Blood-Nourishing Sausage, Body-Strengthening Sausage

"That's enough. Watch out for the Blood-Vein Python's death throes." Xiao Qing signaled for Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai to cease their attacks. He looked toward Oscar, then glanced at Zhao Wuji.

Zhao Wuji nodded. "Xiao Qing, accompany Oscar over there to deliver the final blow. Be careful."

Xiao Qing and Oscar approached cautiously. Xiao Qing produced a sharp short blade, handed it to Oscar, and gestured for him to prepare. Oscar took a deep breath and reached out to take the blade from Xiao Qing.

The two exchanged a look and struck simultaneously! Xiao Qing's blade pierced precisely into the vital point seven inches from the Blood-Vein Python's head, leaving it no chance to retaliate. Oscar followed up with his own strike, ending the creature's life for good.

The Blood-Vein Python's body twitched a few times before finally falling still. Faint purple light spots emerged from above the carcass, rapidly condensing into a bright purple soul ring that hovered in the air, slowly rotating and emitting the unique energy fluctuations of a 1,500-year soul ring.

Oscar's face was filled with irrepressible excitement as he looked at Zhao Wuji and Xiao Qing.

Zhao Wuji said in a deep voice, "Waste no time. Absorb it right here. We will stand guard for you."

Oscar did not hesitate. He immediately sat cross-legged beside the python's carcass, adjusted his breathing, circulated his soul power, and began to draw in the purple soul ring. The purple light descended slowly, enveloping him.

Oscar officially began the absorption of his third soul ring.

The group dispersed to maintain a perimeter. Zhao Wuji stood guard personally by Oscar's side, while Xiao Qing arranged for Xiao Feng and Thunder Feather to patrol the outer perimeter as a warning system.

The entire process went more smoothly than expected. Although the immense blood-energy contained within the Blood-Vein Python's soul ring put significant pressure on Oscar, his foundation was solid, he had undergone gravity training, and his willpower was firm.

It took only about an hour for him to successfully integrate the Blood-Vein Python's purple soul ring into his body.

When Oscar opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashed within them. His soul power fluctuations were significantly stronger, and he had officially stepped into the realm of a Soul Elder.

By this time, dusk was approaching.

Zhao Wuji directed the group to clear a space on relatively flat and dry ground a bit further from the python's nest. They collected dry wood, lit a bonfire, and set up a simple temporary camp.

As long as they made it through tonight, they could set off to return to Shrek Academy tomorrow!

Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai were responsible for processing the python's carcass. They harvested the most valuable parts—the snake gall, poison glands, and several pieces of the toughest snake skin—and buried the rest in a pit to prevent the scent of blood from attracting other soul beasts.

The bonfire crackled to life, dispelling the chill of the forest night. As soon as Oscar walked over to the fire and sat down, the group swarmed around him, their eyes burning with anticipation.

Oscar's face held the excitement of a successful absorption and a hint of fatigue, but more than anything, he was eager to show off.

He didn't keep them waiting. With a grin, his brand-new purple soul ring lit up.

He held his right hand out in a grasping motion and chanted his soul incantation, his voice soft yet clear: "Blood-Nourishing Sausage!"

Soul power shimmered, and a soul skill creation unlike any previous sausage appeared in his hand.

The sausage was about a foot long and dark red throughout. Its surface was no longer smooth but covered in fine, scale-like textures reminiscent of the Blood-Vein Python. It emitted a faint, not-unpleasant scent, somewhat like rust mixed with a herbal, bloody sweetness.

Oscar held up the dark red "Blood-Nourishing Sausage" and looked at the group, especially Zhao Wuji and Xiao Qing. "Who wants to try it? As for the effects... they should be quite good."

Zhao Wuji, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, reached out with a large hand, took the sausage, inspected it briefly, and shoved it into his mouth, chewing vigorously.

The moment it hit his tongue, his brows arched. The hint of bloody sweetness melted in his mouth; it wasn't repulsive, but rather possessed a strange, warming sweetness. The texture was chewier than his previous sausages, feeling almost like he was chewing on a concentrated meat paste.

Once swallowed, the sausage turned into a warm current that dispersed throughout his limbs and bones. Zhao Wuji could clearly feel that this current was not violent, but carried a life-affirming power.

Wherever it passed, his muscles swelled slightly, his blood flow seemed to accelerate, and a warmth and restlessness—like the feeling after light exercise—spread through his body. Even his soul power circulation felt more active.

However, for a Soul Saint like him, this level of physical reaction was something he could adapt to and control almost instantly, and the restlessness quickly subsided.

"How does it feel, Teacher Zhao?" Oscar asked, full of anticipation.

Zhao Wuji smacked his lips, carefully savoring the sensation, and his eyes revealed surprise and satisfaction. "Interesting! This Blood-Nourishing Sausage feels like drinking a cup of warm, restorative aged wine. My body feels toasty, my blood feels more vibrant, and I feel a bit stronger."

"As for the duration... the heat hasn't faded yet, so it should last for a while. The exact boost will need to be tested in real combat, but it's definitely a good thing!"

Having received Zhao Wuji's affirmation, Oscar felt energized and proceeded to detail the effects of the Blood-Nourishing Sausage. "My third soul skill, Blood-Nourishing Sausage. The effects are twofold."

"Long-term consumption can subtly nourish and improve the user's blood-energy foundation and constitution, though the effect is slow and requires accumulation."

"The short-term effect, which is the primary one, is that after consumption, it can temporarily boost the user's base physical attributes—including strength, speed, and endurance—by about twenty percent for a period of time."

"The boost is relatively balanced and doesn't favor any single stat. The duration depends on how quickly the 'extra blood-energy' provided by the sausage is consumed. If you engage in intense combat or high-intensity exertion, the duration will shorten; otherwise, it will be extended."

"My preliminary estimate is that it can last for about fifteen to thirty minutes in medium-intensity combat."

A twenty percent, all-around boost to base physical attributes! And it was temporary and repeatable! As they listened, the eyes of everyone present erupted with joyful light.

What did this mean?

It meant that a fragile support-type soul master who ate this sausage could potentially possess the physique of a battle-type soul master of the same rank!

It meant that power-attack soul masters could unleash even more terrifying strength and speed, control-type soul masters would have better sustainability and self-preservation, and agility-attack soul masters could take their speed and burst potential to the next level!

This was essentially a comprehensive "hardware upgrade" for the team's overall combat effectiveness! Its strategic value might even exceed simple attribute buffs in certain situations!

"Good lad! Well done!"

Dai Mubai slapped Oscar hard on the shoulder. Ma Hongjun also crowded in, looking longingly at the sausage in Oscar's hand, clearly wanting a taste.

Tang San's eyes sparkled as he began to consider the various applications of this sausage in team coordination. Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu were happy for Oscar as well. Even the cold eyes of Zhu Zhuqing revealed a hint of anticipation.

However, their joy did not last long.

Just as Oscar finished explaining the effects and everyone was still immersed in the excitement of gaining a powerful new skill, a sudden change occurred!

"ROAR—!!!"

A low, deep, and thunderous roar filled with violent power erupted from the depths of the forest! The sound had immense penetrating power, making everyone's eardrums buzz!

Immediately following it came a second roar, then a third... The roars were not from a single source, but were accompanied by the terrified shrieks of countless soul beasts and the sound of frantic, stampeding flight!

The Star Dou Forest, which had long since quieted down, became "lively" once more, with the roars of soul beasts echoing everywhere.

Even though Xiao Qing and the others were quite far away, they could feel the earth trembling, and fragments of rock from the surrounding cliffs slid down with a clatter.

Xiao Qing's brows locked together. He hoped that what was coming was not what he feared.