The Fallen Spider and the Awakening Spirit
The shattering of the Human-Faced Demon Spider's leg was not just a physical victory; it was a confirmation. The potency of the Millennium Soul Skill, the calculated efficiency of the "Absolute Penetration" effect—it was powerful, but it came at a cost. Yao Xuan felt the drain, a significant portion of his soul power consumed to bypass that formidable defense. Yet, the calculus was clear: it was a worthy expenditure. Soon, with his bloodline poised at the 19.9% threshold, the breakthrough to the Intermediate Ancestral Dragon Body would grant him greater reserves and recovery, turning this potent strike from a costly gambit into a sustainable tactic.
He allowed himself no pause. Activating the first layer of his Qi and Blood Meridians, he invoked the Ancestral Dragon Shattering Void Step. Space itself seemed to fold around his feet, and he became a golden afterimage, closing the distance to the wounded beast in an instant.
The spider, crippled and reeling from the invasive, authoritative power of the Ancestral Dragon coursing through its shattered limb, could only react defensively. It swung another foreleg in a desperate, scything arc.
Yao Xuan met it with cold finality. "Die. Sky-Rending Claw!"
His purple soul ring flashed. The nine-colored energy, sharper than any physical blade, condensed once more around his claw. He aimed not for the leg this time, but past it, for the grotesque, pulsing human face on its abdomen—the core of its vile vitality.
CLANG—CRACK-SHATTER!
The spider's blocking leg fractured into spiritual shards. Yao Xuan's claw, its penetrative force paid for in soul power, did not stop. It tore through the remaining chitin and plunged into the shrieking face beneath.
A wet, concussive THUMP echoed through the clearing. The spider's massive body convulsed violently, then went rigid. The malevolent light in its eight compound eyes guttered out. Its form began to dissolve even as corrosive, yellow-green venom erupted from the fatal wound, spraying the immediate area with sizzling, spiritual acid.
Yao Xuan was already gone. Another spatial step carried him three meters aside, the venom harmlessly eating into the forest floor where he had stood.
Satisfaction, clean and sharp, washed over him. Just ten more points to the 20% threshold. The breakthrough would have to wait for the real world, but the bounty here was substantial.
"Brother Xuan, that was incredible!"
"Boss! You took it down!"
"You make it look easy… I still have nightmares about those things."
Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Wang Jinxi gathered around, their voices a mix of awe, relief, and healthy envy. Their respect for him was palpable, a bond of proven strength and leadership.
"This one had already expended its Instant Web," Yao Xuan demurred, dismissing his transformations but keeping the Ancestral Dragon's possession active for vigilance. "Otherwise, it would have been more troublesome."
As he spoke, a thick, lustrous stream of golden spiritual energy—far denser than that of an ordinary millennium beast—coalesced from the dissipating spider. The triple yield of the Riotous Period was evident. Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Wang Jinxi couldn't help but stare, their eyes alight with longing, though they made no move to claim a share they felt unearned.
Yao Xuan saw their hesitation. A genuine smile touched his lips. "We absorb this together. My soul spirit has already completed its millennium evolution; mere cultivation gain is less critical for me now." His gaze shifted to Gu Yue, who stood slightly apart, her silver eyes thoughtful. "Gu Yue, your spirit is on the verge of its own millennium breakthrough. This energy should push you over. Everyone, yield the majority to her."
The three boys' faces lit up with grateful surprise. "You're the best, Boss!"
"Thank you, Brother Xuan!"
"We won't forget this."
Gu Yue, however, was silent for a long moment. Yao Xuan's selfless allocation, his constant consideration for her progress, struck a deep chord. The complex emotions that had been stirred during the battle crystallized into a warm, overwhelming wave. She stepped forward, her usual composure softened.
"Xuan… thank you." Her voice was barely a whisper, meant only for him. She reached out, her cool, slender fingers gently interlacing with his. It was a simple gesture, but in front of their teammates, it spoke volumes of her trust and the unique bond they shared.
"Alright, everyone, begin. I'll stand guard." Yao Xuan gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it and taking up a watchful position, his senses extended into the riotous forest.
The four settled into meditation. The rich, golden energy split, guided by their collective will and Yao Xuan's direction. The largest share flowed into Gu Yue. As she absorbed it, a visible change came over her. A soft, silver radiance emanated from her body, and the two soul rings at her feet trembled, their yellow hue deepening, the edges shimmering with the promise of purple.
Minutes passed. Suddenly, Gu Yue's eyes snapped open. They glowed with a new, profound depth. "Yao Xuan," she said, her voice clear and resonant with power, "my spirit is ready to evolve. I must return to stabilize it."
He nodded, understanding. A spirit evolution, even in simulation, required full concentration and a safe environment. "Go. Complete your transformation. We'll be fine."
She stood, and in a move that surprised even herself, she reached up and gently brushed her fingertips against his cheek—a fleeting, tender contact that held the weight of her gratitude and something more profound. "Good luck, Xuan."
Then, she pressed the emergency beacon. Her form shimmered and faded, leaving the four boys in the suddenly quieter, more dangerous-feeling clearing.
Yao Xuan touched the spot on his cheek where her fingers had been, a quiet warmth blooming in his chest. The battle was won. A teammate was ascending. And the thread connecting his destiny to Gu Yuena's—sovereign, girl, and lost sister—had grown stronger and more intricate than ever. The Riotous Period continued around them, but for a moment, there was only the echo of her touch and the certainty of their shared path.