Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

Su Ming looked at Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, a bit surprised. He hadn't expected them to pinpoint this issue so accurately.

Su Ming nodded. "Yes, you're concerned that because soul spirits reduce the need for spirit rings—since high-level soul spirits can provide at least two rings—some extreme soul masters might exploit this and kill more spirit beasts just to harvest spirit bones. And that would lead to the gradual extinction of soul beasts, right?"

Both elders agreed, saying, "Since you're aware of such a flaw in soul spirits, why pursue this path?"

Xiao Wu and Ah Yin also looked worried. "Brother, what should we do?"

They trusted Su Ming enough to believe he'd have a solution if he'd noticed this flaw.

Su Ming responded calmly, "This is partly why I joined Spirit Hall. Though Spirit Hall also hunts soul beasts, it doesn't do so indiscriminately and can regulate such actions. That's something other sects or empires can't achieve. Once Spirit Hall unifies the continent and soul spirit contracts become widespread, Spirit Hall can enforce restrictions and countermeasures."

Pausing, he continued, "Besides, this flaw won't have immediate effects. And the reason I openly acknowledge it is because soul spirits are only a temporary measure. I believe spirit rings restrict soul masters. However, due to this world's rules, a soul master can't level up without absorbing spirit rings. Doesn't that seem odd?"

Su Ming glanced around at the others. "Think about it. Given your control over your martial spirits, couldn't you already create techniques stronger than some of your earlier spirit abilities?"

"I've said before that, regardless of the age of the spirit beast, absorbing a spirit ring might break through level restrictions, but it also binds you with lingering consciousness from the ring's source. The same applies to spirit bones."

After Su Ming's explanation, everyone felt as though a new world of possibilities had opened up, but they were helpless to resist the rules as they were.

Xiao Wu asked, puzzled, "So, does that mean we should avoid spirit bones to lessen these limitations?"

Su Ming shook his head. "No. If you encounter suitable spirit bones, you should absorb them. We need the strength to change things. Right now, what we do is worth it for the future."

Ah Yin, who was once a soul beast herself, also felt deeply moved. Just as Su Ming had pointed out, why should humans need to kill soul beasts to grow stronger?

As a former soul beast, she pondered the question. Soul beasts face no such barriers to growth except at the hundred-thousand-year mark when they must choose between transforming or braving a heavenly tribulation.

"Su Ming, if you have a plan to address this, please tell us when the time comes. We'll help however we can," Ah Yin said with a thoughtful expression.

"Actually, what you said brought a question to mind. Why, after a soul beast transforms, does it seem like they start fresh in cultivation, with both soul power and spiritual strength reduced to that of a beginner… yet they can still condense the first six spirit rings on their own?"

Su Ming smiled knowingly and interrupted, "You mean, why do transformed soul beasts re-cultivate the first six spirit rings instead of hunting like humans?"

Ah Yin looked surprised. "How did you know I was going to ask that?"

Su Ming replied, "I'd considered it before. I used to think that the first six rings were due to the innate foundation of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. But now I think that's incorrect. After transforming, a soul beast's powers are essentially reset, with all remaining foundation channeled into transformation. Otherwise, your starting level after transformation wouldn't just be innate full spirit power."

He continued, "And remember, before transforming, you had power comparable to a Titled Douluo or higher. With such a foundation, it shouldn't only be enough to condense the first six rings. Reaching Spirit Emperor at most is a huge drop-off in power."

As Su Ming elaborated, both Xiao Wu and Ah Yin fell deep into thought. They hadn't considered this before. Why could they only condense six spirit rings, and why did their innate foundation fall short of supporting more?

"Don't let it weigh on you too much," Su Ming chuckled, seeing everyone's serious expressions. "I might be overthinking. If you hadn't asked today, I wouldn't have mentioned it. So, keep this between us."

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, understanding the sensitivity, quickly assured him, "Don't worry; we won't breathe a word."

They knew Su Ming's ambitions ran deeper than he let on. He was planning something significant.

After saying their goodbyes, Xiao Wu ventured alone into the depths of Star Dou Forest, excited to see Da Ming and Er Ming again.

When Chrysanthemum Douluo moved to protect her, Su Ming held him back, sensing something was amiss.

According to Ah Yin's scouting, Tang San and Tang Hao would likely reach the Blue Silver Emperor's territory in two days.

Taking advantage of this time, Su Ming said to Ah Yin, "Since you've regained your power and no longer have the constraints of spirit rings, why not try developing a few attack techniques for self-defense? Most of your abilities are support-based, but if you intend to fight Tang Hao, it'll take more than strangling him with blue silver grass, right?"

Ah Yin thought it over and nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Su Ming then showed her a technique to practice. With her fine control over her spirit power, Ah Yin easily transformed a blue silver vine into the shape of a spear.

The technique Su Ming taught her was the Blue Silver Overlord Spear, a move Tang San had once used as his fifth innate spirit ability. If Tang San could use it, then Ah Yin certainly could, too!