Liu Erlong discovered a cave amidst the ice and snow, where she and Meng Bei found some eggs. Each took one and roasted it for food. Soon after, the rightful owner of the eggs appeared.
It was a *Clubtail Ice Armored Dragon*—an exceptionally rare soul beast.
This ancient creature is believed to have survived from the primordial era. It thrives in climates and environments that have remained relatively unchanged since ancient times, like the Extreme North. Unlike ordinary soul beasts, Clubtail Ice Armored Dragons are generally larger and resemble ancient dinosaurs, albeit smaller in size.
Standing over five meters tall, the dragon before Meng Bei and Liu Erlong was estimated to be over 5,000 years old. Despite its smaller height compared to some beasts, its upright posture and robust frame made it vastly different from creatures like the Mandala Snake that Tang San had once hunted. A Mandala Snake, despite being over four meters long, paled in comparison to the sheer presence of the dragon.
The dragon's body was covered in layers of crystalline, ice-like scales that provided incredible defense. Even when Liu Erlong struck it with her full strength, the dragon let out a pained cry, but only a handful of its scales shattered.
In retaliation, the Clubtail Ice Armored Dragon swung its long, powerful tail, aiming at Liu Erlong. Its tail, extending the dragon's overall length to over seven meters, was not only armored with hard scales but ended in a spiked club-like appendage, which was the source of its name.
Faced with the incoming tail, Liu Erlong stood firm. Her arms transformed into dragon claws, and she caught the tail's hammer-like end mid-swing. With a burst of strength, she yanked the dragon off its feet, slamming it to the ground.
The dragon roared and lunged at Liu Erlong, its jaws wide open. Undeterred, Liu Erlong activated her martial spirit, her body radiating flames as she delivered a flurry of powerful punches. Scales flew off the dragon's body as it howled in pain.
Despite the relentless assault, the dragon endured, its resilience remarkable. Its shorter forelimbs clung tightly to Liu Erlong, refusing to back down even after taking numerous blows.
Meng Bei, observing from a distance, noticed the dragon's tail was buried in the icy ground, transferring energy back into its body. This regenerative ability was why it could withstand Liu Erlong's relentless attacks.
Realizing the tail was the key, Meng Bei circled behind the dragon. With a blue-gold blade in hand, he struck swiftly, severing the tail cleanly.
The dragon let out an ear-splitting wail as blood gushed from the severed tail. Without its regenerative ability, the dragon could no longer withstand Liu Erlong's punches and collapsed to the ground.
"Well done, Meng Bei!" Liu Erlong praised. She hadn't seen his actions directly due to her position but applauded his contribution.
The dragon was visibly weakened now. Liu Erlong landed a series of powerful blows, each connecting solidly. With a final roar, the dragon fell to the ground, defeated.
"Meng Bei, come and finish it off to absorb the soul ring!" Liu Erlong called out.
Meng Bei nodded, drawing a long blade and preparing to strike at the dragon's eye socket.
Suddenly, a stone flew out from the shadows.
"Coward! You dare?" Liu Erlong roared.
Having been cautious after the Icefield Bear incident, Liu Erlong was prepared for interference. She deflected the stone with a single claw strike.
The assailant, realizing their sneak attack had failed, retreated immediately. Liu Erlong only caught a glimpse of a hooded figure vanishing into the snowstorm. They made no attempt to engage her, choosing to flee instead.
Enraged, Liu Erlong shouted, "How dare they!" Convinced the attacker was weaker than her, she transformed into her dragon form and gave chase.
"Be careful of a trap!" Meng Bei called after her, feigning concern.
"Don't worry! Stay in the cave and wait for me. I'll deal with them and return shortly," Liu Erlong replied dismissively before disappearing into the distance.
Meng Bei watched her leave, a sly smile playing on his lips.
The dragon beneath him let out a weak growl of resistance. Without hesitation, Meng Bei drove his blade into its eye, silencing it. A deep purple soul ring emerged from its body, hovering above.
He didn't absorb it immediately, choosing to wait for someone to guard him during the process.
After waiting in the cave for what felt like an eternity, Meng Bei grew restless. Finally, a hooded figure returned.
"Master, the task is complete. Liu Erlong has been trapped in the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Abyss," Tang Hao reported, removing his hood.
Meng Bei nodded approvingly, letting out a sigh.
"Don't blame me, Aunt Erlong. I'm only doing this because I want you. When I ascend to godhood, I'll bring you to the Divine Realm and ensure your eternal bliss."
Muttering this to himself, Meng Bei felt less guilty.
Tang Hao, standing nearby, couldn't help but comment, "Master, must you justify this? You're not exactly a saint. Doing bad things is practically expected."
Meng Bei paused, then broke into a smile.
"You're right, Uncle Hao. I was overthinking it. By the way, when we return, bring Aunt Ah Yin along. I'll find a way to revive her so she and Xiao Wu can serve me together. What do you think? You wouldn't object, would you?"
Tang Hao shook his head vehemently.
"Of course not. Though Ah Yin is my wife, you're my master. Whatever you wish is perfectly acceptable."
Pleased, Meng Bei patted Tang Hao's shoulder.
"Uncle Hao, I knew I could count on you. Now, keep watch while I absorb the soul ring. It won't last much longer."
Meng Bei sat cross-legged and began the absorption process. The soul ring turned out to be much stronger than he anticipated. Initially estimating its age at 5,000 years, he realized it exceeded 6,000 years—beyond the optimal range.
For ordinary soul masters, absorbing such a ring could be life-threatening. However, Meng Bei's enhanced physique, a result of his evolving martial spirit, made the process manageable.
Soon, the vast energy of the soul ring was fully absorbed. A brilliant purple ring settled around him.
The system chimed in:
*[Ding! Side quest complete. Soul ring age increased by 5,000 years.]*
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