Chapter 140: Chapter 140: The Beasts' Astonishment
At the Lake of Life, Zhao Ming sat cross-legged, preparing to absorb the soul bone he had obtained from Zi Ji.
The first soul bone Zhao Ming aimed to absorb was the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right paw bone.
To Zhao Ming, this soul bone held the highest value. A 100,000-year-old external soul bone, not occupying any of the six usual soul bone slots, and with the potential for growth, was indeed an extraordinary treasure.
He valued this soul bone even more than the other two. Although the 100,000-year-old Black Dragon right arm bone from Di Tian was also valuable—given that the Black Dragon's bloodline ranked just below the Golden and Silver Dragons among dragon-type soul beasts—this external soul bone's versatility made it unparalleled.
As for the 200,000-year-old skull bone from the Hell Three-Headed Dog offered by Chi Wang, Zhao Ming planned to hold off on absorbing it. Among the many types of soul bones, skull bones and torso bones were the most crucial. Given that he already possessed the opportunity to acquire a 5,000,000-year-old torso bone, he felt it would be a waste to settle for a 200,000-year skull bone.
"System, is the seal complete? It should be safe now, right?" Zhao Ming took a deep breath and asked calmly.
"Everything's ready, Host. You can absorb it with confidence."
"Alright." Zhao Ming nodded, looking at the dark golden Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's paw bone in his hand. Without hesitation, he channeled his soul power. The bone melted under his energy, turning into a dark golden liquid that slowly seeped into his right hand.
Although the system had sealed most of its power, the soul energy within the bone was still substantial. And since the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear had died from a tribulation rather than being hunted, Zhao Ming didn't encounter the resentment typically found in soul bones acquired through human hunts. What remained was pure and vast soul power, which was an excellent supplement for Zhao Ming.
Meanwhile, deep within the dense forest of the Star Dou Forest,
Di Tian, Xiong Jun (Bear Lord), Chi Wang (Scarlet King), Wan Yao Wang (Ten Thousand Demon King), and Zi Ji (Demon Queen) were all meditating.
"Huh?"
Xiong Jun suddenly opened his eyes.
"What's wrong?" The other beasts also opened their eyes and looked at him.
"I sense the presence of one of my kin—a 100,000-year-old soul beast," Xiong Jun said, puzzled.
"Come on, the strongest one from your Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear clan, aside from you, is only at 50,000 years. Where would a 100,000-year-old come from?" Chi Wang said, laughing.
"No, it's the aura of a soul bone. Could it be that the Lord is absorbing the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right paw bone I offered him?" Xiong Jun's expression changed, and he spoke with surprise.
"That can't be. Are you mistaken? Even if the Lord is powerful, he's only at the Soul Elder level after reincarnating as a human. Absorbing a 100,000-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw paw bone at that level is impossible," Chi Wang exclaimed. The energy from a 100,000-year-old soul bone was immense. Even a Soul Douluo would struggle to absorb such a bone, let alone a Soul Elder.
"The Lord has unparalleled abilities; he must have his ways. An ordinary person cannot be compared to our Lord," Zi Ji said with a furrowed brow. Still, her heart was uneasy. Despite knowing Zhao Ming's extraordinary means, the thought of him attempting to absorb such a powerful soul bone at his current level worried her.
"Let's go take a look. At the very least, we should provide protection while the Lord absorbs the soul bone," Di Tian said, rising before transforming into a streak of black light and flying off.
The other beasts nodded and followed Di Tian.
"This is…" The beasts were shocked when they saw Zhao Ming. They hadn't expected him to actually be absorbing a soul bone.
"The Lord used an incredible technique to seal most of the power within the bone while leaving just enough energy that his body could handle," Di Tian remarked, instantly recognizing the intricacies of Zhao Ming's method.
"I didn't expect the Lord, even in this weakened state, to have such a powerful technique," Chi Wang said with admiration. Absorbing a 100,000-year-old soul bone was no problem for him, but sealing its power while extracting just enough energy to absorb safely was beyond his capabilities. Among them, only Di Tian possessed such a skill.
"The Lord's sealing technique is mysterious and unfathomable. Even compared to Di Tian's sealing abilities, it's far more advanced," Wan Yao Wang commented, squinting his eyes.
"This sealing method resembles my Black Dragon Seal, but it's far more profound. As an ancient beast even older than the Dragon God, it's possible that my Black Dragon Seal carries a trace of the Lord's legacy, which is why it's so powerful," Di Tian said seriously.
"Alright, alright. The Lord's power is beyond our understanding. Let's guard him and ensure he absorbs the soul bone successfully." Zi Ji, her eyes filled with concern, looked at Zhao Ming as he steadily absorbed the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right paw bone.
Hearing Zi Ji's words, the other beasts nodded in agreement.
They understood that Zi Ji's status had already changed; she was now on the same level as Di Tian, serving as one of the Lord's messengers. This elevated her position far above theirs.
They also knew that, given the Lord's intentions, Zi Ji would inevitably become one of his women. These past days, they had clearly seen how the Lord doted on the 100,000-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit.
With Zi Ji's beauty, it was only a matter of time before she became the Lord's woman.
Their attitudes toward Zi Ji had already shifted. They wouldn't dare harbor any intentions toward her now. Making a move on a woman the Lord favored was an act of utmost disrespect.
For Di Tian, it was even more significant. He had once desired both Bi Ji (Emerald Swan) and Zi Ji, considering them outstanding in both appearance and strength. But now, it was all for nothing.
Bi Ji had likely already been taken by the Lord, and now Zi Ji had also caught his eye.
Despite this, Di Tian dared not feel any resentment. Zhao Ming was the Lord, the Soul Beast Supreme, and the future ruler of the soul beast world. Though he couldn't have Bi Ji or Zi Ji, there was still hope for him.
The Emperor Beast was still young and hadn't yet transformed. With her current state, Zhao Ming might not realize how beautiful she would become once she matured.
When the time came, and the Emperor Beast grew up, he would have his chance.
Among the soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest, only Gu Yuena (Silver Dragon King), Zi Ji, Bi Ji, and the Emperor Beast caught his eye. He knew Gu Yuena would never love him due to the difference in their status and bloodline. And now, Zi Ji and Bi Ji were claimed by Zhao Ming. That left only the Emperor Beast.
Though she was still young, he could afford to wait for her for a few more millennia.
When the time came, and they had developed a bond, coupled with his strength, the Emperor Beast would undoubtedly make the right choice.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.