"Why pick me? Don't you Soul Beasts hate us humans?" The Black Dragon widened its eyes, spewing billows of heat from its maw, a scorching breath that seemed capable of melting steel. Its massive body trembled slightly, clearly filled with doubt and unease. Those dragon eyes, burning like black flames, remained locked firmly onto the Golden Crow not far ahead, not daring to relax for even a second.
The Golden Crow glared back at the Black Dragon, equally undeterred, its eyes flashing with resolve and reluctance. "Hmph, if it weren't for the fact that my time is running out, and that your talent happens to be the most outstanding in millions of years—even that angel over there cannot compare to you—do you think I would have chosen you? Don't be so full of yourself!"
After a brief pause, the Golden Crow continued in a tone bordering on a threat: "I will give you two choices: either willingly accept my sacrifice, or wait to be annihilated by me right here! Make your decision now; I don't have the patience to waste on you!" As the words fell, the Golden Crow's tone turned razor-sharp, its barely concealed impatience washing over the Black Dragon.
Who would turn down the chance to receive a powerful second Martial Soul, a gift falling straight from the heavens?
"Fine, I agree!" the Black Dragon replied, taking a deep breath.
Hearing the answer, the Golden Crow seemed to let out a long sigh of relief. Flames suddenly erupted from its body, illuminating the entire sky. At the same time, a massive golden-red barrier emerged from all directions with lightning speed, sealing the area off completely.
"Your talent is indeed excellent, but your current Soul Power level is lacking. No matter; since I have decided to assist you, I will not be stingy. I am going to fill the nine levels of Soul Power you lack, but the process will be excruciatingly painful. I hope you can grit your teeth and endure it. If you cannot hold on... then I am sorry, but I will have no choice but to become your ninth Soul Ring." As it spoke, the Golden Crow began to channel its immense Soul Power.
Suddenly, the Golden Crow’s gargantuan body exploded like a firework, transforming into countless brilliant golden feathers. These feathers surged like a torrent into the Black Dragon’s body.
"Ah!" With a shrill, miserable scream, the Black Dragon’s body jerked violently. The sudden, agonizing pain felt like a thousand arrows piercing its heart, a sensation too unbearable to withstand. In an instant, the Black Dragon’s seemingly indestructible body collapsed like a powder keg, dissipating into nothingness.
Mo Chen, who had been hidden inside the Black Dragon, was now exposed. His entire body had turned a shocking, deep red, as if he were being consumed by roaring flames. The veins on his skin bulged, clear and prominent, as if they were about to burst. Crimson blood flowed from his seven orifices, forming tiny rivers that trickled down his cheeks, though they evaporated from the heat before ever hitting the ground.
Mo Chen let out screams of extreme agony, a sound so deafening it shook the heavens and chilled the soul. In these few moments, he suffered more pain than all his previous battlefield injuries combined. The raging fire mercilessly forged his body, scorching every inch of skin and muscle. Yet, remarkably, under this intense heat, the intricate, crisscrossing scars on Mo Chen’s body began to heal. The gruesome wounds vanished, replaced by smooth, new skin. Meanwhile, his clothes melted away into wisps of smoke. In the blink of an eye, Mo Chen was left naked in the sea of fire, his body burning as if immersed in magma, enduring the torments of hell.
As time passed, Qian Renxue, who had successfully absorbed her seventh ring, stood outside, watching anxiously as Mo Chen was consumed by suffering. Her beautiful eyes were filled with worry, and she trembled involuntarily.
"Mr. Danyu..." Qian Renxue began, her lips trembling. She seemed to have so much to say, yet the words faltered. Before she could finish, a crystal-clear golden tear escaped her white cheek, disappearing like a falling star.
Danyu stood silent, his eyes fixed on the scene within. After a long while, he murmured, "Do not panic. Mr. Mo Chen may have reached some sort of agreement with the Garuda. He is likely undergoing the Garuda's sacrifice. We must wait patiently; I believe Mr. Mo Chen will emerge unscathed."
Seconds turned into an eternity. Finally, the golden-red barrier began to fade like morning mist under the sun. As the last of it vanished, the suspended Mo Chen lost his support and plummeted like a kite with a broken string. At that critical moment, a rushing torrent of water surged beneath him, but it was too slow compared to Qian Renxue. In a flash, three pairs of golden wings erupted from her back!
The wings radiated dazzling, sun-like brilliance. With the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, her speed was beyond imagination. In the blink of an eye, she reached Mo Chen and pulled him into her arms. Looking at the flushed man, she was filled with concern. She opened her mouth to ask about his condition, but when her eyes fell upon his naked body, a faint blush spread across her jade-like face.
The two descended to the ground. Qian Renxue looked down, feeling shy and awkward. She reached out with her hand and retrieved a thick coat from her Spirit Tool.
Mo Chen’s gruesome wounds had miraculously disappeared. His short black hair had turned completely golden after merging with the Golden Crow. A golden mark adorned his forehead like a finishing touch, imbuing him with an otherworldly, divine aura.
Danyu stepped forward and placed his fingers on Mo Chen’s pulse. Immediately, his brow furrowed in deep, puzzled concentration. Seeing this, Qian Renxue’s heart leaped into her throat. "Mr. Danyu, how is he?"
"It’s truly incredible!" Danyu said, his face full of shock. "The Garuda's sacrifice has had such an astonishing effect—not only did it help Mr. Mo Chen reach the Titled Douluo realm, but it also granted him a second Martial Soul!"
Qian Renxue was equally stunned. To possess a second Martial Soul after birth was nearly impossible.
"Furthermore, Mr. Mo Chen’s Soul Power has reached level 95."
Danyu took a deep breath, reached out, and pulled a corner of the coat back to press his palm against Mo Chen’s chest. He felt the scorching heat, like a raging fire storming within.
Mo Chen, who had been unconscious, seemed to sense the change. His fingers twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes, sitting up in a daze. Before the joyful Qian Renxue could approach, the coat slipped from Mo Chen’s shoulders. She shrieked, covered her face, and turned away.
Mo Chen looked at his own hands, his pupils slowly focusing. "Golden Crow..." he muttered.
"Golden Crow?" Danyu asked, confused. "Mr. Mo Chen, what is the Golden Crow?"
Hearing this, a familiar voice echoed in Mo Chen's mind. His blank brain cleared as if struck by lightning. "Golden Crow? That is what you call the Garuda," Mo Chen replied, his voice laced with surprise. Realizing his state, he grabbed the coat and draped it over himself. It fit perfectly, as if custom-made.
He closed his eyes, sensing the surging, river-like power within. The sacrifice had increased his Soul Power by fourteen levels and granted him a second Martial Soul. Notably, this new soul shared its Soul Rings with his first.
Mo Chen opened his eyes. "Let’s go. We must head to the core area. I promised the Golden Crow I would take care of its child."
As he spoke, his short golden hair grew rapidly, reaching his waist in a heartbeat. The mysterious mark on his forehead blossomed with brilliant light, like a golden sun suspended in the sky. His aura was now almost identical to that of the departed Golden Crow. He carried an air of an immortal stepped out of a painting.
"Its child?" Qian Renxue asked, puzzled. "Did the Golden Crow sacrifice itself to you because of its child?"
Mo Chen nodded, then gestured for them to follow as he flew toward the core area. Along the way, they encountered several powerful, high-age Soul Beasts, but upon sensing Mo Chen’s incomparable pressure, the beasts retreated, not daring to challenge him.
They soon reached the core area, where a massive, sky-shrouding golden tree stood. Its lush foliage covered the sky like a golden cloud.
"The Fusang Tree!" Danyu exclaimed.
Near the tree, Mo Chen spotted a nest at the top. A fledgling, roughly the size of an adult human, was chirping anxiously, calling for its mother. Mo Chen walked over and gently rested his hand on the bird’s forehead.
The agitated fledgling instantly quieted, sensing a warm, comforting power. Its eyes showed a trace of sorrow, but it remained still, allowing Mo Chen to stroke it.
"What should we do? Should we take it with us or leave it here?"
"Taking it might cause panic," Qian Renxue mused, her heart softening with pity as she looked at the motherless bird.
Mo Chen looked at Danyu. Danyu paused, then said, "Leave it to me to take care of. I’ve been thinking on the way here—joining you at the military camp might not be a bad choice after all."