Chapter 48: The Ultimate Fire and Ice - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 48: The Ultimate Fire and Ice "Old monster, next I'm going to show you the greatest achievement I've gained. Take a look," Tian Lin said as his second spirit ring started to glow, "Second Spirit Skill, Ice and Fire Godly Seal!" "Oh, a millennium spirit ring as your second? You truly live up to your little monster moniker!" Dugu Bo was slightly surprised but remained unfazed; after all, what could a young spirit master’s attack do to him? However, in the next moment, as Tian Lin swung his sword, Dugu Bo felt an intense threat emanating from the sword energy. Driven by instinct, he immediately put up a defense, "Fifth Spirit Skill, Serpent Python Heavenly Grip Shield!" The Emerald Serpent Emperor coiled up, transforming into a shield. This was Dugu Bo's lone defensive spirit skill, indicating his regard for Tian Lin's attack. The extreme cold and scorching hot sword energies struck the shield. Given Tian Lin's current strength with just two rings, it was naturally impossible to break through Dugu Bo's fifth spirit skill. However, Dugu Bo realized that the eroding power of ice and fire on his shield did not cease even after the sword energy dissipated. If he retracted his shield now, he might still be harmed by the ice and fire. "This attack already rivals that of a Spirit Elder, but that's not the main point. What is this elemental force that even makes someone like me, a titled Douluo, feel threatened and compels me to defend with a spirit skill?" Dugu Bo pondered a possibility, then asked in astonishment, "Little monster, has your ice and fire evolved into Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire?" Only ultimate attributes could unleash such immense power. Tian Lin straightforwardly admitted, "That's right. From now on, no fire or ice attribute spirit master can stand against me." "This little monster is truly terrifying. Spirit masters with ultimate attributes are vastly stronger than their peers of the same level. Having just one ultimate attribute is incredibly rare, yet he wields both Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Ice, opposing forces, with seamless harmony. When he reaches the titled stage, he could be invincible, potentially altering the continent’s power dynamics," Dugu Bo mused internally. "Old monster, don't get distracted. My attack isn’t over. Golden Flame Scorching Soul!" Tian Lin unleashed his external spirit bone, his Soul Flame attribute also having evolved into Ultimate Fire, catching Dugu Bo completely off guard. His Serpent Python Heavenly Grip Shield could only defend against physical attacks, leaving him vulnerable to soul attacks. "Ugh!" Dugu Bo staggered back, clutching his head. Just then, he felt his soul was being tormented in a blazing inferno. Luckily, being a titled Douluo, his soul power exceeded Tian Lin's, so he only experienced a brief moment of pain before recovering. "Little monster, are those eyes of yours… an external spirit bone?" "Yes, old monster. Thanks to the two immortal herbs that strengthened my body, I've completely fused with this external spirit bone. Moreover, the Soul Flame within is an ultimate attribute. How was that soul attack?" Tian Lin smiled. Dugu Bo was at a loss for words. Tian Lin had given him numerous surprises: dual spirits, ultimate attributes, an external spirit bone—each a coveted treasure for spirit masters, now all possessed by one person. Dugu Bo could only marvel at Tian Lin's exceptional fortune. "It is indeed impressive. But little monster, don't get too complacent. Ultimate attributes are a double-edged sword. While they have immense power, they also slow down your cultivation speed. Ultimate spirits have average cultivation speed prior to level thirty, become turtle-paced between levels thirty to seventy, only speeding up thereafter. Your major challenge is breaking through to level seventy; once past that, reaching titled Douluo will be as easy as reaching into your pocket," Dugu Bo advised. Tian Lin was about to hit level thirty, about to enter a slow cultivation period, which would be his biggest test. "Old monster, you needn’t worry about this. While this ultimate attribute might hinder my extraordinariness in cultivation speed, I certainly won't fall behind others because I have this—the Holy Spirit Pearl. Sanctuary Domain, activate," Tian Lin reestablished his Sanctuary Domain. "Old monster, try meditating within my domain." "All mystical," Dugu Bo muttered, yet he complied. Upon meditation, he was astounded to find his speed had increased notably. "Little monster, this second spirit of yours has an innate domain that enhances cultivation speed!" "Precisely. With this, I can completely offset the downsides of having an ultimate spirit. Though I may not be as formidable as before, my cultivation speed post-level thirty shouldn't be inferior to that of an innate full spirit power master!" Tian Lin approached Dugu Bo. "So, old monster, my abilities are quite impressive, aren’t they? Would you consider joining our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? With my support, you can hopefully ascend beyond level ninety-five, becoming a super Douluo." By revealing so many secrets to Dugu Bo, Tian Lin not only trusted him due to his known character but also aimed to recruit him. Dugu Bo’s solo combat might not be exceptional, but in group battles, his abilities were akin to a nightmare for low-level spirit masters. With him, any battle of sheer numbers against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would be rendered ineffective. Truthfully, Dugu Bo was tempted. Firstly, because of Tian Lin’s sincerity—trusting him enough to share the secret of his dual spirits. Secondly, because of the lure of surpassing level ninety-five. Dugu Bo understood his limitations due to age and potential, with few years left without a cure for his poison. But with the promise of advancing higher, how could he remain indifferent? Moreover, if Tian Lin could cure his poison, it would be a life-saving act. As much as Dugu Bo was known for holding grudges, he equally repaid kindness. "Little monster, let me think about it," Dugu Bo finally said after a moment of silence. While he longed for power, he also valued his freedom and didn't want to be constrained by a clan. Tian Lin knew his interest had been piqued. Pressing too hard now would be unwise, so he nodded promptly. "Alright, old monster. I'll be here for half a year. You have ample time to consider. But remember, the doors of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will always be open for you. This is a promise from the future Clan Guardian Douluo of our clan." "Thank you!" Dugu Bo smiled slightly, a rare occurrence for him to express gratitude genuinely. But today, he sincerely thanked Tian Lin.