"This can't be blamed on the young master. Today is his first day of battle, and with such a performance, it's already quite impressive."
Defeating both the Lightning Leopard and the Elephant Rhino—two hundred-year soul beasts—is already an exceptional achievement for a soul master experiencing their first real fight.
A hundred-year soul beast is something that even the best academies on the continent struggle to train their first-ring soul masters to handle alone.
Facing a hundred-year soul beast solo would require even a genius to have the cultivation level of a soul grandmaster to be confident.
"And don't forget, the young master hasn't even used his martial soul yet."
Bi Ji chuckled softly.
"That's true. But what exactly is his martial soul?" the Three-Eyed Golden Lion asked curiously.
A human becoming the young master of soul beasts—this is something unprecedented.
"You'll find out soon," Bi Ji murmured, looking at the battlefield not far away.
...
In the forest, Su Yu was engaged in battle with a Tiger Demon Cat.
It was a small, green-furred lynx, no longer than two feet in length.
Faint tiger stripes could be seen on its body, and its eyes were reddish-purple, radiating ferocity.
The Tiger Demon Cat was a common feline soul beast.
It was highly aggressive.
With both wind and darkness attributes, these traits contributed to its powerful attacks.
The Tiger Demon Cat had small wings on its ribs, too small for flight, but they allowed it to change direction mid-air during high-speed movements.
The Tiger Demon Cat was extremely agile, which was why, after battling for so long, Su Yu still hadn't been able to land a hit.
"Ugh!"
Su Yu exhaled heavily, his expression serious.
The Tiger Demon Cat was incredibly slippery. Despite swinging his hammer with precision, he still couldn't touch the creature.
Su Yu knew that if this dragged on, he would likely end up at a disadvantage.
"No choice then."
Muttering to himself, Su Yu's body suddenly erupted with a flash of icy blue light.
A layer of white frost gradually spread within a two-meter radius around him, and behind him, a figure in an ice-blue imperial robe appeared.
At his feet, a purple soul ring shimmered and rippled around him.
The Tiger Demon Cat, upon sensing Su Yu's sudden change in the aura, became cautious, its reddish-purple eyes filled with alertness.
Its back arched high, and its sharp claws glowed with a blue-green hue.
Staring at Su Yu, it assumed an attacking posture.
Moments later, its eyes flashed with a fierce light as it lunged, leaving only a blur behind.
Su Yu, however, didn't swing his hammer again. In an instant, the purple soul ring flashed, and the Tiger Demon Cat was instantly frozen into an ice sculpture, falling from the air.
It had been defeated in a single move!
"This…"
Even Bi Ji and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, who had been watching from the sidelines, were visibly surprised.
In just an instant, the Tiger Demon Cat had been subdued.
"Aunt Bi Ji, you can come out now."
Su Yu exhaled slowly and called out behind him.
Upon hearing this, Bi Ji, accompanied by the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, came over to Su Yu's side.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion curiously circled the ice sculpture of the Tiger Demon Cat, a look of surprise flashing in her golden eyes.
"Such a low temperature… It's the Ultimate Ice," the Three-Eyed Golden Lion remarked with some astonishment.
As a divine beast possessing the Golden Dragon bloodline, she also had the attributes of Ultimate Light and Ultimate Fire.
In terms of attributes, she was unmatched.
However, Su Yu's ice gave it the feeling that, in terms of quality, it was entirely comparable to her Ultimate Fire.
She could now confirm that Su Yu possessed the attribute of Ultimate Ice.
"How did you do it?"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion looked up at Su Yu, curious.
Even with Ultimate Ice, this level of performance was astonishing.
Before using his martial soul, the battle had been so difficult.
But after activating his martial soul, he had instantly secured victory.
The contrast was too stark.
Su Yu smiled slightly and replied, "My first soul skill is called Ice: Emperor's Decree."
"Just like an emperor issuing a divine decree, it activates instantly. Once triggered, it has a 100% hit rate, and the target is forcibly frozen."
"Enemies whose soul power does not exceed mine by more than two levels will be frozen for three seconds. For those exceeding two levels, the freezing duration depends on their cultivation."
"I don't know exactly what kind of feline soul beast this is, but it should be a hundred-year soul beast."
"A hundred-year soul beast, especially one with agility, would have no chance of breaking free once frozen."
Indeed, after being hit by Ice: Emperor's Decree, the target would be forcibly frozen for three seconds.
But whether or not they could break free immediately afterward would depend on the specific situation.
After all, Su Yu's attribute was Ultimate Ice, and breaking free from the freezing effect of Ultimate Ice was not easy.
At least, this Tiger Demon Cat couldn't.
"Instant activation, guaranteed hit, and forced freezing—what a powerful soul skill."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
The effect of this soul skill was truly terrifying.
Did that mean that once it was cast, the opponent would be controlled?
"Does it consume a lot of soul power?" the Three-Eyed Golden Lion asked.
"Not too much. With my current soul power, I can use it about ten times without any issue."
Su Yu smiled as he replied.
"Godlike skill!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's eyes widened in disbelief. Such an incredible ability, and yet the consumption wasn't even that high—this soul skill was simply absurd.
Only the term godlike could describe it.
"Indeed, this skill can be considered godlike. At the same level, or even against someone one rank higher, with this soul skill, you could easily dominate."
Bi Ji also praised.
Su Yu smiled faintly but said nothing. Was this already considered a godlike skill?
This skill could grow stronger as the soul ring's age increased.
In other words, as the soul ring's age increased, the forced freezing duration would also lengthen.
That was the effect of his first soul skill, Ice: Emperor's Decree.
As the origin soul ring of his Heaven-blessed Martial Soul, how could it be anything less than extraordinary?
Only an effect like this was worthy of the dignity of the Heaven-blessed Origin Soul Ring.
Of course, no soul skill is invincible.
Abilities like purification, immunity, or invincibility skills could counter Ice: Emperor's Decree.
But then again, how many people in the world possessed such soul skills?
With Ice: Emperor's Decree alone, Su Yu could already be considered an outstanding control-type soul master.
Of course, Su Yu wasn't only focused on control. His development path with his Ice Emperor Martial Soul was a combination of strong offense and control.
Both control and output—this was the true way.
Focusing purely on control would waste the potential of the Ice Emperor Martial Soul.
"Truly an astonishing soul skill."
Once again, Bi Ji sighed in admiration. She glanced at the sky, where the setting sun painted the horizon with brilliant fiery clouds.
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's call it a day for your training."
Su Yu nodded. After fighting for so long, he was indeed quite tired.
"Yes, let's head back."
Bi Ji smiled gently as she led Su Yu and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion back to the core area.
Night had fallen, and in front of the Lake of Life, a bonfire flickered.
A person and two beasts sat around the fire. In the sky, the moon was bright, and the stars twinkled.
Su Yu held a bamboo skewer, on which a three-foot-long rabbit roasted, sizzling with oil.
Golden drops of fat dripped from the rabbit, releasing a rich, tempting aroma.
Su Yu took out some spices and chili powder from his soul guide device, sprinkled them over the meat, and gave it a few more turns over the fire, releasing an even more mouthwatering fragrance.
"That should do it."
Su Yu took the bamboo skewer back, sniffed the rabbit meat lightly, and couldn't help but praise, "Tsk tsk, smells amazing."
"Aunt Bi Ji, have some."
Su Yu tore off a rabbit leg and handed it to Bi Ji.
Bi Ji chuckled as she accepted it.
Su Yu then waved the roasted rabbit in front of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion and teased, "Do you want to eat it? Hehe... Whoa!"
Before Su Yu could finish his laugh, he immediately let out a yelp.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion opened her mouth, grabbed the entire rabbit, and bolted away.
Her swift, graceful figure turned into a streak of golden light and disappeared in a flash.
"What the—!"
"Get back here!"
Su Yu quickly stood up and jumped in frustration, chasing after her.
But how could he possibly catch up with the speed of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion? In no time, he had lost track of her.
"Alright, alright, so that's how you want to play it, huh?"
Su Yu muttered to himself, reluctantly turning back.
He hadn't walked far when a golden light reappeared.
Su Yu turned his head and saw that it was none other than the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion sped toward Su Yu, moving so fast that before he could react, she bumped into him, knocking him flat on his backside.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion dropped a pile of bones in front of him, her golden eyes filled with playful mischief.
She covered her mouth with its paw and let out a couple of chuckles before swaggering off.
Its smug demeanor made Su Yu feel both angry and amused.
"This girl holds a grudge."
After a moment, Su Yu couldn't help but laugh.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was getting back at him for teasing her earlier in the day.
She sure didn't wait long for payback.
"Alright, alright, there's still plenty of time in the future. Let's see who can outplay the other."
Su Yu snorted, then patted his backside and returned to the Lake of Life.
...
On the Douluo Continent, in the Divine Realm...
In a majestic temple, a figure stood quietly.
He had long, azure blue hair that flowed down to his feet like a waterfall. Just from looking at him from behind, it was hard to tell whether he was male or female.
He wore an extravagant blue robe.
The robe seemed to ripple like water, emanating an endless, deep blue hue.
His face was stunningly handsome, almost resembling a woman's. In his deep, profound eyes, a faint purple light occasionally flashed.
He gazed down at the mortal realm, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Six years ago, the Douluo Continent gave birth to a rising star. But soon after, an even more brilliant star suddenly appeared, shining with unparalleled brilliance."
"This newly emerged star possesses immense luck and fortune, and will surely have a significant impact on Divine Realm in the future."
"As the God King of the Divine Realm, how can I sit idly by? I must guide him properly, ensuring he follows the right path."
"Yet, six years have passed, and it seems as though a veil of fog surrounds him. I can't even confirm his identity, let alone investigate matters related to him."
"Could it be that the Will of the Douluo Continent is intentionally concealing him?"
The man in blue snorted coldly, a trace of killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Third Brother!"
A gentle voice called out, and a figure stepped out from the void, appearing beside the man and gently wrapping her arm around his.
It was as if she had done this countless times before—so familiar.
She was a woman dressed in a pink gown, her long hair braided into a scorpion-tail braid that hung down her back.
From the side, one could see her elegant, slender, fair neck. The waist of her gown hugged her tightly, perfectly outlining her enchanting figure.
"Xiao Wu!"
The man turned his head slightly. The killing intent in his eyes faded, replaced by a deep affection as he gazed tenderly at the woman beside him, his eyes full of love.
This man was none other than the Sea God and Asura God, known as the God King—Tang San.
"Third Brother, why are you suddenly so angry?"
"Is it because of something on the Douluo Continent again?"
Xiao Wu leaned against Tang San, her tone full of concern.
Tang San gently rubbed Xiao Wu's head and said, "It's nothing. It's just that a new star has emerged in the lower realm."
"I tried to see things clearly, but there seemed to be a thick fog obscuring my vision. I just hope that everything will develop in a good direction."
Tang San sighed deeply, his expression full of concern for the future of the Divine Realm and the Douluo Continent.
"Since you said he's a new star, he must be a good candidate. If he could help Third Brother restore the Tang Sect, that would be wonderful."
"Ever since the clash between the Sun-Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent, soul tools have become popular, and the Tang Sect has been in decline."
Xiao Wu sighed as well, feeling sad for Tang San.
After all, Tang San had single-handedly founded the Tang Sect.
"Hopefully. But as I observe the heavens, I can tell that the Tang Sect's fortunes haven't run out yet. There is still a chance for it to flourish once again."
Tang San spoke with confidence.
After all, how could the illustrious Tang Sect, with its powerful hidden weapons, truly fall into decline?
It was all because the descendants weren't living up to expectations. The Tang Sect's hidden weapons had never been inferior to others.
Even if soul tools were advanced, how could they compare to the intricate craftsmanship of the Tang Sect's hidden weapons?
After all, hidden weapons were so finely crafted.
If someone could still create something like the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus or the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles, the Tang Sect would surely not have fallen to its current state.
"You're right, Third Brother. The Tang Sect will rise again."
Xiao Wu gazed at Tang San adoringly, completely believing in his words.
Whatever Third Brother said was always right.
Tang San smiled faintly and gently pinched Xiao Wu's cheek. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt as if something was missing.
He looked down and realized that his pants were gone.
A light breeze blew by, and he felt a slight chill.
After a moment of stunned silence, an enraged roar suddenly erupted, startling Xiao Wu beside him.
"Who did this?!"
Tang San roared, his previous elegance and nobility gone, replaced by a ferocious anger that even frightened Xiao Wu.
She quickly looked down and widened her eyes in shock.
"Third Brother!!!"
Xiao Wu gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Hmph, it must be you, God of Destruction."
Tang San snorted coldly. In the Divine Realm, the strongest were the Five God Kings.
And among them, the only one with both the ability and the motive to pull such a prank on him was likely the God of Destruction.