Third Discovery

Before she could execute the final blow to the Death Spider King, Zang Wei shouted, "Wait a second, Dong Dong! I have an idea to try!

I'll explain the reasons behind it later, but before you kill the spider, can you do something a bit...unusual? I need you to cut off its pedipalps, then stab its abdomen multiple times, and finally, separate its stomach from the spider."

Bibi Dong was taken aback, her eyes widening with shock, "H-How can you be so cruel, Smelly Wei?! Why would you want me to do such horrible things?"

Zang Wei maintained a serious expression, "You have to do it while summoning your martial spirit, the one you intend to choose for your spirit ring.

I can't assist you in this process; it has to be done by you alone. Use the scythe that our master gave you, Dong Dong."

Bibi Dong stared at Zang Wei, grappling with a mix of confusion and reluctance. The brutality of the task weighed heavily on her.

However, Jin Louyu, with his extensive knowledge, deduced Zang Wei's intentions.

Although this knowledge had only recently surfaced, and its validity was uncertain, it concerned spirit bones—rare and coveted treasures in the world of spirit masters.

Spirit bones were the remnants of a spirit beast's bones left behind after its death. Spirit beasts rarely dropped spirit bones, and the lower a spirit beast's cultivation, the less likely it was to produce one.

There were virtually no 10-year soul bones, a meager number of 100-year spirit bones, and relatively more 1,000-year and 10,000-year spirit bones. Yet, 100,000-year soul bones were exceptionally rare due to the scarcity of spirit beasts reaching that age.

A theory suggested that the probability of a spirit beast dropping a spirit bone could increase under specific conditions.

First, the spirit beast had to possess a rare bloodline that allowed it to reach at least 10,000 years of age. Second, the spirit beast needed to harbor a significant amount of resentment before its death.

Jin Louyu inquired directly, "Are you attempting to increase the likelihood of the spider dropping a spirit bone?"

Bibi Dong turned her gaze toward Zang Wei, her confusion deepening. "Is what Elder Jin Louyu said true, Smelly Wei?"

Zang Wei, initially surprised by Jin Louyu's awareness of his intentions, quickly realized that acquiring such knowledge wouldn't be difficult for the Spirit Hall's Archpriest.

With a nod, he confirmed, "Yes, Elder Jin Louyu. I believe this theory might hold some truth, and I want to put it to the test.

If I can replicate this process successfully a few more times, it might lead to groundbreaking research on spirit bones. Hehehe."

Bibi Dong still looked unsure, but Jin Louyu's presence and Zang Wei's conviction seemed to reassure her. She understood that this could potentially be a significant discovery, and if it worked, it might benefit them greatly in the future.

With a determined nod, she raised her hand, summoning her martial spirit, the Death Spider Emperor. The ominous scythe appeared in her grasp as she prepared herself for the unusual task at hand.

Zang Wei watched closely as Bibi Dong carefully followed his instructions. She chopped off the spider's pedipalps, stabbed its abdomen multiple times, and finally separated the stomach from the spider's body.

It was a gruesome sight, and the Death Spider King's struggles grew weaker with each action.

As Bibi Dong completed the process, she dealt the final blow by severing its head. Then a shimmering object appeared amidst the carnage!

It was a bone, translucent and exuding a faint spiritual aura. Jin Louyu's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized it.

"A spirit bone!" he exclaimed. "You've done it, Bibi Dong! Zang Wei, this means this theory hold some truth!

Quick, Bibi Dong, absorb the spirit ring and the spirit bone, don't worry about safety as I'll protect you."

Bibi Dong was taken aback but couldn't hide her excitement. Zang Wei might had indeed discovered a method to increase the probability of a spirit beast dropping a spirit bone.

It was a significant breakthrough that held immense potential. Then, she immediately went to absorb the spider's spirit ring. 

Their master had taught them how to do so during one of his lectures. In addition to that, their master also told them that Zang Wei's technique, Soul Resonance might be helpful in the spirit ring absorption process.

Thus, Bibi Dong focused on using the Soul Resonance in tandem with spirit ring absorption technique. 

Then, Zang Wei approached Bibi Dong and examined the spirit bone closely. It was a small but promising step towards unlocking the mysteries of spirit bones and enhancing their strength as Spirit Masters.

The future seemed brighter and brighter with this newfound knowledge.

With a grin, Zang Wei turned to Jin Louyu. "Thank you for accompanying us and teaching us valuable lessons, Elder Jin Louyu.

This experience has been invaluable, and we're grateful for your guidance."

Jin Louyu nodded with a satisfied smile. "You both have the potential to achieve great things.

Keep working hard and continue exploring the secrets of spirit beasts and spirit bones. The Spirit Hall's future is in capable hands."

Meanwhile, within Bibi Dong's mindscape, a fierce battle raged between her and her Twin Martial Spirits against the remnant soul of the Death Spider King. This was a Soul Shock, an occurrence that transpired after the death of a high-level spirit beast but before the complete dissipation of its soul, was a formidable challenge.

Only 10,000-year-old spirit beasts or those of higher age could leave behind a soul remnant.

But thanks to Bibi Dong's rigorous practice of the Yin Yang Complement technique, which had fortified her physique with abundant spirit energy, and the Soul Resonance, which had honed her mind with spiritual energy, she could endure the Soul Shock and prevent herself from descending into an idiot.

In her mindscape, the battle raged on. The remnant soul of the spider was indeed formidable, but Bibi Dong's determination was unwavering.

After a prolonged struggle, she sensed that the spider's remnant soul had weakened significantly, making it vulnerable.

However, a realization struck her like a lightning bolt. "Hold on a minute, this is the remnant soul of the spider, and my second martial spirit is the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor.

Doesn't that mean I might be able to devour this soul? Hm, let's give it a try! Only the bold reap the greatest rewards!"

With resolute determination, Bibi Dong activated the innate skill of her Soul Devouring Spider Emperor, known as Soul Devour. For the first time, the martial spirit seemed to come alive and emitted a spine-chilling screech.

The Death Spider King trembled, aware of its helplessness in the face of this power. It let out one final cry before being absorbed into the maw of the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor.

Then, emerging from her mindscape, Bibi Dong was filled with excitement and happiness. Her bold gamble had paid off, revealing that she could indeed devour the soul of a spirit beast and reap significant benefits from the act.

Her mindscape felt more robust than ever, and her spiritual energy had surged by more than twofold. She met Zang Wei's inquisitive gaze.

Zang Wei smirked as he asked, "So, how did it go? From the look on your face, it seems like a resounding success. Heh, I bet my Soul Resonance was a big help during the absorption process, right?"

Grateful for Zang Wei's assistance and currently elated about her newfound powers, Bibi Dong nodded, giving in to his boast, "Smelly Wei, your Soul Resonance did indeed contribute to the absorption of the spirit ring and made it easier for me to overpower the remnant soul.

Your technique is truly unique. Thank you for not being stingy and sharing it with me.

Em, thank you."

She expressed her gratitude but turned her head away from Zang Wei, who continued to bask in the compliments.

Jin Louyu then reminded her about the spirit bone, but Bibi Dong explained that she intended to absorb it after acquiring her second spirit ring. She realized that her cultivation had already broken through an entire realm, and she now stood at Rank 20!

She also sensed that there was still some untapped spirit energy left.

Jin Louyu was taken aback by her rapid progress and exclaimed, "Sigh, how can a cute little girl like you possess such devilish talent?"

Bibi Dong chuckled and turned to Zang Wei, proudly proclaiming, "Now, I'm at the same rank as you, Smelly Wei!"

Zang Wei playfully retorted, "Indeed, you are, Dong Dong. But don't forget, I haven't absorbed any spirit rings yet, hehehe."

Bibi Dong harrumphed in annoyance but couldn't hide her competitive spirit. "Just wait until I surpass you, humph!"

With newfound strength, the spirit bone in their possession, and a renewed sense of purpose, Zang Wei and Bibi Dong ventured deeper into the Great Star Dou Forest. Zang Wei was now eager to find a suitable spirit beast for his martial spirits, determined to match Bibi Dong's progress.

With the spirit bone in their possession and a newfound sense of purpose, Zang Wei and Bibi Dong venture deeper into the Great Star Dou Forest. Zang Wei now was eager to find a suitable spirit beast for his martial spirits!

...

Venturing deeper into the Great Star Dou Forest, Zang Wei's excitement continued to build. He was now even more determined to find a suitable spirit beast for his Twin Martial Spirits, and with Bibi Dong's newfound strength, they felt more confident in their abilities.

As they explored the dense forest, they encountered various spirit beasts, some weaker and some stronger. Zang Wei observed each one closely, analyzing their characteristics and compatibility with his martial spirits.

Bibi Dong also seemed more eager to assist searching for his spirit ring, her confidence soaring after successfully absorbing her first spirit ring and experiencing the benefits of her newfound power. She knew that together with Zang Wei, they could achieve great things.

Jin Louyu, their wise and experienced guide, watched over them with a proud smile. He had witnessed their growth over these several days and was confident that they had the potential to become exceptional Spirit Masters.

They had accumulated a lot of knowledges through out the years in the Spirit Hall Academy and now they were using that knowledge to solidify their understanding.

Hours turned into days as they searched for the perfect spirit beast. Zang Wei's criteria were specific; he wanted a spirit beast that could enhance both his spirit energy and spiritual energy simultaneously.

Such a combination was rare, but he believed it was possible.

Finally, after days of exploration, they stumbled upon a spirit beast that seemed to fit the bill. It was a massive creature known as the Three-headed Black Hydra, a formidable three-headed, draconic spirit beast with six thin, black wings that each ended in two points on its back.

Its body was primarily dark blue, with black fur covering its necks and shoulders. The inner fur surrounding its heads was fuchsia in color, resembling collars.

Three-headed Black Hydra's heads had black eyes; the main head additionally had fuchsia pupils and visible pointed teeth, while the secondary heads' eyes were simplistic and unable to blink.

Its abdomen had two fuchsia stripes, and its feet appeared atrophied, lacking claws or defined soles. Its tail also sported a fuchsia stripe and ended with a black tuft.

Zang Wei's eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed at the Three-headed Black Hydra. He turned to Bibi Dong and Jin Louyu, his voice filled with determination.

"This is it! This Three-headed Black Hydra is the one I've been looking for. Its attributes align perfectly with my Death Aura Axe.

With this spirit beast, I can further enhance my physique and get a suitable spirit skill for my martial spirit."

Bibi Dong nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the same thought with Zang Wei. Jin Louyu gave them both an approving nod, acknowledging their choice.

"Then, let us be quick. After all, we also need to find some spirit beasts at your level so both of you can experience fighting them."