Oscar was not sure whether the Silver Dragon King truly intended to take human form and cultivate again, or if she had some other plan in mind. At the very least, what the Evil God had said to her seemed to have some effect.
Although it felt somewhat underhanded for Oscar to conspire with the Evil God, if this could win the support of the soul beast race, then it was still a good thing in the end.
Watching the Silver Dragon King discussing animatedly with Di Tian, Oscar asked, "Do you have a way to awaken the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings?"
The Silver Dragon King did not hide anything. "As long as I can locate where they are, I can awaken them through the special bond we share."
Hearing this, Oscar nodded slightly. "They are within one of my sect's sacred grounds,or rather, that place became a sacred ground because of them. If I am not mistaken, their true bodies lie deep within that land."
"I have tried to communicate with them, but I was unsuccessful, so I believe they are still in slumber."
"If you can awaken them, that would naturally be the best outcome."
Hearing Oscar's words, the Silver Dragon King began to understand the situation. Now that she knew where the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings were hiding, awakening them would not be difficult.
She said, "In that case, I will send a soul power clone of myself to accompany you back. After awakening the two Dragon Kings, if my plan proves feasible, I will begin the process of taking human form."
Oscar nodded. "Since you are willing to trust me, I will do everything I can to assist you."
The two then began discussing their next steps, with Di Tian occasionally giving his own advice and opinions.
While Oscar was negotiating with the Silver Dragon King, in the canyon beside Xingyue Lake, Niu Gao finally completed his fusion with the Taishan Mammoth.
At that moment, Niu Gao sat cross-legged, nine spirit rings,two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red,quietly revolving around him. His soul power surged with the force of a level ninety-two Titled Douluo.
The enormous Taishan Mammoth had vanished completely, its flesh and blood seemingly transformed into pure power that merged into Niu Gao's body.
The surrounding soul beasts watched his transformation with awe and whispered among themselves.
When Niu Gao opened his eyes, his aura suddenly retracted and his spirit rings faded from view.
At the same time, a strange spiritual power emanated from him, and behind him appeared a gigantic Taishan Mammoth formed entirely of spiritual and soul power.
The mammoth raised its head and let out a triumphant roar, releasing boundless exhilaration and might.
Although it no longer had a physical body, it now existed in another form. Its consciousness had not disappeared, and after fusing with Niu Gao, its power remained intact,perhaps even stronger than before.
From this point on, however, its battles would consume Niu Gao's spiritual and soul power.
Niu Gao had not only become a level ninety-two Titled Douluo, but also gained a hundred-thousand-year spirit as a partner. With this Taishan Mammoth, he believed he could stand against any opponent below level ninety-five.
Standing up, Niu Gao held a crystal-clear bone in his hand,the soul bone left behind by the Taishan Mammoth.
Although he had already absorbed the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, he chose not to absorb the soul bone immediately, leaving the decision to Oscar.
Of course, Niu Gao wished to absorb it himself, but having already gained such power, he dared not be too greedy.
He stored the soul bone in his soul tool, turned to the mammoth behind him, and said, "Old friend, we did it!"
The Taishan Mammoth was equally overjoyed. As a spirit, it could feel its transformation clearly, and it knew that as Niu Gao grew stronger, it too would continue to evolve.
They were now completely bound,sharing glory and loss alike.
The mammoth laughed heartily. "Together, we might one day even break through the limits."
After a pause, it said expectantly, "If you were to fuse with my soul bone as well, your strength and foundation would both rise further. I just don't know how the Third Alliance Master will arrange things."
Niu Gao gave a wry smile. "I've already been lucky enough. Asking for more would be overstepping."
The mammoth understood and sighed softly. "This must be the unique emotion of humans. I can finally feel it for myself now."
Then it turned toward the other soul beasts nearby. "Brothers, being a spirit feels pretty good. Let me share the experience with you all."
Niu Gao chuckled and maintained the connection, letting his old friend enjoy this moment with his companions.
Not far away, Dugu Yan's fusion with the Earth Dragon Emperor was also nearing completion.
Before long, seven spirit rings,two yellow, one purple, three black, and one red,shone brilliantly around her.
When her soul power stabilized, a massive Earth Dragon Emperor formed of soul and spiritual energy appeared once more, circling around her protectively like a true dragon guarding its master.
The Earth Dragon Emperor said excitedly, "Boss, we did it! From now on, I'm your first general in battle!"
Dugu Yan's beautiful eyes shimmered with excitement. The improvement brought by this spirit fusion was enormous. She had directly fused with the Earth Dragon Emperor's hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and soul bone, her enhancement even greater than Niu Gao's.
Her soul power alone had risen seven levels, reaching level seventy-seven.
This growth came not only from the spirit ring and soul bone, but also from over a year of accumulated cultivation.
With this breakthrough, Dugu Yan had caught up with Oscar, who was currently only level seventy-nine.
Of course, she knew this was temporary. Oscar had yet to attach spirit rings to his second martial soul.
Once he did, the gap between them would widen again.
Therefore, Dugu Yan did not become complacent. Instead, she was determined to train even harder to keep up with him,to always stand by his side as his strongest support.
Though she often acted carefree, she understood everything perfectly well inside.
Her grandfather had told her the pros and cons, and she knew that in the future, Oscar might not have only her as a partner.
During her time at Moon Pavilion, Dugu Yan not only mastered the Killing God Domain but also came to understand many things.
As long as something was good for Oscar, she was willing to yield.
But no matter what happened, she would always be the first woman by his side,the rightful wife, unshakable in her place.
The hundred-thousand-year seventh spirit ring and spirit were only the beginning. In the future, she would shine even brighter and become even stronger.
…
In Heaven Dou City, inside the Crown Prince's palace.
Xue Qinghe had thought long and hard before finally deciding to write a letter.
After sealing it, she handed it to the Snake Spear Douluo. "Uncle Yu, please deliver this to my grandfather personally."
The Snake Spear Douluo accepted the letter respectfully. "Rest assured, Young Master. I will deliver it to the Grand Worship within ten days."
Xue Qinghe nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you. You may go."
"Yes, Your Highness." The Snake Spear Douluo bowed, then dissolved into countless golden snakes and disappeared from the room.
Although the Lingyu Escort Agency could have delivered it within three days, this was a confidential letter and could not be entrusted to outsiders.
After he left, Xue Qinghe turned to the large fish tank in the room. "Elder Blood Puffer, how went your investigation at the Lijia Plains?"
Inside the tank swam a large red pufferfish, its spikes sharp as steel needles.
Upon hearing Xue Qinghe's question, the seemingly dull fish suddenly became alert and spoke, "Your subordinate spent a month searching and found the Bright Unicorn that was recorded in the archives. But its cultivation has already reached a hundred thousand years."
Xue Qinghe frowned. "A hundred thousand years?"
The Blood Puffer spat a bubble. "Exactly. I was afraid of misjudging, so I personally tested it. There is no mistake."
Xue Qinghe rose from her desk and looked out at the blazing sun through the window, her eyes narrowing. "Since Oscar and Dugu Yan could absorb spirit rings far beyond their level starting from their fourth, why can't I?"
"With innate level-twenty soul power and the resources of the Spirit Hall, plus the remaining Angelic God Set, there's no reason I can't attempt a hundred-thousand-year seventh spirit ring."
The Blood Puffer froze, trembling violently. "Your Highness, please don't be reckless! Maybe Oscar and Dugu Yan used some secret technique. A hundred-thousand-year seventh spirit ring has never been heard of!"
Xue Qinghe merely smiled. "If one person could do it, it might be a coincidence. But two means it's possible. I'm certain that by Oscar's method, even his seventh or eighth rings could be hundred-thousand-year level."
The Blood Puffer was incredulous. "Is that really possible? Everyone knows the standard configuration is two yellow, two purple, five black. The perfect case only has the ninth ring as a hundred-thousand-year one. Isn't what you're saying too outrageous?"
Xue Qinghe shook her head. "You don't understand. Do you know my grandfather's ring configuration?"
The pufferfish shook its head. "I haven't seen it, but I've heard that after receiving the Angel God's blessing, his ring ages also increased."
"It's said his configuration is eight black and one red,the unique grace of the Angel God's high priest."
"It's also said that on a distant island in the sea, the high priest of the Sea God shares this same configuration."
"From all known records, only those who have received divine inheritance can break the normal limits of spirit rings."
The Blood Puffer continued, "That's why I think Oscar and Dugu Yan must have used some secret technique."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe's competitiveness burned even stronger.
Even if they had a secret technique, they were only born with level ten innate power, while she was born with level twenty.
The Blood Puffer suddenly realized something. "Could it be that you were inspired by the new spirit ring limit theory proposed by the Dragon-Taming Douluo?"
Xue Qinghe nodded. "Yes. His theory details how surpassing-level absorption is possible. Before the ten-thousand-year level, improving one's body step by step can allow it. After that, when rings contain a unique soul shock, physical strength alone isn't enough,you must strengthen your spiritual power as well."
The Blood Puffer sighed. "But a theory is still just a theory."
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Perhaps. But Oscar and Dugu Yan have already proven it works. If they can, I can too."
"The Sword Sect's heritage may be profound, but it can't compare to the Spirit Hall's thousand-year foundation. I've already told my grandfather my plan in the letter. I believe he'll support me."
The Blood Puffer wanted to dissuade her further, but Xue Qinghe interrupted. "I must refocus on my cultivation before reaching level seventy. Affairs of the empire have taken too much time. Now that the empire is under control, it's time to focus on myself."
"Elder Blood Puffer, in the coming days, I'll need you and Elder Snake Spear to assist me closely. I will reclaim everything I've set aside."
Seeing Xue Qinghe's spirited determination, the Blood Puffer could say no more. It seemed that whatever she decided would surely come to pass.
Xue Qinghe returned to her desk, sipping a cup of fragrant honey wine. "This afternoon, I'll be riding at the royal stables. Elder Blood Puffer, I'll count on your guidance then."
He understood now,she was truly serious. The training she once did once a month would now become her daily routine.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will not fail you."
Xue Qinghe gazed deeply at the pile of memorials before her. Others might not know, but she did,the so-called Dragon-Taming Master was none other than her sister's former lover.
She didn't know how the once-mediocre Yu Xiaogang had suddenly become powerful, but his theory of surpassing-level spirit ring absorption was real and effective.
Because he had secretly learned it from Oscar,and verified it through practice.
As for how he stole it, Xue Qinghe didn't care. Nor did she care about her sister's entanglement with him.
Now, she had only one goal,to surpass her sister.
After spending much time with Oscar in the past, she found that he was almost flawless, and she had learned much from him.
For example, she had planted spies near her sister to monitor her every move. She now enjoyed this feeling of control.
That was why, even from far away, she could still know everything.
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