C8 Twelve Trials of Immortality

A dark silhouette descended beside Ye Cann, clutching a rudimentary stone axe in his right hand as he seized the Thousand-year Soul Beast, the Netherworld Cat. Six Soul Rings materialized behind the creature.

He was a Six-Ring Soul Emperor!

And his sixth Soul Ring was derived from a Ten Thousand Year Soul Beast!

"Thunder Dragon Head!"

The first Soul Ring pulsed with energy, and the man's hand crackled with ferocious thunderous power. The lightning coalesced into the form of a dragon's head, unleashing an overwhelmingly potent electrical force that lunged at the Netherworld Cat!

The Netherworld Cat let out a desperate roar, attempting to flee the Thunder Dragon Head's assault. Alas, previous attacks by Tang San and Ye Cann had hampered its agility.

Amidst the raging tempest of lightning, the Thousand-year Soul Beast, the Netherworld Cat, perished, leaving a purple Soul Ring drifting in the air.

"Uncle Tianlang, so you were indeed in the Star Dou Great Forest. The Sect Elders and Sect Master have been searching for you."

Yu Xiaogaang, with Tang San's support, slowly rose to his feet, a faint flush on his cheeks. His Soul Power had been nearly depleted in the skirmish with the Netherworld Cat. Moreover, he was still reeling from an earlier injury, his blood coursing through him.

This man was the enigmatic Yu Tianlang who had once saved Ye Cann's life!

Yu Tianlang spoke with a frosty tone, "Xiaogaang, I've yet to uncover any leads on the mutation of your martial soul."

"Uncle Tianlang, there's been a major upheaval in the sect. The Blue Lightning Clan needs you to return and steer the ship!"

Yu Tianlang chuckled, "I was cast out of the Blue Lightning Clan due to my martial soul issues. Once I became the youngest Soul King, the sect's disciples groomed me as a potential Sect Master. But when my Soul Power stopped growing, I was expelled again. My parents died protecting me from those scoundrels. I've sworn off any ties with the Blue Lightning Overlord Sect for life."

Yu Xiaogaang gave a wry smile, "Uncle Tianlang, you carry the Blue Lightning bloodline. The Blue Electric Overlord Dragon martial soul within you is irrefutable evidence. Unlike me, whose martial soul mutated detrimentally, preventing me from remaining in the sect. My Martial Spirit lacks the signature of the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon."

As he spoke, Yu Xiaogaang couldn't help but feel a twinge of helplessness. His theoretical knowledge was unparalleled across the Douluo Continent, yet his own strength left much to be desired. This very fact was the driving force behind his decision to take Tang San under his wing after their encounter at Notting Academy. In Tang San, he saw the potential to bring his theories to life.

Yu Tianlang's voice was icy as he stated, "All I can do now is refrain from harboring hatred towards the Blue Lightning Sect."

Yu Xiaogaang replied with a sense of resignation, "Uncle Tianlang, the sect has given you everything. The many resources you needed to become a Soul Emperor were provided by the sect. Moreover, the Sect Master has even agreed to hunt a 90,000-year Soul Beast for you."

A 90,000-year Soul Beast was considered a pinnacle existence on the Douluo Continent. An average Soul Emperor would find it impossible to hunt such a beast alone when attempting to advance to a Soul Saint. Not even the most elite sects could easily take down a 90,000-year Soul Beast. These beasts, capable of breaking through their bloodline to reach such an age, possessed truly fearsome power. Only with a Doula Title in the team would there be a 70% to 80% chance of successfully hunting one.

Yu Tianlang, clutching the Netherworld Cat's carcass, shattered the glimmering purple Soul Ring with a swing of his axe. He spoke calmly, "Xiaogaang, the inner workings of the sect are far more complex than you imagine."

Standing next to Yu Xiaogaang, Tang San clenched his teeth and accused, "You're too selfish! The sect has given you everything. Why won't you reciprocate? You don't deserve to be part of any sect."

Quickly, Yu Xiaogaang covered Tang San's mouth. As Yu Tianlang's nephew, he was well aware of the Soul Emperor's volatile nature. Yu Tianlang's expulsion from the Blue Lightning Overlord Sect was not without cause; it had been triggered by the taunts of petty individuals within the sect.

Ye Cann snorted derisively, "I can't believe such ignorance exists on this continent. Are you familiar with his story? Do you have any idea of the grievances between him and the sect? You're clueless, yet you insist he owes the sect. What if the sect had slaughtered your entire family? Would you still stand by them, serving their interests? It baffles me how someone like you has managed to survive this long."

Tang San's face turned a deep shade of red. To him, the sect was profoundly sacred, and he believed that every member should hold it in religious reverence. Anything less would be a desecration.

"Regardless, that uncle is the one at fault," Tang San insisted.

Yu Tianlang's demeanor shifted, exuding a chilling aura of lethal intent. Tang San's complexion drained to a ghostly white as he sought refuge behind Yu Xiaogaang, silent for the first time. It was his first encounter with such a palpable threat to his life.

He stood no chance against Yu Tianlang.

"Kid, watch your mouth. If it weren't for Xiaogaang's sake, you'd already be dead. In the Star Dou Great Forest, taking a life is as simple as breathing," Yu Tianlang remarked icily.

Yu Xiaogaang gently patted Tang San's head, advising, "You need to curb that impulsiveness of yours."

"I understand," Tang San mumbled, his head nestled in Yu Xiaogaang's embrace, much like a tiny ostrich seeking comfort.

Without missing a beat, Yu Xiaogaang addressed Uncle Tianlang, "We ventured into the Star Dou Great Forest in search of our first Soul Ring. But as you're aware, the forest has undergone significant upheaval. The Netherworld Cat, once the ruler of the inner circle, has now ventured to the outskirts. Could we possibly stay close to you for a few days?"

Yu Tianlang, ignoring Yu Xiaogaang's request, turned to Ye Cann and inquired, "Remember your task? Where is the Soul Beast you were hunting? I have no intention of going hungry tonight."

Ye Cann shrugged, "I was being hunted by the Netherworld Cat earlier. The Soul Beast I caught is still out there in the clearing, I didn't get a chance to collect it."

"Show me," Yu Tianlang commanded, gripping Ye Cann's shoulder.

"Let's all go," he added.

Before long, Ye Cann and Yu Tianlang returned to the clearing where a luminescent white Soul Ring shimmered.

Who would show interest in a mere ten-year Soul Ring?

"Begin the twelve trials of immortality!"