"Oh?" Tang Lan raised an eyebrow. "An external soul bone?"
How strange.
The moment the Shadow Demon Cat died, he had scanned it with his spiritual power—
No soul bone had dropped.
So where did this external soul bone come from?
Tang Lan turned to Zhu Zhuqing's back, eyeing the pitch-black Netherworld Spirit Cat hovering behind her.
Most likely, this was a chain reaction triggered by absorbing the black pearl.
Thinking about it…
This was a soul beast hosting the divine essence of the Shadow God.
It dropping an external soul bone was completely reasonable.
Which means…
The Dark Devil Evil God Tiger should have dropped a soul bone too, but its Demon God Pearl escaped, causing Tang San to miss out on a massive opportunity.
'I should hunt that thing down later and absorb the Demon God Pearl myself.'
'If it drops a soul bone, I'll be sure to flash it in front of Tang San a few times to trigger a system reward.'
As he daydreamed—
A soft, warm sensation filled his arms—
Zhu Zhuqing had pounced on him!
She wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on tiptoes, and kissed him deeply.
Chen Xin: "…"
Young people these days sure are bold.
But considering that Zhu Zhuqing had just obtained:
✅ An ultra-limit soul ring
✅ A martial soul evolution
✅ An external soul bone
Her excitement was completely understandable.
Chen Xin silently turned away, stepping onto his Seven Killing Sword, and flew off into the distance—
Giving the two more space.
Tang Lan snapped back to reality—
Zhu Zhuqing, normally so cold and distant, suddenly being this forward had left him caught off guard.
But once his brain caught up…
Little minx!
You're playing with fire!
Half an Hour Later
Chen Xin reappeared, bringing along Zhu Zhuqing—
Her face flushed red, trying desperately to act normal.
On their way back to Heaven Dou City—
Tang Lan channeled some Nine Yang Divine Skill energy into her, finally helping her recover.
Zhu Zhuqing shot him an annoyed glare, then twisted his waist with her fingers.
"Hiss—!"
Damn!
Why is this move something all women instinctively know?!
Tang Lan quickly grabbed her hand.
"Zhuqing, tell me about your gains."
At that—
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes curved into crescent moons, unable to contain her joy.
Like a spring breeze melting away ice and snow, her smile was unbelievably beautiful.
Tang Lan was stunned.
So this is what Zhu Zhuqing looks like when she truly smiles…
"My third soul skill is called 'Shadow Step.'"
"It's the same skill the Shadow Demon Cat used to ambush you."
✅ Instant activation
✅ Boosts speed by 50%
✅ Allows movement through shadows for 15 seconds
✅ Completely undetectable by spiritual senses
✅ 'Stealth Breaker' strike: +50% attack power, stackable with other soul skills
Tang Lan: "Holy sh*t!"
This is a 5000-year soul ring?
Speed boost, stealth, damage boost—
This was already on par with a 10,000-year soul skill!
"What about the external soul bone?" Tang Lan pressed on. "It should have an enhancement, right?"
"Mm!" Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "It enhances 'Stealth Breaker'—allowing it toignore the defense of anyone up to 10 levels above me!"
"The attack bonus might also be higher, but since I don't know the original values, I can't be sure."
Oh?
No need to guess—
The Shadow Demon Cat had been able to pierce through his Indestructible Vajra Body—
It must have been using this 'Ignore Defense' effect!
—As a divine-essence hybrid, the Shadow Demon Cat's true combat level was closer to 50,000 years.
Equivalent to a rank 70+ Soul Sage.
"What about the soul bone skill?" Tang Lan asked next.
Zhu Zhuqing's smile grew even wider.
"My soul bone skill—Shadow Wound."
✅ Attacks the enemy's shadow
✅ 50% of the damage transfers directly to the enemy's real body
✅ Ignores defense
"If combined with my third soul skill, the transfer ratio doubles to 100%."
"I can also use other soul skills alongside it, benefiting from the 'Stealth Breaker' bonus."
Tang Lan: "Holy… Who the hell can survive this?!"
Even he himself had to admit—
If Zhu Zhuqing snuck into his shadow and unleashed a full combo,
without prior knowledge, even he wouldn't escape unscathed.
If it was any other soul master?
They'd be utterly screwed.
"And there's more."
Zhu Zhuqing summoned her completely blackened martial soul,
her eyes shining with unconcealable excitement.
"My martial soul evolved!"
"It has further enhanced my control over shadows—it's more fitting to call it 'Shadow Nether Cat' now."
"Even my first and second soul skills have changed."
She activated her first soul ring.
Originally, her skill had been "Nether Spike"—growing claws and accelerating her attack speed.
But now—
Her shadow twisted and morphed into a cat,
suddenly leaping from the ground,
its claws tearing deep gashes into the earth!
The shadow cat then returned to Zhu Zhuqing's feet, merging back into her shadow.
She activated her first soul ring again.
This time, her shadow split into two black spheres, attaching to her hands,
forming a pair of shadow claws.
"First Soul Skill—Shadow Spike."
✅ Can attack independently or enhance herself
✅ Doubles movement speed
✅ Grants additional acceleration in darkness
Tang Lan: "This is a hundred-year soul skill?!"
This was as strong as a thousand-year skill!
Zhu Zhuqing continued—her second soul ring lit up.
She spun at high speed, launching a barrage of shadow-enhanced claw attacks against the Lifebound Blue Silver Emperor.
Even the tough-as-hell vines, which could restrain a Soul Saint, were ripped open.
The dark energy lingered on the vines,
preventing even Tang Lan's extreme life energy from instantly healing the wounds.
It took a few seconds before the shadow energy was exhausted and finally purged.
Tang Lan: "If this were a normal human body… they'd bleed out before they could even start healing."
"Second Soul Skill—Shadow Hundred Claws."
✅ Similar to 'Nether Hundred Claws,' but enhanced
✅ Shadow energy infiltrates the body
✅ Destroys meridians, organs, and bones
Zhu Zhuqing finished explaining and looked at Tang Lan expectantly—
Like a girl waiting for her lover's praise.
"This is amazing!" Tang Lan said sincerely.
"I declare you—completely invincible among your peers!"
Zhu Zhuqing's smile bloomed like a spring flower.
This was the first time Tang Lan had seen her so openly happy.
On the Side—
Chen Xin watched the two, feeling as though pink bubbles were floating around them.
He shook his head helplessly.
Zhu Zhuqing now had:
✅ Perfect physique
✅ Stunning beauty
✅ Top-tier combat strength
✅ Godlike talent and potential
And now, her third soul skill and external soul bone had perfect synergy,
turning her into an absolute shadow assassin.
Even he himself wouldn't dare claim he could counter her in the same realm.
How the hell is Ning Rongrong supposed to compete with that?
'Might as well tell Fengzhi to drop the marriage idea.'
With the soul ring obtained,
the three rested briefly, then took off on their flying swords toward Heaven Dou City.
On the way—
Zhu Zhuqing naturally hugged Tang Lan, using her soft curves to massage his back.
Since they were on a soul beast hunt, she had already removed her weight training gear—
And now, she was acting completely like a girl in love,
completely ignoring Chen Xin's presence.
Hmm…
So Zhu Zhuqing had a bit of a romantic side too?
Truly fitting for this "Romance Continent."
Though "lovestruck" is often used as an insult…
If the person she's obsessed with is YOU,
then it's an absolute win!
—Who wouldn't want a girl who only has eyes for them?
—Especially when she's gorgeous, curvy, and loyal?
Tang Lan was fully enjoying himself.
Chen Xin, on the other hand, pretended not to see anything.
"A heart free from desire makes the sword stronger."
Doesn't bother me.
Though…
His Seven Killing Sword was breaking the sound barrier, leaving a sonic boom trail behind!
They cut the travel time in half, landing at the city gates in record speed.
Tang Lan assumed Chen Xin would leave immediately.
But—
Chen Xin retracted his sword and landed alongside them.
"Uncle Jian, you still have business?" Tang Lan asked.
"The tournament starts tomorrow," Chen Xin said casually.
"I'll just stay at Tang Sect for the night."
"Alright, I'll arrange for you to stay near Rongrong, Uncle Jian."
Passing through the city gates,
Chen Xin resummoned his flying sword,
leisurely carrying the two of them toward Tang Sect.
—Moving too fast could attract unwanted attention,
especially since this was Heaven Dou City, the domain of Emperor Xue Ye.
Outside Tang Sect Academy,
the crowds stretched endlessly—a sea of people.
The Tang Sect Encyclopedia had given Tang Sect fame across the entire continent.
And the biggest beneficiaries?
The commoners, who had long been oppressed by knowledge monopolies.
And among soul masters, the largest group consisted of…
—Commoners!
Some came out of gratitude,
Some came out of admiration,
Some came out of devotion.
But without exception,
they all had great expectations for Tang Sect's future.
They hoped to join and become the "pig riding the wind", soaring into the sky.
If Tang Lan hadn't foreseen this and asked Qian Renxue to send people to help screen applicants—
Tang Sect would have had to buy up the entire Heaven Dou City to fit everyone,
and it still wouldn't be enough!
"With the hearts of the people on your side, Tang Sect will inevitably rise to power."
"Uncle Jian, you really have a good eye." Tang Lan quipped.
Chen Xin chuckled softly.
As they prepared to fly straight into Tang Sect—
Boom!
A figure soared into the sky, blocking their way.
A middle-aged man with fiery-red wings sprouting from his back stood before them,
his body radiating the aura of a strong expert.
He bowed respectfully.
"Apologies for stopping Sword Douluo, but my daughter is currently imprisoned in the Heaven Prison. Please forgive me, Senior."
"Tang Sect Master, I am Huo Wu's father, Fire Soul Douluo Huo Rong. I have come to apologize on her behalf and have brought a small gift."
Huo Rong pulled out a small box, the size of a palm,
and with a flick of his wrist, hurled it toward Tang Lan—
Sharp air-piercing sounds echoed!
Tang Lan: "Huh… Is this an apology or a power move?"
"Hmph!"
Chen Xin snorted coldly.
The gift box exploded mid-air, revealing a flaming red pearl.
At the same time—
Huo Rong's body sank as if a mountain had crashed onto his shoulders.
Cold sweat poured down his forehead!
—Sh*t! I underestimated the relationship between Sword Douluo and Tang Lan!
A sense of resentment surged in his heart.
—I'm a damn Soul Douluo!
—My daughter is locked up in Heaven Prison!
—Can't I at least show some attitude?!
Tang Lan remained silent,
his gaze fixed on the fire-red pearl, instantly recognizing it.
A Fire Essence Heart Core.
Formed by Fire Spirit Beasts over 10,000 years, but with a very low probability.
For fire-attribute soul masters, it could:
✅ Boost cultivation speed when carried (until depleted)
✅ Be directly consumed to increase soul power
✅ Rare chance of triggering a breakthrough
Calculated at 1 cm per 1,000 years,
this Fire Essence Heart Core had a diameter of 12 cm—
meaning it was around 12,000 years old.
To ordinary people, this was a treasure.
But to Chen Xin and Tang Lan?
It was barely worth a glance.
Let alone the arrogant way it was presented—
This was less of an apology and more of a "charity handout."
"You're the head of an academy, and your judgment is still this poor?"
Huo Rong froze.
Was… Was that an insult?!
And then it hit him—
He was the only academy head here!
"FWOOSH!"
A flaming aura erupted around him—his anger visible!
"Tang Sect Master! What do you mean by that?!"
"I came under orders from His Highness the Crown Prince to offer an apology! Are you defying the royal decree?!"
Trying to pressure him with the Crown Prince's authority?
Wasn't it your Crown Prince who personally ordered your daughter's imprisonment
and then sent you to beg for forgiveness?!
Could the bias be any more obvious?
Chen Xin didn't even bother speaking.
A simple gesture—
His internal force condensed into sword energy,
spinning rapidly to form a blade storm,
whistling through the air like a screaming tempest.
Then, with a casual flick,
he tossed it straight at Huo Rong.
It looked simple,
but his instincts screamed danger!
He braced himself!
Time was too short.
Huo Rong barely had enough time to summon a flaming bird-man figure, his martial soul avatar,
his entire body blazing with fiery light as he clasped his hands together—
Attempting to block the sword wheel!
But even a casual strike from Chen Xin, a Level 96 Peak Douluo,
was not something a mere Soul Douluo could withstand!
Huo Rong barely managed to catch the attack, avoiding being sliced in half on the spot—
But his body was blasted backward like a broken kite,
spiraling chaotically toward the Imperial Palace!
—How thoughtful! Sending him straight back to ask the Crown Prince for clarification.
"If I had come alone, this would have been such a pain to deal with."
Huo Rong was as explosive as a firecracker—
With Chen Xin here, he went off at the slightest provocation.
But if Chen Xin hadn't been here…
"Hmph, he's just a mere Rank 82 Soul Douluo." Chen Xin chuckled.
"You could have held him off yourself."
"If that brat Tang San had used his Barrett sniper rifle, it would have just been his lucky day—because he was facing me."
In reality, Chen Xin's "punishment" was actually a "mercy kill."
If Huo Rong wasn't part of the Crown Prince's faction,
and if Xue Qinghe wasn't Ning Fengzhi's disciple,
today's incident wouldn't have ended so easily.
—This was Tang Sect's front gate!
Both father and daughter had the audacity to cause trouble right at the entrance.
If Tang Sect didn't respond accordingly, where would its dignity be?
For now—
They'd let Xue Qinghe handle it.
Tang Lan smirked silently.
For the past two months, their training wasn't just about physical endurance—
Every single one of them had mastered the Barrett sniper rifle.
At a thousand meters, their shots had a margin of error within a palm's width.
If they lined up seven snipers,
a mere Soul Douluo would be annihilated in seconds.
Not to mention—
They had a fully automated ammunition production line—
With Gatling cannons issued to every member, they could just fire nonstop until the enemy collapsed.
So neither Tang Lan nor Chen Xin thought much of this matter.
They simply flew into Tang Sect's inner area.
From afar, they could already see flashes of soul skill light flickering.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Meng Yiran—
Versus
Jiang Zhu and her six teammates—a full seven-member squad.
Despite being outnumbered,
the battle was evenly matched, neither side dominating the other.
Chen Xin hovered midair, his gaze locking onto Ning Rongrong.
At that moment—
A slender, pale-faced youth with a sharp, edgy hairstyle was relentlessly pursuing her.
Tang Lan recognized him immediately.
—Jing Ling!
A student from Blazing Academy,
Originally a substitute member of the Shrek Team in the novel.
As an Agility Attack-type,
his martial soul—a skeleton—was even faster than Zhu Zhuqing.
Yet right now,
he couldn't even land a hit on Ning Rongrong!
Jing Ling's ferocious rapid strikes—
Most battle soul masters could only block them head-on.
But Ning Rongrong—
Holding her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda,
She weaved through the attacks with grace,
just barely avoiding every slash of Jing Ling's bone blade.
✅ Flawless footwork
✅ Perfect dodges
✅ Always a hair's breadth from getting hit
Jing Ling's frustration skyrocketed.
He was a high-speed assassin!
Yet, after so long, he couldn't land a single hit on a 30th-rank support-type soul master?!
This was humiliating!
His rage boiled over—
"Second Soul Skill—Bone Demon Augmentation!"
Jing Ling's speed spiked even further,
his body launching forward like a bullet, eyes flashing with determination.
—This time, I'll catch you!
However—
Ning Rongrong remained completely calm.
Because—
"Second Soul Skill—White Tiger Light Wave!"
Dai Mubai, having trained with her for two months,
immediately read the situation and intercepted the attack.
Jing Ling had no choice but to dodge.
At the same time—
Blue Silver Grass wrapped around Ning Rongrong's arm, pulling her back to safety.
Chen Xin nodded repeatedly.
"Rongrong's footwork… This is the self-created soul skill, Lingbo Footwork, right?"
"Not bad, not bad."
Tang Lan didn't respond.
Instead, his eyes were locked onto the center of the battlefield—
A girl with shoulder-length, water-blue hair.
Her fair face was adorned with delicate features,
exuding a mature elegance, yet without excessive charm.
At 1.65 meters, her figure was perfectly proportioned—
Not as over-the-top curvy as Zhu Zhuqing,
But definitely more well-developed than Xiao Wu.
She wasn't the type to stun at first glance—
But the longer you looked, the more beautiful she seemed.
And also…
The more familiar she looked.
Wait…
Isn't this…?
(End of Chapter)