Chapter 159: Sacrifice and Resurrection
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The Extreme North!
In front of a snow-covered mountain, Wang Li observed his surroundings and remarked:
"This should be the place. Based on the memories of that Ice Jade Scorpion, there's an elderly white-haired man living atop this mountain. Plucking a single strand of his beard transforms it into a ginseng root, capable of rapidly healing any ten-thousand-year soul beast, no matter how severe its injuries."
Dugu Bo's interest was piqued.
"So, we're dealing with a hundred-thousand-year-old ginseng-type soul beast. That explains why he once tried to steal the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng—perhaps he was searching for his own kind. But then, why did he so easily hand over the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to us?"
Wang Li replied, "Let's go ask him. We'll find out soon enough."
With that, the group ventured further into the snow-capped mountain. Despite the extreme cold and harsh climate, they, as high-level soul masters, were able to use their soul power to resist the frigid temperatures.
Before long, they neared the mountain peak, where a small snow-covered house stood. Just as they approached, the owner of the house emerged—it was the very same white-haired elder from before.
At the sight of Wang Li, Dugu Bo, and Dugu Yan, the elder's eyes widened in surprise. He then focused on Wang Li, momentarily stunned, before speaking.
"The Blue Silver Emperor… You have already attained the Blue Silver Emperor's form? Have you really reached Rank 90 so soon?"
Wang Li shook his head and responded, "Senior, I am only at Rank 80, but I have already awakened my Blue Silver Emperor martial soul. That's why I've come to the Extreme North. You promised me a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone—how do we proceed with that? Also, what is it that you want in return? What do you seek from me?"
"Rank 80… Rank 80…"
The white-haired elder was momentarily stunned, his expression filled with disbelief. After a pause, he sighed and said,
"At your age, reaching Rank 80 is unprecedented among humans. You are a genius like no other. Moreover, attaining the Blue Silver Emperor's form before Rank 80… Even among the Blue Silver Clan, you would be considered a monstrous talent."
"The hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone I promised you will be given through a sacrificial ritual—I will transfer my power to you. You've probably already guessed it—I am a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast. My true form is the Violet Jade Heaven-Penetrating Ginseng."
"My cultivation has actually reached an astonishing one hundred ninety thousand years. However, if you want me to surrender my entire cultivation to you, there are, of course, conditions. Come inside, and we shall discuss further."
Even though they had mentally prepared themselves, hearing the elder confirm his identity still left Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan deeply shocked. As expected, he was indeed a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast.
As for Wang Li, he remained calm. He had expected conditions to be attached—what he feared was not the presence of conditions but the lack thereof. If someone willingly sacrificed themselves without asking for anything in return, that would be far more suspicious. After all, no one gives up their life without reason.
Following the white-haired elder, the three of them entered the snow house. Though it appeared small from the outside, the interior was surprisingly spacious. Once seated in the living area, the elder began his explanation.
"To you humans, all hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts are the same. But among us soul beasts, we have our own distinctions. Upon reaching one hundred thousand years of cultivation, a soul beast faces two choices—continue cultivating or transform into a human."
"Though I may look human, this is merely a talent ability of mine. I chose to continue cultivating. The transformation process is too perilous."
At this point, the white-haired elder turned to Dugu Bo and said,
"For someone like this esteemed Titled Douluo, who has surpassed Rank 90, seeing through the true form of a soul beast that has transformed into a human is easy. A transformed soul beast only truly becomes human upon reaching Rank 70. Before that, they are still soul beasts at their core. If they die, they will still produce a soul ring and a soul bone."
Dugu Bo nodded. As a Titled Douluo above Rank 90, his spiritual power had undergone a qualitative transformation, allowing him to see through most transformations and illusions. However, the white-haired elder's innate ability to assume a human form was something even he had failed to see through. He solemnly remarked,
"Your talent ability is indeed formidable. If you were to blend into human society, not even a Titled Douluo would be able to detect your presence."
The white-haired elder smirked proudly.
"My Burrowing Technique and Transformation Art are my greatest prides. Without them, I would have been captured and eaten long ago."
But then, he let out a sigh and continued,
"This is both a blessing and a curse. My entire skill set lies in my Burrowing Technique, my Transformation Art, and my ability to heal others. Beyond that, I lack any real combat abilities."
"Under normal circumstances, few could pose a threat to me. But for soul beasts, cultivation is accompanied by heavenly tribulations that descend at regular intervals…"
"The range from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand years is what is commonly known as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Between two hundred thousand and one million years, a soul beast enters the category of 'fierce beasts.' Based on their cultivation years, they are equivalent to your human Rank 96 Super Douluo to Rank 99 Peerless Douluo. Above one million years, they become what legends call 'divine beasts.' However, in all my years of existence, I have never heard of a soul beast truly ascending to godhood."
"My cultivation has reached one hundred ninety thousand years—I'm on the verge of stepping into the two-hundred-thousand-year threshold. The coming tribulation will be unimaginably terrifying. Even I lack the confidence to withstand it. I cannot begin to fathom how horrifying the tribulation for a million-year soul beast must be."
In the world of soul masters, those who possess a hundred-thousand-year soul ring are exceedingly rare. Now, hearing the elder's explanation of the different classifications of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were utterly shocked.
Wang Li already understood these concepts. Now, hearing the white-haired elder's tone, it was clear—this was a man facing his death, searching for a way out. He asked directly:
"So, what are your conditions, Senior?"
The white-haired elder looked at Wang Li and said,
"I originally sought the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to resist the tribulation. Unfortunately, its age was insufficient."
"But when I saw you, I found a new path. The Blue Silver lineage—ordinary Blue Silver Grass is weak and fragile, but when it evolves into the Blue Silver King, it becomes extraordinarily powerful. If one can ascend to the Emperor level, it is even said to possess the power to rejuvenate withered trees and bring the dead back to life."
At this point, the elder's eyes shone with genuine sincerity. He solemnly declared:
"Young Blue Silver Emperor, I will transfer my one hundred ninety thousand years of cultivation to you. In return, you must restore both my soul and body—you must resurrect me."
"This power, which should have been my greatest asset, has become a death sentence. If I overcome this tribulation, I will become a fierce beast. But I fear I will not survive it—I will be reduced to ashes beneath the heavens' judgment."
"Rather than risking total annihilation, I would rather relinquish my cultivation entirely in exchange for a new life. Will you agree?"
Wang Li smiled.
So that was it? That was all the elder wanted?
Without hesitation, he nodded.
"This is well within my abilities. I accept your terms, Senior."
The white-haired elder exhaled deeply, a look of profound relief crossing his face. He gazed intently at Wang Li and said,
"I have no other options left. I can only hope that you will keep your promise. You two—please step outside. The sacrificial ritual of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast will generate a unique magnetic field. Aside from me and him, staying here would be pointless."
Dugu Bo rose to his feet, his aura surging sharply.
"Rest assured, we will remain on guard outside. I hope you, too, will uphold your end of the agreement. Yan Yan, let's go."
Dugu Yan did not hesitate. She understood how momentous this was for Wang Li—this was a heaven-sent opportunity. Before leaving, she gave him a look of encouragement, then followed Dugu Bo out of the snow house.
Soon, only two people remained inside.
The white-haired elder stood up, his expression a mix of reluctance and resolution. But in the next moment, his gaze hardened—this power, this one hundred ninety thousand years of cultivation, was now nothing but a burden to him.
BOOM! BOOM!
His aura erupted, surging wildly. His entire being seemed to ignite, and a pillar of violet light shot into the sky, forming a powerful, unique magnetic field.
"Young Blue Silver Emperor, I entrust everything to you!"
As he finished speaking, his entire body radiated violet brilliance. In the end, his form dissolved into pure energy and merged into Wang Li's body.
Wang Li, unable to control himself, instinctively summoned his martial soul—the Blue Silver Emperor, without any concealment.
Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red.
Seven blood-red soul rings encircled him, exuding an overwhelming and suffocating pressure.
At that moment, the white-haired elder could only stare in disbelief.
He had originally thought he would need to suppress his power to prevent Wang Li from being overwhelmed by his one hundred ninety thousand years of cultivation.
Now, however, he realized—such caution was utterly unnecessary.
Wang Li's body was now unbelievably resilient, akin to that of a humanoid soul beast. Within his dantian, his solidified soul power surged like an endless ocean. Compared to the white-haired elder, he was only slightly lacking.
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.
But this was undoubtedly a good thing.
Following the appearance of his seven existing soul rings, another one emerged—a blood-red eighth soul ring. It spun rapidly, chasing after the previous seven like a comet in orbit.
At the same time, a surge of heat spread through his chest and spine—a sensation unmistakably similar to absorbing a soul bone.
Wang Li focused entirely on absorbing the immense energy pouring into him. The white-haired elder—or rather, Zi Yu Tong Tian Shen—had entrusted his vast life essence to Wang Li's martial soul, which greedily devoured it.
A radiant white glow enveloped Wang Li's body before forming a cocoon of light. Gradually, the cocoon's color shifted from white to deep violet, radiating boundless vitality. A powerful pulse of life energy spread outward as Wang Li's martial soul underwent yet another evolution.
The fusion of Zi Yu Tong Tian Shen's near-fierce beast-level life essence and Wang Li's own Blue Silver Emperor life force had triggered an unprecedented transformation.
—
Outside the snow house—
A towering violet pillar of light shot into the heavens, illuminating the Extreme North.
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, watching from a distance, were stunned by the spectacle.
Dugu Bo let out a long breath before speaking in awe,
"So this… is the sacrifice of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. What a magnificent sight."
"With an eighth soul ring of this level, combined with Little Li's already monstrous talent… he might truly become one of the continent's strongest experts before the age of twenty—a Titled Douluo."
Dugu Yan's eyes shone with anticipation.
"Little Li was already capable of fighting Soul Douluo with just seven soul rings. Now that he has eight… there's no doubt he can go toe-to-toe with a Titled Douluo."
Dugu Bo pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Wang Li as a Soul Saint could battle Soul Douluo.
Wang Li as a Soul Douluo could battle Titled Douluo.
Then once Wang Li became a Titled Douluo… wouldn't he be unstoppable across the entire continent?
Such terrifying talent was simply unbelievable!
—
Meanwhile, deep within the Extreme North, the overwhelming surge of energy did not go unnoticed.
The Three Heavenly Kings of the Extreme North—Snow Empress, Ice Sky Snow Maiden, and Ice Empress—along with the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion and the Titan Snow Demon King, all sensed the commotion.
Each of them was shocked by the sheer scale of this phenomenon and immediately rushed over to investigate.
—
One day and one night later—inside the snow house.
The cocoon of violet light shattered.
Wang Li's eyes snapped open—clear and vibrant blue, shining like polished gemstones.
He immediately turned his gaze toward his status panel:
---
[Host: Wang Li]
[Martial Soul: Blue Silver Emperor Lv8 (Evolving…)]
[Soul Power: Level 82 (46%) +]
[Trait: Everlasting Vitality Lv8 (As the unparalleled emperor of the Blue Silver lineage, the Blue Silver Emperor possesses near-immortal life force. Even if completely annihilated, its life essence can reignite and return.)]
[Passive: Indomitable Will Lv8 (Willpower transcends the physical body, allowing interference with reality itself. Even in death, as long as remnants of the soul or body exist, revival is possible—each time returning even stronger.)]
[Domain: Blue Silver Domain Lv5 (Five Abilities: Detection, Camouflage, Dominion, Myriad Forest, Ocean's Embrace)]
[Soul Rings: First Soul Ring (Equipped)
Second Soul Ring (Equipped)
Third Soul Ring (Equipped)
Fourth Soul Ring (Equipped)
Fifth Soul Ring (Equipped)
Sixth Soul Ring (Equipped)
Seventh Soul Ring (Equipped)
Eighth Soul Ring (Equipped)]
---
A transformation had taken place.
Wang Li was no longer simply strong—he had stepped onto an entirely new level.
Wang Li's satisfaction was evident as he observed his equipment stats. His levels were nearly maxed out, and he was now on the verge of becoming invincible. He couldn't help but marvel at how far he had come.
He then opened the "Evolving" interface:
---
[Lv8 ——> Lv9 Life Essence (54/1280) Emperor's Essence, also known as Blue Silver Affinity (100%)]
---
He realized that with Lv8 Blue Silver Emperor, he was already approaching the Beast-level range. At Lv9, his Blue Silver Emperor would ascend beyond 700,000 years, reaching the pinnacle of top-tier beast-like power.
Wang Li closed that window and moved on to examine his eighth soul ring:
---
[First Soul Skill: Heavenly Transformation (Boundless life force, surpassing Blue Silver Grass's limits, solidifying a towering battle form through the power of life creation)]
[Second Soul Skill: Heavenly Metamorphosis (Boundless life force, surpassing Blue Silver Grass's limits, creating anything tangible through the power of transformation)]
[Source: Purple Jade Tong Tian Shen (Ten-thousand-year, Nine-tier Immortal Ginseng, Legendary Immortal Herb, rumored to enable a person to ascend to the heavens in one step)]
[Age: 199,917 (+)]
---
Wang Li's face gleamed with ecstasy. The fusion of the Purple Jade Tong Tian Shen's essence with his Blue Silver Emperor martial soul had birthed the two skills he had always dreamed of.
Now, he could transform into a colossal battle form. He pondered just how large he could become—maybe 30 meters, 50 meters, or even 100 meters tall. However, with time and a boost to his soul ring's age, perhaps he could eventually wield a thousand-meter, even ten-thousand-meter battle form. The potential was staggering.
He then extended his right hand, revealing a seed. This was the seed of the Purple Jade Tong Tian Shen, but it had died, stripped of all power and essence.
Wang Li spoke solemnly:
"Senior, with these two soul skills, I must bring you back…"
It was clear he wouldn't return the soul rings or soul bones, but he had his own way to revive the Purple Jade Tong Tian Shen. Rather than simply restoring it, Wang Li intended to give it a new life—a rebirth, much like how Ah Yin had once been reborn.
---
(End of Chapter)