Chapter 183: The Ice Jade Scorpion and the Promise of Ascendancy
"What did you say?!"
Ling Luochen shot up from her seat, startled, when she heard Xiao Qiang mention the 76,000-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion.
The significance of such a spirit beast wasn't lost on her. Even without considering how the Ice Jade Scorpion could elevate her talent as an Ice-type Soul Master or raise the grade of her martial soul, the age alone was already astonishing.
For most Soul Masters, the seventh spirit ring could typically only absorb rings up to 50,000 years old—anything beyond that carried lethal risks. A 76,000-year-old spirit ring was already exceeding the safe absorption limit for even the eighth spirit ring of most Soul Masters.
Even among Titled Douluo, most of their eighth spirit rings only barely broke 70,000 years, and rarely exceeded 75,000. The Ice Jade Scorpion's age surpassed even that. While 76,000 years might be considered slightly low for a ninth spirit ring, many Titled Douluo didn't even reach that level with theirs. In fact, a significant number of Titled Douluo—knowing their talent was limited and further advancement impossible—settled for a ninth spirit ring just over 60,000 years. These individuals would never become Super Douluo, but were still considered top-tier powerhouses.
A 76,000-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion spirit ring was already elite.
And for a pure Ice-type Soul Master like Ling Luochen, the synergy between her martial soul and the Ice Jade Scorpion meant that the benefits of such a ring couldn't be judged by age alone.
For her, the value of that ring was comparable to a 95,000-year-old generic spirit ring. Whether it served as her seventh, eighth, or even ninth spirit ring, it would be a monumental improvement.
In fact, she was certain that if she remained at Shrek Academy, she'd never obtain a better ninth ring than this one. Unless she encountered some miracle like that of her senior sister, this was likely her peak opportunity.
"Can you really make that Ice Jade Scorpion my seventh, eighth, and ninth spirit ring?" she asked, excitement blazing in her eyes.
With just one 76,000-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion ring, she was confident she could become a Titled Douluo. With two, she might even reach Super Douluo. If she took it as her seventh ring, she was sure she could achieve Level 97, and perhaps even Level 98, breaking through the limit that bound most ordinary Douluo.
This was the ticket to the highest echelons of the Soul Master world. Even the emperors of the original Three Kingdoms would address her as "Senior." How could she not be excited?
"Of course, Miss Luochen. You should know I have no reason to lie."
Xiao Qiang's calm assurance finally steadied her overflowing emotions. Then she asked another pressing question.
"What about the soul bone? My grandfather died trying to absorb the Ice Jade Scorpion's soul bone. Can I really do it?"
"As long as you possess Ultimate Ice."
"But I'm not Ultimate Ice."
"It's alright. You only need to be in an Ultimate Ice state when absorbing the bone. I'll place you in attribute sublimation during the fusion process. Since I'm offering it, rest assured—I can ensure your safety."
With that guarantee, the last shred of doubt in Ling Luochen's heart melted away.
"If you can ensure that… then I'm willing to join your faction. But if possible, I hope not to face Shrek directly. I've been with them for nearly ten years."
Xiao Qiang nodded thoughtfully. "That's fair. If it ever comes to conflict, I'll try to keep you off the front lines."
It was only natural to feel loyalty to one's old academy. Not everyone could sever emotional ties as easily as Ji Juechen or Jing Ziyan. Even if war did come, Ling Luochen didn't have to lead the charge—there would be other roles for her.
Xiao Qiang hadn't chosen her at random. He had chosen Ling Luochen because she had great potential to be empowered quickly, and after her martial soul evolved, her future ceiling would be exceptionally high. Under his control, especially through the pressure and enhancement of his Extreme Ice, Ling Luochen would eventually become his most loyal subordinate. Given time, her obedience might even rival Nana's.
A Super Douluo, strong and fully loyal, cultivated in a relatively short span—that was worth more than battlefield tactics against Shrek.
After all, Shrek had already lost the previous All-Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. They wouldn't stand a chance in the current one. The next would be led by Xiao Lan—just five years younger than Xiao Qiang—and it was more than eight years away.
By then, Xiao Qiang could acquire a few more hundred-thousand-year soul bones. He could even let Xiao Lan begin fusing them at the fifth ring. When that time came, Shrek would face a nightmare.
And if Shrek lost three consecutive tournaments, would it still hold its legendary reputation?
Without fame to attract talent, its future would mirror the decline of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—perhaps worse. And the rise of soul spirits would deeply undermine Shrek's relevance.
"Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo," Xiao Qiang turned to the twin sisters. "When you reach your fourth ring, I'll prepare ten-thousand-year-level spirit rings for you. You'll know what to do then."
Lan Susu squeezed Lan Luoluo's hand. "Don't worry. We understand."
"Good. Miss Ling, come to my room in three nights."
"Huh?" she blinked, confused.