"Don't panic, kid. I won't hurt you. If it weren't for the spiritual energy I've absorbed over the years, I wouldn't have awakened so soon..."
As soon as the voice fell, it was as if muffled thunder exploded in Long Yan's mind.
All the past events suddenly aligned, forming a clear picture that overwhelmed him.
He blurted out in shock, "What?! So all the spiritual energy I absorbed—vanishing without explanation—was your doing?!"
By now, how could he not understand?
The ring on his hand was the very reason he had fallen from a genius to a cripple!
In a fit of anger, he reached out, ready to yank it off and hurl it away.
Seeing this, the voice quickly interjected, "Wait! Since I've absorbed your spiritual energy for so long, I won't ignore you.
In return, I'll teach you techniques and guide your cultivation."
Long Yan paused, struggling to suppress his fury.
After all he had endured, if he could gain something from this mysterious presence, perhaps he could reclaim what he lost.
He lowered his hand and stared at the ring, skeptical.
"Can you really teach me? Are you even in the Spiritual Expansion Realm?"
In his understanding, monks at that level were already elite figures.
After a short silence, the voice in the ring spoke with disdain,
"Spiritual Expansion Realm? Hmph! In my time, even my servants were stronger than that!"
Long Yan's eyes widened. "Who... are you?"
The voice grew heavy and solemn.
"I was once a cultivator of the Heavenly Realm.
Just as I was about to transcend through the King's Tribulation, I was betrayed by my most trusted disciple.
Because of that, I failed and lost my physical body.
Now, only a sliver of my soul remains—residing within your ring."
Long Yan was stunned.
He had only read about cultivators of the Heavenly Realm in ancient legends.
Even in the entire Great Dragon Kingdom, their existence was uncertain.
And this soul fragment... was once such a being?
The voice continued, "Now, in exchange for these years of energy, I'm willing to pass down some advanced techniques to you.
And if you agree to my condition... I will even take you as my disciple and share all I've learned."
Long Yan's expression sharpened. "What condition?"
"In the future, once your cultivation is strong enough, you must kill my traitorous disciple... and all his followers."
A moment of silence passed.
Then, Long Yan knelt and declared, "Long Yan pays respects to Master!"
A satisfied hum echoed from the ring.
Long Yan then asked, "Master, what may I call you?"
"For now, don't worry about my true name. You may call me... Master Yao.
As your first lesson, I'll gift you a peak-level human technique."
Before Long Yan could respond, a series of translucent blue characters floated into view.
"Body Tempering Art"
A peak-level human technique—strong enough to rival some low-tier Earth techniques.
Master Yao watched from within the ring, smug and expectant.
"This technique took me ages to refine. It's the most suitable method for building an elite foundation for any beginner.
This naive disciple must be stunned!"
But something unexpected happened.
Long Yan's expression turned awkward.
"Master... I already have a technique."
He had received the Chaos Art from the clan leader—far superior in grade.
But not wanting to offend his new master, he spoke gently.
Master Yao frowned. "This is a peak-level human technique, on par with Earth-grade skills.
What could be better than this at your level?"
Long Yan rubbed his temple and sighed.
"Actually… I already have a high-level Earth technique."
There was a long pause.
Then, Master Yao stammered, "W-What?! You—You're from a small clan, aren't you?"
"Well... our clan leader is at the Innate Realm. He gave me the Chaos Art."
Master Yao was speechless.
Earth-grade techniques were treasures beyond measure. Even powerful sects wouldn't easily share them—let alone with juniors.
He began to suspect something strange.
Could it be… the so-called 'Earth technique' was just an exaggerated version passed off by the clan leader to boost morale?
Snorting, he said,
"Let me see this so-called Earth technique. Perhaps there are flaws—let your master examine it."
Long Yan hesitated. The Chaos Art came from the clan head. It couldn't possibly be flawed.
Still, considering Master Yao's background, it didn't hurt to let him check.
So, he carefully pulled the book from his robe and began to read it aloud.