Chapter 34: Divine Soul Ring
That night, after returning to his room, Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on his bed with excitement barely contained in his eyes. The pile of treasure chests he'd accumulated over the past few days.
Time to see what rewards I've earned, he thought with anticipation.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Soul Ring Age Enhancement Card (increases soul ring age by 100,000 years)]
Chen Sheng's eyes lit up immediately. This was perfect! His fifth soul ring was only 53,000 years old—the "weakest" among his current rings.
Without hesitation, he activated the card. A golden light enveloped his fifth soul ring, and he could feel its power surging dramatically. The ring's true age jumped from 53,000 years to 153,000 years instantly!
Excellent. Now all my soul rings are above 100,000 years, Chen Sheng nodded in satisfaction.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Ancient Comb (ordinary item)]
Chen Sheng shrugged. Not every treasure could be amazing. He stored it away—maybe he could gift it to someone later.
**[Opening Treasure Chest...]**
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: God-Given Soul Ring (Divine Grade ]
Chen Sheng's breathing stopped for a moment. His hands trembled slightly as a colorful, sphere-shaped object materialized before him, radiating divine power that made the very air in his room shimmer.
This... this is incredible! A divine-grade soul ring?
Without wasting another second, Chen Sheng immediately began the absorption process. He held the colorful sphere in his palms and channeled his spirit power into it.
The sphere dissolved into pure divine energy and rushed toward his Ancient White Tiger martial soul, forming a brilliant sixth soul ring.
The ring's age began climbing rapidly:
100,000 years...
200,000 years...
300,000 years...
500,000 years...
700,000 years...
900,000 years...
1,000,000 years!
The ring finally stabilized at an astonishing one million years—a true divine-grade soul ring! Its color was a magnificent golden hue mixed with rainbow radiance, completely different from the red of ordinary 100,000-year rings.
[Sixth Soul Ring Ability Acquired: Divine Tiger's Dominion]
[Effect: Creates an absolute suppression domain effect for 30 seconds. All enemies within 1000 meters have their cultivation suppressed by 50%, while host's all attributes increase by 1000%.]
Chen Sheng's spirit power surged dramatically from level 60 to level 70! He was now officially a Spirit Sage!
The divine soul ring pulsed with incredible power, and Chen Sheng could barely contain his excitement.
But the rewards weren't finished.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Earth Element (Primal Element)]
The Earth Element immediately recognized his Twenty-Winged Archangel martial soul and began fusing with it automatically. His Archangel now possessed five elements: Light/Holy Fire, Darkness/Ice, Life, Death, and Earth!
Five elements already... this martial soul is becoming truly terrifying, Chen Sheng marveled.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Indestructible Golden Body Cultivation Method (Earth Grade)]
A ancient manual appeared in his hands. As Chen Sheng read the description, his eyes widened in shock.
"Practitioners who master this method will acquire a body that is indestructible below God-level when at Soul Master ranks. Upon reaching God-level, the body becomes indestructible below Supreme God King level."
This was an unimaginable treasure! However, Chen Sheng noticed it required extremely pure spiritual energy and years of dedicated cultivation. He carefully stored it in his jade pendant for future study. But he himself not need it because of dragon elephant physical cultivation method is ultimate for him.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: 100x Mid-Grade Spirit Stones]
Perfect timing! Chen Sheng immediately activated his Heaven Devouring Demon Technique. The spirit stones dissolved into pure energy that flooded his body.
His Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Technique responded immediately. Four more cells awakened!
[Dragon Elephant Cells Awakened: 9/840,000,000]
[Each cell provides: 100,000 kg of offensive and defensive power]
[Current total physical strength: 900,000 kg]
But the transformation didn't stop there. Dark energy condensed behind his back, forming a pair of magnificent Hell Wings—jet black with crimson edges, radiating an aura of power and destruction.
Then, a weapon materialized in his consciousness space—the Underworld Spear. This divine weapon was exist to kill gods and demons alike. Its weight automatically matched his strength.
Chen Sheng tested his Hell Wings briefly, flying silently around his room. My combat power now... I might truly be the strongest on Douluo Continent below the God level, he realized with satisfaction.
[Opening remaining Treasure Chests...]
The rest yielded mostly ordinary items: some gold coins, a decorative mirror, a book of poetry, cooking utensils, and other mundane objects. Chen Sheng stored them all without much thought.
By the time he finished, dawn was approaching.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, three young women were having a secret meeting in Ning Rongrong's room.
Xiao Wu sat on the bed, her long legs crossed, her expression thoughtful. "We need to talk about Brother Sheng."
Ning Rongrong nodded, sitting elegantly in a chair. "I know what you mean. I... I think I've fallen for him."
Zhu Zhuqing stood by the window thinking something, her cold demeanor softening slightly with look of realization of something. "Chen Sheng is... special. He's the only man I've ever longed for."
The three girls looked at each other, a moment of understanding passing between them.
"So we all like him," Xiao Wu said directly, her rabbit-like straightforwardness showing through. "What should we do now?"
Ning Rongrong smiled gently. "In noble families, it's not unusual for powerful men to have multiple wives. Chen Sheng is clearly extraordinary—his talent, his strength, his background. He deserves the best."
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed slightly as she thought. I... I'm actually his fiancée, technically. As Prince Dai Sheng's betrothed.
"We compete fairly," Xiao Wu declared. "We'll each try to win him, and see who succeeds first will become Big Sister of other two. But no matter what happens, we remain friends. Agreed?"
"Agreed," Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing said simultaneously.
They talked through the night, sharing their feelings, their hopes, and their plans. By morning, they had formed an unusual alliance—competitors in love, but united in their choice of the man they wanted.
---
The next morning, Chen Sheng was surprised when all three girls approached him together in the training yard.
"Chen Sheng," Ning Rongrong spoke first, her cheeks slightly pink. "We've been talking, and we all want to become stronger. Could you... could you train us personally?"
Xiao Wu nodded enthusiastically. "Brother Sheng, your training methods helped Zhuqing improve so fast. We want that too!"
Zhu Zhuqing added quietly, "Please, Young Master Chen. We want to be worthy of standing beside you."
Chen Sheng was genuinely stunned. All three at once? He could sense something unusual in their gazes—a determination mixed with something else he couldn't quite identify.
But he smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'd be happy to help you all improve. We'll start tomorrow at dawn."
The three girls beamed with happiness, exchanging meaningful glances.
[Detected! Ning Rongrong's joy and anticipation. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
[Detected! Xiao Wu's excitement. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
[Detected! Zhu Zhuqing's happiness and determination. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
After bidding them goodbye, Chen Sheng left the academy and headed toward Soto City. He had an important project to complete at the blacksmith shop.
---
A few days later...
Chen Sheng stood in the private meeting room. Before him sat Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, both regarding him with interest.
"Senior Ning, Sword Douluo, I've finally completed the weapon I mentioned last night," Chen Sheng said, placing a sleek, metallic object on the table—his Desert Eagle Pistol.
He also laid out several bullets he'd carefully crafted. "This weapon can cause considerable damage to Spirit Masters below the Spirit Saint level!"
Chen Xin raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Such a small thing? Chen Sheng, I respect your talent, but isn't this claim a bit exaggerated?"
"Why don't you test it yourself, Sword Douluo?" Chen Sheng suggested confidently.
Chen Xin stood, his Seven Kill Sword appearing in his right hand with a flash of silver light. "Very well. Fire at me. I want to see if this little thing is as miraculous as you claim!"
Chen Sheng loaded the pistol, took careful aim, and pressed the trigger.
BANG!
The explosive sound startled both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin. The bullet shot forward at incredible speed, a streak of metal cutting through the air with devastating force.
Chen Xin's eyes narrowed sharply. His vast experience immediately told him this projectile was dangerous. He swung his Seven Kill Sword with precise timing, deflecting the bullet with the flat of his blade.
CLANG!
Sparks flew as the bullet ricocheted away, embedding itself deep into the reinforced wall.
Chen Xin lowered his sword slowly, his expression solemn. He walked to the wall and examined the embedded bullet, then turned back to Chen Sheng with newfound respect.
"Remarkable," he said quietly. "I can confirm this weapon could indeed kill a Spirit Emperor easily—possibly even severely injure a Spirit Saint if they were caught off guard. The speed, the penetrating power... it's unlike anything I've seen."
[Detected! Chen Xin's shock and admiration. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
[Detected! Ning Fengzhi's amazement and excitement. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
Ning Fengzhi stood, his eyes bright with interest. "Chen Sheng, this is an incredible invention! How do you plan to sell this weapon? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be very interested in purchasing the production rights."
Chen Sheng smiled and shook his head. "Senior Ning, for the sake of Rongrong being my classmate and friend, I'll give you this as a gift."
He handed over not just the Desert Eagle Pistol, but also the complete blueprints for manufacturing both the weapon and its specialized ammunition.
Both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were stunned into silence.
"Chen Sheng, this... this is too valuable!" Ning Fengzhi protested. "We cannot simply accept such a treasure without proper compensation!"
"Consider it an investment in our friendship," Chen Sheng said sincerely. "I value my relationship with Rongrong and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect far more than money."
Ning Fengzhi was deeply moved. He exchanged a long look with Chen Xin, then spoke carefully. "Chen Sheng, your generosity touches me deeply. I can see that you're not only talented but also possess a noble character."
He paused, then continued with a slight smile. "I know this may be presumptuous, but... would you consider marrying my daughter Rongrong? I can think of no better match for her than a young man of your caliber."
Chen Sheng was genuinely surprised by the direct proposal. He considered carefully before responding.
"Senior Ning, I'm deeply honored by your trust. However, I believe such important matters should ultimately depend on Rongrong's own feelings and happiness. If she is happy and willing, then I would be honored to consider such a future."
His diplomatic answer made both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin smile approvingly.
"A wise and considerate answer," Ning Fengzhi nodded. "You respect my daughter's agency while not refusing outright. This only confirms my good judgment of your character."
"From this moment forward, you are a true friend of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," Chen Xin declared. "Should you ever need our aid, you need only ask."
[Detected! Ning Fengzhi's satisfaction and growing approval. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
With this exchange, Chen Sheng had established a powerful connection with one of the continent's most influential sects.
---
In the following days, Chen Sheng settled into a new routine. During the day, he trained Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing personally, pushing them to improve rapidly with specialized techniques suited to each of their abilities.
At night, the entire Shrek Team would go to Soto City to participate in soul fighting competitions.
The team battles had become somewhat routine. Most opposing teams consisted of a few Spirit Elders leading several high-level Spirit Grandmasters. The other Shrek members could handle these matches without Chen Sheng needing to intervene at all.
After another easy victory, Chen Sheng approached Supervisor Ao with a slight frown.
"Supervisor Ao, doesn't your Soul Fighting Arena have any stronger teams? You can't just keep me as a substitute forever, can you? I feel guilty taking the points like this without actually fighting."
Supervisor Ao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, an apologetic smile on his face. "Little fellow, don't be anxious. I've already sent a request to headquarters. It's said that a team composed entirely of Spirit Elders and possessing optimal spirit ring configurations—just like yours—has departed from Heaven Dou City and is expected to arrive in the next two days."
"Oh? A team specifically coming from Heaven Dou City?" Yu Xiaogang walked over, frowning suspiciously. "Could you elaborate?"
Teams from Heaven Dou City generally weren't weak, and most of them were backed by powerful nobles. Why would they specifically travel all the way to Soto City for matches? Wasn't that a bit unusual?
Supervisor Ao said apologetically, "Sorry, Grandmaster, I cannot disclose detailed information about that team at this time. The only thing I can tell you is that their captain possesses one of the continent's top Beast Spirits—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul!"
Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit?
And they're coming from Heaven Dou City?
Yu Xiaogang's expression changed slightly. He nodded in thanks for Supervisor Ao's hint—he immediately knew who it must be.
Although he had left the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect years ago, he still paid attention to the several major patriarch candidates within his former family. One of them was currently studying at Tiandou Royal Academy!
This could be an opportunity, Yu Xiaogang thought calculatingly. If Shrek Academy wants to participate in the Continental Soul Master Competition a little over a year from now, we'll need certification from a high-level Spirit Master academy. Tiandou Royal Academy would be a perfect choice!
However, one thing gave him a serious headache: the conflict within the team was growing worse daily. It was painfully clear that Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others were increasingly at odds with Chen Sheng.
This internal division was troublesome enough. But the crucial point that truly worried him was that Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and even Zhu Zhuqing—all three girls—had become very close to Chen Sheng!
Xiao Wu was the person Tang San liked romantically. Flender had intentionally tried to set up Oscar and Ning Rongrong as a potential couple. And Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai even had an official engagement through their families!
Yet all three girls now clearly favored Chen Sheng over their "intended" partners.
Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened as he considered the implications. This situation is becoming more complicated by the day. That arrogant brat Chen Sheng is disrupting everything of my plans!
---