It was early in the morning at the campsite. Tang Yuan had managed to get a good amount of sleep, despite the fact that his excitement had once more emerged. They are only a bit away from the swamp now. The chance to obtain his soul ring is now fast approaching.
Yet before that, something rather unexpected happens. His mother tenses up and moves incredibly quickly. She reaches out into the grass around them. Then she yanks back with something hanging from her grasp. Tang Yuan realizes with a start that it is not merely hanging, but also struggling to get away.
Tang Yuan was amazed at the sight of it. He had seen similar creatures on TV in his previous life. Never in person though, and certainly not ever like this. Swamp People was the show where he saw something like this—alligators, or in this case, a crocodile by its snout shape.
His mother is holding the crocodile by its tail like a bag of junk. It's not really a small crocodile either between five and six feet. Its body is colored like stone almost mainly gray. Yet there are specks of another color mixed in as well. Gold he realizes with a level of surprise. Its body is like that of golden ore though mainly stone.
"This is a golden crocodile in its first decades of cultivation." his mother says with an almost conversational lecturing tone. Despite the very large and very grumpy crocodile thrashing around. It maneuvered itself to try and bite his mother, only to be hit on the head. It thrashed around in pain at the seemingly soft hit.
"In the decade phase, it grows about 1 foot every decade. Making it around ten feet long at the century level, or about 3 meters. Then its growth slows to a meter every three centuries or so. During that time it also widens and thickens its body greatly. The most prominent change is that its hide grows from this color. It changes to a dullish gold color on the entire body over time. The length and cooler act as the primary indicators during that period."
Tang Yuan pays close attention to his mother's words. This is about a powerful soul beast after all. The same soul beast as his second martial soul. This beast will always be in consideration for his second martial soul. Even if not a major choice compared to a hundred thousand-year-old beasts.
"At 1,000 years its growth pattern changes again. From there it grows four meters between 1,000 and 10,000. The hide thickens considerably as well at this point. Among spirit beasts, the golden crocodile possesses both incredible offense and defense. It is counted amongst the apex soul beast just below the Super Soul beast existences."
Tang Yuan had some idea about the latter part. The Golden Crocodile could go both the power attack and defensive soul master roles. Its scales can defend against a great many things. While its bite possesses overwhelmingly high damage capacity.
"The Golden Crocodile actually had few spirit skills at first. In the decade stage only two, and in the century stage three. They gain quite a few more in the millennium stage." She continues, her face that of a serious teacher giving knowledge to a student. Yet something about her words catches Tang Yuan's attention. Two souls skills at the decade, and three at the century stage. Isn't that like the spirit beast they came to hunt?
A look of realization blossoms on Tang Yuan's face at that thought. Yet that also turns to confusion. He raises his hand slightly to catch his mother's attention. "That sounds like the soul beast we have come to hunt Mom. Though doesn't the Golden Crocodile have more skills than that?" he asks with a confused face.
Tang Nuan nodded her head at his words. "First the Golden Crocodile is in fact the beast we have come to hunt," she says to his first point. "Secondly, the number of soul skills I just told you is in fact accurate. The first one is simply bite or crunch with no true particular name."
Her face changes to be more severe in nature. "Do not underestimate it even with such a simple name. It is the most intrinsic attack skill of the Golden Crocodile. It can be used to kill a beast three times its age if caught by it. At the century's faze it can even hurt millennium beasts if they are careless. Do not take its jaws lightly ever, or you will someday suffer for it." She tells him in a no-nonsense tone, her expression brokering no arguments. You quickly nod your head in agreement with her commands.
She prepares to continue talking when the subject of their conversation. The Golden Crocodile begins to thrash around even more than before. Tang Yuan notices that its body seems to be flexing or bulging. Like in anime where the character's muscles start twitching. Its struggles become far fiercer as a result of this.
His mother gains a look of slight joy at this. She does not really change her grip on the beast though. It is still helpless to escape her. "This is the second skill of the golden crocodile that like bite follows it through its life. It is known simply as Might or also Strength. Its name is relatively self-explanatory in nature. It boosts the crocodile's physical parameters specifically strength. At this stage it is only about a 10% boost." she tells him not to explain exactly how useful such a thing could be.
Even if it is only a 10% boost that is still amazing. Especially paired with its already powerful body. That enhancement skill could allow it to face beasts far older. Especially if it evolves with the beast itself becoming stronger still.
The decade Golden Crocodile continues to struggle and thrash around. Tang Nuan's hand goes to her storage belt one of her slots. Suddenly in her hand appears a long knife. The said knife has a serrated edge, but also has a long blade for piercing. She places the blade against the neck at a certain point. "This is where the head and body meet the most vulnerable area. It is behind the jaw that their most powerful weapon is."
Tang Yuan watches with a gulp as his mother drives the dagger into flesh. He is no stranger to killing a beast as he has done so himself many times. Yet this is different, very different from a normal killing. In that you would try to do it as fast as possible to reduce suffering. His mother is doing this slower than normal as if to extend suffering.
It is over in less than half a minute. Yet that is longer than necessary with his mother's ability. There is a slight level of malice in both her actions and gaze. Tang Yuan gets the sense that his mother has a grudge. Likely against the entire Golden Crocodile species based on this act. Considering their family they must have hunted a number of these spirit beasts.
Perhaps enough that there was a retaliation of some kind. His grandfather has a red ninth ring perhaps from a Golden Crocodile. Perhaps it caused the grudge to be born between his family and the species. The grudge existed before it perhaps. He said that his grandfather was cagey about his name. His mother did not have the family name either. In fact, he has no idea about their family's original name.
Tang Yuan has a sense of foreboding about this. It's like the result of an absolutely traumatizing event. Yet Tang Yuan can not focus on that fact. For one thing, he knows that if he asks his mother will not tell him. He is still young and she will be unlikely to burden him with this. More importantly, he is simply too weak to be able to do anything.
Unable to do anything normally he can only continue on. He cuts the crocodile up as best he can. His mother helps him with a great deal of skill. They then quickly begin to cook it up in the form of steaks. Letting it cook up quickly enough, and they bite into it just as quickly. His mother has a certain enjoyment from eating it that's for sure. They finish the food quickly enough eager to move forward.
They had finished their meal and then began walking. A few minutes later they finally enter the soul beast habitat. It starts as one would expect not from a swamp, but a forest. Trees as far as the eye can see at least at first glance. Swamps are of course a form of forest one that has large amounts of water of course.
Then suddenly the nature of these places reveals itself. They exit a line of trees to find a large channel of water. It stands before them and the opposing bank. The channel is certainly large, not enormous by any measure. Yet it is a width of more than a house's length. Perhaps about 10 to 15 meters in total length from one to another.
There are a number of plants in the water that cover parts of it. Along with algae also clogging the waterway. A great deal of the water is not visible to their eyes as a result. Once more exactly how deep the water is is another question entirely. Certainly, it is deeper than three meters at a rough estimate. Yet it might very well be deeper as well.
There is no telling what might be waiting in the waters. Remembering the Golden Crocodile from earlier. Perhaps it might be poisonous snakes instead. There might be nothing as well, and yet who would be willing to gamble like that? Tang Yuan certainly would not want to do so. The water and the uncertainty of what waits within it are one of the major hurdles.
Swimming through the water is perhaps the height of stupidity. It might also be the height of confidence as well. Yet with a weaker member of the party in this case himself. That option is absolutely impossible to choose. Even someone of a relatively high level might die in these waters.
You could try to carry a boat around with you. It is not absolutely unfeasible in this world. Storage devices could actually hold a boat if they are large enough. Though even if they had a boat he would not trust it. After all, what is wood or even normal metal to the beasts that might lurk in the water? Normal crocodiles in his past life could potentially flip boats. What about the spirit beast versions that are far more dangerous?
Thus swimming and boat travel are impossible or inadvisable. You could walk the length of the area and find a natural bridge. Yet that is definitely the most time-consuming process to be sure. Once more success in that possibility is far from guaranteed. Bringing to mind what might be the easiest and the hardest method.
That is true brute forcing the issue in a way. There are two methods to brute force it in this way. The first is flight, simply flying over the channel to the other side. Yet the ability to fly below titled Douluo is incredibly rare with few options. At least disregard the angel clans' branches like the angel army.
The second brute force method is simply raw physical force. Using that to jump the gap between the channels. Yet to jump a channel like this in a single bound is difficult. Multiple jumps are in fact possible depending on the method. However that brings the possibility of stirring the waters.
These are the methods that are used for them to cross. His father simply flies them across the channel in a blink. His mother could have simply jumped over to the other side. Instead, she simply begins to walk on the water like taking a stroll. The water walking method is an option he had forgotten.
He wonders if the water walking method will improve the soul master's ability to move through these environments. It's interesting to think about even if it comes to nothing. Perhaps the water walking method will cause more people to come to this location. Still, that is simply idle thoughts in his head.
Tang Yuan and his parents continue to move through the swamp. The swamp grass before them is at best waist height. He lacks knowledge of the type of grass before him mostly. Yet the ever-present Blue Silver Grass is certainly present. It really is a plant that is able to grow everywhere. Including a swamp like this that many plants couldn't.
He recognises another plant as Purple Swamp Grass. Recognising it does not bring him any joy. He had it described to him by his mother in detail. It was a type of grass that only grew in selective environments. It was the favorite snack of a number of beasts all poisonous. Because the plant itself was poisonous in nature.
It took a form similar to Blue Silver Grass in appearance. Yet rather than blue the entire plants were a light purple in color. The leaves of the plants were also smaller, but greater in number as well. Honestly seeing it personally reminded him of the herbs from Resident Evil games. Only a slightly ominous look to its appearance as well.
The plant's poison was of a relatively mild nature. Even a normal person might not die from eating some of it. Yet that is also the inherent danger of the plant in itself. In fact when eating it one will likely have no idea it's poisonous at all. The poison takes time to take effect almost like alcohol in nature. Coupled with plants' naturally sweet taste, someone would eat large amounts.
Then suddenly the poison would begin to take effect. As time passes the poison would become more active. Eventually, the poison would spread too much resulting in possible death. Thus the plant kills people ignorant of its nature. The death is left to decompose becoming fertilizer for more of the plant to grow.
It is able to kill small creatures with incredible efficiency. Rabbit-type spirit beasts often fall victim to the plant. Larger creatures like humans are more resistant to the plant. Yet many ignorant soul masters die from it in the swamp. Thus why it's so prominent before him. In fact, a massive amount of the grass before him is Purple Swamp Grass.
Tang Yuan crouches down taking a blade from his storage belt. He began to cut a large amount of the grass at the stalk. His parents are slightly surprised by his actions. Especially considering they knew he had knowledge of the plant. After collecting quite a bit of the plant he stores it in his belt. Looking up he saw his parents' questioning gazes on him. "It might be useful for something in the future," he tells them in answer.
They both look at each other at his answer and laugh. It was certainly a very Tang Yuan answer. Saying that the three of them continued onwards. They move through the remaining grass before them. A mix of Blue Silver, Purple Swamp, and ordinary grasses all mixed. It was practically everywhere as far as the eye could see. If it was not grass then it was trees growing larger the farther they went.
After walking a ways through the patch of forest they found themselves at another bank. It was as if they had entered into an entirely different area. The trees disappear from sight in front of them. Instead, only swamp grass is even thicker and higher than that behind them. They had transitioned to a part of the habit like a marsh. In fact, marshes and swamps can blend together exactly like this.
Thus once again they make use of the same method. His father flies him over the swamp area his mother water walks. The channels were smaller than the ones before. Though there were several of them now as well. Even still they quickly pass by them with little trouble at all. Being able to fly is such a useful skill. Water walking is not truly less effective. Though it likely entails more danger in starting up things in the water.
His mother was able to get over it easily enough with her ability. She barely even causes ripples on the water with her steps. Thus showing her level of sheer skill with the techniques. He certainly could not do such a thing in her place.
His steps are like skipping stones on the water when he walks. Once more his techniques often fail when he is distracted. If he encountered a surprise his technique would definitely fail. Making dealing with a sudden attack completely impossible. Also making it all but impossible to use it in battle at this point. Water walking is just that much harder than tree climbing.
As Tang Yuan is moved over the channels he catches sight of something. The slightest hint of a shine of gold in the marsh. It was slight, but it was not idle either. That glint was moving in a familiar way he had seen before. A snake a very large snake no doubt. "Theirs something in the water." Tang Yuan can't help but say. Fairly certain that his parents had seen it, but not completely sure.
His father smirks slightly at his words. "Oh, you managed to notice it, Xiao Yuan. Good job, despite their coloring they are incredibly good at camouflage." There was no concern in his father's tone that brought Tang Yuan a great deal of comfort. That must mean there is no or little threat.
That was when it showed itself properly. It was far larger than Tang Yuan had first imagined. At least from the small amount he could see from here. A massive part of the scaled Golden flesh appeared to his gaze. More and more was revealed to his gaze as it moved. It exited its hiding place in the grass and water.
As parts of it came into view it became more and more terrifying. It was a snake that was for certain, but it's one of terrifying scale. More than ten meters long from head to tail. A width like a large tree trunk at least one meter in width and height. Its scales are a luxurious Golden color with no imperfections to be seen.
Its head was at least a meter in length, with small nubs upon its head like horns. Based upon its size and form it most closely resembles a constrictor type. It simply moves along unbothered by our presence at least. A normal beast would simply hide from us to avoid being targeted. This one possesses a deep pride, this pride is upon its very bones.
Honestly looking at the creature is like looking at a smaller Basilisk from Harry Potter. Only this snake or serpent has a sense of majesty to its every move. This was no normal spirit beast that's for sure. "What is it exactly?" Tang Yuan asks absentmindedly his face showing his awe. It's one thing to hear about such a creature another to see it in life.
Tang Chen watches the creature with little awe. He has seen more dangerous things, bigger things. Thus is a life of experience, and the life of a Limit Douluo. Still, a smile comes to his face remembering his first interaction with such a beast. "That is a Golden Titan Python an incredibly powerful existence amongst spirit beasts. Possessing the blood of two dragons it is said. A genuine born super soul beast within the soul beast hierarchy."
This is his first time seeing a genuine super soul beast and the term does it justice. Soul beasts are divided into categories based upon the power of the species. The Apex existences are basically like the Alpha predators of his past life. In fact, a lot of alpha-type predators are often Apex in this world. Lions, Crocodiles, Eagles, Great White sharks, and the like would be at the top in his past life.
Of course, there are also plenty of soul beasts of these types that aren't Apex. Yet these creatures would usually be a level below it if anything. The concept of the Apex beasts is soul beasts far stronger than mere age. If a battle between a two-century beast and a one-century apex beast occurred. The Apex beast would more than likely win. If it were a three-century beast it would only rival the Apex.
Even at four centuries a lower beast could not descevily kill an Apex beast. In fact, the Apex could put up an incredible fight, and perhaps even win. The Apex beast could even give a good fight to a five-century-old beast. It would absolutely lose that fight, but it would not likely be a crushing defeat.
Thus an Apex soul beast should be treated as far older than its cultivation suggests. At least at the century level for beasts. At the millennium level, it is a different consideration. At least that's what Tang Yuan had learned from books, and his parents. At the millennium level, the beasts undergo a massive change.
This creature the Golden Titan Python was not an apex soul beast. No it was from existence that surpasses even those. Beings called Super Soul beasts that are of even greater quality and might. Infamous soul beasts like the Titan Giant Ape, or Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear.
Soul Beasts which are incredibly powerful with powerful ancient bloodlines. Either that or they possess the blood, legacy, or blessings of gods as a result. These grant the soul beasts incredible bloodline blessings and abilities. That causes them to be on a different level than even Apex beasts.
It is said that a one-hundred-year-old Titan Giant Ape can fight a thousand-year-old beast. Of course, such is the same as an Apex beast facing a five-century beast while only one century. The Titan Giant Ape would not win such a battle, but it would not be completely one-sided. By the time such a beast reached five centuries, they could face a millennium beast equally.
All this flows through his mind as he gazes upon this massive creature. It simply continues to move forward unbothered by their presence. It's possible that it is simply overlooking their presence. The stronger one becomes the better one can hide their presence. At his father's level, he could be standing right next to a soul master. The soul master might not even be able to tell they have soul power.
Seeing his son's eyes on the Golden Titan Python. Tang Chen examines his expression closely. He sees awe at the existence of the powerful creature. Yet he also sees disappointment clearly present in his eyes. This helps to assure him of Tang Yuan's future in his cultivation. Still, he should test his understanding with this opportunity. "Xiao Yuan I trust you understand the absorption of souls rings. Specifically the limits and factors in spirit ring absorption."
Tang Yuan hears his father's question and can guess a portion of his thoughts. He is worried that he might want to try and absorb this beast's spirit ring. That and hear his understanding of spirit ring absorption. A show and tell as it were of his ability and comprehension.
Still, with the sheer size of the creature, there is no way it's a century beast. Meaning it is basically impossible for it to become his soul ring. Even if it was a century beast it's unlikely he would be able to absorb it. The power of its bloodline and ability would likely be too great. There are more factors in absorbing a soul ring than absorption limit and ring age.
In the Soul Land series only Tang San and Bibi Dong were able to absorb over the limit. Is it simply a matter of so many have constitutions not strong enough? In fact, it's more complex than that in absorbing a soul ring. In fact, three factors come into consideration in soul ring absorption. Age is only one of these three factors taken into consideration.
Age determines the length of the creature's cultivation. It is not totally incorrect to compare it to a soul master's level. The second factor is the spirit beast's bloodline. This is one of the most critical factors to the beasts themselves as well. The bloodline is a critical factor in the spirit beast's ability.
The bloodline factor also heavily influences ring absorption. A beast of the Golden Titan Pythons level even if it is only a 1,000 years. Its ability is not incomparable to a ring between three to four times its age. Yet it also requires a constitution of a similar level to absorb it if a little weaker. The spirit skill is practically guaranteed to be incredibly powerful.
When powerful soul masters from the major factions absorb soul rings. They will always seek out ones with powerful bloodlines. To the point that even if a soul master had the chance to. They might not absorb a purple second ring. Instead of choosing a yellow ring of superior bloodline that is not inferior.
The final factor is the compatibility of a spirit beast and a martial soul. Weapon martial souls are going after their damage type or natural weapon on a spirit beast. Beast martial souls instead hunt beasts of the type. Doing so is one of the best ways to have high compatibility. Elemental synergy is another compatibility factor.
If all three factors are high it results in the absolute best results. A fact Tang Yuan needs to keep in mind going forward. Even if a ring is of high age does not mean it is the best option. Age is an important factor of course, but so are the other two.
Of course, there are also cases where one of the three becomes critical. As soul beasts age up and move past certain ranks. Decades to centuries to millennia and so onward represent qualitative changes. Causing a massive difference in both beasts and rings.
He explains most of this to his father in detail after putting it together in his head. Leaving out a few select pieces of information. Such as Tang San's or Bibi Dong's example of soul ring over absorption. He believes that it is a good explanation of his views on it. He tries not to sound like he is reading from a textbook.
Suddenly he feels a strong thump to his back. His father had patted his back fairly hard nearly knocking his breath out. It was likely a small delicate tap to his dad though. Tang Chen bursts out into laughter at his answers. A big grin fills his face along with a good deal of pride. Obviously, he is satisfied with Tang Yuans' answers.
Tang Chen's laughter is as joyful and boisterous as normal. He quickly stops laughing after a minute or two. Then he says "That's a good job, Xiao Yuan you basically nailed the answers. Even better than I thought you would be able to do so. Honestly, your answers are far better than mine at your age."
Tang Chen continues with his words "It's true all three factors are critical in choosing soul rings. The major clans and sects all have intensive regiments. Done to strengthen the soul master's body before absorption of a ring. Despite that the oldest absorption of the first ring is usually above 400 and below 600."
Tang Yuan's eyes remain on his father showing his attention. He always pays close attention when his family chooses to impart wisdom. "The powerful bloodlines of the beast simply make it difficult to obtain older. Of course, clans like us with numerous generations usually have decided choices. Ones that we have found work best with our martial soul."
"Ones that provide certain spirit skills that are considered desirable. Though are clan is more malleable in regards to that. Usually, the first ring comes from a few choices mostly ape types. The second is usually ideal for a Titan Giant Ape of a lower age. Leading to powerful spirit skills, or the Golden War Ape is another."
Tang Chen continues to say in a teaching tone to his son.
Then he turns slightly more serious in nature. "You're right in that at a different level the spirit beasts have a qualitative change. This is why red rings are usually so sought after. As they can completely change a soul master's fate. Especially with their 100-year spirit bone guaranteed to be obtained. However, there is a slight exception to that rule."
"That being the Blue Lightning Tyrant clan. They will of course chase a hundred thousand spirit beasts. Yet they might be the first to quit pursuing a beast. Unless the beast is one with dragon blood then they might fight to the death. That old dragon of the clan has ninety thousand or so for his ninth ring. Yet it is in no way inferior to a hundred thousand ring. Until I was on his level I could not reliably be able to beat him."
Tang Yuan files that big of knowledge away for later. By Old Dragon, he is probably talking about the leader of the Blue Tyrang Clan.
Yu Yuanzhen a level 95 Super Douluo who would hold that level in the future too. He is also basically the backbone of that clan at the moment. As well as the father of the famous or infamous Yu Xiaogang. Who is actually more well-known to the fanbase than his father?
Speaking of Xiaogang rumors have already begun to spread about him. He was already several years older than Tang Yuan. Thus he had been cultivating for a while now. Rumors had spread about his half a level of soul power and mutated martial soul. Whenever the subject comes up he can see amusement in a lot of people. To most people on the continent, it's like a dragon birthing a salamander. Especially to a prideful clan like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan.
Honestly thinking about it draws his attention to Yu Xiaogang. Honestly, he's unsure what to think about him. He knows he's certainly not going to seek him out for the hell of it. Yet he honestly just does not like the character at all. A lot of his actions even in the anime version just rub him the wrong way.
It doesn't help that so many fanfictions basically turn him into an evil two-bit idiot. Who primary purpose is to be the second most hated person in the world. Besides his student of course who is usually number one. Honestly, he can agree with the idiot part of the assessment. There are plenty of actions he did that are just stupid.
Having his student absorb rings from a poison beast with a life martial soul. Hypocritical or denial in regards to his own marital soul. Simple holes in his knowledge such as the Nine Heart Begoniano or Soul Shock. His relationship issues are another thing. Honestly, the last one might be the reason for most of it.
Still despite having a dislike for the person. Tang Yuan has no intention of letting thoughts of his destruction consume him. Nor does he have any intention of hunting him down. Honestly doing so would just be pointless and time-consuming. If he runs across him sometime he will consider giving him trouble. Honestly, he will probably just ignore the guy.
Tang Yuan returns to more important matters. They had been moving as they were talking having advanced quite a bit. The sun had started to go down for a while it seems. They would need to find a camp to rest for the night soon. Other wise they would find themselves moving through the night.
As they move forward through the folds of trees, and a sea of grass. Over the channels of water to the other side. They come to a solid zone of land though it's covered in grass. They quickly cut back the normal grass for a clear area. Quickly setting up their camp for the night with practiced ease.
This time Tang Nuan is the one cooking using leftover meat from the Golden Crocodile. As well as some other ingredients from their storage belts. Normally lighting a fire in the habit would be incredibly dangerous. Attracting spirit beasts to the flames and the smell of cooking food. Yet normally people don't travel with a Soul Douluo much less a Limit Douluo.
The night turns relatively peaceful as they relax together. The end of their first day hunting soul beasts ends today. They might stay in this forest for days or even weeks. Another possibility is that they might find a suitable choice tomorrow or the next day. Such is the process of hunting for spirit beasts in the forest.