'If that thing really resembles a stone stele, I'll just call it the Dragon Ascension Monument,' Gu You thought. 'If I can get it, I might be able to remodel it into something no less powerful than a long-lasting amplification artifact.'
Of course, that was assuming it had the same bloodline-enhancing properties that had allowed the Mandala Snake to transform. If the snake had lied and the so-called stele was just a regular stone slab, then it would be utterly useless.
"If I help you find that item, will you follow me?" Gu You placed his left hand on his chest as he asked.
The little Mandala Snake coiled thoughtfully for a moment, then gave a solemn nod.
"I will."
'A wise beast knows when to submit!' Gu You praised it silently.
"Don't worry. I'll do everything I can to find it. And even if I can't, following me will only benefit you—it'll never be a loss." With a thought, Gu You channeled a stream of pure white soul power around the little Mandala Snake, drawing it into his spiritual sea.
And with that—he had reached the one-hundredth floor.
"Tower Master, he's entered the one-hundredth level."
Qiangu Dongfeng said nothing at first, lost in thought. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"This touches the very foundation of our Spirit Pagoda. No matter the cost, we must stop him here. There are nine hundred-thousand-year soul beasts within. The first three levels even contain creatures that have broken the threshold into 'fierce beasts.' We cannot let him take them."
Soul rings of this level were far too precious now. It could be said with certainty: if you gifted just one hundred-thousand-year soul ring to a Titled Douluo—or even a Soul Douluo—that person would follow you without question. They'd likely lay down their life for you.
How many people throughout history had become Titled Douluo? Too many to count. In the eyes of commoners, they were lofty figures. But in the scope of history, how many were remembered? Ice Spirit Douluo Huo Yuhao still echoed through the ages, but how many other Titled Douluo from his era were remembered by name?
So many had wielded hundred-thousand-year soul rings, but their stories were lost to time. Only those who etched their names in legend were remembered.
"Understood!" The staff member bowed and turned to leave.
"Wait," said Qiangu Dongfeng. "Have you found any details about that child's martial soul constitution?"
The man paused, then flicked his wrist. A holographic screen appeared in front of them.
"The data is heavily protected. I couldn't retrieve everything. But from the fragments I've seen, his martial soul does seem to resemble that one. The Federation is paying close attention to him. It's still best if we maintain favorable ties."
Qiangu Dongfeng nodded. "Let him name his price. As long as he doesn't absorb those hundred-thousand-year soul rings, we'll agree to it."
He understood clearly—as a businessman—that this was not a profitable deal. That boy might hold some goodwill toward the Spirit Pagoda, but certainly not toward the Qiangu Clan. Especially given that he was Leng Yaozhu's disciple—there was no way he'd side with them in the future.
Still, the powers behind Gu You were vast and entangled with the Sun Moon Federation. It would be foolish to make enemies. If they couldn't become allies, then they must at least avoid becoming foes.
Once the staff member left, Qiangu Dongfeng stood up. His martial soul, the Coiling Dragon Staff, emerged. His brow furrowed.
"Purging Evil Dragon, you must know something about this."
The dragon spirit within the Coiling Dragon Staff, ancient and ethereal, murmured from deep within.
"Useless… all useless…"
And then fell silent.
"Useless beast!" Qiangu Dongfeng snarled and withdrew his martial soul. He would have to face Gu You himself.
Meanwhile, the scene shifted once more.
It was still a forest—but darker now. The trees were ashen, casting ghostly shadows. A nearby brook flowed gently, and everything felt strangely tranquil.
Gu You walked calmly, spiritual energy flowing outward.
A strange sensation tingled in his mind…
He sensed something deep within the forest. A beautiful lake. And beside that lake—a majestic deer glowing with nine radiant colors.
It was stunning. The creature's form was elegant and graceful, its body emitting a soft, soothing light that made even the distant air feel harmonious.
Gu You scanned through his mental encyclopedia of soul beasts. He couldn't identify it.
What is that?
Suddenly, a name popped into his mind.
'The Nine-Colored Xuanming Deer.'
But… wasn't that species extinct twenty thousand years ago?
Gu You froze mid-step. The Spirit Pagoda really did have everything. This species had already been wiped out back in Tang San's time.
Back then, these beasts were seen as divine omens—auspicious creatures of legend. Their very presence could bless an entire forest, enhancing its vitality and growth. Though they couldn't compare to the terrifying boosts offered by the later Imperial Auspicious Beasts, they were still revered.
But humanity had hunted them to extinction.
'Guess I've seen it all now,' Gu You thought. 'If I get the chance, I'm going to squeeze every drop of benefit out of the Spirit Pagoda.'
A ten-thousand-year-old Nine-Colored Xuanming Deer possessed rare and mystical powers. Simply traveling with one could bring you fortune—coins on the ground, safe journeys, miracles of luck.
The Imperial Auspicious Beast's powers were tangible—its effects could be measured and tested. That was why the fierce beasts of the Star Dou Forest had protected it.
But the Nine-Colored Xuanming Deer was more abstract. Its blessings were intangible. Sometimes they worked—sometimes they didn't.
You couldn't reasonably claim that a soul beast survived its tribulation just because this deer stood nearby.
Imagine telling a family with a terminally ill elder that all they needed to do was find this deer, and the patient would survive.
Unbelievable, right?
Ordinary people wouldn't buy it. But the royal families of the past had believed in it wholeheartedly. They hunted these deer for their antlers, wearing them as talismans for luck.
Gu You sighed. 'What can I even say? They used it all wrong.'
True omens of fortune didn't need to show themselves. They simply were. You didn't have to believe—but you should never desecrate them.
Their power was subtle—but real.
Gu You's mind raced with possibilities. If he could bring such a creature into his spiritual sea…
'This is too good to be true.'
With a grin, he lowered himself to the ground and began crawling slowly toward it.
Of course, such a trick was pointless against a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.
The Nine-Colored Xuanming Deer didn't even glance at him.
"Why do you look at me like I'm beneath you? I'm not that poorly dressed, am I?" Gu You muttered, glancing at his outfit. "This suit cost me at least ten thousand. I should be the kind of guy who turns heads, not gets ignored!"
Dropping the pretense, he released a thread of spiritual energy to connect with the deer's mind.
He would try to establish connection…
(End of Chapter)
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