Under Qian Daoliu's watchful gaze, a dark red bone blade slowly materialized on Ye Xi's arm. The blade gleamed with a chilling luster, clearly razor-sharp and deadly.
"This is… an external spirit bone?"
Qian Daoliu murmured to himself, but a hint of delight flashed in his eyes.
After all, external spirit bones were among the rarest and most exceptional of all spirit bones. Their value was on par with the highest-grade internal bones. What made them truly special was that their power scaled with the host's strength — the earlier one acquired one, the greater the long-term benefit.
In other words, external spirit bones never become obsolete.
As the sun rose and fell, Ye Xi's eyes slowly opened. She exhaled softly, then stood up from the ground. A yellow soul ring flickered beneath her feet.
After successfully absorbing the soul ring from the Bloodmist Mantis, Ye Xi's soul power had increased to level 15. She gained a soul skill called Blood Soul's Blessing, and also received a tremendous surprise — an external spirit bone: Bloodthirst Ancient Blade.
First Soul Skill: Blood Soul's Blessing – Upon activation, all attributes increase by 80%, immunity to all negative status effects, and instant healing of existing injuries.
External Spirit Bone: Bloodthirst Bone Blade – Increases attack power by 100%, ignores all soul skill defenses, and absorbs enemy blood to heal the user.
Ye Xi was absolutely thrilled with this outcome.
Just imagine — in battle, she could first activate Blood Soul's Blessing to boost herself, become immune to debuffs, and instantly heal. Then, draw the Bloodthirst Bone Blade and unleash devastating attacks that ignore defenses — all while recovering from injuries. It was practically flawless.
After retracting both her martial soul and external bone, Ye Xi walked toward Qian Daoliu with a faint smile on her refined face.
"Judging by your expression, I take it the soul skill you gained is pretty good?" Qian Daoliu asked gently.
"Yes, Grandpa. It's a very good skill — and incredibly useful too."
Ye Xi then explained the effects of her first soul skill and external bone.
Hearing this, Qian Daoliu nodded in approval.
"Though your first soul skill isn't offensive, it's a powerful buff skill. And with that external bone, your early-stage lack of offensive power is completely compensated for."
"When we return to the Worship Hall, I'll have the other consecrated elders take turns teaching you combat techniques. Their strength may not match mine, but each has their own specialties. You'll benefit greatly if you study earnestly."
Qian Daoliu took Ye Xi's hand and started leading her out of the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Don't worry, Grandpa," Ye Xi said seriously, meeting his eyes. "I'll study hard. I won't slack off."
After all, the Worship Hall elders were all Rank 95 and above. Being taught by them was a privilege few could dream of. There was no reason for Ye Xi not to be happy.
"Alright. Let's stop in a nearby city and get some proper rest first," Qian Daoliu smiled warmly. "Once we're well rested, we'll return to Spirit City."
"Okay, Grandpa," Ye Xi nodded in agreement. Though the carriage was comfortable, it still wasn't ideal for sleeping. And meditation couldn't replace real rest — she was already beginning to feel the fatigue.
The two exited the Star Dou Forest and reboarded their carriage, which sped toward the nearest city — Soto City.
Roughly an hour later, the carriage entered the city.
Ye Xi peeked out the window and spotted a clothing store by the roadside. Her deep blue eyes lit up.
"Grandpa, can we stop here for a bit?" she asked. "I haven't bathed in days. I want to buy a change of clothes and clean up once we find an inn."
Her sapphire-like eyes sparkled as she looked at Qian Daoliu.
"Of course," Qian Daoliu chuckled. He had the carriage stop in front of the store and handed Ye Xi a gold spirit coin card.
"Go ahead. Grandpa will wait here for you."
"I'll be right back," Ye Xi said, taking the card and heading into the shop.
Inside, she scanned the racks until a white long dress caught her eye. She had the staff take it down and paid with the gold card.
As she exited the store with the dress in hand, a young boy's voice called out nearby.
"Hi there! I'm Ma Hongjun. Can I get to know you?"
Ye Xi turned and saw a slightly chubby boy around her age approaching.
Ma Hongjun… one of the future Shrek Seven Devils? she thought silently, giving him a quick once-over before looking away and walking toward the carriage — completely uninterested.
"Wait! Even if you don't want to talk, can you at least tell me your name?" Ma Hongjun said, stepping in front of her and blocking her path. His gaze lingered far too boldly on her.
Ye Xi's doll-like face and refined features made it clear she would grow into a rare beauty, and Ma Hongjun had clearly taken notice.
"Move," Ye Xi said coldly, her voice icy with displeasure at his leering.
"You're angry?" Ma Hongjun grinned. "You're even prettier when you're mad."
Ye Xi didn't respond. Instead, she glanced toward the carriage where Qian Daoliu sat.
Qian Daoliu had already noticed the situation. After a moment's thought, he sent her a voice transmission:
"Xiao Xi, give him a lesson — treat it as practice."
He then quietly observed from the carriage.
He had his reasons:
As a Rank 99 Limit Douluo, stepping in to deal with a kid felt beneath him.
He had already sensed the boy's strength — newly awakened, and not even at Ye Xi's level.
And most importantly, this was a perfect opportunity for Ye Xi to gain real battle experience.
(End of Chapter)
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