The right leg soul bone melded into Ye Hao's body, its blue-gold radiance spiraling up his leg. A soothing, cool sensation spread through his entire body. Despite his previous experience with absorbing external soul bones, this was his first time absorbing a 100,000-year soul bone, and the process was astonishingly smooth, with no interruptions or difficulties.
As the absorption continued, Ye Hao's soul power flowed like a river, steadily surging into his right leg.
The morning sunlight streamed into the desolate cave. Outside, the once-lush forest was now a lifeless expanse. The Death Spider Emperor's venom had drained the vitality from the surrounding area, leaving a barren wasteland in its wake.
Inside the cave, Ye Hao opened his eyes and flexed his right leg, examining its new potential. On the surface, nothing seemed different.
The Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone granted two abilities:
Wildfire Cannot Destroy the Grass, It Grows Again With the Spring Wind: A regenerative ability that could restore even severe injuries by growing back damaged tissue.
Flight: An alternative means of aerial mobility.
Ye Hao chuckled, dismissing the latter ability. "I've already got my Six-Winged Purple Light Wings. Why would I need this?" Using it would only expose the soul bone's origin, practically announcing to Tang Hao, "I stole your wife's legacy."
"I'm not suicidal." He smirked.
Moreover, the absorption had pushed his soul power from level 34 to level 37. This significant breakthrough left Ye Hao immensely satisfied.
Having achieved his goal far sooner than expected, Ye Hao pondered his next move. "I've got five days left before my excuse runs out. Returning early feels awkward…"
He chuckled at the thought. "Why not tour the continent a bit? Maybe even visit Spirit Hall?"
Decision made, Ye Hao left the cave. He sealed the entrance with a boulder, ensuring no one would stumble upon its secrets. With a satisfied nod at his handiwork, he took to the skies, his purple light streaking across the horizon.
Spirit Hall, located at the crossroads of the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, was a majestic city in its own right. Its grandeur reflected the power of the institution it housed.
After a day and night of travel, Ye Hao finally arrived at the city gates. The towering walls and the distant Supreme Pontiff Palace atop its mountain perch inspired awe. Taking a deep breath, he strode forward.
Passing through the gates was a breeze. Presenting his Soul Master ID, Ye Hao was promptly admitted as a "free soul master." The guards likely assumed he was there to join Spirit Hall.
Spirit City might have been smaller than Heaven Dou City, but its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere rivaled any metropolis. The streets were filled with soul masters, their presence a testament to Spirit Hall's influence.
"Seventy percent of the continent's soul masters are aligned with Spirit Hall… No wonder they dominate." Ye Hao marveled at the scale of Spirit Hall's power.
Walking through the streets, he couldn't help but notice the stares. "Am I that handsome?" He chuckled to himself.
Stopping at a small noodle stall, Ye Hao ordered a bowl of noodles. Just as he was about to enjoy his first bite, the stall's atmosphere changed.
A commotion began as a fiery-haired man and a short-haired golden-haired woman appeared. Their presence immediately drew the attention of everyone on the street.
"Nana, you shouldn't be out alone. It's not safe!" The fiery-haired man exclaimed.
"I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself. And stop calling me Nana! Call me 'Saintess!'" The woman retorted.
"Whatever you say, Nana."
Their banter continued until they noticed a crowd gathered nearby. The fiery-haired man pushed his way through, barking at the onlookers.
"Make way! The Saintess is passing! Do you want to delay her business?"
The crowd dispersed reluctantly, revealing Ye Hao sitting at his overturned table, his noodles spilled across the ground.
The fiery-haired man's foot had upended Ye Hao's table. Still holding his chopsticks, Ye Hao stood silently, his expression darkening.
"You…" Ye Hao's voice was low and dangerous.
The man froze for a moment, his bravado faltering as he got a better look at Ye Hao. His features, his aura…
"The… Supreme Pontiff?"
The man's face paled as he took an unconscious step back.
Behind him, the golden-haired woman stared intently at Ye Hao. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "He looks just like the Supreme Pontiff…"
Ye Hao didn't bother explaining himself. His annoyance simmered beneath the surface as he slowly stepped forward. Three soul rings appeared at his feet: one yellow, two purple.
The crowd gasped.
"A hundred-year soul ring and two thousand-year soul rings?!"
"What kind of monster is this?"
"Is he one of Spirit Hall's geniuses? I've never seen him before!"
Then, a terrifying aura swept through the area as Ye Hao summoned the Death Spider Emperor behind him. Its eight legs loomed ominously, and its sinister presence sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.
Even the fiery-haired man trembled.
Ye Hao's voice was calm but carried a chilling weight. "Now, will someone explain to me why my meal was interrupted?"