Chapter 51: The Emerald Jade Lizard and the First Soul Skill: Golden Lotus Bloom!
Given their tight schedule, the convoy resumed its journey toward Spirit City shortly after the broadcast ended.
In the recent broadcasts, Lin Yu obtained a Dragon Essence and the Golden Dragon Source. According to the system's instructions, Lin Yu could fuse with the Golden Dragon Source and then consume the Dragon Essence to awaken the Golden Saint Dragon spirit. However, due to his current circumstances—being in close quarters with Hu Liena on the carriage—he had no opportunity to do so. For now, he decided to wait for a better time to harness these resources to gain his new beast spirit.
After four or five more days of travel, the convoy finally reached the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest.
Since Lin Yu was born with innate full soul power, Hu Liena had planned for him to hunt a suitable soul beast in the forest and absorb its soul ring to become a full-fledged soul master. This way, they wouldn't have to make another trip after reaching Spirit City, saving valuable time.
"Xiao Yu, have you thought about what kind of soul beast you want for your first soul ring?" Hu Liena asked with a playful smile as they ventured deeper into the dense and shadowy forest.
"I'm thinking of a soul beast with healing abilities," Lin Yu replied thoughtfully.
Given the unique nature of his Chaos Green Lotus spirit, Lin Yu had inferred that its soul skills might allow him to manifest various innate treasures from within the spirit. Since his current strength was still relatively low, he didn't want to aim for something overly aggressive like a God-Slaying Spear. Besides, even if he tried, he might not be able to handle such a weapon at his current level.
After some consideration, Lin Yu decided that it would be best to manifest a skill related to the Golden Lotus, a treasure known for its healing and protective properties. Thus, his focus was on finding a soul beast with strong healing or restorative abilities.
…
Not long after entering the Star Dou Forest, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan located a Jade Greenwood Lizard, a soul beast around 400 years old, and captured it for Lin Yu.
The Jade Greenwood Lizard was a creature with emerald-like scales. Although it wasn't particularly strong in combat, its regenerative abilities were exceptional, enabling it to regrow lost limbs with ease. When threatened, it would often sacrifice its tail to distract predators, giving it time to escape—much like the geckos Lin Yu remembered from his previous life.
"Alright, Yue Guan has caught a Jade Greenwood Lizard with a cultivation of around 400 years and held it in place for you. Don't be afraid. Just kill it, and you can absorb its soul ring to become a soul master," Hu Liena encouraged Lin Yu, handing him a sharp dagger.
Taking the dagger, Lin Yu approached the lizard, which was about the size of a millstone, its translucent, jade-like scales glistening as it struggled and hissed. Though he had killed rabbits before, this was his first time facing such a large creature. Despite his nerves, Lin Yu gritted his teeth and thrust the dagger into the lizard's head.
Forgive me, Lin Yu thought. This world is one of survival of the fittest. If I don't kill you, someone else will. Better I use your power to grow stronger. Perhaps one day, I'll find a way for humans and soul beasts to coexist peacefully.
As the Jade Greenwood Lizard died, countless yellow light particles rose from its body, forming a yellow century-old soul ring above its corpse.
However, as the soul ring solidified, Hu Liena unexpectedly stepped forward, cutting off the lizard's tail with a sharp blade.
"What are you doing, Nana?" Lin Yu asked, surprised by her actions.
"Preparing dinner!" Hu Liena replied with a mischievous smile. "It's getting late, and it'll probably take you until morning to absorb the soul ring. We haven't had anything to eat today, and the lizard's tail is a rare delicacy packed with life energy."
"Really?" Lin Yu nodded in understanding.
So even in the early days, they ate soul beasts? Lin Yu mused. In the original series, this wasn't mentioned until much later. I guess the real world has its differences.
His thoughts were interrupted as the Jade Greenwood Lizard's soul ring fully formed. Following Hu Liena's instructions, Lin Yu sat down, summoned his Chaos Green Lotus spirit, and began absorbing the soul ring—a process that lasted until the next morning.
"How did it go? What's your first soul skill?" Hu Liena asked eagerly when Lin Yu finally opened his eyes, her beautiful face full of curiosity.
After all, she knew that Lin Yu's spirit was even stronger than Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan's Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. She couldn't wait to see what kind of skill would emerge from this powerful spirit.
"Let me check," Lin Yu said, standing up and activating his first soul ring.
As the yellow ring lit up, a lotus seed dropped from the lotus flower of his Chaos Green Lotus spirit. In a flash of golden light, the seed transformed into a golden lotus.
The story then hinted at Lin Yu's plans as he journeyed to Spirit Hall, emphasizing the strategic importance of gaining knowledge and resources there. This would not only allow him to disrupt Tang San's plans but also help him build connections with other forces. Despite these strategic motives, Lin Yu was determined not to get too close to anyone—especially Bibi Dong, whose presence he wanted to avoid to prevent blowing his cover. The chapter ended with the promise that Lin Yu's focus would soon shift to mastering his new environment and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Note: Upon reaching Spirit Hall, there will be a few chapters dedicated to Lin Yu interacting with key characters like Bibi Dong, Xie Yue, and Yan. The live broadcasts will resume afterward. Although joining Spirit Hall offers Lin Yu valuable resources and knowledge, it also serves as a means to further his plans against Tang San and his master. Rest assured, Lin Yu won't be subservient to anyone. He's keen on avoiding Bibi Dong for now to maintain his cover. Once settled in Spirit City, Lin Yu will focus on his studies and relationships, with the narrative gradually unfolding as he continues his journey.