Before the words had even faded, twelve flawless white wings suddenly unfurled behind him!
A sacred, radiant, and majestic aura instantly filled the entire hall, standing in stark opposition to the icy, murderous air of the "shark boy"!
"Twin... Twin Martial Souls?!"
This time, Ice Empress was genuinely so shocked that she sprang to her feet, her face full of disbelief.
Lan's consciousness sank into his Sea of Consciousness.
He could clearly feel that the Martial Soul named "Lan" had growth potential far more terrifying than that of the Twelve-Winged Angel. It was a connection that came from the depths of his soul, so powerful it seemed to have no limits.
It even came with an innate Soul Skill.
Devour.
By absorbing energy of different attributes, or even life force, it could promote the growth of his Martial Soul, then return the purest energy to him.
At the same time, a growth-type domain called Darkness Domain had also been born with the awakening of his Martial Soul.
As for the Twelve-Winged Angel...
Though it was countless times more powerful than Spirit Hall's so-called Six-Winged Angel, this Martial Soul stirred a trace of heartfelt revulsion in him—and... shame.
He didn't want anyone to know that this Martial Soul might have some connection to that woman, to that place he hated.
He wouldn't use this Martial Soul lightly.
Snow Empress recovered from her shock. Looking at Lan, she said gently:
"Lan'er, put your hand on this crystal ball. Aunt Xue will test your Innate Soul Power."
Lan nodded, withdrew the phantom images of his two Martial Souls, and stepped forward. He gently placed his fair little hand on the crystal-clear ball.
Vmmm—!
The next second, a beam of light so brilliant it couldn't be looked at directly shot up from within the crystal ball, illuminating the entire Ice Crystal Palace as bright as day!
The crystal ball couldn't withstand the strain. It let out a cracking sound.
Snow Empress and Ice Empress stared at the dazzling light, completely rooted to the spot.
"Innate... Innate Full Soul Power... level twenty?!"
The crystal ball's crisp shattering sound rang out as if heralding the dawn of a new era.
The entire main hall fell silent. The only sound was the howling wind and snow beyond the ice-crystal dome.
Ice Empress's dark green pupils had shrunk to pinpricks from sheer shock.
For the first time, surprise appeared on Snow Empress's cool face as well.
Innate Full Soul Power at level twenty?
What did that even mean?
In all of Douluo Continent's history, no one had ever seen—or even heard of—such a thing!
After a brief, deathly silence, Ice Empress let out a sudden shriek.
"Oh, my heavens!"
She flashed in front of Lan and scooped up the tiny six-year-old, holding him tightly in her arms.
"Hahaha! My Lan'er! My precious boy! Are you trying to scare Aunt Bing to death?"
Ice Empress was so excited she could barely get her words out. Without a care, she planted several kisses on Lan's little face with her warm lips.
Lan's body stiffened slightly.
He wasn't used to this kind of sudden closeness, but the embrace was warm, carrying a faint, familiar fragrance.
Snow Empress also came back to her senses. She walked over to Ice Empress, her cool eyes filled with tenderness and joy.
She reached out and gently stroked Lan's back, so softly that it seemed she was afraid of breaking some priceless treasure.
"Lan'er, you really... gave us the most incredible surprise."
Snow Empress bent down as well and pressed a gentle, snow-scented kiss to his other cheek.
Just then.
A mechanical prompt, devoid of emotion, sounded in Lan's mind.
[ Ding! ]
[ The host's Martial Soul awakening has been detected. The 'Unprecedented' achievement has been reached. The Hunting System is now online. ]
Lan's expression didn't change at all. He simply remained in the arms of the two overjoyed women.
[ This system is designed to assist the host in becoming the strongest hunter. ]
[ Hunt enemies to obtain rewards. ]
[ First-time activation detected. A beginner's gift pack has been issued. Open it? ]
"Open it."
Lan silently commanded in his mind.
[ Beginner's gift pack opened successfully. ]
[ Congratulations, host. You have obtained the divine artifact: Abyssal Tide Hunter (short blade). ]
The moment the voice faded...
A flash of deep-blue light appeared before Lan and vanished. Immediately afterward, a soft clatter rang out.
A strangely shaped short blade fell to the ice-crystal floor in front of the three of them.
It was the deep blue of the ocean depths, and tides seemed to flow slowly across its blade. An ancient, profound aura swept over them.
Ice Empress and Snow Empress both stopped moving.
Their gazes fell on the short blade.
"This is..."
Ice Empress released Lan and carefully picked up the short blade. A chill ran through her palm, and the power it contained made even her, a 700,000-year-old Soul Beast, feel a shiver of alarm.
Lan slipped out of Ice Empress's arms and calmly held out his hand.
"Aunt Bing, this is mine."
Ice Empress froze for a moment, then smiled and handed him the short blade.
"All right, all right. It's yours. It's all yours."
As soon as the short blade touched his hand, a feeling of blood connection arose, as if it had always been a part of Lan's body.
Lan issued another command in his mind.
"Show status panel."
A simple blue screen, visible only to him, appeared before his eyes.
[Host: Lan] [Soul Power: Level 20] [Martial Souls: Lan (Shark Boy), Twelve-Winged Angel] [Soul Skills: Devour (Innate), Darkness Domain (Growth-Type)] [Soul Bones: None] [Equipment: Abyssal Tide Hunter (Divine Artifact)]
The information on the panel was clear at a glance.
Lan's eyes rested on it for a moment. He already understood.
This so-called system was his greatest trump card.
Hunt enemies, and he would grow stronger.
The rule was simple, direct, and... very much to his taste.
He raised his head and looked at Ice Empress and Snow Empress. For the first time, a flame called "desire" kindled in his dark eyes.
"Aunt Bing, Aunt Xue."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was unusually clear.
"I need a Soul Ring."
Spirit Hall.
The Pope Palace was as solemn as ever, yet there was also a lingering chill about it.
Beneath the lofty dome, Bibi Dong sat in her splendid robes, her gaze vacant, lost in thought.
Just then.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
A series of crisp, hurried footsteps broke the silence in the hall.
A golden figure, like a cheerful little butterfly, darted inside.
The newcomer was a little girl of about six, her golden hair neatly combed, her delicate face as lovely as a porcelain doll. Her eyes brimmed with pure joy and affection.
She ran straight to the throne, lifted her head, and called in a clear, sweet voice:
"Mommy!"
The two words overflowed with a child's exuberant delight.
Before you continue