Li Shen watched the battle unfold with gleaming eyes, utterly captivated.
Flames erupted against dark fur, shockwaves thundered through the forest, and every collision between Ling Yuan and the beast echoed like titans clashing in a cosmic arena. Yet, what truly stunned Li Shen wasn't just her formidable strength—it was the terrifying resilience and tactical prowess of the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear.
Despite Ling Yuan being a Level 95 Titled Douluo—a pinnacle where most could obliterate any spirit beast under 60,000 years with a single spirit skill—this bear, merely 23,980 years old, was not only surviving but holding its own in full combat.
And it wasn't just raw power.
The bear unleashed its innate spirit skills: Heaven Tearing Slash, massive claws glowing with metallic luster, generating slashing shockwaves that cleaved the earth and scorched ancient trees. Its Darkgold Armor Skin rippled under fire strikes, absorbing impact after impact. The Terraclaw Rampage—its berserker charge—plowed through flame walls and elemental chains like a juggernaut.
This was no ordinary spirit beast.
"It's using everything it has—and it's still holding ground against her?" Li Shen muttered, eyes wide with a potent blend of awe and adrenaline.
The earth shook again as the bear roared and leapt upward, intercepting Ling Yuan mid-air with a spiraling claw attack, forcing her to pivot mid-flight and counter with a blazing wing shield. Flames and golden sparks exploded across the sky.
"No wonder even dragons steer clear of this beast," he murmured, heart pounding with respect.
Mentally, he summoned his system interface.
"System, provide detailed analysis on this bear's attributes."
The response arrived with pinpoint efficiency:
[Host, the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear possesses the Ultimate Attributes of Gold and Power. It is a pure attack-type beast.]
[An adult Terrorclaw Bear can tear open dragon scales using physical strength alone.]
[This specimen exhibits combat intelligence and skill synergy rarely seen in sub-30,000-year-old beasts.]
Li Shen's breath caught.
Ultimate Gold attribute... pure attack type... capable of ripping dragon scale armor? Even more, intelligent enough to coordinate its skills against a Titled Douluo?
A slow, confident grin spread across his face.
"Perfect."
This wasn't just a target for a spirit ring—it was a potential cornerstone summon, a future combat partner and weapon of overwhelming might. If he could tame it… no, forge a bond with it—this Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear would become a game-changing asset.
But he knew the stakes.
A beast like this wouldn't submit unless it was on the brink of death—and even then, only to someone worthy of its respect and power.
Li Shen crouched lower behind the boulder, eyes glowing faintly, every sense laser-focused on the battle ahead.
Not yet... wait for the precise moment. One strike. One chance.
The duel of fire and fury raged on.
The battle finally concluded. The Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear—an ancient terror known for its savage might—was defeated. Deep wounds marred its golden-brown fur, ragged breaths escaped its jaws. Blood soaked the grass as the mighty beast collapsed, barely alive, teetering on the edge of death.
Even so, its eyes burned with undiminished fury as it glared up at Ling Yuan, who hovered calmly, unscathed.
"You are truly worthy of the title Earth Render," she praised, her voice edged with respect. Then she looked back and called out, "Li Shen, it's safe now. Come out."
Li Shen nodded and stepped from behind the boulder.
"But… are you really going to absorb its spirit ring?" Ling Yuan asked, curiosity softening her tone. "I don't know much about spirit beasts, but this one's clearly over 20,000 years old. That would be an incredibly powerful ring for your first."
Li Shen shook his head, ignoring the tempting glow of the forming spirit ring.
"No. I'm not here to kill it and take its ring," he said firmly.
Without hesitation, he began walking toward the injured beast.
Ling Yuan frowned slightly, unsure of his intentions, and followed.
The massive bear growled weakly as the boy approached, baring bloodstained fangs. Furious and humiliated that a mere child dared approach, it was too injured to retaliate—its limbs shattered by Ling Yuan's earlier assault.
Ling Yuan reassured him calmly, "Don't worry. I've broken all its limbs. It can't move or fight back. You can do whatever you need."
Li Shen stopped just short of the bear's head and bowed deeply.
"Hello, Mr. Bear," he said, voice steady and respectful despite his youth. Ling Yuan blinked, mildly surprised by the courtesy.
"I'm not here to mock you… I'm here to make you an offer."
The bear narrowed its golden eyes, attempting a snarl.
"I know you understand me, at least partially," Li Shen continued. "Listen carefully. I swear on my Martial Soul—if I deceive you, may my soul shatter."
Ling Yuan's eyes flashed, sensing the solemnity of the vow. Even the bear's trembling eyes recognized the sacred promise.
"My offer is this: become my partner. Not a servant. Not a slave. A partner."
He extended his hand. A simple, book shimmered into existence in his palm—the Book of Infinity, his Martial Soul.
"If you agree, I will seal you within it—not as a tool, but as my chosen beast. In return, I'll help you ascend to godhood."
The bear's breath hitched.
"Yes, you heard me right. You're already a monster dragons avoid. But with me, you won't just be feared—you'll transcend. You'll break the chains of mortality and become divine within 100 years. I promise that."
"And if you refuse?" Li Shen asked softly, "You'll die here—alone and forgotten. Either way, your end is near. But take my hand, and you'll live again. Stronger than ever."
Unseen by Ling Yuan, Li Shen activated his system and sacrificed a chunk of precious System Points—a premium currency with limitless applications.
****
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