Preparing to Hunt the First Spirit Ring
Life at the Spirit Hall settled into a comfortable rhythm for Chu Tianxiu. Bibi Dong treated him with immense care and attention, a level of mentorship that went beyond mere formality. He awoke each morning under her roof, and she often personally oversaw his daily routine and meals. Chu Tianxiu understood that her kindness was genuine, and he was determined to prove himself a worthy disciple.
After a week had passed, Bibi Dong spoke to him as they shared a quiet moment in her palace. "Little Xiu, you have acclimated well. It is time you acquired your first spirit ring. I will have someone accompany you to the Spirit Hall's captive spirit beast forest."
Chu Tianxiu considered this. "Thank you, Sister Dong'er! But I have a different proposal. I wish to go to the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Forest instead. The variety and age of soul beasts there are superior, which would be more beneficial for my unique martial soul."
Bibi Dong did not immediately refuse. She valued ambition. "That is a more dangerous undertaking. I would have Ghost Douluo escort you."
"With respect, Sister Dong'er, my martial soul exerts a suppressive effect on Elder Ghost's. It would hinder his ability to protect me. May I suggest Chrysanthemum Douluo instead?"
Bibi Dong nodded, a glint of approval in her eyes. The child was already thinking strategically. "Very well. Ju Yueguan will be your escort. Be advised, his temperament is… distinctive."
Having read the original work, Chu Tianxiu was prepared. "I understand."
"But, Sister Dong'er," he continued, "could I trouble you for a loan of one thousand gold spirit coins? I have a project that requires funding."
Bibi Dong asked no questions, simply providing the coins. Trusting his judgment, she said, "Use it wisely."
After receiving the coins, Chu Tianxiu expressed his thanks sincerely and hurried out to begin his preparations.
His first stop was a prominent tailor shop in Spirit City. He negotiated its purchase and renamed it "Dongxiu Clothing Store." He provided the proprietor, Old Lange, with detailed designs for a garment never before seen on the continent—a white cheongsam embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
"Have this dress made. I will collect it tomorrow," he instructed. He also designed a unique trademark for the store: a stylized spider elegantly encircled by chains.
The next morning, after collecting the finished garment, Chu Tianxiu went to the city gate. A man waiting there stood out immediately. He wore an orange dress, his features delicate, yet he carried the aura of immense power. This was Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Upon seeing Chu Tianxiu, Ju Yueguan offered a graceful smile. "You must be little Tianxiu. His Holiness has tasked me with your safety on this journey."
Chu Tianxiu bowed respectfully. "Hello, Elder Ju. I took the liberty of bringing you a gift." He presented the beautifully crafted cheongsam.
Ju Yueguan's eyes lit up with genuine delight. The design was unique and the chrysanthemum motif was exquisitely rendered. He accepted it with appreciation. "You have excellent taste, child."
Together, they boarded the spacious carriage prepared by the Spirit Hall for the long journey.
As the carriage rolled on, Chu Tianxiu broached a business proposition. "Elder Ju, I have recently acquired a clothing store. I believe someone of your esteemed status and… distinctive style would be the perfect spokesperson. We could launch a signature 'Ju' series. In return, you would receive a share of the profits and the first look at all new designs."
Ju Yueguan was intrigued. The offer appealed to his vanity and his love for fine clothing. It was also a shrewd business move. "An interesting proposal," he mused. "I accept."
After half a month of travel, the vast, primordial expanse of the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Forest appeared on the horizon.
As they prepared to enter, Ju Yueguan turned to him. "What is your strategy for your first spirit ring, little Tianxiu?"
"My physical body is already robust. I require a spirit skill that offers control," Chu Tianxiu stated.
"And the age limit you are targeting?"
"What is the maximum year a Soul Master can theoretically absorb for their first ring?"
"The accepted limit is around five hundred years."
"Then I will target a spirit beast over one thousand years old," Chu Tianxiu declared without a trace of doubt.
Ju Yueguan was visibly startled. No one in recorded history had ever attempted such a feat for their first ring. The spiritual backlash alone could be fatal. Yet, having sensed the boy's formidable physique, he did not outright dismiss the idea. "The risk is monumental. But if you are certain, I will not stop you."
As they ventured deeper, Chu Tianxiu contemplated his future. He knew that after his spirit rings stacked, their power would multiply. But he also remembered the heights Tang San and his companions would eventually reach through divine intervention. He could not afford complacency.
'System! Why didn't you lead with that crucial piece of information?'
Shaking his head internally, Chu Tianxiu refocused. Now, he needed to decide which spirit beast would become the foundation of his power.