NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 54: Elite Yin Ghost
There was a rumor circulating on the Awakened forum.
It was said that high-rank Awakened, those above D-rank, often looked less than human. Having a few extra arms was considered mild. Some were covered in tentacles and boils, resembling the Cthulhu deity, capable of scaring children to death with a single glance in the middle of the night!
Of course, this was likely just the exaggerated imagination of gossipers. Chu Xiu didn't know the specifics.
The reason he chose to fuse with the Trait without hesitation was that every time he ranked up, his very essence would undergo a transformation. He could use this opportunity to purge any poorly integrated Traits.
Even if there were side effects to this [Tough Skin], he was about to enter the rank-up trial. He could just get rid of it then. Besides, he needed to become as strong as possible before the trial.
As [Tough Skin] was absorbed, Chu Xiu felt his skin harden, becoming visibly rougher, like that of a construction worker who had toiled for decades.
At the same time, he felt a powerful surge of blood pumping from his heart.
[Fusion Complete!]
[Skin Defense +3.6, Heat Insulation, Acid Resistance, and Impact Absorption significantly enhanced.]
[Mutation Occurred, Strength +1.2, Health Regeneration +1.8, Energy Level -2.5.]
The result was similar to what he had anticipated.
The mutation effects were minimal and not entirely negative. He even gained 1.2 Strength.
The only downside was that his roughened skin had somewhat diminished his looks.
To say "diminished" wasn't entirely accurate. The rough skin gave him a weathered, rugged look, adding a touch of mature charm. Those who liked older men might even find him more attractive.
Naturally, Chu Xiu couldn't care less about such things.
He continued to collect his spoils.
Compared to the items dropped by this D-rank elite ghoul, its corpse itself was far more valuable!
With a wave of his hand, Chu Xiu extracted the ghoul's enormous living soul and sent it into the Bone Yin Soul Banner.
He was quite excited to see what this D-rank elite living soul could become!
But at that moment, something unexpected happened.
Without Chu Xiu actively refining it with the Bone Yin Soul Banner, the D-rank ghoul's living soul, upon entering the banner, suddenly lunged and bit down on another ordinary living soul!
"Screech!"
The soul let out a sharp, miserable cry. But the D-rank ghoul's living soul was too powerful. With a single tug, it tore the ordinary ghoul's soul apart and began to devour it!
"Oh?"
This sudden turn of events made Chu Xiu raise an eyebrow.
The D-rank elite ghoul's living soul wasn't muddled like the others. He could sense a violent emotion emanating from it!
It roamed within the Bone Yin Soul Banner, relentlessly hunting and devouring the other souls!
"Interesting."
Chu Xiu pondered for a moment and decided not to interfere. Instead, he waved the banner again, gathering all the lingering ghoul souls and throwing them into the banner. He would let them fight amongst themselves!
He recalled something he had learned.
When he received inheritances, the panel only displayed the most basic information. A large amount of knowledge would directly enter his mind.
Regarding the refinement of Yin Ghosts, it was mentioned that some living souls were inherently violent and would actively attack others!
These souls possessed great potential for growth but were difficult to control. Some could even break free from the Bone Yin Soul Banner's constraints and devour their master!
The safest approach was to immediately restrain them with the banner's enchantments. However, this would turn these aggressive souls into ordinary ones, significantly reducing their potential.
Chu Xiu was confident in his ability to suppress this special soul. He was more curious about how far it could grow!
Under his watchful gaze, the elite ghoul soul devoured a large number of souls in a short period and transformed into a Yin Ghost!
But it didn't stop there. It turned its sights on the other two Yin Ghosts and continued its assault!
A gruesome battle erupted within the Bone Yin Soul Banner as the three Yin Ghosts clashed, tearing and devouring each other!
Finally, when the two ordinary Yin Ghosts were consumed, a terrifying creature emerged.
[Elite Yin Ghost]
[Rank] F-rank Level 9
[Attributes] Physique 0, Spirit 16.5, Energy Level 22.5
[Skills] Shadow Wind Blade (Grand Completion), Life Drain (Minor Completion), Earth Bind (Beginner)
[Traits] Soul Form (Significantly reduces physical damage, attributes decrease under sunlight), Violent (Possesses strong aggression and combat instincts)
[Talent] Manifest (Transforms into a physical form, loses the [Soul Form] Trait, gains the [Sharp Claws] Trait, loses the [Life Drain] skill, gains the [Powerful Claw Strike] skill, [Shadow Wind Blade] skill level increases to Grand Completion, Physique +25.5)
[Note: This Yin Ghost has the potential to evolve into a Li Ghost.]
A Level 9 elite Yin Ghost! With the potential to evolve into a Li Ghost!
The new information on the panel both surprised and delighted Chu Xiu!
This was the first time he had seen such a note!
Although he didn't know what a Li Ghost was, for the System to specifically mention it, it was definitely not an ordinary creature!
Even disregarding its future potential, its current combat strength was already astonishing!
With its high Spirit attribute, the combat bonus from the [Violent] Trait, the increased skill levels, and the additional control skill, it could probably take on four or five ordinary Yin Ghosts simultaneously and still come out on top!
If Chu Xiu had this creature earlier, he could have severely injured the D-rank ghoul with the first wave of Shadow Wind Blades!
"It seems my decision was right. This ferocious fellow is worth more than countless ordinary Yin Ghosts."
But just as Chu Xiu was secretly rejoicing, a furious roar suddenly erupted from the Bone Yin Soul Banner, causing it to tremble violently!
In the next instant, a massive, translucent figure burst out of the banner and solidified in the blink of an eye. Its sharp claws slashed at Chu Xiu without hesitation!
"So it wants to devour its master after all?"
Chu Xiu frowned slightly but remained calm. He activated the Grand Completion level Phantom Steps, his body instantly sliding backward.
However, the elite Yin Ghost was incredibly fast, giving him no time to breathe. It clung to him like a shadow, its claws gleaming with a chilling light as it swung down towards his head!
Chu Xiu snorted coldly and waved the Bone Yin Soul Banner in his hand. A brilliant light emanated from it, causing the aggressive elite Yin Ghost to let out a shriek and fall to its knees in pain. Tiny runes appeared on its skin, like chains binding it.
Chu Xiu let out a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to activate another incantation, the Yin Ghost suddenly let out a sharp howl and began to struggle violently!
As it thrashed, the enchantments on its body started to crumble! Then, with a crisp cracking sound, a crack appeared on the Bone Yin Soul Banner in Chu Xiu's shocked gaze!
Before he could react, the ghoul suddenly erupted! As Chu Xiu tried to escape, he felt something grab his legs tightly! Looking down, he saw two small, grayish-yellow ghosts!
[Earth Bind]! This elite Yin Ghost's unique skill!
(End of Chapter 54)