The Soul Will Eventually Replace the Soul Ring
Hearing Long Aotian's question, Yuhao was slightly startled, then glanced at the others.
He discovered that Zhenyue, Wei Na, Gu Tong and the rest were all looking at him with anticipation in their eyes.
Over the past few days, through Jin Peng and Du Bushi's explanations, they had learned about the special existence known as Spirits—the lifeforms that could attach to a soul master without being slaughtered, retaining consciousness and even fighting independently.
For these young geniuses of the Noumenon Sect, who had always cultivated their own bodies as martial spirits, this concept was extremely novel.
After all, even in the long history of Douluo Continent since the time of Tang San, no one had ever proposed such a complete alternative to the traditional soul ring system.
And they had also heard that their Young Master, Huo Yuhao, possessed an extraordinarily powerful Spirit.
That was why they had gathered outside his door today.
Yuhao smiled faintly and said:
"In my opinion, Spirits are superior to soul rings in almost every aspect. In the future, they will definitely replace soul rings."
Everyone's breathing tightened slightly.
Yuhao continued calmly:
"Except for hundred-thousand-year soul rings, most soul rings can only provide one soul skill. But a Spirit is different. Depending on its cultivation and compatibility, it can provide multiple soul skills—and even evolve."
This was not an exaggeration.
After obtaining the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion Spirit from the Star Dou Forest and fusing with Electrolux's power, Yuhao had already demonstrated that Spirits could grow alongside their masters.
"Of course," Yuhao added, "some people will say, 'If I want more soul skills, I can just hunt more soul beasts.' That's not wrong. But hunting soul beasts is extremely dangerous, and you may not even find one that truly matches your martial spirit."
At these words, Zhenyue and the others subconsciously nodded.
Even for elite disciples of the Noumenon Sect, every time they entered the Star Dou Forest, it was a gamble between life and death.
"And more importantly," Yuhao said, his tone growing more serious, "Spirits possess self-awareness."
He paused deliberately.
"On a large scale, this can ease the relationship between humans and soul beasts. On an individual level, it greatly increases combat power."
He looked at them and asked:
"Imagine having a soul beast with its own consciousness that shares your mind and can independently unleash soul skills to assist you. Wouldn't you become stronger?"
The image alone made their blood boil.
Gu Tong suddenly stepped forward.
"Young Master, I'm about to break through to Level 50. When I obtain my fifth soul ring… can you help me acquire a Spirit instead?"
Gu Tong was already Level 48. Given his innate body martial spirit talent, it would not take long before he reached the Soul King realm.
The others immediately chimed in.
"I want one too!"
"Me too! Preferably a beautiful one!"
"Even if I'm still far from my next ring, I want to prepare early!"
Yuhao raised his hand to quiet them.
"Spirits are not so easy to obtain. First, you must find one that matches your martial spirit. Second, both sides must willingly complete the contract."
"Is it that difficult?" Long Aotian frowned.
"If that's the case, Spirits are rarer than soul rings."
"For now, yes," Yuhao admitted. "But in the future, the Noumenon Sect will cooperate with the Star Dou Forest. When that happens, suitable Spirits will no longer be so difficult to find."
This cooperation was something Du Bushi had already begun discussing after witnessing Yuhao's Spirit method.
Joy appeared on everyone's faces.
But Wei Na suddenly spoke.
"If Spirits are so difficult to obtain, why are you certain they will replace soul rings?"
That question struck the core of the issue.
Yuhao glanced at her calmly.
"Because as soul masters continue to develop, soul beasts will continue to be hunted."
His voice lowered slightly.
"Right now, you can still see ten-thousand-year soul beasts. Occasionally, even hundred-thousand-year ones appear in legends. But what about a thousand years from now? Or ten thousand years from now?"
The air turned heavy.
"By then, even ten-year or hundred-year soul rings may become luxuries."
This was not speculation.
Since the era of Huo Yuhao in history, soul beast populations had already begun declining due to overhunting.
Yuhao continued:
"It may be difficult to obtain Spirits now. But their appearance has already changed the foundation of the soul master system."
His eyes shone with conviction.
"I believe that as soul technology advances, Spirit technology will also evolve. One day, artificial Spirits may be created. At that time, humans will not need to slaughter soul beasts, and true peace between the two races may be achieved."
The term "artificial Spirit" stunned them completely.
For a moment, no one spoke.
After a long silence, Wei Na asked softly:
"Artificial Spirit… is that even possible?"
Yuhao shrugged.
"Ten thousand years ago, no one believed something as powerful as a soul guide could exist either."
From the primitive hidden weapons of Tang Sect to the advanced soul cannons of the present era, progress had already proven that impossible things could become reality.
Seeing their stunned expressions, Yuhao clapped his hands.
"Enough. There's no need to worry about ten thousand years from now. None of us will still be here."
He smiled faintly.
"For now, focus on winning today's match."
When they arrived at Xingluo Square in the Star Luo Empire, the stands were already packed.
The number of spectators was at least twice that of the round robin stage.
As soon as the Noumenon Academy team appeared, thunderous cheers erupted.
"Noumenon Sect!"
"Huo Yuhao!"
The strength Yuhao had displayed throughout the tournament had already earned him countless supporters.
Today, their opponent was none other than Zhengtian Academy—the same academy Yuhao had once swept through alone.
The knockout stage consisted of both team battles and individual matches.
The first match was a team battle.
Standing opposite them were seven members of Zhengtian Academy, their gazes filled with hostility.
Yuhao's eyes fell on the man standing at the front.
Ye Wuqing.
The captain of Zhengtian Academy.
When their eyes met, an invisible clash seemed to spark between them.
The atmosphere instantly turned tense.
Back then, when Yuhao was still only a two-ring Great Soul Master, he had single-handedly defeated eight students from Zhengtian Academy, including Yu Mengdi, a formal team member.
That battle had shaken the academy world and attracted the attention of both the Noumenon Sect and Shrek Academy.
But it had also humiliated Zhengtian Academy.
They had consoled themselves with one thought—
Ye Wuqing had not been present at the time.
They believed that if Ye Wuqing had been there, Yuhao would never have succeeded so easily.
After returning, Ye Wuqing had indeed intended to challenge Yuhao.
But before that could happen, Yuhao was taken away by the Noumenon Sect.
Now, fate had brought them together again on the grand stage of the Continental Soul Master Elite Competition.
Originally, Ye Wuqing had sworn to wash away the humiliation.
But after witnessing Yuhao's overwhelming performances in the group stage, even his confidence had wavered.
A mere three-ring Soul Elder…
Yet his combat power rivaled that of Soul Kings and beyond.
Still, for the honor of Zhengtian Academy—
He would fight.
Even if victory was impossible, he would at least reclaim some dignity for his academy.
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