Just as Ignaz was about to deliver the final blow to the Thunderclap Hell Vine with his Blood Thunder War Spear, the fallen creature gathered its dying thunder power. After sensing the weak human with the same aura as the powerful one above it, one vine released a purple lightning orb toward Dugu Yan beside Ignaz.
"Look out!"
In that critical moment, Ignaz reacted swiftly, tackling Dugu Yan to the ground. The purple lightning orb missed its target and struck a fallen log in the distance.
Boom—
The log turned to ash, and a sizable lightning crater appeared in the surrounding area, revealing the sheer power of this final sneak attack in the creature's dying moments.
"A mere 20,000-year spirit beast dares to launch a sneak attack before death—you're asking for it!"
Seeing Ignaz and Dugu Yan rolling on the ground together, Dugu Bo furiously stomped on the Thunderclap Hell Vine several times and tore off the vine that had attacked his granddaughter.
The Thunderclap Hell Vine's aura weakened even further.
Dugu Bo lifted his head to look at Ignaz, then turned away, urging somewhat awkwardly:
"Little Iggy, hurry up and get off my granddaughter. This Thunderclap Hell Vine is about to die—do you still want it or not?"
At this moment, Ignaz and Dugu Yan were in quite a suggestive position. Ignaz was on top with his hands braced on the ground, while Dugu Yan lay beneath him. Her face burned like the sun as she looked up at Ignaz in extreme embarrassment.
"Want it, want it—of course I want it!"
Dugu Yan looked at Ignaz, who was less than 20 centimeters away, facing her directly. When his lips moved slightly to say those words, her imagination ran wild. Her heartbeat accelerated, threatening to explode at any moment.
"Big Brother Ignaz, you need to get up quickly, or how will you absorb the spirit ring?"
"Right, but how should I get up? Should I move my left hand first, or my right hand first, or both together?"
This teasing remark made Dugu Yan even more flustered, and even Dugu Bo's expression turned stormy. Flirting with his granddaughter right in front of him—this kid clearly needed a lesson.
"Let me do it instead!"
Dugu Yan's speech became somewhat incoherent. She quickly used her still-weak hands to push Ignaz off, finally relieving the tension in her heart—though the blush on her face didn't fade.
Ignaz stood up and walked over to the nearly dead Thunderclap Hell Vine, thrusting his Blood Thunder War Spear into the junction of its three main vines.
Splurt—
Purple thunder liquid splashed onto his face, with electric arcs dancing across his skin, making Ignaz feel oddly comfortable.
As the Thunderclap Hell Vine died, the thunderstorm overhead began to fade. Though lightning still occasionally flashed, it was now weak and scattered.
A black spirit ring slowly emerged from the Thunderclap Hell Vine's body. Ignaz didn't immediately absorb it. Instead, he took out several bottles and jars, placing them under the fatal wound.
He turned to Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan behind him and said joyfully:
"Senior, little sister—this purple thunder liquid left by the Thunderclap Hell Vine is the essence of its cultivation. It has miraculous effects on strengthening the body and enhancing beauty."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan quickly ran forward, curiously peering at the dripping purple thunder liquid.
"Big Brother Ignaz, you'd better absorb your spirit ring quickly. As for this purple thunder liquid, I'll help you keep it safe."
"Huh?"
Ignaz looked at Dugu Yan, whose gaze was fixed on the liquid, feeling a bit speechless. I never said I wouldn't share it—why is this woman robbing me outright?
But with Dugu Bo nearby, this was the perfect place to absorb the spirit ring. Ignaz calmed his breath, sat cross-legged, and drew the spirit ring around his body. A special energy separated from the ring and rushed into his spiritual sea.
It gradually formed the soul of the Thunderclap Hell Vine, which began to wreak havoc in his spiritual sea, charging at his spiritual avatar.
But how could his spiritual sea—now more than twice its original size—be overrun by a mere Thunderclap Hell Vine? A bloody black hole appeared, and a dragon's head emerged from within, devouring the vine's soul completely.
Meanwhile, Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, watching from outside, grew anxious at the pain twisting Ignaz's face.
"Grandpa, Big Brother Ignaz won't really be hurt, will he?"
"I don't know either."
Just after speaking, Dugu Bo's eyes widened as he suddenly remembered something.
"Oh no—I completely forgot to mention something important! When absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, you have to endure the beast's soul shock! If he's not careful, little Ignaz might become an idiot."
"..."
For the first time, Dugu Yan looked at Dugu Bo with disgust, puffing her cheeks in frustration:
"If Big Brother Ignaz becomes an idiot, I'll never speak to you again!"
"Yan Yan, absorbing the Thunderclap Hell Vine, was little Ignaz's own decision. We must believe he'll succeed!"
In truth, Dugu Bo didn't know if Ignaz would be okay. He could only keep comforting Dugu Yan. She was his only granddaughter—if she wouldn't even speak to him, what meaning would his life have? How could he face his son and daughter-in-law in the afterlife?
After half an hour, Ignaz slowly opened his eyes. A rush of heat struck him as Dugu Yan wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice choked:
"Big Brother Ignaz, I'm so glad you're okay! It's all Grandpa's fault for not warning you about the soul shock!"
"Little sister, let go—you're pressing on some spots, and I can't breathe!"
Dugu Yan's face instantly flushed, and she quickly pushed him away.
"You big liar! You're so bad! You need to apologize to heal my wounded heart!"
Before Ignaz could reply, Dugu Bo grabbed his right ear and kicked him repeatedly.
"Senior, what are you doing?"
"Bullying my granddaughter—what do you think I'm doing?"
Seeing Ignaz's innocent expression only fueled Dugu Bo's anger, and he started hitting even faster. Ignaz quickly dodged.
"Let me tell you—bullying the weak with strength leads to an early death!"
"You brat, are you cursing me? Don't think I won't kill you! I'm a Titled Douluo! Crushing you would be like crushing an ant!"
Just as Dugu Bo was about to strike again, Dugu Yan blocked him.
"Alright, Grandpa, a moderate lesson is enough. Don't break him."
"Little sister, you're still good to me! This old geezer can go!"
But as Dugu Yan turned around, smiling, she stomped hard on Ignaz's foot. She crossed her arms, her eyes filled with embarrassed anger.
"Who are you calling names? Cursing my grandpa is absolutely not allowed."
Dugu Bo watched her with satisfaction—he hadn't raised her in vain.
Ignaz stood there dumbfounded, touching the back of his head with a bitter smile. A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea—impossible to grasp. Battle really is more satisfying.
After the playful chaos subsided, Dugu Bo looked at Ignaz seriously and asked:
"Little Iggy, your fourth spirit ability better not disappoint us."
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~ Push the story forward with your Power Stones