"Squeak squeak squeak?" The Thunder Beast tilted its head, sizing up Xu Zihuang. Its lightning-shaped tail swayed left and right, looking utterly adorable and dazed, completely lacking the initial ferocity.
Then it tentatively released the violent thunder-attribute energy contained within its body. Rich blue-purple lightning flowed across its fur.
Just like before, without any difference, it was entirely absorbed by the dense purple-golden patterns covering Xu Zihuang's whole body.
This violent thunder-attribute energy was different from pure soul power; he couldn't absorb it to raise his cultivation. But for the Thunder Prison Vine, it was an excellent tonic.
The violent thunder-attribute energy that Xu Zihuang absorbed from the Thunder Beast was all used to help the Thunder Prison Vine consolidate its spiritual sense and origin.
After becoming his soul spirit, the Thunder Prison Vine had passed through the heavenly tribulation to break through to the hundred-thousand-year level. Although it completed its transformation, it inevitably needed to sleep for a period of time. But with this incident, the Thunder Prison Vine's sleeping time would be greatly shortened.
Its own released energy was completely absorbed by Xu Zihuang. Not only did the Thunder Beast not get angry, but it even felt doubly delighted.
Its cultivation was already very close to a hundred thousand years, and the intelligence it possessed was no less than that of a human.
The reason the Thunder Beast found it difficult to break through to a hundred thousand years was that after long years of cultivation and accumulation, the energy contained in its body had reached an extremely terrifying level. Terrifying to the point that even it itself could not control it.
The Thunder Prison Vine had chosen self-destruction, while the Thunder Beast was passively heading toward destruction.
But just now, this Thunder Beast discovered that when the energy in its body was absorbed by Xu Zihuang, it actually felt like it was being sorted and combed. The output frequency was unusually stable.
The Thunder Beast itself was equivalent to a bottle storing soul power. The soul power stored inside was close to the critical value, in a state of boiling and uncontrollability, on the verge of exploding at any moment.
And Xu Zihuang's role was equivalent to calming the soul power stored in the bottle again and guiding out a portion of it.
If this continued, the hidden danger of the Thunder Beast's self-explosion would very likely be perfectly resolved.
"Squeak squeak squeak—" The joy in the Thunder Beast's cries had clearly increased. At the same time, it increased the frequency of outputting the thunder-attribute energy from its body. The rich thunder-attribute elements seemed almost solid, enveloping both it and Xu Zihuang.
"Everyone, try not to get too close to my side."
Xu Zihuang glanced sideways at the group, then added, "This Thunder Beast's ability is completely countered by me. It poses no threat to me."
Among the group, the one who believed Xu Zihuang's words the most was undoubtedly Elder Song. After all, she had personally witnessed Xu Zihuang's even more powerful abilities earlier.
Ning Tian had rushed in front of the group earlier and was tightly held back by Zhang Lexuan grabbing her wrist.
Ning Tian had calmed down by now, but the concern in her eyes had not diminished.
"Concern leads to chaos."
Zhang Lexuan sighed softly, smiling as she gently comforted her, "Tianhuang has created so many miracles over the years. You should understand him very well. Believe in Tianhuang. He's not the type to show off recklessly. Since he says so, he must have absolute certainty."
"Senior Sister…"
Ning Tian also realized she had lost composure. Her pretty face blushed slightly as she lowered her head.
Li Yongyue, Mo Xuan, and Dai Luoli were once again deeply shocked.
Now that the crisis was resolved, Dai Luoli couldn't help but recall Xu Zihuang's earlier proud stance when he instantly killed Zhongli Di with one move. His blood boiled, his eyes filled with burning heat, his fists clenched tightly.
The admiration and reverence he felt toward Xu Zihuang in his heart grew even stronger.
"Will I one day become as powerful as Brother Yu in the future?"
If Dai Luoli had seen Xu Zihuang forcefully kill the remaining Zhongli Tian and Zhongli Ren earlier, the emotions surging in his heart would probably have been even more spectacular.
Only Wang Qiu'er's face showed no major change in expression. Her gaze remained fixed on Xu Zihuang.
About two quarters of an hour passed. The Thunder Beast finally stopped releasing the blue-purple lightning. It broke free from Xu Zihuang's right palm and jumped onto his shoulder.
It affectionately rubbed against Xu Zihuang's cheek. Its big blue-purple eyes were filled with fawning intent.
"Squeak squeak squeak!"
But Xu Zihuang saw through it clearly. With a meaningful tone, he asked, "You want to follow me?"
The Thunder Beast seemed to understand his words and nodded eagerly.
"Squeak—"
Xu Zihuang chuckled lightly and extended his left index finger to lightly tap the Thunder Beast's head a few times.
Of course, this Thunder Beast wouldn't follow him for no reason. It was because only he could help control the hidden danger of self-explosion. In other words, if this Thunder Beast wanted to live, it had to attach itself to him.
A soul beast with intelligence no less than a human's might be relatively simple, but it was definitely not stupid.
The Thunder Beast greatly enjoyed Xu Zihuang's stroking. Its big eyes narrowed. It had not felt this relaxed in who knows how many years. Its glossy, fluffy fur sparkled with charming luster under the scattered morning sunlight.
But in the next instant, the Thunder Beast tensed up again. It warily looked toward the direction beside Xu Zihuang.
A steady sound of footsteps approached. Xu Zihuang looked up, and the first thing that met his eyes was Wang Qiu'er's flawless, perfect, delicate face. The gentle morning sunlight reflected into her pink-blue eyes like silk threads, complementing the pink-blue long hair tied into a ponytail behind her head.
"Give it back to me!"
Her clear voice was as pleasant as a lark, yet mixed with a hint of anger.
As Wang Qiu'er drew closer, the wariness in the Thunder Beast's eyes grew stronger. It vaguely sensed an aura of a superior being from Wang Qiu'er.
Xu Zihuang understood in his heart. He handed over the Golden Dragon Spear in his hand.
In this situation, if he justifiably kept the Golden Dragon Spear, it would indeed be hard to justify.
Wang Qiu'er coldly snatched the Golden Dragon Spear. At the same time, a sudden change occurred. Rich golden light rippled from the Golden Dragon Spear. Under the impact of this repulsive force, Wang Qiu'er couldn't stop herself and staggered back more than ten steps, looking particularly disheveled.
"You?!"
Wang Qiu'er immediately became furious, her eyes widening.
"Don't blame everything on me. It's the weapon itself resisting you." Xu Zihuang glanced faintly at Wang Qiu'er.
A divine weapon has a spirit and chooses its master.
Both possessed the Golden Dragon bloodline, but the Golden Dragon bloodline in Xu Zihuang's body was far thicker than Wang Qiu'er's, and he also had an additional portion of pure Silver Dragon bloodline.
Wang Qiu'er naturally knew that what Xu Zihuang said was all true. Precisely because she knew, she became even more furious.
This bastard had already taken her bloodline power back then, and now even the Golden Dragon Spear no longer acknowledged her.
Unwilling to accept fate, Wang Qiu'er grabbed the spear handle once more. But the result was no different from before, and she was repelled even farther. Fortunately, she reacted in time, twisting in midair to steady herself, avoiding the embarrassment from earlier.
Elder Song came between the two with a strange expression and asked Xu Zihuang, "Tianhuang, what's going on?"
"Elder Song, it has nothing to do with me. This weapon is special and is actively resisting Wang Qiu'er." Xu Zihuang replied helplessly. At this point, as if realizing something, he shook his right hand and threw the Golden Dragon Spear, planting it into the ground in front of Wang Qiu'er.
After suffering twice in a row, Wang Qiu'er instinctively hesitated for a moment before once again fiercely gripping the spear handle. Just as she braced herself to be repelled again, this time the Golden Dragon Spear did not reject her.
Elder Song watched these subtle details meaningfully but did not pursue the matter of the Golden Dragon Spear. Instead, she turned to ask about the Thunder Beast.
"Then what about this Thunder Beast?"
"I believe Elder Song also knows that when Thunder Beasts cultivate to a certain level, they can no longer fully control the terrifying energy contained in their bodies. And I can help guide and sort this energy. In other words, as long as this Thunder Beast stays by my side, it won't have to worry about self-explosion." Xu Zihuang thought for a moment and answered Elder Song's question in relatively concise words.
At this time, Zhang Lexuan and the others also gathered around. Li Yongyue, Mo Xuan, and Dai Luoli were clearly still somewhat wary of this Thunder Beast and did not dare to get too close.
Zhang Lexuan interjected, "In other words, Tianhuang, you can command this Thunder Beast?"
"Senior Sister, you could say that." Xu Zihuang nodded slightly.
"And even if it makes any unusual moves, I have absolute confidence that I can suppress it."
As if responding to Xu Zihuang's words, under the nervous gazes of Li Yongyue and the others, the Thunder Beast leaped from Xu Zihuang's shoulder and pounced toward Ning Tian.
Ning Tian instinctively raised her hands to block in front of her body, and the Thunder Beast obediently landed in her palms, its eyes filled with thick flattery.
"Squeak squeak squeak!"
Everyone was amused by the Thunder Beast's anthropomorphic behavior.
As expected of a rodent-type soul beast skilled at reading expressions and observing behavior, it instantly noticed the close relationship between Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian.
"Tianhuang?" Ning Tian held the Thunder Beast in both hands, her eyes flowing as she stepped toward Xu Zihuang.
It had to be said, this Thunder Beast's appearance was quite good. Small, cute, and fluffy.
If everyone hadn't personally witnessed its formidable strength, they might truly think it was just a harmless little squirrel.
Xu Zihuang lifted the Thunder Beast by the scruff of its neck and placed it back on his own shoulder. His expression slightly sank as he warned,
"Although I agreed to take you along, if you want freedom of movement, you must first earn my trust. Understand?"
"Squeak!" The Thunder Beast very obediently sat up straight, its chubby little paws hanging in front.
Elder Song smiled faintly and reminded them at the right moment, "Alright, everyone, return to your previous positions first. That ten-thousand-year Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's soul ring is just right for Wang Qiu'er. Lexuan, Tianhuang, the next steps are still up to you two to command."
After saying this, Elder Song's figure disappeared from the spot.
Zhang Lexuan looked at Wang Qiu'er not far away, thought for a moment, and still decided to wait until Wang Qiu'er finished absorbing the soul ring before reprimanding her.
Wang Qiu'er's personality was cold and aloof, and she didn't get along with others—she wouldn't mind that. But in the Star Dou Great Forest, acting rashly and disobeying orders was a major taboo. It also seriously violated Shrek Academy's school rules.
Wang Qiu'er, who had stored the Golden Dragon Spear in her storage soul guidance device, remained very silent along the way, just quietly following behind the group, unknown what she was thinking.
Ning Tian was also quite concerned about what had happened between Yu Tianhuang and Wang Qiu'er earlier.
It wasn't until Xu Zihuang took the initiative to hold Ning Tian's hand that she snapped out of her thoughts.
Ning Tian sweetly smiled at Xu Zihuang and glanced again at the Thunder Beast on his shoulder.
It didn't take long before the group returned to the spot where they had stayed overnight. Nearly half an hour had passed, yet the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's corpse remained intact. After all, few soul beasts would be unafraid of a ten-thousand-year Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's aura.
With the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's domineering nature, even at ten-thousand-year cultivation, it often hunted soul beasts of several tens of thousands of years as food. The vast majority of soul beasts avoided Darkgold Dreadclaw Bears like the plague.
Zhang Lexuan wanted to reprimand Wang Qiu'er purely from her position as captain, without mixing in any personal emotions. Even at such a time, she still remembered to ask about Wang Qiu'er's condition.
"Wang Qiu'er, although this Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's cultivation is only twenty thousand years, the soul ring power is extremely overbearing. Without strong physical quality and tenacious willpower, absorbing this soul ring could be very dangerous. Are you confident in absorbing this soul ring?"
Zhang Lexuan's personal charm was fully displayed.
But Wang Qiu'er did not appreciate it much. Without speaking, she gave her answer through action. With an indifferent expression, she sat cross-legged in front of the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's corpse.
In the world of soul beasts, concepts were much more straightforward. Although Wang Qiu'er's original intention was not to let the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's beast soul be enslaved and tormented by the Zhongli trio. But now that the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear had already perished, she would have no psychological burden using its soul ring.
It was simply making the best use of everything.
Speaking of which, this Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear's soul ring perfectly matched the Golden Dragon Lion martial soul she had simulated.
Golden light flashed, and behind Wang Qiu'er slowly emerged the pattern of a golden dragon lion. Though called a dragon lion, the lion's features were only present in a few parts. Overall, it looked more like a majestic golden dragon. Its wings spread, its dragon head proudly raised. Opening its mouth, it sucked in the pitch-black soul ring like an abyss.
The ferocious and domineering intent within the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear soul ring was instantly crushed. The soul ring energy was carried by the golden dragon phantom and poured into her body.
Wang Qiu'er sat there motionless. Faint golden light began to emanate from her body. The golden light rose like thin mist. Although the intense soul power fluctuations were fierce, there was not the slightest hint of violence. She had completely suppressed the aura of the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear soul ring.
A trace of surprise flashed in Zhang Lexuan's eyes.
Everything before her indicated that Wang Qiu'er's martial soul quality far surpassed that of the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear.
Li Yongyue felt envy in his heart. A ten-thousand-year Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear soul ring was truly the cream of the crop.
But on second thought, he quickly regained his composure. Obtaining that ten-thousand-year Scythe Weasel soul ring was already an unexpected joy for him. Greed knows no bounds.
Moreover, with his physical quality, he couldn't absorb this Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear soul ring.
Meanwhile, the Thunder Beast sitting on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, now sensing Wang Qiu'er's complete martial soul and bloodline aura, had even deeper confusion in its big eyes. It looked at Wang Qiu'er, then at Xu Zihuang.
The bloodline auras of the two had something in common.
It was precisely because it detected this that the Thunder Beast appeared puzzled.
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