The significance of Ning Fengzhi's new eighth soul skill could not be overstated. In the world of Auxiliary Type Soul Masters, where survival often depended entirely on the protection of others, a skill like the Eight Treasure Heavenly Net Divine Cover was nothing short of a divine gift. It was a perfect manifestation of the Heavenly Net Turtle's legendary defensive capabilities, refined and amplified by the evolution of the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Compared to the eighth soul skill Ning Rongrong received from a God-Bestowed Soul Ring in the original story, this one was arguably superior, as it added an attack-reflection effect. While its usage frequency wasn't as reality-defying as hers, it provided a tactical edge that could turn the tide of any battle. For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the strategic shift was monumental. Previously, Chen Xin or Gu Rong always had to keep a portion of their attention and soul power reserved to shield Ning Fengzhi from assassins or stray area-of-effect attacks. Now, with the ability to withstand eight full-strength strikes from a Titled Douluo, Ning Fengzhi had effectively become a fortress. He no longer needed a dedicated bodyguard, allowing the clan's offensive powerhouses to unleash their full potential without hesitation.
Long Wu's success was equally vital. Having reached the peak of Rank 91, his foundation was now as steady as a mountain. His ninth soul ring, originating from a beast of his own lineage, had integrated perfectly with his Terrorclaw Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. ensured that his path as a Titled Douluo would extend far into the future.
The joy of the group was quickly tempered by the reality that the mission wasn't over. Zuo Yi and Dugu Yan's soul rings were still unaccounted for. From here on, they had to move in a general direction and leave the rest to luck. Unlike the demon dragon and tyrant dragon, whose locations were known to Chen Xin and Gu Rong from past encounters, finding the next targets wouldn't be as straightforward.
Ning Fengzhi's eighth ring had been a stroke of pure luck—encountering a top-tier beast like the Heavenly Net Turtle was a rare blessing. His soul power had now broken through to Rank 81. With steady cultivation and the vast resources of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, reaching the limit of the Soul Douluo rank would be well within his reach.
While Ning Fengzhi's luck was good, the search for the remaining rings proved arduous. A full month passed before the group finally located a suitable beast for Dugu Yan. It wasn't that they hadn't encountered soul beasts, but rather that none met their high standards. With such a legendary lineup, settling for a mediocre ring would have been a waste of resources.
"Xiao Xuan, are you truly certain about this?" Ning Fengzhi asked, his voice laced with the protective worry of an uncle. "A ten-thousand-year ring for a fourth slot is unprecedented. The mental shock alone is enough to shatter a genius's sea of consciousness. Even if her physical body can take it, the spiritual backlash is a different beast entirely."
Chen Xin had also weighed in, his sharp eyes fixed on Dugu Yan. "The qualitative leap from a thousand-year ring to a ten-thousand-year one is not just a numeric increase. It is a transition from a memory fragment to a vengeful soul. Yan Yan is talented, but is the risk truly worth the reward?"
Furthermore, Dugu Yan's requirement was to absorb a ten-thousand-year ring as her fourth. When they first heard this, everyone—including Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin—stared at her in disbelief. They knew rings could be absorbed beyond one's level because of Gu Xuan, but a ten-thousand-year ring at Rank 40 was unheard of in the Soul Master world.
A ten-thousand-year ring had a qualitative difference compared to a thousand-year one, involving a mental shock that physical fitness alone couldn't always overcome. However, with Gu Xuan's silver tongue and his absolute confidence in her success, the elders eventually relented.
Now, a dead serpent-type soul beast lay before Dugu Yan. It was a twelve-thousand-year-old Medusa, a monarch among serpents. Medusae were exceptionally rare and possessed a nearly unblockable skill: Medusa's Gaze. Dugu Bo's own head soul bone came from a Medusa, and it was considered one of the most powerful soul bone skills in the original series.
Dugu Yan sat cross-legged and began to focus her mind. After a long while, she released her Martial Soul and began the absorption. Thanks to the Yearning Heartbroken Red, her physical constitution and Spiritual Power had been bolstered significantly. The twelve-thousand-year ring placed pressure on her, but it was manageable.
Five hours passed—an absorption time almost comparable to a Titled Douluo taking a ninth ring—but she was ultimately successful. The most shocking part was her soul power: it surged to Rank 45. A five-rank jump in a single leap.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were once again stunned. Even with a ten-thousand-year ring, a five-rank jump was terrifying. Gu Xuan, however, felt a slight tinge of disappointment. She had consumed the "Emperor" of Immortal Herbs and absorbed a ten-thousand-year ring; he had almost expected her to hit Rank 50.
He surmised that the majority of the medicinal energy and the soul ring's power had been consumed by her Martial Soul's evolution into the Ancestor. While her level jump was smaller than expected, the trade-off was immense: she was now a true sovereign of serpents, capable of controlling all snakes and possessing a vastly higher potential.
Dugu Bo, who had dissected the Medusa only to find no soul bone, was eager to hear about her new skill. "Yan Yan, your fourth soul skill... what is it?"
Dugu Yan smiled. "Grandpa, I got lucky. My fourth soul skill is Medusa's Gaze. From now on, I am a Control Type Soul Master with an absolute control ability."
Dugu Bo was stunned. With this skill, his granddaughter would be nearly invincible among those of the same rank. Only those who truly understood the power of the Medusa knew just how practical and terrifying this skill was.
(End of Chapter)
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