Chapter 17: Hidden Moon Demon Cat

Wu Tong naturally noticed it as well and smiled, "Everyone, don't be anxious. Let me explain my situation."

"This time, the soul beast I targeted for my soul hunt is the Heart-Eyed Golden Fox. To many, this soul beast might not seem particularly special, but in my view, it possesses qualities that complement my martial soul."

"In the Soul Beast Encyclopedia, there's a story about the Heart-Eyed Golden Fox. From it, I discovered a particular trait—its extraordinarily strong memory."

"Everyone on the Douluo Continent knows that soul beasts don't develop intelligence unless they reach ten thousand years of age. But in the story, the Heart-Eyed Golden Fox, even at only a thousand years old, remembered the soul master who harmed it. Ten years later, it still hadn't forgotten and nearly succeeded in taking revenge. That shows just how powerful its memory is."

At that moment, Wu Tong heard Liu Feiyan mutter, "Isn't that just being petty?"

He gave a sweatdrop expression but ignored her and continued.

"This powerful memory trait can serve as a puzzle piece for enhancing the intellectual attributes of my brain-type martial soul. Every wise person has a strong memory. Other puzzle pieces include divergent thinking, exceptional comprehension ability… Once I complete all the pieces, my martial soul should evolve using their combined power."

"After obtaining the soul ring of the Heart-Eyed Golden Fox, my memory improved significantly. I now have a photographic memory—even without activating my martial soul. This is due to the compatibility between the soul ring and martial soul, which triggered the enhancement."

"And when we think of foxes, the first thing that comes to mind is cunning. That proves foxes possess intelligence. After getting the soul ring, because of its complementarity with my martial soul, the soul also experienced a certain degree of enhancement."

"As long as I continue on this path, completing the puzzle and strengthening the martial soul's traits, a second awakening—or martial soul evolution—can happen."

"So, Sister Mu Lan should choose a soul ring from a beast that complements or enhances her martial soul's traits. She can't just pick one at random."

After finishing, Wu Tong paused and took a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

Everyone was stunned into silence by his explanation. The concept of martial soul evolution was something they'd never heard of, let alone seen in action.

But after the shock came overwhelming joy. This was a tremendous opportunity—if they could grasp it, they might rise to incredible heights, even becoming legendary Titled Douluo.

"I, Wu Tu, swear on my martial soul that I will never reveal what happened today to anyone in any way. If I break this oath, may my martial soul shatter and my cultivation never progress."

As the group rejoiced, Wu Tu solemnly stood before Wu Tong, raised his left hand to his ear, and pointed four fingers to the sky to make the oath.

Swearing on one's martial soul was no small matter. To the people of Douluo, the martial soul was as sacred as Mazu was to fishermen. The seriousness of Wu Tu's vow couldn't be overstated.

While Wu Tong stood stunned, the others also followed Wu Tu's example and made the same oath.

After all had sworn, Wu Tu explained, "Little brother Wu Tong, we owe you today. You've shared the secret of martial soul evolution with us. Whether or not you care, or expect anything, we must take a stand. It's a matter of principle."

"Don't worry, little brother Wu Tong. If there's ever anything I can do, I'll go through fire and water without hesitation."

He patted his chest boldly, full of heroic righteousness.

"There's no need for that, Uncle Wu Tu. This theory has only worked for me so far—it hasn't been fully verified. What if I'm just a special case?" Wu Tong replied shyly, though a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

'Success. The martial soul evolution theory really got their interest.'

'As long as Sister Mu Lan's martial soul improves after her soul hunt, my bond with the team will grow stronger.'

'Not only will I have no trouble getting future soul rings, but my safety is also temporarily assured. I'll even gain more data to support publishing this theory…'

'I just didn't expect them to offer everything so willingly without me having to push.'

'But this is fine too. If I had to bring it up myself, things would've definitely gotten a bit awkward.'

Wu Tong hadn't revealed this theory casually. First of all, his martial soul had indeed improved, confirming that the martial soul evolution theory was valid.

Revealing the information was his way of strengthening relationships with the others. If it worked, not only would he no longer have to worry about soul rings or his own safety before reaching Rank 30, but if more people succeeded, it would also help make his theory more convincing when he published it in the future.

As for why he didn't tell them outright, Wu Tong intended to test their character. If they failed, it would be a one-time deal. But if they passed, it meant Wu Tu and the others were people of integrity—worthy of deeper ties.

Besides, this was a win-win situation to begin with. Whether or not they knew the full truth didn't really matter. Wu Tu and his group would still gain tangible benefits.

"Don't worry, little brother Wu Tong. Since you've already succeeded, that means the theory is viable. We trust your judgment," Wu Tu said cheerfully, then asked with curiosity.

"Since you said the soul beasts we chose aren't suitable, you must already have something in mind. What soul beast did you plan for Mu Lan?"

"In the central region of the Star Dou Great Forest—Moon's Emissary, the Hidden Moon Demon Cat."

A sharp light flashed in Wu Tong's eyes as he replied with absolute certainty.

"In the Soul Beast Appreciation Guide, it's mentioned that the Hidden Moon Demon Cat has a slender build and graceful movements. Its fur is as deep as the night sky, with silvery streaks scattered across it like moonlight. Its eyes are especially distinct—faint silver-blue in color, like two miniature moons, emitting a soft and mysterious glow. Legend says this soul beast is the emissary of the moon."

"At night or under moonlight, the Hidden Moon Demon Cat can almost merge with its surroundings, becoming nearly undetectable. It dislikes sunlight and usually appears in the shaded areas of the forest's central region."

"The reason for choosing the Hidden Moon Demon Cat is that it shares a trait with Sister Mu Lan's mutated martial soul—they both cultivate by absorbing moonlight. This makes it a perfect match. After absorbing its soul ring, Mu Lan's Moonlight Flowing Sound Zither martial soul will have an enhanced ability to absorb moonlight for cultivation."

"Also, the Hidden Moon Demon Cat has an invisibility ability. If she acquires a soul skill from it, it could provide concealment for the team—hiding both form and aura, making future soul beast hunts safer."

"Plus, I noticed most of the soul beasts you picked were agility-type, suggesting you want Sister Mu Lan to gain a speed-boosting soul skill. The Hidden Moon Demon Cat is also an agility-type soul beast, so there's a chance to gain that kind of skill too. No matter how you look at it, it's a win."

Once Wu Tong finished, everyone pondered for a while and agreed with his reasoning. They decided to follow his plan.

"Haha, we really owe you for this, little brother Wu Tong. If not for you, we might've picked a random soul beast and wasted our potential, forever stuck at our current level."

"Uncle Wu Tu, you're too kind. I always planned to organize my findings and present the theory to Spirit Hall. I only brought it up this time to see if it would actually work."

Wu Tong smiled modestly, making no attempt to hide his intentions.

"No matter what, you've helped us a lot. If only you weren't so weak right now—maybe you could come with us this time…" Wu Tu muttered.

He clearly understood Wu Tong's purpose.

But regardless of Wu Tong's motives, he had indeed taken a successful step, proving that the theory was sound. And the Hidden Moon Demon Cat was indeed a perfect fit for Mu Lan. The benefits they gained were real.

As Wu Tu rambled on endlessly, Wu Tong could only shake his head inwardly.

'Go with them? For what? To die? I'm only Rank 13. One soul beast could slap me into Wu Tong jelly! (_)'

After the discussion ended, Wu Tong declined Wu Tu's invitation to join the team and returned to the academy.

(End of Chapter)

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