Upon hearing Golden Crocodile Douluo's words and understanding Ye Tian's purpose, Dugu Bo quickly snapped out of his earlier joy and immediately perked up his ears.
If there was anyone present most familiar with the distribution of Spirit Beasts in Sunset Forest, it was undoubtedly him, Dugu Bo!
Ye Tian had shown ample goodwill toward the Dugu Family. Dugu Bo was not an ungrateful man and naturally felt the need to reciprocate. He immediately prepared to stand up, ready to volunteer personally to hunt a Spirit Ring for the Dugu Family's great benefactor.
"Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency," Ye Tian said politely to Golden Crocodile Douluo with a smile, then stated the target Spirit Beast he had long decided on: "The ideal Spirit Beast I have in mind is the ten-thousand-year Spirit Beast active near volcanic craters—the Magma Ape King. Preferably over twenty-five thousand years old, but not exceeding thirty thousand years."
"Hiss—!"
Upon hearing Ye Tian's requirements for his third Spirit Ring's age, both Qian Renxue and Jin Yue'er were left dumbfounded, momentarily unable to utter a sound. Dugu Xin gasped sharply, unable to suppress his doubt—was Ye Tian even human? Was there any justice left in this world?
Brother Ye Tian was a Support-type Soul Master! How could he be this tough? That was a twenty-five-thousand-year Magma Ape King!
According to a certain master's theory, the limit for a fifth Spirit Ring was twelve thousand years, while the limit for a sixth Spirit Ring was only twenty thousand years! In other words, Ye Tian's third Spirit Ring was at a level that even a level-sixty quasi-Soul Emperor wouldn't dare to touch—some Soul Saints' seventh Spirit Rings were only around that level. He was truly a living, breathing freak!
Even Dugu Yan, who had just awakened her Martial Soul not long ago, realized how terrifying Ye Tian was, her eyes wide with shock. Dugu Bo, who had been about to stand up, froze mid-motion, somewhat taken aback.
"Are you sure?" Golden Crocodile Douluo wasn't overly shocked, merely a bit surprised. After all, Ye Tian's mental power had already reached the Soul Emperor level, and his physical body could swim freely in the Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire, so it must have met the standard as well. He had originally thought Ye Tian's target would be under twenty thousand years. Now it seemed he had underestimated Ye Tian's determination for perfection.
Aside from the age being somewhat excessive, Jin E had other doubts. As far as he knew, the Magma Ape King was a Spirit Beast with extremely powerful explosive force and destructive power. They were active year-round near volcanic craters, cultivating with magma. Even their heads were shaped like volcanic craters, with boiling magma churning inside.
During battles, they could cause high-temperature explosions with the Soul Power attached to their fists, and their volcano-like heads could emit high-risk steam in a wide area, enhancing the power and range of the explosions. There were even records of ape kings fighting over dominance, mates, or territory, with the commotion triggering volcanic eruptions in Sunset Forest.
Exceptionally gifted individuals among them could even make their beast blood boil, temporarily gaining even greater power! However, such cases were rare. This species was generally known for their irritable temperaments and were extremely prone to frenzy. Once a fight broke out, it was a fight to the death—they wouldn't hesitate to self-destruct!
Classic output traded for brains—lowering their overall rating.
Considering this information about the Spirit Beast, Golden Crocodile Douluo couldn't help but frown. "Additionally, while the Magma Ape King is indeed quite remarkable among Spirit Beasts, it doesn't seem particularly suitable for a Food system Soul Master like you, does it?"
"Your Excellency need not worry. I've already given this comprehensive consideration. For someone like me at this stage, following conventional paths would only lead to mediocrity," Ye Tian replied with a smile.
For safety's sake, before making this decision, he had consulted numerous records about hunting Magma Apes for Spirit Rings. He was highly confident about obtaining the specific Soul Skill he wanted. He had even prepared the Ring Fusion technique to coordinate with his third Soul Skill, thereby enhancing its output.
Of course, even if he didn't obtain it, it wouldn't be a major issue—Ye Tian had already mentally prepared himself for that possibility.
"Oh?" Golden Crocodile Douluo raised an eyebrow, then showed an approving smile and nodded. "That makes some sense indeed. Following conventions only applies to most ordinary Soul Masters and average talents. However, you should still be mentally prepared for any outcome, young man."
Ye Tian responded confidently in a soft voice, "Your Excellency, how bad could a ten-thousand-year Soul Skill possibly be, even at its worst?"
"Haha... true, true!" Golden Crocodile Douluo laughed heartily with repeated nods. "With a ten-thousand-year Spirit Ring as your foundation, your third Soul Skill—no matter how mediocre—will still be significantly more powerful than other Soul Masters' third Soul Skills! Haha..."
Hearing the conversation between Jin E and Ye Tian, Qian Renxue and Jin Yue'er both accepted this fact that was enough to shake the entire Soul Master Realm. They looked at Ye Tian as if he were some kind of monster.
In Qian Renxue's heart, the sense of superiority she had felt from obtaining a ten-thousand-year fourth Spirit Ring completely vanished. Even so... Ye Tian's talent seemed to firmly surpass hers!
Truly worthy of being the man she had set her sights on! The admiration in Qian Renxue's eyes as she looked at Ye Tian grew increasingly intense. Jin Yue'er's eyes also couldn't help but show worship.
"Very well, since you've made up your mind, this old man will make another trip outside and incidentally investigate the movements around the Clear Sky School," Golden Crocodile Douluo said without further ado, preparing to depart immediately.
At that moment, Dugu Bo finally stood up and quickly approached in quick strides. "Your Excellency, please wait!"
"Hmm?" Golden Crocodile Douluo, along with Ye Tian and the others, turned to look at Dugu Bo.
"Your Excellency, please allow this junior to handle the matter of Young Friend Ye Tian's Spirit Ring! I happen to know that there are ten-thousand-year Spirit Beasts nearby that meet Young Friend Ye Tian's requirements. Moreover, I have sufficient experience dealing with them to prevent their self-destruction..."
Hearing Dugu Bo's words, Golden Crocodile Douluo didn't respond immediately but instead looked inquiringly toward Ye Tian. He understood what Dugu Bo was trying to do...
Ye Tian couldn't help but smile and said to Dugu Bo, "Senior's poison is indeed well-suited for capturing Spirit Beasts. Then I'll trouble Senior Dugu with this matter."
"Young friend, you're too kind. It's just a small effort on my part," Dugu Bo replied.
Having obtained Ye Tian's consent, Dugu Bo was overjoyed and eagerly straightened up. "This old man will set out immediately!"
With these words, Dugu Bo hurriedly left the valley under the watchful eyes of Ye Tian and the others.
Qian Renxue pressed her red lips together, wrapped her arms around Ye Tian's arm, and asked with gentle concern, "Xiao Tian, are you absolutely certain about this?"
"Of course he is! Right, Ye Tian?" Jin Yue'er leaned against Ye Tian's shoulder, smiling as she gave him a couple of playful elbow nudges.
"About ninety percent certain."
Sandwiched between the two girls, Ye Tian spoke in a muffled voice:
"Moreover, I plan to absorb the Spirit Ring within the Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire. The chaotic energy there can help suppress the power of the Spirit Ring, ensuring absolute safety."
"That's good to hear."
Qian Renxue breathed a sigh of relief.
She had considerable confidence in Ye Tian's judgment and reasoning.
"Ah?!"
Jin Yue'er suddenly let out a strange exclamation, staring at Ye Tian in astonishment. Speaking with childish bluntness, she said: "Doesn't that mean you'll have to come ashore naked again?"