"Probably a mutant variant of a Clawed Terror Bear," Tang San remarked, his tone brimming with self-assured authority.
His expression was one of smug satisfaction, as though he had just unveiled an irrefutable truth.
Had the Bear King of the Star Dou Forest overheard this, he might have personally educated Tang San on the terror of the Armored Darkgolden Bear, a beast far beyond the Clawed Terror Bear's league.
The Armored Darkgolden Bear, Clawed Terror Bear, and Crystal Bear were all descended from the legendary Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear. Even with only fragments of its abilities, they could rise to the status of apex spirit beasts.
It was a testament to the sheer might of the original species.
Dai Mubai's lips twitched in exasperation.
Tang San, if you don't know, you don't know. Must you put on such a show?
"Ah, yes, yes, yes…" Dai Mubai nodded, giving up entirely on correcting him.
Tang San, oblivious to Dai Mubai's inner thoughts, grew even more pleased with himself. Surely, Dai Mubai must envy his extensive knowledge!
"Hah, I, Tang San, possess unparalleled insight. My teacher may lack combat prowess, but his theoretical expertise is unmatched."
"Becoming his disciple was the greatest fortune of my life."
Tang San's elation was palpable as he followed Dai Mubai deeper into the Sunset Forest.
After about half an hour, the pair encountered their next obstacle: a spirit beast.
A low, guttural roar echoed as the creature emerged.
"Grrr…"
It was a Geodragon, a spirit beast over 3,000 years old. Unlike earthworms, Geodragons on the Douluo Continent carried traces of draconic blood in their lineage.
Though faint, the draconic bloodline granted them greater power than ordinary spirit beasts.
This particular Geodragon stretched over seven meters in length, resembling an oversized serpent. When it roared, rows of hooked teeth gleamed menacingly in the light.
"Tang San, what do you think of this one?" Dai Mubai asked, feigning seriousness. "It's only 3,000 years old, but its draconic bloodline gives it strength on par with a 6,000 or 7,000-year-old beast."
Inwardly, Dai Mubai scoffed.
Even if this Geodragon were a ten-thousand-year-old beast, it wouldn't stand a chance against that 800-year-old Armored Darkgolden Bear from earlier. The Geodragon may boast draconic blood, but it's far too diluted to compare with apex beasts.
Of course, when Dai Mubai referred to 6,000 or 7,000-year-old beasts, he meant very ordinary ones.
Tang San studied the Geodragon, recognizing its "strength."
For a spirit beast, the Geodragon was indeed decent. At over 3,000 years old, it was neither too strong nor too weak for a Soul Elder.
Tang San hesitated. While spirit beasts with draconic blood were rare, the Geodragon's age left much to be desired. If it were just 1,000 years older, he might have reluctantly accepted it.
As it stood, it was too mediocre—neither wholly worthwhile nor completely dismissible.
"Ah, I wonder if Zhuqing and Xiao Wu will be injured in the upcoming matches…" Dai Mubai mused aloud, scratching his chin.
Tang San remained unmoved.
After Yu Xiaogang's earlier teachings, Tang San had largely set aside emotional attachments. He regarded Xiao Wu as a younger sister, nothing more.
Their injuries were inconsequential, but losing the tournament? That was unacceptable.
After a moment, Tang San sighed and said, "Boss Dai, let's go with this Geodragon."
Time was of the essence. While he was reluctant, the Geodragon was a suitable match for his hammer martial soul despite its slightly lower age.
Dai Mubai's eyes gleamed briefly with satisfaction, though his expression remained calm as he nodded.
He raised his right hand, shaping his fingers like a gun, and aimed at the Geodragon.
"Finger Pistol!"
With a low shout, Dai Mubai unleashed a concentrated golden beam from his fingertip, which struck the Geodragon with pinpoint accuracy.
The Finger Pistol, one of the Six Styles, was a devastating technique capable of unleashing bullet-like power from a single finger.
Dai Mubai deliberately held back his strength, careful not to kill the Geodragon outright. Otherwise, Tang San wouldn't have the chance to absorb its spirit ring.
With a sharp sound, the golden beam pierced clean through the Geodragon.
"Now, Tang San!" Dai Mubai shouted, his voice jolting Tang San from his stupor.
No martial soul. No spirit skills. Just a casual finger strike to heavily injure a 3,000-year-old Geodragon…
The sheer power left Tang San momentarily stunned before he sprang into action.
Gripping his Clear Sky Hammer tightly, Tang San leapt into the air, bringing the hammer down in a crushing blow.
"Boom!"
The hammer connected with the Geodragon's head, its already-crippled form unable to withstand the strike.
Moments later, the Geodragon's lifeless body emitted a shimmering purple spirit ring.
Tang San quickly expressed his gratitude to Dai Mubai before beginning the absorption process.
Dai Mubai, however, frowned—not at Tang San's attitude, but at something else entirely.
"Strange… The Geodragon is dead, and Tang San is absorbing its spirit ring. So why is there still spirit power emanating from its body?"
Suddenly, realization dawned on him.
"A spirit bone? This 3,000-year-old Geodragon actually has a spirit bone?"
Dai Mubai's lips twitched as the absurdity of the situation sank in. Is hunting spirit beasts with this "chosen one" really this effective?
Judging by the energy fluctuations, Dai Mubai deduced that the spirit bone was a torso bone.
As Tang San completed the absorption process after roughly half an hour, he officially became a Soul Elder. For him, a 3,000-year-old spirit ring posed no real challenge—even spirit rings of 6,000 or 7,000 years would have been manageable.
Once Tang San finished, Dai Mubai handed him the spirit bone.
"This Geodragon had a spirit bone—a torso bone, no less. Since you've already absorbed its spirit ring, this spirit bone is a perfect match for you. Go ahead and absorb it," Dai Mubai said with a heavy sigh, feigning reluctance as he handed over the bone.
He even closed his eyes, as though pained to part with such a treasure.
Tang San, deeply moved by Dai Mubai's gesture, felt a newfound sense of admiration for his companion.
(Chapter ends.)