NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: SS - 8
Chapter 8 Datura Snake
Not far ahead, Luo Sanpao froze, alert, as a giant green snake coiled around a pine tree came into view.
Yu Xiaogang stopped Su Xiao and Tang San, his tone cautious. "This is the Datura Snake. It has undergone its second evolution and is currently in a weakened state. The fact that it chose to hide near the Snake Vine Flower shows its intelligence. Be careful."
Su Xiao and Tang San exchanged a glance, nodding slightly. With Luo Sanpao leading the way, they carefully approached the snake. Tang San's hand gripped his hidden weapon, ready to strike, while Su Xiao prepared to summon his martial spirit if needed.
Subtly, Su Xiao gestured to Yu Xiaogang to attack. Understanding, Yu Xiaogang directed Luo Sanpao to charge forward, landing a headbutt on the Datura Snake.
[Skip the fight; Tang San can handle the Datura Snake alone. Su Xiao's presence reduces the difficulty, making it less engaging.]
After the battle, Tang San successfully absorbed the Datura Snake's century-old soul ring, gaining his first soul skill: Bind. His Blue Silver Grass now possessed enhanced toughness and a narcotic effect.
Yu Xiaogang praised them. "Ah Xiao, Xiao San, you coordinated well. It's time to head back. The light-attribute sub-dragon soul beast most suitable for Ah Xiao will arrive at Nuoding City soon."
Su Xiao hesitated. "Teacher, what is the age of the soul beast you arranged for me?"
Yu Xiaogang explained, "The maximum age for a soul master's first soul ring is 423 years. However, your Light Holy Dragon spirit suppresses ordinary sub-dragon soul beasts, allowing you to absorb up to 500 years. The one I arranged is a Glorious Rhinoceros aged 536 years."
Five hundred years was already exceptional for a first soul ring, but Su Xiao frowned, dissatisfied. The system had increased his upper limit by 600 years, making it possible to absorb a thousand-year soul ring. He didn't want to waste the opportunity.
"Teacher, I think I can absorb a thousand-year soul ring," Su Xiao stated firmly.
Yu Xiaogang immediately shook his head. "No matter how talented a soul master is, no one has successfully absorbed a thousand-year soul ring for their first. If your body can't handle its power, you'll die. Think carefully and don't overestimate yourself, Su Xiao. Arrogance leads to ruin."
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's earnest warning, Su Xiao sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Understood, teacher."
---
The trio returned to Nuoding Junior Academy in the afternoon. Upon arrival, they found a crowd gathered around two delivery carriages. Four horses stood abreast, and the goods were concealed under thick black cloth.
A delivery man whispered something to Yu Xiaogang, who nodded solemnly and dismissed the team. Once they were alone, Yu Xiaogang lifted the black cloth, revealing two iron cages containing a pair of Glorious Rhinoceros.
In one cage lay a scarred and weakened adult, its injuries evidence of fierce resistance. In the other was a smaller, younger rhinoceros, whining pitifully as it pressed its horn against the cage bars, trying to reach its mother.
Yu Xiaogang's expression softened. "This is a mother and child pair of Glorious Rhinoceros dragons. The mother resisted fiercely during capture, so both had to be taken together."
Moved, Su Xiao adjusted the carriage position, allowing the cages to align so the mother and child could touch horns. The warm scene was momentarily peaceful. The mother rhinoceros let out a low, resonant roar, as if thanking Su Xiao—or pleading.
Yu Xiaogang explained, "Sub-dragon soul beasts are vulnerable during their youth and rely entirely on their mothers for protection. This one hopes to trade her life for her child's safety."
Su Xiao's resolve hardened. "Teacher, I truly believe I can absorb a thousand-year soul ring. Let me try."
Yu Xiaogang studied Su Xiao carefully. "What will you do with the young rhinoceros?"
Su Xiao thought for a moment. "This world follows the law of survival of the fittest. If we are to gain the mother's power, we must take responsibility for her child. I'll raise it myself."
Yu Xiaogang's gaze lingered on Su Xiao, impressed by his maturity. "Very well. But remember, Su Xiao—if you attempt this, failure is not an option."