"The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament has already been over for more than a month. We can still make it in time."
"For his ten-thousand-year plan, Tang God-King truly went to great lengths. Ruthless enough! Calculated enough!"
Jiang Jue thought to himself, his eyes becoming ever more profound.
In order to support Huo Yuhao, the child of destiny born of the Douluo Plane's ten-thousand-year fortune, Tang God-King had not hesitated to split the soul of his own daughter into two halves—one half placed in Wang Dong, and the other sealed into the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
As long as one of the two died, they could recombine into "Two-Star" Tang Wutong. Yet in the lower realm, with Da Ming and Er Ming present, it was destined that only the Three-Eyed Golden Lion would perish.
Thus, from birth to death, the fate of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion had always been tightly bound and arranged by a pair of invisible hands.
As the auspicious beast of the soul beast race, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion held extraordinary meaning for them. Tang God-King's move was utterly shameless, yet undeniably effective.
No wonder he could ascend as a God-King! Was this not a replica of the "Great Love Immortal Lord"?Indeed, when you desire progress, think more of your family…
"The soul beast race may yet become my allies. But this cannot be rushed."
"The first step shall begin with the Emperor Auspicious Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion."
Jiang Jue quietly planned. With Elder Yi's soul spirit method, he had much room to maneuver in dealings with the soul beast race.
Moreover, the ruler of the Extreme North, the Snow Empress, was already aboard his "pirate ship." Unlike the Star Dou Great Forest, where many schemers coveted Di Tian's position, the Extreme North had no such traitors. It had gradually become one of Jiang Jue's territories.
In six years, he had placed his pieces carefully, and now on this vast chessboard, he was beginning to carve out a territory of his own.
"Then I thank Senior."
Jiang Jue bowed slightly to Poison Undying at his side.
"Enough, there's no need for such useless courtesies within the sect."
"You should go back and carefully comprehend the gains from this experience. In two days, I will personally take you to the Star Dou Great Forest."
Though Poison Undying said he disliked formalities, the corners of his mouth could not help but curve upward.
In his view, with Jiang Jue's peerless talent, as long as he remained within the Body Sect, the sect's future prosperity was secure.
"By the way, I'm quite curious. How did your Body Martial Soul acquire an ultimate attribute?"
Poison Undying's dark green eyes fixed intently on Jiang Jue, his tone grave.
This matter was of great importance—to him and to the Body Sect alike.
For Body Martial Souls, aside from some rare cases where special body parts served as martial souls, most were without inherent attributes, only acquiring them from the soul rings added. Yet within the Body Sect, never had anyone obtained an ultimate attribute.
Even Poison Undying himself, a level 98 Super Douluo, had not reached that step. His poison attribute was close, but not at the realm of "ultimate."
A mere fraction away, yet that fraction was like an uncrossable abyss.
"Senior, that was a chance encounter of mine. It cannot be replicated."
Jiang Jue replied with a touch of helplessness. Of course he understood what Poison Undying was hoping for, but the path to acquiring an ultimate attribute was not something his method could reproduce.
"I see… well, that's only natural."
Poison Undying's expression grew heavy with regret.
Standing at the peak of the continent, he understood that some things could not be forced—just like his own wish to break through to Limit Douluo, always hindered by that elusive thread of fate.
His elder brother, Poison Must-Die, had told him before his death: some matters must be met with peace of mind; the will of heaven has long decreed the outcome.
Yet Poison Undying then consoled himself—what did it matter? Their sect already had Jiang Jue, a twin-martial-souled Spirit Master with the ultimate ice attribute.
What more could they ask for?
A Spirit Master of ultimate attribute, once nurtured to the Titled Douluo level, was essentially invincible under heaven.
With Jiang Jue, the Body Sect was guaranteed at least another century of glory.
"Very well, Jiang boy. Go back and digest your harvest. In two days, I'll personally take you and Vina to the Star Dou Great Forest for soul rings."
"Yes!"
Jiang Jue responded with a nod. He did not ask who Vina was, as it did not fit his current persona. Besides, they would meet in due time—no need to be hasty.
Being overeager might instead expose flaws.
"Hm? Why are you still standing here?"
Poison Undying asked curiously, noticing Jiang Jue smiling in place.
"Senior, I don't know where my original quarters are."
"Ah! That slipped my mind."
Poison Undying slapped his forehead, then sent a secret transmission.
Moments later, a Body Sect disciple stationed outside the Enlightened Heart Hall entered.
"Xiao San, take this boy to the rear mountain's living quarters."
"Yes, Sect Master."
The disciple complied, extending his hand to Jiang Jue in invitation.
Jiang Jue nodded slightly and followed.
After Jiang Jue and the disciple left, Elder Xu frowned slightly. Looking at Poison Undying, he spoke.
"Sect Master, I fear this boy harbors an immense secret. Just now, I sensed his spiritual power was already…"
"Eh! No matter."
A glint flashed in Poison Undying's eyes as he replied evenly.
"Everyone has their secrets—especially geniuses like him. Can you honestly say you had no secrets on your path to becoming a Titled Douluo?"
"Some things are enough to know, but don't dig too deep. When he's ready to speak, he will."
Poison Undying clasped his hands behind his back, gazing at the massive bronze pillar before him, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
The higher one climbed, the more one understood.
That threshold of Limit Douluo he could not cross—it wasn't a lack of accumulation, but a missing, intangible something.
"Besides, once Jiang Jue develops true belonging to the Body Sect, once he becomes part of our sect's identity… all problems will solve themselves."
"Wise insight, Sect Master!"
Elder Xu replied, his tone full of admiration.
"You still have much to learn."
Poison Undying chuckled, then as if recalling something, added:
"Ah, right. Later, you and Lang Ya replenish the spiritual power of the Enlightened Heart Hall using the secret method. I'll be leaving first."
With that, Poison Undying's figure flickered and vanished.
"Understood… Wait—Sect Master, you—"
Elder Xu stared at the empty hall, utterly helpless.
"What kind of situation is this…!"
…
The moment Jiang Jue stepped out of the Enlightened Heart Hall, his eyes were met with mist-shrouded mountains and towering cliffs.
"As expected, the Body Sect is built atop an impassable chasm."
In the outside world, the Body Sect rarely revealed itself, and few knew its exact location. It was only rumored to be hidden within a natural rift.
"Be careful, young master. This path is treacherous."
The Body Sect disciple reminded gently. Judging his cultivation, Jiang Jue saw he had already reached the Soul Emperor realm.
"As expected of one of the three great sects acknowledged on the continent. Even their gatekeeping disciples are Soul Emperors."
"But of course, this Enlightened Heart Hall is especially important."
Jiang Jue sighed inwardly and followed the disciple toward the rear mountain.
(End of Chapter)