A black mist of particles instantly poured from Lu Jingming's body, enveloping him. Where the mist spread, flowers, plants, stones, and earth began to disintegrate—nothing could withstand its power.
Sensing this sudden force, Xingyun Douluo, always guarding Xu Jiujiu, became tense. She instinctively darted in front of the princess: "Your Highness, be careful—don't touch that black mist!"
Xu Jiujiu was also surprised but remained calm. "It's fine, Granny Yi Man."
Indeed, the black mist stopped expanding just a few meters out, as if restrained by some force, then slowly gathered back to the center.
As it faded, Lu Jingming's figure became clear once more.
Now, he looked completely transformed: white-haired, red-eyed, noticeably taller, exuding a cold aura. He held a pitch-black spear taller than himself, black mist swirling around it, reflecting the brilliant purple soul ring—an impressive sight.
Seeing this, Xu Jiujiu was briefly dazed. Though still a boy, his delicate features and unique aura already hinted at a future of striking, almost bewitching, beauty.
Of course, this assumed he didn't grow up wrong—like a certain King of Conquerors, once a beautiful youth, who ended up a burly, bearded man.
Having successfully absorbed his first soul ring and gained his first soul skill, Lu Jingming looked satisfied.
He raised his hand, putting away Black Abyss. The Cinder Radiance Bird, with its destruction attribute, had indeed given him a powerful soul skill.
For a six-year-old, absorbing a thousand-year ring as a first was a huge strain. However, his White Flower martial soul played a crucial role: whenever the energy tore his meridians, the White Flower's creative force healed him.
If not for this, trying to absorb such a ring at his age would have been truly dangerous.
Though the process was risky, everything went as Lu Jingming expected. The Herta knew his body's limits, and if it said he could absorb a thousand-year ring, there was no doubt.
To Lu Jingming, his summoned companions were not just family but trusted absolutely. If he couldn't trust them, what would be the point?
When Lu Jingming opened his eyes and saw the princess staring at him with her blue eyes, he was surprised: "Your Highness, why are you still here?"
Xu Jiujiu stood up gracefully, dusted off her golden dress, and smiled charmingly: "I was just curious. After all, you set a precedent for the whole Douluo Continent! You don't mind, do you?"
Lu Jingming quickly shook his head. "You flatter me, Your Highness. The Douluo Continent is vast and full of hidden talents. I was just lucky to have the physique to absorb a thousand-year ring. Among true powerhouses, this is nothing."
Xu Jiujiu rolled her eyes playfully. "What a little oddball—you're so young yet have no pride at all!"
Lu Jingming just smiled. In truth, how could he not be proud? As a transmigrator with knowledge and a golden finger, he was inherently proud, just not one to show it.
Besides, in his eyes, a thousand-year first ring was rare, but not worth bragging about. There were children of destiny with million-year first rings—that was truly shocking.
"Your Highness, you must have come to Star Dou Forest for a soul ring too? Am I delaying you?" He changed the topic naturally.
Xu Jiujiu didn't mind, still smiling: "I'm not like you—a little monster with a thousand-year first ring. I just need a thousand-year third ring, which shouldn't take long. You're not trying to chase me off, are you?"
"Of course not! As a subject, how could I show the princess any disrespect?" Lu Jingming shook his head sincerely.
"You little scamp, you might act respectful, but you don't see me as a princess, do you?" Xu Jiujiu squinted, teasingly.
Lu Jingming was caught off guard—her intuition was sharp. He thought he'd hidden it well.
"Oh well, I won't hold it against you. I'm older than you, so from now on, you don't have to call me 'Your Highness'—just call me sister." Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Lu Jingming was stunned—he hadn't expected the princess to be so friendly and direct!