《Douluo: Transforming Xiao Wu into a Zerg Queen Was Just the Beginning》 Chapter 1: Reincarnated? A Strange Egg! Chapter 1 - 1: Reincarnated? A Strange Egg!The weather was clear, with sunlight stretching endlessly across the sky. Unknown flowers released an alluring fragrance, the scent wafting into the nostrils of a young boy. A black-haired teenager slowly awoke beneath a towering ancient tree. "Ugh... where am I?" The boy opened his eyes slowly, scanning the surroundings. What he saw were colossal trees all around¡ªeach one easily over a hundred meters tall! Strange and unfamiliar flowers and herbs grew all across the forest floor. "Was I... kidnapped?!" Panicked, the black-haired teen jumped to his feet and looked at his clothes. Everything seemed normal: jeans, a white shirt, and a pair of sneakers. Then he looked back at his surroundings. The giant trees that seemed to touch the sky made his neck ache just from looking up at them. He was utterly bewildered, but one thing he was now sure of¡ªhe had transmigrated! But where was he now? Where was his golden finger? A system? Why had he transmigrated? S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His name was Lin Fan, originally just a regular high school student grinding his way through the education system. In his spare time, he was a passionate fan of StarCraft, especially after a player from the Dragon Kingdom (China) won the world championship. Overcome with excitement, he had played StarCraft through the night until his mind turned fuzzy, and eventually passed out at his desk. And now, after just one night of sleep, he had actually transmigrated?! Lin Fan''s heart was pounding wildly. Judging by the sheer size and density of these trees, this had to be an untamed wilderness. Just what kind of world was this? If the trees were this absurdly huge, wouldn''t the beasts here be even more terrifying? Lin Fan called out in his mind, "System! System? SYSTEM!!" Silence. Unwilling to give up, he changed his posture and pointed toward the sky, shouting, "System!" Still, nothing. A growing sense of unease crept into Lin Fan''s heart. No way... Did I transmigrate without a golden finger?! He began running around, jumping, shouting, making a scene¡ªbut aside from birdsong and insect chirps from deep in the forest, there was no response. Breathing heavily, he slumped down beneath the ancient tree he''d woken up under, despair filling his heart. It''s over... I actually transmigrated without a cheat?! Lowering his head in frustration, something black caught the corner of his eye. Huh? Turning his head, he noticed a strange object on the ground next to him, partially hidden beneath some grass. He hadn''t seen it earlier, but now, through the gaps in the blades, he could make out some dark shape. Swallowing nervously, Lin Fan reached out with trembling hands to part the grass. Lying there in the middle was a massive egg. The egg was pitch black, covered in mysterious dark patterns. Instead of reflecting light, the surface seemed to absorb it, radiating no shine at all. Lin Fan examined the egg curiously. It was about the size of a piglet, and its black shell made it impossible for him to guess what kind of creature it belonged to. Could it be... A divine beast egg at the start? One that evolves by devouring? Well, who cares! No way some random creature just happened to lay an egg here and leave, right? Besides, just from appearance alone, this egg looked extraordinary. Could this... be my golden finger? Lin Fan moved closer and slowly placed his palm on the eggshell. "Gululu¡ª" A sudden vibration from the egg startled him, and he quickly pulled his hand back. He stared at the giant egg in surprise. Was that... the sound of water? The moment his hand touched it, the egg had not only vibrated, but he''d also heard the sound of liquid sloshing inside. Focusing intently, he watched the dark egg. The runes on its surface flickered faintly, the shell black as ink. "Gululu¡ª" Lin Fan jumped. There it is again! It really did sound like something swimming inside... But why would an egg have water in it? "Gululu¡ª" It was as if his earlier touch had triggered something. The egg grew more active, occasionally shaking back and forth. Gulp¡ª Lin Fan swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the massive egg. This isn''t how I imagined this would go... What kind of creature lays an egg this weird? "Gululu¡ª" Suddenly, the black egg began to shake violently. Something inside was clearly struggling, accompanied by splashing sounds. Lin Fan''s eyes widened in horror. The shell began to warp and deform like some kind of soft tissue. Through the distortion, he could faintly make out a grotesque silhouette thrashing inside. Why... why does this feel so much like an Alien birth scene?! Don''t tell me... I transmigrated into the Prometheus universe?! "Gululu gululu¡ª!" The noise grew louder, and the egg was now violently pulsating. Inside, something twisted and hideous struggled with increasing intensity. Cracks began spreading rapidly across the shell. Lin Fan''s legs trembled. He wanted to run, but terror rooted him to the spot. "Shriiip¡ª" A massive black pincer burst through the shell. The egg rapidly dissolved as if melting away under some corrosive force. A grotesque, scorpion-like creature emerged in front of Lin Fan. It had no eyes, a circular mouth filled with sharp teeth, and was covered in sharp black barbs. Its two black pincers were huge and gleamed with a deadly sheen. A thick tail arched over its back, ending in a venomous-looking stinger. Its body was wide and flat, supported by countless legs that crawled beneath it. From within the egg had poured a pool of purple-black liquid, which now spread rapidly to form a dark, sticky mire beneath the creature. Lin Fan stared in shock. Why... does this thing look so familiar? "Screeee¡ª!" The monster let out a sharp screech and began swaying back and forth, seemingly surveying its environment. Then, without hesitation, it scuttled straight toward Lin Fan! Frozen with fear, Lin Fan focused on its gaping maw¡ªringed with razor-sharp teeth and dripping some kind of viscous secretion. "D-Don''t come any closer!" To his astonishment, the monster froze in place! Huff, huff... Lin Fan gasped for breath, his heart pounding, eyes locked onto the terrifying creature just a few steps away. Then he looked down at his hands in disbelief. It actually stopped? Was that just coincidence, or... can I control it? Nervously, he spoke again. "Go back!" "Screeee¡ª!" The creature let out a cry, turned around, and crawled back into the black-purple mire. It... it really worked?! Lin Fan was overjoyed. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his head, and his vision went black as he collapsed unconscious. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 2: The Zerg Drone Chapter 2 - 2: The Zerg Drone"Crack, crack, crack¡ª" A series of sharp, grating sounds entered Lin Fan''s ears. He was having a strange dream¡ªone in which he was the Zerg Overmind, ruler of the swarm. Wherever he went, not a blade of grass was left behind. His endless Zerg legions devoured entire worlds, turning them into fuel for the swarm. He led billions of Zerg across the stars, conquering the universe, dominating all realms! "So... the whole transmigration thing was just a dream?" Lin Fan muttered as he opened his eyes. Groggily, he turned his head¡ªand to his surprise, he saw a Zerg Drone crawling back and forth in front of him, just like the one in his dream. "Heh... I must still be half-asleep." He closed his eyes again and laid back down. ...Wait. Why is this bed so hard? Reaching around with his hands, he only felt loose dirt and some stray blades of grass. "Crack, crack, crack¡ª" The harsh noise rang out again near his ears. Lin Fan''s eyes snapped open. Above him stretched a brilliant blue sky. Sunlight pierced through the towering trees¡ªeach nearly a hundred meters tall¡ªblinding him for a moment. He turned to the side. The strange creature that had emerged from the black egg was now tirelessly hacking away at a giant tree with its massive claws. In mere moments, it had carved halfway through the trunk! "Crack, crack¡ª!" With another few strikes, the entire tree trunk snapped and the massive tree began to fall. "What a sight!" Lin Fan couldn''t help but marvel. Watching a hundred-meter-tall tree topple like that was something truly rare. But... something didn''t feel right. The falling tree''s shadow rapidly expanded in front of him. "Oh sh¡ª!" Lin Fan scrambled to his feet and dove to the side in a panic. "Boom¡ª!" The giant tree slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, sending up a cloud of dust. Birds took flight in all directions, scattering into the sky. Cough, cough! Standing amidst the dust cloud, Lin Fan glared at the monster. I almost died to my own golden finger right after transmigrating! What the hell, does this thing have no brain?! Suddenly, a sharp pain flared in his mind, and a surge of memories rushed into his brain like a tidal wave. Lin Fan gritted his teeth and closed his eyes to endure it. Soon after¡ª He reopened them, barely able to contain the joy in his expression. I¡ªI''m actually the Zerg Overmind! He turned to the creature beside him, stunned to realize what it truly was¡ªone of the most basic Zerg units: a Drone! "No wonder..." No wonder it had looked so familiar when it crawled out of the egg, along with that pool of purple-black biomass. Lin Fan closed his eyes. A faint psychic connection extended from his mind, linking him with the Drone. With just a thought, he could issue commands¡ªand it would respond without question. Opening his eyes again, Lin Fan, filled with curiosity, gave a silent mental order: Use your full strength to strike that tree. "Screee!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Drone scuttled to the tree and smashed into it with a massive claw. Crack! A deafening sound rang out as a huge fracture appeared in the trunk. This was a hundred-meter-tall tree! For a single Drone to cause such damage with one hit was... incredible! Overjoyed, Lin Fan gave another command: Drag the fallen tree onto the Creep. Alongside the Drone when it had emerged from the egg, a unique substance had begun to spread¡ªZerg Creep. Composed of microscopic bio-organisms, this living carpet could digest and absorb any material, converting it into energy for the swarm. Creep could also store energy for Zerg evolution, serve as healing ground for injured Zerg units, and much more. Truly a multi-purpose biological marvel. Anywhere it spread, the Zerg could thrive in endless combat. The Zerg were a race born for war and slaughter. The Drone crawled to the tree''s base, lifted it with its massive claws, and began dragging it toward the Creep. As the trunk touched the Creep, tendrils of purple-black goo reached out and wrapped around the wood, quickly liquefying it and absorbing the biomass into the ground. At the same time, a notification appeared in Lin Fan''s mind: [Energy collected: 10 points] After fully absorbing that section of the tree, the Creep expanded by several square meters. Since the tree trunk was so long, the Drone had to drag it over bit by bit, letting the Creep consume it in stages. Thankfully, the digestion process was fast. Within about ten minutes, the entire hundred-meter tree had been devoured. The Creep now covered roughly ten square meters. Its surface writhed with microbial activity, visibly more excited now that it had absorbed so much energy. Through their psychic link, Lin Fan could feel it¡ªthis patch of Creep had collected approximately 1350 energy points, including its base reserves. That was enough to begin hatching a Hatchery! Without hesitation, Lin Fan issued the command to begin incubation. The Drone crawled onto the Creep, let out a sharp cry, and was quickly engulfed by a surge of black-purple ooze, layer by layer. Moments later¡ª The Drone had vanished, replaced by a massive biological spore in the center of the Creep. It bulged like a living organism, grotesque and awe-inspiring. It was the size of a small house, its surface pulsing with crimson and violet-black patterns. The structure seemed to breathe, expanding and contracting as if alive. This was the Zerg''s most crucial building: the Hatchery. The Hatchery was the foundation of all Zerg development¡ªresponsible for evolution, reproduction, and production. All Zerg buildings were alive. Only when energy ran out would they die completely. It was said that the Zerg''s vitality was among the strongest in the universe. Now that the Hatchery was hatching, Lin Fan sat idly on the ground, thinking. What kind of world is this? If the Zerg had transmigrated with him, could this world really be that one? The legendary world where three races waged war for dominance? Looking at the towering trees and breathing the sweet, clean air, Lin Fan made a few guesses. It''s either a magic-filled isekai world... or it really is that world of endless war! "Hiss¡ª!" A strange noise from the trees snapped Lin Fan back to attention. He saw a bizarre-looking lizard crawling along the tree trunk. Its body was dark brown, with several backward-pointing horns on its head. Roughly 20 centimeters long, it flicked its tongue as it crawled toward a branch. At the end of that branch, an oblivious little bird pecked at a worm, unaware of the danger. Lin Fan''s eyes lit up. This is my first time seeing a native lifeform in this world! And even better¡ªit was about to go hunting! The lizard drew closer and suddenly did something that caught Lin Fan completely off guard¡ª It opened its mouth wide and spewed a stream of fire! The bird was instantly incinerated and fell stiffly from the branch. The lizard leapt down after it. Lin Fan''s eyes went wide. It can breathe fire?! The lizard gulped the charred bird down in one bite, chewing slowly¡ªcompletely unaware that a shadow was sneaking up behind it. Lin Fan, gripping a heavy stone, smashed it down on the lizard''s skull! The lizard died on the spot, not even letting out a cry. Lin Fan tossed the rock aside and quickly crouched to inspect the body. Moments later, disappointment clouded his face. "What the hell? It can breathe fire, but there''s nothing special inside it? That makes no sense. Is it not a magical beast?" "Bzzz¡ª!" Suddenly, a soft white glow emitted from the lizard''s corpse. Then, a white ring of light emerged, floating slowly upward until it hovered above the body. Seeing this, Lin Fan froze. A spark of realization flashed in his mind. "No way... A spirit ring? This is Douluo Dalu?!" **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 3: The Hatchery Awakens — Extracting the First Gene Chapter 3 - 3: The Hatchery Awakens ¡ª Extracting the First GeneLin Fan stared in disbelief at the white ring of light floating above the lizard''s corpse. This scene... it was exactly like the descriptions from Douluo Dalu! And combined with the strange appearance of the lizard, there was no doubt about it¡ªthis couldn''t just be a coincidence! If he remembered correctly, white spirit rings were the lowest grade... a ten-year spirit ring? Lin Fan sighed in realization. That explained why he was able to sneak up and kill the lizard so easily¡ªit was just a low-level ten-year spirit beast. Now that he''d confirmed he was in the world of Douluo Dalu, Lin Fan turned to survey the towering trees around him. Where exactly am I? Star Dou Forest? Soul Hunting Forest? Sunset Forest? As for the Ice Crystal Forest, the one known for its abundance of ice-type soul beasts, he ruled that out immediately. The vibrant greenery and the warm, flower-filled breeze here were a far cry from the frozen wastelands of the north. Towering trees over a hundred meters tall... A chill crept into Lin Fan''s heart. In the soul beast forests of Douluo Dalu, the deeper you went, the more dense and ancient the vegetation became. And the deeper you ventured, the more dangerous it got! Ten-thousand-year soul beasts ruled their territories. Thousand-year beasts roamed and hunted at will. And every forest had its own apex predator¡ªa hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Right now, Lin Fan was just a powerless human with no cultivation. If he really was in the heart of a soul beast forest, there was no telling how he''d die¡ªonly that it''d happen fast. He glanced toward the Hatchery, still in the middle of incubation. For now, all he could do was wait. Once the Hatchery was complete, it would become his greatest support. Visions of his dream returned¡ªstanding tall as the ruler of the Zerg, commanding legions to sweep across the universe. A trace of anticipation flickered in Lin Fan''s eyes. The sun dipped lower on the horizon. The forest, shrouded by massive trees, grew dark and cold as dusk fell. Night was coming. Lin Fan sat curled on the ground, arms wrapped tightly around himself, shivering. The eerie atmosphere was hard to bear. Even in a normal forest, nighttime was full of danger¡ªlet alone in the heart of a soul beast forest on Douluo Dalu. Howls of wolves and strange cries echoed faintly from the outskirts, sending chills down Lin Fan''s spine. The only comfort was that this place was likely so deep into the forest that weaker beasts didn''t dare venture here. But still... if a starving soul beast threw caution to the wind and charged in, what could he do? He glanced again at the still-hatching Hatchery, anxiety rising. How long is this going to take?! As if in response to his frustration¡ª The massive spore began to rapidly expand, growing to the height of a two or three-story building. Veins and ridges across its surface pulsed wider and deeper. Then, with a thunderous crack, the entire spore exploded open¡ªrevealing a grotesque and towering Zerg Hatchery! The structure resembled a bio-organic pyramid, its cone-shaped form embedded in the earth. Jagged spikes protruded from its surface, along with numerous orifices that emitted faint steam¡ªas though something inside was actively processing matter. Upon closer inspection, the building breathed¡ªrising and falling subtly like a living creature. A large, gaping entrance at the front pulsated rhythmically, ready for entry. From its base, a mass of Creep surged outward, spreading across dozens of meters. Everything it touched withered in seconds, life drained and broken down into nutrients to be absorbed. Lin Fan stared blankly at the monstrous structure before him, horrified yet in awe. The Hatchery squatted like a sleeping beast¡ªlethal and terrifying. If any ordinary person saw this, they''d probably be too scared to walk another step. He had to admit: the Zerg aesthetic was unique... and disgusting. If he hadn''t known this was his golden finger, he might''ve lost his sanity on the spot. Suppressing his discomfort, Lin Fan cautiously stepped through the gaping maw that was the Hatchery''s front entrance. The fleshy, writhing "door" quivered as he passed through, strands of mucus stretching with every movement. But inside... It was completely different. The interior was soft and clean¡ªsurprisingly comfortable to walk on. The air was warm, the texture underfoot pliant and inviting. Lin Fan immediately felt more at ease. In the center of the chamber were three small spores, each about the size of a piglet. Could these be...? S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He closed his eyes and focused, linking his mind to the Hatchery. Instantly, a torrent of information poured into his brain. This was the Zerg Overmind''s unique ability¡ªevery Zerg unit shared a psychic connection with the Overmind. Through it, Lin Fan could exercise complete control. Even better, every unit under his command would also feed back their spiritual energy, enhancing his own. The more Zerg he controlled, the stronger his mind became. And since he could redirect psychic attacks across the entire swarm, the mental resilience of a Zerg Overmind was unmatched. Opening his eyes again, Lin Fan examined the three spores. Just as he''d guessed¡ªthey were Drone spores. After successfully hatching, the Hatchery would automatically use any leftover energy to create Drones and reserve Zerg eggs for future spawning. However, with only one patch of Creep and one initial Drone, Lin Fan didn''t have much energy left. He could only afford to hatch three Drones for now¡ªto gather resources and defend the base. Lin Fan gave a mental command: Hatch! The three spores began to swell and squirm. After about five minutes, they burst open¡ªrevealing three identical Drones. The Zerg''s unique biology meant they didn''t tire. As long as they had energy, they could function indefinitely¡ªunaffected by day or night, heat or cold. Even lava or frozen terrain could be adapted to through genetic evolution. After some thought, Lin Fan decided to leave one Drone to guard him, while the other two ventured out to harvest materials and expand the Creep. After all, he had just arrived in this world¡ªhis top priority was survival and building up his strength. The two Drones skittered out, mandibles clicking as they searched for biomass. The third Drone remained motionless beside Lin Fan like a silent statue¡ªyet it would respond instantly to any threat, those massive claws ready to give any enemy a proper Zerg greeting. Lin Fan found a soft corner of the Hatchery and laid down. He needed rest. Too much had happened in a single day, and fatigue was finally catching up. But just as he closed his eyes, a notification flashed in his mind: [Fire Lizard gene absorbed ¨C Extraction in progress] Lin Fan immediately sat up. Fire Lizard gene? Then it hit him. Earlier that day, he had killed a lizard-like soul beast. One of the Drones must''ve dragged it back to the Creep for processing. Wait... Soul beasts can be absorbed for gene extraction?! His mind froze for a second¡ªthen exploded with realization. It was like a door to a whole new world had opened before him. His thoughts raced. In Douluo Dalu, there were millions of types of soul beasts¡ªeach with unique traits and abilities. And the longer they lived, the more powerful they became: thousand-year soul beasts, ten-thousand-year, even hundred-thousand-year... Lin Fan''s heartbeat accelerated, his mind buzzing with possibilities. Holy sht... I think I just transmigrated to the perfect world for this! **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 4: The First Zerg Combat Unit Chapter 4 - 4: The First Zerg Combat UnitWith this realization, Lin Fan quickly closed his eyes and used his psychic link to connect with the Hatchery. The Fire Lizard had already been fully absorbed by the Creep, yielding a total of 100 energy points. As expected, soul beasts contained far more energy than ordinary plants. Inside the Hatchery, one of the vacant gene processing chambers was pulsating, accelerating its extraction of the Fire Lizard''s DNA. Lin Fan watched the progress with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. What kind of useful genetic traits could a mere ten-year soul beast provide? It wasn''t much, sure¡ªbut he had just hatched his first Hatchery. What more could he ask for? Even if some impressive gene came out of this, he didn''t have the resources to create a powerful new Zerg strain yet. After all, the higher the tier of a Zerg unit, the more energy it cost to produce¡ªand the more upkeep it required. At this stage, with a single patch of Creep and one initial Drone, Lin Fan was practically broke. Drones could serve as emergency combat units, but their primary roles were harvesting resources, constructing buildings, moving structures, and expanding territory. In terms of combat power? Practically negligible. A single hundred-year soul beast could probably shred a Drone to bits. That''s why Lin Fan desperately hoped this Fire Lizard would bring him something useful. While he waited, the two Drones sent out earlier to gather resources returned periodically, delivering shredded plants to the Creep. Energy points ticked upward in Lin Fan''s mind. It was slow, but watching the number increase felt like watching his savings grow¡ªeach digit made him a little happier. Soon, a wave of psychic feedback came from the Hatchery: ¡ªFire Lizard gene extraction complete!¡ª Lin Fan''s eyes lit up as he quickly pulled up the gene report. [Gene Bank Updated: Reptilian Agility ¨C Leaping Ability | Sharp Claws] [Compatible ¨C Would you like to fuse these traits?] Huh? Lin Fan was a little disappointed. Only two rather ordinary gene traits? But thinking it over, this was just a ten-year soul beast¡ªhow much special DNA could it really have? He reconnected to the Hatchery and gave the command to fuse the two traits. [Fusion complete!] A new wave of psychic information buzzed into his mind, as if the Hatchery was trying to alert him. Lin Fan focused and connected deeper into the Hatchery''s neural net. In the Gene Bank, a glowing shard stood out amid the surrounding darkness. When he touched it with his consciousness, information flowed into his mind: [New Unit Available ¨C Zergling] For a moment, Lin Fan was stunned¡ªthen visibly surprised. It worked?! I can create a new Zerg combat unit already? Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And not just any unit¡ªa Zergling! He quickly checked his current energy reserves. The Drones'' steady supply runs had built up about 200 energy points, and there was still one Zerg egg left in the Hatchery. Just enough! Without hesitation, Lin Fan gave the order: Produce Zergling! In a dark corner of the Hatchery, the lone Zerg egg began to swell. A large spore¡ªtaller than Lin Fan himself¡ªrapidly formed, expanding as it prepared to hatch. Lin Fan stared at it, awed by the sheer size of the pod. This is a combat unit of the Zerg, after all... I can feel the bloodlust through the membrane already! "Squelch!" With a wet, rupturing noise, the spore split open¡ªand three vicious-looking creatures emerged, snarling as they stood before him. Each Zergling was slightly smaller than a Drone in mass but built for speed and violence. Their bodies were lean and crouched low to the ground, their backs arched and armored with light, natural plating. Their elongated heads featured vicious maw-like mandibles, while the claws on their forelimbs gleamed with deadly sharpness, barbed and serrated for maximum lethality. Their design made it clear¡ªZerglings were born to kill. Their lean frames allowed them to move swiftly across complex terrain, and their multiple sharp appendages made them living blenders on the battlefield. They were the perfect small-scale killing machines. Lin Fan blinked in surprise. One spore... hatched three Zerglings? And the energy cost wasn''t even that high¡ªbarely more than it took to hatch a single Drone. Of course, Zerglings had their weaknesses. Their greatest flaw was defense¡ªonly a few key parts of their bodies had any armor. One solid hit from a stronger opponent could cause lethal damage. Still, Lin Fan couldn''t help but smile at the sight of three Zerglings from a single egg. When it comes to mass production, no race can compete with the Zerg! One Zergling not enough? Send three. Still not enough? How about ten? Even if someone had godlike martial strength, the moment they saw an endless tide of snarling Zerglings charging at them from all directions, they''d probably feel despair set in immediately. The true power of the Zerg didn''t lie in their individual strength, but in their limitless swarm, bred for annihilation and conquest. Lin Fan wanted to hatch more Zerglings immediately. He was still in a soul beast forest after all¡ªwho knew when some monstrous creature would appear and threaten his life? He''d only feel safe with some real combat power on hand. Unfortunately, he had to abandon the idea. Zerg units needed eggs as incubation mediums, and the Hatchery in its current form could only produce one egg every 30 minutes. He''d need to start accumulating energy and find a way to evolve the Hatchery soon. The more Zerg units he had, the more control he held over this world. Even better¡ªif he could locate a soul beast with rapid reproduction traits, he could extract its genes to further accelerate Zerg reproduction. Feeling content, Lin Fan lay down once more. He ordered the idle Drone to join the others in resource collection, and stationed the three Zerglings at the Hatchery entrance to guard and eliminate anything that approached. He might be resting, but the swarm never sleeps. Before drifting off, Lin Fan issued one final command: Maintain continuous production¡ªfollow the ratio: one Drone for every three Zerglings. The Hatchery, following Lin Fan''s orders, began its steady routine of Zerg production. Every 30 minutes, a new egg was produced and hatched. New Drones marched out according to the pre-set protocol, harvesting resources tirelessly. Meanwhile, Zerglings clustered at the front of the Hatchery, ever watchful, reacting to every rustle of leaves and whisper of movement in the forest. The swarm was growing. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 5: The Hunt Begins! Chapter 5 - 5: The Hunt Begins!The next morning. A dim forest greeted the first rays of light, which pierced through the dense canopy and spilled onto the earth below¡ªsuddenly illuminating a vast stretch of grotesque, purplish-black terrain. This purple-black land was deathly silent, like a forbidden zone. The surrounding trees had all vanished, leaving behind no stones, no grass, no vegetation¡ªnot even a single leaf. The entire area was completely covered by writhing, fleshy Creep, pulsing as if alive. Strange-looking creatures scurried across the terrain, breaking down anything they encountered and dragging it onto the Creep. The moment anything touched it, the wriggling bio-mass devoured it completely, leaving not even a trace behind. Lin Fan slowly woke up, yawning as he glanced around. Inside the Hatchery, he watched as a nearby spore ruptured. Another three Zerglings burst out, leaping excitedly as they ran off to carry out their orders. Looks like everything was going smoothly. Lin Fan stretched and rubbed his lower back. The Hatchery was soft enough to sleep in, but it was still no substitute for an actual bed. I should probably start gathering materials to build something more comfortable... He closed his eyes and connected his mind to the Hatchery''s neural net. "Buzz¡ª!" A flood of data instantly poured into his brain! His focus sharpened. A quick scan showed that most of the harvested DNA came from various animals and plants¡ªno new soul beast genes. Still, the Drones had clearly been busy overnight. While there weren''t any powerful soul beast corpses recovered, the extraction of common biological material had been considerable. Curious, Lin Fan checked his current energy reserves. Energy: 14,532 points "Holy sh*t!" He''d already guessed they''d gathered a lot, but he hadn''t expected this much! Over 14,000 energy points¡ªeven after spending a fair amount on hatching units throughout the night. Suddenly, a thought struck him¡ªand his face changed. He rushed out of the Hatchery. Outside, everything within sight had been swallowed by Creep. The surrounding trees were all gone. Not even a single blade of grass remained. Within a 20-meter radius, the area looked like a nightmare world¡ªpulsating Creep crawling with microbes. Dozens of Zerglings crouched atop the Creep, guarding the Hatchery in silence, their expressions menacing. Further out, around a dozen Drones worked in perfect order, dragging whatever biomass they could find¡ªplants, bushes, trees, insects, even dirt and stone¡ªonto the Creep to be absorbed and converted into energy. Wherever the Creep spread, nothing was left alive. It was a dead zone. "...This is bad." Lin Fan muttered as he stared blankly at the scene. In just one night, the Zerg, starting with only a single Hatchery, had developed to this point. But this was the soul beast forest of Douluo Dalu! The Hatchery was still relatively small, and the Creep had only spread to a fraction of the terrain, like a drop in the ocean¡ªbut there was a far greater problem. The forest contained intelligent soul beasts. If any powerful soul beast noticed the Zerg''s aggressive expansion and horrifying appearance, retaliation could come at any moment. Total annihilation might happen in an instant! Lin Fan frowned deeply. As the swarm continued to grow, the Creep would spread even further. It would require more and more resources. Sooner or later, they would encounter soul beasts¡ªand the one thing the Zerg didn''t have yet was time. Judging from the density and size of the trees, it was clear they were already deep in the forest. The chances of running into high-level soul beasts were very high. The only thing he still didn''t know was which forest they were in. Glancing at the 30+ Zerglings crouched on the Creep, Lin Fan''s eyes turned sharp. The Zerg''s greatest needs right now were energy and soul beast corpses for valuable gene extraction. And soul beast bodies yielded the most energy out of anything. So¡ª Lin Fan closed his eyes and connected to the Zerg neural network. He now had over 10,000 energy points¡ªmore than enough to upgrade the Hatchery. Command: Upgrade! The Hatchery was instantly swallowed by the surrounding Creep and began expanding rapidly. In no time, a giant 20-meter-high spore emerged, writhing at the center of the biomass, emanating a faint but undeniable sense of dread. Lin Fan then used the network to inject all the collected animal DNA¡ªand the appearance of the Fire Lizard¡ªinto the minds of every Zergling. Then he issued the command: Begin the hunt. Sweep a radius of 500 meters around the Hatchery. Prioritize soul beasts similar to the Fire Lizard. Kill and bring back all targets. Lin Fan opened his eyes slowly. This world is kill or be killed. If I want to survive and let the swarm thrive, then every soul beast in this forest is nothing more than a resource waiting to be consumed. Atop a thick tree branch, a large Fire Lizard was stalking a wild boar below. Its vertical pupils gleamed with hunger as it locked onto its prey. "Hiss!" The moment the boar lowered its head to graze, the Fire Lizard leapt down, pouncing with fierce momentum¡ª ¡ªbut before it could strike, several black shadows darted in from the side! A powerful impact slammed into the lizard''s abdomen, knocking it to the ground. As it rolled over to regain its stance, it saw its prey¡ªthe wild boar¡ªalready ripped to pieces by three strange, vicious creatures. Now, those same beasts turned their attention toward it. The Fire Lizard couldn''t tell what species they were¡ªbut its instincts screamed danger. These creatures were ruthless. Greedy. Pure killers. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "HISSSS!" The lizard raised its head, tongue flicking, and hissed aggressively in an attempt to scare them off. But the three Zerglings responded like emotionless killing machines. They shook the blood off their claws¡ªthen charged. The Fire Lizard''s eyes narrowed with fury. I''m a hundred-year soul beast! These creatures didn''t even emit spirit power fluctuations¡ªhow dare they challenge me? But it learned very quickly what regret meant. The Zerglings attacked without fear, targeting its weak points with ferocity. Even when their limbs were shattered, they kept attacking with what little strength remained¡ªbiting, clawing, refusing to fall. Within moments, the Fire Lizard was covered in wounds. With a roar of rage, it unleashed a stream of fire, burning all three Zerglings to ash. Panting heavily, it collapsed, its strength nearly drained. "Rustle... rustle..." From the nearby brush came the sound of movement¡ª More Zerglings emerged, identical to the last... **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 6: Cerebrate Consciousness – Full-Scale Swarm Expansion! Chapter 6 - 6: Cerebrate Consciousness ¨C Full-Scale Swarm Expansion!Before long... Deep within the forest, the local beasts and soul beasts had begun to encounter something truly terrifying. Swarms of grotesque, unknown creatures had appeared out of nowhere. Operating in squads of three, they hunted tirelessly¡ªattacking anything alive on sight. What was even more frightening was that these creatures seemed to have no emotion¡ªonly kill, kill, kill! Even if their limbs were torn off, even if their bodies were battered and broken, they would drag what was left of themselves across the ground just to sink their teeth into their prey again. Only destruction of their heads or total annihilation would stop them. Plant-type soul beasts who thought they were safe were quickly proven wrong¡ªstrange creatures with massive pincers emerged, yanked them out of the ground, and dragged them away for digestion. Within a radius of 500 meters, both wild beasts and soul beasts fled the area en masse. Those who couldn''t flee¡ªespecially plant-type soul beasts¡ªwere left in helpless despair, their newly awakened minds sinking into pure panic. Meanwhile, Lin Fan was in an excellent mood as he watched his energy points steadily rise in his mental interface. Upgrading the Hatchery from Level 1 to Level 2 took more time than expected, but thankfully, egg production hadn''t stopped during the process. The Creep continued to hatch one egg every 30 minutes. Lin Fan pondered for a moment. With over a dozen Drones already gathering resources, that front was covered for now. Expanding the Creep any further, however, was out of the question¡ªit might attract the attention of high-level soul beasts. One wrong move could bring about the swarm''s destruction. This was the Douluo Continent, after all. It would never tolerate the rise of a terrifying, parasitic species like the Zerg. So for now, the safest¡ªand most efficient¡ªway to gain energy was by hunting soul beasts. After all, the soul beast forests held countless millions of them. They might grow slowly, but they reproduced fast, with immense variety. It was practically a natural pasture for the Zerg! Having made up his mind, Lin Fan issued a simple command: All eggs are to hatch into Zerglings. As for Drones, they could be produced more slowly to maintain basic resource intake. For now, it was time to develop quietly and avoid attracting attention from hundred-thousand-year soul beasts or even Titled Douluo. Lin Fan hadn''t forgotten¡ªthe God Realm still existed above this world. Even though the gods usually sat idle, doing nothing while the world below changed... Lin Fan wasn''t naive enough to believe they''d stand by if Douluo Dalu faced complete annihilation. With his orders given, the Hatchery began mass-producing Zerglings. The swarm intensified its hunting. Any living creature¡ªbeast, soul beast, or even a bird flying overhead¡ªwas immediately targeted and chased down. Sunrise to sunset. Lin Fan sat quietly, watching as Zerglings dragged one soul beast after another back to the base. "Squelch¡ª" A massive spore ruptured suddenly, revealing a larger, more monstrous structure in front of Lin Fan. In the center of it was a bulging, pulsating sphere¡ªbeating like a grotesque heart. Overjoyed, Lin Fan immediately connected his mind to the Hatchery. The Level 2 Hatchery now possessed a game-changing addition: a Cerebrate¡ªa sentient Zerg brain! As soon as Lin Fan''s consciousness linked with the swarm''s network, the Cerebrate''s voice echoed in his mind: [Welcome, my Overmind.] A glowing orb of light appeared in his mental space, and Lin Fan curiously studied it. "What are you?" [I am the Zerg''s Cerebrate, my Overmind.] S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You were created when the Hatchery evolved?" Lin Fan asked, intrigued. [In a sense. The Hatchery''s upgrade triggered my activation¡ªbut I already existed within the swarm''s psychic network. In other words, within your mind.] Lin Fan immediately understood. This was essentially the swarm''s intelligent AI system. Thinking for a moment, he asked, "So what can you do?" [I assist the Overmind in managing the swarm, offer strategic development suggestions, and can temporarily take over command of the swarm if the Overmind is disconnected from the neural network.] "Then give me a rundown of the changes to the Hatchery after the upgrade." [Upgrades Unlocked:] New Zerg Building: Infestation Pit Drone New Function: Hatch Additional Hatcheries Energy Conversion Function: Transform Energy into Material Resources New Hatchery Room: Overmind Enhancement Chamber Unlocked Gene Trait: Burrowing Unlocked Overmind Ability: Third-Person View A detailed panel¡ªjust like one from a strategy game¡ªappeared in Lin Fan''s mind. So many new unlocks left him momentarily stunned. So many new features unlocked?! His eyes lit up as he quickly skimmed the options. At last, the Zerg had gained burrowing and multi-Hatchery production! This meant he could now move the entire base underground, freeing himself from fear of surface-level threats like ten-thousand-year soul beasts. And with multiple Hatcheries, mass-production of troops was finally possible! Lin Fan immediately issued a command: Relocate the current base 50 meters underground. He chose this depth intentionally¡ªfuture Hatchery upgrades would likely make the structure even larger, and he planned to build subsidiary hives nearby, connected through tunnels. The Cerebrate responded immediately: [Your will is absolute.] Creep across the surface began secreting a corrosive green acid, which hissed loudly as it melted the soil into a wide pit. The entire Hatchery began sinking slowly into the earth, while Drones gathered soil and stone with their pincers, covering the entrance and sealing it completely. One hour later. Silence fell across the forest. The only trace that remained above ground was a single, inconspicuous hole. Everything else¡ªthe grotesque structure, the purple-black terrain¡ªwas gone without a trace. Belowground¡ª A massive underground cavern now housed the Hatchery, still pulsing like a living heart. The cavern connected to six tunnels. One led to the surface. The other five connected to other vast chambers, each housing giant spawning pods radiating terrifying pressure. Five Hatcheries and two Infestation Pits were under construction simultaneously. Drones tirelessly dug deeper and wider into the earth, secreting more acid to shape new tunnels and expand the space. The remaining Creep spread outward with all available energy, covering every inch of the cavern''s floors and walls. A grotesque, purplish-black underground Zerg hive was taking shape in silence. Meanwhile, the Level 2 Hatchery continued producing Zerglings nonstop. One after another, they burst from their spores and charged through the tunnels to the surface¡ªhunting relentlessly through the soul beast forest. The Zerg Swarm... had begun its full-scale expansion. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 7: Body Modification – First Encounter with a Thousand-Year Soul Beast! Chapter 7 - 7: Body Modification ¨C First Encounter with a Thousand-Year Soul Beast!After finalizing his plans, Lin Fan suddenly remembered something¡ªdidn''t the Hatchery now have some sort of enhancement chamber? "Cerebrate," Lin Fan asked, "what exactly is the enhancement function?" [With each upgrade of the Hatchery, the host may undergo a single physical enhancement, based on the power system of the current world.] Lin Fan instantly perked up. He had always been worried about his lack of personal combat strength¡ªhis own safety was far from guaranteed. And now? The perfect opportunity had landed right in his lap! "I''m ready!" Lin Fan said, excited. "Cerebrate, how do I begin the enhancement?" Squelch¡ª! A massive opening suddenly appeared in the Level 2 Hatchery. [Please enter the enhancement chamber, my Overmind.] With curiosity, Lin Fan stepped inside. The interior was soft and fleshy, pinkish in color. Despite its grotesque biological design, it was warm and surprisingly clean¡ªtypical of Zerg structures. However, the chamber was completely empty. "How does the enhancement work?" Lin Fan asked. [Please relax your body and mind. Enhancement will begin shortly.] As the Cerebrate''s voice faded, tendrils of flesh burst from the chamber walls and wrapped tightly around Lin Fan''s body, while sticky biological fluid oozed out and covered him head to toe. In no time, he was wrapped up like a giant cocoon. Strangely, despite being tightly bound, Lin Fan didn''t feel the slightest bit of suffocation. On the contrary¡ªthe air entering his lungs felt cool and refreshing. [Preparation complete. Enhancement commencing.] A chill suddenly washed over his body, as if some cold liquid was being injected into his bloodstream. Soon, his body was fully sealed in a giant cocoon, and the fluids seemed to have a mild anesthetic effect. Within moments, Lin Fan drifted off into a deep sleep. The Cerebrate automatically assumed control of the swarm in his absence. The five new Level 1 Hatcheries had completed incubation. The two Infestation Pits were still under construction, and the Zerg''s energy reserves had been fully depleted¡ªfor now, mass production had to pause. Still, dozens of Zerglings were actively hunting on the surface, with the patrol range slightly expanded. Behind them, every Drone was mobilized, dragging soul beast corpses back to be processed by the upcoming Infestation Pits. While the Creep could convert any organic matter into energy, its efficiency was limited¡ªand it couldn''t extract special traits from soul beasts. The Infestation Pits would solve both problems. Not only would they drastically improve energy conversion, but their corrosive fluids could dissolve any material, allowing the Zerg to expand what it could feed on. Even better, they could meticulously extract rare genetic traits, vastly expanding the swarm''s Gene Bank. The Cerebrate ran detailed analysis and restructuring on the previously extracted genes, isolating this world''s unique energy traits¡ªthen began integrating them into the swarm. Soon, a thick biological tube inserted itself into Lin Fan''s cocoon, pumping in a new wave of fluids. Still unconscious, Lin Fan had no idea what kind of surprise awaited him when he awoke... Time passed. Lin Fan slowly woke, tearing away the cocoon wrapped around him. He emerged, fully transformed. Looking down at himself, he saw pale, smooth skin with well-defined muscles. Every inch of his body radiated power¡ªlean, explosive strength that made him look like a finely tuned weapon. With a single clench of his fist, he could feel the raw energy coursing through his limbs. Taking a deep breath, Lin Fan muttered, "So... this is what it feels like to be strong." "Cerebrate, assess my current strength." [Based on analysis, the Overmind''s current physical strength is equivalent to a 900-year soul beast.] Lin Fan was ecstatic, staring in disbelief at his own body. Only the first enhancement, and he was already on par with a high-level hundred-year soul beast¡ªnearly at thousand-year level! Even without a martial soul, his physique alone was enough to crush a Soul Grandmaster! He could probably even overwhelm weaker Soul Elders with three rings! His heart raced. He needed to test this in battle. After all, strength without real combat experience was just empty stats. He reconnected to the Zerg neural network, absorbing all current swarm activity and structural progress. At the same time, a detailed panel appeared before him. Scanning it, he paused. "Hmm? Energy-to-matter conversion? What''s this, Cerebrate?" [The Overmind can now spend energy equal to the object''s value to create that object.] "Wait¡ªanything?" [In theory, yes. But unique or rare items require special energy sources. Living creatures cannot be created.] "Damn!" Sure, there were restrictions¡ªhe wouldn''t be recreating god-tier items like the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well anytime soon. Still, even with limitations, this function had massive potential in a world like Douluo Dalu! [Warning! Zergling casualty rate increasing!] Suddenly, a sharp alarm echoed in his mind. Lin Fan''s expression shifted. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In mere seconds, he had lost psychic links with over a dozen Zerglings! That meant they were dead! Against soul beasts under a hundred years, Zerglings could dominate. Even regular hundred-year beasts could only pose a threat through tactics or numbers. But losing more than ten in such a short time? That was bad. He immediately shifted his awareness into the Zergling neural feed¡ªactivating Third-Person View, a unique Overmind ability that allowed him to project his consciousness into any Zerg unit and control them directly. Lin Fan quickly linked to one Zergling, and the scene unfolded before him: A massive scorpion-like soul beast was slaughtering Zerglings left and right. Its body was enormous. Even with superior numbers, the Zerglings couldn''t get close. Its attacks were precise and brutal¡ªone swipe from its massive claws could pulp a Zergling instantly. A few tried to flank it, but the beast''s venomous tail lashed out, spraying acidic green fluid that melted them on contact. Even viewing it through a Zergling''s eyes, Lin Fan felt the overwhelming pressure this creature radiated. He narrowed his eyes. During its venom spray, the scorpion''s body pulsed with vivid purple light. No doubt about it¡ªthis was a thousand-year soul beast! Lin Fan paused. He didn''t recall a creature like this from the original Douluo Dalu. But then again¡ªDouluo was a vast world. There were countless undocumented soul beasts. It was no surprise he hadn''t seen them all. Still... A thousand-year beast was just a threshold. And yet it had already forced his Zerglings to a standstill? His eyes turned sharp. "Cerebrate, transfer full control of the Zerglings to me!" [Acknowledged. Overmind command initiated.] Lin Fan cracked his neck. A savage grin crept across his face. They had no idea who they were dealing with. Back in his previous life, he was a master of StarCraft micromanagement. Multi-threaded unit control? Child''s play. His vision shifted to a full god''s-eye view of the battlefield. He saw every Zergling. The massive soul beast. The terrain. "Time to show this native... what real micro looks like." "Let me teach you the art of kiting." **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (4+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 8: Uploading Combat Techniques – A New Zerg Unit Emerges Chapter 8 - 8: Uploading Combat Techniques ¨C A New Zerg Unit EmergesAt that moment, the mental link of all remaining Zerglings was transferred directly to Lin Fan. With just a thought, he could control them precisely, like extensions of his own limbs. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The thousand-year soul beast blinked in confusion. Why had these strange creatures suddenly stopped moving? Before it could react, Lin Fan had all the Zerglings close in to form a perfect encirclement, surrounding the soul beast with no gaps in sight. Then... silence. Every Zergling stood motionless, staring intently at the thousand-year beast. Lin Fan''s intent was simple¡ªcreate psychological pressure. Even when outmatched, sheer numbers and oppressive presence could shake an opponent''s will. Sure enough, the soul beast began to feel uneasy. "Roooaaar!" It let out a thunderous roar¡ªbut the creatures didn''t flinch. Now it was getting nervous, shifting its weight back and forth. These things were clearly weaker, so why did they suddenly feel... different? Finally, it couldn''t hold back. With a snarl, it raised a massive pincer and slammed it toward the nearest Zergling! Lin Fan instantly commanded the targeted Zerglings to retreat. BOOM! The pincer struck the ground with full force¡ªhitting nothing. Right then, several Zerglings from behind leapt into action! They landed on the beast''s back, driving their razor-sharp claws deep into its vulnerable flesh¡ªthen launched off its body, retreating before retaliation could follow. "Raaaagh!" The soul beast howled in pain and swung its tail wildly, but the Zerglings were already long gone. Once again, the swarm silently surrounded it, unmoving¡ªstaring. If not for the pain still coursing through its body, the soul beast might have doubted the attack had even happened. A flicker of fear crept into its eyes. It roared again, this time unleashing a pulse of purple soul power! Now! Lin Fan ordered the front-line Zerglings to retreat, while two other groups climbed trees at high speed. "Hiss¡ª!" The beast launched a stream of toxic green venom straight ahead¡ªonly to hit empty air. The venom sizzled as it scorched the ground, releasing a pungent stench. "Screeeeech!" From all directions¡ªfront, rear, below, and even above¡ªZerglings launched their assault. Those in the trees dropped from above like living missiles. The soul beast closed its eyes in despair. The sickening sound of flesh being ripped and torn echoed across the silent forest. Inside the Hatchery, Lin Fan stretched and smirked. "Blew your ultimate right at the start? That''s it? I thought you were stronger." "Cerebrate, upload the combat strategy I just used into the Zerg neural network. I want all Zerg units to learn this hit-and-run tactic." [Overmind''s combat tactics have been uploaded.] Lin Fan began analyzing. So soul beasts relied mainly on their powerful bodies and soul skills. When the body is no longer enough, they fall back on soul skills¡ªbig, flashy finishers. But those ultimates cost energy. And when the enemy is spent... That''s when you strike the killing blow. With the right tactics and overwhelming numbers, the Zerg could absolutely take down stronger enemies. Lin Fan could already imagine the terror in future soul beasts'' eyes when facing an endless swarm. Just as he was about to disconnect, a flash of brilliant purple light caught his attention. Curious, he had a Zergling approach. There, under the shimmering purple soul ring, lay a glowing purple soul bone. "A... Soul Bone?!" Lin Fan was shocked. A torso bone, no less¡ªradiating a deep, alluring glow. The amount of resentment this beast must have had at death... Incredible. He immediately ordered several Drones to recover the soul beast''s corpse and bring the soul bone along with it. Disconnecting from the swarm network, he checked his energy reserves: [Energy: 5023 points] That much already? The corpse and the enhanced conversion efficiency of the Infestation Pit were really speeding things up. He pondered. That thousand-year beast must''ve had valuable genes. Currently, he had six Hatcheries. Four would be tasked with Zergling production, while one Level 2 Hatchery and one Level 1 Hatchery would be kept in reserve. [As you command.] In four massive incubation chambers, eggs rapidly swelled into pulsating spores. Ferocious war machines were gestating within. Soon, several Drones returned, dragging the soul beast''s corpse into the Infestation Pit. Lin Fan picked up the soul bone for a closer look. It was cool and smooth to the touch, like black jade¡ªclearly well-preserved despite being bone. Its earlier purple glow had faded, replaced by an ominous, deep black sheen. Unfortunately, Lin Fan hadn''t awakened his martial soul yet, so he couldn''t absorb the bone himself. Not that he even wanted it¡ªa mere thousand-year soul bone wasn''t worth his attention. "Cerebrate, can we extract genetic traits from this soul bone to enhance the Zerg?" [Affirmative. Please place it into the Infestation Pit.] Seriously?! He walked to the pit and tossed the soul bone inside. A moment later... [Gene Extraction Complete.] [Soul beast traits extracted: Acid Spray, Sharp Claws, Body Hardening] [Soul Bone traits extracted: Torso Hardening, Chitin Armor] [New Zerg unit unlocked: Hydralisk] [Global Zerg Enhancement unlocked: Physical Fortification ¨C Exoskeletal Armor] Lin Fan was stunned by the sheer haul. This soul beast had been a gold mine! A brand-new Zerg unit unlocked, and even a general enhancement for all Zerg forces? Without hesitation, Lin Fan ordered: Level 2 and spare Level 1 Hatcheries¡ªbegin full-scale Hydralisk production! [As you command.] Three massive spores began swelling inside the Level 2 Hatchery, towering over Lin Fan and radiating a murderous aura from within. Meanwhile, the Zerglings from another incubation chamber had finished hatching and burst forth. "Wait... what''s with these Zerglings? Why do they look different?" [All future Zerg units will hatch with enhancements. Existing units can return to Creep for retroactive enhancement.] Lin Fan nodded in realization¡ªvery convenient. He examined the enhanced Zerglings. No longer lean and fragile, they were now clad in black chitinous armor, their claws broader and more lethal, gleaming with a chilling edge. These were heavily armored assault Zerglings¡ªintimidating and deadly. Lin Fan was thrilled. If Zerglings had evolved this far, what would the later units become? Send the newly hatched Zerglings to hunt. The older ones should return for enhancement. [Affirmative.] Soon, dozens of Zerglings returned and lay down on the Creep. It began wrapping around their bodies in waves. Tiny spores pulsed and expanded¡ª The swarm... was evolving again. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 9: The Terrifying Power of the Hydralisk – Expanding Toward the Forest’s Edge Chapter 9 - 9: The Terrifying Power of the Hydralisk ¨C Expanding Toward the Forest''s EdgeHydralisks required almost twice the incubation time of Zerglings. All the Zerglings had long since finished their enhancements, and it took quite a while longer before the Hydralisks finally hatched. Squelch¡ª! Three massive spores burst open, and three pairs of scythe-like blades ripped through their outer membranes. Three towering Hydralisks slithered out of the spores. Their vicious heads, raised high like a king cobra''s hood, led their long, coiling bodies as they crawled forward. On the front of their bodies were a pair of curved, deadly scythe arms, gleaming with a chilling metallic sheen. Their heads were long and narrow, their crimson pupils flickering with menace. Behind their heads bulged a venom sac, filled with highly corrosive acid. Even their normally soft tails had been reinforced, now covered with thick, black chitin. Menacing. Lethal. Absolutely captivating. They looked like living works of deadly art, and Lin Fan was completely mesmerized. "This is... insanely badass!" Unable to hold back his excitement, Lin Fan immediately commanded the Hydralisks to emerge and hunt. He needed to see their combat capabilities firsthand. In the depths of the forest, the Zerglings received the order and quickly moved out. Soon, they surrounded a hundred-year soul beast. Lin Fan transferred his consciousness into one of the Zerglings to watch through its eyes. Inside the encirclement, the soul beast was trembling at the sight of these black-armored, grotesque creatures. Moments later, the Zerglings opened a gap in their formation. The Hydralisk slithered in slowly, dragging its massive body into the ring. From the Zergling''s perspective, the Hydralisk was colossal¡ªtaller than a grown man, exuding suffocating pressure. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the soul beast, sending chills down any spine. It crawled forward with eerie calm, raising its scythe blades. The soul beast, paralyzed with fear, didn''t even dare lift its head to look at the Hydralisk. With a swift strike¡ª SLASH! "Awoooo!!" A blood-curdling scream rang out as the Hydralisk''s blade neatly cleaved half the soul beast''s body in two. And this was supposed to be a defensive-type soul beast¡ªyet its sturdy shell was sliced apart like tofu! Without pause, the Hydralisk opened its jaw and fired a stream of neon-green acid, which exploded across the beast''s remains. The soul beast didn''t even have time to cry out again before its body was completely melted away. A golden soul ring slowly floated upward, glowing fiercely¡ªas if filled with lingering resentment. Lin Fan withdrew his consciousness, thoroughly satisfied. The Hydralisk had exceeded expectations. Originally, the Hydralisk was a fragile long-range unit, designed to attack from a distance with its corrosive acid. But thanks to the gene enhancements from the Hatchery, its biggest weakness¡ªfragility¡ªwas significantly mitigated. Anyone assuming it was still easy prey would find themselves dissected by those deadly scythes. Having confirmed its offensive potential, Lin Fan smiled and nodded in approval. He then checked his panel: [Current Energy: 6,310 points] A single Hydralisk cost about 300 energy. A Zergling spore only cost 150¡ªand it produced three Zerglings. Cheap and effective frontline troops. Despite the Hydralisk''s overwhelming strength, its bulky size made it slower and less agile than Zerglings. So, Lin Fan decided to keep Zerglings as his main assault force. With his decision made, Lin Fan began planning the next stage of development. The low-tier soul beasts were growing scarcer in the area¡ªan obvious sign that the forest was being cleared out. They were deep in the forest now, and if he wanted to continue expanding, staying here wasn''t going to work. He had to move toward the forest''s outskirts to find more hundred-year and sub-hundred-year soul beasts. He gave the order: Drones and Creep were to move forward together, digging deeper underground in the direction of the forest''s edge, expanding the underground empire. One of the Level 1 Hatcheries was now dedicated entirely to Drone production, excavating a tunnel and placing a new Hatchery every 200 meters in a massive underground cavern. Once any of these Hatcheries had enough energy, they would immediately upgrade to Level 2. The other Hatcheries followed the production ratio of 9 Zerglings to 2 Hydralisks, continuously producing new combat units without pause. Lin Fan also recorded a new tactical formation into the Zerg mental network¡ªZergling harassment and baiting in front, Hydralisk acid attacks from the rear. Zerg combat tactics were growing more refined by the day. Hydralisks now had an acid attack range of nearly 500 meters, with a precision margin of just 20 centimeters. With such accurate and deadly tactics, the soul beasts of the forest were in for a nightmare. Each squad consisted of 9 Zerglings and 2 Hydralisks, patrolling the forest for prey. Zerglings, with their nimble bodies, could traverse the forest with ease, constantly scouting. Upon spotting a soul beast, they would immediately alert the others through the mental network. The Zerglings would then swarm the target, executing a carefully choreographed dance of baiting and attacking¡ªgrinding the soul beast down. If the prey proved tough, two acid blasts would arc across the sky like missiles, landing with devastating precision and breaking down the target''s defenses. Even if it survived the acid, the Zerglings would swarm in for the kill. In just half a day, ten such teams had formed¡ªhunting soul beasts with frightening efficiency. Fortunately, the Soul Beast Forest was enormous. Each ten-thousand-year soul beast''s territory spanned dozens of kilometers. Compared to the vastness of the forest, the Zerg were still just a small ripple in a vast ocean. Still, Lin Fan remained cautious. He kept the hunting squads'' paths aligned with the tunnels the Drones were digging, ensuring safe and controlled expansion toward the forest''s edge. If someone could observe this world from a god''s-eye view, they''d see it clearly: Deep beneath the forest, a massive underground empire was quietly taking shape. Tunnels stretched in every direction, dug out rapidly by countless Drones. The purple-black Creep spread behind them, covering walls and floors as the swarm expanded. An invasive force was rising unseen beneath the forest. While the Zerg developed, Lin Fan wasn''t idle either. He occasionally surfaced to spar with soul beasts trapped by Zerglings, using the opportunity to sharpen his own combat skills. Trapped between the Zerglings, the soul beasts had no choice but to attack him¡ªgiving Lin Fan the perfect chance to engage in close-quarters battle. Even if he got hurt, all he had to do was lie down on the Creep, and his injuries would rapidly heal. And honestly¡ªwho ever complains about too much combat experience? That kind of practice could save his life one day. After all, no matter how powerful his swarm became, if he himself was weak, he''d still be vulnerable. Just imagine: a powerful enemy finally carves their way through the sea of Zerglings¡ªonly to find Lin Fan standing there... Not a helpless commander... But a top-tier martial powerhouse. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What kind of despair would that inspire? **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 10: Upgrading to Tier-3 Hatchery – First Encounter with Xiao Wu? Chapter 10 - 10: Upgrading to Tier-3 Hatchery ¨C First Encounter with Xiao Wu?Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, a whole week had passed. Lin Fan slowly rose from the Creep, opening his eyes. The vicious wounds that had once covered his body had completely healed. His once fair skin was now bronzed from exposure, and the boyish features on his face had hardened, showing clear signs of resolve and bloodlust. Days of brutal combat alongside the Zerg, along with his own constant battles against soul beasts, had made him exude a palpable killing aura. The stench of blood followed him like a second skin, detectable from far away. Ordinary hundred-year soul beasts now bolted the moment they caught a whiff of his scent. Lin Fan''s daily practice now involved fighting against thousand-year or stronger soul beasts. Severe injuries were routine. After each battle, he would be carried back by Zerglings and laid down on the Creep to recover. And strangely enough... Lin Fan had come to enjoy the healing process. That cold, tingling sensation that wrapped his entire body made every cell feel like it was dancing. It was refreshingly soothing¡ªblissful, even. Letting out a long breath, Lin Fan assessed the current situation. The Zerg''s main base had now completely relocated to the outer region of the forest, where lower-tier soul beasts roamed. The deeper part of the forest had been left with just a dozen or so Hatcheries, still mass-producing units and hoping to get lucky¡ªperhaps stumble upon an injured ten-thousand-year soul beast. The odds were slim, sure, but not impossible. Besides, it was still a good area to hunt the occasional overlooked prey¡ªyoung high-tier soul beasts or low-tier ones that had wandered in. Even after moving to the outer region, Lin Fan hadn''t seen a single human being all week. That pretty much ruled out this being the Soul Hunting Forest, where soul masters frequently hunted. He was likely in either Star Dou Forest or Sunset Forest. If he wanted to confirm his location¡ªor the timeline¡ªhe''d eventually have to head into human territory. But Lin Fan wasn''t in any rush. The Zerg were still in early development. Hiding out in an uninhabited soul beast forest was the best choice right now. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once he was powerful enough, then he''d make his move. Even if Tang San had already become a Title Douluo by then, Lin Fan had confidence that his Zerg swarm wouldn''t lose to anyone! Lin Fan connected to the Zerg mental network. The first thing he saw was a number glowing on the interface: [105,431 Energy Points] Over one hundred thousand! In just a week, with the Zerg continually mass-producing units and hunting soul beasts, the energy accumulation had skyrocketed. He checked the current swarm scale: [Level 1 Hatcheries: 25] [Level 2 Hatcheries: 10] [Infestation Pools: 41] [Zerglings: 3,600] [Drones: 700] [Hydralisks: 1,200] [Gene Types Extracted: 214] Lin Fan''s eyes glazed over for a moment¡ªwas this really just one week of development? The underground empire had undergone a complete transformation. He now stood inside a massive excavated chamber. If he didn''t already know this was underground, he''d have thought he was in an entirely different world. Three Tier-2 Hatcheries pulsed and throbbed nearby, surrounded by fields of Creep. Thanks to absorption from plant-type soul beasts, the Creep had evolved¡ªtransformed into lush grass with blooming flowers, spreading throughout the entire subterranean world. Countless tunnels branched off from the central cavern. Every few hundred meters, another chamber like this had been carved out. At regular intervals, newly hatched Zerglings and Hydralisks would break free from their spores and crawl up the tunnels to carry out their hunt. Everything was flourishing. Lin Fan''s heart swelled with pride. All of this... was the result of his hard work! "Neural Core, upgrade the Hatchery to Tier 3¡ªnow!" [As you command, my Overmind.] One of the Tier-2 Hatcheries suddenly rose high into the air as the Creep around it came alive, surging upward and wrapping around it. Moments later, a massive spore stood towering in the underground domain. The enormous structure nearly touched the ceiling¡ªLin Fan had made the Drones expand the height of this area to 50 meters just in case. The grotesque spore pulsed and squirmed, with visible muscle-like tissue inside twisting, merging, and rapidly growing. Lin Fan sucked in a cold breath. Tier-3 Hatcheries weren''t just energy-intensive¡ªtheir sheer scale was intimidating. It was becoming clear: with the swarm growing this fast, the underground empire wouldn''t be able to contain them for much longer. Breaking out onto the surface and conquering the land above was inevitable. But with energy requirements rising rapidly, there was no way he could afford to upgrade every Hatchery. And even if they stayed at lower tiers, Zerg unit production wouldn''t be affected. What he needed now was genes that boosted reproduction rates¡ªthat was top priority! His earlier excitement quickly faded into sobering reality. Lin Fan gave a bitter chuckle. "Energy... everything needs energy..." Just then¡ª WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!!! [Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast Approaching!] [Overmind, immediate action required!] Three piercing alerts rang in Lin Fan''s head. He was stunned. A ten-thousand-year soul beast? And it was coming straight toward them? What kind of joke was this? They were in the outer forest! What would such a high-level beast be doing here? "Neural Core, casualty report¡ªhow many units have we lost?" [Zero.] Lin Fan rubbed his eyes, thinking he''d misread it. But there it was¡ªa big, bold 0. "Are you sure we haven''t lost any Zerg units?" [Confirmed. This ten-thousand-year soul beast appears non-aggressive.] That only confused Lin Fan further. Frowning, he closed his eyes and connected to the vision of a surface-level Hydralisk. Through its eyes, he saw a young girl standing beneath a large tree. She looked like she was only around thirteen or fourteen. Her delicate features were flushed with a rosy tint, and her face had a youthful softness¡ªlike a ripe peach, almost tempting one to take a bite. Though dressed simply, her clothes were clean and neat. Her long black hair was tied into a scorpion braid that fell past her hips. Her large, glistening eyes were filled with fear as she looked around at the countless Zerg units surrounding her. Lin Fan stared with a strange look on his face. "You''re telling me... this is the ten-thousand-year soul beast?" [Correct. She is emitting the energy signature of a ten-thousand-year soul beast.] Wait a second... Scorpion braid. Long hair. A young girl. Ten-thousand-year soul beast... Why did this seem so familiar? Suddenly, it hit him like lightning! No way... isn''t this Xiao Wu?! Eyes wide, Lin Fan examined her again closely. There was no doubt. This girl¡ªwas definitely Xiao Wu! **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 11: Tricking Xiao Wu, The Level 3 Hatchery is Complete! Chapter 11 - 11: Tricking Xiao Wu, The Level 3 Hatchery is Complete!Lin Fan could barely contain his excitement. He had finally confirmed both his location and the timeline. He was in ¡ª the Star Dou Great Forest, before the main plot had even begun! Xiao Wu must have just recently taken on human form, which meant Tang San had likely only just awakened his martial spirit¡ªor maybe hadn''t even awakened it yet! To Lin Fan, this was an earth-shattering revelation! Nothing had started yet, and with the terrifying developmental speed of the Zerg... He could already see his Zerg army devouring the entire Douluo Continent! When Tang San finally ascended to godhood as the Sea God, only to return and find his homeland already a lifeless wasteland¡ªwhat kind of despair would he feel? No! A glint of cruelty flashed in Lin Fan''s eyes. He had begun developing this early¡ªthere was no way he was letting Tang San become a god! "Hahahahahaha! Tang San, Douluo!" His maniacal laughter echoed throughout the underground hive. Those fortuitous encounters, the resources, the treasures yet to be discovered¡ª They were all his now! Lin Fan was overjoyed. The heavy uncertainty that had hung over his heart was finally gone. So everything hadn''t even started yet. And he was lucky enough to be born in the uninhabited depths of the Star Dou Forest! It was destiny! Taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, Lin Fan refocused. He transferred his consciousness into the Hydralisk on the surface and controlled it to slowly approach Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu''s back was pressed tightly against a tree, her delicate face filled with fear. What were these grotesque soul beasts? She had lived in the Star Dou Forest for 100,000 years, but had never seen anything like them. "Da Ming, Er Ming... where are you..." Right now, Xiao Wu deeply regretted sneaking out without telling them. Was she really going to die here? A Hydralisk, over two meters tall, slowly crawled in front of her. It lowered its terrifying head to study her, its narrow, crimson pupils making Xiao Wu instinctively avert her gaze. She looked up at the monstrous soul beast, her small hands trembling helplessly. Her large, watery eyes were filled with panic. Lin Fan, observing through the Hydralisk''s vision, couldn''t help but feel moved. As expected of Douluo''s female lead¡ªshe really was stunning. Her face, her figure¡ªit was all stunningly attractive. The Hydralisk slowly turned its back to her and raised its scythe-like claws, letting out a low hiss. Xiao Wu was completely confused. This soul beast... wasn''t going to hurt her? It hissed again and gestured with its claws. Xiao Wu had never encountered such a strange soul beast¡ªno soul power fluctuations at all¡ªbut it seemed to possess intelligence equal to a human''s. She cautiously asked, "Do you want me to follow you?" Her soft voice reached Lin Fan''s ears, and he nearly facepalmed. A Soft Bone Rabbit with 100,000 years of cultivation¡ªand she was still this timid? He had the Hydralisk lower its claws to the ground once more and hiss again. Xiao Wu finally understood. Though she didn''t know why this creature didn''t want to harm her, her instincts as a soul beast told her it wasn''t dangerous. In fact, she was starting to find the monster kind of endearing. She gently stepped onto the scythe, and the Hydralisk lifted her onto its back before slowly crawling forward. Xiao Wu clung to the sharp spines along its back, feeling the cold hardness of its shell. This soul beast... it felt like it was made purely for battle. Everything about its body was sharp and armored. And it only made her more curious¡ªwhere exactly was this mysterious creature taking her? The Hydralisk crawled to a quiet spot in the forest, stopping before a massive boulder. Suddenly, the grassy field before them split open to reveal a pitch-black hole. The Hydralisk carried Xiao Wu inside. It was a tunnel¡ªlong and dark. Xiao Wu''s heart raced as she stared into the blackness stretching downward. She held tightly to the creature''s back, her fingers clutching at its spines. After crawling for some distance, the space suddenly opened up. The tunnel was lined with lush grass and blooming flowers, a surprisingly serene sight. Xiao Wu reached out with a curious finger and gently poked the grass. It was soft and strange to the touch. The further they went, the larger the tunnel became. Eventually, the Hydralisk emerged into a massive underground world. Everywhere was covered in that same strange grass, decorated with flowers. The cave was vast. In the distance, several bizarre buildings loomed¡ªjust as grotesque as the creatures that had surrounded her earlier. They twitched slightly, as if alive. One structure towered above the rest, nearly touching the ceiling. It was covered in a white membrane that gave off an unsettling aura, as if it were watching her. These soul beasts... they didn''t seem to communicate. They just moved silently through the world. So this was their home? They''d been hiding beneath the Star Dou Forest this entire time? No wonder she''d never heard of them. Xiao Wu stared in awe. Everything here was new to her. Because the creep had been altered to appear like grassland, the entire underground space was lush and green. Even the walls and ceiling were covered in greenery. It looked fresh and alive¡ªif not for the twisted buildings, one could almost mistake it for paradise. Lin Fan slowly stepped out of the hatchery and studied Xiao Wu. Hearing the movement, Xiao Wu quickly turned to look at him. Bronzed skin, a strong physique, long black hair¡ªhe looked only slightly older than her. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But his eyes were cold and emotionless, like the bloodthirsty beasts that roamed the forest. He radiated a chilling, violent aura that made Xiao Wu shiver. A human? He looked human... but living down here? Could he be a 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form? That had to be it! That would explain all these strange creatures. They must be his clan. Xiao Wu spoke first: "How long have you been in human form?" Lin Fan blinked. What? Then it clicked¡ªshe thought he was a soul beast who had taken human form! "Ah... not long," he replied with a strange expression. Xiao Wu immediately lit up with excitement¡ªfinally, someone like her! "I just transformed not long ago too! What kind of soul beast are you? I''ve never seen one like you before." Lin Fan quickly racked his brain, trying to come up with something convincing. But before he could speak¡ª "Screeeee¡ª" A loud crack shattered the silence as the towering hatchery burst open, releasing an overwhelming pressure. At its peak, a lifelike statue of what looked like a flying dragon slowly twisted and pulsed, eerily realistic. Xiao Wu''s mouth fell open in shock. She had never seen such a majestic, terrifying building in her life! Just then, the Overmind''s voice rang out in Lin Fan''s mind. Lin Fan''s face went pale, his whole body trembling. A massive surprise was incoming! **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 12: Transforming Xiao Wu — The First Blade Queen! Chapter 12 - 12: Transforming Xiao Wu ¡ª The First Blade Queen![Hive Core Level 3 Hatch Complete. Honored Overmind, now displaying newly unlocked Zerg functions:] [New Zerg Structure Unlocked: Spine Crawler (Upgradeable; cannot exceed Hive level)] [Hive Core Feature Unlocked: Overmind Tier-3 Physical Enhancement (x1)] [Hive Core Feature Unlocked: Pelvic Hatchery] [New Zerg Unit Unlocked: Overlord] [New Zerg Unit Unlocked: Mutalisk (Unable to hatch: Missing avian or flying-type soul beast genetic data)] Lin Fan stared at the panel in his mind, feeling completely overwhelmed. This Hive Core upgrade had been downright explosive with its new features! Starting with the Spine Crawler¡ªthis was a foundational Zerg defense structure. It could launch precise surprise attacks from underground, impaling enemies with deadly spikes. Even better, its attacks inflicted area-of-effect damage across a sizable radius. And since Zerg structures could only be built on Creep, the Creep itself would continuously provide the energy necessary to regenerate these spike attacks. In effect, the Spine Crawler would act as a fixed artillery unit, supplying relentless firepower... Its only weakness? It couldn''t attack airborne targets. Still, against the soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest, this thing was more than enough. Lin Fan could already envision using a wall of Crawlers to slowly advance the Zerg''s territory across the forest. His gaze slid further down the interface, quickly scanning the rest of the new features listed by the Hive''s core intelligence. The rewards were clear-cut. All that remained was to test them one by one. He focused his mind on one particular feature: Pelvic Hatchery. "What''s this for?" he asked. "What does it do?" [The Pelvic Hatchery is an auxiliary chamber that becomes available upon Hive Core evolution.] [It allows the Overmind to infuse any biological entity with energy for enhancement, suppression, or transformation.] [Biological entities re-hatched through the Pelvic Hatchery will possess absolute loyalty to the Overmind.] [The Pelvic Hatchery can be upgraded independently. Current level: 1 (Maximum level cannot exceed Hive Core level).] [Each upgrade allows for the incubation of one Zerg Hero Unit: Blade Queen. The Overmind must choose a suitable candidate. (Current availability: 1)] "Holy¡ª!" Lin Fan couldn''t help but curse out loud. Startled, Xiao Wu blinked and asked curiously, "What are you saying? Why do you keep spacing out like that?" Snapped out of his trance, Lin Fan realized he''d been mentally immersed in the Zerg network this whole time¡ªtotally forgetting Xiao Wu was right there with him. This upgrade was just too amazing. He turned to her and casually asked, "What''s your name? And why were you wandering around here?" "My name''s Xiao Wu... I''m, well, just like you. But... I don''t have a big tribe like yours. I wanted to leave the Star Dou Forest and see the human world, but then I ran into you." As she spoke, her gaze swept across the Zerg all around them. Somehow, even their hideous appearance didn''t feel so terrifying anymore. In fact, her eyes showed a trace of envy. How she wished she had a clan like this... Ever since her mother died, she''d been alone. Seeing that flicker of sadness in her expression, Lin Fan suddenly had a lightbulb moment. Wait a second¡ªwasn''t this the perfect candidate for his first Blade Queen? In the original Douluo Dalu story, Xiao Wu was the female lead. She had immense potential, yet she spent her life following Tang San around, constantly getting hurt, even sacrificing herself for him. But now? Now she could be reborn. She was a ten-thousand-year soul beast in human form, filled with power and mystery. She had inner soul bones and a hidden hundred-thousand-year spirit ring¡ªan incredible resource! And let''s be honest, her beauty was off the charts: flawless skin, watery eyes, a slim waist, long legs, and curves just beginning to show... Everything about her screamed: "Perfect Blade Queen candidate." Plus... Lin Fan smirked. After undergoing secondary incubation, she''d be 100% loyal to him. If he asked her to die, she''d obey without hesitation. And hey, what red-blooded man didn''t once dream of becoming the main character and winning the heart of the heroine? Now that the opportunity had fallen into his lap, who could resist? His intense gaze made Xiao Wu uncomfortable. She nervously stepped back and asked, "W-Why are you staring at me like that?" "Nothing," Lin Fan said, regaining his composure. "Tell me¡ªdo you want to become stronger?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Stronger?" she echoed, puzzled. "I do... but after a soul beast transforms into human form, we can only cultivate like humans, right?" "Wrong," Lin Fan said with a mysterious smile. "Our species has a special evolution method. One incubation, and you''ll gain power equivalent to an entire cultivation stage." Xiao Wu''s eyes widened in disbelief. Was that even possible? Lin Fan grabbed her delicate hand and led her toward the Hive Core. He silently commanded the Hive: Prepare the Pelvic Hatchery. Do we have enough energy to hatch a Blade Queen? [Ready. Energy reserves sufficient. Incubation may begin at any time.] Xiao Wu panicked and tried to pull her hand away. "What are you doing? Let me go!" Lin Fan sneered coldly. "What, you''re scared of becoming stronger? This is a blessing, you know." His tone made her heart sink. She wasn''t stupid¡ªshe realized now that she might be in danger. Even soul beasts could prey upon their own kind. She''d walked right into a trap. "You bastard! Let go of me!" Lin Fan glanced back at her, his gaze cold and merciless. Xiao Wu froze in fear. Her resistance faltered. "You''d better cooperate," he said darkly, "or I can''t guarantee your precious Da Ming and Er Ming won''t meet with... unfortunate accidents." "H-How do you know about Da Ming and Er Ming?!" At that moment, a massive white spore pod suddenly rose from the ground and opened its membrane hatch. Lin Fan shoved Xiao Wu inside and sealed it shut. From outside, he watched her through the translucent membrane with a satisfied grin. "Rest well and enjoy your transformation... my Brood Queen." Xiao Wu''s eyes were wide with panic. She tried to speak, but thick tendrils emerged and coiled around her body, locking her in place. Cool liquid filled the pod from the base upward, flooding over her body. Darkness closed in as she lost consciousness, suspended in the nutrient-rich fluid. The spore pod pulsed ominously as it spun a thick cocoon around her. [Blade Queen incubation initiated. Time remaining: 48 hours.] **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 13: Tactical Planning and Tier-3 Physical Enhancement! Chapter 13 - 13: Tactical Planning and Tier-3 Physical Enhancement!Lin Fan gazed at the cocoon where his Blade Queen was incubating. Although his heart brimmed with anticipation, there was little he could do but wait. This was, after all, a Zerg hero-class unit¡ªa title with immense weight even in the original StarCraft lore. In the vast swarm of the Zerg, there was once only a single chosen Blade Queen. And now? He could evolve and create them at will. The Blade Queen was essentially the second-in-command of the Zerg¡ªcapable of commanding units, leading development, and orchestrating conquest. And this one would be even more special: the host body was none other than Xiao Wu, a 100,000-year-old soul beast. Lin Fan''s excitement only grew. He couldn''t wait to see what sort of surprise this reborn Blade Queen would bring him. After calming his thoughts, he connected to the Zerg network and checked his remaining energy points: [Energy: 4,431] The upgrade to Tier-3 Hive had cost him a full 100,000 energy points, and transforming Xiao Wu into a Blade Queen had taken another 1,000. The drones had managed to recover a bit more energy from soul beast corpses via the Corruption Pools, but right now he was basically broke. He stared longingly at the long list of new units and structures. He wanted to mass-produce¡ªbut sadly, his wallet said otherwise. For now, he''d have to focus on testing what he could. "Overmind, hatch an Overlord." [Acknowledged. Initiating incubation.] A Zerg egg rapidly swelled and was enveloped by the Creep, transforming into a massive spore pod. This pod was huge¡ªeven the egg inside was balloon-sized. It was almost as big as a Level 1 Hive Core! Within the pod, a thick-bodied silhouette writhed and surged upward. Lin Fan watched in amazement. "This might be the largest Zerg unit I''ve created yet..." Good thing the underground tunnels were massive¡ªbut were the exits big enough? And weren''t Overlords flying units? Scratching his head, Lin Fan asked, "Overmind, display Overlord data." [Overlord: Large airborne Zerg unit (Physically enhanced)] Function: Though it possesses no combat ability, the Overlord''s body contains organic wormhole technology and vacuum float bladders, enabling it to freely navigate vacuum environments. It''s the optimal choice for Zerg travel and interstellar deployment. Skill 1: Creep Spray ¨C Continuously disperses Creep spores over terrain during flight, expanding Zerg territory. Skill 2: Jet Propulsion ¨C Thanks to its light internal structure, the Overlord can expel stored energy to boost its speed. (Base speed: 160 km/h; Boosted: 360 km/h) Skill 3: Aerial Reconnaissance ¨C Can scout and monitor a 5-kilometer radius from above. "Ah, right!" Lin Fan instantly realized¡ªOverlords were essentially flying transport ships and scouts. They could carry Zerg forces across the skies and drop them on enemies from above for surprise strikes. While not flashy in a direct fight, the Overlord''s mobility and recon utility made it invaluable. But what excited Lin Fan the most were its Creep-spreading and aerial vision capabilities. Previously, expanding Creep required slowly branching off from existing Creep¡ªor hatching new Hive Cores to generate more. Both methods were time-consuming or energy-intensive. The Overlord fixed that perfectly. Once the Star Dou Forest was covered in Creep (now modified to resemble lush grass), Zerg forces would be able to regenerate health and energy right under their feet, making them relentless and near-unkillable. Zerg would enter true war machine mode. Lin Fan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then turned his attention to the Spine Crawler structure. It boasted wide-area attack power but required Creep to be built. But if paired with the Overlord''s airborne deployment of Creep... This meant he could transform the Spine Crawler from a defensive turret into a mobile siege weapon. "Overmind, display Spine Crawler info!" [Spine Crawler: Offensive Structure] [Skill: Piercing Strike | Effective Range: 2,500 meters] Lin Fan''s eyes lit up. 2.5 kilometers of attack range?! It was more than viable. He could deploy Zerg ground troops to engage enemies directly, while Creep behind them enabled quick deployment of Spine Crawlers and Hydralisks. Between melee, mid-range acid, and long-range spike artillery, he''d have complete battlefield coverage. "Overmind, order the Drones to dig a vertical tunnel from the cavern to the surface wide enough for Overlords. Make sure the surface entrance is concealed." [Acknowledged. Your will is absolute.] Dozens of Drones got to work immediately. "Also, hatch 200 Overlords. Once they emerge, fully charge their energy reserves and spread them out every 5 kilometers around the base. Light up the entire surrounding area." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Confirmed. Strategic deployment underway.] Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction. When exploring unknown territory, what mattered most? Intel. With a network of Overlords watching from above, he''d have full awareness of anything nearby. He''d never again be caught off guard. Plus, with aerial recon, he could optimize the Zerg''s hunting routes¡ªpinpointing soul beasts with the exact traits he needed. Once everything was arranged, Lin Fan entered the Hive''s incubation chamber. "Overmind, initiate Tier-3 Overmind Enhancement." [Commencing enhancement. Please prepare.] Dozens of tendrils extended and wrapped tightly around his body. The Creep beneath his feet flowed upward, sealing him inside a massive cocoon. That familiar cool, tingling sensation spread across his entire body. [Enhancement in progress...] Green liquid surged through the organic threads, pumping into the cocoon. Lin Fan''s body felt alive¡ªevery cell brimming with euphoric energy. His brain was sharper than ever. Roughly 30 minutes later, he opened his eyes and tore through the cocoon. [Enhancement Complete. Current Physical Power Level: Equivalent to a 9,999-Year Soul Beast.] He grinned. The power leap was huge! At this point, even without spirit rings, he could physically overwhelm a five-ring Soul King, and maybe even fight a six-ring Soul Emperor on even footing. He took a deep breath and used his energy to materialize a new outfit before stepping out of the Hive. Above the massive cavern, the exit tunnel had been opened. Overlords were continuously hatching and flying out into the sky. Lin Fan gazed upward, ambition blazing in his eyes. "It''s almost time. Star Dou Forest... get ready for me." **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 14: The Birth of the Blade Queen Chapter 14 - 14: The Birth of the Blade QueenShasha¡ª! From deep within the forest, rustling echoed through the underbrush. Two massive, spear-like legs emerged first, followed by a pitch-black, monstrous body creeping into view. It was a grotesque creature, around one or two meters long, with eight massive limbs stretching five to six meters each, stabbing deep into the ground as it walked. A colossal spider slowly made its way out, cautiously observing several strange, menacing creatures nearby. It raised its front limbs slightly, revealing a white pattern on its abdomen that eerily resembled a human face. Its densely packed, purple-glowing eyes glared at the dense foliage ahead¡ªwhere two massive, serpentine creatures lay in ambush, their narrow crimson eyes locked on the spider with ruthless intent. A deadly silence blanketed the forest. Both sides stood still like statues. "Hiss¡ª!" The Zerglings struck first, spreading out and lunging at the spider from all directions! The spider didn''t panic. A violent violet light burst from its body. It opened its sharp mandibles and spat out a massive corrosive web, ensnaring three Zerglings in front of it. The toxic acid covering the web quickly dissolved them, their bodies breaking apart. Yet even as half their bodies melted away, the Zerglings writhed, still trying to tear through the web and attack! Clack clack clack¡ª! The spider''s spear-like legs paced uneasily. The tenacity of these creatures clearly unsettled it. Seizing the moment, several more Zerglings leapt onto its back, clawing and tearing into it. Two others attacked from a distance, trying to chew into its legs. But the spider''s inky-black carapace was incredibly tough¡ªtheir claws barely scratched it. With a sharp screech, it flexed its limbs and violently shook the attackers off, then raised one leg and impaled a Zergling with brutal force. Whoosh¡ª! Two blobs of corrosive venom shot through the air like cannonballs, splashing against the spider''s armored body. Szzzzzt¡ª! The acid sizzled and bubbled, barely eating through part of its carapace. The spider howled in pain, its eight legs carrying it into a frenzied charge toward the tall grass. Boom¡ª! The ground beneath it suddenly gave way¡ªa five-meter-wide sinkhole opened up. From the earth burst a massive obsidian spike, cloaked in a dark shimmering energy. Anything it touched was instantly obliterated. The spike pierced straight through the spider''s body and hoisted it high into the air! After a moment, the ten-meter spike retracted, dragging the spider''s corpse back underground. Two kilometers away, within a patch of thick undergrowth, a pyramid-shaped, purple-black structure pulsated quietly. It siphoned verdant energy from the grass-covered ground. At the apex, a recessed pit generated another large spike, glistening ominously in the light. All of this was witnessed from ten thousand meters above, by an Overlord floating among the clouds. Through the Zerg hive mind, the entire scene was relayed back to the Hive. Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction¡ªhis strategy had succeeded. Even a Man-Faced Demon Spider on the verge of becoming a 10,000-year beast had fallen without warning, skewered by the Spine Crawler''s devastating blow. Controlling a Zergling, Lin Fan inspected the spider''s corpse. Aside from the brilliant violet spirit ring hovering above it, there was nothing left. He sighed. This was the sixteenth Man-Faced Demon Spider his hunting squads had taken down¡ªyet still no sign of the Eight Spider Lances spirit bone. In the original story, Tang San had obtained the external spirit bone from just a 2,000-year-old spider. That kind of luck was outrageous. Here in the outer zones of the Star Dou Forest, even finding century-old spiders was rare. But thanks to the Overlords'' surveillance, Lin Fan''s squads had been able to hunt down more than a dozen in a single day¡ªand still not a single spirit bone drop. Lin Fan cursed under his breath. "What kind of ''Child of Destiny'' luck is this? Do I have to kill it myself to get anything?!" He resentfully withdrew his spiritual link, closing his eyes to rest. Still, the day hadn''t been fruitless. The Overlords were now fully deployed, blanketing a thousand-kilometer radius around the hive complex. Spores had been evenly scattered across the land¡ªturning it all into Zerg creep disguised as natural grassland. Every 2.5 kilometers, a Spine Crawler was placed, creating ringed layers of defense that spread deeper into the Star Dou Forest. Below ground, the Zerg tunnel network had become a sprawling subterranean empire. Lin Fan admired the scale of his growing army. His Zerg units now numbered over ten thousand¡ªenough to sweep the outer forest in waves of unrelenting force. Stretching, he made his way to the entrance of the level-3 Hive and looked up at the giant serpent-dragon statue perched atop it. His eyes burned with ambition. Once he extracted a flying soul beast''s genes, his air force would be complete. He stepped inside and entered the Nidus Chamber. Only one minute remained. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The giant white cocoon floated silently, suspended midair. A suffocating energy pulsed from within¡ªan overwhelming, void-like force that hinted at destruction. Black ripples of energy emanated from the cocoon in waves. Lin Fan stared in fascination. He could feel the immense psychic force gathering inside¡ªso powerful, it even exceeded his own as the Hive Mind. Crack¡ª! A faint crack appeared on the cocoon. Crack crack¡ª! More fractures spread rapidly. With a final shatter, the cocoon exploded into a flurry of white fragments, drifting down like snow. From within the snowy haze stepped a breathtaking figure¡ªcompletely unclothed. Silky, violet-black hair cascaded over her pale shoulders. Her enchanting crimson eyes shimmered with seductive allure. A flawless face, soft red lips curled into a knowing smile. Her chest heaved like crashing waves. Her snow-white body was pure and unblemished. Long legs, toned and graceful, supported a slender waist that sparked endless imagination. She approached barefoot, her every step elegant and silent. Large, bone-like wings unfolded from her back, encasing both herself and Lin Fan. Then, a long tail wrapped around his waist and gently pulled him into her embrace. A sweet fragrance tickled his nose. The girl leaned close, her warm breath teasing his ear. "The Blade Queen greets her Master... my Sovereign~~~" **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 15: The Might of the Blade Queen, a Soul Ring Configuration Beyond Belief Chapter 15 - 15: The Might of the Blade Queen, a Soul Ring Configuration Beyond BeliefLin Fan couldn''t help but hold Xiao Wu in his arms, marveling at the astonishing elasticity of her body. He never expected that after undergoing the second incubation and becoming the Blade Queen, Xiao Wu''s very physiology would be completely restructured! From an innocent, youthful girl, she had transformed into a mature, seductive goddess with a graceful smile and commanding presence. Her alluring posture made it nearly impossible not to fall for her. At this moment, Xiao Wu hadn''t even met Tang San yet. Even if she had, after undergoing such a transformation, he probably wouldn''t even recognize her. Xiao Wu rested her head gently on Lin Fan''s shoulder, wrapping her arms tightly around him, basking in the warmth of his embrace. "My Lord Sovereign," she said sweetly, "do you like how I look now?" Her soft, electrifying voice sent tingles through Lin Fan''s heart, melting him little by little. He lifted her chin with his fingertips, gazing into her flawless face. Xiao Wu stood calmly, with not a hint of shyness¡ª On the contrary, she confidently displayed her perfect curves. Lin Fan admired her enchanting figure, Adam''s apple bobbing before hurriedly looking away. Though Xiao Wu now exuded seduction with her every smile and gesture, Lin Fan knew full well what kind of ferocious instincts and bloodthirsty genes now lay dormant in her body. The Blade Queen was no fragile damsel. She was the most powerful Zerg combat hero unit, second only to the Hive Mind. Charging headfirst into battle was standard for her, and the number of souls she''d slayed could likely make up a third of the Zerg''s entire kill count. A true river of blood lay behind her achievements¡ª"for one general''s success, ten thousand bones lie buried." Right now, she was only displaying such gentleness because Lin Fan was the Hive Master, to whom the Blade Queen owed complete obedience. Had anyone else dared to ogle her with such impunity, the overwhelming power within Xiao Wu would have taught them a terrifying lesson. Lin Fan''s gaze drifted to the enormous bone wings on her back. He reached out, curiously brushing them with his hand. They felt firm but with a subtle softness beneath. "What can these wings do?" he asked. Xiao Wu thought for a moment and replied, "They allow me short bursts of flight. I can also fold them in front of my body to form a shield capable of withstanding a fatal blow¡ªsomething on par with a combined full-force strike from Da Ming and Er Ming." Lin Fan was stunned. Those soft-looking wings were that durable? A combined full-force attack from Da Ming and Er Ming was essentially a Rank 99 Titled Douluo-level strike. That meant... apart from god-level beings like Bo Saixi or that lunatic in the Slaughter City, no one on the continent could break through Xiao Wu''s defense?! He closed his eyes and focused on her spiritual fluctuations. Within the Zerg''s psychic network, countless stars flickered with faint light¡ªeach representing an individual Zerg unit. The Overlords, possessing far greater spiritual power, shone brighter than the others. But at the very center of the hive web burned a blazing sun¡ªradiant and powerful¡ªrepresenting Lin Fan''s own spiritual energy. Countless threads extended from this sun, connecting every unit of the Zerg swarm. And above that radiant sun... stretched an entire galaxy, shimmering with an infinite, starry light¡ªlooming high above the psychic network. A titanic chain of spiritual energy connected this galaxy to Lin Fan''s sun. That galaxy... was Xiao Wu. "What the f¡ª?!" Lin Fan nearly lost his composure. Just who was the true Hive Master here?! Was this level of psychic strength even Zerg-appropriate? As the Hive Master, Lin Fan had the authority to draw upon the mental strength of the entire swarm. And even then, he still couldn''t match Xiao Wu''s spiritual power! The Blade Queen wasn''t just any hero unit¡ªher psionic and mental strength was beyond comparison in the entire universe. And if that''s the case... doesn''t that mean he could tap into that power himself? Lin Fan was overjoyed. What belongs to the Zerg belongs to the Hive Master¡ªincluding the Blade Queen! If Xiao Wu was strong, then Lin Fan would be even stronger! A sudden thought crossed his mind. "So, Xiao Wu... what''s your current soul power level? Let me see how your spirit rings have changed." "As you command, my Lord~" A crimson light flickered in Xiao Wu''s eyes as she unleashed a tremendous energy surge. Her overwhelming presence blanketed the entire room, commanding awe and fear. Behind her, a phantom of a rabbit spirit emerged¡ªonce the adorable, resilient Soft-Boned Demon Rabbit, now transformed completely. Her martial soul was cloaked in black light, her rabbit form now armored in pitch-black carapace, and her bone wings stretched wide across the space behind her. Her scarlet eyes glowed with an oppressive might. And then¡ªsix terrifyingly powerful spirit rings slowly rose from behind her martial soul. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red! Six crimson spirit rings lined up in a row, blazing with the light of miniature suns! "All of them... ten-thousand-year rings?!" Lin Fan had known the Blade Queen would be powerful, but Xiao Wu had completely shattered his expectations. Six blood-red, ten-thousand-year spirit rings! Soul Emperor level! If word of this got out, no one on the continent would believe it¡ª A Soul Emperor with six ten-thousand-year rings?! What so-called geniuses or Heaven''s chosen could even compare? All of them would pale in comparison! "Not bad, not bad... you can put those away now," Lin Fan said bitterly. Comparison really was the thief of joy. He had only just managed to strengthen his physical body to the level of a 10,000-year soul beast, and now his Blade Queen subordinate was already rocking six 100,000-year rings! Just then, the voice of the Hive AI echoed in his mind: [Notice: The Hive Master can spend energy points to manufacture spirit rings. Each year of ring age requires 10 energy points.] [Units produced from the Nidus Chamber can also have rings created this way.] Lin Fan instantly brightened up. While others had to struggle, risk their lives, and hunt soul beasts to obtain appropriate rings... He could just sit back and let his swarm gather energy, and then create whatever rings he wanted?! Xiao Wu noticed the shift in his mood and clung to him affectionately. "My Lord Sovereign~ Is something troubling you~?" she cooed sweetly. Lin Fan looked at her delicate face, so close to his own, and felt his heart skip a beat. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her against him. "Ah!" Xiao Wu let out a soft gasp. Lin Fan tilted her chin up and kissed her hard. "Mmm~" **** S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 16: The Ninety-Thousand-Year Python — A Suspected Spiritual Skull Bone Chapter 16 - 16: The Ninety-Thousand-Year Python ¡ª A Suspected Spiritual Skull Bone"Mm~!" A soft sound escaped as Xiao Wu slowly opened her beautiful eyes and looked at her Hive Master, Lin Fan, with a sweet smile. She reached out and hugged him tightly. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still half-asleep, Lin Fan suddenly felt something tickling the tip of his nose. "Achoo!" Opening his eyes, he found Xiao Wu sweeping her tail across his face, over and over again. "Oh, so you''re trying to mess with me, huh?" He grabbed her tail with a mischievous grin and immediately started tickling the soft flesh at her waist. Xiao Wu''s face flushed a rosy red, her ears turning crimson all the way to the tips. But the ticklish sensation made her giggle uncontrollably. "Ehehe~ Stop! I surrender!" Her teasing laughter struck directly at Lin Fan''s heart. Unable to resist, he leaned in and kissed her again. "Mmm~" After a while, he looked into her glistening, flirtatious eyes, seeing the ripples of emotion within them. Lin Fan felt completely relaxed and satisfied. This girl really was a little temptress! Curious, he looked at the bashful Xiao Wu, a bit surprised. "What''s gotten into you?" Since her transformation into the Blade Queen, she had always been alluring and confident. Why was she suddenly acting shy? Xiao Wu pointed at the tail still in his hand. "My Lord... you''re holding my tail..." "Ohhh~" Lin Fan smirked devilishly and gave the tail a playful squeeze. "Ah~" After a bit more playful teasing, Xiao Wu slowly sat up. Raising one graceful arm, a wave of Zerg biomass surged up from beneath her feet and coated her body. In an instant, a full suit of bio-armor materialized. A set of deep violet-black armor clung tightly to her body, perfectly outlining her stunning curves. Razor-sharp blades were affixed to her arms and legs. Despite its bulk, the armor was sleek and aerodynamic¡ªfitting her like a second skin. Her aura changed dramatically¡ªno longer seductive, but overwhelmingly fierce and sharp. A chilling bloodlust and cold determination radiated from her. Her massive bone wings rose behind her, blotting out the light. This was the true Blade Queen¡ªpeerless and unstoppable. Lin Fan stared in awe. This Xiao Wu, so cold and domineering, felt like an entirely different person from the soft, teasing girl of moments ago. Three days later. Ten thousand meters above the forest canopy, a massive shadow slowly drifted across the sky. In the forest below, a giant black-scaled python was coiling around a freshly slain demon wolf, preparing to swallow it whole. Suddenly, it froze. Its massive head lifted high, and its cold, vertical pupils locked onto the sky above. But aside from the thick clouds, there was nothing in sight. The python hesitated, flicked its tongue, then continued devouring its prey. This entire scene was transmitted in real time back to the Hive via the Overlord hovering far above the clouds. Lin Fan watched the giant python with great interest. The dense black glow enveloping its body was nearly solid, flowing continuously across its scales. It looked like it was on the verge of breaking through to a higher realm. For a Ninety-thousand-year-level soul beast to be able to sense an Overlord from ten kilometers up... it had to either possess incredible spiritual perception¡ª Or it had a spiritual-type skull bone in its body! Either way, this python was worth investigating. "Xiao Wu," Lin Fan said, "go retrieve its corpse personally." "As you command, my Lord." Xiao Wu smiled faintly. With a wave of her hand, her armor formed instantly from a veil of biomaterial. She stepped into a biological transport chamber aboard an Overlord. Accompanying her were 20 Hydralisks, 100 Zerglings, and 2 Drones. The Drones were there in case they needed to instantly spawn Spine Crawlers for emergency defense. Of course, an entire Hive and 3,000 Zerg troops were already lying dormant beneath that section of forest¡ªawaiting orders. And two thousand meters out, at least ten Spine Crawlers had already locked the giant python within their strike range. Lin Fan never acted without a plan! The Overlord ascended straight upward through a vertical tunnel, then soared high into the sky. Xiao Wu mentally marked the python''s location. "Full speed ahead¡ªactivate propulsion!" "RAAAHHH¡ª!" The Overlord let out a piercing screech as green exhaust flames burst from its tail. Sonic booms rippled around it as it accelerated through the sky. Meanwhile... The python had finished devouring the demon wolf. It licked its fangs, tongue flicking lazily. Suddenly, it froze again¡ªits eyes locking onto a patch of bushes ahead. "HSSSSHHHH¡ª!" It opened its jaws wide and launched a blast of black venom straight into the brush! Ssssshhhhh¡ª! There was a rustle, then a swarm of Zerglings erupted from the undergrowth, leaping toward the python. Amused, the python''s eyes flashed with what could only be described as mockery. Its tail swept across with devastating force, sending the Zerglings flying like rag dolls. But its cold eyes remained fixed on the bushes. Those were just appetizers. The true threat was still hiding. Fwoosh¡ª! Several globs of corrosive acid flew through the air, slamming into the python''s body. SPLASH¡ª! The toxic liquid dripped harmlessly down its obsidian-black scales like rainwater. The mockery in the python''s eyes only deepened. A dark light erupted from its body, and with a roar, it sent a shockwave hurtling into the brush! Yet... there were no screams. The python tilted its head in confusion. According to its spiritual senses, those strange heat signatures had disappeared entirely! "Ehehe~ You really are strong. No wonder Lord Sovereign asked me to come in person!" A seductive voice suddenly rang out from behind. The python whipped its body around¡ªonly to find a breathtaking woman clad in violet-black armor standing right behind it! Its pupils contracted sharply. Every instinct screamed¡ªDanger! Xiao Wu chuckled, her massive bone wings unfurling behind her. "Enough playing around. My Lord is waiting to watch." A crimson gleam flashed in her eyes. Six blood-red spirit rings rose slowly behind her. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. All six¡ªone-hundred-thousand-year rings. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 17: Battle with the 90,000-Year Python – A Mutated Soul Skill Chapter 17 - 17: Battle with the 90,000-Year Python ¨C A Mutated Soul SkillHisss¡ª! The ninety-thousand-year python flicked its tongue, its cold vertical pupils narrowing sharply. Its enormous serpentine body writhed uneasily across the forest floor. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though only newly sentient, it instinctively understood what the crimson rings behind Xiao Wu represented. They were the marks of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast! And there were six of them, glowing behind her like six suns, stacked one above the other¡ªradiating a terrifying aura and a dense killing intent that choked the very air. Hisssss! The python roared and opened its mouth wide, unleashing a wave of pressure that rivaled Xiao Wu''s. With tens of thousands of years of survival experience, it knew one thing: when faced with a stronger soul beast, never show weakness. The greater your intimidation, the more hesitant a powerful enemy might become to make a move. This was how it had survived to nearly one hundred thousand years. Survival of the fittest. Natural selection. Unfortunately for it, today... it met Xiao Wu. No longer the soft and gentle girl¡ªshe was now the restructured, apex queen of the Swarm. The Blade Queen. Xiao Wu covered her mouth with a sweet, chilling giggle. "You naughty little snake~ Do I really have to skin you alive?" Ordinary Soul Emperors with six rings could barely handle soul beasts above the ten-thousand-year level. Only prodigies could just barely manage it. Of course, that bugged-out protagonist Tang San was an exception. At level 61, Xiao Wu was indeed a Soul Emperor¡ªbut her six soul rings were all hundred-thousand-year class. Deep within the Hive, Lin Fan watched without blinking, observing the fight between Xiao Wu and the 90,000-year python. This would be the perfect test of the Blade Queen''s combat power. A 61st-level Soul Emperor versus a 90,000-year soul beast. If he had to use only regular Zerg units to bring down that python, he''d have to rely on a sneak attack from multiple Spine Crawlers¡ªat least five or more to guarantee a kill. Suddenly, Xiao Wu''s eyes gleamed red¡ªand she made the first move. Her third soul ring flared: "Shadow Ambush!" Originally the teleportation skill "Blink," this soul technique had mutated after her transformation into a Zerg hero. She vanished from the python''s sight. The python didn''t panic. Its crimson tongue flicked rhythmically in the air¡ªsearching, tasting vibrations. There! It sensed her appear behind it. Without turning its head, the python lashed its tail like a whip toward her position. But something felt... off. A flicker of surprise appeared in its vertical pupils. "Hehe~ You fell for it~" Its tail sliced through the air with explosive force¡ª But hit nothing. The figure behind it turned into a cloud of black mist and vanished. Xiao Wu reappeared right in front of the python, her piercing gaze locked onto its eyes like blades. Shadow Ambush allowed her to send a clone behind the enemy while simultaneously teleporting her true body elsewhere. Her next attack would strike with 200% enhanced power. Seizing the brief moment of shock, Xiao Wu''s second soul ring lit up: "Queen''s Gaze!" Twin beams of crimson energy shot from her eyes, piercing straight into the python''s own. SCREEEEEEE¡ª!! The ground shook violently beneath them. The enormous python slammed its body against the earth in agony, shattering the soil with its armored scales. Its massive head writhed and flailed. A shockwave of air tore through the nearby forest. Its once-proud vertical pupils were now shredded¡ªbloody craters leaking crimson. The beast was blind. Lin Fan was stunned. Only two skills, and Xiao Wu had left this 90,000-year beast in shambles! Clearly, he had underestimated the full potential of the Blade Queen. But even Xiao Wu frowned, her chest heaving slightly as she panted. Queen''s Gaze infused a blast of spiritual energy through her eyes to attack her opponent''s soul and vision¡ªdisrupting mental focus. And this one had been amplified 200% by the effect of Shadow Ambush. It had drained nearly half of her soul power. And still, it had only blinded the python¡ªthere was no sign it had taken lasting spiritual damage. The python roared again, shaken but not defeated. Though blind, it could still perceive its surroundings through its tongue and other senses. It glared toward Xiao Wu with its ruined sockets, dripping with malice. A dark aura surged from its body as it slammed its tail into the ground¡ª A devastating energy shockwave launched toward her. A spectral phantom of the python''s head roared forward with the strike. Its signature soul skill: Rampaging Earthshock Fang! Xiao Wu''s smile faded into a cold sneer. Her bone wings folded in front of her like a shield. BOOOM¡ª! The shockwave collided with a thunderous crash, shaking the very forest. Xiao Wu prepared to counterattack, but suddenly clutched her head in pain. A strange look appeared in her eyes. The python''s hidden soul skill ¡ª Mind Spike! This was the key to the python''s survival through all these years. It could condense its vast spiritual energy into a spear and inject it into its opponent''s mind, attempting to tear them apart from within. If the opponent''s spiritual force was weaker, it would succeed. The python, proud of its mental prowess, believed itself to have the strongest spiritual power of any soul beast beneath the hundred-thousand-year level. Its spiritual form surged toward Xiao Wu''s mind with confidence. But Lin Fan, watching from afar, laughed aloud. "You picked the wrong target, you dumb snake!" Inside Xiao Wu''s mind, the python''s spirit was stunned to find itself floating in the midst of a galactic sea. She stood calmly in the center of this astral maelstrom, staring at it coldly. Silent. Boundless. Destructive. "HISSSSSSS¡ª!" The python shrieked one last time before its spiritual form was swallowed whole by the starlit void. Its massive body collapsed with a thunderous crash. A soul ring¡ªblack as ink and overflowing with power¡ªslowly rose from its corpse. Xiao Wu blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected the fight to end this way. But something else caught her eye. Beneath the soul ring, a faint blue glow shone through the scattered debris. She walked over gracefully and picked it up. It was a head-type soul bone, sparkling with crystalline brilliance and releasing a cool, comforting energy in her palm. "My Lord, it''s a head-type soul bone," Xiao Wu reported through the Zerg mental network. Lin Fan''s voice echoed back: "I see. Good work, Xiao Wu. Bring the body and the soul bone back." "As you command, my Lord." **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 18: The Titan Giant Ape Appears Chapter 18 - 18: The Titan Giant Ape AppearsI just realized that we already reached 20+ power stones lmao, well, a promise is a promise, bonus Chapter ahead. *** Far away, ten kilometers from the scene... On a warm, densely vegetated meadow... A massive ape was lying deep within the grass, sleeping soundly. This ape was as large as a mountain. Its pitch-black fur shimmered under the blazing sunlight with an enchanting luster. Suddenly¡ª Its tightly shut eyes snapped open. The giant ape rose to its feet, eyes fixed intently in one direction. Even though it stood on all fours, its shoulders were over seven meters high. Its form resembled a mix between a giant ape and a gorilla. Aside from its lantern-sized eyes that glowed with a crystal-like yellow light, its entire body was a deep black. Not only was it massive, but every inch of its body was packed with terrifyingly strong muscles¡ªfar tougher than granite¡ªbulging like small hills beneath its skin. A hint of confusion flashed across the giant ape''s face. Then, with a leap, it disappeared into the forest within a few breaths. Inside the Zerg Hive Cluster. Within the depths of the Hatchery, Lin Fan stretched lazily, murmuring to himself: "Didn''t expect the Queen of Blades to be this strong... Looks like I should stock up on energy and create a few more of her." After all, the original series had no shortage of high-quality female characters... Zhu Zhuqing, Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong... Just thinking of them stirred something in Lin Fan''s heart. What kind of transformation would occur once one of these titled queens was assimilated and evolved into a new Queen of Blades? Suddenly, the Overmind''s voice rang out in Lin Fan''s head: [Warning! A 100,000-year soul beast is approaching the Queen of Blades.] [Warning!] [Warning!] Lin Fan''s expression changed drastically as he quickly connected to the vision of a Overlord. At that very moment, Xiao Wu, who had been preparing to board the Overlord for return, paused and raised her hand. The Overlord immediately ascended, vanishing into the cloud layer more than ten thousand meters above the ground. Meanwhile, the rest of the Zerg¡ªZerglings and Hydralisks¡ªburrowed underground in an orderly retreat, entering a small hive located 500 meters below the surface. In an instant, the vast forest was left with only Xiao Wu standing alone. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked into the distance. From afar, startled birds shot into the sky. The earth trembled as if some colossal creature were charging through the forest. "Hmph. Interesting." A charming smirk curled on Xiao Wu''s lips. Lin Fan also wore a strange expression as he observed through the Overlord''s surveillance. A jet-black giant ape was charging rapidly through the forest, its thick body marked with lava-like brown stripes. A giant ape... and a 100,000-year soul beast at that. In the entire Star Dou Great Forest, there were only two true overlords. The identity of this beast was unmistakable¡ª The Titan Giant Ape! "It''s actually him..." Lin Fan frowned slightly. Why did this guy suddenly show up? The Titan Giant Ape barreled through the forest, leaping high and kicking off a towering tree to launch itself even farther. Its copper bell-like eyes scanned the surrounding forest warily. Why does it feel like something''s been watching me...? Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It shook its head. Probably just my imagination. Besides, aside from a Titled Douluo, who would dare spy on a 100,000-year soul beast in the Star Dou Great Forest? And even if it were a human or soul beast, could it really hide its presence from him? The Titan Giant Ape continued charging forward. What truly piqued its curiosity was the agonizing roar it had heard earlier. This area clearly belonged to that devious 90,000-year-old serpent. Cunning and mentally powerful, even most Titled Douluo struggled to deal with that snake. So why would it let out such a miserable scream? Could it be... The Spirit Hall soul masters are making moves again? At that thought, the Titan Giant Ape accelerated, a chilling killing intent flashing in its eyes. BOOM¡ª! The ape leapt high and smashed down onto the ground, shattering the earth with a powerful impact. Looking around, its senses were immediately drawn to an intense aura. Sure enough! The old snake''s corpse lay sprawled on the ground, its eyes mutilated and flesh torn. Above the serpent''s body floated a thick black soul ring streaked with faint crimson light, glowing ominously. Clearly, it hadn''t been dead for long. Upon seeing the snake''s gruesome end, the Titan Giant Ape was overcome with rage. "ROAR!!" A deafening roar shattered the silence. "Hehe~ Such a loud monkey." A playful, feminine voice entered the Titan Giant Ape''s ears. Only then did it realize¡ªthere was a strange woman standing nearby. A human? The Titan Giant Ape hesitated. Xiao Wu looked human, but the massive bone-like wings on her back and the floating, swaying tail behind her didn''t seem human at all. Even if it were a martial soul manifestation, he couldn''t sense any soul power from her, nor see any soul rings. That could only mean¡ªthis was her true form! A puzzled look crossed the Titan Giant Ape''s rugged face. Is this a soul beast gone astray, or a drunk human? Is this the distortion of nature... or the collapse of morality? The Titan Giant Ape glanced at Xiao Wu with a strange mixture of sympathy and confusion¡ªbut deep inside, something felt eerily familiar. In fact, the sense of familiarity was incredibly strong. Xiao Wu frowned slightly. What''s with this dumb monkey''s weird look? "Human! Did you kill the old snake?" A thunderous voice echoed in Xiao Wu''s mind. Soul beasts couldn''t speak, but those over 100,000 years old could project their thoughts as human speech via mental transmission. Xiao Wu covered her mouth and giggled, "Who else? Do you see anyone else around?" Hearing this, the Titan Giant Ape growled angrily, "You think I''m stupid? How could you possibly kill it alone?" BZZT¡ª! Right before the Titan Giant Ape''s disbelieving eyes¡ª Six blood-red soul rings rose from Xiao Wu''s back. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. All of them were 100,000-year soul rings! "ROOOOAR!!!" He didn''t know how she did it¡ªbut having this many 100,000-year soul rings meant she had slain six soul beasts of that level! As one of the Star Dou Great Forest''s overlords, the Titan Giant Ape couldn''t tolerate this! With a thunderous roar, it swung a fist charged with destructive power straight at Xiao Wu! Her expression grew solemn as the fourth soul ring behind her lit up¡ª "Spiked Defense!" A torrent of black soul power surged from her body like a waterfall, enveloping her in a shimmering black energy shield. The shield bristled with countless energy spikes! The Titan Giant Ape''s massive fist slammed directly into the barrier! BOOM¡ª!! A deafening explosion rang out! The shield dented for a moment¡ªthen violently rebounded! "ROAR!!" The Titan Giant Ape howled in pain, jerking its fist back. It was now covered in countless bloody punctures. The energy shield around Xiao Wu shattered at the same time. Her stunning face remained cold and emotionless. The sixth soul ring behind her began to shine even more brilliantly. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 19: Gravity Domain – Xiao Wu Gravely Injured! Chapter 19 - 19: Gravity Domain ¨C Xiao Wu Gravely Injured!"Shadow Execution Array!" Xiao Wu''s sixth soul skill activated in an instant. Taking advantage of the Titan Giant Ape''s moment of distraction, her delicate figure dissolved into a black mist and scattered into the air. Suddenly, beneath the Titan Giant Ape''s feet, a formation lit up¡ªpulsing with a sinister black glow! At the same time, the ape felt a powerful spiritual force lock tightly onto him, as if a mark had been branded into his very soul! "Fufufu~" Xiao Wu''s playful laughter echoed from every direction. Eight identical Xiao Wu figures appeared in the sky, each one spreading a pair of massive bone wings that blotted out the sun as they surrounded the Titan Giant Ape. Clones? The ape''s expression grew serious as he looked at the identical forms. No...! They''re all fake! He couldn''t sense any life force from them! In unison, the eight Xiao Wu illusions spread their wings and charged toward the Titan Giant Ape in streaks of black light. "ROAR!" With a furious bellow, the ape swung his thick arms¡ªpillars of power¡ªtoward the incoming figures. A thunderous explosion rang out through the air, but his powerful strikes passed through the illusions harmlessly, causing him to stagger forward from the momentum. He couldn''t land a hit...! Each of the eight dark phantoms pierced into his body like sharp blades¡ªyet the moment they made contact, they simply vanished, as though melting into him. All eight entered his massive body. Xiao Wu''s true form appeared behind him, panting heavily, crimson eyes locked onto the beast. "You..." The Titan Giant Ape raised an arm. He could feel an unfamiliar power now surging within his body. But he couldn''t locate its source. A trace of panic surfaced in the ape''s mind. What kind of power is this...? Xiao Wu slowly raised one slender arm and snapped her fingers. "Detonate." BOOM! A violent shockwave exploded from the Titan Giant Ape''s body, sending a roaring gust outward like a hurricane! Inside him, a thunderous detonation erupted¡ªan internal explosion tearing through flesh and muscle. "ROAAAAAR!!" A furious, agonized roar echoed for miles, shaking the entire forest. The shockwave stirred up a thick cloud of dust, veiling everything in smoke and chaos. Xiao Wu, gasping for air, kept her eyes fixed on the shadowy, mountain-sized figure looming inside the haze. Her soul power... was completely spent. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within the heavy fog, two bright red lights flared¡ªeach the size of a copper bell. THUD¡ª! The ground trembled violently, like a massive drum being struck repeatedly. Each impact pounded on Xiao Wu''s heart. A terrifying pressure surged forth, crashing down on her like a tidal wave. The Titan Giant Ape slowly emerged from the smoke, his crimson eyes burning with fury. Twin jets of steam-like air shot from his nostrils like blades. He stared down at Xiao Wu from his towering height, eyes filled with killing intent. His body had changed¡ªbecome even larger. Now over ten meters tall, he stood like a living mountain before her. Lava-like streaks glowed beneath his black fur, as if molten magma coursed through his body. Pain. Blinding pain. He had ruled the Star Dou Great Forest for over a hundred thousand years¡ªwhen had he ever suffered such humiliation? That strange attack earlier had nearly torn his heart apart! That sharp, twisting pain still lingered in his chest. Xiao Wu''s once-calm face showed hints of panic. Even with all my power... I couldn''t truly wound him? Though she had inherited all of Er Ming''s memories¡ªeven his techniques and weaknesses¡ª Once power reached a certain threshold, technique meant nothing. Even her strongest attack hadn''t been enough to seriously injure him... "Human... you... must die!" Enraged, the enhanced Titan Giant Ape threw a devastating punch at Xiao Wu, the force splitting the air ahead of it. Even before it landed, the gust alone blew her long black hair into the sky. Xiao Wu''s expression hardened. Her soul rings, already dimmed, vanished into her body. The bone wings on her back folded in front of her, morphing into a radiant shield that completely enveloped her. BANG! The Titan Giant Ape''s fist slammed into the shield¡ªbut recoiled immediately. He hesitated. He feared it might counterattack like the last energy barrier. When he saw no damage on his fist, he finally relaxed. The glowing shield in front of Xiao Wu dissipated and reformed into her bone wings, now spread behind her once again. But her face had gone pale. That strike had forced her to use her final trump card. Even though the creep beneath her feet continuously supplied energy, her Queen of Blades body was still far too powerful¡ªand her soul power and energy reserves were completely depleted. The creep''s healing energy trickled in too slowly¡ªlike a dry stream trying to water a desert. It barely made a difference. The Titan Giant Ape narrowed his eyes. Is this strange human really exhausted... or just pretending? Xiao Wu''s endless bizarre tactics had left him deeply wary. BZZT¡ª! A ring of blood-red light appeared around his body, and a wave of invisible force swept across the battlefield. "Gravity Domain!" Suddenly, Xiao Wu''s body felt as if a mountain had fallen on her. The gravity around her intensified dramatically¡ªso much that she could hardly breathe. Her weary body trembled¡ªshe nearly collapsed to her knees. The Gravity Domain was the Titan Giant Ape''s innate ability. Even Titled Douluo struggled under its weight. Xiao Wu was only a Soul Emperor¡ªbarely able to stand before him at all. The only reason she was still upright was because of her altered Queen of Blades body. "Hmph." The Titan Giant Ape struck again with a colossal punch. Xiao Wu''s eyes widened in alarm. She waved her hand¡ª Suddenly, the ground split open with countless tunnels. Zerglings burst out from below, swarming toward the incoming fist in waves. With the last of her soul power, Xiao Wu erected a fragile energy barrier around herself. CRACK! In the blink of an eye, over a dozen Zerglings were obliterated by the Titan Giant Ape''s punch¡ªsmashed into pulp, their sacrifice barely enough to weaken the blow. Still, the attack shattered Xiao Wu''s barrier. She coughed up blood as her body was sent flying. The Titan Giant Ape stared at the bizarre creatures in confusion. But the wounded human was clearly more important. He lunged forward, ready to deliver another punch¡ª But suddenly, Xiao Wu looked up at him with a soft, pitiful expression. Her voice trembled gently. "Er Ming... you don''t recognize me?" The Titan Giant Ape froze. His fist stopped in mid-air as he stared blankly at her. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 20 – Lin Fan’s Wrath, the Might of the Overmind! Chapter 20 - 20 ¨C Lin Fan¡¯s Wrath, the Might of the Overmind!A powerful wave of familiarity surged once again in the Titan Giant Ape''s heart. The Titan Giant Ape studied the strange human before him more carefully. Half of the person''s long purple-black hair was tied into a scorpion braid that hung down their back, reaching the waist. The other half spilled freely over her smooth shoulders. Her large, watery eyes radiated a delicate innocence¡ªbut the pupils burned with a deep crimson glow. Her slender waist was taut and full of elasticity, and her long, straight legs were firm and graceful. And then, there was the spirit that had just manifested behind her¡ªfaintly resembling a rabbit. A terrifying thought exploded in the Titan Giant Ape''s mind. His eyes, large as bronze bells, widened in shock. "Y-You... You''re Xiao Wu''s mother?!" "No! That''s impossible!" He immediately shook the idea away. Xiao Wu''s mother had been killed by someone from Spirit Hall when both he and Da Ming weren''t around. She was dead. How could the dead return? And yet... This human looked so much like Xiao Wu! And more than that¡ªshe had just spoken a name that only he, Da Ming, and Xiao Wu knew. "Just who are you... human?" Xiao Wu''s pale but lovely face wore a soft smile. She didn''t answer the Titan Giant Ape''s question. In her mind, within the Zerg''s psionic hive network, a blazing sun¡ªradiant and unmatched¡ªwas speeding toward her location. Following it were countless red sparks of light, each alive with motion. "You''re finally here... my Overmind." Xiao Wu whispered softly to herself. "Raaaaghhhh¡ª!" Suddenly, a chorus of bizarre roars erupted from above the skies. Where moments ago the sky had been clear, it was now thick with ominous clouds. High above the endless stretch of white clouds, an enormous shadow raced forward with terrifying speed. It blocked out every ray of sunlight¡ªshrouding the world beneath it in darkness. The sheer size of the shadow covered a full ten kilometers of sky. Creatures across the region instinctively lifted their heads, stunned by the monstrous sight. Even the Titan Giant Ape showed a trace of horror on his face. He had never seen such a thing before. What were these shadows? "Raaaaghhhh¡ª!" The layers of clouds above were suddenly torn apart! A strange beast¡ªunlike anything seen before¡ªdescended from the skies, its roar echoing like a dragon''s cry. The Titan Giant Ape''s pupils contracted. It wasn''t just one. It was an entire swarm. A massive group of bizarre, hulking creatures ripped through the clouds, their crimson eyes glowing fiercely. They blanketed the sky. Thousands of Overlords burst from above, their grotesque faces visible as they descended in perfect formation¡ªforming a vast Zerg air fleet from the stratosphere. BOOM! The earth shook violently! Suddenly, the ground cracked open, and countless Zerglings erupted from the depths like a tidal wave, roaring nonstop! There wasn''t even enough space on the ground¡ªthe Zerglings trampled over one another, forming layers upon layers, building a living Zerg wall around the area. Behind them, a sea of Hydralisks stood ready to attack, their narrow, vertical pupils glowing red like spotlights fixed on the Titan Giant Ape. At the perimeter, every ten meters or so, a Drone quickly settled into the grass, birthing a towering Spore Crawler from the ground in seconds. One after another, sharp black Spine Crawlers rose like a forest of fangs. The biological fleet had fully landed. Thousands of Overlords formed a black canopy in the sky, completely blotting out the sun. A massive Zerg fleet. A towering Zerg wall. A sea of Hydralisks. A forest of living defenses. This entire region had been transformed into a terrifying Zerg Abyss. For the first time, the world of Douluo bore witness to the ferocity of the Zerg. No domain? No problem. I''ll create one¡ªa Zerg domain. A piercing howl echoed from the sky. A man dressed in black plummeted from above, slamming into the ground and creating a deep crater. THUD¡ª! Lin Fan appeared beside Xiao Wu, gently wiping the blood from the corner of her lips. He said softly, "Sorry I''m late, Xiao Wu." Xiao Wu smiled brightly. "Perfect timing, my Overmind." Lin Fan took out a glowing blue crystal, pulsing with energy, and handed it to her. It was an Energy Core freshly converted by the Hatchery''s incubation chamber. Just one was enough to fully restore a Spirit Douluo''s soul power and energy. For Xiao Wu right now, it was truly a life-saving treasure. A warm, sweet feeling welled up in her chest as her eyes sparkled with emotion. Lin Fan then turned to face the Titan Giant Ape. Though its ten-meter body was massive... Right now, surrounded by the overwhelming Zerg swarm, it looked almost insignificant. Even... small. The Titan Giant Ape was dumbfounded, horror flooding his heart. What was this race?! He had lived in the Star Dou Forest for over a hundred thousand years. Across the entire Douluo Continent, he had never seen¡ªor even heard of¡ªsuch a terrifying race! They weren''t spirit beasts. Nor were they ordinary wild beasts. But they radiated an intense aura of slaughter and domination. He looked at Lin Fan¡ªyet another human. Could it be... humans had mastered a completely new kind of power? A deep sense of anxiety rose in the Titan Giant Ape''s heart. He had to get this information to Da Ming¡ªimmediately! Lin Fan''s eyes were icy as he stared down the Titan Giant Ape. "I didn''t want to waste my time with you," he said coldly. "But if it''s a fight you want... then it''s a fight you''ll get." "My swarm has never feared war." The Titan Giant Ape''s face twisted in anger. "Human, do you really think you can defeat me? With these... bugs?" Though the swarm looked overwhelming, he had already tested their strength when they''d shielded Xiao Wu. He had a rough understanding of them now. He could kill dozens of them with a single swing. How could they stop him? Lin Fan sneered. With a wave of his hand, the Zerglings howled and surged forward like a tidal wave! The Titan Giant Ape''s expression hardened as the insect tide approached, rising even higher than his massive body. He took a deep breath and roared, charging forward. The Zerglings hurled themselves at the Titan Giant Ape, attacking with everything they had¡ªsharp mandibles, hooked claws, spiked legs, even their shattered, hardened shells. One hadn''t even died yet before another leaped over its body to continue the assault. The Ape was too tall¡ªso the Zerglings piled on top of each other, climbing him like a living tower. A dense, black swarm engulfed him completely, not even leaving a gap for air. And still, more and more poured in from all directions. Five hundred meters below the ground, deep within a network of tunnels, ten Hatcheries had already been established. Countless larvae were hatching nonstop. Each grotesque Zerg unit burst from its egg and charged directly into battle. The war machine had begun to rumble in full force! High above, the Zerg fleet descended like a black tide. Unit after unit leaped from the Overlords and joined the swarm on the surface. The Overlords roared into the heavens, as if cheering for the swarm. "RAAAAGHHHH¡ª!" The colossal biological fleet was shaking the world with its roar. **** S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 21 – The Ferocity of the Zerg Chapter 21 - 21 ¨C The Ferocity of the Zerg"ROAR! ROOOAR!" The furious howls of the Titan Giant Ape rang out again and again, but they were quickly drowned in the overwhelming tide of the Zerg swarm. Lin Fan stood in place, calmly holding Xiao Wu by the waist as they watched the scene unfold. The howling wind whipped his robes into a frenzy. By now, Xiao Wu''s complexion had returned to a healthy flush. Her wounds had completely healed, and thanks to the energy crystal Lin Fan gave her, her spirit power was once again full and surging. And surprisingly, after the intense battle, she realized her soul power had even risen by a level. The Queen of Blades¡ªa weapon of destruction born for war¡ªthrives in battle. With every conflict, her power rapidly evolves. Xiao Wu parted her lips slightly. "My Overmind... can we kill it?" "Difficult," Lin Fan replied, eyes fixed on the towering figure still struggling within the swarm. Though buried under Zerglings, the Titan Giant Ape''s aura was steadily climbing¡ªits vitality growing even stronger. Right now, Lin Fan''s swarm was still in the early stages of development. Their overall level was low, and they lacked true high-tier units. Sure, a swarm of ants can kill an elephant... But only if they''re dangerous ants. When the gap in strength is too large, numbers alone become laughably meaningless. Lin Fan was never naive enough to think his current Zerg army was already invincible. These fragile creatures¡ªeven if they somehow escaped the Star Dou Forest¡ªwouldn''t make it far. They''d be torn apart by the first ten-thousand-year soul beast they encountered, leaving not even a single egg behind. Underestimating the enemy is a death wish. That''s why Lin Fan had always developed his swarm in secret. Lying low. Avoiding confrontation with truly powerful enemies. But with the Zerg''s terrifying growth rate, it was only a matter of time until... With a single gesture, he could unleash billions of Zerg across the continent, blotting out the sky. That¡ªwould be the moment Douluo Dalu learned what fear truly was. Xiao Wu''s brows furrowed. She growled, "Then let me finish it off! If Er Ming manages to escape and tell Da Ming what happened, the Zerg will be fully exposed!" Lin Fan smiled faintly. "I actually want it to report back to that Sky Azure Bull Python. This is just a lesson¡ªa warning." "And also, a bit of payback. For what they did to you." Xiao Wu didn''t quite understand, but she didn''t ask further. The will of the Overmind was absolute. She simply remained in Lin Fan''s arms, quietly watching the war unfold. This battle wasn''t born of impulse¡ªit was a carefully calculated move. First, to demonstrate the strength of the Zerg to the rulers of Star Dou Forest. To show them what true terror looked like. And the effect was explosive. Whether it was the Overlord fleet overhead, the rapidly expanding swarm, or the rising forest of Spine Crawlers¡ªeverything was going exactly as Lin Fan had hoped. He wanted this feeling¡ªthis suffocating, inescapable pressure. Crush their morale before the battle even begins. Second, he wanted to test the swarm''s full-scale response in an emergency. How fast could they mobilize? And this was only the beginning. So far, he had built ten emergency Hatcheries underground in this region. Over a thousand Overlords had only brought half of his current forces. And already¡ªthis was the result. The tide of Zerglings surged like a living black ocean, roaring as they crashed forward. New units still rained down from the sky, leaping from Overlords like a deadly downpour. It was breathtaking. The saying "the Zerg are born for war" was no exaggeration. No wonder they were considered one of the great scourges of the universe. And Lin Fan... had only been in this world for half a month. In such a short time, he had grown to this level. Tell him¡ªwhat so-called genius, what so-called sect or force could compare to this? "ROOOOAR¡ª!" A furious roar rang out. The Titan Giant Ape opened its mouth and fired a blinding golden beam of energy, sweeping through the swarm and clearing out all nearby Zerglings in a single devastating blast. "Tch. Can''t hold back anymore, huh?" Lin Fan snorted coldly and waved his hand. The next wave of Zerglings roared and charged forward again. A flicker of fear finally appeared in the Titan Giant Ape''s eyes. These creatures were weak¡ªindividually laughable¡ªbut none of them seemed to have a sense of self. They didn''t feel fear. They didn''t feel pain. He had already killed hundreds of them¡ªyet the next wave came without pause. Even the mutilated ones¡ªmissing limbs or with half their bodies crushed¡ªstill tried to drag themselves forward and bite him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It sent a chill crawling down his spine. But in his simplicity, he didn''t understand the principle of "cut off the head to kill the snake." Otherwise, he would''ve attacked Lin Fan directly by now. Then, the sea of Hydralisks at the perimeter began to move. Their crimson vertical pupils locked onto his giant frame. They raised their heads ever so slightly as their venom sacs swelled and pulsed. A moment later, waves of acidic venom came screaming through the air toward the Titan Giant Ape. A green curtain surged across the sky¡ªdozens, then hundreds of venomous projectiles, like a swarm of meteorites¡ªbut these weren''t stars. They were deadly acid bombs. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The corrosive acid burst against the Titan Giant Ape''s body. Though his thick hide offered some resistance, acid and venom have a way of adding up. Even water, drop by drop, can wear down stone¡ªlet alone this. "ROARR!" The Titan Giant Ape gritted his teeth. It felt like being stabbed with thousands of needles¡ªindividually not deadly, but overwhelmingly irritating and painful. He furiously swung his arms, smashing dozens of climbing Zerglings with each blow. But when his eyes drifted toward the Hydralisk line, a trace of horror appeared in them. These creatures didn''t care about friendly fire. In order to hit him, the Hydralisks were showering their own comrades in acid first¡ªturning the crawling Zerglings into collateral damage. And yet... they didn''t hesitate. They kept firing. It terrified him. Just what kind of race had he provoked? Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. "Still standing?" He raised his arm. A kilometer away, ten Spine Crawler towers began to ripple. Their black-glowing spikes retracted, as if preparing for something. Beneath the Titan Giant Ape''s feet, the ground trembled. A deep, mechanical rumble echoed through the battlefield. "What now?!" The Titan Giant Ape''s pupils shrank. His entire body became coated in a layer of dark brown energy armor, glowing like molten rock. BOOM¡ª!! One after another, massive spiked tendrils shot from the ground, spearing toward his body! "ROAAAAAR¡ª!" Dust exploded. Dozens of Zerglings were impaled in the attack, flung into the air like ragdolls. Ironically, this attack cleared out the swarm around the Titan Giant Ape¡ªgiving him some breathing room. But he didn''t look any better for it. His body was drenched in blood. The brown markings on his skin were dim and fading. The pressure he exuded had dropped significantly. The Titan Giant Ape gave Lin Fan a tired, heavy look. Then, with a powerful leap, he launched himself skyward. A golden wave of energy blasted out behind him, clearing a path¡ªand he escaped into the distance. Lin Fan chuckled and waved his hand. Two kilometers out, a hundred Spine Crawlers slowly ceased movement. Their black-glowing spikes stopped loading. "Hahahahahahaha!" His laughter echoed wildly across the battlefield. The Zerg... are about to rise. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 22: The Azure Bull Python’s Ambition Chapter 22 - 22: The Azure Bull Python¡¯s AmbitionDeep within the Star Dou Forest. In its core region¡ª A colossal soul beast with the head of an ox and the body of a serpent floated silently in the air, eyes tightly shut. Its bull-like head was over four meters in diameter, and its two lantern-sized eyes suddenly snapped open, glowing with an intense light. Its massive head was connected to a serpentine body covered in black-blue scales, many times thicker than a water barrel and stretching over thirty meters long. It hovered in the forest canopy, emanating an overwhelming pressure that filled the air. This was none other than the mightiest overlord of the Star Dou Forest¡ªthe Azure Bull Python. The Azure Bull Python frowned toward the edge of the core region. Why did Er Ming''s aura feel so chaotic? While it was still deep in thought, Er Ming''s enormous form leapt high into the air and came crashing down beside the Azure Bull Python. "ROAR!!" The Titan Giant Ape let out an enraged howl toward the heavens, venting all his frustration and fury. Seeing Er Ming''s blood-soaked state, the Azure Bull Python''s eyes turned cold in an instant. Descending swiftly from the sky, it landed next to Er Ming and barked, "Who did this to you? Was it those humans from the Spirit Hall?" After that outburst, Er Ming had vented much of his frustration and shook his head, still haunted by what had happened. "It wasn''t the Spirit Hall. I... I don''t even know if they were human." "...Huh?" A flicker of confusion appeared in the Azure Bull Python''s lantern-sized eyes. Er Ming raised a massive fist and opened his palm to reveal a severed limb¡ªa black, sharp blade-like appendage that belonged to a Zergling. "This is from one of them. Whatever species they are, they''re terrifying." The Azure Bull Python studied the strange black appendage. At first glance, it looked like just an ordinary claw from a soul beast. But having lived with Er Ming for over a hundred thousand years, it knew the ape wouldn''t joke about something like this. Suddenly¡ª Snap! The severed limb in Er Ming''s palm twitched violently on its own, spasming as if trying to pierce into his hand! "Hmph!" Er Ming growled and crushed it with his fist, shattering the twitching limb into pieces. "They''re some bizarre race I''ve never seen before. Endless in number. And it''s like... they don''t even have minds of their own." "They don''t show emotion. They don''t understand pain, fear, or even the concept of death. Just to kill me, they didn''t hesitate to attack their own allies in a completely indiscriminate manner!" As the Titan Giant Ape recounted the events, his gaze turned blank, his entire body trembling ever so slightly. He had ruled the Star Dou Forest for countless years, but never had he encountered a race as terrifying as this. Just listening to the description, the Azure Bull Python felt a chill spread through its body, its skin crawling with unease. After a moment''s thought, a beam of blue light shot out from its horns and enveloped Er Ming''s body. Er Ming felt a cool sensation throughout his entire body. His mind became clear, and the dread he had felt before completely vanished. The Azure Bull Python''s eyes flickered with a strange, unreadable light. "They were soul beasts, weren''t they, Er Ming?" "...Yeah." Er Ming hesitated, then nodded slowly. Even though these insect-like creatures didn''t emit any soul power, their bizarre and dangerous attack methods made them seem more like soul beasts than humans. Upon hearing that, the Azure Bull Python''s massive head twisted into a cold smile. "Then we won''t interfere. Let''s stay hidden in the core region for the next few thousand years." "What? But¡ªSister Xiao Wu is still out there!" Er Ming''s eyes widened in shock. He didn''t understand. The Azure Bull Python slowly lifted into the air again, its enormous head turning to face a certain direction. There, on the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest¡ªSpirit Hall. "From what you''ve told me, I believe... this race might be the key to our soul beast uprising." "I have a feeling that a battle between soul beasts and humans is inevitable. So why not let this strange species pave the way for us first? Don''t forget¡ªthe strongest human faction near the forest is Spirit Hall." "If they wipe out Spirit Hall, Xiao Wu will naturally return." Er Ming was stunned. He never expected his big brother to say something like this! But the Azure Bull Python''s logic was solid, and Er Ming was left speechless. All he could do was grumble in response. He originally wanted to mention that there was a human who looked exactly like Xiao Wu¡ªbut ultimately chose to stay quiet. Instead, he sat down to heal his injuries. Meanwhile, the Azure Bull Python''s gaze remained fixed on the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. In its eyes flickered an ambition and thirst for vengeance that burned like fire. Inside the Zerg Underground Empire. Within the Level-3 Hatchery. Lin Fan stood, brows furrowed, inspecting the various resources stored in the hive. "Overmind, display all current Zerg assets, including unit types." [As you command, my Lord.] Zerg Building Units ¨C Hatcheries: Level 3: 2 Level 2: 153 Level 1: 2,120 Spine Crawlers: 3,130 Zerg Combat Units ¨C Zerglings: 123,411 Hydralisks: 32,151 Drones: 5,631 Overlords: 2,447 Zerg Hero Unit ¨C Queen of Blades: 1 (Xiao Wu) S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Energy Points Available: 325,123 Soul Beast Genetic Types Collected: 1,351 At the same time, within the Zerg mental network, the glowing signals representing Zerg units were packed densely together¡ªcovering a staggering 50,000 square kilometers. Lin Fan''s brows furrowed even deeper. Despite the seemingly vast army, the quality was far too lacking! His battles with the Titan Giant Ape and the ten-thousand-year serpent had made one thing painfully clear¡ªthe Zerglings and Hydralisks were nowhere near strong enough. They were fine for overwhelming thousand-year soul beasts. But against ten-thousand-year-class beasts, especially those with tough hides or power-focused abilities, they were completely outmatched. Even worse, several problems had become glaringly obvious. The creep''s energy conversion rate was too slow! It couldn''t keep up with the Zerg''s rapid casualties or support their healing during combat. Xiao Wu and the countless Zerglings that died were the best examples of this failing. And then there was the hatching issue. Even though he could simultaneously mass-produce units with multiple hatcheries, once the battle was over, those hatcheries became overcrowded and wasteful. The hatch speed of the queens wasn''t fast enough either. But the deadliest problem... was unit diversity. For all his vast numbers, the Zerg only had Zerglings and Hydralisks as main offensive forces! He couldn''t hatch Mutalisks yet due to a lack of compatible genetic material, and beyond those two units, his army was painfully limited. Looking through the genetic data in the library, Lin Fan waved his hand. The Hydralisk swarm began herding captured soul beasts into the hive''s incubation chamber. Massive spores began to inflate one by one. "Overmind, initiate gene fusion experiments." **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 23: Genetic Fusion Experiment Chapter 23 - 23: Genetic Fusion ExperimentLin Fan turned his gaze toward the first spore pod. Inside was a century-old tiger-type soul beast, classified as an agility-attack type. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Due to the physical strain of gene fusion, the process required stronger host bodies. So Lin Fan had ordered his Zerg forces to capture and transport various robust ground-type soul beasts from within the Star Dou Forest back to the hive. "Overmind, open the gene database interface." [As you command, my Lord.] A long list of gene entries appeared in Lin Fan''s mind, dazzling and overwhelming. The hardened armor and venomous stingers of the Earth King Beetle, the iron hide and claws of the Vajra Tiger, the resilient silk and venom of the Man-Faced Demon Spider... An array of soul beast genes filled the database like a shopping catalog, and Lin Fan couldn''t help but feel like he was browsing through product descriptions in a mall. Even among the same species, individual soul beasts yielded different genes. For example, the Zerg had hunted over a dozen Man-Faced Demon Spiders¡ªyet extracted over ten different types of genes. Normally, a single soul beast would yield one or two traits at most. But even within the same species, variations in physique and talent allowed for the extraction of dozens of unique genes. Lin Fan browsed through the data, noting a few unusual gene types. One Vajra Tiger had a gene for rapid digestion¡ªuseless in combat. Even more absurd, one Pink Empress yielded a gene related to... libido. The corner of Lin Fan''s mouth twitched uncontrollably. He glanced at the Hydralisk standing by the door. With its grotesque, insectoid features, it was impossible to tell if it was male or female¡ªand frankly, who would even want to know? Not to mention, one wrong move and you''d probably get sprayed in the face with a mouthful of corrosive slime. He shook his head. That gene was the most useless of all. After skimming the endless list for a while, Lin Fan sighed in frustration. There''s way too much here. I''ll never get through it all. After a moment''s thought, he said, "Overmind, delete all genes currently unusable by the Zerg and organize what remains." [Acknowledged.] The interface in his mind began to scroll rapidly as rows of data vanished one after another. [Update complete. Usable gene count: 351.] Lin Fan was stunned. From 1,351 down to just 351? Over a thousand genes completely useless? But he quickly accepted it¡ªafter all, he had only explored less than one-tenth of the Star Dou Forest. His soul beast hunts had been limited, and most of the specimens were weak or repetitive. To still end up with over 300 viable genes was actually pretty good. Looking over the refined list, Lin Fan noticed several genes with overlapping effects. The iron hide from the Vajra Tiger, the carapace reinforcement from the Man-Faced Demon Spider, and the armored scales from the Abyssal Python were all variations of the same trait: enhancing defense and durability. These could totally be merged into a single superior trait. An idea struck him. "Overmind, begin fusion and upgrading of all genes with similar effects. Delete any redundant genes post-fusion. Only display the final results." [Understood.] [Fusion process requires hosts for testing. Please grant authorization.] "Permission granted. Proceed." [Authorization confirmed. Beginning now.] Zzzhhh¡ª! The fleshy walls of the incubation chamber suddenly extended hundreds of writhing, vein-like tendrils that tightly wrapped around three large spore pods. Each pod held a millennium-level soul beast. Since gene infusion placed tremendous stress on the body, the tests required soul beasts with high physical endurance. Capturing ten-thousand-year soul beasts alive was still beyond the Zerg''s capabilities... And most hundred-year beasts simply didn''t have the toughness required to survive the process. These three were all relatively weak, just having recently broken into the thousand-year level. Even Lin Fan, hardened by the sight of countless soul beast deaths, felt a tinge of reluctance. No, not because he pitied the soul beasts. But because these were his only three thousand-year specimens¡ªand if the gene infusion failed, he''d lose them permanently. He had planned to use their strong bodies to create advanced Zerg strains... Gurgle¡ª! A strange fluid noise echoed from the chamber walls as blue biofluid began flowing through the veins and into the first spore pod. Simultaneously, the Overmind''s voice rang in Lin Fan''s mind: [Phase One Gene Fusion: Physical Reinforcement. Gene infusion initiated.] The massive Earth King Beetle inside the pod began to tremble violently, its face contorted in silent agony. Crack! Crack! The unsettling sound of bones snapping and carapace shattering echoed from within. Its pitch-black exoskeleton shattered piece by piece, and its enormous pincers fractured inch by inch. Soon, the entire shell had disintegrated, exposing raw, quivering flesh beneath. Through the spasming muscle tissue, exposed blood vessels and nerves could be faintly seen. Ka-ka-ka¡ª! Suddenly, a crisp, echoing sound rang out. A new layer of dark, glossy skin rapidly grew over its body, fully encasing it. Its broken pincers regrew as sleek, curved blade-arms, sharp and deadly. Before long, the creature inside the spore pod had transformed¡ªits entire body now encased in shimmering, obsidian armor nearly an inch thick. Even through the pod walls, Lin Fan could feel the oppressive, suffocating aura it radiated. It was like standing before a towering mountain. The sheer pressure pouring from its form filled the room with dread¡ªjust a glance was enough to invoke despair, as if facing an insurmountable chasm. [Phase One Fusion Complete. Finalized Reinforcement-Type Gene: Titanium Body.] [Phase Two Gene Fusion: Explosive Mutation. Commencing fusion.] This time, golden liquid slowly flowed along the bio-veins into a much smaller spore pod. Inside was a mere ten-year-old spider-type soul beast. They hadn''t used a beast over a hundred years old because explosive-type genes were too volatile. These genes had been extracted from soul beasts like spiders, lizards, and snakes with massive venom sacs in their bodies. And they all shared one trait: their venom sacs were highly unstable and would detonate on contact! The resulting explosions weren''t just powerful¡ªthey also splattered highly toxic fluids everywhere. If they tested this kind of gene on a stronger soul beast and it failed? The consequences could be catastrophic. It might even destroy the entire Level-3 Hatchery and blow off the roof in the process. Gurgle¡ª! The golden liquid was fully injected into the spider''s body. Suddenly¡ª The spider''s tiny body began to swell rapidly! From palm-sized, it bloated into a grotesque, balloon-like shape. Its surface split open in multiple places, with golden, unknown fluids slowly leaking from the wounds. [Warning! Warning!] [Severe energy fluctuation detected!] **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 24: A New Zerg Unit – Custom-Fused Soul Beast Chapter 24 - 24: A New Zerg Unit ¨C Custom-Fused Soul BeastBonus Chapter, enjoy **** A harsh alarm blared in Lin Fan''s mind, the Overmind''s voice ringing with urgency. Inside the spore pod, the spider''s body continued to expand, its eight legs and abdomen twitching violently. Golden liquid wasn''t the only thing oozing from its splitting carapace¡ªstrands of golden light seeped through the cracks as well! Lin Fan''s eyes narrowed. With a flick of his wrist¡ª WHRRSSHH¡ª! Fleshy walls erupted from the ground within the incubation chamber, rapidly sealing off the other spore pods. Xiao Wu quickly stepped in front of Lin Fan, her massive black bone wings folding forward to shield his entire body in a seamless barrier. BOOM¡ª!! A deafening explosion erupted from the swollen spore pod, a blazing fireball and shockwave tearing outward! Fortunately, the flesh walls had risen in time, absorbing the full brunt of the blast. Above, layers of creep-like biomass dropped from the ceiling, smothering the fire and sealing it beneath their sticky folds. Ssshhhhh... Thick smoke billowed through the chamber, accompanied by the acrid scent of charred flesh, drifting into Lin Fan''s nose. He signaled to Xiao Wu, who retracted her wings. The ruined aftermath of the explosion came into view. The spore pod that housed the spider¡ªalong with all the veins connected to it¡ªhad been completely vaporized. The explosion had even carved a pit in the chamber floor over three meters wide and five meters deep! The blood-red flesh at the bottom of the crater squirmed and writhed, trying to regenerate with the help of the spreading creep. [Explosion gene test failed. Initiating improvement protocols.] The Overmind''s voice echoed calmly in Lin Fan''s mind. Staring at the wreckage, Lin Fan was deep in thought. That single blast had shaken the entire chamber. He could feel the violent tremors beneath his feet, even struggling to keep balance. Even Xiao Wu¡ªat Soul Emperor level, strengthened further by the Queen of Blades'' Zerg-enhanced physique¡ªhad her body tremble slightly as she shielded him. That explosion had been truly terrifying. And all this¡ªfrom a mere ten-year soul beast after gene infusion. Suddenly struck with a thought, Lin Fan quickly shouted, "Wait! Cancel the gene improvement protocol!" [Protocol halted.] After a moment''s thought, he asked, "Overmind, is it possible to relocate the pelvic incubation chamber outdoors?" Testing inside the hive had proven too dangerous. The unstable nature of the explosive gene made spontaneous detonation highly likely. After witnessing that spider''s blast, Lin Fan wasn''t about to risk more test detonations inside the hive. A few more of those, and he might lose all his incubators¡ªor worse, damage the Level-3 Hatchery itself. He would literally cry if that happened. The Hatchery housed many of his most precious resources¡ªincluding a ten-thousand-year soul bone! [Affirmative. Worker Drones can facilitate external incubation.] "Perfect!" Lin Fan brightened, then took Xiao Wu, a few Worker Drones, and about a dozen sub-hundred-year soul beasts up to the surface. They found an open, secluded clearing. The Worker Drones spaced themselves out, lying flat on the ground and initiating the hatchery process. Giant, independent spore pods inflated instantly. Lin Fan thought for a moment, then gestured¡ªat once, the surrounding creep rose up and formed thick, fleshy walls between each pod. Even though they were outdoors, his cautious nature urged him to layer in extra safety. Better paranoid than obliterated. As Lin Fan reviewed the genetic database, he waited silently for the new pelvic incubators to finish forming. About half an hour passed. Ssshhh¡ª! Several pitch-black incubators pulsed with faint pink light as they writhed atop the creep-covered grass, like giant grotesque hearts. Their outer membranes were covered in twisted veins and thick, throbbing arteries. A normal person would be horrified to see these structures¡ªthey looked like something out of a nightmare. Lin Fan pursed his lips. He''d mentally prepared himself for how grotesque Zerg structures could get... But somehow, the buildings and units kept evolving into even more sanity-shattering abominations. The uglier, the better¡ªlike some eldritch design philosophy. Lin Fan even joked to himself: Will there come a day when the Zerg win wars purely by traumatizing enemies with their hideousness? He entered the first incubation pod and placed two ten-year venomous spiders inside. Though he had several of these new incubators, building even one wasn''t cheap¡ªit cost as much energy as two Level-2 Hatcheries. Raised with a penny-pinching mindset, Lin Fan wanted the best results at the lowest cost. He looked at the restrained venomous spiders, then voiced the idea that had popped into his head earlier: "Overmind, merge all unstable, explosive, or flammable genes into the explosive gene strand." [Warning: This will raise gene collapse probability to 90%. Confirm?] "...Wait. Only 90%?" That was lower than he expected! Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He thought for a second, then added: "Also include any fire-related genes and any genes that enhance mobility." [Collapse probability: 100%. Gene fusion complete.] [Final gene result¡ªunidentifiable, unnamable, unstable.] Lin Fan grinned ear to ear. Exactly what I wanted. He clapped his hands together, excited. "Begin gene infusion!" The Overmind hesitated¡ªhesitated¡ªfor the first time. There was a pause. [Acknowledged. Initiating process. My Lord, please prepare accordingly.] Ssshhhh¡ª! Countless tiny blood vessels extended and slowly burrowed into the spider''s body. Colorful, mysterious fluids oozed through each vein¡ªevery single one containing a distinct, isolated gene solution. Mixing them prematurely could be disastrous. If something went wrong before injection, the experiment could fail before it even began. BOOM¡ª Suddenly, ten thick walls of pulsating flesh rose within the hatchery pod. Each one shimmered with a dark sheen¡ªpossibly a protective measure. A small observation window opened, allowing Lin Fan to monitor the experiment. He twitched at the sight. The Overmind... did all this? This was the same entity that was supposed to follow his every command without question¡ªand it was practically building a bomb shelter. How much does it mistrust my judgment!? As the gene fluids approached the spider''s body¡ªstopping exactly five millimeters from contact¡ªeverything went completely still. Then¡ª All at once, the veins injected their contents into the spider''s body with surgical precision, synchronized down to the millisecond. Inside the pod, Lin Fan watched. Just a moment ago, the spider had been writhing violently. But as soon as the genes entered its body¡ªit froze. Utterly motionless. Even the fine hairs on its body didn''t move. It looked more like a statue than a living creature. Lin Fan stared, puzzled. But then, the spider began twitching again, as if nothing had happened. There were no visible changes¡ªno bulging veins, no mutations, no explosions. It was like the gene infusion had never happened. "...Did it work?" "Wasn''t this supposed to have a 100% failure rate?" BOOM¡ª!! **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 25: Three Gene Types — Breeding a New Zerg Unit Chapter 25 - 25: Three Gene Types ¡ª Breeding a New Zerg UnitA deafening explosion thundered in Lin Fan''s ears! "BZZZZ¡ª!" His hearing was overwhelmed by a roaring buzz. All ten layers of flesh-walls shielding him shuddered violently at once. Lin Fan staggered, struggling to keep his balance as the ground beneath him trembled like an earthquake. Xiao Wu, startled, immediately spread her bone wings, preparing to shield him again. But Lin Fan raised a hand to stop her, his eyes lit with excitement as he looked toward the site of the former spore pod. The pod¡ªand every connected blood vessel and surrounding wall¡ªhad been completely annihilated in the blast. A crater, even deeper than the last, now smoked with thick black fumes. This time, though, scattered embers were still burning across the creep and the flesh-covered chamber walls. These strange sparks steadily corroded and burned through the living biomass, preventing the creep and walls from regenerating! Even the newly spawned creep and fresh tissue were burned and consumed by the lingering flames. It took a continuous half-minute of energy flow from the creep before the fires were fully extinguished, allowing regeneration to finally begin. Lin Fan grinned, visibly excited. This is exactly the effect I wanted! But... it still wasn''t enough. He recalled how the venomous spider had shown no change before its detonation¡ªas if the explosion had come without warning. The blast was sudden¡ªlike a complete accident. No sign, no buildup. While that offered excellent stealth potential, it also meant the unit was completely uncontrollable. Lin Fan frowned. "Overmind, what gene caused the others to temporarily stabilize just before the fusion?" [Unable to analyze. Unpredictable.] "Tch... figures." He let out a breath, his expression hardening as he turned toward the second pod in the damaged hatchery. Inside it, a thirty-year-old venom-spined lizard thrashed in containment. "Overmind, inject the same fused genes as before into Spore Pod No. 2." [Your will is absolute.] Ssshhh¡ª! Four thick bio-tubes extended from the walls, ending in needle-like spikes that plunged deep into the lizard''s limbs. WHRRSSHH¡ª! Gene serum was pumped in. The venom-spined lizard responded exactly like the spider¡ªfirst freezing completely, like a statue, then resuming motion as if nothing had happened. BOOM¡ª!! Another earth-shaking explosion, accompanied by fire and smoke, erupted. This blast completely destroyed what remained of the already-damaged hatchery. Torn chunks of flesh and bone scattered across the ground, twitching but unable to regenerate. The first pelvic incubation chamber... was now officially scrapped. "Overmind, what were the time intervals before detonation for each case?" [First: 5 seconds. Second: 7 seconds.] "Lock in the fused genes as finalized." [Confirmed.] Lin Fan stepped over the shattered remnants and moved to the next chamber. Inside was a hundred-year-class soul beast. He nodded slightly. "Overmind, begin the next gene test." [Initiating Phase Three Gene Fusion: Corrosion.] This trial was far more direct. The creep itself wrapped tightly around the spore pod, and the gene serum was forcibly injected into the soul beast''s body. Agonized howls echoed from within¡ªharrowing enough to make anyone''s skin crawl. Moments later, the creep peeled away, revealing a dark-green snake-type soul beast slithering out, tongue flicking. Its vertical pupils were dull and lifeless¡ªits consciousness had been wiped. It was now a mindless Zerg puppet, obeying only the Overmind. [Gene fusion successful. Final corrosion-type gene: Lethal Acid.] Lin Fan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. With a wave, another spore pod was torn open. Inside, a Black-Armored Rhino stared out in terror at the surrounding Zerg. Its hulking body trembled violently. "HSSSS!!" The mutated green snake suddenly spat a jet of pitch-black fluid straight at the rhino''s body. The moment it did, the snake withered instantly¡ªits flesh shriveled, muscles dried out, and it collapsed in a heap like a hollowed husk. A horrid stench spread through the air. "RAAAHHHH!!!" The Black-Armored Rhino let out a blood-curdling scream as the black acid sizzled across its body. It immediately activated its soul skill, golden light flaring across its body as a black, hardened shell formed over its skin. But even the hardened skin was no match¡ªthe black acid continued to corrode, sizzling and bubbling as the armor melted away like snow under a scorching sun. Its tough hide, muscles, skeleton, internal organs¡ªheart, liver, spleen, stomach, limbs¡ªwere all dissolved inch by inch, until nothing was left. The acid finally dripped onto the flesh-covered floor and continued to eat through it without pause. A gaping hole quickly formed. The fluid continued its descent, burrowing deeper and deeper. Watching this, Lin Fan''s scalp tingled. Then his expression changed dramatically. Wait... this is beneath my hive! If this stuff keeps going, it''ll eat through my entire base! Three minutes later, the last hiss of corrosion faded. The black liquid vanished entirely. At that point, it had dug a hole over 50 meters deep¡ªmeaning it had melted through the rhino and another 50 meters of creep-covered terrain. Lin Fan was left slack-jawed. This level of corrosion was... insane. He smacked his lips and said, "Overmind, proceed to the next stage of testing." [All viable genes have been successfully fused. Remaining genes are suitable for enhancing existing Zerg units: Zerglings, Hydralisks, and creep.] "...Huh?" "That''s it?" He stared at the gene panel in disbelief. Sure enough, only a few genes remained, just enough to apply enhancements to existing unit types. With no other choice, Lin Fan sighed and said, "Assign the three finalized genes to Zerg units. Begin creation of new Zerg types!" [Initiating gene matching.] [Creating new Zerg units.] [Estimated time required: 48 hours.] Another 48-hour incubation? Just like when I created the Queen of Blades... But the longer the incubation, the more powerful the result¡ªthat much was certain. A thrill of anticipation stirred in Lin Fan''s chest. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He turned his gaze toward the remaining two incubation chambers. Inside were a Millennium Devouring Gold Rat and a Millennium Thunder Ant. "Overmind, inject the Titanium Body gene into both of them." [As you command.] **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 26: Three War Machines Chapter 26 - 26: Three War Machines"ROAR!!" Two deafening howls thundered through the forest as two fierce-looking soul beasts tore through their spore pods and emerged, breaking free like monsters hatching from cocoons, howling at the sky. Waves of raw power radiated from their bodies, their sheer presence enough to shake the air. Yet, in front of them stood rows of emotionless Zerg units¡ªunfazed, unmoving, like statues forged from flesh and steel. Lin Fan''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he examined the transformed soul beasts before him. The Devouring Gold Rat, once covered in soft, golden fur, was now encased in heavy, obsidian-black armor. Its entire body was reinforced with jagged plating, and its hind legs had become thick and muscular. Its original short, weak forelimbs were replaced with two drill-like blades¡ªeach composed of four curved, scythe-like segments. When deployed, they formed spinning fan-shaped saws that gleamed with a chilling light, capable of shredding anything in their path. Its head was the stuff of nightmares. Beady red eyes radiated bloodlust, and a pair of crescent-shaped fangs curved out from the sides of its jaw. Two sharpened front incisors hung menacingly from the upper lip, and its bizarre maw was surrounded by constantly writhing flesh and smaller fangs. A single bite from this creature could reduce a target to unrecognizable pulp. Its body, already stocky before, now stretched to nearly four meters long, packed with bulging muscle. Standing over two meters tall, the mere sight of it would send shivers down any soul beast''s spine. Calling this monster a mere "millennium soul beast" now felt like an insult. Standing beside it was the fully transformed Thousand-Jin Ant, now just as massive as the Devouring Gold Rat. Its six previously thin legs had become jet-black lances tipped with barbed spikes. Every step it took drove them deep into the ground with ease. The redesigned limbs allowed it to ignore all terrain¡ªits feet could cling to any surface, or pierce directly into an enemy''s flesh with terrifying penetration power. On its back, a pair of purple-black wings flared open¡ªgruesome and otherworldly. Its tiny head now bore six pairs of eyes, arranged in a hive-like pattern and glowing with a bloodthirsty crimson gleam. Astonishingly, this millennium-level ant had developed the wings normally only seen on a Thousand-Jin Queen! Lin Fan''s eyes lit up like torches. These two soul beasts radiated overwhelming pressure just by standing there, exuding constant, crushing power. They were like walking engines of slaughter. "Overmind," Lin Fan asked, "how many energy points were spent on modifying these two?" [Devouring Gold Rat: 50,000 points. Thousand-Jin Ant: 60,000 points. Earth King Beetle: 70,000 points.] "Holy¡ª!!" Lin Fan nearly choked. So much for building an army of modified soul beasts... Capturing a millennium soul beast alive was already hard enough. Most of them had developed intelligence and wild instincts. Even if they couldn''t win, they''d fight back with terrifying desperation¡ªbiting, clawing, doing everything they could to take someone down with them. And those who were timid or cautious would flee as far as possible. If escape was impossible, they''d choose to die fighting rather than be captured. Until the Zerg produced specialized capture units, live capture of high-level soul beasts would remain a nightmare. And the energy cost alone to modify them? Absolutely insane. Just modifying a few thousand-year beasts already cost over 180,000 energy points. What would it take to modify ten-thousand-year soul beasts? He didn''t even want to imagine it. Suddenly, Lin Fan remembered something¡ªthe first test subject that received the Titanium Body gene... the Earth King Beetle. It had succeeded, hadn''t it? Closing his eyes, Lin Fan tapped into the Zerg psychic network and located the mutated Earth King Beetle''s mental signature. He ordered it to surface from the underground hive. The creature, previously lying dormant, instantly activated. Its body emitted a deep purple glow, and its thick tail curled over its back, aligning with its massive claws. KRSSHH! The sound of grinding rock echoed as the Earth King Beetle drilled upward from the underground, like a living purple jackhammer. BOOM! The ground exploded as a massive pit opened, soil flying everywhere. A massive, purple-black silhouette leapt out of the hole, twisted midair, and slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash. "SKREEEEE!!" It let out a piercing screech, its triangular eyes glowing blood-red. Ferocious. Dominating. Magnificent. Those were the only words Lin Fan could use to describe the sight. His heart trembled as the Earth King Beetle emerged. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its heavy, flat body resembled an armored mech, radiating a sense of silent, lethal danger. Every inch of it gleamed with power. If you asked any man¡ªwho would say no to a sentient mecha-like beast like this? Three living war machines now stood before Lin Fan. Powerful bodies. Terrifying appearances. Unmatched combat strength. They were the perfect blend of Zerg flesh and cold, calculating minds, fused with the finest genes harvested from powerful soul beasts. Aside from the Queen of Blades herself, these were now the strongest Zerg combat units in existence. "Overmind," Lin Fan asked, "what''s their current combat capability?" [Based on available gene data and incomplete Zerg evolution, estimated combat level equals that of a ten-thousand-year soul beast.] Lin Fan''s eyes widened in disbelief. From just barely reaching the millennium stage... to straight-up skipping 8,000¨C9,000 years of cultivation... and jumping straight to ten-thousand-year class?! It was a blatant violation of the natural path for soul beast growth! If the soul beasts of the Douluo Continent found out their kind could reach this level through Zerg evolution... they''d go absolutely mad. Especially the hundred-thousand-year beasts¡ªthey would never stop hunting him until they learned how to obtain this power. Once a soul beast reached 100,000 years, breaking through again became nearly impossible. They had only two options: Break the shackles of their lifespan and ascend to one-million-year class¡ªa feat nearly no beast could achieve. Take human form, risking their lives to cultivate and try to reach Titled Douluo level. Both paths were filled with despair. But the Zerg''s evolution system shattered all of that. It transcended time. Levels. Even race. The sheer potential of the Zerg was now clearer than ever. Lin Fan trembled slightly, scalp tingling. Until I grow truly powerful... the Zerg must continue to develop in the shadows. This path of patient survival... will be long and difficult. **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 27: Ten-Thousand-Year Crest-Head Windtail Serpent & the Mysterious Human Girl Chapter 27 - 27: Ten-Thousand-Year Crest-Head Windtail Serpent & the Mysterious Human GirlWithin the Star Dou Forest¡ª At the boundary between the core and outer regions¡ª A ten-thousand-year Crest-Head Windtail Serpent was gliding rapidly across the ground, its long body slithering like a shadow. Just ahead, a young girl was frantically running, her face full of panic. She kept glancing over her shoulder while sprinting through the dense forest. The girl wore a deep purple, form-fitting battle suit. Her short, violet hair stood out strikingly in the woods. Her figure was undeniably alluring¡ªgracefully curved, a slender waist that could be held in one hand, and long, toned legs partially encased in sleek thigh-high armor. A portion of her upper thighs was exposed, pale and eye-catching. But it was her upper body that truly demanded attention: her chest stretched the fabric of her combat suit to its limits, the black lace lining barely containing the generous curves that pushed tightly against the outfit, creating an undeniable contrast against her fair skin. "Damn it! All I did was kill a thousand-year Ghost Tiger¡ªwhy did it attract a ten-thousand-year Crest-Head Windtail Serpent?!" The girl could never have imagined that sneaking away to hunt a relatively strong soul beast for her next soul ring would trigger the pursuit of a ten-thousand-year beast! If it were just any other ten-thousand-year soul beast, she might still have a chance of escaping using her spirit. But this one¡ªthe Windtail Serpent¡ªwas infamous for its speed! A blur of shadow streaked behind her, gliding across the ground like it was flying just inches above it. In its sly eyes gleamed cruelty and greed¡ªit wasn''t in a rush to kill. It wanted to play with its prey. The girl stole one last, regretful glance at the lifeless corpse of the Ghost Tiger behind her. A large, glowing purple spirit ring hovered above it¡ªso tantalizing, so close... yet already lost. "Ugh! When I get back, I''m telling my father to come slay you himself!" She shouted toward the serpent without caring if it could understand. Then, she turned and sprinted for the edge of the Star Dou Forest. Behind her, the Windtail Serpent suddenly paused. Its slitted pupils reflected a flicker of hesitation as it gazed toward the forest outskirts. But after a moment, it flicked its tongue, eyes turning fierce once more. It crouched low¡ªthen exploded forward, closing the distance in a blur. Shhhhhh¡ª! Hearing the noise behind her, the girl''s heart nearly stopped. With a sharp cry, she summoned her martial spirit. Behind her, a deep purple feline spirit avatar appeared, cloaked in mysterious energy. Its sleek fur radiated an aura of stealth and danger. At the same time, three spirit rings slowly rose around her¡ª S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yellow, Yellow, Purple. The third ring flared with light. "Nether Spring Drop!" She dropped to one knee, spun, and slammed her palm toward the incoming serpent. A deep purple glow surged in her hand, barely visible but filled with potent energy. "HISS!!" Caught off guard, the Windtail Serpent was struck squarely on the head. Its massive body jolted, freezing in place, its pupils glazed over with a faint purple hue. "I got it!" she cried out in relief. From its dazed expression and unsteady posture, she could tell her skill had worked¡ªNether Spring Drop had dragged its mind into an illusion! Now trapped in a hallucination, the serpent wouldn''t be waking up anytime soon. Smirking proudly, she walked up to it and tapped its massive head. "So much for a ''legendary'' ten-thousand-year beast. Not so scary after all." But then¡ª The Windtail Serpent''s pupils cleared. It stared straight at her, no longer dazed¡ªits gaze was playful, mocking. The girl''s body stiffened. A wave of cold swept from her scalp to her toes, her limbs trembling. She had been tricked. It was faking the whole time. She cursed herself silently. Damn it! How could I be so stupid? It''s a ten-thousand-year soul beast! How could it fall for a mere third-ring illusion?! The serpent flicked its tongue, hissing softly. To her horror, its expression morphed into a disturbingly human-like leer¡ªits gaze crawling over her body with an unmistakable glint of desire. Her face turned pale. She suddenly remembered a warning her teacher once gave her: "Most snake-type soul beasts are inherently Yin-aligned¡ªcunning, treacherous, and dangerously lustful. Some won''t even spare human women. If you encounter one, escape immediately unless you''re confident you can kill it. If it catches you... don''t even imagine the consequences." Terror overtook her features as her body began to tremble uncontrollably. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the ground. "Ssssss..." The serpent hissed eagerly, slithering up to her, its gaze locking onto hers, trying to break her will through sheer pressure. Shhh¡ªshhh¡ªshhh¡ª! Suddenly, rustling echoed from the jungle. The Windtail Serpent froze, its head snapping up toward the noise. It let out a threatening hiss, warning whatever was approaching. Then¡ªsilence. No birdsong. No insects. Not even the sound of tiny creatures moving through the underbrush. The entire forest had gone still. The crest atop the serpent''s head rose sharply. Its massive body grew restless. Its gaze darted across the surroundings. It didn''t even spare a glance at the girl anymore¡ªit just wanted to leave. Plop! Plop, plop, plop! Dozens of round, greenish Zerg organisms suddenly dropped from the trees around it, landing directly in the serpent''s path. They looked like bloated green balloons. The moment they hit the ground, they rolled quickly across the dirt, attaching themselves to the serpent''s body and secreting a thick, sticky fluid. The Windtail Serpent sensed danger. It twisted violently, trying to shake them off. But no matter how hard it thrashed, the organisms refused to let go. Crack! A thin fracture appeared on one of the bugs¡ªbright golden light leaked from the crack. "BOOM!!" "HISSSSS!!" The green Zerg organisms exploded all at once! Flames and shockwaves engulfed half the serpent''s body. It howled in pain, thrashing and roaring toward the heavens. As the smoke cleared, a fist-sized hole was visible in its armored scales¡ªblood pouring from the wound, and small embers still smoldering in the exposed flesh, causing agonizing burning pain. RUMBLE¡ª!! The ground quaked violently. From below, a massive, black-armored Devouring Gold Rat burst out, landing hard in front of the wounded serpent. Its red-glowing eyes reflected malice and killing intent. Its drill-like forelimbs split into spinning crescent blades, each over twenty centimeters long, flashing with cold light as they whirred to life¡ªand slashed down toward the serpent with devastating force! **** If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. /Salsita2k Chapter 28: Capturing the Mysterious Human Girl — A New Zerg Unit! The Crest-Head Windtail Serpent let out a furious hiss as its massive body coiled tightly, then uncoiled with explosive force. Using the recoil, it shot forward like a blur, narrowly dodging the Devouring Gold Rat''s strike. SSSHHHRIP! A harsh screech tore through the air as the rat''s spinning blades missed and slammed into the ground, carving a deep rift into the earth! The Windtail Serpent''s pupils narrowed. That strike¡ªterrifying. Had it landed, the damage would have been catastrophic! "Ssssss!!" The serpent hissed menacingly, its tongue flickering as it tried to intimidate the monstrous rat before it. It had no idea why this Devouring Gold Rat was so enormous or why it looked so different from the species it knew¡ªbut that didn''t shake its confidence. Just moments earlier, it had sensed the soul power fluctuations coming from the rat¡ªit was still only at the millennium level. "BZZZT¡ª!" The Devouring Gold Rat raised its front limbs, its crimson eyes glowing with cruelty and bloodlust. It charged forward again, showing no hint of fear. The Windtail Serpent flared with rage. A mere thousand-year beast dares challenge me?! The crest on its head trembled violently as it let out a deafening roar and lunged straight toward the rat. The two soul beasts collided once more, shaking the forest with dust and debris. The girl, who had been sitting on the ground in shock, was completely frozen. She stared blankly at the brutal fight unfolding in front of her, taking several seconds to process what was happening. Eventually, she snapped out of it and began quietly sneaking away. "Phew... I nearly died just now. Thank heavens that rat came to distract the serpent, or I''d be a goner." Now far from the battling beasts, the girl sighed with relief and patted her chest¡ªcausing a visible ripple beneath her clothing. She turned and looked back¡ªdespite the distance, the chaos of the fight was still clearly visible. The two soul beasts were tearing into each other without restraint. Looks like they didn''t notice me at all, she thought, relaxing slightly. Yet doubt flickered in her eyes. What were those green bugs that dropped from the trees? Why did they explode so violently? I''ve never seen anything like them... And that rat¡­ it still gave her chills just thinking about its grotesque, monstrous appearance. Since when did Devouring Gold Rats look like that? She shook her head. No use overthinking it. There were countless soul beast species across the continent¡ªit was entirely possible she''d just never encountered this one before. After resting briefly, she resumed her escape toward the edge of the Star Dou Forest. Still, the encounter left her uneasy. This forest is way too dangerous¡­ The Sunset Forest probably isn''t much better either. Next time, I''ll make sure Father sends some top-tier experts with me. She clenched her fists in frustration. That soul ring had practically been in her grasp¡ªand it had all gone to waste! Then a purple-haired figure flashed in her mind. Her gaze turned sharp. "Xiao Qing... I won''t let this go. One day, I''ll step on you and keep you underfoot forever!" "ROAR¡ª!" A sudden roar from ahead yanked her back to the present. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw a massive Earth King Beetle blocking her path, roaring in her direction. It looked horrifyingly similar to the mutated rat from earlier¡ªits body armored in dark purple-black plating, its eyes blood-red triangles brimming with killing intent. Panicked, she spun around to run the other way. But her soul power had been nearly drained in her previous encounter¡ªshe wasn''t sure she could outrun this thing. The moment she turned, her body froze. A wave of numbness rippled through her nerves like an electric shock. Right in front of her crouched an enormous Thousand-Jin Ant, its freakishly small, twisted head inches from her own. Its honeycomb-like array of red-glowing compound eyes stared straight at her¡ªunblinking, unmoving. "AAAHHH!!" The sudden face-to-face ambush sent her into a complete panic. She shrieked at the top of her lungs. In response, the Thousand-Jin Ant opened its grotesque maw, revealing a mass of writhing flesh and razor-sharp teeth, and let out a thunderous screech. "SSSKRRAAAH¡ª!" Her vision went dark. The last thing she saw before blacking out was the ant pinning her down with two of its limbs, piercing her clothes to secure her tightly¡ªthen flapping its wings and taking off with her in tow. BOOM¡ª! S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A black figure leapt high into the air and crashed into the ground, splitting the earth and kicking up a massive dust cloud. Two crimson lights glowed from within the smoke¡ªlocking onto the Windtail Serpent, which had tried to flee. The Devouring Gold Rat roared once more, its muscular legs flexing as it launched forward in another explosive charge. The Windtail Serpent''s eyes flickered with hesitation. It twisted its body and darted aside, once again narrowly avoiding the devastating strike. The mutated Devouring Gold Rat was fast¡ªalmost as fast as the winged Thousand-Jin Ant¡ªbut the serpent still held the edge in speed. It twisted and coiled through the battlefield like a serpent-shaped shadow, effortlessly dodging every strike and toying with its opponent. It had tried striking back, too¡ªbut being a non-venomous soul beast, its primary weapons were its speed and crushing constriction. Earlier, it had tried coiling around the rat, only to realize¡ªits enemy felt like solid steel. Cold. Hard. Unyielding. Despite all its strength, it couldn''t even make the slightest dent. Worse, it had been sliced by the rat''s spinning limbs during the attempt. "Ssssss!!" The Windtail Serpent hissed again, eyes narrowed with wariness. This rat¡ªthough only a millennium beast¡ªhad completely shattered its understanding. It couldn''t be injured. It couldn''t be restrained. Fighting further was pointless. Having made its decision, the serpent twisted its body and shot off toward the core region of the Star Dou Forest. CLANG¡ª! But a new figure suddenly blocked its path. A monstrous, alien Zerg¡ªonly slightly smaller than the rat¡ªstood before it. Its back was covered in heavily plated armor, lined with brutal spikes. Six massive, clawed legs were anchored deep into the ground, resembling indestructible pillars. Its head was recessed into its torso, ringed with thick shell plating. At the front of its face, a single black horn shimmered with a deadly glint, and its terrifying mandibles were layered in three concentric jaws. Three glowing red eyes stared emotionlessly at the Windtail Serpent. Its presence exuded impenetrable strength, like an implacable fortress come to life. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 29 – Another Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Bone… Zhu Zhuyun? The Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent hissed loudly, staring warily at the strange-looking bug that had suddenly appeared in front of it. The creature was pitch-black from head to tail, resembling a miniature version of a mutated Devouring Goldmouse. If not for its grotesque and alien appearance, the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent wouldn''t have even recognized what kind of species it was dealing with. When did the Star Dou Great Forest become infested with so many bizarre-looking insects? Suddenly, the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent recalled that group of rotund green bugs from earlier¡ªthe ones that could explode without warning. "Hiss!" Its vertical pupils turned icy cold at the thought, and with a roar, it lunged forward, coiling its body tightly around the strange insect. It had already confirmed there was no spirit energy fluctuation coming from the creature. Creak, creak¡­ A grating, bone-chilling sound echoed as the serpent tightened its grip, crushing the creature into a compressed ball of flesh. However, despite the force, its thick black carapace didn''t shatter. Only its underbelly was crushed into a mangled mess of pulp. The Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent''s eyes turned even colder. Its massive body writhed and tightened further, determined to squeeze the life out of the bizarre insect. Creak¡ª Boom¡ª! Finally, unable to withstand the pressure any longer, the insect''s dense carapace exploded with a loud bang. Boom¡ª! From a distance, the Devouring Goldmouse (Jinshu) leapt into the scene and landed heavily. Having been delayed by the previous struggle between the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent and the strange Zerg creature, it had finally caught up. Its entire body radiated a ferocious, bloodthirsty aura as it locked eyes with the serpent. The Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent flicked its tongue nervously, keeping its guard up. Though it was a thousand-year spirit beast, it no longer dared to underestimate the Goldmouse. That terrifying combat ability had clearly reached the level of a ten-thousand-year spirit beast. But curiously, the Devouring Goldmouse didn''t attack. It simply stared intently at the serpent, the burning aggression it had shown before now replaced with eerie stillness. "Hiss hiss hiss!" The serpent grew more anxious, coiling and uncoiling its body, trying to intimidate the Goldmouse with the full pressure of its ten-thousand-year beast aura. Yet the Goldmouse didn''t move. Its crimson beady eyes stayed locked onto the serpent, thick drool dripping occasionally from its terrifying mandibles. That only heightened the serpent''s unease. The spark of defiance it had just found evaporated almost instantly. Its vertical pupils darted around, searching for a chance to escape. Rustle rustle¡ª! Suddenly, the underbrush trembled as an entire swarm of Zerg¡ªidentical to the one the serpent had just crushed¡ªpoured out in a flood. The black tide formed a living wall of flesh and chitin, completely surrounding both the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent and the Devouring Goldmouse. "ROAR! ROAR! ROAR¡ª!" The Zerg let out guttural, primal cries that echoed through the forest. The wall of bodies formed an impenetrable barricade¡ªa living steel fortress. Their howls felt like war drums for the battle about to unfold. The atmosphere was electric, charged with raw tension, as if this were a deadly arena and the serpent and Goldmouse were the star gladiators. But who was the reigning champion, and who was the trapped prey? That remained to be seen. The Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent''s blood surged with heat. The pride and confidence of a ten-thousand-year spirit beast burned brightly. It raised its head high, eyes full of fury, and its crest trembled with each hiss. But the serpent failed to notice what was above it. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. High in the tree canopy, a cloud of pink butterflies flapped their wings silently. They hovered in the air, releasing an almost invisible dust from their wings¡ªdust that drifted downward, right into the lungs of both the serpent and the Goldmouse. "ROOOAR¡ª!" The Goldmouse howled madly, the crimson glow in its beady eyes growing stronger. The serpent, refusing to back down, hissed violently, blood vessels now visible within its vertical pupils. BOOM¡ª! The Goldmouse pounced first. Its forelimbs morphed into rapidly spinning scythe-like blades, slashing straight toward the serpent. But this time, the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent didn''t dodge. It opened its maw wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs, and lunged to bite the Goldmouse''s limbs. Its eyes, now bloodshot, began to lose focus. SLASH¡ª! Blood sprayed in all directions. A massive snake head, still crowned with its distinctive crest, was severed cleanly and flung into a nearby tree, then bounced lifelessly to the ground. The vertical pupils, once so sharp, now held only fear and confusion as the light faded from them. The decapitated body thrashed violently, smashing against the living walls of Zerg flesh, twisting and coiling in spasms. After a minute or two, it finally lay still, bleeding out onto the earth. Bzzz¡ª! A dense black spirit ring rose slowly from the corpse. At the same time, a brilliant glow emanated from beneath the serpent''s body¡ªrevealing a dazzling ten-thousand-year torso spirit bone. Tap tap tap¡ª A set of crisp footsteps echoed through the trees. Xiao Wu approached gracefully, bending down to pick up the glowing bone. "Heh~ A ten-thousand-year torso spirit bone. The Overmind will be very pleased~" She let out a gentle laugh and waved her hand. The surrounding Zerg retreated like a receding tide. A few Worker Drones scurried out, carrying the serpent''s body away. The pool of blood on the ground vanished, absorbed instantly by the forest floor. The Devouring Goldmouse gave a final leap, crashing back underground with a boom, disappearing from view. The forest fell silent once again¡ªnot a drop of blood in sight. Meanwhile, within the Zerg base¡­ Lin Fan stared with a strange expression at the unconscious girl brought back by the Crushing Ants from the forest. The girl was still unconscious. Her short purple hair was slightly messy, covering part of her face, but her delicate profile and graceful chin made it clear¡ªshe was stunningly beautiful. Her combat uniform had been punctured by the ants, leaving two large holes that failed to hide her soft, snow-white curves. His eyes were drawn to her slim waist and the glimpse of her pale thighs. "Isn''t this¡­ Zhu Zhuyun? What''s she doing here?" Lin Fan muttered to himself. Then, a crooked smile crept onto his face. "Perfect. The Zerg''s new unit is ready." "Let''s start the first experiment with you, shall we? Hahahahahaha!" **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 30 – I Am Zhu Zhuyun, and I Will Never Yield! Smooch! Lin Fan planted a kiss on Xiao Wu''s cheek and grinned. "What? Do I need to take it slow even when I kiss you?" Unable to resist her flawless, delicate face, he leaned in and kissed her deeply again. "Mm~" "Mmm¡­" A soft murmur escaped Zhu Zhuyun''s lips as her consciousness began to return. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. "Did¡­ someone save me?" "Where am I?" Lying on the ground, she mumbled to herself in confusion. Wasn''t she fleeing through the Star Dou Great Forest? She had been caught between the Earth King and a Swarm of Crushing Ants and passed out from fear. So¡­ what was this place? As Zhu Zhuyun whispered to herself, the previously playful noises suddenly ceased. A sweet, slightly seductive voice spoke: "Overmind~ It seems she''s awake~" Another voice, deep and laced with amusement, replied: "Ignore her for now. Come on, just one more kiss!" Smooch, smooch! Lin Fan continued kissing. Xiao Wu giggled shyly, pretending to resist. "We shouldn''t¡­ she''s right over there, my Overlord¡­" "It''s fine. She''s still groggy. She has no idea what we''re doing." Grinning mischievously, Lin Fan pounced again like a wolf, kissing Xiao Wu passionately. Zhu Zhuyun sat there in stunned silence, dazed and unable to comprehend the scene. "¡­Where am I? I must be hallucinating¡­" Moments later. Lin Fan emerged, arms around Xiao Wu''s slender waist. Her face was flushed bright red, and her violet-black hair tumbled down over her collarbones in a mess. The bone-like wings behind her had already retracted, though her long tail was still dangling from Lin Fan''s hand. With a playful grin, Lin Fan gave her tail a gentle tug, eliciting a surprised gasp from Xiao Wu. He quickly straightened his disheveled clothing and turned to approach the now-awake Zhu Zhuyun. Playtime was over¡ªit was time to greet their guest. Noticing the sudden silence, Zhu Zhuyun grew curious. Her dazed eyes flicked around as she tried to make sense of things. Was she saved by¡­ a couple? For some reason, just hearing their voices had made her blush uncontrollably. Her heart pounded wildly, as if their affectionate whispers had stirred something within her. Zhu Zhuyun slowly opened her eyes and sat up, examining her surroundings. She realized she was lying on a vast, grassy field. Curious, she reached down and pressed her hand into the turf. The ground felt incredibly soft, with a strange elasticity¡ªlike sitting on the belly of a large animal. If not for the countless vibrant flowers and the fresh fragrance in the air, Zhu Zhuyun would''ve doubted the reality of this "meadow." Even though the ground was lush and green, something felt¡­ off. This didn''t seem like a forest at all. Frowning, she scanned her surroundings again, trying to pinpoint the source of that unease. Then she looked up¡ªand froze. The sky¡­ was also covered in grass. She stared upward, dazed. Where the blue sky and white clouds should''ve been, there was only a vast, upside-down field of green. No sunlight, no sky¡ªjust a ceiling of verdant life. And yet, it all seemed¡­ lifeless. The scene resembled grass, but felt fundamentally wrong¡ªlike a simulation or a construct imitating nature, but devoid of its soul. Creak, creak¡ª The sound of footsteps pulled her attention back to the ground. A figure stepped forward and blocked her view. Zhu Zhuyun snapped out of her daze and looked up. A tall man stood in front of her, bare-chested, a half-smile on his lips. His violet-black hair gave him a mysterious aura, but what struck her most were his eyes¡ªfilled with cruelty and cold detachment, like a butcher who had long grown used to blood. His sculpted muscles and perfectly defined build made her blush uncontrollably. She lowered her gaze in embarrassment. "E-Excuse me¡­ Did you save me?" she stammered. Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. Wasn''t Zhu Zhuyun supposed to be extremely proud and loyal to her fianc¨¦, Davis? Willing to do anything for him? This¡­ didn''t quite match the image. Clearing his throat, he put on a gentle smile. "Of course. May I ask, beautiful lady, what kind of trouble were you in?" Zhu Zhuyun nodded and tried to stand. But just as she did, a chill ran across her shoulder and waist. Looking down, she realized her clothes were damaged¡ªbadly. Her upper garments had been torn, and a strip of pale skin was clearly visible. "Ahhh!!" Her face turned crimson as she frantically covered herself and let out a sharp, startled cry. Lin Fan rubbed his ear with mild irritation and clicked his tongue in disappointment. Too bad¡ªI wasn''t done admiring the view¡­ S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhu Zhuyun instantly understood what had happened from his expression. Her gaze grew ice cold. "I''ll let this go for saving my life," she said through gritted teeth. "But you''d better forget what you saw. Otherwise, once I return, I''ll have my father come and deal with you personally! Our family has a Title Douluo as a patron!" That was it¡ªLin Fan''s interest spiked. Yup, this was definitely Zhu Zhuyun. That arrogance, that pride, that threat¡ªit was unmistakably her. He dropped the nice-guy act and sneered coldly. He had no patience to play chivalrous knight to a pampered noble. "Oh? A Title Douluo, you say? Then perhaps you should take a look¡­ at this." With a wave of his hand, the ground rumbled violently. BOOM¡ª! Two massive, terrifying spirit beasts burst from the earth and stood beside Lin Fan, roaring viciously. "ROOOAR!" "AHHHH!!" Zhu Zhuyun screamed in terror and collapsed to the ground, her legs giving out. She stared wide-eyed at the Earth King and the Crushing Ant¡ªboth towering monsters she''d seen before. "S-So you were in league with those beasts all along?!" "Hmph. ''In league''? No. They''re nothing but obedient tools under my command." Lin Fan''s lips curled into a sinister grin as he slowly approached. "No need to panic. Soon¡­ you''ll be just like them. Obedient. Loyal. And completely under my control." "No¡ªNO!!" Zhu Zhuyun screamed, watching his outstretched hand draw nearer, and a wave of despair surged through her chest. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 32 – Zhu Zhuyun in Fear: A Threat? you''re not missing a chapter **** Lin Fan grinned darkly as he roughly grabbed Zhu Zhuyun, lifting her from the ground with ease. ¡°Ah!¡± Zhu Zhuyun let out a startled cry, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest to cover her exposed, tattered clothing. Lin Fan sneered. ¡°Why so shy? You¡¯ll belong to me soon enough. What¡¯s the point of hiding anything now?¡± ¡°You scoundrel! Shameless pig!¡± Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s face flushed scarlet with fury. Her enchanting eyes locked on Lin Fan, filled with nothing but hatred. ¡°Oh? So proud, even now? I actually admire that arrogance of yours," Lin Fan mocked. "Always acting high and mighty, aren¡¯t you?¡± His hand tightened around her throat, lifting her slightly higher. With his other hand, he tilted her chin up, examining her face with unsettling amusement. Her short violet hair was tousled across her cheeks, and her eyes¡ªnaturally seductive¡ªheld both defiance and fury. Though still young, her refined features hinted at the graceful and commanding aura of a noblewoman-in-the-making. His gaze drifted downward for a moment¡ªZhu Zhuyun''s curves and long legs were undeniable. Though less athletic than Xiao Wu¡¯s, they were supple and elegant. Lin Fan swallowed unconsciously, before snapping himself back to focus. Her face flushed deeper, whether from anger or shame was unclear. She strained against his grip, trying to pry his hand off her neck. ¡°Let me go, you bastard!¡± She managed to force the words out between gritted teeth, struggling to pull away, twisting her head to avoid his invading presence. Lin Fan leaned in close, breathing in her scent with exaggerated amusement. ¡°Mmm. Not bad. As expected from someone of royal blood. My little princess¡­ that skin is well taken care of.¡± His finger ran across her cheek. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s whole body trembled with rage. ¡°You¡¯re insane! If I ever escape, I swear my father and the royal elders will kill you! Our clan is protected by a Title Douluo!¡± At this point, Zhu Zhuyun wasn¡¯t thinking clearly. The overwhelming fear and humiliation made her desperate. She had grown up in privilege, never knowing what it meant to be powerless. Her instinct was to hold onto her pride, hoping that her background could frighten this madman into backing off. But Lin Fan wasn¡¯t from this world. He was no Spirit Master, no ordinary villain, and definitely not someone who could be threatened by titles or reputation. He was the Overmind of the Zerg. Even evil soul masters wouldn¡¯t flinch at such threats¡ªso what use would they have on someone who commanded the Swarm? Lin Fan laughed heartily as he observed Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s attempt to regain composure. Was this how the royals behaved? Trying to bluff their way out of danger by clinging to titles and connections? He scoffed. ¡°No wonder so many royal clans are full of soft, spoiled cowards.¡± Comfort breeds delusion, he thought. They forget how cruel the world can be¡­ until it¡¯s too late. For a brief moment, Lin Fan¡¯s mind wandered¡ªhe pictured a certain ¡°protagonist¡± with a grass-type martial soul. How would someone like that respond in a crisis like this? "Activate cheat powers!" He chuckled at the thought and shook his head. That overpowered guy had plot armor and a privileged background. No wonder his life was so easy. Brushing the thought aside, Lin Fan grinned again, his eyes lingering on Zhu Zhuyun. She suddenly took a deep breath and stared back coldly, her expression proud and sharp. ¡°I am Zhu Zhuyun, from the Zhu Clan of the Star Luo Empire. We are among the top aristocratic spirit master families.¡± ¡°My fianc¨¦ is a prince of Star Luo himself. I advise you to release me immediately. You can¡¯t afford to provoke the wrath of the imperial family!¡± Lin Fan raised an eyebrow, surprised she¡¯d suddenly changed tactics. A normal person might have actually been intimidated. After all, the Zhu Clan wasn¡¯t just any noble family, and having a royal fianc¨¦ carried real political weight. But releasing her? That would be na?ve. He smirked. ¡°So that¡¯s your play now? Trying to scare me off? Cute.¡± Lin Fan wasn¡¯t impressed. He had never planned on letting her go. And as for the Star Luo Empire? If it came to that, he¡¯d just target them first. His eyes glinted coldly. Then, a memory flickered¡ªwasn¡¯t there another Zhu in that clan? Ah, right¡­ Zhu Zhuqing. His lips curled. If Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s figure ranked first, then Zhu Zhuqing could easily take second. Sisters, both deadly and divine¡­ how¡¯s anyone supposed to resist? Zhu Zhuyun noticed Lin Fan¡¯s unbothered expression and felt a chill. She opened her mouth to threaten him again, but he cut her off. Leaning in, Lin Fan whispered, ¡°Enough talk. Let¡¯s get to the point.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Her pupils shrank. She suddenly remembered what he¡¯d said earlier: "You¡¯ll be just like them soon. Obedient. Submissive. Mine." ¡°No! You monster¡ªI won¡¯t let you!¡± She began thrashing wildly, doing everything she could to break free. ¡°I¡¯ll never give in to you!¡± Lin Fan¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice. The Zerg know only one law: obey.¡± Rip¡ª The sound of tearing cloth cut through the air. A sudden chill spread across her skin. Zhu Zhuyun froze in terror. Silent tears welled up in her eyes and slowly slid down her flushed cheeks. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 33 – The Enchantment Parasite: Zhu Zhuyun’s Indoctrination Begins "No! You monster!" Zhu Zhuyun''s voice rang with fury and fear. Her body trembled violently as she struggled, arms wrapped tightly around herself in a desperate attempt to preserve what little modesty she had left. Tap, tap, tap¡ª Xiao Wu appeared, draped in a sheer silken veil, her expression playful as she approached. Her crimson eyes briefly lingered on Zhu Zhuyun''s figure, and she let out a soft giggle behind her hand. "My, what a lovely figure you have, little sister~ I''m actually a little jealous, hehe~" Without a care in the world, Lin Fan threw Zhu Zhuyun down onto the Creep Mat. Wrapping one arm around Xiao Wu''s slim waist, he kissed her deeply, passionately. "Mm~" Xiao Wu responded just as eagerly, her long tail coiling around Lin Fan''s waist. Zhu Zhuyun lay on the ground, stunned. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the couple before her. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She examined Xiao Wu carefully¡ªlong, violet-black hair cascading across delicate collarbones, seductive features far surpassing her own, and crimson eyes that radiated an intoxicating charm. Her lithe, flexible waist, flawless legs, and alabaster skin were all fully exposed beneath the nearly transparent fabric. Even Zhu Zhuyun, as another woman, found herself instinctively glancing again. And yet... what was she? Those massive skeletal wings behind her, and that sinuous tail¡ªwas she even human? A transformed Spirit Body? A beast? Xiao Wu clung to Lin Fan, her sheer veil slipping lower as she kissed him again. The sight overwhelmed Zhu Zhuyun, who turned away in embarrassment. "Ugh! You filthy beasts! Don''t disgust me with your indecency!" she spat angrily. Smooch¡ª After a long moment, Lin Fan pulled away from Xiao Wu and casually tossed aside the veil that clung to her. He smirked, eyes flicking toward Zhu Zhuyun. "What''s wrong? Feeling left out?" Xiao Wu, now completely unbothered and unashamed, smiled mischievously. Her glowing red eyes locked onto Zhu Zhuyun like a predator sizing up prey. With a soft giggle, she said, "Seems like this little sister still hasn''t realized the situation~ Allow me to help enlighten her, my Overlord." Her tail slid down from Lin Fan''s waist and slowly extended toward Zhu Zhuyun''s face. The sharp, barbed tip hovered just a centimeter from her cheek, twitching back and forth. "Ahhh!!" Zhu Zhuyun screamed, her entire body trembling as she stared at the razor-sharp point threatening to scar her face. Born into nobility, she had always taken pride in her beauty¡ªher face and figure were a source of confidence. The idea of losing that was more terrifying than death. Lin Fan made no effort to stop Xiao Wu. Instead, he walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and teasing her gently. Xiao Wu blushed again, her smile softening as she turned to kiss Lin Fan on the neck. Zhu Zhuyun could only sit there, dazed, watching their intimate exchange. Her face flushed bright red, overwhelmed by emotions she''d never felt before¡ªshame, curiosity, fear¡ªall swirling in her chest. Even her fianc¨¦, Davis, had never held her hand¡­ and now, here she was, completely exposed and humiliated before strangers. Lin Fan smiled. Perfect timing. Zhu Zhuyun''s mental state was nearing collapse. Her spirit was stretched thin. It was time. He gently tapped Xiao Wu on the waist, signaling her to step back, and then slowly crouched in front of Zhu Zhuyun. His eyes gleamed with unreadable intensity. Xiao Wu giggled again, moving behind Zhu Zhuyun. Her long tail coiled around the girl''s arms, gently pulling her into her lap. Zhu Zhuyun''s body tensed as the movement exposed even more of her to Lin Fan''s view. He reached out and lifted her chin. Without warning, he kissed her. "Mm?!" Zhu Zhuyun''s eyes shot open in horror. My first kiss¡­ gone? She began thrashing wildly in protest, but Lin Fan released her before she could break free. His voice was low, commanding. "Give in. You were meant to serve the Swarm." "Never! I''ll never forgive you!" Her purple hair fell over her flushed face as tears filled her eyes. She glared at Lin Fan, eyes full of hatred. "Hahahaha!" Lin Fan laughed wildly. It had been so long since he''d felt this amused dealing with humans. Then, without another word, he rose to his feet and waved a hand. Shrrk¡ª! The Creep Mat pulsed. A large Zerg Spore Pod emerged from the ground. On its surface squirmed a terrifying butterfly-like parasite, flapping its grotesque wings in eerie silence. A thick vein connected the creature''s abdomen directly into the pod''s organic shell. Crack¡ª! The pod''s membrane opened. Xiao Wu wrapped her tail around Zhu Zhuyun and tossed her inside without resistance. The membrane sealed once more. Inside, Zhu Zhuyun screamed in terror. The squirming walls of the spore and the vein-like flesh surrounding her sent chills down her spine. She slammed her fists against the membrane, desperately trying to break free. But her spirit power was gone. Lin Fan had drained her soul power the moment she was captured. Since the moment she woke up, she had been nothing more than an ordinary girl. Outside, Lin Fan smiled. "Rest now. When you awaken¡­ you''ll belong fully to the Swarm." Zhu Zhuyun screamed from inside the pod, panic and despair overflowing. "No! Let me out! I swear I''ll kill you! I''ll kill you, you bastard!!" Lin Fan gave one final wave of his hand. Gurgle¡ª Golden fluid surged within the spore pod, submerging Zhu Zhuyun completely. Her world faded to black. Above, the parasitic butterfly twitched and pumped wave after wave of shimmering pink fluid through the vein into the pod, mixing with the golden essence and flowing into Zhu Zhuyun''s unconscious body. In Lin Fan''s mind, the Overmind''s voice echoed clearly: [Charm Parasite Queen Skill: Absolute Obedience ¨C Activated.] **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 34 – Zerg Servants: A New Unit and A New Strategy! Gurgle¡­ gurgle¡­ The spore pod containing Zhu Zhuyun pulsed rhythmically as waves of nutrient-rich biofluid steadily flowed into her body. Lurking atop the pod was the latest creation birthed by Lin Fan''s genetic engineering¡ªthe Enchantment Parasite Queen! Originally, after conducting a large-scale round of gene fusion, Lin Fan had only managed to produce three new combat monsters and three core gene templates. But just as he was about to refine new unit types¡­ ¡­the Earth King returned from a hunt with an unexpected surprise. It had slain a Ten-Thousand-Year Pink Enchantress! From that spirit beast, the Zerg Corruption Pool extracted rare gene traits¡ªenchantment, psychic suggestion, and sensory stimulation! Lin Fan immediately seized the opportunity and ordered the fusion of those traits with previously collected similar psychic and stimulant gene samples. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sure enough, a new Zerg species was born: the Enchantment Parasite! The experimental subject, a modified Illusion Butterfly, successfully adapted and evolved during testing, eventually transforming into a powerful Millennium-tier Enchantment Parasite Queen. Watching the queen release waves of energy atop the pod, Lin Fan couldn''t help but exclaim, "This gene¡­ arrived at the perfect time." The Zerg Broodmothers were powerful, but their production was limited. The pelvic incubation chamber could only produce one Broodmother per level. And in a world filled with such beautiful and powerful women, was he supposed to just walk away from valuable assets? The creation of the Enchantment Parasite solved a critical issue. Especially the Parasite Queen''s innate skill, which was absurdly powerful. Lin Fan''s eyes gleamed as he commanded: "Overmind, pull up the stats for the Enchantment Parasite and Parasite Queen!" [As you command.] [Enchantment Parasite ¨C A Zerg support unit. It secretes a powerful, colorless, and odorless hallucinogenic dust that affects the minds of enemy units, causing illusions, stimulation, or even unconsciousness. (Upgradeable)] [Parasite Queen ¨C The commander unit of the Enchantment Parasites. Its dust is far more potent. (Current Rank: Millennium)] [Innate Skill: Absolute Obedience] [Description: The Parasite Queen can compress its hallucinogenic dust into a form of concentrated psychic fluid, which can be injected into a target via a Zerg incubation pod. The altered target will retain their memories but become completely obedient to the Overmind. (Cooldown: 7 days, Energy Cost: 100,000)] Even though this wasn''t Lin Fan''s first time reviewing this skill, he still found himself in awe. This ability was terrifying. Any being injected with the Queen''s psychic fluid would fall under absolute control¡ªmind, body, and will. Total submission. While the transformed units didn''t gain the massive enhancements of a Broodmother host, that wasn''t the point. The key? They retained their original appearance and memories¡ªperfect for infiltration and sabotage. Where someone like Qian Renxue had to plot for years to impersonate a prince, Lin Fan only needed to capture the real one and rewire their loyalty with Zerg tech. No replacement. No risk. No trace. Fire ignited in Lin Fan''s eyes. The empires of Douluo¡­ the royal courts¡­ the noble clans¡­ If he could convert key figures into loyal servants of the Swarm, the resources of entire factions would flow straight into his hands. Spirit herbs, spirit bones, ancient relics¡ªeverything would become energy for the Hive. And when the time came to expand¡­ having insiders working within human society would make conquest far easier. Lin Fan took a deep breath, calming the excitement in his chest. World domination wouldn''t happen overnight. Douluo Continent was far from simple. Some terrifying old monsters remained in seclusion, and even beyond this world, the Divine Realm was watching. Not to mention¡­ on the far side of the planet, across the ocean, there was another continent. If he wanted to conquer this world and make it the cradle of the Zerg Swarm, he would need patience. Strategic buildup. Let the natives of this planet witness what it meant to face a galactic-level calamity. His thoughts drifted to his other newly created units. During the successful operation against the Ten-Thousand-Year Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent, two more experimental Zerg units had been field-tested¡ªand their performance had been outstanding. The first was a failed gene fusion experiment: the Suicide Bug. Lin Fan opened its unit panel. [Suicide Bug ¨C A highly unstable Zerg unit. From the moment of its creation, violent chemical reactions occur inside its body. It can detonate itself, dealing area damage. Its rotund body moves at high speed and secretes powerful adhesive mucus to latch onto any surface.] [Maximum detonation window: 20 seconds. Energy cost: 100 units.] Lin Fan grinned with manic satisfaction. These little bombs were a blessing! Even against a beast as durable as the Ten-Thousand-Year Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent, a swarm of Suicide Bugs could leave devastating wounds. And their post-detonation secretions produced a corrosive flame, slowly eating away at anything it touched¡ªperfect against high-regeneration enemies. Cheap. Effective. Brutal. Energy requirements had risen significantly due to enhanced Zerg evolutions. Even hatching a basic Zergling egg now cost 500 energy units. By comparison, a Suicide Bug only needed 100. A no-brainer. The downside? Each Suicide Bug detonated within 20 seconds of being spawned¡ªno exceptions. Delay it, and it would go off inside your own base. So Lin Fan devised a new strategy. The Aerial Bomber. Using Overlords'' flight capabilities, he could implant Creep within their bodies and hatch a basic Brood Hatchery inside them. While a standard Overlord couldn''t carry even a Level 1 Hatchery, with upgrades and gene enhancements for size and durability, Lin Fan had crafted a Colossal Overlord¡ª 50 meters long, 20 meters tall. A skyborne dreadnought that darkened the skies wherever it flew. And inside it? A mobile hatchery pumping out endless Suicide Bugs, raining destruction from above. A true flying Zerg siege fortress had been born. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 35 – Total War Protocol Activated Constructing a colossal Overlord-class Zerg warship was incredibly costly¡ªeach one consumed the equivalent energy of nearly one hundred standard Overlords. But Lin Fan didn''t hesitate. If he was going to build one, he might as well go all out. He equipped each Overlord Warship with two Tier-1 Hatcheries and an embedded Creep Mat, turning it into a fully mobile spawning fortress. Inside each warship, he also loaded numerous soul beast corpses and installed a miniature Corruption Pool. The Corruption Pool continually broke down the biomass to refuel the hatcheries and maintain the Creep¡ªproviding sustainable aerial energy without needing to land. According to the Overmind''s calculations, a fully-loaded Overlord Warship¡ªoperating at full spawn capacity with Suicide Bugs¡ªcould continuously bombard enemy positions for two and a half hours straight. At that speed, while flying and dropping Suicide Bugs nonstop, it could level approximately one-twentieth of the Star Dou Great Forest. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If it focused fire on a single area¡­ even a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast would be forced to shed its skin. Of course, such nonstop production and bombardment required a tremendous amount of energy. With Lin Fan''s current reserves, he could only sustain 15 minutes of full bombardment. But 15 minutes of uninterrupted assault was nothing to scoff at. The operation that eliminated the Ten-Thousand-Year Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent only used around 20¨C30 Suicide Bugs. In contrast, a single Overlord Warship, at current hatchery and Creep production speeds, could spawn over a thousand Suicide Bugs per minute. Lin Fan had already enhanced both hatchery output and Creep generation speed using extracted genes. Now, his Zerg army had reached a point where it could be classified as a low-level planetary infestation¡ªa small-scale cosmic calamity in the making. The Overlord Warships made Lin Fan''s heart race. He gritted his teeth and committed to producing three of them. To incubate such massive beasts, he temporarily moved his Tier-3 Hive to the surface¡ªhis underground lair simply wasn''t large enough to accommodate them. Once construction was complete, he relocated the Hive back underground. These warships were massive¡ªtoo large to birth without literally tearing the ceiling off the hive complex. Two of the warships were fully loaded with energy and designated for Suicide Bug mass deployment. They took off and ascended to altitudes exceeding 10,000 meters, even higher than the reconnaissance Overlords hovering above the forest. This helped avoid detection from ground-based high-spiritual-pressure entities or hidden old monsters. The third Overlord Warship was loaded with a mix of Zerg units and a massive energy reserve. It entered deep stealth mode and would act as a mobile second base. If the war effort failed, Lin Fan could retreat there, land somewhere else, and rebuild his forces in under an hour. A literal contingency plan for rising from the ashes. Beyond the Suicide Bugs, Enchantment Parasites, and Overlord Warships, Lin Fan had successfully bred two additional powerful Zerg units: The Roach The Corruptor The Roaches had already proven their worth during the Phoenix-Tail Crest Serpent extermination. Their thick armor made them incredibly tough¡ªso much so that even a ten-thousand-year soul beast had to go all out just to crush one. If Roaches were deployed alongside Zerglings as frontline tanks, enemy units would suffer immensely. They weren''t just durable. Thanks to fused steel-body genes and bio-regenerative molecules, a Roach that survived a fight could recover completely in under five minutes when paired with Creep regeneration. They were the ideal frontline defenders¡ªcheap, tough, reliable. While they lacked high offensive power, what Lin Fan needed most wasn''t more damage dealers¡ªit was meat shields that could take hits and survive. Each Roach could easily replace ten Zerglings in the cannon-fodder role. A worthy trade. As for the Corruptors, they resembled grotesque, lizard-like insects. Though only palm-sized, they could secrete a highly corrosive acid. According to the Overmind''s analysis, this substance could even melt the bones of a ten-thousand-year soul beast. However, Corruptors required significant energy to hatch. Specialized units like these always consumed more resources than brute-force types. Lin Fan stood back and looked over the updated Zerg Hive Complex with satisfaction. His underground lair had expanded into a space the size of several football stadiums. Zerg units moved in constant, purposeful streams, fulfilling their assigned roles. Those without current tasks stood in perfectly organized ranks on the distant Creep-covered fields, ready to launch into battle at any moment. Tunnels extended in every direction from the hive, connecting the surface and other outposts. In the outer zones of the Star Dou Great Forest, within the lower-tier soul beast regions, Lin Fan''s underground empire now controlled nearly one-third of the territory. He stood proudly before his Tier-3 Hive, gazing upon the vast, seething black tide of the Swarm. His heart swelled with pride and anticipation. "Overmind," he said calmly, "give me a current overview of my Zerg forces." [As you command.] Zerg Structures Tier-3 Hive: 10 Tier-2 Hive: 304 Tier-1 Hive: 3,021 Spore Crawlers: 6,442 Zerg Units Zerglings: 243,311 Hydralisks: 50,211 Drones: 10,231 Overlords: 4,236 Overlord Warships: 3 Suicide Bugs: 21,321 Corruptors: 1,233 Roaches: 5,083 Enchantment Parasites: 3,221 Hero Units 1 (Queen of Blades) Controlled Human Units 1 (currently in transformation) The psychic network of the Zerg lit up the spiritual cosmos, each unit a glimmer of light. The mental energy feedback alone made Lin Fan feel euphoric¡ªhis mind sharper, more alert, processing information faster than ever before. He closed his eyes and synced with the high-altitude Overlord surveillance network. Every corner of the outer Star Dou Great Forest came into view. The entire low-tier soul beast region lay exposed beneath his perception. Thousands of visual feeds opened in his mind at once¡ªbut Lin Fan handled it with ease. Such was the hidden benefit of being the Overmind. The more units he commanded, the stronger his own psychic strength became. Within the feeds, soul beasts of various ages were shown lounging, hunting, or resting. Lin Fan smirked. All of them¡­ walking energy points. "It''s time we gave the Star Dou Great Forest a little taste of what''s coming. Overmind¡ªinitiate the plan." "Begin full-scale assault." "Advance from the outer regions toward the core. Initiate: Zerg Total War Protocol!" [As you command, Supreme Overmind.] **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 36 – Overwhelming Pressure: The Stunned Sky Azure Bull Python! Within the Star Dou Great Forest ¡ª Outer Region. BOOM... BOOM...! The ground suddenly trembled violently, and strange sounds echoed from all directions deep within the forest. All the soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest raised their heads in confusion, sensing the vibrations and looking toward the source of the disturbance. The earth beneath them continued to quake like an earthquake. Beasts roared in unease, pacing and growling. Then, as if compelled by some invisible force, they all turned their eyes skyward. Above, the vast blue sky was covered with thick, snowy-white clouds, fluffy and dense, gently filtering the blinding sunlight. But then¡ªa massive shadow emerged from behind the clouds. It stretched across several kilometers, casting darkness over the land below. Some soul beasts on the ground began to panic. This scene felt strangely familiar¡­ Only this time, the shadow was far more immense and oppressive. An overwhelming presence radiated through the clouds, pressing down on the outer region of the Star Dou Great Forest with suffocating weight. "ROOOOAAAR¡ª!" A thunderous roar pierced through the sky, shaking the forest. One after another, beastly howls followed¡ªtwo of which were especially ferocious and thunderous, like dragons unleashing their wrath into the heavens. At the forest''s core. The Sky Azure Bull Python¡ªits massive form floating in the air with eyes closed in meditation¡ªsuddenly snapped its lantern-sized eyes open, filled with unease as it looked toward the outer region. Had it just heard... a terrifying roar? A moment later, it shook its massive head and let out a dry chuckle. Perhaps it had misheard. The outer region was countless miles away¡ªwhat kind of soul beast could make a sound that reached the core? Even a ten-thousand-year beast breaking through to a hundred-thousand-year level couldn''t make this kind of noise. Besides, as one of the sovereigns of the Star Dou Great Forest, ruling over all soul beasts, any major evolution would typically be brought to the core for protection. Why would a beast attempt such a breakthrough alone in the outer region, risking its life? The Sky Azure Bull Python dismissed the thought and began to return to its slumber¡ª "ROOOAAAR¡ª!" A second roar¡ªlike a furious dragon¡ªripped through the forest, shaking the very air. The sound carried boundless might and cruelty, tearing straight into the Bull Python''s ears. Its eyes widened as it stared toward the outer forest. This time, it heard it clearly. There was no mistake. That roar... was monstrous. What kind of creature could produce such a sound from so far away? A hundred-thousand-year soul beast? Or something even stronger? A sense of dread crept into the Sky Azure Bull Python''s heart. It had lived alongside the Titan Giant Ape for over a hundred thousand years in the Star Dou Great Forest. Never¡ªnot once¡ªhad they discovered another powerful beast hidden within its bounds. Its massive head slowly lifted, deep in thought, before its eyes flashed in sudden realization. It remembered what Er Ming (the Titan Giant Ape) had told it some days ago¡ªabout a strange new species of soul beast¡­ Could this be what Er Ming was referring to? If so, then this was far worse than expected. Its expression grew serious. After a moment''s hesitation, it glanced at the still-slumbering Titan Giant Ape, then turned and shot off toward the outer region. BOOM... BOOM...! The quakes lasted for a long time before the earth finally began to settle. But just as the soul beasts were growing restless from the tremors, a change in the sky pushed them into full-blown panic. From high above¡ªten thousand meters up¡ªthe thick white clouds began to sink. That vast shadow from earlier pressed down, heavier and heavier, engulfing the land in darkness. The sunlight vanished completely, leaving behind an ever-growing blackness, as if the heavens themselves were collapsing. The sky and the earth were drawing together¡ªslowly, irresistibly. "ROOOOOAR¡ª!" A terrifying roar once again shattered the air, blasting through the cloud cover and echoing across the entire forest. The clouds¡­ finally split open. Two Overlord-class Zerg Warships roared as they broke through, openly announcing the arrival of the Zerg Swarm. Each was over 50 meters long and 20 meters tall, emerging from the clouds like titanic beasts. Their crimson eyes, like blood-red suns, pierced through the gloom as they stared down at the world below. Dozens of massive tentacles writhed beneath them, twisting and squirming as the ships hovered like floating mountains, slowly descending. And behind them¡­ An endless swarm of Overlords. Thousands of red-eyed Zerg creatures poured from the sky like a black tide, covering the horizon in an overwhelming wave of biomass. "ROAR!" "SCREEE!" "HISSSS!" The soul beasts below panicked. They roared, shrieked, and bolted in every direction, eyes wide with terror as they beheld the Zerg armada above. Meanwhile, the Sky Azure Bull Python, speeding toward the outer region, suddenly froze mid-air. Its eyes went wide with shock as it gazed several kilometers ahead¡­ at the two monstrous warships looming in the sky. "What¡­ what are those things?" It prided itself as one of the sovereigns of the Star Dou Great Forest, a beast of massive size. Coiled up, it looked enormous. But compared to these Zerg warships? It looked tiny. And yet¡­ these warships were more bark than bite. Any ten-thousand-year soul beast could likely bring one down with effort. Still, in this world where size often equated to power, both humans and beasts instinctively viewed larger creatures as stronger. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not to mention, this world had very few effective ways to combat aerial threats. This only reinforced Lin Fan''s determination to hatch the Mutalisks (flying dragons). "Once I get those flying, who''s going to stop me?" The Sky Azure Bull Python''s massive eyes flickered with hesitation. This situation had spiraled far beyond expectations. But still, it clenched its teeth and pushed forward. It had to uncover the truth about these strange invaders. Far above, hidden among the clouds, a surveillance Overlord tracked its every move. Back inside the Zerg hive, Lin Fan smirked as he watched the scene unfold through the Overmind''s vision. He reached over and playfully ran his hand along Xiao Wu''s soft thigh. "Your old friend is here," he said casually. "Go give him a proper welcome." Xiao Wu giggled sweetly, her eyes glowing red. "As you command, my Overlord~" **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (8+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 37 – The Power of a Cosmic Cataclysm, The Soul Beasts’ Apocalypse In the outer region of the Star Dou Great Forest, soul beasts were scurrying about nervously, their gazes repeatedly drifting upward toward the dark swarm of Overlords looming in the sky. The presence of those two Overlord Warships alone sent overwhelming pressure crashing down upon them. Like ancient behemoths, their colossal forms didn''t emit soul power¡ªbut the sheer ferocity, savagery, and oppressive aura of the Zerg permeated the air. The countless Overlords blanketing the skies felt like they were going to devour the heavens themselves. Tsssshhh¡ª! Suddenly, the grassy terrain beneath the soul beasts split open. From the fractures emerged pitch-black, deep chasms¡ªmysterious passageways that seemed endless. Strangely, even these tunnels were lined with lush, green grass. Dark. Eerie. These winding paths appeared every few hundred meters, draping the entire forest in a chilling and unnatural atmosphere. Silent. Deadly quiet. In this massive forest, aside from the beasts'' own breaths and growls, there wasn''t a single sound¡ªno birdsong, no insects, nothing. The towering trees, shrouded in shadow, looked twisted and grim. Lin Fan watched this sinister scene with satisfaction¡ªit was the perfect ambiance: dark, unsettling, and filled with dread. After a moment, he gave the command: "Overmind, strip away the Creep''s disguise. I want these soul beasts to truly tremble." [As you command, Supreme Overlord.] Shhhwaa¡ª A wave of sound like rushing water echoed across the forest. The soul beasts looked down, shocked to find the grass beneath them was¡­ fading? A wave of invisible energy spread outward, and all across the region, the grass and wildflowers vanished in unison. In their place emerged pulsating, purple-black biomass, writhing and surging like a tidal wave, consuming every inch of the land. The exposed Creep Mat churned with bubbling tissue and twitching flesh. Like a grotesque brushstroke, it painted the forest in its final, horrific color. A forest bathed in darkness and silence. A sky smothered by monstrous Overlords. Tunnels yawning open beneath their feet. And now, a seething, alien terrain devouring the land. It was like the end of the world for the soul beasts. Their fear peaked. Their spirits teetered on the edge of collapse. In the trees above, countless Enchantment Parasites flitted through the air in small clusters, releasing their hallucinogenic dust. Some soul beasts began showing bloodshot eyes, pacing restlessly, overcome by agitation. Others began glowing yellow or purple, activating their soul power in desperation, trying to ward off the fear creeping into their minds. Those with weaker spiritual resistance¡ªespecially among the century and millennia-old beasts¡ªbegan to show unnatural red glints in their eyes, lashing out with their soul abilities in panic. Some even turned on the trees and ground, unleashing attacks in a frenzy. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Fan sneered. "Strike the mind before the body. Soul beasts are no different. All creatures with thoughts and emotions are vulnerable to fear." He had only set the stage¡ªyet already, many soul beasts stood at the brink of collapse. The psychological pressure alone had saved him tremendous effort. "Overmind. Begin the harvest." [As you command.] BOOM¡­ BOOM¡­! The earth rumbled once more. From every tunnel and crevice, the Zerg Swarm erupted like a tidal wave. Endless hordes, packed densely together, surged out¡ªeyes glowing crimson, blades flashing in the dark, screeching as they charged into battle. Zerglings took the lead, darting forward like ravenous hounds. Agile and compact, they leapt between trees and over rocks, ignoring terrain as if it didn''t exist. Like a black tide, they spread across the forest with terrifying speed. Every soul beast in their path¡ªevery living thing in sight¡ªwas instantly swarmed by a dozen, or even dozens of Zerglings. Even if a beast was completely covered in Zerglings, those circling outside would still reach between the gaps with their razor-sharp claws, stabbing into any exposed flesh. And from over 200 meters away, Hydralisks locked their vertical red pupils onto the chaos, their venom sacs pulsing. Streams of corrosive acid and venom blasted forward, exploding on the soul beasts in bursts of toxic spray. Collateral damage? Lin Fan didn''t care. Any fallen Zerg unit would be dragged away by the Drones, tossed into the Corruption Pool, and recycled into energy. Death meant rebirth. No loss was permanent. Centennial soul beasts couldn''t even scream before they were completely consumed by the Zerg tide. The forest canopy, the ground, even the sky became a storm of Zerg descending from the Overlord fleet like deadly rainfall. A black, roaring sea of monsters engulfed the region in its entirety. By now, the outer region had transformed into a living Zerg hive¡ªno gaps, no escape. Rivers of blood flowed freely¡­ only to be absorbed by the Creep, fueling the swarm further. As for the stronger soul beasts¡ªthose of millennia or ten-thousand-year strength¡ªthey fared little better. Roaches stood firm at the front, their thick armor absorbing damage and trapping the soul beasts within narrow zones. Meanwhile, Hydralisks and Corruptors bombarded them with venom and corrosive acid, melting flesh, dissolving limbs, and driving them into howling agony. The more durable soul beasts¡ªthose with thicker hides and higher defenses¡ªwere marked for special treatment. From the sky, Overlord Warships rained down bright green Suicide Bugs, exploding on impact and reducing even ten-thousand-year soul beasts to mangled chunks of meat. On the outskirts, rows of Spore Crawlers rose from the earth, pulsing with dark light, acting as the final sweepers for this horrific banquet. Buzz¡ª! Thick spikes erupted from the ground, piercing through soul beasts and lifting them into the air like skewers. Even as their bodies glowed with unleashed soul power, it was useless. They could only roar in despair as they were impaled and torn apart. The scent of blood was so thick, it felt tangible, wafting thousands of meters beyond the battlefield. This place had become hell itself. And the Zerg''s roars? They were like the whispers of demons, heralding the end. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 38 – The Furious Sky Azure Bull Python, The Pitiful Xiao Wu "ROAR¡ª!" A ten-thousand-year Earth Cavern Demon Spider let out a frenzied howl, trembling as it faced the endless, black ocean of Zerg pouring toward it. Its eight spear-like legs quivered violently. Countless multifaceted eyes were filled with terror. When its roar failed to drive the swarm back, a burst of black light erupted from its body. It opened its mandibles and fired a dim beam of light into the ground. BOOM¡ª! A pitch-black, highly toxic prison cage shot up from the earth, trapping several Roaches inside. The massive cage even isolated the approaching Zerglings that had been swarming forward. Sharp spikes lined the cage, stabbing and crushing the Roaches within. Even their thick, armored hides couldn''t withstand the piercing assault¡ªblack blood splattered everywhere. But what horrified the Earth Cavern Demon Spider most was that these grotesque creatures, impaled through their bodies, showed no signs of pain. They continued to thrash and struggle, trying to tear free and charge again! "ROAR!" The spider howled again. With its two thick forelimbs, it ripped into the Creep and burrowed down. But before it could go far, its body suddenly dropped¡ªit had fallen into a bottomless pit. Regaining its footing, the Earth Cavern Demon Spider looked around¡ª ¡ªand what it saw made it despair completely. A massive hive complex stretched before it. Countless nightmarish Zerg buildings dotted the distant underground horizon. And here, beneath the surface, was a swarm even larger than the one aboveground¡ªcountless pairs of crimson eyes stared directly at the "poor little intruder." It barely managed one final roar before being swallowed whole by the black tide. Scenes like this played out everywhere. No matter what tactics the soul beasts used¡ªwhether fighting or fleeing¡ªthey were inevitably devoured by the endless, relentless swarm of Zerg. Not a single ripple of resistance remained. From the Overlord Warships ten thousand meters above, the entire outer region of the Star Dou Great Forest looked as if it had been flooded in black ink. Occasionally, one or two soul beasts managed to leap out of the swarm¡ªonly to be smashed back down by a surging wave of Zerg. The tide was still spreading, swallowing the forest one inch at a time. It was a complete invasion. The Sky Azure Bull Python finally arrived, its massive body floating above the scene. Seeing the writhing black sea below, it was momentarily stunned. Its lantern-sized eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. "What¡­ what kind of soul beasts are these¡­?" No. This wasn''t right. The Sky Azure Bull Python looked more closely. These terrifying creatures had no soul power fluctuations at all. They relied solely on their brutal physical strength and strange attack methods to hunt and kill soul beasts. But how could any race possess such an overwhelming number of fighters? Even at a glance, there were clearly thousands of Zerg visible on the battlefield. Which begged the question¡­ how many were actually down there? Ten thousand? A hundred thousand? The Sky Azure Bull Python couldn''t comprehend it. As it watched the swarm rampaging through the forest, it found itself completely at a loss. FWSSHH¡ª! A stream of green venom zipped past the Bull Python, striking a heavily wounded Darkflame Ape that had just barely escaped the swarm. The acid seared through the ape''s body and instantly ended its life. The Sky Azure Bull Python snapped out of its daze, its eyes locking onto the soul beast that had just died before it¡ªcharred and broken. Fury erupted in its heart. "These filthy, despicable monsters¡­ how dare they slaughter my kin!" It had assumed these foreign creatures would target humans first. But instead, the first to fall victim were its own people. Its heart surged with regret. "If only I had led the soul beasts to unite against them from the start¡­ Would this tragedy have been avoided?" But even thinking it through, it couldn''t fathom how the Zerg had grown so powerful so quickly. From emergence to this stage had taken less than a month! "MOO¡ª!" Blue energy surged from its massive head and blasted into the black tide below. BOOM¡ª! A swath of Zerglings was thrown into the air. A brief gap appeared in the tide¡ªbut was quickly filled by more Zerg pouring in. Still, seeing some effect brought a flicker of relief to the beast. The pressure from the Zerg ocean was immense. Even as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, it knew that enough weaker enemies, in vast enough numbers, could overwhelm even it. But¡­ many of these creatures didn''t even possess the strength of thousand-year soul beasts. That gave it some confidence. FWSSHH¡ª! Another beam of blue energy swept across the battlefield, clearing a portion of the swarm. As it prepared to strike again, a voice called out from behind. "Da Ming?! What are you doing here?!" The Sky Azure Bull Python froze. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That voice¡­ could it be¡­ Big Sister?! Whipping around, it saw a familiar figure huddled beneath a tree, arms wrapped around her knees, trembling. It was indeed Xiao Wu! The Bull Python quickly descended and landed beside her, its eyes soft with worry as it examined her condition. What it saw left it stunned. Xiao Wu had completely changed. Her appearance was more mature¡ªher figure now that of a grown woman, no longer the petite form she''d had when she first took human shape. Her pupils glowed crimson. Behind her sprouted a long tail and a pair of bone wings. The Sky Azure Bull Python''s eyes widened further in disbelief. "Big Sister¡­ what happened to you?" Xiao Wu''s eyes welled up with tears, her expression full of sorrow and fear. Sniffling softly, she said in a trembling voice, "They bullied me, Da Ming¡­ sob sob¡­" "I had just left the forest¡­ and then I ran into these terrifying soul beasts. They captured me and made me eat some strange fruit¡­" "Then¡­ I ended up like this¡­" She raised her head to look at the Bull Python, her gaze full of despair. "Please take me home, Da Ming¡­ I don''t want to be outside anymore¡­" Every word pierced the Bull Python''s heart like a dagger. Rage boiled within it. Guilt flooded its eyes. "It''s all my fault¡­ If only I had kept you safe, none of this would''ve happened!" "It''s okay now, Xiao Wu. I''ll take you home. We''ll figure something out together." "Mm¡­" Xiao Wu nodded, still sobbing as she slowly climbed onto his massive back. The Bull Python was filled with urgency. He just wanted to get her away from here. "Are you holding on tight, Xiao Wu? I''m taking you home." Her crimson eyes gleamed suddenly, and a strange smile curved her lips. "I''m holding on. Let''s go, Da Ming." **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 39 – Xiao Wu’s Betrayal, the Fall of the Sky Azure Bull Python ¡°Alright. Er Ming is back at the den too. I¡¯ll take you home first, Sister Xiao Wu!¡± The Sky Azure Bull Python gave its massive body a shake, trying to make Xiao Wu¡¯s ride more comfortable as he gently reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Sister Xiao Wu. Once we¡¯re back, Er Ming and I will figure out a way to help you return to your original form.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Xiao Wu nodded softly, seated on the Bull Python¡¯s broad back¡ªthough her beautiful face now carried an expression of mocking disdain. The earlier teary, pitiful act was completely gone. She parted her lips slightly, and in a voice so quiet it was nearly inaudible, she whispered: ¡°I¡¯m quite happy with the way I am now. I have no desire to return to how I used to be.¡± Her crimson pupils fixed on the Sky Azure Bull Python¡¯s head. Behind her, six glowing soul rings silently rose into the air. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Six hundred-thousand-year soul rings gleamed with ominous red light¡ªlike six bloodshot eyes locked onto their prey. Unfortunately, the Sky Azure Bull Python was too focused on getting Xiao Wu home safely to notice what was happening behind him. Xiao Wu tilted her head slightly. The fifth soul ring on her back suddenly flared to life, glowing with a brief yet intense red light. ¡°Genetic Lock!¡± She extended her delicate hands, a crimson wave of energy gathering between her palms before she slammed them onto the Bull Python¡¯s back. BOOM¡ª! A ripple of red light surged across the Bull Python¡¯s entire body like a tidal wave. ¡°Hm?¡± He faltered, a frown forming across his enormous face. ¡°Why¡­ does my soul power feel like it¡¯s slowing down? Almost¡­ stagnating?¡± CRASH¡ª! His enormous body shuddered violently and crashed into the forest below. He barely managed to stabilize himself, crashing into a towering tree instead of plummeting to the ground. Struggling to stay upright, he immediately turned his massive head in concern. ¡°Sister Xiao Wu, are you hurt?!¡± But Xiao Wu only sneered coldly, spreading the bone wings on her back and gracefully floating down in front of him. The Sky Azure Bull Python stared, confused. ¡°Sister¡­ what are you doing?¡± Xiao Wu smiled sweetly. ¡°How are you feeling, Da Ming?¡± She stepped forward slowly, her hand gently caressing his massive head. ¡°Isn¡¯t your soul power sluggish? Doesn¡¯t your strength feel¡­ gone?¡± Behind her, the six blood-red soul rings flared again, their radiance stabbing deep into his lantern-sized eyes. ¡°You¡­¡± He tried to speak¡ªbut her sixth soul ring lit up. ¡°Shadow Execution Array!¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her once-soft and innocent face now twisted with madness and malice, a terrifying smirk replacing the warmth he remembered. Her figure flickered and vanished in a wisp of smoke. A blood-red and black formation suddenly appeared beneath the Sky Azure Bull Python, wrapping around him like a curse. Within his body, near his heart, he sensed a foreign mark appear out of nowhere. Frightened, he tried to suppress it, closing his eyes tightly and pouring all his focus into purging it with his spiritual energy. But his soul power felt like it was crawling through molasses. Even with full effort, it spread sluggishly through his massive frame. At this rate, he estimated it would take five full minutes just to circulate enough power to defend himself. His expression darkened. He didn¡¯t know what had happened to Xiao Wu, but it was certainly nothing good. Suddenly, Xiao Wu reappeared in front of him¡ªor rather, eight identical figures appeared in all directions. His massive head spun as he watched the illusion take form. Clones! With his vast experience, he immediately understood. He lashed out with his enormous tail¡ªbut it was too late. SWOOSH¡ª! The eight figures streaked toward him and vanished like shadows into his body. From within the Zerg hive, Lin Fan narrowed his eyes. ¡°Now¡¯s the moment!¡± He immediately closed his eyes and linked his mind to the Zerg Swarm. Within two kilometers of Xiao Wu and the Bull Python, every Spine Crawler ceased its attacks, the deadly black spikes slowly retracting back into the earth. High above, an Overlord Warship roared into position directly over the Bull Python. Then¡ª a rain of suicide bombers. Hundreds of green-glowing Explosive Zerglings poured down like a storm, smashing into the earth with horrifying force. Xiao Wu¡¯s crimson eyes flickered, but she merely smiled, flapping her wings and retreating at full speed. The Sky Azure Bull Python¡¯s instincts screamed danger. A sense of inescapable death enveloped him. He raised his massive head slowly, gazing after the retreating figure of Xiao Wu as a deafening roar burst from his chest. ¡°XIAO WU¡ª!!!¡± Xiao Wu turned mid-flight, smiling sweetly as she snapped her fingers. BOOM¡ª! A surge of devastating force erupted from within the Bull Python¡¯s chest, ripping through his body. He slammed into the ground, writhing in agony. Without the protection of soul power, the shock nearly shattered his heart. The pain was beyond comprehension. Blood poured freely as he turned his gaze toward the distance where Xiao Wu had vanished¡ªhis eyes filled with betrayal and hatred. But then¡ª SWISH! A flicker of hope returned. He felt his soul power beginning to flow again! He could fight back! CRACK¡ª!!! Just as he began to rally, dozens of glowing black spikes burst from the ground, piercing through his serpentine body and lifting him high into the air. ¡°MOOOOO¡ª!!!¡± The Bull Python screamed in agony. BOOM¡ª! Another barrage of black-tinted spikes shot upward, ripping through his body with merciless precision. Now he was just a pinned target, skewered again and again by the relentless Spine Crawler artillery. And from above¡­ came the final blow. BOOM BOOM BOOM¡ª! The rain of Explosive Zerglings exploded upon impact, engulfing the area in a blinding firestorm. Two kilometers away, over two hundred Spine Crawlers continued to reload and fire, blanketing the region with nonstop bombardment. There was no distinction¡ªeverything was targeted. The Overlord Warship dropped Explosive Zerglings like it had an infinite supply. Watching his energy points drop into the five-digit range, Lin Fan twitched at the cost and snarled: ¡°There¡¯s no way that thing¡¯s surviving this. No. Freaking. Way.¡± Buzz! Suddenly, a deep red soul ring glowing with a bloody and brutal aura lit up within the smoke! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 40 – A Pure 100,000-Year Soul Ring, Seeking Di Tian Lin Fan¡¯s eyes lit up as he immediately halted all Spine Crawler attacks and suspended the hatching of Explosive Zerglings. His gaze shifted to the energy point counter on his ever-present panel¡ªit had plummeted to: [20131 points] He clutched his chest dramatically, his heart aching with pain. ¡°Damn it! It took this much just to bring down the Sky Azure Bull Python¡ªeven after Xiao Wu ambushed it first.¡± Clearly, his current Zerg high-tier combat units were still too few. If wiping out a single 100,000-year soul beast required a full assault, what would happen when he eventually had to fight Titled Douluo? Figures like Qian Daoliu from Spirit Hall, Bo Saixi from Sea God Island, and the Bat King from the Slaughter City... Forget the ultimate-level opponents¡ªeven someone like Tang Hao might take significant resources to defeat. And unlike soul beasts, humans had the added complexity of martial souls and soul skills, often used in unpredictable combinations. That made Lin Fan even more certain about his approach¡ªhe would lie low, expand cautiously, and start from regions with minimal human activity. Only when his Zerg were fully developed would he consider challenging the power structure of Douluo Continent. He turned back toward the battlefield. Amid the lingering smoke and the scorched land, a massive blood-red soul ring floated mid-air¡ªits crimson glow piercing through the haze of smoke and ash. Xiao Wu flapped her bone wings gently as she descended from the sky, her figure landing gracefully on the charred ground. Even she was momentarily stunned by the sheer devastation before her. The land beneath the Sky Azure Bull Python had become a smoldering crater¡ªover ten meters deep, scorched earth still burning in scattered patches. The Bull Python¡¯s forty- to fifty-meter-long body was completely torn apart, riddled with bloody holes. Sections of bone were clearly visible where Spine Crawlers had skewered straight through flesh. One of its massive lantern-like eyes had burst, while the other stared lifelessly at the sky¡ªwide open, refusing to shut even in death. Its great horns had been blown apart, scattered in chunks across the battlefield. Leftover bio-plasma from the explosive Zerglings continued to corrode both the corpse and the ground beneath it. For three kilometers in every direction, the land was charred and barren, not a single blade of grass survived. Xiao Wu extended a delicate hand toward the soul ring gently floating above the body. The moment her fingers brushed the ring, a violent surge of hatred and rage exploded forth, flooding into her mind. ¡°Xiao Wu! You betrayed us!!!¡± The last remnants of the Sky Azure Bull Python¡¯s spiritual will roared directly within her consciousness. Its twisted, furious face appeared¡ªmore beast than spirit¡ªscreaming in endless rage. ¡°My brother and I always treated you like our own sister! How could you do this? How could you turn on us?!¡± ¡°You sided with those disgusting, vile creatures¡ªand you killed me! I swear I will never forgive you!¡± The spiritual projection howled, lashing out with waves of mental force. But Xiao Wu just chuckled¡ªsoft and sweet at first, then cackling. Her crimson eyes glinted with mischief as she replied: ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not just you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take good care of Er Ming in your place¡­ heehee~¡± The Bull Python¡¯s remaining eye widened in sheer fury. It nearly burst into flames from the intensity of its rage. ¡°NO! You¡ªyou monster! You¡¯re vile! You¡¯ve forgotten everything! Have you forgotten how your mother died?!¡± Xiao Wu tilted her head, feigning curiosity, then exclaimed: ¡°Oh right! Wasn¡¯t it Spirit Hall that killed my mom?¡± ¡°And guess what? My Master¡ªthe Supreme Overlord¡ªis very interested in Spirit Hall. Maybe I¡¯ll let them take care of Er Ming too~¡± ¡°Hehe~ Two birds, one stone.¡± ¡°YOU¡ª!¡± ¡°You ungrateful¡­ backstabbing monster!!¡± The last trace of the Sky Azure Bull Python''s spirit screamed in despair, lashing out in Xiao Wu¡¯s mind like a furious blue sword. But it was futile. Xiao Wu let out a cold snort. With her goal achieved, she summoned an overwhelming surge of spiritual power¡ªlike a galaxy crashing down¡ªcrushing the Bull Python''s mental fragment to dust. Opening her eyes, she saw the pure, red soul ring floating calmly before her. The soul¡¯s residue and any trace of spiritual resistance had been thoroughly erased. She smiled, satisfied. ¡°The Master should be quite pleased with this soul ring~¡± With a wave of her hand, the earth shifted and cracked. The ring and corpse were both swallowed into the depths¡ªsent back to the Zerg Hive. Star Dou Forest ¨C Core Region Far away, the Titan Giant Ape suddenly jolted awake. Its massive heart pounded in its chest as an inexplicable sense of dread and agitation surged through it. It felt¡­ like something terrible had just happened. It looked around in confusion¡ªbut there was no sign of the Sky Azure Bull Python. ¡°Big Brother? Where did you go¡­?¡± Uneasy, it leapt into the air and shot toward the forest¡¯s outer regions, intent on finding answers. Within the Zerg Hive Lin Fan quietly observed the tide of soul beasts being driven inward by his swarm. The execution had gone smoother than expected. The outer regions of the Star Dou Forest had been almost entirely cleared. ¡°Time to expand the Hive.¡± He would begin spreading the Creep (Zerg organic ground cover) underground through the entire outer region. Then, convert all the dead soul beasts into energy points, before turning his attention to the core. He gazed toward the deepest parts of the forest. ¡°Tianmeng Ice Silkworm¡­ Di Tian¡­¡± ¡°Are you two really in there?¡± Lin Fan had held off on fully expanding the Hive earlier because he feared disturbing Di Tian¡¯s slumber. But even with all the chaos today, there had been no sign of interference from Di Tian or the forest¡¯s guardian forces. He finally allowed himself a sigh of relief. ¡°Looks like I can proceed to the next phase.¡± After all, in the original timeline, Spirit Hall nearly drove Da Ming and Er Ming to death, and Di Tian still didn¡¯t show up. ¡°As long as I don¡¯t disturb his sleep, he probably won¡¯t even notice if I wipe out the entire forest.¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°My Lord, the Sky Azure Bull Python¡¯s remains have been delivered. Would you like to see them?¡± Xiao Wu stepped into the chamber, her arms wrapped around Lin Fan¡¯s neck, voice soft and sweet. Lin Fan gave her a firm pat on the rear, his eyes lighting up. ¡°If the body was recovered¡­ then the soul ring must still be intact.¡± He turned to look at a nearby Zerg Spore Pod, where Zhu Zhuyun was undergoing her transformation. CRACK¡­ CRACK¡­! Faint cracks began forming on the spore¡¯s surface, spreading wider and deeper. Inside, Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s eyelashes fluttered, trembling more and more violently. CRACK! The spore suddenly split open¡ª **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 41: Zhu Zhuyun Awakens—Her True Identity?! The golden liquid inside the massive spore had already been completely absorbed by Zhu Zhuyun. The plump body of the Enchantress Brood Queen lying atop the spore was now utterly shriveled. Flapping its wings weakly, it slowly left the spore and collapsed onto the creep, replenishing its depleted energy. This round of mental essence infusion had nearly cost the Enchantress Queen its life. Lin Fan had honestly thought it was done for, seeing how deflated it looked. Feeling a twinge of guilt, he silently issued a command: "Create some energy crystals in the incubation chamber. Allocate them to the Enchantress Queen for nourishment." [As you command, my Sovereign.] Lin Fan then turned to look at Zhu Zhuyun, who still hadn''t completely awakened, lying on the creep like a sleeping beauty, her sweet aura filling the air. Because this incubation only involved memory rewriting, Zhu Zhuyun''s body remained completely unchanged. It was hard for Lin Fan to pull his gaze away. He couldn''t help but sigh. "As expected of someone from a noble family¡­" Hearing that, Xiao Wu curled her lips in disdain. "What, is my figure not good enough for you, My Lord?" "Hehehe¡­" Lin Fan gave a wicked laugh and reached out his claw to grab Xiao Wu by the waist, pulling her into his arms. "Ah!" Xiao Wu gave a startled cry, then giggled and nestled into Lin Fan''s chest. "Don''t do that, My Lord¡­ she''s about to wake up." Lin Fan responded by kissing her deeply, nibbling gently on her alluring lips, one arm wrapped around her slender waist. "How could my Xiao Wu''s body ever be lacking?" A blush bloomed on Xiao Wu''s pretty face. She leaned against Lin Fan as though all the strength had been drained from her. At that moment, Zhu Zhuyun slowly opened her eyes and sat up. The two of them immediately turned their attention to her. Lin Fan looked on with interest. If he hadn''t known she''d been forcibly reprogrammed inside the spore, he wouldn''t have been able to tell anything had changed. Looks like the Enchantress Queen''s skill was a complete success! With that, the plan to build a Zerg infiltration team could finally begin. A flicker of anticipation burned in Lin Fan''s heart. It had been so long since he arrived in the Great Star Dou Forest, and Zhu Zhuyun was the only human he''d encountered. If he kept spending all his time with bugs and soul beasts, he feared he might truly turn into an emotionless slaughter machine. Zhu Zhuyun''s eyes briefly lost focus, but she quickly came to and began curiously inspecting her surroundings. Lin Fan, still holding Xiao Wu, stepped forward and asked, "Do you remember who you are?" Zhu Zhuyun raised her head and looked at him. A complicated expression passed through her eyes. Then, a flash of pink light passed over her pupils, and she respectfully answered, "I remember. But I am now completely loyal to you, my revered Sovereign." Hearing those words, and seeing her current demeanor, Lin Fan felt a subtle stir of desire. It was hard to believe that not long ago, this was the same proud princess who swore she would never submit. He reached out and lifted her chin, carefully admiring her face. Her shoulder-length, violet-black hair was tucked neatly behind her ears, revealing a delicate and refined visage. Her clear, expressive eyes sparkled with charm, and in their depths, a trace of her old pride remained¡ªbarely noticeable. Her lips were softly pursed, both alluring and untouchable. Where Xiao Wu radiated youthful elegance, Zhu Zhuyun now embodied the kind of commanding allure that awakened a man''s desire to conquer. Lin Fan grinned wickedly and leaned in to kiss her deeply on the lips. "Mmm¡­" Zhu Zhuyun responded hesitantly, her inexperience showing. But her loyalty to Lin Fan, now absolute, made her yield to his every move. When they finally parted, her dazed eyes and flushed cheeks added an even more seductive glow to her already captivating face. Lin Fan, burning with curiosity, asked, "What''s this? Haven''t you and Dai Mubai¡ªwait, no, Davis¡ªalready married?" "Why do you kiss like a beginner?" Zhu Zhuyun looked down shyly and murmured, "Our wedding was supposed to be held at the end of this year. I had just broken through to Soul Ancestor, so I came to the Star Dou Forest to hunt a soul beast. I didn''t expect¡­" Lin Fan''s eyes lit up in realization¡ªthen widened in delight. So she hadn''t married Davis yet? That meant¡­ His mind suddenly flashed with inspiration¡ªwasn''t the Sky Azure Bull Python''s corpse still stored in the hive? He turned to Zhu Zhuyun and said, "Get up. Come with me." She stood gracefully, following close behind him. With every step, her bare curves swayed temptingly, and Lin Fan''s gaze burned hotter. Soon, they arrived at the place where the Sky Azure Bull Python''s body was stored. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A massive, blood-red soul ring hovered above it, glowing with overwhelming power. Zhu Zhuyun gasped in shock. "A hundred-thousand-year soul ring?!" "That''s right. This one is for you. The negative emotions and spiritual residue inside have already been completely cleansed." Her heart thumped wildly, her breathing quickened. A soul ring like this¡­ most Titled Douluo didn''t even have one! And she was only a Soul Ancestor. Could she really absorb it? But after a moment, her excitement dimmed. "My Lord¡­ I''m only at the Soul Ancestor stage. I can''t possibly endure the energy of such a soul ring." "It''s fine. Just absorb it¡ªI''ll handle the rest." Lin Fan waved his hand dismissively. What''s excess energy to a Zerg hive? There''s nothing the creep can''t absorb. If anything, it''s a great way to earn back some energy points. Zhu Zhuyun nodded and sat cross-legged in front of the soul ring. She closed her eyes and began to absorb it. BOOM¡ª! A surge of immense energy exploded from her body! But the soft, writhing creep beneath her undulated continuously, absorbing the excess energy pouring from her body. Zhu Zhuyun winced in pain, but only for a moment. Soon, she had stabilized, and the hundred-thousand-year soul ring was slowly and steadily being integrated into her soul. Lin Fan looked at Zhu Zhuyun''s soft and delicate body, his eyes narrowed and he slowly walked towards her with an evil smile. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 42 – Guarding Zhu Zhuyun While She Absorbs the Soul Ring! Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s eyes were tightly shut, her brows furrowed in pain. Her delicate body trembled continuously. Although the excess energy from the 100,000-year Sky Azure Bull Python''s soul ring was constantly being absorbed by the creep beneath her, the energy still had to pass through Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s body first. And a Soul Ancestor at level 40 could, at most, safely absorb a thousand-year soul ring. But this was a 100,000-year soul ring! The difference between the energy of a thousand-year ring and a hundred-thousand-year ring was like comparing a puddle to the vast ocean. And on top of that, a 100,000-year ring came with two soul skills! If Zhu Zhuyun could fully absorb it, not only would her soul power undergo a qualitative leap, but she¡¯d also gain one more soul skill than others¡ªan overwhelming advantage in combat. ¡°Mmgh!¡± Sweat began to bead on Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s forehead as her body tensed under the strain. She clenched her teeth, enduring the pain flooding her entire being. It felt like countless blades were slicing through her, as the immense energy tore through her muscles and meridians. The phantom of her fourth soul ring hovered faintly around her¡ªstill not fully solid, which meant the fusion was incomplete. BOOM¡ª! A burst of force erupted from Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s body, accompanied by a savage, primitive aura. ¡°AH!!¡± She cried out in pain. The energy from the Sky Azure Bull Python''s soul ring was simply too overwhelming¡ªshe was at her limit. In her mind, an image of Lin Fan surfaced, and a bitter smile curved her pale lips. ¡°My Lord¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯ve failed you¡­¡± The raging energy within the ring rampaged through her body, tearing and ravaging everything it touched. HUM¡ª! Suddenly, a cool stream of energy flowed into her back. As soon as it entered, it began to circulate gently through her meridians. The damaged pathways began to heal at a remarkable speed. Even more amazing¡ªthis energy began to merge with the overwhelming soul ring power, pacifying it. The violent flood turned into a gentle stream, now flowing slowly and steadily into her body. The phantom of Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s fourth soul ring gradually solidified. ¡°Ah~¡± The shift in energy soothed her immensely, eliciting a soft moan. It felt like stepping into a cool oasis after enduring the scorching desert¡ªrelief that touched every nerve in her body. Opening her eyes, Zhu Zhuyun saw Lin Fan right in front of her¡ªbarely five centimeters away! Wait... if Lord Lin Fan is in front of me¡­ then who was behind me? Sensing more carefully, she realized a pair of soft, slender hands were pressed against her back, transmitting that calming energy. It was Xiao Wu! The realization dawned, and a flush of gratitude swept across her face. Lord Lin Fan... you''re so kind to me... She immediately refocused, sitting upright and closing her eyes to concentrate fully on absorbing the soul ring. Suddenly, a wave of heat surged from in front of her. Before she could react, a pair of warm lips pressed against hers. Her entire body trembled. A strong arm wrapped tightly around her. Startled, Zhu Zhuyun opened her eyes to see Lin Fan passionately kissing her, holding her close. ¡°L-Lord Lin Fan¡­¡± She lowered her head, breathless and shy. ¡°My soul ring isn¡¯t fully absorbed yet¡­¡± Lin Fan smiled, holding her gently. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You just keep absorbing. I¡¯ll guard you.¡± ¡°¡­Okay.¡± She obediently sat in his lap, focusing again on absorbing the soul ring. A short time later¡ª ¡°Mmngh!¡± Zhu Zhuyun let out a muffled groan. The heat coursing through her was too intense. Her body felt as if it was burning from the inside out. She cried out again: ¡°Lord Lin Fan¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m so hot!¡± Lin Fan looked at her pained expression, thoughtful. It seems soul masters in this world don¡¯t emphasize physical conditioning¡­ and the power of a hundred-thousand-year ring really is enormous. No wonder she¡¯s struggling. Even Tang San nearly died absorbing a 2,000-year ring back then¡­ and this is a 100,000-year one. Lin Fan pressed close to Zhu Zhuyun, channeling energy from the Zerg creep into her body to ease her pain. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°How is it? Feeling any better?¡± Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s brow eased slightly as she replied softly, ¡°Much better¡­ thanks to you, my Lord¡­¡± But Lin Fan¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°That energy¡­ it''s moving toward your heart!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll purge it for you.¡± Without waiting, he drew her closer and placed his hands over her chest, guiding his power to calm the raging soul force threatening her heart and veins. ¡°Thank you¡­ thank you, Lord Lin Fan¡­¡± She felt tingles race across her skin¡ªlike a surge of electricity sweeping through her. The discomfort from the uncontrolled energy quickly faded. But then Lin Fan frowned even more deeply. This soul force¡­ it''s moving lower¡­ toward her dantian! Alarmed, he pressed a hand to her lower abdomen. ¡°Careful¡ªit could damage your core. I¡¯ll suppress it!¡± Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s face turned serious, but she nodded. ¡°I trust you, my Lord¡­¡± Lin Fan held her tightly in his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll purge this energy. Once it''s gone, you¡¯ll fully absorb the ring.¡± Zhu Zhuyun closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace. Lin Fan focused, sending his energy into her again, scanning for the rogue soul force. Found it. A massive, resilient current resisted his probing. His eyes sharpened. So it¡¯s you! He injected more of his energy, forcefully attacking and dissolving the soul force inside Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s body. ¡°AHHH!!!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 43: Zhu Zhuyun and Xiao Wu’s Synchronized Cooperation Zhu Zhuyun cried out in pain, tears silently slipping down her cheeks. The pain was unbearable! Her body felt like it was being torn apart, forcing her to twist and writhe involuntarily. Lin Fan held her tightly in his arms, but his thoughts were wandering somewhere else. As expected of someone who hadn¡¯t yet married¡ªher skin was unbelievably smooth and tight. Just holding her, he could feel its incredible elasticity. Seeing the pain on Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s face, Lin Fan slowed down his movements, carefully channeling his energy into her body with a gentler touch. ¡°How are you feeling now? Any better?¡± He softly stroked her head as he eased the flow of energy further. Zhu Zhuyun immediately felt the raging power in her body soften. The tight furrow in her brow began to relax. In a sweet, low voice, she murmured, ¡°Much better¡­ Thank you, my Lord.¡± Lin Fan glanced upward. The fourth soul ring hovering above Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s head was nearly complete. The crimson outline and shadow of the ring had fully formed. ¡°Just hold on a bit longer. You¡¯re almost there!¡± Feeling Lin Fan¡¯s warmth and the steady flow of his energy into her, Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s cheeks turned rosy. ¡°My Lord¡­ you can actually push a little harder. I think I can take it now.¡± Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. This girl¡­ she adapted quickly to the overwhelming power of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring? A smirk tugged at his lips as he swallowed hard. ¡°Well then, since you asked for it, don¡¯t blame me for being direct.¡± He tightened his embrace around her slim waist, pulling her fully into his arms. That way, he could better protect her and maintain the flow of energy, shielding her from further damage to her meridians. Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s delicate body pressed firmly against his. The intense heat and heady scent of pheromones from Lin Fan¡¯s body overwhelmed her senses. Her body, untouched by any man before, flushed a deep red¡ªbut she craved the warmth. She had never felt so fulfilled before. The remaining power from the hundred-thousand-year soul ring was slowly seeping into her, gently merged with Lin Fan¡¯s supplemental energy. The double-layered infusion washed through her, stirring sensations she had never experienced. Zhu Zhuyun twisted slightly, lost in the flow of energy. A strange light shimmered in her eyes, betraying a storm of emotion. She parted her lips several times, hesitated, then softly bit her lower lip. The blush on her face deepened. Watching this alluring sight, Lin Fan felt a bit awkward. Was he really just channeling energy here? Did it have to look like¡­ that? The tide of mixed energy churned furiously in Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s dantian, growing ever more intense. She clenched her jaw, her body tensing. She realized the soul ring¡¯s energy was flaring up again¡ªno wonder Lin Fan¡¯s flow had intensified! It was meant to suppress the surge! Zhu Zhuyun shut her eyes, throwing her entire focus into absorbing the soul ring¡¯s power and balancing Lin Fan¡¯s support. BOOM! The crimson soul ring suddenly flared and shattered, releasing its final surge of power into her body. Lin Fan was startled. He gritted his teeth and pumped more energy into her, matching the flow and force. ¡°Ah¡ªmm! Aah!¡± Zhu Zhuyun finally collapsed into his arms, gasping for breath. Sweat beaded her forehead, and her smooth, delicate body was drenched in sweat, soft and slippery against Lin Fan¡¯s hands. ¡°My Lord¡­ d-did I succeed¡­?¡± Lin Fan exhaled in relief. Finally¡ªmission complete. Even his own body felt strangely refreshed. He patted her shapely backside and said, ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve fully absorbed the hundred-thousand-year soul ring.¡± Zhu Zhuyun was completely drained. Hearing his words, she smiled softly and whispered, ¡°That¡¯s wonderful¡­ Thank you, my Lord.¡± Looking at her tempting lips, an idea suddenly struck Lin Fan. ¡°Open your mouth. I¡¯ll feed you an energy crystal. It¡¯ll help you recover quickly. Xiao Wu used the same method.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Zhu Zhuyun obediently opened her mouth. A warm energy crystal slipped past her lips, melting instantly. Lin Fan didn¡¯t want her to absorb it on her own¡ªshe was clearly too drained to manage it now. ¡°Mm~¡± The energy flowed through her in a burst of vitality, restoring her drained soul power and reinvigorating her spirit. Though her mind was still a little tired, her body was rapidly recovering. When the final trace of energy crystal dissolved, Zhu Zhuyun opened her eyes in amazement. Her Lord truly had astonishing means! In the Douluo Continent, soul recovery typically relied on support-type soul masters. Among them, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was the supreme¡ªrenowned for enhancing power and recovery speed. But even that didn¡¯t compare to this. If word got out about the Zerg¡¯s energy crystals, it would shake the entire continent! Seeing she had recovered, Lin Fan smirked and pulled Zhu Zhuyun back into his arms¡ªthen reached over and grabbed Xiao Wu as well. ¡°Ah!¡± Both girls yelped in surprise. Truly... ¡°A single spring night is worth a thousand gold; Fragrance of flowers, shadows of the moon unfold. Soft music, quiet towers, laughter whispers low; Swings sway in the courtyard, as nightfall takes hold.¡± Meanwhile¡­ In the outer region of the Star Dou Great Forest. Silence had fallen. Not a single sound remained, and not even a trace of the earlier battle could be found. The forest was deathly still, unnaturally quiet. BOOM! The Titan Giant Ape landed heavily, his expression grim. The air was thick with the scent of blood¡ªbut no soul beasts could be seen. Something felt¡­ wrong. The scene reminded the Titan Giant Ape of the ambush he¡¯d experienced earlier. Muscles tense, he scanned the area with growing suspicion. Crunch. Something hard shifted beneath his foot. He looked down¡ªand his pupils shrank in shock. Half-buried in the soil was a broken shard of horn, stained faintly with blood. A familiar aura lingered on it. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°ROOOAAARRRR!!!¡± His furious roar echoed across the entire forest! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 44: The Titan Giant Ape’s Wrath — The Soul Beast Army vs. The Zerg Swarm! The next day. In the outer region of the Star Dou Forest. A beam of blinding sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, gently casting its light across the land. The intense rays seemed to cleanse the earth of its sins, gradually sweeping away the lingering shadows from the battlefield. Countless wounded soul beasts cautiously peered around, roaring at each other in low tones, carefully surveying the area with uncertainty. A massive figure sat silently atop a dead tree, its broad back silhouetted in bleak solitude. A suffocating silence hung in the air, with grief and sorrow weighing down the atmosphere. "Roar¡ª!" The Titan Giant Ape let out a low growl and roar, staring blankly at the shattered piece of Azure Bull Python¡¯s horn in its hand. Its eyes were bloodshot. Rustle¡ª! Soul beasts with cultivation levels over ten thousand years slowly emerged from the core region, recognizing the familiar figure and sighing in relief. One by one, they led their injured clansmen¡ªthousand-year and hundred-year soul beasts alike¡ªinto the area. Some came down from trees, others crawled out of ponds. But nearly every soul beast was battered and bloodied. Missing limbs, gouged-out eyes¡­ such injuries were common. The faint scent of blood still lingered heavily in the air. All the soul beasts trembled uncontrollably, their eyes filled with dread, still traumatized by the recent slaughter. Some refused to step foot on the ground, clinging to branches as if the forest floor were a hellish abyss waiting to devour them. The Titan Giant Ape turned its massive head toward the gathering soul beasts. Even soul beasts that were usually hostile toward one another now instinctively kept their distance, licking their wounds and glancing nervously at the giant ape. Plant-type soul beasts with healing abilities and gentler personalities had already begun to use their soul skills to treat the injured, scattering colorful lights across the forest. This shimmer of energy brought a fleeting glimpse of hope to the deathly still woods. A pained, bitter expression surfaced on the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s face as a storm of emotion roiled in its heart. Unable to hold it in any longer, it howled up at the sky¡ª¡°Awooooo!¡± Several soul beasts emitting dark, ominous soul energy glanced at each other, then cautiously stepped forward. One Pink Empress Spider Queen attempted a hesitant psychic transmission: ¡°Respected Overlord... our clan has suffered heavy losses... We humbly ask for your protection.¡± Other ten-thousand-year soul beasts chimed in one after another: ¡°That¡¯s right... Lord Overlord, we beg you... help us destroy them.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve lost a leg!¡± ¡°I lost an eye!¡± ¡°They took my brother!¡± ¡°They took my wife and kids!¡± ¡°They took... me!¡± The soul beasts fell silent, all turning to the last speaker with odd looks. It was a Two-Headed Wolf, now left with only one head. A gory hole marked the place where its other head used to be. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing their stares, the Two-Headed Wolf bellowed in grief: ¡°I¡ªI lost myself! I was decapitated! I¡¯m the unluckiest one!¡± ¡°Who says so?!¡± A shrill voice interrupted. All heads turned toward a massive ancient tree, where a Bloodthirsty Macaque stood on a branch, sobbing uncontrollably. ¡°I... I lost my future generations!¡± The macaque covered its face and cried. Seeing its utterly destroyed lower half, the soul beasts exchanged sympathetic glances. Even the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s expression twitched¡ªbut in the next moment, rage ignited in its bloodshot eyes. It rose to its feet. Just then¡ª ¡°Roar!¡± A ten-thousand-year-old Crystal Scorpion with no sentience lunged forward, eyes glowing hungrily as it tried to seize a wounded soul beast. Boom¡ª! The Titan Giant Ape sent it flying with a slap, roaring furiously at it. Dazed and disoriented, the scorpion scurried off with its tail between its legs. Turning to face the others, the Titan Giant Ape roared: ¡°If these wretched monsters want war¡ªthen war they shall have! Gather your clans! Gather your kind! With me, we will wipe them out to the last one!¡± ¡°ROAR!¡± ¡°OOOH!!!¡± ¡°Long live our Overlord!¡± ¡°FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!¡± The soul beasts erupted in furious roars, releasing all their rage and sorrow. Boom boom boom¡ª! The ground trembled violently, as if an earthquake had struck. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered overhead, blotting out the once brilliant sunlight. The world was plunged into darkness. The soul beasts shivered as they saw the now-familiar scene unfold before them. Some were already breaking down in terror, bolting back toward the core region. ¡°They''re coming... they''re coming again!!!¡± ¡°RUN!!!¡± From the distance, a black tide surged forward like a tsunami¡ªthe Zerg Swarm. The Titan Giant Ape¡¯s gaze sharpened, his eyes glowing a fierce crimson. He beat his chest furiously¡ªthud, thud, thud¡ªand roared: ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Stay with me! Kill every last one of those filthy, savage beasts!!¡± Seeing the overwhelming aura of the Titan Giant Ape, the soul beasts began to settle. They quickly formed ranks¡ªan army of beasts¡ªhowling and roaring in defiance as they braced for the oncoming swarm. BOOM¡ª! The black tide of Zerg smashed into the soul beast army. And thus, the carnage erupted once more in the Star Dou Forest! But this time, the battle wasn¡¯t limited to this region. With the forest¡¯s core as the center, the Zerg Swarm spread outward in waves¡ªan unstoppable flood. Dark, oppressive, and monstrous, they expanded their dominion with every passing moment. Though their numbers weren¡¯t enough to completely conquer the entire outer region just yet, Zerg hunting parties surged through the woods, wiping out targets in small squads. Overhead, swarms of Overlords scouted the unexplored areas. Underground, the Creep and Worker Drones were rapidly expanding the hive. A terrifying underground empire was baring its fangs at last. Meanwhile¡­ Within the Zerg Hive. Lin Fan reclined on Xiao Wu¡¯s smooth thighs, enjoying Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s ¡°oral massage¡± service. Relaxed, he glanced at the mental interface¡ªthen froze. The Main Brain¡¯s voice echoed in his mind: [Devourer unlocked.] Devourer-class Zerg¡­ now available for production?! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 45 – The Birth of the Mutalisk: What Kind of Creature Is This?! Lin Fan instantly perked up, his whole body trembling with excitement. Zhu Zhuyun, who had been tirelessly massaging him with her mouth, suffered a moment of discomfort from his sudden reaction. She groaned softly and shot him a playful glare, then continued her diligent task. Lin Fan gave an awkward laugh and quickly asked in his mind, "Overmind, what¡¯s going on? Why can a Mutalisk suddenly hatch?" [Genetic material extracted from the Sky Azure Bull Python: Levitation, Spiritual Power, Claws, Massive Horns, Enhanced Physique, and Slowness.] [Flight-based genetic material successfully absorbed. Hatching conditions met.] Lin Fan was overjoyed! He had never expected the Sky Azure Bull Python to contain flying-type genetic material. He had been worrying for so long about where to find a flying soul beast. It was like searching high and low, only to find it effortlessly at your feet! Without delay, Lin Fan sat up, unable to contain his eagerness to see this new Zerg unit. Zhu Zhuyun let out a muffled cry, her words barely coherent: "Mmm! Lord Overlord..." Lin Fan patted her shapely rear, signaling her to stop for now. Zhu Zhuyun, though reluctant, obediently pulled away and stood off to the side. Xiao Wu handed Zhu Zhuyun a tight-fitting bodysuit formed from condensed energy. ¡°Here! This is your new outfit.¡± Zhu Zhuyun curiously examined the black, skintight armor in her hands. It felt smooth to the touch and was surprisingly light. But once worn, it felt as though a faint energy field was protecting her body. The suit clung perfectly to her figure, accentuating every curve¡ªespecially the most prominent parts¡ªgiving Lin Fan an eyeful of visual delight. Without wasting time, Lin Fan led both women outside the hive cluster. His heart raced as he looked up at the lifelike statue of a Mutalisk hovering above the Tier-3 Hatchery. A Mutalisk¡­ this was the Zerg''s core aerial power! With this, he could truly begin to establish dominance in this world. ¡°Overmind, hatch a Mutalisk for me immediately!¡± Lin Fan ordered. [As you command.] A vacant larva within the hive was quickly enveloped by the Creep and began to swell. Its outer surface turned a dull brown, covered in squirming black markings. The larva began to bloat steadily, though its final size wasn¡¯t as massive as an Overlord¡ªonly about 2.5 meters in diameter. The sac writhed before Lin Fan, and through its translucent surface, one could vaguely make out a terrifying creature curled up tightly inside, its huge wings folded against its body. Its crimson eyes glowed with a blinding, bloodthirsty light! ¡°ROAR!¡± Elsewhere, the Titan Giant Ape let out a thunderous roar as it smashed a blocking Roach into pulp and swept away several incoming Zerglings with a mighty swing. Panting heavily, he scanned the endless tide of Zerg swarming around him like a flood. These filthy, cunning creatures¡­ they had evolved again! That thought suddenly surfaced in the Titan Giant Ape''s mind. This wave of enemies included several new types he had never encountered¡ªeach more troublesome than the last. Even the familiar ones that had once caused him great difficulty were now noticeably stronger! Last time, he could afford to let Zerglings and Hydralisks bite and spit at him without much worry. But now, any lapse in surrounding himself with soul power meant his enormous body would quickly be covered in wounds. These damn bugs¡­ their attack power had clearly increased! The Titan Giant Ape swallowed hard, unease creeping into his heart. How could this be possible? For a soul beast to undergo such drastic evolution normally required thousands of years. Becoming significantly stronger often took tens of thousands¡ªeven more just to reach the ten-thousand-year threshold! But these creatures¡­ they weren¡¯t soul beasts at all! They evolved rapidly, relying purely on biological might! It was completely unheard of¡ªunnatural. Suddenly, the Titan Giant Ape seemed to understand why his elder brother had died during a simple scouting mission¡ªhis body never even recovered. These beings¡­ were just too strange and too powerful! Crrrk! Crrrk! The Zerg horde surged like a tide, fighting like emotionless, mechanical slaughter engines¡ªmercilessly clashing with the soul beast army. They spared no cost, no hesitation¡ªCorruptors and Hydralisks even sprayed corrosive acid and venom into friendly units if it meant damaging their foes. At first, the soul beasts were completely consumed by the bloodlust of battle, their primal savagery fully unleashed. But after several hours of combat, clarity slowly returned to their eyes. They stared in horror at the sea of endless, remorseless monsters, their crimson eyes gleaming with insatiable bloodlust. A chill ran down their spines. The Zerglings, in particular, were horrifying in both number and appearance. In their frenzied state, they looked like hellish demons crawling up from the abyss. Madness. Pure madness. The Titan Giant Ape struggled to fend off the never-ending waves and also protect the soul beasts battling at his flank. He was exhausted¡ªmentally and physically. Countless Ensnarers lay hidden in the treetops, beating their wings to release subtle psychic pulses. As the pheromones spread, the previously worn-out soul beasts suddenly seemed to go berserk again, roaring and charging with reckless abandon into the Zerg lines. The Titan Giant Ape¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. His mind grew heavier by the second. A pounding frustration filled his chest. His strikes grew faster¡­ but his fatigue became impossible to ignore. BZZZZT¡ª! Pink Empress whipped away a Roach with her massive tail and sent a surge of psychic energy into the Titan Giant Ape. ¡°Overlord¡­ something¡¯s wrong¡­ psychic interference¡­¡± The Titan Giant Ape suddenly felt lighter¡ªhis thoughts clearing. He looked around at the crazed soul beasts, their eyes wild and unfocused. His heart sank. Something was definitely off! These creatures could tamper with their minds?! They couldn¡¯t keep fighting like this. If they did, the soul beast army would be annihilated. "ROOOAARRR¡ª!!" The Titan Giant Ape unleashed a deafening roar, pushing a pulse of soul force through the battlefield. The shockwave woke many of the maddened soul beasts, who looked around in confusion, checking their own mental states. But then¡ª A strange silence. The Zerg swarm¡­ suddenly stopped. The sea of black, once surging with relentless motion, froze in place. Countless pairs of glowing crimson eyes simply stared, unblinking, at the soul beasts. No movement. No sound. ¡°Huff¡­ Huff¡­¡± ¡°ROAR.¡± The soul beasts quickly regrouped, warily keeping their distance from the still Zerg army. The Titan Giant Ape frowned, deeply unsettled by the sudden pause. And then¡ª "SKREEEEEEEE¡ª!!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A high-pitched, powerful screech echoed across the sky! It was like a dragon¡¯s roar¡ªmajestic, yet terrifying¡ªpiercing deep into the hearts of every soul beast. The Titan Giant Ape looked up toward the horizon. His pupils shrank violently. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 46 – Mutalisk Face-Sit?! The Titan Giant Ape Actually Ran Away?! The Titan Giant Ape¡¯s pupils trembled violently as he stared into the sky in disbelief. ¡°Dragons? How could those be dragons?!¡± Even his roar was distorted with shock. In this world, could real dragons truly exist? Among all known soul beasts, none were actual dragons. Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul¡ªone of the top three sects¡ªbarely counted, and even then, human Soul Masters could only briefly take on a reptilian dragon form through their Martial Soul True Body. But what was flying toward them now from the horizon... was a swarm of actual flying dragons! "ROAR!" "HISS!" "AOOO!" The soul beast army fell into chaos. The sight of the vast, dark cloud of Mutalisks bearing down on them shattered the last thread of morale holding them together. Countless ten-thousand-year soul beasts rushed to the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s side, urgently communicating via spiritual energy: ¡°We can¡¯t win¡­ Lord Overlord¡­¡± ¡°There are dragons, real dragons!¡± ¡°What do we do?!¡± The Titan Giant Ape anxiously stared at the incoming swarm. Each Mutalisk was around six or seven meters long, covered in a dark, purplish-black sheen. Their appearance was monstrous¡ªbodies covered in spikes, and a pair of wide, spiked wings carried them swiftly through the skies. But something was off. He remembered dragons having broad, thick bodies. These ¡°dragons¡± were long and flat, more like giant flying serpents. What¡¯s more, each one curled its body tightly midair. Their thick tails curved forward like hooked scythes, and at the tip¡­ was a writhing, toothy mouthpart? The Titan Giant Ape found himself momentarily stunned¡ªwhat exactly were these creatures¡¯ body structures? He took a deep breath and said solemnly, ¡°Don¡¯t panic! I don¡¯t sense any soul power from them¡ªthey might just look like dragons. Everyone, gather together and begin retreating slowly toward the core region!¡± The soul beasts calmed slightly upon hearing this. The ten-thousand-year beasts roared commands to their tribes, regrouping into a defensive formation and cautiously retreating. "SKREEEEEE¡ª!!" The swarm of Mutalisks let out piercing, dragon-like shrieks as they dove down. Their black wings blanketed the sky, forming an ominous layer of darkness just above the ground. The Titan Giant Ape grabbed a massive boulder and hurled it into the air¡ªbut one Mutalisk''s tail suddenly whipped forward, launching a green, writhing Glave Wurm that shredded the stone midair! The swarm hovered roughly 30 meters above the soul beast army, flapping their wings as their crimson eyes locked onto the ground below. SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! Dozens of Glave Wurms shot out from the tails of the Mutalisks, slamming into the ranks of the soul beasts like a barrage of sickly green missiles. Each Glave Wurm twisted midair and carried sticky acidic fluid. The green barrage fell like a toxic rainstorm, slamming into the soul beasts with tremendous force. "AOOOO!!" The soul beasts roared as they activated their soul power to defend themselves¡ª But it wasn¡¯t enough. The green Glave Wurms exploded on impact, dispersing into corrosive spore-like acid clusters that splashed onto nearby beasts. Worse yet, the main projectiles bounced from one soul beast to the next, spreading the damage even further. It was as if green fireworks had exploded across the battlefield. Sizzling acid and violent explosions erupted everywhere, and the air was filled with constant screeching and blasts. And that¡­ was only the first wave. The Mutalisks continued to unleash wave after wave of Glave Wurms, painting the sky with toxic green and decimating everything below. ¡°Dragon breath¡ªit¡¯s dragon breath!¡± The soul beasts, unfamiliar with the Zerg, mistook the Mutalisk attacks for legendary dragon breath. Panic swept through them. Visually, the bouncing Glave Wurms and spore explosions did look like the fantastical ¡°dragon breath¡± attacks of ancient myth. Though not nearly as powerful as true dragon breath, the psychological effect was devastating. The Mutalisks poured down their endless barrage, turning the battlefield into a green nightmare. In just a short time, the soul beast army had taken massive casualties. Beasts scattered in all directions, howling in despair. Whatever hope they had was crushed beneath the fury of the Zerg. No matter how the ten-thousand-year soul beasts roared or commanded, they could no longer rally their forces. The Mutalisk swarm split up, each targeting a specific prey. With a screech and flap of wings, they dove even lower¡ª It was a full-on face-sit assault! Mutalisks pinned down their targets from above, unleashing Glave Wurms point-blank. Their crimson eyes, the flutter of wings, and the screech of their attacks were like a death sentence to the soul beasts below. The Titan Giant Ape stood frozen, fists clenched tightly, watching the massacre unfold with a dazed expression. Can I¡­ really defeat these terrifying monsters? A line his older brother once told him echoed in his mind: "A wise warrior bides his time¡ªrevenge can wait ten years." Suddenly, his thoughts cleared. He glared at the horrific Zerg swarm, let out one final roar of frustration, then turned and leapt deep into the Star Dou Great Forest¡ªretreating at full speed. "A wise warrior takes his revenge in ten years. For soul beasts¡­ a thousand years is nothing." Big Brother, wait for me! Ten thousand years from now¡­ I will avenge you! Back at the hive cluster, Lin Fan watched the fleeing Titan Giant Ape with a weird expression. He spat in disdain. ¡°Tch! That dumb monkey actually knows how to run.¡± Still, there was little he could do about it. Without Xiao Wu making a move or setting up beforehand, the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s full-speed escape was something even the Zerg couldn''t stop. Lin Fan¡¯s gaze fell back on the battlefield, where the remnants of the soul beast army were in complete disarray. He grinned coldly. The endless tide of Zerg surged once more¡ªswallowing the last of the resisting soul beasts whole. With no serious opposition left, Lin Fan finally turned his attention to the item in his hand: The Soul Bone of the Sky Azure Bull Python! Specifically, its right arm bone¡ªcool and slick to the touch. Just holding it, he could sense the immense power sealed within. And thanks to his knowledge of the plot, Lin Fan knew exactly what was inside: Azure Delayed Claw and Azure Annihilation Thunder¡ªtwo powerful soul skills! A hundred-thousand-year soul bone! If it had been a regular ten-thousand-year soul bone, Lin Fan wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to gift it to Zhu Zhuyun. But this¡­ this was a treasure even he was reluctant to part with. Unfortunately, he hadn''t awakened a Martial Soul, so he couldn¡¯t absorb it yet. That left Lin Fan in a bit of a bind. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 47 – Custom Strategy, Gathering Energy He still hadn¡¯t awakened a Martial Soul, and there was no soul power in his body. Even if he forcibly fused this soul bone into his body through the incubation chamber, it would only be superficial¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t be able to actually use it. Yet giving away the Sky Azure Bull Python¡¯s right arm bone¡ªor using it to strengthen a Zerg unit¡ªfelt like such a waste to Lin Fan. After all, this was a hundred-thousand-year soul bone! And not just any soul bone¡ªit belonged to the Sky Azure Bull Python, one of the overlords of the Star Dou Great Forest. Across the entire Douluo Continent, such a soul bone was incredibly rare. To give something that could greatly improve himself to someone else for free? Lin Fan didn¡¯t think he was that noble. He frowned deeply, fiddling with the soul bone in his hands, but couldn¡¯t come up with a good solution for now. Seeing his hesitation, Zhu Zhuyun gently pressed her soft body against him and spoke in a sweet voice: ¡°My Lord, why don¡¯t you come with me to the Star Luo Empire? Our royal family has Soul Masters and soul stones that may help you awaken your Martial Soul.¡± ¡°Star Luo Empire?¡± Lin Fan thought for a moment¡ªand suddenly, inspiration struck. That¡¯s right! The Spirit Hall! Looking at the current powers surrounding the Star Dou Forest, the one closest and most approachable was without a doubt the Spirit Hall. And Lin Fan had always had a favorable impression of the Spirit Hall. They selflessly nurtured civilian Soul Masters across the continent, giving even commoners the chance to grow stronger, and even become Elders within their ranks. Compared to the two empires and their hypocritical royal families or sects, Lin Fan preferred dealing with Spirit Hall. Not to mention¡­ within Spirit Hall were two rare beauties¡ªBibi Dong and Qian Renxue. How could Lin Fan possibly pass up such an opportunity? Still, charging into Spirit Hall headfirst would be reckless. A proper plan was needed. Lin Fan began to organize his thoughts. If he remembered correctly, Spirit Hall had no shortage of Titled Douluo among its Elders. Not even mentioning Qian Daoliu, a Limit Douluo. And there was still the question of whether Qian Xunji was truly dead or not. Aside from that father-son duo, there were others like Golden Crocodile Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo¡­ Each of them was a serious threat, and even more so was Bibi Dong herself¡ªsomeone who had inherited the God Trials and was a Twin-Spirit Titled Douluo with unfathomable strength. If he recklessly showed up before her without enough trump cards, Lin Fan feared that¡ªeven if he didn¡¯t die¡ªhe¡¯d likely end up imprisoned within Spirit Hall. This matter needed careful planning. Outside the Star Dou Great Forest A team of elaborately dressed Soul Masters was slowly advancing into the forest. At the front was a very young Soul Master with a handsome, still slightly youthful face, and eye-catching golden hair. He wore luxurious noble attire and carried an ornate sword at his waist. Ten well-trained soldiers followed close behind him in a loose protective formation, keeping about five meters away and guarding him on all sides. Beside the youth was a rugged man with a rough beard and a stern expression. The man looked up at the vast forest ahead with a serious gaze and said: ¡°Your Highness, that¡¯s the Star Dou Great Forest ahead. Please stay close. It¡¯s filled with danger¡ªespecially attacks from soul beasts.¡± The young man nodded. Though visibly nervous, he quickly steadied himself. Gripping his sword tightly, he asked, ¡°Uncle Luo, do you think Yun¡¯er¡­ is she still alive?¡± Robert originally wanted to say that, given her strength, it was extremely dangerous for the future princess consort to enter the forest alone and go missing for so long¡ªher chances of survival were slim. But looking at the youth¡¯s determined expression, Robert swallowed those words. Instead, he nodded and reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness. The young lady is blessed with good fortune. She¡¯ll be alright.¡± S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Mm!¡± The youth¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. He pressed his lips together and, under the protection of the squad, stepped into the Star Dou Great Forest. What they didn¡¯t know was¡­ something terrifying was already quietly waiting for them up ahead. Star Dou Great Forest The eastern edge of the forest was almost completely overrun by Lin Fan¡¯s Zerg. Soul beasts were being wiped out en masse. Those lucky enough to escape had either gone into hiding or fled deeper into the forest. At first, Lin Fan had ordered the Zerg to proceed cautiously. But after realizing that¡ªdespite slaughtering soul beasts by the thousands¡ªtheir numbers barely made a dent¡­ He dropped all pretense. Any soul beast that appeared within the Zerg army¡¯s vision, regardless of species or cultivation level, was to be killed on sight. Yet even with this ruthless hunting, and as the Zerg territory continued to expand¡­ The area fully covered and controlled by the Zerg amounted to less than one-fiftieth of the entire Star Dou Great Forest. The forest was simply too vast! Spanning millions of square kilometers, it wasn¡¯t something to be underestimated. No wonder Soul Masters across the continent feared its name. Even Titled Douluo wouldn¡¯t dare casually enter its depths. Lin Fan even suspected¡­ maybe the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape¡ªpreviously known as the forest¡¯s rulers¡ªhadn¡¯t even truly ventured into the core regions themselves. That would explain how the Iceworm of Heavenly Dreams had managed to reside there undisturbed for so many years¡ªcompletely unnoticed by two soul beasts that had lived there for over a hundred thousand years. In the areas not yet covered by the Zerg Creep, Lin Fan had dispatched countless Zerg hunting squads to spread outward and continue their relentless pursuit of soul beasts. At the same time, the Hatcheries were mass-producing Overlords, which ascended to heights of 10,000 meters to surveil the Star Dou Great Forest from the skies. Additionally, several Overlords that had absorbed enough energy carried spores and Creep tissue to slowly expand toward the forest¡¯s outer edges. Lin Fan was quietly looking forward to what surprises these autonomous expansion efforts might bring. Even if he couldn¡¯t establish a new base just yet, just being able to monitor the continent¡¯s events from the sky was incredibly useful. For now, his job was simple: Wait. Lin Fan stared at the number of energy points displayed on his mental interface: [5,643,215 Energy Points] And upgrading the Hive to Tier 4 required a whopping 10 million! Currently, all his Zerg units were generating about 500,000 points of energy per day, solely from killing soul beasts. If he added in the passive energy absorbed by the Creep and the resources gained from consuming parts of the forest itself, that number would easily double! However, Lin Fan wasn¡¯t planning to go that far¡ªyet. The soul beasts could be thinned out, but the environment must not be destroyed. If he ravaged the forest indiscriminately, Lin Fan had a feeling that a world of trouble would follow. His Zerg army continued to grow by the day, and as their numbers increased, his energy income would naturally scale up as well. Lin Fan had time. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 48 – The Eerie Star Dou Great Forest, and the Mysterious Disappearance! "Uncle Luo, why haven¡¯t we seen a single soul beast after walking for so long?" The golden-haired youth looked around the empty Star Dou Great Forest with growing frustration. Wasn¡¯t this forest supposed to be filled with danger, where you could run into a soul beast every few steps? His team had been marching for quite a while now, and still¡ªnot a single soul beast in sight. He could understand not encountering thousand- or ten-thousand-year-old beasts, but not even a trace of a low-level hundred-year beast? That was just too strange. Robert was also puzzled. The forest was unusually quiet¡ªunnervingly so. Still, he reassured himself: This is just the outer perimeter¡ªhow dangerous could it be? ¡°Your Highness, perhaps it¡¯s simply daytime. Soul beasts might not be very active right now. This actually gives us a chance to move quickly. If we¡¯d encountered any, they might¡¯ve slowed us down.¡± The golden-haired youth nodded, dabbing the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief before following the others deeper into the forest. What they didn¡¯t notice¡­ was that high above¡ªten thousand meters in the air¡ªan Overlord was silently tracking them with its blood-red eyes. As they advanced, more Overlords seamlessly relayed surveillance, monitoring their every move with absolute precision. Within the Hive Cluster Lin Fan watched the small team with curiosity. His gaze lingered on the golden-haired, blue-eyed youth¡ªclearly a noble of some kind, which surprised him slightly. Another young master? But judging by their equipment and strength, they could probably hold their own even against a Soul Douluo. Whoever backed them must be a major power. An idea sparked in Lin Fan¡¯s mind. He was just preparing to make contact with human Soul Masters and still lacked a full grasp of this world¡¯s political landscape. And now, this convenient group had basically delivered themselves to his doorstep. "Kukuku¡­!" Since they had arrived, how could a good host like him not give them a proper ¡°welcome¡±? Crack! The golden-haired youth slumped to the ground, exhaling heavily as he looked around. This was getting absurd. They¡¯d walked for half a day without seeing so much as a single trace of a soul beast. If he hadn¡¯t triple-checked the map before leaving, he¡¯d swear they were just strolling through the imperial gardens back in Star Luo. At this rate, even the Soul Hunting Forest might have more soul beasts than this! Unable to contain his doubt, he asked again, ¡°Uncle Luo, why haven¡¯t we seen a single soul beast yet? Haven¡¯t we gone pretty deep already?¡± Robert studied the area, his brow furrowed. This kind of silence¡­ it was too quiet. It reminded him of the eerie stillness before an ambush during wartime¡ªno sound, no movement¡­ just an oppressive sense of dread. But this was a secret mission. Aside from himself and this royal guard squad, no one knew of their movements. Who would risk the wrath of the Star Luo Empire to ambush the second prince? Soul beasts laying an ambush? Robert chuckled at the absurdity of the thought and shook it away. He¡¯d sooner believe his pet Fragranthide Pig could climb trees than believe soul beasts had the intelligence and coordination to set traps. If soul beasts were really that organized, humans would¡¯ve never been able to keep expanding their territory into the forest. After a pause, he replied, ¡°Perhaps¡­ we¡¯re just lucky today, Your Highness. That¡¯s why we haven¡¯t run into any soul beasts yet.¡± What else could explain this? In folk tales, desperate commoners and low-level Soul Masters often wandered into soul beast territory, only to return with incredible fortunes and rise to greatness. Wasn¡¯t that the power of luck? The golden-haired youth sighed and nodded, though his anxiety grew. They had been searching for hours and still found no sign of his missing fianc¨¦e. Where in this massive forest could she have gone? Could she have entered the core region¡­? If that were true, things were getting complicated. Her survival would be completely uncertain. He reached into his robes and pulled out a small amethyst crystal, still glowing faintly with magical light. A keepsake from his betrothed. Just holding it brought her smile vividly back into his mind. His eyes turned sharp with determination as he stared toward the forest depths. ¡°Ah Yun¡­ I will find you.¡± After a short rest, the group continued heading deeper into the woods. Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ Not long after they departed, several black shadows began to slither out from the darkness. Their blood-red eyes gleamed briefly before vanishing again as they silently melted back into the shadows¡ªtracking the group closely. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, the towering trees blocked the last rays of light completely. Darkness swiftly fell over the forest, and the air grew cold. The golden-haired youth instinctively crossed his arms, shivering slightly as he followed the others through the darkened woods. Seeing this, Robert quickly ordered the group to halt. After surveying the area, he turned to the youth and said, ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s too late to keep moving. It¡¯s dangerous to proceed in the dark. We should set up camp here.¡± The youth nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you, Uncle Luo.¡± Robert turned and began organizing the team. The royal guards dropped their packs and began unpacking tools and supplies. One of the guards released his Martial Soul: a Blazing Fire Monkey. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Purple¡ª! Five optimal soul rings slowly rose behind him. Activating the first soul skill, he exhaled a jet of flame, lighting the firewood stacked around the camp. While fire wouldn¡¯t stop high-level soul beasts, it would deter weaker ones¡ªand keep venomous insects at bay. Some soul beasts, sensing the presence of humans, wouldn¡¯t dare approach at all. The golden-haired youth sat by the fire, watching his guards move efficiently, and felt slightly more at ease. After all, the suffocating darkness of the forest had become increasingly oppressive. But just as he was starting to relax, something didn¡¯t feel right. He rubbed his eyes and slowly counted the people from left to right. "1, 2, 3¡­ 9, 10, 11?" Thump. A cold sweat ran down his back. He counted again. Still 11 people. There were supposed to be 12¡ªten royal guards, Robert, and himself. Why¡­ were there only eleven? He swallowed hard and stood up, walking through the group to count one by one. After a moment, his expression turned pale with terror. No mistake¡ªthere were only eleven people here. "Uncle Luo!" Robert turned around, puzzled by the prince¡¯s horrified expression. ¡°What is it, Your Highness? What happened?¡± The golden-haired youth raised a trembling finger and stammered: S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°E-Eleven... eleven people!!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 49 – Who’s Sneaking into the Star Dou Great Forest?! A Mysterious Titled Douluo Appears! Robert¡¯s expression changed drastically upon hearing the words. He immediately turned to count the group. A moment later¡­ His face darkened. An ominous feeling crept over him. ¡°Everyone, stop what you¡¯re doing! Gather immediately!¡± Though confused, the team quickly assembled and stood in a line, waiting quietly for Robert¡¯s command. Using the firelight, Robert scanned them one by one. Nine people. The royal guard squad had only nine members left. Robert¡¯s eyes turned sharp like an eagle¡¯s, sweeping across each face with intensity. ¡°Where¡¯s Hill?! Where did he go? Who can tell me?!¡± The group exchanged startled glances¡ªonly now realizing that Hill was missing! Robert narrowed his eyes and studied them carefully. This was the elite royal guard of the Star Luo Empire, trained to be absolutely loyal. Betrayal or cowardice was out of the question. Which meant Hill hadn¡¯t fled¡ªsomething had happened to him. But for someone like Hill¡ªa five-ring Soul King¡ªto vanish under their very noses without anyone noticing? Among all known soul beasts, it was almost impossible to find one that could silently kill or abduct someone of that level. Which left only one possibility¡ª There are others in the forest. The moment that thought crossed his mind, Robert¡¯s entire body tensed. He turned to scan the surrounding woods. Pitch black. Aside from the faint light from their campfire, the entire forest was shrouded in darkness. The oppressive stillness of the forest felt like a predator lurking, waiting to strike. The golden-haired youth hesitantly asked, ¡°Uncle Luo¡­ do you think Hill might have¡­¡± Robert shook his head grimly. For someone to eliminate Hill without anyone sensing it¡­ whoever they were, their strength was clearly extraordinary. Whoever they were, they were not people this group could afford to provoke. This expedition¡­ had just become very dangerous. Robert¡¯s expression darkened further. If the Second Prince were to die here, even if he returned alive, he would be held fully accountable. At this point, the best-case scenario was that Hill had been killed by a soul beast. Because humans¡­ could be far more terrifying than soul beasts. Meanwhile, in the Hive Cluster Lin Fan watched the scene unfold through the eyes of an Overlord, his expression twisted with intrigue. He focused on two crimson energy signatures within the forest, lurking not far from the human camp. One of them emitted an immense aura of spiritual and soul power¡ªslightly weaker than the Titan Giant Ape, but not by much. ¡°A Titled Douluo, huh? Hmph¡­ interesting.¡± Had it not been for his surveillance units, Lin Fan would¡¯ve assumed the missing soldier had been taken by one of his own Zerg¡ªonly they moved so silently and invisibly. But those bright red signatures within the spiritual web were too obvious. They caught Lin Fan¡¯s attention immediately¡ªtwo individuals sneaking into the forest like mice. From the looks of it, those two weren¡¯t too friendly with the prince¡¯s group either. Lin Fan rubbed his chin and smirked. ¡°Interesting¡­ what exactly are they here for?¡± Especially the two tailing behind¡ªthey were clearly targeting the prince¡¯s group. Well then... why not make this show even more entertaining? Still smiling darkly, Lin Fan closed his eyes and connected his consciousness to the Zerg Neural Network. Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ Suddenly, a faint noise came from the shadows of the forest¡ªlike something moving through the underbrush. The guards around the fire immediately tensed, putting down their food and turning toward the sound. Robert narrowed his eyes. The forest had been too quiet all day. Now that something was finally moving, he had a bad feeling in his gut. ¡°Uncle Luo¡­ is it¡­ a soul beast?¡± the golden-haired youth asked nervously, trying to keep his composure. Robert shook his head, activating his spiritual senses to monitor the area more carefully. Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ The sound grew louder. Even the tree branches began to sway unnaturally. ¡°HRAAA!¡± ¡°Awooo?¡± ¡°HISSS! ROAR!!¡± Beastly cries echoed from the darkness¡ªferal, guttural sounds that were like soul beasts¡­ but not quite. They growled and hissed with restraint, staying just beyond sight in the pitch-black woods. A chilling sense of dread swept through the group. The golden-haired youth broke into a cold sweat, his face pale. Swallowing hard, he asked shakily, ¡°Uncle Luo¡­ what kind of soul beasts¡­ make those sounds?¡± Robert, too, was filled with doubt. He¡¯d seen more than his share of soul beasts, but these cries¡ªactive in the dead of night, and in such numbers¡ªwere beyond strange. Just as he was about to speak¡ª "Ah! Elder!" A frightened, youthful cry rang out from the depths of the forest¡ªa girl¡¯s voice, trembling in fear. ¡°Hmph.¡± BOOM¡ª!! A man¡¯s cold snort was followed by a sudden explosion in the darkness! A deafening blast shook the area, and two figures burst out of the forest. One was tall and muscular, the other slender and cloaked in black. The slim figure had to be the one who¡¯d cried out earlier. Her face was hidden behind a pitch-black mask, making her identity impossible to discern. The stronger figure was also cloaked in black, his body radiating soul power. The remaining guards immediately formed a defensive line in front of the prince, faces tense. Robert narrowed his eyes and stepped forward. ¡°Who are you? And why are you following us?¡± But the muscular man didn¡¯t respond. Instead, his expression was filled with surprise as he stared into the forest¡¯s depths. ¡°¡­What kind of soul beast is that?¡± Robert followed his gaze¡ªbut all he saw was darkness. Whatever movement or noise had been there¡­ was gone. Not even a leaf rustled. Robert¡¯s face twisted in frustration. These two were playing games. His voice turned cold. ¡°I¡¯ll ask again¡ªwho are you? If you won¡¯t answer, don¡¯t blame us for being rude!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The man finally turned to face them, an amused expression on his face. He sneered as if hearing a joke. ¡°Heh¡­ just you?¡± BZZZZT¡ª!! A wave of crushing pressure suddenly descended on them. An overwhelming aura swept across the clearing like a hurricane. Behind the man, nine soul rings slowly emerged¡ªglowing brilliantly in the night: Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 50 – A Member of Spirit Hall?! Snake Lance Douluo! Nine perfectly matched soul rings rose slowly around the cloaked man, their brilliance glowing with terrifying intensity as a mountain-like pressure crashed down on everyone present. Robert''s expression turned ashen. He had never expected that one of these two mysterious individuals would turn out to be a Titled Douluo! Even without a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, this man was still the real deal. The gap between a Soul Douluo and a Titled Douluo was immeasurable¡ªand compared to their group, it was like heaven and earth. Even if Robert had brought a hundred men instead of ten elite guards, they still wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against a Titled Douluo. A single move from this man could easily wipe them out. Yet this also confirmed the suspicion lingering in Robert''s heart: the mysterious disappearance of Hill from their squad. At first, he¡¯d considered the possibility of a rogue soul beast or an unknown assassin. But now it was clear¡ªHill had fallen to this Titled Douluo. Which made the situation even more dangerous. For a Titled Douluo to abandon all decorum and strike down a mere Soul King, then turn around and threaten a royal escort unit¡­ things were far more complicated than he had imagined. Robert''s voice was grim. ¡°Even if you are a Titled Douluo, do you know who we are?¡± ¡°If you kill us, are you prepared to face the wrath of the power behind us? Are you ready for a war that ends in annihilation?!¡± ¡°Hahahahaha!¡± The man slowly raised his head, revealing a youthful yet arrogant face beneath the cloak. With a disdainful smirk, he looked down on them and said, ¡°Annihilation? From you? The Star Luo Empire? What do you have that¡¯s worth fearing?¡± His words stunned both Robert and the golden-haired youth. This man¡­ who was he? He clearly knew who they were, yet dared to provoke the Star Luo Empire head-on. That meant one of two things: either his personal strength was overwhelming¡­ or the force behind him was comparable to the Empire itself. Just what kind of background did he have? The golden-haired youth steadied himself and stepped forward, speaking in a deep voice: ¡°Watch your tongue! I am Davis, Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire! Even if you are powerful, think carefully¡ªcan you truly endure the full wrath of my Empire?¡± ¡°There are Titled Douluo within our royal family as well.¡± ¡°If you have a purpose here, then speak it. On behalf of the Star Luo Imperial Family, I am willing to consider an alliance.¡± Robert couldn¡¯t help but nod approvingly at Davis¡¯s words. He had handled the situation well¡ªbringing up the Empire to strengthen their position without outright antagonizing the Titled Douluo. He showed appropriate respect, while also leaving room for diplomacy. Yes, Robert thought, Your Highness truly is starting to look like a worthy successor. Unconsciously, Robert¡¯s mind flashed to Dai Mubai¡­ and he sighed inwardly. A coward who runs from responsibility has no right to inherit the throne. He¡¯s already lost before the battle has even begun. Sure enough, the cloaked man hesitated for a brief moment after hearing Davis¡¯s words. Then his eyes flicked to the slender, black-robed figure standing quietly beside him. Everyone followed his gaze. A clear, crisp voice echoed from within the hooded figure: ¡°Don¡¯t forget Her Holiness the Pope¡¯s command.¡± ¡°¡­Understood.¡± The man turned back toward the group, his face twisting into a sinister grin. ¡°If you want someone to blame¡ªblame yourselves for interfering with the Pope¡¯s plans.¡± The Pope?! Robert¡¯s heart sank. A Titled Douluo, and now they mention the Pope¡­ There was only one power on the entire Douluo Continent capable of this¡ª Spirit Hall. A powerful force independent from both empires and all sects. A massive, mysterious organization, often considered neutral, whose sole purpose was to support Soul Masters across the continent¡ªespecially civilians. They were also known for discovering and nurturing rare talents. And yet now, this same Spirit Hall had dispatched a Titled Douluo¡­ and by the sound of it, was enacting some secret operation in the forest. Robert gritted his teeth, hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. Even so, he shouted, ¡°Even if you are from Spirit Hall, do you not fear our Empire¡¯s retaliation?!¡± The man sneered, ¡°If I kill all of you, then who will be left to tell the tale?¡± Clang¡ª!! The royal guards drew their swords in unison, eyes sharp and solemn. Buzz¡ª! Soul rings began to rise from behind each of them. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black! All of them had optimal soul ring configurations! Robert also revealed his Martial Soul¡ªa massive, black-striped Nightshade Tiger, which emerged silently behind him, its eyes gleaming with killing intent. Seven soul rings floated behind him, illuminating the pitch-black forest. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black! Ten elite Soul Masters stood shoulder to shoulder, their soul power surging with unmatched ferocity. The frail, cloaked figure to the side began to pant under the crushing pressure of their combined auras. ¡°Hmph.¡± With a snort, the man released his soul power and formed a protective field around himself and his companion, shielding them from the overwhelming pressure. Only then did the cloaked figure manage to catch her breath. Behind the man, a long golden spear appeared¡ªits shape intricate and otherworldly. Coiled around the shaft was a living snake, its eyes feral, hissing at the crowd with rage. Robert¡¯s eyes widened in horror. What kind of Martial Soul is that?! It looked like a weapon-type Martial Soul, but¡­ why did it have a living snake on it? The man chuckled coldly. ¡°As expected of the Star Luo Empire. You¡¯ve got depth.¡± ¡°Unfortunately¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯ve run into me.¡± ¡°Spirit Hall Elder. Title: Snake Lance Douluo. Rank 93. Prepare yourselves.¡± BOOM! An overwhelming pressure exploded outward from Snake Lance Douluo, like a sledgehammer striking the hearts of everyone present. Robert''s breath hitched. He activated his full soul power and shouted: ¡°Captain of the Star Luo Imperial Guard¡ªRobert! Rank 78! Martial Soul: Nightshade Tiger. Prepare to fight!¡± A flicker of admiration passed through Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s eyes¡­ but it quickly faded into icy resolve. His third soul ring lit up¡ªhis Snake Lance turned into a golden streak of light, shooting directly at the group like a bolt of divine punishment. ¡°Shadow-Splitting Nine Strikes!¡± ¡°Form ranks! Protect His Highness!¡± Robert roared, activating his second soul ring. A pitch-black tiger projection charged forward to intercept the incoming attack. At the same time, the other guards unleashed their soul skills with no hesitation, launching a barrage of counterattacks to meet the incoming blow head-on! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 51 – True Form of a Tool Spirit?! There’s Also a True Form of a Beast Spirit?! BOOM¡ª! The violent collision of two soul skills exploded with deafening noise and shockwaves that sent Robert and his men reeling, struggling to stay on their feet. Robert roared, unleashing his full soul power to block the overwhelming blast. Snake Lance Douluo also shielded the slender figure beside him with a protective surge of soul power, his expression turning concerned. "Are you hurt?" he asked urgently. The cloaked figure shook her head, though her gaze flickered nervously at the overwhelming soul power radiating from Robert¡¯s side. She hesitated, then asked softly, ¡°Are you sure you can handle this?¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s expression darkened. He tightened the cloak over his shoulders, his Martial Soul phantom growing sharper and more vivid behind him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said in a deep voice. ¡°These small fries aren¡¯t worth worrying about.¡± Robert, clearly infuriated by his arrogance, narrowed his eyes and shouted, "You may be a Titled Douluo, but aren¡¯t you a bit too full of yourself?!" "Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got!" Snake Lance Douluo let out a cold snort. A golden light flashed across his eyes, spreading over his entire body. Then¡ªhis seventh soul ring lit up. "Martial Soul True Body ¡ª Snake Lance True Form!" His body fused with the golden snake coiled around his spear, forming a single terrifying weapon radiating deadly power. His aura surged like a tidal wave, aiming directly at the defenders. ¡°Let me show you the true difference between a Titled Douluo and a Soul Sage!¡± Robert¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. He shouted, "Protect His Highness and retreat!" His seventh black soul ring flared to life. He hadn¡¯t expected Snake Lance Douluo to go all out with his Martial Soul True Body. That was usually reserved for fighting fellow Titled Douluo¡ªdefinitely not Soul Sages like him. But there was no turning back now. If he could buy time for the Crown Prince to escape safely¡­ then even if he died here, it would be worth it. "Martial Soul True Body ¡ª Nightshade Tiger Form!" The golden spear, fused with Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s Martial Soul, came hurtling toward Davis with world-shattering force. "Not so fast!" Robert roared as his body transformed¡ªhis Martial Soul fully possessed him, turning him into a massive, jet-black tiger. His amber eyes flashed fiercely. "ROOOAR!!" He lunged forward with his tiger claws to meet the strike head-on. CLANG! A deafening metallic impact rang out. Robert''s hands trembled uncontrollably. The soul power in his Martial Soul-infused claws was instantly shattered. Robert stared at Snake Lance Douluo in horror. So this is the strength of a Titled Douluo¡­ Even one blow from his true form was enough to force Robert into such a desperate state. Still, he looked back over his shoulder¡ªDavis, now being escorted by the royal guards, was retreating deeper toward the forest¡¯s edge. A faint smile crept onto Robert¡¯s lips. As long as I can hold him off long enough¡­ I¡¯ve done my duty. Snake Lance Douluo saw through Robert¡¯s plan immediately and sneered. ¡°You? Stop me?¡± BOOM! Robert¡¯s soul power erupted like blazing fire, coating his entire body. At this moment, he no longer resembled a human. His Martial Soul True Body had fully transformed him into a fierce Nightshade Tiger. Grinding his teeth through the pain, he growled: ¡°Beast Martial Souls are naturally stronger than Tool Spirits! And mine is a mutated variant of the Evil-Eyed White Tiger! Even if you¡¯re a Titled Douluo, killing me won¡¯t be so easy!¡± ¡°Heh¡­ na?ve.¡± BZZZT¡ª! Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s seventh soul ring lit up again! "Martial Soul True Body ¡ª Twin-Headed Serpent!" The golden light flared as the snake spear split away from his body, floating midair. Then, it merged with a surge of glowing golden soul power. An immense force surged outward. A massive two-headed serpent fused directly into Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s body, its cold, vertical pupils locking onto Robert. ¡°What?!¡± Robert¡¯s face turned pale. Impossible! How can someone possess both a Tool Spirit and a Beast Spirit at the same time? How can a person have two Martial Soul True Bodies?! A chilling, bloodthirsty aura rolled off Snake Lance Douluo. He grinned wickedly. ¡°Now¡­ I¡¯m also a Beast Spirit user. Prepare to die.¡± The sixth soul ring behind him lit up. "Golden Serpent Strikes!" BOOM! The two-headed serpent let out an earth-shaking roar and lunged at Robert. A streak of blinding gold, like a falling star, tore through the battlefield with unstoppable might! Robert''s eyes briefly lost focus¡ªbut he recovered just in time. His sixth soul ring ignited. "Black Tiger Shatters the Heavens!" ¡°AHHH!! Snake Lance Douluo! You won¡¯t take me down that easily!!¡± BOOOOOM!!! Elsewhere in the Forest Davis was being escorted by the remaining guards as they sprinted through the darkness, heading for the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest. Fear and regret twisted in the Crown Prince¡¯s heart. If I hadn¡¯t been so stubborn¡­ if I hadn¡¯t insisted on coming here¡­ Spirit Hall wouldn¡¯t have come after us. None of this would¡¯ve happened. ¡°Uncle Robert¡­¡± S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He kept glancing back. In the distance, golden and black lights continued to clash violently¡ªproof of the intense battle still raging behind them. Hatred flared in Davis¡¯s eyes. Spirit Hall! He still didn¡¯t know why they were trying to kill him¡­ but he wasn¡¯t an idiot. Clearly, Spirit Hall was not the peace-loving organization it claimed to be. Was it possible¡­ that his fianc¨¦e Zhu Zhuyun had also fallen into their hands? Old grudges and new hatred surged through his chest¡ªbut he didn¡¯t lose control. With one last glance toward Robert¡¯s direction, Davis grit his teeth and kept running. ¡°A gentleman''s revenge may take ten years¡­¡± Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ Suddenly, from the nearby bushes, came the sound of something moving. The entire group came to a halt, staring tensely at the source of the disturbance. ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± One of the guards drew his bow and loosed an arrow into the shadows. FWOOSH! THUD! A dull thud followed as the arrow sank into flesh. But strangely¡ªno beast, no person¡­ nothing emerged. The forest fell silent once more. Everyone looked around in confusion. Davis stared at the black woods around them, sweat beading on his forehead as he scanned for any signs of life. "Awoo..." "Roooar..." Low, eerie growls suddenly echoed from nearby. One by one, clusters of glowing red lights appeared in the dark¡ªlike a field of lanterns being lit. Everyone gasped. Those weren¡¯t lanterns¡ª They were eyes. Crimson, glowing eyes. They were surrounded. Davis steadied himself and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Soul beasts don¡¯t have much intelligence. Just release your Martial Souls, kill a few, and break through. They won¡¯t dare follow us.¡± The guards nodded, summoning their Martial Souls. Light filled the forest as soul power surged outward. But then¡­ their expressions froze. As the light spread¡ªrevealing the forest around them¡ª They saw it. Layer upon layer, circle after circle of densely packed, unknown soul beasts had completely encircled them in all directions. Black as night. Countless. Unending. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 52 – Qian Renxue?! Remember This: The One Who Hurt You Is Tang San Gulp! A royal guard swallowed nervously and whispered, ¡°Your Highness¡­ what do we do now?¡± Davis was completely panicked. He had always heard of human Soul Masters surrounding and hunting soul beasts¡ªbut never the other way around! He¡¯d never imagined a situation where soul beasts would encircle and prepare to hunt them! Even if he wanted to break through, the moment he saw the endless swarm of strange soul beasts surrounding them, any shred of courage vanished. Against a single powerful enemy, one might still muster the will to resist. But against a sea of enemies¡ªunnumbered, densely packed, and seemingly everywhere¡ªeven if each one were weaker, fear would take root. And these beasts? They didn¡¯t look weak at all. As he stared at the surrounding swarm tightening its encirclement, a thought suddenly flashed in Davis¡¯s mind. He tilted his head back and screamed toward the heavens: ¡°Spirit Hall! Snake Lance Douluo¡ªcome save me!!¡± Davis''s thinking was simple: use Snake Lance Douluo to escape. Even if Spirit Hall had ulterior motives, anything was better than dying at the claws of these inhuman monsters. But unfortunately¡­ His cry vanished into the night like a stone sinking into the sea¡ªno response, no ripple. The forest remained deathly still. And those strange, crimson-eyed soul beasts didn¡¯t move an inch. They simply stared at them in silence, their eyes gleaming with eerie red light. The atmosphere grew unbearably oppressive. Davis stood frozen, unable to make sense of what was happening¡ªbut not daring to move either. All he could do was stand there, locked in a silent standoff with the swarm. "Kukuku~ So clever, Your Highness." A flirtatious, mocking voice came from behind them. "But unfortunately¡­ Snake Lance Douluo isn¡¯t available to save you right now." Davis spun around¡ªand the moment he saw the speaker, his pupils constricted in shock. His expression froze in disbelief. ¡°Xiao Yun?! What¡­ what are you doing here?!¡± Zhu Zhuyun stood before him, clad in form-fitting, armor-like energy that revealed every curve of her flawless figure. She smiled playfully, stopping just five meters away. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m here under our Lord¡¯s orders¡­ to bring you back.¡± ¡°Lord¡­? What Lord? Xiao Yun, it¡¯s me, Davis! I¡¯m your fianc¨¦¡ª¡± Zhu Zhuyun raised a hand to interrupt him. ¡°Oh, I know exactly who you are. But now, I serve only one being: the Sovereign.¡± Her eyes glinted with a strange pink light, her expression bordering on fanaticism. Davis¡¯s heart sank. Something was terribly wrong. His voice rose in desperation. ¡°What are you saying?! Xiao Yun, come back with me!¡± Zhu Zhuyun stared at him, a smirk tugging at her lips¡ªthough for a brief second, pity flashed in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re just a pitiful, ordinary insect. How could you ever compare to the greatness of the Zerg Sovereign?¡± ¡°Be smart. Surrender quietly and come with me.¡± Her soft words pierced Davis like a dagger to the chest. His face went pale. He stared at her, eyes reddening. ¡°What¡­ are you saying¡­ Xiao Yun¡­ what happened to you?!¡± Her smile faded. With a hint of irritation, she opened her mouth and said coldly: ¡°Enough talk. Accept the baptism of the Swarm.¡± ¡°ROOOOOAR!¡± With a terrifying roar, the Zerg horde surged forward like a tidal wave. Davis could only watch in despair as the endless swarm closed in. Through the cracks in the charging Zerg, he caught one last glimpse of Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s face¡­ ¡­before he was completely swallowed by the Zerg sea. ¡°Haaah¡ª¡± Snake Lance Douluo stood panting, releasing his Martial Soul True Body and gazing down at Robert¡¯s corpse. A flicker of admiration crossed his face. Despite being only a Soul Sage, Robert had managed to fight him for this long¡­ even forcing him to go all out. A rare talent, indeed. But alas, they stood on opposite sides. The cloaked figure beside him remained silent for a long moment before speaking: ¡°It¡¯s done. We should leave¡ªbefore the others get too far.¡± Snake Lance Douluo nodded and was about to move¡ªwhen his expression suddenly shifted. He turned sharply toward a shadow in the forest. ¡°Who''s there?! Show yourself!¡± CLAP¡­ CLAP¡­ CLAP¡­ A slow, mocking applause echoed from the shadows as a young man stepped out with a smile. ¡°Impressive. Truly impressive, Snake Lance Douluo. A tool-type Martial Soul undergoing beastification? That was quite a show.¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s face turned grim as he eyed the newcomer warily. Though he sensed no soul power from the man, he didn¡¯t dare drop his guard. The stench of blood rolling off this youth was heavier than any evil Soul Master he¡¯d ever encountered. So young¡­ yet so soaked in death. Just how many had he killed? The man¡¯s icy, predatory stare made Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s heart thump. It felt like being targeted by a wild beast. He asked cautiously, ¡°Who are you? Why are you following us?¡± But the man ignored him completely and turned to the cloaked figure at Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s side. With amused curiosity, he said: ¡°What should I call you? Princess Qian Renxue? Or perhaps¡­ Prince Xue Qinghe?¡± ¡°What?!¡± Both Snake Lance Douluo and Qian Renxue gasped. Snake Lance Douluo was shocked that the man knew her true identity. Qian Renxue, however, was struck speechless¡ªbecause he knew her original plan. Xue Qinghe. That name represented her secret mission¡ªreplacing the real prince and infiltrating the royal family. Only she and her mother, Bibi Dong, knew the truth. How could this stranger possibly know? She couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Who are you?!¡± The young man smirked, eyes gleaming with malicious glee. ¡°That¡¯s not important. What matters¡­ is that soon, you¡¯ll be mine.¡± ¡°Insolent cur!¡± Snake Lance Douluo roared in fury, his soul power erupting in a blazing shockwave. He launched an attack instantly! BOOM! The man casually raised a hand¡ªand blocked the blow effortlessly. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all, his body was now as tough as a ten-thousand-year soul beast¡¯s. A simple strike from Snake Lance Douluo couldn''t harm him. He flicked his ear and said with disdain, ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got? And they call you a Titled Douluo?¡± ¡°You¡ª!!¡± Enraged, Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s Martial Soul and nine soul rings surged into view. Spear in hand, he charged forward! But the youth only smiled mockingly. ¡°Gotcha.¡± Huh?! Before Snake Lance Douluo could react, his spear passed straight through the man¡¯s body¡ªwhich dissipated like a burst bubble. A phantom! He whipped around¡ª Qian Renxue was gone. Click-click-click-click¡­ Suddenly, the sound of countless creeping, crawling creatures echoed from every direction. Then came the man¡¯s voice again, now dripping with mockery: ¡°Enjoy the gift I¡¯ve left you. Oh, and remember¡ª the one who hurt you... is Tang San. Son of Tang Hao, of the Clear Sky Sect.¡± And with that¡ª BOOM! An earth-shattering explosion ripped through the forest, engulfing everything in its wake. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 53 – Clear Sky Sect, From This Day On, We Are Enemies! A massive explosion erupted violently around Snake Lance Douluo, flames and acidic venom detonating simultaneously, engulfing his entire body. This was a special gift Lin Fan had prepared just for him: forty Exploding Zerglings. Not because Lin Fan couldn¡¯t afford to produce more¡ªbut because frankly, he looked down on Snake Lance Douluo. Sure, the man possessed a rare mutated Martial Soul¡ªa two-headed golden serpent. He could shift between a Tool-type Martial Soul form and a Beast-type True Body, granting him both the resilience of weapons and the flexibility of beast spirits. He was even a Level 93 Titled Douluo¡ªyoung and powerful on paper. But his actual combat prowess? A complete mystery. By all rights, with a mutated Martial Soul and excellent conditions, he should¡¯ve been a force to be reckoned with¡ªif not a top-tier expert, at least a prominent genius. And yet in the original storyline, Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s performance was utterly mediocre¡ªeven bordering on weak. Despite wielding such a strong Martial Soul, his fighting power was pitifully low. He was basically a training dummy¡ªanyone could fight him to a draw. People often said Poison Douluo was the weakest among Titled Douluo, but in Lin Fan¡¯s eyes, Snake Lance Douluo was no better. If Lin Fan had used any more Exploding Zerglings, he might have accidentally killed the guy. But he couldn¡¯t let Snake Lance Douluo die¡ªnot yet. He still had a role to play. With Qian Renxue in his hands, even if Bibi Dong was ruthless, she¡¯d definitely take the matter seriously. Add in Qian Daoliu, and maybe even the still-mysterious fate of Qian Xunji... If they started looking for her in Star Dou Forest, the first one to suffer would be him. Better to redirect that trouble elsewhere¡ªto throw the blame on someone else entirely. Thinking of this, Lin Fan let out a cold, sinister laugh. Tang San, oh Tang San... whether you like it or not, you''re taking the fall for this one. BOOOOM!!! The explosions raged for a long time. While the initial blast from the Exploding Zerglings was potent, it was the lingering flames and acid that caused sustained damage. Even powerful, heavily armored enemies wouldn¡¯t get away unscathed. ¡°AARRRGHHH!!¡± WHOOSH¡ª! A fierce gust of wind suddenly blasted the smoke and fire away. From the center of the inferno, Snake Lance Douluo stumbled out, roaring in rage. His entire body was charred, scorched black from head to toe. Glowing embers still flickered across his exposed flesh. His skin was split and peeling, blood soaking through his clothes. He looked utterly miserable. He patted out the flames with soul power, his eyes filled with murderous hatred as he glared toward the direction Lin Fan had disappeared. A deep, guttural growl rose from his throat¡ªmore beast than man. ¡°Tang San! Clear Sky Sect!!¡± ¡°Fine¡­ FINE!! From now on, we are mortal enemies!!¡± Inside the Zerg Hive Qian Renxue stared around her, eyes filled with shock and fear. As the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, she had been trained since childhood in politics, strategy, and knowledge. Compared to her peers, she was more mature and better informed about the continent. And yet¡ªno one had ever told her there was a hidden world beneath the Star Dou Forest like this. If she were to tell the entire continent about this underground realm, she doubted anyone would believe her. But it was real. Right in front of her. And far more terrifying than she had imagined. Alien structures¡ªvast, twisted, and monstrous¡ªstood everywhere, like grotesque monuments. Her eyes widened as she saw the towering Tier-3 Hive Cluster looming ahead. Its grotesque and terrifying form rendered her speechless. What¡­ are these things? She turned again to look at Lin Fan¡ªthe man who had kidnapped her¡ªand her heart filled with more confusion. He was human. Clearly human. So why was he living with soul beasts? And these structures¡­ who built them? The soul beasts here didn¡¯t just coexist with him¡ªthey obeyed him. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everything she saw shook her deeply, overturning everything she thought she knew about the world. Qian Renxue walked silently behind Lin Fan, not saying a word. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to fight back. She wanted more than anything to escape this nightmarish place. But after seeing how easily Lin Fan had toyed with Snake Lance Douluo¡­ She wasn''t stupid. Compared to him, she was nothing. Anything she tried would be futile. Better to bide her time¡ªwait until he lowered his guard. Then she might have a chance to escape. When they reached the massive Tier-3 Hive¡¯s entrance, Lin Fan finally stopped and turned around. Qian Renxue halted too, startled. Her heart jumped, panic flickering across her face. Lin Fan stood still, seemingly lost in thought. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and tore off her long black cloak and ripped away the mask hiding her face. ¡°Ah!¡± Qian Renxue let out a startled cry, stumbling back a few steps. And in that moment, her true face was revealed¡ªand Lin Fan¡¯s breath caught in his throat. She wore a long, flowing golden palace gown, made of fine silk threads with a simple yet noble design¡ªmodest and elegant. The high collar wrapped around her fair, slender neck, while her long golden hair draped freely behind her, contrasting against her formal attire. Her golden eyes shimmered with emotion, and even in panic, her beauty radiated through¡ªbrightening the dark hive with a goddess-like presence. She was every bit the angelic figure of legend. Compared to her, even Xiao Wu¡¯s beauty paled slightly. Her proportions were nearly flawless, her very presence exuding holiness. If the Zerg Hive represented darkness and hell, then she was the embodiment of light and purity. The contrast was so powerful that even Lin Fan found himself briefly mesmerized, staring at her like she was a divine work of art. Qian Renxue frowned slightly. His blatant stare, filled with greed and desire, made her extremely uncomfortable. Lin Fan stepped forward and suddenly pressed her down with one hand, leaning in close to her golden hair and inhaling deeply. ¡°As expected of the Six-Winged Angel¡­ there truly is no woman more perfect in this world.¡± Qian Renxue panicked, struggling violently. ¡°Let me go! Who the hell are you?!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 54 – Upgrading to Tier-4 Hive! A Second Blade Queen?! "Who are you?" Lin Fan pinched Qian Renxue¡¯s chin, glancing around at the endless Zerg swarm and the towering alien structures surrounding them. With a wild grin, he declared: ¡°I¡­ am the supreme Sovereign of the Zerg!¡± Qian Renxue twisted her head away, struggling furiously to break free from his grasp. Raised in luxury by Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue had never allowed any strange man to touch her so freely. ¡°Bastard! I don¡¯t care who you are¡ªlet me go!¡± As he gazed into her panicked golden eyes, Lin Fan''s interest deepened. This scene was all too familiar¡ªeerily similar to how Zhu Zhuyun had reacted when she first met him. ¡°Let you go? Do you really think that¡¯s possible?¡± Hearing this, Qian Renxue looked straight into his eyes¡ªand saw only coldness and cruelty. The air around him was thick with the scent of blood and killing intent. It nearly spilled from his pores. A shiver ran down her spine. Am I... in hell? Qian Renxue shut her eyes, forcing herself to stay calm. She took a few deep breaths before speaking: ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°You¡¯re hiding in the Star Dou Forest¡­ clearly, you don¡¯t want the world to know you exist.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve remained undetected for this long¡­ so what is it you¡¯re after?¡± ¡°Power? Status? If you let me go, I have influence within Spirit Hall¡ªI can help you gain both.¡± Lin Fan was genuinely surprised. He didn¡¯t expect her to react so rationally and tactfully. These were not the words of a na?ve teenage girl. In the original story, he had always assumed Qian Renxue was just a tragic, lovestruck pawn¡ªdestined for heartbreak and pain. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now, in front of him stood someone far sharper than he had expected. Then again, it made sense. To inherit the legacy of the Angel God, how could she lack both wisdom and strength? Had it not been for Tang San, that walking cheat code, Qian Renxue would¡¯ve undoubtedly been the first to ascend and become a true god¡ªlong before Tang San and the others had their chance. But Bibi Dong had forced her to impersonate a weak prince for ten whole years. Ten years¡ªgone. Wasted time and lost cultivation. With her innate talent, divine inheritance, and rank 20 innate soul power from the Six-Winged Angel, she should¡¯ve reached Titled Douluo by now¡ªor at least peak Soul Douluo. Instead, she played the part of a puppet¡­ and ended up seriously wounded by Tang San. Even if Bibi Dong disliked her, would she really go so far as to destroy her daughter¡¯s future? Especially when Spirit Hall had the power to dominate nations¡ªwhy even bother placing a spy in a kingdom they didn''t fear? No¡ªQian Renxue had been little more than a pawn of fate, crushed under destiny¡¯s wheel. Lin Fan felt a flicker of sympathy rise in his heart. He was starting to understand why she had come here. Because of Davis. Unlike the useless Xue Qinghe, Davis was a true prince¡ªand if she could control or replace him, then Star Luo Empire would fall like ripe fruit. Not to mention, Star Luo was much closer to Spirit Hall. From a strategic standpoint, the decision made perfect sense. Lin Fan''s expression turned calm. ¡°Power? Status? I have no interest in either.¡± He locked eyes with her and said, slowly and clearly: ¡°What I want¡­ is this entire continent.¡± Qian Renxue froze. She opened her mouth to retort¡ªbut her gaze swept across the Zerg Hive, and she fell silent. Who knew how long this hidden faction had lurked beneath the Star Dou Forest? A human¡­ commanding soul beasts? That alone gave him strength enough to threaten the entire continent. And what of her mother? Of all her mother¡¯s years of effort¡ªwhat did they amount to now? Qian Renxue chuckled bitterly. There¡¯s always someone stronger. Always a bigger world beyond the one you know. Lin Fan noticed her silence and said no more. Though a fire was simmering inside him, he had something far more important to deal with. He turned toward the towering Tier-3 Hive Cluster at the center of the nest and closed his eyes, accessing the hive interface. [Energy: 13,520,641 units] After days of relentless hunting, the Zerg had finally accumulated over ten million energy units! In truth, they could¡¯ve reached that number earlier. But the hive constantly consumed resources to expand the swarm and fuel its daily needs, slowing progress slightly. Still, better late than never. Lin Fan took a deep breath and issued his order: ¡°Overmind, begin upgrading to Tier-4 Hive Cluster!¡± [Command acknowledged.] [Initiating Tier-4 Hive upgrade.] Sssssshhk¡ª! WHRRRRMMM! From the Hive Cluster¡¯s exterior, countless strands of pulsating, fleshy tissue writhed outward, cocooning the entire structure. The Creep across the ground responded instantly, extending thick veins of biomass that wrapped around the hive like coiling serpents. The grotesque transformation made Qian Renxue recoil in horror. ¡°What¡­ what is this?!¡± Hummmm¡ª The fleshy shell sealed tightly. The Hive was now larger than ever¡ªtowering like a monolith in the underground expanse. A massive spore sac hovered above it, casting an oppressive shadow. Every other Zerg structure nearby looked tiny in comparison. Thankfully, Lin Fan had expanded the hive deep underground in advance¡ªotherwise, this thing might¡¯ve punched straight through the surface! [Upgrade in progress. Estimated time: 6 hours.] Thanks to Lin Fan enhancing his Zerg with genes for faster reproduction and metamorphosis, most construction happened rapidly¡ªunless it was something as complicated as evolving a Brood Queen. Six hours, huh? A thought flashed through Lin Fan¡¯s mind. He asked: ¡°Overmind, can the Brood Incubation Chamber be upgraded as well?¡± [Upgrade possible.] It can? Delighted, Lin Fan hadn¡¯t expected success¡ªafter all, the Tier-4 Hive hadn¡¯t even completed its evolution yet. Still, this was a welcome surprise. ¡°Upgrade the Incubation Chamber too!¡± [Command acknowledged.] [Upgrade in progress. Estimated time: 2 hours.] Two hours? Even faster than the Hive itself! That meant¡­ he¡¯d be able to birth his second Brood Queen very soon! He glanced at Qian Renxue and licked his lips. Two hours. Would be a shame to waste them. Seeing the gleam in his eyes, Qian Renxue suddenly felt an ominous chill run down her spine. ¡°What¡­ what do you plan to do?¡± Lin Fan grinned darkly. ¡°Keh keh keh¡­ what do you think, my little beauty?¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 55 – Enchanting Qian Renxue, Unable to Resist Qian Renxue watched as Lin Fan approached with a wicked grin, and she instantly realized what he was planning. Grinding her teeth in anger, she snapped, ¡°Bastard! Don¡¯t you dare come near me!¡± Buzz¡ª! A dazzling golden light burst from Qian Renxue¡¯s body, and a brilliant martial soul projection erupted from behind her. Holy radiance surged outward, piercing the dark atmosphere of the Zerg hive with sacred brilliance. Behind her, her Six-Winged Angel spirit unfolded its wings with divine grace, staring coldly at Lin Fan. Six soul rings rose from behind her: Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black! Each ring shimmered more intensely than a typical spirit ring of its grade, exuding incredible pressure. Compared to her, Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s spirit looked far less impressive¡ªeven if the ring configurations were similar, Qian Renxue''s soul power was clearly superior. No wonder¡ªshe was a genius born with Rank 20 innate soul power. Her talent was among the highest across the continent. But the more Lin Fan looked at her, the more indignant he felt. ¡°Tang San... What made you worthy of her?¡± he thought bitterly. Qian Renxue had greater talent, a divine inheritance, noble lineage as Spirit Hall¡¯s Holy Maiden¡ªfar superior to Tang San and his little Clear Sky Clan background. Yet such a remarkable girl had suffered for him¡ªgiving up everything, even losing her godhood for his sake. Truly, fate was cruel. Standing bathed in divine radiance, Qian Renxue drew strength from her martial soul. Her posture straightened, and her confidence returned. ¡°Prepare to face divine judgment!¡± she declared coldly. But Lin Fan simply scoffed. ¡°Your strength is indeed impressive¡ªeven by the continent¡¯s standards. But here¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not enough.¡± He snapped his fingers. From above, the sound of wings flapping echoed. A graceful figure descended beside him. It was Xiao Wu¡ªher silhouette refined and enhanced, with dark, blade-like wings on her back. She approached Lin Fan with a sweet smile, casting a curious look at Qian Renxue. ¡°My Lord Sovereign,¡± she teased playfully, ¡°Where did you find this lovely new companion?¡± Qian Renxue stared back at Xiao Wu, surprised by her charm and beauty¡ªwhich could rival her own. She didn¡¯t realize that Xiao Wu had undergone a transformation via Zerg bioengineering, making her stronger and more alluring than ever before. The contrast between the two was striking: Golden radiance versus obsidian shadows. Holy grace versus abyssal power. Lin Fan watched the scene unfold, his thoughts racing. Light and darkness¡­ how poetic. If Qian Renxue truly became part of his swarm, the outcome would be magnificent. He checked the hive¡¯s internal clock, then turned to Xiao Wu. ¡°Make it quick,¡± he ordered. ¡°I still need time to train our new guest properly.¡± Xiao Wu rolled her eyes and stepped forward. ¡°You heard him, big sis. Our Sovereign is very interested in you.¡± Qian Renxue¡¯s expression grew cold. Her golden eyes blazed with fury. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this¡­!¡± Buzz¡ª! Xiao Wu¡¯s eyes briefly flashed crimson as she summoned her martial soul. Six soul rings rose from behind her¡ª Red, Red, Red, Red, Red, Red! All 100,000-year soul rings. Qian Renxue¡¯s composure shattered. ¡°T-This can¡¯t be real!¡± In all her years of training¡ªeven with the Angel God¡¯s inheritance¡ªshe had never heard of anyone possessing multiple 100,000-year rings, especially on the lower end. Even divine inheritance couldn¡¯t explain this. Xiao Wu didn¡¯t wait for Qian Renxue to recover. She flapped her wings, quickly closing the distance. Their eyes met¡ªgold against crimson. In an instant, a pink light shot from Xiao Wu¡¯s eyes and struck Qian Renxue¡¯s pupils directly. Her body froze. The Six-Winged Angel faded. Her soul rings vanished. Her golden eyes dulled, glazed over with a faint pink hue. She stood motionless¡ªexpression blank. Xiao Wu tilted her head, turning back toward Lin Fan with a shrug. ¡°Was that it?¡± Lin Fan smirked. Against Xiao Wu¡¯s overwhelming psychic force¡ªand catching Qian Renxue completely off guard¡ªresistance was impossible. "Perfect," he muttered. He walked up to Qian Renxue and gently touched her face. Her skin was like fine jade¡ªcool, smooth, and flawless. Even in her current state, her innate grace remained. She looked like a living statue of a goddess. Golden hair, ethereal aura, flawless beauty¡­ She truly embodied the ideal of an angel. Lin Fan marveled at her elegance, comparing her silently to Xiao Wu. One embodied light. The other, darkness. For now, Qian Renxue remained under psychic influence¡ªunharmed, unmoving, merely stunned by the unexpected attack. Lin Fan whispered: ¡°You¡¯ll be mine, Qian Renxue. Just wait and see¡­¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 56: The Golden Blood of the Angel God Qian Renxue let out a faint groan. Her golden eyes still lacked clarity, like those of a puppet, yet her body trembled uncontrollably, her pupils twitching rapidly. Lin Fan pressed his lips against Qian Renxue¡¯s, her natural fragrance overwhelming his senses. Xiao Wu sighed softly, her tone half-teasing, ¡°My Lord~ if you keep going like this, my charm won¡¯t hold her. She¡¯ll wake up soon.¡± Without turning his head, Lin Fan asked, ¡°Oh? How soon?¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No sooner had he spoken than Qian Renxue¡¯s eyes began to shine with regained awareness, and the pink aura surrounding her dissipated. She stared at Lin Fan in disbelief. He stared back. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Xiao Wu shrugged. ¡°Told you.¡± Qian Renxue quickly realized what had happened and pushed Lin Fan away, covering herself instinctively. Her golden eyes turned red with fury. ¡°What did you do to me?!¡± Lin Fan chuckled lightly, ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Relax¡ªI didn¡¯t really do anything to you.¡± Internally, however, he was impressed. Compared to Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s panic, Qian Renxue remained calm and sharp. Despite the situation, she had quickly stabilized her emotions¡ªcunning, powerful, and composed. If before he admired her for her beauty and tragic fate in the original story, now he respected her for her potential. With her on his side, the Zerg would gain a formidable new commander. Qian Renxue, although slightly relieved by his words, was furious and confused. How did he manage to knock me out without me noticing? She glanced toward Xiao Wu, a hint of fear in her gaze. This one is stronger than me... by a lot. Lin Fan stepped closer and grabbed her by the throat¡ªnot with brute force, but as a show of power. His gaze swept over her coldly. ¡°You have a choice,¡± he said. ¡°Submit to me willingly¡­ or be forced to.¡± Qian Renxue gasped, struggling against his grip. ¡°You¡­ you bastard! I¡¯ll never¡ª!¡± Lin Fan spoke calmly. ¡°What¡¯s so bad about submitting? Look at my Blade Queen. Hundred-thousand-year spirit rings? As many as she wants.¡± ¡°Power. Isn¡¯t that what you seek?¡± ¡°You''re wasting your potential in the Spirit Hall, being their puppet, chasing after a dream that will never be real.¡± Her resistance weakened. His words struck a nerve. Why am I doing this? she asked herself. Yes, Bibi Dong was her mother and the current Pope of the Spirit Hall¡­ but to Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong had always been a monster. She hated her with all her heart¡ªfor the neglect, for the hatred, and for killing her father, Qian Xunji. Did she still care for the Spirit Hall? Perhaps. But her hatred for Bibi Dong surpassed all else. Lin Fan observed her carefully. So it¡¯s true, he thought. Qian Xunji was killed by Bibi Dong. That confirms it. He smiled slightly. It was time to move forward with his plan. He extended a hand toward Qian Renxue, but the moment he touched her, she snapped out of her trance. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± she shouted, struggling. ¡°I¡¯ve made myself very clear,¡± he said coldly. ¡°Submit.¡± ¡°This is how you recruit people?!¡± He smirked and moved closer. Qian Renxue trembled, tears welling in her golden eyes, but she refused to break. Yet Lin Fan''s expression didn¡¯t soften. He raised a hand, and the creep beneath them¡ªorganic Zerg tissue¡ªsprouted tendrils of flesh that restrained her completely, siphoning her soul power and rendering her helpless. Her body shivered as her strength left her, leaving her defenseless. Overcome with despair, she closed her eyes, two golden tears falling. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, ¡°Please¡­ let me go. I¡­ I surrender.¡± Even the proudest angel must bow before a power they cannot resist. But Lin Fan was no benevolent god. He was a demon. And demons never let go of their prey. He raised his hand, and a Chrysalis Incubation Chamber emerged from the ground. ¡°An angel, huh? I¡¯m eager to see what kind of Blade Queen you¡¯ll become after your evolution.¡± With that, he cast Qian Renxue into the chamber, sealing her fate. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 57 – Fool! Bibi Dong’s Fury Schlurp¡ª! A sound of water surging, accompanied by the sickly squelch of writhing flesh, echoed through the air. The fleshy walls of the Brood Pit Incubation Chamber slowly sealed it shut from all sides, enclosing the space entirely. From the Creep-covered ground, layers upon layers of living tissue rose up like constricting muscles, coiling tightly around the chamber. Even a few particularly thick organic conduits jabbed themselves into the structure, pulsating continuously as they pumped in an unending supply of bio-energy. Qian Renxue looked on in horror as the once-spacious chamber darkened, now sealed shut by the grotesque, living walls. The soft, squirming, ever-moving flesh made the entire structure feel¡­ alive. A wave of revulsion surged through her, followed by a flood of fear. She balled her fists and pounded on the wall in panic, shouting, ¡°Bastard! What is this place? Let me out now!¡± Each punch landed with a nauseatingly soft and slimy recoil that made her immediately recoil in disgust. Every strike felt like sinking into a swamp, as if the living mass would swallow her whole. Fwoosh! Suddenly, a torrent of golden liquid gushed from the walls, rapidly filling the entire chamber. Qian Renxue barely managed to scream once before everything went black. Watching the grotesquely exaggerated structure of the Brood Pit, Lin Fan couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Hive Mind, why wasn¡¯t it this complicated when Xiao Wu was incubated?¡± ¡¾Analyzing... Detected unique genes and bloodline in the host. Additional energy is required for fusion and transformation.¡¿ ¡¾Minor structural enhancements to the Brood Pit have been implemented to ensure successful metamorphosis into a Blade Queen, and to guarantee energy sufficiency during incubation.¡¿ Lin Fan nodded in realization, his gaze filled with anticipation as he stared intently at the incubation chamber¡ªand the towering Spore Pod deep in the Hive Cluster. ¡°A Tier-4 Hive Spire¡­ I wonder what kind of surprises this will bring me?¡± A sultry voice suddenly broke his thoughts. ¡°Lord Overmind, your humble servant has completed the mission~¡± Without turning around, Lin Fan smirked. He could tell it was Zhu Zhuyun by her voice. He pulled her into his arms. ¡°All of them dead?¡± Zhu Zhuyun gasped, her seductive eyes glinting as she gazed at Lin Fan. ¡°Of course not, silly. I¡¯m not that dumb.¡± ¡°Only the first royal guard was killed. The rest were knocked unconscious. Some who resisted had their limbs broken. Lord Overmind¡­ you won¡¯t be mad at me, right~?¡± She gave him a pitiful look, her voice laced with a teasing tone. Lin Fan felt a surge of heat rise from his core. He swallowed hard. This little temptress¡­ who would''ve thought she¡¯d be even more enticing after becoming enslaved? ¡°No matter. As long as they¡¯re enslaved, it doesn¡¯t matter. For Zerg, broken limbs are a non-issue.¡± ¡°Oh, and make sure Davis is enslaved with the Siren Broodmother. Understood?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lord Overmind~ Everything¡¯s under control~¡± Her gaze grew more playful. ¡°But¡­ shouldn¡¯t I get a reward?¡± Lin Fan chuckled darkly, eyes fixed on the woman in his arms. ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhu Zhuyun pouted with mock innocence. ¡°I really don¡¯t know¡­ Lord Overmind~¡± ¡°Heh heh¡­ You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± ¡°Ah¡ª!¡± Spirit City ¨C Outside the Spirit Hall BOOM! A figure shot across the sky, radiating such murderous intent that it seemed tangible. Civilians on the streets fled in terror. The gate guards immediately summoned their spirits and barked, ¡°Who dares cause trouble at the Spirit Hall?!¡± The man stopped¡ªhis expression dark and fierce. ¡°It¡¯s me! Open the gate at once! I have urgent news for Her Holiness!¡± Seeing his face clearly, the guards paled and quickly dismissed their spirits. ¡°Ah! It''s Elder Snake Lance! Forgive us¡ªwe didn¡¯t recognize you! Please, come in!¡± Snake Lance Douluo nodded and surged forward into the Spirit Hall. Though he was a Titled Douluo and an Elder of the Hall, rules were still rules. And Her Holiness¡­ was not someone to anger lightly. At the thought of Bibi Dong, a chill ran down his spine and his expression turned grim. How was he supposed to explain this? Inside Spirit Hall ¨C The Cathedral Snake Lance Douluo stood rigidly below the altar, head bowed. He didn¡¯t even dare to breathe loudly. His robes were already soaked with sweat. The vast cathedral was empty and utterly silent. Gulp. He swallowed hard before speaking cautiously, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s the situation, Your Holiness.¡± Atop the high throne sat a stunning, regal figure radiating an oppressive aura. Though she remained silent, her very presence was enough to make Snake Lance Douluo feel crushed under a mountain. A long moment passed. Finally, her voice rang out, filled with unquestionable authority. ¡°Oh? So you''re telling me¡­ the son of Tang Hao¡ªthe traitor of the Clear Sky Sect¡ªruined your entire operation by himself... and even took the Saintess?¡± ¡°Y-Yes... that¡¯s correct.¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s face flushed with shame. Even he could barely believe it happened¡ªbut it did. And it was entirely his fault. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Snort! Bibi Dong sneered. ¡°If you told me Tang Hao did it, I might believe you. But his son? Do you even hear yourself?¡± Her voice turned sharp, colder than a winter storm, slicing through Snake Lance like a blade. He shrank back in fear, not daring to speak another word. Bibi Dong took a deep breath, her mind racing. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t just some fluke. There was a powerful force actively working against her plans. But aside from Qian Daoliu, only a few select Elders even knew of the operation. Could it be¡­ there was a traitor within Spirit Hall? Her eyes gleamed with icy fury. She had fought tooth and nail to become the Pope of Spirit Hall, and it had only been a short time. It was no wonder some rats still dared to act out of line. To overpower Snake Lance Douluo, the enemy had to be a Titled Douluo themselves. But there weren¡¯t that many Titled Douluo across the continent. Who could it be? As for Snake Lance''s ridiculous descriptions of strange attack patterns, a mysterious young man, and talk about the Clear Sky Sect¡­ Bibi Dong ignored it all. Clearly, someone was playing games with him. And this idiot actually fell for it? So then¡­ who was behind this? **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 58 – Tier-4 Hive! The Overmind Ascends Bibi Dong pondered for a long time, but no clear answer emerged. After all, the number of Titled Douluo across the entire continent was limited. Eliminating those unrelated to her or already in allegiance, the list of potential adversaries became clear. A glint of cold light flickered in Bibi Dong¡¯s eyes as she stared into the distance, lost in thought. Was this somehow related to you, Qian Daoliu? Although he had remained silent when she assassinated Qian Xunji and smoothly ascended to the position of Pope, Bibi Dong had never believed Qian Daoliu truly accepted it without resentment. If it was him... She clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning white as her nails dug into the flesh of her palms. Endure. Endure. Endure again. She had endured for so many years. Was she to continue doing so? She asked herself this repeatedly. But when she thought about Qian Daoliu¡¯s status as an Ultimate Douluo¡­ Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A deep sense of powerlessness washed over her. Even if it was him¡ªwhat could she possibly do? Bibi Dong remained silent, uncertain of her next move. After a long pause, she finally said, ¡°Understood. Right now, the priority is locating the Saintess. I¡¯ll have Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo accompany you back to the Star Dou Forest.¡± ¡°You must find any trace of her.¡± Snake Lance Douluo shuddered. She was sending three Titled Douluo? Clearly, Her Holiness placed extreme importance on the Saintess. He immediately bowed and responded, ¡°By your will!¡± With a wave of her hand, Bibi Dong dismissed Snake Lance Douluo. The cathedral once again returned to eerie silence. Thinking of Qian Renxue, an intense wave of disgust rose in Bibi Dong¡¯s heart. Her expression twisted, growing cold and venomous. If not for Qian Daoliu¡¯s status¡ªand the group of Elders and Titled Douluo loyal to Qian Renxue¡ªwhy would she bother worrying about her at all? In truth, Bibi Dong wished Qian Renxue would just die in someone else''s hands. Even though Qian Renxue was her biological daughter, Bibi Dong had never truly accepted her¡ªnot with Qian Xunji¡¯s blood running through her veins. The entire Spirit Hall may believe otherwise, but Bibi Dong had never changed her view. Especially after Qian Renxue learned that her father was killed by Bibi Dong¡ªtheir relationship had completely collapsed. BOOM¡ª! A thunderous crash echoed through the cathedral. A heavy sigh followed. Star Dou Forest ¨C Inside the Hive Cluster Lin Fan stared up at the towering Spore Pod, his excitement mounting with every second. It wasn¡¯t his first time upgrading a hive, but this time¡­ this time was different. After reaching Tier-4, the Hive would undergo a qualitative transformation¡ª A transformation crucial to his next steps in infiltrating Douluo Continent. As the countdown neared zero, the silhouette of the Tier-4 Hive within the massive pod became increasingly defined. Schlurp¡ª! A violent tearing sound echoed. Chunks of decayed, molten biomass peeled from the towering Spore Pod, crashing into the Creep below. A colossal, terrifying structure of purple and black emerged before Lin Fan¡ªtowering nearly 100 meters tall, wide and imposing. It stood dominant on the Creep, taking up nearly half the Hive Cluster. Twisting around the Tier-4 Hive were grotesque sculptures¡ªmassive, worm-like forms, grotesquely thick and serpentine, wrapped tightly around the structure like constricting pythons. They pulsated and writhed as if alive. Just looking at this building filled Lin Fan with immense psychological pressure. The Hive looked like a monstrous beast, crouched within the Cluster, rising and falling with each breath. For a moment, Lin Fan¡¯s vision blurred. The Hive, pulsing with life, truly resembled a living creature now. Of course, Zerg structures were technically alive, but the Hive¡­ the Hive was something more. It wasn¡¯t just a building¡ªit was a true organism. He wouldn¡¯t be surprised if, someday, it could rip itself from the ground and follow him into battle. ¡¾Tier-4 Hive complete.¡¿ ¡¾New functions unlocked:¡¿ ¡¾New Zerg Unit: Infestor¡¿ ¡¾New Zerg Unit: Nydus Worm¡¿ ¡¾New Zerg Unit: Thorabeast (Note: insufficient gene samples; evolution currently unavailable)¡¿ ¡¾New Zerg Unit: Queen¡¿ ¡¾New Zerg Structure: Research Lab¡¿ ¡¾¡­¡¿ The rapid-fire notifications from the Hive Mind sent a surge of euphoria through Lin Fan. It felt amazing. From head to toe. ¡°Holy crap! This is insane!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but shout aloud. That ten million energy investment? Absolutely worth it. The benefits of this upgrade were even greater than he¡¯d imagined. Looking at the newly available Zerg units¡ªso familiar from his past life¡ªLin Fan¡¯s mind immediately began piecing together a massive new battle plan. The so-called Upper Three Sects? Spirit Beasts? Titled Douluo? Let them come. Let them all embrace the glory of the Zerg. But what excited Lin Fan the most wasn¡¯t the new units¡ªit was the Overmind Enhancement he received with each Hive upgrade. Last time, his physical strength had reached the 9,999-year spirit beast level. What kind of power would he unlock this time? He could barely imagine it. Suppressing his excitement, he quickly gave the command: ¡°Hive Mind! Begin Overmind Enhancement immediately!¡± ¡¾As you command.¡¿ BOOM¡ª! Massive organic tubes burst from the Creep, snaking toward Lin Fan and impaling into his body one by one. At the same time, strands of pulsating flesh slowly spread up from his legs, wrapping around his body completely. Lin Fan blinked in surprise. ¡°Hive Mind, aren¡¯t we using the Brood Pit this time? No incubation chamber either?¡± ¡¾Tier-4 enhancement involves full-scale restructuring of the Overmind¡¯s flesh.¡¿ ¡¾A bio-cocoon will be formed directly from Creep using massive energy. Do not worry, Overmind.¡¿ Lin Fan nodded in understanding. As they spoke, more blood-vein strands surged forth from the Creep, winding tightly around his body. Then¡ª Splash! BZZZZ¡ª! Dozens of genetic fluids were injected into his body through the bio-threads. Gold. Green. Purple. The cocoon around Lin Fan shimmered with rainbow hues as the genetic fluids merged into his bloodstream, his bones, his organs¡ªeven his skull. Every inch of his flesh was infused with alien DNA. At the same time, an excruciating pain erupted from the depths of his soul, tearing through his mind. ¡°AAAAAARGHHH!!¡± Humanity is weak. Flesh must ascend. Genetic evolution waits for no one. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 59 – Ghost Douluo’s Sharp Senses… They’ve Been Spotted! Glug-glug-glug¡ª! Streams of genetic serum poured into Lin Fan''s body through the countless blood-vein tendrils attached to him, as if energy was no longer a concern. His eyes remained tightly shut, his consciousness already drifting into chaos. Using all his willpower, he managed to grit out a few words through clenched teeth: ¡°Hive Mind¡­ y-you damn thing! Why does it hurt so much?!¡± ¡¾This transformation is intended to push the Overmind beyond the limits of ordinary lifeforms, granting true biological enhancement and genetic mutation.¡¿ ¡¾Massive amounts of genetic fluid and deep restructuring are necessary.¡¿ ¡¾Please remain patient, Overmind.¡¿ ¡°AAARGH!!!¡± Lin Fan howled in agony, feeling as though his very skin was being peeled away, layer by layer. Countless invisible needles pricked every inch of his body. His bones felt as if they were being shattered and reforged, the fiery, searing pain relentlessly ravaging his nerves. Every second¡ªpure torment. And yet, Lin Fan dared not move. The memory of what happened during the fusion of the Baneling unit was still vivid in his mind¡ªhow volatile and unstable the gene serums became when mixed carelessly. If he moved and caused a misreaction now¡­ and triggered an explosion inside his own body¡­ Even regret would come too late. Glug-glug¡­ Who knew how long the infusion went on? By now, Lin Fan¡¯s consciousness had already dulled from the overwhelming pain, leaving him in a semi-lucid state, barely aware of what was happening to his body. At last, as the final drops of genetic serum were injected¡ª The blood-veins coiling around his body wrapped tighter, sealing him completely within a massive, air-tight bio-cocoon. Golden nutrient fluid, converted from pure energy, surged into the cocoon, flooding Lin Fan¡¯s nearly ruined body with life-giving energy. At that same moment, across the Star Dou Forest, the ground trembled violently. The Zerg swarm had mobilized almost in full force¡ªdevouring every living organism within detection range. All prey were dragged back to the Hive by Drones and dumped into the Infestation Pool, their biomass fueling both Lin Fan¡¯s evolution and the incubation of the Blade Queen. In the fading fragments of his awareness, Lin Fan felt his entire body bathed in warmth. It was as if he were immersed in a gentle stream, one that touched every cell of his being, elevating his flesh and mind to a higher state. Then came the itching¡ªdeep, maddening itching inside his bones¡ªlike something crawling through his marrow, scratching from within. His mind wavered between tension and release, and eventually¡­ he surrendered to unconsciousness. Far away, in the southwest region of the Heaven Dou Empire¡ª Fasno Province. Holy Spirit Village. A young boy in simple clothing held the hand of an elderly white-haired man, standing at the village entrance. The boy had short black hair, neatly kept, with healthy tanned skin. He carried a heavy-looking backpack on his small shoulders, yet showed no sign of fatigue. Turning to glance one last time at the village¡¯s humble and most dilapidated blacksmith shop, the boy looked somewhat disappointed. The person he hoped would show up¡­ never did. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, Xiao San. We should go,¡± said Old Jack, his tone softening despite the disapproving glance he gave the closed blacksmith door. Then he smiled kindly and patted the boy¡¯s hand. The boy pursed his lips, disappointment flashing in his eyes. Still, he nodded. ¡°Thank you, Grandpa Jack! And¡­ thank you for everything.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Xiao San, study hard at the academy, alright? Become a strong Soul Master! That way, this old man can have some peace of mind!¡± ¡°Mm!¡± The old and the young figures slowly left Holy Spirit Village and eventually disappeared from view. On a remote hillside behind the village, a disheveled man silently watched the small silhouette walking away. He stood lost in thought, dazed¡­ no one knew what was going through his mind. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a moment, he took a swig of strong liquor¡ªand vanished without a trace. Back at the blacksmith shop, a rusty iron lock now hung from the door. High above the clouds, ten thousand meters in the air¡ª A massive shadow drifted silently through the dense layers. Twin crimson eyes gleamed through the clouds, surveying everything below. In a remote, uninhabited valley behind Holy Spirit Village¡­ Strange droplets of purple-black rain began to fall, soaking evenly into the ground. Moments later, the rain ceased. A massive creature silently descended, and swarms of twisted, terrifying Zerg creatures slithered from its body. They swiftly dug into the earth, carving out a massive underground nest¡ªand vanished. Outer edges of the Star Dou Forest¡ª Three figures rushed forward at incredible speed, stopping only once they reached the forest boundary. One of them¡ªa tall, shadowy figure¡ªstood in complete darkness. His entire body was cloaked in black, exuding a mysterious aura that made him nearly imperceptible to the eye. It was as if he didn¡¯t even exist in this world. His face was concealed in an ever-present shroud of shadow. The shadowy figure was the first to speak: ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡± Beside him stood a pale-skinned man in violet robes, with a sharp, effeminate appearance. He nodded solemnly. ¡°Where are all the spirit beasts in the forest?¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s face darkened. He suddenly remembered¡ªthis was exactly how the forest looked the last time he brought the Saintess here. Seeing his expression, the violet-robed man gave the black figure a subtle glance and said, ¡°Let¡¯s move. Our task comes first. Her Holiness is still waiting.¡± With Snake Lance leading the way, the three Titled Douluo surged deeper into the Star Dou Forest. High above, in the skies¡ª A massive Overseer slowly emerged from the cloud cover, half its form visible, crimson eyes locked on the trio. As the clouds shifted, more gigantic shadows moved behind them¡ªcountless Zerg forms hidden in the mist, forming a massive, living web over the entire Star Dou Forest. As the trio raced through the forest¡ª Ghost Douluo suddenly halted, his figure shrouded in spreading black mist. Chrysanthemum Douluo flinched in alarm. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Old Ghost?¡± Snake Lance Douluo also stopped, confused. Ghost Douluo frowned, his brows deeply furrowed. ¡°I think¡­ I¡¯m being watched.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo''s face turned grim. He had worked alongside Ghost Douluo for over sixty years and knew his abilities like the back of his hand. He¡¯d never doubted Ghost Douluo¡¯s instincts. If Ghost Douluo said they were being watched¡­ Then someone¡ªor something¡ªwas definitely watching them. But who would be so bold as to spy on three Titled Douluo? **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 60 – Conspiracy? No… It’s Strategy! Lin Fan’s Grand Plan Unfolds ¡°Old Ghost, are you sure?¡± Upon hearing the question, Ghost Douluo released a wave of black mist from his body, vanishing into the shadows around him. He then closed his eyes and focused, sensing his surroundings carefully. After a moment, his eyes opened again, and he said in a low, serious voice, ¡°Nothing unusual detected.¡± Both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo exhaled in relief. After all, anyone bold enough to track three Titled Douluo had to be extremely powerful. None of them wanted unnecessary trouble at such a critical time. The fewer distractions, the better. ¡°But...¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s expression grew even more serious. ¡°There¡¯s not a single living being nearby.¡± Just as the other two were about to speak¡ª Ghost Douluo added gravely, ¡°Within a kilometer radius.¡± The faces of the other two darkened. A faint flush appeared on Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s otherwise pale complexion. Snake Lance Douluo also grew tense, scanning the silent forest around them. Though it was daytime, the Star Dou Forest was eerily quiet¡ªquieter than even during the night. There was no trace of spirit beasts. No chirping birds, no rustling creatures. Not even the buzzing of insects. It was as if they had entered a lifeless, abandoned dead zone¡ªcompletely devoid of living things. ¡°Could this be a domain ability?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo asked. Ghost Douluo shook his head. A portion of his black mist dispersed again, extending far into the forest to probe further and gather information. What disturbed him, though, was that the environment truly felt disconnected from reality¡ªlike it existed in an alternate space. His scouting mist detected no traces of life, not even the tiniest organisms. Meanwhile ¨C Core region of the Star Dou Forest The Titan Giant Ape was desperately fleeing, occasionally glancing back at the endless black tide of Zerg chasing after him. ¡°Damn it! How did they find me again?!¡± He roared furiously into the sky, full of frustration. He had just recovered from his injuries, and these disgusting, terrifying creatures had already hunted him down again. Behind him, a sea of spirit beasts wailed in agony as they were overwhelmed by the swarm. Even ten-thousand-year-old beasts were falling in battle. The Titan Giant Ape''s eyes flashed with hesitation¡ªbut in the end, he turned and ran without looking back. What a joke. Just because he was a dominant figure in the Star Dou Forest didn¡¯t mean he was the protector of all soul beasts. Aside from Da Ming and Sister Xiao Wu, why should he fight for anyone else? The continent had more than one forest where soul beasts could survive. If needed, he¡¯d just find a new home. He recalled hearing of another forest in the empire across the continent... something called the Sunset Forest, was it? His eyes lit up with determination, and he picked up speed. Da Ming, wait for me! Once I take over the Sunset Forest, I¡¯ll avenge you! BOOM¡ª! Suddenly, the ground to his front-left trembled violently as another Zerg swarm burst forth like a living flood, cutting him off. ¡°ROOOAR!!¡± The Titan Giant Ape howled in fury and quickly changed direction, dashing into another path through the towering trees. Despite his size, his movements were incredibly agile, leaping from branch to branch, launching his body forward with powerful bursts from tree trunks. In mere moments, the pursuing Zerglings lost track of him entirely. Seeing this, the Titan Giant Ape smirked. You¡¯ve got to be kidding. I¡¯m an ape, born for the forest. This is my domain! BOOM! He launched himself again using a massive tree branch. Moments later, a graceful figure descended, wings spread wide¡ªXiao Wu, now with bone-like wings, landed on a thick tree branch. Her crimson eyes locked onto the Titan Giant Ape''s retreating form, and the corners of her lips curled into a sly smile. He was heading directly toward the area where Ghost Douluo and the others had entered. ¡°Fufufu... Now things are getting interesting.¡± With a flap of her wings, Xiao Wu took off, gliding swiftly in the same direction. Inside the Hive Cluster Zhu Zhuyun stood with arms crossed, gazing coldly at a group of dazed guards who had just awoken. Davis, once full of pride and arrogance, now stood silently to one side, his eyes faintly glowing with a pink hue¡ªutterly obedient. The guards who accompanied him wore vacant expressions. A closer look would reveal their pupils had dilated; their eyes were unfocused. It was as if their souls had been partially extracted¡ªstanding there like puppets, awaiting orders. Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s gaze flickered for a moment, then she spoke softly: ¡°Do you understand your mission?¡± Davis bowed respectfully. ¡°I do. I will obey all commands of the Overmind.¡± Zhu Zhuyun nodded with satisfaction, then curled a finger. One of the puppet-like guards walked forward mechanically and opened his mouth wide. Zhu Zhuyun raised her hand again¡ª Splurt! From the Creep, a thick, fleshy tendril rose, its tip bearing a squirming purple-black egg. The tendril forcefully jammed the egg into the guard¡¯s throat, driving it deep into his chest. Schlk! With a sickening sound, the tendril retracted. The guard coughed violently, clutching his throat. A faint crimson glow flickered in his eyes. Zhu Zhuyun nodded again. ¡°Go now. Follow the Overmind¡¯s plan. And remember¡ªyou and him must not die.¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She pointed at the marked guard. Davis nodded and led the others through the Nydus Tunnel to depart. As they disappeared into the darkness, Zhu Zhuyun licked her lips and looked longingly at the massive black cocoon in the heart of the Hive. Inside, Lin Fan was still undergoing his metamorphosis. ¡°Overmind¡­ I¡¯m leaving now.¡± A flash of desire flickered in her eyes. She slowly approached the cocoon and placed a deep, lingering kiss on its surface. Running her hand gently across the outer membrane, she seemed to caress Lin Fan¡¯s form through the barrier. Her face flushed. After a moment, Zhu Zhuyun stood up. Her body was instantly clad in bio-generated armor, identical to the outfit she previously wore. She walked toward a massive Overlord, glanced back at the cocoon one last time, and boarded. Within the Overlord were numerous Drones and Zerglings, piled layer upon layer¡ªdormant, waiting silently for commands. Back in the forest, Ghost Douluo opened his eyes and shook his head. ¡°Still nothing.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, ¡°No worries, Old Ghost. With our strength, who would dare try anything against us?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. Her Holiness is waiting.¡± Even so, Chrysanthemum Douluo remained on high alert, ready to fight at any moment. He trusted Ghost Douluo completely¡ªif Old Ghost said something was wrong, then something was wrong. Still... Whoever was lurking in the shadows was seriously starting to piss him off. ¡°ROOOAAAR!!¡± BOOM¡ª! A deafening roar echoed from ahead, followed by the sound of chaotic movement. Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo locked eyes. Their expressions turned grave. ¡°It¡¯s the Titan Giant Ape!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 61 – Truth or Deception? Chrysanthemum Douluo’s Wrath! Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly turned to look at Snake Lance Douluo, his previously casual gaze sharpening instantly. He locked eyes with him. ¡°Snake Lance Douluo, when you were here last time¡ªdid you encounter the Titan Giant Ape?¡± Snake Lance Douluo shook his head, but then something clicked in his mind. He replied uncertainly, ¡°I didn¡¯t encounter the Titan Giant Ape¡­ but I did come across a group of strange soul beasts.¡± ¡°I¡¯d never seen anything like them before. They didn¡¯t give off any soul power fluctuations, yet their attacks were quite strong.¡± ¡°If not for their sudden ambush, the Saintess and I wouldn¡¯t have been exposed.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo exchanged a glance with Ghost Douluo, his brows furrowing deeper. If someone had been secretly scheming against them from the shadows, that would¡¯ve been manageable. But if soul beasts were involved¡ªthen things had just become far more complicated. ROOOAAAR!! Another roar echoed through the forest, this time drawing rapidly closer. Ghost Douluo slowly withdrew the black mist he had spread, his voice low and grim. ¡°It¡¯s the Titan Giant Ape. But there are others following behind it¡­ odd soul beasts.¡± ¡°They look just like the ones Snake Lance Douluo described.¡± At those words, Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s frown eased slightly. He asked, ¡°Is the Azure Bull Python with him, Old Ghost?¡± Ghost Douluo shook his head. ¡°Hmph! If both of them were here, I might show a bit of caution. But just one Titan Giant Ape? Don¡¯t insult us.¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s eyes glinted coldly. His aura surged, sharp and unrestrained. ¡°Let me handle this¡ªI must make up for my previous failure.¡± Ghost Douluo nodded but gave a final warning: ¡°Be careful. These soul beasts are acting strangely. I suspect something¡¯s off.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Even if both soul beasts came together, the three of us Titled Douluo wouldn¡¯t fear them!¡± As they spoke¡ª The ground began to tremble. BOOM¡ª! The massive figure of the Titan Giant Ape descended from above, crashing down heavily in front of them. Buzz! All three immediately summoned their martial spirits. ¡ªA shadowy wraith, ¡ªA towering golden chrysanthemum, ¡ªA long spear entwined with twin golden serpents. Each martial spirit radiated brilliant light, manifesting behind them as spiritual projections. At the same time, nine soul rings began to rise one after another: Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black! All three had identical configurations of nine rings, exuding immense pressure that bore down on the Titan Giant Ape. Though the ring composition was the same, Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s presence was clearly weaker than that of Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo. Ghost Douluo¡¯s aura was the most oppressive¡ªhis body enveloped in swirling black mist that radiated pure destruction. But despite the imposing display, the Titan Giant Ape showed no signs of fear. He had sensed their presence a kilometer away. But with the Zerg swarm relentlessly on his tail, he had no time to change direction. He had no choice but to charge straight through. His mind spun rapidly, clinging to a simple but audacious plan. He slowly raised his arms to show he meant no harm. His massive, bronze bell-sized eyes stared at the three with wary tension¡ªbut no hostility. Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others exchanged confused looks. What was the Titan Giant Ape playing at? Then, slowly and clumsily, the beast began to communicate with them telepathically. A deep, rumbling voice echoed in their minds: ¡°Humans¡­ help me reclaim the Star Dou Forest.¡± Reclaim? That word caught the trio¡¯s attention immediately. They all frowned in unison. Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, ¡°What do you mean? Weren¡¯t you and the Azure Bull Python the overlords of the Star Dou Forest? Who could possibly challenge you?¡± The Titan Giant Ape shook his head slowly. For the first time, a trace of grief appeared on his savage face. ¡°Big Brother¡­ is dead.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t humans¡ªit was soul beasts. A terrifying, mysterious kind. They¡¯re hunting us down like prey!¡± ¡°Dead?!¡± All three were stunned, eyes wide in disbelief. The mighty Azure Bull Python¡ªone of the undisputed kings of the forest, a 100,000-year soul beast¡ªwas dead? And not at the hands of humans, but killed by other soul beasts? This news, if made public, would rock the entire continent. 100,000-year soul beasts were already incredibly rare. To have one die silently¡ªand it was that one? The strongest and most troublesome of them all? Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Then what about you? How are you still alive? What kind of soul beast could possibly force you into this?¡± ¡°I¡­ I escaped,¡± the Titan Giant Ape said heavily. ¡°My brother went out alone and was ambushed. I led the survivors away, but we couldn¡¯t win. So I ran.¡± RUMBLE¡ª! As he finished speaking¡ª The ground beneath them shook violently, as if the heavens themselves were collapsing. Trees all around trembled and swayed. The three Douluo felt as if they were aboard a ship in a storm, tossed and drifting. The Titan Giant Ape¡¯s eyes flared with savagery. He pounded his chest and roared: ¡°They¡¯re here again!!¡± ¡°Humans¡ªhelp me!!¡± The trio scanned their surroundings, expressions grim. Soul power surged through their bodies, ready to be unleashed. Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, ¡°Old Ghost, have you ever heard of soul beasts that can create tremors like these?¡± Ghost Douluo hesitated, then replied uncertainly, ¡°If a horde of Burrowing Demon Spiders were migrating underground¡­ maybe.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo shook his head. ¡°Not unless they¡¯re all 10,000-year-old Burrowing Spiders. And if that¡¯s the case¡­ we might be in serious trouble.¡± BOOM¡ª! Suddenly, the earth around them split open, forming massive, bottomless black holes. From within, waves upon waves of grotesque, chitinous creatures surged forth like a black flood! They screeched and roared. The sound of carapace scraping against carapace, the scuttling of limbs, echoed throughout the forest¡ªshattering the silence completely. The air was now filled with their chaotic cries¡ªshrill, wild, maddening. In the stunned gaze of the three Douluo, the world around them¡ª Was swallowed by an endless black sea. Layer upon layer of Zerg completely surrounded them¡ªthick, suffocating, leaving no escape. It was as if the entire forest had been dipped in black ink. ¡°What¡­ are those things?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo looked around in a daze, taking in the countless red-eyed, grotesque ¡°soul beasts.¡± Just as the Titan Giant Ape opened his mouth to speak¡ª ROOOAAAR¡ª! BOOM¡ª! The monstrous tide ignored him entirely and instead surged past him¡ªrushing straight toward the three Douluo. Like a dam bursting open, the black tide rushed toward them in wave after wave, threatening to swallow them whole. The Titan Giant Ape froze. He looked at the Zerg army sweeping around him, stunned. What¡¯s going on? Why aren¡¯t these disgusting things attacking me?! Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s eyes bulged with fury as he glared at the massive figure beyond the swarm. In an instant¡ªhe understood everything. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°You damn Titan Giant Ape!!!¡± ¡°I¡¯M GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE!!!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 62 – The Titan Giant Ape Escapes… Again? At the sound of Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s furious roar¡ª Even with his thick skull, the Titan Giant Ape finally understood what was happening. He had been made a scapegoat. The endless swarm of Zerg continued to surround and attack the three Titled Douluo. Though the creatures had bypassed his body, the Titan Giant Ape could clearly sense a large number of Zerg units behind him, watching his every move like hungry predators. The slightest misstep¡­ and they¡¯d tear him apart. ¡°ROAAAR!!¡± He roared in fury, his massive bronze-like eyes burning with rage. How dare they?! He was a noble, supreme 100,000-year soul beast¡ªthe king of the Star Dou Forest! How dare these filthy, disgusting creatures manipulate and use him? Furious, he looked one last time through a gap in the Zerg tide at the three humans being overwhelmed¡ªthen acted without hesitation. A layer of magma-colored armor spread across his body. Dark, lava-like patterns pulsed along his fur, radiating intense heat like real molten rock. Any Zerg unit that approached was scorched¡ªtheir hard carapaces crackling and hissing from the heat before slowly melting away. But what truly terrified the Titan Giant Ape¡­ was how the Zerg did not stop. Even when torn apart, burned alive, or crushed¡ªthese creatures showed no pain, no hesitation. Even with limbs missing, they dragged themselves forward with a singular purpose. It was chilling. Do they even have souls? the Titan Giant Ape thought, shuddering at the emotionless crimson eyes staring back at him. No¡­ these things aren''t alive. They''re just husks¡ªmindless machines of war. "Insane... They''re all insane!" Roaring again, he burst through the encircling Zerg using his molten armor, leaping high into a tree. Although the Zerg forces were massive in number, only the Zerglings were agile and capable of fast pursuit. Units like Roaches and Hydralisks, while powerful, were slow and unwieldy in dense forests. And Zerglings? To the Titan Giant Ape, they were just pests to be swatted. Leaping from tree to tree, agile despite his massive size, he skillfully evaded wave after wave of pursuit. Glancing one last time at the endless black tide behind him, he turned and darted toward the forest''s edge. Within moments, his massive form had vanished into the wilderness. Whoosh¡ª! From above, Xiao Wu descended gently, her bone wings fluttering as she watched the ape disappear. A playful, unreadable glint sparkled in her red eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you find something useful for the Overmind in the Sunset Forest¡­ fufufu~¡± She waved her hand¡ªand the Zerg forces that had been pretending to chase the ape halted immediately. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They stood still, silently awaiting the next command. Above, at ten thousand meters in the sky, several Overlords locked their crimson gazes onto the ape¡¯s trail. They hid among the clouds, slowly tailing the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s retreat. Only then did Xiao Wu turn her attention to the ongoing battle¡ªwhere the three Titled Douluo were still being swarmed. ¡°AAAHHH!!!¡± BOOM¡ª! A thunderous roar exploded as the ground quaked. A shockwave cleared a large portion of the Zerg surrounding them. Snake Lance Douluo stood tall, his golden aura blazing. Behind him, the phantom of the Twin-Headed Golden Serpent Spear coiled over his shoulders, hissing and snapping its tongues. An endless torrent of golden soul power surged from his body, radiating divine might. Bathed in golden light, Snake Lance Douluo floated midair like a war god, coldly surveying the black tide around him. ¡°Just a bunch of worthless pests!¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo narrowed his eyes. His massive Heavenly Chrysanthemum martial spirit, which had begun to take form behind him, slowly faded. But the fury on his face hadn¡¯t faded one bit. ¡°Where is that Titan Giant Ape?! I¡¯m going to skin him alive! Rip out his tendons! Use his soul bone as my footstool!¡± Ghost Douluo waved a hand, recalling the dispersed black mist he¡¯d used for scouting. His raspy voice echoed, ¡°Can¡¯t detect his presence. He¡¯s gone.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned. ¡°So¡­ should we retreat?¡± Ghost Douluo raised an eyebrow. ¡°You think it¡¯s that serious?¡± He hesitated, then nodded¡­ but also shook his head. ¡°Maybe.¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s ghostly martial spirit allowed him to release black mist capable of detecting hidden threats. And what he saw¡­ unnerved him. These strange soul beasts¡ªthese Zerg¡ªhad no soul power fluctuations. But their sheer numbers¡­ They stretched as far as his mist could reach. An unending sea. The three of them were like three tiny blades of grass drifting in an ocean of living death. The only upside? The creatures were weak. They could easily clear large swaths of them with minimal effort. But even so¡­ Ghost Douluo couldn¡¯t shake the sense of death clinging to his soul. His spirit¡¯s nature made him especially sensitive to death and darkness¡ªand the feeling was definitely real. He just didn¡¯t know where it was coming from. That unknown, that dread, put him on high alert. He couldn''t help but mutter: ¡°Be careful¡­ Old Chrysanthemum.¡± Buzz¡ª! Chrysanthemum Douluo summoned his martial spirit and soul rings again, glaring at the endless swarm around him. His voice turned sharp and shrill: ¡°Afraid? Hell no! Let me vent my anger first!¡± BOOM¡ª! His sixth soul ring lit up! ¡°Golden Core Blooming Radiance!¡± The Heavenly Chrysanthemum glowed gold, expanding in size as it floated upward. Its petals parted, revealing a gleaming golden core at the center. Shhh-shhh-shhh! Beams of golden light erupted from the flower¡¯s heart, like needles of death, piercing into the black tide around them! ¡°Hahahaha! Now we¡¯re talking!¡± Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s blood surged with excitement. He gripped his spear and dove into the Zerg swarm like a streak of golden lightning. ¡°I¡¯ll fight beside you, Elder Chrysanthemum!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 63 – The Gene Lock Star Dou Forest ¡ª Underground Hive At the very heart of the Hive, in its most secure chamber, a massive black bio-cocoon pulsed rhythmically, rising and falling with eerie, organic motion. The golden nutrient fluid that once filled it had completely vanished. Curled up inside was a motionless figure. Yet the figure¡¯s chest rose and fell violently, each breath echoing like thunder within the confined space¡ªdeep, guttural, almost bestial. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡¾Overmind Tier-4 Enhancement Complete.¡¿ As the Hive Mind''s voice echoed in Lin Fan¡¯s mind¡ª His eyes snapped open. He immediately thrust his arms outward, tearing through the fleshy membrane that encased him. Standing up slowly, he began to stretch, rolling his shoulders, loosening his muscles. Crack! Crack-crack-crack! The sound of bones shifting echoed through the chamber like popping firecrackers. With every movement, a powerful energy stirred deep within Lin Fan¡¯s body¡ªwarm currents flowing through him, reinforcing every fiber of muscle, saturating his limbs with overwhelming strength. His awareness gradually returned. Clenching his fists, Lin Fan stared at them in disbelief as he felt the explosive power surging through his veins. ¡°¡­Hive Mind, after this enhancement¡­ just how strong am I?¡± ¡¾Transcendent. The Overmind''s physical body has reached the level of a 49,999-year soul beast.¡¿ ¡¾Current genetic templates are no longer sufficient for further enhancement.¡¿ ¡¾Further evolution will require the host to acquire stronger genetic material on their own.¡¿ ¡°So I didn¡¯t quite hit the 100,000-year level,¡± Lin Fan muttered with a hint of disappointment. But then he shook his head. In the world of Douluo Dalu, most soul masters had frail bodies. Beyond martial souls and soul power, their combat relied heavily on external tools and weapons. True physical cultivation was primitive at best. Even those known for exceptional constitution had barely scratched the surface of body refinement. By contrast, soul beasts relied almost entirely on their bodies. They could go toe-to-toe with soul masters, survive explosions of soul skills, and fight back with brute strength alone. So for Lin Fan¡ªwho had absorbed the strongest, most refined genes extracted from high-level soul beasts during his transformation¡ªthe result was already phenomenal. In theory, his physical durability had now reached the level of a 50,000-year soul beast. But in practice? Even a direct blow from a 100,000-year soul beast might not be enough to break him. And that was without using any abilities or energy. On the continent, not even a Titled Douluo would dare claim they could take such a hit without using their martial spirit or soul power. They¡¯d be smeared into paste. Lin Fan pondered this, then asked: ¡°Hive Mind, what about those gene serums you injected into me during the enhancement process?¡± ¡¾They serve to elevate the Overmind¡¯s flesh¡ªpart of the pathway to transcendence.¡¿ ¡¾Each serum is perfectly fused with your DNA. As the Overmind evolves, these genetic traits will adapt and strengthen accordingly.¡¿ ¡¾Their purpose is to help the Overmind escape the limitations of mortal flesh¡ªand achieve true genetic ascension.¡¿ Escape mortal flesh? Lin Fan latched onto that phrase. He raised his hands and looked them over. Aside from being a bit more firm and defined, they still looked... human. He exhaled in relief. ¡°Whew¡­ scared me for a second.¡± He''d genuinely feared that the enhancement might turn him into some grotesque Zerg-like creature. No matter how powerful the result, losing his humanity entirely wasn¡¯t something he could accept¡ªnot yet. Then, thoughtfully, he turned inward, feeling out his transformed body. Sure enough, there was an incredible amount of power dormant within him¡ªlike a ticking bomb of raw energy. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t control it. He couldn''t even access it. Frustrated, Lin Fan gave up with a sigh. ¡°¡­Seems like I need to gradually unlock these powers.¡± Like¡­ some kind of genetic lock? These sealed powers inside him felt like gene locks, with his continued evolution acting as the keys to unlock them¡ªstep by step. Once fully unlocked¡­ just how strong would he become? Lin Fan¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Interesting... hehehe¡­¡± His heart surged with anticipation. If I can fully master all this latent power¡­ could I one day traverse the cosmos with my body alone? Shatter the heavens? Rewrite destiny itself? He quickly shook his head. No need to dream that far ahead just yet. Returning his focus, Lin Fan closed his eyes and connected to the Zerg Neural Network. In an instant, a flood of data surged into his mind. Eyes lighting up, he eagerly began analyzing the battlefield and planning the Zerg¡¯s next wave of evolution. ¡°HAH!!¡± BOOM¡ª! A thunderous battle cry echoed across the forest. A golden figure streaked through the sky, piercing into the sea of darkness like a bolt of divine light. The golden Twin-Headed Serpent Spear slashed out with explosive power, obliterating dozens of Zerglings in an instant. Another wide swath of the battlefield was cleared. But Snake Lance Douluo didn¡¯t relax. He and Chrysanthemum Douluo had already unleashed attacks like this more than ten times. The ground around them was cratered, shattered from their relentless fighting. The forest had been reduced to scorched wreckage, trees broken and burned to ash. Yet¡­ The black tide surrounding them hadn¡¯t thinned. The Zerg swarm kept howling, kept charging¡ªendlessly, suicidally. Chrysanthemum Douluo stared in horror. Even after slaughtering so many of their kind¡­ these creatures knew no fear. They just kept coming. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!!¡± Ghost Douluo released his dark mist in waves, sweeping across the battlefield like a shadow. It sliced through Zerg as it moved, killing and analyzing simultaneously. ¡°What is it, Old Ghost?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo asked. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 64: A Soul Master with a Spirit-Type Martial Soul? Chrysanthemum Douluo had finally calmed down. The resentment in his heart had been somewhat alleviated by continuously slaughtering these strange soul beasts. After venting his frustration, the glow of the spirit rings behind him dimmed slightly. His soul power was being consumed far too quickly! Panting lightly, Chrysanthemum Douluo walked over to Ghost Douluo. Curiously, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Old Ghost? Did you find something?¡± BOOM¡ª! Whoooosh! The golden spear in Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s hands spun violently, howling like a golden cyclone. With a powerful gust of wind, several streaks of golden light surged like lightning along the spinning spear! ¡°Haaah!!!¡± Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s entire body ignited in a brilliant golden blaze, lighting up the dark, churning sea before him. THUD¡ª! His spinning spear plunged fiercely into the ground! BUZZ¡ª! A massive wave of golden energy erupted from him in all directions, sweeping out like a tidal wave from the epicenter of his body. For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze. The roiling black sea of Zerg below him slowed, the golden wave cutting cleanly through it. Any Zerg that touched the golden light instantly began to disintegrate, as if melting away into golden motes, vanishing without a trace. The black tide was briefly replaced with a sea of dazzling gold. After releasing this powerful attack, the golden light in Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s eyes faded abruptly, a look of exhaustion crossing his face. He looked around with satisfaction and tightened his grip on his spear before walking over to the other two. Chrysanthemum Douluo hurriedly channeled a stream of golden light from his Martial Soul into Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s body, replenishing his rapidly depleting soul power. The Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum wasn¡¯t just a powerful offensive tool¡ªit also carried some auxiliary capabilities typical of plant-type Martial Souls. Although not particularly strong, for a Title Douluo like Yue Guan, it was enough to provide some beneficial support effects, at least temporarily. However, since few knew of this auxiliary property, and Chrysanthemum Douluo didn¡¯t specialize in support, it was rarely used. This time, the three of them had focused on offensive capabilities and didn¡¯t bring a support-type soul master. Thus, Chrysanthemum Douluo had no choice but to assist. Still, both Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo¡¯s opinions of Serpent Spear Douluo dropped a notch. Although young and already a Title Douluo¡ªhis previous attack clearly demonstrating his strength¡ªhe had just recklessly expended too much of his power. Given their situation, constantly under siege by these strange soul beasts, and with the possibility of even more powerful enemies like the Titan Giant Ape or the Azure Bull Python waiting in the shadows¡­ To burn through one¡¯s soul power like this was dangerous. If a real threat emerged, Serpent Spear Douluo would become nothing more than dead weight. Chrysanthemum Douluo had been on high alert ever since the Titan Giant Ape had set the ambush. After all, the Azure Bull Python was even stronger than the ape! If that terrifying beast launched a surprise attack, even if they didn¡¯t die, they¡¯d be seriously injured! So Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s reckless display of power only increased their risk. Ghost Douluo shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, ¡°Have you two noticed something? The more of these creatures we kill, the more just keep coming. It¡¯s like they¡¯re endless.¡± Both Chrysanthemum and Serpent Spear Douluo nodded grimly. Ghost Douluo¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Not only that¡ªhave you noticed that there are no corpses?¡± At those words, the other two¡¯s expressions changed. They quickly scanned their surroundings. Sure enough! Just as Ghost Douluo had said, none of the soul beasts they had just slain had left behind a single corpse. Even stranger, the tide of beasts had stopped attacking. Instead, they stood motionless, as if intimidated by Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s earlier strike. They were simply observing now. Logically, the battlefield should be littered with bodies by now¡ªpiled up high. So where had the corpses gone? Ghost Douluo continued, ¡°At first, I thought these soul beasts were just energy constructs¡ªthat¡¯s why their bodies vanished. But after careful observation, I realized something else¡­ their corpses were being dragged away¡ªby their own kind!¡± Chrysanthemum and Serpent Spear Douluo exchanged stunned looks. Never in their lives had they heard of soul beasts in the Douluo Continent dragging away the bodies of their fallen comrades. Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, ¡°What are you implying, Old Ghost?¡± Narrowing his eyes, Ghost Douluo replied coldly, ¡°My Martial Soul is ghost-based. I¡¯ve dealt with spirits and phantoms for years.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I suspect¡­ these aren¡¯t soul beasts at all. They¡¯re creatures under someone¡¯s control.¡± ¡°After they die, someone implants new souls into their bodies, reanimating them¡ªcreating the illusion of an endless army.¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What?! A Martial Soul like that actually exists?!¡± Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s face filled with shock. He¡¯d thought Ghost Douluo¡¯s abilities already defied understanding. Now, there was something even more outrageous? Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned. ¡°But what about the Titan Giant Ape? How do you explain that? Who could possibly control a 100,000-year soul beast? Even His Holiness the Pope couldn¡¯t do that.¡± Ghost Douluo nodded with a sigh. ¡°That¡¯s why this is just a theory. I can¡¯t explain why the Titan Giant Ape would be cooperating with these creatures.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo fell into thought. ¡°Then let¡¯s return and report everything to His Holiness. We can decide what to do afterward.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± The trio made their decision and prepared to withdraw from the battlefield. BOOM¡ª! Suddenly, the ground trembled once more. A faint but sharp buzzing noise pierced their ears. Chrysanthemum Douluo looked at the immobile Zerg horde and asked in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s that sound?¡± Serpent Spear Douluo shook his head. Ghost Douluo was about to speak when an overwhelming sense of death slammed into him! His heart pounded wildly, as if trying to escape his chest. ¡°DODGE!!¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s expression twisted in horror as he screamed. SHRIP¡ª! Several jet-black spines, radiating an aura of annihilation, erupted from the ground beneath them! SPLURT! Elsewhere, within a massive Zerg hive¡­ A pale white cocoon suddenly cracked open. A golden light burst out from within, and a slender, jade-white arm slowly extended from the cocoon. Lin Fan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His vision shimmered as if his soul itself had been elevated. Qian Renxue! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 65: Angel or Succubus—A Thought Between Divinity and Demons? Under Lin Fan¡¯s expectant gaze, the cracks on the large, pristine cocoon that held Qian Renxue continued to deepen. A radiant burst of holy golden light suddenly poured out. From within, Qian Renxue extended a pair of snow-white arms and pressed firmly against the sides of the cocoon¡ªtearing it apart with incredible force. RIIIP¡ª! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cocoon shattered completely, breaking into countless snowflake-like fragments that danced through the air. Amid the flurry of ethereal flakes, a sacred yet mesmerizing figure slowly stepped out, bare feet gliding gracefully as she approached Lin Fan. Golden motes of light shimmered behind her, forming a halo of divine brilliance that radiated untouchable sanctity. In Lin Fan¡¯s awestruck gaze, Qian Renxue appeared clad in a stunning suit of tight-fitting armor, alternating between gold and black hues. The ornate armor was molded perfectly to her form¡ªaccentuated breastplate, slender waist guards, a golden battle skirt, rounded pauldrons, and intricately designed armor plating covering her body from neck to toe. Feathered, yet twisted Zerg-like patterns crawled across the surface of the armor. From her back sprouted a set of wings that exuded overwhelming power and contrast. On one side: three radiant golden wings, glowing with divine transparency. Every slight movement sent ripples of golden energy radiating from her figure, bathing her body in waves of blazing golden flame. On the other side: enormous black bone wings, emanating a menacing aura. Dark, arcane patterns extended from the armor to these wings, pulsing with bloodlust and malevolence. An aura of slaughter and darkness bled from the black wings, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. A chilling, oppressive force reminiscent of a demonic entity from the underworld permeated the air. Her grand, otherworldly armor concealed her most vital areas with ceremonial elegance. Exposed were stretches of flawless, snow-white skin¡ªher golden-embroidered skirt swaying over long, shapely legs that appeared impossibly smooth and firm. Each step caused the skirt to flutter gently, revealing tantalizing glimpses that made it hard to look away. The youthful innocence once seen on Qian Renxue''s face had vanished. What replaced it was a strange duality¡ªresolute yet enchanting, pure yet dangerous. A single glance revealed a divine and seductive aura coexisting in impossible harmony. Her heterochromatic eyes only deepened the sense of mystery: one eye radiated pure golden holiness, while the other shimmered with a chilling crimson glow. As she reached Lin Fan, Qian Renxue wrapped her slender arms around his neck. Her body leaned against him, pressing close. Her flowing golden hair cascaded like a waterfall over Lin Fan¡¯s bare chest and shoulders. A warm, sweet fragrance¡ªboth youthful and divine¡ªwashed over Lin Fan¡¯s senses. So even divinity¡­ can have a scent? Lin Fan¡¯s mind briefly drifted. His eyes lost focus. Involuntarily, he embraced Qian Renxue¡¯s graceful body. A wave of intoxicating euphoria surged through him. Qian Renxue curled her lips into a faint smile¡ªso radiant it made the entire Zerg hive dim in comparison. Even the living carpet of Creep below seemed to shudder with increased frequency, as if it were rejoicing¡­ or perhaps welcoming a new Queen of Blades. With a gesture, the armor clinging to Qian Renxue dissolved into a radiant stream of light and retracted into her body. Her divine, snow-white form was now fully exposed before Lin Fan¡ªradiating such purity it was almost unbearable to gaze upon. Smooch! With a delicate step, Qian Renxue leaned her head forward, placing a soft, warm kiss on Lin Fan¡¯s lips. A feather-light brush, as gentle as a dragonfly touching the surface of water. Lin Fan stared at her¡ªthis sacred and seductive being. He reached out, wrapping his arms tightly around her slender waist, pulling her fully into his embrace. Qian Renxue responded tenderly, wrapping her own arms around his broad torso and pressing her body flush against his. Her softness and warmth seeped into Lin Fan¡¯s chest¡ªalong with a sudden, inexplicable chill that crawled beneath his skin. Looking down, Lin Fan noticed her long legs coiling tightly around him. Behind her, the wings of light and shadow slowly folded inward¡ªenveloping the two of them completely. Qian Renxue¡¯s gaze was filled with longing as she melted into Lin Fan¡¯s warmth and the scent of his presence. A rush of heat surged within Lin Fan. His breathing quickened, his grip around her tightening. ¡°Ugh¡ªah~¡± But just as passion peaked¡ª Qian Renxue¡¯s eyes, once filled with desire, suddenly dulled. Her body began to stiffen, her expression turning blank. She started to struggle. Elsewhere¡ª ¡°Old Chrysanthemum! Hey, are you okay?!¡± ¡°Elder Chrysanthemum?!¡± Two urgent voices echoed in Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s ears, followed by chaos¡ªbeastly roars, clashing soul power, and blasts of energy. ¡°Old¡­ Chrysanthemum? What do they mean¡­?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo muttered hazily. He groaned and slowly opened his eyes. In front of him was a man in a black robe, his face obscured by shadow, staring at him with concern. Seeing him regain consciousness, the man visibly relaxed and exhaled deeply¡ªbut then glared at him with barely restrained anger. ¡°You trying to play hero, Old Chrysanthemum?! You¡¯re not young anymore¡ªwe don¡¯t need you sacrificing yourself!¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo stared blankly at the figure yelling at him, opening his mouth to respond. But then¡ª A wave of excruciating pain surged through his body like a flood. His expression twisted, cold sweat pouring down his face as he cried out in agony. ¡°AAAGHHH!! IT HURTS!!!¡± The words were barely squeezed through gritted teeth, as another sharp jolt stabbed through his mind like a dagger, wracking his nerves. The dual pain¡ªphysical and mental¡ªleft Chrysanthemum Douluo deathly pale, soaked in sweat, convulsing uncontrollably on the ground. Ghost Douluo¡¯s brows furrowed tightly. Anxious, he poured his soul power into Chrysanthemum Douluo, checking his condition. BOOM¡ª! Nearby, Serpent Spear Douluo swung his weapon wide, hurling a charging swarm of Zerg into the air with a mighty sweep. Panting heavily, he looked battered¡ªhis golden aura dim, his light armor damaged in places. His face full of urgency, he glanced at the convulsing Chrysanthemum Douluo on the ground. ¡°Elder Ghost, what¡¯s wrong with him?!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Maybe something strange was hidden in that last attack¡ªit might¡¯ve infiltrated his body.¡± ¡°I¡¯m examining him now. You¡¯ll have to hold them off a bit longer!¡± Ghost Douluo focused, continuing his examination. Hearing this, Serpent Spear Douluo nodded, gritting his teeth and turning toward the approaching swarm. His face hardened. ¡°Come on, you bastards!!!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 66: A Transmigrator? Behind Serpent Spear Douluo, the golden twin-headed serpent coiled around his Martial Soul glowed ominously. A flicker of golden light flashed through the serpent¡¯s narrow eyes. At the same time, his seventh soul ring¡ªjet black¡ªsuddenly lit up. ¡°Martial Soul Beastification¡ªTwin-Headed Golden Serpent!¡± In a brilliant flash, the serpent entwined around Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s weapon appeared to come to life! The twin-headed serpent detached from the spear, transforming into a streak of golden light that surged into Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s body. A massive phantom of the twin-headed serpent manifested behind him, its gaze locked on the encroaching Zerg horde with lethal intensity. Within its twin pupils, a cold and sinister aura shimmered unmistakably. Golden light burst in Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s eyes. The power from Martial Soul Beastification surged through him, instantly sweeping away his fatigue from prolonged combat. Warmth flooded his limbs, revitalizing his strength. He clenched his fists, tightened his grip on the spear, and grinned as power coursed through his body. BZZZZZT¡ª! His eighth soul ring shone violently! ¡°Heaven¡¯s Wrath!¡± CRACKLE! CRACKLE!! Golden lightning danced wildly across his spear, arcs of electricity pulsing and leaping violently with destructive force. Simultaneously, the twin-headed serpent phantom behind him opened both jaws and released twin spheres of golden lightning, which merged with the power on his spear and floated upward into the sky. The gathering of divine lightning buzzed ominously in the air. ZZZZZZ¡ª! The golden orb of lightning expanded, blinding in its intensity. Countless small arcs converged, twisting together into a massive, golden, snake-like bolt that coiled and snapped in midair. Every Zerg creature struck by the lightning was instantly vaporized¡ªreduced to ash without a trace. ¡°Hah!¡± Serpent Spear Douluo strained to raise his weapon overhead, gritting his teeth, his face flushed red with exertion. This single strike consumed nearly all of his soul power. It was a fusion of his Martial Soul''s weapon and beast forms¡ªhis ultimate combined attack. Using this kind of attack against these soulless, brainless creatures felt like using a cleaver to cut vegetables¡ªmassive overkill. A hint of humiliation even crept into his heart, but at the moment, there was no better alternative. He had to hold the line against these filthy, swarming creatures. Even Ghost Douluo, who was still examining Chrysanthemum Douluo''s injuries, couldn''t help but glance sideways at the scene in the sky¡ªhis eyes revealing faint surprise. Serpent Spear Douluo¡¯s strength was worthy of the Pope¡¯s trust. His attacks, coupled with his rare and unusual variant Martial Soul that could shift between beast and weapon types, were indeed formidable. Truly one of the most exceptional Titled Douluo of the younger generation. But... A figure suddenly surfaced in Ghost Douluo''s mind¡ªtall, imposing, bloodthirsty, and resolute. A man who once used the legendary Clear Sky Hammer, the strongest Tool-Type Martial Soul, to silence countless Titled Douluo in battle. That was true genius. Ghost Douluo couldn¡¯t help but sigh with regret. If only that man were still alive... Who else in the entire continent could claim to be the strongest and youngest Titled Douluo? He shook his head and resumed checking Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s condition. Meanwhile, Serpent Spear Douluo had to switch from one hand to both, straining to lift his golden spear before finally slashing it downward toward the oncoming Zerg horde. BOOOOOM¡ª! Like a divine catastrophe, several colossal golden lightning bolts exploded from the orb above, lashing out across the black sea of Zerg like whips of divine fury. In an instant, the entire battlefield glowed with golden brilliance, like a second sun had risen to dye the sky. CRACKLE-CRACKLE!! The tide of Zerg was scorched and withered away, as if the entire swarm had been drained and evaporated under the golden storm. Several kilometers away in the sky, Xiao Wu hovered with massive black bone wings, witnessing the overwhelming power of the attack. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shock flickered in her beautiful eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this Serpent Spear Douluo to have such power... but really now, isn¡¯t he underestimating the Zerg too much?¡± A mischievous smile curled on Xiao Wu¡¯s lips as she waved her hand. Countless new waves of Zerg emerged from underground tunnels, layer after layer advancing relentlessly toward the trio¡¯s location. ¡°The Overmind said not to kill you¡­ but he never said I couldn¡¯t have fun with you. Kukuku~¡± ¡°Huff¡­ huff¡­¡± Serpent Spear Douluo collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Looking at the cleared battlefield, he asked: ¡°Ghost Elder, are we safe for now?¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. ¡°I checked Chrysanthemum¡¯s body. No major injuries aside from a severed arm¡­ but the way he¡¯s reacting to the pain, it doesn¡¯t make sense. I can¡¯t find anything else wrong with him.¡± Just as he finished speaking, Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s convulsing body suddenly stilled. His expression eased, though sweat still beaded on his forehead. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked around with a blank expression, scanning Ghost Douluo and Serpent Spear Douluo in confusion. Then, standing up unsteadily, he looked around again and asked uncertainly: ¡°You¡¯re¡­ Ghost Douluo?¡± The expressions on both men¡¯s faces turned strange. Ghost Douluo narrowed his eyes and asked cautiously, ¡°Old Chrysanthemum¡­ did you hit your head or something?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo rubbed his forehead. His expression relaxed as he waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just¡­ the injuries messed with my head for a moment.¡± Ghost Douluo finally exhaled in relief. ¡°As long as you¡¯re fine. I thought you¡¯d gone hysterical. Let¡¯s get out of here. Looks like we¡¯re not going to find any useful leads this time. Let¡¯s report to the Pope.¡± At those words, a strange light flickered in Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s eyes. He murmured softly to himself, ¡°¡­Bibi Dong, huh¡­¡± Ghost Douluo helped him to his feet, picking up his severed arm in the process and reassuring him: ¡°No worries. Once we¡¯re back, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan can reattach it for you. Just a minor injury.¡± What Ghost Douluo failed to notice, however, was the faint flicker of excitement¡ªand a flash of wicked desire¡ªin Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s eyes upon hearing the word Pope. With a casual tone, Chrysanthemum Douluo replied: ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t forget what my Martial Soul is¡ªit thrives on regeneration. Let¡¯s just head back.¡± Ghost Douluo nodded, handing him off to Serpent Spear Douluo for support as his own ghostly Martial Soul rose silently behind him. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the rear.¡± ¡°Right!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 67: Transmigrator Tang San? Who’s the Real Outsider Here? RUMBLE¡ª! The space that Serpent Spear Douluo had just cleared was once again filled by a tide of black Zerg. Like a living sea, the swarm surged forward in relentless waves, layer upon layer, pressing in toward the three of them. ¡°Damn it! Just how many of them are there?!¡± Serpent Spear Douluo cursed, his expression darkening. Ghost Douluo shook his head solemnly. ¡°At this point, I¡¯m more certain than ever¡ªeither a necromancer-type Soul Master is orchestrating all of this from the shadows, or someone with a Beast-controlling Martial Soul is commanding them.¡± ¡°But no matter which one¡­ they must be at least a Titled Douluo!¡± ¡°When did such a figure emerge on the continent?¡± Ghost Douluo frowned. When it came to bizarre and unpredictable techniques, his first thought went to Soul Masters who wielded plant-type Martial Souls. But these creatures clearly weren¡¯t plants. Still, the strangeness of it all made a certain old figure flash through his mind¡­ He quickly shook the thought away. Impossible. That old poison freak was only good at toxins, and there was no way he would appear here, at this time. Which meant... some new and incredibly troublesome figure had appeared on the continent without anyone noticing. Truthfully, with the combined might of three Titled Douluo, there was no reason to fear this sea of Zerg. No matter how many there were, they could be obliterated with ease. What did scare them, however, was the surprise attack from underground earlier. Thick, black spines¡ªcoated in a strange glow and laced with terrifying penetration power¡ªhad erupted from below, roaring upward like death itself. If Chrysanthemum Douluo hadn¡¯t used his Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to shield the others, all three of them would¡¯ve been skewered like meat on a spit. Even then, Chrysanthemum Douluo had lost an arm and been critically injured. That alone showed just how terrifyingly lethal that attack had been. Only someone at the level of that certain figure within the Spirit Hall might be capable of wounding three Titled Douluo with a single blow. It was becoming increasingly clear: someone of monstrous strength had emerged in Star Dou Forest. Ghost Douluo¡¯s gut told him the mastermind behind all of this had to be a Titled Douluo¡ªlikely of incredibly high rank. Ninety-five... maybe higher. Perhaps even a Limit Douluo¡ªjust like that one. The thought sent a wave of unease through him. If that were true, then this enemy was no upstart. They had to be an old monster in hiding¡ªone who had kept themselves off the radar for decades. If they had chosen this moment to make a move¡­ they clearly had an agenda. This matter was now far beyond their authority. They had to return and report to the Pope immediately. Let the Elder Hall decide how to proceed. Determined, Ghost Douluo floated upward, his nine terrifying soul rings flaring behind him with boundless pressure. But what Ghost Douluo and Serpent Spear Douluo failed to notice was that Chrysanthemum Douluo¡ªstill leaning against Serpent Spear for support¡ªwas staring wide-eyed at the swarm before them. Inside, his heart was in complete chaos. What¡­ what are these things?! Since when did creatures like this exist on the Douluo Continent?! Soul beasts? He frowned hard, rifling through the memories in his mind, searching for anything familiar. He muttered to himself: ¡°Wait a minute¡­ was this how the Douluo plot went? When did Qian Renxue go missing?¡± Serpent Spear Douluo turned his head, confused. ¡°What was that, Elder Chrysanthemum?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly replied, shaking his head. ¡°Just¡­ remembered something.¡± He bowed his head, concealing the flicker of sharp light in his eyes. He coughed lightly, then said in a deep voice, ¡°We need to go. Old Ghost can¡¯t hold them off forever. Let¡¯s return and report to His Holiness as soon as possible.¡± Serpent Spear Douluo nodded, tightening his grip on his weapon as he turned toward the forest¡¯s outer edge. ¡°Stay close, Elder Chrysanthemum. You¡¯re injured¡ªI''ll clear the way!¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded in response, following behind. Yet as he gazed at the overwhelming Zerg horde ahead, his heart trembled again. No matter how hard I think¡­ there¡¯s no such thing as creatures like these in the original Douluo story! And this plot¡ªit¡¯s completely off the rails! Qian Renxue was supposed to secretly replace Xue Qinghe and infiltrate the Heaven Dou Empire. So why was she here, in the Star Dou Forest? And kidnapped by a ¡°mysterious figure¡±? His brows furrowed even tighter. If the original memories of this body were accurate, Bibi Dong had claimed that the one who took Qian Renxue¡­ called himself¡ª Tang San, son of Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Clan! Bibi Dong might not know who Tang San was, but he did. Tang San. The protagonist of the original story. A man blessed by fate, who inherited the position of Sea God and had endless encounters and fortune. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But¡­ Wasn¡¯t Tang San supposed to have just awakened his Martial Soul and entered the Junior Soul Master Academy, where he met Xiao Wu? Why would he be here, kidnapping Qian Renxue in the Star Dou Forest?! Chrysanthemum Douluo felt like his brain was about to explode. Other transmigrators get cheat skills and smooth beginnings¡­ Why is my storyline completely broken from the start? And I lose an arm on chapter one?! The only silver lining was that he was still a Titled Douluo¡ªthe Chrysanthemum Douluo of Spirit Hall. He hadn¡¯t started at rock bottom. A cold glint flashed through his eyes. Bibi Dong thought someone was impersonating Tang Hao¡¯s son, but Chrysanthemum Douluo wasn¡¯t so sure. After all, Tang San wasn¡¯t famous yet. Aside from Tang Hao, no one else should even know his name. Which made it all the more likely¡­ that this was the real Tang San. Which meant¡ª Tang San might be a transmigrator too. Chrysanthemum Douluo''s soul, once a modern reader in his past life, had read countless web novels and instantly understood the pattern. When the plot veers off-course and the protagonist acts weird? That¡¯s classic signs of someone else transmigrating into the MC¡¯s body. Damn it¡­ This is the Star Dou Forest! Xiao Wu¡¯s home! And now some other transmigrator had possessed Tang San and jumped the timeline, coming here ahead of schedule to¡­ The thought made his stomach turn. Had that guy already dragged Qian Renxue into some twisted "soul-deep philosophical discussion"? Chrysanthemum Douluo clenched his jaw, both furious and envious. Why?! Why is he also a transmigrator, yet gets to play the hero, while I get the broken script and a missing limb?! Ding! The ¡°Fated Villain System¡± has awakened! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 68 – Qian Renxue Escaped? Davis Returns! A storm of emotions erupted in Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s heart the moment he heard the voice! With a trembling voice, he asked, ¡°C-Could it really be¡­ Lord System?¡± Ding! The Destiny Villain System has awakened. Activating... It wasn¡¯t an illusion! The mechanical voice echoing in Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s mind now sounded like the most divine music he had ever heard! He was ecstatic! His pale face flushed with color, tears welled in his eyes. ¡°Finally! After all this time¡ªmy golden finger is finally here!!!¡± ¡°Elder Ju? Elder Ju!¡± A panicked voice snapped him out of his fantasies. Snake Lance Douluo''s anxious tone dragged him back to reality. Chrysanthemum Douluo wiped the corner of his mouth and turned to see Snake Lance Douluo¡¯s worried, confused expression fixed on him. ¡°Elder Ju¡­ Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo collected himself and waved dismissively, ¡°I¡¯m fine, just felt a bit unwell. Let¡¯s keep moving!¡± ¡°¡­If you say so.¡± Snake Lance Douluo didn¡¯t press further. Tightening his grip on his spear, he began clearing a bloody path through the encircling Zerg swarm, leading Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly away. Above them, Ghost Douluo hovered in mid-air. Only after seeing the two escape did he relax slightly. As he glanced down at the endless tide of Zerg continuing their pursuit, a cold snort escaped him. ¡°Hmph! I don¡¯t care what kind of Title Douluo you are¡ªif you think you can trample over Spirit Hall, you¡¯re sorely mistaken!¡± Buzz¡ª! Nine spirit rings slowly rose behind Ghost Douluo, shining brilliantly. The eighth ring¡ªa deep, inky black¡ªsuddenly flared to life! ¡°Ghost Phantasm Wraith Realm!¡± Whoooosh! A dense wave of black mist burst forth from the ghostly spirit behind him, creating an eerie howling wind that pierced the air like the screams of the damned. The mist condensed into spheres of light, which shot downward and smashed into the Zerg swarm! Boom! Boom boom¡ª! Explosions erupted across the black tide like rocks thrown into water, sending ripples through the swarm. The blasts targeted the densest clusters of Zerg, blowing apart entire segments of the insect horde. The destruction was massive. Satisfied, Ghost Douluo let out another cold snort and transformed into a blur of shadow, preparing to pursue the two retreating comrades. But in the distant skies¡ªXiao Wu¡¯s crimson eyes narrowed in frustration. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These Title Douluo were far more powerful than she had anticipated. That previous ground spike ambush had only managed to injure one of them. If not for the Overmind''s strict order not to kill them¡­ She would¡¯ve already unleashed the flying dragons and those three slaughter machines. And yet these humans still had the audacity to rampage through her Zerg forces! In just this short time, the three Title Douluo had already destroyed tens of thousands of Zerg units! The energy loss didn¡¯t bother Lin Fan, but Xiao Wu felt every unit¡¯s destruction like a dagger in the heart. ¡°Do they really think we Zerg are just pushovers? Come and go as they please?!¡± Her eyes grew cold as ice, locking onto the figure of the departing Ghost Douluo. She raised a hand to act, but suddenly froze. A wave of shock swept over her, and she turned around in alarm. At the same time, Ghost Douluo¡¯s body jerked to a stop. He too sensed¡­ something. Slowly, he looked back. Whoosh¡ª! A soft, melodic sound echoed from the heavens. A graceful figure descended from the skies, golden divine light swirling alongside dark shadowy mist. She looked like an angel descending from above¡ªholy and radiant, yet exuding an unmistakable aura of deadly resolve. ¡°W-What¡­?¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Hidden beneath his black robes, his hands began to tremble. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­ That¡¯s the Holy Maiden?!¡± As the figure flew closer, her identity became clear. There was no mistaking her¡ªQian Renxue. That familiar angelic aura and her unchanged facial features confirmed it. But¡­ Why did she look like this?! The once innocent and youthful Holy Maiden had transformed into a mature, fully-grown woman. Ghost Douluo was stunned. She looked nothing like the shy, budding princess of before. His gaze was drawn to the massive wings on her back¡ªone side radiant gold, the other pitch black. Everyone in Spirit Hall knew of the Angel Spirit''s legacy. But wings could only manifest through Spirit Avatar¡ªa powerful transformation only possible for Spirit Masters at the Spirit Douluo level or above! Wasn¡¯t she still one level short? And that dark wing¡­ What did it mean? Before he could think further, Qian Renxue¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing him. She dove toward him at full speed. The divine figure suddenly fell¡ªlike an angel plummeting from the heavens. Ghost Douluo moved instantly, catching her as she collapsed into his arms. Her face was pale and exhausted, her body covered in injuries. The wings behind her dissipated into shimmering motes of light. Weakly, she opened her eyes and whispered: ¡°¡­Save me. Take me home¡­ Uncle Gui¡­¡± ¡°Yes, yes! I¡¯ll take you back right now!¡± Ghost Douluo¡¯s voice trembled with emotion as he gazed down at her pitiful state. Then his eyes turned sharp and murderous. He looked toward the depths of the Star Dou Forest, his voice trembling with rage. ¡°You dare hurt her? I don¡¯t care who you are¡ªthis path leads only to death!¡± With that, Ghost Douluo transformed into a streak of black light, vanishing into the distance with Qian Renxue in his arms. Above the Forest Xiao Wu furrowed her brow at the scene. She no longer cared about chasing the Title Douluo. With a wave of her hand, the endless swarm of Zerg began retreating, flowing like a tide back into the underground hive. Unfolding her bony wings, she flew swiftly toward the Zerg hive. She had to know¡ªwhat exactly had happened with the Overmind? Star Luo Empire ¡ª Imperial Palace Inside the throne room, a middle-aged man in ornate robes sat upon his throne, his expression tense and brows furrowed. Though he said nothing, his powerful aura commanded respect. Beneath him stood a young man in formal white attire, bowing deeply. ¡°Juexin, tell me¡ªwhy hasn¡¯t my son returned after all this time? Something hasn¡¯t happened to him, has it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already sent a battalion to search and escort him back, Your Majesty. With the Crown Prince¡¯s identity, no one on this continent would dare harm him.¡± ¡°¡­Hmm.¡± Just as the emperor was about to respond, a royal guard suddenly burst into the hall, shouting with joy: ¡°Your Majesty! The Crown Prince has returned!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 69 – The Royal Hunting Grounds, Building a Zerg Base! After hearing the guard¡¯s report, the middle-aged emperor finally felt his anxiety ease. He nodded with a composed expression and said, ¡°Good. Since he¡¯s returned, summon him immediately!¡± ¡°This¡­¡± The guard hesitated, casting a cautious glance at the Star Luo Emperor but saying nothing. The emperor¡¯s brows furrowed, his tone darkening. ¡°What is it? Is there something else?¡± Beside him, Douluo Juexin also revealed a look of surprise, staring intently at the guard. Feeling the oppressive weight of both their auras crash down on him like a mountain, the guard¡¯s knees buckled. Thud! He dropped to the ground, hurriedly explaining, ¡°The Crown Prince and his entourage were ambushed. His Highness is currently resting due to exhaustion.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Bang! The Star Luo Emperor slammed the armrest of his throne and rose abruptly, glaring at the kneeling guard. ¡°Was he injured? Didn¡¯t he have a personal guard unit with him? Where are they?!¡± ¡°The Crown Prince himself was unharmed, but the commander of his escort, Robert, was killed covering His Highness''s retreat. One more guard was also slain, and the rest all sustained varying degrees of injury.¡± After a moment of grim silence, the Star Luo Emperor¡¯s eyes darkened. Without another word, he strode purposefully out of the throne room. Douluo Juexin followed close behind. A voice echoed back as they departed: ¡°See to the survivors. They are heroes. Tell them that once they¡¯ve recovered, they will be rewarded generously.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± Royal Back Mountain The rear grounds of the imperial palace served multiple purposes. Half the space was used for palaces and leisure areas. The other half was a preserved stretch of untouched forest, extending into mountain ranges. Together, they formed the Star Luo Empire¡¯s exclusive royal hunting grounds. Aside from soul beasts specially captured and kept here by the imperial family, many wild ones also lived deep in this natural terrain. However, the strongest soul beasts rarely exceeded the 10,000-year level, and even then, only a few existed. Every few years, the Star Luo royal family would dispatch Title Douluo to thoroughly scour the area, hunting down any soul beasts that neared uncontrollable strength. New soul beasts would then be brought in and released to maintain the ecological balance. The imperial family and their clans¡¯ younger generations were allowed to enter with hunting teams to kill suitable soul beasts and obtain spirit rings under supervision. Even Davis and Dai Mubai had obtained their first spirit rings here¡ªthose most suited to their cultivation paths. This tradition was also a form of incentive used by the emperor to encourage competition among his heirs. While the first spirit ring was granted, all future cultivation resources had to be earned through personal merit. Only through competition and growth could one prove worthy of inheriting the throne¡ªand ensure the empire¡¯s continued strength. At this moment, Davis stepped into the hunting grounds accompanied by an armored personal guard. The gate captain saluted him respectfully. ¡°Welcome, Your Highness. I¡¯ll immediately assign a hunting squad to accompany you.¡± ¡°No need.¡± Davis waved his hand calmly and gestured toward the guard beside him. ¡°He¡¯ll be enough. There¡¯s no real danger in these woods. I want to explore alone and sharpen my combat skills.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± The captain hesitated, eyeing the guard. He was pale and dull-eyed, with a vacant stare¡ªbut his body was tall and robust. While the captain couldn¡¯t determine his spirit power level, a faint, inexplicable pressure seeped from the man¡¯s body that made him uneasy. After a moment, the captain relented and bowed low. ¡°As you wish, Your Highness.¡± He then handed Davis a small, orb-like crystal. ¡°If any danger arises, inject your spirit power into this communication crystal. We will receive the signal and rush to assist.¡± Davis nodded. ¡°Much appreciated.¡± Without another word, he and the guard entered the forest, heading toward its depths. The captain watched their silhouettes fade into the dense trees before sighing and returning to his post. But he diverted part of his attention to a second communication crystal on his side¡ªlinked to the one Davis now carried. Even if the prince couldn¡¯t infuse it in time, simply breaking the crystal or if it was damaged in an attack would alert the hunting team instantly. The hunting grounds might be mostly cleared of dangerous beasts and now served more as noble entertainment, but caution was still necessary. The captain had no intention of losing his position¡ªor his life¡ªbecause of one careless oversight. Crunch, crunch¡ª Davis walked silently across a carpet of fallen leaves and brittle branches, face calm, his personal guard following like a shadow. Although the area was considered relatively safe, the deeper one ventured, the greater the chance of encountering dormant 10,000-year soul beasts. That was why hunting teams were typically mandatory for nobles. The only reason the captain had agreed this time was that Davis was the Crown Prince¡ªand he wasn¡¯t technically alone. Davis glanced around as the terrain grew denser. The ground was layered with decaying foliage and scattered limbs. Every step required caution to avoid tripping. Clearly, no one had visited this area in a long time. Remaining vigilant, Davis scanned his surroundings. For a while, he simply stood still. Only the occasional wind through the trees and distant soul beast cries broke the silence. Then, he raised a hand and pointed to the ground in front of him. The guard staggered forward like a puppet on strings. His eyes were bloodshot, face expressionless, mouth slightly open¡ªdrool dripping down his chin. He moved mechanically, like something not entirely human anymore. Frowning, Davis retrieved a small purple-black bead from his robes and gently placed it into the guard¡¯s mouth. Gulp¡ª Moments after swallowing the bead, the guard¡¯s stomach let out a strange gurgling noise. It sounded like fluid sloshing around¡ªor something alive writhing inside him. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Urgh¡­ hkkhhh!!¡± The guard¡¯s face turned crimson, eyes bulging as he clutched his throat and began violently retching. A thick, unknown purple-black liquid spilled from his mouth, splashing onto the forest floor. At the same time, his abdomen began to bulge grotesquely. A large fleshy mass pushed upward from inside him, moving rapidly toward his chest¡­ **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 70 Gurgle... Gurgle...! A massive fleshy lump surged upward, forcefully distending the royal guard''s flesh from within his gut. ¡°Urgh¡ªAAAGHH!!!¡± The guard clawed at his mouth, trying to open it as wide as possible. His face was deathly pale, sweat as large as beans dripping continuously from his forehead. His eyes bulged outward, bloodshot and wide with agony. His expression twisted between unbearable pain and hideous frenzy. Gulp¡ª! A sickening, watery sound echoed as the lump inside his body thrashed more violently with each passing second. SPLASH! Amid a fit of violent retching, the mass burst from the guard¡¯s mouth with tremendous force. Alongside it spewed a torrent of thick, dark purple liquid, which dripped and soaked into the soil below. A large, purple-black spore with pulsating veins thudded to the ground, still squirming and twitching. Under Davis¡¯s watchful gaze, the spore thrashed for a moment before a slender, snow-white larva tore its way out from inside. The larva had no visible organs¡ªonly a singular orifice. The moment it emerged, it raised its head, sensing the environment with the tip of its mouth. Then, without hesitation, it lunged toward the remains of the spore casing, ferociously gnawing and devouring it. Within moments, the larva had consumed the entire spore. Davis looked on with a glint of fanaticism in his eyes. He pulled out a dark purple crystal from within his robes and tossed it onto the ground. The larva twitched its sensory orifice a few times, then went wild, throwing itself onto the crystal, tearing at it with its razor-sharp mouth. Crunch! Crunch!! The royal guard staggered nearby, coughing dryly and clutching his throat, his body curled like a shrimp in pain. Yet despite his pallor, his face grew flushed, and a glimmer of awareness returned to his previously dull eyes. Davis looked down at him with clear disgust. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that old bastard possibly ruining the Overlord¡¯s plans, I would¡¯ve killed you already.¡± Despite Davis''s cold disdain, the guard showed no anger. Instead, he responded with flattery and fanaticism: ¡°For the Overlord, I am willing to give everything!¡± Davis snorted in contempt and said nothing more. He walked slowly toward the larva, still devouring the crystal, and unsheathed his blade. Without hesitation, he drew it across his palm, blood flowing freely. The crimson blood dripped steadily onto the crystal, which the larva eagerly lapped up along with its meal. Davis murmured as he watched: ¡°Eat¡­ eat more. My lord Overlord, lend me your power¡ªjust for a while.¡± CRACK... CRUNCH! The larva devoured the crystal entirely. Its body began to swell rapidly¡ªuntil it grew to the size of a boulder. SCHLURP¡ª! The swollen larva exploded without warning. From the ruptured mass burst countless black-purple fleshy tendrils, flailing violently in midair before coalescing into a massive, pulsating black cocoon. Had Lin Fan been present, he would have instantly recognized it¡ªit looked exactly like the first worker drone egg he possessed when he first arrived in this world. Gurgle... Gurgle...! The enormous cocoon squirmed constantly. Within it, a terrifying new lifeform was gestating. A lifeform that would mark the beginning¡ªand continuation¡ªof an entire race. CREAK! The Emperor of the Star Luo Empire shoved open the door and stepped into the room, now empty. ¡°Where is my son?¡± he demanded coldly. ¡°Where has he gone?¡± A nearby attendant quickly responded, ¡°Your Majesty, the Crown Prince just left with a guard toward the back mountain. He said he needed some fresh air.¡± ¡°Hmph?¡± The Emperor nodded slightly. ¡°Let him be. After suffering such a blow and shock, it''s only natural to need time to recover.¡± He paused to think, then asked, ¡°And what of the guards who returned?¡± ¡°They¡¯re receiving treatment from auxiliary-type Soul Masters at their quarters.¡± ¡°Summon them. Once they¡¯ve recovered, I want them to report to me personally.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± With his orders given, the Emperor turned to leave the room, intending to return to the palace. The Douluo of Resolve, following at his side, hesitated before speaking up: ¡°Your Majesty... the Third Prince...¡± The Emperor halted but did not look back. A cold pressure radiated from him, filling the space. ¡°What about him?¡± ¡°He... he slipped out in secret.¡± The Douluo quickly added, ¡°He said he was seeking a path more suited to himself to grow stronger... to compete for the crown prince¡¯s position.¡± ¡°A path more suited to him?¡± The Emperor sneered. ¡°He thinks this grand Star Luo Empire is not enough to foster his growth? One after another... they all want to run off on their own.¡± The Douluo, sensing his sovereign''s displeasure, remained silent, head lowered. ¡°Send some men after him. I don¡¯t want my sons returning in disgrace and defeat. They represent the face of the Star Luo Empire.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Meanwhile, deep within the Zerg Hive... Lin Fan stared at his hands, his expression frozen, cold as ice. He never expected¡­ to be betrayed! ¡°Well played¡­ Angel God! I swear I will crush your godhood, tear off your wings, and enslave you forever!¡± He roared in fury, eyes burning with rage. He never imagined that a fragment of the Angel God''s will still lingered within Qian Renxue! Even though he had transformed her into a Blade Queen, she somehow managed to awaken through that lingering divine will. She had used the opportunity while Lin Fan was awakening his martial spirit to escape the hive. Although the Overmind quickly detected something was wrong and ordered the swarm to pursue and intercept her, it was already too late. With her powerful spiritual force and ability to control Zerg as a Blade Queen, she managed to flee. However... Lin Fan sensed the faint, indelible thread of spiritual connection between them¡ªand a cruel smile crept across his lips. ¡°Run. Let¡¯s see how far you¡¯ll get.¡± WHOOSH! Xiao Wu flew back into the hive, wings fluttering. When she saw the empty chamber and recalled what she¡¯d witnessed earlier, she immediately understood what had happened. A flash of cold intent passed through her beautiful eyes. ¡°My lord Overlord, allow me to hunt down that traitor and bring her back!¡± S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that¡ªyet.¡± Lin Fan raised a hand to stop her. For now, something even more important demanded attention. BZZZT¡ª! A terrifying Martial Spirit slowly rose behind Lin Fan, its presence monstrous and unrelenting... **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 72 – Qian Renxue Returns to Spirit Hall The ones who had stormed into the cathedral were none other than Ghost Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Snake Lance Douluo! But the state of the three was far from ideal. Snake Lance Douluo was covered in wounds, his body ravaged as if he had just survived a brutal battle. Even some of his previously healed injuries seemed to be reopening. Chrysanthemum Douluo looked even worse¡ªhis face pale, lips trembling¡ªand shockingly, one of his arms was missing. His aura was so weak, it was barely perceptible. Only Ghost Douluo still retained his strength, his presence undiminished and formidable as ever. But Bibi Dong said nothing at first. Her eyes were entirely fixed on the figure Ghost Douluo was half-carrying in his arms. Golden hair, a luxurious royal gown, and a breathtaking face that looked almost identical to Bibi Dong herself. The young woman was unconscious, her eyes tightly shut, unaware of everything happening around her. Bibi Dong¡¯s pupils widened in disbelief. She pointed at the figure in Ghost Douluo¡¯s arms, her voice trembling. ¡°Ghost... Ghost Douluo... that is?¡± For once, Ghost Douluo showed a rare trace of bitterness as he responded firmly, ¡°Yes, Your Holiness. This is... the Holy Maiden.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s been through, but when I found her, she was already like this.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Ah...¡± Bibi Dong let out a faint gasp and slumped back into her throne, her gaze locked on the grown-up Qian Renxue. Her expression faltered as she looked upon that face¡ªso eerily similar to her own. Even with her eyes shut, Qian Renxue¡¯s brows were furrowed tightly. She must be in pain. Is she having a nightmare...? The thought struck Bibi Dong like lightning¡ªand it terrified her. Why would she... why would she care? A wave of disgust surged from deep within her, and she frowned, forcing herself to look away. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t stop her eyes from softening the longer she stared at Qian Renxue. Something deep within her heart stirred. Breathing heavily, Bibi Dong leaned forward and grabbed the armrest for support, visibly shaken. After a long silence, she waved her hand. ¡°I understand. Whatever else there is... we¡¯ll deal with it later. Go rest and recover.¡± She hesitated, then added, ¡°Take Elder Yue Guan to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Tell them Spirit Hall owes them a favor¡ªmake sure his injuries are healed.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Holiness.¡± Though they didn¡¯t understand the strange shift in Bibi Dong¡¯s expression, Ghost Douluo followed orders without question. He carried Qian Renxue and led Chrysanthemum and Snake Lance Douluo away in haste. Bibi Dong sat quietly, one hand resting against her forehead as she sank into deep thought. Chrysanthemum Douluo, walking behind the others, cast a subtle glance back at the sacred, noble figure seated atop the throne. A peculiar glint flickered in his eyes. He turned away and followed Ghost Douluo out. ¡°Bibi Dong, huh... Still as stunning as ever... Kekekekeke...¡± BOOM¡ª! The cathedral doors closed again with a heavy thud. Silence returned. Bibi Dong stared ahead blankly, countless emotions churning in her eyes¡ªgrief, confusion, regret. What exactly she was thinking... no one could say. Star Luo Empire ¡ª The Zhu Clan In the main hall sat a well-dressed noble couple. The woman, though clearly middle-aged, still retained the beauty and elegance of youth, so much so that she could easily be mistaken for a young maiden. At the moment, however, her face was filled with worry, anxiety written all over it. The man beside her¡ªa dignified, middle-aged noble¡ªfrowned deeply as if weighed down by some troubling concern. Seeing his wife so distraught, he sighed and tried to comfort her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They¡¯re not children anymore. They can take care of themselves.¡± ¡°Take care of themselves?!¡± His words instantly triggered her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pointed at him and snapped, ¡°How can you even say that?!¡± ¡°If you hadn¡¯t agreed to let Xiao Yun go out alone to train, would she have gone missing?!¡± ¡°She could¡¯ve absorbed a soul ring anywhere! Why did she have to leave alone?! With the power and influence of the Zhu Clan, we couldn¡¯t even spare two guards to follow her?! You¡¯ve completely lost your mind!¡± Faced with her rising anger, the man could only sigh again, looking even more troubled. ¡°I just... I just wanted her to become stronger...¡± ¡°Stronger, my foot!¡± The woman cried out in anguish. ¡°If you truly cared about her future, you wouldn¡¯t have let her run off to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts by herself!¡± ¡°Do you even know how dangerous that place is?! Now look! Xiao Yun is missing! And Xiao Qing ran off after her!¡± ¡°This house is completely empty now! Are you happy?!¡± Just as the man was about to reply¡ª A servant suddenly rushed in, face lit with excitement. ¡°Master! Madam! The young miss has returned!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Both of them jumped up in unison, exchanging shocked glances before hurrying outside. Sure enough! There she stood in the courtyard¡ªa young girl in a purple-black robe, smiling sweetly at the sight of them. But in her gaze, there was exhaustion... and something deeper¡ªa weariness beyond her years. ¡°Xiao Yun!¡± The lady cried out joyfully and rushed forward, wrapping Zhu Zhuyun tightly in her arms. She looked her daughter up and down in a panic, asking rapidly, ¡°You¡¯re finally back! Are you hurt? Are you okay? I was worried sick!¡± Zhu Zhuyun shook her head weakly. ¡°I¡¯m not hurt... I succeeded... I finished absorbing the soul ring... I¡¯m just really tired. I want to rest...¡± The woman caressed her cheek lovingly. ¡°Alright, alright. Go rest now¡ªwe can talk later, after you¡¯ve had a good sleep.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Zhu Zhuyun gently pulled away, nodded at her father, and turned to walk toward her room. Her mother watched her go with tearful, affectionate eyes, overwhelmed with relief. Her father pulled his wife into his arms and whispered, ¡°She¡¯s home safe now. Why cry?¡± But neither of them noticed¡ª As Zhu Zhuyun turned her back... a faint crimson glow flashed through her eyes. A subtle smirk curled at her lips. Her expression... twisted ever so slightly into something unnerving. Tap. Tap. Tap. The sharp echo of her footsteps rang clearly in the quiet courtyard. Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s room was located toward the rear of the estate, in a secluded area rarely visited by others¡ªnot even the servants came here often. It had always been that way¡ªever since her and Zhu Zhuqing¡¯s constant rivalry as children. They were always at odds, always competing in cultivation. For Zhu Zhuyun, the quieter the environment, the better. She came to a stop and slowly looked up at the sky. Far above, beyond the clouds, a shadow silently drifted past... **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 73 – Zhu Zhuyun Gains Control of the Zerg! Whooosh... Other than the sharp whistle of the cold mountain wind, the courtyard was utterly silent. Zhu Zhuyun paced slowly, cautiously moving through the courtyard as she swept her eyes¡ªseemingly casually¡ªover every corner. After thoroughly checking the final side hall, she stepped out and let out a subtle breath of relief. All clear. No one suspicious in sight. She then looked up toward the sky again. The shadow above the clouds was growing clearer. A flash of crimson light passed through her pupils¡ªand in response, the shadow in the sky vanished in an instant, drifting away into the distance. But then, from the edge of the sky, a small black object began slowly descending. Zhu Zhuyun lifted her head, and a slight smirk tugged at her lips. Plop. She raised her hand and caught it¡ªa small, purple-black cocoon. Its surface was soft and slick, warm to the touch, and pulsed faintly, as if something alive was wriggling inside. ¡°So this is the power of the Zerg¡­¡± Zhu Zhuyun¡¯s gaze lingered on the cocoon, thoughtful. Then, with a soft smile, she turned and walked deeper into the courtyard, shutting the gate behind her. She crossed to the back wall, leapt easily over it, and vanished from view. The Zhu Clan was no ordinary noble house. It was powerful, boasting a deep reserve of soul masters. Though it rose to political prominence through its special Martial Soul¡ªable to combine with the royal family¡¯s Evil-Eyed White Tiger for fusion techniques¡ªthe clan¡¯s own strength was formidable in its own right. On its own, the Zhu Clan easily ranked among the top five great families of the entire Star Luo Empire. They simply kept a low profile, unlike the more prominent Upper Three Sects. Because of this, the Zhu Clan had its own territory, situated on a richly blessed mountain. By hopping the wall of her own courtyard, Zhu Zhuyun had entered the forested area at the mountain¡¯s edge¡ªland fully under Zhu Clan control. As a child, she often climbed over the wall to sneak out and play. Her father, the clan leader, had never truly stopped her. After all, what danger could there be in their own domain? Now, clutching the purple-black cocoon, Zhu Zhuyun walked quietly into the forest¡¯s depths. While technically a forest, it wasn¡¯t particularly secluded¡ªservants often came here to gather herbs, chop wood, and so on. But for what she was about to do, she needed a place truly hidden. As she walked, she pondered her next move. Fortunately, she already knew the perfect location: Her childhood secret base. What kid didn¡¯t have one? A place known only to themselves, away from everyone else? Zhu Zhuyun had such a place too¡ªa cave in the mountainside where she used to cry after tough training sessions. A place to vent her pain and frustration. And now... it would serve a new purpose. She stepped into the familiar cave and headed straight to the deepest part, where she sat on a large stone slab. She scattered a few glowing crystals on the floor to light the space, and took out one more item¡ª A perfectly round, purple-black crystal. Then, with deliberate motion, she dropped the cocoon onto the ground before her. Squirm... squirm... As soon as it touched the floor, the cocoon began to writhe wildly, rolling back and forth. Its pliable form stretched and compressed, as if something inside was ready to burst free. ¡°Heheheh... Grant me your power, Lord Overlord!¡± Her eyes gleamed crimson. Zhu Zhuyun drew a dagger, slicing across her palm. Bright red blood spilled onto the cocoon. Back in the Zerg Hive... Lin Fan, having just disconnected from the Zerg mental network, suddenly felt two faint spiritual threads reaching toward him¡ªtwo distant yet familiar presences flickering at the edge of his consciousness. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His eyes snapped open, thoughtful. ¡°They¡¯re already making their moves?¡± A wicked grin curled across his face. ¡°Then it won¡¯t be long before the soul masters of this continent get their first little surprise. Kekekekeke...!¡± [Soul rings have finished incubation. Requesting Overlord to begin absorption.] The Main Brain¡¯s voice echoed in Lin Fan¡¯s mind, snapping him out of his thoughts. Incubation complete? Raising a brow, Lin Fan headed toward the Pelvic Incubation Chamber, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. Squelch¡ª! The fleshy doors parted slowly, and an immense pressure slammed into him like a tidal wave. Even Lin Fan¡¯s strengthened body staggered slightly under the force. He paused at the entrance, adjusted himself, then stepped forward. Before him, neatly displayed on a bloody organic altar, were seven soul rings¡ªeach one a deep crimson, glowing like miniature suns. Seven ten-thousand-year soul rings. Even though Xiao Wu had seven rings of the same caliber, nothing compared to the sheer visual impact of seeing them laid out like this, waiting to be claimed. Any soul master on the continent¡ªespecially the lofty Title Douluos¡ªwould lose their minds upon seeing this. After all, most Title Douluos didn¡¯t even have a single ten-thousand-year ring. While it was true that after reaching Title Douluo level, one could theoretically absorb rings of that caliber... In practice, facing a hundred-thousand-year soul beast was a death sentence for most. Even for organizations as powerful as Spirit Hall, only a few elites like Bibi Dong had the authority and force to orchestrate a hunt for such beasts. And even then, obtaining one such ring required not only strength¡ªbut timing and luck. Speaking of Bibi Dong... A thought surfaced in Lin Fan¡¯s mind¡ªan idea, dark and brilliant. Wasn¡¯t Bibi Dong a twin-soul Martial Soul user? He wondered... had she already begun the God Trials of the Rakshasa? If not, did that mean her second Martial Soul was still unenhanced¡ªor at least underpowered? A sinister grin crept across his face. He could work with that. Shaking his head, he shelved the idea for later. Right now, his attention returned to the seven radiant, blood-red soul rings in the chamber. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 74: A Martial Soul Can Evolve? Ancient Gods and Demons? "Core Mind, is there anything special about these spirit rings?" Lin Fan slowly approached the spirit rings. Spread out in a neat line, the seven blood-red rings emanated an overwhelming aura, each one drawing him in with a strange yet familiar energy. He narrowed his eyes, carefully inspecting them. In addition to the immense power typical of a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and the same crimson hue, each ring was wrapped in thick, black threads, almost like a fusion between a ten-thousand-year and a hundred-thousand-year ring. Within the blood-red light, faint streaks of deep black shimmered, and hidden within that blackness were hints of purple energy. The more Lin Fan looked, the more puzzled he became. What kind of spirit rings are these? Blood-red, black, and even purple? A mishmash of ten-thousand, hundred-thousand, and thousand-year characteristics? ¡¾These rings were created by fusing Zerg-specific genetic material with powers that perfectly align with your Domination Martial Soul.¡¿ ¡¾Therefore, they differ slightly from the natural hundred-thousand-year spirit rings found in this world.¡¿ "So that¡¯s what it is!" Lin Fan nodded in realization. He hadn''t expected the spirit rings to have been enhanced a second time. At first, he thought the Zerg couldn¡¯t fully absorb this world''s natural spirit rings and had created their own versions to compensate. After all, every world had its own power system with varying degrees of compatibility. And technically, his presence here counted as an invasion. A little imbalance was to be expected. But it turned out the Zerg were outperforming even his expectations. He had clearly underestimated them. As one of the galactic calamities, if you gave the Zerg a proper environment to grow, they could devour an entire universe! Lin Fan walked up to the first spirit ring, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and gently reached out to touch it. Buzz¡ª! The crimson ring suddenly burst into intense light. A surge of powerful energy flooded into his body through his hands, warming him from head to toe. Moments later, the crimson ring disappeared from in front of him. Behind Lin Fan, on the projection of his Martial Soul, a fully formed crimson spirit ring now glowed with dazzling brilliance. Opening his eyes, he stared blankly at his hands, then up at the condensed hundred-thousand-year ring above him. "That¡¯s it? It¡¯s done already?" He had barely begun absorbing it, and yet he''d already completed the process and condensed his first ring? Granted, Zerg-created spirit rings didn¡¯t carry any lingering emotions or consciousness, but still¡ªthis was a true hundred-thousand-year ring! Zhu Zhuyun, despite being weaker, would''ve had her body torn apart trying to absorb one without the help of the creep or Xiao Wu. Even a Title Douluo would take significant time and effort to absorb such a high-quality spirit ring, and they¡¯d have to proceed slowly and cautiously. But him? He just absorbed it in a snap? Lin Fan couldn''t help but ask again, ¡°Core Mind, are you sure this is a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring? There''s no cut in soul power or ability?¡± ¡¾The spirit rings produced by the Cocoon Incubation Chamber are fully equivalent to, if not stronger than, the hundred-thousand-year rings found in this world. Please rest assured, my Lord.¡¿ Lin Fan frowned slightly. If the Core Mind said there was no issue, then it had to be true. But why was he absorbing soul power so quickly? Could it be due to his physical condition? Suddenly, realization struck. In the original work, a soul master''s ability to absorb spirit rings was heavily dependent on their physical constitution. Soul masters in this world generally didn¡¯t prioritize physical enhancement. Most were incredibly frail. But Lin Fan¡¯s body had undergone Zerg-level strengthening¡ªhe was already on par with a fifty-thousand-year spirit beast in physical terms! He completely outclassed these weakling soul masters, so naturally his spirit ring absorption would be far faster. With that in mind... Lin Fan turned to the six remaining crimson rings, a wild look flickering in his eyes. He stretched out both hands, slowly reaching toward two more rings. Buzz¡ª! A powerful shockwave erupted the moment his hands made contact! The explosion blew Xiao Wu aside, and the flesh walls of the Cocoon Incubation Chamber caved in from the pressure. ¡°My Lord!¡± Xiao Wu struggled to steady herself, calling out in alarm. From the moment she had taken human form, Lin Fan had been her first point of contact. She had no real understanding of Douluo Dalu''s cultivation rules or limitations. And as a soul beast who had taken human form, her spirit rings had always formed automatically upon leveling up¡ªthere was never a need to hunt spirit beasts or absorb rings manually. So she didn¡¯t understand just how absurd it was for someone to absorb two hundred-thousand-year rings at once. But now, even someone as clueless as Xiao Wu realized something extraordinary was happening. Boom¡ª! Violent waves of soul power surged through the air. The crimson light almost became tangible, turning into red mist that poured into Lin Fan¡¯s body. Behind him, two more crimson rings gradually took shape. Seeing Lin Fan still calm and relaxed, showing no signs of pain, Xiao Wu finally relaxed. She stared at him in shock as his aura continued to climb. ¡°To think... the one I was supposed to protect has become so powerful¡­¡± She gazed at the three fully condensed crimson rings behind him, a smile blooming in her eyes and a strange warmth rising in her heart. Lin Fan opened his eyes again, beaming at the sight of the three rings. Looks like his plan was working! In that case, he wouldn¡¯t hold back! He reached out once more, touching another pair of spirit rings. But what he didn¡¯t notice... was the transformation happening behind him. His Martial Soul¡¯s phantom¡ªthe white larva¡ªgrew noticeably larger with each absorbed ring. After the third hundred-thousand-year ring, the white larva had turned a deep brown. Its body was no longer smooth. It had sprouted numerous sharp spines, and its mandibles had become jagged and monstrous. But the brilliance of the crimson rings concealed its evolution. Time passed. After absorbing the final ring, Lin Fan slowly opened his eyes and let out a deep breath. ¡°Finally done. That was exhausting¡­¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Buzz¡ª! Just as he finished speaking, an intense suction force erupted from behind him! **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 75: Evolution – The Zerg Progenitor! The Origin of the Zerg! Buzz¡ª! The seven spirit rings behind Lin Fan blazed brilliantly, radiating an intense crimson glow. Suspended midair behind those rings was a massive black cocoon, floating ominously. Threads of soul power, like countless wisps of light, were continuously being drawn into it. Dark mist mixed with the crimson glow of the rings wrapped around the cocoon, obscuring what lay within. Lin Fan frowned slightly, clearly confused by the sudden turn of events. His Martial Soul¡ªthe white larva¡ªhad now undergone a complete transformation. That black cocoon hovering behind him... was that larva? What the hell is happening now...? He knew about mutated Martial Souls, twin Martial Souls, and even Martial Soul fusion techniques in Douluo Dalu. But this? His Martial Soul behaving like a living organism... and now evolving? That was something unheard of. Even Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass had only evolved gradually by absorbing suitable spirit rings and inheriting characteristics from powerful soul beasts. But Lin Fan¡¯s Martial Soul had skipped that slow evolution. It had formed a cocoon¡ªlike it was preparing to hatch. This wasn¡¯t just rare¡ªit was absurd. It was on par with Qian Renxue¡¯s Seraphim evolving directly into a God-tier Martial Soul! He couldn''t make sense of what was happening, but he could clearly feel the cocoon voraciously absorbing his soul power¡ªand fast. In just moments, nearly a third of his soul power had been drained. And yet, the Martial Soul kept growing more solid. The cocoon pulsed, twisted, and twitched. Instead of panicking, Lin Fan just grinned. He plopped onto the ground, patted the surface of the creep beneath him, and several fleshy tubes rose up and connected to his body. Soul power surged back into him through the tubes, continuously replenishing what the cocoon absorbed. Need energy? Heh. Out of everything, soul power is the one thing I¡¯ll never run out of! If this were another soul master, they¡¯d probably be pale with fear, worrying about being drained dry. But the Zerg? The Zerg never lacked ways to restore energy. And so, Lin Fan and his Martial Soul locked into a drawn-out battle of supply and demand. He fed it endlessly, and the cocoon consumed endlessly. In no time, Lin Fan felt like he''d already cycled through his entire soul power reserves at least four times. That was equivalent to the full soul power of a Title Douluo. Maybe even two Title Douluo, if this kept up! Slurp, slurp¡ª! The black cocoon twitched violently. Its outer shell gradually became translucent, layered with a faint jade-like glow. And then¡ªfinally¡ªit began slowing down. The absorption rate was dropping. Lin Fan opened his eyes, a flash of clarity passing through them. It¡¯s almost done. Damn thing really doesn¡¯t give me a break. Gurgle¡ª! The cocoon stopped absorbing entirely. Its purple-black surface shimmered with that same jade-like sheen, and it began twitching violently¡ªjust like the hatching process of a Zerg unit. Crack¡ªcrack¡ª! Fissures spread across the cocoon. A jagged, black claw suddenly burst out, tearing the cocoon apart. A monstrous, heavily armored creature clawed its way out, covered in jet-black chitin riddled with reverse-facing spikes. Its glowing crimson eyes seemed to pierce through space itself¡ªdeep, ancient, and filled with memories of endless time. Its body was massive¡ªrivaling even a Broodmother. Every inch of it radiated oppressive, terrifying power. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though its form was undoubtedly Zerg in origin, it was far more savage and overwhelming than any of Lin Fan¡¯s current units. The armor was primitive, brutal. A storm of wild, primordial energy swirled around it. And those eyes¡­ Those eyes were filled with pure, unfiltered bloodlust, and a knowledge of the cosmos itself. Ancient. Mysterious. Terrifying. Lin Fan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His eyelids twitched. As he stared at this evolved Martial Soul, a chill ran down his spine. It¡¯s really¡­ that one?! This wild aura, that overwhelming size, that ancient, grotesque appearance... There could be no mistake. The Zerg Progenitor. The first of its kind. The originator of the Zerg. The progenitor of all Zerg strains¡ªThe Zerg Progenitor. Every Zerg under Lin Fan¡¯s command were modern variants¡ªmutated offshoots, designed with adaptive genes optimized for versatility and conquest. But the original Zerg, those born in primordial star systems, were known as Primal Zerg¡ªsavage, fearless, bloodthirsty, and brutally evolved. Each one was vastly stronger than their modern counterparts. If Lin Fan¡¯s current Zerg were war machines¡­ Then the Primal Zerg were the embodiment of slaughter itself. They lived on wild, untamed planets. Their only instincts were to kill and evolve. All their power came from consuming and adapting. Their lifespans were long, and their resilience unmatched. They absorbed the essence of every prey they killed¡ªbecoming stronger with every hunt. In truth, the Primal Zerg were the foundation of the entire Zerg race. And The Zerg Progenitor, the one Lin Fan had just witnessed emerge from his Martial Soul, was the origin of it all. He had lived from the beginning of the Primal Zerg''s existence, feeding off countless lifeforms, absorbing their essence. He had witnessed the birth and extinction of entire civilizations. He had seen galaxies rise and fall. He was ageless and nearly indestructible. The Zerg Progenitor was the mountain that loomed over all Zerg. And now¡ªhe had become his Martial Soul. Lin Fan stared at the towering spirit projection behind him, feeling both awe and¡­ panic. This is insane¡­ The very army he commanded was born from this ancient being¡ªand now he had as his personal Martial Soul? He gulped, hard. Eyes locked with The Zerg Progenitor, Lin Fan reached out with his spiritual sense to connect with he. Technically, he was now part of him. A Martial Soul shouldn¡¯t have a will of its own. And yet¡­ Those ancient, crimson eyes stared back at him, filled with time, war, and death. He didn¡¯t speak. He didn¡¯t move. But that gaze alone made Lin Fan feel as though an entire world had collapsed onto his chest. BOOM!!! The moment his spiritual power touched the projection of The Zerg Progenitor, Lin Fan¡¯s mind erupted. It was like his soul had been struck by a cosmic explosion. His consciousness trembled¡ª ¡ªhis very soul was being purified, rewritten, reforged. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 76 – The Zerg Progenitor Slain? Possession of Tang San! ¡°You¡¯re a human?¡± Before Lin Fan could speak, the Zerg Progenitor¡¯s immense spiritual power surged directly into his mind. A vast, ancient voice boomed within Lin Fan¡¯s consciousness like the first light of creation piercing through the void¡ªblinding and overwhelming. His mind and heart trembled uncontrollably under its impact. Clenching his teeth and suppressing his discomfort, Lin Fan replied through his spiritual power, ¡°That¡¯s right. I, Lin Fan, current ruler of the Zerg, greet the honorable Zerg Progenitor!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The Progenitor responded with a low murmur, its deep gaze drilling into Lin Fan, unreadable and mysterious. Meanwhile, Lin Fan was inwardly shocked. His martial soul¡­ actually had a consciousness of its own? Even though it was the Zerg Progenitor, it was still his martial soul¡ªawakened within his own body, unique to this world. Yet this creature had managed to cross from a parallel universe just to speak with him. Just how powerful was the Zerg Progenitor? After a moment of silence, its voice once again echoed in Lin Fan¡¯s mind. ¡°Tch. When did the Zerg produce a second human ruler? What the hell are those filthy aberrants doing?¡± S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Second human ruler? Lin Fan was stunned for a moment before it clicked. The Progenitor must be referring to Kerrigan. In the original StarCraft universe, she was transformed by the Swarm into the Queen of Blades, yet born human. She was technically the first Zerg ruler of human origin. So then¡­ the Zerg Progenitor¡¯s current consciousness must come from after Kerrigan had taken control of the Zerg? Lin Fan¡¯s mind raced. Narrowing his eyes, he boldly asked, ¡°Then tell me, honored Zerg Progenitor¡­ where are your original aberrant Zerg now?¡± Boom! The Progenitor let out a cold snort. A devastating burst of spiritual force exploded within Lin Fan¡¯s mind. Its voice roared like a great bell, ¡°Arrogant human! Don¡¯t think that just because you¡¯ve become the Swarm¡¯s ruler you can challenge me! I am the one true supreme sovereign of the Zerg!¡± ¡°Submit to me!!!¡± As its voice rang out, the pressure in Lin Fan¡¯s mind intensified¡ªan invisible weight like a thousand mountains crushed down upon him. The Progenitor¡¯s colossal shadow glared with hollow, crimson eyes, bombarding Lin Fan¡¯s spirit with surging pulses. Yet, what surprised the Progenitor was that the expected agonized reaction never came. Instead, Lin Fan stood casually before it, arms crossed, smiling playfully. The Progenitor didn¡¯t panic. Its eyes glowed even deeper red, and its spiritual might surged even more fiercely into Lin Fan¡¯s mind. But Lin Fan¡¯s expression remained calm as he looked at the massive phantom of the Zerg Progenitor and said, ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out. Before your death, you sealed the last fragment of your will into an egg and cast it into the void of time.¡± As he spoke, Lin Fan couldn¡¯t help but marvel. To think the Progenitor was that powerful¡ªeven in defeat, it had managed to open a rift in space-time and leave a backup plan. Truly a terrifying ancient entity. He continued, ¡°Any creature that picks up that egg would become the next Zerg ruler. And through the growth of this new Swarm, your consciousness would gradually reawaken until you completely seized control. Am I right?¡± The Zerg Progenitor remained silent, its deep red eyes staring coldly at him. ¡°In other words, regardless of whether I awakened this martial soul or not, you would¡¯ve found a way to fully manifest yourself.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk. Truly worthy of the title Progenitor¡ªyou really planned it all out.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s something you didn¡¯t know¡­ This world¡ª¡± ¡°Is Douluo Continent!¡± ¡°And you¡ªare my martial soul! No matter what you once were, you¡¯ll submit to me!¡± ¡°I am the true supreme ruler! You¡¯re just a pitiful relic of a forgotten age, destined for destruction!¡± A blood-red, savage glint burst from Lin Fan¡¯s eyes as his aura surged, matching the Progenitor¡¯s phantom without yielding an inch. He forcibly severed the mental connection between them, his defiant spirit clashing head-on with the Progenitor¡¯s will. Still silent, the Progenitor¡¯s eyes now glinted with a murderous intent. A thin thread of spiritual energy stabbed straight into Lin Fan¡¯s consciousness. Boom! A blast of pure spiritual power erupted from Lin Fan¡¯s body, shaking the Progenitor¡¯s massive phantom! Eyes blazing crimson, Lin Fan sneered, ¡°I told you, you wretched worm¡­ don¡¯t you get it yet? I am the only ruler of the Zerg!¡± Whoosh whoosh whoosh! At that very moment¡­ The entire Zerg Swarm responded. Millions of Zerg¡ªfrom Zerglings and Hydralisks to Overlords and Mutalisks¡­ Whether they were in Star Dou Forest, in Holy Soul Village, or even deep within the Star Luo Empire¡­ Every single Zerg unit, including the Queen of Blades, Xiao Wu, froze for a split second. Their eyes dulled as if lifeless¡ªthen immediately regained their brilliance. Buzz... buzz... buzz...! The Zerg Progenitor¡¯s gaze suddenly dulled, confusion and daze filling its eyes. The deep crimson glow in its phantom slowly fragmented and faded away. What remained was an empty husk of spiritual energy, glowing faintly red, its expression blank and feral. Lin Fan clutched his head, his eyes also slightly dazed. So vast... too vast... To erase the Progenitor¡¯s final will completely, Lin Fan had burned through every bit of his authority over his own martial soul¡ªplus the spiritual energy of his entire Zerg Swarm. The Progenitor was powerful¡ªyes¡ªbut it had overlooked one fatal flaw. The new Zerg may not be as individually strong as the ancient aberrants¡­ But they were absolutely obedient to their ruler. And because they¡¯d evolved into mechanized, decentralized units, all their spiritual power could be instantly recalled by the ruler! The Progenitor, once a godlike existence on its original world, never imagined that it would be annihilated the moment it revived. Lin Fan had truly experienced what it meant to wield world-ending power. Unfortunately¡­ his body couldn¡¯t withstand it. If he could, spiritual power alone would¡¯ve been enough to crush this entire world. Nuoding City ¨C Elementary Spirit Master Academy A black-haired boy sat attentively, listening as the teacher explained how to channel and release a martial soul. In his young hand, a stalk of Blue Silver Grass shimmered with vibrant life, swaying gently. Suddenly, a wisp of black mist flickered past, and one of the leaves turned dark blue. ¡°Jie jie jie jie jie¡­ What a powerful soul force¡­ Lin Fan, wait for me¡­ I will return!!!¡± **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 77 – Chrysanthemum Douluo’s First System Quest? ¡°Remember this well¡ªwhen encountering a soul beast alone, never try to fight it head-on. Turn around and run, and run as far as you can.¡± ¡°At the same level, a soul master can never defeat a soul beast!¡± Standing on the podium, a middle-aged man with a square face addressed a group of wide-eyed children with a solemn expression, patiently imparting knowledge. As an instructor at an elementary spirit master academy, it was his duty to teach these foundational truths to novice spirit masters. Every year, countless soul masters died tragically beneath the claws of soul beasts due to arrogance or a lack of proper knowledge. To prevent such tragedies, it was crucial to ensure these basic survival rules were fully instilled in the minds of new soul masters. Among the group, a black-haired boy listened intently, his palm gently cradling a stalk of Blue Silver Grass, which swayed softly as if resonating with the lesson. From one of its blue-black leaves, a thin strand of dark energy slowly seeped along the root and into the boy¡¯s palm, disappearing silently into his body. The boy blinked, sensing something faint. He glanced down at his palm, scratched his head in confusion, then resumed listening with rapt attention. Deep within his soul, a large, radiant white orb pulsed with brilliance, emitting a powerful aura. In the far recesses of his consciousness, a smaller, dim blue orb flickered weakly, its light on the verge of extinguishing. Suddenly, the black thread slipped into this spiritual space, halting before the blue orb that was on the brink of fading. Then, it plunged in. Immediately, the orb was infused with darkness, its blue hue shifting into deep ink-blue. Just as its last glimmer of light was about to vanish, the orb suddenly reignited with vibrant luminance, shining as brilliantly as the white orb beside it. Back in the classroom, the black-haired boy once again furrowed his brow and rubbed his temple. Why¡­ Did his head suddenly sting a little? But the pain was fleeting, so he simply shook his head and dismissed it. Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect One of the Three Upper Sects of the Douluo Continent¡ªa holy land for support-type soul masters. They possessed what was widely regarded as the continent¡¯s strongest auxiliary martial soul: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. A peerless support-type martial soul that offered offense, defense, healing, and buffs all in one. Countless soul masters across the continent coveted it, eager to befriend the sect¡¯s members. Though Sect Master Ning Fengzhi was only a Rank 75 Soul Saint, no one dared to underestimate him. His cultivation was limited by the constraints of his martial soul, preventing him from breaking through to Title Douluo. But his strength and¡ªmore importantly¡ªhis immense network of connections made him a force to be reckoned with. From the Spirit Hall to the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires, to the major sects¡ªSeven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had built strong ties with all of them. Ning Fengzhi himself had countless influential friends scattered across every corner of the continent. Moreover, two Title Douluo, Gu Rong and Chen Xin, resided within the sect, providing formidable protection that kept even the boldest rival factions in check. At this moment, Ning Fengzhi faced three visiting Title Douluo. Though slightly unsettled inwardly, he maintained his usual calm, courteous demeanor. With a gentle smile, he nodded and said, ¡°Welcome, esteemed guests from the Spirit Hall. Please forgive me for not greeting you earlier¡ªmy sincerest apologies.¡± Ghost Douluo, never one for small talk, simply nodded and rasped in his gravelly voice, ¡°We¡¯re here on behalf of Spirit Hall¡ªunder orders from Her Holiness the Pope.¡± Ning Fengzhi¡¯s expression turned a shade more serious. ¡°Oh? Might I ask what important matter brings you here? If there¡¯s anything I can do, I¡¯ll spare no effort to assist.¡± His words were impeccably spoken¡ªpolite and seemingly cooperative. However, while he expressed willingness to help Spirit Hall, he carefully phrased it as a personal favor, not as an action on behalf of the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This way, he neither refused the Pope¡¯s request nor implicated his sect, preserving their neutrality in the increasingly volatile political landscape. After all, rumors had been swirling that unrest was brewing within Spirit Hall itself¡­ As expected, Ghost Douluo furrowed his brow and cast a long glance at Ning Fengzhi, quietly taking note of the tactic. But he said nothing more, instead continuing in that same gravelly tone, ¡°Then we shall trouble you, Sect Master Ning. We are here seeking your assistance in healing our wounds.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Now Ning Fengzhi was truly surprised. Even Gu Rong and Chen Xin exchanged subtle glances behind him, their expressions tinged with curiosity. These three elders of Spirit Hall¡ªrenowned, powerful Title Douluo¡ªand all here to seek treatment? Their injuries must be¡­ extremely severe. After all, Spirit Hall had no shortage of powerful support- and healing-type soul masters. If even they had failed to heal them¡­ who on the continent could¡¯ve inflicted such damage? Ning Fengzhi¡¯s thoughts suddenly drifted to recent whispers of infighting within Spirit Hall¡­ Maintaining composure, he gave a steady nod. ¡°You can rest assured. I, Ning Fengzhi, will do everything in my power to assist. Please, elders, come with me.¡± Ghost Douluo shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not just us. There¡¯s one more who needs urgent healing. The Pope herself has promised to owe you a personal favor in return.¡± Ning Fengzhi¡¯s eyes flickered. A favor¡­ from the Pope herself? That was no small matter. Such a promise could be exchanged for a future alliance or assistance in a moment of crisis. Whoever needed saving must hold great importance to her. A figure appeared in Ning Fengzhi¡¯s mind¡ªa young girl¡­ Ghost Douluo''s voice drew him back. ¡°Sect Master Ning, please follow me.¡± Ning Fengzhi nodded and followed Ghost Douluo out of the sect¡¯s inner sanctum. Gu Rong and Chen Xin were about to follow, but were subtly blocked by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Serpent Spear Douluo. ¡°You¡ª¡± Ning Fengzhi turned back and smiled calmly, ¡°You two elders wait here. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Reluctantly, Gu Rong and Chen Xin stood down, casting sharp glares at the two Spirit Hall Douluo. Serpent Spear Douluo, impulsive and proud, immediately returned the glare without backing down. Although their injuries had mostly been healed by Spirit Hall¡¯s medics¡ªChrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s severed arm had even been reattached¡ªhis brow was furrowed tightly, lost deep in thought. Because¡ª Suddenly, a voice echoed in Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s mind: Ding! System Quest Triggered ¨C ¡°The Villain¡¯s Resolve¡±! As a proper villain, you must understand what villains are supposed to do. Locate and speak with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect¡¯s young lady, Ning Rongrong. If the conversation lasts more than one minute, the sign-in will be successful! S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k Chapter 78 – Huh? A Taste for Men? Chrysanthemum Douluo furrowed his brows deeply, glancing at Gu Rong and Chen Xin who stood before him. He shifted slightly, lowering his head and masking his expression, then spoke inwardly: ¡°Hey, system¡­ are you serious?¡± ¡°Affirmative. Host, please complete the mission as soon as possible to receive your reward.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s brow creased even more. He had just arrived in this world and hadn¡¯t even fully sorted out his situation, yet this bizarre system was already throwing strange tasks at him? And this one¡­ Didn¡¯t seem all that proper. He was supposed to find Ning Rongrong¡­ and have a conversation with her lasting over a minute? This was supposed to be a ¡°super villain system¡±? More like a super creep system! He couldn¡¯t help but grumble inwardly again: ¡°System, what do I get for completing the mission? And what happens if I fail it?¡± ¡°Completion will reward host with one level of spirit power. Failure will result in a 3-centimeter reduction¡­ to your manhood.¡± ¡°WHAT THE HELL?!¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo''s legs twitched instinctively, a sudden chill shooting through him. ...Looks like not completing the task wasn¡¯t an option. For the sake of his ahem dignity¡ªno, for the sake of gaining strength, this had to be done! After all, a full level of spirit power was nothing to scoff at. After reaching the Title Douluo realm, every level of advancement was like climbing a mountain of glass with bare feet. Even for a powerful spirit master, it could take months or even years of hard cultivation to make the smallest improvement. Some, due to limited talent, never advanced another step for the rest of their lives. Many couldn¡¯t even approach the threshold of becoming an Ultimate Douluo. The most classic example? Golden Crocodile Douluo, the second Protector of the Spirit Hall. It was said that he had been stuck at Rank 98 for years, desperately seeking a way to break through to the final level and become an Ultimate Douluo¡­ yet he still hadn¡¯t succeeded. Clearly, gaining a single rank at this level was no small feat. To Chrysanthemum Douluo, that one level could mean a dramatic boost in status¡ªpotentially raising him to stand equal with Ghost Douluo, or even surpassing him entirely. Sure, in the original timeline, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo were practically joined at the hip, a pair of inseparable brothers. Their synergy and martial soul fusion technique were so powerful they had nearly slain both the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape¡ªrulers of the Star Dou Forest. But... he wasn¡¯t the original Chrysanthemum Douluo. He was a transmigrator! And what kind of transmigrator didn¡¯t strive to grow stronger? What was the point of sharing power with someone else? That fusion technique with Ghost Douluo? That was his legacy. What did that have to do with Jiang Ji, a former wage slave from Blue Star? Jiang Ji had been just another tired worker, coming home after a long day. He¡¯d been lying on his bed, scrolling on his phone, eyelids heavy¡­ and then¡ªdarkness. When he opened his eyes again, he was already in this world. The bad news: he¡¯d transmigrated into Chrysanthemum Douluo, with a broken arm. And protagonist Tang San? He might be a transmigrator too, and the plot¡­ it was already diverging wildly from what Jiang Ji remembered. The good news? His arm had been healed¡ªand he¡¯d awakened a system! Narrowing his eyes, Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled faintly. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since fate had given him a second chance, complete with a powerful system¡­ Then clearly, he was the true chosen one. Tang San? Just a lucky brat. He was the one destined to dominate this world! A surge of confidence swelled in his heart. Since he was the true protagonist, what harm was a little humiliation now? This silly task was just a stepping stone on his path to greatness. Screw it. He¡¯d do it. Mind made up, Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced again at Gu Rong and Chen Xin. An idea came to him. ¡°Ahem.¡± He coughed lightly and said calmly to Serpent Spear Douluo, ¡°You wait here. I¡¯m going to check on Old Ghost¡¯s situation.¡± Serpent Spear Douluo looked confused but nodded respectfully. ¡°Many thanks, Elder Chrysanthemum.¡± Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded back, cast one last glance at Gu Rong and Chen Xin, then turned and walked away. Watching him leave, Gu Rong frowned. He leaned closer to Chen Xin and muttered, ¡°Is it just me, or does this Chrysanthemum Douluo from Spirit Hall seem... off?¡± Chen Xin arched a brow, staring after the fading figure. ¡°Hmm? Could be. Maybe it¡¯s just how Spirit Hall soul masters are. I¡¯ve heard most of the elders are pretty eccentric¡ªit¡¯s not unusual.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe I¡¯m overthinking it,¡± Gu Rong said, relaxing slightly. Chen Xin, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned in and whispered, ¡°Do you know why Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s never taken a wife?¡± ¡°Oh? Why?¡± Gu Rong¡¯s interest was piqued instantly. ¡°I heard¡­ he doesn¡¯t like women.¡± Chen Xin started waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Gu Rong instantly understood, drawing in a cold breath. ¡°Hsss! Seriously?¡± ¡°Ninety percent sure.¡± Nearby, Serpent Spear Douluo, who had been pretending to gaze at the scenery but was secretly eavesdropping, jolted like he¡¯d been struck by lightning. A chill surged down his spine, crawling all the way to his heels. He involuntarily adjusted his armor. Suddenly, he remembered¡ªGhost Douluo had always been extremely close to Chrysanthemum Douluo. Even before becoming one of Spirit Hall¡¯s elders, the two had been an inseparable pair. Could it be¡­ Elder Ghost too¡­? Gulping, Serpent Spear Douluo made a silent vow: from now on, he¡¯d keep a very respectful distance from both Elder Ghost and Elder Chrysanthemum. And come to think of it¡­ Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s pale, oddly flamboyant appearance had always been a little¡­ off. Why hadn¡¯t he noticed before? While the three men were each lost in their own thoughts... Chrysanthemum Douluo had already exited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t going to meet Ghost Douluo. Instead, he circled around to another part of the sect¡¯s outer perimeter. After ensuring no one was around, he leapt back over the wall. If he was going to do something this shady, he¡¯d best avoid witnesses. Sure, he¡¯d considered just going to Ning Fengzhi and directly asking to speak with his daughter. Even something like accepting her as a disciple could be an excuse. After all, he had a powerful control-type martial soul, and he was a Title Douluo. Most families would¡¯ve jumped at the chance to have their child taken under his wing. But this was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Fengzhi had always disliked Spirit Hall, and as one of the Three Upper Sects, his pride and wariness were entirely justified. Chrysanthemum Douluo¡¯s identity wouldn¡¯t earn him any favors here. So, begrudgingly, he¡¯d come up with this terrible plan. Looking around, he found himself among rows of low courtyard houses¡ªprobably servant quarters. Someone like Ning Rongrong, a pampered heiress, would surely be staying deeper inside the sect. Shaking his head, Chrysanthemum Douluo gathered a bit of golden soul power around himself. Light as a feather, he leapt from rooftop to rooftop, silently weaving his way through the compound. **** ?If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to leave a review and/or your rating! & If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k