After escorting Qi Lin home, Su Yuntao and Si Si didn't stay long before hurriedly taking their leave.
The main reason? Xiao Wu had managed to absorb a hundred-year spirit ring entirely on her own, without their help.
And Qi Lin? They had taken him personally into the Spirit Hunting Forest, yet he had only absorbed a ten-year spirit ring.
How humiliating!
The kinder and more forgiving Qi Lin's parents were, the more ashamed the two Spirit Masters felt.
So they made their exit rather quickly.
After they left, Qi Lin grinned and brought out the gifts he had prepared for the three of them.
On the way back, he had already finished crafting the bracelets and ox horn combs for Xu Qian and Xiao Wu.
When Xu Qian saw the vibrant green bracelet and the delicately polished comb, she was so pleased that she gave Qi Lin a big kiss on the cheek.
Xiao Wu's clear, doe-like eyes sparkled as she stared at Qi Lin, her face glowing with joy.
Although her mother had left her a comb made of purple sandalwood, the one Qi Lin gave her was just as precious in her heart. She liked it no less than the one from her mother.
Lastly, it was Qi Tian's turn. He looked at Qi Lin with anticipation.
"My boy, what about your dear old dad?" he said. "You better not play favorites!"
Qi Lin chuckled, clapped his father on the shoulder, and said meaningfully, "Don't worry, Dad. I've prepared something special for you too."
Then he pulled a finely carved wooden box from his bag and handed it over to Qi Tian.
Seeing his son's mysterious expression, Qi Tian became even more curious about what was inside.
The moment he opened it, a strong fishy scent wafted out.
Inside lay a chunk of thousand-year whale glue.
Qi Tian cleared his throat awkwardly. "Son, your old man is as strong as a dragon and fierce as a tiger. Do I really need something like this?"
"I'll take it back then," Qi Lin teased. "Maybe I'll give it to Brother Tao next time?"
Qi Tian quickly pulled the box away from Qi Lin's grasp, hugging it to his chest like a treasure.
"Hey now, it's the thought that counts. How can I refuse my son's heartfelt gift?"
Though he tried to keep a straight face, Qi Tian's wide grin betrayed him.
Xu Qian shot him a playful glare. This guy... so shameless!
Xiao Wu, watching the warmth between father and son, felt a hint of envy.
What a lovely family atmosphere.
Thankfully... she was now part of this family too.
That thought brought a sweet smile to her face.
After everyone received their gifts, they eagerly asked Qi Lin about the effects of his spirit skill.
Su Yuntao and Si Si had mentioned that his first spirit ring granted him an unprecedented four spirit skills.
Knowing their personalities, none of them believed the two would lie. But what exactly were those four skills?
Su Yuntao and Si Si hadn't gone into detail, only saying that their effects were comparable to thousand-year spirit skills.
That made everyone even more curious—what kind of ability could make two Spirit Masters praise a ten-year ring so highly?
Then, Qi Lin explained each of the four skills.
"Hiss~!"
"My son Qi Lin… is destined for a Title Douluo's path!"
Qi Tian sucked in a breath of cold air, then clapped his hands with excitement, his face lit up with pride.
Even Xu Qian nodded approvingly.
"Little Lin is blessed by fortune. He'll definitely become someone extraordinary on the Douluo Continent."
Even Xiao Wu pouted slightly, grumbling,
"Brother Lin, what kind of luck do you have? One of your ten-year ring's skills feels way stronger than my hundred-year one!"
Xiao Wu's first spirit skill was Waist Bow, which instantly doubled her waist strength and increased flexibility by 50%. For every level above spirit rank 10, the effect increased by 1%.
Was it powerful?
Qi Lin wasn't sure… his mind had already gone somewhere a bit off-track when he heard the name.
....
After returning home, Qi Lin's life settled into a simple, peaceful rhythm.
He cultivated daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, took a two-hour break at noon, and enjoyed weekends off.
Life was quite comfortable.
He even made time to take Xiao Wu to Nuoding City's Spirit Hall branch to register, earning a one gold soul coin monthly stipend.
Though... to Qi Lin, one coin wasn't all that impressive.
Still, it was free money—who could complain?
Every day, he used his first spirit skill on his parents and Xiao Wu.
Even though Qi Tian and Xu Qian hadn't awakened innate spirit power, Qi Lin believed that, with his help, they might someday regain the ability to cultivate—like spring returning to withered trees.
As for Xiao Wu, she didn't like cultivating. Especially after discovering that one of Qi Lin's spirit skills had a permanent enhancement effect.
That made her even lazier.
But every time she saw Qi Lin cultivating, she felt bored and ended up joining him.
Time passed quietly.
Soon, the opening day of Nuoding Academy arrived.
Since the Qi family was well-off, they gave the work-study student quota to Qi Yue, who came from a poorer household.
Early that morning, Qi Tian hired a carriage to take the three village kids to the academy.
Qi Yue looked uneasy as he sat among the luxury of the ornate carriage.
Noticing his tension, Qi Lin gently patted his shoulder and smiled warmly.
"Don't worry. We're all from the same village—of course we'll take care of each other."
Xiao Wu raised her tiny fists and chimed in,
"Don't be scared, Little Yue! Once we get to Nuoding, big sister Xiao Wu's got your back."
"If anyone bullies you, just tell me! I'll beat them so bad their teeth will be scattered across the floor!"
Having lived in Radish Village for over two months, Xiao Wu had become the second most beloved child after Qi Lin.
"Thank you, Brother Lin! Thank you, Sister Xiao Wu!"
Qi Yue's face lit up with gratitude and he relaxed noticeably.
"Hehe~"
Xiao Wu grinned proudly, her white cheeks beaming with joy.
Qi Lin was already used to this and shifted his thoughts to something else.
Come to think of it… Tang Hao, as a Title Douluo, should be able to see through Xiao Wu's identity, right?
A ten-thousand-year transformed spirit beast… there's no way he wouldn't be tempted.
Whether to keep her for his son or kill her for her spirit ring and bone—either option was valuable.
But what if Xiao Wu stayed by his side?
Based on his experiences from a past life, anyone who tried to harm him or those close to him… always ended up suffering bizarre misfortune.
Still, Tang Hao was one of the top combatants on the continent.
What would happen if he became an enemy?
While Qi Lin pondered this, unaware of the ripples he had caused…
A noble, mature woman stood silently in the sky above Holy Spirit Village near Nuoding City. She wore a radiant golden gown, her head adorned with a nine-curved purple-gold crown. Her skin was flawless, her beauty nearly divine.
A holy yet commanding aura surrounded her. If any Spirit Hall higher-up had seen her, they would have instantly recognized her.
Her gaze was as calm as a still lake as she looked down at the impoverished village.
Her red lips parted softly.
"Tang Hao… oh Tang Hao… I ought to thank you."
"But alas… you stand against Spirit Hall."
"I cannot rest until you're dead."