Snippet-3_C13:-DouluoDaluFF_Dugu_Chen (Patreon)

13. Preparations for First Soul Ring.

│3rd Person POV │

[Douluo Continent, Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City, Dugu Mansion...]

“On another note, Chen’er, how is your cultivation of the Jade Refining Body Art and the Heaven’s Eye Spirit Refining Art progressing? Do you feel you’re ready to get your first Soul Ring now?” Dugu Bo asked.

“I believe I am ready, Grandpa,” Dugu Chen answered, his voice steady. He paused for a moment, then added thoughtfully, “I’ve noticed that I haven’t made much progress in the past week. It feels like I’ve reached the limit of how much I can refine my body and spirit through the Jade Refining Body Art and Heaven’s Eye Spirit Refining Art, without acquiring a Soul Ring and boosting the amount of Soul Power in my body.”

“Is that so?” Dugu Bo hummed and said, “Let me examine your body for a moment.”

Dugu Chen stood up, his posture straightening as his grandfather approached. Dugu Bo then used his Spiritual Power, which had already reached the so-called “Abyssal Realm” mentioned in Heaven’s Eye Spiritual Refining Art. With his vast and powerful Spiritual Power, Dugu Bo was able to thoroughly examine Dugu Chen’s physique within a few moments.

After a brief silence, Dugu Bo nodded. “Chen’er, I estimate that your physical quality is strong enough to withstand the strain of absorbing a Soul Ring from a Soul Beast of about 2,000 years of cultivation or less.”

In truth, he was downplaying his assessment. Based on his examination, he was certain that Chen’er could handle a Soul Ring from a Soul Beast of up to 3,500 years. However, he wasn’t willing to take any unnecessary risks. A 2,000-year-old Soul Ring as the first Soul Ring was already unheard of on the Douluo Continent; far beyond anything recorded in history.

Dugu Chen's eyes flickered with thought as he absorbed his grandfather’s words. A 2,000-year-old Soul Ring… He was satisfied with this, for now.

“I understand, Grandpa,” Dugu Chen said with a nod. “Then, when should we set out to hunt for my first Soul Ring?”

“Have you considered what type of Soul Beast you want for your First Soul Ring?” Dugu Bo asked instead.

Dugu Chen didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes, I’ve been considering a few options. Given the nature of my Martial Soul, I need a Soul Ring that will give me an ability that makes full use of my strong Spiritual Power. Rather than an offensive ability, I believe a utility-based Soul Ring would benefit me more in the long run.”

Dugu Bo nodded approvingly. “Good. We’ll go over potential choices in detail later once your parents come back. For now, rest and consolidate your foundation. We’ll leave in a few days.”

Dugu Chen gave a small nod, understanding the reasoning behind his grandfather’s suggestion. It would be wise to discuss options thoroughly with everyone before making a choice.

“Good. Make sure you don’t slack off, but don’t push yourself too hard either. Resting properly is just as important as cultivating.”

“I know,” Dugu Chen replied with a faint smile.

As Dugu Bo walked away, leaving him alone in the courtyard once more, Dugu Chen exhaled slowly. His first Soul Ring… It was a major milestone in his path as a Soul Master.

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│3rd Person POV │

Over the next few days, Dugu Chen focused on stabilizing his foundation. He, of course, continued cultivating both the Jade Refining Body Art and the Heaven’s Eye Spirit Refining Art, though the progress was slow, as expected.

Dugu Bo, meanwhile, spent his time researching possible Soul Beasts that could complement his grandson’s unique needs. Given the importance of the first Soul Ring, he was determined to find the most suitable option.

Then, one evening, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Dugu Mansion, a familiar presence stepped through the main gates.

“We’re back!”

A strong yet gentle voice rang through the courtyard.

Dugu Chen turned his head toward the entrance, a small smile forming as he saw his parents, Dugu Xin and Mo Ying, returning from their trip.

Dugu Bo stood up from his seat on the veranda, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly. “You took your time.”

Dugu Xin chuckled. “We had to make sure everything was properly settled before coming back.” He then turned to Dugu Chen, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “I heard you’re about to get your first Soul Ring.” His gaze held a mix of pride and curiosity, clearly eager to hear his son’s thoughts.

Dugu Chen, although curious about the purpose of his parents' visit outside, nodded and responded as he stood up as well. “Yes, Father. Grandpa has already assessed my condition, and we’ve been discussing the best Soul Beast for me.”

Mo Ying smiled gently, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around her son. “You’ve worked hard these past six months, Chen’er. I’m so proud of you.”

Dugu Chen returned the hug without hesitation, “I’ll keep working hard, Mother.”

Dugu Xin glanced at his father. “So, what’s the plan? Have you already decided on the type of Soul Beast?”

Dugu Bo stroked his chin and answered, “We’ve narrowed it down to a few choices. Since Chen’er wants a utility-based Soul Ring that takes advantage of his strong Spiritual Power, we need something that enhances perception, mental strength, or even unique sensory abilities.”

Dugu Xin nodded in understanding. “That does limit our options, but it also ensures we pick something tailored to his strengths.”

“However, Chen’er seems to have set his sights on a particular type of Soul Beast. However, the problem is that they can only be found in the Extreme North—one of the most dangerous regions on the continent.” Dugu Bo continued.

“Oh, which Soul Beast?” Dugu Xin asked.

“Ice Silk Worm.” Dugu Chen answered without hesitation. “They live in the Extreme North and possess both Spiritual and Ice attributes. I have a feeling that this Soul Beast is the best choice to get my First Soul Ring. Even Mochi seems to feel the same.”

Of course, this was only half true. The real reason Dugu Chen set his sights on an Ice Silk Worm was because of his meta-knowledge. He recalled how Huo Yuhao, the protagonist of Douluo Dalu 2, had obtained his first two Soul Rings from this Soul Beast. The abilities granted by the Ice Silk Worm Soul Beasts were some of the most powerful Spiritual techniques in his view, and he was fine with any of them as his First Soul Ring ability.

Dugu Xin hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin as he considered his son’s choice. “An Ice Silk Worm, huh? That’s certainly an interesting selection. They aren’t known for their combat prowess, so it won’t be difficult to hunt one.”

“But we have to go to the Extreme North to find one,” Mo Ying added, her brows furrowing slightly. “That isn’t a place just anyone can enter.”

“That’s true.” Dugu Xin crossed his arms, a thoughtful look on his face. “But if Chen’er and Mochi feel like this is the best choice for them, then I think it’s worth the effort.”

Dugu Bo leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing. “The journey itself will be dangerous. The Extreme North is an unforgiving land where even a Titled Douluo must tread carefully. The frigid temperatures alone are enough to kill the unprepared.”

Mo Ying nodded. “And that’s not even mentioning the powerful Soul Beasts that roam the region. There are rumors of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts living there, just like the core regions of the Great Star Dou Forest.”

Dugu Chen listened to his parents and grandfather discuss the dangers, but his determination didn’t waver. He met Dugu Bo’s gaze and spoke up. “I understand the risks. But I still believe the Ice Silk Worm is the best choice for my first Soul Ring. Besides, Ice Silk Worms are one of the weakest Soul Beasts in the food chain, so they likely don’t dwell in the deeper regions. They should be in the outer areas, where the environment is harsh but less dangerous. If we prepare well, we can minimize the risks.”

Dugu Bo observed his grandson for a long moment before letting out a short chuckle. “Heh. You really are stubborn, just like me.” He then glanced at Dugu Xin. “What do you think?”

Dugu Xin smirked. “I trust Xiao Chen’s reasoning. And besides, with our strength, I’m sure we can ensure his safety.”

Mo Ying sighed but smiled as well. “Then it’s settled. We’ll make the necessary preparations and leave in three days.”

Dugu Bo stood up. “I’ll gather information on the safest routes and potential threats. The sooner we move, the better.”

Dugu Xin patted Dugu Chen’s shoulder. “Rest well, son. You’ll need to be in top condition for this journey.”

Dugu Chen nodded. “I understand.”

With that, the discussion ended, and the family began their preparations for the arduous journey ahead.

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A/N: Here's another chapter of Douluo Dalu FF.Well, it seems I failed to keep my promise. It took me more time than expected to compose this chapter. And I am not in the condition to write another now. It's already 3 AM here.

I am sorry guys. 🫠

Anyway, if you see any mistakes, please don't hesitate to point them out.

Well then, Good day. See ya guys later.