The night was pitch-black, and damp mist permeated the depths of the forest.
The yellow soul ring floated silently above the Mandala Snake's corpse, emitting a gentle glow that stood out sharply in the dim surroundings.
The scent of blood still lingered in the air, mingling with the smells of soil and vegetation, making everyone instinctively tense.
Tang San took a deep breath. The chilly air filled his lungs, calming the blood that had been boiling from battle.
Following Yu Xiao Gang's instructions, he sat cross-legged with his hands resting naturally on his knees, preparing to absorb the soul ring.
His Blue Silver Grass martial soul flickered faintly in his palm, tiny vines curling around his fingertips as though yearning for something.
"Wait!" Yu Xiao Gang suddenly reached out to stop Tang San and pulled a worn pocket watch from his robes. Its bronze casing bore the marks of time, and the numbers on its dial had already grown blurry.
Frowning, he carefully made out the hands by the faint moonlight. "According to my 'Soul Ring Absorption Time and Success Rate Chart,' the optimal absorption period should be..."
Michael stood nearby, his long hair drifting gently in the night breeze.
He keenly sensed the fluctuations of Soul Power in the surroundings, and his brows drew together slightly.
With a light cough, he interrupted the Soul Grandmaster's lengthy speech. "Master, the soul ring's energy is dissipating." His voice was quiet, yet it carried an urgency that could not be ignored.
Yu Xiao Gang snapped back to his senses and hurriedly put away his pocket watch, its chain clinking crisply. "Right, right, right. Xiao San, begin quickly."
He pushed up his glasses, their lenses reflecting the soul ring's light. "Remember, use Soul Power to guide the energy through your meridians. Stop immediately if you feel any discomfort. Especially near the third pulse gate—that area is the most prone to energy blockage..."
Tang San had already closed his eyes, his long eyelashes casting slight shadows across his face.
His Blue Silver Grass martial soul released itself automatically. Pale blue light surged from his body and resonated with the soul ring.
The yellow ring slowly descended like an exquisite crown, settling around the Blue Silver Grass.
Subtle energy ripples spread through the air, and the surrounding blades of grass swayed without wind.
At that crucial moment, an eerie tremor suddenly came from deep within the forest.
The ground began to quiver faintly. Small stones bounced across the earth, leaves rustled, and it felt as though some colossal creature was approaching. A flock of birds took flight in the distance, flapping into the night sky.
Michael immediately turned around in alert, his silver eyes glinting coldly in the darkness.
His hand was already resting on the hilt at his waist, ready to draw his sword at any moment.
But strangely, just as the creature came within roughly a hundred meters, it seemed to sense something terrifying. It let out a low whimper, immediately turned around, and left.
The heavy footsteps gradually faded, eventually vanishing into the depths of the forest.
"Strange..." Michael murmured, his silver-white brows tightly furrowed. He sharply sensed a trace of abnormal Soul Power lingering in the air, an aura no ordinary soul beast could possess.
Yu Xiao Gang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were gathering, obscuring the moonlight that had once been bright. "It's going to rain," he muttered. "The sky is so gray. It really does seem like a heavy downpour is coming." The damp wind swept up fallen leaves from the ground, carrying the promise of distant thunder and rain.
Meanwhile, in distant Spirit City, the night was equally deep.
The towering spires of Angel Sanctuary pierced the night sky, their golden decorations gleaming beneath the moonlight. Solomon had already returned. Dressed in a white robe embroidered with golden patterns, he stood in the sanctuary's central circular hall.
After bidding Ye Lingtong farewell, he had ridden the Winged Unicorn back here.
At that moment, the elegant creature stood quietly beside him, its silver-white wings folded at its sides and its spiraling horn radiating a soft glow. Its eyes were like two sapphires, reflecting the candlelight burning within the sanctuary.
Lucifer had finished handling her official duties and was walking along the red-carpeted corridor toward Angel Sanctuary.
She held a stack of documents in her hands, her high heels striking the marble floor with crisp clicks. Moonlight streamed through stained glass, casting colorful shadows over her golden hair and lending several shades of mystery to her breathtaking face.
She had just been about to report on the day's affairs when her gaze was drawn to the Winged Unicorn beside Solomon.
The Soul Power fluctuations emanating from the creature instantly put her on guard.
"A Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast?" Her violet pupils contracted slightly, and her fingertips unconsciously brushed the Pope's scepter at her waist. The gemstone at its tip sensed its owner's emotions and began to glow faintly red.
Solomon turned around, moonlight outlining the flawless contours of his profile.
He gently stroked the unicorn's newly grown wings. The metallic feathers rippled with silver light beneath his touch.
"More accurately, it is a contract partner." His voice was low and magnetic, echoing through the empty hall.
The soul beast docilely lowered its head, the golden patterns on its spiraling horn flickering with each breath. It let out a soft neigh, its voice like a clear spring flowing over jade, stirring a faint echo within the sanctuary.
Lucifer cautiously stepped forward, her long dress trailing across the floor with a soft rustle.
"I've never seen a soul beast like this before," she said cautiously. "It's rather novel."
Solomon smiled faintly, with a trace of pride in that smile.
This was the contract I created—a legendary contract that brought soul beast Pokemon into reality.
It was only natural that she had never seen it before.
"It came from the core region of Star Dou Forest. Its name is Winged Unicorn, and from now on, it will be my partner." His slender fingers continued stroking the unicorn's mane. "During this journey, I improved the method of obtaining soul rings. Rather than slaughtering soul beasts to acquire soul rings, it is better to form contracts with them and make them one's partners. That allows for more efficient combat."
"This is the unique soul beast Pokemon Contract that I created." Solomon once again calmly explained his idea to Lucifer.
This contract, where one plus one exceeded two, was an unprecedented creation not only on Douluo Continent, but across the entire Douluo Star!
It was absolutely something that could change history.
After listening to Solomon's explanation, Lucifer quickly grasped the key point.
"...Doesn't that mean an era of peace between humans and soul beasts is about to arrive?"
"Let such an era arrive sooner, in accordance with The Lord's will," Solomon said with a smile. "The Lord likely does not wish to see needless killing either."
"However," Lucifer said, concern appearing on her beautiful face, "if this plan is to be implemented across the continent, it will certainly face obstruction from local noble forces. Those nobles will never agree to something that allows the common people to gain power."
Before you continue