Without hesitation, Lin Yu unleashed the skill of the Sword of Time and Space, his figure instantly flickering into motion. Moving with lightning speed, he charged straight toward the Netherworld Wolf. Baring its fangs, the beast tried to snap at him, but relying on his agility and miraculous teleportation ability, Lin Yu easily dodged every attack.
"Such incredible speed!" Su Yao couldn't help exclaiming from the sidelines. Although she had thought she already understood Lin Yu's strength well enough, seeing his astonishing speed and reflexes firsthand left her utterly shocked.
Failing to land its first strike, the Netherworld Wolf grew even more furious. Roaring continuously, it lunged at Lin Yu over and over again. Yet, at every crucial moment, Lin Yu's figure would simply vanish, causing the beast's attacks to hit nothing but air.
While evading, Lin Yu was also searching for an opening to counterattack. Darting around the wolf one moment and suddenly appearing behind it the next, he made it impossible for the creature to pin him down.
"Lin Yu, be careful!" Su Yao cried out anxiously. Her heart was in her throat, terrified that something might happen to him.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Lin Yu replied. His confident tone eased Su Yao's mind a little.
Knowing that he could not afford to drag this battle out for too long—lest he fall into real danger—Lin Yu decided to take the initiative.
As he circled the Netherworld Wolf, Lin Yu leaned back slightly, gripping his long sword tightly with a focused and calm gaze. He kept shifting his footsteps, waiting for the optimal moment to strike. As time passed, he gradually grew familiar with the beast's attacking patterns and rhythm. He realized that while the Netherworld Wolf possessed formidable strength, its movements were relatively sluggish, presenting an opportunity he could exploit. Thus, he began deliberately provoking the wolf into making reckless lunges, preparing to strike when it was most vulnerable.
When the Netherworld Wolf lunged again, its jaws wide open and sharp fangs gleaming with a cold light, Lin Yu seized the moment. With a flash of his figure, he teleported to the beast's flank and swung his sword down hard against its waist. The Netherworld Wolf let out a miserable howl of pain, but instead of retreating, it launched into an even more frenzied assault. Fine beads of sweat dotted Lin Yu's forehead as he kept fighting, and minor wounds gradually began to appear on his body. Yet he refused to back down, maintaining his firm resolve and unyielding fighting spirit.
"Hang in there, Lin Yu!" Su Yao shouted anxiously from the sidelines, her hands clenched into fists, filled with worry. The instructors also watched the battle intently, ready to step in and help at a moment's notice. They knew Lin Yu had already tried his absolute best, and if the fight continued much longer, his life could be in danger. At the same time, however, they hoped even more to see him overcome these hardships through his own efforts and grow stronger because of it.
After a fierce battle, Lin Yu finally found the perfect opportunity. Following a missed lunge, the Netherworld Wolf suffered a brief moment of hesitation. Seizing the chance, Lin Yu poured his full power into the Sword of Time and Space, his figure flickering like a ghost as he drove his blade straight into the beast's vital spot. With a final, agonizing howl, the Netherworld Wolf collapsed to the ground.
At that moment, a strange phenomenon occurred. Floating slowly upward from the carcass of the Netherworld Wolf was a Spirit Ring, glowing in a mixture of yellow and purple. It radiated a soft, gentle light, as if summoning Lin Yu. Watching this unfold, an instructor stepped forward and said, "Lin Yu, judging by its color, this Spirit Ring is over seven hundred years old. Are you really going to absorb it? I advise you not to take the risk. After all, the higher the age of a Spirit Ring, the harder it is to absorb, and it could cause severe damage to your body."
However, Lin Yu remained unshaken by the instructor's words. "Thank you for your concern, Instructor, but I've made up my mind," he said firmly. "I believe I have the ability to absorb this Spirit Ring, and I trust that it will grant me even greater power." With that, he sat cross-legged on the ground, fixing his gaze on the slowly hovering Spirit Ring.
Taking a deep breath, he began channeling the spirit power within his body, bracing himself for the absorption process. The instant his spirit power touched the Spirit Ring, a surge of immense energy rushed directly into him. Like a raging torrent, the force battered his meridians and bones, sending waves of excruciating pain through his body. Yet Lin Yu clenched his teeth, refusing to let his will break.
Suddenly, a loud ringing filled Lin Yu's mind, as though countless streams of information were flooding in all at once. He gritted his teeth, fighting hard to keep a clear head and daring not to let his focus slip for even a second. He could feel that powerful force rampaging through his meridians, bringing pain as sharp as a thousand needles piercing his heart. But he understood that this was an inevitable part of absorbing an over-limit Spirit Ring—he could never afford to give up lightly.
As seconds ticked away, Lin Yu gradually grew accustomed to the impact of the energy. He began trying to guide the force, coaxing it to slowly merge with his own spirit power. Throughout the process, he felt as though he had stepped into a wondrous fantasy realm. Countless glittering lights and lines bloomed before his eyes, unfolding like the deepest mysteries of the universe. He concentrated with every ounce of his being to comprehend these wondrous sights, attempting to forge his own power from them.
"Hold on, Lin Yu, you can do this!" The instructor's voice suddenly echoed in his ear, acting like a potent source of energy continuously infusing his body.
Lin Yu's body trembled slightly under the immense pressure, but his gaze grew ever more resolute, burning with a brilliant light. Sweat poured from his brow like a spring, soaking his clothes, but he paid it no mind, remaining entirely focused on absorbing the energy of the Spirit Ring.
Time dragged on, and every single moment felt agonizingly long. Yet Lin Yu maintained his unwavering faith, steadily drawing in the energy from the Spirit Ring. His body gradually adapted to the overwhelming power; his muscles tightened, and his bones emitted crisp, resonant cracking sounds.
Finally, after a long and grueling wait, Lin Yu successfully absorbed the Spirit Ring. He slowly opened his eyes, which shone with excitement and joy. That brilliance, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminated the entire space.
"I did it!" Lin Yu cried out, his voice tinged with uncontrollable excitement.
Hearing his shout, the people around him quickly gathered around, their faces beaming with joyful smiles. Unable to contain herself, Su Yao rushed over to Lin Yu's side and pulled him into a tight embrace, her eyes filled with care and blessings.
The instructors also smiled with satisfaction, deeply aware of the hard work and persistence Lin Yu had poured into this breakthrough. In that moment, watching a young and promising warrior grow, their hearts swelled with anticipation.
Feeling the surge of entirely new power within his body, a deep sense of emotion welled up inside Lin Yu. He understood that he could never have achieved this without the support and protection of Su Yao and the instructors. It was because of their companionship and encouragement that he had managed to surmount wave after wave of difficulties and reach his goal.
"Thank you, everyone. Without you, I could never have successfully obtained this Spirit Ring," Lin Yu said gratefully, his voice full of sincerity and emotion.
His gaze swept across everyone present, and his heart warmed. In this instant, he truly understood the power of teamwork and the preciousness of friendship. This gratitude would remain forever engraved in the depths of his heart, inspiring him to keep pressing forward on his future path of cultivation.