Immortal Tang True Body, Vine Guard and Star Eater

Ye Zhilan sat cross-legged, her mind immersing itself in her body, focusing all her efforts on merging the 49,000-year-old Star-Eating Vine Soul Ring, as black as ink with sparkling starlight around its edges, with herself. A vast and slightly violent energy surged into her meridians, bringing waves of throbbing pain. However, thanks to her superior Life Force and physique, far exceeding that of her peers after being nourished by the Immortal Herb, and with Yu Yuanchen quietly guiding and protecting her with his pure Thunder True Essence, the entire process, though somewhat difficult, was not particularly risky.

Yu Yuanchen stood quietly to one side, his Divine Sense covering the surroundings, constantly monitoring Ye Zhilan's condition to ensure that nothing went wrong.

However, his Divine Sense quickly detected the unusual movements of the century-old and millennium-old Star-Eating Vine that had been affected by the previous battle and were now withered and charred.

These low-level Star-Eating Vine, after enduring the aftershocks of Yu Yuanchen's Thunder Dragon Claw imbued with the Destruction Artistic Conception of Heavenly Tribulation, had their already fragile intelligence completely shattered, leaving only their most primal instincts—survival and devouring.

At this moment, they sensed the rich Life energy emanating from the 49,000-year-old Star Eater Vine King after its fall, as well as its remains. Their devouring instinct, originating from their shared bloodline, was fully activated!

The charred vines, like dying worms, struggled and writhed, slowly but resolutely crawling toward the remains of their former "king," Entanglement it, and frantically drawing in and devouring the remaining energy and flesh!

"Oh? It's the instinct to survive..." A hint of interest flashed in Yu Yuanchen eyes. His Thunder Power was incredibly domineering, and it even contained a trace of the Divine Might of Heavenly Tribulation. For these low-level Plant Spirit Beast, it was almost Destruction. It was already difficult for them to survive. Their current behavior was nothing more than a death throes, trying to resist the raging lightning Destruction power within their bodies by devouring high-level energy of the same origin, just to prolong their lives.

He did not stop it, but simply watched quietly as this cruel and real scene of nature unfolded.

After devouring the remains of the king beast, the low-level Star-Eating Vine seemed to have their injuries slightly relieved, and their charred vines regained a faint luster. But soon, they discovered that simply devouring dead matter was not enough to completely counteract the Destruction power of thunder that clung to their bodies like a bone-deep infection.

Then, something even more astonishing happened.

After a brief pause, these vines, which were driven solely by their predatory instincts, seemed to realize that each other's existence was also "nourishment." Without any hesitation, they abruptly turned their "spears" and fiercely pounced on the nearest of their kind!

"Sizzle sizzle sizzle!"

The vines entangled, strangled, and pierced each other! Originally from the same root, the Star-Eating Vine now engaged in a brutal battle of mutual devouring for their slim chance of Life Force!

Black sap splattered, and broken vines lashed out, creating a chaotic and bloody scene. Yu Yuanchen frowned slightly, waved his hand, and erected an invisible Soul Power Barrier, isolating this area from Ye Zhilan, who was Absorb Soul Ring, so as not to disturb her.

This brutal infighting lasted for about half an hour.

Finally, the chaotic battlefield gradually subsided. Of the original dozen or so low-level Star-Eating Vine, only one remained! It was an ominous dark red color, its size had increased several times, its vines were thick and ferocious, its surface was covered with nodules and sharp barbs, and the energy fluctuations it emitted had reached the level of ten thousand years!

However, its aura was chaotic and filled with violence, frenzy, and Destruction. It had no intelligence whatsoever, only the purest and most twisted desire to devour and destroy!

"Roar--" The mutated and crazed ancient Star-Eating Vine let out a low roar that was unlike that of a plant, but like that of a wild beast. The remaining vines lashed wildly at everything around them, easily crushing, Entanglement, and cracking rocks and trees! It had completely transformed into a mad beast that only knew how to destroy.

Yu Yuanchen frowned slightly as he looked at the monster that had unexpectedly sprung up. This thing would surely become a menace if left unchecked; not only would it destroy the ecosystem of this valley, but if it were allowed to escape, it could even threaten low-level Soul Master who entered Sunset Forest to Soul Hunting.

"Once Zhilan has finished absorbing it, I'll clean it up then," he thought to himself, no longer paying attention to the Mad Vine, and focusing all his attention back on Ye Zhilan.

Time passed slowly. Ye Zhilan's aura grew stronger and stronger. The dark Soul Ring had established a solid connection with her, and she was gradually refining and absorbing its immense energy.

Finally, after another two hours, Ye Zhilan shone brightly!

The jet-black Seventh Soul Ring suddenly contracted, perfectly fitting onto her Sacred Heart Immortal Begonia Martial Soul, harmonizing with the other six Soul Ring! A powerful surge of Soul Power erupted, instantly breaking through her Cultivation Level bottleneck and officially entering the Soul Sage realm! Furthermore, the residual medicinal power from consuming the two immortal Immortal Herb and the feedback effect from absorbing the high-quality Soul Ring completely exploded at this moment, propelling her Soul Power Level to soar!

Level 71, Level 72!

Ultimately, her Cultivation Level stabilized at level seventy-two! She became one of the youngest Soul Sage in the history of the continent! (Twenty-four years old)

Ye Zhilan let out a long breath and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes shimmered with a vibrant green light, filled with vigorous Life Force and an even stronger Spiritual Power. She felt the surging Soul Power within her body and the new power granted to her by her Seventh Soul Ring, and a joyful smile appeared on her face.

"Brother Yuanchen, I did it!" She stood up, stretched her body, and felt full of energy, her Life Force growing stronger.

"Congratulations, Zhilan." Yu Yuanchen smiled and nodded, happy for her. However, his gaze immediately drifted to the ancient Star-Eating Vine still wreaking havoc not far away. "However, we still have a little trouble to deal with."

Ye Zhilan followed his gaze and saw the dark red Star-Eating Vine with its violent aura and ferocious appearance. A hint of surprise appeared on her pretty face. "That is...?"

Yu Yuanchen briefly recounted what had just happened.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhilan's beautiful eyes shone with admiration. Far from being worried, she smiled sweetly and took Yu Yuanchen's hand, saying, "Brother Yuanchen, how about I handle this trouble? It'll be a good opportunity to test out my new Soul Skill."

"Oh?" Yu Yuanchen raised an eyebrow, slightly curious, but still nodded in agreement, "Okay, be careful."

Ye Zhilan smiled confidently, took a few steps forward, and faced the berserk Ten-Thousand-Year Star-Eating Vine. She did not release her Martial Soul Avatar, but simply raised her hand.

"Seventh Soul Skill, Sacred Heart Immortal Tang True Body!"

As her words fell, the Sacred Heart Immortal Begonia Martial Soul behind her suddenly shone brightly. The noble white-gold begonia instantly expanded and solidified, as if it had become a physical entity! The flowers became even more intricate and magnificent, and the Purple-Gold patterns on the petals seemed to come alive, flowing slowly. Milky-white Immortal Spiritual Qi rose from the stamen, exuding a vast Life Aura and an unparalleled majesty that ruled over all plants!

In her Martial Soul Avatar state, Ye Zhilan's temperament became even more ethereal and pure, like a fairy among flowers who did not partake of worldly affairs. She felt the tremendous all-round improvement brought by her True Form, as well as her unparalleled affinity and control over plants, and her heart was filled with confidence.

She turned her gaze to the Mad Vine, and with a gentle wave of her jade hand, a strange will containing the original aura of the Sacred Heart Immortal Begonia and a trace of the faint aura of the Star Eater Vine King swept over the frenzied Star-Eating Vine like a spring breeze.

Under normal circumstances, with her level 72 Soul Power, it would be almost impossible for her to control a ten- Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, especially the Star-Eating Vine, which is known for its ferocity. She would inevitably encounter fierce resistance.

However, the Star-Eating Vine before us is a special case! Its intelligence had long been completely shattered by Yu Yuanchen's lightning, leaving only its most primal instincts. Its origin came from devouring the remains of the 49,000-year-old Star Eater Vine King and its kind. Deep within its bloodline, there remains both awe for the "King" and a strong desire for and instinct to obey higher-level bloodlines of the same origin!

When Ye Zhilan's aura, containing the will of the "King of Immortal Herbs" and the faint aura of the same-origin king beast that originated from its "Source of Devouring," wafted over, the chaotic and violent instincts of this Mad Vine vine were instantly triggered!

Its wildly lashing vines suddenly stopped, the dark red vines trembling slightly, emitting a confused and fearful low groan. The desire for Destruction and devastation began to gradually subside in the face of this higher level of Life pressure and the call of the same bloodline, replaced by an instinctive impulse to get closer, to attach, and to obey!

Ye Zhilan keenly noticed its changes and was overjoyed. She continued to strengthen the guidance, slowly injecting the healing and soothing power of the Sacred Heart Immortal Begonia into its body, calming its chaotic and turbulent energy caused by devouring and lightning damage.

Gradually, the ancient Star-Eating Vine quieted down completely. It gathered all its ferocious tendrils, lay prostrate on the ground, and the dark red color of its vines gradually deepened and became more subdued. The barbs also slightly retracted, making it appear much more docile. It even cautiously extended a tendril, like a pet, and gently, with a hint of ingratiation, touched Ye Zhilan's toes.

"It worked!" Ye Zhilan turned back to look at Yu Yuanchen with joy, her beautiful eyes filled with a sense of accomplishment. "Brother Yuanchen, look! I can control it now!"

A hint of surprise and admiration flashed in Yu Yuanchen's eyes. He hadn't expected that Ye Zhilan's Martial Soul Avatar, combined with her ability to Plant Command, could so cleverly utilize the characteristics of this Mad Vine, turning it from a threat into a treasure and subduing it for her own use. This undoubtedly greatly enhanced her support and control capabilities.

"Very good!" Yu Yuanchen stepped forward, examining the now docile Star-Eating Vine. "Although it lacks sentience, it still possesses the foundation of ten thousand years of Cultivation Level, making its combat power not to be underestimated. Furthermore, it has strong Life Force and the ability to devour and recover. With proper nurturing in the future, it may become a great asset to you, proving highly effective in both self-defense and combat."

"Hmm!" Ye Zhilan nodded happily, and tried to give the Star-Eating Vine a few simple commands, such as extending the vines, Entanglement the target, and waiting quietly. The Star-Eating Vine understood and executed them very well, showing that it was quite docile.

"Now that it has submitted to you, let's give it a name," Yu Yuanchen said with a smile.

Ye Zhilan tilted her head and thought for a moment, looking at the dim starlight on the Star-Eating Vine, and smiled, "It originated from devouring, was once driven mad, but has now returned to tranquility, so let's call it ' Star Eater,' hoping that it can devour enemies and protect the stars in the future."

"Star Eater, not bad." Yu Yuanchen nodded.

Ye Zhilan waved her hand and retrieved the Star Eater, placing it into her usual Storage Soul Tool that could store living things, where she usually kept herbs.

After dealing with everything, the two smiled at each other. This trip to Sunset Forest could be described as a perfect success. Yu Yuanchen successfully obtained his Ninth Soul Ring, becoming Dragon Emperor Douluo and greatly increasing his strength; Ye Zhilan also obtained her ideal Seventh Soul Ring, advancing to the level of Soul Sage, and unexpectedly gained a ten-thousand-year-old plant with great potential as her guardian.

"Now that this matter is settled, it's time for us to leave." Yu Yuanchen gazed in the direction of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. "However, before leaving Sunset Forest, we still need to return to that valley. I have some ideas that I need to test in the environment there."

What he was thinking about was naturally the two God King Dragon Bone at the bottom of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Spring. Although the last time he absorbed Dragon Power to make Soul Ring, it aroused the vigilance of the Dragon King Remnant Soul, he did not give up and wanted to try other methods to see if he could gain benefits from it again.

"Okay, I'll do whatever Brother Yuanchen." Ye Zhilan naturally had no objections.

The two joined hands, and in a flash, they transformed into two Daoliu, speeding towards the direction of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Valley. With their strength greatly increased, their speed was far faster than when they arrived.

The vast sea of trees in Sunset Forest swept past beneath their feet. New discoveries awaited them upon their return to that land of miracles; and the Wind and Clouds on the continent were about to be stirred by the return of these two newly powerful figures.