SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

While writing his reply, You Chen gleaned a crucial piece of information from Yan's letter.

"It seems Spirit Hall has truly managed to suppress all news regarding the 'Masked Man' incident. Even Golden Generation members like Yan, who only recently returned from a year and a half away, remain unaware."

A faint smile appeared on You Chen's face.

Setting down his pen, he stretched lazily, basking in the sunlight with a look of satisfaction. After receiving this letter from his beloved disciple, his mood was excellent.

"It's time to obtain my sixth spirit ring."

The timing was coincidental; You Chen had broken through to Rank 60 just days before receiving Yan's letter. Had he not delayed to confirm the target spirit beast's movements, he might have already left, missing the chance to read it personally.

The next day, You Chen arrived at Star Dou Forest.

For this endeavor, he only left a single clone—You Xing—in Nuoding City. With less strain on his spirit, You Chen estimated he could operate in the forest for about a week.

This arrangement underscored how significant obtaining his sixth spirit ring was to him. For ordinary spirit masters, every new spirit ring was a monumental milestone, a key to advancing their cultivation.

For You Chen, however, the sixth ring's importance lay in pushing his spirit power to a new level. The ring itself was secondary.

His week-long buffer was due to the nature of his target spirit beast: the "Archaeopteryx," a rare wind-elemental creature with ancient bloodlines. Spirit masters classified such creatures as "Ancient Spirit Beasts," known for their remarkable strength.

Though the Archaeopteryx was nearing extinction, remnants like this seven-thousand-year-old specimen still roamed the forest. You Chen had chosen it carefully, knowing its properties suited his plans.

Initially, his sixth ring was to be a five-thousand-year-old beast, but after cultivating the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Force, his physical and mental strength exceeded that of an ordinary Spirit King. This allowed him to aim higher.

He confirmed the Archaeopteryx's approximate range six months ago through his intelligence network. Its vast activity zone necessitated the extended time frame, as locating and defeating it would not be a straightforward task.

On his fourth foray into the forest, You Chen finally found his target.

By a serene lake, a magnificent bird with iridescent plumage stood, its call clear and melodious. The Archaeopteryx was over three meters tall but appeared elegant despite its size, its vibrant feathers radiating an almost divine beauty.

Such exquisite plumage had long been prized by nobility, contributing to the species' near-extinction.

Concealed nearby, You Chen quietly prepared, having consumed various elixirs to optimize his state.

Four figures—including his three clones and his true body—lay in wait, their presences entirely masked. He refrained from using hyper-focus to preserve mental energy, relying instead on Concealment Technique.

But with a beast as sensitive as the Archaeopteryx, even a slight misstep could spell failure. Knowing the bird could flee at any moment, You Chen opted to strike decisively.

Four air currents surged simultaneously toward the Archaeopteryx. Among them, You Chen's true body's attack was the swiftest and most powerful.

The Archaeopteryx reacted with remarkable speed, dodging two attacks entirely, deflecting a third, and only allowing one to strike its left wing.

While the blow injured the wing, the bird retained enough mobility to escape.

You Chen anticipated this outcome and immediately closed the distance, meeting the bird's gaze with his own.

Soul Suppression Art!

As their eyes locked, the Archaeopteryx saw nothing but two enormous, black suns.

Momentarily dazed, the bird fell victim to You Chen's follow-up technique.

"Gale Fury!"

This self-created soul skill unleashed a tempestuous force, capable of injuring even a Soul Douluo. You Chen directed the blow at the bird's wounded wing.

The Archaeopteryx let out a piercing cry, its wing nearly crippled. Fear overwhelmed it as it recalled You Chen's earlier abilities. Without hesitation, it turned to flee.

You Chen's three clones unleashed Cyclone Field, a skill designed to bind enemies, but against a seven-thousand-year-old spirit beast, it only delayed the Archaeopteryx briefly.

Using the momentary reprieve, You Chen launched another Soul Suppression Art and a second Gale Fury.

However, the suppression's effectiveness diminished significantly on repeat use, and the Archaeopteryx recovered before the full brunt of the second attack could land. Beating its injured wing with desperate force, it soared into the sky.

Knowing further pursuit would be futile, You Chen watched the bird vanish into the distance.

Returning to his base outside the forest, he ordered his subordinates to track the Archaeopteryx's movements before retreating to Nuoding City to rest and reflect.

During this interlude, You Chen reviewed his performance.

The Soul Suppression Art, though effective, had diminishing returns and consumed substantial mental energy. Meanwhile, Gale Fury proved potent but had a long wind-up, leaving room for improvement.

"Short-term enhancements to these skills are unlikely unless I use an epiphany. However, that's a resource better reserved for my soul power research."

Instead, You Chen decided to leverage his subordinates.

The Blackfire Crossbows equipped by his Soul Dou Beasts were sufficient to deal consistent damage to the Archaeopteryx. Coordinated efforts could potentially surpass his own offensive output.

A week later, the Soul Dou Beasts regrouped under You Chen's command.

Since their last major operation, two members—Amona and Kui—had advanced to the Spirit Ancestor rank, each acquiring a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

"Although it's been only a year and a half since our last operation, I must once again ask for your help," You Chen said, bowing slightly.

His humility and gratitude deeply moved his subordinates, who felt honored to assist their revered leader.

Even Ignis, now a Beast Lord, was visibly excited.

"Next, Ignis, you'll handle the operational details." You Chen stepped aside, granting her command.

Though momentarily surprised, Ignis quickly regained composure. Leading missions had become second nature to her, and this would be no exception.

"Listen up!" she addressed the group. "Our objective is straightforward: inflict as much damage as possible on the Archaeopteryx using Blackfire Crossbows. Above all—protect yourselves! This is a seven-thousand-year-old beast. Any careless mistake could cost you your life. Our leader values each of you too much to see you waste your potential on reckless heroics!"

As Ignis finished her speech, the team's fervor cooled into steely resolve.

"Now then, Grace, outline the specific arrangements."

Grace, stepping forward, outlined the tactical plans with precision. Her administrative experience and leadership qualities had won the group's respect, solidifying her role as Ignis's right hand.

After final preparations, You Chen and his team ventured once more into Star Dou Forest.

However, upon nearing their destination, they encountered an unexpected obstacle.

A middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard and a luxurious bearing blocked their path, flanked by uniformed soul masters.

"Greetings, friends," the man said with a smile. "I'm afraid this area is off-limits. We are hunting a spirit ring here, and I must ask you to leave to avoid… unfortunate misunderstandings."

As he spoke, his men brought forth several battered figures—Soul Dou Beasts captured while tracking the Archaeopteryx.

The implications were clear. The noble had exploited their efforts, capturing their scouts and claiming their target.

Recognizing the man, You Chen said calmly to Ignis, "This is Marquis Shan Ya, likely working under Duke Antonio's heir. Conservatively, they have three peak-level Soul Saints at their disposal. With this knowledge, what's your deci

sion, Ignis?"

This test would determine whether Ignis had what it took to lead in the face of powerful opposition

-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/QueenTL

Thanks!