Chapter 202: Really, Is It Only Him?
Only the first method seemed practical. As for the second, while simple in theory, it relied entirely on luck.
Wait, what exactly is an external spirit bone?
Seeing the confused and puzzled expressions on the three faces before him, Kong was momentarily taken aback before realizing—they probably didn't know what an external spirit bone was yet.
"An external spirit bone is a type of spirit bone that exists outside the standard six. The standard six are for the head, torso, and four limbs. A spirit bone's age is fixed upon absorption by the spirit master and cannot evolve. External spirit bones, however, are different. They can grow over time and can even be released for combat."
"Obtaining an external spirit bone is difficult. It requires triggering the energy of the external bone during the process of absorbing a spirit ring. This is one of the reasons why external spirit bones are so rare."
"Not every spirit beast has the potential to produce an external spirit bone. It depends on the beast's characteristics and its most powerful physical trait…"
Kong's explanation helped the three understand the concept and origins of external spirit bones, but the rest still left them perplexed.
Could it really be possible to seek out a specific spirit beast to obtain a corresponding external spirit bone?
Yes, it was possible!
Take the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear as an example. The probability of it producing a spirit bone was exceptionally high—it would either yield a left arm bone or a right arm bone. If neither arm bone appeared, then absorbing its spirit ring might have a small chance of granting a left or right hand bone instead.
This was the hallmark of a super spirit beast!
But could someone like Oscar, a food-type spirit master, truly withstand the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's power?
Even Xiao Xiao, a twin martial spirit user, couldn't handle it—and she wasn't even a support-type spirit master!
"For you, Oscar, the first method is more suitable. The second method is entirely up to chance," Kong concluded.
Without waiting for Oscar's thanks, Kong turned and walked toward the dormitory, leaving the three of them staring at each other.
The first method was, in fact, how Oscar gained combat power in the original story. It was almost guaranteed to work, depending on which spirit ring he acquired in the Icebound Forest.
"When you have the chance, be sure to thank Brother Kong properly. His guidance is incredibly valuable. Without him, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today," Ma Hongjun said earnestly, patting Oscar on the shoulder.
If not for Kong, Ma Hongjun might still be tormented by his evil fire, unable to progress so quickly.
The only unfortunate thing was that he had lost his ability to have descendants. However, perhaps a future opportunity could change that…
Of the three, Ma Hongjun was the only one who didn't doubt Kong's words. After all, he had personally benefited from Kong's guidance.
Oscar and Dai Mubai, on the other hand, remained skeptical and cautious.
Hearing Ma Hongjun's comment, Oscar gave him a curious look. He had always wondered what exactly Kong had taught the fatty to make him so loyal.
Ma Hongjun had once been arrogant and unyielding. Even though his mutated martial spirit had a flaw, he still carried himself with great pride. As a "phoenix," he had every reason to be confident.
Even Dai Mubai could only suppress Ma Hongjun with superior spirit power, never fully convincing him.
But Kong was different. He had managed to win over the once-defiant fatty, leaving both Dai Mubai and Oscar astonished.
Come to think of it, hadn't Ma Hongjun gone nearly two years without any outbreaks of his evil fire—or any visits to dubious places?
With that realization, Oscar and Dai Mubai gave Ma Hongjun a suspicious glance, only to shake their heads afterward.
No, impossible. Absolutely impossible!
"Alright, I will!" Oscar nodded. If Kong's methods really worked, he wouldn't just thank him—he wouldn't mind bowing a few times in gratitude!
This Is Truly a Great Benefactor!
Switching scenes, Kong didn't dwell on his brief conversation with the three.
Even without his guidance, as long as Oscar carried the "supporting character" aura, he would inevitably follow the same path under the guidance of the world's will.
As Kong reached his dormitory door, his eyes fell on the familiar sight of two pairs of elegant shoes neatly placed to the side. His eye twitched—not out of irritation, but from sheer awkwardness.
This was his dorm, but ever since Dugu Yan had started coming over, she would bring Ye Lingling along. The two of them had practically moved in, treating his dorm as their own and rarely returning to their own rooms at night.
Kong wanted to say something about it, but he couldn't find the words.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by two stunning faces, each with its own unique charm. Almost in unison, their gazes turned toward the door.
"Kong, what's up with that Crown Prince always looking for you? It's so strange!"
Dugu Yan quickly walked over to Kong, brushing off non-existent dust from his clothes while complaining.
Three days out of every five, that "Xue Qinghe" would come looking for Kong. What was the deal? Was this how one built connections—by being overly persistent?
Kong: "..."
"It's just building rapport—probably trying to win me over," Kong replied, half-truthfully. The first part of his statement was accurate; the second part was a lie. Though, in the past, the latter might have been true as well.
The two women didn't react much to his explanation. After all, given Kong's talent, strength, and background, it made sense for the Heaven Dou Crown Prince to try and win him over. If they were in the Crown Prince's position, they would probably do the same.
But "Xue Qinghe" was too diligent. Was it really just about him?
Qian Renxue (internally): Absolutely, it's him and no one else!
The two women had no idea that "Xue Qinghe" was actually a woman in disguise. If they did, they might understand the Crown Prince's persistence—just as they themselves kept frequenting Kong's dorm.
"Yan-jie, Lingling, are you two hungry? Let's go eat in Heaven Dou City," Kong said, noticing the strange expressions on their faces. They seemed to be thinking of something off-track, so he quickly changed the subject.
Hearing this, the two snapped out of their thoughts and smiled sheepishly.
Dugu Yan said, "Kong, we've been waiting to eat with you."
"Oh, and you should probably meet that Crown Prince less often. You know, just in case… in case people get the wrong idea!"
Kong: "..."
They really were overthinking it!
But how could Kong explain the situation? Should he tell them that the Crown Prince was actually a woman?
Nodding slightly, Kong decided not to elaborate further. In any case, Qian Renxue would be busier in the coming days with the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament approaching. Their opportunities to meet would naturally decrease.
As the "Crown Prince," Qian Renxue had a mountain of responsibilities to handle. Emperor Xue Ye would leave everything to her and wouldn't bother with the details. If she failed at anything, it would only provide him an excuse to scold her publicly.
Even now, the circumstances surrounding Xue Beng's death still seemed suspicious to Kong. He had a vague feeling that the incident wasn't as simple as it appeared.
"Let's go, off to Heaven Dou City!" Kong announced.
(End of Chapter)
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