Under the protection of the mysterious power, its soul developed none of the resentment and brutality of an ordinary dead Soul Ring. Instead, it became a flawless purple orb of light and drifted into Zhu Zhuqing's brow.
There was no violent surge of energy, no agony from a soul backlash.
Zhu Zhuqing only felt a vast, gentle power flowing through every limb and bone.
Three Soul Rings-yellow, yellow, and purple-rose beneath her feet in succession. Then a deep-purple fourth Soul Ring condensed into shape.
Within that fourth Soul Ring crouched a miniature phantom of the Netherworld Star-Mark Leopard, so lifelike it seemed solid.
The little leopard retained its full consciousness and even affectionately nuzzled Zhu Zhuqing from within the Soul Ring.
Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes. Feeling the terrifying Soul Power within her, fully twice as strong as that of an ordinary Soul Ring, and the bond in her mind that connected her thoughts with the little leopard's, she was utterly stunned.
"Shaoqing... it, it really is still alive. And the increase in Soul Power far exceeds the limits of absorbing a five-thousand-year Soul Ring." Zhu Zhuqing's eyes grew wet. She looked at Xiong Shaoqing as though gazing up at a true god of creation.
Xiao Wu and the mother leopard were also dumbfounded. Both the girl's soul and the beast's trembled at this miracle that defied all reason.
Outwardly, Xiong Shaoqing stood with his hands behind his back, his expression composed, his deep eyes revealing the ease of someone who held everything in his grasp.
In truth, he was very pleased inwardly.
He had finally taken that first, era-defining step.
Next, naturally, he would have to record it properly in his diary and give those lofty goddesses a little shock.
With a slight stir of his thoughts, the Destiny