Chapter 162: Level 95 - Yang Zhentian
Yang Potian and the Ye Clan have no interest in the current schemes of Tang San, Tang Hao, and their group. At this point, helping them is out of the question—it's already good enough that they aren't backstabbing them.
After a tender moment with Ye Lingling, Yang Potian sensed a breakthrough, possibly due to the effects of the "Heartbreaking Red Amaranth." Within just a few days, he felt he could reach level 68.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling seemed a bit shy. "You're such a bully, always teasing me."
Yang Potian just chuckled and took out a lead box from his soul device.
Curious, Ye Lingling asked, "Potian, what's this? Something precious enough to need a lead box?"
Yang Potian smiled. "Open it and see for yourself. I told you I'd give you the best things."
Ye Lingling took the box. When she opened it, a deep blue light filled the room, accompanied by a powerful life force—stronger even than her Nine-Hearted Begonia spirit. Ye Lingling was left speechless.
Inside was a bone of deep azure, radiating boundless life energy, surpassing even the three soul bones awarded by the Spirit Hall. Moreover, its aura was closely aligned with Ye Lingling's rare plant attribute.
Excitedly, Ye Lingling asked, "Potian, what kind of soul bone is this? Its life force feels incredibly potent, perfectly compatible with me."
Yang Potian laughed. "This is a 100,000-year soul bone I happened to acquire. It's ideal for you and your spirit."
Ye Lingling was taken aback. "A 100,000-year soul bone? It's too valuable—I can't accept it."
Yang Potian shook his head. "It suits you best. Once absorbed, it should significantly enhance your healing abilities. I don't have any other wood-type soul masters nearby; only you are the perfect fit."
"But," he warned, "be cautious. This soul bone has a questionable origin. Only reveal its power in extreme cases, or it might bring disaster."
As Yang Potian noted, 100,000-year soul bones had been unheard of on the Douluo Continent for decades. Not even the top three sects' legacy soul bones reached that level. Revealing it would indeed attract countless troubles.
Hesitant, Ye Lingling said, "But such a precious soul bone… You don't even have one yourself. Haven't you thought about using it?"
Yang Potian just shook his head. "I have my own plans for soul bones. Go ahead and absorb it."
Assured, Ye Lingling began the absorption. It took an entire day, with Yang Potian standing guard to ensure safety, given the soul bone's dubious background.
Once Ye Lingling completed the absorption, her life aura had intensified, and she appeared more radiant and serene.
Yang Potian quickly asked, "How was it? Is this soul bone impressive?"
Ye Lingling smiled with joy. "For a 100,000-year soul bone? Of course, it's extraordinary! I gained two powerful abilities—one for healing and another for flight."
She continued, "My healing power has drastically improved. With the soul bone's power, I can even regrow severed limbs."
Yang Potian turned serious. "Lingling, remember: unless absolutely necessary, do not reveal this soul bone's abilities. Such a miraculous power would attract endless Title Douluo pursuit and could endanger your family."
Ye Lingling nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
After resting for a day, Yang Potian and Ye Lingling headed to the Ye Clan in Tian Dou City. This time, they were escorted by Third Elder Yang Wuju, whose Soul Douluo strength now publicly aligned him with Yang Potian, intimidating potential threats. Yang Potian's achievements in the Soul Master Tournament, where he earned three soul bones over 10,000 years old, had drawn dangerous interest.
Moreover, the Third Elder's grandson, Yang Yuxuan, had also triumphed in the tournament, earning him recognition and the title of Viscount. Since joining Yang Potian, his spirit power and combat ability had increased, making him a top young contender in the clan. The Third Elder frequently expressed gratitude, nearly pledging his loyalty to Yang Potian.
Yang Potian, impressed with both the Third Elder and Yang Yuxuan, saw their potential and intended to finalize their training plans once they reached Almo Mountain.
Upon arriving at the Ye Clan, they were warmly welcomed by Ye Renxin, who was thrilled to learn that Ye Lingling's use of the Heartbreaking Red Amaranth not only eliminated her spirit's limitations but also granted her a personal defense ability. He was so moved he nearly wept with joy.
However, Ye Renxin seemed slightly uneasy and eventually spoke. "Recently, Tang Hao came to our clan for treatment. He's hiding near Tian Dou City. You might need to be careful if you encounter him."
Yang Potian thought for a moment before replying, "Grandfather, how is Tang Hao's injury? Is full recovery possible?"
Ye Renxin shook his head. "His injuries are severe. Years of accumulated damage, compounded by repeated self-destructive ring explosions, mean I can only manage his external injuries. His foundational strength is compromised, and he may never improve again."
"How much of his strength can he still utilize?"
After some thought, Ye Renxin replied, "At best, he can use seventy percent of his power. But as for ring explosions, he probably won't risk using them again. I'm not sure if treating him was the right choice."
Yang Potian quickly reassured him. "Grandfather, your reputation is known far and wide, and you only see Tang Hao as a patient. Even if the Spirit Hall learns of this, they won't hold it against you. Besides, given his current state, Tang Hao is unlikely to cause trouble for our clan."
Ye Renxin nodded. "I'm not worried about the Spirit Hall. I have helped many of their senior members. However, if Tang Hao wants a complete recovery, he might seek your clan for cures."
Yang Potian was unperturbed. "Our clan severed ties with the Clear Sky Clan long ago. Last time, Tang Hao nearly caused trouble over medicinal baths. If he returns, we'll give him a hard lesson and stop his attempts at taking advantage of us."
Ye Renxin agreed, noting, "Tang Hao is not a significant threat. But his elder brother, Tang Xiao, the Clear Sky Clan's leader, is someone you should watch closely."
Yang Potian laughed. "The Clear Sky Clan is nothing more than a bunch of cowards. If they dare show themselves, they'll be dealt with."
"Grandfather," he continued, "if Tang Hao were to channel all his internal injuries into one arm and amputate it, would he recover?"
Ye Renxin considered. "That might work, but given his current injuries, he'd likely have to lose an arm and a leg. Without miraculous resources or some extreme cure, he'd never regain his former strength."
After resting overnight at the Ye Clan, Yang Potian and Ye Lingling reluctantly parted the next morning. Yang Potian had extended an invitation to Ye Renxin and the Ye Clan to join him at Almo Mountain, but the elderly healer declined. He was past the age for conflict and had no intention of leaving.
Back at his clan, Yang Potian, along with Ye Lingling and Niu Meng, accompanied his father, Yang Zhentian, to the Sunset Forest to acquire new spirit rings.
Obtaining spirit rings went smoothly. Niu Meng found a 20,000-year Ironback Blue Bear, renowned for its exceptional defense, and absorbed its ring without issue, thanks to his formidable body, especially after consuming a Vajra Arhat Fruit.
Ye Lingling's spirit beast was also easily found—a 20,000-year Sky Blue Vine. Any plant-type spirit beast would suffice, as her rings would always produce healing abilities.
After absorbing their spirit rings, both Niu Meng and Ye Lingling made significant advancements. Niu Meng reached level 52 with a new defensive skill, while Ye Lingling's spirit power astonishingly rose to level 58, astonishing Yang Zhentian and others.
Father Yang Zhentian was particularly speechless, wondering what Yang Potian had given Ye Lingling to cause such a drastic increase in spirit power. Even with the Heartbreaking Red Amaranth and spirit ring advancement, a nine-level jump seemed unprecedented.
Returning to the clan, everyone entered seclusion, adjusting to their increased spirit power and preparing for Yang Wudi and Niu Gao's upcoming duel with Spirit Hall elites.
Most importantly, Yang Zhentian's grandfather and uncles had set aside recent soul bone acquisitions, planning for Yang Zhentian to absorb them to enhance his strength rapidly.
Yang Zhentian was both thrilled and awed, as these soul bones were extraordinary treasures: an 80,000-year Vajra Gorilla right arm bone, a 76,000-year Gale Demon Wolf left leg bone, and an 80,000-year Golden Lion King skull bone. Any one of them would be priceless in the market.
Already at level 93, thanks to the Nine-grade Dragon Ganoderma, Yang Zhentian reached the peak of level 95 with the absorption of these bones and years of training. At this rate, he could reach level 96 in a decade, possibly even level 97, though level 98 might be beyond reach. With three supreme soul bones and a rare medicinal herb, he was now the clan's most powerful spirit master.