Below 100,000 years, a soul ring grants one ability. A 100,000-year soul ring grants two abilities. Following this pattern, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion could guess that the Sky Dream Iceworm had granted four abilities.
"The fourth spirit ability is called Frost Domain: Emperor's Blessing. It's a purely support-type ability," Su Yu explained.
"Watch this."
As he spoke, Su Yu activated Frost Domain: Emperor's Territory again. The icy, snow-filled domain reappeared. Then, he activated Frost Domain: Emperor's Blessing, and suddenly the Three-Eyed Golden Lion felt everything around her change.
Everything within the domain was now within her perception, and she could see it all clearly.
"The effect of this ability is that it allows anyone within the domain to share my perspective," Su Yu explained.
"In a way, this spirit ability is incredibly powerful, especially for assisting teammates."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was impressed. The ability to share a perspective, like having a Heavenly Eye, was truly delightful.
It was only because she was so strong that Su Yu couldn't do much to her. Otherwise, in this domain, ordinary ten-thousand-year soul beasts wouldn't even be able to find him, let alone fight him.
"These four spirit abilities are all quite good," the Three-Eyed Golden Lion remarked, "but they seem a bit unworthy of the title of a million-year soul ring. I think your first spirit ability is still better."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was straightforward, always speaking her mind. Su Yu's first spirit ability was indeed powerful, almost godlike.
"These four spirit abilities can all evolve. Much of the million-year soul ring's energy is sealed. As my strength increases, the power and range of these abilities will grow," Su Yu explained with a smile.
"Ah, well, in that case, it's pretty great," the Three-Eyed Golden Lion said, finally understanding. No wonder—she had initially thought a million-year soul ring couldn't be so simple.
"Your strength has grown quite a bit," she said, happy for Su Yu.
"Maybe."
Su Yu smiled and then tapped her paw with his hand.
"Could you move your paw? Are you enjoying stepping on me or something?"
"You've ridden on my back so many times, what's wrong with me stepping on you once?" the Three-Eyed Golden Lion retorted, but she still moved her paw off him.
With a quick kip-up, Su Yu stood and brushed the dust off his clothes before smoothing her sleek fur.
"Come on, let's go out and have some fun," Su Yu suggested, wanting to relax after absorbing his soul ring.
"Alright, let's go!"
Hearing they were going out, her eyes lit up. She playfully bit Su Yu's arm, flicking it gently to toss him onto her back. Then, she transformed into a beam of golden light and disappeared.
Watching the pair vanish, Bi Ji smiled and shook her head. It seemed the soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest wouldn't have much peace today.
...
Time passed like water, and in the blink of an eye, several months had gone by.
Outside Star Luo City, at the Duke's Mansion, the back door on the north side quietly opened, and a small figure slipped out. It was a boy around eleven or twelve years old, with a well-proportioned build. He wore simple, clean gray clothes and carried a small bundle on his back. His short black hair was neat, and although his face wasn't particularly handsome, it radiated a determination beyond his years.
That boy was none other than Huo Yuhao, who possessed the Spirit Eyes martial soul.
After quietly closing the back door, Huo Yuhao walked quickly for a few steps before stopping and turning back to look at the Duke's Mansion. His deep blue eyes were filled with intense hatred.
"Mother, watch over me from the heavens. I swear, with my life, I will destroy the entire White Tiger Duke's Mansion and avenge you."
Huo Yuhao clenched his fists tightly, his heart filled with boundless resentment.
Several months had passed, and he was now eleven years old. He had finally raised his soul power from his Spirit Eyes martial soul to level ten. All he needed now was a soul ring to officially become a Soul Master—an achievement he had long dreamed of.
For this moment, he had worked tirelessly for five years.
Five long years. Do you know how he endured those years? Do you know?
His innate soul power was only level one. In the Duke's Mansion, even the children with the worst talent could become Soul Masters in three years at most. But not him. Despite training diligently for five years, he had only now reached level ten soul power. During that time, he had endured countless hardships and bullying, but he had never given up.
Now, having finally reached level ten, he no longer needed to stay in that detestable place.
"One day, I will return. I don't need to prove how amazing I am. I just want to take back what was taken from me—with my own hands."
"White Tiger Duke's Mansion, just you wait."
Huo Yuhao swore silently in his heart, his eyes slightly red as he left the mansion without looking back. He headed north, walking along the main road toward the Star Dou Forest, where he would hunt a soul beast and obtain his first soul ring.
...
Meanwhile, at the Lake of Life in the Star Dou Forest, Su Yu sat by a crackling campfire. He held a branch with two golden, roasted rabbits skewered on it. Golden oil dripped from the meat onto the fire, creating an enticing aroma.
Several months had passed, and Su Yu was now eleven years old. His strength had reached Rank 37 Soul Elder, just a step away from Rank 38. His progress had quickened after focusing more on cultivating his soul power.
At this pace, Su Yu estimated he could gain five levels in a year, an impressive feat considering how slow Ultimate Martial Souls usually progressed. This growth was thanks, in part, to his robust physical constitution, which reduced the strain of nurturing such a powerful martial soul.
Taking the roasted rabbits off the fire, Su Yu sprinkled them with cumin and chili powder. The rich, savory aroma filled the air as he roasted them a bit more.
"Alright, time to eat."
Su Yu handed one of the rabbits to the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, holding it up to her mouth.
"Eat it while it's hot. It's really tasty."
To his surprise, the usually eager Three-Eyed Golden Lion didn't seem interested. She stared at Su Yu with her golden eyes, and her voice carried a hint of reluctance.
"Are you going to leave the Star Dou Forest?"
A few days ago, Su Yu had mentioned wanting to go to the human world to study, and that he would be gone for a long time. She wasn't ready to let him go.
For the past five years, following Su Yu around and having fun had been the happiest time of her life. Su Yu would often go out, but it never lasted long—usually only a few months. This time, though, according to him, it would be at least a few years. She had grown accustomed to Su Yu's company (and his cooking), and she felt a deep reluctance to part with him.
Hearing this, Su Yu paused, then sighed softly.
"I have to get stronger, there's no other way. I've learned almost all there is to know about soul beasts. To continue growing, I need to study human knowledge. You don't know, but there are many top-tier experts among humans as well. Some of them are even Ultimate Douluo, capable of going toe-to-toe with Uncle Di Tian. If I don't work hard and get stronger, how will I protect you all in the future?"
This was a lie—or at least not entirely true. The real reason Su Yu was in such a hurry to leave the Star Dou Forest was because his newbie protection period was almost over. He couldn't risk letting a certain God King discover his connections to the Star Dou Forest. If that God King started scheming again, it could spell disaster. Worse still, he couldn't let the God King realize his identity among the soul beasts, or things would become dangerously complicated. With the power of the Dragon God within him, and being suspected of being the Dragon God reincarnated, the Divine Realm would never tolerate it.
"Hmph! I don't need your protection! If anything, I'll protect you!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion snorted, raising her head proudly.
Su Yu couldn't help but laugh, patting her head.
"Alright, alright, you'll protect me. You're the strongest."
"Come on, eat some roasted rabbit. This is a Soft-Boned Rabbit, its meat is tender and delicious," Su Yu said, offering the rabbit meat to her with a smile.
"Fine, I'll give you a face and eat a little," the Three-Eyed Golden Lion said, pretending to act superior, though her attitude made Su Yu want to laugh.
She opened her mouth and took half of the rabbit in one bite. The meat was indeed tender, and with Su Yu's excellent cooking skills, it was a true delicacy. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion ate seriously, but a trace of reluctance lingered in her golden eyes.
Su Yu also tore off a rabbit leg and ate heartily. After finishing two legs, he was nearly full, so he handed the rest to her, who quickly finished it off.
In no time, the two roasted rabbits were devoured by the man and the beast. Su Yu wiped the oil from her mouth with his sleeve, and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion stared at him, her golden eyes reflecting his image.
"Alright, it's not like I'm not coming back. I'll return when I get the chance," Su Yu said, understanding her feelings as he stroked her golden fur.
"Come back if you want, no one cares. Who needs you anyway?" the lion retorted defiantly, though her emotions said otherwise.
"Hehe," Su Yu chuckled, rubbing her soft, golden fur, finding it incredibly soothing.
"How about I give you a name?" he suggested with a smile.
"A name?"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion looked at him in confusion.
"Yes, I can't keep calling you Auspicious Emperor all the time. Look at Uncle Di Tian and the others—they all have names," Su Yu said gently.
Three-Eyed Golden Lion tilted her head, thinking for a long moment, then nodded.
"Alright, you can give me a name. But if it's ugly, I'm not accepting it."
Su Yu smiled.
"How about Di Mingli?"
"Di Mingli?"
She repeated, puzzled.
"You are the Emperor of Auspicious Beasts, so naturally 'Di' should be your surname. 'Ming' means the sun and moon, which shine over the world. You carry the fate of the Star Dou Forest, and your status among soul beasts is as exalted and radiant as the sun and moon in the sky. As for 'Li,' it symbolizes beauty—like 'liuli,' a beautiful, transparent material. You're the most stunning of all soul beasts, so it suits you."
As Su Yu explained, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion nodded in agreement.
"That... makes sense."
"Di Mingli, Di Mingli... From now on, I'll be called Di Mingli," she said, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement. She seemed satisfied with the name.
"Alright, from now on, I'll call you Mingli," Su Yu said, gently stroking her head. Di Mingli turned and nuzzled his face affectionately, a deep bond between them.
...
At the bottom of the Lake of Life, two figures appeared. One was a young man in a blue robe with white hair and blue eyes, the other a woman wrapped in a silver veil, with silver hair and purple eyes. Both were strikingly beautiful, almost otherworldly, though the white-haired boy still had a hint of youthfulness on his face.
"I heard from Di Tian that you're planning to leave the Star Dou Forest?"
Gu Yuena's silver hair cascaded down her waist, her features like a divine goddess.
"I plan to go to the human world to study. The human world has its unique aspects. Especially the soul tools—they're incredibly powerful nowadays. I have a feeling that in the future, soul tools might become mainstream. When that time comes, even beings like Uncle Di Tian could be fatally threatened," Su Yu said seriously. He wasn't exaggerating—soul tools were not to be underestimated.
"Are you serious?"
Gu Yuena asked, surprised.
Su Yu nodded firmly.
"In less than two thousand years, human weapons might be capable of killing gods."
Gu Yuena furrowed her brows.
"So, you want to go and learn about these soul tools?"
"I don't have to use them, but I can't afford not to know how," Su Yu replied. This was already part of his plan. He wasn't going to Shrek Academy—at least not yet. Who knew if that certain God King had set up traps for him there?
Moreover, he didn't want to help Shrek flaunt their power, especially during the upcoming Soul Master Tournament, where Shrek would bask in "The Glory of Shrek" while engaging in shady dealings. It would be far more interesting to join one of Shrek's rival forces and defeat them directly when the time came. Now that would be fun.