Chapter 29: Absorption, Crystal Bear's Left Palm Bone

Transparent liquid poured into the palm of the hand, a cool sensation permeating into the bone marrow. However, this coolness quickly transformed into a sharp and burning sensation.

Cheng Xiao circulated soul power, entering the left hand along the three yin and three yang meridians, harmonizing the fusion of the external soul bone with the bones of his own.

The pain eased slightly, and the entire left hand became transparent. Muscles and blood vessels were visible, especially the bones enveloped by the liquid formed from the Crystal Bear's left palm bone, shining like diamonds.

A piercing itch crawled up Cheng Xiao's left hand, making him furrow his brow involuntarily, feeling increasingly restless.

Boom! Suddenly, the itch turned into an intense burning sensation, as if his entire left hand was immersed in molten lava. Indescribable pain began to assault Cheng Xiao's willpower.

"Ugh…"

Cheng Xiao grunted, holding his breath and adjusting his state.

The absorption of soul bones differed from soul rings. While the age of a soul ring was crucial, the quality was more important for soul bones. If the quality of a soul beast was exceptionally high, absorbing its soul ring might be just right, but fusing with its soul bone could fail due to its extremely high quality. That was the difference between soul rings and soul bones!

The Crystal Bear might not compare to the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear, but it was extraordinary, and its soul bone's quality was not lacking. Moreover, the Crystal Bear's age had already reached Cheng Xiao's limit, making its soul bone inherently dangerous.

Therefore, the absorption of the Crystal Bear's left palm bone would bring an unpredictable level of pain, something Cheng Xiao had anticipated.

Fortunately, he had awakened the shadow of the Crystal Bear earlier, and there were no lingering souls in its soul bone and soul ring. Thus, there would be no backlash during the absorption process.

As long as he endured the pain of replacing his bones, there would be no mistakes.

The scorching sensation raged like countless blades, slashing through Cheng Xiao's arm.

"Plop, plop, plop…"

The skin of his entire left arm began to crack, as if each crack was a bursting blood blister. In just a moment, his left arm was soaked in blood, presenting a gruesome sight.

The pain from the external soul bone caused Cheng Xiao to be drenched in sweat. His body temperature reached an astonishing level, and the evaporating sweat turned into a faint mist enveloping him.

Cheng Xiao's body spasmed from time to time, his small frame swaying as if he would collapse in the next moment, but he always steadied himself at the last possible moment.

Cheng Xiao's mental strength was already exceptional, having endured pain during the initial liberation of his martial soul. His resistance was naturally much higher, and with his terrifying perseverance, he managed to withstand the seemingly endless pain.

Time passed bit by bit, and the crystal-like liquid still enveloped Cheng Xiao's left hand bones, seemingly unchanged.

However, upon careful observation, one could notice that the fluctuation of the liquid was gradually becoming rigid.

Obviously, the initial difficulties had been overcome, and now it was entering the phase of fusion and solidification. Cheng Xiao's tightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and the burning sensation slowly faded.

Tai Chi soul power, continuously manipulated by Cheng Xiao, relentlessly hammered the bones that were undergoing fusion. The progress of fusion accelerated due to the refining of soul power, as the two opposing forces continuously clashed like folding and unfolding a steel wire.

"Crack!"

With a crisp sound, the increasingly stiff liquid finally solidified, crafting the entire left hand's bones into a transparent color resembling diamonds.

"Clap, clap, clap..."

The entire arm emitted a series of cracking sounds. In the next moment, Cheng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, and a relaxed smile appeared on his face. "It's done!"

Cheng Xiao stood up, raised his left arm, and saw the entire left hand now transparent, as if crafted from diamonds. The sharp, well-defined surface reflected a brilliant seven-colored rainbow.

The fingers became more slender, covered with sharp transparent claws, resembling five diamond blades that sparkled brightly in the sunlight.

"Hiss..."

Cheng Xiao waved his left hand, and the air emitted a hissing sound, indicating its outstanding cutting ability.

"Crack..."

Squinting, Cheng Xiao tested it on a nearby rock. He swung his hand down, and the claws left several fierce marks on the stone.

"It seems that the Crystal Bear's tearing ability is still a bit weak..."

Cheng Xiao thought, then activated soul power, infusing it into his left palm. A palm struck a giant tree that would require two people to embrace.

As soul power infused into the giant tree, it only trembled slightly. However, in the next moment, a layer of crystal appeared where Cheng Xiao struck. The crystal extended rapidly, and soon the entire giant tree turned into crystal.

Even the leaves turned into crystal, with the veins clearly visible under the sunlight. Looking up, the exquisite texture of the crystal giant tree captivated the heart, like an eternal work of art.

"Indeed, it has the crystallization ability of the Crystal Bear!" Cheng Xiao's eyes lit up.

Although this ability was not as extreme as the ultimate gold and ultimate ice, its effect was not inferior. As long as he activated soul power, he could turn living beings into crystal. Unless the soul power was strong enough, it was impossible to resist.

As Cheng Xiao's mind turned, the dazzling palm began to revert. The icy texture gradually faded, and the claws retracted, making the entire left hand look no different.

"Hahaha! It's worth it!" Cheng Xiao laughed.

The previous effort was not in vain!

"Hunting a soul beast to obtain a soul ring, it's time to go back."

Satisfied, Cheng Xiao prepared to leave the area.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, in his perception, a group of shadows entered the shadow realm. These shadows were not soul beasts but humans!

However, they were very unfamiliar, and Cheng Xiao had not encountered them before.

With several changes in expression, Cheng Xiao's gaze flickered a few times. He withdrew the shadow soul beasts guarding the surroundings.

Revealing the matter of the shadow soul beasts was not suitable at the moment. Unless there was a threat to his life, it was better to keep it hidden. Otherwise, if it piqued the curiosity of some Title Douluo, the initiative would no longer be in his hands. With the current small shadow legion of cats, it wouldn't even be enough to pick their teeth.

When his shadow legion became large enough to detain a powerful opponent, he could use this ability freely in front of others.

Retracting the shadow soul beasts, Cheng Xiao walked out of the concealed place. However, the group of people was extremely fast, and before Cheng Xiao could bypass them, they blocked his way.

"Dad, I told you not to bring her. Don't bring her. You just wouldn't listen! Instead of following us, she insisted on wandering alone, attracting a crazy bear. Isn't she just dragging us down..."

A cute complaining voice gradually approached, entering Cheng Xiao's ears. Cheng Xiao didn't have time to hide, and when he raised his head, the group of people had already arrived not far away.