"Offer me a grand opportunity?" The Azure Sky Bull Python was stunned, but the aggressive movements of both it and the Titan Giant Ape came to a halt. No beast truly wishes to die unless there is no other choice, especially after living for tens of thousands of years and tasting the freedom of being a forest overlord.
The Azure Sky Bull Python looked up, azure lightning flickering in its pupils as it stared at Gu Xuan for a long time. Finally, it spoke, "Human, we have never met. Why would you suddenly speak of giving me an opportunity?"
It didn't want to die, but looking at the current situation, unless a miracle occurred, even their combined efforts would be no match for the two Titled Douluos. The final outcome would be nothing more than becoming soul rings and soul bones. Thus, the Bull Python lowered its posture significantly—it wanted to live.
Gu Xuan said softly, "You do not know me, but I know you. As the absolute sovereign of the Star Dou Great Forest, you are the soul ring and soul bone that countless people dream of."
Upon hearing this, both the Bull Python and the Giant Ape bared their teeth, their hearts tightening once more. As expected, these three humans had come for their very lives!
Seeing their tension, Gu Xuan continued, "I indeed came for your ring and bone, but I have brought you another path to walk."
The Bull Python was bewildered. Just as it was about to speak, Gu Xuan added, "Originally, I could have simply killed you and absorbed your strength. However, because of something that happened six months ago, you now have a different choice."
As Gu Xuan spoke, six staggering soul rings rose around his body: two yellow, one purple, two black, and one brilliant red.
"A hundred-thousand-year sixth soul ring?!" The two forest overlords gaped in disbelief. Though they weren't human, they had lived long enough to understand the human cultivation system. A hundred-thousand-year ring at the sixth position? Even the legendary Angel God or Sea God likely didn't possess such a thing. Was this human truly such a freak?
Now, the Bull Python no longer doubted Gu Xuan's claim that he could hunt it. Since he already possessed one such ring, absorbing another was certainly not out of the question.
The Titan Giant Ape felt the terrifying aura of that red ring and sank into despair. "Big brother..." It knew that these three humans would not return empty-handed today.
The Bull Python signaled the ape to stay silent and looked at Gu Xuan. "Human, what is this other path? Sacrifice?" It didn't want to die, but if death was inevitable, it sought an exit. However, if the "path" was merely a forced sacrifice, it would rather fight to the bitter end. It might not beat the Titled Douluos, but couldn't it take this youth down with it?
To its surprise, Gu Xuan shook his head, then nodded. This left the Bull Python utterly confused. Before it could ask, Gu Xuan spoke, "It is a sacrifice, but you will remain alive after the process. Furthermore, as my strength grows, your own power will increase along with mine."
The first thought of the two beasts was: *Impossible!* Humans had been hunting soul beasts for tens of thousands of years; they had never heard of a beast remaining alive after becoming a soul ring. But since the human spoke with such confidence, there had to be a reason. The Bull Python asked, "How is such a method implemented?"
Gu Xuan didn't answer immediately. He looked at Gu Rong and said quietly, "Grandpa, seal this space. What I say next must not leak out."
Gu Rong didn't ask why. Even though this was the core of the forest and no other beasts were near, he followed his grandson's request. Once Gu Rong nodded, Gu Xuan looked back at the beasts and explained the Soul Spirit method and how Chen Yuan had successfully merged with one.
If a person lies, there are always traces of deceit. But as the Bull Python listened, it found no flaws. Instead, it grew increasingly excited. If this were true, it wouldn't just be about its own survival—if the Soul Spirit method became widespread, it would be a blessing for the entire soul beast race, a way for them to coexist and thrive endlessly.
The Bull Python still found it hard to believe. Why was such a method only discovered now? But as it searched for loopholes, it found only one: the lack of a permanent storage vessel. Yet Gu Xuan implied he would solve that in the future.
The two beasts began to discuss the finer points with Gu Xuan. If this were real, it was a way for their race to survive forever. During the conversation, Gu Xuan revealed a few more secrets, such as the inheritance of the Two Dragon Kings on his body.
The Bull Python, while not a pure dragon, was a variant true dragon with immense talent. Sensing the inheritance marks of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, it felt a primal affinity and a supreme aura from a higher existence. It finally chose to believe. Gu Xuan promised that once the Bull Python became his Soul Spirit, he would take it to see the two Dragon King ancestors.
The Titan Giant Ape was tasked to remain at Lake of Life, not just as a guardian, but to consolidate the Star Dou Great Forest and lay the foundation for the future popularization of Soul Spirits. The two beasts had always been solitary at the core, so the first step was to gather a loyal following. Gu Xuan proposed bringing Gu Jian, the Golden Armored Earth Dragon, and her subordinates over to form the ape's initial core team.
The two beasts finally agreed. They wouldn't have to die, and they could contribute to the future of their race. Then, Gu Xuan gave them one more piece of news: there was a hundred-thousand-year transformed rabbit in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
The beasts erupted with excitement. A transformed rabbit of that level could only be their "Sister Xiao Wu." Gu Xuan explained how Gu Rong had captured her while following the Titan Giant Ape in secret.
Then the Giant Ape asked, "Why did Tang San not save her since she viewed him as family?"
Gu Xuan explained patiently. "Humans and soul beasts are naturally opposed; Tang San believed Xiao Wu had deceived him to cultivate by his side."
This explanation filled the Titan Giant Ape with both guilt and a burning hatred for Tang San. It wanted to skin the boy alive! However, the beasts now felt a genuine sense of goodwill toward Gu Xuan. He didn't seem to hold the typical human prejudices against their kind, or he wouldn't be pushing for the Soul Spirit method. Whether it was because of the Dragon Kings' inheritance or not, they could feel his sincerity.
With everything settled, the Azure Sky Bull Python prepared to sacrifice itself to Gu Xuan to become his Soul Spirit, eager to test if this miracle would succeed. Just before the process began, it gave the Titan Giant Ape a secret look. Having been brothers for millennia, the ape understood the "Big Brother's" hidden meaning instantly and remained silent.
(End of Chapter)
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