NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 113: Chapter 113
Hearing the snake woman's agreement, Meng Yiran was too shy to stop her grandmother. Oscar wasted no time and taking out a dagger and swiftly ending the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent's life. Then, he sat cross-legged and began absorbing the soul ring.
The snake woman did not rush to leave. She wanted to observe the outcome, as the quality of a soul master's martial soul could often be gauged by the type of soul skill a soul ring produced and if it turned out to be a useless skill, then the martial soul would have little value.
Since the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent absorption was not highly aggressive, the absorption process went smoothly and in less than an hour, Oscar successfully absorbed the soul ring. The resulting skill, as in the original tale, was the Flying Mushroom Sausage, which allowed its user to fly at the speed of the Phoenix-Tail Cockscomb Snake for one minute.
The snake woman was both surprised and delighted as the strategic value of such a soul skill was enormous. And on a battlefield, it could dramatically aid an army's attack or retreat and even in smaller team battles, granting the entire team the ability to fly could revolutionize tactical approaches.
She concluded that this boy was an exceptionally rare food-type genius and someone who must be brought in to assist her granddaughter, Meng Yiran.
Since Tang San had not intervened then there was no conflict over the soul beast and instead, the snake woman willingly gave up her claim after seeing Oscar's potential. Even Meng Yiran agreed, recognizing that Oscar's auxiliary abilities would be invaluable in her future battles and training. Besides, Oscar's strikingly handsome features had started to sway her feelings.
Although appearance wasn't the most important factor in the Douluo Continent but it wasn't insignificant either—particularly for someone like Meng Yiran, who had both talent and beauty, along with a prominent family background. For ordinary men, she would prioritize strength and character, but Oscar's looks allowed him to bypass that requirement.
"Well, young man, congratulations on acquiring such a fine soul ring. I still need to take Yiran to find other soul beasts, so I'll be leaving now. Later, my husband and I will visit Shrek Academy to discuss your future. Farewell" the snake woman said as she prepared to leave
"Senior, take care." Oscar was sincerely grateful for her willingness to relinquish the soul ring and he even walked partway with them to show his gratitude before returning to the group.
With Oscar's issue resolved and the team turned their attention to finding suitable soul rings for Ning Rongrong and Tang San.
As if by fate, they soon came across a dying Tianling Tiger, a 1,600-year-old soul beast. The Tianling Tiger was a unique type of tiger spirit beast and lacking the offensive and defensive prowess of its kind but excelling in soul power. It was a perfect match for Ning Rongrong, potentially granting her a skill to increase soul power—a boon for her auxiliary role.
Zhao Wuji couldn't help but marvel at Ning Rongrong's apparent luck. Time and again, she seemed to encounter soul beasts that perfectly matched her needs. This, however, wasn't luck and it was meticulously arranged by Jun Tianlin, who had asked Yin Mengyang to prepare the Tianling Tiger in advance.
As night fell, the group decided to camp near the site of Ning Rongrong's soul ring absorption. Jun Tianlin stayed close to Ning Rongrong and guarding her while she meditated. The night passed uneventfully, with Zao Wuji on watch.
Notably, the Titan Ape, king of the Star Dou Great Forest, did not appear and thanks to the Breath-Resisting Pill Jun Tianlin had given Xiao Wu, her aura was entirely concealed, the Titan Ape remained undisturbed at the Lake of Life.
Ning Rongrong successfully absorbed the soul ring after more than an hour and acquiring a third soul skill that boosted her soul power. Seeing that she was mentally drained, Jun Tianlin held her in his arms, soothing her into sleep and eanwhile, he awaited Yin Mengyang's next report.
As the night deepened, Dai Mubai took over the watch. Suddenly, a soft voice reached Jun Tianlin's ears "Jun Tianlin, Meng Yiran is attempting to absorb the soul ring of the Human-Faced Demon Spider. Come quickly."
Jun Tianlin opened his eyes and smiled. Everything was unfolding as he had anticipated.
Without the Titan Ape's interference, Tang San didn't have to pursue Xiao Wu into the forest's depths, which meant the Human-Faced Demon Spider wouldn't be stolen from the Dragon Duke and Snake Lady and left unchecked, the Spider's soul ring would belong to Meng Yiran.
Jun Tianlin glanced at the meditating Tang San and thought :I'm sorry, Tang San, but the Eight Spider Lances won't be yours this time.'
The Eight Spider Lances were a crucial external soul bone with granting Tang San formidable offensive and defensive capabilities, adaptability to diverse terrains, and potent poison effects. It also served as a bridge for his other soul bones and enabling him to manifest soul bone armor—a near-divine asset in the later stages of cultivation.
Since such a powerful external soul bone didn't align with Jun Tianlin's goals then he decided it was better to prevent its emergence.
Carefully placing Ning Rongrong down, Jun Tianlin whispered "Rest well, Rongrong. Brother Jian will be back soon."
With that, Jun Tianlin disappeared from the tent and moving so quickly that Dai Mubai that despite his strength, didn't notice his departure.
Yin Mengyang was waiting nearby. Upon seeing Jun Tianlin, he said "Little Jun, let's hurry. That girl might not last much longer."
Yin Mengyang picked up Jun Tianlin and using the speed of an agility-based Titled Douluo, transformed into a streak of lightning, racing towards the scene.
In a remote part of the forest, the Dragon Duke and Snake Lady were in a panic. They had finally subdued the Human-Faced Demon Spider, only to realize it was over 2,000 years old—far too powerful for Meng Yiran to absorb.
Meng Yiran's face twisted in pain as her body trembled violently. It was clear that she was on the brink of exploding from the immense pressure of the soul ring.
"Yiran, hold on! This is all Grandpa's fault for misjudging the age of the Human-Faced Demon Spider" the Dragon Duke lamented. Though he was a powerful Soul Douluo but even he couldn't pinpoint the exact age of a soul beast down to the year. Small errors of a hundred years or so were common, but this time, that mistake could cost his granddaughter her life.