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The sun had not yet pierced the veil of night when Lei Wuchen was awakened by three sharp knocks on the door. He jumped to his feet, his heart beating like a war drum. Today was the day of his first hunt — the day he would earn his first spirit ring.
In the courtyard of the mansion, his father was already waiting for him. Beside him, with the presence of a living mountain, stood Duke Lei Tianlong.
"It's time," said the duke, his piercing gaze locked onto Wuchen.
He nodded silently, fists clenched tightly.
—
Their destination was the White Mist Forest, a protected area near the Lei family's territory, kept untouched so the family's descendants could hunt their first spirit beasts. It was a proving ground — and a rite of passage.
During the trip, Wuchen said little. Not out of fear, but because his thoughts were a storm. Since awakening the Tyrant Ironplate Armor, he felt different — more aware, more solid… but incomplete. Without a ring, he was just a foundation without structure.
When they arrived at the forest's edge, the Duke dismounted first. He took a small folded map from his cloak and spread it out over a stone.
"We're looking for a beast with a dense structure, strong musculature, and high endurance. Something between 400 and 500 years old," he explained. "Here." He pointed to a charcoal mark. "There's a rare specimen of the Golden Stone Ape. Its muscles are compact like rock and its skin contains natural mineral fibers. Ideal for your martial spirit."
"Am I… supposed to fight it without any ring?" Wuchen asked, hesitating.
"Exactly," the Duke replied, with a calm yet sharp gaze. "A true hunter starts with bare hands. Your spirit has not yet been strengthened, and that's exactly what will make this battle a turning point."
"But… what if I lose?"
"You won't. Because I'll be here. And if you're about to die, I'll step in. But victory or defeat… that will be yours alone."
"How will I know if I'm ready?"
"You won't know." A faint smile crossed the Duke's lips. "You'll feel it."
—
The forest was alive. Mist, wet leaves, hidden sounds among the branches. The feeling of being watched was constant, but not oppressive — it was natural. Nature watched its intruders.
Lei Tianlong advanced like someone who knew every corner of that place. He paused from time to time to examine footprints, claw marks on trunks, or broken branches.
"Pay attention to the silence," the Duke murmured. "When even the insects go quiet, something stronger is nearby."
Lei Qingshan followed behind them, silent but alert. His expression carried pride, concern, and memory — he had once walked this path himself.
A dry sound.
Branch snapping.
Followed by a low growl.
"We've found it."
—
In the clearing, the Golden Stone Ape was an imposing sight. About two and a half meters tall, limbs thick and muscular, gray skin with golden veins, intelligent eyes. A veteran beast, confident in itself.
"Perfect," murmured the Duke. "Go."
"Now?" Wuchen asked.
"Yes. And remember: surviving is the first goal. Dominating is the second."
"Father, wait!" said Qingshan, raising his hand. "That beast is nearly 500 years old!"
"He needs to do this," the Duke interrupted, eyes never leaving the clearing. "If he wants to walk the path he chose, he can't be stopped by a mere 500-year beast."
Qingshan clenched his fists but nodded reluctantly.
—
Wuchen took a deep breath, activating his Tyrant Ironplate Armor. His skin hardened slightly, muscles tensed. No abilities — only the presence of the martial spirit.
The ape roared, beating its chest.
And the fight began.
Wuchen charged. Dodged the first strike — a punch that would've shattered a tree. Countered with a side kick, to no effect. The beast's skin was like carved stone.
He dodged again. A second, third attack. A graze. The air around them vibrated from the force.
Then came the impact. The ape grabbed him and threw him brutally.
CRACK!
A tree trunk gave in. Wuchen dropped to his knees, coughing blood.
'I'm… still alive.'
He stood up with difficulty, legs trembling.
The ape came like a hammer. Wuchen dove under the creature, spun, and kicked its leg, using the moment of imbalance to leap onto its back and strike repeatedly at the base of its neck.
Nothing.
Its skin was a wall.
The ape turned and slapped. Wuchen barely dodged. It was like fighting a living fortress.
But he endured.
Until… a misstep.
His foot caught on a root. And the ape charged, preparing a killing blow.
Wuchen closed his eyes.
BOOOOOM!
The clearing trembled.
A spiritual pressure fell like a storm.
"Enough," said a firm voice.
Duke Lei Tianlong stood at the edge of the clearing.
And then, all could see it.
Eight spirit rings emerged around him: two yellow, two purple, four black.
The air grew heavy. Animals fled in panic.
'That… that's the power of a Spirit Douluo…', thought Wuchen, his body vibrating under the pressure.
The Duke raised his hand.
Chains of light bound the ape, immobilizing it. The beast struggled, but it was useless. It was alive, but paralyzed.
"Now, Wuchen," said the Duke, voice unyielding. "The hunt only ends when you claim it with your own hands."
With effort, Wuchen stood. Walked to the beast. His hands trembled, but his eyes were steady. He drew the ceremonial dagger from his belt.
He looked into the beast's eyes.
"Thank you," he whispered.
And then drove the blade into its eye.
—
The body collapsed with a final breath.
Above the carcass, a yellow ring of light formed, spinning slowly in the air.
Wuchen sat and began the absorption.
Spiritual energy exploded inside him like liquid fire. His muscles screamed, bones felt like breaking.
But he endured.
Sweat, pain, tremors.
And then — silence.
The ring merged with his body.
His first spirit ring.
He felt the armor adapt, his skin harden.
A metallic glow spread over his surface.
He stood up.
—
The Duke observed in silence, arms crossed.
"You endured. Better than I expected."
Wuchen staggered, but smiled.
His father approached.
"What's the ability?" Qingshan asked, curious.
Wuchen took a deep breath. "Tyrannical Reinforcement."
—
Ability: Tyrannical Reinforcement (霸体增幅)
General effect: Increases physical resistance and body density.
Passive effect: Reduces physical damage taken by 20%.
Active effect: Reinforces the skin's surface with a metallic glow that greatly boosts defense and resilience for 5 minutes.
Visual: A light metallic sheen spreads across the skin like tempered steel.
—
"It's only the first," said Wuchen, looking at the newly-formed ring around his arm.
Lei Tianlong gave a faint smile.
"Then prepare yourself. Because the path you chose… is a path for giants."
Wuchen looked at his own fists, feeling the true weight of the journey for the first time.
But even wounded… he smiled.
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