Chapter 84: Level 30

After about four months in Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Yang Xiong's soul power grew more solid, and that afternoon his whole body felt as if pierced through, suddenly extremely comfortable, and Yang Xiong finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finally reached Level 30, about the time I imagined."

Indeed it is Level 30; after less than half a month in Heaven Dou Royal Academy the cultivation had already reached Level 29, and after another three and a half months of training finally attained Level 30.

At this pace, after using the Yin Yang Meditation Method, the annual increase should be about four levels, a speed that is no weaker than those geniuses with Innate Full Soul Power.

Just about half a month ago, Ning Rongrong had already reached Level 30 early, becoming the fifth among the Shrek Eight to attain Soul Elder.

Originally Flanders still wanted to arrange everyone to help Ning Rongrong hunt for a Soul Ring in the usual way, but Ning Rongrong politely declined; her Soul Ring was arranged by the sect.

Yang Xiong thought for a long time, and finally resolved to give the Human-Faced Demon Spider to Ning Rongrong as a Third Soul Ring.

A typical Soul Grandmaster's Third Soul Ring has an age of about 1,700 years, but this Human-Faced Demon Spider exceeds 2,000 years, making it impossible to absorb.

However, after Yang Xiong asked repeatedly, it was confirmed that Ning Rongrong had already consumed a lot of Whale Glue, especially Thousand-Year Whale Glue; after verification by the Bone Douluo, Ning Rongrong's body was indeed much stronger than that of an ordinary person.

Normally, Thousand-Year Whale Glue can enable absorption of Soul Rings up to 500 years old; Ning Rongrong has taken more, so absorbing this Human-Faced Demon Spider Soul Ring should not be a problem.

Especially since the Third Soul Ring of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda usually selects Soul Beasts with higher soul power, the Human-Faced Demon Spider, as a forest predator, is also very suitable.

At this moment in Ning Rongrong's small villa, Ning Fengzhi, the Bone Douluo, Yang Xiong, and Ning Rongrong were present, and Yang Xiong also retrieved the long‑since near‑dead Human-Faced Demon Spider from the Soul Guidance Device that can store living creatures.

The survival ability of spider‑type Soul Beasts is indeed extremely robust; even after Yang Xiong had captured it for several months, it still hadn't died, and one eye looked fiercely hostile, clearly harboring an abnormal hatred for Yang Xiong, the one who tormented it.

The Bone Douluo looked at Yang Xiong with anger: "Yang Xiong, you're being too reckless; this Human-Faced Demon Spider is fine, but it's already over two thousand years old—how can Rong Rong, a Support Spirit Master, possibly endure it?"

Yang Xiong immediately hid behind Ning Rongrong, looking somewhat fearful as he addressed the Bone Douluo: "Bone Elder, you should be well aware of the enhancing effects of Whale Glue on the body; Rong Rong absorbing this Soul Ring is absolutely no problem, and since I have tormented this Human-Faced Demon Spider for such a long time, there might even be unexpected benefits."

Lately, Yang Xiong truly became afraid of the Sword Bone Douluo, and when he saw the two he hid as if he'd seen a quail.

But these two, for reasons unknown, would a few days later go alone to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, ostensibly to give Yang Xiong, this Core Disciple, individual combat training, then each time beat up Yang Xiong without using soul power, and warned Yang Xiong not to tell Ning Rongrong, otherwise he would have a hard time in the sect.

As a result, Yang Xiong endured miserable days, appearing in the group bruised and swollen every few days, yet when facing these two big shots he still dared to be incensed beyond words.

Nevertheless, fighting the Title Douluo truly gave a great boost to combat experience; at least the ability to flee and survive improved, and especially the capacity to withstand blows also increased considerably.

……

Before the Bone Douluo could say anything, Ning Rongrong spoke first: "Dad, haven't we already verified it? Thousand-Year Whale Glue should be able to extend the Soul Ring absorption limit by about five hundred years; I've already taken so much Whale Glue, so absorbing this Soul Ring shouldn't be a problem, and besides I trust Xiao Xiongzi won't hurt me."

Ning Fengzhi sighed: "Rong Rong, our verification of Whale Glue is indeed solid, but you must understand that this kind of over‑level Soul Ring absorption is extremely painful, and they are all battle Soul Masters; you are only a Support Spirit Master."

Ning Rongrong lifted the corner of her mouth: "Dad, you underestimate me; I've been training hard lately, and my physical condition has become much stronger."

Ning Fengzhi, seeing Ning Rongrong like that, couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, yet his expression was rather pleased; compared to before going to Shrek, Ning Rongrong had lost a hint of childishness and instead became full of heroic spirit.

The Bone Douluo, seeing the situation, didn't react angrily, but glared at Yang Xiong: "It's you, Yang Xiong, causing trouble; if Rong Rong makes any mistake, I'll definitely hang you at the gate of Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

Yang Xiong helplessly: "Bone Elder, this Soul Ring was all confirmed by you, so why blame me now?"

Ning Fengzhi, seeing the Bone Douluo's demeanor, couldn't help but rub his forehead and give a wry smile; he was aware of the recent actions of the Sword Bone Douluo and Bone Douluo, but unfortunately he couldn't intervene, especially since the two used Rong Rong's venting as an excuse, and he himself also let off steam, after all this kid really ran off with his beautiful little daughter.

Ning Rongrong's Soul Ring absorption process was indeed extremely painful, her complexion turned very grim, causing the Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi to worry greatly.

Just as Ning Rongrong gradually calmed and opened her eyes, she seemed a bit out of control, and eight sharp Spider Legs sprouted from her back, each composed of multiple segments and each over a meter long.

Especially when they first appeared, Ning Rongrong's clothing tore open, but before Yang Xiong could examine it, the Bone Douluo wrapped it with a garment, and gave Yang Xiong a fierce glare, making Yang Xiong's scalp tingle.

Since becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, though always hanging out together, have only cuddled, kissed, etc., never doing anything overly out of line; this was still the first time anyone saw Ning Rongrong's body.

After the Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi double‑checked, the Spider Legs emerging from Ning Rongrong's back were the External Soul Bone of a Human‑faced Demon Pearl; not only does it possess Deadly Poison, it is also extremely powerful, absolutely a top‑grade External Soul Bone.

The two were instantly delighted; with this, Ning Rongrong was no longer a Support Spirit Master with no strength, and could even be considered a battle Soul Master.

However, they explicitly stipulated that Ning Rongrong must never use the External Soul Bone unless under special circumstances; the Soul Master World is still far too dangerous.

Originally Yang Xiong still wanted to absorb the Eight Spider Spirit Bone himself, after all this bone is stronger than anyone imagined, especially possessing a devouring power.

Unfortunately, after careful observation, Yang Xiong found that his Xuanming Armor, since its evolution, had completely enveloped both his ribs and his Spine, making it likely impossible to absorb an external Soul Bone on his back; moreover, an External Soul Bone must be absorbed in tandem with a Soul Ring, and Yang Xiong didn't want to waste his Third Soul Ring, so he ultimately decided to give it to Ning Rongrong.

……

After reaching Level 30, Yang Xiong directly contacted Lin Gong, preparing for the two of them to go to Sunset Forest.

Even after arriving at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Lin Gong still covertly protected him, but during this period he became much more relaxed; the safety of Heaven Dou Royal Academy is certainly far better than that of Shrek Academy, especially since after each time Yang Xiong is beaten by the Sword Bone Douluo, the old man always likes to come out and mock him.

Since the last appearance in the Star Dou Great Forest, Lin Gong has had no reservations, strolling flamboyantly into the Village, though his attire now resembled that of an ordinary person, no longer wearing a Soul Master's clothes.

The two sometimes even drank together and chatted, especially when Yang Xiong's mind was chaotic; a round of drinking and fooling around relaxed him a lot.

Compared with the Shrek crowd, Yang Xiong felt that his teacher Lin Gong, who had watched him grow up, was much more affectionate; at least this little old man was more interesting.

After the two set off from Heaven Dou Royal Academy by carriage, Lin Gong still wore a dark expression, and Yang Xiong knew he was blaming him.

Yang Xiong helplessly said: "Teacher Lin, could you stop overthinking? I feel like I owe you a lot."

Lin Gong snorted coldly: "You little scoundrel, not only did you run off the exceptionally talented Rong Rong, but you also dragged Qin Shuang into this mess; you've taken away my two best students at once. I'd be lucky if I didn't beat you up."

Yang Xiong was speechless: "You can't blame me for that; these were all arranged by the Sect Leader. If you want to blame someone, blame the Sect Leader's decision."

Lin Gong gave Yang Xiong a cold stare: "I always knew you'd use the Sect Leader to pressure me. If it weren't for the Sword Bone Douluo and the other old guy, do you think I wouldn't dare to beat Ning Fengzhi? If it weren't for worrying about your safety, I'd have slipped away long ago."

Yang Xiong was a bit puzzled: "Teacher Lin, can't the Sect Leader also order you?"

Lin Gong's mouth curled into a faint cold smile: "Back then I had already repaid my debt to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; if it weren't for you little scoundrel, I wouldn't have come out—at home I'd be far more comfortable than now."

"Besides, didn't I tell you that in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect I'm essentially just a Guest Elder; those Elders can't restrain me, and even the Sword Bone Douluo can only be politely courteous to me."

Yang Xiong seemed to recall something: "Teacher Lin, what exactly is the situation between you and the Dragon Lord? You two seem quite familiar, and last time there was a bit of a clash."

Lin Gong remained silent for a long while, as if recalling past events, and after a while finally spoke: "Actually, back then I roamed the Soul Master World together with the Dragon Lord; we were practically inseparable. Unfortunately, due to some conflicts we eventually split. At that time our reputation was far stronger than the Golden Iron Triangle's, making us their seniors."

Yang Xiong's mind raced upon hearing this, seeing that Lin Gong and the Dragon Lord were both in their seventies or eighties; compared with Yu Xiaogang they were indeed much older—could there be some love‑hate saga between them?

The carriage soon arrived at the outskirts of Sunset Forest, and Lin Gong, a bit puzzled, asked: "Xiao Xiong, what kind of Soul Ring are you looking for for your Third Soul Ring? What age do you want?"

Yang Xiong laughed: "You're the teacher; can't you guess what choice I might have?"

Lin Gong said: "You kid have always been mysterious and cunning; I estimate the age of your Third Soul Ring to be around three thousand years, but I can't guess which Soul Beast it will be."

"But I find it odd—though there are many Soul Beasts of this age in Sunset Forest, there are no top‑grade ones; you haven't gone to the Star Dou Great Forest, so you must have already set your eyes on a particular Soul Beast."

Yang Xiong laughed: "You do understand me, teacher; the last time I came to Sunset Forest I saw that Soul Beast, and it even chased me all day. You should remember it."

Lin Gong was instantly startled: "How could that be? That Soul Beast, although extremely rare and powerful, has attributes that don't match you at all, and its age exceeds four thousand years, perhaps even higher; you shouldn't act recklessly."

(End of Chapter)