[As long as it is a female creature, it can become the host's Dao Companion.]
The System's answer was simple and direct, yet it was like a stone thrown into a lake, stirring ripples in Yu Qing's sea of consciousness.
It wasn't that he truly harbored any improper thoughts toward a Dragon (at least not at this stage), but he keenly realized—this Ember Dragon was simply an endless source of high-quality, sustainable yin yang points!
Given its current cultivation base of nearly hundred thousand years, if they successfully formed a Dao Companion contract, providing over two thousand yin yang points daily would definitely be more than enough, greatly accelerating his speed of accumulating yin yang points.
However... this thought could only be suppressed for now. The current priority was still to find a suitable Spirit Beast for Zi Ruyi and complete her spirit soul contract.
Yu Qing calmed his mind, turned his gaze toward the massive Sky Azure Bull Python, and asked, "Da Ming, in the Star Dou Great Forest, do you know of any... powerful Plant-type Spirit Beasts?"
"Plant-type Spirit Beasts?" A thoughtful look appeared in Da Ming's enormous ox eyes. It pondered for a long time, but finally shook its head slowly: "Plant-type Spirit Beasts are inherently rare, and those reaching over fifty thousand years are extremely few. Moreover, they are exceptionally skilled at concealing themselves, mostly hiding deep underground or in the densest parts of the forest. Even I find it difficult to know their exact status and location."
Hearing this, Yu Qing couldn't help but frown slightly. This was somewhat tricky. Zi Ruyi's Spirit is plant-type, and finding a powerful Plant-type Spirit Beast to serve as her spirit soul would undoubtedly be the best choice, offering the highest compatibility and the greatest future growth potential.
But if they truly couldn't find one... they would probably have to settle for the next best option and look for a powerful snake or python Spirit Beast for her.
"If it's a Plant-type Spirit Beast..." Just then, a clear voice with a hint of metallic texture sounded. The miniature Ember Dragon perched on Yu Qing's shoulder raised its small, ruby-like head, its golden vertical pupils blinking: "I do know of one. However... that fellow's personality is somewhat aloof and stubborn. I doubt it will agree to your proposal so easily."
"Oh?" Yu Qing's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Tell me about it? What Spirit Beast is it? Where is it?"
The Ember Dragon flapped its small wings, its tone carrying a hint of recollection: "A Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor that just reached seventy thousand years. Its original form is an extremely common Cloud-Shading Vine, but it underwent a rare, beneficial mutation. Its strength is considerable, specializing particularly in concealment, trapping enemies, and mental interference—it is very difficult to deal with."
"Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor..." Yu Qing muttered the name, a confident smile playing on his lips: "No matter. As long as it exists and meets the requirements. If it won't listen to gentle persuasion... then I don't mind using a slightly more direct method to 'request' its agreement." His words revealed absolute confidence in his own strength.
The Ember Dragon tilted its small head, its tone seemingly carrying a hint of amusement: "Hmm... very direct, but very effective. Alright, follow me."
With that, a red light flashed across its tiny body, and it took the lead, flying toward the northwest direction of the forest. The Sky Azure Bull Python and the three of them, including Yu Qing, immediately followed.
After flying for about half an hour, the group arrived above a gorge with peculiar terrain.
The gorge was deep and narrow, making it difficult for sunlight to fully reach the bottom, giving it a dark and damp appearance. On the sides and floor of the gorge, countless deep purple vines grew densely, intertwining and covering nearly every inch of rock, as if a thick purple carpet had been laid over the Canyon.
"This is... Cloud-Shading Vine?" Yu Qing scanned the area. This plant was extremely common on the Douluo Continent, known for its tenacious vitality, preference for shade, and resistance to cold, yet it was almost incapable of generating spirit power and becoming a Spirit Beast. Its ubiquity and weakness were comparable to the Blue Silver Grass.
However, it was rare for it to form a scale like this in this gorge.
His mental force spread downwards like mercury spilling across the ground. He quickly sensed that within this ocean of Cloud-Shading Vines, there were indeed some Plant-type Spirit Beasts that had generated spirit power residing there.
Although most only had centuries or millennia of cultivation and were scattered everywhere, in the most central, energy-dense area of the gorge, there were two distinct auras of Plant-type Spirit Beasts that had reached over ten-thousand years. One of these was particularly powerful, its energy fluctuation reaching an astonishing seventy thousand years.
"Ember Dragon," Yu Qing asked, "Does the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor you mentioned have any special characteristics? How could a common Cloud-Shading Vine mutate to such a powerful extent?"
The Ember Dragon explained while descending: "Its mutation is very unique. It is said that that when it advanced to ten-thousand-year status, instead of blooming common flowers on its body, it condensed a massive, cloud-like, strange Flower of Energy. Even more miraculously, from this Flower of Energy, an intelligent, energy body individual—similar to a Spirit Beast in Human Form—was born. This energy body possesses considerable combat power and is especially adept at manipulating all the Cloud-Shading Vines in the gorge for attack and defense. Its methods are mysterious and unpredictable. Its strength is absolutely comparable to some top-tier beast-type Spirit Beasts."
"That magical?" Yu Qing immediately became interested. An energy body Flower Spirit? This was truly unheard of. He grew increasingly eager to meet this unique Spirit Beast.
Soon, everyone landed on a relatively open clearing in the center of the gorge.
Just as they stabilized their footing, a soft rustling sound came from the thicket of vines ahead. Immediately afterward, a strange figure silently materialized, hovering in mid-air.
Yu Qing focused his gaze, and a flicker of awe involuntarily crossed his eyes.
It was a humanoid energy body, approximately seventy centimeters tall. Its outline resembled a human female, with a slender figure and two pairs of thin, nearly transparent energy wings on its back. As they gently fluttered, they scattered specks of faint light. Its face was indistinct, seemingly shrouded in a halo, but the most striking feature was its head—instead of hair, a strange, cloud-like flower, constantly shifting in form and color, was blooming there. The flower was sometimes snow-white, and sometimes deep purple.
Its entire body emitted powerful energy fluctuations, clearly reaching the level of a seventy thousand year Spirit Beast. Although it lacked the oppressive Dragon Might of the Ember Dragon, it carried a feeling of dense, long-lasting, and unfathomable depth, as if it had merged with all the Cloud-Shading Vines in the entire gorge, making it immovable.
This unique Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor observed the sudden intruders warily with its pupils, which resembled the purest emeralds. When its gaze swept over the terrifying auras of the Ember Dragon and the Sky Azure Bull Python, its green pupils visibly contracted, revealing a hint of apprehension.
Although it did not speak, a Mental Fluctuation filled with doubt and vigilance was already transmitted, as if questioning why they had trespassed into its territory.
Da Ming and the Ember Dragon exchanged glances, and Da Ming spoke first. Using a deep, gentle voice, it tried its best to convey goodwill, beginning to explain the concept and benefits of the Soul Spirit Method to the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor.
However, upon hearing this, the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's cloud-like coronet trembled slightly, and the Mental Fluctuation it transmitted was full of suspicion and resistance. Even when Da Ming subsequently explained the facts about himself surviving the Heavenly Tribulation and the Ember Dragon shedding its fatal injuries and gaining new life after becoming a spirit soul, it still firmly shook its head and refused.
"What is your reason?" The Ember Dragon flew forward a bit, its voice calm but possessing a penetrating quality. "Is it because... you need to guard the vast but fragile kin behind you? Are you worried that if you leave, they will lose protection and become food for other Spirit Beasts?"
The Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's green pupils flickered. After a moment of hesitation, two brief yet heavy words were finally transmitted through the Mental Fluctuation: "Fragile."
Its gaze swept over the boundless expanse of ordinary Cloud-Shading Vines in the gorge, revealing a deep sense of attachment and responsibility in its eyes.
Da Ming lowered its massive head slightly, its voice steady and convincing: "You can rest assured about that. If you are willing to try the Soul Spirit Method, Er Ming and I can take turns coming here to guard your clan territory and ensure the safety of your kin." Da Ming made this promise for the future of the Spirit Beast race, and also out of trust and gratitude toward Yu Qing.
However, the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor shook its head again. It raised its slender energy arm and pointed gently toward the Canyon. Its Mental Fluctuation carried a trace of imperceptible pride and persistence: "I... am here, and they... can... grow... faster." A clearer meaning was conveyed: its existence and its energy field could subtly nourish and accelerate the growth of all Cloud-Shading Vines in the entire Canyon and promote the sprouting of their spirit power. This was the meaning and value of its existence, and it was unwilling to abandon this responsibility and mission for the sake of its own rebirth.
The situation fell into a stalemate.
Yu Qing took a deep breath and stepped forward. He looked at the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor with genuine eyes, his tone peaceful yet powerful: "The Soul Spirit Method is not a sacrifice. As you have seen, after Ember Dragon became a spirit soul, not only did its injuries heal, but its sentience was completely preserved, and its strength achieved a qualitative leap. I assure you that your departure will absolutely not cause the growth of your kin to stagnate. On the contrary, I might be able to offer you... a better choice than what you are doing now."
The Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's cloud-shaped corolla turned slightly toward Yu Qing, its green pupils filled with scrutiny and doubt: "Rea... son?" It needed a more compelling reason.
Yu Qing said no more. He smiled slightly, slowly raised his right hand, and *buzz*—! A leaf, golden all over and resembling colored glaze, emerged.
Life Golden Leaf Martial Soul, Possession!
Immediately afterward, four black and five red spirit rings, nine in total, far exceeding common sense, rose sequentially from beneath his feet. Especially the five bright red hundred thousand year spirit rings caused the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's energy body to fluctuate violently.
"Seventh Spirit Ability! Martial Soul True Body!" Yu Qing shouted softly. The seventh hundred thousand year spirit ring suddenly burst into light. His body seemed covered in a jade-gold armor (similar to Martial Soul True Body Armor), and vast, pure Power of Life spread out from him like a tide, instantly enveloping an area hundreds of meters in radius.
Life Domain.
"This is...!" Ember Dragon and the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor simultaneously emitted shocked Mental Fluctuations! They greedily absorbed the extremely pure Power of Life within the Domain, feeling the comfort and growth of their own Souls and energy bodies. The Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor, being a Plant-type Spirit Beast, was especially sensitive to and desirous of this Power of Life. It could clearly feel that if its kin could bathe in this life energy long-term, their growth rate would absolutely far exceed the present.
Yu Qing smiled: "How is it? This is just an appetizer." Maintaining his Martial Soul True Body, he continued to offer a greater temptation: "I possess a treasure land—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—where the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi of extreme cold and extreme heat converge. It is a paradise for plants and can greatly accelerate plant growth! If you become my wife's spirit soul, I can not only promise to frequently activate the Life Domain for you and your kin, but I can also transplant all of your kin to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. There, their safety will be fully guaranteed by my Yin Yang Sect, and their growth rate will far surpass this place. How about it? Is this reason sufficient?"
The reason Yu Qing offered such generous terms was naturally not just to help Zi Ruyi obtain a spirit soul. What he valued was the entire Canyon of Cloud-Shading Vines. Imagine transplanting this area of Cloud-Shading Vines to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, managed by the evolved Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor spirit soul, supplemented by his Life Domain and the nourishment of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well... In time, how many powerful ten-thousand-year Cloud-Shading Vine Spirit Beasts would be born here? Coupled with Dugu Bo's Poisonous Miasma and the Yin Yang Two Poles Sect Protecting Great Array he plans to set up... the entire Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well would become impregnable, one of the Douluo Continent's most top-tier Heavenly Cave Blessed Lands and one of its most terrifying Forbidden Zones. This was an absolutely worthwhile win-win investment!
The immense temptation, like the sweetest poison, was placed before the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor. Its cloud-shaped corolla flickered violently, and its green pupils were filled with intense struggle. On one side was the responsibility and mission it had upheld for ten thousand years, and on the other was a brighter future for its clan and the opportunity for its own rebirth.
It looked at Yu Qing, feeling the Power of Life that comforted its Soul; then it looked at its kin in the Canyon, slowly growing reliant on its energy field; finally, its gaze fell upon Yu Qing's sincere and confident face.
After a long while.
The Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor seemed to have made a huge decision. It raised its energy arm, pointed at Yu Qing, and finally, two clear and solemn words were transmitted through its Mental Fluctuation:
"I... agree!"
These two words seemed to have exhausted all its strength, yet they also made Yu Qing, Da Ming, and Ember Dragon secretly sigh in relief. The effort spent talking was finally worth it!
"Ruyi, come here." Yu Qing dismissed his Martial Soul True Body and waved at Zi Ruyi.
Zi Ruyi took a deep breath, suppressed the excitement and nervousness in her heart, and quickly walked to Yu Qing's side.
"Relax your mind, watch carefully, and remember with your heart." Yu Qing began performing Hand Seals and Chanting again. Zi Ruyi focused intently on observing and mimicking him.
Soon, the familiar Contract Magic Array lit up again.
The process was largely similar to Duan Xin's time. After the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor read the fair Contract Text, it gladly imprinted its Mental Origin Mark. Its body transformed into pure energy, forming a deep black spirit ring that settled onto Zi Ruyi. Its Soul separated and hovered beside her.
Zi Ruyi began to endure the energy impact of the spirit ring. Her process was slightly shorter than Duan Xin's, as the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's Bloodline strength was far inferior to Ember Dragon's, but the process was equally painful and difficult.
Fortunately, Zi Ruyi's personality was outwardly gentle but inwardly firm, and her will was equally resilient. Coupled with Yu Qing's usual training, she successfully passed through the ordeal without major incident.
The contract was completed, and Zi Ruyi successfully advanced to Spirit Saint. Her spirit power soared from level seventy all the way to level seventy-four. Although the increase was not as exaggerated as Duan Xin's, it was still extremely astonishing.
After fusing the Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's power, her Nebula Purple Emperor Vine Spirit also underwent subtle changes in form. The vines became more crystalline and translucent, as if nebulas were flowing within them, and the aura they emitted was more ethereal and powerful.
The Cloud-Shrouding Flower Emperor's Soul transformed into a Pocket Flower Elf, only palm-sized, with transparent wings fluttering on its back and a miniature cloud flower crown on its head. It circled and danced happily, feeling that not only was its sentience intact, but its strength had actually increased to the level of Eighty Thousand Years. It emitted joyful Mental Fluctuations.
Feeling the surging power within her body and looking at the nimble flower elf before her, Zi Ruyi's eyes were filled with excitement and happiness. She turned around, gently embraced Yu Qing, and kissed him deeply on the lips, her voice slightly choked: "Husband... thank you..." She knew deeply that without Yu Qing, she would never have achieved what she had today.
Yu Qing gently stroked her back and said softly, "Silly Girl, we are family. Why the thanks?"
Zi Ruyi buried her face in Yu Qing's arms and said softly but firmly, in a voice only they could hear: "Husband... Ruyi will fully support any decision you make from now on... including... accepting new sisters..." She was completely won over by Yu Qing's efforts and capabilities, and was wholeheartedly willing to consider everything for him.
Yu Qing felt a warmth in his heart, moved yet slightly helpless, and could only gently pat her.
Releasing Zi Ruyi, Yu Qing solemnly cupped his hands toward the Sky Azure Bull Python: "Da Ming, thank you for your help this time!"
Da Ming's huge head shook gently: "We are all exploring new paths for the future of Spirit Beasts. You don't need to thank me. I just hope you... don't betray this trust."
"Absolutely!" Yu Qing nodded heavily. He then said: "I must trouble you for a little longer. Please temporarily look after these Cloud-Shading Vines for me. Once I return and prepare the transplantation site, I will immediately come and move them."
"Alright," Da Ming readily agreed.
With the matter concluded, Yu Qing wasted no more time. Holding one wife in each hand, with the Miniature Ruby Ember Dragon coiled on Duan Xin's shoulder and the Pocket Flower Elf perched in Zi Ruyi's palm, the three people and two beasts embarked on their journey home under the glow of the setting sun.
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