Chapter 163 - 161: Dog Evolution
At this moment, Dahuang and White, who had been dozing off, suddenly opened their eyes and looked at the Dragon Transformation Pearl in Song Changming’s hand.
Their eyes were full of bright light.
Just like the fierce beasts in the mountains who were extremely eager for this Dragon Transformation Pearl, the two dogs in his courtyard were no exception.
Upon seeing this Dragon Transformation Pearl, they immediately stopped sleeping, drooling as they stared intently at it.
As if to say, in my dog life, I seek nothing else but this round, shiny little orb.
"Do you want it?" Song Changming looked at the two dogs lying by his legs.
The dogs wagged their long tongues and whimpered, occasionally biting at Song Changming’s trouser legs and licking his shoes in response.
Song Changming was slightly conflicted.
After all, the Dragon Transformation Pearl was incomparably precious, giving it to the two dogs might seem too rash or wasteful.
But then he thought, the two dogs had been loyal and dedicated to him and the Song Family for years, guarding the family’s safety day and night, they had indeed worked hard.
Setting aside the questions of rashness and waste, didn’t the family’s Dahuang and White deserve a Dragon Transformation Pearl?
With a single thought, Song Changming made his decision.
"Dahuang, White, open your mouths," Song Changming said.
The two dogs immediately sat upright and obediently opened their mouths, panting hotly.
Song Changming flicked his finger, and the two Dragon Transformation Pearls from the shell were instantly flipped into the dogs’ mouths.
Dahuang and White rolled their tongues and then seemed to get drunk, staggering around on their four legs.
Seeing this, Song Changming knew that the Dragon Transformation Pearl was taking effect, so he took the dogs into the house to rest.
Soon, the two dogs lay on the ground and entered a dormant state.
Song Changming observed for a moment, confirming that the dogs were alive and well and their breath was becoming stronger, then he felt relieved.
He knew that this transformation would not be completed in a short amount of time.
As for the remaining two Dragon Transformation Pearls, Song Changming already had a rough plan.
Unfortunately, the two elders at home were not Martial Artists and could not withstand the transformation of the Dragon Transformation Pearl, otherwise he would very much like to use them to prolong the elders’ lives.
A few days passed, and the dogs at home were still in deep sleep.
This kept the family thinking about them, often going into the house to check on the dogs’ condition.
In September, with the autumn wind blowing and the climate becoming colder.
A half-month passed before the two dogs finally woke up one after another.
During this half-month, they changed significantly each day.
Now awake and walking out of the house, it was clear to see that the two dogs had grown in size, their bodies covered in fur, looking more like lions.
However, their big, round eyes made them look less regal and fierce like lions and more silly like dogs.
Their limbs were strong and muscular, their paws wide, and their sharp claws hidden within, appearing like several daggers when extended.
The most striking feature was a bulge on their heads, as if a horn was about to sprout.
But now, there was no horn visible, looking more like a lump after being hit.
Although there was a substantial change in their appearance, the dogs’ habits didn’t change too much.
Perhaps because they hadn’t eaten for half a month, they acted spoiled and rolled around when they saw Song Changming, crying out pitifully from hunger.
"Alright, alright, there’s plenty for you to eat," Song Changming said, instructing Song Ping’an to prepare more meat.
With the dogs’ current large size, eating dozens of pounds of meat at a time was inevitable.
With a larger body, appetite naturally increased too.
Afterward, Song Changming observed them carefully again.
He found that the dogs had become slightly smarter than before; even when Song Changming gave complex commands, they could quickly understand and execute them.
Communicating with them posed no obstacles, just like dealing with obedient and smart human children.
Moreover, they understood their limits and knew that Song Changming was powerful; they would play and frolic freely in front of him, but in front of the frailer elders, they were much more cautious, moving slowly to avoid bumping into the elders.
Occasionally, when a strong wind blew in the courtyard, they would lie in front of the elders to shield them from the dust.
Finally, Song Changming tested the dogs’ combat abilities and had a rough idea.
Compared to before, the dogs had the strength of Martial Artists at the Fourth or Fifth Realm, and they would probably be defeated when facing a Sixth Realm Martial Artist.
But now, facing Seventh or Eighth Realm Martial Artists, the dogs might stand a fair chance in a fight.
The key was their thick skin and solid flesh, as if it was a racial talent, making it difficult for ordinary blades and swords to harm them.
This was the change brought about by the Dragon Transformation Pearls in them.
Who would have thought that such powerful guard dogs resided in the seemingly ordinary Song Residence?
Even those renowned Martial Tao experts in the Jianghu would have to flee at the sight of the dogs if they dared to cause trouble at the Song Residence, without Song Changming having to intervene.
By comparison, Song Changming even felt that using the Dragon Transformation Pearls on the dogs seemed more effective and appropriate than using them on humans like themselves.
In the future, the dogs were likely to continue evolving and growing, with potential that could not be estimated.
"Not bad, not bad," Song Changming was quite satisfied with this.
The transformation of the two dogs was apparent, and he felt that using two Dragon Transformation Pearls was worth it.
After that, Liang Zhao Long, who was expanding his business outside, was called back by Song Changming.
The third Dragon Transformation Pearl he had was decided to be given to Liang Zhao Long.
Over the years, Liang Zhao Long has achieved some successes outside, gathering a group of talents.
Now, the Changming Association is both a guild and a business association, escort agency, intelligence organization, making progress in all aspects.
However, the factor limiting the guild from further advancement is its foundation; the guild’s foundation is ultimately too shallow to support further development.
More accurately, it’s a lack of power.
Especially for Liang Zhao Long, the leader on the surface, after expanding the base, his strength somewhat struggles to convince the others and fails to act as the Stabilizing Needle.
Long-term, it would be fortunate if Liang Zhao Long could stabilize the current guild scenario; otherwise, the Changming Association might fall apart, or Liang Zhao Long might be replaced, wasting years of effort overnight.
Liang Zhao Long also realized his own limitations, hence he had sought Song Changming’s help more than once through letters.
He wanted to make Song Changming’s existence public, using the identity of the mastermind as the Stabilizing Needle for the guild, to provide calming and intimidating effects.
With Song Changming’s current strength, it was naturally more than sufficient.
He was akin to Liang Zhao Long’s backup, and Song Changming had no objections to it.
After all, he had enjoyed various conveniences brought by the Changming Association over the years.
However, he would still not involve too much in the affairs of the Changming Association, remaining behind the scenes, and would not easily show up.
Thus, using a Dragon Transformation Pearl to enhance Liang Zhao Long’s talent and aptitude was indeed necessary.
The issue of insufficient strength was thereby resolved.
As for the last Dragon Transformation Pearl.
Song Changming initially thought about giving it to Liu Dingsheng, after all, Liu Dingsheng had been treating him kindly over these years, taking care of him wholeheartedly.
He deserved a Dragon Transformation Pearl as a token of gratitude.
But Liu Dingsheng only accepted Song Changming’s goodwill, and did not receive the Dragon Transformation Pearl.
For Liu Dingsheng, at his current age, talent and pursuit of Martial Tao were no longer important.
He had let go of everything, wishing only to spend his later years peacefully, watching the clouds rise and fall in the world.
Seeing this, Song Changming did not insist further, keeping the Dragon Transformation Pearl on him, planning to make other arrangements in the future.
"If you want to sell it, I could help you fetch a good price," Liu Dingsheng said with a smile.
Though he declined Song Changming’s deliberate action of delivering the pearl, he was still very pleased, hence in an excellent mood.
Even looking at Song Changming was increasingly pleasing.
Song Changming shook his head, having no intention to sell.
The Dragon Transformation Pearl was precious, rarely seen in the world, no matter how high the price, he would feel it’s somewhat at a loss.
"Changming, now that you’re over thirty, have you considered marriage?" Liu Dingsheng suddenly asked.
"Hmm?" Song Changming was taken aback, "What’s Elder Liu’s intention?"
Liu Dingsheng did not beat around the bush, directly saying, "My granddaughter is of similar age to you, if you are willing, I could promise her to you."
Song Changming lightly coughed, hurriedly saying, "I’m focused on martial arts, not yet intending to start a family."
He had only briefly met Liu Yan’Er a few times, how could he make a lifetime decision so hastily?
"I see..." Liu Dingsheng shook his head, not insisting further.
"It’s a pity my granddaughter joined Wangyue Pavilion years ago, not being by my side, otherwise you two could have gotten closer, and things might just have worked out..."
Liu Dingsheng truly wanted to entrust his granddaughter to Song Changming.
But unfortunately, the two young people had no connection, and both focused on Martial Tao, this matter was mostly a lost cause.
At night, in the room.
Song Changming sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes, and began to manipulate his spiritual power, constantly drawing in the Nether Sea.
He had now confirmed from Liu Dingsheng that the Dragon Transformation Pearl indeed helped him open the Nether Sea!
The various abilities he realized through spiritual power were also strong proof of opening the Nether Sea.
This was no longer a doubt.
Hence, the martial arts problem standing before him was resolved.
Next year, he wouldn’t need to go to Jade Void Mountain for the Peach Blossom Assembly to compete for a slot to open the Nether Sea.
However, to proceed with Qi cultivation and martial techniques afterward, he needs to further strengthen and refine his spiritual power.
The current intensity of his spiritual power is not yet sufficient to support his Qi refining and Qi manipulation.
Previously encountered Fengxue Manor’s eldest master, Li Pu, was also at the stage of refining and nurturing spiritual power and had not started formal Qi cultivation yet.
Otherwise, if a real Martial Technique Sword Qi came from him, the defeated one would probably be Song Changming.