Chapter 72: Rebirth and Transformation
Screeeech!
A sharp, grating sound echoed like claws scraping across glass.
Zhu Zhuqing's razor sharp claws tore into Ye Cheng's soul power barrier, leaving behind five deep, gray claw marks filled with an ominous evil aura!
Clearly, after inheriting the Dark Devil Evil Tiger's abilities, her claw attacks had been infused with sinister energy, drastically increasing her attack power and destructive capabilities.
Seeing that her initial attack couldn't break through Ye Cheng's soul power barrier, Zhu Zhuqing immediately activated her second soul skill.
In an instant her body split into three shadowy figures, attacking from different angles!
Each shadow clone targeted a single weak point, repeatedly slashing the same spot over and over again.
"A clone ability… and a focused attack strategy. Not bad."
Ye Cheng nodded approvingly as he sensed his soul power barrier gradually weakening at the targeted area.
Who knew how many times Zhu Zhuqing and her clones had struck
Until finally, her soul power was depleted, and two of the shadow clones faded away, leaving only her true body standing.
Even so Ye Cheng's casually formed soul power barrier remained intact, albeit significantly weakened.
Zhu Zhuqing panted lightly, sweat dripping down her brow.
"Why did you stop? Why not use your third soul skill?" Ye Cheng asked curiously.
"Teacher, my third soul skill is purely defensive," Zhu Zhuqing explained. "It's called Evil God's Protection a shield that blocks all external attacks."
"How strong is it?" Ye Cheng asked.
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment. "I don't know its upper limit, but… I'm sure that at least a Soul King (Rank 50+) wouldn't be able to break it."
"Alright. We'll test that in the future."
Ye Cheng didn't press further. Instead, he asked
"Did your first two soul skills change after your evolution?"
"Yes! The changes are huge!"
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gleamed with excitement as she eagerly explained her newfound abilities.
First Soul Skill: Ghost Nether Thrust → Shadow Strike
Originally, Ghost Nether Thrust was a burst speed attack briefly doubling her speed for a rapid assassination strike.
However
After her martial soul evolved, the skill underwent a complete transformation!
Now, her speed tripled instead of doubling
And this enhanced speed was sustained instead of being a short burst!
A speed boost that lasted indefinitely? That was absurdly broken!
With this change calling it Ghost Nether Thrust was no longer accurate.
Zhu Zhuqing decided to rename the skill
Shadow Strike!
Second Soul Skill: Ghost Nether Hundred Claws → Phantom Clone
Originally, this skill relied on rapid spinning and sharp claws to deliver hundreds of piercing attacks in an instant all concentrated on a single target.
However
After absorbing the Evil God Pearl, the skill evolved!
Now, it granted her the ability to create shadow clones that shared a portion of her power.
These clones could attack alongside her, overwhelming opponents while also serving as decoys to confuse enemies!
Even more shocking
There was no upper limit to the number of clones she could create!
As long as her soul power was sufficient, she could summon as many clones as she wanted.
Of course
The more clones she created, the weaker they became. If she split her power too much, the clones would shatter instantly if struck.
Additionally, controlling too many clones required an immense mental burden.
At her current level, she could only control two clones at once.
If she wanted to summon more, she'd need to increase her strength or obtain a spiritual type soul bone to boost her mental capabilities.
Since the focus of the skill had shifted from the "Hundred Claws" attack to the clone ability, she renamed it
Phantom Clone!
The Evil God Pearl was truly a miraculous treasure.
Not only did it transform Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul, but it also strengthened her soul skills, bringing her closer to the realm of gods!
In the original timeline, Zhu Zhuqing eventually became a god but only because she rode Tang San's coattails.
Even with immortal herbs, her original potential wasn't enough to reach godhood.
At best, she would have been a Titled Douluo and likely stagnated below Rank 95.
But now
She had true divine potential!
After testing her soul skills and confirming the changes to her martial soul, their main objective was complete.
However
Ye Cheng wasn't in a hurry to leave Star Dou Forest.
Since they were already here, he planned to collect some valuable items.
With his Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda's treasure seeking ability, he could vaguely sense the presence of nearby treasures within a certain range.
If he got close enough, he could instantly tell whether a soul beast had a soul bone just by looking at it.
To Ye Cheng
Star Dou Forest was essentially a massive treasure vault.
A personal bank he could withdraw from at any time.
High value 100,000 year soul bones? He was saving those.
But soul bones below 100,000 years?
Whether 10,000 year, 20,000 year, or 50,000 year soul bones he didn't care for them much.
However
They would be perfect for trade, allowing him to exchange for rare resources.
Moreover
If he bestowed soul bones upon his subordinates, it would be a heavenly gift, securing absolute loyalty.
So no matter what Ye Cheng wasn't leaving empty handed.
"Brother, are we heading back?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"No."
Ye Cheng shook his head.
"Since we're here, I plan to gather some 'local specialties.'"
"…Local specialties?"
Both Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing looked at him in confusion.
Was there such a thing in Star Dou Forest?
"You'll see soon enough."
Ye Cheng smirked.
Then
He raised his left hand, summoning his Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda.
Closing his eyes, he focused
Activating its treasure seeking ability!
Regular Nine Treasures Pagodas didn't have this power.
But his?
Was no ordinary Nine Treasures Pagoda.
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