Douluo Continent: Beginning with Signing in with Yan Lingji

After about an hour or two, Zhao Ming finally absorbed the soul bone completely.

With the absorption of this soul bone, his soul power directly rose to level 39, just one step away from level 40. Apart from this, he gained the powerful soul skills inherited from the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.

Focusing his consciousness on his right hand, Zhao Ming observed the dramatic transformation that had occurred after absorbing the right paw bone of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. The bones of his right hand had turned a dark golden color, emitting a sharp, cutting aura.

When Zhao Ming channeled his soul power into his right hand, five dark golden lights extended from his fingertips, forming into five blades in the air. These five dark golden blades were extremely sharp, giving the impression that even just looking at them could cause cuts.

Walking towards a massive tree, thick enough for three people to encircle it, Zhao Ming lightly flexed the dark golden claws in his hand. The blades flashed through the air, and the area where he swiped the tree became hollow.

If this were applied to a person, how terrifying would it be? This was the first soul skill Zhao Ming gained from the 100,000-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear: Dark Gold Terror Claw.

Whenever a soul bone reaches 100,000 years, it grants two soul skills to the soul master.

His second soul skill was called Dark Gold Divine Palm.

The most formidable aspect of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bears was their terrifyingly sharp claws, followed by their immense strength, common among bear-type soul beasts.

Zhao Ming focused his mind, and the dark golden blades melted away like snow.

He then swung his palm at the massive tree in front of him.

With a single strike, the tree, thick enough for three people to wrap their arms around, instantly collapsed.

This strength was enough to rival that of a Soul Sage. If Zhao Ming could also absorb the 100,000-year-old Black Dragon right arm bone, the power of his right arm would become even more terrifying.

At that point, possessing two powerful 100,000-year soul bones, he might even be able to go toe-to-toe with weaker Soul Sages.

And if he could break through to level 40 and obtain his fourth soul ring, he would become even stronger. By then, he might be able to challenge Soul Sages like Flender and Zhao Wuji directly.

And when he finally acquired the 5,000,000-year-old Ancient Undying Bird torso bone, he would truly defy the heavens.

He, Zhao Ming, would become invincible.

"Congratulations to the Lord on gaining such a powerful soul skill."

"Congratulations, Lord."

The soul beasts around him expressed their admiration, their eyes full of respect.

They had clearly seen the powerful skills Zhao Ming gained from the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, which were the strongest inherited soul skills of that lineage. In Zhao Ming's hands, these skills would undoubtedly shine with great glory.

"These skills are hardly the strongest, but they're quite decent. At least, they're convenient to use," Zhao Ming said with a light smile.

Seeing Zhao Ming's nonchalant expression, the soul beasts became even more respectful, their faces full of reverence.

The inherited skills of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bears were considered powerful even in the eyes of Di Tian, but in Zhao Ming's view, they were not that significant.

Such was the difference in status.

Their perspectives and understanding were still far behind that of their Lord.

After absorbing the right paw bone of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, Zhao Ming immediately went to find Xiao Wu.

In his eyes, no matter how beautiful Zi Ji or the others were, none could compare to his beloved Xiao Wu.

Because his dear Xiao Wu wasn't just beautiful and gentle; she was also willing to have his child.

According to Xiao Wu's estimation, this should be feasible, and perhaps she was already carrying his child.

Back when Cai Lin carried Xiao Yan's child, it took her three years to give birth. Zhao Ming wasn't sure how long it would take Xiao Wu, but given that both their life forces were far above those of ordinary humans—one possessing immortal blood and the other being a soul beast reborn—it was certain their child would be extraordinary and might need a long gestation period.

Of course, Cai Lin would also eventually bear his child. With his strength, his children would definitely surpass those of Xiao Yan.

In the familiar pavilion, rhythmic chopping sounds created a warm atmosphere.

Xiao Wu was wearing a white apron, diligently chopping carrots. Beside her, a pot was simmering, and the fragrance wafted through the air.

"My little Xiao Wu is so hardworking. I'm so lucky to have met you; otherwise, if someone else had married you, I'd be heartbroken," Zhao Ming said as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Xiao Wu's slender waist.

Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed red. "Oh, stop it."

"What do you mean stop? I'm just checking if our little Xiao Wu is pregnant yet," Zhao Ming teased.

"Hmph, it doesn't happen that fast! Even if I were pregnant, it would take a while before you could feel it," Xiao Wu giggled, rolling her eyes at him playfully.

"But Zhao Ming, do you want a boy or a girl?" Xiao Wu asked, frowning slightly.

"I'd love either. If it's a boy, he'll inherit the Zhao family business and carry on everything I don't finish, um, everything I can't complete. And if it's a girl, she'll be our little princess. If any boy dares to lay a hand on her, I'll teach him a lesson," Zhao Ming laughed.

"Pfft, if you're like this, who would dare marry our daughter in the future?" Xiao Wu chuckled.

"Well, he'd better be stronger than our precious princess. Otherwise, he won't be worthy," Zhao Ming replied with a grin. Knowing how easily girls could be hurt by the wrong people, he wouldn't let just anyone marry his daughter in the future.

"By the way, I brought you something good."

"What is it?" Xiao Wu asked, surprised.

"I had Zi Ji gather some soul bones, and there are a few suitable for you to absorb. You can pick one later. Or a few; it doesn't matter, they're free," Zhao Ming said affectionately.

"Pfft, choosing multiple soul bones? Do you think those things grow on trees?" Xiao Wu laughed, feeling sweetly moved.

"To others, they may be treasures, but to me, they're nothing. And if my little Xiao Wu wants the stars, I'll find a way to bring them down for you," Zhao Ming said, resting his head on Xiao Wu's shoulder with a gentle smile.

"Really? Just how many soul bones did you manage to get?" Xiao Wu, sensing his confidence, was curious.

"Not that many—just fifty." Zhao Ming grinned. Besides the three high-grade soul bones in his possession, there were fifty others.

Although these weren't as strong as the ones Zhao Ming held, most of them were still very powerful.

"Fifty?" Xiao Wu's mouth dropped open in surprise at the number.

"That's not much. Most of the soul bones humans obtain come from the Star Dou Forest. Naturally, they don't have as many as the soul beasts themselves. This is just the beginning. If the beasts here collected them more proactively, the number would be far greater."

"Alright, after we finish eating, I'll take a look." Xiao Wu replied softly, her eyes filled with warmth.

To her, the soul bones were far less important than making sure Zhao Ming ate well.

"Alright, whatever my Xiao Wu says."