The Dragon Soul's aura continued to surge in the sky. Its body grew ever more solid, as though a true dragon were about to return to life.
The dragon twisted through the air, radiating boundless draconic might. The terrifying pressure jolted Zhao Mingyuan and the cultivators of the two sects out of their joy and envy, while leaving the cultivators of the Three Sects utterly horrified.
But as Su Shi'er watched the Dragon Soul closely, he noticed spiritual energy swiftly tracing several spell seals across its pupils.
The Dragon Soul's aura showed no sign of stopping its climb, either. In an instant, understanding dawned on Su Shi'er.
"Too much of a good thing. The Dragon Soul has absorbed so much spiritual essence at once. If it keeps absorbing more, it may not become a true artifact spirit after all."
"And all this, perhaps... Of course! With Senior Sister Shen's abilities, how could she die so easily?"
Su Shi'er could not be certain his guess was right.
But once the thought occurred to him, he stayed where he was, guarding his flanks with the Metal Element Puppet and Wood Element Puppet rather than rushing to escape. Deep down, he clung to the hope that Shen Miaoyin had survived.
At the same time, the smile slowly vanished from Zhao Mingyuan's face. He, too, began to sense that something was wrong.
"No... How can this be?" Zhao Mingyuan muttered. Unease rising within him, he formed hand seals to recall the Black Dragon Sword.
A string of seals formed from true essence flew out, but the Dragon Soul swaying before him did not react in the slightest.
Zhao Mingyuan's expression changed at once, turning grim.
"Hmph! Shen Miaoyin, even in death, you refuse to rest? Do you think you can overturn the heavens before