NOVEL WEB Chapter 116: Chapter 116
"This poisonous thorn should be the purple-striped thorn. The purple stripes indicate the formation of its poison and judging by its length, it should be around 1,150 years old. It's very suitable for me. Thank you, Brother Jun" Tang San said and recognizing the plant-type soul beast instantly due to his vast knowledge
Tang San wasn't one to be picky and after all, finding a thousand-year-old soul beast with attributes so compatible with his own was a rare opportunit.
"Since the gift is a soul beast Tang San then you should accept it" Zhao Wuji said since this kind of soul beast was useless to Jun Tianlin, so there was no reason not to accept it.
Tang San nodded and thanked Jun Tianlin again and swiftly killed the purple-striped thorn before beginning to absorb its spirit ring. With a spirit ring that was less than 1,200 years old and the process was effortless for Tang San.
In less than half an hour and he successfully absorbed it, officially becoming a Spirit Elder. Jun Tianlin watched closely and ensuring Tang San did not acquire any external soul bones like in the original story. When he confirmed this and he felt a wave of relief.
The soul skill Tang San gained was decent, called Blue Silver Strangulation and it was similar to Entanglement but more offensive and as it caused sharp, poisonous thorns to grow on the blue silver grass. These thorns were lethal.
Tang San was satisfied with his new skill and at that moment, Jun Tianlin stepped forward and patted his shoulder and said "Brother Tang, I believe you'll become an extremely powerful Titled Douluo in the future."
Tang San was taken aback and unsure why Jun Tianlin suddenly praised him but he responded politely "Thank you for the compliment, Brother Jun."
What Tang San didn't notice was the trace of pity in Jun Tianlin's eyes as he said this. For the people of the Douluo Continent and claiming that someone would become a Titled Douluo was high praise but Jun Tianlin's pity came from a different perspective.
Jun Tianlin thought to himself 'Brother Tang, I don't see you as an enemy, but this continent doesn't need two protagonists. We have no personal grudges, and you're not an evil soul master so I won't harm you. However, your destiny must change. You won't achieve the dual godhood you were once meant to inherit and staying as a Titled Douluo is the limit I'll allow for you.'
With Oscar, Tang San, and Ning Rongrong having successfully obtained their spirit rings and there was no reason for the group to linger in the Star Dou Forest so they prepared to leave.
At that moment and a voice echoed in Jun Tianlin's mind 'Hey, kid, don't leave! Come save me. I have something good for you.'
[TL:hey kid come here i have a candy just come inside my van]
Startled Jun Tianlin froze. The voice wasn't transmitted through a typical soul communication technique—it seemed to bypass all defenses and connect directly to his soul and alarmed, he checked his sea of consciousness and confirming it was intact and fully sealed. Even the strongest mental attacker could not penetrate his defenses and yet, the voice had reached him.
If the entity behind the voice had malicious intent, then could have destroyed his soul with ease.
Jun Tianlin scanned his surroundings but saw nothing but plants. The voice continued 'Don't bother looking around. I'm not visible here. Get rid of the people around you first and I'll guide you to me.'
The tone was unmistakably arrogant and sounding like a young boy and Something about it felt familiar.
'Strange' Jun Tianlin thought 'Why do I feel like I've seen this before, not just heard it?'
"Brother Jian, why aren't you moving? Is something wrong?" Ning Rongrong asked and noticing his hesitation
"It's nothing, Rongrong. Since you've obtained your spirit ring, I think it's time for me to leave" Jun Tianlin said and deciding to trust his instincts this time. He needed to separate from the group.
"Brother Jian, why are you leaving?" Ma Hongjun asked anxiously "Isn't it great to stay with everyone?"
Jun Tianlin smiled "I'm not part of Shrek Academy, so I can't stay with you forever. I only came because I was worried about Rongrong. Now that I see you're doing well and i can leave with peace of mind. Let's part ways here."
"Alright, Brother Jian. When I return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan during the holidays, you'd better be there waiting for me" Ning Rongrong said and clinging to his arm reluctantly.
Jun Tianlin nodded "Of course. And now that you're a Soul Elder then it's time to take that thing I mentioned. Remember to bring Hongjun back with you next time."
Ning Rongrong understood his meaning. She could now take the Bu Tian dan pill and the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and since Jun Tianlin had promised Ma Hongjun and he wouldn't go back on his word.
"Xiao tian, let's part after we leave the forest. I'll escort you out" Yin Mengyang said
"There's no need, Grandpa Yang. We're already in the outskirts, and it's rare to encounter soul beasts that are tens of thousands of years old here so please stay and protect Rongrong."
Jun Tianlin declined Yin Mengyang's offer and prioritizing Ning Rongrong's safety
"Brother Jun, take care of yourself. I'll see you soon" Tang San said and unaware of how Jun Tianlin had manipulated him
"Take care, Brother Tang" Jun Tianlin replied "By the way, if you meet the other members of the Emperor Team, let them know I will returned to the Tiandou Royal Academy."
With that, Jun Tianlin departed, heading in a different direction. He needed to ensure the Emperor team received an explanation for his absence, as Qin Ming would be bringing them to the forest soon.
About an hour later, certain the others were out of the forest, Jun Tianlin reached out with a soul message 'Are you still there? I've left the group. Tell me where to go.'
'Of course I'm here! I've been waiting for you for years. Walk deeper into the forest, and I'll guide you. Don't worry about soul beasts—I've cloaked your aura with a spirit shield. Just don't walk directly into their paths. Aren't I amazing? When you meet me, you'll definitely be in awe!'
The voice, young and haughty and was undeniably narcissistic. Yet Jun Tianlin felt certain of its identity.
Following its instructions and he ventured deeper into the forest. True to its word, the soul beasts ignored him entirely unless he directly crossed their paths. Eventually, the voice led him to a glowing cave bathed in golden light.