[T/N: New year BONUS chapter 🥳🥳]
In the dimly lit cave, Lin Ye stood expressionless, his gaze fixed on the blood bat entwined tightly by the Bloodthirsty Vine. The creature had been drained dry, reduced to a withered husk, yet Lin Ye felt no pity in his heart.
Although he had already promised to kill this blood bat, merely ending the life of this wicked Soul Master seemed too lenient.
Given that you've killed countless innocents with the Bloodthirsty Vine, it's only fitting that you meet your end by it as well, Lin Ye thought coldly.
After ensuring the blood bat's demise through the Bloodthirsty Vine, Lin Ye's gaze shifted to the vibrant, eerie blood-red flower blooming on the vine. It was striking in its sinister beauty, drawing him into deep contemplation.
Should I take this flower with me?
Though the flower hadn't yet matured to bear fruit, its formation required immense amounts of blood, suggesting it could possess extraordinary power. Perhaps consuming it could significantly enhance my Dragon Elephant Prajna Art…
But the thought of the flower, cultivated from the blood of countless innocent lives, left Lin Ye repulsed.
The vine itself isn't inherently evil; it's the Soul Master who wields it for malice. Still…
If he consumed the flower to strengthen his cultivation, he might gain the power to eliminate even more wicked Soul Masters in the future. Yet, despite wrestling with the decision, Lin Ye ultimately shook his head and sighed.
No. It's better to destroy it.
Determined, Lin Ye placed his hand on the Bloodthirsty Vine and activated the devouring soul skill of his Devouring Ancestral Dragon martial soul. Instantly, a powerful surge of energy erupted from his palm, and the once-thriving vine began to wither.
Starting from the point of contact, the vine shriveled rapidly, its vibrant life force draining away. Soon, even the vivid crimson flower drooped and disintegrated into dust.
Although Lin Ye had employed the Devouring Ancestral Dragon's ability to absorb the vine's energy, he was currently under the effects of a Title Douluo experience card. Any energy he absorbed would be consumed by the experience card itself, vanishing once its effects wore off. Thus, Lin Ye didn't actually gain any of the vine's energy.
This was precisely his intention. Destroying the resilient Bloodthirsty Vine through normal means would have been far more challenging.
After reducing the vine to lifeless remains, Lin Ye gathered the numerous skeletal remains scattered throughout the cave and piled them next to the now-withered plant. He gazed at the grim mountain of bones and let out a deep sigh.
"Rest in peace."
Taking out a fire starter, Lin Ye lit the dry vine, which quickly caught fire. The flames soon spread, engulfing the bones, their tattered garments igniting as well. The cave filled with the crackling sound of fire as the macabre pyre burned fiercely.
Lin Ye watched the roaring flames in silence for several moments before finally turning away. He walked to Hu Liena, who lay unconscious on the cave floor, and carefully lifted her onto his back.
As he carried her, a faint, indescribable fragrance tickled his nose. Without dwelling on it, Lin Ye made his way toward the cave's exit.
Reaching the opening, he activated the Phoenix Dance Six Illusions technique, propelling himself forward with a powerful leap. His figure flickered like a ghost, quickly descending the steep, towering mountain.
The mountain, chosen as a base by the evil Soul Master, was exceptionally high. Even at the mid-point where Lin Ye started, the drop spanned several hundred meters. Without the experience card, even with Phoenix Dance Six Illusions, the descent would have been near impossible due to the sheer height and incline.
But now, empowered by the Title Douluo's strength, Lin Ye executed the technique at its theoretical peak. He moved like a shadow, leaving six afterimages with each leap, gliding down the cliffs as effortlessly as a dragonfly skimming water. In no time, he reached the base of the mountain.
Once on solid ground, Lin Ye carefully laid Hu Liena down. He extended his right hand, and a soft, jade-like light radiated from his palm as his Nine-Spirit Immortal Tang martial soul materialized.
The blood bat had claimed to poison Hu Liena, which was why Lin Ye hadn't coerced him into administering an antidote before killing him. The Nine-Spirit Immortal Tang's first soul skill possessed detoxification capabilities, making it unnecessary—and unwise—to rely on the blood bat. Who knew what treachery the creature might have attempted during the process?
Confident in his ability to cure her, Lin Ye had decisively executed the blood bat.
Now, as the jade-green glow enveloped Hu Liena, Lin Ye activated the Light of Purification. The emerald radiance cascaded over her body, and as it did, her eyelids fluttered faintly.
The power of a Title Douluo-level first soul skill is truly remarkable, Lin Ye mused, slightly amazed.
Deactivating his martial soul and retracting the Devouring Ancestral Dragon state, Lin Ye suppressed his aura entirely. He didn't want to alarm Hu Liena when she awoke.
Moments later, Hu Liena's eyes snapped open, her gaze unfocused as she took in her unfamiliar surroundings.
"Where… am I?" she murmured, her voice laced with confusion.
Supporting herself, she sat up, her expression still dazed. Lin Ye's calm voice broke the silence.
"Don't you remember what happened?"
Hu Liena frowned, her mind clouded. After a moment of contemplation, her face shifted from confusion to alarm.
"Lin Ye! The blood bat—what happened to him? He captured me! Were you captured too? Where is this place? Where is he?" She scanned her surroundings, her tension palpable.
"He's dead," Lin Ye said flatly.
"Dead?" Hu Liena's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes. I killed him," Lin Ye replied, his tone steady.
Hu Liena froze, her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.
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