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Chapter 72: Metamorphosis
"Screech!!!"
A piercing screech, like a sharp object scraping across glass, rang out.
Zhu Zhuqing's claws raked viciously across the soul power barrier, producing a grating sound. She retreated the instant she made contact, her figure vanishing in a flash.
Ye Cheng looked at the five gray claw marks on the soul power barrier, clearly sensing the dense, evil aura emanating from them.
Evidently, after integrating the talent of the Dark Devilgod Tiger, Zhu Zhuqing's claw attacks were now imbued with the power of the evil attribute. The increase in her attack power and destructive force was immense.
Seeing that her attacks couldn't break Ye Cheng's soul power barrier, Zhu Zhuqing used her second soul skill directly. In an instant, her body split into three black shadows, which immediately launched an attack on him.
The three shadows attacked different parts of his body, but they all focused their sharp claws on a single point, striking the same spot repeatedly.
"Clones, and the tactic of concentrating your attack to break through at a single point. Not bad."
Feeling the three shadows continuously attacking the same spot and causing the soul power barrier to rapidly weaken at that point, Ye Cheng nodded in praise.
It was hard to tell how many times she had attacked.
Finally, her soul power was depleted. Two of the three shadows vanished, leaving only her main body, which came to a halt.
Even so, the soul power barrier Ye Cheng had casually erected was still intact. However, a thick layer of it had been worn away.
"What's wrong? Why don't you use your third soul skill?" Ye Cheng asked, puzzled, seeing Zhu Zhuqing stop her attack.
"Teacher, my third soul skill is purely defensive." Zhu Zhuqing shook her head and said, "The skill is called Evil God's Protection. It can release a protective shield that envelops me, defending against all external attacks."
"What's its upper limit?" he asked.
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment and said, "I'm not sure what its upper limit is, but I'm certain that at least a Soul King could never break through it!"
"Then we'll test it out properly in the future."
Ye Cheng didn't press the matter, changing the subject instead. "Have your first two soul skills changed at all?"
"Teacher, both soul skills have changed a great deal!"
Prompted by his question, Zhu Zhuqing immediately grew excited and eagerly began to explain.
First was her first soul skill.
Originally, Zhu Zhuqing's first soul skill, Nether Thrust, would instantly double her speed, allowing her to quickly assassinate enemies with her claws. The emphasis was on the 'sudden' aspect, meaning it was only a brief burst of acceleration that couldn't be maintained.
But now, things were different.
Once she activated the soul skill, her speed didn't just increase threefold from its original base—that threefold increase could now be maintained for a long time. This was absolutely monstrous!
With such an effect, the skill could no longer be called Nether Thrust.
Zhu Zhuqing felt this soul skill should be called... Shadow Assault!
As for her second soul skill, Nether Hundred Claws.
As the name suggested, this soul skill originally relied on the body's rapid rotation and the sharp, penetrating nature of her claws to launch a hundred attacks on the same part of an enemy in an extremely short time. Furthermore, all attacks launched during this period carried a piercing effect. As long as she could leave a wound, no matter how shallow, her soul power could seep inside and destroy her opponent's internal meridians.
This already impressive soul skill, after being further enhanced by the power of the Evil God Orb, had unexpectedly gained the ability to create clones. It could conjure phantom clones possessing a portion of her own strength to assist in her attacks. At the same time, it could confuse enemies, making it difficult for them to discern which was her main body.
There was no upper limit to the number of clones this soul skill could create. Theoretically, as long as she had enough soul power, she could make as many as she wanted. However, the more clones she made, the weaker each one would be, and they would also become extremely fragile. The slightest attack would cause them to dissipate.
Furthermore, the more clones Zhu Zhuqing created, the greater the mental effort required. After all, without her control, these separated clones were just immobile puppets, completely devoid of any attack power.
In her current state, simultaneously controlling two clones was already her limit. To control more, she would have to wait until her strength improved, or she would need to fuse with a soul bone that could enhance her spiritual power.
In summary, the focus of the second soul skill's effect was no longer on the 'hundred claws' but on the clones. Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing renamed this soul skill—Phantom Clone!
It had to be said, the Dark Devilgod Tiger's Evil God Orb was truly an extraordinary treasure. After Zhu Zhuqing absorbed it, not only did her martial soul successfully undergo a transformation, but even the soul skills from her first two soul rings were enhanced as well.
The current Zhu Zhuqing finally possessed the true aptitude to become a god!
In the original story, although she also achieved godhood, it was purely by riding on Tang San's coattails. Judged on aptitude alone, even after consuming an immortal herb, Zhu Zhuqing was still far from qualified to ascend. At best, she could have become a Titled Douluo, and the kind who could never break past level 95.
Ultimately, her inherent foundation was simply too poor. Even with an immortal herb to compensate, it was futile.
After testing her soul skills and getting a basic understanding of the various changes to Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul, the trio had essentially accomplished their purpose for coming here.
However, Ye Cheng wasn't in a hurry to lead the two girls out of the Star Dou Great Forest. After all, it was a rare opportunity... He decided to collect some soul bones in this largest gathering place for soul beasts on the entire continent. Relying on the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower's treasure-appraisal ability, if he focused his senses completely, he could vaguely perceive the direction of any 'treasure' within a certain range.
And once he got close enough, Ye Cheng could tell with a single glance whether a soul beast had a soul bone inside it. For him, the Star Dou Great Forest was like a personal bank from which he could make a withdrawal at any time.
He couldn't bring himself to go after 100,000-year soul bones. As for those younger than 100,000 years, he looked down on the ones that were merely ten, twenty, forty, or fifty thousand years old. However, they were perfect for exchanging for resources.
Besides, if these soul bones were used to reward his subordinates, it would be a tremendous gift. They were definitely excellent treasures for winning people's loyalty.
Therefore, for a multitude of reasons, Ye Cheng had no intention of leaving the Star Dou Great Forest empty-handed.
"Brother, are we going back now?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"No, it's not every day we get to come here. I plan to collect some local specialties in this forest," Ye Cheng shook his head.
"Local specialties?" Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a bewildered look. Did the Star Dou Great Forest even have local specialties?
"You'll see in a bit."
Ye Cheng didn't explain. He raised his left hand and summoned his Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower martial soul. Then, he focused his mind and began to activate his martial soul's treasure-hunting ability.
An ordinary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower certainly didn't have this kind of treasure-hunting ability.
(end of chapter)
"Screech!!!"
A piercing screech, like a sharp object scraping across glass, rang out.
Zhu Zhuqing's claws raked viciously across the soul power barrier, producing a grating sound. She retreated the instant she made contact, her figure vanishing in a flash.
Ye Cheng looked at the five gray claw marks on the soul power barrier, clearly sensing the dense, evil aura emanating from them.
Evidently, after integrating the talent of the Dark Devilgod Tiger, Zhu Zhuqing's claw attacks were now imbued with the power of the evil attribute. The increase in her attack power and destructive force was immense.
Seeing that her attacks couldn't break Ye Cheng's soul power barrier, Zhu Zhuqing used her second soul skill directly. In an instant, her body split into three black shadows, which immediately launched an attack on him.
The three shadows attacked different parts of his body, but they all focused their sharp claws on a single point, striking the same spot repeatedly.
"Clones, and the tactic of concentrating your attack to break through at a single point. Not bad."
Feeling the three shadows continuously attacking the same spot and causing the soul power barrier to rapidly weaken at that point, Ye Cheng nodded in praise.
It was hard to tell how many times she had attacked.
Finally, her soul power was depleted. Two of the three shadows vanished, leaving only her main body, which came to a halt.
Even so, the soul power barrier Ye Cheng had casually erected was still intact. However, a thick layer of it had been worn away.
"What's wrong? Why don't you use your third soul skill?" Ye Cheng asked, puzzled, seeing Zhu Zhuqing stop her attack.
"Teacher, my third soul skill is purely defensive." Zhu Zhuqing shook her head and said, "The skill is called Evil God's Protection. It can release a protective shield that envelops me, defending against all external attacks."
"What's its upper limit?" he asked.
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment and said, "I'm not sure what its upper limit is, but I'm certain that at least a Soul King could never break through it!"
"Then we'll test it out properly in the future."
Ye Cheng didn't press the matter, changing the subject instead. "Have your first two soul skills changed at all?"
"Teacher, both soul skills have changed a great deal!"
Prompted by his question, Zhu Zhuqing immediately grew excited and eagerly began to explain.
First was her first soul skill.
Originally, Zhu Zhuqing's first soul skill, Nether Thrust, would instantly double her speed, allowing her to quickly assassinate enemies with her claws. The emphasis was on the 'sudden' aspect, meaning it was only a brief burst of acceleration that couldn't be maintained.
But now, things were different.
Once she activated the soul skill, her speed didn't just increase threefold from its original base—that threefold increase could now be maintained for a long time. This was absolutely monstrous!
With such an effect, the skill could no longer be called Nether Thrust.
Zhu Zhuqing felt this soul skill should be called... Shadow Assault!
As for her second soul skill, Nether Hundred Claws.
As the name suggested, this soul skill originally relied on the body's rapid rotation and the sharp, penetrating nature of her claws to launch a hundred attacks on the same part of an enemy in an extremely short time. Furthermore, all attacks launched during this period carried a piercing effect. As long as she could leave a wound, no matter how shallow, her soul power could seep inside and destroy her opponent's internal meridians.
This already impressive soul skill, after being further enhanced by the power of the Evil God Orb, had unexpectedly gained the ability to create clones. It could conjure phantom clones possessing a portion of her own strength to assist in her attacks. At the same time, it could confuse enemies, making it difficult for them to discern which was her main body.
There was no upper limit to the number of clones this soul skill could create. Theoretically, as long as she had enough soul power, she could make as many as she wanted. However, the more clones she made, the weaker each one would be, and they would also become extremely fragile. The slightest attack would cause them to dissipate.
Furthermore, the more clones Zhu Zhuqing created, the greater the mental effort required. After all, without her control, these separated clones were just immobile puppets, completely devoid of any attack power.
In her current state, simultaneously controlling two clones was already her limit. To control more, she would have to wait until her strength improved, or she would need to fuse with a soul bone that could enhance her spiritual power.
In summary, the focus of the second soul skill's effect was no longer on the 'hundred claws' but on the clones. Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing renamed this soul skill—Phantom Clone!
It had to be said, the Dark Devilgod Tiger's Evil God Orb was truly an extraordinary treasure. After Zhu Zhuqing absorbed it, not only did her martial soul successfully undergo a transformation, but even the soul skills from her first two soul rings were enhanced as well.
The current Zhu Zhuqing finally possessed the true aptitude to become a god!
In the original story, although she also achieved godhood, it was purely by riding on Tang San's coattails. Judged on aptitude alone, even after consuming an immortal herb, Zhu Zhuqing was still far from qualified to ascend. At best, she could have become a Titled Douluo, and the kind who could never break past level 95.
Ultimately, her inherent foundation was simply too poor. Even with an immortal herb to compensate, it was futile.
After testing her soul skills and getting a basic understanding of the various changes to Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul, the trio had essentially accomplished their purpose for coming here.
However, Ye Cheng wasn't in a hurry to lead the two girls out of the Star Dou Great Forest. After all, it was a rare opportunity... He decided to collect some soul bones in this largest gathering place for soul beasts on the entire continent. Relying on the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower's treasure-appraisal ability, if he focused his senses completely, he could vaguely perceive the direction of any 'treasure' within a certain range.
And once he got close enough, Ye Cheng could tell with a single glance whether a soul beast had a soul bone inside it. For him, the Star Dou Great Forest was like a personal bank from which he could make a withdrawal at any time.
He couldn't bring himself to go after 100,000-year soul bones. As for those younger than 100,000 years, he looked down on the ones that were merely ten, twenty, forty, or fifty thousand years old. However, they were perfect for exchanging for resources.
Besides, if these soul bones were used to reward his subordinates, it would be a tremendous gift. They were definitely excellent treasures for winning people's loyalty.
Therefore, for a multitude of reasons, Ye Cheng had no intention of leaving the Star Dou Great Forest empty-handed.
"Brother, are we going back now?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"No, it's not every day we get to come here. I plan to collect some local specialties in this forest," Ye Cheng shook his head.
"Local specialties?" Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a bewildered look. Did the Star Dou Great Forest even have local specialties?
"You'll see in a bit."
Ye Cheng didn't explain. He raised his left hand and summoned his Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower martial soul. Then, he focused his mind and began to activate his martial soul's treasure-hunting ability.
An ordinary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Tower certainly didn't have this kind of treasure-hunting ability.
(end of chapter)
