The morning sun had barely risen when Wang Yan and his three companions set out from the academy gates. The forest road ahead was shaded in gentle light, and although the woods seemed peaceful, the quiet held an undercurrent of danger. Instructor Qiu walked ahead of them, his steps steady and measured — the kind of calm born of countless battles and years of experience.
After a mile of travel, Qiu finally spoke, his voice low and deliberate.
"Today, Wang Yan will attempt his first Soul Ring absorption," he said. "Before we proceed, you must understand exactly what a Soul Ring is and why this hunt is difficult."
Wang Yan and the others listened intently — spirit power, spirit beasts, and soul rings were taught at the academy, but real understanding only came with explanation in the field.
"A Soul Ring," Qiu began, "is the condensed spirit essence released by a spirit beast upon death. Its color reflects the age and cultivation of the beast that produced it."
He raised a hand as if drawing symbols in the air with his words.
White Soul Ring — comes from a beast roughly ten years old. Its energy is gentle, stable — suitable for early Spirit Masters.
Yellow Soul Ring — comes from a beast around one hundred years old. Its spirit energy is dense and powerful, and far more volatile.
Purple Soul Ring — from beasts about a thousand years old, far stronger and more demanding to absorb.
Black Soul Ring — from beasts around ten thousand years old. Even seasoned masters struggle with rings of this age.
Red Soul Ring — from beasts around one hundred thousand years old, possessing immense and overwhelming spirit energy , getting a red ring is nearly impossible even top master struggles to get it.
Qiu paused to let his words settle.
"These rings do not drop of their own will," he continued. "Only when a spirit beast dies will its ring appear. More importantly — only the one who dealt the killing blow can absorb the ring. And the process itself is dangerous. If your spirit cannot handle the energy, it can fracture or even destroy your soul."
Wang Yan nodded slowly. He had read the theory, but hearing it now carried a different weight.
"Most children who hunt alone only receive White rings on their first attempt," Qiu added. "Because even a hundred‑year ring — a Yellow ring — can be too much without careful control, guidance, and support. That is why most first rings are white. But with coordination…it is possible to attempt a Yellow ring safely."
The forest grew thicker as they walked, light fading and spirit energy growing heavier in the air. Every step forward pulled them deeper into territory filled with beasts far stronger than any they'd faced near the academy.
After nearly an hour, Qiu halted beside a small hollow rimmed with broken branches and crushed leaves — the aftermath of a recent struggle.
"Look here," Qiu said. "This spot shows signs of a fight. When a soul beast dies, its ring appears above its body. But do not approach recklessly — even rings of modest age give off spirit energy that can be sensed by other predators."
In the center lay a shriveled creature — a long, snake‑like beast — its form still. Above it pulsed a faint White Soul Ring, light and subdued compared to the forest's deeper spirit aura.
"That is a White Soul Ring," Qiu said, watching the boys carefully. "It is born of a beast roughly ten years old — modest power, manageable for navigation. Not what Yan seeks today, but it serves as an example."
Chen Yu exhaled quietly. "So this is what a ring actually appears like… just floating there?"
"It will not wait for you," Qiu said. "If left too long, the spirit energy disperses and the opportunity vanishes. But this ring is small. It's not dangerous yet…but it draws attention."
Before any more words could be spoken, a deep roar broke the forest's stillness. The clearing quaked as a massive shape burst from the shadows — a Red Demon Bear. Its crimson fur bristled, claws as sharp as steel, eyes blazing with raw violence. Its presence alone warped the air — this beast was powerful beyond imagination, its spirit force marking it as over four hundred years old.
"Positions!" Qiu snapped. His voice carried command, calm but urgent. " This beast is over 400 years , a four hundred‑year spirit beast's strength far exceeds that of young hunters alone. Observe and react only as instructed, this beast is a rare treasure for Sword soul Master it will give good attacking technique to Yan "
Liu Ming braced his spear, stance steady. Zhao Qing's hands sparked lightning, controlled and low, not chaotic. Chen Yu crouched, eyes tracking movement. Wang Yan did not rush — he watched, breathing slow, reading the bear's motion.
The Red Demon Bear lunged, its massive claws gouging earth and scattering debris. Qiu's Hammer Spirit met the attack, his strikes precise and controlled — he did not overpower the beast outright, but staggered it enough to create openings for kids to understand team work .
Liu Ming used those moments to redirect charges; Zhao Qing's lightning slowed the bear's momentum; Chen Yu's feints drew its focus away. Wang Yan's spirit lay quiet, his gaze fixed on patterns, not panic.
Power alone would not win this fight. Coordination, timing, discipline — these were the true weapons.
The bear roared again and again, each strike shaking the earth itself. Trees cracked, soil gouged, spirit pressure tightening like an invisible vise. Still, the group held together, every action deliberate.
Finally, after relentless pressure and perfectly timed teamwork, the Red Demon Bear's strength faltered. With a final, exhausted growl, it collapsed, its massive form shuddering before stillness — defeated not through sheer force, but through unity, Yan gave final attack and the beast died.
Above its chest hovered a Yellow Soul Ring, its glow far stronger and richer than the White ring before. This was the very essence of a creature whose spirit had endured over a hundred years — dense, potent, unforgiving.
Qiu's voice cut through the silence.
"A Yellow Soul Ring is born of a beast a hundred years old. Its energy is strong…and its spirit energy violent. If taken without control, it will resist and may destroy you. Wang Yan — absorb it carefully. Let its energy flow into you naturally. Patience and control are everything."
Wang Yan stepped forward slowly. The Yellow ring pulsed against his spirit like a wild tide. His limbs trembled, his chest burned, but he regulated every pulse of power with precise intent.
In the tensest moments of his life, the Yellow Soul Ring's energy finally settled within Wang Yan's spirit, a calm warmth spread through him.
Instructor Qiu exhaled, approval in his tone.
"Today you learned why Soul Rings are not simply treasures — they are tests of spirit. Power without discipline destroys, but discipline masters power."
The forest path grew familiar again, so the boys walked back toward the academy in silence, their steps slow but steady. Instructor Qiu led the way, so they followed without worry, and the tension of the hunt gradually faded. As the academy gates came into view, so their journey back ended, marking the close of a difficult but successful trial.