A Soul is another form of existence for soul beasts.
Through the Soul Contract created by Electrolux and Huo Yuhao, a soul beast's spirit can be extracted from its body in a special manner and bound to a soul master.
This allows the soul beast to become the soul master's soul ring without being hunted.
A Soul retains the soul beast's consciousness, aiding the soul master in battle while providing multiple soul rings and stronger soul skills. It can even evolve further by naturally absorbing other souls.
However, the current Version 1.0 of the Soul Contract still has flaws.
Just like in the original timeline, while the soul beast survives, it loses its physical body and is confined within the soul master's body—effectively a form of imprisonment.
Even if the soul master dies, the surviving Soul can only choose to form a new contract with another soul master, forever bound in servitude without true freedom.
The Soul system can partially alter the existing soul ring framework, but it cannot change the fundamental rules of Douluo Continent.
If a soul beast is killed, it will still die, leaving behind soul rings—or even soul bones.
In essence, soul beasts remain treasures, invaluable to soul masters.
The world operates on profit, after all.
To put it bluntly, soul beasts are simply unlucky. As long as they hold even the slightest benefit for humans, they will never stop being hunted.
Where there is gain, there will always be those willing to take risks.
Just like in the original Douluo 3 and 4 eras—even when human soul masters developed artificial soul rings, Souls, and even artificial soul bones, they still could not coexist with soul beasts.
In the end, the soul beast race could only survive on other planets under the protection of Di Tian and the others.
However…
This outcome in the original timeline was largely due to Electrolux untimely death and Huo Yuhao's failure to improve the Soul Contract after inheriting his legacy.
Additionally, Huo Yuhao ascended to the God Realm too early, leaving the factions on Douluo Continent in disarray.
The Soul Transmission Tower was never properly developed, and despite the existence of the Soul Contract, the decline of soul beasts continued unchecked.
For now, the Soul system is at least moving in the right direction.
And its flaws can still be improved.
Who says the Soul Contract can't be upgraded?
With Electrolux and Huo Yuhao at the helm, this contract system has immense potential. How far it can go remains to be seen.
Artificial souls are just one possibility.
As the Soul Contract evolves, Huo Yuhao's proposed Contract Soul Master plan—similar to Pokémon, where soul beasts grow alongside soul masters—becomes entirely feasible.
To truly resolve the deep-rooted conflict between soul masters and soul beasts, change must come step by step. Rushing will only lead to failure.
Of course, this is also because Huo Yuhao's current strength is still insufficient.
If he were powerful enough, he could take the extreme route—creating a world where soul beasts live completely separate from soul masters.
No interaction means no conflict.
Moreover, soul rings and soul bones are merely products of the world's natural laws.
If Huo Yuhao's strength ever reaches the point where he can rewrite the underlying rules of Douluo Continent, solving this contradiction would become trivial.
But for now—one step at a time.
The mere proposal of the Soul Contract is enough to send shockwaves through the primitive society of Douluo Continent!
Huo Yuhao had only briefly outlined the advantages and future prospects of the Soul Contract, yet the reactions around him were already explosive.
The girls listened in silence, utterly captivated by the grand vision he painted. Even the usually composed Snow Empress was stunned by the feasibility of his ideals.
'Why would a human soul master go to such lengths for soul beasts?'
[Achievement Triggered!]
[Achievement: Interesting Human (Gu Yuena) – Reward: Sea Oath Gu]
[Sea Oath Gu: A Sixth-Turn Immortal Gu. When used, the user must swear an oath before the sea. Breaking the oath results in complete annihilation. However, if the corresponding ocean is destroyed, the oath becomes void.]
[Evaluation: Liars shall swallow a thousand needles!]
Huo Yuhao shook his head internally.
'What a joke—I'm an honest and reliable young man!'
'My word is my bond—this is the way of the Soul Path!'
Huo Yuhao: Indulging in capitalist pipe dreams? Might as well go work for the Spirit Pagoda!
Suddenly, his scalp tingled.
He quietly summoned the System Panel for a closer look.
'Huh? Where is it?'
'Wait… this is still Shrek, right?'
'Silver Dragon King—since when were you here?!'
Had she been worried about the Auspicious Beast and secretly followed, hiding somewhere to monitor any potential threats?
Huo Yuhao glanced suspiciously at Di Qiuer, but the girl only blinked back in confusion— "What are you looking at?"
He quickly dismissed the thought.
'I must be overthinking it.'
Besides, with the Silver Dragon King's god-level strength, there was no need for such covert actions on Douluo Continent.
He expanded his mental detection, sweeping across Shrek City, yet found nothing unusual.
Just as he was about to activate the Eye of Destiny for a deeper scan, his heart suddenly stirred.
His left eye flashed—a glimpse three seconds into the future!
'Reverse time—peering ahead!'
A certain scene flickered in his vision.
At the same moment, his Spirit Eye martial soul activated, and the Space-Time Domain instantly expanded!
A bell tolled from nowhere.
Silence engulfed the surroundings—everyone froze, as if time itself had stopped.
The flickering flames halted mid-burn.
Di Qiuer remained mid-glance, her puzzled expression frozen.
The Snow Empress frowned slightly, as if sensing something amiss.
The others were still lost in their earlier shock.
Even Huo Yuhao's body stood motionless—time around him slowed to a crawl.
Then—he stood up, breaking free from the frozen moment.
"Reverse Time—Spiritual Vision!"
This was a mental space created by his Spirit Eye's Space-Time Domain, where time was nearly suspended. Only Huo Yuhao's spiritual body and those he permitted could move freely within it.
His gaze locked onto a specific direction as he spoke in an enigmatic tone: "Won't you come out and talk?"
Space rippled where he looked, and a silver-haired figure emerged, stepping into the silent mental realm.
"Strange… how did you detect me?"
Her voice was ethereal, laced with surprise.
The girl appeared to be around Huo Yuhao's age, with silver hair cascading like liquid crystal down to her ankles.
Her beauty was beyond description—pale skin contrasting against a simple white dress, exuding an almost fragile allure.
"A special ability of my martial soul, Senior Silver Dragon King," Huo Yuhao replied calmly.
He couldn't very well say, "Oh, my System let me see through your invisibility," could he?
Besides, as someone familiar with the original story, he recognized her immediately—Gu Yuena, the Silver Dragon King, a being with god-level power.
Though they had never met, Di Qiuer's memories had imprinted her aura deeply in his mind.
Moreover, during the incident where he'd defeated Tang San's spiritual remnant, he had sensed her divine presence in the Star Dou Forest with Electrolux's help.
In a way, they were already old acquaintances.
Of course, Gu Yuena had been hiding flawlessly near Shrek Academy.
Had she not chosen to reveal herself, even Huo Yuhao's full-powered mental detection wouldn't have found her.
Perhaps his sudden actions had caught her attention—or maybe his words about the Soul Contract had piqued her interest.
In the future he'd glimpsed, Gu Yuena had willingly stepped forward, claiming no ill intent.
But now, thanks to Spiritual Vision, Huo Yuhao had turned the tables.
Gu Yuena's current form was a projection of her consciousness—a wandering spirit.
Her amethyst eyes met Huo Yuhao's golden left eye.
"Interesting human," she murmured, a sweet smile playing on her lips.
She could tell—this boy was hiding something.
Though he carried Di Qiuer's memories, his demeanor was oddly familiar yet distant, as if he'd known her for years.
To treat a god so casually… how audacious.
As one half of the former Dragon God, even wounded by the God of Slaughter's Sword, her power still placed her at the pinnacle of Douluo Continent.
And yet, Huo Yuhao dared to act so boldly?
She took a step forward, her piercing gaze locking onto him with undisguised curiosity.
"Senior Silver Dragon King?" Huo Yuhao blinked.
After a pause, her voice echoed again: "My name is Gu Yuena. So, why did you summon me here?"
As for his methods—she had no intention of probing further.
She had accepted his invitation not just because of his connection to Di Qiuer, but also due to his Soul Contract proposal.
Huo Yuhao coughed awkwardly.
'Right, I got distracted by her beauty and forgot the main point.'
"Ahem, my name is Huo Yuhao."
"I know."
Thanks to Di Qiuer, there was already an unspoken understanding between them.
"Well, Senior Gu, you must have heard my earlier explanation about the Soul Contract, right?"
Huo Yuhao cut straight to the chase.
The girl remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly.
"You should also know that with Qiuer's simple-minded nature, some of the Beast Kings were worried when she suddenly came to Shrek."
Huo Yuhao nearly laughed, imagining the usually stern Di Tian fussing like a worried parent.
Suppressing his amusement, he assured her: "Rest assured, Senior Gu. I'll protect Qiuer—she won't suffer any grievances under my watch."
Gu Yuena rolled her eyes.
"..."
"Though I appreciate your help last time—and your aid to Qiuer—I imagine maintaining this mental space is quite draining for you..."
Her tone carried a subtle warning.
Huo Yuhao coughed, realizing he might have overstepped.
The true ruler of soul beasts had accepted his invitation—it'd be a waste not to promote the Soul Contract now.
He quickly switched to business mode:
"The Soul Contract I mentioned earlier was developed by my teacher. Its effects are genuine—no false advertising here. ''Skydream, come greet your boss properly!"
Granting Skydream access to the mental space, he pulled the drowsy Silkworm out of his mind.
"Yuhao? What's going on—"
Then, sensing the overwhelming pressure from the silver-haired girl, Skydream stiffened.
"Yuhao, who is this—"
"The co-ruler of soul beasts—the Silver Dragon King."
Skydream: "???"
'What in the world?!'
'How did we suddenly end up facing the big boss?!'
'Did I sleep for another hundred years?!'
Her tiny brain short-circuited momentarily.
Seeing Skydream's dumbfounded expression, Huo Yuhao sighed and began explaining.
'Fine, my bad.'
Under Gu Yuena's intrigued gaze, Huo Yuhao used Skydream as a live demonstration.
Unfortunately, in this mental space, he couldn't manifest a soul ring, so he had to resort to metaphysical explanations.
Once he finished outlining the mutual benefits of the Soul Contract, Gu Yuena responded coolly:
"So, you want me to endorse this Soul Contract?"
Huo Yuhao nodded confidently.
"Yes. I can gradually promote it among humans, and with your support, Senior Gu, we can achieve a win-win situation—"
Gu Yuena studied him silently.
'Not bad… for a human.'
'Qiuer's judgment wasn't wrong.'
For some reason, she recalled Huo Yuhao's relationship with Di Qiuer.''
'Is his main goal really for Qiuer's sake?'
As for the Soul Contract, she acknowledged its potential in easing tensions between soul masters and soul beasts.
Yet, in the end, she shook her head.
"Unfortunately, I can't agree yet. I believe you have the ability to improve and promote the Soul Contract, but as of now, it remains a half-finished product."
Her gaze sharpened—"Huo Yuhao, are you just selling dreams?"
"Well… that's true."
So far, Huo Yuhao hadn't actually completed a full Soul Contract.
Skydream and the Ice Empress had essentially boarded the train first and paid later. Given their unique circumstances, they weren't the best examples.
Then, abruptly, Gu Yuena shifted gears.
"However… I can offer you a promise now."
...
"I can make you a promise now..."
After a brief pause, Gu Yuena continued:
"As long as the Soul Contract is indeed as you described—capable of being promoted for widespread use among soul masters—and as long as I can witness its progress, I will agree to your proposal and send representatives to cooperate with the subsequent development of the Soul Pagoda (Transmission Spirit Tower)."
Due to the faintly familiar aura emanating from Huo Yuhao and the sincerity he displayed, Gu Yuena was personally inclined to trust him.
However, as the co-ruler of soul beasts, she still had to be responsible for her subordinates. That meant she needed to verify Huo Yuhao's actions in practice.
She wasn't worried about the initial stages of the Soul Pagoda or the Soul Contract.
Even with only a fragment of her divine consciousness present, Gu Yuena could sense that despite being merely a five-ringed Soul King, the young man before her was far from weak.
His combat prowess already placed him among the elite of human soul masters—second only to a level-95 Super Douluo.
Moreover, given his importance within Shrek Academy, if the Soul Contract truly delivered the benefits he claimed, Shrek would undoubtedly support it. The influence of the Spirit Pagoda would soon rise.
"Well, that's a reasonable request." Huo Yuhao nodded.
He wasn't so naive as to believe his charm alone could sway the leader of the soul beasts with mere words and Skydream's demonstration.
For her to make such a promise was already a significant concession.
After all, the current 1.0 version of the Soul Contract was undeniably more advantageous for humans.
For soul beasts, sacrificing their physical forms and binding themselves to humans at the cost of freedom was hardly appealing.
At present, only those on the brink of death—or severely injured—would willingly sign such a contract. And such soul beasts made up only a small fraction of their population, far from sufficient to meet the demands of human soul masters.
Not everyone could have the qualifications to ascend to godhood like him!
Besides, even if Gu Yuena agreed outright, Huo Yuhao had no immediate plans to promote the Soul Contract among soul masters. This matter couldn't be rushed.
Unless certain interests or rights were relinquished, the Soul Pagoda's contract could only be promoted on a small scale within Shrek Academy's sphere of influence.
The three great empires were no pushovers. Openly defying Shrek might be unwise, but covert resistance would be inevitable.
Unless, as in the original timeline, compromises were made—allowing each faction to send representatives to form a council governing the Soul Pagoda's affairs.
But Huo Yuhao had no such intentions.
'How could we entrust the future of Douluo Continent to that pack of mediocrities?'
In the original timeline, Shrek had only sought self-preservation, never aspiring to dominate.
But Huo Yuhao was different.
In his eyes, the Douluo Continent must be unified.
He would fulfill the unfinished ambition of the Spirit Hall!
Especially with the Sun Moon Empire lurking, a continent-wide war loomed on the horizon.
Huo Yuhao: In this era of rising demons and gods, though I seek no throne, I cannot ignore the suffering of the people. My only wish is to cleanse the land and safeguard peace.
Thus mused the future Master of the Sea God Pavilion, Sovereign of the Body Sect, and Lord of the Spirit Pagoda.
Gu Yuena hesitated due to her duty as co-ruler of soul beasts, while Huo Yuhao, an otherworldly demon, harbored ambitions to devour the world.
As the saying goes: If you prosper, benefit the world; if you falter, tend to yourself.
The Spirit Pagoda was merely the beginning.
Whether for Douluo's progress, the accumulation of faith, or simply Huo Yuhao's personal desires—
Transforming the Douluo Continent was their duty!
The first step? Accumulate strength, bide time.
Strengthen himself, gradually seize Shrek's authority, nurture loyal followers, and build a foundation of power.
As for godhood?
It's too early.
He would only consider ascending to the Divine Realm once he could stand unchallenged on Douluo Continent—with power rivaling a God King's.
Noticing Huo Yuhao's sudden fervor, Gu Yuena tilted her head, her amethyst eyes blinking curiously.
'Why does this guy seem so... odd? Is he really holding up?'
She could tell—this unique spiritual space operated almost independently of external time.
Their lengthy conversation here spanned less than a second in the real world.
Though their actions here couldn't affect reality, it was an ideal place for private discussion.
However, maintaining such a space demanded immense energy.
Despite Huo Yuhao's exceptional spiritual power currently at the Tangible-Intangible stage, he could only sustain it by burning vast amounts of life force.
Though he'd fused a fragment of Life Gold, offsetting the cost, Gu Yuena still sensed something amiss.
Seeing him so frail, she felt obliged—whether for the Soul Contract's sake or as his mother-in-law—to have him replenished at the Lake of Life.
"Let's leave the Soul Contract at this for now."
Gu Yuena's gaze turned meaningful. "Next time your soul power breaks through, come to the Lake of Life."
"Ah—? Oh, okay." Huo Yuhao was briefly puzzled before understanding.
'She wants to see the Soul Contract's progress? Understood.'
It seemed his sixth soul ring was secured.
'Truly, the thickest thigh on Douluo Continent!'
Fortunately, due to their shared memories and the Sea God's assault, his rapport with Di Qiuer was strong.
From a recent talk, he'd learned she hadn't sneaked out merely for freedom—but as Star Dou Forest's envoy, seeking him, Douluo's Son of Destiny, for a grand alliance.
Unite. Cultivate. Ascend together.
With their shared Haodong power, their cultivation would be twice as effective—like Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er in the original timeline.
Di Qiuer: I'll help you!
Naturally, Huo Yuhao agreed.
Hence, his plans for the Spirit Pagoda.
As his wings spread, it was time to forge his own faction.
Yet even he hadn't expected the Silver Dragon King to shadow Di Qiuer—nor this conversation.
Her demeanor suggested she knew of his earlier discussion with Di Qiuer.
After a silence, Gu Yuena spoke again:
"As an auspicious beast, Qiuer bears the Fate of the Star Dou Forest. The fierce beasts loathe her leaving Star Dou Forest. But she's stubborn—once resolved, nothing sways her. That's why I didn't force her to take human form."
"You've aided Qiuer, thus aiding Star Dou Forest. Soul beasts repay debts. On behalf of the forest, I owe you a favor. With this token, you may request one thing of me."
A silver, crystalline dragon scale materialized in her palm, then flew to Huo Yuhao.
"This is...?" Huo Yuhao caught it, stunned.
'How can a physical object exist in a mental space?'
"When your spiritual power reaches the Tangible-Material stage, you'll understand."
She continued, "As for your words to Qiuer, I heard them. But I require one promise."
"Speak, Senior Gu."
"Protect Qiuer. With the Black Dragon's Reverse Scale, her body is safe. But she is innocent, simple-minded. Do not break her heart."
"I promise!" Huo Yuhao vowed solemnly.
He'd never harm the auspicious beast willingly!
Not unless the System demanded it.
The Black Dragon's Reverse Scale—a pendant of dark dragon scales—hung from Di Qiuer's neck.
After losses against Xuan Zi and the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, the scale had been upgraded to Version 3.0.
Now, beyond defense, it allowed Di Tian to descend directly if Qiuer was endangered.
A far cry from the old teleportation failsafe.
"One more thing." Gu Yuena turned, hands behind her back.
"Your talent surpasses even the gods of ten thousand years past. With an otherworldly god's aid, godhood is inevitable."
This was why she hadn't stopped Qiuer.
Like the Sea God once did, Huo Yuhao could elevate Di Qiuer to divinity—granting her happiness, even as a soul beast.
Moreover, Di Qiuer's transformation wasn't permanent. She could revert to her Three-Eyed Golden Lion form or return to Star Dou Forest.
Then, Gu Yuena's tone shifted.
"But the Sea God—Tang San—wields dual godhood, power at the God King level. He likely targets you both, coveting Douluo's Fate."
"Qiuer survived his schemes. But you, Yuhao—you need to be carefull. Choose your god inheritance carefully. Do not walk into his trap."
"Gods cannot freely interfere with the mortal realm, but as a God King, his tricks are endless."
"Understood, Senior Gu!" Huo Yuhao wasn't surprised she'd sensed the Sea God's consciousness.
In the original timeline, Di Tian opposed Huo Yuhao's ascension due to the auspicious beast's sacrifice binding him to the Fate of the Star Dou Forest.
Now, circumstances differed.
With the Sea God's threat and Di Qiuer as a bridge, Star Dou's fierce beasts and Huo Yuhao were allies.
"That's all. Though I cannot act freely now, you may contact me through the dragon scale if needed."
Gu Yuena prepared to leave.
"Thank you, Senior Gu."
"Just Gu Yuena."
"Okay... Gu Yuena."
Feeling a flicker of irritation, he corrected himself, watching her vanish as the mental space dissolved.
Time resumed.
Huo Yuhao stared at the silver scale in his hand, dazed.
'I've really clung to the Silver Dragon King's thigh... and she's surprisingly generous.'
The life force expended for Spiritual Sense was swiftly replenished by the Knife of Life Watch.
Luckily, the audience remained awed by his earlier speech, missing his brief trance.
Only the Snow Empress bound by the Soul Contract and Di Qiuer with her golden perception noticed the anomaly—but neither spoke, seeing him unharmed.
After the banquet, as others departed, the Snow Empress asked: "Yuhao, what happened earlier?"
"It's complicated. You know the soul beasts' co-ruler, hidden in Star Dou..."
He summarized the conversation, displaying the dragon scale.
"Waaah! Even I don't have a gift like this from Her Majesty!" Di Qiuer clutched her pendant, wailing.
Snow Empress: "..."
She studied Huo Yuhao's moonlit face, speechless.
As a sovereign among soul beasts, her status is even greater than Di Tian's. She knew of the co-ruler's existence—and that even she must heed her.
For the dragon clan, gifting scales held profound meaning.
That Huo Yuhao had moved the legendary co-ruler spoke volumes of his potential.
Though the Soul Contract played a role...
As the Snow Empress turned to leave, Huo Yuhao suddenly recalled something.
"Ah, Snow Empress—this is for you."
The treasure in his hand made her icy composure crack.
"Ten-Thousand-Year Manifold Mysterious Ice Essence?!"
…
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