The moment Bibi Dong saw Song Qing's eyelids flutter open, a wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over her. Her heart, which had been heavy with worry for so long, seemed to leap in her chest. 'He's awake! My Qing'er is finally awake!' A warmth spread through her, chasing away the cold dread that had been her constant companion for the past three years.
She approached the bed slowly, her gaze soft and filled with an emotion she rarely allowed herself to show. "Qing'er," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You're awake."
Song Qing blinked slowly, his eyes still hazy as he tried to focus on the beautiful face above him. He recognized his teacher, though she looked slightly older, a hint of weariness around her eyes. He tried to speak, but his throat felt dry and his body heavy.
Bibi Dong gently took his hand, her touch surprisingly tender. "Don't try to talk yet, Qing'er. Just rest." She then softly explained to him what had happened – Tang Hao's sudden attack, the fierce battle, and the long three years that had passed while he lay unconscious.
Song Qing listened intently, his brow furrowing slightly as he absorbed the information. Three years… it felt like only yesterday he was showing Zhu Zhuqing around the market. He slowly nodded, acknowledging what she had told him, but he remained still, his body feeling unresponsive. He could barely manage a weak squeeze of her hand.
Bibi Dong understood his weakness. "Just rest, Qing'er. You've been through a lot." She squeezed his hand back gently before turning her attention to Ye Lingling, who was still diligently channeling her healing spirit into him. She watched them for a few moments, noticing with satisfaction that Song Qing's pale complexion was slowly gaining a touch of color as he listened to Ye Lingling. Without saying a word, she quietly left them alone.
As Bibi Dong stepped out of the room, her mind was already racing. The news of Song Qing's awakening needed to be kept secret for now. The healers who had been present during his awakening were immediately given strict orders to not breathe a word of it to anyone. The timing of this revelation was crucial.
However, she made sure that Ye Lingling remained by Song Qing's side. She trusted the young healer implicitly, and she had seen with her own eyes how Song Qing's condition seemed to improve even with just a few moments of interaction. 'He needs his friends,' she realized. 'That's what will truly help him heal.'
Making a swift decision, Bibi Dong sent out orders to summon Hu Liena, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, and even Dugu Bo to the Spirit Hall. Some of them were quite far away and would take a few days to arrive, but she knew it was essential for Song Qing's recovery.
Within the day, Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena arrived at Song Qing's bedside, their faces etched with worry and relief. Song Qing, though still weak, managed a small smile as he saw them. He couldn't help but notice how much they had both grown in the past three years.
Ye Lingling, now a graceful young woman of sixteen, had blossomed into an elegant beauty. Her Nine Heart Begonia spirit seemed to radiate an even more wondrous charm, and her healing abilities had undoubtedly grown stronger.
Zhu Zhuqing, now eleven years old, the same age as Song Qing, had also grown considerably taller. Her petite frame had filled out in all the right places, her body now possessing a captivatingly voluptuous figure with a defined waist and curvy hips, accentuated by a generous bust. Her long, dark black hair framed her beautiful brown eyes, which were currently filled with concern for him.
"Qing!" Zhu Zhuqing whispered, her voice choked with emotion as she gently took his hand. "You're awake! I was so worried…" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she squeezed his hand tightly.
"Zhuqing…" Song Qing managed, his voice still weak but filled with warmth at seeing her. He noticed the significant changes in her appearance and felt a strange mix of familiarity and surprise.
Hu Liena, now seventeen, had also matured into a stunning young woman. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her beautiful brown eyes, which held a deep affection for Song Qing. Her figure was undeniably charming, with a captivating aura that had only intensified with age.
"Little Qing," Hu Liena said softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "We're so glad you're awake. We've missed you terribly."
"Senior Sister… Liena…" Song Qing murmured, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. He was surprised by how much they had all grown. It truly hammered home the passage of time.
Over the next few days, Ning Rongrong, now also eleven years old and possessing a graceful, almost otherworldly beauty with long, straight black hair and striking cyan eyes, arrived with her father, Ning Fengzhi, and her two protectors, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Dugu Yan, now seventeen with long, flowing purple hair and piercing emerald green eyes, her own beauty enhanced by her now more womanly figure with ample assets and long, elegant legs, also joined the gathering.
The atmosphere in Song Qing's room slowly began to shift from one of quiet concern to one of cautious optimism and heartfelt reunions. The constant stream of hushed conversations, filled with worried inquiries and gentle reassurances, seemed to breathe life back into the room.
Song Qing, though still weak and confined to his bed, found his spirits lifting with each familiar face he saw and every word of comfort and affection he received. The presence of his friends was proving to be the most potent medicine of all.
~~
The days that followed Song Qing's awakening were filled with a warmth and joy he hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity. His friends and even his teacher, Bibi Dong, spent countless hours by his side, their voices a comforting balm to his still-recovering mind.
"Qing, you wouldn't believe how worried we all were!" Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed one afternoon, her brown eyes still holding a hint of the fear she had felt during his coma. She sat on the edge of his bed, her hand clasped tightly in his.
"It feels like I just blinked," Song Qing replied, his voice still a little raspy but steadily growing stronger. He smiled at her, noticing the slight blush that crept up her cheeks at his gaze. "Three years… it's hard to believe."
"It was awful, Qing," Dugu Yan chimed in, leaning against the wall, her arms crossed. "We were all so scared. But you're awake now, and that's what matters."
"Indeed," Ye Lingling added gently, her ever-present smile radiating comfort. "And look how much stronger we've all become!"
Song Qing's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? How strong?"
"Well," Dugu Yan said with a hint of pride, "thanks to those amazing herbs you gave us, and the… extra help from the Spirit Hall," she glanced pointedly at Bibi Dong, who was observing them with a soft smile, "Lingling and I have both reached Soul Power Level 42!"
"Level 42!" Song Qing exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "That's fantastic! And you even absorbed soul bones?"
Ye Lingling nodded, her golden-tinged Nine Heart Begonia spirit shimmering faintly behind her. "Yes! The Spirit Hall provided us with three soul bones each, all over ten thousand years old! They've enhanced our abilities so much."
"That's incredible," Song Qing murmured, feeling a surge of happiness for his friends. "What about you, Zhuqing?"
Zhu Zhuqing beamed. "I'm at Level 36 now, Qing! And I haven't even absorbed a soul bone yet! It's all thanks to those herbs you gave me."
"Level 36 at eleven years old! That's amazing, Zhuqing!" Song Qing squeezed her hand. "You're going to be so strong."
Ning Rongrong, who was sitting on a nearby chair, her cyan eyes sparkling, piped up, "Me too, Qing! I'm at Level 37! And just like Zhuqing, no soul bones yet!"
"Rongrong, that's wonderful!" Song Qing smiled at her. "The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is truly extraordinary."
His gaze then turned to Hu Liena, who was standing slightly behind the others, her expression filled with relief. "Senior Sister Liena, what about you?"
Hu Liena smiled warmly. "I'm at Level 33, Little Qing. It's not as high as the others, but…"
"But you didn't get any immortal herbs yet," Song Qing finished for her, a hint of apology in his voice. "Don't worry, Senior Sister. Once I'm fully recovered, I'll make sure you get some too."
Hu Liena's smile widened. "Thank you, Little Qing. Just seeing you awake is the best gift."
As the day drew to a close and the sky outside began to darken, Bibi Dong gently ushered the girls out of the room. "Qing'er needs his rest now. You can all visit him again tomorrow."
Once Song Qing was alone, the exhaustion of the day finally caught up to him. He closed his eyes, but sleep didn't come immediately. His mind was racing, thinking about the past three years and the lingering presence within him.
'That sliver of Asura God's Will…' he thought, his eyes snapping open, a cold determination hardening his gaze. He focused his will, and his Primordial Life Tree Spirit materialized beside him, its gentle green light bathing the room. He activated its first soul ring, Verdant Embrace, and a wave of pure vitality washed over him. This time, without the oppressive influence of the Deathgod Domain, the healing power worked wonders. His body felt stronger, the lingering aches and pains fading away rapidly.
Song Qing eventually stopped the healing, a thoughtful expression on his face. He knew that if he continued, the Asura God's Will would likely be completely eradicated by the Primordial Life Tree's life-giving energy.
'No,' he thought, his eyes flashing with a cold intent. He subtly focused his mental energy, channeling it through his Crimson Soul King's Crown, attempting to activate the power of Soul Consumption. But as he had always known, a fragment of divine will was not something a mere external spirit bone could devour.
A moment later, his right hand flashed, and the imposing figure of his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor materialized, its dark, swirling energy enveloping him. It wasn't the Crimson Soul King's Crown that held the key to this particular problem. It was the inherent information within his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit that gave him the confidence to confront and swallow this tiny piece of divine will.
'Three years,' he thought, a surge of anger coursing through him. 'Three years I was trapped because of this insignificant sliver of a god's will. Time for a little payback.'
Despite being only a Soul Master at Level 50, yet to attach his fifth soul rings to either of his spirits, Song Qing instinctively knew that his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor, a spirit with the potential to rival even primordial entities, possessed the power to absorb this weakened fragment of the Asura God's will, especially after it had been softened by the Primordial Life Tree Spirit's healing.
Swallowing a piece of a god's will was ambitious, even for him. The process took the entire night, a silent battle waged within the depths of his soul. But finally, as the first rays of dawn peeked through the window, the Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor let out a silent roar of satisfaction. The last vestiges of the Asura God's Will had been consumed.
And then, a profound change began to occur. The Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit, now saturated with a minuscule yet potent piece of divine energy, began to evolve. Its scales shimmered with a deeper, more profound darkness, and its draconic features became even more majestic and imposing. It had transformed into the Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor.
Not only his spirit, but his Crimson Soul King's Crown also underwent a transformation, resonating with the evolution of his other spirit. The crimson gem pulsed with a new intensity, and the crown felt heavier, more authoritative. It had evolved into the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown.
The difference in names might have seemed small, but the power they now held was immense. The Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown retained all the abilities of its previous form, with its enhanced mental and spiritual energy, perception abilities, and the power of Soul Reading and Soul Consumption. But now, a new soul ability had been unlocked: Soul Seizure. This ability allowed Song Qing to directly seize a single soul from a defeated individual's soul ring and store it within his Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown. Only one soul could be held at a time, but the implications were significant.
As for his Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor, its very essence had been elevated. Several new passive abilities had awakened within him, fundamentally changing his spirit and bringing it closer to the level of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit.
Abyssal Divinity: He now possessed a natural and profound affinity for abyssal energy, increasing the power and efficiency of all his abyssal-based abilities by a staggering 50%. He also gained a minor but noticeable resistance to attacks imbued with divine power.
Primordial Fear: An aura of primal, bone-chilling fear now emanated from his spirit, capable of overwhelming weaker opponents, causing them to freeze in terror, their wills shattered, or even lose consciousness entirely.
Emperor Of The Beasts: This passive ability granted him a natural dominance over all beast-type spirits and spirit beasts, allowing him to suppress their bloodlines and exert a degree of control over them.
Song Qing lay back on the bed, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. The three years of forced slumber had been a heavy price to pay, but in the end, he had turned even that misfortune into an opportunity for growth. He was finally awake, stronger than ever, and ready to face whatever the future held.
~~
[
Name:Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor
Passive Abilities:
Abyssal Divinity: Possesses a natural and profound affinity for abyssal energy, increasing the power and efficiency of all abyssal-based abilities by 50%. Grants a minor resistance to attacks imbued with divine power.
Primordial Fear: Radiates an aura of primal, bone-chilling fear, overwhelming weaker opponents, causing them to freeze in terror, shatter their wills, or even lose consciousness.
Emperor of the Beasts: Grants dominance over all beast-type spirits and spirit beasts, allowing suppression of their bloodlines and a degree of control.
First Soul Ring: Abyssal Shadow Dash
Active Ability: Grants incredible bursts of speed, leaving behind shadowy afterimages. Second Ability:Abyssal Dragon Wings - Allows temporary flight using condensed shadow energy.
Second Soul Ring: Shadow Dominion
Active Ability: Creates a field of darkness that enhances the user's senses and abilities while weakening opponents within it. Second Ability:Shadow Concealment - Briefly envelops the user in shadow energy, making them virtually undetectable to sight and spiritual senses.
Third Soul Ring: Abyssal Draconic Claw
Active Ability: Manifests a massive claw of pure abyssal energy capable of tearing through the toughest defenses. Second Ability:Dragon's Might - Unleashes a focused burst of draconic pressure, stunning or incapacitating weaker opponents.
Fourth Soul Ring:
First Ability:Frost Spike Barrage - Unleashes a volley of razor-sharp ice spikes infused with abyssal energy, piercing defenses and inflicting deep frostbite. Second Ability:Abyssal Flame Dragon Breath - Emits a torrent of black flames imbued with the corrosive power of the abyss, incinerating targets and rapidly depleting their soul power. First Passive Ability:Frostfire Resistance - Grants significant resistance to both ice and fire-based attacks. Second Passive Ability:Elemental Adaptation - Gradually adapts the user's body to extreme temperatures, providing immunity to heat and cold.
]
[
Name:Primordial Life Tree Spirit
Passive Abilities:
Nature's Embrace: Grants an innate connection to all forms of plant life, allowing the user to use their senses to greatly enhance sensory range. Ancient Wisdom: Provides an inherent understanding of the natural world, granting intuition in plants, beasts, healing, and life energy.
First Soul Ring: Verdant Embrace
Active Ability: Emits a soothing green aura that rapidly heals injuries and restores stamina to all living beings within its radius. Passive Ability: Harmonizes Song Qing or anyone within range, gradually healing inherent weaknesses and imperfections. Second Passive Ability: Manipulates the flow of time for plant life within Verdant Embrace, rapidly accelerating growth and increasing its potency.
Second Soul Ring: Venomous Entanglement
Active Ability: Summons and manipulates thorny vines imbued with potent poison, draining the soul energy of opponents upon contact. Passive Ability: Absorbs various poisons and essence energies from herbs, allowing the Primordial Life Tree Spirit to reproduce them.
Third Soul Ring:
Active Ability: Phantom Bind - Creates strong, illusionary vines to ensnare and constrict opponents, making them believe they are trapped even if they are not. Second Ability:Veiled Aura - Conceals soul power, making it appear weaker. This soul ring is nearing the Black Soul Ring rank. Consumes Soul Power upon activating but after that will take no consumption of Soul Power.
Fourth Soul Ring: Crimson Soul Assimilation
Active Skill 1:Life Drain - Projects tendrils of crimson energy to siphon life force from living beings upon contact, transferring it to the user. Active Skill 2:Spirit Power Siphon - Projects tendrils of crimson energy to drain the spiritual energy of opponents, weakening them and bolstering the user's reserves. Passive Skill:Soul Ring Resonance - Increases the age of previous soul rings each time a new soul ring is absorbed.
]
[
Name:Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings (External Spirit Bone)
Primary Ability:Aerial Supremacy - Grants the user the power of flight, greatly enhancing agility, maneuverability, and speed in the air.
Defensive Skill:Dragonbone Shield - Focuses soul power to solidify the wings, forming a sturdy shield capable of deflecting significant force.
Offensive Skill 1:Silver Wing Barrage - Launches a volley of sharp, feather-like projectiles made of condensed bone and silver light.
Offensive Skill 2:Draconic Descent - Channels draconic energy into the wings, allowing a powerful dive attack with devastating force and speed.
]
[
Name:Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown (External Spirit Bone)
Passive Abilities:
Enhanced Mental Energy: Greatly boosts mental clarity, focus, and processing speed. Enhanced Spiritual Energy: Significantly enhances spiritual power and expands sensory range.
Perception Abilities:
Clear Sight Far Gaze: Provides exceptionally sharp vision over vast distances. Precognitive Glimpse: Grants fleeting glimpses of potential future events, enhancing danger anticipation. Illusion Piercer: Sees through all forms of illusions.
Soul Abilities:
Soul Reading: Allows the user to read thoughts and intentions of those with weaker soul power. Soul Consumption: Consumes the souls of defeated spirit beasts or soul masters, strengthening mental and spiritual energy.
Soul Seizure:
Grants the ability to steal a target's Soul Ring and store their soul within the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown.
]