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**
Early the next morning, Xiao Lin and Tang San met at the entrance of Holy Spirit Village, discussing the contents of the Soul Saint's journal.
"Brother Lin, I've been thinking. That spirit herb might be right underneath that Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree—underground."
On the way, Tang San spoke with his mouth full, chewing on a steamed bun Old Jack had prepared for him.
"I guessed as much. That Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree is likely what the Soul Saint's Martial Soul transformed into. But, can a human's Martial Soul really turn into a plant or a soul beast?"
Xiao Lin was also stumped.
Generally speaking, Martial Souls only existed in three forms.
The first was a pure phantom.
These were composed of soul power and could be summoned, but they lacked physical substance. A prime example was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—an auxiliary system Martial Soul.
It possessed no offensive capabilities because it had no physical form; it was merely a phantom. It was hard to say if this was because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's support abilities were too powerful and consumed too much soul power, or if it was simply too fragile.
Perhaps to prevent it from being destroyed by enemies and causing backlash to the user, it was simply summoned as a phantom to provide direct support.
Otherwise, no matter how you looked at it, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could at least be used to smash people.
The second type could be summoned and was manifested from the Soul Master's own soul power.
The vast majority of Martial Souls fell into this category. Xiao Lin's own Horned Dragon Staff, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, Su Yuntao's Lone Wolf, and even Yu Xiaogang's Luo Sanpao were all like this.
These Martial Souls, formed from soul power, were not made of actual matter. If these Martial Souls were damaged, the Soul Master would also suffer. Severe damage could even turn a Soul Master into a cripple or lead to death.
The final type was something akin to a fusion entity.
For instance, a Martial Soul that fused with a real-world Soul Tool to become a new type of Martial Soul.
However, this type only existed in Xiao Lin's theories. Xiao Lin only knew that during the era of The Unrivaled Tang Sect, there was someone whose Martial Soul was damaged and fused with a physical substance, actually becoming stronger because of it.
Xiao Lin didn't know if such a Martial Soul counted as being made of soul power, a physical entity, or something in between.
But every ability of the Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree in the cave matched the Soul Saint's Martial Soul perfectly, and Xiao Lin couldn't find any other explanation.
Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.
This phrase flashed through Xiao Lin's mind.
Therefore, either the Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree was the transformation of the Soul Saint's Martial Soul, or the Soul Saint had found a seed of a Evil Eye Demon Tree and cultivated it using the same method.
By using the Soul's Mimicry Head Soul Bone, that seed became a spirit herb and was absorbed by the Evil Eye Demon Tree.
Hearing Xiao Lin's question, Tang San couldn't help but scratch his head, speaking with a hint of uncertainty.
"Brother Lin, I've read that Soul Saint's book. I seem to have some impression of that yellow spirit herb."
"You?"
Seeing Xiao Lin's doubt, Tang San nodded and said in a somewhat certain tone, "Haven't I been researching various exotic flowers and rare herbs?"
"Mhm."
Xiao Lin knew Tang San was studying whether the plants and medicinal herbs that looked the same in both worlds had different effects, so he nodded and prompted, "And then?"
"And then, that yellow spirit herb looked a bit familiar."
After a moment of thought, Tang San began to describe the accounts from the book alongside legends he had heard in his previous life.
"The book says it is an exceptionally beautiful yellow spirit herb. Each blade of grass looks as if it were made of transparent crystal, and the stems and leaves contain a mysterious energy, emitting a faint yellow glow."
"Also, legend says this kind of herb can be reborn under specific circumstances, performing a soul transfer. It only grows in places with sufficient life force."
As he spoke, Tang San added details from the folklore of his past life.
"It's said this herb is extremely rare, symbolizing purity, eternity, and rebirth. It can record the 'sounds of the soul.'Furthermore, this herb is so rare that no one has ever been able to cultivate it."
As Tang San reached the most exciting part, he waved his hands excitedly, as if trying to make Xiao Lin visualize the herb out of thin air.
"Impossible, Little San. How could it possibly have the power of rebirth?"
Xiao Lin was about to argue, but he immediately shut his mouth when he realized how those special abilities corresponded with the Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree.
"So, what is the name of that grass?"
"Dusk Grass, also known as the Yellow Soul Grass."
Tang San softly spoke the name from his previous life. He was only basing this on the descriptions; he didn't actually know if this spirit herb existed in this world.
"Strange name," Xiao Lin commented, silently weighing the possibilities.
First, the Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree side matched up. The Yellow Soul Grass grows in places with vibrant life force. Isn't the Lake of Life located near the core of the Star Dou Forest?
Plus, with a Fierce Beasts like the Myriad Demon King (Wan Yao Wang) among the Evil Eye Demon Tree species, the probability of obtaining a Yellow Soul Grass wasn't low.
The "sounds of the soul"—could that be the sonic wave control?
However, one doubt remained.
What grade of herb was this Yellow Soul Grass?
A spirit herb, or an Immortal Herb?
If Tang San called it a spirit herb, then it shouldn't have the power of rebirth. Even Immortal Herbs couldn't truly achieve such a feat.
Rather than saying the Mutated Evil Eye Demon Tree was the Soul Saint's rebirth, it was more likely that the Martial Soul had undergone a mutation and gained a life of its own.
It was more like the seed left behind after the Blue Silver Empress, Ah Yin, sacrificed herself. Her soul and life force turned into a Soul Ring and Soul Bone, staying with Tang Hao, while that seed was a newborn Blue Silver Empress seed.
It was only later, when Tang San resurrected his mother, that he forced the seed to sprout, using a method akin to possession to bring Ah Yin back. Regardless, Xiao Lin didn't doubt Tang San's words.
If an Immortal Herb appeared on the Douluo Continent that even the locals didn't know about, Xiao Lin felt the probability of Tang San knowing it was extremely high.
"Let's leave it at that for now. When we have our next break, we'll go look for that Yellow Soul Grass seed. This thing might even be able to help your mother recover, Little San."
Xiao Lin smiled slightly and extended his fist.
Tang San was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then he revealed a sun-drenched smile and extended his own fist.
Their fists bumped, sealing their promise.
Xiao Lin smiled inwardly.
He remembered that in the original timeline, Tang San had consumed a massive amount of Sea God's Light and the Sea God's power to resurrect Ah Yin and Xiao Wu.
But in this world, Tang San was specializing in life force; perhaps he wouldn't need the Sea God's Light at all. If that was the case, he would ruthlessly fleece the Sea God for all he was worth to create a super-powered Limit Soul Ring.
Horned Dragon Staff, you better absorb as much as you can.
Right, speaking of Tang San specializing in life force, he might even be able to inherit the God of Life's position.
Then Tang San and Xiao Wu can suck the Sea God's divine power dry. And who knows, the Sea God's power might even help me condense a second Martial Soul.
Already treating the Sea God as a total sucker, Xiao Lin chuckled to himself, eventually laughing out loud right in front of Tang San.
"Brother Lin, what are you laughing about?" Tang San asked, confused.
"Nothing, just thought of something happy."
"I'm telling you, after I broke through to Rank 20, my Vajra Giant Ox Horns evolved."
As he spoke, Xiao Lin gave Tang San a demonstration.
Two large horns slowly grew from the sides of Xiao Lin's forehead. They were marked with several golden spiral patterns, and their length had increased to the size of an index finger.
"The strength enhancement has increased to 2.5 times. By the time I reach Rank 30, it will provide a 3-fold strength boost."
"Also, in terms of soul power storage, it has increased by 20%. From now on, it'll increase by another 20% for every ten ranks. I might even be able to fire soul power lasers soon."
Seeing a hint of envy in Tang San's eyes, Xiao Lin spoke even more proudly.
This was the growth potential of an External Soul Bone.
"In the future, your Brother Lin will definitely find an External Soul Bone for you too."
Xiao Lin patted Tang San's shoulder and laughed heartily.
"Thank you, Brother Lin."
A look of touched emotion appeared on Tang San's face as he quickly thanked him.
Tang San knew Xiao Lin was researching External Soul Bones and Soul Bones in general, and he had absolute faith in Xiao Lin's research.
**
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your support! If you enjoy my work, you can check out my Patreon—there are 80+ early access and exclusive content. I update 5 advanced chapter from Monday-Saturday
www.patreon.com/c/FanficTranslator
I truly appreciate it!