Chapter 44: The Second Ring
At that moment, on the outer edge of the Star Dou Forest, Ji Lin appeared in a sudden flash of light.
"Well… I've completed Akino's Spirit Awakening, and I've also managed to awaken all of my Battle Spirits.
Now, it's time to obtain the second spirit ring — the Spirit Eye Ring. That's why, before heading to the Spirit Hall, I placed the Flying Thunder Technique marker here, so I can teleport directly to this place at any time."
Without any hesitation, he used the Card of Eternal Loyalty on all the ferocious spirit beasts of this era — including Er Ming, Da Ming, Tian Meng, and Tang Chen — except for Zi Ji, Bi Ji, and Gu Yuena, who were excluded from the group.
The card he used… was the Card of Eternal Loyalty.
After that, he headed straight into the depths of the forest.
Anyway, I don't want to confront any of them right now.
All I want… is Tian Meng.
Guided by the female Tian Meng, I was able to pinpoint Tian Meng's exact location, avoiding any spirit beasts along the way.
And before Tian Meng could sense my presence, I sealed him inside the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, then ordered the Gate of the Universe to return me to the era of Huo Yuhao — within the Star Luo Empire, where the Continental Spirit Master Tournament was about to begin… or perhaps, had already started.
Anyway… it's time to shine — and crush Shrek Academy.
In an instant, I found myself in the middle of a bustling city.
Moments later, I entered the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, where Tian Meng awaited me.
I smiled as I looked at him.
"Hello… no need for introductions. Anyway, I don't want to waste too much time.
I want you to become my second spirit ring, understand?
Offer yourself as the second ring — right now.
And don't worry about anything else — someone else will handle the rest.
So… shall we begin?"
Tian Meng replied eagerly, his voice filled with confidence and devotion:
"Yes, Master! Whatever you desire, I shall do it!"
At the same time, I reached out within my Sea of Awareness to the female Tian Meng, the Ice Empress, and the Snow Empress:
"Alright, girls… it's your turn now. You'll need to handle this.
I don't want to explode — that would be miserable… got it?"
I took a deep breath as I gazed at Tian Meng before me.
It was time to begin the awakening of the second spirit ring.
"Focus carefully… I want you to give it your all. This is your chance to become my second ring."
I could feel Tian Meng's energy gathering around him, glowing powerfully within the Sea of Awareness before flowing into my body — every bit of it pulsing with raw strength.
In an instant, a golden light burst forth from his body, flooding my vision.
It was a breathtaking sight.
Then, that golden radiance began merging into me.
I watched closely, channeling all my focus to stabilize his energy.
"Alright… this is it. Release everything — let the world know that you are my second spirit ring!"
By his will, spirit power surged upward.
A quiet joy rose within me; every moment of trust, every step of preparation — had finally borne fruit.
At the same time, the female Tian Meng, the Ice Empress, and the Snow Empress reacted in perfect harmony — each of them absorbing and stabilizing the energy, preventing any potential explosion.
"Well done… girls, I promise I'll reward you with the finest treatment in the world."
I felt deeply satisfied as I watched Tian Meng gradually transform into my second spirit ring.
After about half an hour, it was over.
All of Tian Meng's energy had been fully absorbed, expanding my Sea of Awareness, while a portion of it also strengthened my body.
The Celestial Body Refining Scripture had truly shown its power — it was indeed a real treasure.
It was an indescribable sensation — raw energy, complete control, perfect synchronization… everything was flawless.
"Well then, this is very good… now it's time to go show off — and maybe slap a few faces while I'm at it."
After finishing everything, I went to where the girls were waiting.
I smiled and said,Hey, girls… which one of you wants to join the Continental Spirit Master Tournament?"
At that moment, Ma Xiaotao spoke up confidently: Hmm… I think I want to do it. Alright, I'll join. I want to see just how strong I've become in this timeline."
I smiled warmly and gently pulled her into my arms, wrapping my hands around her waist as I whispered softly in her ear,Alright then, my dear Ma Xiaotao… but I'll need to use a transformation technique. I don't want you drawing too much attention. You're far too beautiful for that."
Then I turned to the other girls and asked,So, anyone else who wants to join besides Ma Xiaotao?"
In truth, most of the girls glanced at one another and politely declined, saying they preferred to focus on their training for now — avoiding the tournament as if it were just an unnecessary distraction.
Ma Xiaotao rose from my embrace and used the Transformation Technique, changing her appearance into that of a male.
After that, we both stepped out from within Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting
Then, I summoned Mo An from the Book of the Demon of Time. In truth, the effect of the Loyalty Card I had used on him had already expired, yet I renewed his loyalty by applying the same Loyalty Card I once used during the Tang San era — making his devotion eternal.
Anyway, he would be extremely useful to me in this era; he had mastered many skills and techniques, even studying alchemy and creating longevity pills that extended his life to a hundred years — perhaps even more.
More importantly, he had become far stronger and more energetic, which would greatly serve my purpose.
At that moment, I saw Mo An kneeling before me.
I said to him,
"Mo An, you know what to do. Alright… go to Shrek Academy and take care of your counterpart there. Most importantly, make sure she doesn't die. I want to speak with her myself afterward, understood?"
Loyalty gleamed in his eyes as he replied with determination:
"Yes, young master! I'll prepare everything exactly as you command."
I looked at Mo An and smiled, saying,
"Alright, you may go now."
After that, Mo An departed for Shrek Academy, while Ma Xiaotao and I headed toward where the Sun and Moon Team was located.
However, before we arrived, I used one of the Loyalty Energy Cards on each of the following: Jing Hongchen, Teacher Ma, Xu Tianran, the Evil-Eye Tyrant King, Yi Lai Ke Si, and Electrolux — including Er Ming, Da Ming, and all the fierce beasts within the Star Dou Forest, Gu Yuena among them, as well as several beasts from the Extreme North, Tang Hao, and Ah Yin.