Chapter 48: The Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Ice

"Old monster, it's time for me to show you the greatest reward for my efforts. Let me know what you think." As Tian Lin spoke, his second soul ring began to shine. "Second Spirit Skill: Ice and Fire God Seal!" "Oh, your second soul ring is already at the millennium level? You are a little monster in every sense of the word!" Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow in surprise but was otherwise unfazed. After all, what could the attack of a mere Soul Grandmaster do to him? However, in the next moment, as Tian Lin's long sword struck, Dugu Bo felt a strong sense of danger emanating from the sword's energy. Instinctively, he immediately went on the defensive. "Fifth Spirit Skill: Serpentine Sky Armor Shield!" The Emerald Snake King coiled into a shield, forming a powerful barrier. This was Dugu Bo's only defensive spirit skill, and for him to use it against Tian Lin's attack showed just how seriously he was taking it. The sword energy, imbued with extreme cold and heat, struck the shield. With Tian Lin's current two-ring strength, it was naturally impossible to break through Dugu Bo's fifth spirit skill. However, Dugu Bo quickly noticed that the corrosive power of the ice and fire attributes on his shield did not dissipate with the sword's energy. If he retracted the Sky Armor Shield now, he might still sustain injuries from the lingering ice and fire forces. "This... That attack just now already had the power of a Soul Elder. But that's not even the main issue. What kind of attribute power is this? It made me, a Title Douluo, feel threatened enough to resort to a defensive spirit skill." Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed as a chilling thought crossed his mind. He asked in astonishment, "Little monster, has your ice and fire power evolved into the Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire?" Only extreme attributes could unleash such overwhelming power. Tian Lin admitted bluntly, "That's right. From now on, no soul master with fire or ice attributes will ever be able to stand against me." "This little monster is truly terrifying. A soul master with an ultimate attribute is far stronger than others of the same level. For an ordinary soul master, obtaining even a single ultimate attribute is nearly impossible. But he can wield both Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Ice—two opposite, even contradictory, attributes—with complete mastery. Once he reaches the Title Douluo level, he might be invincible across the continent, perhaps even capable of reshaping its balance." Dugu Bo thought to himself, feeling deeply shaken. "Old monster, don't get distracted. My attack isn't over yet. Golden Flame Soul Burn!" Tian Lin activated his external soul bone. Even the soul flame within him had evolved into Ultimate Fire, catching Dugu Bo completely off guard. His Serpentine Sky Armor Shield could defend against physical attacks, but it was powerless against soul-based assaults. "Ugh!" Dugu Bo clutched his head and staggered backward. Just moments ago, his soul felt as if it were being roasted in a fiery inferno, unbearable and agonizing. Fortunately, as a Title Douluo, his soul strength far exceeded Tian Lin's, so he quickly recovered from the pain. "Little monster, is that eye of yours... an external soul bone?" "Yes, old monster. Thanks to those two immortal herbs fortifying my body, I was finally able to fully fuse with this external soul bone. And now, the soul flame within my external soul bone has also become an ultimate attribute. How was that soul attack? Pretty impressive, right?" Tian Lin grinned. Dugu Bo was at a loss for words. Tian Lin had given him far too many shocks: twin martial souls, ultimate attributes, an external soul bone—each of these were things soul masters could only dream of but rarely attain. Yet they all belonged to this one person. Dugu Bo could only sigh, realizing how overwhelmingly blessed Tian Lin was compared to others. "It's impressive, no doubt. But little monster, don't get too cocky. An ultimate attribute is a double-edged sword. While it's incredibly powerful, it also slows down your cultivation speed. For an ultimate martial soul, cultivation speed is normal before reaching level 30, but it becomes torturously slow between levels 30 and 70. Only after reaching level 70 does it accelerate significantly. Your greatest challenge will be breaking through level 70. Once you do, becoming a Title Douluo will be as easy as reaching into your pocket." Dugu Bo warned. Tian Lin was about to reach level 30, which meant he was on the verge of entering the slow cultivation phase. This period would be his greatest test. "Old monster, you don't need to worry about that. While it's true that my ultimate attribute will cause me to lose my previously extraordinary cultivation speed, I won't lag behind others. Because I have this—Holy Breath Domain, activate." Tian Lin activated his Holy Breath Domain and said, "Old monster, try meditating within my domain." "Always so mysterious." Though Dugu Bo didn't understand, he sat down as instructed. As he began meditating, he was immediately startled. His meditation speed had significantly increased. "Little monster, your second martial soul's innate domain can enhance cultivation speed!" "That's right. With this, I can fully compensate for the weaknesses of an ultimate martial soul. While it may not be as terrifying as before, my cultivation speed after level 30 should still match that of innate full soul power soul masters!" Tian Lin said confidently as he stood before Dugu Bo. "So, old monster, how about it? My abilities are pretty good, right? Why not join my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? With my help, I can guarantee you'll reach at least level 95 and become a super Douluo." Tian Lin revealed so many of his secrets to Dugu Bo not only because of the trust built from the original story but also because he genuinely wanted to recruit him. Dugu Bo's strength in one-on-one combat might not be the best, but in group battles, his abilities were a nightmare for lower-level spirit masters. With him on their side, no one would dare use a numbers advantage against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. To be honest, Dugu Bo was tempted. First, there was Tian Lin's sincerity—he had shared secrets such as his twin martial souls without reservation. Second, there was the allure of reaching level 95. Dugu Bo knew he was aging, and his potential had nearly reached its limit. Without resolving his poison, he wouldn't have many years left to live. Now, with the hope of achieving a higher realm, how could he remain indifferent? Moreover, if Tian Lin cured his poison, it would be a life-saving grace. Dugu Bo, a man who repaid both kindness and grudges, couldn't ignore such a debt. "Little monster, let me think about it," Dugu Bo finally said after a long silence. While he yearned to grow stronger, he also valued his freedom and didn't want to be tied down to a sect. Tian Lin understood that Dugu Bo's heart had already begun to waver. He didn't want to push too hard, so he nodded. "Alright, old monster. I'll be here for the next six months, so you have plenty of time to consider. Just remember, the doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will always be open for you. That's my promise as the future Guardian Douluo of the sect." "Thank you!" Dugu Bo smiled faintly. In his entire life, there had been few occasions when he'd spoken those words. But today, he truly and sincerely expressed his gratitude to Tian Lin.