About four months after entering Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Yang Xiong's soul power had become increasingly stable and concentrated. Finally, one peaceful afternoon, his entire body felt as though every meridian had been perfectly connected, and he experienced an incomparably comfortable sensation throughout his being. Only then did Yang Xiong breathe a deep sigh of relief.
"I've finally reached level 30, right on schedule as I expected."
Indeed, he had achieved level 30. He had reached level 29 less than half a month after arriving at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and after another three and a half months of intensive cultivation, he had finally broken through to level 30.
According to this steady progression, after implementing the Yin-Yang Meditation Method, he should be capable of improving approximately four levels per year. This advancement speed was already comparable to those exceptional geniuses blessed with innate full soul power.
Almost half a month earlier, Ning Rongrong had already reached level 30 ahead of schedule, becoming the fifth member among the Shrek Eight Devils to achieve the Spirit Elder rank.
Originally, Flender had wanted to arrange for everyone to assist Ning Rongrong in hunting for a soul ring as they had done previously, but Ning Rongrong politely declined the offer. Her soul ring acquisition would be handled directly by the sect's resources and arrangements.
Yang Xiong had contemplated this decision for an extended period before finally deciding to gift the Man-Faced Demon Spider to Ning Rongrong as her third soul ring.
Normally, the age limit for a soul master's third soul ring was approximately 1,700 years, but this particular Man-Faced Demon Spider had exceeded 2,000 years, theoretically making it impossible for her to absorb safely.
However, after Yang Xiong repeatedly inquired and verified, he confirmed that Ning Rongrong had consumed substantial quantities of whale jelly, especially the precious thousand-year whale jelly. After Bone Douluo's thorough examination, Ning Rongrong's physical constitution was indeed much stronger than ordinary people.
Typically, thousand-year whale jelly could increase soul ring absorption age limits by approximately 500 years. Since Ning Rongrong had consumed considerable amounts, absorbing this Man-Faced Demon Spider's soul ring should not present significant problems.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda traditionally selected soul beasts with higher soul power for third soul rings, and the Man-Faced Demon Spider was particularly suitable as a forest hunter type, making it an ideal choice for her needs.
The Soul Ring Absorption Ceremony
At this moment, in Ning Rongrong's luxurious small villa, Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, Yang Xiong, and Ning Rongrong were all present for this crucial moment. Yang Xiong carefully retrieved the Man-Faced Demon Spider, which had been slowly dying for months, from his specialized soul tool capable of storing living creatures.
As expected, spider-type soul beasts possessed exceptionally strong survival abilities. Even though Yang Xiong had captured it several months ago, the creature remained alive, with one of its eyes still gleaming with fierce hatred, obviously harboring intense resentment toward Yang Xiong for the prolonged torment.
Bone Douluo looked at Yang Xiong with an expression of stern disapproval. "Yang Xiong, you are being far too reckless! Although this Man-Faced Demon Spider possesses excellent qualities, it has already exceeded two thousand years in age. How can Rongrong, as a support soul master, possibly withstand such intensity?"
Yang Xiong immediately hid behind Ning Rongrong, looking at Bone Douluo with obvious apprehension. "Elder Bone, you should be perfectly aware of whale jelly's effects on improving physical constitution. There is absolutely no problem for Rongrong to absorb this soul ring safely. Moreover, this Man-Faced Demon Spider has been weakened by me for such an extended period, so there may be unexpected benefits from this prolonged preparation."
Recently, Yang Xiong had developed a genuine fear of both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Seeing either of them made him feel like a frightened bird, immediately seeking escape routes.
These two seemed to have contracted some peculiar obsession. Every few days, they would visit Heaven Dou Royal Academy individually, under the pretense of providing Yang Xiong, their core disciple, with special combat education. Then, each time, they would thoroughly beat Yang Xiong until he was black and blue without using any soul power, while warning him never to inform Ning Rongrong about these sessions. Otherwise, they threatened to make his life within the sect absolutely unbearable.
As a result, Yang Xiong had entered a period of miserable existence, appearing before the team with a bruised face and swollen features every few days. Facing these two powerful elders, he dared to feel angry but absolutely dared not voice any complaints.
However, he had to admit that fighting against Titled Douluos significantly improved his combat experience. At the very least, his ability to escape and preserve his life had been greatly enhanced, and his capacity to endure physical punishment had also become much stronger.
Before Bone Douluo could voice further objections, Ning Rongrong spoke with determination. "Dad, haven't we already thoroughly verified this approach? Thousand-year whale jelly should increase soul ring absorption age limits by approximately 500 years. I have already consumed substantial quantities of whale jelly, so there should be no problems absorbing this soul ring. Besides, I have complete faith that Little rascal wouldn't harm me."
Ning Fengzhi sighed with paternal concern. "Rongrong, our verification of whale jelly's effects is indeed promising, but you must understand that this type of level-skipping soul ring absorption is an extremely painful process. Previous examples involved battle soul masters, while you remain primarily a support soul master."
Ning Rongrong's lips curved into a confident smile. "Dad, you're underestimating me far too much. I have been training intensively recently, and my physical fitness has become significantly stronger than before."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but sigh as he observed Ning Rongrong's determination, though he felt quite gratified seeing her current appearance. Compared to her condition before attending Shrek Academy, Ning Rongrong had lost her trace of childish innocence and instead had become filled with heroic spirit and resolve.
Bone Douluo seemed uncertain how to proceed given the situation, but instead directed a fierce glare toward Yang Xiong. "This is all your fault, Yang Xiong! If Rongrong suffers any harm whatsoever, I will definitely hang you from the gates of Heaven Dou Royal Academy for everyone to see."
Yang Xiong responded helplessly, "Elder Bone, you were among those who confirmed this soul ring's suitability, so why are you blaming me again for this decision?"
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but smile wryly while covering his forehead, observing Bone Douluo's protective behavior. He maintained some understanding of both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo's recent conduct, but unfortunately, he couldn't intervene in these personal matters. Especially since these two were using the excuse of venting their anger on Rongrong's behalf—though of course, he himself had also vented some frustration along the way. Who told this young man to actually run off with his beautiful little daughter?
An Unexpected Outcome
The process of Ning Rongrong absorbing the soul ring proved exceptionally painful indeed, and her complexion became quite distressing, causing both Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi considerable worry and anxiety.
Just as Ning Rongrong gradually regained her composure and opened her eyes, her entire demeanor seemed somewhat out of control. Eight sharp spider legs directly extended from her back, each leg composed of multiple segments with an overall length exceeding one meter.
When they first appeared, Ning Rongrong's clothing was immediately torn apart, but before Yang Xiong could take a closer look, she was quickly wrapped in robes by Bone Douluo, who also directed a particularly fierce glare at Yang Xiong that made his scalp tingle with apprehension.
Since confirming their romantic relationship, although Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had spent considerable time together, they had only embraced and kissed without crossing any inappropriate boundaries. This represented the first time he had glimpsed Ning Rongrong's form in such circumstances.
After Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi conducted thorough examinations and confirmations, the spider legs appearing on Ning Rongrong's back were identified as an external soul bone from the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Not only did it possess highly potent poison capabilities, but it also demonstrated tremendous physical power—definitely qualifying as a top-grade external soul bone.
Both elders were absolutely overjoyed by this unexpected development. In this way, Ning Rongrong was no longer merely a support-type soul master without the strength to defend herself, and could even be classified as a battle soul master in her own right.
However, both specifically instructed that Ning Rongrong must never use the external soul bone except under the most special and dangerous circumstances. The soul master world remained far too dangerous for such displays of power.
Originally, Yang Xiong had intended to absorb the Eight Spider Soul Bone himself, since this soul bone was more powerful than anyone had initially imagined, especially with its life-devouring capabilities.
Unfortunately, after Yang Xiong carefully examined his own condition, his Xuanming Armor had completely integrated around his ribs and spine since its evolution. He feared that he would no longer be able to absorb an external soul bone on his back, especially since external soul bones needed to be absorbed simultaneously with soul rings. Yang Xiong didn't want to waste his third soul ring opportunity, so he finally decided to gift it to Ning Rongrong instead.
Journey to Sunset Forest
After reaching level 30, Yang Xiong directly contacted Lin Gong, preparing for both of them to travel to Sunset Forest for his soul ring acquisition.
Even after arriving at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Lin Gong continued secretly protecting him. However, he had enjoyed much more leisure time during this period. Heaven Dou Royal Academy was considerably safer than Shrek Academy, especially since this old fellow always enjoyed appearing to mock Yang Xiong after he had been beaten by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Since his last appearance in the Star Dou Great Forest, Lin Gong had abandoned all pretense and directly swaggered around the area. However, his attire resembled that of an ordinary person, and he no longer wore the distinctive clothing of a soul master.
The two sometimes even drank and conversed together, especially when Yang Xiong's emotions became more turbulent. A drink and casual conversation helped him relax considerably.
Compared to the Shrek Seven Devils, Yang Xiong felt that Teacher Lin Gong, who had watched him grow up from childhood, was much more approachable and understanding. At the very least, this little old man possessed a more interesting personality.
After the two departed from Heaven Dou Royal Academy in a comfortable carriage, Lin Gong still maintained a stern expression. Yang Xiong understood that his teacher was harboring some blame toward him.
Yang Xiong spoke helplessly, "Teacher Lin, could you please stop overthinking everything? I feel as though I owe you tremendously."
Lin Gong snorted coldly in response. "You little rascal, not only did you successfully pursue the talented Rongrong, but you even dragged Qin Shuang into this complicated situation. You managed to involve my two most outstanding students simultaneously. I'm being extraordinarily kind by not beating you thoroughly myself."
Yang Xiong found himself speechless for several moments. "You cannot blame me for these developments. These were all arrangements made by the Sect Master himself. If you want to blame someone, direct your frustration toward the Sect Master's decisions."
Lin Gong rolled his eyes dramatically at Yang Xiong. "You only know how to use the Sect Master's authority to suppress my objections. If it weren't for those two intimidating figures, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, do you think I wouldn't dare to confront Ning Fengzhi directly? If it weren't for my concerns about your safety, this old man would have disappeared long ago."
Yang Xiong appeared genuinely puzzled. "Teacher Lin, can't even the Sect Master give you direct orders?"
A knowing sneer appeared at the corner of Lin Gong's mouth. "I repaid everything I owed to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School a very long time ago. If it weren't for you, little rascal, why would I have emerged from retirement? Life at home was much more comfortable than this current situation."
"Besides, didn't I already explain this to you? Within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, I can only be considered a guest elder. Those regular elders cannot restrain my actions, and even Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo can only treat me with respectful politeness."
Yang Xiong seemed to recall something important. "Teacher Lin, what exactly is the relationship between you and Dragon Duke? I sense that you two are very familiar with each other, but you also seemed somewhat confrontational during your last encounter."
Lin Gong remained silent for an extended period, as though he was remembering events from the distant past. After a considerable time, he slowly began to speak. "Actually, Dragon Duke and I used to travel the soul master world together as companions, and we were considered close friends. However, we eventually separated due to some fundamental conflicts. In those days, our reputation was significantly stronger than the current Golden Iron Triangle, and we were considered their predecessors in many ways."
Yang Xiong listened to this revelation and began frantically speculating about the details. Observing that both Lin Gong and Dragon Duke appeared to be in their seventies or eighties, they were indeed much older than Yu Xiaogang and his companions. Could there have been some complex emotional entanglement between these two men as well?
Reaching the Destination
The carriage quickly arrived at the outer boundaries of Sunset Forest. Lin Gong spoke with evident puzzlement, "Yang Xiong, what specific type of soul ring are you hoping to obtain for your third soul ring? What age limit are you targeting?"
Yang Xiong smiled mysteriously. "You are my teacher—can't you guess what choice I will ultimately make?"
Lin Gong replied thoughtfully, "You have always been mysterious and unpredictable in your planning. The age limit for your third soul ring is estimated to be approximately three thousand years. As for the specific soul beast type, I cannot begin to guess your intentions."
"However, I find something strange about this situation. Although there are numerous soul beasts of this age range in Sunset Forest, there are no truly exceptional or top-grade soul beasts available. Since you chose not to travel to the Star Dou Great Forest, you must have identified a particular soul beast long ago."
Yang Xiong's smile widened. "You understand me better than anyone, Teacher. I encountered that soul beast during my last visit to Sunset Forest, and I was even chased by it for an entire day. You should have a clear impression of that incident."
Lin Gong appeared shocked by this revelation. "How is this even possible? Although that soul beast is extremely rare and powerful, its attributes are completely incompatible with your martial soul, and its age has exceeded four thousand years, possibly even higher. Don't attempt something so reckless and dangerous."
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