Chapter 147 – The Ferocious Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear
"A Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear… around 5,000 years old. I must say, Xie Huanyue, you're truly fortunate."
The Soul Emperor from the Agility Attack Department said this as he gazed at the massive beast ahead. His voice carried both admiration and envy as he turned to Xie Huanyue, who had accompanied the group on this trip.
Among the team members, Ning Tian had already obtained her fourth soul ring. Now, this Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear—powerful and rare—was clearly the most suitable next step for Xie Huanyue.
Although Xie Huanyue's martial soul, Pipi, was a beast-type spirit known for its defensive capabilities, the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear was not only a powerhouse in defense but also a monster in raw offensive strength. For both Power Attack and Defense-type soul masters, this soul ring was an unparalleled treasure. Even those from the Agility Attack Department wouldn't hesitate to claim such a soul ring if it matched their absorption limit.
The boost offered by the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear was simply too valuable—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In normal circumstances, without a powerhouse like Master Xuan with them, they would've turned and fled at the mere sight of such a spirit beast.
After all, even a hundred-year-old Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear could rival a ten-thousand-year spirit beast. At ten thousand years, it could match the strength of a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. Though this one was only five thousand years old, it was still more than capable of turning the tables on them. If they engaged it without proper backup, it was likely that none of them would make it back to Shrek Academy alive.
But today was different.
They had Master Xuan, the deputy master of Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion—an existence with a terrifying Spirit Power of level 98! With him as their guardian, they could be bold.
"Thanks to the guidance of the academy, and the support of Deputy Director Jia, Teacher Zhao, and Teacher Wang," Xie Huanyue said with sincerity, "I, Xie Huanyue, will live and die as a Shrek person. I will devote myself to the academy's growth and never fail its expectations of me!"
The moment he realized the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear had been designated for him, Xie Huanyue's expression lit up. The benefits from absorbing this soul ring were enormous. He immediately expressed his loyalty, full of emotion.
"Good," Deputy Director Jia nodded approvingly. "Your attitude is worthy of the academy's investment. Prepare yourself—you'll be obtaining this soul ring soon."
"Thank you, Deputy Director! Thank you, Teachers Zhao and Wang!"
As Xie Huanyue's eyes locked on the resting Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, Ning Tian stood quietly to the side, her brows furrowed. For some reason, a wave of unease stirred in her heart. A memory of the unreliability shown by Master Xuan during the incident with the Evil Soul Masters flashed through her mind.
"Deputy Director, teachers," she said hesitantly, "the matter of a 5,000-year-old Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear is no small thing. For safety, shouldn't we consult Master Xuan first?"
"There's no need," Teacher Zhao replied firmly. "The Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear is formidable, yes, but unless it's the Bear King from the Star Dou Great Forest itself, it's nothing in front of Master Xuan. He wants us to acquire strong soul rings—there's no risk in this."
Ning Tian opened her mouth to argue, but Teacher Zhao gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Ning Tian. With Master Xuan here, nothing will go wrong. He wouldn't suddenly leave or abandon us. How could that happen?"
Ning Tian wanted to speak again—but bit her tongue. Last time, she'd been punished simply for voicing a slight criticism of Shrek. She had nearly lost her life. This time, if she said anything further, she feared the consequences would be irreversible.
"I'll go test the bear's strength," Deputy Director Jia said. "Old Zhao, Old Wang, stand by. If we can handle it ourselves, great. If not, we'll ask Elder Xuan to step in."
As a bear-type spirit master himself—his martial soul was the Giant Brown Bear—Deputy Director Jia was eager to challenge one of the strongest bear-type soul beasts to see where he stood.
"No problem," Zhao nodded. "We'll cover you."
"Leave the cleanup to us," added Teacher Wang with a grin.
With a level 98 powerhouse like Master Xuan watching their backs, the trio felt no fear. The challenge ahead only excited their fighting spirit.
Once the decision was made, Deputy Director Jia didn't hesitate. He strode forward and delivered a powerful kick to the resting Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, followed by a barrage of rapid punches that left the creature momentarily stunned.
As a top-tier soul beast, the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear had no habit of provoking humans. But now, not only had humans provoked it—they didn't even seem particularly strong. The bear was visibly confused.
Seeing the beast's dazed expression, Deputy Director Jia smirked. This wasn't enough to satisfy him. He activated his Martial Soul, releasing the soul saint aura—two yellow, two purple, and three black rings flared into existence.
The seventh soul ring lit up, and with a roar, he activated his Martial Soul True Body, transforming into a massive brown bear—even larger than the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear itself.
The spirit beast didn't back down. It growled menacingly and extended its right claw, golden light gleaming along its edges. That was the ultimate gold attribute—the pinnacle of sharpness and destructive power.
"ROOOAAARRR!!!"
The roar shook the forest. Its golden aura intensified, becoming a force that seemed capable of shredding anything it touched. In response, Deputy Director Jia's fifth soul ring lit up. He activated Brown Bear Iron Arm, boosting his physical defenses to the limit in preparation to take on the Dark Gold Terror Claw.
Yet even under the protection of his true body and a ten-thousand-year soul skill, the claw attack ripped into him, leaving a three-centimeter-deep gash in both arms.
"Hiss…"
Jia inhaled sharply. The searing pain told him everything he needed to know: even with all his defenses, the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear's strength was overwhelming.
Still, he didn't back down.
Gritting his teeth, he counterattacked with his sixth soul skill—Brown Bear Tearing Claw!
Unfortunately, the damage he inflicted was far less than what he'd received. Still, with Teachers Zhao and Wang, both Soul Emperors, harassing the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear from the sides, the battle held steady—for now.
The three surrounded the beast, exchanging blow after blow. They had fought through dozens of rounds, yet the tide had not turned. If anything, they were falling behind.
"Master Xuan! We can't handle this on our own after all!" Deputy Director Jia shouted skyward. "Please assist us!"
But his call was met with silence.
The air fell still.
There was no response.
And in that moment of quiet…
The Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear let out a mighty roar—and launched its next attack.