Niu Tian had pride—but he wasn't foolish. He knew he could handle a Soul Master or even a Soul Lord, but facing someone with a ten-thousand‑year fourth spirit ring was beyond mere strength disparity. And they were all so young.
He understood the saying, "A clever man knows when to yield." He once assumed they were only Soul Masters—but now, finding out they were Soul Lords, he recognized the future. It would be wise to align with them.
Embarrassed but honest, Niu Tian admitted:
"Alright, I'll admit my shout just now was too loud."
They all laugh, impressed by his flair-following:
Niu Gao: "Ha! I knew this young man understood the situation."
Niu Gao, with a grin: "Even I, your clanhead, was blown away by these three."
He recited their achievements:
"An 18‑year‑old, 52‑level Soul King; a 16‑year‑old, 48‑level Soul Lord; and a 13‑year‑old, 39‑level Soul Master."
Niu Tian winced—he felt butchered without bloodshed by the praise.
They all laughed freely—even Yun Yibai and company found it amusing. But Yun Yibai had suspicions: they'd been invited, so it was polite to test the prospective teammate's mettle.
Yang Tai had been weighed already—Yun Yibai had sparred with his spear and found him strong. But Niu Tian, as the defensive backbone of their future team, needed to prove.
So they headed to the Po Zhi clan's training ground. Niu Tian stood ready to take a hit and show his defense:
Yun Yibai: "I'll simulate a Soul Lord's ambush. I won't use my fourth soul skill—just my strongest strike excluding it. Show me your defense."
Niu Tian: "Understood!"
He activated his spirit beast: Plate-Armored Rhinoceros—a purely defensive soul type. His already broad form ballooned; tough black plates enveloped him instantly.
He recited his spells:
First Skill – Guard: Defense +100%, temporarily +250%.
Second Skill – Surge: Strength +100%, Defense +200%; cleanses status effects.
Third Skill – Armored Defense: Doubles defense, adds reflective armor: 50% of damage reflected, reduces enemy defense by 15%.
The Yu Zhi clan's single-attribute approach maximizes strength—at the cost of versatility. Their defense rivals the legendary Elephant-Scale clan's Mammoth-type.
Yun Yibai readied himself, waiting for Niu Tian's full skill display. When Niu Tian finished, Yun Yibai struck.
Blue+Yellow rings are activated for full attribute enhancement.
Thunder Breathing – Roar of the Lightning Dragon!
A pillar of golden lightning erupted from his mouth.
Niu Tian's armor resisted the blow, but outward soul power visibly weakened—it held, but at a cost.
Yun Yibai then followed up:
Thunder Dragon Burst Fist—a lightning-charged punch enhanced with speed and soul force.
A bright flash preceded the impact:
Crack, boom! The armor shattered in seconds.
Niu Tian was blasted off-field midair, but stayed conscious—landing steadily, breathing hard:
"Incredible… this is the power of a Soul Lord. Truly, a special one."
Yun Yibai was pleased: Niu Tian's defense was solid. He neatly handed over a healing pill from Yang Wudi.
Niu Tian swallowed it gratefully:
"Yang Tai was right—you are truly a monster."
Yun Yibai quipped:
"I'll humbly take that as a compliment."
Niu Tian laughed and nodded, admitting:
"Despite our age difference, strength commands respect. I'll follow you—please favor me in the future."
Later that night, Yun Yibai found Yang Wudi:
Yang Wudi: "What's up, late at night—big news?"
Yun Yibai: "Not big, but I'd like you to refine a batch of pills for me."
He presented Top-grade Purple Ganoderma and a Ten-thousand-year Ginseng King as base materials.
Yang Wudi smiled:
"Generous lad!" It reminded him of the rare winter flowers in Icefire Realm—he'd only taken detoxifying herbs then.
He agreed—but asked for some additional precious herbs to perfect the formula. Though rare, they paled beside top-tier materials like Purple Ganoderma.