Immediately afterward, Bibi Dong rose, purple-black soul power gathering in her hand-the energy that would sustain the contract ritual. Her red lips parted as she recited the words of the soul spirit ritual:
"Soulblood Resonance, sharing burdens and life. Let this body be the path, and this soul the guide."
The purple-black soul power instantly transformed into golden runes, which rose from the ground and spread out, forming an intricate, sacred formation that securely enveloped Bibi Dong and the Cave Demon Spider.
Bibi Dong instinctively closed her eyes, purple soul energy rising around her. The Cave Demon Spider released pale purple soul energy in turn. Like two streams, the powers slowly drew together, intertwining at the center of the formation.
"May this contract endure forever. Burn away your remaining body, and forge your life anew."
"Blade and shield, spirit and bone-unite."
Bibi Dong reached out and gently stroked the Cave Demon Spider's head, covered in fine down. The warmth beneath her fingertips allowed their soul energies to merge completely, leaving not the slightest barrier between them.
"Let heaven and earth bear witness. In death and life, we walk one path. Soul spirit ritual, complete!"
As the final words of the contract fell, the Cave Demon Spider's body dissolved into specks of pale purple light. They danced around Bibi Dong like fireflies before finally merging into her body.
Bibi Dong guided the motes of light through her meridians. Behind her, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor Martial Soul suddenly erupted with dazzling radiance-three red Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings rose first. After them, a Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring, black as ink jade, slowly took shape and settled precisely around the outside of the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings.
At that moment, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor's soul ring configuration was officially updated to: