Chapter 68: The Elder's Shock

As the intensity of Golden Crocodile's released aura increased, Qian Daoliu couldn't help but glance at Bibi Dong, searching for any signs of concern.

However, Bibi Dong's expression remained indifferent, devoid of any disturbance. There was even a subtle trace of ridicule in her eyes.

She had unwavering confidence in Lu Yuan. How could a little pressure suppress him? He was her disciple, and she knew all too well about his extraordinary talents.

Indeed, in the face of the 21st-rank soul power pressure, Lu Yuan showed no reaction at all. It was as if there was no pressure weighing on him.

Golden Crocodile Douluo raised an eyebrow in surprise and decided to increase the intensity of the pressure.

The aura surged, and the oppressive force suddenly jumped from the 21st rank to the 24th rank, equivalent to Lu Yuan's own soul power level.

Generally speaking, being able to withstand pressure equal to one's own soul power level was sufficient to be called a genius. Even within the Spirit Hall, perhaps only the Golden Generation could achieve such a feat. Yet, here stood Lu Yuan, completely unaffected by the pressure of 24th-rank soul power.

Lu Yuan's aura remained steady, his body devoid of the slightest tremor. He hadn't even released his Martial Soul, let alone reached his limit.

'Interesting!' Golden Crocodile Douluo found himself increasingly intrigued. He wanted to discover where this child's limit truly lay.

With that in mind, he raised the pressure once again, instantly reaching the 28th rank.

At the 28th rank, Lu Yuan furrowed his brows ever so slightly. The pressure became more pervasive, wrapping around him like shackles. Although somewhat uncomfortable, Lu Yuan could still endure it.

Within his body, the Pure Qi Sutra quickly circulated, displaying its own power. While the Pure Qi Sutra might not possess explosive strength, its excellence lay in its continuous and unending nature. Therefore, the immense pressure Lu Yuan faced was completely dissolved by the sutra's power.

Furthermore, Lu Yuan's physical strength was incredibly formidable. With the powerful physique of the Golden Dragon Martial Soul, coupled with the enhancements from the Prime Demon Ape and the Golden Armored Dragon Turtle's External Spirit Bones, his physical qualities were on par with those of Spirit Ancestors.

As Lu Yuan continued to handle the pressure effortlessly, Golden Crocodile Douluo decided to directly increase the oppressive force to the level of a Spirit Elder.

This sudden increase in pressure was significant.

Lu Yuan felt as though he was being tightly oppressed by a powerful river as if he were submerged in deep water.

The pressure permeated every fiber of his being, targeting not only his body but also his mind. When the body was subjected to immense pressure, it tested one's willpower and endurance.

Facing the pressure of a 30th-rank Spirit Elder, Lu Yuan began to feel uncomfortable. However, he still stood tall, his body unwavering. Apart from a slight frown, not a single drop of sweat appeared on him.

This was because, in addition to his formidable physical body, Lu Yuan's mental power far surpassed that of his peers. He possessed exceptional willpower and determination, enabling him to withstand the immense pressure placed upon him.

"Huh!" The Elders of the Douluo Consecration Hall were astonished by Lu Yuan's resilience. Despite facing soul power that exceeded his own strength by six ranks, he remained calm and didn't even release his Martial Soul. It was evident that he was truly a talented individual.

"A promising future..." one Elder whispered softly, and several others around them nodded in agreement.

Hearing the whispers of the Elders, a faint smile appeared on Bibi Dong's lips. Her disciple had not yet reached his limit. He still had the powerful External Spirit Bone, the Golden Dragon Battle Armor.

Observing the Elders' reactions, she knew that Lu Yuan would bring her enough face today.

Witnessing Lu Yuan withstand the pressure of 30th-rank soul power without releasing his Martial Soul, Golden Crocodile Douluo couldn't help but admire him slightly. He decided to increase the oppressive aura once again. Regardless of how far Lu Yuan could persist today, he had already made up his mind to accept him as his disciple.

As the soul power reached the 34th rank, Lu Yuan's body trembled. The immense pressure felt suffocating as if a colossal mountain was pressing down on him, making it difficult to breathe.

At this critical moment, the Golden Dragon Martial Soul, which had been eager to manifest itself, instantly materialized. A resounding dragon roar echoed throughout the Douluo Consecration Hall.

Golden diamond-shaped dragon scales appeared on both sides of Lu Yuan's cheeks, and his arms were covered in golden scales. Two Spirit Rings - one yellow and one purple - emitted dazzling light, exuding the overwhelming aura of the Golden Dragon.

The oppressive aura exerted by Golden Crocodile Douluo had provoked the Golden Dragon Martial Soul, violating its dignity. As a result, it unleashed its imposing pressure without restraint.

'What a powerful Martial Soul! Truly deserving of its legendary status!' Qian Daoliu's eyes sparkled with excitement. The aura emanating from this Martial Soul seemed to surpass even Qian Renxue's Seraphim, making it the strongest Martial Soul he had ever encountered. It appeared to surpass even Bo Saixi's Sea God Martial Soul and Tang Chen's Clear Sky Hammer, except for lacking the 20th Innate Full Spirit Power. It was almost on par with a divine-level Martial Soul.

In addition to the astonishing power of the Golden Dragon Martial Soul, Lu Yuan's Spirit Ring combination was equally surprising.

"A Thousand-Year Second Spirit Ring?" One Elder couldn't help but raise his voice in astonishment.

The Elders exchanged astonished glances. It was common knowledge that the ideal Spirit Ring combination was yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black. Obtaining a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast was extremely rare, and even with exceptional luck, one could only replace the ninth Spirit Ring with a ten-thousand-year one.

But nobody had ever heard of someone possessing a Second Spirit Ring with a thousand-year cultivation base. This was nearly breaking a record. Even Qian Renxue, the pride of the Spirit Hall, seemed unable to achieve such a feat.

Qian Daoliu's eyes flickered with intrigue. He had more knowledge than the others. His nine Spirit Rings were eight black and one red, but that was a reward from the God Trials. Without those rewards, even he couldn't achieve a Second Spirit Ring with a thousand-year cultivation base.

'This is interesting!' Qian Daoliu became interested in this seven-year-old boy, Lu Yuan.

'This kid already has a good relationship with Xiao Xue... Perhaps I can use this opportunity to create some distance between him and Bibi Dong,' Qian Daoliu contemplated. His own relationship with Bibi Dong was strained, so if he could sever the teacher-disciple bond while fulfilling his agreement with his granddaughter, it would be like killing two birds with one stone.

Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes revealed a hint of admiration. Lu Yuan had truly surprised him. This level of talent tempted him greatly.

An exceptional Martial Soul, a Spirit Ring combination that surpassed the best - teaching such a genius would be a stroke of luck. Moreover, this boy possessed the same type of Golden Class Martial Soul as himself, making him the most suitable disciple to accept.

Golden Crocodile Douluo began to ponder...