Sister Yanyan, Are You Tired?

The absorption process lasted for nearly three hours. When the last wisp of golden-red light entered Liu Erlong's body, she suddenly opened her eyes, and two golden-red beams, each about a foot long, flashed by. She stood up, and her aura changed abruptly!

Previously, her aura was as fierce as fire, her sharpness fully exposed. But now, in addition to that heat, there is an added sense of calm and weight, like the earth itself, like a live volcano that may erupt at any moment, still and unmoving when still, but capable of causing the earth to crack and the sky to collapse when it moves.

Her figure was more upright and well-proportioned than before, exuding explosive power; her skin was radiant and subtly glowed with a healthy sheen.

His Soul Power surged, and he had already reached the level 87 Soul Douluo!

"Congratulations, Teacher (Erlong)!" Everyone congratulated him in unison, their faces beaming with excitement. In just one day, Liu Erlong had obtained a top-tier Eighth Soul Ring, a powerful Soul Spirit, and a rare Torso Soul Bone. Her gains were truly astonishing.

Feeling the abundant power and unprecedented solidity within her body, Liu Erlong was filled with boundless pride. With a slight thought, her Eighth Soul Ring, deep as an abyss with magma patterns flowing along its edges, suddenly lit up.

Unlike the dazzling light emitted when releasing Soul Skill, this time the Soul Ring emitted a gentle and profound golden-red aura.

The halo gathered and stretched in front of her, quickly outlining a five-meter-long python-shaped silhouette composed entirely of translucent dark red energy. The energy solidified in the next instant.

The Lava Earth Core Python's Soul Spirit appeared completely before everyone. It was no longer the colossal thirty-meter-tall creature it once was, but its five-meter size still exuded an oppressive aura. Its body was formed from pure fire and earth elements, its dark red core translucent and crystalline.

The area seemed to have magma flowing slowly, radiating warm and powerful energy fluctuations.

Every scale was clearly visible, shimmering with a metallic luster, and the pair of short but rugged rock horns on its head. Most striking were its eyes—no longer the raging molten gold, but two steadily burning, intelligent, and spiritual golden-red flames.

The phantom of the Soul Spirit was not a complete entity, but was slightly transparent. However, the dragon's might and earth fire aura it emitted were incredibly real, even purer and more refined than when it was alive. It hovered in mid-air, its body slightly coiled, its head turned towards Liu Erlong, and its golden-red flame-like eyes revealed a clear sense of closeness and recognition.

"How does it feel at the Earthcore?" Liu Erlong asked, her tone unusually gentle. She had a close connection with the spirits on Soul Spirit level, and could sense each other's general thoughts without words, but she still chose to communicate with language, as a sign of respect.

The Soul Spirit of the Lava Earth Core Python should perhaps now be called "the Earthcore".

With a slight nod, a deep, resonant voice, possessing the quality of rolling magma yet no longer violent but filled with composure, rang out: [Contractor, this form is excellent. While the Soul Spirit body lacks the immense power of flesh and blood in life, it is purer, perfectly integrated with your Soul Power and Martial Soul Origin. My consciousness is clear, my power is freely wielded, and it will slowly improve as you grow.]

"How much of your strength can you unleash? How can you assist me in battle?" Liu Erlong was more concerned with actual combat.

The Soul Spirit from the Earthcore's core stretched slightly, its golden-red eyes gleaming.

[Currently, my phantom can exist independently for about fifteen minutes, sustained by consuming your Soul Power. During battle, it can provide the following support:]

Earth Fire Eruption: I can disengage and summon a small-scale eruption of earthfire in a designated area, causing continuous damage and disruption, or providing environmental bonuses to my own fire-type abilities.

Dragon Might Resonance: I release my dragon's might, which overlaps with yours, creating a stronger suppression effect on the enemy, especially effective against beast and reptilian Soul Beast.

Energy Conduction: I can serve as your Soul Power amplifier and stabilizer. When you unleash a powerful fire-attribute Soul Skill, I can merge into it to enhance its power and control precision.

It paused, then added:

[However, the power of my Soul Spirit ultimately originates from you. My actions and abilities are closely related to your Soul Power output and mental state. Do not rely on me excessively; I am your assistant, not your master.]

Upon hearing this, Liu Erlong's eyes gleamed. This Soul Spirit's support abilities were quite comprehensive, whether it was strengthening herself, interfering with enemies, controlling the environment, or amplifying skills, all of which were extremely valuable and highly compatible with her fighting style.

"Excellent!" Liu Erlong exclaimed, her fighting spirit soaring. "From now on, Earthcore, we'll be partners fighting side by side!"

Then, she looked at the curious crowd and shared her tremendous gain. "My Eighth Soul Ring grants me the Soul Skill 'One Dragon Flame Heaven-Burning Array '!" Golden and red light shimmered in Liu Erlong's eyes. "It creates a 100-meter diameter flame domain centered on myself. Within this domain, friendly fire-attribute attacks are increased by 50%, while enemies are continuously subjected to intense heat and dragon-like suppression. During the domain's duration, I can summon three phantom Fire Dragon to attack at any time."

"Soul Spirit Earthcore" can assist me in: enhancing attack and defense; Earth Fire Eruption, disrupting and buffing the environment; and stacking Dragon Might Resonance.

Suppression; Energy Conduction, amplifying the power of Soul Skill.

Finally, her expression turned solemn, and a fleeting glimpse of illusory bone armor covering her entire back, the center of her chest, and part of her ribs vanished. The bone armor was dark gold, thick and ancient, with mysterious patterns on its surface resembling tectonic plates and magma veins, and an abstract dragon head pattern vaguely formed at its center.

"Seventy-five thousand years old, the Torso Bone Lava Earth Core Python!" Liu Erlong proclaimed loudly, "Granting me the active defensive skill Earth Core Dragon Armor."

With a slight thought, the dragon head pattern on her chest lit up, and dark golden light flowed across her entire body. A phantom of an ancient and heavy dark golden full-body energy armor tightly enveloped her! The armor had strong lines, with overlapping dragon scales at the joints. Lava Earth Core Python patterns and abstract dragon heads appeared on the chest, shoulders, and back armor. The helmet partially covered her face, revealing her burning eyes.

The armor exudes an aura of indestructible weight and scorching earth fire. Its defensive capabilities are extremely strong, enough to withstand a full-force attack from an ordinary Titled Douluo. It possesses built-in Earth Fire Countershock, meaning melee attackers will suffer from the backlash and burning effects of the earth fire energy. Its energy consumption and defensive strength are adjustable.

"Excellent! What a magnificent Earth Core Dragon Armor!" Sword Douluo Chen Xin in admiration. "It's a perfect blend of offense and defense. This Soul Bone is perfectly compatible with Soul Spirit and the Martial Soul; it's truly a top-grade item. Erlong, you are incredibly fortunate to have encountered such an opportunity."

Dugu Bo also clicked his tongue in amazement. "Active defense is comparable to a tortoise shell, and it can even reflect damage. This big guy is really something!" He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the Soul Spirit "Earthcore".

The Soul Spirit "Earthcore" slightly raised its head, a hint of arrogance flashing in its golden-red eyes.

Yan Zu was genuinely happy for his teacher. The Earth Core Dragon Armor complemented Liu Erlong as Power Attack System Soul Master in extreme situations.

By addressing its defensive weaknesses, the combination of Soul Ring, Soul Spirit, and Soul Bone perfectly integrates, pushing Liu Erlong's combat power to a new peak.

Liu Erlong patted Yan Zu on the shoulder. "You brat, this time it's all thanks to you! Without your help and that clever ' Pact of Protection,' this big guy wouldn't have been convinced."

Yan Zu smiled and said, "It is because of your unparalleled combat prowess and steely will, Teacher, that you have earned the respect of the Earthcore Core Senior."

"Alright, enough with the mutual flattery," Dugu Bo laughed. "This matter is settled, a resounding victory. Erlong successfully broke through, obtaining soul rings, soul soul bones, and Rongrong also acquired her fourth soul ring and soul spirit. It's time for us to head home. Staying in the Star Dou Great Forest for too long always makes one feel uneasy."

Everyone laughed, their joy overflowing despite their exhaustion. This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had far exceeded their expectations. They had not only achieved their core objectives but also witnessed the profound and powerful nature of the Soul Spirit Contract, laying another solid foundation for the future path of the "Dawn" team.

The Star Dou Soul Hunting expedition has come to a successful conclusion, and the team, laden with valuable experience, has embarked on their journey home.

Compared to when they arrived, the team's overall strength and atmosphere have changed significantly. Liu Erlong has successfully advanced to Soul Douluo, her aura is as steady as a mountain, and her brows have become more dignified. She occasionally communicates silently with the Soul Spirit "Earthcore", and a gentle smile, completely different from her usual fiery temper, occasionally appears on her face.

Ning Rongrong walked briskly, her heart filled with joy. The acquisition of her Fourth Soul Ring and the recognition from the Black Armor Dragon Turtle Soul Spirit gave her a deeper understanding of the path of support. The radiance of the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda seemed even purer and more dazzling.

Zhu Zhuqing's aura became increasingly restrained; the agility of the Star Netherworld Spirit Cat and the eeriness of shadows blended perfectly within her. Occasionally, her gaze would sweep...

When passing Yan Zu, a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness would flash across his face.

Oscar became one of the "busiest" people in the group, but his "busyness" mainly revolved around one person: Dugu Yan.

"Sister Yanyan, are you tired? Do you want to take a rest?"

"Sister Yanyan, are you thirsty? I have some water and some freshly made fruit-flavored Sausage, they'll refresh you!"

"Sister Yanyan, your shoulder injury doesn't seem to have fully healed yet. Shall I carry your bag for you?"

"Sister Yanyan, the road ahead is a bit slippery, watch your step—"

Throughout the journey, Oscar's concern for his well-being was almost meticulous, and his careful care and undisguised admiration were obvious to everyone.

He no longer tried to attract attention in an exaggerated or lewd way, but instead expressed his feelings quietly in a clumsy yet sincere manner.

He would notice every subtle change in Dugu Yan's expression, and would immediately offer her Recovery Sausage when she was slightly tired, and would naturally reach out to help her when they encountered difficult sections of the road.

Dugu Yan's feelings were much more complicated. She wasn't oblivious to Oscar's concern, and her heart wasn't entirely unmoved.

The scene of him rushing out to shield her that night, his words "It's good that you're alright," and Grandpa Dugu Bo's meaningful words "Not bad, kid" often replayed in her mind.

She could clearly tell that Oscar gave her a completely different feeling than Yu Tianheng.

Being with Yu Tianheng is like two proud warriors walking side by side. They are evenly matched in strength, have similar family backgrounds, and share common goals, but because they are both too stubborn, they often quarrel, and neither is willing to back down easily.

Emotions are often tainted by comparison, competition, and family responsibilities; when passionate, they're like oil boiling over a fire, and when conflict arises, they're like swords clashing.

Moreover, because she had been Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison, the two, though affectionate, had never been intimate. Their interactions sometimes felt more like those of comrades-in-arms, trusting each other yet also competing with one another, lacking the warmth and dependence of lovers.

And Oscar —his gaze upon him was clear and focused, filled with undisguised admiration and tenderness. His concern was concrete, meticulous, and humble.

He didn't care whether she was the granddaughter of Poison Douluo or Control System Battle Soul Ancestor; he simply wanted to be good to her.

This feeling of being cherished and cared for was a strange emotion that Dugu Yan had never experienced with Yu Tianheng, leaving her feeling confused and conflicted. She wanted to get closer, but she was also afraid of getting hurt again.

With him, Dugu Yan felt more relaxed and natural, no longer needing to constantly maintain a sense of "matching" or "pride."