Bi Bidong looked down at her and asked softly, "Nana, this Bewitching Fox can provide a Spirit Ability related to mental control."
"If you absorb this Soul Ring, your future Spirit Abilities will lean towards control. Do you want this Soul Ring?"
"Teacher, if I absorb this Soul Ring, won't Nana become a Control-type Soul Master?"
"Yes!" Bi Bidong nodded and explained.
"Although your Bewitching Fox Soul can follow both the fire attribute and mental paths,"
"In terms of pure potential, mental control is the area where the Demon Fox excels the most, allowing you to maximize your talent."
She paused, her gaze returning to Hu Liena's face, her tone growing even gentler:
"Of course, the final choice is up to you."
"Teacher won't force you. No matter which path you choose, Teacher will support you."
Hu Liena bit her lower lip, her small brow slightly furrowed as she thought seriously.
She recalled the attack-type Soul Masters she had seen at the academy before, thinking that Fox Fire was quite cool.
But she also felt that the ability to subtly control an opponent's mind seemed even more impressive.
After a moment, she raised her head, a flash of determination in her eyes:
"Teacher, I choose this! I want to become a Control-type Soul Master!"
Bi Bidong's eyes showed an approving smile as she reached out and ruffled her hair:
"Good, then let's go now. Teacher will help you capture this Bewitching Fox."
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Hu Liena nodded vigorously, swallowing nervously, but the anticipation in her eyes grew stronger.
Bi Bidong signaled for the two to follow, lightening her footsteps as she headed toward the bushes ahead.
Before long, a snow-white fox with a fluffy long tail appeared in their line of sight.
It was crouched on a rock, eyes closed, surrounded by a faint gray mist—this was the Bewitching Fox.
"Teacher, is this the Bewitching Fox?"
Hu Liena followed Bi Bidong's gaze and saw the snow-white fox curled up on the rock.
Its fluffy tail gently swept the ground, the gray mist around it exuding a sense of mystery.
"Yes." Bi Bidong carefully sensed it and paused slightly.
"But this one seems to have reached five hundred years in age. Nana, if you want to absorb it, you might have to challenge your limits."
Upon hearing this, Hu Liena's small face showed no signs of retreat; instead, her fighting spirit ignited as she nodded firmly:
"Teacher, I'm not afraid! I want this Bewitching Fox to be my first Soul Ring!"
"Good!" A flash of approval crossed Bi Bidong's eyes, and she hesitated no longer.
A powerful pressure suddenly emanated from her, the aura of a Titled Douluo like an invisible giant hand locking onto the Bewitching Fox.
The Bewitching Fox, which had been leisurely enjoying its sunbath, froze instantly.
In the next moment, it felt a crushing force slam down on its body.
Its body sank abruptly, pressed firmly against the rock with a "thud," unable to even lift its head.
It let out a panicked, sharp "eek" sound, the gray mist swirling frantically.
Unfortunately, under Bi Bidong's pressure, it couldn't even create a ripple.
"Nana, go ahead. The academy should have taught you how to obtain a Soul Ring!"
"Yes!"
Hu Liena gripped a short blade and walked toward the Bewitching Fox.
The Bewitching Fox sensed the threat and struggled even more violently, baring its fangs as it attempted to resist.
But under Bi Bidong's suppression, all its efforts were in vain.
Hu Liena closed her eyes and, following the method her teacher had taught her, precisely located the Bewitching Fox's heart.
With a slight exertion of her arm, the short blade plunged accurately downward.
"Eee—"
The Bewitching Fox let out a brief, mournful cry, and the gray mist surrounding it instantly surged violently.
The Bewitching Fox stared at Hu Liena with a final piercing shriek before falling completely silent.
Hu Liena opened her eyes and looked at the Bewitching Fox lying in a pool of blood, a flicker of reluctance crossing her young face.
She had no choice—this was a necessary step to become a Soul Master.
Bi Bidong stepped forward and gently patted her back:
"You did very well. Don't dwell on it. Soul Beasts and Soul Masters are part of the natural cycle."
Hu Liena nodded, sheathed her short blade, and turned her gaze to the yellow soul ring slowly rising from the Bewitching Fox's body.
The soul ring hovered in the air, emitting a soft yet powerful glow—it was the first soul ring she was about to absorb.
"Are you ready?" Bi Bidong asked.
Hu Liena took a deep breath, her eyes becoming clear and resolute:
"Yes, Teacher, I'm ready."
Hu Liena sat cross-legged before the suspended yellow soul ring, resting her small hands gently on her knees as her breathing gradually steadied.
As her Soul Power slowly emerged, a faint pink fox phantom materialized behind her—her Bewitching Fox Soul.
The fox phantom gently swayed its fluffy tail, as if responding to something.
The five-hundred-year yellow soul ring, as if drawn by an invisible force, began to rotate slowly and move toward Hu Liena.
When the soul ring touched her body, Hu Liena trembled slightly, her brow furrowing for a moment.
The soul ring carried immense energy, flowing gradually through her limbs and meridians.
Where it passed, there was both a tearing, swelling pain and a warm sensation as her Soul Power was nourished.
The fox phantom behind her also grew brighter, a spark of agility flashing in its eyes.
The yellow soul ring slowly merged into her body, gradually blending with her own Soul Power.
Su Yu observed from the side, feeling pleased that Hu Liena had successfully absorbed the soul ring.
Bi Bidong naturally noticed Hu Liena's success as well, the tension in her eyes fading away.
A moment later, the yellow soul ring completely vanished into Hu Liena's body, and the fox phantom behind her let out a cheerful cry.
The fox's form visibly solidified, and a faint golden pattern appeared between its brows.
Hu Liena slowly opened her eyes, a gleam of sharpness flashing briefly before fading. Her once slightly childish face now carried a calm and lively aura.
Looking at the yellow hundred-year soul ring beneath her feet, she couldn't help but smile:
"Teacher, Brother Su Yu, I successfully absorbed the soul ring!"
Su Yu stepped forward, gave her a light hug, and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Nana, you're officially a Soul Master now!"
Bi Bidong also nodded slightly, a genuine smile in her eyes: "Yes, Nana, you did wonderfully. Your teacher saw it all."
She paused, then asked curiously, "By the way, what is your first Spirit Ability?"
Hu Liena lifted her chin proudly and declared in a clear voice: "Teacher, my first Spirit Ability is 'Bewitching Fox Allure'!"
"Bewitching Fox Allure?" Bi Bidong raised an eyebrow, signaling her to elaborate.
"Yes!" Hu Liena nodded emphatically and explained.
"This is a group control Spirit Ability. When used, any enemy who makes eye contact with me will be forcibly stunned for three seconds!"