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Attack skills were out, defense skills were out, and augmentation skills were also a no-go. Even the remaining option of martial soul enhancement left Ye Wen scratching his head.
But if Nana's martial soul could learn the parasitic skill and attach itself to Ye Wen's body, it would compensate for the inherent weakness of summoning-type martial souls—their inability to directly enhance the soul master.
Based on the description of this soul beast, Ye Wen, drawing on his knowledge, deduced that being parasitized would not only increase his strength and defense but also reduce the effects of pain.
From this perspective, the parasitic skill wasn't just a control-type ability—it was essentially a self-augmenting skill. For a forward-thinking soul master like Ye Wen, this was an incredible find.
Even if the boost was only a modest 10%, once he reached the Soul Sage or Title Douluo level, that small percentage would become far from negligible.
Moreover, Ye Wen believed he might retain his shape-shifting ability. By then, he'd effectively be a walking, armored hedgehog.
Still, Ye Wen knew these ideas were currently pie in the sky. Until he successfully absorbed the soul ring, everything remained speculation.
After all, reality wasn't like fiction. The soul skill gained after absorbing a soul ring could sometimes be entirely random, and there was even the possibility of skill mutations.
In short, it was all a gamble.
However, this soul beast didn't have any particularly strong elemental attributes, and Ye Wen only needed its technical skill. Even in the worst-case scenario, it shouldn't affect the purity of his martial soul or cause it to deteriorate.
Huo Yu'er was naturally delighted when Ye Wen approached her about this. However, when asked about the Parasitic Fungus Demon, Huo Yu'er was equally clueless.
Though she wouldn't admit it, in her current life, every one of Huo Yu'er's soul skills had been carefully chosen for her by Ye Wen. She never had to think for herself—her sole focus was growing stronger.
But Huo Yu'er had connections!
Thus, that very day, Ye Wen was dragged home by Huo Yu'er to meet her family.
However, as they were leaving the school gates, they ran into Xiao Wu.
Upon learning that the two were leaving and would leave her—a cute little loli—all alone at school, Xiao Wu tearfully gazed at them, making both feel rather awkward.
Though they didn't interact much with Xiao Wu on a daily basis, they had been classmates for a year. Her slightly childish and endearing personality made it hard for them to dislike her.
Perhaps influenced by her current body, Huo Yu'er impulsively asked:
"Xiao Wu, do you want to come home with me and hang out for a bit?"
At these words, Xiao Wu's body trembled faintly. Though Huo Yu'er rarely paid attention to her, the aura of reliability she exuded was incredibly captivating. This was why Xiao Wu had abandoned Tang San, who was equally talented, and clung stubbornly to Huo Yu'er instead.
But precisely because she had been sticking so closely to Huo Yu'er, Xiao Wu knew that Huo Yu'er's family background wasn't simple. Thus, she hesitantly asked:
"Sister Yu'er, is that okay? I heard that one of your elders is a Soul Douluo. Won't I be too much of a bother?"
At this moment, Huo Yu'er remembered that Xiao Wu wasn't as simple as she appeared.
However—
Tang San? Huo Yu'er neither cared for him nor took him seriously.
Secretly, Huo Yu'er tapped into a sliver of divine essence hidden deep within her consciousness, scanning the surrounding area.
Hmm… Tang Hao, that peeping tom, wasn't around. This was her turf now.
Huo Yu'er's inner confidence began to soar.
Though sharing her teacher with another woman was unpleasant, she knew she'd eventually have to fight alone for his affection. This was the perfect opportunity to recruit allies. Xiao Wu was already smitten with her and easy to manipulate. Why not bring her into her fold?
'Hmph, Teacher, don't blame me. It's your fault for being so irresistibly charming. I can't handle it all on my own.'
But one Xiao Wu wasn't enough. She needed more allies. Perhaps…
With a sweet smile, Huo Yu'er said to Xiao Wu, "Who told you nonsense? We don't have any Soul Douluo in our family. The strongest person is my grandmother, who's at the peak of Soul Sage."
Beside her, Ye Wen rolled his eyes. Though Soul Sages weren't particularly impressive among the powerhouses of Douluo continent, outside of major factions, a Soul Sage was considered a top-tier powerhouse—someone capable of ruling a large city.
Xiao Wu brightened immediately. "So I can really go with you?"
Huo Yu'er nodded and extended the invitation. With that, the three happily left Nuoding City and headed toward a nearby smaller town.
Tianxin City, a small city near Nuoding City.
Just as large cities had their hierarchies, so did smaller ones.
And Tianxin Town was the cream of the crop among small cities. Its prominence wasn't due to any unique local products but rather because its mayor was a rare Soul Sage in the region and an officially recognized earl. He was essentially the local overlord.
"Welcome back, Young Miss."
As Huo Yu'er and the others arrived at the mayor's residence, a well-dressed steward greeted Huo Yu'er warmly. Clearly, he had been waiting for some time, having spotted the trio the moment they entered Tianxin Town.
At this point, Huo Yu'er reverted to her usual aloof demeanor, nodding indifferently before pulling Ye Wen and Xiao Wu along to meet her grandmother.
Though referred to as "grandmother," Ye Wen was startled when he first saw Huo Yu'er's grandmother—she looked far too young.
Before him stood a striking woman with long, aqua-blue hair. She bore a resemblance to an older version of Huo Yu'er, though not quite as flawless.
Still, children growing up was like opening a blind box—you never knew how they'd turn out. Ye Wen quickly dismissed the thought.
After careful consideration, having a grandmother in her forties in this era wasn't entirely implausible. After all, Douluo continent was still a feudal society, and early marriages and childbirths were common—even twelve- or thirteen-year-olds getting married wasn't unheard of.
After exchanging greetings, Huo Yu'er enthusiastically introduced her grandmother.
"Ah Wen, Xiao Wu, this is my grandmother, Huo Rui. You can call her Grandma."
Huo Yu'er's tone when referring to Ye Wen had grown increasingly affectionate.
For someone who had lived two lifetimes, meeting a relative of such high seniority was a first.
Though the name "Huo Rui" struck Ye Wen as oddly familiar, he couldn't quite place it. On the surface, however, he maintained proper etiquette and greeted her politely.
It wasn't hard to see that Xiao Wu was different from the typical rowdy kids. Huo Rui immediately took a liking to Ye Wen as a potential grandson-in-law and subtly signaled to Huo Yu'er.
After Huo Yu'er gave an affirmative look, Huo Rui's expression grew even brighter. She eagerly struck up a conversation with Ye Wen, trying to get closer to him.
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