Chapter 134: Xiao Xiao — Ye Chen, Slow Down…
"Alright, just take it. You're the support-type soul master I trust the most, so it's only right that you have a powerful attack ability."
Ye Chen rubbed Xiao Xiao's head, then firmly shoved the soul bone into her arms.
He had already placed a hundred seals on it. She would absorb it first, and he would gradually remove the seals later, adjusting according to her body's endurance.
"Mm… O-okay then. Ye Chen, you're the best~"
Xiao Xiao clutched the soul bone tightly, her heart swelling with emotion. She silently swore to herself that after returning, she must find a way to repay him properly.
He had done so much for her—she truly had no idea how to give anything back.
"Alright, start absorbing it now. The freshman assessment is coming up soon—be sure to give me a surprise." Ye Chen smiled, rubbing her head again.
Originally, Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong's team had a slim chance at winning. But now that Xiao Xiao possessed a soul bone, victory was guaranteed.
The Darkgold Dreadclaw Soul Bone carried the power of a ten-thousand-year skill—completely different from any ordinary thousand-year level.
Poor Ning Tian and Wu Feng would likely get smashed if they ran into Xiao Xiao's team, but such was life.
Ning Tian might have strong talent, but she was still mainly support.
Wu Feng's strength was decent, but her martial soul was from a lower dragon lineage—not enough to compete evenly against Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao.
Ye Chen decided he would compensate Ning Tian and Wu Feng later—perhaps gifting them celestial herbs next time as a form of dowry.
For Ning Tian, the Qiluo Tulip could evolve her spirit into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
For Wu Feng, a body-enhancing herb would drastically boost her aptitude.
"Ye Chen, I did it! The fusion worked!"
Within just ten minutes, Xiao Xiao successfully fused with the right-hand bone.
"Good work," Ye Chen congratulated with a smile.
But moments later, she frowned, examining her glowing hand.
"Ye Chen… is this soul bone fake? It feels so weak..."
As she lifted her hand, her palm shimmered with a dark-golden hue. Her fingers extended into sharp claws, resembling an organic extension of her hand.
However, though they appeared sleek, they lacked the fierce aura of the true Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear.
"The bear's power is extremely overbearing. Its raw destructive force could easily harm you, so I sealed most of its strength using my sealing technique. You've only completed the initial fusion. I'll gradually release the seals; as the power blends into your body, it will strengthen you. If it becomes unbearable, tell me immediately."
Ye Chen explained, then began unlocking the first seal.
"Ahhh!"
The moment it lifted, pain lanced through Xiao Xiao's palm—searing, burning pain that made her entire body tremble.
The agony seeped straight into her bones and soul.
Seeing her enduring it surprisingly well, Ye Chen went on—unlocking the second seal, then the third, and the fourth.
"W-wait—Ye Chen, slow down!"
Xiao Xiao let out a cry, her knees buckling as stabbing pain shot through her arm.
Her hand had turned red and swollen, veins bulging beneath the skin—a horrifying sight.
Because the soul bone was already fused within her, Ye Chen's seals breaking from the inside caused the explosive pain.
Still, if she could endure this, the bone would fully submit to her control.
Normally, Xiao Xiao wouldn't have been able to absorb such a powerful bone even as a Soul Ancestor. But pain was the price of power—and the reward would be worth it.
"Alright, that's enough for now. We'll continue next time," Ye Chen said, stopping after releasing ten seals. Gradual release would be best. In about half a month, the process would complete entirely—if she preferred a slower, less painful path.
If she wanted faster power, though, she'd have to endure higher torment.
Supporting her gently, Ye Chen handed her a Seed of Life.
As its immense vitality coursed through her, the torn and bloodied skin healed within moments—fresh, unblemished flesh returning almost instantly.
"Whoa… Ye Chen, what did you feed me? My hand healed so fast!"
Feeling the renewed strength and smooth skin, Xiao Xiao's eyes widened in amazement.
She had thought her hand was beyond repair—yet in mere seconds, it was as good as new.
"Just a simple healing medicine. If you want to master the soul bone faster, I'll use these alongside the seals—but it's going to hurt much more.
If you prefer to take time, we can unlock slowly, and you'll feel far less pain. It's your choice."
Ye Chen's tone was calm, giving her the final say.
After some thought, Xiao Xiao clenched her jaw, her eyes turning firm.
"I… I want to master it as fast as possible!"
"Are you sure? It will get progressively worse."
Ye Chen arched a brow in warning.
Her body trembled slightly, but she nodded and gripped his hand tightly. "I don't want to fall behind you. I want to grow stronger—fast!"
"Understood."
Since her resolve was clear, Ye Chen chose to respect her decision.
It would be excellent training for her willpower anyway.
He began releasing more seals.
"Ah…"
Xiao Xiao gasped, this time holding it in, biting her lip tightly as she watched her palm bleed under the strain.
Sweat poured down her face as she endured the excruciating, bone-deep pain.
For every ten layers released, Ye Chen fed her another Seed of Life, healing her instantly before repeating the process.
The deeper he went, the stronger the backlash became.
For the last thirty layers, she needed one seed for every five seals… and by the final ten, one per seal.
Each Seed of Life consumed one year of Ye Chen's lifespan.
Fortunately, his longevity was abundant—he could spare it without consequence.
But he would never let Xiao Xiao know that.
She did realize the "pills" he fed her were precious, yet the unbearable agony left no room to question. Her instincts took over—desperation told her to accept whatever Ye Chen gave.
For two whole hours, the pain continued.
When the final seal broke, Xiao Xiao's body went limp, collapsing completely into Ye Chen's arms.
The external soul bone had finally fused into her flesh, fully becoming one with her right hand.
(END CHAPTER)
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