Zhao Wuji's Martial Soul Underwent a Second Transformation! The Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear!

"Mm!"

Cao Kun nodded and instructed Dugu Yan, who had come at the sound, "Yan'er, take the three elders to get settled. Give them a detailed briefing on Mount Buzhou's current situation, the distribution of powers across the continent, and anything they need to watch out for."

"Yes, young master."

Dugu Yan answered respectfully, stunned inwardly.

She could clearly sense the terrifying auras of these three newcomers. Each was as vast as an ocean, yet entirely different in nature, and each put her under immense pressure.

She felt that every one of them was stronger than her grandfather, Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo!

The young master had gained three more formidable experts!

Watching Dugu Yan lead Akainu and the other two away, Cao Kun was in excellent spirits.

The addition of the three admirals meant more than a dramatic increase in high-level combat strength. Mount Buzhou's organizational structure would also become more complete, allowing him to begin laying more complex, far-reaching plans.

At noon, Cao Kun was in the sitting room of his small residence, enjoying the spiritual-energy-rich lunch Dugu Yan had carefully prepared, when she came to report again.

"Young master, Shadow Seven has successfully made contact with Spirit Hall and reported the intelligence about Tang Hao heading to Slaughter City."

"According to messages from our covert contacts in Spirit City, Pope Bibi Dong personally ordered the secret mobilization of an elite hunting squad led by Elder Ghost Douluo and Elder Chrysanthemum Douluo, including five Soul Douluos and ten Soul Saints. They're heading straight for the outskirts of Slaughter City, intending to surround and kill Tang Hao."

Dugu Yan delivered her report at a steady pace.

"Oh? Bibi Dong gave the order herself? And she sent both Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo?"

Cao Kun set down his jade chopsticks, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Looks like she's very pleased with this 'gift.'"

He lifted his teacup, took a small sip, and continued, "Tang Hao still hasn't recovered from his serious injuries, and he's dragging a blind Tang San along. With Spirit Hall sending a force like that to surround and kill him... heh, this should be quite a show."

"I wonder whether the Clear Sky Douluo can fight his way out again, like he did all those years ago."

"Young master, do we need to do anything?" Dugu Yan asked.

"Just wait and see."

Cao Kun shook his head. "Have our scouts closely monitor what happens next, but don't interfere. Whether Tang Hao lives or dies, we stand to benefit."

"If he dies, he has only himself to blame. If he lives, he can keep diverting Spirit Hall's attention."

"As for Shadow Seven, tell him to stay undercover and work on raising his standing within Spirit Hall. Don't activate him unless necessary. Oh, and remember to give him some more cultivation resources."

"Yes." Dugu Yan noted his instructions.

Just then, Zhu Zhuqing entered, dressed in black and carrying herself with cool reserve. She bowed and reported, "Young master, Teacher Zhao Wuji is here. He's waiting outside the courtyard."

At this, the corners of Cao Kun's mouth lifted slightly. "Oh? Old Zhao's here? Looks like he couldn't wait any longer. Let him in. I'll meet him in the pavilion."

"Yes." Zhu Zhuqing withdrew.

Cao Kun rose and walked unhurriedly toward the pavilion in the courtyard. He knew why Zhao Wuji had come.

A short while later.

Fresh tea had already been placed on the stone table in the pavilion.

Cao Kun had just sat down when he heard steady, powerful footsteps approaching.

Zhao Wuji strode in. Compared to the triumphant air he had worn when he broke through to rank eighty-nine a few days earlier, his face now held a measure of urgency and anticipation.

Upon seeing Cao Kun, he quickly smiled and cupped his fists. "Kun!"

"No need for formalities, Teacher. Please sit."

Cao Kun gestured toward the stone stool opposite him and personally poured him a cup of tea. "Judging by your complexion, your cultivation has stabilized. Congratulations."

"Heh, it's all thanks to you. That Spirit Liquid was incredibly potent!"

Zhao Wuji dispensed with ceremony and plopped down, draining the cup in one gulp before smacking his lips.

"But, Kun, I came today to ask... well, about that second Martial Soul transformation you mentioned last time..."

He rubbed his hands together, his eyes brimming with eagerness.

Having reached rank eighty-nine, just one step away from becoming a Titled Douluo, he hungered for power at an even higher level.

And Martial Soul Evolution was undoubtedly the most fundamental, most direct way to strengthen himself!

Especially after witnessing Cao Kun's unfathomable abilities, he had absolute faith in the Martial Soul Evolution Cao Kun had spoken of.

Seeing Zhao Wuji's eagerness, Cao Kun smiled faintly. Without keeping him in suspense, he turned his hand over, and a smooth jade bottle appeared in his palm.

The bottle was small and emerald green, with a faint luster flowing across it. Though its mouth was sealed, a trace of an unusual, refreshing medicinal fragrance still escaped, invigorating anyone who smelled it.

"This is called the High-Tier Martial Soul Evolution Liquid."

Cao Kun pushed the jade bottle toward Zhao Wuji. "It's a secret preparation of our sect, containing the essence of heaven and earth and fragments of special laws. It can awaken the latent potential of one's martial soul origin, driving it to evolve to a higher level."

"Given the foundation of your great strength vajra bear martial soul, Teacher, taking this liquid and using the Guidance Method I taught you will give you at least a seventy percent chance of evolving it into a top-tier martial soul."

"There's even a slight chance of reaching the threshold of the demigod level."

"High-Tier Martial Soul Evolution Liquid!" Zhao Wuji stared fixedly at the jade bottle, his breathing growing heavier.

Although he had no idea how this liquid was made, its appearance and fragrance alone told him it was anything but ordinary!

A seventy percent chance of evolving into a top-tier martial soul!

And even a chance of reaching the demigod level!

This was an incredible opportunity!

"Kun, this... this is too precious! I..." Zhao Wuji was so excited that he could barely speak coherently.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony with me, Teacher."

Cao Kun waved a hand. "It's precious, yes, but using it on you is worth it."

"However, during Martial Soul Evolution, you'll need to concentrate and guide the medicinal power. The process may also involve some energy surges."

"This place is secluded. You can do it in the open area behind the courtyard."

"But just in case, I'll stand guard to make certain nothing goes wrong."

Even more moved by his words, Zhao Wuji nodded firmly. "Good! I'll do as you say!"

He picked up the jade bottle with utmost care, as though holding a priceless treasure.

The two went behind the courtyard.

A flat clearing had been prepared there, surrounded by a simple formation that blocked auras and sound. Cao Kun occasionally used it to practice his moves or test new ideas.

Zhao Wuji drew a deep breath and sat cross-legged in the center of the clearing, bringing himself into peak condition.

He looked at the jade bottle in his hand, a glint of resolve flashing in his eyes. Pulling out the stopper, he tipped his head back and swallowed the thick, emerald-green, fragrant evolution liquid in one gulp!

The liquid felt cool at first as it passed down his throat, then turned into a violent, pure torrent of heat. Like a river bursting through its banks, it surged through every limb and bone!

"Ngh..."

Zhao Wuji let out a muffled grunt. His face instantly flushed red, his muscles bulged, and veins stood out across his body. A faint dark-gold glow appeared on the surface of his skin!

Not daring to delay, he immediately followed the simple method Cao Kun had taught him, circulating his soul power at full force and guiding the immense medicinal power toward his martial soul origin!

"Roar...!!!"

A deep, powerful bear's roar rumbled faintly from within Zhao Wuji!

Behind him, the enormous, solid-looking phantom of a dark-gold bear slowly emerged!

It was his martial soul: the great strength vajra bear!

At that moment,

The giant bear phantom seemed to come alive. It threw back its head and roared, the dark-gold light around it fluctuating violently as its form began to change noticeably!

Its previously somewhat bulky body grew leaner and more imposing, its limbs thicker and stronger. Most notably, the claws on its two paws began growing wildly, lengthening and curving into sharp hooks that gleamed with a chilling light!

Faint dark-gold patterns spread over its paws, radiating a terrifying aura that seemed capable of tearing through anything!

Every strand of fur on its back stood on end, shifting from dark gold to a deeper, denser black, as though it had donned a suit of metal armor!

Its head grew more ferocious, its muzzle protruding and its fangs exposed. Dark-gold flames blazed in its eyes, brimming with savagery and power!

Most striking of all, a strange pattern faintly appeared on the giant bear phantom's chest. Dark red and gold intertwined like molten lava, radiating a scorching, weighty aura!

"This is... a dark gold terrorclaw bear?!"