Once Gu Xuan and the Azure Sky Bull Python had completed their preparations, within the space sealed by Gu Rong, the bull python began the process of sacrificing itself to become a Soul Spirit.
During this time, Gu Rong and Chen Xin did not relax for a single moment. If the Azure Sky Bull Python or the Titan Giant Ape showed even the slightest hint of treachery, the two elders would suppress them with thunderous force.
Gu Xuan, currently in his Martial Soul possession state, sat cross-legged in the center of the Lake of Life. Six soul rings—two yellow, one purple, two black, and one brilliant red—floated quietly around his body. The Azure Sky Bull Python coiled its massive frame around Gu Xuan, its gargantuan bull head gently touching his forehead. The moment their foreheads met, a terrifying surge of soul power erupted toward the heavens.
Fortunately, Gu Rong had already locked down the area; no matter how violent the fluctuations between Gu Xuan and the beast were, not a single ripple would leak out.
As the bull python's hundred-thousand-year cultivation began to explode, Gu Xuan commenced the absorption of his seventh soul ring. The Azure Sky Bull Python was now sacrificing itself with genuine sincerity. First, this was the only way to ensure it became Gu Xuan's Soul Spirit. Second, Gu Xuan had promised to let Xiao Wu become a Soul Spirit as well, and perhaps help them resurrect once he reached a higher realm.
Even if resurrection were impossible, they would not truly die; they would live on eternally as Soul Spirits, growing stronger alongside their host. In the bull python's eyes, Gu Xuan had an immense chance of reaching that peak, given his natural talent and the inheritance of the two Great Dragon Kings.
As the sacrifice progressed, Gu Xuan didn't need to expend much mental energy on resistance. He focused entirely on absorbing and refining the hundred-thousand-year power. As the bull python merged its hundred-thousand-year foundation with Gu Xuan, the confined space was filled with endless thunderous storms. The beast's physical body gradually turned into a spiritual form, and a blood-red soul ring began to circle Gu Xuan.
The process lasted a full day. Gu Xuan needed to merge perfectly with the bull python for it to survive as a Soul Spirit within his spiritual sea. As the merger deepened, the bull python became increasingly excited, realizing the method was truly viable. Even as it became the seventh soul ring, it survived in a spiritual state, capable of continuing its progress through Gu Xuan.
Three days passed in a flash. The Azure Sky Bull Python's physical presence had vanished, replaced by a blood-red ring settled in the seventh position of Gu Xuan's array. Gu Xuan slowly opened his eyes, the red and blue light dancing within his pupils.
The moment he awoke, a magnificent and domineering aura swept out. To the shock of Gu Rong and Chen Xin, Gu Xuan's soul power had jumped to Rank 78, and he felt remarkably close to Rank 79. The two elders exchanged looks of sheer joy—Gu Xuan had succeeded beyond their wildest expectations.
Beside them, the Titan Giant Ape was filled with a mix of tension and delight, as it could still sense its big brother's presence. Gu Xuan stood up; though he had retracted his Martial Soul possession, his two-meter-tall frame appeared handsome and stalwart.
"Grandpa, Second Grandpa, it's a success," Gu Xuan said.
As he spoke, a green light flashed in his eyes. A thirty-meter-long azure dragon soul suddenly manifested behind him. This soul looked significantly different from the bull python's previous body; it was now thoroughly "dragonized," with four claws emerging from its belly and the bull horns transforming into savage, domineering dragon horns. While it wasn't yet the "Azure Divine Dragon", it might become one in the future; it was very close. Once Gu Xuan reached divinity, it would complete its evolution.
"Big Brother!" the Titan Giant Ape cried out in joy.
The Azure Sky Bull Python slowly opened its eyes, its azure pupils flashing with excitement. It felt no sorrow over becoming a soul ring because it had transitioned into a Soul Spirit; it had died, yet it lived. Only after becoming Gu Xuan's Soul Spirit did it realize how heaven-defying his talent truly was.
Not only did it sense the aura of the two Ancestors (the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, who could be considered the progenitors of soul beasts), but it also detected another terrifying existence within Gu Xuan's spiritual sea. Although both were spiritual entities, a single gaze from that being made the bull python's soul tremble with fear.
The Azure Sky Bull Python spoke calmly, "Second Brother, from this day forth, assist Gu Xuan with all your might to unify the Star Dou Great Forest. The popularization of the Soul Spirit method will not only improve the relationship between humans and soul beasts but also ensure the continued survival of our race."
The Titan Giant Ape nodded heavily. "Big Brother, I understand."
Gu Xuan was equally thrilled. The harvest from this merger was immense. Beyond reaching the peak of Rank 78, the addition of a hundred-thousand-year ring and soul bone meant he could now face a Titled Douluo in direct combat. This wasn't arrogance; between the physical stat boosts and the two powerful skills from the soul bone, plus the effects of his Martial Soul Avatar, his strength had undergone a cataclysmic transformation.
"Grandpa, I need time to meditate and stabilize this sudden surge in power," Gu Xuan said, maintaining his composure. "Please personally oversee the arrangements we discussed with Da Ming and Er Ming."
He asked Gu Rong to supervise specifically to prevent any incidents within the soul beast race. Although he had merged with the bull python, he didn't fully trust the entire forest yet. If the Bull Python had connections to the true hidden overlords of Star Dou, like Di Tian, having Gu Rong there as a backstop was necessary. With Gu Rong's spatial mastery, he could escape even if he couldn't defeat such foes.
After finalizing the details, Gu Xuan, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, leaving the Titan Giant Ape to begin the unification of the forest. For a soul beast, loyalty was simple: ask if they submit; if not, beat them until they do.
Gu Xuan needed to retreat to master his new power and organize a team to help with the forest unification plan. Gu Rong returned because moving Gu Jian and her followers from the Sunset Forest to Star Dou required his spatial portal. Chen Xin returned to guard the sect; with him there and Ning Fengzhi's support, even a Rank 99 Peerless Douluo would have to think twice before attacking!
(End of Chapter)
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