Chapter 17: Third Soul Ring

The dense forest canopy filtered sunlight onto the ground as we ventured deeper into the hunting grounds. This time, our target was far more dangerous, a 10,000-year Pit Demon Spider. Its reputation for cunning and ferocity made it a formidable adversary, but it was exactly what I needed to push myself to the next level.

Dugu Bo's expression was serious as we moved through the underbrush. "A 10,000-year-old spirit beast isn't a joke, Bei. Even with your abilities, you'll have to be extremely careful."

I nodded, my resolve unwavering. "I'll be fine, Grandpa. I've prepared for this."

Uncle Xin chimed in, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We're close. The energy fluctuations in the air… it's unmistakable. It's nearby."

We didn't have to wait long. A massive form emerged from the shadows ahead, its eight glowing red eyes locking onto us. The Pit Demon Spider was enormous, nearly twice the size of the previous spiders I'd faced. Its carapace was a deep obsidian, glistening with a faint crimson hue that hinted at the toxic power coursing through its body. Its legs, jagged and sharp, dug into the earth with each deliberate step, and a faint hiss escaped from its mandibles as it regarded me.

"This one's not going to go down easily," Uncle Xin murmured, gripping his weapon tightly.

"Step back," I said firmly, my voice steady despite the rapid pounding of my heart. "This is my fight."

Dugu Bo hesitated but finally nodded. "We'll be watching."

I stepped forward, activating my martial spirit. The familiar dark green lances sprouted from my arms, their sharp tips gleaming menacingly. My two purple soul rings glowed in tandem, their energy bolstering me. The Pit Demon Spider let out a low, guttural growl and charged, its speed belying its massive size.

I activated my first soul skill, Venom Thread Bind. The green threads shot from the tips of my arm lances, weaving a net aimed at the spider. The threads struck true, wrapping around its front legs and halting its charge momentarily. The venom seeped into its body, weakening it, but the beast's sheer strength was astonishing. With a violent shake, it tore through the bindings and lunged again.

Ducking under its swipe, I countered with my Eight Spider Lances. The sharp lances pierced its side, but its hardened carapace resisted most of the damage. A sickening screech escaped its mandibles as it retaliated, spinning rapidly and unleashing a wave of venomous webbing. I leaped back, narrowly avoiding the sticky trap, but the spider didn't relent.

Its next attack came fast and hard. Using its legs like spears, it struck with precision, forcing me on the defensive. I activated my second soul skill, Arachnid Shell, and a translucent barrier of green energy enveloped me. The spider's strikes bounced off the enhanced defense, buying me precious seconds to strategize.

"It's fast," I muttered, circling the beast. "But it's not invincible."

The spider hissed, its legs scraping against the ground as it prepared another charge. This time, I took the offensive. Using the Eight Spider Lances as leverage, I propelled myself upward, launching into the air above the beast. With a downward thrust, I drove the lances into its back. The impact was powerful, but the carapace held firm. The spider reared up, throwing me off, and I landed roughly a few feet away.

"Is that all you've got?" I taunted, rising to my feet. The spider's eyes glowed with fury as it unleashed a flurry of attacks, its legs striking like thunderbolts. I dodged and countered, each exchange pushing me to my limits.

Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity. Sweat dripped down my face as I continued to press the attack, using my abilities in tandem. The venom from my threads was starting to take effect, slowing the spider's movements slightly. I saw an opening and took it.

With a surge of energy, I activated Venom Thread Bind again, this time targeting its mandibles. The threads wrapped tightly, and the venom seeped into its system, weakening it further. I followed up with a devastating strike from my Eight Spider Lances, aiming for the joints of its legs. This time, the lances pierced through, severing one of its limbs. The spider let out a piercing shriek, its movements becoming erratic.

"Almost there," I muttered, steeling myself for the final blow.

The spider lunged again, but its strength was waning. I sidestepped the attack and leaped onto its back, driving my lances deep into its carapace. The venom coursing through its body had weakened the shell enough for me to penetrate. With a final, powerful thrust, I struck its core, and the spider let out one last, deafening cry before collapsing.

The clearing fell silent, save for my labored breathing. I pierced its body one more time with my Eight Spider Lances , watching as the spider's body began to emit a faint glow. The energy from its corpse was drawn into my Eight Spider Lances, their dark green hue intensifying as they absorbed the power. I could feel that the absorption rate was far greater as Tang San described it. It probably has to do with my Martial Soul, the Poison Devouring Spider Emperor seems to be good at devouring far more than just poison. 

With the absorption complete, I sat cross-legged on the ground, focusing my mind. The black soul ring hovered above what was left of the spider's body, the little part that wasn't absorbed, pulsating with a deep, ominous energy. Taking a deep breath, I guided the ring toward me, allowing it to merge with my body. The sensation was unlike anything I had experienced before. My martial spirit surged, changing and strengthening in ways I couldn't fully comprehend.

Dugu Bo and Uncle Xin watched anxiously from the sidelines, their expressions tense. They could sense the powerful fluctuations in my energy, and it unsettled them.

As the absorption process neared its end, I felt a final, intense burst of energy. My body trembled as everything settled, and for a moment, everything went silent. Then, I opened my eyes, a wide smile spreading across my face.

"I did it," I said, my voice filled with exhilaration. "And I've gained more than I expected."

Dugu Bo stepped forward, his eyes scanning me carefully. "What do you mean?"

I didn't answer immediately, letting the anticipation build. I could feel the changes within me, the newfound power that had taken root.