NOVEL NEXT Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Another Soul Bone
Chapter 157: Another Soul Bone
Yu Tianheng finally realized that Xiao Yu was setting up a one-on-one duel between Dugu Yan and himself, clearly to let Dugu Yan vent her frustration.
With a cold snort, Yu Tianheng responded disdainfully. Xiao Yu might be out of his league, but Dugu Yan? That was another matter entirely.
Back when Dugu Yan left the academy, her martial spirit had already shown signs of evolution, but Yu Tianheng didn't think a mere evolved snake could ever compare to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, a martial spirit of the sub-dragon lineage.
"Dugu Yan, you think you're worthy of fighting me?"
With a roar of anger, Yu Tianheng activated his first spirit ring, summoning a Thunder Dragon Claw to strike at Dugu Yan.
Unintimidated, Dugu Yan commanded her Golden Jiao Dragon to meet the attack head-on.
However, Dugu Yan had a major disadvantage compared to other Spirit Ancestors:
Before her martial spirit evolved, Dugu Yan had been a control-type spirit master specializing in poison, with her first two spirit rings designed around her innate toxins. But after her martial spirit evolved, the toxins dissipated, leaving her first two spirit rings practically useless. As a result, she effectively lacked two spirit abilities compared to a normal Spirit Ancestor.
Yu Tianheng had only activated his first spirit ability. If Dugu Yan used her third or fourth spirit ability to counter, it would appear to others as though she were at a disadvantage.
Boom!
The golden Jiao Dragon collided with the blue-purple Thunder Dragon, and both were forced back several steps.
Although Dugu Yan didn't use any spirit abilities, her spirit power was Level 48, three levels higher than Yu Tianheng's. It wasn't surprising that they fought to a draw despite Yu Tianheng's first spirit ability boosting him.
But Yu Tianheng misunderstood Dugu Yan's restraint as an insult, believing she was mocking him by not using her spirit abilities.
"Third Spirit Ability: Thunderous Rage!"
Yu Tianheng unleashed his third spirit ability, which was somewhat akin to Dai Mubai's White Tiger Vajra Transformation. Both were enhancement-type abilities. For a set duration, Thunderous Rage doubled his lightning power and spirit power, sending him into a berserk state.
The glow of his thousand-year spirit ring tinted the surrounding lightning a faint purple, giving him the appearance of being clad in blue-purple armor.
"Second Spirit Ability: Thunderous Fury!"
Under the amplification of his third spirit ability, Yu Tianheng unleashed his second spirit ability, a ranged attack. The lightning around him intensified, transforming into countless bolts that shot toward Dugu Yan like arrows.
"Third Spirit Ability: Golden Jiao Heavenquake!"
Seeing Yu Tianheng resort to his third spirit ability, Dugu Yan countered with her own. Golden light enveloped her body, turning her into a projectile as she charged forward like a cannonball.
Countless bolts of lightning struck the golden Jiao Dragon, but none could penetrate its radiant defense.
"How is this possible?!"
In the Shrek Academy spectator area, Yu Xiaogang, seated in a wheelchair, cried out in disbelief.
After days of recovery—particularly thanks to Bibi Dong secretly sending a team of healing spirit masters to treat him—Yu Xiaogang had slightly improved. Despite his weakened state, he forced himself to attend the match.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had a long-established system for its early spirit rings, and Yu Xiaogang knew exactly how powerful Yu Tianheng's second spirit ability could be under the amplification of his third. Dugu Yan's third spirit ability should have been an offensive move. That golden light shouldn't have such a formidable defensive capability.
Unable to accept the scene before him, Yu Xiaogang exclaimed in shock:
"That's… a soul bone!"
Ning Fengzhi keenly noticed the surge of soul power emanating from Dugu Yan's right leg. More importantly, he recognized that the soul bone Dugu Yan was using was one of the four 50,000-year soul bones they had gifted to the Nine Stars Hall as an apology. This particular soul bone came from a 60,000-year-old Demon Sea Jiao Dragon, hunted and absorbed by a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan elder a century ago. After the elder's passing, the soul bone had been stored in the clan's treasury.
Ning Fengzhi recalled that this soul bone granted a defensive ability—Vast Sea Dragon Body, significantly enhancing a soul master's defensive capabilities.
"Uncle Sword, that Xiao Yu kid is really generous. Giving away a 60,000-year soul bone just like that? Could it be that Dugu Yan is also one of his women?"
Ning Fengzhi spoke with a hint of amusement. To him, Xiao Yu clearly appeared to be a carefree and romantic type. With Ye Lingling and Huo Wu already by his side, it wouldn't be surprising if he added the equally beautiful and striking Dugu Yan to his entourage.
Otherwise, why else would Xiao Yu give such a high-quality soul bone to her?
Dugu Yan's talent was indeed outstanding in the outside world—reaching Level 48 at the age of 21—but in the Nine Stars Hall, where elites abounded, she was merely above average. Ning Fengzhi had observed others of her level, like Xie Wu, Io, and the even stronger Cang Mo, and none of them seemed to possess a soul bone.
"Not necessarily."
Sword Douluo, whose strength was unfathomable, shook his head slightly. In the original story, Sword Douluo had reached Level 97 purely through effort, without any external help. Among conventional soul masters, his strength was unparalleled. Anything Ning Fengzhi could sense, he could detect more precisely. He even noticed the faint blue glow hidden beneath the golden light on Dugu Yan's right leg.
Hearing the slight mockery in Ning Fengzhi's tone, Sword Douluo replied, "Perhaps the soul bone simply matches Dugu Yan well. Nearly all the Titled Douluo of the Nine Stars Hall have hundred-thousand-year spirit rings. To Xiao Yu, perhaps only hundred-thousand-year soul bones are truly precious.
"From my observations, Xiao Yu doesn't hide his closeness with Ye Lingling and Huo Wu, but he maintains a respectful social distance from Dugu Yan. If there were something special between them, would there be any need to hide it?"
"Perhaps," Ning Fengzhi conceded.
Although he didn't enjoy hearing Sword Douluo praise the Nine Stars Hall, he admitted that it made sense. Choosing not to pursue the topic further, Ning Fengzhi turned his attention back to the arena.
Under the effect of the soul bone, Dugu Yan moved with incredible speed, closing the gap between her and Yu Tianheng in an instant. The golden Jiao Dragon launched a ferocious strike aimed directly at Yu Tianheng's chest.
Yu Tianheng's expression changed, and he instinctively raised his arms to shield himself.
Boom!
This collision's outcome was entirely different from the previous one. This time, Yu Tianheng was the only one sent flying back. Observers with sharp eyesight could even spot blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Dugu Yan gave him no time to recover. With a light tap of her toes, she chased him down, her attacks relentless as a storm. Yu Tianheng found himself forced back, step by step, until he was pressed to the edge of the arena.
"Isn't Yu Tianheng the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? How can he be completely suppressed by someone of the same rank like Dugu Yan? The so-called world's greatest beast spirit—this is it?"
Watching Yu Tianheng retreat under Dugu Yan's relentless assault, someone in the crowd voiced their doubts. Soon, a second and third joined in, and questions about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit's prowess quickly spread through the arena.
(End of Chapter)
🌟 Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! 🌟
Hello, beloved readers and supporters!
I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you'll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including:
📚 Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn't have to wait!
💬 Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do.
👏 Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey!
Patreon.com/anish_44