Chapter 31: Silver Dragon King, Di Tian
After a year of nurturing in the fourth level of the Dan Tower, the Dark Gold Fearsome Claw Bear, Ah Bao, had successfully broken through to 4000 years of cultivation, which was enough to rival ten-thousand-year soul beasts. The Man-Faced Demon Spider, in the third level, had also reached 3500 years of cultivation, but it was surpassed by Ah Bao.
However, even when the Man-Faced Demon Spider had a higher cultivation level, it was unable to defeat Ah Bao. Its proud webs and venomous stingers were completely countered by Ah Bao. The webs shattered with a swipe of its terrifying claws, and the venomous stingers couldn't penetrate its defenses. The only advantage the spider had was its decent speed, which it used to pull away.
Although the Man-Faced Demon Spider was suppressed by Ah Bao, the other soul beasts in the Dan Tower were no match for it, considering the spider was still one of the more powerful spider-type soul beasts.
The Man-Faced Demon Spider had been captured just recently and had close to 2100 years of cultivation, making Ning Bei wonder if this was the very spider that gave Tang San his Eight Spider Spears. If it weren't for the fact that Ning Bei wasn't lacking in soul rings and already possessed the Phoenix Tail Crown Serpent's external soul bone, he would've considered killing it for its treasure.
Moreover, after obtaining his fifth soul ring, if things went as expected, the nurturing effect of the Dan Tower's fragrance would double. By the time he obtained his sixth soul ring, he might be able to bring the cultivation of these two soul beasts to the ten-thousand-year level.
For soul beasts with strong bloodlines, like the Man-Faced Demon Spider and the Dark Gold Fearsome Claw Bear, reaching the ten-thousand-year mark would result in a qualitative leap in power.
A month passed, and with his soul power now consolidated, Ning Bei informed Ning Fengzhi that they could now proceed to obtain the fifth soul ring.
This time, the hunting party was incredibly strong. When Ning Bei absorbed his fourth soul ring, he was able to attract soul beasts around 20,000 years old, forming a beast tide. This time, the tide would be even more terrifying, so to be on the safe side, Ning Fengzhi prepared to personally join the hunt, along with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. The four of them set off to the Star Dou Forest in a grand procession.
Upon arriving at the Star Dou Forest, Gu Rong led Ning Fengzhi and Ning Bei forward, while Sword Douluo set off first to find suitable soul beasts. As the sect leader, Ning Fengzhi couldn't be away from the sect for too long, so they decided to speed up the process of finding soul beasts.
This time, Ning Bei needed a soul ring around 20,000 years old. His body's current limit was around 23,000 years, so 20,000 years was considered a relatively safe number.
With such a strong party for this hunt, Ning Bei felt no tension, unlike his earlier trips to the forest. It felt more like a leisurely outing.
Gu Rong and Ning Fengzhi looked at the relaxed Ning Bei, both amused. Especially Gu Yong, who, when he was young, hadn't joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Every time he went soul hunting, he was nervous to the extreme, unlike Ning Bei, who appeared so at ease.
Unfortunately, perhaps due to bad luck, after three days of searching, they hadn't found a suitable soul beast. Ning Bei was nearly tempted to pull out the Dan Tower to attract soul beasts.
However, this behavior was clearly not advisable. Even though soul beasts would come, he wouldn't be able to absorb the soul ring peacefully. He had to dismiss the idea from his mind.
Fortunately, the heavens did not disappoint those who were determined. On the fourth day, Chen Xin returned to the team and informed them that about 100 kilometers away, there was a 20,000-year-old Golden Leaf Sunflower. This plant-type soul beast had the ability to restore soul power and heal injuries.
High-level Golden Leaf Sunflowers were often guarded by powerful soul beasts, as they represented a second chance at life for soul beasts. After being injured, soul beasts could quickly recover their wounds and soul power through its powers.
Upon reaching the location Chen Xin pointed out, the group saw a two-meter-tall sunflower trembling on the spot, clearly aware of their arrival. Not far from the sunflower, a tiger-type soul beast lay nearby, with a black soul ring floating around it, indicating its cultivation had also reached ten thousand years.
It was likely that Sword Douluo had dealt with it beforehand.
"Bei'er, just sever the roots of the Golden Leaf Sunflower. This type of soul beast has no combat ability; it survives solely with the help of its guardian soul beast."
Ning Bei nodded. Although the friendship between the tiger and the sunflower touched him, in the dog-eat-dog world of Douluo, to continue growing stronger and reach the peak as a soul master, this kind of mercy couldn't exist.
With a silent apology, Ning Bei drew a dagger and severed the roots of the Golden Leaf Sunflower. A dark soul ring appeared before everyone's eyes.
Ning Bei summoned the Dan Tower and released the Dark Gold Fearsome Claw Bear and the Man-Faced Demon Spider, instructing them to protect him. Then, he turned to Ning Fengzhi and the others.
"Father, Grandpa Dugu , I'll need your help next."
The three waved their hands, signaling that there was no need to worry.
Ning Bei sat cross-legged and used his soul power to guide the soul ring to the fifth level of the Dan Tower to begin absorbing it.
Chen Xin, Gu Yong, and Ning Fengzhi stood on alert, watching the surroundings carefully in case powerful soul beasts appeared to disturb Ning Bei.
Not long after Ning Bei began absorbing the soul ring, in the deep core area of the Star Dou Forest, in the depths of the Lake of Life, a silver-scaled divine dragon suddenly opened its eyes.
"Di Tian, come before me."
A man with black hair, golden eyes, and dressed in a black python robe immediately appeared before the silver dragon upon hearing the summons. He respectfully bent his waist and bowed.
"Master, what is your command?"
"In the inner region of the Star Dou Forest, I sense a power that makes me uneasy. Though this power is still weak, it may aid in my injury recovery. Bring that person here to see me."
Upon hearing the silver dragon's words, Di Tian's face filled with wild joy.
"Master, is what you say true? Can it really help restore your injuries?"
The silver dragon shook its massive head.
"It's not clear yet, but I have this feeling. Just bring him to me first."
"Understood."
Di Tian respectfully accepted the task and disappeared into the Lake of Life.
Meanwhile, Ning Bei, who was absorbing the soul ring, was completely unaware of everything happening. His surroundings were surrounded by soul beasts—wolves, tigers, leopards, flying birds, and land creatures. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, with the aid of Ning Fengzhi's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, had already begun battling the soul beasts.
Among these soul beasts, some had over 30,000 years of cultivation. Though a single 30,000-year soul beast couldn't pose a threat to the two Title Douluos, the sheer number of soul beasts was overwhelming. At a glance, Ning Bei could see hundreds of soul beasts closing in.
The Dark Gold Fearsome Claw Bear and the Man-Faced Demon Spider didn't join the battle but adhered to Ning Bei's earlier orders, protecting him and Ning Fengzhi.
The two Title Douluos focused mainly on knocking out the soul beasts instead of killing them, as killing them all would waste too many valuable soul beasts. They didn't want to make it difficult for future disciples of the sect to find suitable soul rings in the Star Dou Forest.
The fierce battle continued for several hours, and after much anticipation, Ning Bei finally opened his eyes.
With a joyful expression, he looked at Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi, who were still fighting the soul beasts. He quickly summoned back the Dark Gold Fearsome Claw Bear and the Man-Faced Demon Spider.
"Grandfathers, Father, I'm done. Let's hurry and leave."
(END CHAPTER)
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