Chapter 10: The Reckless Path to Power
A deep, quiet forest. The sound of leaves rustling filled the air, mixed with distant roars of spirit beasts. The atmosphere was peaceful yet carried an underlying danger—one that made even strong spirit masters tread carefully.
Zhen Wuji stood calmly in the middle of a clearing, hands tucked inside his sleeves. His light blue eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight, his expression unreadable. A few meters away, Qian Renxue adjusted her golden robe, her brows furrowed slightly.
Behind them, their protector, an elder from Spirit Hall, was on high alert. He had been ordered to ensure their safety while they hunted for their first spirit rings.
"We need suitable spirit beasts for both of you," the protector said, bowing slightly. "Young Miss, given your Seraphim Martial Spirit, I shall find a strong light-attribute beast for you. Holy Son, do you have any specific requirements?"
Zhen Wuji smirked slightly, his playful arrogance shining through. "No need for specific types. I only care about power. Just knock out a 1,000-year-old and a 10,000-year-old beast for me."
The protector's brows furrowed instantly. "That's… beyond limits. Even Title Douluos struggle to absorb spirit rings that exceed their body's capacity. Without gradual improvement, the backlash from absorption can—"
"Don't worry about me," Wuji waved him off with a dismissive grin. "I just want to cook them after."
The protector blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of his request. Cook? Did this boy think a spirit ring hunt was a simple meal gathering? But with no room for argument, he sighed and unleashed his terrifying aura, searching for suitable prey.
With a deep breath, the protector unleashed his strength.
Before them, a thousand-year-old Thunderclaw Tiger and a ten-thousand-year-old Obsidian Serpent roared, their mighty auras shaking the surroundings.
In a blur of motion, the protector's eight dazzling spirit rings shone, and with precise, controlled force, he knocked both beasts unconscious.
"Done," he said stiffly.
Wuji grinned. "Now, go find a light-attribute spirit beast for Renxue."
The protector hesitated, but Wuji waved him off. "Go. I'll wait here."
With a reluctant sigh, the protector vanished into the forest.
A cold gleam flashed in Zhen Wuji's light blue eyes as he stepped forward, approaching the unconscious spirit beasts. His gaze lingered on the ten-thousand-year-old Obsidian Serpent, its dark scales glistening under the pale moonlight.
"Power… hmm." Wuji murmured, raising his hand. His Six Eyes shimmered, scanning the intricate energy pathways of the serpent's body. Every fiber of its being, every ounce of its essence, was laid bare before his vision.
A lesser spirit master would have hesitated, questioning their own ability to absorb a ten-thousand-year-old spirit ring at this stage. But hesitation was a foreign concept to him. Limits? Those only existed for the weak.
Qian Renxue crossed her arms, golden eyes watching him intently. "Wuji, are you serious? Even with your absurd talent, this is reckless."
He smirked, turning slightly to look at her. "Reckless? Maybe. Or maybe I just don't believe in failure." His voice was light, teasing, yet there was an underlying arrogance—an absolute belief in his own supremacy.
Without another word, Wuji raised his foot and lightly tapped the Obsidian Serpent's skull. Crack! The beast let out a weak, shuddering hiss before its life faded away, releasing a thick, dark-purple spirit ring that pulsed with immense power.
Qian Renxue took a step closer, concerned. "Even geniuses suffer if they take in too much too soon. Are you sure?"
Wuji sat down, crossing his legs. "Renxue, if I ever needed to 'be sure' before doing something, I wouldn't be Zhen Wuji." His smirk widened. "Besides, if I die, you'll be heartbroken, won't you?"
She scoffed, though her ears turned slightly red. "Shameless."
He chuckled and extended his palm, pulling the spirit ring toward himself.
The moment the Obsidian Serpent's ring entered his body, an overwhelming force surged through him.
It was as if an ocean of raw, untamed energy was trying to tear him apart from within.
Normal spirit masters would have screamed, their bodies shattering under the strain. But Wuji merely grinned.
The pain? Insignificant.
The strain? Nothing but an opportunity to evolve.
His body, blessed by Mahoraga's adaptation, immediately began analyzing the energy. His muscles, bones, and very spirit core shifted and strengthened in response, as if welcoming the challenge.
His Mahoraga Adaptation activated instinctively. Instead of destroying him, the violent spirit energy was forcefully assimilated. His body adjusted, adapted, and absorbed the excess power into his physical frame rather than his spirit level.
Qian Renxue's eyes trembled.
This shouldn't be possible.
If it were any other genius, they would have skyrocketed to level 38 or beyond from absorbing this much raw spirit power. Yet Wuji's level only increased to 29.
But his body…
His physique had become terrifyingly strong.
The energy settled. The air cleared.
Zhen Wuji opened his eyes—deeper and brighter than before.
Qian Renxue exhaled. "You're reckless," she muttered, shaking her head.
Wuji grinned. "And yet, I'm perfectly fine."
.......
Wuji stood calmly, his new spirit rings glowing ominously—one purple, one black.
The protector's blood ran cold.
"You—!" His voice shook with disbelief.
"You tricked me!"
He had left Wuji alone to keep him safe, yet Wuji had used the opportunity to absorb impossible spirit rings.
If he had failed, Qian Daoliu would have killed him on the spot.
A deep chill settled over him.
Wuji merely stretched lazily.
"Oh? You're back already?"
The moment his gaze landed on Wuji, his entire body stiffened.
His eyes locked onto the 10,000-year-old spirit ring now floating around Wuji, and for the first time, genuine fear appeared on his face.
"You… you absorbed it?" His voice cracked.
"Yep." Wuji yawned, stretching. "Took less than five minutes."
The protector nearly collapsed on the spot. "That's… impossible…"
If Wuji had failed, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Qian Daoliu would have skinned him alive.
Qian Renxue, who had remained silent until now, suddenly stepped forward.
"I want stronger spirit rings too," she declared.
The protector's eyes widened. "Young Miss, you mustn't! Your limits—"
"I don't believe in limits." Her golden gaze burned with determination. "Find me a 750-year-old and a 2,700-year-old beast."
Wuji smirked. "That's my girl."
The protector felt like crying.
Another Monster Awakens
After an hour, Qian Renxue absorbed her rings, her Seraphim Martial Spirit radiating holy energy. Unlike Wuji, she took the traditional approach, but even then, she exceeded all expectations.
Her spirit power rose to Level 26.
Wuji leaned against a tree, watching with an amused expression. "Not bad. What did you get?"
Qian Renxue closed her eyes before summoning her abilities.
"My first ring enhances my flight speed and reaction time. It also lets me leave behind afterimages for a short duration."
Her hand ignited with golden fire, illuminating the darkness. "My second ring enhances my control over divine flames. I can now purify impurities and weaken spirit beasts with my aura alone."
The protector, finally regaining his composure, nodded in admiration. "Young Miss, your growth is astonishing."
Wuji gave her a thumbs-up. "Decent."
She smiled at his approval. Then, narrowing her eyes, she asked, "And your abilities?"
He just smiled and said"I don't get any spirit ring abilities but my powers gets stronger"
And he stayed silent till the end.
She didn't ask him much she thought he must have his reasons or forcebly absorbing it cause an different outcome...
After that they headed to the spirit hall ...
—
Returning to Spirit Hall
The moment they stepped into Spirit Hall, waves of astonishment spread among the elders.
Qian Xunji and Qian Daoliu were already waiting.
Qian Renxue stepped forward first, bowing respectfully. "Father, Grandfather, I have returned."
Qian Daoliu's sharp gaze softened slightly.
"Tell me, what abilities did you gain?"
She nodded and explained:
"My first ring gave me Light Feather Step, enhancing my agility and granting me temporary flight."
"My second ring gave me Holy Light Purification, an ability that removes negative effects and weakens dark-attribute attacks."
The elders nodded in approval, murmuring among themselves about her divine talent.
Then, all eyes turned to Wuji.
With a casual wave, his two rings appeared—one purple, one black.
The entire hall fell silent.
Even Qian Daoliu's pupils shrank in disbelief.
Qian Xunji's voice was sharp. "Explain."
Wuji smirked.
"My Thousand Demon Dagger has just strengthen further. Nothing more."
The elders were speechless.
Wuji tilted his head "Other than that my physical body get lot stronger "
Even though everyone not comfortable with his explanation because of his talent nobody delve into it.
After they left elders talking eachother with great joy " Two six years old spirit grandmaster's . Monster's, this time no one match our spirit hall hehehee "
And decided that they think follow him was the right choice
—
The Outside World's Reaction
Beyond Spirit Hall, news of Zhen Wuji's monstrous talent spread like wildfire.
Noble young maidens in Spirit City held his portrait, whispering excitedly.
"Did you see Holy Son Wuji's portrait? He's so handsome!"
"I heard his strength is unmatched! If only I could marry him!"
But in the dark corners of the continent, shadowy figures gathered.
"We need to eliminate this threat," one murmured.
For the first time in history, the world feared a child.
And Wuji?
He was simply enjoying himself.