Due to the similarity between Chrysanthemum Douluo's martial soul, Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, and the immortal-grade version he absorbed, the enhancement it provided to his body far surpassed that of the other two. His ninth spirit ring surpassed the 100,000-year mark, reaching the terrifying 200,000-year level of a ferocious beast's spirit ring. Two golden patterns even appeared on the ring.
Eventually, Yue Guan's spirit ring reached the limit of 230,000 years. The soul power granted by the ring directly elevated his level to Rank 93.
After finishing the spirit ring absorption, the three respectfully said, "Thank you for your gracious gift, Young Master."
Qian Renxue nodded slightly and asked, "What spirit abilities did each of you obtain? Xiong Ju, you go first."
"Yes, Young Master," Xiong Ju replied and demonstrated his abilities.
Demonic Bear Douluo's first new spirit ability was World-Ending Rampage, a power-type skill. It uses bear claws to attack with extreme speed, stunning enemies within a range and simultaneously providing a life-stealing effect. The second ability, Demonic Bear Roar, is a support-type skill. When unleashed, it grants himself and nearby allies a berserk buff that increases attack power by 50% and suppresses pain.
"Quite a decent combination," Qian Daoliu commented. "If you coordinate the two abilities properly, they could tip the scales in battle in your favor."
"And you, Guimei—show us your spirit skills," Qian Renxue said, turning to him.
"Yes, Young Master." Guimei's ninth spirit ring flashed with light, and his body dissolved like ink into shadow.
"Huh? Where did he go?" Xiong Ju looked around in confusion.
Guangling Douluo pointed behind him and said, "He's right behind you."
Xiong Ju quickly turned his head and saw a figure emerge from his own shadow. Guimei explained, "The first ability granted by my 100,000-year ring is Shadow Ambush. I can move freely between shadows, allowing me to strike swiftly and unpredictably."
The second skill was Infinite Shadow Bombardment, a standard offensive spirit ability. When combined with Shadow Ambush, it could be extremely effective in battle.
"Your turn, Yue Guan."
With a smile, Yue Guan said, "One of my new abilities is Sky-Rending Chrysanthemum Glory."
As he spoke, his martial soul erupted in radiant brilliance. The chrysanthemum's petals expanded and spun at incredible speed, forming a massive phantom bloom that hovered above the elders' heads. From the petal-like projections, countless star-like lights condensed into thick beams of light that rained down like divine punishment, accurately striking a target zone. Each beam carried devastating energy, easily capable of shattering the sturdiest defenses. Qian Daoliu had to conjure a barrier to block the attack.
"This ability can be used in a wide area to deal mass damage, or concentrated into a single point for a lethal strike," Yue Guan explained, clearly pleased with its power.
Compared to the ninth spirit ability in the original timeline—which was already an offensive-type skill—this one utterly outclassed his previous move Chrysanthemum Fall, Petals Scatter and Heartbreak Ensues.
Qian Daoliu dispersed the barrier and remarked, "Impressive. When concentrated, this skill at Rank 93 could rival a Rank 95 Titled Douluo's finishing move. As expected from a 200,000-year spirit ring. What about your second ability?"
A bright orange domain expanded outward from Yue Guan's body.
"A domain?" Guimei exclaimed enviously.
"This kid's really got it good," Golden Crocodile Douluo muttered in awe.
Soon, everyone within the domain was surrounded by a faint orange, translucent soul power shield.
Yue Guan said, "My second ability is the Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum Domain. It grants me a 50% increase in spirit power recovery and also bestows an indestructible shield on all allies within the domain. As long as I have spirit power left, the shield cannot be broken or penetrated."
"Oh? Interesting. Let's see if this so-called indestructible shield really lives up to its name," said Demon Subduing Douluo as he stepped forward from the ranks of the Consecrates. With a grasp, he summoned his Coiling Dragon Staff.
He swung the staff at Yue Guan.
Dong! The staff slammed into the shield, creating a deep bell-like resonance. It didn't budge in the slightest.
"Hmm, not bad," Demon Subduing Douluo smirked and increased his spirit power output.
Yue Guan immediately felt the accelerated drain on his soul power. Despite being Rank 93, he was still far from a match for the Rank 96 Demon Subduing Douluo. As time passed, the shield began to fade, and Yue Guan's spirit power plummeted.
At last, after holding out for over half an hour, his energy was depleted, and the shield neared collapse. At that moment, Demon Subduing Douluo ceased his attack and returned to his position.
Yue Guan's face was pale, clearly exhausted from the drain.
"Alright," Qian Renxue said, her gaze sweeping over the rest of the future elders of Spirit Hall. "Once any of you reach Rank 90 or above, you may come to the Angel Temple to receive a divine-bestowed spirit ring—assuming you are confident you can obtain one of at least 100,000 years."
"Tuoba Xi, Huyan Zhen—step forward," Qian Renxue ordered.
The two quickly complied. "What are your orders, Young Master?"
Qian Renxue said, "After absorbing the immortal herbs, you both should be able to break through to Titled Douluo within ten years. I also hope your two forces can merge into a single sect. The new sect shall be called the Dragon Elephant Sect."
Tian'e Douluo asked, "Young Master, may I ask why?"
"I intend to reestablish a new Upper Three Sects," Qian Renxue replied.
Tuoba Xi and Huyan Zhen exchanged glances. Tuoba Xi said, "Understood. Please grant us time, Young Master. We will convince both our sects—the White Armored Earth Dragon Clan and the Elephant Armor Sect—to merge."
After distributing the immortal herbs and arranging the merger of the two sects, Qian Renxue dismissed the group. The Consecration Hall returned to silence, leaving only her and the seven Grand Consecrates.
"Grandfathers," Qian Renxue said, "I have a request I hope you will agree to."
"Please speak, Young Master," Tian'e Douluo said. "Whatever it is, if we can do it, we shall."
"I hope you will all marry and have children—to pass on your powerful martial souls to worthy heirs."
In the previous life, Spirit Hall was held back by internal discord between the Hall of Consecration and the Hall of the Pope. In the Continental Soul Master Tournament, they even sent a clown as their representative and lost to Shrek Academy. Qian Renxue would never allow such a thing to happen in this lifetime.
Shrek might have impressive talent and immortal herbs, but Spirit Hall was not lacking in strength either. To name a few: the Six-Winged Angel, the Golden Crocodile King, the Beast King Bear, the Azure Luan Bird, the Radiant Feather Divine Bow, the Coiling Dragon Staff—
these top-tier martial souls hadn't even been fully utilized yet
.
(End of Chapter)
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