"Azure Luan."
Su Wen stood up and called softly.
"Screech!"
A giant bird with a ten-meter wingspan soared overhead. Azure Luan nodded at Su Wen, then used the soul bone skill [Holy Light Radiance]. A beam of pure white light shone on Bai Xiuxiu—a single-target healing skill that restored all injuries, spirit, stamina, and more...
Of course, the stronger the target, the more soul power it consumed. Azure Luan could now fully heal a Super Douluo from near death, though it would cost her about 70% of her soul power.
"Buzz…"
As the holy light faded.
Bai Xiuxiu marveled at herself, happily surfing around. "Wow!!!"
"I feel great, my waist doesn't ache, my fins don't hurt, I'm back to peak form—awesome!"
"Thank you…"
She swam over to Su Wen, eyes sparkling.
Could this be like the other bedtime story? After many hardships, the little shark finally meets her prince? Maybe even save the Devil Soul Great White Sharks from disaster?
As for the shark's promise to repay him, Su Wen didn't care.
He waved her off, wishing her well.
What concerned him more was the Sun Moon Empire and Holy Spirit Cult's pursuit. Since his route had changed, his old plan—to lay soul engineer bombs in the bay and blow up his pursuers—was useless. So now, he expected to be ambushed by experts at the Titled Douluo (Rank-9) level or above.
"How deep is your strength, really…" Ju Zi lay in Su Wen's arms, twirling her hair, her voice dreamy.
Her view of the forces sent against Su Wen had shifted again and again.
But according to Su Wen, he'd killed a level-94 evil soul master! That was no ordinary foe—they were stronger than typical soul beasts.
"They wouldn't send an Ultimate Douluo, right?" Ju Zi teased.
"..."
Su Wen was silent.
Ju Zi: "..."
She slowly turned, face stiff.
Then she saw Su Wen actually thinking about it!!!
"Probably not..." Su Wen shook his head.
"My displayed strength isn't enough for her to act personally..."
Ju Zi: "..."
Speechless.
What did he mean, his displayed strength wasn't enough? Did that mean even fighting the Holy Spirit Cult, he was still holding back?
What kind of monster was he...
"Let's not land yet."
Su Wen pondered, making a decision.
On the vast sea, it'd be hard for enemies to find him; they'd have to lie in wait on land. Since he had time, why not set a small goal—break through to Soul Sage.
Since setting out to sea, he'd gone from peak 64 to early 66. Breaking through four more levels would take two or three months.
He had a premonition that reaching Soul Sage would give him more than just another hundred-thousand-year soul beast—it would be a real leap in strength.
After all, what would his Martial Soul True Body be...
"Teacher Xuan, let's explore more sea regions. We have three months—returning too soon would look bad." Su Wen smiled.
"Alright." Xuan Ziwen nodded.
The ocean was still unknown to humanity. With the best submarine, just circling once and going back would be a shame.
Besides, he hadn't had enough fun yet…
…
"Mom, I met the Sea God today!!!"
As soon as Bai Xiuxiu saw her mother, she was excited.
Mother Shark was stunned.
"Say that again—who did you meet?!"
"The Sea God!" Bai Xiuxiu realized her mistake and stuck out her tongue. "Oops, I mean someone who looks a lot like the Sea God!"
Mother: "..."
"You've met the Sea God?"
"Nope..." Bai Xiuxiu said confidently.
But seeing her mother about to scold her, she quickly explained, "Isn't the Sea God a human?!"
Her mother, suspicious: "Yes."
Bai Xiuxiu, proudly: "So is he!"
Bai Xiuxiu: "Isn't the Sea God a man?"
Mother: "Yes…"
Bai Xiuxiu's pride was obvious: "Isn't the Sea God handsome?"
Mother clenched her fins, speaking through gritted teeth, "And then?"
"With so many similarities, isn't it proof they're alike?" Bai Xiuxiu said righteously.
Then—
"Ahhhhh!!"
Her pitiful screams echoed across Sea God Island.
Several Devil Soul Great White Sharks chuckled: "Xiuxiu's getting spanked again."
…
Two months passed in a flash.
"Buzz…"
In the green woods, on a shimmering lake, Su Wen hovered at the center, upper body above water, legs crossed in meditation. Though without support, he remained perfectly steady.
From underwater, the scene was miraculous. Countless green energy threads rose from the lake's depths, weaving around Su Wen, pouring life force into him.
This cultivation method could only be endured by soul beasts. Human bodies were too fragile—such power would cause most Titled Douluo to explode.
But Su Wen was different.
His soul core absorbed the life force like a black hole, converting it to soul power and spirit power, while his tough body kept him from bursting.
"Phew…"
Exhaling, Su Wen opened his eyes.
Golden light flashed—he'd reached level 71, crossing the threshold as easily as breathing. His soul power and body strength now rivaled ordinary Titled Douluo, and all his pet beasts advanced to their final stages.
"Level 71, the last barrier—huh…"
Su Wen looked around.
All six pets were gathered.
The system panel was complex.
But only Little Gold...
"Current phase: Golden Behemoth. Next phase… Amethyst Behemoth?!"
Su Wen was stunned.
He'd thought Golden Behemoth was the apex, but it seemed Little Gold could go even further?!
"Huh?" Little Gold was also confused.
A regular Behemoth could rival a True Dragon; a Golden Behemoth, even more so. This Amethyst bloodline might be aiming for Dragon God level.
"Not bad." Su Wen nodded in satisfaction.
No wonder it was his strongest fighter.
"Master! I can talk now!!!" Little Gold stared at Su Wen. Its golden body looked powerful under the sun, casting a shadow from its 120-meter frame. "Can you give me a new name?"