Chapter 55: The Invincible Earth-Wood Combination, the Brilliant Gold Soul Ring and the Strength of Long Yeyue

"Finally, we meet, Life Core of the Limit Douluo Continent, Spirit of the Golden Ancient Tree."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen gazed at the old man, his eyes stark black and white: "Forced to communicate with me this way, it seems your situation is no better than that of the Plane Spirit."

The old man stroked his long beard, his smile somewhat bitter: "Twenty thousand years ago, Tang San inherited the positions of Sea God and Asura God. During his hundred-year stay on the Limit Douluo Continent, he transplanted me to this Sea God Island, hoping I would protect Shi Shi Laike Academy."

Later, Tang San made a request: to place his mother, the Blue Silver Emperor, Ah Yin, at the core of the Huang Jinshu, letting her bathe in the Huang Jinshu's power to undergo a leap in her life essence..."

His voice paused; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen understood the turn was coming. The next second, the old man sighed deeply: "Protecting all living beings is the duty of the Life Core. Shi Shi Laike Academy is part of all living beings, so naturally, I have a responsibility to grant it a ray of light."

"I was originally unwilling to agree to the second request, because opening the core wide meant the Blue Silver Emperor could turn on the Huang Jinshu at any moment."

At that time, Tang San already possessed two gods in one body, his strength far surpassing mine. Plus, he promised that in the future he would definitely evolve the Limit Douluo into a Super Plane of a higher life level, so I agreed half-willingly and half-under duress."

Time passed slowly; the Golden Ancient Tree and the Blue Silver Emperor remained at peace until about three months ago."

The Plane Spirit suddenly transmitted a thought to me: Tang San is actually a disaster; beware of the Blue Silver Emperor's mischief. A variable of fate has descended; you may seek help."

The Blue Silver Emperor also seemed to have received a message from some creature and immediately launched plant assimilation and erosion."

She was located at the core of the Huang Jinshu, not only familiar with the Huang Jinshu's power but also possessing a backup move left by Tang San to suppress me: a divine-level Blue Silver Emperor vine, its aura dominating and suppressing the Huang Jinshu."

I was powerless to resist, retreating again and again. My consciousness could not even leave my body. Only when you entered the interior of the Huang Jinshu could I break into your Sea of Spirit, avoid the Blue Silver Emperor eavesdropping, and communicate with you face-to-face."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen looked enlightened; everything connected."

In another timeline, after the Sea God Lake matchmaking event, the Huang Jinshu Spirit was willing to bestow a green-gold fifth Soul Ring upon Tang Tang Wulin, indicating that at that time it had not yet discovered Tang San's treacherous ambitions, and the Ah Yin within his body had not caused trouble, still quietly stealing energy to grow."

However, due to the appearance of the variable of fate, the neighboring Plane Spirit found a glimmer of hope. It drove a self-destructing semi-truck with Tang Hao into slumber and told the Golden Ancient Tree the evil true face of Tang San."

The one who transmitted the message to Ah Yin was undoubtedly Tang Hao. The Plane Spirit harbored thoughts of mutual destruction; his wife was destined to be unable to hide. Tang Hao believed it was time to replace the Golden Ancient Tree as the new Life Core, kill the variable of fate Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, return the Limit Douluo Continent to its proper place, and continue walking along Tang San's script."

"Fortunately, I arrived in time..."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's expression was stern. If he did not enter Shi Shi Laike Academy, letting Ah Yin devour the Golden Ancient Tree, it would not be long before he faced a Level Two God controlling the nature of Limit Douluo."

On a night when stars shone brilliantly, a rare occurrence in ten thousand years, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen currently lacked the capital to fight a Level Two God. If Ah Yin succeeded, all of Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's past efforts would be reduced to ashes."

"Variable of fate." The old man's ghost-like head popped up beside Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, asking sorrowfully: "Can you help me deal with the Blue Silver Emperor?"

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen pondered silently. The Huang Jinshu Spirit did not urge him, waiting quietly for the variable of fate's answer."

"The Huang Jinshu is retreating step by step; the reason is that Tang San's Blue Silver Emperor has caused a suppression of your essence." Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen spoke slowly, "Then we should treat the root cause and break this suppression."

Plant-type life forms have strict hierarchies; higher plants naturally control lower plants. Ah Yin herself could not be stronger than the Golden Ancient Tree; she relied on that Blue Silver Emperor vine. The Golden Ancient Tree was like a Dragon Race Soul Beast suppressed by the bloodline of the Golden and Silver Dragon Kings, having no power to resist."

His pupils lit up with brilliant gold; the Bagua Bagua Qimen Divine Plate manifested. Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen turned it to a certain direction. The outline of a towering giant tree appeared faintly, and a life aura, not massive but extremely dominant, spread out."

The moment the aura of the giant tree was perceived, the old body of the Huang Jinshu Spirit trembled. In his excitement, he almost pulled out a lock of his beard, his voice trembling as he said:"

"This is... a plant with a life level higher than the Blue Silver Emperor, higher than the Golden Ancient Tree!"

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen said calmly: "The Wood of the East, although currently not in its peak state, with her aura guarding, the Huang Jinshu will at least not be suppressed by Tang San's Blue Silver Emperor."

"Of course, if you trust me, we can go a step further."

The Divine Plate rotated again; a black torrent exploded with a boom, sweeping across the entire Sea of Spirit. Vaguely, a tall black figure could be seen, a pair of abyss-like dark eyes filled with coldness and indifference."

"Boss!?"

The coiling snake body of the Teng She instantly straightened into a line. The dignified Eight Deceit Gods looked like a child meeting their parents, transmitting a voice: "My Lord, I feel the Boss does not need to act,"

"Are you so afraid of the Earth of the Center?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen asked with a smile."

The Teng She shut down, saying: "In terms of authority, the Boss suppresses the other Eight Deceit Gods, and his realm is half a step above ours, occupying an absolute advantage in power."

"Who isn't afraid of the Boss? Even if that pentagon square face came over, the reaction would be the same."

The Eight Deceit Gods also have high and low distinctions; the Earth of the Center, as the head of the Eight Deceit Gods, utterly crushes the Teng She in combat power!"

"This matter requires the Earth of the Center."

There was no room for maneuvering. The dark eyes in the black air coldly locked onto the Teng She. The Teng She's towering, heaven-and-earth-spanning beast body visibly collapsed, the Death Star on its head flashing wildly!"

Looking at the overjoyed Huang Jinshu Spirit, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen smiled lightly: "The Earth of the Center, the Wood of the East; the Earth-Wood combination is invincible."

"Two Eight Deceit Gods, borrowing the vast heavenly timing, earthly advantage, and human harmony of Shi Shi Laike Academy, have reached the limit of this world. In this process, the Wood of the East will help you avoid oppression by Tang San's Blue Silver Emperor, while the Earth of the Center represents unparalleled combat power..."

"If you are willing to temporarily hand over the power of the Huang Jinshu in your hands to him, the Earth of the Center will surely give you a surprise."

"I naturally trust the person chosen by the Plane. Two Eight Deceit Gods, please remain within the body of the Huang Jinshu!" The Huang Jinshu Spirit nodded heavily. "As long as the threat of the Blue Silver Emperor slightly fades, I can supply them with the earthly advantages of the Limit Douluo Continent!"

Returning a peach for a plum, mutual benefit, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen and the Huang Jinshu Spirit smoothly reached a contract. The old man dissolved into a ball of Jin Guang, and the two Eight Deceit Gods departed with him."

"Blue Silver Emperor, it is time to settle the score!"

The Huang Jinshu Spirit's last words drifted away. Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen couldn't help but smile helplessly, looking at the corpse of the Yin-Yang Yang Qilin in the secret room, murmuring:"

"A hundred-thousand-year Yin-Yang Yang Qilin, a rare treasure of this world; it must not be missed."

..."

One year later, the underground world of the Huang Jinshu."

Black and white Soul Force linked the body like ribbons. The dual-colored light belonging to the Yin-Yang Yang Qilin rose like flames. Under the backdrop of the two hundred-thousand-year Yang Qilin, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was surrounded by mysterious Yin-Yang auras."

The light gradually dimmed. Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly opened his eyes. Black and white air waves suddenly spread in all directions. The light blooming deep in his eyes was even more brilliant than the color of the Huang Jinshu."

Standing up and stretching his limbs, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen found his limbs were incredibly light. The surface of his skin, white as jade, had a crystal-clear luster, attracting the residual black and white air currents within the corpse of the Yin-Yang Yang Qilin to swirl upon it."

"Level thirty-nine..."

One year ago, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen broke through to Level thirty. Now, at eleven years old, he was clearly Level thirty-nine. The abundant life energy in the underground world of the Huang Jinshu mixed with the Yin-Yang auras overflowing from the Yin-Yang Yang Qilin corpse; this secret room was undoubtedly the most suitable simulated cultivation ground for Yin-Yang attribute Soul Masters on the Limit Douluo Continent.

"You are awake, variable of fate."

Jin Guang condensed into the image of the old man, the Huang Jinshu Spirit. Light flashed on the four walls of the room. From this moment on, even the Sky-Piercing Limit Douluo Yun Mo would be unable to probe this underground room."

"Has control of the Huang Jinshu been recovered?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen asked."

The old man laughed heartily: "The Wood of the East helped me resist the Blue Silver Emperor's aura. The combat power of the Earth of the Center... I have never heard of such a thing!"

Hatred for Ah Yin surpassed everything. The Huang Jinshu Spirit's heart grew ruthless; he handed the Huang Jinshu over to the Earth of the Center. Then the Earth of the Center demonstrated on the spot what a "sky-high substitute" was, brutally slashing the Blue Silver Emperor, making Ah Yin howl in pain."

One year later, the situation reversed completely. The Blue Silver Emperor could only defend a small area; being counter-devoured by the Huang Jinshu Spirit was a matter of time. With the help of the two Eight Deceit Gods, the Huang Jinshu Spirit lay back and won comfortably, millions of times happier than the hard-luck Plane Spirit."

"Huang Jinshu Spirit, the Blue Silver Emperor is no longer a threat. Then please prioritize supplying the birth of the Earth of the Center, and let the Wood of the East stay within the Huang Jinshu a bit longer, just in case."

"No problem."

The old man agreed readily, smiling as he looked at Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen: "Thank you, variable of fate."

"Your soul power is very close to the next realm; let me repay your kind assistance."

A distant hum emanated from the Huang Jinshu's root system; the Sea God Island trembled, and the ancient tree with roots piercing the earth veins seemed to come alive, its branches and leaves rustling and shaking, scattering golden light fragments across the sky.

Countless fine golden threads drilled out from cracks in the bark, gently wrapping around Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's limbs and body, even dyeing the tips of his hair with flowing gold; his soul power broke through the fortieth level in an instant.

"Boom—"

A pillar of light piercing the heavens erupted from the tree's summit; waves of life swept over the Sea God Island, vines grew wildly, withered trees sprouted new buds, and clear springs gushed from cracks in the rocks.

The Sea God Lake rose in towering waves, yet the crests strangely froze in mid-air, turning into translucent, brilliant gold sculptures; the Shi Shi Laike disciples were stunned, and the elders of the Sea God Pavilion were equally shocked; since the construction of the Sea God Island, such a magnificent scene had never occurred.

The strange phenomenon suddenly contracted; a brilliant gold soul ring descended from the sky, its body wrapped in the ancient patterns of the Huang Jinshu; as it spun, it scattered specks of golden light; the moment the soul ring fell, the island's earth veins resonated, like subjects bowing to a newly born monarch.

The old man spoke gently: "This soul ring seals thirty percent of the Huang Jinshu's energy; it will gradually unlock as you grow stronger, equivalent to a cultivable soul ring."

"I intended to grant you the identity of a Child of Nature, but you seem to already possess the ability to control nature; forcing it upon you would be inappropriate."

"The Spirit of the Plane has fallen silent; I still need some time to fully deal with the Blue Silver Emperor, but not only one evil plane is eyeing the Limit Douluo Continent, and we do not know when the Divine Realm will return."

"We will eventually fight Tang San; variable of fate, do not slacken off."

"Hatred must end in blood." Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's voice was decisive.

"Someone has arrived; they likely sensed the Huang Jinshu's power flowing away."

The old man shook his head, waved his hand to open the wooden door of the room; more than half of the Shi Shi Laike Academy's Super Limit Douluo had gathered here; leading them was the Sky Limit Douluo, Xiang Yunming; to the left of this Sea God Pavilion Master stood the Holy Spirit Limit Douluo, Luo Luo Yali, and to the right was an extremely aged old woman.

"Old Master Jin."

Facing the Golden Ancient Tree, Xiang Yunming had to perform the courtesy of a junior.

"I know why you have come here."

The old man exchanged glances with the Shi Shi Laike Super Limit Douluo and said calmly: "This child has a fate with me; he is a junior I value; therefore, I have granted him some abilities; do not trouble him."

Xiang Yunming's mouth twitched; some abilities!?

That was thirty percent of the energy accumulated by the Golden Ancient Tree over endless ages; enough to help Shi Shi Laike withstand one fatal crisis!

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen came to the Huang Jinshu to comprehend the Dao, and Shi Shi Laike had lost out to the extreme!

Having suffered a great loss, Xiang Yunming could not make trouble, after all, the Golden Ancient Tree possessed independent consciousness and had actively chosen Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen; no one could say a word against it.

"Let's go; this old man will protect you completely."

To make the act complete, the Huang Jinshu Spirit draped an arm over Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's shoulder and walked out of the Sea God Pavilion with him, displaying an unshakable will to protect; leaving the Shi Shi Laike experts to look at each other, their old faces dark as water, yet none dared to utter a single extra word.

If they truly angered the Huang Jinshu Spirit, Shi Shi Laike would not need outsiders to attack; the Huang Jinshu itself would turn and slaughter them clean.

"Xiang Yunming!" the old woman suddenly spoke in a low, sharp voice, "I heard that recently you have been attracting a young girl from the Spirit Tower to become your disciple?"

"Yes, Sister Yue; she possesses a space-attribute spear martial soul, very suitable to be my successor." Xiang Yunming spoke the truth.

The old woman angrily said: "The Huang Jinshu has been the academy's supreme treasure since ancient times; having swallowed thirty percent of the Huang Jinshu's power, that boy must remain at Shi Shi Laike Academy."

"Old Master Jin values him; he must also be pleased to see him become a member of Shi Shi Laike!"

"Sister Yue, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen is Leng Yaoju's only direct disciple!" Luo Luo Yali hurriedly explained.

"Lady Lady Tianfeng Leng Yaoju?" the old woman sneered, "Just a vice tower master of the Spirit Tower; I haven't slapped the old face of the Spirit Tower Master before!"

"The girl Yue speaks reason; what can a Lady Lady Tianfeng, a fire-attribute martial soul, teach clearly? I, the Light and Dark Dragon Emperor, actually share common ground with yin and yang attributes!"

"Xiang Yunming, you cannot keep him at Shi Shi Laike Academy; I will use my own methods; to snatch a disciple, what can Leng Yaoju do about it!"

"Everyone, disperse!"

Having spoken, the Light and Dark Limit Douluo, Long Yeyue, swept her sleeve and left; the other Super Limit Douluo dispersed in their respective directions.

Xiang Yunming and Luo Luo Yali exchanged bitter smiles; in terms of strength, Xiang Yunming had long surpassed Long Yeyue, but Long Yeyue was the widow of the previous Sea God Pavilion Master, the Tianjuan Limit Douluo, and her age made her the highest in seniority at Shi Shi Laike Academy; in daily life, they all revered this eldest sister.

"Brother Ming, Sister Yue's temper... sigh!" Luo Luo Yali looked full of worry, "Yue'er too; why mention taking a disciple to Sister Yue for no reason!"

Xiang Yunming looked bitter; Xiang Xiang Naer has no teacher, so Shi Shi Laike hides a sliver of opportunity, but the probability of snatching Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen cannot be described as extremely slim; it is simply a wild fancy!

"I will first strive to win over Xiang Xiang Naer, then try asking Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen."

"A time of trouble... I have a bad feeling; one day Yue'er and Sister Yue will place the academy in a state of eternal damnation..."

(End of this chapter)