The Glory of the Sun and Moon in the Peerless Tang Sect

Xu Zihuang explained to Dai Luoli, "The only thing we need to consider now is that this Thunder Roar's cultivation level has exceeded five thousand years, so absorbing it might be a bit difficult. But with the Xuanwu Divine Pill I gave you last time, your physical condition is definitely not a problem. However, you need to keep your mind clear during the process of absorbing the soul ring, and that's up to you."

“Brother Yu, I understand.” Dai Luoli nodded firmly.

"I will definitely succeed in completing the fusion."

"Good! That's ambitious!" Li Yongyue praised, extending his right hand to give Dai Luoli a heavy pat on the shoulder.

"Watch Brother Li help you take down this Roaring Thunder."

As soon as Li Yongyue said this, he suddenly remembered Zhang Lexuan's earlier reprimand of Wang Qiu'er, and the smile on his face froze instantly.

"Senior Sister..."

“Zhen Tianhou’s innate soul skill is troublesome. Tianhuang, you will cooperate with Li Yongyue.” Zhang Lexuan smiled slightly, looking no different from usual. There was none of the sternness she had shown when scolding Wang Qiu’er earlier.

"Senior Li."

Xu Zihuang, understanding the unspoken message, reminded Li Yongyue, his deep purple eyes instantly turning a brilliant gold. His gaze sharpened, and a strange, dark red ripple swept across his eyes. At the same time, a crisp, shattering sound abruptly rang out.

The roaring beast, which had been growling softly, suddenly stopped. Its eyes revealed a human-like look of terror and pain. It made a series of roaring motions, but strangely, it could not utter a sound.

Li Yongyue was taken aback at first, but quickly reacted. In a flash, his moon blade multiplied into hundreds. The next instant, he appeared behind the Roaring Thunder, whose movements were completely frozen, blood gushing from its numerous wounds, before it collapsed to the ground.

Li Yongyue whispered, "Luo Li!"

"Yes!" Dai Luoli quickly released her martial spirit and stepped forward. Her right hand slammed down, and the blood-red tiger claw pierced into the head of Zhentianhou.

A magnificent, deep purple soul ring slowly condensed and took shape on the corpse of the Roaring Thunder.

Without hesitation, Dai Luoli immediately sat down cross-legged and used her soul power to guide the soul ring to begin merging with herself.

Everyone gathered around Dai Luoli. Li Yongyue was on Xu Zihuang's other side, and he nodded slightly to Xu Zihuang. He could see what Yu Tianhuang had just done; he had clearly used a soul skill to destroy the vocal cords of the Roaring Thunder.

Xu Zihuang returned the smile to Li Yongyue.

For Soul Masters, the most likely outcome of killing a Soul Beast and absorbing its Soul Ring is obtaining the Soul Beast's strongest innate Soul Skill. Although the Soul Skill will change somewhat after a Soul Beast's Soul Ring combines with different Martial Souls, the core essence remains largely the same. The more powerful the Soul Master's Martial Soul, the more likely the Soul Skill gained from absorbing the Soul Ring will undergo a positive transformation.

This is the case with Dai Luoli.

As Xu Zihuang said, the soul skill attached to Dai Luoli's fourth soul ring is based on the Thunder Roar, but this range-wide sonic soul skill also incorporates the effect of mental attribute attacks.

Not only Dai Luoli, but everyone except Zhang Lexuan and Ning Tian, ​​who did not need to acquire soul rings for advancement, gained a lot from this trip.

Having absorbed the effects of the Xuanwu Divine Pill, the potential within Dai Luoli's Martial Soul Origin was further stimulated, resulting in a significant improvement in her physical attributes and mental strength. Although the Thunder Roar's cultivation level was around 5,500 years, Dai Luoli absorbed its Soul Ring in less than three hours.

Throughout the process, several soul beasts approached, but they were all beings that posed no threat to the group.

With the absorption of Dai Luoli's spirit ring complete, their journey through the Star Dou Great Forest came to a successful conclusion. Without lingering in the Star Dou Great Forest, Zhang Lexuan immediately led everyone in a retreat.

Wang Qiu'er remained as sullen as ever, refusing to interact with anyone. The impression she left on everyone was far from good, and coupled with her aloof and unapproachable demeanor, naturally no one would want to provoke her.

After traveling for half a day, the group finally returned to Shrek Academy that night.

Everyone returned to Seagod Island and parted ways. Xu Zihuang, however, was taken by Elder Song to the Seagod Pavilion to see Elder Xuan.

In the main hall on the first floor of the Sea God Pavilion, just like last time, there were only Elder Xuan, Elder Song, and Xu Zihuang.

Elder Xuan sat at the head of the table, his wine gourd placed beside him. However, judging from his appearance, he had clearly tidied himself up after learning that Elder Song and Yu Tianhuang were coming.

He and Old Song, who sat at the head of the table on the right, listened quietly as Xu Zihuang recounted the events of killing the Zhongli brothers and capturing the Thunder Beast. The Thunder Beast sat motionless on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, behaving very obediently.

After a long while, Elder Xuan sighed sadly.

"Three evil soul masters with the cultivation level of Soul Douluo. Elder Mu is right, those evil soul masters have indeed become a force to be reckoned with."

What weighed heavily on his mind was that the Dragon Emperor Douluo, Long Xiaoyao, was very likely standing behind that group of evil soul masters.

"In the near future, we will likely face considerable trouble. We will discuss these evil soul masters in detail at the next Sea God Pavilion meeting. Evil soul masters of this level are beyond the capabilities of ordinary members of the inspection team. We must be cautious. Tianhuang, tell us about the ability you obtained from the Thunderous Hell Vine."

Revealing everything about the soul would easily uncover more secrets, such as Ye Guyi's true identity. But given the current situation, Xu Zihuang had no choice but to reveal some things.

He had already prepared these explanations on his way back to Shrek Academy.

Xu Zihuang met Elder Xuan's gaze and his words stirred up a storm.

“Elder Xuan, that Thunderous Hell Vine with 100,000 years of cultivation actually merged with me on its own initiative.”

"What?!" Elder Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. Elder Song, standing beside him, also looked thoughtful.

Xu Zihuang continued to explain, "Because the Thunderous Hell Vine knew it couldn't break through the 100,000-year bottleneck, rather than perish in the lightning tribulation, it chose to take a gamble. While preserving its spiritual consciousness, it actively merged with me. Perhaps the Thunderous Hell Vine is a special kind of soul beast; it seems I can control it in the form of an energy body. My ability to absorb lightning power was obtained in this way."

Elder Xuan and Elder Song both fell silent, but the light in their eyes grew stronger and stronger.

"If this method can be popularized, it might actually alleviate the tension between human soul masters and soul beasts," Old Song couldn't help but sigh.

Elder Xuan shook his head with a wry smile.

"However, the vast majority of soul beasts are extremely hostile to us humans, and this situation is too difficult to replicate. Moreover, it is currently unknown whether the spiritual consciousness of that Thunderous Hell Vine can be preserved intact. There are too many uncertainties involved."

Then Xu Zihuang made another promise to Elder Xuan and Elder Song.

"No, Elder Xuan. I can sense that the spirit of the Thunderous Hell Vine is being nurtured in my sea of ​​consciousness, and its recovery should not be a problem. Moreover, I have a faint feeling that when it awakens, it may grant me a second soul ring."

"Tianhuang, are you sure?!" Elder Xuan and Elder Song's gazes instantly focused on Xu Zihuang. The aura that erupted in an instant made even the thunder beast with a cultivation of nearly 100,000 years tremble.

Although Xu Zihuang knew that soul spirits could grant their hosts multiple soul rings, before the soul spirit system was fully developed, only soul beasts with over 100,000 years of cultivation could possess such an ability. Like the Snow Empress, the Ice Bear King Xiaobai, and the Eight-Cornered Mystic Ice Grass from his past life memories.

When the Thunderous Hell Vine merged with him, it wasn't a true 100,000-year-old soul beast. Therefore, he wasn't sure if it could grant him another soul ring.

"Elder Xuan, I cannot give a definite answer yet. I will only know for sure once the Thunderous Hell Vine's spiritual consciousness recovers. However, I can confirm that there is a method to this special fusion. I can record the details and hand them over to the academy for them to try and experiment with."

His words did not seem to be false. He would indeed pass on the method of soul fusion to Shrek Academy in the future, but only if he had unified the continent by then and Shrek Academy no longer held its current transcendent status.

Upon hearing Xu Zihuang's words, Elder Xuan and Elder Song's eyes lit up again. They exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.

Elder Xuan said with satisfaction, "The fusion between the Thunderous Hell Vine and you was formed under special circumstances. I think the fact that the Thunderous Hell Vine's spiritual consciousness could be preserved must be related to your powerful mental strength. Ordinary soul masters might not be able to do that. But if this research can continue, perhaps one day it can truly replace soul rings. In any case, at least we have a direction for research."

“However, Tianhuang, you don’t need to think too much about it now. It’s not too late to record it after the Thunderous Hell Vine’s consciousness awakens and there are more references. Now I have something else to tell you.”

"Elder Xuan, are you referring to Senior Brother Bei and his group representing the Tang Sect in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament?" Xu Zihuang asked instinctively.

Old Master Xuan chuckled.

"It seems you've heard something from Bei Bei. That's right, in the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, Bei Bei and the others might represent the Tang Sect. We'll have to hear their specific plans. As for you, you'll be representing the academy as the captain of this year's Shrek Academy team. The rules for this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament have been changed; the age limit remains under twenty, but it now allows participation from all major sects on the continent, making it the Continental Youth Soul Master Tournament."

"The number of participating teams in this year's All-Continent Youth Soul Master Competition will increase significantly, and the competition will be even more intense."

"Elder Xuan, rest assured. With me here, the Shrek Team is invincible." Xu Zihuang's arrogant words sounded perfectly natural.

“I have never doubted that,” Elder Xuan replied with a chuckle, before his expression turned serious again.

"However, I have a bad feeling about the Sun Moon Empire suddenly changing the competition rules. If anything unexpected happens, remember to prioritize your own safety. Le Xuan will be leading the team, so discuss things with her. We will also be following them secretly."

"Alright, Tianhuang, you should go back and rest early too. That thunder beast has nearly 100,000 years of cultivation after all, so don't let it cause any trouble."

Fortunately, Yu Tianhuang's abilities were able to completely suppress the Thunder Beast. If it were anyone else, Elder Xuan would never have allowed him to run around Shrek City with a soul beast of this level.

This would not only endanger himself but also threaten the people in Shrek City.

"Yes!" Xu Zihuang respectfully bowed to Elder Xuan and Elder Song before turning and leaving the Sea God Pavilion.

The cool moonlight and starlight poured down, like a hazy veil shrouding the entire Poseidon Island.

Ning Tian had been waiting outside the Sea God Pavilion. When he saw Xu Zihuang walk out of the Sea God Pavilion, he quickly went to greet him.

"Tianhuang, what do Elder Xuan and the others want you to do with this Thunder Beast?"

"Elder Xuan said to just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't cause any trouble." Xu Zihuang embraced Ning Tian naturally, smiled gently, and flew out of Shrek Academy.

The Thunder Beast, which had been trembling in fear of Elder Xuan, seemed to have instantly regained its vitality. Perched on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, it wagged its tail obsequiously at Ning Tian.

"Squeak!"

Ning Tian extended her slender fingers and gently tapped the Thunder Beast's head a few times with a smile in her eyes.

The Thunder Beast was only so close to her and Yu Tianhuang, making her feel like the mistress of the house.

That mouse is really good at it.

Chapter 365 The Continental Youth Soul Master Tournament and Two Teams

In that relatively relaxed state, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian spent a whole month of vacation at Shrek Academy.

Of course, given their backgrounds and experiences, neither of them were people without self-control. They did not neglect their cultivation in their spare time.

After the holidays, the early spring season, when everything comes back to life, is approaching, and Shrek Academy is once again recruiting new students. It's noticeable that Shrek City is more lively than ever before.

Especially in the bustling commercial district of the southern part of the city, as far as the eye can see, there are crowds of people everywhere.

In the heart of Shrek South City, the Nine Treasures Pavilion is undoubtedly the most magnificent structure in the area. The nine-story pagoda exceeds fifty meters in height. Its luxurious decorations are a complete replica of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul. Each of the nine stories is adorned with a dazzling array of gemstones.

Above the top floor of the Nine Treasures Pavilion, there is a spacious rooftop terrace. It cannot be reached directly by the soul-guided elevator within the pavilion; one must climb the stairs in the main hall on the top floor.

This place also became a private area for Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian, ​​where they could not be touched by outsiders.

The overall layout of the rooftop is similar to that of the main hall on the top floor, only on a smaller scale.

In the center of the rooftop, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian sat facing each other. On the table was a pot of fresh soup that was being heated continuously, surrounded by stacks of clearly textured slices of meat and seafood that had been promptly transported from the coastal area, all incredibly fresh.

The two enjoyed their leisurely lunch.

The Thunder Beast darted among a tray filled with nuts, making cheerful noises.

"Squeak!"

After nearly a month of interaction, Xu Zihuang could see that although the Thunder Beast was quite intelligent, its nature was still relatively simple. After all, the Thunder Beast was a being standing at the top of the soul beast pyramid, and under the same cultivation level, only a few types of soul beasts could rival it.

Soul beasts that can rival it rarely provoke Thunder Beasts.

Don't be fooled by the incredibly docile demeanor of this thunder beast in front of Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian; in reality, they are far from being good-natured soul beasts. Once truly provoked, they are even willing to self-destruct and perish together with their enemies.

For various reasons, the Thunder Beasts' growth path is almost always smooth sailing. They don't need to use tricks or schemes; their formidable strength alone is enough for them to live comfortably in various spirit beast settlements.

Xu Zihuang picked up a slice of cooked meat and placed it in Ning Tian's bowl. Then, as if he had thought of something, he suddenly asked a question.

"I think the news that your martial soul has evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda should have already reached the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. How come no one in your Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has come to confirm this news until now? You are the second person in tens of thousands of years to possess the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul."

"Actually, I recorded these things using a recording soul tool before, and Feng Mei brought them back to the sect not long ago." Ning Tian smiled sweetly, and a charming blush appeared on her pretty face as she spoke.

"Furthermore, I asked Fengmei to tell the family that I will take you home with me after this year's All-Continent Youth Soul Master Tournament. You promised before."

Xu Zihuang then understood and shook his head with a wry smile.

“I remember. But there are still more than two months until the start of the Continental Youth Soul Master Competition, so it will be at least three months before I can go back to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School with you. I know about your family situation, so I can go back whenever I want.”

Ning Tian gazed at Xu Zihuang, her moist eyes welling up with tears, and her slightly parted red lips, which looked a little shy.