Chapitre 556: Chapter 556: The Ghost Emperor

Su Ming looked at the spot where Tang San had been taken by the God of Shura and at Tang Hao's lifeless body. Shaking his head, he considered the capabilities of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's fusion technique. Though powerful, it couldn't restrain a divine-level opponent. If the two could reach demi-god level, perhaps they'd stand a chance at controlling a god-tier adversary—but that was still a distant possibility.

Even with the boost from the celestial herbs they'd absorbed, attaining level 99 would be incredibly challenging. Generally, a tenth spirit ring of 100,000 years would increase their chances, even making it nearly essential. However, the ninth rings of both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were relatively ordinary, and it would take a significant opportunity to further their growth.

They lacked the unique advantages of Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, who, although he also didn't possess a 100,000-year ninth ring, had Su Ming's gift of the Poison Scripture to guide his cultivation effortlessly to level 99. On a whim, Su Ming thought: could he bring Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo along to Sea God Island?

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's innate talents weren't lacking, having reached their current levels through sheer effort. With the addition of celestial herbs, they could very well qualify for a red-level test on Sea God Island. If memory served, red-level assessments granted a substantial increase in spirit ring age. The Sea God's power reserves on the island would likely dwindle due to his entourage.

"Sorry, Su Ming. Even with our fusion skill, we couldn't stop Tang San from escaping," both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo said in unison.

Su Ming waved it off. "No blame here. Even if it was just a fragment of the God of Shura's power, it was still god-level. It's only natural you couldn't hold it." Then, looking at Tang Hao's lifeless body, he asked, "With Tang Hao dead, how do you both feel?"

The two exchanged a glance, looking down at Tang Hao's lifeless body. A sudden sense of freedom washed over them, as if a long-standing weight had lifted.

Su Ming smiled in satisfaction. "Good."

He extended his hand, and in a flash from the ring on his finger, two celestial herbs appeared before him. Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes lit up as he beheld the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, trembling in excitement.

"Technically, I shouldn't give you these herbs this soon—especially you, Chrysanthemum Douluo, as Ghost Douluo has done quite a lot for Zhuqing already. However, you two are a pair, after all."

Taking the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum Douluo vowed, "Su Ming, rest assured, whatever you need that benefits Spirit Hall, I'll do."

Su Ming turned to Ghost Douluo. "The herb before you, Ghost Douluo, is called the Netherworld Grass. Though its name is unassuming, it's a perfect match for your abilities. According to records, this plant grows in the depths of dark caves and only blooms under direct sunlight. In short, it fears no light."

Ghost Douluo's face lit up. "Su Ming, are you saying that after absorbing this herb, light will no longer be my weakness?"

This would be a game-changer for him. His ghost spirit had always been vulnerable to sunlight, reducing his strength by 10-20% during the day and causing him severe discomfort under direct light attacks.

Su Ming nodded. "In principle, yes. But you'll need to absorb the herb to fully confirm its effects."

Taking the unremarkable-looking Netherworld Grass, Ghost Douluo made his pledge. "Su Ming, like Chrysanthemum Douluo, I'm at your service."

The two then sat cross-legged and began absorbing the herbs.

Turning to Ah Yin, Su Ming materialized another herb before her. "This is the Water Narcissus Jade Flesh Bone. Its mild effects should assist your cultivation. Take your time and absorb it here as well."

Initially, Su Ming hadn't planned on giving Ah Yin a herb since, as his spirit, her power would naturally grow with his. However, he reasoned that the reverse was also true: the stronger she grew, the greater the feedback would be, strengthening him as well.

An hour passed, and Ah Yin finished absorbing her herb first. She looked up with surprise. "Su Ming, I feel incredibly refreshed. My cultivation level has increased by 20,000 years—I'm at 120,000 now. My cultivation speed has noticeably increased too."

Su Ming smiled, nodding. This was the essence of celestial herbs: they enhanced talent and accelerated cultivation.

Unexpectedly, Ghost Douluo was the next to complete his absorption, not Chrysanthemum Douluo. Given his perfect affinity with the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, Su Ming had anticipated Chrysanthemum Douluo would finish first. However, seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo grimacing slightly, Su Ming realized that the herb was likely correcting some disordered meridians from his flawed cultivation path. Upon completion, it would likely bring him a pleasant surprise.

Turning to Ghost Douluo, Su Ming asked, "How do you feel, Ghost Douluo?"

Ghost Douluo respectfully replied, "Thank you, Su Ming. Right now, even in daylight, my strength remains unaffected. Furthermore, my spirit has evolved—I now wield the Ghost Emperor!"

Activating his spirit, Ghost Douluo revealed an imposing, sinister phantom behind him. Tall and muscular, with fierce, crimson eyes and massive wings, it exuded an oppressive aura, shrouded in dark smoke and flickering flames.

The Blue Silver King, watching from behind Ah Yin, fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the terrifying presence. Even Ah Yin felt a hint of discomfort.

Su Ming rolled his eyes. "Alright, retract your spirit."

Seeing the Blue Silver King trembling, Ghost Douluo suppressed a smile and reluctantly put away his spirit. Was it really that frightening?

In his opinion, his newly evolved spirit was both powerful and intimidating, and, despite the ghastly appearance, it looked incredibly cool.

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Chapitre 557: Chapter 557: Daming and Erming's Decision

After half an hour, Chrysanthemum Douluo's body expelled a significant amount of impurities, and his body began to emit a golden glow. When he opened his eyes, excitement was clear on his face—this experience had yielded incredible gains!

As he rose to approach Su Ming and the others, they instinctively took a step back and covered their noses.

"Ahem, Yue Guan, you might want to check yourself…" Ghost Douluo remarked tactfully.

With a wave of their hands, Su Ming and Ah Yin quickly purified the grime from Chrysanthemum Douluo's body.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo, how are you feeling now? I assume you've reached level 96 like Ghost Douluo. Did you notice any changes in your abilities?" Su Ming asked, curious.

Chrysanthemum Douluo's spirit, the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, had not evolved like Ghost Douluo's. Su Ming wondered if the chrysanthemum could be harvested as an edible herb after absorbing the celestial plant's essence.

Eagerly, Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "Yes, I finally broke through to level 96, and I gained a new ability. According to what you've told me before, my spirit is more suited to support-type or food-type paths, but due to past choices, I went the assault path. With all my spirit ring slots filled, I couldn't go back."

"However, as a result, I developed a special innate skill—each month, I can produce a Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum."

"What?" Su Ming was astonished. "Is it identical to the original herb in effect?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo's face stiffened slightly. "Not quite that potent. At one per month, its effectiveness is about one-fifth of a true celestial herb. If an average soul master consumes it, they'll gain a minor boost in physique and talent, similar to a diluted version of the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum. To achieve full potency, it would take about a year."

After hearing his explanation, Su Ming nodded thoughtfully. "So, at a minimum, you produce a lesser chrysanthemum each month, but with time, the effect strengthens?"

"Exactly. I can also generate food-grade Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemums to restore soul power, stamina, and enhance defenses for soul masters."

Su Ming recognized the possibilities of this unexpected gift. "Then let's use the weaker chrysanthemums to reward those who contribute significantly to Spirit Hall."

Chrysanthemum Douluo readily agreed.

"So, should we head to the Breaking Clan next?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked.

Su Ming nodded. "Yes, but it's already getting dark. Let's rest here tonight and set off in the morning."

By early morning, Xiao Wu had returned from Star Lake. Daming and Erming had heard about the spirit soul contract and were interested in becoming Su Ming's spirit souls. With Su Ming's current strength, their transformation would instantly propel him to level 70. They left it up to Su Ming to decide whether he wanted them to provide spirit rings.

Daming and Erming also felt that after such a long time in Star Dou Forest, life had grown somewhat dull, especially with Xiao Wu away. Xiao Wu had mentioned that as 100,000-year soul beasts, they could reconstitute their bodies after becoming spirit souls, so they wouldn't vanish.

Their decision wasn't solely to help Su Ming or protect Xiao Wu; they also had other motives. Knowing Su Ming had inherited a divine power, they saw an opportunity for potential immortality, joining Su Ming in the God Realm someday. Reaching a 200,000-year level would take them ages, and achieving it alone would require enduring a heavenly lightning tribulation, something they weren't entirely confident about.

Hearing Xiao Wu relay their reasoning, Su Ming considered the upcoming founding of the Spirit Empire, where Daming and Erming could be invaluable assets. When Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo left for Sea God Island, he could have Daming and Erming stay back to assist.

As for spirit rings, Su Ming opted to use bestowed spirit rings, as Daming and Erming's attributes didn't quite match his needs.

"Understood," Su Ming told Xiao Wu, then turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. "Now that you're one of us, there are things I won't keep from you. Follow me."

Xiao Wu observed the two quietly, trusting Su Ming's judgment. She had spent enough time with him to know they were trustworthy.

On the way to Star Lake, Su Ming briefly explained Xiao Wu's unique background to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Stunned, they looked at the smiling Xiao Wu in bewilderment. As Titled Douluo, they should have sensed her 100,000-year soul beast aura if she were one.

Su Ming merely reminded them, "Did you forget that Xiao Wu once consumed the Yearning Heartbroken Red?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo, familiar with celestial herbs, speculated, "Could it be that the Yearning Heartbroken Red masked her aura? I've never heard of such an effect from a herb before. Remarkable."

Su Ming then added with a serious tone, "Let me be clear: if any of you harbor improper thoughts…"

Before Su Ming could finish, the two immediately vowed, "Rest assured. While we aren't saints, we do have principles."

Chrysanthemum Douluo added, "Besides, Xiao Wu is my disciple now. I still have a teacher's duty to uphold."

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