Now, as the soul beast he had heard so much about but never seen appeared, even catching a glimpse of it was proving immensely difficult.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, the only million-year soul beast on the Douluo Continent, could render creatures with insufficient mental strength into a stupor with just the residual might of its sacrifice.
Despite Lin Xiao's preparations and his mental strength far surpassing that of ordinary soul masters, taking another step forward was equally challenging.
"Huff—huff—"
Lin Xiao's chest heaved as he gasped for air, the soul tool thruster on his back slowly dimming. All his mental energy was focused on resisting the overwhelming urge to fall asleep.
Memories from his childhood involuntarily surfaced in his mind, and the fears he had buried deep within began to rise uncontrollably.
In truth, he was just an ordinary person. Originally living in a world with few dangers, he found himself abruptly transported to another world. Before he could even enjoy this new life, he was thrust into a sect filled with Evil Soul Masters.
Surrounded by deceit and treachery, a single misstep could cost him his life. Even the person he called "Teacher" made no effort to hide his ulterior motives.
Coming from a peaceful world, Lin Xiao had no time to feel fear or hesitation; he had to strive to blend in.
Nightmare after nightmare, time and again acting against his will—he knew it was all because he lacked strength. He wasn't sure if he was still the same person from his previous life or whether he truly was an Evil Soul Master. All he knew was that he had to pursue power.
Perhaps some things were fated, but as someone not originally from this world, he refused to be bound by its "destiny." Even if he couldn't connect with that million-year soul beast, he would still fight for other opportunities.
Lin Xiao's eyes snapped open, and eerie Higanbana Flowers bloomed around him one after another, spreading an aura of deathly stillness. His soul power and mental energy surged forth, propelling his body forward once more.
As he drew closer to the source of the aura, the once-clear sky turned completely dark. A thunderous roar echoed high above, the sun's light entirely obscured by darkness, and an oppressive pressure descended from the heavens.
Lin Xiao looked up at the sky, now almost pressing down to the ground, his gaze piercing through the darkness as if seeing into another world beyond.
Suddenly, he raised his right hand, and souls spread out from around him. Leading them was the assassin who had accompanied him for so long, followed closely by another soul. Unlike the other residual souls, this one was profound, its eyes retaining a trace of its former sentience.
It was the soul fragment of Spirit Devourer Douluo, extracted from the Spirit-Devouring Carving Knife three thousand years ago. After two months, it was no longer pure, now under Lin Xiao's control.
Countless other residual souls drifted upward, and under the already dim sky, the swirling souls around Lin Xiao made the scene resemble a ghostly domain.
Unlike those of the Holy Spirit Cult, these souls bore little resentment. That wasn't what Lin Xiao needed.
With a flick of his wrist, a vibrant cyan hue appeared at his fingertips, its intense life force nearly suppressing the vitality of the surrounding trees.
Lin Xiao's gaze locked onto the sky, his chest heaving.
He couldn't be certain of the intentions of such a figure or whether his preparations would work, but this was the most promising approach he could think of.
The Gold of Life, capable of housing "him."
A soul master who, unlike others who merely used souls, truly understood their essence and could manipulate them, stepping halfway into the realm of the undead.
Lin Xiao didn't know if the figure in that darkness would notice these things or what their attitude toward him might be, but he had to display them.
Only with strength could he contend.
As for the outcome, that depended on the figure's choice.
Time seemed to pass excruciatingly slowly. The surrounding wind fell silent, leaving only the sound of Lin Xiao's breathing and heartbeat.
He no longer looked at the changes in the sky, standing still and waiting quietly.
"Boom—"
A thunderous sound erupted in the air, or perhaps it was someone speaking. From the oppressive darkness, a distinct shade of gray slowly emerged.
"Thump—"
After an unknown amount of time, Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed abruptly.
Then, he swept his right hand, causing the Higanbana Flowers around him to dissipate, along with the residual souls. Only the carving knife made of the Gold of Life remained tightly gripped in his hand.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but the cyan hue seemed even more vivid, flowing strand by strand along his arm toward his head.
With a heavy stomp, a crater formed in the ground. The soul tool thruster on his back reignited, carrying him toward the mixed zone of the Star Dou Forest without a backward glance.
Having lived in the Star Dou Forest for over two months and survived numerous sudden soul beast attacks, Lin Xiao's heart had never raced as it did now, his entire body trembling slightly.
The sound of the wind returned to his ears, along with faint noises from soul beasts. Lin Xiao had left the range of the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's mental influence, and his entire being finally relaxed.
Raising his hand slightly, he looked at the Gold of Life in his hand, rippling like flowing water, and a smile finally appeared on his face.
However, before he could fully feel the changes in his body, a roar suddenly came from ahead. It seemed a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in the Star Dou Forest had been driven into a frenzy by the earlier disturbance.
After assessing his surroundings, Lin Xiao was about to leave when he suddenly sensed a familiar aura.
The sky seemed to darken again for a moment, the sun's light fading, replaced by a bright moon.
Sensing the immense soul power, Lin Xiao stood still for a moment, let out a soft sigh, and then rushed forward.
Deep in the Star Dou Forest, silver-white moonlight poured down from the sky. The surrounding trees, unable to withstand the sharp aura, collapsed, but when it struck the hundred-thousand-year soul beast, it only left a negligible wound, further enraging it.
Its massive mouth gaped, its terrifying fangs glinting with cold light, saliva dripping between them, carrying a foul stench.
A glow began to form in its throat, signaling an imminent attack.
The figure before the soul beast wanted to dodge but glanced back at the group behind them. Gritting their teeth, they stood firm in front of the others.
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