After largely resolving the potential threat posed by Dugu Bo and securing a partial fallback plan for the sect, Yang Xiong left with Lin Gong.
Given the expertise of Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi in the study of poisons, they should be able to work out the remaining details without issue.
However, Lin Gong and Yang Wudi couldn't help but look at Dugu Bo as if he were a fool. From the looks of things, all the rare herbs Yang Xiong had brought out likely came from Dugu Bo's own medicinal garden. Unfortunately for Dugu Bo, he was sitting on a treasure trove but remained unaware of its value, allowing Yang Xiong to benefit instead.
Just a day later, Yang Xiong and Lin Gong arrived at the core region of the Great Star Dou Forest, preparing to hunt for Yang Xiong's fifth soul ring.
According to Yang Xiong's plan, the ideal fifth soul ring would come from a soul beast between thirty and forty thousand years old, preferably with fire or water attributes. If no such top-tier soul beasts could be found, other attributes might also be considered.
After absorbing his fourth soul ring, Yang Xiong had gradually begun mastering the energies of wood, earth, and metal through his soul rings. When these three types of energy were infused into his Rasengan, it began undergoing a qualitative transformation.
Not only did the Rasengan's power increase significantly, but the three energies—wood, earth, and metal—didn't fully merge. Instead, they produced a repelling force, causing the different elemental energies to collide violently, as if on the verge of explosion.
Even Yang Xiong's internal organs seemed to have grown stronger. His spleen, associated with earth attributes, seemed to have improved, enhancing his body's resilience and capacity to endure stress.
To find a suitable soul ring, Yang Xiong knew he had to venture into the core of the Great Star Dou Forest, where the most elite soul beasts resided.
Yang Xiong had briefly considered searching in other soul beast forests. Based on his estimates, top-tier fire-attribute soul beasts were often found near volcanic regions, while water-attribute soul beasts were best sought in the ocean or the frozen forests of the frigid northern lands.
Yang Xiong and Lin Gong soon reached the heart of the Great Star Dou Forest.
Both men moved with extreme caution. This area was fraught with danger, and even someone as powerful as Lin Gong dared not let his guard down.
As for Yang Xiong's choice of soul ring age, Lin Gong had long since stopped questioning it. Yang Xiong had repeatedly shattered his expectations, and any further doubts would only invite embarrassment.
After more than ten days of searching the Great Star Dou Forest, Yang Xiong finally discovered a soul beast perfectly suited for him.
This was an unusually special canyon. The ground was scorched black, and the sky above was overcast with dark clouds, starkly contrasting the lush forest surrounding it. Even the wildlife here was sparse.
The air was thick with terrifying thunder energy. As Yang Xiong and Lin Gong cautiously approached, they discovered a massive cave within which lay a colossal soul beast over thirty meters long.
It was a dragon—a Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon. Its entire body crackled with lightning, and its eyes glowed blood-red, explaining the unusual environment around it.
Yang Xiong stared intently at the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon. Thunder attributes were known for their devastating destructive power. It was only because this dragon resided in the Great Star Dou Forest that it hadn't been hunted down already.
Based on its length, this Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon was approximately forty-two thousand years old—a true gem among soul beasts. Its strength was terrifying, rivaling even the top-tier soul beasts. It could hold its own against nearly any soul beast under ten thousand years.
Lin Gong's lips twitched slightly. "Little Xiong, are you overestimating yourself? This Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon is forty-two thousand years old. With its dragon lineage and formidable attributes, it could easily serve as the seventh or even eighth soul ring for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family."
Yang Xiong chuckled. "Precisely because it's so strong that I want it as my fifth soul ring. Otherwise, I wouldn't even consider it."
This Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon wasn't just powerful due to its lineage—it was a pure powerhouse of a soul beast, with the strongest thunder attribute. It was truly a supreme specimen among soul beasts.
Lin Gong sighed helplessly and reluctantly crept closer to the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon.
Suddenly, Lin Gong unleashed his full power, summoning his Purple Bamboo and eight soul rings. Without hesitation, he activated his second soul skill: Ten Thousand Purple Bamboo Spears.
Countless sharp purple bamboo spears materialized on the ground, each one razor-sharp and aimed to envelop the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon completely. The tips of the spears shimmered with faint purple energy, capable of corroding the enemy's defenses.
The Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon reacted with incredible speed, instantly sensing danger. Its body erupted with lightning. When the purple bamboo spears collided with the dragon's thunder, they quickly disintegrated into ash, failing to pierce even its skin.
Even Lin Gong was astonished. The attack and defense capabilities of this Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon were frighteningly powerful. While his second soul skill had been partially intended as a test, Lin Gong was still a Soul Emperor-level expert. Ordinary attacks shouldn't have been so easily deflected.
Moreover, thunder attributes were notoriously dominant over nearly every other attribute.
Enraged, the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon lunged at Lin Gong with its massive claws. Despite Lin Gong summoning countless purple bamboo spears, they were quickly blackened and weakened by the overwhelming thunder, shattering under a single swipe of the dragon's claws.
Yang Xiong was shocked. This was the first time he'd seen Lin Gong's purple bamboo spears shattered, and it shook his understanding of their power.
But Lin Gong showed no fear. He summoned another wave of purple bamboo spears, each one sharp as a sword, hurtling toward the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon. Just as the dragon approached, all the spears exploded violently, unleashing a terrifying blast that sent even the mighty dragon flying.
This was Lin Gong's fourth soul skill: Exploding Purple Bamboo. Though it was only a thousand-year soul skill, its power was incredibly formidable.
The Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon let out a deafening roar, its massive tail whipping toward Lin Gong like a bolt of thunder.
Lin Gong smirked and activated his seventh soul ring, unleashing his seventh soul skill: Purple Bamboo True Body.
Instantly, countless enormous purple bamboo stalks appeared in the sky. Each one was razor-sharp and extraordinarily thick, and Lin Gong's power surged dramatically in that moment.
The battle between man and dragon was intense. Even with Lin Gong's eighty-ninth-level Soul Emperor strength, he struggled to gain a significant advantage in the short term.
It took a full half hour before Lin Gong gradually began to overpower the dragon. Yang Xiong hadn't expected the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon to be this strong. He regretted not bringing more experts along.
When the battle finally ended, the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon collapsed, barely alive, while Lin Gong was utterly drained, having even used his eighth soul skill.
Yang Xiong quickly retrieved a Longzhi Leaf and fed it to Lin Gong.
Lin Gong exhaled in relief. "You've got quite the stash, kid. Who would've thought you'd have something as valuable as a Longzhi Leaf?"
"Still, think carefully. This Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon is even stronger than we imagined. It might have no rivals among soul beasts under ten thousand years."
"Especially with its thunder attribute being so overwhelmingly powerful—one of the most domineering energies in existence. I estimate that even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family would need to be at a seventh soul ring to absorb it."
Yang Xiong's eyes gleamed with determination. "Teacher Lin, I have complete confidence in myself. I believe this thunder dragon is perfect for me, and I don't want to miss this opportunity."
Lin Gong sighed. "You've always pursued the highest-tier soul rings. I can barely handle this thunder dragon, but acquiring your next soul ring will be even harder. I can't even imagine how old your final soul rings will need to be."
Yang Xiong smiled. "I've already planned ahead. If necessary, I'll bring more people next time. Besides, Teacher Lin, you're already at level eighty-nine. Once you break through to Title Douluo, your strength will skyrocket."
Lin Gong gave a wry smile. "Alright, I'm starting to suspect you're some kind of monster reincarnated. Just don't let this arrogance get you killed."
Yang Xiong didn't hesitate further. He swiftly approached the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon.
Even with the toughness of a forty-thousand-year-old soul beast, breaking through its defenses would be nearly impossible for Yang Xiong, even at full strength.
But now, Yang Xiong wanted to test the true power of his Rasengan.
A basketball-sized Rasengan formed in Yang Xiong's hands. Originally a pale blue, it gradually began to incorporate gold, green, and earthy yellow as Yang Xiong infused it with his energy.
The three energies spun rapidly within the Rasengan, colliding violently with one another. The Rasengan became highly unstable, emitting a piercing tearing sound, as if on the verge of detonation.
When Yang Xiong pushed his soul power to its limit and hurled the Rasengan at the dragon's head with all his might, it exploded upon impact. Even Yang Xiong, who had unleashed the technique, was blasted back over ten meters.
His right arm throbbed with excruciating pain, as though it might tear apart.
The Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon fared far worse. The attack had targeted its eyes, which were obliterated. Half of its massive head was blown apart, spilling brain matter and blood everywhere. A massive black soul ring emerged from its corpse.
Even Lin Gong was astonished. "Little Xiong, that technique of yours is quite interesting. I never imagined it could be used this way. If you ever break through to Title Douluo, I wonder if this move could rival the power of a hundred-thousand-year soul skill."
Yang Xiong laughed. "A hundred-thousand-year soul skill? If it doesn't reach that level of power, why bother researching it?"
Lin Gong was momentarily speechless. Yang Xiong was certainly prone to exaggeration—but did he really understand the power of a hundred-thousand-year soul skill?
Yang Xiong approached the Crimson Blood Thunder Dragon and sat down, preparing to absorb its soul ring.
As Yang Xiong guided the dragon's soul ring to his martial soul, a surge of overwhelming energy coursed through his body. It felt as though he were submerged in lightning. Every cell and bone in his body was electrified, instantly going numb.
The terrifying energy flooded his body. His originally silver skin turned jet-black, as if charred by lightning.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)