Chapter 10:Absorbing an Eight-Hundred-Year Soul Ring, an Unexpected Accident!
How could it be such a coincidence?
Everyone in the team was stunned by Yu Xiaolie's words.
There were examples of people breaking through realms during battle before, but it happened right under their noses, so they couldn't believe it immediately, especially since he was only observing their battle.
Since the Xiao Gang and Xiao Lie brothers were labeled as "trash," they had basically been left to their own devices, and no one had tested their soul power for a long time.
As for where they had reached, no one knew, and no one cared.
In addition, Yu Xiaolie was usually very careful not to release his level ten soul power, so even Second Master thought he was still some distance from becoming a formal Soul Master.
After all, judging from talent, Yu Xiaogang should have advanced before Yu Xiaolie.
No one knew that among the three younger members of the hunting team, Yu Xiaolie actually possessed the highest soul power level.
Although the absorption of soul rings limited their abilities, Yu Xiaolie's accumulated strength would erupt once he crossed that line.
The reason he waited until now to reveal this was because he had been waiting.
He wanted to understand one thing through Yu Xiaogang's soul ring absorption process: what kind of connection existed between Luo Sanpao and Yu Xiaogang?
Having just witnessed Yu Xiaogang's inability to absorb the 400-year soul ring and Luo Sanpao's painful resistance, he already understood perfectly.
Combining this with the information he found in the family library, he roughly determined that his first soul skill needed to include the "devour" ability.
However, he would need to consult his second master about the specific soul beast to hunt.
Moreover, even with a target, finding a suitable soul beast during the hunt was not guaranteed; it often depended on luck.
Upon hearing that Xiao Lie had broken through to level ten, his second grandfather beamed with joy, instantly feeling refreshed and ordering the team to continue.
This time, the team's scouts changed their target, focusing all their efforts on finding traces of the "Swallowing Beast."
However, in Yu Xiao Lie's mind, the "Swallowing Beast" was only one of the options, as he had higher expectations.
To verify his hypothesis, he proactively inquired about a legend in Sunset Forest from his second grandfather.
"Second grandfather, have you heard the legend about the mutation of soul beasts?"
"Of course. Legend has it that any soul beast can mutate. After all, there are too many secrets in Sunset Forest, and soul beasts that come into contact with mysterious powers will evolve in different directions."
He had indeed guessed correctly, and Yu Xiao Lie took the opportunity to ask about the mutation direction of the "Swallowing Beast."
"Although this kind of soul beast is not naturally large, according to legend it has two mutated varieties. One is called 'Soul Devourer,' and the other is called 'Heaven Devourer.'"
"The former, because its soul is modified, its body will gradually change from earthy yellow to purple, and its size will also change from small to medium. It is said that it can devour the skills of other soul beasts."
"The latter, as its name suggests, can eat soul beasts of almost any size. However, it does not devour skills, but rather the strength, speed, attack power, and defense of other soul beasts."
Seeing the longing in Yu Xiaolie's eyes, Second Master did not miss the opportunity to pour cold water on him: "Mutated soul beasts are good, but their numbers are extremely rare. You should try not to have too high hopes."
"Let's set our sights on the 'Swallowing Beast,' which is about a hundred years old."
Yu Xiaogang also chimed in from the side: "Xiaolie, your first soul ring should be a safe life-saving skill. What's the use of those fancy skills compared to a skunk?"
Xiaolie remained silent. There was really no point in talking to this short-sighted older brother.
The group went deeper and deeper, and in the blink of an eye, they had arrived at the depths of the jungle, which was difficult for ordinary people to reach.
A howl echoed from afar. Approaching, it became clear that spirit beasts were fighting for territory.
The two sides were a white tiger and several gray wolves.
Judging from their size, the white tiger should have the advantage, especially since it possessed ice attributes, constantly firing ice spikes at the wolves, those hit by which were briefly frozen.
However, the reality was that the white tiger was sustaining more and more wounds, and it was clearly outnumbered.
The reason for this was the wolf king among the pack!
Its fur was silver-white. While ordinary gray wolves could unleash wind blades, this mutated wolf king could unleash a triple wind blade slash.
Faced with attacks as sharp as blades, the white tiger could only dodge awkwardly, giving the other gray wolves an opportunity to ambush it.
Seeing that it was about to collapse, a resolute look appeared in its eyes, like a human's. A massive aura erupted from the white tiger's body.
Its body swelled, and a layer of ice armor appeared on its surface. The white tiger leaped high, pouncing on the wolf king who couldn't dodge in time.
Capture the king first!
The wolf king tried to dodge, but an ice spike landed squarely on its hind leg, not only piercing a wound the size of a palm but also freezing its claws.
The wolf king hastily unleashed a three-strike wind blade, but it barely grazed the white tiger's icy armor, failing to inflict a fatal wound.
The white tiger bit the wolf king's neck and twisted it forcefully.
"Crack!"
With the sound of breaking bones, the wolf king's head slumped to one side.
Seeing their leader dead, the other wolves turned and fled with their tails between their legs.
Those who witnessed this scene from afar saw the entire bloody battle.
Especially the three children, who had never seen blood before; they had never seen such a gruesome scene. Protected by their family, they found it hard to imagine that the real world could be so cruel.
Although the wolf king had been killed, the white tiger itself was already at its limit; if it encountered any other spirit beast, it would likely face certain death.
A white tiger with ice attributes is extremely attractive to people, after all, tiger skin and bones are treasures. Just as the guards were about to rush forward to kill the white tiger, Second Master seemed to sense something and waved to stop them.
"Wait, keep quiet, another soul beast is coming."
At the edge of the clearing where the white tiger and the wolf pack were fighting, a dark shadow flashed out from behind a tree, launching a sneak attack from behind!
Could it be that the wolf pack had returned?
The dark shadow struck its target, tearing a bloody wound into the white tiger's back.
At first, due to its speed, Yu Xiaolie couldn't see its appearance clearly, only revealing its purple form when it landed.
Looking at the purple figure, Yu Xiaolie's heart pounded.
Soul Devourer!
Truly, what you seek is found without effort.
The battle between the white tiger and the wolf pack must have attracted the Soul Devourer, which loves to devour.
In a one-on-one fight, it was no match for the enormous white tiger, nor for a pack of wolves.
Therefore, the Soul Eater patiently waited until both sides were severely weakened before revealing itself to seize the opportunity.
This was no less than human wisdom!
Seeing the rare Soul Eater appear before him, Yu Xiaolie was incredibly excited, his body involuntarily itching to try.
At this moment, Second Master reached out to stop him: "Xiaolie, this Soul Eater is so cunning, it's probably over 200 years old. Even if you capture it, you won't be able to absorb it."
"Second Master, I want to try."
Hearing Xiaolie's firm answer, Second Master was taken aback, then realized that he was helping his stubborn grand-nephew.
The Yu Xiaolie who had gritted his teeth and climbed to the top of the mountain with heavy loads.
Second Master had always valued this grandson and knew his relentless nature.
With a sigh, Second Master stopped trying to dissuade him and directed everyone to secretly surround the area from all sides.
The dying White Tiger and the Soul Eater with limited combat power were no match for the experienced guard team.
The battle was quickly resolved.
Second Master walked to Yu Xiaolie's side, his expression complex, and said, "Xiaolie, my calculation was wrong just now. You probably can't absorb this Soul Devourer, because it is..."
Second Master paused, then continued,
"...it's 800 years old."
(End of Chapter)