Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor

These four power-type soul bones are: a 20,000-year-old Titan Great Ape right arm bone, a 16,000-year-old Armored Rhinoceros left arm bone, a 15,000-year-old Frenzied Mammoth left leg bone, and a 20,000-year-old Earth Violent Bear right leg bone.

At first glance, their age is only around one or two decades of millennia, but when Chen Ming mentioned the age of these soul bones and expressed his intention for Lou Gao to absorb them, Lou Gao was so moved that he burst into tears.

In today's Douluo Continent, divine craftsmen are not particularly noble figures. Even with his status, even if he spent a lifetime forging, Lou Gao might only barely afford a single mediocre ten-thousand-year soul bone, assuming it was suitable for him, and even then, there would always be the risk of being killed and robbed for it.

For a Soul Sage like him, absorbing even a thousand-year power-type soul bone would be an incredible treasure.

Chen Ming may have considered these soul bones average in quality, but their combined value was enough to purchase most of the Blacksmith Association—including all its accumulated wealth since its founding.

Lou Gao thanked Chen Ming repeatedly, and with Chen Ming's help, he absorbed the four soul bones.

A year ago, Lou Gao's cultivation level was at the 74th rank Soul Sage level. His foundation was somewhat unstable, and due to his advanced age, he had essentially lost all hope of making further progress. However, upon returning to the Blacksmith Association, Lou Gao broke through to the Soul Refining level, which gave him a mental breakthrough and allowed him to advance from the 74th to the 75th level. Later, during an epiphany, he almost exhausted himself to death. Thankfully, Chen Ming used his life force to heal Lou Gao's internal injuries and restore his vitality. After surviving this life-and-death ordeal, Lou Gao's cultivation advanced to the 76th level.

Although these four soul bones had been absorbed multiple times before and were thus old and less effective than fresh soul bones, they still provided a noticeable boost to Lou Gao, who was a Soul Sage. The residual power of the ten-thousand-year-old soul bones was still significant.

Each of the four soul bones increased Lou Gao's soul power by slightly more than one rank. By the time he absorbed the third soul bone, Lou Gao's soul power had already reached the 80th level. When all four soul bones were fully absorbed, Lou Gao felt that his physical condition and overall state had reached an unprecedented peak.

Originally appearing as a man in his seventies, Lou Gao now looked as if he had regained twenty years of youth under the influence of the soul bones' soul power and life force, returning to his prime.

Lou Gao took out a smooth metal plate to use as a mirror. Looking at his long-lost youthful appearance, he was filled with a fiery emotion he had never felt before.

Disregarding Chen Ming's dislike for formalities, Lou Gao immediately knelt, preparing to bow deeply to Chen Ming. But before his head could touch the ground, Chen Ming gently lifted him with a soft burst of spirit energy.

Feeling the continuous flow of faith energy coming from Lou Gao, Chen Ming was secretly pleased but maintained a stern expression as he scolded:

"Elder Lou, what are you doing? I gave you these soul bones to help you improve your strength, so you can continue to create breakthroughs in forging. If you're going to waste energy bowing to me, aren't you going against my intentions?"

"I'm not someone who cares for superficial formalities or grand gestures. If you keep this up, I won't help you forge anything in the future."

"Hall Master..." Lou Gao, with tears streaming down his face, grasped Chen Ming's arm. "Hall Master, your life-saving grace is something I, Lou Gao, will remember for life. I will dedicate myself to the goals of our Hall of Soul, even if it means shattering my body into pieces!"

Being inarticulate with words and unable to express his gratitude fully, Lou Gao could only repeat these few words while crying. Eventually, with Chen Ming's persuasion, he calmed down.

Chen Ming then collected the three frozen human popsicles from the ground and led Lou Gao to choose his eighth soul ring from a soul beast compendium.

Chen Ming had his reasons for improving Lou Gao's strength. Lou Gao's mental state had already reached the level of a Super Douluo. Even though his natural talent was not high, as long as he avoided accidentally depleting his life force or being killed, he could eventually become a Title Douluo through sheer perseverance.

Heavenly Refinement would attract lightning tribulations. Though not as fierce as those faced by soul beasts, without the strength of a Title Douluo or a top-tier Soul Douluo, it would be impossible to endure. If the tribulation couldn't be withstood, not only would the equipment be destroyed, but the blacksmith would also be struck dead.

Chen Ming did not want to hear about Lou Gao depleting his life force during an epiphany or being struck dead by lightning during Heavenly Refinement.

Skilled professionals must never be lost—this was a lesson learned from a bitter experience. Compared to Heavenly Refinement and Battle Armors, a few soul bones were insignificant.

Strengthening Lou Gao's combat abilities was essential to ensure that this master craftsman would not die for some absurd reason on his path to becoming a true divine craftsman.

Lou Gao flipped through the spirit beast compendium, carefully considering his options.

Though he was a power-type soul master, he was not particularly skilled in combat. For his eighth spirit skill, Lou Gao wanted an amplification ability or a defensive skill.

The former would enhance his forging capabilities and combat strength, while the latter would ensure his survival.

However, his martial soul was the Sacred Molding Pen, which was not adept at amplification or defense. Therefore, he remained uncertain about his choice.

After a while, Lou Gao closed the compendium and shared his thoughts with Chen Ming.

"Dark Gold Bear, Iron Wall Rhinoceros, Diamond Mammoth, Earth Sloth—you're leaning toward functional options? Alright, then let's head to the Star Dou Forest. I also need to deliver these three individuals to Grand Worship Qian Daoliu."

"If the Clear Sky Sect has chosen to seal itself away, they should stay hidden. But if they insist on causing trouble, they shouldn't blame us for retaliating."

Chen Ming muttered softly and shared his opinions with Lou Gao. After a brief discussion, Lou Gao left the room to gather his disciples and begin handling matters related to the Blacksmith Association and the Strength Clan.

Lou Gao's rejuvenation caused a stir within the Blacksmith Association, indirectly confirming that he had acquired soul bones—possibly more than one. However, no one dared to harbor any ulterior motives.

An 86th-level Soul Douluo with a group of Soul Sages and Soul Emperors had failed to last even a single incense stick's time before the person backing Lou Gao. All their strengthening skills, including their eighth soul skill in its True Martial Spirit form, had been shattered by a single punch.

Those who once sought to take advantage now focused on appearing innocent, hoping to avoid being casually killed and having their entire clan's property confiscated.

Within three days, Lou Gao received gifts and orders worth nearly ten million gold spirit coins, including medicinal herbs, soul beast materials, and rare minerals. Accepting gifts alone left him overwhelmed, and the flood of orders extended his schedule three years into the future.

This dramatic contrast made the previously combat-averse Lou Gao reflect silently and resolve to improve his strength alongside his forging craft.

After resolving the matter, Chen Ming swiftly departed with Lou Gao for the Spirit Hall.