Turtle-type soul beasts were typically slow. By the time they detected danger, escape was often no longer an option. The Minotaur Lava Turtle was no exception. When it sensed the presence of Han Dang's group, it already knew it couldn't run—it could only feign sleep in an attempt to deceive them.
And it worked—Han Dang was fooled. But unfortunately for the turtle, Han Dang's strength was far beyond anything it could have anticipated. Even without using his martial soul or soul skills, Han Dang's power wasn't something the beast could withstand.
Faced with Han Dang's devastating punch, the Minotaur Lava Turtle had no choice but to go on the defensive.
BOOM!
Its defense was formidable. Even though Han Dang didn't use any soul skills—or even go all out—his punch, backed by the power of a Soul Elder, still failed to break through the turtle's triple-layered Flame Shields. The blow was stopped by the final shield, its force spent.
Han Dang's face darkened slightly. He felt humiliated, and even his thick skin couldn't stop a faint blush from creeping in.
"You dare!"
Infuriated, Han Dang roared and spun midair, channeling his soul power into a second punch—this time at full strength. Even a power-type Soul Exalt would struggle to endure it.
ROAR!!!
But to everyone's surprise, the Minotaur Lava Turtle didn't defend itself this time. Perhaps realizing it couldn't block the attack, it let out an ear-splitting roar. Its massive bull-like head rose high, and between its horns, crimson-red energy began to condense—small sparks merging into a blazing orb the size of a fist, radiating terrifying waves of energy.
All three members of the family were shocked. No one had expected a turtle-type soul beast to wield such offensive power!
If the Grandmaster had been present, he would've been even more stunned—this four-hundred-year-old soul beast actually possessed two soul skills!
"Crimson Flame! Second Soul Skill—Flame Possession!"
Zhang Lingling reacted instantly. Her Crimson Flame martial soul emerged, and her second yellow soul ring lit up. A blaze of fire shot toward Han Dang. With a sharp whoosh, flames engulfed him, but instead of showing pain, his aura surged—he stood tall like a flaming war god.
This was Zhang Lingling's second soul skill, Flame Possession. It boosted the target's soul power and strength by 50%, and added a flame-enhanced attack effect.
"Blacksteel Shield!"
ROAR!
Han Dang wasted no time. His martial soul appeared—the dark, formidable Blacksteel Shield—which he raised just in time to block the Minotaur Lava Turtle's incoming attack.
BOOM!
With a deafening blast, the crimson energy orb shot from the turtle's horns struck the shield head-on. The eruption of energy made Han Feng's ears ring, and even Han Dang's expression changed slightly.
The power behind the attack rivaled that of a level-20+ assault-type Grandmaster going all out!
And this was a turtle-type soul beast—renowned for defense, not offense! If it had decent speed too, it could almost rival top-tier beasts like the Titan Giant Ape!
Still, for Han Dang, this was as far as it went. The Minotaur Lava Turtle had been a surprise, but as a Soul Elder, he hadn't even needed to use soul skills. Zhang Lingling's concern had led her to boost him, but even without Flame Possession, Han Dang could've easily blocked the blast with his shield alone.
"Disperse!"
Han Dang pushed his Blacksteel Shield forward lightly. The deadly laser-like beam dissolved instantly, like snow under the spring sun.
The Minotaur Lava Turtle froze. With its limited intelligence, it couldn't comprehend what had just happened—and was momentarily stunned.
Han Dang didn't give it a second chance. With a burst of speed, he closed in on the turtle. Boosted by Flame Possession, Han Dang now had power comparable to an assault-type Soul Exalt. A simple punch landed squarely on the turtle—instantly knocking it out cold.
The Minotaur Lava Turtle's soul power had been completely exhausted. Han Dang dragged it over to Han Feng, grinning proudly as he said:
"Time to absorb your first soul ring!"
Han Feng looked at Zhang Lingling, then at Han Dang, and nodded seriously. Drawing a dagger from his pocket, he approached the unconscious beast with excitement.
My first soul ring... I wonder what kind of power it will bring?
**Thud! **
Without hesitation, Han Feng stabbed the dagger into the turtle's forehead. A glowing yellow soul ring slowly rose from its body. Han Feng took a deep breath and summoned his Blazing Heaven Shield, allowing the ring to wrap around his martial soul.
"Clear your mind and focus!"
Han Dang quickly reminded him. Han Feng didn't dare slack off—he immediately closed his eyes, sinking his consciousness into his martial soul. In an instant, he felt an intense wave of heat rush out from the shield, scorching every inch of his body. The pain was searing, like being slashed by blades and burned by fire.
But he had expected this. Gritting his teeth, he channeled his soul power to resist the agony.
Fortunately, with soul power at level 12, Han Feng was slightly stronger than the average new soul master. After about half an hour, the intense burning gradually faded.
Han Feng swore that this was the toughest 30 minutes of his 26 years across two lifetimes!
ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!
Just as the pain subsided, a wild, ferocious aura surged forth. Han Feng could hear the furious roars of the Minotaur Lava Turtle echoing in his mind. His spirit trembled—he was terrified!
He saw visions of countless Minotaur Lava Turtles roaring at him, their beastly presence suffocating.
Luckily, Han Feng's spiritual strength was solid. Plus, having just watched his dad beat the turtle like a drum, he didn't fear it much. Despite not knowing what was happening, his survival instinct kept him going.
Outside, Zhang Lingling looked increasingly anxious. She turned to Han Dang with a scolding glare.
"It's been more than half an hour! Why hasn't Feng'er woken up yet? I told you not to pick a 400-year-old ring! If anything happens to him, you can go sleep on the floor for the rest of your life!"
Han Dang chuckled nervously, though he too was beginning to worry. A 400-year soul ring should've been absorbed by now—this was taking longer than expected.
"Don't worry, dear. Look—Feng'er's complexion is calming. He's probably wrapping up the final phase. He'll wake soon!"
"Hmph!"
Zhang Lingling huffed, clearly unconvinced, but didn't argue further. Her eyes remained locked on her son, full of worry.
"Hoo—"
Finally, after the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, Han Feng slowly opened his eyes and let out a long breath. His expression was a little... strange.
"Feng'er! Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere!?"
Zhang Lingling rushed over and hugged him tightly, her fair face filled with concern.
Han Feng gave a playful grin, striking a mock bodybuilder pose.
"Relax, Mom! I'm tougher than I look!"
"What's your first soul skill?"
Han Dang, less concerned with emotions and more curious about results, asked immediately.
Zhang Lingling shot him an annoyed glare, but Han Feng was clearly ready for this.
"Haha! You asked the right question, Dad. My first soul skill is called Dominion of Life!"
As he spoke, Han Feng summoned the Blazing Heaven Shield. The yellow soul ring flared to life. With a shout, the shield radiated brilliant flames, and a crimson Flame Shield manifested in front of him—sturdy and unbreakable.
"First Soul Skill: Dominion of Life! Increases soul power and defense by 60%, and grants absolute defense against the first incoming attack!"
"Well… relatively absolute. It guarantees full defense against attacks from Soul Masters and Grandmasters, about 75% against Soul Exalts, 50% for Soul Elders… and it's mostly ineffective against Soul Emperors, hehe…"
Han Dang's eyes gleamed with excitement!
A 60% boost in both soul power and defense was already top-tier for a first soul ring. And with a one-time absolute defense effect? That was practically divine! Used properly, even a nearly defeated soul master could turn the tables.
In Han Dang's eyes, his son was destined to break through to Soul Douluo, even Title Douluo. By then, this "relative" defense might become absolute.
"Oh, and one more thing…"
As if his parents' surprise wasn't enough, Han Feng gave a sly smile. Reaching up to his cheek, he said in a dramatic tone:
"Phase Out!"