul.
The ring began forming around him, starting as white, then yellow as it reached 100 years, then transitioning to purple as it crossed the 1,000-year threshold.
His enhanced physique and mental cultivation allowed him to push far beyond normal limits. The ring continued darkening—10,000 years, then slowly shifting toward black as it.
Chen Sheng gritted his teeth against the increasing strain. The pressure was immense, threatening to tear his body apart from the inside. But Chen Sheng had not spent years enhancing his physique and mental strength for nothing. He pushed through the pain, forcing the ring to continue advancing.
Finally, at 23,000 years—far beyond what should have been possible for a third soul ring—Chen Sheng reached his absolute limit and stopped the process.
The completed ring pulsed with terrifying power, its deep black color it as something truly extraordinary. The tremendous energy it contained began circulating through Chen Sheng's body, automatically triggering enhancements to his existing soul rings.
His first soul ring's age jumped to 5,500 years. His second ring reached 9,700 years.
More importantly, his soul power surged dramatically: Level 31... 32... 33... 34
When the explosive growth finally stabilized at level 34, because Chen Sheng attempted to compress the remaining energy.
From level 30 to level 34 in a single advancement, Chen Sheng marveled, examining his transformed body. The power of a 20,000-year soul ring is truly terrifying.
His third soul skill manifested as something befitting such an ancient ring:
[Third Soul Skill: White Tiger God Transformation]
[Effect: Complete martial soul possession with massive enhancement to all physical attributes, attack power, and defensive capabilities. Grants temporary invulnerability to attacks below Soul King level. Duration: 2 minutes.]
Chen Sheng stood and tested his new capabilities. His aura alone was now sufficient to suppress weak soul beasts and intimidate Soul Elders. When he activated all three soul skills simultaneously, his combat power would rival Soul King despite being technically only at level 34.
With my enhanced physique, mental cultivation, and these three soul rings, I can now fight against opponents up to level 50-55 if necessary, Chen Sheng estimated. And I still have my Six-Winged Archangel martial soul as a hidden trump card, plus the Titled Douluo time card for absolute emergencies.
He spent several hours testing and familiarizing himself with his dramatically increased power before finally feeling confident enough to return to civilization.
As Chen Sheng made his way back toward Notting Academy.
Hidden in his jade pendant, Ah Yin's consciousness observed everything through her connection to the artifact. The power this child possessed was truly frightening—and his casual comments about Tang Hao and Tang San's secrets had planted seeds of doubt that would eventually demand answers.
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