Within the depths of the Soul Hunting Forest, Sanhartha slowly exhaled a long breath.
The violent heat that had raged within his body finally settled. It had taken him nearly two full hours to completely absorb the soul ring. His breathing steadied, and only then did he slowly open his eyes.
The forest appeared unchanged — yet everything within him was different.
Sanhartha carefully sensed his body. His muscles felt denser, his bones sturdier, and his soul power flowed with a stability he had never experienced before. Compared to his former self, the improvement was unmistakable.
I'm stronger… far stronger than before.
As his consciousness sank inward, information surged into his mind — the imprint left behind by the soul ring.
A soul skill had formed.
"Vein Igniting Art…"
Sanhartha murmured the name quietly. The skill was not aggressive nor destructive. Instead, it ignited the veins throughout his body, allowing flame-based soul power to circulate more smoothly and burn more intensely within him. It did not unleash power outward — it refined power inward.
After activation, the effect faded naturally, followed by a short one-minute cooldown.
Sanhartha frowned slightly.
Based on everything he knew, a first soul ring taken from a mature Ember-Scaled Lizard should have produced a more obvious offensive skill. The ability he obtained felt… restrained.
Not weak — but incomplete.
Before he could think further, he sensed another presence.
"Uncle Mo."
Mo Fan turned back, the tension in his posture finally easing when he saw Sanhartha standing steadily.
"I've finished absorbing it," Sanhartha said, unable to hide his relief.
Mo Fan examined him carefully, confirming his stable aura, then let out a quiet breath and smiled.
"Good. From today onward, you are a true soul master."
Those simple words carried weight.
With their purpose fulfilled, the two left the forest together. The return journey was calm, and by the time dusk fell, they reached Notting City. After entering the city, they found a modest inn and ate a full meal, the warmth of food grounding both body and spirit.
Later, they returned to Mo Fan's residence.
Mo Fan sat down at the table and looked at Sanhartha with interest.
"So, tell Uncle — what soul skill did you obtain?"
Sanhartha explained the effect of Vein Igniting Art in detail.
As Mo Fan listened, his brows knit slightly.
"Fire-based martial souls naturally possess ignition properties," he said after a moment. "Gaining such a skill as your first… it's not particularly impressive."
Sanhartha nodded. He had reached the same conclusion.
Seeing his silence, Mo Fan waved a hand lightly.
"Don't think too much about it. Soul masters grow step by step. We've had a long journey — get some rest."
He stood and led Sanhartha to a prepared room.
As Sanhartha lay down, his body relaxed, but his mind remained clear.
A soul skill that ignites veins… a first ring far beyond the accepted limit… and a martial soul that feels far from ordinary.
The answers had not yet revealed themselves.
But this was only the beginning.