Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 202: Intercepting Squad · Finale

This kind of benefit was unheard of, unique across the entire Douluo Continent. Other forces could only dream of it, and if a soul bone ever appeared, the first concern would be whether they would be silenced to keep the treasure hidden. It was exceedingly rare, for instance, for someone like Oscar in the original story to receive both a soul bone and a soul ring from the Mirror Beast, and for his leader to willingly share the soul bone with him was almost unheard of.

Over the years, as Tianxing Academy's strength grew, even Soul Saint level teachers dared to display their soul bones openly. This live advertisement helped Tianxing Academy attract a significant number of powerful civilian soul masters. All of this, of course, was part of Ye Wen's strategy. Soul masters from civilian backgrounds, more than those from major powers, understood the rarity of soul bones and would never flaunt them lightly. But by presenting such examples, Tianxing Academy became extremely appealing to civilian soul masters.

Graduating and then heading out into the world to wander? Civilian soul masters weren't that foolish graduating and immediately finding a stable position was far more practical. To support recruitment, Ye Wen even established a new class focused on soul master world basics to help newcomers understand the dangers of the soul master world, driving home that Tianxing Academy's allied forces offered a safe haven, and that unity was paramount.

However, certain hidden forces were brazen enough to attempt ambushes on Tianxing's Soul Saints when they ventured out. Unfortunately for them, that particular teacher was a level 79 Soul Saint, one of Ye Wen's direct disciples, and clad in a three word battle armor. Though battle armor enhancements decrease as one advances in cultivation, the teacher in three word armor was roughly equivalent to a level 95 Titled Douluo. Though no specifics were revealed, after this incident, a new unspoken rule spread across the soul master community don't provoke Tianxing Academy unless you're a Titled Douluo.

External soul bones were not only incredibly rare but also extremely unique. They only had a small chance of appearing during soul ring absorption, and even then, the initial fusion was superficial. Complete fusion required either intense external pressure or years of cultivation; otherwise, one risked being hunted down for it.

Liu Erlong's soul power was so intense that even the surrounding snow began to melt, revealing the original green ground. Xu Jingwen stood firm, straining under the increasing soul power pressure Liu Erlong exerted. When he summoned his martial soul to resist, even his external soul bone was forced out. Only then did the process come to an end.

Feeling the Eight Spider Lances, which were now completely fused with him, Xu Jingwen wore a satisfied smile. Exchanging a low age fourth soul ring for an external soul bone was more than worth it.

Other control type soul masters, still envious of the external soul bone, decided to stay with Ye Tianxin to continue hunting Man Faced Demon Spiders. Although Ye Tianxin was a bit repulsed by spiders despite her tough demeanor, she persevered for Tianxing's glory.

Meanwhile, back at Tianxing Academy, Ye Wen was toying with a soul crystal, chuckling softly.

"Like the saying goes, 'a centipede doesn't topple even when dead.' The Dragon Clan's resources run deep. Who knows how long it would have taken me to research all these cultivation techniques alone? Indeed, shortcuts are the fastest way forward. The fact that Poseidon couldn't reach the god king realm was likely due to the divisions within the divine realm, but with this sample, I'm certain I can attain it myself."

He turned to a stunning beauty at his side, Snow Empress.

"You've worked hard, Snow Empress. You've been with me for so long, and I've yet to reward you. Name your wish, and if it's within my power, I'll grant it."

The Snow Empress hesitated before speaking,

"My lord, I have a sister who will soon face her heavenly tribulation. I fear she won't survive it. Might you allow her to become your divine attendant?"

Ye Wen knew immediately whom Snow Empress referred to none other than the young Ice Empress, destined by Tang San's intervention to undergo an unwanted coupling with the Skydream Iceworm. The entire scenario had been one reason Ye Wen had nearly abandoned his journey in disgust. The forced union orchestrated by Tang San, essentially pairing the Skydream Iceworm with Ice Empress, was revolting to him.

Rumor had it that the offending part of the story had since been altered, but Ye Wen's opinion of Tang San had soured greatly. Tang San's endless stitching together of characters was bad enough, but to add a scene like that? Although the Skydream Iceworm was powerful, its intent was entirely selfish, fixated on Ice Empress and nearly obsessed to the point of insanity. Wouldn't an Ice Empress Snow Empress sisterhood pairing have been better? Tang San's scheming only exposed his corrupt nature.

Noting Ye Wen's silence, Snow Empress seemed slightly disappointed, thinking her request too much. After all, divine power was exceedingly precious to Ye Wen in his tense dealings with the gods of the divine realm.

Ye Wen finally replied softly,

"It's possible, though not yet. Her 300,000 year tribulation shouldn't be arriving too soon, correct?"

Snow Empress's eyes sparkled, though she maintained a calm demeanor as she nodded.

"Yes."

"Then there's no rush. When the time is right, I'll convert her into a divine attendant. But I'll need her to make a sacrifice on behalf of someone. Will that be acceptable?" Ye Wen asked.

A divine transformation would render the soul beast's body irrelevant, so Snow Empress readily agreed, already guessing whom the sacrifice was intended for. Given that both of Ye Wen's children embodied extreme ice, it wasn't difficult for an old soul master like her to figure it out. Besides, this arrangement would only bind her closer to Ye Wen's family an ideal outcome.

Soon, news of a vast expanse of the Star Dou Forest being blanketed in snow and ice spread like locusts across the continent. In Douluo Continent, the climate was typically stable, with such snowy conditions occurring only in the undeveloped Far North. Not even a Titled Douluo could create such a large scale impact. This sparked widespread speculation among the continent's powers as they wondered if a powerful being, perhaps even a god, was behind this disturbance, or if a legendary beast had awakened.

With no further catastrophe emerging from the Star Dou Forest, the various factions across the continent gradually relaxed, believing it unlikely that a peerless beast had awakened. Instead, they turned their attention to an alternate possibility, hearts burning with ambition as they secretly launched searches for the source of this divine force.

Ye Wen, for his part, remained unfazed. As long as these soul masters didn't interfere with his plans, they could dream all they wanted. Why deny the weak their hopes?

Meanwhile, the opening of the new All Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament was fast approaching.

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