Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 259: The Skydream Iceworm's Sacrifice

Seeing the calculating gleam in Skydream Iceworm's eyes, Yang Potian knew the creature still harbored some hope of escape. Skydream seemed to think that Yang Potian wouldn't dare to actually kill him. With a slight smile, Yang Potian addressed him, "It seems you're clinging to the hope that I won't follow through. To be honest, I could lock you up in Heavenly Path Academy and harness the godly energy you radiate to sustain the academy for ten thousand years. But that's too much hassle, so why not just kill you and make you my eighth soul ring?"

Skydream Iceworm gulped. "Are you really that intent on killing me? Don't you care about future consequences?"

"When my sister and I become gods, the future will be ours to shape. Heavenly Path Academy could thrive for tens of thousands of years, ruling the entire world." As they spoke, Yang Tianyue approached, her eyes gleaming as she examined Skydream.

"Brother, is this adorable little iceworm really a million-year-old soul beast? It doesn't look very strong."

Yang Potian chuckled. "Never judge by appearances. Although his physical attack is weak, he's an elite in mental powers. He almost tricked me just now. His mental strength is already at the divine level."

Yang Tianyue examined Skydream further, squeezing its plump body with fascination. "It's so cute, Brother! Are you sure this little guy should be my ninth soul ring? I almost don't want to kill it."

The Skydream Iceworm squirmed uncomfortably, like a lamb awaiting slaughter. Yang Potian then turned back to him. "So, what have you decided? If you agree to this, you'll reside within the soul ring and help my sister on her path to godhood. Together, you'll both have the chance to ascend to the Divine Realm, where you could live as an immortal divine beast. Isn't that a mutually beneficial arrangement?"

After some thought, Skydream spoke up. "Why not let me be your soul ring instead? With me aiding you, your chances of godhood would skyrocket."

Yang Potian shook his head. "You underestimate me, Skydream. Whether you help me or not, I'll reach godhood within a decade. My sister, however, could use your support on her journey, and your story could become a legendary alliance between human and beast."

Yang Potian had thought this through carefully. Though Skydream was indeed valuable, he already had a plan for his final two soul rings. Yang Tianyue, on the other hand, faced numerous trials ahead, especially the formidable ninth Sea God trial. With Skydream's assistance, her journey would be far smoother. Skydream Iceworm was, after all, the very creature that helped Huo Yuhao rise to unprecedented heights.

After careful deliberation, Skydream finally agreed, albeit reluctantly. Yang Potian then warned him, "I know you possess incredible mental strength—even the ability to take over another's body. But my sister bears the Sea God's mark and is protected by the Sea God's Light. If you attempt anything underhanded, you'll face both the wrath of the Sea God and that of a future enforcer of the Divine Realm."

Skydream hung his head, his expression crestfallen, but he made one last request. "I… I'll comply. But… I'll miss Ice Empress. Couldn't I spend a little more time with her?"

Yang Potian's expression softened. "If you wish to remain close to Ice Empress, perhaps you could persuade her to also become my sister's second spirit and soul ring. Then the two of you could be together forever."

Skydream's eyes lit up at the thought, though they dimmed again when he noticed the icy expression on Ice Empress's face, which made him swallow hard.

Yang Potian then continued, "Skydream, my sister's head soul bone is a bit weak. Could you provide her with a head soul bone as well, or strengthen the one she already has?"

Skydream nodded. A golden glow emanated from his forehead, bathing the surroundings in a radiant light that seemed to halt time itself. Slowly, a massive golden soul ring appeared above him, radiating intense energy as it descended onto Yang Tianyue's primary spirit, her Broken Soul Spear. At the same time, a rush of powerful energy flowed into her mind, enhancing her clarity and raising her soul power to rank ninety-four.

Thanks to her affinity with the Sea God's Light, Yang Tianyue absorbed the power without issue, receiving a soul ring and head soul bone that advanced her by four ranks—a miraculous feat.

As the glow faded and movement returned, everyone gazed in awe at the sight of a golden soul ring coiled around Yang Tianyue's Broken Soul Spear. Even ten-thousand-year rings were rare, but a million-year ring was legendary.

Yang Potian noticed Skydream's now-lifeless body and called out to the others, "Use this time to cultivate. Skydream was a divine-level being, and the energy emanating from him will enhance our training."

Everyone immediately immersed themselves in cultivation. It was as though they were bathing in a sea of divine energy, which allowed their soul power to grow at an unprecedented rate. Even Ice Empress and Snow Empress experienced noticeable improvements.

For ten days, they remained in the ice cavern, absorbing all the lingering energy. When they finally emerged, each had undergone immense progress. Yang Zhenming had reached rank ninety-eight, fully maximizing the potential of his Broken Soul Spear. Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Oxen Gaotian, Dugu Bo, and Oxen Jinfeng were all at rank ninety-five, while Bull King Hu Mang had reached rank ninety-three. Yang Ping'an and Ye Lingling had also risen to rank ninety-five. Fang Yan was now at rank eighty-nine, and Niu Meng was at the peak of rank eighty-eight, close to achieving the Title Douluo level. Both Ice Empress and Snow Empress showed marked improvements as well.

The most astonishing transformation, however, was in Yang Tianyue. In addition to gaining the rare golden soul ring, she acquired a million-year head soul bone, a mental projection of the Skydream Iceworm in her consciousness, and an unformed second spirit—an unparalleled upgrade.

Feeling slightly unsettled, Yang Tianyue confided, "Brother, it's strange. There's an image of the Skydream Iceworm in my mind, and it feels like a second spirit is beginning to take shape."

Yang Potian replied with a serious tone, "From now on, Skydream will be your constant companion. You'll need to support one another and grow stronger together."

"From now on, I can't help you anymore. You'll have to face everything on your own and learn to bear the consequences of your actions," Yang Potian said, closing his eyes and paying no further attention to Yang Tianyue's words or to anything around him. He had already done enough—any more would just be excessive.

This venture into the Far North had achieved all its goals: everyone from the clan and the academy had significantly improved their strength, Yang Tianyue had unlocked a second spirit, and an alliance had been formed with Ice Empress and Snow Empress. Everything was a resounding success.

As for having Skydream Iceworm sacrifice itself for Yang Tianyue, it was because he had concerns about her strength. Although the Sea God's eighth trial allowed her twenty years to reach rank ninety-nine, that was a steep challenge. If another worthy candidate emerged for the Sea God's legacy in that time, it was uncertain whether Yang Tianyue's inheritance would remain secure.

Now, the foundation was laid. All that remained was for Yang Tianyue to tackle her path independently, relying less on him. She would need to make her own choices for her second spirit and navigate the dangers that would arise.

In the Divine Realm, Sea God's Temple

A rare sight awaited: Asura God and Sea God Poseidon stood together, each aware of the transformation within Yang Tianyue's body and the sacrifice of the million-year-old soul beast.

Asura God's expression darkened. "Who would have thought there was still a million-year soul beast on Douluo Continent? And that its sacrifice would allow a soul master to form a second spirit!"

"Sea God, your successor was a great choice. If Yang Tianyue chooses an ice attribute soul beast as her second spirit, she'll harmonize perfectly with your Sea God legacy, and her potential will be limitless," he added, still frowning.

Poseidon, catching Asura God's expression, replied lightly, "I owe thanks to you for this, Asura. Initially, my choice was Yang Potian, but it wasn't meant to be. I had only picked Yang Tianyue casually, never expecting her fortune to unfold like this."

"Speaking of which, what do you think of Yang Potian now? If you keep making your tests so grueling, Yang Tianyue might reach godhood before him. Don't say I didn't warn you," Poseidon teased.

Asura God's face grew even darker, but he replied, "Yang Potian has much to accomplish before he's ready to take on my role. While he is strong, he still has far to go."

Barely containing his amusement, Poseidon replied with a respectful tone, "As expected from the Divine Realm's enforcer, your standards are just and exacting. I'm sure Yang Potian will meet them eventually and earn his divine seat."

Asura God, still visibly displeased, left the Sea God Temple. Once outside, he muttered to himself: Is this Yang Potian an idiot? Giving up a million-year soul ring and making me lose face like that. I'll have to toughen him up properly.

Watching Asura God depart, Poseidon could no longer hold back his laughter. "Ah, Asura God! Such a brilliant successor, and you still refuse to appreciate him, insisting on these impossible trials. If anything happens to him, it'll all be for nothing."

Turning to his mirror and observing Yang Tianyue, Poseidon felt a growing satisfaction. A laugh escaped him, though whether from happiness for Yang Tianyue's prospects or from besting Asura God remained unclear.

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