The bones of the Fiery Owl were shattered, and as soon as he let go, the creature collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
In that moment, Dai Mubai felt that all the pain he had endured up to this point had been worth it. His resolve to practice the Tibetan Vajra Zen was now stronger than ever.
As long as he could get stronger, what was a little bit of suffering?
He didn't even notice that his robe had been burned to tatters, exposing his rather flashy monk gear underneath.
This naturally attracted a lot of curious glances from the others.
Is this… fashionable?
The Spartan-style exhibitionist is not something everyone can handle.
Dai Mubai didn't react at first, thinking the others were admiring him for defeating the 2,500-year-old soul beast. He confidently tossed his golden hair, thinking he looked incredibly cool.
"Boss Dai, your clothes…" Oscar reminded him.
Dai Mubai, who was a bit too absorbed in his vanity, froze and hurriedly grabbed a new robe to cover himself.
He crouched down in embarrassment, unwilling to show his face.
Just thinking about the earlier scene made him cringe with shame.
The battle ended, and Zhao Wuji and the other teachers entered the scene to inspect the two soul beasts.
"The Fiery Owl is perfect for your martial soul, Hongjun."
"This 2,500-year-old one is done for, just a breath left."
"As for the 7,400-year-old one, its age…"
"Generally, a third soul ring is around 1,700 years old."
"Hongjun, you decide which one to absorb."
Clearly, he had heard the earlier words from Diyi Hong.
Any soul ring under 10,000 years could be absorbed… If that's true, then the 7,400-year-old one might not even be suitable—at least a 9,000-year-old one would be ideal.
But still… that's way too over the top!
The average soul master's fourth soul ring is usually only about 5,000 years old.
Ma Hongjun looked at Diyi Hong again, seeking advice.
Diyi Hong rolled his eyes.
"I'm not your father, why do you keep looking at me?"
Ma Hongjun wasn't angry. He smiled and leaned in.
"Isn't it because you understand better? Give me some advice."
Flender moved his lips but ultimately said nothing.
He too was uncertain and needed some input.
Diyi Hong's mouth twitched.
Sure enough. Most of the people in Shrek were unreliable.
They had promised not to interfere, but here they were.
["Phoenix God": Host, give him a hint, tell him the age should be a bit higher. 7,400 years is still under the limit, with 2,600 years left. It can really boost his base stats.]
[User "Phoenix God" sends a gift: "God-given Soul Ring" ×5]
Don't underestimate those 2,600 years; they add almost two-thirds of a third soul ring's increase. The enhancement to the base stats is significant.
'Fine, fine, since you asked me nicely.'
Diyi Hong glanced at Ma Hongjun and casually said:
"If it were me, I'd go for 9,999 years at minimum. At least choose 9,500 years to absorb."
Ma Hongjun was even more conflicted.
"So it really is fine to absorb one below 10,000 years?"
"Normally, a five-ring soul king could only absorb a soul ring of 10,000 years."
"And my third soul ring is 9,999 years old?"
"That seems… unreal."
He rambled on, so much that it became irritating.
Diyi Hong, fed up, simply walked away, deciding that "out of sight, out of mind" was the best approach.
Ma Hongjun had no choice but to turn to Flender.
He didn't have any experience with this either!
"Absorb it or leave it—it's your decision," Flender said with a serious tone. "Once you choose, don't hesitate."
He kicked the decision back to Ma Hongjun.
Still unsure, Ma Hongjun turned his gaze to the 2,500-year-old Fiery Owl.
Everyone was stunned!
They thought he was still debating whether to take the 7,400-year-old one.
But now, he was even hesitating over the 2,500-year-old one?
Flender couldn't help but slap Ma Hongjun on the back of the head, sending him sprawling face-first into the ground.
"Are you trying to kill me from anger?" Flender gritted his teeth.
Ma Hongjun, knowing he had been a bit unreasonable, rubbed his head and stood up.
The 2,500-year-old Fiery Owl floated up, releasing a purple soul ring.
It had finally passed away, taking its last breath.
That soul ring, of course, was now destined for Dai Mubai.
Ma Hongjun lost his chance to choose.
He let out a regretful sigh and walked toward the 7,400-year-old soul ring.
As for choosing an even higher-level one? That was probably never something he considered.
A 7,500-year-old soul ring already satisfied him.
Diyi Hong just shrugged.
'Phoenix God, I warned him, but he didn't listen.'
["Phoenix God": I get it, host. It's not your fault.]
["Nine-Colored Goddess": Fatty, you really are outdone by someone else.]
["Speed God": Think back to when this guy ate the cockscomb phoenix sunflower and slimmed down. Then he got greedy and gained it all back.]
["Phoenix God": Well, it was only when I met Xiangxiang that I really pushed myself to get stronger. Before that, I was just getting by.]
Ma Hongjun wasn't like Diyi Hong and couldn't absorb a soul ring in an instant.
It took nearly an hour before the purple soul ring descended and attached itself to his Nine Heavens Phoenix, becoming its third soul ring.
Ma Hongjun jumped up in excitement.
"My third soul skill is flight!"
Flender stared closely at Ma Hongjun, ensuring that he wouldn't explode from the strain.
He finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that Diyi Hong had been right.
He then couldn't help but feel regretful.
That 2,600-year gap… If only he'd picked something a bit better.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai and the others were already determined.
They'd make sure to take whatever Diyi Hong suggested, especially Zhu Zhuqing, who was already planning to let Diyi Hong pick for her.
"What's your level?" Zhao Wuji asked. "That 7,400-year-old ring should give you quite a boost."
Ma Hongjun checked his status and gasped in disbelief.
"I'm already level 34?!"
"Holy crap, I'm level 34!!!"
The others were also shocked!
A 7,400-year-old soul ring couldn't possibly boost someone by 4 levels, right?
"It's because the Phoenix's origin naturally boosts your level a bit," Diyi Hong casually remarked. "You've all rested enough. Let's head out again."
Diyi Hong's word was law, and no one dared to object.
Ma Hongjun, still holding back his excitement, organized the formation.
He was eager to try out his new abilities.
He wished for another soul beast to practice on.
That wish would be granted soon enough.
A massive figure slammed into the ground. It looked like a combination of a gorilla and an ape, its dark fur gleaming with a colorful shine. Standing at over 15 meters tall, it was a terrifying sight.
Ma Hongjun was left dumbfounded.
What… is this thing?!
Flender and Zhao Wuji quickly activated their martial souls and positioned themselves in front of the team, casually popping sugar beans into their mouths.
Li Yusong lowered his voice, urgently whispering:
"Don't ask anything, just retreat immediately!"
Everyone snapped to attention.
But before they could move…
The Titan Giant Ape roared angrily.
"No!" Xiao Wu suddenly shouted. "Run!"
In the next moment, everyone, including Li Yusong, felt their bodies suddenly grow heavy as if a crushing force had pushed them straight into the ground.
Gravity control field!
Diyi Hong had many ways to counter the immense pressure.
But he chose to lie comfortably on the ground.
—What's the point of stepping up and killing the Titan Giant Ape now? The best part of the show is still to come!
He decided to let the Titan Giant Ape keep jumping around for a while longer.
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