Soul bones, an incredibly rare and powerful item within the Heaven Dou Empire.
To put it simply, and in more common terms, a soul bone can be likened to "equipment"—gear that significantly enhances the strength of a soul master.
However, obtaining a soul bone is not an easy feat. In fact, it's nearly impossible!
Soul bones, as their name implies, are bones left behind by soul beasts upon death.
Only one out of tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of soul beasts may drop a soul bone!
And dragon-type soul beasts are rare even among soul beasts, so their soul bones are naturally more extraordinary and elusive!
According to the historical records of the Heaven Dou Empire, dragon-type soul bones have only appeared three times!
Now, Yu Chen has acquired such a soul bone—a dragon-type spirit bone that is at least thirty thousand years old!
"Tsk tsk! Even if Brother Chen's cultivation base already surpasses ours, just the age of his spirit rings alone is hundreds of times greater than ours!"
"Now with a dragon soul bone added, I swear—no one our age is a match for Brother Chen!"
"You're insane! Brother Chen is only twelve years old! You want to compare someone who's just awakened their Martial Spirit to him? You're courting death!"
…
Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others stared at Yu Chen's right arm, marveling as they spoke one after another, admiration shining in all their eyes.
"Dragon-type soul bones of such an age are exceedingly rare! Even the Titled Douluo of the empire would be envious upon seeing it."
"Xiao Chen, your awakening has caused a vision between heaven and earth. I suspect someone has already sensed it."
"We can't remain here much longer!"
Yu Xiaogang, though deeply shocked, recovered quickly and immediately urged everyone to prepare to depart.
The mission to the Star Dou Great Forest was to obtain spirit rings for the students, and now that everyone had succeeded, it was time to leave.
More importantly, Yu Chen's dragon spirit bone was far too valuable—it would definitely draw unwanted attention from the empire and beyond!
Lingering here was not an option!
"Yes, Master!"
At Yu Xiaogang's command, everyone instantly sobered up, preparing to retreat from the Star Dou Forest.
"!"
"Since you're already here, why rush to leave?"
"I'm quite interested in that spirit bone."
Swish!
Before Yu Chen's group could exit, a raspy voice rang out—and moments later, several elderly men in red robes slowly stepped forward.
On their robes was an emblem signifying power and fear—clearly, they were members of the legendary Spirit Hall of the Heaven Dou Empire!
"Spirit Hall?!"
"What do you want?!"
"Do you even realize who these students are?!"
Yu Xiaogang and Flender's pupils shrank in alarm as they hurried to shield Yu Chen and the others behind them.
The name Spirit Hall was enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest!
Their sudden appearance could mean only one thing—they were here for Yu Chen's spirit bone!
Yu Chen's cultivation and destiny had defied the heavens—but none of them expected Spirit Hall to act so swiftly!
"Yu Xiaogang, number one in soul theory… and yet, you've forgotten the principle of erasing witnesses?"
"As long as we kill all of you, who'll know it was us?"
"Little mouse of the Kaluo Empire… Don't you agree?"
The lead elder in red sneered, his wrinkled face curling into a cold grin as he gazed past Yu Chen—
Swish!
At that moment, another group emerged from the shadows—led by none other than Wan Jiang of the Dark Iron Armored Dragon family.
Now that their names were revealed, they had no reason to remain hidden.
"Our demand is simple: Yu Chen's head. The rest of you are irrelevant."
Wan Jiang's tone was icy, his gaze merciless, and the centipede-like scar on his face twisted into something terrifying.
He knew well that Spirit Hall's strength vastly exceeded theirs. The Dark Iron Armored Dragon family had no intention of clashing with Spirit Hall over this.
"!"
"So sensible!"
The Spirit Hall elder's grin widened. A strange satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
"So many parties here for one boy. Yu Chen, you're quite the prize."
"But if you want to take his life and spirit bone… you'll have to go through us first!"
With both Spirit Hall and the Dark Iron Armored Dragon family stepping forward, Yu Xiaogang and his team looked grim.
Though they couldn't identify Wan Jiang's faction outright, their clothing made one thing clear—they weren't from Heaven Dou Empire!
Realizing this, Flender and Zhao Wuji summoned their Martial Spirits at once—spirit rings rising rapidly beneath them.
"Don't waste time. Let's deal with these little brats all at once."
Seeing Flender and the others react, the Spirit Hall elder grew solemn, releasing his own martial spirit—a rat-like creature shrouded in shadow. Eight spirit rings glowed beneath him!
The rest of his team summoned their spirits as well—each one revealing six to seven rings!
Wan Jiang and his people also surged with soul power.
Though fewer in number, when combined, the Dark Iron Armored Dragon family and Spirit Hall outnumbered Yu Chen's group by more than two to one!
And Dai Mubai and the others had only just broken through to the realm of Great Soul Masters.
Compared to the Spirit Hall elites, Yu Chen's side was outmatched—like pebbles against a mountain.
"We must protect Xiao Chen and the others!"
As the waves of spirit power surged toward them, Flender and the others tensed, preparing to defend with everything they had.
"Ding! Divine Selection System Activated—Please choose:
1. Turn and flee without hesitation: Reward—Century-old Dragon Spirit Ring!
2. Confront the enemy head-on: Reward—[Soul Search Technique]!
3. Sever your right arm and offer the spirit bone: Reward—Century-old Soul Beast +1!
Please make your choice within 30 seconds!"
Just as Flender and his team readied themselves to strike, Yu Chen heard the system's prompt echo in his mind!
Weighing the rewards, Yu Chen dismissed the first option outright—the century-old soul ring wasn't worth fleeing for. The reward from the third choice was meaningless to him.
But the second choice—Soul Search Technique—was both mysterious and powerful.
And beyond rewards, Yu Chen's pride would never allow these enemies to leave alive!
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