Duang!
A heavy, muffled thud rang out.
"Roarrr!"
A miserable howl followed.
The golden lion clutched its aching head with both forepaws, sprawling helplessly on the ground. Stars danced before its eyes, tears welling up uncontrollably.
Pain! Too much pain!
It raised its head toward the human elder, eyes full of confusion and resentment.
Was there really a need to bully a beast like this? Wasn't one punch enough—why add another?
Poison Undying seemed to understand the lion's thoughts, the corner of his mouth curling upward.
"My first punch, I didn't use full force. I was afraid I'd kill you."
"But I feared you wouldn't behave—so I gave you another for insurance."
With that, Poison Undying lifted the lion as though it were a helpless chick, his soul power forming a massive hand. He turned and looked back.
"Hey, Jiang boy—what do you think of this one? Does it suit you?"
"A twenty-thousand-year Bright Scarlet-Gold Lion. Light attribute, with the bloodline of the Lion King of Light—counts among the top-tier spirit beasts."
Weina's icy-blue eyes brightened as she softly whispered this to Jiang Jue.
Jiang Jue recognized it immediately. No wonder—because of the shining halo on its forehead, like a miniature sun. Two-tenths of the ring were lit.
That was how one judged the age of a Bright Scarlet-Gold Lion. When the ring was fully lit, the beast had reached the hundred-thousand-year level. But clearly, this one would never get there.
"Senior, I feel this one's age is a little low."
Jiang Jue glanced at the lion's contorted face, shook his head slightly.
"No matter. We've only just arrived. Since we've come this far, we should at least find the most suitable one."
Poison Undying's expression didn't change much, but he mused aloud.
He had once probed Jiang Jue's body with soul power in the Enlightenment Hall—the surging vitality had shocked even him.
By his perception, Jiang Jue's physique was no weaker than a typical Soul Emperor of the Assault type with a Beast Spirit. And such soul masters already had bodies far beyond others of the same level.
"Then this one…"
Poison Undying glanced at the lion in his hand, thoughtful.
The Bright Scarlet-Gold Lion listened, golden eyes flickering with light.
Did this mean… it wouldn't have to die?
Spirit beasts gained proper intelligence after ten thousand years. As a top-tier beast with a special bloodline, it could faintly understand the humans' words.
If only it could speak, it would've been begging already.
Though beasts never submitted to slavery, between life and death lay true terror.
"Then… let's make it tonight's dinner. It's late anyway, time for supper. Haven't eaten well all along the way—mouth's gone bland."
"Lion's head should be nice."
Carrying the lion casually, Poison Undying spoke in a low tone.
The lion instantly went cold inside. The light vanished from its golden eyes.
"It's over. This lion's not going home."
Hunting was risky—preying on humans even riskier! Humans… too cunning!
Jiang Jue and Weina showed no hesitation. Although soul masters could absorb external soul power, the flesh of such a top-tier beast was immensely nourishing—especially for Body Martial Spirit users.
"Sect Master, let me help. I know how to cook too."
Weina rolled up her white sleeves with a crisp voice.
Though a princess, she was no pampered girl—and fine food was one of her few loves.
"I'll take care of it."
Jiang Jue smiled warmly, stepping forward. A fifth-rank soul tool dagger appeared in his hand, its cold gleam flashing.
Beasts ate humans, humans slew beasts—this had always been the tradition of the Douluo Continent.
Puchi!
The white blade went in, the red blade came out.
The lion gave one last howl. Its huge head drooped slowly, golden eyes dimming into lifelessness.
"Ah, what a pity. On other days, I might've let you join the 'Family of Love and Peace.' But today, that can't be done."
"Such a waste. What a sin…"
Watching as the lion's corpse released a pitch-black ten-thousand-year soul ring, Jiang Jue sighed faintly.
Not far away ran a small stream, its waters clear as crystal.
Together, Jiang Jue and Weina carved the lion's flesh into neat portions.
"Well then, let this old man show you a trick or two in cooking."
Poison Undying beamed, hands behind his back, smiling like a doting elder.
"What a fine match. I must give them more alone time, let them bond well."
Having made up his mind, he quietly began plotting—completely forgetting about Long Aotian, still lurking somewhere…
"Jiang Jue, where did you live before?"
Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy, glimmering on the stream.
Weina looked at the youth before her, eyes sparkling, voice gentle.
"I used to live in the Sun-Moon Empire."
Jiang Jue had long sensed Weina wanted to chat. With Poison-Does-Not-Die here, of course he wouldn't make things awkward.
Besides, to gain the Sect Master's trust, he had to let his daily words and actions build the right impression. And truth be told, he didn't dislike Weina.
She knew when to advance or retreat, understood manners, and thought carefully.
In other words—high emotional intelligence. Being with her wasn't unpleasant, but rather quite comfortable.
Yes, she approached him with purpose—but he already guessed that.
It wasn't for his body… just for his talent.
"The Sun-Moon Empire—is it very different from here?" Weina asked curiously.
"Yes. Its soul tool technology is advanced. Towering buildings everywhere. Life moves at a faster pace."
Jiang Jue's eyes seemed lost in memory. He sighed, his face heavy with stories.
Of course, it was all an act.
He had lived nearly five years in the Holy Spirit Cult headquarters, training underground without stepping out. He hadn't experienced "life" at all.
"Soul tool technology…"
Weina repeated softly, her expression complicated.
The Sun-Moon Empire's greatest reliance in pressing the three former empires to the brink was precisely its advanced soul tools.
And because of its technological blockade, the three empires couldn't even sip the soup. The gap only widened year by year.
She had wanted to persuade her father to develop soul tools, but he lacked the means and strength.
"What's so good about soul tools? They'll never compare to traditional soul masters."
"Jiang boy, remember this well. Cultivation itself is what matters most. Don't over-rely on external power."
Behind them, Poison Undying gave a cold snort, admonishing Jiang Jue.
The corners of Jiang Jue's lips twitched, but he only shook his head silently.
When the Body Sect gets blasted apart by soul tool cannons, you'll learn the hard way.
By then, even if you spit pearls in regret, it'll be too late.
(End of chapter)