Liu Yan wasted no time. With a fierce determination, she lunged at the immobilized salamander, her blade glinting in the dappled sunlight. The creature thrashed, but it was too late.
With a swift, decisive strike, Liu Yan pierced the salamander's heart, ending its struggle. The forest fell silent, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves as the life force of the magnificent beast faded.
As the body of the fire-armored salamander slumped to the ground, Liu Yan knelt beside it, her heart racing.
She could feel the energy of the soul ring pulsing within the creature, a powerful force waiting to be absorbed. But she also felt the weight of the moment, the gravity of what she was about to undertake.
"Are you ready, Mother?" Liu Cheng asked, concern etched on his face.
"I have to be," Liu Yan replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "For you both." She placed her hands on the salamander's body, feeling the warmth of its scales beneath her palms.
The process of absorption was not just a physical challenge; it was a test of willpower and spirit.
As she began the torturous process of absorbing the soul ring, pain shot through her body like fire. It felt as if the flames of the salamander were igniting within her, searing her very essence.
Liu Yan gritted her teeth, her thoughts racing. I can't fail. I won't fail. My children need me. I must protect them, guide them, and help them grow stronger.
Images of Liu Erlong and Liu Cheng flashed through her mind—Erlong's bright smile, Cheng's fierce determination.
They were her everything, and she would endure any pain to ensure their safety and success. The agony intensified, but with each wave of pain, she felt a surge of strength. I am their mother. I am their shield.
Zhang Qiu watched anxiously, her heart pounding as she sensed the struggle within Liu Yan. "Stay strong, sister! You can do this!" she encouraged, her voice a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
With a final, earth-shattering scream, Liu Yan felt the energy of the soul ring merge with her own. The pain subsided, replaced by a warm, radiant glow that enveloped her. She gasped, feeling the transformation take hold.
The fire-armored salamander's essence flowed through her, igniting her Wuhun with newfound power.
As the light faded, Liu Yan stood tall, her body now adorned with shimmering armor that resembled the scales of the salamander.
She had successfully absorbed the soul ring, becoming a level 20 soul master. The transformation was complete, and she could feel the strength coursing through her veins.
"Mother!" Liu Erlong and Liu Cheng exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with awe and admiration.
Liu Yan smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "I did it! I can feel the power within me."
She flexed her arms, feeling the armor shift and adapt to her movements. "my wuhun have evolved into an armored salamander!"
"And with that, I've gained a new soul skill—Aurora of Flames! It will enhance your attributes and provide you with incredible defensive capabilities."
Liu Yan felt the energy of the skill awaken within her. Flames flickered around her, forming a protective armor that shimmered with hues of orange and red. "I can feel it! My attributes are doubled!" her voice filled with exhilaration.
Zhang Qiu stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement as listening.
The siblings rushed to embrace their mother, their hearts brimming with joy. "You're amazing, Mother!" Liu Erlong cheered, her eyes shining with pride.
As dawn broke over the Forest of Spirits, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a warm glow on the group. Liu Yan, now a level 20 soul master with her newly evolved Wuhun, felt invigorated.
The power coursing through her veins was a constant reminder of her recent triumph, and she was determined to ensure her children would also find their paths to strength.
"Alright, everyone," Liu Yan said, her voice filled with renewed energy. "Today, we'll focus on finding century-level soul beasts for Erlong and Cheng. We need to ensure that their first soul rings are strong and compatible with their Wuhuns."
Liu Cheng nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can feel the energy in the air. There must be powerful soul beasts nearby!"
Zhang Qiu, ever the cautious strategist, chimed in. "We should split up into pairs to cover more ground. Liu Yan and I will scout ahead, while you two stay close together. Remember, safety is our priority."