Chapter 1: Gu Xuan
The Douluo Continent is a World of Spirits. There is no magic here, no technology, and certainly no legendary Dou Qi transforming into horses. The lives of the people here are all closely related to Spirits.
Everyone possesses a Spirit, but only a minority of them possess Innate spirit power. Those who possess Innate spirit power can Cultivate and become the most respected profession—Spirit Masters.
Innate spirit power represents talent. The higher your Innate spirit power, the stronger your talent, and the greater your hope of becoming a powerful individual in the future.
After countless years and the exploration of countless people, the Ranks of Spirit Masters have been divided into ten Ranks: Rank 1 to 10 Spirit Scholars, Rank 11 to 20 Spirit Masters, Rank 21 to 30 Spirit Grandmasters, Rank 31 to 40 Spirit Elders, Rank 41 to 50 Spirit Ancestors, Rank 51 to 60 Spirit Kings, Rank 61 to 70 Spirit Emperors, Rank 71 to 80 Spirit Saints, Rank 81 to 90 Spirit Douluo, Rank 91 to 99 Titled Douluo, and finally, Rank 100 Godhood. However, no god has been born on the Continent for tens of thousands of years.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, ranked among the Upper Three Sects, holds the title of the wealthiest Sect, rumored to be rich enough to rival a nation. The number of Spirit Masters within the Sect exceeds three thousand people, including over one thousand direct Disciples and over two thousand affiliated Disciples, making it an undeniable giant.
Inside the separate courtyard of Bone Douluo Gu Rong, one of the two guardian gods of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a handsome youth sat cross-legged beneath an ancient, massive tree. A faint black-gray treasure light flowed across his body, seemingly indicating that his Cultivation had reached a Bottleneck.
After a long time, a sound like shattering glass emanated from the youth's body, and two yellow spirit rings rose from his form.
"Hoo~, finally Rank 30." Gu Xuan exhaled a mouthful of stale air, and a sharp glint flashed in his black-gray eyes.
Gu Xuan stood up, and the spirit rings on his body receded. Though only twelve years old, his height had already reached 1.7 meters. He was sturdily built with broad shoulders and a wide back. His short black ponytail was tied back with a golden hairband, giving him a refreshing and handsome appearance.
"Once I acquire the third spirit ring, I can head to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. In the previous life's original work, Dugu Yan seemed to have gone to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy when she was fifteen." Gu Xuan clenched his fist, feeling the power of his recent Breakthrough while softly muttering.
Gu Xuan was a Transmigrator, and his current identity was the grandson of Bone Douluo Gu Rong, one of the two guardian gods of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Due to his Transmigration, Gu Xuan began learning various theoretical knowledge about this World and training his physique from a young age, as he clearly knew how ridiculous the so-called spirit ring limit theory was.
All spirit rings before the ten-thousand-year spirit ring are related to physical fitness. As long as one's will is firm and physical fitness is sufficient, absorbing spirit rings beyond one's Rank is not difficult.
Gu Xuan's first spirit ring reached six hundred years. Originally, his second spirit ring could have absorbed a thousand-year-level spirit ring, but the quality of his second spirit ring was top-notch. Although its age limit was only six hundred years, the boost and benefits it brought him surpassed that of an ordinary thousand-year spirit ring.
This was because his second spirit ring came from a six-hundred-year-level Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.
The Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, this type of Spirit Beast, is on the same level as a True Dragon, and even far surpasses an ordinary True Dragon.
A hundred-year-old one can fight a thousand-year-old one, and a thousand-year-old one can fight a ten-thousand-year-old one. A Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear that reaches the ten-thousand-year level even possesses the strength to fight a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast.
Although this doesn't mean a ten-thousand-year-level Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear can definitely defeat a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast, the mere fact that it possesses the power to contend with one is enough to prove the strength of its talent and ability.
Therefore, the six-hundred-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear spirit ring brought Gu Xuan a boost that was absolutely no weaker than a three-thousand-year spirit ring, even far surpassing that level. This is why Gu Xuan, having just turned twelve, has already achieved a Breakthrough to Rank 30 in his spirit power.
Gu Xuan was not like the Transmigrators he read about in novels in his previous life, who possessed Innate full spirit power and twin spirits upon arrival. His Innate spirit power was only Rank 8.
Furthermore, besides Cultivating, he also spent a lot of time learning various theoretical knowledge and training his physique. In addition to these, Gu Xuan systematically studied pharmacology and Alchemy, which took up even more time.
Therefore, for him to be able to achieve a Breakthrough to Rank 30 right after turning twelve, this is already an extremely fast Cultivation speed.
Because of Gu Xuan, the Transmigrator, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School currently differs slightly from the original work.
For instance, Bone Douluo Gu Rong's spirit power had just achieved a Breakthrough to Rank 96 three months ago. For example, the Breaking Clan, one of the Four Single-Attribute Clans, has joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
These two points are the biggest differences compared to the original work, and there are many other minor changes.
After all, as a Transmigrator, Gu Xuan's ideas and understanding of this World are slightly different.
Coupled with the fact that he is Gu Rong's only grandson and exhibits talent and perseverance far surpassing his peers, even if Ning Fengzhi and the others found some of Gu Xuan's ideas difficult to understand, they still chose to support him.
Once Gu Xuan's ideas were proven correct, Ning Fengzhi and the others stopped underestimating Gu Xuan. They began to heed his suggestions, which led to the current changes in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
It is worth mentioning that Ning Rongrong, the little devil girl from the original work, has become much better behaved in this life, at least when she is in front of Gu Xuan.
In the previous life, Ning Rongrong was Rank 27 when she went to Shrek Academy at age twelve, but now, at eleven years old, Ning Rongrong has already reached Rank 26. This is naturally due to Gu Xuan's efforts.
Gu Xuan does not fear Ning Rongrong like the other Sect Disciples, as his status is in no way inferior.
Not fearing Ning Rongrong also means Gu Xuan won't spoil her, because Gu Xuan knows Ning Rongrong's personality: if he doesn't pressure her, she won't Cultivate seriously. The Ning Rongrong in the original work was like this before joining Shrek Academy.
Now, with Gu Xuan's pressure and encouragement, Ning Rongrong is much better than she was in the original work.
Gu Xuan patted the invisible dust off his backside and lifted his foot, heading out of the separate courtyard.
If Grandpa Gu Rong isn't here, then he must be with Second Uncle Chen Xin.
Gu Rong is one year older than Chen Xin, so Gu Xuan calls Chen Xin Second Uncle.
This Second Uncle never married or had children in his life, so his lineage can now be said to be cut off.
However, the Seven Kill Sword lineage has not been cut off, because Second Uncle Chen Xin has another younger brother. Although his younger brother has passed away, he left behind descendants.
That is Gu Xuan's Eldest Uncle, Chen Yuan. Eldest Uncle Chen Yuan's talent is average; he only reached Rank 60-something in his forties.
Although the Seven Kill Sword is a top-tier Spirit, not everyone who possesses a top-tier Spirit will have high talent; there are occasional exceptions.
Chen Yuan has two sons, but both of their talents are also average. Perhaps because the talent of the previous three generations, starting from Chen Xin, was too Prodigious, the talent of their current three generations has become ordinary.
Now, Ning Fengzhi can only hope that the descendants of Chen Yuan's two sons will have better talent, producing another Sword Douluo.
However, with the sudden rise of the Prodigy Gu Xuan, Ning Fengzhi is no longer worried that the Sect will be left unguarded after he and the two guardian gods pass away a hundred years from now.Chapter 2: Ning Rongrong (Please collect, please recommend!)
Gu Rong had only recently achieved the Breakthrough to Level 96. During this time, he mostly sparred with Chen Xin in order to quickly adapt to his newly increased strength.
The reason Gu Rong achieved the Breakthrough was first because his spirit power had already reached the Peak of Level 95, only a hair's breadth away from Level 96.
Moreover, his comprehension of Level 96 was not lacking, since having Chen Xin around ensured Gu Rong couldn't help but be familiar with it.
The biggest reason for Gu Rong's Breakthrough was Whale Glue, a piece of Whale Glue with an age exceeding Fifty Thousand Years.
This was Douluo 1, and neither ordinary people nor Spirit Masters had discovered the true use of Whale Glue; its only known function was as an aphrodisiac.
It must be said that the aphrodisiac effect of Whale Glue was indeed potent; even if you only had three seconds of combat time, taking a little Whale Glue beforehand could multiply your combat power by more than ten times.
When Gu Xuan first consumed the Whale Glue, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong looked completely incredulous, because Gu Xuan was only eight years old at the time.
However, after they later understood the miraculous uses of Whale Glue, Ning Fengzhi began secretly purchasing Whale Glue from across the entire continent.
That piece of fifty thousand year Whale Glue was acquired from a coastal city for one hundred thousand gold coins.
One hundred thousand gold coins might be a massive sum that ordinary people couldn't spend in a lifetime, and it was decent wealth for most Spirit Masters, but for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it was merely a drop in the bucket.
But Gu Xuan knew that if this piece of Whale Glue were placed in the Douluo 2 era, its value would increase by at least five times.
This piece of Whale Glue was acquired a year ago. After consuming it, Gu Rong dedicated himself to arduous Cultivation for over half a year, finally achieving a successful Breakthrough to Level 96 three months ago, once again elevating the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
With the support system provided by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Gu Rong and Chen Xin, these two Level 96 Super Douluo, could be utilized as if they were Level 97, making the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School the undisputed leader of the Upper Three Sects today.
However, they naturally wouldn't publicize this. At a time like this, they should secretly develop their strength, waiting to astound everyone later. Ning Fengzhi was deeply versed in the Dao of the Stealthy One.
Gu Xuan left the courtyard and headed toward Chen Xin's separate residence.
Chen Xin's separate residence and Gu Rong's separate residence were actually very close, right next to each other, but Chen Xin generally didn't live there. He lived in the Sword Bamboo Forest on the Back Mountain, which was still some distance away.
Gu Xuan had only walked out of the courtyard for less than five minutes when a bright, clear voice came from behind him, as pleasant to the ear as the song of an oriole.
"Big Brother Gu Xuan, where are you going?"
Gu Xuan turned around to see Ning Rongrong standing there, dressed in a pale green short dress, her pair of small, jade-like legs fair and delicate, her small feet wearing brown leather boots with small heels, forming a beautiful sight.
It must be said that Ning Rongrong not only inherited Ning Fengzhi's good looks but perhaps even surpassed them; having just turned eleven, she was already graceful and slender.
However, Gu Xuan didn't like lolis. Although Ning Rongrong was pretty, she looked like a minor, which filled Gu Xuan, this lsp, with guilt. Therefore, up until now, he had only treated Ning Rongrong like a younger sister.
Gu Xuan hadn't considered what would happen in the future; at least for now, he had no romantic feelings for Ning Rongrong, merely enjoying the sight.
"Rongrong, I'm going to find Grandpa. I just achieved a Breakthrough to Level 30." Gu Xuan looked at Ning Rongrong, unable to stop a gentle smile from appearing on his face.
Facing a cute younger sister who was obedient and listened to his every word, it was hard for Gu Xuan not to feel protective affection.
"Big Brother Gu Xuan, you broke through to Level 30 so quickly?" Hearing this, Ning Rongrong clasped and squeezed her small hands together, then smiled and said, "Congratulations on your Breakthrough, Big Brother Gu Xuan. You truly are a Prodigy. Your Innate spirit power was one level lower than mine, yet your Cultivation speed is several times faster than Rongrong's."
Gu Xuan and Ning Rongrong shared the same birthday, so Gu Xuan was exactly one year older than Ning Rongrong.
As they spoke, Ning Rongrong had already come to Gu Xuan's side. Gu Xuan stroked the small head of Ning Rongrong, who was only 1.58 meters tall, and said softly, "Rongrong is also amazing! Even though you are just a support system Spirit Master, your spirit power has already reached Level 26 at such a young age. How could anyone else compare to you?"
Ning Rongrong enjoyed Gu Xuan's large hand, curling her lips into a cute smile as she replied, "Hmph, how can anyone else compare to Big Brother Gu Xuan? I don't care about others; Big Brother Gu Xuan is my only goal."
Gu Xuan withdrew his hand and lightly tapped Ning Rongrong's nose. "Then Rongrong needs to work hard. I won't wait for you. If you don't strive, you might not even see my heels later on."
"Nyah, nyah, nyah..." Hearing this, Ning Rongrong made an extremely cute face at Gu Xuan and replied, "I don't need you to wait! When I was little, Rongrong hated you to death, but now Rongrong understands that Big Brother Gu Xuan was strict with me back then for my own good. That's why Rongrong won't ask Big Brother Gu Xuan to wait, because Rongrong will catch up on her own."
Gu Xuan's smile deepened upon hearing this. As long as Ning Rongrong maintained her current determination, her future achievements would definitely be far greater than those in the original work.
"Alright then, I'll wait for Rongrong to catch up. If Rongrong catches me one day, I'll give Rongrong a gift," Gu Xuan laughed.
Hearing the word 'gift,' Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. She happily said, "Then Big Brother Gu Xuan's gift has to satisfy Rongrong, or else Rongrong won't like Big Brother Gu Xuan anymore."
As Ning Rongrong spoke, she grabbed Gu Xuan's large hand and said while walking, "Let's go find Grandpa Gu."
The Sword Bamboo Forest was on the Back Mountain. Because Ning Rongrong was with him, Gu Xuan slowed his pace, heading toward the Sword Bamboo Forest unhurriedly.
After half an hour, Gu Xuan and Ning Rongrong arrived at Chen Xin's usual Cultivation spot. This was a large expanse of emerald green Sword Bamboo Forest, where there were already quite a few Sword Bamboos with over a thousand years of cultivation.
These Sword Bamboos were not only a natural mimetic Cultivation ground for Sword Spirit Masters, but similarly, a master of the Sword Dao like Chen Xin was also the best companion for these Sword Bamboos.
When Chen Xin's grandfather first planted these Sword Bamboos, they were just ordinary bamboo. But over a hundred years, these bamboos had absorbed some Sword Qi, becoming a mutually beneficial, win-win existence with the Seven Kill Sword.
Due to the continuous infiltration of Sword Qi, some of these Sword Bamboos reached the thousand-year level in just over a hundred years, becoming sentient Sword Bamboos, considered an anomaly among Spirit Beasts.
Because Chen Xin could manipulate the Sword Bamboos for his own use, they served as natural bodyguards.
As soon as he stepped into the Sword Bamboo Forest area, Gu Xuan could feel a sharp Sword Intent. It was the same as Second Uncle Chen Xin's Sword Intent: irresistibly sharp, like the Momentum of the Army Breaker.
However, these Sword Bamboos did not attack Gu Xuan and Ning Rongrong. Because the Sword Bamboos possessed sentience, and Gu Xuan and Ning Rongrong frequently came here to play or receive guidance from Gu Rong and Chen Xin, the Sword Bamboos had already accepted Gu Xuan and Ning Rongrong as masters of this place.
In a pavilion at the center of the bamboo forest, Chen Xin, who was playing chess against Gu Rong, suddenly raised an eyebrow and smiled at Gu Rong, "The two little ones are here."
Gu Rong looked up toward the path leading to the pavilion. Before long, the vibrant young man and woman approached from a distance.
From far away, Ning Rongrong's voice could be heard: "Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Gu, Rongrong is here to play with you!"
The two elders, with hair like cranes' feathers and faces like children, smiled helplessly. This game of chess hadn't been decided yet, but they likely wouldn't have the mind to continue playing now.Chapter 3: Spined Sword Dragon (Please collect, please recommend!)
Gu Rong and Chen Xin stood up. Ning Rongrong immediately flew into Chen Xin's arms, while Gu Xuan slowly walked up to Gu Rong.
"Grandpa, I've broken through to level thirty," Gu Xuan said to Gu Rong, glancing helplessly at Ning Rongrong who was currently doting on Chen Xin.
Hearing Gu Xuan's words, Gu Rong was not surprised; only joy filled him.
A twelve-year-old Spirit Elder, having just turned twelve a week ago, this record was extremely rare across the entire continent.
Although Gu Rong had long been accustomed to his precious grandson's extraordinary talent, every time Gu Xuan made a Breakthrough, it would excite Gu Rong, because each of Gu Xuan's Breakthroughs was breaking a record—a record within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Even Chen Xin and he had not achieved such accomplishments at Gu Xuan's age.
This was not even considering Gu Xuan's mature Heart-Nature and his drive to learn.
"Good, good, good!" Gu Rong said 'good' three times in a row, then continued, "Xuan'er, I've already found your third spirit ring for you. It's currently confined in the Beast Fighting Arena."
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Gu Xuan's face. This was the benefit of having power and background; he didn't need to spend time and effort painstakingly searching for a suitable spirit ring.
Gu Xuan only needed to make a request, and someone would arrange everything. In the end, he just needed to enjoy the results.
It was precisely because of this that most commoner Spirit Masters found it difficult to start from scratch, while Spirit Master factions would grow stronger and stronger over time.
Chen Xin, who was stroking Ning Rongrong's little head, said to Gu Xuan, "Little Xuan, are you really sure about absorbing a three-thousand-year-level spirit ring for your third spirit ring? Although I know your foundation, there's still some risk."
Gu Xuan smiled at Chen Xin and said, "Second Uncle, please rest assured. When have you ever seen me do something I wasn't confident about?"
Pausing, Gu Xuan then looked at Gu Rong and continued, "I cherish my life very much. I still need this little life to take care of you and Grandpa in your old age."
Hearing Gu Xuan's confident reply, Chen Xin immediately stopped trying to dissuade him, because Gu Xuan was right about one thing: this kid wouldn't fight a battle he wasn wasn't confident in winning.
However, Chen Xin's concern was also clouding his judgment. After all, Gu Xuan's second spirit ring was a six-hundred-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, an existence comparable to a thousand-year Spirit Beast. Even for a Spirit Master's third spirit ring, absorbing that six-hundred-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear would be an even greater feat.
Three thousand years was already a conservative estimate to avoid making Gu Rong, Chen Xin, and Ning Fengzhi worry.
Of course, the Spirit Beasts Gu Xuan chose were all of the highest Bloodline quality. A three-thousand-year-level Spirit Beast, when compared to ordinary Spirit Beasts, would have a quality equivalent to at least six thousand years.
Gu Xuan had always strived for perfection in his choice of spirit rings. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste to not utilize the excellent resources of his grandfather, a super fighter?
"Since you're confident, then let's go," Gu Rong suggested, waving his large hand.
Gu Xuan naturally had this intention early on. He also wanted to quickly absorb his third spirit ring and then head to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. There were great Opportunities waiting for him there; if he went too late, his 'home' might be 'stolen'.
Following Gu Rong and Chen Xin, Gu Xuan held Ning Rongrong's small hand and walked behind them, occasionally whispering to Ning Rongrong and sometimes answering questions from Gu Rong and Chen Xin.
Soon, the group arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's Beast Fighting Arena.
The Beast Fighting Arena was built in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's Martial Arts Practice Field area. The purpose of establishing the Beast Fighting Arena was to use the ferocity of Spirit Beasts to temper the pampered Sect Disciples within the Sect.
Although there were usually sparring matches, they were different from truly fighting Spirit Beasts.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was a large and prosperous enterprise, and it certainly couldn't afford to keep idlers, so the Beast Fighting Arena was also a very important place.
The steward in charge of the Beast Fighting Arena was named Na Yuan. He was over sixty years old, an eighty-fifth-level Spirit Douluo, and an old member of the Sect, having grown up there since childhood.
When Na Yuan saw Chen Xin and Gu Rong arrive at the Beast Fighting Arena at the same time, he immediately went down to personally greet them.
"Elder Jian, Elder Gu, why have you two come personally? Could it be that you wish to observe the training of the Disciples?" Na Yuan respectfully cupped his hands and said.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong glanced at Gu Xuan upon hearing this, then Gu Rong said, "Steward Na, you should still remember the three-thousand-year cultivation Spined Sword Dragon I placed in the Beast Fighting Arena earlier, right?"
Na Yuan nodded upon hearing this, then looked at Gu Xuan and guessed, "Could it be that Young Master Xuan has made a Breakthrough?"
Gu Xuan nodded and replied, "Steward Na guessed correctly. That Spined Sword Dragon is the spirit ring Grandpa prepared for me."
However, once Gu Xuan confirmed it, Na Yuan's brows furrowed again. Although that Spined Sword Dragon was only over three thousand years old, its quality was more than sufficient as a fourth spirit ring for a Spirit Ancestor.
But even though Gu Xuan was extraordinarily talented, the last time he was seen, he was only in his twenties. Now, at most, he had just broken through to level thirty. Could his third spirit ring really be a three-thousand-year spirit ring?
Na Yuan had many doubts in his heart, but he didn't say much. Being able to hold this position proved that he was also a shrewd person; he understood the principle of not asking what shouldn't be asked.
Na Yuan suppressed these doubts in his heart and walked ahead, leading the group: "Elder Jian, Elder Gu, this way please."
Chen Xin and Gu Rong nodded and followed, with Gu Xuan holding Ning Rongrong's hand, trailing behind them.
As they walked, Ning Rongrong quietly asked Gu Xuan, "Brother Gu Xuan, are you really going to absorb a three-thousand-year-level spirit ring for your third spirit ring?"
Gu Xuan nodded and replied, "Yes, otherwise Grandpa wouldn't have brought me here."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong frowned slightly and whispered, "Brother Gu Xuan, are you trying to die? Your second spirit ring was only six hundred years. The limit for a third spirit ring is seventeen hundred years. If you break the limit like this, what if something dangerous happens?"
Although Ning Rongrong didn't like to Cultivate, she had to learn quite a lot of things. Even if she was unwilling, it couldn't be helped, as she was a young lady from a prominent family.
Ning Rongrong knew the basic knowledge of Spirit Masters, such as the theory of spirit ring limits.
The limit for a third spirit ring was only a little over seventeen hundred years, yet Gu Xuan wanted to absorb a three-thousand-year-level spirit ring. Wasn't this courting death?
She had heard that many people, unable to determine the exact age of a Spirit Beast, forcibly absorbed its spirit ring, and in the end, they either exploded and died, or at best, had their meridians completely severed, making them unable to Cultivate for life.
Ning Rongrong didn't want her Brother Gu Xuan to end up like that, so the worry on her small face was overflowing.
Hearing this little girl Ning Rongrong's concern, Gu Xuan couldn't help but pat her little head and softly explained, "I know Rongrong is worried about me, but Rongrong, don't worry, I won't do anything I'm not confident about."
"But..." Ning Rongrong still wanted to say something.
Gu Xuan affectionately pinched her little cheek and said, "How about this: later, I'll personally defeat that Spined Sword Dragon. If I can defeat it, doesn't that mean I have the strength to absorb its spirit ring?"
Hearing Gu Xuan's words, Ning Rongrong tilted her head, thought for a moment, and replied, "Okay, I'll cheer for Brother Gu XuanChapter 4: External Spirit Bone—Dark Gold Dreadclaw
Chapter 4: external Spirit Bone—Dark Golden Dreadclaw
Listening to Gu Xuan's words, Gu Rong and Chen Xin were all smiles. Gu Xuan's talent was naturally beyond doubt, but the most important thing was that Gu Xuan could fuse his talent with his strength, allowing him to display combat power far exceeding his Rank.
Although Gu Xuan was only Rank 30, it wouldn't be a problem even if he faced a Spirit Elder who possessed a third spirit ring. Therefore, Gu Rong was confident in letting Gu Xuan challenge that Spined Sword Dragon.
But the most important reason was that the Spined Sword Dragon was not in its optimal state. Gu Rong had already beaten it half to death when he brought it back. Although Spirit Beasts have strong recovery abilities, it definitely wouldn't have returned to its optimal state in such a short amount of time.
That Yuan, who was listening to the conversation between the Little Princess and the Little Young Master from the side, felt fine sweat breaking out on his forehead. Challenging a three-thousand-year-old Spirit Beast immediately after breaking through to Rank 30, and a top-tier Dragon species among Spirit Beasts at that?
Although Na Yuan wanted to dissuade them, since Gu Rong and Chen Xin hadn't said anything, he didn't feel comfortable interrupting.
Seeing that both Gu Rong and Chen Xin agreed to Gu Xuan challenging the Spined Sword Dragon, Na Yuan quickly stepped aside and said, "Young Master Xuan, please follow me."
Gu Xuan nodded, handed Ning Rongrong over to Gu Rong, and left with Na Yuan.
Gu Rong and Chen Xin, on the other hand, took Ning Rongrong to the Viewing Room, where they could clearly see the scene of Gu Xuan fighting the Spined Sword Dragon.
Gu Xuan followed Na Yuan all the way to the Beast Fighting Arena. Although he was very familiar with the path, Na Yuan was so enthusiastic that he couldn't refuse.
Upon reaching the Beast Fighting Arena, Na Yuan directed the staff to release the Spined Sword Dragon. The Spined Sword Dragon was enormous, reaching four meters in height and five meters in length—a behemoth compared to the current 1.7-meter-tall Gu Xuan.
"Roar!" The Spined Sword Dragon entered the Beast Fighting Arena and let out a deafening roar.
This Spined Sword Dragon still had two unhealed wounds on its body. Having been hungry for so long, the moment it saw Gu Xuan, it charged forward like a mad beast.
At this moment, Gu Xuan's gaze was sharp, his eyes coldly fixed on the Spined Sword Dragon charging toward him. He showed no fear, only endless Battle Intent.
If this were Gu Xuan right after his Transmigration, he might have immediately cried out for his grandfather, but after so many years of tempering, he was no longer that "Five Goods Youth" who only knew patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendliness... he was a true Spirit Master.
Two yellow spirit rings instantly rose around Gu Xuan's body, and a pure white light shone from his skin. Spirit Assimilation!
The Bone Dragon Spirit was considered a special Beast Spirit, or perhaps a Body Spirit. During Spirit Assimilation, there was no specialized bestial transformation; rather, his body was covered in a layer of pure white spirit power shield, which clung tightly to his body, somewhat resembling a form-fitting bodysuit.
The only change was his hands, which transformed into a pair of fierce and domineering Bone Dragon Claws, much larger than an ordinary person's hands.
"First Spirit Ability: Bone Dragon Battle Body!"
Gu Xuan's yellow first spirit ring shone, and the spirit power shield, which had initially resembled a bodysuit, burst forth with an even more dazzling light. Gu Xuan seemed to have donned a set of Bone Dragon Armor, and his Bone Dragon Claws became several times sharper.
His first Spirit Ability was an amplification skill. Gu Xuan had been thrilled when he first obtained this skill, as it could improve alongside his strength.
The initial amplification of the Bone Dragon Battle Body Spirit Ability was only ten percent, but this ten percent should not be underestimated, as it was a full attribute amplification.
Using this Spirit Ability meant that Gu Xuan's overall strength increased by ten percent, improving all attributes, including spirit power, mental force, recovery ability, attack, strength, defense, speed, agility, burst... and so on.
Furthermore, every time Gu Xuan gained an additional spirit ring, the full attribute amplification increased by five percent. Now that Gu Xuan possessed two spirit rings, the amplification after using his first Spirit Ability was a fifteen percent full attribute amplification.
This Spirit Ability might not seem that powerful right now, but once Gu Xuan's spirit power Rank increases, this amplification will become terrifying. When Gu Xuan reaches the Titled Douluo Rank, the full attribute amplification will change from ten percent to fifty percent.
Fifty percent full attribute amplification is equivalent to the full amplification provided by a Spirit Saint-level Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Spirit Master, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile's amplification is not even a full attribute amplification.
It could be said that at that time, Gu Xuan's strength would increase by a full fifty percent just by relying on his first Spirit Ability. Even the amplification from a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Spirit Master wouldn't surpass that, would it?
However, as Gu Xuan's first spirit ring shone, his second spirit ring immediately lit up as well.
"Second Spirit Ability: Dark Golden Dreadclaw!"
As the second spirit ring shone, the originally pale pair of massive, sharp Bone Dragon Claws turned dark gold, as if plated with a layer of sharp armor. At the same time, the bone claws extended once more, reaching a length of sixty centimeters.
Gu Xuan's second Spirit Ability not only drastically increased the attack power and sharpness of his bone claws, but also amplified his attack power and strength by one hundred percent while the skill was active, granting him the characteristic of Armor Penetration. This was a Spirit Ability granted by a Premium Spirit Beast—powerful and practical.
Gu Xuan's speed in releasing Spirit Abilities was extremely fast; he had consecutively released two Spirit Abilities almost instantly, demonstrating formidable control over his spirit power.
At this moment, the Spined Sword Dragon charging toward Gu Xuan was less than twenty meters away. Gu Xuan, having released his Spirit Abilities, also charged toward the Spined Sword Dragon.
When fighting a Spirit Beast, Aura is the most crucial factor; if the Aura is weak, the Spirit Beast's ferocity will only increase.
"Clang!"
Gu Xuan's pair of dark gold bone claws clashed with the Spined Sword Dragon's pair of sharp claws, instantly erupting in a sound like metal striking metal. The first confrontation between the man and the beast was surprisingly evenly matched!
A trace of solemnity flashed in the Spined Sword Dragon's blood-red eyes, realizing that this small human possessed strength equal to its own.
Gu Xuan, with both Spirit Abilities released, was amplified to his Peak. His pair of dark gold bone claws struck out like a swift wind, their tricky and unpredictable angles forcing the Spined Sword Dragon to continuously retreat.
Gu Xuan was equal to it in strength, and superior in attack power.
If it hadn't been injured, it might have been able to pressure Gu Xuan, but the injured Spined Sword Dragon was completely unable to display its full power, and was instead suppressed by Gu Xuan from the start of the engagement.
Where was the graceful demeanor Gu Xuan had before? The current Gu Xuan was like a human Tyrannosaurus Rex; it was as if Gu Xuan was the Spirit Beast.
Inside the Viewing Room, Gu Rong and Chen Xin watched the battle between Gu Xuan and the Spined Sword Dragon with satisfaction, nodding occasionally.
Ning Rongrong, standing nearby, shouted at the top of her lungs, "Go, Brother Gu Xuan!"
With a fifteen percent full attribute boost and a one hundred percent amplification to attack and strength, given Gu Xuan's current physical constitution, he was completely unafraid of an injured Spined Sword Dragon in his Peak state, even if the opponent's age had reached three thousand years.
The Spined Sword Dragon felt deeply aggrieved. It had been injured, captured, and imprisoned here. Not eating or drinking for so long had caused it immense suffering. Now that it had an outlet for its frustration, the Spined Sword Dragon fought desperately, having realized that the human before it was not weak and had been continuously suppressing it.
The Spined Sword Dragon was repelled by one of Gu Xuan's claws. It did not rush forward again; instead, it retreated continuously, trying to avoid Gu Xuan's bone claws.
Gu Xuan grew fiercer with every strike, seizing the opportunity to pursue.
Blood-red light flashed in the Spined Sword Dragon's eyes. It stomped its right leg heavily directly in front of Gu Xuan. Instantly, countless spines, sharp as swords, jutted out, crushing down toward the charging Gu Xuan.
The Spined Sword Dragon had held back its killing move, specifically aiming to make it impossible for Gu Xuan to evade.
This move of the Spined Sword Dragon was called Bone Prison, identical to Bone Douluo Gu Rong's fourth Spirit Ability. In fact, Gu Rong's fourth Spirit Ability came from a four-thousand-five-hundred-year-old Spined Sword Dragon.
The range of the Bone Prison increased with strength. Currently, this Spined Sword Dragon's cultivation had reached three thousand years, enough to cover a thirty-meter area directly ahead, and since Gu Xuan was mid-charge, evasion was impossible.
However, how could Gu Xuan be an impulsive person? He had long understood the Spined Sword Dragon's abilities.
When the Spined Sword Dragon launched its attack, Gu Xuan's right bone claw had already begun to change. The right arm bone claw, which had only been coated in dark gold, transformed into five one-meter-long sharp claws. The claws were entirely a deep dark gold, shimmering with a sharp, cold light.
This was precisely the Spirit Bone Gu Xuan obtained when absorbing the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's second spirit ring—it was an external Spirit Bone, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right palm bone.
"Sky Rending Claw!"
Gu Xuan roared, and the Dark Golden Dreadclaw erupted with dark gold light. Five one-meter-long dark gold Qi blades flew directly toward the Spined Sword Dragon's Bone Prison as the sharp claws slashed through the air.
The Spined Sword Dragon was already injured, and its spirit power was not at its Peak. Even when activating its skill, the power was far less than before.
Gu Xuan, however, was in his Peak state, and the external Spirit Bone Ability, Sky Rending Claw, was the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's most superior Innate Ability.
The five dark gold Qi blades sliced through like a knife cutting tofu. The countless sword-like protruding spines were severed at the base. The Sky Rending Claw, carrying its sharp momentum, struck toward the Spined Sword Dragon's chest.Chapter 5: Third Spirit Ability (Please collect, please recommend!)
The Spined Sword Dragon's heart pounded. How was it supposed to fight this? A weak human could actually unleash such an attack power?
The Spined Sword Dragon reacted quickly, placing its huge dragon claws across its chest. As its spirit power surged, five dark golden Qi blades imprinted onto them.
"Bang!"
The Spined Sword Dragon's entire body staggered backward several meters, its massive dragon claws bloody and limp, unable to exert any force. Gu Xuan's move had directly crippled its claws.
However, if the Spined Sword Dragon hadn't defended, its body might have been directly torn apart by the Sky-Rending Claw.
But Gu Xuan wouldn't give the Spined Sword Dragon time to breathe. His legs moved like lightning as he charged directly towards the Spined Sword Dragon. Gu Xuan leaped high, and his dark golden Dark Golden Dreadclaw directly pierced into the Spined Sword Dragon's chest.
But that wasn't all. After Gu Xuan's Dark Golden Dreadclaw on his right arm pierced into the Spined Sword Dragon's chest, he landed, directly disemboweling the Spined Sword Dragon. This scene was extremely bloody, as the Spined Sword Dragon's internal organs and blood directly gushed out.
Gu Xuan stood in front of the Spined Sword Dragon, his Spirit withdrawn, his eyes indifferent as he watched the Spined Sword Dragon, which had lost its life force, fall backward.
"Ah!" Ning Rongrong shrieked, immediately covering her eyes, as the scene was too bloody.
Chen Xin embraced Ning Rongrong, gently comforting the little princess Rongrong: "Rongrong, don't be afraid. This is what it means to be a Spirit Master. Only through the tempering of blood can one grow."
Ning Rongrong shook her head and timidly replied, "Grandpa Sword, Rongrong isn't scared, just a little disgusted."
Hearing this, Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged glances. They didn't expose Ning Rongrong's feigned bravery but instead looked at Gu Xuan in the Beast Fighting Arena with smiles.
At this moment, Gu Xuan sat cross-legged, beginning to meditate to restore his spirit power. This battle put no pressure on him, but he had gone all out from the start, consuming a significant amount of spirit power. After all, he was absorbing a spirit ring beyond his level, and he needed to ensure he was in optimal condition.
A purple spirit ring, shimmering with the unique luster of a thousand-year spirit ring, had already condensed on the Spined Sword Dragon's body in front of Gu Xuan.
Spirit Beasts condense spirit rings after being killed, and a spirit ring can only exist for one hour. If no one absorbs the spirit ring within that hour, it will dissipate on its own.
Gu Xuan obviously wouldn't let such an excellent quality spirit ring dissipate. Half an hour later, Gu Xuan opened his eyes, a glimmer flashing in his black-grey pupils as he joyfully stared at the spirit ring before him.
Gu Xuan did not get up. With his spirit power restored to its Peak, he directly began to use his spirit power to pull the Spined Sword Dragon's spirit ring. The purple spirit ring slowly moved above Gu Xuan's head under the traction of his spirit power.
The moment the spirit ring arrived above Gu Xuan's head, a surge of majestic spirit power erupted, compressing Gu Xuan's body. This was the tempering from the spirit ring's power, and a necessary process for Fusion with a spirit ring.
Gu Xuan wholeheartedly accepted the spirit ring's tempering. With his current physical condition, the power brought by this three-thousand-year-level spirit ring not only didn't tear his body apart but instead tempered his body little by little, making it even more resilient and powerful.
In the observation room, Ning Rongrong stared intently at Gu Xuan, feeling joyful that Gu Xuan was about to be promoted to Spirit Elder.
The same was true for Gu Rong and Chen Xin. Gu Xuan could be said to be the most talented and determined person in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in a hundred years. Although his Innate spirit power was only level eight, his determination was enough to make up for the gap in his Innate spirit power compared to others.
Just like Ning Rongrong, even though her Innate spirit power reached level nine, her determination was far from comparable to Gu Xuan's.
In fact, it was precisely because of Gu Xuan that Ning Rongrong achieved her current accomplishments.
Gu Xuan's absorption of the spirit ring didn't take long, because absorbing this spirit ring didn't put much pressure on him, or rather, the pressure was within his tolerable range.
Generally, a Spirit Master requires at least three hours to absorb a spirit ring and advance, but Gu Xuan finished absorbing it in just one hour.
At this moment, three spirit rings, two yellow and one purple, had returned to Gu Xuan's body surface, quietly floating and pulsating, signifying that he had become a Spirit Master of the Spirit Elder level.
A Spirit Elder at only twelve years old, and Gu Xuan had just turned twelve a week ago. Such an achievement was rare even across the entire continent; Gu Xuan could be called a favored son of heaven.
Gu Xuan stood up, his black robes moving without wind. His short black ponytail, which hadn't been disheveled even during the previous battle, exuded a certain youthful vigor.
The only minor flaw might be the bloodstains on him. While not visible on his black robes, Gu Xuan's hands and face were inevitably stained with some of the Spined Sword Dragon's blood, adding a touch of heroism to his appearance.
Gu Xuan looked at Ning Rongrong in the observation room and softly said, "Rongrong, do you want to see my third Spirit Ability?"
Ning Rongrong nodded her head like a rattle-drum, happily saying, "Okay, Big Brother Gu Xuan's third Spirit Ability must be really powerful!"
Gu Rong smiled helplessly. As his spirit power surged, a black hole large enough to accommodate his two-meter-tall body appeared in front of him. Gu Rong stepped into the black hole, and the next moment, another black hole appeared twenty meters behind Gu Xuan, and Gu Rong's figure emerged from it.
This was Gu Rong's eighth Spirit Ability – Gate of Space, and one of the reasons he could be called the most enigmatic Titled Douluo.
"Xuan'er, Grandpa is here to spar with you," Gu Rong's hearty voice rang out.
Gu Xuan turned around, looking enviously at the disappearing black hole behind Gu Rong. He had to admit, this Spirit Ability was absolutely top-notch in both its utility and its imposing presence, and Gu Xuan was naturally very envious.
"Grandpa, you're a Titled Douluo. Bullying me isn't fun, you know," Gu Xuan said with a helpless smile.
Gu Rong didn't mind, saying, "You brat, how many people want your grandpa to give them some pointers and can't get it, and you're not happy about it?"
Gu Xuan shook his head and said, "Grandpa, Rongrong seems to be calling you."
Hearing this, Gu Rong subconsciously looked up at Ning Rongrong in the observation room, but the next moment, Gu Xuan, not far in front of him, had already unleashed a violent surge of spirit power.
"Third Spirit Ability: Bone Dragon Purgatory!"
The moment Gu Xuan's voice fell, his purple third spirit ring on his body surface lit up.
As the Spirit Ability was released, Gu Xuan raised his hand and waved. Directly in front of him, within a five-meter diameter, a series of spines, identical to the Bone Prison skill previously used by the Spined Sword Dragon, protruded like sharp swords, their assault even swifter and more powerful than the Spined Sword Dragon's.
Gu Rong stared at Gu Xuan with a playful smile, saying, "Xuan'er, you dare to scheme against your grandpa, you brat are asking for a beating!"
Gu Rong waved his large hand, without even using a Spirit Ability, releasing the same Bone Prison skill, which directly collided with Gu Xuan's third Spirit Ability.
Although Gu Rong didn't release a Spirit Ability, his spirit power was as high as level ninety-six. Even a casual strike from him would be enough to instantly kill Gu Xuan.
However, Gu Rong naturally wouldn't kill his grandson. The Bone Prison he released was determined by the power of Gu Xuan's third Spirit Ability, just slightly stronger than Gu Xuan's third Spirit Ability.
The protruding spines collided between the two. Gu Xuan increased his spirit power output while saying, "Grandpa, this is called 'all's fair in war'!"
Gu Xuan had just broken through to Spirit Elder, how could he compete with Gu Rong in terms of endurance? As his voice fell, Gu Xuan directly unleashed a wave of spirit power, allowing his third Spirit Ability, Bone Dragon Purgatory, to barely stalemate with Gu Rong's Bone Prison for a moment, while he himself had two yellow spirit rings light up consecutively on his body as he charged towards Gu Rong.
Gu Xuan spun and leaped across the protruding spines. The less than twenty-meter distance vanished in an instant. The external Spirit Bone, Dark Golden Dreadclaw, on his right palm directly extended, launching a Sky-Rending Claw at Gu Rong's face.
Gu Rong still looked at Gu Xuan with a smile. Even as five dark golden Qi blades flew towards his face, he didn't retreat at all. Gu Rong raised his right arm, transforming it into a greyish-white Bone Dragon Claw to block in front of him.
"Clang!"
The five dark golden Qi blades directly imprinted on Gu Rong's Bone Claw, but they didn't achieve the same success as they did against the Spined Sword Dragon, only leaving five faint white marks on Gu Rong's Bone Claw.
Gu Rong was indeed known as the most enigmatic Titled Douluo, but he also had a hidden title: 'The Ultimate Defender.' The Bone Dragon Spirit's defense was also extremely powerful.
The Dark Golden Dreadclaw was indeed terrifying, but it depended on who it was used against.
Gu Xuan's attack didn't end. After unleashing the Sky-Rending Claw, he followed closely behind, aiming his Dark Golden Dreadclaw straight at Gu Rong's chest in a direct assault.
Gu Rong smiled slightly, extending a large hand. With lightning speed, he grabbed Gu Xuan's face. When a Titled Douluo decided to act, what room for resistance did a little fellow like Gu Xuan, who had just broken through to Spirit Elder, have?
With his handsome face caught by Gu Rong, Gu Xuan's vision went black. He knew his grandpa was in a playful mood and immediately begged for mercy, "Grandpa, spare me!"