"Gu Yue, this..."
"How is there another Soul Bone here?!"
Staring at the dazzling golden Soul Bone, Xie Xie and Tang Wulin's faces were filled with shock. This wasn't just any Soul Bone—it was a Soul Bone!
A single Soul Bone was worth a fortune, something every inhabitant of Douluo Continent knew. And this one came from a Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear!
"Brother..."
"Could this be the Dark Gold Terrorclaw External Soul Bone that Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao, the founder of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, once absorbed?"
Tang Wulin took a deep breath and couldn't help but voice his thoughts.
"Exactly."
Tang Luochuan's smiling confirmation sent waves of astonishment through everyone's hearts. This was a top-tier Soul Bone!
But since when did defeating a Soul Beast in the Spirit Ascension Platform come with a Soul Bone as a reward?
"Every Spirit Ascension Platform, whether beginner or advanced, has a guardian. Defeating them grants different rewards..."
"That Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear just now must have been the guardian of Eastsea City's beginner-level Spirit Ascension Platform."
Gu Yue also seemed somewhat surprised by the scene before her, then spoke thoughtfully.
"Luo Chuan, rewards can only be absorbed within the Spirit Ascension Platform. You should absorb this Soul Bone quickly."
"Yeah, boss, hurry up and absorb it."
The others nodded in agreement. It would be a shame not to absorb such a precious Soul Bone.
"I won't be absorbing it."
Tang Luochuan, however, shook his head with a smile.
Then, he turned toward Tang Wulin and extended the Dark Gold Terrorclaw in his hand.
"Wu Lin, catch."
"Huh?"
"Brother, what are you..."
Tang Wulin froze at the sight. Why was his brother giving it to him instead of absorbing it himself?
The others were equally stunned.
They all knew how much their boss cared for Wu Lin, but to give away a top-tier Soul Bone like this?
"My strength is already sufficient. I don't need this. But for you, it'll be a great help."
Tang Luochuan spoke calmly. With his complete Golden Dragon King Bloodline, absorbing the Soul Bone of a mere Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear wouldn't provide much benefit.
But for Wu Lin, a top-tier External Soul Bone could offer significant assistance, especially since his Golden Dragon Soul still had room to grow in combat power.
"But..."
"No buts. Absorb it."
Tang Wulin shook his head repeatedly, but before he could finish his refusal, Tang Luochuan patted his shoulder and cut him off.
His younger brother worked so hard, yet his Soul Power level still lagged behind the others. This Soul Bone would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon for him.
"..."
"Brother, I understand."
Perhaps realizing he couldn't persuade his brother, Tang Wulin finally accepted it, his eyes already reddening.
"Brother, I won't let this Soul Bone go to waste."
"..."
With determination in his eyes, he wiped away his tears and sat down to begin absorbing the top-tier Soul Bone.
"You're really not going to absorb this Soul Bone?"
Gu Yue looked at him and asked softly.
"You know what I'm like. How much could a Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear really add to me? A drop in the bucket."
"The difference between Wu Lin absorbing it and me absorbing it is night and day."
Tang Luochuan chuckled dismissively.
"That may be so..."
Looking at the person before her, Gu Yue smiled without speaking.
Though it was true, when faced with a top-tier Soul Bone, who could resist the urge to keep it for themselves?
"Staring so intently—do I have something on my face?"
Noticing Gu Yue's gaze, Tang Luochuan chuckled.
"I like it that way."
Gu Yue gave a light hum, indifferent.
"I hope Wu Lin absorbing this Soul Bone will enhance his abilities..."
Tang Luochuan said with anticipation. Although his younger brother's talent had already been set on the right path by him, reaching level 17 at nine years old wasn't slow, but he was still lagging behind others...
As he pondered, a mechanical chime suddenly rang out. At the same time, Tang Luochuan felt his right hand grow warm for an instant before returning to normal.
[Detected host's younger brother absorbing an External Soul Bone. Host is specially granted a God-level External Soul Bone: Blade of Annihilation.]
[Blade of Annihilation: Your attacks will be imbued with the Destruction Attribute, granting massive effect bonuses.]
"This…"
"A God-level External Soul Bone?"
Tang Luochuan was momentarily stunned. It wasn't that he was complaining—he genuinely just wanted to help his brother improve his combat power. This Dark Gold Terrorclaw was something he had given to Wu Lin...
System, you're really showing off now?
And it directly refunded a God-level one...
"System, you're truly overachieving."
Tang Luochuan couldn't help but think to himself.
He had previously thought there was nothing left to increase his damage output, but now...
This would indeed boost him significantly!
"Brother, I broke through."
Not long after, Tang Wulin, having finished absorbing the Soul Bone, brightened visibly. He could feel his cultivation level had risen by one, reaching level 18.
"Good."
Tang Luochuan snapped out of his thoughts, smiling.
Level 18—this was a level he hadn't even reached when participating in the Tianhai Soul Master Competition. Achieving such results in just one semester far exceeded even his own expectations as an older brother.
"Wu Lin, try it out."
"How's your strength now?"
Xie Xie and Wang Jinxi's eyes gleamed with excitement, urging him eagerly. They wondered just how much Wu Lin's power had grown after absorbing the Soul Bone.
"Alright!"
"Dark Gold Terrorclaw—"
Tang Wulin focused on a century-old wild boar in the distance, channeling the Soul Bone's power as he unleashed a Golden Dragon Claw strike, instantly tearing it to shreds.
"It feels..."
"Definitely much stronger than usual."
Tang Wulin's eyes sparkled with exhilaration. Combat—so satisfying!
"As expected of an External Soul Bone."
Witnessing this, everyone couldn't help but marvel. The Dark Gold Terrorclaw truly lived up to its reputation as a Soul Bone even Spirit Ice Douluo had used!
"Boss, Gu Yue-jie, is the Spirit Transfer Pagoda always this generous? Even External Soul Bones are handed out as rewards?"
Zhang Yangzi and Xie Xie exchanged glances, unable to hold back their astonishment.
"Hmm? Not exactly."
"This was obtained after defeating the guardian."
Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue shared a smile as they explained.
"But it's still a free Soul Bone! Honestly, why don't we all join the Spirit Transfer Pagoda? It'd be great to have each other's backs, heh."
Xie Xie laughed heartily.
"Hey!"
"That's a great idea."
Tang Wulin nodded in agreement.
"..."
Outside the Spirit Ascension Platform, Wu Zhangkong, overhearing this, nearly stumbled and fell.
"Wu Lin! Xie Xie! You both joined the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, leaving none for the Tang Sect, huh?"
"But other factions aren't bad either."
Wei Xiaofeng, however, seemed thoughtful as he spoke slowly.
"Hmm?"
Wu Zhangkong's expression finally improved. Well, at least one student...
"For example, the Battle God Hall."
Looking at Wei Xiaofeng, who firmly uttered the words "Battle God Hall," Wu Zhangkong's heart shattered once more.
This seemed to be the first critical hit his students had dealt him.
"Ahahahaha!"
"Choosing a faction is something you should consider carefully. We're still young—there's no need to rush."
Hearing their words, Tang Luochuan couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Then why did you join the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, boss?"
"Could it be because of Gu Yue-jie...?"
At his words, the others teased.
"..."
Gu Yue remained silent, but a faint blush spread across her cheeks, like a ripened apple.
The three-hour trial soon ended. When everyone emerged from the Spirit Ascension Platform, Wu Zhangkong, despite his exasperation, still acknowledged their efforts.
"I saw your performances—all of you did well. You even earned Soul Bone rewards, a testament to your hard work. The road ahead will have many more..."
"Since the exam during the upheaval period is over, you can head back now. As for the second round, I'll take you there in two days. Until then, rest as you please."
Wu Zhangkong spoke calmly.
The first round of exams was over. As for the next phase, he had already planned it long ago.
Undoubtedly, he would have these prodigies challenge the Tang Sect's top fighters from different eras—to give them a taste of defeat and motivation, while also seeing if they could contribute to his own faction...
Ah, never mind that!
"Alright..."
"Luo Chuan."
"Come take a walk with me tomorrow."
Gu Yue spoke softly, looking in his direction.
"Of course."
"Then it's settled."
Pleased with his answer, Gu Yue smiled brightly before leaving.
"..."
No sooner had Tang Luochuan stepped into his home than the Soul Guidance Communication Device rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Mu Xi.
"Hello?"
"What's up, Mu Xi-jie?"
He answered, puzzled.
"Luo Chuan."
"Thank you for all your help lately, and especially today in the Spirit Ascension Platform—I really owe you one."
Mu Xi's cheerful voice came through the device.
She was in high spirits, never having imagined her Soul Rings could improve so much.
"Huh?"
"Mu Xi-jie, what are you saying? You're like a sister to me—helping you is nothing."
Tang Luochuan chuckled dismissively.
"But I can't just take advantage of you..."
"Luo Chuan, I'd like to treat you to dinner. My dad hasn't seen you in a while..."
"How about inviting your parents along?"
"It'll be a nice gathering."
"Oh?"
"Alright then."
Tang Luochuan glanced at his parents nearby. After receiving their approval, he agreed.
Meanwhile, atop the Forging Master Association's highest floor...
At this moment, Mu Chen looked in Mu Xi's direction, his face filled with emotion.
"Proficient Thousand Refinements..."
"Xi'er, Luo Chuan has helped you so much."
Mu Chen spoke with deep emotion.
Before, his daughter had merely been a novice who had just become a second-rank Forging Master. But now...
He felt she was already close to reaching the level of a fourth-rank master.
In the past, this was something he wouldn't even dare to imagine, yet now it was truly unfolding before his eyes.
"I think so too..."
Mu Xi replied with a smile, without hesitation.
If it weren't for Luo Chuan, she probably wouldn't even have touched the threshold of a third-rank Forging Master by now!
"If only you weren't three years older than him."
"Ai..."
Mu Chen trailed off, sighing momentarily.
"Ah??"
"Dad, Luo Chuan is still a child!"
Hearing this, Mu Xi's face immediately flushed red. How could she not understand his implication? She quickly spoke up—besides, Luo Chuan clearly had a very good relationship with that little girlfriend of his.
"It's true he's a child..."
"But why are you so flustered, Xi'er?"
Watching his daughter's reaction, Mu Chen burst into laughter. This was the first time he'd seen her make such an expression.
"I'm not! I didn't—"
Meanwhile, in a villa in Eastsea City, Gu Yue wore a pensive expression.
"Why do I have this ominous feeling all of a sudden..."
(End of Chapter)