"A gentle breeze rustled through the parched, scorched earth, carrying with it the remnants of devastation. From the very center of this divine calamity, two figures emerged—tattered and blackened, yet astonishingly intact. Tang Yan and Tang San, bruised and bloodied from their trials, struggled to rise amid the debris of hardship. Hovering behind them, a pair of crimson rings flickered in the air, emanating an ancient authority so powerful that even the mightiest soul beasts fell into stunned silence.
Crimson—a hue that embodied the essence of 100,000-year-old soul rings.
Before the stunned crowd had the chance to approach, a celestial voice resonated within the hearts of the twin brothers, reverberating with unearthly clarity.
"Tribulation has been triumphantly overcome. Will has transcended. As a reward for your perseverance, the Evolutionary Path has been granted—external soul rings unlocked. May your soul carve its own destiny."
Suddenly, a formidable surge of golden-red light engulfed them. Their first soul rings throbbed with newfound vitality, transforming before the eyes of the astonished elders. What had once been yellow halos morphed into brilliant crimson, restored to their ancient, authentic glory.
"Impossible…" came a breathless whisper from Bi Ji, her mouth hanging agape in disbelief.
Tang Hao stepped forward, his fists clenched tightly, emotion swirling within him like a storm. "That color… it signifies 100,000 years—twice, and then some? How can such immense power reside within them?" His voice trembled as if grappling with the weight of truth.
Even Gu Yuena, known for her composed demeanor, narrowed her sharp gaze, intrigue reflecting in her eyes. "Heaven has not simply acknowledged their existence. It has woven its divine will into them."
As the radiant light waned, the reality of their transformation became breathtakingly evident.
External Evolution: Soul and Bone.
Tang Yan's forearms shimmered, encased in magnificent blue-gold armor that formed trident-shaped gauntlets, each claw glistening like molten metal, as if forged from the very essence of strength and victory. The power of the Infernal Vajra Behemoth emanated from him, thrumming through his very bones.
In contrast, Tang San stared at his right hand, wide-eyed with wonder. It had metamorphosed, now adorned with deep purple scales, each one shimmering with latent power. Lightning crackled just beneath the surface, coiling with restless energy, ready to explode into action.
"External Soul Bone: Trident Claws of the Warlord," declared Tianmeng, his eyes alight with astonishment as his ice-cold exterior melted slightly at the enormity of what he witnessed. "These are not mere rings; they are external bones akin to external soul rings. They will evolve with you…"
"They are," Di Tian murmured, his voice barely audible as if he were afraid to give voice to such monumental truths, "...external soul rings—living embodiments of evolution."
As they embraced their newfound power, a tempest of strength surged within them. The twins tottered momentarily under the swell of their soul force, which erupted through previously unbroken barriers, setting their spirits ablaze.
Tang Yan felt the pulse of his soul power settle at Level 30, while Tang San mirrored his brother with equally harnessed energy. This explosive advancement was the fruit of two years of relentless dedication, their triumphant tribulation, and the merging of the legendary 100,000-year rings.
With determination, Tang Yan raised his hand, and the Blue Gold Warlord Trident manifested from his palm, enveloped in flames and radiance.
Tang Yan's Soul Skills (2nd Ring – Infernal Vajra Behemoth):
- **Infernal Splitter (Single Target):** A thrust infused with the explosive flames of the behemoth.
- **Sundering Torrent (AOE):** A rotating trident unleashing a fan-shaped burst of golden fire.
- **Trident Tempest (AOE):** A vortex of searing gold and blue energy converged around him.
- **Vajra Impale (Single Target):** A burning projectile that zeroes in on a target, disregarding all armor.
Tang San marveled at what his hand could do, feel the electric energy coalesce with just a thought, dancing playfully between his fingers like ethereal spirits awaiting his command.
Tang San's Soul Skills (2nd Ring – Thunder Vein Spearthorn Drake):
- **Lightning Bind (Control):** Sends arcs of lightning to immobilize foes.
- **Stormfield Domain (Control AOE):** Creates a tumultuous storm zone that weakens any within its grasp.
- **Drake Spearthorn Assault (Single Target):** A rapid dash powered by lightning, piercing through adversaries.
- **Chainstorm Spiral (AOE):** Electrified spearthorns erupt outward in a sweeping storm.
Even Ah Yin, despite her usually tranquil demeanor, fell to her knees, tears cascading down her cheeks.
"My sons…" she murmured, voice quavering with awe. "You have traversed a path even the gods would tremble to tread."
As the reverberation of astonishment began to settle into silence, Gu Yuena stepped forward, her tone tempered with both caution and authority.
"You cannot remain together any longer," she stated, eyes piercing yet compassionate. "Your energies intertwine too closely. The world will never truly test your strength if you continue to stand side by side."
Tang Hao laid a reassuring hand on both of their shoulders, grounding them. "This isn't a punishment; it's an act of faith. You are no longer ordinary cultivators. You need individual journeys that challenge your souls, not shield them."
Tang San, understanding the gravity of Gu Yuena's words, simply turned to Tang Yan and said with resolve, "You go ahead this time. I'll follow closely behind."
Tang Yan offered a soft smile filled with confidence. "Just don't fall behind, brother."
Bi Ji, still enveloped in gentle healing energies, gazed up from her ministrations with profound respect, murmuring, "You've defied the very heavens. But your next steps will shape not just your legacy, but the world itself."
End of Chapter 83