Chapter 242 Contract Lifted! A Plunging Strength, Yet a Shocking Trump Card Remains?

The Beast Taming Contract slowly dissipated.

The pale golden Contract Mark

was like a sand painting blown away by the wind,

dissolving bit by bit in the air.

Jiang Yun held his breath.

His eyes were fixed intently on the gradually fading light and shadow.

His heartbeat accelerated along with the mark's dissipation.

Here it comes!

The change is here!

The instant the Contract Mark completely vanished!

Jiang Yun's body jolted violently!

His Beast Taming Power plummeted!

"Huff!!!"

A vast, mighty energy, like a bursting flood, surged from the depths of Jiang Yun's body.

It wildly leaked out!

It wasn't being drawn away.

Rather... it disappeared!

As if that power

was fundamentally built upon the Foundation of the contract connection.

Once the contract broke, the Foundation collapsed.

The power naturally scattered!

Diamond Rank Third Stage Peak!

Diamond Rank Second Stage!

Diamond Rank First Stage!

Amethyst Rank Ninth Stage!

Amethyst Rank Eighth Stage!

Amethyst Rank Seventh Stage!

...Gold Rank Ninth Stage!

Gold Rank Eighth Stage!

Gold Rank Seventh Stage!

Gold Rank Sixth Stage!

...Gold Rank Third Stage!?

Stop!

When the power finally stopped falling.

Jiang Yun's expression had become incomparably grim.

Gold Rank Third Stage!

From the Peak of Diamond Rank,

all the way down to Gold Rank Third Stage!

He had fallen a full major Realm and then some!

"Indeed..."

Jiang Yun, sensing the much thinner Beast Taming Power within his body, felt a surge of disappointment in his heart.

"The power from the contract's feedback... has been taken back."

Although he had been mentally prepared, when the real sensation of this power loss struck him,

he still felt a sense of... emptiness.

It was like someone accustomed to walking with a hundred-pound weight, suddenly having it all removed, would feel their body strangely light and unsteady.

And what made Jiang Yun's heart race even more was...

Boom!

Within his mind,

that vast sea of Divine Sense

also stirred up monstrous waves!

Soul Power, like a receding tide, was also draining away wildly!

The originally full-to-bursting, seemingly inexhaustible Soul Power reserve began to rapidly diminish!

One hundred percent!

Ninety percent!

Eighty percent!

Seventy percent!

Sixty percent!

Fifty percent!

Forty percent!

Thirty percent!?

When the drain finally stopped.

Within Jiang Yun's Divine Sense sea, his Soul Power reserve had dropped to only... three-tenths of its original amount!

"Hiss!!!!"

Jiang Yun drew in a sharp breath of cold air!

The loss of Soul Power

shocked him even more than the plummet of his Beast Taming Power!

Because Soul Power is the Foundation of Divine Sense!

Insufficient Soul Power.

The range of Divine Sense coverage would shrink.

Its precision would decrease, its duration would shorten!

He might not even be able to use his Innate Talent Skill as freely as he wished!

"It's over..."

Jiang Yun's heart sank.

"Will the Divine Sense sea... also close down?"

He quickly turned his perception inward.

Hum!!!

The next second.

He let out a sigh of relief.

The Divine Sense sea!

Was still there!!

Although only thirty percent of the Soul Power remained, that vast silver sea still existed deep within his mind.

It hadn't vanished, hadn't closed.

It's just... the water level had dropped significantly.

"Thank goodness..."

Jiang Yun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"The Divine Sense sea still being there means... I have permanently opened up this space."

"This improvement belongs to me alone and won't be taken back by the contract."

Jiang Yun carefully sensed other aspects of his body.

Physique and strength!

Unchanged!

The muscle fibers strengthened by the Diamond Rank feedback

were still tough and powerful.

Bone density was also unchanged.

The strengthened bones were still as hard as iron.

Meridian width!

Unchanged!

The widened Meridians

could still withstand the impact of stronger power.

Recovery ability had slightly declined, but was still far superior to an ordinary Gold Ranker!

"In other words..."

Jiang Yun deduced the pattern.

"Beast Taming Power is completely dependent on contract feedback; contract termination means power loss."

"Soul Power is partially dependent on contract feedback; contract termination means the feedback portion is lost, but the portion accumulated through my own cultivation remains."

"Improvements like Physical Body strength, meridian width, and other physical attributes are permanent and won't disappear."

This discovery

made Jiang Yun feel a little better.

At least... he wasn't completely reverted to his original state.

He still possessed physical attributes far exceeding an ordinary Gold Ranker, and he still had the opened Divine Sense sea.

"Let's try..."

Jiang Yun focused his mind.

Wanting to see the current capabilities of his Divine Sense.

His Divine Sense spread out.

The coverage range of his Divine Sense rapidly expanded!

Ten li!

Twenty li!

Thirty li!

Forty li!

Fifty li!

"Only... fifty li now."

Jiang Yun gave a bitter smile.

"It was a hundred li before, now only half remains."

However,

when he carefully sensed, he discovered a key point.

The clarity hadn't changed!

Although the range had shrunk, the clarity of his Divine Sense perception was still that 8K ultra-high-definition level!

He could still see, thirty li away,

the ants crawling on a leaf!

He could still hear, twenty li away, the sound of raindrops falling from a roof eave!

Moreover,

the Innate Talent Skill was still usable!

Jiang Yun focused his mind.

He activated his Innate Talent Skill on a potted plant outside the window.

Swish!

A pale blue light screen instantly appeared!

[species]: Verdant Spirit Grass (Plant-type)

[Age]: Three months.

[Characteristics]: Can release faint Spiritual Qi, purifies air

[Status]: Growing healthily

"It works!"

A flicker of joy passed through Jiang Yun's eyes.

"Although Soul Power consumption has sped up and recovery has slowed down, the... core functionality is still there!"

He carefully analyzed his current state.

"After a Beast Tamer and a Spirit Beast sign a contract, it seems they share Soul Power."

"The stronger the Spirit Beast's Soul Power, the greater the boost to the Beast Tamer's Soul Power."

"After the contract is terminated, the boost disappears, leaving only my own Soul Power reserve."

"That's why the coverage range shrank, consumption sped up, and recovery slowed down."

"But... my Soul Power quality, the Divine Sense sea, and the ability to use my Innate Talent Skill have all been retained!"

This conclusion

slowly lifted Jiang Yun's mood from the depths.

"Although I've lost something..."

He murmured to himself.

"I've also... gained tremendously!"

A Divine Sense sea opened at the Gold Rank!

8K ultra-HD level perception clarity!

The ability to use his Innate Talent Skill without a medium!

Physical attributes far surpassing the Gold Rank!

These things,

if placed on any Gold Rank Beast Tamer,

would be things they could only dream of!

And now, he possessed them all!

"This contract journey..."

The corner of Jiang Yun's mouth slowly curved into a smile.

"I can say... I've gained immensely as well!"

At the very least,

he could now face the Divine Sense probing of Amethyst Rank, or even Diamond Rank, experts with composure!

Because his Divine Sense sea had already been opened.

His Soul Power quality was high enough!

Even if the opponent had specialized soul attack methods, it would be difficult to suppress him on the same level of Divine Sense!

"Worth it!"

The disappointment in Jiang Yun's heart completely dissipated.

Replaced by a feeling of... relief.

Relief that Fox Immortal had fused with the God Seed.

And had reflected that power onto him!

Relief that the current outcome

was much better than he had anticipated!

Just as Jiang Yun was feeling joyful,

Hum!

Another Contract Mark slowly surfaced.

The Fox Heart Moon Vow!

That pale silver, mysteriously-tinged equal Contract Mark appeared between Jiang Yun and Fox Immortal.

On the mark,

the additional clause added earlier, about terminating the Beast Taming Contract upon Breakthrough, began... to slowly erase itself!

Like words being rubbed away by an eraser,

it disappeared bit by bit.

Finally, the mark returned to its original appearance.

Containing only the basic equal contract terms.

"It's done."

Fox Immortal's voice sounded, still cool and clear, but seemingly... a touch softer?

"The Beast Taming Contract has been terminated."

"The additional condition on the Fox Heart Moon Vow has also been automatically erased."

"Between us... only the most basic equal contract remains."

Jiang Yun nodded.

His mind was still a bit dazed.

The feeling of having seventy percent of his Soul Power instantly drained away just now was far too intense.

It was as if his body had been instantly hollowed out.

He felt completely drained.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"Dizziness and weakness are normal."

Fox Immortal looked at Jiang Yun's state.

The corner of her mouth, surprisingly, curled into a hint of a... smile?

Though faint, it was indeed a smile.

"After all... that was seventy percent of your Soul Power reserve."

"Anyone would be overwhelmed if it were suddenly drained away."

She paused, then added.

"But don't worry."

"Given the Aptitude of those two little ones, they should recover fairly quickly."

"When that happens, your Soul Power reserve will rise again."

???

Jiang Yun was stunned.

Two little ones?

Little Fire and Little Skylark?

What did she mean?

Could it be... a guess surfaced in Jiang Yun's mind.

The stronger a Spirit Beast's Soul Power, the greater the enhancement it provides to its Beast Tamer's Soul Power.

If Little Fire and Little Skylark grow stronger, my Soul Power reserves... will also increase accordingly?

This discovery stirred something in Jiang Yun's heart.

If that's the case... then his future is still full of promise!

"Let's go."

Jiang Yun took a deep breath, suppressing the thoughts swirling in his mind.

"Someone just came to notify us."

"Today, the Su Family's younger generation will report to Sky Dome Academy. Gather at the front courtyard plaza in one hour."

"We need to head over."

Fox Immortal!

Or rather, Su Qingxue in her current form, nodded.

The two of them set out together.

On the way to the front courtyard plaza.

Jiang Yun walked.

While pondering a question.

Finally, he couldn't help but speak up.

"This Sky Dome Academy reporting requires an Aptitude and talent test."

"You, going to take the test in your Yao Race form..."

He looked at Fox Immortal.

"Won't you be exposed?"

This was a problem Jiang Yun had been worried about all along.

Although Fox Immortal currently wears Su Qingxue's appearance, her true nature is that of a Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox.

A Vicious Beast.

Sky Dome Academy, as the highest institution of learning in the provincial capital.

Its testing methods are certainly not simple.

If she were to be detected... the trouble would be immense!

"Exposed?"

Fox Immortal shot Jiang Yun a glance.

A flash of disdain flickered in her eyes.

"It's just a minor test."

"This Sovereign has her own ways to pass the test without revealing her true form."

Her tone was brimming with confidence.

"Did you think... this Sovereign's Thousand Illusions Technique is just for show?"

Thousand Illusions Technique!

Jiang Yun remembered!

When he previously checked Fox Immortal's data entries.

The Thousand Illusions Technique skill was indeed there!

It can perfectly transform into any creature it has seen, not only matching appearance but also mimicking aura and Beast Taming Power fluctuations. Unless the opponent possesses a True-Sight Type Talent, it cannot be seen through!

A legendary rank skill!

It really is abnormal!

"So that's how it is..."

Jiang Yun suddenly understood.

"Then I'm relieved."

The two of them said no more and continued forward.

Front courtyard plaza.

When Jiang Yun and Fox Immortal walked over unhurriedly.

Dozens of people had already gathered in the plaza.

There were Su Family stewards and managers.

And various Elders.

But more were the young scions from the Su Family's branch and Main Family.

These people gathered in small groups.

Huddled together, discussing in low voices.

The atmosphere was still quite harmonious.

"How many standout geniuses do you think our Su Family will have for this Sky Dome Academy reporting?"

"At least ten, right? Our Su Family has produced quite a few promising seedlings this year!"

"More than ten! I'd say at least fifteen!"

"Don't forget, there's also that... Son-in-Law Jiang Yun!"

"Right, right! Son-in-Law Jiang Yun is a Gold Rank at sixteen! A Prodigy like that, once he goes to Sky Dome Academy, will definitely receive focused cultivation!"

"Speaking of which... why hasn't Son-in-Law Jiang Yun arrived yet?"

"Geniuses always make a grand entrance last!"

Just as everyone was discussing.

"Look! Son-in-Law Jiang Yun is here!"

A sharp-eyed young scion.

Suddenly pointed towards the plaza entrance and shouted excitedly.

Whoosh!!!

In an instant!

All sound ceased abruptly!

The gazes of everyone.

Swung uniformly towards the direction of the shout!

And then!!!

Boom!

The entire plaza instantly erupted in excitement!

"It really is Son-in-Law Jiang Yun!"

"The one next to the son-in-law... is that Young Miss Su Qingxue? So beautiful!"

"I didn't expect a Prodigy like Son-in-Law Jiang Yun to arrive so early! Didn't they say Genius prodigies always make the grand entrance?"

"What do you know! Our Son-in-Law Jiang Yun is approachable! Doesn't put on airs!"

"Exactly! This is the true demeanor of a Genius!"

A group of stewards and Elders smiled broadly, nodding repeatedly.

"See that? That is our Su Family's Young Miss Su Qingxue."

A white-haired Elder stroked his beard.

And said with a beaming smile.

"Truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

"To attract a Golden Son-in-Law like Son-in-Law Jiang Yun into our Su Family..."

Another middle-aged Elder chimed in.

His eyes full of gratification.

"Is truly... a lucky star descending upon our door, a sign of flourishing luck for our Su Family!"

A lucky star descending, Luck Flourishing!

These eight words.

Voiced the heartfelt thoughts of all the Su Family members!

What does a sixteen-year-old Gold Rank Prodigy signify?

It signifies the Su Family will produce at least one Falling Star Rank powerhouse in the future!

Or even... potentially impact the Eclipsing Moon Rank!

This means the Su Family's status in the provincial capital.

Will rise along with the tide!

From a second-rate force.

Leaping to become a first-rate force.

Is also not impossible!

Therefore.

At this moment, the gazes of all Su Family members towards Jiang Yun.

Were filled with excitement, respect, and anticipation!

Jiang Yun heard these words but maintained a faint smile on his face.

He was already... used to it.

Since entering the Su Family and displaying his strength, this kind of adulation and praise had become commonplace.

He nodded towards the enthusiastic Su Family scions around him in acknowledgment.

Then.

Together with Fox Immortal.

He walked to the center of the plaza and waited quietly.

And just at that moment.

"The Family Head is here!"

"First Master and Second Master are here too!"

"And all the Elders!"

Several exclamations once again ignited the plaza!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!!!

Everyone's gazes.

Turned once again towards another direction!

They saw a group of people.

Walking unhurriedly from the distance.

The one leading.

Wore a blue robe, had a refined face, and an aura of steady composure.

He was precisely the Su Family Head!

Su Yuntian!

To his left.

Was a middle-aged man with a stern face, exuding authority without anger.

First Master Su Qinghai!

To his right.

Was a burly, powerfully built man with tiger-like, imposing eyes.

He was none other than the Su Family's Second Master, Su Qingshan!

Behind the three of them.

Followed seven or eight Elders with deep, profound auras!

The Su Family's upper echelon had almost turned out in full force!

"This... what's going on?"

"The Family Head and both Masters have come?!"

"In previous years, it was always a few Elders leading the group. Why this time..."

"Could it be... they are also going together?"

"That shouldn't be! For Sky Dome Academy reporting, what would the Family Head and the others go for?"

Everyone discussed animatedly, their eyes filled with confusion.

But soon, someone guessed the answer.

"What's so strange about that!"

A clever person lowered his voice and said excitedly.

"Our Su Family has produced a Prodigy Genius this time!"

"A Gold Rank at sixteen! Our Su Family's Golden Son-in-Law!"

"Think about it, today for the Sky Dome Academy reporting, every major Family and force will have people bringing their own scions to report."

"When the time comes, Son-in-Law Jiang Yun will astonish everyone with a single brilliant feat, shocking the entire hall..."

"The Family Head and both Masters personally attending, first, is to back up the son-in-law, and second, is to... Hold the Ground!"

Hold the Ground!

As soon as these three words were spoken, everyone suddenly understood!

Right!

A Prodigy like Son-in-Law Jiang Yun.

Once tested, is bound to cause a sensation!

When that time comes.

Other families and forces might have certain ideas.

They might even start trying to poach him directly!

With the Family Head and both Masters present, who would dare to act recklessly?

"So that's it!"

"The Family Head and the others are going to... flex some muscle!"

"Our Su Family will... Make a Name for itself in the provincial capital today!"

Everyone chimed in agreement, their emotions even more stirred!

And everyone's gazes.

Once again focused on Jiang Yun!

Envy!

Admiration!

Anticipation!

And a trace of... Shared Pride!

Jiang Yun felt a bit embarrassed under these gazes.

He inwardly sighed wryly.

"Be low-key! Must be low-key!"

"I just want to go to Sky Dome Academy to study hard and improve every day..."

"This fanfare... is just too much!"

But soon.

Jiang Yun adjusted his mindset.

"But so be it."

"Since I can't keep a low profile... then there's no need to keep a low profile anymore!"

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"For this Sky Dome Academy reporting..."

"I am determined to make the name Jiang Yun resound throughout!"

"Only then can I gain Sky Dome Academy's attention and obtain more resources and benefits."

"And also for myself... win a massive backer!"

Jiang Yun took a deep breath.

And made a decision in his heart.

"From now on..."

"Only caution is needed, no need for a low profile!"

"When it's time to be high-profile, then... astonish everyone with a single brilliant feat!"

He raised his head.

Looking towards the Su Family's upper echelon walking unhurriedly from the distance.

The corner of his mouth slowly curved into a confident arc.

Sky Dome Academy... I'm coming!