Chapitre 552: Chapter 552: Restoring the Hundred-Thousand-Year Cultivation – The Major Flaw of the Soul Spirit Contract?

"Alright, after we finish things in the Star Dou Forest, we'll head directly to recruit the four single-attribute clans," Su Ming said calmly.

Xiao Wu asked curiously, "Brother, which clan do you plan to visit first? And given that the Strength Clan's leader indirectly died because of Spirit Hall, will they even agree to join?"

Before Su Ming could respond, Chrysanthemum Douluo interjected, "Now that the Strength Clan's leader has died, they're in a more difficult position. We can negotiate with them, especially if they're seeking revenge on Tang San. Spirit Hall's primary targets have always been Tang Hao and Tang San, not others. Titan's death was just an unfortunate accident, and if the Strength Clan doesn't cooperate, we'll have to rely on strength to persuade them."

While Chrysanthemum Douluo was explaining to Xiao Wu, Su Ming was also thinking over which clan he should visit first. It was best not to start with the Strength Clan, as they likely held the most resentment toward Spirit Hall. Recruiting the other three clans first could make recruiting the Strength Clan easier.

Having made up his mind, Su Ming decided to approach the Breaking Clan and recruit Yang Wudi. Winning over Yang Wudi would be most effective if he used the high-grade herb Youxiang Qiluo, though a show of strength to gain his respect was also necessary.

After a few days of travel, Su Ming and his companions finally arrived at the outer perimeter of the Star Dou Forest.

Turning to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, Su Ming said, "Whatever you see next, try not to be too surprised."

The two Elders looked at each other in confusion but nodded.

With Ah Yin guiding them from within Su Ming's mental space, the group soon reached the Blue Silver Emperor's territory.

"Xiao Wu, do you want to go see Da Ming and Er Ming now or wait a bit?" Su Ming asked.

Xiao Wu smiled, "I'll wait a bit. I'd love to see Aunt Ah Yin regain her ten-thousand-year cultivation and maybe even take on a physical form again."

Nodding, Su Ming summoned a more solid spirit form of Ah Yin before them.

Seeing her, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's eyes widened in shock. They knew this person well — wasn't this Ah Yin, the very one who sacrificed herself for Tang Hao?

Unable to contain his surprise, Ghost Douluo asked, "Su Ming…what's going on?"

Su Ming explained, "I imagine the three of you know each other already. There's no need for too many details. Ah Yin is now my spirit, providing my fourth spirit ring, so from now on, we're all on the same side. I don't expect everyone to forgive or forget past conflicts, but I hope you can work together peacefully. What happened back then was, in a way, understandable from both sides, wasn't it?"

He then briefly explained the concept of spirit contracts and some hidden truths about the incident that led to Ah Yin's downfall. Hearing this, the two Elders finally understood the tragic context and felt a twinge of sympathy for Ah Yin.

Given their status as Titled Douluo, they held little interest in transformed hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and valued only their soul bones. Between Ah Yin's potential spirit bone and Su Ming's guidance, they chose Su Ming. He alone could lead them to greater power.

Ah Yin, too, was ready to put past grievances behind her. Though she still felt a slight emotional burden from those events, she didn't want to cause Su Ming any difficulty, especially now that she was about to regain her ten-thousand-year cultivation.

At that moment, sensing her presence, the Blue Silver King lifted the barrier around the Blue Silver Emperor's domain. An old blue figure appeared, and, upon seeing the Blue Silver Emperor, fell to his knees with tears in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, you have returned at last!"

Ah Yin responded with a gentle smile, "It's been a long time, Blue Silver King. I'm here to reclaim my powers. Once I absorb them, I should be able to regain a physical form."

The Blue Silver King, overjoyed, replied, "Of course, my Emperor!"

As the energy flowed toward Ah Yin, the surrounding Blue Silver Grass swayed in joy. Su Ming and Ah Yin could both feel the power increasing within her.

After half an hour, her cultivation reached the ten-thousand-year level, and her form solidified, finally returning to a fully physical body.

Overjoyed, Xiao Wu hugged Ah Yin tightly, exclaiming, "Aunt Ah Yin! I can actually touch you now!"

Ah Yin took a moment to savor her new form, marveling at the sensation of having a physical body once more. After letting go of Xiao Wu, she hugged Su Ming briefly and whispered, "Thank you."

Su Ming smiled and gently patted her back, saying, "There's no need to thank me. This is something to celebrate. Now that your powers are restored, you don't have to stay in my mental space anymore. You can finally live freely in the world again."

Nearby, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were stunned, unable to say anything. They hadn't expected Su Ming's claims to be true. The concept of spirits could be revolutionary for both spirit masters and spirit beasts.

However, from their experience as Titled Douluo, they suddenly realized something troubling. Since spirits allowed spirit beasts to be integrated more easily, and powerful beasts could even provide two or more spirit rings, this meant that their value lay mostly in their spirit bones.

With a serious look, the two Elders turned to Su Ming and said, "Su Ming, while this spirit contract method has its benefits, we've identified a major flaw, one that could have severe consequences. It could even lead to the extinction of spirit beasts."

Hearing this, both Xiao Wu and Ah Yin were taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"

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Chapitre 553: Chapter 553: Why Can Transformed Soul Beasts Only Condense the First Six Spirit Rings?

Su Ming looked at Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, a bit surprised. He hadn't expected them to pinpoint this issue so accurately.

Su Ming nodded. "Yes, you're concerned that because soul spirits reduce the need for spirit rings—since high-level soul spirits can provide at least two rings—some extreme soul masters might exploit this and kill more spirit beasts just to harvest spirit bones. And that would lead to the gradual extinction of soul beasts, right?"

Both elders agreed, saying, "Since you're aware of such a flaw in soul spirits, why pursue this path?"

Xiao Wu and Ah Yin also looked worried. "Brother, what should we do?"

They trusted Su Ming enough to believe he'd have a solution if he'd noticed this flaw.

Su Ming responded calmly, "This is partly why I joined Spirit Hall. Though Spirit Hall also hunts soul beasts, it doesn't do so indiscriminately and can regulate such actions. That's something other sects or empires can't achieve. Once Spirit Hall unifies the continent and soul spirit contracts become widespread, Spirit Hall can enforce restrictions and countermeasures."

Pausing, he continued, "Besides, this flaw won't have immediate effects. And the reason I openly acknowledge it is because soul spirits are only a temporary measure. I believe spirit rings restrict soul masters. However, due to this world's rules, a soul master can't level up without absorbing spirit rings. Doesn't that seem odd?"

Su Ming glanced around at the others. "Think about it. Given your control over your martial spirits, couldn't you already create techniques stronger than some of your earlier spirit abilities?"

"I've said before that, regardless of the age of the spirit beast, absorbing a spirit ring might break through level restrictions, but it also binds you with lingering consciousness from the ring's source. The same applies to spirit bones."

After Su Ming's explanation, everyone felt as though a new world of possibilities had opened up, but they were helpless to resist the rules as they were.

Xiao Wu asked, puzzled, "So, does that mean we should avoid spirit bones to lessen these limitations?"

Su Ming shook his head. "No. If you encounter suitable spirit bones, you should absorb them. We need the strength to change things. Right now, what we do is worth it for the future."

Ah Yin, who was once a soul beast herself, also felt deeply moved. Just as Su Ming had pointed out, why should humans need to kill soul beasts to grow stronger?

As a former soul beast, she pondered the question. Soul beasts face no such barriers to growth except at the hundred-thousand-year mark when they must choose between transforming or braving a heavenly tribulation.

"Su Ming, if you have a plan to address this, please tell us when the time comes. We'll help however we can," Ah Yin said with a thoughtful expression.

"Actually, what you said brought a question to mind. Why, after a soul beast transforms, does it seem like they start fresh in cultivation, with both soul power and spiritual strength reduced to that of a beginner… yet they can still condense the first six spirit rings on their own?"

Su Ming smiled knowingly and interrupted, "You mean, why do transformed soul beasts re-cultivate the first six spirit rings instead of hunting like humans?"

Ah Yin looked surprised. "How did you know I was going to ask that?"

Su Ming replied, "I'd considered it before. I used to think that the first six rings were due to the innate foundation of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. But now I think that's incorrect. After transforming, a soul beast's powers are essentially reset, with all remaining foundation channeled into transformation. Otherwise, your starting level after transformation wouldn't just be innate full spirit power."

He continued, "And remember, before transforming, you had power comparable to a Titled Douluo or higher. With such a foundation, it shouldn't only be enough to condense the first six rings. Reaching Spirit Emperor at most is a huge drop-off in power."

As Su Ming elaborated, both Xiao Wu and Ah Yin fell deep into thought. They hadn't considered this before. Why could they only condense six spirit rings, and why did their innate foundation fall short of supporting more?

"Don't let it weigh on you too much," Su Ming chuckled, seeing everyone's serious expressions. "I might be overthinking. If you hadn't asked today, I wouldn't have mentioned it. So, keep this between us."

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, understanding the sensitivity, quickly assured him, "Don't worry; we won't breathe a word."

They knew Su Ming's ambitions ran deeper than he let on. He was planning something significant.

After saying their goodbyes, Xiao Wu ventured alone into the depths of Star Dou Forest, excited to see Da Ming and Er Ming again.

When Chrysanthemum Douluo moved to protect her, Su Ming held him back, sensing something was amiss.

According to Ah Yin's scouting, Tang San and Tang Hao would likely reach the Blue Silver Emperor's territory in two days.

Taking advantage of this time, Su Ming said to Ah Yin, "Since you've regained your power and no longer have the constraints of spirit rings, why not try developing a few attack techniques for self-defense? Most of your abilities are support-based, but if you intend to fight Tang Hao, it'll take more than strangling him with blue silver grass, right?"

Ah Yin thought it over and nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Su Ming then showed her a technique to practice. With her fine control over her spirit power, Ah Yin easily transformed a blue silver vine into the shape of a spear.

The technique Su Ming taught her was the Blue Silver Overlord Spear, a move Tang San had once used as his fifth innate spirit ability. If Tang San could use it, then Ah Yin certainly could, too!

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