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The elevator doors slid open, and Xue Qi stepped out, leading Bai Xu into a circular hall.
Surrounding the hall were three concentric rings of screens displaying footage from various caverns—likely a comprehensive overview of the internal conditions of the Abyssal Caves.
"Welcome to the Blood God Camp. You may call me Xue Ba, as I rank eighth among the Nine Blood Gods. Rankings are based solely on strength, not age," a woman's cold voice announced.
"Greetings, Commander," Bai Xu acknowledged.
Simultaneously, numerous doorways appeared around the circular hall, and several figures emerged. Xue Wu and Xue Liu were both men—Xue Wu was tall and burly with dark skin, standing like an iron tower, imposing as a mountain. Xue Liu, on the other hand, was short and slender, the most ordinary-looking of the group, appearing almost harmless.
Then there was Xue Yi, who hailed from the renowned Tang Sect.
Xue Qi spoke, "You should know why I brought you here."
"The willow catkins that devour Abyssal energy," Bai Xu answered truthfully.
"Correct. You are the third person we've discovered capable of absorbing Abyssal energy. The other two are Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena, who is closely connected to you. Both of them rely on the devouring abilities of their bonded martial soul weapons—the Golden Dragon Spear and the Silver Dragon Spear. But you are different. Your martial soul records make no mention of a willow-type martial soul. So… we wish to understand the secret of your martial soul. Though such matters are not lightly disclosed, this concerns the fate of the Douluo Continent. We hope you can explain."
Bai Xu replied, "It is indeed a newly awakened ability of my martial soul. Your guess is correct, Commander. Upon arriving at the Abyss, I felt physically unwell, as if something was about to emerge. During my battle with the Baan, I couldn't even use my second martial soul. After being injured, Gu Yuena brought me back to recuperate. While unconscious, I awakened this new ability."
As he spoke, a willow tree materialized behind Bai Xu, and a white blade appeared in his hand. He explained, "My second martial soul is Metal Element Control, and I've created various metal-based techniques. But later, I awakened the Wood Element, which may be closely related to my second martial soul."
"Oh?!" The Blood Gods grew intrigued. Elemental control—and multiple elements at that.
"The Wood Element manifests as this willow tree. Perhaps due to being wounded by Abyssal creatures, its properties specifically target them. The willow catkins can devour the energy of Abyssal beings and replenish my own, though the conversion efficiency isn't ideal. In the last battle, I absorbed a great deal of energy, but my soul power only increased by three levels."
!!!!!
Xue Qi was stunned speechless. Even Xue Yi paled, forcing himself to remain composed as he asked, "Have you experienced any discomfort after absorbing the Abyssal energy?"
"None."
"Does that mean you can continue absorbing?"
"Most likely," Bai Xu replied.
Xue Yi exchanged glances with the others and said, "Your situation is unique. If utilized properly, you could become the greatest weapon on the Abyssal battlefield, far surpassing the absorption efficiency of Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena. From now on, you will be an external member of the Blood God Camp, just like them. If any operations arise, you will report directly to the Blood Gods."
"Understood."
"Can you release the willow catkins now?" Xue Yi asked.
"Sure."
With that, a flurry of willow catkins filled the air, though they no longer possessed their devouring ability. They drifted weightlessly, turning the room into a serene white world, breathtakingly beautiful.
Xue Yi plucked one of the catkins and murmured inwardly, "So… it only targets the Abyss? It truly has no effect on others…" Aloud, he continued, "Your second martial soul… is likely Multi-Element Control, and it manifests in a tangible form. It may continue to awaken in the future. The mysteries of martial souls remain unsolved even after millennia. If anything unusual occurs, come to the Blood God Camp and seek us out."
"Understood."
---
The gray world stretched endlessly, devoid of stars or sun, only an expanse of unbroken gray. In the distance, the gray deepened into an even more profound darkness.
"Why have you come here?" A deep voice suddenly echoed from all directions. The entire gray world twisted, as if transforming into a massive vortex.
The figure in black halted. Slowly, she lifted her head, and from beneath her dark hood, two faint purple glows shone. "Abyssal Ruler, was it not your guidance that allowed me to come here?"
"What do you seek?" The deep voice cut straight to the point, questioning the Demon Empress's intentions.
"Our goals have always been one and the same. What you desire is endless consumption, elevating the Abyss into a divine realm for your plane. What I seek is boundless souls of the dead, to ascend as a god of death and forge a kingdom of demise. Our ambitions align perfectly."
The distortion around them ceased abruptly, and the gray world of despair returned to its original state.
From the distance, a gray figure approached, step by step, drawing closer to the black-clad woman.
The Demon Empress tilted her head slightly, revealing a pale chin and a faint, curling smile. Her direct words had moved the Abyssal Ruler.
And now, nothing could stop her plan.
Destruction was only the beginning. The fools believed it was mere hatred that drove her to defy the heavens, but they did not know her true aim—to sacrifice the entire Douluo Continent as an offering, forging her own supreme divine kingdom.
How could sparrows understand the ambition of swans? Those people were nothing but ants. The moment she chose to become the leader of the Holy Spirit Cult, she had set her sights on this distant yet magnificent goal.
And now was the perfect time.
---
The soul communicator rang once more.
Gu Yuena answered, hearing Bai Xu's voice: "Where are you?"
"I'm competing in the Star Battle Network."
"That's a virtual combat network. I'm asking where you are. You don't need to hide just to participate in a match."
When Gu Yuena didn't respond, Bai Xu pressed further: "That strange behavior the other day—was someone influencing you?"
"No."
"If you say no, then the answer is yes."
Gu Yuena: "…"
"Seems I'll have to speed things up. The technique targeting the soul isn't fully complete yet, but it's taking shape. When we meet in a month, I'll help you remove the mental imprint in your mind," Bai Xu said.
"You've developed it?" Gu Yuena asked.
"I've been researching it for years. It's time to see results. I've even thought of a name—Soul-Severing Sword Art," Bai Xu declared.
Gu Yuena fell silent, unsure how to respond. She bit her lip lightly, took a deep breath, and steadied her emotions, ensuring Bai Xu wouldn't detect anything amiss. "Actually, I've thought of a title for you. Would you like to hear it?"
"What is it?"
"If you ever rise to fame, how about 'Immortal Lord of the Five Elements' Marvelous Art'?"
"Why that?"
She laughed softly. "Your techniques are profound beyond compare—unlike any soul skill. And with your mastery of the Five Elements, yet no interest in godhood, 'Marvelous Art of the Five Elements' suits you perfectly."
"Not bad. See you in a month," Bai Xu remarked.
"Mm."