A surge of black mist, formed from countless dark particles, instantly erupted from within Lu Jingming's body, rapidly enveloping him from head to toe.
The black mist spread wildly, and wherever it passed, the surrounding flowers, trees, stones, and soil began to disintegrate under its influence, as if all things in the world were incredibly fragile before this overwhelming power.
Sensing this sudden surge of formidable energy, Xingyun Douluo, who had been guarding Princess Xu Jiujiu like a shadow, immediately grew serious.
Driven by instinctive vigilance for the princess's safety, he flashed forward, positioning himself between Xu Jiujiu and the black mist, his expression grave as he warned in a deep voice, "Your Highness, be careful! Do not let that black mist touch you!"
Though a flicker of surprise crossed Xu Jiujiu's eyes, her expression remained calm and composed, without the slightest hint of panic.
She gently shook her head and spoke in a serene tone, "Grandmother Manyi, it's alright."
Sure enough, the seemingly fierce black mist only spread a few meters before, as if restrained by some unseen force, it ceased to expand.
Then, the black mist seemed to be drawn by an invisible hand, slowly converging toward the center.
As the mist gradually dissipated, Lu Jingming's figure once again came into clear view.
Now, Lu Jingming appeared completely transformed: white hair and crimson eyes, his height slightly taller, radiating a cold and stern aura.
In his hand, he gripped a jet-black long spear, which towered over him. Black mist spiraled and entwined along the spear's shaft, harmonizing brilliantly with a radiant purple soul ring that shimmered with magnificent light, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Seeing this scene, Xu Jiujiu's eyes momentarily glazed over. Though the boy was still very young, his delicate features and unique temperament already exuded the charm of a handsome youth.
It was easy to imagine what a stunningly beautiful and powerful figure he would become once he reached adulthood.
Of course, all of this depended on the boy not going astray—unlike a certain Conquering King, who was once a breathtakingly beautiful youth but eventually grew into a burly man with a thick beard.
Having successfully absorbed his first soul ring and gained his first soul skill, a satisfied expression appeared on Lu Jingming's face.
He lightly raised his hand and retracted the Black Abyss spear. Truly, the Jinhong Bird was worthy of being a mighty soul beast with destructive attributes; the soul skill it granted him brought great satisfaction.
For Lu Jingming, only six years old, absorbing a thousand-year soul ring as his first was indeed a tremendous burden on his body.
However, throughout the absorption process, the "White Blossom" martial soul played a crucial role.
Whenever his body was battered by the violent soul power, threatening to tear his meridians apart, the "White Blossom" martial soul would immediately release its creative energy, repairing his damaged body in time.
If it weren't for the immense power of the "White Blossom," absorbing such a high-level soul ring at such a young age would have posed a significant danger to Lu Jingming.
Although the absorption process was perilous, everything had gone according to Lu Jingming's expectations.
After all, the Black Tower knew his physical constitution intimately. Since they judged that he could handle the thousand-year soul ring, there was absolutely no risk.
In Lu Jingming's heart, the companions he summoned were not just allies but his closest family, and he placed unconditional and absolute trust in them.
If he could not even trust them, wouldn't his life be too tragic?
As Lu Jingming slowly opened his eyes, he was momentarily stunned to see Princess Xu Jiujiu staring at him intently with her bright sapphire-blue eyes.
He blurted out in surprise, "Your Highness, why are you still here?!"
He was somewhat puzzled—why was Xu Jiujiu still around?
Xu Jiujiu gracefully stood up, lightly brushing the golden, ornate dress she wore with her hand in a natural, elegant gesture.
A charming smile curved on her lips as she said, "I was just a little curious. After all, you've pioneered something unprecedented across the entire Douluo Continent. You don't mind, do you?"
Lu Jingming hurriedly shook his head, replying humbly, "Your Highness flatters me. The Douluo Continent is vast and boundless, home to countless hidden talents and geniuses. I am merely fortunate to have a relatively strong physique, allowing me to absorb the thousand-year soul ring. Compared to the true masters out there, this means nothing."
Hearing this, Xu Jiujiu couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully, feigning anger as she said, "You little brat, so young, yet you show no trace of youthful pride."
Lu Jingming merely smiled softly in response, choosing not to explain further.
Actually, if you talked about pride, how could he not have any? After all, as a transmigrator well-versed in the story's plot and armed with a powerful "golden finger," a natural arrogance was ingrained deep within him.
It's just that Lu Jingming's personality in his previous life was more calm and reserved, so his pride rarely showed on the surface.
Moreover, in his eyes, absorbing a thousand-year soul ring as the first wasn't something worth boasting about.
After all, in this world, the chosen ones blessed by fate could have a first soul ring that was millions of years old—that was a truly earth-shattering existence.
"The princess coming all the way down to this Star Dou Forest must be to obtain a soul ring as well, right? Won't this delay your schedule?" Lu Jingming didn't want to linger on this topic and naturally shifted the conversation.
Xu Jiujiu didn't mind and continued smiling as she said, "I'm not like some little monster who has a thousand-year first soul ring. I only need a thousand-year third soul ring. For someone like me, that's not too hard to find, and it won't take much time. You're not trying to find an excuse to send me away, are you?"
"Not at all! As a citizen of the empire, how could I ever be disrespectful to Your Highness?" Lu Jingming quickly shook his head, his tone sincere.
"You little brat. You act all polite to me on the surface, but deep down you don't really take me, a princess, seriously, do you?"
Xu Jiujiu suddenly narrowed her eyes, teasing in her voice.
As a princess, she was accustomed to endless flattery and praise, so she was sharp enough to sense that Lu Jingming's respect was mostly superficial, not heartfelt.
Lu Jingming was silenced by her blunt words, inwardly surprised.
He hadn't expected Princess Jiujiu's intuition to be so sharp when he thought he'd disguised it well.
"Forget it. I won't stoop to your level. I'm a few years older than you, so from now on, you don't have to call me 'Your Highness' anymore. Just call me 'Sister,'" Xu Jiujiu said with a sly glint in her eyes.
Lu Jingming was a bit stunned by this. He never imagined the princess would be so naturally friendly!
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