tronger by stepping over others, either you die, or they perish. You must practice more in actual combat, not just cultivate," Chen Zhan continued, then walked to the nearest bookshelf, pulled out a book.

*Click— clack!*
Half of the bookshelf moved up, revealing a hole with a box inside.
Chen Zhan took out the box and handed it to Chen Wenzhong.

"What is this?"
Chen Wenzhong opened the box to find a mysterious black ring inside.

"This ring, found during my youthful adventures, was from a small relic. I haven’t uncovered its mysteries, but it can be used as a storage space. Now, I pass it on to you."
Chen Zhan said earnestly.

Chen Wenzhong gently closed the box, bowed to his parents, and left the study.

##Inside Chen Zhan’s Study

“Sniff, sniff, Zhong'er has to go out to cultivate at such a young age; I’m very worried!” Zhao Li cried softly in Chen Zhan’s arms.

"Rest assured. He is our proud son. One day, he will become an unparalleled strongman and come back with the girl he loves. I believe in him!"
Chen Zhan stared at the moonlight outside, as if he could see his son’s future, comforting his wife.

##Inside Chen Wenzhong’s Room

Chen Wenzhong took out the box his father had given him. He opened it and examined the black ring, still unsure how to use it.

"Little Zhong, I, the great Le Shen, sense your confusion. Let me see your problem."
A familiar, teasing voice echoed in Chen Wenzhong's mind.

"Le Shen, you rascal! Where were you when I called you during the competition?"
Chen Wenzhong asked in an annoyed tone.

"Well, with the sect disciples present, if they sensed my presence, it would have raised suspicions. So, I had to lay low for a while!"
Le Shen shrugged innocently.

Chen Wenzhong, already exasperated with the capricious Le Shen, dismissed it. "Forget it. Take a look at this ring."
He pointed to the ring in his hand.

"Oh, this ring! Not bad. How did you come by this thing? It's quite extraordinary!"
Le Shen exclaimed after examining the ring closely, as if suddenly remembering something.

"What? Is this ring one of those super powerful artifacts from novels that can do miraculous feats?"
Chen Wenzhong asked expectantly.

"Well, you could say it’s an artifact, but it’s been degraded to a mundane item now. (Weapon and pill grades in the Dominating Continent: Mundane— Spirit— Human— Earth— Heaven— Sect— ???, each with upper, middle, and lower tiers)."
Le Shen stroked his chin, dashing Chen Wenzhong's hopes.

"What?! Mundane grade? You’re telling me this so-called artifact is now on par with my kitchen knife?"
Chen Wenzhong was crestfallen. What he thought was an artifact turned out to be no better than a kitchen tool.

"Calm down. Now, drip some of your blood on the ring. If I'm right, this might be from that old undying guy! You coul

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