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Deep within the hidden cave, the atmosphere was heavy and still. Ditian, the powerful Beast God, reached out his hand toward Tang Chen. His palm was filled with pure, concentrated spirit power, intended to probe the boy's condition.
However, the moment his fingers brushed against Tang Chen's chest, the young man's body reacted violently. A brilliant, colorful glow erupted from his skin, washing over the dark stone walls of the cavern.
Om!
A massive wave of energy burst forth without any warning. It felt ancient and majestic, as if it had come from the very beginning of time itself. This sudden surge was so strong yet controlled that it gently but firmly pushed Ditian's hand away.
Under the shocked eyes of the gathered beasts, Tang Chen's body began to lift off the ground. He floated three feet into the air, suspended in the center of the cave as if gravity no longer applied to him.
Then, something even more impossible happened. One by one, circles of light began to appear around him. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Platinum.
A total of seven spirit rings manifested, revolving around Tang Chen like a miniature solar system. The first six rings were a deep, blood-red color that shimmered with an intense light. To any Spirit Master, this was a sight out of a dreamâsix hundred thousand year spirit rings appearing on a single person.
But it was the seventh ring that truly stole the breath from the room. It was a noble, mysterious platinum color that seemed to hold endless secrets within its glow. This was a million-year spirit ring, a tier of power that surpassed almost everything in existence.
The light from these seven rings turned the dark cave into a place as bright as day. The invisible pressure coming from the rings was so heavy that the air itself felt like it was turning into solid glass. Ditian, who usually remained calm no matter the situation, showed a look of total disbelief. His golden dragon eyes narrowed as he stared at the platinum ring, trying to figure out if he was seeing a ghost.
Is that really a million-year spirit ring? Ditian asked himself. He wasn't the only one in shock. Beiji, the Ten Thousand Demon King, and the Red King all stood frozen. Even Xiong Jun, who had just managed to crawl out of the mountain wall while covered in blood and bruises, forgot his pain the moment he saw the rings.
What is going on? How is this possible? Red King muttered with his three heads shaking in sync. This kid actually managed to absorb the Ice Silkworm's ring? And look at his other rings! They evolved!
The Vicious Beasts looked at each other, unable to find the right words. They were Spirit Beasts themselves, so they understood the value of these rings better than any human ever could. This configuration didn't just break the rules; it ignored the entire Spirit Master cultivation system. This was something that was only supposed to exist in myths.
Ditian's heart was racing. At first, he had been annoyed that the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm had sacrificed itself without permission. That silkworm was a resource the forest had been saving for the Vicious Beasts for a long time.
But now, looking at Tang Chen, that annoyance was gone. It was replaced by a burning sense of hope. He had seen potential in the boy before, but this miracle made him realize that Tang Chen could actually become a god. More importantly, Ditian saw a future where the Spirit Beast race could finally be free from their chains.
This matter is settled, Ditian announced. His deep voice echoed through the cave as he looked at his companions. This young man is going to be very important for the future of all Spirit Beasts. We will treat the loss of the Ice Silkworm as an investment.
Red King nodded his three heads. I don't have a problem with that. He remembered when they were in the human world and Tang Chen would give him delicious bones to eat. They were actually on pretty good terms, and seeing Tang Chen succeed made him feel a bit of pride.
Beiji stood close to Ditian and nodded gently. She trusted Ditian completely and would follow any path he chose. On the other hand, Xiong Jun was still hurting. He shivered when Ditian looked at him and quickly lowered his head. He didn't dare to argue. He was just glad to be alive after Ditian had shown him mercy earlier.
The Ten Thousand Demon King, who was usually the most careful of the group, still felt a bit worried. He spoke up, his face looking like old, wrinkled tree bark. Beast God, we will follow your lead. But we have to remember that he is still a human. Humans and beasts don't usually get along.
Ditian had already thought about this. He is a human, yes, but he has the bloodline of our race inside him. He carries the blood of the hundred thousand year Blue Silver Emperor. Also, look at how close he is with the Auspicious Beast.
Ditian waved his hand to stop any more questions. That's enough for now. I'll explain more about where he comes from later. For now, just remember this: if you see him in the forest, do not hurt him. You must help him and make things easy for him. His growth is the key to our future.
Ditian then turned to Xiao Ruier, who was still watching Tang Chen with a worried face. Ruier, you stay here and look after him. We're leaving now.
As soon as he finished speaking, Ditian turned into a streak of black light and vanished. The other Vicious Beasts followed him, turning into different colored lights and flying out of the cave.
While this was happening, a different group was moving through the forest. At the edge of the Great Fierce Land, a squad from Spirit Hall was hiding in the shadows. They were led by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. The deeper they went, the scarier the forest became. The trees were massive, and the air felt heavy with a scary power that made even these high-level Spirit Masters feel nervous. They had used special tricks to avoid the territories of powerful beasts, but they still couldn't find Ditian or the Red King. It was like the targets had disappeared into the woods.
Just as they reached a foggy swamp, thinking they were close to the entrance of the Great Fierce Land, a roar shook the world.
Roar!
A giant ape, over a hundred meters tall, stepped out of the trees. It was the Titan Giant Ape, and it pounded its chest like a mountain coming to life. At the same time, the water in the swamp started to bubble. A massive ox head with blue scales and glowing eyes rose from the depths. It was the Sky Azure Bull Python. These two hundred thousand year Spirit Beasts stood like guards, blocking the way forward.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo turned pale. Their mission was supposed to be a secret. If they fought these two monsters, their entire squad would probably be killed. The pressure from these beasts was the same as a human Super Douluo.
We need to go! Now! Ghost Douluo commanded in his scratchy voice.
Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't want to give up, but he knew they had no choice. He used his spirit, the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, to signal a retreat. The Spirit Hall squad ran back as fast as they could. They didn't stop until the pressure of the two beasts faded away.
I can't believe it, one of the Cardinals said, trying to catch his breath. There are even more hundred thousand year beasts guarding the core area?
Chrysanthemum Douluo looked annoyed. It's much harder to get inside than we thought. We can't get past those two.
Ghost Douluo's shadow-like body flickered. Our trip wasn't a total waste. At least we know those two are there now. Let's get back to Spirit City and tell the Supreme Pontiff. She will decide what to do next.
The group agreed and quickly headed toward the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, leaving the dangerous core behind.