Chapter 153: Seven Shura Illusion Realm
The powerful soul beasts of the Sunset Forest were already well aware of the two shameless Emerald Dragon Serpents—without fixed territory, cunning, and fond of ambushes.
They were also known to enjoy toying with other soul beasts.
Fast and well-hidden, they hadn't encountered any real danger for a long while.
Their strength had advanced rapidly, now approaching twenty thousand years of cultivation.
These two Emerald Dragon Serpents would one day become invaluable companions.
Seeing the amazement on Ye Lingling's face, Dugu Feng felt quite pleased with himself.
His two serpents would one day shock the world.
He didn't make her wait long.
In just a few minutes, both serpents returned.
One of them carried on its back a butterfly with silver-white wings edged in blue, almost translucent, each spanning about thirty centimeters. Its antennae gleamed with a soft, radiant glow.
"Grandfather once said that the glow of a Moonlight Butterfly's antennae can be used to judge its cultivation age.
This one's glow is vivid but not blinding. You can still see its body clearly from a distance—that means it hasn't exceeded five thousand years!"
Ye Lingling exclaimed with delight.
"Absorb it without worry. What I've found for you suits you perfectly," Dugu Feng said confidently.
When it came to understanding soul ring ages, soul beasts knew their own kind best.
The Emerald Dragon Serpents could never be mistaken.
The fourth spirit ring's safe limit was about five thousand years, and with Ye Lingling's physical endurance, exceeding that would be impossible.
"Thank you, Dugu Feng!"
Ye Lingling expressed her gratitude, then summoned her martial soul—the Nine-Heart Begonia.
The Moonlight Butterfly, already paralyzed by the serpents' venom, lay motionless. Ye Lingling drew a sharp dagger and ended its life with a single clean strike.
"Efficient," Dugu Feng praised approvingly.
Ye Lingling shot him a glare—did he really think she was some delicate girl?
She sat cross-legged and began absorbing the spirit ring.
Her yellow, yellow, and purple rings shimmered—an ideal configuration.
Purple spirit energy rose from the Moonlight Butterfly's body, flowing rapidly into Ye Lingling's.
With a soft cry, she furrowed her brow—the process was painful.
Though the ring wasn't beyond the fourth-ring limit, it was over four thousand years old, making absorption quite difficult.
As the energy poured in, beads of sweat formed on Ye Lingling's forehead, soaking the black veil she wore.
The veil clung tightly to her face.
Dugu Feng frowned. "There's no one else here. Why wear that thing? You're practically suffocating yourself!"
Before she could react, he stepped forward and pulled the veil away.
He remembered that on Blue Star, there was an ancient torture method involving layered wet paper pressed onto someone's face—by the eighth layer, the victim would suffocate.
The process was slow and cruel.
Ye Lingling's large eyes showed helplessness. Dugu Feng was truly bold and unceremonious.
But she had no time to dwell on it; she quickly focused her soul power and continued absorbing.
Ye Lingling was indeed beautiful.
But with his spiritual perception, Dugu Feng had already seen her clearly long before.
He genuinely acted for her own good.
As time passed, heat began rising from her body, her clothes clinging tightly as her figure became more defined.
"She doesn't seem particularly striking day to day, but up close—she's impressive," Dugu Feng evaluated silently.
Before long, her aura stabilized. Four spirit rings hovered rhythmically around her—she had succeeded.
Ye Lingling stood up with visible joy. It had gone far more smoothly than expected.
From leaving Heaven Dou City until now, barely two hours had passed—and she had already broken through to Soul Ancestor.
Feeling the surging power in her body, she couldn't help but smile.
Then, realizing her state, her cheeks flushed red.
Her pale blue dress clung wetly to her body, making her look like a goddess emerging from water.
The soul ring absorption had drenched her in sweat, outlining her graceful curves.
Instinctively, Ye Lingling tugged at her skirt, trying to make it less revealing—but it was useless.
"Congratulations on reaching Soul Ancestor, Senior," Dugu Feng said evenly.
Seeing his calm expression, Ye Lingling exhaled in relief—the moment was far less awkward now.
She deftly retrieved another veil from her spirit tool and put it on.
That veil was her shield, her safe place to hide behind.
"Senior, I'll take you back," Dugu Feng offered.
"Mm. Thank you," Ye Lingling replied softly.
The two rode the Emerald Dragon Serpent back toward Heaven Dou City.
As for Ye Lingling, Dugu Feng had no intention of pursuing her—at least not yet.
He wasn't eager to end up like Little Snake, playing the role of a weary father.
That kind of life was miserable!
Patience was key—there was no rush.
Besides, the Ye family's martial spirit had a frightening flaw: only two Nine-Heart Begonia soul masters could exist at once.
If their next generation inherited that martial spirit—or worse, a twin spirit—it could mean death for one of them.
Dugu Feng decided to wait until he grew stronger before pursuing Ye Lingling.
Perhaps by then, he would have found a solution.
After parting ways with Ye Lingling, Dugu Feng headed for Canghui Academy.
The place was far livelier now; the training grounds and simulated cultivation zones were filled with quiet, focused students.
Dugu Feng went straight to the dean's office and found Old Snake.
"Old Snake, take me to see Shi Nian, and show me the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique training," Dugu Feng ordered.
"Yes, Young Master," Old Snake replied.
He led Dugu Feng behind the office, where a small forest stood—not large, roughly the size of two teaching buildings.
"Shi Nian said that to practice the Seven Shura Illusion Realm, a calm, secluded environment is needed to awaken the students' mental power," Old Snake explained.
"Oh?"
Dugu Feng nodded as they continued walking, suddenly sensing a fluctuation of spiritual energy.
"You're incredible, Young Master, to detect it so quickly! That's exactly them performing the Seven Shura Illusion Realm!" Old Snake praised in awe.
His flattery was genuine—his Young Master's power truly grew more impressive by the day.
The farther they walked, the stronger the energy waves became.
Moments later, Dugu Feng's eyes lit up.
The forest ahead glowed in seven radiant colors. The brilliant lights seemed harmless but were dazzlingly beautiful, alluring enough to trap anyone's mind.
Every tree, flower, and blade of grass shimmered under shifting hues.
It felt as though he had stepped into a world of crystal glass and light.
It was a world of illusion—one that could affect the very soul.
Unbidden, fragments from deep within Dugu Feng's memory began to surface.
(END CHAPTER)
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