Old title: "First Soul Beast Absorption"
Chu Tianxiu and Sisi ventured deeper into the Soul Beast Forest. On the second day, they encountered a colony of Blade Roses.
'Following the principle of thoroughness, I should take their essence to strengthen Sisi further.'
He directly plundered the essence of the entire clan, including the over 500-year-old Blade Rose King. In the end, only a few saplings remained.
When Sisi summoned her martial soul again, the transformation was significant. The Thorned Datura now had six emerald-green, crystalline joints, and its branches gleamed with a cold, metallic light. The once-soft white petals were now incredibly sharp.
Chu Tianxiu observed the changes critically. "Sister Sisi, if you continue evolving like this, your future role could be a Control-Type or even a Power-Attack-Type Soul Master."
Sisi immediately tried the True Body Armor Fusion. The Datura branches transformed into protective armor that wrapped around her body, with sharp petals forming a defensive layer.
"It is no longer appropriate to call your martial soul 'Thorned Datura'," he stated. "Let us change the name."
Sisi looked at him expectantly. "Then what do you think should be called, little brother?"
After a moment's thought, he decided. "Let us call it 'Phantom Datura'. We will rest a bit, then hunt for your second spirit ring."
Sisi naturally nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, the Spirit Hall's efficiency in recruiting geniuses was remarkable. As Chu Tianxiu led Sisi deeper into the forest, a stack of documents detailing his existence was already in the hands of Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall.
Dressed in magnificent papal robes, Bibi Dong exuded an aura of authority and nobility. Her delicate face was furrowed as she murmured over the file.
"Chu Tianxiu, six years old, no specific background, taken out of the Notting City Soul Beast Forest by Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang three days ago..."
When her eyes fell upon Yu Xiaogang's name, a complex mix of emotions flashed across her face before settling into cool resolve.
She continued reading. "A black full-body martial soul and the Nine Nether Demon Chains... another twin martial soul... a rare and promising talent."
Then, she saw the most unbelievable part. The files slipped from her hands onto the floor. "Impossible! How can such a thing happen? Two martial souls fused into one, without needing to switch... Spirit rings can be stacked?"
Her voice grew louder with realization. "No, I must bring him here immediately. Wait for him to grow up... One person is enough to make my Papal Palace invincible."
Thinking this, Bibi Dong's voice turned sharp and clear. "Elder Ghost!"
A figure materialized out of thin air in the empty hall, clad in a black robe and ghostly mask. The figure bowed slightly. "Your Holiness, you summoned me."
"Ghost Douluo, your speed is among the top three in our Spirit Hall. Go to the Spirit Hall in Notting City immediately and bring back a boy named Chu Tianxiu. Remember, you must bring him back unharmed!"
"Yes, Your Holiness!" Ghost Douluo replied, vanishing from the hall in an instant.
Bibi Dong picked up Chu Tianxiu's file from the floor, her gaze intense. 'This child will be the key.'
Back in the Soul Beast Forest, Chu Tianxiu and Sisi continued their hunt. Sisi wiped sweat from her brow. "Little brother, what kind of soul beast are you planning to find for my second spirit ring?"
Chu Tianxiu casually neutralized a sniping soul beast. "We will continue developing toxicity and extensibility. There is a seven-hundred-year-old Ghost Vine in the center of this forest that is perfectly suited."
Sisi had noticed his specific targeting of certain soul beasts but trusted his judgment.
As they approached the forest's center, the number of soul beasts decreased, indicating they were within the domain of the Ghost Vine. Soon, they saw its full appearance: a massive vine parasitizing a giant banyan tree, with seven branch-like "ghost claws" hanging to the ground.
The Ghost Vine sensed the intruders and attacked with its seven claws.
Chu Tianxiu summoned his martial soul. The phantom merged into his body, and the Nine Nether Demon Chains coiled around him. "Sister Sisi, take defensive position. After I injure it, you deliver the final blow."
As the ghost claws approached, Chu Tianxiu swung the demon chain, creating a whirlwind to block them. Simultaneously, the chain's cone-shaped tip pierced through the claws. The vine tried to retract its branches, but Chu Tianxiu channeled his technique through the chains. Instantly, the seven ghost claws withered and were shattered.
Without its primary weapons, the Ghost Vine was helpless. Chu Tianxiu ripped its main trunk from the tree. "Sister Sisi, now!"
Emerging from cover, Sisi channeled her soul power and struck the vine, shattering it. A deep yellow spirit ring floated up. With her foundation strengthened, Sisi drew the ring to her body and began absorbing it smoothly.
By the time she awoke, it was evening. Seeing Chu Tianxiu guarding her, she stood up quickly.
"Show me your second spirit skill," Chu Tianxiu said.
Sisi activated her second spirit ring. Her Phantom Datura took root in the ground, and a cage of poisonous thorns sprouted from the earth around Chu Tianxiu, trapping him inside.
Chu Tianxiu analyzed the cage's structure and shattered it with a focused punch. "An excellent control-type skill with poison. Most Soul Masters under level 30 would be trapped. Well done."
"This move is called 'Thorn Cage'," Sisi said proudly. "It is all thanks to your guidance, little brother."
Chu Tianxiu nodded. "We should make camp for the night. We return to the branch hall at first light."