Chapter 2: Soul Rings and Skills
Brother Cao, you are so powerful. You can tell that I am a soul beast, and you know my name. Your martial soul is so special!
Xiao Wu looked at Cao De with eyes full of wonder. He had explained that his martial soul was a unique dimension and that upon reaching level ten, he could bind a partner to it. He claimed this connection allowed him to see through her human disguise and know her name.
Xiao Wu believed every word. It was not just the absolute loyalty and trust forced by the Capture Space binding; she had physically entered that mysterious island and felt the truth of it for herself.
Cao De watched her with a calm smile. Since she was now permanently bound to his soul, he felt no risk in sharing the nature of his power. She could never betray him, and her affection for him felt as natural as breathing.
Listen to how sweet it sounds when she calls me Brother Cao now, he thought to himself.
Xiao Wu, your brother will always protect you, he promised.
Yes! And Xiao Wu will protect Brother Cao too!
In just an hour, the two had become as inseparable as lifelong siblings. The magical effect of the Martial Soul Capture Space was truly formidable.
Xiao Wu, because you are bound to my space, your soul beast aura is now completely masked. Even a Titled Douluo would not be able to detect your true identity. You can live in human cities with total confidence from now on.
Xiao Wu gasped in relief. Thank you, Brother Cao. I was so worried about being hunted by those powerful human masters. We soul beasts must cultivate in human environments to truly grow after transforming, but the risk was always so high.
Xiao Wu, are you at level ten yet?
Not yet, she admitted. I am at level nine. It took me a long time to reach this point because I stayed near the forest instead of practicing among humans. The further I go, the slower the progress becomes. That is why I finally decided to leave the Star Dou Great Forest.
I understand. Can you condense your first soul ring now?
I should be able to. I will try it right now.
Unlike human soul masters who must hunt beasts, a transformed soul beast can manifest their first six rings naturally. Xiao Wu sat cross-legged on the ground, focusing her internal energy.
Ten minutes later, a bright yellow soul ring expanded around her body.
The first ring can only reach about seven hundred years. It cannot break into the millennium level yet! Xiao Wu said happily. But this is much higher than I expected!
She knew her mothers first ring had not been this strong. This placed her talent above nearly every soul master in existence.
Suddenly, a corresponding yellow ring emerged from Cao Des body. His original white ring had evolved, matching Xiao Wus age and pushing his own soul power to level thirteen.
Xiao Wu, what is your first soul skill? Cao De asked, curious to see the results.
Brother Cao, let us spar!
The two began to trade quick blows, testing each other's reflexes. After a moment, Xiao Wus yellow ring flashed. She leaped high, her body arching with incredible flexibility as her leg whipped toward him.
First soul skill: Waist Bow!
It was the same iconic move from the original legends. Cao De took the hit, his reshaped body absorbing the impact with ease.
Brother Cao is so strong! My Waist Bow could not even shake you! Xiao Wu stopped, her face flushing with excitement.
Your technique is excellent, Cao De laughed. But your brother is level thirteen now, so I have a bit of an advantage.
I am level twelve! I will catch up to you soon!
If you want to catch me, you will have to work very hard, little sister.
Xiao Wu looked at him curiously. Brother Cao, what is your first soul skill? Why haven't you used it?
I was afraid of hurting you, he teased. Look closely. My first soul skill is: Air-Breaking Fist!
Before his soul ring could even pulse, Cao De launched a punch toward the air. There was a sharp crack as the space in front of his fist compressed, sending a concentrated shockwave forward that shattered a nearby tree trunk.
So powerful! Xiao Wu cheered, realizing her Waist Bow was no match for such raw force. As expected of my brother!
Cao De blew on his knuckles playfully. I have to be strong to take care of you, right?
You are so good to me! Xiao Wu ran over and hugged him tightly.
Though she was six years old, she was nearly two years younger than Cao De and only reached his chest.
Xiao Wu, we should leave this place now. He took her hand, leading her away from the treeline.
She looked back at the forest with a hint of reluctance. It was her home and where her memories lived. But when she looked up at Cao De, she smiled. She was glad she had met him.
Are you tired? Do you want me to carry you?
Xiao Wu wanted to say no, but the feeling of being taken care of was too tempting. Yes, I am a little tired. Brother, carry me on your back.
Cao De squatted down, and she climbed on. The warmth of his back reminded her of her mothers embrace. Before long, she had fallen fast asleep.
After three hours of walking, a small village appeared. Cao De approached an older woman to ask for directions.
Auntie, what is the name of this village and the nearest city? My sister and I are lost.
Lost? You poor children. This is Holy Soul Village, and the nearest city is Notting. Where did you come from?
Holy Soul Village? Cao De was stunned. How did they end up here?
Hey, who are you? A voice called out.
A young boy with an unusually calm gaze stood nearby. It was Tang San.
Tang San, they are just lost. They were asking for directions, the woman explained.
Tang San walked closer, his eyes scanning them with suspicion. He noticed the sleeping girl and how calm Cao De appeared. His hand drifted toward his waist.
Are you really lost? You look more like a kidnapper to me.
Put the girl down! Cao De stared at the young protagonist, completely dumbfounded. A kidnapper? With a face this handsome? He could only shake his head at the irony.