Chapter 300: The Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Beast, Zhu Zhuqing’s Determination!

Su Ming was somewhat surprised. Dugu Yan's new spirit ability was similar to Zhu Zhuqing's Nether Shadow Clone in the original story, but much stronger. Although the illusions Dugu Yan produced lacked attack power, that wasn't the point. The ability's primary strengths were the speed boost and poison control. When Dugu Yan mastered the Heavenly Poison Manual, she might even surpass Dugu Bo.

Su Ming stepped forward and smiled, "Congratulations, Dugu Yan. This spirit ability suits you perfectly. By the way, what level are you now after absorbing the fourth spirit ring?"

Dugu Yan nodded slightly, "Level forty-nine!"

"What?!"

Everyone was shocked. She had just absorbed her fourth spirit ring and was already near level fifty! This was beyond their expectations.

Dugu Bo chimed in, "Yan Yan, this major boost is thanks to the Immortal Herb and the detoxifying technique from Su Ming. But remember, rising too fast can decrease your control over your soul power. You'll need some time to get accustomed to it."

Dugu Yan agreed; her soul power did feel a bit unruly from the sudden increase.

"All right, everyone, take a rest. Tomorrow, we'll continue looking for suitable spirit beasts for Rongrong and Zhuqing," Su Ming said with a grin.

"Old Monster, I'll leave the night watch to you!" Su Ming teased Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo sighed, "Fine, fine. I'll keep watch. You all get some sleep."

A few days later, they found a spirit beast suited for Ning Rongrong—a five-thousand-year-old armored beast. Though its age slightly exceeded the usual range, it posed no problem for her.

As expected, her fourth spirit ability matched the original story: a defensive boost. Her level also rose to forty-two, with her Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda now amplifying defense by fifty percent!

Now it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn. Su Ming hoped she'd gain a concealment-based ability, ideally one that also boosted her speed or attack. He considered Nether Shadow Clone from the original story to be of limited use since Zhuqing, as an agility-type spirit master, needed more than just multiple clones with weak attacks that exposed her to enemies.

An ability similar to the concealment techniques of Gu Rong or Ghost Douluo, allowing her to blend into the void, would be perfect.

However, finding a spirit beast with a chance of bestowing such an ability was challenging.

They had two options: a beast with both dark and spatial attributes, or one that used dark attributes with mastery in camouflage via illusions.

Su Ming recalled that spirit beasts like the Face Demon Spider, over fifty thousand years old, had concealment techniques, but such an age range was unsuitable.

After nearly a month of fruitless searching, Zhu Zhuqing finally approached Su Ming, looking troubled. "Su Ming, this spirit beast you're describing is too rare. Maybe we should wait until I'm stronger, and then we can search again. That way, the odds might be higher."

Su Ming was about to agree when he suddenly sensed something and his eyes sharpened. "Found it!"

Hearing this, Dugu Bo and the others quickly looked around but saw nothing.

Xiao Wu was confused, "Brother Su Ming, there's nothing here."

Su Ming chuckled, "Exactly, which means this spirit beast is exceptionally skilled in hiding. Old Monster, you felt it too, didn't you?"

Dugu Bo smirked, "Of course. I'm a Super Douluo, after all. Sensing a ten-thousand-year-old spirit beast is a piece of cake. But Su Ming, this one is way beyond the limit for a fourth spirit ring—it's five thousand years over! Are you sure your friend can handle it?"

"When a spirit beast exceeds ten thousand years, absorbing its spirit ring brings a remnant attack of resentment. Generally, spirit masters only have the mental strength to endure this at level fifty. Most choose a thousand-year ring for their fifth ring for safety."

"If she tries and fails, it could damage her foundation. Best case, she'd lose some power. Worst case…"

Su Ming was hesitant, but ultimately decided to leave it up to Zhu Zhuqing. Turning to her, he asked, "What do you think, Zhuqing?"

As expected, Zhu Zhuqing's gaze was firm. "Let me try, Su Ming. I'm determined to succeed! I need to grow stronger!"

"Zhuqing…" Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong looked worried.

Seeing her resolve, Su Ming sighed. "Fine, but if you're in danger, I'll help you as best as I can. The rest is up to you!"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. She knew the risk but didn't want to waste the month they had spent searching. Even if it was difficult for her, she had to try. She hadn't forgotten the upcoming Spirit Master Tournament, where she'd face Dai Mubai, Davis, and her sister Zhu Zhuyun. Her fourth spirit ability was crucial!

Dugu Bo was curious, wondering how Su Ming planned to help Zhu Zhuqing. He doubted she could absorb a ten-thousand-year ring on her own; he hadn't even dared let Yan Yan try.

But given the luck they'd had with the black mamba, Dugu Bo was content not to push his granddaughter towards a ten-thousand-year spirit ring. The risk was simply too great!

Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i will be finished uploading the whole series in patreon in a month or less, thanks for supporting me