After being at Tian Dou Imperial Academy for about four months, Yang Xiong's soul power had become increasingly solid. Finally, on this afternoon, his entire body felt as if it had been pierced through, and an overwhelming sense of relief washed over him. Yang Xiong finally exhaled deeply.
"Finally reached Level 30—it's right on schedule."
Indeed, he had reached Level 30. Within just half a month of entering Tian Dou Imperial Academy, his cultivation had already reached Level 29, and after another three and a half months of training, he had finally broken through to Level 30.
At this rate, with the use of the Yin-Yang Meditation Technique, his annual progress should reach around four levels. This speed was already comparable to those geniuses born with full innate soul power.
About half a month ago, Ning Rongrong had already reached Level 30, becoming the fifth member of Shrek's eight to achieve the rank of Soul Elder.
Originally, Flender had planned to arrange for everyone to help Ning Rongrong hunt for a soul ring, as they had done before. However, Ning Rongrong politely declined, as her soul ring was arranged by the sect.
After much deliberation, Yang Xiong finally made the decision to give Ning Rongrong the Man-Faced Demon Spider as her third soul ring.
Typically, the third soul ring for a soul master could absorb up to around 1,700 years of soul power. However, this Man-Faced Demon Spider was over 2,000 years old, far beyond what a normal soul master could handle.
But after repeated inquiries, Yang Xiong confirmed that Ning Rongrong had consumed quite a bit of whale glue, especially 1000-year-old (millennium) whale glue, and after verification by Bone Douluo, her body was indeed much stronger than that of an ordinary person.
Millennium whale glue typically allowed absorption of up to 500 additional years of soul power from a soul ring. Since Ning Rongrong had consumed so much, absorbing this Man-Faced Demon Spider's soul ring shouldn't be a problem.
Moreover, for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, the third soul ring often chose a spirit beast with high soul power, making the Man-Faced Demon Spider, a forest predator, an excellent fit.
In Ning Rongrong's small villa, Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, Yang Xiong, and Ning Rongrong were present. Yang Xiong retrieved the nearly lifeless Man-Faced Demon Spider from a soul-guided device capable of storing living creatures.
Spider-type spirit beasts were indeed incredibly resilient. Even though Yang Xiong had captured it months ago, it still hadn't died. One of its eyes glared fiercely, clearly filled with hatred for Yang Xiong, who had tortured it for so long.
Bone Douluo glared furiously at Yang Xiong. "Yang Xiong, you're too reckless! Though this Man-Faced Demon Spider is good, it's over 2,000 years old. How can Rongrong, an auxiliary soul master, possibly handle it?"
Yang Xiong quickly hid behind Ning Rongrong, looking somewhat fearful as he faced Bone Douluo. "Elder Bone, you should know how effective whale glue is at strengthening the body. Rongrong will have no problem absorbing this soul ring. Besides, I've tortured this spider for so long—it might even yield unexpected benefits."
Recently, Yang Xiong had truly become afraid of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Whenever he saw them, he would hide like a quail.
However, these two didn't seem to care. Every few days, they would visit Tian Dou Imperial Academy under the pretext of providing one-on-one combat training for Yang Xiong, their core disciple. Each time, without using their soul power, they would beat Yang Xiong mercilessly and warn him not to tell Ning Rongrong—or else he'd suffer within the sect.
As a result, Yang Xiong endured miserable days, frequently appearing in the group with bruises and swelling all over his face, but he dared not complain in front of these two powerful figures.
That said, sparring with Title Douluos did significantly enhance his combat experience. At least his ability to escape and survive improved, and his endurance against beatings also grew considerably stronger.
---
Before Bone Douluo could say anything, Ning Rongrong spoke first. "Father, haven't we already verified it? Millennium whale glue can increase the absorption limit of a soul ring by about 500 years. I've consumed so much whale glue—absorbing this soul ring won't be a problem. Moreover, I trust Xiao Xiong wouldn't harm me."
Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Rongrong, while our verification of whale glue has been successful, you must understand that absorbing a soul ring beyond your level is extremely painful. And they are battle soul masters, whereas you're an auxiliary soul master."
Ning Rongrong smirked. "Father, you underestimate me. I've been training hard recently, and my physical fitness has improved a lot."
Seeing Ning Rongrong like this, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. But he was also reassured. Compared to before she went to Shrek Academy, Ning Rongrong had lost some of her childishness and now radiated a confident and spirited aura.
Bone Douluo, seeing this, couldn't lash out. Instead, he glared angrily at Yang Xiong. "It's all your fault, Yang Xiong! If anything happens to Rongrong, I'll hang you at the entrance of Tian Dou Imperial Academy."
Yang Xiong protested helplessly. "Elder Bone, didn't you confirm this soul ring yourselves? Why are you blaming me now?"
Seeing Bone Douluo's expression, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly. He was aware of the recent behavior of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, but there was nothing he could do about it. Both used the excuse of venting frustration over Rongrong, though Ning Fengzhi himself also took the opportunity to vent—after all, this young man had really "stolen" his precious daughter.
As expected, the process of Ning Rongrong absorbing the soul ring was excruciatingly painful. Her face turned ghastly pale, causing Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi to worry immensely.
When Ning Rongrong gradually calmed down and opened her eyes, her body seemed to lose control. Eight sharp spider legs suddenly extended from her back, each composed of multiple segments and exceeding one meter in length.
When they first appeared, Ning Rongrong's clothes were torn apart, but before Yang Xiong could get a good look, Bone Douluo quickly covered her with a garment. He then shot Yang Xiong a fierce glare, making Yang Xiong's scalp tingle nervously.
Since officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had spent a lot of time together, but their interactions had been limited to hugging and kissing. This was the first time Yang Xiong had seen Ning Rongrong's body.
After repeated confirmation from Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi, they determined that the spider legs extending from Ning Rongrong's back were external soul bones from the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Not only were they highly toxic, but they were also extremely powerful—a top-tier external soul bone.
Both men were overjoyed. With this, Ning Rongrong was no longer a defenseless auxiliary soul master; she could now be considered a battle soul master.
However, they specifically warned Ning Rongrong not to use the external soul bones unless absolutely necessary—the world of soul masters was still too dangerous.
Initially, Yang Xiong had considered absorbing the Eight Spider Soul Bones himself. After all, this soul bone was far more powerful than anyone had imagined, especially with its ability to devour.
Unfortunately, after careful observation, Yang Xiong realized that his Xuanming Armor had fully evolved, completely encasing his ribs and spine. It was likely impossible for him to absorb any additional external soul bones on his back. Moreover, external soul bones needed to be absorbed simultaneously with soul rings, and Yang Xiong didn't want to waste his third soul ring. In the end, he decided to give it to Ning Rongrong.
---
After reaching Level 30, Yang Xiong immediately contacted Lin Gong, preparing to make a trip to the Sunset Forest.
Even after coming to Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Lin Gong continued to secretly protect Yang Xiong. However, he had been much more relaxed lately. The safety of Tian Dou Imperial Academy was far superior to that of Shrek Academy. Especially after Yang Xiong was beaten by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, Lin Gong always liked to come out and mock him.
Since their last appearance in the Star Dou Forest, Lin Gong had stopped hiding. He now walked openly in the village, dressed like an ordinary person rather than wearing soul master attire.
The two even drank and chatted together occasionally. Whenever Yang Xiong felt troubled, drinking and fooling around helped him relax.
Compared to the others at Shrek Academy, Yang Xiong found Lin Gong, the teacher who had watched him grow up, much more approachable. At least this old man was interesting.
On the carriage ride from Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Lin Gong still wore a dark expression, and Yang Xiong knew he was upset with him.
Yang Xiong said helplessly, "Teacher Lin, can you stop thinking so much? It feels like I owe you a lot."
Lin Gong snorted coldly. "You little troublemaker—not only did you steal away the talented Rongrong, but you also dragged Qin Shuang into this mess. You've taken my two best students, and I haven't beaten you yet!"
Yang Xiong was speechless. "It's not my fault. These were all Sect Leader Ning's arrangements. If you want to blame someone, blame his decisions."
Lin Gong shot Yang Xiong a glare. "Don't think you can suppress me with Sect Leader Ning. If it weren't for those two old guys, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, do you think I wouldn't dare beat Ning Fengzhi? If it weren't for worrying about your safety, I'd have left long ago."
Yang Xiong was puzzled. "Teacher Lin, can't Sect Leader Ning command you?"
A cold smile appeared on Lin Gong's lips. "I repaid my debt to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Tile Sect long ago. If it weren't for you, this little troublemaker, why would I have come out? Staying home is much more comfortable."
"Besides, didn't I tell you? In the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Tile Sect, I'm only considered a guest elder. Those other elders can't control me, and even Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo have to treat me with respect."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment. "Teacher Lin, what's the relationship between you and Dragon Duke? It seems like you two are familiar, but last time you seemed to clash."
Lin Gong fell silent for a long time, as if recalling past events. After a while, he slowly spoke. "Back then, Dragon Duke and I roamed the soul master world together. We were close friends, but we eventually parted ways due to some disagreements. Back then, our fame surpassed even the Golden Iron Triangle—we were their seniors."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong's mind raced. Lin Gong and Dragon Duke were both in their seventies or eighties, much older than Yu Xiaogang and the others. Could there be some kind of love-hate relationship between them?
The carriage soon arrived at the outskirts of the Sunset Forest. Lin Gong asked curiously, "Xiao Xiong, what kind of soul ring are you looking for your third soul ring? What year range do you want?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "You're my teacher. Can't you guess what I might choose?"
Lin Gong replied, "You've always been mysterious and cunning. I estimate your third soul ring will be around 3,000 years, but I can't guess what kind of spirit beast it will be."
"Still, I find it strange. There aren't many top-tier spirit beasts in the Sunset Forest, and you didn't go to the Star Dou Forest. You must have already set your sights on a specific spirit beast."
Yang Xiong laughed. "Teacher, you know me well. The last time I came to the Sunset Forest, I encountered that spirit beast. It even chased me for an entire day—you should remember it."
Lin Gong was startled. "How is that possible? That spirit beast is extremely rare and powerful, but its attributes don't match yours at all. It's over 4,000 years old, maybe even older. Don't be reckless."
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