MTLNOVEL Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Shadowmoon Phantom Cat
Wu Tong naturally noticed their astonishment and smiled. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll explain my situation in detail."
"My target for this spirit hunt was the Mind's Eye Golden Fox. To many, this spirit beast might seem unremarkable, but I discovered a trait that perfectly complements my martial soul. The spirit beast archives contain a story about the Golden Fox—one that revealed its extraordinary memory."
"Everyone on the Douluo Continent knows that spirit beasts below ten thousand years don't possess intelligence. Yet, the Golden Fox in the tale, despite being only a thousand years old, remembered the spirit master who harmed it. Even after a decade, it hadn't forgotten and nearly succeeded in its revenge. This shows just how formidable its memory is."
At this point, Liu Feiyan quipped, "Sounds more like holding a grudge to me."
Wu Tong sweatdropped but ignored the comment and continued.
"A strong memory is a crucial piece of the puzzle for a Brain martial soul's intellect trait. After all, every wise mind relies on sharp recall. Other puzzle pieces include divergent thinking, exceptional comprehension… Once all these pieces are assembled, my martial soul should be able to evolve."
"After absorbing the Golden Fox's spirit ring, my memory improved dramatically—I can now recall anything after seeing it just once, even without activating my martial soul. This enhancement stems from the harmony between the spirit ring's traits and my martial soul's nature."
"Moreover, when we think of foxes, the first trait that comes to mind is cunning, which further aligns with intellect. Because the spirit ring complemented my martial soul so well, my Brain underwent a partial strengthening. If I continue refining these traits, I can achieve a second awakening—true martial soul evolution."
"Therefore, Sister Mu Lan's spirit ring choice should focus on beasts that either complement or enhance her martial soul's traits. We can't afford to be careless."
Wu Tong paused to take a sip of tea, letting his words sink in.
The group was stunned into silence. Martial soul evolution was unheard of, let alone witnessing someone who had already taken the first step.
But shock soon gave way to exhilaration. This was a monumental opportunity—one that could propel them to unimaginable heights, even to the legendary status of Title Douluo.
"I, Wu Tu, swear upon my martial soul that I will never disclose today's events to anyone, by any means. If I break this oath, may my martial soul shatter and my cultivation stagnate forever."
Amid the excitement, Wu Tu stepped forward, raised his left hand with four fingers pointing skyward, and solemnly swore.
A martial soul oath held the same weight for Douluo natives as a vow to the sea goddess did for fishermen. The gravity of his pledge was undeniable.
Before Wu Tong could react, the others followed suit, each pledging in turn.
Once the last vow was spoken, Wu Tu explained, "Little brother Wu Tong, we've benefited greatly from your insight today. Whether you shared this theory casually or expect something in return, the fact remains: it works. Knowing this, it's only right we show our stance. This is a matter of principle."
He thumped his chest resolutely. "From now on, if you ever need help, I'll brave fire and water without hesitation."
"There's no need for that, Uncle Wu Tu," Wu Tong replied modestly, though a glint flickered in his eyes. "So far, I'm the only success case. What if I'm just special?"
'Perfect. The Martial Soul Evolution Theory has hooked them. If Sister Mu Lan's martial soul shows progress after this hunt, my bond with the team will deepen. Not only will future spirit rings be secured, but my safety will also be guaranteed. Plus, it'll provide data for the theory's eventual publication…
I didn't even have to ask—they volunteered themselves. This is much smoother than if I'd broached the topic outright.'
Wu Tong hadn't revealed his theory lightly. His martial soul's advancement proved its validity. By sharing it, he aimed to strengthen ties with the team. Success would ensure his safety and spirit rings up to the 30th rank, while multiple cases would bolster the theory's credibility when he published it.
As for why he hadn't disclosed everything upfront—first, to test their integrity. If they failed, this would be a one-time transaction. If they passed, like Wu Tu and the others had, they'd prove trustworthy for deeper collaboration.
Second, this was a mutual benefit. The truth mattered less than the tangible gains they'd all reap.
"Don't sell yourself short, Wu Tong," Wu Tu boomed. "Your success alone proves the theory's potential. We trust your judgment."
Curious, he added, "Since you shot down our spirit beast picks, you must have one in mind. What's your choice for Mu Lan?"
Wu Tong's eyes gleamed as he answered without hesitation:
"The Shadowmoon Phantom Cat—the Moon's Emissary, residing in the inner periphery of the Star Dou Great Forest."
"According to the Spirit Beast Chronicles, the Phantom Cat has a slender, elegant build, with fur as dark as the night sky adorned with silver streaks resembling scattered moonlight. Its most striking feature is its eyes—pale silver-blue, like twin miniature moons, capable of emitting a soft, mystical glow. Legends say it serves as the moon's envoy."
"Under moonlight or at night, the Phantom Cat can blend seamlessly into its surroundings, becoming nearly undetectable. It avoids sunlight and frequents the shadowy depths of the Star Dou Forest's middle region."
"I chose it because, like Sister Mu Lan's mutated martial soul, the Phantom Cat possesses the ability to cultivate using moonlight—a shared trait. Absorbing its spirit ring would enhance her Moonlit Radiance Zither, strengthening her lunar affinity."
"Additionally, the Phantom Cat's invisibility could grant a spirit skill that cloaks the entire team, masking our presence and aura. This would make future spirit hunts far safer."
"Most of your initial picks were Agility-type beasts, implying you wanted a speed-boosting skill. The Phantom Cat is also Agility-type, so there's a chance it could provide that too. Either way, we won't lose out."
After Wu Tong finished, the group deliberated briefly before unanimously agreeing to his proposal.
"Haha, we owe you big this time, little brother Wu Tong," Wu Tu laughed. "Without you, we might've carelessly picked a spirit beast and stunted our potential forever."
"You flatter me, Uncle Wu Tu," Wu Tong replied humbly. "I've always planned to publish this theory through the Spirit Hall. Sharing it now was just a test run."
His candidness didn't faze Wu Tu. "Regardless, you've done us a huge favor. If only you weren't so weak right now—we could've taken you along this time…"
Wu Tu saw through Wu Tong's intentions but didn't mind. The theory had merit, the Phantom Cat suited Mu Lan perfectly, and the benefits were real.
As Wu Tu rambled on, Wu Tong inwardly shuddered.
'Join you? On a spirit hunt? That'd be suicide! At level 13, I'd get squashed into "Wu Tong paste" by the first spirit beast that looked at me wrong! (╥﹏╥)'
Once the discussion concluded, Wu Tong politely declined Wu Tu's invitation to join the expedition and returned to the academy.
"Thanks to SilverWolf for their support"
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