C3 Small World

"So that's how it is. No wonder, no wonder."

Ling Jing stroked his beard, pondering for a moment before chuckling. "Well then, let me enlighten you about the realm of the Soul Emperor."

Ning Que nodded earnestly, eager to learn. He truly was in the dark and was more than willing to soak up information about the world he found himself in from Ling Jing.

"In Aetheria, martial prowess is held in the highest regard. Those with a knack for cultivation primarily harness the five elements of wakan. Additionally, there are light and darkness attributes, making seven in total, though the last two are exceedingly rare."

"The hierarchy of cultivation levels ascends from Soul Awakening, Etherealize, Soul Apprentice, Soul Warrior, Soul Weaver, Soul Marshal, Soul King, to Soul Emperor. Each level is further divided into nine ranks. As for realms beyond these, they're out of your reach for now, so I'll spare you the details."

At this point, Ling Jing paused, noticing Ning Que's indifferent expression and spoke with a touch of annoyance, "What's with that look? Do you think the path of cultivation is a walk in the park?"

"Of course not, of course not. Please, go on," Ning Que hastily replied, realizing his facial expression had been noted by the elder.

"Hmph, I can see right through you. You'll understand the hardships once you begin your own journey in cultivation."

With a cold huff, Ling Jing continued, "It's a mystery what fortune has befallen you for the occupant of that sarcophagus to have spared you. Thanks to you, after being confined here for so long, I can finally see the light of day again."

"Who's inside that sarcophagus, to be so formidable?"

Unable to quell his curiosity, Ning Que felt a renewed urge to investigate upon hearing Ling Jing's remark.

"Go and see for yourself. Her current state is rather peculiar, but don't you dare mistake her for deceased. That very assumption cost my old comrades their lives without cause."

Ling Jing gestured dismissively, cautioning Ning Que.

After a brief hesitation, Ning Que summoned his courage and approached the sarcophagus. The gently undulating Soulflower was unnerving, but he chose to ignore it. Clenching his teeth, he hastened to the sarcophagus's edge and, gathering his bravery, he opened his eyes wide to peer inside.

A vision of exquisite beauty materialized before him, her delicate features tinged with a faint blush. Her eyebrows were as dark as ink, and her eyes remained tightly shut. Clad in a red robe, her pale wrists were crossed over her chest. The Soulflower took root at her waist, seemingly sprouting from within her.

Who would have imagined a woman entombed within the sarcophagus? Ning Que dared not linger his gaze, sensing as if she might awaken at any moment. The aura emanating from her was far more daunting than that of the Soulflower.

"Hehe, kid, you realize the gravity of the situation now, don't you?" Ling Jing teased. "The woman in the sarcophagus must have sustained grave injuries, even to her soul, which explains her slumber. As for when she'll awaken, that's anyone's guess. It could be today, years from now, or perhaps never. Keeping her close means you'll have to fend for yourself."

Ling Jing chuckled at Ning Que's apprehensive demeanor.

"No, I'd rather find a way to part with her. I'm in no position to provoke someone of her stature."

Ning Que shook his head dismissively. If he couldn't face her, surely he could evade her? In the worst case, he could simply discard the wooden box where he found it.

"Do you truly have the heart to let her go? Are you aware of the Soulflower's value?" Ling Jing probed, stroking his beard with a sly grin. "Just one of those five buds could elevate someone's level of cultivation. Naturally, it only works up to the Soul Weaver stage. If you consume it, you'll gain the strength of a Soul Weaver. Doesn't that entice you?"

"A Soul Weaver is quite respectable," Ling Jing continued, still smiling. "In an average small city, you wouldn't find more than a handful of them."

"Stop trying to sway me. Is the Soulflower really that easy to obtain? Enough, just tell me how to get out of here," Ning Que insisted, feeling irked by the unpredictable nature of the woman in red. He wanted nothing more than to distance himself from such an unknown element.

"It's quite straightforward. Just drop a bit of your blood onto the Abyssal Ring, and you'll truly claim it as your own," Ling Jing explained. "The ring contains its own space, allowing you to store items at will. Consider it a welcoming gift from me."

Ling Jing spoke softly, "There are some pills on that stone table which could be useful to you. Go ahead and take them."

Following Ling Jing's instructions, Ning Que found that after he dripped his blood onto the Abyssal Ring, he could clearly sense everything within it. He began transferring all the bottles from the stone table into the ring, marveling inwardly at the wonder of it all. His fingers continuously caressed the ring, his delight unmistakable.

"Next, I need you to let me take control of your body for a short while. Although my strength is not what it once was, this realm has been around for a long time. Tearing a small rift to escape should be no trouble at all."

Ling Jing inhaled deeply, clearly eager for the freedom he had long awaited, struggling to maintain his composure.

Ning Que let his body and mind relax, and suddenly, he felt an odd power burst forth from the Abyssal Ring, coursing through his body. He seemed to be shrouded in a radiant azure glow, and with every movement, his formidable strength was evident. He had no doubt that if he were to punch now, he could reduce a massive boulder to dust.

'Is this what it feels like to be powerful?'

Ning Que couldn't help but ponder. He had previously been oblivious to the hierarchy of power in this new world, but now, having experienced the overwhelming force that could obliterate anything with a mere gesture, a seed of ambition began to take root in his heart.

Power, extraordinary and overwhelming power.

The idea of becoming a dominant force had never crossed his mind before arriving in this world, but now, the thought was taking hold.

As Ling Jing took control, Ning Que's body glowed with an intense blue light, and his hand lifted of its own accord. A formidable energy burst forth from his palm, slamming with great force into a corner of the hall.

"No!" Ling Jing's voice echoed with a tinge of dread in Ning Que's ears. Focusing intently, Ning Que saw that as he struck with his palm, a red light from the sarcophagus surged toward him, solidifying and blocking his powerful blow, rendering it ineffective.

The immense force recoiled against Ning Que's body, hurling him backward. He tasted sweetness in his throat as his insides felt like they were shattering, and a wave of intense pain made him gasp for air.

"What's happening, Ling Jing?"

Ning Que clambered up from the ground, disheveled, and spat.

"It seems they don't want us to leave. Hold on, I'll think of something else."

Ling Jing's voice carried a note of uncertainty that Ning Que could easily detect.

In the midst of his frustration, the sarcophagus began to tremble. A blinding red light coalesced, and then, astonishingly, the sarcophagus shrank rapidly, transforming into a beam of red light that shot towards Ning Que. He had no time to react before the light merged with the Abyssal Ring in his hand, turning the once dark blue ring into a striking combination of red and blue.

With the sarcophagus gone, the entire hall started to shake. Ling Jing cried out, "Quick, this realm is collapsing! If we don't leave now, we'll be caught in the spatial turbulence and that will be the end of us."

No sooner had he spoken than Ning Que's body radiated a brilliant blue light, even more resplendent than before. He swung his palm once more, and this time, without the sarcophagus's interference, his powerful strike tore a tiny fissure in space. A sudden pull of suction made Ning Que lose his balance, and he was drawn into the gap.

When Ning Que regained his bearings, he found himself back in Ning Mansion, alone in his room. Ning Xian'er, who had left earlier, had evidently not yet returned.

"At last, we're out," he sighed with relief.

Ling Jing's vague form materialized, a trace of excitement on his face. "Well, kid, it looks like whatever was in that sarcophagus has taken a liking to you. Whether it's fortune or misfortune, I can't say."

Ning Que was at a loss for words. He caressed the Abyssal Ring on his finger, sensing that the sarcophagus now occupied half of its space. The ring still emitted a soft red glow. He attempted to move the object out with his mind, but to no avail.

Being able to remain within the Abyssal Ring, which had already accepted its master, was beyond his comprehension.

He glanced at the wooden box that should have been on the bed, only to find it had inexplicably turned to dust.

"If she had intended to harm me, I would have been obliterated upon entering that small realm, just like your friends. For now, it seems she bears me no ill will. I'll let her be for the moment," Ning Que reasoned, displaying a sense of acceptance, though in truth, he felt powerless. After all, what could a mere mortal like him do?

"You've likely sensed a bit of my power. What do you think? Do you have any aspirations to become stronger?" Ling Jing asked, nodding subtly as he gently led the conversation. His sudden shift to this topic seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

Ning Que was taken aback. The sensation of immense power coursing through him was still fresh in his mind, leaving him shaken. Having crossed into this world, he had harbored no grand illusions, but witnessing Ling Jing's formidable abilities had sparked a new ambition within him.

"Can I also practice cultivation?" Ning Que inquired, taking a deep breath. He was well aware that the answer was affirmative. Though his current body had previously been incapable of cultivation, he was now fundamentally transformed and could undoubtedly embark on the path of cultivation.

Back in his original world, he had lived an unremarkable life. Now, in a world where strength reigned supreme, he was determined to make a change.

"Hehe, anyone else might hesitate to confirm your potential, but you're in luck having met me. Let me put it this way: with my assistance, even if you possess average talent, I can ensure you reach at least the Soul Emperor Realm," Ling Jing chuckled, revealing a hint of confidence.

"The Soul Emperor Realm is considered quite powerful. The strength I displayed earlier is merely a tenth of what a true Soul Emperor possesses. However, if you do achieve the Soul Emperor Realm, I'll need your help with a certain matter."

"What would that be?" Ning Que asked, his heart pounding with the revelation. The overwhelming force he had felt was only a fraction of a genuine Soul Emperor's might. He hadn't paid much attention to the hierarchy of power before, but having experienced it firsthand, he now understood the true terror of the Soul Emperor Realm.

If Ling Jing could indeed elevate him to the status of a formidable force, it was only reasonable that he would have a request in return. Ning Que was prepared to exert every effort to assist him.