Elder Mu sighed lightly. "This soul bone was left behind by one of the academy's predecessors. It originated from a very special type of soul beast known as the Thunderous Hell Vine."
Hearing Elder Mu's words, Zhou Sichen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
The Thunderous Hell Vine... It was absolutely one of the top-tier plant-type soul beasts, said to possess a trace of the Thunder God's bloodline!
However, Zhou Sichen was confused. Due to the Thunderous Hell Vine's inherent nature and power, it was extremely rare for them to ever reach the ten-thousand-year level, let alone produce a hundred-thousand-year soul bone!
Zhou Sichen voiced his doubts, "Teacher, I do know a bit about the Thunderous Hell Vine. Like the Dark Devilgod Tiger, it's one of the most powerful soul beasts."
"The Thunderous Hell Vine's growth environment is extremely harsh, and in order to strengthen itself, it must absorb the most tyrannical lightning forces. Once it matures, its strength far surpasses that of soul beasts of the same level."
"With soul beasts as rare and powerful as the Thunderous Hell Vine, it should be almost impossible for one to reach the hundred-thousand-year realm. Even if it did, wouldn't such a supreme being be beyond the capacity of most soul masters to absorb?"
Zhou Sichen's explanation clearly highlighted the extraordinary nature of the Thunderous Hell Vine. Elder Mu nodded slightly. "What you said is indeed true. However, this particular Thunderous Hell Vine Left Leg Bone is quite unique."
Zhou Sichen's interest was piqued. "Why?"
Elder Mu explained calmly, "This soul bone originally came from a Thunderous Hell Vine that was only at the fifty-thousand-year level. It served as the seventh spirit ring for one of Shrek Academy's legendary predecessors—one of the Three Ultimate Spirits."
Zhou Sichen was slightly surprised upon hearing this. Among the Three Ultimate Spirits of Shrek's legacy, there was indeed one who specialized in the ultimate lightning attribute.
Realizing this, Zhou Sichen didn't interrupt, quietly listening to Elder Mu's explanation.
Elder Mu continued, "When that ancestor obtained the Thunderous Hell Vine Left Leg Bone, it was merely fifty thousand years old. However, the bone was extremely special—it could evolve by absorbing lightning energy."
Zhou Sichen couldn't help but remark, "A soul bone capable of evolving by absorbing lightning... and attached to a powerhouse with the Ultimate Lightning attribute... I can already imagine how far it could grow."
Elder Mu smiled faintly. "Exactly. That ancestor eventually reached the rank of Limit Douluo. Through continuous absorption and cultivation, the originally fifty-thousand-year-old soul bone evolved all the way to the hundred-thousand-year level—and perhaps even beyond."
Upon hearing this, the elders present couldn't help but show expressions of envy. But aside from that, they had no other emotions; after all, they were well aware of the origins of this soul bone.
However, the conditions to absorb it were so demanding that even Elder Mu himself, a Limit Douluo, could not meet them. That was why it had remained sealed away for so long, with no suitable candidate until now.
Zhou Sichen was the only person thus far who had even a chance to absorb this super soul bone.
At this moment, Zhou Sichen's excitement was visible on his face. "Teacher, are you saying... this soul bone has reached a level comparable to a fierce beast?"
Elder Mu nodded slightly.
Now Zhou Sichen truly lost his composure. He never would have imagined that Shrek still had such a supreme soul bone hidden away.
But thinking about Shrek's millennia-long glory, it did make sense.
If he could absorb this soul bone, it would bring an enormous boost to his strength and foundation.
Zhou Sichen couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, do you know the exact age of this soul bone?"
In a calm tone, Elder Mu spoke words that shook the heavens: "It is close to three hundred thousand years old. If it weren't so overwhelmingly domineering, that predecessor could have further enhanced its power even more."
Zhou Sichen was truly stunned. A soul bone nearing three hundred thousand years in age—its value was no less than that of an immortal herb!
However, Zhou Sichen quickly calmed himself down. "Teacher, the raw power that a Limit Douluo with an Ultimate Spirit can withstand... and you expect me, a mere four-ring Soul Ancestor, to handle it?"
He immediately identified the critical flaw. According to Elder Mu's explanation, even a Limit Douluo with an Ultimate Spirit would struggle to withstand the bone's full might beyond three hundred thousand years.
And he, a mere Soul Ancestor, how could he possibly endure it?
Even if his physical strength far exceeded that of ordinary people, there was no way he could rival a Level 99 Limit Douluo at this stage!
Zhou Sichen wasn't foolish. He quickly understood Elder Mu's real meaning.
Given Shrek's current situation, he truly was the only one with a chance to absorb this supreme soul bone.
Even Bei Bei, who possessed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit, wouldn't qualify.
Because Bei Bei's lightning attribute leaned towards light, inherited from Elder Mu's lineage of the Holy Light Dragon.
But Zhou Sichen was different. His Book of Contracts martial soul currently had only four spirit rings, meaning he could still bond with five contracted soul beasts. Subtracting the already-reserved Silver Shadow Beast, there were four slots left.
If he could find a top-tier lightning-attributed soul beast to contract, it would continue to grow stronger through the Book of Contracts' special abilities.
Once that contracted beast matured enough, merging it with Zhou Sichen would allow him to absorb the super soul bone.
Aside from him, Shrek couldn't find a second candidate.
Facing Zhou Sichen's sharp question, Elder Mu merely shook his head slightly. "At your current stage, you indeed cannot. But in the future, you definitely will. And aside from you, there is no one else."
Zhou Sichen nodded lightly. Having figured it all out, he fully understood Elder Mu's intentions.
Even if it was just for this supreme soul bone, Zhou Sichen would seek to contract a top-tier lightning-type soul beast.
A nearly three-hundred-thousand-year-old soul bone—one that could still evolve—he had absolutely no reason to refuse!
Given his unique martial soul, once he eventually absorbed it, he might even be able to further enhance its age!
The only flaw was that right now, he clearly wasn't strong enough to absorb it.
Even if he obtained it now, he would have to wait until he had enough power and foundation before attempting the absorption.
Thinking this, the excitement on Zhou Sichen's face slowly receded. He gave a wry smile. "Looks like... it'll be quite a while before I have a real shot at absorbing it."
Elder Mu smiled faintly. "At the very least, you are qualified to absorb it. With this soul bone, your future strength will grow exponentially."
Elder Xuan couldn't help but chuckle and say, "Kid, don't be too greedy. We old fellows can only drool over such a treasure; we don't even have the qualifications to covet it!"
Zhou Sichen smiled quietly. "You're right. In that case, I'll accept it without reservation."
With that, Zhou Sichen carefully stored the soul bone into his soul tool. "I will not let Teacher and all of you down. I'll grow strong enough to absorb this soul bone as soon as possible!"
Everyone present nodded with smiles. If Zhou Sichen reached the point where he could absorb this soul bone, it would mean he was ready to truly support Shrek's legacy.
Elder Mu nodded slightly. "There's a seal I placed on the box. Once you have enough strength in the future, you can unlock it and absorb the soul bone."
Then Elder Mu warned him, "This soul bone has been sealed for many years. Once the seal is released, the accumulated power might be enough to seriously injure—or even destroy—a Titled Douluo. So be extremely careful when you unseal it."
Zhou Sichen nodded seriously. In that case, the soul bone could even serve as a hidden trump card.
If he encountered an extreme crisis in the future, this soul bone could become a powerful bomb!
After that, Elder Mu retrieved another golden ornate box, using his soul power to float it over to Zhou Sichen.
Zhou Sichen blinked in confusion. "Teacher, this is...?"
Elder Mu smiled warmly. "This one's for Gu Yi. Though it's not as valuable as your soul bone, it's still a top-grade soul bone."
Yan Shaozhe gazed at the soul bone in his hands, unable to hide the envy in his eyes. He said sourly, "Sichen, this is a Lightbreaking Left Arm Soul Bone. Although it's only at the ten-thousand-year level, its ability can provide a tremendous boost to Soul Masters with light attributes."
"With this soul bone, Guyi's strength will surpass her previous level. She'll gain a powerful trump card."
Hearing the name of the soul bone, Zhou Sichen immediately thought of the original story, where Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong had retrieved a soul bone from the Treasure Pavilion.
In the original story, Wang Dong was the one who absorbed that soul bone, greatly enhancing the capabilities of her Bright Goddess Butterfly martial soul.
Zhou Sichen clearly understood the ability of this soul bone. Simply put, it granted "Light Enchantment," allowing any light-attributed skill to be "enchanted," significantly boosting its power.
Now that this soul bone was being directly awarded to Ye Guyi, the meaning behind it was obvious.
Zhou Sichen carefully stored the soul bone away and bowed to Elder Mu. "Thank you, Teacher. With this soul bone, my sister's strength will definitely increase greatly."
Elder Mu waved his hand dismissively. "This is all what you deserve. Shrek's future depends on talents like you."
This was Elder Mu's way—he didn't deliberately preach or guide them. Instead, he subtly instilled a deep sense of belonging and responsibility toward Shrek in their hearts.
Take Zhang Lexuan, standing beside him, for example…
After rewarding Zhou Sichen, they discussed some matters concerning the Academy before concluding the meeting.
Zhou Sichen and Zhang Lexuan left Sea God's Pavilion one after the other. As they walked, Zhang Lexuan glanced at him and couldn't help but say, "With you here, Shrek's future will surely outshine even its former glory."
Zhou Sichen smiled slightly. "Senior Sister, your contributions can't be overlooked either. I'd wager it won't be long before you reach the Title Douluo realm. A Title Douluo around thirty years old—wouldn't that set another record for the Academy?"
Zhang Lexuan chuckled. "You sure know how to flatter me. You're only twelve years old now, yet your strength already rivals that of a Title Douluo. I can't even imagine how powerful you'll be once you reach nine rings in the future."
Zhou Sichen, uninterested in exchanging too many compliments, replied casually as they walked, "I think that day isn't too far off. You'll see, Senior Sister."
****
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