Chapter 552: Chapter 552: Restoring the Hundred-Thousand-Year Cultivation – The Major Flaw of the Soul Spirit Contract?
"Alright, after we finish things in the Star Dou Forest, we'll head directly to recruit the four single-attribute clans," Su Ming said calmly.
Xiao Wu asked curiously, "Brother, which clan do you plan to visit first? And given that the Strength Clan's leader indirectly died because of Spirit Hall, will they even agree to join?"
Before Su Ming could respond, Chrysanthemum Douluo interjected, "Now that the Strength Clan's leader has died, they're in a more difficult position. We can negotiate with them, especially if they're seeking revenge on Tang San. Spirit Hall's primary targets have always been Tang Hao and Tang San, not others. Titan's death was just an unfortunate accident, and if the Strength Clan doesn't cooperate, we'll have to rely on strength to persuade them."
While Chrysanthemum Douluo was explaining to Xiao Wu, Su Ming was also thinking over which clan he should visit first. It was best not to start with the Strength Clan, as they likely held the most resentment toward Spirit Hall. Recruiting the other three clans first could make recruiting the Strength Clan easier.
Having made up his mind, Su Ming decided to approach the Breaking Clan and recruit Yang Wudi. Winning over Yang Wudi would be most effective if he used the high-grade herb Youxiang Qiluo, though a show of strength to gain his respect was also necessary.
After a few days of travel, Su Ming and his companions finally arrived at the outer perimeter of the Star Dou Forest.
Turning to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, Su Ming said, "Whatever you see next, try not to be too surprised."
The two Elders looked at each other in confusion but nodded.
With Ah Yin guiding them from within Su Ming's mental space, the group soon reached the Blue Silver Emperor's territory.
"Xiao Wu, do you want to go see Da Ming and Er Ming now or wait a bit?" Su Ming asked.
Xiao Wu smiled, "I'll wait a bit. I'd love to see Aunt Ah Yin regain her ten-thousand-year cultivation and maybe even take on a physical form again."
Nodding, Su Ming summoned a more solid spirit form of Ah Yin before them.
Seeing her, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's eyes widened in shock. They knew this person well — wasn't this Ah Yin, the very one who sacrificed herself for Tang Hao?
Unable to contain his surprise, Ghost Douluo asked, "Su Ming…what's going on?"
Su Ming explained, "I imagine the three of you know each other already. There's no need for too many details. Ah Yin is now my spirit, providing my fourth spirit ring, so from now on, we're all on the same side. I don't expect everyone to forgive or forget past conflicts, but I hope you can work together peacefully. What happened back then was, in a way, understandable from both sides, wasn't it?"
He then briefly explained the concept of spirit contracts and some hidden truths about the incident that led to Ah Yin's downfall. Hearing this, the two Elders finally understood the tragic context and felt a twinge of sympathy for Ah Yin.
Given their status as Titled Douluo, they held little interest in transformed hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and valued only their soul bones. Between Ah Yin's potential spirit bone and Su Ming's guidance, they chose Su Ming. He alone could lead them to greater power.
Ah Yin, too, was ready to put past grievances behind her. Though she still felt a slight emotional burden from those events, she didn't want to cause Su Ming any difficulty, especially now that she was about to regain her ten-thousand-year cultivation.
At that moment, sensing her presence, the Blue Silver King lifted the barrier around the Blue Silver Emperor's domain. An old blue figure appeared, and, upon seeing the Blue Silver Emperor, fell to his knees with tears in his eyes.
"Your Majesty, you have returned at last!"
Ah Yin responded with a gentle smile, "It's been a long time, Blue Silver King. I'm here to reclaim my powers. Once I absorb them, I should be able to regain a physical form."
The Blue Silver King, overjoyed, replied, "Of course, my Emperor!"
As the energy flowed toward Ah Yin, the surrounding Blue Silver Grass swayed in joy. Su Ming and Ah Yin could both feel the power increasing within her.
After half an hour, her cultivation reached the ten-thousand-year level, and her form solidified, finally returning to a fully physical body.
Overjoyed, Xiao Wu hugged Ah Yin tightly, exclaiming, "Aunt Ah Yin! I can actually touch you now!"
Ah Yin took a moment to savor her new form, marveling at the sensation of having a physical body once more. After letting go of Xiao Wu, she hugged Su Ming briefly and whispered, "Thank you."
Su Ming smiled and gently patted her back, saying, "There's no need to thank me. This is something to celebrate. Now that your powers are restored, you don't have to stay in my mental space anymore. You can finally live freely in the world again."
Nearby, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were stunned, unable to say anything. They hadn't expected Su Ming's claims to be true. The concept of spirits could be revolutionary for both spirit masters and spirit beasts.
However, from their experience as Titled Douluo, they suddenly realized something troubling. Since spirits allowed spirit beasts to be integrated more easily, and powerful beasts could even provide two or more spirit rings, this meant that their value lay mostly in their spirit bones.
With a serious look, the two Elders turned to Su Ming and said, "Su Ming, while this spirit contract method has its benefits, we've identified a major flaw, one that could have severe consequences. It could even lead to the extinction of spirit beasts."
Hearing this, both Xiao Wu and Ah Yin were taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"