**Chapter 267: Three Incarnations**

**Chapter 267: Three Incarnations**

During this time, Bai Xiuxiu's intelligence awakened—unsurprising for a sea soul beast that had lived for 60,000 to 70,000 years. However, awakening intelligence alone wasn't enough; it would take Bai Xiuxiu another 30,000 to 40,000 years to transform into human form. By the time she completed this transformation, Zhao Ling might have already moved on.

This realization frustrated Zhao Ling. The system had intervened for Wang Qiuer, giving her the necessary cultivation to transform in just 5,000 years. Why couldn't it do the same for Bai Xiuxiu? Was this disparity simply the difference between soul beasts?

Zhao Ling's musings were interrupted when he met Bai Xiuxiu's parents, Xiaobai and her mate. Upon learning Zhao Ling was Poseidon's husband, the Demon Soul Great White Shark couple treated him with utmost reverence. Their respectful bows left Zhao Ling feeling both honored and awkward.

'How can they respect me so deeply,' he thought, 'when I have such improper thoughts about their daughter?' To avoid further inner conflict, Zhao Ling decided to steer clear of the Demon Soul Great White Shark gathering area.

Despite his resolve, Zhao Ling did assist the clan by eliminating a looming threat: the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. While this act benefited the Demon Soul Great White Sharks, Zhao Ling had ulterior motives. He knew this task was part of Poseidon's trials for Xi'er and decided to help her complete it while also securing benefits for Dong'er, who had recently reached level 90.

Taking Xi'er and Dong'er along, Zhao Ling ventured into the sea and dispatched the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Dong'er absorbed its million-year soul ring and soul bone, propelling her strength to new heights. Zhao Ling then placed a mark on the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's wife, ensuring she wouldn't pose a threat.

Later, when Xiao Wu reached level 90, Zhao Ling returned to slay the marked Demon Whale's wife, allowing Xiao Wu to absorb her soul ring and soul bone. This decision wasn't made lightly; Zhao Ling believed that leaving such a powerful adversary alive would only invite trouble for his family.

Zhao Ling also noticed the abundance of 100,000-year-old sea soul beasts. Unlike the Star Dou Great Forest, the ocean teemed with countless powerful creatures. Zhao Ling found it more efficient to hunt sea soul beasts for his wives' soul rings rather than depleting the limited resources of the forest.

For land-based soul masters, defeating sea soul beasts was notoriously difficult; even a Spirit Hall Titled Douluo would struggle against a Soul Douluo-level Sea Soul Master in the ocean. But Zhao Ling's strength knew no such bounds. Hunting sea soul beasts was a simple task, allowing him to secure powerful soul rings for his wives.

After absorbing the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's million-year soul ring, Bibi Dong ascended to the Titled Douluo realm, with her soul power surging from level 90 to level 94. Her ninth soul skill, Immortality, gained enhancements beyond its original version. In addition to its prior abilities—reassembling her body from fragments and transforming her physical form into energy—Immortality now allowed Bibi Dong to create three incarnations.

These incarnations shared her original qualifications and possessed Soul Douluo-level strength. Normally lifeless and thoughtless, they served as contingency bodies. If Bibi Dong ever faced mortal peril, her soul would transfer to one of the incarnations, effectively granting her a second chance at life. However, the skill could only be used once; after creating the three incarnations, Bibi Dong could never make more.

Bibi Dong spent several days condensing the three incarnations and ultimately entrusted them to Zhao Ling. "Husband," she said, "if I ever fall, I want you to be the first person I see when I wake up."

Moved by her trust, Zhao Ling agreed to safeguard the incarnations. However, Bibi Dong insisted on dressing them first. Zhao Ling frowned. "Do you not trust me? Do you think I'd take advantage of lifeless bodies?"

Bibi Dong gave him a pointed look. "Husband, must I remind you of your reputation? Leaving them undressed would be tempting fate."

Her cold tone silenced Zhao Ling. Begrudgingly, he acknowledged that she might have a point. After ensuring the incarnations were clothed, Zhao Ling stored them in his space. Still, he fervently hoped Bibi Dong would never need to use them. While the incarnations ensured her survival, they came at a cost—resetting her strength to the Soul Douluo level and potentially limiting her future growth.

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(End of Chapter)