"Yes." Ning Rongrong nodded. "The Dark Devilgod Tiger's cultivation method is rather unique it relies on devouring to grow stronger."
"It's similar to how you can enhance your power by absorbing toxins."
She didn't mention Ah Yin's spirit bone or the Blue Silver King. Those details weren't important right now.
"So that's how it is!" Dugu Yan's face twisted in surprise before she couldn't help but mutter, "Seems like none of these are proper cultivation methods."
"Speaking of which, if I just keep eating and eating, could I reach Title Douluo quickly?"
Dugu Yan imagined the Dark Devilgod Tiger's absurdly fast progression.
"Well, I'd advise caution. After all, spirit beasts have far greater physical resilience than humans."
"To be honest, my knowledge of the Misfortune Poison Body is limited. That irresponsible god of mine didn't explain much."
"Alright, I get it." Though disappointed, Dugu Yan understood from Ning Rongrong's words that her future cultivation speed wouldn't be slow at least much faster than an ordinary Soul Master's.
"Just follow the normal steps. The most dangerous phase is already over." Ning Rongrong shifted her gaze. "Grandpa Bone, shall we begin?"
"Let's start. Time is pressing reaching the 97th rank sooner would be best."
The Bone Douluo trusted Ning Rongrong completely. Together, they approached the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Ning Rongrong glanced at the blood-red and ocean-blue springs.
"Grandpa Bone, no matter what happens later, don't interfere."
"Leave everything to us. Just focus on absorbing the spirit power and refining your martial soul's attributes."
Something might happen?
The Bone Douluo didn't understand, but seeing Ning Rongrong's solemn expression, he felt uneasy. Still, out of trust, he agreed:
"Alright."
He sat cross-legged a few meters from the well.
Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmered as a pitch-black orb materialized in her palm.
"Rongrong, what exactly are you planning?" Ning Fengzhi stood beside her. While he hoped for the Bone Douluo's breakthrough, he wouldn't have risked it if not for Ning Rongrong's confidence and the sect's urgent need for stronger Title Douluos.
"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well can suppress the Dark Devilgod Orb's corrupting energy. There's no need to worry too much."
As she spoke, the Bone Douluo summoned his martial soul the Bone Dragon.
Two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings appeared the optimal configuration for a 96th-ranked Title Douluo.
In Douluo Dalu I, very few besides Tang San dared to absorb soul rings beyond their limits.
"Bone Elder's aura… seems suppressed by the well." Dugu Bo was very familiar with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, but this phenomenon was rare.
Especially the way the dark energy of the Bone Dragon was being restrained.
"That's normal." Ning Rongrong explained. "The Dark Devilgod Orb is a remnant of the fallen Evil God, absorbed by the Holy Light Tiger and transformed into the Dark Devilgod Tiger."
"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, however, is a natural phenomenon created by the deaths of two first-grade gods."
"Two first-grade gods?!"
Ning Fengzhi, Dugu Bo, and Dugu Yan were stunned.
Though Ning Rongrong had explained some divine lore, Dugu Bo never imagined his herb garden had ties to gods.
"Don't dwell on it. The Ice and Fire Dragon Kings are long dead."
"I'm just using their residual energy to suppress the Evil God's power, allowing Grandpa Bone to perfectly assimilate the soul ring's laws."
"There shouldn't be any accidents."
The Dark Devilgod Orb emitted a faint hum as it hovered above the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
The hundred-thousand-year red soul ring from the Dark Devilgod Tiger drifted toward the Bone Douluo.
Ning Fengzhi and the others held their breaths, watching intently.
While Ning Fengzhi didn't understand soul ring refinement, he trusted his daughter completely.
The red soul ring floated around the Bone Douluo, pausing near the Bone Dragon.
Simultaneously, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flew out, positioning itself above the Bone Douluo's head.
A radiant glow spread out, forming a massive eight-diagram pattern that enveloped the entire Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
The black orb in Ning Rongrong's palm released tendrils of mist, flowing toward the hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
The Dark Devilgod Orb resonated with the soul ring.
Beads of sweat formed on the Bone Douluo's forehead, trailing down his stern face.
Subtle changes appeared in the Bone Dragon its presence grew more intimidating, its aura colder.
At the same time, the Bone Douluo's soul rings darkened slightly, as if their年限 had increased.
However, none advanced to the next tier.
The most noticeable change was in his ninth soul ring the one housing the skill Bone Transformation: Divine Dragon.
Typically, the ninth soul ring was the closest to the hundred-thousand-year level, a standard for Title Douluos.
Under the Dark Devilgod Orb's influence, the laws within the Dark Devilgod Tiger's soul ring began merging with the Bone Douluo's.
Ning Rongrong, who understood soul rings best, wasn't surprised.
If the Radiant Holy Tiger could become the Dark Devilgod Tiger, then the orb could certainly transfer the tiger's remaining power elsewhere.
Time passed.
A faint red hue gradually tinged the Bone Douluo's ninth soul ring.
The crimson glow deepened until the ring turned blood-red.
After confirming the Bone Douluo's stable condition, Ning Rongrong sighed in relief:
"Success at last. Now we just wait for him to awaken."
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the Dark Devilgod Orb trembled violently.
It swiftly devoured the remaining unabsorbed soul ring energy, its aura growing more oppressive.
Then
Whoosh!
It shot into the sky at blinding speed, as if fleeing.
"Restrain!"
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flared brightly. The orb crashed into a luminous barrier and froze mid-air.
A furious, feminine voice erupted from the orb:
"Ning Rongrong, don't push your luck!"
The tone carried a murderous edge, as if it wanted to tear Ning Rongrong apart.
But as a mere soul fragment, it was no match for the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's soul-suppressing properties. Soon, it was forced back into Ning Rongrong's palm.
Ignoring the orb for now, Ning Rongrong turned to the others:
"Grandpa Bone should wake in two or three days. He'll likely reach the 97th rank."
Before Ning Fengzhi could respond
Bubble… bubble…
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's waters began churning.
Two elongated shadows appeared beneath the surface, radiating draconic pressure.
Then
ROOOOAR!
A deafening dragon's cry echoed.
Ning Rongrong's brow furrowed as she tossed the Dark Devilgod Orb into her Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Rongrong, that sound is…?" Ning Fengzhi snapped out of his daze.
"I underestimated things." Ning Rongrong sighed.
She hadn't expected the Dark Devilgod Tiger's soul to be so tenacious not only retaining consciousness within its soul ring but also awakening the residual soul fragments of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings at the well's depths.