Chapter 58: Blood, Bone, and Bonds — The Weight of Growth

Star Dou Forest stood still as two soul rings—one green-gold, one crimson-black—descended upon the twins who had just crossed a line few ever reached. The Verdant Moonlight Sky Vine Serpent and the Bloodthorn Night Howler had fallen, their powers condensed into legacies.

This wasn't just a breakthrough.

It was a transformation.

❖ Tang San — Endurance of the Verdant Path

Tang San's soul ring formed from a willing sacrifice—an act of love from the dying serpent. But such nobility came with consequences.

"Its consciousness is too strong to be ignored," Tianmeng warned, floating nearby. "You'll have to endure until I can seal it."

The moment the soul ring touched him, his body erupted in agony. Vines of spiritual essence threaded through his meridians, threatening to rupture them from within.

Tang San gritted his teeth, knuckles white. But his will, tempered by hardship and responsibility, held firm.

Pushing beyond limits, he drew more power—and raised the ring's age to 6,500 years. Only then did Tianmeng seal the remaining spiritual will.

Tang San dropped to a knee, panting—but whole.

"Thank you," he said simply.

Tianmeng blinked, floating midair.

"He… thanked me. Di Tian… he thanked me. Mark this day."

❖ Tang Yan — A Blaze of Power

While Tang San battled will with grace, Tang Yan was getting absolutely demolished in his spiritual sea.

The Howler's savage presence ripped through him like a storm. His mind trembled, body bleeding from every pore.

"I… was not ready," he admitted grimly.

Tianmeng arrived just in time, sighing as he destroyed the beast's will in a single strike.

"I leave you for ten minutes, and you nearly get mentally folded."

Tang Yan coughed, then activated his Ancient Draconian–Behemoth form. Scales erupted across his body. Wings stretched. His mindscape flared with thunder.

He pushed the ring upward—

10,000... 12,000... 15,000 years.

Di Tian and Tianmeng stood rooted.

"He's... insane," Tianmeng said flatly.

"I've lived a dog's life."

Di Tian snorted. "If you're a dog, I'm worse than an ant."

"You said it, not me."

❖ Twin Advancement — Level 20

Both boys stood.

[Soul Power Surge: Level 20 Reached]

Second Soul Ring Required

Their bodies crackled with pressure. Power surged within them.

Their… clothes did not survive.

Shirts disintegrated. Pants shredded.

Di Tian closed his eyes. "I am not prepared for death, but I sense it."

❖ Soul Bone Jackpot

Two glowing fragments emerged in the air—crystalline, radiant, and unmistakable.

External Soul Bones.

From both soul beasts.

Di Tian stared blankly.

"Two rare soul beasts. Two compatible external soul bones. What are the odds?"

Tianmeng muttered:

"If luck were currency, we'd be beggars next to these two."

❖ Soul Skill Report➤ Tang San (6,500-Year Soul Ring)

Attributes: Life, Wood, Gold

Effect Amplification: Healing + Control significantly increased due to synergy.

Soul Skills Gained (4):

Verdant Pulse Vein (Healing – Passive/Active)Restores health over time. Active use heals major wounds and stabilizes meridians.Life + Wood Attribute EnhancedGolden Root Bind (Control – Single Target)Roots target in place with golden vines; slows soul power regeneration.Gold + Wood EnhancedThis is the skill shown publicly.Emerald Vital Bloom (Group Healing)Restores energy to multiple allies. Hidden for now.Nature's Grasp Field (AoE Control)Disrupts enemy formations. Hidden.➤ Tang Yan (15,000-Year Soul Ring)

Attributes: Ultimate Gold, Killing, Life

Effect Amplification: Both offensive power and healing regeneration are vastly stronger due to attribute synergy.

Soul Skills Gained (4):

Blood Echo Surge (Healing – Passive/Active Hybrid)Stores 10% of damage taken; converts it into healing burst.Life Attribute EnhancedSevering Radiance Fang (Attack – Single Target)Launches a high-speed, ultimate-gold infused energy slash that severs defenses and induces soul suppression.Ultimate Gold + Killing EnhancedThis is the skill shown publicly.Thorn-Fused Detonation (Multi-target Explosive)Blood thorns explode in a radius. Hidden.Crimson Hunt Lock (Single Target Execution + Control)Traps and executes wounded enemies. Hidden.

System: "Host has unlocked: 'Flaunt Power Level Casually While Hiding True Terror' Badge."

❖ Panic, Transport, and Scolding

The moment they joked about hunting for soul ring number two, Di Tian snapped.

"You're barely dressed, half-alive, and SMILING?! We are leaving. Now."

The return trip was instant. And loud.

At the gate—

"WHERE. ARE. THEIR. CLOTHES?!" – Ah Yin

"Di Tian… explain." – Gu Yuena

"Why would you let them go alone?!" – Bi Ji

Tianmeng floated behind Tang Yan, whispering,

"Host… hold me. I don't wanna die."

❖ Family Circle

Cleaned, healed, and redressed, the twins explained everything.

The adults listened. Frowned. Then… nodded.

Gu Yuena whispered to Ah Yin,

"Their strength is growing too fast."

Ah Yin replied, "It's already too late to stop it."

Bi Ji looked at the boys with soft awe. "They'll change the world."

❖ Epilogue

That night, under starlight, Tang Yan reclined on a rooftop, Tang San beside him.

"Hey. Still think I'm a lazy bum?"

Tang San smiled. "You're a lazy genius. I hate how well that works."

They laughed, and the stars above flickered—twins, brothers, legends in the making.