As for increasing the age of soul rings, while it was true that once the years of a soul ring were extended, it would also bring about improvements to a soul master's bodily functions in every aspect—
At the same time, however, this would also further increase the burden a soul master bore in relation to their rings, making it unfavorable for condensing or attaching higher-aged rings in the future.
In comparing the two, Muyang naturally prioritized deducing a secret art that could enhance the age of soul bones first.
As for divine-forged metals and the crafting method of four-character battle armor?
The efficiency of deducing those was very slow. Muyang decided to set them aside for now, and only revisit them after creating the methods to extend soul rings and soul bones.
In his opinion, once he and Shui Bing'er reached Titled Douluo, with a Martial Soul Fusion Technique in hand, unless one could ascend to godhood, whether it was three-character or four-character battle armor, the ceiling of his strength would essentially be the same — at most lifting his combat power to the threshold of the god level.
His plan was that upon becoming a god, he would integrate his battle armor with his full set of soul bones, transforming them into divine equipment. Otherwise, speaking purely of himself, there was no need to continue pursuing four-character armor.
In short, four-character battle armor only needed to be completed before divinity. For now, it could be set aside.
The following morning.
With nearly half an hour left before the appointed time on the invitation, Muyang brought Shui Bing'er to the academy's front gates to await the arrival of Qian Renxue and her two companions.
The Spirit Hall's Young Master Qian Renxue, the Sixth Worship Fifteen Ton Douluo, the Seventh Worship Falling Devil Douluo — each one of these was either high-ranking or a core figure within the Spirit Hall.
Though the three were here to redeem someone, it would not do for the Element Academy to lose courtesy. At the very least, they ought to give the Spirit Hall some face.
It wasn't long before, in the distant skies, three figures appeared.
When the three landed near the academy gates, Muyang and Shui Bing'er stepped forward to greet them.
Skipping past Fifteen Ton and Falling Devil behind, Muyang's gaze fell upon the one leading them — Qian Renxue.
This was the first time Muyang had seen Qian Renxue's true face. She looked to be just over twenty, her skin fairer than snow, her nose tall and straight, her slightly slender phoenix eyes carrying a trace of sharp majesty upon her peerless beauty. Coupled with a petal-like skirt that resembled something out of an anime from his previous life, Muyang had to admit: Qian Renxue's beauty was indeed striking.
Among all the women he had seen, in terms of looks alone, only Bibi Dong and Shui Bing'er could stand shoulder to shoulder with her.
Well, Bibi Dong required no explanation. After all, even a Title Douluo of the Secret Chamber could not restrain himself before her, ultimately losing his life because of it.
As for Shui Bing'er, there was undoubtedly an element of "beauty in the eyes of the lover" involved.
"To think that my elder brother Qinghe was, in fact, a woman."
After sizing up Qian Renxue, Muyang pretended to sigh with emotion, then straightened his expression and said: "The three of you, on behalf of the Element Academy, Bing'er and I welcome your arrival."
His tone carried no flattery, but no disdain either. It was strictly businesslike.
As for Qian Renxue, although they had never formally met before, she was, in a sense, already an old acquaintance.
As for Fifteen Ton and Falling Devil Douluo?
Given their strength, Muyang had no need to bow in greeting. In the world of soul masters, what mattered was power, not seniority. Unless it was Qian Daoliu himself arriving, then perhaps it would be different.
"It's been a long time, and yet younger brother and Bing'er seem distant from me?"
Qian Renxue cast a glance at the golden-red sword mark faintly radiating majesty between Muyang's brows, then said with a smile.
As expected, the moment she saw the sword mark, Qian Renxue understood — her grandfather Qian Daoliu's speculation was correct. Muyang too had obtained a godly inheritance.
The only uncertainty was whether the godly inheritance Muyang had acquired was superior or inferior to her Angel inheritance.
"Shouldn't there be distance?
If I recall correctly, back in the Star Dou Great Forest, it was Bing'er's aunt and I who lent you a hand.
And during the incident in the Heaven Dou Palace, Bing'er and I also did not stand idly by.
I had thought that with such sentiments, the Spirit Hall would refrain from targeting the academy. But the result? Your Spirit Hall repaid kindness with enmity, sending two Douluo to abduct students from my academy, deliberately stirring up conflict."
Muyang's voice was expressionless.
Hearing this, the smile on Qian Renxue's face froze. For a moment, she didn't know how to explain.
She certainly could not say that it was simply Bibi Dong acting in madness, and that she had been unaware, could she?
After all, Bibi Dong was the Pope of the Spirit Hall. To outsiders unaware of the internal situation, every action of the Pope was backed by the Spirit Hall itself.
After a pause, Qian Renxue took a deep breath and said: "This matter was indeed the Spirit Hall's fault. I ask younger brother to be magnanimous. This time, my two elders and I have come precisely to express our apologies."
Muyang stared at her for three seconds, then slightly nodded and said: "This is not the place to speak. Please, the three of you come with us. The dean and the other Douluo have been waiting for some time."
With that, Muyang and Shui Bing'er led Qian Renxue and her two protectors into the academy.
Inside the conference hall, around a huge table, nine figures were seated facing one another.
To the south, Qian Renxue sat in the center, Fifteen Ton and Falling Devil Douluo flanking her left and right.
To the north, from left to right, sat Feng Zhen, Shui Yanyu, Mu Xiyue, Huo Lie, Muyang, and Shui Bing'er.
And as for the central figure of this incident — Yue Guan?
Yue Guan was a prisoner. Though a Spirit Hall Elder, he currently had no right to take a seat at the table.
"Dean Huo, this matter was the Spirit Hall's fault first. On behalf of the Spirit Hall, I extend my apologies."
Without wasting words, Qian Renxue took out a slender, exquisite jade box from her soul tool, infused it with soul power, and slid it across to Huo Lie.
Everyone present was an expert. The moment the jade box appeared, they immediately sensed the unique aura of a soul bone emanating from within.
Raising an eyebrow, Huo Lie subtly glanced at Muyang and Shui Bing'er beside him, then opened the jade box.
Inside lay a complete soul bone, entirely ice-blue in color, radiating an aura of frost — a left arm bone.
"This Extreme Ice Left Arm Bone comes from a ninety-thousand-year Extreme Ice Bird. It was left behind by a Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall from years ago."
Qian Renxue explained.
As it happened, that Spirit Hall elder had been rather fortunate. Though his own strength wasn't particularly outstanding, when hunting a ninety-thousand-year Extreme Ice Bird to break through into Titled Douluo, he had, by sheer luck, obtained this exceptionally rare left arm bone.
It was only because, over the years, no soul master of exceptional talent with the ice attribute had appeared in the Spirit Hall that this soul bone had remained untouched in the Hall's treasury. Otherwise, it would have long since been refined.
Hearing this, Muyang's heart stirred.
A ninety-thousand-year soul bone — the Spirit Hall's ransom was certainly not cheap.
Moreover, at this very moment, Muyang also thought of a method that could allow Shui Bing'er's strength to undergo a massive increase in a short period of time.
For additional chapters
Versatile mage {40 chapters}
Douluo Dalu:This Soul Master is to Weird {30 Chapters}
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