Two days passed in a flash.
Broad daylight filled the sky. The morning sun had been up for four hours, and its warm rays spilled through the clean, bright windows into the quiet little shop, illuminating the interior with exceptional clarity.
Lin Yue yawned, his gaze settling on the three people lying peacefully immersed in the shop's Game Pods, utterly motionless. Even he could not help remarking inwardly.
They really were gaming addicts.
They had spent an entire week immersed in the Game World, without the slightest thought of logging out.
Had he not asked the system and learned that filling their stomachs inside also carried over to their bodies, Lin Yue might have suspected that the three had already starved to death in there.
Gathering his thoughts, he slowly turned his gaze toward the shop entrance.
According to the system's synchronized updates on events outside, Shrek's group had successfully secured the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent yesterday, and Oscar had already absorbed his third Soul Ring.
Logically, the Peerless Dragon Snake couple and their granddaughter, having lost that contest over the Soul Ring, should have come looking for him long ago.
Yet even now, the three had still not appeared.
Lin Yue pondered silently, then murmured:
"Could it be... they went looking for that Man Faced Demon Spider?"
His words had barely fallen.
The shop's glass door was gently pushed open from outside, and three familiar figures slowly walked in.
They were Dragon Duke Meng Shu, Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang, and Meng Yiran, who followed behind the two elders.
"Young friend, I trust you've been well."
Dragon Duke Meng Shu's warm gaze settled on Lin Yue, and he spoke first with a smile.
Lin Yue slowly rose, his expression calm and composed, a faint smile at his lips as he replied:
"Welcome, all three of you. Have you two elders thought it through?"
At his words, Meng Shu nodded lightly. His smile faded, and he sighed with a measure of helplessness.
"To be honest, young friend, thinking back now, your expression when you first met us a few days ago suggested that you had already foreseen this."
"You seemed certain that we would eventually return, as though you had already foreseen that our trip to the Star Dou Great Forest would inevitably end in failure."
Hearing this, Lin Yue merely shook his head lightly with a smile that did not reach his eyes, his tone casual and even:
"Just a little luck."
He brushed it aside with that simple remark, neither arrogant nor impatient, yet it only deepened Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang's reverence.
They had lived for nearly a century and roamed the Soul Master World for half their lives, encountering countless prodigies and powerful figures, yet never had they met a young man of such an age with such depth and such unfathomable methods.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Meng Shu stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point, his expression earnest.
"To tell you the truth, young friend."
"Two days ago, the three of us entered the Star Dou Great Forest and found a thousand-year Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, an excellent match for Yiran's third Soul Ring."
"But unexpectedly, after that Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent was wounded and fled, it was intercepted by a group from somewhere called Shrek Academy, which led to a dispute between us."
"Eventually, after discussing it, we decided to let the younger generation compete. Unfortunately, Yiran lost and missed out on the Soul Ring best suited to her."
"Afterward, we searched everywhere for a while, but could not find another Soul Beast of the right age that suited Yiran better."
"With no other choice, we could only swallow our pride and make this special trip to seek your help."
After listening to the Dragon Duke's account, Lin Yue spoke slowly, offering gentle yet measured consolation:
"There's no need for either of you to worry. Miss Meng is already outstanding enough. There's no need to brood over this."
"Besides, in your granddaughter's contest against Tang San, he was the shameless one, bullying someone younger."
"He never won that match through his own talent and strength. He merely relied on a collection of stolen tricks."
"None of you need take this matter to heart."
At his words, much of the frustration weighing on Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang instantly dispersed, and they asked curiously:
"What do you mean by bullying someone younger, young friend?"
"Could you explain in detail?"
Lin Yue pondered for a moment before saying:
"It's rather complicated, but simply put, Tang San is actually already in his early forties."
Boom!
At those words, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang both jolted, their eyes filled with utter astonishment.
They had seen him with their own eyes that day. Tang San was clearly an immature boy of about twelve, still childish, young, and astonishingly talented.
Yet Lin Yue claimed he was already over forty?
Meng Yiran, who had been standing quietly and obediently behind the two elders, instantly gaped, her beautiful eyes widening into circles as she froze completely in place.
She was utterly dumbfounded.
During their match that day, Tang San had personally stated that he was only twelve. His appearance, build, and every movement had been entirely those of a boy, without the slightest incongruity.
Yet the owner of this Mysterious Shop said he was over forty!
At the thought, a burning flush instantly spread over Meng Yiran's fair cheeks. Conflicting feelings churned within her, and shame, embarrassment, and absurdity swept through her.
Although she had been unwilling to accept her defeat that day, she had sincerely admired Tang San's intelligence and methods. She had even secretly developed a faint, hazy fondness and affection for that extraordinarily gifted, unusually composed twelve-year-old boy.
But now she was being told.
The genius boy who had competed against her, whom she had secretly admired, was not twelve at all, but an adult who had lived for over forty years!
What clash between prodigies? He had plainly relied on an adult's experience and cunning to crush her on every front and toy with her!
Thinking of that little flicker of admiration and attraction she had felt, Meng Yiran wished she could find a crack in the floor and crawl into it on the spot. Her ears had turned completely red, and she was mortified.
Lin Yue took in their shock and astonishment, especially Meng Yiran's face full of embarrassment. Without teasing her further, he brought the conversation back on track at the right moment.
"All right, enough of that."
"The pressing matter is still Miss Meng's missing third Soul Ring."
Hearing this, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang nodded solemnly, suppressing their shock as they looked earnestly at Lin Yue and waited for him to continue.
Lin Yue raised a hand toward the Game Pods standing quietly in the shop and slowly explained:
"I told you about the Game Pods before."
"Once you lie inside, you can freely choose any Martial Soul and start cultivating again from level zero in another world, gaining experience and growing. That is what I call the game."
"The most crucial point is that the Martial Souls you obtain, the Soul Power you cultivate, and the Soul Rings you hunt inside will all synchronize with your body after you leave the Game Pod."
At these words, the pupils of all three contracted again, and deep disbelief filled their faces.
Such means had already transcended everything they understood about Soul Masters and Martial Souls. Shocked to the core, they looked at the Game Pods with startled uncertainty, half believing and half doubting.
After a brief daze, Dragon Duke Meng Shu was the first to steady himself. His brows drew together slightly as he spoke seriously:
"Young friend, this heaven-defying opportunity is indeed astounding. If it truly can grant twin Martial Souls, it would be an enormous boon to Yiran's future cultivation."
"But right now, she urgently needs a suitable third Soul Ring to break through. From your explanation, this does not seem capable of resolving her present predicament."
Lin Yue nodded calmly:
"The normal gaming experience indeed cannot."
"As for what can resolve Miss Meng's current third Soul Ring problem, under the original plan, the Arena would only unlock once there were enough players in the future."
"You can think of the Arena as a Soul Fighting Arena."
"Inside, players can set their own battle levels, choose their preferred Martial Souls, and combine various Soul Ring configurations to fight.
"And as long as they win, they can receive random corresponding rewards, including all sorts of Soul Rings, Martial Souls, Soul Power Upgrade Coupons, Gold Soul Coins, Advanced Cultivation Methods, and many other generous prizes."
Hearing this, Meng Shu was stirred and hurriedly asked:
"Then before this Arena opens, is there any other way to obtain those prizes?"
"Of course."
Lin Yue smiled faintly. "Please wait a moment."
As his words fell, Lin Yue willed it and silently tapped the system interface.
With a soft hum, white light flashed in the center of the shop. A peculiar mechanical device, exquisitely shaped and covered in profound patterns, appeared out of thin air and settled firmly on the floor.
Witnessing this miracle of creation from nothing, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang were shaken to the core and could not help exclaiming repeatedly.
"Creating things out of thin air, unfathomable creation! Such methods are truly divine, young friend, far beyond anything an ordinary Titled Douluo could achieve!"
His expression calm, Lin Yue introduced it:
"This is called the Martial Soul Lucky Draw Machine."
"One draw costs one hundred Gold Soul Coins, or you can make ten draws at once for just nine hundred Gold Soul Coins."
"If you're lucky, every reward I just mentioned that can be obtained by winning in the Arena can also be drawn from this machine."
"Of course, the draws depend entirely on luck. If your luck is poor, you may receive nothing at all."
After speaking, Lin Yue looked up at the three and asked mildly:
"Well? Would you like to try?"
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang exchanged a glance without the slightest hesitation.
They had roamed the world for a century and possessed considerable wealth. As long as it helped their granddaughter obtain her third Soul Ring, this little cost was not worth mentioning.
"Ten draws, then!"
Meng Shu waved his hand, taking nine hundred Gold Soul Coins from his Storage Soul Tool, then followed Lin Yue's instructions and deposited them into the bowl-sized coin slot on the front of the Prize Machine.
Once he had finished, he reached out and pressed the bright red start button in the center of the machine.
A crisp mechanical notification sounded.
The selection frame, previously resting motionlessly on a blank icon, instantly began racing. Countless icons flashed across the light screen in rapid succession, moving so quickly that they dazzled the eyes and filled the moment with suspense.
Then, accompanied by a series of rhythmic beeps, each drawn item appeared enlarged and arranged in the center of the screen, with its name labeled beneath its icon.
Although this was the first time any of the three had encountered such a drawing device, they vaguely discerned its pattern.
The colors of the item icons on the screen, ranging from white to gold, seemed to directly indicate their rarity and value.
The items they drew were:
First draw: Low-Tier Soul Power Recovery Potion! (Green quality)
Second draw: common hundred-year Soul Beast pelt! (White quality)
Third draw: blank!
Fourth draw: blank!
Fifth draw: Low-Tier Stamina Recovery Potion! (Green quality)
Sixth draw: blank!
Seventh draw: Low-Tier Wound-Healing Potion! (Green quality)
Eighth draw: common hundred-year Soul Beast teeth! (White quality)
Nine consecutive draws concluded, with visibly dismal results.
The anticipation in Meng Yiran's eyes faded little by little, and her heart sank to rock bottom.
Chao Tianxiang also frowned deeply and could not help sighing softly.
Although nine hundred Gold Soul Coins meant little to them, so many empty draws and nothing but bare-minimum rewards throughout were truly enough to shatter their composure.
Meng Shu's expression stiffened slightly, but he still refused to give up, his eyes fixed on the screen as he waited for the final guaranteed draw.
"There's still one last draw."
He spoke quietly, offering a little comfort to himself and his granddaughter.
The rapidly scrolling icons gradually slowed, inching along bit by bit.
The next second, the entire light screen erupted with dazzling golden radiance!
The ten-draw guarantee triggered!
The Prize Machine's built-in electronic announcement followed:
"Congratulations, customer. You have received one Origin-Compatible Soul Ring Coupon! (Purple quality)"
"It worked!"
Meng Shu let out a long breath, wild joy bursting into his eyes.
Chao Tianxiang's face filled with delight, her suspended heart finally settling.
Meng Yiran's eyes shone even brighter, all her earlier worries and unease swept away in that instant!
Once the golden radiance faded, the small opening beneath the Prize Machine gently popped open.
Meng Shu reached inside and took out a square sheet of paper slightly larger than an adult's palm.
The paper was a deep purple throughout, with fine golden patterns flowing along its edges. Six large characters were written in an archaic script at its center.
Origin-Compatible Soul Ring Coupon
The paper felt warm and smooth in his hand, faintly emitting a crisp fluctuation of Soul Power, as though a living Soul Beast were sealed within.
After examining it for a moment, Meng Shu turned and looked intently at Lin Yue. "Young friend, this thing... how should it be used?"
His expression calm, Lin Yue answered casually:
"Simple. Just have Miss Meng tear up the coupon."
"Tear it up?"
Meng Shu froze slightly.
"Yes, just tear it up."
Lin Yue nodded:
"The Soul Ring power sealed inside the coupon will release itself and fuse with Miss Meng's Martial Soul, forming a Soul Skill that suits her exceptionally well."
Without hesitation, Meng Shu turned and handed the purple coupon to Meng Yiran, unable to suppress the excitement in his voice:
"Yiran, quickly, do as our young friend says. Tear it up!"
Meng Yiran solemnly accepted the weightless paper coupon, her fingertips trembling slightly.
She took a deep breath, gripped both ends of the paper, and tore hard.
The torn Origin-Compatible Soul Ring Coupon turned into glimmering fragments of light that circled through the air like fireflies, then transformed into a streak of light and plunged straight into Meng Yiran's body.
Meng Yiran trembled, feeling that energy race through her meridians before finally gathering beneath her feet.
The next moment, three Soul Rings rose from beneath her feet in succession, their light flowing, solid as reality.
Two yellow and one purple-a standard, perfect configuration with a thousand-year third Soul Ring.
Moreover, that purple ring was deep and rich in color, with even a faint layer of black markings along its edges. Its quality absolutely far surpassed that of an ordinary Thousand-Year Soul Ring!
"It worked!"
Meng Shu was so excited that his voice rose several notches.
"Hahaha, it really worked!"
Chao Tianxiang hurried forward, her face full of concern. "Yiran, how do you feel?"
Meng Yiran gently closed her eyes, carefully sensing the more abundant Soul Power within her and her newly acquired Soul Skill.
A moment later, she opened her eyes, which were filled with amazement and delight.
"Grandpa, Grandma, I feel... this Soul Ring is the most suitable Soul Ring for me in the entire world! Its compatibility with me and my Serpent Cane Martial Soul is so perfect, it's as though it was tailor-made!"
"What about the Soul Skill?"
Meng Shu pressed eagerly.
Meng Yiran raised her hand slightly, summoned her Serpent Cane, and explained softly:
"This Soul Skill is called Radiance-Eroding Enhancement-Blocking Miasma."
"It releases a transparent poisonous gas from the serpent's mouth on the Serpent Cane. It's colorless, odorless, and completely invisible to the naked eye."
"This poison is very strange. It doesn't harm the body or damage the meridians, but if a Defense System Soul Master has used a defensive Soul Skill, once they inhale my poisonous gas, its effect will instantly be weakened by around thirty percent."
"If they remain exposed and keep inhaling the poisonous gas, the weakening will continue to stack and increase, only stopping once it reaches around eighty percent."
After hearing this description, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang both nodded slightly, satisfaction showing in their eyes.
"Good! Very good!"
Meng Shu stroked his beard and marveled, "It specifically counters defenses, and the weakening can keep stacking. In terms of effect alone, this Soul Skill is already top-tier among Soul Masters of the same rank!"
Chao Tianxiang also smiled gently and said:
"It's indeed rare. Being colorless and odorless makes it all the harder for opponents to guard against. This Soul Skill really is excellent."
Just as the two elders thought that was the full extent of the Soul Skill's effects, Meng Yiran gently shook her head, a confident gleam in her eyes.
"Grandpa, Grandma, I haven't finished yet."
Both froze for a moment, then hurriedly looked at her.
Gripping her Serpent Cane, Meng Yiran sounded increasingly pleased as she continued to slowly reveal what was truly terrifying about this customized Soul Ring:
"What I just described is only its effect on Defense System Soul Masters. In fact, the true core of this Soul Skill could be said to completely counter every Support System Soul Master on the entire continent!"
"Once Support System Soul Masters inhale my Radiance-Eroding Enhancement-Blocking Miasma, all the strength, speed, and defense enhancements they apply to their teammates will likewise be instantly weakened by thirty percent."
"But unlike the limit on weakening a Defense System Soul Master's defensive Soul Skills, the limit on weakening support enhancements is one hundred percent!"
The instant those words fell.
Meng Shu's and Chao Tianxiang's minds went utterly blank with a thunderous crash. Their bodies jolted, and the composure on their faces instantly turned to utter horror!
Weakening without a limit?
The enhancements would ultimately drop straight to zero?
How was this an ordinary thousand-year Soul Skill?!
After all, throughout the Douluo Continent, support was always the core of team battles!
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile, Nine Heart Begonia, Food System Soul Masters... every top-tier team, every powerful team, relied on support enhancements to turn the tables, overwhelm opponents, and fight above their rank.
Yet this thousand-year Soul Skill of Meng Yiran's directly rendered the entire system useless!
"Heaven-defying... this is simply too heaven-defying!"
Even Meng Shu's voice trembled slightly, and the look in his eyes changed completely.
Chao Tianxiang's breathing quickened as she stared at her granddaughter in disbelief.
Before you continue