111 Chapter 104: It Seems I'm No Longer a Spirit Beast...Yay!

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In the battle between Xiao Wu and Huo Wu, it was ultimately Huo Wu who emerged victorious.

The reason was simple: Huo Wu had more soul power.

In reality, soul masters like Huo Wu could only rely on a slight advantage in soul power to defeat Xiao Wu, which demonstrated Xiao Wu's strength as a disruptive assassin-type soul master.

It also proved a point: no matter how powerful your attacks are, if you can't hit your target, they're useless.

Of course, attacks like those capable of covering vast areas or even destroying a star with a single strike were exceptions.

"Hu!" Huo Wu cursed, despite her victory. She had no sense of satisfaction at all.

As a Soul Sage, having to rely on a slightly higher soul power to defeat a Soul Sage at the thirty-level range like Xiao Wu left her feeling entirely unaccomplished.

"Don't blame me for this," Tang San shook his head. "There's always a situation of mutual restraint between soul masters of different systems. Xiao Wu has undergone my training. Considering you're a Soul Sage and could still achieve this level, it's already quite impressive."

Under Tang San's guidance, Xiao Wu was not the same as the original "explosive device", possessing extraordinary combat abilities of her own. With her quick reflexes, even though she didn't have a soul skill with outstanding offensive capabilities yet, she could still compete with most Soul Masters on the Douluo Continent, even those at the Soul Ancestor level.

That Huo Wu could win with the Sun Goddess Martial Soul and her thirty-second level of soul power was already commendable.

Afterward, the five of them packed up their belongings and headed out of the central area of the Infinite Abyss Desert.

Using the Blue Silver Emperor, Tang San constructed a Blue Silver Boat and brought everyone to the center of the circular lake. Once they located the underwater cave entrance, Tang San wrapped the Blue Silver Boat into a huge ball, with two layers, allowing water to fill the outer layer before beginning the descent.

Boom! Breaking through the cave entrance, they descended into emptiness below. Tang San retracted the Blue Silver Emperor while the Phoenix followed suit, landing safely with Tang San and the others.

Surveying their surroundings, Huo Wu remarked, "This doesn't seem like the passage we took here."

"The passages leading to the core area of the Infinite Abyss Desert have multiple routes. It's not surprising," the Fire Phoenix said. "As long as we've confirmed the direction when we leave, if there are no major issues, taking another passage to leave won't lead us astray."

The five of them ran forward, but even after a day, they hadn't reached the end of the passage.

Boom!

Sensing the roaring sound behind them, Tang San realized that the opening time of the core area was ending, and the water would descend again. If they didn't get out soon, they'd be crushed.

"It seems running won't get us out of here. Our speed definitely can't match the speed of the water rushing in," Tang San said, releasing the Blue Silver Emperor to weave a large ball that could encase all five of them. Then he secured himself and the others inside the Blue Silver Ball, saying, "With this Blue Silver Ball, we can withstand the impact of the rushing water. Even if we're carried out by the water, it might be a bit rough..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the Blue Silver Ball was already being jolted by the rushing water, tumbling incessantly. Even a Soul Emperor like the Phoenix felt like her insides were being churned up.

Guang Ling, Xiao Wu, and Huo Wu even fainted directly.

Ten minutes later, Tang San and the Fire Phoenix, the only two still conscious, felt the area within the Blue Silver Ball stabilize. Tang San immediately controlled the Blue Silver Emperor to open it.

Spewing out, under the stimulation of fresh air, Xiao Wu and the others regained consciousness, but they all looked pale, huddled by the side of the boat Tang San was weaving, starting to vomit.

After a while, they began to regain some color.

"This was thrilling, but I definitely don't want to experience it again," Xiao Wu said.

Huo Wu vigorously nodded. "I feel the same. I hate water and ice the most."

After resting for a while and regaining some spirits, they began paddling towards the shore of the lake.

"This isn't the Oasis we hoped for," the Phoenix observed the greenery along the lake and the yellow-black rocks, then said slowly, "We've arrived at the outer area of the Infinite Abyss Desert. Unexpectedly, even the outer area has a passage leading to the core area. No wonder we ran for nearly a day and still didn't reach the end."

As they sighed with relief, they also felt a sense of danger.

If it weren't for the Blue Silver Grass Tang San created protecting them, they would have all perished under the impact of those hidden currents.

"How are the people from the Star Crown Sect going to leave?" Huo Wu asked curiously.

"I'm not sure about the Imperial family, the Holy Dragon Sect, and even that civilian Soul Hunting Team, but the Star Crown Sect has more information about the core area than we do. They must have some preparations," the Fire Phoenix shook her head. "No need to worry about them; the Star Crown Sect and our Huo Clan are not allies to begin with. It's better if they die."

Once ashore, seeing that it was already dark, they decided to rest for the night.

The next day.

Tang San and the others, along with the Fire Phoenix and Huo Wu, found a town in the outer area and confirmed their location, finally feeling relieved.

"Tang San, are you really not coming with us to the Blazing Academy?" Huo Wu seemed reluctant. "Although the Blazing Academy only accepts fire attribute Soul Masters, talents like you could make an exception."

"No, I have my own plans. This experience has taught me a lot, and I need time to digest it," Tang San smiled and refused.

In the future, he definitely had to join an advanced Soul Master academy, considering the vast resources and knowledge there.

The three best options were the Royal Academy of Tian Dou, the Royal Academy of Xing Luo, and the Hall of Martial Souls.

The Royal Academy of Xing Luo was out of the question; it was too far away, and its fierce atmosphere wouldn't suit his research.

The Hall of Martial Souls undoubtedly had the most extensive collection of books and information on the entire continent, but considering his identity and his strength not yet being at the level to surpass Hao Tian, he couldn't choose it.

That left only the Royal Academy of Tian Dou.

Although it was a noble academy, with students mostly from the royal family and nobles, they also recruited exceptional commoners. As long as their talents were recognized by the three teaching commissioners, they could enter and study there.

Of course, the Royal Academy of Tian Dou was only a backup plan. If his strength could match that of Tang Hao, he could directly go to the Hall of Martial Souls. After all, hadn't he severed his father-son relationship with Tang Hao?

"When you graduate from the elementary academy, come to Tian Dou City, and I'll take you around, introducing you to the high-level Soul Master acad

emies suitable for you," Huo Wu said with some disappointment. "Although it's a pity, your nature is open-minded. You won't be too saddened by this."

The two groups parted ways after leaving the town in the outer area of the Infinite Abyss Desert.

On the carriage, Xiao Wu asked, "Tang San, what abilities did your third spirit ring bring to your martial soul? And what soul skills did it bring?"

"As I expected, the Day Moon Grass gave my martial soul the ability to absorb the light of the sun and moon, and—" Tang San said halfway, then opened his right hand. A Blue Silver Emperor emerged, and nine golden-veined leaves spread out, emitting a bead similar to the Day Moon Grass, with the apparent rotation of the sun and moon within it, incredibly mystical.

"Is that a bead for storing energy?" Xiao Wu asked.

"Yes, my Blue Silver Grass inherited the Sun Moon Grass's energy storage ability, giving birth to this bead. I call it the Bright Pearl. It can store the radiance of the sun and moon as well as the power of the earth," Tang San explained. "More importantly, this ability enhances my second soul skill, allowing me to use both positive and negative buff seeds simultaneously."

As he spoke, Tang San used his second soul skill.

With the flickering of purple soul rings, the Bright Pearl in the Blue Silver Emperor emitted a trace of sun and moon radiance, combining with the Blue Silver Grass's tiny seeds, condensing into two peculiar rings.

One was gold, with ten patterns resembling streams of light around it; the other was silver, with one side wide and the other narrow, like a crescent moon connected end to end.

"The golden one is the positive buff ring, and the silver one is the negative buff ring. Once a marked soul master uses it, it will persist until the buffs stop, continuously affecting them," Tang San said. "In this way, the wind won't blow away, because the radiance is mixed in it. How can the wind blow away light?"

"Of course, after the endless grassland forms, the seeds formed by positive and negative buffs will still float around randomly and won't all gather onto these two rings."

"In short, these two rings serve as a more precise marker for when I use positive and negative buff soul skills, allowing me to simultaneously enhance my side while weakening the opponent's."

Xiao Wu was amazed. "And what about the soul skill? Is it also energy storage?"

Tang San's third spirit ring lit up, and the surrounding light seemed to converge, forming a golden-silver ring above the Blue Silver Emperor.

The gold and silver flowed on it, as if there were some kind of rhythm within it, mesmerizing those who looked at it for too long.

Coming back to her senses, Xiao Wu asked, "Is this your third soul skill?"

"Exactly," Tang San nodded. "When using my third soul skill, my martial soul will condense a ring of sun and moon, absorbing the power of the light, continuously strengthening my martial soul, and even passively strengthening my body alongside."

"Although the efficiency isn't high, it does exist."

"I call it Photosynthesis."

"This is an auxiliary soul skill for cultivation, usable by myself or others. Depending on the consumption of soul power, if used on someone else, it lasts for about an hour, but that duration should increase as my cultivation improves."

Xiao Wu's eyes widened. "And it can be used on others? That's unbelievable!"

Indeed, it was unbelievable.

But considering the Blue Silver Grass had evolved into the Blue Silver Emperor, and with the help of the Golden Tree, this ability wasn't too far-fetched.

Furthermore, if he set up the endless grassland before using the third soul skill, the duration could be even longer.

Next, Xiao Wu and Guang Ling began to test the effectiveness of Photosynthesis. They found that during cultivation, the rate of soul power improvement was significantly increased, about three times the usual efficiency.

However, Tang San judged that different attributes of martial souls might have different rates of improvement under the effect of Photosynthesis, but the difference could generally be neglected.

With his martial soul being of the darkness attribute, Tang San estimated that his Photosynthesis might not only fail to increase the cultivation speed but also potentially decrease it.

"However, this skill requires the use of Sun Moon Radiance, not just abundant soul power," Tang San pointed out the flaw of this soul skill. "With the accumulation of Sun Moon Radiance I have now, coupled with the external Sun and moonlight, I can only produce about twelve Photosynthesis rings a day."

"More than enough," Xiao Wu rolled her eyes. "Don't you know that soul power cultivation can't be carried out all day long? Most people can't endure more than two hours of cultivation; their bodies can't take it."

Cultivating soul power is, in fact, a tedious task, and if the cultivation time is too long, it can be harmful to the body.

Tang San understood that this was because most soul masters had weak bodies and fragile meridians. Meditation required the concentration of most of one's mental energy, which could be exhausting.

To some extent, this also tested the self-control of soul masters.

"If one cannot withstand boredom and loneliness, they cannot gain true strength. How can they become a truly strong Soul Master?"

  "In the blink of an eye, half a month quietly passed by."

  "After returning to Nuoding City, Xiao Wu immediately requested leave from Tang San and the teachers of Nuoding Academy, preparing to obtain her third soul ring..."

  "..."

  "Core area of the Star Dou Great Forest."

  "By the clear lake."

  Under the guidance of Dadou and Erming, Xiao Wu returned here once again and met Emperor Tian.

  "Haven't you brought him back?"

  Emperor Tian's tone was deep, showing neither joy nor anger, but with a strong sense of oppression, making Xiao Wu feel a bit breathless.

  "I went with him to the Infinite Desert. His third soul ring can only be found there. I couldn't force him to come over." Xiao Wu gave her reason, but cursed Emperor Tian a hundred times in her heart, thinking that when she became stronger, she would teach this unruly dragon a lesson and let him understand who the real boss of the Star Dou Great Forest was!

  "His third soul ring comes from that soul beast?" Emperor Tian continued to ask.

  "Sun-Moon Grass."

  "That indeed only grows in desert environments." Emperor Tian nodded, then asked again, "Your physique seems to have strengthened slightly, and you also carry a strange life aura... Where did you and that person go in the Infinite Desert?"

  "To the core area." Xiao Wu knew that the matter of the core area of the Infinite Desert might not be concealed from Emperor Tian and the others, so she told the truth, "We encountered the Golden Tree of Life."

  "The Golden Tree of Life!"

  Emperor Tian was surprised, then frowned, "The Golden Tree of Life is the most precious plant. It's not a plant soul beast, but it can purify the energy of heaven and earth, and even be said to be a carrier of the will of the plane. You were able to see it, obviously there is great fortune, but how did you both survive?"

  Biji asked in confusion, "Why do you say that?"

  "I have traveled the entire world before and been to the Infinite Desert. In its core area, there is an extremely powerful storm, with sand and dust covering everything. Even I found it difficult to break through."

  Emperor Tian spoke of his travels across the continent in his early years, "One hundred thousand years ago, I once tried to force my way in, but after barely breaking through, what awaited me was thousands of steel monsters. They had no life aura, but were extremely powerful, capable of releasing attacks comparable to ultimate elemental attacks, with extremely strong penetrative power."

  "Under the cover of thousands of attacks, I almost died. After that, I slept for ten thousand years before recovering."

  Biji also realized something and said, "No wonder when you came back one hundred thousand years ago, you fell into a deep sleep. Ziji and the others thought you had encountered some terrifying enemy."

  Xiao Wu was shocked inwardly, thinking: Those giant soul-powered mechas are so powerful?

  "Tell me, how did you both manage to enter safely?" Emperor Tian asked, "And how did you resist the attacks of those terrifying steel monsters?"

  "Here's what happened..." Xiao Wu explained how the core area of the Infinite Desert dissipates once every hundred years. She felt disdain for these savage beasts in her heart.

  What's the point of having nearly nine hundred thousand years of cultivation? You get hit once and then run back to the forest, never thinking about going out again? Yet humans have figured out the pattern of the sandstorm dissipating every hundred years!

  "[San Ge put it quite euphemistically... Soul beasts are so stupid. Fortunately, I've already transformed and am not that stupid anymore.]"

  Xiao Wu felt somewhat proud in her heart and then said, "Lord Beast God, I came back this time to condense my soul ring."

  "Go ahead."

  "Okay."

  Xiao Wu happily jumped onto Dadou's shoulder and was taken to the center of the lake by him to begin condensing her third soul ring.

  "Emperor Tian, there is actually a Golden Tree of Life in the core area of the Infinite Desert. It is the Tree of Life. We might as well go there, bring it back, and plant it beside the Lake of Life. Maybe it will help the Lord recover faster." Xiong Jun rubbed his fists and palms, expressing his opinion.

  "We can't enter, and even if we did, it would be difficult to resist those steel monsters. Let's wait another hundred years before going to take a look." Emperor Tian had been seriously injured once and still felt lingering fear.

  "That's true, just another hundred years." Xiong Jun wasn't stupid. He knew that if the monsters that had injured Emperor Tian ten thousand years ago were capable of doing so, he wouldn't fare any better and might even be killed.

  Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, utilizing the origin of her nearly one hundred thousand years of cultivation, found information on the Dragon Rabbit and condensed her third soul ring, a ring of nearly six thousand years.

  "Hmm?"

  Emperor Tian suddenly sensed a trace of Dragon Clan bloodline appearing on Xiao Wu's body, and his brows furrowed slightly, "To condense your third soul ring, which type of rabbit soul beast did you use?"

  "A extinct rabbit-type soul beast, the Dragon Rabbit, suits me well and has given me a skill called True Spirit Bone." Xiao Wu answered truthfully.

  "True Spirit Bone, Dragon Rabbit..." Emperor Tian's gaze softened a bit, "That's a peculiar soul beast. It doesn't aim to transform into a dragon but wants to concentrate all Dragon Clan bloodlines on its spine, aiming to rival the Dragon Clan and surpass it. And it succeeded, but unfortunately, they are extinct."

  Xiao Wu was speechless.

  Then, Emperor Tian continued, "However, the Soft Bone Rabbit clan is one of the descendants left behind by the Dragon Rabbit. After reaching a certain cultivation age, they can display abilities similar to the Golden Body, which is the evolution of the Dragon Rabbit's True Spirit Bone ability. You've traced your roots well, making the True Spirit Bone reappear."

  "It is said that the last member of the Dragon Rabbit clan, with a cultivation of one hundred thousand years, used the True Spirit Bone to resist the heavenly tribulation, directly dispersing the tribulation aimed at us savage beasts."

  "But in the state of True Spirit Bone, his aura increased greatly, almost reaching three hundred thousand years. After dispersing the tribulation, he directly attracted the next heavenly tribulation, and then was destroyed by the tribulation, not even leaving behind a bone."

  Xiao Wu: "..."

  What a terrifying and horrifying story!

  But then, I'm not a soul beast anymore...

  Yeah!

  "Oh, I'll teach you a method to hide the aura of a hundred thousand-year-old soul beast." Emperor Tian was silent for a moment, then said, "It's safer even in the human world."

  "Is it difficult?"

  "Not difficult, you've even grasped a bit of it yourself, which is to use the aura of a human..."

  (End of this chapter)