《Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor》


 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [1]

    Biluocheng, a city under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Dou Empire, takes its name from its proximity to Biluoxia, a canyon teeming with poisonous soul beasts. It is a city built amidst barren mountains and treacherous terrain.


    The city''s sole industry revolves around hunting soul beasts in Biluoxia. However, since poison-element soul masters hold little advantage on the Douluo Continent, and medical and toxicological advancements on the continent are underdeveloped, the city''s income pales compared to those near other large soul beast habitats.


    At high noon, the Spirit Hall within Biluocheng bustled with activity. Dozens of nobles and soul masters, accompanied by their children, awaited the appointed time.


    It was autumn¡ªa season of harvest and also the annual season for awakening martial souls on the Douluo Continent. During this period, soul masters tasked with awakening martial souls under the Spirit Hall''s authority would visit villages with Spirit Hall Deacon to help children awaken their martial souls. Residents of cities, however, would bring their children directly to the local Spirit Hall for the ceremony.


    In Biluocheng, noble families and soul master clans lacked the capability for internal awakening ceremonies. According to local customs, these families would bring their children to the Spirit Hall on a designated day, where the hall''s official would oversee the awakening. This day was not only a time for martial soul awakenings but also an opportunity for inter-family connections and exchanges. Families whose children awakened powerful martial souls with high innate soul power would gain an edge, while those who failed to awaken anything noteworthy would be overlooked. Many families used this occasion to discuss alliances and marriages.


    For centuries, this unwritten rule had been a tradition in Biluocheng. While not an official holiday, it was no less significant.


    This year, only fifteen children were scheduled for martial soul awakening, a relatively low number. Yet the nobles and soul masters waiting here numbered several dozen¡ªfar more than the children.


    The nobles and soul masters engaged in light conversation, but most of their attention was on the upcoming awakening. They exchanged pleasantries as a formality to pass the time.


    About half an hour later, the local Spirit Hall official appeared. He was an elderly man who looked over eighty years old, his skin as withered as ancient bark and his eyes clouded with age. He seemed on the verge of death, yet no one dared to underestimate him.


    Despite his frailty, he was a member of the Spirit Hall¡ªa Soul Emperor, no less, and a bishop stationed in Biluocheng by the Pope''s decree for several decades.


    Even the city lord of Biluocheng treated this elder with the utmost respect.


    "It''s that time of year again¡ªmartial soul awakening," the elder muttered as he surveyed the crowd. His sigh carried a note of weariness. Soul power rippled faintly around him, and six soul rings appeared¡ªone white, two yellow, two purple, and one black. His aged hand lifted slightly, and a vine, its texture like solid rock, emerged from his palm and drooped to the ground.


    "I am Yan Jun, Bishop of the Spirit Hall. My martial soul is the Rock Vine. A level sixty-seven control-type battle soul master¡­ I will be overseeing this year''s martial soul awakenings."


    "Children, step forward."


    Yan Jun spoke plainly, indifferent to the gazes of those around him. At his command, children instructed by their elders stepped out and formed an orderly line before him.


    Seeing this, Yan Jun nodded slightly and gestured with a wave of his hand. Several soul masters in Spirit Hall uniforms immediately stepped forward and began setting up a proper awakening array between the elder and the children.


    "Children, step forward," Yan Jun said calmly.


    At ninety-four years old, even by the standards of soul masters, Yan Jun was considered quite advanced in age.


    At this stage of his life, few things truly mattered to him. He no longer cared about the names or origins of the children undergoing martial soul awakening. Apart from the Angel God and the Spirit Hall, there was little left in this world that held any significance for him. For his distant blood relatives¡ªseparated by countless generations¡ªhe helped only when convenient. The opinions of others, he ignored entirely.


    If not for the desire to avoid leaving a mess for the soul master assigned by the Spirit Hall to take over his position, Yan Jun wouldn''t have even bothered to oversee the awakening ceremony for these children.


    At his command, the chubby boy at the front of the line stepped forward and entered the array. Yan Jun raised his hand, soul power surging, and the array beneath the boy''s feet began to glow faintly. Points of light emerged and seeped into the boy''s body.


    Children from soul master families and noble households were already familiar with the process of martial soul awakening, so there was no need for reminders. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A moment later, the chubby boy let out an involuntary cry. His previously round figure began to tighten, and a pair of comical ears grew from his golden hair.


    "A beast martial soul¡­ Let''s test your innate soul power," Yan Jun said as he flipped his right hand, causing a crystal ball to appear in his palm.


    The slightly chubby boy took the crystal ball, and as he channeled his soul power into it, the ball emitted a faint glow.


    "Innate soul power level two¡­ no, level three. Martial soul is a leopard cat? But the quality seems a bit low¡­ Regardless, it''s enough to become a soul master."


    Yan Jun retrieved the crystal ball and waved his hand, signaling the boy to leave the awakening array. The child, now awakened to the leopard cat martial soul, quickly ran over to join the crowd. His departure was followed by a wave of murmured discussions.


    "The second young master of the city lord''s family awakened a leopard cat martial soul, as expected. But his innate soul power isn''t as high as the city lord''s or the eldest young master''s. Back in the day, the city lord had an innate soul power of level four, and while the eldest young master didn''t match that, he still reached level three and a half. Becoming a Soul Elder is almost guaranteed for him."


    "With only about level three soul power, it looks like the second young master won''t be able to measure up to the eldest."


    "Heh, who knows what the future holds? Just a while back, the eldest young master got his leg broken by the city lord after they fought over a woman. He hasn''t left the house recently. Who''s to say who''ll rise to power in the end?"


    "That''s true¡­"


    "Ahem, silence." Yan Jun lightly cleared his throat, his voice enhanced by soul power, carrying directly to everyone''s ears. The previously noisy crowd immediately quieted down.


    "Next child, step forward."


    As the next child entered the awakening array, Yan Jun, who had been somewhat absent-minded, suddenly froze. His previously cloudy eyes became clear, and his lifeless expression took on a hint of seriousness.


    Since the age of fifty, Yan Jun had overseen martial soul awakenings for children in Biluocheng, totaling more than a thousand. Yet before today, he had never encountered such a unique child.


    PS What do you think about the new story?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [2]

    Although Yan Jun was now so old that death seemed imminent, in his younger years, he had roamed the continent and gained considerable experience. While his mind was no longer as sharp as it once had been, his accumulated wisdom endowed him with a keen sense of perception.


    The child before him stood out, not only far more robust than the other children he had seen over the years but also with an aura that was markedly different.


    Despite the child being dressed in fine noble garments, Yan Jun could immediately discern his exceptional physique. His limbs were thick and sturdy, with well-developed muscles along his forearms and calves. His body was evenly proportioned, lacking the awkwardness that often accompanied overtraining, instead presenting a harmonious balance.


    It was clear that this child had not only maintained an unusually strong and robust build for his age but had also trained for explosive power. Such conditioning was exceedingly rare for children before awakening their martial souls.


    The boy had short, slightly messy black hair and piercing, focused eyes. Though he stood still, his posture was nothing like that of typical noble children; it resembled the composure of a battle-hardened warrior, one who had undergone rigorous training over the years.


    If this boy had been placed in a crowd, Yan Jun might not have noticed him. But compared to the other children, including the city lord''s son from earlier, the difference was glaringly apparent.


    What struck Yan Jun the most, however, was the child''s demeanor. While other children at this stage were likely praying to awaken a strong martial soul and high innate soul power, this boy exuded confidence¡ªan unshakable belief that he would achieve extraordinary results.


    In most cases, Yan Jun would dismiss such confidence as na?ve arrogance. But seeing the boy''s well-trained body, Yan Jun couldn''t help but feel there was merit to his self-assurance.


    It reminded him of the elite soul masters he had encountered during his travels across the continent¡ªthose born into prestigious sects, raised with solid foundations, and subjected to intense training from a young age. They had the same determined, self-assured look in their eyes.


    There was a world of difference between feigned maturity and the real thing. Some people were simply born different. Having awakened martial souls for decades, Yan Jun knew this better than anyone.


    Some achieved fame and glory with level fifty soul power, while others remained obscure with level sixty. Some rose from humble beginnings to positions of power, while others of noble lineage ultimately accomplished nothing.


    The same background and talent, the same martial soul and soul power¡ªyet some people simply outshone the rest.


    If this were twenty years ago, and the child awakened with promising talent, Yan Jun wouldn''t have hesitated to take him as a disciple. Even ten years ago, he might have sought to form a connection, hoping that the child might one day look after his descendants.


    But¡­ Yan Jun sighed inwardly. He felt that he was now too old for such endeavors.


    At most, he had ten or so years left to live. Even if the boy possessed innate full soul power, he would only reach the level of a Soul Elder by that time¡ªa level far from realizing his full potential. What use would such a connection be to him in the end?


    "What is your name, child?" Yan Jun asked, his expression calm, though he sighed internally.


    "My name is Chen Ming. I am a child of the Emerald Chen family." The boy lifted his head, his face adorned with a gentle smile, and answered confidently.


    "The Chen family¡­ Very well, awaken your martial soul," Yan Jun muttered, pausing momentarily as if recalling something. However, he chose not to elaborate and instead motioned for Chen Ming to enter the array.


    At Yan Jun''s command, Chen Ming stepped into the awakening array. As Yan Jun channeled his soul power, the array beneath the boy''s feet began to glow. Points of light rose from the array, one after another, before surging into his body.


    If the brightness of the awakening array when the city lord''s child awakened was one, then the number of light points rising from the array during Chen Ming''s awakening was at least three. Even the most uninformed observer could immediately tell that something extraordinary was happening.


    A massive number of light points emerged from the array and were absorbed into Chen Ming''s body. Over time, a distinct energy began to flow within him, steadily growing stronger.


    This energy gathered and surged within Chen Ming''s body, as though breaking through an invisible barrier. His body began to undergo dramatic changes.


    With the sound of fabric tearing, a long, emerald-green scorpion tail extended from his spine. A vibrant green light radiated from his dantian, spreading across his body.


    Chen Ming''s already large frame, imposing among his peers, seemed to inflate like a balloon. His wrists and ankles grew thicker, and a layer of emerald-green carapace with a metallic sheen formed on his forearms, resembling heavy, protective armguards.


    The emerald-green light enveloped the scorpion tail behind him and his forearms. As his soul power instinctively surged, the air around him became faintly tinged with a sweet, cloying scent.


    Although Yan Jun had not anticipated such a commotion, his familiarity with the Chen family''s signature Emerald Scorpion martial soul¡ªand its potent venom¡ªprompted him to instinctively shield himself with his soul power the moment he saw the green light emanating from Chen Ming.


    And indeed, Yan Jun''s caution proved justified.


    In mere moments, the sweet, cloying scent spreading through the air began to affect the children nearby who had yet to awaken their martial souls.


    Some attempted to flee, but the toxin had already interfered with their nervous systems, causing them to trip and fall. Flailing their arms wildly, they accidentally dragged others down with them, creating a chaotic chain reaction among the children who were either stunned or unable to react.


    As panic set in, the children began breathing heavily, further inhaling the toxic scent. Under the combined stress and effects of the toxin, their bodies began convulsing uncontrollably. Some waved their arms and legs frantically, while others screamed in terror, which in turn worsened the panic among the others.


    Seeing this unfold, Yan Jun''s face darkened. With a slight flick of his wrist, the vine-like staff that had been standing like a cane suddenly came to life. It transformed into soft tendrils that supported the fallen children, gently lifting them while channeling soothing soul power into their bodies.


    "Where are the Chen family''s adults? Bring the antidote immediately!" Yan Jun barked, turning toward the crowd. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Startled into action by his shout, the previously stunned onlookers began to stir. Amid the commotion, a thin man pushed his way through the crowd and hurried over to the children. Reaching into his robes, he produced a bead-like object seemingly carved from wood.


    As soul power flowed into the bead, it released a refreshing fragrance that gradually neutralized the sweet, toxic scent in the air. The children, still restrained by Yan Jun''s living vines, slowly began to calm down under the soothing effects of the fragrance.


    However, Yan Jun''s expression remained grim.


    He knew very well that while the wooden bead''s aroma could quickly counteract the venom to some extent, it carried a mild toxicity of its own. Though it only caused fatigue, it was still difficult for young children without soul power to withstand.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [3]

    The atmosphere in Biluochen City is truly unique. Poison soul masters are rare on the Douluo Continent, but in Biluochen City, it''s rare to find someone not specializing in poison.


    Here, even meals are likely to contain traces of poison¡ªwhether added intentionally or simply from contamination. The city is nearly devoid of rats, not because of cleanliness, but because the place is overrun with snakes. For the common folk, the main source of protein is the spicy snakes that crawl into their homes. In this city, if you can''t catch a snake barehanded without getting hurt, you aren''t even considered marriage material. Children as young as four or five pit venomous creatures like scorpions and centipedes against each other in fights for entertainment.


    Even the water sources in Biluochen City have traces of poison. There have been cases where water-affinity soul masters while cultivating near Biluochen City''s waters, ended up poisoning themselves half to death.


    The reason Biluochen City manages to persist near a large habitat of poisonous soul beasts without thriving is entirely due to its harsh living conditions. Nine out of ten soul masters in this city practice poison techniques, and the remaining one likely has natural poison resistance. Any soul master from outside, after staying here for a few generations, would either go extinct or evolve to develop poison abilities or resistance.


    In this city, treating poison relies on the principle of using poison to counter poison. If you survive, you live; if not, you die. Survival of the fittest is the law here. There isn''t even a hint of banditry in the surrounding mountains because the entire region is full of venomous creatures. The soil and environment make it impossible for bandits to survive. Even the plants in the mountains might mutate under toxic pollution into venomous soul beasts capable of attacking people.


    Here, while it''s rare, the possibility of being killed by a stalk of wheat isn''t zero.


    Forget about the Heaven Dou Empire¡ªeven across the Douluo Continent, Biluochen City is infamous for its fierce and tenacious people. Even during times of widespread chaos, no one was ever reckless enough to set their sights on this cursed place.


    ...


    After the fragrance lingered for a while, the children gradually calmed down, though their faces showed signs of fatigue, and they were too weak to move.


    While the scent could easily incapacitate a grown man, this was, after all, Biluochen City. Even children here have a notable resistance to toxins. Moreover, these were children from soul master families, inheriting martial souls that either specialized in poison or resisted it. Fragile children simply don''t exist here¡ªor more accurately, in a place where poison can be found every three steps and venomous creatures every ten, frail children don''t survive past the age of six.


    Seeing their children being helped up, most of the onlookers weren''t overly concerned. Instead, their attention shifted to Chen Ming.


    The Chen family had been rooted in Biluochen City for over 500 years, and their family martial soul, the Emerald Scorpion, was famous throughout the city.


    This martial soul, as well as the corresponding soul beast, had many names. Beyond the name Emerald Scorpion, it was most widely known as the Green Phosphor Scorpion.


    The Green Phosphor Scorpion, along with the Green Phosphor Snake, Centipede, Gecko, and Toad, is one of the Five Green Phosphor Poisons, universally recognized as some of the most lethal entities in existence. Its poison is fatal upon contact with blood, and its close-range offensive and defensive capabilities are top-notch. Even on the Douluo Continent, it is considered a superior martial soul.


    Perhaps due to the prolonged influence of living in a poison-laden environment like Biluochen City, the Chen family''s Emerald Scorpion martial soul is not only more toxic than others of its kind found across the continent but also more unpredictable and difficult to counter. Its poison is so unique and multifaceted that targeting or defending against it is a significant challenge.


    In terms of martial soul quality, there isn''t a single other family in Biluochen City that could rival the Chen family.


    In Biluochen City, three major powers hold sway: the City Lord''s Mansion, representing the official face of the Heaven Dou Empire; the Spirit Hall, whose status as a holy land for soul masters is universally acknowledged; and lastly, the Chen family, whose strength is unquestionable and unmatched.


    Because of their centuries-old interactions with the Chen family, the onlookers were well aware of a critical flaw in the Chen family''s martial soul, a flaw that was devastating for a soul master family. At this moment, the crowd''s focus was on one question: did Chen Ming inherit this flaw?


    "Try channeling your soul power. Be careful, though¡ªdon''t shatter the crystal ball. Your strength isn''t what it was a moment ago," Yan Jun said, handing the crystal ball to Chen Ming with a sharp, focused gaze.


    Having lived in Biluochen City for decades, Yan Jun knew the situation with each family''s martial soul inside and out. Naturally, he was familiar with the Chen family''s inherited flaw.


    From Chen Ming''s current state, it was clear he had soul power. But how much? That was the real question.


    Chen Ming bit his lip and reached for the crystal ball. As he poured his soul power into it, the ball gradually lit up. The light wasn''t particularly bright, but it drew the attention of everyone around.


    "Innate soul power¡­ level five?"


    Yan Jun''s face was filled with shock, and his usually squinted eyes opened wide in surprise.


    Level five was a moderately high level for most soul masters¡ªnot exceptional but still impressive. Yan Jun himself had awakened at level five back in the day, and over the years, there had been others in Biluochen City who awakened with similar or higher levels. However, Chen Ming''s case was different. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Typically, higher-quality martial souls correspond to higher innate soul power levels. High-quality martial souls rarely produce low innate soul power. But the Chen family''s Emerald Scorpion was an exception.


    The Emerald Scorpion martial soul was exceptionally high-quality¡ªconsidered top-tier in terms of attributes. However, it had a glaring flaw when it came to innate soul power.


    Most members of the Chen family who awakened their martial soul barely reached levels two or three of innate soul power. Level four was a rare occurrence, and over the past century, the family had struggled to produce anyone with soul power at all. Many descendants couldn''t even become soul masters.


    For a family that had been rooted in Biluochen City for 500 years, the number of soul masters among them had dwindled to fewer than ten. Nearly half of these were individuals who married into the family. Those directly inheriting the Emerald Scorpion martial soul were few and far between.


    While the Emerald Scorpion was a high-quality martial soul and easily passed down to offspring, its flaw often resulted in descendants lacking innate soul power. In such cases, the Emerald Scorpion would degrade into a venomous but ordinary scorpion. This created a near-unsolvable cycle for the family. Other families in Biluochen City were even reluctant to marry into the Chen family, fearing that the flawed bloodline might spread and render their descendants unable to awaken innate soul power.


    Over 500 years ago, when Biluochen City was first established in the desolate Biluoxia, the city''s first lord came from the Chen family. Back then, Biluochen City was practically the Chen family''s domain. However, as the issue of low innate soul power grew more prominent, they eventually had to relinquish the position of city lord and gradually fell into decline.


    In recent decades, there has been widespread speculation among other families in Biluochen City that within 100 years, the Chen family might completely exit the ranks of soul masters due to their inability to produce descendants with innate soul power. Ultimately, they might even lose their noble title altogether.


    Chen Ming''s martial soul, which was distinct from the typical Emerald Scorpion, along with his level five innate soul power, naturally made onlookers suspicious.


    Could it be that the Chen family got lucky? Could their martial soul, on the brink of extinction, have undergone a beneficial mutation? Not only did the quality improve, but perhaps the hereditary issue of low innate soul power had been resolved as well.


    Regardless, in a small place like Biluochen City, level five innate soul power was already considered genius-level. With someone like Chen Ming, the Chen family might be able to hold on for a few more decades. If they managed to endure and the martial soul issue was truly resolved, it would mark a significant shift in Biluochen City''s power dynamics.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [4]

    Feeling the gazes from those around him, Chen Ming''s heart held a mix of excitement and helplessness.


    Yes, he wasn''t a native of the Douluo World but a transmigrator from a certain blue planet.


    Before his transmigration, he had been an obscure novelist, barely making ends meet with his royalties. His unique talent¡ªor perhaps a peculiar trait¡ªwas an unusually sharp sixth sense.


    Throughout his life, his sixth sense had saved him countless times: avoiding collisions with large trucks, escaping gas explosions, dodging over a dozen instances of electrical leaks, and evading countless minor disasters like slipping or getting hit by falling flower pots. In his circles, he was nicknamed the Survivor King.


    But as fate would have it, no matter how many times one cheats death, it only takes one mistake to lose.


    One day, while cleaning his house on a whim, he crouched to vacuum a hard-to-reach corner under a bookshelf. Suddenly, the ground shook, and before he could react, the bookshelf toppled onto him.


    The bookshelf was a two-meter-tall solid wood structure, packed with books and adorned with decorative chess pieces and figurines. Its weight was unimaginable.


    And so, Chen Ming was reborn¡ªinto the Douluo Continent. Whether by fate or coincidence, he retained his name: Chen Ming.


    At first, Chen Ming only knew he had arrived in a fantastical world. But as he learned to speak and read, he gradually realized he had transmigrated into the Douluo Continent¡ªa world he once referred to as the low-tier fantasy backwater of his previous life. Yet this version of Douluo was slightly off; iconic elements like the Spirit Hall, Shrek Academy, and Clear Sky Sect were still around, but other familiar aspects were missing.


    Truthfully, Chen Ming wasn''t overly disappointed about transmigrating into this mysterious world of Douluo Continent.


    After all, he had played Baldur''s Gate 3 and Warhammer games. Having jokingly signed contracts with those universes'' devils and gods, he used to think if those contracts somehow worked, he wouldn''t end up in Douluo. Instead, he might''ve been reincarnated in Baldur''s Gate or thrown into the literal cesspit of the Warhammer world.


    And let''s not forget¡ªhis bookshelves had figurines from both Baldur''s Gate and Warhammer as decorations.


    In comparison, Douluo Continent wasn''t that bad, was it?


    At the age of two, his parents died in an accident while hunting soul beasts.


    By the time he was three¡ªable to speak, read, and run around¡ªready to start learning about the world and planning his future, the news broke across the continent: Spirit Hall''s Pope Qian Xunji had been ambushed and killed by Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Sect. It was then he realized that in this life, he was only three years older than the infamous Trash Tang.


    Tang San''s reputation as Trash wasn''t for nothing. Though the Tang San of Douluo Dalu 1 wasn''t as ruthless or despicable as his later versions in Douluo Dalu 2, he was far from a saint. His existence brought widespread turmoil to the Douluo Continent.


    If Chen Ming didn''t grow stronger before chaos descended, he knew he''d have no choice when the storm hit. Better to sharpen his blade now and make his own decisions later, rather than live a life of regret after being forced into a corner. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whether he joined the Shrek Seven Devils or went against them, Chen Ming''s priority was to ensure he had the strength to make his own choices.


    With this in mind, he committed to a disciplined routine. He followed a segmented sleep schedule to maximize his training time while still allowing his body to grow. He never turned down food¡ªno matter how unpleasant¡ªforcing himself to consume medicinal meals, bitter herbal pastes, and even half-dead bugs. He trained his body every day, rain or shine, and before bed, he made his family share any intelligence they had about the continent.


    This was how he prepared himself¡ªstep by step, day by day¡ªfor the turbulent future he knew was coming.


    After learning about the innate flaws in his family''s martial soul, Chen Ming went to great lengths to adapt. He even had his family build him a den in the Scorpion Cave, where he periodically lived among the scorpions. He ate, slept, and observed their lives, striving to mimic them as much as possible to achieve a state of so-called mimicry.


    Over the years, his observations were so meticulous that he nearly invented an entire fighting style based on scorpions. Even the brainless scorpions in the cave had grown familiar with Chen Ming, this oversized two-legged relative of theirs.


    Lacking any mystical inner cultivation techniques like Mysterious Heaven Skill, Chen Ming focused solely on pushing his body to its limits without causing permanent harm. This dedication forged his body into one that was taller, more muscular, and explosively powerful compared to others his age.


    But despite his efforts, his innate soul power was still only at level five...


    He had mentally prepared for this possibility, but deep down, he had hoped for innate full soul power or even twin martial souls.


    As Chen Ming wrestled with his complex thoughts about the future, the slim man who had just been detoxifying others with his jade orb put it away and briskly walked over. Without hesitation, he reached out to touch the scorpion tail swaying unconsciously behind Chen Ming.


    "Second Uncle, be careful!"


    Although Chen Ming had just awakened his martial soul and wasn''t fully sure of its quality, his familiarity with the family''s Emerald Scorpion and various poisons told him one thing¡ªhis venom wasn''t ordinary. Seeing his uncle recklessly touch the scorpion tail on his back, Chen Ming panicked.


    "Relax, kid. I''m a Soul Ancestor, not some weakling who''d just drop dead..."


    The man, whom Chen Ming called Second Uncle, started laughing but abruptly turned pale green, his body swaying slightly.


    As an experienced poison-type soul master, the man reacted quickly. Within a single breath, he unleashed his martial soul. Two yellow and two purple soul rings lit up around him.


    With the release of his Emerald Scorpion martial soul and the surge of soul power, the green hue on his face began to fade, though his complexion remained grim.


    The mighty second-in-command of the Chen family, poisoned just by touching his nephew''s martial soul¡ªthis was an embarrassing situation.


    "Ahem... Xiao Ming, you''re truly a genius," the man coughed awkwardly, forcing out a compliment. The onlookers, though tempted to laugh, didn''t dare.


    In this city, the highest-ranking soul master was Spirit Hall''s local bishop, Yan Jun, a 67th-level control-type Soul Emperor. Next came the Chen family patriarch, a 54th-level control-type Soul King.


    Poison might lose its effectiveness at the Title Douluo stage, but below Soul Sage, it was a deadly weapon capable of overcoming stronger opponents. Throughout the continent''s history, there have been numerous cases of powerful soul masters falling to low-level poison-type soul masters due to carelessness.


    Even Yan Jun, who was nearing the end of his life, wouldn''t necessarily gain the upper hand in a confrontation with the Chen family patriarch, despite his higher level. After all, the venom of the Chen family''s Emerald Scorpion was infamous. Forget a scratch¡ªeven the slightest contact could cost a soul master of the same level half their life.


    Forget humans¡ªeven a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast could be reduced to a puddle of water from its venom.


    This was why, despite the Chen family''s dwindling numbers and looming extinction, they remained the city''s nominal third but de facto first power. Even though the whole city wished to take a bite out of the Chen family, no one dared to make a move against them.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [5]

    "Since you''ve awakened your martial soul, step aside."


    Watching the uncle-nephew duo fool around, Yan Jun''s expression wasn''t particularly pleasant. Still, not wanting to sound overly harsh, he coughed lightly before offering a reminder.


    At his age, nearing retirement, Yan Jun wasn''t interested in managing much. His only wish was for nothing bad to happen that would drag him into unnecessary trouble.


    "Yes, senior, we''ll step aside immediately."


    Chen Ming''s second uncle respectfully cupped his hands toward Yan Jun before grabbing Chen Ming by the shoulder and dragging him off to the side.


    The rule in Biluocheng was simple: no matter what martial soul you awakened¡ªwhether it was trash without soul power or the family-inherited martial soul¡ªyou had to remain until the awakening ceremony was over before heading home to evaluate the results. This centuries-old tradition was something even the Chen family couldn''t interrupt, no matter how urgent things might seem.


    After Chen Ming was hauled to the side, the nearby spectators instinctively took a step back. In a city like Biluocheng, where venomous creatures roamed everywhere, anyone with half a brain knew to avoid danger when necessary. Sticking around at the wrong time was a recipe for disaster.


    People learn best through experience, and in this place, the curious either shed their curiosity or end up losing their lives. Those who liked to court death didn''t live long.


    Hadn''t they just seen the 40th-level Soul Ancestor get poisoned enough to turn green after a careless touch? If they accidentally got hit, it would be nothing short of terrible luck.


    Even if the poison could be neutralized, it would still be a painful and unnecessary ordeal.


    Better to observe from a safe distance¡ªwatch from afar first, and then get closer to satisfy curiosity.


    As he watched the tail behind his nephew swaying side to side, the slim man coughed twice. He made a clawing motion over his chest and then pressed downward gently.


    "Calm your mind. Focus on your heartbeat. Feel the power flowing through your body with every breath and pulse, like blood coursing through your veins. That is soul power. Now, imagine yourself relaxing, sinking into a soft bed, and feeling the weight in your chest dissipate. Then, pull that weight back into your body."


    Soul master families typically offered more detailed instructions on sensing soul power than the martial soul awakeners at Spirit Hall. However, their guidance often veered into metaphysical territory. Descriptions like a weight in your chest were too abstract for most children, and overthinking could sometimes prevent them from retracting their soul power altogether.


    Fortunately, Chen Ming''s mature mindset as a reincarnated adult allowed him to process these instructions with ease. After pondering briefly, he quickly entered the right state.


    Retracting his martial soul and soul power went smoothly. Yet during this process, Chen Ming seemed to sense something unusual.


    It was a force that felt abstract, impossible to describe with simple language, yet omnipresent¡ªa power anyone could connect with at any moment.


    It was incredibly familiar, but at the same time, it defied concrete description or logical thought.


    If he had to put it into words... it felt like some kind of spiritual or conceptual energy.


    Did all soul masters in Douluo Continent experience this sensation when releasing and retracting their martial souls? Or was he an exception, perhaps due to his status as a transmigrator with a uniquely adapted soul? Or could it be that he had some kind of hidden advantage, a cheat ability, that he hadn''t discovered yet?


    Chen Ming silently mulled over these thoughts as he reached out with his right hand to touch his exposed left arm. Though his skin felt a bit tougher, and his muscles were visibly bulkier, the changes weren''t drastic. There was no trace of the exaggerated enhancements he''d experienced during his martial soul possession, nor could he detect any sign of exoskeletal armor.


    Because his body expanded dramatically after activating his martial soul, and his arms developed a layer of carapace, Chen Ming''s clothes were now somewhat tattered, with his arms exposed to the air.


    Martial soul families had indeed considered the problem of clothes tearing due to physical changes after martial soul awakening. Chen Ming''s clothes were designed to be quite elastic. However, his body didn''t just grow in size; it also emitted a corrosive toxin that damaged the fabric, leaving him in a rather disheveled state.


    Chen Ming didn''t mind this. He was a little messy, but he wasn''t running around naked. If a bit of dishevelment during martial soul awakening could result in a higher-quality martial soul, probably everyone in Douluo Continent would willingly strip naked for the ceremony.


    The ceremony continued, but no other particularly noteworthy children emerged.


    This year, the child with the highest soul power level awakened during the ceremony was Chen Ming, with an innate soul power of level five. Among the fifteen children, only one had no soul power, and most hovered around levels two or three. The second highest had a soul power of level four, but their martial soul was a common venomous snake, not particularly strong.


    After the ceremony concluded, Chen Ming''s second uncle immediately picked him up and, without paying any attention to others'' reactions, activated his soul power and bolted toward the Chen family''s home.


    When they were still several hundred meters from the house, a powerful surge of soul power emanated from its direction. A vigorous elderly man stormed toward them with an imposing aura.


    "Are we being pursued? I''d like to see who dares act against the Chen family!"


    A sinister soul power enveloped the old man. Behind his aged figure, one could faintly make out the shadow of an emerald-green poisonous scorpion. Two yellow, two purple, and one black¡ªthe optimal combination of soul rings¡ªcircled his body. His eagle-like gaze swept over the seemingly peaceful street, and his voice was as icy as the chill of deep winter.


    "Dad, no one''s chasing us. It''s something else. Let''s go home first."


    Seeing his father in this state, Chen Ming''s second uncle immediately realized that the old man thought he was fleeing from enemies.


    Glancing at the ground corroded by the soul power his father had released, Chen Ming''s second uncle didn''t need to guess how furious the old man must be. If he didn''t explain, he''d probably be strung up and spanked once they got home.


    "Seriously, I haven''t been in trouble or chased in the city for a long time¡­" the middle-aged man muttered under his breath.


    "You brat, there''d better be a good reason¡­"


    Hearing there were no pursuers, the old man''s overwhelming aura faltered slightly. Feeling Chen Ming''s gaze on him, his expression turned awkward for a moment. He gave a cold snort, flicked his sleeve, and turned away.


    The old man knew that his second son, though a bit mischievous, wouldn''t make such a mistake. If he said something was important, it surely was. However, making such a fuss in front of his only grandson was a bit embarrassing for the old man.


    Fortunately, because Chen Ming''s second uncle had rushed home at full speed, no other forces had time to report back. There were a few spies near the Chen family''s residence, and the vendors and pedestrians had already fled, frightened by the duo''s imposing auras. Thus, this scene was witnessed by very few people.


    S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [6]

    The Chen family residence, known as the Chen Manor, was established centuries ago when the city of Biluocheng was first built and the Chen family head became the city lord. Though situated in the city center, the manor spans nearly 100 acres, equivalent to seven or eight large football fields in Chen Ming''s previous life. It could be said that almost a third of the city center belonged to the Chen family.


    The Chen Manor was originally a result of the founding family head abusing his power for personal gain. However, due to the few Chen family members, managing such a large estate proved challenging and prone to issues. Subsequent family heads gradually modified the estate, partitioning off streets and renting them out. Yet even after these adjustments, the remaining estate was still disproportionately large for the family''s population, allowing them to construct various mimicry training grounds.


    Moreover, after centuries of management, the estate had been reinforced and maintained dozens of times. It was more of a fortress than a manor, standing firm and defensible within the city. Inside, there was even a small market.


    The estate housed over a thousand women, children, and servants. It contained an arsenal of spears, swords, bows, crossbows, and armor, along with labyrinthine underground tunnels that extended to various parts of the city. It had an independent water source, small farming plots for cultivation, and granaries stocked with supplies. The family also raised poultry and warhorses.


    Every city lord of Biluocheng found the Chen family a constant headache. Outsiders passing by often mistook the Chen family estate for a city within a city. This was one reason why so many factions wanted to take a piece of the Chen family but didn''t dare to make a move.


    This situation was unique to a remote and rugged place like Biluocheng. If the Chen family were located in a major city and lacked a powerful figure such as a Titled Douluo, they would have long been eradicated and their property confiscated.


    Chen Ming''s second uncle carried him through the Chen Manor, following his grandfather, Chen Shijie, through a maze of twists and turns, passing numerous mechanisms and secret doors before arriving at an underground chamber. The chamber, clearly used for confidential discussions, was furnished with rows of tables and chairs made from dark wood.


    Oil lamps hung on the walls of the chamber, crafted from the oil of deep-sea whale soul beasts. These lamps burned smokelessly and odorlessly, lasting an extraordinarily long time. The Chen family had hardly needed to replenish the oil for centuries. When Chen Ming was younger, he thought the lamps used whale gel and felt heartache over it for a long time, only to later learn that wasn''t the case.


    After lighting all the lamps, Chen Shijie took the main seat in the chamber and gestured for his second son, Chen Tianyun, and Chen Ming to sit on either side of him.


    As Chen Ming habitually moved to sit on his grandfather''s right, his second uncle reached out to stop him, guiding him to the seat on Chen Shijie''s left instead and taking the right-hand seat himself.


    Though the Douluo Continent lacked many of the traditions Chen Ming knew from his previous life, there were surprising parallels between the two worlds. For example, the left side was considered the seat of honor here as well. With Chen Ming''s status and generation, he usually only sat on the right because no one else claimed it. Sitting on the left was unheard of.


    Chen Shijie noticed his second son''s actions with some confusion but seemed to grasp part of his reasoning. Without stopping him, he nodded slightly, permitting Chen Ming to take the seat.


    "Father, Xiao Ming''s martial soul awakening today was¡­ exceptionally successful!"


    "He awakened the Emerald Scorpion with innate soul power of level five."


    Chen Tianyun didn''t waste time on irrelevant details and went straight to the point. When Chen Shijie heard that Chen Ming had awakened with the innate soul power of level five, his expression froze for a moment before transforming into unrestrained joy.


    "Innate level five? Could this be a turning point for our family?"


    "A turning point? But¡­ isn''t level five not particularly high?" Chen Ming couldn''t understand why his grandfather was so excited.


    Sure, the Chen family''s innate soul power levels had always been an issue, but he hadn''t awakened with full innate soul power. Was there a need for such excitement?


    "Xiao Ming, you don''t understand. What you see and know is just the surface. The Chen family''s deeper issues are something you''ve been unaware of," Chen Shijie said with a wave of his hand. His earlier excitement faded, replaced by a somber expression.


    "Typically, we wait until a family member reaches adulthood to reveal this secret. But you''re naturally intelligent and have awakened with innate level-five soul power, so we must tell you now."


    "You know that our Chen family originally rose to nobility through military achievements, correct?"


    "Our ancestor, Chen Ergou, came from an ordinary family but was fortunate enough to awaken the Emerald Scorpion, a mutated martial soul, along with an impressive innate soul power of level seven."


    "At the time, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire were engaged in localized wars. After becoming a Soul Elder, our ancestor joined the military for training. Twenty years later, when the war ended, he had become a Soul King and was rewarded with the hereditary title of earl for his extensive military achievements."


    "That much is common knowledge within the family, but there''s a hidden truth behind this story that few know."


    "After the war ended, due to saving certain noble individuals on the battlefield, our ancestor was invited to the royal treasury during the reward ceremony and permitted to select treasures rarely seen by the public."


    "During that selection, he discovered an artifact that, for poison-element soul masters, was as valuable as a ten-thousand-year soul bone¡ªperhaps even more so." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What artifact?" Upon hearing about a treasure, Chen Ming''s eyes lit up, and he couldn''t help but ask.


    "It was a seed of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes," Chen Shijie replied, stroking his beard before explaining further, sensing Chen Ming might not know what it was.


    "The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes is an extraordinarily rare and potent poison¡ªa plant-based soul beast of unparalleled toxicity. Among plants, there''s nothing with a deadlier poison. Even among beast soul beasts, only a few legendary ones could surpass it."


    "This plant is incredibly rare, equivalent to the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear among ordinary soul beasts, perhaps even slightly superior."


    "Its poison can effortlessly corrode metal and dissolve soul beasts, far surpassing the top Five Poisons Martial Soul in potency."


    "Though our family''s Emerald Scorpion is a beast-type martial soul and not entirely compatible with the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the flower''s quality is so exceptional that even with reduced synergy, its effects would surpass most other soul beasts. Even a soul ring from a Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes that has just reached a hundred years would outperform over ninety-nine percent of thousand-year soul rings. If its poison could be fully absorbed, the quality of the Emerald Scorpion martial soul might even rival the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [7]

    "Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon? Could our family''s martial soul be of such high quality?"


    Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon sect was used as a backdrop to prop up Spirit Hall, their martial soul is incredibly powerful. As the story progressed, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon was increasingly praised, eventually being hyped to a level comparable to the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, Di Tian, by the time of Soul Land IV.


    This martial soul is a pure-blooded true dragon. Its strength, speed, and attributes are all impressive enough to earn recognition from the Silver Dragon King. Even if it isn''t classified as a super martial soul, it''s at the pinnacle of top-tier martial souls.


    Chen Ming couldn''t believe that their martial soul could theoretically reach such a level.


    Let''s put it this way¡ªif their martial soul could achieve 70% of this potential, the Chen family would at least produce a Soul Douluo in every generation. With a bit of luck, the continent''s first poison-type Title Douluo wouldn''t have been Dugu Bo but someone from their family. They wouldn''t be stuck in a backwater city like Biluochen City; even settling in Heaven Dou City would be feasible.


    Chen Ming seriously suspected that this was either an exaggeration by their ancestors or outright deception.


    "Ahem, theoretical results and practical ones always have a slight gap... Anyway, let me finish," Chen Shijie said, his expression unwavering as he explained. In truth, when he was Chen Ming''s age, he had the same doubts and understood what Chen Ming was thinking.


    "Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes is a type of plant that rarely transforms into soul beasts. When they do, they''re typically at the ten-thousand-year level. However, that''s far too long for humans, so our ancestors came up with a method."


    "Biluochen City was built hundreds of years ago by our ancestors, relying on their granted territory. The reason they chose this location as their fief was the nearby Biluoxia canyon."


    "You should know, Biluochen City is too close to Biluoxia. Strictly speaking, it''s not a suitable place for ordinary humans to live. When the city was first built centuries ago, it was even more inhospitable than it is now¡ªcrops couldn''t grow, and anything that managed to sprout was often poisonous."


    "Our ancestor chose Biluoxia because a ten-thousand-year poison-type soul beast once appeared there. This soul beast ultimately fell under heavenly tribulation, its body exploded, and its toxins contaminated the land. By sheer luck, this transformed Biluoxia into one of the rare gathering places for poison-type soul beasts on the continent."


    "Our ancestor built the city here to capitalize on the remnants of the ten-thousand-year poison-type soul beast. Near the core of Biluoxia, they established a cultivation area for Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, relying on the unique terrain and a large number of poison-type soul beasts as resources to nurture the flowers."


    "However, even though the area is special, cultivating the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes wasn''t easy. Before the first Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes soul beast appeared, generations of our ancestors trained near the flowers¡ªpartly to use their soul power to nurture the plants, and to benefit from mimicry cultivation."


    "But trouble was brewing from the start..."


    "Our ancestors'' martial soul was born from mutation, fundamentally lacking in quality. Training in Biluoxia imbued with the power left by a fallen ten-thousand-year soul beast and enhanced by cultivating Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, began to influence our martial souls."


    "At first, the quality of our family''s inherited martial soul improved. Everyone thought this was a good thing, so they intensified their training. Over time, as generations passed, the martial soul''s quality kept rising, but the awakened soul power began to show issues."


    "Initially, the decline was minimal, within the range of normal fluctuations. But as it became a significant problem, no one could pinpoint the cause."


    "When talent failed, we simply trained harder..."


    Chen Shijie trailed off for a moment, looking a bit exasperated, before continuing.


    "When the first Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes soul beast appeared, the problem exploded. The family experienced extreme polarization: some members saw their martial soul quality drastically improve, while others couldn''t awaken soul power at all. By then, someone in the family noticed the issue, but there was no way to fix it."


    "In the world of Douluo, lacking strength is a serious disadvantage. Even knowing the problem, the family couldn''t resist the immense cultivation benefits brought by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes. So, they continued training while searching for a solution."


    "As more Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes bloomed, the problem worsened. Eventually, by chance, one of our ancestors met a descendant of the Qian family who was traveling incognito¡ªlater known as Qian Daoliu, the unrivaled expert of the skies. With the Qian family''s help, we finally discovered the true problem and the solution."


    "Our martial soul has been contaminated by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes and the remnants of the ten-thousand-year soul beast, causing its quality to forcibly improve. However, the essence of our family''s martial soul is not inherently strong. This forced improvement drains innate soul power as nourishment. The low innate soul power, in turn, causes the martial soul to degrade to some extent and negatively impacts the talent of future generations."


    "To describe it more concretely, it''s like a fire. This fire forcibly burns our innate soul power to fuel a higher-quality martial soul. But as the firewood diminishes, the flames will eventually weaken and even go out."


    "If other families'' martial souls are like buckets of roughly equal size, then our Chen family has buckets that grow larger with each generation, but the water in them decreases, and every bucket has a hole at the bottom."


    "This type of evolution cannot be interrupted by ordinary means. Unless a god intervenes, it''s impossible to break this cycle through external forces. Furthermore, because of our extreme dependence on the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, if our family is separated from it, future generations may not even awaken soul power. Our Emerald Scorpion martial soul has essentially become a subspecies reliant on the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes for survival."


    "A tenth-level innate full soul power will be drained to nine, then eight, seven, or even lower. This has led to the theoretically impossible phenomenon where higher-quality martial souls are accompanied by lower levels of soul power."


    "If innate soul power is below level five, it becomes impossible to awaken it in our family line. During the process of forming the martial soul, this portion of soul power is consumed. Without soul power, the martial soul that should have been of higher quality ends up regressing instead."


    "Our lineage is now the last inheritor of the Chen family''s martial soul. Theoretically, innate soul power levels are halved or more."


    "My innate soul power was level four. Theoretically, even though I didn''t reach full innate soul power, I should have been at least level nine or above. Your father''s was two and a half, held back by the martial soul. Otherwise, even with a regular Emerald Scorpion, he would have had innate soul power of at least level seven."


    "I thought your second uncle''s innate soul power of three and a half was the Chen family''s last hope. But unexpectedly, your soul power level is higher than mine..."


    "Wait, really?!"


    At first, when Chen Ming heard about some kind of treasure, he thought it was good news. But it turned out to be quite the opposite¡ªa grim revelation. However, it did solve his previous doubts.


    Logically, with all his training, his innate soul power shouldn''t have been limited to level five. Now he understood it was consumed by the forced evolution of his martial soul.


    "Don''t worry. Theoretically, we still have ways to solve this problem..."


    "The Qian family provided us with three solutions. The first is for the family to produce a Title Douluo or high-level Soul Douluo, who could improve the bloodline and forcibly reverse the situation. The second is for the Angel God to intervene directly, using divine power to restore the essence of our martial soul. The third..."


    "Our family''s problem was caused by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, and only the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes can cure it."


    "If someone in the family could complete the evolution of their martial soul by absorbing the soul ring of a Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes and a high-quality Emerald Scorpion before the third ring, their martial soul would undergo a significant transformation. Moreover, because our martial soul has been altered by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, we have an exceptionally high adaptability to it. After evolution, the martial soul could rival or even surpass the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and the bloodline of future generations would improve as well."


    "But the biggest problem is that by the time we discovered this solution, our family had very few opportunities left to implement it."


    "High-quality Emerald Scorpions are rare but still obtainable. However, Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes is an entirely different matter."


    "The number of Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes that become soul beasts is exceedingly small. Our family members are also few in number. In the past, several talented ancestors attempted this and perished, their bodies entirely dissolved by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s poison during the process."


    "Even absorbing a century-old Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes soul ring for the third ring is nearly impossible." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My uncle, who had innate soul power of level four, tried to absorb a Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes that had barely surpassed a hundred years for his fourth soul ring. He barely survived, and although he successfully absorbed it, gaining partial evolution and greatly advancing his strength, the process damaged his essence. He passed away just a few years later."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [8]

    At this point, Chen Shijie instinctively reached for the teacup beside him, only to grasp at empty air. To cover up his action, he smoothly brought his hand to his mouth, coughing dryly twice, as if expressing his worry over the family''s predicament.


    "By the way, Xiao Ming, summon your martial soul. Let me take a look at how far your Emerald Scorpion has developed. People think the quality of our family''s Emerald Scorpion martial souls is uniform, but there are differences. Generally, the higher the innate soul power, the better the martial soul quality. Let me see how your martial soul measures up."


    "Alright, Grandpa."


    Chen Ming nodded, suppressing the swirling thoughts in his mind. He jumped down from his chair, walked over to Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun, and stood still. He took a deep breath, focused on the power within him, and after a moment of silence, his soul power surged from his dantian, summoning his martial soul.


    His upright posture grew broader, his skin became covered with a layer of carapace, and a long scorpion tail extended from his spine. His arms swelled, now encased in a carapace that resembled protective armor.


    Chen Shijie sniffed the faint poison gas unconsciously released when Chen Ming summoned his martial soul, his eyes lighting up. He moved behind Chen Ming, grabbed the tip of his tail, and began counting the segments with his fingers, one by one.


    "Eleven segments? This is incredible!"


    Chen Shijie couldn''t believe it. He counted several times, but the result remained the same.


    "The Emerald Scorpion martial soul can be identified in many ways, but the simplest and most reliable method is by counting the tail segments."


    "As a soul beast, this martial soul is born with five tail segments. The initial segments are white, and every hundred years, a segment turns green. After 500 years, a cycle is complete, and after 1,000 years, all five segments turn dark green."


    "After 1,000 years of cultivation, every additional 2,000 years will produce an extra tail segment. Another 1,000 years is required for the new segment to turn dark green, and then the process continues. Only at the 10,000-year level does the beast gain its ninth segment. Beyond that, growth depends on time and innate talent. Some soul beasts grow an extra segment in 10,000 years, while others take 20,000."


    "Legend has it that the tail segment limit for this soul beast is 18. Fifteen signifies the Scorpion Emperor, and twelve represents the Scorpion King."


    "As a martial soul, the Emerald Scorpion''s tail segments increase with soul rings. The first three rings guarantee one additional segment per ring, the middle three rings have a chance to add one, and the last three rings generally do not increase the segments¡ªat least not with ordinary-quality soul rings."


    "I''m a Soul King and have absorbed five soul rings. Through some unknown stroke of luck, my tail segments grew four times, reaching twelve. I barely achieved the Scorpion King level, and even so, no one in Biluochen City has a martial soul of higher quality than mine."


    Looking at Chen Ming, Chen Shijie''s eyes filled with tears.


    "If you absorb your first soul ring, there''s a high chance your martial soul will immediately evolve to Scorpion King level. With five levels of innate soul power and a top-tier martial soul, you could become a Soul Emperor or even a Soul Sage in the future. If you manage to grow another segment along the way and reach the Scorpion Emperor level, it would be a transformative change. Our family might finally produce a high-level Soul Douluo and thoroughly resolve the issue of our bloodline''s decline."


    "This is wonderful..."


    At this point, Chen Shijie''s tears flowed freely, and his voice choked with emotion. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I originally thought we''d have to take a gamble and risk you absorbing the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, fearing it would endanger your life. But now, it seems such a dangerous attempt is unnecessary. If Tianfeng and Ruoyu were watching from the heavens, they would surely feel relieved and gratified."


    "¡­"


    Chen Ming glanced at his crying grandfather and his second uncle, who was discreetly wiping away tears on the side. He didn''t know what to say and felt a bit¡­ awkward.


    The heavy stone lodged in his chest had just seemed impossible to dislodge, and he was already thinking of ways to blast it apart. But then the construction crew came by, looked at it, and told him the stone would grow legs and walk away on its own.


    Although, in theory, he no longer needed to absorb a soul ring from the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes to seek change, Chen Ming''s curiosity was now piqued.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes is an unparalleled toxin, with its only weaknesses being ultimate ice and fire¡ªa limitation caused by its plant-based nature. If its toxicity alone were obtained, even those weaknesses could be significantly reduced.


    The Top Five Poisons Martial Soul were indeed of high quality, but they were far inferior to the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes. If he gave up the chance to absorb a soul ring from the flower now, obtaining a suitable, high-quality toxin-type soul ring in the future would be nearly impossible.


    Low, medium, and high-quality toxin-type soul beasts were relatively common, but the top-tier ones were as rare as cliff edges¡ªsteep and inaccessible. Super-quality toxin soul beasts were even fewer in number than the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear.


    Not only are they hard to find, but even if one is located, it might not be suitable. Moreover, it would be unlikely to provide the same obvious enhancement to his martial soul as the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    Chen Ming resolved silently: if he gained the ability to absorb a soul ring from the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, he would take the gamble and give it a try.


    Speaking of which¡­ could this plant, in essence, also count as a kind of immortal herb? Just one that most people couldn''t handle?


    As Chen Ming held his weeping grandfather, who was clutching him tightly, these thoughts swirled in his mind. At the same time, he gently comforted the elder.


    After a while, the distressed old man finally composed himself. He rose from Chen Ming''s embrace, wiped the tears and snot from his face, and gave a relieved smile.


    "Xiao Ming¡­"


    "Yes, Grandpa?"


    "What I''m about to say may be hard for you to understand, but you must accept it¡ªit''s for your own good."


    The old man''s expression turned serious. Although he didn''t want to be too harsh on his only grandson, the burden of the family weighed heavily on him. All he could do was give everything he had to prepare the boy.


    "For the next few years, your second uncle and I will protect you. One of us will always be by your side. During this time, your outings will be significantly reduced. Until you''ve absorbed your second soul ring, you likely won''t have much opportunity for rest. Every bit of time will be spent on learning from us¡ªthe knowledge and experience of soul masters¡ªand on diligent cultivation."


    "You won''t need to worry about any family affairs for the time being. Your sole focus will be on training. The position of family head will undoubtedly be yours in the future. As long as you train hard, demonstrate your talent, and show the potential to reverse the family''s decline, that will be your greatest contribution to the clan."


    "Once you''ve absorbed your second soul ring, we''ll send you to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for further study. After graduating from the academy, you''ll possess both strength and status. At that point, the sky''s the limit for you. Whatever you wish to do, we won''t stand in your way."


    "Train well. The family is proud of you. Who knows? One day, your name might even earn its dedicated page in the family records."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [9]

    (Time Skip)


    Before awakening his martial soul, Chen Ming was already the most precious child in the Chen family. After awakening his martial soul, he became the family''s sole lifeline. Nearly all the family''s resources were unconditionally directed toward him.


    However, in the Douluo Continent I, alchemy was not particularly advanced. There were no pills like Xuan Shui Dan or Soul Ascension Pills that could directly enhance innate talent or soul power. Instead, improvements were achieved gradually through medicinal baths and meals infused with herbs. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite having innate level-five soul power, a top-tier cultivation environment, and abundant resources, the innate limitations of the Emerald Scorpion martial soul slightly hindered Chen Ming''s cultivation speed before acquiring his first soul ring.


    It took him two and a half years to progress from level five to level ten. This timeframe, while neither exceptionally long nor particularly short, was considered fairly average on the Douluo Continent¡ªbarely leaning toward the upper middle range but still far from the level of a true genius.


    After reaching level ten soul power, Chen Ming did not immediately seek to acquire a soul ring. Instead, he continued refining his body through various means.


    When he casually mentioned to his family that he''d heard about whale glue improving physical constitution and extending the absorption limit of soul rings, his grandfather, Chen Shijie, acted without hesitation. He quickly sourced various types of whale glue from different whale-type soul beasts.


    This included whale glue from both ordinary and rare species of whale soul beasts. The most expensive piece was derived from a 20,000-year Demonic Orca. It was reportedly obtained years ago by a Soul Sage from the Spirit Hall during their seventh soul ring hunt near a coastal city. This piece was considered a top-grade whale glue.


    The basketball-sized glue alone cost three million gold soul coins, not including the networking expenses and favors required to acquire it.


    For a smaller noble family, just this single piece of whale glue would have brought them to tears. However, the Chen family was not short on funds.


    The Chen family, a noble lineage with the rank of earl, had been established in Biluocheng for over 500 years, holding the largest share of the city''s wealth. In addition to various tax revenues, they dominated the trade of soul beast materials in the city, generating tens of thousands of gold soul coins annually.


    Furthermore, being skilled in toxins, the Chen family operated several pharmacies and clinics. Though not entirely legitimate, these businesses generated considerable income each year. Secretly, the family also traded poisons and concocted lethal mixtures, yielding significant profits.


    When the family first noticed a decline in the number of people awakening soul power, they sought to form alliances and find backing. Over the centuries, they invested in merchants and soul masters. While many investments failed, some succeeded, expanding their connections and granting them shares in several affiliated merchant guilds.


    Their most significant investment occurred 200 years ago.


    At that time, a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect opened a mine near Biluocheng. During a transitional period when the sect was temporarily vulnerable, the city lord of Biluocheng, under orders from other forces, caused trouble for the sect. The Chen family stepped in to resolve the issue, gaining shares in several mines owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This investment provided them with annual dividends.


    These funds were allocated as follows: part was used to acquire real estate, such as reinforcing the Chen family mansion and adding facilities; part was spent on cultivation; part covered daily expenses; and the largest portion was stored with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Although an annual storage fee was required, it was far safer than keeping the money on hand.


    Chen Shijie once told Chen Ming that the family had approximately 45 million gold soul coins stored with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and about 10 million in liquid assets. Including real estate and other holdings, the Chen family''s total assets likely exceeded 100 million gold soul coins, making them one of the more prominent noble families of earl rank.


    If not for the fact that soul bones are both priceless and highly sought-after¡ªoften leading to murder and theft¡ªthe Chen family might have stockpiled some as part of their heritage.


    After consuming various medicinal supplements, Chen Ming also tried whale glue. However, the effects were not as remarkable as anticipated.


    Whale glue from 100-year-old soul beasts mostly acted as an aphrodisiac rather than genuinely nourishing the body. Its restorative effects were so minimal that they couldn''t even offset the energy drained by its aphrodisiac properties. Although Chen Ming was still underage, consuming it left him uncomfortable, and its physical enhancement effects were negligible.


    The whale glue from 1,000-year-old soul beasts had better results in strengthening the body, but its aphrodisiac effects were even stronger. After consuming it for a while, Chen Ming felt his body undergoing premature development. Concerned about potential long-term issues, he adjusted the dosage and intervals and used gentler methods to counteract the aphrodisiac properties.


    As for the piece of 20,000-year-old whale glue sourced from the top-tier Demonic Orca¡­


    The Chen family cut off a fingernail-sized piece and used soul-beast wood to burn it with intense flames for an hour before it finally melted. During this time, the servants tending the fire rotated three times. A few impatient ones nearly gave in to impulsive behavior in the room and had to douse themselves with several buckets of cold water before regaining their composure.


    That small piece of whale gelatin was delivered to Chen Ming by Chen Shijie, who wore a hood and thick clothing and carried it in a storage soul tool.


    The fingernail-sized gelatin emitted a viscous sheen and a peculiar fragrance. Upon smelling it, Chen Ming became dazed and felt an unusual impulse inappropriate for his age.


    Carefully, he cut off about a quarter of the piece and consumed it. Within three minutes, he began to feel restless. Two minutes later, he was compelled to take a cold shower, and eventually, even that wasn''t enough. He plunged into a water barrel to cool himself down.


    Whether his physique improved was unclear, but he felt on the verge of losing control. For some time after that, even consuming the 100-year and 1,000-year varieties of whale glue became an awkward experience.


    As for the remaining three-quarters of the fingernail-sized piece, it was reportedly taken by Chen Ming''s second uncle. About three or four months later, Chen Ming heard that two of his uncle''s concubines were pregnant at the same time.


    Chen Tianyun, 40 years old, had married at 21 and taken three concubines over 19 years. During this time, he hadn''t had a single child¡ªnot even a daughter.


    He had consulted soul masters specializing in this area multiple times. After confirming there were no issues, he tried various methods and consumed both 100-year and 1,000-year whale glue. Eventually, he resigned himself to the idea that he was simply destined to remain childless¡­ until this surprising and almost comical turn of events.


    Later, the Chen family, based inland, learned that whale glue from the Demonic Orca is considered the pinnacle of whale glue. This is not only due to the high quality of the soul beast itself but also because of its potent medicinal properties. As an exceptional-grade substance, it is both rare and immensely valuable.


    Although the Chen family had spent three million gold soul coins on that piece, in the hands of someone in need, its value could easily double. With proper handling and marketing, it might even triple.


    If gifted to a high-ranking noble family, it could even secure a valuable favor.


    In hindsight, the expenditure proved to be worth every coin¡ªand more.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [10]

    After undergoing rigorous training, Chen Ming was finally ready to take a significant step on his path as a soul master: absorbing the first soul ring of his life.


    Thanks to intensive training, various medicinal aids, and a small portion of whale glue, Chen Ming''s physique was far ahead of his peers. He didn''t look like a nine-year-old child but rather resembled a 14- or 15-year-old teenager.


    Inside a vast and dark cave, clusters of emerald-green vines sprawled and grew, unconsciously emitting faint toxic fumes.


    The toxicity of this gas was extremely corrosive. Ordinary people wouldn''t last a few minutes in this environment before their bodies began to dissolve. Even low-level soul masters would die in agony. Yet, Chen Ming and his two companions stood calmly in the center of the cave, staring expressionlessly at the vines.


    The EJade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was cultivated and nurtured by the Chen family. Long before these plants matured, they had prepared the necessary antidotes. Additionally, the influence of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes had caused the Chen family''s Emerald Scorpion martial soul to mutate. For this reason, the poisonous fumes that were fatal to others had limited effects on the Chen family.


    Of course, limited effects didn''t mean no effect. Staying in this cave for less than a day wouldn''t cause any harm, and damages from a stay under three days could be remedied. But in case of an accident or loss of soul power, even a Chen family member could only survive for about half a day at most.


    Over the centuries, dozens of Chen family members have died in this cave for various reasons. If the family didn''t already have so few soul masters, the death toll might easily have reached three figures.


    In general, plants rarely became soul beasts. Their transformation largely depended on quantity. Some plants might live for hundreds of years without becoming soul beasts, while others could transform in just a decade. The criteria remain mysterious and unexplained.


    For example, some snow lotuses might become soul beasts after centuries or millennia on ordinary snow-capped mountains. Yet, even the most exceptional snow lotuses in the extreme north might remain no more than natural treasures for 100,000 years, only to be consumed by other soul beasts in the end.


    Typically, a single plant-type soul beast represents numerous untransformed counterparts. Even among common plant-type soul beasts, the likelihood of becoming a soul beast is merely higher, not guaranteed.


    The Silver Dragon King, who fell on the Douluo Continent tens of thousands of years ago, left behind scattered energy that formed the Lake of Life, eventually giving rise to the Star Dou Forest. Yet, after all these years, the trees near the Lake of Life have not become soul beasts despite being nourished by it.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes typically takes 10,000 years to have a chance at becoming a soul beast. However, the flowers in this cave were not ordinary. They thrived in an environment uniquely suited to poisonous plants and benefited from the Chen family''s deliberate intervention, resulting in their current state.


    The cave contained nearly a hundred Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes of varying sizes. Yet, fewer than ten of them could be considered soul beasts, while the rest were merely soul power-infused plants, still far from becoming true soul beasts.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was predominantly dark green, with a large flower bud and several vines extending from its base. These vines served both as a means of nutrient absorption and as a form of attack.


    Most of the flowers cultivated by the Chen family hadn''t fully bloomed due to their age. They usually kept their buds tightly shut, camouflaging themselves as dark green rocks, with only their vines serving as visible markers.


    Although the flowers were undoubtedly of high quality, they generally preferred to conceal themselves. Only when their age or quantity reached a point where they felt secure would they remain openly in bloom. This was because releasing poison consumed significant energy, potentially delaying their growth or causing accidents if their condition deteriorated.


    Chen Ming gazed resolutely at the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes before him. His soul power subtly surged as his breaths synchronized with the plant. With each inhale and exhale, the massive flower bud trembled slightly, responding to his presence.


    "Xiao Ming, have you truly decided? Although we''ve asked you this many times, I must ask again here: are you certain you want to absorb the soul ring of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes?"


    "Your body and meridians are roughly equivalent to those of an average Grand Soul Master and even slightly stronger. Theoretically, you could absorb an 800-year soul ring."


    "Even some Soul Elders don''t have a third ring of that age."


    "If you''re sure, I''ll immediately find you a top-tier 100-year soul beast. After absorbing its soul ring, your strength will far surpass that of an average one-ring soul master. You could even absorb a 1,000-year soul ring as your second!"


    "Have you thought this through? Do you truly want to absorb the Five-Hundred-Year Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes as your first spirit ring?"


    Chen Shijie reached out and gently patted Chen Ming''s head, speaking to him earnestly with a look of deep concern in his eyes. Beside him, Chen Tianyun opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately stayed silent.


    Absorbing a soul ring with a lifespan equivalent to what others would use for their second soul ring was unthinkable for an ordinary soul master. No one knew who first set this precedent, but for centuries, even millennia, it had been an unshakable truth in the soul master world. Therefore, neither Chen Shijie nor Chen Tianyun truly believed Chen Ming could absorb a soul ring of seven or eight hundred years as his first.


    If Chen Ming had brought up this idea on his own, they certainly wouldn''t have allowed it.


    But¡­ it all depended on the circumstances.


    Forcibly absorbing a soul ring beyond one''s limit¡ªbut less than a thousand years¡ªwas something Chen Shijie could still intervene in and interrupt if necessary. Even if it came at a great cost, leaving him unable to increase his soul power or absorb soul rings for several years, he could at least save Chen Ming''s life and allow him to continue as a soul master.


    However, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was far too dangerous. Place an ordinary thousand-year soul beast beside this plant, and in moments, that spirit beast would dissolve into a pool of viscous liquid. It''s venom and soul power far surpassed that of typical hundred-year soul rings¡ªso much so that some thousand-year soul rings paled in comparison to the five-hundred-year Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    Once the absorption process began, there would be no turning back, no hesitation. Success or instant death. Even if a Titled Douluo were present, they''d need the assistance of at least a healing-type Soul Sage to keep Chen Ming alive. And even under the best circumstances, Chen Ming might lose his ability to become a soul master forever. Worse, he might spend the rest of his life bedridden, barely clinging to life for a few years. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he failed now, there wouldn''t even be a body left behind¡ªjust a puddle of liquid.


    To Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun, it seemed that Chen Ming was actively courting death.


    They had witnessed Chen Ming''s talent over the years. He indeed possessed the potential to reach the level of a Soul Sage or even a Soul Douluo. If he followed a steady path of cultivation, there was no reason he couldn''t eventually solve their family''s problems and restore their glory. There was simply no need to take such a reckless gamble by attempting to absorb the soul ring of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    "I''ve already made my decision¡­"


    Chen Ming could sense their concern but still shook his head firmly and said resolutely.


    He extended his hand to touch the venomous vine in front of him. The moment his hand made contact, the previously lifeless Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes seemed to react as though provoked. It began to writhe, and its previously closed flower petals slightly opened, releasing an even denser toxic mist.


    "When I first came here to cultivate, this Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes caught my eye the moment I saw it. Back then, it wasn''t even a soul beast. I nurtured it with my soul power and blood for two and a half years. Over time, I''ve felt that a unique connection has formed between us."


    "When I place my hand on it, I feel as though I''ve grown an extra limb, a new organ connected to my very flesh¡­"


    Chen Ming shook his head as he spoke.


    "It''s difficult to explain, and I don''t fully understand the principles behind it. But this is the truth. If it were any other Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, I wouldn''t be confident in successfully absorbing its soul ring. But with this one¡ªI''m certain I can do it."


    "It won''t reject me."


    As Chen Ming spoke, the vine in front of him wiggled slightly, as if responding to something¡ªor perhaps expressing dissatisfaction. However, to the two men beside him, the movement was meaningless.


    "Plant-type soul beasts only develop sentience after ten thousand years, and true intelligence after a hundred thousand years. This is merely a five-hundred-year-old Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes. It became a soul beast only due to the right timing and conditions. How could it possibly have sentience? Xiao Ming, you need to think this through¡­"


    At this point, Chen Tianyun, who had been silent, could no longer suppress his emotions. He grabbed Chen Ming''s sleeve, his voice full of desperation.


    Chen Ming''s father, Chen Tianfeng, had been blessed with a son late in life. He cherished Chen Ming dearly, but both he and his wife had tragically passed away in an accident while hunting soul rings.


    Chen Shijie had taken on the role of the family''s pillar, while Chen Tianyun personally raised Chen Ming. From teaching him to speak to witnessing his martial soul awakening, Chen Tianyun had always treated him like his own flesh and blood.


    To Chen Tianyun, Chen Ming was no less than a son¡ªfar more important to him than his unborn children.


    In his eyes, even though Chen Ming''s talent was extraordinary, the odds of success were only one in ten, while the chances of death were nine in ten. That was a gamble he could not accept.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [11]

    "Soul Masters should revere death, but they should not fear it."


    Chen Ming shook his head, unwilling to explain further.


    In truth, throughout these years of cultivation, Chen Ming vaguely felt as if he indeed possessed some kind of special cheat ability. However, this ability seemed far too abstract¡ªso much so that even now, he couldn''t figure out what it truly was. He only knew it appeared to be some kind of spiritual trait. As a result, over the years, he had paid particular attention to anything related to spirituality.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was something he had noticed at first glance. Back then, this plant wasn''t even a soul beast; it was merely a plant with a faint soul power fluctuation. During his cultivation breaks, Chen Ming watered its roots with his blood and nourished it bit by bit with his soul power. Only a few months ago had it transformed into a soul beast, its age roughly around 500 years.


    Because of the soul power he infused and the blood he used to nurture it, Chen Ming could sense that this plant bore some sort of imprint from him. Though he didn''t know exactly what this imprint could do, he was certain it wouldn''t cause any negative effects.


    Chen Ming firmly believed he could absorb its soul ring.


    Seeing that persuasion was futile, Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun stopped speaking. They clenched their fists, their bodies trembling slightly, their eyes filled with a mix of pleading and desperation as they silently begged Chen Ming to reconsider.


    Chen Ming didn''t have a weapon capable of dealing with the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes. Even with his martial soul possessed, he couldn''t inflict fatal damage on it.


    Moreover, all of this relied on the assumption that Chen Ming''s actions wouldn''t provoke a chain reaction among this Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes and others within the cave. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s roots were extensive; even if the leaves were destroyed, they wouldn''t die completely. It wasn''t something ordinary Soul Masters could easily handle.


    At that moment, Chen Ming closed his eyes and summoned his martial soul, seemingly sensing something. His mental strength and soul power fused, transmitting a certain quality into the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    A surge of power emanated from the flower, resonating with Chen Ming''s martial soul and bloodline. Within mere moments, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes rapidly bloomed, and the originally calm soul power within it ignited completely in an instant.


    Sacrifice!


    This unique ability, typically initiated only by 100,000-year soul beasts, was forcibly triggered in a way even Chen Ming couldn''t comprehend.


    The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes began to devour its surrounding kind. The soul-beast-grade Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes could barely resist their instincts, but those that hadn''t yet become soul beasts could only obediently transfer all the energy they had accumulated to it.


    If this energy were absorbed as a foundation, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s age could surpass 1,000 years in a short time. However, none of this energy was preserved; instead, it burned completely in an instant.


    The flower bloomed, its vitality and soul power surging. A vivid green beam of soul power connected Chen Ming and the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, visible to the naked eye.


    As Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun watched in utter shock, unable to think, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes reached its ultimate bloom, producing an illusory eighth petal that shouldn''t have existed.


    Then, in an instant, the massive plant withered as though all its life force had been drained, turning to ashes. The soul power within the flower condensed into a single mass and surged into Chen Ming''s body. Instinctively, Chen Ming sat cross-legged in meditation, and a deep yellow soul ring emerged around him.


    "Sacrifice? Isn''t that only..."


    Chen Shijie''s jaw dropped as he barely managed to utter a few words. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t think of how to continue.


    Sacrifice was said to be a unique ability possessed only by 100,000-year soul beasts, and it could only occur when such a beast willingly offered its entire being to someone.


    Such an event on the Douluo Continent was akin to a myth, rarer even than the Angel God descending in divine manifestation. If not for the long-standing reverence for unchanging ancestral laws on the continent, the concept of sacrifice, which no one had ever witnessed, would have long been dismissed as a mere rumor and erased from books.


    But what had they witnessed today?


    A century-old plant-based soul beast performing a sacrifice for a Soul Master who hadn''t even absorbed their first soul ring?


    This wasn''t just unbelievable¡ªit was utterly beyond description.


    This was hundreds, thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands of times more absurd than the Angel God descending to bestow a soul ring!


    At this moment, however, Chen Ming had no time to concern himself with the thoughts of the two onlookers. Under the sacrifice of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, he had entered a state of deep meditation, something most Soul Masters could only dream of experiencing.


    If Chen Ming had previously been bound by an unseen lock, the appearance of this soul ring felt like it had shattered one of those restraints.


    In his heart, a realization emerged.


    Soul Masters and soul rings were intrinsic to the laws of the Douluo Continent. Every breakthrough a Soul Master made was essentially a transformation facilitated through a soul ring, acting as a medium to connect with the world''s laws.


    A martial soul was a manifestation of the world''s essence¡ªa form of Dao in the Douluo world¡ªwhile soul rings were derivatives of this Dao.


    Both were inherently flawed, but their combination was what allowed for true perfection and the genuine derivation of power from the world itself.


    Using the soul ring as a medium, Chen Ming''s consciousness ascended into a profound and mysterious state. He sensed that he could actively grasp something from this connection.


    Before him, images began to unfold like scrolls, revealing the laws hidden within the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the essence imprinted upon the origin of its species.


    Different Soul Masters with different martial souls would perceive different things, and no two individuals would experience the same. But to be precise, from beginning to end, only Chen Ming had ever been able to perceive such abstract concepts in this way.


    "Poison Arrow Technique... Poison Light Technique... Venomous Bind... Toxic Shot... Venom Reinforcement... Poisonous Claw..."


    "These... these are not enough. These are merely variations of soul power, not the essence..."


    While other Soul Masters could only randomly obtain a single soul skill compatible with them after absorbing a soul ring, Chen Ming was now able to unlock all the potential abilities of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes. He browsed through them one by one, making modifications to better align them with his intent.


    Skills like binding or growth, which didn''t suit his martial soul, were quickly disregarded. Instead, Chen Ming focused his attention on more essential aspects.


    Soul ring abilities functioned like spell slots or skill slots¡ªthey could be used, but most Soul Masters never understood how they worked, let alone approached the essence of their soul rings.


    Some straightforward abilities, like injecting power into a fireball or flame thread, shared the same fundamental principles. Yet most Soul Masters couldn''t alter or refine these skills in any way. Simple techniques like these could theoretically be learned through post-training without wasting a precious soul ring slot.


    Chen Ming delved into the essence of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s soul ring, exploring its true nature. Eventually, overlapping images solidified before him, presenting a soul skill theoretically only available to Soul Masters whose martial souls were of the same species as the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    "Poison Cloud Technique..."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [12]

    Poison Cloud Technique¡ªat first glance, it sounds like an unremarkable skill, one that''s commonly seen in various Western fantasy settings and not unheard of on the Douluo Continent.


    However, this Poison Cloud Technique was far from ordinary. Just as the claw attack granted by a regular black bear pales in comparison to that of the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear, the Poison Cloud Technique of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was unique.


    The essence of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was its extreme toxicity, and its strongest and most adept form of attack was the creation of poison clouds. Under Chen Ming''s intervention, this soul ring not only allowed him to perfectly merge with the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s poison but also granted him a special ability: the transformation of soul power''s state.


    On the Douluo Continent, soul power exists in three forms¡ªgaseous, liquid, and solid. In this era, Soul Masters had little understanding of these states. The transition from gaseous to liquid soul power was achieved only through painstaking cultivation. The existence of the solid-state was uncertain, and the concept of a soul core had yet to emerge in the minds of Soul Masters.


    Yet, this soul ring not only granted Chen Ming the Poison Cloud Technique but also gifted him a natural talent for altering the state of his soul power. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Externally, Chen Ming could transform his soul power into poison clouds, releasing them into the air. With his spiritual power, he could control the density and composition of these clouds and, if needed, reabsorb the poison clouds to convert them back into soul power. Internally, he could reverse the process of the Poison Cloud Technique to condense his soul power, transitioning it from a gaseous to a liquid state¡ªand potentially even to a solid state or the formation of a soul core.


    In this era, this was an extraordinary breakthrough. Even if Chen Ming couldn''t create a soul core, merely increasing the quality of his soul power would allow him to easily challenge opponents of higher levels.


    Over the years, Chen Ming had come to understand that poison-element Soul Masters on the Douluo Continent faced significant limitations in altering their toxins. They primarily relied on the toxins inherent to their martial souls, which would then evolve through the absorption of different soul rings.


    Without soul rings, they couldn''t actively modify their toxin composition. Jade Phosphor Snake Venom remained Jade Phosphor Snake Venom, and Emerald Scorpion Venom stayed Emerald Scorpion Venom. Even with soul rings, the toxins were merely mutated versions of the originals, always retaining their fundamental essence.


    An observant individual could easily identify the origin of such toxins and develop corresponding countermeasures. This was one of the main reasons why Dugu Bo often found himself at a disadvantage¡ªover the years, his toxins had been at least partially deciphered, leaving plenty of methods to neutralize them.


    But Chen Ming was now different. He could actively alter and interfere with his soul power. Currently, his soul power was primarily based on the Emerald Scorpion''s venom fused with the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s toxins. After observing other poisonous creatures, he could analyze their toxins and integrate their characteristics into his soul power.


    If he desired, he could even remove the Emerald Scorpion''s traits entirely, showcasing only the toxins of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes or other poisonous creatures. By adjusting the proportions and types, he could create unprecedented and unparalleled mixtures of toxins. This was groundbreaking on the Douluo Continent.


    While Dugu Bo could release Jade Phosphor Snake Venom with a wave of his hand, what Chen Ming would release in the future would be completely unpredictable.


    When others believed they had deciphered Chen Ming''s toxins, he could entirely switch to a different venom to eliminate his enemies. The combination of various toxins could yield unimaginable effects. At the very least, creating a simplified version of the Life-Death Talisman or Three-Corpse Brain Pill would be almost trivial.


    Without a doubt, while the soul skill itself was already powerful, its attached properties were even more so¡ªso much so that they rivaled, if not surpassed, the abilities of some hundred-thousand-year soul skills. If Dugu Bo ever learned of this, he''d likely drool in envy.


    After finalizing his choice of soul skill, the soul ring began to solidify, and Chen Ming''s mental state gradually descended from the realm of interacting with the laws of the Douluo World back into a deep meditative state.


    The soul power from the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s soul ring flowed into his body, its essence merging with his martial soul. His physique began to change¡ªhe grew taller, his bones and muscles denser, his vitality surged, and even his appearance became noticeably more refined.


    Patterns resembling plants began to emerge across the carapace of Chen Ming''s martial soul. The scorpion tail behind him swayed, its tip taking on a molten, melting texture. The essence of his martial soul infused into it, and the tail slowly began to grow.


    A twelfth segment of the tail formed, darkened in color, but the process didn''t stop there. A thirteenth segment, still in its early stages of growth, started to take shape.


    "Is this... twelve and a half segments?"


    Chen Shijie found himself stunned once again. But this time, after staring in disbelief for a moment, he managed to answer.


    Typically, it''s rare for a martial soul to exhibit such signs of growth, but when it does happen, one can often reference corresponding soul beasts for guidance.


    From Chen Shijie''s perspective, although the thirteenth tail segment was not yet fully developed, it would naturally mature further with cultivation. Perhaps even without absorbing a second soul ring, Chen Ming''s thirteenth segment would complete its growth when he reached the twentieth rank.


    "The fourteenth segment with the second soul ring, the fifteenth segment with the third¡­ Is this the Scorpion Emperor''s martial soul?"


    "The first soul ring from the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s sacrifice, reaching rank thirty to evolve the martial soul to emperor class¡­ My grandson, Chen Ming, has the potential to become a Titled Douluo!"


    "My grandson has the potential to become a Titled Douluo!"


    Chen Shijie, overwhelmed with emotion, conjured a barrier of soul power in front of Chen Ming and then grabbed Chen Tianyun by the collar. He began shouting excitedly into Chen Tianyun''s ear, nearly leaving the latter in a daze. Chen Tianyun, stunned by the outburst, almost forgot who he was for a moment. After a while, he nodded absentmindedly in agreement.


    The two men, still ecstatic, whispered carefully behind the soul power barrier while waiting for Chen Ming to finish absorbing his soul ring. After over an hour, Chen Ming''s soul power stabilized, and his tightly shut eyes slowly opened.


    The moment Chen Ming regained consciousness, Chen Shijie rushed forward, lifted him high into the air, and exclaimed loudly, "My grandson has the potential to become a Titled Douluo!"


    "Father, be careful! Don''t scare Xiao Ming¡ªhe just finished absorbing his soul ring!" Chen Tianyun quickly grabbed Chen Shijie''s arm and offered a reminder.


    Hearing this, Chen Shijie calmed down a little, hugging Chen Ming tightly before finally placing him back on the ground. But before Chen Ming could say anything, Chen Tianyun approached him eagerly, patting and examining him from head to toe to check his condition.


    "Physical condition¡ªexcellent. Soul power condition¡ªexcellent. Everything is perfect! Xiao Ming, you truly have the potential of a Titled Douluo!"


    "Second Uncle, Grandpa¡­ please calm down," Chen Ming said, his mouth twitching. He had plenty of things he wanted to share, but with their overwhelming enthusiasm, he could only try to pacify them.


    After nearly a tea''s time, Chen Ming managed to soothe them, and they regained their composure, wearing their usual expressions as they began questioning him.


    A Soul Master''s soul skills are important secrets and not something one would casually share with outsiders. However, sharing them with family is entirely normal.


    Chen Ming chose to omit the details of his spiritual exploration and simply explained that he had instinctively gained a unique soul skill. He briefly introduced the Poison Cloud Technique and the abilities it granted him.


    Given the limited understanding of soul power transformation during this era, neither Chen Tianyun nor Chen Shijie realized the significance of the granted ability. Instead, they focused on the Poison Cloud Technique itself.


    Under their eager gazes, Chen Ming performed a small-scale demonstration of the Poison Cloud Technique, creating a modest poison cloud. Upon confirming that Chen Ming''s martial soul had indeed inherited the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s toxins, Chen Tianyun and Chen Shijie exchanged a look, a sense of relief washing over them.


    "The long-cherished wish of our ancestors has finally been realized in the younger generation of our family¡­"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [13]

    The events of the day were too extraordinary, so Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun insisted on keeping them a secret. Even though Chen Ming repeatedly assured them it wasn''t necessary, the two of them solemnly swore an oath, invoking the Angel God and pledging their martial souls as collateral.


    In this world, such vows carry great weight. If Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun were to reveal the secret lightly, even if the Angel God did not descend to punish them, their martial souls would still be affected. At best, their soul power would regress; at worst, their martial souls could be crippled.


    However, the cave was not an ideal place for further discussion. After confirming there were no other issues, Chen Shijie led Chen Ming and Chen Tianyun back through an underground tunnel to the Chen family''s secret chamber.


    The cave where the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was nurtured lay deep within the core of the Biluoxia Canyon. The Chen family had cleverly integrated themselves into the soul beast ecosystem, occupying a niche and pretending to be a group of soul beasts for centuries. Because it was located deep underground and surrounded by powerful ten-thousand-year soul beasts, no outsiders had ever discovered the place.


    The hidden passage was long and winding. Even with the physical stamina of soul masters, it took half a day to traverse. Losing one''s way inside would make finding an exit nearly impossible. Currently, only a handful of people in the Chen family know the full layout of the passage.


    After returning home, Chen Shijie allowed Chen Ming to spend a month exploring and enjoying himself in Biluocheng, accompanied by Chen Tianyun. However, if Chen Ming wished to visit other cities, both Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun would have to accompany him.


    Chen Ming agreed but quickly grew bored after just a few days in Biluocheng. Oppressed by the lack of excitement, he decided to return to the Chen family estate and resume cultivation after less than half a month.


    The main reason was simple¡ªthere wasn''t much to do.


    The entertainment options in the world of Douluo Dalu were incredibly outdated and limited. Because of his values and perspective from his past life, Chen Ming also had no interest in visiting any of the special establishments.


    Biluocheng was a poor and barren place. The largest market in the city was owned by the Chen family, and Chen Ming had visited it countless times already. The best trading venue in the city belonged to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but there was nothing particularly noteworthy there either. After browsing through it once, Chen Ming felt like he had wasted his time and would have been better off going home to consume whale glue and continue cultivating.


    Thanks to the evolution of his martial soul and the acquisition of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes''s soul ring¡ªa soul beast of the highest quality¡ªChen Ming''s talent had been further enhanced, partially compensating for his earlier shortcomings. While it''s commonly understood that a soul master''s cultivation is fastest before reaching rank 10 and slows down afterward, Chen Ming''s cultivation speed has more than doubled thanks to various factors.


    In just two short years, Chen Ming progressed from rank 12, right after absorbing his first soul ring, to rank 20, increasing his soul power by eight ranks and officially becoming a quasi-Grand Soul Master.


    During this time, he not only strengthened his body through training and the proper use of whale glue to withstand higher-level soul rings but also successfully cultivated his martial soul to evolve into thirteen tail segments before acquiring his second soul ring, further improving its quality.


    According to Douluo Dalu standards, being an eleven-year-old quasi-Grand Soul Master was already considered excellent. However, Chen Ming himself wasn''t entirely satisfied. After all, compared to the Shrek Seven Monsters from the original work, his progress was only on par with Ning Rongrong or Zhu Zhuqing. He was far behind Tang San, who had the innate advantage of the Mysterious Heaven Technique.


    In Chen Ming''s view, his greatest gain over the past two years wasn''t his soul power but the discovery and understanding of his cheating ability.


    Through repeated meditation and exploration of soul rings, Chen Ming realized that his golden finger was a unique spiritual trait that didn''t belong to the world of Douluo Dalu. While this trait couldn''t currently be applied in combat, it manifested in other ways.


    For example, when absorbing a soul ring, Chen Ming could actively select the ring''s soul skill and characteristics, as well as tap into a deeper portion of the soul ring''s laws. After the soul ring stabilized, he could expend spiritual power and soul power to slowly increase the soul ring''s age and even make limited changes to the soul skill contained within it.


    However, much like Huo Yuhao tens of thousands of years later, this enhancement didn''t improve his base attributes. It merely strengthened the laws carried by the soul ring. In other words, if he absorbed a hundred-year soul ring, his body would only receive the base attribute boost of a hundred-year soul ring. Even if the ring was upgraded to ten thousand years, it wouldn''t improve his physical attributes further.


    In two years, Chen Ming had only managed to uncover his golden finger''s capabilities to this extent. As for deeper potential, he felt it would require him to reach much higher levels before fully excavating it.


    If he hadn''t spent time developing his golden finger or experimenting with upgrading his soul rings, he might have reached level 20 six months sooner. However, developing his golden finger was more critical than simply focusing on soul power cultivation.


    As for which soul beast his second soul ring would come from¡­ that had been decided from the moment he awakened his martial soul.


    "A thousand-year Emerald Scorpion, with nine tail segments¡­ what an incredible talent. If it doesn''t die prematurely, becoming the Scorpion King in the future is certain, and reaching the level of Scorpion Emperor isn''t out of the question."


    Looking at the Emerald Scorpion before him, which had been meticulously prepared for who knows how long, Chen Ming''s tone carried a touch of admiration. Yet his gaze held no trace of pity, nor was there any killing intent about him. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Killing a bug that intruded into one''s life might require building up some resolve, but slaughtering a chicken or duck ready for the pot didn''t even warrant such effort. Before awakening his martial soul, Chen Ming had killed countless scorpions while mimicking their behavior in the Scorpion Cave for training. Killing one more now made no difference to him.


    This Emerald Scorpion had its entire body pierced by wooden spikes, its tail segments tightly bound. Faced with Chen Ming and the two others, it displayed none of the ferocity or reactions a soul beast should have.


    Decades ago, this exceptional Emerald Scorpion had been discovered by a Chen family ancestor and brought back home.


    At the time, it was only a hundred-year soul beast but was already born with seven tail segments. After being captured and brought to the Chen family, they drove wooden spikes through its body and submerged it in a deep underground pool filled with a concoction of medicinal herbs and toxic substances. The scorpion was stimulated and forced to grow through various methods.


    Each year, just maintaining the medicinal pool costs thousands of gold soul coins. Moreover, some of the ingredients came from soul beasts that had to be personally hunted by the Chen family in the depths of Biluoxia Canyon. Altogether, the Chen family had invested tens of thousands of gold soul coins into this soul beast. The price paid was nothing short of staggering.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [14]

    However, all the effort was worth it. Decades and hundreds of thousands of gold soul coins successfully cultivated an Emerald Scorpion with nine tail segments, just as it broke through the thousand-year mark. Its essence was several times richer than that of an ordinary Emerald Scorpion of the same age, making it a rare and valuable treasure.


    If this scorpion were put up for auction, its value would not fall short of that of an average-quality thousand-year soul bone.


    When Chen Shijie advanced to the Soul Elder rank, he couldn''t bring himself to use this Emerald Scorpion. Similarly, when Chen Tianyun reached the same stage, the family still refrained from using this precious resource. But now, as Chen Ming was about to advance to the rank of Soul Grandmaster, the decades-old gold-eating beast was finally ready to serve its purpose.


    Chen Ming activated his martial soul, and with a slight twitch of the scorpion tail behind him, the entire tail penetrated the Emerald Scorpion''s head. With a gentle release of soul power, the scorpion trembled briefly before a purple soul ring rose from its body.


    "What incredible penetration! You pierced this mutated Emerald Scorpion''s head without even using any poison. If this were a human below level 30, even a defensive-type Soul Master without top-tier beast martial souls like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon or Diamond Mammoth would be completely penetrated despite using two soul skills," Chen Tianyun exclaimed, clapping in admiration at the display.


    "It''s probably because of my strong physique and the high quality of my martial soul," Chen Ming replied casually, his eyes fixed on the purple soul ring.


    This Emerald Scorpion, artificially raised into a unique variant, was exceedingly valuable. Even after its death, its remains could serve numerous purposes, easily recovering tens of thousands of gold soul coins in value.


    While Chen Ming no longer lacked money in this life, he wasn''t yet so wealthy as to waste resources frivolously. Thus, during the process of killing the scorpion, he refrained from using poison to avoid contaminating the valuable materials. He even consciously suppressed the toxic properties of his martial soul, ensuring the resources remained intact.


    The moment Chen Ming saw the soul ring, he felt his martial soul surge with hunger as if absorbing this ring would perfectly complete it.


    Without hesitation, Chen Ming steadied his breath, adjusted his state, and sat cross-legged before the scorpion, using his soul power to guide the soul ring.


    The purple soul ring quivered slightly before transforming into a streak of light and entering Chen Ming''s body. As the fusion began, a fiery alien soul power surged through his meridians.


    This fiery soul power was of exceedingly high quality. Most level 30 Soul Masters would struggle immensely to absorb it, but they encountered Chen Ming instead. Both in quality and quantity, the Emerald Scorpion''s soul power fell significantly short compared to Chen Ming''s soul power.


    The innate dominance of a Scorpion King-level martial soul suppressed the Emerald Scorpion''s soul power activity, while Chen Ming''s abundant soul power and spiritual power firmly bound the energy, allowing it to flow smoothly through his wide meridians.


    After several cycles, the Emerald Scorpion''s soul ring began to resist less and less. The once-unified soul power gradually split into strands, which Chen Ming''s soul power meticulously broke down and crushed.


    After over a dozen cycles, the Emerald Scorpion''s soul power and essence were entirely absorbed by Chen Ming, merging into his body. At this point, Chen Ming felt his consciousness elevate to another level.


    Because the Emerald Scorpion''s traits perfectly matched his martial soul, even though its quality was lower than the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the number of soul skills available for Chen Ming to choose from was significantly greater.


    From enhancement to attack to control, the array of soul skills was vast, though their strength varied greatly. Many were unimpressive, mere fillers with subpar effects, which Chen Ming quickly dismissed. Instead, he focused on functional soul skills.


    What he found astonished him¡ªamong the Emerald Scorpion''s inherited laws was a unique skill that was so exceptional, that it could only be described as overpowered, if not entirely beyond the norm.


    The user of this skill, ten thousand years later, was once a mere Soul King but managed to heavily wound and kill several high-level Soul Kings from Shrek Academy with ease. They even toyed with a Super Douluo who had a soul power level of 98. If not for encountering the world''s protagonist¡ªa child of destiny¡ªwho summoned the remnant soul of a god-level expert from another world to attack, they might have escaped unscathed.


    Yes, the user of this skill was none other than the Grim Reaper Envoy of ten thousand years later, the strongest Soul King in the history of Douluo (without exception).


    However, due to the differences in martial souls, the Emerald Scorpion''s skill that Chen Ming observed was not a Corpse Explosion technique. Instead, it was a Poison Explosion technique, which operates on the same principles but manifests differently. The power is the same, but the range of applications is broader, and it''s more convenient to use.


    Poison Explosion, as the name suggests, is a soul skill that triggers an explosion of poison-attribute soul power. The brilliance of this skill lies in the fact that a single unit of soul power can exert tenfold or even twentyfold power at the moment of explosion. Moreover, the power has no upper limit¡ªthe more poison, the higher the intensity, and the more astonishing the explosion''s force and range.


    While Corpse Explosion requires both a corpse and potent poison, Poison Explosion only has one requirement: the presence of poison. Whether it''s a corpse, a living person, or even a rock, Chen Ming can transform it into a bomb using this skill.


    To put it bluntly, although this soul ring is merely a thousand-year-level one, and the skill is also of a thousand-year level, even someone like Dugu Bo might consider removing his ninth soul ring just to gain this ability.


    Not poisoned? No problem¡ªyou''re already marked by my poison-attribute soul power! I''ll just detonate it directly. If the poison doesn''t kill you, the explosion will!


    If Dugu Bo had this skill, he wouldn''t be known as the weakest Titled Douluo; instead, he''d be the strongest burst-damage Titled Douluo.


    The only drawback of this soul skill is similar to the Ice Explosion technique of the Ice Jade Scorpion clan: it requires the user''s poison-attribute soul power to trigger the explosion. To harm an enemy, a medium imbued with their poison-attribute soul power must approach the target or the target must be poisoned outright.


    In general situations, this limitation can be awkward. After all, if the enemy is already poisoned, using this skill might seem redundant. If the poison cannot infiltrate the target''s body, the intent might become obvious, allowing the enemy to evade part of the effect.


    However, for Chen Ming, this limitation is minimal, if not negligible.


    After all, Chen Ming''s first soul skill is the Poison Cloud Technique, which creates a massive poisonous cloud...


    Despite being in a peculiar mental state, Chen Ming could not suppress his excitement. He meticulously examined every law within the Emerald Scorpion''s bloodline that could transform into a soul skill. After finding none comparable to Poison Explosion, he decisively etched the law into his second soul ring, forming the skill.


    At the same time, Chen Ming''s manifested martial soul began trembling slightly, seemingly stimulated by the fusion of the Emerald Scorpion''s essence. He could feel his martial soul transforming¡ªnot significantly stronger, but undeniably more complete. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion martial soul at the time of awakening was akin to a large, leaky water bucket, then after obtaining the soul ring of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the leaks had been patched, though the bucket remained only half full. Now, with the Emerald Scorpion soul ring, the bucket hadn''t expanded much, but it had been filled to its theoretical capacity.


    From now on, Chen Ming''s innate soul power could no longer be measured as a mere level five¡ªit should be recognized as a truly innate full soul power.


    The method prescribed by Qian Daoliu had indeed perfectly resolved the problem that had plagued their family for centuries.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [15]

    After absorbing the soul ring, Chen Ming slowly stood up. Before he could speak, he instinctively sensed something on the scorpion''s corpse in front of him that seemed connected to him.


    He walked to the back of the scorpion, reached out to touch its stiff tail, and instinctively infused it with his soul power.


    As his soul power flowed in, the scorpion tail, which had already died, suddenly regained vitality. It began absorbing Chen Ming''s soul power and bizarrely started drawing flesh and blood from the dead Emerald Scorpion.


    In just a few breaths, the Emerald Scorpion''s hard exoskeleton shriveled as its flesh and blood were drained. The once-massive scorpion tail seemed satisfied, gradually shrinking before detaching from the scorpion''s body and transforming into a slender, emerald-green scorpion tail as if delicately carved from jade.


    "An external soul bone!"


    Chen Shijie exclaimed, finally recognizing what it was. His heart felt more at ease, as this was something he could comprehend amidst all the history-defying occurrences surrounding his grandson.


    Though soul bones were exceedingly rare and he had only read about them in books, compared to the shocking events that had recently transpired, this discovery felt almost ordinary.


    Soul bones were treasures of the soul master world, and their emergence always sparked bloodshed. If outsiders learned about this, it would undoubtedly bring immense trouble. However, since everyone present was from the Chen family, Chen Shijie wasn''t worried about exposure.


    As he was about to urge Chen Ming to absorb the soul bone immediately, Chen Tianyun stepped forward and gently nudged Chen Ming''s arm.


    "Xiao Ming, there''s no need to say anything else for now¡ªjust absorb the soul bone first." Without waiting for Chen Ming''s response, Chen Tianyun tugged at Chen Shijie''s sleeve, and the two moved aside.


    "Father, let''s step back a bit and give Xiao Ming space to absorb the soul bone."


    "You little rascal, you don''t even trust your father?" Chen Shijie scolded, his beard twitching in irritation as he knocked his unfilial son on the head. Nonetheless, he obediently stepped back a few paces and then called out to Chen Ming from a distance.


    "Xiao Ming, while your second uncle is right, remember this well: whenever you''re out in the world, you must be cautious¡ªno, extremely cautious in everything you do."


    "The process of absorbing a soul ring is the most vulnerable and dangerous time for a soul master. Never expose yourself to outsiders lightly. If you come across any treasure, be prepared to act first, even if you don''t use it immediately. And under no circumstances should you let it be known to others.


    "The external soul bones are legendary treasures, second only to hundred-thousand-year soul bones. They can evolve with a soul master''s cultivation, potentially reaching a hundred-thousand-year level. Though they can''t be passed down, they are still priceless.


    "Always be extraordinarily careful when dealing with matters like this!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Absorbing a soul bone had no prerequisites. Even a level-one soul master could absorb a hundred-thousand-year soul bone. Since Chen Ming could already absorb thousand-year soul rings beyond his level, there was no doubt he could handle this external soul bone. Thus, Chen Shijie wasn''t worried about the absorption process itself. Instead, he used this opportunity to repeatedly remind Chen Ming to exercise extreme caution in his actions.


    Chen Ming held the external soul bone in his hand and deliberated for a moment. After some thought, he decided to absorb it.


    First, external soul bones were extraordinarily rare and nearly mythical. Even among hundreds of ordinary soul bones, there might not be a single external one. According to the Douluo series, the odds of an external soul bone appearing were only one in a thousand. If he didn''t absorb it now, who knew when he''d come across another?


    Second, this particular external soul bone was perfectly suited to him. It shared the same origin as his martial soul, making future evolution straightforward. Its abilities would undoubtedly complement him, potentially even further evolving his martial soul. Even if he were to acquire Tang San''s Eight Spider Lances, they might not benefit him as much as this soul bone.


    Third, the value of such an item was higher in the early stages. This thousand-year external soul bone could significantly enhance his physical attributes, hastening his growth and improving his survivability and ability to absorb soul rings. Its capacity for future evolution made it a no-lose investment.


    The only downside was that the Emerald Scorpion couldn''t fly, leaving some mobility limitations.


    Of course, as a transmigrator, Chen Ming already knew how to address this issue.


    "Grandfather, Second Uncle, I understand. From now on, I will be extremely cautious in everything I do."


    After nodding and acknowledging their advice, Chen Ming sat down cross-legged and began absorbing the thousand-year external soul bone.


    Due to the shared origin of his martial soul and the fact that he had absorbed the scorpion''s soul ring, Chen Ming encountered no resistance in the process. In just a few moments, he successfully absorbed the external soul bone.


    Perhaps due to the high degree of compatibility, even after absorbing the external soul bone, Chen Ming''s scorpion tail still looked the same as before. The only noticeable changes were that the texture appeared more lifelike, and the patterns became more intricate.


    If he didn''t examine it closely, even Chen Ming himself would struggle to identify any differences based on appearance alone.


    However, the enhancements brought by the soul bone weren''t diminished by its lack of a striking appearance. On the contrary, the boosts provided by the external soul bone were very apparent.


    A scorpion''s tail typically includes its excretory system, meaning that losing it would cause the scorpion to die from internal waste buildup. Fortunately, the martial soul system of the Douluo Continent wasn''t that extreme. Chen Ming''s tail extended from his coccyx, serving as an external extension of his spine. It was exceptionally sensitive and precise in control, rivaling the dexterity of his ten fingers.


    After absorbing the soul bone, Chen Ming could feel significant reinforcement in his entire skeletal structure, centered around his spine. His bones, muscles, and meridians all received substantial enhancements. Although his martial soul didn''t evolve further, its fundamental nature improved, offering the potential for future evolution by stimulating the growth of the external soul bone.


    This external soul bone enhanced the strength and power of his tail while slightly increasing its toxicity. Most notably, the soul bone came with a soul skill called Poison Emperor Possession. When activated, it amplified all of Chen Ming''s attributes by 50% and doubled the potency of his poison.


    As for passive abilities, none had manifested yet, likely requiring further growth on Chen Ming''s part.


    As an augmentative soul skill, Poison Emperor Possession was already impressive. It not only addressed the lack of supportive abilities in Chen Ming''s arsenal, which was previously focused entirely on offense, but it would also grow stronger as he became more powerful.


    The main downside was the skill''s enormous energy consumption. With Chen Ming''s current soul power at level 22, nearly 23, he could sustain the skill for only half an hour.


    Moreover, his other two soul skills were also highly demanding. In an actual battle, fully utilizing all his abilities would likely allow him to fight at full power for only a few minutes.


    After Chen Ming finished absorbing the external soul bone, Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun approached and began discussing the situation. Chen Ming gave them a brief overview of his second soul skill and the abilities granted by the external soul bone.


    Upon learning that Chen Ming''s martial soul had been fully enhanced and transformed, Chen Tianyun and Chen Shijie embraced each other, shedding tears of joy.


    However, their celebration didn''t last long before Chen Tianyun raised a critical issue.


    "The external soul bone''s benefits are significant, yet its changes to your appearance are minimal. If we didn''t know you absorbed it, even experts like us wouldn''t notice. As long as you don''t reveal it intentionally, there won''t be a problem. But your second soul ring... it''s far too conspicuous."


    "While there have been rare cases of absorbing thousand-year soul rings as a second ring in the past, they occur only once every few centuries. It''s even rarer than innate full soul power. As far as I know, there hasn''t been a single instance in the last hundred years. If this gets exposed, you''ll either be recruited or targeted for elimination by those jealous of your talent."


    "The atmosphere in Douluo Continent is something¡­" Chen Ming muttered, his tone filled with sarcasm.


    "It''s the way things are," Chen Tianyun replied. "If you don''t eliminate other families'' geniuses, they''ll eliminate yours. If your family lacks geniuses, it''ll eventually be wiped out by others. So everyone keeps a close eye on each other''s talents, waiting for an opportunity to strike."


    "We might have some status in Biluocheng, but outside the city, there are plenty of people stronger than us. My old bones could maybe hold out against a Soul Sage with weak martial and soul ring configurations, but a true expert could kill me with a few blows."


    "That said, we specialize in poison, and ambushes are where we excel. Your poison is about 70% as strong as mine, slightly stronger than your second uncle''s. With a surprise attack, while you might not kill a Soul Sage, you could take down a Soul Emperor."


    "Instead of having you hide your talents for decades, it''s better to secure a connection and get you into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. With its three Soul Douluo-level overseers and the backing of the Heaven Dou royal family, it''s far safer than staying at home."


    "Once you''re affiliated with the academy, you''ll have a strong background as you traverse the continent."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [16]

    In the eyes of transmigrators, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy in the Heaven Dou Empire isn''t considered a truly top-tier power. However, for Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun, it was the most prestigious and reliable institution they could access.


    At this time, Title Douluo had not yet become as commonplace as in later series. Every Title Douluo was a mysterious, almost mythical figure, and even Soul Douluo were top-level powerhouses renowned across the continent.


    In their view, the three Soul Douluo-level members of the academy''s board, combined with the support of the Heaven Dou Empire''s royal family, were more than enough to deter anyone with ill intentions toward Chen Ming.


    After some careful thought, Chen Ming realized that joining the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was indeed the best choice for him at this stage.


    On the Douluo Continent, the only institutions surpassing the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy were the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire''s Royal Academy.


    While Chen Ming had the background to join the Spirit Hall, simply entering it wouldn''t guarantee access to its upper echelons or the best training resources.


    Even if it took him just five years to earn a place in the Spirit Hall''s Golden Generation and receive equivalent training, those initial five years would essentially be wasted.


    Moreover, Chen Ming wasn''t inclined to quietly stay under the Spirit Hall''s watchful eyes for five years waiting for approval. He had long coveted rare immortal herbs, and if he delayed any longer, even their roots would likely be dug up by Tang San.


    That simply wasn''t worth it.


    While the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy might not rival the Spirit Hall''s millennia-old legacy and divine connections in terms of knowledge, it still had everything one could expect from a conventional institution. Additionally, as a noble academy without any Title Douluo, it afforded a certain degree of personal privacy, making it easier to operate without drawing excessive scrutiny.


    Another key point: the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had Dugu Yan, the granddaughter of Dugu Bo. Not only was Dugu Bo a top-tier poison master on the Douluo Continent, but he also possessed the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, a supreme treasure spanning all four Douluo series.


    For Chen Ming, the Dugu family was a treasure trove, arguably more valuable than the academy itself.


    Thinking this through, Chen Ming found the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to be an excellent choice.


    Thus, he agreed to Chen Shijie''s proposal. After returning to the Chen family, the three of them packed their belongings and waited two months for the academy''s enrollment day. Then they brought Chen Ming to Heaven Dou City, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire.


    Concerned about Chen Ming''s future, Chen Shijie handed over his own storage soul tool ring. Chen Tianyun, anticipating various scenarios Chen Ming might face, spent several days stuffing the seven-to-eight-cubic-meter storage soul tool full to the brim.


    The enrollment process at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy went smoothly, without any issues.


    The Chen family, a hereditary earl, had existed for centuries. Though their presence wasn''t particularly prominent, their title was well-established and unquestionable.


    For baron or viscount families, enrolling their children in the academy required talent tests, as students with insufficient aptitude would not be accepted. However, for an earl''s family, enrollment merely required a simple registration of the student''s age, name, martial soul, and soul power.


    Though this system seemed riddled with loopholes, it reflected the academy''s dual purpose as both an educational institution and a venue for the empire''s nobles to network. This peculiarity stemmed from its unique role.


    Finally, when most of the formalities were completed, the most crucial test¡ªthe verification of martial soul and soul power¡ªwas introduced.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    "Hello, I am Qin Ming, a teacher at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I specialize in agility-focused battle souls and hold the rank of Soul King. Under the instructions of the three board members, I''ve come to verify the authenticity of your martial soul and soul power."


    In a dim, enclosed room, a modestly dressed middle-aged man gazed at Chen Ming with a polite smile. His eyes, hidden behind his glasses, revealed a trace of weariness and resignation.


    The Douluo Continent is known for producing people with love-brain tendencies and fools. While they may not be apparent in daily life, occasionally, some extraordinary characters pop up to stir things up in spectacular fashion.


    Even during something as important as enrollment at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, every year, there are always a few individuals¡ªperhaps the result of too much inbreeding¡ªwho manage to cause all sorts of bizarre incidents.


    For instance, someone with a mudfish martial soul might register it as a black dragon; a soul master might insist they''re a Grand Soul Master who hasn''t absorbed a second ring yet; or a fifteen or sixteen-year-old might adamantly claim they''re only eleven or twelve.


    In short, there''s no shortage of ridiculous cases, with all kinds of eccentric characters shining like stars. Unfortunately, because these individuals often come from wealthy or noble families, even the three board members can''t deal with them directly. Instead, every year, they assign someone trustworthy to individually inspect the children sent by families of earl rank or higher during the final stage of enrollment.


    Before meeting Chen Ming, Qin Ming had already examined over a dozen children. At least half of the claims he heard were outright lies¡ªif not more.


    There were cases like someone insisting their martial soul, an ordinary cat, was a tiger; a noble child inexplicably possessing two white soul rings; a strong attack-type martial soul claimed to be support-type; or even male soul masters insisting they were female so they could live in the girls'' dormitory.


    As for the ones who were either arrogant or overly self-confident, claiming that their innate soul power of rank seven would inevitably lead to them becoming a renowned Title Douluo in the future¡ªwell, such cases were a dime a dozen.


    Qin Ming was a remarkably patient person, but after dealing with this parade of bizarre characters, even he felt drained, almost suffocated by frustration. He couldn''t help but fantasize about activating his martial soul and using his fifth spirit skill to burn these pretentious fools into ash.


    Chen Ming''s registered information stated that he was 11 years old, male, a rank 23 Grand Soul Master, with an Emerald Scorpion martial soul, a control-type specialization, and soul rings of one yellow and one purple.


    If this were true, it would make him an extraordinary prodigy. However, given the typical behavior of these nobles, Qin Ming had no intention of taking it seriously.


    In Qin Ming''s mind, Chen Ming was unlikely to even have a second soul ring, let alone be the rank 23 Grand Soul Master he claimed to be.


    "Release your martial soul," Qin Ming said, waving his hand before Chen Ming could speak. His tone was polite yet perfunctory, clearly reflecting his lack of expectation.


    "Alright..." Chen Ming looked at the character before him, who had appeared in the original story, somewhat puzzled by the man''s attitude. Nonetheless, he released his martial soul and soul rings.


    His body grew larger, and a scorpion tail extended behind him. As his rank 23 Grand Soul Master aura radiated outward, the previously disinterested Qin Ming suddenly raised his head, his expression filled with shock. When he saw the one yellow and one purple soul rings appear, Qin Ming jumped up, tossed aside his notebook, and quickly approached Chen Ming, scrutinizing him from head to toe.


    "Chen Ming?" Qin Ming asked hesitantly.


    "Yes."


    "Eleven years old, rank 23 Grand Soul Master?" Qin Ming pressed.


    "Yes."


    "One yellow and one purple soul rings?!" Qin Ming''s voice rose sharply, reaching a level that was almost uncomfortable to hear.


    "Teacher, didn''t you check my registration details?" Chen Ming took a step back, frowning at the seemingly possessed Qin Ming, his voice tinged with irritation.


    "I¡­ I¡­" Qin Ming stammered, trying to explain. But he found it difficult to articulate his thoughts after dealing with so many eccentric cases earlier. He didn''t want to taint this prodigy''s ears with those absurdities. After fumbling for words for a long moment, he finally managed to form a coherent sentence. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I just can''t believe I''m seeing such an outstanding genius."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [17]

    To be honest, after dealing with so many eccentrics among the nobles, Qin Ming almost suffered a stroke out of sheer excitement when he saw the soul rings on Chen Ming.


    He initially assumed Chen Ming was just another arrogant fool making exaggerated claims. Who would have thought he was the real deal?!


    Was he enduring all these bizarre characters solely because of the orders from the three Soul Douluo-level board members? While that was part of the reason, the main motivation was his desire to find and nurture truly gifted children!


    "Truly remarkable! A thousand soul ring as the second ring, an eleven-year-old at rank 23 Grand Soul Master¡ªthis is genius, a prodigy among prodigies!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Ming, being able to enroll in the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is the right choice. With your talent, you are among the rare few on the entire continent, and only our academy has the resources to nurture you properly."


    "May I ask something, though it might seem a bit forward? Could you briefly describe your two spirit abilities? You don''t have to go into too much detail if it''s inconvenient, and we can skip this question if necessary."


    "My spirit abilities aren''t exactly a secret¡­" Chen Ming found Qin Ming''s sudden enthusiasm a bit perplexing but decided to play along and go through the process calmly.


    Spirit abilities were considered a soul master''s secret, but apart from a few rare cases, most abilities were easily recognizable. Even if one didn''t know their specific names or the soul beasts they came from, their general type was often apparent.


    Chen Ming''s two spirit abilities were of the straightforward kind that anyone could recognize at a glance. Their activation method and effects were too obvious to hide. Since he was about to spend years training at the academy, he figured hiding them would be futile. So, he decided to share the details, albeit with slight modifications to conceal their full capabilities.


    "My first spirit ability is called Poison Cloud, which creates a poisonous mist. The second is called Poison Explosion, which detonates anything contaminated by my poison. It can also trigger an explosion in my first ability''s poisonous mist. However, there''s a short casting delay, and I can only use it five times a day."


    "A poison-attribute soul master, with a wide-area first ability for control and damage, and a second ability that synergizes perfectly with the first¡­" Qin Ming''s eyes lit up as he spoke. To him, this combination was nothing short of exceptional.


    Although Chen Ming''s enrollment documents hadn''t been fully processed yet, Qin Ming had already decided to recommend this prodigy to the three board members and have him join one of the two elite teams at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for further training.


    "Chen Ming, are you only eleven years old this year?" Qin Ming suddenly asked.


    "I am. Didn''t I already submit my birth record and the martial soul awakening certificate issued by Spirit Hall?"


    "Ah, yes¡­ yes¡­" Qin Ming responded, but internally, he felt a bit embarrassed.


    Normally, students with innate soul power above rank 7 would have special annotations in their enrollment files. But for some reason, Qin Ming had flipped through Chen Ming''s records multiple times without finding such a note. He didn''t even know Chen Ming''s exact level of innate soul power.


    "By the way, Chen Ming, are you married or perhaps engaged?" Qin Ming asked, realizing the question might be a bit abrupt but knowing that on the Douluo Continent, such matters weren''t uncommon.


    On the Douluo Continent, productivity was low, so early marriages were common. Among commoners, boys and girls getting married at 12 or 13 was nothing unusual, and some even married earlier. While it was less common for nobles to marry at such a young age, engagements at that age were quite frequent.


    Thus, Qin Ming''s question was unexpected but not unreasonable.


    "I''m neither married nor engaged. My goal is to become the strongest soul master in the world. Women are a distraction," Chen Ming replied with a serious face.


    "Of course, rich women are an exception," he silently added in his heart.


    "¡­" Qin Ming looked at Chen Ming''s earnest expression and wanted to tell him he was being a bit extreme. But then he thought about the countless academy students who caused all sorts of trouble because of romantic entanglements. Suddenly, Chen Ming''s stance seemed rather admirable.


    Why had Qin Ming achieved the level of success he had today? Was it just because of his talent or his mutated martial soul?


    That was only part of it. The real reason was that, in a world filled with romantics, Qin Ming had remained single since birth. While he wasn''t entirely focused on cultivation, he dedicated the majority of his time to it, avoiding the drama of love or crushes. This discipline was the true reason for his strength.


    "Alright¡­"


    "Chen Ming¡ªcan I call you Xiao Ming? You can just call me Teacher Qin or simply Teacher. Your talent is extraordinary, but I don''t think I''m capable of deciding your training path at the academy. We need to visit the board members, and they will decide together."


    "If you demonstrate your true strength, I believe you''ll join one of the academy''s elite teams within a few years and eventually compete in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, considered the pinnacle of youth soul master competitions."


    At this point, Qin Ming grew visibly excited. He had come from Shrek Academy¡ªa place that didn''t even qualify as a basic soul master academy back then. Forget competing in the All-Continent tournament; he couldn''t even get a ticket to sit in the audience when it was held.


    Although Qin Ming rarely mentioned it, this was a sore spot for him. He believed that his talent and strength were on par with the geniuses who made it to the stage, but various circumstances had kept him from the spotlight.


    After joining the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy as a faculty member, Qin Ming paid extra attention to the academy''s two elite teams. Recently, he had even applied to become the coach of one of the teams, hoping to compensate for the regret that had lingered in his heart for years.


    Chen Ming had no idea what Qin Ming was thinking. He simply found the teacher''s excited expression puzzling. However, after a moment''s thought, he concluded that Qin Ming wasn''t likely to harm him and agreed to visit the board members.


    After leaving the room, Qin Ming didn''t rush to take Chen Ming to the board members. Instead, he went to a nearby room to find his deputy, explained the situation, and delegated his tasks. Only then did he escort Chen Ming toward the deepest part of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, where the three board members were currently working.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [18]

    The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is located 20 miles outside Heaven Dou City, nestled within a mountain range. The entire mountain, from its base to its peak, falls within the academy''s grounds, which include numerous training grounds and various facilities.


    The main campus is situated near the mountainside, housing the library, cafeteria, classrooms, and other essential structures. The residences for students and instructors are in separate areas.


    The place where Chen Ming and Qin Ming had their earlier conversation was at the base of the mountain, while the three board members were located near the mountain peak. Even for soul masters, the distance between these locations was considerable.


    The path to the mountain peak consisted of steps carved from stone by craftsmen. Each step was adorned with soul beast carvings, and the cost of each stone was equivalent to several months of an average household''s income. Anyone seeing it for the first time would be in awe, and even Chen Ming couldn''t help but silently complain about the exorbitant expense. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With their martial souls activated, their physical attributes were greatly enhanced. Boosted by soul power, the two of them moved like shadows flickering up the staircase.


    Qin Ming, a speed-type Soul King, barely felt any exertion from the climb. If he hadn''t been mindful of Chen Ming''s pace, he might have raced far ahead.


    As they ascended, Qin Ming kept a subtle eye on Chen Ming''s condition.


    "A Level 23 Grand Soul Master¡ªhis soul power isn''t exactly deep. Maintaining this speed will not only consume a lot of soul power but will also heavily test his stamina. If either starts to falter, the strain on the other will increase exponentially. A continuous push at this rate could easily lead to exhaustion," Qin Ming analyzed silently as he observed the fluctuations in Chen Ming''s soul power.


    "It seems Xiao Ming lacks experience, but that''s not an issue," he thought. Qin Ming refrained from giving any instructions, as he still wanted to observe Chen Ming''s performance during the climb.


    Fifteen minutes passed, and Chen Ming''s complexion remained normal, his speed unwavering. Seeing this, Qin Ming nodded to himself.


    "Good stamina and excellent physical conditioning. Even if he lacks experience, his body has been well-trained."


    After 30 minutes, Chen Ming''s breathing grew slightly heavier, but his pace remained steady. This surprised Qin Ming.


    "Emerald Scorpion isn''t known for endurance. How does Xiao Ming have such stamina? Could this be due to the thousand-year soul ring''s boost, or does he have some innate trait that allowed him to absorb a thousand-year soul ring at his second ring?"


    Fifteen more minutes passed, and they reached a spot where they could see the building housing the three board members.


    At this point, Chen Ming''s cheeks were slightly flushed, and a faint sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead. However, his expression showed no sign of fatigue, and his pace remained steady. Even his previously heavy breathing had been adjusted, becoming rhythmic and controlled.


    Qin Ming was left speechless.


    "Training or innate talent?" Qin Ming mused. "This kid''s stamina is beyond extraordinary¡ªon the level of a monster."


    At Level 23, Qin Ming''s speed had been faster than Chen Ming''s, but his endurance was only about a third of Chen Ming''s. Even conserving energy, Qin Ming himself would have needed at least one break to cover such a distance.


    Chen Ming''s stamina, as demonstrated, was already comparable to Qin Ming''s when he had been close to Level 40.


    Moreover, the most astonishing discovery Qin Ming made during the climb was Chen Ming''s utterly abnormal soul power consumption rate.


    For most soul masters, using one unit of soul power to achieve one unit of effect is considered excellent. A soul master who can get the effect of two units from one unit of soul power is a rare genius. Meanwhile, many soul masters on the continent struggle to use even half a unit of power effectively.


    But Chen Ming? He might as well have been using one unit of soul power to achieve five or six units of effect. Coupled with his impressive soul power recovery rate, his consumption was minimized to the extreme¡ªso much so that his soul power seemed to outlast his physical stamina.


    Though it felt bold, Qin Ming couldn''t help but suspect in his heart that Chen Ming might be a 100,000-year-old soul beast that had taken human form to blend into the human world.


    After all, such talent defied all common sense for a human soul master.


    Before long, the two arrived at their destination¡ªa house that appeared unremarkable at first glance.


    The house truly lacked any grandeur. It had just two stories and was built from ordinary stone. There were no decorations or carvings on it, only a small garden with some flowers and plants in front.


    In the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, where even the bricks featured carvings of soul beasts, this house was plain to the point of looking like a storage warehouse. Compared to the extravagance surrounding it, this house might have been even less conspicuous than a typical warehouse.


    "Xiao Ming, this is where the three board members often conduct their work," Qin Ming said. "When you go in, make sure to leave a good first impression. The three board members are powerful Soul Douluo-level masters and pillars of the Heaven Dou Empire, famous across the continent."


    "They are each as strong as an army, and it''s said that together, their power rivals that of a Titled Douluo. Be mindful of your words and demeanor."


    Qin Ming''s tone, more nagging than instructive, resembled that of a parent rather than a teacher. A less patient individual might have found it annoying, but Chen Ming recognized the genuine concern in his words.


    Although their interaction had been brief, Chen Ming''s first impression of Qin Ming was positive¡ªhe seemed like a kind-hearted and responsible teacher.


    "Thank you, Teacher Qin. I''ll keep it in mind," Chen Ming replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead and steadying himself. He smiled and nodded.


    Pleased with Chen Ming''s response, Qin Ming stepped forward and knocked on the door.


    "Board members, this is Qin Ming. During my assessment of this year''s new students, I found a promising talent, so I brought him over right away. I''d like the three of you to evaluate this student."


    "Come in, Qin Ming," a deep voice resonated from inside. Accompanied by a ripple of soul power, the door swung open by itself.


    Before stepping inside, Chen Ming caught a familiar fragrance in the air¡ªa scent he often smelled in his basement. It was the distinct aroma of lamp oil made from the fat of deep-sea whale soul beasts.


    Qin Ming led Chen Ming into the room, revealing its contents. The spacious interior was lined with cabinets, each holding various materials obtained from soul beasts. The walls displayed unfamiliar paintings and calligraphy.


    In the center of the room was a large round table, where three elderly men sat. The table was laden with dishes, and several jars of wine were placed at their feet. Two of the elders had flushed faces from drinking, while one reeked of alcohol. Yet, their eyes remained sharp and clear, showing no signs of intoxication.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [19]

    As soon as Chen Ming stepped into the room, he felt a wave of spiritual energy scanning him. The energy was powerful and unabashed, and Chen Ming instinctively took a step back upon sensing it.


    This seemingly insignificant reaction caught the attention of one of the elders in the room, a tall and thin man, who let out a soft "hmm" of surprise.


    "Oh? You¡­ can sense my spiritual power?" The elder, who appeared kind and mild-mannered, stood up and took a few steps forward, studying Chen Ming as if he were some rare specimen.


    "I am Meng Shenji," the elder introduced himself, likely to put Chen Ming at ease. "A Soul Douluo by cultivation, a board member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and my martial soul is the Black Goblin, which makes me, strictly speaking, a spiritual-type soul master."


    "Can you sense my spiritual power? Is your martial soul-spiritual in nature?"


    Meng Shenji''s curiosity was understandable. In this era, spiritual energy was a rather enigmatic field. Soul masters generally lacked a comprehensive understanding of it. Only a handful of high-level soul masters or those with spiritual-type martial souls had any meaningful grasp of this power.


    Even many Titled Douluos could barely utilize their spiritual energy, let alone recognize a 100,000-year soul beast in disguise if one stood right before them. In terms of spiritual awareness, most were like blind men.


    Meng Shenji, though not a Titled Douluo, was an experienced Soul Douluo. Thanks to his spiritual-type Black Goblin martial soul, he had mastered the ability to use spiritual energy for detection and other purposes.


    The other two board members, Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin were also high-ranking and seasoned Soul Douluos. However, their understanding of spiritual energy barely scratched the surface, and they couldn''t use it for such advanced applications as Meng Shenji could.


    Meng Shenji''s spiritual probing was the sort of ability only other Soul Douluos and Titled Douluos could recognize. At best, a rare few Soul Sages might sense something vaguely observing them, but anyone below that rank typically wouldn''t notice a thing.


    Pure spiritual-type martial souls were extraordinarily rare, appearing in only about one in ten thousand soul masters. Even at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the most prestigious institution in the empire, Meng Shenji was the sole pure spiritual-type soul master. The number of soul masters with even partial spiritual attributes was under ten, most of whom were teachers.


    Given these circumstances, Meng Shenji''s excitement was understandable.


    "Uh, Elder Meng, my martial soul isn''t a spiritual-type one," Chen Ming clarified. "It''s the Emerald Scorpion King, a beast martial soul. I just happen to have a natural affinity for spiritual energy, which makes me more sensitive to it."


    "Oh, it''s not?" Meng Shenji looked slightly disappointed but didn''t dwell on it. Instead, he smoothly shifted the conversation.


    "The Emerald Scorpion King, a king-level martial soul. Its quality is undeniably top-tier. Perhaps it''s precisely because of your unique spiritual affinity that your martial soul evolved into a king-level one."


    King-level martial souls were a special classification. They were superior to regular counterparts of the same type but often had unstable inheritance patterns. Essentially, they were a benign form of mutation. Their appearance always signified that the wielder''s talent surpassed that of ordinary soul masters with similar martial souls.


    For instance, among emperor-ranked soul beasts, their offspring would naturally have stronger innate talent than others of their species but wouldn''t necessarily be born emperors. They might carry emperor or king bloodlines, granting them higher potential and better odds of ascending to emperor or king status in the future.


    Meanwhile, ordinary soul beasts could also ascend to king or emperor status through age and fortuitous encounters, provided no other king or emperor suppressed them in their hierarchy.


    "Maybe," Chen Ming replied nonchalantly. Of course, he knew exactly how his martial soul had evolved, but there was no way he would reveal his secrets during their first meeting.


    "Let me introduce you," Meng Shenji said, gesturing toward the others. "This is Bai Baoshan, like me, a board member and a defense-type Soul Douluo."


    "Hello, child," said the short and stout elder, waving warmly at Chen Ming without a hint of superiority.


    "And this is Zhi Lin, another board member, and a control-type Soul Douluo."


    "Hello, child¡­" Zhi Lin, reeking of alcohol, smoothed his slightly disheveled beard and offered a gentle smile. Meanwhile, his mind raced, trying to recall the new student files he had reviewed earlier.


    "Greetings to the three board members. My name is Chen Ming, from the Chen family in Biluochen City, Heaven Dou Empire. My family holds the hereditary rank of earl. I''m 11 years old, with the Emerald Scorpion King as my martial soul. My soul power is at level 24, and I have one yellow and one purple soul ring. I humbly ask for your guidance."


    From how they addressed him as child and Meng Shenji''s earlier question about his martial soul, Chen Ming deduced that the three board members were unfamiliar with his background. To avoid any awkwardness, he took the initiative to introduce himself thoroughly.


    Initially, as they heard about his noble background and family, the three board members simply nodded politely. However, when he mentioned his soul power level and soul rings, a sudden gust of wind swept past, and the three elders appeared beside him in the blink of an eye, scrutinizing him with astonishment.


    "Teacher Qin, is this¡­?" Meng Shenji glanced at Qin Ming, his expression tinged with curiosity and doubt.


    "It''s true, Board Members. Everything about Chen Ming¡ªthe martial soul, soul power, and soul rings¡ªis exactly as he described."


    Hearing Qin Ming''s confirmation, the three board members couldn''t suppress their joy. Bai Baoshan even patted Chen Ming''s back enthusiastically to express his excitement. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three of them, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin, had long since reached their limits as soul masters. Devoting themselves to education for years, they had a deep yearning for exceptional talent, whether among teachers or students. Their dedication had made them some of the most diligent board members in the history of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.


    Now, hearing that an extraordinary talent had appeared, their delight was unmistakable. It was impossible to hide their excitement.


    "Child, come with us to the backyard. Let us old folks see what you can do," Meng Shenji said, grabbing Chen Ming by the hand and leading him swiftly through the back door toward the courtyard.


    With the speed of soul masters, it took only two or three minutes to descend a slope and arrive at a specialized training ground paved with an unfamiliar type of stone.


    Though night had fallen, the skies of the Douluo world remained unpolluted. The light from the stars and moon was sufficient to illuminate the unique training area.


    Zhi Lin pulled Qin Ming aside and whispered something in his ear. Qin Ming nodded knowingly, stepped back, and summoned his martial soul.


    Two yellow and three purple soul rings circled him as fiery energy surrounded his body, making the training ground even brighter.


    "Chen Ming, summon your martial soul and attack me. Show us your skills and strength."


    "Don''t worry," Qin Ming added with a reassuring smile. "I''ll hold back my strength."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [20]

    Here it is¡ªthe mandatory trial scene in every fantasy novel.


    From the moment Chen Ming saw this training ground, he was prepared. Hearing Qin Ming''s words only reinforced his sense of inevitability.


    Chen Ming clasped his hands toward the three board members as a gesture of respect, then positioned himself about twenty paces away from Qin Ming. He summoned his martial soul and adopted a defensive stance.


    The two soul rings, one yellow, and one purple, appeared around him, exuding the aura unique to top-tier martial souls. Watching this, the three board members exchanged quiet remarks, their faces filled with satisfaction.


    "Teacher Qin, be cautious. My Emerald Scorpion King martial soul is highly venomous. Both of my soul rings come from top-tier poisonous soul beasts. The combined toxins are extremely potent, so you must be vigilant. If you feel any discomfort, please let me know immediately. Once the toxins spread, they''re incredibly difficult to neutralize."


    To demonstrate, Chen Ming concentrated his soul power on the scorpion''s tail, forming a minuscule droplet of venom. He carefully controlled the droplet and let it fall to the ground.


    Under the astonished gazes of the four observers, the specially constructed ground was effortlessly corroded by the venom, producing a sizzling sound. Within mere moments, it left a hole about the size of an adult male''s fist. The corroded area emitted a faint green glow and continued to sizzle softly. Upon closer inspection, one could see the stone still slowly dissolving. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Looking at the hole, Chen Ming couldn''t help but reflect inwardly.


    In his memory, his venom should have been far more potent. When sparring with rocks before, a single droplet could create a hole at least 30 centimeters wide.


    As expected of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Their resources are unparalleled. Even the stones here are far sturdier.


    Seeing the pit on the ground, Qin Ming, who initially tried to maintain an air of confidence, swallowed nervously and braced himself with heightened vigilance.


    Is this Emerald Scorpion venom? Not molten lava or something?


    He couldn''t shake the feeling that Chen Ming, a Grand Soul Master, was leagues ahead of the poison-user Dugu Yan when she first entered the academy. Who''s the real heir of Poison Douluo here?


    "Understood. If anything happens, I''ll let you know," Qin Ming replied sincerely, not daring to overestimate himself.


    After briefly observing Chen Ming''s stance, Qin Ming took a deep breath.


    "Chen Ming, get ready. I''m coming at you now."


    "First soul skill: Fire Wolf Transformation! Second soul skill: Wolf''s Fire!"


    Qin Ming unleashed two augmentation-type soul skills simultaneously. As the first and second soul rings lit up, his aura noticeably intensified, and the flames surrounding him roared with greater ferocity.


    Ideally, Qin Ming wouldn''t have used two soul skills against a Grand Soul Master. After all, even with his soul power suppressed, the gap in physical prowess and experience between a Soul King and a Grand Soul Master remained vast.


    But after glancing at the still-smoking pit, Qin Ming decided he wasn''t eager to test how the venom would affect living creatures. He opted to enhance his abilities with soul power, bolstering his offense to avoid coming into contact with the poison.


    With his skills active, Qin Ming charged at Chen Ming. Deliberately suppressing his speed, the agility-type Soul King moved at no more than a typical Grand Soul Master''s pace, less than a third of his true potential.


    Watching the comically slow pace, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel a bit helpless, but he didn''t let it distract him.


    Facing Qin Ming''s charge, he assumed a defensive stance. The scorpion tail behind him swayed slightly as if poised to counter any move with stillness.


    Just as Qin Ming closed the distance to within three steps of Chen Ming, Chen Ming sprang into action. The long tail behind him swung forward like a whip, lashing horizontally. At the same time, his first soul ring lit up, and a deep green poisonous mist rapidly spread out from him as the center.


    "First soul skill: Poison Cloud." Only after releasing the soul skill did Chen Ming''s voice belatedly ring out. By this point, Qin Ming had already entered Chen Ming''s attack range.


    The scorpion tail''s strike was powerful and forceful, something Qin Ming couldn''t ignore. The sudden surge of poisonous mist made the situation even more perilous.


    Qin Ming''s flame-imbued palm barely blocked the tail''s attack, but his entire body was quickly engulfed in the poisonous mist. Despite being surrounded by blazing flames, his body still felt sharp stings of pain.


    The flames managed to neutralize part of the poison, and his soul power dissolved most of the remaining toxins. However, the residual poison was still highly corrosive. Within a few breaths, Qin Ming''s formal attire began to show holes, and the beast-like skin granted by his martial spirit transformation couldn''t resist the effects either. His long fur visibly shrank at an alarming speed.


    A small amount of the poison entered Qin Ming''s respiratory tract through the air. Even just a tiny bit caused him intense pain.


    As a soul master with a fire-element martial soul, Qin Ming experienced for the first time the sensation of his internal organs burning. No matter how strong his willpower, his body instinctively convulsed in response, nearly causing him to collapse. His body arched like a shrimp.


    Seeing Qin Ming, a Soul King, faltering after just one exchange, Chen Ming''s expression shifted. He swung his tail with force, sending Qin Ming flying out of the range of his soul skill. Then he deactivated his soul skill and martial soul, hurriedly reaching into his inner garments to retrieve the antidote he had prepared in advance.


    Qin Ming, who had been flung away, didn''t hit the ground. Instead, he was caught mid-air by the Sky Blue Vine martial soul summoned by Zhilin. The vine skillfully cushioned the impact.


    Gentle, robust, and life-infused soul power flowed from the Sky Blue Vine into Qin Ming''s body. Despite the flames burning on his body, the vine remained unscathed by the heat.


    As the soul power flowed in, Qin Ming''s mind cleared slightly. However, the burning pain in his internal organs and the searing sensation on his skin persisted, leaving him unable to muster any energy.


    Chen Ming quickly strode over to Qin Ming, pried open his mouth, and poured the medicinal powder from a small gourd into Qin Ming''s mouth.


    Although there was no water, Qin Ming''s saliva instinctively carried the powder down his throat, quickly delivering it to his stomach.


    As a refreshing coolness surged from his abdomen, Qin Ming finally felt some relief from the pain in his internal organs. After catching his breath and regaining a bit of composure, he finally had the energy to assess his current condition.


    PS: The writing style is very slow, right? Still, a decent douluo fanfic.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [21]

    "Xiao Ming, this poison of yours is truly intense. Where exactly did you obtain it? The Emerald Scorpion doesn''t possess such toxins at all..."


    Qin Ming staggered to his feet, barely using his soul power to nurture his internal organs. He felt pain coursing through his entire body, from the inside out. His already weakened senses had suffered severe irritation.


    As a Soul King, Qin Ming was no stranger to soul beasts and soul masters who wielded poisons. He had resolved countless challenging encounters with poisonous soul beasts and soul masters in the past.


    He had been poisoned before during his travels across the continent, but no poison had ever brought him such an overwhelmingly intense feeling.


    If Chen Ming had not immediately removed him from the range of the poison and provided an antidote right away, but instead left him in the toxic mist, Qin Ming had no doubt he would have been unable to withstand it. In a life-and-death battle, one moment of carelessness could have led to his death in that toxic fog.


    And this was no small matter¡ªQin Ming was a Soul King and possessed the powerful variant beast Martial Soujl, the Inferno Grey Wolf. While agility-type soul masters like him were not as resistant to abnormal statuses as power-attack or defense types of the same rank, he should never have been brought down by a mere Soul Grandmaster using poison.


    If all poison-attribute soul masters were this strong, everyone would be scrambling to find ways to add poison to their abilities.


    The three academy elders were equally curious about the source of Chen Ming''s poison. Though they realized Qin Ming''s questioning was somewhat bold, they did not stop him, instead silently turning their attention to Chen Ming.


    Faced with their inquiries, Chen Ming thought for a moment, then showed a somewhat awkward smile.


    "Teacher Qin, elders, my poison comes from a fortuitous encounter¡ªit can''t be replicated."


    Seeing Chen Ming avoid giving details, the three elders were slightly disappointed but didn''t press further. The source of a soul master''s soul rings and skills was a personal secret, and the fewer people who knew, the better. Revealing such secrets could lead to being countered by others.


    They were mainly curious because, apart from the poison displayed by the Poison Douluo, they had never encountered such potent toxins. This level of poison seemed entirely beyond what a Soul Grandmaster could wield.


    "Qin Ming, go rest for a while. If you feel any discomfort, speak up immediately," Zhilin said, using his Skyblue Vine to gently move Qin Ming to the side, where he could sit and recover. Then he turned to Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, we''ve witnessed the potency of your poison. It''s truly extraordinary, fitting for a genius who could absorb a thousand-year soul ring as a second ring. But there''s something we must clarify now: your poison is far too strong for most soul masters to resist."


    "Most of the students in our academy have soul power around the Soul Grandmaster level. Your poison is lethal to them. Even if detoxification is swift, there will be consequences. Most importantly, these students are either wealthy or come from prestigious families. Such potent poison could easily bring you unnecessary trouble."


    At this point, Zhilin glanced at Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan. The two nodded knowingly.


    Meng Shenji opened and closed his hand, and with a slight fluctuation of soul power, he retrieved a token from his soul storage ring and levitated it to Chen Ming with his soul power.


    "Xiao Ming, take this token. If anyone in the academy gives you trouble, show them this token or use it to find a nearby instructor. Under no circumstances should you use your poison on regular students unless necessary. Do you understand?"


    Chen Ming accepted the token and nodded to the three academy elders.


    "I will remember the elders'' instructions. I won''t use my poison recklessly."


    "Good, that''s reassuring."


    Meng Shenji cast a subtle glance at the spot where Chen Ming had just used his Poison Cloud Technique.


    Even now, the area was still covered in a layer of green poison. The specialized stone surface, designed to withstand the aftermath of battles involving Soul Ancestors and above, was sizzling audibly in the night as the remaining toxin corroded it.


    In just a few breaths, the toxic mist had dissolved a thin layer of the platform, and it continued to corrode slowly but persistently.


    If it had been flesh and blood instead of stone, a regular person''s bones would likely have already started dissolving. For Soul Masters below level 30, except for a few rare cases, the outcome wouldn''t be much better.


    For low-level Soul Masters, this soul skill was effectively a pure weapon of slaughter.


    The students of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy came from wealthy or noble families with complex and deeply rooted connections throughout the Heaven Dou Empire. If a major incident, such as a fatality, were to occur, not even the three academy elders could guarantee they''d be able to resolve it without consequences.


    "Why is it that the newly enrolled Dugu Yan, who is also a Soul Grandmaster, can''t even come close to matching Chen Ming in terms of poison? Which one of them is truly the Poison Douluo''s successor?"


    This question lingered in the minds of all three elders simultaneously.


    After chatting with Chen Ming for a while and building rapport, the elders finally turned their attention back to Qin Ming, who had by now stood up. Though he looked disheveled, his condition had largely stabilized.


    After all, Qin Ming was a Soul King with abundant soul power. He had managed to protect his internal organs at the critical moment and, as a soul master with a top-tier beast martial soul, recovered quickly under the effects of the antidote.


    Of course, all this hinged on the fact that Qin Ming hadn''t inhaled too much of the toxin. Otherwise, even with the antidote, the damage to his respiratory system and internal organs wouldn''t have been so easily resolved.


    "Qin Ming, it''s getting late. Take Xiao Ming to find a place to stay for the night. Tomorrow, guide him around the academy and brief him on the situation with the students."


    "Understood, Elder." Hearing Meng Shenji''s instructions, Qin Ming immediately complied. After bidding farewell to the elders, he led Chen Ming down the mountain.


    Most of the upper mountain was occupied by mimicry training grounds and faculty residences, while the students primarily lived in areas closer to the lower slopes or near the foot of the mountain. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once they confirmed that Qin Ming and Chen Ming had left, the three elders, who had previously appeared calm and composed, exchanged glances. They quickly moved to the platform corroded by Chen Ming''s poison, chiseled off a portion of the rock with their soul power, and brought it back to their study. Sweeping the food and drinks on the table aside, they began examining it intently.


    Meng Shenji pulled out Chen Ming''s file and distributed it to the other two elders. When they saw that Chen Ming''s innate soul power at awakening was only level 5 and that his martial soul wasn''t the Emerald Scorpion King but an ordinary Emerald Scorpion, their expressions turned quite peculiar.


    With no outsiders present, the three elders, who had been colleagues for decades, abandoned their usual dignified demeanor. Huddling together conspiratorially, they began exchanging whispered comments in a lively discussion.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [22]

    "Chen Ming said his poison comes from a fortuitous encounter, and it seems that''s indeed true. The world is vast, full of countless opportunities. Every year, many soul masters undergo a complete transformation due to various fortuitous events. Throughout history, many Title Douluo encountered such opportunities in their youth. Who would have thought that this year, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy would welcome such a fortunate individual?"


    Bai Baoshan was the first to speak, his gaze carrying a hint of envy, but no trace of negativity.


    "The world is full of extraordinary people and events; it''s just that most choose to keep their stories to themselves. The three of us, having come this far, have also had experiences that some would call fortuitous. But haven''t we mostly relied on our hard work to reach where we are today?" Zhilin said as he stroked his beard, nodding in agreement.


    The exploration of the Douluo Continent is but a fraction of its potential, and the study of martial souls continues to advance.


    When humanity first awakened martial souls, they didn''t even know how to cultivate soul power. Only geniuses with innate full soul power could absorb soul rings. It was only after methods of cultivating soul power were developed that the profession of the soul master truly came into existence.


    Ten thousand years ago, it was common for the third and fourth rings of a soul master to be yellow, and having a purple fifth ring was already exceptional. Back then, a soul master who could absorb a purple fourth ring was considered a genius.


    But through generations of research and experimentation, modern soul masters now understand that a third ring can absorb a thousand-year soul ring, and talented soul masters can attempt a ten-thousand-year soul ring as their fifth ring.


    How much of this progress over the millennia was due to fortuitous encounters? No one can say for sure.


    Throughout history, countless soul masters have risen through extraordinary opportunities. To become a high-ranking soul master, one must have their secrets.


    There are, of course, some envious teachers on the continent who feel unbalanced when their students receive such opportunities and would stop at nothing to claim their students'' fortunes for themselves. But the three academy elders of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy were not such people.


    Even within the soul master world, these three were widely respected. Over their decades as academy elders, they had nurtured countless students and earned the admiration of many. They could truly be said to have spread their teachings far and wide.


    Upon learning of Chen Ming''s fortuitous encounter, their first thought was to protect him and ensure he could cultivate properly, hoping he would one day become a high-ranking soul master.


    If anyone dared to probe Chen Ming or overreach their bounds, the three of them wouldn''t hesitate to flex their muscles and break those unwelcome hands.


    After a discussion, the three elders came to a consensus regarding Chen Ming.


    Though it was late, they showed no intention of resting. Instead, under the cover of night, they got to work.


    Meng Shenji organized Chen Ming''s files, Bai Baoshan went to the palace to meet with Xue Ye, and Zhilin inspected the academy, coordinating and delegating tasks among the faculty.


    Half an hour later, Chen Ming''s file was delivered to Xue Ye''s desk. Learning that a remarkable new student had enrolled, Xue Ye, who should have been relaxing in his chambers, was instead seated in his study, reviewing Chen Ming''s file under the light of a soul tool lamp excavated from an ancient ruin.


    Xue Ye lightly tapped the table with his finger, pondering the details about Chen Ming. Various expressions flickered in his eyes before he finally placed the file down gently.


    "Biluochen City, the Chen family¡­ That barren backwater can produce a genius? Unbelievable. But the potency of that poison¡­ Could this be the next Poison Douluo?"


    "A genius, a fortuitous encounter¡­ The world is full of countless events, countless geniuses, and countless fortuitous opportunities. But how many of them can truly fall under the banner of my Heaven Dou Empire¡­ no, under my royal family, the Xue clan?"


    "In the past century, over twenty people have been born with innate full soul power, yet how many have truly become Title Douluo? The potential for greatness is seen often enough, but how many have fulfilled it... Forget it, forget it."


    "Absorbing a thousand-year second soul ring beyond one''s level, with a martial soul evolving to a king-class level. I hope you truly have the potential to become a Title Douluo, and not just the appearance of it."


    Simulating Chen Ming''s poison in his mind, Xue Ye''s gaze sharpened.


    Although Dugu Bo had never demonstrated his poison on the battlefield, Xue Ye and Xue Xing had conducted countless theoretical simulations in secret, gaining a clear understanding of its potential lethality.


    If an average Title Douluo could influence the battlefield as much as 10,000 elite, fully armed soldiers, then Poison Douluo''s contribution would equate to at least ten Title Douluo or 200,000 elite troops.


    While poison might be less effective against high-level soul masters, its devastating impact on ordinary soldiers made it a formidable weapon. The battlefield power of Poison Douluo alone could rival that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.


    However, despite Dugu Bo''s nominal position as a supporter of the Heaven Dou Empire and his close relationship with Prince Xue Xing, as an emperor, Xue Ye could never fully trust him.


    Rather than relying on Dugu Bo, Xue Ye preferred that the Heaven Dou Empire cultivate its own Poison Douluo.


    "Tang Gonggong, ensure Chen Ming''s files are properly secured, and send a team of shadow guards to Biluochen City. Do not alert the locals or reveal that the royal family is investigating them."


    "Understood," the elderly eunuch replied respectfully, bowing low before Xue Ye.


    "One more thing..."


    Xue Ye squinted, as if weighing his thoughts, before sighing reluctantly.


    "Send a copy of Chen Ming''s file to Qinghe. As the crown prince, he should understand my intentions."


    Xue Ye was well aware of rumors suggesting that Xue Qinghe had schemed against his siblings to secure the position of crown prince. Unlike others who merely suspected, Xue Ye was certain of Qinghe''s involvement, even if the exact methods remained unclear.


    However, since becoming crown prince, Xue Qinghe has performed exceptionally, handling matters with both skill and grace. To Xue Ye, Qinghe''s only fault was his immaturity¡ªhis tendency to offend nobles over trivial matters concerning commoners. Otherwise, Qinghe appeared flawless.


    Despite personal dislike, Xue Ye reasoned that Qinghe could surpass him and lead the Heaven Dou Empire into a prosperous future.


    As for Xue Beng... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xue Ye doubted his wayward child could measure up to Qinghe. Although Xue Beng might possess some minor cunning and seemed to hide his true nature deliberately, his efforts paled in comparison to Qinghe''s brilliance.


    Moreover, as a prince, Xue Beng was far too close to Prince Xue Xing. Rather than behaving like the emperor''s son, he seemed more like Xue Xing''s child, even showing greater affection for Xue Xing than for Xue Ye.


    Xue Ye resented this dynamic. His closeness to Xue Xing was a matter of imperial strategy, but for his son to align so closely with the prince...


    Leaning back in his chair, Xue Ye gazed at the ceiling and sighed softly.


    He trusted Xue Qinghe deeply, confident that Qinghe would grasp his intentions as emperor.


    Yet he couldn''t shake a lingering unease. Qinghe''s growing influence as crown prince presented a delicate challenge¡ªhow should he, as emperor, position himself in the face of Qinghe''s expanding power?


    At his current age, Xue Ye expected at least another twenty years of rule, perhaps even thirty or fifty. But if the crown prince''s influence continued to grow unchecked over the next two decades...


    Xue Ye could only hope that the decisions he made today would not lead to regrets tomorrow.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [23]

    Xue Qinghe¡ªor rather, Qian Renxue disguised as Xue Qinghe¡ªdid indeed receive Chen Ming''s information. However, it wasn''t after Emperor Xue Ye ordered the eunuch to deliver the files; it happened before the materials even reached Xue Ye''s desk, right as they entered the imperial palace.


    Unbeknownst to Xue Ye, many of the eunuchs and guards around him had been secretly bought off by Qian Renxue. While Xue Ye was preoccupied in his sleeping quarters, and before the information could be formally presented to him, a duplicate of the file was already on Qian Renxue''s desk.


    "A genius with an innate soul power of only level five, but whose martial soul evolved due to a fortuitous encounter, and who absorbed a thousand-year second soul ring?"


    "How rare. I always thought such talents only emerged in the Spirit Hall. I never expected the Heaven Dou Empire to produce one¡ªand he even joined the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."


    Studying Chen Ming''s file, Qian Renxue poked mercilessly at the Heaven Dou Empire''s weaknesses. Normally composed and serene, recent family visits had caused occasional emotional outbursts in her private moments.


    The Heaven Dou Empire was infamous for its military weakness, lacking high-level combat power and relying heavily on sheer numbers of soldiers. Imperial authority was unstable, with vast amounts of royal power usurped by the nobility.


    Regional nobles had essentially formed independent fiefdoms, disobeying central orders and engaging in countless illegal activities. Unless their actions directly affected the royal family, the imperial court turned a blind eye.


    Since ascending to the position of crown prince, Qian Renxue had been ceaselessly busy. On smaller scales, she navigated social banquets and interacted with nobles. On larger scales, she handled disaster relief, quelled rebellions, and even conducted financial audits.


    According to imperial law, punishing nobles for harming commoners only brought animosity from both major and minor aristocrats. Upon returning to Heaven Dou City, she faced reprimands from Xue Ye for being too immature.


    Audits revealed rampant corruption. Wherever she investigated, scandals erupted like wildfire. Some financial records had been in deficit for decades, even centuries, yet no one had spoken up.


    If officials embezzled only 30% of funds, they were considered paragons of integrity. It wasn''t uncommon to see cases where 70¨C80% of funds were siphoned off. Some genius officials even fabricated additional expenses to embezzle not only all allocated funds but also extract more from unrelated sources.


    Occasionally, audits exposed acts of treason¡ªcollusion with enemy nations, covert preparations for rebellion, or actual separatist movements.


    Without Title Douluo-level guards and her god martial soul, the Seraphim, Qian Renxue believed she would have been assassinated seven or eight times already, given the Heaven Dou Empire''s crown prince''s meager defenses.


    Honestly, Qian Renxue often reminded herself that she was merely an infiltrator. Her sole task should have been maintaining her cover. Yet circumstances forced her to act as a workhorse, expending immense effort for the Heaven Dou Empire''s survival.


    She''d lost track of how many problems she had resolved for the empire over the years. The deeper she delved into the noble class''s chaos, the more convinced she became that the Heaven Dou Empire was doomed.


    Xue Ye''s negligence added to her frustration. He shifted all responsibilities onto her while simultaneously curbing her efforts.


    Recently, Xue Ye seemed to have entered a bizarre mating season, constantly indulging in the harem palace and shirking governance.


    If that were all, Qian Renxue might have grudgingly tolerated it. But whenever Xue Ye left the harem palace, it was either to assign her more busy work or to reprimand her, keeping her under constant pressure.


    To make matters worse, her absence from the Spirit Hall and her grandfather Qian Daoliu''s retreat from active involvement left her exposed. That woman, Bibi Dong, had been quietly creating obstacles for her, to the point where even assistance from the Spirit Hall had become unreliable.


    In recent years, Qian Renxue felt as if she were drowning in crises, trapped in a perpetual state of turmoil.


    It is said that in the Star Dou Forest, there exists a special soul beast called the Skyshaking Roar. Though its overall quality is mediocre, it possesses a unique innate ability to convert stress into a powerful roar. With enough pressure, even a century-old Skyshaking Roar can kill a ten-thousand-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.


    Qian Renxue thought that if she were a Skyshaking Roar, given the amount of pressure she endured, not to mention ten-thousand-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bears, even a hundred-thousand or two-hundred-thousand-year-old one wouldn''t be able to withstand her roar!


    Sometimes, Qian Renxue would ponder whether she should heed the advice of her nominal mentor, Ning Fengzhi, and adopt a more aristocratic attitude¡ªless concerned with trivial matters, abandoning useless emotions, and viewing problems purely from a standpoint of interest and benefit.


    Though this perspective conflicted with her Seraphim Martial Soul and the ideology of the Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue had to admit that times seemed to have changed, and her traditional methods might be outdated.


    If everything was as it should be, why would she, the heir to the Spirit Hall, have to infiltrate the Heaven Dou Empire in the first place?


    With that thought, Qian Renxue sighed, shaking off these idle musings. She began to review the documents slowly, though her absentmindedness was evident to anyone watching.


    Initially, Qian Renxue had no intention of addressing the matter concerning Chen Ming immediately; she planned to sleep on it.


    However, just then, a spy planted by the Spirit Hall within the imperial palace came to report that Emperor Xue Ye had ordered eunuchs to dispatch the dark guards to investigate Chen Ming''s family and deliver Chen Ming''s documents to the Crown Prince''s residence.


    This completely shattered Qian Renxue''s plan for rest. Already dealing with discomfort from her menstrual period, her lower abdomen started to churn uncomfortably. Gritting her teeth, she got up to handle the situation.


    After formally receiving the eunuch, completing the necessary procedures, and retrieving the documents she had already reviewed, Qian Renxue sat in her study. Under the dim light of her desk lamp, she pressed her temples and worked to calm her emotions.


    Watching this scene, a middle-aged woman appeared by Qian Renxue''s side, her face full of concern.


    "Young Mistress, you must prioritize your health," the woman urged.


    "Aunt Mei, I understand," Qian Renxue sighed softly, replying in a calm tone. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The woman, called Aunt Mei, had been sent by Qian Daoliu to look after Qian Renxue. A collateral member of the Qian family, Aunt Mei had not inherited the Seraphim Martial Soul but was still a powerful Control-type Soul Douluo.


    Because of her absolute reliability and her ability to act without exposing ties to the Spirit Hall, Aunt Mei was highly trusted by both Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue.


    Though the Snake Lance and Porcupinefish Douluo were dependable, their gender made it unsuitable for them to always remain by Qian Renxue''s side. Aunt Mei, therefore, was tasked with guarding Qian Renxue during such times and was the only person who could regularly serve as her familial confidant.


    However, there was an awkward aspect to their relationship: by lineage, the eighty-year-old Aunt Mei technically belonged to the generation of Qian Renxue''s grandson''s grandchildren. Both of them tacitly chose to ignore this detail in daily interactions.


    PS: Here we go again, another douluo fanfic with Qian Renxue added to the harem. Seriously, Qian Renxue can''t catch a break.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [24]

    The woman referred to as Aunt Mei looked at Qian Renxue''s weary posture, a trace of reluctance flashing through her eyes. However, this quickly gave way to a peculiar expression. Perhaps due to the deep trust Qian Renxue placed in her, Qian Renxue, even at such close proximity, didn''t sense anything unusual about the person beside her.


    Observing Qian Renxue in this state, a hint of internal struggle appeared in Aunt Mei''s gaze, but it soon reverted to her usual benevolent expression.


    "Young Mistress, with your noble status, how can you waste energy on such trivial matters? A mere soul master from a small place who stumbled upon some fortuitous opportunities¡ªwho can say how far his potential will take him in the future?"


    "If you wish to pay attention to him, you might as well have someone express goodwill. Surely he would not refuse the favor of the Crown Prince. If you are too busy to bother, it wouldn''t hurt to wait and assess his talents later before making a decision."


    "Ah¡­" Qian Renxue shook her head and remained silent, though inwardly she agreed with Aunt Mei''s suggestion.


    For most factions, obtaining a thousand-level second soul ring was an extraordinary feat requiring luck or rare opportunities. However, for the Spirit Hall, it wasn''t particularly challenging¡ªit was merely a question of whether it was worth the effort.


    The Spirit Hall, with its ancestry tracing back to the Angel God, boasted successive generations of Ultimate Douluo serving as high priests of the Angel God. The Hall of Worship and Elder Hall housed Titled Douluo gathered from all corners of the continent over millennia.


    Such a deep heritage is incomprehensible to ordinary people.


    Qian Renxue thoroughly understood the factors influencing a soul master''s ability to absorb soul rings. She also knew that enhancing the physical constitution could increase the age limit of soul rings absorbed. However, for members of the Angel lineage, this method held little necessity.


    With the Seraphim Martial Soul, one is born with innate level 20 soul power. By absorbing two hundred-level soul rings, they would achieve at least level 23 soul power and could become a Soul Elder within two years by absorbing their third soul ring.


    Although their cultivation speed slows down after level 30 due to the martial soul''s potent attributes, it remains faster than that of ordinary innate full soul power individuals. Coupled with the immense resources and heritage provided by the Spirit Hall, this advantage becomes even more pronounced.


    A Seraphim Martial Soul wielder could typically obtain their third ring and become a Soul Elder by age 8, reach the Soul Ancestor level by around age 12, and achieve Soul King status by 17 or 18.


    But what if Qian Renxue wanted to absorb a thousand-level second soul ring?


    She awakened her Martial Soul at age 6 with level 20 soul power. However, due to the world''s natural constraints, only 10 levels of soul power are visible before the first soul ring is absorbed. Only after obtaining the first ring does her level rise to 20.


    At age 6, despite undergoing various medicinal baths since infancy and bearing a divine-level martial soul, her body was still underdeveloped.


    The stimulation of soul power is a long-term gradual process. The same soul power and martial soul produce different results at different ages. The accelerated development seen in individuals essentially relies on the consistent stimulation of soul power.


    For children, physical constitution improves significantly with each passing year. After one year of soul power nourishment, a 7-year-old soul master''s physique would far surpass that of a 6-year-old who had just awakened their martial soul.


    If Qian Renxue wanted to absorb a thousand-level second ring, she would need at least two years of physical development and conditioning after absorbing her first ring. To be cautious, three years of preparation would be advisable.


    Even then, upon absorbing a thousand-level second ring, her soul power level would likely plateau at around 27.


    Although cultivation can still accumulate soul power after reaching the level cap, allowing for a surge in levels upon obtaining the next ring, this method of compressed cultivation can never match the efficiency of a standard progression.


    And what if she simply followed the conventional route, absorbing soul rings and training step by step?


    If we assume only two years, by that time, the owner of the Seraphim Martial Soul would already be at least a level 33 Soul Elder, leaving a gap of about seven or eight levels.


    In Douluo Dalu, a major rank only spans ten levels. Who would willingly sacrifice their precious golden years and a nearly one-major-rank soul power gap just for a soul ring that''s a few hundred years older?


    For members of the Qian family, suppressing their rank to improve their physical constitution simply to carry higher-aged soul rings in the earlier stages is a thankless endeavor.


    Moreover, with the Angel God''s legacy in the Spirit Hall, even if the early soul rings have lower ages, they can be directly boosted to thousand or ten-thousand-year levels during the divine trials later on.


    Spending effort for a mere two- or three-hundred-year increase in soul ring age is, in essence, a counterproductive approach.


    Talented soul masters often have soul power levels surpassing their physical readiness. Unless their martial soul is highly specialized, they are typically limited to hundred-year rings during this stage.


    Meanwhile, soul masters who''ve cultivated for about a decade develop superior physical attributes due to prolonged soul power nourishment. In theory, they are more capable of enduring higher-aged rings.


    However, the issue is that such soul masters often lack high-quality martial souls to provide sufficient physical enhancements. Additionally, due to various factors, their bodies may suffer from minor ailments, and they may not have the strength to hunt thousand-level soul beasts.


    Even if they can hunt such beasts, not all dare to attempt an over-limit soul ring absorption. And even among those who dare, success is not guaranteed. These compounding factors make cases of thousand-level second rings exceedingly rare.


    To Qian Renxue, however, who understands the underlying principles, such occurrences are not mysterious. If she desired, she could even artificially create such geniuses.


    In her eyes, Chen Ming likely just had some fortuitous encounter, consuming rare herbs or the blood and flesh of a precious soul beast, resulting in his current achievements. While his martial soul has evolved, his innate level 5 talent is still too mediocre to warrant her attention.


    After all, in her estimation, no matter how hard Chen Ming works, his limit would likely be at the Soul Sage level. With extreme effort, he might barely reach the level of an entry-level Soul Douluo.


    Unless he experiences some highly unusual fortune or unforeseen circumstances, he probably wouldn''t even come close to the realm of a Titled Douluo in his lifetime.


    And even if, by a string of extraordinary opportunities, he manages to become a Titled Douluo¡­


    Qian Renxue considered the timeline. By then, she figured that even if she hadn''t yet ascended to godhood, she would likely at least be approaching her grandfather Qian Daoliu''s level as a demigod Ultimate Douluo.


    A mere ordinary Titled Douluo would struggle to withstand even her first spirit skill.


    Still, as the visible Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, with Xue Ye sending this dossier directly to her, Qian Renxue couldn''t outright ignore it.


    After all, while a genius destined to be no more than a Soul Douluo might mean nothing to Qian Renxue as the Spirit Hall''s heir, such a talent would be significant for the Heaven Dou Empire, a nation severely lacking in high-level combat strength.


    As the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, Qian Renxue knew she had no reason to overlook someone who might one day become a Soul Douluo.


    Sitting in her chair in silence for a long time, Qian Renxue contemplated her recent schedule. At last, she made her decision.


    "In half a month, send someone to bring him. As for the location¡­ the top floor of the Seven Treasures Restaurant." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [25]

    At the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Chen Ming had been led by Qin Ming to an inconspicuous pavilion located halfway up the mountain.


    After instructing Chen Ming to wait there for a while, Qin Ming unleashed his soul power and swiftly departed. Though his movement was ghost-like and quick, the fiery glow of his fire-attribute soul power made him stand out conspicuously in the night. Even if Chen Ming didn''t intentionally watch, he could still trace Qin Ming''s movements.


    Not long after, Qin Ming returned to the pavilion. While he didn''t appear to be carrying anything new, his demeanor was noticeably steadier than before.


    With a slight flick of his wrist, a map made from the hide of an unknown soul beast appeared in Qin Ming''s hand. After confirming its accuracy, he handed it to Chen Ming.


    "The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy campus is enormous, and it''s hard for most people to navigate. Keep this map and memorize the main roads. Tomorrow, I''ll guide you through the key areas so you can get your bearings."


    "Thank you, Teacher Qin Ming."


    Chen Ming nodded and, under the moonlight, opened the map for a glance, memorizing a few key areas and the primary pathways.


    "It''s getting late. Come with me. I just went to see the teacher in charge of the freshmen dormitories and found a courtyard for you. Though it''s slightly secluded, it''s close to a mimicry training ground well-suited for poison-type cultivation."


    "Your daily meals will be delivered by servants at set times. If you have any special requests, such as specific dishes or not needing food delivered, or if you want to add certain clothing or other necessities, you can communicate directly with the servants."


    "The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is the highest educational institution directly under the royal family of the Heaven Dou Empire, and its resources are abundant. Tuition fees are waived for noble families of count rank or higher, as well as for talented soul masters. The outstanding talent displayed in the academy may even earn additional royal subsidies."


    At this point, Qin Ming couldn''t help but sigh, reminiscing about his stumbling journey in the past.


    Why did he, someone who greatly admired Shrek Academy, ultimately choose to teach at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?


    Because, through his years of wandering the continent, Qin Ming had come to understand that surviving in this world without a strong background and resources was nearly impossible.


    Though he loved Shrek Academy, he knew that its¡­ well, modest environment wouldn''t provide him with the opportunities he needed. Even if he returned there as a teacher, it wouldn''t make much of a difference. With his talent, the best he could hope for was to reach the Soul Sage rank in his lifetime.


    At the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, however, things were different. Here, he had access to ample gold soul coins, precious resources, valuable information, and top-tier mimicry training grounds¡ªtreasures that were incredibly rare for rogue spirit masters.


    At the very least, Qin Ming was confident he could achieve the rank of Soul Douluo here and might even have a chance to reach the Titled Douluo level in the future.


    As for noble titles? Those were practically handed out here.


    Looking at Chen Ming, Qin Ming couldn''t help but wonder: if he had been born into such a background with ample resources for cultivation, would his path have taken him further than where he was now?


    "Don''t think about such disrespectful things. I must remember the kindness Shrek showed me." Qin Ming shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside, and refocused on Chen Ming, leading him toward the courtyard.


    After walking for about fifteen minutes along a path paved with bricks engraved with various soul beasts, they arrived in front of a courtyard.


    Though described as a small courtyard, it was anything but small. At a glance, he estimated the area to be around 500 square meters.


    When the gate to the courtyard was opened, the interior design was remarkably exquisite.


    Inside the courtyard, though there were no lights or signs of habitation, it was impeccably clean and tidy. The flowers, trees, and plants were beautifully maintained, the ground showed no trace of fallen leaves or dust, and the bricks and tiles looked as bright as if they were new. Even the intricate carvings on the walls were spotless, with no dust in their crevices.


    If Chen Ming had encountered such a courtyard in his past life without any prior knowledge, he might have assumed it was haunted to be kept in such a pristine state.


    But in this life, on the Douluo Continent, Chen Ming simply shrugged it off as standard practice. After all, human labor was incredibly cheap here.


    "This courtyard is vacant, Xiao Ming. You can stay here for now. If it feels uncomfortable, I''ll arrange for you to move somewhere else later."


    "By the way, which room would you like to pick?"


    "The first one on the left," Chen Ming said casually after a glance.


    "Alright." Qin Ming unlocked the door with a key and began placing various items in the room from his storage soul tool.


    Before long, the room was fully furnished and illuminated. The bed was made with pillows and bedding, with several sets of brand-new uniforms neatly folded at the foot of the bed. On the table were dishes made from soul beast ingredients, along with a pair of chopsticks for each of them and a jar labeled "Fruit" beside the tableware.


    "It''s late today, so let''s make do with a quick meal. If you have any needs, just inform the person in charge tomorrow."


    "Thank you, Teacher Qin Ming." Chen Ming, who always adhered to a polite and respectful demeanor with neutral or friendly individuals, expressed his gratitude sincerely.


    Under the light of an oil lamp, the two sat down to eat. Although Qin Ming described it as a simple meal, the dishes were exceptionally delicious.


    Even though Chen Ming, as a transmigrator, found the Douluo Continent''s cooking techniques somewhat primitive, the high-quality ingredients more than made up for it. Even the simplest seasonings brought out remarkable flavors.


    Each dish on the table was made from soul beasts, albeit ones with lower cultivation years. However, they were carefully selected for their reputedly excellent taste, and combined with the chef''s decent skills, even someone like Chen Ming, who wasn''t easily impressed by the food, found himself reaching for extra servings.


    The jar on the table contained fruit wine brewed from various fruits produced by soul beasts. Due to the fermentation techniques of this world, Chen Ming thought it tasted more like an alcoholic fruit-flavored beverage than actual wine.


    While Qin Ming mentioned that this wine was popular at the academy, Chen Ming found it mediocre at best. He preferred the medicinal wines he brewed at home using various poisonous insects, which were tailored to assist in cultivation. Still, he refrained from voicing his opinion and just drank politely.


    After the meal, Qin Ming packed up the tableware and wine jar into his storage soul tool. Following a brief conversation, he decided to stay the night in the room next to Chen Ming''s. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though Chen Ming felt slightly out of place in the new environment, and even his cultivation seemed a bit off, he soon laughed at himself while lying on the bed.


    In Biuochen City, the air was filled with toxins, and even the streets served as a mimicry cultivation ground for poison-attribute soul masters. Having lived in such an environment for years, it was only natural that he felt unsettled in a place devoid of toxins.


    "Forget it, I''ll sleep on it first," Chen Ming muttered to himself as he sat up cross-legged on the bed and entered a meditative state.


    PS: Guess the harem members.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [26]

    The next morning, before the sun had risen, Chen Ming stepped out of his room, guided by the biological clock he had followed for years.


    After taking a stroll around the courtyard, he found a suitable spot, took out a mat from his storage soul guide, and placed it on the ground. Sitting cross-legged, he waited for the sunrise.


    Initially, watching the sunrise was just a habit Chen Ming developed while attempting to imitate Tang San''s Purple Demon Eye. However, after awakening his martial soul and further developing his abilities, Chen Ming gradually began to reap some benefits from the practice.


    At sunrise, the balance of yin and yang energy in the world shifts. By cultivating during this period, Chen Ming could harness this transformation to absorb a trace of unique soul power.


    Once this trace of soul power merged into his body, it slightly enhanced his spiritual power, regulated the balance of yin, yang, and the five elements within him, and, to some extent, improved the quality of his soul power.


    Although the practice seemed similar to the Purple Demon Eye, its underlying principle was entirely different. While the Purple Demon Eye collected the morning glow dispersed during sunrise, Chen Ming absorbed the chaotic energy created by the rotation of the sun and moon.


    Despite the chaotic energy being weak in both quality and quantity, and his method of harnessing it being somewhat rudimentary, the effects and potential of this practice far surpassed that of the Purple Demon Eye.


    Moreover, as time passed and seasons changed, Chen Ming noticed subtle variations in the chaotic energy he absorbed each day.


    If he could grasp the essence of life and death cycles, the interplay of clarity and turbidity, and the fusion of yin and yang, Chen Ming believed he would achieve a significant breakthrough. In the language of martial arts worlds, it would be akin to comprehending a set of Twenty-Four Solar Terms Divine Skills, where each term alone rivaled a complete Mystical Heaven Skill.


    Over the years, as long as he could meditate and cultivate at this time, Chen Ming never missed the precious opportunity. Even the smallest amount of chaotic energy was far more valuable than ordinary soul power.


    After documenting the changes in the chaotic energy and integrating it into his body, Chen Ming heard a noise from a nearby room.


    A drowsy Qin Ming emerged from his room, stretching lazily, with a trace of tears still lingering in the corners of his eyes.


    When he noticed Chen Ming sitting on the mat, seemingly having completed a round of cultivation, Qin Ming froze momentarily. Awkwardly lowering his arms, he wiped the corners of his eyes and forced a polite but embarrassed smile at Chen Ming.


    "Ahaha, Xiao Ming, you''re up early! Not used to the academy''s environment, are you?"


    "Good morning, Teacher Qin Ming. While I''m still getting accustomed to the environment, I had no trouble resting last night. Back home, I''ve always started my day''s cultivation at this time," Chen Ming replied.


    For some reason, after saying this, Chen Ming felt Qin Ming''s stiffness become even more pronounced.


    To be fair, Qin Ming waking up at this hour was entirely normal. Despite his time at the lax Shrek Academy, he had always maintained rigorous self-discipline in his cultivation, making full use of his talents.


    However, the fact that a student had rendered him powerless with a soul skill yesterday already made Qin Ming feel humiliated. He had hoped a good night''s sleep would ease his embarrassment slightly. Instead, he woke up only to see his student already having completed a round of cultivation¡­


    Although Chen Ming had spent a long time navigating workplace dynamics in his past life, his communication skills had somewhat regressed in this life. After awakening his martial soul, he had limited his interactions with others significantly.


    Seeing Qin Ming''s embarrassment, Chen Ming stood up, put away his mat, and, after a moment of silence, retrieved a piece of jerky from his storage soul guide. He broke it in half and handed one portion to Qin Ming.


    "Teacher Qin Ming, have a little something to tide you over."


    "Sure," Qin Ming replied with an awkward smile. Taking the jerky, he intended to take a bite to ease the tension. However, the moment he tasted it, his eyes lit up.


    "This is jerky made from soul beast meat and processed with medicinal herbs? Not only is it potent, but the taste¡­ it''s leagues ahead of what the academy provides!"


    "Xiao Ming, what kind of meat is this?" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Ming wasn''t particularly picky about food, but the jerky provided by the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, though highly nutritious, was notoriously unpleasant. If bread were available, most people wouldn''t even consider the academy''s jerky.


    And yet, this jerky, sourced from the best on the market, was far superior in both taste and effect compared to anything else available.


    "This jerky is made from the leg meat of a thousand-year Man-Faced Demon Spider, processed with over ten medicinal herbs and Black Mamba venom. Don''t worry, Teacher, it''s been detoxified and is safe for most soul masters to eat."


    "Ah¡­haha¡­" Qin Ming laughed awkwardly, secretly circulating his soul power several times just to be cautious.


    He had eaten soul beast meat before, but he had never heard of anyone consuming a Man-Faced Demon Spider''s legs.


    In his experience, spider venom was typically used to create medicine or poisons¡ªhow could it be a food ingredient? Wasn''t Chen Ming worried about potential side effects?


    But then, remembering that Chen Ming hailed from Biluochen City¡ªa place famously described in records as built amid barren mountains, harsh waters, and toxic soul beasts¡ªQin Ming felt he couldn''t say much.


    After awkwardly finishing the jerky, Qin Ming used his soul power to clean the residue off his hands, then stepped forward and patted Chen Ming on the shoulder with a sigh.


    Though he said nothing, his gaze seemed to convey everything.


    Having eaten Man-Faced Demon Spider jerky for breakfast, Qin Ming decided to skip the academy''s morning meal. After tidying up their attire, the two left the courtyard and walked toward a distant location.


    After walking for about three to five minutes, a concealed cave appeared before them. Just as Qin Ming and Chen Ming stepped into the cave, a burly, dark-skinned soul master appeared, his expression grumpy and his demeanor impatient.


    "Old Qin, is this a new student? The mimicry training grounds are important, but surely it''s not so urgent that you''d skip breakfast and rush over here. At least let the kid wake up properly before dragging him along!"


    The robust soul master rubbed his eyes and muttered complaints before straightening up slightly. He then introduced himself to Chen Ming.


    "My name is Niu Dali. You can just call me Teacher Niu. Are you a poison-type soul master, or are you just here for the experience? This place isn''t for everyone. We''ve filled it with poisonous creatures to create a mimicry environment. Poison-type soul masters can handle it, but for others, it''s highly dangerous. If you''re not sure about this, it''s best not to wander in carelessly."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [27]

    "Not a poison-type soul master but still forcing their way into a poison-type mimicry training ground? Are these people out of their minds?"


    The thought made Chen Ming freeze momentarily, remembering his days of botched training that left him bedridden and sipping herbal medicine. He couldn''t understand why anyone in Heaven Dou Royal Academy would be so reckless.


    Poison-type mimicry training grounds were genuinely life-threatening. Even in his own family, the cave filled with the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes had claimed the lives of more than a dozen predecessors.


    If he weren''t a poison-type soul master in this life¡ªwhere such training grounds were essential for optimal cultivation¡ªhe wouldn''t voluntarily step into those dark, toxic places.


    Staying in such environments for too long could seriously harm one''s physical and mental health.


    "Out of their minds? These people are far from stupid. If there weren''t some benefit, do you think they''d willingly throw themselves in here?"


    Niu Dali scoffed, his tone carrying a hint of implication.


    "Benefit?" Chen Ming immediately thought of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes hidden in his family stash but quickly shook his head. A moment later, he roughly pieced together the motives behind these people''s actions.


    He was three years older than Tang San and had entered the academy at the age of eleven. Dugu Yan, Tang San''s senior by seven years and Chen Ming''s by four, was about fifteen now.


    Chen Ming had enrolled a year earlier than usual, while Dugu Yan, with her Poison Douluo lineage and her grandfather Dugu Bo''s focus on their family''s toxic skills, likely enrolled later. It was reasonable to assume she had just joined the academy or had been there for about a year.


    Could it be that these people''s so-called purpose was Dugu Yan?


    Chen Ming had some guesses but didn''t voice them. Instead, he turned to Qin Ming.


    Hearing Niu Dali''s words, Qin Ming sighed and gave Chen Ming a helpless nod.


    "This year, a new student joined alongside you. She''s the sole granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan, fifteen years old and a Rank 29 Grandmaster. She''s been visiting the mimicry training ground daily lately, trying to break through to Rank 30."


    "Exactly," Niu Dali added with a nod, his features reminiscent of a certain basketball star.


    "Because of her status, some dimwits¡ªor people with ulterior motives¡ªkeep coming to the mimicry training ground, which annoys both her and me."


    "This training ground is home to several low-age poison-attribute soul beasts and filled with poisonous creatures. To prevent soul beasts from escaping or people from accidentally entering, I''ve been stationed here under the orders of the three Deans."


    "Oh, right," Niu Dali paused as if remembering something important.


    "I''m Niu Dali, a Heaven-level teacher at Heaven Dou Academy. My martial soul is the Black Mamba, and I''m a Rank 58 Power Attack Soul King."


    "Since I''m a poison-type soul master myself, this training ground serves as an excellent cultivation site for me. That''s why I''m permanently stationed here and responsible for all matters within the training ground."


    "Not that much happens most of the time," Niu Dali added, his voice dropping slightly.


    This was a cushy job: decent pay, little work, and all the resources he needed. His basic needs were taken care of, any required materials were provided upon request, and his salary arrived on schedule.


    Though he knew this was part of the teacher''s benefits package, he still felt a bit guilty about how easy it was.


    "So, kid, what''s your name and martial soul?"


    Finally remembering his duties, Niu Dali pulled out a pen and paper seemingly from nowhere, preparing to document Chen Ming''s information.


    "Teacher Niu, my name is Chen Ming. I''m eleven years old, my martial soul is the Emerald Scorpion King, and I''m a Rank 23 Control-type Grandmaster. I look forward to your guidance."


    "Chen Ming..." Niu Dali nodded, putting away the pen and paper into his soul storage. Then he pulled out a stack of files, much to the bemusement of Qin Ming and Chen Ming, and began flipping through them.


    The files contained detailed information about Chen Ming, including a photograph. They were prepared by the academy''s administrative board and were duplicates of the student records stored in the archives. A single glance would provide all the necessary information.


    "Ah, here you are. Your records were delivered late last night¡ªI almost forgot. These files haven''t even been with me for a few hours, and you''ve already arrived. Not bad, very diligent. This is the kind of work ethic a soul master should have."


    As Niu Dali awkwardly explained, a sudden ringing sound echoed from outside the cave. Instinctively, he prepared to charge out, his soul power flaring, but he paused when he remembered he wasn''t alone. Suppressing his initial reaction, he walked outside at a normal pace instead.


    Peering out of the cave, Chen Ming saw a young soul master with one white and one yellow soul ring. The youth had a healthy, ruddy complexion, clear eyes, and a pure smile on his lips. A pair of pristine white ears resembling those of a feline martial soul adorned his head. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is Zhen Zhu. His martial soul is the Snow Leopard. He''s the academy''s food delivery soul master, responsible for bringing meals to soul masters and teachers stationed in remote areas."


    "Teacher Qin, good morning. And good morning to the new student," Zhen Zhu greeted warmly, waving to the pair as he approached with no apparent curiosity about why they were there.


    "Good morning, Zhen Zhu."


    "Zhen... Good morning."


    Despite Zhen Zhu''s untainted, innocent smile and the air of purity in his gaze, Chen Ming couldn''t help but associate him with someone from his previous life.


    "Teacher Niu, your three breakfasts have been delivered. Should I prepare breakfast for Teacher Qin and the new student as well? If so, should it be one serving each or three servings each?"


    "One serving each for them," Niu Dali said after a brief exchange of glances with Qin Ming. In this world, having a big appetite wasn''t unusual, but for now, one portion per person seemed sufficient.


    Zhen Zhu maintained his bright smile. With a flick of his bracelet, a massive lunchbox appeared in his hands. He set it on the ground, repeating the process four more times before stopping.


    "Anything else you need?"


    "My watermelon and fried chicken," Niu Dali sighed, rubbing his forehead.


    He had a particular fondness for watermelon and fried chicken¡ªpractically a must-have for every meal. Unfortunately, Zhen Zhu, as the academy''s food delivery soul master, often forgot about his specific preferences.


    If Niu Dali didn''t know Zhen Zhu was naturally a bit scatterbrained and not intentionally messing with him, he might have been tempted to give him a good elbow to the ribs to jog his memory.


    "My apologies, I forgot," Zhen Zhu said with an apologetic yet pure smile, retrieving a large square box from his storage soul tool and placing it on the ground.


    "Anything else you need?"


    "No, that''ll be all."


    "Alright, I''m off then."


    After confirming there was nothing else missing, Zhen Zhu waved goodbye. Turning around, his two soul rings flashed, and in an instant, he transformed into a blur, speeding off into the distance.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [28]

    Niu Dali lived on the other side of the cave, a space that, apart from basic daily necessities, was devoid of unnecessary clutter. As a dedicated soul master, he was deeply passionate about his training. His only indulgence was his love for watermelon and fried chicken; beyond that, he cared little for luxuries.


    After a simple breakfast made of various soul beast meats and medicinal ingredients, Qin Ming bid farewell to Niu Dali with Chen Ming and led him to explore some key locations within the academy: the main building, the library, the training grounds, and the cafeteria.


    Midway through their tour, a few diligent soul masters had already begun training in the various facilities. By the time they had visited all the major sites, the sun was high in the sky. Most students, whether focused on training or socializing, had started their day.


    However, with only 500 students enrolled at Heaven Dou Royal Academy¡ªand some living in Heaven Dou City¡ªthe expansive campus often appeared deserted, save for a few key facilities.


    Despite his observations along the way, Chen Ming didn''t encounter any familiar faces that hinted at storylines or events from the original narrative. Apart from being briefly introduced to a few children of dukes and princes by Qin Ming, most others weren''t worth mentioning.


    After a quick medicinal meal at the cafeteria and a brief discussion with the staff in charge of student supplies about his needs, Chen Ming and Qin Ming went their separate ways. Qin Ming returned to report to the three education board members about his impressions of Chen Ming and the morning''s events. Meanwhile, Chen Ming, with nothing else to do, decided to find a place to train.


    When he returned to the poison-affinity mimicry training field, he found the area outside the cave crowded with people. A chaotic mix of colorful hair and flashy decorations glinted under the sunlight, and the noisy chatter made it feel more like a bustling market than the entrance to a training ground.


    At the cave''s entrance, Niu Dali stood awkwardly, blocking the way of numerous noble scions trying to enter. Despite repeating his explanations over and over, many still attempted to force their way into the mimicry training field.


    Pushing, threats, and angry outbursts¡ªChen Ming witnessed firsthand the entitled nature of these Heaven Dou nobles.


    "For the last time, by the authority of the three education board members and Prince Xue Xing, only poison-affinity soul masters are permitted to enter. If anyone dares to force their way in, I''ll report this directly to Prince Xue Xing and let him settle the matter!"


    As he spoke, Niu Dali summoned his Black Mamba martial soul. His body expanded, and five soul rings¡ªone white, one yellow, and three purple¡ªappeared around him. The Soul King-level soul power he released sent many of the lesser nobles scurrying back.


    Still, some stubborn individuals, either overly confident in their abilities or emboldened by their powerful backgrounds, refused to retreat. While they didn''t dare storm the training field due to the mention of the education board and Prince Xue Xing, they resorted to petty attempts at coercion.


    "They don''t even bother with bribes? These idiots keep lowering my expectations¡­"


    Watching the scene unfold, Chen Ming sighed internally. He gained yet another insight into how the world of Douluo Dalu operated.


    He knew that entering the mimicry training field now would inevitably stir up trouble. But seeing the state of these nobles, Chen Ming realized this drama could drag on for months.


    Would he have to wait several months, leaving the mimicry training field untouched and wasting precious time that could be spent cultivating?


    Impossible. Absolutely impossible!


    Thinking of this, Chen Ming unceremoniously pushed through the crowd. Under the glares of the privileged young nobles, he walked straight up to Niu Dali.


    "Teacher Niu, I want to enter and train."


    "I already said... Oh, it''s you, Xiao Ming. You can go in." Niu Dali instinctively wanted to refuse, but upon realizing it was Chen Ming, he changed his tone. With a slight shift of his body, he made way for Chen Ming.


    "Why does he get to go in? What''s his background?"


    A noble youth, who looked as if he''d been utterly drained of energy, pointed at Chen Ming and angrily questioned Niu Dali.


    "Background? Let me tell you, no background will get you in! He''s a Poison Soul Master; you want to deny him the right to train?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Niu Dali snapped back irritably.


    After all, he was a teacher at Heaven Dou Academy, a Battle Soul King, and a baron of the Heaven Dou Empire. Just because he was mild-tempered and avoided trouble didn''t mean he was a pushover. Did these kids think they could just walk all over him like some spineless fool?


    "Poison Soul Master? Seriously...?"


    The oppressive aura of the Soul King nearly caused the noble youth to stumble. With the help of his companions, he managed to steady himself. While his face still showed defiance and anger, his voice softened noticeably when speaking to Niu Dali.


    Meanwhile, the more quick-witted noble youths shifted their attention to Chen Ming.


    "Hey, classmate, wait a moment. I''m the second son of the Baron Yun family. I have a favor to ask."


    "I''m the third son of the Viscount Li family. I..."


    "Ignore them; I''m the sole heir of the Earl Wang family. Listen to me first."


    A swarm of young nobles surrounded Chen Ming, many holding letters, parcels, flowers, and other gifts.


    Faced with this sudden wave of trouble, Chen Ming didn''t slow down; instead, he moved even faster. With a light tap of his toes, his figure transformed into a blur, moving at a speed surpassing that of most agility-type Grand Soul Masters. In the blink of an eye, he vanished into the depths of the cave, leaving the scheming young nobles at the entrance.


    By custom, a Soul Master entering the training grounds for the first time should be introduced and guided by the teacher in charge of the mimicry training area. However, due to the troublesome crowd outside, Niu Dali couldn''t leave them unattended, leaving Chen Ming to explore the mimicry training area on his own.


    He had to admit that the mimicry training grounds of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy were of an extremely high standard. While it lacked the rare and precious toxic soul beasts like the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the extensive use of toxic materials in the training area made up for this shortcoming.


    From Chen Ming''s perspective, the training grounds were at least 70-80% as effective as his family''s cave. Additionally, the safety level was far superior, eliminating the risk of falling into a deep meditative state by chance and ultimately dying from neglecting his soul power.


    As Chen Ming''s footsteps echoed, a figure hidden in the corner of the simulated environment slowly opened her eyes. Upon seeing Chen Ming, a look of displeasure filled her emerald-green pupils.


    PS: Dugu Yan is good but I never read a douluo fanfic with Meng Yiran adding in the harem. Btw, she''s the one who kissed Tang San''s cheek after losing a duel.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [29]

    "Another annoying pest has come in? What''s wrong with the people outside? When Grandpa gets back, I''m going to complain to him. These irritating mosquitoes are driving me crazy!"


    Dugu Yan opened her eyes and glared at Chen Ming''s distant figure, her expression filled with annoyance.


    When she first entered the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, she was genuinely happy. After all, she had grown up without any friends her age to play with. Other than her grandfather, the only companions she had were various venomous creatures.


    Even when she went out, she was always surrounded by a group of people telling her what she could or couldn''t do, which frustrated her to no end.


    She had thought that joining Heaven Dou Imperial Academy would mark the beginning of a better life. Instead, she found herself constantly surrounded by a swarm of schemers, buzzing around her like flies and full of self-importance.


    Dugu Yan felt nothing but disgust¡ªpure, unadulterated disgust.


    If she had known the academy would be like this, she thought she might as well have stayed quietly by her grandfather''s side.


    Were it not for the fact that her grandfather had recently gone off to train somewhere and was temporarily out of reach, she would have already complained to him.


    "Let''s teach him a lesson... Isn''t getting poisoned a normal thing around here?"


    Dugu Yan quietly released her martial soul, and two yellow soul rings appeared around her. Carefully suppressing her soul power and presence, she activated her first soul skill.


    "First Soul Skill: Jade-Scaled Red Poison!"


    Jade-Scaled Red Poison¡ªThe Poison of Excitement. When used positively, it could temporarily enhance physical abilities, boost energy, and increase alertness. However, in excess, it could cause hyperexcitement, hallucinations, spasms, and loss of control.


    Though Dugu Yan had recently left her grandfather''s protection and was annoyed, she still showed restraint. The dosage of red poison she used would only make someone uncomfortable for a while before dissipating on its own, leaving no lasting effects. This was far from the Dugu Yan in the original story, who would poison her enemies within an inch of their lives.


    Dugu Yan thought she had hidden herself well, but little did she know, that Chen Ming had noticed her the moment she activated her soul skill.


    Sensing the toxins merging with the air and drifting toward him, Chen Ming smirked and summoned his martial soul.


    A yellow and a purple soul ring materialized around him. As his soul power radiated outward, a vivid green toxic mist formed around him.


    He stood completely still, allowing the Jade-Scaled Red Poison to drift toward him. The green mist surrounding him, like a natural aura, easily neutralized the incoming poison.


    "Oops, poisoned the wrong person. So, you are a Poison Soul Master?"


    Seeing Chen Ming''s martial soul in action, Dugu Yan abandoned her pretense and leaped out of her hiding spot. She scrutinized Chen Ming with curious eyes, and when she noticed the purple second soul ring on him, her gaze sparkled with fascination.


    "Who are you? A newly enrolled Poison Soul Master? What''s your name? And why is your second soul ring purple?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though Dugu Yan was already fifteen, with a curvaceous, mature figure that paired perfectly with her Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul, giving her the appearance of an enchanting lady, her lack of interaction with outsiders left her as curious as a child. Her heart brimmed with wonder.


    "Before asking for someone else''s name, isn''t it polite to introduce yourself first?"


    Chen Ming swayed his scorpion tail slightly and countered Dugu Yan''s question with one of his own.


    "I''m Dugu Yan, 15 years old, martial soul Jade Phosphor Serpent, Level 29 Control System Soul Grandmaster. Now it''s your turn to introduce yourself."


    As a poison attribute specialist, Dugu Yan might be far from matching her grandfather Dugu Bo''s prowess, but her knowledge of poison-attribute soul beasts was solid.


    The moment she noticed the segments of Chen Ming''s scorpion tail swaying behind him, she immediately recognized that the soul master in front of her, who seemed a year or two younger, possessed a martial soul on par with her grandfather''s Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor: the Emerald Scorpion King.


    Fourteen tail segments¡ªjust one short of the true Scorpion Emperor. It was already at a level infinitely close to royalty, far surpassing her Jade Phosphor Serpent.


    "I''m Chen Ming, 11 years old, Level 23 Control System Soul Grandmaster, martial soul Emerald Scorpion King."


    "Eleven years old, Level 23, a thousand-second soul ring, and an Emerald Scorpion King martial soul?"


    Even with all her experiences on her grandfather''s side, which gave her confidence in her broad knowledge, Dugu Yan was still stunned by Chen Ming''s introduction.


    Dugu Yan prided herself on her talent and believed she had the potential to inherit her grandfather''s legacy, becoming the next generation of Poison Douluo and continuing the renown of the Jade Phosphor Serpent lineage. Yet, when facing Chen Ming, she couldn''t help but feel overshadowed.


    The toxin she had released earlier was merely a warning and posed no threat to a true poison-attribute soul master. However, as she felt the faint pressure emanating from his martial soul, Dugu Yan couldn''t suppress a flicker of excitement.


    "You''re also a poison-attribute soul master. How about we compare our poison techniques?"


    "Sorry, maybe another time," Chen Ming replied, giving Dugu Yan a once-over before pausing slightly when his gaze landed on her vibrant green hair and eyes.


    "My poison is too potent; most people can''t handle it. If something happens, it''ll be troublesome to deal with. The three board members have specifically instructed me not to use poison on my classmates in the academy."


    "Too potent? Told not to act lightly? The three board members said the same thing to me."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s explanation, Dugu Yan puffed out her chest with pride, though her curiosity about him only deepened.


    "Let''s compare here. No one will know. Besides, I''m curious about how my Jade Phosphor Serpent, which is part of the Jade Phosphor Five Poisons, matches up against your Emerald Scorpion. Don''t you want to see what the Jade Phosphor Serpent''s poison can do?"


    "What''s there to be curious about? When I awakened my martial soul, I played with snakes on the training grounds. Nothing happened."


    "You¡ª!" Dugu Yan felt a surge of frustration but couldn''t find the words to retort. She sat down angrily, pretending to train, but secretly scattered her poison along the path Chen Ming was walking.


    Noticing her childish tantrum-like behavior, Chen Ming chuckled and, still in his martial soul-possessed state, walked straight through the poisonous path she had set.


    Dugu Yan cracked her eyes open to peek, only to discover that her poison had no effect whatsoever.


    It wasn''t that Chen Ming was expending effort to neutralize the poison¡ªit hadn''t even penetrated the toxic soul power enveloping his body.


    Chen Ming walked forward with his soul power wrapping him entirely. Not even his clothes or the soles of his shoes showed the slightest trace of corrosion.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [30]

    Humiliation! Utter humiliation! Absolute disgrace!


    Poison-attribute soul masters naturally have a high resistance to toxins. However, unless the poison and soul power gap is vast, complete immunity to poison is rare. The kind of total disregard for toxins that Chen Ming displayed was something Dugu Yan had only ever witnessed in her grandfather, Dugu Bo.


    After walking through her poisonous mist, Chen Ming deliberately turned back and walked back and forth in front of Dugu Yan, as if mocking her. Only then did he continue moving forward.


    Seeing this, Dugu Yan abandoned any pretense of meditating. She leaped up from the ground, her legs transforming into a snake-like tail that swayed swiftly as she approached Chen Ming. Stretching out her hand, she tried to touch his body. But just as her fingers were about to make contact, Chen Ming''s tail swatted her hand away.


    "Are we that close? Getting all handsy? If you keep this up, I''m going to report you for harassment!"


    "You know what I mean!"


    Although flustered and irritated, Dugu Yan, still a proper young lady, hesitated at Chen Ming''s words and refrained from further touching. Instead, she circled around him, reaching out to probe the poisonous mist surrounding him.


    "How strange. The Emerald Scorpion doesn''t typically use poison mist to conceal itself or attack. But your mist is of such high quality¡­"


    "If this trait came from the soul ring absorbed from a soul beast¡­ but no, your martial soul is the Emerald Scorpion King. What kind of soul ring could have such a drastic effect on your martial soul? Your first soul ring is a hundred-year one, and the second is a thousand-year one. Could it be the second soul ring¡­?"


    "Still, that doesn''t seem right¡­"


    Dugu Yan looked utterly perplexed as if faced with an unsolvable math problem. No matter how hard she thought, the answers eluded her.


    Everything about Chen Ming seemed vaguely familiar, like something her grandfather had once taught her. But upon closer examination, it all felt utterly foreign.


    She began to question herself. After studying under her grandfather¡ªthe famous Poison Douluo¡ªfor so many years, had she learned nothing?


    Why couldn''t she understand anything about this two-ring Soul Grandmaster standing before her? Even her most prized toxins were rendered completely ineffective.


    Could it be that her grandfather had been comforting her all along, and her talent was mediocre? Was her intelligence lacking as well?


    "No way. Absolutely impossible!"


    Dugu Yan trailed behind Chen Ming like an obsessed fan, her eyes fixated on his every move. Occasionally, she bent down to examine the spots where he had walked, and at times, even leaned close to his poisonous mist to take deep breaths. Her actions bordered on bizarre, enough to make anyone want to call the authorities.


    Even Chen Ming, who initially intended to tease Dugu Yan to build rapport and eventually gain access to Dugu Bo''s treasured immortal herbs, found himself unnerved by her behavior.


    "Men and women shouldn''t touch so casually," Chen Ming remarked sternly, taking a few quick steps forward and turning to face her.


    "Hmph¡­" Realizing how odd her actions must have seemed, Dugu Yan''s face flushed slightly. She huffed, turned away from Chen Ming, and avoided his gaze, finding a spot to sit and meditate.


    Chen Ming shrugged, wandered the mimicry environment for a while, and finally settled on a suitable location to begin his cultivation. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The spot Dugu Yan chose wasn''t far from Chen Ming and was particularly advantageous for poison-attribute soul masters.


    Initially, Dugu Yan struggled to focus, her mind cluttered with emotions. After much effort, she managed to clear some of the noise from her thoughts and began to enter a meditative state. But just as she found her rhythm, she suddenly felt a strange, oppressive aura.


    The sense of oppression wasn''t particularly severe¡ªmore like the feeling of a tight sweater pressing against one''s chest in winter. However, it was enough to disrupt Dugu Yan''s rhythm, forcing her to stop her cultivation in irritation. She opened her eyes to glare at Chen Ming.


    As Chen Ming cultivated, his Emerald Scorpion King martial soul became active, exuding a natural pressure. Although it hadn''t yet reached a true sovereign level, the Emerald Scorpion King was inherently a powerful poison martial soul. It not only exerted dominance over ordinary scorpion-type soul beasts and soul masters but also imposed significant pressure on other poison-attribute soul masters.


    While Dugu Bo''s martial soul, the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, was indeed at its peak, it had only evolved to that level when he coincidentally broke through to the Title Douluo rank. Back when he fathered Dugu Yan''s parent, his martial soul was merely at the Serpent King level, far from the Serpent Emperor.


    Dugu Yan''s father had decent talent but a relatively low soul power level when Dugu Yan was born. His martial soul was only close to the Serpent King level. By the time it passed to Dugu Yan, her martial soul was simply a stronger Jade Phosphor Serpent, still below the Serpent King and far from the Serpent Emperor.


    Although Dugu Yan had grown accustomed to the aura of a superior due to being around Dugu Bo, Chen Ming was not Dugu Bo. His martial soul was fundamentally different from her grandfather''s Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, making it difficult for her to adapt to the unfamiliar pressure.


    She wanted to move further away but felt that doing so would make her seem afraid of Chen Ming. At the same time, she disliked the noisy distractions outside the cave. Frustrated and idle, she pulled out a notebook her grandfather had given her and began reading it in the dim light of the cavern.


    Opening the section describing the Jade Phosphor Five Poisons, particularly the Jade Phosphor Scorpion, Dugu Yan compared the descriptions to Chen Ming''s martial soul. She also flipped through illustrations of top-tier poison-attribute soul beasts, trying to deduce which beast Chen Ming had absorbed a soul ring from to gain such unique traits.


    However, her focus didn''t last long. She eventually gave up and decided to wait until her grandfather returned in a few days to ask him directly.


    Out of sheer stubbornness, Dugu Yan resumed cultivation despite the oppressive aura emanating from Chen Ming. Driven by both the pressure from his unconscious aura and her unwillingness to admit defeat, she entered a deeper and more effective meditative state than usual.


    As she delved further into meditation, Dugu Yan began to sense something unusual. The poison-attribute soul power in the cavern, typically indifferent to her presence, seemed to actively gravitate toward Chen Ming, forming a soul power vortex centered around him.


    To Dugu Yan''s knowledge, this was highly unusual. While high-level soul masters could create similar phenomena, it was generally due to an extremely fast absorption rate that caused soul power to converge around them.


    But Chen Ming''s absorption speed, though fast, wasn''t so exaggerated. Rather than him actively drawing in soul power, it felt as though the soul power itself sought him out, yearning to be absorbed.


    Within this soul power vortex around Chen Ming, even Dugu Yan''s cultivation speed increased by 10 to 20 percent¡ªan astonishing improvement. Not even cultivating beside her grandfather, Dugu Bo, had yielded such results.


    Unbeknownst to her, her body subconsciously leaned toward Chen Ming, instinctively pursuing more of the soul power being drawn in. However, because the distance between them was still significant, this shift wasn''t immediately noticeable.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [31]

    After cultivating for a few hours, it was about time for lunch. Dugu Yan opened her eyes from meditation and glanced at Chen Ming, her gaze carrying a hint of complexity.


    Although this mimicry meditation was somewhat exhausting, Dugu Yan could feel her meditation speed improving significantly. However, seeing Chen Ming so immersed in his training, she didn''t want to interrupt him. Instead, she rubbed her stomach and headed toward the cave entrance.


    It didn''t take long before Dugu Yan, initially on her way to the dining hall, returned at an even faster speed, her face full of annoyance.


    A group of riffraff had stationed themselves firmly at the entrance of the training grounds. Though they couldn''t come in, they blocked the doorway completely. The moment they saw her, they began fawning over her¡ªsome singing, some holding bouquets, and even some unidentifiable individuals with ambiguous behavior.


    To Dugu Yan, this was more disgusting than a thousand cockroaches.


    "Were they always this nauseating?" Just thinking about it made her stomach churn, so she decided not to dwell on the matter. She returned to her original spot, sat down, and prepared to take a short nap with her eyes closed.


    A few minutes later, Chen Ming awoke from his meditation and stretched his limbs, and the sounds of his movements roused Dugu Yan from her half-sleep.


    Under her watchful gaze, Chen Ming took a folding table out of his soul storage and placed it on the ground. He then retrieved the food he had prepared and began eating.


    The food Chen Ming had prepared included some simple pastries, fruits, and a specially formulated nutritional meal.


    It was a jerky-like substance, its unique medicinal aroma so pungent that even Dugu Yan couldn''t help but twitch her nose. Even though Chen Ming was used to consuming bizarre culinary creations, he ate it cautiously¡ªone bite of jerky followed by a sip of juice, then some fruit or pastries to neutralize the taste.


    Skipping a meal wouldn''t have been a big deal, but Dugu Yan, pampered by her grandfather Dugu Bo, was used to luxurious meals. Her daily diet included a variety of fruits, pastries, and delicacies.


    Initially, she didn''t feel the urge to eat, but seeing Chen Ming eating stirred her appetite.


    Noticing Dugu Yan''s gaze, Chen Ming paused, casually wiped his hands on his uniform, and took out an extra set of bowls, chopsticks, and jerky from his storage soul device. Placing them nearby, he gestured toward her.


    "If you''re hungry, come over and have some. It''s just simple food¡ªnot much, but enough to fill your stomach."


    "Alright." If Chen Ming had insistently begged her to eat, Dugu Yan would have flatly refused. But his nonchalant attitude piqued her interest.


    She sat down by the folding table, picked up a piece of jerky, sniffed it cautiously, and then put it in her mouth. The pungent medicinal taste made her frown tightly, her originally pretty face twisting into a comically exaggerated expression.


    Judging from Chen Ming''s demeanor, she had expected the jerky to taste bad, but she hadn''t imagined it would be this awful. It was far worse than the medicinal meals she was used to.


    If this had been in front of her grandfather, Dugu Yan would have pouted and refused to eat. But in front of a peer¡ªa soul master of similar age who, in her opinion, was her equal in all respects¡ªher pride wouldn''t allow her to back down.


    She poured herself a cup of juice from a nearby jug, rinsed her mouth, and ate a few honey pastries. Her expression gradually returned to normal. Looking at the piece of jerky she had only taken one bite of, she found herself strangely curious.


    She extended her finger, carefully tearing off a small piece and cautiously placing it in her mouth. Suppressing the odd sensation brought by the medicinal taste, she began analyzing the jerky''s ingredients using her knowledge.


    "Meat of the Jade Phosphor Serpent, Vinebone Flower, Hundred-Jie Grass, Scarlet Blood Lotus¡­ and this bitterness¡ªit must be Blue Silver Grass? But why does the main ingredient feel so strange, like I''ve never encountered it before? Yet somehow, it feels vaguely familiar."


    Dugu Yan sensed that the flavor seemed to stimulate her martial soul, even if just slightly. It felt as though her martial soul was becoming more active because of it.


    "Just eat it. Don''t bother asking questions. This is top-tier stuff, something you wouldn''t have tasted even as the granddaughter of a Title Douluo. If it weren''t for how pampered I am at home, I wouldn''t be able to get my hands on it either. These materials are unparalleled across the entire continent."


    Chen Ming wasn''t exaggerating. Even though Dugu Yan was the granddaughter of Dugu Bo, who had the treasured Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, she still couldn''t have possibly encountered the jerky''s primary ingredient.


    And what was the most important ingredient in this jerky?


    The answer: the sap of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    As Chen Ming had suspected in the past, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was a type of immortal herb. However, it was a herb that most people couldn''t consume safely. Consuming it required extreme care, or it could result in death.


    After Chen Ming absorbed the soul ring of the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes and gained a deeper understanding of its toxicity, his family developed a method to utilize its sap to create auxiliary medicinal materials.


    Even though the sap came from a flower that hadn''t become a soul beast, it was still an extraordinary tonic for poison-type soul masters. Regular consumption not only enhanced soul power but also strengthened one''s martial soul.


    If there was a drawback to the medicinal jerky made from Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes sap, it was the taste¡ªit was incredibly unpalatable. Even with over a dozen spices, the unique flavor couldn''t be masked.


    Just eating a small piece, while offering no immediate benefits, could temporarily activate one''s martial soul and boost cultivation speed thanks to the flower''s inherent properties.


    Dugu Yan wanted to ask about the jerky''s primary ingredient, but since this was only their first meeting and they weren''t close yet, she suppressed her curiosity and began eating the jerky in small bites.


    Chen Ming''s soul storage contained five or six bottles of juice, each holding two liters. On a regular day, half a bottle was enough for one meal. But during this meal, Dugu Yan alone drank two full bottles of juice. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After eating and drinking her fill, Dugu Yan leaned against the stone wall. The comfort radiating from her martial soul made her squint contentedly as she rubbed her now full belly.


    She was about to say something to express her thoughts when she suddenly remembered she wasn''t with her grandfather but rather in front of an unfamiliar male. The realization hit her hard, and she instantly felt uncomfortable.


    Although Chen Ming wasn''t even looking in her direction, Dugu Yan couldn''t shake the feeling of being scrutinized. She became so self-conscious that she didn''t know where to place her hands.


    After deliberating for a moment, she sat up, thanked Chen Ming politely, and hurriedly left the training grounds. Her sudden departure left Chen Ming, who had just finished his meal and was about to enjoy some tea, completely baffled. He had no idea what Dugu Yan was thinking.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [32]

    Since Dugu Yan was the main reason behind the day''s events, by the time Chen Ming left the mimicry training grounds in the evening, the group of scheming noble scions outside had already disappeared.


    Niu Dali was lying on the grass, chewing on a piece of Blue Silver Grass, staring blankly at the sky. Hearing Chen Ming''s approaching footsteps, he didn''t speak, merely waved his hand lazily.


    Seeing this exhausted demeanor, Chen Ming quickly understood why Niu Dali had looked so frustrated earlier in the day when he and Qin Ming had arrived.


    After all, being harassed daily by a bunch of troublemakers would wear anyone down. Add to that having precious downtime interrupted by others, and anyone would lose their temper.


    Chen Ming waved goodbye to Niu Dali and followed the path Qin Ming had pointed out, heading to the cafeteria. There, he bought some food to store in his soul storage. Just as he was about to leave, he paused, thought for a moment, and went back to buy some fried chicken and watermelon.


    When Chen Ming returned to the entrance of the mimicry training grounds, Niu Dali was still lying on the grass. But as soon as Chen Ming took out the fried chicken and watermelon from his soul storage, Niu Dali immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up as if he''d caught the scent of a rare delicacy. He sat up straight, staring intently at Chen Ming.


    "Teacher Niu, I know it''s hard work. As a new student, I''ll likely need your help in the future. This is just a small token of my appreciation."


    "Well, I won''t say no to this!" Niu Dali didn''t hesitate. He stood up, took the fried chicken and watermelon, and patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    After a brief exchange, Chen Ming left Niu Dali to enjoy his meal and headed back to his courtyard.


    As he was approaching his courtyard, Chen Ming noticed a group of people waiting for him outside.


    Qin Ming had mentioned that no one had lived in this courtyard before, and Chen Ming was its only resident. If any new students were to move in, he would be informed in advance.


    These people weren''t his roommates or anything similar.


    Although it was already late, Chen Ming channeled his soul power to enhance his vision. Upon closer inspection, he recognized a few faces from the group that he had seen earlier in the day.


    It didn''t take much thought to figure out their intentions¡ªthey were here to use him as a bridge to get to Dugu Yan.


    As Chen Ming observed them, a few students who looked like lackeys noticed him as well. They immediately began shouting and gesturing toward him, causing the group to swarm toward Chen Ming like a black cloud.


    Chen Ming, however, didn''t flinch. Ignoring the commotion, he walked straight ahead without sparing them a glance.


    "Junior, hello! I''m from the Yun family¡­"


    "I''m from the Zhang family¡­"


    "And I''m from the Tang family¡­"


    The crowd was as chaotic as it was useless. Though they had gathered outside Chen Ming''s courtyard, it was clear they weren''t united. Each person tried to push others aside, eager to introduce themselves while preventing anyone else from speaking. The result was a noisy mess, with no one managing to complete a single sentence.


    "Please step aside. I need to return to my room and train. Whatever it is, we can talk about it later."


    Chen Ming couldn''t be bothered to deal with the rabble. Channeling a hint of soul power, he moved forward like an unyielding tower, effortlessly parting the noble scions blocking his way. Without looking back, he left them with a single sentence and walked straight into his courtyard.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s arrogant demeanor, a few self-proclaimed noble individuals couldn''t hold back and started cursing at him.


    "Who do you think you are? A little noble from the borderlands trying to act wild in Heaven Dou City? How dare you ignore me? Do you know who I am? I am¡ª" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slap, slap¡ª


    Chen Ming didn''t hesitate. For someone who wouldn''t speak reasonably, he stopped in his tracks and delivered two solid slaps. The blows left the speaker dizzy and wobbling on his feet.


    "In the world of soul masters, strength reigns supreme. I''m a Grand Soul Master. If any of you can beat me in the arena, then you''re welcome to make demands of me. Otherwise, stop buzzing like flies in front of me. Wouldn''t your time be better spent training?"


    "You dare hit me¡ª"


    Slap, slap, slap¡ª


    For those asking for trouble, Chen Ming had no patience. He turned and delivered three more slaps, knocking the offender to the ground.


    The other noble scions, who had been noisily chattering among themselves, froze at the sight of their companion sprawled unconscious. They hadn''t expected Chen Ming to act so decisively and ruthlessly.


    A few hot-headed individuals instinctively opened their mouths to speak but were quickly silenced by others pulling them back.


    "I came to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to learn," Chen Ming said calmly. "Whatever nonsense you all are involved in, leave me out of it. If any of you Grand Soul Masters can defeat me, I''ll do whatever you ask. Otherwise, stop wasting my time."


    Casually brushing aside a few individuals blocking his path, Chen Ming used his key to unlock his courtyard door. Without a second thought, he shut the gate, leaving the confused group of nobles standing outside.


    At this point, one of the braver individuals, finally coming to his senses, shouted at Chen Ming through the wooden door.


    "Hey! You said you wanted a fight, so why don''t you come out and face us in the arena? Running back home¡ªwhat kind of hero are you? Afraid to back up your words?"


    "Go to the Academy Board Members and sign a life-and-death waiver. Get approval for me to use poison in the academy. Once the Board Members agree, I''ll fight all of you in the arena at once. Killing a few people doesn''t bother me."


    Chen Ming''s voice came from behind the door. It wasn''t particularly cold, yet it sent a chill down the spines of those who had been eager to challenge him.


    Since Chen Ming had only just enrolled, the group didn''t know much about him. They only knew he was a Grand Soul Master from a minor noble family. Beyond that, they hadn''t had time to dig up any more information. Chen Ming''s words left them unsure if he was overconfident or genuinely capable.


    The nobles exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond. Used to resolving disputes within the norms of aristocratic etiquette, they found themselves completely unprepared for Chen Ming''s blunt and almost barbaric approach.


    After lingering at the door for a while, the group eventually dispersed, deciding to gather more information about Chen Ming. A few more stubborn individuals, confident in their abilities, began plotting ways to defeat him in hopes of forcing him to assist in their pursuit of Dugu Yan.


    But none of this concerned Chen Ming. Back in his house, he drew water from the backyard well and used the kitchen to prepare medicinal herbs he had brought from home. In his meditation room, he filled a wooden tub with the medicinal concoction and began his therapeutic bath, focusing on his cultivation.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [33]

    In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.


    Since the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was still in its enrollment period and hadn''t officially begun classes, Chen Ming spent most of these three days immersed in the academy''s mimicry cultivation grounds, honing his soul power. Occasionally, he would wander around the academy, exploring various facilities and venues.


    Whether it was due to Chen Ming''s earlier words or because the academy''s board members and higher-ups couldn''t tolerate such chaos any longer, the noble students who had originally crowded around the entrance of the mimicry cultivation grounds had stopped blocking the cave''s entrance. Nobody came to ask Chen Ming for help in pursuing Dugu Yan, either.


    From what Chen Ming observed during his cultivation sessions, Dugu Yan had developed the habit of bringing food directly into the mimicry environment to eat. Occasionally, while eating, her emotions would flare up unpredictably.


    Chen Ming speculated that this was likely because the group of people outside hadn''t given up yet, and whenever Dugu Yan appeared in places like the cafeteria, she would be pestered to no end.


    On this particular day, Chen Ming was, as usual, cultivating in the mimicry cultivation grounds. Thanks to the restoration of his innate soul power deficiency and the further evolution of his martial soul, Chen Ming''s soul power accumulation had become incredibly fast. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though he had only recently reached level 23 by absorbing a thousand-year soul ring and external soul bone, after this period of cultivation, Chen Ming felt as though he was about to break through again. As a result, he had been putting even more effort into cultivating his soul power over the past few days.


    Outside the mimicry cultivation grounds, it had been raining continuously. Although the conditions inside remained the same as usual, Chen Ming could distinctly feel the rising yin energy in the world around him during his cultivation.


    For Chen Ming, this was nothing more than a common weather change and didn''t affect his cultivation, so he didn''t pay it much attention and continued his usual training.


    However, for someone else in the cave, the weather was far from friendly.


    While Chen Ming was cultivating as usual, Dugu Yan, not far away, suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. It was as if she had been struck by a heavy blow, forcibly pulled out of her cultivation state. Her body went rigid as she collapsed onto the ground, her aura weakening. Sweat broke out across her skin, and her body involuntarily convulsed.


    "Ugh¡­"


    Curled up on the ground, Dugu Yan felt a stabbing pain all over her body. Her soul power surged uncontrollably within her, causing chaos in her meridians and tearing pain. Her internal energy churned violently, her limbs felt as cold as if they had plunged into an icy abyss, while her chest and abdomen burned as though engulfed in flames.


    "If I''d known this would happen, I wouldn''t have forced myself to break through to level 30¡­"


    Dugu Yan''s body convulsed as she lay on the ground, wracked by spasms. Tears and snot streamed down her face in pain, soaking her cheeks and the ground. Her heart was filled with regret.


    Recently, sensing she was on the verge of reaching level 30, Dugu Yan had focused on cultivating her soul power. Despite the recurring pain her body endured during this type of weather, she had wanted to surprise her grandfather upon his return and distance herself from those irritating pests. So, she pushed herself to cultivate diligently.


    However, just as she was about to break through today, her body''s pain intensified. At the critical moment, her soul power spiraled out of control, rampaging through her meridians. Not only did her pain increase exponentially, but her meridians and internal organs also suffered damage, plunging her into excruciating agony.


    Dugu Yan''s body thrashed uncontrollably on the ground, making loud thudding noises that startled Chen Ming out of his cultivation.


    Seeing Dugu Yan rolling and convulsing wildly on the ground like she had lost her mind, Chen Ming was momentarily stunned. Then, it dawned on him¡ªDugu Yan''s toxins were flaring up inside her.


    Although he had no idea how Dugu Yan had managed to push herself to such a dire state, after a brief moment of thought, Chen Ming decided to intervene.


    Originally, he had planned to get closer to her over time and use her poison problem as an excuse to gain access to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and the precious immortal herbs within. But faced with this sudden emergency, Chen Ming figured that if he stood by and did nothing, Dugu Bo would likely end his life the moment he returned.


    He calmed the soul power within himself, stood up, and leaped in front of Dugu Yan. Pinning her writhing body to the ground, he began carefully channeling his soul power into her body.


    Ordinarily, a poison-element soul master''s soul power would carry potent toxins. However, thanks to the passive traits of his Poison Cloud Technique and years of developing his unique abilities, Chen Ming had mastered the ability to purify and refine his soul power when needed, removing any trace of poison.


    As he probed her condition with his soul power, Chen Ming couldn''t help but be shocked at what he discovered.


    A soul master''s failure to break through and the resulting backlash was already no small matter. For Dugu Yan, the backlash had also triggered a violent reaction from the toxins in her body, compounding her injuries. Her condition was nothing short of catastrophic.


    Her blood energy was in turmoil, her soul power was wildly out of balance, her internal organs were damaged, and her meridians were severely injured. Apart from her skin and flesh appearing fine, the rest of her body was in utter disarray.


    To stabilize her condition, Chen Ming decided to first calm the chaotic soul power within her. However, due to the immense pain she was experiencing, Dugu Yan was unable to think clearly or cooperate. Even as Chen Ming pinned her down, she struggled desperately, making it impossible to guide her soul power with precision.


    Chen Ming didn''t hesitate. He immediately summoned his martial soul and gently pricked Dugu Yan with his tail, injecting her with a paralyzing toxin.


    While Dugu Yan had a strong resistance to poison, Chen Ming''s paralytic venom was an intricate blend derived from dozens of soul beasts. Its potency was exceptional. Even though her resistance reduced its effectiveness, the remaining toxin quickly took hold.


    Dugu Yan felt a slight tingling sensation before her body rapidly became unresponsive.


    Although her physical condition hadn''t improved, the paralyzing effect alleviated much of her pain, allowing her to regain some clarity of thought. Gradually, her mind became more composed.


    But as she realized Chen Ming was pinning her to the ground, a flicker of resistance and unease instinctively surfaced in her eyes.


    "What the hell are you thinking about at a time like this? Stop letting your mind wander! Focus and regulate your breathing¡ªI''m helping you stabilize your soul power! Don''t waste time and end up crippling yourself!"


    Noticing the look in her eyes, Chen Ming snapped irritably.


    It was true that Dugu Yan had an excellent figure, and the way she was pinned down with a struggling gaze could be considered enticing. But Chen Ming wasn''t so shameless as to entertain those kinds of thoughts during such a critical moment.


    PS: The first Heroine.


    PS2: Thanks for the stones and collections guys :)

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [34]

    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Yan, who was experiencing such close contact with someone of the opposite sex for the first time, suddenly remembered the dire state she was in.


    Under the pressure of life and death, she instantly erased inappropriate thoughts from her mind and began cooperating with Chen Ming''s actions.


    Chen Ming''s soul power was just shy of level 24, whereas Dugu Yan was close to level 30. The disparity in levels was already significant. Since the battlefield was Dugu Yan''s body and meridians, the soul power Chen Ming could inject into her body was far inferior to her turbulent soul power.


    Carefully, Chen Ming used his soul power to guide and slow the chaotic currents of Dugu Yan''s soul power, attempting to consolidate them into more orderly streams. However, the results were far from ideal.


    Deep within Dugu Yan''s body was a poison ingrained in her very bones. Usually dormant, it only flared up when yin energy became too abundant. Today, not only was the yin energy unusually intense, but Dugu Yan''s soul power was also in complete disarray, fully activating the poison in her marrow. It flowed freely through her body alongside her chaotic soul power.


    Even under normal circumstances, Dugu Yan wouldn''t have any effective way to deal with this venomous mixture of soul power and toxins, let alone now, while she was severely injured.


    Realizing that conventional methods weren''t yielding good results, Chen Ming gritted his teeth and decided to try something unconventional.


    He closed his eyes and focused, awakening his innate spiritual sensitivity.


    Chen Ming''s spiritual power merged with his soul power, creating a unique, profound force. As this enhanced soul power flowed through Dugu Yan''s body, it acted like a tiger among sheep. Wherever it collided with her chaotic soul power, Chen Ming suppressed it using his spiritual power, temporarily fusing the two and forcibly directing it to flow as he desired.


    Unknowingly, Dugu Yan''s martial soul had quietly manifested, resonating faintly with Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion King martial soul. This resonance deepened the connection between the two, making Dugu Yan''s previously chaotic soul power more receptive to Chen Ming''s control and naturally more cooperative.


    During the first circulation of her soul power through her meridians, Chen Ming had to painstakingly guide it. By the second circulation, Dugu Yan''s soul power began flowing naturally in sync with his. By the third, her soul power had completely submitted and integrated with his, such that Chen Ming could control it with just a thought.


    As her soul power slowly returned to her dantian, the main issues in Dugu Yan''s body were finally resolved. Chen Ming opened his eyes, pushed Dugu Yan¡ªwhom he had been holding down¡ªto the side, and collapsed against the stone wall, gasping heavily for air.


    Chen Ming''s soul power had not diminished in the slightest. Thanks to accidentally siphoning a small portion of Dugu Yan''s soul power during the process, his soul power had unknowingly broken through to level 24. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, his mental exhaustion was severe. He felt as though he had just stayed awake for three straight days and nights, utterly drained.


    Combining soul power and spiritual power was already a high-level technique for soul masters and placed a significant burden on him. Moreover, Chen Ming hadn''t just merged and controlled his power; he had also used it to guide and stabilize Dugu Yan''s soul power, exponentially increasing the strain.


    To prevent himself from passing out, Chen Ming forced himself to fight off the mental fatigue and pulled out a piece of Green Phosphor Snake jerky from his storage soul tool. He took a big, fierce bite.


    As the pungent medicinal smell hit his senses, Chen Ming instantly felt more awake, though his face twisted into an expression of utter discomfort.


    Looking at Dugu Yan lying on the ground, her eyes vacant and her whole demeanor resembling someone utterly worn out, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel a bit annoyed. Tearing off a piece of the jerky, he shoved it into her mouth.


    The moment the jerky touched her tongue, Dugu Yan''s body convulsed involuntarily, her eyes rolling back as if she was about to faint again. Instead of recovering, she seemed to be in an even worse state.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming was nearly scared to death. He quickly gathered his focus and used his soul power to sense Dugu Yan''s condition. To his relief, he realized her situation hadn''t deteriorated¡ªshe had merely been overwhelmed by the horrifying taste of the jerky.


    To prevent further mishaps, Chen Ming hurriedly pulled out a pill from his storage soul tool, one his family had prepared for treating internal injuries, and forced it into Dugu Yan''s mouth. As the medicinal energy spread through her body, Dugu Yan finally regained her ability to think.


    Looking at Chen Ming, drenched in sweat and exhausted, Dugu Yan realized he had saved her. Her heart was filled with gratitude, along with a faint, indescribable emotion.


    She tried to sit up but discovered that her body was completely paralyzed, and she had lost all control over her soul power. Her face turned pale, and she almost fainted again.


    "Your body is fine. I just paralyzed you a bit earlier to keep things under control," Chen Ming said, placing a hand over Dugu Yan''s dantian as his carefully regulated soul power flowed into her body.


    As the energy entered her, Dugu Yan finally regained some sensation in her body, and her mouth also regained partial functionality.


    "Thank you. If it weren''t for you, I would probably have died here," she said weakly.


    "You should be grateful," Chen Ming sighed, propping her up and leaning her against the nearby stone wall.


    "If I hadn''t saved you, we''re the only two people in this mimicry training area. Even though you got yourself into this mess, to everyone else, I''d look like the one who harmed you."


    "How many heads do I have? How many heads do my family members have? Do you think we could survive the wrath of a titled Douluo?"


    "You nearly went berserk. Do you think the only life you almost lost was your own? No¡ªyou almost dragged me and my entire family down with you!"


    Hearing his words, Dugu Yan turned her head away in embarrassment.


    She knew deep down that even if she died, her grandfather, Dugu Bo, would likely be able to figure out how she had died. But she also knew that if she did die, her grandfather would likely lose his mind and take out his anger on everyone around him.


    "Let''s rest for a bit. Afterward, I''ll take you to find a healing teacher for proper treatment," Chen Ming said. "I''ve already calmed your soul power and temporarily suppressed that strange toxin in your body. Now it''s just the damage to your meridians and internal organs from the soul power turbulence that needs proper attention. Judging by the resources of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, it should take three to five days, maybe a week at most, for a full recovery."


    With that, Chen Ming pulled out a cup of juice and gulped it down. Hearing the sound of him drinking, Dugu Yan, who had been about to close her eyes, suddenly froze.


    At this moment, she was pondering a very serious, even life-defining question that could determine her social standing and future reputation.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [35]

    It''s common knowledge that when a person experiences extreme pain or intense stimulation, their body might instinctively lose control, resulting in incontinence.


    Considering the immense pain and stimulation Dugu Yan just endured, the question was: what state was she in now?


    Although Chen Ming had neutralized the paralyzing toxin, its effects hadn''t fully worn off yet. Combined with the residual pain coursing through her body, Dugu Yan couldn''t feel her current physical state.


    As a soul master who had no understanding of physics, Dugu Yan suddenly found herself grappling with the concept of quantum superposition¡ªsimultaneously dreading and suspecting the worst but unable to confirm it.


    She wanted to ask Chen Ming but was too embarrassed to speak. She tried to ignore the thought but couldn''t muster enough indifference.


    After a few minutes of silence, Chen Ming stood up, stretched out his arms, and prepared to carry Dugu Yan to the academy''s medical staff.


    Just as he was about to pick her up, Dugu Yan finally shut her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment, and spoke softly.


    "Um¡­ can you wait a moment¡­ just for a bit?"


    "Huh? Wait for what?" Chen Ming asked, crouching back down and looking at her with confusion.


    Feeling the warmth of his breath and the proximity of a boy her age, Dugu Yan felt her face burning even more. But to avoid becoming the center of gossip at the academy, she gritted her teeth and forced herself to speak.


    "I think¡­ my personal hygiene¡­ might need a bit of attention¡­"


    "Are you seriously worrying about your appearance at a time like this? Do you not care about your life?" Chen Ming replied, assuming Dugu Yan was concerned about her messy, tear-streaked face and disheveled hair. His tone carried a hint of frustration.


    Hearing this, Dugu Yan gave up resisting, her voice trembling as she was on the verge of tears.


    "I think¡­ I might have¡­ soiled myself¡­"


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    Chen Ming stiffened, lowering his gaze to Dugu Yan''s skirt, which now showed a damp spot. His eyes then shifted to his pants, noticing a faintly wet patch. For a moment, he was completely speechless.


    After a long pause, Chen Ming let out a sigh, giving up on trying to make sense of the situation. He pulled out a blanket from his storage soul tool¡ªa blanket originally meant for outdoor emergencies¡ªand prepared to wrap Dugu Yan up.


    However, just as he was about to move, Dugu Yan hurriedly spoke again.


    "Can you¡­ help me clean up? I have spare clothes¡­ and fresh water in my storage soul tool¡­" By the time she finished speaking, her voice was so faint that if Chen Ming''s senses weren''t sharp, he might not have heard her at all.


    "Are you serious?"


    Looking at Dugu Yan''s resigned expression, Chen Ming glanced at the blanket in his hands, his movements stiff and hesitant.


    "Yes¡­"


    "In front of you, I''ve already¡­ been exposed. If anyone else or one of the teachers sees me like this, I really¡­ I won''t survive it¡­"


    "¡­"


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m sure¡­"


    "Will you promise not to give me trouble in the future?"


    "¡­ I won''t."


    "What if I just wrap you in more layers of blankets? No one will notice. Or I could go find Teacher Niu and have them bring a healing teacher over instead?"


    "No¡­ just¡­ help me."


    At that, Dugu Yan shut her eyes, refusing to say another word, though her face was now so red it looked like it might burst into flames.


    With no other choice, Chen Ming carefully carried Dugu Yan to a corner, took out clean clothes and fresh water from her storage soul tool, and awkwardly cleaned her up.


    As it turns out, even beautiful girls use the bathroom, and what they leave behind¡­ well, it''s just as unpleasant as anyone else''s.


    Chen Ming never imagined that in his life, he''d end up in a situation where he had to clean someone like this.


    If it were a child of his or an elderly family member, he could accept it. But this¡­ what exactly was this supposed to be?


    After dressing the completely limp and compliant Dugu Yan like a life-sized doll, Chen Ming glanced down at his now-damp clothes. After a moment of silence, he stepped aside and quickly changed into a fresh outfit.


    Carrying the feigning dead Dugu Yan in his arms, Chen Ming headed toward the cave entrance.


    Outside, the rain had cleared, leaving a rainbow stretching across the edge of the sky. Niu Dali was sitting on a bench, basking in the sunlight, enjoying the post-rain scenery while munching on some watermelon.


    When he saw Chen Ming emerge from the cave, carrying a red-faced, motionless Dugu Yan, Niu Dali was so shocked that he accidentally ate the watermelon rind he was about to toss aside. His hand, reaching for a piece of fried chicken, instead grabbed a chicken bone, which he mechanically shoved into his nose in his daze.


    "What¡­ what''s going on here?"


    "Teacher Niu, don''t ask. Just pretend nothing happened today, okay?"


    "But I¡­ this¡­" Niu Dali started to rise, intending to check on the situation, but Dugu Yan, whose face had been buried against Chen Ming''s chest, suddenly turned her head and shot him a death glare.


    At that, Niu Dali froze in place. He slowly sat back down, picked up the watermelon rind he had just eaten, and began gnawing on it again like a machine.


    "I didn''t see anything¡­ I didn''t hear anything¡­"


    Chen Ming sighed, shaking his head. Ignoring Niu Dali''s bizarre behavior, he carried Dugu Yan and hurried off in the direction of the medical office.


    Once Chen Ming''s figure disappeared from view, Niu Dali finally removed the chicken bone lodged in his nostril. Lowering his head, he stared at the grass beneath his feet, utterly stunned.


    "They¡­ they changed clothes, didn''t they? A man and a woman, alone in that cave¡­ changing clothes. And now the girl can''t even stand and has to be carried¡­"


    "Oh my God! Am I going to be silenced by a titled Douluo for this?!"


    The thought sent shivers down Niu Dali''s spine. He immediately leaped to his feet, knocking over his fried chicken and watermelon without a second thought.


    To ensure his survival, his mind began spinning like a helicopter blade. Before long, he came up with a desperate plan.


    "The more people who know about this, the safer I''ll be. I need to spread this around subtly and make it seem reasonable¡­"


    "If I report this directly to the three board members, they might silence me. I''d better find someone whose soul power level is about the same as mine, someone who can''t take me out too easily even if they try¡­"


    With this thought, Qin Ming''s face immediately came to mind. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without wasting another moment, Niu Dali abandoned his post at the mimicry training field and sprinted off at full speed. Despite being a power-type soul master, the burst of speed he unleashed far surpassed that of most agility-type soul kings.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [36]

    Chen Ming held Dugu Yan in his arms and quickly ran in the direction of the medical room. To avoid aggravating Dugu Yan''s condition, he chose routes with fewer people as much as possible without wasting time. However, fewer people didn''t mean no one at all.


    On the way, Chen Ming saw a young man wearing the uniform of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect talking to two youths in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy uniforms by the roadside. He also encountered a group of drunken noble offspring staggering about and a few individuals who seemed to be academy staff.


    Among them was an elderly man with a head full of white hair. It was unclear if he was responsible for discipline or something similar, but when he saw Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan, he immediately stretched out a hand in an attempt to stop him. Chen Ming, however, deftly evaded him and left him behind.


    To be fair, Chen Ming didn''t think he had outrun the man purely because of his speed. While he was physically fit, carrying Dugu Yan limited him to the speed of an average agility-type Soul Grand Master. Even an older senior Soul Elder or an average Soul King wouldn''t have much trouble catching up with him.


    The real reason he wasn''t pursued was likely that the old man didn''t genuinely want to chase him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Surely, it couldn''t be because, at his age, he didn''t even have the cultivation of a Soul Elder, right?


    In Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, such a thing was almost impossible.


    After running for a while, Chen Ming finally reached the general area of the medical room, guided by his memory of the map.


    However, what Heaven Dou Imperial Academy referred to as the medical room wasn''t just a simple room. While it appeared as a small dot on the map, in reality, it was a large complex of wooden corridor-style buildings.


    The area around the buildings was filled with various medicinal herbs, leaving paths wide enough for three or four people to walk side by side. Butterflies fluttered among the flower beds, and rare and exotic flowers bloomed in abundance.


    Rather than a typical school infirmary, this area seemed more like a healing garden designed for Healing Soul Masters to practice mimicry cultivation and conduct daily classes.


    Reaching this point, Chen Ming felt lost.


    He had only been enrolled for a few days and hadn''t fully familiarized himself with the layout of the academy. While he knew this was the medical area, he had no idea where to find the medical staff or who was in charge.


    With no other choice, Chen Ming gently pinched Dugu Yan''s waist. She raised her head and gave him a reproachful glare.


    "Hey, what are you doing?"


    The paralysis toxin had slowly begun to wear off during the journey, and Dugu Yan was starting to feel the pain in her body. To prevent the jolts of pain from worsening, she had clung tightly to Chen Ming, wrapping herself around him like a koala.


    She had just started to adapt to the pain, thinking she''d soon receive treatment. But Chen Ming''s sudden pinch made the pain so sharp that she nearly bared her teeth.


    "I''ve never been here before. I don''t know where the medical staff are. Do you?"


    "I¡­ I don''t know either," Dugu Yan replied with a confused expression.


    Whenever she needed something at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the teachers would come to her. While she had met some of the staff in charge of medical treatments, she had never cared enough to find out where they usually were.


    Although she had been enrolled a few days earlier than Chen Ming, the moment she entered the academy, she was surrounded by swarms of admirers. She didn''t have the time or inclination to wander around the campus.


    In terms of campus familiarity, Chen Ming, who had at least explored the academy during his free time, probably knew more than she did.


    Moreover, whenever Dugu Yan couldn''t find her way, she would simply ask someone for directions. Whenever she did, people were more than eager to escort her all the way, sometimes to the point of being impossible to shake off. Why would she ever need to remember the routes herself?


    "How about we follow the small path and head toward the Mimicry Training Grounds? Don''t those places usually have a teacher assigned to oversee them? If the teacher isn''t a healing-type Soul Master, we can at least ask for directions," Dugu Yan suggested.


    "That makes sense," Chen Ming nodded, carrying Dugu Yan as they headed further down the path.


    Dugu Yan''s condition, while not severe, was far from light. Without a healing-type Soul Master, she would need about a week of consuming medicinal soups just to get back on her feet and around two weeks before she could use her soul power again. Fully recovering would take at least three to five months of rest.


    Though her injuries weren''t minor, they wouldn''t worsen, nor were they life-threatening. Therefore, there was no need for panicked shouting or drawing unnecessary attention.


    If they could find a healing-type Soul Master, her recovery would be significantly faster. A healing-type Soul Master at the level of a Soul King could likely restore her to the point of using her soul power with just their fifth soul skill. However, her meridians and internal organs would still require a few days of rest since standard soul skills were less effective for such injuries.


    As they followed the small path, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan arrived at a lush, vibrant area. With their sharp eyes, they could easily recognize that the surrounding flowers, grass, and trees were all materials rich in life attributes, and suitable for use in medicinal preparations.


    Amid the flowerbeds, a carefree girl sat astride a large rock, clutching a handful of flowers and idly tearing off their petals. Sometimes she picked one or two petals, and other times she yanked off a whole bunch, completely absorbed in her world.


    "Ahem, excuse me¡­" Chen Ming called out.


    "Ah?" Startled by the unfamiliar voice, Ye Lingling, who was perched on the rock, slipped off in a panic, landing in an awkward sitting position on the ground.


    As a support-type Soul Master, Ye Lingling didn''t pay much attention to physical training. On top of that, being a woman, the sudden fall strained the muscles on the inside of her thigh, causing a sharp pain that twisted her previously gentle expression into one of anguish.


    Despite this, Ye Lingling remembered her upbringing and quickly calmed her twitching face. With her feet turned inward, she supported herself on the rock to stand up, summoning her martial soul to cast two soul skills on herself. Only then did she regain the cold, indifferent expression she usually wore in front of strangers.


    Looking at Chen Ming, who was carrying someone in his arms, Ye Lingling suppressed the emotions stirring within her and maintained her aloof demeanor.


    "Who are you two? What are you doing in the Mimicry Training Grounds for healing-type Soul Masters?"


    "Greetings, miss. My friend here ran into some trouble while cultivating and suffered internal injuries. I brought her here hoping to find a teacher for treatment. However, since we were both new students and didn''t know where the teachers were, we decided to follow the path and ask anyone we came across for directions. Apologies for the disturbance."


    "Someone has internal injuries? Let me take a look," Ye Lingling said, her expression turning serious at the mention of injuries.


    She examined the figure in Chen Ming''s arms, who was curled up like an ostrich, hiding her head. The more Ye Lingling looked, the more familiar this person seemed.


    The figure''s build and attire¡ªno matter how she looked at it¡ªresembled her roommate. But that didn''t make sense. Given her roommate''s personality, even if forced, she''d never show such a vulnerable posture, would she?


    The more Ye Lingling observed, the more puzzled she became. After a moment of hesitation, she tentatively uttered a name.


    "Dugu Yan?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [37]

    Hearing her name suddenly called out, Dugu Yan could no longer play the ostrich. Blushing, she reluctantly poked her head out of Chen Ming''s embrace. When she realized the person in front of her was her dormmate, Ye Lingling, she felt a mixture of embarrassment and relief.


    Although they hadn''t spent much time together, Dugu Yan had a good impression of Ye Lingling. Despite being introverted, Ye Lingling was gentle and kind toward others and had unique insights into poison and medical practices.


    Though younger than Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling possessed the compassion and dedication to healing that even many older healing-type Soul Masters in their seventies or eighties lacked, fully living up to the thousands-of-years-old reputation of the Nine-Hearted Begonia.


    Among the few people Dugu Yan respected at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ye Lingling was undoubtedly one of them. While Dugu Yan hadn''t explicitly said so, she felt Ye Lingling likely regarded her as a friend too.


    As expected, Dugu Yan''s assumptions about Ye Lingling were correct. Although Ye Lingling was intensely curious as to why Dugu Yan, who usually ignored other men completely, was acting like a shy young girl in a young man''s arms¡ªwith her clothing even slightly disheveled¡ªher concern for the injury far outweighed her interest in gossip.


    Carefully guiding Chen Ming, Ye Lingling had him lay Dugu Yan gently on the ground. Then she held Dugu Yan''s wrist and cautiously probed her injuries using soul power.


    Although Ye Lingling''s soul power and spiritual power were merely at a respectable level for a Grand Soul Master, far from the sweeping detection capabilities of higher-level Soul Masters, her experience as a member of the Nine-Hearted Begonia family and the martial soul''s sensitivity to life energy allowed her to quickly identify Dugu Yan''s internal issues.


    Upon discovering that Dugu Yan''s injuries were limited to minor damage to her meridians and internal organs¡ªposing no threat to her life nor any long-term impact on her cultivation¡ªYe Lingling let out a sigh of relief. She then summoned her Nine-Hearted Begonia martial soul, with its two yellow soul rings glowing softly.


    The Nine-Hearted Begonia martial soul is unique in that it has only one healing soul skill, regardless of soul power level, the number of soul rings, or their ages. The soul power level merely affects the strength and range of the healing.


    Similar to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, the soul rings on the Nine-Hearted Begonia only influence the soul skill''s energy consumption. A ten-year soul ring and a 99,999-year soul ring offer the same healing power, but the ten-year ring consumes significantly more soul power¡ªsometimes dozens of times as much.


    As for what effect a 100,000-year soul ring would have on the Nine-Hearted Begonia, no one knew. After all, there had never been a Nine-Hearted Begonia Soul Master on the continent who had absorbed a 100,000-year soul ring. It was unclear whether such a ring would grant the martial soul an additional skill or simply amplify its existing healing capabilities.


    Ye Lingling''s soul power surged as she cast her healing skill twice in quick succession. The first healing light enveloped Dugu Yan, restoring her complexion almost instantly and healing the minor abrasions on her body.


    The second healing didn''t visibly alter Dugu Yan''s appearance, but as the light faded, Dugu Yan suddenly sat up, covering her cheeks with her hands.


    At this point, Chen Ming should have noticed and paid attention to Dugu Yan''s emotions. However, his focus was completely absorbed by Ye Lingling¡ªor, more accurately, by the Nine-Hearted Begonia martial soul glowing in her hands.


    Although Chen Ming''s cheat-like abilities were tied to profound spiritual and metaphysical domains, they often worked unpredictably. However, when Ye Lingling activated her soul skill just now, Chen Ming distinctly sensed something unique within her soul power.


    How should he describe it?


    It wasn''t a matter of strength or weakness. In that fleeting moment of perception, Chen Ming felt that Ye Lingling''s soul power possessed a special kind of authority. This authority was far beyond anything he had previously encountered¡ªeven surpassing the laws embedded in the soul rings he had absorbed.


    It was a difference in priority, akin to the priority +1 mechanic in Pok¨¦mon moves. This kind of priority outclassed any speed attribute, belonging to a higher-order mechanism¡ªsomething that couldn''t be achieved by simply stacking stats.


    Although Chen Ming had never encountered gods or divine beings in the Douluo world, he instinctively felt that Ye Lingling''s martial soul was somehow connected to deities or the Divine Realm. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Under Chen Ming''s heated gaze, Ye Lingling''s body tensed slightly. When she turned and realized that his gaze wasn''t focused on her but rather on her martial soul, she finally relaxed.


    "Probably just stunned by the Nine-Hearted Begonia''s abilities," Ye Lingling thought to herself.


    As the heir of the Nine-Hearted Begonia, Ye Lingling was accustomed to people being amazed by its power. She assumed Chen Ming was no different from the many soul masters who had been awestruck upon seeing it for the first time. She had no idea that Chen Ming had, in those brief moments, uncovered a secret about the Nine-Hearted Begonia¡ªone that even the lineage itself didn''t know or dared not confirm.


    At that moment, Dugu Yan, who had been covering her face, began to feel annoyed.


    Although she was conflicted and shy, with her face buried in her hands, Dugu Yan had been secretly paying attention to Chen Ming''s actions. When she noticed that Chen Ming had been staring intently at Ye Lingling for what felt like forever without saying a word to her, she quietly spread her fingers to peek. Seeing that Chen Ming''s deep gaze was fixed on Ye Lingling, a sudden feeling of grievance welled up within her for no apparent reason. Tears began to stream down her face as she cried softly.


    Hearing Dugu Yan''s sobs snapped Chen Ming back to the present situation. Realizing what was most important at that moment, he crouched down beside her, gently patting her shoulder.


    "Miss Dugu? Miss Dugu Yan?"


    "Call me Dugu Yan!" she retorted, giving him a light elbow jab while keeping her face covered.


    "Yan Yan¡ªno, I mean, Dugu¡ª" Chen Ming accidentally let slip a more intimate nickname. Before he could correct himself, Dugu Yan nudged him again, and he decided to ignore the slip entirely.


    "How are you feeling now? Does your body still hurt? Issues arising from soul master cultivation are no trivial matter. If your meridians are damaged, that''s not easy to fix. Give me your hand so I can check your condition."


    Without waiting for her response, Chen Ming gently grabbed the hand Dugu Yan had been using to cover her face and began probing her condition with his soul power.


    To his surprise, her internal meridians were completely healed, her internal organs showed no signs of injury, and even the chaotic disturbances in her dantian caused by agitated soul power had been entirely resolved. The effects of the Nine-Hearted Begonia were beyond Chen Ming''s wildest imagination. Truly worthy of its legendary reputation as a martial soul capable of raising the dead and growing flesh on bones.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [38]

    Chen Ming was amazed by Ye Lingling''s healing ability with the Nine-Hearts Begonia, while Ye Lingling was equally astonished by Chen Ming.


    Ye Lingling relied on her family''s ancestral experience and the life-detection ability of her martial soul, the Nine-Hearts Begonia, to assess Dugu Yan''s internal injuries. This was the result of generations of accumulated knowledge and innate talent, something that others could not replicate.


    But how was Chen Ming able to assess the situation?


    "A spiritual-type martial soul? Doesn''t seem like it. He looks about the same age as me, and his soul power level shouldn''t be above 40," Ye Lingling shook her head inwardly.


    As Ye Lingling approached Dugu Yan, she secretly observed Chen Ming while casually asking Dugu Yan,


    "Who guided the soul power in your body? Was it the teacher in charge of the training grounds?"


    "It was... it was Chen Ming," Dugu Yan responded instinctively.


    "?"


    Hearing this, a metaphorical question mark seemed to rise above Ye Lingling''s head.


    She was aware that Dugu Yan was on the verge of breaking through to level 30. For a soon-to-be Soul Elder to sustain internal injuries due to soul power turbulence, it would require someone with at least a soul power level of 35 to suppress her soul power effectively. And this didn''t even account for the skill required to control soul power precisely.


    Not all soul masters excel in controlling their soul power. Most develop this skill through years of practice, while others focus solely on increasing their soul power level instead of refining their control, as the latter doesn''t directly enhance visible strength. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logically, resolving such a situation would require a spirit master at least level 40 or 50 to reorganize Dugu Yan''s turbulent soul power into a stable state. Even then, success wouldn''t be guaranteed.


    Dugu Yan''s initial injuries weren''t severe. It was evident that her soul power had been quickly stabilized, preventing further reactions or damage to her meridians.


    Could someone of the same age accomplish this?


    Ye Lingling doubted she could achieve such a feat, even with dedicated training in soul power control.


    Staring at Chen Ming, she suddenly asked,


    "How old are you, what''s your soul power level, and what''s your martial soul?"


    "Huh? My name is Chen Ming. I''m 11 years old, my martial soul is Emerald Scorpion King, soul power level 23¡ªwait, no, 24. I just enrolled this year. Why?"


    "I''m Ye Lingling, martial soul is Nine-Hearts Begonia, a healing-type Soul Grandmaster," Ye Lingling introduced herself briefly, then pointed to Dugu Yan.


    "Was it you who controlled her soul power?"


    "Barely managed it. If she had acquired another soul ring and advanced a few more levels, I probably wouldn''t have been able to stabilize her soul power so easily."


    Chen Ming admitted straightforwardly, as this wasn''t some secret technique like spi; bones.


    "You¡­" Ye Lingling stared at Chen Ming in silence for a moment before speaking,


    "Your talent is truly rare."


    "Thank you for the compliment. I''ve always had a bit of a knack for this," Chen Ming replied casually.


    "That''s not something you can just call a bit of a knack." Ye Lingling felt a twinge of envy at Chen Ming''s nonchalant humility. Seeing that Dugu Yan was fine, she decided not to linger awkwardly and instead sat on a rock, gazing quietly at the flower field.


    Her posture now was much more composed than her earlier casual demeanor of plucking petals out of boredom, giving off the air of an aloof and distant ice queen. It was hard to tell which was her true personality.


    After confirming that Dugu Yan''s internal injuries were no longer an issue, Chen Ming let go of her hand. Sitting across from each other on the ground, they exchanged awkward glances, neither knowing what to say. After a long pause, it was Dugu Yan¡ªher neck already red¡ªwho finally broke the silence.


    "I''m heading back to the dorm first... just to rest and recover," Dugu Yan said.


    "Oh," Chen Ming nodded and stepped aside to let her pass.


    "You''re not going to say anything else?" Dugu Yan raised her head and asked Chen Ming.


    "I''m mostly worried that if I say too much, you''ll be displeased."


    This was the truth. Chen Ming, having been single all his life across two lifetimes, truly didn''t understand women very well.


    Back in school, early relationships were discouraged, and after starting work, he simply lost interest in dating. On quiet nights, he''d sometimes think about relationships, but the thought of modern fairy-like girls and the unnecessary expenses during the dating phase would make him hesitate. Convinced that both his wallet and his energy were too fragile, Chen Ming ultimately never dared to pursue romance.


    Now, he couldn''t quite discern Dugu Yan''s attitude toward him. He was worried that a single wrong word might lead her to say something to Dugu Bo, and then... well, he might not survive the fallout.


    On Earth, a father''s worst fear might be a yellow-haired boy pulling up with a flashy car. In the world of Douluo Dalu, such situations could be life-threatening.


    Though Chen Ming didn''t see himself as the flashy, flower-waving type, his relationship with Dugu Yan was far less clear-cut than that of a couple.


    Even if Dugu Bo wasn''t the strongest, he was still a Title Douluo. No matter how high Chen Ming''s poison resistance was, a single poison from Dugu Bo could dissolve him into a puddle of goo.


    Looking at Chen Ming''s earnest face, Dugu Yan felt a slight headache. She had intended to say something more, but now, all her words were swallowed back down.


    She supported herself as she stood up slowly. After confirming that she could move and her body felt fine, she gave Chen Ming a deep look, then walked over to Ye Lingling, who was still sitting absentmindedly on a rock. Leaning close to Ye Lingling''s ear, she whispered a few words. The two then left the mimicry training ground designed for healing soul masters and headed back to their dorms.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming shrugged and walked toward his courtyard, preparing for the eventual arrival of Dugu Bo.


    Based on Dugu Bo''s personality as portrayed in the original story, Chen Ming figured he wouldn''t be slapped to death in a fit of rage, especially after saving Dugu Yan. Still, it was always wise to have a contingency plan.


    What Chen Ming didn''t see was that after Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling had walked a short distance, Dugu Yan, who had been walking confidently, suddenly deflated. She turned to Ye Lingling with pitiful eyes, noticing the slight curve at the corner of her friend''s lips.


    "Lingling, Lingling, you have to keep today''s events a secret!" Dugu Yan pleaded.


    "I can keep your secret, but do you think no one else saw you two on the way here?" Ye Lingling sighed and covered her face.


    Most people feared Dugu Bo, but the Nine-Hearts Begonia lineage didn''t. Her grandfather had once mentioned that Dugu Bo owed their family a favor. Because of this, Ye Lingling didn''t treat Dugu Yan with the same cautious respect others did. Instead, she saw her as one of her few true friends.


    "Instead of worrying about secrecy, you''d be better off finding your grandfather and explaining things to him before he gets the wrong idea."


    "I''d like to, but Grandpa went into closed-door cultivation recently. I don''t even know where he is. Otherwise, would those people in the academy dare to bother me?" Dugu Yan said, her tone growing aggrieved.


    Thinking about it made her feel even more upset. Back when she was with her grandfather, she had wanted nothing more than to get away from him and prove herself. But now that she was apart from him, facing all these challenges on her own, she realized just how unprepared she was to handle everything.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [39]

    After Chen Ming and Dugu Yan returned to their respective dorms, rumors about the two quietly began to spread across the campus.


    Teacher Niu Dal¨¬, who was in charge of overseeing the poison-affiliated mimicry training field, sought out Qin Ming. Under the pretense of discussing something important, he dumped everything he had seen onto Qin Ming before the latter even understood what was happening. This effectively dragged Qin Ming, who was resting at home, into the situation. Together, they reported the matter to the three board members of the academy.


    Niu Dal¨¬ had only seen Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan out of the training field, so he reported exactly what he had witnessed, emphasizing how Dugu Yan had glared at him. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although he didn''t exaggerate or fabricate details, his subjective interpretation was overly dramatic. As a result, the first conclusion the three board members arrived at was that the two students were in a romantic relationship, rather than considering any unforeseen accidents.


    Thus, the three board members immediately organized a covert investigation to find out what Chen Ming had been up to and whether there were any witnesses along the way. They wanted to determine what others might have seen.


    Once the news leaked even slightly, its spread was beyond anyone''s control.


    As the top aristocratic academy of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou Royal Academy was filled with elites. However, the majority of its students were genuine social insects or gossip-loving humanoid creatures.


    The things these students were capable of imagining often exceeded ordinary expectations.


    Some people, who initially didn''t care about who carried whom, suddenly became intrigued when asked about it. Others, who had seen Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan, felt even more curious after being questioned.


    Those who had witnessed the scene admitted to seeing it, those who hadn''t seen claimed they had, and eventually, even those who hadn''t seen anything started saying they had. The accounts grew increasingly exaggerated.


    The universal tendency of intelligent beings to enjoy a spectacle was on full display, and the academy''s noble students were particularly adept at stirring up trouble.


    What began as a simple account of Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan, with Dugu Yan looking slightly embarrassed, quickly escalated into a wild tale of Chen Ming engaging in indecent behavior with Dugu Yan in broad daylight in front of the students.


    Though the few truly brainless students who intentionally pushed the rumors in an obscene direction were quickly identified by the three board members and disciplined¡ªsent home for their parents to deal with them, often involving a switch and some harsh punishment¡ªsuch actions only served to fuel suspicions among certain students. To them, the board members'' intervention felt like an attempt to cover up the truth, making the rumors seem even more believable.


    "Have you heard? Dugu Yan and that new student¡­"


    "Did you hear? Dugu Yan was with a guy on the main road¡­"


    "Hey, did you hear? The granddaughter of the Poison Douluo was with some random guy¡­"


    Heaven Dou Royal Academy only had about 500 students, yet within a single night, half of them were discussing the matter. The other half weren''t talking about it because they lived in Heaven Dou City and hadn''t heard the news from the academy yet.


    But that wouldn''t last long. A few mischievous noble students, eager to spread the gossip, were already traveling overnight to share the scandal with their friends in the city.


    The thirst for gossip was unstoppable. Although the three board members refrained from addressing the matter directly, delegating their subordinates to suppress the rumors, the efforts were futile. The curiosity of the students was too strong. Moreover, even the staff responsible for quelling the gossip couldn''t help but listen to the various rumors while pretending to do their job.


    Behind closed doors, when no outsiders were present, even the individuals entrusted by the three board members to handle the situation couldn''t resist gossiping enthusiastically.


    Entertainment was scarce on the Douluo Continent. Beyond indulging in food, drink, and leisure¡ªwhich those living near Heaven Dou City had long grown accustomed to¡ªthe only things that brought them true joy were the once-in-five-years Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament and the occasional juicy gossip.


    Surprisingly, early the next morning, people from Dugu Bo''s residence quietly arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. After notifying the three board members, they promptly took Dugu Yan away.


    Although Dugu Bo himself wasn''t home, his residence was still managed by a steward. This person, Dugu Bo''s younger brother-in-law, and Dugu Yan''s great-uncle, had no soul power and wasn''t a Soul Master. However, thanks to his relationship with Dugu Bo, he had spent decades as the head steward, managing all matters of the household with meticulous care.


    Normally, such a composed individual wouldn''t lose his cool over mere rumors. However, this steward happened to be an eyewitness to the scene of Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan.


    Yes, he was the elderly man whom Chen Ming had mistaken for someone too uninterested to chase after them.


    Uninterested? Not at all¡ªhe genuinely couldn''t catch up!


    Forget Spirit Elders, Spirit Ancestors, or Spirit Kings; he wasn''t even a Spirit Scholar! His only advantage was maintaining decent health and appearing sophisticated due to years of handling Dugu Bo''s affairs.


    The moment he saw Chen Ming carrying Dugu Yan, his first reaction was to pursue them. But not only did he fail to catch up, he ended up exhausting himself. When he finally made it to Dugu Yan''s dormitory, she was hiding under her covers, playing with her fingers, and he couldn''t find her after searching for ages.


    By the time he struggled down the mountain, he was full of anger and grievance but dared not share it with anyone.


    When he finally returned to Dugu Bo''s residence, it was already midnight. He had to figure out how to contact Dugu Bo and deal with Dugu Yan''s situation. After a sleepless night, he set off early in the morning with a group of attendants to retrieve her.


    Thinking his swift actions would prevent the situation from escalating, he was horrified to overhear students gossiping in hushed tones at the base of the academy mountain. The sheer absurdity of the rumors nearly caused him to faint on the spot.


    After much pleading, he convinced the three board members to allow him to take Dugu Yan home. However, Dugu Yan, playing the ostrich, tried her best to avoid seeing her great-uncle. It took immense effort to persuade her to leave.


    Once back home, he comforted Dugu Yan and immediately penned multiple letters to Dugu Bo, dispatching messengers to deliver them to their predetermined drop-off point.


    The problem, however, was that Dugu Bo had recently checked his messages, found nothing urgent, and decided to enter a deep meditation to recover his strength. He planned to complete his recuperation soon and return to Heaven Dou City to personally watch over his granddaughter.


    As a result, no matter how many letters were sent, Dugu Bo wasn''t going to read them in the near future.


    Meanwhile, the rumors spiraled further out of control. The gossip about Chen Ming and Dugu Yan spread throughout Heaven Dou City''s noble circles, even reaching the ears of Emperor Xue Ye, Crown Prince Xue Xing, and Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe.


    Hearing the gossip, Qian Renxue¡ªwho initially had only mild interest in Chen Ming and considered him part of her broader network-building strategy¡ªwas taken aback. She immediately ordered her subordinates to elevate the status of the invitation and gifts prepared for Chen Ming, adding a touch of intrigue and anticipation to their impending meeting.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [40]

    Chen Ming was still unaware of how far the rumors outside had spread, as he was now facing a matter no less significant than dealing with Dugu Bo.


    "The Crown Prince is inviting me to the Seven Treasures Grand Restaurant three days from now. Are you sure there''s no mistake?"


    Staring at the attendant from the Crown Prince''s residence standing in front of his courtyard, Chen Ming pointed at himself in disbelief, wondering what he had done to attract the attention of the Crown Prince.


    "There is no mistake. This is an invitation from His Highness the Crown Prince, and he sincerely requests your presence. The meeting three days from now will be private, with only His Highness and yourself present. Please accept this invitation and the gift from my master."


    The attendant, dressed in luxurious attire, spoke with a calm and respectful demeanor. With a subtle motion, he retrieved a wooden box, three feet square, from a storage soul tool on his belt that resembled an ornament.


    The box was crafted from the body of a plant-type soul beast. Despite its age, it emitted a faint herbal fragrance, and merely sniffing it made Chen Ming feel his soul power circulating slightly faster. It was of great value.


    As soon as the box appeared, Chen Ming felt his martial soul stir within him¡ªnot from the box itself, but from the item hidden inside.


    Glancing at the attendant, Chen Ming''s expression grew complicated, but he reached out and took the box.


    Lifting the lid slightly, a wave of soul power fluctuation began to emanate from the contents, making his martial soul''s agitation more pronounced. With his keen eyesight, it took Chen Ming less than a second to identify the object inside. Reaching in to confirm, his fingers touched the item he suspected, leaving him momentarily speechless.


    It was a small, weathered piece of green stone etched with mysterious patterns. Though it seemed dormant, once exposed to air, it began to draw in surrounding soul power, pulsating like a living being.


    Activating his soul power slightly, Chen Ming was met with a surge of oppressive force from the stone, forcing him to step back a few paces to steady himself.


    "This is¡­ the remains of a Celestial Emerald Dragon?"


    "Exactly so," the attendant replied with a calm smile, clearly unsurprised that Chen Ming recognized the item.


    "This object also has a deep connection to your family. It was stored in the royal treasury centuries ago, but no one has been able to use it since, leaving it to gather dust. With your talents, I''m certain you can make good use of it."


    "Well then, I must thank the Crown Prince for his generosity."


    Closing the lid, Chen Ming''s smile grew a touch more genuine. Internally, he marveled at Qian Renxue''s strategic brilliance¡ªshe was truly someone with grand ambitions.


    The Celestial Emerald Dragon was a type of legendary soul beast said to possess the bloodline of the mythical Azure Dragon. Its origins, however, were shrouded in mystery and debate.


    Some claimed the beast was originally a sub-dragon species, such as a Dragonblood Centipede, that accidentally absorbed an Azure Dragon''s dragon pearl, gaining its bloodline and transforming into the Celestial Emerald Dragon species.


    Others believed the soul beast was a direct descendant of the Azure Dragon, but due to unknown reasons, its bloodline attributes reversed or became corrupted by external forces, transforming its original life and thunder attributes into death and venom.


    Regardless of its origin, the Celestial Emerald Dragon was widely acknowledged by soul masters on the Douluo Continent as a legendary soul beast carrying the Azure Dragon''s divine bloodline.


    The creature''s natural form resembled a deep purple centipede. It molted every hundred years, each molt a life-or-death ordeal. With each molt, its body grew larger, its bloodline closer to that of the Azure Dragon, and its coloration gradually shifted from deep purple to verdant green.


    Every ten thousand years, a segment of this soul beast''s body undergoes dragonification. By the time it reaches 90,000 years of cultivation, its entire body transforms into the form of an Azure Dragon, except for its horns, which remain purple. The purple hue symbolizes the peak growth of its poison and death attributes.


    It is said that upon facing the heavenly tribulation at 100,000 years, these two attributes undergo a supreme transformation, reverting to the original lightning and life attributes that an Azure Dragon should possess. At that point, it gains the ability to summon wind and rain, control thunder, and harness lightning.


    At this stage, it is a true Azure Dragon with mastery over four attributes: life, death, lightning, and poison.


    However, this is purely theoretical research. In reality, no one has ever witnessed such a soul beast truly evolve into a four-attribute Azure Dragon. A millennium ago, such creatures were said to be numerous on the Douluo Continent, but none were ever observed successfully passing the 100,000-year heavenly tribulation and transforming into a dragon.


    Why did Chen Ming know so much about this legendary soul beast?


    Of course, it was because, as the Crown Prince''s attendant had mentioned, it was deeply connected to the Chen family.


    Outside Biluochen City, in the Biluoxia Canyon, it was rumored that a super soul beast with poison attributes had fallen just before its 100,000-year heavenly tribulation. But this wasn''t just a rumor.


    When Biluochen City was first established, the Chen family was tasked by the Heaven Dou royal court with locating remnants of a 100,000-year soul beast. While exploring the depths of Biluoxia, the Chen family discovered the site where such a soul beast had perished and found its remains.


    Yes, that legendary soul beast was none other than the Celestial Emerald Dragon. It was said to have one foot already in the realm of becoming an Azure Dragon, with its death attribute reversing to life. Unfortunately, it fell at the threshold of reconciling its lightning and poison attributes.


    Normally, soul beasts struck down by the heavenly tribulation are reduced to ashes, leaving no remains behind. However, perhaps due to the Celestial Emerald Dragon''s immense power and noble bloodline, most of its body was indeed destroyed, but this fragment managed to survive.


    The remains of the Celestial Emerald Dragon were undoubtedly a priceless treasure, but the Chen family dared not keep it for themselves. After failing to scrape even a sliver from the remains, they dutifully handed it over to the Heaven Dou royal court and accepted their royal reward.


    At that time, the Heaven Dou Empire was not as corrupt as it is now. Although the nation was still rife with nobility, even the most powerful families had to bow to the emperor, whose authority was highly centralized. It was an era where the Heaven Dou Empire could rival the Star Luo Empire with its full national strength.


    Chen Ming''s grandfather, Chen Shijie, had once lamented to him: if their ancestors had been bold enough to keep that fragment of the Celestial Emerald Dragon, perhaps the family wouldn''t have faced so many struggles later on.


    Even if the remains couldn''t be directly used, soaking them in water would have turned that water into a priceless resource for poison attribute soul masters. Sleeping beside it would have subtly enhanced the soul power of any poison attribute soul master.


    With such a treasure, their descendants wouldn''t have been so heavily affected by the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, to the point of nearly losing their lineage.


    Who would have thought that this treasure, which had slipped through their ancestors'' hands, would circle back centuries later to end up with Chen Ming?


    If the cautious emperor who once locked this fragment in his treasury knew this, he might very well rise from his grave in fury.


    "Life is full of surprises," Chen Ming mused, though he felt a growing thirst for power in his heart. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For now, he had to endure and depend on others. But if he had true strength, wouldn''t the treasuries of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires be his to choose from?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [41]

    After receiving the invitation from Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Chen Ming entered the room with a complex mix of emotions. He immediately opened the box and hugged the fragment inside, carefully examining it from every angle.


    However, as soon as he started, Chen Ming was dumbfounded.


    When he infused soul power into it, the stone absorbed it but gave no response. When he extended his spiritual power into it, the same thing happened¡ªit absorbed the energy but didn''t respond.


    If it were a lifeless object, Chen Ming could vaguely sense that it contained an immeasurable vitality within.


    But if it were alive, Chen Ming couldn''t feel the critical spiritual essence that living beings possess.


    The spiritual essence within it seemed to be no greater than that of the blue silver grass by the roadside, far inferior to the ornamental plants in his courtyard. Even some of the metallic ores Chen Ming had encountered before had more spiritual essence than this fragment.


    After pondering for a moment and confirming there were no other issues, Chen Ming returned to his meditation chamber. Holding the fragment, he pressed his forehead against it, attempting to mobilize his spiritual essence to observe the fragment''s essence through methods different from the soul masters of the Douluo Continent.


    Once, twice, three times¡­


    Five times, ten times, twenty times¡­


    The mobilization of spiritual essence didn''t always succeed, and even when it did, the fragment showed no special reaction. It wasn''t until Chen Ming, exhausted from repeated failures, began to feel a growing restlessness that the seemingly lifeless fragment finally reacted.


    At that moment, Chen Ming had a sudden epiphany:


    "For spiritual essence, it may not always be about maintaining absolute calmness. Perhaps emotions are also a valid way to unlock its potential."


    As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Chen Ming felt as if he were being pulled into another world.


    Before him unfolded stories from this continent''s distant past.


    Countless years ago, the heavens collapsed, and dragons from the Divine Realm fell onto the Douluo Continent.


    The dragons'' bodies shattered, and their blood soaked the earth, enriching it and giving rise to numerous dragon-blooded sub-species.


    The bodies of dragons were treasures beyond measure. A single dragon scale or strand of flesh could transform low-level soul beasts completely.


    Even after death, some dragons'' souls remained attached to their dragon pearls, protecting these most vital artifacts despite their shattered bodies. However, a few dragons left no trace of their souls, and even their dragon pearls shattered upon impact.


    In that era, a great azure dragon fell to the earth. Its body disintegrated, and its dragon pearl shattered. The scattered dragon energy and blood transformed the environment, bestowing a group of centipedes with some characteristics of the Azure Dragon.


    This group of centipedes became the first generation of the Celestial Emerald Dragon.


    For a brief period¡ªbrief, at least by the standards of soul beasts¡ªthe dragons'' remains, scattered across the continent, were gathered by an unknown force. Only fragments were left behind, and few intact dragon skeletons remained in the wild.


    With the dragons'' fall, life flourished, and countless miraculous transformations occurred on the Douluo Continent. For ordinary soul beasts, it was an unparalleled blessing.


    The Celestial Emerald Dragon, having inherited part of the Azure Dragon''s blood and energy, evolved into a species almost indistinguishable from pure-blooded true dragons by devouring other dragon-blooded soul beasts and remnants of dragon-kind left on the continent.


    But then, something unexpected happened to the soul beasts.


    At some point, a restriction appeared in their world. When a soul beast''s power reached a certain level, the heavens would unleash a destructive lightning tribulation that reduced most to ash, leaving only a lucky few.


    For some reason, the Celestial Emerald Dragon, despite their numbers, was entirely unable to overcome the lightning tribulation. The race that had thrived on the fortune of the dragons'' fall was nearly wiped out by the tribulation, leaving only a few second and third-generation members behind.


    The remaining Celestial Emerald Dragons reproduced slowly, but every time one reached a certain level of power, it would be destroyed by the thunder tribulation.


    After an unknown amount of time, when the Celestial Emerald Dragons were on the brink of extinction, a special newborn emerged within the species.


    For most Celestial Emerald Dragons, only after 90,000 years of growth, during which the dragon energy within them increased and purified, would their heads fully transform into dragon heads. However, this newborn was different¡ªit was born with a dragon head and possessed considerable intelligence from birth.


    As this Celestial Emerald Dragon matured, it refused to accept death under the thunder tribulation. Determined to find a solution, it ventured into the Star Dou Forest, seeking the legendary Beast God, Di Tian.


    After causing considerable commotion, it finally located the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, Di Tian, deep within the forest. Yet, when it asked for guidance, the Beast God refused to provide an answer, merely telling it to wait, hinting that a solution might appear in the future.


    To the Celestial Emerald Dragon, this was an insult, a dismissal of them as a mere mongrel lucky enough to inherit true dragon blood. Harboring resentment, it secretly re-entered the Star Dou Forest in search of its solution.


    During the search, it discovered a type of soul beast known as the Emerald Swan, a soul beast with immense life energy within them. It believed this might be the key to breaking through the 100,000-year barrier.


    Seizing the opportunity, while the forest''s ferocious beasts gathered beneath the Lake of Life for unknown purposes, it attacked and killed several Emerald Swans nearing 100,000 years of age. Under the furious assault of other soul beasts, it managed to escape the Star Dou Forest and hid in an unremarkable, secluded location.


    Through refining the life force of the near-100,000-year-old Emerald Swans, it created a small piece of metal, about the size of a human pinky finger. This mysterious metal brimmed with seemingly infinite life energy.


    Using this life force, it reversed the deathly attributes within its body into life energy. Although this transformation brought it closer to the Azure Dragon, it also pushed it closer to the 100,000-year barrier, where the overwhelming aura of destruction loomed constantly.


    With no turning back, it returned to its birthplace, consuming all of its kin and any soul beasts that shared their bloodline. Then, it retreated to the secluded location, preparing to face the 100,000-year thunder tribulation.


    But¡­


    The thunder tribulation it faced was unlike that of ordinary soul beasts. It was an unending storm of destruction, devoid of life, mercy, or limits¡ªits sole purpose was annihilation.


    While typical 100,000-year soul beast tribulations lasted a few hours, or rarely, nearly a day, it had braced to endure three days and nights of lightning. Yet, in reality, there were only three strikes.


    The space around shattered, the heavens wept, and the earth lost its color¡ªit was power at the level of gods.


    This was not a tribulation meant for a soul beast; it bore no trace of life, only pure destruction.


    The first lightning strike shattered its soul power and scales, obliterating the near-perfect attributes of life and death, as well as its potent venom.


    The second lightning strike reduced its dragon-like body, nearly identical to that of the Azure Dragon, to ashes, leaving a massive scar on the earth.


    The third lightning strike descended upon its dragon core. Despite the life energy from the golden life metal, its dragon soul was utterly dispersed. The dragon''s core fused with the life metal, forming a singular entity that fell to the ground like a meteorite.


    Three lightning strikes crushed the Celestial Emerald Dragon''s dream of becoming a divine beast. In the moment of its death, it finally understood¡ªit was but a mere ant among countless others. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This era does not belong to soul beasts.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [42]

    Like a cycle of rebirth, the explosion of the Celestial Emerald Dragon''s body nourished the land. The potent toxic and life attributes transformed the once barren earth into a valley capable of sustaining soul beasts with poison attributes.


    The dragon core, fused with the golden life metal, fell deep into the earth. It lay hidden for an unknown length of time until it was discovered by a group of people. After repeated attempts to crack it open yielded no results, it was placed in a box and sent to a treasure vault filled with rare artifacts.


    Numerous Soul Douluo examined the dragon core, which appeared no different from an ordinary stone. Each of them eventually shook their heads, declaring they could do nothing with it.


    One titled Douluo even tried to unlock the core''s secrets but ultimately failed, passing away in regret and despair. After his death, the dragon core was returned to its box and locked away in the depths of the vault.


    Many years later, the long-sealed box was opened once again¡­


    The vision ended, and Chen Ming suddenly snapped back to reality, his eyes opening wide and his forehead drenched in sweat.


    The Celestial Emerald Dragon had perished completely. There wasn''t a trace of dragon soul or even residual malice left. The only reason its dragon core had survived was due to its purification through consuming its kin and its fusion with the golden life metal in a desperate final act. Without these factors, it would not have lasted.


    Chen Ming''s sweat wasn''t from physical exertion but from the mental pressure he had felt. Although what he saw during the spiritual vision was merely a playback of past events, the overwhelming aura and oppressive might were deeply engraved in his mind.


    Ironically, in this memory where the Celestial Emerald Dragon was the main subject, its presence gave Chen Ming the least sense of intimidation.


    Even at its peak, the dragon''s power was far inferior to Di Tian''s commanding presence. Compared to the divine-level thunderbolts, it was utterly insignificant.


    Wiping the sweat from his brow, Chen Ming found he couldn''t calm himself quickly. He hurriedly pulled a piece of dried meat from his storage soul guide, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed mechanically.


    The unpleasant taste filled his senses, helping him snap out of his shocked state. He quickly grabbed a large cup of fruit juice from the storage device and gulped it down.


    Only then did Chen Ming focus his attention on the dragon core in his hands, which looked like an ordinary stone.


    "This thing has an impressive origin, but it seems completely unusable," he muttered to himself. "The golden life metal and the Celestial Emerald Dragon''s dragon core are both incredibly rare treasures. But under the pressure of the heavenly thunder, they fused into one, creating something entirely unprecedented on this continent."


    "Moreover," he continued, "most of the life energy in the golden life metal was consumed by the lightning. What''s left in this dragon core isn''t pure life energy but an incomplete characteristic of the golden life metal. Because of that, it can''t be used through conventional means."


    Despite this, Chen Ming wasn''t overly disappointed.


    He understood well enough that if this item were truly practical and easily utilized, it wouldn''t have been handed to him, a mere Soul Grandmaster, as a gift from Qian Renxue.


    If it were that valuable, it would have been consumed long ago, or at the very least handed over to someone like Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, in exchange for a favor. It would never have ended up in his hands.


    Still, as he gazed at the dragon core, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement.


    Even if the heavenly thunder had stripped it of most of its properties, leaving only a tenth or even a hundredth of its former potency, for someone like him¡ªa Soul Grandmaster¡ªit was still a priceless treasure.


    As long as it could be utilized, even in the slightest way, Chen Ming believed he could derive significant benefits.


    But how should he use it?


    Chen Ming tapped the irregularly shaped dragon core, his mind racing with possibilities.


    "Refining it directly into my body is probably out of the question. Setting aside whether I have the technique for it, my soul power isn''t nearly enough. If I tried to absorb it, this thing might just give off the tiniest fluctuation, and I''d likely be dead. For a Titled Douluo, it might only cost a fraction of their soul power, but for me as a Soul Grandmaster, it would probably kill me seven or eight times over."


    "If I ever want to try that, it''ll have to wait until I''m at least a Soul King or Soul Emperor."


    "And as for using it in alchemy¡­"


    Chen Ming''s mouth twitched awkwardly at the thought.


    The fact that this dragon core survived a divine-level heavenly tribulation was proof of its extraordinary hardness. In the spiritual vision, he had seen how over the centuries, neither Soul Douluo nor Titled Douluo had managed to chip even the tiniest fragment from it, no matter how hard they tried.


    Using it for alchemy? That would require summoning an explosive-force Super Douluo, or perhaps even having Qian Daoliu wield the Angelic Holy Sword to cut it open.


    Alchemy, then, was off the table.


    So, what now?


    Chen Ming habitually infused the dragon core with soul power, and suddenly, an idea struck him.


    "External refinement into a pill! Internal refinement into a method!"


    In ancient Taoist alchemy, there was a concept of external alchemy, though it was later criticized as an external method focused on nurturing essence rather than life. Still, no one could deny that external alchemy was an effective transitional technique.


    "If I can''t refine it directly into my body, why not use it as an external alchemy pill? I could figure out a way to have it absorb the soul power of heaven and earth, and then absorb its refined energy myself!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s see¡­ if I want to establish a connection with something like this¡­"


    Chen Ming took a small knife from his storage soul guide, then paused, retrieving all the blood-restorative herbs and bandages he had as well.


    Placing the dragon core in a metal basin, Chen Ming sterilized the knife over a flame and then carefully made a small cut on his arm, allowing his blood to drip onto the core.


    At first, nothing happened. The blood just pooled on the surface like water on a stone, with no sign of absorption.


    Chen Ming frowned and summoned his martial soul. As he continued to let his blood drip, he fused his soul power with his spiritual power.


    With the infusion of spirit-infused soul power, the dragon core began to slowly absorb the blood, but no connection formed between it and Chen Ming.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming gritted his teeth and, with some hesitation, swallowed a few pills. While maintaining the fusion of soul power and spiritual power, he tried to inject a portion of his life essence into the dragon core.


    After half a day of exhausting effort, with his entire body trembling from the strain, Chen Ming finally managed to establish the faintest trace of a connection with the dragon core.


    The remaining blood in the basin was instantly absorbed by the core, and Chen Ming could now feel a slight response when infusing his soul power into it.


    Noticing this progress, Chen Ming, though nearly spent, stopped immediately. He quickly treated his wound, applied medicine, and wrapped it tightly to prevent excessive blood loss.


    Popping another handful of pills into his mouth, Chen Ming carefully cradled the dragon core from the basin, sat down cross-legged, and entered a meditative state.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [43]

    Although the connection between Chen Ming and the dragon core was faint, even the slightest link made a world of difference.


    After entering meditation, Chen Ming could feel the dragon core in his arms functioning like an external dantian.


    For now, he couldn''t use the dragon core to directly absorb soul power from the surrounding world, but he could infuse his soul power into it and retrieve it whenever needed.


    And what was the dragon core''s capacity?


    From Chen Ming''s perception, if his total soul power was equivalent to 10 units, then the dragon core had a capacity of at least 10,000 units. Moreover, as the core continued to awaken, its capacity was likely to increase even further.


    Additionally, due to its unique properties, combining extreme life energy with the mystical metal known as Life Gold, the dragon core possessed a special feature.


    The soul power Chen Ming infused into the core was quickly consumed, refined, and converted into pure life energy. This life energy then flowed back into Chen Ming''s body through the connection between them.


    Chen Ming, who had felt weak due to blood loss, rapidly recovered under the influence of this life energy. His previously pale complexion regained its rosy hue, and his entire body experienced a wave of comfort, as though a heavy burden had been lifted.


    Although he didn''t examine himself in detail, Chen Ming could sense that the impurities accumulated from long-term use of various medicinal substances were gradually being expelled from his body. Even the hidden injuries caused by years of intense training were slowly healing.


    "This effect is truly miraculous. It''s like having an excellent healing-type soul master by my side at all times."


    Chen Ming opened his eyes and stretched contentedly. Although his spiritual and soul power reserves were still heavily depleted, the physical relief put him in a surprisingly good mood.


    But after his moment of delight, Chen Ming glanced at the dragon core, which seemed to have grown subtly rounder, and a trace of doubt lingered in his mind.


    "This life energy is of incredibly high quality. But why do I feel that it''s still slightly inferior to the Nine Hearts Begonia?"


    In terms of raw quantity, the life energy he had just converted far exceeded what Ye Lingling had displayed with her Nine Hearts Begonia. Yet, even so, Chen Ming couldn''t sense the op-healing effect that the Begonia was known for.


    The gap lay in the mechanism, not the raw numbers.


    It was like Tang Chen''s Clear Sky Hammer, capable of smashing mountains and delivering god-tier blows when detonating soul rings. Yet no matter how powerful Tang Chen''s hammer was, it could never produce something as bizarre as a sausage.


    Previously, Chen Ming thought it was simply due to his lack of knowledge¡ªthat some unique martial souls came with inherent mechanism-based abilities. But after witnessing the life of the Celestial Emerald Dragon, he began to believe that the anomaly lay in the Nine Hearts Begonia itself.


    It seemed as though the Nine Hearts Begonia''s mechanism operated on a fundamentally different system, as though it belonged to a higher version of the Douluo Continent''s framework.


    "When I get the chance, I should spend more time with Ye Lingling to observe the Nine Hearts Begonia closely."


    "Come to think of it, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda might also be worth investigating. A fixed percentage boost regardless of level difference, and soul skills that remain unchanged no matter what soul beast''s ring is added¡ªcould it also be a mechanism-based martial soul?"


    Chen Ming rubbed his chin, his thoughts spiraling.


    "What about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon? The Clear Sky Hammer? The Blue Silver Emperor? Or the Seraphim?"


    "Are these legendary martial souls purely number-based, mechanism-based, or perhaps even a mix of both?"


    "Could the martial souls of those Titled Douluos hold some unique, hidden traits? What about the Sea God''s inherited martial soul on Sea God Island and the Seraphim of Spirit Hall? Do they have their special secrets?"


    "The Angel Domain, Sea God''s Domain, Deathgod Domain, Polarity Stillness Domain..."


    "Invincible Golden Body, Teleportation, Martial Soul Fusion Techniques..."


    As these thoughts raced through his mind, Chen Ming slapped his thigh, feeling as if he had caught a spark of inspiration for his future development.


    "Although the Jade Phosphor Snake martial soul doesn''t seem to possess mechanisms or overwhelming stats, Dugu Bo''s Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor represents the pinnacle of this martial soul. It should be significantly different from Dugu Yan''s Jade Phosphor Snake. Perhaps I could find an opportunity to observe it closely¡­"


    "Wait, now that I think about it, does Dugu Bo''s ability to poison himself count as a kind of unique mechanism? Even though it''s a negative mechanism, it''s still a mechanism of sorts, isn''t it?"


    "If we further hypothesize, martial souls that inherently possess domains might represent a manifestation of such mechanisms. If one could artificially create a mechanism or mimic one through the characteristics of a martial soul, would it be possible to acquire a domain?"


    "The Ice Dragon King and Fire Dragon King''s burial site turned into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Could I use that to glimpse the essence of the two Dragon Kings?"


    "And now that I think about it, could immortal herbs also have mechanisms of their own?"


    "Perhaps it is precisely these mechanisms, which surpass simple attribute stacking, that give rise to phenomena like immortal herbs, domains, and god-level martial souls."


    A sudden epiphany surpassed ten years of arduous cultivation. Chen Ming''s mind grew increasingly frenetic as he seemed to enter a unique state of enlightenment.


    Unbeknownst to him, he found himself in a strange, otherworldly space, where two fissures appeared before him.


    Through these fissures, Chen Ming sensed the embodiment of various laws. If he wished, he could extend his consciousness through the fissures and peek into the realm of rules and mechanisms.


    As he stepped into the first fissure, its nature became clear to him.


    It represented his first soul ring, derived from the 500-year-old Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes.


    If absorbing a soul ring typically resembled opening a blind box of pre-packaged meals, Chen Ming''s approach was more akin to choosing specific pre-packaged meals. While more precise than blindly opening boxes, it still operated within the constraints of pre-defined options.


    But now, by entering this fissure, it was as if Chen Ming had sneaked into the kitchen of a high-end restaurant. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While no prepared meals awaited him, he now stood amidst a wealth of cooking tools and raw ingredients. Whether he chose to follow a recipe or mix things up randomly, the decision was entirely in his hands.


    Of course, since he was essentially trespassing, his freedom was not without limits.


    Neither the tools, the raw materials, nor the finished dishes could leave the kitchen. Even if he consumed something, it would vanish once he left the kitchen, as these things fundamentally didn''t belong to him.


    And if he exceeded a certain boundary and gave in to unlimited greed, Chen Ming, the intruder, could very well become part of the kitchen¡ªtransformed into one of its tools or ingredients.


    Still, compared to the potential benefits, these risks seemed utterly trivial.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [44]

    This profound state of enlightenment gave Chen Ming a deeper understanding of the essence of soul masters, but it also greatly drained his energy.


    Although his body had recovered considerably under the nourishment of the life force returned from the Dragon Core, his spiritual power and soul power were still severely depleted. Shortly after entering the fissure, Chen Ming was forced back to his original state.


    This time, he truly had nothing left¡ªno energy to even nibble on dried meat for a boost, let alone keep going after drinking a full vial of detoxified Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes juice.


    Clutching the Dragon Core in his hands, Chen Ming collapsed into a deep sleep in his meditation chamber, only waking up after an entire day and night. Due to his awkward sleeping posture, his neck and spine were slightly sore, but after using the Dragon Core to convert his soul power into a life force for absorption, Chen Ming instantly felt reinvigorated.


    Having accepted Qian Renxue''s invitation earlier, Chen Ming''s first concern upon waking was to check how much time had passed. Despite wanting to avoid the outside world, he had no choice but to head to the nearest place to inquire about the time.


    The Dragon Core was a precious treasure, but since he couldn''t directly store it within his body, leaving it in the courtyard wasn''t an option. If such a treasure were lost, Chen Ming feared he''d harbor resentment even after ascending to godhood.


    After some thought, Chen Ming rummaged through his storage soul tool. With many of his items recently consumed, it wasn''t difficult to clear some space. After discarding a few unnecessary blankets, he carefully stored the box containing the Dragon Core in the storage soul tool.


    Once everything was properly secured, Chen Ming left his courtyard.


    The first place he visited was the poison-system mimicry cultivation site near his residence. However, upon arrival, he found the entrance to the training cave blocked by artificially placed rocks, with a notice stating it was temporarily unavailable.


    Startled, Chen Ming worried that he might have been cultivating for several days without realizing it. With a sense of urgency, he dashed toward the cafeteria.


    The cafeteria was bustling with people and gossip¡ªpractically a treasure trove of information about the academy. Sometimes, even the scions of soul master families would spill shocking secrets after a few drinks, making it the equivalent of a tavern within the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.


    Arriving breathless, Chen Ming saw the cafeteria packed with all sorts of people.


    But as soon as they noticed him, all the chatter abruptly stopped, and the room fell into an eerie silence.


    Everyone stared at Chen Ming, the lucky one according to the rumors, with a mix of emotions¡ªjealousy, envy, disdain, and even hatred.


    Chen Ming ignored their reactions and asked one of the servers about the time.


    Although the server, who lacked soul power, didn''t understand Chen Ming''s urgency, he dutifully provided the time before scurrying back to the kitchen when Chen Ming started contemplating.


    "Only a day has passed. Good, I''m not too late. But tomorrow''s the big day¡ªI need to think carefully about what to do."


    While lost in thought, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Chen Ming, striding directly toward him with obvious hostility and no attempt to conceal it.


    Facing this blatantly malicious move, Chen Ming instinctively channeled his soul power to form a protective barrier around his body.


    This basic defensive skill, akin to eating or drinking, was something every soul master learned. It not only reduced incoming damage but also enhanced physical strength¡ªa universal technique taught even in beginner soul master academies.


    However, even at the same level, the effectiveness of this skill varied by individual. Chen Ming, fortunately, had done some research in this area.


    As the collision occurred, the soul power enveloping Chen Ming''s body absorbed most of the impact, while simultaneously reflecting a multiplied force at the aggressor.


    The person who had initially charged at Chen Ming was forced back several steps by the counterattack. Before they could steady themselves, Chen Ming followed up with a seamless series of moves, pinning them to the ground in a swift motion. The dull thud of their knees hitting the floor resonated audibly.


    "Seriously? Didn''t I already make it clear? If you want to challenge me, go get a life-and-death contract from the board members and fight me in the arena. Sneak-attacking someone lost in thought isn''t exactly the act of a hero," Chen Ming said calmly.


    He glanced at the pinned soul master and, unsurprisingly, didn''t recognize them, as he had only joined the academy a week ago. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From brief contact, Chen Ming noticed the person had well-developed muscles. Their leg and arm strength seemed evenly matched, and their hands and feet bore calluses, though not the kind from prolonged gripping.


    He deduced that this soul master likely wielded a beast-type martial soul specializing in fist, palm, or claw attacks. Based on the force they had exerted, their soul power was likely around the 20th rank.


    If it were lower, they would have been sent flying instead of merely pushed back. At the 30th rank, Chen Ming would have sensed the difference in force, and at the 40th rank, he would''ve been the one retreating.


    "You jerk! Let me go right now!"


    The pinned soul master''s face turned red with rage. Being subdued and forced to kneel in public was a massive humiliation for him.


    Although everyone could see that he had provoked the fight, this soul master, who prided themselves on noble lineage, naturally blamed Chen Ming for everything.


    While not a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he still hailed from a noble family of the Heaven Dou Empire. As a Grandmaster-level soul master, he was considered a strong presence among the academy''s students.


    Previously, he had only ever humiliated others; when had he ever been humiliated himself?


    Lightning soul power surged from the youth, crackling with intensity. His body began transforming under the influence of their martial soul.


    Scales resembling those of a dragon sprouted on his neck and wrists, muscles swelled visibly, and his nails hardened and elongated into eagle-like talons. Powerful lightning soul power crackled around him, attempting to electrocute Chen Ming and break free.


    But Chen Ming wasn''t having any of it.


    What? Just because they had a bit of a background, they thought he wouldn''t dare strike back?


    Chen Ming had already dealt with enough trouble¡ªwhether it was the upcoming meeting with Qian Renxue or the eventual confrontation with Dugu Bo, the titled Douluo.


    Even without those concerns, the fact that the youth had attacked first was enough for Chen Ming to escalate the matter to the academy''s board members. Surely, the three elders of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy wouldn''t fail to handle an issue of this magnitude.


    Chen Ming activated his martial soul faster than the youth and channeled his soul power even more swiftly.


    Before the lightning could touch him, Chen Ming enveloped himself with defensive soul power and infused his palm with venomous soul power, pressing down hard.


    "Ahhh!"


    A sizzling sound accompanied the youth''s agonized scream. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the martial soul-enhanced youth was utterly overpowered by Chen Ming''s venomous green hands. The skin and flesh where Chen Ming''s palms made contact showed severe corrosion.


    The youth''s dragon scales, meant for defense, crumbled like paper, and his lightning power was effortlessly neutralized by the toxic soul power.


    Chen Ming''s grip didn''t just press against his flesh; it nearly crushed his bones. Overwhelmed by the excruciating pain, the youth could no longer maintain his martial soul transformation. Instead, he screamed uncontrollably, his mouth wide open as tears streamed down his face.


    The bloodied and brutal scene shocked the onlookers, who had initially gathered to enjoy the drama.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [45]

    "Stop right there, you scoundrel!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing his clansman being tormented so mercilessly, Yu Tianheng, who had been silently observing, could no longer feign indifference. Activating his martial soul, two yellow and one purple soul rings appeared around him.


    His first soul ring lit up as thunder surged across his body, and a Thunder Dragon Claw shot toward Chen Ming with fierce intensity.


    In major clans, soul skills are often the product of generations of experimentation and refinement. The first three soul skills are almost standardized, while individuality is introduced starting from the fourth ring.


    The Thunder Dragon Claw is regarded as the optimal first soul skill for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. It can be used both in close combat and at range, has low energy consumption, and delivers significant power¡ªmaking it an exceptional skill for a first soul ring.


    The violent lightning coursing toward him made even Chen Ming wary.


    Chen Ming quickly released the unlucky youth he had pinned to the ground, delivering a powerful kick to send them flying. The kick served two purposes: to push the troublemaker out of the line of fire to avoid further complications and to propel Chen Ming away from the incoming attack.


    Yu Tianheng was about twenty paces from Chen Ming, and though the Thunder Dragon Claw was fast, it wasn''t instantaneous. Chen Ming''s sharp reflexes allowed him to dodge in time.


    The moment Yu Tianheng unleashed a soul skill, the cafeteria erupted in commotion.


    Using a martial soul and soul skill outside of an arena to attack another student was a serious violation of Heaven Dou Royal Academy''s rules. While such acts might go unnoticed in private, doing so openly could lead to severe consequences.


    Even among the academy''s privileged elites, few would dare to pull such a stunt in public.


    Unlike new students like Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, Yu Tianheng had been at the academy for two years and was a prominent figure. His background and strength were the envy of many, though they also fueled plenty of private resentment.


    Previously, Yu Tianheng had been seen as aloof and disdainful but still within the bounds of propriety. No one had expected him to act so recklessly, openly attacking a fellow student in the cafeteria.


    After dodging the Thunder Dragon Claw, Chen Ming quickly regained his footing, his gaze locked onto Yu Tianheng. His body glimmered with emerald-green soul power, and a faint aura of deep-green poison mist surrounded him.


    "To attack a fellow student with a soul skill over a mere disagreement¡ªthis is what you call being a senior? The pride of the so-called greatest beast martial soul? Or is there some ulterior motive, perhaps silencing me to cover something up?"


    Though Chen Ming only had two soul rings, the quality of his rings¡ªone yellow and one purple¡ªwas enough to astonish the crowd. His presence matched the intensity of Yu Tianheng''s audacious public display of a soul skill.


    Faced with this, even Yu Tianheng''s initial rage faltered. His reptilian-like pupils scrutinized Chen Ming, repeatedly confirming that he was just a two-ring Grandmaster, without any hidden white or yellow soul rings.


    "Hmph! Do you dare question me after injuring my clansman? Using poison in front of everyone to harm another student¡ªsuch ruthlessness doesn''t look like the behavior of a good person," Yu Tianheng retorted, flipping the narrative.


    His eyes briefly flicked to the groaning figure lying unconscious on the ground, a hint of malice flashing within them. Despite his righteous tone, Yu Tianheng''s involvement in the whole situation was undeniable.


    Since Dugu Yan had joined the academy, Yu Tianheng had paid her keen attention.


    However, as a proud member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, he disdained behaving like the desperate admirers who openly fawned over her. Instead, he orchestrated his intentions through subordinates.


    Many of the recent events involving Dugu Yan at the academy could be traced back to Yu Tianheng''s influence from behind the scenes.


    As a descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, Yu Tianheng''s status within the sect, while not as prominent as his cousin Yu Tianxin, was still highly esteemed. Although he enrolled in Heaven Dou Royal Academy as an individual, he was never short of underlings.


    The lackey who was effortlessly defeated by Chen Ming earlier was one of Yu Tianheng''s distant relatives. Though not a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and possessing a mutated Thunder Dragon martial soul instead of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, he had always been Yu Tianheng''s most loyal subordinate since the latter joined the academy.


    This underling handled tasks that might tarnish Yu Tianheng''s reputation¡ªsuch as gathering information, monitoring individuals, or teaching someone a lesson. While Yu Tianheng rarely expressed it openly, he was quite satisfied with this resourceful lackey, even promising that should he become the sect''s young master, he would help the lackey marry a woman with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul.


    Earlier that day, Yu Tianheng and his lackey had entered the cafeteria as usual, intending to have a meal. However, Yu Tianheng had been deeply irritated by rumors circulating about Dugu Yan and some other man. He stood in the cafeteria for a long time without ordering anything.


    Much of the fervor surrounding Dugu Yan at the academy was deliberately stoked by Yu Tianheng himself. His goal was to trample over the masses of admirers and leave a favorable impression on her.


    But rumors are not always controllable.


    Although Heaven Dou Royal Academy had its share of elites, most students were mere riffraff. Whenever someone thought they might show some intelligence, they would promptly prove otherwise, demonstrating that such lowly creatures did not need brains.


    Even though Yu Tianheng had been one of the forces behind the rumors, he couldn''t suppress all of them.


    Originally, he intended to use the rumors as a stepping stone to get closer to Dugu Yan. But to his frustration, that plant had turned into a stumbling block.


    While one lackey attempted to cheer him up by suggesting they visit Heaven Dou City that evening for some fun, another lackey¡ªwhose name Yu Tianheng couldn''t even remember¡ªnoticed Chen Ming entering the cafeteria in a rush. The lackey immediately reported this to Yu Tianheng.


    Upon learning that Chen Ming was the so-called other man in the rumors, Yu Tianheng became even more agitated. He was eager to teach this newcomer from the countryside, who dared to compete with him for Dugu Yan''s attention, a harsh lesson.


    Yu Tianheng didn''t need to give a verbal order. A mere glance and a slight nod toward his lackey were enough. The underling understood immediately and swaggered over to confront Chen Ming.


    This lackey''s martial soul, the Thunder Dragon, was a variant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.


    As a subspecies, the Thunder Dragon martial soul was weaker than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon in all aspects. It lacked the most critical dragon transformation ability but was still a high-quality true dragon martial soul.


    At rank 28 as a Grandmaster, the lackey could easily rival newly minted Soul Elders who had just acquired their third soul ring.


    Even within Heaven Dou Royal Academy, his strength was considered formidable. Yu Tianheng was confident that this subordinate was more than capable of teaching Chen Ming¡ªa rural upstart who relied on poison¡ªa harsh lesson, showing him the rules of Heaven Dou City and the academy.


    Instead, the underling in whom Yu Tianheng had placed so much trust was effortlessly defeated by Chen Ming in a single exchange. Even after summoning his martial soul, the lackey''s skin was corroded by the toxin of Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion.


    Everyone at the academy who had been around for a few months knew that this lackey was one of Yu Tianheng''s men, his trusted subordinate.


    Was Chen Ming slapping his subordinate''s backside with this act?


    No. He was slapping Yu Tianheng''s face!


    He was slapping the future young master of the sect that aspired to be the greatest in the world!


    In essence, this was a provocation against the future number-one sect in the world!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [46]

    The most important thing is this: Chen Ming, a guy whose family doesn''t even have a single Soul Douluo, dares to compete with Yu Tianheng for a woman.


    When Dugu Yan was six years old, shortly after awakening her martial soul, Yu Tianheng saw her at a banquet while accompanying his grandfather, Yu Yuanzhen.


    At that time, Yu Tianheng was eight, and Dugu Yan was six. The moment Yu Tianheng, who had just begun to understand the ways of men and women, laid eyes on Dugu Yan, his heart started pounding uncontrollably.


    After returning home, Yu Tianheng lost his appetite and couldn''t sleep, his mind consumed by thoughts of Dugu Yan. His grandfather, Yu Yuanzhen, eventually noticed.


    When Yu Tianheng told Yu Yuanzhen about it, his grandfather was initially surprised but reluctantly agreed to ask Dugu Bo for his consent at an appropriate time.


    However, back then, Dugu Yan had just awakened her martial soul, and many people eager to curry favor with Dugu Bo were lining up to propose marriage agreements involving Dugu Yan. This infuriated Dugu Bo, who, during a court assembly in the Heaven Dou Empire, dragged out the forty- or fifty-year-old men hoping to marry his granddaughter and publicly beat them.


    Those beaten nobles were also poisoned by Dugu Bo. For a week, they were mentally disoriented, unable to distinguish reality from illusion. For a month, they lost control of their bowels. It took three full months before they could walk again.


    Some of the younger ones reportedly recovered after nearly a year, while the older or frailer ones are said to have never regained their full abilities.


    Seeing Dugu Bo''s near-mad reaction, even Yu Yuanzhen hesitated to bring up the matter at that time.


    Although Dugu Bo''s strength was indeed weaker than Yu Yuanzhen''s, his threat level was unmatched.


    Dugu Bo was one of the most dangerous figures on the entire continent. His only soft spot was his granddaughter, Dugu Yan. If provoked, Dugu Bo could easily hide Dugu Yan and go on a rampage across the continent.


    And so, they waited for several years.


    Years later, Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Tianheng finally visited Dugu Bo to discuss the matter. Out of respect for Yu Yuanzhen''s superior strength, Dugu Bo politely declined, saying the children were still too young and suggesting they revisit the matter in a few years.


    After that, Yu Yuanzhen stopped paying much attention to Yu Tianheng''s pursuit of Dugu Yan, choosing instead to focus on his cultivation in seclusion.


    Ironically, this lack of concern further provoked Yu Tianheng, whose behavior gradually turned more obsessive.


    As the eldest grandson of the sect leader, Yu Tianheng had the support of his elders. Unlike Yu Yuanzhen, these elders were much more enthusiastic about Yu Tianheng''s pursuit of Dugu Yan.


    Over the years, Yu Tianheng became deeply infatuated with Dugu Yan. He knew everything about her¡ªwhat she liked to eat, her favorite colors, and even that she despised weak people, preferring those with strength and a cold demeanor.


    Ever since Dugu Yan entered the academy, Yu Tianheng had been closely monitoring her movements. He even secretly incited some less enthusiastic students to pursue her fanatically, just so he could create opportunities to eliminate these toads in front of her and earn her favor.


    Initially, many students didn''t dare pursue Dugu Yan, especially those whose elders had been victims of Dugu Bo''s public punishment in the palace. They vividly remembered the torment their families had endured.


    But the influence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan ensured that everyone played their part.


    Through coercion, bribery, or a mix of both, the clan had many methods to ensure compliance.


    In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Yuanzhen was the only titled Douluo. However, he spent most of his time in seclusion pursuing greater heights, leaving most clan affairs in the hands of his younger brother, Yu Luomian, the second strongest in the clan.


    To many, Yu Luomian seemed more like the clan leader than the often-absent Yu Yuanzhen.


    If Yu Yuanzhen was a proud dragon soaring in the heavens, expressing anger through thunderous force that obliterated all before him, then Yu Luomian was a calculating snake slithering on the ground. Though superficially similar to a dragon, his core was one of shrewdness and cunning.


    Not only did he leverage the dragon''s prestige, but he also had his hidden agendas.


    Although Yu Tianheng was Yu Yuanzhen''s biological grandson, within the sect, his talent was inferior to that of his cousin, Yu Tianxin. Furthermore, with Yu Yuanzhen often detached from worldly affairs, the clan had effectively become Yu Luomian''s domain.


    While harmony appeared to prevail on the surface, Yu Tianheng secretly coveted the position of heir to the clan. Deep down, he wished for nothing more than for his cousin Yu Tianxin to drop dead on the spot.


    To win over Dugu Yan and leverage Dugu Bo''s influence to solidify his position as the future sect leader, Yu Tianheng had reached a point where he was willing to pay any price. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once a few leading figures took on their roles, the rest of the crowd, who lacked much self-awareness, naturally became part of the drama.


    In a student body dominated by mediocrity, it only took one or two ringleaders to dispel their awe of a Titled Douluo. The remaining fools, already not the brightest, would fall into place and play their parts perfectly.


    With the help of his elders, Yu Tianheng had already prepared the stage and cast. He was just waiting for Dugu Yan to acquire her third soul ring so he could perform his grand act¡ªa dramatic display of his cold demeanor and overwhelming strength to leave a lasting impression on her.


    But before Dugu Yan even obtained her soul ring, news spread that Chen Ming had openly embraced Dugu Yan in broad daylight at the academy, flaunting their relationship.


    How could Yu Tianheng tolerate this?!


    Though he desperately wanted to unleash his Thunder Dragon Claw and humiliate this scoundrel before everyone, Yu Tianheng knew better. After all, the cafeteria was not devoid of teachers.


    If he couldn''t deal with Chen Ming swiftly, he risked being caught by the teachers. Even with his advantage as a potential future leader of the world''s top sect, the three academy elders would still punish him.


    Even if he weren''t sent back to the sect, he''d face several days of confinement.


    Worse, if this incident reached his second uncle, Yu Luomian, the latter would seize the opportunity to spread the story within the sect and, accidentally, let it reach his grandfather Yu Yuanzhen.


    If that happened, Yu Tianheng''s aspirations for the sect leader position would grow even more distant.


    So, after a single Thunder Dragon Claw attack, Yu Tianheng could only glare at Chen Ming, hoping Chen Ming would retaliate so he could justify taking him down.


    Though Yu Tianheng thought his intentions were well hidden, to Chen Ming, they were blatantly obvious. While Chen Ming''s soul power surged, as if ready to strike, he intentionally refrained from attacking, leaving Yu Tianheng without a valid excuse.


    As the two stood off, a fiery figure suddenly flashed into the scene¡ªa Soul Master surrounded by flames intervened, his soul power flaring with anger.


    "If you want to fight, take it to the arena! Using spirit abilities against a fellow student in the school cafeteria¡ªdo you want to be expelled?!"


    Qin Ming shouted furiously, though inwardly, he felt conflicted.


    He had been about to eat in the staff cafeteria when he heard someone yell that spirit abilities were being used in the student cafeteria. He immediately activated his martial soul and rushed over.


    On his way, he overtook several other teachers. Being the first to arrive, Qin Ming was immediately dumbfounded when he saw that the conflict involved Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng.


    As the first on the scene, the other teachers who arrived afterward either retreated even faster or hid themselves, offering no help to Qin Ming.


    Though conflicted, Qin Ming was a responsible teacher. Bracing himself, he stepped in to stop this ridiculous cafeteria drama.


    When Qin Ming looked at Yu Tianheng, the latter''s eyes flashed with disdain as he let out what he thought was a subtle snort.


    Though Yu Tianheng himself had just barely reached the rank of Soul Elder, his background made him look down on Qin Ming, a Soul King nearing Soul Emperor rank.


    Seeing that Qin Ming didn''t show him any favoritism, Yu Tianheng was naturally displeased.


    "Teacher, that person ambushed my friend and poisoned him. I couldn''t stand to see my friend humiliated, so I lashed out in anger."


    "If anyone deserves punishment, it should be Chen Ming."


    "Hmm?" Qin Ming turned his suspicious gaze toward the injured figure on the ground¡ªa minor character no one had paid attention to.


    This minor character''s martial soul was the Thunder Dragon, a dragon martial soul. Even at the academy, he was somewhat notable. Qin Ming had seen his file before and knew he was one of Yu Tianheng''s lackeys. His reputation in the academy was far from stellar.


    Given the circumstances, Qin Ming immediately deduced that, even if Yu Tianheng hadn''t orchestrated the situation directly, he was undoubtedly involved.


    However, seeing the massive chunks of missing flesh and the blood flowing from the injured student''s body, Qin Ming couldn''t simply ignore him.


    Casting a deep, meaningful glance at Yu Tianheng, Qin Ming approached the injured student, using his soul power to stabilize his condition. He then called over a nearby healer-type student who had been watching the commotion to use their spirit ability.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [47]

    Chen Ming''s poison was meticulously controlled. Though the injuries appeared severe, they were superficial at best. A healer-type soul master could cast a few healing abilities, administer some herbal remedies, and in a few days, the victim would be back on his feet as good as new.


    The healer summoned to help was only a Rank 22 Grand Soul Master with an ordinary martial soul¡ªa lily flower. However, after casting two abilities, the fallen individual opened his eyes.


    As everyone''s gaze turned to him, the victim gritted his teeth, endured the pain, and pointed accusingly at Chen Ming. His dirt-covered face twisted in resentment.


    "This guy bumped into me and then ambushed me, using poison on an innocent passerby like me! Teacher, you must seek justice for me!"


    Faced with this claim, Qin Ming, the teacher, could only offer an awkward smile. Meanwhile, the crowd burst into laughter.


    Who didn''t know what kind of person this guy was? Everyone had seen him bully other students before.


    Not to mention that this was likely a case of him attacking Chen Ming and being countered. Even if Chen Ming had struck first, many onlookers would still side with him during their spectating.


    The victim''s reputation was simply too rotten. If not for his family background and the faint backing of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he would have been sent home long ago.


    Seeing that no one supported him, the victim slumped to the ground, pretending to faint from anger. But the crowd, ever eager for drama, wasn''t so easily fooled.


    The seemingly unremarkable healer soul master, with just a touch, immediately noticed the victim was faking. Though hesitant to offend Yu Tianheng, the healer couldn''t help but smile and shake his head slightly under the scrutinizing eyes of the surrounding students.


    This gesture caused another wave of laughter. The victim wished he could truly faint, while Yu Tianheng''s face turned livid. Though he wanted to intimidate the onlookers, his gaze brushed over Qin Ming, and he chose to abandon the idea.


    Once Qin Ming confirmed that no one was in life-threatening danger, he stood up with a cold expression, his emotions a tangled mess. Glancing between Yu Tianheng and Chen Ming, Qin Ming eventually directed his reprimand at Yu Tianheng.


    "Yu Tianheng, regardless of the situation, summoning your martial soul and using spirit abilities on a fellow student in public violates academy regulations. As an outstanding student of this academy, you should fully understand this."


    "You claim it was out of anger for your friend. However, I can assure you, that if you insist on pursuing this matter further, we can bring in Elder Meng Shenji. Under the scrutiny of his Black Demon martial soul, there will be no secrets."


    "Hmph..." Yu Tianheng understood the implication behind Qin Ming''s words immediately.


    "''No secrets under the Black Demon martial soul''¡ªdoesn''t that mean he believes I orchestrated this?"


    Though Yu Tianheng had indeed played a role behind the scenes, he couldn''t believe Qin Ming would dare offend someone from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan over a mere Grand Soul Master.


    Though he wasn''t a Rank 31 Soul Elder with a single yellow and purple ring, he had two yellow and one purple ring!


    Throughout the entire academy, there were few Soul Elders younger than him.


    If not for Qin Ming''s significant standing among the academy''s three board members¡ªregarded as a promising pillar for the future of the Heaven Dou Empire¡ªYu Tianheng would''ve already considered retaliating.


    As it stood, Qin Ming''s actions were enough for Yu Tianheng to mentally add him to a list for future accidents.


    Nobles with a longer heritage tended to look down on others, and soul master families with a legacy were even more dismissive of commoners and soul masters of commoner origin.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan embodied both traits¡ªdespising everyone else, but especially commoners and commoner-born soul masters.


    The clan even maintained an almost reproductive isolation from other nobles. Unless their martial souls mutated, women of the clan weren''t allowed to marry outside, and bloodline purity was strictly enforced.


    If a bloodline member were found outside the clan, the first response was to eliminate them, preventing their martial soul from spreading.


    Only those with exceptional talent were begrudgingly accepted into the clan.


    It''s no surprise that after the clan''s eventual destruction by Spirit Hall, only three members remained: Yu Xiaogang, Yu Tianheng, and Yu Tianxin. Not a single other Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master survived.


    While they inherited little of the dragon''s strength, they had mastered its arrogance to perfection.


    "No matter what, I need a proper explanation for this matter."


    Yu Tianheng looked at Qin Ming, extending his dragon-clawed fingers with an air of arrogance.


    What did it matter if there were no secrets? Did the three board members have the authority to expel him?


    He was the first Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul master to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy in centuries, symbolizing his clan''s goodwill toward the imperial family of the Heaven Dou Empire.


    Yu Tianheng believed that even if the three board members uncovered his involvement, they would choose to overlook it out of respect for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    As for what would happen to his lackey later... Yu Tianheng didn''t care at all.


    Failing to carry out his task and embarrassing Yu Tianheng in public? He felt he was already being merciful by not sending the fool to the Extreme North to mine.


    "If you''ve got what it takes, meet me in the arena. Whether you win or lose today, I''ll let you off the hook."


    "Oh, what a grand gesture! A Rank 30 Soul Elder challenging a newly enrolled Rank 24 Grand Soul Master. Such power¡ªit shakes the heavens and crushes the earth!"


    "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s reputation echoes across the continent. Who doesn''t know it as the greatest beast martial soul?"


    "But now that I see it, the clan''s heirs fail to live up to their name. Born of noble blood, I expected wisdom, but instead, I see a towering arrogance. Is this inherited from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, or is it your accomplishment?"


    Chen Ming''s tone was sharp and sarcastic.


    As someone who had once debated countless opponents online in his past life, Chen Ming had mastered the art of verbal sparring, becoming a skilled provocateur. Though he hadn''t practiced in years, his sharp tongue quickly had Yu Tianheng''s veins bulging in fury. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Both you and I know the truth in our hearts. I don''t know how I offended you. I was merely passing through the cafeteria and found myself in this situation. If I''ve caught your attention, a lowly Grand Soul Master like me might someday be reduced to ashes by a stray bolt of lightning while walking down the street."


    Chen Ming''s feigned timid expression turned into one of fierce determination.


    "Yu Tianheng, you''re asking if I dare fight you? Fine! Let me tell you¡ªI dare! If you''re a man, meet me in the arena! The Chen family''s poison may not match the legacy of the Poison Douluo, but it has its unique characteristics. In the path of poison, I am more than capable of establishing my sectl!"


    "If you''re not afraid of death or my poison, let''s head to the arena right now!"


    With that, Chen Ming clasped his fists toward Qin Ming and bowed slightly, his tone turning apologetic.


    "I apologize to Teacher Qin Ming and the three elders for today. While I don''t wish to disregard your guidance, circumstances compel me to use my poison within the academy. I hope Teacher Qin Ming and the elders can forgive me."


    Seeing Chen Ming''s heavy tone, devoid of his earlier playful demeanor, Qin Ming''s heart skipped a beat. Remembering the poison he''d encountered previously, he instinctively wanted to intervene but hesitated, unable to find the words to stop them.


    In the world of Douluo, martial strength is revered, and conflicts between soul masters often escalate into fights. The fiery passion of youth cannot be easily quelled. How can I stop this now, let alone in the future?


    There''s something unusual about today''s events. If Yu Tianheng had nothing to hide, why would he suppress his anger and refrain from acting earlier?


    While the exact reason remains unclear, the implications are painfully obvious.


    Qin Ming sighed inwardly, casting a deep, conflicted glance at Yu Tianheng, whose clenched fists suggested he was moments away from erupting.


    Why did I run so fast to get here? Now this mess is on my plate¡ªwho am I supposed to complain to?


    Yu Tianheng can''t come to harm, and neither can Chen Ming. If something happens to Yu Tianheng, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will come knocking. If something happens to Chen Ming, the Poison Douluo will likely pay a visit. No matter how this duel ends, I might end up playing the villain.


    My colleagues, if any of you have a shred of conscience, go fetch the dean or the three elders for me. The sky is falling, and it''s all landing on me, a mere Soul King!


    What have I, a lowly Spirit King, done to deserve being dragged into the clash of these two?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [48]

    As midday approached, the cafeteria was bustling with faculty and students. Aside from a few food enthusiasts, nearly everyone was drawn to the commotion involving Chen Ming, so much so that many abandoned their meals to watch the drama unfold.


    Under the gaze of the crowd, Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng made their way to the arena and stood on opposite sides of the platform.


    The arena, designed for one-on-one battles, wasn''t particularly large¡ªa 20-meter square. While it might be too small for long-range soul masters, it was ideal for melee and mid-range fighters. The space provided enough room for agility-based and control-type soul masters to fully display their skills.


    By the time the three board members arrived, Yu Tianheng and Chen Ming were already glaring at each other from opposite ends of the arena, seemingly ready to strike at any moment but still holding back.


    The reason? The arena was missing a referee.


    After escorting Yu Tianheng and Chen Ming to the arena, Qin Ming quickly stepped aside, claiming exhaustion from using too much soul power to treat injured students earlier. No matter what, he refused to step in as the referee.


    Other instructors were present, but they too found excuses to avoid involvement, unwilling to mediate this volatile situation. Eventually, the matter dragged on until the three elders arrived. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Witnessing the scene, Bai Baoshan, Meng Shenji, and Zhi Lin exchanged helpless looks.


    With over a hundred students watching¡ªnearly one-fifth of the academy''s entire student body¡ªthe stakes were too high to suppress the conflict directly.


    Having worked together for decades, the three elders communicated silently with mere glances. After a brief exchange, Meng Shenji reluctantly stepped forward and took on the role of referee.


    "Both sides, step back and deactivate your martial souls. Only after my signal can you summon them again!"


    "This match is a sparring session between students. Both sides must show restraint and avoid causing serious harm or fatalities."


    "Interference, ambushes, or assistance from others during the duel is strictly prohibited and will result in severe punishment."


    "Rank-23 Grand Soul Master Chen Ming versus Rank-32 Soul Elder Yu Tianheng. Prepare yourselves..."


    Unbeknownst to the crowd, Chen Ming had recently broken through, but everyone, including the elders, still assumed he was Rank-23.


    As he spoke, even Meng Shenji felt a twinge of embarrassment on Yu Tianheng''s behalf. Challenging someone nearly ten levels below him? It was a bit shameless.


    "Begin!"


    At the command, both Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng charged at each other, activating their martial souls mid-sprint.


    Yu Tianheng''s activation was swift, but Chen Ming''s was even faster.


    Before Yu Tianheng''s soul rings could fully light up, Chen Ming''s first soul ring glowed brightly, and he lunged forward like a runaway truck.


    The 20-meter distance, which top athletes on Earth could cover in two seconds, took Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng less than a second, given their martial soul-enhanced speed and their mutual charge.


    A massive cloud of green poison erupted from Chen Ming, forming a toxic ring around him. As his hands clashed with Yu Tianheng''s arms in a burst of soul power, the scorpion tail behind him silently arced toward Yu Tianheng''s lower leg.


    Both fighters were taken aback by the force of the collision, realizing their opponent''s strength was evenly matched.


    Yu Tianheng, with the top-tier Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, had unparalleled elemental, speed, and strength capabilities. His superior training, medicinal enhancements, and higher soul rank (eight levels above Chen Ming) should have given him a clear advantage.


    By all accounts, Chen Ming, despite possessing the Emerald Scorpion King martial soul, should have been easily overpowered in their initial clash.


    However, Chen Ming''s years of consuming special tonics to enhance his body, combined with multiple martial soul upgrades and a thousand-year external soul bone, had elevated his physical strength to an extraordinary level.


    Despite the gap in soul rank, Chen Ming''s physical strength slightly surpassed Yu Tianheng''s.


    Their physical clash ended in a stalemate, but the battle of attributes began immediately.


    At such close range, Yu Tianheng had no way to avoid the encroaching poison cloud. Forced to counteract it, he unleashed a surge of lightning-infused soul power, creating a protective barrier to fend off the toxic assault.


    The high-quality lightning element of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul had a naturally purifying effect, holding back Chen Ming''s poison for now. However, this came at a steep cost¡ªYu Tianheng''s soul power drained rapidly, like water through a sieve.


    Due to his familiarity with Dugu Yan''s abilities, Yu Tianheng had a good understanding of poison-attribute attacks. From the start, he made sure to protect his vulnerable areas, such as his nose and mouth, which prevented him from being instantly overwhelmed in their initial clash.


    The greatest advantage of poison-type soul masters lies in surprise attacks. When executed properly, even someone several ranks lower can overcome stronger opponents. However, if the target is prepared and the poison fails to take immediate effect, the threat of a poison-type soul master diminishes significantly, forcing them into a drawn-out battle¡ªa scenario unfavorable for them.


    "First Spirit Ability: Thunder Dragon Claw!"


    At this moment, Yu Tianheng finally unleashed his first spirit ability. Although its power was somewhat reduced due to the hurried activation, the intense lightning still posed a considerable threat.


    He barely blocked Chen Ming''s attack and quickly leaped back a few steps. With precise aim, he struck the scorpion tail that had been lunging toward him at an odd angle, sending it flying away with a thunderous strike.


    Personality flaws aside, there''s no direct correlation between one''s temperament and their abilities.


    While Yu Tianheng wasn''t entirely emotionless during battle, like a cold, calculating machine, his specialized training allowed him to suppress unnecessary emotions and distractions, demonstrating the composure expected of a skilled soul master.


    Yu Tianheng possessed excellent soul power and abundant battle experience. Born into a prominent family, he had been rigorously trained since childhood and gained significant combat experience after joining the academy. He had fought opponents of all kinds¡ªthose that flew in the air or ran on land¡ªthough he had little experience dealing with aquatic adversaries.


    From the moment he saw Chen Ming''s martial soul and its scorpion tail, Yu Tianheng paid special attention to its movements, knowing it posed a significant threat. This vigilance ensured he wouldn''t be defeated in a single exchange.


    Chen Ming''s scorpion tail, however, was his hardest and sharpest asset, further enhanced by his external soul bone. Its durability and penetrative power were far beyond ordinary expectations. Even a sudden thrust carried a formidable force that couldn''t be underestimated.


    Had the tail landed its mark, it could have easily pierced through Yu Tianheng''s body, as the scales and flesh he relied on for protection would have been insufficient to block the tail''s penetration.


    Although Yu Tianheng managed to deflect the tail, he hadn''t anticipated the sheer strength behind it. His entire arm went numb from the impact, and a sharp pain radiated from his arm bone.


    Even a momentary loss of control¡ªlasting just a few seconds¡ªis a significant vulnerability in an intense close-quarters battle. Chen Ming seized this opportunity without hesitation.


    Capitalizing on the opening, Chen Ming pressed the attack, refusing to give Yu Tianheng any chance to recover. Forced into a corner, Yu Tianheng gritted his teeth and unleashed his third spirit ability, Thunder Fury, followed by his second spirit ability, Thunderclap.


    "Thunder Fury! Thunderclap!"


    Thunder Fury caused Yu Tianheng''s soul power to surge uncontrollably, boosting his lightning attributes by 100% and his overall soul power by 50%. While immensely powerful, it had a significant drawback: it drained soul power at an alarming rate.


    At Rank 32, Yu Tianheng could feel his soul power being rapidly depleted. He could maintain the state for roughly ten minutes before exhausting all his energy.


    Thunderclap, on the other hand, was a devastating area-of-effect ability that showcased the full might of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family''s lightning. Although designed for group combat, its single-target destructive power was equally formidable. Its only downside was its immense soul power consumption, making it a risky ability even for Soul Elders.


    Activating both abilities simultaneously put a tremendous strain on Yu Tianheng''s soul power reserves, as if a massive chunk of his energy had been gouged out.


    With his third ability enhancing him, the lightning coiling around his body grew even more dazzling. Adjusting his stance slightly, Yu Tianheng charged directly at Chen Ming''s incoming attack.


    While his physical strength was still lacking compared to Chen Ming''s, the amplified Thunderclap more than compensated for the gap.


    The intense lightning pierced through the protective soul power surrounding Chen Ming, striking the carapace formed by his martial soul. Although the attack didn''t cause severe damage, the powerful lightning attribute sent a numbing shock through Chen Ming''s body, momentarily slowing his movements.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [49]

    Damn it, my stats aren''t enough!


    Seeing the situation, Chen Ming cursed internally.


    Yu Tianheng''s higher level and superior martial soul gave him the edge. Even among soul masters of the same rank, Yu Tianheng was a standout. While Chen Ming had a slight advantage in physical strength, Yu Tianheng''s superior soul power tipped the scales in his favor.


    With the boost from his third spirit ability¡ª100% increased lightning attributes and a 50% increase in soul power¡ªthe gap between them widened further. Yu Tianheng''s casual lightning strikes could now penetrate Chen Ming''s defenses, while Chen Ming''s poison couldn''t erode him quickly enough in this state.


    Though Chen Ming possessed the External Soul Bone, which could easily crush Yu Tianheng, he refrained from using it. The problem lay in the value of soul bones; they were so precious that even an external soul bone, which couldn''t be absorbed by others, might still make him a target for malicious intent.


    Fools and scoundrels were never in short supply¡ªeven a thousand years later, there would still be individuals like the infamous Guardian Douluo Cheng Gang holding high-ranking positions as protectors of nations. (Soul Land 2 minor character.)


    So, unless necessary, Chen Ming avoided revealing this trump card. Even if used, he intended to keep it under wraps, at least until he found a reliable backer who wouldn''t abandon him.


    In this clash, Chen Ming was at a disadvantage, forced back several steps. Yu Tianheng seized the moment, charging forward to take advantage of Chen Ming''s unsteady footing and end the battle in one decisive move.


    However, he overlooked a crucial fact¡ªtriangles are the most stable structure.


    Chen Ming''s scorpion tail, though seemingly unwieldy and cumbersome, was easier to control than his fingers.


    Just when Yu Tianheng thought he had found a weak point, Chen Ming used his tail to lightly touch the ground, regaining his balance in an instant. With a burst of power, he launched himself toward Yu Tianheng at an even faster speed.


    Boom!


    A dull collision echoed as both Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng retreated cautiously, eyeing each other warily.


    Then, without hesitation, the two engaged in a fierce close-quarters battle. Lightning-coated dragon claws clashed repeatedly with venomous arms, producing muffled sounds of impact.


    Similar to fights between ordinary people, battles between soul masters also revolved around momentum and rhythm.


    They exchanged blows, each trying to overwhelm the other while remaining vigilant against potential sneak attacks. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In close combat, Yu Tianheng favored a fast-paced style aimed at quickly subduing his opponent, while Chen Ming focused on defense and counterattacks. Occasionally, Chen Ming would lash out with his scorpion tail or attempt a trade of blows, hoping to leave a bleeding wound on Yu Tianheng.


    Although Yu Tianheng''s lightning could neutralize Chen Ming''s poison externally, that didn''t mean the poison posed no threat. External poison could be forced away with lightning, but once it entered the body, trying to use lightning to counteract it would be suicidal.


    Chen Ming was willing to risk injury for an opportunity to strike, but Yu Tianheng dared not. At the slightest cut, Yu Tianheng would grit his teeth and burn the wound with lightning to cauterize it, using his soul power to guard against the poison''s intrusion.


    On the other hand, Chen Ming''s earlier efforts to concentrate a toxic cloud around himself forced Yu Tianheng to stay on high alert during their close-quarters exchanges.


    Yu Tianheng had to carefully control his soul power to shield his senses from the poison. Every time his body made contact with Chen Ming, he had to immediately channel powerful lightning to cleanse the affected area, or the damage would be severe.


    Any moment of carelessness, even the smallest opening, would tilt the battle entirely in Chen Ming''s favor.


    Chen Ming''s green armguards were already showing cracks, while the soul power surrounding Yu Tianheng had diminished significantly. His chest heaved heavily, though he dared not take deep breaths.


    At first glance, Yu Tianheng seemed to be in better shape¡ªhis body was unscathed, though his soul power was nearly depleted.


    But Yu Tianheng knew that even the slightest injury could allow the poison to enter his body, threatening his life.


    As he felt his endurance nearing its limit, Yu Tianheng braced himself to take one of Chen Ming''s strikes head-on, using the impact to quickly retreat from the poisonous mist and adjust his state.


    During their earlier clash, Yu Tianheng''s soul power had faltered slightly, allowing him to inhale a trace of the toxic gas.


    Though his resilient body and dominant lightning soul power protected his organs, the poison still left him in agony. His respiratory tract burned, and his internal organs began to spasm faintly.


    The intense collision caused his insides to churn violently. Despite his rigorous training, cold sweat dripped from his forehead as he had to allocate more soul power to resist the poison.


    Yu Tianheng understood that if the poison fully invaded his body, even as a Soul Elder with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, he would be humiliatingly rendered powerless¡ªa reality his pride couldn''t accept.


    Standing outside the poison cloud, Yu Tianheng observed it cautiously, his muscular frame taut like a drawn bow. A determined gleam flashed in his eyes.


    "You''ve forced my hand. I didn''t want to reveal the true secret of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan at this point, but it''s clear you''re not an easy opponent to deal with..."


    "Arghhh!"


    Yu Tianheng let out a furious roar as veins bulged on his face. His right arm underwent a dramatic transformation.


    The arm swelled several times its original size, growing nearly half a foot longer. Dense dragon scales covered his forearm, and what had previously resembled a dragon claw now fully transformed into a terrifyingly fierce one.


    The three spirit rings¡ªtwo yellow and one purple¡ªthat had been floating around him now converged on his right arm, circling it rhythmically like living entities in tune with Yu Tianheng''s breathing.


    Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s signature ability¡ªDragon Transformation...


    Chen Ming quietly observed Yu Tianheng''s transformation, a gleam flashing in his eyes.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s Dragon Transformation was a unique ability on the Douluo Continent. Even within the clan, only the most pure-blooded Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul masters could possess it.


    This ability was innate to their bloodline, and even the slightest mutation in their martial soul, no matter how insignificant it seemed, would result in losing the capability for Dragon Transformation.


    During their previous encounters, while Chen Ming had sensed its overwhelming stats, he hadn''t observed the special mechanisms he''d imagined. Now, as Yu Tianheng underwent Dragon Transformation, Chen Ming finally glimpsed the secrets of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul.


    At the moment Yu Tianheng''s arm transformed, his aura surged by 30%, his physical attributes slightly enhanced, his right arm''s strength significantly boosted, and even his lightning abilities and martial soul were elevated in quality.


    As Dragon Transformation took effect, Chen Ming perceived an unfamiliar sensation¡ªit didn''t feel entirely human.


    It resembled the traits of a soul beast but was not entirely the same. If he had to describe it, it felt like some dormant bloodline deep within Yu Tianheng had been temporarily activated.


    Considering the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s martial souls often resulted in other dragon-type souls when mutated, Chen Ming couldn''t help but speculate that the clan''s ancestors might have mingled with an actual Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.


    With limited data to analyze, he couldn''t draw detailed conclusions. Nonetheless, he committed the sensation and inspiration to memory, planning to revisit and study it later.


    "To fall before this technique is something you can take pride in. Only the true heirs of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan possess this one-of-a-kind ability. Witnessing the true power of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon as a mere Grand Soul Master is an honor in itself! Yu Tianheng declared.


    After releasing Dragon Transformation, Yu Tianheng''s demeanor seemed to grow fiercer. Despite feeling his soul power rapidly depleting, he couldn''t resist flaunting his lightning-imbued, fully transformed right arm to the crowd watching around Chen Ming, showcasing his power.


    Initially, Yu Tianheng had been reluctant to use Dragon Transformation in a battle where he, as a Soul Elder, was facing a mere Grand Soul Master. Such a move could tarnish his reputation and become a point of contention when vying for the position of heir to the clan in the future.


    However, as the surging power from Dragon Transformation coursed through him, Yu Tianheng abandoned all such concerns. Overwhelmed by the intoxicating strength, he could no longer control his emotions, behaving like a proud and wrathful dragon.


    "Thunder Dragon Claw!"


    Yu Tianheng roared, and an intense bolt of lightning surged from his transformed arm, forming a concentrated beam of lightning that shot toward Chen Ming amidst the poisonous mist.


    Wherever the lightning passed, Chen Ming''s toxins dissipated as if erased by an invisible force¡ªevidence that Yu Tianheng''s soul power quality exceeded Chen Ming''s at this moment.


    Despite its raw power, the attack''s accuracy left much to be desired.


    The buildup for the move was painfully obvious to Chen Ming, and the direction of the strike was easily predictable¡ªsomething any soul master with a modicum of experience could discern.


    Though Chen Ming couldn''t match the lightning''s speed, evading Yu Tianheng was a far simpler matter.


    It was clear that Yu Tianheng''s control over Dragon Transformation was rudimentary. While his stats had improved, the transformation introduced new variables he struggled to handle, leaving him more vulnerable than before.


    With minimal effort, Chen Ming sidestepped the Thunder Dragon Claw. His disdainful expression was like a slap to Yu Tianheng''s face, leaving the latter''s previously proud demeanor frozen in embarrassment.


    "You¡­"


    After combining Dragon Transformation and his thunderous technique, Yu Tianheng was left with only 30¨C40% of his soul power. He glared at Chen Ming with gritted teeth, abandoning all pretense of dignity as he prepared to finish the fight with his remaining energy.


    The combined drain of Dragon Transformation and Thunderous Wrath was immense. The two techniques compounded their consumption, rapidly exhausting his reserves. Even at full strength, Yu Tianheng wouldn''t dare prolong a fight in this state, knowing it could easily lead to a counterattack.


    Dragon Transformation couldn''t be deactivated at will, and Thunderous Wrath would only subside when his soul power was completely drained. Yu Tianheng was out of options.


    Meanwhile, Chen Ming flicked his scorpion tail and calmly opened his mouth, a knowing glint in his eyes.


    "Since you''ve already revealed your trump card, it''d be rude of me to stick to just my first spirit skill."


    "My second spirit skill is incredibly powerful¡ªwhether you can withstand it will depend entirely on your luck."


    The poisonous mist Chen Ming had been accumulating around him surged outward, engulfing every corner of the arena. The solid ground beneath them began to dissolve as if tossed into a furnace. Even Meng Shenji, one of the education committee members, instinctively shielded himself with soul power, silently preparing to intervene if necessary.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Yu Tianheng suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. His instincts screamed at him to flee, even if it meant jumping off the stage to concede defeat. Yet, his pride caused him to hesitate, costing him the best chance to escape.


    The poisonous mist enveloped his body.


    "Poison Explosion Technique¡ªdetonate!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [50]

    With just a single sentence from Chen Ming, an immense sense of danger completely engulfed Yu Tianheng. The poisonous mist, which had previously been unable to penetrate his body, suddenly shed its toxic properties and erupted as pure soul power.


    Boom!


    A massive shockwave exploded outward. Yu Tianheng felt as though he had been trampled by a ten-thousand-year soul beast. In an instant, his body began to twist and collapse. His once-proud physique and martial soul were utterly useless in the face of this overwhelming force, leaving him at the mercy of the violent explosion tearing him apart.


    At this moment, Yu Tianheng had no means of self-preservation. And the Poison Explosion Technique? That was merely the beginning.


    The power of the Poison Explosion Technique had no theoretical limit¡ªit depended entirely on the amount of soul power consumed and the potency of the accumulated poisons. The soul power Chen Ming had been gathering with his Poison Cloud Technique earlier was no small amount. The resulting destructive force was something no Soul Elder could withstand.


    Of course, this excluded special abilities like Invincible Golden Body or teleportation.


    Finally, at the critical moment, the referee Meng Shenji made his move.


    Unnoticed by anyone, his Black Demon martial soul had already manifested. Eight soul rings¡ªtwo yellow, three purple, and three black¡ªrotated around him. The sixth black soul ring began to glow, enveloping both himself and Yu Tianheng in a peculiar power.


    Sixth Soul Skill: Void Nightmare.


    The skill''s effect temporarily phased its target, turning them into a semi-spiritual state immune to conventional damage and physical collisions, though it doubled their vulnerability to mental attacks.


    This soul skill could be used offensively, allowing for a high-damage combo on enemies, or defensively, to protect oneself and allies from dangerous soul skills.


    Meng Shenji could sense that the damage output of Chen Ming''s Poison Explosion Technique was comparable to the fourth soul skill of some Soul Kings¡ªor even the fifth soul skill of weaker ones. What was most alarming was that it was an area-of-effect skill.


    Without prior preparation, not only would Yu Tianheng, a three-ring Soul Elder, be severely harmed, but even Meng Shenji himself could suffer losses. After all, as a spirit-type soul master whose body was aging, his physical resilience was not particularly strong.


    The once-sturdy arena was completely obliterated under the Poison Explosion Technique. Large chunks of debris and stone shards were launched at high speed toward the surrounding area but were intercepted by the soul skills of Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin before they could cause harm.


    When the soul skill ended, the arena looked as though it had been ravaged by a herd of strength-type soul beasts. The ground was left pockmarked with craters of varying sizes.


    Witnessing this terrifying destructive power, the previously composed onlookers¡ªstudents observing from nearby¡ªwere utterly panicked. The once-organized group fell into chaos. Many stumbled and fell, while some of the more timid students even summoned their martial souls in panic, creating further disorder.


    However, at this moment, the three elders had no time to worry about the commotion. Zhi Lin and Bai Baoshan rushed into the ruins¡ªone heading toward Chen Ming, and the other toward Yu Tianheng.


    Thanks to Meng Shenji''s precise timing, Yu Tianheng narrowly avoided the brunt of the damage, suffering only from the initial impact of the Poison Explosion Technique.


    Even so, he felt like he was on the brink of death. His bones were fractured in multiple places, and his internal organs had begun to bleed.


    Yet on the Douluo Continent, such injuries were still considered minor. As long as his limbs weren''t severed and he hadn''t lost an entire organ, he could fully recover in half a month without any lingering effects.


    Bai Baoshan carefully observed Chen Ming. Aside from some dust on his clothes and signs of significant soul power consumption, Chen Ming appeared entirely unharmed. Only then did Bai Baoshan sigh in relief, patting Chen Ming gently on the back.


    "Xiao Ming, calm down, calm down. This is a friendly exchange within the academy, not a life-or-death battle. Don''t be so aggressive, don''t get so worked up! If there''s anything bothering you... anything at all, come talk to us three old men. Think of us as your elders! Whatever it is, you can come to us!"


    "Didn''t we give you the token last time? If anything happens, just show the token. There''s no need to get so worked up!"


    To be honest, after seeing the sheer destructive power of Chen Ming''s second soul skill, Bai Baoshan felt as if his head had been hit by the Clear Sky Hammer, buzzing uncontrollably.


    If something happened to Yu Tianheng, they couldn''t bear the responsibility. But if something happened to Chen Ming, they couldn''t bear that either.


    Not to mention that Chen Ming was a top-tier genius, clearly destined to become a Title Douluo! Tomorrow, he was scheduled to meet with the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe, at the Seven Treasures Restaurant. A few days later, when the Poison Douluo returned, he would undoubtedly come looking for Chen Ming.


    If any of these people ran into trouble, Bai Baoshan felt the pressure would crush him.


    Of course, deep down, Bai Baoshan was also extremely curious about Chen Ming''s second soul skill.


    For a Soul Douluo like him, the fourth or fifth soul skill of a Soul King wasn''t particularly impressive. But Chen Ming was just a Grandmaster-level soul master! Yet his second soul skill rivaled the core techniques of many Soul Kings¡ªthis was simply outrageous!


    Poison Explosion Technique?


    He had never heard of such a skill. Even after consulting the archives at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he only found similar techniques like Flame Explosion and Ice Explosion. He knew these kinds of skills were vastly different in power compared to ordinary soul skills.


    But...


    Was it just vastly different?


    This power, this area of effect¡ªif someone claimed it was the sixth soul skill of a Soul Emperor, he''d believe it without question. And the soul power consumption? It merely drained a Grandmaster-level soul master. Was there no justice in the world?


    If it weren''t for his lineage''s focus on tool martial souls, where any damage could lead to serious consequences and thus couldn''t be recklessly detonated, Bai Baoshan would have considered establishing a family rule to ensure every generation absorbed a skill like Poison Explosion or Ice Explosion.


    To prevent further issues, Bai Baoshan exchanged a glance with Meng Shenji, who immediately took Yu Tianheng to a healing-type soul master for treatment. Bai Baoshan, meanwhile, grabbed Chen Ming by the sleeve and led him away, while Zhi Lin summoned his martial soul and stayed behind to maintain order. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once they reached a secluded spot, Bai Baoshan carefully examined Chen Ming and, seeing that he only had minor surface injuries, sat him down on the grass and began a heartfelt conversation.


    "Xiao Ming, think of us as your elders. If there''s anything on your mind, don''t keep it bottled up. You can always talk to us. Yu Tianheng may be from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but in this academy, he''s just a student."


    "If someone provokes you, just show them the token and let us handle it. If you want practical combat training, come to us¡ªwe''ll arrange for a good teacher to spar with you."


    "Your talent is exceptional, and you are sure to secure a place on the school team. When the time comes for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, you''ll undoubtedly shine. Don''t let minor matters derail your future."


    "Don''t worry¡ªYu Tianheng isn''t seriously hurt. A few days of treatment, and he''ll be fine. If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan sends someone, the three of us will handle it for you. And from now on, Yu Tianheng certainly won''t be causing you trouble again."


    "Some things can''t be easily explained with words, but Xiao Ming, you must be vigilant. Your talent is extraordinary, and once you grow, you''ll surpass all of us. But you mustn''t let yourself fall prey to those who may wish to harm you before that happens!


    "Within the academy, the three of us will have your back. But in the future..."


    Sigh... Thinking of the complicated relationship between the academy''s dean, Prince Xue Xing, and the Crown Prince, Bai Baoshan let out a deep sigh and fell silent.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [51]

    The battle between Chen Ming and Yu Tianheng ended rather anticlimactic. However, Chen Ming knew that the repercussions of this encounter were far from over; the situation was merely beginning to ferment.


    On the afternoon of the duel, Chen Ming boarded a carriage and headed to Heaven Dou City. He checked into an inn there, spending the night meditating instead of sleeping. Early the next morning, he set off for the Seven Treasures Restaurant located in the city''s luxurious district.


    What defines a luxurious district?


    This particular street catered exclusively to soul masters and nobles. Ordinary people were often stopped at the entrance. The ground floors of shops were generally open to all, but access to the upper floors came with various requirements.


    Although the district wasn''t large, the people who shopped there were either immensely wealthy or influential¡ªoften both. Even those working in the shops typically had notable backgrounds.


    These workers might be members of a prominent family, illegitimate offspring of influential figures, or loyal attendants trained from childhood. Absolute loyalty was the standard here.


    In short, this district was renowned even within Heaven Dou City. Owning a store here implied substantial influence, and this single street significantly boosted the city''s average income.


    At Chen hour (equivalent to 7¨C9 a.m.), the city was still waking from its slumber, despite being the imperial capital. Chen Ming arrived at the Seven Treasures Restaurant with an invitation just before this time. Under the guidance of the staff, he was led to the meeting place with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.


    Chen Ming assumed he had arrived early, but upon entering the room, he saw a young man with white hair and red eyes sitting in the main seat, smiling at him. Judging by the crumbs on the man''s lips and the unfinished pastries on the table, it seemed he hadn''t expected Chen Ming to arrive so early.


    "Brother Chen Ming, you''re here quite early," said Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, with a smile. Gracefully, she picked up a silk handkerchief to wipe her mouth and gestured for Chen Ming to sit beside her.


    Although it was their first meeting, Qian Renxue addressed Chen Ming as "brother," as though they were close acquaintances. For most people, this sudden familiarity might have been startling¡ªeither causing them to feel honored or leaving them flustered.


    "I greet Your Highness," Chen Ming replied with a noble''s courtesy and then took the seat beside Qian Renxue. A faint smile played on his lips, and his gaze remained calm and composed.


    He neither showed excessive excitement nor seemed overly reserved, which made Qian Renxue regard him with higher esteem. Having interacted with many of the new-generation nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire, Qian Renxue was well-acquainted with their usual demeanor.


    "The pastries here at the Seven Treasures Restaurant are a signature delicacy of Heaven Dou City, even surpassing those in the royal palace. My daily responsibilities often leave me little time to enjoy them. Since Brother Chen Ming is here, why don''t we¡­"


    Qian Renxue clapped her hands lightly, and a figure dressed in black appeared beside her.


    The black-clad individual moved with uncanny speed and precision. Though their sudden appearance seemed abrupt, they left no trace, nor did they emit any soul power fluctuations.


    Ordinary people would likely have been startled, but Chen Ming quickly detected spatial fluctuations emanating from the person. In an instant, he deduced the truth: this individual was not a spatial soul master but had been transported here by another soul master with spatial abilities or soul skills. The intent was likely to surprise Chen Ming.


    Judging by the lack of soul power fluctuations from nearby rooms, Chen Ming suspected that a spiritual-type soul master was observing their meeting from a lower floor, with additional soul masters stationed nearby.


    Qian Renxue clapped her hands, signaling for the spatial soul master to use their soul skill and transport the black-clad individual.


    One had to admit, this little act was rather unique.


    Spiritual soul masters were rare, and spatial soul masters even rarer. Most people wouldn''t have the means to pull off such a spectacle.


    "Go and order another serving of pastries," Qian Renxue instructed.


    "Yes," the black-clad individual nodded and vanished from the room.


    Chen Ming noticed that the spatial fluctuations this time were even less stable than before. It seemed the spatial soul master responsible for this atmosphere-setting act wasn''t particularly skilled at transporting individuals over short distances.


    "Thank you, Your Highness," Chen Ming responded politely to Qian Renxue.


    "Oh? You don''t seem particularly curious about what just happened," Qian Renxue remarked, intrigued by Chen Ming''s calm demeanor.


    This atmosphere team was something Qian Renxue had rehearsed years ago. First-time guests were almost always taken aback by it.


    While the act itself held no real significance, seeing the astonished expressions of her guests had become one of Qian Renxue''s rare sources of amusement.


    Except for her teacher, Ning Fengzhi, or occasionally Bone Douluo by his side, no one had ever seen through the trick¡ªuntil now.


    "All actions leave traces in the environment," Chen Ming began. "Although the man''s appearance seemed mysterious, it was far from the level of a Title Douluo''s incomprehensible abilities."


    "Even a Soul Douluo-level expert, moving at high speeds, would inevitably stir the air. If it wasn''t a high-speed movement, then it must have been soul power. Yet, I saw no signs of him using soul power."


    "Once could be an oversight on my part. However, when he disappeared, I paid close attention. His disappearing act wasn''t something he performed himself.


    "If I may be so bold, Your Highness likely has both a spiritual soul master and a spatial soul master working in tandem to achieve this effect." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What remarkable insight," Qian Renxue said, clapping lightly as a smile spread across her face. She couldn''t help but regard Chen Ming with even greater respect.


    Although the mechanics were simple, most people either couldn''t figure it out or wouldn''t dare consider such a possibility. For someone of Chen Ming''s relatively modest rank as a Grandmaster to see through the act in one attempt spoke volumes about his intelligence and observational skills.


    Just as Qian Renxue was about to speak again, the black-clad individual suddenly reappeared behind her with a whoosh. The unexpected appearance made her words catch in her throat.


    A single clap triggered the teleportation; another clap sent him back. But¡­ she hadn''t clapped for a second teleportation this time!


    Wasn''t using clapping as a signal proving to be a bit problematic?


    What had originally been an arrangement to amuse herself by observing others'' reactions now ended with her becoming the source of amusement instead.


    "Enough, enough. Brother Chen Ming, forgive me for the spectacle," Qian Renxue said, covering her forehead with her hand. She waved dismissively at the black-clad individual, signaling for him to leave through the door.


    Although he didn''t fully understand what had gone wrong, the black-clad individual could sense from Qian Renxue''s demeanor that something had gone awry. Panic crept into his heart as he bowed deeply and exited the room.


    Once he returned to the lower floor, he stormed into the room where his two companions, both drenched in sweat, were waiting. Grabbing them by their collars, he snapped, "You two have caused me so much trouble! The crown prince didn''t order a second teleport, and now we''ve botched the entire act!"


    PS: Lol

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [52]

    Although a minor mishap occurred, Qian Renxue wasn''t someone who had spent her years in the royal palace for nothing. She quickly composed herself, acting as though nothing had happened.


    A moment later, a knock came at the door. Seven Treasures Pavilion staff entered, accompanied by a group of maids carrying an array of pastries, fruits, and wine. They set everything up efficiently and left, restoring the atmosphere to normal.


    Qian Renxue chuckled softly, raised a wine cup from the table toward Chen Ming, and took a light sip. Seeing this, Chen Ming had no choice but to pick up his cup, smile faintly, and take a sip as well.


    Chen Ming hadn''t expected that, even in another world, the culture of toasting and drinking would still chase him down.


    He didn''t like drinking¡ªnot because he couldn''t handle alcohol, but because he''d seen too many drunkards in his youth. He feared that, in a moment of drunkenness, he might lose control and let something slip. That would truly spell disaster.


    Qian Renxue noticed his reluctance and smiled subtly.


    "A few days ago, I heard about a genius at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy who managed to absorb a thousand-year soul ring for their second ring. It piqued my curiosity. I also heard about your interactions with the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan."


    "Although I understand that most rumors are mere hearsay, and the phenomenon of three men making a tiger is a timeless truth, I couldn''t help but grow curious about the details."


    At this point, Qian Renxue changed the subject.


    "By the way," she said with a slight smirk, "the item I sent you a few days ago¡ªhow does it suit you, Brother Chen Ming?"


    There was a deeper meaning behind her words.


    The "item" she''d sent wasn''t merely a gift for Chen Ming; it was more like a lifeline.


    Over the centuries, many Soul Douluo and even Title Douluo had examined the remains of the hundred-thousand-year soul beast from which this relic originated. Most had deemed it useless, even a defective piece. Both Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo, her close subordinates, shared this opinion.


    However, for a poison-type soul master, a relic from a hundred-thousand-year poison-type soul beast was immensely valuable.


    Though it couldn''t be directly used, it might allow a poison-type soul master to reverse-engineer certain traits of such a beast, potentially leading to significant soul power improvements.


    Qian Renxue''s intent wasn''t just to gift this relic to Chen Ming but also to Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.


    After hearing about the connection between Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, she surmised that Dugu Bo wouldn''t kill Chen Ming outright but might not fully accept him as a potential grandson-in-law. Hence, she sent a treasure of unique significance to poison-type soul masters.


    She reasoned that if Chen Ming was clever, he would offer this treasure to Dugu Bo. This gesture would win Dugu Bo''s favor and signal that Chen Ming recognized her goodwill. Even if Dugu Bo didn''t like Chen Ming, this token would likely make him hesitant to act harshly.


    If Dugu Bo already approved of Chen Ming, the treasure would serve as a token of goodwill, helping Chen Ming secure his position in Dugu Bo''s eyes.


    If Dugu Bo eventually accepted Chen Ming as a disciple or grandson-in-law, Qian Renxue would also have a significant favor owed by Chen Ming¡ªsomething that could assist her future plans to overthrow the empire.


    Of course, if Chen Ming didn''t need the treasure to win Dugu Bo''s approval, that would be even better for Qian Renxue.


    Recruiting a sharp-minded, talented individual was far more valuable than recruiting someone with raw talent alone.


    After all, the treasure came from the royal treasury of the Heaven Dou Empire¡ªnot her pocket.


    Unlike other precious items, this relic had been gathering dust for over a century. Giving it away didn''t trouble her, a false prince, in the slightest¡ªnot even Emperor Xue Ye himself would feel the loss.


    It wasn''t until Qian Renxue had the relic delivered to Chen Ming that Emperor Xue Ye even remembered it existed in the royal treasury.


    "Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. I am, of course, deeply satisfied," Chen Ming said as he offered Qian Renxue a polite bow.


    He couldn''t fully grasp her intentions but understood enough to recognize her goodwill.


    What a great person Qian Renxue was!


    She''s a true benefactor!


    Initially, Chen Ming thought his opportunities in Heaven Dou City would be limited to accessing the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Even acquiring the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud seemed uncertain. Yet here Qian Renxue was, casually presenting him with an incredible gift.


    The dragon core was a genuine treasure. While much of its potency had been diminished, its inherent properties remained valuable¡ªfar more so than any single immortal herb.


    Considering its potential for passing down through generations, its worth was even greater. It could lay the foundation for a thousand-year family or sect.


    Qian Renxue wasn''t just a benefactor¡ªshe was practically the God of Wealth, a living embodiment of prosperity!


    The two exchanged knowing smiles, each aware that the other understood.


    As their conversation continued, Qian Renxue casually chatted with Chen Ming, occasionally probing for information.


    She asked about the environment in Biluochen City, whether it was abundant in poisonous creatures, his family''s legacy, his experiences at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and the efforts it took to absorb a thousand-year soul ring as his second ring.


    While most of her inquiries were harmless, some were pointed. However, Chen Ming deftly handled them with practiced rhetoric. Though not flawless, he managed to avoid revealing any critical secrets.


    This only made Qian Renxue appreciate him more.


    A talented and sharp individual like Chen Ming could serve as a key figure under her command, playing a significant role in the Heaven Dou Empire.


    As a result, her tone became more inviting, hinting at recruitment.


    Faced with such a clear overture from a powerful patron, Chen Ming neither accepted nor outright rejected the offer. Instead, he explained that he was currently troubled by rumors within the academy, making it difficult to make any decisions. Nevertheless, he expressed goodwill toward Qian Renxue.


    Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue decided not to press further. She called for the steward of Seven Treasures Pavilion, instructing them to bring out the prepared dishes and more fine wine. She wanted to enjoy a proper feast with Chen Ming.


    Could Chen Ming refuse to drink?


    He wanted to, but realistically, he couldn''t.


    During the banquet, Qian Renxue, still in her guise as Prince Xue Qinghe, began discussing the Heaven Dou Empire. She also subtly brought up Chen Ming''s opinion of the Spirit Hall.


    Chen Ming responded cautiously, avoiding taking a strong stance for either the Spirit Hall or the Heaven Dou Empire. Instead, he adopted a neutral, balanced perspective.


    He acknowledged that the Spirit Hall was a holy land for soul masters, a legacy of the Angel God, and incomparable to the nations of the continent. He also noted that the current peace between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires was largely due to the Spirit Hall''s covert mediation. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In his view, the Heaven Dou Empire would continue to rely on the Spirit Hall to maintain stability. However, as a sovereign nation, it should not become subservient to the Spirit Hall. While maintaining close ties, it was essential to keep some distance and retain room for maneuvering.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [53]

    By this point in the conversation, Qian Renxue was already quite satisfied.


    Internally, she had marked Chen Ming with a big mental checkmark, deciding that after recruiting him in the future, she would cultivate him as a trusted confidant within the Heaven Dou Empire.


    From here, she assumed the conversation would simply proceed as a formality. However, when she casually brought up the internal state of the empire, Chen Ming''s response took her by surprise.


    "Corrupt and greedy officials must be punished. A high-ranking corrupt official is like a mountain¡ªoppressing the citizens of the Heaven Dou Empire, blocking the light of justice, and fostering countless parasites in the shadows."


    "They drink the people''s blood, demand their lives, and dig away at the very roots of the empire. They turn the citizens into enemies of their own country and transform soldiers meant to protect order into bandits who destroy it. Such internal enemies are far more detestable and terrifying than external ones."


    "Parasites among the nobility are still parasites. Their noble status doesn''t change that. Perhaps their ancestors contributed greatly to the country, but these descendants don''t deserve the prestige left behind."


    "Those who deserve to die should die, and those who deserve punishment should be punished. For difficult nobles, remove the main branch and support a subsidiary one. For disobedient nobles, back a controllable heir or encourage internal conflicts between their offspring. If a noble refuses to cooperate, offer their interests to someone else¡ªplenty of others will comply if they don''t."


    Chen Ming believed he had expressed his ideas subtly, refraining from proposing anything too radical for the standards of the Douluo Continent. He thought he was merely demonstrating the mindset of a capable minister in a feudal era. Yet his words left Qian Renxue deeply shocked.


    Among the infestation of parasites in the Heaven Dou Empire, there was someone who shared her views?!


    Qian Renxue could tell that Chen Ming wasn''t just parroting learned rhetoric to curry favor. His words flowed naturally as if they stemmed from his core beliefs¡ªlike someone insisting on sweet or savory soy milk.


    He wasn''t speaking to flatter her; this was genuinely how he would approach the situation if he were in her position.


    Qian Renxue, who had seen her fair share of natural-born political creatures, had never encountered someone with such an unconventional mindset. Chen Ming didn''t talk like a noble at all¡ªhis words were aggressive, almost as if he wanted to shred these parasites to pieces.


    If she weren''t a spy for the Spirit Hall masquerading as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, she might have suspected him of being a Spirit Hall plant.


    To Qian Renxue, Chen Ming''s stance was almost too idealistic, reminiscent of the lofty principles left behind by the Angel God¡ªso noble they seemed detached from reality.


    Angel God above... She sometimes questioned whether her ideas were right or wrong. Yet here was someone who seemed even more resolute in such beliefs.


    Reflecting on Chen Ming''s demeanor and remarks, an idea suddenly crossed her mind.


    Perhaps this Chen Ming truly has a natural connection with our Spirit Hall.


    Even after the banquet ended and Chen Ming had departed, Qian Renxue remained seated, deep in thought. It wasn''t until a long while later that she shook her head and sighed softly.


    "These matters... who can say for sure?"


    "Still, I should observe him more closely in the future. He is an interesting person."


    "Throughout history, the Douluo Continent has produced many talented individuals, but not all of them reach the pinnacle. With his mind, it seems likely he''ll achieve something remarkable in the future."


    "If our Spirit Hall replaces the Heaven Dou Empire to establish the Spirit Empire, we will inevitably unify the Douluo Continent. With his talent and aptitude, Chen Ming might truly shine brightly in this process."


    "Dugu Bo is aligned with Prince Xue Xing. Let me see if I can take this opportunity to win him over. Even if I can''t bring Dugu Bo to our side, there''s no way we can give up on Chen Ming."


    Qian Renxue moved the untouched pastries on the table closer to herself. While nibbling on them, she mulled over her thoughts.


    "If I fail to recruit him and he sides with Xue Xing..."


    At that thought, Qian Renxue chuckled and dismissed the idea herself.


    "No, that''s impossible. Even if he doesn''t side with me, with his personality and talent, he can''t side with Xue Xing."


    "This person is far too intelligent, and most importantly, he doesn''t appear to harbor any ambition."


    "While it''s true that intelligent people don''t necessarily need ambition, someone as sharp as him, with thoughts so different from the average noble, how could he possibly lack ambition?"


    "Though he doesn''t show it, his ambitions are likely beyond the comprehension of most. Does he aim to carve out a kingdom for himself? Or establish a family or sect that lasts for millennia?"


    "In any case, there''s no way he''ll choose Xue Xing''s faction. After all, no prince, no matter how influential, can compare to a crown prince, especially not when I hold real power as I do."


    "Given that, there will be countless opportunities to recruit him in the future. No matter how ambitious he is, his aspirations could never exceed those of our Spirit Hall."


    "Serpent Spear Uncle," Qian Renxue called softly, turning her head toward an empty corner. In response, a figure clad in black silently appeared before her.


    "Your Highness." Given the setting of the Seven Treasures Pavilion, the Serpent Spear Douluo prudently addressed her as "Your Highness" rather than "Young Miss."


    "If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan seeks to trouble Chen Ming, we''ll step in and resolve it for him. He''s an intriguing person and may become a significant asset for us."


    "Of course, we don''t need to resolve it completely. At the very least, he needs to understand that it''s the Crown Prince who is shielding him from this issue."


    "To garner such attention from Your Highness is truly his fortune," the Serpent Spear Douluo said with a faint smile, nodding to show he understood and would handle the matter.


    Seeing that Qian Renxue had no other orders, the Serpent Spear Douluo didn''t linger. He melted back into the shadows, continuing to guard her from the dark.


    However, while concealed, the Serpent Spear Douluo found himself deep in thought.


    Was it an illusion? He couldn''t shake the feeling that Chen Ming might have already noticed his presence at some point.


    As a Title Douluo, the Serpent Spear Douluo had immense confidence in his abilities. He considered it impossible for a mere Soul Grandmaster to detect him.


    But as someone who had climbed step by step to the peak of soul master ranks, the Serpent Spear Douluo also trusted his sixth sense. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was no concrete reason, but he couldn''t help feeling that Chen Ming had indeed sensed his presence yet chose not to show it.


    Given Chen Ming''s demeanor and talent, the Serpent Spear Douluo found himself increasingly convinced of this possibility. Yet, without any solid evidence, he dared not report it to Qian Renxue. Instead, he resolved to quietly investigate Chen Ming on his own.


    If Chen Ming truly had noticed him and handled it well, the Serpent Spear Douluo wouldn''t mind taking him on as a nominal disciple.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [54]

    After leaving the Seven Treasures Pavilion, Chen Ming rushed back to the academy without delay. Having publicly beaten Yu Tianheng just the day before, Chen Ming was worried that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan might take advantage of his absence from the academy to retaliate.


    However, Chen Ming was overthinking things. He hadn''t taken into account the slow communication speeds typical of a feudal era.


    The events of the previous day had only been relayed to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s base in Heaven Dou City late that night by one of Yu Tianheng''s lackeys. The person in charge there was merely a Soul Sage-level Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master.


    Faced with this situation, the Soul Sage didn''t dare make decisions on his own and instead forwarded the report to the clan''s main headquarters.


    To put it bluntly, news of Yu Tianheng''s beating hadn''t even reached the core of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan yet. Even when it did, the clan wouldn''t be able to openly retaliate against Chen Ming.


    A level 23 soul master defeating a level 32 ¡ªwho had activated both soul skills and dragon transformation¡ªusing just one soul skill in retaliation?


    If that got out, wouldn''t the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s reputation be utterly tarnished? Could the so-called number one beast martial soul still hold its title?


    Internal targeting was inevitable, and even assassination attempts weren''t out of the question, but those were issues for the future.


    Considering the factional infighting typical of major clans, reaching a consensus within half a month would already be remarkably fast. If action could be taken within a month, it would be due to the clan leader''s substantial influence.


    Cooperation was considered successful as long as they didn''t actively sabotage each other. Each faction had its agenda and interests.


    Even Title Douluo couldn''t always suppress dissenting voices within their clans with ease.


    Back at the academy, Chen Ming locked himself in his room and focused on refining the dragon core in the quiet chamber.


    Using soul power and spiritual energy to temper the core, occasionally offering his blood to deepen the connection, Chen Ming made slow but steady progress.


    Although the dragon core had lost all its attributes and effects after being purified by tribulation lightning, it was still a dragon core, and its grade was undeniable.


    If it were in its original state, even maintaining it would have drained Chen Ming to death. The amount of soul power and spiritual energy he infused into it now was negligible to the core¡ªa drop in the ocean, not even enough to fill a corner of it. Let alone fully refining it into an external core using his intended methods.


    Over the following days, Chen Ming kept a low profile, rarely exposing himself to the outside world. He focused entirely on tempering his soul power and exploring the functions of the dragon core while awaiting Dugu Bo''s arrival.


    Five nights after his meeting with Qian Renxue disguised as Xue Qinghe, Chen Ming was channeling his soul power through the dragon core to convert it into vitality and strengthen his body when a surge of furious soul power suddenly erupted in the distance.


    To Chen Ming''s perception, the source of the soul power felt like a runaway truck barreling toward him at full speed, its charge completely unrestrained.


    The intensity of the soul power was beyond anything Chen Ming had ever encountered¡ªit was practically a natural disaster.


    Although Chen Ming had noticed Serpent Spear Douluo observing him when he met Qian Renxue, he could only sense that the latter''s strength was unfathomable without gauging the exact amount of soul power he possessed.


    Now, the strength of this approaching soul power was significantly higher than that of the three academy elders combined, easily twice their total soul power.


    There was no doubt¡ªthis was a bona fide Title Douluo.


    Chen Ming hastily put away the dragon core, but before he could tidy up his somewhat disheveled appearance from training, a loud crash echoed from the courtyard.


    A massive shockwave erupted in the yard, causing the tightly shut doors and windows of Chen Ming''s quiet chamber to burst open under tremendous force. Fragile components shattered in the impact, and the intact fragments were flung violently into various corners of the room.


    Chen Ming unleashed his martial soul, shattering the door and windows that were about to slam into him.


    Through the space where the doors and windows used to be, Chen Ming saw the large gate of his courtyard being blown away by a tremendous force, crashing heavily into the center of the courtyard. The impact sent up a cloud of debris, scattering stones and bricks everywhere, causing varying degrees of damage to all the nearby buildings.


    "Brat, get out here!"


    An elderly, furious voice echoed from the entrance of the courtyard. Accompanied by the fluctuation of Chen Ming''s soul power, he sensed the source of the voice honing in on him. A dark green figure darted toward his room like a phantom.


    Dugu Bo''s heart was in turmoil.


    A while back, he had been in a good mood, feeling that his condition was improving and elated that his granddaughter was about to break through to Level 30.


    Due to the intensifying family poison that followed the absorption of every new soul ring, he decided to take the opportunity to try breaking through to Level 92, which would allow him to better care for his granddaughter.


    Initially, everything was going smoothly. However, just as he was about to break through the bottleneck that had stymied him for over a decade¡ªadvancing from a Level 91 Titled Douluo to Level 92¡ªthe poison within his body erupted due to the temporary loss of soul power suppression. The poison interrupted his breakthrough, nearly costing him his life.


    The backlash caused severe damage to Dugu Bo''s meridians and internal organs, leaving his strength at less than a tenth of what it used to be.


    It''s worth noting that even during his peak, Dugu Bo wasn''t particularly powerful; he could hold his own in a one-on-one battle with the teaching committee of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Now, with his strength reduced to less than a tenth, he wasn''t even a match for a newly advanced Soul Douluo.


    Even when it came to the critical matter of his granddaughter Dugu Yan enrolling in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Dugu Bo didn''t dare show his face publicly, lest others notice his weakened state.


    After giving his granddaughter some instructions, Dugu Bo hurried to the treasured grounds of the Sunset Forest, where he suppressed his poison using the dual energies of ice and fire while searching for herbs to heal himself.


    Recently, having recovered about 70% of his strength, Dugu Bo emerged from seclusion to check the letters his steward had delivered to a designated location. Finding nothing urgent, he returned to seclusion, intending to stabilize his condition further before visiting his granddaughter.


    In Dugu Bo''s mind, his granddaughter should have been at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy during this time. So, with his strength restored to around 80%, he stealthily infiltrated the academy, intending to surprise her.


    He planned to make a brief appearance before his granddaughter, then return to recuperate. By the time he fully recovered, his granddaughter would likely have reached Level 30, and he could then accompany her to obtain her third soul ring.


    But what happened instead?


    As soon as he snuck in, Dugu Bo overheard people gossiping about his granddaughter, claiming that Dugu Yan had found herself a man.


    Initially, Dugu Bo didn''t take it seriously. He casually poisoned the gossips, condemning them to uncontrollable diarrhea for ten days or so.


    However, the further he went, the more outrageous the rumors became. Despite his initial disbelief, the sheer volume of gossip and the increasingly scandalous details began to shake his resolve. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, Dugu Bo sought out the three teaching committee members to hold them accountable and demanded to know who had dared spread such rumors about his granddaughter within the academy.


    But as soon as he met them, the three elders confirmed the rumors: his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was indeed involved with some man named Chen Ming¡ªand, to make matters worse, she had supposedly gone home in a fit of rage! (From Dugu Bo''s perspective.)


    Although Dugu Bo''s strength was only at 80%, his fury pushed his body to its limits, unleashing energy beyond his peak state. With speed comparable to an agility-type Titled Douluo, he charged toward the location where the elders said Chen Ming could be found.


    The sheer momentum and speed of his outburst left the teaching committee¡ªwho had initially prepared to stop him¡ªcompletely stunned. They could only stand there, watching helplessly as Dugu Bo vanished before their eyes.


    Based on the overwhelming aura and speed Dugu Bo displayed, the three elders unanimously concluded that his recent disappearance must have been due to him secretly breaking through to a higher level.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [55]

    Dugu Bo stormed into the courtyard, his bloodshot eyes blazing with fury. Behind him, his long green hair stood on end under the influence of his soul power, swaying wildly in midair. He looked as if he were on the verge of a berserk rampage.


    Chen Ming had envisioned many scenarios for meeting Dugu Bo, but he had never imagined one like this. All the preparations he had made¡ªhis planned demeanor and words¡ªwere utterly rendered useless at this moment.


    Faced with the overwhelming pressure emanating from this walking calamity, Chen Ming dared not show any carelessness. His first soul ring flashed as a poisonous mist enveloped his body. Meanwhile, his second soul skill, Poison Explosion, and the Poison Emperor Possession granted by his soul bone were ready in his hands, prepared to be unleashed at any moment.


    Seeing someone daring to play with poison in front of him, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but laugh out of anger. If it weren''t inappropriate, his flying hair might have formed a giant question mark in midair.


    Confronting the audacious Chen Ming, Dugu Bo waved his hand, and a dense, dark green poisonous mist surged toward Chen Ming, threatening to engulf him.


    Though enraged by the thought of someone stealing his granddaughter, Dugu Bo still retained a sliver of rationality. As much as he wanted to kill this brat, he held back, considering his relationship with Dugu Yan. The poison mist he unleashed was restrained¡ªstrong enough to incapacitate a Soul King or weaker Soul Emperors, but not fatal. It was designed to leave a painful and unforgettable impression.


    Dugu Bo assumed that subduing Chen Ming with this poison mist would be a piece of cake. After releasing the mist to envelop Chen Ming, he didn''t make another move. Instead, he stood coldly in place, waiting to see how this wild boar would react.


    But reality delivered a slap to Dugu Bo''s face.


    Although the amount of poison mist Dugu Bo unleashed far exceeded Chen Ming''s, when the two came into contact, Dugu Bo''s poison mist was gradually devoured by the poison mist released by Chen Ming.


    Not only did his poison fail to breach Chen Ming''s defense, but part of it was even assimilated into Chen Ming''s mist, becoming a part of his defensive barrier.


    Seeing this, Dugu Bo froze in astonishment.


    He blinked, and the hair flying behind him stopped swaying. Like a ghost, he circled Chen Ming, scrutinizing his martial soul. Then, he extended a finger to probe the highly unusual poisonous mist surrounding Chen Ming.


    "Hiss~ This is impressive. Really impressive."


    The poisonous mist of the Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower was powerful, but it posed no threat to Dugu Bo, who had already reached the rank of Titled Douluo.


    Perhaps this was what it meant to truly share a bloodline.


    Not only did Dugu Bo probe the poison with his hands and soul power, but he even deliberately withdrew part of his soul power, leaned his head into Chen Ming''s poison mist, and took a deep breath.


    Feeling the unique and potent poison, Dugu Bo glanced at Chen Ming''s face and his Scorpion Emperor-like martial soul. Gradually, his rage subsided, as if he had thought of something. He even nodded slightly.


    Then, without a word, Dugu Bo struck Chen Ming''s chest with his palm. Although he didn''t channel Titled Douluo-level soul power into the strike, the force was still enough to knock out a mere Soul Grandmaster.


    Chen Ming, fully focused, channeled his soul power into his palm. His waist and hips powered his arm, transmitting force to his hand as he met Dugu Bo''s strike head-on without dodging.


    Chen Ming neutralized the force of Dugu Bo''s palm, but what followed was a relentless surge of poison-attributed soul power.


    The toxic soul power of the Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor clung to him like a bone-deep curse, eroding Chen Ming''s soul power and trying to invade his body. This forced Chen Ming to continuously mobilize his soul power to resist.


    Dugu Bo controlled his soul power, gradually increasing it from the level of a Soul Grandmaster to that of a Soul Elder. Only when his soul power reached the level of a Soul Ancestor did Chen Ming begin to show signs of exhaustion.


    Even though Chen Ming was splitting his soul power to use it with extreme efficiency, he couldn''t sustain the consumption in this battle of attrition. It was a pure numerical advantage that Chen Ming, in his current state, had no way of overcoming.


    Moreover, while Chen Ming''s martial soul was now approaching the level of the Scorpion Emperor, Dugu Bo''s martial soul had long since reached the apex as the Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor. In terms of quality, Dugu Bo''s martial soul naturally suppressed Chen Ming''s, adding yet another layer of disadvantage.


    Being able to hold on until now already shows that Chen Ming surpasses most ordinary soul masters.


    Seeing this, Dugu Bo nodded slightly, his palm emitting a faint fluctuation of soul power, directly pushing Chen Ming back several steps. Watching Chen Ming maintain a composed state under his test, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but nod in approval.


    Although Dugu Bo couldn''t accept the fact that his granddaughter had been won over by some unknown brat in just a few days, as someone who stood unrivaled in the path of poison, he couldn''t deny this brat had indeed performed outstandingly.


    In terms of age, Chen Ming was only eleven this year, four years younger than his granddaughter Dugu Yan, yet his soul power had already reached level 24¡ªa clear indication that he was more talented than Yan Yan. His soul rings, one yellow and one purple, was also exceptional beyond the norm and not something ordinary people could compare to.


    As for his martial soul, the Emerald Scorpion King was a top-tier poison attribute martial soul. Although it wasn''t as strong as his own Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, it still surpassed 99% of poison attribute martial souls in the world, standing a level above the ordinary Jade Phosphor Serpent.


    With continued cultivation in the future, Chen Ming''s martial soul, which was already close to the level of the Scorpion Emperor, might even evolve further, equal to his own Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    As for his poison...


    Although Dugu Bo was reluctant to admit it, the poison of this Emerald Scorpion King, which had absorbed who-knows-what kind of soul ring, was indeed far superior to that of an ordinary Jade Phosphor Serpent. Even his poison, as a Soul Elder or even a Soul Ancestor, might not be as potent.


    At first, he had been furious and wanted to slap this random brat to death. However, after circling Chen Ming and testing the strength of his poison, most of Dugu Bo''s anger dissipated.


    Appearance, age, martial soul, and even his chosen path¡ªChen Ming excelled in every aspect that could satisfy Dugu Bo. His initial dislike gradually turned into an appreciation for talent.


    Even so, when he thought about his earlier imposing demeanor and his poison mist being gradually neutralized, Dugu Bo still refused to let go of his pride and maintained a stern expression on his face.


    "Brat, I am Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo. There''s been talk throughout the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy about you and my granddaughter, Dugu Yan. I just confirmed this with the academy''s board members. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"


    "Senior Poison Douluo, there''s more to this than meets the eye."


    "Hmm?" Dugu Bo''s eyes narrowed, unclear whether he was displeased by Chen Ming''s excuse or his form of address. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A while ago, I was training in the poison-attribute mimicry cultivation field. That day, the weather was bad¡ªit was stormy outside¡ªand Dugu¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    "Dugu Yan was attempting to break through level 30."


    "Hmm¡­" Upon hearing the mention of bad weather and breaking through level 30, even without asking his granddaughter directly, Dugu Bo immediately guessed in mind.


    "I don''t know what exactly happened, but in the absence of any external interference, Dugu Yan failed her breakthrough. Her soul power backfired and she collapsed to the ground, falling into a chaotic state."


    "I was training at the time, and when I heard the commotion, I went to investigate. I found that her soul power was in turmoil, and there was a backlash of poison tormenting her body."


    "I thought to myself, I couldn''t just stand by and do nothing. So I tried to use my soul power to stabilize hers and suppress the poison in her body. Once her condition improved slightly, I took her to the school''s medical office for treatment."


    "Wait." Dugu Bo''s eyes narrowed into slits, resembling a venomous snake as he stared at Chen Ming. His soul power began to stir faintly, his martial soul on the verge of manifesting.


    "What did you just say?"


    "I said I took her to the school infirmary¡­"


    "I''m talking about the sentence before that," Dugu Bo said in a hoarse voice, tinged with a hint of agitation.


    "I stabilized Dugu Yan''s soul power and suppressed the poison in her body."


    "Come with me!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [56]

    Hearing the keyword toxins in Dugu Yan''s body, Dugu Bo immediately became cautious. Without further delay, he used the soul power of a Titled Douluo to reach into the poisonous mist and directly pull Chen Ming out.


    Originally, Dugu Bo had planned to knock Chen Ming unconscious and carry him over his shoulder. However, on second thought, considering the ambiguous relationship between this boy and his granddaughter¡ªplus the fact that he had once saved her¡ªDugu Bo decided he couldn''t be too rough, even if he needed to take him away.


    Thus, Dugu Bo chose a more refined approach. He grabbed Chen Ming''s arm and enveloped him with Titled Douluo-level soul power, guiding him down the mountain in a relatively gentle manner.


    "Senior Dugu, what are you doing?" Chen Ming understood the situation perfectly well but still pretended to resist, struggling to break free from Dugu Bo''s grasp.


    "Calm down. You saved my granddaughter, so I won''t treat you unfairly. However, some matters aren''t suitable to discuss in public. Come with me to my residence first."


    "¡­"


    Chen Ming glanced at his courtyard, then slowly opened his mouth. He couldn''t, no matter how hard he tried, associate this courtyard with the term public.


    Dugu Bo knew his excuse wasn''t convincing, so he didn''t bother elaborating further. Without saying another word, he dragged the now-quiet Chen Ming and prepared to leave. Shortly after they started moving, three academy elders rushed over from the distance.


    "Poison Douluo, please show mercy!"


    "Poison Douluo, calm down. This isn''t what you think!"


    "Poison Douluo, there''s been a misunderstanding!"


    The three called out anxiously, fearing that Dugu Bo, with his eccentric temperament, might harm Chen Ming.


    Yet, in response to their pleas, Dugu Bo did not slow down in the slightest. Instead, he sped past them, leaving behind only a faint explanation.


    "I, Poison Douluo, guarantee with my title that this boy''s life is not in danger. I simply need to take him to my residence to clarify some matters."


    Hearing Dugu Bo offer such a guarantee with his title, the three elders, who had been so worried moments before, gradually came to a stop, their expressions easing.


    If Dugu Bo truly intended to harm Chen Ming, he wouldn''t have offered any explanation, let alone used the authority of his title as a guarantee.


    On this continent, very few people could make Dugu Bo pledge anything using the name Poison Douluo. The weight of that title was perhaps even greater than that of his name.


    With a Titled Douluo offering his word, there was no doubt that Chen Ming wouldn''t be harmed.


    With no further interference, Dugu Bo grabbed Chen Ming and sped toward his mansion in Heaven Dou City. Given the physical capabilities of a Titled Douluo, it didn''t take long for them to reach the city gates.


    When the gate guards saw Dugu Bo approaching at high speed, they quickly dispersed the crowd at the entrance, clearing the way for him. Everyone they passed¡ªwhether pedestrians or carriages¡ªvoluntarily stepped aside. Even the city defense forces, upon seeing Dugu Bo racing through with his soul power activated, didn''t stop him. Instead, they saluted him respectfully, whether or not he acknowledged them.


    Finally arriving at the gates of his residence, Dugu Bo slowed down for the first time. The guards standing at the entrance immediately opened the gates and loudly announced his return to the household.


    Yet, even after entering his own home, Dugu Bo showed no intention of letting Chen Ming go. Still holding his arm firmly, he dragged him straight into his private meditation chamber.


    At this moment, the head steward of Dugu Bo''s mansion approached. As soon as he saw Dugu Bo return, he began to cry and complain. However, when he looked up and noticed Chen Ming standing awkwardly beside Dugu Bo, grinning nervously, his emotions became even more agitated. He appeared eager to report the recent happenings to his master.


    Looking at his brother-in-law, who had been by his side for decades, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but think of his late wife and child, and a hint of sorrow flickered in his eyes.


    However, precisely because of these memories, Dugu Bo chose not to listen to the steward''s complaints. Instead, he stopped him and instructed him to keep an eye on Dugu Yan and ensure she didn''t find out about his return for the time being.


    Dugu Bo''s cultivation room wasn''t very large. It was more of a study than a place for training.


    Just like something out of a TV drama, Dugu Bo pushed a vase on the shelf, and a series of muffled sounds came from the floor. A hidden passage, leading to who-knows-where, suddenly appeared before the two of them.


    Dugu Bo led Chen Ming into the passage and pressed a hidden mechanism, sealing the path back to the surface with a deep rumble. From his storage soul tool, Dugu Bo retrieved a large luminous pearl and infused it with soul power, illuminating the once-dim chamber.


    Beneath the quiet room lay a hidden chamber filled with shelves of herbs and soul beast specimens. Materials from various soul beasts, preserved through unknown means, were neatly displayed on the shelves.


    In the corner, a bookshelf held ancient tomes with yellowed edges, passed down for countless generations. On the walls hung numerous charts of the human meridians, with tiny rows of text annotated in the corners of the diagrams.


    However¡­


    While Chen Ming hadn''t studied human meridians extensively before his transmigration, as a former author of novels, he had some familiarity with the subject.


    After reincarnating, his enhanced mental power allowed him to recall meridian charts he''d previously seen and even consider creating his system of internal energy techniques.


    From just one glance at the diagrams on Dugu Bo''s wall, Chen Ming could tell they had serious problems. Some meridians were marked incorrectly, while others that should have been there were completely missing.


    One meridian might have only one or two scattered acupoints labeled, with no indication of their purpose. The twelve primary meridians barely outlined a vague structure, with no details at all. As for the eight extraordinary meridians, they weren''t even hinted at.


    Missing details were one thing, but why were there extra, asymmetrical meridians in some places? Surely Douluo Continent humans didn''t have such a biological configuration. Or was this a set of special meridians formed by martial soul possession?


    Chen Ming felt that using these diagrams as a basis for developing internal energy techniques would likely be less effective than starting from scratch¡ªthey were just too misleading.


    As Chen Ming stared intently at the prized meridian charts on the wall, lost in thought, Dugu Bo didn''t interrupt him. Instead, he sighed emotionally. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You can understand these treasures on my wall? That''s truly rare."


    "These are priceless artifacts I''ve acquired by traveling across the continent, purchasing and trading for research on human meridians. They''re the real deal, treasures you won''t find just anywhere. That you even get to see them is a stroke of fortune for you."


    "It''s said that these meridian diagrams can be integrated into meditation techniques, further improving their efficiency. Yet, even after years of study, I still haven''t figured them out. You, as a mere Soul Grandmaster, definitely won''t be able to comprehend them either."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [57]

    Back in his territory, Dugu Bo noticeably relaxed. He casually pulled over two chairs, tossing one in front of Chen Ming while sitting down on the other himself. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for Chen Ming to sit.


    "You don''t need to think I''m some unreasonable person. Sit down, and let''s talk calmly."


    "Thank you, Senior Dugu," Chen Ming replied politely before sitting down.


    "Thank me for what? If I were you, I''d be cursing me in my heart right now. But no matter¡ªanger or not, you''ll have to bear it. After all, I''m a Titled Douluo."


    As expected of the famously eccentric Dugu Bo, his sudden statement left Chen Ming dumbfounded.


    Chen Ming couldn''t figure out what Dugu Bo meant by that. Nor did he understand why this man was so tactless.


    Even if Chen Ming had been cursing him internally, was it necessary to point it out and make things awkward for everyone?


    Being a Titled Douluo is impressive, sure, but don''t think that makes you untouchable. Watch out, or one day I might take it out on your granddaughter!


    Dugu Bo convinced he''d cracked a decent joke to ease the tension, shifted the topic to serious matters.


    "Kid, tell me everything that happened that day. Don''t leave out a single detail. I''m a Titled Douluo with sharp eyes¡ªyou won''t get away with lying to me."


    "Sharp eyes? Yeah, right. In the original story, Xiao Wu, a massive transformed soul beast, was right under your nose, and you didn''t even notice. And a whole Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well full of immortal herbs? You didn''t know how to use a single one. Your sharp eyes are more legendary than any Ultimate Douluo''s," Chen Ming thought, rolling his eyes internally.


    Still, he kept a neutral expression, calmly organizing his thoughts before recounting the events of that day.


    Chen Ming didn''t embellish anything, stopping his explanation at the part where he stabilized Dugu Yan''s soul power. He deliberately left out the rest.


    At this point, in Dugu Bo''s mind, the story naturally continued to Chen Ming carrying his granddaughter to seek treatment¡ªconveniently skipping over anything significant that might have occurred.


    What piqued Dugu Bo''s interest, however, was Chen Ming''s claim about stabilizing Dugu Yan''s soul power.


    "You''re saying you, on your own, stabilized Yan Yan''s soul power and even suppressed the chaotic poison within her?"


    Dugu Bo''s brows furrowed deeply, forming a tight "^" on his forehead as he eyed Chen Ming with growing suspicion.


    Everyone knew that stabilizing someone else''s soul power was typically something only higher-level soul masters could do for lower-level ones. A lower-level soul master could at best maintain stability for someone stronger than them, but that was about it.


    At the level of a Soul Grandmaster, most couldn''t even fully manage their soul power. Trying to stabilize someone else''s would likely cause more harm than good. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    How could this kid, on his own, stabilize his granddaughter''s soul power?


    There was something he wasn''t saying!


    Dugu Bo nodded inwardly, convinced his judgment was correct.


    "Yeah, that''s exactly what happened," Chen Ming answered confidently, his conscience clear.


    "What''s your level?"


    "At the time, I was at level 23, close to breaking through to level 24. After stabilizing Dugu Yan''s soul power, it also gave mine a bit of a push, and I broke through to level 24."


    "Breaking through after stabilizing someone else''s soul power..." Dugu Bo''s brows furrowed even tighter as he pondered the situation, eventually arriving at a possible explanation.


    Could it be a martial soul fusion technique? Or perhaps there was some sort of compatibility between his granddaughter''s martial soul and this kid''s?


    Was it possible that during Dugu Yan''s soul power rampage, the two of them accidentally fulfilled some conditions for a martial soul fusion technique, which then allowed her soul power to stabilize?


    "Can you describe exactly what you did at the time?" Dugu Bo asked his curiosity now thoroughly piqued.


    "It was simple," Chen Ming began. "I combined my soul power and spiritual power, then guided..."


    "What are you talking about?"


    Dugu Bo had been bracing himself to hear Chen Ming talk about compatibility or some profound, mystical connection. He was even prepared for the possibility that Chen Ming and his granddaughter shared a martial soul fusion technique. But Chen Ming''s explanation left him utterly baffled.


    "Combining soul power and spiritual power, and then..."


    "Ridiculous! I''ve been a Titled Douluo for years, and I''ve never heard of anyone being able to combine soul power with spiritual power! Even though I''m not particularly skilled with spiritual power, I know enough to say this: soul power is soul power, and spiritual power is spiritual power. They''re fundamentally different. How could they possibly merge?"


    Dugu Bo shot Chen Ming a sharp glare, his soul power surging and filling the underground chamber with an oppressive atmosphere.


    He started to wonder if this kid thought he was too easygoing and had decided to spew nonsense.


    "May I ask what level of soul power Senior Dugu currently possesses?" Chen Ming asked cautiously after about thirty seconds of stunned silence, his tone probing.


    Soul power and spiritual power can''t merge?


    Goodness, if that statement were to spread to other Titled Douluos, it would probably leave them laughing until they choked. Qian Daoliu, Tang Chen, and Bo Saixi would be rolling on the floor at such an absurd claim.


    It might be excusable for a low-level soul master to misunderstand, but how could a Titled Douluo say something so foolish?


    "Ninety-one, Titled Douluo! So what... what about it?!" Dugu Bo initially didn''t catch Chen Ming''s implication, but when he did, his beard practically bristled in anger, and his fists itched for action.


    What''s wrong with being a Level 91 Titled Douluo? Did being a Titled Douluo somehow offend you?


    Sure, I might not know how I broke through to the Titled Douluo rank, and my soul power hasn''t improved even once since... but I''m still a Titled Douluo! What about it?!


    Despite his anger, Dugu Bo began to grasp Chen Ming''s point.


    Soul power and spiritual power¡ªtwo seemingly unrelated energies¡ªmight, potentially, possibly, probably, somehow, be able to merge. It''s just that he had never discovered this fact after all these years.


    Could it be some kind of secret technique?


    "I don''t believe your claim. Show me if you can!"


    Though his pride as a senior was wounded, Dugu Bo couldn''t ignore the possibility that this method might help resolve his family''s longstanding issues. So, he forced himself to push past his embarrassment and challenge Chen Ming.


    In his mind, this technique had to be either a high-level secret art or some kind of rare inheritance, requiring special talent to master. Otherwise, how could a Titled Douluo like him have never heard of it?


    "You''re putting me on the spot here¡­" Chen Ming spread his hands helplessly.


    "Fine, no rush. Take a few days to rest and demonstrate when you''re ready," Dugu Bo thought. But before he could speak, he noticed something peculiar gathering in Chen Ming''s outstretched palms.


    "This is soul power. Pretty ordinary," Chen Ming said, raising his left hand in front of Dugu Bo.


    "And this is spiritual power¡­ Don''t look at me like that. My level is too low, so I can''t manifest spiritual power outwardly. I''m just demonstrating."


    "And then¡­"


    Chen Ming brought his palms together and closed his eyes. A moment later, an unfamiliar energy emanated from his hands¡ªsomething Dugu Bo had never encountered before.


    "Like this."


    Chen Ming opened his hands, revealing that both were enveloped in a layer of soul power. But this soul power was unlike any Dugu Bo had ever seen.


    Though faint, it undeniably contained a trace of spiritual intent.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [58]

    "That''s about it."


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, a trace of exhaustion visible within them.


    This wasn''t an act¡ªhe was genuinely tired.


    The fusion of soul power and spiritual power was something that belonged in the domain of Titled Douluos. Beyond that, it approached the realm of willpower manipulation, a domain of Super Douluos or even demigods.


    Being able to master this technique before reaching the Titled Douluo rank typically required hands-on guidance from an experienced elder. Those who could achieve it at the Soul Douluo level were considered exceptionally talented. Learning it at the Soul Sage level was already monstrous.


    Chen Ming''s ability to enter this state was largely due to the spiritual enhancement of his unique advantage, but it also required a great deal of effort on his part to maintain the state stably.


    Currently, Chen Ming''s soul power level was that of a Soul Grandmaster, and although his spiritual power was advanced, it hadn''t reached the level of qualitative transformation. Maintaining the fusion of soul power and spiritual power was already extremely taxing, let alone demonstrating it externally.


    If this ability were revealed ten thousand years in the future, even if he were studying in Illustrious Virtue Hall, at the Sun and Moon Empire''s capital, Shrek Academy''s Mu En would personally come with Xuan Zi to capture him and groom him as the next Sea God Pavilion Master.


    Appearing in the era of Douluo Continent III or IV, being able to access this realm as a mere Soul Grandmaster guaranteed a future as an Ultimate Douluo or even a demigod. With a little luck, self-creating a divine position wouldn''t be out of reach.


    But Dugu Bo didn''t recognize the rarity of this ability. He didn''t understand its immense value and was merely shocked by it.


    If one of the three Ultimate Douluos of this era had been present, watching Chen Ming achieve this state at only the twenty-fourth rank, they would probably start questioning their talent.


    Dugu Bo extended a finger and cautiously touched Chen Ming''s palm. The moment his finger made contact with the layer of soul power on Chen Ming''s hand, he felt a sharp, piercing pain in his mind, as if a needle had stabbed his brain.


    Involuntarily, the soul power gathered in his hand retreated into the meridians of his forearm.


    Even though Dugu Bo believed that if he prepared himself, his soul power wouldn''t be so easily disrupted, the fact that Chen Ming could suppress his soul skill as a Titled Douluo was enough to shatter his worldview.


    Staring at Chen Ming''s palm, Dugu Bo could no longer contain his emotions. His eyes reddened, and he nearly teared up.


    He recognized this sensation¡ªit was familiar.


    It happened back when he had just become a Titled Douluo and attended his coronation at the Spirit Hall. That was the first and only time he encountered Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that time, nearly all the soul power in Dugu Bo''s body had been suppressed, leaving him with less than ten percent of his strength. Even his martial soul felt as if it were separated from him by an invisible barrier. If Qian Daoliu had harbored even the slightest malice, Dugu Bo would have been crushed to death by the soul power emanating from him.


    Dugu Bo had never forgotten a single detail of that coronation ceremony.


    The soul power surrounding Qian Daoliu back then had the same feeling as what he sensed from Chen Ming just now. Though the strength was worlds apart, Dugu Bo was certain they were the same type of power.


    That unique, extraordinary, and transcendent application of soul power.


    Heaven have mercy!


    For years, Dugu Bo had believed that what he felt from Qian Daoliu was simply the result of the Seraphim martial soul being cultivated to its peak, with its divine attributes radiating outward.


    Only today, after seeing Chen Ming, did he realize that it was a special state, a higher realm of mastery. From the way Chen Ming described it, it even seemed like this realm was common knowledge among other Titled Douluos.


    So all along, the self-proclaimed extraordinary Dugu Bo was nothing more than a fool.


    "So my talent is terrible¡­"


    Dugu Bo''s eyes glazed over, and he felt as if an invisible hand had slapped him across the face dozens of times. The sensation on his cheeks was no longer pain¡ªit was an empty numbness.


    A mere Soul Grandmaster can already perform this technique, something I experienced decades ago.


    And yet, as a Titled Douluo, I''ve ignored it all along. For decades, I never even knew about this method, let alone considered the possibility of fusing soul power and spiritual power.


    At my age, it seems I''ve truly lived like a dog.


    Looking at the suddenly dazed and hollow-eyed Dugu Bo, Chen Ming grew puzzled.


    He raised his hand, sensing the soul power in his palm, but noticed nothing unusual.


    Wait a minute... I haven''t trained in anything like Dragon Emperor''s Tremor Domain or Dragon Emperor''s Piercing Shatter. How come my soul power suddenly has this shock effect?


    Come on, though¡ªhe''s a Titled Douluo, right? Even if I, as a mere Soul Grandmaster, knew a couple of tricks, wouldn''t it still feel like scratching an itch to him? My soul power and spiritual power combined wouldn''t even make him flinch, would it?


    Seeing Dugu Bo looking so despondent, Chen Ming didn''t dare approach, afraid that the Poison Douluo might have some sort of trauma response and accidentally slap him into the wall. Instead, he stood awkwardly to the side, maintaining a polite but uneasy gaze at Dugu Bo.


    After a while, Dugu Bo finally snapped out of his daze. He wiped the corners of his eyes, which were slightly damp, and gave Chen Ming a complicated look.


    If Chen Ming didn''t know his background or how his martial soul didn''t match up, he might have thought, based on Dugu Bo''s expression alone, that he was some long-lost illegitimate son or grandson of the old man.


    "Kid, you''ve got talent." Dugu Bo coughed twice, trying to cover up his moment of emotional lapse, and casually tossed out some praise.


    Truthfully, he didn''t dare to make any detailed comment on Chen Ming''s technique¡ªhe genuinely didn''t understand it.


    The more he said, the greater the risk of embarrassment when the time came to ask Chen Ming for guidance. Saying too little, though, would already cost him face. So, better to avoid bringing it up altogether, sparing himself from further awkwardness later.


    And if this technique could truly cure the hereditary poison afflicting his family, but he couldn''t master it himself, he''d still need to seek Chen Ming''s help in the future.


    This thought led Dugu Bo to recall an old nemesis of his.


    That damned Chrysanthemum Douluo from the Spirit Hall¡ªthere''s no way he doesn''t know about this technique. By all rights, he should know it too. So why have I never seen him use it? Does he know it but can''t perform it¡­?


    Or is it that he just looks down on me? Whenever we fought, he only used a fraction of his strength, keeping his real skills hidden.


    The mere possibility made Dugu Bo feel even more pathetic. To stabilize his emotions, he decided not to dwell on it for now.


    Fine, I''ll find an opportunity to test that bastard later.


    Dugu Bo didn''t ask Chen Ming where he''d learned the technique.


    After all, as the saying goes, the Douluo Continent is never short of fortuitous encounters.


    He had avoided dying from poison backlash and risen to the pinnacle as a Titled Douluo thanks to his fortuitous encounter.


    Surely, he couldn''t be the only one with such opportunities, right?


    Over the tens of thousands of years of history on the Douluo Continent, who knows how many Titled Douluos have emerged? And who knows what they''ve left behind in the far corners of the continent? If someone happened to stumble across one of these legacies and gain some profound insight, it would hardly be an unusual occurrence. More likely, they just had a bit of luck and found the right knowledge in the right book.


    Refocusing his mind, Dugu Bo regained his usual dignified demeanor and began to size up Chen Ming once again.


    At first, no matter how he looked at Chen Ming, Dugu Bo felt the young man was unsuitable for his granddaughter. Even though Chen Ming had decent looks, there was still something about him that seemed faintly rustic.


    But after seeing Chen Ming''s martial soul, talent, and, most importantly, this technique that even a Titled Douluo like himself couldn''t perform, the more Dugu Bo looked at Chen Ming, the more pleasing he found him. He thought Chen Ming now looked like a perfect candidate for Dugu Yan''s future husband.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [59]

    "Young man, you''ve got great talent," Dugu Bo said with a beaming smile, no longer addressing Chen Ming as "kid" like before.


    To be honest, when Dugu Bo had been stern or angry earlier, Chen Ming thought he carried the dignified air of a Titled Douluo. But now, with that smile plastered across his face, Chen Ming almost associated him with the creepy old men he''d encountered in his previous life.


    When he was a child, the security around his neighborhood was poor. Being exceptionally good-looking, not only did the typical grandpas and grandmas adore him, but some not-so-normal ones took an unsettling interest in him as well...


    Although nothing overly inappropriate ever happened, that kind of smile still triggered some mild PTSD in him.


    Old Man, are you Herbert?


    "That technique of yours¡ªyou must''ve learned it from some ancient text, right? I''m curious¡ªwhat family are you from? With such a high-quality martial soul and such profound family traditions, I, Dugu Bo, after traveling the continent for so many years, have never heard of an outstanding poison soul master family with the surname Chen."


    "Senior Dugu, I¡ª"


    "Hey, hey, don''t call me ''senior,'' it''s too formal. Makes me sound cold and unfriendly. Just call me Grandpa," Dugu Bo interrupted with a grin.


    "Uh¡­ Grandpa Dugu," Chen Ming said awkwardly. Even though his combined age across two lifetimes did make him junior to Dugu Bo, addressing him as "Grandpa" felt incredibly strange.


    "Good," Dugu Bo nodded benevolently.


    "I come from the Chen family in Biluochen City. Our family''s ancestral martial soul is the Emerald Scorpion. Our ancestor, who lived over 500 years ago, rose from the ranks of commoners and earned a hereditary Earl title through military achievements. The family''s fief is in Biluochen City.


    "Biluochen City itself was originally built by our family''s ancestors. The city''s first several lords all came from the Chen family."


    "Biluochen City? Do you mean that barren wasteland outside Biluoxia Canyon? Sure, it''s known as one of the few poison-type soul beast habitats on the entire continent, but there aren''t even many ten-thousand-year-level poison beasts there!"


    Dugu Bo''s bluntness betrayed his initial thoughts, and his expression turned slightly embarrassed.


    "Ahem, what I meant to say is that while ordinary people might struggle to live in a place like that, for poison soul masters like us, it''s a great location. When I was younger, I visited Biluochen City myself. It''s practically a natural poison-type mimetic training ground. Your ancestors must have chosen that place to encourage your family''s descendants to excel."


    "That''s true," Chen Ming nodded before continuing.


    "Grandpa Dugu, there''s a secret regarding my family''s legacy that I''m not sure I should share. By rights, such matters shouldn''t be revealed to outsiders, as it might draw unwanted attention.


    "But you, sir, are the unparalleled Poison Douluo, whose mastery of poison is unmatched in history and whose name is renowned throughout the land. When you became the first poison-type Titled Douluo, didn''t every poison-attribute soul master on the continent celebrate your achievement by shouting your name? I grew up listening to my grandfather tell your stories. So, sharing this with you wouldn''t be revealing it to an outsider, would it?"


    Chen Ming purposefully flattered Dugu Bo, hoping to pique his curiosity by leveraging his family''s secret.


    Sure enough, Dugu Bo''s face flushed with pride at Chen Ming''s words. His posture straightened ever so slightly, and his chest puffed out with confidence. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Since you''ve called me Grandpa, you''re part of my family now. I swear on the name of Poison Douluo that, without your consent, I will never reveal even a shred of this secret to anyone else!"


    Dugu Bo patted his chest firmly, offering his solemn promise to Chen Ming.


    Though Dugu Bo doubted that a family that couldn''t even produce a Soul Sage could hold any grand secrets, he was a man of his word. Once he made a vow, he would honor it and keep this matter entirely to himself.


    "Our ancestors chose to settle near Biluochen because of a great secret..."


    Chen Ming began recounting the story of his family''s forebears to Dugu Bo. However, the moment the words Jade Phosphorous Exotic Flower came out, Dugu Bo''s previously calm smile froze, his eyes widened, and he tugged so hard at his beard that he nearly pulled out several strands. Only his decades of experience in self-restraint allowed him to maintain his composure.


    When Chen Ming moved on to discussing the issues with his family''s martial soul inheritance, Dugu Bo finally lost control. His eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and he was visibly shaken.


    By the time Chen Ming described how he had absorbed the Jade Phosphorous Exotic Flower and the soul ring of the Emerald Scorpion to overcome the martial soul''s flaws and trigger its evolution, Dugu Bo could no longer contain himself. He jumped up excitedly, his aged face almost pressing against Chen Ming''s, scrutinizing him as though he were some priceless treasure.


    Chen Ming''s story left Dugu Bo utterly stunned.


    From the existence of the Jade Phosphorous Exotic Flower to the Chen family''s martial soul mutations caused by cultivating with it, to the martial soul flaws that emerged over generations, and finally to Chen Ming''s miraculous resolution of these issues by absorbing a soul ring that no one else could¡ªevery detail struck a deep chord in Dugu Bo''s heart.


    Each word Chen Ming spoke felt like thunderclaps to Dugu Bo.


    Just from that short explanation, Dugu Bo''s mind erupted with over a dozen potential ways to mitigate his own family''s martial soul issues. He even formed a rough hypothesis on how to completely resolve them.


    The martial soul of his family had become poison due to its inherent flaws¡ªbut under what circumstances had this mutation first occurred?


    If he altered the type of soul rings his descendants absorbed, using external means to compensate for their innate shortcomings, could the issue be alleviated or even cured?


    If he found a poison-rich area to cultivate, mimicking Chen Ming''s ancestors by planting poison plants and raising Jade Phosphorous Snakes, could his family''s martial soul mutate in the direction he desired?


    Direct solutions, indirect solutions, long-term solutions for his descendants¡ªevery idea that had remained dormant in Dugu Bo''s mind for decades suddenly ignited like wildfire.


    "You, Xiao Ming, are a blessing to my family! You''re practically a god-sent angel for the Dugu family!" Dugu Bo''s excitement as his words poured out.


    "If Yan Yan agrees, you''re my grandson-in-law. If she doesn''t, I''ll take you as my disciple."


    "Xiao Ming, when you stabilized Yan Yan''s soul power that day, did you sense a strange type of toxin causing chaos in her body?"


    "I did," Chen Ming replied calmly, now far more composed as he methodically answered Dugu Bo''s questions.


    "I did feel a unique poison... Could it be that I inadvertently intruded on the Dugu family''s secret inheritance?"


    "Inheritance, my foot!" Dugu Bo''s emotions were a chaotic mix of frustration and resignation.


    Whoever wanted this inheritance could take it¡ªit wasn''t something he, his wife, his children, or his grandchildren had ever wished for.


    Clenching his teeth and steeling his resolve, Dugu Bo suppressed the pain of backlash as he forced a small portion of the persistent poison within his body to the surface.


    Just a few days ago, he had barely managed to suppress this poison and it had remained unstable ever since. The slightest provocation sent waves of pain coursing through him. Now, as he deliberately stimulated it, it felt as though tens of thousands of worms were gnawing away at his body. Sweat poured down his face in streams.


    "Xiao Ming, use your soul power to sense this. Is this the same poison you felt that day?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [60]

    Chen Ming placed his hand on Dugu Bo''s wrist, carefully probing with his soul power and spiritual sense to feel the strange, unique energy within. His expression shifted dramatically.


    "It''s indeed the same power," Chen Ming said gravely. "But the poison within your body, Grandpa Dugu, is countless times more potent than what I sensed in Dugu Yan."


    "What do you think of it?" Dugu Bo asked, his voice strained as he fought the urge to cry out in pain. He barely managed to sit back down in his chair, though his legs, hidden beneath his robe, were trembling uncontrollably like leaves in the wind. His clenched fists remained hidden within his sleeves.


    "Grandpa Dugu, your poison is unparalleled, an extraordinary creation," Chen Ming replied. "Just observing it briefly, I already sense entirely new possibilities for poison-based cultivation. Truly, your title as the Poison Douluo and the renown of the Jade Phosphorus Snake is well deserved."


    Though Chen Ming''s words carried some flattery, they also held genuine admiration. Upon closer inspection, he realized that what resided within Dugu Bo was no ordinary poison¡ªit was something extraordinary.


    "This isn''t my poison¡­" Dugu Bo muttered bitterly, his face pale as paper. He forced a pained smile in response to Chen Ming''s compliment.


    "The poison within you, Grandpa Dugu, is a life-bound poison rooted in the venom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake. It combines with various other toxins, using your body as a crucible to merge these disparate poisons into a singular, tyrannical force."


    "This poison contains traces of life force and soul power. Although its combination with spiritual and soul power differs from the path I pursue, it''s nonetheless a remarkable method."


    "By merging poison, soul power, and life force, you''ve cultivated a unique, living poison¡ªsomething far beyond the realm of conventional poisons."


    "I can combine poison with soul power, but I have yet to figure out how to incorporate life force into the mix. To merge all three¡ªpoison, soul power, and life force¡ªand create a living, domineering poison like this¡­ it''s a concept I hadn''t even considered before."


    "Although I haven''t encountered other Titled Douluo personally, I dare say that your life-bound poison, Grandpa DUgu, must be unimaginably powerful. Even Titled Douluo with higher soul power than yours would struggle to survive its invasion."


    Chen Ming''s tone was filled with both awe and respect, even though he knew this poison wasn''t something Dugu Bo had willingly cultivated. To him, this accidental creation that had tormented Dugu Bo for decades was truly a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.


    The poison within Dugu Bo''s body had likely accumulated for years, absorbing untold amounts of his soul power, life force, and spiritual energy. It was not only intricately tied to his life but also displayed a vitality and sentience far beyond what a normal poison should possess. Its sheer quality was simply astonishing.


    Reflecting on it further, Chen Ming realized that Dugu Bo''s condition was eerily similar to the gu poison and toxin cultivators often depicted in fantasy novels.


    The Jade Phosphorus Snake served as the gu king, using the body of the soul master as a breeding ground to consume the essence of other poisonous soul beasts through absorbed soul rings, thereby strengthening itself.


    Generations of the Dugu family''s descendants had undergone physical transformations, their martial souls mutating to resemble a poison-based gu system. Those unsuited to this path died young, leaving behind only those with the right traits¡ªperfect raw materials, so to speak.


    If this world had a system of gu cultivation, Chen Ming might have suspected that the Dugu family was intentionally cultivated by some evil sect to produce disposable tools.


    Decades of evolution had reshaped Dugu Bo''s body. His decades of cultivation and nine soul rings had forged him into an unparalleled gu king.


    Each wave of agony he endured over the years signified the growing strength of the gu king within him.


    As both the host and vessel for this gu king, Dugu Bo''s life was inextricably linked to it. Yet, due to a lack of proper techniques to control it, he had endured decades of suffering.


    Now, although the gu king within him had reached its peak after so many years of torment, its immense power was both a blessing and a curse. Without control, this power threatened to claim his life at any moment while simultaneously blocking his path to greater heights.


    As Chen Ming had anticipated, once this poison erupted, its lethality far surpassed that of the ten-thousand-year Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flower by several levels. Even if the flower were to grow to a hundred thousand years, its toxicity would still pale in comparison, and its overall quality would fall far short.


    Dugu Bo had initially spoken casually, but upon hearing Chen Ming''s words, it felt as if his mind had been struck by a hammer. His thoughts went completely blank.


    "Using oneself as the crucible, with the Jade Phosphorus Snake as the foundation, absorbing poisons to cultivate a poison king..."


    Muttering this phrase, Dugu Bo recalled his breakthrough to Titled Douluo in the treasured site where extreme cold and extreme heat converged. He suddenly understood why that location was able to suppress the poison in his body.


    Why does the poison in my body change every time I absorb a soul ring? Why is the poison in my son different from mine? Why was that treasured site able to help me break through to Titled Douluo?


    So this is what the thousand-year history of my Jade Phosphorus Snake lineage amounts to. The problem that has plagued my ancestors for generations... was such a simple concept that anyone with basic knowledge of toxins could grasp it.


    "Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahaha!"


    "So that''s how it is... I understand now! I understand! I''ve had an epiphany!"


    Dugu Bo burst into manic laughter, his mouth stretching unnaturally wide as if it might tear at any moment. His originally jade-green eyes were now bloodshot and crazed.


    In that instant, he transformed into a figure consumed by enlightenment and madness.


    Losing control entirely, he ceased restraining his soul power, allowing the poisons to ravage his body unchecked. Like a madman, he released his soul power indiscriminately, unleashing chaotic energy that caused cracks to spread through the underground chamber, despite its presumably sturdy construction.


    Chen Ming hadn''t expected any issues at this stage, but faced with Dugu Bo''s uncontrollable soul power, he acted swiftly to save his own life. He retrieved the Dragon Core from his storage soul tool and linked it to his life force to prevent himself from being annihilated by the chaotic, indiscriminate attack.


    As the ceiling of the underground chamber began to crack and the items within were blown around by the soul power storm, Dugu Bo finally regained enough sense to realize that his benefactor, Chen Ming, was still in the room. Horrified, he quickly stopped the release of his soul power.


    However, stopping only made things worse. Dugu Bo, who hadn''t emerged from his retreat in a fully stable state, had merely suppressed the poisons in his body rather than stabilizing them.


    Moments ago, he had actively provoked the poisons, and during his manic state, he allowed them to invade his body unchecked. Now, as he stopped his soul power abruptly and returned to a calmer state, the backlash from the poisons struck him with full force. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as he ceased his soul power, the pain overwhelmed him, and he collapsed onto the ground, writhing in agony.


    For Dugu Bo, extreme emotional swings were a severe taboo. Losing control of his emotions would cause the already unstable poisons in his body to spiral further out of control. This sudden outburst left him teetering on the brink of death.


    Chen Ming was truly panicking now. He was so close to gaining access to the treasured Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, yet Dugu Bo was about to die because of a few of his words. The thought was unbearable.


    Clenching his teeth and stomping his foot in frustration, Chen Ming quickly adjusted Dugu Bo into a meditative posture. Sitting cross-legged behind him, Chen Ming pressed the Dragon Core against his dantian and stretched out both hands. He began channeling his soul power and spiritual energy into Dugu Bo''s body.


    This was an exceedingly dangerous operation involving three simultaneous tasks. Chen Ming had to draw the life force from the Dragon Core using his soul power to sustain Dugu Bo''s rapidly deteriorating state. At the same time, he worked to stabilize Dugu Bo''s life force and soul power. Most critically, he had to suppress the decades-old, out-of-control poisons wreaking havoc within Dugu Bo''s body.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [61]

    Chen Ming''s injection of soul power into Dugu Bo''s body was like a drop in the ocean. If Dugu Bo wished, a single thought could reverse the flow of his soul power, sending it into Chen Ming''s body and damaging his meridians.


    However, as befitting a Title Douluo, Dugu Bo demonstrated remarkable self-control. Despite being on the verge of losing consciousness from the excruciating pain, he gritted his teeth and managed to control the soul power and poison within him, ensuring that Chen Ming''s soul power was not disrupted. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao Ming, I''m fine. You don''t need to¡­" Dugu Bo forced the words out through gritted teeth. At that moment, his clenched jaw was as firm as the legendary Clear Sky Hammer.


    After gaining some understanding of the nature of the deadly poison in his body, Dugu Bo was confident that this bout of poison backlash wouldn''t threaten his life. However, the pain it brought was something he could do nothing to alleviate.


    Ignoring Dugu Bo''s protests, Chen Ming continued his actions.


    The soul power stored in Chen Ming''s Dragon Core for several days flowed freely, converting into vitality and entering Dugu Bo''s body to repair his meridians. The combination of Chen Ming''s vitality and spiritual power roamed through the corners of Dugu Bo''s meridians, guiding the soul power dangerously close to his critical points back onto a safer path. He worked to stabilize this portion of soul power, making it easier for Dugu Bo to regain control.


    Though Chen Ming''s actions were subtle, affecting only a small portion of soul power, this opportunity allowed Dugu Bo to gradually stabilize the portion of soul power that Chen Ming had calmed, enabling him to slowly recover.


    At this moment, Dugu Bo''s internal state resembled a big fish-eating small fish scenario. Chen Ming stabilized scattered soul power and supplied it to Dugu Bo, who then used the stabilized power to bring other portions under control. Meanwhile, Chen Ming constantly monitored Dugu Bo''s meridians, repairing any sections nearing collapse with his vitality, ensuring the battle within Dugu Bo''s body could continue.


    Finally, after reaching a critical point, Dugu Bo regained control over himself. Deep within his dantian, a spherical bead under Dugu Bo''s control began to rotate slowly.


    The previously berserk soul power was swiftly drawn back into the dantian by the power of this inner core. When it emerged again, it was fully under Dugu Bo''s control. In a short period, the once chaotic soul power in his body had been thoroughly sorted out.


    However, the most significant issue remained¡ªthe innate toxic poison in his body still spread uncontrollably, corroding his life force.


    "My condition is stable now. There''s no need to continue," Dugu Bo said weakly but calmly. Though his face was still flushed red, he had barely regained composure. Despite the immense pain within him, he addressed Chen Ming softly.


    "I have an idea to alleviate the poison," Chen Ming explained briefly before continuing.


    Under Chen Ming''s spiritual control, his soul power transformed into a web-like structure. He simulated the trajectory of Dugu Bo''s inner core and formed a false vortex.


    Though this vortex was far from a true soul core, its slight gravitational pull brought about significant changes within Dugu Bo''s body.


    Just as water flows downhill, so too does soul power. With Chen Ming''s open meridians acting as a guide, the poison within Dugu Bo''s body naturally began to flow into Chen Ming.


    Normally, even though Chen Ming''s martial soul was the Emerald Scorpion King and he had absorbed exotic poisons like the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, he should have only been able to withstand the innate poison plaguing Dugu Bo for a few days at most.


    However, a few days was all Chen Ming needed.


    He then guided the poison corroding his body toward his dantian.


    Within Chen Ming''s dantian rested his Dragon Core. Now that he no longer needed to sustain Dugu Bo with vitality, the route to the Dragon Core was temporarily clear. Using its connection, Chen Ming directed the deadly poison into the Dragon Core.


    As this toxic substance¡ªsaturated with vitality and soul power¡ªentered the Dragon Core, it began to glow faintly. Under Chen Ming''s control, the innate poison quickly decomposed inside the Dragon Core.


    Though some energy was inevitably lost during the process, the poison still yielded a vast amount of soul power and vitality.


    Chen Ming retained part of the extracted energy to stabilize his body and redirected the rest into Dugu Bo, simultaneously guiding more poison from Dugu Bo into his Dragon Core.


    The process damaged portions of Chen Ming''s meridians, but under the influence of vitality, the broken meridians rapidly healed, even widening in the process. Some of the poison that entered Chen Ming was suppressed entirely by the continuous influx of soul power and vitality, eventually fusing into Chen Ming''s essence.


    While helping Dugu Bo resolve his poison, Chen Ming''s state significantly improved.


    The increase in his soul power was minor, but the enhancement of his vitality and martial soul was profound.


    After a moment, Chen Ming''s martial soul underwent a sudden transformation. The deep green carapace of the Jade Scorpion appeared drained of vitality, cracking inch by inch. A new layer replaced it, now the color of pure emerald, adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to describe the laws of nature itself.


    If Dugu Bo observed closely, he would find that the new patterns on Chen Ming''s martial soul bore a slight resemblance to his own Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    Chen Ming''s scorpion tail elongated further, growing from fourteen segments to fifteen, signifying that it had reached the level of a Scorpion Emperor. The tail''s structure also subtly changed, becoming more flexible without sacrificing attack power or defense.


    Stimulated by the intense energy, Chen Ming''s external soul bone also began to evolve. Some poison bypassed the Dragon Core and was absorbed directly by the external soul bone, while some soul power and vitality flowed into the scorpion tail.


    A thousand years. Fifteen hundred years. Three thousand years. Five thousand years¡­


    By the time the process was complete, the external soul bone had fully absorbed Dugu Bo''s poison, its age skyrocketing past ten thousand years. This breakthrough further strengthened Chen Ming''s body.


    Half an hour later, Dugu Bo''s condition had stabilized completely. His entire aura had changed.


    The previously aged face now appeared vibrant, with a youthful glow. His deep green hair showed faint traces of silver at the tips, and the wrinkles on his skin had diminished significantly, making him look years younger.


    Sensing the changes in his body, Dugu Bo extended his hand, staring at his palm in disbelief.


    "The poison that tormented me for decades¡­ was suppressed just like that? And I even broke through to level 92?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [62]

    Dugu Bo''s breakthrough was entirely expected.


    Dugu Bo had decent talent; when he awakened his martial soul, he had innate full soul power, allowing him to cultivate at an extremely fast pace. However, the progression of his cultivation was hindered by the poison in his body.


    It wasn''t until he found the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, a location capable of suppressing the poison in his body, that he could resume his cultivation, albeit barely. In the end, he somehow managed to become a Titled Douluo.


    Without the interference of the innate poisons tied to his body, Dugu Bo would have achieved the rank of Titled Douluo much earlier, and his strength would have been slightly greater as well.


    At the very least, he wouldn''t have been stuck at rank 91¡ªa particularly awkward level for a Titled Douluo¡ªfor decades.


    While the innate poisons brought certain benefits to Dugu Bo, they were ultimately more of a curse than a blessing.


    These poisons had fused with Dugu Bo''s vitality and soul power, becoming an inseparable part of him. If he lost this part entirely, he would die. However, even if he didn''t lose it, the uncontrollable poisons would continue dragging him toward death.


    Under normal circumstances, not only could Dugu Bo not utilize this power, but he also had to constantly suppress it, consuming his energy and focus. If he could channel even 70¨C80% of his total soul power in battle, it was already considered good.


    For Dugu Bo, the poisons were entirely a negative asset.


    From an economic perspective, while negative equity is still technically an asset, in most cases, it remains purely detrimental. Only a rare few can turn negative equity into true wealth.


    Dugu Bo''s poisons were a severe liability¡ªdiscarding them would lead to bankruptcy, but holding on to them would result in slow financial ruin. Despite their theoretical value, they were essentially worthless in practice.


    Chen Ming purified a portion of the poisons in Dugu Bo''s body, converting them back into soul power and vitality. This effectively turned a part of Dugu Bo''s negative equity into usable assets.


    This transformation was highly impactful.


    The life force and soul power that had been suppressed within the poisons for years were reintegrated into Dugu Bo''s body by Chen Ming, rapidly restoring Dugu Bo''s weakened state and even elevating it to a new level.


    Moreover, with some of the poisons purified, the remaining poisons were subdued under Dugu Bo''s suppression, entering a dormant state for the time being and unable to cause further harm.


    With this burden lifted, Dugu Bo didn''t even need to push himself¡ªhe naturally overcame the bottleneck that had troubled him for so long, breaking through to rank 92 as a Titled Douluo.


    And this wasn''t just the initial stage of rank 92. If converted to an experience bar, Dugu Bo''s progress toward rank 93 was already over 60% filled.


    Under normal circumstances, without considering the enhancements from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well or the setbacks from the poisons, Dugu Bo could likely break through to rank 93 within ten years. Achieving rank 94 as a Titled Douluo in his lifetime wouldn''t be an issue.


    As for rank 95¡­


    Becoming a rank 95 Super Douluo not only requires exceptional soul power but also a significant level of abstract comprehension. While Dugu Bo''s talent in soul power is adequate and he''s not unintelligent, he lacks innate talent in the area of comprehension.


    Feeling his body rejuvenated by what seemed like over a decade, Dugu Bo quickly turned around to check on Chen Ming.


    He had already made up his mind: if his granddaughter didn''t fancy Chen Ming, or if Chen Ming didn''t reciprocate her feelings, then he wouldn''t bother taking him as a disciple. Instead, he''d just formally acknowledge him as a sworn brother.


    Compared to Chen Ming, Dugu Bo felt like he was a junior.


    After spending decades trying to detoxify himself, he still didn''t understand the essence of his poisons. Such actions were utterly unworthy of the title Poison Douluo.


    As Dugu Bo reflected, he realized he''d been called Poison Douluo for so long that he had completely forgotten that his original title bestowed by the Spirit Hall during his coronation was Jade Phosphorus.


    He examined Chen Ming, who was deep in meditation, and sensed that his soul power and spiritual energy were in an exceptionally abundant state. His martial soul had grown even more powerful compared to earlier, clearly having advanced to the level of the Scorpion Emperor. This allowed Dugu Bo to breathe a sigh of relief.


    He had genuinely feared that he might accidentally harm Chen Ming or leave some lingering issue.


    If something happened to Chen Ming, who was a great benefactor to both him and his granddaughter, Dugu Bo felt he would have no choice but to atone with his life.


    Chen Ming, now in deep meditation, was attentively sensing the changes in his body.


    Previously, Chen Ming''s meridians were already robust, but after this round of cleansing and repair, they became wider and more resilient, now filled with a vitality that would provide greater security in unexpected situations.


    The poisons that had invaded his body were flushed out by his soul power and vitality, losing their aggressiveness and being completely absorbed by his external soul bone. This not only enhanced his physical constitution but also improved his resistance to and control over poisons.


    As for his soul power¡­


    After absorbing his second soul ring and external soul bone, Chen Ming''s soul power level had reached 23, nearly 24. Two months of cultivation later, he broke through to 24 with the help of Dugu Yan''s opportunity. After assisting Dugu Bo, his soul power surged further, advancing to 26, almost reaching 27.


    At this rate, Chen Ming estimated he could reach level 27 after about half a month of cultivation.


    However, beyond these superficial improvements, what Chen Ming cared about most was the fundamental changes.


    Not only had his martial soul advanced to the Scorpion Emperor, but his external soul bone had also evolved into a ten-thousand-year grade and gained new abilities. Most notably, Chen Ming had obtained a portion of the innate poisons that even Dugu Bo himself couldn''t fully control.


    The Dugu family used their bodies as vessels and the Jade Phosphorus Snake as their Gu King in their cultivation of poisons. Countless lives and years were sacrificed before Dugu Bo finally succeeded in cultivating the Gu King.


    By devouring a portion of this characteristic and integrating it into his martial soul, Chen Ming could now similarly absorb the essence of poison-type soul beasts to cultivate his martial soul as a Gu King.


    And because he inherited the finished product directly, Dugu Bo''s Jade Phosphorus Snake essence seamlessly fused into Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion, creating a perfect union. Now, Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul also carried some traits of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These traits not only enhanced his soul power but also improved his physical attributes. Upon activating his martial soul, he could now gain 100% of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor''s attributes and an additional 25% of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor''s base attributes.


    The Scorpion''s original weaknesses in agility and endurance were significantly mitigated by the Snake Emperor''s characteristics, and even the poisons gained a new distinctive quality.


    The fusion of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul with the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor essence resulted in an unprecedented transformation. This change was undeniably beneficial.


    This healing session brought immense benefits to both Dugu Bo and Chen Ming. For Chen Ming, the advantages were no less significant than consuming a piece of immortal herb.


    After all, the immortal herbs currently in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well weren''t at the level of the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts seen in Douluo 2, so their medicinal potency was naturally limited. Meanwhile, though Dugu Bo was somewhat weaker, he was still a genuine Titled Douluo, and his essence was no less potent than that of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.


    Moreover, Dugu Bo specialized in poison, and his poison abilities had been cultivated for decades. The Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor''s essence carried traits akin to a Gu King. Even just being around Dugu Bo was enough for Chen Ming to gain significant experience.


    Most importantly, this was a sustainable arrangement. By detoxifying Dugu Bo in the future, Chen Ming could continue reaping benefits. In the long run, this was far more valuable than a single ordinary immortal herb.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [63]

    While meditating, Chen Ming instinctively flicked his scorpion tail, feeling that his external soul bone was now ten times stronger compared to before. As his consciousness delved deeper, the growth of the external soul bone appeared vividly in his mind.


    Due to the evolution of the external soul bone by absorbing Dugu Bo''s essence, Chen Ming''s soul bone now carries traces of Dugu Bo''s laws.


    Through these laws and Dugu Bo''s essence, Chen Ming could mold a spirit ability for his external soul bone.


    "Why does this sound like Dugu Bo turned into a soul beast?" Chen Ming muttered inwardly but didn''t stop his actions.


    Joking aside, crafting a spirit ability by hand was an incredible capability, one far beyond expectations. Even with his special advantage, under normal circumstances, he wouldn''t have the qualifications to create a spirit ability until reaching around Soul Sage level.


    This time, however, with Dugu Bo''s essence and the laws from his martial soul, Chen Ming was granted the rare opportunity to experience this prematurely.


    The power of the spirit ability was secondary; in fact, whether he could even create one didn''t matter much. What was important was the process itself, which could greatly enhance his future cultivation and deepen his understanding of his special ability.


    Dugu Bo''s essence was primarily composed of the Jade Phosphor Serpent''s poison, along with a uniquely high-quality attribute power.


    Although this power seemed poisonous on the surface, it felt slightly different. Regardless, its quality was extraordinarily high, occupying a significant portion of the essence, second only to the Jade Phosphor Serpent King''s essence.


    Considering that the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emeror''s essence had accumulated and grown alongside Dugu Bo''s cultivation as a Titled Douluo, this unique power might even be slightly superior in quality.


    "This is it," Chen Ming resolved, choosing this portion of the essence as the core to engrave a spirit ability onto his external soul bone.


    I don''t lack group attacks right now. What I''m missing is a single-target explosive ability. The Poison Cloud technique is ineffective against soul masters of a higher level within a short time, and Poison Explosion is so powerful that I might end up killing myself with it.


    When traveling, I need a reliable ability that works in any situation. Even something as basic as Blue Silver Bind would be better than no bind at all.


    In terms of range, I need something usable at both long and short distances, with quick activation and fierce explosiveness.


    "Then¡­" Chen Ming thought of the Special Beam Cannon from Dragon Ball and had an idea.


    The spirit ability should focus on a concentrated beam of soul power, ensuring the ultimate single-target output.


    However, it shouldn''t be too extreme and limited to a single attack. With abilities like invulnerability and teleportation abundant in the Douluo Continent, it''d be easily countered. So, it needs two modes: low-cost, continuous fire and a high-cost, one-time burst.


    The process of crafting the spirit ability was difficult to put into words. At first, Chen Ming actively etched the ability.


    But as the general outline of the ability was completed, he became a passive participant, merely following the laws flowing from the heavens and engraving them onto the external soul bone. Even he wasn''t entirely clear about the specific capabilities of the ability at this stage.


    Finally, after an unknown amount of time, the spirit ability crafted by Chen Ming and acknowledged by the heavens was completed.


    Destructive Death Ray?


    Its effect is¡­ gathering soul power into the scorpion''s tail, then converting it into a beam of light fired from the tip. Targets hit by the soul power beam are petrified, and the light can then shatter the petrified targets.


    Isn''t this a variant of Dugu Bo''s eighth spirit ability? Could it be that this originates from the Queen of Serpents, Medusa?


    Chen Ming pondered, inwardly musing about the situation.


    I thought it was the essence of the soul beast Dugu Bo acquired for his ninth spirit ability, but it turns out to be from his eighth. Should I praise Medusa''s incredibly high quality or criticize Dugu Bo''s ninth soul ring for being so lackluster?"


    If his ninth soul ring''s quality and age were even half-decent, it wouldn''t be overshadowed by Medusa''s eighth soul ring. Even if Dugu Bo also had a head soul bone from Medusa, it''s still embarrassing.


    This ability feels a bit awkward¡ªpetrification and destruction combined. It''s not pure enough to excel at either.


    That said, the ability is interesting.


    The essence came from Medusa but was extracted using Dugu Bo''s power, resulting in a spirit ability unrelated to venom or requiring poison soul power. Instead, it''s purely a neutral transformation of soul power."


    It seems to have significant research potential¡­


    Chen Ming thought but wasn''t in a rush to explore it.


    At this moment, he had already absorbed and processed nearly everything gained from treating Dugu Bo. There was nothing urgent to address for now. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was plenty of time in the future, especially with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well being far more valuable. There was no need to dive into this issue now to find answers.


    Moreover, while this spirit ability originated from Medusa, it also came from Dugu Bo. If needed, he could study Dugu Bo directly or have Dugu Bo capture Medusa for research. That would be far more efficient than blindly exploring it himself.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, only to see Dugu Bo, so nervous he could barely breathe.


    "Grandpa Dugu, what''s wrong?"


    "No, no, it''s nothing, Xiao Ming," Dugu Bo said warmly, his gaze at Chen Ming as doting as if he were looking at his granddaughter. Although Chen Ming seemed perfectly fine, brimming with energy, Dugu Bo still asked worriedly.


    "Are you feeling okay? Did anything just now hurt you?"


    "I''m fine. During the process of calming your soul power, I also absorbed a portion of Grandpa Dugu''s poison. As a poison-type soul master, that small amount of poison is very beneficial to me. I feel great now," Chen Ming explained.


    "What?" Dugu Bo grew anxious.


    His concern wasn''t about Chen Ming absorbing some of his soul power but rather that his uncontrollable poison might leave hidden dangers in Chen Ming''s body.


    "Xiao Ming, that poison is beyond even my control. What if it causes harm to you? Let me examine you immediately."


    "I''m fine," Chen Ming said, extending his scorpion tail.


    "See, I''m perfectly fine. When I absorbed my second soul ring, I also got an external tail soul bone from the Emerald Scorpion. I just used it to absorb the remaining poison. Now the soul bone has even grown to ten-thousand-year grade."


    At this moment, Dugu Bo no longer wanted to complain about how the poison that troubled him for decades seemed solvable by any random means. Seeing that Chen Ming was unharmed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [64]

    Dugu Bo carefully helped Chen Ming up, placing his hand on Chen Ming''s wrist to check his pulse. Using his soul power, he cautiously examined Chen Ming''s condition. He found that not only was Chen Ming''s soul power and vitality abundant, but there were also no traces of his poison left in Chen Ming''s body. Once he confirmed that there were no negative effects from the earlier incident, he finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Although the treasures he had collected over many years were scattered across the floor in the chaos, and the meridian diagram on the wall had been torn apart by the surging soul power, neither of them paid any attention to those things at the moment.


    Chen Ming openly stored the dragon core in his soul storage tool, and Dugu Bo did not ask what it was.


    From what he had seen and from the events that had just unfolded, Dugu Bo could tell that the rough-looking stone sphere was something extraordinary. But Dugu Bo was a man of clear distinctions between gratitude and resentment. Since Chen Ming had shown him great kindness, there was no way he would ever harm Chen Ming.


    Even if Chen Ming were to present an entire set of hundred-thousand-year soul bones, Dugu Bo would never entertain thoughts of robbery. Instead, he would go out of his way to protect Chen Ming and ensure that the news of his treasures would not leak out.


    "This place is a mess after what happened earlier. Let''s head upstairs and have a proper conversation. With all the commotion just now, who knows what''s going on above?"


    At this, Dugu Bo patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "It should be around noon outside. Why don''t you stay and try the cooking at my place?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thank you, Grandpa Dugu."


    "Why so formal? Just call me Grandpa. Treat this place as your own home."


    Dugu Bo waved his hand and led Chen Ming toward the mechanism to exit.


    Although the outer decorations were somewhat damaged, the mechanism, whose creator remained unknown, was still functioning perfectly. Dugu Bo casually activated the internal mechanism, and the stone slab above them began to move.


    Just as the mechanism opened, before Chen Ming and Dugu Bo could climb up, a figure dressed in emerald green rushed down in a hurry. Behind her, her uncle was awkwardly reaching out, trying to stop her.


    Both Chen Ming and Dugu Bo had sharp eyesight and immediately recognized the figure as none other than Dugu Yan.


    With a wave of his hand, Dugu Bo enveloped Dugu Yan in a gentle soul force, allowing her to land softly in front of the two of them.


    Although Dugu Yan, with her quasi-Soul Elder strength, could have jumped from that height without any issue, Dugu Bo still took precautions.


    "Yan Yan, what''s wrong? Why are you in such a rush? Did someone bully you?"


    After Dugu Yan landed, Dugu Bo noticed tears in the corners of her eyes, her bloodshot eyes, and her overall exhausted demeanor. As a doting grandfather, Dugu Bo immediately felt a pang in his heart, and his expression grew serious.


    "Grandpa, you''re the one bullying me!"


    Dugu Yan grabbed Dugu Bo''s arm and shook it forcefully, her face filled with displeasure.


    "Huh? Yan Yan, how did Grandpa bully you?"


    Hearing his granddaughter accuse him, Dugu Bo raised his other arm, pointing to his face in disbelief.


    Dugu Yan noticed that Dugu Bo''s face seemed to have become a bit younger, but her mind wasn''t focused on that.


    "Grandpa, Chen Ming saved my life at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, but as soon as you returned, you captured my savior! When you first got back, you even had Uncle lie to me, saying you weren''t here. It wasn''t until I sensed your soul power rampaging in the study that I realized you were back. When I rushed out of my room, Uncle tried to send me back, saying it was your order."


    "Grandpa, you always say that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude, but now you''re treating my savior like this. Isn''t that completely against what you''ve always taught me?"


    Dugu Yan pouted and complained to Dugu Bo, completely unaware of Chen Ming''s awkward presence in the corner.


    Hearing Dugu Yan''s words, Dugu Bo seemed to realize something. Suddenly, he grinned, turned around, and grabbed Chen Ming from the corner, placing him in front of Dugu Yan.


    "Yan Yan, look, is Grandpa really that unreasonable? Your little sweetheart is perfectly fine."


    When Dugu Yan saw Dugu Bo suddenly grab Chen Ming and place him in front of her, she froze. She hadn''t noticed Chen Ming''s presence while she was complaining to her grandfather. Now, realizing that Chen Ming had witnessed her act so childishly, she felt as if the dignified image she had maintained at the academy had completely shattered.


    When she heard Dugu Bo refer to Chen Ming as her "sweetheart," Dugu Yan''s face turned bright red. She stomped down hard on Dugu Bo''s foot.


    "Grandpa, he''s not my sweetheart! He''s just my savior!"


    Seeing his granddaughter''s flushed face, Dugu Bo instantly understood her feelings and thought there might be something to this situation. He immediately turned to Chen Ming, winked at him slyly, and then put on a deliberately serious expression.


    "Yan Yan, are you saying this boy isn''t your sweetheart?"


    Dugu Bo''s tone was calm and without malice, but it startled Dugu Yan. She quickly spread her arms to shield Chen Ming.


    "Grandpa, stop it! If you keep this up, I won''t talk to you anymore!"


    Dugu Yan tried to push Chen Ming behind her, but she didn''t realize that Chen Ming''s physique was far sturdier than hers. No matter how much effort she used, he didn''t budge an inch. Instead, her entire body pressed tightly against his.


    Feeling the warmth and masculine aura from Chen Ming behind her, Dugu Yan froze as if she had been petrified by one of Dugu Bo''s soul skills. She didn''t even blink.


    At that moment, with her body in close contact with Chen Ming''s, Dugu Yan couldn''t help but recall that awkward afternoon, the events that transpired between them, and what had happened before he took her out of the mimicry cultivation field.


    If this were a comedic manga, Dugu Yan''s head would now be steaming like a kettle, her forehead hot enough to boil water.


    Noticing this, Chen Ming awkwardly took two steps back, poked Dugu Yan''s waist lightly, and said hesitantly:


    "Um, Dugu¡­ classmate¡­"


    "Call me Yan Yan!" Dugu Yan blurted out without thinking when she heard the words "Dugu classmate."


    "Uh, Yan Yan, Grandpa and I get along just fine. He''s very kind. The key issue has been resolved, and we can address the rest in the future. So, there''s no need to worry."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [65]

    "I got along well with Grandpa, and the issue has been resolved..."


    Dugu Yan slowly raised her head like a stiff machine, only to see Dugu Bo nodding in agreement. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although what Chen Ming said wasn''t wrong, it was extremely misleading. Dugu Yan murmured the sentence to herself, feeling as if she was about to faint.


    "So what you mean is that Grandpa has approved of you and that you even discussed our marriage with him?"


    Dugu Yan squatted down with a loud "wah" sound, covering her face with her hands.


    "Grandpa!"


    "I''m not against this kind of thing! But this is a major life decision, and you should at least let me know first! Am I just getting married like this?"


    Although Dugu Yan looked like she was crying, she wasn''t shedding tears. She was just using her voice to cover up her inner emotions.


    To be honest, ever since that incident, Dugu Yan had developed a peculiar feeling toward Chen Ming. Deep down, she felt like she couldn''t marry anyone else anymore, and it was all Chen Ming''s fault, so he had to take responsibility.


    But after all, girls are naturally shy. Although Dugu Yan acted mature and composed like a cool older sister in front of others, she was still a little girl in front of her grandfather.


    In her mind, this was something she should have thought through herself, then brought Chen Ming along to inform her grandfather. Not her grandfather dragging Chen Ming to inform her! Isn''t there something wrong with this whole process?


    As she thought about the issue, Dugu Yan suddenly realized a possibility. Her body began to tremble slightly, and she pressed her hands tightly against her face.


    "Grandpa, did Chen Ming tell you about... that?"


    "That?" Dugu Bo tilted his head in confusion.


    "The thing that happened that day, the incident!"


    "Oh." Still immersed in the relief of seeing a solution to the Dugu family''s long-standing poison problem, Dugu Bo didn''t notice how strange Dugu Yan''s reaction was. He instinctively thought she was referring to Chen Ming understanding their poison issue.


    So, Dugu Bo nodded and said naturally, "He told me. It''s fine. Outsiders shouldn''t know about it, but Xiao Ming isn''t an outsider. He''ll be part of the family in the future, so it''s something that has to be faced."


    "Ahh!" Dugu Yan, on the verge of breaking down, stood up abruptly and hugged Chen Ming tightly. Throwing aside her image entirely, she delivered him a solid headbutt.


    "How could you tell Grandpa about you changing my clothes that day?!"


    "Changing clothes?" Hearing those words, Dugu Bo''s expression froze, and his face began to shift wildly¡ªsometimes blue, sometimes red, sometimes green, and sometimes purple. In mere moments, he demonstrated the essence of the art of facial transformation.


    Looking at Dugu Yan clinging to Chen Ming, Dugu Bo seemed to age several years in an instant. He stood there, letting out a long, deep sigh.


    After taking a deep look at Chen Ming, he lightly tapped the tip of his foot on the ground, shot into the air, and scooped up the butler who still didn''t know what was going on outside.


    "Well, I can''t manage you young people anymore. Say what you need to say to each other. When you''re done, come eat."


    Although Dugu Bo wanted to match his granddaughter with Chen Ming, hearing Dugu Yan mention that Chen Ming had helped her change clothes made his blood boil, and he nearly lost control of his right hand.


    After much deliberation, he ultimately chose to stop thinking.


    "Well, Yan Yan is at the age where she should settle down. It''s normal for something like this to happen."


    Dugu Bo initially wanted to say this was the best time for a Soul Master to cultivate, but after recalling that Chen Ming had broken through level 26 at the age of 11, he decided to ignore it.


    The butler beside him glanced at Dugu Bo strangely after hearing his words.


    "That''s not the same. Your relationship with my older sister was true love."


    Hearing this, Dugu Bo''s face darkened, but he couldn''t refute it. After becoming a grandfather, he realized that his actions back in the day were indeed a bit excessive. Dugu Bo thought he might as well jump into the treasure pool and drown.


    After Dugu Bo''s figure disappeared, Dugu Yan, still clinging to Chen Ming, stared at his faintly smiling face in a daze. Only after a long moment did she realize her posture was improper, and she hurriedly jumped down from him.


    After Dugu Yan got down, Chen Ming finally breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.


    Soul Masters matured early by nature. It was common for commoners to marry and start families at the age of 12 or 13.


    Having trained his body for years and consumed items like whale glue to enhance his physical strength, Chen Ming''s development far surpassed his peers, and his body was brimming with vitality.


    More importantly, unlike clueless children, he had in his previous life and was well-versed in such matters. His computer was even filled with a vast collection of treasured classics.


    Usually, he suppressed all emotions while cultivating. But right now, he wasn''t cultivating.


    Dugu Yan''s movements against him, the unique fragrance emanating from her, and the soft sensation he felt all stirred his body''s instincts.


    Though he didn''t show it outwardly, he was genuinely embarrassed.


    Suppressing his awkwardness wasn''t easy, but letting it linger wasn''t a solution either.


    Dugu Yan, staring into Chen Ming''s face, felt as though her strength was draining away. She wanted to speak, but after opening her mouth for a long time, she couldn''t think of anything to say.


    Although her heart told her to run away and leave this awkward scene, she couldn''t muster the courage to take that step.


    After a long while, Dugu Yan finally forced out her first sentence.


    "Have you eaten?"


    "No, I haven''t eaten yet." Hearing Dugu Yan''s words, Chen Ming couldn''t hold back his laughter and let out a chuckle.


    Dugu Yan glared at him, furious, wishing she could punch him in the head right there and then.


    "You... I... You know what I mean! Did you tell Grandpa about us!?"


    "I only told him about calming your soul power and suppressing the poison. I didn''t say anything else." Chen Ming, unable to suppress the smile on his lips, spread his hands and spoke innocently to Dugu Yan.


    "You didn''t say... you didn''t say!" Dugu Yan was momentarily at a loss for words.


    "If you didn''t say anything, why was Grandpa chatting so happily with you and acting like that?"


    At this point, Dugu Yan remembered something serious.


    "Grandpa just unleashed his soul power. Did you make him angry? Grandpa has a bad temper and can be eccentric, but he''s not a bad person. If he offended you, I''ll apologize on his behalf."


    Dugu Yan glanced at the shattered stones on the ground, then at Chen Ming''s still-flushed face. She couldn''t suppress her curiosity.


    "But looking at you, you seem a bit disheveled, but you''re fine otherwise?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [66]

    Upon hearing Dugu Yan''s words, Chen Ming glanced around carefully, and only after confirming there was no one nearby, he pulled Dugu Yan into a secluded corner. Slowly, he began to explain the situation.


    "When I was treating you, I could feel the intense poison in your body. Your grandfather came to me today mainly because of this poison issue."


    "I see..." After hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Yan''s face lost all vitality. Her once rosy complexion turned pale as if all her energy and soul had been drained. She lowered her head, looking utterly defeated. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You already know... because of our martial souls, none of my family has lived long lives."


    "My father passed away at a young age because of his martial soul. Grandfather said that I was born with a severe poison in my body, even more severe than what my father endured."


    "Xiao Ming, my grandfather means no harm. He just doesn''t want this matter to become widely known. He acts this way because he''s worried about me."


    "What I''m saying is... since this is how things are, you don''t need to..." Dugu Yan bit her lip as she reached this point, hesitating to continue.


    "What I mean is... this problem can be solved. Earlier, we were working on resolving the issue, which is why Gradnpa''s soul power burst out like that. I didn''t even say anything, so why did the atmosphere suddenly turn into something so tragic, like a life-and-death farewell?!"


    Uncomfortable with this strange atmosphere, Chen Ming grabbed Dugu Yan by the shoulders and gave her a vigorous shake. He shook her so hard that it nearly scrambled her brain, even flinging out the tears and snot she had been holding back.


    "You... can resolve the poison in our bodies?" Upon hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Yan immediately perked up, completely ignoring her disheveled appearance. She raised her head excitedly, staring intently into Chen Ming''s eyes with an expression full of disbelief.


    "You don''t need to lie to me. I know you''re¡ª"


    "If you don''t believe me, I can find a place to recover for a bit and let you experience it for yourself." Chen Ming helplessly covered his face, feeling that something was seriously off about the situation.


    Dugu Yan had only just developed a slight fondness for him, so why did it feel like her intelligence had suddenly plummeted to rock bottom?


    Previously, Chen Ming thought that people in the Douluo Continent seemed a bit simple and had a kind of untainted beauty as if their minds hadn''t been polluted by knowledge. But now, he was starting to suspect that this world had some kind of romance logic at play, complete with god-tier charm spells.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Yan suddenly broke into laughter through her tears and leaned in to kiss him.


    As a straightforward guy, Chen Ming saw it coming clearly but didn''t think to dodge it. It wasn''t until Dugu Yan''s face was right in front of him that he realized her face was still covered in sticky snot and tears. Instinctively, he tilted his head slightly.


    With a loud "thud," Dugu Yan''s face collided with Chen Ming''s. Not only did their lips meet, but their teeth, noses, and foreheads also slammed into each other.


    Before they could savor any sweet feelings, both of them simultaneously cried out in pain and quickly pulled back, rubbing the places where they had been hit.


    Chen Ming''s lips were scraped by Dugu Yan''s teeth, leaving them bleeding. His nose was red from the impact, and his gums felt sore, but fortunately, his head was unharmed.


    As for Dugu Yan, her weaker constitution meant she suffered even more. Her teeth hurt, her nose hurt, her head hurt, and the tears she had been holding back started flowing freely again. She cried like a little kitten.


    Oddly enough, even though she was crying loudly and looking utterly miserable, Dugu Yan felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her heart. She suddenly started laughing through her tears, wiping her face recklessly with her sleeve, not caring about her image.


    Fortunately, Dugu Bo had sent the household servants away earlier and wasn''t present himself. Otherwise, if he had witnessed this scene, he would undoubtedly have been left with a stomachache.


    As someone who didn''t understand a woman''s heart, Chen Ming had no idea what Dugu Yan was thinking. But as someone with barely passable emotional intelligence, he wisely chose not to interrupt her and simply stood there smiling foolishly.


    However, his smile only made things worse. As soon as he laughed, Dugu Yan stopped laughing. She puffed out her cheeks like an angry pufferfish and glared at him, her eyes full of grievance.


    "Ahem, watch your image. You''ve cried yourself into a little kitten."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s comment, Dugu Yan, who had momentarily forgotten about her appearance, suddenly snapped back to reality. Quickly, she took out a small mirror from her soul tool. Upon seeing her exaggeratedly messy face in the mirror, she looked as though she had been struck by lightning.


    "Ahhh!" Dugu Yan let out a scream and turned to run back to her room. But after taking just two steps, she remembered that Chen Ming didn''t know the way, so she awkwardly turned back, grabbed his hand, and silently motioned for him to follow her.


    It was strange. Normally, Dugu Yan would stride through her home with the speed of the wind, paying no attention to anyone she passed. But with Chen Ming following her, her pace slowed to that of a turtle, her usual thunderous demeanor nowhere to be seen. She walked through her own home as if she were a thief sneaking into someone else''s house.


    Her every movement was filled with a sense of stealth. Whenever they passed a corner, she acted as though someone might jump out at any moment, looking around nervously.


    "Since when was my house this big? Why have I never felt this way before?" Dugu Yan wondered to herself as she tiptoed along.


    Left with no choice, Chen Ming followed behind her, sneaking through the Dugu residence like a pair of burglars.


    After a while, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan arrived at a small courtyard. At the entrance, there were several flowers Chen Ming couldn''t name, all of which looked rather ordinary.


    Dugu Yan opened the gate, led Chen Ming inside, and quickly shut the gate behind them. Leaning against the door, she let out a sigh of relief.


    "Why are you being so cautious in your own home? Your grandfather already knows," Chen Ming thought to himself but wisely decided not to voice it.


    Dugu Yan turned around, looking at the equally disheveled Chen Ming. She bit her lip, seemingly making up her mind, and pointed to a nearby door.


    "That''s my room. Why don''t... you go in and tidy yourself up a bit?"


    PS: The romance was too fast!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [67]

    Surprisingly, Dugu Yan''s room was very messy, completely lacking the kind of feeling one might associate with a girl. Although there weren''t clothes scattered in various corners, the bedding on her bed was piled up in disarray, and the dressing table was cluttered with various cosmetics, randomly pushed aside to make room for a plate full of pastries.


    On the nearby bookshelf, books were stacked horizontally into several uneven piles. On her desk were high-quality brushes, ink, and expensive drawing paper.


    At first glance, it seemed somewhat elegant, but the sandalwood desk and the drawing paper were both stained with numerous ink splotches, indicating that the user didn''t know how to handle these things properly.


    Logically speaking, given Dugu Yan''s status, her room should have had dedicated servants to clean it. Could it be that Dugu Yan made a mess of everything shortly after the servants finished tidying up each day?


    From the surface, there was no way to tell.


    Dugu Yan herself didn''t seem to think there was anything wrong with the state of her room. Seeing the bewildered look in Chen Ming''s eyes, she casually explained:


    "I don''t like outsiders coming into my room. Even the family servants aren''t allowed in here. So, not long after I awakened my martial soul, I started tidying up my room myself."


    After saying this, Dugu Yan suddenly froze, realizing her words might carry some unintended meaning.


    "What I mean is¡­ you''re not an outsider¡­ no, that''s not what I meant¡­ anyway¡­"


    Dugu Yan stammered, trying to explain herself, but after stumbling over her words for a while, she gave up and lowered her head like an ostrich burying itself in the sand. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just sit here for a bit. I''ll tidy up."


    Dugu Yan pushed Chen Ming into a chair nearby, then grabbed a metal basin from a corner and hurried out of the room, leaving Chen Ming, a male guest, alone in her private space.


    To be honest, this was the first time in both of Chen Ming''s lives that he had experienced something like this. While he couldn''t help but marvel at how different Dugu Yan''s behavior was compared to her demeanor at the academy, his body instinctively tensed up.


    In his previous life, for various reasons, he had never been in a relationship and, after starting work, gave up on marriage due to financial constraints.


    In this life, after being reincarnated, he had spent nearly every day cultivating since the age of six. His occasional leisure activities consisted of teasing scorpions in their dens or soloing captured soul beasts.


    Although he now had the means and ability to indulge in a life of luxury, Chen Ming had never pursued such things.


    In fact, due to years of focused cultivation and a diet of whale glue, he was probably less experienced in this area than in his past life, where he had at least been exposed to countless romantic dramas.


    Sitting in Dugu Yan''s room, Chen Ming felt an inexplicable sense of awkwardness. Strangely, while Dugu Yan had been present, he had been bold enough to scrutinize her room. Now that she was gone, he found himself hesitant to look around freely.


    After some thought, he grabbed a familiar soul beast encyclopedia from the bookshelf and sat down to carefully peruse it, as if it were his first time reading it.


    Not long after, the door to the room opened, and Dugu Yan returned with the basin, her face freshly washed.


    When she saw Chen Ming engrossed in the encyclopedia as if he were completely absorbed, Dugu Yan couldn''t help feeling both amused and exasperated.


    After casually tossing the basin into a corner, Dugu Yan sat down in front of Chen Ming and patted him on the shoulder.


    "We''ve come this far, yet I still don''t know much about your story. Now that we''re alone, why don''t you tell me about it?"


    "There''s nothing much to hide. It''s not like it''s some deep secret. Honestly, I''m more surprised that you don''t already know¡­"


    Chen Ming set the encyclopedia aside, glanced at Dugu Yan, and calmly began recounting his story.


    A simple childhood, losing his parents at the age of two, and spending most of his time on the training grounds ever since. After awakening his martial soul at the age of six, he learned of his family''s curse and devoted himself entirely to cultivation, aiming to solve the problem that had plagued his family for centuries.


    He mentioned the mysterious sacrifice that granted him the Jade Phosphor Seven-Flower soul ring, surpassing the limit of a first soul ring, the thousand-year Emerald Scorpion soul ring he absorbed a few months ago, and the external soul bone he gained after absorbing the ring.


    Apart from vaguely glossing over the special ability he possessed, Chen Ming shared almost everything with Dugu Yan.


    After finishing his story, Chen Ming felt a sense of pride.


    Although he didn''t deny the role his special ability had played, he believed that his efforts had been crucial in achieving what he had.


    Whether it was cultivating his soul power, honing his body, or developing his special ability, it all required immense effort and dedication.


    However, after hearing his story, Dugu Yan''s eyes turned red, and she suddenly hugged him, her voice choked with emotion.


    "You carried such a heavy burden and worked so hard to overcome it. You''re truly amazing."


    Dugu Yan''s words were heartfelt.


    She couldn''t help but feel that she was far inferior to Chen Ming.


    She, too, had lost her parents at a young age. She, too, had a grandfather who cared for her. She, too, faced a significant flaw in her martial soul.


    But unlike Chen Ming, who took on the burden of his martial soul''s flaw and devoted himself entirely to solving it, Dugu Yan had chosen to avoid the problem. After the first painful experience caused by the poisons in her body, she placed all her hopes on her grandfather, Dugu Bo.


    At this moment, in Dugu Yan''s eyes, Chen Ming was like a better version of herself.


    Previously, she hadn''t fully understood why Chen Ming was confident in solving the issues with his martial soul, but after hearing his story, she realized it made perfect sense.


    "Have you ever thought about what you would do if the problem wasn''t solved after absorbing the two soul rings? Wouldn''t you feel despair?"


    "If it isn''t solved?" Chen Ming replied without hesitation, "If it isn''t solved, it just means the method was wrong. I''d simply look for another way."


    "If absorbing soul rings doesn''t fix the fundamental flaw, then I''ll just become a Titled Douluo."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [68]

    Half an hour later, when the dishes on the table were almost completely cold, Dugu Bo, who was sitting at the table holding his forehead, finally saw his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, and Chen Ming arrive.


    At this moment, Dugu Yan''s face was glowing with a healthy flush, and her eyes were filled with a determination that had never been seen before. She had changed into a new outfit, and her entire demeanor was vastly different from usual as if she had undergone a transformation and matured.


    As for Chen Ming, although his temperament hadn''t changed much, he had also changed his clothes.


    Seeing this scene, the weight in Dugu Bo''s heart finally eased, though his thoughts immediately jumped to more questionable conclusions. In reality, Dugu Yan had cried in Chen Ming''s arms for a long time, soaking not only her clothes but also his. However, Dugu Bo naturally assumed that sort of situation had occurred.


    Looking at Chen Ming, Dugu Bo gritted his teeth, but in the end, he couldn''t say anything. When Dugu Yan''s gaze shifted to him, he quickly replaced his conflicted expression with one of kindness, as if he had spent his decades of cultivating soul power also mastering the art of changing his facial expressions.


    "Grandpa, we''re here," Dugu Yan said, greeting Dugu Bo while naturally pulling Chen Ming''s arm and sitting down beside him.


    "Grandpa, we''re here," Chen Ming also greeted Dugu Bo before sitting down next to Dugu Yan.


    The round table in front of Dugu Bo wasn''t particularly small, but it was far from being considered small enough to feel cramped. It was large enough to seat seven or eight adults comfortably for a meal.


    However, when Dugu Yan sat beside Chen Ming, pulling him along, it felt to Dugu Bo as if a thick barrier had been erected between him and his granddaughter.


    On the other side of this barrier, a wild boar seemed to be leaning against his precious cabbage, flashing an arrogant grin at him.


    "Come here, Xiao Ming," Dugu Bo said, calling Chen Ming over. "Sit by me. We have some things to discuss later."


    Chen Ming instinctively looked at Dugu Yan, who nodded in response. Reluctantly, Chen Ming moved to sit next to Dugu Bo.


    For some reason, Chen Ming felt that Dugu Bo''s posture was unnaturally stiff. If it weren''t for his rosy complexion and clear, coherent speech, Chen Ming might have suspected that Dugu Bo had been paralyzed by someone.


    The dishes on the table were sumptuous, with an array of hot dishes, cold dishes, fruits, and pastries. However, because Chen Ming and Dugu Yan had taken some time to arrive, the food had cooled slightly, impacting the flavor.


    After Chen Ming and Dugu Yan sat down, Dugu Bo dismissed the maids standing by, instructing them to close the doors and windows on their way out. In the spacious room, only the three of them remained.


    "Eat, make yourself at home," Dugu Bo said to Chen Ming with a smile, signaling that he didn''t need to be so reserved. As soon as Dugu Bo finished speaking, Dugu Yan, sitting on the other side, picked up a piece of rib from the table and passed it over.


    "Yan Yan has grown up," Dugu Bo thought to himself, reaching for his plate to catch the rib. But to his dismay, Dugu Yan bypassed him entirely and placed the rib directly into Chen Ming''s bowl.


    "This rib is my favorite. Try it and see how it tastes," Dugu Yan said.


    Hearing her words, Dugu Bo''s heart nearly shattered. Mechanically, he continued to eat the rice in his bowl stiffly, as if the entire world around him had lost its color.


    After some time, when Chen Ming and Dugu Yan had eaten their fill and started to slow down, Dugu Bo, who had been eating in a daze, finally invoked his soul power and called out to the maids outside.


    A large group of maids entered the room, clearing away the remaining food and tidying up the table before leaving in an orderly fashion.


    Dugu Yan patted her stomach, feeling slightly unsatisfied. However, upon seeing the serious expression on her grandfather''s face, she decided against saying anything at that moment.


    Once Dugu Bo was sure no outsiders were eavesdropping, he turned to Chen Ming with a grave expression.


    "Xiao Ming, how is Yan Yan''s condition? Can you treat her?"


    "Grandpa, Yan Yan''s condition isn''t severe. If it''s just detoxification, it''s only a matter of time," Chen Ming replied. "However, there''s one thing I must clarify. This matter concerns the origin of this highly toxic poison." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dugu Bo nodded, as if suddenly recalling something.


    "I remember you mentioned earlier that the poisons in our bodies are based on the Jade Phosphor Serpent as a foundation, formed by absorbing the essence of various poisonous soul beasts during the process of acquiring soul rings?"


    "After thinking about it carefully, I do feel that the poison in our bodies has indeed grown stronger over time due to this. But I still don''t understand¡ªwhy is it that the poisons in our bodies have become uncontrollable?"


    "I don''t know and can''t provide an answer. However, I do have some thoughts on how to control the poisons," Chen Ming said, shaking his head before moving on to the main point.


    "The poisons in your bodies are extremely potent. If they can be controlled, it will result in a significant improvement in your strength. And as for how to control the poisons, I have some ideas."


    Chen Ming dipped his finger in some water from a nearby teacup and began drawing on the table.


    "The human body has three essential components: essence, energy, and spirit."


    "This ''essence'' refers to vitality, ''energy'' represents soul power, and ''spirit'' is the most mysterious¡ªspiritual power."


    "Essence, energy, and spirit are innate abilities that every living human being possesses."


    "But soul masters are rare on the continent. According to your explanation, shouldn''t ordinary people lack energy?" Dugu Bo asked in a deep voice.


    "It''s not that they don''t have it; it''s just difficult to detect," Chen Ming explained, waving his hand as he continued to draw on the table.


    "Because of my family''s unique situation, I''ve come to understand innate soul power."


    "Our martial souls are like barrels filled with water, and soul power is akin to the water flowing through the barrel. Before the age of six, this barrel is gradually formed, and water begins to accumulate."


    "In general, the higher the quality of the martial soul, the larger the capacity of the barrel."


    "But the problem is, while the barrel may have a large capacity, the base of the barrel varies. The higher one''s natural talent, the more complete the base of the barrel."


    "For most commoners, their martial soul is like a small barrel with low capacity. What''s more, the bases of these barrels often have holes, so any soul power that enters merely flows out. This is what we call having no soul power."


    "A high-quality martial soul represents the size of the barrel, while nutrition before the age of six determines the speed at which water flows in. An individual''s talent determines how intact the base of the barrel is."


    "A barrel that''s too small, even if the base is perfectly sealed, will still have a very limited capacity. On the other hand, a barrel with a base full of holes will leak no matter how large or fast the water flows.


    "Even if you have a large barrel with a perfect base, if the water supply is insufficient, it won''t be of much use."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [69]

    "Of course, this is just my personal opinion; whether it''s correct or not is another matter. It''s just a simple description."


    "Even if everyone is truly a bucket, not every bucket has to be shaped like a bucket¡ªit might be a gourd, or maybe a basin; it''s not necessarily the same."


    "The factors that influence a soul master''s innate soul power are far too many. This should be proven through large-scale investigations and studies conducted by professionals."


    "I''m just saying that everyone has innate soul power; it''s just that the amount varies. Generally, when someone is said to have no innate soul power, it means their innate soul power is so low that it falls below an observable threshold."


    Seeing that Dugu Bo was about to start discussing the origins of soul masters, Chen Ming quickly steered the topic away and continued.


    "Vitality and mental power are innate things. Without vitality, one isn''t alive; without mental power, one cannot think."


    "Some soul masters experience situations where their soul power becomes uncontrollable. Normally, this happens because their soul power surged rapidly in a short period, and they haven''t adapted to it yet. There are also cases where insufficient mental power makes it impossible to control their soul power."


    "Generally speaking, mental power increases gradually over time and grows alongside soul power. Right now, there aren''t any particularly effective ways to accelerate this growth."


    "If there''s a way, it''s through hard work¡ªslowly refining it through diligent practice."


    "The combination of mental power and soul power can lead to a qualitative leap in soul power and significantly improve control over it."


    "The combination of mental power and vitality, reportedly, can enhance vitality and improve control over the body. I read in a book that taking this research to a profound level can even allow one to manifest special abilities called ''combat techniques.'' Allegedly, these are akin to soul skills but don''t require soul power."


    "The combination of vitality and soul power... results in an enhancement of both the body and soul power." Chen Ming glanced at Dugu Bo. "This is the simplest combination. Some people achieve it without even realizing it, but deep research into this area is rare."


    "Supposedly, if mental power, soul power, and vitality are all combined, one''s strength can increase dramatically, reaching new heights. However, this is just something I''ve heard."


    Chen Ming spread his hands, indicating that he wasn''t sure.


    "The combination of mental power and soul power improves control over soul power. The combination of mental power and vitality improves control over the body. But the combination of vitality and soul power doesn''t improve control; instead, it makes control more difficult."


    "The poison of the Jade Phosphor Serpent should be the product of the martial soul''s origin combined with vitality. In the beginning, there wouldn''t be any problems. But as one age and their soul power increases, the poison gradually grows by devouring vitality and soul power, possibly absorbing a small amount of mental power as well."


    "When a martial soul obtains a soul ring, this poison will mutate along with the soul master as they absorb the soul ring and acquire the essence of the soul beast. It changes from its original form and incorporates elements belonging to the soul beast."


    "The higher the level, the stronger the poison. The more soul rings acquired, the less of the Jade Phosphor Serpent''s original essence remains. The combination of the two increases the likelihood of losing control exponentially." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Because it absorbs soul power and vitality, it cannot be expelled. Essentially, this poison has already become a part of life itself. If you remove it, no one knows what will happen. However, due to multiple mutations and the absorption of some unconscious mental power, it has also become very difficult to control."


    "It''s like a beast without reason¡ªa creature with sharp claws and fangs, incapable of distinguishing between friend and foe. Since it has no brain, and isn''t even a living being, when it goes berserk, it has no reservations, not even about its existence."


    "The key is that if this beast dies, no one knows what will happen next."


    "In the mildest case, you lose vitality and soul power, and the poison dissipates. In the worst case, immediate death is a very real possibility."


    "What should I do?" Dugu Bo frowned deeply, feeling as though the situation had become even more challenging. "The lack of reason in the beast isn''t entirely bad, though it does make control harder. But this also means the beast can be completely tamed, becoming like a part of oneself, like an arm or a leg, incapable of betrayal."


    At this point, Chen Ming glanced at Dugu Bo, giving him a look that made Dugu Bo feel uneasy.


    "Forgive me for asking, Grandpa¡ªare you not skilled in mental power?"


    "That''s true..." Dugu Bo admitted with a nod, not hiding his shortcomings.


    "Our Jade Phosphor Serpent lineage has been passed down for a long time, but because of this issue, we''ve never had high-ranking soul masters. Before me, the highest was an ancestor at the Soul Sage level. There are rumors of Soul Douluo-level ancestors, but nothing confirmed. We truly don''t know much about mental power."


    "When I was young, I was self-taught and didn''t join any organizations or academies. While I lack none of the basic knowledge of soul masters, I am still missing some of the deeper, hidden knowledge."


    "My mental power is usable, but I wouldn''t say I''m proficient with it." At this point, Dugu Bo quickly added, "By the way, I have a head soul bone that I obtained when acquiring my eighth soul ring. This soul bone significantly enhanced my mental power. I didn''t notice it before, but according to what you''re saying, this soul bone played a huge role in helping me become a Title Douluo."


    "If you have a head soul bone..." Chen Ming hesitated. "Uh, my earlier estimates were based on the assumption that you didn''t have a head soul bone. If you do have one..."


    "What happens if I have a head soul bone?"


    "This only proves that your mental power talent is truly lacking. Even with a head soul bone enhancing your mental power, it''s still below passing."


    "If it weren''t for this head soul bone, you probably wouldn''t have broken through to Title Douluo before the poison completely got out of control."


    Chen Ming''s words were tactful, but Dugu Bo still felt deeply hurt, his face burning with embarrassment.


    "So, there''s no solution?" Dugu Bo tapped his head, feeling a headache coming on. His poor mental power talent meant that, even with a solution, he couldn''t implement it. If word got out, people would laugh at him.


    "There''s a solution." Chen Ming didn''t hold back.


    "If your mental power is strong enough, you can tame the beast slowly. If it''s not strong enough, weaken the beast first and then use mental power to tame it."


    "The difference is that directly taming the beast brings many benefits. Weakening it first and then taming it reduces the benefits, but it''s still doable."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [70]

    "Hmm? There are benefits?!" Upon hearing Chen Ming mention benefits, Dugu Bo''s old face lit up like a blooming chrysanthemum, and his entire demeanor seemed to undergo a noticeable transformation.


    "Of course there are benefits! After raising it for decades, think about how much soul power, vitality, and even the essence of soul beasts it has devoured. That''s no small amount of energy! If you can digest it, reaching Rank 94 shouldn''t be a problem. Your martial soul might even improve in quality."


    "But if you weaken it before digestion, you might only make it to Rank 93. Rank 94 would be a bit of a stretch."


    "No problem, no problem. As long as there are benefits, that''s good enough."


    Hearing that the poison that had plagued him for decades could be put to good use, Dugu Bo was overjoyed.


    Rank 94 ¡ª he had never dreamed of reaching that level in his lifetime. Even if he didn''t make it to Rank 94, Rank 93 would still be quite good. What''s more, once the poison was dealt with, he could resume cultivating normally. Who knows? Rank 94 might just become a reality.


    And with that hidden treasure trove¡­


    Who''s to say his old bones couldn''t push past the bottleneck of Rank 95?


    Just the thought of it made Dugu Bo''s heart race.


    He quickly scanned his surroundings, making sure no one else was present, before pulling Chen Ming and Dugu Yan closer to him and cautiously revealing his secret.


    "The reason I was able to become a Titled Douluo is because of a special treasure trove. That place is brimming with soul power and has countless rare herbs growing there."


    "It''s a place of alternating extreme cold and heat, with both intense cold and scorching heat coexisting. For low-level soul masters, it''s practically a death trap. But for me, it suppresses the poison in my body. It''s thanks to this suppression that I was able to become a Titled Douluo."


    "Then¡­ what about Father?" Dugu Yan asked, looking at Dugu Bo in confusion.


    "That place only suppresses the poison; it doesn''t truly eliminate it. When it''s time for the poison to flare up, it still does, though it''s not as life-threatening," Dugu Bo explained.


    The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was a treasure trove, but Dugu Bo himself had no clue how to fully utilize it. It was like having a mountain of treasures but being unable to access even a fraction of its wealth.


    He didn''t dare touch herbs he didn''t recognize, and while the ones he did recognize were high-quality and well-aged, they couldn''t cure him. At most, they helped stabilize his condition temporarily by balancing the extreme cold and heat.


    "The reason I left you for a while recently was to try breaking through to Rank 92. Unfortunately, I suffered a backlash and had to go to that treasure trove to recover."


    "Just now, with Xiao Ming''s help, I was able to alleviate the poison in my body and break through to Rank 92."


    As he spoke, Dugu Bo gave Dugu Yan and Chen Ming a detailed description of the treasure trove and then turned to Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, with the help of that treasure trove, would it be easier to tame the poison in my body?"


    "Of course it would. But I''d need to see the place firsthand to make a proper judgment. I''ve never encountered such a miraculous location before, so for now, it''s just speculation," Chen Ming replied.


    "Is that so¡­" Dugu Bo hesitated.


    The alternating extreme cold and heat of that place were deadly for low-level soul masters. Even a thousand-year soul beast would explode if it got too close to the pool. While Dugu Bo wanted Chen Ming''s help, he hesitated to risk Chen Ming''s life.


    "Grandpa, you''re a Titled Douluo. Your soul power should be able to protect me temporarily. I''d like to see that place. If it is as miraculous as you say, it could make a big difference," Chen Ming suggested.


    "That could work." Dugu Bo thought for a moment and decided it was feasible.


    Chen Ming''s martial soul had evolved into the Emerald Emperor Scorpion, on par with his martial soul. His physical condition was far superior to most soul masters at his level, even comparable to some Soul Ancestors.


    Under these circumstances, Dugu Bo felt confident that with his soul power protecting Chen Ming, the young man could safely explore the area without venturing too deep or getting too close to the pool.


    "Grandpa, can I go too?" Dugu Yan asked, hoping to tag along and see the miraculous place for herself.


    But this time, Dugu Bo didn''t soften as he usually did. His face darkened immediately. "Yan Yan, that place is far too dangerous. Even I can''t protect you there. Your soul power is too low, your physical condition isn''t strong enough, and you''re not clever enough to handle it."


    Dugu Bo didn''t want to criticize his beloved granddaughter, but he had to be honest.


    "Xiao Ming, on the other hand, is almost as strong as a Soul Elder, even without obtaining his third soul ring. Meanwhile, you couldn''t even succeed in breaking through to Rank 30 the other day. I simply can''t take you there."


    "Grandpa¡­"


    Dugu Yan wanted to argue, but Chen Ming cut her off.


    "Yanyan, next time. If there''s a way to bring you there safely, I''ll make sure you see it," Chen Ming said with a smile.


    Dugu Yan''s face immediately turned red, and she nodded gently.


    "Alright."


    At this point, Dugu Bo couldn''t be bothered to intervene in their interactions.


    "Kids these days¡­" he muttered inwardly. Still, he was pleased with Chen Ming. The boy was far more capable than he had been at that age. If Yan Yan ended up with someone like him, she wouldn''t repeat the same mistakes he had made.


    As he thought about this, Dugu Bo suddenly remembered something.


    It dawned on him that he had forcibly taken Chen Ming from the academy earlier that morning. By now, rumors must have been flying around Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.


    Now that Chen Ming was his future grandson-in-law, Dugu Bo couldn''t let the boy''s reputation be tarnished.


    With that in mind, Dugu Bo pulled out paper and pen from his Hundred Treasure Pouch and quickly began writing.


    The first was a letter to the three elders of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. After finishing it, he prepared another letter for Prince Xue Xing, the academy''s nominal dean. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for those who had been gossiping in the academy, it was time for them to face some consequences.


    Although Dugu Bo had business to attend to, that didn''t mean he''d tolerate troublemakers.


    Once the letters were written, Dugu Bo stamped them with his seal, placed them in envelopes, and patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "Xiao Ming, let''s go. We''ll deliver these letters first. That way, everyone will know about our relationship, and no one will dare gossip behind your back anymore."


    "Yan Yan, you stay home for a few days. I''ll take Xiao Ming to check out that place. If all goes well, we''ll be back in a day. If not, it might take three or four days."


    "With me there, I guarantee nothing will happen to him."


    Dugu Bo patted his chest in assurance, then left the residence with Chen Ming.


    Under Dugu Yan''s anxious gaze, the two began their journey to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [71]

    Dugu Bo did not immediately leave Heaven Dou City with Chen Ming. Instead, he purposely appeared at a merchant house operated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, chatting and laughing with Chen Ming. Under the watchful eyes of the clan''s steward, he casually bought some cultivation materials for Chen Ming. After leaving the shop, Dugu Bo made his way to Prince Xue Xing''s residence.


    At that moment, Prince Xue Xing was not at home; he had been invited by other nobles of Heaven Dou City to attend a banquet.


    Dugu Bo summoned Prince Xue Xing''s steward, handed over a letter, exchanged a few polite words, and then left with Chen Ming, heading out of the city.


    When they arrived at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Dugu Bo did not immediately go looking for the three elders. Instead, he uncharacteristically put on the airs of a titled Douluo, waiting at the foot of the mountain and ordering the elders to come to him.


    It didn''t take long for the three elders to rush over as quickly as possible. Seeing Chen Ming standing beside Dugu Bo, looking perfectly fine, the three immediately realized something.


    Dugu Bo handed the letter to the three elders and then praised Chen Ming a couple of times in front of them. He casually mentioned that Chen Ming had a good relationship with his granddaughter. The three experienced elders immediately understood Dugu Bo''s intentions and assured him they would handle matters at the academy appropriately.


    After settling Chen Ming''s affairs, Dugu Bo quietly led Chen Ming down a small path, heading toward the Sunset Forest.


    The Sunset Forest is one of the three major soul beast habitats on the Douluo Continent and the only one under the control of the Heaven Dou Empire.


    The Star Dou Great Forest, located between two nations, is nominally shared by both. In practice, however, soul masters on the continent generally acknowledge that the forest is either outside the jurisdiction of both nations or under the control of the Spirit Hall.


    The third soul beast habitat, an unnamed one, is under the jurisdiction of the Star Luo Empire, but its quality of soul beasts is slightly inferior to that of the Sunset Forest.


    If they took the main roads, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming would easily be noticed. Even taking small paths couldn''t guarantee they''d avoid all eyes.


    Once they were certain no one was around, Dugu Bo skillfully retrieved a set of black outfits from his storage soul tool and put it on.


    Just as Dugu Bo was about to explain the reason to Chen Ming while looking for a tight-fitting outfit for him, Chen Ming chuckled and pulled out a set of camouflage clothing from his storage soul tool.


    This outfit had been custom-made by his family''s tailor back in Biluocheng, just in case.


    "You little rascal, you''ve come prepared, haven''t you?" Seeing the uniquely colored clothing Chen Ming was wearing, Dugu Bo instantly realized it was far superior to his outfit. He couldn''t help but laugh and curse.


    Initially worried that his potential grandson-in-law, focused on cultivation, might lack practical experience, Dugu Bo now saw that Chen Ming was not only extraordinarily gifted in cultivation but also quite capable in other areas.


    Still, after thinking for a moment, Dugu Bo shared his opinion.


    "This outfit of yours makes it easy to blend in with the environment, but it''s far too conspicuous on the continent."


    "What do you mean?" Chen Ming was puzzled. Wasn''t camouflage better than a black outfit?


    "When people on the continent don''t want to be noticed, they all wear black outfits. Over time, it''s become a habit."


    "If someone sees someone in a black outfit, they''ll pretend they didn''t see anything for the sake of their safety. And since everyone wears a black outfit, even if someone notices, they can''t tell who''s underneath it."


    "Your outfit, on the other hand, might make hiding in the wild easier, but no one else wears it. If someone spots you, it''ll be much easier for them to identify you."


    "At worst, someone might see your outfit and immediately know who you are. At best, someone else could wear similar clothes and frame you. Of course, the most important thing when traveling across the continent is your martial soul. If your martial soul is exposed, everything else is pointless. If it isn''t, as long as you aren''t caught red-handed, you can always clear your name."


    "I see." Chen Ming glanced at his camouflage outfit and suddenly understood.


    So wearing a black outfit during the day wasn''t just a sign of insanity¡ªit had a legitimate purpose.


    Under Dugu Bo''s hesitant gaze, Chen Ming quickly pulled out a set of black outfits from his storage soul tool.


    With a storage soul tool that held seven or eight cubic meters, carrying a few outfits was a breeze.


    Though he hadn''t understood the purpose of a black outfit before, he had prepared a few sets just in case, and now they''d finally come in handy.


    After changing into a black outfit, Chen Ming felt a surge of confidence. Dugu Bo grabbed him again, and they continued toward the Sunset Forest.


    Sure enough, along the way, even if someone spotted the two dressed in black outfits, they quickly averted their gaze, pretending they hadn''t seen anything. It wasn''t until they reached the deeper parts of the Sunset Forest that Dugu Bo finally slowed down.


    The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located deep within the Sunset Forest, hidden within the mountain range.


    The outskirts of the mountain range were inhabited by many soul beasts. Venturing a bit deeper, one would encounter a thick poisonous array.


    This poisonous array had been laid down by Dugu Bo to prevent soul beasts and outsiders from entering. Normally, he passed through it without concern, but since he was bringing Chen Ming along this time, he stopped at the edge of the array. From his Hundred Treasures Pouch, he took out a few dark green pills and handed them to Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, keep this pill in your mouth. If you start to feel unwell, swallow it immediately and let me know. This outer poison array isn''t much for me as its creator, but I don''t want it to harm you."


    "Alright." Chen Ming didn''t hesitate. Though he felt the poison array might not affect him, he obediently placed the pill in his mouth.


    After ensuring Chen Ming was prepared, Dugu Bo grabbed him, wrapped him in soul power, and carefully entered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    Before long, the two crossed the poison array. Thanks to Dugu Bo''s caution and Chen Ming''s innate poison resistance, the toxins didn''t invade his body. However, the next challenge wasn''t so simple.


    An intense heat surged upward, a wave of hot air rushing toward Chen Ming.


    This heat wave was peculiar. While not hot enough to cause physical harm, it was saturated with dense fire-attributed soul power and had a unique property that triggered reactions in the human body. As the wave enveloped him, Chen Ming felt his internal yang energy rising.


    If this had been an ordinary soul master, such a wave would have disrupted the balance of yin and yang within their body, causing their soul power to stagnate. However, Chen Ming merely blinked and quickly adapted to this strange energy.


    S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [72]

    Seeing that Chen Ming was unharmed, Dugu Bo breathed a sigh of relief. Supporting Chen Ming, he walked slowly toward the deeper part of the area. Along the way, Chen Ming noticed that the heat here was not constant but seemed to fluctuate rhythmically¡ªalmost like the breathing of some living being, exchanging the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.


    As they ventured deeper, the surroundings began to teem with vitality. Even just glancing around casually, Chen Ming spotted several rare herbs that would fetch a high price in the outside world.


    Some of these herbs grew extremely slowly, others bloomed only briefly, and some could only grow in very specific conditions. Yet here, these herbs¡ªconsidered treasures in the outside world¡ªwere as common as roadside weeds, growing together haphazardly without any sense of rarity.


    Chen Ming crouched down and poked at a nearby weed. After Dugu Bo nodded his approval, Chen Ming gently uprooted it.


    "A thousand-year-old He Shou Wu? Its shape, its color, its quality... Outside, this He Shou Wu would easily sell for thousands of gold soul coins, wouldn''t it?"


    He Shou Wu wasn''t an extraordinarily rare medicinal herb, but once it aged past a certain point, its value skyrocketed.


    An aged He Shou Wu could enhance cultivation speed for humans and even extend the lifespan of soul beasts, placing them within the realm of heavenly treasures. Its mild and attribute-less nourishing properties made it a prized item, one typically only seen at auction houses.


    In the outside world, a single piece of He Shou Wu could spark a fight among Soul Masters. Even ordinary families would carefully slice it into thin pieces for use during cultivation.


    Yet here, in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, it was nothing more than a roadside weed. If Chen Ming hadn''t noticed it, he might have even stepped on it.


    "Here, this stuff is worthless," Dugu Bo remarked smugly, watching Chen Ming''s astonished expression.


    "Over there, there, and there..." Dugu Bo pointed to various areas nearby.


    "In all these spots, thousand-year-old He Shou Wu grows in clusters, as common as wild grass. If you''re interested, you can dig up as much as you want later."


    "Whew..." Chen Ming clicked his tongue, stood up, and casually tossed the He Shou Wu into his storage soul tool before gazing deeper into the area.


    "This place is a treasure trove. Just these He Shou Wu alone would be worth a fortune outside."


    "Indeed." Dugu Bo nodded in agreement, though his expression soon turned somber as he sighed.


    "Unfortunately, I don''t recognize the most precious herbs that grow in the innermost part of this place."


    "Those herbs are the most valuable treasures here, yet I don''t know a single one of them."


    "Years ago, I followed my martial soul''s instincts and tried eating one of those herbs. The result? I was nearly tortured to death. My soul power even dropped several levels, and I barely escaped with my life..."


    "Is there another herb like that here? I''d like to take a look," Chen Ming said, intrigued by the story.


    In general, anything guided by one''s martial soul was bound to be valuable. Even if it wasn''t a life-changing supplement, it shouldn''t cause harm.


    In a place full of immortal herbs, the treasures here were undoubtedly priceless.


    If something went wrong after consuming one, it didn''t necessarily mean the herb was problematic; perhaps Dugu Bo had consumed it improperly, causing a side effect. If the correct method of use could be found, the herb might bring great benefits to both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan.


    "There are still some of those herbs left." Dugu Bo thought for a moment before pointing in a direction.


    "There are a few plants like that over there, though their age is slightly less than the one I ate. Back then, even though I was nearly killed, I still replanted the seeds of that herb in its original spot."


    "Shall we go take a look?" Dugu Bo, recalling his purpose for being here, became interested in the herb that had nearly killed him.


    "Let''s take a look," Chen Ming agreed, walking in the direction Dugu Bo had indicated.


    After a while, they stopped, and Dugu Bo pointed to several vines on the ground in front of Chen Ming.


    "It''s those things." Looking at the vines, Dugu Bo shuddered, recalling the excruciating experience from before. Chen Ming crouched down, carefully observing the vines.


    If not for the roots still visible in the ground, Chen Ming might have mistaken the vines for a type of snake-like soul beast in disguise.


    The vines had patterns resembling those of snakes, and when touched, their texture felt like scales.


    Each vine had several small buds, which, upon closer inspection, looked like the claws of dragon-type soul beasts.


    Chen Ming noticed that the number of buds varied; the vines had at least five and at most seven buds.


    The most mature vine appeared to resemble a snake-like soul beast with dragon bloodline traits. The scale-like patterns on this vine were far more distinct than those on the others.


    Even just by looking, Chen Ming could tell that this herb would greatly benefit snake-type soul masters and soul beasts. The problem was that he didn''t recognize it.


    The immortal herbs Chen Ming was familiar with were limited to the ones mentioned in novels from his previous life, and these vines weren''t among them.


    "I don''t have a guide to immortal herbs. Do I have to go find Yang Wudi, Chrysanthemum Douluo, or even Tang San to learn about these herbs?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thought frustrated Chen Ming.


    His martial soul was unique, so the immortal herbs suitable for the Shrek Seven Devils in the original story might not be the best for him. But getting a comprehensive guide to immortal herbs wasn''t an easy task. Even if he managed to obtain one, there was no guarantee it would include information on the herb most suited to him.


    "If only the immortal herbs could speak and tell me their names and properties," he thought wistfully.


    That''s when inspiration struck him, and an idea lit up in his mind like a lightbulb. Excited, he clapped his hands, startling Dugu Bo.


    "Xiao Ming, are you okay? Don''t tell me this thing has hallucinogenic poisons?"


    "Grandpa, I''m fine. I just thought of a way to identify the properties of these herbs," Chen Ming replied as he sat cross-legged on the ground, placing one of the five-bud vines in his lap.


    Closing his eyes, Chen Ming began to carefully channel his spiritual energy, attempting to attune himself to the herb.


    Spiritual energy was different from mental power; it was more profound and difficult to describe. While mental power might not be able to discern a herb''s properties, spiritual energy just might.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [73]

    Although the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes Chen Ming had encountered before could be considered a type of immortal herb, its spiritual essence was far inferior to these immortal herbs growing in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well due to its insufficient maturation.


    If the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes Chen Ming previously interacted with behaved like a brainless organism with an underdeveloped cerebellum and no brain at all, then this unknown vine could be likened to an organism with a partially developed brain incapable of independent thought, but with a fully developed cerebellum capable of instinctual reflexes.


    If you greet it, it won''t respond. But if you poke or strike it, it will instinctively react.


    When Chen Ming tested it with his spiritual sense, he quickly felt the spiritual essence within the vine. However, as a rare treasure of unknown age, the vine, while not yet a soul beast, was not entirely devoid of a self.


    On the contrary, this vine possessed abundant spiritual essence, appearing to be only one step away from becoming a soul beast.


    When Chen Ming attempted to access its spiritual essence without its consent, the vine not only refused to cooperate but even tried to fight back.


    This reaction was perfectly reasonable. After all, the vine didn''t know Chen Ming at all, and yet here he was, trying to invade its innermost core. Its resistance was entirely justified.


    Although this resistance was about as effective against Chen Ming as a toddler''s punch, the lack of cooperation still severely hindered his ability to explore the vine''s properties.


    Given Chen Ming''s current understanding and development of his unique powers, the only way forward seemed to be the slow, methodical approach of gradual testing.


    But how could Chen Ming be willing to waste his precious time on an unknown vine?


    "If I can''t even subdue a mere little vine, how will I deal with other immortal herbs in the future?"


    Chen Ming''s mind raced, and soon, he came up with an indirect approach.


    The vine didn''t trust him? Then he would gain its trust!


    Spending years gradually infusing it with his blood and soul power to win it over was the slow method. While effective, it was too time-consuming. However, times have changed. In the past, he had no choice but to use such a clumsy method. Now, he had other options.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, took out a Dragon Core, and converted his soul power into pure life energy. He then slowly infused this life energy into the vine.


    Faced with nourishment delivered right to its mouth, the vine couldn''t resist. Few beings can refuse such a temptation, let alone a plant with only basic spiritual awareness and no true intelligence.


    Chen Ming continued to infuse life energy slowly, and while the vine absorbed the energy and felt comforted, he used his spiritual sense to probe it further.


    The vine''s spiritual essence was abundant, but its underdeveloped brain couldn''t handle multitasking. While Chen Ming''s spiritual probing did irritate the vine, its focus on absorbing the life energy left it unable to resist.


    As Chen Ming connected with the vine''s essence, he once again experienced a vision through spiritual insight. It was as if he was transported to an ancient era.


    In the distant past, the Douluo Continent was a world ruled by dragons. Pureblood and hybrid dragons roamed the land, and due to the dragons'' inherently lustful nature, countless dragon-blooded subspecies were born.


    Some of these dragon-blooded subspecies had extraordinary potential, with power on par with true dragons. Even the dragon race couldn''t ignore their strength.


    While the dragon race had treasures like the Dragon Transformation Pool to turn subspecies into true dragons, the sheer number of dragon-blooded beings meant the pool''s limited capacity could barely make a dent.


    Thus, a powerful dragon, second in strength only to the Nine Dragon Kings, created a batch of plants capable of purifying dragon bloodlines and helping subspecies evolve into true dragons.


    These plants varied in quality. Some were low-grade and common, with traces of their descendants still found on the modern Douluo Continent. Others were high-grade and exceptionally rare, with some so legendary that they were scarcely mentioned even in ancient tales.


    The vine in Chen Ming''s hands was one of the greatest creations of this powerful dragon. In the era when pureblood dragons thrived, this plant was known as the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass.


    This vine grew one leaf every ten thousand years, reaching its peak with nine leaves after ninety thousand years. However, due to restrictions imposed by its creator, the plant could not surpass the hundred-thousand-year threshold.


    Upon reaching the hundred-thousand-year mark, the plant would die, and each leaf would transform into a seed to begin a new life cycle. If consumed before its ninth leaf fully grew, only a single seed would remain at its base.


    The Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass had a significant effect on purifying dragon bloodlines, but that was only a minor aspect of its abilities.


    When consumed, the grass could awaken a dragon-type soul beast''s core energy. This core energy would combine with the plant''s medicinal properties to form the prototype of a Dragon Core. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the formation of the Dragon Core, the dragon-type soul beast''s true dragon bloodline would be further awakened, eventually eliminating all impurities and transforming the beast into a pureblood dragon.


    The process of transformation was excruciatingly painful, but remarkably, it posed no threat to life. Even in the event of failure, the worst outcome would be severe damage to one''s vitality, with the most extreme case resulting in the loss of soul power.


    Because of its powerful effects, the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass was an extremely rare treasure, even in the era of active dragons. For dragon-blooded soul beasts, it was a miracle herb capable of transforming them.


    Once Chen Ming understood the properties of this immortal herb, he opened his eyes and looked at Dugu Bo with an entirely different gaze.


    Previously, his gaze carried some respect. Now, it was filled with frustration, as if lamenting Dugu Bo''s wasted potential.


    Dugu Bo was stunned by Chen Ming''s expression, unable to understand what he had done to deserve such apparent disrespect.


    "This plant is called the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass. It can purify the bloodlines of dragon-type soul beasts and soul masters with corresponding martial souls. It further awakens the dragon bloodline within them, pushing them toward becoming true dragons."


    "This immortal herb can awaken core energy and form a Dragon Core. Although the process is excruciatingly painful, failure won''t result in death. At most, it will harm one''s vitality; in the worst case, one might lose their soul power..."


    After hearing Chen Ming''s explanation, Dugu Bo spat out the pearl-like core from his body, staring at the intensely pulsating soul power within it. He then looked down at the vine on the ground and fell silent for a long time.


    So, all this time, he had found the perfect treasure for himself, but he had been too weak back then to survive its effects?


    Dugu Bo would have preferred if the herb had just been unsuitable for him!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [74]

    "Xiao Ming, how did you know the name of this thing? And what is that stone you''re holding?" Dugu Bo, feeling awkward and embarrassed, stuttered as he tried to change the subject, not wanting to further damage his fragile ego.


    "How should I put it..." Chen Ming organized his thoughts before responding.


    "If it''s inconvenient, you don''t have to explain. After all, everyone has their secrets. I''m just a little curious, that''s all," Dugu Bo said quickly, thinking Chen Ming was unwilling to elaborate, and immediately tried to explain himself.


    "It''s not that it''s inconvenient. Since we''re on the same side, there''s no problem sharing. I just don''t know how to put it into words."


    "I have an innate talent... I can perceive very abstract things."


    "Not physical, not mental, but something deeper¡ªthings that can''t be described with language. It''s a sort of spiritual talent."


    "Spiritual?" Dugu Bo was puzzled. He thought deeply about his understanding of the term, then tentatively asked, "Do you mean the soul?"


    In this era where the evil soul masters were almost extinct, few people had witnessed such an intangible concept. Most could only infer the existence of souls indirectly through a soul master''s martial soul or the soul rings left behind by soul beasts after their death.


    Being a seasoned expert, Dugu Bo had indeed encountered souls before¡ªghosts born under unique circumstances. However, he had little in-depth understanding of what a soul truly was.


    "Similar, but not the same. Even things without souls have spirituality. With my current knowledge, it''s hard to explain."


    "Alright, Xiao Ming, you don''t need to explain further. I probably don''t have the talent to understand this." Having been humbled countless times in a single day, Dugu Bo gave up trying to understand and instead began thinking about more pleasant matters.


    "If you have this kind of talent, does that mean you can identify the names and properties of all these herbs here?"


    "I''ve been guarding this treasure trove for so many years, and now, finally, there''s a breakthrough. Fate truly works in mysterious ways."


    "For the most part, I can identify them," Chen Ming replied, pausing for a moment to correct Dugu Bo''s assumption.


    "But it''s not that I recognize them¡ªit''s that they tell me themselves. This Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass, for example, was named in ancient times, and its uses were fixed back then. That''s why I can speak about it so clearly. If it were any other immortal herb, I might not be so certain."


    "However, I can generally discern their medicinal properties."


    "That''s good." Dugu Bo let out a sigh of relief. His gaze at the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass was filled with fervor.


    "As for this stone, it was sent to me a few days ago by someone under His Highness the Crown Prince. It''s the remains of a 100,000-year-old soul beast that fell in Biluoxia Canyon. It''s something akin to a dragon core, but it''s heavily damaged and doesn''t have much functionality for now."


    "The Crown Prince..." Hearing Chen Ming refer to Xue Qinghe as "His Highness the Crown Prince," Dugu Bo felt a headache coming on.


    He had once been saved by Prince Xue Xing, and over the years, he had aligned himself with Xue Xing''s faction. Although the favor had long been repaid, he had maintained close ties with Prince Xue Xing all this time.


    It was well known that Prince Xue Xing didn''t get along with the current Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. While the two factions hadn''t reached the point of open conflict, they were at least as incompatible as water and fire.


    Now, Chen Ming, who had a close relationship with him, also seemed to be on good terms with the Crown Prince.


    Forget it, forget it. Each generation has its destiny. Why should I concern myself with all this? After all, I''ve long since repaid my debts. These years, I''ve just been a nominal advisor. Why should I meddle in royal affairs?


    Dugu Bo, unwilling to get involved in political matters, dismissed the thought after a brief headache and refocused on his concerns.


    "Xiao Ming, do you think I can still consume this herb? If I can''t, could Yan Yan use it instead?"


    "In theory, it''s still edible. But since you''ve already consumed it once and condensed an inner core, the herb''s effect will be diminished. While eating it again won''t be as painful, the most it can do now is improve your martial soul''s quality."


    "As for Yan Yan..." Chen Ming thought for a moment, then shook his head hesitantly.


    "This herb works by activating one''s essence and using its medicinal properties to assist in forming a dragon core. But Yan Yan''s soul power level is too low, and her martial soul essence isn''t strong enough. If she consumes the herb, she''s guaranteed to fail in forming a core."


    "At the very least, she''d need to reach level 40 and obtain her fourth soul ring before she could take this immortal herb and hope to form a core."


    "Yan Yan can''t take it for now, huh." Dugu Bo was slightly disappointed after hearing this, but he didn''t dwell on it too much. After all, with such miraculous effects, it would be suspicious if there were no restrictions. "I''ll save a few good herbs for Yan Yan. Once she''s ready, I''ll take one or two more myself to enhance my martial soul. That shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    Dugu Bo rubbed his hands together, already fantasizing about his martial soul transforming into a dragon.


    "I suggest you deal with your poison first before consuming them. Otherwise, if it gets out of control, it might be worse than not eating them at all."


    Chen Ming''s cold words brought Dugu Bo back to reality. Looking at the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass on the ground, which he had always avoided in the past, Dugu Bo felt a pang in his heart.


    "I didn''t dare eat it completely before because I didn''t know its effects. Now that I know, I still can''t eat it. What a cruel twist of fate."


    Dugu Bo muttered to himself, turning away and forcing himself not to look at the precious herbs on the ground. But when his gaze landed on the unfamiliar herbs in the distance, his heart started racing again.


    "If this herb alone has such incredible effects, then the others must be extraordinary as well. Are there any other treasures here that Yan Yan and I can use?"


    "I''ve heard of miraculous herbs on the continent that can increase innate soul power. Maybe there''s one or two of those in my garden? If Yan Yan eats them, could her talent improve even further?"


    Dugu Bo rubbed his hands together, feeling parched with excitement.


    This sense of exhilaration was the same as when he had first discovered this treasure trove.


    Chen Ming stood up, still holding the dragon core in his hand, and began exploring nearby. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he ventured further, the immortal herbs mentioned in the original story gradually appeared before him.


    The most eye-catching was the pale pink Aromatic Silk Beauty, whose effects were truly unique.


    When Chen Ming passed by and inhaled a faint whiff of its fragrance, his poison-based abilities were instantly suppressed.


    It was strange¡ªhis poison attribute soul power was purified without causing him any harm. But when he moved further away, his poison attribute soul power returned to normal.


    What puzzled him even more was that Dugu Bo didn''t seem to notice the detoxifying effect of the Aromatic Silk Beauty. Seeing Chen Ming''s bewildered expression, Dugu Bo was confused.


    "Xiao Ming, what''s wrong? Is there something wrong with this herb?"


    "Grandpa, didn''t you feel that when you got close to this flower, your poison abilities were instantly suppressed?"


    Chen Ming pointed at the Aromatic Silk Beauty and asked Dugu Bo.


    "Nope, I feel completely normal," Dugu Bo said as he moved closer, checking his soul power. He spread his hands, looking utterly baffled.


    "Grandpa, why don''t you release a bit of your poison attribute soul power and test it?" With the original story in mind and Dugu Bo''s situation, Chen Ming had a bold hypothesis.


    Hearing this, Dugu Bo raised his hand and released a small amount of poison attribute soul power. To avoid damaging the herb, the released soul power was weak and carefully controlled. But the moment it appeared, the poison attribute was purified, instantly turning into non-elemental soul power.


    Unconvinced, Dugu Bo released a stronger stream of poison attribute soul power, but it was once again purified into pure soul power upon release.


    Frustrated, he released a concentrated dose of pure poison. The result was even more shocking¡ªit dissipated entirely upon release as if it had never existed.


    This bizarre outcome startled Dugu Bo, and he quickly moved away from the Aromatic Silk Beauty''s range.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [75]

    "What the hell is this thing? How did my poison just disappear like that?" Dugu Bo jumped to Chen Ming''s side, staring at the Aromatic Silk Beauty with extreme caution. It was as if this harmless herb wasn''t just a medicinal plant but rather a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast that devoured people.


    "I think I read about this in a book once. It''s called the Aromatic Silk Beauty, and its fragrance can neutralize all poisons under heaven. Because of this property, it''s practically the nemesis of poison-type soul masters. I''ve only seen it mentioned once, but it left a deep impression on me. I never thought such a thing existed."


    Due to the unique effects of the Aromatic Silk Beauty on poison-type soul masters, Chen Ming simply claimed he had read about it in a book. Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Bo nodded in agreement, completely convinced.


    After all, if he had read about something that could counter all poisons and poison-type soul masters, he would have remembered it too, regardless of whether it truly existed. Real or fake, such knowledge would be impossible to forget.


    But Dugu Bo glanced at his hand and felt the condition of his body. He was still somewhat puzzled and questioned Chen Ming.


    "Isn''t this so-called Aromatic Silk Beauty supposed to counteract all poisons? Then why did you feel your soul power being suppressed when you entered its range, while I felt nothing unless I actively released my soul power?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can''t be certain, but I have a theory." Chen Ming rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing as if he had stumbled upon something intriguing.


    "The ancient texts mention that the Aromatic Silk Beauty neutralizes all poisons, and its fragrance can harmonize with them. However, it can''t detoxify. If someone is already poisoned before entering its range, the poison won''t be neutralized."


    Dugu Bo''s mouth twitched. It was clear he understood Chen Ming''s theory.


    The unlucky Dugu Bo had already been suffering from the backlash of his poison before entering the area. Although he had suppressed it temporarily, it still counted as being poisoned. On the other hand, Chen Ming had excellent poison resistance but had not suffered from any backlash, so he wasn''t considered poisoned.


    Thus, as a first-time visitor, Chen Ming could feel the Aromatic Silk Beauty suppressing his poison-based abilities. Meanwhile, Dugu Bo, due to his unique condition, had never noticed this feature over the years.


    "This Aromatic Silk Beauty only suppresses pure poison or toxins generated by soul power. If the poison contains vitality or is intertwined with life force, the fragrance might not work¡­"


    "Fascinating, fascinating." Chen Ming felt his mind buzzing as if he had gained a deeper understanding of the path of poison.


    Who would have thought that the Aromatic Silk Beauty¡ªsomething with a relatively low presence in the original story¡ªcould bring him such a pleasant surprise?


    "There are very few poisons in the world that affect the spirit. I wonder if this Aromatic Silk Beauty could counteract spiritual poisons."


    "Spiritual poisons? I know there''s a rare soul beast in the Sunset Forest called the Phantom Nether Scorpion, which carries spiritual poisons. I''ve studied that soul beast before but couldn''t draw any conclusions. Perhaps we could capture one in the future and test it."


    Mimicking Chen Ming''s thoughtful gesture, Dugu Bo stroked his chin and began considering research possibilities.


    The two of them started discussing back and forth. Although Chen Ming''s mastery of poison techniques wasn''t as advanced as Dugu Bo''s, and his family knowledge couldn''t compare to Dugu Bo''s expertise, Chen Ming''s imaginative thinking as a transmigrator far surpassed Dugu Bo''s. A few simple statements from Chen Ming could spark new ideas for Dugu Bo.


    Additionally, Chen Ming''s unique abilities allowed him to view the world from a different perspective. His insights were often deeper and more comprehensive, even surpassing those of a titled Douluo.


    Sometimes, a statement that seemed obvious to Chen Ming could completely overturn Dugu Bo''s long-held beliefs.


    After discussing the Aromatic Silk Beauty and various toxins for half a day, both of them felt their knowledge had greatly expanded.


    "Maybe this Immortal Herb could play a role in detoxification processes," Chen Ming said casually as he organized his thoughts.


    "Should we pick this Aromatic Silk Beauty now?" Dugu Bo rubbed his hands together eagerly, his mind already racing with a hundred different ways to experiment with poisons.


    "Let''s leave it for now. Harvesting methods can sometimes affect an herb''s properties. Who knows if this one has such limitations? Besides, an Immortal Herb still growing in the ground contains far more information than one that''s already been picked. Even if we''re going to harvest it, we should document everything first."


    Chen Ming, adopting the perspective of a researcher, stopped Dugu Bo in his tracks.


    Even if picking the Aromatic Silk Beauty wouldn''t diminish its medicinal properties, who could say for certain about its spiritual essence? If they were going to harvest it, they should first gather as much data as possible.


    "Besides, there are no outsiders here, and the herb isn''t going to grow legs and run away. If we need to harvest it later, we can always do so."


    "That''s true." Dugu Bo nodded, silently adding to strengthen the outer poison array to his to-do list.


    Even if it meant enduring another bout of poison backlash, Dugu Bo was determined to fortify the poison barrier two or three times over, aiming to make it difficult even for an ordinary titled Douluo to enter.


    The courtyard was full of treasures, and losing even one would break Dugu Bo''s heart.


    Letting a herb like the Aromatic Silk Beauty¡ªwhich had a significant suppressive effect on him¡ªfall into someone else''s hands would not just break his heart; it might very well lead to his death.


    After temporarily leaving Aromatic Silk Beauty, which held immense research value for both of them, Chen Ming began inspecting other Immortal Herbs.


    Not far away, a black jade-like bamboo stood tall. Golden lines shimmered faintly at its joints, and its entire body radiated a unique luster under the sunlight. Even someone unfamiliar with it could tell this was no ordinary plant¡ªit was the Black Jade Divine Bamboo.


    A short distance ahead, a seemingly ordinary patch of grass grew on the ground. At its top was an oval-shaped fruit, faintly exuding the essence of starlight.


    Chen Ming sat in front of this small plant, placing his hands gently at its roots and attempting to channel his spiritual energy.


    Unlike Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass from earlier, which had rejected him, this plant¡ªsuspected to be the Star Luo Holy Pearl¡ªhad a higher level of spiritual essence. However, it showed no signs of hostility or resistance to Chen Ming''s probing. Instead, it seemed shy, quietly concealing itself.


    Just like before, Chen Ming began converting his soul power through the Dragon Core and infused life energy into the plant''s roots to reduce its resistance. He then attempted to enter a state of spiritual vision.


    The Star Luo Holy Pearl''s spiritual essence was far superior to the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass. While it was drawn to the life energy, it was still perceptive enough to sense what Chen Ming was doing.


    Chen Ming could distinctly feel a hesitant emotion from the Star Luo Holy Pearl''s spiritual essence. After a moment''s pause, however, it relented¡ªprobably tempted by the life energy feast¡ªand lowered its defenses, allowing Chen Ming to peer into its depths.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [76]

    Compared to the Nine-Curve Ascension Dragon Grass, the memories within the origin of the Star Luo Holy Pearl are much simpler.


    A long time ago, a meteorite struck the earth. The meteorite contained a vast amount of celestial power, which drastically altered the land. From this transformed land, the Star Luo Holy Pearl was naturally born, possessing the innate ability to absorb celestial power.


    Chen Ming already understood the effects of the Star Luo Holy Pearl, which were similar to what was described in the original novel. The core of the Star Luo Holy Pearl is its fruit, which acts as a natural soul core, gathering celestial power from heaven and earth to grow.


    When absorbed into a human body, it enhances a soul master''s affinity for celestial power and transforms the fruit into the soul master''s soul core. It also provides a slight boost to spiritual power.


    The Star Luo Holy Pearl is incredibly valuable, and even Chen Ming couldn''t help but be tempted by it. In this era, even Title Douluos didn''t fully understand the concept of soul cores.


    A soul core represents a qualitative change, significantly increasing a soul master''s maximum soul power and its quality, as well as greatly enhancing their soul power recovery rate. Having a soul core or not is like being in two entirely separate dimensions.


    In the Douluo 2 era, only Title Douluos could condense a soul core, and only at level 99 could they form dual soul cores, with the protagonist Huo Yuhao being the sole exception. By the Douluo 3 era, the level requirement for forming a soul core had dropped to Soul Sages, but the significance of soul cores remained immense.


    If he could obtain a soul core now, Chen Ming estimated that he could reach level 40 and acquire his fourth soul ring within one or two years just by focusing on cultivation.


    Before reaching the Title Douluo stage, defeating enemies across major power levels would be as easy as eating or drinking.


    Moreover, most of Chen Ming''s soul skills were heavy on soul power consumption. If he had the soul power recovery speed provided by a soul core, his strength would practically double.


    Chen Ming didn''t dare to claim that he could replicate the feat of the Death Gody Envoy, who fought head-on against a level 98 Title Douluo, Xuan Zi, but at the very least, as a Soul King, he could take on an average Soul Douluo without issue.


    Chen Ming tentatively used his spiritual energy to interact with the Star Luo Holy Pearl, expressing his desire to fuse with it. However, the Star Luo Holy Pearl''s spirituality showed no response.


    Chen Ming wasn''t a celestial-attribute soul master. While the Star Luo Holy Pearl was friendly, as an immortal herb, it wasn''t friendly to just anyone.


    Its most essential trait was celestial power, and if Chen Ming absorbed it, that unique trait would disappear. Since Chen Ming had no compatibility with it, there was naturally no response.


    If the Star Luo Holy Pearl had developed true sentience rather than just spirituality, it might already be yelling at him.


    After all, probing its origin was already quite presumptuous, and now he wanted to take things even further.


    With no other option, Chen Ming opened his eyes, stood up, and sighed regretfully.


    Did he give up on the idea of obtaining the Star Luo Holy Pearl just because it rejected him?


    Of course not. Chen Ming was even prepared to kill for it. There was no way he would feel pity for an immortal herb that hadn''t even developed true sentience. The Star Luo Holy Pearl''s resistance was meaningless. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was no way he would let the Star Luo Holy Pearl go. The problem was that this particular herb was somewhat special. If it didn''t cooperate, the lack of compatibility would make absorption difficult. If his soul power exploded or some other issue arose during the process, not even multiple lives would be enough to compensate for the loss.


    Chen Ming began recalling the bloodletting method he had used on the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes in the past.


    For a top-tier immortal herb like the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming didn''t mind shedding more blood or putting in extra effort to reshape it into something compatible with himself.


    "This is a unique immortal herb called the Star Luo Holy Pearl. Its fruit can be absorbed by a compatible soul master to form a soul core. Unfortunately, this herb is a celestial attribute, which is completely incompatible with my poison attribute, so I can''t absorb it for now."


    "Star Luo Holy Pearl..." Dugu Bo muttered, feeling like he''d heard the name somewhere before. After some frantic thinking, he finally remembered.


    "It''s said that the founding emperor of the Star Luo Empire stood out among many soul masters and ultimately established the empire after inadvertently consuming an immortal herb called the Star Luo Holy Pearl."


    "To commemorate the Star Luo Holy Pearl, that founding emperor named his empire the Star Luo Empire."


    "So the legends were true after all," Dugu Bo said with a mix of emotion and relief.


    It was fortunate that he hadn''t exposed the existence of this place over the years. Otherwise, if the Dai family learned there was a Star Luo Holy Pearl here, it would spell disaster.


    Even if the Star Luo Empire didn''t mobilize its entire military, they could at least send a team of Soul Douluos capable of using the Netherworld White Tiger to assassinate him.


    In the following period, Chen Ming sat down one by one and began using his spiritual sight. However, to his disappointment, while there were many immortal herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, they weren''t abundant enough to be everywhere.


    Aside from a few immortal herbs mentioned in the original novel, Chen Ming only found a few lesser-known ones. The rest were merely rare treasures or high-quality herbs close to the level of immortal herbs.


    Among the remaining herbs that he hadn''t yet checked, most were either growing underground or visibly immature, so they naturally received lower priority.


    Only one herb made Chen Ming too afraid to even approach it. From fifty steps away, his brain felt as if it were being pricked by needles. At forty steps, he could sense the threat of death.


    This herb was the Snow Swan Kiss mentioned in the original novel.


    The Snow Swan Kiss''s effect was to amplify poisons hundreds or even thousands of times. Even the faintest trace of poison would be magnified to a level capable of killing ten-thousand-year soul beasts.


    Although the poisons in Chen Ming''s body were entirely under his control, the Snow Swan Kiss was too sinister. For a poison-attribute soul master, it was a massive double-edged sword. Getting too close would result in losing control.


    In the original novel, the City of Slaughter, which served as the trial ground for the Asura God and secretly housed the inheritance of the Rakshasa God, had been passed down for countless years. Yet it was ultimately destroyed because Tang San threw a single Snow Swan Kiss into the Path of Slaughter. This caused the City of Slaughter to collapse, and the Slaughter King went berserk and began hunting Tang San across the entire continent.


    Chen Ming didn''t dare approach that thing. Just from the spiritual warnings, he knew it was a deadly weapon.


    Still, despite the constant warnings to stay away from the Snow Swan Kiss, Chen Ming ranked it even higher than the Star Luo Holy Pearl in his mind, making it his top priority.


    If I could obtain the Snow Swan Kiss''s ability and make my poisons grow dozens or even hundreds of times stronger while remaining under my control, I could confidently shout across the continent, ''Who dares to fight me?''"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [77]

    Of course, Chen Ming hadn''t forgotten the purpose of why Dugu Bo brought him here. While paying attention to the immortal herbs, Chen Ming also seriously considered how to treat the deadly poison in Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan''s bodies and help them improve their strength. Although his knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology couldn''t compare to Dugu Bo''s or Tang San''s, immortal herbs were miraculous items that defied common logic.


    After some thought, Chen Ming picked a few Snow Lotuses that hadn''t reached a thousand years of age and also gathered a few yang-type medicinal herbs of similar age.


    "What is this method supposed to do?"


    Dugu Bo glanced at the herbs. He recognized them all. While their quality was excellent, their age didn''t seem particularly impressive. He thought for a while but couldn''t figure out what Chen Ming intended to do to detoxify them.


    "The extreme cold and heat here are caused by the influence of that pool. Although I dare not approach it rashly, during my exploration around it, I sensed the mystery of the alternating cycles of cold and heat," Chen Ming explained while pointing to the Snow Lotus.


    "This Snow Lotus is incredibly rare. Although it belongs to the yin category, it is not a purely cold item. Instead, it contains a trace of yang energy within the yin, making it effective for nourishing and stabilizing vitality."


    "These yang-type herbs I''ve picked are also of the yang-within-yin variety, and they also help in stabilizing and nourishing vitality."


    "I plan to process these yin-yang herbs into two types of medicine for Yan Yan to use alternately. By adjusting the dosage of the two medicines according to the changing seasons, I hope to balance the yin and yang energies in her body. Once the yin-yang energies have stabilized, we can then work on boosting her spiritual power to weaken the poisons in her body, allowing her to gain control over the deadly poison within her."


    "Balancing yin and yang energy? That''s an approach I hadn''t considered before. Normally, whenever it''s cloudy or rainy, the poison in my body flares up. If I''d thought of this method earlier, I probably could''ve avoided a lot of suffering over the years," Dugu Bo nodded, showing his approval of Chen Ming''s plan.


    Dugu Bo didn''t mind that Chen Ming prioritized his granddaughter over him. He agreed with it. In his heart, Dugu Yan was far more important to him than himself.


    "As for you, Grandpa, balancing your energies will be a bit more difficult," Chen Ming said frankly.


    "At your level, achieving a significant boost in spiritual power is quite challenging. The poison in your body has accumulated over many years and is intertwined with your soul power and vitality, making it doubly difficult to manage."


    "To bring your spiritual power up to the required standard is not just a small step¡ªit''s a massive leap. Achieving the unity of essence, energy, and spirit would take at least several decades of painstaking effort. So my primary strategy for you is to focus on weakening the toxicity."


    "I can try to collect some pollen from the Aromatic Silk Beauty to experiment with. Additionally, I''ll see if I can leverage the connection between you and the dragon core to guide the poison out of your body and into the dragon core. Then, I''ll attempt to dilute it and separate the combined soul power and vitality."


    "If we can separate them, the process will become much more manageable and less wasteful."


    Hearing this, Dugu Bo asked directly, "How confident are you in this approach, Xiao Ming?"


    "I can''t claim 100% certainty, but I''d say about 90%," Chen Ming replied.


    "And how long will it take?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shorter methods might take one to two years, while longer ones could take three to four years. After all, this poison has been festering for decades. Reverting your soul power and vitality to their original state and repurposing the remaining waste will require a slow and meticulous process."


    Dugu Bo nodded. "For me, that amount of time isn''t long, but it''s a different story for you."


    "Xiao Ming, if you use the method you demonstrated before¡ªextracting the poison from my body, purifying it, and then reintegrating it¡ªhow long would it take?"


    "Two to three months at best, six months at most. However, this method is more resource-intensive, and even after detoxifying you, the improvement in your strength wouldn''t be substantial. At most, it could raise you to level 93."


    Chen Ming''s approach and methods were entirely different from Tang San''s in the original story. Tang San''s approach was much more brute force¡ªcutting off the problem at its root without concern for subtlety. So long as Dugu Bo didn''t notice, it didn''t matter how crude the methods were.


    As for whether the poison might have been of great use to Dugu Bo? Tang San might not have seen the potential, but it was more likely that he simply didn''t care about Dugu Bo.


    Although it was understandable, given that Dugu Bo had forcibly captured Tang San, Chen Ming''s relationship with Dugu Bo was far better than Tang San''s in the original story. Naturally, Chen Ming wanted to provide Dugu Bo with as much benefit as possible.


    "That''s enough," Dugu Bo sighed, making his decision.


    "For so many years, I''ve only wanted to find a way to suppress the poison in my family line so that my only relative wouldn''t have to suffer as I did. As for myself, I don''t care."


    "I never dreamed of gaining anything beneficial from this poison, nor did I ever like the flaws of my lineage."


    "If you can find a solution for Yan Yan, I''ll already be deeply satisfied. Detoxifying this old bag of bones is a blessing from the heavens."


    "Level 93 or 94 makes little difference to me. I know full well that with my abilities, reaching level 95 is an impossibility in this lifetime. But those three to four years would be a long time for you and Yan Yan."


    Dugu Bo sighed again. Although his words seemed casual, his heart was heavier than he let on. Still, he had no regrets.


    "Just treat Yan Yan well. As for me, detoxifying me so I can spend a couple more years with her is good enough."


    "You two should focus on your cultivation. This old man will protect you. With your talent, Xiao Ming, surpassing me is inevitable. You might even reach the peaks of the Ultimate Douluo one day."


    "I just hope I can live to see that day¡­"


    "Soul masters have a golden period for cultivation, so make the most of it. These years may determine your achievements for decades to come."


    Dugu Bo, as if he had seen through everything, patted Chen Ming on the shoulder, seemingly letting go of a heavy burden.


    "There''s no need to be so pessimistic. These years won''t delay cultivation," Chen Ming tried to explain, but Dugu Bo waved him off.


    "Enough, enough. This old man has his plans."


    Although Dugu Bo appeared impatient on the surface, his heart was clear as a mirror.


    He knew that he had no hope of reaching level 95 in his lifetime. Level 94 was his limit. Instead of letting his granddaughter''s future husband waste several years on him, it was better to detoxify himself quickly so he could protect both of them.


    Moreover, Dugu Bo could see the improvements in his condition after detoxification. In his mind, rather than pushing himself to level 94 and getting stuck at that bottleneck, it was better to let Chen Ming use the resources to advance more quickly.


    Dugu Bo had reached his limit, but Chen Ming''s journey was just beginning.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [78]

    Because Chen Ming had spent a long time earlier examining various herbs and immortal grasses, it was already night by this moment. Dugu Bo asked Chen Ming to wait here for a while, then leaped away toward the periphery of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Chen Ming had been a great help to him, and Dugu Bo felt he should at least let Chen Ming enjoy something good to eat.


    As the uncrowned king of the Sunset Forest, Dugu Bo knew of a place nearby where a rare sub-dragon soul beast with the Dragon bloodline resided. This soul beast had just broken through the 10,000-year mark, and its flesh was an exceptional tonic for soul masters.


    Dugu Bo felt that roasting this beast would be the most sincere way to express his gratitude.


    Left alone at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming looked around. Eventually, his gaze fell on the center of the well, where the waters of ice and fire converged.


    Other than the Snow Swan Kiss, which he couldn''t touch, there were two other immortal grasses that Chen Ming had avoided approaching earlier: the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot. Both grew atop the spring waters of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    Chen Ming had initially wanted to take a closer look at them, but when he voiced this thought, Dugu Bo immediately stopped him, leaving him no choice but to observe the pool from a distance.


    These two unique immortal grasses gave Chen Ming a headache.


    He was a poison-type soul master, and the inherent weakness of poison attributes was extreme heat and extreme cold. The Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass embodied these two extremes: one was the ultimate fire, and the other, was the ultimate ice.


    Chen Ming could theoretically use special tools to harvest both plants, then follow Tang San''s method to consume the two immortal grasses and jump into the pool, conducting a body refinement with the powers of ice and fire.


    This wasn''t difficult. Even though the Infernal Delicate Apricot was a rather large cabbage, eating it together with the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass within ten seconds wasn''t a problem. The issue lay in the properties of these two immortal grasses.


    Chen Ming had a purely poison-based attribute. His mental talent came from his transmigrator status, and his spiritual talent originated from his special ability. His poison attribute was as pure as it could be, making him utterly countered by the ultimate ice and fire.


    If he consumed both immortal grasses simultaneously and refined his body with ice and fire, Chen Ming estimated there was a 99.9% chance that all the poison in his body would be purged, and he would no longer be able to regenerate poison in the future.


    This prospect terrified him. Most of his skills were poison-based, and losing his poison attribute would be akin to crippling his martial soul. It would be equivalent to abandoning all the progress he had made on this path since his rebirth. This was something he absolutely could not accept.


    While the immunity to ice and fire was tempting, Chen Ming wasn''t willing to give up everything for these two immortal grasses. However, until he could further understand their medicinal properties and find a suitable approach, he dared not touch the Infernal Delicate Apricot or the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass.


    At the very least, before consuming these two immortal grasses, Chen Ming wanted to find soul beasts that possessed both ice and fire attributes¡ªideally with an added poison attribute¡ªto use as research subjects.


    Chen Ming pondered for a moment and then turned his attention to the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew he had discovered earlier. Staring at the dew on the plant, he fell into deep thought.


    Immortal grasses had extremely long growth cycles. Even in a place like the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, where growth was accelerated tenfold, it would still take nearly a thousand years for an immortal grass to grow from nothing to the point where its medicinal properties could manifest.


    No one could afford to wait that long. With that kind of time, Chen Ming could accomplish countless other things. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This scale of time was enough for humanity to destroy itself countless times over, or evolve to the point where it no longer needed these resources. Chen Ming wondered if he could find a way to develop a sustainable approach to immortal grasses, allowing for a steady, long-term supply.


    He knew he couldn''t achieve something like the Star Luo Holy Pearl, but Chen Ming felt he might be able to experiment with the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew.


    Carefully sitting cross-legged beside the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, Chen Ming began to sense its essence, attempting to uncover the reason behind the formation of its dew.


    This unrestrained probing naturally met resistance from Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. However, faced with the life force that Chen Ming voluntarily offered, the single-threaded Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew eventually relented, allowing its defenses to drop.


    As the life force gathered, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew began to change. The soul power accumulated in its roots started to rise toward its flowers, merging with the life force and undergoing a miraculous transformation under the essence of the plant.


    It wasn''t the fusion of life force and soul power that produced the dew. Instead, this energy came into contact with external laws, and part of it was exchanged, replaced by spiritual and ethereal elements from the air that were drawn into the flowers.


    The spiritual energy in the air decreased, but life force and soul power increased. This phenomenon was peculiar, something Chen Ming had never considered before¡ªplants that survived in this manner.


    The Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew had five drops of dew. Under the augmentation of this new energy, Chen Ming noticed that one drop of dew had expanded by approximately 1%.


    This was already astonishing. The Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew had grown for 5,000 years in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, equivalent to 50,000 years of accumulation in the outside world, yet it had only produced five drops of dew. A one-time growth of 1% was equivalent to a hundred years of accumulation in the outside world.


    This wasn''t just astonishing¡ªit was extraordinary.


    Of course, Chen Ming wasn''t satisfied. At this rate of growth, even if he worked tirelessly for a year, he could only increase the dew by a little over one drop. This single drop clearly wouldn''t meet his expectations.


    Narrowing his eyes, Chen Ming turned his attention to the laws contained within the immortal grass itself.


    "Directly exchanging energy like this consumes a lot, but if I could engrave these laws onto a soul bone¡ªor no, onto a special material¡ªcould I use quantity to scale up the process?"


    Chen Ming thought of the soul tools that appeared in Douluo Continent II: The Unrivaled Tang Sect seemed to understand how such devices had come into existence. However, it was clear that most soul tools didn''t involve laws of this nature.


    "If I can''t expand the law itself, could I instead inject soul power directly into the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew making it stop absorbing soul power on its own and simply act as a conversion machine to endlessly exchange soul power and life force into dew with special properties?"


    Chen Ming recalled noticing several herbs earlier that, while not immortal grasses, had exceptionally strong absorption capabilities and could accumulate large amounts of life force and soul power within themselves.


    What if he modified these herbs, integrating them into the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew to serve as nutrient suppliers specifically for the plant?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [79]

    Chen Ming thought for a moment, brought his mouth close to the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, and took a deep sip, drinking two drops of dew.


    The poor Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, having just enjoyed a good meal, was promptly consumed by Chen Ming a hundredfold in return. Its once upright flower drooped, and its tightly closed bud protected the little remaining essence it had.


    Chen Ming chuckled mischievously. "This is just the beginning. If my idea works, I''ll be able to drink a bit of this dew every now and then."


    He sat cross-legged, digesting the medicinal effects within his body. The Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew was truly miraculous. The dew felt almost immaterial, and the moment it entered Chen Ming''s body, it seamlessly integrated into him, transforming into the purest form of spiritual power.


    The dew contained no soul power or life force, only the purest and most easily absorbed spiritual energy. Chen Ming channeled his spiritual essence, guiding this energy to nourish his spirit.


    Although Chen Ming, having lived two lives, already had spiritual power that far exceeded that of ordinary people, he had never experienced such a noticeable increase. This sensation was unlike the subtle mysteries of spirituality; it was straightforward and distinct.


    Problems that had previously baffled him became easy to solve. Fragmented memories and forgotten details began to resurface with clarity. Even his ability to utilize the soul power within his body became noticeably smoother than on ordinary days.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, and a faint golden light flickered within them. His originally black pupils now contained a trace of pale gold.


    This golden hue was extremely faint, imperceptible unless closely examined. However, upon closer inspection, one might feel as if their very spirit was being gradually drawn out of their body.


    The Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew was known to grant one a pair of eyes capable of seeing through illusions. Though Chen Ming had consumed only a small amount of the dew and had not yet fully maximized its spiritual enhancement, these eyes had indeed manifested within him. Moreover, due to his unique constitution, they had undergone some variation.


    When Chen Ming opened his eyes to look at the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, his perspective had completely transformed. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only could he observe the surface details of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, but he could also see through its internal structure¡ªthe intricate, vein-like threads that transported soul power and life force.


    Fixating on the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew''x soul power, Chen Ming gently activated his spiritual essence. A faint trace of his mark was imprinted on the soul power that originally belonged to the dew.


    However, this was no ordinary plant. Despite having had a significant portion of its essence consumed by Chen Ming, its noble quality as an immortal herb remained unchanged. Merely imprinting a faint trace of his mark on the plant''s soul power caused a noticeable drop in Chen Ming''s spiritual energy and a significant depletion of his spiritual essence.


    Sensing that its soul power had been marked by another, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, though devoid of intelligence, reacted as if it were a victim of betrayal, struggling madly.


    With its soul power rapidly circulating, the mark Chen Ming had left was gradually being washed away. Yet, even with its high-quality essence and noble nature, the process was slow.


    If Chen Ming were willing to endure the cost and continue maintaining the mark, it could result in a prolonged tug-of-war, forcing the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew to pay a great price and spend significant time reclaiming its soul power.


    "What an incredible ability. I seem to have the power to mark external soul power¡ªor even the soul power within others¡ªand manipulate it?"


    Chen Ming covered his eyes, enduring a sharp, needle-like pain in his brain as he quickly contemplated how to develop this newfound ability.


    "If I mark someone else''s soul power and then find a way to turn that soul power into poison, couldn''t I remotely detonate it? And if I delve deeper, marking their life force as well, could I fundamentally alter their existence?"


    "If I completely imprint my mark on someone''s soul power and life force, could I use this mark to control them?"


    "Could marking external soul power allow me to refine and absorb it more quickly, thereby replenishing or even enhancing my soul power? And if I mark someone else''s soul power¡­"


    As a transmigrator, Chen Ming''s mind immediately raced with countless possibilities for developing this ability. Many of his ideas and potential applications would fall under the category of forbidden techniques in the world of Douluo Dalu.


    However, Chen Ming remained calm and refrained from recklessly using this power. After contemplating for a while, he recalled the thoughts he had before absorbing the essence of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew.


    "With this ability, I can mark medicinal herbs with my imprint and connect their veins to the roots of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, essentially adding more batteries to it."


    "With this ability, I''ll be able to monitor the grafting process more effectively without worrying about rejection."


    "I''ll start with some lower-quality herbs that are abundant in number. I''ll experiment with fusing herbs of similar quality and age, merging their energy into one plant. Then, I''ll move on to experimenting with modifying trees..."


    Chen Ming rubbed his hands together, the stabbing pain in his brain now negligible. He resembled a mad scientist, consumed by thoughts of life modification and experimentation.


    If Dugu Bo were here, he would likely feel his hair standing on end and would undoubtedly see Chen Ming in a new light. Unfortunately, Dugu Bo had yet to return.


    It wasn''t until half a day later that Chen Ming realized Dugu Bo had left him in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for quite some time without returning, leaving him perplexed.


    With Dugu Bo''s strength, capturing a ten-thousand-year soul beast should be a simple task. Even if he couldn''t use poison to preserve the meat''s quality, a Title Douluo''s soul power should make quick work of a ten-thousand-year soul beast, right?


    Could it be that Dugu Bo had encountered someone¡ªor something¡ªthat delayed him?


    Chen Ming didn''t even consider the possibility of Dugu Bo being defeated. After all, while Dugu Bo might prioritize preserving the meat''s quality, he would undoubtedly resort to poison if he encountered a real problem. With his rank-92 strength, even a typical hundred-thousand-year soul beast wouldn''t pose much of a threat.


    The Sunset Forest was large, and while it likely housed some hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, it wasn''t as densely populated with them as the Star Dou Forest.


    Chen Ming approached the poison array and activated his eyes, gazing into the distance. After about three to five minutes, he finally detected the soul power fluctuations belonging to Dugu Bo.


    Even from afar, Chen Ming could perceive the intensity of Dugu Bo''s soul power. It was clear that Dugu Bo was in an excellent mood, even better than when he had left earlier.


    PS: Chen Ming is cooking. Let him cook bruh.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [80]

    Dugu Bo was dragging the tail of a massive dragon-type soul beast, pulling the enormous body of the soul beast forward. With the help of his eyes modified by the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, Chen Ming could see that the dragon-type soul beast had a body length of roughly nine meters.


    Its neck was relatively short, only about one meter, but its tail was very long, approximately three meters. Its entire body was covered in earthy yellow scales, except for the area at the center of its forehead, where the scales were a pure golden color.


    The size of this soul beast was immense. Even with Dugu Bo''s strength as a Title Douluo, dragging such a massive soul beast significantly slowed him down.


    Moreover, to keep the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well from being discovered, Dugu Bo had to occasionally erase the traces left by dragging the dragon along the ground.


    The soul beast was already dead, but the soul power accumulated within it remained incredibly abundant, even more so than a living ten-thousand-year soul beast of average quality. Because it had just died, its vigorous blood and energy were still active. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming''s gaze focused on the soul beast''s limbs, which were extraordinarily thick and appeared to possess unimaginable strength.


    Its scales were as tough as golden iron, and its bones and muscles were incredibly dense as if they were not made of flesh and blood but some rare metal.


    Dugu Bo slowly dragged the soul beast into his poison field. To prevent the poison from damaging the soul beast''s flesh, Dugu Bo was extremely cautious.


    When Dugu Bo saw Chen Ming waiting for him at the edge of the poison field, he excitedly approached him and took out a piece of soul bone radiating golden light from the Wishful Hundred Treasure Pouch at his waist.


    The soul bone was fresh and brimming with soul power, filled with vitality and spiritual energy. It was clear that this soul bone had been obtained recently and had never been refined by anyone before.


    "Xiao Ming, take this soul bone and keep it safe. I originally just wanted to find some dinner, but I didn''t expect this soul beast''s bloodline to be even higher than I imagined."


    "I initially thought it was just an earth dragon with a trace of Golden Dragon bloodline. But to my surprise, its bloodline was already close to the level of a Golden Earth Dragon. Given another ten thousand years or so, it could have truly become a Golden Earth Dragon."


    Dugu Bo then described the process of dealing with this soul beast.


    When Dugu Bo first arrived, he found the soul beast lying in its lair, seemingly not long after a hearty meal.


    Upon seeing an intruder, the earth dragon went berserk.


    At first, Dugu Bo didn''t take it seriously. He simply circulated his soul power, intending to crush the earth dragon''s brain with a single blow from within.


    However, when his slap, which was enough to kill a ten-thousand-year soul beast, landed on the earth dragon''s head, it only paused briefly and was otherwise unharmed.


    During its resistance, the earth dragon activated the Golden Dragon bloodline within its body, causing its strength to surge. This gave Dugu Bo, who didn''t want to use poison, a small surprise¡ªit almost managed to injure him.


    After some thought, Dugu Bo used his eighth soul skill, Time Freeze, to restrain the earth dragon. Then, he quickly circulated his soul power to attack the back of its head, throat, and chest, killing it outright.


    Considering that the earth dragon''s quality was higher than expected and that he was in a good mood, Dugu Bo decided to thoroughly inspect the earth dragon''s body for soul bones.


    Dugu Bo didn''t think he''d find anything at first, but when he touched the spine, he unexpectedly unearthed a torso bone emitting a golden glow from the dragon''s flesh.


    This discovery even startled Dugu Bo himself¡ªafter all, it was like casually drawing a daily pull and hitting the jackpot with an SSR item.


    Originally, Dugu Bo just wanted to carve out some good meat and leave the rest outside for other soul beasts to deal with. But now, he had no choice but to drag the earth dragon''s massive body bit by bit to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Killing the earth dragon didn''t take much effort; he only consumed some soul power. However, dragging this giant beast back and cleaning up the traces took quite a bit of energy.


    Although the ten-thousand-year-grade torso bone was of excellent quality and Dugu Bo himself didn''t have a torso bone yet, he still wanted to give this high-quality soul bone to Chen Ming for absorption.


    After hearing Dugu Bo''s words, Chen Ming fell silent for a moment.


    Could it be that Dugu Bo''s luck truly turned around? Even a casual hunt for dinner resulted in a soul bone?


    Although the torso bone in his hand seemed to be of great quality, Chen Ming had no intention of absorbing it.


    Unlike external soul bones, which could grow over time, standard soul bones could only have their age increased through specialized methods. Even tens of thousands of years into the future, such methods would remain secret techniques and incredibly difficult to achieve.


    Absorbing this soul bone now would indeed bring significant benefits, but when the time came to hunt higher-age, higher-quality soul beasts, this less-than-twenty-thousand-year-old torso bone could become a hindrance.


    If it were a left leg bone, Chen Ming might have absorbed it. But as for torso bones and head bones, which were highly important, Chen Ming would never settle unless necessary.


    After some thought, Chen Ming pushed the torso bone back into Dugu Bo''s hands.


    "This torso bone should be absorbed by you, Grandpa. This wasn''t my gain to begin with."


    "Xiao Ming¡­" Dugu Bo thought Chen Ming didn''t understand the value of a soul bone and tried to explain. But before he could finish, Chen Ming turned and approached the dead earth dragon, ignoring Dugu Bo.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s attitude, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but chuckle. He sat cross-legged and began absorbing the soul bone.


    Absorbing a soul bone was similar to absorbing a soul ring; it was the most vulnerable moment for a soul master. If someone launched a sneak attack during this time, even an ordinary person without soul power could potentially kill a lofty Title Douluo.


    Dugu Bo''s action to absorb the soul bone in Chen Ming''s presence was a testament to his trust in him.


    Chen Ming activated his still-unnamed eye technique, carefully observing Dugu Bo''s state and recording the changes in his body as he absorbed the soul bone.


    The life force within the soul bone merged into Dugu Bo''s body, enhancing his life essence and slightly repairing his aging body. The soul bone''s inherent power was absorbed and transformed into a part of Dugu Bo himself, and the soul power it contained was gradually refined.


    When Dugu Bo had recently broken through to level 92, thanks to Chen Ming helping to neutralize some of his poison, his progress toward level 93 was about 60% complete. While the soul power within this soul bone wasn''t enough to allow a Title Douluo to level up, it was sufficient to fill the remaining 40%.


    As the soul bone was refined, Dugu Bo''s state improved significantly, and his soul power level jumped to 93. Within just one day, he achieved the continent-shaking feat of a two-level leap for a Title Douluo.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [81]

    While Dugu Bo was adjusting his soul power, Chen Ming turned his attention to the Earth Dragon with a golden bloodline. Using his eyes'' ability, Chen Ming observed that a concentrated and high-quality power resided in the Earth Dragon''s heart, seemingly a crystallization of its bloodline. Recalling that Dugu Bo mentioned this Earth Dragon possessed the bloodline of a Golden Dragon, Chen Ming felt it held immense research value.


    However, he wasn''t sure how to preserve it.


    As Chen Ming pondered, Dugu Bo finished his absorption and approached him. Noticing Chen Ming deep in thought, Dugu Bo took out a set of jade tools and various jade containers of different sizes from his Hundred Treasures Pouch.


    "Xiao Ming, do you sense something on this soul beast that could be used as medicine? When I was young, I had craftsmen make this set of tools from special jade. They can preserve most medicinal herbs as well as materials from soul beasts."


    "Thank you, Grandpa." Chen Ming accepted the tools, summoned his martial soul, carefully gathered the poison in his tail, and then cautiously used his tail to slice into the Earth Dragon''s chest.


    Although Chen Ming was still only a Soul Grandmaster, his external soul bone had already reached the ten-thousand-year level. With meticulous effort, he used the tip of his tail to cut through the flesh, avoiding the bones, and exposed the Earth Dragon''s massive heart to the air.


    Chen Ming carefully cut out the basketball-sized heart with a small knife and placed it into the largest jade container Dugu Bo had provided. Observing that the heart''s decay slowed significantly within the container, Chen Ming finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    He turned to Dugu Bo, intending to offer congratulations, but Dugu Bo raised his hand to stop him.


    "I broke through twice in one day, all thanks to you, Xiao Ming. If it were someone else congratulating me, I''d accept it. But if it''s you, I should be the one thanking you."


    "Let''s eat first. It''s been a busy afternoon." Dugu Bo''s tone was calm and straightforward, showing no excessive excitement.


    Indeed, after experiencing several emotional highs and lows in a single day, Dugu Bo seemed to have become immune. He was happy, but he knew better than to lose control.


    "Alright," Chen Ming nodded. Together, they cut edible meat from the Earth Dragon and began cooking a wild meal at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    That night''s dinner was extraordinarily luxurious. The main dish was the meat of a ten-thousand-year Earth Dragon, paired with several thousand-year rare medicinal herbs, and seasoned with priceless delicacies.


    Shortly after the meal, Chen Ming felt his spirit and blood, as well as his soul power, begin to surge. It was as if he had taken a potent stimulant, and his entire body brimmed with energy.


    Suppressing the racing thoughts in his mind, Chen Ming slowly calmed the boiling soul power and spirit in his body, converting the medicinal energy into his soul power. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By the end of the meal, Chen Ming''s soul power had stabilized at level 27 with no signs of instability or weak foundation.


    When Chen Ming opened his eyes after meditating, it was already late at night. Dugu Bo lay on a nearby rock, gazing at the stars. Meanwhile, some of the immortal herbs that had been dormant during the day began to show activity, including the Star Luo Holy Pearl that Chen Ming had been yearning for.


    The fruit of the Star Luo Holy Pearl emitted a radiant glow, channeling the power of the stars into itself. The mystical energy captivated Chen Ming, drawing him closer to observing it.


    The power of the stars was vastly different from ordinary soul power¡ªcomplex, intricate, and profoundly mysterious. Even with Chen Ming''s current understanding, he couldn''t grasp its fundamental nature. He could only sense that it would be highly beneficial for soul masters.


    Mimicking the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming attempted to absorb the power of the stars. Despite his clumsy efforts, by using his eyes abilities to imitate the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming managed to complete his first absorption of starlight energy just before the stars disappeared.


    Unlike the usual enhancement of soul power or vitality, the power of the stars increased Chen Ming''s spiritual strength and even his eyes.


    Although the amount of starlight energy he managed to absorb was minuscule due to it being his first attempt, it was still an exciting discovery for Chen Ming.


    Enhancing soul power was the simplest task, and while improving vitality was challenging, it was achievable. However, spiritual strength had always been a difficult area for Chen Ming, as he had no effective methods apart from occasionally improving it while comprehending laws. Now, he had found a way to actively enhance it by absorbing starlight energy.


    Realizing the importance of recording his thoughts, Chen Ming pulled out a notebook. Although proper people rarely kept diaries, Chen Ming''s mind was bursting with inspiration, and he began categorizing and summarizing his ideas.


    The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well truly lived up to its reputation as a treasure trove. In less than a day, Chen Ming had gained insights and inspirations that he would have otherwise struggled to obtain. For Chen Ming, a transmigrator with a spiritual cheat ability, this was invaluable.


    The immortal herbs not only possessed rare medicinal properties but also contained profound essences and laws. Chen Ming intended to harness their medicinal power to improve himself while also studying their unique essences and rules.


    Each herb in this place could be considered a living manual of natural laws.


    As dawn approached, Chen Ming put away his notebook and began his daily absorption of chaotic energy.


    Due to the unique properties of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming, who usually had to exert great effort to obtain even a small trace of low-quality chaotic energy, could now easily absorb several times that amount here.


    "This place truly is a treasure trove," Chen Ming thought. "I almost want to live here. But there are still matters I need to handle¡­"


    "Once I''ve resolved them, I''ll return to cultivate in seclusion here. Although this place isn''t a poison-type mimicry cultivation ground, if I transfer a few poison-attributed herbs to the poison array, it could still become a top-tier poison cultivation area."


    The elemental energy within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was several times denser than the outside world. While it couldn''t achieve the exaggerated tenfold growth of the plants here, doubling his cultivation speed was entirely possible.


    With minor adjustments, Chen Ming estimated he could increase the speed of cultivation in a poison-type mimicry area to around 2.5 times the normal rate.


    However, Chen Ming wasn''t alone¡ªthere were still matters waiting for him outside. Once those were settled, he planned to return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for a period of focused cultivation. He estimated that his strength would see a significant leap in a short time.


    After collecting some high-quality medicinal herbs and storing the life-enhancing Eight Petal Immortal Orchid in a box inside Dugu Bo''s Hundred Treasures Pouch, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [82]

    After returning to the Dugu Mansion in Heaven Dou City, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo worked together to develop a medicine specifically tailored to Dugu Yan''s condition. However, even after taking this medicine, Dugu Yan would not be able to casually obtain her third soul ring after breaking through to Rank 30. Otherwise, the origin power brought by the third soul ring would once again cause her soul power to become disordered, leading to changes in her deadly poison.


    Despite this limitation, neither Dugu Bo nor Dugu Yan raised any objections. After all, the poison was far too dangerous, and completely resolving it was the safest course of action. With Dugu Yan''s current condition, about half a year of careful nurturing would allow her to fully control the uncontrollable portion of her poison, further enhancing the quality of her martial soul.


    The Eight Petal Immortal Orchid that Chen Ming had harvested was not meant for Dugu Yan to consume¡ªat least not in her current state. Consuming any immortal herb in her condition would result in part of the herb''s medicinal power being absorbed by the poison. This would not only weaken the herb''s effects but also make the poison even harder to handle.


    After taking care of affairs in the mansion, Dugu Bo brought Chen Ming along in a carriage and headed toward Biluochen City. After all, with Chen Ming now so closely associated with Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, it was only natural for the Chen family to be informed.


    Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun had invested so much effort in Chen Ming. Even after he had entered Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, they were still worried about him. Now that Chen Ming had gained some abilities, it was only right for him to return and show gratitude to his family.


    A few days later, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming arrived in Biluochen City. Before entering the city, Dugu Bo had already sent servants ahead to notify the City Lord of Biluochen City, spreading the news that the Poison Douluo was coming.


    The news of Dugu Bo''s arrival caused a huge stir in Biluochen City, nearly turning the city upside down. After all, this place was one of the few hubs for poison soul masters on the Douluo Continent. Nine out of ten soul masters here specialized in poison.


    Just as blacksmiths in Gengxin City revere divine craftsmen and aspire to become one, in Biluochen City, the most powerful poison soul masters were the ultimate objects of admiration.


    Dugu Bo had not visited Biluochen City since becoming a Titled Douluo, but the city was filled with legends about him, the Poison Douluo.


    At the city gates, the major families and factions lined up in two rows to welcome Dugu Bo''s carriage. The City Lord of Biluochen City, accompanied by his second son, stood at the front of the welcoming party. Even Yan Jun, the local Spirit Hall bishop who was barely clinging to life, was supported by other soul masters as he greeted Dugu Bo from the sidelines.


    Shortly after the carriage entered the city gates, it came to an abrupt stop. A young man pushed aside the curtain and stepped out of the carriage, walking straight toward an old man and a man in the crowd.


    "Grandfather, Second Uncle, I''m back!" Chen Ming greeted his grandfather, Chen Shijie, and his second uncle, Chen Tianyun, with a smile, completely ignoring the shocked and disbelieving gazes of those around him.


    "Xiao Ming? You¡ªthis¡ª!"


    "You, Xiao Ming... you''re back?"


    Chen Tianyun felt his head buzz, and he almost lost his balance, stumbling into Chen Shijie beside him. The father and son exchanged incredulous glances, reaching out to touch Chen Ming''s head and shoulders as if trying to confirm that the person stepping out of the Poison Douluo''s carriage was indeed their family member.


    "Second Uncle, Grandfather, I''m back. I''ve been doing well at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy recently, and Grandpa Dugu wanted to meet you, so I brought him along."


    "Ah?" Chen Shijie was completely stunned.


    Wait a moment¡ªXiao Ming has only been at the academy for a few days, right? It hasn''t even been half a month since I sent him there. I''ve been worrying about how he''s doing at the academy all this time, and now, suddenly, he''s brought the Poison Douluo back with him.


    Grandpa Dugu? Calling him that so affectionately? And sharing the same carriage with the Poison Douluo?


    Moreover, why does Xiao Ming seem to have grown so much compared to just a few days ago?


    "Father..." Chen Tianyun turned to Chen Shijie, his eyes filled with confusion. "Can you tell me if I was ambushed, knocked unconscious, and only woke up several years later?"


    "I''d like to know if I''ve been unconscious for several years, too..." Chen Shijie muttered, his mind blank.


    At that moment, the curtain of the carriage was pushed aside again, and Dugu Bo slowly stepped out. His appearance caused the onlookers in Biluochen City to collectively hold their breath.


    The Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.


    The strongest poison master under the heavens, the first poison-type Titled Douluo in history, a figure shrouded in countless legends.


    Although he might have been the weakest among the Titled Douluo in terms of raw power, in Biluochen City, Dugu Bo was practically a deity with all the legends and titles attached to him.


    As a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo was already accustomed to the attention of others. Ignoring the expressions and cheers of the crowd, he walked straight to Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun. Looking at the unremarkable pair, he smiled warmly.


    "Lord Dugu¡ª"


    As Dugu Bo approached, Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun instinctively tried to bow, but a surge of soul power held them upright. Dugu Bo stepped closer, taking Chen Shijie''s hand in one of his own and Chen Tianyun''s hand in the other. His smile was gentle and kind.


    "Xiao Ming and my granddaughter, Dugu Yan, are together now. From now on, we''re family. Since we''re family, there''s no need for such formalities."


    "Come, let''s talk in the carriage."


    Dugu Bo pulled the two into the carriage, with Chen Ming following behind.


    As the group entered the carriage, the families who had coexisted with the Chen family in Biluochen City for hundreds of years erupted in excitement. Watching the Chen family members enter the carriage of a Titled Douluo and sit alongside him, they were filled with envy.


    Inside the carriage, Dugu Bo, noticing the slightly nervous Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun, smiled warmly and began conversing with them. Before long, the carriage arrived at the Chen family''s large estate. Seeing the Chen family mansion, which resembled a small fortress, even Dugu Bo couldn''t help but marvel.


    After entering the Chen family home, Chen Shijie dismissed the surrounding relatives and servants, bringing Dugu Bo to the family''s main hall. In the grand hall, only the four of them remained. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the area was clear, Dugu Bo finally explained the relationship between Chen Ming and himself to Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun. Of course, he didn''t mention that Chen Ming had discovered his family''s secrets, as such matters were too sensitive to share.


    In Dugu Bo''s version, Chen Ming helped his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, earn her favor. Seeing that Chen Ming had both talent and good character, Dugu Bo approved of him and recognized the relationship. That was why he had come to Biluochen City.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [83]

    Upon learning that Chen Ming had managed to win over Dugu Bo''s granddaughter within just a few days and even gained Dugu Bo''s approval, Chen Tianyun and Chen Shijie both started looking at Chen Ming with a peculiar expression.


    Previously, they had always thought Chen Ming was a somewhat introverted child due to his family environment and the early loss of his parents. They had even worried about how he would handle lifelong matters, yet unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped out, he pulled off something big.


    However, after receiving confirmation from Dugu Bo about the engagement between Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, both Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun were very pleased.


    Chen Shijie sent Chen Tianyun out to handle some tasks and then sat down with Dugu Bo for a conversation. He spared no effort in introducing Chen Ming''s past and praising his child''s talent and diligence.


    Although the Chen family''s martial soul defect was something they couldn''t openly discuss, in this situation, Chen Shijie didn''t hold anything back. He directly shared the family''s history and the details of the Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flowers.


    Even though Dugu Bo had already heard about the Chen family''s story from Chen Ming, hearing it again still left him marveling at how similar it was to the situation in his own family.


    Before long, Chen Tianyun returned to the house after taking care of some matters. Shortly after, a full spread of specialty dishes from Biluochen City was served.


    This meal wasn''t just prepared by the Chen family''s cooks; it was a collaborative effort involving private chefs, renowned chefs, and master cooks from all over Biluochen City.


    When the news spread that Dugu Bo had entered the Chen family''s residence, all the factions, including the City Lord''s Manor, began sending gifts to the Chen family in droves. The reason Chen Tianyun had gone out earlier was to handle this wave of offerings.


    Once it was revealed that the Poison Douluo would be dining at the Chen residence, these factions even sent their chefs to assist in preparing the meal.


    The dishes on the table were all specialty cuisines of Biluochen City, crafted from poison-type soul beasts. The unique preparation methods and the exotic ingredients even piqued Dugu Bo''s interest.


    After the feast, Chen Shijie personally led Dugu Bo to the Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flower cave. This cave had always been off-limits to anyone outside the Chen family''s direct bloodline who possessed the Emerald Scorpion martial soul.


    The Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flowers were of exceptional quality, standing at the pinnacle of poisonous plants. Seeing an entire cave filled with these flowers, even Dugu Bo, a titled Douluo known as the Poison Douluo, couldn''t help but admit that the world was full of wonders.


    The Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flowers, cultivated over hundreds of years by dozens of generations of the Chen family, was enough to astonish anyone.


    As for this rare, deadly treasure that Dugu Bo had previously only seen mentioned in ancient texts, he was deeply fascinated. Therefore, he decided to stay in the cave for a few days to study this rare plant thoroughly.


    During Dugu Bo''s research, Chen Ming brought out herbs he had retrieved earlier from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well that were suitable for Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun.


    The Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, known for its ability to stabilize one''s foundation and nourish vitality, was a relatively mild type of immortal herb. It could enhance potential when consumed, so Chen Ming prepared it for his second uncle, Chen Tianyun, to help compensate for the defects in his martial soul.


    As for his grandfather, Chen Shijie, Chen Ming hadn''t found any truly suitable immortal herbs for him. Instead, he gathered some vitality-enhancing medicinal plants with stabilizing effects.


    After all, Chen Shijie was already over seventy years old. Despite having the strength of a Soul King, his physical condition was in decline. At this age, expecting him to reach higher realms of cultivation was a bit unrealistic.


    Immortal herbs that were too potent would be too much for his body to handle, while milder ones wouldn''t have much effect. Faced with this dilemma, Chen Ming ultimately chose some vitality-enhancing and life-prolonging herbs for Chen Shijie.


    Back when Chen Ming first awakened his martial soul, Chen Shijie''s soul power level was at 54. After Chen Ming absorbed the Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flower, the Chen family mastered the technique of using its extract to create cultivation medicines, which allowed Chen Shijie to break through to level 55.


    After consuming the vitality-enhancing herbs Chen Ming prepared, Chen Shijie''s soul power quickly advanced to level 56.


    If he took all the herbs Chen Ming had prepared and spent some time fully absorbing them, it was estimated that Chen Shijie could reach level 57 or 58. Furthermore, his lifespan would likely be extended by about twenty years.


    Chen Tianyun, on the other hand, had only broken through to level 47 last year. After consuming the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, his soul power immediately rose to level 49. Although his martial soul didn''t appear to change, the herb replenished his previously lacking essence.


    Considering his current age of nearly fifty, reaching the level of a Titled Douluo seemed somewhat out of reach. However, becoming a Soul Douluo was well within the realm of possibility.


    If Chen Ming made breakthroughs in certain areas in the future, such as developing unique cultivation techniques, there was even a chance that Chen Tianyun could break through to the Titled Douluo level.


    After staying for several days, Dugu Bo left Biluochen City with a few Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flowers and Chen Ming. On the day of their departure, Dugu Bo had a conversation with Chen Shijie at the city gates.


    From that point onward, the Chen family''s status in Biluochen City soared to unprecedented heights. Chen Ming, too, could temporarily set aside his concerns about his family.


    When the two returned to Heaven Dou City, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was already in its enrollment season. All the students had officially arrived and begun their classes.


    However, Dugu Bo didn''t concern himself with such matters. Although both Dugu Yan and Chen Ming were students, it was clear that they had more pressing priorities than attending school.


    After sending a leave request to the academy, Dugu Bo took Dugu Yan and Chen Ming to the depths of the Sunset Forest, to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    Since Dugu Yan was temporarily unable to withstand the aura of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo expanded the poison formation, creating a space outside the well''s influence. He built a house there for Dugu Yan to stay in.


    Meanwhile, he and Chen Ming settled closer to the core of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    Over several months, Chen Ming worked on detoxifying Dugu Bo and preparing medicines for Dugu Yan, gradually neutralizing the toxins in their bodies and allowing their innate talents to be tamed. At the same time, he observed the various immortal herbs and began planning their use.


    Some herbs could only be consumed once, while others could be used multiple times, and there were some that Chen Ming hadn''t yet figured out how to use.


    Three months later, Chen Ming''s soul power reached level 30, and his physical and mental strength increased significantly. Even his understanding of his special abilities deepened further. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just half a year earlier, he had broken through to level 20, absorbed his second thousand-year soul ring, and resolved the defect in his martial soul. Now, only six months later, Chen Ming was already preparing to absorb his third soul ring.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [84]

    Over the past few months in Sunset Forest, Chen Ming hadn''t been idle. During this time, he learned from Dugu Bo about the forest''s ecosystem and the soul beasts that lived there, while also beginning to select his third soul ring. Thanks to his improved physical fitness and enhanced spiritual abilities, Chen Ming could now absorb a soul ring of roughly 7,000 years. With another year or so of training, consuming more of the body-strengthening herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and obtaining more whale glue, he might even reach the standard for absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring.


    As for the spiritual shockwaves emitted by ten-thousand-year soul beasts¡­ those weren''t a problem for Chen Ming at all.


    But¡­ even if Dugu Bo was a Rank 93 Titled Douluo, Chen Ming didn''t dare to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring for his third ring.


    Typically, the third soul ring for most people was just over 1,000 years old. If he were to directly absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring, that would be a tenfold increase¡ªan outrageous leap that would make absorbing a thousand-year second ring seem insignificant by comparison.


    If word got out, the entire Douluo Continent would go crazy.


    Even if Dugu Bo were Rank 93, or even Rank 95, he might not have been able to protect Chen Ming.


    At that point, squads of unknown soul masters with martial souls like the Clear Sky Hammer, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, or Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda might band together to hunt down Dugu Bo.


    If luck permitted, one might even find soul masters with martial spirits like the Bone Dragon, Seven Kill Sword, or Coiling Dragon Staff in those squads.


    If Dugu Bo were Rank 97, Chen Ming might dare to try absorbing a ten-thousand-year third ring. But for now, he didn''t have the audacity. His luck simply wasn''t strong enough.


    Still, it wasn''t such a big deal. Chen Ming had other means to enhance his soul ring''s age through his special. He could always upgrade it to ten thousand years later when he had the power to protect himself. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While Sunset Forest wasn''t as great as the Star Dou Great Forest, there were still a few soul beasts that Chen Ming found appealing. After some deliberation, he narrowed his target to three specific types of soul beasts.


    The first was the infamous Man-Faced Demon Spider, which was prominently featured in the first part of Douluo Dalu. This soul beast was a top-tier creature and considered the king of spiders, second only to super-soul beasts like the Death Spider Emperor or Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor.


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider was known for its terrifying poison, exceptional physical strength, and high-level attributes such as evil and devouring. Even with Chen Ming''s picky standards, he had to admit it was an excellent choice.


    If he could acquire the Spider God Possession skill, it would be a huge gain.


    However, Chen Ming wasn''t sure if divine-level skills came with special restrictions. If that wasn''t an option, the hidden soul skill that only appeared after a Man-Faced Demon Spider reached ten thousand years was still outstanding.


    That hidden skill allowed for near-perfect concealment, undetectable even by the spiritual power of a Titled Douluo. It was simply a must-have for anyone looking to assassinate or steal.


    As someone who could pick his soul skills, Chen Ming didn''t have to worry about his gacha pool being polluted by trash skills like Spider Web.


    The second soul beast was the Illusory Dark Scorpion, an extremely rare spirit beast with psychic poison that Dugu Bo had mentioned. This soul beast was top-tier in quality and even rarer than the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Due to its bizarre psychic poison, very few people in the spirit master world even knew it existed.


    The Illusory Dark Scorpion could convert its poison into psychic attacks, causing mental damage to its enemies. It could also continuously transform the mental pain of its victims into more poison. This poison was highly complex and varied depending on the victim''s mental state, making it extremely difficult to detoxify.


    Essentially, if someone sustained mental damage from this beast, their body would continuously generate poison. This poison would harm both the body and the mind, and the resulting mental pain would further fuel the production of venom.


    A thousand-year-old Illusory Dark Scorpion could dominate the Sunset Forest, and even ten-thousand-year soul beasts would suffer immensely if stung. Most importantly, its poison was almost impossible to counteract. Few soul beasts would dare to challenge an Illusory Dark Scorpion unless they had no other choice.


    Dugu Bo had previously researched this soul beast but didn''t achieve much and eventually stopped searching for it.


    To absorb this soul beast as a soul ring, Chen Ming would likely have to spend a long time tracking one down.


    The third soul beast was the Emerald Heavenly Dragon¡­ or perhaps more accurately, the Emerald Gecko.


    This soul beast was considered one of the Five Venomous Beasts, and while it was generally high-quality, it fell just short of top-tier status.


    However, Dugu Bo knew of a nest of Emerald Geckos in Sunset Forest that had true dragon blood in their lineage. These geckos belonged to the earth dragon category and were far superior to ordinary Emerald Geckos.


    These geckos had stronger poison, tougher bodies, dragon scales growing on their skin, and small wings on their backs. They were top-tier soul beasts. Absorbing one would likely grant a powerful defensive or buffing soul skill, which would perfectly complement Chen Ming''s current deficiencies.


    As for the other high-quality poison-type soul beasts in Sunset Forest, they either didn''t suit Chen Ming''s martial soul or simply didn''t meet his standards.


    If none of these three soul beasts worked out, Chen Ming would have no choice but to head to the Star Dou Great Forest.


    After preparing medicine for Dugu Yan and confirming that she wouldn''t encounter any issues in the next few days, Chen Ming left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with Dugu Bo and began hunting for his third soul ring.


    Chen Ming''s first target was the Man-Faced Demon Spider. This infamous soul beast had provided Tang San in the original story with the Eight Spider Lances external soul bone. Later, when Tang San achieved the Sea God''s divine status, the Eight Spider Lances evolved into the Sea God''s Eight Wings, becoming a hidden trump card against the God of Destruction in Legend of the Divine Realm.


    Eventually, through the baptism of chaotic energy, the Eight Spider Lances became the only super divine tool that Tang San created himself.


    For any transmigrator arriving in the Douluo Universe, it was natural to be curious about the Eight Spider Lances, a bug-like external soul bone from the original work.


    However, Man-Faced Demon Spiders were incredibly rare.


    These soul beasts were cruel and powerful, with evil and devouring attributes. They were predators of smaller soul beasts and killed indiscriminately, even when not hungry.


    Even in the soul beast world, they were despised and hunted by other beasts.


    High-age soul beasts that could handle a Man-Faced Demon Spider never hesitated to kill one. As a result, despite having no natural enemies, their numbers were extremely low. A ten-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider was even rarer than a ten-thousand-year-old Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear.


    Because of this, Man-Faced Demon Spiders were always on the move, never staying in one place for long.


    Even after searching for several days in areas where Man-Faced Demon Spiders were known to appear, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo didn''t find a single trace¡ªnot even a hair. They didn''t even find soul beasts that had been slaughtered by a Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    With no other choice, the two had to accept the reality that the Man-Faced Demon Spider had likely moved elsewhere, and they began searching for the Illusory Dark Scorpion instead.


    This soul beast was even rarer than the Man-Faced Demon Spider. However, since it wasn''t universally hunted like the spider, it had its territory and generally didn''t wander far.


    After conducting a thorough search in likely areas for several days, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming finally found an Illusory Dark Scorpion nest.


    The nest was home to a Scorpion King leading five smaller scorpions. The Scorpion King was around 50,000 years old¡ªa true Scorpion King. Among the five smaller scorpions, the oldest was 30,000 years old, and the youngest was around 7,000 years old¡ªperfect for Chen Ming.


    However, since ten thousand-year-old soul beasts had intelligence, the youngest scorpion was being carefully guarded deep within the nest by the four older scorpions, playing right next to the 50,000-year-old Scorpion King.


    While they had found the nest, the scorpions'' strong combat abilities and strange poison made it risky to attack. Even as a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo didn''t dare recklessly charge into the nest to capture the youngest scorpion.


    These top-tier poison-type soul beasts had incredible poison resistance and tremendous vitality. If Dugu Bo tried to force his way in, there was a real chance he could fail.


    After waiting for several days and seeing no signs of the scorpions leaving their nest, Dugu Bo had no choice but to temporarily give up and take Chen Ming to investigate his third choice.


    If Chen Ming still wanted the Illusory Dark Scorpion soul ring, they could always return later when the scorpions left their nest.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [85]

    The Emerald Gecko''s territory was quite far from the Dark Illusion Scorpion, and most soul masters would need to take a lengthy detour to reach it. However, with Dugu Bo accompanying him, Chen Ming could take shortcuts through the domains of some high-level soul beasts, significantly reducing the time required. About two-thirds of the way there, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo noticed something unusual: small soul beasts in the surrounding forest had been killed but not eaten. This strange occurrence immediately caught their attention.


    Dugu Bo stepped forward to investigate and discovered that the injuries on these small soul beasts were caused by sharp weapons, with traces of venom belonging to a Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    Recalling the characteristics of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, Dugu Bo quickly deduced that one had likely passed through the area not long ago. He immediately halted their journey toward the Emerald Gecko''s territory and began carefully scouting the surroundings.


    Before long, using the trail of dead soul beasts and marks on the ground, Dugu Bo pinpointed the location of the Man-Faced Demon Spider. He then led Chen Ming to track it down.


    After a short while, the two arrived at the spider''s hunting grounds. There, they saw a Man-Faced Demon Spider with a body diameter exceeding 1.5 meters and eight spear-like legs over 3 meters long, cruelly torturing a Wind Demon Wolf that had only recently broken through the thousand-level.


    Surrounding the Man-Faced Demon Spider were more than a dozen corpses of Wind Demon Wolves. Most of the corpses emitted yellow soul rings, while two or three juvenile wolves had faint white soul rings drifting above them.


    Several of the spider''s spear-like legs showed signs of cracking, and its carapace was oozing thick, sticky liquid, evidence of a fierce battle.


    From this scene alone, Chen Ming could tell that the Man-Faced Demon Spider had encountered and exterminated a pack of Wind Demon Wolves during its wanderings.


    Perhaps it had been injured by the wolves, or perhaps it was simply acting out of pure cruelty. Either way, the spider had not killed the Wind Demon Wolf leader outright. Instead, it was torturing the creature slowly with its legs.


    As soon as Chen Ming and Dugu Bo appeared, the Man-Faced Demon Spider became instantly alert. It swiftly plunged one of its spear-like legs into the Wind Demon Wolf leader''s head, ending the life of the severely mutilated soul beast. Then, it turned its attention to Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, watching them warily.


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider was cruel but not foolish¡ªor rather, truly foolish and cruel spiders didn''t survive long before being hunted down by other soul beasts or soul masters.


    This particular spider displayed a wary demeanor as it faced Dugu Bo and Chen Ming. The soul power on the leg it had pierced into the wolf''s head surged with dark purple energy, rapidly absorbing the life force and soul power from the corpse.


    Though the Man-Faced Demon Spider lacked rapid regeneration skills, this method of absorbing life force and soul power allowed it to quickly restore its condition.


    Under the influence of the Wind Demon Wolf''s life force, the cracks in the spider''s legs began to shrink, and the foul-smelling liquid oozing from its carapace started to solidify.


    Chen Ming watched with great interest as the spider''s soul power and life force flowed within its body. Dugu Bo, on the other hand, made no move to interfere.


    After all, to a Titled Douluo, a mere Man-Faced Demon Spider under 5,000 years old was little more than an oversized bug. If the spider had surpassed 10,000 years, it might have piqued Dugu Bo''s interest¡ªafter all, he had never seen a Man-Faced Demon Spider over that age. But for a spider of just a few thousand years, he could squash it with a single slap.


    After absorbing the life force and soul power, the Man-Faced Demon Spider did not attempt to flee. Its wariness seemed to gradually fade.


    Despite its cunning nature, this type of soul beast was not truly intelligent. Its inherent cruelty and bloodthirst often led it to leave behind obvious traces of its actions.


    The spider misinterpreted Dugu Bo and Chen Ming''s passive observation as a sign of weakness. Their lack of martial soul summoning was taken as a sign that they had given up struggling.


    Once its condition had improved slightly, the spider''s murderous instincts took over once more. Its compound eyes locked onto Dugu Bo and Chen Ming, viewing them as its next prey.


    Sensing the malicious intent in the spider''s gaze, Dugu Bo''s expression shifted slightly with irritation. He decided to slap the spider until it was nearly dead before dealing with it further. However, before he could act, Chen Ming stopped him.


    "Grandfather, there''s no need for you to intervene. Let me test the strength of this Man-Faced Demon Spider myself. I want to see if this Spider Emperor is truly worthy of becoming my soul ring."


    "Alright, but be careful," Dugu Bo replied, nodding as he stepped aside. His expression grew a bit more serious.


    Although he didn''t believe that Chen Ming, a Soul Grandmaster, could defeat a Man-Faced Demon Spider comparable to a human Soul Elder or even some weaker Soul Ancesotr-level fighters, as a Titled Douluo, he was confident in his ability to eliminate the spider before it could harm Chen Ming.


    Since Chen Ming wanted to try, Dugu Bo decided to observe and let the younger generation gain some experience.


    As Chen Ming was speaking to Dugu Bo, the Man-Faced Demon Spider saw an opening and leaped into action. Its eight spear-like legs moved rapidly, covering the distance between them with a speed that seemed unnatural for a spider. One of its dark purple, lance-like forelegs stabbed directly at Chen Ming.


    However, Chen Ming''s perception far surpassed that of the spider. The moment it moved, Chen Ming was already prepared to counterattack. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a flicker of movement, his martial soul activated and attached to his body. Soul power coursed through his leg meridians as he lightly tapped the ground with his toes, dodging the spider''s vicious strike like a phantom.


    In theory, Chen Ming could have attacked the cracks in the spider''s forelegs during this moment, using the opportunity to cripple one of its most dangerous limbs.


    However, Chen Ming''s goal was to practice and evaluate whether the spider was suitable for him. Thus, he chose not to exploit this chance, allowing the spider to continue its performance.


    A yellow soul ring flickered around him as a deep green poisonous mist began to spread from Chen Ming, spiraling outward like living serpents that coiled around the Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    Sssssssss¡ª!


    Thanks to his training at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming''s poison had become far more potent than before.


    Even though the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s carapace was exceptionally durable and its resistance to toxins was among the best, under the corrosive power of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor''s poison, thick smoke began rising from its body. Its supposedly impenetrable armor even showed signs of melting.


    It was worth noting that the Man-Faced Demon Spider was considered a top-tier poison soul beast. Its defenses were not only robust, but it also possessed exceptional venom, making its poison resistance extremely high. Even poison-type soul masters at the Soul King level would hesitate to claim they could corrode the spider''s carapace with their toxins.


    "Screeeeeee!!!"


    The spider let out a pained screech but did not retreat. Instead, it became even more frenzied, launching a ferocious assault on Chen Ming.


    Despite the threat posed by Chen Ming''s poison, the spider felt an instinctive greed emanating from the martial soul Chen Ming had released, as though it craved the power in his bloodline.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [86]

    Humans die for wealth, birds perish for food. Even soul beasts cannot resist their instincts.


    Chen Ming''s martial soul was now a genuine Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul, of extremely high quality, further enhanced by an external soul bone of the same origin that had grown to the ten-thousand-year level.


    In the past three months at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he had undergone tremendous growth through consuming herbs and simulating the essence of immortal grasses.


    His essence could be described as exceptionally pure and unfathomably rich. To any soul beast with devouring attributes, he was akin to a walking immortal herb.


    If the Man-Faced Demon Spider were to devour Chen Ming, it could break through from less than five thousand years to twenty thousand years in a short period and ascend to the rank of Spider Emperor.


    As for the potential benefits afterward, they were beyond measure.


    For a soul beast like the Man-Faced Demon Spider, which was universally hunted by beasts and humans alike, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The temptation was simply unimaginable.


    Chen Ming was merely a Soul Elder who had not yet obtained his third soul ring. While his Poison Cloud technique had caused significant damage to the Man-Faced Demon Spider, the spider''s instincts did not perceive him as an unbeatable threat.


    Compared to the threat posed by Chen Ming, the allure of his essence was far greater for the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Driven by its primal instincts, the spider had already marked Chen Ming as prey that must be devoured.


    As for the two-legged monkey standing beside him?


    From the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s perspective, that human was powerless and posed no threat. Otherwise, why would he just stand there watching while his companion was hunted? Surely, it couldn''t be that he looked down on it, could it?


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider''s compound eyes glimmered with dark purple soul power. Its abdomen rapidly expanded and contracted before spewing out a massive web from its mouth. The web expanded in the air, rushing toward Chen Ming.


    As a cunning soul beast, the Man-Faced Demon Spider always kept its trump cards reserved for emergencies. Even when injured by the Wind Demon Wolf pack, it refrained from using its web-spraying ability, which could only be activated three times a day.


    Although it had sustained injuries in battle, it had not expended even one use of its web-spraying ability. This was one of the key reasons it dared to target Chen Ming under these circumstances.


    The spider web came fast, expanding mid-air to a diameter of four or five meters. It was laced with sticky, toxic soul power, capable of injecting venom into its prey the instant it made contact.


    For a Man-Faced Demon Spider of around four thousand years, its web-spraying ability was sufficient to restrain any soul beast under ten thousand years for a short period.


    Even against super-strength soul beasts like the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear or the Titan Giant Ape, its web could at least hold them off for a second, buying precious time to escape.


    "Perfect timing," Chen Ming said. Faced with the incoming web, he did not choose to evade. Instead, he channeled soul power into his tail, extending it before thrusting it directly at the spider web.


    Once infused with sufficient soul power, the tip of Chen Ming''s tail turned a dark green, emitting a sharp and deadly aura.


    Like a whip, Chen Ming''s tail lashed out, slicing through the air with a sonic boom. The resulting force severed the spider web cleanly in the center.


    Without its stable structure, the soul power within the web dissipated, rapidly weakening its strength. The severed edges of the web were further eroded by the Emerald Scorpion Emperor''s venom, leaving only fragments within a single breath.


    Taking advantage of the moment the web was launched, the Man-Faced Demon Spider lunged at Chen Ming, its spear-like legs aiming to impale his chest and abdomen like skewers.


    In that instant, Chen Ming adjusted his footing, shifting his body angle. Soul power surged beneath his feet, allowing him to slide past the spider''s underbelly at an unnatural angle.


    Not only did he dodge the spider''s attack, but as he passed below its grotesque, human-like abdomen, Chen Ming channeled soul power into his palm and delivered a venomous strike to the twisted human face.


    Screech!!!


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider crashed heavily to the ground. The critical hit to its weak spot left it unable to maintain balance in mid-air. Its front legs pierced the ground upon landing, leaving a crater beneath its body.


    Chen Ming''s venomous palm strike was the result of training inspired by legendary poison techniques from martial arts novels in his past life. It allowed him to perfectly channel his internal venom. While it was still far from the legendary Five Venom Divine Palm that combined five supreme poisons, the poison attributes of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor and the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor had already merged flawlessly. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A single strike could reduce ordinary enemies to a puddle of pus.


    After taking Chen Ming''s venomous palm strike, the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s abdomen began to melt. The twisted human face on its abdomen vanished, replaced by oozing pus.


    The spider''s abdomen was the only weak point on an otherwise resilient body. With such severe damage, there was no saving it.


    Even with the vitality of a soul beast, the Man-Faced Demon Spider was undeniably at death''s door, with no chance of survival.


    In its dying moments, it appeared to make a crucial decision.


    Rather than continuing to attack Chen Ming, who had inflicted the fatal injury, the spider turned its focus to Dugu Bo. It burned its remaining life force and soul power, firing the last two webs it could muster.


    In the spider''s mind, this move could kill the seemingly powerless human. From a soul beast''s perspective, this would surely cause immense pain to the human who had dealt the killing blow.


    Even in death, it wanted the human who killed it to suffer.


    However, just as it prepared to watch the outcome of its final attack, something completely unexpected happened.


    Dugu Bo casually waved his hand, and a green curtain of soul power rose to meet the webs.


    The moment the soul power came into contact with the webs, the last two webs, fueled by the spider''s life force, were instantly evaporated without a trace.


    The nine soul rings emanating from Dugu Bo''s body struck the spider like a thunderbolt in its dying moments.


    Even for the cruel and ruthless Man-Faced Demon Spider, seeing its final attack nullified so effortlessly was unbearable. For the first time in its life, it truly felt anger and despair.


    "You had the power to kill me all along, and you waited until now?!"


    "Why didn''t you just slap me to death earlier?!"


    "Were you just watching this whole time to humiliate me on purpose?!"


    Screeeeech! In its final moments, the thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider, with emotions no less complex than a ten-thousand-year soul beast, cursed Dugu Bo in its language with the most vulgar words it could muster.


    But its anger meant nothing to Dugu Bo or Chen Ming, only hastening its demise.


    The spider''s already corroded abdomen finally erupted, spilling its internal organs and fluids.


    Though the primary cause of its death was Chen Ming''s attack, in the end, it was its anger that finished it off.


    To put it bluntly, it died of rage¡ªquite literally, it exploded from anger.


    A purple soul ring emerged from the spider''s corpse, marking its death.


    Looking at the fallen spider, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo exchanged glances, both puzzled.


    "How did this spider even dare to attack a Titled Douluo?"


    "Did it think anyone could just stand by and spectate in a battlefield like this?"


    Chen Ming circled the spider''s corpse several times, unable to figure out where the spider''s confidence had come from. In the spider''s now lifeless compound eyes, he could vaguely discern emotions of despair and fury.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [87]

    "Logically speaking, shouldn''t a top-quality spider soul beast like the Man-Faced Demon Spider be smarter than the average thousand-year soul beast? But why do I feel like this particular Man-Faced Demon Spider is even dumber?"


    Chen Ming looked at Dugu Bo with some confusion and asked.


    "I don''t know. Maybe this Man-Faced Demon Spider is just special¡ªone of those naturally dumber individuals," Dugu Bo replied hesitantly after pondering for a moment. He had encountered Man-Faced Demon Spiders before, but none like this one.


    Individual differences are normal.


    For example, some people are born stronger than others, and some are born smarter. Similarly, in the world of soul beasts, some are naturally dumber than their peers. However, such creatures rarely grow to maturity.


    Since the Man-Faced Demon Spider was already dead, the two decided not to dwell on the matter further. Chen Ming used his Spiritual Eye to observe the changes inside the spider''s corpse. After carefully examining it, he discovered a peculiar soul power cluster in the spider''s head¡ªsomething that hadn''t been there when it was alive.


    Chen Ming stepped forward, used the tip of his tail to pry open the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s head, enveloped his hand in soul power, and extracted the unusual soul power cluster.


    Sure enough, this cluster of soul power, which hadn''t existed while the spider was alive, turned out to be a soul bone¡ªspecifically, the rare and precious head soul bone. Because it came from the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s head, it was one of the rarest and most valuable types of the six major soul bones.


    "Maybe it died from anger? Or perhaps it just had bad luck?" Chen Ming wondered. Unfortunately, the drop wasn''t the highly coveted external soul bone, the Eight Spider Lances, which could grow with the user. This left him somewhat disappointed.


    "A... soul bone?" Dugu Bo gasped as he looked at the item in Chen Ming''s hand. He wanted to say something to express his excitement but ultimately held back, realizing he wasn''t as thrilled as he thought he''d be.


    After all, why did soul bones, supposedly rare treasures, seem to be appearing more and more frequently lately? First, there was the external soul bone, then the torso bone, and now this head bone. It was starting to feel like they weren''t as rare as they used to be.


    "Wait, a spider dumber than its peers can still drop a head soul bone?" Chen Ming asked, staring at the soul bone in his hand, still puzzled by the situation.


    Typically, a head soul bone enhances mental power. But would a head soul bone from a fool of a soul beast only increase skull hardness instead?


    "The world is full of wonders. Who knows?" Dugu Bo replied, unable to explain the phenomenon himself.


    "Man-Faced Demon Spiders rarely drop soul bones. Even when they do, it''s usually offensive arm bones. Head soul bones like this are almost unheard of," Dugu Bo explained, somewhat hesitating before continuing.


    "Chen Ming..." Dugu Bo''s tone grew serious. "This head soul bone is decent in quality, but its age is too low. The Man-Faced Demon Spider isn''t a soul beast known for mental abilities, so this soul bone likely won''t grant any outstanding soul skills. While it''s valuable, I suggest you don''t absorb it just yet.


    With your talent and strength, you''ll have much better opportunities in the future."


    Dugu Bo didn''t want to outright say that he intended for Chen Ming to inherit his head soul bone after he died. Even for someone as unrestrained as Dugu Bo, that was a somewhat awkward topic.


    But the implication was clear.


    "Grandpa, I understand. This head soul bone is just a pleasant surprise, a nice bonus. But for me, its quality is too low. I definitely won''t absorb it," Chen Ming reassured him.


    Chen Ming toyed with the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s head soul bone, which resembled an infant''s skull, and used his spiritual senses to slowly analyze the unique laws within the soul bone.


    He could feel that the soul bone contained a soul skill that the Man-Faced Demon Spider hadn''t displayed during its life, and it seemed to be of decent quality. However, whether it was Spider God Possession or some stealth skill, he couldn''t say for sure.


    Perhaps, when he had time in the future, he could study the head soul bone and see if he could replicate the soul skill within it.


    Seeing that Chen Ming wasn''t tempted to absorb the soul bone, Dugu Bo breathed a sigh of relief. After examining the head soul bone briefly, Chen Ming handed it to Dugu Bo, who stored it in his Hundred Treasures Pouch. Then, Chen Ming turned his attention to the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s soul ring.


    After observing it for a moment, Chen Ming shook his head.


    Even though it was the type of soul beast he''d been looking for, its age was far too low¡ªabout half of what he could currently absorb. Even if he could enhance the soul ring''s age, it wasn''t worth it.


    Moreover, none of the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s abilities particularly appealed to him.


    Its devouring ability was more of an innate talent than a true devouring soul skill. Its poison wasn''t potent enough to provide significant benefits, and its close-combat abilities were mediocre. Overall, everything about it was just slightly below average.


    If his martial soul were a spider, attaching the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s soul ring might have been worthwhile, as it would enhance venom potency and improve web quality.


    Unfortunately, while scorpions and spiders might share a common ancestor, scorpions don''t spin webs.


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider''s corpse had little value. In this era, most of it couldn''t be utilized. Only its legs and venom glands were worth anything.


    While normal spider soul beasts'' silk sacs could fetch a decent price, the Man-Faced Demon Spider only produced three strands of silk per day, all of which had been used up earlier. Its empty silk sac was worthless, so Chen Ming casually removed it and stored it in his soul tool as a memento.


    As for the corpses of the Wind Demon Wolves that had been slaughtered earlier, Chen Ming examined them briefly. Despite their miserable deaths, their low quality and age meant none had dropped a soul bone. Chen Ming quickly lost interest.


    The Man-Faced Demon Spider wasn''t a great creature, nor were the Wind Demon Wolves. After all, the infamous wolf thieves of Douluo Continent were born from Wind Demon Wolves defiling humans.


    When the Wind Demon Wolves encountered the Man-Faced Demon Spider, it was just one small disaster meeting a larger one. It didn''t matter which died; no one would feel sorry for them.


    After resolving the small incident with the Man-Faced Demon Spider, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo continued toward the Emerald Gecko''s territory.


    Unlike normal geckos that live in deserts or forests, the Emerald Gecko''s habitat was a wet, poisonous swamp¡ªa complete contrast to the typical gecko environment.


    Perhaps it was due to the dragon bloodline in their veins. These creatures resembled lizards more than geckos.


    The poisonous swamp was a deadly zone for soul masters below the Soul Ancestor rank. Its harsh environment and abundance of venomous soul beasts made it a place few dared to enter.


    But for Dugu Bo and Chen Ming, this environment was advantageous. Being here even seemed to energize their soul power.


    After casually dispatching some venomous insects and poison-type soul beasts that crossed their path, the two entered the heart of the Emerald Gecko''s territory.


    Unlike the small family groups of Dark Illusion Scorpions, the Emerald Geckos formed a massive colony with widespread distribution in the swamp.


    However, for some reason, the Emerald Geckos near the outskirts were mostly at the hundred-year level, with barely any reaching the thousand-year mark. It was as if the higher-age Emerald Geckos had all disappeared.


    "This doesn''t make sense," Dugu Bo muttered, puzzled by this abnormality. His vigilance increased, and he prepared to take Chen Ming and retreat at a moment''s notice.


    As they ventured deeper into the Emerald Gecko''s territory, Dugu Bo was shocked to discover that the several ten-thousand-year Emerald Geckos that should have been living there were all dead. In their place was a tiny but exceptionally peculiar-looking scorpion. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [88]

    The vast majority of scorpion-type soul beasts grow larger as they age. However, it is said that a small portion of them, upon reaching an advanced stage of cultivation, begin to shrink in size. The scorpion soul beast occupying the Emerald Gecko''s nest was only about one meter in length, with a vivid amethyst-like coloration that gave its body a metallic sheen. Its tail, extending about half a meter, added to its striking appearance. Overall, it looked very petite.


    Underneath the scorpion lay a mountain of corpses made up of fallen Emerald Geckos. Though the corpses had not yet fully decomposed, they exuded a dense aura of death.


    This death energy surged in waves, continuously absorbed by the scorpion perched atop the corpse mountain.


    Despite its relatively small body, the creature seemed like a demon king from the depths of hell, existing solely to spread death. The corpse mountain beneath it resembled a throne fit for such a king. A single glance at this scene could leave one''s mind shaken.


    When Dugu Bo first saw this soul beast, he thought he had encountered a scorpion-type soul beast that had been cultivated for over 100,000 years, shrinking its size as it evolved. His heart nearly leaped into his throat.


    But upon closer inspection, he realized that this creature was not what he initially thought. However, in terms of rarity, it was probably no less valuable than a 100,000-year soul beast¡ªperhaps even more so.


    "Xiao Ming, you''re in for a treat! This is a Netherworld Scorpion!" Dugu Bo whispered excitedly, nudging Chen Ming on the shoulder as he spoke in hushed tones.


    "A Netherworld Scorpion?!" Upon hearing Dugu Bo''s assessment, Chen Ming''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    The Netherworld Scorpion was a soul beast of great renown, so much so that even ordinary farmers without awakened soul power had heard of it.


    According to legend, in the ancient era before the Angel God ascended, a black fissure appeared in the heavens, from which poured forth a swarm of massive scorpions.


    These scorpions possessed physical strength and bodies rivaling that of dragons, and their terrifying venom left barren wastelands in their wake, where not even a single blade of grass would grow for centuries.


    These creatures had no intelligence and could not communicate, existing solely for slaughter. They killed humans and soul beasts alike, tearing apart their prey with massive pincers or dissolving them with their venom.


    Even dragons became their prey, shredded by their pincers and devoured. Not even the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear could stand against them. Moreover, even if someone managed to kill one, it would not leave behind a soul ring.


    People feared them and called them Netherworld Scorpions, believing them to be monsters that had crawled out of the underworld¡ªcatastrophic beasts, unlike any ordinary soul beast.


    Hundreds of years later, when the Angel God rose to prominence and led humanity in their struggle against soul beasts, the Netherworld Scorpions were eradicated. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the legends of the Angel God, it is said that before ascending to godhood, the Angel God and their companions slayed the leader of the Netherworld Scorpions and sealed the black fissure in the heavens. After that, the Netherworld Scorpions gradually weakened, and when killed, they began leaving soul rings behind, much like ordinary soul beasts.


    In a way, one could think of this as akin to the Douluo Continent''s equivalent of the Nuwa mending the heavens myth.


    Because of the immense destruction these creatures caused to the continent, neither humans nor soul beasts could tolerate their continued existence. Even during the era of conflict between humans and soul beasts, both sides would temporarily set aside their enmity when confronted with Netherworld Scorpions.


    It is said that after the era of the Angel God, these catastrophic beasts became exceedingly rare. Successive heirs of the Angel God would immediately destroy any Netherworld Scorpions they found to honor their forebear''s legacy.


    In theory, these beasts were exterminated thousands of years ago, leaving only a few sub-species behind. Even these remnants were extraordinarily rare, with most of them being top-tier soul beasts or even super-quality beasts.


    The Dark Illusion Scorpion, which Chen Ming had previously chosen for a soul ring, was said to be one of the sub-species left behind on the continent. Among the sub-species, it was relatively weak, having mutated to possess spiritual poison.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Ming''s first reaction was doubt¡ªwondering if Dugu Bo had made a mistake. After all, weren''t these creatures supposed to have gone extinct thousands of years ago? His second thought was that, given the Netherworld Scorpion''s high quality, even one that had just passed the 10,000-year mark could rival a 100,000-year soul beast. Could Dugu Bo handle it? Should they tactically retreat and come up with a better plan?


    "Is this a Netherworld Scorpion? Didn''t they go extinct? Are you sure you''re not mistaken?" Chen Ming whispered cautiously, suppressing his aura and soul power as he questioned Dugu Bo.


    "There''s an 80-90% chance it''s a Netherworld Scorpion. Even if it isn''t, it''s certainly a sub-species that''s infinitely close to the real thing. Its quality is even higher than the Medusa I encountered back in the day."


    "Though this is my first time seeing the real thing, its appearance matches the descriptions in ancient texts perfectly. And that sinister aura of death¡ªit''s worthy of the title Netherworld."


    "Don''t be fooled by its seemingly low cultivation age¡ªbelow 10,000 years. See those corpses beneath it? Among them are several soul beasts with cultivation ages in the 10,000s, including one that''s nearly 40,000 years old. That one was close to transforming into an Emerald Gecko Emperor."


    Dugu Bo pointed to the largest corpse in the pile and whispered to Chen Ming.


    "Less than 10,000 years old, but it wiped out a group of 10,000-year and 1,000-year Emerald Geckos in their own nest? This thing is that strong¡­"


    "Grandpa, can we even take it on?" Chen Ming was eager for the Netherworld Scorpion''s soul ring but couldn''t help feeling apprehensive.


    "If this thing had a cultivation age of 100,000 years, the Sunset Forest would already be a wasteland. It would take the High Priest of the Spirit Hall to deal with it. If it were over 50,000 years old, we would run immediately¡ªgrab Yan Yan, clear out the herbs in the yard, and flee to report it to the Spirit Hall."


    "If it were 10,000 years old, I''d have to put up a tough fight to kill it, and I wouldn''t let you stay nearby to watch. But since it''s under 10,000 years old¡­ it''s troublesome, sure, but not unmanageable."


    "Xiao Ming, do you want its soul ring?" Dugu Bo grinned confidently as he asked.


    "Yes! I want it! I want it!" Chen Ming''s eyes sparkled with excitement, his heart racing.


    The Netherworld Scorpion was said to have invaded the Douluo Continent from another world, only to be assimilated into the rules of this world after its leader was slain. Even if it wasn''t as powerful as the legends claimed, it was still undoubtedly one of the strongest soul beasts in terms of quality.


    The benefits its soul ring could provide, along with the unique traits it might contain from its otherworldly origins, were beyond Chen Ming''s imagination. Even if it were barely over 1,000 years old, he would eagerly absorb it and work to enhance its age later.


    After all, aside from legendary poison-type divine beasts, nothing could compare to this mythical creature.


    "Stay hidden here. Grandpa will go beat it half to death!" Dugu Bo declared confidently.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [89]

    "Martial Soul True Body!" Dugu Bo flickered like a phantom, his soul power surging. He immediately unleashed the Martial Soul Avatar, which is extremely important to a Soul Master, entering a state of full combat power.


    "Eighth Spirit Ability: Time Freeze!"


    "Medusa''s Gaze!"


    In the true form of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, all of Dugu Bo''s spirit abilities were greatly enhanced. The effect of the Eighth Spirit Ability, Time Freeze, was nearly doubled compared to its normal state.


    But that wasn''t the end. Despite his soul power rapidly depleting like flowing water, Dugu Bo followed up with Medusa''s Gaze. These two powerful control skills directly struck the Netherworld Scorpion, who had just recovered from its digestion state.


    With Dugu Bo''s level-93 soul power, the combination of the Eighth Spirit Ability and Medusa''s Gaze in his Martial Soul Avatar state was enough to control even a true 100,000-year soul beast. Even fierce beasts who had survived their first tribulation couldn''t resist it.


    For the sake of this once-in-a-lifetime soul ring, Dugu Bo held nothing back and unleashed his ultimate moves from the very beginning. Despite the high quality of the Netherworld Scorpion, it was completely immobilized by the chain of control abilities, unable even to think.


    Given its legendary resistance to poison, Dugu Bo, in the form of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, decided not to use poison at all. Instead, he infused his soul power into his body and directly performed a massive serpent collision, slamming the Netherworld Scorpion into the corpse mountain formed by the Emerald Gecko. Then, with a dragon-like tail whip, he sent the Netherworld Scorpion flying from the corpse mountain, pinning it heavily against a rock wall.


    Under the violent impact, the Netherworld Scorpion broke free from the control of the two abilities. However, against Dugu Bo''s sheer physical power, its body was already completely out of control, with its carapace covered in cracks.


    A deep purple light flickered, and a domain began to expand with the Netherworld Scorpion, embedded in the rock wall, at its center. The neutral soul power in the heavens and earth was quickly drawn into the domain and converted into poison-attributed power.


    This poison-attributed energy wasn''t used for offense but instead rapidly surged into the Netherworld Scorpion''s body, repairing the damage caused by Dugu Bo''s heavy attacks.


    Although the Netherworld Scorpion''s body was visibly recovering at a rapid pace, Dugu Bo wasn''t going to stand idly by and let it regain its strength. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dugu Bo slammed his serpent tail against the rock wall, shaking the Netherworld Scorpion free. Ignoring the effects of the domain, he wrapped the one-meter-long Netherworld Scorpion tightly in a Death Coil.


    The poison-attributed energy within the domain did not affect Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo. Moreover, with Dugu Bo''s body acting as a barrier, the Netherworld Scorpion couldn''t continue absorbing the poison-attributed energy to repair itself.


    The carapace that had barely begun to recover from its cracks shattered once again under the Death Coil of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, causing large amounts of bodily fluids to gush out.


    These fluids splashed onto the body of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, producing a sizzling sound. Though they didn''t affect Dugu Bo at all, the violent toxicity was evident.


    Dugu Bo maintained control over the tempo, increasing his strength bit by bit. Finally, after a fierce struggle, he managed to crush the Netherworld Scorpion into a near-death state, completely interrupting its poison-attributed domain.


    "Hurry up and prepare to absorb the soul ring!" Dugu Bo, in the form of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, raised his serpent head and shouted toward Chen Ming''s hiding spot. Seeing this, Chen Ming immediately activated his Martial Soul Possession and quickly ran toward the Netherworld Scorpion.


    Chen Ming climbed onto Dugu Bo''s body and used the tail behind him to attack the cracks on the Netherworld Scorpion''s head. Though the tail tip pierced deeply into the crack, Chen Ming could still feel resistance greater than when cutting through the body of the Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    After some effort, the tail tip finally penetrated the scorpion''s body. Chen Ming forcefully stirred and destroyed its internal structure, releasing a dose of poison in the process.


    Chen Ming quickly leaped away. Before the Netherworld Scorpion could react, he used his second spirit ability, Poison Explosion, to detonate the poison-attributed soul power he had left in the scorpion''s body.


    With a muffled sound, the Netherworld Scorpion, which had been suppressed by Dugu Bo, finally stopped struggling. A purple soul ring slowly rose from its corpse, signifying the death of this legendary soul beast. Dugu Bo uncoiled his body, allowing the Netherworld Scorpion''s corpse to fall to the ground. He let out a slight breath of relief.


    Since he had never dealt with the Netherworld Scorpion before, he had been worried that he might inadvertently kill it too thoroughly. In the end, he realized that the scorpion was even tougher than he had imagined.


    Chen Ming approached, marveling at the dead Netherworld Scorpion.


    To be honest, Chen Ming had thought his Poison Explosion would be enough to blow the scorpion''s body to smithereens from the inside. But after the soul ring appeared, he realized that while his skill had caused some fragmentation to the scorpion''s body, it was far from the level of destruction he had imagined.


    "As expected of a legendary soul beast. Even its internal structure is this sturdy."


    Chen Ming sighed, found a relatively flat spot to sit, and began channeling his soul power to absorb the Netherworld Scorpion''s soul ring.


    As the scorpion''s soul ring poured into Chen Ming''s body, a strange power surged through his meridians.


    It was the power of death but pure and potent. Wherever it passed, all things withered, and life decayed.


    Although most of this soul power was poison-attributed, with death energy comprising only a small fraction, the meridians it passed through still lost some of their vitality, becoming fragile.


    Thankfully, thanks to months of medicinal supplements and recovery, Chen Ming''s foundation was strong. He immediately replenished the lost vitality, preventing the soul power from causing any irreversible damage.


    What followed was a game of pursuit and evasion.


    Noticing the abnormality in this soul power, Chen Ming used his spiritual energy to combine his soul power and mental strength. He maintained control over his body''s condition while blocking and dulling the sharp edges of this soul power, gradually guiding it into the flow of his soul power.


    Bit by bit, strand by strand¡­ Chen Ming adopted a strategy of slow assimilation, gradually breaking down and absorbing the energy. After half an hour, the energy was mostly subdued, and the soul ring absorption entered its final stages.


    As before, Chen Ming entered the world of laws. However, this time, the world before him was entirely different from what he had experienced before.


    What appeared before Chen Ming was a world composed of two colors: seventy percent green and thirty percent deep purple.


    From the green part, Chen Ming could perceive the rules of the Douluo World. From the deep purple part, he sensed a power that was distinctly different from the Douluo World.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [90]

    This is quite strange because, during the process of absorbing the soul ring earlier, the world Chen Ming entered was completely devoid of color¡ªfilled with pure chaos. This situation, where one side is green and the other purple, is something he''s seeing for the first time.


    On the green side lies the origin and rules of the Douluo World, while the purple side contains an unfamiliar power. The green is slowly eroding the purple, twisting the rules of the otherworld into something that fits within the worldview of Douluo World.


    Chen Ming first examined the green side, which displayed spirit abilities aligned with the Douluo World:


    Venomous Beam, Death Poison Array, Turtle of Destruction¡­ and upon looking deeper, he could even see a domain-type spirit ability capable of creating a wide area of deadly poison.


    Although these abilities were of high quality overall, they still fell within the realm of common sense. So, Chen Ming turned his attention to the purple side.


    How should he describe it? If the green side was like pre-packaged food, neatly categorized and ready to eat, then the purple side was like a pile of raw, unidentifiable ingredients.


    The things from the purple side seemed valuable, but Chen Ming had never seen them before, couldn''t understand them, and had no way to use them.


    Even though Chen Ming had previously experimented using the rules of the Douluo World, he couldn''t utilize things he didn''t recognize.


    Moreover, within Chen Ming''s perception, the raw materials on the purple side could not directly be used as spirit abilities. The only usable options were those already organized by Douluo World on the green side.


    Was he only allowed to choose according to the rules of Douluo World?


    The spirit abilities available were excellent, but Chen Ming still felt somewhat unwilling. There might be something better out there.


    What should he do, then?


    Given his current abilities, he couldn''t unravel the mysteries of the purple side on his own. Trying to convert the already-organized information back into the rules of the otherworld was even more out of the question.


    So¡­ could he let the Douluo World help him sort it out?


    Chen Ming tentatively touched the purple rules. Chaotic and disordered knowledge flooded into his mind. He dragged this portion toward the green, and as the chaotic rules gradually entered the green world, the previously disordered knowledge slowly became organized.


    It was a method of utilizing the power of death, knowledge imprinted in the bloodline of the Netherworld Scorpion race¡ªa kind of inherited knowledge, but not a law.


    Although this knowledge wasn''t particularly beneficial to Chen Ming, he couldn''t help but feel excited upon realizing what it represented.


    After this lump of raw material was fully processed by Douluo World, the green world further compressed the space occupied by the purple world, and a new spirit ability appeared¡ªone that hadn''t been there before. It was transformed from the information Chen Ming had just dragged over.


    Once this portion of otherworldly information was converted, Chen Ming could sense that his connection to the green world¡ªor rather, to the origin of the Douluo World¡ªhad slightly deepened.


    Although he didn''t know what this connection would be useful for, Chen Ming felt it couldn''t be a bad thing. If this connection continued to grow, he might eventually be able to directly communicate with the world consciousness of Douluo.


    From then on, Chen Ming began gradually transporting the raw materials from the purple side to the green side, allowing Douluo World to convert chaotic knowledge into organized knowledge.


    At first, the process drained Chen Ming''s spiritual energy and soul power, leaving him somewhat fatigued.


    But as the amount of material transported increased and his connection to the world deepened, Chen Ming could feel that Douluo World seemed to notice his actions and began using its power to alleviate his fatigue.


    From Dugu Bo''s perspective in the outside world, Chen Ming was halfway through absorbing the soul ring when the pure heaven and earth energy around him seemed to be summoned and began pouring into Chen Ming''s body.


    Chen Ming didn''t even have to actively refine it; the energy automatically transformed into his soul power, restoring his state. This left Dugu Bo utterly dumbfounded. In all his years, he had never seen heaven and earth energy voluntarily flow into someone, let alone transform itself into soul power for them.


    He could tell this was a good thing, but he had no understanding of the principles behind it. He simply felt that his status as a titled Douluo was a waste.


    Chen Ming''s meditation lasted a full day and night, as did the self-driven influx of heaven and earth energy. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the purple world was entirely devoured by the green world of Douluo, Chen Ming felt a wave of satisfaction coursing through him. A vast amount of knowledge surged into his mind, and his connection with Douluo World grew even closer.


    The green world expanded, then contracted. The original green quickly faded into colorless chaos. Under the influence of unknown power, all the rules of the chaotic world were compressed together, forming a special spirit ability that was then engraved into the soul ring.


    Chen Ming exited his meditative state, feeling his body brimming with power. The flowing energy of heaven and earth now seemed to hold a special sense of intimacy toward him. He could vaguely sense the presence of a pure yet unformed will within the world around him.


    It was an existence beyond words, a presence that was everywhere yet nowhere. With his current affinity, he could only vaguely connect with it but not actively communicate.


    When Chen Ming examined his new spirit ability, he was deeply shocked.


    "Deathly Poison Domain, a domain-type spirit ability."


    Effect: "Unleashes a domain imbued with poison and death attributes, transforming the heaven and earth energy within into poison and death attribute soul power, forming a highly destructive field.


    Targets within the domain will have their soul power, spiritual energy, and life force gradually drained and converted into soul power within the domain. When their state is weakened to less than 10% of their normal status, or their attributes fall below 10% of the user''s, those enveloped by the domain will die instantly."


    "What? What kind of overpowered domain is this?"


    Looking at the spirit ability formed from the entirety of the Netherworld Scorpion''s essence, Chen Ming finally understood why this creature was hunted down by both humans and soul beasts alike in ancient times, why the Angel Clan would grow tense the moment the Netherworld Scorpion stirred, and why the Angel God personally intervened to annihilate it.


    Once this domain was activated, weaker beings didn''t even have the right to survive. A single Netherworld Scorpion with a power level of about 100,000 years could turn an area spanning several dozen miles into a dead zone in an instant. Almost no life could escape.


    When a group of Netherworld Scorpions roamed Douluo Continent with their domains activated, they left no survivors in their wake.


    It was equivalent to a mass extinction event for the life forms of the Douluo Continent. Neither humans nor soul beasts could tolerate such behavior.


    The Netherworld Scorpion already had extraordinarily high attributes. Coupled with this domain, a single 10,000-year-old Netherworld Scorpion could easily wipe out every city in the two great empires except for their capitals. Even a typical titled Douluo couldn''t stop the scorpion''s domain.


    Compared to the Netherworld Scorpion, even the Dark Devilgod Tiger, considered a vessel of evil itself, seemed tolerable. The Man-Faced Demon Spider, often called a nightmare for soul beasts, was practically adorable in comparison.


    "...This is insane..."


    PS: Chen Ming''s golden finger is insane. He''s literally the Child of Destiny now.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [91]

    Moreover, judging by its previous performance, Chen Ming estimated that the Netherworld Scorpion also possessed abilities like cultivating through absorbing death energy.


    A mere 5,000-year-level Netherworld Scorpion was able to single-handedly annihilate nearly all Emerald Geckos over a thousand years old in a cave full of dragons with dragon blood, creating a mountain of corpses for its cultivation.


    An adult Netherworld Scorpion''s destructive power for cultivation would be utterly unimaginable...


    After experiencing the soul skill, Chen Ming slowly opened his eyes, stood up on the mountain of corpses, stretched his arms, and loosened his muscles. His entire body emitted a series of cracking sounds, like popping beans.


    Although this soul ring was approximately 6,000 years old, after absorbing it, Chen Ming felt his physical attributes had increased by at least 30%.


    Although that didn''t sound like much, considering Chen Ming''s already formidable physical strength, this improvement was greater than any previous soul ring absorption.


    His meridians became broader, his bones tougher, and his flesh more compact...


    The effects of absorbing this soul ring were even more noticeable than the results of the past three months of honing his body in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    As for his soul power, it broke through directly to level 33 after absorbing the soul ring. One level was due to his accumulation before absorbing the ring, while the other two were entirely thanks to the Netherworld Scorpion''s soul ring.


    Moreover, because the absorption of each soul ring causes a transformation in his martial soul, Chen Ming could sense that his Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul had mutated due to the Netherworld Scorpion''s essence, changing from a pure poison attribute to a dual attribute of poison and death.


    This mutation was a positive development. Even if the Emerald Scorpion Emperor grew its eighteenth tail segment and became a 100,000-year soul beast, its essence of life would still be incomparable to the Netherworld Scorpion¡ª a creature from another world.


    Although Chen Ming''s martial soul only inherited some characteristics of the Netherworld Scorpion through the soul ring, the improvement was still significant.


    Although it still had 15 tail segments unchanged, its core strength increased by nearly 30%, making it comparable to normal Scorpion Emperors with 16 or 17 segments. It only fell slightly short of the fully transformed 18-segment Scorpion Emperor.


    Additionally, because absorbing the Netherworld Scorpion''s soul ring established a connection between Chen Ming and the consciousness of the Douluo World, he could feel that the external elements had become more attuned to him.


    If, in the past, he had to actively connect with external elements, now the elements actively sought him out. While the magnitude of this change wasn''t massive, the sensation was incredibly profound.


    Chen Ming speculated that if he could further deepen his connection with the Douluo World, he might receive similar treatment to a Child of Destiny.


    As Chen Ming finished absorbing the soul ring, Dugu Bo, who had already returned to his true form, immediately came over and examined Chen Ming closely.


    Originally, Chen Ming''s martial soul was on par with Dugu Bo''s Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. However, after absorbing the soul ring, Dugu Bo felt that Chen Ming''s martial soul could vaguely suppress his own Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    A quick thought made Dugu Bo realize that Chen Ming must have gained significant benefits during this soul ring absorption process.


    Since Dugu Bo wasn''t an outsider, Chen Ming shared the details of his new soul skill, only omitting anything related to the spiritual realm.


    When Dugu Bo heard that Chen Ming''s third soul skill was as powerful as ¡ª or even stronger than ¡ª the ninth soul ring skill of a Title Douluo, his expression twisted visibly.


    Even though Dugu Bo harbored no ill will toward Chen Ming, he couldn''t help but feel an intense sourness.


    After all, he had struggled mightily to acquire his ninth soul ring, only to find that its skill was weaker than his eighth soul ring.


    He had once eagerly anticipated gaining a formidable soul skill from his ninth ring, but after obtaining it, he barely used it as much as his eighth soul ring''s skill.


    If it were possible, Dugu Bo would have gladly replaced his ninth soul ring with a different one long ago. His lifelong dream was to acquire a domain-type soul skill. Yet, from his time as a Soul Master to becoming a Title Douluo, he hadn''t even glimpsed the shadow of such a skill. Who was he supposed to complain to?


    Dugu Bo felt as if he had eaten 20 pounds of hawthorn and rinsed his mouth with lemon juice ¡ª the sourness was unbearable. As he looked at Chen Ming''s third soul ring, the thought of removing his ninth soul ring crossed his mind once again.


    Incidentally, the last time he had this thought was when he saw Chen Ming practicing poison explosion techniques in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    In short, if given the choice, Dugu Bo would gladly trade any of Chen Ming''s second or third soul rings for his ninth. Even Chen Ming''s first soul ring might tempt him.


    "Sigh, I''m so envious. But Xiao Ming, with a soul ring like this ¡ª something even Title Douluos might not have ¡ª your future potential has undoubtedly skyrocketed. It seems your chances of becoming the strongest on the continent have increased significantly."


    Dugu Bo wiped away his tears of envy and shifted his gaze to the Netherworld Scorpion''s lifeless body.


    Looking at the corpse of this legendary soul beast, Dugu Bo''s hands itched with excitement. Such a creature was a treasure trove from head to tail. Even Title Douluos would covet it.


    What''s more, the Netherworld Scorpion was a ferocious beast tied to the Angel God in legends. After thousands of years of relentless hunting by humans and soul beasts alike, this corpse''s value was through the roof. It was even more precious than pure-blooded true dragons.


    Dugu Bo took out his tools and carefully dissected the Netherworld Scorpion''s body, meticulously placing its blood, flesh, carapace, and organs into various containers. In no time, he had completely dismantled the scorpion.


    Even the fluids that had leaked out were collected in small bottles, which Dugu Bo planned to sell at an auction or to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for a hefty price. After all, the sect was known for purchasing anything valuable, regardless of its practical use, thanks to their vast wealth.


    However, Dugu Bo was slightly disappointed. Despite thoroughly dissecting the Netherworld Scorpion, he found no sign of a soul bone.


    While Dugu Bo knew that soul bones were rare and that not every soul beast would produce one, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of hope after the Earth Dragon soul bone and the Human-Faced Demon Spider skull bone had appeared not long ago.


    If given a choice, Dugu Bo would have gladly traded both the Earth Dragon''s torso bone and the Human-Faced Demon Spider''s skull bone for a Netherworld Scorpion soul bone. Alas, there was no such option.


    Of course, Chen Ming knew why this was the case.


    The Netherworld Scorpion had only been partially assimilated into the Douluo World as a soul beast before its death and had never fully transformed. It lacked a soul core or similar structures, so no soul bone could emerge upon its death.


    Just as Dugu Bo was about to call Chen Ming to leave, Chen Ming suddenly leaped down from the mountain of Emerald Gecko corpses, holding something with a proud expression.


    "Grandpa, look! I spent a long time searching through the corpse mountain for this, and I finally found it!"


    In Chen Ming''s hand was a perfectly intact left leg bone, brimming with soul power and life energy. It was a vibrant green color, clearly freshly extracted from an Emerald Gecko''s corpse.


    Just from sensing the soul power emanating from the bone, Dugu Bo could immediately confirm that it was a genuine ten-thousand-year soul bone. Moreover, its pristine condition marked it as a top-tier ten-thousand-year soul bone.


    At that moment, Dugu Bo was utterly speechless. He had no idea what to say. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [92]

    "Grandpa, I dug this out from the corpse of an Emerald Gecko over twenty thousand years old. Hurry and absorb it!" Chen Ming said. Thanks to the Spiritual Eye''s ability to detect the flow and gathering of soul power, Chen Ming had developed the habit of scanning soul beast corpses with the Spiritual Eye to search for soul bones after finding the skull soul bone of the Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    Perhaps because the Emerald Geckos were hunted to near extinction by a Netherworld Scorpion less than ten thousand years old, the corpses of these dragons were brimming with resentment. After searching around, Chen Ming found soul bone fluctuations in the corpse of one Emerald Gecko.


    "How could I absorb it? You should absorb it! This is a twenty-thousand-year-old left-leg soul bone, and it''s from a sub-dragon soul beast. It''s bound to grant a..."


    The more Dugu Bo spoke, the more he felt something was wrong. It seemed like the last time, he had said the same thing to Chen Ming.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s resolute gaze, Dugu Bo sighed and tried to push the soul bone back into Chen Ming''s hands, but Chen Ming seized the opportunity to shove the soul bone into Dugu Bo''s hands instead.


    "My future is still long. The future strongest on the continent surely won''t lack soul bones."


    Chen Ming smiled as he spoke. Before Dugu Bo could say anything, Chen Ming firmly pushed Dugu Bo''s hands, holding the soul bone, into his chest.


    "Grandpa, hurry and absorb it. We juniors rely entirely on your reputation to protect us. Whether or not we can hold our heads high on the continent in the future depends entirely on your strength."


    Even though this twenty-thousand-year-old left leg soul bone was of decent quality, Chen Ming had no intention of absorbing it. If he were to absorb a left leg bone, he would naturally choose something far better.


    Even if Dugu Bo weren''t around, Chen Ming would have given the soul bone to one of his allies to absorb.


    What''s more, Dugu Bo was now his family. If Dugu Bo grew stronger, it was equivalent to Chen Ming himself growing stronger. Improving Dugu Bo''s strength was far more valuable than a soul bone that was of little use to him.


    Dugu Bo sighed, the corner of his eyes glistening. Once again, he couldn''t help but marvel at Chen Ming''s filial piety.


    "In the future, I''ll make sure to get you the best soul bones! Even if it''s from a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, I''ll hunt it for you!"


    After making his promise, Dugu Bo closed his eyes and sat cross-legged in the same spot where Chen Ming had recently absorbed a soul ring. He began absorbing the freshly obtained left leg soul bone.


    Half an hour later, Dugu Bo awoke from his meditation, his eyes glowing brightly.


    The wrinkles on his forehead, which had already diminished over the past few months, completely vanished. His hair, which had been mostly green but was turning white, shifted further towards pure white.


    After absorbing the soul bone, his vitality had significantly increased. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although his aura remained at level 93, it seemed to have faintly touched the threshold of level 94. The gap to truly reaching level 94 was no longer far.


    After completing the absorption, a hint of amazement flashed in Dugu Bo''s eyes. The soul skill he gained was impressive even for a Title Douluo.


    Looking at Chen Ming, who had been guarding him during the process, Dugu Bo didn''t hide anything and explained the new soul skill he had obtained.


    "The soul skill of this left leg bone is the Emerald Radiant Barrier. When activated, it forms a defensive shield with excellent durability, likely comparable to the eighth soul skill of an average Soul Douluo."


    Dugu Bo had exceptional control abilities, but his attack methods were limited, and his defensive capabilities were nonexistent. He lacked any noteworthy defensive soul skills at all.


    This weakness had been exploited by some Soul Douluo and Title Douluo who, knowing this, would immediately fortify their soul power against his poisons and charge directly at him. Their strategy was to eliminate Dugu Bo before his poison could kill them.


    Due to his lack of strong offensive and defensive skills, Dugu Bo had little means to counter these opponents who were willing to trade their lives for his.


    This was why some high-level Soul Douluo on the continent had the reputation of being able to match a Title Douluo.


    The Title Douluo referred to in such cases was essentially Dugu Bo in his previous state. The addition of this left leg bone''s soul skill undoubtedly compensated for Dugu Bo''s shortcomings, significantly boosting his strength.


    At the very least, Dugu Bo would no longer be easily defeated in a direct assault due to his fragility.


    After finishing their tasks of absorbing the soul ring and soul bone, the two packed their things and returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The journey was smooth, with no soul beasts blocking their way.


    As soon as they crossed the poison array, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming saw Dugu Yan waiting not far away.


    The moment she spotted them, Dugu Yan, who had been bored out of her mind, immediately opened her arms and ran towards them.


    Seeing his granddaughter''s affectionate expression, Dugu Bo smiled and opened his arms, ready to catch her in an embrace.


    However, this time, instead of leaping into her grandfather''s arms as she had when she was younger, Dugu Yan crashed straight into Chen Ming, wrapping her arms tightly around him.


    "You were gone for more than ten days! I''ve been bored to death here alone! Next time you go out, you must take me with you! I don''t want to stay here by myself again!"


    Her voice carried a mix of sobs and complaints.


    Due to the detoxification process, Dugu Yan''s soul power was still capped at level 30. Even though she could have absorbed her third soul ring long ago, she hadn''t done so yet.


    Although her physical strength had increased considerably during her months living near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and she had somewhat adapted to its unique aura, she still couldn''t enter the well alone.


    While Dugu Bo and Chen Ming were out hunting for soul rings, Dugu Yan had no choice but to stay behind. She couldn''t cross the poison array, nor could she enter the well itself. Her range of activity was limited to the small area Dugu Bo had deliberately expanded.


    Food and water were plentiful, and the two had prepared medicine to ensure Dugu Yan wouldn''t face any problems during their absence.


    But people are social creatures...


    For more than ten days, Dugu Yan hadn''t seen a single living creature, let alone found someone to talk to. Being alone in an unchanging landscape like this was pure torture.


    Hearing her tearful complaints, Dugu Bo sighed. He wanted to pat his granddaughter''s head to comfort her, but seeing how tightly she clung to Chen Ming, he hesitated.


    In the end, it was Chen Ming who patted Dugu Yan''s head and gently consoled her.


    "It''s our fault for leaving you here alone. We should have brought you along so you wouldn''t have to suffer."


    "Once your detoxification is complete and you''ve absorbed your third soul ring, how about having Grandpa take you to Heaven Dou City for a while?"


    "You have to come too," Dugu Yan said seriously, looking into Chen Ming''s eyes.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll come too." Faced with her request, Chen Ming agreed.


    Although he was used to a life of rigorous training, he didn''t mind taking a break to interact with the outside world and lift his spirits.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [93]

    After calming down Dugu Yan, Chen Ming returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and started examining his little treasures.


    The first thing Chen Ming inspected was the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, upon which he had previously performed a modification. The Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew remained at its original spot, showing no significant changes. However, next to it, a thousand-year-old Purple Spirit Mushroom had been transplanted into the ground.


    A month ago, Chen Ming had experimentally grafted a Purple Spirit Mushroom¡ªwhich he had thoroughly purified of all spiritual impurities¡ªonto the roots of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. Due to Chen Ming''s modifications, the Purple Spirit Mushroom was still alive but could not resist external influences. Even when exposed to the foreign nature of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, there was no sign of rejection.


    Over time, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew gradually adapted to this external organ and began absorbing the soul power and vitality stored within the Purple Spirit Mushroom. Before Chen Ming left, there were no abnormalities. Upon returning, he discovered that the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew had nearly drained the medicinal essence stored inside the Purple Spirit Mushroom.


    The grafted Purple Spirit Mushroom now looked desiccated, as if it had been air-dried, leaving only a thin, hardened shell standing on the ground. Chen Ming placed his hand on the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew to assess its condition, finding that its essence had grown considerably stronger compared to when he left.


    Although it would still take a long time before another drop of dew could be refined, the current progress indicated a promising development. Chen Ming''s experiment had proven successful: he could use other medicinal plants rich in soul power and vitality to nourish the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew and harvest even more of its precious essence.


    In Chen Ming''s eyes, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew was no longer just an immortal herb growing in the ground, but a hen that could lay golden eggs. Although this hen''s feed was undoubtedly expensive, the allure of those golden eggs was too tempting to ignore.


    "Grow well, now," Chen Ming said with a sinister smile, reminiscent of a thousand-year-old vampire. He reached out to pat the roots of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. For a moment, it seemed as if a monocle had appeared on his nose, making him look anything but trustworthy. Despite lacking sentience, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew trembled slightly, as if it had encountered its natural predator.


    After dealing with the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, Chen Ming turned his attention to the remaining immortal herbs. He only glanced briefly at herbs like the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, which had little value to him. Most of his focus was on the herbs that were truly beneficial to his cultivation.


    The Star Luo Holy Pearl swayed its leaves gently, and the fruit on its top remained round and full. Chen Ming placed his palm on the fruit and infused it with spiritual energy, sensing a faint response from the herb.


    Over the past few months, Chen Ming had been watering the Star Luo Holy Pearl with his blood, imbuing it with soul power and vitality. Every night, he also practiced absorbing the power of the stars, mimicking the Star Luo Holy Pearl. Through these efforts, his compatibility with the Star Luo Holy Pearl gradually increased. In a short time, he would likely be able to refine the fruit into his soul core.


    Once he consumed the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming could then focus on other immortal herbs. Next on the list was the golden Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.


    During this period, Chen Ming had been observing the essence of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, hoping to uncover the secret behind its legendary Diamond Body. He had already made some progress, and in time, he might be able to transform this knowledge into a self-created soul skill. Once his experiments were complete and he had absorbed the Star Luo Holy Pearl, he could consume the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to further temper his body.


    As for the Aromatic Silk Beauty, Chen Ming also conducted some research. He gradually gained a better understanding of how this herb used non-elemental soul power to neutralize poisons. A while ago, he had even plucked a few petals to collaborate with Dugu Bo on crafting a special medicine.


    The most important herb, however, was the Snow Swan Kiss.


    Despite still being unable to get too close to it, Chen Ming''s Spiritual Eye allowed him to observe its essence and soul power flow from a distance. Although this method was less effective than direct contact, it was better than nothing. Chen Ming had some ideas about how to use this herb to enhance his strength, but he lacked the necessary materials to even begin experimenting.


    Direct absorption was out of the question, but Chen Ming considered refining the Snow Swan Kissexternally¡ªsimilar to using a dragon''s core¡ªand employing it as an external amplifier.


    As for the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming had yet to come up with a reliable solution. Three months wasn''t enough time to handle everything, and these two herbs, which offered relatively little improvement to him, were naturally lower on his priority list.


    That said, Chen Ming wasn''t entirely without ideas.


    While flipping through a soul beast compendium recently, he remembered reading about a soul beast before his transmigration¡ªone that possessed ice, fire, and poison attributes. This creature was known as the Red Eyed Ice Toad.


    Highly unique, this soul beast was the martial soul of Meng Hongchen, the granddaughter of Jing Hongchen, the Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall, during the Douluo Dalu 2 era. The Red Eyed Ice Toad resided in the Extreme North, primarily an ice-element creature with fire-element eyes. It gained potent cold poison by alternating between its ice and fire attributes.


    Soul masters with this martial soul were similar to the Dugu family in that their bodies were often eroded by their poison. Few ever reached high levels of cultivation. Even within the soul beast world, the Red Eyed Ice Toad was a rare and eccentric species.


    Chen Ming believed that studying this soul beast could greatly aid his research into the coexistence of ice and fire attributes. If successful, he might even enhance the toxic effects of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot after consuming them, instead of eliminating their poisonous properties.


    However, obtaining a Red Eyed Ice Toad was no simple task. It lived in the Extreme North, where high-level soul beasts were as numerous as those in the Star Dou Forest, and the environment was a hundred times harsher¡ªentirely unsuitable for human survival. Even in the Douluo Dalu 2 era, it remained an absolute death zone. Losing a Titled Douluo there was not uncommon.


    Moreover, the extreme cold and heat of the region naturally counteracted poisons, making it especially unsuitable for poison-type soul masters.


    To put it bluntly, someone like Dugu Bo would have a high chance of dying there. Encountering a ten-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion or Titan Snow Demon would already pose significant trouble. And if a hundred-thousand-year ice-element soul beast appeared¡­


    There would be no chance of escape¡ªit would be certain death. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, Chen Ming didn''t hold out much hope for obtaining a Red Eyed Ice Toad. Even if he ventured to the Extreme North, he would need capable teammates to stand any chance of success.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [94]

    A month and a half later, within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the violent poisons surged with soul power. Two figures embraced each other, their soul power merging together.


    "Martial Soul Fusion Skill! Emerald Poison Emperor!"


    A deep green light erupted, engulfing the two. As the beam of light gradually dissipated, a massive Emerald Scorpion Emperor emerged in its place. The scorpion waved its enormous pincers, its long tail swaying, and its body radiating waves of powerful soul energy.


    Feeling the immense power within, the emerald-green scorpion let out a deafening roar.


    After just two cries, Chen Ming froze awkwardly. Although his soul power was stronger than ever before, he still felt a little out of sorts.


    "Wait... how does a scorpion even sound?" The massive Emerald Scorpion turned its head to look at Dugu Bo, who was observing nearby, speaking with the voice of Dugu Yan.


    "Scorpions... probably don''t make any sound, right?" Dugu Bo scratched his head and awkwardly answered his granddaughter''s question.


    Hearing Dugu Bo''s words, Dugu Yan''s consciousness in the scorpion''s body visibly fell, causing the originally raised tail to droop.


    Over the past few months, Chen Ming had successfully tamed the violent poisons in Dugu Yan''s body. Not only did this eliminate the risk of her being harmed by the backlash, but it also advanced her martial soul further.


    After fully mastering their soul power, the synchronization between Dugu Yan and Chen Ming improved further. The martial soul fusion skill, which had seen little progress for a long time, finally took its last step forward.


    This was Chen Ming''s first time performing a martial soul fusion skill with Dugu Yan, and both were extremely excited.


    Because the fusion process was led by Chen Ming and primarily centered on his martial soul, the fusion''s appearance was essentially a magnified version of Chen Ming''s martial soul. Only the tail section showed some characteristics belonging to Dugu Yan''s Jade Phosphor Serpent.


    In this state, even Chen Ming could feel the immense power, and a trace of excitement stirred in his heart. For Dugu Yan, who had never experienced such strength before, she was so thrilled she nearly lifted her tail to the heavens.


    This brief distraction significantly dampened Dugu Yan''s mood, counterbalancing her overexcitement.


    The fused Emerald Scorpion stood about seven meters in length, with a tail extending slightly over five meters. Each of its two massive pincers was about a meter and a half long, making its total length nearly fourteen meters¡ªan enormous creature even among scorpions.


    Its massive exoskeleton was engraved with intricate patterns, its colossal pincers gleamed with a purple hue, and its elongated tail swayed like a living entity, its tip hiding a dangerously sharp edge.


    Observing the fused pair, Dugu Bo gave his evaluation.


    "After the fusion, the soul power between the two of you has reached the level of a high-tier Soul King. With the effects of the martial soul fusion skill, you''re already comparable to an average Soul Emperor."


    "The power displayed after fusion isn''t as simple as 1+1; it''s a multiplicative enhancement."


    "Even the Netherworld White Tiger, the royal inheritance of the Star Luo Empire, might not necessarily rival your fusion skill."


    "However, personally speaking, there are far too few Jade Phosphor Serpent elements in your fusion form." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dugu Bo, in high spirits, shook his head, expressing his disappointment in his granddaughter.


    Seeing Dugu Bo teasing her on purpose, Dugu Yan suddenly felt eager to act. In the state of martial soul fusion, her thoughts were instantly communicated to Chen Ming.


    Spurred on by Dugu Yan, Chen Ming couldn''t help but consider the possibility. "Grandpa, how about we spar to test it out?"


    Chen Ming controlled the scorpion''s massive body and issued a challenge to Dugu Bo.


    "This is your first martial soul fusion¡ªcan you handle the energy consumption?" Dugu Bo, intrigued by the challenge, still showed some concern before agreeing.


    "No problem, we''re both in excellent condition!"


    "Alright then."


    As soon as Dugu Bo finished speaking, Dugu Yan controlled the scorpion''s tail to strike at him.


    Although the tail was initially only five meters long, it instantly extended several times its original length during the attack. Coated with venom, the tail''s sharp tip lunged fiercely toward Dugu Bo.


    "Chen Ming, you''re striking quite ruthlessly¡ªnot very like my precious granddaughter." Facing the sudden attack, Dugu Bo made a quip, but without even releasing his martial soul, he sidestepped the attack with ease.


    In four and a half months, the poisons in Dugu Bo''s body had been nearly neutralized. Though this detoxification process had taken a toll on him, it also granted him access to soul power and vitality he couldn''t previously utilize.


    Half a month ago, Dugu Bo had used this newfound strength to break through from level 93 to level 94.


    Although most of his progress from level 91 to 94 had been achieved with the help of soul bones, and much of the remaining progress came from absorbing poison attribute soul power, Dugu Bo''s efforts accounted for only a small portion of the advancement.


    Still, in the world of Douluo Dalu, this method of cultivation was entirely acceptable.


    After all, some individuals had advanced even more dramatically, relying almost entirely on spirit rings attached to a second martial soul to progress after reaching Titled Douluo. No one seemed to question that.


    At level 94, Dugu Bo''s power was worlds apart from when he was at level 91. He could now handle two of his former 91-level self with ease.


    Currently, his skin was no longer wrinkled, and his hair had turned snow-white. At a glance, he truly looked like an immortal with an ethereal aura.


    Although Chen Ming wanted to retort that the attack had been initiated by Dugu Yan, he knew he had to focus on the battle.


    The Emerald Scorpion''s massive pincers, imbued with venomous soul power, moved with precision. Its legs scurried rapidly as its enormous body charged at Dugu Bo like a runaway truck, its colossal pincers slamming down mercilessly.


    This powerful strike would intimidate even a typical Soul Sage, as the venomous soul power it carried could easily penetrate the defenses of 99% of soul masters.


    However, as a level 94 Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo stood his ground. Without dodging, he calmly raised his arm, meeting the massive pincer with his seemingly small hand.


    "Boom!"


    The collision between his hand and the pincer produced a dull sound. The ground beneath Dugu Bo cracked under the force, yet his posture remained firm. His hand, though tiny compared to the pincer, held it firmly in place.


    "Up!" Dugu Bo shouted, his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor martial soul activating. With a surge of strength, he lifted the scorpion''s massive pincer, forcing the Emerald Scorpion to stumble backward several steps.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [95]

    Title Douluo, even if they are not particularly skilled in physical strength, possess bodies of astonishing resilience thanks to the transformation brought by their nine soul rings and the amplification of their soul power. Furthermore, during this period, Dugu Bo''s physical body had been significantly enhanced for various reasons, and the quality of his martial soul had also improved after detoxification. Although he still wasn''t adept at melee combat, his physical body was no longer a weakness.


    The massive Emerald Scorpion retreated several steps and cautiously watched Dugu Bo. Its soul power began surging uncontrollably, and a massive domain unfolded with the Emerald Scorpion at its center.


    "Deathly Poison Realm!"


    Under the influence of a martial soul fusion skill, most spirit abilities, including soul bone skills, cannot be used. However, this domain from the Netherworld Scorpion did not fall into the category of most abilities.


    In addition to the Deathly Poison Realm, Chen Ming could still use one other skill¡ªthe Poison Explosion Technique, derived from the Emerald Scorpion. Since it originated from the Emerald Scorpion, he could use it even in his transformed Emerald Scorpion state.


    However, although his external soul bone also originated from the Emerald Scorpion, the tail portion contained many elements of the Jade Phosphorus Serpent, making it impossible to use the soul bone skill in this state.


    The domain, composed of the dual attributes of poison and death, expanded rapidly. The plants on the ground quickly lost their vitality, melting into pools of venom, with their soul power and life force assimilated into the domain as part of the deathly poison.


    Fortunately, the two of them were outside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The domain did not extend to the well; otherwise, the mere activation of the domain would have caused the loss of countless herbs, enough to make the wealth of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan seem insignificant.


    The moment the domain enveloped him, even someone as powerful as Dugu Bo, a Title Douluo, showed a drastic change in expression. His previously relaxed demeanor disappeared entirely, replaced by a look of pure seriousness.


    Within this domain, Dugu Bo felt his connection with external soul power completely severed. The soul power within his body began to be drained by the domain, and even his life force and mental energy showed signs of depletion.


    Although the domain was filled with poison, Dugu Bo, a Title Douluo specializing in poison, could not make use of even a trace of it. The poison, infused with the attribute of death, continuously corroded Dugu Bo''s protective soul power, leaving him no room for complacency.


    "So this is the tyranny of a domain-type spirit skill." Dugu Bo''s eyes narrowed, and the light of his third soul ring radiated from his body.


    "Jade Phosphorus Violet Poison!"


    The phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Serpent Emperor appeared, and its translucent snake mouth spewed out deep violet poison.


    This poison, originating from the Jade Phosphorus Serpent Emperor, quickly spread around Dugu Bo under his control, attempting to resist the erosion of the Deathly Poison Realm. However, it was completely ineffective.


    Even the poison Dugu Bo, a Title Douluo, prided himself on was gradually devoured by the Deathly Poison Realm. If it weren''t for Dugu Bo''s exceptionally deep reserves of soul power, the Jade Phosphorus Violet Poison wouldn''t have even caused a ripple within the domain.


    "Unite!"


    Realizing it was futile, Dugu Bo decisively let out a low shout. The scattered Jade Phosphorus Violet Poison began to condense, eventually forming a massive purple python that coiled toward the Emerald Scorpion''s body.


    Facing the poisonous python, Chen Ming merely swatted it away like a fly with his massive pincers, completely shattering it. The highly corrosive poison, capable of melting even metal, didn''t leave a single mark on his carapace.


    Dugu Bo''s heart sank. Something felt off, and he immediately activated his fifth soul ring to test again.


    Although the poison from his ten-thousand-year soul ring was far more potent than that of his third soul ring, it still failed to make even the slightest impact on the Emerald Scorpion Emperor.


    Seeing this, Dugu Bo''s face darkened.


    "High poison resistance? No, this is practically some rule-defying immunity to poison!"


    Among Dugu Bo''s nine spirit abilities, eight were poison-based, while the remaining one was a control skill. However, in his current state, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan''s martial fusion was immune to poison, making them the most incompatible enemy for Dugu Bo.


    In normal circumstances, Dugu Bo would never choose to fight someone like this unless he had lost his mind. But in front of his granddaughter and her fianc¨¦, Dugu Bo simply couldn''t allow himself to lose face.


    "Dragon''s Might!"


    Dugu Bo activated the soul bone skill he had obtained from absorbing the torso bone of a ten-thousand-year Earth-Dragon. His previously frail-looking body expanded as if inflated, and his once-aged physique was instantly covered in rippling muscles.


    Dragon''s Might increased strength, defense, speed, and resistance to abnormal conditions by 100%¡ªa pure melee-oriented skill. But that wasn''t all. Dugu Bo also activated the Jade Phosphorus Heavenly Light Shield from his left leg bone, enveloping himself in a protective barrier that completely ignored the poisonous and deathly attributes of the outside world.


    Taking advantage of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor''s slower reaction speed, Dugu Bo rushed beneath it and delivered a vicious uppercut to its head. The physical collision caused by this punch, after years of avoiding melee combat, left Dugu Bo feeling exhilarated.


    The punch was truly ferocious. The massive body of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor was sent flying in a dramatic arc.


    It felt as if Chen Ming and Dugu Yan had been stuffed into a giant bell, which was then struck hard from the outside. The entire world seemed to hum and tremble in resonance.


    After the head trauma, both Dugu Yan and Chen Ming experienced dizziness, and the flow of their soul power became intermittently disrupted.


    It was their first time entering a martial soul fusion state, and they were completely unprepared to handle such issues. Before they could readjust, the massive Emerald Scorpion Emperor disintegrated mid-air.


    Dugu Bo grabbed Dugu Yan with his left hand and Chen Ming with his right.


    Thanks to the protection of Dugu Bo''s soul power, neither of them suffered any serious harm. However, the interruption of the martial spirit fusion skill left their soul power and blood circulation in turmoil, causing significant discomfort.


    Chen Ming took a deep breath to recover and jumped down from Dugu Bo''s hand. Dugu Yan, supported by Dugu Bo, stood up and took a few deep breaths before finally regaining her composure.


    "No more, no more! Grandpa, this is cheating. A Title Douluo fighting a Soul Elder, and even using soul bone skills¡ªthis is bullying!"


    Dugu Yan clutched her head and complained to Dugu Bo.


    "I¡­ I''m the one bullying others? Grandpa''s bad."


    Dugu Bo wanted to retort, "You''re both immune to poison! What else can this Poison Douluo do besides fight in melee?" But in the face of his beloved granddaughter, he could only raise his hands in surrender.


    On the side, Chen Ming recovered his soul power while mentally noting a few exposed issues.


    In the state of martial soul possession, the Emerald Scorpion Emperor did not affect his reaction speed. However, once in the martial soul fusion state, he transformed into a true Emerald Scorpion Emperor, and his reaction speed became a problem.


    The reaction speed of arthropods is inherently slower than that of vertebrates. The larger the body size, the more pronounced this issue becomes. This structural limitation is difficult to overcome¡ªa rare instance of Douluo Dalu adhering to scientific principles in such a peculiar way.


    In the martial soul fusion state, he essentially became a real soul beast. While his other attributes were significantly enhanced, his reaction speed not only failed to improve but declined somewhat.


    Second, the martial soul fusion state relied on the compatibility of both participants to sustain it. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For example, despite the damage they received being far from enough to force them out of the fusion state, their inability to maintain synchronization caused the fusion to disintegrate on its own.


    This was another issue that needed to be carefully noted.


    However, despite these issues, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The martial spirit fusion state still represented a significant boost to Chen Ming''s strength.


    Although Dugu Bo''s evaluation was that it was comparable to an average Soul Emperor, considering the domain and the Poison Explosion Technique that could still be used after transforming, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan might already be capable of challenging some Soul Sages.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [96]

    After slightly stabilizing their soul power and state, the three of them began packing their belongings, preparing to leave. Dugu Bo''s poison had already been cured, and the deadly poison in Dugu Yan had also been completely tamed. Now that Dugu Yan, who had been stuck at level 30 for several months, could attach her third soul ring, Dugu Bo no longer had any reason to stay here.


    Having been away from human society for several months, even Chen Ming was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Although there hadn''t been any major issues, he often felt somewhat unmotivated in his daily life.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity to help Dugu Yan attach her soul ring, the group decided to visit a nearby city for a brief stroll.


    This time, however, the soul ring they needed wasn''t to be hunted within the Sunset Forest but rather in the Star Dou Forest. So, the group planned to visit a city near the Heaven Dou Forest along the way.


    That night, under the starlight shining down from the sky, Chen Ming approached the Star Luo Holy Pearl. After months of refinement and modification, the Star Luo Holy Pearl had completely adapted to Chen Ming, and its medicinal properties had further improved, reaching the point where it was ready to be harvested.


    Chen Ming removed his shirt and sat cross-legged, stretching out his hand toward the Star Luo Holy Pearl. The fruit on the Star Luo Holy Pearl, as if sensing his intention, dropped into his palm on its own.


    Chen Ming brought the Star Luo Holy Pearl close to his middle dantian and channeled his soul power. The fruit of the Star Luo Holy Pearl merged into his body as if it were an illusion.


    Choosing the middle dantian as the location for his first soul core was a decision Chen Ming had carefully considered.


    In the second installment of Douluo Dalu: Peerless Tang Sect, Titled Douluos typically possessed one soul core, and Ultimate Douluos would condense a second soul core.


    There are two different methods to condense a second soul core: Yin-Yang Complementation and Homogeneous Resonance.


    Each of these methods has its merits, but if one wants to achieve the level of three soul cores like the protagonist Huo Yuhao, one must choose the method of Homogeneous Resonance.


    The Yin-Yang Complementation method for dual soul cores is more perfect and stable, but its overly stable structure makes it impossible to incorporate a third soul core.


    Huo Yuhao''s condensation sequence was upper dantian, middle dantian, and lower dantian. By the time he condensed his third soul core, he had already reached the peak level of Ultimate Douluo, possessing divine trials as well. There were too many unreplicable factors in his success.


    Chen Ming placed the Star Luo Holy Pearl in his middle dantian to use it as the foundation for Homogeneous Resonance when condensing future soul cores.


    If he followed Huo Yuhao''s upper-middle-lower sequence, Chen Ming wasn''t confident that, in an era without guidance, he could truly achieve the level of three soul cores.


    The fusion of the Star Luo Holy Pearl went very smoothly. As an immortal herb, it was naturally attuned to humans, and after being modified by Chen Ming, it was even easier to absorb than some high-age medicinal herbs.


    Once the Star Luo Holy Pearl entered his middle dantian, it was imprinted with Chen Ming''s spiritual power and soul power, starting its gradual transformation into a soul core.


    An hour later, the soul core within Chen Ming''s body was fully formed. A massive vortex spun rapidly in his middle dantian, devouring the surrounding essence energy.


    At this moment, the soul power accumulated within the Star Luo Holy Pearl, along with the external soul power, poured violently into Chen Ming''s meridians. Even though Chen Ming''s meridians were stronger and wider than those of most Soul Emperors, he still felt as though they were about to tear under the tremendous impact of soul power.


    Before absorbing the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming''s soul power level was at 34. After the absorption, it skyrocketed as though propelled by a rocket.


    35, 36, 37, 38, 39¡­


    Chen Ming''s soul power increased level by level, quickly reaching level 39 in one go. After absorbing the surrounding essence energy for a while, he directly broke through to level 40.


    After completing the absorption, Chen Ming collapsed onto the ground, taking out the Dragon Core to slowly restore his vitality.


    Was the absorption ineffective?


    No, no, the absorption was too effective. A six-level increase in soul power in one go¡ªthis would bring tears to the Angel God''s eyes and cause the Sea God to collapse in disbelief. Condensing a soul core at level 40, even in the power-inflated realm of Douluo Dalu 4, was enough to make anyone gasp.


    The problem, however, lay in the rapid increase.


    The energy stored within the Star Luo Holy Pearl was too immense, and the amount of essence energy the soul core could process at once was overwhelming. Chen Ming''s meridians were nearly stretched to their breaking point.


    Although an increase in soul power would naturally improve physical attributes, his body couldn''t keep up with a six-level leap in soul power all at once.


    Fortunately, Chen Ming''s body had been tempered to an exceptional degree, and his meridians had been fortified by various rare herbs and whale glue.


    If it had been any ordinary Soul Master, their meridians would have been torn apart multiple times by the sheer volume of soul power. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even after absorbing the Star Luo Holy Pearl, Chen Ming had to focus on actively calming the soul core in his dantian. If a large-scale essence energy exchange occurred again, his meridians might truly fail to withstand it.


    Seeing Chen Ming lying on the ground, Dugu Bo hurriedly helped him sit up. Sensing the level 40 soul power within Chen Ming, Dugu Bo gave up trying to make sense of it all.


    "Grandpa, help me over to the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum."


    "Alright," Dugu Bo nodded without asking questions and helped Chen Ming to the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. Watching as Chen Ming pulled the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum from the ground and stuffed it directly into his mouth, Dugu Bo was stunned.


    The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum could open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and forge an indestructible body.


    After studying its properties for some time, Chen Ming had already figured out how to guide its energy. As the power within the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum entered his body, Chen Ming actively directed it to transform various parts of his physique. It opened his Eight Extraordinary Meridians and forged an indestructible body.


    The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, while being a metallic plant, didn''t possess a typical metallic attribute but rather a pure, eternal golden nature.


    Concepts such as the Golden Core and Golden Body are based on this essence of eternal golden nature, which also serves as the foundation for the indestructible body granted by the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.


    The golden essence circulated through Chen Ming''s body, opening all his meridians. Its unique golden nature also infused his blood and marrow with a special power.


    Just as this energy was about to be completely depleted, the soul core within Chen Ming''s body, which had previously been powered down, seemed to sense something. It suddenly activated, absorbing the remaining essence of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.


    The golden nature infused the previously attribute-less soul core. Although it didn''t imbue it with any new attributes, it gave the soul core a faint golden hue, making it somewhat resemble the Golden Core often described in novels.


    After circulating through the soul core, Chen Ming''s soul power also gained a hint of infinity.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [97]

    Chen Ming opened his eyes and felt an unprecedented sense of vitality and strength.


    He stretched out his arm, concentrating his soul power at his fingertips before flicking it forward. The soul power instantly solidified and shot out like a bullet, leaving a deep hole in the ground.


    Chen Ming once again gathered his soul power across his body. The previously formless and intangible energy had now materialized into a suit of armor. Unlike his usual poison attribute, this armor had a faint golden glow.


    "Have I reached the level of a Dou Grandmaster?" Chen Ming couldn''t help but entertain this absurd thought as he observed the transformation.


    "Soul power solidification, shifting from liquid to solid form, and now I even have a slightly irregular rhombus-shaped soul core within me. My soul power can condense into physical armor..."


    "Damn, why does this feel more and more like I''ve become a Dou Grandmaster from Battle Through the Heavens?"


    Shaking his head, Chen Ming dispelled the thought and refocused his attention on his body.


    After consuming the miraculous herb, Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, his physical capabilities had almost doubled. All previously blocked meridians in his body were now fully cleared. Additionally, a trace of immortal golden energy had fused into his body, transforming his flesh and meridians.


    The issue of his soul power exceeding his body''s limits¡ªcaused by consuming the Star Luo Holy Pearl¡ªhad completely resolved. Now, even if his soul core operated at full capacity to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy, his meridians could handle it effortlessly.


    Though he was merely a Quasi-Soul Ancestor without a fourth soul ring yet, his physical attributes had already surpassed most Soul Sages. His meridian strength and vitality had even reached the level of a Title Douluo.


    As for his spiritual power¡­


    Although he had only consumed a few drops of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, which didn''t seem to provide massive improvement, the process of comprehending laws had naturally boosted his spiritual power. Combined with the star energy he had been absorbing during this time, Chen Ming''s spiritual power had been steadily advancing.


    If he were to compare himself to Dugu Bo, his spiritual power was only about 10% lower than Dugu Bo''s when they first met.


    Although Dugu Bo''s spiritual power was likely on the weaker side for a Title Douluo¡ªpossibly lowering the bar for the spiritual power requirements of a Title Douluo¡ªhe was still undeniably a Title Douluo.


    By this comparison, Chen Ming''s spiritual power had already reached the realm of a Title Douluo.


    Now, the only thing separating him from a Title Douluo was time and accumulation. The only real obstacles he faced were the divine realm and the two soul cores he had yet to condense.


    Still, the similarities to a Dou Grandmaster from Battle Through the Heavens left Chen Ming feeling a little amused and exasperated.


    As Chen Ming stood up and demonstrated his ability to solidify soul power, Dugu Bo, who was watching from the side, had grown numb to it all.


    If someone told Dugu Bo that Chen Ming was the reincarnation of the Angel God, he would probably nod in agreement and immediately drag Chen Ming to the Spirit Hall to demand benefits from Qian Daoliu.


    After all, Chen Ming''s abilities were far beyond those of an ordinary human. Dugu Bo had long since stopped comparing himself, an average talent, to Chen Ming.


    While Dugu Bo was content to let things be, Chen Ming eagerly approached him and extended his soul armor-covered arm.


    "Grandpa, try it out. See how strong the defense of this soul armor is."


    "Alright." Dugu Bo nodded, reached out, and began increasing the soul power in his grip bit by bit.


    Only when Dugu Bo''s soul power reached the level of a Soul Sage did the armor show faint cracks. It wasn''t until he used the power of a Soul Douluo that he finally managed to shatter the armor completely.


    "The defense is approximately equivalent to the sixth soul skill of a top-tier defensive Soul Sage. Regular Soul Kings wouldn''t even be able to leave a scratch on this armor," Dugu Bo evaluated calmly. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Using Soul Douluo-level soul power ¡Ù using the full strength of a Soul Douluo.


    In Douluo Dalu, martial souls enhance a soul master''s physical body, and soul skills come in myriad forms. High-level soul masters have countless powerful techniques and buffs at their disposal. For a real Soul Douluo to break Chen Ming''s soul armor, it would only take a little effort.


    Hearing Dugu Bo''s assessment, Chen Ming felt quite satisfied.


    After all, he was just a Soul Ancestor without a fourth soul ring. For his soul armor to have the defensive strength of a sixth soul skill from a defensive Soul Sage was already extraordinary.


    This level of defense would even hold its own in battles between Soul Sages.


    What''s more, as his soul power grew, the defensive capability of his soul armor would continue to improve. The current version was merely the simplest and most basic form.


    Noticing Chen Ming''s satisfied expression, Dugu Bo couldn''t hold back a question.


    "Xiao Ming, does this soul armor consume a lot of soul power?"


    "Consume? Now that I have a soul core, my soul power recovery rate is on a completely different level from before. As long as I don''t use soul skills, I can maintain this soul armor indefinitely."


    "¡­"


    "?"


    Dugu Bo tilted his head slowly, forming a question mark. It took him a long time to process Chen Ming''s statement about maintaining the armor indefinitely.


    When Chen Ming, worried, gently pushed him, Dugu Bo finally snapped out of it. He sighed, then reluctantly spat out his treasured poison core.


    "Xiao Ming, take a look. Can this poison core of mine be turned into a soul core?"


    Though his poison core was already extraordinary, enhancing both the quality and recovery speed of his soul power, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but feel envious of Chen Ming''s soul core.


    "Hmm¡­" Chen Ming pondered for a moment, referencing the soul core in his body that was developing towards a golden core. He finally gave his answer.


    "Grandpa, it''s possible to convert the poison core into a soul core, but your spiritual power isn''t strong enough¡­"


    "Oh, not enough spiritual power, huh." Dugu Bo stiffly swallowed the poison core back down, looking utterly dejected.


    Why was it that even after absorbing a 50,000-year Medusa head soul bone, his spiritual power was still deemed inadequate?


    Could it be that he was just dumb, naive, and easily deceived, which made his spiritual power so low?


    "Xiao Ming, you''d better hurry up and figure out a way for me to train my spiritual power," Dugu Bo sighed, hunched over as he slowly walked back to his residence in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well under the moonlight. His figure looked exceptionally desolate.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [98]

    The next morning, Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Chen Ming set off toward the Star Dou Forest. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although, given Dugu Bo''s status, traveling by carriage to the Star Dou Forest would have been completely normal, as a traditionalist soul master, Dugu Bo preferred to teach them on the road. In this aspect, he bore some resemblance to the future Chicken Drumstick Douluo.


    Dugu Bo avoided the main roads and even deliberately took detours, leading Chen Ming and Dugu Yan through small cities.


    Unlike the simple and honest folk of Biluochen City, the Douluo Continent was never short of bandits and evildoers. Near large cities, the situation was better¡ªif the city lord didn''t maintain order, the Spirit Hall would ensure safety. Even passing soul masters would often take the opportunity to dispatch any petty criminals they encountered.


    However, smaller cities had much worse security.


    Though Biluochen City was impoverished, it was built near a major gathering site for soul beasts, making it a large city. The Spirit Hall bishop within was a Soul Emperor, and the strongest family member was a Soul King.


    In small cities, however, the Spirit Hall bishop might only be of Soul Elder level, and the city lord might barely be a Soul Grandmaster. Not only was their strength lacking, but given the corrupt state of the Heaven Dou Empire, city defenses were often inadequate.


    Under such circumstances, small cities often suffered from internal gang activity and external banditry. Public security was abysmal, and collusion between officials and bandits was common. Some gangs and bandits even acted as the black gloves of the nobility.


    Even if high-level soul masters occasionally passed through, they couldn''t deal with those protected by such umbrellas.


    In Dugu Bo''s view, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan had been sheltered for too long and hadn''t seen the darker sides of society. Since this trip was a chance to travel the continent, he intended to expose them to such realities to prevent them from someday falling victim to them.


    On their first raid against bandits, Dugu Bo accompanied the two as they stormed the bandit stronghold. For those bandits who attempted to surrender, Dugu Bo personally decided their fate, while Dugu Yan and Chen Ming were only responsible for using poison from a distance.


    Despite this, for the next few days, Dugu Yan seemed dispirited, and Chen Ming also appeared distracted, as though pondering something deeply.


    During their second raid, Dugu Bo hid himself and left the task to Dugu Yan and Chen Ming.


    Dugu Bo had expected the two to hesitate this time. However, without Dugu Bo present, Chen Ming became even calmer and more decisive.


    He took over most of the work himself, leaving only a few enemies for Dugu Yan. Although their poison was capable of dissolving enemies to the point that not even bones remained, Chen Ming was considerate of Dugu Yan''s feelings and ensured the enemies were left with intact corpses.


    Dugu Yan, however, didn''t perform as well. When faced with enemies who surrendered, she hesitated. She even considered sparing those who seemed younger or less threatening.


    But kindness doesn''t always yield good results. Blood-soaked bandits don''t think so simply.


    Predictably, some of those who had surrendered attacked Dugu Yan when she let her guard down. Just as they drew their weapons and charged at her, Chen Ming''s scorpion tail pierced through them, stringing them up like candied hawthorns.


    Chen Ming showed no mercy to these individuals. His venom dissolved their flesh, bones, and all, reducing them to toxic puddles. He efficiently dealt with those who hadn''t even had the chance to act.


    To Chen Ming, there were only two categories of people: those who had acted and those who hadn''t yet acted. The former was sentenced to immediate death, while the latter was granted a reprieve¡ªonly until the former was eliminated.


    In the end, Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo watched as Chen Ming combed through the bandit stronghold, using his venom to kill every last bandit he found, even children hiding in corners.


    Pleading was useless. Playing pitifully was useless. Appeals to familial bonds were useless...


    Chen Ming''s only mercy was to ensure their deaths were as painless as possible. After killing them, he would puncture their chests on both sides and decapitate them with his tail, employing a Mozambique-style method to ensure none of them could resurrect after his departure.


    Before leaving, Chen Ming engulfed the stronghold in poisonous mist, followed by a poison explosion to ensure nothing survived¡ªnot even a worm. Only after confirming this did he finally stop and leave with the others.


    What''s the most valued trait in CN web novels? Harems?


    No¡ªit''s wiping out entire families!


    If you don''t eliminate the roots, they''ll sprout again in spring. Once you act, you must go all the way¡ªlike cutting an egg vertically and crushing a worm completely. Chen Ming didn''t leave a single living soul, not even a mouse!


    Even Dugu Bo, a seasoned veteran, was spooked by this scene, wondering if Chen Ming had been pushed too far and gone mad.


    Initially, Dugu Yan was still downcast, but after witnessing Chen Ming''s actions, she immediately returned to her usual self, earnestly expressing concern for Chen Ming''s state.


    After leaving the stronghold, Dugu Bo decided to end their training.


    He took Dugu Yan and Chen Ming to the nearest large city, where they stayed for a while. During this time, both Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo repeatedly tried to persuade Chen Ming.


    Although Chen Ming repeatedly insisted that his actions were merely out of caution and that he had no psychological issues, Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo still forced him to remain in the city to relax.


    If not for Dugu Bo''s reputation, he might have even suggested that Chen Ming visit those kinds of places to let off some steam.


    After all, who sets out to eliminate bandits by cutting eggs vertically and crushing worms completely?


    Even evil soul masters would think Chen Ming''s methods were too extreme.


    In the following days, Dugu Yan took Chen Ming around the city, shopping and enjoying street food like a normal couple.


    At first, this was all for Chen Ming''s sake, but once Dugu Yan started shopping, her innate instincts took over. She enthusiastically dragged Chen Ming around the entire city, shopping nonstop.


    Back in Heaven Dou City, anything Dugu Yan wanted would be delivered immediately. The experience of shopping in person was intoxicating for her. No woman can resist the allure of shopping.


    From the east side of the city to the west, and from the south to the north, the pair roamed. Initially, Dugu Bo followed them in secret to ensure their safety.


    However, after only two days, Dugu Bo declared the city safe and retreated to his room, leaving them alone. It was unclear whether he was giving them space or whether even a Title Douluo couldn''t endure Dugu Yan''s shopping spree.


    While passing an alley, Dugu Yan became fascinated by the jewelry being sold in a roadside shop. To Chen Ming, it seemed like she had already bought countless similar items, but Dugu Yan was still excitedly browsing and chatting with the shopkeeper.


    Even though Chen Ming had a strong body and great mental fortitude, the endless shopping left him utterly exhausted. Taking advantage of Dugu Yan''s engrossed conversation, he quietly slipped away to the street corner for some fresh air.


    As his gaze wandered, he noticed a rather unique-looking shop tucked away in the corner.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [99]

    Logically speaking, most shops usually reveal what they''re selling through their signs and names to attract nearby customers. However, this shop was quite peculiar. The signboard outside didn''t have any words on it but was engraved with three special emblems. Although the craftsmanship of the engraver was rather mediocre, making the patterns somewhat abstract, upon closer inspection, Chen Ming could still recognize that the three emblems were the Clear Sky Hammer, the Seven Kill Sword, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.


    These are the symbols of the top three sects, and they''ve also been engraved on the tokens issued by the Spirit Hall in recent decades.


    Under normal circumstances, only shops belonging to or associated with these three sects would carve one of these symbols into their signboards to signify their affiliation.


    Ever since the Clear Sky Sect sealed itself off from the world, the markings of the Clear Sky Hammer could no longer be seen on shops along the streets. Only the symbols of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect''s Seven Kill Sword and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect''s Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon remained.


    Chen Ming had previously visited shops affiliated with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Although these shops prominently displayed their respective symbols, they still had proper shop names.


    This was the first time Chen Ming, in all his years, had seen a shop whose signboard consisted solely of these three symbols.


    How should one describe it¡­


    It felt rather out of place.


    The Clear Sky Sect''s symbol was mostly found in blacksmith shops, while the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon''s symbol was usually seen in shops selling materials from spirit beasts. Only the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect''s symbol might appear in all types of shops.


    To outsiders or those with limited knowledge, these three symbols appearing together might give the impression of something remarkable. But to insiders, doing this was akin to blatantly stating on the signboard, "I''m a fraud."


    Driven by curiosity, Chen Ming pushed open the shop''s door and slowly walked inside.


    Inside the large shop, there was only one person, and no counter could be seen. The three surrounding walls were crammed with various old and worn-out items, none of which looked valuable.


    At this moment, the shop owner was reclining on a lounge chair, using his weight to keep the chair from tipping backward, holding a lunchbox in his hand, clearly in the middle of a meal.


    The moment this person looked up, Chen Ming almost immediately guessed who he was.


    A hooked nose, a face as flat as a shoe sole, and a cunning expression. Combined with the setting and the signboard outside¡­


    Wasn''t this person none other than the dean from the original Shrek story, the legendary miser, the Flying Horn of the Golden Iron Triangle, Four-Eyed Owl Flender?


    Noticing someone enter the shop, Flender''s eyes lit up instantly. His gaze swept over Chen Ming briefly, and he immediately became energized.


    "This outfit, this style, this fabric¡­ No matter how I look at it, it seems like something only available in Heaven Dou City, right?"


    "This demeanor, this aura¡­ Could it be a noble young master who has come from Heaven Dou City?"


    As a shrewd businessman, Flender''s eyes were razor-sharp. With just a glance, he had noticed that while Chen Ming''s clothes appeared relatively plain, they were actually of exceptional quality. Furthermore, his entire demeanor was nothing like that of rogue soul masters who lived perilous lives.


    In reality, this outfit was made by the tailor in Dugu Bo''s residence. Not much effort had been put into its design; it was just a random assortment of everyday clothes.


    However, the tailor of Titled Douluo''s household could hardly be ordinary. Although Dugu Bo had given only casual instructions, the tailor had still done their utmost to craft Chen Ming''s daily attire.


    From the fabric to the design, it was a genuine masterpiece, ranking among the finest even in Heaven Dou City.


    But to Dugu Bo and Chen Ming, who were both rather unrefined, these clothes were just everyday wear, with no attention paid to the details.


    Usually, Flender ignored most visitors, as he could tell that these country bumpkins couldn''t afford his goods and thus didn''t bother to waste his energy on them.


    But now that he saw a noble young master from Heaven Dou City, Flender immediately perked up, his eyes gleaming with a sharp and cunning light. He stood up, casually tossed the half-eaten lunchbox onto a small table beside the lounge chair, wiped his mouth haphazardly, and walked toward Chen Ming with a face full of smiles.


    From his appearance alone, he looked exactly like a shrewd and calculating shopkeeper. There was no hint that he was, in fact, a famous Spirit Sage-level soul master on the continent.


    "Hello, young master. Welcome to my humble shop. What are you looking for today?" Flender asked with a smile, his tone exceedingly friendly.


    "I was just passing by and saw the sign outside, so I got curious and decided to take a look around," Chen Ming replied casually, wanting to see how this important character from the original story would respond.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s casual reply, Flender wasn''t annoyed. Instead, his smile grew even more genuine.


    "Just looking around? That''s perfect! It means you''re open to finding anything," Flender thought. "With my skills and tongue, if I can''t talk this noble kid into clearing out my junk pile, it must be because he didn''t bring enough money."


    "Come, come, this way, please."


    "Look at this¡ªthis is an ancient storage-type soul tool. It was recently excavated from a ruin by a group of soul masters. Its condition is excellent. Without my connections, rare treasures like this would never circulate on the market."


    Chen Ming accepted the bracelet-shaped storage soul tool that Flender handed over and probed it with his soul power.


    Compared to the storage soul tools commonly available on the market, which usually had a capacity of one or two cubic meters, this bracelet-shaped storage soul tool indeed had a much larger capacity¡ªabout five or six cubic meters. It was only slightly smaller than the one Chen Tianyun had given him.


    The problem, however, lay in the fact that the internal space of this storage soul tool was highly unstable, and the engravings crucial to its function had faded over time.


    While it might work fine for one or two uses, any frequent usage would cause the soul tool to completely break down, taking everything stored inside it into spatial chaos.


    And at that point, there would be no use crying over it.


    Mistaking Chen Ming''s hesitation as consideration, Flender, whose eyes were practically gleaming with gold coin symbols, continued to extol the virtues of his wares.


    "A storage soul tool of this size is extremely rare, even on the entire continent. Most of them are sent directly to auction houses, where they fetch sky-high prices."


    "You entering my shop out of all the people in the world proves that we are fated. I''ll give you the best possible deal."


    "This soul tool is worth 20,000 gold soul coins at market value. But I''ll give you a discount. Not 20,000, not even half that¡ªjust 9,998 gold soul coins, and this exquisite storage soul tool can be yours."


    "Doesn''t that sound tempting?"


    S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [100]

    "9,998 gold soul coins?"


    Hearing Flender''s asking price, Chen Ming''s voice involuntarily rose by eight octaves.


    "Only 9,998 gold soul coins!" Flender mistakenly thought that this gullible customer had fallen for his sales tactics, shocked that such a large soul tool was being offered at just half the price, completely unaware that Chen Ming had already seen through the essence of this soul tool.


    "Your asking price is outrageous! Are you trying to fool an idiot? While the storage space inside this soul tool is indeed large, it''s unstable and could explode at any time. If you sent this to an auction house, they wouldn''t even accept it."


    "This soul tool is worth, at most, 200 gold soul coins¡ªand that''s only because it''s a historical artifact with decent aesthetics. It''s priced as a decorative piece. If anyone were to use it as a storage soul tool, they''d risk losing their entire fortune in some spatial explosion!"


    "What? It''s that serious?" Flender quickly grabbed the storage soul tool and began to inspect it carefully.


    When Flender first acquired this item, he assumed the storage space inside it might simply shrink over time. But after Chen Ming pointed out some issues, Flender began to sense that something was indeed wrong.


    He turned his attention to the storage soul tool, repeatedly storing and retrieving items from it. After using it more than ten times in a short period, Flender finally noticed that the problem was far worse than he had initially imagined.


    The space hadn''t shrunk much, but it had become increasingly unstable. When placing or retrieving items, there was a growing sense of rigidity, and the soul power consumption was also increasing with each use.


    During his earlier tests, he had only used it a few times before stopping, so the issue hadn''t been apparent. It took repeated trials to uncover the problem.


    At this rate, it wasn''t just a matter of the space shrinking over time¡ªit might outright explode.


    "Sorry about that, I made a mistake..." Flender forced an awkward smile and stuffed the bracelet-shaped storage soul tool back into his pocket.


    He was indeed a shrewd businessman, but even he had limits.


    A storage soul tool that gradually shrank in capacity was one thing¡ªit might earn him a few complaints, or at worst, a refund request. But one that exploded mid-use? That would undoubtedly make him an enemy.


    At best, the buyer would secretly sabotage him in retaliation. At worst, they might directly come knocking at his doorstep.


    Granted, Flender didn''t particularly mind making enemies, but it had to be worth it.


    Making an enemy over a faulty storage soul tool? That wasn''t worth it.


    As this thought crossed his mind, Flender''s eyes flickered slightly, as if he had realized something.


    Wait a minute¡ªhe had only discovered the problem after being prompted and testing the soul tool more than ten times. How had this kid noticed it on his first try?


    Was it because he had expertise in storage soul tools? Or was it that¡­ he possessed a rare spatial-type martial soul?


    "Young man, I see you have extraordinary talent. You''re a great prospect! Have you ever heard of Shrek Academy?"


    Flender couldn''t even be bothered to continue selling his goods. Instead, he enthusiastically began introducing his Shrek Academy to Chen Ming.


    Whether Chen Ming had expertise in storage soul tools or possessed a rare spatial-type martial soul, Flender had no intention of letting him slip away.


    The former represented a knowledgeable talent. If Chen Ming joined Shrek, Flender could potentially acquire countless valuable items in the future. This would be like having a walking pile of gold soul coins on hand.


    The latter represented a strategic talent. Even if Chen Ming''s aptitude was slightly subpar, spatial-type martial souls were among the rarest on the Douluo Continent. With proper training, his future potential would be limitless.


    Moreover, the quality of spatial-type martial souls was inherently high, and their innate soul power was bound to be superior compared to ordinary soul masters.


    A talent like this showing up at his doorstep? It was as if the heavens themselves, seeing Shrek Academy''s lack of students, had deliberately sent him a gift.


    "Sorry, never heard of it. Not interested. I''m a student of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and won''t be joining any other academy."


    Chen Ming''s response to Flender''s invitation was a flat rejection, delivered with a three-hit combo of polite refusal, leaving Flender speechless.


    It was only then that Flender noticed the Heaven Dou City-style clothing Chen Ming was wearing. It was clear his family background wasn''t lacking, and joining Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was only natural.


    Thinking it through, Flender realized he had been overly presumptuous.


    "Ahem... I couldn''t help myself for a moment... Ahem..." Flender coughed awkwardly a few times and stopped promoting Shrek Academy. Instead, he started introducing the various items in his shop.


    Because of what had just happened, Flender was more honest when introducing the items this time. Although the prices were still higher than average, and he occasionally couldn''t help but exaggerate the value of his goods, the descriptions were mostly accurate, without the glaring problems from earlier.


    After browsing the shop, Chen Ming spotted the crystalline gold that Tang San had taken in the original story. He casually picked it up, weighed it in his hand, and asked Flender:


    "How much for this crystal?"


    "100 gold soul coins," Flender replied without hesitation, quoting an exorbitant sky-high price.


    "Heh..." Chen Ming chuckled, placed the crystalline gold back on the shelf, and began examining the nearby soul tools that resembled junk.


    Although these soul tools were either broken or on the verge of breaking, they were crafted from rare metals.


    Before putting them on display, Flender had already inspected most of them, removing and selling the valuable materials. But a few still had some utility left.


    Chen Ming casually picked out two or three items, placed them together, and turned to Flender.


    "How much for this junk?"


    "Junk? These are treasures! I only left a few valuable items in this pile of junk to create a lucky find for customers, hoping they''d come back to my shop in the future. And you just picked them all out!"


    Flender muttered, his expression slightly awkward.


    "Are you selling them or not?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course, I''m selling! Out of all the people in the world, you came into my shop¡ªthat''s fate. For a fated customer like you, I''ll sell. And with your sharp eye, these treasures won''t go to waste."


    Flender''s expression shifted instantly, a beaming smile spreading across his face. Though his words were flattering, his hands were quick, pulling out an abacus from who-knows-where and calculating with practiced efficiency.


    "A total of 1,024 gold soul coins," Flender said with a cheerful grin after doing the math.


    "500 gold soul coins," Chen Ming countered, cutting the price in half without hesitation.


    "But I paid more than 500 gold soul coins for these..." Flender grimaced, complaining to Chen Ming.


    "500''s my final offer. Take it or leave it. If not, I''ll leave."


    "Fine! I''ll sell!" Flender swiftly grabbed a cloth bag, stuffed the nearly useless soul tools into it, and handed it over to Chen Ming, holding out his hand for payment.


    "I have a feeling I might have overpaid..." Chen Ming sighed.


    "Come on, look at the deal you got!" Flender''s eyes darted to the crystalline gold sitting on the shelf. A sudden idea struck him, and he tossed the crystal into the bag.


    Flender had owned the crystalline gold for years without knowing its use. It wouldn''t sell for much even at the blacksmith association, so he might as well toss it in as a freebie.


    "I''ll throw in an extra item for free. 500 gold soul coins¡ªI''m losing money here."


    "Tsk..." Chen Ming shook his head, hesitated for a moment, and finally pulled out a card from his storage soul tool, handing it to Flender.


    Seeing the 1,000 gold soul coin card, Flender''s grin widened. He quickly retrieved five pouches containing 100 gold soul coins each and handed them to Chen Ming before eagerly pocketing the card.


    Flender was a simple man¡ªhis life revolved around three things: Erlong, Shrek, and making money.


    As for Yu Xiaogang... well, that was something special to him.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [101]

    Just as Chen Ming was about to turn and leave, Flender suddenly pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it toward Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming casually caught it and realized it was the same bracelet-shaped storage soul tool with an unstable internal space that he had seen earlier.


    "Take it. Consider it a gift from me," Flender explained, noticing Chen Ming''s confusion.


    "Think of it as payment for pointing out the problem with this storage soul tool earlier," he added.


    Flender was known for being stingy, unwilling to part with even a single gold coin if he could help it. However, he was also wise. Back when the Golden Iron Triangle roamed the Douluo Continent, it was Flender who helped the other two members strategize and navigate challenges.


    Without Flender''s guidance, Yu Xiaogang''s extraordinary wisdom and equally extraordinary lack of social skills might have led to the Golden Iron Triangle''s downfall shortly after it was formed.


    Flender could see that Chen Ming was no ordinary person. Although Chen Ming couldn''t join his Shrek Academy, Flender saw no harm in currying a little favor.


    In the world of wanderers and adventurers, connections mattered. The more friends you had and the fewer enemies you made, the better your chances of survival.


    Besides, the storage soul tool was on the verge of breaking and wasn''t worth much. It wasn''t even easy to sell. Gifting it as a token of goodwill cost Flender nothing, and he didn''t mind parting with it.


    "Thank you," Chen Ming replied, taking the bracelet. His impression of Flender improved slightly. He pushed open the door and returned to the jewelry store not far away.


    At that moment, Dugu Yan was still browsing various pieces of jewelry, completely unaware that Chen Ming had stepped away earlier.


    With her wealth, Dugu Yan could have easily bought everything in the store¡ªor even the store itself. But she simply enjoyed the experience of shopping.


    Over half an hour later, Dugu Yan walked out of the jewelry store, satisfied. Behind her, the shopkeeper, a cheerful middle-aged woman, accompanied her to the door with a wide smile.


    In just half an hour, Dugu Yan had spent more than 100 gold soul coins. Though this was pocket change for Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, it was a significant windfall for the shopkeeper, who wasn''t a soul master.


    Just as Dugu Yan was about to leave with Chen Ming, two rowdy voices came from outside the alley.


    Before Chen Ming and Dugu Yan could react, the jewelry store owner''s face changed drastically. She quickly moved in front of them, trying to pull them back into the store.


    "Auntie, what''s wrong?" Dugu Yan asked, puzzled. Even though the shopkeeper was tugging at her, Dugu Yan''s physical strength far exceeded that of an ordinary woman, so she wasn''t easily dragged inside.


    Noticing the sudden anxiety on the previously kind shopkeeper''s face, Dugu Yan couldn''t help but ask curiously.


    "Young lady, young man, get inside quickly! The scoundrels are here!"


    "Scoundrels?" Dugu Yan''s eyes lit up in excitement rather than fear. She didn''t step back but instead seemed eager for action.


    Dugu Yan had grown up reading stories about heroes roaming the continent and punishing villains. Now that she had the chance to be the hero of such a story, she couldn''t hide her enthusiasm. She was practically itching to act.


    "Young lady, please, get inside! Those two scoundrels are soul masters. They may be young, but they''re notorious perverts who frequent brothels all the time," the shopkeeper warned earnestly. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One looks decent but is rotten to the core, while the other looks like a ball. These two brothers have tricked countless young girls in the city over the years."


    Seeing that Dugu Yan didn''t seem to care, the shopkeeper quickly explained further, her face filled with disgust.


    "If they see you, young lady, they''ll latch onto you!"


    Dugu Yan, unwilling to retreat, turned to Chen Ming to seek his opinion. Chen Ming didn''t choose to back down either.


    Hell no. Back then, when he had neither a powerful background nor strength, he could only endure humiliation. But now? He was a near-Soul Elder with one yellow and two purple soul rings, a stack of hidden trump cards, and the powerful Dugu Bo behind him.


    Why should he back off from two nobodies in Suoto City?


    Just as the shopkeeper was about to continue her pleading, the two figures, arms draped over each other, entered the alley.


    Seeing them approach, the shopkeeper looked as if she''d seen the plague. She quickly retreated into the store, casting one last glance at Chen Ming and Dugu Yan before closing the door. Her eyes carried a hint of pity.


    The two figures were a stark contrast in appearance¡ªone tall and lean, the other short and plump. The tall one had golden hair that flowed down to his waist, a muscular build, and a pair of striking double pupils that gave him an eerie vibe.


    The short one was round and stocky, with red hair styled into a mohawk and a ridiculous little mustache above his lips.


    The two of them, arms slung over each other, were disheveled, reeking of alcohol, and still bore traces of makeup on their necks. They had just left a brothel.


    The moment Chen Ming saw them, he immediately recognized who they were.


    The infamous Lustful Prince Dai Mubai and the Evil Fire Chicken Ma Hongjun¡ªtwo of the Shrek Seven Devils, notorious for their terrible personalities and chaotic private lives.


    These two had just left the brothel. Ma Hongjun, still in his drunken stupor, had wanted to visit their teacher, Flender, and dragged Dai Mubai along.


    Despite having just indulged in debauchery, their minds were still filled with filthy thoughts.


    Although Chen Ming and Dugu Yan were merely standing silently by the jewelry shop, the drunken Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun immediately noticed Dugu Yan.


    Dai Mubai, intrigued, pushed Ma Hongjun aside and adjusted his collar. Ignoring the stench of alcohol and makeup on himself, he swaggered toward them.


    Seeing these two drunkards, Chen Ming stepped in front of Dugu Yan protectively. His gaze sharpened, and a wave of spiritual force crashed heavily into Dai Mubai''s mind.


    Dai Mubai staggered back two steps, shaking his head. Though any ordinary soul master would recognize this as a form of spiritual attack or aura suppression, Dai Mubai, rotted by indulgence in wine and women, was far from a normal soul master.


    Thinking it was just a hangover, he cursed the brothel madam for selling him cheap liquor and continued shambling toward them.


    "Little lady, you¡ª" Dai Mubai ignored Chen Ming and leered at Dugu Yan, a wicked grin on his face.


    "Scram."


    Before Dai Mubai could finish his sentence, Dugu Yan darted forward and delivered a palm strike to his chest, sending him flying several meters.


    Seeing his drinking buddy knocked back, Ma Hongjun, who had been watching from the side, turned red with anger. He immediately summoned his martial soul.


    "Phoenix! Possession!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [102]

    Ma Hongjun''s body, after activating his martial soul, only became even bulkier. His exposed arms extended with long feathers, and his hands turned into claw-like shapes. A bright red mohawk stood stiffly upright as if waxed, while two small, messy mustaches twitched on his face. A flame that didn''t look particularly impressive wrapped around his body.


    No matter how one looked at him, Ma Hongjun''s current appearance didn''t resemble a phoenix at all but more like a plump chicken that had accidentally caught on fire.


    Two yellow soul rings rose around the chubby man, signifying his Soul Grandmaster level of soul power.


    Before Ma Hongjun could put on an act, Chen Ming had already dashed forward. His palm, infused with soul power, lightly pressed against Ma Hongjun''s stomach.


    Ma Hongjun, who had only just reached Rank 20, was weaker even than Chen Ming had been when he first entered school. Although Chen Ming didn''t infuse his strike with poison, he used a soft yet penetrating force. Most of the power bypassed Ma Hongjun''s thick belly and directly struck his internal organs.


    With the impact, Ma Hongjun rolled across the ground like a ball for several meters before spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Although the drunkenness had been completely knocked out of him, his gaze toward Chen Ming now carried disbelief mixed with hatred.


    "How dare you!" At this moment, Dai Mubai, who had been pushed back several steps by a blow from Dugu Yan, finally came to his senses. Fueled by alcohol, he immediately sank into a state of rage.


    "White Tiger Possession!"


    With a low growl, Dai Mubai''s body swelled, and tiger-like features unique to tiger spirit masters appeared on him. A "King" character emerged on his forehead, and the optimal combination of two yellow and one purple soul rings floated around him, emanating a chilling aura.


    After activating his martial soul, Dai Mubai let out a roar and lunged at Chen Ming. His tiger claws slashed fiercely, determined to teach Chen Ming a harsh lesson.


    Even if he didn''t kill Chen Ming, Dai Mubai had resolved to leave him bedridden for several months.


    As for whether his actions were motivated by loyalty to his companions or a desire to impress Dugu Yan, only he knew.


    "Overestimating yourself." Chen Ming glanced at the claw-swinging Dai Mubai. Without summoning his martial soul, he relied purely on his physical prowess and reflexes. In an instant, he sidestepped to Dai Mubai''s side and lightly tripped him with his foot.


    Throwing himself forward with all his momentum, Dai Mubai lost his balance completely, rolling across the ground several times. His once-luxurious outfit became covered in dirt, and his long golden hair, which had originally hung elegantly down to his waist, now looked like a messy bird''s nest.


    Gone was the regal aura of a noble; Dai Mubai now looked more like a beggar who had scavenged clothes from a trash heap.


    "I''ll kill you!" Dai Mubai leaped to his feet, entirely oblivious to the strength Chen Ming had just displayed. Like a madman, he lunged at Chen Ming once again.


    "White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"


    The White Tiger Vajra Transformation was the most powerful of the three signature techniques of the Star Luo Empire''s Dai family. After activating it, strength, attack power, defense, and resistance to abnormal conditions were all increased by 100%.


    This massive boost made it one of the strongest enhancements among thousand-year spirit abilities, even surpassing the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s third spirit skill, Thunder Fury, in some respects.


    With his third spirit skill activated, Dai Mubai''s body underwent significant reinforcement, and his attacks became far more powerful. The difference from earlier was like night and day.


    Facing this move, Chen Ming had no intention of dodging. His soul power surged slightly, and his Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul instantly possessed him.


    Chen Ming raised one hand, catching Dai Mubai''s arm. With a sharp tug downward, he simultaneously stepped forward, bending his arm and aiming his elbow directly at Dai Mubai''s chest. With a swift motion, he delivered a brutal strike.


    Chen Ming''s elbow strike left Dai Mubai doubled over like a cooked shrimp.


    His eyes bulged, his neck turned red, and his mouth gaped open as if he were about to vomit.


    To avoid dirtying his clothes, Chen Ming swung his arm with force, throwing Dai Mubai directly onto Ma Hongjun, who had been preparing to sneak attack. The two crashed into the corner of the alley like bowling pins.


    Seeing his boss Dai Mubai utterly defeated in just a few moves, Ma Hongjun, curled up in the corner, couldn''t help but feel a wave of panic. Forgetting that they had started the trouble, he turned his head and shouted into the alley.


    "Dean, save me! Someone''s trying to kill your beloved student!"


    "What kind of person dares behave so outrageously?!"


    Hearing Ma Hongjun''s cry of despair, Flender, who had been napping in the shop, immediately sprang from his recliner. Soul power surged through his body, and within a moment, he had activated his martial soul.


    Wind-attribute soul power roared around him as he burst through the shop''s door. Flapping his wings, he quickly flew to the two battered figures of Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai, shielding them with his wings.


    Looking at the two, bloodied and still coughing, Flender''s gaze flickered with anger as he locked eyes with Chen Ming, who stood at the other end of the street with his martial soul already summoned.


    Even though Flender felt a sinking feeling upon noticing Chen Ming''s soul rings¡ªone yellow and two purple, an extraordinary configuration¡ªhe stood firm as the dean of Shrek Academy. His role was to protect his students, right or wrong.


    Even if his students were at fault, he reasoned, surely the other party wasn''t entirely blameless?


    "Young man, how dare you harm my students? I was considering inviting you to join my Shrek Academy, but now I see you''re completely lawless!"


    Although Flender wasn''t clear on what had happened, he immediately took the moral high ground and threw a heavy accusation at Chen Ming.


    Looking at Flender, whose seven soul rings swayed faintly around him, Chen Ming showed no fear. Instead, he stepped forward, locking eyes with Flender. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your students started it. My girlfriend and I were shopping, and just after we bought some jewelry, your star pupils came over to cause trouble and tried to harass her. Do you think I shouldn''t have hit them?"


    "Two wrongs don''t make a right! But why did you have to hit them so hard?"


    As a qualified teacher, Flender firmly believed in one principle: His students were always right.


    Sure, his students had problems, and maybe they tried to harass someone. But couldn''t Chen Ming have just let them? It was only a few words; no harm done, right? Was it necessary to escalate things so aggressively?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [103]

    "According to this reasoning, if I were to kill you, shouldn''t you also kneel, bow your head, and offer your neck willingly?"


    "How can that be the same?" Flender snorted coldly, answering with displeasure.


    "Whether it''s the same or not, you should know better than anyone."


    "If I''m not mistaken, you are one of the legendary Golden Iron Triangle of the continent, the Flying Horn, Flender, correct?"


    "Although I''m not a student of Blue Tyrant Academy, as a member of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, I''ve also heard stories of your Golden Iron Triangle and Blue Tyrant Academy."


    Chen Ming looked at Flender and spoke mockingly without reserve.


    "If your Golden Iron Triangle encountered such a situation back in the day while traveling the continent, would the other two just stand by and watch?"


    "I think they''d probably be far more agitated than I am now." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph." Hearing Chen Ming''s retort, Flender was left speechless this time.


    Even though Flender was not averse to lying, when it came to his second dragon sister, he couldn''t bring himself to fabricate one.


    Back when they roamed the continent, had they encountered similar situations?


    Of course, they had¡ªand not just once or twice.


    Did they endure humiliation silently? Or nod along subserviently in agreement?


    Did people think the title of the Golden Iron Triangle was just bought with money?


    Back then, their group had dealt with plenty of people who dared to covet Liu Erlong. Even against soul masters with higher soul power, they fought head-on using their martial soul fusion technique.


    "Kid, regardless of the circumstances, hitting my students was wrong."


    "Although my incompetent students were disrespectful with their words first, your actions were far too ruthless. It was just a verbal quarrel, yet you went straight for their lives."


    Hearing Flender''s words, Ma Hongjun, lying on the ground, immediately cooperated by rolling his eyes, looking as though he was on the brink of death.


    Dai Mubai, who couldn''t even stand after being beaten, nodded in agreement, glaring at Chen Ming with hatred.


    He was, after all, a prince of the Star Luo Empire. Even though he wasn''t as favored as his older brother and had suffered humiliation in the palace, he had never experienced anything as outrageous as this.


    Could this person not speak? Why resort to violence right away?


    Dai Mubai thought to himself, completely disregarding how he usually treated those weaker than him.


    Although he hadn''t escalated to outright assault or worse, he certainly never missed the chance to take liberties with women or make lewd remarks.


    In the past, there had been occasions when the boyfriends of the women he teased got angry and started fights.


    But back then, with his soul power and his top-tier White Tiger martial soul, Dai Mubai had never suffered a loss in such matters.


    He was always the one knocking someone''s boyfriend down, then enjoying himself by teasing their girlfriends right in front of them. How could he ever imagine being the one knocked down?


    Although Tang San from the original work was a hypocrite with double standards, in reality, Dai Mubai, who came from the Star Luo royal family and fled to Heaven Dou Empire before enrolling at Shrek Academy, was also a blatant hypocrite.


    The difference was that Tang San at least tried to justify his actions, maintaining a semblance of righteousness on the surface.


    Dai Mubai, on the other hand, was a pure and unapologetic hypocrite. He didn''t even care about appearances.


    Some things he could do to others, but if others dared to do the same to him, it was an unforgivable offense deserving death!


    Looking at the two pretentious fools, Chen Ming couldn''t help but laugh in anger. He stared directly into Flender''s eyes, no longer restraining his emotions. "If I wanted to kill these two, it would only take one move¡ªthere''d be no chance of leaving survivors."


    "If you want to stand up for these two useless fools, stop spouting nonsense on the sidelines and prove yourself with your actions."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, a vein bulged on Flender''s forehead. He considered taking action but ultimately held back.


    Chen Ming was from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, meaning he had the backing of both the academy and the nobility.


    During this time, when the academy was in session, Chen Ming''s presence in Suoto City could only mean he was either heading to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul rings or out on a training mission.


    Either way, it meant he was likely accompanied by academy teachers or family elders.


    If Flender were to attack him, the consequences would be severe if the matter came to light.


    Not only would Heaven Dou''s authorities pursue him, but even the Spirit Hall might issue a warrant.


    Although Flender wasn''t afraid of being hunted, he was worried that Shrek Academy, into which he had poured his heart and soul, would suffer as a result.


    Thinking of this, Flender initially wanted to back down. But when he saw Ma Hongjun crawling to his side, tugging at his pants with tear-filled eyes and blood around his mouth, Flender hesitated.


    Flender had only ever loved one woman, Liu Erlong. After discovering that she loved Yu Xiaogang, Flender gave up on his happiness and decided never to marry.


    He had personally awakened Ma Hongjun''s martial soul and had kept him by his side ever since. To Flender, Ma Hongjun wasn''t just a disciple but like his own son. Over the years, he had treated him as family.


    For all this time, Ma Hongjun had eaten Flender''s food, used Flender''s resources, and whenever trouble arose, Flender had cleaned up after him. Though not related by blood, their bond was as strong as that of a father and son.


    At that moment, Flender gritted his teeth and decided to stand up for his boy.


    "Kid, since you want actions to speak louder than words, don''t blame me for bullying the young."


    "I won''t take your life, but I''ll teach you a lesson so that you understand the importance of respecting your elders when you roam the continent!"


    After speaking righteously, Flender activated his first soul ring and prepared to unleash his first spirit ability at Chen Ming. But how could Chen Ming simply watch as Flender made his move?


    Gathering soul power at his feet, Chen Ming quickly closed the distance toward Flender.


    Though he lacked effective countermeasures against flying opponents like Flender, whose soul power exceeded his own, Chen Ming had no intention of backing down.


    On the contrary, he aimed to use his actions to deliver a brutal slap in Flender''s face, teaching this disrespectful old man the meaning of justice''s iron fist!


    Behind Chen Ming, a scorpion tail swayed, and a deep green beam of light shot toward Flender.


    The beam was so fast that even Flender, a Spirit Sage specializing in agility, was startled. He quickly redirected the spirit ability he intended to use on Chen Ming to his feet, using the resulting gust to propel himself out of the beam''s path mid-air.


    The spot struck by the green beam was instantly reduced to a pile of gray-white powder, its destructive power so terrifying that Ma Hongjun, watching from the side, instinctively clenched his thighs, relieved that he hadn''t been hit by the attack.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [104]

    Flander distanced himself as his first soul skill was temporarily on cooldown. He then used his second soul skill.


    Flander''s first soul skill creates a strong gust of wind, while his second soul skill manifests as sharp, invisible wind blades.


    Individually, these wind blades may not be particularly powerful, but they are extremely stealthy and numerous, making them very difficult to evade.


    Even Chen Ming, without activating his Poison Emperor Possession (External Soul Bone Skill) to enhance his attributes, could not avoid these wind blades. Instead of dodging, he simply condensed his soul power around his body, forming a layer of soul power armor.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    Flander''s second soul skill struck Chen Ming, producing a sound reminiscent of hammering iron.


    Despite the stealth and sheer quantity of the wind blades, Chen Ming''s soul power armor completely absorbed the attacks, leaving even his clothes unharmed.


    Chen Ming''s soul power armor was equivalent to the sixth soul skill of a defense-type soul saint. To Flander, this level of defense was akin to an impenetrable wall.


    The Four-Eyed Owl was a high-level martial soul with wind attributes, excelling in speed. However, in terms of quality, it lagged far behind top-tier martial souls and was two whole tiers below Chen Ming''s Emerald Scorpion Emperor, a super-tier martial soul.


    Flander''s development path was quite orthodox, focusing on speed and wind attributes. Most of his skills were common wind-based ones that increased speed or provided area-of-effect attacks.


    Even among soul sages, Flander was not considered particularly strong. Otherwise, his reputation wouldn''t have been limited to being one of the Golden Iron Triangle. Compared to Zhao Wuji, the Unmoving Bright King and vice dean of the academy, Flander was almost the complete opposite.


    If categorized, Flander would fall into the average soul sage or even the slightly weaker soul sage category. He belonged to the type who, despite having a soul power advantage, could still be countered and defeated by a soul emperor with a top-tier martial soul.


    His only noteworthy trait was his flying ability.


    In his current state, the first six of his soul skills were hardly enough to even scratch Chen Ming. Only by activating his seventh soul ring and using his Martial Soul Avatar could he hope to break through Chen Ming''s soul power armor.


    However, Flander had yet to realize what he was up against.


    Upon seeing the defensive armor on Chen Ming''s body, Flander naturally assumed it was one of Chen Ming''s soul skills.


    Although Chen Ming had neither called out the name of skill nor had his soul rings lit up, Flander didn''t consider this to be anything too unusual.


    "Light beams, plus a high-quality or even top-tier scorpion martial soul with armor¡­ Is there a clan on the continent known for this?" Flander pondered as he continued his attacks.


    He manipulated the wind elements in the air, moving swiftly while sticking close to Chen Ming. He alternated between cautiously probing with soul skills and thinking about how to injure Chen Ming without killing him.


    Although Flander moved closer, he maintained a safe altitude. Even Chen Ming couldn''t guarantee that he could pull Flander down from the sky before Flander had time to react.


    In this era, flight was still a rare and noble ability, far less common than in later generations.


    Aside from flying-type soul masters and soul skills, only title douluo-level soul masters could achieve short-distance levitation using their immense soul power and spiritual power.


    At this time, flying-type soul masters were still a highly esteemed group. In most cases, even if they couldn''t win a fight, they could escape with ease.


    At this moment, Chen Ming found himself longing for flight-related soul skills. He also began to feel greater anticipation regarding Tang San''s mother''s soul bone.


    If not for fear that Tang Hao was still guarding Ah Yin, Chen Ming would have already taken Dugu Bo with him to steal Tang San''s mother''s soul bones. If Chen Ming were a bit more ruthless, he could have used his Poison Cloud Technique to spread poison clouds and then detonated them with his Poison Explosion Technique. This strategy could have severely injured Flander to the point where he couldn''t fly anymore. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, using such large-scale destructive skills in a city?


    While Chen Ming admitted that his moral baseline had lowered significantly since being reborn, he still couldn''t bring himself to do such a thing.


    As for using his domain¡­


    If Flander didn''t try to escape, Chen Ming could certainly finish him off with it. The problem was that the indiscriminate lethality of this domain far exceeded that of the Poison Explosion Technique. Releasing it would kill everyone in the surrounding streets.


    Even if Chen Ming used the Poison Explosion Technique, he couldn''t activate his domain within the city.


    Moreover, since the beginning of the battle, Dugu Yan, who had been hiding nearby, had already started using pre-prepared methods to contact Dugu Bo. It was estimated that Dugu Bo would arrive shortly.


    If Chen Ming wanted to eliminate Flander, he could simply let Dugu Bo handle it.


    Although Flander could fly, Dugu Bo''s two control-type skills completely countered any flashy techniques. Their effects were only slightly weaker than the Seagod''s Thirteen Halberds'' Unfixed Storm.


    On the other hand, Flander also had his concerns and dared not use large-scale destructive soul skills, fearing collateral damage.


    Despite having seven soul rings, he resorted to small-scale skills like wind blades in the air, attempting to incapacitate Chen Ming without killing him.


    Chen Ming made several attempts to pounce on Flander or shoot beams from his tail to knock him out of the sky, but Flander easily dodged each time.


    Movement on the ground was limited to two-dimensional coordinates, while in the air, positioning involved three dimensions.


    Many attacks that seemed unavoidable on the ground were easily evaded in the sky.


    Furthermore, Flander deliberately maintained his distance, focusing on long-range attacks and ensuring Chen Ming couldn''t knock him out of the sky.


    The two stared each other down, both unable to decisively strike.


    Chen Ming realized that he lacked concentrated burst damage and control skills, as well as the ability to fly.


    Although his advantage lay in overwhelming area-of-effect (AOE) attacks, these powerful AOE skills were not always suitable in certain situations.


    Meanwhile, Flander felt that the young man before him was incredibly strange.


    The soul power armor was already impressive enough to withstand a soul saint''s attacks, but the key issue was that it showed no signs of cooling down or running out of soul power after so long.


    During their brief exchange, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai, who had been lying on the ground, managed to get back up.


    Seeing Chen Ming clad in his soul power armor, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai prepared to launch a sneak attack, but Flander casually swept them aside with a burst of wind-attributed soul power before they could act.


    Flander was a walking contradiction, sometimes making one wonder if he had some sort of mental issue.


    Here he was, blatantly bullying a junior soul master as a soul sage, yet he disdained underhanded methods like sneak attacks.


    It could only be said that it was no wonder he was once able to perform a martial soul fusion skill with people like Yu Xiaogang. His way of thinking was incomprehensible to ordinary people.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [105]

    Just a few breaths later, a green figure swiftly leaped across the rooftops in the distance and landed directly in the middle of the battlefield between the two combatants. Although Dugu Bo had no idea what was going on, seeing Flender glaring at his grandson-in-law like a predator, the protective Dugu Bo immediately decided to intervene.


    Flender found himself unable to control his body as he was suppressed by Dugu Bo''s overwhelming aura. A massive hand formed from emerald soul power slammed Flender heavily into the ground.


    Flender''s body was embedded into the stone ground, his limbs twisted at various angles. Blood flowed freely from the corners of his mouth, and several broken teeth could be seen amidst the dirt. With just one strike, Dugu Bo had left Flender gravely injured.


    "Are you the one bullying my granddaughter and my grandson-in-law?" Dugu Bo walked over to the embedded Flender, looking down at him expressionlessly.


    "Your Excellency¡­ Your Excellency Dugu, this is a misunderstanding!"


    Despite suffering severe injuries and being unable to move from where he was embedded in the ground, Flender''s mind raced in the face of death, his thoughts moving faster than ever before in his life.


    Although Dugu Bo hadn''t revealed his martial soul, the sheer power of the soul-force-formed hand had been enough to crush him.


    And yet, looking at Dugu Bo''s signature attire¡ªfamous throughout the continent¡ªFlender quickly realized that this old man, who seemed somewhat different from the rumors, was none other than the infamous Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.


    He looked younger than the rumors suggested, and his hair wasn''t green but streaked with white.


    But such changes were easily explained on the Douluo Continent.


    They indicated that a titled Douluo-level soul master had once again broken through in their soul power, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance.


    For years, Dugu Bo had been known as a Rank 91 Titled Douluo, with no reports of further breakthroughs. Most people on the continent believed that Poison Douluo would remain at this level for life.


    But seeing Dugu Bo now, Flender suddenly understood: Poison Douluo had already broken through to an astonishing Rank 92.


    "You call this a misunderstanding?" Dugu Bo turned to look at Dugu Yan and Chen Ming, both of whom shook their heads.


    "I am certain this is no misunderstanding," Chen Ming said flatly. "This man is just trying to cover up for those two lecherous students of his."


    "Well, you''ve got guts for trying to deceive me." Hearing their response, Dugu Bo turned back to Flender, who was sprawled on the ground. A flicker of anger appeared in his eyes as he raised his foot, preparing to crush Flender''s skull like stepping on an insect.


    On the Douluo Continent, a soul master at the Soul Sage level wasn''t exactly common. In this era, each Soul Sage had their own story and reputation.


    As an experienced figure of the martial world, Dugu Bo had already identified Flender before taking action.


    And as for speaking before striking?


    Not worth the effort.


    What qualifications did Flender have? A mere Soul Sage? The so-called Golden Iron Triangle? Their supposed Three-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique, which was rumored to rival a Titled Douluo?


    Oh, really? And then what? sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not to mention the Golden Iron Triangle, even during their heyday, when they were wandering the continent and had the secret backing of Yu Luo Mian, they were nothing in Dugu Bo''s eyes.


    At Rank 91, Dugu Bo considered the Rank 89 Yu Luo Mian barely worthy of notice. But now, Yu Luo Mian wasn''t worth even a passing thought.


    With his current Rank 94 power, Dugu Bo could crush Yu Luo Mian like a bug, even in front of Yu Yuanzhen himself. Yu Yuanzhen would not dare retaliate on the spot.


    Even if Yu Yuanzhen wanted to fight, he would have to prepare himself for the reality that his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan might end up extinct on the Douluo Continent.


    What''s more, Dugu Bo''s actions this time were entirely justified. So justified that even if Yu Yuanzhen were furious, he would still have to apologize to Dugu Bo in person and later send gifts as compensation.


    Just as Dugu Bo was about to crush Flender like an insect, a glimmer appeared in Chen Ming''s eyes.


    It wasn''t that Chen Ming cared about Flender himself but rather the potential ripple effects on the storyline if Flender were to die.


    For instance, Tang San had already wasted six years of his life after awakening his martial soul, stuck in a primary soul master academy under the mediocre guidance of Yu Xiaogang.


    His first soul ring was from a Datura Snake, and his second was from Ghost Vine.


    Both were of low quality and didn''t align with the attributes of the Blue Silver Emperor. Aside from the Ghost Vine''s partial life attribute, Yu Xiaogang''s plans for Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass were entirely misguided.


    Things like the Man-Faced Demon Spider and the Pit Spider¡ªabsorbing these would harm even a regular Blue Silver Grass, let alone the Blue Silver Emperor.


    According to the original storyline, after graduating from the primary soul master academy, Tang San was supposed to enroll at Shrek Academy. Shrek Academy was another place where talent would be wasted.


    At this subpar academy, even with Tang San''s hidden advantage of the Mysterious Heaven Technique, his cultivation speed would remain limited.


    Cultivating as a soul master was much like cultivating in a traditional sense: resources, companions, techniques, and environment all played crucial roles.


    Shrek Academy lacked resources and couldn''t provide suitable cultivation materials. It had no proper environment, like a mimic cultivation arena. The only things Tang San could rely on were his self-acquired companions and techniques.


    As for his companions? At best, they were burdens that only paid off much later. The techniques, particularly the Mysterious Heaven Technique, were the only things worth mentioning.


    Under such circumstances, even a genius would eventually be ground down into mediocrity.


    For Tang San, this was a slow, frog-in-boiling-water kind of decline. For Chen Ming, however, it was a way to stabilize Tang San as an unpredictable variable.


    Tang San had too many uncertainties about him¡ªhis very existence was full of unresolved issues. Ironically, his father, Tang Hao, was probably the least of these uncertainties.


    Never mind the mysterious Mysterious Heaven Technique Skill, with its automatic upgrades even after reincarnation. Just the three treasures Tang San would later encounter¡ªthe Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the Love Querying Valley, and the Dragon Graveyard¡ªwere all tied to divine beings.


    Were we to believe such treasures also existed in Tang San''s martial world from his previous life? Did gods and dragons fall there too?


    In the original story, Tang San becoming a god in his twenties was already absurd. Any interference in his trajectory could lead to unforeseen consequences.


    Chen Ming''s goal was simple: slow Tang San down to a reasonable pace.


    Even if Tang San''s talent allowed him to become a Titled Douluo by thirty, that would still be a far cry from becoming a god in his twenties.


    If by then Chen Ming still couldn''t deal with Tang San or whatever forces lay behind him, then perhaps Chen Ming''s years of effort and cultivation had been for nothing.


    After some thought, Chen Ming stopped Dugu Bo and whispered his reasoning in his ear.


    Although Dugu Bo didn''t fully understand, he nodded in agreement.


    Despite being the elder, Dugu Bo had grown accustomed to listening to Chen Ming''s advice during this period.


    "Out of respect for my kind-hearted grandson-in-law, I won''t kill you."


    "But while you escape the death penalty, punishment is unavoidable."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [106]

    Although Dugu Bo''s words were cold, a flicker of hope ignited in Flender''s eyes.


    On the Douluo Continent, strength reigns supreme. A mere Soul Sage, though considered a high-level soul master, was nothing more than a lamb waiting to be slaughtered before a Title Douluo. If he died, he would just be dead.


    Even his fellow brothers at the academy might not risk offending a Title Douluo for his sake.


    However, judging by Zhao Wuji''s personality, even if he knew that it was Dugu Bo who had killed Flender, he would likely avenge his death at the cost of his own life.


    But in times like this, people often measure others by their standards.


    Flender understood deep down that he wouldn''t risk offending a Title Douluo for anyone other than Erlong and Xiaogang. Naturally, he assumed others would act the same way as he would.


    If death could be avoided, no one would want to die.


    Though he knew that the punishment would surely come at a hefty price, for Flender, being able to escape death at the hands of a Title Douluo was already a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    Dugu Bo extended his hand, his soul power transforming into invisible chains, pulling Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai, who were huddled together trembling, toward him. A layer of special venom coated his hand.


    First, he lightly struck Dai Mubai''s abdomen, injuring the meridians near his kidneys and leaving behind a deadly poison.


    From that moment on, Dai Mubai would lose his ability to function as a man. However, due to the lingering effects of the poison, his desires would burn even more intensely than before, and his personality would gradually become more feminine.


    Dugu Bo casually tossed the oblivious Dai Mubai to the side, then delivered a similar strike to Ma Hongjun''s abdomen.


    This blow was different. It targeted Ma Hongjun''s dantian, draining most of the soul power he had just recently advanced to level 20 with, leaving him barely at the level of 8 or 9.


    Normally, such a significant loss of soul power would seriously damage the origin of one''s martial soul, making future cultivation impossible.


    But Dugu Bo deliberately held back, using his soul power to stabilize Ma Hongjun''s martial soul origin, leaving him at a level where he could still cultivate¡ªbut at a snail''s pace.


    With some effort over the next year or two, Ma Hongjun might recover to level 10 and regain the ability to use his first soul skill. This was designed to give him a glimmer of hope amidst his despair.


    However, Ma Hongjun would never be able to advance beyond level 30 in his lifetime. No matter how hard he trained, the absolute limit he could reach would be level 29.


    From that point on, Ma Hongjun''s cultivation speed, future potential, and even the mutation of his martial soul would resemble someone with innate soul power of only half a rank¡ªa self-proclaimed genius turned complete waste.


    Who knew if Flender would feel some twisted pride in seeing how similar Ma Hongjun''s fate was to that of his dear brother?


    Of course, while Dugu Bo was unaware of Ma Hongjun''s unique condition, Chen Ming understood it perfectly.


    Though this method reduced the quality of Ma Hongjun''s martial soul and stifled his future potential, it left his Evil Fire entirely intact.


    Even though his soul power had dropped to the level of 8 or 9, the Evil Fire remained at the intensity it had been at level 20¡ªor perhaps even stronger, due to the damage to his martial soul.


    What kind of sparks might ignite between Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun in the future? Only the heavens knew.


    It certainly wouldn''t be the sparks of friendship. Chen Ming didn''t consider himself an evil person, but at this moment, he couldn''t help but silently recite a Buddhist chant in his heart to atone for his dark sense of humor.


    What? You say such actions wouldn''t decrease my karmic merit but instead increase it? Oh, well, then it''s fine.


    Finally, Dugu Bo used his soul power to lift Flender off the ground, striking his chest lightly with a palm.


    This blow injured Flender''s lungs and left a little gift behind.


    From then on, Flender would breathe like a bellows, with every breath bringing him pain.


    While his daily movements wouldn''t be affected, any large-scale use of soul power or combat would bring him immense suffering, making it impossible for him to sustain long battles.


    Dugu Bo leaves some irritant toxins in Flender''s lungs.


    From then on, whenever Flender became agitated, the toxins would cause his emotions to spiral further out of control, potentially driving him into a frenzy.


    What kind of twisted path would such a distorted Shrek Academy take in the future? Only the heavens knew.


    On the Douluo Continent, killing was considered normal. The fact that Chen Ming had Dugu Bo spare these three lives made him feel like the ultimate good Samaritan.


    By comparison, the little extras left behind seemed almost negligible.


    After dealing with the three of them, Dugu Bo intended to leave with Chen Ming and Dugu Yan. Before leaving, Chen Ming pulled out the jade bracelet Flender had gifted him from his storage soul tool and casually tossed it onto Flender.


    "I don''t need your gift."


    Leaving behind this faint remark and the bracelet, the three of them walked off into the distance. It was a long while before Flender, enduring his pain, struggled to climb to his feet. He slapped both Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun hard across their faces.


    Even though Flender''s bones were fractured, making the slaps weak and causing his already injured arm to bend at an unnatural angle, he still glared at the two of them with eyes that burned with hatred.


    Flender tried to speak, but his agitation triggered his internal injuries and the emotion-stimulating toxins, causing him to faint in rage, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The least injured, Dai Mubai, looked at the disastrous scene and was overwhelmed by a desire to flee. He wanted to run away, just as he had fled from the Star Luo Palace in the past, leaving everything behind.


    But realizing there was no escape for him, Dai Mubai gritted his teeth and helped Flender up before viciously kicking Ma Hongjun in the crotch.


    "Get up, you fat bastard!"


    Dai Mubai noticed his voice sounded strange but didn''t think much of it, assuming it was due to shock. He had no idea he had already lost the most precious thing a man could have.


    Ma Hongjun clutched his crotch as he staggered to his feet. Though he was filled with resentment toward Dai Mubai, he didn''t dare speak. Slowly, he helped Flender up on the other side, and the three of them stumbled away into the distance.


    PS: What the heck?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [107]

    They returned to the inn, packed their belongings, and resumed their journey. After about half a day, the group arrived at the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest.


    Although it was already late in the day, entering the Star Dou Forest at night was far more dangerous than during the daytime. However, this meant nothing to someone like Dugu Bo.


    Dugu Bo led Chen Ming and Dugu Yan into the Star Dou Forest, heading straight toward its depths.


    The Star Dou Forest is roughly divided into five distinct zones: the outermost edge, inhabited by ten-year and hundred-year soul beasts; the outer perimeter, where hundred-year and thousand-year soul beasts dwell; the mixed zone, where thousand-year and ten-thousand-year soul beasts cohabitate, with occasional appearances of ten-thousand-year soul beasts.


    Beyond the mixed zone lies the core zone, where almost exclusively ten thousand-year soul beasts reside, with only a few thousand-year soul beasts of strong bloodlines daring to live there.


    It is said that within the core zone, there are even soul beasts that have reached the hundred-thousand-year level, but very few people can confirm this. Or rather, most soul masters who encounter hundred-thousand-year soul beasts in the core zone are not qualified to leave alive.


    At this time, the core zone of the Star Dou Forest already represented the furthest boundary of human exploration. Beyond it lies a forbidden area for human soul masters.


    The Lake of Life, home to the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape, lies within the core zone.


    It is rumored that deep within the core zone of the Star Dou Forest exists a place known as the Land of Great Peril, where beings surpassing hundred-thousand-year soul beasts reside. However, this has never been confirmed.


    In fact, in the past few thousand years, confirmed sightings of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest have been extremely rare.


    Because of their noble bloodlines, the hundred-thousand-year-level Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape are revered by the world as the kings of the Star Dou Forest.


    As a transmigrator, however, Chen Ming knew with certainty that the Land of Great Peril did indeed exist. That place was an absolute forbidden zone, even for Titled Douluo. Even a Level 99 Titled Douluo could not guarantee their safe return from it.


    In this era, only the high priest of a deity or a demigod wielding a divine weapon would have the qualifications to attempt to explore the Land of Great Peril.


    Of course, this time the goal was merely to help Dugu Yan obtain her third soul ring, which would at most require venturing into the mixed zone. There was no need to enter the dangerous core zone, let alone the Land of Great Peril.


    During this era, most of the ferocious beasts had gone into hiding. Whether they were absorbing the origin power of the Skydream Iceworm at the true Lake of Life, guarding the Sacred Beast, or simply avoiding something, was unknown.


    As long as they didn''t provoke disaster, the strength of a Titled Douluo was more than sufficient to protect the two of them and allow them to roam freely within the Star Dou Forest.


    Dugu Bo led the two across the outer perimeter of the forest. Along the way, they encountered several waves of soul beasts, but Dugu Bo chose not to take action, instead allowing the two of them to handle the situation on their own.


    Although poison-based abilities lose their effectiveness later on for Titled Douluo, in the early stages, they are formidable tools for challenging opponents beyond one''s level.


    Even though Dugu Yan was merely a Soul Master who had yet to obtain her third soul ring, she managed to effortlessly fend off multiple waves of attacking ten-year and hundred-year soul beasts using her first two soul skills and the venom inherent to her Jade Phosphor Serpent.


    Most of the time, soul masters aim to drive soul beasts away rather than kill them, unless necessary, to preserve soul beast resources for future generations.


    It is said that this practice was first proposed by the Spirit Hall, which called on soul masters across the Douluo Continent to follow it. Over time, this idea gradually became an unspoken rule among soul masters. (And then some idiot destroyed it.)


    Aside from a few stubborn soul beasts that refused to retreat, most were driven away by Chen Ming. During this process, Chen Ming personally killed only one ten-year Wind Baboon. Interestingly, he didn''t kill it directly with poison but rather used the poison to incapacitate it before finishing it off with a dagger.


    Neither Dugu Yan nor Dugu Bo understood Chen Ming''s reasoning, but since it was just a ten-year Wind Baboon, they didn''t bother to ask.


    After entering the outer perimeter, Dugu Bo guided the two to select a suitable location, clear out soul beasts, and set up camp. He then explained the purpose behind these actions and what one should do when traveling alone.


    While soul masters cannot completely forego sleep, they do not necessarily require it.


    On their first night in the Star Dou Forest, Dugu Bo didn''t let the two sleep. Instead, the three of them stayed up all night, with Dugu Bo recounting his past experiences and explaining the meaning behind the various occurrences throughout the night.


    As dawn approached, Dugu Bo took advantage of Dugu Yan''s drowsiness to quietly remove the measures he had set up to repel soul beasts. As a result, some soul beasts began to approach the camp.


    Although these overconfident soul beasts were instantly melted into toxic puddles by Chen Ming, this unexpected situation gave both Dugu Yan and Chen Ming a valuable lesson, allowing them to gain firsthand experience of nighttime soul beast attacks.


    In the following days, Dugu Bo didn''t rely on his Titled Douluo strength to bulldoze through the soul beasts'' territories. Instead, he moved cautiously, as an ordinary soul master would, leading the two through narrow paths in the Star Dou Forest while sharing his accumulated wisdom.


    These orally transmitted lessons were built upon the blood and tears of countless soul masters. Both Chen Ming and Dugu Yan listened attentively, etching these teachings into their minds.


    During this time, Chen Ming and Dugu Yan used what they had learned to identify several gathering spots and types of soul beasts. They also tracked some soul beasts based on the traces they left on the ground. Time passed quickly, and the two grew significantly.


    Amid their learning and practical experience, the group entered the mixed zone and arrived at the location where Dugu Bo intended for Dugu Yan to obtain her third soul ring. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was an enormous canyon, whose origin¡ªwhether caused by an earthquake or the clash of powerful beings¡ªwas unknown.


    The canyon walls were as smooth as if carved by knives, with only sparse vegetation growing on them. Falling into the canyon would make climbing out nearly impossible.


    The canyon was home to numerous snake-type soul beasts, most of which were venomous. They gathered in large groups to form snake dens, and the air was filled with a faint poisonous mist, rendering the area nearly impassable for low-level soul masters.


    According to Dugu Bo, this place was a natural breeding ground for venomous creatures. Most of the snake-type soul beasts here fed on toxic plants and other soul beasts, including their kind.


    In this environment, the snakes consumed toxic plants and each other, resulting in venom and quality far superior to their counterparts outside the canyon. Among them, the oldest of the venomous snakes had undergone mutations due to years of devouring their kind.


    Since the discovery of this canyon by the Dugu family''s ancestors, it has become a traditional location for subsequent generations of the family to obtain their soul rings.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [108]

    Dugu Bo tied a rope made from the tendons of a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast to a large tree beside the gorge. Then, he handed Chen Ming and Dugu Yan some medicine to conceal their auras. The group quietly descended the nearly vertical cliff into the valley while doing their best to mask their presence.


    If Dugu Bo, with his Title Douluo-level strength, had acted directly, the time they spent descending would have been enough for him to grab the target and bring it to Dugu Yan.


    However, this trip was meant to train the two''s experience, so Dugu Bo naturally refrained from intervening, instead acting as a teacher from the sidelines.


    Initially, Chen Ming was a bit worried, unsure if the medicine Dugu Bo gave them would work or if they would attract the attention of the snake swarm. But facts proved that the Dugu family''s experience was indeed reliable.


    Following the path and methods left by their predecessors, Dugu Yan and Chen Ming stealthily navigated the snake-filled canyon. After spending a significant amount of time, they finally found a suitable third soul ring for Dugu Yan:


    The Jade Phosphor Serpent is around 2,300 years old, with a fluctuation margin of no more than 50 years.


    The scales of the Jade Phosphor Serpent were neatly arranged, emitting a green radiance. The scales on its head even showed signs of evolving into those of a Jade Phosphor Serpent King. Whether in terms of soul power or vitality, it was a standout among its kind. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although it was only about 2,300 years old, its quality was comparable to a typical Jade Phosphor Serpent with 4,000 years of cultivation.


    Over the past few months, Dugu Yan had consumed many rare items, significantly improving her physical fitness. Her martial soul had also undergone further enhancement after taming its poisons.


    The absorption limit of her third soul ring had risen to around 2,500 years, far above the average Soul Elder. This 2,300-year-old Jade Phosphor Serpent was a perfect fit for her.


    With Dugu Bo''s guidance, Dugu Yan and Chen Ming first set up a trap in a suitable spot. Then, they used prepared bait to lure the Jade Phosphor Serpent into the trap.


    The poison in the bait quickly incapacitated the snake, and Dugu Yan personally finished it off. The blood essence that leaked out was neutralized by other materials already placed in the trap, leaving no trace of their activity.


    For a short time, the snake swarm would remain unaware that a 2,300-year-old Jade Phosphor Serpent had been hunted by intruders.


    Chen Ming and Dugu Bo stood guard while Dugu Yan absorbed the soul ring. Nearly two hours later, Dugu Yan opened her tired eyes, signaling the successful absorption of her third soul ring.


    Dugu Yan quickly dismantled the Jade Phosphor Serpent''s corpse, selecting valuable parts to store in her spatial soul tool. The group cleaned up the blood on themselves and slowly climbed out of the gorge using the rope.


    After leaving the gorge, both Dugu Yan and Chen Ming couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief.


    Although the snake swarm in the gorge didn''t pose much of a threat to the two, especially Chen Ming, the careful, thief-like movements were mentally taxing.


    Even though Chen Ming had lived in a scorpion cave since childhood and was used to handling venomous creatures, this process still gave him a rare sense of excitement.


    Logically, after obtaining the soul ring, the group should have left the Star Dou Forest quickly. But at this moment, Chen Ming was reluctant to leave.


    "Grandpa, I''d like to try training in the Star Dou Forest. I want to improve my combat experience against soul beasts, especially flying ones."


    "Oh?" Dugu Bo glanced at Chen Ming and understood why he had this idea¡ªit was likely due to his recent encounter with Flender, who could fly.


    After a brief moment of thought, Dugu Bo nodded, deciding to postpone visiting his old rival.


    To be honest, every level-up for a Title Douluo was a cause for celebration. Yet Dugu Bo had consecutively advanced three levels, and no one on the continent knew about it.


    They say young people like to show off and flaunt their strength, but the truth is, older people enjoy it too. They just pretend not to because they think they lack the ability.


    Dugu Bo planned to use this trip to the Star Dou Forest as an opportunity to visit his old rival, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and make him suffer a humiliating defeat. This plan had been in his heart since he reached level 92, but he had endured for half a year for the sake of his granddaughter and to handle his poison affliction.


    However, for the sake of his future grandson-in-law, Dugu Bo didn''t mind holding back for a few more days.


    In the following days, the group wandered the forest''s outer areas and occasionally ventured into the mixed zones.


    Most of the time, Chen Ming was battling various soul beasts. While many of them were of average quality and didn''t interest Chen Ming, a few had abilities that caught his attention.


    Since they were in the Star Dou Forest, how could Chen Ming miss the famous Soft Bone Rabbits?


    Under the confused gazes of Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo, Chen Ming captured more than a dozen Soft Bone Rabbits for experimentation, ranging from ten-year to thousand-year cultivation levels. However, none of them demonstrated the overpowered Invincible Golden Body skill. One rabbit, which seemed to have some Lightning Rabbit bloodline, displayed a teleportation ability after Chen Ming''s research.


    It could teleport 2.5 meters but collapsed from exhaustion, lying motionless on the ground. Chen Ming observed that it took two hours for the rabbit to barely recover its basic jumping ability.


    Chen Ming concluded that if he truly wanted to research teleportation soul skills, he''d have better luck with Lightning Rabbits. These Soft Bone Rabbits hardly seemed related to Xiao Wu''s clan.


    In any case, rabbit stew tasted great.


    Chen Ming also hunted some flying soul beasts. After dealing with a few, he studied their flight capabilities, but the results were disappointing.


    Most flying soul beasts relied on wings and physical adaptations, supplemented by elemental powers. Those with structures unsuitable for flight depended on even stronger elemental powers to stay aloft.


    Chen Ming considered developing flying techniques similar to those in the Battle Through the Heavens world but found it impractical after experimentation.


    With Title Douluo-level spiritual power and soul core-provided energy, he could form a pair of wings behind him and flap them to lift off. However, the flight was uncontrollable, and soul power drained like water, rendering it less effective than simply jumping.


    For a poison-type soul master, creating a flight skill was even harder than studying conventional flying techniques.


    Eventually, Chen Ming managed to hover slowly using spiritual power and his soul core''s energy. Although the speed was unimpressive, it looked flashy.


    If his soul power output increased further, he might achieve low-altitude flight.


    Still, driven by a whimsical idea, Chen Ming also experimented with releasing a high-density poisonous cloud to fly, mimicking immortals riding clouds. However, the progress was only slightly faster than his other flight research.


    The current energy cost far outweighed the results.


    In the last few days, under Chen Ming''s insistence, Dugu Bo led Dugu Yan and Chen Ming into the core region of the forest.


    Here, ten thousand-year-old soul beasts thrived. Even a Title Douluo had to tread carefully to avoid mishaps.


    During these days, Chen Ming encountered several top-quality ten-thousand-year soul beasts, including the Scarlet Flame Leopard, Diamond Tiger, and Earth Giant Bear, all famous in the soul master world. He also fought some of them.


    Using the nearly inexhaustible soul power provided by the soul core in his dantian, Chen Ming freely unleashed soul skills he rarely used, such as Toxic Cloud Technique and Toxic Explosion Technique. He also frequently employed Poison Emperor Possession and Destructive Death Ray.


    Contrary to his expectations, the Destructive Death Ray turned out to be a powerful physical destruction skill. It could partially petrify the enemy''s body and then continuously drill into the target like a rock cutter.


    Its focused destructive power easily shattered the shells of ten-thousand-year turtle soul beasts and bypassed defensive soul skills. As a non-elemental skill, it was an excellent counter against creatures with high toxin resistance.


    Initially, the group didn''t cause much disturbance, carefully managing their movements. Since ten thousand-year soul beasts had their territories, only a few attacked the group, and most gave up the pursuit when they left the area.


    With Dugu Bo by their side, the core area was dangerous but not unmanageable as long as they followed survival rules.


    However, when Chen Ming tested the Deathly Extinction Poison Domain attached to his third soul ring, it was like stirring up a hornet''s nest. A large group of ten-thousand-year soul beasts charged at him.


    These included a 30,000-year Scarlet-Faced Mastiff, a 20,000-year Critical Strike Bear, a 40,000-year Hellhound, and even two 50,000-year Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bears among the top-tier beasts.


    Dugu Bo alarmed, immediately grabbed Dugu Yan and Chen Ming and fled. Under the threat of death, he even instinctively learned a flying technique Chen Ming hadn''t mastered. They escaped the core region in one go, outrunning some flying ten-thousand-year soul beasts.


    As they exited the core zone, Chen Ming, with his Title Douluo-level spiritual power and innate talent, sensed a powerful aura disturbed by the chaos. Judging by its attributes and strength, it was likely the Titan Giant Ape, one of the two great Beast Kings.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [109]

    To be honest, Chen Ming himself never expected to cause such a massive commotion. He merely unleashed a domain-type soul skill, but within the core zone, the soul beasts, who were usually at odds with each other, suddenly went berserk and formed teams to track him down.


    In reality, soul beasts have very long lifespans. While a 10,000-year-old soul beast often possesses cultivation far beyond 10,000 years, those with cultivation exceeding 20,000 years generally live far longer than just 10,000 years.


    For Chen Ming, the Angel God''s ascension to godhood happened tens of thousands of years ago, and soul beasts like the Netherworld King Scorpion had long since become legends of the continent.


    However, for the soul beasts residing in the core zone of the Star Dou Forest, the extermination of the Netherworld King Scorpion across the entire continent was a real event they had personally experienced. Many of them were active participants in that effort.


    When they sensed the appearance of the Netherworld King Scorpion''s domain in the core zone of the Star Dou Forest, these soul beasts were nearly driven mad, howling as they prepared to annihilate the scorpion.


    Even soul beasts that hadn''t initially sensed the domain were informed by others, and they too spontaneously joined the extermination effort. Longtime enemies and rivals? This time, they all set aside their differences and united. Even some high-quality soul beasts brought their families into battle mode. The two 50,000-year-old Darkgold Terrorclaw Bears were merely the vanguard.


    If Chen Ming had stayed a little longer, he might have witnessed an entire team of super soul beasts he''d never seen before forming a scorpion-extermination squad.


    The commotion was so great that it involved not only the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python but also some 100,000-year-old soul beasts, who rarely left their territories, stepping into the fray.


    Moreover, news of the event was even reported to the Land of Great Peril via messengers left outside by Di Tian.


    Di Tian was highly concerned about this and dispatched a mysterious, time-and-space-attributed fierce beast, Myriad Demon King, to investigate the location where the Netherworld King Scorpion''s domain had appeared.


    After Myriad Demon King''s investigation, it reported its findings back to Di Tian.


    Upon learning that it was just a soul master possessing the Netherworld King Scorpion''s domain and not the scorpion itself, Di Tian breathed a small sigh of relief. However, he didn''t let the matter drop entirely.


    The existence of a Netherworld King Scorpion soul ring indicated that a Netherworld King Scorpion was still alive in this era. To Di Tian, such beings from another world, which had caused immense harm to the soul beast population, had to be eradicated.


    Years ago, the leader of the invading Netherworld King Scorpions in the Douluo World was a true divine beast, with power rivaling that of a third-class deity with a divine position.


    Had it not been for the timely emergence of an extraordinarily gifted Angel God among the humans, Di Tian would have struggled to deal with the scorpion leader. Or rather, he wouldn''t have been able to handle it without drawing the attention of the Divine Realm.


    To prevent the survival of any Netherworld King Scorpions, Di Tian issued orders to Myriad Demon King, the leader of all plant-type soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest, instructing him to have his subordinate plant-type soul beasts watch for any trace of the scorpions.


    As for Chen Ming, the source of the chaos?


    Di Tian didn''t care in the slightest.


    A mere human, even a titled Douluo, was an existence that Di Tian could outlast with just a nap.


    No matter how dazzlingly talented they were, in the end, they were nothing more than dust.


    Aside from the Angel God, the Sea God, and the Rakshasa God from the past, Di Tian held an equal dislike for all the humans on the Douluo Continent in this era.


    Currently, the Star Dou Forest housed a newly born Auspicious Beast and a captured Skydream Iceworm. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, with no shortage of talent or resources. The Star Dou Forest was flourishing. The Auspicious Beast could double the growth speed of soul beasts and significantly increase the odds of 100,000-year soul beasts surviving tribulations.


    Meanwhile, the Skydream Iceworm, as a supercharged battery, could nourish a group of 100,000-year soul beasts and fierce beasts. Combined with the Auspicious Beast''s aura, a massive number of fierce beasts could emerge within ten millennia.


    Additionally, the Skydream Iceworm could even serve as a resource for the Lord''s recovery. Although the recovery speed wasn''t greatly improved, it was still visibly enhanced.


    Although this was no longer an era where soul beasts could freely live and develop on the Douluo Continent, with the Spirit Hall acting as a spear aimed directly at the heart of the Star Dou Forest, Di Tian believed the future would gradually improve.


    ¡­


    If Di Tian, 10,000 or even 20,000 years later, could look back on his thoughts now, he might just slap himself in the face.


    However, the internal affairs of the Star Dou Forest had nothing to do with the current Chen Ming. This was because Dugu Bo had directly taken Chen Ming and Dugu Yan to Spirit City.


    Chen Ming had always assumed that Dugu Bo didn''t get along with the Spirit Hall. While their relationship might not be outright hostile, it wasn''t exactly friendly either.


    But when Dugu Bo confidently strolled into Spirit City and stayed in a high-class inn reserved for advanced soul masters under the escort of the city''s soul master guards, Chen Ming couldn''t help but voice his doubts.


    "Grandpa, I heard that your relationship with the Spirit Hall isn''t good. Why are you being so ostentatious here? And is it really okay for us to just enter Spirit City like this?"


    "Heh, who told you that? That''s pure hearsay." Dugu Bo laughed as he ate the meal provided by the attendants and took a sip of medicinal wine he had brought from Chen Ming''s home.


    "Relationships between Titled Douluo and the Spirit Hall are never bad," Dugu Bo said, but then, recalling Tang Hao''s hammer killing the Spirit Hall''s Pope nine years ago, he quickly corrected himself.


    "I mean, generally, they''re not bad."


    "The Spirit Hall is the sacred ground in the hearts of soul masters across the continent. The Spirit Hall is considered the ultimate destination of the soul master world. What Titled Douluo wouldn''t want to be crowned in the Spirit Hall? What Titled Douluo wouldn''t want to be buried in the Spirit Hall and be revered by soul masters for tens of thousands of years after their death?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A Titled Douluo having a bad relationship with the Spirit Hall usually just means they have an issue with a specific individual. But if someone is at odds with the Spirit Soul Hall as a whole, they''re essentially putting themselves against all the soul masters on the continent."


    "I just had some disagreements in the past with one person in the Spirit Hall. But over the years, after a few skirmishes, we''ve become something like half-friends."


    At this point, Dugu Bo took another sip of medicinal wine and poured two cups from a jar beside him.


    As Dugu Bo made this motion, Chen Ming immediately sensed two powerful, unhidden presences approaching the inn where they were staying.


    One of the auras was identical to the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum he had consumed before, while the other felt dark and carried faint traces of death but without the slightest hint of malice.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [110]

    The two auras were unmistakable¡ªone belonged to Chrysanthemum Douluo, and the other to Ghost Douluo.


    These two, often referred to as the Two Generals, shared an exceptionally close bond, even closer than blood brothers. For decades, they had been inseparable, and they were the two most well-known Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall, revered as the left and right hands of the current Pope.


    Though neither Chrysanthemum Douluo nor Ghost Douluo were particularly fast, this was only by the standards of Titled Douluo. To ordinary people, their speed was still incomprehensibly swift.


    In just a few minutes, the door to the room opened, and two figures walked in directly.


    One of them, a figure clad in golden robes, appeared somewhat effeminate. Although his attire bore no feminine traits, the floral fragrance emanating from him left an impression that blurred the line between male and female.


    Without a doubt, this was the famous flower enthusiast, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan. As for the figure beside him... it looked more like a shadow than a person.


    This shadow-like figure had no discernible facial features or characteristics. It lacked the vitality of a living being, and if one focused on sensing it, one could even detect the aura of death¡ªsomething typically associated with corpses.


    This description made it even easier to identify him. There was no one else in Douluo Continent who fit such a profile.


    This was the living dead, Ghost Douluo Gui Mei.


    As they entered, Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced at Dugu Bo, who was eating and drinking, as well as the two individuals behind him, including Chen Ming. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he casually sat down in front of Dugu Bo and, without hesitation, downed the wine Dugu Bo had poured earlier.


    Though the wine contained several poisonous insects floating inside, Chrysanthemum Douluo treated them as nothing more than ordinary protein, chewing and swallowing them without a care.


    "Hm, this tastes a bit odd. I don''t think I''ve had this before," Chrysanthemum Douluo remarked after finishing the cup of specialty toxic wine from Biluochen City. He glanced at the open wine jar nearby, carefully observing the poisonous insects floating inside. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "These insects are somewhat as I expected, but why does it feel like there''s a missing toxin? Could it be that the water used to brew this wine is naturally poisonous?" Chrysanthemum Douluo muttered in confusion. Meanwhile, Ghost Douluo simply drank his cup of medicinal wine in one go before digging into the food without hesitation.


    When it came to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Dugu Bo, Ghost Douluo always maintained a neutral, observer-like stance. Over the years, he had never interfered, nor had he spoken much to Dugu Bo. His presence was so understated that it was almost as though he weren''t there.


    "Good eye. This is a specialty from Biluochen City," Dugu Bo remarked, glancing at Chrysanthemum Douluo with a peculiar expression.


    "Oh, that hellish place? No wonder. I went there in my younger days, and even the water there was poisonous. As I passed by a wheat field, there was wheat that had transformed into soul beasts attacking me."


    "It was only then that I realized being attacked by wheat soul beasts was even a possibility," Chrysanthemum Douluo said with a hint of exasperation. Even after all these years, he couldn''t help but complain about the inhospitable nature of Biluochen City.


    After his rant, Chrysanthemum Douluo scrutinized Dugu Bo''s current state, a glint of insight flashing in his eyes.


    "Old poison, it seems you''ve made significant progress in your poison cultivation?"


    "Back then, your pupils were green, your hair was a deep green, and your body emitted a faint stench¡ªclear signs of poisons out of control."


    "When I first met you, I even suspected you had poisoned yourself. But after you advanced to Titled Douluo, I realized that wasn''t the case. Otherwise, you''d have died from your poison long before breaking through."


    "Now, though, your green pupils have returned to black, your green hair has turned white, and the signs of aging on your body have diminished by thirty percent. The stench of poisons has also disappeared. It seems your progress has been substantial. Let me guess¡ªyou''ve reached Rank 92 or perhaps 93?"


    Chrysanthemum Douluo voiced his speculation, genuinely impressed by Dugu Bo''s progress. However, Dugu Bo''s inner turmoil was even greater.


    What? Chrysanthemum Douluo had already noticed there was something wrong with me back then. He just assumed I was cultivating poison techniques on purpose?


    Dugu Bo''s hand trembled as he held his wine cup, his gaze turning vacant.


    Noticing Dugu Bo''s odd behavior, Chrysanthemum Douluo tilted his head in confusion. What''s wrong with the old poison today? He seems so different from the person I used to know. Could it be that his brain got damaged during his breakthrough?


    "Old Chrysanthemum, you noticed I was cultivating poison techniques back then?" Dugu Bo asked, suppressing the emotions surging within him.


    "Of course. I''m not exaggerating when I say my medical expertise is among the top three in the entire Douluo Continent. When it comes to knowledge about rare herbs and plants, I am undoubtedly number one," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied confidently. He then turned to look at Chen Ming, a hint of curiosity and suspicion in his gaze.


    "I sense a faint aura similar to my martial soul coming from this young one. It''s very faint but unmistakable."


    "Could it be¡­ he consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum?"


    Had Dugu Bo not been present, Chrysanthemum Douluo would have immediately begun studying Chen Ming upon entering the room.


    Chen Ming had indeed absorbed the essence of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. While most of it had been completely assimilated at the time, a small portion had remained in his body, slowly integrating into his flesh and blood over time.


    The moment Chrysanthemum Douluo sat down, he had sensed the faint trace of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum''s aura emanating from Chen Ming. This led him to suspect that Chen Ming had consumed an immature Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.


    However, since Chen Ming was associated with Dugu Bo, Chrysanthemum Douluo refrained from being too overt or exaggerated in his reaction. After all, despite being rivals for decades, Chrysanthemum Douluo had no intention of embarrassing himself in front of Dugu Bo.


    Hearing Chrysanthemum Douluo''s words, Dugu Bo''s hand trembled further, and the wine cup slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor.


    The crisp sound of the breaking cup caused Ghost Douluo, who had been quietly eating, to raise his head cautiously and scan the surroundings for any hidden Titled Douluo.


    "Relax, old ghost. The old poison just got scared by me," Chrysanthemum Douluo reassured Ghost Douluo, flashing a smug smile at Dugu Bo.


    At this moment, Dugu Bo felt like a complete fool.


    He had always believed that the secrets of his family''s poisoning were well-concealed and unknown to outsiders. Yet, in reality, anyone with sharp enough insight could see that he had serious problems.


    Dugu Bo began to question everything. If, back when he first met Chrysanthemum Douluo before becoming a Titled Douluo, he had shown a little respect and asked for help, would his son still be alive today?


    If, after the coronation ceremony at the Spirit Hall, he hadn''t left so hastily and had instead sought out the Grand Priest Qian Daoliu for advice, would he have been freed from his suffering long ago?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [111]

    Dugu Bo did not speak, but his expression changed wildly. Seeing Dugu Bo''s unusual demeanor, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan''s face also seemed to turn a bit strange. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Based on his understanding of Dugu Bo, if Dugu Bo hadn''t been poisoned by his toxins from the very beginning, wouldn''t he have started mocking Yue Guan by now for being blind and not seeing through the secrets of the continent''s number one poison-type Titled Douluo?


    Why did he suddenly stop talking?


    "Wait, Old Poison, were you poisoned by yourself back then?"


    Yue Guan looked at Dugu Bo with disbelief, his eyes filled with confusion.


    Hold on, all these years, he had always thought Dugu Bo was on the second level, while he had calculated further, so he was on the third level.


    But it turns out Dugu Bo wasn''t even on the second level¡ªhe''d been living in the basement all these years and only now climbed up to the first floor.


    "Hmph." Dugu Bo snorted coldly, unwilling to explain further. Seeing this, Yue Guan didn''t push his teasing any further.


    Though they were old rivals, after fighting for so many years, the two had developed a mutual appreciation and could even be called frenemies.


    There weren''t many people Yue Guan considered friends. Aside from his lifelong companion Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, Dugu Bo was one of the few who was relatively close to him.


    When they spent time together, they didn''t have to worry about maintaining the dignity of a Titled Douluo in front of others. They could laugh when they wanted, curse when they felt like it, and fight when the mood struck¡ªreminiscent of their younger days roaming the continent.


    "If you had surrendered to me earlier, maybe I''d have taken pity on you and helped you detoxify," said Chrysanthemum Douluo as he drank two cups of wine and ate a few bites of food. Looking at Dugu Bo, he shook his head helplessly.


    "Bah!" Dugu Bo grabbed a nearby jar of opened wine and drank it all in one go. He then casually tossed the jar, now containing only poisonous residue, onto the ground, shattering it to pieces.


    "Let''s go, Old Chrysanthemum. Let''s spar outside Spirit City."


    "Fine! Let''s spar again, and I''ll show you the skills of Chrysanthemum Douluo!"


    Their eyes locked, and just like that, they found the excuse to start a battle.


    Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo gathered their soul power and leaped out of the window, streaking toward the outskirts of Spirit City like two beams of light.


    Left in the room were only Dugu Yan, Chen Ming, and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, who continued eating in silence. With Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo gone, the atmosphere in the room grew awkward.


    Ghost Douluo looked at the two younger individuals standing nearby, seeming a little dazed.


    Due to his status as a half-dead person, he had never been good at interacting with others. For so many years, he''d been a closed-off person and didn''t know how to communicate with the younger generation.


    "Want to eat something?" Ghost Douluo raised his faceless head and asked Dugu Yan and Chen Ming.


    "Your esteemed excellency, Ghost Douluo, we''re not hungry. We''d like to go see the battle between Grandpa and Chrysanthemum Douluo," Chen Ming responded politely to Ghost Douluo.


    "Oh? Oh! Right, you''re Chen Ming, the grandson-in-law Dugu Bo took in at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy half a year ago, correct?"


    Ghost Douluo finally registered Chen Ming''s identity. His gaze rested on Chen Ming, now filled with curiosity.


    "If you two want to see a Titled Douluo-level battle, I''ll take you. Otherwise, you might get caught up in the fight."


    As soon as Ghost Douluo finished speaking, his figure became a blur. Grabbing Chen Ming and Dugu Yan by their shoulders, he carried them both and leaped out of the window. With a speed befitting his name, he dashed toward the outskirts of Spirit City.


    Even though Ghost Douluo was a speed-focused Titled Douluo, carrying two people slowed him down slightly. And since Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo had already set out earlier, by the time Ghost Douluo and the two youths arrived at the forest outside Spirit City, Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo were already locked in combat.


    Colorful poisons filled the air, and golden chrysanthemums bloomed.


    Powerful soul power clashed in the air with massive shockwaves. A green and a golden figure moved at speeds nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.


    Emerald-green soul power covered the area, even corroding the ground itself with Dugu Bo''s poison. Yet against Chrysanthemum Douluo, this poison caused little trouble.


    The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum was an immortal herb with a quality between top-tier martial souls and super martial souls. Its soul power combined the metallic toughness of metal and the vitality of wood, granting it unparalleled resistance to abnormal effects.


    Even though Dugu Bo had reached Level 94 and was now equal in soul power to Chrysanthemum Douluo, he still couldn''t easily pierce through Chrysanthemum Douluo''s defenses.


    "Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum True Body!"


    "Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor True Body!"


    With two loud shouts, two massive figures materialized in the forest.


    A multi-meter-tall Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum bloomed between heaven and earth, radiating its unyielding golden power. A colossal Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor wreathed in emerald-green poisonous mist, exuded a menacing aura like that of a world-ending demon.


    "Chrysanthemum Withers, Scattered Wounds, Flowers Fall, Hearts Break!"


    "Jade Phosphor Heavenly Light Shield!"


    To be fair, Chrysanthemum Douluo had prepared for Dugu Bo to use his eighth soul skill and head soul bone ability to immobilize him mid-air. Thus, he had spread his soul skill defensively to envelop himself, ensuring that Dugu Bo wouldn''t be able to kill him during the few seconds of immobilization.


    But Chrysanthemum Douluo had not anticipated that this time, Dugu Bo would throw the rulebook out the window.


    Emerald-green soul power enveloped the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, which charged directly through the scattering chrysanthemum petals toward Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    Though the petals pierced the Jade Phosphor Heavenly Light Shield and left multiple wounds on the serpent''s body, Dugu Bo seized the chance to get right in front of Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    "Medusa''s Gaze!"


    "Time Freeze!"


    Two powerful control abilities struck simultaneously, immobilizing Chrysanthemum Douluo in mid-air before he could dodge.


    At Dugu Bo''s current power level, these two skills could hold even Chrysanthemum Douluo, in his martial soul''s true body state, for three seconds. And in a battle between Titled Douluo, three seconds was more than enough to reverse the tide of the fight.


    The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, grinning cruelly, activated its ninth soul ring. Its massive body began to turn semi-transparent, and the poison within it became extraordinarily volatile.


    The inner core spun rapidly, and soul power flooded outward recklessly. In less than a second, Dugu Bo completely enveloped Chrysanthemum Douluo in a world of his deadly poison.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [112]

    "Eat this!"


    Dugu Bo roared, his voice thundering as he directed the poisonous soul power that had tightly enveloped Chrysanthemum Douluo inward. Although Chrysanthemum Douluo seized the opportunity to break free of Dugu Bo''s chaining control after being attacked, he was no longer able to resist Dugu Bo''s assaults.


    With a dull thud, the disheveled Chrysanthemum Douluo was sent flying by a heavy whip of Dugu Bo''s tail, smashing into a large tree.


    "Jie jie jie! This battle is my victory!" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor cackled menacingly, his deep purple soul power winding around his massive form, making him appear even more sinister and terrifying.


    If not explicitly stated, no one would have guessed that Dugu Bo was a righteous figure.


    "Tch," Chrysanthemum Douluo climbed up from the ground, using his soul power to ease the pain in his body. With a grimace, he scoffed at Dugu Bo.


    "I never realized before how cunning you are, you old poisonous creature. Not only did you secretly breakthrough from rank 91 to rank 94 in one breath, but you also absorbed a soul bone, all just to catch me off guard at a critical moment."


    "You old poison, how did I not see this side of you before?"


    The defensive power provided by the Jade Phosphor Barrier had made up for a major weakness in Dugu Bo''s abilities. It was also the key factor that allowed him to counterattack and defeat Chrysanthemum Douluo in this battle.


    This proved that even at the level of a Title Douluo, a high-quality soul bone and soul skill could still decisively alter the outcome of a battle.


    Dugu Bo burst into laughter, dispelling his Martial Soul Avatar and returning to his normal state. He reached out and patted Chrysanthemum Douluo on the shoulder.


    "Heh heh, Old Chrysanthemum, there are still plenty of things you can''t anticipate."


    Although Dugu Bo was covered in injuries and had consumed a vast amount of soul power, these minor details were nothing compared to the fact that he had defeated Chrysanthemum Guan for the first time.


    "Hmph, you''ve won." Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed, reluctantly admitting his loss.


    In their past battles, Chrysanthemum Douluo had always been the victor. However, precisely because of this, losing to Dugu Bo in a head-on confrontation this time left him feeling unusually bitter.


    Nearby, Ghost Douluo, who had been watching the fight with Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, stepped forward. Placing his hand on Chrysanthemum Douluo''s back, he slowly infused his soul power into him.


    Although the fusion of the two''s soul power didn''t result in miraculous phenomena like the legendary Haodong power that would appear thousands of years later, it still greatly alleviated Chrysanthemum Douluo''s injuries and replenished his depleted soul power.


    After just a few breaths, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s energy had noticeably recovered, and it was impossible to tell that he had just suffered a defeat.


    At this moment, Dugu Yan hurried to her grandfather''s side. She retrieved medicinal herbs and bandages from her storage soul tool and carefully began tending to Dugu Bo''s wounds.


    Although, with Dugu Bo''s current strength, such treatment was entirely unnecessary¡ªhe could simply return to Spirit City and find a healing-type soul master to recover. Even so, Dugu Bo smiled cheerfully and cooperatively let Dugu Yan dress his wounds while shooting a provocative glance at Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    "Ah, my granddaughter is so thoughtful."


    Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had never married and had no descendants, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy as he watched Dugu Yan meticulously treat Dugu Bo''s wounds. He glanced at the loyal Ghost Douluo, who had accompanied him for decades and felt a sour pang in his heart.


    As he was mulling over his bitterness, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s gaze fell on Chen Ming, who was assisting Dugu Yan. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he approached.


    "Young man, have you ever eaten the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked with a warm smile, his voice carrying a hint of affection.


    "Old Chrysanthemum, what are you planning, staring at my granddaughter''s husband like that?" Dugu Bo shot a wary glance at Chrysanthemum Douluo, his tone filled with suspicion.


    "It''s nothing," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied with a grin. "Old poison, you know I''ve never had any family in my life. I''m nearing a hundred years old, yet I''m still without children or even a disciple to look after me. My future days are bound to be lonely."


    "I noticed that your granddaughter''s husband has consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. He and I seem quite fated. Why don''t you let him become my disciple?"


    Chrysanthemum Douluo made his proposal with a smile.


    "Even if it''s just in name, I still need someone to inherit my legacy, don''t I?"


    "I''ll teach him everything I know and pass on the knowledge I''ve accumulated over the years. That way, his future achievements will be even greater. Wouldn''t your granddaughter and future great-grandchildren also benefit from that?"


    "You¡­" Dugu Bo was about to curse, but after some thought, he realized that Chrysanthemum Douluo''s suggestion made a bit of sense.


    While Dugu Bo considered himself capable, he was ultimately self-taught and might lack certain critical knowledge. Chrysanthemum Douluo, as a member of Spirit Hall, undoubtedly had access to its extensive teachings and could help fill in the gaps in Chen Ming''s training.


    Moreover, Chrysanthemum Douluo was indeed skilled in pharmacology and seemed knowledgeable about immortal herbs, which could complement Dugu Bo''s expertise.


    If he allowed Chrysanthemum Douluo to take Chen Ming as a disciple, it wouldn''t interfere with his teachings. It would also provide an additional layer of protection for his granddaughter and Chen Ming, giving them more confidence in the future.


    Although Dugu Bo had often quarreled with Chrysanthemum Guan over the years, he still held a degree of respect for him.


    In terms of both strength and character, Dugu Bo trusted Chrysanthemum Guan. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have entrusted his granddaughter and grandson-in-law to Ghost Douluo earlier and then gone off to settle things with Chrysanthemum Douluo in the woods outside the city.


    However, Chen Ming harbored many secrets, and Dugu Bo''s eyes gleamed with calculation as he came to a decision.


    He patted Chen Ming on the shoulder, whispered a few words into his ear, and then pushed him toward Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    "Martial Soul, activate!" Chen Ming shouted, summoning his Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul.


    "Scorpion Emperor Martial Soul? Innate? No... wait, there''s no record of anyone in Douluo Continent having an innate Scorpion Emperor martial soul. Could it be a post-birth mutation? And this soul ring configuration¡ªone yellow, two purple?"


    Chrysanthemum Douluo leaned closer to examine Chen Ming, touching his carapace and even sniffing the poisonous aura emanating from his transformed form.


    "Jade Phosphor Seven Treasures Flower?!" Although Chrysanthemum Douluo had never seen a real Jade Phosphor Seven Treasures Flower, after analyzing the components of Chen Ming''s poison, he couldn''t help but exclaim in shock.


    "Young man, you''re incredibly lucky to have encountered the Jade Phosphor Seven Treasures Flower and even absorbed its soul ring?"


    "No, no, no. The Jade Phosphor Seven Treasures Flower is a type of immortal herb and rarely gains sentience. If it does, it would need to be at least ten thousand years old to awaken its spirit. Its poison is so potent, and its soul power so fierce, that even a Soul King would struggle to absorb the soul ring of a newly-formed ten-thousand-year-old Jade Phosphor Seven Treasures Flower."


    "Even a thousand-year soul ring from it shouldn''t be something a mere Soul Elder could absorb."


    At this moment, Dugu Bo chimed in from the side, fanning the flames.


    "Old Chrysanthemum, my grandson-in-law has plenty of secrets, as you''ve noticed. While I trust your character, for my grandson-in-law''s sake, I still need a guarantee from you."


    "Otherwise, I can''t just hand over my precious grandson-in-law to you."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [113]

    "Scorpion Emperor Martial Soul, one yellow and two purple rings, a Soul Elder under 13."


    "The Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower and the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum."


    Although he could tell that Dugu Bo was fanning the flames from the side, Chrysanthemum Douluo still couldn''t suppress the excitement in his heart.


    In the original timeline, when Chrysanthemum Douluo first met the Shrek Seven Devils, they were already clearly enemies. Yet, because Dai Mubai had consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum Douluo had even considered taking Dai Mubai as his disciple.


    You have to understand, that this was under the circumstance where the Pope, Bibi Dong, had explicitly ordered Chrysanthemum Douluo to eliminate the Shrek group.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo was well aware of Bibi Dong''s personality and character, and he knew that if he disobeyed the order by taking Dai Mubai as his disciple, he would undoubtedly face punishment from Bibi. Yet, Chrysanthemum Douluo still chose to accept the consequences.


    This alone is enough to show how much of a temptation the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and the soul master who consumed it held for Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    Now, with a choice in the matter, Chrysanthemum Douluo could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart.


    "Old Poison, what kind of guarantee do you want? I''ll give it!" Gritting his teeth and stomping his foot, Chrysanthemum Douluo knew full well that Dugu Bo had set a trap for him, but he still had no choice but to jump in.


    "You alone won''t do; Ghost Douluo needs to guarantee it too." Dugu Bo shook his head, pushing away Chrysanthemum Douluo, who was eager to grab Chen Ming directly, and shifted the conversation to Ghost Douluo on the side.


    "Wait a minute. This is Chrysanthemum Douluo taking on a disciple¡ªwhat does this have to do with me?" Ghost Douluo pointed at his face, which was obscured and featureless, and protested to Dugu Bo in confusion.


    "You two have traveled the continent together for decades. Everyone knows you''re closer than brothers, almost like a single person. Do you think my future grandson-in-law will only rely on Old Chrysanthemum for his old age?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "When did you, old poison, grow such a devious brain?" Ghost Douluo shook his head and sighed. However, feeling Chrysanthemum Douluo''s pleading gaze beside him, he finally sighed deeply, nodding reluctantly.


    The two had been together for decades. Although they were two people, in some ways, there wasn''t much difference between them and being one. Even in the Spirit Hall, whenever someone mentioned one of them, they would also bring up the other.


    Whether it was Chrysanthemum Douluo taking on a disciple alone or the two of them jointly doing so, the difference wasn''t particularly significant.


    "You both must swear to the Angel God that you won''t pry into my grandson-in-law''s secrets, won''t disclose them, and will protect my granddaughter and grandson-in-law."


    "I have one condition," Chrysanthemum Douluo said seriously, his face stern as he addressed Dugu Bo.


    "What is it?"


    "I won''t pry into his secrets, but I will only protect them if they do not violate the moral principles and public order of the continent. If they walk the righteous path, even if the Pope herself wants to harm them, I will stand in her way. But if they stray into evil, I will be the first to deal with them myself!"


    Although Chrysanthemum Douluo might not be a paragon of righteousness, he was at least upright to a certain extent.


    Although he occasionally engaged in darker deeds that went against his conscience, he held strict requirements when it came to his disciples.


    At the very least, he did not want to mentor an evil soul master or a fallen individual.


    "Good, Old Chrysanthemum, you''re a man of principle." Dugu Bo gave a thumbs-up, offering heartfelt praise to Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    Dugu Bo had initially thought Chrysanthemum Douluo might use this opportunity to make some favorable demands for himself, but he hadn''t expected such a condition.


    It was at this moment that Dugu Bo realized Chrysanthemum Douluo was even more upright than he had previously thought.


    Thinking back to the past, before he had found his current sanctuary when he was merely a Soul Douluo, he had once heard that Chrysanthemum Douluo loved rare flowers and plants. Harboring ill intentions, Dugu Bo had secretly snuck into Chrysanthemum Douluo''s garden to search for beneficial plants, only to be caught in the act.


    To escape, Dugu Bo had chosen to destroy some of the plants to distract Chrysanthemum Douluo. This led to Chrysanthemum Douluo becoming furious and nearly beating him to death. Dugu Bo had fled in desperation, ultimately being saved by Prince Xue Xing.


    Thinking back, Dugu Bo wondered if things might have turned out differently if he had simply explained his plight back then.


    Shaking his head to dispel such thoughts, Dugu Bo pushed Chen Ming forward and placed him between the two Douluo. "Chen Ming, hurry up and greet your two masters."


    "Disciple Chen Ming greets Master Ghost and Master Chrysanthemum." Not waiting for the two to refuse, Chen Ming respectfully performed a disciple''s salute.


    Seeing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged glances before raising their hands.


    "Under the Angel God, I, Yue Guan / Gui Mei, swear upon my martial soul: I will not pry into or disclose the secrets of my disciple Chen Ming. As long as Chen Ming and Dugu Yan do not violate the moral principles and public order of the continent, I will protect them. Should I break this oath, may divine punishment befall me!"


    After hearing the two complete their oath, Dugu Bo could no longer suppress the smile on his face, his expression full of pride.


    Meanwhile, Chrysanthemum Douluo wasted no time and began assessing his new disciple.


    "Master, not only have I consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, but I have also absorbed the Star Luo Holy Pearl. Additionally, I have absorbed the soul ring of the Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower. My very first soul ring came from a 500-year-old Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower."


    "What?!" Hearing Chen Ming''s confession, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s eyes widened like goose eggs, his entire being plunged into deep shock.


    The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum¡ªhe had spent his entire life searching for it with the power of Spirit Hall and hadn''t even found a single petal. The Star Luo Holy Pearl was an ultimate immortal herb that the Star Luo Empire had been collecting since its founding. The Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower was a toxic immortal herb thought to have been extinct for millennia.


    For an ordinary person, encountering just one of these in a lifetime would have been an incredible stroke of luck. Yet, his disciple had encountered all three, consumed two, and even absorbed one as a soul ring.


    "What luck. Had I possessed even one Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum in my youth, I wouldn''t have been stuck at level 94 for so many years without reaching level 95."


    Chrysanthemum Douluo''s sigh was understandable. Although level 94 was only one step away from level 95, the gap was vast.


    Levels 91¨C94 were considered ordinary Title Douluo, while levels 95¨C98 were known as Super Douluo.


    At level 94, he was the Pope''s top enforcer, second only to her and the elders of the Worship Hall in authority. His power and position were immense, but reaching level 95 would grant him entry into the Worship Hall, standing as an equal to the Grand Priest Qian Daoliu himself.


    "Old Chrysanthemum, being stuck at level 94 for so many years is still better than me being stuck at level 91 before." Hearing Chrysanthemum Douluo''s subtle boasting, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but snidely comment.


    "Level 95 requires not only sufficient soul power but also a certain level of spiritual cultivation. Only when soul power and spiritual power merge can one breakthrough. Do you think you can manage that?"


    "Just about." Chrysanthemum Douluo, initially just responding to the jab, unexpectedly nodded seriously.


    "Within ten years at most, I''ll probably breakthrough to level 95."


    Dugu Bo squinted his eyes, feeling deeply provoked. He turned his gaze to the relatively quiet Ghost Douluo.


    "Within ten years, I''ll also reach level 95. The compatibility between the two of us is very high. As long as one of us breaks through to level 95 first, the other will quickly follow."


    At this moment, Dugu Bo understood¡ªhe should never have brought this up.


    Of the three Title Douluo present, it turned out he was the only one without the potential to break through. He was the clown all along.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [114]

    Because he had already become a disciple of Chrysanthemum Douluo, Chen Ming''s mind turned quickly. He leaned close to Dugu Bo and reached into Dugu Bo''s Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse. Although the pouch was still being used by Dugu Bo, it now contained many valuable items that Chen Ming had asked Dugu Bo to store for him. While the ownership still technically belonged to Dugu Bo, it was essentially as if Chen Ming was using it.


    After fumbling around for a moment, Chen Ming took out a box from the pouch.


    This box was the same one Qian Renxue had given him when presenting the Dragon Pearl. Since the Dragon Pearl no longer needed to be stored inside, Chen Ming emptied the box and began using it for other items.


    The large box opened, revealing a smaller jade box inside.


    Before Chen Ming could say anything, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s eyes lit up, and in a flash, he pressed his face close to the box.


    "Is this¡­ the seed of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Earlier, the two high-quality boxes had concealed the aura, so Chrysanthemum Douluo hadn''t noticed. But once one box was opened, the remaining box could no longer block the perception of Chrysanthemum Douluo, whose martial soul was the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.


    Chen Ming nodded and opened the smaller jade box, revealing a faintly golden seed inside.


    "Master Chrysanthemum, this is my gift for formally becoming your disciple¡ªa small token of appreciation. Please accept it."


    Chrysanthemum Douluo carefully picked up the seed, examining it closely. He even infused it with his soul power, sensing the unmistakable resonance of its origin. A trace of moisture appeared in the corner of his eyes.


    "Xiao Ming, this gift is simply too precious. I will accept this token of apprenticeship, but as your teacher, I must also prepare a gift for you."


    As he spoke, Chrysanthemum Douluo removed a pendant from his waist and cautiously handed it to Chen Ming.


    "This pendant is said to have been carved from the bones of a powerful soul beast hunted by the Angel God ten thousand years ago. Many years ago, the previous Pope gave it to me as a gift when I advanced to the rank of Titled Douluo. It contains a powerful holy attribute."


    "Although I have never figured out exactly what this treasure does, I can confirm that it was indeed crafted by the Angel God, and the divine aura within it was left by the Angel God herself. Treat it as my gift to you."


    Chen Ming reached out to accept the pendant, just about to express his gratitude, when he suddenly felt himself being pulled into a state of spiritual vision.


    Tens of thousands of years ago, the Era of the Myriad Dragons came to an end. Soul beasts, who had once ruled the Douluo world, could no longer become gods. Every hundred thousand years, they had to endure a deadly tribulation that was nearly impossible to survive.


    As the faith and prayers of countless soul beasts merged with the power of their collective destiny, a unique soul beast was born in the heavens and earth.


    This soul beast had no name and no kindred. It was born with attributes of ultimate light and ultimate fire, as well as an essence akin to divinity.


    It seemed to be a manifestation of the soul beast race''s destiny and prayers. Although it could not extend its lifespan by other means, it was immune to the fatal lightning tribulations that plagued other soul beasts.


    The beast could naturally double the cultivation speed of the soul beasts around it and provide a faint glimmer of hope to those facing tribulation, turning certain death into a slim chance of survival, or a slim chance of survival into a miraculous escape from death.


    This unique soul beast was called the Auspicious Beast by all the soul beasts of the continent. It was the natural sovereign of all soul beasts, second only to Di Tian.


    No soul beast dared harm the Auspicious Beast, even if it tried to prey on them. At most, they could flee, but they could never retaliate¡ªnot even those who had survived the tribulations.


    After living for nearly 300,000 years, the Auspicious Beast continued to roam carefree across the Douluo Continent with its companions, during a time when soul beasts still ruled the world.


    At that time, the 300,000-year-old Auspicious Beast was considered one of the most powerful beings among soul beasts, second only to the Beast God, Di Tian. Even Di Tian himself could not easily command the Auspicious Beast.


    However, due to its immense power and the attributes of ultimate fire and ultimate light, the Auspicious Beast''s playful antics often resulted in catastrophic consequences. On one occasion, the Auspicious Beast accidentally destroyed a human settlement with tens of thousands of people while playing. As it left, the Auspicious Beast noticed a young girl standing protectively in front of several children, glaring at it with rage.


    Had it been any other soul beast daring to glare at it like that, the Auspicious Beast would have destroyed them immediately. But this new species called humans was far too weak. The girl''s hateful gaze only amused the Auspicious Beast. It casually released a breath imbued with ultimate light and ultimate fire and then left with its companions.


    Over a hundred years later, while the Auspicious Beast was playing as usual, a female human, clad in flames and light and with six wings on her back, appeared before it.


    The human, radiating both light and fire, questioned the Auspicious Beast: did it still remember the settlement it had destroyed?


    The Auspicious Beast scratched its head and sincerely replied that it had forgotten. Just as it couldn''t remember how many meals it had eaten or the paths it had walked, it had no interest in keeping track of the insignificant settlements it had destroyed.


    To the Auspicious Beast, killing was its natural privilege. Both soul beasts and humans should feel honored to die by its power.


    Sensing danger from the human, the Auspicious Beast didn''t want to fight her, so it invited her to join it in destroying a few small settlements for fun.


    Upon hearing this, the female soul master was enraged. The ultimate light and ultimate fire engulfed the earth, divine power gathered in her sword, and the eight indistinct soul rings around her fused into her body. In an instant, she transformed into a Seraphim, towering dozens of meters tall.


    The battle between the Seraphim and the Auspicious Beast lasted three days. During this time, the Seraphim slew the Auspicious Beast''s companions¡ªsoul beasts that had survived their first and second tribulations. She also killed several supporting 100,000-year soul beasts and dozens of 10,000-year soul beasts before, with her soul power nearly depleted, finally slaying the Auspicious Beast.


    The female soul master, whose martial spirit was the Seraphim, absorbed the Auspicious Beast''s soul ring as her ninth ring, seizing the fate of the soul beast race for herself.


    In its final moments, the Auspicious Beast attempted to detonate its soul core to perish together with the Female Soul Master, but she pierced the core with her sword, absorbing the power of the soul core into the blade.


    After confirming the Auspicious Beast''s death, the female soul master severed its head and took it as a trophy.


    Returning to her people, she held the Auspicious Beast''s divine-like head high. Ordinary humans cheered wildly, chanting a name that arose from their voices:


    "Angel God!"


    For decades, the Auspicious Beast''s head hung on a massive pillar in the center of the human settlement, a symbol of their triumph over the continent''s rulers, the soul beasts. Under the Angel God''s leadership, humanity entered its era of dominance over the Douluo Continent.


    One day, the Angel God, whose power was now unfathomable, returned to the settlement. She took down the Auspicious Beast''s head and used Angel Fire of a god-like level to vaporize its flesh. The enormous skull gradually shrank.


    The Angel God carved the skull into dozens of pendants of various sizes and distributed them to the leaders of human tribes, symbolizing humanity''s victory over the soul beasts and the dawn of their age on the Douluo Continent.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [115]

    As Chen Ming''s consciousness returned, the vision shattered.


    Moments ago, in a state of unconsciousness, he had inadvertently witnessed the story of humanity''s rise on the Douluo Continent from ten thousand years ago.


    The Angel God, equipped with eight soul rings, had singlehandedly confronted a nearly 300,000-year-old auspicious beast in direct combat, effortlessly defeating swaths of ferocious beasts that had undergone both their first and second heavenly tribulations.


    Such terrifying combat power was beyond Chen Ming''s comprehension.


    Although he had never encountered real deities, there was no doubt that the eight-ring Angel God and the nearly 300,000-year-old auspicious beast were both wielding powers infinitely close to, if not outright at, the level of gods.


    Who would have expected that a group of exceptionally high-quality 100,000-year soul beasts, teaming up to besiege the Angel God, would see one of their own grabbed and thrown, killing the others upon impact?


    By comparison, even Tang San, who later inherited the dual godhoods of Sea God and Asura God, wasn''t as ferocious as this Angel God.


    If Tang San were thrown in front of the Angel God during her pre-Titled Douluo days, Chen Ming estimated the Angel God could have shredded Tang San to pieces with one hand, while purifying Tang San''s soul so thoroughly that resurrection would be impossible.


    Even after Qian Renxue became a god in the future, did she seem as powerful as the Angel God was at Rank 90 when she was just a pre-Titled Douluo?


    Although the vision did not show the Angel God absorbing the nearly 300,000-year-old auspicious beast''s soul ring as her ninth ring, Chen Ming could easily infer, even with just a toe''s worth of imagination, that the Angel God¡ªalready overwhelmingly powerful for a human¡ªmust have experienced an immense, perhaps even doubling, boost in strength upon gaining that soul ring.


    This was outright cheating, wasn''t it?


    As a transmigrator with his cheat, Chen Ming could only describe the Angel God in such terms.


    The vision lasted only an instant, yet Chen Ming remained silent for several seconds, leaving the others nearby¡ªwho had no idea what had just happened¡ªfeeling somewhat awkward.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo lowered his head, gazing at the ornament in Chen Ming''s hand. Mistakenly believing that his disciple was dissatisfied with the gift, he sighed helplessly.


    He had been about to say he''d prepare something better next time, but then saw Chen Ming suddenly lift his head, his eyes brimming with joy.


    "Thank you, Master! I love this gift! This is a treasure personally carved by the Angel God!"


    "Ah, you don''t have to get so excited, no need to get so excited." Seeing his seemingly hysterical disciple, Yue Guan hurried to calm him down.


    At this moment, everyone present, including Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, fell into deep thought as they watched Chen Ming''s reaction.


    Could it be that Chen Ming was a deeply hidden fanatic worshiper of the Angel God?


    In truth, only Chen Ming himself knew how miraculous this ornament, carved from the skull of the auspicious beast, truly was.


    Previously, Chen Ming could only perceive spirituality, comprehend laws, and lock such insights deep in his heart without an outlet or means of manifestation. He could only use what he learned to slightly adjust the skills of soul rings and soul''s bones during absorption and growth.


    But this ornament, made from the auspicious beast''s skull, personally carved by the Angel God, and infused with untold amounts of faith power, inherently possessed the ability to bear the weight of laws.


    Chen Ming could inscribe his understanding of laws into this ornament, and then transform it into his weapon.


    Under the rules of the Douluo Continent, this ornament¡ªcrafted by the Angel God¡ªwas the top-tier raw material for making a divine weapon. By modifying it, Chen Ming could forge the prototype of his divine weapon. Moreover, within the ornament were remnants of divine power and faith power left by the Angel God. Though not abundant, they were of unparalleled purity¡ªartifacts from the Angel God''s era, utterly unmatched in the current Douluo Continent.


    Despite the vast gap between his level and that of the Angel God, Chen Ming could still sense and comprehend the faith power and divine power. In the future, whether he chooses to ascend to godhood on his own or undergo divine trials, this would be of tremendous help.


    And if he could uncover the secret of how the Angel God could dominate the continent even as a pre-Titled Douluo, Chen Ming would have hit the jackpot.


    Chen Ming didn''t explain what he had seen. He simply and carefully hung the ornament over his heart, letting it rest against his chest.


    After saying a few simple words, Chrysanthemum Douluo quietly led Dugu Bo and the others back to his residence, where he summoned a healing-type Soul Sage to treat himself and Dugu Bo.


    This healing-type Soul Sage''s martial soul was the Holy Grail of Life, a tool martial positioned between top-tier and super-tier martial souls, and a legendary healing martial soul. It was said that its single-use healing capabilities surpassed even those of the Nine Heart Begonia at the same level.


    Without using their martial soul avatar, the Soul Sage completely healed Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo''s injuries with just their fifth and sixth spirit skills.


    During the healing process, Chen Ming quietly observed the Holy Grail of Life martial soul, ultimately discovering that it lacked the preset +1 mechanism unique to the Nine Heart Begonia. Instead, its essence lay in trading extremely long cooldown times for immensely powerful single-use healing effects.


    After healing Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, the Soul Sage''s fifth and sixth soul rings entered cooldown, which would take a full twelve hours to reset before they could use them again.


    Although its demonstrated healing ability seemed impressive, the heavy cost made it less appealing to Chen Ming.


    In contrast, the Nine Heart Begonia''s value continued to rise in Chen Ming''s eyes. Its unique preset +1 mechanism remained unparalleled, and Chen Ming hadn''t encountered another martial soul with a similar feature. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This further deepened Chen Ming''s suspicion that his earlier speculation about the Nine Heart Begonia martial soul being connected to the Divine Realm might be correct.


    Before the Holy Grail of Life Soul Sage left, Chrysanthemum Douluo had them also heal the other three people.


    Even though neither Ghost Douluo, Chen Ming, nor Dugu Yan had any injuries, and their soul power had almost fully recovered by this point, they complied with the order.


    After all, rank has its privileges, and faced with their superior''s request, the Soul Sage obediently used their remaining three spirit skills.


    It wasn''t until their martial soul avatar was fully drained, leaving only their first soul ring usable, that the exhausted healing-type Soul Sage was finally allowed to leave.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [116]

    Dugu Bo felt slightly worried¡ªwould the fact that he appeared at Chrysanthemum Douluo''s residence be leaked? However, Chrysanthemum Douluo patted his chest and assured him that no one would reveal this matter. After all, he was the Spirit Hall''s Punishment Elder, a position second only to the current Pope. In Spirit Hall, there weren''t many who would dare offend him.


    Moreover, the people in his residence, including the healing-type Soul Sage who had just been there, were all trusted confidants he had cultivated over the years. To put it bluntly, in their hearts, his words might even carry more weight than the Pope''s.


    After being assured everything was secure, Dugu Bo finally let out a sigh of relief. At this moment, Chen Ming took the opportunity to step forward.


    He held an old, yellowed soul beast compendium, opened it to a specific page, and placed it in front of Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Dugu Bo.


    "Master Chrysanthemum, Master Ghost, Grandpa, I want this for my fourth soul ring."


    "Oh?" Chrysanthemum Douluo took the soul beast compendium, leaned in with Ghost Douluo to examine it, and found neither of them recognized this type of spirit beast.


    "Red Eyed Ice Toad, a top-tier soul beast with ice, fire, and poison attributes, residing in the Extreme North?"


    "Eh, Xiao Ming, why do you suddenly want the soul ring of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad?" Chrysanthemum Douluo looked at Chen Ming, somewhat puzzled.


    If it were just poison, or even fire and poison or ice and poison, Chrysanthemum Douluo could understand why Chen Ming would want to hunt the Red-Eyed Ice Toad for his soul ring. But ice, fire, and poison together? He couldn''t imagine how it would be used.


    "Master, I have a secret, so I must obtain the soul ring of this particular soul beast. If I can get it, my soul power level and martial soul will likely improve significantly."


    "A secret, huh?" Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Chrysanthemum Douluo wasn''t angry.


    After all, Chen Ming had only just become his disciple a while ago¡ªit was normal to have some secrets. Moreover, Dugu Bo had clarified before the apprenticeship that Chen Ming had secrets he didn''t want others to pry into or spread around.


    Chen Ming revealing that he had a secret to Chrysanthemum Douluo made the latter appreciate him even more. This showed that Chen Ming genuinely wanted him as a teacher but wasn''t ready to fully trust him yet.


    "Xiao Ming, what''s your current soul power level?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked casually, already pondering how to guide Chen Ming in the future. But Chen Ming''s answer completely caught him off guard.


    "I''m already at level 40, but I just haven''t found a suitable soul ring yet. A while ago, Grandpa took Yan Yan to the Star Dou Forest to hunt for her third soul ring. I kept an eye out for a suitable fourth soul ring for myself too, but even when we reached the forest''s core, I didn''t find a soul beast I thought was suitable."


    "Hmmm?!"


    What could be said about being brothers for decades? After hearing Chen Ming''s reply, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged shocked glances, almost choking on their spit.


    The two set down the yellowed soul beast compendium on the table, then appeared on either side of Chen Ming. Injecting soul power and spiritual energy into his body, they probed his soul power level.


    Chen Ming didn''t hide anything. He released his martial soul¡ªa Scorpion Emperor-class martial soul¡ªwith one yellow and two purple soul rings shimmering around him. His soul power was fully revealed to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.


    "This is real..."


    "Level 40?"


    "Xiao Ming, how old are you now?" x2


    "I think I''m already 12," Chen Ming calculated, realizing that nearly a year had passed.


    After just a few days at school, he had followed Dugu Bo to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for nearly half a year. Then he added his third ring and helped Dugu Yan add hers. They had spent some time traveling and even more time in the Star Dou Forest.


    He hadn''t thought much about it, but calculating now, he realized he had unknowingly turned 12.


    "40 years old, level 12," Chrysanthemum Douluo muttered, only to be interrupted by the relatively calmer Ghost Douluo.


    "It''s 12 years old, level 40, not 40 years old, level 12."


    "Oh, oh, 12 years old, level 40. Could this be the effect of immortal herbs?"


    Hearing Chrysanthemum Douluo''s comment, Dugu Bo wasn''t happy about it.


    "Old Chrysanthemum, immortal herbs are great, but you can''t deny the personal effort of the soul master! Come, let me tell you how my grandson-in-law grew up."


    Dugu Bo pulled Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo aside and began recounting Chen Ming''s story. After hearing how Chen Ming had grown from an innate level 5 soul power user with the Emerald Scorpion to his current level, the two couldn''t help but feel amazed.


    Back when they awakened their martial souls, they had also trained hard, but compared to Chen Ming, they were still lacking. The impulsiveness and instability typical of young soul masters were completely absent in Chen Ming.


    Spending months in isolated training without contact with the outside world was something most soul masters couldn''t endure. Choosing to live in a dark and toxic training ground accompanied by poisonous creatures was an even harsher test of one''s willpower.


    With such talent, effort, and luck, his future was certainly limitless!


    Although Dugu Bo mentioned the Chen family and didn''t ignore the fact that Chen Ming came from a noble family, the support provided by the Chen family was negligible in comparison. In the eyes of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, the Jade Phosphor Seven Absolute Flowers were the only thing of slight value.


    After all, while both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo came from humble beginnings, they had joined Spirit Hall within a few years of awakening their martial souls, where they were nurtured as future elites.


    The current Golden Generation of Spirit Hall received the same treatment that Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had once received. Considering that the Pope at the time was Qian Daoliu, their treatment might have been even better.


    They had no worries about food or drink, were taught by Titled Douluo-level instructors, and enjoyed Spirit Hall''s inheritance and resources. Comparatively, the Chen family, which didn''t even have a Soul Emperor, was practically irrelevant.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Dugu Bo discussed Chen Ming''s potential for a long time. The more they talked, the more satisfied they became, and the more they believed his future achievements would be extraordinary.


    After some deliberation, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo gritted their teeth and decided to take leave from the Pope''s Hall to accompany Chen Ming to the Extreme North to obtain the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul ring.


    As for Dugu Bo¡­


    With his poison attribute being weak against ice and fire, the Extreme North was practically a death trap for him. The extreme ice and fire attributes there were natural enemies to all poison spirit masters.


    For normal soul masters, going to the Extreme North was a challenge. For poison and fire soul masters, it was pure suicide. Even without considering soul beasts, the harsh environment alone would render them half-crippled.


    Poison masters couldn''t release poison, fire masters couldn''t ignite flames¡ªit was as if their arms and legs were bound.


    Of course, poison masters with ice attributes were an exception.


    In the Extreme North, Dugu Bo could only utilize 70% of his toxic abilities, even though he was unmatched in poison mastery. If he ventured deeper, he might only function at 50% capacity, and that would be optimistic.


    To put it bluntly, any random ten-thousand-year soul beast in the Extreme North could use its attributes and the terrain to fight Dugu Bo to a standstill. If he encountered a legendary ice attribute soul beast, being killed would be all too normal.


    After some discussion, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo unanimously decided to leave Dugu Bo behind and take only Chen Ming for a quick trip.


    As for Dugu Bo, he would return to Heaven Dou City with Dugu Yan for now.


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 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [117]

    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo quickly secured leave from Bibi Dong.


    As Titled Douluos, they were not mere laborers or beasts of burden. Their status on the continent was incredibly high.


    Although in the event of a major incident, all Titled Douluos affiliated with the Spirit Hall were required to comply with mandatory deployment, it was evident that no such major event was occurring at the moment.


    In recent years, the continent has been peaceful. Even Tang Hao, who had hammered the previous Supreme Pontiff to death and angered his own father to death, had disappeared without a trace. Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect had also been quietly maintaining their reclusive state.


    It could be said that in these past years, there had been almost no destabilizing factors worthy of the Spirit Hall''s attention.


    When Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo requested leave, Bibi Dong didn''t even bother to inquire about the reason.


    After Chrysanthemum Douluo mentioned that they were going to the Extreme North for some matters, Bibi Dong even instructed her attendants to fetch several coats made of ten-thousand-year-old seal skins from the Spirit Hall''s treasury for the two of them.


    After advising them to stay safe and return quickly, Bibi Dong once again buried herself in her secluded cultivation chamber. Most of her energy was now focused on improving her cultivation, and the remainder was spent searching for hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts.


    Within the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong was essentially a figure who appeared only occasionally, and unless the heavens were falling, she was absent. She no longer displayed the courage and vigor she had upon first ascending to her position.


    After returning to their residence, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo parted ways with the others.


    Dugu Bo took Dugu Yan back to Heaven Dou City, while Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo took Chen Ming to the Extreme North to acquire a soul ring.


    Before parting, they agreed that after Chen Ming obtained his soul ring, he would return to Heaven Dou City on his own.


    The Extreme North was far from the core regions of the Douluo Continent. Even with the physical capabilities of Titled Douluos, it still took Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo about ten days to arrive.


    One couldn''t help but wonder how, thousands of years later, Huo Yuhao had managed to travel so quickly between the borderlands of the Extreme North and Shrek Academy in the core regions of the Douluo Continent.


    The outskirts of the Extreme North were an endless tundra. Unlike thousands of years later, even the outermost regions of the Extreme North were largely unexplored, and humans could only make tentative attempts to map them.


    Fortunately, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo''s affiliation with the Spirit Hall, as figures second only to the Supreme Pontiff, allowed them access to maps of the Extreme North from the Spirit Hall''s archives.


    These maps were the result of thousands of years of records and explorations, mostly created by ice-attribute soul masters who had painstakingly navigated the area step by step. They even included rough indications of soul beast habitats.


    Although the maps were not very detailed and likely contained many inaccuracies, they still proved to be of great assistance to the group.


    Bibi Dong had gifted Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo several coats made of ten-thousand-year-old seal skins. After each of them donned one, they gave the rest to Chen Ming, along with several sets of inner armor made from the pelts of ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts.


    Chen Ming chose an inner armor made from the hide of a Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear, wearing it underneath a seal-skin coat. Even in the Extreme North, he felt little of the cold.


    The Extreme North was a vast expanse of whiteness, and no map could account for every detail.


    A few days after entering the icy plains of the Extreme North, the group encountered a massive snowstorm. The overwhelming forces of nature were so powerful that even Titled Douluos dared not confront them head-on. They had no choice but to find temporary shelter in an ice-attribute soul beast''s lair.


    After easily dispatching the lair''s original occupant, a ten-thousand-year-old Ice Bear, the three of them survived on its meat for several days. Once the storm subsided, they resumed their exploration of the Extreme North.


    For the soul beasts of the Extreme North, snowstorms were both a disaster and a blessing.


    Over 99% of the soul beasts in the Extreme North had ice attributes, though the degree varied. During a snowstorm, the ice-attribute energy in the environment surged and became volatile, significantly increasing the storm''s power. Soul beasts below the ten-thousand-year level were at risk of death.


    After the snowstorm ended, this surging ice energy would calm down and slowly settle back into the eternally frozen ice layers of the Extreme North.


    During this period, when the extreme cold energy was still lingering and had not yet completely settled, it became the best time for the soul beasts of the Extreme North to absorb it.


    After the snowstorm, soul beasts of all kinds emerged from their hiding places.


    Snow Leopards, Ice Winged Birds, Frost Beasts, Ice Antelopes, and Ice Turtles¡ªamong the many soul beasts, there were both common ice-attribute creatures found throughout the Douluo Continent and unique species native to the Extreme North.


    During this time, Chen Ming quietly searched for signs of a Red-Eyed Ice Toad, hoping that the snowstorm might have drawn one out.


    After more than ten days of searching, however, he still hadn''t found the Red-Eyed Ice Toad. Instead, they stumbled upon a soul beast made famous during the Legend of the Gods era due to the protagonist Huo Yuhao.


    "The Ice Jade Scorpion?"


    A ten-thousand-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion was wandering across the icy plains, casually devouring the ice-attribute energy in the air. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although it had only recently reached the ten-thousand-year level, its rate of absorbing energy was equivalent to several ordinary ten-thousand-year ice-attribute soul beasts combined. It was as though the ice energy of the entire region actively gravitated toward this Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Wherever the Ice Jade Scorpion passed, all other soul beasts avoided it. Whether they were thousand-year soul beasts or ten-thousand-year-old ones stronger than the scorpion, all of them retreated to make way for it.


    Watching this scene, Chen Ming, hiding in an ice cave, suppressed his breath while summoning his martial soul. Comparing the two, he couldn''t help but feel that his Emerald Scorpion Emperor bore a striking resemblance to the domineering Ice Jade Scorpion outside.


    Although their attributes were completely unrelated, their appearances were remarkably similar. The Ice Jade Scorpion looked like a color-swapped version of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor.


    Seeing this, and then observing Chen Ming''s martial soul possession state, Chrysanthemum Douluo suddenly had an idea.


    "Xiao Ming, do you think you can absorb the soul ring of this scorpion? It looks like it''s a perfect match for your Emerald Scorpion Emperor!"


    Ghost Douluo, after some thought, agreed.


    "Indeed. This scorpion may have just reached the ten-thousand-year mark, yet even soul beasts over twenty-thousand years old actively avoid it¡ªincluding top-tier ice-attribute beasts."


    "I believe this scorpion is some kind of supreme-quality soul beast that hasn''t been recognized by the people of Douluo Continent. Didn''t you say you''ve consumed immortal herbs and can attempt to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring for your fourth ring?"


    "If that''s the case, why bother looking for that Red Eyed Ice Toad? You might as well absorb the soul ring of this Ice Jade Scorpion instead."


    "The Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul ring?" Chen Ming lowered his head, pondering.


    The Ice Jade Scorpion species was once venomous, but in its pursuit of ultimate ice power, it had completely abandoned its toxicity, gaining unparalleled control over extreme ice instead.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [118]

    Just by looking at it, Chen Ming felt that there was probably some kinship between his Emerald Scorpion Emperor and the Ice Jade Scorpion. Perhaps tens of thousands or even a million years ago, the Ice Jade Scorpion lineage was a branch of the Emerald Scorpion. However, due to developing ice attributes through mutation, they migrated to the extreme northern lands. After countless generations and the passage of time, they completely shed their venomous traits and evolved into the current Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Logically speaking, the Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul ring has extremely high requirements, and its soul bones can only be absorbed by those with pure ice attributes.


    But the problem lies in this: although he currently does not possess ice attributes, for various reasons, it is not entirely impossible for him to absorb the soul ring of a ten-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Moreover, considering the quality of the Ice Jade Scorpion and the power displayed by the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion martial soul in Hu Yuhao''s hands after ten thousand years, Chen Ming was slightly tempted.


    "Why not give it a try and absorb the Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul ring?"


    But he needed to maintain a balance between ice and fire to acquire the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid and the Infernal Delicate Apricot. These two herbs would temper his body with ice and fire. If he absorbed the Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul ring, the extreme ice quality would surely add a significant ice attribute to his martial soul beyond its existing poison and death attributes.


    If that happened, he would likely lose the ability to interact with the Infernal Delicate Apricot. If he only consumed the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, he might reach the level of ultimate ice attributes and also gain a potent cold poison, which seemed like it could solve the fundamental problem of his poison attribute being weak against ice and fire.


    "Not a bad idea."


    "Master Chrysanthemum, Master Ghost, why don''t we lure this scorpion soul beast to a more distant location first and see what abilities it has before deciding?"


    "Sure, let''s watch and see."


    Although the extreme northern lands are a sanctuary for ice-attribute soul beasts and greatly enhance their ice properties, the quality of that scorpion, which is likely on par with the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, would undoubtedly make it formidable under the enhancement of the northern lands.


    However, after Chen Ming obtained the seeds of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum Douluo managed to resolve part of his inner conflict. With the resonance of his martial soul, he successfully broke through from level 94 to level 95.


    As Ghost Douluo had mentioned previously, if one of them broke through first, the other would surely be pulled forward as well. Therefore, Ghost Douluo also broke through the barrier from level 94 to 95.


    The progress from level 94 to 95 is far greater than from level 93 to 94. Not only did their soul power increase significantly, but even their martial souls improved in quality, becoming true super martial souls. Their martial soul fusion ability became almost twice as effective.


    A mere ten-thousand-year ice-attribute scorpion? Even if it were a hundred-thousand-year ice-attribute scorpion or two of them, the current Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo wouldn''t feel any fear.


    Of course, this was before the soul masters of this era became aware of the existence of the three kings of the extreme northern lands.


    Currently, the Ice Empress has a cultivation age of around 380,000 years, having survived three tribulations. Its strength is roughly equivalent to a level 97 titled Douluo and, under the enhancement of the extreme northern lands, could hold its own against a level 98 titled Douluo.


    Within the Ice Jade Scorpion clan, the Ice Empress is not the only beast of such caliber. There are also several hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and tribulation-surviving beasts.


    However, these beings all reside in the core region of the extreme northern lands. The Ice Empress, busy preparing for its next tribulation, had no time for other matters. The hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and tribulation-level beasts also had their territories and would not wander recklessly.


    As a result, unless they went too far, hunting this Ice Jade Scorpion wouldn''t cause much trouble.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo discussed the matter briefly. Ghost Douluo soon scouted the area using his concealment ability and found a grove inhabited by only a few ordinary thousand-year ice-attribute soul beasts. After some planning, they decided to lure the Ice Jade Scorpion into the grove and deal with it there.


    For some reason, Chen Ming seemed fated to encounter groves or canyons whenever hunting soul rings. Nine out of ten times, he would end up in such places.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo hid with Chen Ming in the grove, while the agile Ghost Douluo provoked the Ice Jade Scorpion, luring it toward the grove. About thirty to forty minutes later, Ghost Douluo successfully enraged the Ice Jade Scorpion, which followed him furiously into the grove.


    A ten-thousand-year soul beast possesses intelligence comparable to humans. However, their growth process often makes these theoretically intelligent creatures act somewhat naive or even slightly foolish.


    As the Ice Jade Scorpion approached the grove, it paused briefly, sensing that this seemed like a trap set by its enemies.


    Yet, as a member of the Ice Jade Scorpion clan, one of the three kings of the extreme northern lands, its pride was immense.


    This particular Ice Jade Scorpion had just passed the ten-thousand-year mark and was at a stage where it had intelligence but found it difficult to set aside its pride. In simple terms, it had trapped itself in a situation where retreat would be too humiliating.


    As a result, even though it sensed something was off, it used its pride as a justification to push forward and charge into the grove head-on.


    If an older Ice Jade Scorpion had been present, nine out of ten of them would have lovingly smacked this young one on the head, letting it reflect quietly beneath the ice for a while.


    Unfortunately, this Ice Jade Scorpion had ventured out from the core area of the extreme northern lands on its own, with no other Ice Jade Scorpions nearby.


    After entering the grove and noticing that the small bug it had been chasing had suddenly stopped running, the Ice Jade Scorpion raised its pincers high and slammed them heavily onto the ice. Dozens of ice pillars of varying sizes erupted from the ground, stabbing fiercely toward Ghost Douluo.


    This attack was impressive in both execution and power. Under the enhancement of the extreme northern lands, even a typical Soul Sage wouldn''t dare to casually withstand these ice pillars rising from the ground.


    However, Ghost Douluo was a speed-type titled Douluo. What appeared ferocious to others seemed as slow as a crawling turtle to him.


    Without even activating his soul rings, Ghost Douluo easily dodged the ice pillars with a few flickers of his figure and appeared behind the Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Before the scorpion could react, Ghost Douluo''s third and fourth soul rings lit up, and his figure split into multiple clones.


    Although each clone was fragile¡ªso weak that even a one-ring soul master could shatter them¡ªthey all possessed the speed of a speed-type titled Douluo and half of Ghost Douluo''s strength.


    The ghostly figures launched simultaneous attacks from various angles, targeting the joints and weak points between the Ice Jade Scorpion''s armored plates.


    In an instant, four of the scorpion''s eight legs were disabled, and its tail was forced to droop. Only a few clones attempting to sever the scorpion''s pincers were destroyed by the struggling creature.


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 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [119]

    "Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!"


    Feeling the loss of sensation in its legs and the severe damage to its tail, a glint of ferocity flashed in the eyes of the Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Although it didn''t understand what had happened, the beast''s innate ferocity drove it into a state of heightened tension, unleashing all of its signature skills without holding back.


    The green and blue parts of the Ice Jade Scorpion''s body lit up simultaneously, and an intense surge of icy soul power enveloped its massive frame, drastically enhancing its defensive capabilities.


    The Ice Jade Scorpion frantically hammered the ice surface with its front pincers, causing a chaotic eruption of ice pillars from all directions.


    The pillars were utterly random in location, size, and power. Some were powerful enough to severely injure or even kill a ten-thousand-year soul beast, while others were so weak that even a ten-year soul beast could withstand them. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some of these ice pillars even managed to lift the Ice Jade Scorpion off the ground. Although it wasn''t injured, it looked rather embarrassed.


    It was apparent that this was a highly unique random-type soul skill, where the size, power, and range of the attack depended entirely on chance. With bad luck, even the Ice Jade Scorpion itself could end up within the range of the attacks.


    Under the immense force of its hammering and the chaotic eruption of ice pillars, the gorge, which had been frozen for who knows how many years, began to show signs of collapse.


    Though the scene appeared extremely dangerous, Ghost Douluo moved elegantly, flickering between the variously sized ice pillars without a single ice shard touching his body.


    As always, for a Rank 95 agility-type Super Douluo, these ice pillars were simply too slow.


    Nearby, Chrysanthemum Douluo carried Chen Ming and stepped out from their hiding spot.


    Although Chrysanthemum Douluo was also a Rank 95 Super Douluo, he wasn''t adept at speed. Moreover, with Chen Ming in his arms, he couldn''t move as freely as Ghost Douluo did among the random ice pillars.


    Instead, he used the metallic soul power of his Martial Soul, the Chrysanthemum, to form a thick soul power shield around himself. With this powerful defense, he directly withstood most of the indiscriminate attacks.


    Any ice pillar that came into contact with Chrysanthemum Douluo''s shield, whether powerful enough to injure a ten-thousand-year soul beast or weak enough to barely harm a ten-year soul beast, was instantly crushed into powder by the seemingly gentle yet overwhelmingly domineering shield.


    Initially, there were still some low-quality thousand-year soul beasts surviving in the gorge. However, under the Ice Jade Scorpion''s indiscriminate random attacks, most of the ice-attributed soul beasts were instantly obliterated by the power of Ultimate Ice. The few that survived desperately fled for their lives.


    Sensing the feedback from its soul skill, the Ice Jade Scorpion finally locked onto the target that had not disappeared¡ªthe one wrapped in the soul power shield: Chrysanthemum Douluo and Chen Ming.


    At this moment, nine soul rings flickered around Ghost Douluo, and nine soul rings also flickered around Chrysanthemum Douluo.


    Even though the Extreme North was rarely visited by human soul masters, and this was the first time in its thousand-year lifespan that the Ice Jade Scorpion had seen actual humans, it instinctively understood the various levels of human soul masters.


    Nine soul rings meant that these humans were titled Douluo, equivalent to the rank of a hundred-thousand-year or even ferocious beasts among its kind.


    One of these titled Douluo was holding a human child. Just as its elders had warned, this was a human attempting to hunt it for its soul ring.


    As a proud Ice Jade Scorpion, it knew very well, especially with half of its eight legs rendered useless in a single exchange, that it had little chance of escaping from two human soul masters who were on par with ferocious beasts.


    But the Ice Jade Scorpion''s pride would never allow it to simply submit to being hunted by humans.


    The Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul power surged, and even its life force began to be consciously extracted. Staring unyieldingly at the two figures, it let out a cry of defiance. In an instant, its left pincer expanded several times in size, radiating a dazzling light.


    The giant pincer slammed heavily onto the ground, releasing a tremendous amount of soul power that spread throughout every corner of the icy gorge.


    The Ice Jade Scorpion poured all of its soul power into activating a special skill that was extremely rare even among its kind.


    Boom!


    The ice surface, infused with the Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul power, began to rupture. The once-eternal ice of the gorge now boiled with fury, as if it had been ignited into a raging inferno.


    Although Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately used his soul skill to pierce through the Ice Jade Scorpion''s brain upon realizing something was wrong, he was unable to completely stop the beast''s desperate, all-or-nothing move.


    The power of the Ice Explosion Technique was pushed to its absolute limit by this ten-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion. Not just the gorge, but even the surrounding ice plains began to collapse violently.


    Explosions, shattering, and collisions filled the air.


    The Ice Explosion Technique wasn''t just a simple explosion; it triggered a chain reaction, creating a small-scale natural disaster. The surrounding ice plains crumbled, leaving a massive abyss in the ground.


    Even though Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were Rank 95 titled Douluo, they couldn''t completely withstand this situation. Even their combined martial soul fusion technique couldn''t stop the large-scale collapse of the ice plains.


    Ghost Douluo regrouped with Chrysanthemum Douluo, channeling his soul power to reinforce the shield created by Chrysanthemum Douluo''s Chrysanthemum, protecting the three of them.


    To ensure safety, Chen Ming also did his best to mobilize the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum power within his body, injecting it into Chrysanthemum Douluo. He even transferred the special soul power refined from the Golden Core within him, hoping it would help.


    After several minutes of explosions and collisions, the collapse of the ice plains finally ceased. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo gathered their soul power and pushed away the heavy ice above them, managing to crawl out.


    Before they could say anything, a surge of powerful soul energy erupted from beneath the ice plains.


    A large hole melted into the shattered ice plains as intense fire energy burst forth, releasing heat into the Extreme North''s frozen expanse.


    A massive toad leaped out from underground, its body radiating violent soul power that reflected the fury in its heart.


    This enormous toad had a body as pure white as ice, but its disproportionately large eyes gleamed a fiery red with intense heat.


    As its body expanded and contracted, the toad''s aura alternated between ice and fire. In these transitions, a peculiar and potent poison began to form.


    Without a doubt, this extraordinary soul beast was Chen Ming''s original target: the rare Red-Eyed Ice Toad, a creature unique to the Extreme North that possessed the attributes of ice, fire, and poison.


    PS: What a luck...

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [120]

    Although the Red-Eyed Ice Toad is rare and unusual, it is ultimately just a top-tier soul beast. In terms of quality, it pales in comparison to the Ice Jade Scorpion clan, which possesses the pinnacle of ice attributes.


    However, this particular Red Eyed Ice Toad, which seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, was completely different from the typical Red Eyed Ice Toad.


    Its eyes were massive, far larger than what is proportionally normal for a toad-type soul beast. The two enormous eyes had turned a deep crimson due to the accumulation of excessive fire elements, to the extent that even the pupils were no longer visible.


    What''s more, its body was surrounded by fire-attributed soul power instead of the usual ice-attributed soul power.


    "Croak, croak, croak!"


    The Red Eyed Ice Toad raised its head and swallowed whatever it had in its mouth.


    During this act of swallowing, a green scorpion tail suddenly pierced out of the Red Eyed Ice Toad''s mouth. It was clear that the creature it was trying to devour was none other than the Ice Jade Scorpion, which had just caused a massive collapse in the area.


    Logically, having its mouth pierced by the Ice Jade Scorpion should have inflicted significant damage on the Red-Eyed Ice Toad, as it would for any soul beast. But this creature seemed completely unaffected by pain, continuing to swallow the Ice Jade Scorpion.


    Despite sustaining numerous wounds caused by the Ice Jade Scorpion''s struggle, the Red Eyed Ice Toad refused to let go of its prey, forcing the Ice Jade Scorpion into its stomach.


    Just as Chen Ming and his companions thought that the deranged Red-Eyed Ice Toad would be torn apart from the inside by the Ice Jade Scorpion, something unexpected happened. The Red Eyed Ice Toad straightened its body and let out a strange sound.


    "Goo-goo-goo, croak-croak-croak, goo¡ª!"


    With the sound, the ice and fire soul power within the Red-Eyed Ice Toad began to flow and interact. This time, however, what emerged was not its usual potent poison, but a unique life force.


    Yes, this Red Eyed Ice Toad had produced life force¡ªa capability entirely inconsistent with what Red Eyed Ice Toads are known for.


    Under the nourishment of this life force, the wounds on the Red Eyed Ice Toad''s body began to heal rapidly. The gashes caused by the Ice Jade Scorpion''s struggle had been so deep that its stomach was visible, yet within just a few breaths, the wounds had closed. The smaller cuts didn''t even leave scars.


    Normally, a Red-Eyed Ice Toad would never dare to swallow an Ice Jade Scorpion. But this Red Eyed Ice Toad was anything but normal. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After devouring the Ice Jade Scorpion, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad turned its gaze to Chen Ming and his companions. Even though Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had a total of eighteen soul rings glowing brightly around them, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad showed no hint of fear.


    Was it strong?


    Chen Ming estimated that while this Red Eyed Ice Toad was unusual, its lifespan was no more than 20,000 years. Though not weak, it certainly wasn''t extraordinarily powerful.


    A soul beast that has lived for 10,000 years typically develops intelligence comparable to that of a human, lacking only systematic knowledge. Hence, the eyes of a 10,000-year soul beast differ greatly from those of a 1,000-year soul beast, reflecting rationality and thought.


    But in the eyes of this Red-Eyed Ice Toad, Chen Ming saw no trace of reason or thought, nor could he sense any rationality. All that was present was a kind of madness¡ªa relentless, destructive impulse to annihilate itself and others.


    It was as if this Red Eyed Ice Toad had been born without a brain.


    "Croak, croak, croak!"


    The Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s body rapidly expanded and then contracted violently, spewing forth a beam of soul power infused with both ice and fire attributes. Ice and fire are inherently contradictory elements, and forcing them together resulted in extreme instability. While most of the destructive power was directed at Chen Ming''s group, the residual effects still caused severe damage to the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s recently healed mouth. Even if it managed to hit its target, it was a case of hurting the enemy by 10,000 but harming itself by 3,000.


    Witnessing this, both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were puzzled but quickly dodged the unstable ice-fire soul beam.


    The destructive beam left deep marks on the ground but failed to touch even a corner of their clothing.


    Under normal circumstances, even a 100-year-old soul beast would have stopped attacking at this point. But this Red Eyed Ice Toad showed no such awareness. Despite failing to land a hit, it continued to desperately fire soul beams.


    Ghost Douluo repositioned himself above the Red-Eyed Ice Toad, infused his foot with soul power, and stomped heavily. The Red Eyed Ice Toad''s head was driven directly into the ice layer below. A surge of soul power exploded against the creature''s face, causing significant damage.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo, meanwhile, brought Chen Ming closer to the Red-Eyed Ice Toad. Using soul power, he formed a large hand and flipped the creature over. They found that the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s mouth had been completely worn down by its soul power. Its overly large, disproportionate eyes had also been injured, bleeding dark red tears.


    These tears contained a high concentration of fire elements, which were almost entirely at odds with the ice-dominated nature of the Extreme North. When the blood tears dripped onto the surrounding ice, they caused the ancient, frozen surface to begin melting.


    Even when restrained mid-air by the Titled Douluo''s soul power, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad remained utterly frenzied. The fusion of its ice and fire attributes produced a unique life force that quickly repaired its injuries.


    Seeing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped forward. He reached out with his hand toward the Red Eyed Ice Toad''s back.


    Pure, powerful metallic soul power sliced through the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s body like a blade, severing most of its spine.


    With its spine severed, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s ability to struggle was reduced to almost nothing. Its body became immobile, and even the speed at which it gathered soul power dropped to a negligible level.


    Only then did Chen Ming move closer to carefully examine this soul beast, which looked like a Red Eyed Ice Toad but seemed far too unusual to truly be one.


    "Body size¡ªalmost identical."


    "Skin color, body contour¡ªalso nearly identical to what''s in the Soul Beast compendium."


    "But the size of these eyes¡ªcompletely different."


    The eyes of this Red Eyed Ice Toad were approximately three times larger than those of its documented counterparts, making them highly disproportionate to its body. This was precisely why the creature seemed so different and utterly deranged.


    The Red-Eyed Ice Toad is known for its ice, fire, and poison attributes, but its primary attribute is ice. The fire attribute in its eyes is merely a secondary characteristic. The balance between its vermilion-red markings and its pure white body creates the unique icy venom for which the Red-Eyed Ice Toad is known.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [121]

    Yes, to be precise, the fire attribute is just a means that the Red-Eyed Ice Toad developed to produce venom. The fire attribute is important but not essential. Generally, having about 20% of it is enough.


    However, this particular Red Eyed Ice Toad has an excessively strong fire attribute, accounting for nearly 40% of its overall makeup, or even closer to 50%, which is on par with its original ice attribute.


    This mutation causes its ice and fire attributes to clash and merge uncontrollably, constantly tormenting the Red-Eyed Ice Toad. Its brain is perpetually filled with nothing but pain.


    The fusion of ice and fire not only produces venom but also gives rise to an unusual vitality. This vitality sustains the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s life, allowing it to continuously feel pain and be endlessly tortured by its unique attributes.


    Even after reaching ten thousand years of cultivation, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad has never been able to awaken from its torment to gain consciousness.


    "Xiao Ming, the scorpion from earlier was swallowed by this Red Eyed Ice Toad. I think it''s already dead. Are you planning to absorb the soul ring of this Red-Eyed Ice Toad, or should Old Ghost and I try to find a similar scorpion for you later?"


    "Master, I think I''ll absorb the soul ring of this Red Eyed Ice Toad. That scorpion earlier¡ªI initially thought it was an ice-attribute Jade Phosphorus Scorpion, which has both ice and poison attributes. But during the battle, I realized that the scorpion had completely abandoned its venom attribute in exchange for pure ice." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Although I could attempt to absorb it, its pure ice attribute wouldn''t necessarily be fully compatible with me. It would likely cause irreversible changes to my poison attribute."


    "I''ll just absorb the soul ring of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad."


    Although Chen Ming concealed the fact that he already knew the Jade Phosphorus Scorpion lacked the poison attribute, what he said otherwise was truthful.


    With only the ice attribute, when Chen Ming returns to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he would only be able to absorb the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid to strengthen his ice attribute, losing out on the opportunity to interact with the Infernal Delicate Apricot.


    But if he absorbs the Red-Eyed Ice Toad, which has a balanced mix of ice, fire, and poison attributes, Chen Ming would most likely gain both ice and fire attributes, as well as a derivative poison born from the fusion of ice and fire.


    This way, when Chen Ming returns, he could directly consume both the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid and the Infernal Delicate Apricot, then jump into the pool for an ice-fire refinement of his body. Not only would his body and martial soul be strengthened, but his poison attribute would also remain intact. He might even achieve the dual ultimate attributes of ultimate ice and ultimate fire.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s decision, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo no longer objected. After all, their original goal in coming to the Extreme North was the Red-Eyed Ice Toad and the scorpion from earlier was merely a whim.


    Now that they had found the Red-Eyed Ice Toad, absorbing its soul ring was perfectly logical.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo used their soul power to lift the immobilized Red-Eyed Ice Toad while cleaning up the traces left on the ground. After confirming that no critical information had been left behind, they took Chen Ming and the Red-Eyed Ice Toad to a nearby soul beast nest.


    After clearing out the original inhabitants and ensuring no dangers would disturb them, Chen Ming used his tail to pierce the brain of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad, guiding the soul beast¡ªtortured by pain for countless years¡ªinto a peaceful death.


    A black ten-thousand-year soul ring rose from the Red Eyed Ice Toad''s head. Seeing this, Ghost Douluo spoke with some concern.


    "Xiao Ming, are you confident in absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring? Although you''ve always absorbed rings beyond the typical age limit, there''s a fundamental difference between ten-thousand-year and thousand-year soul rings. Not only is the soul power much stronger but there''s also the residual will of the soul beast at the moment of its death, which makes absorption very difficult."


    "On the continent, while Soul Kings can absorb ten-thousand-year soul rings, many people still die every year because they can''t handle the soul beast''s lingering will when attempting to absorb such rings. Even for sixth-ring soul masters, absorbing ten-thousand-year soul rings is still a daunting challenge."


    "This soul ring appears to have cultivation close to fifteen thousand years. Normally, the upper limit for a fifth soul ring is about twelve thousand years. Even my sixth soul ring is only a few hundred years older than this one. Xiao Ming, have you thought this through?"


    Before Chen Ming could reply, Chrysanthemum Douluo patted Ghost Douluo on the shoulder and reassured him on Chen Ming''s behalf.


    "Old Ghost, you underestimate the miraculous effects of immortal herbs. Xiao Ming has consumed two immortal herbs and even absorbed the soul ring of one. His physique and mental strength are on a completely different level from ordinary soul masters. With his current physical and mental capabilities, absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Well, alright," Ghost Douluo, knowing Chrysanthemum Douluo''s personality, didn''t press further. He simply nodded silently and stood beside Chen Ming, watching him closely with a worried expression.


    Absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring as the fourth soul ring was still too incredible for Ghost Douluo to fully accept.


    "Master Ghost, I''ll be fine!"


    Chen Ming gave Ghost Douluo a thumbs-up, then closed his eyes to begin guiding the ten-thousand-year soul ring left behind by the Red-Eyed Ice Toad into his body.


    There''s a qualitative difference between ten-thousand-year and thousand-year soul rings. As soon as this soul power entered Chen Ming''s body, he could feel the immense strength contained within.


    That said, Chen Ming''s body had already undergone a complete transformation.


    The Star Luo Holy Pearl allowed him to develop a soul core before even reaching level 40. The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum had strengthened his meridians to the level of a Titled Douluo''s.


    At first, Chen Ming felt a bit nervous. But as the ten-thousand-year soul power flowed into his meridians, he quickly realized there was no need to worry.


    While the strength of a Titled Douluo''s meridians doesn''t equate to the capacity to bear Titled Douluo-level soul rings, the soul power of this less-than-twenty-thousand-year-old soul ring posed no threat to his meridians.


    The Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul power rampaged within Chen Ming''s meridians for a while, but it couldn''t cause even the slightest pain. With a gentle nudge of his mental power and a slight rotation of his soul core, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul power became as docile as a servant before its master''s whip.


    Within a quarter of an hour, Chen Ming had successfully guided the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul power into his dantian. Right as he was about to enter the stage of selecting his soul skill, a peculiar soul fluctuation blocked his path.


    How to describe it? If this soul fluctuation''s strength was rated as 1, then Chen Ming''s soul strength would be at least 100. The difference was qualitative.


    If Chen Ming hadn''t paused upon sensing this unique fluctuation, it would have been instantly crushed by him.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [122]

    In the sea of consciousness, Chen Ming reached out and grabbed, and a broken and illusory remnant of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad appeared in his hand. During its life, Red Eyed Ice Toad suffered greatly from the torment of its ice and fire attributes. Death was a kind of release for it, and the grievances left in the soul ring were minimal.


    As a result, the remnant of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s consciousness wasn''t even the size of Chen Ming''s palm when manifested in the sea of consciousness. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming briefly examined it, and finding nothing particularly noteworthy, clapped his hands and crushed the trembling remnant into dust. He then thoroughly purified and absorbed it, moving on to the next step: selecting a soul skill.


    Although the Red-Eyed Ice Toad had ice, fire, and poison attributes, as a toad, it naturally possessed several poison-related skills:


    [Poison Mist Spray: a wide-area poison gas attack.]


    [Frozen Poison Fog: a poisonous mist capable of freezing soul power.]


    [Flames of Poison: burns life force and soul power.]


    [Ice-Fire Poison Dragon Drill: a single-target attack with both ice and fire attributes.]


    [Enhanced Leap: a basic skill common to toad-type creatures.]


    Chen Ming examined the Toad''s various soul skills and noticed one particularly unique skill.


    This skill was not one that originated from the Red Eyed Ice Toad''s original bloodline but was instead a mutation imprinted into its bloodline later.


    [Heaven and Earth Reversal: This skill reverses the properties and effects of one''s soul power. It converts the ice attribute to fire, the fire attribute to ice, and the poison attribute to the life attribute. It can also consume life force to generate powerful poison or death energy.]


    "So, that Red-Eyed Ice Toad just now must have used this skill, right?" Chen Ming pondered. "Although the converted attribute suffers some loss, it can still retain about 70% of its original power. Ice and fire are balanced, and poison can be turned into healing abilities."


    "If I apply this to my poison and death attributes¡­"


    At this thought, a sudden realization struck Chen Ming¡ªhe had something in his possession that was related to conversion:


    The Emerald Dragon''s Dragon Core!


    The Dragon Core could convert attribute-less and poisonous soul power into life force. The principle behind this was remarkably similar to the soul skill.


    "If I choose this soul skill and use the Dragon Core as a reference, could I evolve it further to create life and lightning attributes? Could I combine these attributes into a unique, higher-level power exclusive to me?"


    Suppressing his excitement, Chen Ming repeatedly examined the soul ring and found no other skill that appealed to him as much. He decided to imprint Heaven and Earth Reversal into his soul ring.


    As the soul ring was absorbed, the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul ring began to transform Chen Ming''s body. Not only did it strengthen his physique, but it also added potential for ice and fire attributes to his martial soul.


    ...


    Half an hour later, Chen Ming opened his eyes, and his soul power involuntarily leaked out.


    "Level 44? Huh?"


    "Wait, is that right?"


    Sensing Chen Ming''s soul power, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged glances, at a loss for words.


    In truth, although a ten-thousand-year soul ring contained a substantial amount of soul power, it wasn''t enough to raise someone by four entire levels.


    The four-level increase in soul power after absorbing the soul ring was due to two levels from the soul ring itself and two levels from Chen Ming''s accumulation over time.


    After absorbing a soul core, not only did his soul power recovery rate and capacity increase, but even the speed at which he absorbed soul power improved.


    Moreover, when he absorbed his third soul ring, Chen Ming helped the Douluo World decipher the internal rules of the Netherworld Scorpion. As a result, the world itself favored him, making the external spiritual energy more accessible to him.


    Over two months, Chen Ming had cultivated diligently and accumulated two levels of soul power, which only became apparent after absorbing his fourth soul ring. This fact, if revealed, would shock people even more than him consuming immortal herbs.


    Watching Chen Ming successfully absorb his fourth soul ring, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo both breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Xiao Ming, your talent is truly remarkable," Ghost Douluo said with a forced smile, unsure of what else to say. The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness until Chrysanthemum Douluo broke the silence.


    "Xiao Ming, absorbing a ten-thousand-year soul ring for your fourth ring is unprecedented in the history of the Douluo Continent. Your talent surpasses not only that of the old poison and both of us but even the legendary Grand Worship, who were once hailed as the peaks of the Soul Master world."


    "In the future, you will undoubtedly become a renowned powerhouse on the continent. Perhaps even the entire Spirit Hall will treat you with the utmost respect."


    "Thank you, Masters, for your guidance and support. Without your help, I wouldn''t have been able to obtain this fourth soul ring."


    At this moment, any excessive humility would have been disingenuous. Chen Ming respectfully bowed to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to express his gratitude.


    For the sake of their apprentice, the two Titled Douluo had taken leave from the Spirit Hall and spent several months accompanying Chen Ming to obtain his fourth soul ring. The effort and care they had shown left a deep impression on Chen Ming.


    To think, Chen Ming''s original plan was merely to use the seeds of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to make a deal with Chrysanthemum Douluo, hoping he, Ghost Douluo, and Dugu Bo would accompany him to the Extreme North to hunt the Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s soul ring.


    Before that, Chen Ming hadn''t even considered the possibility of taking Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo as his masters.


    "Xiao Ming, what is your fourth soul skill? A ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring must have an extraordinary skill, right?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked openly, as it concerned his apprentice.


    "Master, my fourth soul skill is Heaven and Earth Reversal, which allows me to reverse my attributes."


    Chen Ming extended his hand, summoning his soul power infused with death and poison. As his fourth soul ring lit up, part of the death and poison energy in his hand dissipated and transformed into pure life energy.


    Witnessing this display, which defied conventional soul master knowledge, Chrysanthemum Douluo clapped his hands in delight.


    "Well done, Xiao Ming! With this, it''s as if you have your own healing-type soul master. You can poison others and heal yourself. Even if your poison is somewhat weakened, the transformed effects still surpass those of most healers of the same level."


    "This skill of yours will surely catch opponents off guard. It''s a great trump card to have while traveling the continent."


    "The only question is, how much energy does this soul skill consume."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [123]

    The consumption of this spirit ability isn''t high. Its rate of consumption is even slower than Chen Ming''s third spirit ring, the Deathly Poison Realm.


    Although domain-type spirit abilities are notoriously energy-intensive, and can''t be compared to ordinary spirit abilities, the fact that this ability consumes less than the Deathly Poison Realm proves it''s relatively low in consumption for a ten-thousand-year spirit ability.


    After Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo briefly discussed this spirit ability with Chen Ming, Chen Ming began dissecting the body of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad with a small knife.


    Although the Red-Eyed Ice Toad was virtually unknown on the Douluo Continent, its body structure wasn''t too different from that of a normal toad. Apart from its eyes, which were three times the size of an ordinary toad''s, the rest of its organs were almost identical to the toad soul beasts Chen Ming had encountered before.


    Soon, Chen Ming opened the stomach of the Red-Eyed Ice Toad. Inside, most of the Ice Jade Scorpion''s body had already been corroded by the venom-laden digestive fluids.


    Using his Spiritual Eye, Chen Ming carefully examined the remains. At the left claw of the Ice Jade Scorpion, he detected a unique soul power fluctuation. Chen Ming removed the left claw and infused it with soul power. As the soul power was absorbed, the scorpion claw rapidly shrank in size, shedding layers of carapace that had lost their soul power and nutrients.


    Eventually, the half-meter-long left claw had shrunk to the size of a normal human fist. The sticky mucus and impurities that had covered it completely disappeared during the shrinking process, revealing a glowing, emerald-green Ice Jade Scorpion left claw.


    "An external soul bone?" Chrysanthemum Douluo examined it curiously, poking it a few times. Feeling the unique soul power fluctuation, which was different from conventional soul bones, he realized he had just gained new knowledge.


    "It is an external soul bone," Ghost Douluo muttered to himself. Although he owned a fifty-thousand-year soul bone, this was the first time he had seen an external soul bone that hadn''t already been absorbed.


    And why hadn''t it been absorbed yet?


    Because they had seen plenty of absorbed external soul bones over the decades.


    For instance, before Bibi Dong had risen to prominence, although she referred to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo as Elder Chrysanthemum and Elder Ghost even back then, she treated them with respect. While not officially their apprentice, she had received significant training from the two.


    Although Bibi Dong''s Six Purple Light Wings were kept secret from the outside world, the two of them had seen it numerous times. They had even personally witnessed the growth of that external soul bone, which had started as a thousand-year-level item and, over time, matured alongside Bibi Dong to approach the level of a hundred-thousand-year soul bone.


    Seeing an unabsorbed external soul bone now piqued their curiosity, but they weren''t greedy.


    If it had been someone else, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo might not have been able to resist such temptation. But Chen Ming was their newly accepted disciple.


    Not only did he have an impeccable character, but his natural talent was also unparalleled. They were extremely fond of him and wouldn''t entertain the idea of coveting a ten-thousand-year external soul bone. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were eagerly waiting for Chen Ming to grow stronger so they could eventually rely on him. They dreamed of the day when they could proudly claim the title of Masters of Chen Ming, the Ultimate Douluo in the history of the Douluo Continent.


    "External soul bones are incredibly rare and valuable. You should absorb it quickly," Chrysanthemum Douluo said to Chen Ming. However, after a moment of silence, Chen Ming shook his head.


    "I don''t think I can absorb this external soul bone right now."


    In the original story, the Ice Jade Scorpion''s soul bone had the so-called Pride of the Ice Jade Scorpion. Only a soul master with the Ultimate Ice attribute could absorb it.


    At that time, the Star Luo Imperial Family, which controlled the auction house, wasn''t aware of this detail. It wasn''t until Huo Yuhao pointed it out that they tested the soul bone and confirmed that only Ultimate Ice soul masters could absorb it.


    Chen Ming had just used his mental power to probe the bone and found that it indeed had significant limitations.


    The Ice Jade Scorpion''s bloodline contained no toxins, only pure Ultimate Ice attributes. While it still had flesh and blood, it was closer to an elemental soul beast.


    Soul rings primarily contained a soul beast''s soul power and essence, while soul bones embodied its bloodline. Soul rings would display different abilities depending on the spi; master who absorbed them, while soul bones were much more stable. Generally, the abilities of a soul bone wouldn''t change no matter who absorbed it. Hence, the saying on the Douluo Continent: "Soul rings depend on age, soul bones depend on quality."


    Chen Ming tested the bone with his spiritual power and found that, while he could forcibly absorb it, the cost would be severe. His entire left hand would freeze solid, from muscles to bones to veins. Apart from retaining a faint trace of life, the hand would essentially turn into ice.


    Even so, this outcome was contingent on Chen Ming''s veins being at the Title Douluo level, his body being full of vitality, and his martial soul being the Jade Phosphorous Scorpion Emperor, which was somewhat related to the Ice Jade Scorpion.


    For an ordinary soul master, even an ice-attribute one, the soul bone''s energy backlash would cripple their arm at best, or at worst, freeze their heart and veins, costing them their soul power¡ªor even their life.


    For Chen Ming, absorbing it now simply wasn''t worth it. If he wanted to absorb it someday, it would have to wait until after he consumed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot.


    Although delaying would mean losing the chance for his arm bone to evolve, it wasn''t worth risking his arm¡ªor his life.


    Chen Ming explained the Ice Jade Scorpion claw''s properties to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, who were left somewhat at a loss.


    The concept of Ultimate Attributes hadn''t been formally defined in this era. While they understood that some martial souls had overwhelmingly powerful attributes, they didn''t fully grasp the idea of the Ultimate.


    In this era, during the reign of the God-Level Seraphim Martial Soul, no martial soul on the continent dared claim to be "Ultimate." Even those whose attributes could be classified as Ultimate by future standards didn''t dare to make such claims while the Seraphim Martial Soul remained in existence.


    Even so, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo didn''t covet the external soul bone. Instead, they told Chen Ming to find a box to store it safely for potential absorption in the future.


    After finishing their business, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo took Chen Ming away from the Extreme North, a place highly inhospitable to human soul masters, and headed toward the central regions of the Douluo Continent.


    After about three to five days, the trio left the boundaries of the Extreme North. Once outside, their speed increased significantly.


    Due to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo''s delicate status with the Heaven Dou Empire, it was best to avoid exposing their connection.


    As they neared the Heaven Dou Empire''s borders, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo left Chen Ming behind, instructing him to find his way back to Heaven Dou City.


    At level 44, Chen Ming was already considered a significant figure on the Douluo Continent. It was time he gained more experience on his own.


    With his current strength, Chen Ming was far beyond most Soul Ancestors. Even Soul Kings and Soul Emperors would struggle against him, and only Soul Sages could put up a proper fight. While he couldn''t quite roam the continent unchallenged, he faced little danger.


    Of course, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo didn''t abandon him entirely. Before leaving, they gave Chen Ming a Spirit Hall Elder Token and their personal tokens.


    With those, Chen Ming could command any local branch of Spirit Hall. These items provided him with a powerful safeguard.


    As for the possibility of Chen Ming being ambushed?


    Well, Chen Ming was a poison soul master. He had been learning about poisons and ambushes since his martial soul awakened. Though he rarely showed it, his skills in these areas were exceptional.


    Simply put, anyone attempting to ambush Chen Ming should consider themselves lucky if they weren''t poisoned by him first.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [124]

    Although it was Chen Ming''s first time traveling alone across the continent, it only took him a little over ten days to return to Dugu Bo''s mansion in Heaven Dou City. After all, as a Soul Master at level 44, he was already considered a strong individual on the continent. Chen Ming wasn''t venturing out to cause trouble, and although the Douluo Continent''s security wasn''t great, it wasn''t yet as chaotic as it would be ten thousand years later when evil soul masters roamed unchecked.


    During his journey back to Heaven Dou City, the biggest issue Chen Ming encountered was running into two groups of bandits. Among them, there was only one level 7 Soul Scholar. Altogether, the two groups consisted of thirty to forty people, and their primary weapons were nothing more than pitchforks and machetes¡ªcommon farming tools.


    It took Chen Ming just two soul skills to deal with them. If they had attacked him all at once, a single soul skill would have been enough to dissolve them completely.


    Even though Chen Ming had only been to Dugu Bo''s mansion once before, and that was when Dugu Bo had taken him to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the guards at the Heaven Dou City gates recognized him immediately. They respectfully dispersed the citizens lining up to enter the city and allowed Chen Ming to pass through.


    Chen Ming had originally planned to wait in line like everyone else, not intending to use any special privileges to enter the city. But since the guards had already cleared the way, he saved himself the trouble of queuing. After a brief greeting, he entered the city.


    As soon as Chen Ming stepped inside the city gates, a few soldiers brought over carriages and vied to be his driver. Their expressions and words were filled with flattery.


    These soldiers, who were the second sons or relatives of various nobles, typically acted high and mighty in front of commoners. Yet, in front of Chen Ming, these usually arrogant soldiers behaved with extreme humility.


    Their obsequiousness was something even their parents might not have witnessed before.


    Seeing this display, Chen Ming shook his head and declined their services. He strolled alone through the streets of Heaven Dou City, leisurely making his way to Dugu Bo''s mansion.


    At the mansion gates, as always, several tall guards stood vigil. As soon as Chen Ming approached, they immediately perked up¡ªsome opened the main gate, while others hurried inside to notify their master.


    Clearly, despite Chen Ming''s prolonged absence from Heaven Dou City, there were still plenty of stories about him circulating. Although he was rarely seen¡ªperhaps once a year¡ªguards and attendants across the city had firmly memorized Chen Ming''s face to avoid the embarrassing mistake of underestimating someone important.


    Walking inside, Chen Ming didn''t have to wait long before Dugu Bo appeared in front of him.


    Dugu Bo sized up Chen Ming, patted him on the shoulder, and used his soul power to sense his aura. Only then did he smile.


    "Xiao Ming, you''re finally back. How was the journey? Come, let''s sit and chat."


    With a wave of his hand, Dugu Bo dismissed the servants in the vicinity, who wisely disappeared from their sight. Dugu Bo and Chen Ming headed to the training room. As Chen Ming looked at the room, now fully restored without any trace of its previous damage, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of how unpredictable life could be.


    The last time he had been here, Dugu Bo had forcibly dragged him in by the shoulder. At that time, he stood there like an insignificant underling.


    And now? He was walking side by side with Dugu Bo, chatting and laughing. To the servants, it seemed as though Chen Ming was practically the second master of the Dugu household.


    Sigh, Chen Ming thought to himself, feeling emotional. Meanwhile, Dugu Bo activated a hidden mechanism, revealing an underground passage in front of them once again.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming couldn''t help but ask curiously:


    "Grandpa, isn''t this underground chamber supposed to be a secret? After all the commotion last time, hasn''t anyone discovered it yet?"


    "Even when it was being repaired, wouldn''t outsiders have been involved in the construction? Doesn''t that make secrecy impossible?"


    "Ahem, it''s just a habit, you''ll get used to it," Dugu Bo replied.


    What was Dugu Bo supposed to say? That he simply couldn''t live without a private, hidden space? That after losing this underground chamber, he sometimes had no place to secretly cry? Such an explanation would be far too embarrassing, so he chose to brush it off as a habit.


    The two descended into the underground chamber. Dugu Bo closed the mechanism and habitually pulled out a wine from his Hundred Treasures Pouch. Watching this, Chen Ming chuckled, and Dugu Bo smiled back. They exchanged glances, both marveling at the strange twists of fate.


    Inside the chamber, most of the items had been restored by Dugu Bo. Only a few specimens made from rare soul beast materials were yet to be replaced. Everything looked as though nothing had ever happened.


    Sitting in the chamber, Chen Ming began recounting his experience of obtaining his fourth soul ring. When Chen Ming mentioned encountering a poisonless, ice-type Jade Phosphor Scorpion and later a Red-Eyed Ice Toad, Dugu Bo couldn''t hide his curiosity.


    As for the fact that an external soul bone had dropped, Dugu Bo wasn''t too surprised. By now, he had come to expect soul bones to somehow always be connected to Chen Ming. He had even mentally prepared himself for this. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only thing that caught his attention was when Chen Ming mentioned being unable to absorb it for now.


    Chen Ming then took out jars containing the materials from the Ice Jade Scorpion and the Red-Eyed Ice Toad from his storage soul tool. Dugu Bo eagerly grabbed them and began examining the materials one by one.


    For these venomous creatures born in the extreme northern regions, Dugu Bo''s curiosity was immense.


    Finally, Chen Ming pulled out the left palm bone of the Ice Jade Scorpion and showed it to Dugu Bo. But after just a few glances, Dugu Bo lost interest and returned to studying the other materials from the soul beasts.


    At this point, Dugu Bo had fully come to terms with his limitations and accepted the uniqueness of his grandson-in-law. In his eyes, there seemed to be nothing Chen Ming couldn''t accomplish.


    When Chen Ming mentioned wanting to return to the treasure land to absorb the two immortal herbs known as the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot, Dugu Bo simply nodded and agreed to take him there later.


    This nonchalant attitude surprised Chen Ming. He couldn''t help but feel that Dugu Bo seemed to have given up in some way.


    Was Dugu Bo giving up?


    No, he had simply been overwhelmed by too many paradigm-shifting experiences and had resigned himself to going with the flow.


    At this point, Dugu Bo was too afraid to interfere too much in Chen Ming''s affairs, lest his mediocrity accidentally hold back his talented grandson-in-law. After all, if someone with the potential to become a god ended up as merely an Ultimate Douluo because of him, he would never forgive himself.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [125]

    After staying in the secret chamber for half a day, Chen Ming still hadn''t heard from Dugu Yan, so he asked Dugu Bo with some confusion.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s question, Dugu Bo raised his head, thought for a moment, and explained:


    "Yan Yan bumped into that girl from the Nine-Hearted Begonia Ye family while shopping a few days ago. That girl asked her why she hadn''t gone to school for almost a year. So, Yan Yan came back and discussed with me about going to the academy to have some fun."


    Going to the academy to have some fun sounded a bit strange. But considering that Dugu Yan had spent the past six months either immersed in intense cultivation, fighting various soul beasts in the Soul Beast Forest, or practicing survival in the wilderness, it made sense.


    For Dugu Yan, going to the academy to study did feel like a form of play.


    "Oh, and just a few days after Yan Yan arrived at the academy, that brat from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan came to bother her again," Dugu Bo said, suddenly mentioning Yu Tianheng, and his previously kind and amiable expression turned grim.


    "That little brat¡ªsmall in size but ridiculously bold. In all my years, I''ve never seen such an audacious rascal."


    "When you and Yan Yan first joined the academy, I wasn''t around for a while. The academy was filled with annoying pests chasing after Yan Yan. At first, I didn''t think much of it, just assuming these fools were doing what they usually do."


    "But then, when I returned to Heaven Dou City not long ago, I revealed to the outside world that my soul power had made a breakthrough. That''s when a few families sent people to me privately to complain, saying that brat Yu Tianheng was stirring up trouble behind the scenes."


    At this point, Dugu Bo''s expression darkened significantly.


    While recovering at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo would periodically return to Heaven Dou City to see if anything major had happened. But for over six months, this group of people had been silent, acting as if nothing had happened. Then, as soon as he revealed his soul power improvement, they couldn''t wait to jump out and complain.


    Now that Dugu Bo had to consider his granddaughter and Chen Ming, he had reluctantly adopted a kind demeanor. If he were still young and reckless, he wouldn''t hesitate to pay each of these families a visit for a thorough reckoning.


    At the very least, the culprits directly involved would have to pay the price.


    "A few days ago, that brat went after Yan Yan again, even badmouthing you in front of her," Dugu Bo continued. "You know Yan Yan''s personality. While she''s not exactly a carbon copy of me, she''s my granddaughter."


    "Right there and then, Yan Yan summoned her martial soul and used her soul skill on that Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon brat. Before he could even summon his martial soul, she poisoned him on the spot. Then she kicked him in the face and broke half of his teeth."


    At this point, Dugu Bo chuckled, clearly very pleased with his granddaughter''s decisive actions.


    "After that, the brat ran back crying to his parents, and his father went to plead with the family elder, Yu Yuanzhen, the old dragon of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."


    "A few days ago, Yu Yuanzhen brought that brat Yu Tianheng to my residence, hoping to settle the matter. I simply unleashed my soul power and slapped the evidence onto the table. Yu Yuanzhen''s face changed immediately. After looking at the evidence, he turned around and gave that little brat Yu Tianheng a slap that shattered the rest of his teeth."


    As Dugu Bo spoke, he seemed to remember something. He pulled out a box from his storage pouch and opened it in front of Chen Ming.


    "This is the compensation Yu Yuanzhen gave¡ªa right arm bone that has just passed the ten-thousand-year mark. It''s from a Thunderclap Earth Dragon and was obtained by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The quality... well, it''s just average. The attached soul skill is Thunder Dragon Claw, essentially the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s first soul skill. Xiao Ming, do you want this soul bone? If not, I''ll absorb it myself."


    Chen Ming picked up the soul bone and weighed it in his hand. Using his spiritual sense and mental power, he probed it slightly, discovering that the soul power and vitality within were already depleted. This was a heavily used hand-me-down soul bone.


    While soul bones could still be absorbed normally, they offered almost no soul power increase, and the physical enhancements were far inferior to fresh soul bones. The only benefit was gaining an attack-type soul skill upon absorption.


    Chen Ming saw no reason to absorb this thing.


    "Grandpa, you should absorb it," Chen Ming said, shaking his head and returning the soul bone to Dugu Bo.


    Though Chen Ming dismissed the soul bone as mediocre, Dugu Bo didn''t mind. A ten-thousand-year Thunderclap Earth Dragon soul bone, especially a right arm bone, would still provide him with a decent attack-type soul skill.


    This would allow him to diversify his attack methods beyond his usual poison techniques, which could be useful against enemies with high poison resistance or complete immunity in the future.


    Sitting in his chair, Dugu Bo began absorbing the soul bone. Half an hour later, he finished the process. Judging by his lack of excitement, the attack-type soul skill from the soul bone was likely mediocre and not especially powerful.


    But that was to be expected. After all, this was a token of compensation, not a major concession. For Yu Yuanzhen, even as a titled Douluo, giving up a rare ten-thousand-year soul bone for the sake of his grandson must have caused considerable pressure within his family.


    If it had been a top-tier soul bone, Yu Yuanzhen would have faced even more backlash from his clan.


    Still, having a right arm bone was better than not having one, and an attack-type soul skill was better than none.


    After leaving the secret chamber with Chen Ming, Dugu Bo gave a few instructions to the butler and then led Chen Ming toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the Sunset Forest. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By now, Chen Ming was already very familiar with the route to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Even without Dugu Bo, he could easily come and go as he pleased.


    However, since Dugu Bo was the first discoverer and rightful owner in this era¡ªand considering Chen Ming was now his grandson-in-law¡ªit made sense to bring Dugu Bo along. Besides, having an extra protector was always a good thing.


    Upon returning to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming inspected the medicinal herbs, and then went to the pool. Activating his Spiritual Eye, he observed the spiritual and elemental properties of two immortal herbs, focusing on the interaction of their attributes.


    After arranging his belongings and stripping down to just a pair of shorts, Chen Ming summoned his martial soul and began adjusting his fourth soul ring in line with the insights he gained.


    One hour, three hours, six hours¡­


    After staring intently for nearly a full day and night, Chen Ming finally found the perfect timing.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [126]

    At this moment, the two immortal herbs of ice and fire began simultaneously absorbing and releasing soul power from the external world, causing slight ripples in the pool water. The properties of ice and fire intertwined and transformed.


    Chen Ming engraved his comprehension onto his soul ring, then used his spiritual energy to stimulate his inner essence, igniting his vitality. Temporarily, he activated the ice and fire attributes obtained from absorbing Red-Eyed Ice Toad''s fourth soul ring.


    Chen Ming''s scorpion tail, more dexterous than fingers, moved swiftly. In an instant, he used the appropriate tool to cut down the two immortal herbs and quickly pulled them in front of him.


    The two herbs merged, and the extreme cold and heat began to neutralize each other. Chen Ming opened his mouth wide, swallowing the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass in one gulp, then consuming the fiery cabbage-like Infernal Delicate Apricot in three bites.


    Under the nervous yet expectant gaze of Dugu Bo, Chen Ming directly jumped into the pool of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.


    The extreme cold and intense heat flowed within the pool. Although the pool water appeared ordinary, the elemental power it contained was extraordinarily potent.


    The extreme cold was even purer than what Chen Ming had felt in the Extreme North, while the intense heat reminded him of molten iron.


    Pain began to sprout within Chen Ming and gradually grew.


    Under the medicinal effects of the two immortal herbs, Chen Ming would not be completely disintegrated by the pool water and could even undergo a metamorphosis. However, the agony of having every bone shattered and every inch of flesh torn apart was not diminished in the slightest.


    At first, the physical pain nearly caused Chen Ming to lose consciousness. Yet, as the pain intensified, he found himself seemingly unaffected by it. More accurately, he no longer cared about the physical pain.


    Even though his body was undergoing a process of breaking and reforming, Chen Ming''s soul seemed to be liberated at this moment. Under his control, the latent ice and fire attributes within his martial soul gradually became part of him, evolving toward the Ultimate.


    With the liberation of his soul, Chen Ming sensed a law he had never noticed before within the pool.


    If one were to describe it, it was something even more fundamental than laws, something that transcended the remnants left behind by an existence beyond the Douluo World.


    After Chen Ming perceived these two types of law, they, in turn, became aware of him. These profound principles surged into Chen Ming''s soul, forcibly opening his fourth soul ring, cleansing much of its laws, and then filling it with their essence.


    After an unknown amount of time, the pain in Chen Ming''s body had dissipated, and his golden body had been tempered. The transformation of his fourth soul ring was also nearing completion.


    At this moment, Chen Ming''s storage soul tool near the pool began to tremble under Dugu Bo''s anxious gaze. A green light shot out from the ring, destroying the storage soul tool in the process and scattering its contents.


    The green light surged into the pool, where the attributes of ice and fire began refining it.


    The item releasing the green light was the dragon core that Qian Renxue had sent to Chen Ming. Through Chen Ming''s long-term refinement, this blank dragon core had been completely marked with his imprint.


    Perhaps due to Chen Ming''s current metamorphosis, the dragon core also gained an opportunity to evolve.


    Previously, the dragon core was vaguely spherical, but under the polishing of the ice and fire attributes, it became increasingly smooth and rounded, even exuding traces of vitality as if it were a living being.


    If the dragon core had previously been merely an external converter, at this moment, it had undoubtedly become an extension of Chen Ming''s body.


    "Roar¡ª!"


    "Roar¡ª!"


    Two deep dragon roars echoed from the depths of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. The pool water surged violently. Amid the turbulence, two transparent miniature dragons slowly rose from the bottom of the pool.


    Over time, the two dragon souls had long lost their self-awareness, leaving only the instincts embedded deep within their dragon essence.


    One blue and one red miniature dragon circled around Chen Ming, then split apart. Part of their essence flowed into the dragon core, while the rest entered Chen Ming''s body.


    These two streams of power coursed through Chen Ming''s body, enhancing it. Finally, they settled in his shoulders, merging into his arms and leaving behind a blue and a red dragon pattern. Simultaneously, they further strengthened the ice and fire attributes of Chen Ming''s martial soul, pushing them toward their ultimate forms.


    The portion of power that flowed into the dragon core refined and revitalized it, not only repairing the damage it had suffered during the heavenly tribulation but also further perfecting and enhancing it.


    The dragon core, now in a state of surpassing perfection, emitted golden rays of light within the pool before suddenly plunging into Chen Ming''s body, heading straight for his middle dantian.


    That space was already occupied by the soul core formed from the Star Luo Holy Pearl.


    Two soul cores couldn''t coexist in the middle dantian. The moment the dragon core entered, Chen Ming felt his middle dantian on the verge of shattering due to the repulsion between the two cores.


    At that instant, Chen Ming focused all his mental energy and unleashed his spiritual power without reservation.


    The Yin-Yang energy of the Ice and Fire Well was absorbed by the soul core formed from the Star Luo Holy Pearl, which, tainted with a golden hue from the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, began evolving visibly toward the form of a golden core.


    When it reached a semi-illusory, semi-solid state, Chen Ming manipulated the golden core soul core to become intangible and slowly moved to the lower dantian.


    Normally, any damage to a soul core would be enough to seriously injure a Title Douluo, and transferring a soul core was simply unheard of. However, Chen Ming''s unique circumstances had long surpassed the bounds of common sense.


    As the golden core soul core vacated its position, the dragon core immediately took its place, absorbing the ice and fire energy from the pool to generate endless vitality.


    Although Chen Ming took great care during the transfer process, the semi-illusory golden core soul core still tore through many meridians and inflicted damage on his internal organs.


    Yet within the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, the dragon core acted as an infinite source of energy. The moment his meridians and organs were torn apart by the golden core''s soul power, the damage was instantly repaired by the dragon core''s boundless life force.


    In this manner, under intense pressure, Chen Ming successfully transferred the golden core soul core to the lower dantian, while the dragon core occupied the position in the middle dantian.


    Once both the golden core and dragon core settled into place, a faint connection emerged between the two.


    By this point, the dragon core in Chen Ming''s middle dantian could no longer simply be called a dragon core. It had become his second soul core. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, unlike the Star Luo Holy Pearl-based golden core soul core, which represented soul power attributes, the dragon core soul core symbolized vitality.


    PS: Chen Ming is getting OP.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [127]

    Chen Ming opened his eyes. The surrounding pool, which was highly toxic even to hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, posed no threat to him. Chen Ming rather enjoyed soaking in the pool, as it felt like he was an infant bathing in amniotic fluid, basking in warmth and nourishment.


    However, as someone accustomed to arduous cultivation, Chen Ming only indulged in the sensation briefly before swimming to the surface. He climbed onto the grass and used his soul power to dry the water droplets on his body.


    The droplets that fell from Chen Ming''s body instantly corroded the ground, as though it had been splashed with concentrated sulfuric acid. Seeing this, Dugu Bo, who had been about to come over to check on Chen Ming, froze in his tracks, opting instead to observe from a distance with his sharp gaze.


    Standing naked on the grass, Chen Ming stretched lazily, causing the surrounding soul power to rush toward him. The immortal grasses growing near the pool bowed as if paying homage to a king.


    Soul power slowly overflowed from Chen Ming''s body, and his martial soul instinctively attached itself to him. The tail segments of his Scorpion Emperor martial soul, which had just reached 15 segments, had now expanded to the Scorpion Emperor''s limit of 18 segments without him even noticing.


    The external soul bone within his body also greatly benefited from this transformation, its age increasing to around seventy thousand years and its strength nearly doubling. Even though the transformation had concluded, the external soul bone continued to absorb Chen Ming''s excess soul power and vitality at a steady yet gradual pace. At this rate, even without fortuitous encounters, it would likely reach the quality of a hundred-thousand-year soul bone in two or three years.


    On his arms, the emerald-green carapace had transformed into one blue and one red, with faint, mysterious patterns on them. These emitted strong fire and ice attributes that made even Dugu Bo feel a faint sense of oppression.


    Chen Ming''s height had increased by nearly ten centimeters, raising his stature from just over 1.8 meters to around 1.9 meters. When his martial soul was activated, his height grew even further, reaching approximately 2.23 meters. Even among the ranks of battle soul masters on the Douluo Continent, Chen Ming now boasted a tall and imposing figure.


    "Grandpa, I feel great!"


    Chen Ming had no qualms about being naked in front of another man. Dugu Bo, however, found the situation a bit harder to accept.


    "Xiao Ming, put on some clothes first," Dugu Bo said, plucking a few garments from the pile of Chen Ming''s exploded belongings with his soul power and tossing them to him.


    "Alright." Chen Ming quickly dressed himself before glancing curiously at the scattered items on the ground. "Grandpa, why did my storage soul tool explode?"


    "When you were in the pool just now, a green light shot out of your storage soul tool and plunged into the pool. If your storage soul tool hadn''t been of decent quality, its contents would''ve been torn apart in spatial turbulence instead of just scattering here."


    "As long as the items are fine." Chen Ming sifted through the scattered objects and retrieved his Ice Jade Scorpion external soul bone from beneath some clothes. Seeing that it was unharmed, he sighed in relief.


    The storage soul tool only contained some daily necessities, spare clothes, and cultivation herbs. The two most precious items were a dragon core and the Ice Jade Scorpion external soul bone. As long as those two were intact, Chen Ming didn''t care about the rest.


    Holding the external soul bone, Chen Ming approached Dugu Bo and began explaining the changes in his body.


    I now possess the dual attributes of ultimate ice and ultimate fire. My martial soul has evolved again, reaching 18 tail segments. But now, my martial soul is no longer just the Emerald Scorpion Emperor¡ªit has become something stronger and more unique, with the attributes of ice, fire, poison, life, and death.


    My physical body has been further strengthened. I''m no weaker than a Titled Douluo''s physical body now, and even my previously fragile internal organs have become resilient and brimming with vitality.


    That dragon core has integrated into my body and turned into a soul core. Unlike the soul core I gained from absorbing the Star Luo Holy Pearl, which is attribute-based, this dragon pearl has become a pure life-attribute soul core. With one soul core in my middle dantian and another in my lower dantian, I might be able to form a spiritual soul core in my upper dantian in the future.


    "Oh? Xiao Ming, what level is your soul power now?" As a traditional soul master, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but ask the question he was most curious about.


    "Let me check." Chen Ming, though already having a rough idea, confirmed it anyway. "I''ve reached level 50."


    The Ice and Fire Body Tempering hadn''t added much soul power, but the integration of the dragon pearl into a soul core had brought tremendous improvement.


    "?????"


    "???"


    "?"


    "Wait, Xiao Ming, didn''t you just return after absorbing your fourth soul ring? Didn''t you say you were level 44 after absorbing it? How are you already level 50?"


    Although Dugu Bo had grown used to having his worldview shattered, he still couldn''t wrap his head around the fact that his grandson-in-law had managed to progress from level 24 to level 50 in just one year. His heart struggled to keep up with the shock.


    He couldn''t understand¡ªwhy did such a person even exist?


    Some people, it seemed, were simply destined to stand above others.


    Dugu Bo wasn''t envious; he was simply stunned.


    Even with his robust health, free of poisons and bolstered by multiple soul bones, Dugu Bo clutched his chest and lay down on the grass, staring at the clouds as if contemplating life.


    Chen Ming called out to him several times, but Dugu Bo only responded with vague grunts, his eyes devoid of light. He looked like a salted fish that had been dried out, brimming with excess salt.


    Left with no choice, Chen Ming decided to give Dugu Bo some time to collect himself. Holding the Ice Jade Scorpion''s left palm bone, he sat beside Dugu Bo and began absorbing it.


    Before gaining the ultimate ice attribute, the Ice Jade Scorpion''s left palm bone had been indifferent to Chen Ming. But now, with the ultimate ice attribute and the Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul breaking through its upper limits, the bone actively attached itself to him the moment he tried injecting soul power into it. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Currently, Chen Ming''s left arm represented the ice attribute when his martial soul was activated. The Ice Jade Scorpion''s left palm bone melted instantly, merging into his body and integrating with his palm bones.


    The absorption process caused a mild itching sensation and lasted only three to five minutes. Afterward, the Ice Jade Scorpion''s left palm bone became part of Chen Ming''s body.


    Once linked with Chen Ming''s essence, the Ice Jade Scorpion''s left palm bone immediately evolved under the influence of his martial soul, reaching the level of the Ice Jade Scorpion Emperor.


    Although its quality couldn''t compare to that of the Ice Empress, it had indeed met the threshold of the emperor level. With time and growth, it might even surpass the Ice Empress'' quality in the future.


    PS: Having a Title Douluo-level physical body is not that OP. Even a Soul King Tang San killed a lot of Title Douluo who can''t use soul power in Slaughter City. The Soul Power what''s matters.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [128]

    This external soul bone granted Chen Ming a unique spirit ability called the Scorpion Emperor''s Pincer. Its effect is similar to Huo Yuhao''s Ice Emperor''s Pincer, making the affected areas extremely hard and significantly increasing strength. However, since this soul bone originates from a palm bone, its effects are limited¡ªit can only transform Chen Ming''s left hand and arm.


    Due to the soul bone integrating with Chen Ming''s essence, the Scorpion Emperor''s Pincer also carries a potent poison attribute. The combination of Ultimate Ice and poison has given birth to an even more intense Cold Poison.


    This ability can freeze an enemy''s soul power, mental power, and vitality entirely, and this freezing effect is almost irreversible. Unless Chen Ming personally removes it, the only other options would be seeking help from ice-attribute beings like the Ice Empress, Snow Emperor, or a divine-level priest.


    Under normal circumstances, even a Title Douluo without specific countermeasures cannot dispel this Cold Poison. Once afflicted, the victim is essentially permanently weakened, losing part of their potential.


    Soul power is the foundation of a Soul Master. No matter how powerful they are, losing their soul power means losing their core strength. Chen Ming''s ability is enough to strike fear into the hearts of all Soul Masters who understand its effects.


    After experiencing this new ability, Chen Ming was slightly awestruck. He couldn''t help but marvel¡ªthis truly was a soul bone belonging to him. Its intimidating force even surpassed that of the Ice Emperor''s Pincer.


    At the same time, Chen Ming began pondering how he might combine fire and poison to create a lethal Fire Poison.


    Logically speaking, his poison attribute had already surpassed Dugu Bo''s. If the concept of Ultimate Poison exists, he should theoretically be at that level¡ªor at least infinitely close to it, capable of sensing the essence of Ultimate Poison.


    Yet, despite reaching this stage, Chen Ming still couldn''t grasp what Ultimate Poison truly was.


    Ultimate Ice represents extreme cold, and Ultimate Fire represents extreme heat. But what would Ultimate Poison be?


    Corrosiveness? Spreadability? Complexity? Strangeness?


    Or perhaps the concept of Ultimate Poison doesn''t exist at all? Maybe poison, as an attribute, is inherently unrestricted and without an ultimate form?


    After fully absorbing the soul bone, Chen Ming also resolved a long-standing question he''d had since first encountering the Ice Jade Scorpions in the Extreme North.


    It turned out that the Ice Jade Scorpions and Emerald Scorpions¡ªor rather, the Jade Phosphorous Scorpions¡ªshared the same ancestral origins. However, their evolutionary paths diverged drastically over time.


    A long time ago, there was a split among the Jade Phosphorous Scorpions. Some migrated to colder regions, and after several generations, the first batch of ice-attributed Jade Phosphorous Scorpions emerged. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These ice-attributed scorpions continued migrating to colder climates, adapting to the extreme conditions over many generations, eventually evolving into the Ice Jade Scorpions we know today.


    At some point in history, the Ice Jade Scorpions touched the realm of Ultimate Ice, but their inherent poison became an obstacle to fully mastering this ultimate attribute.


    In pursuit of Ultimate Ice, the Ice Jade Scorpions abandoned their poisonous nature, gaining the ultimate ice attribute and becoming true super spirit beasts, reigning as the dominant species in the Extreme North.


    Today, the two species of scorpions differ greatly in quality. Although they share the same ancestors, their strengths are now worlds apart. Only the traces of their origins deep within their essence can attest to the connection between them.


    After absorbing the soul bone, Chen Ming stayed with Dugu Bo for a while longer. When Chen Ming began to worry that Dugu Bo might have suffered a mental breakdown from the shock, Dugu Bo finally stood up, patted the dust off himself, and sighed.


    "Xiao Ming, you must treat Yan Yan well in the future."


    "Grandpa, I will." Although Chen Ming had no idea what Dugu Bo had been thinking about all this time, he nodded and agreed.


    Dugu Bo dusted himself off and pointed into the distance.


    "Xiao Ming, how about we go outside and spar for a bit? I want to see just how much you''ve changed."


    "Alright!" Chen Ming''s eyes lit up as he nodded.


    Though he was still a Quasi-Soul King, with his current state, Chen Ming felt his strength might already rival that of a Title Douluo.


    Even if Dugu Bo hadn''t suggested it, Chen Ming had been eager to test his abilities.


    Dugu Bo nodded and, with a light tap of his foot, moved like a phantom toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well''s exterior. Chen Ming took a deep breath, feeling the vibrant soul cores in his middle and lower dantian, and followed swiftly.


    At first, Dugu Bo controlled his speed, worried he might leave Chen Ming behind. But when he saw Chen Ming catching up, Dugu Bo immediately increased his pace.


    After several consecutive accelerations, Dugu Bo reached his maximum speed in his normal state. Chen Ming, though slightly slower, managed to keep up thanks to his abundant soul power. Eventually, Dugu Bo stopped in the poison marsh and waved for Chen Ming to halt.


    "Xiao Ming, you''re impressive. Now, let me test your limits." Without waiting for Chen Ming''s response, Dugu Bo activated his spirit skill.


    His fifth soul ring lit up, amplifying his attributes. Then, his first, second, third, and fourth spirit rings flickered simultaneously, releasing four different types of poison. Under Dugu Bo''s control, these toxins merged into a stronger, more bizarre pink poison.


    The pink poison, born from the fusion of four toxins, slithered toward Chen Ming like a giant serpent. Its potency was enough to kill almost any Soul Douluo instantly, and even most Title Douluo would choose to avoid it.


    Chen Ming, however, simply smirked.


    Chen Ming''s left arm gathered the power of Ultimate Ice, while his right arm harnessed the power of Ultimate Fire. Bringing his hands together in front of him, he combined the two forces, creating an indescribable, massive shockwave.


    Using his poison attribute and his fourth soul ring as a foundation, Chen Ming harmonized the opposing Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire forces. These clashing attributes easily vaporized the deadly poison serpent.


    "Hollow Technique: Purple!"


    Chen Ming shouted, spreading his hands and pushing forward. Purple energy, phantom-like struck toward Dugu Bo. At this moment, the full power of the Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire combination was unleashed.


    Although Dugu Bo evaded the formidable energy strikes with his fastest reflexes, the explosion of energy was so destructive that it nearly sent him flying.


    After retreating several steps, Dugu Bo felt his soul power and blood churning within him, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes.


    Had he not dodged in time, he would have been seriously injured by that overwhelming force.


    Realizing that Chen Ming''s strength had reached a level he could no longer underestimate, Dugu Bo became completely focused. He treated Chen Ming with the same seriousness he would reserve for an opponent like Chrysanthemum Douluo, paying full attention to Chen Ming''s every move.


    From that point on, Chen Ming''s performance did not disappoint Dugu Bo¡ªin fact, it left him deeply shaken.


    Chen Ming''s years of studying the laws of soul power had not been in vain. Throughout the sparring session, he demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of soul rings and spirit skills.


    Now that his soul power and mental strength had reached a suitable standard, Chen Ming could create custom spirit skills as if they cost him nothing. He almost never repeated the same move.


    Even if some skills were slightly weaker, consumed more soul power, or caused damage to his meridians, these issues were trivial to Chen Ming.


    With his dual soul cores, none of these problems mattered.


    Weaker skills? Pour in more soul power to boost their strength. High consumption? His soul cores could replenish his energy. Side effects? He used his vitality to heal instantly.


    While Chen Ming wasn''t truly infinite firepower, his current soul power output far exceeded the recovery rate of his soul cores.


    For now, he was essentially walking infinite artillery, only limited by the cooldown times of his spirit skills.


    As Chen Ming unleashed his custom spirit skills, he continuously refined their imperfections. His strength visibly grew stronger with each passing moment.


    PS: Chen Ming "Throughout Heaven and Earth, I Alone Am The Honored One."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [129]

    In the beginning, Dugu Bo was mostly testing the waters. However, as Chen Ming gradually adapted to his current state and effortlessly switched between and fused attributes like Ice, Fire, Poison, and Death, the situation quickly became dangerous for Dugu Bo. Ultimate Ice countered poison, Ultimate Fire countered poison, the Death attribute countered poison, and even Chen Ming''s poison attribute suppressed Dugu Bo''s poison attribute.


    The more Dugu Bo fought, the more frustrated he became. None of his poisons worked on Chen Ming at all. Only pure soul power could barely threaten him, but even then, Chen Ming was wearing a thick suit of armor that neutralized most of the soul power attacks.


    The main issue was that Chen Ming''s recovery ability was stronger than Dugu Bo''s, even though Dugu Bo was a Title Douluo. One of Chen Ming''s soul cores provided him with an almost infinite recovery rate for his soul power. While the life force soul core recovered soul power slower than the first, it could convert soul power into life force to heal Chen Ming''s injuries.


    At first, Dugu Bo could still rely on his immense soul power to leave some injuries on Chen Ming. Occasionally, he could deplete Chen Ming''s soul power significantly with a sudden explosive move.


    But as the fight went on, Dugu Bo''s soul power began to run low, and his body started to sustain injuries. On the other hand, Chen Ming remained energetic, his soul power nearly full, and every wound Dugu Bo painstakingly inflicted on him was healed.


    Dugu Bo had already used his first six soul skills multiple times, but they had no effect.


    Even his Medusa''s Gaze, a skull soul skill, was used in the battle but only managed to immobilize Chen Ming for about two seconds.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Dugu Bo unleashed the Thunder Dragon Claw, a soul skill granted by a right arm bone sent by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. He struck Chen Ming hard, driving him to the ground and breaking several bones.


    And yet? Chen Ming got up after a brief moment, adjusted his bones manually, and used the life force converted by his soul core to heal all his injuries.


    What''s more, because the attack had hurt him quite a bit, Chen Ming became even more energized. In the subsequent battle, he fought even more ferociously.


    Dugu Bo couldn''t understand how soul cores could be so ridiculously powerful.


    In truth, while soul cores were indeed formidable, they weren''t usually as exaggerated as Chen Ming''s.


    Chen Ming''s soul cores were unique.


    The Star Luo Holy Pearl Soul Core was purely soul-power-based. After fusing with the metallic properties of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, its quality had already reached a higher level. After further tempering in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, it now resembled a golden core, with its quality advancing toward the level of a divine core.


    As for the Dragon Core, it had partially absorbed the characteristics of the Life Gold and mutated under the tribulation lightning, granting it the ability to convert soul power into life force.


    During its refinement in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, it was further enhanced by traces of residual power left by the Ice-Fire Dragon King.


    Not only was it repaired, but it also inherited some of the Ice-Fire Dragon King''s traits, further improving its quality.


    Essentially, it was a divine core without divinity.


    Either one of these two unique soul cores was something that even an Ultimate-level Rank 99 Douluo might not possess. The gap between them and ordinary soul cores was as vast as a chasm.


    When the two special soul cores worked together, they gave Chen Ming his abnormal endurance.


    In this battle, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo had already consumed a total amount of soul power equivalent to that of twenty Rank 51 Soul Kings combined.


    The life force Chen Ming used to heal his injuries was enough to leave an ordinary Soul Sage bedridden for half a year, unable to recover their soul power for the rest of their life.


    After fighting for so long, the battle had become completely one-sided. Chen Ming attacked, and Dugu Bo took the hits. Poor Dugu Bo''s once-proud poison techniques were utterly ineffective against the combined power of Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire.


    If Chen Ming unleashed his Ice-Fire Soul Power fully and made direct physical contact with Dugu Bo''s poison, Dugu Bo would realize that Chen Ming, with his Ice-Fire Alchemy Body, was now essentially immune to toxins.


    During the battle, Chen Ming even touched Dugu Bo a few times with his Cold Poison. Despite Dugu Bo''s best efforts to evade and counter, he couldn''t stop a portion of his soul power and upper limits from being sealed by the Cold Poison. The extremely low temperatures of the poison continued to spread through his body, freezing his soul power. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though Dugu Bo was a Title Douluo and a poison expert, he was helpless against this strange combination of Ultimate Ice and poison. No matter how hard he tried, he could only slow the spread of the Cold Poison.


    As for the portions of his soul power and life force that were frozen, Dugu Bo had no way to restore them.


    If this had been a life-or-death battle instead of a sparring match between family members, Dugu Bo might have considered cutting off the parts of his body affected by the Cold Poison to save himself. Under Chen Ming''s relentless attacks and the erosion of the Cold Poison, Dugu Bo''s condition rapidly deteriorated. His soul power dropped to less than 30% of its peak, his body stiffened, and some of his limbs became uncontrollable. Even his movements in battle became clumsy.


    In this state, Dugu Bo could only raise his hand in surrender and forcefully end the fight.


    "I''m done, I''m done. In your current state, I can''t even use half of my poison techniques. I''m fighting with my hands tied¡ªthis is just pointless."


    Dugu Bo still had his Martial Soul Avatar and his eighth and ninth soul skills as trump cards, but he didn''t intend to use them. They wouldn''t make a difference and would only embarrass him further.


    A Rank 94 Title Douluo losing to a quasi-Soul King¡ªif word got out, people across the continent would laugh themselves to death.


    "Grandpa, how''s my strength?"


    Hearing Dugu Bo''s words, Chen Ming withdrew his Ice-Fire Soul Power, walked over to Dugu Bo, and used his Dragon Core to convert soul power into a life force to heal Dugu Bo''s injuries.


    "Well, your strength... when it comes to fighting me, you''re truly incredible. I can''t even use half my poison techniques. Those two soul cores of yours give you a recovery ability stronger than mine as a Title Douluo. Your physical attributes are flawless, and I even feel like your spiritual power might be slightly higher than mine."


    Suppressing his mixed feelings, Dugu Bo analyzed the situation as calmly as possible.


    "Right now, your strength is roughly equivalent to that of a top-tier Soul Douluo, and you can exchange a few blows with a Title Douluo. If the attributes are favorable, such as facing an Ice or Fire-type Title Douluo, you might defeat them using your attribute advantage."


    The primary reason Dugu Bo struggled against Chen Ming was that his poison was completely ineffective. His physical strength was on par with Chen Ming''s at best.


    Chen Ming''s series of Ice-Fire Poison attacks posed a huge threat to Dugu Bo. On the other hand, no matter how hard Dugu Bo struck, he couldn''t incapacitate Chen Ming in one blow.


    Against other Title Douluo, the fight might not have been so one-sided.


    "You now need to be cautious of those Title Douluo and top-tier Soul Douluo who specialize in explosive pure strength. If you can''t deal with them quickly and get hit by their burst soul skills, you''ll still face significant danger."


    Dugu Bo originally wanted to say life-threatening danger, but after considering Chen Ming''s recovery ability, he changed it to significant danger.


    "Your Poison Explosion Technique is an unlimited soul skill. With your current total soul power and recovery speed, when fighting strong opponents, you can release a large area of poison mist and then detonate it with your second soul skill, Poison Explosion Technique. If the conditions are right, it''s entirely possible to kill a Title Douluo."


    "That Cold Poison of yours is truly bizarre. Even I can''t remove it¡ªI can only slow its spread. In the future, it''ll undoubtedly become one of your trump cards in battle. Soul Masters without expertise in poison, even those with Ice attributes, won''t be able to resist your terrifying Cold Poison."


    "However, you must remember never to misuse your third soul skill, the Deathly Poison Domain. Although your soul power level is lower than a Title Douluo, your physical and spiritual attributes are already on par. Once the Deathly Poison Domain is unleashed, it will lead to devastation in the surrounding area."


    "If you ever face a genuine threat, don''t hesitate to use the Deathly Poison Domain. But if there''s no real danger, do your best to avoid using it."


    As a Title Douluo known for group battles, Dugu Bo sighed deeply.


    "Otherwise, the slaughter would simply be too great."


    "You have a bright future ahead of you. You should aim to stand at the pinnacle of the continent, perhaps even become a god revered by all, like the Angel God of ten thousand years ago. Don''t let impulsive decisions lead to regret."


    PS: Third skill update: Domain Expansion: Deathly Poison Realm!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [130]

    "I''ll keep that in mind," Chen Ming nodded, seriously taking Dugu Bo''s advice.


    Not to mention that he wasn''t particularly fond of using this domain¡ªmost of the time, he simply kept it hidden as a backup option. Furthermore, for the sake of his future ascension to godhood, Chen Ming couldn''t recklessly use this soul skill to cause excessive bloodshed across the continent.


    On the journey to the Extreme North, Chen Ming not only followed Chrysanthemum Douluo to learn about pharmacology but also took the opportunity to inquire in detail about the legends of the Angel God.


    As an elder of the Spirit Hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s knowledge extended beyond just the stories circulating on the continent; he also possessed some truly secretive pieces of information.


    Once, Chrysanthemum Douluo casually mentioned something to Chen Ming¡ªthat the Angel God wasn''t called the Angel God because she became a god, nor was it because she proclaimed herself as one.


    Rather, even as a young girl, she had saved countless humans, and her figure, shrouded in light and flames, appeared godlike. Hence, she was called the Angel God. Even before she fully grew up, people already believed that the Angel God could bring hope and a future to humanity.


    Through his research during this time, Chen Ming also sensed something from the amulet carved from the sacred beast''s skull that the Angel God had left behind.


    The divine power hidden in the amulet wasn''t something left behind after the Angel God became a god, but rather, it was divine power from before her ascension.


    It sounded contradictory, but this was the truth. The divine power in the amulet was too weak and immature. Although it contained the attributes of light, flame, and holiness, they hadn''t been fully fused.


    Its quality was indeed higher than soul power and had some remarkable characteristics. However, to call it the divine power of a first-class god would be an overstatement. It was more accurate to describe it as soul power that had been partially deified through some means.


    Chen Ming recalled that the Seraphim martial soul had appeared in many unique variants throughout the Douluo Continent series.


    Leaving aside the basic attributes of angels¡ªlight, flame, and holiness¡ªor the uncertain connection with martial souls like the Fallen Angel, even the clearly defined subtypes displayed several unique abilities.


    For example, in Douluo II, the four-winged angel demonstrated the ability to slay evil soul masters and enhance soul power, while in Douluo III, the healing angel''s martial soul showed the ability to enhance soul power through the power of faith.


    As for abilities that were only briefly mentioned, like countering darkness, purifying souls, or absorbing the power of the sun, the number was even greater.


    Chen Ming suspected that before the Angel God ascended to godhood, she might have already gathered human faith through her martial soul or other methods, unconsciously condensing a semi-divine persona or semi-divine position.


    Because of this semi-divine position, the Angel God displayed combat power close to divine levels even as a Soul Douluo. Due to her divine-level performance, the Angel God brought more hope to humanity, which led to even greater worship and faith.


    This positive cycle ultimately made the Angel God the first human first-class god in the history of the Douluo Continent.


    Why did Chen Ming call the Angel God the first instead of the Rakshasa God? Without the Angel God winning humanity the opportunity to thrive and multiply, the Rakshasa God, also a human, wouldn''t have been able to gather the faith necessary to condense a divine persona representing evil and chaos.


    The only god explicitly stated to have ascended through the faith of soul beasts was the Sea God. However, even among the Sea God''s followers, there was a significant number of humans.


    As an ambitious person, Chen Ming did not intend to inherit someone else''s god position. Instead, he planned to condense his unique divine persona and be ready to leave the God Realm with his family and friends at any time after his ascension.


    After all, when you think about it carefully, the God Realm seems like an unpredictable and dangerous trap.


    One day in the God Realm was equivalent to a year on the continent. Although the Angel God had ascended nearly 10,000 years ago¡ªcloser to 20,000 years now¡ªin the God Realm''s perspective, it had only been 60 years. Even for a Titled Douluo, that amount of time wasn''t particularly long.


    If gods truly had infinite lifespans, then from the God Realm''s time perspective, the Angel God should have only just recently entered the realm.


    But what was the reality now? The Angel God had disappeared, and the continent hadn''t seen any divine miracles from her in ages. Only the descendants of the Angel God, the Qian family, seemed to maintain some connection with her.


    The Angel God once worshiped as the faith of the entire continent, had lost the majority of her believers. For a god who ascended through faith, this should have been an utterly unacceptable situation.


    The Sea God took thousands of years to gather enough faith to ascend to the God Realm and become a first-class god, second only to the five divine kings.


    However, after less than thirty years in the God Realm (equivalent to 10,950 human years), the Sea God was already desperate to throw away his god''s seat and leave the realm.


    If the God Realm''s rules didn''t prohibit gods from directly abandoning their positions, and if there weren''t restrictions on selecting successors, the Sea God would have likely disappeared long ago. When he left, he even threw down his Sea God Trident, which was the manifestation of his martial soul.


    That trident was not only the Sea God''s martial soul but also an extremely rare super divine weapon in the Douluo Realm. No matter how you looked at it, it should have been something incredibly important to the Sea God. Normally, unless he died, the Sea God would never have casually abandoned it.


    But the problem was that he did.


    If it were just the Sea God, it might have been an isolated case. But the number of gods in the Douluo series willing to abandon their positions and leave the God Realm was shockingly high.


    From three of the five divine kings to countless nameless second-class gods, these deities were all desperate to get rid of their god positions.


    It was as if the precious divine positions they had spent thousands or even tens of thousands of years painstakingly condensing were somehow poisonous. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among the five divine kings, the only two who didn''t seem eager to abandon their positions were the God of Life and the God of Destruction.


    From a certain perspective, these two were so deeply tied to the God Realm that their fates were intrinsically linked to it¡ªthey rose and fell together. They had no choice but to stay, which was likely why the God of Destruction was always clamoring for God Realm expansion.


    Adding to this was the completely different setting between Douluo III and Douluo IV.


    As a reader, Chen Ming could have dismissed it as inconsistent writing. But now that he was part of this world, how was he supposed to face it?


    Chen Ming was determined to become a god. But what kind of god, when to ascend, and how to ascend¡ªall of it had to be under his control.


    He couldn''t work tirelessly to ascend to the God Realm, only to be stuck cleaning up someone else''s mess once he got there.


    Currently, even though he was just a quasi-Soul King, his combat strength was already close to that of a Titled Douluo. Thus, Chen Ming had to start thinking about his future path to godhood.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [131]

    Why is Chen Ming considering this issue now?


    Because in the Douluo World, the poison attribute is not a strong one. It excels at lower levels, but at higher levels, it''s virtually non-existent.


    The only deity associated with poison is Medusa''s God in the Divine Realm, and even that is a third-tier god who was killed, leaving only fragmented remnants of their divine status.


    Furthermore, this third-tier god is considered a god of sin, and their poison abilities stem merely from their racial traits. It can only be inferred that they were a deity who knew how to use poison.


    If Chen Ming were to inherit another divine position, perhaps something like the God of Soul or Spirit would suit him. However, such a position does not exist in the God Realm.


    With no suitable positions like Poison God or Spirit God in the God Realm, Chen Ming naturally wouldn''t force himself into an ill-fitting role.


    Therefore, whether one views it from a conspiratorial angle or a practical perspective if Chen Ming doesn''t want to be a salted fish (slang for someone lazy and unambitious), he must forge his path.


    Given that his current body, enhanced in various ways, already rivals the strength of a Titled Douluo, Chen Ming has decided that his fifth soul ring must be carefully selected. Its age must be no less than 50,000 years¡ªonly higher, never lower.


    While this might seem excessive for a Soul Ancestor or Soul King, from the perspective of a Soul Emperor or Soul Sage, it''s perfectly reasonable.


    A sixth soul ring under 20,000 years and a seventh soul ring at 50,000 years might be rare in this era, but it''s not unheard of. In later series, there are plenty of Soul Masters whose seventh soul rings are 100,000 years old.


    The only reason Chen Ming isn''t already targeting a 100,000-year-old soul beast is that he hasn''t encountered one yet. Without firsthand experience, he can''t guarantee what qualitative differences exist between 10,000-year and 100,000-year soul beasts or what precautions might be necessary.


    Otherwise, Chen Ming would already be setting his sights on a 100,000-year-old beast for his fifth ring.


    Looking at the four soul rings floating around him¡ªone yellow, two purple, and one black¡ªChen Ming closed his eyes and instinctively controlled his soul power.


    As his will grew stronger, Chen Ming''s martial soul began to exhibit a faint sense of limit. His fourth soul ring wobbled slightly in mid-air, gradually turning transparent before being withdrawn into his martial soul, leaving only the yellow, and two purple. Three souls ring around him.


    Dugu Bo, curious, poked Chen Ming and was puzzled by this phenomenon.


    "What''s going on? How did you manage to put away your fourth soul ring?"


    "It''s simple: suppress your martial soul and weaken its connection with the heavens and earth. After that, with a little care, you can retract the soul ring."


    Chen Ming''s response, as usual, was abstract and full of cryptic reasoning. It was normal for most people to feel confused and overwhelmed by his explanations. Only a high priest of the gods might be able to comprehend his meaning.


    Dugu Bo, however, was already used to this and had no intention of learning the technique¡ªhe was simply asking out of curiosity.


    "So, what''s the impact of retracting your fourth soul ring?"


    "There is an impact, but it''s not significant," Chen Ming nodded and pointed at the three soul rings around him. "When my fourth soul ring is retracted, I can''t use my fourth spirit ability, and my soul power output is temporarily reduced to the level of a Soul Ancestor at Rank 40. However, this reduction isn''t absolute."


    "If I actively erupt with power exceeding Rank 40, my fourth soul ring will automatically reappear¡ªit can''t remain hidden anymore."


    "Other than that, there''s no real impact."


    Chen Ming thought for a moment and added a minor detail.


    "Oh, right, I can only hide one soul ring at a time, and I have to do it sequentially. For example, if I hide my second soul ring, the next one I can hide is the third, then the fourth, and so on. I can''t skip over the third to hide the fourth or fifth directly."


    "Oh, as long as it doesn''t have much impact," Dugu Bo said. To him, Chen Ming''s lengthy explanation boiled down to just three words: "No significant impact."


    "Xiao Ming, what are you planning to do next?"


    "Grandpa, I''ve decided to return to the academy first and spend ten days or so with Yan Yan. After that, I''ll travel across the continent to explore my future development. Since I might be away for several years, I''d like to spend some time with her first."


    "Going back to the academy? That''s fine. It''s about time you showed those stubborn people how powerful you''ve become."


    Although Dugu Bo felt that with Chen Ming''s current combat prowess, there was no longer any need for him to attend the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he thought about his granddaughter and decided it wasn''t a bad idea.


    As they chatted, Dugu Bo''s injuries gradually healed. After changing into fresh clothes, he casually tossed a Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse to Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, this pouch has been with me for decades. Half a year ago, I wanted to give it to you, but you didn''t seem to need it at the time. Now that your storage soul tool is broken, take this chance to accept it. You''ll find it useful on your travels across the continent."


    Chen Ming took the pouch, carefully secured it at his waist, and looked up at Dugu Bo.


    "What about you, Grandpa?"


    Dugu Bo showed Chen Ming a pouch that appeared slightly smaller than the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse.


    "I bought a backup item from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Although it''s not as large as the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, it''s a storage soul tool capable of holding living things. It''s more than enough for me now."


    "Pack your things. Let''s go."


    A few minutes later, after preparing their belongings, the two set out for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. With their current speed, they reached the foot of the academy''s mountain in just over an hour.


    After giving Chen Ming a few words of advice about dealing with troublemakers, Dugu Bo left.


    He still had a banquet to organize to celebrate his advancement at 94¡ªan event he hadn''t had time to host yet. Now that he finally had some free time, he couldn''t wait to announce it to the world.


    Although Chen Ming had only spent a few days at the academy before heading off to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, his spiritual power allowed him to recall the academy''s layout with perfect clarity.


    At the gate, he showed his student ID to the guards before making his way up the mountain.


    According to Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan was currently living in the small courtyard where Chen Ming had previously stayed. Chen Ming decided to check in with Dugu Yan first, then take a stroll around the academy to relax before embarking on his journey across the continent.


    Since it was class time, most of the students were in their classrooms, and those who didn''t like studying had likely gone to Heaven Dou City to enjoy themselves.


    As a result, Chen Ming encountered few people on his way, aside from some faculty members, and soon arrived at his small courtyard. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The courtyard, once damaged by Dugu Bo''s rampage, had been fully repaired, showing no signs of its previous destruction.


    Chen Ming took out his key, unlocked the gate, and stepped inside. He noticed that the first rooms on both his left and right showed signs of being occupied.


    PS: Chen Ming''s translated words: "Grandpa, I''ve already won your granddaughter''s heart. There''s no point in staying at Heaven Dou Academy anymore. It''s time to travel the continent and meet the other rich women."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [132]

    Chen Ming, standing in front of the first room on the left, the very room he once lived in, felt the lingering aura of Dugu Yan''s cultivation. Meanwhile, in the first room on the right, he sensed a rich life force, clearly left behind by a Soul Master with life-attribute abilities.


    As Chen Ming thought about it, he recalled something Dugu Bo had casually mentioned to him a long time ago during their cultivation at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    ["Xiao Ming, I owe the Nine Heart Begonia Ye family a huge favor. Ever since Yan Yan started being with you, the rest of the academy began to make things difficult for that little girl from the Ye family."]


    ["Ye Renxin came to me, hoping his granddaughter could move into the courtyard you used to live in, so my reputation could intimidate those troublemakers. Xiao Ming, what do you think?"]


    ["This isn''t a big deal. Grandpa, just agree to it. After all, I didn''t stay in that courtyard for more than a few days anyway," replied Chen Ming offhandedly, focused on his training, before returning to his exercises.]


    "Oh, so it''s Ye Lingling," Chen Ming nodded after recalling the memory, realizing the identity of the current resident.


    Although he wanted to enter Dugu Yan''s room and wait for her to come back to surprise her, considering that someone else was now living in the courtyard, it wouldn''t be appropriate for him to give Dugu Yan such an abrupt surprise.


    After all, he had to consider others; he didn''t want to scare Ye Lingling.


    Chen Ming left the courtyard and headed toward the office where the three academy elders usually worked, intending to greet them.


    Upon arrival, however, he discovered that the office was now being used by a few trusted teachers to handle administrative tasks.


    After asking around, he learned that a city in the Heaven Dou Empire had encountered some trouble recently. The Emperor had already sent several groups of Soul Masters to resolve it, but none of them succeeded. Thus, the three elders of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy had personally gone to handle the matter.


    Since the issue was highly confidential, even the teachers holding down the fort didn''t know where the elders had gone or when they would return.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming didn''t press further about matters unrelated to him. Instead, he inquired about Dugu Yan''s whereabouts.


    Hearing his question, the substitute teacher slowly explained the situation to Chen Ming.


    Some time ago, after Dugu Yan returned to the academy, she knocked out half of Yu Tianheng''s teeth. Then, Dugu Bo knocked out the other half. As a result, Yu Tianheng dropped out of school and joined the Blue Tyrant Academy, a place with ties to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Due to the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament in a few years, the academy had begun selecting members for the second team. After a discussion between the three elders, Dugu Bo, and Dugu Yan, Dugu Yan was appointed as the second team''s captain.


    As captain, Dugu Yan had the authority to choose her teammates. Thus, she had spent most of her time recently in the battle arena, both honing her combat experience and selecting potential team members from among the applicants.


    Given the well-known relationship between Dugu Yan and Chen Ming, the substitute teacher handed Chen Ming a roster.


    "This is the list of teammates and backups Dugu Yan has selected recently. Student Chen Ming, feel free to discuss it with her. Once the three elders return, the list can be finalized."


    After handing him the thick roster, the bald teacher casually asked, almost as an afterthought: S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Ming, after a year away from the academy under Poison Douluo''s guidance, your soul power must have improved significantly, right? What level are you now? Would you consider joining one of our teams?"


    "I''m at level 35," Chen Ming deliberately hid his true soul power, downplaying it by 15 levels. Even so, the level he revealed stunned everyone in the room. Some teachers, unable to keep their composure, accidentally tore the documents they had been working on for hours.


    "What?!" The seemingly dignified bald teacher raised his voice in disbelief.


    "Level 35," Chen Ming repeated, releasing one yellow and two purple soul rings and suppressing his soul power to match that of a Level 35 Soul Master.


    "Eleven levels in just over a year?" The teacher clutched his chest and plopped into his chair, unable to react for a long while.


    An increase of eleven levels in just over a year? The teacher had never even dreamed of anyone cultivating at such a speed!


    Could this be the result of Poison Douluo''s teaching?


    No, no, no¡ªsuch rapid improvement couldn''t simply be due to guidance from a Title Douluo.


    This must be because Chen Ming was extraordinarily talented, which is why Poison Douluo chose him to become his granddaughter''s husband. Only then, under Poison Douluo''s tutelage, could he achieve such a leap in a year, right?


    If not for Chen Ming''s immunity to both ice and fire, he might have started feeling the heat from all the cold breaths being sucked in around him.


    Why?


    Ever since Chen Ming revealed his Level 35 soul power, the people around him had been audibly gasping in shock without stopping.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming shrugged helplessly, greeted them briefly, and left the room, glancing at the roster in his hand as he walked.


    "Yu Feng, male, martial soul: Windbell Bird, Level 31 agility-type Soul Elder. Spirit skills: Acceleration, Wind Blade, Gale Wave. Combat style¡­"


    "Osler, male, martial soul: Ghost Leopard, Level 31 agility-type Soul Elder."


    "Ye Lingling, female, martial soul: Nine Heart Begonia, Level 28 healing-type Soul Grandmaster."


    Chen Ming noticed that these teammates chosen by Dugu Yan were indeed the official members of the Heaven Dou Royal Team in the original story. However, not only was Yu Tianheng, the team''s historical captain, missing but so were the crucial Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers.


    Although the Shi Mo brothers had little screen time in the original story, they were far from weak.


    When Yu Tianheng first appeared, his level was 39, and Dugu Yan''s was 38. Meanwhile, the seemingly inconspicuous Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers had soul power levels of 38 and 37, respectively. Their talent was comparable to that of Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan in the original story.


    The Xuanwu Turtle, though not well-known, was a top-tier martial soul comparable to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Possessing the bloodline of the mythical beast Xuanwu, its defensive capabilities were unparalleled. It could even be the ancestor of the Xuanming Turtle lineage mentioned in the second part of Douluo Dalu.


    Chen Ming''s return to the academy wasn''t just to spend time with Dugu Yan. He also planned to study martial souls he found interesting. Besides the Nine Heart Begonia, the Xuanwu Turtle was another martial soul he wanted to research, hoping to uncover the mysteries of the mythical beast Xuanwu.


    The legendary Xuanwu, both offensive and defensive, also represented the Yin-Yang duality¡ªthe manifestation of the rules of heaven and earth. Surely, there were many secrets worth exploring within.


    Among the Four Great Divine Beasts, Xuanwu was undoubtedly a powerful existence among the gods. Figuring out its mysteries would greatly aid in the pursuit of godhood.


    The Xuanwu Turtle was one of the few martial souls on the continent that closely approached or even exceeded the four divine beasts. Its ancestors were said to have had Soul Masters whose martial souls evolved into the mythical Xuanwu. There had to be many secrets hidden within.


    But where had they disappeared to?


    PS: Imagine naming twin brothers with the same name. lmao

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [133]

    Chen Ming thought for a moment and decided not to care anymore.


    If he needed it in the future, he could just look for it again. He could use the Xuanwu as a reference, but it wasn''t necessary.


    If they didn''t enroll now, they would eventually enroll in a few years. If they joined another academy, he could always seek them out and learn from them later.


    As Chen Ming walked, he continued flipping through the list in his hand. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The first page listed the members already confirmed by Dugu Yan. Starting from the second page, it was the list of backup candidates. Without exception, all these candidates had soul power levels below 30, and the quality of their martial souls varied greatly.


    Even though the students at Heaven Dou Royal Academy weren''t particularly outstanding, the academy still served as a gathering place for most of the Heaven Dou Empire''s talented martial souls.


    After glancing at the list for a moment, Chen Ming noticed several martial souls that piqued his interest. Some were of extremely high quality, while others possessed unique abilities.


    Among them, the most unusual and intriguing to Chen Ming was a rare martial soul called the Jewel Beast.


    According to the list, the Jewel Beast was a unique gem-type martial soul. Before obtaining its first soul ring, it behaved almost identically to an ordinary gemstone.


    The characteristic of gem-type martial souls was that they lacked a specific inclination, meaning the same martial soul could take various developmental paths. After obtaining the first soul ring, the martial soul would begin to exhibit a particular inclination based on the ring it absorbed.


    What made the Jewel Beast particularly special was that it not only developed its inclination based on the first soul ring absorbed but also transformed its appearance to resemble the soul beast.


    The most remarkable feature of the Jewel Beast was the beast aspect of its name. Before absorbing its first soul ring, it remained in its gem-like form as a pure Tool Martial Soul. However, after absorbing a soul ring from an animal-type spirit beast, the martial soul would acquire traits similar to a Beast Martial Soul, enabling martial soul possession.


    For instance, if the absorbed soul beast was a lion, the martial soul would transform into Jewel Beast: Lion, granting its user features akin to a lion martial soul during possession.


    If subsequent soul rings adhere to the configuration standards of a lion-type martial soul, the Jewel Beast: Lion would continue to grow stronger. However, if later soul rings deviated from the first ring''s soul beast type, the martial soul''s quality would decline.


    The soul master possessing the Jewel Beast martial soul was named Ning Zhongze. She was female, with a martial soul of Jewel Beast: Bear. Her soul ring configuration consisted of two yellow rings, and she was a level 25 power-type spirit master with one offensive skill and one amplification skill.


    There was a handwritten note in the remarks section, though its author was unclear. It indicated that this student had a connection to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, with her maternal grandfather serving as an elder of the clan.


    Chen Ming was deeply intrigued by these unique martial souls. The Jewel Beast''s special characteristics had completely captured his attention.


    After putting away the list, Chen Ming quickly headed toward the arena. In no time, he arrived at his destination.


    With a slight sweep of his spiritual power, Chen Ming quickly gained a clear understanding of the scene inside.


    Around a dozen Soul Grandmasters were sparring in groups. Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were standing aside with a few soul masters, likely in their twenties, discussing something.


    Several Soul Elders observed the Soul Grandmasters'' battles, whispering among themselves. On the sidelines of the arena stood a few teachers, ranging from Soul Kings to Soul Emperors, watching the proceedings. Among them was Chen Ming''s old acquaintance, Qin Ming.


    Chen Ming concealed his aura and quietly approached Dugu Yan.


    At that moment, Dugu Yan was standing a bit further back, looking down at the list in her hands and muttering to herself as she focused on analyzing strategies.


    "In the history of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, the team with the most championships is the Spirit Hall team, followed by the Star Luo Imperial Academy, and then the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."


    "The Spirit Hall team builds their lineup around a core of several genius soul masters, supported by one or two secondary members, often one power type and one control type. The team always includes at least one agility-type and one support-type member."


    "Their team features high soul power levels, exceptional martial soul quality, strong combat abilities, and excellent coordination, with no apparent weaknesses. Isn''t this outright cheating?"


    "The Star Luo Empire''s team is centered around the Nether White Tiger and..."


    As Dugu Yan muttered to herself, completely unaware of the extra person beside her, Chen Ming released his concealed aura and reached out to poke her arm.


    The moment Chen Ming''s finger touched Dugu Yan''s arm, she instinctively threw the thick notebook in her hand into the air. Her slender arm twisted like a snake, her fingers closing into a sharp cone as she struck fiercely toward Chen Ming''s throat.


    Although her attack was swift, it was far too slow for Chen Ming. With a slight step to the side, he easily avoided Dugu Yan''s thrust and the subsequent flurry of attacks.


    Dugu Yan had been in too many fights lately and, as the team captain, had spent most of her time considering the team members. As a result, she instinctively unleashed over a full second of combo attacks before realizing the person in front of her was Chen Ming.


    Dugu Yan retrieved the notebook that Chen Ming had caught during his evasive maneuver and rolled her eyes at him.


    "You always play tricks on me the moment you return! I''ve been racking my brain over selecting team members lately. Not only do you not help, but you even tease me."


    "Cough cough, I was just saying hello." Knowing that reasoning with women was pointless, Chen Ming simply nodded and admitted his mistake.


    At this moment, the group that had been chatting earlier noticed Dugu Yan and the person beside her, Chen Ming. Ye Lingling and a few Soul Masters, likely in their twenties, approached them.


    The leader of this group of Soul Masters was a sturdy male soul master. His head was completely bald, and a large scar ran across his left cheek.


    His attire was clean and simple, with a belt slung across his waist that carried various tools such as a flint, a knife, and a water bottle. His overall demeanor was firm and resolute, resembling either a soldier fresh out of a military camp or a hunter who had spent years in soul beast forests. In any case, he looked nothing like a noble.


    The soul masters beside him didn''t exhibit the same level of toughness, but each carried an aura distinctly different from that of noble children.


    This group seemed entirely out of place within the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, resembling mercenaries who had wandered in by mistake. If not for the honorary student badges on their chests, even Chen Ming wouldn''t have believed they were students of this academy.


    The bald-headed soul master looked at the unusually flustered Dugu Yan and then at Chen Ming. After a brief moment of confusion, he seemed to understand something and stepped forward, politely extending his hand to Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming shook his hand courteously, and there was no hidden contest of strength between them.


    "Hello, Junior. I''m Xiong Xin, the captain of last year''s Heaven Dou Royal Academy battle team. My martial soul is the Violent Gold Bear, and I''m a level 44 power-type soul master. Pleased to meet you."


    "Hello, Senior Xiong Xin. I''m Chen Ming, a second-year student at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. My martial soul is the Emerald Scorpion, and I''m a level 35 control-type Soul Elder. Pleased to meet you."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [134]

    "Level 35 Soul Elder? I remember you''re only 12 this year, right? Weren''t you just at level 24 when you left the academy last year?" Upon hearing Chen Ming''s introduction, the senior named Xiong Xin was immediately astonished and quickly revealed Chen Ming''s information.


    "Hm?" Chen Ming made a sound of confusion, not quite understanding why this senior he had never met before seemed to know so much about him.


    Sensing Chen Ming''s gaze, the burly Xiong Xin felt a little awkward.


    "Cough, cough, no, junior, I¡ª"


    "Well, actually, although we were out training last year, we heard about you when we returned. I''m just a curious person, so I asked around. I promise I didn''t mean anything else by it."


    As Xiong Xin spoke, he pulled over a female soul master who was slightly shorter than him but just as robust in build.


    "Junior, look, I''m already married! I''m not thinking anything improper!"


    Getting married in one''s early twenties was considered normal even in Chen Ming''s previous life. In the world of Douluo Dalu, however, it was already considered late marriage and late childbirth.


    Although Chen Ming still wasn''t quite used to this married while still in school situation, he nodded politely to the soul master.


    "Hello, senior sister."


    "Hello, Junior. My name is Zhu Zhen, martial soul: Storm Wild Boar, level 42 assault-type soul master." Zhu Zhen patted Xiong Xin on the shoulder and explained to Chen Ming, "Little Bear doesn''t have any bad intentions; he''s just curious."


    "Little Bear."


    Looking at Senior Xiong Xin''s over two-meter-tall frame, Chen Ming felt that this nickname didn''t quite fit, but he refrained from saying anything.


    "Curiosity is only natural."


    "By the way, Senior Xiong Xin, Senior Sister Zhu Zhen, what are you doing here?"


    "Oh, it''s like this." Xiong Xin pointed to a group of teammates who were sneaking laughs at his awkwardness nearby.


    "We''re the previous generation''s battle team. You know, even though our Royal Academy has two teams, one of them is directly seeded into the finals. But let''s be real, everyone knows that the second team is just there for show. If they make it past the first round, that''s considered lucky. The team that fights its way up is the real main force."


    "During our year, we defeated the Nether White Tiger of Star Luo Empire''s Royal Academy, but because we were too drained afterward, we couldn''t beat the Spirit Hall team."


    Although, realistically, even in full condition, Xiong Xin''s team might not have been able to beat the Spirit Hall team. But in front of his junior, Xiong Xin had to save face.


    As the saying goes, you might lose the game, but you can''t lose the pride.


    Moreover, if the Spirit Hall team had gone up against Star Luo Empire''s Nether White Tiger, and had faced the Spirit Hall team''s previous opponents, it wasn''t impossible that they could have beaten the Spirit Hall team instead.


    "Because we performed well, the elders called us back from the Star Dou Forest. They want us to help guide this year''s team."


    "Junior, you''re joining the team, right? The glory of the Heaven Dou Empire will rest on your shoulders in the future!" Xiong Xin scratched his head as he looked at Chen Ming, who had already reached level 35 at the age of twelve. He couldn''t even imagine what kind of strength Chen Ming would display in this competition.


    Even with the slowest progress, he would surely reach the level of a Soul Ancestor.


    And even if they couldn''t win the championship this year, in another five years, his soul power would likely approach the level of a Soul King!


    A Soul King! That would be a level unseen in the past hundred years of the Soul Master Competition!


    Moreover, a Soul King at the age of twenty wouldn''t just have the potential to reach the level of a Titled Douluo someday¡ªit would be a certainty.


    Although Xiong Xin himself had decent talent, looking at Chen Ming, he couldn''t help but feel a bit envious.


    It was obvious that, as an ordinary soul master, Xiong Xin couldn''t possibly imagine that, according to the original story, the next Soul Master Competition would feature three Soul Kings and numerous Soul Ancestors. The seemingly peaceful continent now would undergo earth-shattering changes in the next ten years.


    On the side, Dugu Yan had a lot she wanted to say to Chen Ming, but because the current setting was filled with battling soul masters, she had to fulfill her responsibilities as team captain. After agreeing with Chen Ming to have a proper chat in the evening, she returned her focus to observing the selection process for the team members.


    Zhu Zhen, noticing that Xiong Xin wanted to talk more with Chen Ming, chose not to interfere. Instead, she took over Xiong Xin''s responsibilities and led the team to continue observing the situation, leaving space for Xiong Xin and Chen Ming to talk.


    Through their conversation, Chen Ming learned that Senior Xiong Xin came from a Heaven Dou Empire military family. His father was a Soul Sage and his grandfather, a Soul Douluo, had once been one of the two great marshals of the Heaven Dou Empire alongside Ge Long. However, due to injuries sustained on the battlefield in his early years, his grandfather had to retire early and now lived a peaceful life at home.


    Xiong Xin and Zhu Zhen were childhood sweethearts, both from military families. They had grown up together and entered Heaven Dou Royal Academy together. Because of their outstanding performance, they became members of the academy''s battle team, eventually serving as captain and vice-captain.


    Although their martial souls were too different to achieve a martial soul fusion skill, the two fought with incredible synergy, achieving a combined strength greater than the sum of their parts. They were considered the academy''s strongest students.


    When Chen Ming enrolled, Xiong Xin and Zhu Zhen happened to be away from the academy.


    After over a year of roaming, the education elders sent someone to the Star Dou Forest to bring them back to guide the new team. Upon their return, Xiong Xin and Zhu Zhen even teamed up to defeat a Soul King-level teacher.


    Perhaps due to his upbringing, Xiong Xin showed none of the arrogance often associated with nobles. He was straightforward, competent, and unpretentious¡ªqualities that Chen Ming found very agreeable. After chatting for a bit, the two quickly became friends.


    Xiong Xin showed no interest in prying into what kind of training Chen Ming had undergone with the Poison Douluo or how he had managed to raise his soul power by 11 levels in just over a year. Instead, he enthusiastically shared stories of how his team had fought their way through the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, occasionally adding insights he had gained during his time roaming the continent.


    As the conversation progressed, Xiong Xin realized that Chen Ming seemed remarkably knowledgeable about combat. Occasionally, Chen Ming would casually mention soul power and soul skill manipulation techniques that even Xiong Xin found surprising.


    ======


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    In Chapter 206, Chen Ming bang Dugu Yan. xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [135]

    After realizing that Chen Ming seemed to be quite skilled, Xiong Xin felt a bit of an itch in his heart. Quietly, he suggested to Chen Ming that they meet in the small forest behind the mountain for a physical confrontation.


    After thinking for a moment, Chen Ming agreed.


    However, in a certain sense, Chen Ming was currently equivalent to a Titled Douluo without a fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth spirit ring. With the strength of a level 50 quasi-soul king, crushing a level 44 soul ancestor was no problem.


    Still, Chen Ming couldn''t just refuse to spar with others because of this.


    Xiong Xin was quite an interesting person, very different from the nobles Chen Ming had known in the past. Chen Ming was happy to make a friend like him.


    As a joke, Chen Ming thought, If one day I suddenly had a wild idea to take over the Heaven Dou Empire, having a friend from a military family might provide significant help.


    The two chatted for a bit, and Xiong Xin started sharing some recent events. Being a child of a military family, Xiong Xin knew certain secrets he technically shouldn''t have access to. For instance, he mentioned where the three academy elders had gone recently.


    According to Xiong Xin, a Soul Douluo-level evil soul master had appeared on the continent for some unknown reason.


    Rumors suggested that this evil master was once a highly respected Soul Sage, stuck at level 79 for many years. Despite their noble status, something seemed to have pushed them over the edge. They wiped out their entire family and used dark, forbidden methods to break through to level 80, becoming a Soul Douluo. No one knew the exact reason behind it.


    Typically, matters involving evil soul masters were handled by the Spirit Hall. However, this particular evil soul master was said to have some sensitive ties to the royal family, making the Heaven Dou Empire reluctant to involve the Spirit Hall.


    Several groups were sent to capture the evil soul master, but instead, most of them were killed. In desperation, the royal family turned to the three elders of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for help. Unfortunately, the evil master had gone into hiding, making it impossible for the elders to apprehend them immediately.


    Hearing about the evil master, Chen Ming was reminded of Qian Renxue, the Spirit Hall''s princess disguised as the crown prince. Casually, he asked Xiong Xin what the crown prince intended to do about the situation.


    Xiong Xin thought for a moment before replying that, strangely, the crown prince had decided to visit the border regions a few days before the three elders left. It was said that the purpose of the trip was to audit the accounts there.


    According to Heaven Dou Empire tradition, audits at the border often led to unpleasant situations. In the past, there had been instances of officials being assassinated during such audits. No one could understand why the crown prince suddenly decided to take on such a troublesome task.


    Some ministers who opposed the crown prince were quietly spreading rumors that the evil master might somehow be connected to the prince. After all, it seemed a bit too coincidental that the prince left just before the evil master appeared.


    To be honest, Chen Ming also thought it was suspiciously coincidental. However, knowing that Qian Renxue was the heir of the Angel God¡ªa lineage that was sworn enemies with evil soul masters¡ªChen Ming found it hard to believe that this incident had anything to do with her. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Perhaps it was simply a case of someone on the continent losing their mind and deciding to annihilate their entire family just to break through from level 79 to 80.


    On the Douluo Continent, such bizarre occurrences were not entirely impossible. After all, in this world, people often come up with genius ideas for creating catastrophic events. You could never predict what might happen.


    Chen Ming mentally noted the location and route of Qian Renxue''s trip as revealed by Xiong Xin. He couldn''t help but marvel at the Heaven Dou Empire''s intelligence system.


    Such critical information was so easily accessible¡ªwhat could one even say about that? The Emperor wasn''t worried about someone assassinating the crown prince.


    Out of four sons, only two were left (actually, just one). With such a precarious situation, wasn''t the emperor afraid of an accident? If the crown prince had an accident during the audit, would the Emperor seriously allow Xue Beng, the notorious playboy, to inherit the throne?


    Was the emperor truly indifferent to whether the Heaven Dou Empire would just split apart like that?


    Chen Ming grumbled a little to himself before turning his attention to the ongoing matches in the arena with Xiong Xin.


    At that moment, several academy students were putting their skills on display, competing for spots on the Heaven Dou Royal Academy battle team. While the team wasn''t exclusively for the strongest individuals¡ªsome soul masters with unique abilities could qualify even if they weren''t particularly powerful¡ªit was obvious that those with superior strength had a significant advantage. After all, in the Douluo world, raw power was the ultimate truth. Fancy techniques were just extra points. Unless someone''s fancy skills reached an extreme level, strength was still the foundation.


    One contestant who caught Chen Ming''s attention was a soul master with a Jewel Beast martial soul. She had already won three consecutive matches.


    Oddly enough, despite sharing the same surname as Ning Rongrong, this Ning Zhongze was a muscular warrior with bulging veins and brown skin. Her arms, thick with muscle, were larger than most people''s thighs, exuding a sense of pure physical power.


    Her delicate face contrasted sharply with her overly muscular body. Her size wasn''t too exaggerated¡ªstanding just over two meters tall after activating her soul power¡ªbut even among power-type soul masters, it was rare to see someone surpass two meters at the second soul ring stage.


    For most female soul masters, who often leaned toward agility or control specialties, such a towering figure was extremely uncommon, even across the Douluo Continent.


    Based on the traits of the Jewel Beast martial soul, which allowed its development to be influenced by the first soul ring absorbed, it seemed that Ning Zhongze had a natural inclination toward the power-attack path.


    After observing for a while, Chen Ming deduced that Ning Zhongze''s first soul ring likely came from the Mighty Vajra Bear, a top-tier soul beast known for its strength and defense. Her second soul ring seemed to come from another high-quality bear-type beast.


    Her first spirit ability, like Zhao Wuji''s, was called Mighty Vajra Palm. It had two forms: one allowed her to project a massive palm strike over a medium range, while the other enhanced her physical palm strikes for close combat.


    Her second spirit ability, simply named Bear''s Strength, provided impressive boosts to both power and defense, though the exact amplification wasn''t immediately clear.


    Through observation, Chen Ming also noted that the Jewel Beast martial soul possessed traits of both beast and tool spirits.


    Ning Zhongze''s martial soul showed the defensive traits of the Mighty Vajra Bear while also exhibiting the resistance properties typical of jewel-based martial souls. The synergy between the two traits made her offensive and defensive capabilities even more outstanding than those of a standard Mighty Vajra Bear spi; master.


    Using his Spiritual Eye, Chen Ming examined the essence of the Jewel Beast''s martial soul. It was a unique type, possessing both tool and beast properties, something Chen Ming had never encountered before.


    Unfortunately, such transformations were irreversible. Every new soul ring altered the martial soul, and for Jewel Beast martial souls, the influence of soul rings was especially significant. Ning Zhongze''s martial soul had already been heavily shaped by her choices, making it impossible to discern its original mysteries.


    Chen Ming realized that to uncover the secrets of the Jewel Beast martial soul, he would need to study it in its jewel stage before it transformed into a beast.


    With that in mind, Chen Ming decided to add a visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to his itinerary.


    Not only did he want to delve into the mysteries of the Jewel Beast martial soul, but he also wanted to witness the legendary power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul. Its unparalleled percentage-based boosts had remained unparalleled even during the power inflation of the Douluo Continent 4 era.


    Moreover, Chen Ming still had a special herb in his possession: the Beautiful Silk Tulip. If used wisely, this treasure could bring him significant benefits from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Ps: I guess the next rich woman is Ning Rongrong. Chen Ming was not interested in women except rich women.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [136]

    After about four hours, the battle on the field finally came to an end.


    As the team captain, Dugu Yan selected ten individuals from the dozen or so students, effectively adding them to the team.


    The official team roster consists of seven members, with an additional seven alternates to ensure there are replacements in case of emergencies or to adjust strategies against opponents'' formations.


    The original group of more than ten had already undergone several rounds of meticulous screening. Essentially, all were qualified to be alternates for the team. However, some, despite having decent soul power and martial souls, lacked a certain innate talent in combat.


    Some were too rigid in fighting, lacking flexibility, while others were too timid, missing the aggressive momentum needed.


    For support-type soul masters, having Ye Lingling was sufficient. Although the Heaven Dou Royal Academy had several decent support-type martial souls that could provide attribute enhancements, none were particularly suitable.


    Either their team coordination was lacking, or their soul power levels were too low to sustain high-intensity battles.


    If these individuals were disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda sect, or if their martial souls'' enhancements were close to those of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Dugu Yan might have tolerated these flaws. After all, the enhancements from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda are exceptionally strong.


    However, the reality was that these support soul masters fell short in both their martial souls and personal cultivation, making them unfit for the intense stage of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.


    Among the ten selected by Dugu Yan was Ning Zhongze, the jewel beast martial soul master that Chen Ming had noticed earlier. However, Chen Ming didn''t pay extra attention to her beyond her martial soul.


    Even after absorbing a soul ring, the jewel beast martial soul still seemed somewhat lacking.


    Chen Ming also noticed that Dugu Yan didn''t seem to intend to reserve a spot for him in the team.


    Noticing Chen Ming''s confusion, Dugu Yan didn''t shy away from explaining in front of everyone.


    "Xiao Ming''s strength surpasses all of us, and his potent poison has even earned high praise from my grandfather, Dugu Bo, being more intense than mine. His abilities are on a completely different level from ours."


    "At his current strength, there''s little need for him to coordinate within the school team. With several years left before the Soul Master Grand Tournament, his personal growth during this time might even surpass ours."


    "Additionally, I want to make it clear here. There are two teams, the main and the alternate, totaling 14 members. Myself, Xiao Ming, Lingling, Yu Feng, and Osler are guaranteed our spots. Among the ten of you, one will inevitably be eliminated."


    "Yes, I will conduct a year-long evaluation, scoring your various performances. The one with the lowest score will exit the tournament stage."


    Hearing Dugu Yan''s words, the newly selected students couldn''t help but stir.


    They weren''t questioning Chen Ming''s strength; after all, Chen Ming had defeated Yu Tianheng last year, and his soul skill had shattered the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, making his legend widespread in the academy. His strength was beyond comparison.


    Moreover, he had been personally trained by the Poison Douluo for over a year. His talent was recognized by the Poison Douluo, who even publicly announced him as his grandson-in-law, causing quite a stir in Heaven Dou City at the time.


    That was the Poison Douluo, not just any Titled Douluo, but one with a matching attribute. With such talent and over a year of training, who knew how much he had grown? His already formidable poison could have reached unknown levels.


    Even if he didn''t join the school team for training, he could still learn under the Poison Douluo.


    Even a fool could understand the immense growth possible under the guidance of a Titled Douluo with a matching attribute.


    The selected students glanced at each other, worried about being the one eliminated.


    All were the best of the best, each considering themselves exceptional. To be the only one eliminated in the final selection of ten to nine would be worse than being filtered out in the earlier rounds.


    Dugu Yan glanced at Chen Ming, seeking approval with her eyes. Chen Ming responded with an encouraging look.


    In the following period, Dugu Yan selected several students for sparring matches and divided the remaining into two teams for competition.


    The best way for soul masters to understand each other is through combat. After clashing, they could gauge each other''s levels.


    During the observation, members of the previous Heaven Dou Royal Academy team commented from the sidelines. As participants and runners-up of the last tournament, they offered sharp insights.


    As the ten students became familiar with each other through fighting, Dugu Yan grouped them into one team and formed another with herself, Ye Lingling, Yufeng, and Osler for a team vs. team match. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Chen Ming stood by, seemingly at ease, Dugu Yan was well aware that his combat strength was beyond ordinary soul masters'' imagination.


    If Chen Ming were to join either side, it would result in a one-sided match. Even if Chen Ming were to face all fourteen of them alone, the outcome wouldn''t be much different.


    After all, it''s well understood that poison-type soul masters are least afraid of swarm tactics. Unless the opposing force can deplete the poison soul master''s soul power through sheer numbers, a group attack would only be a minor inconvenience.


    While this level of combat was like watching chickens peck at each other for Chen Ming¡ªhe could defeat all fourteen, including Dugu Yan, within three seconds without using soul power, and even quicker with it¡ªhe still observed Dugu Yan closely, offering encouragement and using his Spiritual Eye to examine their martial souls and soul skills for any insights.


    Out of the fourteen, Chen Ming could discern thirteen, even the peculiar jewel beast martial soul. However, Ye Lingling''s Nine-Hearted Begonia remained elusive.


    When Chen Ming first witnessed the Nine-Hearted Begonia''s healing power, he thought it was due to his low level and the super martial soul''s uniqueness. Now, he realized that while his low strength was a factor, the Nine-Hearted Begonia''s exceptional nature was the main reason.


    If not for his Spiritual Eye''s ability to see soul power and life force, Chen Ming wouldn''t have believed that for the Nine-Hearted Begonia martial soul, healing external and internal injuries consumed the same amount of energy.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [137]

    Douluo Continent resembles an MMORPG, where elements like leveling up, class changes, percentage-based boosts, and set equipment can all be found. However, in reality, Douluo Continent is not a true MMORPG world in the traditional sense. In this world, while healing abilities are indeed remarkable and powerful, they still have to follow basic rules.


    For instance, repairing non-vital areas is simpler than repairing vital ones. Human body parts that can naturally regenerate are easier to heal than those that cannot. Repairing blood vessels is simpler than repairing nerves, and external wounds are easier to heal than internal injuries.


    Even among internal injuries, the difficulty of healing varies. For example, regenerating a liver is easier than a heart or kidney. If the brain is damaged, it is almost impossible to repair.


    When someone''s limbs are slashed, compared to their internal organs being pierced, the latter is often far more fatal. Most people would rather have their arms or legs shattered into pieces than have their internal organs cut into three or five parts.


    This isn''t a game world where someone in a near-death state at "1/100 HP" can simply be restored to perfect health with a single healing spell and start running around again.


    For most low-level healing soul masters, their advantage over conventional healers lies in their ability to heal internal organs¡ªsomething regular healers cannot treat at all.


    Even though Chen Ming currently possesses a life-attribute dragon core within him, he still has to abide by these basic principles. Healing internal organ injuries consumes far more life energy than healing injuries to limbs or other less critical areas.


    The more precise the area being treated, the greater the energy and life force consumed. This is common knowledge in this world. Internal organ damage is far more dangerous and harder to treat than superficial wounds.


    Some intricate and non-regenerative parts of the body cannot grow back even with the help of healing soul masters.


    The problem lies with Nine Heart Begonia, which defies this rule. It completely ignores such common sense and behaves like the unreasonable healing spells in a game. It heals injuries regardless of their location.


    Chen Ming observed for a long time and clearly noticed that the healing ability of Nine Heart Begonia completely disregarded precision. Whether it was an injured leg or a damaged kidney, the soul power consumed remained the same.


    Just moments ago, a soul master had accidentally suffered internal bleeding. Ye Lingling casually cast a healing soul skill, and the internal injuries were immediately healed. Strangely enough, the large scrapes on the surface of the body healed slower than the internal injuries.


    Bones, internal organs, and even nerves¡ªareas that should theoretically take longer to heal or are deemed impossible to regenerate¡ªwere restored by Ye Lingling''s skill as easily as healing superficial flesh wounds.


    It seemed as if, in the eyes of Nine Heart Begonia, the concept of healing precision didn''t exist. As long as soul power was invested, all injuries were healed equally. Chen Ming even suspected that the soul power consumed to repair brain damage was no different from healing a scratch.


    At first, Chen Ming tried to act as if he was watching everyone equally, but as time went on, his two eyes locked onto Ye Lingling and the targets of her healing. He didn''t even spare a glance for Dugu Yan.


    Initially, Ye Lingling thought Chen Ming was shocked by her healing ability. But as he continued staring at her, even on the battlefield, she became uncomfortable under his gaze. Unable to focus on her duties, she turned her head, cast a deep glance at Chen Ming, let out a long sigh, and then redirected her attention to the battlefield.


    A dozen minutes later, after everyone had nearly finished fighting, Ye Lingling used her soul power to heal the injuries of the group. During this time, Chen Ming closely monitored Ye Lingling''s soul power fluctuations and the condition of the injured.


    Shortly after, a healed Dugu Yan walked up to Chen Ming and stood in front of him, blocking his line of sight. She looked at him with a hint of grievance.


    Chen Ming''s intense gaze, which resembled that of an obsessive admirer, not only made Ye Lingling uncomfortable but also caused Dugu Yan to have some unpleasant assumptions. However, since Chen Ming was just looking, even if his gaze was a bit too fervent, he hadn''t crossed any boundaries. As a result, Dugu Yan could only look at him pitifully, hoping he would restrain himself a little.


    "I feel that Ye Lingling''s Nine Heart Begonia martial soul is amazing. It''s completely different from all the martial souls I''ve seen before and far more unique than any other healing-type martial soul."


    If you removed the words martial soul from this sentence, it would undoubtedly sound like something an infatuated admirer would say. However, with the inclusion of martial soul, Dugu Yan breathed a sigh of relief. After all, through their long-term interactions, Dugu Yan realized that Chen Ming had a natural ability to observe what others couldn''t. When it came to martial souls and soul masters, he had an understanding that was independent of common knowledge. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although his descriptions were sometimes abstract, facts proved that Chen Ming had never been wrong in this area. Even her grandfather couldn''t help but be impressed.


    Dugu Yan went over to Ye Lingling and whispered a few words in her ear. The initially tense Ye Lingling finally relaxed a little.


    Dugu Yan was one of Ye Lingling''s few friends, just as Ye Lingling was one of Dugu Yan''s few friends. The two young girls of similar age and background had a much closer relationship than most people would expect. They weren''t just surface-level besties. Ye Lingling trusted Dugu Yan deeply.


    Though she still felt a bit awkward, Ye Lingling tried not to dwell on the matter.


    After a while, Dugu Yan organized the group and prepared to lead her team to the cafeteria within Heaven Dou Royal Academy for a meal.


    Just as everyone was packing up and getting ready to leave, Qin Ming, who had been silently observing for who knows how long, finally seized the opportunity to approach Chen Ming. He patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "Xiao Ming, it''s been a year. How have you been?"


    "Thanks to Teacher Qin Ming, this past year has been quite good."


    Although during his journey through Suoto City, Chen Ming had inflicted nearly irreversible injuries on the Dean and junior students there, he still maintained a calm demeanor when facing Qin Ming.


    After all, according to the rules of the Douluo Continent, in such a situation, sparing their lives was already an act of mercy. Letting them suffer a little was entirely reasonable.


    If Qin Ming were aware of this, he would likely feel conflicted yet grateful. Grateful that Chen Ming had shown restraint¡ªnot wiping out Shrek Academy entirely and sparing his teacher and juniors.


    Qin Ming chatted briefly with Chen Ming. During their conversation, Chen Ming learned that Qin Ming had recently been recognized by the three elders and had become an instructor for Heaven Dou Royal Academy''s battle team, responsible for their selection and daily training.


    Qin Ming expressed curiosity about Chen Ming''s current strength but refrained from asking him to demonstrate.


    After all, Chen Ming was now backed by a Titled Douluo, far removed from the ordinary student he had been when he first enrolled. This was also why Chen Ming remained approachable and hadn''t changed much from a year ago. If he had acted even slightly arrogant, Qin Ming might have had to bow respectfully to him.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [138]

    However, as an outsider, Qin Ming felt it wasn''t appropriate to interrupt Chen Ming directly. Additionally, Qin Ming was preoccupied with tasks related to the academy''s team, so he only managed to find an opportunity to exchange a few polite and indifferent words with Chen Ming after everything was more or less settled. After that brief chat, Qin Ming waved goodbye to the students and prepared to return to his post with the other instructors to organize materials and training plans related to the academy''s team.


    Chen Ming followed Dugu Yan and the team members to the cafeteria, accompanied by the seven members of the previous team.


    As the cafeteria of the Royal Academy, it was essentially a large and luxurious restaurant, with grand decorations and a vast internal space.


    Though it was slightly inferior to the Seven Treasure Pavilion where Chen Ming had previously met Qian Renxue (who was disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe), it was still undoubtedly one of the top-tier establishments of its era when compared to the outside world.


    The cafeteria had everything one would expect from a high-class restaurant, and even offered items unavailable in most external establishments.


    If not for the scandalous incidents that had previously tarnished the dignity of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the academy, with its immense financial resources, could have provided even more extravagant offerings.


    Dugu Yan led the members of both teams to a large private room on the third floor of the cafeteria for a meal. Although the primary purpose was to foster camaraderie, the dishes they ordered were still exceptionally lavish. By the end of the meal, the total cost for the 22 people, including Chen Ming, exceeded 3,000 gold soul coins.


    It''s worth noting that the Heaven Dou Royal Academy''s cafeteria was subsidized, so the dishes sold to students were priced at cost, essentially being almost free. If this meal had been consumed at an external restaurant, it would have cost at least 10,000 gold soul coins¡ªan exorbitant amount, even for high-level soul masters.


    Even the academy''s noble students generally preferred to dine on campus, since it saved them money.


    As for the bill, it was originally supposed to be handled by Dugu Yan as the team leader. However, her boyfriend, Chen Ming took the initiative and paid the bill ahead of her, giving her plenty of face.


    After the meal, the group parted ways. Chen Ming returned with Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling to the courtyard that originally belonged to him.


    Since his original room had already been occupied by Dugu Yan, Chen Ming chose the room next to hers as his new residence.


    Although Ye Lingling was somewhat uncomfortable with the mixed-gender living arrangement, she refrained from voicing any objections, considering the courtyard originally belonged to Chen Ming. She had only moved in because her grandfather had a good relationship with Dugu Bo.


    The courtyard was spacious, and the three of them only occupied one corner. Although Ye Lingling found the daily arrangement slightly awkward, it wasn''t enough to cause any real issues.


    Chen Ming stayed at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for three days. During this time, he strengthened his relationship with Dugu Yan, casually defeated both the current and previous academy teams in sparring, and then left the academy to head into Heaven Dou City.


    While chatting with Xiong Xin, Chen Ming learned that the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House was hosting a one-day auction that would feature rare materials and even soul bones.


    Despite having lived in this world for years, Chen Ming had never attended an auction. Out of curiosity¡ªand perhaps hoping for a protagonist-like moment to stumble upon a hidden treasure¡ªhe decided to join the event.


    After spending a night in Heaven Dou City, Chen Ming headed to the auction venue early the next morning.


    The Heaven Dou Royal Auction House primarily catered to soul masters and high-ranking nobles, with strict controls on the identities of attendees. Although this policy excluded many potential customers, the wealthy Heaven Dou royal family didn''t seem to mind. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, this strict control only applies to attendees. If someone wanted to auction items, the auction house didn''t care about their identity¡ªonly the quality of the items being auctioned.


    As someone from an earl''s household, Chen Ming was considered a high-ranking nobility within the Heaven Dou Empire, so entering the auction house posed no problem.


    As soon as he presented his family crest and student badge from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to the staff at the entrance, the already respectful staff became visibly anxious.


    Several well-dressed attendants, all with excellent figures, bowed deeply and invited Chen Ming to wait in a nearby room while the person in charge was immediately informed.


    Although Chen Ming wasn''t currently active in Heaven Dou City, his reputation loomed large there. The specially trained staff instantly recognized him as the grandson-in-law of the Poison Douluo upon seeing his credentials. They quickly afforded him the highest level of hospitality.


    A few minutes later, the manager of the auction house¡ªa man in his seventies dressed in a luxurious robe¡ªarrived in a hurry.


    Although the manager was old enough to be Chen Ming''s grandfather, he acted as if he had regained his youth in Chen Ming''s presence, showing deference as though he were a grandson.


    After confirming Chen Ming''s identity as Poison Douluo''s grandson-in-law, the manager''s attitude shifted from formal to servile. He escorted Chen Ming to a top-tier VIP suite and arranged for several beautiful attendants, each with unique charms, to serve him.


    Within minutes, trays of fruit, pastries, and wine were brought in. Although Chen Ming wasn''t particularly fond of extravagance, he could tell at a glance that these complimentary items were made from top-quality ingredients, with each small plate costing hundreds of gold soul coins.


    How did he know, despite not being extravagant himself? Because the food was the same as what he had eaten in the academy cafeteria a few days earlier, and he had memorized their prices.


    However, upon considering that both the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House and the Heaven Dou Royal Academy were directly affiliated with the royal family, Chen Ming found it unsurprising.


    Chen Ming''s VIP suite was located on the top floor of the auction house, featuring a massive floor-to-ceiling window made of specially polished crystal rather than ordinary glass.


    This crystal had properties similar to one-way glass, allowing those inside to see everything outside clearly, while those outside couldn''t see in. From this transparent crystal window, Chen Ming could look down on the entire auction hall below. The ordinary seats below naturally made one feel a sense of superiority from the VIP suite.


    Over the next hour, people of all kinds entered the auction hall. Most sat in the lowest-level seating, while only a select few with special identities entered private rooms.


    Among this select group, one individual''s status stood out as particularly extraordinary.


    Several elder staff members dressed in luxurious robes stood respectfully at the main entrance, while beautiful attendants lined up along the carpet on both sides. Some held bouquets, while others bent forward, showcasing their excellent figures through specially designed attire.


    Seeing such a grand display, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel curious about the identity of the newcomer. Slowly, two individuals emerged side by side from the entrance.


    One was a white-haired elder, and the other was a gentle and refined middle-aged man.


    The elder wore a spotless white robe, with pure white hair cascading down his back. Though his age was apparent, his face was unwrinkled and rosy, exuding an air of vitality. His eyes carried a hint of arrogance and detachment.


    Upon seeing this elder, Chen Ming immediately felt as though he were gazing at a sharp sword piercing the heavens.


    As for the middle-aged man beside him, though well-dressed and good-looking, his presence was overshadowed by the elder''s imposing aura.


    With just one glance, Chen Ming recognized their identities.


    The elder was Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and the middle-aged man was Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [139]

    When Chen Ming''s gaze locked onto Chen Xin, who had seemed detached and aloof moments before, Chen Xin immediately raised his head and looked toward the room where Chen Ming was located. Although Sword Douluo couldn''t see through the thick one-way crystal to identify the person inside the room, his spiritual sense was still able to pinpoint the source of the gaze from behind the crystal.


    After realizing that the gaze came from the topmost room, Chen Xin nodded slightly, as if it was within his expectations.


    The requirements to enter a top-level room weren''t as simple as being wealthy or noble. Unless one was a prince or an elite aristocrat, the rooms were generally reserved for high-level soul masters. Although titled Douluo appearances were rare, rooms were often occupied by Soul Sages or Soul Douluos.


    Had he felt such a gaze from someone in an ordinary tier, Chen Xin might have been more cautious. But sensing it in the top-level area, he wasn''t particularly concerned¡ªassuming it was just another high-level soul master attending the auction.


    Noticing Chen Xin''s gaze directed toward the room, Ning Fengzhi, who was well-acquainted with Chen Xin, smiled with interest. He turned to the auction house manager, who was keeping a respectful one-step distance behind him, and asked with a faint smile:


    "May I ask, who is the high-level soul master in Room Six on the top floor?"


    Inquiring about the identity of guests in the top-level rooms was a serious taboo in the auction house. If it were someone else¡ªeven the Fourth Prince Xue Beng, a notorious playboy¡ªthe manager would have pretended not to hear the question. For nobles of average status, he would have directly expelled them.


    But the one asking the question was Ning Fengzhi, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the current imperial tutor. Whether in terms of personal standing or political influence at court, Ning Fengzhi was immensely powerful¡ªa figure whose slightest action could shake the entire Heaven Dou Empire. Even the emperor treated him with respect.


    Rules were rules, but rules were made by people. The world of Douluo wasn''t just about fighting and killing; it was also about navigating social intricacies.


    The manager hesitated for only half a second before quietly answering Ning Fengzhi''s question:


    "The person in Room Six on the top floor is His Excellency Poison Douluo Dugu Bo''s grandson-in-law, Chen Ming, a student of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."


    It was evident that, in the eyes of the manager, while Poison Douluo was also a highly influential figure in the Heaven Dou Empire, his status and authority didn''t compare to Ning Fengzhi, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.


    If Dugu Bo himself were in the room, the manager wouldn''t have dared to speak so openly. But since it was just his grandson-in-law, the manager felt no need to conceal the information when faced with Ning Fengzhi''s question.


    "Oh?" Upon hearing that it was Poison Douluo''s grandson-in-law, Sword Douluo, who hadn''t been paying much attention before, suddenly stopped in his tracks. He looked incredulously at the crystal window of Room Six.


    The gaze he had felt earlier didn''t match what he expected from a low-level soul master. Typically, only high-level Soul Sages or Soul Douluos could project a gaze that felt so distinct.


    "Is Dugu Bo also in the room?" Sword Douluo asked the auction house manager. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Only His Excellency Poison Douluo''s grandson-in-law is present," the manager replied.


    "Interesting," Sword Douluo remarked lightly, saying no more. Together with Ning Fengzhi, surrounded by attendants, he entered Room Three on the top floor.


    The top floor of the auction house was predominantly red¡ªa color inspired by the legendary hundred-thousand-year soul rings. The expansive level housed nine rooms, exclusively reserved for the true elites.


    Room One was designated for the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire. Although it was rarely, if ever, used, it was strictly off-limits to anyone else. Room Two was reserved for princes of the royal family, though nowadays only Prince Xue Xing occasionally used it.


    Rooms Three and beyond were available to the empire''s elites and high-level soul masters. Since the news of Ning Fengzhi''s attendance at this auction had reached the auction house days earlier, Room Three had been specifically prepared for him.


    Rooms Four and Five had also been pre-booked, leaving Room Six¡ªoccupied by Chen Ming¡ªas the only room not reserved in advance.


    After entering Room Three, Ning Fengzhi sat on the sofa, dismissed the maids and attendants, and exchanged glances with Sword Douluo. Picking up a glass of red wine, he took a small sip before asking Sword Douluo with interest:


    "Uncle Sword, what did you sense just now?"


    "As soon as I entered the auction house, I distinctly felt a gaze coming from Room Six. Although it carried no malice, it was not something a low-level soul master could produce," Sword Douluo replied. "At first, I thought it might be a high-level Soul Sage or Soul Douluo in the room. But to think it''s only Dugu Bo''s grandson-in-law..."


    The relationship between Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi was far closer than that of a typical sect guardian and sect master. Sword Douluo was considered a half-mentor to Ning Fengzhi, and their bond was exceptionally strong. As such, there was no need for any concealment between them.


    Hearing Sword Douluo''s words, Ning Fengzhi set down his wine glass, his eyes narrowing slightly. He appeared like an old fox scheming in deep thought. Tapping his fingers on the table, he curled his lips into a faint smile.


    "About a year ago, Poison Douluo''s granddaughter, Dugu Yan, enrolled in the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, causing quite a stir. Many pursued her, but within a month, there were rumors of her being involved with a new student."


    "Although later investigations revealed that many of her suitors were secretly encouraged by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to pave the way for Yu Tianheng, the clan''s heir, the rumors of her relationship with the new student were unexpected."


    "At six, Chen Ming awakened his martial soul with an innate soul power of five. His martial soul was an ordinary Emerald Scorpion. By the time he enrolled at eleven, his soul power had reached Rank 23, and his martial soul had evolved into the Emerald Scorpion King, with one yellow and one purple soul ring. Within half a month of enrollment, he defeated Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan despite a nearly ten-rank gap in soul power. Later, he even earned an invitation from my disciple, Qinghe."


    "It''s said that when Dugu Bo learned of his granddaughter Dugu Yan''s involvement with Chen Ming, he stormed into the academy with the intent to kill. Reports claim he destroyed nearly a third of the academy grounds in his rage."


    "But when the three elders intervened, Dugu Bo''s demeanor had already calmed significantly. Chen Ming remained unharmed, and before leaving, Dugu Bo assured them that he wouldn''t harm Chen Ming''s life."


    "That very afternoon, Dugu Bo took Chen Ming to one of our businesses, openly purchasing cultivation materials for him and publicly acknowledging their relationship."


    "Uncle Sword, don''t you think there''s something extraordinary about this young man?" Ning Fengzhi''s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he recounted his investigation into Chen Ming.


    "Fengzhi, are you suggesting someone is scheming against that old poison, Dugu Bo?" Sword Douluo asked.


    "No, Uncle Sword. While someone may be plotting against Dugu Bo, Chen Ming is not one of them. For Dugu Bo to take notice, this young man must be highly unusual," Ning Fengzhi replied, his tone thoughtful.


    "There are many people in this world with unique talents. These talents may or may not be related to their martial souls. Perhaps this Chen Ming is one of those gifted individuals."


    PS: Oh boy, here we go again.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [140]

    Ning Fengzhi was very interested in Chen Ming.


    This interest was the good kind of interest, not the bad kind. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming had previously benefited from the kindness of Ning Fengzhi''s disciple, Xue Qinghe, and in the future, he was highly likely to become one of Xue Qinghe''s subordinates. Although Dugu Bo owed Xue Xing a favor, he had already repaid it many times over throughout the years but had yet to resign from his position as an elder.


    From this perspective, Chen Ming was someone worth trying to recruit. Even if he couldn''t be persuaded to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, leaving a good impression and engaging in future exchanges wouldn''t hurt.


    As an established sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had both overt and covert means of dealing with matters and had certainly not hesitated to target geniuses from opposing forces in the past. Ning Fengzhi did not deny this at all.


    However, if possible, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect always prioritized recruitment first. Even if someone didn''t join their sect, it was still beneficial to gain a friend.


    If it became clear that a genius was or would likely become an enemy, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would not hesitate to take decisive action to eliminate the threat and avoid future risks to the clan.


    As a sect primarily focused on auxiliary-type martial souls, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s philosophy was to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible. They would remain neutral whenever possible, but if neutrality wasn''t an option, they would act cleanly without leaving any handle for others to exploit.


    Since Dugu Bo said that Chen Ming''s talent was exceptional, and Uncle Sword also stated that he wasn''t an ordinary soul master, Ning Fengzhi began considering how to invest in Chen Ming.


    Time passed little by little, and the auction finally began.


    No one knew what mechanism had been activated, but the lighting in the auction hall dimmed by seventy percent, becoming quite dark. Ordinary buyers sat on their chairs like elementary school students waiting for a movie in a theater.


    Beams of light shot down from the ceiling, illuminating the stage brightly. Standing at the center of the stage was a female auctioneer with fox ears on her head and a snow-white tail swaying behind her. She smiled warmly and bowed slowly.


    "Distinguished guests, welcome. I am A Zhen, the gold-medal auctioneer of the Heaven Dou Imperial Auction House. I will be hosting this auction for you today."


    "This auction is focused on soul master resources, featuring a total of twenty-two treasures. Each item has been certified by our appraisers as a rare treasure seldom seen in the outside world. I wish you all the best in finding the treasures suited to you."


    "Now, let''s begin with the first item in this auction."


    The female auctioneer, who called herself A Zhen, clapped her hands with a smile, and several strong men carried a cabinet covered in black cloth onto the stage. A Zhen unveiled the black cloth, revealing the item inside.


    Inside the cabinet was a giant glass jar filled with pale green liquid. Immersed in the liquid was a heart the size of a basketball, faintly emitting a crimson glow.


    "This is the heart of an 8,000-year-old Volcano Earth Dragon, a fire-attribute subspecies of the Earth Dragon found in the Crimson Flame Mountain Range. According to appraisers, the heart contains traces of the bloodline power of a true fire dragon, making its quality far superior to that of ordinary Earth Dragons."


    "The starting bid is 10,000 gold soul coins, with a minimum bid increment of 100 gold soul coins."


    "Let the bidding begin!"


    Although fire-attribute Earth Dragons were of little value to Chen Ming, the heart was an excellent cultivation resource for most soul master families.


    Especially for soul masters with dragon martial souls or fire-attribute martial souls, this well-preserved heart could be highly beneficial. Moreover, it contained a trace of power related to a true fire dragon.


    True dragons were incredibly noble beings on the Douluo Continent.


    As soon as the bidding began, the heart was quickly pushed to 15,000 gold soul coins. After a brief pause, the price jumped to 20,000 gold soul coins.


    Finally, after a fierce bidding war, a middle-aged man in a mask won the heart for 26,000 gold soul coins. In truth, this price was slightly above the market value. However, that was the nature of auctions: the excitement of bidding often drove items to sell for several times their usual price.


    And the Earth Dragon''s heart was merely an appetizer for this auction.


    The second item was the skeletal remains of a top-tier 10,000-year-old ice-attribute soul beast, which contained immense ice-attribute power.


    Seeing this skeleton, Chen Ming was reminded of the time he had seen such a soul beast in the outer parts of the Extreme North. He couldn''t help but marvel at the Heaven Dou Imperial Auction House''s ability to acquire items from the Extreme North in this era.


    The ice-attribute skeleton was purchased by an ice-attribute Soul Emperor for 49,000 gold soul coins. The next item to appear was a massive fire-attribute mineral.


    This mineral was displayed on a large stand, standing roughly half a person''s height. It radiated a strong and pure fire-attribute soul power.


    Even though it was simply exposed to the air, it passively repelled other elemental soul powers while converting neutral soul power into fire-attribute soul power. It was as if the mineral itself was the crystallization of fire elements.


    "This is called a Geothermal Flame Crystal. It is extremely beneficial for the cultivation of fire-attribute soul masters and can be used to create an exceptional fire-attribute mimicry training field."


    "The starting bid is 100,000 gold soul coins, with a minimum bid increment of 1,000 gold soul coins."


    A Zhen, the auctioneer, provided only a brief introduction to the item, which made her seem far from a competent auctioneer.


    Many in the audience were confused about the Geothermal Flame Crystal, but only a select few, including Chen Ming, understood why the auctioneer had glossed over its description.


    This was because the method of obtaining Geothermal Flame Crystals was somewhat taboo.


    Chen Ming had read about these crystals in Dugu Bo''s collection of books.


    Geothermal Flame Crystals only form in places where large quantities of fire-attribute soul power are gathered, such as volcanoes. They were essentially the result of the remains of fire-attribute soul beasts and their accumulated soul power crystallizing underground over tens of thousands of years.


    Once formed, these crystals instinctively absorbed and released fire-attribute energy, improving the surrounding environment and making it more suitable for fire-attribute soul beasts. They also produced a secondary mineral called Flame Iron Ore.


    In essence, these crystals were the foundation of fire-attribute soul beast habitats. Removing even a single piece could disrupt the ecosystem of a large area. Not only would the quality of newly born fire-attribute soul beasts decline, but their growth rate would also slow.


    The half-person-sized Geothermal Flame Crystal before them was the result of tens of thousands, or even over 100,000 years, of accumulation in a fire-attribute soul beast habitat.


    Such a crystal was essentially the heart of a region''s geothermal system. Extracting it would kill the entire system, essentially destroying the foundation for fire-attribute soul beasts in the area.


    Although the Spirit Hall had never explicitly prohibited the extraction of such crystals, they had long discouraged soul masters from interfering with soul beast habitats in this manner.


    The consequences of such actions could include diminished soul beast populations in the long term, rendering soul beast resources scarce. In some cases, an entire soul beast habitat could disappear.


    In more severe cases, it could provoke soul beasts into rebellion, leading to beast tides that pose immense threats to innocent civilians and soul masters alike. Throughout history, there have been numerous small-scale beast tides caused by similar incidents.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [141]

    Such a large piece of Geothermal Flame Crystal¡ªChen Ming could understand with just a toe''s worth of thought how much the fire-attributed soul beasts in that area would be affected. Who knows if a small-scale beast tide has already emerged there? Chen Ming had always thought that he could only see such taboo items at black market auctions. He never expected that the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House would openly auction such an item.


    Chen Ming vaguely sensed with his spiritual power that this half-human-tall Geothermal Flame Crystal contained a tremendous amount of spirituality and soul power, making it a rare, top-tier material. Although the crude excavation methods caused the spirituality to slowly dissipate, the crystal was still incredibly valuable.


    If placed in the era of the Peerless Tang Sect ten thousand years later, such a large piece of Geothermal Flame Crystal would be worth tens of millions of gold soul coins. It could be used to forge three or four level-nine or level-eight soul tools, and even the leftover scraps could be used in the manufacturing of soul cannon shells.


    However, in this current era, this incredibly meaningful and valuable piece of Geothermal Flame Crystal was only worth a mere few hundred thousand gold soul coins.


    At the moment, Chen Ming, who was researching the application of spirituality, needed many materials that could contain or carry spirituality and laws to use as test subjects. A piece as large as this Geothermal Flame Crystal was perfect for conducting numerous experiments.


    The price of the Geothermal Flame Crystal had just been raised to around 150,000 gold soul coins by a group of bidders when Chen Ming activated the amplifier soul tool in his room and shouted out his bid.


    "200,000 gold soul coins."


    This was the first bid from a top-floor room, and it instantly raised the price by a full 50,000 gold soul coins. The soul masters below, who had been calculating their bids, were all stunned and gave up bidding.


    Just when Chen Ming thought he could win the Geothermal Flame Crystal like this, a raspy voice from a mid-level private room rang out:


    "300,000 gold soul coins!"


    In an auction house, it was perfectly normal for someone to raise the bid, and Chen Ming wasn''t some brainless villain who would get angry over this. Casually, he activated his soul tool again and made another bid.


    "400,000 gold soul coins."


    After all, the Chen family''s immense wealth was at his disposal, and even Dugu Bo had given him quite a few gold soul coins.


    Currently, he had around 20 million gold soul coins in liquid assets at his disposal, so raising the bid by tens of thousands at a time didn''t even make him blink.


    If that wasn''t enough, he could still go to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan to withdraw an additional 45 million gold soul coins that his family had stored there. His authority in this matter was even higher than that of Chen Shijie, the patriarch of the Chen family.


    Given Chen Ming''s displayed talent, even if he spent all the gold soul coins the Chen family had saved over the centuries, the clan members would enthusiastically cheer him on. Both Chen Shijie and Chen Tianyun could still lead the soul-powered family members to hunt soul beasts and earn more money for Chen Ming.


    "450,000 gold soul coins!"


    It was as if someone was deliberately competing with Chen Ming. As soon as Chen Ming made his bid, the raspy voice in the mid-level private room immediately raised the price again, though this time there was a subtle tremor in the voice.


    This price was already causing the bidder some pain.


    "500,000 gold soul coins," Chen Ming said indifferently, raising the bid again.


    For a minor noble family, 500,000 gold soul coins would represent the wealth accumulated over a century. Upon hearing this bid, the elderly man in the mid-level private room fell silent for a long while, until the auctioneer, Ah Zhen, had called out "Second time!" before shakily making another bid.


    "510,000 gold soul coins," said the elderly voice from the mid-level room, trembling. At this moment, this renowned godsmith of the Douluo Continent deeply regretted not bringing more money with him this time.


    Blacksmithing, as a profession, was inherently not prestigious. Even though Lou Gao was the president of the Blacksmith Association and one of the three great godsmiths of the current era¡ªreigning supreme in the blacksmithing capital of Gengxin City¡ªwhat most people on the continent noticed about him was still his Soul Sage-level cultivation.


    In this era, blacksmiths primarily catered to low-level soul masters. A precious weapon or piece of armor created over several years of painstaking effort might sell for just a few thousand gold soul coins. Their income was worlds apart from that of soul engineers in the second era.


    As a godsmith, Lou Gao often purchased rare materials for his research, so his expenses were naturally high. This time, he had come to the auction upon hearing that top-tier materials would be available, but he had brought only 500,000 gold soul coins in total.


    What he never expected was to encounter someone competing with him for these materials, increasing the price by 50,000 or 100,000 gold soul coins at a time, as if they had tens of millions of gold soul coins as financial backing, completely indifferent to the price.


    Although this material was indeed rare, it shouldn''t have been worth such a high price to most people.


    The bid of 510,000 gold soul coins was Lou Gao''s final offer, made with gritted teeth, and he was prepared to pawn some of the materials and works he had brought along to the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House to make the payment.


    He didn''t have anything valuable with him on this trip. If the price went even slightly higher¡ªby just a thousand or two thousand gold soul coins¡ªLou Gao wouldn''t be able to afford it.


    "550,000 gold soul coins." Chen Ming, unaware of the identity of the soul master in the mid-level room, casually raised the bid again. But when the price of 550,000 gold soul coins was announced, the auction house fell into complete silence.


    In the mid-level room, Lou Gao opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. Yet, looking at the half-human-tall Geothermal Flame Crystal, this masterfully devoted to the blacksmithing craft couldn''t help but activate the amplifier soul tool¡ªnot to raise the bid this time, but to speak.


    "Sir, I am Lou Gao, president of the Blacksmith Association and a godsmith of this era. After the auction, may I have the honor to examine the Geothermal Flame Crystal? If you are willing to sell one-fifth of it to me, I am willing to pay 200,000 gold soul coins."


    When Lou Gao made this statement, the auction house manager''s face immediately darkened. He quickly summoned the Soul Sage-level enforcer, who usually idled around, and headed straight for Lou Gao''s room.


    Such behavior was prohibited at the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House. Even a godsmith or a Soul Sage would be expelled for it. At best, Lou Gao would be banned from entering the auction house for five years; at worst, he could be permanently blacklisted.


    Of course, rules were enforced by strength. If Lou Gao had been a Titled Douluo, the auction house would have pretended not to hear such a violation. However, Lou Gao was only a Soul Sage, after all. The so-called title of godsmith sounded impressive but carried far less weight than a Soul Sage on the continent.


    Lou Gao had already prepared himself for the consequences of his words. Bowing his head, he walked to the door. Before long, the door opened, and the stern-faced auction manager, accompanied by the elderly Soul Sage, entered.


    Seeing that Lou Gao was ready to be expelled, the expressions of the manager and the Soul Sage softened slightly, and they refrained from taking any drastic action. But just as the three of them were preparing to leave, a gentle voice suddenly echoed in their minds. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ["I am Chen Ming from Room Six on the top floor. May I ask the manager if it would be possible to make an exception and allow Master Lou Gao to come to my room for a discussion?"]

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [142]

    Hearing the voice appear in their minds, the three people immediately stopped in their tracks, looking at each other in disbelief. They glanced around in unison and, upon realizing that the voice was not coming from their surroundings, their expressions were filled with shock and incredulity.


    "Spiritual voice transmission?"


    The manager of the auction house was someone who had seen the world. Both Lou Gao and the Soul Sage Enforcer of the auction house had encountered Titled Douluos before. It didn''t take long for the three of them to recognize the technique at play, leaving them with their mouths agape in astonishment.


    Spiritual voice transmission was an advanced technique that only seasoned Soul Douluos and Titled Douluos were qualified to use. Between the middle-level and top-level rooms, there was even a thick layer of high-level barriers.


    Moreover, the architecture of the Heaven Dou Imperial Auction House incorporated materials that blocked spiritual detection. Even high-level soul masters found it difficult to extend their spiritual power too far.


    How on earth was this even possible?


    The manager of the auction house glanced at the Soul Sagenext to him. The elderly Soul Sage immediately feigned ignorance, stroking his beard as he lowered his head to study the tiles beneath his feet.


    "These tiles... such fine tiles indeed."


    He wasn''t about to get involved. He was an aging Soul Sage, nearing the end of his life. Getting mixed up in something like this was the last thing he wanted. Back in his youth, he had accidentally involved himself in something he shouldn''t have, which derailed his once-promising path to becoming a Soul Douluo, leaving him stuck as a Soul Sage for the rest of his life.


    Whether it was Dugu Bo in the room, some other expert, or something else entirely, he wanted no part of it. All he wished for now was to live out his remaining years in peace.


    If not for the fact that the manager had a good relationship with him¡ªoften eating and drinking together and even arranging a cushy job at the auction house for his unruly grandson¡ªthe Soul Sage would have walked away long ago.


    The manager, feeling conflicted but not daring to act oblivious, cupped his hands toward Lou Gao, signaling for him to follow.


    What about Lou Gao''s personal opinion?


    Among the three of them present, not even Lou Gao himself cared about his opinion at this moment.


    From the middle level to the high level, and then dismissing the guards at the top level, the manager reached out and knocked respectfully on the door of Room Six.


    "Sir, Lou Gao has arrived."


    "Thank you."


    As soon as the words fell, the tightly shut door opened from the inside. A young man with a warm smile was sitting on the sofa, looking at the three of them. Aside from some maidservants who seemed more like decorations, there was no one else in the room.


    Lou Gao cautiously stepped inside. Chen Ming stood up with a smile, making a welcoming gesture.


    Although Lou Gao was a high-level Soul Sage, he still appeared cautious in front of Chen Ming. His eyes occasionally darted around the corners of the room, as if searching for where Dugu Bo might be hiding.


    "You may leave," Chen Ming said to the silent maidservants after seating Lou Gao beside him. The lead maid bowed deeply, then led the others out without hesitation, closing the door firmly behind them.


    Looking at Lou Gao seated before him, Chen Ming showed a kind smile. He picked up a wine pot and personally poured Lou Gao a cup of wine.


    "Senior Lou Gao, I''ve long admired your name. My name is Chen Ming, and I''m better known as the grandson-in-law of the Poison Douluo. Meeting you today at the auction house is truly my good fortune."


    "You''re too kind," Lou Gao replied awkwardly, accepting the wine cup with some restraint. Although the young man before him was just a youth, Lou Gao couldn''t help but feel an oppressive presence, a sensation he would only experience when facing a Soul Douluo or even a Titled Douluo.


    Lou Gao knew that this wasn''t just his imagination; it was his innate talent warning him.


    From birth, Lou Gao had been more intuitive than others. This wasn''t just reflected in his superior aptitude for learning and development but also in his ability to sense rare opportunities and danger. Ever since awakening his martial soul, Lou Gao could vaguely perceive the goodwill or malice others held toward him.


    It was this extraordinary intuition that allowed Lou Gao, a commoner, to rise to his current status as a Soul Sage, the president of the Douluo Continent''s Blacksmith Association, and one of the three god craftsmen of the era. While it was impossible to deny the hard work he had put in, his unique intuition also played an irreplaceable role.


    Sensing Lou Gao''s emotions, Chen Ming was somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected Lou Gao to possess such an exceptional intuitive talent.


    Intuition, or inspiration, was something more commonly found among famous artists and specialists, such as mathematicians or archaeologists. Highly intuitive individuals often displayed extraordinary sensitivity and creativity.


    From a Lovecraftian perspective, such people were more likely to perceive the hidden side of the world, potentially leading them to madness and drawing the attention of incomprehensible entities.


    However, in the Douluo Continent, where soul master cultivation was largely based on bloodline strength, intuition wasn''t considered particularly important. Even Dugu Bo lacked such abstract talent for inspiration.


    In simple terms, the people of the Douluo Continent weren''t particularly suited for or interested in concepts like intuition or inspiration.


    But for Chen Ming''s purposes, Lou Gao''s intuitive talent was an unexpected bonus, potentially allowing him to play a role far beyond expectations.


    After confirming that the room was free of surveillance, Chen Ming got straight to the point, explaining his purpose.


    "Master Lou, I''m deeply interested in blacksmithing. I''ve read that blacksmithing is not as simple as people imagine. A skilled blacksmith can awaken the spirit within metals during forging, allowing the material''s innate qualities to reach their full potential. With this process, it''s possible to forge weapons and armor uniquely suited for soul masters.


    "It''s even said that when the spirit of a metal is pushed to its limit, it can transform into a state similar to a soul bone, capable of being absorbed by a soul master and growing alongside them, eventually becoming a true divine artifact."


    "I wonder if you or the Blacksmith Association have conducted any research in this area?"


    What Chen Ming described wasn''t part of the current blacksmithing system but rather the future development of blacksmithing on the Douluo Continent, which wouldn''t emerge for another 20,000 years.


    The stages of forging: Hundred Refinements, Thousand Refinements, Spirit Refinement, Soul Refinement, Fusion Refinement, and Divine Refinement.


    This was a complete path, from basic metal purification to imbuing metal with life, forming the foundation of the powerhouses'' battle armor and mechas in Douluo Dalu 3 and 4.


    With this system, soul masters with ultimate attributes could fight opponents 20 levels above their rank. At the Soul Sage level, they could rival Titled Douluos.


    The enhancement provided by battle armor was comparable to, if not greater than, the strength boost from ultimate attributes. Even the simplest one-word battle armor could increase a soul master''s combat power by at least two ranks. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For example, a five-ring soul master with a one-word battle armor would possess strength equivalent to a seven-ring soul sage. Two-word battle armor corresponded to an eight-ring soul douluo, three-word to a nine-ring titled douluo, and four-word to an ultimate douluo.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [143]

    The Gengxin City was a place Chen Ming had always planned to visit.


    The three Great Divine Blacksmiths of Douluo Continent had always been a focal point for him. From the very beginning, Chen Ming had set his sights on Lou Gao, planning to enlist this master craftsman¡ªwho in the original story was utterly obsessed with forging higher-level creations¡ªto help him perfect a battle armor, an invention that should not appear for twenty thousands of years.


    For soul masters, battle armor was undoubtedly a divine treasure. The value of a three-word set of battle armor rivaled that of a full set of ten-thousand-year-old soul bones. A four-word battle armor provided even greater enhancements to a soul master than a full set of hundred-thousand-year-old soul bones. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming intended to one day ascend to godhood, and forging his divine tools would be an inevitable part of that journey.


    A good divine weapon could vastly enhance a god''s combat power. Take the Sea God, for example¡ªa first-rank god who, thanks to the Sea God Trident, a super-divine weapon, held a status in the Divine Realm only half a tier below the five God Kings. The Sea God Trident was so powerful that Tang San used it far into the God King Battle.


    But Chen Ming''s ambitions went beyond just a single divine weapon. He wanted an entire set¡ªnot merely divine equipment, but a full suite of personalized divine tools.


    From weapons to armor, from helmets to boots, he wanted everything custom-made to suit him perfectly.


    However, forging divine tools was anything but a simple process. In the Douluo Continent, where forging was still in its infancy, creating a set of divine tools would require unimaginable effort and time.


    According to the original story, four-word battle armor was considered a true semi-divine tool. After being nurtured with divine power and divine sense, it could become an actual divine weapon.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s description, Lou Gao let out a bitter smile, his eyes filled with despair.


    Ignoring the pressure coming from Chen Ming, the old man, whose sore spot had been touched, sighed deeply and spoke his heart.


    "Blacksmiths aren''t as powerful as that. It''s just exaggerated praise from ancient texts."


    "Ever since my martial soul awakened at the age of six, I became an apprentice in a blacksmith shop. At twenty, I apprenticed under the greatest blacksmith of the time. By the age of fifty, I had become a Divine Blacksmith myself. For the past twenty-plus years, I''ve devoted myself to refining my craft, striving to reach a higher level."


    "To tell the truth, I can vaguely sense the spirit within metals. But as for how to awaken it, I''ve tried countless methods over the years without even the slightest success."


    "Perhaps the books you''ve read, young Chen Ming, or the words of your predecessors, are just exaggerations. Even as a Divine Blacksmith, I cannot reach the stage of awakening a metal''s spirit. Maybe, in ancient times, there were Divine Blacksmiths capable of such feats. But as far as I know, even they could only awaken the spirit¡ªit was a limit."


    As Lou Gao spoke, his heart ached deeply. To someone who had dedicated his life to the craft of blacksmithing, the inability to progress further in forging techniques was even more painful than his inability to advance in soul power.


    The stagnation of his soul power could be attributed to his lack of talent. Others had reached the levels of Soul Douluo or Titled Douluo, but he simply couldn''t.


    However, in the realm of forging, he had already become a Divine Blacksmith. His skills had even surpassed those of his master and grandmaster. Yet, when he looked ahead, there was no path forward.


    Now, Lou Gao could only pin his hopes on materials that were inherently imbued with spirit, hoping that by studying their natural properties, he might push the limits of the blacksmithing craft.


    "Not necessarily so," Chen Ming said with a smile as he took out a murky crystal from the storage pouch at his waist.


    Though the crystal in Chen Ming''s hand appeared dull and murky¡ªworthless in the eyes of most, not even worth a single gold soul coin¡ªLou Gao''s eyes lit up with excitement the moment he saw it.


    "Plate Crystal Gold? This large? Could it be ten-thousand-year-old Plate Crystal Gold?" Lou Gao''s expression was a mix of excitement and doubt as Chen Ming ignited a blue flame in his hand.


    The flame was the manifestation of Ultimate Fire. Under Chen Ming''s control, the terrifyingly destructive power of the flame became extremely restrained, causing no harm to the surroundings. Only Lou Gao, sitting nearby, could discern through his experience and keen eyes that the flame''s temperature surpassed anything he had ever seen.


    The murky crystalized Plate Crystal Gold was placed into the fire. In an instant, the crystal vaporized, and the Plate Gold within began to melt under the intense heat. Under Chen Ming''s control, the molten Plate Gold gradually gathered together.


    Watching Chen Ming''s mastery of fire manipulation, Lou Gao unconsciously held his breath, focusing all his attention on the Plate Gold slowly melting in the flames.


    Bit by bit, the Plate Gold melted, forming a small golden sphere about the size of a thumb''s fingernail. Under Chen Ming''s control, the sphere''s inherent spirit began to awaken.


    At the peak of this process, Chen Ming raised his left hand, which was imbued with icy soul power. When the sphere''s spirit reached its limit, the Ultimate Fire abruptly extinguished, and Chen Ming placed the golden sphere into the icy soul power in his left hand.


    Under the cooling effect of the Ultimate Ice soul power, the forcibly awakened spirit within the golden sphere gradually stabilized. A few minutes later, the now smaller sphere¡ªabout the size of a pinky nail¡ªwas placed on the table by Chen Ming.


    Lou Gao, unable to suppress his curiosity, quickly picked up the golden sphere and examined it with all his senses.


    He could feel it. Within the sphere was the metal spirit he had spent his entire life pursuing.


    In that brief moment, the Plate Gold''s metal properties had been fully awakened!


    "Lord Chen Ming!"


    "Master Chen! Are you taking disciples?!" Though nearly eighty years old, Lou Gao wept like a child. Holding the golden sphere high, tears streamed down his face as he looked at Chen Ming. His body tilted forward, prepared to kneel.


    In the original story, Lou Gao had been drawn into the Tang Sect after witnessing Tang San''s knowledge and techniques. Eventually, he even sacrificed himself by leaping into a furnace, using his life to awaken the sharpness of Deep Sea Sunken Silver.


    This was a man who had dedicated his entire life to pursuing the pinnacle of blacksmithing, willing to pay any price¡ªeven his life¡ªwithout the slightest hesitation.


    Seeing this scene, Chen Ming quickly stops Lou Gao, helping the elderly man back into his seat before explaining.


    "Master Lou, there''s no need for such formalities. I''m truly not a master. I just happened to read ancient texts, possess some innate talent in the area of spirit, and had a few fortunate encounters that enabled me to awaken the spirit within metal."


    "As for blacksmithing techniques, I must admit I know next to nothing. I''m like someone with seven orifices but only six are open¡ªone remains completely blocked."


    "I have some understanding of higher levels, which is why I planned to go to Gengxin City to seek out Master Lou. Meeting you here at the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House¡ªdon''t you think it''s a sign that fate has brought us together?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [144]

    The auction outside was still ongoing. Chen Ming split his attention between observing the auction items and discussing his views on blacksmithing development with Lou Gao. Although most of Chen Ming''s ideas seemed somewhat fantastical to Lou Gao¡ªthings blacksmiths might never achieve¡ªhe couldn''t dismiss them outright.


    After all, Chen Ming demonstrated the spiritual essence of metal with his bare hands right in front of Lou Gao. To Lou Gao, this made Chen Ming''s words undeniable truths. Any failure to understand was simply due to his lack of insight and inferior aptitude.


    Despite being nearly eighty years old, Lou Gao sat humbly before Chen Ming, just as he had done as a young apprentice under his master, earnestly listening to Chen Ming''s reflections and conjectures. He recorded every word as if it were sacred scripture, diligently writing it down in his notebook.


    Through their discussion, Chen Ming was able to gauge Lou Gao''s technical proficiency.


    Surpassing the level of a Thousand Refinements but not yet reaching the Spirit Refinement.


    In other words, if Lou Gao wanted to, his current skills were fully capable of refining metals to the level of Ten Thousand Refinements. However, after the Thousand Refinements stage, if one tried to forcefully increase the number of refinements without awakening the spiritual essence of the metal, not only would the metal''s strength fail to improve, but various structural flaws within the metal would also begin to emerge as the refining process continued.


    In terms of technique, Lou Gao had already reached the pinnacle. What he lacked was an understanding of the deeper spiritual aspects.


    Chen Ming casually asked about Tang Hao and Tai Tan¡ªtwo of the Divine Blacksmiths. Lou Gao fell silent for a moment before giving a response that was both unexpected and yet completely reasonable.


    "The Clear Sky Clan possesses an innate talent for forging. The Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul can be considered the most perfect forging tool. A thousand years ago, the clan even built its foundation on blacksmithing."


    "However, after the Clear Sky Clan became a sect, they quickly severed ties with the profession of blacksmithing and never returned to it."


    "It was only about a hundred years ago that the Clear Sky Clan produced an invincible land warrior. Unlike others, this warrior did not disdain to forge but was instead a blacksmith himself. It was because of his influence that the Clear Sky Clan slowly reestablished some connection with blacksmithing. But even then, they never truly became blacksmiths again." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Among the three Divine Blacksmiths, Tang Hao''s skills are exceptional, largely due to the Clear Sky Clan''s unique Clear Sky Nine Techniques and the Clear Sky Hammer''s natural advantages in forging. However, regarding spiritual insight, he has not truly reached the level of a Divine Blacksmith. He was only included as one of the three Divine Blacksmiths out of respect for the Clear Sky Clan."


    "As for Tai Tan, that old fellow''s technical skill and spiritual insight do meet the standard of a Divine Blacksmith. But after achieving that status, he gave up on further progress. His techniques today are identical to what they were decades ago when he first became a Divine Blacksmith¡ªarguably, they may have even regressed slightly."


    "I am not boasting, but although we are all considered Divine Blacksmiths, there are levels even among us. Tang Hao and Tai Tan merely stepped into the realm of Divine Blacksmiths before ceasing to advance. Over the past few decades, I have been constantly striving toward new heights. Both my techniques and spiritual insight surpass theirs."


    "If anyone in this era can take blacksmithing further within the current system, even if that person is not me, it certainly won''t be Tang Hao or Tai Tan. They stopped growing long ago."


    Chen Ming thought about it and felt that Lou Gao''s remarks were indeed reasonable.


    Tang Hao was arrogant and prideful. Even as a Divine Blacksmith, his entire life was dedicated to pursuing greater soul power. The fact that he became a Divine Blacksmith in the first place was largely due to his innate talent. Naturally, he would not abandon his pursuit of soul power to delve deeper into blacksmithing.


    As for Tai Tan and the Strength Clan, while they relied on blacksmithing for their livelihood, Tai Tan himself did not exhibit much talent in the original story. Though he was called a Divine Blacksmith, he lacked both the exceptional skill and the passionate dedication required to excel.


    Tai Tan and his clan likely saw themselves primarily as soul masters and a soul master family. Blacksmithing was merely a means of earning a living. If they ever found a more lucrative alternative, they wouldn''t hesitate to abandon their ancestral craft. Such a person might be competent, but they could never be called outstanding.


    Chen Ming handed the golden orb to Lou Gao, intending it as a deposit to secure Lou Gao''s guidance in blacksmithing, which would support his deeper research in the future. However, upon hearing this, Lou Gao was displeased.


    "Senior Chen, you''re putting me in an impossible position! The so-called Divine Blacksmiths are nothing but mortals stuck at the threshold of spiritual awakening, unable to cross it in their lifetimes. But you, Senior, are born with the critical spiritual insight. With the mental strength you''ve demonstrated, even under the guidance of an ordinary blacksmith, you will one day surpass the realm of Divine Blacksmiths."


    "I dare not claim to teach you. All I can do is offer you all my techniques, experiences, and insights in their entirety. In return, I only ask that when you eventually uncover the higher realms of blacksmithing, you allow this mortal to witness them."


    At this point, Lou Gao steadied his breathing and forced a somewhat flattering smile onto his aged face.


    "Senior Chen, do you have a faction or any plans to establish one? If possible, may this old man join it and contribute what little I can?"


    Lou Gao was a man of principle. Even if a blade was held to his neck, forcing him to join a faction, he wouldn''t so much as flinch. As one of the three Divine Blacksmiths of his time, he had his pride.


    But when it came to the pursuit of higher levels of blacksmithing, the situation was entirely different. Even if no one invited him, Lou Gao would fight tooth and nail to be included if he knew such an opportunity existed.


    He understood that actively seeking to join someone else''s faction would make his position awkward and passive. However, Lou Gao simply could not let such an opportunity slip away¡ªnot even the slightest chance.


    "Create a faction?" Chen Ming hadn''t expected Lou Gao to bring this up now. But after some thought, he realized it wasn''t such a bad idea.


    A perfected blacksmithing system would immensely benefit soul masters, offering unparalleled enhancements. The more soul masters developed, the more they would rely on this system for support.


    If Chen Ming led a faction to refine the blacksmithing system and produce foundational technologies like battle armor, spreading these innovations across the continent, it could earn him a wealth of faith power in the future.


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Ming decided on a name for his faction.


    "My faction shall be called the Hall of Souls. It will be built upon the foundation of soul masters, advancing toward the future, creating miracles for humanity, and ultimately achieving divine transcendence."


    Of course, this reasoning was only superficial. The real reason was that, as a transmigrator, establishing the Hall of Souls in the Douluo world was practically second nature.


    "Master Lou, would you be willing to join the Hall of Souls as an Elder?"


    PS: Hall of Souls came from BTTH.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [145]

    The auction continued as usual. The newly established Hall of Soul''s Hall Master, Chen Ming, was discussing the fusion of spirit and metal with Elder Lou Gao of the Hall of Soul''s Forging Hall, all while keeping an eye on the auction proceedings.


    The eleventh auction item was a large, fist-sized Dragon Bloodstone. This unique crystal was formed from the blood of a true dragon, refined underground over tens of thousands of years. It could be ground into powder for medicinal use or utilized as an excellent ore.


    Chen Ming bid 220,000 gold soul coins for it, securing it as research material.


    The twelfth auction item was a Dragon Scale Stone, similar to the Dragon Bloodstone but formed from a true dragon''s scales underground. Chen Ming won it for 210,000 gold soul coins.


    In no time, the auction reached its final phase. Of the 22 auction items, the first 19 were all purchased by various buyers, leaving only the last three items.


    There was no doubt that, compared to the previous 19 items, the final three were the true highlights of the auction.


    The twentieth auction item was brought in by several burly men. When the black cloth covering it was pulled away, a massive iron cage was revealed. Inside the cage was a half-dragon girl with numerous dragon-like traits.


    The girl had a pair of crimson dragon horns on her head, scales covering her wrists, reptilian vertical pupils, and a thick red dragon tail trailing behind her. She was heavily bound in chains, with a heavy iron collar around her neck.


    "The twentieth auction item: Dragonkin Girl."


    "A Dragonkin is a unique existence, a girl born with a dragon martial soul that underwent an accident during the awakening process, permanently altering her body. Although her innate soul power is high, her mutated martial soul prevents further growth."


    "According to our experts'' appraisal, this Dragonkin Girl has an innate soul power of level nine. Her martial soul is a top-tier beast martial soul, the Red Dragon, possessing powerful fire attributes and the robust physique of a dragon. Her bloodline is pure, suggesting the presence of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast that took human form among her ancestors."


    "Although the Dragonkin Girl cannot enhance her soul power, her innate talent makes her an ideal vessel for improving the aptitude of the next generation. For soul masters with dragon martial souls, their offspring might benefit from positive mutations, potentially inheriting the high-quality True Dragon or Red Dragon martial soul."


    "This Dragonkin Girl is only nine years old, but the transformation caused by her martial soul has made her capable of reproduction. Over her lifetime, she could potentially bear 20-30 offspring, among which there might be one who inherits the Red Dragon martial soul."


    "Even if some of her offspring do not inherit the Red Dragon martial soul, they would still hold significant value, either for selective breeding or experimentation."


    "In summary, obtaining her significantly increases the probability of acquiring a top-tier martial soul."


    "Starting bid: 5 million gold soul coins. Minimum increment: 10,000 gold soul coins."


    Chen Ming''s previously calm expression darkened as he looked at the auction item.


    Yes, on the current Douluo Continent, slavery was entirely normalized. In the two great empires and numerous duchies, the slave trade was a legal and protected industry.


    Only the Spirit Hall, under the premise that all individuals were illuminated by the Angel God, banned slavery within the boundaries of Spirit City and advocated for its abolition. However, compared to the vast continent, their efforts were but a drop in the ocean. (Yep, Spirit Hall is the villain in the original story. And Tang San helped the nobles win the war to protect their wealth.)


    Chen Ming generally avoided attending such auctions. Not only because most of the items were useless to him, but also because he detested seeing humans being auctioned like livestock.


    Perhaps this was somewhat self-deceptive, but it was the best Chen Ming could do at the time.


    Even before he awakened his martial soul after reincarnating into this world, Chen Ming had always treated the servants in his family kindly, to the best of his ability. Although he couldn''t free them from their status as slaves, he made every effort to treat them as equals, never resorting to unwarranted punishment or abuse.


    As he looked at the caged Red Dragon girl, Chen Ming silently decided to move the abolition of slavery from his list of post-divinity goals to something he would achieve before becoming a god.


    The bidding escalated quickly, rising from the initial 5 million gold soul coins to 8 million in no time, with no signs of slowing down.


    At that moment, a voice rang out from Room 4 on the top floor.


    "10 million gold soul coins!" The man''s voice roared like a dragon, crackling like thunder. He didn''t use a soul tool to amplify his voice but instead projected it directly using his soul power.


    Along with his voice came an overwhelming aura of thunder and dragon might.


    It was clear that, while the Heaven Dou Royal Auction prohibited self-identification, some individuals found ways to flaunt their identity.


    A top-floor room, an aura of dragon might and thunder soul power, and bidding on the Dragonkin Girl ¡ª these clues made it obvious who the bidder was.


    Everyone knew this had to be a senior member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was infamous for its arrogance in the soul master world. In the current era, with the Clear Sky Sect in seclusion, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was the most domineering and prideful sect on the continent.


    Few dared to offend them. Upon hearing the bid from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, many nobles and soul masters who had intended to continue bidding quietly abandoned their plans. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although 10 million gold soul coins was a high price for the Dragonkin Girl, it was far from her true value.


    On stage, the auctioneer, Ah Zhen, maintained her professional smile, though it faltered slightly. She had no choice but to proceed with the countdown according to the rules.


    "10 million gold soul coins, going once."


    "10 million gold soul coins, going tw¡ª"


    "10.5 million gold soul coins." Chen Ming calmly activated the loudspeaker in his room and raised the bid.


    Enough was enough. In the past, he might have acted cautiously, restraining himself from plans because he lacked strength. But now, with a Titled Douluo strength, a powerhouse renowned across the continent, there was no need to keep holding back.


    If something annoyed him, he would deal with it head-on.


    Slavery disgusted him. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan disgusted him. Together, they were twice as disgusting.


    Hearing someone dare to outbid him, the elder in Room 4 of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was instantly furious, his expression twisting with rage.


    This elder was the third elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the one supporting Yu Tianheng behind the scenes.


    Last year, he had helped Yu Tianheng pursue Dugu Yan, only for Yu Tianheng to be defeated by a Rank-24 soul master who then earned the favor of the Poison Douluo.


    When the elder tried to retaliate against Chen Ming''s family, he discovered that the Poison Douluo had already established strong connections to protect them.


    Half a month ago, Dugu Yan returned to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Encouraged by the elder, Yu Tianheng attempted to pursue her again, only to have half his teeth knocked out by her.


    When the elder sought help from the clan leader, hoping for punishment for the Poison Douluo, the clan leader returned with Yu Tianheng ¡ª now missing the rest of his teeth.


    Now, even within his clan, the elder was neither favored by the clan leader nor supported by Yu Luomian. Both sides viewed him unfavorably.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [146]

    The elder wanted to purchase this dragonkin girl, but not for himself. For him, at his current stage in life, he was long past the time when he was enamored with mature types. Nowadays, his preferences have shifted to those youthful and innocent types.


    Young girls who had just awakened their martial souls, or those who had not yet awakened their martial souls, were the type he favored now. Outside the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he had a private courtyard where he kept young girls that matched his preferences.


    Whenever one of these girls matured, he would not hesitate to dispose of them. Every year, the residents of that small courtyard would be replaced with new ones. As he spent more time with these young girls, he felt his own aging body slowly regain vitality and youth.


    But this dragonkin girl was meant to be a gift for Yu Tianheng.


    For many years, he had been a supporter of Yu Tianheng. He couldn''t pledge allegiance to Yu Luomian''s faction. Now, his only path forward was to continue mending the rift between himself and Yu Tianheng, and thereby return to their former relationship.


    A girl like this¡ªborn with innate level-nine soul power, a good figure, a Red Dragon martial soul, and pure dragon blood¡ªwas the perfect vessel for bearing offspring in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    If it weren''t for the need to mend his relationship with Yu Tianheng, he might have wanted to keep her for himself. Even if she wasn''t his type, he might have tried to see if she could give birth to a child with an even stronger martial soul and bloodline.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if he had grown too old; did the aura he exuded no longer evoke fear in others as it once did in the name of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? In his mind, the deterrence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family should have left no room for resistance.


    "One million and fifty-one thousand gold soul coins!"


    The elder summoned his martial soul, with eight soul rings floating around him. He took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and roared, his voice nearly transforming into a dragon''s roar.


    Under the dragon''s roar, some of the minor nobles and low-level soul masters sitting in the first-floor hall began to feel a deep sense of terror. If they happened to possess a martial soul with even a trace of dragon blood, their bodies would almost uncontrollably tremble.


    As he looked down at the quivering crowd below, satisfied and inwardly praising himself for still being formidable, the loudspeaker''s voice rang out again.


    "One million and fifty-two thousand gold soul coins."


    To Chen Ming, this dragon roar was like a kitten making noise. He didn''t bother to argue. Since the other party raised the bid by ten thousand gold soul coins, he simply continued to increase it by ten thousand as well.


    He wanted to see how long the elder in Room 4 could keep shouting with such vigor if they continued raising the bid by just ten thousand at a time.


    Hearing the elder from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan in Room 4 squabbling with Chen Ming in Room 6, Ning Fengzhi, who was seated in Room 3, showed a playful expression and glanced at Sword Douluo beside him.


    "Uncle Sword, do you think I should bid for this girl and find a companion for Uncle Bone?"


    Ning Fengzhi''s tone was teasing, clearly joking with Sword Douluo. Surprisingly, Sword Douluo nodded in agreement.


    "Fengzhi, you''re right. Who knows? Old Bone might just like this type."


    "You two!"


    As Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo joked, a hoarse voice suddenly echoed in the room. A tall, skeletal-like old man stepped out of empty space, followed by a mischievous-looking young girl peeking out from behind him.


    The old man sat on Ning Fengzhi''s other side, glaring fiercely at Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo. The mischievous girl, on the other hand, unceremoniously squeezed herself into Ning Fengzhi''s seat.


    Although the single-seater sofa was quite spacious and could easily accommodate two people, Ning Fengzhi still adjusted his position, preferring to make himself slightly uncomfortable to give the girl more room. The newcomers were none other than Bone Douluo Gu Rong and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s little princess, Ning Rongrong.


    If Ning Fengzhi hadn''t sensed Ning Rongrong''s presence earlier, detecting her aura in the void and realizing that Bone Douluo had brought her along to spy from the shadows, he wouldn''t have dared to joke about Bone Douluo in front of Sword Douluo.


    Ning Fengzhi, now nearing sixty years old, had married at sixteen and had his first child shortly thereafter. He now had seven sons, and even his eldest grandson was preparing for marriage. Yet for all these years, Ning Fengzhi had only one daughter, Ning Rongrong, which made him especially doting toward her. Everyone in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan knew that this little princess was the one person not to be trifled with.


    Seeing Ning Fengzhi squeezed to one side, Ning Rongrong''s eyes sparkled mischievously as she shifted closer, making his sitting posture even more awkward. The warm smile on his face became one of helpless amusement.


    Watching this scene, both Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo smiled, amused by Ning Rongrong''s playful antics.


    Squeezed beside Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong pointed at the girl bound in chains on the stage and said softly, her heart aching a little, "Dad, that sister looks so miserable. Why don''t we save her?"


    Although Ning Rongrong was only about ten years old, in the world of Douluo Dalu, where twelve years old was considered adulthood, she understood more than a child her age normally would.


    Known in the clan as a little troublemaker, her personality had been spoiled to be a bit proud by her father and the two Title Douluo. But deep down, she was still a kind-hearted person, only occasionally a little awkward in expressing it.


    While hiding in the shadow earlier, she had heard the cold and detached introduction of the girl on stage, which left her feeling uneasy. Thus, she expressed her thoughts to Ning Fengzhi.


    "Alright, since Rongrong wants to save her, we''ll save her."


    Hearing his daughter''s words, Ning Fengzhi nodded, opened the soul tool in front of him, and made his first bid at the auction.


    "One million two hundred thousand gold soul coins." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi was a shrewd and cunning man.


    Although the clan''s resources made it easy for him to jump the bid straight to one and a half million, Ning Fengzhi was not one to act recklessly.


    He often calculated the most appropriate price for himself and chose the right moment to enter the competition.


    Even if Ning Rongrong hadn''t asked, Ning Fengzhi would have bid for the girl. His purpose for attending this auction was precisely this dragonkin girl, whose importance even surpassed the auction''s final item¡ªa soul bone.


    However, this wasn''t because Ning Fengzhi wanted to indulge himself, but for the sake of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Although dragonkin often had issues with their martial souls, making it impossible for them to continue cultivating after awakening, no one could deny that these individuals, whose bodies had undergone permanent dragonification, often possessed the highest talent and the purest martial souls.


    Ning Fengzhi often sought ways to bring talented individuals to the clan, especially those with top-tier martial souls but poor backgrounds. He valued them highly and sought to integrate them into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, ensuring their bloodlines would remain within the clan.


    He had done similar things in the past, rescuing those unfortunate individuals sold at auctions and bringing them back to the clan, cultivating their loyalty to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Eventually, they would marry disciples within the clan and leave their bloodlines as a legacy.


    Such efforts often didn''t yield immediate results, with decades passing before the fruits of his labor became apparent. It was far less efficient than simply recruiting renowned soul masters from across the continent.


    But some things were done with the next few decades, centuries, or even millennia in mind. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s ability to maintain its position as one of the top three clans despite being composed of support-type soul masters was due to this kind of long-term planning.


    Ps: In Soul Land 2, there is a girl named Wu Feng who hails from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and possesses the Red Dragon Martial Soul. She may be a descendant of the dragonkin girl.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [147]

    In the eyes of Ning Fengzhi and the previous generations of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan leaders, as long as they maintained this approach, and as long as the clan wasn''t destroyed by unforeseen disasters, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would only grow stronger and more stable over time.


    Who could predict if, among the descendants of these people, there might one day emerge guardians of the clan, future Titled Douluos, or even companions for future clan leaders? sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, using calculable wealth to gamble on an unpredictable future potential was an overwhelmingly worthwhile investment.


    When someone suddenly raised the bid by 1.5 million, Chen Ming fell silent, unsure who exactly was raising the price. Meanwhile, the elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan in Room Four was so furious that he was practically stomping his feet.


    "12.01 million gold soul coins. Some matters should be handled with moderation," the elder roared, not only shouting out his price but also issuing a veiled threat.


    Although this was clearly against the rules, the manager of the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House acted as though he hadn''t heard anything at all.


    After all, strength was the ultimate truth. The Enforcer was merely a Soul Sage with a background as insignificant as the Blacksmith Association, barely worth noting in the eyes of the Heaven Dou royal family.


    On the other hand, the person in the top-level room was an elder from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Could their statuses even compare? How could someone like the manager dare to intervene?


    Hearing the elder''s threatening words, Bone Douluo''s expression darkened. Under the interested gazes of Ning Fengzhi and the others, Bone Douluo approached the wall separating Room Three and Room Four. Stretching out his arm, he lightly traced the wall.


    With that, the space was opened by Bone Douluo, and the thick wall was rendered meaningless under the power of spatial manipulation. Even the special materials added by craftsmen were useless in the face of a Titled Douluo with spatial attributes.


    As soon as the soul power fluctuations were felt, the elder in Room Four turned around angrily, about to roar, but froze in shock when he saw the figures sitting in Room Three.


    Ning Fengzhi and his daughter, Ning Rongrong, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and Bone Douluo Gu Rong.


    A chill ran up the elder''s spine, and his face turned ashen, devoid of any blood. His body collapsed onto the sofa as if his bones had been removed. His lips moved, but no sound came out.


    Seeing this, Gu Rong let out a cold snort and, with a small gesture of his hand, summoned a palm-shaped wave of soul power that slammed the elder to the ground before closing the spatial rift.


    However, Gu Rong didn''t stop there. After closing the spatial rift, he narrowed his eyes as if sensing something. His soul power fluctuated slightly, and a large spatial rift opened before him. On the other side of the rift were none other than Chen Ming and the bewildered Lou Gao.


    When Gu Rong''s gaze fell on Chen Ming, his skinny, aged face showed a rare look of surprise.


    Though the difference between a Level 95 Titled Douluo and a Level 94 Titled Douluo was just one rank, it represented a significant gulf in power. When Gu Rong had torn open the space earlier, he could faintly sense someone attempting to observe him through the spatial fluctuations.


    Before opening the rift, Gu Rong had thought Room Six might house a famous spatial soul master from the continent or perhaps a high-level Titled Douluo above Level 95. To his surprise, inside the room sat only two people, one old and one young.


    The older one seemed to be about eighty years old, a low-level Soul Sage with declining vitality and soul power, ranking among the weakest Soul Sages. His only redeeming quality was his relatively sharp energy.


    The younger one appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen, no more than fifteen years old. His spiritual and life energy was abundant yet restrained, to the point where even Gu Rong couldn''t discern their exact extent. As for his soul power? It was so well hidden within his body that not a trace leaked out. Judging by his age, he was likely no higher than Level 30.


    Had Gu Rong not considered himself somewhat knowledgeable about spatial techniques and caught a faint trace earlier, he might have assumed he''d mistakenly opened the wrong door.


    "What brings you esteemed seniors here? Surely this isn''t about the auction, is it?"


    Chen Ming hadn''t expected his earlier probing of the spatial fluctuations to be detected. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he politely greeted Ning Fengzhi and his group through the rift.


    Upon seeing Chen Ming''s face, Ning Fengzhi immediately recognized the young man''s identity.


    Chen Ming of Room Six¡ªthe grandson-in-law of Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, and a poison-type soul master with the Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul.


    Although puzzled, Ning Fengzhi glanced at Gu Rong, who returned a meaningful look. Although unclear about what had happened, Ning Fengzhi trusted Gu Rong''s judgment completely. After calming himself, he greeted Chen Ming with a composed expression.


    "I am Ning Fengzhi, the clan master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Would you happen to be Chen Ming, the grandson-in-law of Poison Douluo?"


    "Greetings to Clan Master Ning." Chen Ming stood up and bowed respectfully. Then, he turned his gaze to Gu Rong and Chen Xin, feigning surprise as he spoke.


    "Could it be that the two seniors accompanying Clan Master Ning are the renowned Titled Douluo protectors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan¡ªSword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong?"


    "To meet such esteemed seniors is truly an honor."


    "Might I ask what brings Clan Master Ning and the two seniors to me?"


    Chen Ming''s performance was excellent, embodying the demeanor expected of a junior in front of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s clan master and Titled Douluo. At the same time, he subtly highlighted his composure and calmness, befitting someone recognized as the grandson-in-law of a Titled Douluo.


    However, despite his impressive performance, Gu Rong, who had spent years observing Ning Fengzhi, saw through Chen Ming. To Gu Rong, Chen Ming seemed like a younger version of Ning Fengzhi himself, full of calculations and schemes.


    With a faint snort, Gu Rong sat back down, pretending to have no further interest in Chen Ming. However, he continued to maintain the spatial rift with his soul power and spiritual energy.


    Gu Rong truly didn''t know how to handle the situation. He had expected to greet an old acquaintance but had instead been met with an unfamiliar junior.


    Aside from Ning Rongrong, Gu Rong had little interest in interacting with younger generations. Since both Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi were present, he decided to leave the matter to them, playing his usual role as the bad cop and letting Ning Fengzhi take the lead.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [148]

    Although it was unclear what had caused Bone Douluo''s unusual behavior, Ning Fengzhi could sense his attention was focused on Chen Ming. Rising to his feet, Ning Fengzhi placed Ning Rongrong on a chair, stepped across the crack in the floor, and slowly walked into the room where Chen Ming was staying. Upon entering, Ning Fengzhi noticed that the elderly man seated in the chair appeared to be none other than Lou Gao, one of the three legendary divine craftsmen of the era and the president of the Continental Blacksmith Association.


    Recalling Lou Gao''s earlier proclamation in front of a crowd, Ning Fengzhi couldn''t help but feel curious about why Lou Gao had come to this place. However, he kept these thoughts to himself and did not let any of his curiosity show on his face.


    As Ning Fengzhi entered his room alone, Chen Ming quickly invited him to sit on the sofa. Lou Gao, who had just realized what was happening, hurriedly stood up from the sofa and bowed to Ning Fengzhi.


    "Greetings, I am Lou Gao, a seventy-one-level Soul Sage and the president of the Blacksmith Association. It is an honor to meet the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Sect Master Ning."


    "You flatter me, Master Lou. Your title as a divine craftsman is renowned across the continent¡ªwho doesn''t know of it? Although you are not a Titled Douluo, your status among blacksmiths is no less than that of a Titled Douluo among soul masters."


    Ning Fengzhi had honed the art of polite flattery since he first learned to speak. Despite Lou Gao''s strength and status being insignificant compared to Ning Fengzhi as the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi still extended the utmost courtesy, which added a touch of warmth to Lou Gao''s expression.


    "The reputation of the continent''s three great divine craftsmen precedes you. I never imagined I would encounter Master Lou here today."


    Ning Fengzhi took a seat opposite Chen Ming. After both were seated, Lou Gao, standing like a punished schoolchild, instinctively positioned himself behind Chen Ming, seemingly awaiting his cues.


    Noticing this, a glimmer of light flickered in Ning Fengzhi''s eyes, and his interest in Chen Ming deepened.


    "Master Lou, please take a seat as well," Chen Ming sighed and gestured to Lou Gao behind him.


    "Alright, alright," Lou Gao replied hastily. He sat on a sofa some distance away, his aged body stiff and awkward. Though seated, he seemed even more uncomfortable than when he was standing moments earlier.


    As civilized people meeting formally, what followed was a session of mutual flattery. Ning Fengzhi, being a master of the art, was particularly adept at it. While maintaining politeness, he subtly probed for information about Chen Ming.


    However, as someone who had survived countless flame wars on the internet in his previous life and as a workplace underdog without any solid backing, Chen Ming was no slouch in the art of conversation. His skill in verbal maneuvering was no less refined than Ning Fengzhi''s.


    Chen Ming''s responses were flawless. When faced with probing questions, he leaned on his advantage as a young man, feigning ignorance to deflect them effortlessly.


    By the end of the conversation, no one could detect anything out of the ordinary in what was said. But upon careful reflection, it became clear that no useful information had been provided either. The entire exchange left the impression of listening to a lot but learning nothing.


    After several minutes of conversation, both men simultaneously stopped speaking, their gazes locking as they smiled at each other. Internally, they both heaved a long sigh.


    "What a sly fox," they thought in unison.


    At this moment, after Ning Fengzhi successfully bid on the dragonkin girl, the auction''s second-to-last item was presented following a brief interlude. It was a Purple Source Fruit, a ten-thousand-year-old neutral treasure of heaven and earth. Its gentle properties made it easy to absorb and it was widely recognized as a valuable resource among soul masters. Since Ning Fengzhi was in Chen Ming''s room and unable to participate in the auction, Ning Rongrong took his place, enthusiastically joining the bidding.


    Unlike Ning Fengzhi, who bid cautiously and strategically, Ning Rongrong treated the auction more like a game, sometimes raising the bid by the minimum increment and other times suddenly increasing it by tens of thousands of gold soul coins, thoroughly enjoying herself.


    Chen Ming did not need such heavenly treasures, and Ning Fengzhi had Ning Rongrong handling the bidding. Thus, the two men resumed their conversation after a brief pause. This time, however, the exchange finally yielded some slightly meaningful information.


    "Sect Master Ning wants to know Grandpa''s current soul power level? He just broke through to level 94 and is now progressing toward level 95." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Ning Fengzhi had finally obtained the answer he wanted, he fell silent after hearing Chen Ming''s words. Even the polite smile on his face froze. Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo both turned their heads simultaneously, staring intently at Chen Ming as if trying to discern whether he was lying.


    A Titled Douluo jumping from level 91 to level 94 in just one year¡ªand now progressing toward level 95?


    If someone had said this back when Dugu Bo first became a Titled Douluo, Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluo wouldn''t have doubted his potential to reach level 95.


    However, the reality was that since Dugu Bo became a Titled Douluo decades ago, his strength has remained stagnant throughout the years. In everyone''s eyes, Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo whose potential had already been exhausted.


    If someone claimed he had reached level 92, Ning Fengzhi would have nodded and congratulated him. After all, taking decades to break through one level was entirely reasonable.


    But to suddenly jump to level 94?


    Ning Fengzhi''s first instinct was to dismiss it as a lie. However, after a moment of thought, he realized it was highly likely to be true.


    This was because, during his conversation with Chen Ming, Ning Fengzhi had already concluded that Chen Ming was a cunning fox who knew exactly when to lie and when not to.


    If Chen Ming claimed Dugu Bo had reached level 94, it was most likely true. After all, he had no reason to lie about it. Even if he did, there would be no benefit in doing so.


    Looking at Chen Ming, Ning Fengzhi paused briefly, his smile becoming more sincere. He signaled to Bone Douluo with a glance, and Bone Douluo immediately understood his intent.


    Bone Douluo walked over and picked up Ning Rongrong, who was enthusiastically bidding and carried her to Chen Ming. Placing the confused Ning Rongrong in front of him, Bone Douluo then glanced at Lou Gao and casually sat beside him. Under Lou Gao''s nervous gaze, Bone Douluo began making small talk.


    In reality, it was less of a conversation and more of Bone Douluo asking questions while Lou Gao, drenched in cold sweat, answered as though spilling beans. Despite his eagerness to speak, Lou Gao managed to keep the reason for his presence in Chen Ming''s room a secret.


    As for what had transpired between the two, there was not the slightest hint of disclosure.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [149]

    "Rongrong, come over here and meet Brother Chen Ming. He''s only 12 years old and already at level 35. He''s now a student at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. When you enroll next year, he''ll be your senior. Hurry up and come greet him!"


    Ning Fengzhi said this to Ning Rongrong, and upon hearing it, her eyes twinkled. She immediately walked over to Chen Ming with a cheerful smile.


    "Hello, Brother Chen Ming. I''m Ning Rongrong, 10 years old, a level 23 Auxiliary Soul Master. Please take care of me!"


    Ning Rongrong was a little princess¡ªa mischievous yet lovable girl. She was sweet and adorable but carried a hint of pride and willfulness. It could be said that she inherited most of her father Ning Fengzhi''s characteristics.


    At this moment, under her father''s guidance, Ning Rongrong was acting perfectly. She gave the impression of being a very cute little girl.


    "Hello, Miss Ning Rongrong. I''m Chen Ming. Please take care of me as well."


    Looking at the "Little Witch" from the original story, Chen Ming greeted her with a polite smile, but his mind wandered elsewhere.


    In the original story, Ning Rongrong started as a character with her personality. However, as the story progressed, she gradually turned into a mere background character¡ªa buff machine for the team, entirely devoted to Tang San. Her role as Oscar''s lover seemed secondary to her obsession with Tang San.


    By the end of the first series, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo sacrificed their lives to retrieve Tang San''s body, ultimately being killed by Bibi Dong in the process. Their fates were tragic¡ªSword Douluo''s sword shattered, and Bone Douluo''s body was crushed. Yet, at that time, Ning Rongrong didn''t seem saddened. Instead, when Tang San was resurrected, she cheerfully discussed marriage, as though Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were mere strangers to her.


    Only Ning Fengzhi grieved, his hair turning white overnight as he silently collected the bodies of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.


    One might argue that Ning Rongrong wasn''t sad because she had a Martial Soul Fusion ability that could someday resurrect them. But even after ascending to the Divine Realm later, Ning Rongrong never revived the two elders who had cared for her deeply.


    In the second series, Ning Rongrong outright became a villain. In the Yin Yang Love Querying Valley, she mercilessly tortured the descendants of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, showing no restraint.


    In short, Ning Rongrong''s character eventually became nothing more than a plot device. Without Ning Rongrong''s help, Tang San would have faced far more challenges and might not have survived to gain the Seven Treasure Resurrection Light skill that saved him later.


    Sigh.


    What could he say? Chen Ming could only attribute all of this to the errors of the world''s consciousness. After all, in the original timeline, everything revolved around the protagonist, Tang San.


    But now that he was here, Chen Ming had no intention of becoming Tang San''s lackey. If he wanted to ascend to godhood, he would inevitably stand in opposition to Tang San.


    Now that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was in his possession and he had planted seeds of chaos within Shrek Academy, he certainly couldn''t allow Ning Rongrong to aid Tang San in any way.


    Maintaining his smile and showing no unusual expressions, Chen Ming greeted Ning Rongrong while mentally strategizing his next moves.


    Ning Rongrong sat beside Ning Fengzhi, her posture proper and her manners impeccable¡ªcompletely different from her earlier playful behavior with her father. Even from a noble perspective, she was conducting herself perfectly, living up to her status as the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    As Ning Fengzhi and Chen Ming exchanged polite conversation, Ning Rongrong found herself staring at Chen Ming''s face, slightly lost in thought.


    After experiencing numerous fortuitous encounters, Chen Ming''s body had already reached a state of near perfection. His physique and facial features now embodied the pinnacle of masculine beauty.


    Logically, Ning Rongrong considered herself someone who didn''t care about appearances. But after staring at Chen Ming for a while, she realized that she wasn''t indifferent to looks¡ªit was just that she had never seen someone this attractive before.


    A 12-year-old, level 35, top-tier¡ªno, super-tier genius. Such talent and appearance were practically unheard of on the Douluo Continent.


    Watching the interaction between Chen Ming and Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong suddenly found herself intrigued by this young man, who was rumored to be Poison Douluo''s grandson-in-law.


    At that moment, the second-to-last auction item, a Purple Source Fruit, was sold to Sword Douluo for 16.5 million gold soul coins. The final auction item was then brought onstage.


    Everyone in the venue, including Chen Ming, instinctively paused their actions and turned their attention to the final item. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A 7,000-year-old Poison Fang Leopard right arm bone. Skill: Venomous Fangs. Starting bid: 10 million gold soul coins, with minimum increments of 100,000 gold soul coins. The bidding starts now!"


    The final item was indeed a soul bone. Although it was only from a mid-tier soul beast, the Poison Fang Leopard, a thousand-year soul bone was still an extraordinarily rare and valuable treasure for any soul master.


    Ning Fengzhi observed Chen Ming''s expression, expecting him to show some greed or desire for the soul bone, as it matched his attributes.


    However, upon closer inspection, Ning Fengzhi noticed a fleeting look of disdain on Chen Ming''s face after the soul bone was introduced. It was as if the item on stage wasn''t worthy of his attention.


    Ning Fengzhi''s heart stirred, and he probed cautiously, "Xiao Ming, did you come to this auction for this soul bone? If you need it, I can bid on it and gift it to you as a meeting gift. How about that?"


    Ning Fengzhi''s wealth was immense. Even if it meant spending tens of millions of gold soul coins on someone else, he wouldn''t bat an eye. As long as Chen Ming expressed interest, Ning Fengzhi would gladly purchase the soul bone and present it to him as a gift.


    Hearing Ning Fengzhi''s offer, Chen Ming shook his head, no longer hiding his disdain.


    "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Ning, but I don''t need it. A thousand-year soul bone is of poor quality, and replacing soul bones later is too costly. While absorbing it now might bring me temporary gains, it would only become a burden in the future."


    "When I grow stronger, I will naturally seek out soul bones that suit me."


    "Oh? Xiao Ming, then why did you attend this auction?" Ning Fengzhi''s expression remained unchanged, but his opinion of Chen Ming wavered. He couldn''t tell whether this boy was simply arrogant or truly confident in his future potential.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [150]

    "I attended this auction to look for some unique items for further research."


    "What kind of research?"


    "Research on martial souls and soul masters." Chen Ming glanced at Ning Fengzhi, feeling that the timing was just right, so he revealed some of his thoughts.


    "Oh? The research on martial souls and soul masters is a topic of interest to all soul masters on the continent, but no one dares to claim they truly understand it. Decades ago, someone on the continent called himself the Grandmaster and published the so-called Ten Core Competencies of Soul Masters. But in reality, it was just a compilation of previous conclusions, given his name as a label."


    "Most of the Ten Core Competencies of Soul Masters are nonsense. If a soul master truly treats them as treasures and cultivate them according to those theories, they will undoubtedly face an unfortunate future. Stagnation of soul power is a minor issue; conflicts in their martial soul are not impossible either."


    The person Ning Fengzhi was referring to was none other than the self-proclaimed Grandmaster, Yu Xiaogang.


    In truth, what most people didn''t notice was that Ning Fengzhi and Yu Xiaogang were from the same generation, with only a year or two in age difference. Even their backgrounds were not all that dissimilar.


    Both of their fathers were sect leaders of the top three sects, and both were favored children of their fathers at the time. As a result, before their martial soul awakenings, the two had already interacted to some extent.


    At that time, Yu Xiaogang gave Ning Fengzhi the impression of being overly arrogant and pathologically conceited. However, because nine out of ten soul masters from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had such personalities, Ning Fengzhi didn''t think much of it.


    After all, for the weak to be overly arrogant, was pure ignorance and stupidity. But for someone strong, arrogance was merely a personality trait. At that time, Ning Fengzhi thought Yu Xiaogang would awaken with a decent innate soul power level, so his arrogant personality seemed normal.


    It wasn''t until their martial soul awakenings that things took different turns. Ning Fengzhi successfully awakened the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, while Yu Xiaogang awakened a mutated Pig Beast martial soul. From then on, their paths diverged.


    Through his efforts, Ning Fengzhi earned the most recognition in his sect, first becoming the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and later, after his father''s death, the new sect leader. He brought Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, two Titled Douluo, into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and led the sect to new heights. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, fell into despair, abandoned his family after enjoying its resources, joined Spirit Hall, published the Ten Core Competencies of Soul Masters, and was then rejected by Spirit Hall. He formed the Golden Iron Triangle with other soul masters and was active for a while before disappearing into obscurity for decades.


    Due to the inherent limitations of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, successive sect leaders struggled to find ways to overcome these natural restrictions, inevitably delving into martial soul research. Ning Fengzhi, in this regard, surpassed his predecessors¡ªnot only inheriting their knowledge but also making breakthroughs.


    Although most people didn''t know, Ning Fengzhi was a master-level figure in martial soul and soul master research in his era.


    Unlike Yu Xiaogang, who merely claimed the title of Grandmaster, Ning Fengzhi had genuine skills. Even without his identity as the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, his research on martial souls alone would make him a renowned figure on the continent.


    However, the problems of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda were profound. Even with Ning Fengzhi''s advancements, he had no clue how to solve them. Hearing Chen Ming claim he was researching martial souls and soul masters, Ning Fengzhi couldn''t help but ask sharply:


    "I wonder, Xiao Ming, on what basis do you dare say you''re researching martial souls and soul masters?"


    "On my talent." Chen Ming opened his palm, and his soul power, vitality, and spiritual power surged together, gathering in his hand. Under Chen Ming''s control, the soul power and vitality formed the shape of a scorpion. Chen Ming stabilized it with his spiritual power and infused it with his essence.


    Once infused with essence, the previously hollow scorpion seemed to be imbued with a soul, becoming a semi-independent life form.


    The soul power and vitality formed its body, while the spiritual power and essential energy granted it basic thought. The tiny lifeform, confused, wobbled its pincers and tail in Chen Ming''s palm, sensing the world around it.


    It climbed up Chen Ming''s arm, then, guided by him, moved to his other palm.


    Seeing this astonishing scene, Ning Fengzhi''s mouth fell open, and his eyes almost bulged out. He carefully brought his hand closer to Chen Ming''s, and the tiny scorpion, under Chen Ming''s guidance, crawled onto Ning Fengzhi''s palm.


    Ning Fengzhi cautiously used his spiritual power and soul power to probe the little scorpion in his hand, finding that it didn''t feel like a mere cluster of soul power but rather an elemental life born from soul power. Within its intricate and fragile body was a wave resembling a soul.


    Seeing this, Bone Douluo instantly appeared in front of Ning Fengzhi, incredulously reaching out a finger to poke the little scorpion in Ning Fengzhi''s hand.


    The little scorpion instinctively tried to defend itself, waving its tail and pincers to repel the massive finger approaching it. However, its resistance was utterly ineffective against Gu Rong. The tiny creature could only endure Gu Rong''s rough exploration of its body.


    Seeing this, Sword Douluo couldn''t hold back either. Ignoring the soul bone auction, he teleported through space to Gu Rong''s side and pushed him away, wanting to examine the little scorpion for himself.


    The moment Gu Rong withdrew his soul power, the little scorpion, lying motionless in Ning Fengzhi''s palm, immediately jumped back to life and scurried into Chen Ming''s palm, seemingly complaining to him.


    Looking at the little scorpion in his hand, Chen Ming''s expression was peculiar. With a thought, he reabsorbed the essential energy that formed the scorpion''s core.


    Without the foundation provided by the essential energy, the scorpion-shaped cluster of soul power, spiritual power, and vitality began to dissipate, breaking apart into unrelated components that Chen Ming reabsorbed into his body.


    Witnessing this, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi all fell silent. Ning Rongrong and Lou Gao, not understanding what had just happened, could only remain quiet, pretending to be shocked and contemplative.


    In truth, the two of them had no idea what had just occurred. Ning Rongrong lacked the experience, while Lou Gao''s thinking was too rigid to imagine a soul master doing such a thing.


    To the two of them, the little scorpion must have been some extraordinarily special soul skill, right?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [151]

    In truth, while there are indeed soul skills capable of achieving effects similar to what Chen Ming just demonstrated, they are only superficially similar. Only soul masters standing at the highest echelons of the soul master world can truly understand the significance of what Chen Ming just did.


    "You just imbued your soul power into a spirit being?"


    Soul masters¡ªthis profession is centered on soul power, which originates from martial souls, the manifestation of one''s spirit. The soul rings required for a soul master''s advancement are also manifestations of the spirits of soul beasts.


    It can be said that while soul power appears to be the foundation of the soul master profession, everything ultimately stems from the soul.


    What Chen Ming just did was akin to cutting off a piece of his soul, embedding it into his soul power to create a semi-independent life form, and then reintegrating the removed piece back into his soul¡ªall right in front of Ning Fengzhi.


    Even for Ning Fengzhi, let alone Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, Chen Ming''s actions evoked a deep sense of awe. After all, even as Ultimate Douluos, they were incapable of performing such feats.


    Because this was utterly terrifying...


    They could perhaps grit their teeth and tear off a fragment of their soul, but they couldn''t guarantee that fragment could exist independently. Let alone act as if nothing had happened and seamlessly reintegrate that fragment back into their soul.


    Ning Fengzhi stared at Chen Ming in silence for a long time. When he finally raised his head again, the smile on his face had grown much more genuine.


    "Xiao Ming, may I have the privilege of hearing your thoughts on martial souls?"


    "Of course. Exploring the mysteries of martial souls is the shared goal of all soul masters."


    Chen Ming smiled faintly and began to share his insights.


    From a unique perspective, Ning Fengzhi found himself hearing things he had never imagined about soul power and martial souls. Though Chen Ming deliberately withheld a great deal, sharing only surface-level observations, his innate spiritual abilities provided a perspective far surpassing that of any current soul master on the continent.


    It was almost as though Chen Ming was examining the essence of the soul master profession through the eyes of a god.


    For ordinary soul masters, coming into contact with the laws of the world was a rare, life-changing opportunity. For Chen Ming, however, it was simply routine.


    Some people, even when exposed to the laws of the world, become so overwhelmed by the magnitude of knowledge that they are rendered incapable of processing it. Chen Ming, however, faced no such issues.


    He could translate abstract, elusive truths about the essence of existence into a form understandable by human cognition. He was able to record the secondhand laws embedded within soul rings by the heavens and reframe them into comprehensible "thirdhand" descriptions to share with others. While this method wasn''t as direct as witnessing these laws personally, it was far faster and more precise than traditional comprehension.


    As long as someone wasn''t as hopelessly untalented as Dugu Bo in this regard, they could gain significant benefits. For Titled Douluos stuck at level 95 due to insufficient comprehension, Chen Ming''s insights were a fast track to advancement.


    As Chen Ming continued his explanation, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi listened intently, absorbing his words like children discovering the world for the first time. Long-standing questions that had plagued them for decades were resolved with ease under Chen Ming''s guidance.


    Bone Douluo was the first to experience a breakthrough. His deepening understanding of the essence of soul masters made him feel on the verge of advancing after being stuck at level 95 for decades.


    Sword Douluo also made progress in silence, gaining a deeper understanding of the world''s essence and feeling that his swordsmanship could advance to an even higher level.


    Just as the three of them were utterly engrossed, feeling as though the doors to a new world were opening before them, Chen Ming suddenly fell silent.


    Bone Douluo, who had been on the cusp of a breakthrough, froze and raised his head in confusion, staring at Chen Ming. He couldn''t understand why Chen Ming had stopped. He was now stuck at the edge of a breakthrough, unable to move forward or retreat¡ªa frustrating stalemate.


    Sword Douluo, though slightly better off, also experienced a sense of stagnation when Chen Ming stopped speaking, leaving him momentarily disoriented.


    Ning Fengzhi, being the weakest of the three, had also been deeply immersed in the discussion. However, due to his lower cultivation level, he was the quickest to recover when Chen Ming stopped. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, Ning Fengzhi''s smile was pure and genuine, entirely different from the polite facade he had worn earlier. This smile came from the depths of his heart.


    He also began to understand why Dugu Bo, who had been stuck at level 91 for decades, had managed to leap to level 94 within a single year. It was all thanks to the unnoticed assistance of Chen Ming. With Chen Ming''s help, Dugu Bo had been able to break through his limits.


    "Chen Ming, my friend, your insights are truly unprecedented and unparalleled. Listening to your words is more enlightening than a decade of study. Your understanding of the laws of the heavens and the essence of martial souls far surpasses that of a Titled Douluo. I dare say your future achievements will rival, if not surpass, the two great pinnacles of the continent''s history: the Clear Sky Douluo and the Angel Douluo."


    As he looked at Chen Ming, who seemed perfectly calm and in control, Ning Fengzhi''s thoughts began to drift.


    Should he draw Chen Ming into his fold? Or outright recruit him?


    The notion of eliminating Chen Ming flashed through Ning Fengzhi''s mind for just a moment before vanishing.


    First, Chen Ming was not an enemy. By openly sharing his understanding of martial souls, Chen Ming had shown he could be allied with them. Even if the price was steep, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could afford it.


    Second, Dugu Bo was now at level 94, far stronger than when he was at level 91. His poison was undoubtedly more potent¡ªlikely at least twice as lethal as before.


    If Dugu Bo were provoked and decided to unleash his poison on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, their inheritance would essentially be wiped out from the Douluo Continent.


    Ning Fengzhi would rather engage in a head-on confrontation with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s elder dragon than risk being targeted by Dugu Bo''s insidious poison.


    To put it bluntly, Ning Fengzhi could at least calculate the cost of fighting the elder dragon, even if it meant significant losses to his clan.


    But against Dugu Bo, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would likely be reduced to just two survivors: Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Even their Soul Douluo-level elders would stand no chance against Dugu Bo''s poison. If Dugu Bo were to truly go all out, even Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo might not survive.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [152]

    It couldn''t be caught, nor could it be moved. Right now, there was only one path left in front of Ning Fengzhi. That was to let Chen Ming press a blade against his neck, loosen his grip, and allow Chen Ming to do as he pleased.


    Even if it meant sacrificing a few hundred million gold soul coins or giving away one or two ten-thousand-year soul bones, it wasn''t an issue.


    As long as Sword Uncle and Bone Uncle could break through another level, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could at least prosper for another fifty years. Perhaps during this time, they could cultivate more Titled Douluo to protect the clan, or even make another breakthrough.


    If the restrictions of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could be lifted, it would mean millennia of prosperity for the clan. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Ming, my young friend, I wonder if you have any insight into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul?"


    Even though Ning Fengzhi knew that initiating such a conversation would put him in a passive position, he still chose to speak up. In his mind, if he didn''t give something up now, the cost would only be greater in the future.


    Investing in Chen Ming now, before he had fully grown, was a completely different concept compared to investing in him after he became one of the continent''s powerhouses.


    If handled properly now, even if Chen Ming couldn''t be persuaded to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as a new generation protector, they could at least ensure the clan would have a reliable friend on the continent in the future.


    Faced with Ning Fengzhi''s concession, Chen Ming responded with a sincere smile.


    "Ning Uncle, how could I dare claim to understand the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, which is renowned across the continent as the number one auxiliary martial spirit? It has been celebrated for millennia in Douluo Continent, and no other clan or sect could ever hope to rival it."


    "It''s just... I have my own humble opinions, that''s all."


    Ning Fengzhi and Chen Ming smiled like two foxes, while Ning Rongrong, standing to the side, was completely confused and had no idea what was going on. Lou Gao, on the other hand, pretended to be dead in the corner, fiddling with the small golden orb Chen Ming had given him, completely ignoring everything else in the room.


    Ning Fengzhi retrieved a token from his storage soul tool and handed it to Chen Ming.


    The token was crafted from a rare mineral, about an inch in size. One side was engraved with the image of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, while the other depicted the entrance to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s mountain gate. The craftsmanship was exquisite as if it were made by the hands of a reclusive grandmaster, and it even emanated a faint spiritual aura.


    After Chen Ming accepted the token, Ning Fengzhi explained.


    "This is the Seven Treasure Tokens of our clan. The bearer of this token is granted the status of a clan elder within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, second only to me as the sect master and the two protectors Douluo. With this token, you can enjoy free access to all businesses and inns under the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."


    "If you need to command the clan''s soul masters, this token allows you to mobilize any soul master below the Soul Saint level. For any matter not in violation of the continent''s laws, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will support you."


    This level of Seven Treasure Tokens was something usually held by soul masters at the Soul Douluo level who served as Elders of the clan. Each token was of immense importance to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    If Chen Ming were to misuse the token on the continent, it would have a significant impact on the clan. Should it fall into the hands of someone with ill intentions, who knew how much harm it could cause the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Ning Fengzhi''s decision to entrust one of these tokens to Chen Ming was a big one. This wasn''t just because of Dugu Bo''s influence¡ªit was because Ning Fengzhi truly valued Chen Ming.


    After Ning Fengzhi took a step back, Chen Ming chose to give him a face as well. He accepted the Seven Treasure Token, looked at Ning Fengzhi, and said sincerely, "Actually, I''ve been curious about your clan''s Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul for some time, as well as the unique aspects of your clan''s Jewel martial soul. I had originally planned to visit your clan in the future to learn more. Now that I''ve met you, Sect Master Ning, why not take this opportunity? May I observe the famous Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul?"


    "Thank you, young friend Chen Ming." Ning Fengzhi summoned his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black¡ªseven soul rings radiated light, and the aura of a Soul Sage was no longer concealed.


    For lower-level soul masters, the aura of a Soul Sage was enough to render them immobile. However, Chen Ming was essentially a Titled Douluo disguised as a quasi-Soul King, with unknown additional layers of power hidden within. To him, Ning Fengzhi''s aura was like a gentle breeze, barely noticeable.


    Chen Ming extended his hand, accepted the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda from Ning Fengzhi, and closed his eyes to carefully feel its essence.


    Chen Ming''s exploration of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was essentially an exploration of Ning Fengzhi''s core. Even though Ning Fengzhi was a cunning old fox, this unprecedented experience still triggered an instinctive resistance. However, after a moment of resistance, Ning Fengzhi quickly suppressed his natural reaction and allowed Chen Ming to observe his essence.


    Deep down, Ning Fengzhi resolved that if this kind of observation were needed again in the future, he would find someone else to take his place.


    Those uncles in the clan who had been stuck at level 79 for decades and were barely hanging on often proclaimed their willingness to sacrifice for the clan. Surely, they wouldn''t mind stepping in for this research.


    Ning Fengzhi''s Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a supreme version of the martial soul, with unparalleled strength and purity. Each soul ring was of the highest quality and provided extraordinary amplification to the martial soul.


    As Chen Ming sensed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, he discovered that its crystalline structure carried the aura of rules and laws.


    After his first investigation, Chen Ming realized that, at its core, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a remarkably pure, attribute-less martial soul.


    It had no bias, no specialties, and no attributes. Essentially, it was a receiver of laws and a magnifier of those laws.


    Contrary to prior assumptions of it being incomplete, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was extremely complete. Moreover, it possessed a unique stability, unlike any other martial soul, to the point that it was almost unnaturally stable.


    From Ning Fengzhi''s soul rings, Chen Ming could sense powerful laws contained within. However, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda itself couldn''t fully utilize these laws, merely bearing their most fundamental and potent aspects, forming purely amplification-based soul skills.


    In simpler terms, if a typical jewel-type martial soul user absorbed the soul ring of a powerful soul beast like the Titan Giant Ape, their jewel martial soul would be altered by the soul ring, gaining characteristics akin to the Titan Giant Ape.


    For instance, a jewel biased toward offense might gain the Titan Giant Ape''s offensive abilities, while one biased toward defense might acquire its defensive and earth-elemental skills. A control-focused pagoda might even gain gravitational control abilities.


    But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was different. This martial soul was so stable that even the Titan Giant Ape''s soul ring couldn''t alter it. Instead, the ring would have to conform to the existing structure of the pagoda, resulting in soul skills that aligned with its amplification nature.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [153]

    The Titan Giant Ape excels in strength, followed by defense. Therefore, a martial soul like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will naturally generate spirit skills based on these two attributes.


    The highest priority is increasing strength. If there is already a spirit ability that enhances strength, then it will prioritize enhancing defense. If both strength and defense are covered, the next attributes would be attack power and resistance to abnormal conditions.


    However, no matter how attributes are prioritized, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, even if it derives abilities like speed enhancement or mental power enhancement from a strength-based soul beast such as the Titan Giant Ape, will never gain the Titan Giant Ape''s offensive or defensive capabilities.


    The soul ring of the Titan Giant Ape has no essential difference from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda compared to ordinary soul rings. The only effect is that it slightly reduces the consumption of spirit abilities.


    If it absorbs the soul ring of a rule-based soul beast, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will only gain attribute enhancements based on the soul beast''s strongest basic ability but will not acquire any rule-based skills, not even a trace.


    Typically, martial souls are influenced by soul rings, undergoing either positive or negative growth to some extent.


    But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda does not change at all. It is so stable that not only can the soul ring not alter it, but the Pagoda even forcibly alters the soul ring itself.


    Ideas like attaching strength-type soul rings to reinforce the Pagoda and turn it into something akin to the Tower King are impossible in this world. If such a path were viable, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have already pursued it.


    The reality is that even if you attach seven 90,000-year-old strength-type soul rings to the Pagoda, it still wouldn''t become sturdier. As for 100,000-year soul rings, Chen Ming hadn''t encountered such a thing yet, so he dared not make definitive claims.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, his gaze tinged with shock and helplessness. He had initially hoped to find a way to modify the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda without requiring immortal herbs, but after seeing it firsthand, he realized he was still lacking.


    "Your sect''s Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul truly deserves its reputation as the strongest support-type martial soul in the world. It is both powerful and extraordinarily stable."


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is solid, stable, and limited to seven slots. Its special nature determines its exceptional support capabilities, but that same nature also limits the martial soul''s potential.


    It''s like a unique system that is already complete but lacks further development¡ªa version that hasn''t kept up with updates.


    This was something Chen Ming found hard to understand. In his perception, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda seemed to have a fixed ceiling, utterly unlike anything that should exist in the Douluo Continent.


    The maximum limit for the rules of the Douluo Continent is level 99. As long as a martial soul has no inherent flaws, theoretically, all martial souls can be cultivated to level 99.


    But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda appeared excessively unique to Chen Ming, so much so that it didn''t seem like a martial soul that naturally formed in the Douluo Continent. Instead, it felt like something from another world that had been assimilated into the Douluo Continent.


    Chen Ming understood that within the Douluo Universe, the Douluo Continent could already be considered a rare high-energy planet. Some planets and dimensions couldn''t even compare to the Douluo World''s limits. In some other worlds, level 79 might already be the maximum.


    While this might sound like invoking quantum mechanics when faced with uncertainty, the Douluo Continent truly did seem to allow for such phenomena.


    After all, one of the Douluo Continent''s defining characteristics is its compatibility: "I don''t have it, but I can accommodate it."


    Examples of Compatibility in the Douluo Series:


    In Douluo 1, it accommodated internal energy and hidden weapons, which could still be explained.


    In Douluo 2, it accommodated magic, Electrolux introduced the soul beast spirit system and even created the Death God martial soul that couldn''t attach soul rings, which was barely acceptable since Electrolux was at least a god-level powerhouse, making it reasonable for him to bend the rules.


    In Douluo 3, it accommodated demons and the Abyssal World, introducing Fallen Angel and Demon martial souls.


    By Douluo 4, it even accommodated alien planets, going so far as to assimilate hybrid elf bloodlines into Elf martial souls.


    Additionally, Chen Ming''s third soul ring, the Netherworld Scorpion, had been forcibly assimilated into the Douluo World, with foreign rules within the soul ring.


    Moreover, various godly trials from other worlds allowed gods to recruit people from the Douluo World to serve as substitutes. This demonstrated that outsiders from different worlds entering and being assimilated by the Douluo World was not an uncommon occurrence.


    This led Chen Ming to suspect that the origins of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda might also lie in some foreign entity that accidentally entered the Douluo World.


    Perhaps it originated from someone whose life-bound weapon was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and their descendants developed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul through assimilation.


    Or perhaps an actual Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda fell into the Douluo World, and its fragments gave rise to the first generation of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit masters.


    After all, "Seven Treasures" and "Glazed Tile Pagoda" are separate concepts.


    The term "Seven Treasures" originates from Buddhism, but the Douluo Continent has no concept of the Seven Treasures. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda isn''t something like a trident where the name fits the world''s context. It could have simply been called the Glazed Tile Pagoda. The person who first named it the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda likely didn''t choose the name randomly. In any case, the issues surrounding the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda were far more profound than Chen Ming initially imagined¡ªit wasn''t merely a martial soul defect.


    If it were just a defect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have long since found a way to fix the martial soul.


    Otherwise, it wouldn''t be the case that even in the Douluo 4 timeline, thousands of years later, with people leaving the planet and being able to artificially create 100,000-year soul beast souls, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was still awkwardly stuck at level 79.


    In a sense, a problem with no defect is far worse than one with a defect. Software bugs can be fixed, but some programs run on a strange combination of bugs. Problems you can''t identify are far worse than ones you can.


    To turn the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Chen Ming estimated that he would need to add two additional layers to the existing seven as a starting point. Then, through slow refinement, the Seven-Plus-Two Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could merge into a true Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.


    However, creating the crucial additional two layers was beyond Chen Ming''s current technical capabilities.


    He would either need to continue advancing his strength and understanding or use the lives of hundreds of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters as experiments. For now, there was no other way.


    Hearing the word "stable," Ning Fengzhi''s expression shifted to one of slight surprise.


    Stability was indeed a hallmark of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Over countless generations of intermarriage with other martial souls, not a single mutated Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had ever appeared.


    There had never been an extra layer, a missing layer, or any new attribute. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had remained unchanged since its inception as if mixed bloodlines did not affect it. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ning Fengzhi retracted his martial soul and asked Chen Ming, "Aside from this, did you discover any other issues?"


    "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul is complete and without defects. The inability of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters to break through to the Title Douluo level is not due to a flaw in the martial soul but something far more complex. It is precisely because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has no flaws and is so stable that its soul masters cannot break through. This martial soul''s upper limit was set at level 79 from the moment of its creation."


    Ning Fengzhi fell silent. To be honest, he would have preferred Chen Ming to say the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had a flaw preventing breakthroughs rather than hearing that its perfection was the issue.


    Flaws can be fixed, but altering a complete artifact is an immensely challenging task.


    "Is there a way to change the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?" Ning Fengzhi asked, holding onto a sliver of hope.


    To put it bluntly, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had worked on this issue for thousands of years, and all they had accomplished was becoming slightly wealthier. They had researched this for so many generations that they''d lost count, yet the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was still the same as ever.


    If even one percent of each generation''s efforts had improved the Pagoda, the problem would have been solved millennia ago.


    "There is a way, but it is very, very, very difficult."


    Despite Chen Ming emphasizing "very difficult" three times, Ning Fengzhi''s expression didn''t worsen. Instead, he looked relieved.


    "Difficult is good. Difficult means there''s a solution."


    "Chen Ming, what method is required? If you can solve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda''s problem, I will personally betroth Rongrong to you. If you wish for your descendants to become the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then they will. If not, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will forever remain your strongest ally."


    PS: Oy oy oy, majikayo? That escalated quickly.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [154]

    In his previous life as an office worker, Chen Ming had long grown weary of empty promises. When confronted with Ning Fengzhi''s proposed benefits, Chen Ming showed no interest at all. He also paid no attention to the blushing Ning Rongrong beside him, instead calmly explaining his thoughts to Ning Fengzhi and his group.


    He raised three fingers, his expression inscrutable.


    "I have three solutions: superior, moderate, and inferior."


    "The superior plan seeks speed: finding divine intervention. Gods have indeed existed on the Douluo Continent, and there have been human soul masters who attained divinity. The limitations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda only apply to mortals; for transcendent deities, such restrictions are irrelevant. If a god were to act with divine power, it would undoubtedly transform the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s superior plan, Ning Fengzhi and his group fell silent.


    Seek divine intervention? How is that a superior plan? Currently, the only forces on the continent with any connection to gods are the Qian family and the Spirit Hall, but even the Angel God hasn''t shown any miracles for countless years. If the Spirit Hall truly had a way to solve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s issues, they would''ve already used it as a bargaining chip to negotiate with them. The key issue is that even the Spirit Hall has no solution.


    "Gods do exist, but under normal circumstances, they''re inaccessible. The Douluo Continent has many extraordinary phenomena. Many soul beasts'' ancestors were divine beasts, and god-level beings have left behind numerous relics. However, with current soul master methods, these cannot yet be identified or utilized."


    Chen Ming shrugged and continued. Like many strategists, his so-called superior plan wasn''t intended as a viable option, but rather to make himself appear more profound and insightful.


    However, seeing Chen Ming''s enigmatic expression, Ning Fengzhi seemed to recall something but chose not to elaborate. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The moderate plan: seek immortal herbs. On the continent, some immortal herbs have accumulated energy for tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years, containing the very laws of heaven and earth. Consuming one immortal herb could yield benefits comparable to fully absorbing a 100,000-year soul beast or even more. Many soul masters have undergone transformative changes thanks to immortal herbs."


    "But these immortal herbs are incredibly rare. They''re not only immensely beneficial to humans but also to soul beasts. As a result, immortal herbs tend to grow in areas where almost no life dares to tread. Otherwise, they would have long been consumed by humans or soul beasts alike."


    "And the inferior plan?"


    "The inferior plan involves artificially stimulating the stability of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, using unorthodox methods to destabilize it, followed by manual guidance to stabilize its essence. This would be a very lengthy process, potentially requiring great sacrifices. But with persistence, success is possible."


    "Reaching level 80 from level 79 shouldn''t be an issue, but there''s no guarantee what happens after that. It would only be through generations of selective breeding, preserving the bloodlines of the most talented mutated soul masters, and gradually refining the process."


    Though Ning Fengzhi considered the inferior plan the most practical, as a strategist himself who had often presented superior, moderate, and inferior plans, he clearly understood that the so-called superior and inferior plans were often just there to showcase the moderate plan''s feasibility.


    It wasn''t that the superior and inferior plans were unworkable, but that the moderate plan was far more achievable by comparison.


    "Could it be that Chen Ming already has ideas about which immortal herbs or divine medicines might transform the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?" Ning Fengzhi asked.


    "No more than herbs associated with the sun, moon, and stars, or those with dragon-related properties. If dragon essence, such as a dragon core, is available, one could even consider using it to conduct targeted modifications. This could create a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul that hosts a dragon''s soul, potentially transforming it from a support-type martial soul to an offense- or control-type."


    "Dragon cores?" Ning Fengzhi murmured upon hearing Chen Ming''s suggestion, seemingly recalling something.


    For most soul masters or clans, dragon cores were the stuff of legends. However, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, during mining operations, had occasionally discovered dragon burial sites and even encountered sub-dragons with true dragon bloodlines.


    After all, dragons were not only lustful but also greedy. The purer a dragon''s bloodline, the harder it was for them to resist shiny treasures. Many dragons consciously hoarded valuables in their lairs or simply lived near mineral veins.


    Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had never obtained the most prized dragon cores, they had accumulated items like dragon bones and dragon scales over time.


    If dragon cores proved useful, Ning Fengzhi wouldn''t hesitate to dispatch Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan disciples on a continent-wide search for dragon burial sites to obtain one. If there were news of a true dragon soul beast, the clan''s dragon-slaying team would set out immediately.


    As for immortal herbs, Ning Fengzhi had heard of them before. Allegedly, one of the clan''s ancestors had obtained one during their training in a region populated by fire-attribute soul beasts. However, after mobilizing the clan''s resources to clear out the soul beasts in the area, the ancestors consumed the herb in an attempt to evolve their martial soul. The result? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan lost both the ancestor and the fire-attribute celestial herb.


    "Let fate decide," Ning Fengzhi thought to himself. He would do his best to gather immortal herbs, but even with the clan''s wealth, acquiring such items ultimately depended on luck.


    As for catalogs or information about immortal herbs, Ning Fengzhi was confident that as long as they existed on the continent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could find records about them. After all, money was power.


    After gaining a general understanding of the situation, Ning Fengzhi nodded. By this time, the auction outside had already concluded. An attendant was knocking on Ning Fengzhi''s door to discuss the auctioned items.


    Ning Fengzhi cupped his hands slightly toward Chen Ming as a gesture of gratitude.


    "If Chen Ming doesn''t mind, once the matter here is settled, would you be willing to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? I noticed earlier that you purchased many precious ores. Our clan happens to have a vast collection of such rare materials."


    "If you''re interested, you''re welcome to inspect our stores. Whatever you need, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will undoubtedly fulfill your request."


    Ning Fengzhi wasn''t exaggerating¡ªthis was the truth.


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda naturally possessed treasure-appraising abilities, excelling in the search for rare ores and metals. Over the millennia, the clan''s disciples had developed mining operations across the continent, amassing an unparalleled collection of rare minerals. Some of these materials were so unique that even the clan itself couldn''t fully understand their properties.


    To the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the continent''s metal industry was laughable. Most rare ores circulating on the market had been deliberately released by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, while the remainder were mere scraps that slipped through their fingers.


    The rarest metals highly valued by the Blacksmith Association? In the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s treasury, those were measured by the ton.


    Since Chen Ming had shown interest in collecting rare ores and had an unclear connection with Lou Gao, Ning Fengzhi didn''t mind opening the clan''s stores and gifting some of the less useful materials.


    "Thank you, Uncle Ning. I will certainly visit in the future," Chen Ming replied.


    Exchanging polite farewells, Ning Fengzhi left with Ning Rongrong and the Sword and Bone Douluo. The spatial rift they had maintained also closed, leaving behind only Chen Ming and Lou Gao.


    At this moment, looking at the still-calm and composed Chen Ming, Lou Gao couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of admiration.


    Ordinarily, he couldn''t even catch a glimpse of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s leader. When dealing with the two titled Douluo, he could only bow and offer his respects. Yet today, he had the rare opportunity to sit in the same room and converse with such powerful figures.


    As for the potential transactions between Chen Ming and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Lou Gao hadn''t dared to dream of such possibilities.


    Previously, his respect for Chen Ming stemmed solely from his expertise in metallurgy. Now, however, Lou Gao''s admiration extended to every aspect of Chen Ming''s abilities.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [155]

    Before long, the staff of the auction knocked on Chen Ming''s door and began discussing the auction items. Chen Ming had successfully bid on three items: a Dragon Blood Stone and a Dragon Scale Stone worth 430,000 gold soul coins, and a Geothermal Flame Crystal worth 550,000 gold soul coins. Together, the total amounted to 980,000 gold soul coins, which was still far less than the leading bids for the final three auction items.


    This amount of money was no issue for Chen Ming. Casually tossing out a gold card, the staff bowed respectfully and went off to confirm the payment. Shortly after, they returned with the three auctioned items and the remaining gold soul coins.


    The gold soul coins were stored in the form of gold cards. After a glance, Chen Ming casually placed them into his storage pouch. As for the Dragon Scale Stone, Dragon Blood Stone, and Geothermal Flame Crystal, he placed them on the table in his room.


    At this moment, although the auction had ended, the venue had not yet cleared out. As the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House, it traditionally hosted a banquet for all guests after the auction, serving both as a courtesy and as a social platform for the nobles and spirit masters who participated.


    Some attended the banquet, while others left in a hurry. Chen Ming, however, chose to stay in his room to study his newly acquired auction items.


    "Rich in soul power, though much of its life force has dissipated over time, the remaining portion has condensed into another form. The quality is decent."


    After inspecting the Dragon Scale Stone and Dragon Blood Stone and finding them less remarkable than he had imagined, Chen Ming shifted his attention to the Geothermal Flame Crystal. At this time, Lou Gao, who had been standing nearby, carefully ran his hands over every corner of the crystal, using all his sensory abilities to feel the warmth emanating from it.


    Chen Ming placed his hand on the crystal, channeling his spiritual power and sensory perception. Within the half-human-sized Geothermal Flame Crystal, he could sense the power of the earth accumulated over tens of thousands of years, as well as almost tangible fire energy.


    Under the influence of the earth''s power, this immense fire energy had become extremely stable and crystallized into its current form. However, if activated correctly, the energy released would surpass the ninth spirit ability of most Title Douluos¡ªakin to a natural-grade Rank 9 Soul Guidance Cannon shell.


    Of course, this was only achievable if the Geothermal Flame Crystal''s energy was fully and correctly unleashed in one go. If mishandled, the energy would simply dissipate.


    In the current state of the Douluo Continent, there was no technology capable of properly activating it. Otherwise, the price of this Geothermal Flame Crystal would have been at least ten times higher.


    Chen Ming thought about the future Sun and Moon Continent and decided that, if given the chance, he would gather knowledge on Soul Guidance device manufacturing. Such unique techniques might prove useful to him someday.


    The Geothermal Flame Crystal itself carried immense spirituality and was a natural medium for laws. Within the crystal, Chen Ming could sense intricate fragments of laws accumulated over millennia. Some might have originated from fire-type soul beasts, others from the forces of the earth''s veins, and still others from magma.


    From any perspective, it was a top-tier natural material. If the law fragments could be carefully sorted and the crystal''s power refined, it might even serve as raw material for crafting a divine weapon.


    After considering this, Chen Ming glanced at Lou Gao and pushed the half-human-sized Geothermal Flame Crystal toward him.


    "Master Lou, I lack expertise in forging. While I know a bit about spirituality, I''m a complete amateur when it comes to crafting techniques. Could I entrust you to use this Geothermal Flame Crystal as raw material to forge a weapon for me?" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your Excellency, what are you saying? It would be my greatest honor to craft a weapon for you!" Lou Gao patted his chest and assured Chen Ming.


    Why had he left Gengxin City? To gather spiritual materials for research in hopes of breaking through to the advanced level of Divine Craftsman status! Now, not only was Chen Ming providing him guidance, but he was also giving him high-quality materials. For Lou Gao, this was like a pie falling from the sky. Any hesitation on his part would mean he had been hit on the head one too many times with a hammer while forging.


    Chen Ming instructed Lou Gao to carefully store the Geothermal Flame Crystal, arranged a meeting location, and left the auction house with the Dragon Scale Stone and Dragon Blood Stone, returning to Dugu Bo''s residence.


    ...


    At that moment, Dugu Bo was busy preparing for a banquet scheduled for a few days later. Seeing Chen Ming return, he was beyond delighted.


    When Chen Ming mentioned encountering Ning Fengzhi at the auction and their conversation, Dugu Bo''s expression grew serious.


    Chen Ming expressed his desire for Dugu Bo to accompany him to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan the next day. Without hesitation, Dugu Bo agreed. After all, just the fact that Chen Ming met with Ning Fengzhi, the old fox, was enough to unsettle him. If Chen Ming were to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan alone, Dugu Bo worried he might return as Ning Fengzhi''s son-in-law, rather than his future grandson-in-law.


    Chen Ming first returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to inform Dugu Yan that he would be away for a while. Then he returned to Dugu Bo''s residence. After resting for the night, the two headed for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan outside Heaven Dou City.


    Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was not far from Heaven Dou City, it wasn''t exactly close either. After all, no emperor would tolerate a sword hanging over their neck, even if that sword theoretically posed no harm.


    For an average traveler, the journey between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Heaven Dou City would take about two days. However, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming reached the clan''s gates in less than two hours.


    Unlike other sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, while located in the mountains, was not situated in a natural fortress like the Clear Sky Clan or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Additionally, the area below the mountains was not an uninhabited wasteland.


    At the foot of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s mountain lay a prosperous town. Goods and supplies were traded in abundance, and soul masters wearing the clan''s insignia could occasionally be seen moving about.


    This town served as the clan''s primary trade hub with the outside world, catering primarily to low-level soul masters and common merchants. The goods sold here were mostly ordinary gemstones and minerals.


    Occasionally, lucky individuals would bring rare treasures to exchange for something they needed at the clan''s trade window. Regardless of whether the items were acquired through luck or dubious means, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan rarely turned anything away. Thanks to the treasure appraisal abilities of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the clan managed to acquire many valuable items each year.


    The bustling town was filled with people, and patrols of heavily armed soldiers could be seen regularly. Hidden among the town''s corners were soul masters disguised as ordinary merchants, clearly acting as sentries and scouts for the clan.


    When Chen Ming and Dugu Bo arrived at the gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, they handed over a letter of introduction. Upon confirming their identities, the gatekeepers immediately adopted a respectful demeanor and dispatched a team to escort them into the sect.


    Shortly after entering, an older, slightly overweight man approached and greeted Dugu Bo warmly.


    "Elder Wang, long time no see."


    Dugu Bo recognized the portly elder as one of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s representatives in Heaven Dou City. He was an 83rd-level defense-type Soul Douluo with the high-grade martial soul, Rock Tortoise.


    Though his strength was not particularly outstanding among Soul Douluos, his long-standing role as Ning Fengzhi''s proxy for external affairs made him a well-known figure.


    Elder Wang bowed slightly to Dugu Bo and explained with a warm smile:


    "Your Excellency Dugu, it has been a long time. Upon hearing that you were visiting with your disciple, the Clan Leader immediately appointed me to receive you. At this moment, the Clan Leader and the two guardian Douluos are waiting for you in the main hall."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [156]

    Elder Wang accompanied Dugu Bo to the gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and boarded a carriage. The carriage did not appear luxurious, but its materials and craftsmanship were incredibly solid, made entirely from the remains of ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts.


    The wooden frame of the carriage was crafted from the wood of ten-thousand-year soul tree beasts, while the cushions were woven from the silk of spider-type spirit beasts that had lived for over a thousand years. The carriage embodied a philosophy of understated luxury with substance. The cost of this single carriage alone was enough to bankrupt a small soul master family.


    Even the four horses pulling the carriage were hundred-year soul beasts known as Dragon-Scaled Horses. Each horse had a neck adorned with fine dragon scales, indicating a high concentration of dragon blood. While they didn''t reach the level of top-tier soul beasts, they were not far off.


    Under the driver''s command, the four Dragon-Scaled Horses galloped forward. Despite pulling the heavy carriage, their speed exceeded that of most soul masters at the Soul Elder rank.


    After traveling for about ten minutes, the carriage stopped in front of a hall adorned with various gemstones. Elder Wang led Dugu Bo and Chen Ming inside, where Ning Fengzhi, along with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, was already waiting.


    Upon seeing Dugu Bo, both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were visibly surprised. Dugu Bo''s condition had improved drastically compared to a few years ago¡ªhis soul power had increased significantly, and his vitality had grown immensely. His appearance had reverted to that of someone in their early sixties. Judging from his current state, it seemed likely that Dugu Bo could live for another hundred years without issue.


    Ning Fengzhi stepped forward to greet Dugu Bo and then exchanged pleasantries with Chen Ming. At Ning Fengzhi''s invitation, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming took their seats at the table, chatting casually with Ning Fengzhi for about twenty minutes.


    Throughout the conversation, however, Chen Ming did most of the talking while Dugu Bo merely nodded occasionally. After all, for Dugu Bo, intellectual discussions weren''t exactly his strong suit.


    Once the polite small talk was over, the discussion turned to the main topic. Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluo led Chen Ming and Dugu Bo out of the hall and deeper into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. They passed through several checkpoints and barriers before arriving at a hidden underground chamber.


    The chamber''s entrance was guarded by four Soul Sage-level spirit masters and eight Soul Emperor-level soul masters. Perhaps Ning Fengzhi had notified them in advance, as the soul masters here appeared exceptionally alert as if they were fully prepared for battle.


    After verifying their identities, the four Soul Sages used their keys in combination with the token in Ning Fengzhi''s hand to unlock the chamber door. What lay before them was a sight to behold¡ªpiles of ores stacked into small mountains.


    What was particularly striking was that, despite being stored here for an unknown number of years, an overwhelming amount of soul energy surged out the moment the door was opened. The sheer intensity of the energy almost gave Chen Ming the illusion of suffocating.


    Upon entering, they saw that to the left was a mountain of refined pure gold ingots, while to the right was a similar mountain of refined mithril cubes.


    These two materials were the primary components for Douluo Continent''s major currencies: gold soul coins and silver soul coins. Just one gram of refined gold, when combined with other metals, could be used to produce dozens of gold soul coins. Mithril was similarly valuable.


    Estimating roughly, Chen Ming guessed that each of these mountains was worth at least fifty billion gold soul coins. Their actual value could only be higher.


    As for Dugu Bo, upon seeing these two mountains, his mind went blank, and he momentarily forgot to breathe.


    Further inside, countless rare metals could be seen. Common materials like cold iron and flame iron were just the least valuable items. The truly valuable ones included materials like Star-Marked Iron and Deep Sea Heavy Silver, which were typically measured in grams on the continent.


    As for gemstones, in this treasury, they were treated as insignificant accessories. Even the lowest-quality gem here could fetch several hundred gold spirit coins on the outside. If a skilled craftsman were to carve it into a piece of art, it could sell for thousands of gold soul coins.


    Any one of these piles of gemstones appearing in the outside world would cause significant fluctuations in the continent''s gemstone market. If half of the treasures in this treasury were released, the entire gemstone market of the Douluo Continent would collapse completely.


    Ning Fengzhi led the two astonished visitors, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming, further into the treasury. After passing through heaps of rare metals and expensive elemental gemstones, Chen Ming finally saw the truly invaluable treasures of this vault.


    There were crystallized dragon bones and several dragon eggs, still faintly exuding a draconic aura despite having been crystallized by time. Like plants, they were rooted in the ground and coiled around stone pillars, slowly absorbing spirit energy from the air to grow at an incredibly slow pace.


    A broken spear tip, embedded in a massive purple crystal imbued with the power of lightning, radiated a faint pressure even without active inspection.


    A massive tusk over two meters long, its material resembling white jade, had its tip stained with crimson blood. Gazing at the blood gave off an overwhelming sense of killing intent.


    Among all these miraculous items, Chen Ming also noticed four half-bird-shaped jade sculptures in a corner. Each one stood over a person''s height, appearing to be merely an exquisite sculptures. However, they contained immense life energy and spirit power sealed within them.


    Even the damaged one, with only half of its shape remaining, continuously emitted soul energy from its broken edge.


    As for the bird-shaped jades, Chen Ming quickly realized they were the remains of Blue Jade Birds, top-tier soul beasts that had fully turned to jade after living for over a hundred thousand years.


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s wealth truly lives up to its reputation."


    Is wealth comparable to a nation?


    With these treasures, it wasn''t just about rivaling a nation. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could easily establish a small independent country outside the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires.


    Chen Ming finally understood why the Spirit Hall sought to destroy the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect during the Soul Hunting operation, why the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire sought to ally with generations of the sect''s leaders, and why even Qian Renxue wanted Ning Fengzhi to serve as the imperial tutor.


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s collection had long surpassed what could be described in terms of money. Over the years, their hoarding of materials included items beyond what any soul master should possess.


    Although this was merely a warehouse for gemstones and metal materials, not the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s true secret vault, any single item here would be enough to spark a bloodbath across the continent.


    To put it bluntly, while the fully jadeified Blue Jade Bird was indeed precious, it seemed almost insignificant compared to the other treasures.


    From the crystallized dragon bones to the broken spear and the blood-stained tusk, Chen Ming could distinctly sense divine power.


    Even though Chen Ming prided himself on his composure, as he looked at Ning Fengzhi''s faintly smiling face, he couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of awe. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [157]

    Of course, while Chen Ming was shocked, he also quickly understood that the items stored deep within this treasure vault were theoretically extremely valuable but completely unusable by the methods available to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan.


    Leaving aside the three items imbued with divine power¡ªwhich were essentially unusable by any normal soul master¡ªthe living metal was also completely impractical in the current era. With the forging techniques of the continent, these rare materials would simply be wasted.


    As for those petrified Jade Birds?


    They looked enticing as if they were treasure chests that would yield 100,000-year soul rings and 100,000-year soul bones when opened. But in reality, they were far from that. The petrified Jade Birds were, in essence, already dead. Their internal soul power, soul bones, soul cores, and life force had merged into a single mass, which could not be separated through conventional means.


    And if someone tried to forcibly shatter the petrified bodies?


    Well, all the treasures inside would be destroyed.


    Just looking at the remains of a petrified Jade Bird, Chen Ming could vividly imagine the frustration and pain the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan must have felt when faced with these soul beasts, unable to use them.


    "May I ask whether the treasures within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan''s vault hold anything useful for Senior Dugu and our young friend Chen Ming?" Ning Fengzhi smiled confidently and asked, addressing both Dugu Bo and Chen Ming.


    "I''m willing to offer, in the name of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, any one treasure from the vault as a gift to Senior Dugu, in celebration of his breakthrough to Rank 94," Ning Fengzhi said.


    "In addition, I wish to gift our young friend Chen Ming one treasure from the vault," Ning Fengzhi paused here, no longer concealing his intentions. "Consider this my investment in your future, Chen Ming. I hope that when you grow stronger, you will lend your support to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan if we face trouble."


    Two favors, two treasures. Faced with Ning Fengzhi''s generous offer, both Chen Ming and Dugu Bo fell silent.


    Dugu Bo was a bit confused. While he was highly skilled in the field of poison, his knowledge in other areas was quite limited. Many of the items in the vault fell into the category of "he could see them, but he had no idea what they were or how to use them."


    Under the watchful gaze of Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos of Sword and Bone, Dugu Bo patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "Xiao Ming, you decide. Should we accept this gift?"


    "Of course, we should accept it," Chen Ming replied. "I thank Uncle Ning for his gift to Grandpa, as well as for personally investing in me. If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan faces hardship in the future, I will undoubtedly lend my aid."


    "That promise is enough."


    Ning Fengzhi understood Dugu Bo well. Although the man was eccentric, he was also someone who valued his promises. While he rarely made commitments, he always kept his word. Over decades of traveling the continent, Dugu Bo had never once broken a promise.


    For Ning Fengzhi, winning over Dugu Bo, who had recently reached Rank 94, was worth far more than the two treasures that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan couldn''t even use properly. Building a connection with Chen Ming was simply a bonus.


    With Ning Fengzhi''s approval, Chen Ming stepped forward to examine the treasures closely.


    What caught Chen Ming''s attention first were the massive dragon bones and dragon eggs. After all, the Douluo Continent was a land of dragons, and anything related to dragons was bound to be of the highest caliber. More importantly, the dragon bones seemed to belong to a god-level dragon.


    As he reached out with his senses, Chen Ming discovered that the blood energy and soul power left behind by the dragon were still present within the bones, though their vitality had diminished to an almost negligible level. The blood energy and soul power had less than 10% remaining, and at the current rate of dissipation, they would completely disappear within a thousand years.


    Based on the trace amounts of energy and bloodline he could sense, Chen Ming deduced that the owner of this skeleton was likely a god-level pureblood fire dragon in life.


    If a soul master or soul beast with a dragon-related martial soul were to use special methods to extract and absorb the remaining energy, it could significantly improve their martial soul and innate potential. If the martial soul happened to match the attributes and bloodline of the dragon, there was even a minuscule chance that the martial soul could evolve to match that of the god-level dragon itself¡ªachieving the so-called god-level martial soul. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, for Chen Ming, the dragon bones were too heavily imprinted with the essence of dragons, and his martial soul wasn''t dragon-related. If he allowed the remaining energy in the dragon bones to alter him, it could potentially interfere with his plans of ascending to godhood.


    Chen Ming then turned his attention to the large purple crystal. The moment he placed his hand on it before he even actively probed it, he felt a surge of immense lightning power. It was as if he had been plunged into a sea of thunder. A giant purple figure seemed to emerge before him, as though it was trying to reflect something.


    However, because Chen Ming''s martial soul had no connection to lightning whatsoever, the purple figure was extremely blurry and only lingered for a moment before disappearing.


    When Chen Ming tried to sense the crystal again, all he could feel was the overwhelming power of lightning contained within it. The sharp tip of what appeared to be a fragment of a divine weapon actively resisted Chen Ming''s attempts to probe further. If Chen Ming wanted to forcibly investigate, it would likely come at a great cost.


    ...


    At that very moment, in the Divine Realm, the God of Destruction, who was busy handling divine affairs, abruptly lifted his head.


    "The remnants of the Thunder God''s godhood seem to have stirred. But why hasn''t it chosen a new successor? Could it be due to incompatible attributes, or perhaps some other reason?"


    As the previous Thunder God''s equal in the Divine Realm, the God of Destruction closed his eyes and quickly pinpointed the origin of the disturbance.


    "The source of the disturbance¡­ is in the Douluo Plane?"


    His expression became complex. If he recalled correctly, not too long ago, Asura, one of the other God Kings, had also been paying close attention to the Douluo Plane, intent on finding a successor.


    It seemed that the gods of the Douluo Plane¡ªsuch as the Angel, Rakshasa, and Sea God¡ªwere also searching for successors through the legacies they had left behind on the Douluo Continent. In the current state of the Divine Realm, the Douluo Plane could potentially produce a large number of new gods at any time.


    And now, at this critical moment, the Thunder God''s dormant godhood had begun to stir in the Douluo Plane. Even the God of Destruction, one of the oldest God Kings in the Divine Realm, couldn''t tell whether this development was good or bad.


    Logically, this was something he should report to Asura, the God of Judgment and Law Enforcement. However, considering the current state of the Divine Realm, the God of Destruction hesitated.


    Asura was preoccupied with finding a successor and likely wouldn''t have the time to enforce the law. The Gods of Kindness and Evil were on the verge of abandoning their godhoods entirely¡ªthey would never agree to take on more work. Asking them to help would only add to his workload.


    Among the five God Kings, three refused to work, leaving only himself and his wife, the Goddess of Life, to handle everything. Between managing affairs in other worlds, guiding divine spirits and attendants, and guarding against interdimensional threats, the workload was overwhelming.


    Despite his reluctance, the God of Destruction decided to ask his wife to monitor the Douluo Plane. He sighed and sent a divine message to the Goddess of Life, who immediately appeared before him.


    Seeing her husband''s exhaustion, the Goddess of Life felt a pang of heartache. She gently patted his head, then sent a portion of her divine consciousness into the Divine Realm''s core to monitor the Douluo Plane.


    The God of Destruction''s actions were entirely well-intentioned, and aimed at assisting Asura. However, if Asura knew about this, he would vehemently reject the God of Destruction''s help.


    After all, just ten days ago, Asura had secretly placed a carefully selected special piece into the Douluo Continent.


    His plan, which he had been preparing for a long time, was now in motion. To execute it, he had even sacrificed a candidate who originally had the qualifications to inherit his godhood. Any unexpected variables at this stage could throw his entire scheme into chaos.


    Moreover, Asura''s methods and objectives were highly taboo¡ªhe was essentially undermining the very foundations of the Divine Realm. If the other God Kings discovered his actions, they would undoubtedly turn against him, despite their millennia of camaraderie.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [158]

    Chen Ming had no idea that his actions had caught the attention of the Divine Realm''s God King. He simply observed that the remnants within the crystal were indeed fragments of a divine artifact, but they were extremely incompatible with him.


    After examining the crystal, Chen Ming turned his gaze to the massive ivory tusk. He placed his finger on the bloodstain on the tusk. As he activated his spiritual vision, he saw a blood-red figure standing tall, wielding a sword.


    The dark red figure was enormous but not particularly muscular. It wore blood-red armor engraved with faint, mysterious runes. In its hand was a crimson longsword that seemed to dominate the entire world.


    Countless divine beasts charged at the blood-red figure, but it wielded its sword, cutting down the beasts one after another. A massive divine elephant, enraged, launched an attack at the figure, its massive tusks glowing with golden light as they thrust toward the dark red figure.


    The dark red figure struck down one of the tusks with its sword, and the crimson sword aura vaporized the broken portion entirely. However, the remaining tusk pierced into the red figure''s body.


    Even though the divine elephant had unleashed all its strength, the remaining tusk, after piercing through the figure''s armor, lost most of its power. It left only a minor wound on the dark red figure.


    The figure remained silent as it swung its sword once more. The crimson blade sliced the divine elephant in two, and its terrifying divine power shattered the elephant''s body into countless pieces. The broken tusk, stained with the red figure''s blood, fell from the Divine Realm like a meteor, crashing into the depths of Douluo Continent.


    "Is this a scene from when the God of Asura fought a divine beast?"


    Although Chen Ming realized that the blood on the massive tusk belonged to the God of Asura, one of the Five God Kings, he still didn''t develop much interest in the tusk.


    The tusk was far from intact. It had been damaged by a super divine artifact in the Divine Realm, and over time, most of the divine properties in the God King''s blood had already faded.


    Chen Ming''s evaluation of the tusk was that it was useful but not particularly valuable. It wasn''t exactly worthless, but it wasn''t as precious as it appeared.


    If he wanted to study the God of Asura, Chen Ming could always take a look outside Slaughter City, where the Deathgod Domain had a direct connection to the God of Asura.


    With none of the three divine items proving useful to him, Chen Ming turned his attention to a peculiar metal that coiled around a stone pillar like vines.


    When Chen Ming placed his hand on the metal, it immediately reacted. It emitted a special force, attempting to extract life force and soul power from Chen Ming''s body.


    Sensing this unique property, Chen Ming''s eyes lit up. He relaxed his defenses slightly, deliberately feeding the metal a portion of his life force and soul power. However, he also added a trace of his soul energy into the mix.


    As the metal absorbed some of his soul power and life force, Chen Ming began to feel a faint connection forming between himself and the metal.


    Although he still didn''t know the name of this metal, Chen Ming could sense its special characteristics.


    The metal had the unique properties of devouring and assimilation. It could grow by absorbing external soul power and life force, adapting to its environment, and developing different attributes accordingly.


    Not only was the metal highly malleable, but it also possessed the ability to assimilate other materials. Under the right conditions, it could absorb other substances and acquire some of their associated abilities.


    Though its current strength wasn''t particularly impressive, Chen Ming could tell that as long as he infused enough soul power and life force into it, the metal would continue to improve over time.


    This metal was less a mere material and more like a unique metallic lifeform. If it hadn''t been excavated from the ground, it might have eventually evolved into a powerful soul beast on par with divine beasts.


    The small amount of metal before him didn''t appear remarkable¡ªit was just a few golden threads coiled around the stone pillar. However, Chen Ming estimated that these metallic threads had likely taken millions of years to reach their current state. He cut several wounds into his palm and, under the gaze of onlookers, pressed his hand against the metal. Using his spiritual energy, life force, and soul power, he actively sought to infect the metal with his essence.


    As the originally golden metal gradually took on a faint crimson hue, Chen Ming gained control over the metal coiled around the stone pillar.


    With a thought, the metal began to contract, visibly shifting from the pillar to Chen Ming''s arm. Finally, it transformed into a wrist guard with faint traces of gold and crimson on his right wrist.


    "Uncle Ning, this is the first one I''ve chosen," Chen Ming said, greeting Ning Fengzhi before moving on to continue his selection.


    Deep Sea Silver? Pass. There''s plenty on Sea God Island¡ªif I need it, I can just gather some there.


    Ten Thousand Year Black Ice Iron? Pass. While this material is rare on the continent, there''s likely quite a bit of it underground in the Extreme North. With my current mastery of Ultimate Ice, I could mine it there in the future.


    Still, Chen Ming recalled that although it wasn''t as valuable as Ice Extreme Divine Crystal, it was a byproduct of Ten Thousand Year Black Ice Essence, a top-tier treasure.


    He was curious how the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan managed to acquire it. If he had the chance in the future, he wanted to study Ten Thousand Year Black Ice Essence himself.


    Crimson Sun Gold? Pass. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tri-Metal Iron? Pass.


    Dragon Sun Gold? Pass.


    After much searching, Chen Ming finally found a suitable metal in the treasure trove of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    It was called Colorless Spirit Crystal, a highly unique metal. While its strength wasn''t particularly outstanding, it had a miraculous property¡ªit could store large amounts of soul power of different attributes and slowly convert them into attribute-less soul power.


    As a converter, the Colorless Spirit Crystal was exceptionally suitable. Moreover, Chen Ming planned to see if he could feed the crystal to the special metal now adorning his wrist, allowing it to acquire the crystal''s ability to convert soul power.


    In later eras, this type of metal was used in certain specialized ninth-level soul tools.


    Chen Ming vaguely remembered reading somewhere that the prototype ninth-level humanoid soul tool created by the Illustrious Virtue Hall used a material with similar properties.


    His current attributes were no longer what they had been¡ªpure poison. Although his ice and fire attributes were powerful, he lacked advanced ice and fire soul skills. His Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire were still in their early stages of mastery.


    If he could create a device that converted all soul power into attribute-less soul power before reusing it, he could adapt his attributes to counter specific opponents.


    With his fourth soul skill, Heaven and Earth Reversal, the Colorless Spirit Crystal might achieve even greater effects.


    For instance, he could absorb the pure soul power of an enemy''s attack and convert it into attribute-less soul power to use against them.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [159]

    Watching Chen Ming''s choices, Ning Fengzhi was somewhat surprised. He had thought Chen Ming would select the ten-thousand-year-old petrified statue of the Jade Bird. After all, even though it seemed unusable, it was still a genuine ten-thousand-year-old soul beast. Almost every soul master who came here had set their sights on the Jade Bird''s statue.


    Originally, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had collected six Jade Bird statues over a thousand years, three of which were found in the same nest.


    One of the clan leaders of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan tried dismantling one of the statues to study it, only to discover that these petrified Jade Birds were nothing more than oversized decorations. In the end, five statues were left in the clan''s vault.


    After becoming the clan leader, Ning Fengzhi took notice of these statues. When he was stuck at the maddeningly difficult level of Spirit Rank 79, he came up with an idea. He invited several specialized soul masters to see if they could open the Jade Bird statues and extract the ten-thousand-year-old spirit bones inside, hoping to forcibly break through to Spirit Rank 80 by absorbing the soul bones of the ten-thousand-year-old soul beast.


    The result? All they got was another half-destroyed Jade Bird statue awaiting disposal in the vault.


    Although Ning Fengzhi was curious about the mystery behind the statues, he did not delve too deeply into it. After all, with Dugu Bo''s strength in the picture, Chen Ming wasn''t someone without connections. Maintaining a good relationship was more beneficial, as forcing a confrontation could lead to problems.


    "Thank you, Uncle Ning. These two treasures will be enough for me," Chen Ming said, satisfied, as he gave Ning Fengzhi a polite nod. Ning Fengzhi, in turn, glanced at Dugu Bo with great interest.


    "Consider these two treasures my gift to both of you. I just wonder¡ªwhat does Senior Dugu think of this arrangement?"


    After all, Chen Ming had essentially taken both shares of the two treasures on behalf of Dugu Bo. Ning Fengzhi was curious about how much importance Dugu Bo placed on Chen Ming. Why was it that, despite Dugu Bo being a Titled Douluo, he appeared to be the one taking a backseat in their dynamic?


    "I''ve never cared much for worldly possessions," Dugu Bo said, stroking his now slightly darkened beard. He spoke to Ning Fengzhi with an air of utter nonchalance.


    Seeing Dugu Bo''s demeanor of detaching himself from material concerns, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were momentarily stunned. They couldn''t help but marvel at Dugu Bo''s mindset.


    In truth, neither of them had any idea that Dugu Bo had long grown accustomed to letting Chen Ming make decisions in these matters. Knowing Chen Ming''s capabilities, Dugu Bo was confident that Chen Ming''s judgment surpassed his own by an immeasurable margin.


    Even if Chen Ming''s choices didn''t yield massive profits, there would at least be no losses. On the other hand, if Dugu Bo were to make the choices himself, any small profit would already feel like a huge gain.


    Aside from the fine metals near the entrance¡ªmystic silver and refined gold¡ªDugu Bo hardly recognized any of the materials stored within the treasure vault. He couldn''t very well just pick out random gold ingots, could he?


    Once everything was settled, Ning Fengzhi led the group out of the vault. As they left, Dugu Bo glanced at the soul sages and soul emperors guarding the entrance, his gaze now carrying a different meaning.


    Before entering, Dugu Bo had felt that placing so many high-ranking soul masters to guard a vault was a waste of resources. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, after seeing the items inside, Dugu Bo thought Ning Fengzhi must have nerves of steel to entrust the treasure vault to mere soul sages and soul emperors, without a single soul douluo among them.


    By all logic, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo could have left after securing their treasures. However, having just accepted such valuable items, even Chen Ming and Dugu Bo felt it inappropriate to simply walk away. Instead, they dutifully followed Ning Fengzhi through the formalities and shared a meal.


    After the meal, Ning Fengzhi called for a servant. Not long after, the servant returned with two figures, one large and one small. Behind them, a third figure lurked, clearly trying (and failing) to remain hidden.


    The larger figure was the dragonkin girl Chen Ming had seen auctioned at the Heaven Dou Royal Auction House a few days ago.


    Now, under the care of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, the dragonkin girl, who had once carried a look of fear in her eyes, appeared much calmer. She was dressed in simple, ordinary clothing¡ªnot overly luxurious, but modestly comfortable, which suited her background as a commoner. For the girl, such clothing provided a sense of security.


    The smaller figure was a boy of about six or seven years old. He had a head of green hair, a thin frame, and a slightly timid look. His fingers fidgeted nervously in front of him, giving off a soft, delicate impression.


    Seeing the two brought in, Chen Ming appeared confused. Ning Fengzhi began to introduce them.


    "This young lady was the one from a few days ago. I noticed that you seemed interested in her, so I had her brought here."


    "As for this boy, I recall you mentioning an interest in researching the Jewel Beast martial soul. Coincidentally, our clan has a child who has reached Soul Rank 10 but has yet to absorb his first soul ring. I thought he might be of some assistance to you, so I had him brought over."


    Ning Fengzhi gestured toward the timid boy, who immediately introduced himself nervously.


    "R-respected seniors, greetings! My name is Ning Tie. I am a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. My martial soul is the Jewel Beast, and my soul power is at Rank 10, but I have not yet absorbed my first soul ring. Please guide me."


    After finishing his introduction, the boy gave a deep bow to the group, leaving everyone a little amused.


    Clearly, although Ning Tie was a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, it seemed he rarely, if ever, had the chance to meet the clan leader, the two guardian Douluos, or other high-ranking individuals of this level. His nervous behavior made him resemble a sacrificial lamb being led to the altar.


    It was almost ironic how mismatched his demeanor was with his rather bold name, "Ning Tie" (Iron Ning).


    "Ning Tie, hello. I''m Chen Ming, twelve years old. You can call me Big Brother Chen Ming or Big Brother Chen. No need to be so formal."


    Chen Ming patted Ning Tie''s shoulder and, in doing so, sensed the boy''s unique martial soul essence. Indeed, it was highly unusual, vastly different from the Jewel Beast martial soul of Ning Zhongze, who had already absorbed two soul rings. The boy''s martial soul held remarkable developmental potential.


    "Big Brother Chen Ming, hello!" Ning Tie stammered, nervously greeting Chen Ming. His tension eased ever so slightly during this interaction.


    Chen Ming then shifted his attention to the silent dragonkin girl standing nearby.


    Although she was only nine years old, the unique fusion of her life force with her martial soul caused her to grow at an extraordinary rate. She stood around 1.7 meters tall, a height that would already be considered normal for an eighteen-year-old female soul master. Though her frame appeared frail and easily bullied, Chen Ming could sense a volcano-like power and the pure essence of dragon energy coursing through her body.


    Compared to Chen Ming at the age of nine, the dragonkin girl''s physical strength was superior. Even without consuming special medicinal substances or undergoing soul-strengthening treatments, the mutation of her martial soul alone had granted her a level of raw physical power that most soul masters would find unreasonable.


    It was clear that even though her martial soul mutation meant she couldn''t cultivate traditionally, her half-human, half-dragon form allowed her to easily overpower most soul masters with average martial souls and soul rings.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [160]

    Chen Ming had previously mentioned to Dugu Bo the Dragonkin girl and his research on Jewel Beasts, so Dugu Bo merely observed from the side without interrupting.


    Chen Ming walked up to the Dragonkin girl and gave her a gentle smile. At the same time, he subtly guided his mental and spiritual energy into a harmonious rhythm.


    This was a technique he had developed while studying the Beautiful Silk Tulip. When applied to the herb, this ability could attract soul beasts. However, as a human, Chen Ming could only imitate a small portion of this effect, releasing a wave of energy that made others feel an instinctive inclination to approach him.


    The wave, while effective, was slightly clumsy and abrupt. Any soul master with a higher level of spiritual power could detect it. For this reason, Chen Ming avoided using it in front of others, and today marked its first usage.


    Under the influence of this special wave, the Dragonkin girl''s gaze toward Chen Ming softened, becoming less wary and more relaxed.


    Seizing the moment, Chen Ming introduced himself to the Dragonkin girl.


    "My name is Chen Ming, a 12-year-old, thirty-fifth-level Soul Elder. Nice to meet you. May I ask what your name is?"


    "I¡­ I''m called Xiao Wu."


    Xiao Wu?


    Hearing this name, Chen Ming froze momentarily, his first thought being a certain rabbit with over 100,000 years of cultivation. Then he realized that this was simply the name of the girl before him. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the Douluo Continent, it wasn''t uncommon for commoners to lack surnames. For instance, in the original story, Old Jack, the village chief of Holy Spirit Village, was a perfect example. He was just called Jack, without a surname, and even his name had been passed down for generations. Young ones were called Little Jack, adults were Jack, and elderly ones became Old Jack. If there were brothers, they would be differentiated by numbers: Big Jack, Second Jack, and so on.


    (PS: Xiao means ''Little'')


    This was a normal occurrence. It''s just that Chen Ming, having been born into a noble family with a surname and lineage, found it somewhat unfamiliar.


    "My mother had no surname," Xiao Wu continued. "She said that when she awakened her martial soul at six years old, she was kidnapped by traffickers and sold to an old man. The old man abused her for a year before having her disposed of."


    "My mother escaped secretly, pregnant with me. Shortly after giving birth to me, she passed away. My grandparents didn''t like me either."


    "When I awakened my martial soul, I turned into a monster. A few days later, my grandparents sold me to the village chief, who then sold me to a noble in the city. I escaped under the cover of night and wandered into the forest."


    "I don''t even know what happened after that. Later, I was caught by a group of soul masters and sent to¡­ an auction house."


    If her martial soul awakening hadn''t gone wrong, the term auction house would never have appeared in her life. Even now, she wasn''t entirely sure what an auction house was.


    "I''m not some kind of monster! There''s nothing about me worth researching!"


    The girl named Xiao Wu grew agitated but didn''t dare to vent her emotions fully. She could only repeat over and over again that she wasn''t a monster.


    At that moment, a figure following behind them could no longer contain herself and jumped out.


    Dressed in pink, Ning Rongrong pretended to have just passed by. She elegantly stepped out from behind the door and walked over to Chen Ming and Xiao Wu, greeting everyone with a smile.


    Upon seeing Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu''s face lit up as if she had found a savior. She looked tearfully at Ning Rongrong, even though her figure was much larger than Ning Rongrong''s and appeared far more mature. Yet, she still exuded the pitiful demeanor of a puppy about to be abandoned.


    Standing beside Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong patted her gently on¡­ the base of her tailbone. It was a gesture meant to comfort the distressed girl.


    Watching this scene, Chen Ming couldn''t help but laugh awkwardly as he explained, "I don''t think you''re some kind of monster. I''m just curious and believe I might be able to fix your condition, allowing you to cultivate like a normal soul master."


    After hearing Chen Ming''s words, Bone Douluo''s expression shifted slightly, and a playful glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at Chen Ming.


    Even though he had a dragon-type martial soul, he wouldn''t dare claim he could solve this girl''s problem.


    A top-tier dragon-type martial soul, innate rank-nine soul power, and a mutated martial soul¡ªher talent was already faintly superior to his own in his youth.


    If her condition could truly be resolved and her cultivation ability restored, she''d be a prime candidate for a future Titled Douluo, potentially even a protector for their sect. It would also make her an ideal disciple for him.


    Hearing that her problem could be solved, Xiao Wu immediately became excited. To her, her current appearance was the root of all her troubles.


    She had considered countless times cutting off the parts of her body that were different from others and had even acted on this impulse.


    But no matter how much pain she endured to pull off her scales, they would grow back. As for the tail behind her, which felt like an extension of her leg, she had contemplated tearing it off countless times but feared dying or crippling herself in the process.


    "Here, give me your hand," Chen Ming said with a smile. Xiao Wu glanced at Ning Rongrong, and only after Ning Rongrong nodded did she cautiously raise her scale-covered arm.


    Chen Ming gently held her wrist and began slowly channeling his soul power and spiritual energy into Xiao Wu''s body, carefully examining her condition.


    Chen Ming had encountered many beast martial soul masters with martial soul possession, but this was his first time seeing something like this. The dragon-like features on Xiao Wu''s body were no longer just a manifestation of her martial soul¡ªthey had become a part of her physical body, grown under the guidance of her martial soul.


    If he had intervened immediately after her martial soul awakening, he might have been able to remove these features entirely. But now, after so many years, these dragon-like traits had become genuine flesh and blood. Forcibly removing them would be akin to cutting off parts of her body, causing more harm than good.


    As Chen Ming''s soul power and spiritual energy reached her dantian, he finally understood why she couldn''t cultivate.


    Her condition was unique¡ªshe wasn''t quite like a soul master but resembled a soul beast instead.


    The mutated aspects of her martial soul prevented her from actively absorbing soul power from the environment and gathering it in her dantian. However, the human part of her body also made her unable to passively cultivate like a soul beast over time.


    She was stuck in limbo, with the quirks of her martial soul and body structure creating a bug. Her survival depended entirely on this bug. If the structure were disrupted, she might die instantly.


    Fortunately, Chen Ming had developed some expertise in fixing bugs. From the moment he arrived in this world, he had been advancing to resolve such issues.


    The countless treasures at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well hadn''t gone to waste. Though the rules of the Douluo Continent limited their direct application, the insights he gained were invaluable.


    Utilizing the fire laws contained within the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and the Infernal Delicate Apricot, Chen Ming slowly channeled his Ultimate Fire soul power into Xiao Wu''s dantian. He gathered and purified the fire dragon energy within her, subtly leaving a mark with his Spiritual Eye ability. Finally, he adjusted the essence of her martial soul, correcting its inherent flaws.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [161]

    With Xiao Wu''s current abilities, she couldn''t sense that Chen Ming had placed a mark on her. At this point, everything happening within her body was no longer under her control but under Chen Ming''s.


    If her martial soul and body wanted to collapse, they''d have to get Chen Ming''s permission first. With Chen Ming''s current strength, controlling the origin of a martial soul from someone who hadn''t even reached the Soul Grandmaster level was ridiculously easy.


    Under Chen Ming''s manipulation, the essence of the Fire Dragon Martial Soul was activated, and impurities were removed. Externally, this manifested as Xiao Wu''s body trembling, her face flushed, soft moans escaping her lips, and a pair of dragon horns on her head glowing a deep crimson. A faint dragon aura emanated from her body.


    As Chen Ming spread his hands and withdrew his soul power and spiritual energy, Xiao Wu''s body swayed slightly. Just as it seemed she was about to fall, Ning Rongrong, standing nearby, caught her.


    Although Ning Rongrong''s physique was quite different from Xiao Wu''s, she was a Soul Grandmaster. While the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda didn''t enhance her physical attributes, using soul power to strengthen her body enough to support Xiao Wu was no problem at all.


    After confirming that Xiao Wu''s soul power had stabilized, Gu Rong immediately flashed to her side and pressed his fingers on her pulse point to assess her condition.


    When he sensed that Xiao Wu''s previously unstable martial soul had fully stabilized and her soul power had risen from innate level nine to level ten, Gu Rong''s wizened face broke into a smile.


    Xiao Wu had been preparing to muster her energy to ask what had happened, but seeing Gu Rong grinning in front of her like a zombie, she couldn''t hold back and fainted on the spot, leaving Gu Rong¡ªwho had been about to offer to take her as a disciple¡ªfrozen awkwardly. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even Ning Rongrong, upon seeing Gu Rong''s appearance, couldn''t help but wrinkle her brows slightly. Though she said nothing, her expression still dealt Gu Rong a psychological blow.


    Enduring the pain of being looked down upon, Gu Rong returned to Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo''s side and shared his judgment.


    "Xiao Wu''s martial soul has stabilized, and it seems her ability to cultivate has been restored. Her soul power has also broken through from level nine to level ten. She looks ready to absorb her first soul ring."


    "What?" Ning Fengzhi couldn''t help but gasp and looked at Chen Ming with a hint of greed in his eyes.


    In just a few minutes, he had fixed a soul master''s congenital defect.


    Dragonkin girls were rare treasures on the continent, but a girl with an innate level nine soul power and a Red Dragon martial soul was a seed for a future Titled Douluo. The value of the two couldn''t even be compared.


    Even though Ning Fengzhi kept reminding himself that Chen Ming was untouchable, seeing this display still gave him the urge to forcibly keep Chen Ming here and have him marry Ning Rongrong.


    If Chen Ming could stay in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it wouldn''t just be one or two Titled Douluo in future generations. The number could very well double.


    Noticing Ning Fengzhi''s burning gaze, Dugu Bo stepped forward and stood in front of Chen Ming. Although he said nothing, the look in his eyes made Ning Fengzhi suppress his impulse.


    He patted Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo on the shoulders, smiled at Dugu Bo, and then retrieved a green soul bone from his storage soul tool.


    "This soul bone comes from a 40,000-year-old Jade-Scaled Snake King. It''s a left arm bone with a poison-element offensive soul skill and has yet to be absorbed by anyone in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. The help that Chen Ming has provided to our sect is invaluable. To repair Xiao Wu''s martial soul issue is of great significance to us, so we''d like to offer this Jade-Scaled Snake King''s left arm bone as a token of gratitude."


    This soul bone had been hidden in Ning Fengzhi''s storage soul tool since the morning. If it weren''t for Chen Ming fixing Xiao Wu''s condition, even if Dugu Bo and Chen Ming left the sect, Ning Fengzhi wouldn''t have revealed that he had this soul bone.


    Seeing the soul bone, Dugu Bo''s eyes flashed, and a kind smile appeared on his face as he reached out to take the soul bone and put it directly into his storage soul tool. Then he stepped slightly aside, revealing Chen Ming.


    Dugu Bo had grown accustomed to Chen Ming''s high standards and could guess without a second thought that Chen Ming would never absorb this soul bone. He decided to keep it for himself, thinking he might be able to use it to advance further and break through to level 95.


    Dugu Bo wasn''t a greedy man; ordinary wealth didn''t tempt him. But the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was offering far too much.


    If Ning Fengzhi had given him this soul bone a few years ago, Dugu Bo might have considered joining the sect as a Guardian.


    Dugu Bo knew his situation well. Though he appeared mighty as the Poison Douluo, in reality, he was dirt poor. Before Chen Ming''s arrival, he had been guarding a treasure mountain he couldn''t exploit. A 40,000-year-old top-grade soul bone was enough to accomplish many things.


    If Ning Fengzhi wanted to win over his future grandson-in-law, so be it.


    Ever since Chen Ming had accompanied him to Biluochen City to support the Chen family, Dugu Bo understood that Chen Ming deeply valued family and relationships. While Chen Ming''s personality wasn''t as stubborn as his own, they were quite similar in this regard. Chen Ming wasn''t the type to disrespect elders or act like an ungrateful brat.


    Though it seemed like Dugu Bo had gained the most from their interactions, he was fully aware of how he had reached a soul power level of 94.


    With Dugu Bo''s tacit approval, Chen Ming stayed in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect for two days under Ning Fengzhi''s enthusiastic hospitality. During this time, Chen Ming not only studied the Jewel Beast Martial Soul but also examined other special martial souls within the sect.


    On the third day, Ning Fengzhi arranged for Ning Tie to bring a century-old Swift Wind Falcon as Xiao Wu''s first soul ring. After observing the changes in the Jewel Beast Martial Soul before and after absorbing the soul ring, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo prepared to leave the sect.


    When Chen Ming departed, Ning Fengzhi first offered some sect specialties (gold soul coins) and then personally escorted Chen Ming and Dugu Bo ten miles beyond the sect''s gates, accompanied by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Only after watching them leave did Ning Fengzhi return to the sect.


    The news of Chen Ming''s close ties with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect spread quickly through the spies of various factions. From that point on, Chen Ming''s background on the continent grew to include not only Dugu Bo, Spirit Hall, and Heaven Dou Empire''s Royal Academy but also the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.


    Although this would inevitably bring Chen Ming some trouble in the future, the help the sect could provide far outweighed any potential issues.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [162]

    Chen Ming first returned to the largest blacksmith shop in Heaven Dou City, where Lou Gao had already been waiting for him for three to four days. Upon seeing Chen Ming, Lou Gao immediately rushed over excitedly. Chen Ming spent an entire day explaining the concept of spirituality to Lou Gao. Then, he instructed Lou Gao to hammer metals while he observed from the side, carefully noting and explaining the changes in the metals'' spirituality.


    Lou Gao had been stuck before reaching the stage of spiritual forging because the system of this era had not yet developed to this point. However, with Chen Ming''s guidance, Lou Gao naturally crossed that threshold and was now able to awaken the spirituality of most metals.


    Afterward, Chen Ming did not rush Lou Gao further. Instead, he advised Lou Gao to return to the blacksmith association and continue his research with trusted confidants. At the same time, Chen Ming wrote a letter to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in his name, ensuring that the blacksmith association would be able to acquire metals from them at more stable and affordable prices in the future.


    Before leaving, Chen Ming returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. There, he patiently used his essence to nourish and assimilate the metallic bracers he had, letting them first absorb the Colorless Spirit Crystal. He then carefully observed the condition of the Snow Swan Kiss.


    Three days later, Chen Ming removed the Aromatic Silk Beauty and approached the Snow Swan Kiss. By this time, the metallic bracers on his hands had been thoroughly refined and had become as flexible as his fingers.


    Using strands of golden thread, he delicately uprooted the Snow Swan Kiss from the ground. The fine golden threads then began to pierce into the exposed roots and stems of the Snow Swan Kiss. Under Chen Ming''s careful manipulation, the threads fused with the roots of the Snow Swan Kiss.


    The Snow Swan Kiss attempted to resist, but Chen Ming had already prepared for this. With the aid of the Spirituality Eye and the golden threads, he continuously imprinted his mark onto the Snow Swan Kiss.


    The Snow Swan Kiss had a deep reserve of essence but was now like a drifting rootless plant. Meanwhile, Chen Ming had two soul cores as support, providing him with an endless supply of energy. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a day and a night, the Snow Swan Kiss was completely infiltrated by the golden threads. These threads assimilated most of the key structures of the Snow Swan Kiss and formed a network resembling meridians within it.


    At this point, the Snow Swan Kiss had transformed from an immortal herb into a special magical artifact forged by Chen Ming.


    Still unsatisfied, Chen Ming retrieved a large jar from his Hundred Treasures Pouch. Inside was a vibrant scorpion tail¡ªspecifically, the tail of the Netherworld Scorpion that Dugu Bo had harvested. Because it had not been severed long ago and had been preserved in a special medicinal liquid, the scorpion tail retained much of its vitality.


    Chen Ming reshaped part of the Snow Swan Kiss into a short staff, allowing the golden threads to slowly merge with the scorpion tail.


    After half a day, the Netherworld Scorpion''s tail was completely assimilated by the golden threads. No trace of the original scorpion tail remained¡ªit now resembled a staff.


    Chen Ming linked the Snow Swan Kiss to the staff. Through the golden threads, which formed a meridian-like structure, the two parts were seamlessly connected.


    As a large amount of soul power, life force, and even part of his martial soul''s essence and spirituality were consumed, a golden staff appeared in Chen Ming''s hands.


    The staff was about 1.5 meters long and slender, roughly as thick as one and a half fingers. It bore no decorations, and if not for the unique design at its head, one might mistake it for a plain golden rod.


    When touched, it emitted a faint warmth. Upon closer inspection, one could sense the staff slowly absorbing the energy of heaven and earth, as though it were a living being.


    Chen Ming wiped the sweat off his forehead and tried injecting a bit of soul power and spirituality into the staff.


    As his will surged, a massive amount of venom erupted from the staff''s tip, transforming into a terrifying dark purple poisonous cloud that enveloped Chen Ming. The cloud carried a deadly toxin and the power of death, capable of instantly claiming the lives of tens of thousands.


    Chen Ming raised the staff and lightly tapped its tail on the ground. The poison cloud surrounding him was instantly absorbed by the staff''s tail, leaving no trace of toxins in the air.


    "Not bad. It has inherited the abilities of both the Snow Swan Kiss and the Netherworld Scorpion''s tail."


    Satisfied with the result, Chen Ming nodded in approval.


    All his effort and energy had not been in vain. The staff he had forged perfectly met his expectations. The Snow Swan Kiss amplified toxins hundreds or even thousands of times, while the Netherworld Scorpion''s tail could absorb poison and death energy. The special metal possessed properties of growth and assimilation.


    Together, these three elements formed a perfect cycle. The Snow Swan Kiss extracted poison from the Netherworld Scorpion''s tail and amplified it exponentially. The scorpion tail then absorbed the poison and death energy back into the staff. Meanwhile, the golden threads, with their growth capability, used the absorbed energy to further stimulate the growth of the Snow Swan Kiss and the scorpion tail.


    Although there were still imperfections and areas for improvement, this was undoubtedly a piece of equipment with true growth potential.


    "My first weapon should have a name that commands respect. The Angel God has the Angelic Sacred Sword, the Sea God has the Sea God''s Trident, and the Rakshasa God has the Rakshasa Scythe."


    "I aim to become a god. So my weapon shall be called... the Poison God Staff."


    To match his words, Chen Ming subtly controlled the staff to tremble slightly, pretending that the staff itself was pleased with its name.


    Unlike other weapons, the Poison God Staff could be considered an extension of Chen Ming''s body. Even if it became a super divine weapon, it wouldn''t develop independent intelligence. Thus, Chen Ming could only play along with himself this time.


    After putting everything away, Chen Ming hugged the staff and lay on the ground unceremoniously, preparing to close his eyes and take a nap.


    The process of forging the staff had consumed a great deal of his energy. While his soul cores could provide life force and soul power to sustain his body, his mental and spiritual exhaustion was very real.


    Since there was nothing urgent to handle, he decided to sleep for a while.


    Chen Ming closed his eyes and drifted into slumber.


    ...


    Ever since arriving in this world, thanks to his cheating ability, he had never dreamed. Yet this time, during his sleep, he found himself in a mysterious realm.


    An intangible presence manifested before Chen Ming, and with his constant study of the laws of the Douluo World, he immediately recognized it as the instinctive manifestation of the Douluo World''s will.


    A map of the Douluo Star appeared before him, with the locations of the four continents marked.


    The map quickly zoomed in¡ªfirst to the Douluo Continent, then to the Heaven Dou Empire, and finally to the northwestern region of the empire, focusing on several cities.


    These cities were shrouded in a blood-red power. The world''s consciousness attempted several times to narrow the scope further but failed each time.


    "Please... save... the Angel God," the Douluo World''s limited consciousness pleaded with Chen Ming.


    "Do not bring... others. They will become... his pawns..."


    The world consciousness tried to say more, but the blood-red power seemed to detect its prying and erupted violently, shattering Chen Ming''s dream.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [163]

    "Are you asking me to save the Angel God?"


    Lying on the ground, Chen Ming suddenly opened his eyes. It was already broad daylight. Everything within the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eyes appeared tranquil and harmonious, yet Chen Ming inexplicably felt a sense of urgency.


    No, it wasn''t inexplicable. Chen Ming carefully sensed it and realized that this agitation stemmed from his connection to the consciousness of the world. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t the first time Chen Ming had interacted with the consciousness of the world, but in the past, the world consciousness had mostly been indifferent to him. This time, however, it was clear that the world consciousness wanted him to do something.


    To save the Angel God, and not to involve others¡ªotherwise, they would become pawns.


    This was suspicious, incredibly suspicious, so much so that Chen Ming wondered if he had fallen victim to some mental-type Title Douluo''s hundred-thousand-year ninth spirit ability.


    But the connection between him and the world consciousness had undeniably deepened, and he could feel the urgency coming from the consciousness.


    This feeling couldn''t be faked. Even gods couldn''t fake something like this. After all, to achieve such a feat, one would need to completely control the world consciousness or at least hold mastery over more than half of its authority.


    During the era of Douluo 2, it might have been possible for Tang San''s using his parents to impersonate the world consciousness. However, in this era, such deception was impossible.


    Chen Ming took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The energy actively gathered toward his body, ready to be refined with just a single thought.


    Raising the Poison God Staff in his hand, Chen Ming closed his eyes and carefully controlled it. Following his will, a thick, purple-black poisonous cloud surged out from the staff, condensing mid-air. Eventually, it took on a texture that resembled a cloud.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes, stepped onto the cloud, and, with the assistance of the wind elements in the air, he truly stood atop it.


    Just as Chen Ming began flying on the cloud, a gust of nameless wind blew directly toward him, as if trying to push him in a specific direction.


    "I need to notify Grandpa first!"


    Chen Ming complained to the world consciousness through their mental link. The consciousness immediately responded with a vague reply:


    "I¡­ will¡­ send a dream¡­ Hurry!"


    Under the increasingly forceful wind, Chen Ming, standing atop the cloud, was forcibly blown toward the northwest of the Douluo Continent. He didn''t even need to control his position or maintain his balance; his entire body moved forward in a straight line.


    The strong wind continued for nearly a day before slowing down. For the last time, the voice of the world consciousness echoed in Chen Ming''s mind:


    "Beware of Asura."


    With that single, complete reminder, Chen Ming felt his connection to the world consciousness abruptly severed.


    The elements of heaven and earth continued to flow, and everything appeared normal. But Chen Ming alone could sense that the connection between soul masters and the Douluo world had been blocked by some formless power.


    Jumping down from the cloud, Chen Ming began running forward at a rapid pace. Before long, a city came into view. However, the city gates were tightly shut. Large barricades were placed in front of the gates, the drawbridge had been raised, and the moat was teeming with ferocious carnivorous fish, with even one or two ten-year soul beasts mixed among them.


    On the city walls, fully armed soldiers watched every corner vigilantly. Patrol teams moved back and forth, as if on high alert for an imminent threat.


    The entire city had entered a state of war readiness. The soldiers seemed as tense as if they were bracing for an attacking army.


    Yet this was the northwestern corner of the Douluo Continent, deep within the Heaven Dou Empire''s territory. It was separated from the Star Luo Empire by an immense distance. Short of the Star Luo Empire annihilating the Heaven Dou Empire''s army and invading all its territories, there shouldn''t be any connection to war here.


    Recalling the rumors he had heard at the Royal Academy a few days ago about Crown Prince Xue Qinghe inspecting accounts, Chen Ming narrowed his eyes.


    "Could this be treason? An attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince?"


    Chen Ming''s eyes narrowed into slits, though he didn''t jump to conclusions. If this were merely a plot to harm the Crown Prince, Qian Renxue''s bodyguards alone would be enough to handle these people.


    The world consciousness had mentioned pawns and the God of Asura.


    Suppressing his aura, Chen Ming advanced toward the city at a normal pace. As soon as he entered the archers'' line of sight, someone on the wall immediately beat a drum. A team of soldiers quickly gathered on the wall, and a large number of archers readied their bows.


    "Who are you?"


    The officer on the wall shouted through a speaking device of unknown origin. Beside him, several guards had already drawn their bows, their arrows aimed at Chen Ming.


    Though it seemed excessive to make such a fuss over one person, this was the Douluo Continent. High-level combatants here were indeed capable of single-handedly decimating armies.


    If it had been a small caravan passing through, they wouldn''t have made such a fuss. But the more ordinary Chen Ming appeared, the more suspicious he seemed¡ªcould he be a top-tier soul master?


    As subordinates of Earl Glamorgan, they were acutely aware that their current actions carried the penalty of death. Any negligence could result in the annihilation of their entire family.


    "I''m just a passing soul master looking to resupply," Chen Ming shouted back, amplifying his voice to a level akin to that of a Soul Elder.


    "This city does not welcome passing soul masters!" The officer responded curtly, still keeping a close eye on Chen Ming. After a moment of thought, he added:


    "Recently, spies from the Star Luo Empire stole a storage soul tool containing ten years'' worth of tax revenue from Earl Glamorgan. By the Earl''s decree, no suspicious individuals may enter the city, and no suspicious persons may leave!"


    Ten years'' worth of taxes stolen at once? An entire decade''s tax revenue packed into a single storage soul tool?


    Chen Ming wasn''t a child¡ªhe could easily recognize this as a cover-up.


    Judging by their fully armed, battle-ready appearance, Chen Ming could tell with just a bit of thought that this so-called Earl Glamorgan was likely evading taxes owed to the Heaven Dou Empire and had pinned the blame on supposed Star Luo Empire spies.


    These soldiers weren''t preparing to deal with Star Luo spies; they were preparing for the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. At best, they might be trying to capture the prince for negotiation. At worst, they were outright rebelling.


    "What am I supposed to do if I need to resupply?" Chen Ming asked.


    "Follow the main road for five miles. Earl Glamorgan has set up a temporary marketplace where you can purchase supplies. If you go any further, you will face the wrath of Earl Glamorgan''s army. Without the Earl''s permission, no outsiders may enter the city, and no unauthorized individuals may proceed further!"


    PS: This Asura God is similar to Tang San in Soul Land 2. Although meddling in mortal realms is forbidden, they still do it shamelessly.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [164]

    Since he had no idea where Qian Renxue was, nor did he know exactly what the God of Asura had done, Chen Ming glanced at the fully armed soldiers on the city wall, shrugged, and obediently headed toward the marketplace.


    For Chen Ming, traveling five li (about 2.5 kilometers) was a short journey, and he soon arrived at the so-called marketplace.


    This marketplace constructed by Earl Glamorgan, was built from a remodeled village. From the houses and courtyards, it was clear that not long ago, villagers had still lived there.


    However, the villagers were nowhere to be seen now. Their homes had been converted into warehouses and barracks for soldiers. The few rooms that appeared to have been halls were transformed into communal sleeping areas.


    When Chen Ming entered the marketplace, people''s glances toward him were no longer unusual. Some merchants sat idly on their wagons, staring at the clouds in boredom. Soul Masters gathered in small groups, joking around. Yet for some reason, there was something strange about the aura these people exuded.


    As Chen Ming entered, a few soldiers who looked like thugs immediately perked up. Carrying their weapons, they swaggered toward him with malicious intent in their eyes.


    "Stop! To enter the marketplace, you must have a pass issued by Lord Earl. If you don''t have one, you''ll have to purchase one from me."


    "One pass, ten gold soul coins!" The leader of the rogue soldiers reeked of alcohol, his neck flushed red. Seeing Chen Ming''s valuable clothes, his eyes gleamed, and he grinned as he demanded ten gold soul coins.


    Chen Ming was somewhat baffled. With his height of 1.9 meters, why did these thug-like soldiers still dare to provoke him like this?


    Though many people on the Douluo Continent weren''t particularly bright, there shouldn''t be this many who were this foolish, right?


    Because of the color of his soul rings, Chen Ming couldn''t summon them openly, so he simply released a bit of his Soul Master aura to suppress the thugs with his presence.


    Of course, Chen Ming held back. He only exerted a slight pressure. If he had released his full aura without restraint, very few people in the entire marketplace would have survived.


    The moment the thugs felt Chen Ming''s repressive aura, a trace of panic appeared in their eyes. Just as they were about to become terrified, a dark red light flickered briefly in their eyes.


    Greed. Hatred. Arrogance.


    Though it was fleeting and faint, Chen Ming sensed this negative energy.


    Under the influence of this power, the thugs who had been intimidated by Chen Ming didn''t fall into fear. Instead, they became enraged. The fear in their eyes gradually transformed into anger. Not only did they not flee, but they also gripped their weapons tightly.


    One by one, they surrounded Chen Ming, glaring at him fiercely, as if they were ready to attack him at any moment.


    Despite their aggressive demeanor, Chen Ming wasn''t concerned about them as individuals. Instead, he was surprised by the force that had twisted their consciousness.


    "Such an evil and ominous power, capable of inciting the malice within people''s hearts¡­ Could this be related to the Rakshasa God?"


    Chen Ming turned his head and looked around. He noticed that many people were watching him mockingly. Although this was their first encounter, most of them looked at him with hostility.


    He didn''t know these people, nor had he ever had any conflict with them. Yet they all seemed to relish the thought of him being humiliated.


    The Douluo Continent wasn''t like some bloodthirsty arena. A few people harboring ill intent toward him would be understandable, but for everyone to display such malice was highly unusual.


    "The price for a pass just went up! Without a hundred gold soul coins, you''re not getting through today!"


    "Let me tell you something! I''m related to the nephew of the Earl Glamorgan''s uncle-in-law. I''m a big deal around here! Don''t think you can do whatever you want just because you''re a Soul Master. A mere Soul Master! We''ve stationed over a thousand soldiers here. If we all attack together, we''ll chop you into mincemeat in no time!"


    As Chen Ming remained silent, the leader of the thugs unsheathed the rusty weapon at his waist. He waved it in the air, trying to intimidate Chen Ming.


    Following his words, the other thugs also became restless. Like a pack of hungry wolves, they stared at Chen Ming with greedy eyes, shouting in agreement with their leader.


    "Yeah! Hand over the money already!" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Boss, just kill him! What''s so great about being a Soul Master?!"


    Chen Ming could feel that as the thugs'' malice intensified, an ominous energy in the air seemed to awaken. This power was triggered by malice and, as it awakened, further fueled the malice in the crowd.


    Not only was it affecting others, but the power was also trying to influence Chen Ming, pushing him toward paranoia and agitation.


    If he had only suspected earlier that this was related to the Rakshasa God''s power, Chen Ming was now certain after sensing the awakening of this energy.


    However, given the world''s consciousness''s warning to be wary of the Asura God, Chen Ming realized that the situation might be far more complicated than it seemed.


    Chen Ming couldn''t be bothered to deal with these people. With a slight fluctuation of his soul power, he created a colorless and odorless poison that quickly spread throughout the marketplace.


    In just a second or two, the rowdy thugs began to sway on their feet before collapsing one by one. The bloodthirsty onlookers in the distance also fell to the ground.


    This poison was only a paralyzing toxin and wouldn''t be fatal. Moreover, since Chen Ming still had questions to ask, he controlled its potency so that it only incapacitated their bodies without affecting their minds.


    Chen Ming stepped forward, grabbing the leader of the thugs. Under the thug''s gaze, which was filled with fear, anger, and hatred, Chen Ming raised his hand and slapped him seven or eight times.


    Chen Ming''s strength was perfectly controlled. After the slaps, the thug felt as though his brain was about to explode. His thoughts were muddled, and all traces of anger and hatred vanished from his eyes, leaving only fear.


    Injecting a bit of soul power, Chen Ming restored the thug''s ability to speak slightly before questioning him.


    "What is Earl Glamorgan planning? Why are the city and roads sealed off? Prince Xue Qinghe came to the northwest to audit accounts. Where is he now? And who is the lockdown targeting?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [165]

    "The Earl of Glamorgan will vouch for me."


    The soldier instinctively wanted to act tough, but seeing Chen Ming raise his palm again, he immediately had the wisdom to suppress his self-destructive urge and instead put on the expression he used when facing a noble lord.


    "That bastard Earl of Glamorgan, he''s trying to rebel!"


    The soldier''s first sentence left Chen Ming momentarily silent.


    The Earl of Glamorgan is rebelling? S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not to put too fine a point on it, but Chen Ming had never even heard of who the Earl of Glamorgan was back when he was hanging around Heaven Dou City. How did he suddenly become a rebel?


    Are you stronger than the Heaven Dou Empire''s soldiers? Is your territory larger than the empire''s? Do you have some high-level soul masters backing you up?


    No matter how weak and corrupt the Heaven Dou Empire might be, it''s still an empire. Although decadence has turned it into a bloated, sluggish giant, it''s not something a mere stray cat baring its claws can compare to.


    At best, a stray cat might leave a few superficial scratches on the giant''s body, but the giant would just crush it with brute force.


    Though Chen Ming had many skeptical thoughts, he refrained from questioning the Earl''s brainpower for now, given that there seemed to be interference from the powers of the God of Asura and the Goddess Rakshasa.


    "Tell me everything in detail. There are plenty of soldiers here who can answer my questions. If I find out you''ve lied, your head will no longer stay on your neck."


    "Oh, and¡­ here''s a little gift for you, just in case you get any bad ideas."


    Chen Ming lightly pressed his palm against the soldier''s chest. A unique poison-attribute soul power passed through the soldier''s chainmail and leather armor, infiltrating his body.


    With a slight mental command from Chen Ming, the poison began to stir within the soldier. The soldier opened his mouth wide, his eyes almost bulging out, screaming with all his might as he felt his internal organs being torn apart repeatedly.


    Initially, Chen Ming didn''t think much of it, merely observing the soldier''s wailing. But he suddenly realized something was wrong.


    This isn''t right¡ªhe only intended to give the soldier a warning, to deter him from lying. How did it escalate into such a severe punishment?


    This wasn''t a warning anymore; it was pure torture!


    Chen Ming quickly adjusted his mental state, calming his soul power. Though he remained expressionless, his heart was now filled with caution.


    He was aware that there was a special force here inciting malice in people''s hearts, and it seemed that he had been subtly influenced as well, causing his actions to veer toward excessive aggression.


    "It seems that one must always think carefully before acting."


    Chen Ming muttered softly as he injected some life force and soul power into the soldier, who had already rolled his eyes back.


    With the infusion of life force and soul power, the previously unconscious soldier quickly regained his senses. Staring at the composed Chen Ming before him, the soldier was now consumed with fear.


    If his body weren''t paralyzed, he would have knelt immediately, banging his head on the ground a hundred or eighty times, and even licking Chen Ming''s boots to show his utter submission.


    Heavens have mercy¡ªhe had only hesitated for a moment about whether to lie and lure this terrifying man into a trap. But he ended up being tortured like this. If he were caught lying, it wouldn''t matter what happened to this murderous man in the future¡ªhe would probably be tortured to the point where even suicide wouldn''t be an option.


    "My lord, I''ll talk, I''ll tell you everything."


    "That Earl of Glamorgan started preparing for rebellion years ago. He''s been raising various taxes in his territory while reducing the taxes submitted to the Heaven Dou Empire. Over the past few years, he''s been expanding his military significantly, even forcibly conscripting lowlifes like me into his army."


    "Ten days ago, my superior told me that the Earl¡ªEarl Glamorgan, that damned bastard¡ªwas going to seal off the cities and roads in his territory. Officially, we were told it was to intercept a spy from the Star Luo Empire."


    "But in reality, Earl Glamorgan''s tax evasion had drawn the attention of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, who came to investigate. To cover up his rebellious ambitions, the Earl sent people to attack the prince''s convoy."


    "According to a relative of mine, the Earl has a mysterious accomplice¡ªan evil one of some sort¡ªwho is terrifyingly powerful. With just a lift of his hand, he can summon blood mist and evil ghosts. Prince Xue Qinghe had some strong protectors and managed to escape from that bastard Earl."


    "The Earl, fearing that the prince would return with the Heaven Dou Empire''s army, ordered us to pay extra attention to any unfamiliar outsiders dressed in luxurious clothing."


    The soldier spilled everything he knew in one breath. As someone who wasn''t particularly articulate, it was the first time in his life that he discovered he had this kind of memory and eloquence.


    "My lord, we, truly, absolutely don''t know anything about the prince''s whereabouts. I''m just a dog under that bastard Earl''s command¡ªno, the dog of a dog¡ªthis has nothing to do with me! My lord, please have mercy and spare me!"


    "Where is the prince likely to be?" Chen Ming asked, gripping the soldier''s throat.


    "I-I don''t know. I''m only responsible for blocking the perimeter and making some extra money on the side," the soldier stammered, almost in tears, repeatedly explaining that this matter had nothing to do with him as he was just a lowly soldier.


    After confirming that the soldier wasn''t lying, Chen Ming casually tossed him to the ground. Looking at the small town incapacitated by his colorless and odorless paralytic poison, Chen Ming felt a headache coming on.


    He didn''t know who his enemies were, nor did he know where the person he needed to rescue was.


    Even if he revealed his strength and searched the area with brute force, it wasn''t certain he''d gain anything under these circumstances.


    After all, the one pulling the strings behind the scenes was the Asura God. Who knows what else might happen? Qian Renxue should logically have at least one Titled Douluo-level protector by her side, yet she was being hunted to the point of fleeing. It was hard to make sense of it all.


    Chen Ming sighed, interrogated a few more soldiers, and obtained a map of the defenses before leaving the market.


    Looking at the map in his hand, Chen Ming fell silent. He then pulled out a pendant imbued with the divine power and faith of the Angel God from his chest.


    "Angel God above, if you truly exist, please give me guidance."


    Placing the map on the ground, Chen Ming spun the pendant over it. After several rotations, the pendant stopped, its tip pointing to the northern part of the map.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [166]

    Chen Ming''s endurance was extraordinary¡ªthanks to the assistance of his two soul cores, he could almost go without rest. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After sprinting for two days and one night, Chen Ming ran from the southern region of the earl''s domain to the northern region. Along the way, he encountered countless checkpoints, obstacles, and patrols of soldiers and soul masters.


    By using simple and friendly means, Chen Ming managed to extract the information he wanted from the officers and soldiers leading these patrols. Gradually narrowing down the target area, he recorded the possible locations where Qian Renxue might be hiding.


    As for resistance and being wanted?


    Resistance was inevitable. After all, Chen Ming hadn''t disguised himself as an officer or someone of authority. Almost every time he encountered a squad, he had to fight it; every checkpoint he came across, he had to break through.


    Due to the divine power of the Asura God in the area, which amplified emotions in people''s hearts, Chen Ming consciously tried to avoid killing anyone to prevent himself from being affected.


    Wanted notices?


    Chen Ming was sure there were plenty of those. But he was confident that the speed at which the wanted notices spread would never catch up to how fast he could run. By the time the wanted orders were issued, he had likely already cleared all the checkpoints.


    Finally, after breaking through several checkpoints, the enemies standing in Chen Ming''s way underwent a qualitative change.


    Fully equipped, clad in iron armor, and well-trained: the lord''s personal guards. Mercenaries and soul-hunting squads hired by Earl Glamorgan. Evil soul master who appeared out of nowhere. Subordinates and relatives raised by Earl Glamorgan.


    Personal guards, soul masters, evil soul masters.


    In summary, if Chen Ming had initially thought that Earl Glamorgan''s rebellion was a joke, the appearance of these forces elevated the rebellion to the level of an amateur production.


    Among them, the strongest was a high-level Soul Emperor with decent strength and a good martial soul, supported by numerous auxiliary soul masters and soldiers.


    However, Chen Ming''s current strength was at the level of a titled Douluo, albeit with only his first four soul rings. He had no plans for stealth or evasion; instead, he charged straight in and took them all down.


    Poison-type abilities excel at crushing weaker opponents, and for Chen Ming, defeating this group was as easy as disciplining children.


    After taking down over a thousand fully armed soldiers and nearly a hundred soul masters of varying levels, Chen Ming finally broke into the deepest part of the encirclement. Following the traces left on the ground, he found Qian Renxue inside a cave.


    Yes, it was Qian Renxue, not Xue Qinghe. For some reason, she had already shed her disguise.


    "Are you the Crown Prince? I am not your enemy."


    Looking at the figure in front of him, who had summoned the Seraphim martial soul and whose eyes carried a faint crimson hue, Chen Ming felt a headache coming on but still chose to state his intentions.


    "The Crown Prince? Are you saying the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire is here?" Qian Renxue asked, holding a longsword. The four soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple¡ªaround her flickered, leaving Chen Ming momentarily speechless.


    No way. My lady¡­ I always thought you were well-hidden. But now, even though I reached Soul King, how are you only at level 48?


    My lady, you awakened your martial soul at the age of six with an innate level 20 soul power. You should be around 21 or 22 years old now, so how are you still a Soul Ancestor? Have you just been slacking off this whole time?


    I seem to recall that in the original story, Hu Liena was already a Soul King at the age of 19. Does your soul power level even match the potential of your martial soul?


    Chen Ming''s silence made Qian Renxue increasingly nervous. The fiery light and holy aura radiating from her body began to churn; it seemed as if she would erupt at any moment and strike down Chen Ming, someone she had initially hoped to win over.


    "My lady, let''s not beat around the bush. I know your identity, and you don''t know me. But take a look at these items, and you should understand." Chen Ming, tired of wasting words, pulled out the pendant Chrysanthemum Douluo had given him from his chest. Then, he retrieved the Elder tokens of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo from the Hundred Treasures Pouch at his waist.


    Chen Ming thought these items would be enough to prove his connection to the Spirit Hall and ease Qian Renxue''s wariness. However, upon seeing these items, not only did Qian Renxue fail to relax, but she also became even more vigilant.


    Although the golden light on her body continued to flicker, an unseen dark force stirred her emotions from within.


    Even though the Seraphim martial soul was incredibly powerful, with its divine properties derived from the Angel God, her agitated emotions and relatively low soul power level remained her fatal weaknesses.


    "So, you''re the traitor from the Spirit Hall."


    With a furious shout, Qian Renxue swung her longsword, now engulfed in blazing flames, directly at Chen Ming. The three pairs of enormous wings on her back unfolded, enveloping her in a powerful holy light, making her seem like the Angel God descending to the mortal world.


    "A traitor¡­ of the Spirit Hall?" Chen Ming murmured, but his actions showed no hesitation.


    Qian Renxue''s combat experience was not particularly rich, but the Seraphim endowed her, a Soul Ancestor-level soul master, with attributes rivaling those of any Soul Emperor. If it were an average soul master, Qian Renxue''s sudden assault would undoubtedly leave them scrambling. Fortunately, Chen Ming''s strength far surpassed hers.


    Activating his martial soul, Chen Ming''s scorpion tail extended from his back, and his arms were encased in two layers of powerful carapaces¡ªone blue and one red, each exuding immense elemental energy.


    Chen Ming''s right hand, imbued with the ultimate fire soul power, blocked Qian Renxue''s blazing sword wreathed in light and flame. Meanwhile, his left hand struck her abdomen without hesitation, unleashing a powerful Cold Poison that shattered the flames and divine aura surrounding her Seraphim, attempting to freeze her soul power.


    Qian Renxue was sent flying like a rag doll, crashing into the cave wall. Her longsword was seized by Chen Ming, and her tattered clothing was further shredded, leaving her in a pitiful state.


    Chen Ming thought this would finally make Qian Renxue more willing to listen. Unexpectedly, instead of calming down after being injured, she grew even more agitated.


    Chen Ming''s Cold Poison, a fusion of ultimate ice and his potent toxins was a force that could permanently freeze portions of Title Douluo''s soul power and life force. Yet, as the flames on Qian Renxue''s body gradually intensified, Chen Ming could sense the Cold Poison being neutralized. The powerful light flames and divine properties of her martial soul resisted even his ultimate ice.


    "Angel Assault!"


    Qian Renxue steadied herself, her soul power and body recovering. Without her sword, she immediately launched her soul skill to attack Chen Ming.


    Concentrating her light soul power in her fists, Qian Renxue flapped her three pairs of wings, propelling herself toward Chen Ming like an arrow. Her seemingly delicate fists carried a terrifying destructive force capable of killing ten thousand-year-old soul beasts with a single punch. Though it was only her first soul skill, the abilities granted by the Seraphim martial soul were far beyond ordinary.


    Chen Ming''s expression shifted slightly, and he activated the soul skill attached to the bone in his left palm. In an instant, his entire left arm transformed into what looked like a masterpiece sculpted from ice. Layers of frost enveloped his arm, forming a brilliant blue suit of armor.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [167]

    The Ice Scorpion Emperor, a soul skill of the enhancement type, allows the left arm to transform into an incomparably powerful and sturdy weapon, further amplifying its ice attribute. After this enhancement, the strength of Chen Ming''s Ultimate Ice even surpassed the Holy Flame on Qian Renxue''s body. When their fists and palms first collided, the flames and holy attribute soul power on Qian Renxue''s arm were instantly suppressed. Then, Chen Ming struck her abdomen heavily with his right fist, embedding her into the wall once again.


    Before Qian Renxue could resist further, Chen Ming stepped forward and dispersed the soul power on her body, forcibly imprinting his mark within her.


    Under the triple suppression of Ultimate Ice, soul power, and the mark, Qian Renxue instantly lost her ability to resist, unable even to maintain her martial soul possession form.


    "Who are you? Why are you trying to kill me? If I''m going to die, I at least want to die knowing why. Among the higher-ups of Spirit Hall, who exactly is the traitor? Could it be that you were sent by her to kill me?"


    No matter how strange Chen Ming seemed to her, in Qian Renxue''s eyes¡ªalready driven by intense emotions¡ªhe was undoubtedly an assassin sent to kill her.


    After realizing that she could no longer mobilize her soul power, Qian Renxue''s eyes darkened, and she gave up resisting. Yet even though she had prepared herself for death, she was still somewhat unwilling, wanting to know who had betrayed her.


    When she had set out this time, she was accompanied not only by the Crown Prince''s guards but also secretly protected by Spirit Hall''s guardians.


    Due to Qian Renxue''s special status, she had left Snake Lan Douluo behind in Heaven Dou City and brought with her Porcupinefish Douluo and her most trusted Aunt May.


    A Title Douluo and a high-level Soul Douluo¡ªeven one comparable to a Title Douluo¡ªshould, in theory, have been enough to resolve 99.9% of the problems on the continent.


    However, during the rebellion of Earl Glamorgan, Porcupinefish Douluo and Aunt May were immediately drawn away by unknown high-level soul masters. Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Empire''s Crown Prince''s guards had been poisoned by someone and were easily dealt with by Earl Glamorgan''s underlings.


    Qian Renxue, unwilling to expose her martial soul, had no choice but to flee. Yet, she was pursued by unidentified forces. Even when she reluctantly revealed her martial soul to eliminate her enemies, she still suffered significant injuries.


    If not for Aunt May temporarily shaking off the enemies and bringing her supplies while helping her inch closer to breaking out of the encirclement, Qian Renxue believed she would already have died.


    In her mind, none of the people around her would ever betray her. Within Spirit Hall, there were very few who knew she was undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire, and that her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, would never harm her. Thus, the only one who could have done it was that woman.


    "So it''s true, she doesn''t like me."


    Qian Renxue lowered her head and closed her eyes, waiting for death. In her final moments, she felt a mixture of emotions that she could not describe.


    "My lady, listen to me! Listen to me, okay? I''m not here to kill you¡ªI''m here to save you! Do you understand? I''m your reinforcements!"


    Seeing Qian Renxue resign to death, Chen Ming, perhaps influenced by the divine power of the Rakshasa God, suddenly felt overwhelmed. Grabbing Qian Renxue by the collar, he shook her head frantically, shouting near her ear with a hint of breakdown in his voice.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s almost heart-wrenching tone, Qian Renxue finally reopened her eyes. Looking at Chen Ming''s twisted and resentful expression, she realized that something seemed off.


    "You''re here to save me?" Qian Renxue asked, confused.


    "I''ve beaten you up like this and haven''t killed you yet. Do you think I''m doing this for fun?"


    Chen Ming replied with irritation. Seeing that Qian Renxue no longer resembled a mad dog, he finally released part of the suppression on her soul power, allowing her to sense it again.


    "Then... you called me ''Crown Prince.'' How do you know my identity? Was it from when we met last time, or¡ª?"


    As her soul power gradually recovered, Qian Renxue began alleviating the pain in her body while cautiously questioning Chen Ming.


    "My lady, can we talk about this later, after we get out of the encirclement? Do we need to discuss this in the middle of enemy territory? Let''s escape first and talk slowly afterward."


    Chen Ming pulled out some soul power recovery pills he had prepared earlier from his storage soul tool and stuffed them into Qian Renxue''s mouth. Regardless of her willingness, he grabbed her and began injecting life force into her body.


    "Enemy territory? Impossible! Aunt May said we were already about to break out of the encirclement."


    As her soul power and vitality gradually recovered, Qian Renxue''s complexion improved slightly. However, upon hearing Chen Ming say they were still within the encirclement, she instinctively refuted him.


    Chen Ming glanced at Qian Renxue but said nothing. Qian Renxue also fell silent as she looked back at him.


    The two of them had realized something.


    Chen Ming leaned in close to Qian Renxue, carefully sensing her body. Finally, he detected a faint, peculiar fragrance on her¡ªnot her natural scent, but the result of consuming a specific drug over a long period.


    This scent was extremely faint but very stable, resistant to both soul power and high temperatures. With Qian Renxue''s methods, she would never be able to remove this scent without peeling off her flesh and burning it with her holy flames.


    Chen Ming opened his storage bag and took out a set of clothes and a pile of bottles and jars. He began inspecting every inch of Qian Renxue''s body and her belongings.


    After a thorough search, he discovered about seven or eight different tracking methods. Each method varied in strength, form, and application, but they all shared one trait¡ªthey were extremely stable and concealed. Even Chen Ming hadn''t noticed them when he first encountered Qian Renxue.


    For every tracking method he uncovered, Qian Renxue''s face darkened. By the time Chen Ming declared he had found everything, her face had turned so dark.


    Most of these items, including food and personal clothing, had been given to Qian Renxue by Aunt May. The majority of the tracking devices were hidden in her personal belongings.


    At this moment, the identity of the traitor was painfully clear. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qian Renxue''s face was so dark that words could no longer describe her emotions. Right in front of Chen Ming, she stripped off all her clothes.


    Chen Ming couldn''t help but stare as Qian Renxue began stripping before him, her movements filled with barely contained rage yet still impossibly graceful.


    Each piece of clothing that fell away revealed more of her flawless ivory skin, making his breath catch in his throat. Her long, silky golden hair cascaded down her bare back like a waterfall of gold


    Her perfect breasts were revealed next, high and firm with rosy pink nipples that hardened in the cool cave air. Her waist was slim and toned from years of martial training, leading to gently flaring hips and endlessly long legs that seemed to go on forever. Every curve and dip of her body was like a masterpiece sculpted by the heavens themselves.


    As she moved to destroy her belongings, the firelight from her martial soul danced across her naked form, highlighting the subtle play of muscles beneath her soft skin.


    However, Chen Ming stopped her.


    "Burning these things might cause unexpected consequences. Let me try freezing them instead."


    Chen Ming placed his palm on the items. His Ultimate Ice soul power instantly froze them solid. With a slight pulse of his soul power, the items turned into a pile of ice shards.


    Seeing this, Qian Renxue said nothing. She reached for Chen Ming''s clothes but was stopped by him. After thinking for a moment, Chen Ming pulled out a small bottle of potion from his storage soul tool and handed it to her.


    "This will erase your scent. Apply it to every corner of your body. Every. Single. Corner."


    After instructing Qian Renxue, Chen Ming went outside the cave to check for additional traps.


    A few minutes later, Qian Renxue emerged from the cave wearing Chen Ming''s clothes.


    PS: I added a little spice.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [168]

    "Let''s go, we''ll break out together." Stepping out of the cave, Qian Renxue''s face was as cold as ice, completely devoid of her usual elegance. Watching this, Chen Ming shook his head, stepped forward, and gently touched Qian Renxue''s hair.


    Dry.


    "What are you doing?" Qian Renxue asked in confusion. She didn''t dodge Chen Ming''s hand, allowing him to stroke her hair.


    "Did you not apply it to your hair?"


    "..." Qian Renxue was silent for a moment, then nodded. She looked at Chen Ming. "Do you still have that potion?"


    "No, it''s all used up."


    "There was so little of it? Not even enough for me alone."


    "That''s within my expectations. That bottle of potion was only enough for me to use four or five times." Chen Ming fell silent. Based on his calculations, the potion should have been sufficient for Qian Renxue, yet it seemed she had left parts of her hair untouched. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qian Renxue reflected on how she had overused the potion in more concealed areas. She too was at a loss for words.


    Finally, it was Chen Ming who broke the awkward silence.


    "Don''t move. Bear with it for a moment."


    "Alright." Qian Renxue responded calmly, assuming Chen Ming was about to use some clever technique. What she didn''t expect was a sudden chill on her scalp. Along with a faint wave of soul power, her head began to feel icy cold.


    Instinctively, she stepped back and reached up to touch her head. Her hand met icy shards. When she pressed a little harder, the ice on her head shattered, leaving her scalp smooth.


    Without even looking, Qian Renxue realized¡ªshe was bald.


    What a damned decisive solution.


    Even in her current darkened state, Qian Renxue couldn''t help but complain internally when she saw Chen Ming''s straightforward approach. Despite their precarious situation, being hunted down, she still found it hard to adapt to suddenly becoming bald.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Taking a step back, Chen Ming circled Qian Renxue twice to confirm everything was fine. He then opened his arms toward her, signaling for her to come closer.


    Qian Renxue tilted her head in confusion.


    "A hug? Now?"


    "What I mean is, you''re too slow. I''ll carry you." If not for potential complications, Chen Ming would have simply slung Qian Renxue over his shoulder like a sack and bolted.


    If it weren''t for the near-total loss of resistance when placed in his magical storage pouch¡ªand the risk of her dying if the pouch was destroyed¡ªChen Ming might have already stuffed her inside to carry her more easily.


    Though puzzled, Qian Renxue accepted the situation and obediently let Chen Ming hold her in his arms.


    The awkwardness of the gesture was undeniable, but neither of them cared about such trivialities at this moment. Once she was secure in his grasp, Chen Ming unleashed his full speed, charging toward the weakest point in the defensive line.


    Qian Renxue was currently situated deep within the defensive line. Heading further north would lead them to the sea. Given the conflict between the Sea God and the Angel God, and past clashes between Sea God Island and Spirit Hall, the uncertainties of taking the sea route were too great. Chen Ming opted instead to break through the weakest point.


    Even carrying Qian Renxue, Chen Ming was able to maintain extreme speed. His legs moved so fast they left afterimages as his soul power armor enveloped them both, making them resemble a rampaging truck. Yet, paradoxically, his movements left minimal traces, a contradiction born of unmatched agility.


    Chen Ming ran for an entire day without pause. Even when confronted by sentries or patrols, he mercilessly unleashed deadly poison without hesitation. Along the way, it was a scene of carnage¡ªanyone who stood in their way was swiftly dealt with. Using his seemingly endless soul power and vitality, he carved a massive hole through the defensive line.


    But as they neared the edge of the defensive line, a sense of foreboding settled over Chen Ming. Though he had neutralized most of the tracking methods, he still felt a looming threat drawing closer.


    Just as Chen Ming began to feel his connection to the world around him slowly returning, a surge of murderous intent erupted behind him. A white streak of energy shot toward his back like lightning, aiming directly at his vital points.


    Even with his high-defense armor, Chen Ming felt a phantom "death" character looming above his head when the white streak appeared.


    He was locked on.


    "Venom Emperor Possession! Poison Cloud Technique! Poison Explosion Technique! Deathly Poison Realm! Destructive Death Ray!"


    Chen Ming tossed the bewildered Qian Renxue aside and unleashed a barrage of soul techniques with reckless abandon.


    Purple, green, black, red, and blue¡ªpoisons of every attribute surged from Chen Ming''s body as though they cost nothing. Every soul technique he could use was unleashed in that instant.


    The white lightning was torn apart by the Poison Cloud Technique and Poison Explosion Technique, then struck by the Destructive Death Ray, shattering in midair before crashing into Chen Ming''s death domain.


    At that moment, Chen Ming realized the white lightning wasn''t a pure soul power attack but a tangible weapon crafted through martial soul and soul technique.


    Though the weapon was corroded by Chen Ming''s various poisons and had fallen into his Deathly Poison Realm, it continued to resist his poison. Be it high-temperature fire poison, cold poison, or corrosive venom, none of them had a significant effect on it.


    "That''s Aunt May... that traitor''s Heaven Spider Fifth Soul Technique, Heaven Spider Arrow. She''s caught up to us. Be careful!"


    Qian Renxue, who had climbed to her feet, summoned her martial soul. Seeing the white object gradually corroding in the poison domain, she quickly warned Chen Ming.


    Hearing her words, Chen Ming''s expression grew grim. He vigilantly watched the distance, refusing to expose his back as he prepared to confront the threat.


    The half-human, half-spider figure emerged swiftly from the forest behind them. Its eight massive spider legs moved with incredible speed, and in the blink of an eye, the monstrous figure stopped before Chen Ming and Qian Renxue.


    The creature''s lower half was a massive white spider, while its upper half resembled a human woman. It looked eerily similar to spider-like beings in games and novels.


    However, while the upper half was female, it was a crazed, aged woman with silver-white hair messily draped across her face. Her body and skin were covered in wrinkles so deep they seemed capable of crushing a fly.


    Amidst her chaotic white hair, a pair of eyes glared at them with unrestrained madness and hatred.


    PS: I added a Warhammer fanfic guys! :)

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [169]

    The Heavenly Spider is a highly underrated yet superior-quality spider martial soul, surpassing even the Death Spider Emperor and the Devouring Spider Emperor in quality.


    This martial soul is extremely rare in terms of inheritance but is widely known across the continent. If other spiders rely on their various attributes to qualify as super soul beasts, the Heavenly Spider race achieves this status through pure, overwhelming strength.


    The Heavenly Spider is non-venomous, but the silk it produces is unmatched in the world. Not only is it incredibly strong, but it also exhibits exceptional resistance to all attributes. A web spun from its silk could easily strangle super strength-based soul beasts like the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear or the Titan Giant Ape.


    The threads of this soul beast are considered as valuable as gold multiplied by a thousand¡ªor even ten thousand times¡ªin the world of soul masters. They are often used in crafting the finest inner armor. It is said that the intimate inner armor worn by emperors of the two great empires is primarily made from Heavenly Spider silk.


    Due to the high value of its silk, coupled with its already small population, this soul beast has become even rarer. Nowadays, there are almost no traces of the Heavenly Spider on the Douluo Continent. At least, Chen Ming hasn''t heard of any soul master battling a Heavenly Spider in recent decades.


    Moreover, this soul beast not only spins silk and weaves webs, but it also possesses powerful ranged attack capabilities. Using its unique soul power and spiritual energy, it can launch its silk as devastating arrows. These arrows are powerful enough to pierce through the scales and flesh of a dragon with ease.


    In short, every thread spun by the Heavenly Spider is a top-tier weapon of mass destruction.


    As for close combat, this soul beast has strength and physique equivalent to that of a dragon.


    Overall, this soul beast has no flashy mechanisms¡ªonly pure and overwhelming abilities. Its sole flaw, if it can even be called that, is its rarity.


    When Chen Ming was escaping, he heard Qian Renxue mention that Aunt May was a member of the Angel Clan, with an extremely high-quality martial soul. Each of her soul rings was perfectly suited to the Heavenly Spider martial soul, and her seventh and eighth soul rings even came from a pair of Heavenly Spider soul beasts of matching age who had lived together as mates. This unique situation allowed her to possess two martial soul avatars.


    Although she never reached the rank of Titled Douluo due to flaws in her state of mind, she still had an 88th-level soul power. Combined with the powerful Heavenly Spider martial soul, her soul skills, and a head soul bone that locked her abilities, her overall strength was significantly enhanced. Her combat power even surpassed that of the two Title Douluo¡ªSnake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo.


    With both of her martial soul avatars activated, even the two working together could not defeat her in a short amount of time.


    Chen Ming wanted to leave but dared not flee recklessly. Otherwise, even he couldn''t guarantee his survival in such a situation.


    The half-human, half-spider madwoman stared at Chen Ming and Qian Renxue with venomous hatred in her eyes, but her face twisted into a bizarre smile.


    Hatred, jealousy, kindness, and reluctance¡ªall kinds of complex emotions distorted the woman''s face, making her aged features even more terrifying than the wicked witches described in fairy tales.


    "Your Highness, come here quickly. Stand behind me. The one beside you is a villain."


    The madwoman''s voice was low, as though she was trying to imitate her former kindness toward Qian Renxue. However, the excessive suppression in her tone only made her malice even more apparent, adding an indescribable madness and distortion to her words.


    Upon hearing her, even the prepared Qian Renxue couldn''t help but shiver. Her gaze toward the woman was filled with fear and confusion.


    She couldn''t understand why Aunt May¡ªwho had always been so kind to her, like a true mother or grandmother¡ªhad become so unfamiliar and insane.


    As Qian Renxue froze in place and even raised her weapon toward her, the madwoman hesitated for a moment, then let out a strange, cackling laugh. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming could feel it¡ªalong with this laughter, the madwoman''s body radiated an overwhelming malice, far greater than anything he had encountered in this area before. Even Qian Renxue was startled by the nearly tangible malice, instinctively stepping back several paces.


    "I always thought I could catch up to him," the disheveled madwoman sang in a strange tone.


    "Decades ago, decades ago, when I first awakened my martial soul and saw that man for the first time, I understood. I understood¡­"


    Her speech was rapid, completely ignoring the poison Chen Ming was releasing and Qian Renxue''s combat readiness. She locked her gaze on the two of them while recounting her story.


    Removing the strange tone and excessive adjectives, here''s the general story:


    Decades ago, when she was still a child, she awakened her martial soul within her clan and met Qian Daoliu for the first time. She was very nervous at the time, but Qian Daoliu, who was responsible for helping children awaken their martial souls, patted her head and comforted her with a smile. As an orphan, she developed a deep affection for Qian Daoliu from that moment on.


    After returning home, she inquired about Qian Daoliu and dreamed of becoming his wife, only to be told that he already had a fianc¨¦e. She refused to believe it and appeared by Qian Daoliu''s side countless times, only to be left speechless by his ever-smiling demeanor.


    When Qian Daoliu got married, she also received a special invitation from him. At the wedding banquet, she could only watch as the man she loved walked into the hall of marriage with another woman. At twelve years old, she stood at the banquet like an insignificant insect.


    She claimed that from that day on, she began to go mad.


    In secret, she made voodoo dolls under her bed and cursed Qian Daoliu''s wife. Every time she saw Qian Daoliu with his wife, she would silently curse the woman, wishing for her to die soon. When news spread that Qian Daoliu''s wife was pregnant, she locked herself in her room, screaming and tearing out chunks of her hair.


    (Note: The next part skips excessive vulgar language.)


    After recovering, she volunteered to take care of Qian Daoliu''s wife. Because Qian Daoliu had watched her grow up, he agreed to her request.


    On the surface, she appeared to be a gentle and well-behaved child¡ªa model clanswoman in front of Qian Daoliu and his wife. But in secret, she collected strands of Qian Daoliu''s wife''s hair and pieces of his clothing.


    She used the wife''s hair to make voodoo dolls, cursing her viciously night after night. She also used Qian Daoliu''s clothing to comfort herself.


    As Qian Daoliu''s wife''s belly grew larger, her malice swelled as well. She began by adding all sorts of disgusting things to the wife''s food and drink and eventually attempted to poison her with substances that could induce a miscarriage.


    However, Qian Daoliu''s wife was a capable soul master herself, and with others always around, her actions were quickly discovered.


    That day, the wife stood before her with a longsword for a long time but ultimately chose to spare her. (Her retelling of the event was filled with insults, summarizing the wife''s actions as the arrogance of a victorious woman.) She was only sent away from the Angel Clan''s territory.


    Several months later, after leaving the Spirit Hall, she learned that Qian Daoliu''s wife had died due to complications during childbirth. She felt immense joy as if she had been blessed by the gods.


    PS: Damn.. That''s crazy.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [170]

    Then, she defied the orders of the Spirit Hall and forcibly ran back to the Spirit Hall from her assigned position.


    Qian Daoliu initially thought she was concerned about his deceased wife, so instead of punishing her, he arranged for her to become one of the caregivers for the infant Qian Xunji with great trust.


    She thought this was some kind of hint and excitedly agreed.


    From then on, she became much more normal. Until Qian Xunji turned thirteen, she behaved almost like an ordinary person.


    When Qian Xunji turned thirteen, she approached Qian Daoliu again, believing that since Qian Xunji was now an adult, her relationship with Qian Daoliu might deepen.


    When Qian Daoliu heard this, he nodded and, under her expectant gaze, said that indeed, he could accept her¡ªas his adopted daughter. (Emotional Damage!)


    She broke down and ran away. That night, unable to sleep, she used her status to sneak into Qian Xunji''s bedroom. She sought comfort from Qian Xunji as a substitute for Qian Daoliu.


    In her repeated indulgence, Qian Xunji turned fifteen and proposed marriage to her. But after thinking about it, she rejected him.


    To her, Qian Xunji was merely a substitute for Qian Daoliu. After their moments of pleasure, she used her soul power to purge everything from her body.


    She mocked Qian Xunji without hesitation, telling him that while her body might have been connected to him, her heart belonged solely to Qian Daoliu.


    Heartbroken, Qian Xunji ran away. Not long after, news arrived that she had been reassigned once again. This time, she spent over a decade outside before finding another opportunity to return to the Spirit Hall. By then, the position of Supreme Pontiff had passed from Qian Daoliu to Qian Xunji.


    She tried once more to use her old tricks to become Qian Daoliu''s personal attendant but was rejected. Thus, she could only stay in the Spirit Hall, appearing to be a normal soul master while secretly collecting items Qian Daoliu had used to comfort herself.


    Another decade or so passed, and the Spirit Hall launched an expedition to Sea God Island. However, the expedition titled Douluo and many soul masters were defeated and lost their lives. Only a few individuals were allowed to return by Sea God Island. Qian Daoliu personally took action and only returned several months later.


    She approached Qian Daoliu intending to say something to bring them closer. However, she learned from him that he had fallen in love with another woman once more after years of silence.


    For the next few decades, she lived in a daze. Her soul power growth slowed significantly due to her internal anguish. She should have become a titled Douluo, but ultimately, she never achieved that rank.


    One ordinary day, Qian Daoliu summoned her again. By then, she was no longer young, and her years of madness had left her prematurely aged. However, Qian Daoliu still appeared as youthful, gentle, and unfathomable as when she first met him.


    Qian Daoliu gave her a new task: to care for his granddaughter, the infant Qian Renxue.


    Her dormant heart was reignited. Although Qian Daoliu only asked her to care for Qian Renxue, she interpreted his order as a sign that he wanted to marry her.


    From then on, she truly gave up all her bad habits and cared for Qian Renxue as if she were her granddaughter, giving Qian Renxue the best of everything she had.


    After Qian Xunji''s death, during Qian Renxue''s plan to usurp the throne, she was entrusted with an important task by Qian Daoliu¡ªto stay by Qian Renxue''s side, taking care of her while also secretly monitoring her. She had the authority to mobilize Spirit Hall soul masters, including titled Douluo, who were by Qian Renxue''s side.


    As Qian Renxue grew older, she gradually aged.


    Over a year ago, she returned to the Spirit Hall. Seeing Qian Daoliu in the Worship Hall, whose appearance remained unchanged, she chose to be timid, merely reporting everything about Qian Renxue as a trusted subordinate.


    However, she was too old and could feel her life gradually slipping away. She realized if she did not speak up now, she might never have another chance.


    Finally, a few months ago, during another report, she met Qian Daoliu and, for the first and last time, expressed her true wish to him.


    But Qian Daoliu only smiled and said:


    "I''ve always seen you as a daughter." (Emotional Damage! 2x)


    Decades of emotions exploded in that moment. Decades of longing and resentment culminated in despair. She realized that Qian Daoliu, so noble and great, was someone she, like an insignificant insect, should never have hoped to be with.


    But she was nearing death. Could an insignificant insect like her leave a mark on Qian Daoliu''s heart?


    After much thought, she came to a conclusion.


    Even if she could not become Qian Daoliu''s greatest love, she would make sure to leave an unforgettable mark on his heart through her efforts.


    Even if it meant becoming the person he hated most in his life. That would still be better than being forgotten as if she were a child.


    As for how to leave such a mark?


    Naturally, the best way was through someone he loved the most¡ªQian Renxue.


    And so, she began her plan. At the right moment, she lured one of her former suitors into becoming an evil soul master, diverting the attention of the Academy''s three elders and most of the Heaven Dou Empire''s forces.


    She then took advantage of Qian Renxue''s visit to inspect accounts, leaving Porcupinefish Douluo in Heaven Dou City while secretly having the evil soul master follow and ambush the convoy. She used her position to send Snake Spear Douluo away.


    Finally, using Qian Renxue''s trust in her, she led Qian Renxue into the deepest part of the ambush.


    Bit by bit, she aided Qian Renxue while drawing in enemies. Watching Qian Renxue struggle in danger, she reveled in the sense of betrayal.


    The summary above omits much of the profanity and unpleasant details. In truth, the original words were far more vulgar and unbearable.


    Even Chen Ming, who had lived through the age of information overload in his previous life, felt disgusted after hearing it. His gaze toward the woman was now worse than how one would look at non-recyclable garbage.


    If Bibi Dong''s twisted personality could be explained by her past, then without a doubt, this woman was simply a natural-born pervert. If she could become a Death God in the Slaughter City, perhaps the inheritance of the Rakshasa God would never have gone to Bibi Dong.


    Even in the world of overly dramatic love-brain plots, Chen Ming thought this woman was the most extreme of extremes. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After hearing this lengthy explanation, Qian Renxue rolled her eyes and collapsed to her knees in exhaustion. Her tightly gripped sword slipped from her hands and casually stabbed into the ground. Her entire being seemed to have lost its soul. Not only had she lost the will to resist, but even her thoughts had ceased.


    This was because, from a young age, this madwoman had been by her side as an elder, caring for her. In Qian Renxue''s heart, her position was akin to that of a mother or grandmother, one of the people she trusted most.


    Watching the pained Qian Renxue, the madwoman laughed wildly, no longer concealing her spirit power.


    "First Soul Skill: Heavenly Net.


    Second Soul Skill: Earthly Web.


    Third Soul Skill: Spider''s Strength."


    Yellow, yellow, and purple soul rings exploded with power. A large amount of spider silk sprayed from the lower half of her body, instantly forming a massive web.


    Even though Chen Ming''s domain was already filled with poison and death energy that began dissolving the web instantly, the enhancement of her third soul skill slowed the dissolution to a crawl.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [171]

    Chen Ming wasn''t one to be trifled with either. During the prolonged confrontation just now, he wasn''t just standing around acting like a spectator. In an instant, he concentrated his lethal poison, which transformed under his control. The originally complex poison turned into a chilling cold poison that enveloped both the spider web and the crazed woman.


    The cold poison could freeze both life and soul power. Once deprived of soul power, even the strength of the Heavenly Spider''s silk would noticeably weaken.


    Blue, icy poison materialized into a mist, freezing much of the spider web and spreading to the crazed woman.


    Even though she was in the transformed state brought on by her eighth soul skill, the moment she came into contact with the poison, she could feel her previously robust exoskeleton becoming brittle. Her soul power and vitality were frozen by the bone-chilling cold.


    The poison was invasive, and so was Chen Ming''s cold poison. In a blink, the massive, spider-like lower half of the crazed woman''s body was largely frozen and sealed.


    Chen Ming''s eyes widened as he prepared to unleash his poison explosion technique. However, for some reason, a peculiar force made the execution of his technique significantly slower.


    At this moment, sensing the threat of death, the crazed woman panicked. Her emotions grew extremely agitated as she activated her seventh soul ring, unleashing her trump card as a soul master¡ªher Martial Soul Avatar.


    White soul power flickered, and her previously half-human, half-spider body rapidly expanded, transforming into a massive white spider roughly three meters tall.


    Her seventh and eighth pitch-black soul rings shimmered together. Under the full influence of her Martial Soul Avatar, the Heavenly Spider grew even larger, swelling to nearly five meters in size. The soul power emanating from her became even more powerful and violent.


    Typically, a soul master only has one Martial Soul Avatar. However, due to unique circumstances, her eighth soul skill also possessed traits similar to a Martial Soul Avatar. When combined with the seventh soul ring''s Martial Soul Avatar, her strength was instantly elevated to an entirely new level.


    The cold poison was forcibly repelled by more than half, with the remaining portion driven into her spider legs. Chen Ming''s poison explosion detonated, shattering two of her spider legs and leaving massive wounds on her spider exoskeleton. The enormous spider let out an inhuman screech and curse as its abdomen swelled and contracted rapidly.


    A large amount of white liquid shot out from the spider''s tail, expanding mid-air and quickly forming a massive web. Seeing this, Chen Ming cursed under his breath, using his scorpion tail to scoop up Qian Renxue, who had collapsed to her knees in despair and retreated swiftly.


    "Damn it. This Martial Soul Avatar''s strength is off the charts¡­" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Most people would never face a soul master with two Martial Soul Avatars in their lifetime. Naturally, Chen Ming had no prior experience with such an opponent.


    He had already committed Qian Renxue''s descriptions of the enemy to memory and had mentally prepared for the worst-case scenario.


    However, the reality far exceeded even Qian Renxue''s account.


    The massive web unfurled in mid-air, instantly covering an area of several hundred meters. Its power and effect far surpassed that of the Man-Faced Demon Spider Chen Ming had encountered before.


    Chen Ming summoned icy energy to form a massive ice barrier mid-air, attempting to block the web. Yet, the seemingly delicate strands of spider silk sliced deeply into the ice as though they were sharp blades.


    As the ice and silk collided, the web began to contract. The massive web, which had previously covered hundreds of square meters, converged in an instant, attempting to form a gigantic cocoon to strangle Chen Ming and Qian Renxue.


    Chen Ming didn''t have the time to curse how unreliable Qian Renxue''s intelligence had been. He casually tossed Qian Renxue into his arms using his scorpion tail before activating his Destructive Death Ray.


    The Destructive Death Ray was highly unique, capable of petrifying and then obliterating its target. Its instantaneous explosive power and cutting ability were formidable, making it the best choice in this situation.


    As soul power surged recklessly, the beam from Chen Ming''s scorpion tail grew as thick as a bowl, instantly petrifying and destroying a large portion of the web. This created a narrow escape route for Chen Ming.


    The massive Heavenly Spider let out a bizarre laugh as it watched Chen Ming''s desperate struggle. Without anyone noticing, a circular web with a diameter of over ten meters had already formed beneath her.


    The spider''s enormous forelimbs moved rhythmically across the web, and white soul power spilled from its mouth. As the web deformed, its forelimbs took on the structure of a bow.


    "Kehehehe!"


    The crazed old woman cackled maniacally as she activated her soul skill. Her forelimbs, now resembling a crossbow, launched a massive white arrow.


    The arrow shot out with astonishing speed, imbued with a special homing ability. It flew straight toward Chen Ming, and despite his repeated dodges, he could not escape its trajectory.


    Realizing this, Chen Ming''s eyes flashed with determination. He moved Qian Renxue from his embrace to the side and stopped trying to evade.


    The metallic properties granted by the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum were pushed to their limit, and Chen Ming''s body radiated golden light.


    In a moment of clarity, Chen Ming recalled a statue of the Immovable Wisdom King he had seen in a temple in his previous life. His hands unconsciously formed a mudra.


    The spiritual nature of power didn''t always require calmness; at times, strong emotions were even more critical. This was a truth Chen Ming had understood long ago but now comprehended on a deeper level.


    Immovable. Resolute. Furious.


    At this moment, the indestructible metallic power within him found an outlet, multiplying several times over. A golden shield formed around Chen Ming, turning him into a shining golden figure.


    Mysteriously, a massive figure seemed to appear behind Chen Ming. It had his exact features and formed the same mudra with its hands. Its expression, however, was not one of panic but of silent determination and rage.


    Under the astonished gazes of the others, the massive white arrow collided with the golden shield surrounding Chen Ming. After a brief stalemate, the arrow was deflected by the immense force, veering off to the side.


    However, Chen Ming did not relax, for with his spiritual vision, he saw a barely perceptible white thread attached to the tail of the arrow.


    The arrow was still under the enemy''s control.


    Feigning ignorance of the thread''s existence, Chen Ming kept his spiritual vision focused on the opponent''s movements.


    The spider''s forelimbs continued to ripple across the web, launching a scattershot of dense attacks like a celestial maiden scattering blossoms.


    Although each strike was only powerful enough to kill an average Soul King or Soul Emperor, they posed no real threat to Chen Ming. However, the dense attacks effectively restricted his movements.


    Chen Ming, still needing to protect Qian Renxue, could only use his indestructible body as a shield.


    The sound of metal clashing finally brought Qian Renxue out of her despair.


    But Chen Ming noticed something strange in her eyes¡ªa faint trace of crimson.


    This power, almost the opposite of her Angel Martial Soul, seemed to have invaded Qian Renxue''s body, subtly twisting her thoughts.


    Chen Ming could sense that her aura was growing colder and more detached. The light in her eyes turned eerie as if she were drifting further away from the path of the Angel Martial Soul.


    Watching this, Chen Ming suddenly recalled the words of the world''s consciousness:


    "Save the Angel God."


    Why didn''t it say "save Qian Renxue" or "save the heir of the Angel God," but instead referred to the Angel God?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [172]

    In the original story, Qian Renxue survived; she didn''t encounter any accidents and eventually became the Angel God.


    Chen Ming believed that his butterfly effect shouldn''t have extended back several decades. So, logically speaking, this event should already have existed in the original timeline.


    However, the fact that Qian Renxue didn''t die raised some doubts.


    Even for Chen Ming, facing this crazy woman was quite challenging. Protecting Qian Renxue made him even more passive. How did Qian Renxue manage to survive on her own? Was it because of Snake Spear Douluo? Chen Ming didn''t believe it. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sensing Qian Renxue''s increasingly extreme emotions, Chen Ming made a guess.


    Perhaps the real purpose of everything wasn''t to take Qian Renxue''s life.


    The entity hidden behind the scenes might be trying to influence Qian Renxue''s emotions, leaving her with a permanent flaw in her state of mind. Even if she became the Angel God, she wouldn''t be able to reach the heights of the previous Angel God.


    Chen Ming had felt the blazing radiance and the legacy of the previous Angel God through the pendant carved from the skull of a sacred beast. This led him to his suspicions.


    The first generation of gods had their divinity molded to match their personality and abilities. However, successors didn''t have as much choice. The closer they aligned with the first generation of gods, the more they could unleash the potential of the godhood itself until they grew strong enough to surpass the mark left by their predecessor.


    In the original story, Qian Renxue''s character was severely lacking. It could even be said that Tang San''s victory was partly due to Qian Renxue holding back at the start.


    Chen Ming activated a protective shield and gently tapped Qian Renxue''s face. Seeing that her expression remained cold and dark, he felt helpless. However, with a formidable enemy ahead and possibly the hidden hand of the God of Asura behind the scenes, Chen Ming had no time to dwell on it.


    He pulled out the pendant left behind by the Angel God from his chest, forcibly activated the spiritual energy and divine power within it, and then pushed it into Qian Renxue''s hands. He also activated the essence of Qian Renxue''s martial soul, causing it to resonate with the divine power in the pendant.


    The residual divine power couldn''t change the rules of the world. With the first Angel God long gone, it couldn''t directly alter the current situation.


    However, the unique power of the first Angel God merged into Qian Renxue''s body, transforming into a blazing sun that resisted the invading emotions within her.


    Ancient scenes seemed to appear before Qian Renxue''s eyes: humanity in ancient times, on the brink of extinction under the oppression of soul beasts, prayed to the heavens for divine intervention.


    In response to their prayers, the Angel God appeared and gradually grew from weakness to strength, eventually becoming a miracle-bearing figure. The Angel God repelled disaster beasts invading from another world and the soul beasts dominating the continent, ushering in an era of humanity.


    Pure faith directly entering the mind was problematic. Even though Qian Renxue was the inheritor of the Angel God, this couldn''t be changed. Yet, under these circumstances, this ancient and pure faith managed to resolve Qian Renxue''s current inner turmoil.


    Within a few breaths, Qian Renxue opened her eyes, now filled with determination, with no trace of the previous gloom or despair.


    Three pairs of wings spread behind her, and the power of light and flame converged on her body. At this moment, ancient faith seemed to materialize, fusing with the Seraphim martial soul and becoming fuel for the blazing sacred flames.


    The forces of justice and divinity between heaven and earth gathered, forming the purest energy.


    Qian Renxue''s soul power instantly broke through from level 48 to 49, stopping just short of the level 50 threshold. If it weren''t for the restrictions of the world''s rules, Qian Renxue might have continued to advance.


    With Qian Renxue''s awakening, the tide of the battle shifted. But this didn''t mean that the newly awakened Qian Renxue was qualified to fight alongside Chen Ming against the crazy woman. If Qian Renxue had obtained her fifth soul ring, she might have been able to provide some support, but with her current quasi-Soul King-level power, it was out of the question.


    "Run. Don''t hold me back. Run south, as fast as you can. If you stay here, you''ll only be a burden. Without you, I can fight at full strength."


    Chen Ming blocked the increasingly frenzied attacks of the crazy woman and spoke sternly to the Qian Renxue in his arms.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Qian Renxue, her golden eyes glowing, froze for a moment. Her surging momentum faltered slightly, but seeing Chen Ming''s serious expression, she nodded, taking the opportunity he provided to flee without looking back.


    Faith was supposed to make one blind, but for Qian Renxue, it seemed to have somehow made her smarter.


    "Don''t leave! Stay! Don''t run!"


    The massive Heavenly Spider roared frantically, spraying webs to try to entangle Qian Renxue. The arrows embedded in the ground, connected by fine spider silk, began to rise again, attempting to pierce Qian Renxue''s body.


    But now that Chen Ming was free to fight without holding back, he wasn''t going to let her succeed.


    When the spider silk arrows had fallen earlier, Chen Ming had deliberately infused them with poisons. Now, he unleashed a poison explosion, shattering the sturdy arrows and the connected threads. The webs in the sky were also pushed back by Chen Ming with reckless use of his soul power.


    Others feared prolonged battles of attrition, but not him. With two soul cores operating at near-divine efficiency, he not only had a nearly full reserve of soul power but also maintained his physical condition at its peak.


    Even though his spiritual power was somewhat depleted, he was still at 80-85% of his full strength.


    "Poison Cloud! Poison Cloud! Poison Cloud! Poison Cloud!"


    "Explosion! Explosion! Explosion! Explosion!"


    With Qian Renxue gone, Chen Ming no longer held back, relentlessly activating his soul skills and unleashing a barrage of attacks.


    A torrent of poison and physical explosions engulfed the crazed woman. Even in her Heavenly Spider true form, her mind was on the brink of collapse. She was forced to repeatedly use her soul skills to protect herself.


    She could no longer scream like before, using every ounce of focus to defend herself.


    While her martial soul true body was powerful, the consumption was immense. Dual martial soul true bodies meant double the enhancement but also double the drain. Even though her first six soul skills had no cooldown, their energy cost was real. After bombarding Chen Ming earlier, her soul power reserves had taken a significant hit.


    Chen Ming wasn''t about to let this chance slip. He relentlessly exploited her weakness, intending to drain her soul power and overwhelm her entirely.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [173]

    No technique, no aesthetics.


    Chen Ming relied on a strategy of either tactical infiltration when poor or saturation bombing when rich.


    Whether it was venomous poison, poison explosions, Destructive Death Ray, or poison deathly realm, none of these mattered. Chen Ming''s goal was simple: to directly kill the enemy.


    Although the madwoman wanted to enhance her combat strength through a burst of emotional memories, Chen Ming was well aware of the strategy to strike while they were weak. The moment the enemy paused, Chen Ming spared no expense, concentrating all his firepower.


    She felt as though, with just a little more effort, she could grasp something important. But under Chen Ming''s interference, that something remained out of reach. It seemed as though she could trigger her emotional memory burst at any moment, but she simply couldn''t manage it.


    Chen Ming''s domain had a rule-based execution ability. Whether the target''s state dropped below 10% of its full potential or its attributes were less than 10% of Chen Ming''s, they could be forcibly executed. Under Chen Ming''s bombardment, the madwoman was quickly approaching the execution threshold.


    Just when she was about a hair''s breadth away from the execution line, the world suddenly changed. Chen Ming felt his soul power suddenly become obscure, and an indescribable malice surged throughout the heavens and earth.


    Greed, envy, hatred, indifference, madness.


    All kinds of malice were aroused, and all sorts of evil began to coalesce. This boundless malice assaulted Chen Ming''s spirit, trying to turn him into its puppet.


    However, Chen Ming was unique. While this malice caused him discomfort, it couldn''t affect him in his current state of full firepower.


    Seemingly aware of this issue, the malicious power began to converge on the madwoman, who was on the verge of being executed by Chen Ming. Under the influence of an unknown force, pure malice transformed into raw power.


    Her soul power increased, her vitality recovered, and her martial soul was strengthened.


    In an instant, the madwoman''s state returned to its peak, even breaking through to a new level. Everything looked perfect¡ªexcept for her blood-red eyes and eerily calm expression, which constantly testified that she had become a puppet of some existence.


    Perhaps if her emotional memory burst had succeeded earlier, she might not have completely lost her sanity under this evil power. However, due to Chen Ming''s constant interference, her best outcome was becoming a puppet.


    "Ah!"


    "Come!"


    Under Chen Ming''s bombardment, she released her martial soul''s true form. However, instead of falling into a weakened state, she skillfully dodged and resisted Chen Ming''s saturation attacks.


    With a low murmur, a dark red light flew toward her from a distance and landed in her hand.


    It was a small fragment stained with fresh blood. Under her soul power''s influence, the fragment quickly expanded and transformed into a massive, semi-transparent scythe.


    Spider silk wrapped around her body, weaving into sturdy armor. The ominous blood-red force dyed the originally colorless armor a dark red hue.


    As the scythe swung, a massive slash composed of soul power effortlessly cut through Chen Ming''s poisonous domain and explosions, heading straight for him.


    Within that slash, Chen Ming felt intense malice and a grave threat. It was a power born from the fusion of soul power, spiritual energy, and even life force¡ªits destructive force far exceeded the limits of soul power. Even for Chen Ming, who had activated his indestructible diamond body, it posed a deadly threat.


    Chen Ming hurriedly dodged, but the slashes came one after another. Although their power varied, all of them were strong enough to breach the limits of his soul power armor.


    Chen Ming was busy evading, pushing his soul techniques to their absolute limit. His entire being was shrouded in a dense poisonous cloud, yet he still couldn''t break free from the enemy''s lock-on.


    The puppet, encased in armor, charged forward, skillfully and lethally swinging her illusory scythe. She easily severed Chen Ming''s soul techniques. Whether it was intangible poison or explosions, all were eroded by the sword aura formed from overwhelming sword intent and killing intent.


    Yes, sword intent.


    Although the puppet wielded an illusory scythe, Chen Ming could see that her moves were unmistakably a form of incredibly profound and murderously intense swordsmanship. Even though Chen Ming had never witnessed the Sword Douluo fully unleash his Seven Kill Sword Technique, he was certain that even Sword Douluo couldn''t match the swordsmanship of the puppet wielding the scythe before him.


    Though no words were spoken and no divine power of the Asura God was displayed, Chen Ming could swear on his future happiness that the one controlling this puppet was undoubtedly that damn Asura God.


    Even if she was using the divine power of the Rakshasa God and wielding a scythe, since when did the Rakshasa God possess such sword intent?


    If someone claimed the Angel God had swordsmanship of this caliber, Chen Ming wouldn''t argue. But the Rakshasa God? She was supposed to specialize in scythes!


    Despite Chen Ming''s efforts to block the enemy, the puppet continued to close in rapidly. Even as Chen Ming exerted himself to the fullest, resisting with all his might, he found it difficult to hold his ground against the swordsmanship and sword intent of this divine-level domain.


    Under immense pressure, Chen Ming gritted his teeth and tried to imitate the enemy by fusing his spiritual energy, life force, and soul power, then injecting his insights into it.


    The difficulty of combining 1 + 1 + 1 was far greater than 1 + 1. Even with Chen Ming''s current level, he could only barely manage the fusion. Adding will and laws into the mix made it even harder.


    But under the pressure of life and death, Chen Ming finally broke through the barrier that had troubled him for so long and reached a new realm.


    "Poison Sovereign Descent!"


    Chen Ming threw a punch. Extreme poison blended with extreme power erupted at that moment. The entire world seemed to bow before Chen Ming. That punch was profound and unstoppable, smashing toward the puppet.


    The perfect combination and explosion of unparalleled power and unparalleled poison displayed a force that surpassed most Title Douluos. Despite her formidable swordsmanship and illusory Rakshasa scythe, the puppet was struck squarely by Chen Ming''s punch and sent flying like a rocket.


    Her armor-covered body was deformed by the blow, and the illusory Rakshasa scythe in her hand was blasted away, shattering into fragments that buried themselves deep in the earth. But Chen Ming didn''t let his guard down and remained on high alert. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An opponent willing to cheat on the board likely wouldn''t hesitate to flip the table. Winning on the board meant preparing for the board itself to attack.


    Although much of the Rakshasa God''s power had been consumed by Chen Ming''s punch, another force began to gather in the heavens and earth.


    It was a power Chen Ming had sensed before¡ªnot long ago, near the bloodstains on the giant ivory tusk at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.


    The puppet''s twisted body was forcibly reassembled by an invisible force. A blood-red domain unfolded from her body and instantly evolved.


    The spider silk transformed into the shape of a longsword, which was then stained by the blood-red aura. The puppet charged toward Chen Ming with several times the speed from before, finally uttering her first words.


    "Asura Assault."


    The massive blade pierced through Chen Ming''s soul armor and plunged deeply into his body. The terrifying power wreaked havoc inside him, while pure killing intent assaulted his spirit.


    Just as the Asura God''s consciousness hidden within the puppet thought this meddler would die under this move, it suddenly saw Chen Ming, with its blade impaling him, reveal a strange smile.


    A golden short staff appeared in Chen Ming''s hand. Grabbing the puppet''s arm, his scorpion tail erupted, piercing through the puppet''s dark red armor. Following the cracks, Chen Ming drove the short staff directly into the puppet''s core.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [174]

    The moment the golden threads that formed the short staff entered the puppet''s body, they unraveled and transformed into countless strands of golden silk. Like fungal hyphae, they grew rapidly, spreading along the puppet''s meridians and soul power pathways, corroding every corner of its body and relentlessly absorbing everything. As they expanded, the golden threads released a terrifyingly lethal poison, exuding an aura of death. Within Chen Ming''s body, his soul power, under the transformation of his fourth soul skill, was once again converted into pure venom.


    In this life-and-death moment, Chen Ming abandoned the two ultimate forces of Ice and Fire, choosing instead to rely on the poison attribute that had accompanied him the longest as his final trump card.


    Hidden within his staff, the Snow Swan Kiss bloomed under the stimulation of his soul power, amplifying the toxicity by hundreds or even thousands of times in an instant. A dense cloud of poison enveloped an area of several hundred meters, expanding visibly at an alarming speed.


    Everything within the poison cloud began to dissolve under the effects of the deadly poison. Even though Chen Ming had theoretically achieved complete poison immunity, the exponentially multiplying toxin made him feel as though even his own body was being corroded.


    Maximizing his Indestructible Golden Body, Chen Ming simultaneously unleashed his second soul skill.


    "Art is... Explosion! Blow it up!"


    BOOOM!!!


    The power of his Poison Explosion had no upper limit; its potency depended entirely on the strength of the poison used. At this moment, the explosion of toxins unleashed a destructive force surpassing that of natural disasters.


    The ground shattered, the sky fractured, and even space itself began to crack, revealing pitch-black voids that seemed to signal damage to the very fabric of the world.


    The puppet was instantly vaporized, while Chen Ming was launched dozens of kilometers away by the sheer force of the shockwave he had created, traveling at supersonic speed. Like a meteor, he crashed into the ground, triggering an earthquake of magnitude eight.


    Despite pushing his Indestructible Golden Body to its limits, Chen Ming''s bones were still mostly shattered. If not for the dragon core within him, which could convert its energy into a life force to sustain him, he might have been killed outright by his soul skill.


    Chen Ming had prepared for the possibility that his enemy could undergo a second or even multiple transformations. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have kept his Poison God Stff hidden until this critical moment¡ªa weapon meant to catch his opponent off guard.


    Enduring the pain, Chen Ming half-knelt on the ground, forcing himself to lift his head and gaze toward the site of the explosion.


    Though it seemed as if his enemy had been utterly destroyed on a physical level, Chen Ming''s keen eyes and spiritual senses detected a blood-red energy lingering in the air.


    It was unmistakably divine will. Although the divine power within it had been depleted in the earlier battle and its vessel had been destroyed by Chen Ming''s sudden outburst, this will¡ªbelonging to a higher dimension¡ªremained intact, untouched by Chen Ming''s methods.


    Realizing its vessel had been obliterated, the blood-red divine will emanated a malevolent intent. Upon noticing Chen Ming kneeling on the ground and seemingly able to perceive its presence, it immediately surged into Chen Ming''s body, forcibly invading his mental sea. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Within Chen Ming''s spiritual sea, a colossal figure clad in blood-red armor emerged, wielding an illusory longsword. Its oppressive killing intent dyed the entire space a deep crimson.


    ["Human, you have disrupted my plans."]


    The divine will, belonging to the God of Asura, spoke in a cold, detached voice as it surveyed Chen Ming''s mental sea. Slowly, the longsword in its hand began to rise.


    ["As the God of Judgment, I should annihilate a variable like you, who has defied the divine realm''s plans. However, as a magnanimous superior being, I am willing to show mercy."]


    ["If you repent and submit to my command, atone for your sins with your actions, I will not only forgive you but even allow you to ascend to godhood."]


    ["I have under my command a God of Slaughter, the most powerful second-tier god in the divine realm. If you choose to submit to me, I may even consider allowing you to inherit his position and become a second-tier god."]


    At this, the figure formed by the God of Asura''s divine will paused, lowering its sword slightly, as if granting Chen Ming a choice. ["With your talent, you surpass God of Slaughter by far. Even by the standards of your world, your abilities are extraordinary. Though the God of Slaughter is merely a second-tier god, if you pledge loyalty to me and fulfill the divine realm''s commands, your talent, and my rewards will enable you to break through to the level of a first-tier god."]


    ["In your world, the Angel God is no more than a first-tier god in the divine realm. If you obey me, you can become as powerful as, or even surpass, the Angel God your world reveres."]


    ["Mortal, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you."]


    Within his spiritual sea, Chen Ming condensed his image and faced the towering figure. Without hesitation, he sneered and replied mockingly:


    "I don''t even know who you are, and you''re trying to recruit me? Why should I believe anything you say? Sure, you throw around terms like first-tier and second-tier gods, but anyone can brag. Big talk is free."


    "Who knows if you''re some nameless third-tier or fourth-tier god, just here to bully mortals in the lower realm? You promise I''ll become a god, but why should I trust you?"


    Though Chen Ming''s words were harsh, the massive divine will fell silent for a moment.


    The affairs of the divine realm were absolute secrets to mortals in the lower world. It was perfectly normal for them to know nothing about the divine hierarchy, let alone recognize the existence of individual gods.


    Given Chen Ming''s extraordinary talent¡ªdefeating a puppet empowered by both the God of Asura''s and the God of Rakshasa''s divine powers while still at the Soul King stage¡ªthe God of Asura, notorious for his harsh temperament, uncharacteristically offered Chen Ming an opportunity.


    ["I am Asura, King of Gods in the divine realm, one of the Five Great God-Kings, wielder of the power to judge all gods, and the supreme and strongest among the God-Kings."]


    ["My will is the will of the divine realm, and my commands are its laws!"]


    ["Mortal, I have given you your final chance."]


    ["If you kneel and admit your mistakes, you may join the divine realm in the future. But if you continue to defy the will and authority of the divine realm, you will perish here and now."]


    As the God of Asura''s divine will spoke, the illusory longsword in its hand began to glow with a lethal edge. Should Chen Ming show the slightest hesitation or defiance, the divine will would erase his consciousness and take over his body.


    Faced with the God of Asura''s final warning, Chen Ming remained silent for a moment before giving his answer.


    "Kneel or die?"


    "I choose neither. I want you to die!"


    An invisible force erupted, and with it, a power was unleashed. In that moment, the cheat ability that had accompanied Chen Ming throughout his growth finally revealed a glimpse of its true strength.


    PS: Psss! subscribe to our patreon. currently has 100 advanced chapter! give me some money. I need to buy more energy drinks to keep myself awake. xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [175]

    The concept of spirituality is abstract, and the Cheat Ability: High Metal Awareness is even more abstract¡ªa concept within a concept. After all of his research, Chen Ming still hasn''t fully understood it; all he can say is that he has barely scratched the surface.


    Although it was Chen Ming''s first time encountering someone''s will invading his spiritual sea, he felt no fear in this situation.


    As the divine will of the Asura God invaded, Chen Ming began to perceive its weight and finally gained some insight into the essence of his cheat ability.


    It was a manifestation of his soul''s sublimation during his transmigration¡ªa reflection of his innate divinity and authority.


    Though his physical body was mortal, his essence was something far greater. He was inherently born to master spirituality, inspiration, and the soul. Even without divine power, he still wielded divine authority.


    He was the master of souls, the sole king, and the deity of the spiritual world.


    Chen Ming extended his hand and lightly clenched it. The divine will of the Asura God was bound by an invisible force, and then it began to shatter inch by inch, breaking down into its most basic components.


    Slaughter, judgment, malice, spirit, death¡ªthese were its powers.


    Soul energy, celestial spiritual energy, the aura of slaughter¡ªall of it disassembled like a slaughtered pig on a butcher''s table. Chen Ming easily dismantled the Asura God''s divine will, reducing it to its most primitive energies. Under his suppression, the Asura God''s divine will had no chance of escape, not even the ability to self-destruct.


    Faced with inevitable obliteration, the Asura God''s will had no choice but to erase all information within this fragment of divine will before its complete disintegration. However, before vanishing, it left behind a threatening declaration for Chen Ming:


    ["Mortal, you have thoroughly angered the King of the Divine Realm!"]


    "King of the Divine Realm, my foot."


    After completely breaking down the Asura God''s divine will into various foundational materials, Chen Ming scoffed dismissively.


    If the scene just now were shown to the other four God-Kings of the Divine Realm, who knew if they might gang up on the Asura God together?


    The Douluo Divine Realm wasn''t ruled by the Asura God alone. He was merely the God of Enforcement, not the leader of the Divine Realm. Why did he act as if he were its supreme ruler?


    ...


    At that moment in the Divine Realm, the Asura God suddenly raised his head upon sensing that his fragment of divine will in the mortal world had disappeared. His eyes flashed red as immense killing intent and malice surged from within his body.


    Along with this surge, there was also a large amount of divine power that did not belong to the Asura God. If any of the other God Kings of the Divine Realm were present, they would easily recognize the sources of this divine power¡ªit originated from other deities.


    The Rakshasa God, the Angel God, and the Sea God¡ªthese were the three ascended deities of the Douluo World. Yet, traces of their divine power now resided within the Asura God.


    Although the Asura God had not fully refined and absorbed these powers, there was no doubt that some kind of connection had already formed between him and these divine energies. Among them, the power belonging to the Rakshasa God had already been mostly mastered by him.


    Sensing his unstable aura, the Asura God''s eyes flashed red once more, and thick Asura divine power radiated outward, forcibly suppressing these foreign divine energies back into his body.


    Afterward, the Asura God cast a wary glance toward the Divine Realm''s central hub. Only after confirming that the God of Destruction hadn''t noticed anything unusual did he breathe a sigh of relief. Quietly, he split off another fragment of his divine will and sent it back to the Douluo World through the arrangements he had left behind.


    This fragment of divine will had a clear purpose: to investigate the disappearance of the previous fragment. However, just as the Asura God''s divine will attempted to use the backdoors he had left in Douluo World''s consciousness, it was intercepted by a fragment of divine will left by the Goddess of Life.


    "Asura, what are you trying to do?"


    The Goddess of Life''s divine will intercepted the Asura God''s rogue fragment and questioned him with curiosity.


    "I¡­ I just wanted to check on my inheritance."


    Upon realizing that his divine will had been intercepted by the Goddess of Life, the Asura God''s actual body in the Divine Realm turned pale. If not for his extraordinary nature as a deity, he might have been drenched in cold sweat by now.


    "Asura, I can understand your concern. But as the God of Enforcement in the Divine Realm, you should abide by the rules of the Divine Realm."


    The Goddess of Life sighed helplessly and admonished the fragment of the Asura God''s divine will.


    "Deities of the Divine Realm are not allowed to interfere arbitrarily in the mortal world. Even for deities who ascend from native worlds, it is forbidden to casually use divine power to alter the rules of the mortal world." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Asura, you negotiated with the Rakshasa God for a spot and left your inheritance in the Rakshasa God''s domain. If you wish to monitor your inheritance, you should rely on the fragment of divine will already left there, not send additional fragments or divine power to the mortal world."


    As someone who had been friends with the Asura God for tens of thousands of years, the Goddess of Life knew that secretly sending divine will to the mortal world was against the rules. However, out of their long-standing relationship, she assumed the Asura God was merely overly anxious about his inheritance.


    "Take it back. As the God of Enforcement, you shouldn''t be making such mistakes."


    "Alright, Life."


    Seeing that the Goddess of Life didn''t seem to have noticed anything unusual, the Asura God''s divine will quickly expressed gratitude and returned to his main body.


    Although he was still concerned about why his fragment of divine will, which was meant to modify the Angel God''s divine position, had disappeared, he dared not act rashly while the Goddess of Life remained attentive to the Douluo World.


    The Divine Realm''s central hub was managed in rotation by the five God-Kings, and it was currently under the jurisdiction of the God of Destruction.


    The God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life shared a profound connection with the Divine Realm and could not leave it. Over the years, the God of Destruction had been tirelessly working to strengthen the Divine Realm, and after taking control of the central hub, he bore almost the entire burden of the Divine Realm on his own.


    The reason the Asura God dared to interfere was that the God of Destruction was too occupied. One God King carrying the workload of four others left little room to monitor the Douluo World. Even if the Douluo World was special and important, the God of Destruction likely wouldn''t have the energy to investigate further.


    What the Asura God hadn''t anticipated, however, was the Goddess of Life''s sudden interest in the Douluo World.


    Life and Destruction were two sides of the same coin, their relationship the closest in the Divine Realm. What the Goddess of Life saw, the God of Destruction would see as well. In other words, anything the Goddess of Life paid attention to would inevitably draw the attention of the God of Destruction.


    Unlike the busy God of Destruction, the Goddess of Life had plenty of free time and boundless energy. If she focused on the Douluo World, she would undoubtedly uncover details even the God of Destruction might overlook.


    Could it be that Destruction had discovered something in the Douluo World?


    Sitting in his palace, the Asura God retrieved a blood-stained helmet from somewhere. He poured divine power into it¡ªpower that did not belong to him.


    This was not his divine power but the power of the Rakshasa God. Anyone familiar with the Rakshasa God would instantly recognize the blood-stained helmet.


    It was a piece of the Rakshasa God''s divine armor, tainted with her resentment and unwillingness, containing her divine position and power.


    Unquestionably, without the knowledge of the other deities in the Divine Realm, the Rakshasa God, once a first-tier deity, had fallen silently at the hands of the Asura God.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [176]

    After persuading the divine consciousness of the God of Asura to retreat, the divine consciousness of the God of Life casually sent a message to the God of Destruction. Busy with his work, the God of Destruction received the message but didn''t pay much attention to it.


    After all, compared to the ever-unpredictable forces of good and evil, the God of Asura''s impatience seemed relatively trivial.


    However, just as the God of Destruction was about to return to his work, he sensed a disturbance in the divine power of the God of Rakshasa. It seemed that the God of Rakshasa was interfering with the divine trials in the mortal world. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to the rules of the divine realm, it was perfectly legal for gods to interfere in their divine trials. However, given the strained relationship between the Gods of Asura and Rakshasa, the God of Destruction naturally assumed that the God of Rakshasa''s interference was targeting the inheritor of the God of Asura. The God of Destruction speculated that the inheritor of the God of Asura must have encountered some challenges, prompting the intervention.


    The logic was clear and well-reasoned. Although the God of Destruction could no longer remember the last time he saw the God of Rakshasa, this certainly seemed like something the God of Rakshasa would do.


    "Douluo World sure is full of drama¡ªSea God, Rakshasa, Angel, Asura¡ªthey''ve all left divine trials there. And just now, even the position of the God of Thunder showed signs of activity."


    "Could it be that another Child of Destiny is emerging in Douluo World, triggering a surge of talent?"


    The God of Destruction pondered this possibility and found it not entirely unlikely.


    "The last Child of Destiny in Douluo World, if I recall, was the Angel God. While the Sea God and Rakshasa God are impressive, they''re still not quite on the same level as the Angel God. Despite all being first-class gods, the Angel God was already close to becoming a God-king."


    "If it hadn''t been for the Angel God ascending too quickly, without fully unleashing her potential and consolidating the faith of the entire world, she might have become the new God King in the Divine Realm back then."


    "I wonder if Douluo World might produce a true God King this time."


    "After all, Douluo World is the mother planet of that being."


    With this in mind, the God of Destruction recalled an unclaimed first-class god position under his domain¡ªthe God of Strength. After some consideration, he decided to issue the divine trial for this position in Douluo World through the Central System of the Divine Realm.


    The God of Destruction sent the artifact left behind by the previous God of Strength to Douluo World. If someone could gain the artifact''s recognition, they would be eligible to undertake the divine trial.


    Was this action reasonable?


    Well¡­ under normal circumstances, it wouldn''t be. But since the God of Destruction was currently the one managing the Central System of the Divine Realm, his authority and responsibilities were greatly amplified.


    Moreover, the God of Destruction had previously gained approval from the other god-kings to select suitable candidates from the mortal realm to inherit divine trials and ascend to godhood. Thus, he was fully within his rights to issue a divine trial for one of his subordinate gods in Douluo World.


    When the Goddess of Life sensed that her husband, the God of Destruction, had issued a divine trial for one of his subordinate gods, she also took a moment to reflect. She remembered that she, too, had an unclaimed divine position¡ªthe Flower God, a second-class god under her domain. Although not a particularly powerful position, it was of mid-tier strength among second-class gods. The previous Flower God had been little more than a handmaiden to the Goddess of Life.


    The Flower God position had remained vacant for a long time because it wasn''t particularly important to the Divine Realm. The Goddess of Life had prioritized filling more critical positions with worthy candidates.


    Now, seeing her husband issue a trial, she decided to hand over the Flower God''s divine position to him. The God of Destruction used the Central System of the Divine Realm to issue the Flower God''s divine trial in Douluo World.


    However, unlike the trial for the God of Strength, the Flower God''s trial was sent to a different region where humans resided, rather than Douluo Continent itself.


    A single divine trial for the God of Strength was already significant. Adding the Flower God''s trial to the Douluo Continent might upset the Angel God and the others. As a god-king, the God of Destruction had to maintain a sense of balance.


    Meanwhile, in his palace, the God of Asura, who was secretly trying to modify the God of Rakshasa''s divine trial, grew increasingly anxious. Feeling the movements of the Goddess of Life and the God of Destruction, he altered the God of Rakshasa''s trial to make it slightly less harsh.


    Of course, due to the mysterious disruption of his earlier plans targeting the Angel God, the God of Asura adjusted the eighth trial of the God of Rakshasa to specifically target the Angel God''s successor.


    ...


    ["Eighth Trial of the Rakshasa God: Take what is most important to your daughter''s heart and cause her pain."]


    ["Progress: 0%."]


    In the secret chamber of the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong opened her eyes, a trace of confusion in her gaze.


    Her original eighth trial had been to defeat her illusionary self a hundred times. Yet, after she''d painstakingly managed to defeat the illusion only a dozen times, the trial suddenly changed.


    "Could it be that the God of Rakshasa thought the task of defeating my illusionary self a hundred times was too difficult, so the trial was altered?"


    "But¡­ take what''s most important to that girl?"


    Bibi Dong was puzzled¡ªnot because she didn''t understand why she needed to take what was most important to her daughter. After all, her qualification for the divine trials stemmed from devouring Qian Xunji''s soul to inherit the God of Rakshasa''s legacy. She had always known of the enmity between the God of Rakshasa and the Angel God.


    A trial targeting the Angel lineage was entirely expected and even aligned with Bibi Dong''s desires.


    What truly confused her was that she had no idea what her daughter, Qian Renxue, valued most.


    If it were the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong had already taken it.


    Could it be¡­ that what Qian Renxue valued most was Qian Daoliu, that old man?


    The thought of needing to take Qian Daoliu from Qian Renxue made Bibi Dong''s skin crawl.


    Not to mention taking him¡ªshe wasn''t even sure she could defeat Qian Daoliu at her current strength.


    Bibi Dong detested Qian Daoliu, but she never denied his power. He had completed the eight trials of the Angel God decades ago, reaching the pinnacle of power in their plane, wielding the Angel God''s divine weapon.


    Until she fully awakened her twin martial soul with complete sets of soul rings and obtained the God of Rakshasa''s divine weapon, Bibi Dong had no desire to confront Qian Daoliu directly.


    But what did "take" even mean? Was she supposed to steal Qian Daoliu''s affection for Qian Renxue?


    Bibi Dong shook her head, dismissing the absurd idea, and began to think seriously.


    "What is it that Qian Renxue values most?"


    PS1: Answer: Ntr your daughter.


    PS2: Chen Ming:"(chuckles) I''m in danger."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [177]

    At this moment, Chen Ming lay on the ground like a salted fish. After regaining the function of his arms, he set his bones back in place, manually cut through his flesh, and removed bone fragments. Chen Ming performed self-surgery, opening his abdomen and cleaning his injuries. Some parts of his body had been too severely damaged by the sword intent of the Asura God, and the wounds carried malevolent power. So, Chen Ming simply removed those parts manually and used his life force to regrow them.


    Chen Ming removed several internal organs, including a kidney, most of his stomach, and a large portion of his liver, slowly using his life force to regenerate these parts bit by bit.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Chen Ming had gained some insight into the power of chaos creation, these injuries alone would have rendered him completely helpless. After all, the Dragon Core only granted him a life regeneration buff; it didn''t turn his life points into infinity.


    As Chen Ming was tidying up his intestines, which had spilled out onto the ground, disinfecting the usable parts and stuffing them back into his body, Qian Renxue hurried over with a burly man in tow.


    The burly man appeared to be a bit over two meters tall, with a robust physique. He held a long snake spear in one hand. His hair was mostly black, with a touch of white near the roots. His face was stern and exuded a militaristic aura, like a fierce general from the army.


    If not for his pale complexion, sparse facial hair, and slightly different demeanor, just looking at his snake spear and towering build, Chen Ming might have thought that Garou himself had traveled through time.


    Seeing Chen Ming sitting on the ground, handling his intestines, the titled Douluo holding the snake spear was momentarily stunned. The nine soul rings floating behind him seemed to form a faint question mark over his head.


    Before the Snake Spear Douluo could say anything, Qian Renxue immediately rushed over and tightly hugged Chen Ming.


    With this hug, the freshly healed but still fragile bones in Chen Ming''s body made a crisp cracking sound. A large section of his exposed intestines was crushed, and a torrent of blood gushed from his abdominal cavity. Chen Ming''s face turned noticeably grim.


    Although the Dragon Core soul core prevented these injuries from being fatal, it still hurt¡ªa lot!


    During a battle, no matter how painful it was, Chen Ming could endure it. But after the fight? That was a different story.


    Chen Ming gritted his teeth, patted Qian Renxue''s bald head, and forced out a twisted voice:


    "Let go."


    "No, I won''t. I won''t run away anymore."


    Perhaps her faith power had been almost entirely depleted because Qian Renxue''s intelligence seemed to have taken another nosedive. She wasn''t particularly smart, to begin with, but now she was acting downright naive.


    The Snake Spear Douluo awkwardly opened his mouth, intending to remind Qian Renxue not to accidentally crush someone to death, but Qian Renxue remained steadfast, clinging tightly to Chen Ming and pressing her bald head against his chest.


    If Qian Renxue''s golden hair hadn''t been destroyed by Chen Ming, and if Chen Ming''s intestines weren''t hanging out, this scene might have been quite touching. But as things stood... well, it wasn''t. The Snake Spear Douluo, who felt he had been tricked all the way here, dared not speak up. Otherwise, he felt he could unleash the longest rant of his life.


    "If you hold me any longer, I''m going to die."


    "No, you can''t die. My Seraphim martial soul has healing abilities," Qian Renxue cried, tears streaming down her face as she summoned the gentle, holy power of her martial soul.


    "No need. Just let go. Let go first. Hey, you over there watching the show¡ªcome over here and talk some sense into her!"


    At Chen Ming''s hoarse shouting, the Snake Spear Douluo, who was visibly struggling to keep a straight face, rushed over and pried the flustered Qian Renxue off of Chen Ming. Then, he tried using his soul power to help stabilize Chen Ming''s injuries.


    Looking at Chen Ming''s open abdomen and the obvious absence of some internal organs, the Snake Spear Douluo''s heart skipped a beat.


    Although Titled Douluos possessed miraculous soul power, they weren''t omnipotent. As a power-type Douluo, his soul power was nowhere near as effective as the healing abilities of a specialized support-type soul master.


    If there were a healing-type soul master present¡ªeven one with just a single soul ring¡ªthe Snake Spear Douluo believed they could at least stabilize Chen Ming''s condition and transport him back to the Spirit Hall for treatment. Even if only a head remained, he was sure the Grand Worship could find a way to grow a body for Chen Ming.


    But the problem was that thanks to the traitors'' interference, not only was there no healing-type soul master around but neither the Snake Spear Douluo nor Qian Renxue had so much as a bottle of medicine or a roll of bandages.


    This dire situation would have been fatal even for the Snake Spear Douluo himself. Feeling Qian Renxue''s intense gaze, the Snake Spear Douluo sensed his death looming. If he couldn''t save this person, his life was as good as over.


    While the Snake Spear Douluo and Qian Renxue worried about whether Chen Ming would survive, the freed Chen Ming let out a sigh of relief.


    Under their shocked gazes, Chen Ming, as if it were no big deal, began fiddling with his abdominal cavity, realigning his organs and carefully stitching his intestines back together before shoving them back inside.


    After ensuring no foreign objects remained in his body, Chen Ming used his soul-powered fingers to cut away the damaged and unrecoverable tissue on his abdominal skin, then continuously repaired himself using his life force.


    About ten minutes later, Chen Ming let out a long breath. At this point, aside from the heavy bloodstains on his body, there was no sign of any injury.


    "Help me up. I''m feeling weak."


    Chen Ming reached out to the tall Snake Spear Douluo, hoping for some assistance. However, before the Douluo could react, Qian Renxue rudely yanked Chen Ming to his feet. Her movements were anything but gentle, and it didn''t resemble helping an injured person at all.


    If Chen Ming had been a normal person, this kind of rough handling would have worsened his injuries, even if they had initially only been minor internal bleeding. The Snake Spear Douluo, a seasoned veteran, held his breath in fear, worried that their princess might accidentally kill him right then and there.


    Chen Ming''s face turned pale, his lips moved slightly, but seeing the expression on Qian Renxue''s face, he eventually sighed and said nothing.


    What could he even say?


    Looking at Qian Renxue''s head, it was clear she wasn''t thinking straight. He might as well save his energy and wait to speak with someone more reasonable later.


    Not only had this fool not fled, but she had even come back with reinforcements. If Chen Ming hadn''t already dealt with the remnants of the Asura God''s divine consciousness and the lingering power of the Rakshasa God, the Asura God could have easily used the Snake Spear Douluo''s body to launch another assault. That would have been the end.


    After standing for a while, Chen Ming gradually adapted to his current condition. Thanks to his life force stimulating his blood production, his previously pale face started regaining some color.


    The soul core wasn''t creating something out of nothing; it drew in the energy of heaven and earth to convert. The Gold Core soul core converted soul energy, while the Dragon Core transformed soul energy into life force.


    But even with life force replenishment, losing most of his internal organs and a lethal amount of blood was still a significant drain on Chen Ming. Flesh and bone were easier to regenerate, but regrowing internal organs was truly taxing.


    Although the organs had regrown, they were undoubtedly weaker than before. Some fine nerves were still in the process of regenerating, and certain organs hadn''t yet regained full functionality.


    Moreover, aside from life force and soul power, the mental toll was also substantial. The spiritual assault of the Asura God was no trivial matter.


    While Chen Ming had dismantled the Asura God''s divine consciousness into basic materials, he had sealed those materials away for research and hadn''t used any of them to heal himself. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Right now, Chen Ming''s combat strength, at best, was only about 60% of his peak. He could probably handle two or three Qian Renxues in a fight, but against the Snake Spear Douluo, he''d likely have no choice but to run.


    Fortunately, the sword energy and killing intent had avoided damaging his spine, which was reinforced by his external soul bone. Otherwise, his condition would have been even worse.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [178]

    PS: I feel like I forgot something important today,. Opss, I actually forgot to add chapter schedule today. My bady guys.


    Chen Ming didn''t leave immediately because he could feel the barrier between heaven and earth gradually dissipating as he dissolved a portion of the Asura God''s divine consciousness. He was vaguely reconnecting with the world''s consciousness, and he estimated that communication would be fully restored shortly. Chen Ming glanced at the bloodstained Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse at his waist and carefully tidied it up. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logically, the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, a type of soul-guided storage tool, should have been completely vaporized in an explosion of this magnitude. However, Chen Ming had shielded it with his body, unwilling to part with the precious items stored within. Though the purse was now stained with blood and had changed color, it had not suffered any actual damage.


    Casually pulling out a few ten-thousand-year-old ginseng roots and chewing on them like snacks, Chen Ming began walking back to collect the remnants of his shattered Poison God Staff. The lower half of the staff had been completely obliterated in the explosion, and the scorpion tail of the Netherworld Scorpion had turned to ash. Fortunately, the upper part of the staff remained relatively intact.


    After retrieving it, Chen Ming sensed that the blood-colored Snow Swan Kiss, which served as the staff''s core, still retained its vitality. Although it had sustained damage, it could gradually recover over time, as its essence remained largely unaffected.


    Since the entire staff was a product of Chen Ming''s blood and soul power refining process, he could sense the locations of its shattered fragments. After some effort, he managed to gather all the pieces. Interestingly, some fragments near the explosion''s epicenter seemed to have absorbed traces of the Asura God''s divine power, likely due to the extreme activation of the metal''s spirituality during the explosion.


    This portion of divine power, having had its mark erased, was diminishing in quality. However, it had conveniently dropped to a level absorbable by golden threads within the fragments, endowing them with unique properties. Chen Ming assembled these special fragments, and a sharp sword aura and killing intent began to emanate faintly. These were remnants of the Asura God''s power, though no longer under the Shura God''s control.


    After some thought, Chen Ming fused the fragments into the rough shape of a small sword. Through his deconstruction of the Asura God''s divine consciousness, he obtained fragments of the Asura God''s authority. If he continued on this path, it might be possible in the future to quietly siphon off the Asura God''s power and authority, taking advantage of the Asura God''s schemes to profit for himself.


    Finally, Chen Ming spent a long time digging a vertical pit over ten meters deep to unearth a small, broken piece of metal. Watching him, Qian Renxue''s expression changed as she recognized the fragment as part of the artifact that had formed the illusory scythe earlier.


    Though deeply wary of the ominous aura the artifact emanated, Qian Renxue wanted to persuade Chen Ming to abandon this cursed item. However, before she could speak, she realized with some sadness that she had no grounds to convince him. Throughout the entire battle, she had been little more than a burden and had nearly succumbed to the enemy''s mental manipulation. What right or ability did she have to advise Chen Ming?


    "When we return to Spirit Hall, I''ll ask Grandpa about it," Qian Renxue thought. "A scythe-shaped artifact with ominous power¡ªthere should be records of it in Spirit Hall."


    "But that lunatic woman¡ªis it possible she underwent a divine trial? Otherwise, she shouldn''t have been able to wield an artifact, even if it was just a fragment. Such things aren''t something human soul masters should be able to use."


    "No, it''s impossible she underwent a divine trial. If she had, Grandpa would''ve noticed, and she wouldn''t have remained at the rank of Soul Douluo. Even at the fourth or fifth trial, she''d have easily ascended to the rank of Titled Douluo."


    The more Qian Renxue thought about it, the more confused she became. Looking at Chen Ming, she felt he harbored countless secrets. She wanted to ask him about his terrifying combat ability, the origin of his powerful ice and fire attributes, and how he had known she was in danger. But she also knew she had no right to probe the sensitive matters of the man who had saved her life.


    Subconsciously touching her smooth scalp and feeling its cool texture, Qian Renxue suddenly thought of an odd question.


    "Will my hair grow back?"


    "Oh, don''t worry about that," Chen Ming replied. "I only destroyed the surface layer of hair; the roots are fine."


    Watching Qian Renxue''s changing expressions, Chen Ming initially thought she would ask some profound questions. But when he realized she was worried about her hair, he could only sigh inwardly. Women truly are strange creatures.


    After finishing their scavenging, Chen Ming and Qian Renxue quickly headed toward the Spirit Hall in the heart of the continent. Because her appearance had changed significantly, along with her mindset, Qian Renxue no longer hid her martial soul. Fully activating her Seraphim Martial Soul, she spread her six wings, each beat of which left a trail of blazing golden light in the sky.


    Snake Spear Douluo could only run on foot, while Chen Ming, despite initially considering flying back on his poison cloud, abandoned the idea when the world''s consciousness stopped cooperating. A sudden storm hindered his flight, and he realized that running on foot consumed less energy and was faster.


    In the current Douluo Continent, the legs of high-ranking soul masters were the fastest means of travel. If there was anything faster than legs, it was wings capable of flight.


    Without using any transportation, Chen Ming and his group ran for about a week before they finally reached the outskirts of Spirit City.


    In a forest outside the city, Qian Renxue and Chen Ming waited while Snake Spear Douluo took Qian Renxue''s token and quietly returned to the Spirit Hall''s inner sanctum.


    Before long, a figure flew out from the depths of Spirit Hall. The person wielded a longsword, their body exuding a powerful aura of holiness and flames. Overcome with emotion, the figure made no effort to restrain their soul power, their immense strength shining like a second sun over Spirit Hall.


    Sensing the fury of the current High Priest, Spirit Hall itself seemed to respond, glowing faintly with golden light. Over millennia, the reverence of human soul masters had imbued Spirit Hall with a unique, sacred power. If Spirit Hall were not merely a place but a living entity, it might have already ascended to godhood by now.


    Golden energy surged from every corner of Spirit Hall, converging toward the figure in the sky. At that moment, the entire world seemed enveloped in holiness and flames.


    PS: Another powerful grandpa.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [179]

    Without a doubt, that immense and divine figure was none other than the Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall¡ªthis generation''s High Priest of the Angel God, and one of the three Ultimate Douluos of the era. Alongside Tang Chen, he was one of the twin titans of the soul master world: the Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu.


    Qian Daoliu''s aura enveloped the entire Spirit City. Countless devout soul masters knelt to the ground under the sacred power laced with fury, whispering prayers to the Angel God.


    Even many soul masters who originally did not believe in the Angel God were overwhelmed by the divine light radiating from Qian Daoliu. They, too, fell to their knees, becoming believers under the influence of the overwhelming power.


    Qian Daoliu appeared before Qian Renxue and Chen Ming. Seeing his long-unseen granddaughter, Qian Daoliu''s eyes welled with tears as he held his longsword. Ignoring the presence of an outsider, he pulled Qian Renxue¡ªhis only direct bloodline in the world¡ªinto a tight embrace. His sacred soul power continuously poured into her body.


    Chen Ming stood silently to the side, observing Qian Daoliu without saying anything.


    Despite being over a hundred years old, Qian Daoliu showed no signs of aging¡ªan age that was still youthful for an Ultimate Douluo. Not only was there no trace of decline, but he looked remarkably young, appearing no older than someone in their twenties.


    Standing before Qian Renxue, he seemed less like her grandfather and more like her elder brother.


    The Angel God''s weapon, the Angelic Holy Sword, floated quietly beside him, detached from his hand. Flames and divine energy cloaked the sword, forming a sheath around this artifact that had followed the Angel God in battles across the continent.


    Chen Ming could sense much from the Angelic Holy Sword. Though he had not actively activated his spiritual eye, it was as if the sword''s history came alive in his mind.


    Slaying evil beasts, mending space rifts, defeating a massive black dragon, and finally ascending to the Divine Realm alongside the Angel God under the gaze of countless onlookers¡ªonly to be returned to the Douluo World by the Angel God in the end.


    Throughout history, successive Grand Worship had wielded the Angelic Holy Sword, vanquishing humanity''s enemies one by one. Countless heresies, evils, and distortions had been eradicated by generations of Worshippers. Even among the high priests at the 99th rank, more than one had sacrificed their lives in this endeavor.


    Blood, sacrifice, glory, life, and faith... The Holy Sword was imbued with countless legends widely known across the continent, as well as many forgotten stories hidden within it. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sword had been passed down in the Douluo World for ten thousand years, accumulating ten thousand years of faith. This faith seemed dormant within the sword, like a volcano ready to erupt at any time. The will and spirit of successive Worshippers and the Angel God had fused into it, forging the invincible edge of the Holy Sword.


    As Chen Ming gazed at the Angelic Holy Sword, he felt as though it was gazing back at him. Among the flames entwined around the sword, faint figures seemed to emerge, their eyes fixed on Chen Ming. His spirit was involuntarily drawn into the world within the sword.


    It was a realm of light, flame, and divinity, containing hundreds of wills and sword intents.


    A figure, formed of faith, appeared before Chen Ming. Wielding a longsword, it demonstrated the swordsmanship and will be passed down by the Angel lineage.


    The swordsmanship was wild and unrestrained, consisting of only nine moves. Except for one defensive strike, the other eight were pure killing techniques. Its core philosophy was: break all defenses, and speed is invincible. No matter how many techniques you have, I will destroy them with one strike.


    These moves targeted not only the physical body but also soul power, mental strength, and even the soul itself.


    When combined with the Angel lineage''s sacred flame, the nine moves unleashed devastating power capable of annihilating all evil and heresy, erasing everything about an enemy from body to soul.


    With just one glance, Chen Ming memorized the nine moves of the Angel God''s swordsmanship. What appeared next were the interpretations and refinements of this swordsmanship by successive High Priests.


    Even though they all inherited the Angel God''s lineage and martial soul, every High Priest had their path. The Seraphim martial soul was versatile, excelling in offense, agility, defense, control, and even support. Thus, the swordsmanship of successive High Priests varied as well. Some techniques were intricate and ever-changing, others simple and straightforward. Some focused on life-risking attacks, while others relied on stillness to counter-movement.


    It was as if Chen Ming were being flooded with the insights and wisdom of countless swordmasters. His heart surged with a newfound understanding of swordsmanship. Though he had never wielded a sword in battle, a faint sword intent had already taken root in his heart.


    The Angel God had created the original nine moves, but the sword intents and techniques of the successive High Priests merged under Chen Ming''s comprehension into an evolved form of the nine moves.


    Altogether, there were now eighteen techniques of the Angelic Sacred Sword. Each move represented the pinnacle of the Douluo World, honed through countless trials.


    When Chen Ming reopened his eyes from his spiritual eye, he found Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue staring at him in astonishment. Lowering his head, Chen Ming realized that at some point, the Angelic Holy Sword, which had been floating beside Qian Daoliu, had entered his hand. Gentle, sacred power emanated from the sword, replenishing the energy he had lost recently.


    Sensing the budding sword intent of the Angel lineage within Chen Ming, Qian Daoliu remained silent for a long time. He looked at Qian Renxue, then back at Chen Ming.


    In his heart, Qian Daoliu repeatedly confirmed that his son, Qian Xunji, had only fathered a daughter and that he had no grandson. The young man before him did not possess the Angel martial soul but rather a special scorpion martial soul with fire attributes, lacking the unique divinity of the Angel lineage. He shouldn''t be related to them... right?


    As Qian Daoliu thought this, he glanced at the Angelic Holy Sword in Chen Ming''s hand. His previously calm emotions were now filled with confusion.


    In the ten thousand years of Douluo history, there had been instances of outsiders wielding the Angelic Holy Sword. However, none had ever been so close to the sword as Chen Ming was now.


    To put it bluntly, Qian Daoliu, as the current High Priest of the Angel God, had both the authority and ability to use the Angelic Holy Sword. Yet, even so, the sword rarely paid attention to him.


    The Angelic Holy Sword only allowed Qian Daoliu to use it briefly when necessary before returning to the Angel God''s statue to rest.


    "Youngster," Qian Daoliu began, thick-skinned as he addressed Chen Ming, "I am Qian Daoliu. May I ask, are you perhaps a twin martial soul wielder? For example, do you have a Seraphim martial soul in addition to your Scorpion Emperor martial soul?"


    Though reluctant to admit it, after much thought, Qian Daoliu had to acknowledge the possibility. He concluded that Chen Ming''s closeness to the Angelic Holy Sword was likely due to one of two reasons:


    First, Chen Ming possessed a more powerful Angel martial soul than his lineage.


    Second, Chen Ming was the reincarnation of the Angel God.


    Otherwise, Qian Daoliu could think of no other explanation.


    Surely it couldn''t be that Chen Ming was more powerful than the Angel God, to the point that the Angelic Holy Sword had no choice but to submit?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [180]

    Faced with Qian Daoliu''s abrupt questioning, Chen Ming felt a bit awkward as he repeatedly explained his background. He clarified that he was a poison soul master of the Poison Soul lineage, with a family¡ªthough his parents died early, they were undeniably his biological parents. He emphasized that he only possessed a single martial soul and certainly wasn''t hiding a Seraphim martial soul within him.


    Chen Ming had no idea how much of his explanation Qian Daoliu believed. Although Qian Daoliu seemed to have stopped questioning him on the surface, his gaze¡ªfixed on the Angelic Sacred Sword in Chen Ming''s hands¡ªremained rather strange.


    Even though holding the Angelic Sacred Sword significantly enhanced his overall state, Chen Ming, under Qian Daoliu''s peculiar gaze, decided to release his grip on it.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword circled around Chen Ming a few times as if confirming that he no longer needed it. Then, it paused briefly in front of Qian Daoliu before tearing through space with a swoosh, returning to the Angel God''s temple. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yes, even though it lacked spatial attributes, the Angelic Sacred Sword possessed the ability to rip through space for precise teleportation.


    After all, even an Ultimate Douluo could touch upon the powers of space, and the Angelic Sacred Sword, while merely a weapon, was an authentic divine artifact.


    In the face of the Angelic Sacred Sword, the spatial structure of the Douluo World was as fragile as paper. By simply slicing through space, the sword could teleport wherever it wished. Its core principle was brute force, which Chen Ming immediately recognized. However, he was wise enough not to try to replicate it.


    Once the Angelic Sacred Sword returned to the Angel God''s statue, Qian Daoliu''s gaze toward Chen Ming relaxed slightly. With Chen Ming''s consent, Qian Daoliu slashed through space with a wave of his hand, grabbed Chen Ming with one hand and Qian Renxue with the other, and directly stepped through the spatial fissure, entering the depths of the Spirit Hall.


    Chen Ming had little to comment on Qian Daoliu''s spatial manipulation. While it was slightly more technical than the brute force approach of the Angelic Sacred Sword, it still fell short of a perfect application of spatial power.


    He couldn''t gauge how far Qian Daoliu''s teleportation could reach, but one thing was clear: it was highly taxing. Even with the power of an Ultimate Douluo, Qian Daoliu couldn''t use it continuously.


    The place where Qian Daoliu brought Chen Ming and Qian Renxue was the Worship Hall, where Qian Daoliu and the other six Worship of the Spirit Hall usually resided.


    At that moment, the six worships, including Golden Crocodile Douluo, were solemnly standing in front of the Angel God''s statue. Each of them wore an expression of cold determination, exuding a murderous aura. Whether it was the youngest Guang Ling Douluo or the oldest among them, Golden Crocodile Douluo, every one of their gazes was filled with killing intent.


    It seemed that with just a single command from Qian Daoliu, these usually reclusive worships would storm out of the Worship Hall and show the entire Douluo Continent the wrath of the Super Douluo.


    When they saw Qian Daoliu step out of the spatial fissure, holding Qian Renxue and a strange young man, the worships slightly withdrew their killing intent.


    The oldest among them, Golden Crocodile Douluo, relaxed his previously ferocious expression¡ªone that hadn''t softened in decades¡ªand replaced it with a kind smile. He quickly stepped forward, crouched down in front of Qian Renxue, and gently patted her short hair. Only then did he look at Qian Daoliu.


    Although Golden Crocodile Douluo was the second worship and nominally referred to Qian Daoliu as his elder brother, his actual age exceeded Qian Daoliu''s by nearly a century. He had already been a renowned powerhouse on the continent before Qian Daoliu was born. In Qian Daoliu''s youth, Golden Crocodile Douluo had even served as his protector for a time.


    Were it not for his voluntary choice to remain subordinate to Qian Daoliu, even Qian Daoliu would have had to respectfully address him as Elder Golden Crocodile.


    To Qian Renxue, Golden Crocodile Douluo regarded her as his granddaughter.


    As aging Titled Douluo neared the end of his lifespan, Golden Crocodile Douluo was a simple man at heart, with only two concerns: safeguarding the Spirit Hall and protecting Qian Renxue. Earlier, when Serpent Spear Douluo had returned with a brief report, Golden Crocodile Douluo had immediately lost his temper. Activating his martial soul, he grabbed Serpent Spear Douluo by the neck like a chick and nearly snapped it in two.


    After thoroughly confirming that Qian Renxue was unharmed, Golden Crocodile Douluo finally breathed a sigh of relief and turned his gaze toward Chen Ming.


    The elderly man, puzzled, extended a finger to point at Chen Ming.


    "Elder Brother, who is this child?"


    In front of Golden Crocodile Douluo, not just Chen Ming but even the other worships and Qian Daoliu were considered juniors. Therefore, no one thought there was anything inappropriate about his question.


    "Grandpa Golden Crocodile, I almost didn''t make it back¡­"


    Once they had returned to the Spirit Hall and stood before the long-unseen elders, Qian Renxue, who had maintained her composure along the way, finally broke down and began to cry.


    Before the Angel God''s statue, the priests, whose average age was close to a century, surrounded Qian Renxue. The usually calm Qian Daoliu and the worships hurriedly comforted her, listening closely to her sobbing account.


    They didn''t even need to hear her entire story. Just halfway through, Lion Douluo, known for his fiery temper, erupted in rage, leaping to his feet with bloodshot eyes. His soul power surged outward, reflecting his fury.


    Beside him, Golden Crocodile Douluo remained silent, but his hands had already transformed into crocodilian claws. His frail body had swelled several times over, and though he kept his soul power restrained within, the sheer intensity of his rage was no less than Lion Douluo''s.


    As Qian Renxue recounted the twisted life of the deranged woman who had harmed her, the worshipers couldn''t contain themselves and summoned their martial souls. The twins Jiang Jun and Jiang Long had already crossed, the sealed dragon soul within roaring in fury.


    If that madwoman were to appear before them, the twin would likely unleash a relentless flurry of strikes to reduce her to a pulp.


    Before the towering Angel God statue, the Angelic Sacred Sword had somehow risen into the air. The flames surrounding it surged to the ceiling of the Worship Hall, and the sharp aura emanating from the blade could no longer be contained. Some stray sword energy even sank into the floor, leaving behind more than a dozen marks of various sizes on the sturdy tiles.


    Even in a world like Douluo Continent¡ªfilled with lunatics and love-struck maniacs¡ªthat deranged woman''s actions had reached a level of depravity that incited the wrath of both humans and gods alike.


    By this point, Qian Daoliu could no longer keep his eyes open. Clutching his palms to his face, he seemed tortured, unable to cover his ears yet unwilling to hear anymore. Tears streamed uncontrollably down his cheeks.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [181]

    Qian Daoliu could never have imagined that the young girl who awakened her martial soul under his guidance years ago would turn out to be so twisted.


    At first, her behavior was within the bounds of reason, but as time went on, it became increasingly perverse and inhumane. When Qian Daoliu learned that she had cursed his late wife while she was pregnant, he was left utterly speechless. Hearing how much more depraved she became afterward, Qian Daoliu slapped himself hard several times.


    His wife''s death was partly related to her. His son Qian Xunji''s personality issues had connections to her. Even his granddaughter Qian Renxue almost dying was orchestrated by her. Qian Daoliu couldn''t help but ask himself: "Am I blind? Could I have been so poor at judging character?"


    If only he had noticed earlier¡ªor better yet, if he had never allowed that child to awaken her martial soul¡ªwould everything have turned out differently?


    Though Qian Daoliu held a position of immense respect among the worshippers, after hearing Qian Renxue recount the events, the other worshippers couldn''t help but give him strange looks.


    To have placed such a twisted individual in a trusted position, not only allowing her access to his wife and son but even entrusting his granddaughter to her care¡ªthis left the group of seasoned and knowledgeable worshippers unsure of how to characterize Qian Daoliu.


    If it weren''t for their restraint in avoiding harsh words, Qian Daoliu would have already been scolded harshly by now.


    It was true that Qian Daoliu''s upright and honest nature made it easier for others to deceive him. But being over a hundred years old and showing no improvement in judgment? That was entirely his failing.


    Qian Daoliu gently touched Qian Renxue''s short-cropped hair, tears of blood streaming from the corners of his eyes. He knelt before the statue of the Angel God, sincerely repenting.


    Seeing Qian Daoliu''s state, Qian Renxue felt a twinge of pity. However, given how extreme the situation was, she hesitated for a moment before deciding not to help him up. Instead, she continued recounting the events to the worshippers.


    As Qian Renxue described how Chen Ming, relying on his strength alone, had reduced that madwoman to dust, the worshippers couldn''t help but turn their gazes toward Chen Ming.


    The childlike Guangling Douluo stepped forward and touched Chen Ming''s arm, attempting to assess his bone age, only to discover that his muscle structure and bones were exceptionally firm, brimming with vitality and soul power. Even as a Title Douluo, Guangling Douluo couldn''t determine Chen Ming''s age through his bones.


    While Guangling Douluo examined Chen Ming''s arm, Golden Crocodile touched his shoulder, Lion Douluo patted his back, Azure Luan Douluo felt his head, and the two Douluos Jiang Jun and Jiang Long inspected his legs.


    Feeling all these large hands on him, Chen Ming couldn''t shake the feeling of uneasiness.


    After a moment''s thought, Chen Ming retrieved his Heaven Dou Imperial Academy student ID and tokens from Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo from his storage soul tool.


    "Honored worshippers, I''m one of the Spirit Hall''s own. I''m the grandson-in-law of Poison Douluo Dugu Bo. A few months ago, I also became a disciple of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. They helped me hunt for my fourth soul ring."


    "If you have any doubts about my identity, you can summon my teachers, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, to confirm."


    "Oh, those two little ones¡ªChrysanthemum and Ghost," Golden Crocodile Douluo muttered, instinctively nodding as he examined the tokens in Chen Ming''s hands. However, something quickly struck him as odd.


    "Wait a moment! Renxue just mentioned that you''re not even 13 years old, right? How do you already have a fourth soul ring?"


    "No, no, that''s still not right. Even if you have a fourth soul ring and are a Soul Ancestor, how did you defeat an 88th-level Soul Douluo?"


    "Release your martial soul and let me see," Golden Crocodile Douluo demanded. With Qian Daoliu kneeling in prayer before the Angel God statue, Golden Crocodile Douluo was effectively the leader of the worshippers.


    Faced with Golden Crocodile Douluo''s request, Chen Ming released his martial soul. Instantly, the attributes of Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Fire erupted, followed by the overwhelming presence of poison, and finally, the life and death attributes.


    Chen Ming''s martial soul was unmistakably a divine-grade martial soul. As it manifested, the worshippers felt their martial souls suppressed. Those with fire-related attributes, like Lion Douluo, and those with ice-related ones, like Guangling Douluo, suffered the heaviest suppression.


    Despite their immense soul power as Title Douluos, they were still far from reaching the level of ultimate attributes. Not only did Chen Ming possess attributes that matched theirs, but he also had attributes that directly countered them. Under this dual suppression, both Lion Douluo and Guangling Douluo experienced a rare sensation of tightness in their chests.


    The sight of Chen Ming''s soul ring configuration¡ªone yellow, two purple, one black¡ªleft everyone silent. As members of the worship hall, their thoughts immediately turned to divine trials.


    The worshippers gazed at Chen Ming with curiosity, as though inspecting an anomaly. Sensing the chaotic mix of attributes within him, the Angelic Sacred Sword floating in midair flew toward Chen Ming.


    If Chen Ming''s Ultimate Fire and life energy had pleased the Angelic Sacred Sword, then the remaining attributes of Ultimate Ice, poison, and death were all within the sword''s sphere of aversion.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword circled Chen Ming several times as if scrutinizing him before its blade trembled slightly and emitted a low hum.


    Golden light radiated from the blade, entering the Angel God statue. From the statue, the power of faith was activated, condensing into a beam of light that shot from the statue''s eyes, passed through Chen Ming''s own eyes, and entered his spiritual sea.


    Chen Ming felt it¡ªa gentle, divine, and radiant power. Not only was it of extremely high quality, but it was also vast in quantity, far surpassing the effects of the immortal herbs he had encountered in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    This energy was unique. Chen Ming could choose to merge it into his martial soul, granting it holy and radiant attributes. Alternatively, he could break it down and absorb it as pure soul power.


    After some consideration, Chen Ming opted for fusion.


    The Angel God''s divine and radiant attributes were far superior to ordinary ones. Their integration into his martial soul would not only enhance its quality but also bring numerous hidden benefits. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once fused, even a casual stroll through the Spirit Hall could trigger countless instances of divine insight, resulting in immense gains.


    Under everyone''s watchful gaze, Chen Ming slowly sat cross-legged and began absorbing this pure gift. Even Qian Daoliu, who had been kneeling before the Angel God statue in repentance, couldn''t help but stand up in astonishment.


    After apologizing to the Angel God once more, Qian Daoliu approached Chen Ming, deeply intrigued by his complex yet powerful martial soul.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [182]

    The sacred and light powers fused into Chen Ming''s martial soul, causing further transformations in his Scorpion Emperor martial soul. To be honest, with all the mutations and fortuitous encounters, Chen Ming had experienced, his martial soul could no longer be called an Emerald Scorpion Emperor. It was simply that Chen Ming hadn''t bothered to give his martial soul a new name yet.


    The sacred power enabled the Scorpion Emperor''s martial soul to grow, its carapace gaining intricate and complex patterns. As soul power flowed, a pair of wings sprouted from Chen Ming''s back.


    It''s worth mentioning that although these wings were born from the sacred and light powers, their attributes weren''t sacred or light. Instead, they reflected Chen Ming''s innate dual attributes of life and death.


    Forcibly enhancing attributes would destabilize a martial soul. This power was meant to integrate into Chen Ming''s family''s martial soul, not destroy it. Chen Ming''s martial soul was already very powerful, and disrupting its structure would only have negative consequences.


    Counterintuitively, the sacred and light powers strengthened Chen Ming''s life attribute while reluctantly boosting his death attribute. Once these two attributes grew enough to form wings, the sacred and light powers gradually merged into the core of Chen Ming''s martial soul and then slowly subsided.


    Currently, Chen Ming still primarily wielded the poison attribute, with various other attributes acting as auxiliaries. He could infuse different attributes into his poisons to create bizarre and unnatural toxins or directly unleash specific attributes to confront his enemies.


    Fire poison, cold poison, corrosive poison, death poison, metal poison. His existing poisons grew even more potent, and on that foundation, Chen Ming would continue to develop light poison, spiritual poison, life poison, holy poison, and even more unusual and powerful composite attributes.


    When Chen Ming awoke again, Qian Daoliu had already leaned in close, staring at him with a conflicted expression.


    Just as Chen Ming was about to ask what Qian Daoliu was thinking, Qian Daoliu spoke first.


    "Xiao Ming, I feel you share a connection with the lineage of the Angel God. Would you like to try inheriting the legacy of our Angel God?"


    The other worshippers instantly understood what Qian Daoliu meant by legacy and began looking at Chen Ming with newfound respect.


    The Spirit Hall had many legacies, but the one Qian Daoliu referred to as the Angel God''s legacy could only mean the Angel God''s divine trials.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s puzzled expression, Qian Daoliu slowly began to explain.


    It was said that in the millennia following the Angel God''s ascension to the Divine Realm, the Angel God''s trials were relatively common. At that time, high-level soul masters and those who had greatly contributed to humanity could receive a divine trial in front of the Angel God''s statue.


    In that era, any soul master above the Soul King level could receive a trial of three to five tests, using the Angel God''s blessings to raise their soul power to the level of Soul Emperor, Soul Sage, or even Soul Douluo.


    However, as time passed, the Angel God gradually raised the threshold for the trials, and the number of trials granted began to decrease. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In recent millennia, the Angel God had almost stopped issuing divine trials. Only the current High Priest could manually use the divine power and faith energy left in the Angel God''s statue to activate a trial.


    But such manual activations were far less effective than trials personally granted by the Angel God, and they consumed much more energy.


    In the past, when the Angel God''s faith spanned the entire Douluo Continent, the faith of the populace could replenish this energy. However, now that the Angel God''s faith had waned, each manual activation required a long recovery period.


    As a result, even within the Angel Clan, only a select few could enter the Angel God''s trials.


    After explaining the history of the divine trials, Qian Daoliu began to talk about their benefits and restrictions.


    For outsiders unrelated to the Angel Clan, the divine trials would at most consist of seven tests. Although this wouldn''t elevate them to godhood, it also meant they wouldn''t bear the responsibilities of a High Priest, like those who completed eight tests within the Angel Clan.


    Completing the seven tests brought only benefits to soul masters, with no drawbacks. Even if a soul master failed one of the trials, it merely meant they couldn''t proceed with the remaining trials and wouldn''t face any punishment. Of course, this lack of consequences only applied to ordinary failures. Should someone who had accepted the Angel God''s trials commit atrocities or slaughter innocents on the continent, they would undoubtedly face divine retribution from the Angel God.


    If a soul master who had benefited from the Angel God''s trials later fell into depravity, all recipients of the Angel God''s blessings and the Angel Clan itself would band together to eliminate them.


    To Chen Ming, this restriction seemed practically non-existent.


    In this era, soul masters who committed atrocities were already targeted by the Spirit Hall. Even soul masters who didn''t believe in the Angel God wouldn''t hesitate to eliminate those who threatened humanity.


    This restriction seemed less like a limitation imposed by the Angel God and more like an expectation.


    As long as one didn''t commit evil, the divine trials offered only benefits with no downsides.


    The most amusing part was that the Angel God''s divine trials didn''t even require recipients to believe in the Angel God. No wonder the power of faith had dwindled over time.


    "Xiao Ming, are you willing to accept the Angel God''s divine trials? If you do, your status in the Spirit Hall will become equal to those in the Worship Hall. If you''re willing, I can even support you in becoming the next Pope of the Spirit Hall."


    Qian Daoliu''s gaze was clear and sincere, revealing his true intentions.


    Based on Chen Ming''s earlier transformations and performance, Qian Daoliu believed that even if Chen Ming wasn''t a reincarnation of the Angel God, he must be the reincarnation of some deity in the Divine Realm who had a good relationship with the Angel God.


    Such talent, such power¡ªChen Ming was no ordinary mortal.


    Qian Daoliu only hoped that this time, he wasn''t mistaken and that Chen Ming could build a good relationship with the Spirit Hall, especially with Xue''er (Qian Renxue).


    Even if Chen Ming couldn''t assist Xue''er in becoming a god, at the very least, he shouldn''t become an enemy of the Spirit Hall.


    Moreover¡­


    Qian Daoliu stole a glance at Qian Renxue and saw the way she looked at Chen Ming, sighing inwardly.


    What he feared most now was that his granddaughter might suffer too much emotional turmoil and, like that person, develop a twisted psyche, eventually becoming unrecognizable.


    Qian Daoliu felt that matters of the younger generation''s emotions weren''t for him to interfere with, but he couldn''t help but be concerned after past experiences.


    "Thank you for your kindness, High Priest," Chen Ming nodded but then suddenly changed the subject.


    "By the way, High Priest, do you recall encountering a member of the Chen family with an Emerald Scorpion martial soul decades ago?"


    "A member of the Chen family with an Emerald Scorpion martial soul? Oh, you mean Chen Youliang? He was a good friend of mine during my travels across the continent." Recalling events from decades ago, Qian Daoliu fell into thought, then raised his head and looked at Chen Ming with curiosity.


    "Wait, his surname is Chen, and your surname is also Chen. His martial soul was an Emerald Scorpion, and your martial soul is¡­ also a scorpion (probably)? And it seems to have some characteristics of the Emerald Scorpion. What is your relationship with Chen Youliang?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [183]

    "Chen Youliang was my great-grandfather. I am a descendant of the Chen family of Bilouchen City," Chen Ming said openly, revealing the connection between his family and Qian Daoliu.


    "If it hadn''t been for the Grand Worship telling my ancestor how to resolve the issue of our mutated martial soul back then, there would be no Chen Ming today."


    "When I awakened my martial soul at the age of six, due to the mutation in my family''s martial soul, my innate soul power was only at level five. Fortunately, thanks to the solution provided by the Grand Worship, after absorbing the soul ring of the Jade Phosphor Seven Absolutes Flower and the Jade Scorpion, the defect in my innate soul power was resolved. Only then could I make rapid progress in cultivation."


    "If it weren''t for the Grand Worship''s method, there wouldn''t be the Chen Ming you see today."


    "No, that was all achieved through your efforts," Qian Daoliu said warmly, his eyes flashing with fond memories of an old friend.


    "Your ancestor was a remarkable man. Back when the Star Luo Empire suffered a massive earthquake that fractured the land and caused soul beasts to leave their habitats and attack human cities, and when evil soul masters took advantage of the chaos to spread a plague, the situation was catastrophic with corpses everywhere and people in panic."


    "Your great-grandfather Chen Youliang led your family''s ancestors to the front lines, helping to repel the soul beasts and cure the plague. He even assisted our Spirit Hall in tracking down the evil soul master responsible for spreading the plague. During that disaster, they provided great help to the people of the continent, even earning an invitation from the emperor of the Star Luo Empire."


    "Because they aided the citizens of the Star Luo Empire, your ancestors even attracted the attention of the enemy nation''s emperor. At one point, your family''s ancestor was almost stripped of his noble title and demoted to a commoner by the Heaven Dou Emperor."


    "Your family has always been extraordinary. Back then, I merely provided a solution but did not directly help your family resolve the defect in your martial soul. It''s I who owe you for the contributions your family has made."


    "I never expected that after a hundred years, I would meet a descendant of an old friend. And to think you even saved my granddaughter."


    The elderly Qian Daoliu, who was over a hundred years old, couldn''t help but sigh at the mysterious workings of fate.


    The child he once treated as a foster daughter had betrayed him and harmed his granddaughter, yet the descendant of an old friend saved her.


    Indeed, every twist and turn in life is predestined.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo stroked his beard and patted Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "Young man, this is fate. Your family has always been deeply connected to our Spirit Hall."


    "Chen Ming, are you willing to accept the Angel Clan''s divine trial?" Qian Daoliu looked at Chen Ming with great affection and asked gently.


    "Thank you, Grand Worship. I am willing," Chen Ming replied.


    "Good, good! Follow me," Qian Daoliu said, clapping his hands as he led Chen Ming to the statue of the Angel God.


    "Chen Ming, kneel," Qian Daoliu instructed, pointing to the prayer mat in front of the Angel God''s statue.


    "Alright," Chen Ming nodded without hesitation and knelt.


    The Angel God was a figure of faith and a pioneer in the path of soul masters in the Douluo World. Kneeling before the Angel God was not a significant matter to Chen Ming. It could be said that all humans on the Douluo Continent should kneel in gratitude to the Angel God, as they ushered in an era for humanity.


    What''s more, Chen Ming had just received both the Angel God''s swordsmanship and a portion of the Angel God''s power. Kneeling was a small act of reverence. From the perspective of inheritance, even though Chen Ming had never met the Angel God, he could be considered a disciple of the Angel God by extension.


    Qian Daoliu clasped his hands together and prayed softly. Divine power from the Angel flowed out from him and into the statue of the Angel God. The statue radiated light, and a golden beam shot out from the center of the statue''s forehead, entering Chen Ming''s body.


    Rings of light emerged from Chen Ming''s body. The first two were yellow, the third turned purple, the fourth and fifth were black, and the sixth and seventh were also black.


    These light rings, resembling soul rings, symbolize the strength of the divine trial bestowed upon Chen Ming by the Angel God: the Black-Level Seven Trials, the highest level of divine trials that the Angel God could grant to someone outside the Angel Clan.


    The speed at which the light rings emerged astonished everyone present. The upper limit of this divine trial was determined by the Angel God''s will, not by Chen Ming''s talent.


    If Chen Ming had been born into the Angel Clan, the divine blessings he just received from the Angel God''s statue would likely have been enough to grant him the eighth trial, or even the legendary Angel Nine Trials.


    The group''s assumptions were not wrong; in fact, the truth was even more shocking.


    Although the light rings stopped at the seventh, Chen Ming felt an inexplicable sense that, if he actively drew more of the Angel God''s power into himself, he could unlock further trials. He could not only achieve the eighth trial but even claim the ninth trial that was reserved solely for the next Angel God.


    However, to Chen Ming, the Angel Seven Trials were already sufficient. This level allowed him to reap all the benefits without being overly entangled with the Angel God. Accepting the eighth or ninth trial would tie him too deeply to the Angel God.


    As the divine power surged into Chen Ming''s body, a golden diamond-shaped mark appeared on his forehead. Unique energy also began to form a cocoon within his spiritual sea, establishing a mysterious connection between him and the Angel God''s statue.


    ["Angel Seven Trials, First Trial: Achieve Soul Power Level Fifty."]


    ["Completion of the trial will grant: God-bestowed Soul Ring."] sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The golden cocoon in Chen Ming''s spiritual sea cracked slightly. A surge of divine power flowed from the Angel God''s statue and condensed into a golden orb that landed in Chen Ming''s hands.


    Chen Ming could sense that breaking this orb would grant him a God-bestowed Soul Ring.


    A God-bestowed Soul Ring would adjust its age limit to match his body and spiritual endurance. If he could withstand it, even a 900,000-year soul ring could be formed.


    Furthermore, the soul skill granted by the God-bestowed Soul Ring would be perfectly suited to him.


    Chen Ming glanced at Qian Daoliu, who nodded encouragingly.


    After bowing in gratitude to the Angel God, Chen Ming sat cross-legged on the prayer mat and crushed the golden orb in his hand. The divine power within the orb surged into his body.


    Under the influence of the divine power, a firm and distinct connection formed between Chen Ming and the world. A vast amount of faith energy began shaping the structure of a soul ring according to the rules of the universe.


    White, yellow, purple, black, deep black, and finally faint red¡ªwithin a few minutes, the color of the God-bestowed Soul Ring rapidly transitioned. When the deep black of the ten-thousand-year soul ring reached its peak, a faint red hue emerged, slowly spreading throughout the soul ring and elevating it to the level of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [184]

    Chen Ming''s body had already reached the genuine strength of a Title Douluo. His martial soul had also ascended to the level of a true god-ranked soul. The two soul cores within his body, nearing the potency of divine cores, were able to shoulder a significant portion of the pressure for him.


    As his soul ring''s years rapidly increased, it also quickly enhanced Chen Ming''s physical attributes, pushing his body to an even higher level.


    At some unknown moment, a streak of golden patterns suddenly appeared within the originally crimson soul ring. The instant this golden streak emerged, the oppressive force and quality of the 100,000-year soul ring were elevated by an entire tier.


    Although 100,000-year soul beasts were rare in this era, and soul beasts at the level of fierce beasts rarely appeared, the records left by many predecessors within the Spirit Hall allowed everyone, except Qian Renxue, to recognize this golden thread as a hallmark uniquely belonging to soul rings of fierce beasts.


    The first strand of golden thread appeared relatively quickly, but the growth of the second strand became extraordinarily slow. Eventually, it stopped growing after reaching slightly over half the soul ring''s length.


    As the soul ring stabilized, the golden streak gradually faded into a pale gold color.


    If the age of this soul ring were assessed by the standard of soul beast soul rings, it would be at least over 160,000 years old. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as Chen Ming thought he was about to complete the absorption of the soul ring, the previously calm world consciousness suddenly stirred up an unexpected twist.


    After the structure of Chen Ming''s soul ring had essentially stabilized, the world consciousness abruptly denied the divine-bestowed soul ring''s deep access to the world''s laws, freezing the absorption process at a peculiar point.


    This state ensured that Chen Ming''s fifth soul ring remained stable and would not collapse, but it also guaranteed that the fifth soul ring would not produce any soul skills.


    Just as Chen Ming instinctively felt like cursing, the world consciousness sent a vague message to him.


    After briefly deciphering it, Chen Ming realized it was good news.


    The world consciousness provided Chen Ming with four coordinates. Among them, one was for a ten-thousand-year Medusa soul beast, while the other three were genuine 100,000-year soul beasts. Each of these was a super soul beast among super soul beasts, and their attributes were all highly compatible with Chen Ming.


    Some were located within the Star Luo Empire, some deep within the Sunset Forest, and one on a coastal island. Regardless of where they were hiding, the world consciousness marked their locations for Chen Ming, and these markers would even shift as the soul beasts moved.


    The world consciousness informed Chen Ming that it had deliberately stalled the progress of his soul ring absorption. In this state, Chen Ming could continue cultivating and increasing his soul power as if he had already acquired his fifth soul ring. Alternatively, he could hunt one of the soul beasts and absorb its soul ring, integrating it into the semi-finished fifth soul ring.


    By leveraging the characteristics of the soul beast''s soul ring and the divine-bestowed soul ring, the world consciousness could further extract the power left by the soul beast''s ancestor for Chen Ming. Additionally, half the age of the soul beast''s soul ring would be added to the divine-bestowed soul ring.


    Due to the unique traits of the soul beast''s soul ring, this fifth soul ring would no longer be limited by the divine-bestowed ring''s original constraints. It would function like a standard 100,000-year soul ring, granting two skills.


    For Chen Ming, this was equivalent to absorbing the fifth soul ring twice.


    This was the reward from the world consciousness for Chen Ming, who had risked his life to rescue the Douluo Plane''s Son of the Plane from the hands of a god.


    "Son of the Plane?"


    Faced with Chen Ming''s confusion, the hazy world consciousness of the Douluo World reluctantly provided an answer.


    Because the world consciousness was newly born, the explanation was fragmented and difficult to understand from a human perspective. It seemed like a jumble of cryptic codes, requiring Chen Ming half a day to decipher.


    This was only possible because of Chen Ming''s uniqueness. If it had been someone else¡ªeven a demigod like Qian Daoliu¡ªthey would have been rendered dazed by the chaotic and disorganized information. For an average Super Douluo, receiving such information would likely turn them into a fool on the spot.


    The explanation was as follows:


    Child of Destiny: Found in every generation, with some generations having multiple. Their role is to drive world progress, accumulate resources for the world, and ensure the plane''s baseline development. It''s possible for someone who was not originally a Child of Destiny to become one later, and vice versa.


    Son of the Plane: The lifeline of the plane, extremely difficult to produce. Their task is to push the world''s upper limits, activating the foundation accumulated by the world and elevating it as a whole. They are irreplaceable. If the Son of the Plane fails or dies, it would severely hinder the plane''s development.


    Child of Rebellion: An anomaly in the plane''s operation, akin to a cancer cell. They exist to consume resources without contributing, harming others without benefiting themselves. They devour the fortune of Children of Destiny and create subordinate cancer cells. These subordinate cells obstruct the plane''s development, and until they are eradicated, the Child of Rebellion is difficult to kill. If killed improperly, the Child of Rebellion will reincarnate.


    Outsiders: Beings who have entered this world for various reasons, existing outside the natural order. They are potential candidates to become Child of Destiny but can also act as obstacles for other Child of Destiny or Sons of the Plane. Their potential surpasses that of Sons of the Plane, but their baseline can fall below that of Children of Rebellion.


    "Douluo World, you''re ridiculously honest."


    Chen Ming didn''t dwell on the first three roles but marveled at how Douluo World even classified Outsiders.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s remark, the hazy world consciousness sent a question mark, followed by another torrent of information flooding his mind.


    After analyzing this new data, Chen Ming finally understood why Douluo World included Outsiders in its system.


    Since the time of the Angel God''s ascension, over the past ten thousand years, more than ten thousand beings from other worlds have appeared on Douluo Star.


    Most of these beings were assimilated into soul beasts by Douluo World. Some of the humans from other worlds were entrusted with significant roles by the world consciousness and blessed with great fortune.


    Some pushed the development of Douluo World''s systems, others advanced its technology, and some simply contributed to its population growth. A few who attempted to cause major disruptions were stripped of their fortune by the world consciousness. If their actions were too outrageous, a Child of Destiny would be specifically created to deal with them.


    Among these Outsiders, the most successful were a group of beings calling themselves the Evil Eyes. They willingly allowed themselves to be assimilated by Douluo World, becoming a highly prestigious species of soul beasts.


    As a reward, Douluo World not only granted the Evil Eyes extraordinary longevity but also did not restrict their reproduction, allowing their population to grow explosively. On another continent, the Evil Eyes had already become the dominant species.


    Douluo World was remarkably tolerant of Outsiders. Even if they contributed nothing, the world would still gift them a fortune, enabling them to enjoy wealth and prosperity. If they performed well and benefited the world, their fortune would increase, and even Outsiders could become Child of Destiny.


    Interestingly, Douluo World''s consciousness was aware that Chen Ming was an Outsider. Yet, when he was born, it still granted him a portion of fortune, showcasing its generosity.


    With this fortune, even if Chen Ming didn''t train hard, he would live a stable life without major issues. If he chose to live a carefree life, he could easily enjoy a life filled with wealth, wives, and children. If luck was on his side, his descendants might even naturally mutate to possess martial souls without any inherent flaws.


    In Chen Ming''s third soul ring breakthrough, when he helped resolve laws that would have otherwise required several thousand years to be addressed, he became a candidate for Child of Destiny and garnered special attention from Douluo World.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [185]

    "Since Qian Renxue is the Child of the Plane, what kind of freak is Tang San?" Chen Ming wondered in his heart. However, what he sent to the consciousness of the Douluo World wasn''t this thought. Instead, he was asking why Qian Renxue would face danger.


    The consciousness of the Douluo World organized some information, then packed it into a bundle and sent it over to Chen Ming.


    Ten years ago, the God of Asura from the Divine Realm disrupted the fate of the Douluo World by injecting a soul from another world into the body of a child who was supposed to have died.


    This soul belonged to a Child of Rebellion, whose body''s father was Tang Hao, a human soul master, and whose mother was a 100,000-year soul beast that had taken human form.


    In the original timeline of the Douluo World, this child was doomed to die. Tang Hao''s final act of defiance would have been killing the Pope, Qian Xunji, before succumbing to despair in a small village after the death of both his wife and child.


    In the original fate of the world, Qian Renxue would have gone undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire but retained compassion for the lower class amidst political struggles.


    Eventually, she would abandon her plans to seize the throne, overcome her inner weaknesses, and establish the Angel Empire in her own name. Leading the lower-class people, she would overthrow the corrupt two great empires, inherit the position of the Angel God, and ascend to godhood.


    This version of Qian Renxue would become both the God of Humanity and the King of Humanity, ruling over the Douluo Continent and conquering the other three continents. With the faith of humanity, she would break through the restrictions of the Angel God''s divine position, evolve from a first-tier god to a true God-King, and attain the title of Master of the World.


    The Angel God had once obtained remnants of the Dragon God in the Douluo World. Before ascending, the Angel God transformed these remnants to continuously strengthen the foundation of the Douluo World.


    After ascending to the Divine Realm, Qian Renxue would activate the Angel God''s millennium-long accumulation, feeding back into the Douluo World and further enhancing its growth.


    This would not only raise the upper limit of the world''s level, allowing Douluo Star to nurture more god-level powerhouses and progress toward becoming a true God Star but also raise the lower limit of the world''s level. Humanity would shift from having only a select few capable of becoming soul masters to everyone having the potential to become one. Soul beasts'' growth rates and reproduction capabilities would also increase.


    Once the Douluo Continent became a God Star, the restrictions on soul beasts would be lifted by Qian Renxue as a God-King. Soul beasts in the Douluo World would gain a path to godhood. Soul masters would be able to obtain artificial or divine soul rings through other means. Soul beasts stuck on the path to godhood could become god-level beings. Both humans and soul beasts would extend beyond the Douluo Star and develop into a cosmic-level civilization, eventually turning the Douluo Star into the Douluo Star Domain.


    However, because the God of Asura introduced a fully grown Child of Rebellion into this world, everything changed. Using the Child of Rebellion as an anchor, the Douluo World''s original development was disrupted. The God of Asura recklessly used divine power to alter the fates of countless beings.


    The 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit, who should have died early on, transformed and stayed by the Child of Rebellion''s side. Tang Hao, who should have remained dormant, acted once again. Yu Xiaogang, who had been discarded as a background character, re-entered the stage of fate.


    The Child of Rebellion possesses characteristics similar to cancer cells in the human body, capable of devouring the fortune of others and converting others into subordinate cancerous cells. Unless all of these subordinate cells are destroyed or rendered useless, the Child of Rebellion is extremely hard to kill.


    This particular Child of Rebellion, named Tang San, had already grown up in his original world. That plane had paid an enormous price to cast him off, and his resistance to death had reached a very high level.


    The Douluo World''s consciousness had made several attempts to eliminate the Child of Rebellion, only to be thwarted by the God of Asura. Moreover, Tang San, having already matured as a Child of Rebellion once before, was far harder to kill than an ordinary one. Even if his physical body were destroyed, his soul would reincarnate.


    Under the manipulation of the God of Asura, Tang San''s soul would continue to reincarnate within the Douluo World.


    The God of Asura had been planning this for an unknown length of time. Before the Douluo World became aware, the God of Asura had quietly corroded parts of its authority, allowing this Child of Rebellion, who should have been eliminated immediately, to gain fortune akin to that of a Child of Destiny and some characteristics of a Child of the Plane.


    Most importantly, Tang San even possessed some traits unique to those favored by the plane itself, such as blessings in disguise. After encountering disaster, he would often stumble upon many fortuitous encounters. If he couldn''t be directly killed, he would continue to grow stronger.


    Given the current developmental level of the world''s consciousness, it was entirely incapable of removing the hidden manipulations left by the God of Asura long ago. The only option was to gradually erode them over time¡ªa process that would take approximately ten thousand years. While this timeframe was negligible to the world''s consciousness, it was far too sufficient for the God of Asura''s plans.


    As of now, the only way to eliminate the Child of Rebellion was to let him grow to the point where he detached from the world. Only when this rotten fruit matured and fell from the Douluo World''s tree could the world sever its connection with him completely.


    Although the Child of Rebellion''s growth would undoubtedly cause some damage to the Douluo World, these losses were within its tolerable range. What the world absolutely could not tolerate was harm to the Child of the Plane, which would cause the world''s progress to stall or even regress.


    As for Chen Ming, he was currently one of the individuals chosen by the Douluo World as a Child of Destiny. From the moment Chen Ming saved Qian Renxue, the Douluo World had begun gathering a massive amount of fortune around him. Over the coming period, Chen Ming''s luck would experience a dramatic surge. Even though his soul wasn''t of the Douluo World, the world didn''t mind acting as a kind and nurturing mother as long as he was beneficial to it. Furthermore, given Chen Ming''s ability to interact directly with the world''s consciousness, the Douluo World wouldn''t easily lower its favor toward him, even if he caused some harm to its interests.


    Currently, Chen Ming and the Douluo World are in a mutually beneficial relationship. Any harm to one would harm the other. After all, the ability to communicate directly with the world''s consciousness was something none of the Douluo World''s native beings could do. Only Chen Ming could hear the world''s voice and solve the problems it couldn''t handle on its own.


    As his soul rings gradually stabilized, the connection between the Douluo World''s consciousness and Chen Ming also began to fade, soon returning to a vague state.


    Before the connection was severed, Chen Ming asked one final question:


    "I want to create my divine position and become a god. How can I do that?"


    The Douluo World sent Chen Ming the locations of the other three continents, along with fragments of insights from the Angel God, Sea God, and Rakshasa God during their ascension to godhood.


    As a world consciousness, the Douluo World understood the concept of becoming a god, but its abstract existence made it incapable of fully grasping the process. It could only send some inspiration for Chen Ming to ponder on his own.


    With the final resource bundle sent, the connection between the Douluo World and Chen Ming returned to its vague state. Chen Ming awoke from his meditation, stood up, and felt that his body had been significantly strengthened once again.


    Qian Daoliu didn''t know what to say anymore¡ªor rather, he couldn''t find the words.


    The God-bestowed soul ring was something that even the Angel God''s High Priest could only obtain once during the divine trials. Most High Priests could barely enhance this God-bestowed soul ring to nearly 100,000 years. Those who could naturally surpass this threshold with their talents were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.


    And Qian Daoliu? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His God-bestowed soul ring was his eighth ring, and at the time of absorption, its age was only around seventy thousand years¡ªnot even eighty thousand. After passing the divine trials, his current soul rings had only barely upgraded to seven black and two red.


    His eighth ring was red, but its age was only about 105,000 years, just touching the lower limit of a 100,000-year soul ring after undergoing the divine trials.


    Qian Daoliu could only sigh in relief, thankful that such a gifted young man wasn''t an enemy of the Spirit Hall. Otherwise, even with Qian Daoliu''s composure, knowing that the Spirit Hall had such a monstrously talented enemy would have left him unable to eat or sleep in peace.


    Compared to Chen Ming now, Qian Daoliu and his generation¡ªonce hailed as the strongest¡ªwere far inferior in terms of talent.


    "Xiao Ming, congratulations on receiving the divine trials. Your fifth soul ring is truly extraordinary."


    Qian Daoliu''s dignified face stiffened slightly as he addressed Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, if you don''t mind, you can call me grandfather, just like Xue''er does. I was an old friend of your ancestor, and you saved my granddaughter. From now on, consider the Spirit Hall your home."


    "By the way, I remember you and Xue''er mentioned that you''re Dugu Bo''s grandson-in-law, and you recently became the apprentice of Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei?"


    To be honest, Qian Daoliu was now seriously considering whether to take Chen Ming as his disciple.


    What held him back was the fear that Chen Ming might not accept him, and he wasn''t sure he had anything to teach Chen Ming.


    "Yes, my fourth spirit ring was obtained in the Extreme North with the help of my two masters. During the hunt, I also acquired the left claw bone of an Ice Jade Scorpion, which I have already absorbed."


    PS: Tang San had little impact on the development of the Douluo Continent. His generation merely delayed the unification of the Douluo Continent. (The Tang family is cancer. Manipulated by Tang San: Hu Yuhao and Tang Wulin delay the unification in their generation.)


    PS2: After the unification in Douluo 3, the development of the Douluo Continent progressed so rapidly that it eventually entered the era of interstellar exploration. Unfortunately, this milestone was only achieved in Douluo 4, which took place 40,000 years later. (This era no more Tang San = Cancer.)

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [186]

    "Is that so?" Qian Daoliu smiled gently, then turned to look at Golden Crocodile beside him. With a slight nod toward the Golden Crocodile Douluo, the latter immediately understood and disappeared from the worship hall in a flash. Although Golden Crocodile Douluo was not an agility-type soul master, his level-98 soul power was enough to crush most agility-type Titled Douluos in terms of speed.


    In less than ten minutes, Golden Crocodile Douluo returned to the worship hall, accompanied by an anxious-looking Chrysanthemum Douluo and the shadowy Ghost Douluo.


    Seeing the two entering the worship hall, along with the other worshippers, Qian Renxue, and the unexpected presence of Chen Ming, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo immediately and solemnly saluted Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, and the other worshippers.


    "Greetings to the Grand Worship, the young mistress, and all the Worships."


    At present, both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo have reached level-95, which qualified them to step into the worship hall. Hence, while paying their respects to the worships, they didn''t perform an overly formal salute but simply cupped their hands to show courtesy. Qian Daoliu did not stop them.


    After they finished saluting, Qian Daoliu held Qian Renxue in one hand and Chen Ming in the other, bringing them to the two Douluos. Under the disbelieving gazes of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, Qian Daoliu, along with Qian Renxue, bowed slightly toward them.


    "Gr-Grand... Grand Worship?!"


    Witnessing this scene, Chrysanthemum Douluo felt as if his blood vessels were about to burst. Despite having reached the level of a Super Douluo, in his excitement, he stammered like a child.


    As for Ghost Douluo? Although he appeared calm, his mind had completely frozen. Forget speaking¡ªhis breathing and heartbeat seemed to stop momentarily. If not for the physical resilience granted by being a Titled Douluo, he might have already collapsed to the ground, foaming at the mouth. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Master Chrysanthemum, Master Ghost." Chen Ming greeted his two mentors awkwardly, unsure how to explain the situation.


    However, Qian Daoliu didn''t need Chen Ming to speak. Instead, he pulled Qian Renxue forward, letting her recount her experience of being ambushed.


    Although Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had not known that Qian Renxue had gone undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire, upon hearing about the Young Mistress being ambushed, both became visibly agitated.


    After listening to a detailed description of the attack, even Ghost Douluo, whose body usually exuded a deathly calm, showed clear signs of breaking composure. As for Chrysanthemum Douluo? His reaction was even more dramatic.


    The two mentors were even more astonished when they learned that their disciple, Chen Ming, had appeared out of nowhere and single-handedly dealt with a high-ranked Soul Douluo. Looking at each other, they saw the same bewildered confusion in each other''s eyes.


    Before leaving last time, Chen Ming had only just absorbed his fourth soul ring, reaching level-44, right?


    A level-44 soul master, even with a powerful martial soul, could at best rival an average Soul Sage with a disadvantageous attribute matchup. How could someone at that level defeat a high-ranked Soul Douluo, who was nearly on par with a Titled Douluo?


    They recalled that when accepting Chen Ming as their disciple, Dugu Bo had warned them not to probe into Chen Ming''s secrets or reveal them to others. But Dugu Bo had never mentioned secrets of this magnitude!


    To put it bluntly, a battle between a Soul Douluo and a Soul Ancestor should have been a one-sided massacre. Even an entry-level Soul Douluo facing a level-49 Soul Ancestor could easily crush them with one blow.


    The disparity between each soul rank was a qualitative leap. After reaching Soul Elder, every step up represented overwhelming superiority over the previous rank. A single ten-thousand-year soul ring from a Soul Douluo would have more years of cultivation than all the soul rings combined of a typical Soul Ancestor. The sheer aura emitted by the Soul Douluo could suffocate their opponent.


    Soul Ancestor defeating Soul Douluo?


    It was incomprehensible!


    Even considering the possibility of a dual martial soul fusion skill that allowed a lower-level fighter to challenge a higher-level one, a Soul Ancestor defeating a Soul Douluo would require an unprecedented five-person martial soul fusion skill. While that was an absurd concept, it was still more believable than a Soul Ancestor directly defeating a Soul Douluo by four ranks!


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo subconsciously ignored the fact that the high-ranked Soul Douluo in question possessed combat power rivaling a Titled Douluo. Otherwise, their minds would have completely shut down.


    The two mentors wanted to say that it was only natural for Chen Ming, their disciple, to rescue the Young Mistress of the Spirit Hall. However, no matter how hard they tried, the words just wouldn''t come out.


    Putting themselves in Chen Ming''s shoes, they realized that if the situation were reversed¡ªif they were reduced to Soul King levels and tasked with rescuing someone from beneath a high-ranked Soul Douluo¡ªthey would have felt like they were being sent to their deaths.


    Qian Daoliu held both their hands, smiling warmly.


    "Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, you two are truly pillars of our Spirit Hall. For decades, you''ve dedicated yourselves tirelessly to our cause and even nurtured a genius disciple like Chen Ming. Now that both of you have broken through to level-95, would you be willing to join the Worship Hall?"


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    To be honest, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were tempted by Qian Daoliu''s invitation. After all, this was the High Priest of the Angel God, the predecessor of the Spirit Hall''s Pope, and a legendary level-99 Ultimate Douluo.


    However, they were acutely aware of how unstable Bibi Dong''s emotions had become. She was no longer someone who acted with simple logic. If the two of them joined the Worship Hall, Bibi Dong would undoubtedly view it as betrayal and would stop at nothing to eliminate them.


    Bibi Dong had already overcome the limitations of her twin martial souls, reaching Titled Douluo status with her first martial soul. She was now attaching high-level soul rings to her second martial soul and was determined to obtain multiple hundred-thousand-year soul rings to further enhance her power.


    Given her demonstrated talent and ability, it was only a matter of time before she reached level-99 herself.


    Joining the Worship Hall would offend Bibi Dong. Refusing Qian Daoliu''s invitation would offend him.


    Noticing their hesitation, Qian Daoliu''s expression became slightly awkward.


    As the Grand Worship, Qian Daoliu had been detached from worldly concerns for so long that he had somewhat forgotten how normal human relationships worked. Although his words carried no malice, they came across as though he was forcing them to pick sides.


    Qian Daoliu bowed slightly to the two Douluos and apologized.


    "My apologies. I had no intention of forcing you to choose sides. After all, Bibi Dong is still Xue''er''s mother¡­"


    "Ah, forgive me."


    After some hesitation, Qian Daoliu decided to cut to the chase.


    He reached to his waist and, with a slight motion, retrieved five pieces of soul bones from his storage soul tool, placing them in front of Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Chen Ming.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [187]

    Qian Daoliu took out five pieces of soul bones from within the soul tool. Each piece exuded an intense aura of soul power, with the lowest quality soul bone being over 30,000 years old.


    The five soul bones included a pair of left and right arm bones, a skull bone, a left leg bone, and a rare external soul bone for the right palm.


    These five soul bones were like magnets, firmly attracting everyone''s attention. To a soul master, each piece was a tremendous temptation. With five high-quality, high-age soul bones presented together, even a Titled Douluo couldn''t help but be drawn in.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo, who already had six conventional soul bones attached to his body, gazed at the dark golden right palm bone with a hint of deep recollection.


    The most precious aspect of external soul bones was their ability to grow. As a soul master advanced to the Titled Douluo level, the soul bone could similarly ascend to the 100,000-year level. Among these high-quality and high-age soul bones, the right palm bone had the longest age.


    Chen Ming carefully examined the soul bone, sensing the rich metallic properties and violent aura it emanated. He quickly deduced the origin of the bone.


    Given its quality and ferocity, it was almost certainly from the legendary super soul beast: the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Qian Daoliu introduced the soul bones, he explained:


    "This pair of left and right arm bones are from two 40,000-year-old Auspicious Golden Elephants. These two elephants were a mated pair, and the soul bones they produced shared identical amplification-type abilities. Their effect is to enhance the body and strengthen metallic properties."


    "Because these two Auspicious Golden Elephants were closely bonded and had nearly identical ages, the two soul bones are interconnected. When both soul bones are absorbed, they provide an additional enhancement to the body. Furthermore, when soul skills are activated, their effects are multiplied."


    The Auspicious Golden Elephant is a top-tier metallic attribute elephant-type soul beast, renowned for its powerful physical abilities and exceptional resistance. It is a formidable soul beast with a golden bloodline.


    However, unlike regular soul beasts, it doesn''t pass down its bloodline genetically. Instead, it can only be born as a mutation from a select few high-level or top-tier elephant-type soul beasts. Even the offspring of two Auspicious Golden Elephants would only inherit the bloodline but not the form.


    This unique trait makes this species extremely rare while also granting it a mysterious aura of fortune. As a result, the Auspicious Golden Elephant is seen as a symbol of good luck.


    Hearing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s eyes lit up. This pair of Auspicious Golden Elephant soul bones seemed tailor-made for him.


    Although he wasn''t a close-combat soul master, his Chrysanthemum martial soul could perfectly benefit from the metallic properties. Moreover, by absorbing these two soul bones, he would no longer fear close-range attacks. He could simply activate the arm spirit skills and punch his way out.


    "As for this skull bone, it comes from a 50,000-year-old Phantom Deer King. It grants a powerful clone skill, allowing up to three clones to be created. These clones possess the same speed and 30% of the strength of the original body. Furthermore, the clones and the main body can switch places with each other."


    "This left leg bone is from a 30,000-year-old Ghost Panther. Its attached skill is Nether Protection, which enhances dark attributes, increases speed and provides a soul power concealment effect. If the user is in darkness, the skill''s effects are boosted by 50%. Although it is just a 30,000-year-old soul bone, its value rivals that of the skull bone."


    Ghost Douluo remained silent, his black shadow-like figure unmoving. However, everyone present could see the two gleams of light shining from his face, which resembled that of a shadowy figure from a detective anime.


    These two soul bones provided an enormous boost to Ghost Douluo. The skull bone would make him even more elusive, while the Ghost Panther''s left leg bone would perfectly complement the Ghost Panther right leg bone he already possessed.


    Although this combination couldn''t match the amplification effects of the Auspicious Golden Elephant bones, which could directly double the power of their soul skills, it could still enhance soul skills by an additional 20-30%.


    If Ghost Douluo absorbed these two soul bones, his strength would increase by at least 30%. With his current level-95 soul power, he was confident that absorbing these two soul bones would allow him to double his maximum speed compared to his level-94 state.


    "As for this external soul bone..."


    When Qian Daoliu reached this point, his youthful face showed a hint of hesitation.


    He had taken out these items to give as gifts, but he wasn''t sure how to explain this particular piece.


    "This is an external soul bone for the right palm, originating from an 80,000-year-old super soul beast, the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear."


    "In general, there are no restrictions on absorbing soul bones. Even a level-one soul master can absorb a 100,000-year-old soul bone. However, there are rare exceptions where certain soul bones have special restrictions."


    "First, the prerequisite for absorbing this right palm bone is that the user cannot have absorbed a right arm bone. The Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s external soul bone is exceedingly tyrannical, containing violent metallic power. This right palm bone perfectly inherits the bear''s abilities, including its ferocity and a portion of the bear''s lingering resentment."


    "This Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear had nearly reached 90,000 years of cultivation before its death. Its bloodline strength was exceptionally potent, possibly having awakened the ancestral powers of its species. If not for being hunted by humans, it would have undoubtedly become a legendary 100,000-year-old soul beast."


    "This bear''s intelligence rivaled that of humans before its death, and it harbored immense resentment upon dying. Its hatred is deeply etched into both its soul ring and soul bone."


    "When a Soul Douluo attempted to absorb its ninth soul ring, they were killed by the ferocity of the ring''s power. The ferocity within this soul bone is no less intense than that of the ring."


    "Absorbing this soul bone requires an exceptionally high-quality martial soul, one no weaker than the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s. The user must also possess extraordinary physical and mental strength; otherwise, the ferocity will consume them, destroying the entire arm."


    "To even attempt absorbing this bone, one should first possess a 10,000-year skull bone and at least reach the Soul Sage level. Furthermore, they must be a power-attack type soul master with a super martial soul. Even within Spirit Hall, such individuals are exceedingly rare."


    "In comparison, the requirement of not having a right arm bone is the most lenient."


    "This soul bone has been in Spirit Hall for nearly 500 years. Many have attempted to absorb it, but none have succeeded. Eventually, the High Priest of that generation ordered all future High Priests to carry this soul bone with them to prevent unnecessary losses."


    As Qian Daoliu spoke, he hesitated again, seemingly considering whether to exchange the bone for another of similar value. To him, this 80,000-year-old soul bone was akin to a sweet trap¡ªtempting but fraught with danger.


    He had shown this bone to the worships of Spirit Hall, but none could absorb it.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo had once tried to turn this unruly soul bone into his power. However, the ferocity invaded his body, nearly killing him. He was only saved by the intervention of the High Priest. Since then, Golden Crocodile Douluo had avoided the bone entirely.


    If Qian Daoliu wished, he could forcibly absorb the bone, even though he had already absorbed a right arm bone. By relying on the divine power of the Angel God, he could overpower and fuse with it. However, he saw no need to take such risks.


    At this moment, Chen Ming''s eyes lit up, and he became eager.


    "Grand Worship, may I give it a try?"


    "Give it a try... very well," Qian Daoliu nodded reluctantly, agreeing to Chen Ming''s request.


    He had taken this bone out to let Chen Ming try. If Chen Ming succeeded, it would be ideal. If not, given their proximity to the Angel God''s statue and the Angelic Holy Sword, Qian Daoliu could borrow the Angel God''s power to forcibly interrupt the absorption process.


    At worst, Chen Ming would need some recovery time, and his right palm would be fine.


    Qian Daoliu''s cautious nature was evident. Had he been less conservative, his talent might have allowed him to complete the nine trials and ascend to godhood.


    Chen Ming took the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s right palm bone. The moment his fingers touched the bone, he felt its intense resentment and ferocity.


    This was the hatred and malice intertwined with the bear''s bloodline and vitality. While the Angel martial soul had purification abilities, purifying this bone would strip it of its soul bone properties, leaving only an ordinary bone.


    Resolving this resentment without damaging the soul bone''s power was far more challenging than finding another 100,000-year soul bone.


    Chen Ming pressed the bone against his right hand and began the absorption process. As the fusion progressed, a stabbing pain radiated through his palm, and a violent malice invaded his spiritual sea, attempting to overwhelm him.


    Even a Titled Douluo wouldn''t easily suppress such resentment. However, within the spiritual sea, Chen Ming was in his domain.


    In the physical world, facing a nearly 100,000-year-old Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear would be a daunting task. But in the spiritual world? Chen Ming glanced at the snarling bear, and its resentment froze in place. The malice and anger were instantly immobilized, transforming into a statue formed of spiritual energy.


    Chen Ming didn''t immediately destroy it, as he was curious about how a soul beast like the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear managed to embed its resentment into a soul bone.


    If he could figure out this technique, he might be able to set traps for others in the future.


    Even if he couldn''t replicate the technique, Chen Ming could refine the malice into the soul bone itself, enhancing its quality further.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [188]

    Chen Ming''s physical resilience was already incredibly high. After suppressing the malice within this soul bone, the fusion proceeded exceptionally smoothly. In roughly half an hour, Chen Ming fully refined this external soul bone, which the Spirit Hall had been unable to absorb for centuries. As the metallic essence of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear merged into Chen Ming''s right palm, the metallic properties of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum within him also began to react.


    The golden soul core spun, and strands of unique soul power were injected into his right palm. The 80,000-year-old soul bone absorbed this special metallic energy as if it had encountered a rare delicacy, greedily consuming it. With Chen Ming''s abundant life force as support, the quality and age of the soul bone rapidly increased.


    Under these highly unique circumstances, the bloodline power of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear within the external soul bone was activated. The dormant bloodline energy deep within it gradually awakened, making the soul bone even more extraordinary.


    After another half an hour, the growth of the soul bone finally came to a halt. Originally an 80,000-year-old soul bone, it had now surpassed the 100,000-year threshold due to the influence of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum''s metallic properties, and it had been completely refined into a part of Chen Ming''s body.


    Strictly speaking, the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s right palm bone could no longer be called the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear Soul Bone. Chen Ming''s essence had irrevocably altered the soul bone. Over time, the traces of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear within the soul bone would gradually fade, and the soul bone would continue transforming to suit Chen Ming''s unique nature.


    After carefully sensing it, Chen Ming also identified the two spirit abilities housed within this external soul bone.


    The first spirit ability was Dark Gold Terrorclaw, the signature skill of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear soul beast. Known for its unparalleled destructiveness, it was said to be able to tear through anything, even space itself. In the hands of the strongest of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear lineage, the Bear Lord, it evolved into the even more formidable Sky Splitting Claw. This ability was a powerful one-strike skill that could dominate battles. With the soul bone now reaching the 100,000-year level, even the bodies of the most ferocious beasts would be directly ripped apart.


    The second spirit ability originated from the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s ancestral bloodline¡ªan existence known as the Behemoth Beast. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Behemoth Beast was the progenitor of its kind and was said to hail from another world as a mighty god-king. These soul beasts were known for preying on dragons, making them the natural enemies of the dragon race. Since the Douluo Continent was deeply connected to the dragon lineage, true Behemoth Beast soul beasts or martial souls never appeared in the world. Instead, there were only various soul beasts with traces of Behemoth bloodline, such as the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear.


    This second ability, called Rampage, was the hallmark power of the Behemoth Beast lineage. Upon activation, it would greatly enhance attack power for a period of time. Each melee strike would carry potent metallic energy, and every attack would deal area-of-effect damage.


    In essence, it turned all subsequent basic attacks into slightly weaker versions of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw.


    However, despite its strength, this ability came with a significant cost. It consumed not only a large amount of soul power but also a considerable amount of life force. Each use of a weakened Dark Gold Terrorclaw would result in immense depletion, making it a life-draining ability.


    For most soul masters, even briefly activating this ability would cause irreversible damage to their bodies. It was truly a double-edged sword, meant for desperate moments.


    That said, this issue didn''t trouble Chen Ming much. After all, he possessed a life-attribute Dragon Core that could convert soul power into life force. As long as he carefully managed not to exhaust his life force entirely, Chen Ming could always replenish what he lost.


    Using the metallic properties of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum as a catalyst, Chen Ming incorporated the metallic nature of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw into his body during the refinement process. Now, Chen Ming possessed yet another attribute that was close to the pinnacle of metal manipulation.


    Although the Behemoth bloodline was not strong enough to alter Chen Ming''s martial soul, it still provided slight enhancements to his base attributes, though the improvements weren''t particularly significant.


    Moreover, due to the Douluo Continent''s general rejection of the Behemoth lineage, Chen Ming couldn''t further draw upon the Behemoth''s power. Strictly speaking, the Behemoth wasn''t even considered a true soul beast. As such, the Behemoth-related strength Chen Ming could extract from this soul bone was quite limited.


    To be honest, Chen Ming himself started to wonder if he might have too many attributes. But considering his future potential to ascend to godhood, he felt that having more attributes wasn''t an issue. Perhaps, in the future, he might even be able to condense a god position that governed all elements¡ªa Universal Elemental God Position.


    After all, through his interactions with the divine powers of the Asura God, Rakshasa God, and Angel God, Chen Ming realized that the god positions of the Douluo world were quite intricate and not as straightforward as they seemed. Each deity''s god position encompassed multiple facets of different attributes.


    The Angel God, for instance, was ostensibly a god of angels, with powers over light and flame. However, because this deity led humanity to victory against soul beasts, they were also revered as the God of Sanctity and Hope, thereby gaining powers over holiness and hope.


    Since the sun represented both light and flame, and the Angel God embodied sanctity and hope, the Angel God was even regarded as a Sun God by some. All these aspects combined to form the Angel God''s complete god position.


    The Asura God, on the other hand, governed slaughter, which encompassed both righteous and evil slaughter. However, due to the existence of two divine kings in the God Realm¡ªthe God of Evil and the God of Kindness¡ªthe Asura God was limited to balancing between justice and evil, thereby acquiring powers over judgment.


    The Rakshasa God was a god of evil, though not all aspects of malice fell under their domain. Strictly speaking, they unified hatred, encompassing powers over evil, hatred, slaughter, and even faint traces of vengeance and judgment. Although these latter powers were weak and seemingly far-fetched, they did exist to some extent.


    This overlap between the Rakshasa God and the Asura God explained why the Asura God, as a stronger divine king, could utilize Rakshasa God''s power to create puppets under certain conditions.


    As for the Angel God''s god position, Chen Ming speculated it might also include powers related to vengeance. During the era when humans harbored hatred toward soul beasts, the Angel God''s actions against soul beasts were both acts of hope and, in some eyes, acts of vengeance. However, the Angel God likely removed this aspect from their god position over time.


    Chen Ming''s understanding of godhood, refined through his study of Douluo''s lore and his encounters with divine forces, led him to conclude that there were two paths to becoming a god:


    Directly enhancing one''s essence to force a qualitative leap and ascend to godhood. This was the method soul beasts used during the era when they could still become gods. While the resulting godhood wasn''t particularly powerful, it allowed for freedom and the ability to pass on blessings to one''s descendants. Technically, Chen Ming was already walking this path, as his soul''s essence had reached a divine level during his transmigration, even though his physical body and mental power had yet to transform.


    Creating a god position through faith, then using it to ascend. This was the path taken by most gods in the Douluo world. A god position acted like a powerful piece of equipment, raising one''s level cap and imbuing divine power. However, it bound the god to the attributes and beliefs associated with the god''s position.


    Each path had its pros and cons. The former offered freedom but weaker initial strength. The latter provided immense power but came with significant restrictions, as the god position could act as both a blessing and a shackle.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [189]

    At this moment, Chen Ming finally remembered that he had just accepted the Angel God''s divine trials. Although the first trial was essentially a freebie, the remaining six trials could still bring him significant benefits.


    Sensing the glowing cocoon in his mind, Chen Ming inquired about the next divine trial''s task. As the cocoon pulsed slightly, the details of the second trial appeared in his mind:


    ["Angel Seven Trials, Second Trial: Defeat Thousand-ton Douluo and Demon-slaying Douluo. Reward: One level of soul power increase. Time limit: 100 years."]


    Looking at his second trial, Chen Ming slowly typed out a question mark in his mind.


    Defeating two titled Douluos, who also happened to have super martial souls, and the reward was just a single level of soul power?


    Come on, man, isn''t that a bit stingy? Couldn''t you at least throw in something else?


    Chen Ming wanted to complain, but then he thought about how he had already gained access to the Angel God''s and previous High Priests'' swordsmanship by touching the Angelic Holy Sword. Not only that, but his martial soul had been strengthened, and he had gained the ability to fly through the Angel God''s statue. Plus, he had received a free soul ring for the first trial at the 50th level.


    Alright, considering the Angel God''s limited resources¡ªapart from the Holy Sword and the Angelic God Armor¡ªthere wasn''t much else left to offer. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Getting a single level of soul power was still better than nothing, right? Who knew? Maybe the later divine trials would offer better rewards. After all, this was only the second trial.


    Comforting himself with these thoughts, Chen Ming opened his eyes. A violent aura flickered around him for a brief moment. After absorbing the right palm bone, Chen Ming''s five fingers had transformed into five sharp blades. As he flexed his fingers slightly, the sound of the air being torn apart echoed faintly.


    Although Chen Ming hadn''t displayed any hostility and was merely moving his fingers, the onlookers couldn''t help but feel as though they were being slashed by sharp blades. The weakest among them, Qian Renxue, even took a step back involuntarily. It wasn''t until she grabbed onto Qian Daoliu''s hand that she managed to calm herself.


    This overwhelming pressure came from the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear''s soul bone, which had surpassed the 100,000-year mark and undergone a process of restoration to its original power. If a soul master with a bear-type martial soul were present, nine out of ten of them would have knelt before Chen Ming under this pressure.


    "As expected of you. This soul bone poses no threat to you."


    Qian Daoliu had given up trying to figure out how strange Chen Ming truly was.


    In Qian Daoliu''s mind, Chen Ming was already akin to a deity descended upon the mortal world. As such, any strange or inexplicable occurrences surrounding him were simply par for the course.


    Qian Daoliu distributed the remaining soul bones to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Chrysanthemum Douluo took the pair of Elephant soul bones, while Ghost Douluo took the soul bone and leg bone intended for agility-type Titled Douluos.


    Even for someone of Qian Daoliu''s status, producing five high-quality, high-value soul bones at once still caused him some heartache.


    Despite the conflicts he had with the current Pope, Bibi Dong, as the Grand Worship, Qian Daoliu had dutifully handed over most of the power within Spirit Hall, including the treasury accumulated over generations. Under their compromise, treasures such as soul bones could only be withdrawn with mutual agreement.


    Qian Daoliu didn''t have the habit of sneaking treasures from Spirit Hall''s vault for himself. As such, these five soul bones were his private collection, treasures that had been with him for decades.


    Aside from the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear soul bone, which was traditionally passed down by the Grand Worships, the remaining four were spoils of war from Qian Daoliu''s travels across the continent.


    However, unlike soul bones obtained from soul beasts, these soul bones were dropped by high-level soul masters.


    It was well known that the probability of obtaining soul bones from high-level soul masters was much higher than from high-year soul beasts. There was even a chance of a mass drop.


    Although Qian Daoliu had a calm temperament now, he hadn''t always been so composed in his youth. During his travels across the continent, he encountered many injustices and personally dealt with numerous high-level soul masters. These soul bones were the spoils of his righteous battles.


    This was similar to how most of the Clear Sky Clan''s soul bones had actually been loot by Tang Chen during his travels across the continent.


    Most major sects were like this. Nearly every Titled Douluo at the Super Douluo level had experienced obtaining a soul bone from another high-level soul master.


    For Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, this was essentially a windfall. Although they had only recently taken Chen Ming in as a disciple and shared some of their knowledge with him¡ªChrysanthemum Douluo had even compiled his herbal knowledge into a book for Chen Ming¡ªneither of them had expected anything in return, at least not immediately.


    In their minds, as long as Chen Ming grew strong enough in a few decades to bring them fame across the continent, that would be enough. They hadn''t anticipated that Chen Ming would surprise them so soon.


    Regardless of political alliances, a soul bone was a tangible reward. As seasoned veterans, they trusted Spirit Hall, but they trusted their strength even more.


    Their positions as elders in Spirit Hall were not only due to their contributions but also because their strength was among the best on the entire continent. Their combined martial soul fusion technique made them even more formidable.


    It was this combination of merit and strength that made them second only to one in Spirit Hall''s hierarchy.


    Had Qian Daoliu offered these soul bones earlier, they might have seriously considered siding with the Worship Hall. After all, Bibi Dong was notoriously... stingy.


    While gold coins and authority were plentiful, soul bones were rarely mentioned.


    For example, when they accompanied Bibi Dong into the depths of the Star Dou Forest to hunt 100,000-year-old soul beasts, facing the combined fury of the Azure Bull Python, Titan Giant Ape, and an accompanying 100,000-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit, they risked their lives.


    Yet upon their return, Bibi Dong merely rewarded them with gold soul coins and rare materials, without so much as mentioning soul bones.


    At present, the pair only had a single 10,000-year soul bone between them¡ªone Ghost Douluo had obtained years ago while hunting a soul ring.


    As for 1,000-year soul bones, while they had acquired some after becoming Titled Douluos, those were utterly useless to their capabilities at that level. They would rather leave their slots empty than waste them on a 1,000-year soul bone.


    With debts of gratitude settled, Qian Daoliu moved on to discuss future matters.


    Since Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo didn''t wish to choose sides, Qian Daoliu didn''t force them. He only asked that they inform Bibi Dong about the attack on Qian Renxue and observe her emotional response, reporting back to him afterward.


    Qian Renxue was paying close attention to Qian Daoliu''s words. She clung tightly to his hand, biting her lip anxiously.


    Qian Renxue was proud, yet starved for affection. Her twisted origins meant she had never experienced maternal love, and her years undercover in Spirit Hall often left her questioning reality. At times, she even doubted whether she was Spirit Hall''s Qian Renxue or Heaven Dou Empire''s Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.


    Some people''s childhoods heal them for life; others spend their whole lives healing from their childhoods.


    Qian Renxue, with her dual identities, could have everything she wanted¡ªexcept the one thing she truly desired. As such, what she could not attain became infinitely more precious.


    As a neglected child, she had never felt maternal love. From the moment she could remember, she sought it from Bibi Dong, only to be met with cold malice and even murderous intent time and time again.


    As she grew older, the repeated blows made the proud Qian Renxue reluctant to show any vulnerability before that woman. Yet she couldn''t let go of the things her childhood self had been denied.


    Having lost her father and the fatherly love he provided, Qian Renxue clung desperately to the idea of maternal love, to the point of obsession. She wanted to approach her mother, but she feared rejection.


    PS: Qian Renxue deserved a happy ending in every Douluo Fanfic <3

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [190]

    To be honest, ordinary people probably wouldn''t know the relationship between Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong. However, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo are not just the left and right hands of the Supreme Pontiff; they are also senior elders of Spirit Hall with their influence and network. While they might not officially know, in secret, these two have already pieced together most of the truth. They even understand the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the previous Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji. They just choose not to speak of it openly.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged a glance, confirming their understanding of each other. Then, in the presence of Qian Daoliu, they respectfully bowed and pledged: Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We shall follow the Grand Worship''s teachings."


    Trading a single message for four soul bones? Worth it.


    After speaking with Qian Daoliu, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Ghost Douluo pulled Chen Ming aside and quietly asked about his condition. Upon hearing that Chen Ming had barely escaped death, the two displayed some complex emotions.


    If Chen Ming had risked his life to save someone else, they would have surely scolded him for not valuing his own life. But the person Chen Ming saved had a special identity, leaving them unable to reprimand him.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo gritted his teeth, took out the soul bone Qian Daoliu had just given him from his storage soul tool, and shoved it into Chen Ming''s hands.


    "Xiao Ming, this soul bone was earned with your life. You should absorb it. Your master is getting old and has no hope of improving his strength. If you absorb this soul bone, I''ll feel more at ease as you travel the continent."


    "And take this skull and leg bone too." Although Ghost Douluo was reluctant to part with these soul bones, which suited him perfectly, he followed Chrysanthemum Douluo''s lead and handed the bones to Chen Ming.


    Giving soul bones was like giving red envelopes¡ªit was customary to have a back-and-forth before accepting them.


    But Chen Ming wasn''t an ordinary person. He didn''t care much for these soul bones, which would be extremely precious even to Title Douluos.


    Chen Ming had always had high standards for his soul bones: either external soul bones that could grow or soul bones from 100,000-year soul beasts. He had just learned the locations of several 100,000-year soul beasts from the Douluo World. For him, obtaining soul bones was as simple as hunting suitable 100,000-year-old soul beasts, so he didn''t need these.


    Feeling touched, Chen Ming forced the soul bones back into their hands and shook his head at the two reluctant mentors.


    "Master Chrysanthemum, Master Ghost, these soul bones are incredibly beneficial to you. You should absorb them. Once you do, your strength will increase, and since you are my teachers, your strength is equivalent to my strength, isn''t it?"


    "I''m a poison-focused Soul Master; these soul bones aren''t very suitable for me. Rather than keeping them, you two should absorb them."


    To the two elders, Chen Ming''s words sounded like a polite refusal, but faced with the weighty soul bones, they couldn''t insist further.


    The fact that they had mustered the courage to give the soul bones to Chen Ming in the first place was already a significant effort. Now that Chen Ming had declined, they had no choice but to put the soul bones back into their storage soul tools and pat Chen Ming on the shoulder.


    "Good disciple. Truly, we¡­ sigh."


    Yue Guan shook his head, while Gui Mei nodded. Though their reactions seemed different, Chen Ming could sense that their thoughts were aligned.


    They then handed Chen Ming a pile of self-defense items and soul coin cards worth over one billion gold soul coins before reluctantly leaving the Worship Hall and heading back to the Supreme Pontiff Palace to report to Bibi Dong.


    Despite spending most of her time in seclusion, striving for breakthroughs in soul power, Bibi Dong had been startled awake by the overwhelming holy aura Qian Daoliu had unleashed in his rage. She had become anxious and uneasy¡ªyes, anxious.


    Bibi Dong had thought that even if she wasn''t a match for Qian Daoliu now, the gap shouldn''t be too large. With her twin martial souls and Title Douluo-level combat prowess, she believed she could at least hold her ground against him.


    But the aura Qian Daoliu had displayed today left her feeling suffocated. Facing him, Bibi Dong wasn''t even sure she could last a few moves against that old man.


    The helplessness she had felt when being humiliated by Qian Xunji resurfaced, overwhelming her as the powerful holy aura enveloped her. Bibi Dong felt a deep-seated loathing from the bottom of her heart.


    Although she had long since devoured and assimilated Qian Xunji''s soul, believing she had triumphed, the moment she was enveloped in Qian Daoliu''s holy power, she felt as weak as she had been when oppressed by Qian Xunji.


    "Power, power, power¡­"


    Clutching the Supreme Pontiff''s scepter that symbolized her authority, Bibi Dong whispered in a low, almost crazed voice, her eyes bloodshot with excitement.


    At that moment, she couldn''t resist the urge to seek out her source of humiliation immediately, demand the answer to what she most wanted to know, and then destroy it in front of her, completing her Eighth Trial to gain greater power.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo informed the guards at the door before entering the Supreme Pontiff Palace.


    Upon hearing of their arrival, Bibi Dong''s expression instantly changed. Her once ferocious and enraged face became calm and collected. Coupled with her Supreme Pontiff attire, she looked as if she had everything under control.


    Yet, deep in her eyes, there lingered an unshakable hatred and fury.


    "Greetings, Your Eminence." x2


    Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo bowed to Bibi Dong, who waved her hand, signaling them to dispense with formalities.


    Though to outsiders, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo appeared to be her trusted confidants, only the three of them knew that this was only partially true. Even toward them, Bibi Dong maintained a cold distance.


    In the entirety of Spirit Hall, only Hu Liena could be considered part of Bibi Dong''s inner world. No matter how close others seemed, an icy barrier always separated them.


    "Elder Yue, Elder Gui, have you discovered why the Grand Worship suddenly left the Worship Hall?"


    Sitting on the Supreme Pontiff''s throne, Bibi Dong asked calmly. The two elders, having already discussed their story, began to deliver their rehearsed lines.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [191]

    The Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo reported the news of Qian Renxue''s ambush. Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong''s fists clenched involuntarily. She couldn''t quite describe the feeling in her heart. She believed she should hate that abomination, but when she heard that Qian Renxue had narrowly escaped death, it felt as though her heart was being squeezed.


    Could it be that she truly cared about that abomination?


    Bibi Dong pondered. Within her spiritual sea, the Rakshasa God''s divine trial unconsciously released evil divine power. This power, like an unbreakable brand of thought, rooted itself deeply in Bibi Dong''s mind, forcing her to recall her humiliating past.


    Her original, complex concerns were rapidly distorted under this influence. Bibi Dong''s thoughts veered uncontrollably toward hatred. The malice deep in her heart was awakened, magnified infinitely, and quickly overwhelmed the vague, unclear emotions within her.


    Yes, she did care about that abomination¡ªand why hadn''t that abomination died yet?!


    Such a perfect opportunity, and yet she was still alive?!


    Bibi Dong recognized her true feelings. A flash of killing intent appeared in her eyes, and her grip on the scepter tightened even further. If it weren''t for the scepter being made of the finest special metals, tempered by thousands of years of faith, her strength alone would have left deep imprints on it.


    Despite her inner malice being stirred by the Rakshasa God''s power, Bibi Dong still keenly noticed something while looking at the Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo standing before her.


    She had just sensed the soul power of the Golden Crocodile Douluo nearby, and shortly after, the soul power fluctuations of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo disappeared. Yet, in such a short time, they had already learned about Qian Renxue''s ambush and her secret plan to usurp the throne from within the palace.


    In Bibi Dong''s eyes, the current Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were untrustworthy. They might have secretly sided with that old man Qian Daoliu.


    Bibi Dong asked herself honestly: if she were Qian Daoliu, why would she reveal this information? sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, it would be for the sake of so-called familial affection!


    Bibi Dong felt nothing but disgust in her heart, but she also sensed an opportunity for herself.


    The Rakshasa God''s eighth trial required her to take away what Qian Renxue valued most and make her experience unbearable pain.


    And now, she could use this opportunity to feign closeness with Qian Renxue, pretending to draw the two of them closer, while secretly discovering what Qian Renxue held most dear. Then, with one act of betrayal, she could utterly destroy what Qian Renxue cherished in front of her.


    This way, she could immediately complete the Rakshasa God''s eighth trial and move on to the ninth trial¡ªthe final step to becoming a god.


    Betrayal by someone akin to a parent¡ªBibi Dong knew all too well how agonizing that was.


    Bibi Dong understood Qian Daoliu''s character well. As long as she didn''t harm Qian Renxue or endanger her life, with their complicated relationship and her awkward position, Qian Daoliu could do no more than place her under house arrest. He wouldn''t be able to punish her further.


    But once she completed all nine Rakshasa God trials, she would become a true god. At that point, she wouldn''t need to hide anything anymore. She could let the entire Douluo Continent feel her pain.


    By then, not even Qian Daoliu could stop her. She would realize her wish to make the Spirit Hall¡ªand the entire world¡ªexperience her suffering.


    What Bibi Dong didn''t know was that deep within her spiritual sea, the cocoon of light representing the Rakshasa God''s divine trials quivered slightly, as if alive. Twisted, evil divine power seeped into her spiritual sea, subtly altering her thinking, making her already extreme mindset even more radical and crazed.


    Logically speaking, if the trials were truly overseen by the Rakshasa God herself, even as an evil god, she wouldn''t resort to such deceitful methods for someone who had already reached the eighth trial. However, the trials were now under the control of the Asura God.


    To the Asura God, the Rakshasa God''s successor was merely a pawn to be discarded. In the end, she would undoubtedly be crushed to prove the Asura God''s innocence.


    The more insane Bibi Dong became, the more useful she was to the Asura God. A crazed Spirit Hall Supreme Pontiff was far more valuable than an incompetent one.


    Feigning concern, Bibi Dong inquired further about the events, but as Chen Ming''s mentors, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo deliberately omitted Chen Ming''s involvement. They described him as someone who had coincidentally passed by and helped Qian Renxue escape.


    As a woman with a romantic disposition, Bibi Dong immediately noticed Chen Ming''s existence.


    When she learned that Chen Ming was their disciple and that their recent leave of absence had been to help him hunt soul rings, Bibi Dong smiled kindly at the two of them.


    "A twelve-year-old Soul Ancestor at the fortieth rank¡ªsuch talent is unprecedented. A gem like this, why not bring him into our Spirit Hall?"


    "Elder Chrysanthemum, Elder Ghost, could you bring your disciple here for me to meet? As the Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall, I should personally encourage such a talented soul master."


    Bibi Dong thought her words were perfectly reasonable, but Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, having been by her side for so long, could sense something was amiss. Though they couldn''t discern her exact intentions, they instinctively felt wary.


    The two of them, having worked together for years, shared an unspoken understanding. Without needing to speak, they knew each other''s thoughts.


    In response to Bibi Dong''s request, they began making excuses. These excuses included, but were not limited to, claiming the disciple was injured and needed rest, had a special status that made it inconvenient, or that the Spirit Hall required the Supreme Pontiff to address the current crisis.


    Each excuse sounded more convincing and reasonable than the last. Even though Bibi Dong knew they were stalling, she couldn''t directly expose their lies. She could only feign regret and express disappointment, instructing them to convey her encouragement verbally.


    Yes, verbal encouragement.


    Forget about precious treasures like soul bones¡ªBibi Dong didn''t even plan to give a single gold soul coin.


    This was typical of Bibi Dong''s usual behavior. However, because Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had just received four high-quality, high-age soul bones from Qian Daoliu, they couldn''t help but feel that Bibi Dong''s stinginess was excessive.


    At the same time, they were even more certain that something was off with Bibi Dong''s emotions.


    After withdrawing, Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced at Ghost Douluo, who nodded silently. Ghost Douluo restrained his soul power and quietly slipped into the Worship Hall, where Qian Renxue and the others were waiting. He relayed Bibi Dong''s demeanor and behavior.


    To Ghost Douluo, Bibi Dong''s ill intentions were obvious. However, to Qian Renxue, the absence of outright insults or hostility was already a significant improvement in their relationship.


    Ignoring Ghost Douluo''s speculations, Qian Renxue felt a renewed sense of hope for her mother, Bibi Dong.


    Watching this unfold, Qian Daoliu wanted to say something but refrained. Considering the complicated and tragic relationship between Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, he felt powerless to intervene. Instead, he turned to Chen Ming with a pleading look, silently hoping this clever young man could help Qian Renxue.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [192]

    If Bibi Dong''s usual malice toward Qian Renxue was at a level of 100, then this time, in front of Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, it was only at 30. Although Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo noticed something was off, they only assumed it had doubled, raising her dislike from 30 to 60. However, no one, except Bibidong herself, could have imagined that under the influence of various factors, her malice toward Qian Renxue at this moment was far beyond the norm¡ªsoaring directly from 100 to an astonishing 300.


    On the surface, Qian Renxue, unaware of the deeper emotions, felt a bit excited, fantasizing that perhaps Bibi Dong actually cared for her deep down. She wondered if this could be an opportunity to mend their mother-daughter relationship.


    After briefly apologizing to Qian Daoliu, Chen Ming, and the other worships, Qian Renxue retreated to a room behind the Worship Hall¡ªthe same room she had stayed in as a child¡ªto think alone.


    Ghost Douluo had only come to deliver a message. To avoid arousing Bibi Dong''s suspicion, he immediately left the Worship Hall after delivering it and returned to Chrysanthemum Douluo''s side, pretending the two had been together the whole time.


    Qian Daoliu glanced at Chen Ming, seemingly hoping for some assistance. However, after thinking for a long time, he found himself unable to voice his request.


    After all, Qian Daoliu had always prided himself on his clean reputation. His greatest stain was having a troublesome son like Qian Xunji.


    In Qian Daoliu''s view, stopping his disciple from falling in love was no big deal. But who could have expected that his troublesome son would personally intervene and have his disciple bear him a child?


    Sigh.


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was all a result of his sins.


    When Qian Xunji first took Bibi Dong as his disciple, he brought her to meet Qian Daoliu. Back then, Bibi Dong was still a delicate little girl, her gaze timid and full of restraint when facing Qian Daoliu.


    At that time, Qian Xunji had not shown any intention of taking a wife and was old enough to be Bibi Dong''s father. Considering her status as Qian Xunji''s disciple, Qian Daoliu regarded Bibi Dong as a granddaughter-like figure.


    Although their interactions were limited due to Qian Daoliu''s frequent seclusion, their relationship was amicable. Bibi Dong genuinely treated Qian Daoliu as an elder.


    If not for Qian Xunji''s later disgraceful actions, which were beyond words, Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong''s relationship could have been like that of a grandfather and granddaughter.


    Initially, Qian Xunji told Qian Daoliu that Bibi Dong was infatuated and needed to be locked up to calm down for a while. Qian Daoliu agreed, thinking it would only take a few months for her to cool off.


    But a few months later, Qian Renxue was born.


    As Qian Daoliu thought about it, his fists involuntarily clenched. If his troublesome son Qian Xunji weren''t already dead, with his soul likely obliterated, Qian Daoliu would have been tempted to hang him up and use him as a punching bag.


    Left with no other choice, Qian Daoliu signaled Golden Crocodile Douluo with a glance before returning to kneel in front of the Angel God statue to continue his prayers.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo, having no better option, invited Chen Ming to his room for a chat.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo inquired about Chen Ming''s past, and Chen Ming shared bits of it. He omitted the supernatural aspects of his cheat ability and attributed the immortal herbs he obtained from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to other fortuitous encounters. But for the most part, he shared about 80-90% of the truth.


    To Golden Crocodile Douluo, Chen Ming''s experiences sounded... outrageous.


    In his eyes, this wasn''t something that mere words like legendary could describe. As a 98th-level Titled Douluo, Golden Crocodile Douluo''s life, which was already considered an epic tale among soul masters, now felt lackluster compared to Chen Ming''s.


    Fortunately, having lived nearly 200 years and gained immense life experience, Golden Crocodile Douluo quickly collected himself after a few minutes of stunned silence and returned to the main topic.


    He explained to Chen Ming the details of Qian Renxue''s plan to overthrow the empire, revealing how she had replaced Crown Prince Xue Qinghe over a decade ago and infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire''s royal palace to prepare for a coup. After all, in Golden Crocodile Douluo''s view, while he didn''t know why, Chen Ming already knew that Qian Renxue was Xue Qinghe. Since Chen Ming was aware of the most crucial secret and had even saved Qian Renxue, Golden Crocodile Douluo saw no harm in revealing the rest.


    While speaking, Golden Crocodile Douluo carefully observed Chen Ming''s expression, as if trying to gauge whether Chen Ming would develop any aversion to Qian Renxue''s coup plan.


    Chen Ming, however, merely smiled calmly and began pointing out flaws in the plan. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not just a few flaws¡ªthere were over twenty that Chen Ming considered important.


    As someone who had been thoroughly trained in the big data era in his previous life, Chen Ming might not be great at practical execution, but his commentary came across as highly professional.


    Chen Ming spent an hour analyzing the plan''s flaws, another hour suggesting improvements, and yet another hour sharing his personal insights.


    By the time he reluctantly stopped, Golden Crocodile Douluo, sitting across from him, had become wide-eyed and dazed, his elderly gaze filled with a kind of na?ve confusion. Despite his immense mental strength, this 98th-level Titled Douluo felt as though his brain had lagged from the sheer volume of Chen Ming''s suggestions.


    This nearly 200-year-old man still couldn''t understand how someone less than a tenth of his age could be so... professional.


    What''s more, a significant portion (well, actually the vast majority) of Chen Ming''s suggestions seemed excessively radical, even to someone as irascible and strong-willed as Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    If they truly implemented even a fraction of Chen Ming''s recommendations, it wouldn''t just be the Heaven Dou Empire¡ªSpirit Hall itself would require a complete overhaul from top to bottom.


    Even if Qian Daoliu were to reclaim the position of Supreme Pontiff with his 99th-level strength and status as the Angel God''s High Priest, he would likely end up as a powerless figurehead due to his personality.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo silently poured Chen Ming a cup of tea, then patted him on the shoulder, sighing deeply. His aged face was filled with earnestness and expectation.


    "Young man, you''re a bit too extreme. Try to approach things more calmly. There''s so much beauty in the world, and as a soul master, there''s still a long path ahead for cultivation. Promise me¡ªdon''t get too caught up in the scheming and intrigue of politics, alright?"


    "I was just sharing my thoughts. I''m not interested in those things," Chen Ming replied with an awkward smile, noticing Golden Crocodile Douluo''s exhausted expression.


    He had only wanted to share some conservative opinions to demonstrate that he didn''t care much about Qian Renxue''s coup plans.


    Who would have thought that even his relatively restrained suggestions would still leave this elder, perched at the pinnacle of the soul master world, utterly overwhelmed?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [193]

    "You''re already so skilled without paying attention to it. If you focused, what kind of monster would you become? How can a Soul Master like you be so adept at court politics?"


    Golden Crocodile Douluo held back for a long while, resisting the urge to retort, and instead shared his earlier thoughts.


    He wasn''t sure whether he should let Qian Renxue return to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace to continue her role as a spy.


    Qian Daoliu was now unable to decide because he had completely lost confidence in his judgment. It would take at least a few months for him to recover, and the responsibility now fell to Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    Chen Ming thought for a moment, considered the situation carefully, and then shook his head silently.


    "The undercover mission should continue. But, if I may be blunt, the true purpose of the undercover mission should change."


    "Oh? Please elaborate." Golden Crocodile Douluo was puzzled. How could the goal of the mission change? Was there something more important in the Heaven Dou Empire than the throne?


    "I think, given Qian Renxue''s current situation, she''s deviating from the will that the Angel God left behind."


    Chen Ming''s words were bold, directly questioning whether the heir of the Angel God was still aligned with the Angel God''s will. If anyone else had said this, even if it was Golden Crocodile Douluo''s grandson, they would have been slapped and forced to kneel in repentance. But the person speaking was Chen Ming.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo had seen the extraordinary qualities Chen Ming displayed before. In his eyes, Chen Ming was undoubtedly someone recognized by the Angel God.


    If someone like this spoke, it wasn''t without reason.


    "She''s become too focused on those political games within the court. She''s starting to forget her original intention."


    "The purpose of Spirit Hall unifying the continent¡ªwhat is it? It''s to overthrow the corrupt nobility and let the common people live good lives under the will of the Angel God. It''s not for personal ambition but for everyone on the continent. That''s why Spirit Hall chose this path."


    "She''s stayed in Heaven Dou for too long and has started to lose sight of the ultimate goal. She''s become overly concerned with the throne and the process of unification."


    "She''s starting to become¡­ less compassionate."


    Chen Ming softened his tone as much as possible to make his words less harsh. But for Golden Crocodile Douluo, these words were still a heavy blow.


    Why did the heirs of the Angel God always go out into the continent to train?


    One reason was to broaden their horizons, and another was to experience the mindset of the Angel God when they once saved the continent. Only by maintaining compassion, justice, and love could the holder of the Seraphim Martial Soul gain the mindset that matched their Martial Soul and achieve breakthroughs in their Soul Power.


    Qian Xunji lacked this mindset. That''s why after relying on the natural talent of the Seraphim Martial Soul to forcibly cultivate to the level of Title Douluo, his Soul Power stagnated.


    As a Seraphim Martial Soul owner, Qian Xunji could barely pass the Angel God''s Black-Level Five Trials in front of the Angel God''s statue, and even then, his results were poor.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo feared that little Xue''er, so beloved and adorable, would turn out like Qian Xunji¡ªsomeone who was completely unworthy of being the heir of the Angel God.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo asked seriously, "Then why should the undercover mission continue? Wouldn''t it be better to take this opportunity to bring her back to Spirit Hall and let her stay by the Grand Worship''s side for proper guidance?"


    "That wouldn''t be very meaningful. That would only forcibly change her thinking rather than help her truly understand what she should do. At the end of the day, she''s doing what she does because she was taught to do so. This kind of mindset is extremely dangerous, no matter the situation."


    Chen Ming didn''t mention Qian Xunji by name. In theory, he didn''t even know the previous Pope. But to Golden Crocodile Douluo, his words were using Qian Xunji as a cautionary tale.


    "She needs to remain in that position, maintaining her compassion for the common people and her care for the populace. She must not immerse herself in the power struggles and must come to understand the corruption of nobility. Only then can she take another step forward and align herself with the mindset of the Angel God."


    "As long as she can hold onto her original intention and remain steadfast in her will, unshaken by external influences or the temptations of power, she will truly be a worthy heir to the Angel God''s will."


    "True," Golden Crocodile Douluo thought for a moment and agreed with Chen Ming.


    To be blunt, the question of overthrowing a kingdom or unifying the continent wasn''t important to Golden Crocodile Douluo. What mattered was ensuring that Qian Renxue didn''t turn out like Qian Xunji.


    After all, she was Qian Daoliu''s only grandchild. If she ended up like Qian Xunji, Golden Crocodile Douluo figured Qian Daoliu might even take his own life in front of the Angel God''s statue.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo and Chen Ming then spent some time planning how Qian Renxue should return to the Heaven Dou Empire and continue her undercover work.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s biggest concern, however, was Qian Renxue''s safety.


    After all, the Snake Spear and Porcupine Douluo by her side seemed loyal and reliable, having grown up and been trained within Spirit Hall.


    But the problem was that even someone who seemed far more loyal and trustworthy¡ªan actual member of the Angel Clan and Qian Daoliu''s trusted confidant¡ªhad betrayed them.


    With that precedent, Golden Crocodile Douluo couldn''t help but feel uneasy about Snake Spear and Porcupine. He feared they might also turn out to be traitors.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo wanted Chen Ming to help look after Qian Renxue. For this, he took out a right leg bone from his storage soul tool.


    It was a 30,000-year-old Shadow Leopard leg bone with a unique skill: Substitution. It allowed its users to create a decoy to take damage and teleport themselves 100 meters away.


    This soul bone was something Golden Crocodile Douluo had obtained from a Soul Master when he was young. He had kept it for over a hundred years, and if it weren''t for the bone''s unique nature, it would''ve been polished smooth by now. Taking it out for Chen Ming, even knowing it was for Renxue, still made Golden Crocodile Douluo''s face twitch.


    Chen Ming accepted the soul bone with a smile and agreed to Golden Crocodile Douluo''s request.


    Although he wouldn''t be able to stay in Heaven Dou City for long, Dugu Bo would be there with nothing to do.


    Since Dugu Bo had time on his hands, Chen Ming figured he could help keep an eye on things.


    This soul bone would allow Dugu Bo to complete his full set of soul bones.


    The last time he absorbed the left and right arm bones, although it didn''t push his Soul Power from 94 to 95, it brought him to the peak of his current level. Absorbing this 30,000-year-old soul bone would likely allow him to forcibly break through the bottleneck and become a Super Douluo.


    Once he reached the level of a Super Douluo, his spiritual power would increase, and he could work on filling in any gaps in his understanding later.


    After all, Dugu Bo primarily focused on large-scale attacks, excelling at wiping out large numbers of enemies. With increased Soul Power, even if his insights were slightly lacking, he would still be devastating.


    A 95th-level Poison Douluo could kill a 10,000-year-old soul beast with a single spit of poison. If he stomped near the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, half the clan wouldn''t get a good night''s sleep.


    At level 91, he could wipe out an entire sect, leaving only the Title Douluo alive. At level 95, he could destroy an entire sect, leaving no Title Douluo behind. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [194]

    Chen Ming accepted the soul bone from Golden Crocodile Douluo, which put Golden Crocodile Douluo at ease.


    The external soul bone that Qian Daoliu had given Chen Ming earlier was a gift from him, but Golden Crocodile Douluo was worried that if he didn''t offer one as well, it might cause some slight discord between Chen Ming and Qian Renxue in the future.


    Besides, Golden Crocodile Douluo already had a full set of soul bones himself. Although the soul bone was incredibly valuable, he had no use for it. If he did, he wouldn''t have kept it in his possession for over a hundred years, to the point where it had absorbed his energy and gained a polished patina.


    After briefly discussing some testimonies, Golden Crocodile Douluo went off to handle various matters.


    Normally, this sort of thing would be Qian Daoliu''s responsibility. However, Qian Daoliu was currently in a self-imposed retreat, kneeling before the statue of the Angel God in prayer.


    Thus, these responsibilities fell on Golden Crocodile Douluo''s shoulders.


    Of course, there was another reason Golden Crocodile Douluo was handling these matters¡ªhe no longer fully trusted Qian Daoliu''s judgment.


    If it weren''t for Qian Daoliu granting that crazy woman the authority to mobilize the Titled Douluo around Qian Renxue and the covert forces of the Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue wouldn''t have ended up in such a sorry state.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo was now busy purging the remnants of that woman''s forces within the Spirit Hall¡ªkilling those who needed to be killed, arresting those who needed to be arrested, and transferring those who needed to be relocated. Externally, he also had to figure out how to deal with the rebels and craft a reasonable explanation for the Crown Prince''s escape from the encirclement.


    In short, while Qian Daoliu could focus solely on kneeling and praying before the Angel God statue, Golden Crocodile Douluo''s plate was full.


    In all his decades of life, Golden Crocodile Douluo had never been this busy before. To put it bluntly, even after Qian Xunji''s death, Golden Crocodile Douluo didn''t need to exert this much effort.


    Because the matters involved were too secretive to be revealed publicly, Golden Crocodile Douluo felt as though he had become a century younger, as if he had returned to the days when he assisted the Pope in handling various affairs within the Spirit Hall.


    After spending a day in the Spirit Hall, Chen Ming attempted to spar with Fifteen Ton Douluo (Jiang Jun).


    Although the reward from the second Angel God trial wasn''t particularly impressive, gaining one level of soul power was still a valuable benefit.


    After absorbing his fifth soul ring, Chen Ming''s dormant soul power was finally revealed. Although divinely bestowed soul rings didn''t increase the absorber''s soul power level, Chen Ming managed to reach a soul power level of 53 through daily accumulation and cultivation.


    The 200,000-year soul ring from a ferocious beast didn''t grant Chen Ming any soul skills for the time being, but it significantly enhanced his physical attributes. Chen Ming felt that his strength had increased by at least 30% compared to before.


    If he factored in the growth of his martial soul and his newfound ability to fly, his strength had undoubtedly increased even further.


    However, facing a Level 96 Super Douluo, Chen Ming was taught a harsh lesson. For Titled Douluo, every level represented a qualitative leap, and for Super Douluo, each level''s qualitative change was equivalent to the combined difference between Levels 91-94.


    The Coiling Dragon Staff was one of the most powerful martial souls, even nearing the level of god-class martial souls.


    Although it wasn''t as well-known in this era, in the Douluo Three and Four eras, this martial soul''s reputation was comparable to the Seraphim martial soul in this time.


    The Qian family (Spirit Pagoda), which wielded the Coiling Dragon Staff, dominated the Douluo Continent for nearly 10,000 years, becoming one of the continent''s de facto rulers in every aspect. The Coiling Dragon Staff was undeniably regarded as the strongest tool martial soul on the Douluo Continent and even considered the strongest martial soul overall.


    The Fifteen Ton and Falling Devil Douluo duo could unleash a martial soul fusion skill that allowed them to hold their own against Qian Daoliu for a time. Against Golden Crocodile Douluo, their chances of victory were even higher. Even in solo combat, the Coiling Dragon Staff''s overwhelming power was evident.


    The Qian family''s ultimate technique, the Nine Unyielding Forms, hadn''t been fully mastered by the duo, but they had developed the initial forms of the technique. They even had some insights into the final strike that could rival the power of a deity.


    Thus, Chen Ming became the first person in decades to experience the fruits of Fifteen Ton Douluo and Falling Devil Douluo ''s secluded training.


    The dragon soul sealed within the Coiling Dragon Staff roared, while the power of the Holy Golden Dragon imbued the staff. This unique draconic power, unlike anything seen among the dragon clans, revealed its long-hidden fangs on the Douluo Continent.


    Staff intent erupted, soul power surged, and Fifteen Ton Douluo, who hadn''t moved in battle for many years, demonstrated his century-honed staff techniques and willpower, showcasing what it truly meant to be a Super Douluo and the essence of an attack-type soul master.


    Every strike from Fifteen Ton Douluo locked onto Chen Ming, pressuring his soul power and mental strength. Each blow carried the unique power of the Holy Golden Dragon, fusing soul power and mental strength into devastating attacks.


    By the standards of later generations, every strike from Fifteen Ton Douluo was equivalent to a domain-level combat skill. The Qian family''s legacy technique, the Nine Unyielding Forms, had already begun to take shape in his hands.


    Fifteen Ton Douluo''s staff, like his title, was as heavy as tons¡ªunstoppable and inescapable.


    Chen Ming''s physical attributes were no longer far behind Fifteen Ton Douluo, but his combat skills were vastly inferior. With Fifteen Ton Douluo going all out, this gap was stretched to near infinity.


    Precision, speed, and power¡ªnothing was lacking. His attacks were both direct and versatile. In Fifteen Ton Douluo''s hands, the Coiling Dragon Staff moved like a living dragon, weaving through the air with unparalleled agility.


    Strike, lift, chop, cover, press, cloud, sweep, pierce, push, flick, hook, and parry¡ªthe essence of staff techniques fused seamlessly in Fifteen Ton Douluo''s hands, culminating in an almost prophetic combat state. His mastery of technique and power broke through Chen Ming''s soul skills with unimaginable precision.


    Even with his boundless soul power and regenerative abilities, Chen Ming could only endure the onslaught like a punching bag, rarely finding an opportunity to counterattack.


    The power of the Holy Golden Dragon was unique, possessing immense purification and suppression capabilities. With his staff intent fully unleashed, Fifteen Ton Douluo could even shatter Chen Ming''s elemental soul power attacks with his strikes¡ªa feat that defied normal conventions.


    Whether it was concentrated beams like Destruction Death Ray, wide-area clouds like Poison Cloud, or even domain-level skills like the Poison Deathly Realm, Fifteen Ton Douluo could obliterate them with a single strike, delivering a mental attack in the process.


    If Chen Ming had been an ordinary soul master without unique mental defenses, his soul power and mental strength would have been completely shattered by Fifteen Ton Douluo''s staff intent.


    Chen Ming attempted to use the powerful offensive capabilities of his Dark Gold Terror Claws against Fifteen Ton Douluo. However, what seemed like negligible preparation time to ordinary soul masters became a perfect opening for Fifteen Ton Douluo. Every time Chen Ming tried to use his claws, Fifteen Ton Douluo intensified his attack rhythm and power, forcing Chen Ming to abandon his attempts. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even Chen Ming''s Rampage Strike proved useless. The weakened version of the Dark Gold Terror Claws lacked the destructive power to match Fifteen Ton Douluo''s staff, and every attack only gave Fifteen Ton Douluo more opportunities to counter.


    Indeed, Fifteen Ton Douluo had his shortcomings¡ªhis defense and control abilities were relatively weak, and he lacked certain utility soul skills. However, his overwhelmingly powerful offensive capabilities completely overshadowed these deficiencies.


    Chen Ming was beaten in the air by Fifteen Ton Douluo''s Coiling Dragon Staff for a full hour. In the end, he relied on his regenerative abilities to outlast Fifteen Ton Douluo, who eventually ran low on soul power and mental strength, preventing him from continuing his soul power fusion. Only then did Chen Ming, with his raw attributes, unleash a barrage of elemental attacks to drive off a frustrated Fifteen Ton Douluo.


    Fifteen Ton Douluo had held back¡ªat least he hadn''t used his final three rings. Otherwise, with his martial soul avatar activated, the Coiling Dragon Staff could have shattered Chen Ming''s so-called indestructible body in one strike and embedded him firmly into the ground.


    Even without using the seventh soul skill, Fifteen Ton Douluo could have ended the spar with his ninth soul skill, A Thousand Ton Blow, leaving Chen Ming in a near-death state with no chance to drag the fight out.


    Ultimately, Fifteen Ton Douluo had only been sparring with Chen Ming, using him as a top-tier punching bag to showcase the essence of his staff techniques¡ªnot intending to kill him.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [195]

    As expected, Chen Ming failed to complete the first part of his second divine trial. After all, it wasn''t just the residual instinct left by the Angel God in the divine statue that was a challenge¡ªeven Chen Ming himself didn''t believe he had truly defeated the Fifteen Ton Douluo.


    After enduring a brutal beating, Chen Ming quietly began reviewing the situation and discovered a fairly obvious shortcoming in himself.


    "Although I call myself a control-type soul master, I don''t have any soul techniques that are truly strong in control."


    Chen Ming reflected: if he had a soul skill like Dugu Bo''s eighth soul skill or skull soul skill, he would at least have been able to control Fifteen Douluo for one or two seconds.


    Fifteen Douluo controlled the rhythm of the battlefield through relentless offense, masking his weaknesses with his overwhelming strength. If Chen Ming could disrupt that rhythm and trap him within his battle tempo by preemptively using various soul techniques, the outcome of the battle might have been completely different.


    He had no shortage of area attacks, with abilities like Poison Cloud, Poison Explosion, and Ultimate Ice and Fire, not to mention the AOE skill Deathly Poison Domain. For single-target attacks, he had a Destructive Death Ray, and his Dark Gold Terror Claws could also be considered a form of compensation for his shortcomings.


    Though he had yet to fully adapt to his dual attributes of life and death, they at least compensated for his lack of aerial combat capability, significantly enhancing his mobility.


    What he truly lacked now were amplification skills and control-type techniques. To summarize, he needed functional skills.


    Although the Angel God''s swordsmanship had given him significant inspiration, what was more valuable than the swordsmanship itself was its methods for countering and suppressing various enemies. As of now, Chen Ming didn''t feel the need to adjust his combat style solely for the sake of swordsmanship.


    Chen Ming pulled out a sheet of paper, slowly writing and sketching on it, before finally jotting down three words:


    "Amplification, Strong Control, Counterattack."


    Summoning his martial soul, Chen Ming gazed at the fifth soul ring beside him with its two golden streaks. After thinking about the types and locations of various soul beasts provided by the world consciousness of the Douluo Plane, Chen Ming locked in his target:


    "The Queen of Snakes, Medusa."


    Time Stop, Medusa''s Gaze¡ªevery one of her abilities was the pinnacle of control, capable of freezing soul power and even affecting time itself. As far as control-type abilities were concerned, Chen Ming couldn''t think of a better choice.


    After bidding farewell to the elders of the Spirit Hall and Qian Renxue, and quietly greeting Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, Chen Ming returned to Heaven Dou City.


    ...


    By this time, Dugu Bo, in his mansion, had already noticed Chen Ming''s disappearance. However, Dugu Bo wasn''t particularly worried.


    Having witnessed Chen Ming''s many miraculous feats, Dugu Bo had long since adopted a more laid-back attitude. At this point, whatever Chen Ming said, he would probably believe. In his heart, he was certain that Chen Ming would never encounter any real danger.


    After all, in terms of strength, Chen Ming''s abilities were at least on par with his own, perhaps even slightly superior in certain aspects.


    Even if faced with a Super Douluo, Chen Ming wouldn''t be taken away without resistance. Judging by the scene, it was clear he had left willingly.


    Seeing Chen Ming return, Dugu Bo wore an expression as expected. Although he was curious about where Chen Ming had gone, he didn''t press him for details. He merely expressed mild interest before dropping the subject.


    After returning to Dugu Bo''s residence, Chen Ming pulled Dugu Bo into the underground chamber. There, he took out the right leg bone that Golden Crocodile Douluo had given him.


    Chen Ming briefly explained where he had been, how he had saved Qian Renxue, and how he had encountered Qian Daoliu in the Spirit Hall and received the Angel God''s divine trials.


    The only things Chen Ming kept hidden were the matters regarding world consciousness and the divine powers of the Asura God and Rakshasa God.


    Even though Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo, knowing such things would do him more harm than good, as it could make him a target in the eyes of others.


    Dugu Bo was aware that Chen Ming was withholding some information but had long since grown accustomed to it. Upon learning that the current Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe, was Qian Renxue from the Spirit Hall in disguise, Dugu Bo''s usually composed expression finally cracked, showing a rare look of disbelief.


    However, upon hearing that Chen Ming had inherited the Angel God''s swordsmanship and received the divine trials, Dugu Bo no longer considered this revelation about Xue Qinghe to be a big deal. Instead, he asked Chen Ming with some confusion: "Xiao Ming, with your talent, can''t you become a god yet?"


    "Becoming a god goes like this, and this is how it works..."


    Chen Ming gave Dugu Bo a brief explanation of the gods and divine trials in the Douluo World, shattering Dugu Bo''s recently rebuilt worldview.


    Upon learning that only the successor of the Angel God could complete the nine trials and become the next Angel God, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but feel a sense of regret for Chen Ming.


    In Dugu Bo''s eyes, with Chen Ming''s talent, becoming the next Angel God would have been a certainty if not for this restriction.


    Although Chen Ming mentioned that it was possible to become a god by gathering faith, Dugu Bo still believed that inheriting a god''s position was the more reliable method.


    After finishing his explanation, Chen Ming handed the soul bone to Dugu Bo and asked him to refine it.


    Knowing that Chen Ming was already considering the matter of godhood, Dugu Bo didn''t hesitate this time. Without any struggle or reluctance, he took the soul bone and began absorbing it.


    After all, it was just a 30,000-year-old soul bone¡ªhe believed Chen Ming deserved better.


    Throughout slightly more than an hour, the Shadow Leopard''s right leg bone was fully absorbed by Dugu Bo. The excess soul power merged into his body, and he attempted to break through to the 95th level of Titled Douluo.


    Six hours later, Dugu Bo''s breakthrough neared its completion. Although his comprehension was still lacking in some respects, with the help of his unique inner core and the soul bone''s enhancement, Dugu Bo finally managed to break through the threshold of level 95, becoming a Super Douluo.


    At that moment, the final piece of his missing soul bone was in place, and he had achieved what he once could only dream of.


    When Dugu Bo opened his eyes again, his appearance had become noticeably younger. Once looking to be in his fifties, he now seemed like a robust man in his thirties. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Due to the quality transformation, even his physical body underwent changes. His height increased once more, his long-lost muscles reappeared, and his once gray-white hair had turned jet-black.


    The once perfectly fitting clothes now appeared slightly tight on his frame.


    At this point, if not for the highly recognizable nature of his clothes, even Dugu Yan might not have been able to recognize him as her grandfather at first glance.


    For a Titled Douluo, every level was a qualitative leap, and the transformation from level 94 to 95 was greater than that of levels 91 through 94 combined.


    Raising his arm and clenching his fist, Dugu Bo felt the surging vitality within his body.


    With his soul power breaking through, his body rejuvenated, his spiritual power enhanced, and his martial soul''s quality improved, Dugu Bo had never felt so incredible in his entire life.


    Dugu Bo estimated that he could now defeat his level-94 self within three moves. If the opponent were his level-91 self, he might be able to take on ten of them simultaneously.


    Despite having recently hosted a celebration for his breakthrough, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but feel the urge to throw another grand banquet to announce to the world that he had become a Super Douluo.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [196]

    Watching Chen Ming, who was standing by his side to guard him, Dugu Bo hugged Chen Ming and patted his head with a satisfied smile. He felt that making Chen Ming his grandson-in-law was undoubtedly the best decision he had ever made in his life. In his current state, Dugu Bo believed he could live for at least another hundred or even two hundred years.


    After letting Dugu Bo vent for a while, Chen Ming smoothed his messy hair, which had been ruffled and shared his idea of hunting down the Medusa soul beast with him.


    Having just broken through to level 95, Dugu Bo was ecstatic upon hearing Chen Ming''s plan. He eagerly rubbed his hands together, excited to use Medusa as a test subject to gauge his current strength.


    However, despite his excitement, Dugu Bo asked Chen Ming to wait for a while so he could handle some matters first.


    His rejuvenation was too obvious, and he needed to explain it to his family; otherwise, it would be quite comedic if they mistook him for a stranger.


    After scaring his brother-in-law a little, Dugu Bo snuck into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and surprised Dugu Yan when she returned to her room. Only after that did he return to his residence and set off with Chen Ming to hunt the soul beast.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    The Medusa''s location, as indicated by the world''s consciousness, was on an island near the coast. According to the markings given to Chen Ming, the danger level of this Medusa was even higher than other super soul beasts that had surpassed the 100,000-year threshold.


    If this weren''t the case, Chen Ming, who was now at the Soul King level, wouldn''t have needed to bring Dugu Bo along to hunt a soul beast that hadn''t yet reached 100,000 years. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Dugu Bo''s strength as a Super Douluo and his venom, which had undergone several transformations, he could even hold his own against some of the weaker members of the Ten Great Savage Beasts (such as the Scarlet King). Against opponents like Bear Lord or Myriad Demon King, he could at least guarantee his escape.


    When it came to poison-based soul beasts, Dugu Bo''s combat strength was even greater. Not even the Medusa, the snake queen among super soul beasts, with a cultivation base of 100,000 years, could compare with the quality of Dugu Bo''s Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor martial soul.


    After breaking through to Super Douluo, Dugu Bo gradually mastered the ability to fly with his soul power. So, despite the remote location of their destination, it took Chen Ming and Dugu Bo only seven or eight days to reach the vicinity after acquiring the ability to fly.


    Before beginning their hunt, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo gathered information about the island from the nearest coastal city.


    The information came from a local business association affiliated with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Upon seeing Chen Ming''s token, the association''s leader immediately gathered all the top-ranking members to compile the required information. Within less than an hour, a thick stack of intelligence was delivered to Chen Ming.


    The information included maps, ocean currents near the island, records of soul beasts, and various legends about the island. It was remarkably detailed.


    From the intelligence, Chen Ming learned that the island, inhabited by Medusa according to the records, was called Soul Snake Island by the locals.


    Soul Snake Island wasn''t far from the coastal city, but its ocean currents were peculiar. Most of the time, ships couldn''t reach the island unless the currents changed under special conditions.


    According to accounts from soul masters who had set foot on Soul Snake Island, the island was teeming with poisonous snakes. Thousands upon thousands of venomous snakes inhabited the island''s outskirts. While most were only decade-level soul beasts, and century-level ones were a minority, their sheer numbers still deterred intruders.


    It was said that a hundred years ago, a flying-type soul master attempted to explore the depths of Soul Snake Island. However, they discovered several venomous soul beasts over 10,000 years old in the island''s interior. The leader of these beasts appeared to be a soul beast with the upper body of a human woman, suspected to be the legendary super soul beast, Medusa.


    For safety''s sake, the flying soul master immediately returned to the city upon discovering the danger and never attempted to explore the island again.


    This was the most extensive exploration of Soul Snake Island in the history of the coastal city.


    After reviewing the intelligence, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming discussed their plans and then left the coastal city, flying toward Soul Snake Island.


    Soul Snake Island was relatively large, about one-fourth the size of Sunset Forest. It had a small ecosystem, but the primary inhabitants seemed to be snake-type soul beasts.


    Even the beaches near the sea were home to numerous venomous sea snakes. These unique sea snake soul beasts built nests on the beach and hunted in the ocean.


    At a glance, the visible sea snakes alone numbered in the thousands, and the number hidden beneath the sand or hunting in the sea was unknown.


    The sheer scale of snake-type soul beasts surprised even Dugu Bo. Though his family''s hunting grounds in a canyon were also a haven for snake-type soul beasts, this island seemed far superior.


    Stopping their flight near the island''s beach, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo began cautiously exploring the island''s interior. While they encountered many snake-type soul beasts along the way, most avoided the pair after sensing the faint aura of Dugu Bo''s Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    During their exploration, they discovered numerous rare snake-type soul beasts, ranging from high-grade to top-tier. Some were so rare that even Dugu Bo had never seen them before, and some appeared to possess the bloodline of super snake-type soul beasts.


    Midway through their journey, Dugu Bo even encountered a group of Jade Phosphor Snakes led by a Jade Phosphor Snake King over 30,000 years old. The group included several Jade Phosphor Snakes over 10,000 years old and hundreds at the thousand-year level, with countless decade-level and century-level ones.


    Ordinarily, such a powerful snake group, led by a snake king, could survive in the deeper mixed zone near the core regions of the Star Dou Forest. However, on this island, they only occupied a mid-tier position, which was highly unusual.


    This anomaly made the duo increasingly cautious as they proceeded further into the island.


    As they ventured deeper, Dugu Bo was forced to restrain the aura of his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor because he began to encounter true royal-grade snake soul beasts on the island.


    "Scarlet Scaled Snake King, Nether Serpent King, Jade Phosphor Serpent King, a mutated super soul beast¡ªthe Three-Headed Nether Python, and a mutated Scarlet Blood Demon Python."


    "What kind of place is this? Did we stumble into a Snake Dou Forest?"


    Carefully navigating through the territories of these high-level soul beasts, Dugu Bo fell silent.


    Typically, royal soul beasts required at least 100,000 years of cultivation. Exceptionally gifted individuals could reach royal status within 70,000 or 80,000 years, but only if there were no other royal soul beasts of the same species suppressing them.


    Yet on this island, the snake kings'' cultivation seemed to be around 50,000 to 60,000 years, which defied logic.


    After all, even a single genius would be rare, let alone an entire group of them. And if there were many geniuses, their cultivation levels wouldn''t all be so similar.


    However, considering the most illogical being in the world was standing beside him, Dugu Bo decided not to comment further.


    Having spent years pursuing soul rings and venomous substances, Dugu Bo had explored the major soul beast forests and encountered many super soul beasts. He had even discovered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well during his search. But he had never seen such a gathering of top-tier and super soul beasts.


    If he had known about this island in his younger years, he might have obtained all his soul rings here. Of course, without the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he might have died from poison exposure.


    Normally, royal soul beasts wouldn''t tolerate each other''s presence. Mutated super soul beasts, though not true royals, were often even stronger. If they gathered, they would inevitably fight until only one remained, with clear territorial boundaries.


    Yet on this island, these proud royal and mutated soul beasts lived around the island''s core without conflict, even when their territories overlapped.


    Something terrifying in the island''s depths was suppressing these snake kings and mutants, forcing them to coexist peacefully.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [197]

    If this group of soul beasts were to suddenly erupt in aggression and target the two of them, even Dugu Bo wouldn''t dare claim he could come out unscathed. At most, he''d be lucky to flee in disgrace. In this situation, Dugu Bo no longer believed this was merely a matter of encountering a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. He was now pondering how many hundred-thousand-year soul beasts might inhabit this unremarkable island to command such a large group of snake-type soul beasts into submission.


    Of course, deep down, Dugu Bo felt a little pleased. After all, while this Snake Island was extraordinary, it was undoubtedly a great boon for the Dugu family''s legacy.


    With this treasure trove, Yan Yan could resolve everything from her fourth soul ring to her ninth. Top-tier snake-type soul beasts, which were rare outside, could be chosen at will here. King-class beasts were everywhere, and there were even emperor-class soul beasts and super mutations. Evolving the Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul into a Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor would be almost effortless.


    Who knows? After a few generations, the Dugu family''s Martial Soul might no longer be the Jade Phosphor Serpent but directly the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    Dugu Bo and Chen Ming carefully advanced, stealthily making their way toward the core of the island. However, the soul beasts living in the island''s core rendered both Dugu Bo and Chen Ming speechless.


    At the center of the island was a lake teeming with life, and on its banks lay a group of half-human, half-snake beings lazily basking in the sun.


    Dugu Bo immediately recognized them¡ªnot human soul masters using their Martial Soul, but a group of soul beasts, a large number of Medusas, known as the queens among snakes and classified as super soul beasts!


    In his entire life, Dugu Bo had only ever encountered one of these super soul beasts, yet here there were seven or eight.


    Logically, the older a Medusa''s cultivation, the more human-like its appearance. At ten thousand years, only their heads bore some resemblance to humans, but to reach a half-human, half-snake form, they would need at least fifty thousand years of cultivation. Strangely, though, these sunbathing Medusas only seemed to have cultivation levels of around twenty to thirty thousand years, with the strongest of them not exceeding forty thousand years.


    To Dugu Bo, there was only one explanation: this group of Medusas must possess extraordinarily high and pure bloodlines. Above them, there was likely a powerful Medusa Queen at the hundred-thousand-year level.


    The entirety of Snake Island was probably the territory of this Medusa Queen. Those emperor-class and super-soul beasts were merely her subordinates.


    Chen Ming closed his eyes, sensing the coordinates provided to him by the world''s consciousness. He confirmed that his target was indeed within the lake and also confirmed that the Medusa Queen had a cultivation of only eighty thousand years. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, both Chen Ming and Dugu Bo shared the same thought: above this group of Medusas, there was likely a hundred-thousand-year or even a beast-level Medusa Queen. The Medusa he was looking for might just be one of this queen''s offspring, akin to the relationship between the Sea Princess and the Mermaid Princess.


    Although the queen above this Medusa was likely not as powerful as the Sea Princess, it was at least at the level of a beast-level creature.


    Just as Chen Ming finished gathering information and was about to retreat with Dugu Bo to discuss their strategy, the sun reached its zenith. It was as if some mechanism had been triggered, and the entire Snake Island instantly fell into a solemn and sacred atmosphere.


    Yes, an island full of soul beasts was suddenly enveloped in a solemn aura.


    The snake emperors and the super soul beast-level mutations gathered before the vast lake. The Medusas that had been basking on the lakeshore also stood up, respectfully gazing toward the lake''s center.


    The lake trembled slightly, and a massive figure emerged from its depths. The sunlight illuminated her body. At that moment, the many snake emperors and Medusas around the lake all knelt toward the figure rising from the water.


    The eyes of the snake soul beasts were filled with reverence and submission. An invisible power flowed out from these snake soul beasts, converging into the body of the figure standing in the lake.


    It was a Medusa Queen approximately thirty meters tall. Her upper body was entirely human, resembling that of a female, while her lower body was a long, slender snake tail. Her gaze carried a wisdom and divinity rarely seen in soul beasts. She even wore a simple garment woven from vines, modestly covering her upper body.


    The Medusa Queen basked in the worship of her followers. The power of faith flowed into her enormous body. The aura of the soul beast leaked out uncontrollably, and her snake-like hair writhed freely in the air.


    At that moment, Chen Ming realized the truth¡ªthis Medusa Queen had a cultivation of exactly eighty thousand years. It matched the target he had been seeking. As she rose, the coordinates in Chen Ming''s mind aligned with her. He confirmed that this was indeed his objective.


    But...


    This is a freaking divine beast?!


    Chen Ming couldn''t believe his eyes. He rubbed them, trying to make sense of the faith power surrounding him and the faint divine energy emanating from the Medusa Queen. For a moment, he was dumbfounded.


    Eighty thousand years. A divine beast.


    Chen Ming''s mind raced, yet he couldn''t reconcile these two concepts. This wasn''t some Dark Devilgod Tiger¡ªwhere did this kind of quality come from?


    His powerful spiritual senses spun furiously, searching through all his memories of the Douluo Dalu series. Finally, in an obscure corner of his mind, Chen Ming recalled something about Medusas in the Douluo world.


    The Sin God, Medusa¡ªa third-level god.


    In the era when the God Realm was still intact during the events of Douluo Dalu 3, Medusa''s divine artifact had once appeared in the hands of Qiangu Dongfeng, used to counter Tang Wulin. It contained a trace of the Medusa God''s divine soul.


    Although this was a sudden addition to the original plot, it was used to enhance Tang San''s prestige.


    But in a real-world scenario, this meant that the Medusa God''s divine soul and divine artifact had indeed fallen to the Douluo Dalu world without the God Realm''s knowledge.


    The group of Medusas before him, especially this leader exuding faint divinity, was most likely connected to the Medusa God who had fallen to the Douluo Dalu world.


    Even if this Medusa Queen didn''t originate from the trace of the Medusa God''s divine soul, she had undoubtedly inherited part of the Medusa God''s power or divine artifact. This was why she had managed to become a divine beast in an era where soul beasts were barred from ascending to godhood.


    An eighty-thousand-year soul beast and an eighty-thousand-year divine beast were on entirely different levels.


    While a divine beast ¡Ù god ¡Ù god-level combat power, there was no doubt that the strength of a divine beast far surpassed that of a super soul beast. Under the current restrictions of the world''s rules, even Di Tian couldn''t claim to match this Medusa Queen, who had miraculously become a divine beast.


    Although this Medusa Queen''s cultivation was only around eighty thousand years and hadn''t yet reached the hundred-thousand-year mark, her strength would undoubtedly rival soul beasts that had survived their second tribulation, or perhaps even surpass them.


    Chen Ming finally understood why the world consciousness of Douluo Dalu had included this Medusa Queen''s information alongside other high-quality hundred-thousand-year soul beasts. He also understood why the world consciousness had marked her as uniquely dangerous.


    Because she was a divine beast¡ªa true divine beast, imbued with divinity and possibly even carrying a fragment of the Medusa God''s power or artifact.


    Chen Ming was already considering retreating tactically and heading to the Spirit Hall to call for reinforcements. However, just as the Medusa Queen absorbed the power of faith and her state improved, her human-like eyes turned directly toward the location where Chen Ming and Dugu Bo were hiding.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [198]

    "An intruder? Die!"


    As a divine beast, the Medusa Queen, who was half-human and half-snake, coldly spat out the language of humans. A terrifying surge of soul power emanated from her body, transforming into a massive shockwave that rushed toward Chen Ming and Dugu Bo''s location.


    The Medusa Queen had only sensed the presence of outsiders in the area and had no idea what kind of beings or strength these intruders possessed. Though the shockwave was enough to severely injure a Soul Sage with ease, for Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, it was merely enough to force them out of hiding.


    Dugu Bo unleashed his martial soul, and nine soul rings circled around him, showcasing his undisguised level 95 aura. Chen Ming released his martial soul as well, a strange scorpion martial soul in the eyes of the Medusa Queen, radiating a divine-level aura devoid of any impurities.


    Ice, fire, death, life, holiness, and light¡ªseveral high-quality attributes exploded in an instant. A pair of wings made of life-and-death soul power spread out behind Chen Ming.


    At the first sight of Chen Ming, the Medusa Queen felt a primal sense of greed. If she could devour Chen Ming, she would most likely be able to bypass the heavenly tribulation that was drawing ever closer to her. In this era where soul beasts could no longer ascend to godhood, she might inherit the divine position of her ancestors.


    However, at the same time, the Medusa Queen also felt a deep, instinctual fear.


    Chen Ming''s fifth soul ring was red, with two dazzling gold streaks running through it. To the Medusa Queen, who didn''t recognize it as a god-bestowed soul ring, this was undoubtedly the result of Chen Ming killing a ferocious beast that had survived its first heavenly tribulation.


    As the last descendant of the Medusa God on the Douluo Continent, the Medusa Queen was extremely cautious. She had never left her island. After learning about the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, who was devouring soul beasts in an attempt to ascend to godhood in the ocean, she even summoned all her Snake Kings¡ªbeings of the same rank as herself¡ªto serve as her guards.


    Although she knew that in the face of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, her island was essentially a platter of food, she was still terrified, deeply afraid of death.


    As a naturally noble entity, she had rarely experienced combat in her long life. Compared to other soul beasts, she was more like a human wrapped in the skin of a soul beast. Her innate intelligence made her lack the ferocity and battle instincts typical of soul beasts.


    The numerous Snake Kings, hybrids, and Medusa Queens by the lake cautiously watched Chen Ming and Dugu Bo. With just one command from their queen, they would swarm forward and destroy the two intruders.


    Although the situation felt extremely dangerous, with so many soul beasts surrounding her, the Medusa Queen''s gaze still flashed with a trace of ferocity. She let out a sharp hiss.


    The horde of snakes surged toward Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, who did not hesitate to retaliate.


    Dugu Bo unleashed waves of poisonous mist from his body, which spiraled and gathered in mid-air to form a phantom image of the Emerald Phosphor Serpent. With a low shout, the serpent, made entirely of poison, charged directly at the swarm of snakes.


    Even though the snakes present were either Snake Kings or super-quality hybrids, they immediately showed signs of poisoning the moment they were surrounded by Dugu Bo''s venom.


    Soul power weakened, life force drained, and bodies became frail. It was only because these soul beasts were of high rank and quality that they could resist the pressure of Dugu Bo''s martial soul, having long been accustomed to the presence of a divine beast. Otherwise, ordinary Snake Kings would have lost their ability to fight instantly.


    Even so, when Dugu Bo''s poisonous Serpent phantom lunged at them, these Snake Kings and hybrids frantically tried to evade. A single touch of the phantom would lead to immediate signs of flesh decay.


    Among the horde, the Jade Phosphor Serpent King, who shared the same origin as Dugu Bo''s martial soul, fled the fastest. While other snakes could rely on poison resistance to hold out temporarily, the Jade Phosphor Serpent King had no way to resist the overwhelming venom from its superior counterpart.


    Simply being in the presence of the poisonous serpent phantom was enough to make it feel an oppressive pressure from deep within its bloodline. Even in front of the Medusa Queen, it dared not show any sign of aggression.


    The horde of snakes unleashed various toxic and enhancement-type soul techniques, such as poisonous beams and toxic sprays, which converged on Dugu Bo.


    These snakes were either royal species or one-in-a-million hybrids with divine beast bloodlines. Each of them had a combat strength comparable to a normal hundred-thousand-year soul beast, and their abilities were on par with creatures like the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear.


    Although their venomous attacks had little effect on Chen Ming and Dugu Bo¡ªChen Ming, in theory, being immune to poison¡ªthe sheer amount of soul power behind these attacks prevented the duo from completely ignoring them. Chen Ming stepped in front of Dugu Bo, releasing his martial soul. Poisonous clouds spread out, and his scorpion tail, infused with the power of ice and fire, swept forward, easily breaking through numerous soul techniques. The tip of the scorpion''s tail pierced straight through a Medusa''s heart, killing her instantly.


    The extreme power of ice and fire destroyed the unfortunate Medusa''s body in an instant, reducing her to ashes. A soul bone dropped from her head in full view of the crowd.


    The horde of snakes hesitated. As intelligent soul beasts, they instinctively felt fear at this sight. This brief pause became an opportunity for Chen Ming to launch his offensive.


    "Dark Gold Terrorclaw!"


    Chen Ming infused soul power into his right hand, transforming his fingers into five sharp blades. Powerful metallic soul power gathered and erupted, unleashing a massive slash from his fingertips.


    In an instant, the Dark Gold Terrorclaw shredded the Crimson Snake King''s body into pieces before continuing its trajectory toward the Nether Snake King. The Nether Snake King''s snake eyes widened as it activated its special ability with unprecedented speed, covering its body in a layer of dark purple soul power.


    The Nether Snake King''s body was severed, but it immediately transformed into countless fragments of snake skin that scattered in the air. Its true form teleported a hundred meters away, its massive size noticeably smaller. Its snake eyes now showed a human-like expression of terror.


    If the Medusa Queen weren''t the Snake God and the deity of the island''s snake horde, the Nether Snake King would have already fled far away from these two monstrous humans.


    The Dark Gold Terrorclaw left deep claw marks on the ground. The Crimson Snake King''s severed body parts finally fell from mid-air, crashing to the ground.


    The Crimson Snake lineage was known for its formidable vitality among snake-type soul beasts. With fifty-thousand years of cultivation, the Crimson Snake King''s life force had become exceptionally resilient. Combined with its innate abilities, it should have been able to piece itself back together even after being cut apart. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Chen Ming''s soul power rampaged through its wounds, suppressing its regeneration. The surrounding poisonous air seeped into its flesh through the cuts, ravaging its body. Even with its regenerative abilities, the Crimson Snake King could not survive under such extreme conditions.


    Its snake head writhed on the ground in agony, spewing its last venom indiscriminately. Its powerful life force only prolonged its suffering.


    After enduring the combined venom of Dugu Bo and Chen Ming for a prolonged period, the Crimson Snake King''s head finally fell silent, its eyes wide open in unwillingness as it succumbed to its pain. A deep black soul ring slowly rose from its severed head, signifying its death.


    Even amid battle, Dugu Bo couldn''t help but feel a pang of sorrow. A fifty-thousand-year Crimson Snake King was an ideal eighth or even ninth soul ring for most soul masters.


    If he had had the option back when he was absorbing his ninth soul ring, Dugu Bo would have undoubtedly abandoned his original target in favor of the Crimson Snake King''s soul ring. After all, his current ninth soul ring was far from satisfactory.


    A high-quality soul ring wasted in vain¡ªthis thought made Dugu Bo, who viewed this island as his domain, feel genuinely regretful. He could only hope that these high-quality soul beasts would drop a few more soul bones to make up for the loss of soul rings.


    Still, regret was just a fleeting thought. Dugu Bo''s hands didn''t stop, as the phantom of the poisonous Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor continued to wreak havoc among the snake horde, effortlessly killing numerous snake-type soul beasts that rushed in as reinforcements.


    In the forest, soul rings rose in large numbers. Purple and yellow rings were almost evenly distributed, with a few faintly black ones among them, indicating soul beasts that had just reached the ten-thousand-year mark.


    Even soul beasts with limited intelligence felt a deep fear when they saw so many soul rings rise at once. Many snakes that had initially come to support their Snake Kings fled in panic. Even ten-thousand-year soul beasts that hadn''t died instantly in Dugu Bo''s poisonous mist began hesitating and pulling back.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [199]

    The Queen Medusa never imagined that the snake army she painstakingly cultivated would suffer such significant damage in a single encounter. Even her child was instantly killed by the enemy. Enraged, the Queen let out a piercing scream, unleashing a massive wave of soul power toward the two opponents. Chen Ming, with the combined forces of ice and fire, directly countered the attack with pure soul energy.


    The two waves of soul power collided midair, creating violent ripples. While the snake army and Dugu Bo restrained each other, Chen Ming''s soul power, infused with the ultimate forces of ice and fire, overwhelmed the Queen''s soul power under her disbelieving gaze, striking her heavily.


    Due to the massive size of her body and the energy she was channeling, the Queen could not evade Chen Ming''s attack. She became a massive target, allowing the devastating forces of extreme ice and fire to ravage her enormous frame, burning large patches of her skin.


    Despite her immense size and the energy stored within her body, the Queen Medusa was not a true god-level being. However, as a divine beast, her basic attributes far surpassed those of ordinary super soul beasts.


    Chen Ming''s soul power wave¡ªcapable of taking the life of a ten-thousand-year soul beast¡ªonly managed to destroy the outer layer of her scales and skin. It failed to fully penetrate her flesh and blood, causing no substantial internal damage.


    As pain surged through her, the Queen''s gaze became increasingly frenzied. The snakes atop her head opened their eyes one by one, staring intently at Chen Ming, while her own eyes gleamed with an eerie light.


    "Turn to stone!"


    The Queen shrieked, unleashing a strange power toward Chen Ming and Dugu Bo. Unfazed, Chen Ming shifted the soul power that had been protecting him like armor into an intangible wall. He then began rapidly constructing thick ice walls in front of it using the ultimate power of ice.


    Although the petrifying gaze of Medusa was formidable, it came at a high energy cost. Both Chen Ming and Dugu Bo understood this weakness. Thus, Chen Ming deliberately used his soul power to exhaust her. Meanwhile, Dugu Bo quietly worked on enhancing his condition from behind the ice wall.


    The ice walls, formed by the ultimate power of ice, effectively resisted the petrifying power of the Medusa Queen. Although she unleashed her full strength without holding back, the petrification of the ice walls occurred at a visibly slow pace, far too sluggish for high-level soul masters and beasts.


    Suddenly, a figure darted out from behind the ice wall. The Queen instinctively turned to focus her gaze, only to find Chen Ming¡ªhis body clad in soul power-infused armor¡ªwearing a ferocious expression. The soul power in his hands began to shift oddly.


    Thanks to his understanding of the soul skill Heaven and Earth Reversal and the gift from the Angel God, Chen Ming gained the ability to convert the soul power of other attributes into the light attribute.


    Though Chen Ming did not intend to use the light attribute to deal direct damage to the enemy, it didn''t mean his efforts were in vain.


    "Dark Punch!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Under the Queen''s petrifying gaze, Chen Ming gathered light-attribute soul power in his hands but shouted out a name that belonged to a dark-attribute skill. As the Queen hesitated for a brief moment, a dazzling light burst from Chen Ming''s hands, shooting directly into her eyes.


    "Ahhh!"


    The Medusa Queen screamed in pain, reminiscent of Tom the cat having his tail stepped on in a classic cartoon.


    The snakes atop her head were not mere ornaments; they were her eyes, allowing her to observe all corners and release petrifying beams with her gaze. Her vision was exceptionally sharp.


    Chen Ming''s move, named Dark Punch but effectively a Solar Punch was a perfect counter to the Medusa Queen. Not only did it blind her primary eyes, but it also indiscriminately attacked the countless eyes atop her head.


    Even though the Medusa Queen was an eighty-thousand-year divine beast, this sudden assault left her writhing in pain, unable to retaliate.


    Chen Ming realized that, despite her impressive strength, the Medusa Queen lacked the combat experience typical of soul beasts that had survived for tens of thousands of years. Her highborn nature made her prone to exposing even greater weaknesses when in pain. Having recently used his Darkgold Terrorclaw, which could not be activated again in the short term, Chen Ming instead utilized another soul skill from his right-hand bone¡ªRampage.


    As his soul power and life force drained rapidly, even Chen Ming felt some discomfort despite his current physical condition. Violent metallic soul power coiled around his five blade-like fingers. With a forward slash, Chen Ming unleashed a weakened version of the Darkgold Terrorclaw.


    Once, twice, three times¡­


    Using his strong basic attributes, Chen Ming unleashed six consecutive weakened Darkgold Terrorclaw attacks almost instantaneously, all aimed at the vital points of the Medusa Queen¡ªher waist, heart, and head. Given her massive size, she couldn''t dodge all the attacks, even if she started moving immediately.


    At that moment, two giant serpents¡ªone a three-headed Nether Python and the other a Crimson Blood Demon Python¡ªleaped out from the snake horde, using their bodies to shield the Medusa Queen. Their serpent eyes seemed to glimmer with human-like emotions.


    Even with enhancement-type soul skills and the weakened state of the attacks, the two soul beasts were instantly inflicted with over a dozen deep, bone-revealing wounds. Their abundant life force took a massive hit.


    The Crimson Blood Demon Python desperately activated its regenerative abilities to heal its wounds. Meanwhile, the stronger but non-healing three-headed Nether Python writhed on the ground, its three heads and tail repeatedly slamming into the earth in agony.


    Sensing the severe life fluctuations of her two children, the Medusa Queen forced her eyes open despite the pain. When she saw her two children injured while shielding her, she let out an enraged roar.


    Even when her husband, the Crimson Snake King, had died earlier, the Medusa Queen hadn''t felt such anguish. After all, a husband was expendable, but her children were her true supporters.


    Although the three-headed Nether Python and the Crimson Blood Demon Python were mutated and not true Medusas like their sisters, they were still the loyal offspring and partners of the Medusa Queen. Seeing the two severely injured, her thoughts were consumed by rage.


    Her massive body, towering over the lake, finally moved. The furious Medusa shoved aside the bloodied three-headed Nether Python and Crimson Blood Demon Python, charging toward Chen Ming like a runaway truck.


    Chen Ming had no intention of using his body to block her attack. Although he had great confidence in his current physical strength, his earlier tests revealed that the Medusa Queen''s physical power far exceeded his own.


    With a flap of his wings, Chen Ming swiftly dodged the Queen''s charge. She twisted her body, swinging her enormous, equally powerful tail toward Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming quickly created a small area of poisonous mist in front of himself and detonated it with his Poison Explosion, using the shockwave to propel himself out of the tail''s range.


    The moment Chen Ming escaped, the massive tail crashed down, creating a deep fissure that spread from the impact point. The entire island seemed to tremble, and chunks of earth and stone flew into the air, raining down heavily. When these fragments struck the soul armor protecting Chen Ming, they produced a sound like metal clashing against metal.


    Witnessing this, Chen Ming couldn''t help but click his tongue in amazement, gaining a deeper understanding of the Medusa Queen''s immense physical strength.


    If that attack had hit him directly, even with his soul armor and dual soul cores, he would have been gravely injured in an instant. Even a typical strength-type Titled Douluo would likely be near death without a soul skill to defend against such a blow.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [200]

    Chen Ming, amidst the fierce battle, diverted some of his focus to strategize on how to deal with the tough-skinned and resilient Medusa Queen. In the Angel God''s sword techniques, he found the appropriate solution.


    "Sever the connection between the mental and soul power and the physical body, making the body fragile for an instant, and then resolve it with an extreme burst of power."


    Dodging the Medusa Queen''s attacks, Chen Ming left the weakened snake emperors and Medusas to be held back by Dugu Bo. Or rather, the two of them mutually supported each other by keeping the enemies restrained. After all, despite their numbers and quality, these creatures could only temporarily hold off a Super Douluo like Dugu Bo. Ultimately, the victor would undoubtedly be him.


    Chen Ming''s eyes gleamed as his right hand subtly shifted into a slightly awkward posture. Light and flame soul power augmented his Dark Gold Terrorclaw. Experimenting as though wielding a sword, Chen Ming attempted to mimic the Angel God''s sword techniques.


    The weakened version of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw, empowered by light and flame, left a wound on the Medusa Queen''s body. While such a wound would be fatal to small or medium-sized soul beasts, for the massive Medusa Queen, it was barely more than a superficial injury, far from life-threatening.


    The light and flame soul power tried to burn at the Medusa Queen''s wound, but even ultimate fire combined with light attributes was gradually suppressed by her overwhelming innate power and soul energy. Not only did the attack fail to expand its impact, but the Medusa Queen''s incredible regenerative abilities forced the burnt wound to close and even begin healing.


    The Medusa Queen unleashed her innate soul skills with abandon: venom, petrification, brute strength, and even charm. However, she refrained from using her ability to stop time. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to; she simply couldn''t. Time Stop was the most powerful and bizarre ability of Medusa-type soul beasts, even stronger than petrification. Only Medusa Queens with over 50,000 years of cultivation could use it, and even then, activating it would instantly drain nearly half their soul energy.


    The Medusa Queen and her kin under 50,000 years couldn''t even attempt Time Stop. At most, they could use petrification. Even the 40,000-year-old Medusa Queen was no exception.


    For the Medusa Queen herself, activating Time Stop required intense focus to mobilize her power and the laws within her bloodline. Without proper preparation, the skill might fail to activate or fail to immobilize her foes.


    Whenever the Medusa Queen tried to concentrate on casting Time Stop, Chen Ming would launch relentless attacks on her vital points, forcing her to abandon the attempt.


    As time passed, the tide of battle began to shift in favor of Chen Ming and Dugu Bo.


    The three-headed snake emperors and the two hybrids suffered heavy losses. Chen Ming had already killed one Crimson Snake King, severely injured two Medusa, and forced the Nether Snake Emperor to use its life-saving skill. The only relatively intact Green Phosphorus Snake Emperor was no match for Dugu Bo, who treated it like a helpless child, keeping it on the fringes of the battle.


    The venom, the primary weapon of snake-type soul beasts, was utterly useless against Dugu Bo, who had reached level 95. Dugu Bo began leveraging the snakes'' venom to enhance his soul skills as the fight progressed.


    The primary threat to Dugu Bo remained the group of Medusas. While their divine beast bloodline granted them high quality, their cultivation years were insufficient. Other than posing a brief threat at the start, they could no longer endanger him.


    The two youngest Medusas, with the least cultivation, had already succumbed to Dugu Bo''s poison, leaving behind two black soul rings.


    The Medusa Queen, though massive and durable, was woefully lacking in combat experience. Her naturally high intelligence deprived her of the brutal instincts and battle-hardened wisdom typical of soul beasts. Frequently, in moments of pain, she missed opportunities to counterattack. This allowed Chen Ming to gradually chip away at her as if fighting a boss in a game.


    Cold poison slowly seeped into the Medusa Queen''s body, bit by bit eroding her vitality and soul power, weakening her overall strength and base attributes.


    As her condition worsened, fear began to overshadow the greed and rage in the Medusa Queen''s heart. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Feeling terrified, the Medusa Queen contemplated negotiating with these intruders, offering them other soul beasts in her territory, even her offspring, as soul rings in exchange for their departure. However, before this hesitation could turn into action, Chen Ming seized the opportunity. He suddenly launched another attack, his Dark Gold Terrorclaw¡ªnow cooled down¡ªslashing out once more, almost cutting the Medusa Queen in half at her waist.


    Sensing the threat to her life and realizing her enemies would not spare her, the Medusa Queen erupted in fury. The thread of reason in her mind snapped completely.


    Her massive body froze briefly before crossing her arms over her chest, forcibly enduring Chen Ming''s attacks as she began summoning the power within her. Despite Chen Ming''s desperate efforts to kill her before she could unleash her skill, the Medusa Queen''s immense durability meant he could only inflict deep, bone-revealing wounds, still short of a fatal blow.


    An aura of sin surged from the Medusa Queen''s body. Her once vibrant green snake hair and eyes turned a bizarre dark red, corrupted by the malevolent power coursing through her. Her snake hair expanded rapidly.


    Sensing the sinister energy radiating from the Medusa Queen, the surrounding snake emperors and Medusas battling Dugu Bo instinctively knelt, ceasing their resistance even under lethal attacks.


    Several Medusas were killed by Dugu Bo during this moment of submission. The Nether Snake Emperor, having lost its life-saving skill, was slain, while the two hybrid snakes were left barely clinging to life.


    At that moment, the Medusa Queen''s body suddenly grew, swelling from around 30 meters to nearly 50 meters. Her form took on a blood-red, translucent, and otherworldly appearance.


    The power of sin erupted. The Medusa Queen''s snake hair writhed wildly, each pair of eyes glaring at Chen Ming with pure malice. The overwhelming hostility bombarding Chen Ming''s mind reminded him of the Rakshasa God''s divine power he had encountered before.


    Although the Medusa Queen''s strength was far inferior to that of the Rakshasa God, the sheer purity of her malice surpassed the malevolence in the Rakshasa God''s divine power.


    The soul rings of the fallen snakes on the battlefield were drawn together by an invisible force, merging into the Medusa Queen''s body. The blood spilled during the battle was also absorbed into her.


    If the original Medusa Queen was a divine ruler among snakes, then the current Medusa Queen had undoubtedly become a demon from hell.


    "Not enough... not enough!"


    The Medusa Queen let out a piercing shriek, her immense spiritual power surging across the entire island.


    Under her Death Wail, countless snake-type soul beasts perished instantly. Their soul rings and blood flew toward the island''s center, merging into the Medusa Queen.


    Despite Chen Ming''s best efforts to stop her, most of the soul rings and blood still enters her body. Her once translucent form became increasingly solid.


    The Medusa Queen''s chest split open, revealing a medal that floated out. It was none other than the Soul Devouring Medal, the divine artifact once wielded by the God of Sin, Medusa.


    PS: Yay! 200 chapters!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [201]

    It was a dull, gray iron medal. On the surface of the medal, a bizarre snake was etched, twisting its body with an eerie presence. The snake was entirely gray-black, with a massive head positioned at the center of the medal. As the artifact was unleashed, the Medusa Queen''s originally massive body instantly shrank to less than thirty meters in height, appearing even smaller and weaker than before releasing the artifact.


    The moment Chen Ming laid eyes on the Soul Devouring Medal, he could feel a strand of divine consciousness forcibly intruding into his mind.


    It was a gigantic figure over a hundred meters tall, an enlarged version of the Medusa Queen, exuding an aura of sinful divine power.


    ["An excellent offering,"] the strand of divine soul belonging to the Medusa God, hidden within the Soul Devouring Medal, muttered greedily as it examined Chen Ming''s spiritual sea. A forked tongue, snake-like and long, flicked out from its mouth as it licked its lips in hunger, eager to devour Chen Ming''s spirit and soul completely.


    Looking at the figure within his spiritual sea, Chen Ming was slightly surprised. Then, with a wave of his hand, a five-fingered mountain descended from the sky, directly suppressing the remnant divine soul of the Medusa God.


    Chen Ming''s spirit surged as he followed the connection between the divine soul and the Soul Devouring Medal, launching a reverse invasion into the medal itself. Within the medal lay a vast amount of faith power, as well as a small trace of immortal energy converted from that faith power.


    Despite the Medusa God''s remnant consciousness attempting to stop Chen Ming''s reverse invasion with frantic resistance¡ªeven threatening to self-destruct to take Chen Ming down with it¡ªChen Ming suppressed it entirely.


    The Soul Devouring Medal bore the mark of the Medusa God, but without the control of its divine soul, this mark was akin to a rootless weed. Chen Ming dragged it into his spiritual sea and suppressed it as well.


    In the outside world, the Soul Devouring Medal, which had just radiated a red glow, suddenly lost all its power and fell from midair before the Medusa Queen could curse or rage. It landed directly into Chen Ming''s hand.


    Seeing this, the severely weakened Medusa Queen''s expression twisted in fury. Even the snakes on her head writhed with distorted anger.


    Chen Ming would not waste this opportunity. While the Medusa Queen was at her weakest, he pushed his soul power to its limit, even at the cost of damaging the meridians in his hand, and forcibly activated the Dark Gold Terror Claw, which was still in its cooldown period.


    The Medusa Queen''s once resilient body had become fragile due to forcibly using her artifact, and her depleted soul power could no longer protect her enormous form. Under the sharpness of the Dark Gold Terror Claw, her body was severed into pieces and fell to the ground. The snakes on her head and the light in her eyes faded completely.


    A deep black soul ring emerged from the Medusa Queen''s corpse, signifying the death of this divine beast that should not have existed in this era.


    With the Medusa Queen''s death, the remaining snakes could no longer suppress their fear. The Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor frantically fled the island, and the surviving Medusas also fled without looking back.


    At this moment, Dugu Bo had no energy to worry about the soul beasts. He quickly approached Chen Ming, examining him with concern.


    Chen Ming''s right hand was in a terrible state¡ªhis skin had burst open, exposing large patches of muscle, and blood dripped from his fingertips onto the ground. His overall condition was poor. The sudden outburst of excessive soul power had left his body severely depleted, and although the life-element dragon core in his body could convert life force to repair his injuries, his body was still in a state of extreme exhaustion.


    Dugu Bo supported Chen Ming and infused the little soul power he had left into Chen Ming, hoping to stabilize his condition.


    Though this assistance had limited effect, Chen Ming did not refuse. After about three to five minutes, the skin on Chen Ming''s hand began to regenerate, and the swelling in his meridians subsided, leaving him in a state of about 60-70% recovery.


    Once Chen Ming had mostly recovered, he began healing Dugu Bo with his soul power and the life force he had converted.


    Dugu Bo''s body was riddled with injuries. Large patches of flesh were missing from his arms and thighs¡ªwounds caused by the Medusas'' petrification. Dugu Bo had used his soul power to suppress the effects of these missing chunks of flesh, preventing massive blood loss. However, when he had transferred soul power to Chen Ming earlier, his wounds began to bleed again. Under Chen Ming''s life force, Dugu Bo''s missing flesh gradually regrew. The wounds scabbed over, and the scabs quickly fell off, revealing fresh, new skin.


    Once both of them had mostly recovered, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo finally let out a sigh of relief.


    "Xiao Ming, what was the deal with that Medusa Queen? And what about that medal earlier?" Dugu Bo asked, breaking the silence.


    Although Dugu Bo had just broken through to level 95 and was eager to test his strength, recalling the bizarre and dangerous events earlier made him feel humbled. The pride he had just begun to feel was quickly extinguished.


    If he had been alone, Dugu Bo was sure that even as a level 95 Super Douluo, he would not have been able to leave this island alive. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Medusas he had encountered before were nothing compared to this one. Even those with shorter cultivation years displayed combat power no less than that of his eighth soul ring''s 50,000-year Medusa Queen.


    "This Medusa Queen was likely a divine beast," Chen Ming replied.


    "A divine beast? Did we just slay a god?" Dugu Bo''s first reaction was excitement. Though the Douluo Continent had no divine beasts, legends of them were widespread. However, Chen Ming shook his head.


    "This was just a divine beast. Its quality was high, but its strength was still far from reaching the true god level."


    Chen Ming tapped the Soul Devouring Medal before walking over to the Medusa Queen''s severed head. Using the Dark Gold Terror Claw, he carefully cut it open and extracted a head soul bone that shimmered with a deep red light.


    The moment Dugu Bo saw the head soul bone in Chen Ming''s hands, he felt a surge of malice rise in his heart. Without thinking, he slapped himself hard to regain clarity and quickly retreated from the influence of the soul bone''s glow.


    "Xiao Ming, stay focused! Don''t let that thing corrupt you!" Dugu Bo warned sternly from the safety of the forest, keeping a wary eye on the head soul bone in Chen Ming''s hands.


    "I know," Chen Ming replied, his expression complicated as he examined the exceptionally high-quality head soul bone.


    Within the soul bone, Chen Ming sensed a lingering will. However, it did not belong to the Medusa Queen. Instead, it was from the God of Sin, Medusa.


    Moreover, the head soul bone contained fragments of shattered godhood, including most of the God of Sin''s powers and some abilities belonging to the Snake God.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [202]

    A deep black soul ring floated up from the Medusa Queen. Due to the time limit on soul rings, Chen Ming had no choice but to suppress his curiosity about the soul bone for now. Using his spiritual power, he temporarily suppressed the lingering consciousness within it and stored it in his Hundred Treasures Purse. Then, he began to absorb the soul ring. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the soul ring was absorbed, the ritual process sealed by the world''s consciousness resumed. The black soul ring was first assimilated into Chen Ming''s body, then melted under an unseen force and integrated into his red fifth soul ring.


    Using the Medusa Queen''s soul ring as a key, Chen Ming successfully entered the phase of selecting soul skills.


    Before him, a variety of soul skills appeared. Many of them weren''t even supposed to qualify as soul skills, but since the Medusa Queen was a divine beast, many of her abilities had been elevated to the level of soul skills.


    Commanding Serpents, Super Strength, Attack Enhancement, Defense Enhancement, Snake Hair, Petrification Ray, Death Shriek...


    Among this vast array of abilities were many skills the Medusa Queen had demonstrated or used in battle. However, Chen Ming''s goal was clear. He swiftly filtered out the unnecessary soul skills, leaving only a few special ones before him.


    "Petrification, Medusa''s Gaze, Time Freeze... Forget about Death Shriek for now. I can add a large-scale mental attack skill later."


    In the classification of soul skills, Petrification and Medusa''s Gaze were not the same skill.


    The venom of this Medusa carried the trait of petrification. If Chen Ming had absorbed this skill, he could use venom to turn living beings or objects into stone.


    On the other hand, Medusa''s Gaze was a mental-type skill. It first created a spiritual mark on the target, which then triggered the petrification. While similar in appearance, the two skills operated on entirely different principles.


    Time Freeze was a unique skill that could freeze time within a small area. Though it consumed an immense amount of energy, its effects were incredibly powerful¡ªa true time-related soul skill of extraordinary rarity.


    Time-related abilities were even rarer and more mysterious than space-related ones. Any skill that could manipulate time was inherently powerful, without exception. Thus, this skill was naturally a priority choice for Chen Ming.


    The characteristic of a 100,000-year soul ring was that it granted two soul skills. Though Chen Ming hadn''t yet figured out the principle behind this, he was able to select two skills to assign to a single soul ring.


    Now, Chen Ming was torn between Medusa''s Gaze and Petrification.


    Medusa''s Gaze, being a mental skill, was technically more valuable than Petrification. However, this skill was also something Dugu Bo possessed, meaning Chen Ming could potentially study it via Dugu Bo. Meanwhile, Petrification added a unique property to venom, which Chen Ming could also potentially replicate by refining the Medusa Queen''s corpse to obtain its toxins.


    After much deliberation, Chen Ming ultimately chose Medusa''s Gaze as his mental-type skill, pairing it with Time Freeze as his soul ring abilities.


    As the process completed, the previously hidden half-thread of gold in his soul ring reappeared. The power within the Medusa Queen''s soul ring was broken down and absorbed, gradually increasing the soul ring''s age.


    Though this transformation incurred some energy loss, the accumulation from the Medusa Queen''s 80,000-year soul ring was sufficient to compensate. The missing half-thread of gold was finally completed, and the power contained within began to reshape Chen Ming''s body.


    His vitality increased, his physical strength surged, his spiritual power intensified, and even his desires grew stronger.


    When Chen Ming opened his eyes again, the aura radiating from his body instantly suppressed Dugu Bo''s martial soul. For a moment, Dugu Bo couldn''t even maintain his martial soul possession state.


    Chen Ming stretched his body, a series of sharp cracking sounds echoing like popcorn bursts. Although his height didn''t increase further this time, he could feel that his body''s density had greatly improved. His skin and flesh had become so resilient that even without using soul power, he could easily resist the attacks of lower-tier soul masters.


    Once Chen Ming finished absorbing the soul ring, Dugu Bo approached him, letting out a sigh of relief after confirming he was unharmed. He then began inquiring about the Medusa Queen.


    "That Medusa Queen must have been a descendant of the Medusa God left behind on the Douluo Continent. Divine blood flows through her veins. By all rights, divine beasts shouldn''t exist on the continent anymore, but she seems to be an exception."


    "Because the Medusa God has already fallen, this Medusa Queen inherited the Medusa God''s divine weapon and a fragmented divine position. That''s how she defied the norm and became a divine beast in this era."


    Chen Ming took out the Soul Devouring Medal, followed by the head soul bone dropped by the Medusa Queen. After examining it for a moment, a peculiar smile appeared on his face, unnerving Dugu Bo, who was already on edge.


    "This Medusa Queen may have been the direct descendant of the Medusa God, but she was nothing more than a pawn. Not only does the Soul Devouring Medal contain the Medusa God''s lingering spirit, but part of the Medusa God''s divine consciousness has also been implanted into her soul through the divine position."


    "The lingering consciousness within this soul bone doesn''t even belong to the Medusa Queen¡ªit''s the divine consciousness of the Medusa God."


    "If things had continued as they were, this Medusa Queen would have either died under heavenly tribulation or been possessed by the Medusa God''s lingering consciousness hidden within the divine position, becoming nothing more than a vessel for the Medusa God''s resurrection."


    After hearing Chen Ming''s explanation, Dugu Bo''s expression turned resolute.


    "Xiao Ming, why don''t we destroy this soul bone?"


    Destroying an 80,000-year soul bone, especially one from a divine beast, was akin to tearing out Dugu Bo''s heart. However, as a senior, Dugu Bo genuinely didn''t want his immensely talented junior to encounter any dangers because of this.


    After all, their original goal was the soul ring, and the soul bone was just an unexpected bonus. The fact that the soul bone contained the lingering consciousness of a god and could evoke malice in one''s heart made it clear that it wasn''t something good.


    Dugu Bo was genuinely afraid that Chen Ming might end up as the vessel for the Medusa God''s resurrection.


    "Grandpa, don''t worry. If the Medusa God were still alive, I definitely wouldn''t stand a chance. But now, all that''s left is a fragment of her consciousness. If anyone should be afraid, it''s her."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Bo suddenly remembered how extraordinary this grandson-in-law of his was. It seemed increasingly likely that Chen Ming was the reincarnation of some god from the Divine Realm.


    After a moment of contemplation, Dugu Bo gave Chen Ming a complicated look and chose to remain silent. He understood that his knowledge and comprehension of the world''s rules were far inferior to Chen Ming''s. If Chen Ming said there was no problem, then there truly wasn''t anything to worry about.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [203]

    Although this soul bone was only 80,000 years old, its quality far surpassed that of ordinary ferocious beast soul bones. Considering its uniqueness, in the world of Douluo, perhaps only the soul bones produced by the Silver Dragon King and Di Tian in the Star Dou Great Forest or the Evil Emperor of the Sun-Moon Continent could surpass it. Chen Ming attempted to refine this soul bone, but naturally, the soul bone, which housed a remnant of a deity''s will, wouldn''t obediently allow Chen Ming, a violent force, to refine it. The remnant will within the soul bone resisted with all its might to prevent him from succeeding. Yet, after an intense struggle, Chen Ming ultimately broke through its defenses.


    During the absorption process, a massive, blood-red figure appeared in Chen Ming''s mind. It was similar to the remnant will of the Medusa God that had just been suppressed earlier. With a single thought, Chen Ming mercilessly suppressed the remnant will hidden in the skull bone and directly dismantled it.


    Unlike the divine will hidden in the artifact earlier, this remnant contained something far nobler and more powerful¡ªthe shattered divine position of the God of Sin, Medusa.


    This divine position was in a severely fragmented state, with only about one-third of it remaining. Most of it was still broken, being forcibly held together through the control of the remnant will.


    When the divine will shattered, the divine position began to disintegrate on the spot. However, with a single thought, Chen Ming stopped the disintegration and temporarily suppressed it in his mind, intending to deal with it after fully absorbing the soul bone.


    Half an hour later, the absorption of the skull soul bone was complete. This soul bone, which housed the remnant will of the God of Sin, did not grant Chen Ming a typical soul skill that a Medusa-like soul beast would possess. Instead, it granted him a unique ability.


    Sinful Judgement¡ªa skill that left Chen Ming unsure of how to react. To be honest, this ability was so peculiar that it didn''t even feel like a traditional soul skill.


    Though the name suggested "judgment," it didn''t require the use of eyes. Instead, it operated through mental power.


    With this ability, Chen Ming could use his mental power to judge the sins of a person, then curse them based on the severity of their sins. This curse would cause the individual to suffer endless torment and pain stemming from their guilt and wrongdoing.


    The most absurd part was that when using this skill, Chen Ming could suppress individuals burdened with great sins, tormenting their souls. Against such sinners, he even received a special buff that gave him an advantage in combat.


    Honestly, Chen Ming didn''t know what to make of this. The ability, Sinful Judgement, sounded fitting for the God of Sin, but why was it so twisted that it almost felt righteous?


    Chen Ming could see sinners, curse them, and gain extra bonuses in battles against them. Wasn''t this essentially encouraging him to eliminate evil people?


    Could it be that the essence of the God of Sin''s power was to be even more ruthless than the most heinous villains, forcing them into submission and turning them into followers through relentless punishment?


    Hmm, that sounded kind of reasonable. After all, even among evil people, there''s a hierarchy of wickedness. This skill might have been specifically designed by the God of Sin for internal conflicts within the sinful. Right? Probably?


    Chen Ming couldn''t help but imagine: if this ability were given to Qian Daoliu, that man would probably go on a rampage across the continent, wiping out evildoers indiscriminately. With just a bit of thought, Chen Ming realized how thick the aura of sin must be on those corrupt nobles¡ªlike insects crawling with filth.


    When Chen Ming opened his eyes, he felt a significant increase in his mental power. A mere sweep of his senses could now cover roughly one-fourth of the island.


    Out of curiosity, Chen Ming quietly activated Sinful Judgement and glanced at Dugu Bo. To his surprise, Dugu Bo''s sins were minimal¡ªjust a tiny trace.


    Chen Ming probed further and discovered that he could vaguely perceive the origins of these sins. A quick scan revealed:


    When Dugu Bo was young, he killed an entire family, including a few innocent members.


    In his younger days, Dugu Bo got into a quarrel with other soul masters in a tavern and trashed the place without compensating the owner, causing the tavernkeeper to spend years of savings on repairs.


    During a fight, Dugu Bo''s poison inadvertently contaminated a water source, killing numerous soul beasts, some nearby villagers'' livestock, and even a few people.


    Alright, in Chen Ming''s eyes, only the second and third incidents seemed worth noting. As for the first one¡­


    Killing an entire family should be done thoroughly! Worms should be cut horizontally; eggs scrambled completely¡ªleave no one behind! That''s what thoroughness is about.


    For the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, Chen Ming could only wish them a peaceful afterlife.


    But Chen Ming also noticed something interesting: he could see things that even the individuals themselves were unaware of. For example, Dugu Bo had no idea that his carelessness during a fight had caused so much damage to the surrounding environment. Yet, he had unknowingly accumulated this sin.


    Out of curiosity, Chen Ming turned his gaze inward to examine himself. Surprisingly, he found no significant sins on his own body.


    It wasn''t that Chen Ming thought of himself as pure or righteous, but he genuinely hadn''t done much to accumulate any sins.


    From the age of six, when he awakened his martial soul to eleven, he had mostly stayed home training. He''d only been traveling the continent for a little over a year, much of which was spent either cultivating at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well or on the road. To put it bluntly, he''d become somewhat detached from society.


    Even during his time in society, Chen Ming adhered to the principles he''d learned in his past life, avoiding bad habits or developing a superiority complex. Naturally, he hadn''t done anything that could be labeled as sinful.


    As for the traps he set for the Shrek team?


    That was a merit-earning act, thank you very much.


    Chen Ming carefully examined himself and finally found a tiny wisp of gray energy. Curious, he investigated further to see what kind of sin he had committed, only to fall into silence.


    It turned out that, years ago, while at home, he frequently consumed whale glue. The servants responsible for preparing the glue often inhaled the fumes released during the process. Over time, some of these agitated servants developed relationships that crossed the boundaries of friendship, leading to family issues.


    Since this matter had little to do with Chen Ming himself, he scratched his head, unable to fathom how he had even accumulated any sins from it.


    Honestly, even the families of those servants probably wouldn''t blame Chen Ming for this situation. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah, life is full of unintended consequences," Chen Ming sighed, shaking his head. His expression remained one of resigned amusement.


    Dugu Bo, noticing Chen Ming''s strange expression, hurriedly approached, examining him nervously. After hearing Chen Ming''s odd comments, Dugu Bo became even more alarmed, worried that the deity''s will within the soul bone had possessed him.


    Seeing Dugu Bo''s vigilance, Chen Ming quickly explained.


    He wasn''t one of those protagonists who would stir up trouble with cryptic remarks and refuse to speak clearly. Chen Ming always preferred to explain things first, resorting to violence only when necessary.


    After hearing Chen Ming''s explanation, Dugu Bo stroked his chin in silence, reflecting on his own life.


    PS: It''s like ghost rider hell gaze.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [204]

    Of the unintended consequences he had caused, Dugu Bo had nothing to say and could only respond with silence. After the two shared a few brief emotions, they turned their attention to something far more important.


    In the previous battle, a large number of snake-type soul beasts had died. Although the soul rings of these beasts were sacrificed by the Medusa Queen as offerings to activate the artifact, the corpses of these soul beasts were bound to contain soul bones.


    Chen Ming and Dugu Bo began carefully searching through the bodies of the deceased royal-grade soul beasts and exotic species for soul bones.


    "One 20,000-year Medusa skull bone." This was dropped by the first Medusa Chen Ming had defeated, the one whose body was shattered to dust.


    "One 50,000-year Crimson Serpent King torso bone." This was produced by the unlucky Crimson Serpent King, that Chen Ming had killed with his Dark Gold Dreadclaw.


    "One 50,000-year Nether Serpent King right leg bone." This was dropped by the Nether Serpent King, who had narrowly avoided Chen Ming''s Dark Gold Dreadclaw thanks to its innate skills but was ultimately killed by Dugu Bo.


    "One Three-Headed Nether Python right leg bone, one Scarlet Blood Demon Python left leg bone."


    These two bones came from the two exotic species that were both the offspring and the husband of the Medusa Queen. Both soul bones were slightly over 40,000 years old.


    Although they were from different species, due to their shared bloodline, Chen Ming could sense a connection between the two bones when placed together. Without a doubt, if a soul master were to absorb both bones simultaneously, they would gain additional enhancements. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, the Scarlet Blood Demon Python, as a variant of the Crimson Serpent species, had superior vitality compared to the Crimson Serpent King. While the Three-Headed Nether Python lacked healing abilities, it excelled in defense and even possessed substitution-type skills.


    Leg bones inherently tend to grant defensive or amplification-related skills, and these two soul bones likely contained the signature defensive soul skills of these two exotic species.


    One specialized in vitality, the other in defense, and both were left- and right-leg bones with divine beast bloodlines. Chen Ming estimated that the effects of absorbing these two complementary bones would surpass the pair of Radiant Golden Elephant soul bones owned by his master, Chrysanthemum Douluo. If these bones were 70,000 or 80,000 years old, Chen Ming might have considered absorbing them himself.


    "Four Medusa skull bones."


    After dissecting the bodies of the deceased Medusas, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo discovered that each Medusa had dropped an incredibly rare skull bone.


    After tallying up the soul bones, both Dugu Bo and Chen Ming fell silent. They exchanged glances, clearly shocked by the magnitude of their harvest.


    It seemed that due to the high quality and age of these soul beasts, coupled with their prolonged proximity to the divine Medusa Queen, every one of this deceased royal-grade, exotic soul beasts and Medusas had dropped a soul bone.


    The drop rate of soul bones had reached an astonishing 100%. Although the soul rings had been wasted, every soul beast had contributed a soul bone of even greater value.


    Chen Ming couldn''t be sure whether this phenomenon was due to the influence of the Medusa Queen or a stroke of luck gifted by the world''s will. However, he felt that both factors likely played a part, leading to this exaggerated 100% drop rate.


    Although Dugu Bo was aware that soul beasts should not be slaughtered indiscriminately, he couldn''t help but regret letting the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor and a few Medusas escape earlier.


    Had he been more decisive and held back those fleeing soul beasts until Chen Ming arrived, they could have secured several more soul bones.


    To be blunt, two years ago, Dugu Bo had been struggling with only a single soul bone. He had desperately wondered if he could ever obtain a second high-quality soul bone. Never in his life had he imagined he would one day own a full set of soul bones.


    Now, with so many high-quality soul bones right in front of him, Dugu Bo felt as though he had fallen into a dream. Were it not for his pride in front of Chen Ming, he might have burst into song to express his excitement.


    This was a windfall!


    Each of these soul bones was enough to make a Titled Douluo green with envy and fight for them. Each one could spark a bloodbath and become a family heirloom. Even the upper three sects might not possess this many high-quality soul bones.


    Although Dugu Bo was already fully equipped with soul bones and couldn''t absorb anymore, he could pass this complete set of soul bones to his granddaughter, Dugu Yan. With these soul bones, her martial soul would undoubtedly evolve into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    In the future, her achievements would at least begin at the Titled Douluo level, and becoming a Super Douluo wouldn''t be out of reach.


    Furthermore, in the generations to come, his descendants might even achieve the dream of having soul bones for everyone in the family.


    Looking at these soul bones, Dugu Bo''s imagination ran wild. He envisioned a future where the Poison Sect became the number one sect on the Douluo Continent, with Chen Ming and Dugu Yan as top-tier experts revered by all soul masters. They would even prepare to ascend to the Divine Realm.


    Perhaps, like the Angel God of the past, they would establish an eternal legacy akin to the Spirit Hall, ensuring their lineage''s prosperity for thousands of years.


    Their children would be born prodigies with the potential to become Titled Douluo. The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor and Jade Phosphor Scorpion Emperor would be recognized as the continent''s strongest martial souls. Poison-type soul masters would be regarded as the most powerful and promising soul masters on the Douluo Continent.


    With determination flashing in his eyes, Dugu Bo resolved to train even harder. With his current soul power, he could live another hundred years. With Chen Ming''s talent, achieving such feats would take no more than a century.


    If Dugu Bo could break through one more level of soul power and extend his lifespan further, he was confident he would witness the realization of his vision.


    The high-quality, high-age soul bones were stored in Chen Ming''s Treasure Purse. For Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, their journey had only just begun.


    During the earlier battle, many snake-type soul beasts had been killed by Dugu Bo''s poisonous mist while providing support. The Medusa Queen''s Death Shriek had also claimed the lives of many more.


    Even if these soul beasts didn''t have such a high drop rate, the sheer quantity and quality of the beasts on this island ensured the existence of many undiscovered soul bones.


    Whether hundred-year, thousand-year, or ten-thousand-year soul bones, and whether from intermediate or high-level soul beasts, each one represented a significant treasure.


    Dugu Bo took responsibility for dissecting the bodies and searching for soul bones, while Chen Ming focused on preserving the corpses of the deceased super soul beasts and the Medusa Queen.


    Using Ultimate Ice, Chen Ming carefully preserved the bodies, separating the most valuable parts for individual storage. He then froze the large sections of the corpses, preparing to take them away.


    The bodies of these top-tier soul beasts were incredibly nourishing. Even for Dugu Bo and Chen Ming could provide a considerable boost. For a low-level soul master like Dugu Yan, they were top-notch cultivation resources. Every drop of blood was a precious treasure.


    Especially the Medusa Queen''s corpse, which was even more valuable than a single immortal herb.


    After working for half a day, Chen Ming finally finished cutting and freezing the soul beasts'' bodies. After notifying Dugu Bo, he spread his wings and flew to the nearest coastal city. There, he used his token to purchase a large number of storage soul tools from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s merchant guild.


    Returning to the island, he packed all the precious materials into the storage tools, saving them for future use or to study the inherent bloodline power within them.


    PS: As a reader who has finished reading the entire Soul Land series, I feel deeply sorry for the Soul Beasts.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [205]

    After dealing with the soul beasts, Chen Ming, who was carrying eighteen pockets on his back like a supreme elder of the Beggars'' Sect, shifted his attention to the large lake where the Medusa Queen had appeared.


    After handing over his precious storage soul tool to Dugu Bo, Chen Ming dove into the depths of the lake, carefully exploring its bottom.


    The lake water was filled with vitality and soul power. Although it couldn''t compare to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, it was undoubtedly a top-tier cultivation treasure from a conventional perspective. Every drop of lake water was like a miraculous medicine capable of healing wounds.


    The lakebed wasn''t very deep, just over a hundred meters. Although the Douluo World could be considered a fantastical underworld, Chen Ming''s current strength allowed him to operate underwater beyond a hundred meters without any difficulty.


    Using spiritual scans and intuitive detection, Chen Ming searched for a while and eventually discovered several nests of snake eggs buried in the mud at the lake bottom.


    The combined number of these snake eggs exceeded a hundred. Each egg''s shell was faintly patterned with golden and blood-red lines, constantly absorbing the vitality and soul power from the lake water. Inside, the lives growing within the eggs were developing slowly yet healthily.


    Even though these creatures were still in their eggs and had not yet hatched, the essence of each life within surpassed that of an ordinary century-old soul beast. Some were even comparable to typical millennium-level soul beasts.


    Chen Ming speculated that this was likely due to the Medusa Queen''s bloodline within these eggs. Additionally, their parentage must have included top-tier snake-type soul beasts, giving these eggs a significant advantage even before birth.


    Chen Ming estimated that if these eggs were to hatch, the creatures born from them would undoubtedly be top-tier soul beasts. Among them, there would likely be super soul beasts inheriting the Medusa Queen''s bloodline, as well as super soul beasts mutated from top-tier ones. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These snake eggs were an incredibly valuable resource. Chen Ming figured that if a snake-type martial soul master were to consume one of these eggs, not only would the quality of their martial soul improve, but their innate soul power could also be significantly enhanced.


    Properly utilizing these eggs could create a group of martial soul masters with innate soul power of Level 9 or higher and snake king-level martial souls.


    Even an ordinary person with a snake-type martial soul but no innate soul power could forcibly raise their martial soul to the top tier and become a Snake Emperor by consuming twenty or so eggs. They would also gain the talent of innate full soul power.


    If Chen Ming ever wanted to gather followers on the continent in the future, these snake eggs could serve as startup capital, allowing him to recruit a loyal and powerful group of snake-type martial soul masters to lay the foundation for spreading his faith.


    Of course, because these snake eggs were born with such high potential, their incubation period was quite long. Chen Ming estimated that it would take at least over a decade for them to hatch into young snakes, with the closest batch still being about two and a half years away from hatching. Properly stored, the eggs could retain their essence for centuries without losing their vitality.


    If a snake-type martial soul master clan obtained these eggs, they could easily secure a position among the top three sects¡ªor even become the number one sect in the world.


    After securing the snake eggs, Chen Ming wasn''t satisfied. He continued to scour the lakebed, digging through the mud repeatedly with his spiritual sense and intuition, unwilling to overlook anything valuable.


    Finally, after digging ten more meters into the lakebed, Chen Ming discovered something even more valuable than the snake eggs.


    It was a piece of broken bone, resembling a section of rib that had fallen from a human body. The bone emitted a faint golden glow, and despite its broken end, there was still a lingering sense of vitality.


    Though it was unclear how long this rib had been buried in the mud, its marrow still retained a small amount of blood-producing function.


    The source of the lake''s vitality was this broken rib. The mystery of the lake water lay in the blood produced by the bone marrow, diluted countless times.


    Chen Ming sensed the aura of the Medusa God on this rib. Undoubtedly, this rib was something that had fallen into the Douluo World along with the Medusa God''s divine weapon and divine position.


    Neither the rib alone nor a fragment of a divine position falling into the Douluo World could have created such an ecosystem. However, when the two were combined, they could support such a special ecological system through the miraculous nature of a deity''s residual will.


    In essence, this island was a creation of the Medusa God''s divine will, designed specifically to repair her being. She had nearly managed to use this setup to attempt reincarnation in the Douluo World. Removing this rib would cause the island''s ecosystem to collapse gradually over several centuries. But after some thought, Chen Ming realized it wouldn''t be a big deal.


    After all, with the Medusa Queen and many Medusas dead, only the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor had escaped among the snake kings. Most of the snake-type soul beasts on the island had been killed by the Medusa Queen''s death shriek, leaving only a few survivors. The sea snakes near the island''s beaches were the only ones that had survived in significant numbers.


    Under these circumstances, the ecosystem was already on the verge of collapse. Taking the rib wouldn''t make much difference.


    Perhaps after Chen Ming and Dugu Bo left, the island would develop a new ecosystem in the absence of the Medusa Queen and the snake kings. Though he wasn''t overly concerned about the survival of soul beasts, Chen Ming still felt a bit awkward realizing that his arrival had reduced this once-thriving island to just 10% of its original vitality.


    "In the future, I should try to minimize environmental damage during soul hunting. Thankfully, this is an isolated island with little impact on the surrounding environment. If this had happened in a regular soul-beast forest, who knows how disastrous the consequences would have been."


    "On the way back, I should remind the fishermen to be cautious of the sea snakes. I don''t want my actions to cause harm to nearby communities."


    "..."


    "I might as well clean up the sea snakes myself. That would be more reliable."


    After some thought, Chen Ming decided that human lives were more valuable than soul beasts''. To prevent his soul-hunting activities from negatively affecting nearby cities, he resolved to clean up the sea snakes and eliminate the threat they posed.


    Chen Ming and Dugu Bo spent two days looting the Spirit Snake Island. After organizing their spoils, they had a considerable haul.


    Many snake-type soul beast carcasses were frozen and stored in soul tools. In the end, they only selected the high-quality, long-lived ones for preservation. During this time, the two dissected every dead soul beast on the island, ultimately obtaining a total of twenty soul bones.


    Among these, only three were ten-thousand-year soul bones, while the remaining seventeen were thousand-year soul bones.


    Of the twenty soul bones, nineteen were standard six-part soul bones, while one was a rare external soul bone. However, this external soul bone''s position was a bit awkward¡ªit was a pair of fangs from a thousand-year Ghost Serpent.


    Absorbing this external soul bone would undoubtedly enhance bite strength and toxin potency, but its offensive capabilities were uncertain. At best, it might grant a venom spray skill; at worst, it could only inject venom through bites, making its combat effectiveness unpredictable.


    External soul bones were rare, but fang-based ones had no known precedent in the Douluo Continent.


    Dugu Bo asked Chen Ming if he wanted to absorb this external soul bone. Normally, absorbing a head soul bone prevents one from absorbing another in the same position, but due to the unique placement of this fang bone, Dugu Bo believed it might still be possible.


    However, Chen Ming decided against it. For him, this fang-based external soul bone was too niche. Besides, he couldn''t imagine himself biting people in battle.


    Well... if it were an external fang bone from a top-tier bat-type soul beast, he might consider it. But for a Ghost Serpent, which was merely an advanced soul beast, its venom capabilities were limited, and Chen Ming couldn''t think of any development potential.


    In the end, Dugu Bo absorbed the fang bone with reluctance and ended up gaining a soul skill that enhanced bite strength and tooth durability, leaving him frustrated for quite some time.


    It turned out that Dugu Bo''s luck was, to put it mildly, a little difficult to describe.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [206] (R-18)

    After handling the number of sea serpents and ensuring that these soul beasts wouldn''t cause trouble for the surrounding seas or the fishermen once they lost their restraints, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo returned to Heaven Dou City with plentiful rewards. After storing most of the serpent-type soul beasts'' remains in the underground cellar of Dugu Bo''s residence, Chen Ming took a large number of soul bones and the remains of rare soul beasts to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to begin a secluded cultivation.


    This time, Chen Ming wanted to deeply explore the divine-related fragments in his mind.


    This retreat lasted for almost a year. Even when his birthday passed, Chen Ming remained immersed in his research on divinity and immortal energy.


    It must be said that even though the divine position fragments were incomplete, they still contained abilities beyond the rules of the Douluo Plane. Even with Chen Ming''s talent, deciphering them was extraordinarily difficult. However, by utilizing the fragments of divine power, after six months of effort, Chen Ming finally managed to barely begin exploring the divine positions.


    At the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he simultaneously studied divinity and divine authority while carefully reconstructing the fragmented divine core of the God of Sin in his mind.


    This divine core''s main authority was sin, but it also contained traces of authority related to serpents and poison.


    Over the years that it had fallen to the Douluo Continent, perhaps due to the presence of the local Rakshasa God''s divine position, the Medusa God''s divine position had not accumulated much power related to sin. Instead, the divine power of serpents had been gradually accumulated over the years by serpent groups.


    As a result, for a divine position of the God of Sin, the Medusa God''s remaining fragments leaned more toward serpentine powers.


    Because these were fragments, Chen Ming began categorizing the different authorities and attempted to use the immortal energy from the Rakshasa God''s divine power, suppressed in his spiritual sea, to transform the parts he desired.


    Eventually, the fragmented divine position was divided into three parts and molded into three prototypes.


    The most complete of these was the prototype for the Serpent God. This was created by Chen Ming, sorting through the Medusa God''s divine position fragments and expending some of the faith accumulated by the Medusa God to barely form it.


    Because it was merely one-third of a third-grade god''s divine position fragment, what Chen Ming created was more of a pseudo-semi-divine core rather than a true semi-divine core.


    Once it absorbed enough faith, the "pseudo" prefix could be removed, turning it into a semi-divine core. Whether it could become a true divine core would depend entirely on individual fortune, though it was still a shortcut on the path to godhood.


    The remaining two fragments of the divine position were shattered and reforged by Chen Ming, completely erasing the Medusa God''s imprint and replacing it with his own. As a result, the quality of these creations was slightly inferior to the pseudo-semi-divine core.


    The authority of sin was fused with the Rakshasa God''s divine power in Chen Ming''s spiritual sea and stabilized using fragments of the Rakshasa Scythe, creating a pseudo-semi-divine core of sin. This essentially put Chen Ming in competition with the Rakshasa God.


    The poison aspect, though the weakest, was crafted with special care by Chen Ming, who poured most of his gains from breaking down the Asura God''s divine wills into it, resulting in a pseudo-semi-divine core prototype related to poison.


    However, this divine core wasn''t solely about poison. Strictly speaking, it was a God of Poison, Plague, and Death semi-divine core. Among the three aspects, death was the least prominent, accounting for only about 20% of the total.


    During his study of divine cores, Chen Ming realized why the divine positions of gods who ascended later in life were so complex. Sometimes, a mixture of concepts was stronger than pure ones and made it easier to gather faith.


    Poison, plague, and death¡ªthese three concepts were interrelated in the minds of the Douluo Continent''s people and even represented the cycle of life.


    Poison caused plague, plague caused death, death led to plague and disease, and plague and disease created poison, which in turn caused death. No matter how one looked at it, the cycle was comprehensible. Together, the three authorities formed a triangle, making the combined power more stable and stronger.


    As the power of poison grew, the concepts of plague and death would also strengthen to some extent, and vice versa. In the future, Chen Ming could develop special divine abilities based on this concept.


    From the moment this conceptual pseudo-semi-divine core was forged, it began to gather faint traces of faith.


    Yes, faith.


    Poison, plague, and death were far from rare on the Douluo Continent. As long as these phenomena occurred, they could serve as nourishment to strengthen Chen Ming''s divine core.


    Whether humans worshiped these concepts or hated them, as long as people experienced intense emotional reactions to these three ideas and the associated events occurred on the Douluo Continent, part of the resulting faint faith would flow into the pseudo-semi-divine core Chen Ming had created¡ªso long as no one else was competing with him for it.


    Even though these events had nothing to do with Chen Ming while he was in seclusion at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, that didn''t matter. Divine positions were mysterious like that.


    However, as he gathered faith, Chen Ming also noticed that this faith was saturated with curses, human pain, and malice.


    If he were to absorb it directly without purifying it, Chen Ming''s mind would gradually be corrupted over time, turning him into the very embodiment of the spreader of poison and plague, bringing death to the world in people''s imaginations.


    Even if Chen Ming were a pure saint, after millions of people worshiped him over the years, he would inevitably be twisted into an evil god, and his divine position would likely become that of a Plague God.


    To avoid this, Chen Ming decided to funnel all the faith power gathered from poison, plague, and death into the pseudo-semi-divine core of sin.


    Ironically, although this faith didn''t originate from sin, its mixture of malice and pain perfectly suited the Sin God''s divine core, even strengthening it.


    Chen Ming realized that if he were to combine these two pseudo-semi-divine cores and then spread poison, plague, and death across the continent, he might achieve godhood at rocket speed. However, such an approach was utterly unacceptable to him.


    As for the Soul Devouring Medal artifact, Chen Ming erased all traces of the Medusa God''s imprint from it and replaced it with his own, making it fully his. While it was a genuine, complete divine artifact, it was functional rather than offensive, akin to a tool that needed to be charged beforehand to use. Though powerful, it was inconvenient to wield.


    Chen Ming considered reforging the Soul Devouring Medal into a clock-like weapon called the Soul Absorbing Bell or Falling Soul Bell. After all, in many novels, oddly shaped weapons like bells, cauldrons, towers, and seals were often stronger than standard swords and blades.


    However, with his current abilities, Chen Ming couldn''t modify an already-completed divine artifact. So, for now, he had to continue using the Soul Devouring Medal, though he had already envisioned his future Falling Soul Bell project.


    ...


    In nearly a year, Chen Ming successfully consumed dozens of average-quality immortal herbs that had accumulated significant energy within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This led to the production of over a dozen drops of Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, which would normally take ten thousand years to form just a single drop.


    Although the quality of the dew was slightly inferior to those formed naturally over millennia, the sheer quantity made up for this shortfall.


    Chen Ming consumed three drops himself, but the mass-produced Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew quickly lost its effectiveness on his spiritual power. After all, even immortal herbs can develop resistance over time.


    Chen Ming had already absorbed four types of immortal herbs: the Star Luo Spirit Pearl, Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, and Fiery Delicate Apricot. Combined with his natural spiritual strength at the level of a Super Douluo, each drop of dew only increased his spiritual power by fractions of a percent. Additionally, the effects diminished further with each successive drop due to increasing resistance and his growing spiritual power.


    The remaining drops were shared with Dugu Bo, who drank two or three to make up for his spiritual deficiencies, and Dugu Yan, who consumed another two or three drops to enhance her spiritual power.


    As for the 100+ snake eggs, Dugu Yan ate over a dozen, forcefully raising her innate soul power from level 8 to the maximum innate level. Her martial soul evolved into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, and her physical constitution, as well as soul power, underwent massive upgrades. Her soul power soared directly from level 35 to level 40.


    Before absorbing her fourth soul ring, Dugu Yan also integrated two leg bones dropped by exotic soul beasts, greatly strengthening her physical body. She then absorbed a 40,000-year-old Medusa Skull Bone, further enhancing her spiritual power.


    Chen Ming''s fourth soul ring was merely 12,000 years old, chosen specifically for body refinement via an Red Eyed Ice Toad. While the toad''s actual capacity exceeded this age, a 12,000-year soul ring was already equivalent to the sixth ring of an average Soul Emperor.


    In contrast, Dugu Yan''s fourth soul ring, with the support of numerous resources, reached nearly 20,000 years¡ªhigher than Chen Ming''s and close to the seventh ring of a weaker Soul Sage.


    This fourth soul ring was obtained when Chen Ming and Dugu Bo accompanied Dugu Yan to Spirit Snake Island. The ring came from a top-tier venomous soul beast, Nine-Segment Emerald, which Chen Ming observed to carry traces of Medusa''s bloodline. Its quality even surpassed the mutated Red Eyed Ice Toad of Chen Ming''s fourth ring.


    After absorbing her fourth ring, Dugu Yan''s soul power shot up from level 40 to level 46, nearly reaching level 47. With the combined effects of three ten-thousand-year soul bones and a nearly 20,000-year spirit ring, she almost advanced to the Soul King level in one go.


    This massive improvement made it difficult for Dugu Yan to appear before others. As a result, she spent an extended period with Chen Ming in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    As they grew older and their relationship deepened, the two naturally developed a mutual understanding that led to certain unspeakable events.


    ...


    Inside the mystical Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    Dugu Yan''s perfect form was a masterpiece - her silky pale skin glowed with an ethereal light, enhanced by her powerful cultivation. Her breasts were full and perky, topped with rosy pink nipples that begged to be touched. Her slim waist flared out to wide hips and long, toned legs that seemed to go on forever. A small patch of neatly trimmed dark hair crowned her glistening sex.


    "Are you sure?" Chen Ming whispered hoarsely, his rough hands sliding over her impossibly soft skin. His fingers traced the curve of her breasts, making her arch into his touch with a desperate whimper.


    "My body belongs to you... Xiao Ming~," Dugu Yan moaned, her body trembling as his thumbs circled her hardened nipples. Every caress sent jolts of pleasure straight to her core, making her pussy clench with need. She could feel herself getting wetter by the second.


    Chen Ming''s fingers tangled in Dugu Yan''s silken hair as he claimed her mouth in a soul-searing kiss, swallowing her desperate whimpers. His tongue swept possessively into her warm cavern, tasting her sweetness as his other hand kneaded her full breast, rolling the hardened peak between calloused fingers.


    "Xiao Ming~!" she keened, arching into his touch like a cat in heat. Her delicate hands roamed over his muscled chest, tracing the defined ridges before sliding lower to wrap around his throbbing length. Pre-cum pearled at the swollen head as she stroked him with inexperienced but eager touches.


    "Yanyan," he groaned against her throat, leaving a trail of bites and kisses down her neck. His fingers dipped between her thighs, finding her absolutely drenched.


    Two thick digits pushed into her virgin channel, making her cry out and buck against his hand. Her inner walls clenched greedily around the invasion as he pumped them in and out, his thumb circling her swollen clit. "Please... need you inside me..."


    Chen Ming growled and withdrew his fingers, positioning his weeping cock at her entrance. The broad head stretched her tight opening as he slowly pressed forward, drawing a sharp gasp from her throat. Her nails raked down his back as he gradually filled her to the brim.


    "So big~!" she moaned, inner muscles fluttering around his impressive girth. There was a brief sting as he broke through her maidenhead, but their merged soul power quickly transformed it to pure pleasure. Her legs wrapped around his waist, urging him deeper.


    "So tight," he panted, starting to move with slow, deep strokes. His thick shaft dragged deliciously against her g-spot with each thrust, making her see stars. Their spiritual energies crackled visibly in the air around them, amplifying every sensation to mind-blowing levels.


    "Harder! Faster!" Dugu Yan begged shamelessly, meeting his increasingly powerful thrusts. Lewd wet sounds filled the chamber as he pounded into her soaking core. His rough hands gripped her hips, angling them to drive even deeper.


    Her breasts bounced enticingly with each snap of his hips. Chen Ming couldn''t resist leaning down to capture a hardened peak between his teeth, making her cry out and clench around him. One hand snaked between their bodies to rub her throbbing clit as he fucked her with abandon.


    The dual stimulation quickly pushed her over the edge. "XIAO MING~!" she screamed as her pussy spasmed around his cock, inner walls rippling and squeezing him like a vice. Her whole body convulsed with the force of her climax.


    Chen Ming growled as her tight channel milked his length, his thrusts becoming wild and erratic. Their merged spiritual energy surged to new heights, creating visible sparks of power.


    "Yes! Give it to me~!" she demanded, pulling him deeper with her legs locked around his waist.


    With a roar, he slammed to the hilt and exploded inside her, painting her virgin walls with thick ropes of his seed. The intense pleasure of their merged climax had spiritual energy erupting around them in a dazzling display as they rode out the waves of ecstasy together.


    They collapsed in a satisfied heap, still intimately joined as aftershocks rolled through them both. Dugu Yan''s inner muscles continued to pulse weakly around his softening length as his hot cum leaked from her well-fucked pussy.


    Chen Ming growled possessively, leaving another mark on her throat. His fingers ghosted over her sensitive clit, making her whimper and squirm.


    "That was... beyond incredible," she purred, nuzzling into his neck. Her delicate fingers traced patterns on his chest. "I never imagined it could feel so good..."


    Chen Ming kissed her deeply, his hand coming up to cup one of her sensitive breasts. His thumb brushed over her nipple, making her gasp and squirm. Already she could feel him hardening inside her again as their cultivation energies sparked to life once more.


    "Ready for another round?" he growled against her lips, starting to move his hips in slow, deep thrusts.


    Her only response was to roll her hips against him with a needy moan, feeling him start to harden inside her again...


    "Ahhhn... Xiao Ming..." Dugu Yan''s breathless whisper carried such tender devotion as Chen Ming''s thick manhood filled her completely. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, every touch electric with meaning beyond mere physical pleasure.


    Chen Ming gathered her into his arms, rolling them over with utmost care. "Let me see you move, Yanyan," he breathed reverently. His strong hands caressed her hips with worshipful gentleness as she began to move atop him, her motions fluid and graceful as a dancer.


    The new angle let him reach her deepest places, their bodies joining completely as one. Dugu Yan''s head fell back in rapture, her perfect form glowing with inner radiance as she took him fully.


    Their dual soul power danced and twined, scorpion and serpent merging in an ethereal display of cosmic beauty. The spiritual resonance heightened every caress, every sensation magnified through their profound connection. Chen Ming''s hands traced loving patterns across her sensitive peaks.


    He groaned, rising to meet her as their bodies moved in perfect sync. Each thrust carried the weight of his boundless devotion.


    "Yanyan!"


    Dugu Yan''s movements grew more urgent as transcendent pleasure built between them. Her delicate fingers found that sensitive pearl while Chen Ming filled her so completely.


    "X-Xiao Ming~!"


    Chen Ming''s powerful thrusts grew deeper, more purposeful. His thumb replaced her fingers, drawing out her pleasure with practiced skill born of countless passionate nights together.


    "Ah~!" she cried out as ecstasy crashed through her in waves, her inner walls pulsing around him in perfect rhythm. Her entire being shuddered with the force of their shared release.


    Chen Ming roared her name as his own climax overtook him. He held her close as they peaked together, their merged spiritual essence exploding outward in a shower of ethereal light.


    Dugu Yan melted into his embrace, both of them trembling in the aftermath. He remained buried within her warmth, their bodies still intimately joined as one.


    "I am yours forever, Xiao Ming," she whispered, pressing tender kisses along his jaw. Her inner muscles fluttered softly around him in aftershocks of pleasure.


    "And I am yours, my Yanyan," Chen Ming murmured back, running gentle fingers through her silken hair. They lay entwined in perfect contentment as their dual cultivation energies settled into a harmonious whole, two souls forever bound as one....


    ...


    Later, when Dugu Bo visited them and learned of their relationship, he was not angry. Instead, he sighed in relief, joked about how long it had taken them, and even encouraged them to have more children to pass on their bloodline.


    A month before their departure, Chen Ming ventured deep into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to search for the remains of the two Dragon Kings. What he discovered was both unexpected and logical.


    The remains of the two Dragon Kings were indeed located in the deepest part of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. However, the surrounding space was slightly anomalous.


    When beings of their level¡ªpossibly even first-rank gods¡ªperish, they do not simply die. Their inherent characteristics alter the surrounding space. The two Dragon Kings, closely connected and having fallen together, created an effect greater than the sum of their parts. Even in death, the energy they released formed an independent spatial cycle.


    Strictly speaking, the two Dragon Kings'' remains were buried within the Sunset Forest, forming the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. However, under the instinctive control of their lingering energy or perhaps their dragon souls, their remains were encased in a special, miniature dimension.


    The opposing Ice and Fire energies created a self-sustaining cycle within this dimension, preventing the dissipation of their energy and preserving a trace of their dragon souls. These souls, while not fully sentient, avoided being assimilated by the Douluo world''s laws or annihilated by the gods of the Divine Realm.


    This peculiar death is why dragon soul beasts like the Silver Dragon King or Di Tian were unable to sense the Dragon Kings'' demise or retrieve their remains.


    However, time is the most formidable force. Despite their power, the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings had perished long ago. Their dragon souls, though not extinguished, were far from conscious. Their residual energy created a protective spatial anomaly, but this space was not perfect without a master to maintain it.


    Over time, the internal cycle of the space began to collapse, allowing its energy to slowly seep out and transform the surface environment into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    This also explains why even the local gods¡ªAngel God, Rakshasa God, and Sea God¡ªalongside countless Title Douluos over the millennia, failed to detect the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    The Ice and Fire Dragon Kings had fallen long ago, but the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well only formed recently in historical terms. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this point, although the spatial anomaly was unstable, it had not yet fully collapsed. It would take thousands of years before the remains and dragon souls were completely exposed to the Douluo Continent. Until then, the dimension''s protective cycle would persist.


    Given Chen Ming''s current abilities and lack of mastery over spatial forces, he could only observe the anomaly from the outside, unable to enter the space.


    Helpless, Chen Ming resorted to extracting a large barrel of mud infused with the Dragon Kings'' blood and aura from the bottom of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. He also collected some of the purest spring water from its depths.


    Perhaps due to proximity to the Dragon Kings'' remains, Chen Ming noticed that this spring water not only possessed stronger attributes compared to the surface but also seemed structurally more stable.


    All in all, during this year-long period, Chen Ming achieved significant growth. Moreover, he began considering how to utilize certain resources that, while valuable, were not entirely suitable for him.


    For instance, while Dugu Yan might struggle to become a top-tier combatant in the short term, Dugu Bo seemed to have room for further enhancement.


    PS: I added a lemon scene. I hope it doesn''t feel weird.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [207]

    Chen Ming thought for a moment. When Dugu Bo came to visit him, he called him over and brought up the matter of the pseudo-demigod position. Chen Ming decided to keep the positions of the God of Sin and the God of Poison for himself but handed over the pseudo-demigod position of the Snake God to Dugu Bo.


    The effects of a pseudo-demigod position are far less miraculous than those of a true god or demigod position. It mainly serves as a guide for advancement, enhances comprehension of the laws, and strengthens spiritual power.


    Dreaming of directly raising soul power levels or soul ring age with it? Forget it. Those are paid features that require faith and divine power to unlock. And even if you could afford it, such functions wouldn''t even be available until you removed the "pseudo" prefix from the title. Pseudo-demigod positions don''t support pay-to-win mechanics.


    For Chen Ming, the Snake God''s position was like a tasteless chicken rib¡ªneither valuable to keep nor worth discarding. In the future, its greatest use would be to crush it and feed it as nourishment to the other two god positions. Giving it to Dugu Bo, however, was the perfect solution.


    After all, Dugu Bo didn''t lack natural talent in normal areas; it was just his brain¡­


    Well, his spiritual aptitude was slightly below average.


    Even if Dugu Bo couldn''t perfect the Snake God''s position, having this would improve his aptitude in this area, allowing him to continue advancing his soul power level through cultivation.


    With the strength of the pseudo-demigod position, it would be enough to prevent Dugu Bo from being bottlenecked by comprehension issues until Level 98.


    After Level 98, however, he would have to figure out how to perfect the pseudo-demigod position himself¡ªperhaps by accumulating faith or other methods to remove the "pseudo" prefix. At that point, he could potentially reach Level 99.


    As for becoming a god?


    Dugu Bo would either need to cultivate a large group of soul masters with snake-related martial souls who worship him or imitate the Sea God by making a large group of snake-like soul beasts his followers. After a few centuries of accumulation, he might just become a Tier-3 god.


    Maybe?


    In any case, after Chen Ming handed over the pseudo-demigod position to Dugu Bo, the latter went into seclusion. Chen Ming stayed nearby to protect him, occasionally going to Heaven Dou City to replenish supplies or check on Dugu Yan.


    Three months later, Dugu Bo emerged from seclusion. His soul power had increased from Level 95 to Level 96, and his comprehension had reached the level of a typical Super Douluo. From here on, he could rely on his efforts to reach Level 97.


    When Dugu Bo broke through to Level 95, he still had thoughts of going out to show off. But now, after obtaining the precious Snake God''s position and further improving his strength, he had become more cautious.


    His biggest fear was that news of him possessing a god position would leak, prompting a group of Super Douluo to team up and hunt him down.


    After all, from Dugu Bo''s perspective, if he were one of those Super Douluo and heard such news, he wouldn''t hesitate to team up with others to hunt down the person with the pseudo-demigod position. Even if it wasn''t for himself, he''d do it for the sake of his descendants.


    After all, though the pseudo-demigod position is "pseudo" and "half," it still carries the word "god," making it far more valuable than a 100,000-year soul ring or soul bone.


    Even if he couldn''t become a god himself, his descendants could pass it down from generation to generation, slowly developing faith over time. Eventually, they could pile up enough faith to create a true god, couldn''t they?


    Dugu Bo didn''t fully understand the difference between a Tier-3 god and a Tier-1 god, but he did know this: the last notable god to ascend on the Douluo Continent was the Angel God, and the Spirit Hall was still revered as a sacred place by spirit masters to this day.


    Dugu Bo hoped Chen Ming would stay in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to cultivate, waiting until his divine abilities were perfected before venturing out. Then, Chen Ming could rely on his strength to gather followers and eventually become a god. However, Chen Ming declined Dugu Bo''s kind offer, deciding to venture out instead and make the most of the time before Tang San joined Shrek.


    Chen Ming pulled out a roughly drawn map. This map was a representation of the Douluo Continent''s layout, given to him by the world''s consciousness. Over the past few months, he had been gradually filling in details. Though it still lacked much precise information, it did mark several extremely safe travel routes.


    These routes were single-use gifts from the world''s consciousness of the Douluo World and were incredibly reliable.


    Chen Ming discussed with Dugu Bo, explaining his desire to travel the continent to check on the progress of the things he had set in motion. If possible, he wanted to visit other continents to see if he could establish faith there, similar to the Angel God, to enhance his divine position.


    At first, Dugu Bo was reluctant, worried that Chen Ming might encounter danger while traveling alone. But after sparring with Chen Ming for a bit, he abandoned this concern.


    Due to focusing on developing and exploring the god position, Chen Ming''s soul power cultivation slightly lagged behind during this period.


    Over the past year, he had been busy with various tasks, so his soul power had only increased by a little over three levels, rising from Level 53 Soul King to Level 56, nearly reaching Level 57.


    During the three months he spent protecting Dugu Bo, Chen Ming actively cultivated his soul power, increasing it by two levels¡ªfrom Level 56 Soul King to Level 58 Soul King.


    Although Chen Ming considered this to be a relatively slow period for his soul power growth, in reality, this rate was quite extraordinary.


    Under normal circumstances, a Soul King advancing steadily could expect to increase their soul power by slightly more than half a level per month. In a year, they could raise it by six or seven levels. To put it into perspective, this era''s so-called Golden Generation couldn''t even increase their soul power by two levels in a year as Spirit Kings.


    Even though Dugu Bo had now broken through to the level of a Super Douluo, his Level 96 combat strength was far superior to his Level 95 self. The pseudo-demigod position had also improved his mental power and comprehension to normal levels, and his internal core had further evolved into a spirit core that greatly increased his soul power capacity and recovery speed. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet, Dugu Bo still couldn''t defeat Chen Ming.


    Although Chen Ming''s soul power had grown slowly over the past few months, his comprehension of the world''s laws had advanced significantly.


    During their sparring, Chen Ming didn''t even use the soul power of other attributes¡ªhe only displayed his poison attribute, and it left Dugu Bo utterly shocked.


    The poison Chen Ming released seemed almost alive, capable of absorbing the energy of heaven and earth to grow and spread continuously. It even contained a trace of strange spiritual power.


    If Dugu Bo''s poison-attribute soul power entered it, it would be instantly assimilated into Chen Ming''s poison. Even if he used neutral soul power to attack or unleash the Thunderclap Dragon Claw from his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s right arm bone, the soul power would still be assimilated into the poison.


    With a snap of Chen Ming''s fingers, the poison gathered like a living thing, transforming into venomous liquid and eventually forming a thick, mud-like substance. A dense aura of ominousness emanated from it, and even Dugu Bo could feel a tremendous sense of threat from it.


    Chen Ming captured a thousand-year elephant-type soul beast in the Sunset Forest and applied a small portion of the poisonous mud onto it. In an instant, the massive soul beast began to mutate.


    Its flesh swelled and twisted, its bones grew abnormally, and its massive body collapsed and reassembled into a grotesque, eldritch monstrosity.


    What was most shocking was that the creature still didn''t produce a soul ring, indicating that it hadn''t died¡ªa rarity in the Douluo World.


    Chen Ming also caught a 500-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider and had it touch it. The spider underwent violent swelling and twisting until it exploded, leaving behind a mass of warped flesh.


    The flesh, drenched in poison and plague, could instantly kill 99% of thousand-year soul beasts. Even worse, it was highly infectious, causing nearby grass and trees to warp grotesquely.


    This horrifying sight sent chills down Dugu Bo''s spine, making him feel as if a cold current ran from his tailbone to the top of his head.


    Chen Ming controlled the ball of flesh to move further away before detonating it. The explosion unleashed destructive power comparable to the full force of a Soul Douluo''s attack, scattering the toxic substances in all directions.


    After the explosion, a purple soul ring emerged from the ball of flesh''s remains, symbolizing the true death of the mutated soul beast. But the aftermath of its death was just beginning.


    Twisted trees, warped grass, and infected snakes and insects began to mutate into chaos eggs themselves. However, their weak essences couldn''t sustain the transformation and instead exploded halfway through, spreading even more poison and plague.


    This ability wasn''t particularly effective against high-level soul masters, but its impact in large-scale battles was almost unimaginable. Its destructive power, spreading capability, and mutation-inducing effects were unparalleled.


    While the people of this era weren''t so hypocritical as to label any soul master with strange abilities as an evil spirit master, this technique undeniably belonged to the most sinister and malevolent category of evil soul master methods. Using it would undoubtedly make anyone a target for pursuit.


    Even Chen Ming himself admitted this. After all, the Plague of Corruption was undeniably too destructive. If someone used this ability in front of him, he''d certainly consider them an evil soul master.


    If the evil spirit master organization Holy Spirit Sect existed in this era, their members would probably kneel before Chen Ming, reverently proclaiming his arrival as the Holy Son.


    Flames erupted from Chen Ming''s hands, quickly burning away the blood and flesh on the ground, as well as everything contaminated by it. Under Chen Ming''s control, the fire cleansed all traces of the ominous poison and plague.


    The elephant-type soul beast and Man-Faced Demon Spider both produced dark, ominous soul bones, indicating the intense suffering they had endured.


    What terrified Dugu Bo the most was that these two soul bones, infused with toxic and plague-like energies, would likely corrupt and twist anyone who absorbed them.


    Chen Ming extracted all the poison and plague from the soul bones, but he ultimately destroyed them entirely.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [208]

    After witnessing Chen Ming''s strength, Dugu Bo could only repeatedly advise him to be more cautious in the future when taking action. He is no longer worried about whether Chen Ming will encounter any danger.


    After leaving the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming first made a stop at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to greet Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. Then he officially began his journey across the continent.


    "Nuoding City, Holy Spirit Village¡ªit''s decided, you''re up next!"


    In the wilderness, Chen Ming took out a map of the Heaven Dou Empire, quickly pinpointed the location of Nuoding City, then spread his wings and flew toward Suoto City, suppressing his soul power as he traveled.


    After a few days, Chen Ming arrived at a city near Souto City. Posing as an ordinary soul master, he purchased a map of the area.


    For just a few silver coins, Chen Ming acquired a detailed map. It not only outlined the geography around Souto City but also marked the surrounding villages of nearby cities.


    Following the map, Chen Ming searched for a location near the marked point labeled Holy Spirit Village. He quickly identified a place that matched the description from the original story.


    It was a secluded waterfall, with no roads or soul beasts around¡ªa very quiet and remote spot.


    Putting away the map, Chen Ming donned a black cloak and moved stealthily toward the mysterious waterfall with ghost-like speed. Using his spiritual energy to scan the area, he discovered a cave deliberately hidden behind the waterfall.


    Chen Ming restrained his aura, enveloped his body with a thin layer of soul power for protection, and flapped his wings to swiftly land before the cave.


    The cave entrance was concealed by a mechanism. The rock at the entrance appeared very realistic, but with just a sweep of his spiritual energy, Chen Ming identified the mechanism to open it.


    The interior of the cave was damp and dark, devoid of sunlight. Although Chen Ming was not breathing and using his soul power for internal circulation instead, he could still feel the suffocating moistness of the air. Who knows how many years it had been since this place had proper ventilation? sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ordinary plants could not survive in such a cave.


    In such conditions, not only would plants struggle to survive, but even metal left here would quickly corrode.


    Although Chen Ming had learned from the original story that Tang Hao had hidden the Blue Silver Emperor there, stepping into the cave still made him question if Tang Hao and the Blue Silver Emperor were truly not enemies.


    In such a dim, damp, and poorly ventilated environment, even the hardiest Blue Silver Grass would struggle to survive. The Blue Silver Emperor might be powerful, but how could even it thrive and grow quickly in such harsh conditions? Planting the Blue Silver Emperor here was practically a slow form of torture.


    The entrance was a narrow space about three meters tall and two meters wide. As Chen Ming ventured further in, it opened into a stone chamber roughly ten square meters in size. At the top of the chamber''s walls was a hole about the width of two or three fingers, letting in a faint trickle of airflow.


    Chen Ming estimated that, based on the hole''s position, sunlight would only enter the cave for two or three months a year. If there was bad weather or if the hole became blocked, even that little sunlight might not make it inside.


    Beneath the hole was a small mound of earth, upon which lay a weak, drooping Blue Silver Grass.


    This Blue Silver Grass was slightly larger than normal, with longer leaves and faint golden patterns on its surface. Without a doubt, this was the legendary Blue Silver Grass royal lineage¡ªthe Blue Silver Emperor, Tang San''s mother. However, due to a long-term lack of sunlight and suitable growing conditions, the once-mystical Blue Silver Emperor appeared sickly. Even when Chen Ming''s footsteps echoed in the chamber, the Blue Silver Grass merely twitched its leaves slightly with no further reaction.


    Chen Ming had expected some kind of response, such as excitement or vigilance, upon his arrival. What he didn''t anticipate was the Blue Silver Emperor being in such a half-dead state.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming couldn''t help but crouch down, poking the Blue Silver Emperor''s leaves with his finger while using his spiritual energy to assess its condition.


    "Poor, very poor, extremely poor."


    Having spent a great deal of time in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well surrounded by various immortal herbs, Chen Ming had become very familiar with plant life. After sensing the Blue Silver Emperor''s state, he began to question Tang Hao''s thought process.


    Buried in this stone chamber, the Blue Silver Emperor was barely clinging to life. Its vitality and soul power were depleted, and its spiritual energy was fragile. It was surviving purely on its royal-level resilience and the innate hardiness of the Blue Silver Grass species. In response to Chen Ming''s probing, the Blue Silver Emperor couldn''t even react properly, instead repeatedly transmitting its weakness.


    Chen Ming formed his fingers into a blade, used a slight amount of soul power, and dug the Blue Silver Emperor¡ªroots and all¡ªout of the ground. Holding the Blue Silver Emperor by its leaves, he gently shook it, brushing off the dirt and exposing its roots.


    What should have been roots extending several meters deep into the ground had been reduced to less than ten centimeters in length. The shallowness of the roots left Chen Ming momentarily speechless.


    As the Blue Silver Emperor was fully exposed to the air, its previously dormant spiritual essence finally stirred slightly. Its golden-patterned leaves wrapped weakly around Chen Ming''s fingers, and a faint voice, filled with desperation, echoed in his mind:


    ["Take me out of here."]


    The voice, distinctly feminine, was weak and filled with pain. The Blue Silver Emperor, Ah Yin, was in such a dire state that she could no longer think clearly. All she could do was issue a primal plea for help.


    Chen Ming sighed and infused a tiny bit of life energy into the Blue Silver Emperor. Though the amount was minuscule, for Ah Yin, who had been starving for years, it was like a divine elixir.


    The Blue Silver Emperor''s leaves clung tightly to Chen Ming''s fingers, its roots twitching slightly with excitement from the infusion of life energy. However, this small amount was far from enough to satisfy its long-deprived state.


    Ah Yin unconsciously stretched her body, wrapping herself around Chen Ming as she continued to plead for more life energy. No matter the cost, she desperately needed even the tiniest bit more¡ªanything to sustain her.


    Chen Ming shrugged and placed the Blue Silver Emperor, Ah Yin, into a specially prepared storage soul tool designed to nurture life and conceal energy. Then, with a sweep of his spiritual energy and a slight movement of his soul power, he located the small box containing the 100,000-year soul bone.


    The lead box slowly opened, releasing a dense wave of life energy. It was none other than the Blue Silver Emperor''s right leg bone, created during Ah Yin''s sacrifice.


    PS: Poor Ah Yin. Wait. Can she be considered a rich woman?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [209]

    After achieving all of his goals in the cave, Chen Ming initially planned to leave quietly, erasing all traces of his presence. However, after some thought, he came up with a more malicious and psychological plan. He placed the box containing the soul bone into his Hundred Treasures Purse and began writing on the stone wall with his left hand.


    Under Chen Ming''s control, the writing on the wall appeared deranged, and he infused it with a sense of malice and death. At first glance, the crazed lettering would give anyone an overwhelming feeling of sin and madness.


    To create the impression of a fanatical and insane evil soul master, Chen Ming deliberately made the writing disjointed, filled with curses and meaningless repetition. Yet, amidst the chaos, it conveyed a clear narrative:


    If one pieced it together, it told the story of an evil soul master who had been hunted across the continent by the Spirit Hall. One day, Tang Hao happened to pass by and, without distinguishing right from wrong, killed the Spirit Hall soul masters pursuing the evil soul master with a single blow of his hammer.


    Later, after narrowly escaping death, the evil soul master heard the news that Tang Hao had ambushed and killed the current Pope of Spirit Hall for the sake of a 100,000-year soul beast. The evil soul master began to idolize Tang Hao, regarding him as the avatar of an evil god on the continent.


    By chance, this evil soul master discovered the cave and found a withered, tormented Blue Silver Grass with a faint spiritual essence, as well as a lead box containing a 100,000-year soul bone. The evil soul master believed these were gifts from the evil god.


    He decided to continuously torture the spirit within the Blue Silver Grass, forcing it to tremble in evil and transforming it into the most terrifying malevolent spirit to spread the gospel of the evil god.


    But this wasn''t the most important part. The most critical detail lay in how Chen Ming, in the final signatures of the message, expressed his gratitude to Tang Hao in the tone of a crazed evil soul master. He thanked Tang Hao for killing the Spirit Hall soul master who had pursued him and for eliminating the Pope, which allowed him to escape Spirit Hall''s grasp entirely.


    Chen Ming carved these words with heartfelt sincerity, fully adopting the perspective of an evil soul master, repeatedly thanking Tang Hao. His goal was to give Tang Hao a big surprise.


    In short, the main goal was psychological warfare¡ªhitting someone where it hurt the most. Although he had never met Tang Hao, Chen Ming had already determined him to be an enemy. Against his enemies, Chen Ming had no qualms about using despicable tactics.


    As the saying goes, if you want to hurt a man, strike where he is most vulnerable.


    After leaving the writing, Chen Ming decisively left the cave with his spoils, carefully erasing all traces of his presence along the way.


    ...


    At this moment, in the city of Nuoding, Tang Hao was hidden in the shadows, silently watching Tang San and Xiao Wu sit together, discussing which Soul Master Academy they should attend in the future. Just as Tang Hao was about to take a sip of wine to soothe his throat, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart.


    At the level of a Title Douluo, soul masters heavily trust their instincts. Even though Tang Hao had long ceased engaging in real combat, and his instincts had dulled from his self-destructive lifestyle, he immediately became alert at that moment.


    Clad in a black robe, Tang Hao stood up abruptly, his eyes wide with rage. He quickly scanned his surroundings, searching for any signs that someone had discovered him.


    Summoning his martial soul while concealing his aura, Tang Hao carefully surveyed the area, ready to take Tang San and the 100,000-year soul beast with him and flee at any moment. But after holding his breath and staying alert for a long time, the anticipated pursuers never appeared.


    Feeling awkward, Tang Hao circled the area, eventually discovering that the strongest soul masters nearby were the academy''s principal and the useless Yu Xiaogang. This left him bewildered.


    "Did I misjudge? That''s impossible."


    Looking like a wild man, Tang Hao''s expression revealed a trace of doubt. He retracted his martial soul, pulled out a wine gourd from his waist, and took a couple of sips. Then, from a stolen spatial soul tool, he retrieved a chicken leg. As he gnawed on it while perched in a tree, he pondered over what had happened.


    Countless thoughts flashed through Tang Hao''s mind¡ªhis sect, his elder brother and younger sister, and his missing grandfather Tang Chen. He considered countless possibilities: the sect being in trouble, his brother or sister meeting misfortune.


    Mechanically drinking his wine, even after the gourd had emptied, he continued the motion. The chicken leg, reduced to bare bones, was chewed to dust by Tang Hao''s powerful body, as easily as if he were eating noodles.


    The more Tang Hao thought, the more he remained frozen in place.


    After a long time, Tang Hao rubbed his greasy hand against his chest, revealing a strange smile.


    "Mm, this cheap wine must''ve upset my stomach. I''ll go smash the winery later."


    Tang Hao knew full well he was lying to himself, yet the current Tang Hao lacked the courage to face or take responsibility for anything. Despite possessing the soul power of a Title Douluo, his mindset was entirely that of a coward.


    He could sense that something deeply important to him was slipping away forever. Yet at this moment, Tang Hao would rather bury his head in the sand than confront it.


    As long as he avoided it, as long as he denied it, it would be as if nothing had happened.


    Whether it was indirectly causing Ah Yin''s death due to his selfishness, driving his father to an early grave with rage, or allowing the foreign soul occupying his son''s body to grow unchecked, Tang Hao avoided these issues.


    He raised his empty wine gourd, pretending to take a sip, then lay on the tree, staring blankly at the sky, lost in thought.


    If Tang Chen, who once praised Tang Hao as being like himself, could see the current degenerate Tang Hao, he would likely be furious, glaring with rage, and obliterate this coward from the Douluo Continent with a full-power Nine-Ring Exploding Vast Heaven Hammer.


    Ironically, despite all the thoughts running through Tang Hao''s mind¡ªhis sect, his family, his loss¡ªthere was no trace of Ah Yin.


    Not a single memory, not a single thought.


    In Tang Hao''s heart, Ah Yin was truly dead. That Blue Silver Grass was nothing more than her corpse. The dark, sunless cave had become the tomb Tang Hao prepared for her. No matter how much the Blue Silver Grass grew, it would never be the Ah Yin he once knew.


    Rather than letting the Blue Silver Grass develop sentience, Tang Hao would prefer it remain as nothing more than a plant. That way, he wouldn''t have to question himself or face Ah Yin''s questions.


    He didn''t even dare to return the seed Ah Yin left behind to the Blue Silver Forest, fearing the questions her clan would ask about why their queen had ended up in such a state.


    Thus, through this ostrich-like avoidance, Tang Hao inadvertently avoided being psychologically destroyed by the message Chen Ming left in the cave. If others heard about this, they would likely laugh themselves to tears.


    Perhaps, compared to vomiting blood in anger over the cave''s message, the sheer absurdity of the outcome was even more comical. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    PS: That''s so evil. xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [210]

    Chen Ming traveled at high speed for an entire day and night before finding a forest. There, he took the barely alive Blue Silver Emperor out of a special storage soul tool, fed it a bit of vitality and soul power, and then put it back. After repeating this process several times, Chen Ming finally arrived at Gengxin City, the blacksmithing capital of the Douluo Continent. At a shop owned by the Blacksmith Association, he presented the agreed token and secret code between himself and Lou Gao. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once it was confirmed that Chen Ming was the person the president had been waiting for, the blacksmith in charge of the shop immediately went up to the top floor of the association building to inform the president.


    Not long after, Lou Gao appeared, slowly descending the stairs with a few disciples.


    It wasn''t that Lou Gao wanted to move slowly¡ªhis body simply no longer allowed him to move quickly. Now, he even needed assistance from others just to walk.


    Though only a year had passed since they last met, Lou Gao seemed to have aged several decades. His face was more wrinkled, his body frailer, and even the once faintly shrinking flame of his life force had dimmed considerably. He seemed to be on the verge of burning out entirely.


    It was hard to believe that just a year ago, Lou Gao had been a robust elderly man, strong from years of forging.


    As soon as Lou Gao appeared on this floor, Chen Ming''s spiritual power detected his condition. Though unsure of what had happened, Chen Ming quickly approached Lou Gao and stopped him from bowing in greeting.


    When Chen Ming got closer, he noticed that, while Lou Gao''s body had aged drastically, his eyes were much brighter than the last time they met. The frail and broken body could no longer fully conceal the breakthrough in his spiritual power.


    Even without careful probing, Chen Ming could roughly gauge the state of Lou Gao''s spiritual power.


    In comparison, if Lou Gao''s spiritual power a year ago had been at the level of an ordinary Soul Douluo, then now it had undoubtedly reached the realm of a Titled Douluo. His spiritual power was comparable to that of a Level 91 Titled Douluo who wasn''t particularly skilled in spiritual power.


    Moreover, within the spiritual power radiating from Lou Gao, Chen Ming could sense a peculiar presence¡ªan aura of insight that only a Suoer Douluo could comprehend.


    Clearly, in the year they had been apart, Lou Gao had made tremendous progress in blacksmithing. While this progress had consumed a large amount of his life force, leaving his body aged and frail, his spiritual power had undergone a significant transformation and enhancement.


    If not for Lou Gao''s poor physical condition, average soul power talent, and other limiting factors, which prevented his soul power from growing despite his spiritual breakthrough, he could have become a Titled Douluo. Were Lou Gao in normal health as a Soul Sage, Chen Ming could have confidently declared the birth of a new Titled Douluo on the Douluo Continent.


    Lou Gao''s presence on this floor caused a stir. Many blacksmiths who had been selling goods gathered to bow to him, and some customers joined in, crowding around to catch a glimpse of the legendary Divine Craftsman.


    Lou Gao signaled to one of his disciples, a sturdy middle-aged man, who stepped forward to divert the crowd, giving Lou Gao and Chen Ming a chance to leave.


    To be honest, a year ago, this tactic might not have worked. But now, Lou Gao''s frailty was evident to everyone. In the eyes of the crowd, this unnamed disciple was essentially the Blacksmith Association''s next president.


    As a result, most of the attention shifted to the disciple, with only a few blacksmiths who were close to Lou Gao asking about his condition.


    About ten minutes later, Chen Ming and Lou Gao arrived at Lou Gao''s exclusive forging room on the fifth floor. Lou Gao dismissed the disciples who had accompanied him, ordering them to stand guard outside. Inside the forging room, only Chen Ming and the frail Lou Gao remained. Facing Chen Ming, Lou Gao summoned his martial soul.


    This wasn''t because he intended to fight Chen Ming¡ªit was simply that, in his current condition, relying solely on soul power to support his body was no longer enough.


    Seven soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black¡ªappeared around Lou Gao. With the manifestation of his martial soul, the Sacred Molding Pen, Lou Gao was finally able to move like a normal elderly person.


    Looking at Chen Ming, Lou Gao bent down to bow, but Chen Ming quickly stepped forward to stop him.


    "Elder Lou, there''s no need for such formalities," Chen Ming said. "Given your current physical condition, these courtesies are unnecessary. You should focus on taking care of your health."


    While Chen Ming could inject vitality into Lou Gao to partially restore his body, which had aged to the point of resembling rotten wood, he first infused Lou Gao with some of his high-quality soul power to temporarily ease his condition.


    "Palace Master¡­" Lou Gao murmured, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at Chen Ming, his gaze filled with fervent devotion.


    Through the pseudo-divine core in his spiritual sea, Chen Ming could sense the faith emanating from Lou Gao¡ªa deep, unwavering reverence. Lou Gao''s devotion to Chen Ming was akin to that of a devout believer.


    Because Chen Ming had so few followers¡ªjust one, actually¡ªhe couldn''t assign ranks to his believers like in Western fantasy novels, where classifications ranged from general believers to devout followers. However, judging purely by the strength of the faith radiating from Lou Gao, he could at least be considered a pious believer.


    Struggling to move his body, Lou Gao led Chen Ming to a stone wall. The wall had a metallic texture and seemed to faintly exhale soul power. However, when Chen Ming scanned it with his spiritual power, he didn''t detect anything unusual.


    Under Chen Ming''s watchful gaze, Lou Gao reached out and knocked on the wall. The wall immediately began to change.


    The uneven, slightly rocky surface started to contract, flowing like water to form a small sphere that fell into Lou Gao''s hand. Its original yellow-brown camouflage faded, revealing a faint silver hue.


    During this transformation, Chen Ming finally sensed soul power and spirituality within the peculiar metal. Unlike the small golden sphere he had previously crafted through forced crystallization, this mysterious metal contained not only soul power and spirituality but also elements that could be described as life itself.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [211]

    "This isn''t Spirit Refinement... it''s Soul Refinement?!"


    Feeling the small silver metal sphere in his hand, Chen Ming was genuinely shocked.


    He had originally thought that although Lou Gao was a divine craftsman-level blacksmith of this era, he would be limited by the times. At most, Lou Gao might break through from a Thousand Refinements to Spirit Refinement in a year, perhaps even dabbling in basic Fusion Refinement. But to his surprise, Lou Gao had given him a genuine shock: in less than a year, Lou Gao had directly leaped from Thousand Refinements to the level of Soul Refinement.


    Granting metal spirituality is the requirement for Spirit Refinement (fifth-level blacksmiths in later generations), while Soul Refinement involves granting metal not only spirituality but also life, endowing it with qualities akin to living beings. In later generations, this is the requirement for seventh-level blacksmiths, who are already honored as saint craftsmen.


    Above this level, there are only two higher tiers: eighth-level saint craftsmen and ninth-level divine craftsmen. These two tiers represent the ability to fuse complex metals and imbue them with innate abilities (complex Fusion Refinement) and the capability to summon tribulation lightning to temper metal (Heaven Refinement).


    Seeing Chen Ming''s shocked expression, Lou Gao revealed a mischievous grin, as if he had successfully played a prank. His entire demeanor seemed to relax, and his physical condition appeared to improve slightly. In reality, however, he had simply entered the final stage of his life¡ªa brief resurgence before the inevitable.


    If things followed the usual script, Lou Gao would now tell Chen Ming about the immense effort and sacrifice he had made to break through to Soul Refinement. He would explain how this breakthrough had consumed much of his vitality and life force, leaving him on the brink of death. Yet, he had held on just long enough to personally deliver the result to Chen Ming. After handing over the metal sphere, Lou Gao would take his last breath and pass away with a smile, leaving his disciple to inherit his will and continue serving the Hall of Soul.


    However, Chen Ming was not short on life force. There was no way he would stand idly by and watch such a treasure¡ªa craftsman who was already approaching the level of a divine craftsman in later generations¡ªdie before his eyes.


    To be frank, even in this era, when combat power had not yet inflated and Title Douluos were not commonplace, a saint craftsman was far more valuable than a Title Douluo.


    "Elder Lou, hold on. Don''t speak yet. Your condition is very dangerous. Let me stabilize you first." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming grabbed Lou Gao''s wrist and slowly injected life force and soul power into him. Lou Gao''s body, which had entered the final stage of its resurgence, absorbed Chen Ming''s energy like a sponge. Lou Gao could feel his condition improving rapidly.


    As life force poured into him, Lou Gao''s expression changed quickly. With his body recovering, the corners of his mouth lifted higher and higher, while his eyes filled with increasing astonishment.


    Although he didn''t fully understand how this was possible, being able to continue forging was undoubtedly better than leaving behind his final masterpiece and passing away with a smile.


    After over half an hour of slow life force infusion, the damage Lou Gao had accumulated over the past year was completely alleviated. Even some of his old ailments were healed or significantly improved. He felt as though a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and he could once again happily swing his forging hammer.


    As soon as Chen Ming stopped injecting life force and soul power, Lou Gao nearly fell to his knees in gratitude. But Chen Ming stopped him once again.


    To prevent Lou Gao from attempting to kneel again, Chen Ming decided to clarify things outright.


    "Elder Lou, there''s no point in kneeling. I''m not some tyrant who obsesses over authority. When I brought you into my fold, it was for the sake of the forging system and your abilities as a blacksmith. Now that your forging skills have improved so dramatically, that''s already the best result I could hope for."


    "Kneeling a thousand or ten thousand times is meaningless compared to the improvement of your forging skills."


    "Yes, the Hall Master is right! Compared to tedious formalities, the art of forging is what truly matters."


    Lou Gao grasped Chen Ming''s arm tightly, his eyes brimming with tears. His expression resembled that of someone seeing the sun after a long storm. His mind was filled with gratitude and a deep sense of indebtedness. "Hall Master, please come with me. Let me tell you about everything I''ve experienced in forging over the past year."


    Lou Gao led Chen Ming to a workbench. There was no wine, no snacks¡ªjust the two of them sitting down for a straightforward discussion.


    Through Lou Gao''s account, Chen Ming learned about everything that had transpired over the past year.


    After returning to Gengxin City, Lou Gao tirelessly studied the small golden sphere Chen Ming had given him. He felt its spirituality and repeatedly recalled every word Chen Ming had said, jotting down notes in a small notebook. After numerous attempts, Lou Gao finally succeeded in awakening the metal''s spirituality for the first time.


    Initially, Lou Gao worked with metals that were naturally rich in spirituality. After several successful attempts at awakening their spirituality, he gradually switched to metals with a lower innate spirituality. This process took about three months, during which Lou Gao steadily advanced his forging skills to the level of Spirit Refinement.


    Because Chen Ming had mentioned higher realms, Lou Gao celebrated his breakthrough to Spirit Refinement with his disciples only briefly before immersing himself in further study.


    After Spirit Refinement came to basic Fusion Refinement, which involved simply merging several metals and awakening their spirituality. For Lou Gao, who had been stuck below Spirit Refinement for decades, this stage was not particularly difficult. He completed it within about a week and then faced the challenge of Soul Refinement.


    Spirit Refinement grants metals spirituality, while Soul Refinement grants them life. While Lou Gao had achieved Spirit Refinement with Chen Ming''s guidance, granting life to metal proved far more challenging¡ªand oddly familiar.


    Lou Gao combed through ancient texts left by blacksmith predecessors and found a shortcut for granting life to metal.


    This shortcut, described in ancient records, was a secret technique created by divine craftsmen of old. It used the blacksmith''s life force and soul power as fuel to temper metal. The technique''s creator had envisioned achieving the ultimate goal of granting life to metal.


    Lou Gao began with simple experiments and discovered that this ancient technique was indeed effective, though not particularly powerful. Still, it had the potential to achieve the desired result.


    From then on, Lou Gao became almost obsessed, repeatedly attempting and refining his process.


    Thanks to Chen Ming''s connections with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, many rare materials, originally scarce in blacksmith associations, were transported to Gengxin City in large quantities for Lou Gao''s use. Lou Gao continuously experimented with the secret technique, recording his insights.


    Finally, a few months ago, in a moment of serendipity, Lou Gao reached the realm envisioned by the technique''s creator. In one forging session, he successfully granted life to metal, stepping through the gateway of Soul Refinement.


    The liquid metal-like substance, possessing plasticity and the ability to transform, was the product of that forging session.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [212]

    According to the way soul masters describe it, that moment was undoubtedly a state of enlightenment. In that state, Lou Gao abandoned all external distractions and devoted himself entirely to forging.


    At first, when experimenting with the secret technique, Lou Gao was still mindful of controlling the amount he used, burning only a small portion of his life force. However, during his enlightenment, he completely forgot this crucial detail, recklessly pushing his potential to the limit and burning his life force without regard for the cost.


    By the time he completed his forging, Lou Gao had officially stepped into the realm of seventh-tier soul forging and had even begun to touch upon the eighth-tier fusion forging.


    But when he awoke from his enlightened state, he was so drained that he couldn''t even stand and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Fortunately, he didn''t fall into the furnace¡ªotherwise, that would have been the ultimate irony. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If not for his apprentice, who frequently checked in out of concern¡ªlistening for the sounds of forging, and monitoring supplies and materials¡ªLou Gao might have died in his forging room, lying on the ground, neither alive nor dead.


    Over the past few months, although Lou Gao had made tremendous breakthroughs in his mental state, reaching an unimaginable level of spiritual awareness, his once-strong body had deteriorated significantly. Recently, he had even needed assistance just to move.


    Even if Chen Ming hadn''t come at this time, Lou Gao had already been considering asking his apprentice to take him to Heaven Dou City to see Chen Ming one last time.


    Hearing Lou Gao''s words, Chen Ming found himself at a loss for what to say.


    For seekers of the Dao, the idea of "hearing the truth in the morning and being willing to die by evening" was all too normal. If he had been in Lou Gao''s position, facing such a rare and precious opportunity, he would have made the same choice¡ªto burn his own life in pursuit of the ideal realm.


    After recounting his recent experiences, Lou Gao retrieved a thick book from his spatial soul tool and handed it to Chen Ming.


    It was a book made entirely of metal. The cover was crafted from mithril, while the pages were made of specially treated refined gold, with an unusual metallic pigment used for writing.


    This book was a meter long, half a meter wide, and half a meter thick. Even though every effort had been made to reduce its weight, it still weighed several thousand jin. Calling it a book was somewhat misleading¡ªit was more like something disguised as a book. The difficulty of reading it aside, just turning the pages was beyond the capability of most people.


    The moment Lou Gao took out the book, his face flushed from exertion. Chen Ming had to help him place it gently on the ground.


    Flipping through a few pages, Chen Ming immediately recognized that this was a compendium on forging, compiled by Lou Gao himself, likely within the past two to three months.


    The introduction described the origins of forging, its fundamental processes and principles, and the ideal state a blacksmith should strive for. The main content progressed from basic to advanced techniques, detailing the skills required at each level, insights from past master blacksmiths, and methods for overcoming challenges. It contained an enormous amount of invaluable forging knowledge.


    From the simple act of hammering to the highest-level forging technique¡ªthe Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer. From crafting ordinary armor to forging lightweight armor capable of withstanding the attacks of a Soul Emperor. From basic agricultural tools to massive siege weapons used in war. From simple mechanical locks to intricate and almost mystical engineering mechanisms.


    Midway through the book, the content shifted to detailed records of various metals, documenting their properties and methods for unlocking their potential. An appendix included a vast collection of alloy formulas accumulated by the Blacksmith Association, along with methods for creating alloys suited to specific needs.


    In short, this book was the culmination of Lou Gao''s entire life''s knowledge. During this period, knowing he was close to death, he had gathered all his disciples and trusted blacksmiths to rush its completion. It was the distilled essence of the entire Blacksmith Association''s legacy, materialized into a single tome.


    The sheer magnitude of this book was unprecedented in the blacksmithing world. With over ten million words, it was an unparalleled achievement¡ªa true foundational text for the forging profession.


    With this book, even a complete outsider could become an excellent blacksmith. If someone possessed exceptional talent, they could even rise to become a Divine Craftsman of their era. If this book appeared in a continent where forging technology was underdeveloped, it could spark a technological revolution, establishing an entire metallurgy system from scratch and accelerating the advancement of civilization.


    The impact this book had on Chen Ming was no less than that of the soul-forged metal he had just seen¡ªperhaps even greater.


    This book was a complete repository of all the knowledge within the Blacksmith Association, including Lou Gao''s records and detailed descriptions of the three great forging realms: Spirit Refinement, Fusion Refinement, and Soul Refinement.


    With this book in his possession, Chen Ming could train a vast number of blacksmiths under his command. He could even cultivate Saint Craftsmen¡ªor perhaps even Divine Craftsmen capable of performing Heaven Refinement.


    Just by skimming a few pages, Chen Ming had already gained a preliminary understanding of forging techniques. Given his current level of physical control and learning ability, if he studied it in detail, he could quickly absorb its knowledge and become a skilled blacksmith in an incredibly short time.


    "Hall Master, this book is the culmination of my life''s work," Lou Gao said. "Originally, I had planned to leave it to my apprentices after my death, hoping those unworthy children would continue exploring the higher realms of blacksmithing. But since the Hall Master has helped me solve my lifespan issue¡­"


    At this point, Lou Gao gave an awkward smile.


    "I''ll leave this book for the Hall Master to handle."


    All people have personal attachments. While Lou Gao was willing to entrust his greatest forging masterpiece to Chen Ming without reservation, he still wanted to leave his legacy to his apprentices.


    That being said, everything in this book was the knowledge that Lou Gao himself had mastered¡ªmany of the techniques within it were his original creations. In essence, Lou Gao was a living encyclopedia, possessing an even more comprehensive and detailed understanding than the book itself.


    Since he no longer had to face death, this inheritance was no longer necessary.


    Ever since his enlightenment a few months ago, Lou Gao had been unable to forge anything. Many of his insights remained trapped in his mind, unable to be tested or practiced. He could only simulate and refine them repeatedly in his thoughts.


    He had considered having his disciples conduct experiments on his behalf, but with his recent rapid advancements in technique, their once-passable forging skills now seemed as crude as children swinging oversized hammers.


    Forget producing meaningful results¡ªjust watching them fumble through repeated failures made Lou Gao feel as if his lifespan was slipping away even faster.


    Now that he could return to forging, Lou Gao felt confident that his skills would reach even greater heights. Perhaps, in the future, he would no longer need to burn his life force to complete a soul-forging process.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [213]

    Chen Ming unceremoniously accepted the forging compendium with a smile and, in his heart, silently gave Lou Gao a thumbs up. After all, he planned to travel to other continents in the future to gather faith-based power, and in this era, the Douluo Continent was undoubtedly the central stage of the Douluo Star. Even the Sun and Moon Continent, with its heritage of soul tools, could not surpass the development of the Douluo Continent.


    The two other continents mentioned briefly in the original story, which were later occupied by Star Luo and Dou Ling, were even less comparable¡ªlikely still stuck in a primitive societal stage.


    This forging compendium alone could allow Chen Ming to harvest a significant amount of faith on new continents, potentially even forming the prototype of a divine position as the God of Forging or Civilization.


    After all, a divine position prototype was only slightly inferior in quality to a semi-divine position. With Chen Ming''s insights and unique attributes, as long as the faith gathered was sufficient, forming one wouldn''t be particularly difficult.


    After accepting this generous gift, Chen Ming continued the conversation with Lou Gao. Lou Gao shared his insights on forging, while Chen Ming spoke of his understanding of the natural laws of the world.


    Lou Gao''s insights were of limited use to Chen Ming, but Chen Ming''s understanding was incredibly precious to Lou Gao. Some overlooked flaws in forging were magnified in Lou Gao''s mind, and solutions to previously unresolved issues began to emerge.


    After a long conversation, Lou Gao introduced a small soul-forged metal ball in his possession.


    Lou Gao opened his palm and placed the small soul-forged metal ball on the table. In an instant, the ball spread out, transforming into a shape resembling a slime. Its bright silver body pulsated rhythmically, absorbing the soul power from its surroundings.


    When Chen Ming poked the metallic slime with his finger, it instinctively emitted a faint sense of confusion.


    Lou Gao then took out a small pouch filled with metal fragments. He pinched a handful and sprinkled them on the metallic slime. The moment it sensed the fragments, the metallic slime became excited, like a real slime, and devoured the metal fragments scattered on its body. It then softened and entered a digestion state.


    The seemingly soft, squishy liquid-metal-like body was incredibly tough. It expanded and contracted, drawing on the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth to convert it into soul power while assimilating the metal fragments within itself.


    Despite lacking facial features or organs to express emotion, Chen Ming could perceive, just by looking, that the metallic slime was very happy.


    Lou Gao gestured for Chen Ming to feed it some metal fragments as well. When Chen Ming sprinkled the fragments on the metallic slime, the slime displayed a clear sense of hesitation.


    After looking at Chen Ming, it slowly inched closer to Lou Gao, seemingly confirming that Lou Gao''s expression hadn''t changed. Only then did it cautiously begin to absorb the metal fragments Chen Ming had offered.


    It even seemed to have the concept of not eating food from strangers.


    Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel that this creature was remarkably intelligent. If it were left in a metal-rich, soul-power-saturated environment for a few centuries, it might even evolve to produce its soul rings in the future.


    Lou Gao, while gently poking the metallic slime with his finger, began explaining its characteristics to Chen Ming.


    "This little one, Xiao Yin, was forged using sixteen top-grade metals, each one rich in spiritual essence. Every piece underwent preliminary processing, with impurities removed and its spiritual qualities activated."


    "This creature has many traits. For instance, it inherited the stealthy nature of Hidden Silver Iron, which makes it difficult to detect with spiritual and soul power. It also has the corrosion resistance of Hundred-Forged Flame Gold, the density of Thousand-Layered Iron, the soul power conductivity of Cloud Pattern Steel, and the malleability of Adamantite."


    "However, it''s a shame. Due to my lack of skill and the excessive variety of metals used, while it possesses many traits, it only inherited small, unstable fractions of each. It''s not particularly strong or stable." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In the beginning, its spirituality wasn''t as developed. Sometimes, it even showed signs of collapse. After careful examination, I began formulating specific feeds for it, attempting to purify it further by removing unstable traits and guiding its growth in a specific direction."


    "Over the past few months, I''ve primarily fed it a mixture of Cloud Pattern Steel and Hidden Silver, occasionally supplemented with some Adamantite. Its traits have begun to stabilize, and some metallic properties have been gradually eliminated."


    "Now, its three main traits are: the stealthiness of Hidden Silver, the soul power conductivity of Cloud Pattern Steel, and the malleability of Adamantite."


    "Oh, by the way, during the forging process, it absorbed about 20 years of my lifespan. Although it can''t be considered a true independent lifeform like a human or soul beast, it has indeed developed some biological characteristics because of this."


    "That said, it''s still technically a material rather than a finished product. Its current state makes it difficult to classify as complete. Unfortunately, I cannot further refine or forge it."


    At this point, Lou Gao appeared both proud and frustrated.


    This blob, named Xiao Yin, exceeded soul forging but fell short of fusion forging. While it possessed spirituality and life, it had failed to awaken its innate potential.


    Eventually, Lou Gao came to terms with the issue. His skills were insufficient, and the materials used were too numerous and varied, leading to this bottleneck.


    Now, Xiao Yin''s complex structure made it impossible to reforge. Doing so would destroy its life and spirituality entirely. Reviving it afterward would require forging skills not just at the level of a Divine Craftsman but infinitely close to one.


    After understanding these issues, Chen Ming became intrigued. He picked up Xiao Yin, who was still digesting its meal on the table. Despite its reluctance, Chen Ming forcefully probed its internal structure and left his mark on it.


    At first, the metallic slime resisted, but under Chen Ming''s control, its body gradually cooperated. Eventually, even its spirit was imprinted with Chen Ming''s essence.


    The little lifeform, Xiao Yin, completely forgot its creator, Lou Gao and its internal structure shifted to reflect Chen Ming''s presence. When Chen Ming infused it with soul power, the metallic slime trembled faintly in response.


    Under Chen Ming''s will, Xiao Yin transformed into a liquid wrapped around Chen Ming''s wrist. It then shifted into the shape of a bracer. With Chen Ming''s precise control, lifelike patterns of the Five Phosphorous Beast began to appear on the bracer.


    Witnessing this transformation, Lou Gao''s mouth hung open, his expression a mixture of shock and complexity.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [214]

    Looking at the small silver metal slime that had transformed into a bracelet, Lou Gao''s heart was filled with mixed emotions. It felt as if an old father had just witnessed his once-obedient daughter running off with a delinquent. When Lou Gao''s fingers touched the metal slime in its bracelet form, and Xiao Yin instinctively emitted a wary reaction, this feeling reached its peak in Lou Gao''s heart.


    Lou Gao remained silent for a long, long time, before finally showing a strange expression. He sighed helplessly, then smiled faintly.


    "It seems that this living, spiritual metal is no longer just a lifeless material. It can even choose its own master. With the abilities of the Hall Master, I''m sure my craftsmanship won''t go to waste, will it?"


    "It definitely won''t disappoint Elder Lou," Chen Ming replied, stroking the silver bracelet on his right wrist.


    ...


    Over the next half month, Chen Ming stayed in the blacksmithing city of Gengxin City, discussing the future of forging techniques with Lou Gao, sharing his insights into the laws of the world, and even helping Lou Gao improve his health using life energy.


    While people outside assumed Lou Gao hadn''t appeared in public for the past half month because he was nearing the end of his life, the truth was that Lou Gao was enthusiastically hammering away at the forge. Meanwhile, Chen Ming assisted by controlling the flames in the furnace, sensing changes in the metals, and informing Lou Gao accordingly.


    One month after arriving in Gengxin City, Lou Gao successfully forged his first soul-forging-level product: a wrist guard. The main material was the Geocore Flame Crystal provided by Chen Ming, supplemented with various special metals.


    Although the wrist guard''s primary attribute was fire, Chen Ming requested Lou Gao to dye it green and embed a seemingly useless green gem in it. Chen Ming named it the Green Gem Wrist Guard.


    Despite its green appearance, and its ability to enhance physical strength, the wrist guard''s main function was still to amplify fire element power.


    When fully activated, the wrist guard would undergo a unique transformation, enveloping Chen Ming''s hand and forearm in blazing flames. In this state, Chen Ming referred to it as the Flame Fist Form.


    Truth be told, by future standards, the materials used for the Green Gem Wrist Guard were already sufficient to create battle armor. However, while the materials were up to par, true battle armor required elements of soul tools to function perfectly. Only by combining both could genuine battle armor be forged.


    To Lou Gao, the Green Gem Wrist Guard was already an exceptional creation. It could merge with a soul master''s body and life force, grow like an external soul bone, and eventually rival even the martial souls of Titled Douluo in strength.


    However, in Chen Ming''s eyes, it still fell far short of the future''s battle armor standards.


    Forging in this manner, even if a full suit of armor were created, its amplification effect would only barely reach the level of a one-word battle armor from the future. This meant it didn''t fully utilize the potential of the materials. For Chen Ming, the wrist guard offered some improvements, but nothing extraordinary.


    During this time, Chen Ming and Lou Gao also used Xiao Yin as the core to create a special belt. Under Chen Ming''s control, Xiao Yin could temporarily house a soul bone and partially activate its abilities.


    For example, the head soul bone Chen Ming had obtained from slaying the Man-Faced Demon Spider had the ability Concealment, a skill that only appeared in ten-thousand-year-old spiders. When Xiao Yin housed the soul bone, it could activate about 30-40% of its power. This allowed Chen Ming to suppress his aura, but it couldn''t achieve the near-physical invisibility of the Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    However, if the head soul bone was replaced with a spirit bone from another body part, or if the skill was offensive rather than functional, Xiao Yin''s current state couldn''t activate the spirit skill at all.


    This could be considered a soul tool since it incorporated some array-like structures. However, Chen Ming had no idea how it would be classified by soul tool standards. He suspected that a true soul tool expert might scold him for wasting such precious materials.


    After all, soul-forged metals were considered top-tier materials for crafting three-word battle armor even 20,000¨C30,000 years into the future. Thankfully, Xiao Yin had properties similar to liquid memory metal. When better techniques were available, it could be reassembled without worrying about wasting such valuable materials.


    Over a month, Chen Ming didn''t just assist Lou Gao but also learned some forging techniques himself. He even practiced the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, a skill praised to the skies in the original works. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, after personal experience, Chen Ming found the technique decent for forging and appreciated its unique power-stacking method, but it was far less effective in combat.


    After all, fighting wasn''t the same as forging. Metal obediently stayed in the furnace, allowing the hammer strikes to stack power, but how could a person stand still and let you hit them repeatedly?


    Theoretically, the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer''s Nine-Nine-to-One strike would be devastating. But in practice, even stacking power during forging was challenging, let alone using it in combat. It was fine for crafting, but not for fighting. If anyone managed to get hit by the final strike of the Nine-Nine-to-One technique in a duel, Chen Ming would find it hilarious.


    Despite the short time he spent learning, Chen Ming''s exceptional control and learning abilities allowed him to make rapid progress. In just one month, he surpassed Lou Gao''s disciples and reached a level close to what this era considered a master craftsman.


    Compared to legends like Tai Tan and Tang Hao, Chen Ming lacked only experience in forging.


    When it came to higher-level techniques like spirit forging, Chen Ming could achieve them due to his unique abilities, but such creations wouldn''t feel like authentic works of a blacksmith. They''d be more like forced fabrications, still far from true battle armor. Even Lou Gao found it difficult to evaluate Chen Ming''s current forging skills.


    Chen Ming himself estimated that with his talents and current strength if he focused entirely on forging, he could become a true divine craftsman within ten¡ªno, five years. At that level, every creation of his would trigger heavenly tribulations, achieving heavenly refinement.


    But as always, Chen Ming emphasized practicality. Five years was far too long for him. If he focused on improving his strength first, he could likely achieve divine craftsman status in just a few months.


    While helping Lou Gao recover, Chen Ming inquired about his research on soul tools. Although he didn''t expect much, Lou Gao''s response still disappointed him.


    In this era, soul tool technology on the Douluo Continent had truly been lost.


    It was said that a thousand years ago, several families specialized in storage soul tools. However, during times of chaos, these families were destroyed, leaving only a few descendants. The knowledge of soul tools had essentially died with them.


    In recent centuries, some people tried to recover soul tool knowledge through archaeology. Their efforts weren''t very successful, and they only managed to rediscover basic maintenance techniques.


    Most of the soul tools seen at auctions nowadays were merely refurbished antiques. Beneath their shiny exteriors, they were all ancient relics dug up from underground.


    The Blacksmith City had collected some fragmented knowledge about soul tools, but it was extremely incomplete, mostly derived from disassembling soul tools for rare materials.


    When Chen Ming asked if there was any information on offensive soul tools like soul ray guns, Lou Gao was completely baffled. It was the first time he''d even heard such a strange term.


    To the people of the Douluo Continent, soul tools simply meant storage tools. They had no idea soul tools could serve other purposes.


    After hearing this, Chen Ming gave up and decided to visit the future Sun Moon Continent, where he could gather soul tool techniques or recruit soul engineers to continue his research into battle armor.


    He borrowed an underground chamber from Lou Gao and began preparing for his journey to the Sun Moon Continent.


    Inside the lead-lined chamber, Chen Ming lit an oil lamp and retrieved the Blue Silver Emperor from his storage soul tool.


    The moment it was taken out, the Blue Silver Emperor skillfully wrapped its leaves around Chen Ming''s wrist, rubbing against his palm to beg for life energy.


    Although Chen Ming had only taken it out occasionally during this time to feed it soul power and life energy, without planting it in soil or giving it water and fertilizer, the Blue Silver Emperor was in better condition than when it had been left in the cave.


    Its leaves, originally about ten centimeters long, had doubled in length due to Chen Ming''s care. The golden threads on its leaves had grown thicker, and its once fragile and dormant core had regained some vitality.


    PS: Damn, is this NTR? lol

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [215]

    As the Blue Silver Emperor Ah Yin waited to be fed and then thrown back into the storage soul tool to continue her slumber, Chen Ming suddenly reached out and stroked her grass leaves. At the same time, he extended his spiritual power toward her. Despite being a hundred-thousand-year soul beast with exceptional vitality and mental strength, Ah Yin, in her current weakened state, was unable to resist Chen Ming''s spiritual power. In an instant, she was dragged into a surreal mental space.


    The mental space was a small room entirely constructed of spiritual energy, resembling a study of about twenty square meters. Bookshelves lined the walls, and one wall featured a window that let in warm sunlight. A pot of Blue Silver Grass sat on the windowsill. Inside the room were a square table and two stools, with a simple teapot resting on the table, emitting faint wisps of steam.


    When Ah Yin entered this spiritual world, she initially sensed its illusory nature. But in the next moment, she realized she could no longer distinguish this space from reality.


    The air was filled with the fragrance of Blue Silver Grass, and the sunlight streaming through the window was warm and soothing. The teapot on the table emitted a faint aroma of tea, with steam curling from its spout. The table bore faint scratches, and the spines of books on the shelves were neatly labeled with titles.


    Everything felt so real¡ªthe room, and even her own human-like form.


    Ah Yin touched her body, silent for a moment. She pinched her arm and cheeks, feeling the unmistakable reality of the sensations.


    Although this form was not her appearance from before her sacrifice¡ªwhen she looked to be in her thirties¡ªAh Yin recognized from her features and clothing that this was how she had looked not long after she transformed into human form. Back then, she had just entered the human world, appearing around fifteen years old.


    At that time, she had no understanding of what love was, nor had she imagined one day sacrificing herself for someone else. She had been na?ve, focused only on cultivation, occasionally helping others in need. She had believed she could achieve the legendary feat of becoming a god in human form¡ªa goal beyond the reach of soul beasts.


    Under Chen Ming''s calm gaze, Ah Yin absentmindedly walked to the bookshelf, picked out a book, and quickly flipped through it. To her surprise, every page contained actual text¡ªnot meaningless scribbles but words that she could read and understand.


    The book she had chosen was about medical techniques, describing various treatments for common diseases and methods for handling plagues. The content, though simple, was accurate¡ªa medical text she had never seen before.


    Ah Yin found it hard to imagine the level of spiritual mastery required to construct such a realistic and detailed mental space, even in such an unassuming form.


    Even as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, at her peak, with the power of the Blue Silver Grass clan supporting her, she could never have achieved such precision.


    "Ahem."


    Chen Ming coughed lightly, drawing Ah Yin''s attention as she repeatedly flipped through the book in amazement.


    This room was part of a memory palace that Chen Ming had constructed during his childhood. The memory palace was a special mnemonic technique from Earth, allowing one to associate memories with specific mental constructs to enhance recall.


    When Chen Ming''s spiritual power was weaker, this memory palace had been no more than a conceptual aid. But now, with his strengthened spiritual power, the abstract palace he had once imagined had transformed into a tangible spiritual realm.


    If not for the absence of a door¡ªonly an unopenable window¡ªAh Yin might have discovered an entire lifelike world outside. This small room was merely a minuscule corner of Chen Ming''s vast memory palace.


    Hearing the cough, the teenage-looking girl put down the book in her hands and walked stiffly toward Chen Ming. She sat cautiously on a stool across from him, her eyes full of confusion, unsure of what to say.


    Although Chen Ming appeared to be just a boy, Ah Yin did not believe he was truly a youth. After witnessing this seemingly real world, she instinctively assumed that Chen Ming was a top-ranked Title Douluo who had reached the pinnacle of soul power and reverted to a youthful appearance. She believed that beneath his youthful exterior lay a heart weathered by countless experiences.


    Chen Ming, having heard her thoughts, felt as though he had been thoroughly misunderstood. But his spiritual projection remained calm and serene, betraying none of his inner amusement. Ah Yin had no idea that her thoughts were being so easily read.


    After all, this was Chen Ming''s spiritual domain, and he was naturally gifted in matters of soul and spirituality. While he had not yet achieved godhood, he was a master of this realm.


    If Ah Yin were still in her peak state as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, or in her form before her sacrifice, she might have faintly sensed something amiss. But in her current weakened condition, even maintaining a human form in this spiritual world was only possible due to Chen Ming''s deliberate manipulation. She had no chance of detecting his intrusion into her thoughts.


    "Shall we talk?"


    Chen Ming picked up the teapot in front of him and poured two cups of tea, one for Ah Yin and one for himself. Staring at the tea, Ah Yin hesitated before picking up the cup and taking a small sip.


    The rich aroma of the tea spread across her tongue, its initial bitterness giving way to a subtle sweetness. The taste brought back memories of her past. As the warm tea flowed into her body, Ah Yin felt a surge of vitality¡ªa life force she had long yearned for.


    "Senior, greetings. My name is... Ah Yin. I am a hundred-thousand-year soul beast who has already sacrificed herself for another but managed to survive thanks to my racial abilities."


    Ah Yin greeted Chen Ming awkwardly, her gaze full of confusion.


    If this had been before her sacrifice, encountering such a mysterious and profound figure would have made her worry about her soul bones being taken. But in her current state, she had no idea what others could possibly want from her. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You don''t need to call me ''senior.'' I''m just an ordinary soul master¡ªthirteen years old, turning fourteen in a few months. Your age is countless times my own."


    "..."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Ah Yin''s first instinct was to argue that she was still very young. But her next reaction was disbelief.


    "You must be joking?"


    "I''m not."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [216]

    "As you can see, I''m just a naturally gifted soul master," Chen Ming said gently, though the content of his words was harder to accept than the idea that he was Ultimate Douluo who had turned back the hands of time. "I''m curious¡ªwho exactly did you offend to end up imprisoned in that stone chamber, stuck in a state of neither life nor death?"


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Ah Yin remained silent for a moment before a bitter smile appeared on her face.


    "I¡­ I''m just confused, that''s all. Hao¡­ he loves me." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh?" Chen Ming put down his teacup, his eyes fixed on Ah Yin, who had nearly buried her head in her chest. His lips curled into a peculiar smile.


    "I recall a major event that occurred when I was a child. A traitor to the Clear Sky Clan, Tang Hao, killed the Spirit Hall''s Pope, Qian Xunji, for the sake of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast that had taken human form. It was said that the soul beast was the Blue Silver Emperor."


    "The Blue Silver Grass is a unique species of soul beast, connected by a spiritual bond. All the Blue Silver Grass on the continent constitutes a single clan, and there can only ever be one emperor among them. That emperor must be you, correct?"


    "You were one of the key figures in that incident? The soul beast that took on human form, the Blue Silver Emperor? You sacrificed yourself for someone else but managed to survive as a seed thanks to the unique abilities of the Blue Silver Grass?"


    "¡­"


    "Yes, I am the Blue Silver Emperor," Ah Yin said, the bitterness on her face deepening as she looked down at her seemingly human hands. It seemed as though memories of that fateful day had surfaced in her mind.


    That day, she sacrificed herself for the one she loved. Despite many things she would rather not recall, for the sake of her lover and their child, she had no regrets.


    She had originally thought that thanks to her unique abilities, she might live to see the day she could once again embrace her beloved. But she never imagined that when her consciousness reawakened, she would find herself trapped in a hopeless prison.


    The stone chamber allowed sunlight to filter through for only three months out of the year. The rocky walls provided no nourishment for her growth, and the excessively humid air made her feel as though she were rotting away.


    If there had been even a single other stalk of Blue Silver Grass by her side, she could have drawn upon the collective strength of her clan to grow. But in that stone chamber, she was the only living thing. In her weakened state, she couldn''t even extend her spiritual power to contact her clan.


    For nearly ten years, Ah Yin was trapped in that desolate stone chamber. Her growth over those ten years was slower than what she had achieved in a single year in the Blue Silver Forest.


    For most of the year, all she could do was rely on her innate ability to force herself into a state of suspended animation to conserve energy. Only during the three months of sunlight could she think clearly, spreading her leaves to absorb as much sunlight as possible to ensure she wouldn''t perish during the months of darkness.


    Ah Yin often thought about her predicament and even felt hatred for her circumstances. But given her condition, she couldn''t afford to expend the mental energy to dwell on her hatred. Doing so would only worsen her weakness and bring her closer to death.


    So when Chen Ming pulled her out of the stone chamber, she was too powerless to resist. After Chen Ming infused her with life energy, she instinctively wrapped her body around his fingers, desperately seeking more of the life force her starving body craved.


    Had Chen Ming not drawn her consciousness into the spiritual realm, her thoughts would have remained clouded. Her body would have continued to act on pure instinct, yearning for his gift of vitality.


    "So, you still haven''t answered my question. Were you captured by an enemy? The environment of that stone chamber wasn''t designed to let you survive," Chen Ming pressed, his tone growing sharper. "With the vitality of Blue Silver Grass, even if you were planted casually in the ground¡ªor even on a rock¡ªyou wouldn''t have ended up like this. Even though you were once a hundred-thousand-year soul beast and are now weakened without your soul ring or bone, your innate nature wouldn''t let you deteriorate so far. Even if you stayed in that stone chamber for a hundred thousand years, you wouldn''t recover to even a fraction of your former strength."


    "That stone chamber¡ªyou couldn''t even contact your clan from there, could you? After losing their emperor, the Blue Silver Grass clan might have searched for you for centuries or even a millennium. But over time, a new emperor would inevitably emerge in your place."


    "And for you, in your current state, the moment a new emperor of the Blue Silver Grass clan takes their place is the moment your existence¡ªboth body and soul¡ªwill come to an end."


    Chen Ming spoke a brutal truth.


    No matter how united the Blue Silver Grass clan might be, they needed an emperor. If one emperor was lost, another would rise to take their place for the sake of the clan.


    Ah Yin had lost the essence of her hundred-thousand-year soul beast form and was now barely clinging to life through her innate powers as the former emperor. Without her position as their ruler, she could barely survive.


    "I''m very curious¡ªwho planted you in that stone chamber, leaving you to suffer such a fate? Who didn''t absorb the soul bone you produced but instead sealed it in a lead box and left it by your side?"


    "If they didn''t want you dead, I can''t imagine why they''d go to such cruel lengths."


    As Chen Ming spoke, tears rolled down Ah Yin''s face. She hesitated, her inner turmoil evident, but in the end, she kept her mouth shut.


    Helpless, Chen Ming quietly tapped into a fragment of the Evil God''s power, using it as a catalyst to amplify Ah Yin''s negative emotions.


    What Chen Ming didn''t expect was that the slight surge of negative emotion overwhelmed Ah Yin''s rationality entirely. Her composure shattered in an instant, and she could no longer hide the emotions buried deep within her heart.


    She collapsed onto the table, her eyes reddened, tears streaming down her face like a waterfall as she cried out in a voice tinged with hysteria.


    "I knew it! I knew it! I always knew!"


    "When I was pregnant, the day I told Hao I was with child, I noticed his expression change¡ªit became so strange. From that day on, he cared for me attentively, but in his eyes¡­ there was a trace of malice I had never seen before."


    "I thought he wouldn''t¡­ I thought I could truly live like a human. I avoided people as much as I could and had my clan watch over me. But when I was about to give birth, my identity as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast was exposed."


    "At first, he had every chance to take me away from the encirclement. I even suggested returning to the Blue Silver Forest. There, no one would have been able to harm me. But¡­"


    PS: Lol. Poor Tang Hao. His love for Ah Yin was genuine. But it was still questionable how Ah Yin''s identity was exposed.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [217]

    "¡­But he¡­" Ah Yin understood everything, she knew it all. It was just that, in the end, she held onto a sliver of false hope.


    The Blue Silver Emperor could disguise herself, capable of concealing her soul rings and aura. Even in the state of pregnancy, close to giving birth, she could still barely restrain her aura.


    Blue Silver Grass grew in almost every corner of the Douluo Continent, and as the ruler of the Blue Silver Grass clan, all of these grasses served as Ah Yin''s eyes and ears.


    She could fly freely through the skies, and with the help of her domain, she could even hide her body and aura. Even a Soul Douluo skilled in mental perception might not be able to find her.


    She possessed immense vitality. Even after transforming from a soul beast into a human, even if killed by a soul master, she would not truly die. Like a lizard shedding its tail, she could abandon her hundred-thousand-year soul ring and escape with her seed and hundred-thousand-year soul bone.


    Although the Blue Silver Emperor had no significant offensive capabilities, in terms of control, perception, disguise, and support, she was undoubtedly top-tier.


    She wasn''t supposed to die. Her vitality far surpassed Tang Hao''s; even if Tang Hao died, she wouldn''t.


    In her breakdown, Ah Yin began recounting the events she had experienced years ago.


    At first, though Ah Yin knew she had been exposed, she wasn''t particularly nervous. She activated her domain, disguising herself as someone else. Even the faint soul beast aura leaking out due to her imminent childbirth was concealed once more.


    She and the disguised Tang Hao walked past the soul masters sent by the Spirit Hall to pursue them, and those spi; masters didn''t even realize that she was the target they were searching for.


    At that time, she caught a flash of complexity, even malice, in Tang Hao''s eyes.


    Thus, the two of them, who should have easily shaken off the Spirit Hall''s pursuit, were locked onto by them. While Spirit Hall couldn''t pinpoint Ah Yin, they managed to track Tang Hao through other means. The once not-so-dangerous escape turned into a desperate flight across the continent.


    In the beginning, Ah Yin took Tang Hao to the clans and sects affiliated with the Clear Sky Clan. Although these groups were unwilling to openly confront the Spirit Hall, they didn''t mind creating some trouble for them, distracting the Spirit Hall from their pursuit.


    However, after the Spirit Hall''s focus was diverted once again, Tang Hao stopped Ah Yin from continuing to use these forces as cover, explaining that he didn''t want to drag others down with them. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, Ah Yin and Tang Hao were forced to endure relentless pursuit. Yet, the Spirit Hall''s Soul Saints and Soul Douluos couldn''t pose much of a threat to them. As long as Ah Yin wanted to escape, Spirit Hall couldn''t stop her.


    But at some point, Tang Hao began actively engaging the pursuers in battle, expending great effort to defeat enemies they could have simply evaded.


    Under such circumstances, they were eventually caught by Qian Xunji.


    When Ah Yin saw Qian Xunji, she could sense his emotions shift from confusion to excitement.


    At that moment, she understood¡ªQian Xunji hadn''t truly believed he could find them, but because of someone else''s involvement, he did.


    Tang Hao fought against Qian Xunji, while Ah Yin faced the two Title Douluos accompanying him. Both were injured and forced to flee, but Qian Xunji continued the chase.


    Gradually, their situation worsened. Spirit Hall had surrounded them. Initially, Qian Xunji held back against Tang Hao, as Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen shared a complicated relationship, making Qian Xunji, by seniority, Tang Hao''s uncle.


    At first, noticing Tang Hao was stuck at level 90 without absorbing a ninth spirit ring, Qian Xunji proposed a deal: Tang Hao could claim the hundred-thousand-year ring, while Spirit Hall would take the hundred-thousand-year soul bone. But Tang Hao responded with a hammer blow. After repeated clashes, Qian Xunji grew impatient and stopped holding back against Tang Hao.


    On the day Ah Yin gave birth, Spirit Hall attacked again. Qian Xunji and Tang Hao fought with all their strength, and Tang Hao was utterly overpowered, his life hanging by a thread.


    At that moment, even though Ah Yin understood everything, for the sake of her newborn child and her lover, she stopped thinking and chose to sacrifice herself to help Tang Hao, who had been stuck at level 90 without a ninth spirit ring.


    At that moment, Ah Yin touched Tang Hao''s soul, sensing his emotions at the time.


    Joy, pain, hesitation.


    At that moment, Tang Hao had thought Ah Yin would say something to him. But Ah Yin said nothing. She used the last of her strength to tell Tang Hao to protect himself and their child.


    When she lost her essence, Ah Yin understood. Tang Hao did love her, but as a soul master, he also loved her hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone. He had only suppressed his greed at the beginning.


    After their child was born, with Tang Hao stuck at level 90, unable to attach a soul ring, Ah Yin''s value as a wife began to diminish in his eyes. Her worth as a person was overshadowed by the value of her soul ring and soul bone.


    He did love her, but he loved her hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone more. So, even though it caused him pain, driven by greed, Tang Hao still did it.


    When the force of guilt opened up the emotions buried in her heart, Ah Yin wept, cried, and roared at Tang Hao. She lamented how none of this should have happened. They should have been blissfully happy. She could have watched her child grow up.


    Chen Ming watched the hysterical Ah Yin. He gently stroked her hair, listening quietly to her outpouring. After a long time, the hysterical Ah Yin gradually calmed down, though she still lay sobbing on the table.


    This was the first time in years that Ah Yin could think clearly, thanks to Chen Ming''s help. It was also the most painful reflection of her life. The pain from her sacrifice combined with the agony she endured in the stone chamber, caused the negative emotions in her heart to erupt like a volcano.


    After some time, Ah Yin raised her head and looked at Chen Ming, her eyes carrying a newfound clarity.


    "What do you want from me? I no longer have my soul ring. If you want my soul bone, then take it and absorb it. That soul bone has two abilities: flight and regeneration. Those are very useful skills for a soul master."


    "If you''re willing to show some mercy, just plant me in some random corner. I no longer wish to face all of this. I''ll tell my people that I''m abandoning my identity as their emperor and will return to being an ordinary Blue Silver Grass, growing carefree as I did before becoming a soul beast."


    "Eh? Don''t you want revenge or something?"


    "¡­"


    Faced with Chen Ming''s question, though Ah Yin''s emotions were tumultuous, her past love for Tang Hao and her inherently kind nature ultimately led her to let go of her hatred.


    "Sorry, I no longer wish to face it."


    PS: This story somewhat twisted the original story. Well, this is fanfic. After all, if Ah Yin still has loved for her husband it will be difficult to add her in the harem.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [218]

    Chen Ming didn''t know what to say anymore. Should he call Ah Yin weak, or should he say she was too kind¡ªso kind that she could resolve even such a serious matter with just a single phrase: "I don''t want to face it"?


    Looking at Ah Yin, who seemed to have lost all hope, Chen Ming let out a strange smile and spoke to her.


    "You wouldn''t want anything to happen to your child, would you?"


    "What? Xiao San?!" The moment Chen Ming mentioned her child, Ah Yin immediately became agitated. The dejected look she wore just moments earlier was thrown aside, and she stood up abruptly, staring directly into Chen Ming''s eyes.


    Even though she fully understood that, in her current state, she was nothing more than an ant that Chen Ming could crush with a flick of his finger, she couldn''t suppress the intense emotions surging within her¡ªnot as a soul beast, but as a mother. A mother who had lost her lover and had only her child left in the world. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Since that fateful night, she hadn''t seen her child again. How she longed to hold him, to accompany him as he grew up like a normal mother would!


    "Don''t you want to see how your child is doing? Don''t you want to know what''s become of Tang Hao now? Don''t you want to know what major events have occurred on the continent since your death? Don''t you want to return to the Blue Silver Forest and see your kin again?"


    With each question, Chen Ming''s posture straightened further, until his face was right in front of Ah Yin''s. Every word struck deeply at her heart.


    When she heard the mention of the Blue Silver Forest, her birthplace, Ah Yin realized that the seemingly youthful figure before her knew far more than he let on. He hadn''t just stumbled upon her by chance.


    Yet, faced with the temptations Chen Ming laid before her, Ah Yin found herself unable to harden her heart enough to refuse.


    "What do you want?"


    Feeling the warm breath against her ear, Ah Yin''s neck turned red. Her hands unconsciously clenched her clothes, and her entire body tensed with nervousness.


    If this had been the pre-sacrifice, Ah Yin, would certainly not have reacted so shyly.


    But the problem was, this current Ah Yin was in a state of regrowth, having returned to life as a seed after losing her 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone. Her power and mental fortitude were far inferior to what they once were.


    Though she appeared around fifteen years old in this spiritual world, much of that was based on her subjective self-perception. Subconsciously, she perceived herself as this age. In truth, her mental state was likely equivalent to that of someone who had only been in human society for one or two years. She was still somewhat na?ve. While certainly far more capable than a certain lazy 100,000-year-old rabbit, she couldn''t claim to be much better.


    "Do you know what it means to become a god?"


    "To become a god, one must gather faith. Whether it''s the faith of humans or soul beasts, both can serve as the materials to create a divine position."


    "As it happens, I am currently on the path to godhood. I''ve already shaped the rudimentary form of a divine position. What I need now is faith¡ªyour faith, and the faith of the Blue Silver Grass clan."


    "Become a god? Faith?!"


    Ah Yin''s mouth fell open in shock as she stared at Chen Ming in disbelief. She couldn''t comprehend why, after thousands of years without anyone achieving godhood, there was now a human standing before her who claimed to be walking the path to divinity.


    For humans, a thousand years spanned numerous generations, but for soul beasts¡ªespecially 100,000-year soul beasts¡ªit was merely a while ago.


    Ah Yin had lived through the era when the continent was dominated by soul beasts, the era when the Angel God had slain Rui Beast, repaired the heavens and earth, and single-handedly defeated all the soul beasts of the Douluo Continent, gathering faith to ascend to godhood. The story of the Angel God was deeply engraved in Ah Yin''s memory, and she had always yearned for that realm, one that transcended the mundane limitations of the world.


    Otherwise, as the Blue Silver Emperor, she could have easily avoided the tribulation of 100,000 years through regeneration, continuing to prolong her life. There was no need to sacrifice her powerful existence to become human.


    She stared at Chen Ming, her mind racing with thoughts. As Chen Ming looked at her, he smiled and opened his hand. A transcendent aura radiated from his palm.


    It was a power that surpassed the limits of both soul masters and soul beasts, a power that transcended the boundaries of the Douluo plane itself. Although it was weak and fragile, like a newborn infant, its appearance instantly captivated Ah Yin, drawing her full attention.


    Poison, plague, and death¡ªthree forces linked into a stable triangle, forming the foundation of divine power. Countless people feared poison, plague, and death and prayed to the unseen divine for protection from such calamities.


    Although this divine position''s attributes were vastly different from her own, Ah Yin couldn''t help but immerse herself in it the moment she saw it. She unintentionally envisioned herself as that figure whom others feared.


    Because ever since the day soul beasts could no longer ascend to godhood, becoming a god had become the most noble and grand aspiration for countless soul beasts.


    Seeing Ah Yin''s form begin to flicker as if her signal was unstable, Chen Ming quickly withdrew the divine position he had displayed. He then infused her with a touch of pure life force and soul power to awaken her.


    After realizing her earlier mistake, Ah Yin collapsed to the ground. Sweat dripped from her forehead, and her pupils contracted to the size of pinpoints. She was utterly shaken and filled with fear.


    "Plague God."


    Hearing Ah Yin''s words, Chen Ming''s face darkened. He wanted to refute her, but he had no way of doing so. Given his divine position, he truly was a Plague God. The only difference was that he could only bring calamity, not misfortune.


    Fine, this was what a true Plague God was. Someone who could only bring misfortune without causing plague was merely a God of Misfortune.


    "You''ve felt it too. My divine position is somewhat... unique. People''s fear of me far outweighs their faith. To prevent myself from being completely twisted by this faith, I need more positive faith to balance it out, allowing me to maintain my inner self and further refine my divine position."


    "So, what''s your choice?"


    Chen Ming crouched in front of Ah Yin and spoke calmly to her.


    Ah Yin wanted to refuse, but when she looked into Chen Ming''s calm eyes and recalled the ominous sensations his divine position exuded earlier, she stiffly nodded.


    "I... I agree."


    Ah Yin couldn''t quite explain her feelings at the moment. She didn''t even know whether she had agreed for the sake of Xiao San, her kin, herself, or perhaps out of admiration and longing for divine power and godhood.


    She only knew that from this moment on, there was no turning back.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [219]

    Ah Yin agreed to become Chen Ming''s subordinate¡ªor perhaps something else entirely. In any case, this is how Ah Yin ended up becoming Chen Ming''s possession.


    Chen Ming controlled his spiritual and mental energy, carefully partitioning off an insignificant portion of it, and then injected it into Ah Yin''s essence.


    Under Ah Yin''s obedience, this trace of spiritual and mental energy rooted itself deep within her soul, like a steel stamp, engraving Chen Ming''s mark permanently onto her very being. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Chen Ming permanently expended a small amount of his spiritual and mental energy in the process, as Ah Yin''s condition improved, a surge of faith energy flowed from her spiritual being into Chen Ming''s divine position.


    Due to Ah Yin''s poor state and the deficiencies in her spiritual form, this faith energy wasn''t particularly strong. However, it was exceptionally pure¡ªonly slightly weaker than the faith provided by Lou Gao.


    With Ah Yin now belonging to him, Chen Ming could faintly sense the faith of the Blue Silver Grass Clan toward their monarch, the Blue Silver Emperor, through his connection with Ah Yin.


    However, much like how a vassal''s vassal is not one''s vassal, Chen Ming could sense the clan''s faith in Ah Yin, but he couldn''t directly use it himself. This was because the Blue Silver Grass that offered faith to the Blue Silver Emperor was entirely unaware of Chen Ming''s existence within her.


    After receiving a small share of Chen Ming''s spiritual and mental energy, Ah Yin''s spiritual form improved significantly. Moreover, because the shared energy carried traces of a pseudo- demigod''s attributes, Ah Yin gradually began to sense and even utilize the faith energy from the Blue Silver Grass clan after absorbing it.


    Although there wasn''t a single Blue Silver Grass around, Ah Yin relied on this unique trait to forcibly reconnect herself to the Blue Silver Grass clan''s local network.


    While she couldn''t do much yet¡ªneither speak nor effectively receive messages from her kin¡ªshe could sense the concern for her within their vague, indistinct communications. This faint connection soothed some of the confusion and anxiety in her heart.


    After stabilizing Ah Yin''s spiritual form, Chen Ming opened his eyes, retrieved a lead box, and took out the right leg bone inside.


    The moment her soul bone appeared, the Blue Silver Emperor grew visibly excited. Her roots and leaves wrapped around the soul bone, absorbing the lost power that originally belonged to her.


    As the energy within the leaves and the soul bone resonated and exchanged, the Blue Silver Emperor, initially only about an inch tall, began to grow. Despite the absence of water, light, or soil, she grew to over two inches tall.


    Watching the Blue Silver Emperor''s growth, Chen Ming pondered deeply, gaining a better understanding of her existence and unique traits.


    If she absorbed this soul bone that she had produced and reclaimed the ninth soul ring currently in Tang Hao''s possession, then even under normal circumstances, Ah Yin could recover to the equivalent of an 80,000-year cultivation level from her current state.


    If the Blue Silver Grass clan offered their devotion, it was likely that within ten years, she could return to the pinnacle of a 100,000-year soul beast.


    Even among soul beasts, the Blue Silver Emperor was exceptionally unique. Her tenacious vitality and special racial traits were extraordinary¡ªenough to leave even pure-blooded true dragons like Di Tian speechless.


    After drawing only a small portion of the soul bone''s energy, Ah Yin stopped, refraining from further draining its power and essence. Sensibly, she handed the soul bone back to Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming gently stroked the Blue Silver Emperor''s form, rewarding her with a small infusion of soul power and vitality before placing the soul bone on his right leg and beginning the slow process of refining it.


    The Blue Silver Emperor''s vitality manifested in this moment. Gentle energy flowed into Chen Ming''s body like a stream. Under Ah Yin''s control, the 100,000-year soul bone actively cooperated with Chen Ming''s refinement, willingly becoming a part of him.


    Although, given Chen Ming''s current strength and physical attributes, a 100,000-year soul bone couldn''t significantly enhance him in every area, the two attached soul skills it provided were a substantial boon.


    The first skill, Everlasting Life, was described by Tang San as akin to the saying, "Wildfires can''t destroy it; spring winds bring it back to life." For Chen Ming, it had a profound impact.


    Previously, Chen Ming relied on his dragon core to convert soul power into vitality for regeneration. This method was entirely brute-force: using a massive amount of vitality to forcibly heal wounds and regrow missing parts. It was effective but inefficient.


    For theoretically irreparable injuries, Chen Ming had to pour an overwhelming amount of vitality into the affected area to force regeneration. Healing such injuries consumed dozens or even hundreds of times more vitality than healing flesh wounds.


    If something like nerve damage occurred, Chen Ming couldn''t regenerate it immediately.


    However, Everlasting Life amplified his conversion efficiency, increasing the healing effect of his vitality from one-fold to three- or even five-fold. This gave Chen Ming a qualitative breakthrough in regenerating bones and internal organs. Injuries that were once considered irreparable now became slow to regenerate.


    For instance, if a bone were missing, Chen Ming previously needed to use a tremendous amount of vitality to form a small piece of bone and wait for it to grow. With this skill, he could immediately regenerate a bone identical in strength to the original, simply by consuming soul power and vitality.


    Although Chen Ming''s martial soul wasn''t related to the Blue Silver Emperor or Blue Silver Grass, the life attribute of his dragon core ensured that this skill worked perfectly for him without any diminishing effects. Unlike the Blue Silver Emperor lineage, Chen Ming didn''t even need external Blue Silver Grass to support him.


    The second skill, Flight, gave Chen Ming the ability to fly without being bound by the laws of physics. While seemingly unimpressive at first glance, it was a unique ability that differed from traditional wing-based flight skills and could even stack with them.


    In simple terms, Chen Ming could already fly using his soul power wings. But by activating the Flight skill alongside them, his flying speed could increase dramatically, and his aerial agility would improve significantly.


    Vertical takeoffs and landings became trivial maneuvers. Chen Ming could even perform stunts like mid-air U-turns, sharp 90-degree turns, or flying backward without reducing his speed.


    This skill greatly enhanced his air combat capabilities, making him faster and more maneuverable than many flying soul masters.


    The vitality and life attributes from the Blue Silver Emperor''s soul bone also stimulated the life energy within Chen Ming. A massive amount of life energy radiated from his body.


    If he were outside, the room would have been overgrown with flowers and grass by now, and life-sensitive animals would have been drawn to the area, creating a scene of otherworldly wonder.


    But since Chen Ming was in a lead-sealed training room, the only living beings present were himself and Ah Yin. Naturally, the life energy he radiated was eagerly absorbed by Ah Yin.


    For Ah Yin, this high-quality life energy was a supreme nourishment. Especially since Chen Ming had refined her soul bone, his soul power now carried traces of the Blue Silver Emperor''s traits. The life energy he radiated became an irresistible temptation for Ah Yin.


    Her vines and leaves greedily coiled around Chen Ming''s arm, absorbing the life energy he emitted. This caused her recently grown body to begin growing again, with her aura advancing from that of a hundred-old soul beast toward a thousand-old one.


    Although this process imprinted Chen Ming''s presence on her body and soul, elevating her affection for him to an almost fanatical level¡ªregarding him as the most noble and supreme being in her heart¡ªAh Yin no longer cared. Her soul had already been branded with his mark, and such matters were irrelevant to her now.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [220]

    As Chen Ming''s vitality strengthened and the life-and-death energy within him gradually transformed, a sudden flash of inspiration struck his mind.


    He extended his left hand, releasing life energy, while his right hand emitted the power of death. Bringing his hands together, the forces of life and death collided and canceled each other out. However, under the influence of Chen Ming''s fourth soul skill, life energy transformed into death energy, and death energy conversely transformed into life energy.


    The two forces clashed, transformed, and negated each other, eventually resonating in harmony. Through Chen Ming''s intervention, the energies of life and death formed a small and rudimentary cycle in his palm. Initially incompatible like water and fire, they began to gradually transform into each other until they reached a state where they contained one another¡ªno longer strictly opposites, but instead exhibiting a strange sense of unity.


    "The ultimate ice can ascend to its peak and transform into the ultimate fire. Conversely, the ultimate fire can also transform into the ultimate ice. The two can coexist as opposites, forming a balance of yin and yang. Therefore, the energies of life and death, through mutual transformation and ascension, can also become a true Taiji."


    "Some opposites may hold the potential to mutually sustain each other."


    Chen Ming contemplated the pseudo-demigod position within his mind, recalling the myriad myths and stories he had encountered in his past life. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can be the god of poison, plague, and death, but I can also be the god of healing, medicine, and life. A divine position is merely one of my choices, not my only path."


    "A person can simultaneously possess traits of both good and evil. One can be both solemn and frivolous, depending on the situation. Humanity is inherently contradictory yet harmonious. So why can''t a divine position be the same?"


    "A god of destruction can also be a god of creation. A god of peace can also be a god of war. A protector deity of one group of believers can simultaneously be the destroyer of heretics. A benevolent king to his people can also be a ruthless butcher to foreign invaders."


    "I used to ponder the essence of poisons, contemplating what constitutes the ultimate poison. But today, I finally understand¡ªthere is no such thing as an ultimate poison. There is no poison at all. The so-called essence of poison is merely disharmony. Humanity feels joy when eating chocolate, but a dog eating chocolate may die. This is because humans can metabolize it, while dogs cannot. Why are substances that are harmless in daily life to humans lethal to animals?


    Because of disharmony¡ªthey cannot accept it. That is the essence of poison.


    The venom of a snake is harmonious for the snake itself but disharmonious for other creatures, making it toxic. However, if the venom is diluted to a harmonious level, it ceases to be poison and becomes medicine. Some highly toxic substances can neutralize each other, while some harmless substances combine to create deadly poisons¡ªall manifestations of harmony and disharmony.


    Poison is merely a superficial concept; contradiction and disharmony constitute its core.


    Poison can be a physical phenomenon, an element, or even an abstract concept.


    Everything has both harmony and disharmony. Every existence has a contradictory counterpart. Just as light is toxic to dark soul beasts, and darkness is toxic to light soul beasts, yet light and darkness can transform into one another.


    Unity within diversity, contradictions existing within a singular entity.


    Chen Ming closed his eyes, envisioning the Taiji symbol in his mind, allowing his thoughts to shift. He observed his divine position of poison, plague, and death while contemplating their opposites, attempting to unify them.


    The ominous energy of poison and plague alternated with the gentle aura of life within his body. Chen Ming''s demeanor shifted¡ªat times, he appeared as a cold tyrant; at others, a gentle father. Sometimes he was a warrior, and at other times, a healer. In that moment, he seemed to split into countless contradictory personas.


    Nearby, A Yin trembled in fear. Her golden-threaded leaves wrapped tightly around her body, forming a ball, concealing all traces of her presence. She dared not reveal even the slightest bit of energy, fearing that the ominous aura emanating from Chen Ming might dissolve her entirely.


    After several days, the chaotic and fragmented aura around Chen Ming finally unified and returned to calm.


    Eventually, Chen Ming opened his eyes. Though exhaustion filled his gaze, it also sparkled with excitement. While this epiphany had not allowed him to immediately condense an opposing divine position to counterbalance his current one, he now had a clearer understanding of how to achieve it.


    With continued growth and the accumulation of faith energy, Chen Ming felt confident in achieving a state where good and evil, life and death, could merge into oneness. He aspired to become a being who was both the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.


    In the future, he could even leverage his attributes to create opposing forces, transforming himself from one into many, and then uniting the many back into one¡ªbecoming the master of all transformations.


    At this moment, Chen Ming''s soul power had advanced from level 58, when he had left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, to level 60.


    The cultivation speed within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well far surpassed the outside world. In less than two months since leaving, Chen Ming''s cultivation progress equaled more than 20 days of practice within the well, filling over half a level of soul power.


    Additionally, absorbing the Blue Silver Emperor''s right leg bone had granted him nearly one and a half levels of soul power, pushing him to the threshold of level 60.


    Normally, a soul master''s epiphany could also increase their soul power, as it often activated dormant energy within their body and maximized their ability to absorb external soul power. However, Chen Ming''s body contained no dormant energy, and he could effortlessly draw large amounts of soul power from the environment, rendering the usual benefits of an epiphany moot. For him, it only enhanced his comprehension, not his soul power.


    Reflecting on his current strength, Chen Ming began contemplating which soul beast he should target for his sixth soul ring.


    Although his body and current condition allowed him to hunt fierce beasts for their soul rings, such creatures were rare in the Douluo Continent, and those suitable for Chen Ming were even rarer.


    For instance, in the Star Dou Forest, Zi Ji seemed like a viable candidate. However, venturing into such a perilous area would inevitably lead to him being ganged up on. At best, he might face the top three known powerhouses of the forest¡ªMyriad Tree, Bear Lord, and Di Tian. At worst, even the Silver Dragon King might intervene.


    If difficulties in absorption weren''t a concern, Myriad Tree could be an excellent choice for Chen Ming''s sixth ring. But as things stood, unless Myriad Tree foolishly left the forest, Chen Ming wouldn''t consider it.


    On the Sun-Moon Continent, the Evil Emperor would be a great option. However, with combat power second only to Di Tian and 780,000 years of cultivation, even Chen Ming wasn''t confident he could take him down.


    In the deep sea, the million-year-old Deep Sea Demon Whale King would be ideal. Yet in its aquatic domain, its power rivaled Di Tian''s. If the Evil Emperor was beyond Chen Ming''s reach, then the Demon Whale King was entirely out of the question.


    Moreover, even with Chen Ming''s current physical condition, he could only absorb soul rings of up to 300,000¨C400,000 years. Anything beyond that would pose serious risks, even if it were handed to him for free.


    Thus, Chen Ming''s requirements for his sixth ring were modest¡ªanything over 100,000 years would suffice. For his critically important seventh ring, he would consider targeting more formidable creatures, aiming for rings in the range of 200,000¨C300,000 years.


    At this moment, Chen Ming recalled the coordinates provided by the World Consciousness of Douluo.


    Among them, the highest-quality option, the Medusa Queen, had already been slain by him. However, the remaining three coordinates all pointed to soul beasts exceeding 100,000 years.


    Visiting one of them and hunting it for his sixth ring seemed like a viable plan.


    "The mythical Hydra with its immortal body, the Disaster Beast Yian capable of bringing plague and calamity, and the Primal Slime¡ªthese soul beasts are all excellent options."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [221]

    After Chen Ming finished pondering, he casually picked up A Yin, who had curled herself into a ball, from the ground nearby.


    From a purely physical perspective, this was just a clump of Blue Silver Grass inexplicably curled into a small sphere. However, from a spiritual perspective, in Chen Ming''s eyes, A Yin resembled a dignified and proud young lady who was nervously crouching in a defensive posture.


    Chen Ming casually injected a bit of soul power and life energy into her. After giving her a slight shake, A Yin finally breathed a sigh of relief and stretched herself out again.


    Looking at A Yin, who had now grown to nearly a meter in height, Chen Ming felt a bit conflicted. He wasn''t sure how to handle her¡ªshould he just toss her directly into his storage soul tool, or should he find her a flowerpot first and then store her inside?


    When Chen Ming asked this question, A Yin, who had long grown tired of the stuffy environment inside the storage soul tool, couldn''t help but dejectedly ask:


    ["Is there... any way to avoid putting me into the storage soul tool?"]


    "Hmm..." Chen Ming touched his right leg, sensing the connection between himself and A Yin. Then, glancing at his right arm, which housed a small sword, an idea came to him.


    He grabbed A Yin and pressed her against his leg, adjusting the flow of his soul power between himself and A Yin.


    As a blue-golden glow shone brightly, A Yin, who had grown to over a meter, rapidly shrank and merged into Chen Ming''s right leg. Using her natural connection with the right leg bone, she directly settled herself and her essence within Chen Ming''s leg.


    ["This feels... so strange."]


    It was A Yin''s first time being absorbed¡ªnot devoured¡ªinto someone else''s body. Feeling her current state, she couldn''t help but instinctively complain.


    Though it felt strange, it wasn''t uncomfortable. On the contrary, the sensation was rather pleasant, even intoxicating.


    Inside Chen Ming''s body, a portion of his life energy and soul power naturally flowed through the right leg bone and into A Yin, greatly accelerating her recovery.


    Not only did her physical form grow stronger, but her spiritual form also gradually solidified and recovered.


    Chen Ming closed his eyes and slightly manipulated his spiritual power and mental energy. As a result, a phantom projection appeared beside him.


    This projection wasn''t real; it was more of an illusion Chen Ming had created for himself and A Yin¡ªa shared perception between them.


    In this state, A Yin could see what Chen Ming saw and even manifest a phantom body. However, in reality, she couldn''t interact with or be perceived by the outside world, as she existed solely as an illusion Chen Ming created for himself.


    Though this sensation wasn''t real, for A Yin, who had been dormant for so long, it was already a significant improvement.


    Even though they were still in the sealed lead chamber, A Yin curiously observed every corner of the room and every detail of Chen Ming, attempting to once again feel the sensation of being alive.


    Of course, this was only possible with Chen Ming''s active control. If he didn''t allow it, A Yin could only remain in a semi-dormant state within his right leg bone, slowly recovering. She wouldn''t even be able to control her physical form to leave his leg.


    After adjusting his state, Chen Ming left the chamber. At the door, a middle-aged man was sitting on a chair, keeping watch. When he saw Chen Ming appear, he immediately stood up and bowed deeply.


    "Greetings, Hall Master."


    Chen Ming remembered that this was Si Long, one of Lou Gao''s disciples. Although Chen Ming''s status was special, Lou Gao''s disciples were all aware of it. To Lou Gao, these disciples were not just his successors but also like his children. To these disciples, Lou Gao was akin to a father figure.


    Within the entire Blacksmith Association, these disciples were the people Lou Gao trusted the most. Thus, after Lou Gao and Chen Ming had discussed things, these disciples naturally became members of the Hall of Soul as well.


    Of course, the Hall of Soul consisted of only one Hall Master and one Forging Elder. Joining the Hall of Soul under Lou Gao''s name was more of a formality and didn''t carry much significance.


    "There''s no need for such formalities," Chen Ming said warmly, helping Si Long up. "Has anything major happened at the Blacksmith Association during my seclusion?"


    Chen Ming had asked this casually, but to his surprise, Si Long showed a look of admiration.


    "As expected of the Hall Master¡ªhow could you know something happened here even while in seclusion?"


    "Recently, my master, Lou Gao, overexerted himself during forging and became somewhat physically weak. Because of this, some people in the association started to have ulterior motives. Initially, these people weren''t much of a problem, but who would''ve thought that Tai Tan, the nominal Vice President of the Blacksmith Association and one of the Three Divine Blacksmiths alongside my master, also learned about this."


    "Although Tai Tan is just the nominal Vice President and doesn''t usually involve himself in association affairs, his status as a Divine Blacksmith naturally commands great respect among blacksmiths."


    Si Long hesitated, unsure how to phrase his thoughts. To him, who was solely devoted to his master Lou Gao, Tai Tan didn''t seem very deserving of the title of Divine Blacksmith. Especially after Lou Gao''s recent breakthroughs in forging techniques, Tai Tan¡ªstill the only other publicly recognized Divine Blacksmith (Tang Hao was still officially missing)¡ªfelt increasingly irrelevant in the eyes of Lou Gao''s disciples.


    After a moment''s thought, Si Long continued.


    "Some blacksmiths, because of Tai Tan''s status as a Divine Blacksmith, assumed that he would take control of the association once my master was incapacitated. So, they proactively pledged allegiance to Tai Tan and even leaked information about my master''s breakthroughs in forging techniques."


    Si Long gritted his teeth as he spoke. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Logically, these things shouldn''t have mattered, but the problem is that after my master recovered, rumors started spreading throughout the association. Some claimed my master had obtained a rare treasure. Others speculated he had forged a divine artifact. Some even spread the outrageous rumor that my master had killed a human-formed 100,000-year soul beast and obtained a 100,000-year soul bone, which is why his body recovered."


    "At first, Tai Tan pretended to remain neutral, but once these rumors spread, he was the first to step forward and demand that my master hand over these so-called treasures. He even demanded that my master surrender the blacksmithing manual he''d recently compiled."


    "Tai Tan is a Soul Douluo and the patriarch of the Strength Clan, one of the Four Attribute Clans. It''s said his strength is comparable to a Titled Douluo. So, even though my master has recovered, he still can''t directly refuse Tai Tan."


    "Over the past few days, people in the Blacksmith Association have been forced to take sides. Many have been coerced by Tai Yan and the Strength Clan into joining the faction opposing my master, demanding my master hand over the treasures, his forging achievements, and the blacksmithing manual he compiled."


    At this point, Si Long couldn''t help but curse under his breath.


    "These people don''t even care about pursuing higher levels of blacksmithing! They''re all obsessed with external gains¡ªwhat a disgrace to the Blacksmith Association!"


    Chen Ming looked at Si Long in silence.


    So, what bothered you most wasn''t your master being pressured, but that these blacksmiths didn''t care about pursuing higher levels of craftsmanship? Well, your priorities are... odd, but they do make sense in a way.


    PS: Ah Yin is like Cortana now.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [222]

    "Take me to see for myself. If Tai Tan wants to use force to threaten you, then I''ll show him what real power is."


    "Could it be that Hall Master, you intend to summon Poison Douluo?" Upon hearing Chen Ming''s words, Si Long''s eyes lit up immediately.


    Over a year ago, Dugu Bo hosted a large banquet to celebrate his achievement of becoming a Rank 94 Titled Douluo. Si Long was aware of this event.


    In his view, even if Tai Tan claimed to have power comparable to a Titled Douluo, he would not stand a chance against the Poison Douluo. As long as Dugu Bo appeared, the arrogant Strength Clan would immediately humble themselves and apologize.


    "A single Soul Douluo? I''ll handle this myself. In this day and age, if I can''t even defeat a Soul Douluo, then I really would be considered outdated."


    Chen Ming clenched his fists, and to prevent Si Long from misunderstanding, he released a small portion of his aura. Although it was just a tiny fraction, it was enough to force Si Long, a Soul Sage, to retreat several steps uncontrollably. He could only barely stabilize himself by summoning his martial soul.


    "Hall Master is mighty!"


    Although Si Long didn''t understand what "outdated" meant, he still clasped his hands together and responded to Chen Ming respectfully.


    Si Long had felt Tai Tan''s aura over the past few days. While it was oppressive, it was nowhere near as overwhelming as the Hall Master''s. Based on aura alone, Si Long could tell Chen Ming''s power was far more terrifying than Tai Tan''s.


    As for whether this made sense?


    Si Long felt that such matters were for his master, Lou Gao, to consider. Since his master hadn''t said anything, he assumed it was reasonable. Just like when he joined the Hall of Soul¡ªit was a decision made by Lou Gao, and Si Long only found out about it afterward.


    In any case, his forging talent and soul power talent were just average. Knowing too much about things he shouldn''t know wouldn''t benefit him.


    Chen Ming found Si Long rather interesting¡ªa talented individual.


    Meanwhile, Ah Yin, who was standing nearby, remained silent as she listened to Si Long''s words.


    She was familiar with Tai Tan. He was a loyal subordinate of Tang Hao, deeply trusted by him. When Ah Yin was escaping the pursuit of Spirit Hall, the Strength Clan had been the most proactive in aiding her, with Tai Tan even vowing to protect his master and mistress with his life.


    Although Ah Yin couldn''t accept Tai Tan''s constant addressing of her as mistress and Tang Hao as master, she still had a favorable impression of Tai Tan in her heart.


    Ah Yin hadn''t expected to encounter news about an old acquaintance so soon after regaining the ability to perceive the world again¡ªand not exactly good news, either.


    Still, despite her complex emotions, Ah Yin remained silent. After all, even from her perspective, Tai Tan''s actions seemed a bit excessive.


    Under Si Long''s guidance, Chen Ming quickly made his way from the underground chamber to the fourth floor of the association. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fourth floor of the Blacksmith Association had once been used as an auction room to sell various items. Therefore, the space was large, and the facilities were complete. When Tai Tan began pressuring Lou Gao, the fourth floor had naturally been taken over by Tai Tan as a gathering place for the Soul Masters and blacksmiths of the Strength Clan who supported him.


    When Chen Ming and Si Long arrived on the fourth floor, Tai Tan and Lou Gao were already in a standoff, with both having summoned their martial souls.


    As a Rank 71 Siyk Sage, Lou Gao''s strength was far inferior to Tai Tan''s as a Soul Douluo. Even with his martial soul summoned, Lou Gao and the Soul Masters standing by his side were still oppressed by Tai Tan''s aura. Lou Gao, being the main target, bore the brunt of the pressure.


    If not for Lou Gao''s recently recovered body and his significantly enhanced mental state due to his advancements in forging techniques, he might not have even been able to stand upright under such pressure.


    Tai Tan''s martial soul transformation made his body look monstrous. His height reached a full three meters, and though his age showed some decline, his muscles were still incredibly strong. Because he pursued extreme physical power, his muscles appeared almost unnaturally swollen and distorted.


    Tai Tan wore a vest made of metal on his upper body, exposing his two iron-like arms to the air. On his lower body, he wore long pants, but the originally loose pant legs were now stretched taut by his martial soul-enhanced thighs.


    He looked like a true giant gorilla, with a terrifyingly malicious aura in his eyes that made him seem like he wanted to devour someone. His hair and bristle-like beard stood on end, perfectly embodying the phrase "hair bristling in anger." As a Soul Douluo, his murderous intent was undeniable.


    Although Tai Tan and Lou Gao had been in a standoff for some time, this level of intensity was unprecedented.


    Seeing his teacher being suppressed by Tai Tan''s aura, Si Long''s eyes turned red. After making a brief gesture to Chen Ming, he immediately summoned his martial soul and rushed to Lou Gao''s side, using his body to share the pressure of Tai Tan''s aura.


    Noticing Si Long''s movement, Tai Tan snorted in displeasure. Though he didn''t use any spirit abilities, the massive muscles on his arms began to wriggle. Tilting his head slightly, he looked ready to strike at any moment.


    Witnessing this scene, many blacksmiths who had initially sided with Tai Tan stepped forward. However, they split into two groups: one group reluctantly moved behind Lou Gao, summoning their martial souls to show that while they sided with Tai Tan, they wouldn''t attack the president.


    The other group stood behind Tai Tan, releasing their soul power and glaring menacingly at the opposing side as if they were just waiting for Tai Tan''s command to charge forward.


    Although the blacksmiths'' soul power ranged from Rank 10 to Rank 50, the sheer number of martial souls and soul rings released made the atmosphere tense.


    "Old Lou, stop being so stubborn. You are a Divine Craftsman, and so am I. You''re the president, and I''m the vice president. You''re a Soul Sage, and I''m a Soul Douluo. In status, I''m a step below you, but in strength, you''re far inferior to me."


    "We''re both blacksmiths, both Divine Craftsmen. While our skills can''t compare to my master, Tang Hao, we are rare kindred spirits in this era. Must it come to a violent confrontation?"


    Tai Tan''s voice was deep and rough. Although he claimed not to want conflict with Lou Gao, his soul power and aura showed no signs of restraint. His cold, piercing eyes fixed on Lou Gao, giving no indication of seeing him as an old friend.


    Under Tai Tan''s pressure, Lou Gao straightened his neck and, without hesitation, rebutted.


    "Hmph, you old gorilla! This mess was caused by you. You, a vice president who hasn''t returned to the Blacksmith Association in years, suddenly come back¡ªboth of us know why. Everyone here knows who''s truly pushing for a violent confrontation."


    "There is indeed a new frontier in forging, but there are no treasures, and certainly no soul bones."


    "If you want to learn the techniques, I''ll teach you. But if you want a fight, this old man, Lou Gao, won''t back down!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [223]

    "An old gorilla like you dares to speak to me like that?"


    Tai Tan was initially just going through the motions and had no intention of truly arguing with Lou Gao. Without waiting for Lou Gao to continue, he randomly found an excuse to interrupt him, letting out a furious roar, and took a step forward. His palm, as large as a fan, reached out to grab Lou Gao.


    Just as Lou Gao was about to unleash a soul skill to resist, Tai Tan''s outstretched hand suddenly seemed to be struck by an invisible force. It was instantly repelled at several times the speed, and a cold snort echoed through the air.


    "Hmph."


    This cold snort appeared to have no source¡ªor rather, it came from everywhere. The sound didn''t originate from any person but instead resonated from the surrounding energy of heaven and earth as if the world itself had spoken.


    "Who are you!"


    Tai Tan, whose hand had been repelled by an invisible force, felt the strange gazes of those around him. He immediately became furious.


    The Strength Clan was known for their bad tempers, and Tai Tan''s was particularly worse. As an 86th-level Soul Douluo, he had absolute confidence in his strength. So, even when faced with such an unusual situation, he felt no fear. Instead, his soul power surged and doubled in intensity.


    "First Soul Skill: Rock Guard! Second Soul Skill: Explosive Strength!"


    Tai Tan roared angrily. His first and second soul rings lit up simultaneously, and the two enhancement abilities were added to his massive body. The strengthening of pure power caused his already enormous frame to expand even further, becoming almost grotesque in size. His muscular arms, under the effects of the soul skills, grew disproportionately large compared to his body.


    The significantly enlarged hand reached toward Lou Gao''s head, intending to grab him like pulling a turnip from the ground.


    However, just as his hand stretched halfway, Tai Tan suddenly felt his soul power raging uncontrollably within his body. The enormous energy reversed its flow in his meridians in an unprecedented manner, recklessly impacting his internal organs and meridians.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Tai Tan staggered back several steps, as if he had been punched by an invisible being. His face, originally dark as the bottom of a pot, instantly turned bright red. With a strained "ugh," he coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His body, which had swelled under the effects of his soul skills, quickly shrank, even becoming slightly smaller than before due to the damage he had sustained.


    "Who the hell are you?!"


    Tai Tan roared angrily. Although he felt uneasy, he maintained an outward display of rage. Gathering soul power in his legs, he stomped the ground heavily. The stone floor beneath him shattered and splintered instantly, and a crack spread from where his foot landed. The entire fourth floor of the building shook slightly from the force of his stomp.


    Looking at the destruction he caused, Tai Tan''s unease lessened slightly. His expression became even more ferocious.


    Not knowing much about spirit-type Soul Masters, Tai Tan assumed that as long as he could physically destroy things, the spirit-type Soul Master hiding in the dark wasn''t as powerful as he had imagined.


    Ignoring the opinions of those around him, Tai Tan gathered his soul power and threw a punch at Lou Gao. Given Tai Tan''s extreme focus on physical strength¡ªcomparable to that of some Title Douluo¡ªif this punch landed squarely on Lou Gao, the latter would likely be gravely injured and coughing up blood instantly.


    Faced with this punch, Chen Ming sighed softly. With a light tap of his toe, his figure flickered like a ghost, appearing in front of Lou Gao. He extended a hand and directly caught Tai Tan''s enormous fist, which was about the same size as his head.


    By now, Chen Ming''s spiritual power had reached a tangible, substantial level, allowing him to block many attacks. However, forming a shield to directly withstand a punch from Tai Tan¡ªa punch nearly as strong as a Title Douluo¡ªwouldn''t just be challenging but also incredibly costly. Chen Ming stood 1.9 meters tall, which was already considered imposing among ordinary people. Yet, in front of Tai Tan, whose body had swelled to 3 meters tall under his martial soul''s augmentation, he looked like a child.


    But despite the massive size difference, Chen Ming effortlessly caught Tai Tan''s punch with his palm, without any visible fluctuation of soul power. No matter how hard Tai Tan tried, his hand didn''t budge an inch.


    Seeing this, Tai Tan didn''t hesitate to activate his fourth soul skill. A purple soul ring appeared on his other arm, which instantly swelled to a size even thicker than his thigh.


    "Fourth Soul Skill: Titan''s Fist!"


    This punch was ferocious and overwhelming. Combined with Tai Tan''s physical strength¡ªon par with some Title Douluo¡ªthe force of this attack was something even most Title Douluo would avoid.


    However, Chen Ming''s expression remained calm, showing no signs of dodging or defending. Just as the massive fist was about to land on him, Chen Ming''s other arm suddenly rose, his fingers forming a blade. He chopped down precisely on Tai Tan''s wrist.


    Although this knife-hand strike didn''t have the same raw power as Tai Tan''s soul skill-boosted punch, it struck with pinpoint accuracy on the concentrated point of soul power at Tai Tan''s wrist.


    The force wasn''t strong, nor was the soul power particularly impressive. But this strike somehow bypassed Tai Tan''s skin and muscles, piercing into his meridians like a needle. It caused the soul power in his wrist to violently erupt like a bomb within his meridians.


    Tai Tan''s face twisted in pain. His previously swollen arm, now grotesquely large, suddenly began to bulge even further, as if it were inflating. Then, like an overfilled balloon, his skin ruptured. Blood splattered everywhere as his wrist and forearm bent at an unnatural angle under the impact.


    Chen Ming gently released Tai Tan''s fist, which he had been holding, causing Tai Tan to lose balance. Tai Tan stumbled backward, one foot stepping into the crack he had created earlier. Losing his footing, he tripped over his legs and landed heavily on the ground, sitting on the shattered floor.


    At this moment, Tai Tan no longer cared about his disheveled appearance. His gaze was filled with terror and shock as he stared at Chen Ming.


    "Title Douluo!?"


    Tai Tan''s dantian throbbed in pain, and his left arm was twisted into an unnatural angle. Most of the skin on his arm had been torn open by the soul power''s backlash. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and he no longer carried the arrogant demeanor he had displayed toward Lou Gao earlier.


    Although he couldn''t recall any Title Douluo resembling Chen Ming, after having his soul skills instantly countered and suffering a backlash, Tai Tan was convinced that Chen Ming was a disguised Title Douluo. Any trace of disrespect had vanished.


    "Title Douluo? My soul power is still a little short of that level. But dealing with a gorilla-like you is no problem."


    Chen Ming lightly tapped his toe, sending a broken piece of stone flying toward Tai Tan''s abdomen. The needle-like soul power struck Tai Tan''s dantian, instantly doubling the pain. Tai Tan curled up on the ground, clutching his stomach in agony.


    PS: There are a lot of arrogant characters in soul land but somehow they were portrayed as good people the moment they joined Tang San''s side.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [224]

    Before meeting Tai Tan, Chen Ming initially thought that this level-86 Soul Douluo must be incredibly strong. However, after actually meeting him, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel that he had overestimated Tai Tan.


    Clumsy, foolish, and rough¡ªwhile it was understandable for Tai Tan to excel in raw strength as a soul master specializing in extreme power attributes, strength was all he had. Beyond that, there was nothing remarkable about him at all.


    His mental strength was weak, his control over his soul power was poor, and even his mastery over his own body was subpar. The only thing noteworthy about Tai Tan was his brute force.


    For a low-level soul master, Chen Ming could understand such shortcomings. But for Tai Tan, a high-level Soul Douluo, to be so lacking was baffling to Chen Ming.


    When their clan leader was injured, the members of the Strength Clan, who had been standing behind Tai Tan, immediately turned red-eyed. A middle-aged man quickly dragged Tai Tan away, but the rest of the clan charged at Chen Ming, howling as if oblivious to the vast disparity in power between the two sides.


    Chen Ming suspected that these people had only heard the first part of his earlier statement¡ªthat he wasn''t a Titled Douluo¡ªand had stopped listening after that. Otherwise, how could they behave so foolishly?


    The Strength Clan wasn''t as mindless as Chen Ming thought, but they were close. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because none of them understood the intricacy of Chen Ming''s earlier move. The Strength Clan, as a whole, was not particularly bright. Constant reliance on brute force had dulled their minds to the point of regression¡ªthey solved everything with their muscles.


    Tai Tan had understood the brilliance of Chen Ming''s technique because he had taken the hit himself. But to the rest of the clan members who hadn''t been struck, it simply looked like Chen Ming had sneak-attacked Tai Tan.


    Only focused on training their muscles, they couldn''t comprehend how extraordinary Chen Ming''s technique was, nor did they understand the concept of spiritual power.


    They only thought that their numerical advantage would allow them to overwhelm Chen Ming. Even if he were a Titled Douluo, they believed he wouldn''t be able to take them all down before running out of soul power.


    A large group of Soul Masters from the Strength Clan, all with their martial souls activated, charged toward Chen Ming like a horde of gorillas. Each one unleashed their soul skills, rushing at Chen Ming in a chaotic brawl.


    Because their martial souls were identical, and all their soul rings came from the Thousand-Jin Ant soul beast, their soul skills were the same. Every member of the clan used three simple self-enhancing techniques before swinging their fists, behaving like a group of literal super-strong apes.


    Chen Ming couldn''t even be bothered to show off his skills anymore¡ªthese people weren''t worth it. Since they worshiped raw power, Chen Ming decided to respond with pure strength.


    Soul power gathered around Chen Ming''s body, forming a golden suit of armor. Without activating his martial soul, he simply swung his fists and charged into the crowd.


    Faced with incoming punches and soul skills, Chen Ming didn''t even bother dodging. He stood still, letting their attacks land on the golden armor of soul power that covered him, his indestructible body neutralizing every blow. Then, with his fists, he delivered a physical lesson to these oversized gorillas.


    Several Soul Sage from the Strength Clan, who charged the fastest, were sent flying like cannonballs. Their bodies collided with a mass of clan members behind them, knocking down a large group of allies and even some soul masters on Tai Tan''s side.


    Under the overwhelming force of Chen Ming''s punches, this group of muscle-brained individuals finally realized something was wrong¡ªbut it was already too late to retreat.


    Chen Ming was like Mike Tyson rampaging through a kindergarten. Though his physique was much smaller than the Strength Clan members with their martial souls activated, every punch he threw sent multiple soul masters flying.


    Some soul masters were casually tossed aside by Chen Ming, crashing into various objects like bowling pins. Others took an uppercut directly to the jaw, their heads smashing into the metallic ceiling of the auction house. Their faces twisted, their skulls dented, and their teeth shattered¡ªsome even bit off their tongues. Blood spurted from their mouths as they collapsed unconscious to the ground.


    Seeing this, some members of the Strength Clan instinctively tried to flee. But Chen Ming caught up with them, coalescing his soul power into his hands and shoving it forward. The fleeing group was immediately sent rolling into a heap on the ground.


    Struggling instinctively, their chaotic movements only caused discomfort to their comrades. They achieved nothing else.


    Chen Ming even witnessed one panicked fool, after being knocked over, reflexively gather soul power into his elbow and slam it downward¡ªcrushing the skull of the clan member pinned beneath him. Blood and brain matter splattered everywhere.


    Afterward, the rest of the pile devolved into disorganized shoving and infighting, with members accidentally injuring one another.


    Ironically, these individuals, who had been relatively unharmed before, ended up causing the Strength Clan''s first fatalities in the battle through their actions.


    Chen Ming found this ridiculous. Were their brains so underdeveloped from obsessively training their muscles? Absorbing the Thousand-Jin Ant''s soul rings was supposed to enhance their strength, but it seemed to have reduced their intelligence to the ant''s level instead.


    Looking at this chaotic scene, Chen Ming thought Tai Tan, as the leader of the Strength Clan, might still retain some rationality. But when he turned his gaze to Tai Tan, the clan leader, who had previously shown fear and hesitation, seemed to have gone berserk.


    With a roar, Tai Tan charged at Chen Ming.


    "Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul Avatar!"


    Tai Tan''s body rapidly expanded, transforming into a massive six-meter-tall gorilla. His head nearly touched the ceiling of the auction hall, and his long, fur-covered arms dangled nearly to the ground.


    Though his arm veins were damaged and his skin was broken, Tai Tan''s injuries were forcibly suppressed in his Martial Soul Avatar state. Even his soul skills, which were on cooldown, were reactivated.


    "First Soul Skill: Rock-Solid Defense! Second Soul Skill: Exploding Strength! Third Soul Skill: Golden Ape Body! Sixth Soul Skill: Thousand-Jin Power!"


    With the activation of five strengthening soul skills, including Martial Soul Avatar, Tai Tan''s aura surged to a level equivalent to that of a Titled Douluo.


    The terrifying strength he now possessed was something even ordinary Titled Douluos would struggle to handle. His massive fists exuded a deadly aura, and almost every soul master present felt an imminent sense of doom. Some blacksmiths began fleeing for their lives.


    Tai Tan roared, channeling all his power and courage into his strongest attack against Chen Ming.


    "Thousand-Jin Strike!"


    The eighth soul skill, derived from a 30,000-year-old Thousand-Jin Ant, concentrated Tai Tan''s immense power into a single point. The explosive force of his punch created a shockwave so strong that it sent nearby soul masters flying like ragdolls.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming became genuinely annoyed. Deciding to teach Tai Tan a real lesson, he resolved to show a fraction of his true strength.


    Emerald-green soul power surged around him, exuding a strange and ominous yet enchanting aura.


    From behind Chen Ming, three spectral figures emerged: a Gecko, a Serpent, and a Scorpion. Their malicious gazes locked onto Tai Tan. Each phantom embodied a different type of venom and willpower. Under Chen Ming''s control, they merged into one.


    Fusing his soul power with his mental strength, Chen Ming combined the toxins into a single entity. Raising his seemingly small fist, he unleashed an overwhelming sense of suffocating threat upon Tai Tan.


    "Sovereign Poison!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [225]

    The fusion of spirit and soul power condensed into Chen Ming''s fist, creating an unusual ripple. His seemingly insignificant small fist collided with Tai Tan''s massive fist, which was almost the same size as Chen Ming himself. Yet, the result was unexpected¡ªTai Tan''s enormous fist and body were forced back.


    Even though Tai Tan''s soul power was at its peak, surging like a boiling torrent, it was as weak as tofu before Chen Ming''s Toxic Sovereign Poison. The moment Tai Tan''s soul power made contact with Chen Ming''s combat skill, it instinctively recoiled. At the same time, Tai Tan''s spirit suffered a blow akin to being struck by a heavy hammer.


    A green glow invaded Tai Tan''s body, quickly taking root and spreading.


    Unlike Hou Yuhao who would leave his will in others'' hearts with his Sovereign Descent in Soul Land 2, Chen Ming''s Sovereign Poison was far more tyrannical and insidious.


    The poison spread through Tai Tan''s body, dissolving his soul power as if sunlight were melting ice. It not only permanently sealed off a portion of Tai Tan''s soul power potential but also caused his soul power level to gradually decline.


    From this day forward, Tai Tan''s recovery speed for soul power would steadily decrease. Every time he activated his Martial Soul, his soul power would further deteriorate. The more he relied on his soul power, the more deeply the poison would spread, eventually rendering him a completely useless wreck.


    The poison, like a parasite, devoured Tai Tan''s vitality and weakened his once-proud muscles. Tai Tan would gradually weaken, his massive muscles shrinking, until the towering giant became a skin-and-bones figure confined to a sickbed, fully dependent on others for care.


    From his internal organs to his flesh and bones, the extreme strength Tai Tan had cultivated at the cost of focusing everything on physical power was ceaselessly eroded by the lethal poison, which used his very life force as fuel. Every inch of his flesh and bone was consumed by a pain akin to tens of thousands of insects gnawing away at him.


    A strange poison, incomprehensible to ordinary soul masters, infiltrated Tai Tan''s spirit. Among the three types of poisons contained within, this one appeared the gentlest but was, in fact, the most domineering.


    Unnoticed by Tai Tan, his mental strength was slowly being worn away. As this erosion deepened, Tai Tan would lose parts of his humanity, experience a sense of detachment from reality, and find himself unable to attain further mental breakthroughs.


    Moreover, the primary effect of this poison targeted Tai Tan''s Martial Soul. It was as if a small hole had been punched into his Martial Soul, causing its essence to endlessly drain away.


    Not only would the strength of his Martial Soul weaken, but even the power of his soul rings would diminish.


    Chen Ming''s Sovereign Poison was not designed to kill outright. However, if given a choice, most soul masters on the continent would prefer a quick death over the torment of this technique, which left them yearning for death but unable to achieve it.


    Additionally, a soul master struck by Sovereign Poison would become a walking, human-shaped bomb filled with a large concentration of poisons. Within a certain range, Chen Ming could sense and detonate them at will. If Chen Ming activated his Poison Explosion, the resulting blast would be far more devastating than usual.


    After taking this hit from Sovereign Poison, Tai Tan was forced out of his Martial Soul True Body state. His soul power reversed violently, blood poured from his seven orifices, and his entire body collapsed to the ground like a boneless heap. Even his once-impressive muscles visibly shrank.


    Seeing Chen Ming so effortlessly deal with Tai Tan¡ªwho had unleashed his Martial Soul True Body¡ªmany of the soul masters and blacksmiths who had previously sided with Tai Tan immediately knelt, kowtowing repeatedly and begging for the forgiveness of Chen Ming and Lou Gao.


    You couldn''t blame them for their spinelessness; after all, those who had dared to stand firm were now lying on the ground.


    Chen Ming, however, couldn''t be bothered to pay attention to the kneeling crowd. He walked straight toward Lou Gao.


    Using his soul power, Chen Ming helped Lou Gao and his disciples recover their energy. Then, he glanced at Lou Gao and communicated with him telepathically.


    ["Elder Lou, I''ve rendered Tai Tan and the senior soul masters of the Strength Clan powerless. These people were causing trouble in your Blacksmith Association. It''s up to you to decide how to handle them now. If any of them remain defiant or try to stir up trouble, just let me know."] Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ["If the Strength Clan insists on being obstinate and continues to look for trouble, then I''ll have no choice but to set aside some time to ensure the complete eradication of the Strength Clan from the Douluo Continent."]


    As the Hall Master of the Hall of Souls, Chen Ming was well aware that the organization was currently little more than a makeshift operation. The entire force consisted of just six people: himself, Lou Gao, and Lou Gao''s four disciples. They lacked any administrative or judicial personnel.


    As Hall Master, Chen Ming could only provide Lou Gao with support in terms of insights, strength, and connections. Everything else had to be handled by Lou Gao himself. If Lou Gao failed to manage things, Chen Ming would step in to clean up the aftermath.


    After all, it wasn''t feasible for the Hall Master to handle everything personally.


    Lou Gao clasped his fists in a salute toward Chen Ming, nodded to show he understood, and watched as Chen Ming ascended to the fifth floor of the Blacksmith Association. There, Chen Ming settled in Lou Gao''s former forging room.


    While Chen Ming was busy preparing his materials and studying maps, Ah Yin¡ªwho had been silently floating around him like a ghost¡ªfinally spoke, her face showing a trace of reluctance.


    "I didn''t expect Tai Tan to turn out like this. I remember when I visited the Strength Clan in the past, they were so kind and warm."


    Without turning his head, Chen Ming continued feeding small pieces of metal to Xiao Yin, who had transformed into a bracelet. He replied casually:


    "Isn''t that perfectly normal? People are multifaceted."


    "Tai Tan considers himself Tang Hao''s most loyal servant. Seeing Tang Hao, he''d probably kneel without hesitation. In his heart, Tang Hao might be more important than all his relatives and clansmen combined. When you were with Tang Hao, you were essentially his mistress in Tai Tan''s eyes. How could he possibly show you any disrespect?"


    "But if you look at him from an outsider''s perspective, Tai Tan is nothing more than an overbearing and unreasonable brute."


    "Think about it. If you hadn''t been with Tang Hao and the Strength Clan had discovered that you were a 100,000-year soul beast in human form, how do you think Tai Tan would have treated you?"


    Ah Yin remained silent, offering no response. Chen Ming, unconcerned with her thoughts, continued feeding Xiao Yin as he spoke.


    "He would have been equally enthusiastic about hunting you down."


    "Tai Tan was greedy. He believed the rumors and wanted to extort treasures from Lou Gao. But Lou Gao is one of my people, and naturally, I had to protect him. That''s why Tai Tan was punished."


    "If I hadn''t been here, Tai Tan likely would have severely injured Lou Gao and forcibly searched the Blacksmith Association for so-called treasures. But since I was here, Tai Tan ended up being crippled."


    "On the continent, this kind of thing is all too common. It''s nothing unusual. For the sake of profit, even husbands will betray their wives. Compared to that, Tai Tan turning on Lou Gao is far more reasonable."


    "It''s fine to be kind, but don''t be foolish. Foolish kindness only serves as a tool for evil people, bringing more misfortune and suffering to others."


    "Honestly, I expected you to speak up earlier¡ªwhether to lament or plead for Tai Tan. I had considered both possibilities. But I didn''t expect you to wait until everything was over to say something. Looks like you''re not as foolish as I thought."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [226]

    "I''m just having a little trouble adjusting, that''s all."


    After accepting the fact that she had been betrayed by Tang Hao, Ah Yin seemed to have matured a lot. After listening to Chen Ming''s explanation, she merely sighed and refrained from continuing the argument.


    Unlike Tang Hao, who was arrogant and always looked down on others, Ah Yin''s personality was kind and gentle. No one knew how the two of them had ended up together in the first place. If you asked Chen Ming, even Tang Hao''s elder brother, Tang Xiao, was far better than Tang Hao.


    Chen Ming passed the time in the forging room, casually chatting with Ah Yin to build their relationship. It was about an hour later when a knock came at the door. After receiving Chen Ming''s permission, Lou Gao entered.


    "Hall Master, thank you for your assistance. Without your help, if Tai Tan had acted, our Blacksmith Association would have suffered an unprecedented blow in its history."


    As soon as he entered, Lou Gao clasped his hands and bowed deeply to Chen Ming, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.


    "Our Blacksmith Association was originally just a refuge for blacksmiths who were looked down upon by the soul masters of Douluo Continent¡ªa place where we could focus on forging. Who would have thought that as we developed, someone like Tai Tan would rise to such a high position?"


    Lou Gao sighed, at a loss for words.


    "Where there are people, there will be conflicts¡ªwhether big or small, overt or covert. The Blacksmith Association has always had its share of issues, but they were usually too minor to notice. This time, however, the matter nearly upended the entire association."


    "Elder Lou, I cannot stay stationed in the Blacksmith Association forever. This time, I happened to be here to handle the issue. But if something happens in the future, there''s no guarantee that I''ll be around."


    Chen Ming took two tokens from his magical pouch. The moment one of the tokens was revealed, Ah Yin''s expression changed dramatically. If it weren''t just an illusion, even her body might have started trembling in nervousness.


    One of the tokens was the "Seven Treasures Token" from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, which Lou Gao personally witnessed Ning Fengzhi hand over to Chen Ming. Thus, Lou Gao was somewhat prepared for this.


    However, the other token caused Lou Gao''s expression to change instantly, and his breathing became rapid.


    It was a token from the Spirit Hall, but not the Elder Token previously given by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Instead, it was a "Worship Token" gifted by Qian Daoliu, the High Priest of the Spirit Hall. This was one of the rare replicas of Qian Daoliu''s personal Worship Token, imbued with gentle yet powerful holy soul power, signifying Qian Daoliu''s recognition.


    Within the Spirit Hall, this token held exceptionally special significance, representing the highest authority of its Grand Worship.


    "Elder Lou, I have two methods to strengthen the Blacksmith Association, but both require external assistance. I''ve never managed the Blacksmith Association, so the ultimate decision still rests with you."


    "First," Chen Ming said, holding up the Seven Treasures Token, "I can take this token to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and ask Sect Master Ning for help, requesting a few Soul Sage to be transferred here¡ªmaybe even a Soul Douluo, if we''re lucky. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s name backing us, very few people on the continent would dare to act recklessly like today."


    "However, using the Seven Treasures Token means the Blacksmith Association will owe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan a favor. Additionally, in some people''s eyes, the association will be marked as being affiliated with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. This favor will need to be repaid in the future."


    "Second," Chen Ming set down the Seven Treasures Token and picked up Qian Daoliu''s Worship Token, "this token is a replica of the Worship Token from Qian Daoliu, the former Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall and the current Grand Worship of the Worship Hall. With this token, I can request the Spirit Hall to send a Titled Douluo to secretly protect the Blacksmith Association."


    "You must understand how prestigious the identity of a Titled Douluo is on the continent, and what kind of authority the Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall holds. The favor owed in this case is far greater than the Seven Treasures Token. If nothing happens, it''s fine. But if the Spirit Hall takes major action in the future, the Blacksmith Association will inevitably be dragged into it."


    "Elder Lou, choose one." With that, Chen Ming set the tokens down, leaving the decision to Lou Gao.


    Staring at the two tokens on the table, Lou Gao fell into deep thought. Finally, under Chen Ming''s gaze, Lou Gao decisively pointed to the Worship Token of the Spirit Hall.


    "I choose the Spirit Hall''s help."


    "Why?" Chen Ming asked.


    "The Seven Treasures Token, which I saw Sect Master Ning give to you, represents the support of a Soul Douluo-level offering. It reflects Sect Master Ning''s investment in you."


    "But the Worship Token of the Spirit Hall represents the entire Spirit Hall and can even summon a Titled Douluo, which is far beyond mere investment. There must be a connection and a good relationship between you and the Spirit Hall. If the Spirit Hall takes major action in the future, you likely won''t be able to remain uninvolved."


    "Given that, owing the Spirit Hall a favor is no big deal. Moreover, a Titled Douluo¡ªeven one working in secret¡ªcan accomplish far more than a few Soul Sage."


    "Smart!" Chen Ming gave Lou Gao a thumbs-up, and then put away the two tokens. He then began asking Lou Gao how he had handled the members of the Strength Clan and Tai Tan.


    In response, Lou Gao explained his decisions in detail.


    Those members of the Strength Clan who had not directly participated in the fighting were ordered to help the Blacksmith Association with metal smelting and transporting various ores. Those who had directly participated were bound with iron chains and imprisoned to prevent riots.


    As for Tai Tan, after receiving basic treatment, Lou Gao had him fed a large amount of laxatives, leaving him dehydrated and unconscious from severe diarrhea. Lou Gao planned to keep him bound in iron chains, providing only minimal sustenance to keep him alive.


    Tai Tan''s son, the middle-aged soul master who had helped Tai Tan, was released to allow the Strength Clan to prepare a ransom for Tai Tan. The blacksmiths who had followed Tai Tan were punished¡ªthose who received lighter penalties were demoted and fined, while the more severe cases were expelled from the Blacksmith Association and publicly denounced.


    These expelled blacksmiths would face difficulties in purchasing raw materials and would be barred from joining major blacksmith shops. From then on, they''d likely be reduced to working in small villages, making a modest living from basic blacksmithing.


    After explaining his handling of the situation, Lou Gao''s expression changed. He took out a piece of parchment from his soul tool and handed it to Chen Ming. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hall Master, while dealing with those people, I found this on Tai Tan. Although it''s publicly known that after Tang Hao killed Qian Xunji, the four single-attribute clans were abandoned by the Clear Sky Clan and severed ties with them, it seems that Tai Tan¡ªor rather, the Strength Clan¡ªstill has lingering connections to the Clear Sky Clan."


    "This time, Tai Tan''s attempt to steal wasn''t entirely his idea. He was also influenced by a few elders who secretly left the Clear Sky Clan to hunt soul rings."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [227]

    "Does the Strength Clan still have ties with the Clear Sky Sect?"


    Chen Ming took the piece of parchment and immediately noticed the reprimanding tone of the handwriting on it.


    The person who wrote the letter identified himself as the Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect. Some time ago, he had already reached level 90 and was just one soul ring away from becoming a Title Douluo.


    The writer scolded Tai Tan in the letter, criticizing him for being somewhat negligent toward the Clear Sky Sect recently. The Strength Clan had been slacking in helping Clear Sky Sect soul masters secretly hunt for soul rings. He then ordered Tai Tan to find a suitable fire-attribute, strength-based soul beast that was over 50,000 years old.


    At the end of the letter, the self-proclaimed Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect specifically emphasized that Tai Tan was merely Tang Hao''s servant, while he was Tang Hao''s uncle, holding a much more noble status. He warned Tai Tan not to overstep his bounds.


    Although the possibility of the letter being forged couldn''t be ruled out, after reading it, Chen Ming felt that it was likely genuine.


    After all, the original seven elders of the Clear Sky Sect had fought a bloody battle with the Spirit Hall because of Tang Hao. Two of the elders had died in the conflict, leaving only five. The sect had been secluded for ten years since then. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Knowing the original storyline, Chen Ming understood that the remaining five elders of the Clear Sky Sect felt like later additions to the narrative. Each of them was a Title Douluo, seemingly introduced to balance the power disparity between the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall.


    By doing some calculations, Chen Ming deduced that the Seventh Elder, who was the Lie Yang Douluo in the original story¡ªthe one who blamed Tang Hao for his son''s death¡ªwas likely the one who had just broken through to level 90 and obtained his ninth soul ring. The timeline seemed to match.


    In reality, a soul master''s breakthrough relies on obtaining a soul ring. Without it, even the God-level martial soul, the Seraphim, with innate level 20 soul power, wouldn''t be able to break the rules of the world.


    The Clear Sky Sect was supposedly in seclusion due to an agreement between Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen, but to believe they''d willingly give up sending their people out to hunt for soul rings and improve their strength? Even a six-year-old child who had just awakened their martial soul wouldn''t buy that.


    The Clear Sky Sect must have had many disciples secretly hunting for soul rings over the years¡ªthey were just very good at hiding it.


    Or so Chen Ming thought, though he couldn''t completely rule out the possibility that no one cared enough to investigate.


    Qian Daoliu no longer involved himself in such matters, and the Spirit Hall was now under Bibi Dong''s leadership. In Bibi Dong''s mind, she might even harbor a bit of goodwill toward Tang Hao, who had gravely injured Qian Xunji, thus giving her the opportunity for revenge.


    To put it bluntly, if Bibi Dong could openly suppress the Clear Sky Sect, it was already a facade to save face for others in the Spirit Hall who weren''t privy to the truth. Deep down, she might even want to present Tang Hao with a banner of appreciation.


    Suppressing the Clear Sky Sect was more of a superficial gesture. Qian Daoliu couldn''t care less, and Bibi Dong outright ignored it.


    Unless Clear Sky Sect soul masters blatantly summoned their martial souls in public or attacked Spirit Hall affiliates, Bibi Dong would likely turn a blind eye.


    Thus, how well the Clear Sky Sect was truly hiding remained a big question mark. Someone might have already reported their activities, but no one bothered to act on it.


    What surprised Chen Ming, however, was Tai Tan''s utter lack of backbone. Even after being abandoned by the Clear Sky Sect, he still chose to serve them as a loyal dog, secretly aiding their soul masters in hunting for soul rings.


    On second thought, it made sense. While the Clear Sky Sect had many affiliates in the past, the only notable ones were the Four Single-Attribute Clans. The minor affiliates were mostly sold out by the Clear Sky Sect during their battle with the Spirit Hall. Those who weren''t destroyed by the Spirit Hall outright would never ally with the Clear Sky Sect again.


    Among the Four Single-Attribute Clans, the one most skilled at intelligence gathering was the Speed Clan. However, the Speed Clan, being relatives of the current sect master, Bai He, seemed to have stopped caring about such matters and were now struggling just to make ends meet. If they still had any ties to the Clear Sky Sect, they wouldn''t be living such difficult lives.


    As for the Breaking Clan, which had fought on the front lines against the Spirit Hall, they suffered heavy losses due to the Clear Sky Sect abandoning them. The entire clan now bore a grudge against the Clear Sky Sect. Their leader, Yang Wudi, was particularly hostile and would never serve the Clear Sky Sect again.


    Niu Gao, while appearing simple-minded, was quite shrewd. He wouldn''t engage in thankless tasks either. The Defense Clan had been busy with construction projects in recent years, steadily rebuilding their strength. Only a fool would lower themselves to serve the Clear Sky Sect again after being betrayed.


    This left the Strength Clan as the only ones still willing to help the Clear Sky Sect, and that was solely because of Tai Tan''s leadership. As a strength-based soul master clan, they could only absorb the soul rings of Giant Strength Ants, which didn''t conflict with the Clear Sky Sect''s needs. They also had access to valuable information about strength-based soul beasts.


    Chen Ming glanced at the parchment, then stored it in his Hundred Treasures Pouch, deciding to hand it over to Qian Daoliu later to see if the Ultimate Douluo''s stance had changed after their last encounter.


    "Second Elder, Fifth Elder, and Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect¡ªthree Title Douluo."


    Chen Ming turned to Lou Gao. "Elder Lou, did you manage to gather any information from those people? When was this letter written? Has that Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect absorbed his ninth soul ring and broken through to Title Douluo?"


    "The people brought by Tai Tan are all his trusted subordinates. While they aren''t very bright, they''re surprisingly tight-lipped," Lou Gao sighed before continuing.


    "However, because they''re not very smart, my disciples managed to trick some information out of them. This letter seems to be three months old. Recently, Tai Tan locked onto the location of a 60,000-year-old strength-based soul beast, the Blazing Flame Lion Tiger.


    "About a month ago, Tai Tan gathered members of the Strength Clan and headed toward our Blacksmith Association. Judging by the timeline, it''s likely that Seventh Elder has already advanced to Title Douluo."


    "From the information pried out of Tai Tan''s clan members, these three Clear Sky Sect elders seem to be in nearby cities, probably waiting for Tai Tan''s report."


    Despite knowing there were three Title Douluo nearby, Lou Gao showed no sign of worry. Instead, he calmly shared his thoughts.


    "The city guards of Gengxin City are under my temporary command. With my connections, I can also recruit some wandering soul masters. Using Tai Tan''s actions as an excuse, everything will appear perfectly reasonable. Meanwhile, I''ll secretly report the presence of high-ranking Clear Sky Sect soul masters to the nearest Spirit Hall branches."


    "Our association has countless secret chambers, many of which were constructed by our predecessors using metalwork. They contain numerous hidden doors, passageways, and defensive mechanisms. Even Title Douluo would find it difficult to breach them."


    "As long as I remain within the association, even three Title Douluo won''t be able to touch me. Later, I''ll announce the discovery of some treasure that''s valuable but not particularly useful to soul masters. Given the Clear Sky Sect''s current state, they won''t be able to keep watching us indefinitely."


    How realistic. How effective.


    After countless battles, Chen Ming''s first thought was always how to make these people physically disappear. He hadn''t considered a strategy as subtle as this.


    Gengxin City was Lou Gao''s stronghold. If he wanted, not even a Title Douluo could capture him head-on. Clear Sky Sect soul masters were straightforward and crude. Unless they caused a major public commotion, it would be nearly impossible to locate Lou Gao amidst the secret chambers and mechanisms.


    If someone swung the Clear Sky Hammer, sure, the noise would be heard throughout the entire city, perhaps even the Blacksmith Association. But anyone with an IQ over 30 wouldn''t resort to brute force.


    Lou Gao only needed to inform the Spirit Hall and buy time. As long as the Clear Sky Sect elders valued their lives and didn''t want the sect to engage in an all-out war with the Spirit Hall, they''d eventually retreat in defeat.


    Of course, this all hinged on their inability to reveal their identities publicly.


    If this were ten years ago, forget three Title Douluo lurking in nearby cities. Even three Clear Sky Sect Soul Douluo could have stormed into the Blacksmith Association with their Clear Sky Hammers, forcing Lou Gao to hand over the so-called treasure.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [228]

    Although these words are said, being constantly watched is simply not a solution.


    Right now, the enemy is in the shadows, while I am hiding even deeper. As a Poison Soul Master who theoretically should be able to easily defeat stronger enemies during an ambush, Chen Ming couldn''t help but ponder whether he could deal with the elders of the Clear Sky Clan.


    In Chen Ming''s gaze, Ah Yin''s expression became highly conflicted at this moment. She clutched her chest but didn''t say a word.


    Although it was true that Tang Hao had indeed betrayed Ah Yin, in Ah Yin''s heart, Tang Xiao was still a qualified elder brother. He treated her genuinely well and had even chosen to step aside for her and Tang Hao.


    Rationally, Ah Yin knew that she shouldn''t involve herself in the affairs of the Clear Sky Clan. Emotionally, however, she still hesitated.


    Seeing this, Chen Ming gently patted his right leg, and the mental illusion disappeared just like that. Ah Yin returned to the soul bone, unable to perceive the outside world.


    Chen Ming''s actions allowed Ah Yin to breathe a sigh of relief. She stopped dwelling on her worries and instead focused on sensing Chen Ming''s life force and spiritual power, slowly recovering her essence. At the same time, she was subtly enhancing Chen Ming''s soul power and vitality at a very slow rate.


    Strictly speaking, after Ah Yin had taken residence, the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone, which was originally a lifeless object, had regained some vitality. Ah Yin''s recovery could also enhance the age and quality of this soul bone to some extent, thereby improving Chen Ming''s basic attributes.


    "Elder Lou, take me to Tai Tan. I think I have a way to make him talk."


    "Tai Tan is stubborn, rigid, and hot-tempered. Forcing him through physical means might not work. Does the Hall Master know any Spiritual Soul Masters? With their help, we should be able to pry Tai Tan''s mouth open."


    Lou Gao hesitated before offering his suggestion.


    The lack of innovation among the Douluo people is evident in all aspects. Not only are their culture and technology backward, but even their interrogation methods are crude. When dealing with high-level Soul Masters with inhuman mental and spiritual fortitude, these methods are often ineffective.


    According to the norms of the Douluo Continent, Lou Gao''s suggestion was logical. But in Chen Ming''s eyes, even without resorting to spiritual means, he had a hundred ways to get Tai Tan to obediently reveal what he wanted to know.


    Chen Ming called Lou Gao over and whispered a few words into his ear. After hearing Chen Ming''s plan to create certain tools, Lou Gao''s expression changed drastically. For the first time, he realized that there were such methods in the world.


    To be honest, even without using those interrogation tools, Chen Ming could rely on his deadly poisons to make Tai Tan confess. But as he said, he wouldn''t always be at the Blacksmith Association. It was necessary for the association, especially Lou Gao, to have some means to handle such situations on their own.


    ...


    A day later, Chen Ming and Lou Gao appeared in the cell where Tai Tan was being held.


    In the dungeon, hidden from all outsiders, Tai Tan hung like a roasted duck, suspended by iron chains and hooks. The disciple of Lou Gao responsible for restraining Tai Tan had mercilessly pierced his scapula with iron hooks and chains.


    These massive chains and hooks were enough to kill an ordinary person. However, with the work of a Healing Soul Master and Tai Tan''s immense physical resilience, his flesh had already healed around the chains and hooks, embedding them deeply into his body.


    Even a slight movement of Tai Tan''s head would cause the chains embedded in his bones and flesh to tremble, resulting in excruciating pain. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Over the past two days, Tai Tan had first been severely injured by Chen Ming, with his body corroded by a lethal poison. Then, he was fed laxatives. As the saying goes, even the strongest warrior cannot endure three bouts of diarrhea. While it may sound disgraceful, it was undeniably effective. For a Soul Master''s body, dehydration was still a significant issue.


    Despite only two days of deprivation from food and water, Tai Tan''s body appeared visibly emaciated. His face was full of exhaustion. Even with the vitality and soul power of a Soul Douluo, he was now on the verge of collapse.


    When Tai Tan saw Chen Ming and Lou Gao enter, he could only open his mouth weakly, unable to utter a sound.


    Looking at Tai Tan, who seemed close to death, Chen Ming fell silent. Although he had mentally prepared himself to use the cruel tools he had seen in his past life, he hesitated now. He was worried that if he went too far, he might accidentally kill Tai Tan.


    After a moment''s thought, Chen Ming brought his index and middle fingers together, quickly tapping several points on Tai Tan''s body. Then, with a slight pulse of soul power at his fingertips, he injected a trace of a special poison into Tai Tan''s body. In an instant, Tai Tan''s pale face turned red. Although his body remained weak, his spirit was forcibly revitalized.


    Chen Ming used a special method to significantly stimulate Tai Tan''s adrenaline production, forcibly improving his state. However, to ensure that Tai Tan wouldn''t stubbornly refuse to speak under the influence of adrenaline, Chen Ming added another poison to slightly disturb Tai Tan''s mental and physical state.


    In simple terms, this heightened Tai Tan''s perception of pain. Combined with the poison still lingering in his body, Tai Tan would experience pain akin to being slashed by a thousand knives.


    "Spit it out! What exactly are you two planning? Kill me if you want, but don''t harm my clan!" Tai Tan roared angrily. Although he had regained some strength, his voice was hoarse and filled with defiance.


    Despite his rage, Tai Tan didn''t dare act recklessly. He had already witnessed Chen Ming''s overwhelming power and knew his clan members were under Chen Ming''s control. As a result, Tai Tan restrained himself from cursing or spitting, though his voice was loud.


    "Tell me, who sent you to cause trouble at the Blacksmith Association? If you don''t speak, we''ll ask your clan members instead."


    "My clan? They know nothing!" Tai Tan''s emotions flared. The chains rattled loudly as his abrupt movements tore open the flesh that had grown around the hooks and chains. Blood flowed freely from the wounds, dripping down his body.


    "If they can''t tell us anything, it just means they''re stubborn. Stubbornness means non-cooperation. Non-cooperation means death. Then we''ll move on to the next. I don''t believe your secrets can stay hidden from your entire clan. One by one, we''ll interrogate them. Someone will talk."


    "You''re not interrogating! You''re slaughtering!" Hearing these words, Tai Tan''s face turned red with fury, and he panted like an enraged bull. His entire body trembled with agitation.


    "So what if I am? On the Douluo Continent, the strong prey on the weak. Since you broke the rules and acted against us first, losing to me means I have every right to kill your entire clan."


    "If you don''t talk, forget your children and grandchildren. Anyone within three generations of your clan, whether they possess soul power or not, will not be spared. Whether they''re in Heaven Dou or Star Luo, I''ll make sure none of them survive."


    "While I can''t guarantee there will never be another soul master with the Giant Ape Martial Soul, I can easily ensure your clan''s bloodline is wiped out. I''m sure your enemies on the continent wouldn''t mind helping me finish the job."


    "After all, you''ve already lost almost all your clan''s top combat power here."


    With that, Chen Ming waved his hand and summoned several strange-looking objects from his storage soul tool.


    Among these items, Tai Tan recognized some as cruel torture devices at first glance, given his expertise as a divine craftsman. Others, such as steel wool and small knives, were unfamiliar to him. However, he didn''t need to understand them to know they were likely tools of torment.


    Chen Ming pointed to traditional devices like the tiger bench and iron maiden, casually explaining their functions.


    Chen Ming had expected Tai Tan to be resilient as a high-level Soul Master. However, after just a few explanations, Tai Tan closed his eyes, biting his lips so hard they nearly bled.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [229]

    Tai Tan''s face was deathly pale, as though he had been a corpse for several days. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with terror as he looked at Chen Ming. His feeble mind couldn''t comprehend why someone in the world could be so malicious, capable of devising so many cruel and torturous methods.


    Tai Tan was fiercely protective of his own, the kind who would call in the elders if the younger ones were attacked. To him, his kin¡ªespecially his son and grandson¡ªwere second in importance only to his loyalty to Tang Hao. As he aged, his love for his only descendant had grown into outright indulgence.


    Tai Tan did not doubt that Chen Ming would show no mercy. After all, Tai Tan himself had committed his fair share of massacres. Now that the tables had turned, he didn''t doubt for a moment that this familiar-looking demon would grind his entire clan into dust.


    No.


    Grinding them into dust would be merciful. What truly terrified Tai Tan was the thought that this devil might string up his clansmen one by one, slice them into pieces before his very eyes, and then force him to eat the flesh.


    Suspended like a roast duck in a furnace, Tai Tan clenched his teeth, bloodshot eyes darting between Chen Ming and Lou Gao. Finally, he bowed his head in defeat and sighed.


    The excitement Tai Tan had briefly worked himself up to was snuffed out in an instant. His face turned pale once more, and he appeared fragile and broken.


    "Ask what you want. I dare not lie. Just¡­ if you must act, give me a quick death," he said helplessly.


    "I want to know where the three elders of the Clear Sky Clan are," Chen Ming replied.


    "You?! How do you know about that? This is something that even within my Strength Clan, only a few are aware of!" Tai Tan''s head shot up in disbelief.


    "Oh, isn''t it because you left the correspondence with the Clear Sky Clan elders in your storage soul tool?" Chen Ming said, glancing at Lou Gao, who looked equally surprised.


    As the two wondered if this was part of someone''s scheme, Tai Tan lowered his head again, his voice shrinking in acknowledgment.


    "True. I did keep the letters in my storage soul tool, locked with a mechanism box to prevent others from seeing them. But in my current state, my storage soul tool has already fallen into your hands, so it''s understandable that you found them. The mechanism box wouldn''t have stopped a divine craftsman from breaking it open."


    "I can tell you what you want to know, but you must swear to let the rest of my clan go. Kill me, torture me¡ªI won''t resist. I lost because I was not skilled enough. But you cannot harm the others in my Strength Clan," Tai Tan said firmly.


    Had Tang Hao still been with the Clear Sky Clan, or if this matter had involved Tang Hao, Tai Tan might have gritted his teeth and taken the secret to his grave, even if it meant seeing his entire family slaughtered.


    But the problem was, this had nothing to do with Tang Hao anymore.


    The Clear Sky Clan elders had coerced him into working for them, claiming it was a way to atone for Tang Hao''s sins. Even though they had abandoned him once before, Tai Tan had reluctantly agreed to help.


    Tai Tan''s relationship with those three elders was terrible at best. He had nearly come to blows with them several times because of their disrespect toward Tang Hao. This time, their violent orders to pressure the Blacksmith Association had been entirely at the elders'' behest.


    If not for their pressure, Tai Tan felt he would never have ended up in such a miserable state.


    Now that someone was forcing him to reveal their secrets, he figured, why not? They were just his master''s relatives, not his master himself.


    Under Chen Ming''s relentless interrogation, Tai Tan confessed everything about his recent interactions with the Clear Sky Clan elders. Using interrogation techniques he had learned in his previous life, Chen Ming repeatedly confirmed Tai Tan''s information. By the time Tai Tan was on the verge of death but too afraid to die, Chen Ming finally stopped and turned to Lou Gao, who had been diligently recording the interrogation in a notebook, to verify the information.


    Just when Tai Tan thought the questioning was over, he saw Chen Ming approach him, place a hand on his head, and unleash a wave of mental force. The excruciating pain caused blood to pour from Tai Tan''s seven orifices, and he fell unconscious from the agony.


    "Hmm, the information checks out," Chen Ming remarked calmly, sensing Tai Tan''s emotional fluctuations.


    While he possessed a soul-bound ability, Chen Ming had only developed it over a few years without formal training. The current Douluo Continent was not like the later era when the Angel Clan was nearly wiped out. Evil Soul Masters who practiced soul-searching and ghost-refining techniques had no place in this world, and mental research was highly conservative and underdeveloped. Spiritual-type Soul Masters relied on their soul skills to perform tasks like mind-reading or illusions.


    Chen Ming had primarily studied poisons and medicines over the years, with no access to techniques for soul-searching or memory extraction. His approach had been crude, forcibly delving into Tai Tan''s mind to extract a few days'' worth of fragmented memories. The questioning was a secondary method, not the main one.


    After probing Tai Tan''s thoughts, Chen Ming confirmed that most of what he said was true. However, Tai Tan had concealed the soul power levels of the Clear Sky Clan elders, downgrading the second elder from level 93 to level 91.


    Don''t be fooled by the seemingly small difference; in reality, this could translate to a 30% disparity in combat power. Tai Tan''s deception was deliberate, hoping the Clear Sky Clan elders might turn the tables on Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming was displeased by Tai Tan''s dishonesty. He retrieved a small vial from his storage soul tool, handed it to Lou Gao, and whispered something in his ear.


    The vial didn''t contain poison¡ªit held a potent aphrodisiac. The concoction wasn''t meant for Tai Tan but for the other members of the Strength Clan.


    Don''t ask why Chen Ming carried such things or how the process would unfold. Just understand: it was self-explanatory.


    A restrained Tai Tan, suspended like a roasted duck, and four hulking men¡ªthis combination was¡­ classic.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s plan, Lou Gao visibly shuddered. He hadn''t imagined such a horrifying form of ultimate humiliation could exist. Yet Chen Ming noticed that instead of wavering in his loyalty, Lou Gao''s faith in him grew even stronger.


    Sensing this shift, Chen Ming sighed inwardly. He finally understood why institutions like churches from his previous life paired their teachings with threats against non-believers and heretics. They relentlessly hunted down apostates because sometimes, divine mercy had to be paired with divine wrath.


    Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [230]

    After a simple preparation of the special tools he would need, Chen Ming donned his night attire and quietly set out under the cover of darkness toward the city where the three elders of the Clear Sky Sect resided. During this time, Xiao Yin, who had been refined and enhanced, proved immensely useful. As Chen Ming tucked the skull bone of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, which he had obtained nearly two and a half years ago, into his belt, Xiao Yin acted like a key, activating the hidden soul skill within the skull bone.


    Although Xiao Yin could only unleash about 30-40% of the skill''s potential due to technical limitations, it was enough to effectively conceal Chen Ming''s aura and make his presence appear somewhat hazy.


    Using the flight ability granted by his Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone and the cover of night, Chen Ming glided through the air like a ghost. Without anyone noticing, he silently infiltrated the city and lay in wait inside the courtyard where the three elders of the Clear Sky Sect resided.


    The courtyard, though a temporary resting place for the elders, was quite spacious, suggesting it had once belonged to a noble or wealthy merchant. Because the city was not particularly prosperous, the surrounding area was unusually quiet and deserted, with no nearby residents. This minimized the risk of involving innocent bystanders in Chen Ming''s plans.


    Hiding in a corner of the courtyard, Chen Ming held his breath and focused his spiritual power to sense the situation. He detected three powerful life forces in the same building. Two of them were relatively subdued, likely in sleep or meditation, while the third was highly alert and brimming with fiery energy.


    This fiery aura was intense and unyielding, and even the faintest trace of it was enough to impress. Yet, within this heat, Chen Ming detected a lingering resentment and ominous energy.


    The resentment had been fused with the fiery aura for a long time, becoming almost inseparable. Based on the fiery nature of the aura, such resentment should have been burned away long ago in the course of daily cultivation. However, it seemed that the source of this resentment was unique, allowing it to persist and embed itself deep within the fiery energy.


    "This peculiar feeling¡­ could it be that the owner of this aura cruelly devoured their blood relative?" Chen Ming squinted his eyes, committing the information to memory. Then, taking advantage of the fact that the aura''s owner had not detected his probing, he quietly released poison into the air.


    The poison, which Chen Ming had carefully prepared, was non-corrosive, non-destructive, colorless, and odorless. Once it entered the body, it would settle there without causing immediate harm. Even for ordinary people, it was far from lethal. Back in Chen Ming''s hometown of Biluochen City, the fragrance of roadside wildflowers posed a greater threat than this poison.


    However, this seemingly harmless toxin had two unique properties: it was extremely covert and exceedingly difficult to remove.


    Once the poison entered the body, even a Title Douluo would struggle to detect it. Once it settled, it could remain in the body for years without being metabolized.


    For two hours, Chen Ming steadily released the poison, filling the room where the three elders were oblivious to their predicament. As his soul power continued to pour out, Ah Yin, who had been in a semi-dormant state within Chen Ming, became intrigued by the strange activity. With Chen Ming''s permission, Ah Yin emerged into his field of view.


    Seeing the scene before her, Ah Yin was puzzled, unsure of what Chen Ming was up to. When she voiced her confusion, Chen Ming did not hide his intentions and directly explained that he was poisoning the three elders of the Clear Sect.


    Hearing this, Ah Yin instinctively wanted to return to her slumber, but under Chen Ming''s control, she was unable to do so and was forced to continue watching the events unfold.


    As dawn began to break, the fiery aura that had remained vigilant all night finally showed signs of waning. At this moment, Chen Ming, who had been lying in wait for most of the night, made his move.


    Using Xiao Yin''s concealment skill, Chen Ming swiftly approached the building. From his storage pouch, he retrieved the Snow Swan Kiss. Instantly, the potency of the poison multiplied several dozen times and continued to expand. Chen Ming no longer suppressed his soul power and began activating the poison, which was originally mild and non-lethal.


    "Who''s there?!"


    Xiao Yin''s concealment ability, while effective, was not perfect. Within seconds of Chen Ming releasing his soul power, the three individuals inside the building were jolted awake. However, before they could unleash their martial souls or break through the room, the temperature of the entire courtyard plummeted to below freezing.


    Chen Ming had transformed the colorless poison into an extremely cold poison. While it lacked the refined quality of his left hand''s abilities, it compensated with overwhelming quantity.


    The building was instantly encased in ice, and the three figures, who had just leaped up using their soul power, crashed back to the ground. Most of their soul power was frozen, leaving them unable to move.


    Chen Ming''s poison techniques now far surpassed those of Dugu Bo. Not only had he poisoned the elders in advance, but he had also amplified the effect with the Snow Swan Kiss. These three elders, who weren''t even Super Douluo, stood no chance. Even if the Worships of the Spirit Hall were present, Chen Ming could likely freeze at least four out of seven in one breath.


    Of course, in the next moment, a half-god like Qian Daoliu would likely step in and use his Seraphim martial soul to counteract the cold poison.


    Chen Ming pushed open the door and looked at the three figures on the ground, whose bodies were frozen from the inside out, transformed into ice sculptures. A kind smile appeared on his face.


    Gathering soul power at his fingertips, Chen Ming injected a special type of soul power, enhanced with his modifications, into the dantian of the three elders. Although their soul power circulation had been nearly halted by the cold poison, Chen Ming''s soul power, being of the same origin as the cold poison, was unaffected.


    In a short time, Chen Ming''s soul power spread throughout their bodies, marking their soul power and life force with his unique imprint.


    Chen Ming then withdrew the poison slightly, allowing the frost encasing their heads to melt. Under his deliberate control, the three elders regained consciousness in less than a minute. Within seconds, they realized what had happened.


    "You scoundrel! How dare you!"


    "Little thief!"


    "Where did this insolent madman come from?!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite their predicament, the three elders of the Clear Sky Sect displayed unyielding arrogance, their first words filled with defiance rather than submission.


    Watching this scene, even Ah Yin was momentarily taken aback by their tone, thinking they must have some hidden means of escape.


    But then, as she looked at the three elders frozen solid within their icy prison, unable to move a muscle no matter how furious they were, Ah Yin realized they had no such means at all.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [231]

    "Stop wasting your energy. Three ordinary Titled Douluos like you could never undo the cold poison, even if you lived to your dying breath."


    Chen Ming squatted down, looking mockingly at the three elders of the Clear Sky Sect, his eyes filled with cold disdain.


    "I trust that as seasoned veterans of the Soul Master world, all of you are quite aware of your current position, aren''t you?"


    "Hmph, scoundrel!" Even though the three of them had lost their ability to fight after being tricked, the second elder of the Clear Sky Sect still looked defiant.


    "Do what you will¡ªkill me, chop me to pieces¡ªit doesn''t matter! There are no cowards among the men of the Clear Sky Sect!"


    "Oh? And what about Tang Hao? That man who angered his father to death and caused your sect to seal itself away?" Chen Ming casually asked, and in an instant, all three elders were stunned. The seventh elder, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for Tang Hao, nearly bulged his eyes out of his head.


    "That bastard!"


    "Don''t you dare mention that wretched beast!"


    "That disgrace is the shame of the Clear Sky Sect! He was exiled from the sect long ago! If I ever see him again, I''ll tear his flesh from his bones to avenge my son!"


    Listening to the seventh elder''s rage-filled words, Chen Ming blinked, recalling what he had sensed earlier when he poisoned them. He then activated the Sinful Judgement ability from the soul bone in his head.


    With this special ability, Chen Ming shared his perspective with Ah Yin, allowing her to see what he was seeing. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From Chen Ming''s current perspective, the three elders, frozen in ice, were cloaked in black energy, their bodies completely enveloped by the power of sin. Among the three, the second elder bore the heaviest burden of sin, but the seventh elder''s aura was far more sinister.


    With a surge of spiritual power, Chen Ming saw the deepest sin buried within the seventh elder.


    In a mountain cave, the seventh elder lay on the ground, covered in blood, alongside a younger Soul Master. The younger Soul Master, despite being injured, tended to the seventh elder, allowing him to recover his soul power first. However, as the seventh elder regained his strength, he looked at the young Soul Master with a conflicted expression.


    Although Chen Ming didn''t recognize the young Soul Master, he could sense that this person was likely the seventh elder''s son.


    Under Chen Ming and Ah Yin''s increasingly disturbed gazes, the memory unfolded further. In the cave, the young seventh elder summoned his Clear Sky Hammer martial soul, his soul power barely reaching the Soul Douluo level. From his storage spirit tool, he retrieved a blood-stained, crimson skull.


    The moment the young Soul Master saw the skull, his face filled with terror and shock. Helpless, he dragged himself backward, begging the seventh elder through tears.


    The younger seventh elder''s face twisted with inner turmoil, but in the end, his gaze turned cruel. He pinned his son to the ground and shattered his limbs with the Clear Sky Hammer. Finally, he drew a dagger and plunged it into his son''s heart.


    As blood poured from the young Soul Master''s chest, the seventh elder whispered blasphemous incantations over the crimson skull. With his son''s lifeless, disbelieving eyes staring back at him, the blood and life force drained from the mortal wound was absorbed by the skull, converting into malevolent energy that surged into the seventh elder''s body. Using the power gained from sacrificing his son, the seventh elder''s injuries healed, and his soul power advanced by two or three levels beyond his original Soul Douluo rank. He then smashed his son''s drained corpse to pieces with his hammer and fled back to the Clear Sky Sect in disgrace.


    What the seventh elder didn''t realize was that the crimson skull had absorbed more than just his son''s life force¡ªit had also permanently imprisoned a fragment of his son''s soul within the Clear Sky Hammer.


    From that day forward, the seventh elder was haunted daily by his son''s vengeful spirit, tormented every night by the memory of taking his only child''s life with his own hands.


    As Ah Yin witnessed this scene, the faint hope she still held for the Clear Sky Sect because of Tang Xiao completely crumbled. As a mother who had been forced to part with her child from the moment of his birth, Ah Yin''s gaze toward the seventh elder turned utterly cold, as if she were staring at filth.


    But it wasn''t over yet. As Chen Ming''s Sinful Gaze continued to activate, more of the three elders'' heinous deeds surfaced before him and Ah Yin.


    They had killed entire families over trivial arguments, destroyed a tavern and its surrounding town because a drunkard had claimed Qian Daoliu was stronger than Tang Chen, and turned people into pulp over minor disputes. They crippled rivals and fed them to soul beasts during hunts. They raped and murdered female Soul Masters in front of their companions for rejecting them. They killed their teammates during hunts for soul bones. They massacred an entire town over a single soul bone. They killed a girl in front of her parents because they found the food she served unpalatable. They dragged a beggar child into the forest to feed him to a soul beast simply because they found him unsightly.


    At first, Chen Ming''s expression remained calm. But as one atrocity after another unfolded¡ªsome so vile they defied imagination¡ªhis composure finally broke.


    Under Ah Yin''s pleading gaze, Chen Ming''s eyes flashed with a blood-red light as he activated the second stage of Sinful Judgement. The black aura of sin surrounding the three elders transformed into a curse, imbued with the power to affect reality itself.


    The curse, born of resentment and sin, surged into the three elders'' minds. Their past misdeeds rose to the surface, forcing them to confront the weight of their sins. Under the curse''s power, their bodies withered and weakened, their soul power dissipated, and their souls felt as if they were being dragged into an endless abyss where they would suffer for their crimes.


    The curse targeted their souls. Unless an expert with soul-related abilities or a deity intervened, there was no way to resist it.


    Even though the three were Titled Douluos with immense vitality, the sheer weight of their accumulated sins far exceeded what their strength could endure.


    If Chen Ming hadn''t deliberately controlled the curse to prolong their suffering rather than killing them outright, the three elders, with their soul power sealed, would have instantly died under the burden of their sins.


    At this moment, the once-proud elders of the Clear Sky Sect howled in agony, their faces twisted with madness. Blood dripped from their eyes, noses, and mouths.


    Before they could die, however, Chen Ming summoned his Dark Gold Terror Claw and effortlessly severed their limbs, extracting the soul bones from their bodies. The three elders yielded seven soul bones in total: four of ten-thousand-year quality and three of thousand-year quality.


    The second elder alone contributed two ten-thousand-year soul bones and one thousand-year soul bone.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [232]

    Chen Ming took away several people''s soul tools, froze the dismembered individuals again, and left only their heads to endure the pain.


    Chen Ming searched through their soul tools and found a thousand-year soul bone in one of them. From what Chen Ming had observed earlier, this was a recent acquisition by the three elders during their soul-hunting activities. It came from a family that once belonged to the Clear Sky Sect but had not fought wholeheartedly during the battle against the Spirit Hall. The family had been completely slaughtered by the three elders during their hunt.


    Except for this soul bone, the rest of the items were mostly cultivation medicines and spare clothing. However, in what appeared to be a medicine box, Chen Ming found a small lead container hidden inside.


    Curious, Chen Ming opened it and discovered that it contained the blood skull of the Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, who had once sacrificed himself. This skull was filled with curses from countless resentful souls and the unwillingness of the deceased at the moment of their death.


    Activating his spiritual vision, Chen Ming began to see the history of this blood skull.


    The skull originally belonged to an evil Spirit Master who had been Titled Douluo over 500 years ago. This Titled Douluo''s martial soul was his bones, and his innate talent had granted him full innate soul power at birth. However, lacking certain opportunities, he was stuck at level 89 and could not break through to become a Titled Douluo.


    Near death from old age, he stumbled upon an evil method in an underground black market that allowed him to increase his soul power by sacrificing his blood relatives. In his youth, he had scoffed at such practices, but the fear of death had consumed him. His once-strong will and convictions had long since eroded during years of comfort.


    Thus, without hesitation, this Soul Douluo sacrificed over a hundred of his blood relatives, forcing his breakthrough to become a Titled Douluo. His original bone martial soul was corrupted by the resentment of his blood relatives, transforming into an evil martial soul known as the Blood Bone.


    To escape the Spirit Hall''s pursuit, this evil Titled Douluo hunted his ninth soul ring and fled to a remote corner of the continent. He changed his identity, remarried, and had children. Over the next 30 years, he married over 20 wives and fathered hundreds of direct descendants. Then, he sacrificed them all again.


    This cycle of marrying, fathering children, and sacrificing them continued for over a hundred years. Eventually, he was gravely injured by a Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall and had to go into hiding. Even in seclusion, he continued to father children, producing over a dozen offspring every 20 years. The youngest of these children inherited his mutated blood bone martial soul.


    The evil Soul Master abandoned his cultivation and poured all his efforts into teaching his youngest child. However, what he did not realize was that his son had secretly discovered his diary and the improved sacrificial method.


    When the evil Soul Master grew too old to wield his full power, his son, who had already reached the level of Soul Sage, betrayed him. Taking advantage of his father''s love and trust, the son ambushed him and sacrificed him using the same evil method his father had once employed.


    That blood skull was the former evil Soul Master''s skull. His lifetime of cultivation and martial soul were sealed within it, making it a cursed, malevolent artifact.


    Later, this son of the Titled Douluo followed in his father''s footsteps¡ªhaving children and sacrificing them. In the end, he too was killed by his own youngest son. Before this third generation could carry on the family''s twisted traditions, he encountered Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen, who were traveling together at the time.


    Qian Daoliu initially wanted to purify the cursed item, but Tang Chen refused, deeming it a rare artifact and storing it in the treasure vault of the Clear Sky Sect. However, after the Clear Sky Sect encountered internal strife, the elders began to use the blood skull for their purposes, initiating a new round of sacrifices.


    Among the five surviving elders of the Clear Sky Sect, each had used the blood skull at least once. Sometimes they sacrificed the corpses of relatives, and at other times, they directly sacrificed living clan members they deemed unimportant. Even Soul Masters from the four single-attribute clans, who had blood ties to the Clear Sky Sect and were fighting on their behalf, were not spared from these sacrifices.


    While the four single-attribute clans fought to the death for the Clear Sky Sect, many of their Soul Masters with blood ties to the sect were ambushed and sacrificed without hesitation.


    Chen Ming shuddered, placed the blood skull back into the lead container, wrapped it in several layers, and buried it deep within his storage soul tool.


    "How utterly sinister."


    Standing nearby, Ah Yin, who did not know the full story of the blood skull, still nodded in agreement. With a worried expression, she advised Chen Ming:


    "My lord, this thing is undoubtedly an evil and cursed object. Keeping it will bring no benefit. It''s better to destroy it quickly." To persuade him, Ah Yin even addressed Chen Ming as My Lord.


    Hearing her words, Chen Ming smiled and nodded.


    "I am the God of Sin. Why would I fear such an object?"


    "Besides, if I were to truly walk the path of evil, with my divine status, I could simply unleash plagues across the continent indiscriminately. That would allow me to level up far faster than through sacrifices. As long as I kill enough people, instill fear in others, and commit enough atrocities, I can ascend to godhood directly."


    "You don''t need to worry about me being corrupted by this thing. After all, it not only targets one''s own family but is also ridiculously inefficient. It''s simply not worth it."


    Hearing this, Ah Yin grew even more anxious. She wanted to convince Chen Ming to calm down and not resort to such extreme ideas. After all, there were still beautiful things in this world. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unbeknownst to Ah Yin, Chen Ming silently added in his heart:


    "Moreover, I can use this object in the future to set a trap for Tang San. I''d like to see if the noble and righteous Tang San, the God-King of the Divine Realm, would sacrifice the entire Clear Sky Sect. Would he become another Fang Yuan?"


    As a pawn of the Asura God, Tang San was destined to become a god. But how, when, and in what form he ascended were all variables Chen Ming intended to manipulate.


    Chen Ming wanted Tang San to become a failure¡ªa puppet god under his control, a being he could suppress at will.


    If the Asura God were to pass down his divine position, Chen Ming planned to use Tang San to shatter the Asura God''s divine seat and absorb it as fuel for his self-created divine position.


    After dismissing Ah Yin, Chen Ming froze the three elders into ice statues again and stored them in the soul tool originally prepared for Ah Yin. He then melted the surrounding ice and used his concealment technique to fly toward the Blacksmith Association.


    It didn''t take long for Chen Ming to return to the Blacksmith Association. He summoned Lou Gao to a secret room.


    As Lou Gao looked on in confusion, Chen Ming retrieved the three frozen elders from his storage soul tool and presented the soul bones he had obtained.


    "This is what happened."


    Chen Ming briefly recounted how he had ambushed and dealt with the three elders of the Clear Sky Sect. Hearing how easily Chen Ming had dispatched three Titled Douluo, Lou Gao couldn''t help but applaud and shower him with praise.


    After letting Lou Gao calm down, Chen Ming took out four ten-thousand-year soul bones he had obtained from the elders.


    These four soul bones were all strength-oriented and matched perfectly as a set of limbs. From any perspective, they were ideal for Lou Gao.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [233]

    These four power-type soul bones are: a 20,000-year-old Titan Great Ape right arm bone, a 16,000-year-old Armored Rhinoceros left arm bone, a 15,000-year-old Frenzied Mammoth left leg bone, and a 20,000-year-old Earth Violent Bear right leg bone.


    At first glance, their age is only around one or two decades of millennia, but when Chen Ming mentioned the age of these soul bones and expressed his intention for Lou Gao to absorb them, Lou Gao was so moved that he burst into tears.


    In today''s Douluo Continent, divine craftsmen are not particularly noble figures. Even with his status, even if he spent a lifetime forging, Lou Gao might only barely afford a single mediocre ten-thousand-year soul bone, assuming it was suitable for him, and even then, there would always be the risk of being killed and robbed for it.


    For a Soul Sage like him, absorbing even a thousand-year power-type soul bone would be an incredible treasure.


    Chen Ming may have considered these soul bones average in quality, but their combined value was enough to purchase most of the Blacksmith Association¡ªincluding all its accumulated wealth since its founding.


    Lou Gao thanked Chen Ming repeatedly, and with Chen Ming''s help, he absorbed the four soul bones.


    A year ago, Lou Gao''s cultivation level was at the 74th rank Soul Sage level. His foundation was somewhat unstable, and due to his advanced age, he had essentially lost all hope of making further progress. However, upon returning to the Blacksmith Association, Lou Gao broke through to the Soul Refining level, which gave him a mental breakthrough and allowed him to advance from the 74th to the 75th level. Later, during an epiphany, he almost exhausted himself to death. Thankfully, Chen Ming used his life force to heal Lou Gao''s internal injuries and restore his vitality. After surviving this life-and-death ordeal, Lou Gao''s cultivation advanced to the 76th level.


    Although these four soul bones had been absorbed multiple times before and were thus old and less effective than fresh soul bones, they still provided a noticeable boost to Lou Gao, who was a Soul Sage. The residual power of the ten-thousand-year-old soul bones was still significant.


    Each of the four soul bones increased Lou Gao''s soul power by slightly more than one rank. By the time he absorbed the third soul bone, Lou Gao''s soul power had already reached the 80th level. When all four soul bones were fully absorbed, Lou Gao felt that his physical condition and overall state had reached an unprecedented peak.


    Originally appearing as a man in his seventies, Lou Gao now looked as if he had regained twenty years of youth under the influence of the soul bones'' soul power and life force, returning to his prime.


    Lou Gao took out a smooth metal plate to use as a mirror. Looking at his long-lost youthful appearance, he was filled with a fiery emotion he had never felt before.


    Disregarding Chen Ming''s dislike for formalities, Lou Gao immediately knelt, preparing to bow deeply to Chen Ming. But before his head could touch the ground, Chen Ming gently lifted him with a soft burst of spirit energy.


    Feeling the continuous flow of faith energy coming from Lou Gao, Chen Ming was secretly pleased but maintained a stern expression as he scolded:


    "Elder Lou, what are you doing? I gave you these soul bones to help you improve your strength, so you can continue to create breakthroughs in forging. If you''re going to waste energy bowing to me, aren''t you going against my intentions?"


    "I''m not someone who cares for superficial formalities or grand gestures. If you keep this up, I won''t help you forge anything in the future."


    "Hall Master..." Lou Gao, with tears streaming down his face, grasped Chen Ming''s arm. "Hall Master, your life-saving grace is something I, Lou Gao, will remember for life. I will dedicate myself to the goals of our Hall of Soul, even if it means shattering my body into pieces!"


    Being inarticulate with words and unable to express his gratitude fully, Lou Gao could only repeat these few words while crying. Eventually, with Chen Ming''s persuasion, he calmed down.


    Chen Ming then collected the three frozen human popsicles from the ground and led Lou Gao to choose his eighth soul ring from a soul beast compendium.


    Chen Ming had his reasons for improving Lou Gao''s strength. Lou Gao''s mental state had already reached the level of a Super Douluo. Even though his natural talent was not high, as long as he avoided accidentally depleting his life force or being killed, he could eventually become a Title Douluo through sheer perseverance.


    Heavenly Refinement would attract lightning tribulations. Though not as fierce as those faced by soul beasts, without the strength of a Title Douluo or a top-tier Soul Douluo, it would be impossible to endure. If the tribulation couldn''t be withstood, not only would the equipment be destroyed, but the blacksmith would also be struck dead.


    Chen Ming did not want to hear about Lou Gao depleting his life force during an epiphany or being struck dead by lightning during Heavenly Refinement.


    Skilled professionals must never be lost¡ªthis was a lesson learned from a bitter experience. Compared to Heavenly Refinement and Battle Armors, a few soul bones were insignificant.


    Strengthening Lou Gao''s combat abilities was essential to ensure that this master craftsman would not die for some absurd reason on his path to becoming a true divine craftsman.


    Lou Gao flipped through the spirit beast compendium, carefully considering his options.


    Though he was a power-type soul master, he was not particularly skilled in combat. For his eighth spirit skill, Lou Gao wanted an amplification ability or a defensive skill.


    The former would enhance his forging capabilities and combat strength, while the latter would ensure his survival.


    However, his martial soul was the Sacred Molding Pen, which was not adept at amplification or defense. Therefore, he remained uncertain about his choice.


    After a while, Lou Gao closed the compendium and shared his thoughts with Chen Ming.


    "Dark Gold Bear, Iron Wall Rhinoceros, Diamond Mammoth, Earth Sloth¡ªyou''re leaning toward functional options? Alright, then let''s head to the Star Dou Forest. I also need to deliver these three individuals to Grand Worship Qian Daoliu."


    "If the Clear Sky Sect has chosen to seal itself away, they should stay hidden. But if they insist on causing trouble, they shouldn''t blame us for retaliating."


    Chen Ming muttered softly and shared his opinions with Lou Gao. After a brief discussion, Lou Gao left the room to gather his disciples and begin handling matters related to the Blacksmith Association and the Strength Clan.


    Lou Gao''s rejuvenation caused a stir within the Blacksmith Association, indirectly confirming that he had acquired soul bones¡ªpossibly more than one. However, no one dared to harbor any ulterior motives.


    An 86th-level Soul Douluo with a group of Soul Sages and Soul Emperors had failed to last even a single incense stick''s time before the person backing Lou Gao. All their strengthening skills, including their eighth soul skill in its True Martial Spirit form, had been shattered by a single punch. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those who once sought to take advantage now focused on appearing innocent, hoping to avoid being casually killed and having their entire clan''s property confiscated.


    Within three days, Lou Gao received gifts and orders worth nearly ten million gold spirit coins, including medicinal herbs, soul beast materials, and rare minerals. Accepting gifts alone left him overwhelmed, and the flood of orders extended his schedule three years into the future.


    This dramatic contrast made the previously combat-averse Lou Gao reflect silently and resolve to improve his strength alongside his forging craft.


    After resolving the matter, Chen Ming swiftly departed with Lou Gao for the Spirit Hall.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [234]

    Chen Ming and Lou Gao traveled at an incredible speed. This was primarily because Chen Ming temporarily placed Lou Gao into a storage soul tool capable of holding living beings, allowing Lou Gao to endure for a short while. Chen Ming then directly activated his flying skill and stealth ability, soaring through the sky. In just two days, they arrived at Spirit Hall.


    At a shop outside Spirit City, Chen Ming presented his token and exchanged a secret code with the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper immediately went to report this, and soon, a spatial system soul master appeared beside the two of them, using teleportation to bring Chen Ming and Lou Gao to their destination.


    The Hall of Worship, which houses a statue of the Angel God, is normally inaccessible via direct teleportation. Hence, the spatial system soul master only transported Chen Ming and Lou Gao to a forest outside the Hall of Worship.


    In the forest, Jiang Long and Jiang Jun were waiting. Upon seeing Chen Ming, Jiang Long approached with a friendly pat on his shoulder and greeted him.


    Chen Ming explained that his visit to Spirit Hall was due to an encounter with three elders of the Clear Sky Clan, all of whom had recently broken through to the Titled Douluo level. Hearing this, the expressions of Jiang Long and Jiang Jun darkened, and they quickly escorted Chen Ming to Qian Daoliu.


    At that moment, Qian Daoliu was meditating in his cultivation chamber as part of his daily routine. Although meditation no longer improved his strength as a demigod, it was a time for him to reflect on his actions. Despite the absence of the phrase reflected thrice a day in the world of Douluo Continent, Qian Daoliu had indeed developed this habit.


    What he gleaned from his reflections, however, was another matter entirely.


    Seeing Chen Ming and Lou Gao, Qian Daoliu greeted them warmly. Upon learning that the gentle-looking young man before him was, in fact, the once-renowned Angel God Douluo of the soul master world, Lou Gao immediately bowed respectfully to Qian Daoliu.


    Chen Ming introduced Lou Gao''s identity to Qian Daoliu and explained the purpose of his visit. There were two main matters:


    Requesting Spirit Hall to dispatch a Titled Douluo and several Soul Douluos to protect the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City.


    Presenting the three elders of the Clear Sky Clan, who were now Titled Douluo, to Qian Daoliu for judgment due to the strained relationship between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan.


    Qian Daoliu agreed to the first matter without hesitation. Recognizing the importance of Gengxin City and the Blacksmith Association to Chen Ming, he decided to assign two Titled Douluos to protect Lou Gao personally.


    For the second matter, Qian Daoliu''s expression shifted. His warmth faded, replaced by a flicker of anger and killing intent, and his voice grew cold. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the past, Qian Daoliu might not have reacted so strongly¡ªperhaps offering a sigh, a shake of the head, and some nostalgic lamentations, followed by a philosophical reflection on bygone days. But Qian Daoliu had changed.


    Since the attack on Qian Renxue, Qian Daoliu had been haunted by the consequences of his past indecision. Over a year of deep reflection had hardened his heart and made him more resolute and aggressive.


    Chen Ming released the three elders, who were encased in ice. Their severed limbs revealed their defeated state. Qian Daoliu''s eyes remained emotionless as he used his soul power to melt the ice. However, the three elders, driven mad by their torment, no longer recognized Qian Daoliu. Their insanity blurred the line between reality and illusion, and even when the real Qian Daoliu stood before them, they remained trapped in their frenzy and pain.


    Frowning at their madness, Qian Daoliu chose not to calm them but instead turned to Chen Ming for an explanation. Chen Ming activated the skill of his head soul bone, sharing mental projections with Qian Daoliu.


    Although the aura of Chen Ming''s Sin God head soul bone stirred a hint of instinctive hostility in Qian Daoliu, as the Angel God''s High Priest, he was intrigued by its ability to observe and judge evil. This led him to question why the Angel God''s head soul bone lacked such a righteous function, possessing only a disguise ability. Was it possible that the soul bone''s origins involved internal conflicts among evil soul beasts?


    After reviewing the life experiences of the three elders, Qian Daoliu''s expression turned icy. The Angelic Holy Sword appeared in his hand, slicing through space as it materialized. Without hesitation, he decapitated the three elders with a single strike. However, their death did not mean release.


    The sword''s holy power unleashed its cruelty, burning and tormenting their souls with divine light and flames. Their suffering far exceeded the curses Chen Ming had inflicted. After a short while, their souls were obliterated, leaving only a trace of their essence to return to the world and await reincarnation.


    Watching the complete annihilation of the three elders, Qian Daoliu smiled gently. He then summoned Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had been in seclusion, to host Chen Ming and Lou Gao. After a brief apology, Qian Daoliu left the Hall of Worship, turning into a streak of light as he flew toward the horizon with the Angelic Holy Sword.


    ...


    The next morning, Qian Daoliu returned. When Chen Ming inquired about his absence, Qian Daoliu admitted he had visited the Clear Sky Clan. Without stepping into their territory, in deference to an old agreement with Tang Chen, he unleashed a powerful sword slash from outside, shaving off the peak of Clear Sky Mountain.


    Tang Xiao, the Clear Sky Clan''s leader, and the remaining two elders, along with several Soul Douluos, confronted Qian Daoliu cautiously. Before they could speak, Qian Daoliu gravely injured them with his flames and soul power, then threw the severed heads of the three elders at their feet, breaking several of their bones in the process.


    Qian Daoliu hoped the Clear Sky Clan would learn their lesson. If not, he resolved to break his agreement with Tang Chen and personally visit them to discuss matters with his sword.


    Qian Daoliu provided Chen Ming and Lou Gao with accommodations for a day. Despite Bibi Dong''s objections, he retrieved two ten-thousand-year soul bones from Spirit Hall''s treasury as gifts. One was a 30,000-year-old torso bone from a Vajra Tiger, while the other was a 20,000-year-old head bone from a Golden Tortoise. Though Qian Daoliu found the gifts somewhat inadequate compared to the Titled Douluo-level elders, Chen Ming accepted them and allowed Lou Gao to absorb the soul bones, achieving a fully equipped state.


    The Vajra Tiger, with its White Tiger bloodline, made the torso bone a rare treasure for metal-attribute soul masters, potentially boosting martial soul strength. The Golden Tortoise head bone, containing traces of luck and the Xuanwu bloodline, enhanced spiritual power and resilience while offering mysterious benefits.


    Realizing that Lou Gao needed his eighth soul ring and Chen Ming his sixth, Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo decided to accompany them to the Star Dou Forest to hunt suitable soul beasts. With Golden Crocodile Douluo''s strength, even the rings or bones of the Titan Giant Ape or Sky Blue Bull Python could be easily acquired.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [235]

    The Star Dou Forest was a place Chen Ming had rarely visited. The last time he was there, although he was protected by Dugu Bo, he didn''t dare to venture too deep into the core area. They had been quickly driven out by the beast hordes after releasing the Poison Deathly Realm. As a result, Chen Ming wasn''t particularly familiar with the internal environment of the forest. Given Lou Gao''s current state¡ªan eighty-level soul power along with a full set of maxed-out ten-thousand-year soul bones¡ªhe was already more than capable of absorbing a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.


    Not only could Lou Gao''s body, enhanced by ten-thousand-year soul bones in every part, withstand the pressure of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, but his spiritual state, sublimated through forging, coupled with the bonus effects of the Head Soul Bone, could also resist the remnants of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast''s mental oppression.


    However, as always, the reality was that there were far too few hundred-thousand-year soul beasts active in this era. For many Titled Douluo, their ninth soul rings were only sixty to seventy thousand years old.


    Chen Ming didn''t require Lou Gao to have overwhelming combat power, but with Lou Gao''s current configuration, if his eighth soul ring were only slightly over thirty thousand years old, like the Titan Giant Ape''s, Chen Ming figured he''d be infuriated to the point of grinding his teeth.


    For Lou Gao''s eighth soul ring, Chen Ming demanded that it must come from a top-tier soul beast that was at least fifty thousand years old.


    As for his sixth soul ring, the three choices presented to Chen Ming by the World Consciousness weren''t even in the Star Dou Forest. To meet Chen Ming''s standards, the soul beast had to be a hundred-thousand-year super soul beast with attributes matching his own, and it needed to possess noteworthy special abilities. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape met the quality and age requirements, their inherent attributes did not align with Chen Ming''s needs.


    When the time came, Chen Ming planned to see if anyone else needed soul rings from those two beasts. If someone did, that would be ideal, as a hundred-thousand-year soul ring was still extremely valuable. But even if no one needed them, Chen Ming wouldn''t leave them to Tang San.


    Chen Ming thought that while the Azure Bull Python was non-toxic, it still carried the bloodline of the Azure Dragon. In the future, it would be highly suitable to use as a soul ring for Dugu Yan.


    Upon entering the mixed zone, Chen Ming tapped his right leg, activating the dormant spirit of A Yin within it.


    This time, Chen Ming didn''t summon A Yin to observe the world in an illusory form. Instead, he gave her a specific task: leveraging her Blue Silver Emperor control over the Blue Silver Grass to locate a suitable top-tier strength-type soul beast of at least fifty thousand years within the Star Dou Forest.


    Of course, he also instructed her to keep an eye out for hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, top-quality poison-attribute soul beasts like the Phosphorous Five Poisons, and other mutated poison-type soul beasts.


    Although Chen Ming already had several potential options in mind, if the Star Dou Forest happened to have a more suitable choice, he wouldn''t mind picking his soul ring from there directly.


    Moreover, even if he didn''t encounter a suitable hundred-thousand-year soul beast, Chen Ming could use this trip to the Star Dou Forest to collect various high-quality poisons from poison-type soul beasts, especially the three poisons of the Phosphorous Five Poisons other than serpent and scorpion.


    Previously, he had encountered Emerald Geckos in the Sunset Forest, but even the strongest of them was not a king-level soul beast. They had all been killed by the Netherworld Scorpion for cultivation purposes, making their toxins unworthy of collection.


    To be honest, A Yin felt a bit conflicted about her first task which was to hunt her kind. However, her emotions couldn''t change anything. Having been imprinted with Chen Ming''s will, she could only reluctantly exercise her Blue Silver Emperor privileges and communicate with the Blue Silver Grass within the Star Dou Forest.


    A special power emanated from Chen Ming''s right leg, and Golden Crocodile Douluo, standing nearby, turned his head with a puzzled expression as if he had seen something unusual.


    In his perception, Chen Ming''s right leg seemed to emit an aura similar to that of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.


    If it were a soul bone, it seemed far too active. But if it were a soul beast, its form of existence was far too unique. Golden Crocodile Douluo felt as though his understanding of the world had been shaken.


    However, once he remembered that Chen Ming himself was already the strangest anomaly, his initial surprise gave way to acceptance. He simply nodded as though it were expected and accepted it as fact.


    The search for strength-type soul beasts was quick. Even after taking some time to explain her situation to the excited Blue Silver King within the Blue Silver Network, A Yin only needed about ten minutes to provide Chen Ming with over ten suitable targets.


    These targets included super soul beasts like the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, as well as top-tier strength and defense types like the Vajra Baboon, Ironclad Rhinoceros, and Black Tortoise.


    However, what A Yin failed to notice was that her communication with the Blue Silver Grass had also alerted some Myriad Demon King Trees deep within the Star Dou Forest to the presence of the Blue Silver Emperor. Through the authority and power left by the Myriad Demon King, they began observing the location of the Blue Silver Emperor''s aura.


    On Douluo Planet, if the Beast God of the Star Dou Forest was Di Tian, then its Plant God was undoubtedly the Myriad Demon King.


    With a cultivation of 540,000 years, the Myriad Demon King''s status in the Star Dou Forest was second only to the reclusive Silver Dragon King and Di Tian. As the only plant-type soul beast among the Ten Savage Beasts, it ruled over all plant-type soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest without question.


    Although its attack and defense were inferior to the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, a super soul beast of similar age to Bear Lord, its extreme wood attribute, regenerative vitality, and bizarre poison and mental capabilities allowed it to suppress Bear Lord in combat.


    Its combination of overwhelming power and insidious ruthlessness made even Di Tian and the reckless Bear Lord wary of drawing its ire.


    Years ago, when Chen Ming unleashed the Poison Deathly Domain in the Star Dou Forest, it drew the attention of the Savage Beasts. Di Tian assigned the Myriad Demon King the task of searching for any signs of the Netherworld Scorpion in the forest. After a year of fruitless searching, the Myriad Demon King delegated the task to its subordinates.


    While A Yin was the sovereign of the Blue Silver Grass, the Myriad Demon King ruled over all plant-type soul beasts. Even at her peak, A Yin would have to bow before the Myriad Demon King. The Myriad Demon King''s authority extended to certifying its subjects, granting them recognition as part of its dominion.


    Thus, unbeknownst to A Yin, the Blue Silver Grass she communicated with not only reported back to her but also to the Demon-Eyed Magic Trees.


    Realizing that the Blue Silver Emperor was searching for a large number of specific soul beasts, one of the Myriad Demon King''s confidants¡ªa Demon-Eyed Magic Tree that had broken through the hundred-thousand-year threshold under its guidance¡ªimmediately sensed something unusual and sent a message to the Myriad Demon King, who was in seclusion.


    By the time Chen Ming and his group entered the core area, the Myriad Demon King had already emerged from its retreat at the Lake of Life. It began taking control of the many plants within the Star Dou Forest to monitor Chen Ming and his companions.


    To be fair, both Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo had noticed that they were being observed. But in the Star Dou Forest''s core area, where most residents were either fierce beasts or extraordinary creatures, being watched was nothing out of the ordinary.


    The two merely heightened their vigilance to prevent any sudden soul beast attacks, completely unaware that a plant-type Savage Beast was silently eyeing them.


    Over the years, Chen Ming has changed significantly. Thus, even though the Myriad Demon King had recently recorded Chen Ming''s appearance and spirit ability through the Soul Beast Records, it didn''t immediately recognize him as the same young man who had unleashed the Poison Deathly Realm Domain in the core area years ago.


    It wasn''t until Chen Ming displayed a toxin with distinctive Netherworld Scorpion characteristics against an attacking ten-thousand-year soul beast that the Myriad Demon King finally realized that this was the same person who had previously disrupted its seclusion and drawn the attention of the Savage Beasts.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [236]

    At first, the Myriad King didn''t pay much attention to Chen Ming. After all, as long as the intruder wasn''t the deadly Netherworld Scorpion, the Myriad King had no reason to personally deal with a group of soul masters. Even though these people were hunting soul beasts, they weren''t targeting his kin or the ancient plant-based soul beasts. With his cold and indifferent nature, the Myriad King couldn''t even be bothered to intervene, even if he knew about the situation.


    After all, saving one soul beast won''t stop the next one from dying. In the Star Dou Great Forest, soul beasts die every day¡ªsome are killed by other beasts, some by soul masters. The Myriad King, being a Demon-Eyed Tree Spirit, was a ruthless and cold-blooded plant monarch, not like Bi Ji, the kindhearted Emerald Swan. To him, meddling in such matters was a waste of energy.


    However, everything changed when Chen Ming began to reveal his astonishing power and leaked a faint trace of a transcendent aura. The Myriad King, who had been disinterested until now, suddenly snapped to attention.


    The Myriad King was, by nature, simply a Demon-Eyed Tree Spirit, a rare and advanced soul beast species that rarely survived the tribulation to reach one hundred thousand years of cultivation. But he was special¡ªduring his growth, there happened to be an immortal herb growing right in front of him.


    The Myriad King carefully nurtured this immortal herb. Under his care, not only did the herb avoid being eaten by other soul beasts, but it also developed intelligence and came to regard him as family.


    However, much like a farmer raising pigs isn''t motivated by kindness, the Myriad King, though he''d developed some affection for the herb, ultimately devoured it entirely. By doing so, he enhanced his essence, becoming the powerful being he is today.


    Because of the benefits he had gained from the immortal herb, the Myriad King often spent his energy searching for other rare treasures within the Star Dou Great Forest. As the ruler of plant-based soul beasts, he had consumed more than one immortal herb over his long life.


    Although most of the herbs he found were devoured as soon as they surfaced, his years of treasure-hunting had given him a keen sense for extraordinary opportunities. Even through the shared vision of other plant-based soul beasts or ordinary plants, he could sense the tantalizing aura emanating from Chen Ming.


    "This soul master must have consumed more than one immortal herb and perfectly fused their essences within his body. On top of that, he''s absorbed the soul rings of several powerful soul beasts."


    "This... this human soul master''s essence is equivalent to five or six immortal herbs! If I devour him, my essence will undoubtedly grow further, and the sixth heavenly tribulation I face in the future will pose no threat at all!"


    Although, as a tree, the Myriad King couldn''t drool, his entire body trembled in excitement as he perceived Chen Ming''s essence, barely able to contain himself.


    After confirming that Di Tian and Bear Lord were still resting nearby, the Myriad King transformed into a tall, slender human male. After briefly reporting to the Silver Dragon King, he left the depths of the Lake of Life.


    At that moment, outside the Lake of Life, the Scarlet King was playing with the adorable Rui Beast, who was under his care. The two figures¡ªone large and one small¡ªwere frolicking on the ground, kicking around a massive golden skull as if it were a ball.


    The skull had come from the prey the Rui Beast had hunted a few days earlier: a ten-thousand-year tiger soul beast with dual attributes of light and fire. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the Myriad King appeared, the Scarlet King, who had been enjoying himself, froze and quickly resumed his usual stern demeanor. Of his three canine heads, two adopted a cold expression, while the third, slower to react, continued wagging its tongue playfully at the Rui Beast.


    Faced with the aloof Myriad King, the Rui Beast showed no fear and leaped toward him like an oversized puppy. As the little ancestor of the Star Dou Great Forest, second only to the Silver Dragon King, the Rui Beast''s status demanded respect. Even though the Myriad King was in a hurry, he could only smile, catch the Rui Beast in his human arms, and ruffle her furry head before being allowed to leave.


    Watching the Myriad King''s hurried departure, the Scarlet King''s three heads were filled with confusion. This normally calm and composed figure seemed unusually agitated today. However, burdened with the task of babysitting the Rui Beast, the Scarlet King could only shake his heads and suppress his curiosity, returning to his playful duties.


    Before the Rui Beast was born, the Scarlet King hadn''t been responsible for babysitting. Initially, Di Tian had arranged for a group of nearly ten Emerald Swans, each with cultivation nearing one hundred thousand years, to serve as nannies for the Rui Beast.


    However, during this time, a foolish Sky Azure Jade Dragon trespassed into the Star Dou Great Forest and slaughtered the Emerald Swans that had been gathered to care for the Rui Beast. This act of audacity nearly infuriated both Di Tian and Bi Ji, the leader of the Emerald Swans, to death.


    To prevent this rebel from returning and targeting the newborn Rui Beast, the task of babysitting ultimately fell to the Scarlet King. Over the millennia, the Scarlet King, a male three-headed dog, had grown accustomed to his role as a nanny.


    For him, his only responsibility now was ensuring the Rui Beast''s safety. Anything else¡ªwhether it was a battle between the Star Dou Great Forest and the Spirit Hall¡ªwas none of his concern.


    "Besides, why would the Star Dou Great Forest and the Spirit Hall go to war for no reason? This isn''t like the old days. As long as the Spirit Hall doesn''t hunt fierce soul beasts and the Star Dou Great Forest doesn''t launch a beast tide, there''s no reason for either side to make a move," the Scarlet King muttered to himself, completely unaware of the schemes the Myriad King was plotting.


    ...


    Leaving the forbidden zone, the Myriad King narrowed his eyes, sensing Chen Ming''s trail and recalling his objectives. A sly smile spread across his face as an idea formed in his mind.


    At the same time, a fifty-thousand-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear was pacing outside its nest, troubled by its failure to deliver enough offerings. Unbeknownst to it, a spiritual force had invaded its mind, subtly suggesting that it leave its territory.


    As a fifty-thousand-year super soul beast, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear was a tyrant within the Star Dou Great Forest. Even if it wandered into another beast''s territory, as long as it didn''t display overt aggression, most other soul beasts would pretend not to notice.


    This boldness meant that the bear, despite unknowingly straying far from its territory and heading toward the mixed zone, felt no sense of danger.


    Under the influence of the spiritual suggestion, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear wandered farther and farther until it reached the border between the mixed zone and the core zone, where it encountered Chen Ming and his companions.


    The Myriad King, cunning as always, avoided directly controlling the bear to avoid leaving traces. Instead, he merely planted subtle suggestions. When the bear encountered the human soul masters, its natural ferocity was instinctively triggered, erasing any evidence of the Myriad King''s involvement.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [237]

    "Hey, there''s a big one!" Chen Ming''s eyes lit up as he spotted the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear that barged into his field of view. Based on its aura and characteristics, he immediately recognized it as one of the two bears that had driven him out of the core region with their beast horde several years ago. He no longer restrained his presence, letting his aura surge.


    Two purple, two black, and one red soul ring emerged around him. The sight not only startled Lou Gao, Golden Crocodile Douluo, and the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, but it also nearly made the Myriad King¡ªwho was lurking behind the scenes ready to strike¡ªjump in shock.


    The altered soul ring configuration and the unreasonable fifth soul ring almost made the Myriad King''s heart skip a beat and tempted him to call off his fishing expedition immediately. However, as Chen Ming released his aura, the enticing scent that the Myriad King found irresistible grew exponentially stronger.


    Though the others and the soul beasts noticed no visible change, to the Myriad King''s eyes¡ªseasoned in devouring rare delicacies¡ªChen Ming now appeared even more delectable than the Rui beast.


    If Chen Ming had previously seemed like a walking treasure trove of merely five or six immortal herbs to the Myriad King, now he felt like a package of at least fifteen or sixteen immortal herbs bundled together.


    "I must devour him."


    The Myriad King, disguised in human form and concealing his aura, couldn''t help but salivate as a ferocious glint flashed in his eyes. Even if Di Tian himself stood in his way to fight over this human soul master, the Myriad King was determined to go all out today.


    If he consumed this soul master and absorbed the essence equivalent to fifteen or sixteen immortal herbs, he might even stand a chance at overthrowing Di Tian and becoming the Beast God of the Star Dou Great Forest himself.


    Before the Myriad King, Golden Crocodile Douluo, and Lou Gao, Chen Ming donned a suit of gleaming golden armor and charged straight at the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. His left hand transformed into a scorpion claw imbued with extreme cold, while his right hand became a razor-sharp claw radiating searing heat and powerful metallic energy.


    The dual attributes caused the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear¡ªwhose intelligence rivaled that of a human¡ªto hesitate briefly. But upon sensing the state of Chen Ming''s right claw, the bear flew into a rage.


    The bear''s right paw bone had been taken by the Spirit Hall over five hundred years ago. While this was generations ago for humans, to a soul beast with a lifespan of tens of thousands of years, it felt like only a year¡ªor even a few months¡ªhad passed.


    Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bears were already scarce, and most of them were acquainted with one another. The source of that soul bone just so happened to have a close relationship with this bear. From a human perspective, it was akin to losing a beloved wife¡ªsomeone youthful, beautiful, gentle, wealthy, and powerful.


    Realizing the origin of the soul bone, the bear went into a blood frenzy. Its body swelled to two or three times its original size, its eyes turned blood-red, and it charged at Chen Ming with reckless abandon. Raising its right paw high, the bear unleashed its signature move¡ªthe Dark Gold Dreadclaw¡ªwithout reservation.


    This furious strike would be fatal for most Titled Douluo, including figures like the former Dugu Bo. But for the current Chen Ming, it posed no threat.


    He raised his right hand and activated a soul skill, releasing an even larger Dark Gold Dreadclaw from his fingertips. It shredded the bear''s attack to pieces and continued to slash toward the enraged beast.


    The Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear didn''t dodge or evade. Instead, it charged forward, its dark gold fur glowing brightly as a unique power enveloped its body. It directly nullified Chen Ming''s attack.


    "Invincible Golden Body? No, does the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear have this skill in its arsenal?" Chen Ming was surprised, but he didn''t stop moving. Extreme cold and heat surged from his hands, forming the shapes of two massive dragons. The twin dragons intertwined in mid-air before charging straight at the bear.


    "Twin Dragon Break!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though he wasn''t equipped like a true warrior from Divine Soldier Guardians¡ªwith only his Green Gem Wristguard vaguely resembling Nangong Wentian''s gear¡ªChen Ming still shouted the name of the ultimate move.


    Under his control, the twin dragons started slow but accelerated rapidly as the Invincible Golden Body''s glow faded from the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. The dragons crashed into the bear.


    Chen Ming had gained some understanding of the principles of mutual reinforcement and restraint. Though extreme cold and extreme heat were opposing elements, their combined force didn''t cancel out. Instead, they complemented each other, creating an even more destructive effect.


    The extreme cold froze the bear''s fur and flesh, and then the extreme heat burned it. The alternating attacks repeated¡ªcold, then heat, then cold again.


    Even with its powerful metallic attributes and numerous defensive enhancements, the bear''s body was torn open by the twin dragons. Its dark gold fur was dyed crimson with blood that flowed down its body.


    Despite being in a blood frenzy, the bear roared in pain. Instead of retreating, however, its attacks grew even fiercer.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo had planned to take care of the bear himself, but seeing Chen Ming''s ferocity, he simply shrugged and moved to shield Lou Gao, ensuring the fledgling Soul Douluo wouldn''t be harmed by the battle''s aftermath.


    After more than ten minutes, the fight came to an end. Chen Ming stood atop the frozen corpse of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, panting slightly.


    Because the opponent was a close-combat-oriented soul beast, Chen Ming rarely used his potent toxins. Instead, he chose to test his melee skills throughout the battle. Only when the bear attempted to flee did he use the toxins that had infiltrated its body during the fight to freeze it.


    Wielding his Dark Gold Dreadclaw, Chen Ming slashed open a massive wound on the frozen bear. Its blood and flesh were exposed, and its internal organs spilled out into the open air.


    At his signal, Lou Gao stepped forward, summoning his martial soul to crush the bear''s heart. A black soul ring emerged from the frozen beast''s corpse.


    Though Lou Gao knew his body had undergone a complete transformation, allowing him to endure soul rings far beyond the limits of an ordinary Titled Douluo, he still swallowed nervously at the overwhelming power contained within the bear''s soul ring. After calming himself, he began the absorption process.


    While Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo stood guard, waiting for Lou Gao to finish absorbing his eighth soul ring, a furious roar suddenly echoed from deep within the forest.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [238]

    "Humans, how dare you kill my kin?!" Accompanied by a furious roar, a massive Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear swung its enormous claws, tearing apart the trees and blocking its path as it charged violently toward Chen Ming and his companions.


    It was a gigantic Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, standing approximately 15 meters tall. Its dark gold fur radiated an extreme metallic aura. Its claws were extraordinarily large, each exceeding the length of its knees, approximately 10 meters long.


    Where ordinary Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bears might sprint on all fours, this colossal creature could only move upright, resembling a giant ape. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bear Lord? Why is he here?" Golden Crocodile Douluo shielded Chen Ming and Lou Gao as he stared at the enormous beast. His eyes were filled with both vigilance and disbelief.


    Though ferocious beasts had long since ceased to appear easily in this era, Golden Crocodile Douluo instantly recognized the identity of this massive soul beast based on the records within Spirit Hall.


    A Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear with cultivation of 480,000 to 490,000 years. The King of Bears. The strongest ruler of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear clan is said to possess strength comparable to a Super Douluo.


    Feeling the Bear King''s overwhelming aura, cold sweat dripped from Golden Crocodile Douluo''s forehead. He sensed that the Bear Lord''s power was likely not inferior to his own¡ªperhaps even slightly above.


    Indeed, while the Bear Lord of this era had yet to reach 500,000 years of cultivation like its counterpart in the Douluo 3 era, the issue was that the soul masters of this time lacked the equipment of that era.


    No dual soul cores, no battle armor, and spirit beast power¡ªall of these factors meant that today''s soul masters were far less powerful than those of the Douluo 3 era.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s current strength at rank 98 might have only been equivalent to a rank 97 soul master in the Peerless Tang Sect era. In the Dragon King Legend era, his power might even be comparable to a rank 95 soul master wearing three-word battle armor. Against the Bear Lord, this disparity was significant.


    Not to mention Golden Crocodile Douluo¡ªeven if Qian Daoliu himself appeared, without using the Angelic Sacred Sword, he would still need to engage in a prolonged battle to defeat the Bear Lord.


    Just the Bear Lord''s roar had caused a massive disturbance in Lou Gao''s previously stable soul ring absorption, nearly driving him into madness. Fortunately, Chen Ming reacted quickly, casting numerous buffs on Lou Gao and pulling him back into his soul tool, preventing him from losing control.


    Looking at the corpse of the dead Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear on the ground, Golden Crocodile Douluo and Chen Ming exchanged glances. Their soul power surged, and neither had any intention of continuing to battle the Bear Lord here. They immediately turned to leave the Star Dou Forest.


    However, before they could get far, a sinister and eerie spiritual force enveloped them.


    "Tree Eye Paralysis!"


    A cold voice echoed as countless branches burst from the ground. Strange, eye-like structures grew on the branches, staring at Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo. The eerie spiritual force invaded their bodies, attempting to immobilize them.


    "Scram!"


    Chen Ming roared, unleashing his aura. His spiritual power surged, shattering the paralyzing spiritual skill. His right hand activated the second skill of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw, Rampage. Though it was a weakened version, it still severed the roots emerging from the ground.


    "Hmph¡ª"


    The spirit skill was broken, and the mental backlash caused the Myriad Demon King, who had reverted to his original form, to let out a cold groan, his body trembling slightly. Yet despite the pain, the Myriad Demon King stretched his body as much as possible, blocking Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo''s path.


    The weakened Dark Gold Dreadclaw skill slashed out, but it only tore through a small portion of the branches. The gap was quickly filled by a continuous stream of emerging branches as if the entire world was enveloped in strange, sinister plants.


    Taking advantage of the Myriad Demon King''s delay, the Bear Lord, who lacked speed, caught up to them. Its massive claws swung down, releasing razor-sharp claw energy from its fingertips. Though not the Dark Gold Dreadclaw skill, its power surpassed that of a 50,000-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.


    At this moment, Golden Crocodile Douluo no longer held back. His rank 98 aura erupted without reservation. His already large body swelled further, and his hands transformed into crocodilian claws as intense golden energy surged from them.


    "Golden Claws!"


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s fifth soul ring lit up. His hands radiated immense metallic power, countering the Bear Lord''s claw energy before slashing toward the beast.


    Yet, facing Golden Crocodile Douluo''s fifth soul skill, the Bear Lord didn''t even bother to dodge. It merely glared at the rank 9 red soul ring on Golden Crocodile Douluo''s body.


    Like a bubble crashing into a wall, the powerful fifth soul skill shattered instantly upon contact with the Bear Lord''s dark gold body, barely managing to pull a few strands of fur from its chest without leaving any wounds.


    The Bear Lord roared, its terrifying metallic energy transforming the sound into a destructive shockwave. Chen Ming was forced to summon an ice wall to shield himself and Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    The enormous Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear stood upright, while the sinister Demon-Eyed Tree swayed its branches. The two great ferocious beasts of the Star Dou Forest stared at Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo with malicious intent.


    "Humans, you dared kill my kin¡ªthen stay and pay with your lives." The Bear Lord growled, though its gaze flickered to the Myriad Demon King with a hint of doubt.


    Earlier, the Bear Lord had been slumbering at the bottom of the Lake of Life, only to be awakened by the Myriad Demon King, who informed him that his kin were being hunted.


    Half-asleep, the Bear Lord hadn''t wanted to get up and had considered letting the Myriad Demon King handle it. But the Myriad Demon King had told him that the culprits were a quasi-Soul Douluo led by a Super Douluo, the former possessing a full set of soul bones and capable of absorbing a 100,000-year soul ring.


    The moment he heard this, the Bear Lord''s first thought was that someone was after his 100,000-year-old kin again. Enraged, he charged out from the bottom of the lake, knocking down countless trees along the way, only to arrive and see the corpse of a mere 50,000-year-old kin. This left the Bear Lord slightly confused.


    The Bear Lord wasn''t heartless, just pragmatic. He had assumed it was one of his 100,000-year-old kin in danger, which was why he''d become so furious and rushed out of the lake.


    But upon arrival, he found it was just a 50,000-year-old kin. His groggy mind couldn''t help but freeze for a moment. Seeing the nine soul rings on Golden Crocodile Douluo, along with his rank 98 soul power, the Bear Lord began to feel doubts.


    Something about this situation seemed off.


    A 50,000-year-old kin hunted, the cold Myriad Demon King reporting it to him, and then encountering a rank 98 Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall with a full set of ten-thousand-year soul rings and bones?


    While the Bear Lord''s brain wasn''t great for thinking, he wasn''t entirely brainless. He looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo''s reasonable soul rings, then at Chen Ming''s completely unreasonable ones, and couldn''t shake the feeling that the Myriad Demon King had set him up.


    Thinking carefully, why would that treacherous Myriad Demon King suddenly show such concern?


    Even when his own Demon-Eyed Tree clan members at the 40,000 or 50,000-year level were hunted, the Myriad Demon King didn''t seem to care much. Why was he so invested today?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [239]

    Bear Lord was currently in a tough spot. Although he was furious about the death of a tribesman, he had to admit that the loss of a mere 50,000-year-old tribesman wasn''t worth risking a battle against a 98th-level Super Douluo with a 100,000-year soul ring, let alone some unknown and mysterious creature.


    At a glance, he could tell it was the Myriad King scheming something foul. Perhaps the death of his tribesman was orchestrated by this guy, all to use him as a tool to achieve his goal.


    However, pretending nothing had happened and walking away wasn''t an option either. His pride as a Bear Soul Beast wouldn''t allow it.


    Bear Lord hesitated. Golden Crocodile Douluo hesitated too. But the Myriad King? He had no patience for hesitation.


    "Ten Thousand Branches!"


    The grotesque form of the Myriad King twisted, as countless roots and tendrils quickly burrowed into the ground and sprouted back up, transforming into numerous miniature demon-eyed trees. These spread out, radiating bizarre mental energy and deadly toxins.


    The Myriad had assumed that as long as Bear Lord stalled the 98th-level Super Douluo for a while, he could swiftly take down this human soul master. But unexpectedly, when his so-called powerful toxins and mental energy clashed with Chen Ming, Chen Ming displayed abilities beyond his imagination.


    "Poison Cloud!"


    Chen Ming gave a low shout, and a poisonous cloud erupted around him. Since he was dealing with a plant-type soul beast, Chen Ming chose to use fire poison instead of his usual cold poison. This fire poison was enhanced with the ultimate fire, making it devastatingly destructive and corrosive.


    Under the amplification of the ultimate fire, Chen Ming''s poisonous cloud not only engulfed the Myriad King''s toxins in an instant but also surged back toward the miniature demon-eyed trees.


    The scorching power instantly withered a large portion of the Myriad King''s miniature demon-eyed trees, and their lifeless bodies were assimilated into the poisonous cloud. Although the fire poison element diminished slightly, the corrosive toxin remained potent.


    Under Chen Ming''s control, most of the toxins eroded the branches the Myriad King used to block the two of them, while a small portion surged toward the Myriad King.


    This counterattack left the Myriad King''s efforts completely neutralized by Chen Ming. Not only did he fail to subdue Chen Ming, but he also made a fool of himself in front of Bear Lord.


    The ultimate fire attribute countered the Myriad King''s wood attribute, Chen Ming''s poison attribute suppressed the Myriad King''s toxins, Chen Ming''s mental strength overwhelmed the Myriad King''s mental energy, and the death attribute Chen Ming mastered after comprehending the cycle of life and death neutralized the Myriad King''s life attribute. In every aspect, Chen Ming perfectly countered the Myriad King.


    Although Chen Ming''s base stats were far inferior to the Myriad King, who was the strongest plant soul beast, his attributes were a perfect match for exploiting weaknesses.


    The Myriad King felt as though his face had turned green. What he thought was an easy target¡ªa walking treasure chest¡ªturned out to be a prickly menace. Instead of catching a prize, he ended up injured.


    Although the damage was minor¡ªequivalent to a human scratching their finger¡ªit was humiliating.


    Watching the Myriad King suffer, Bear Lord grinned. He then charged at Golden Crocodile Douluo, engaging him in battle. But how much effort Bear Lord was putting in¡ªwhether he was helping the Myriad King or simply enjoying the show¡ªonly he knew.


    For now, Golden Crocodile Douluo, without using his Martial Soul True Body or ninth spirit skill, was locked in a stalemate with Bear Lord, seemingly even suppressing him slightly.


    Seeing Bear Lord slacking off and watching him mockingly, the Myriad King was irritated but didn''t say anything. Even if Bear Lord wasn''t giving it his all, he was still holding back a Super Douluo. Without him, the Myriad King wouldn''t have been able to stop these two.


    "Human, surrender early, and I''ll spare your life," the Myriad King lied through his teeth, swinging his tendrils at Chen Ming.


    The Myriad King''s 500,000-year origin made his body extraordinarily durable. His thick bark was second only to Di Tian''s dragon scales and Bear Lord''s hide in terms of defense. As for recovery, the Myriad King, being a plant-type soul beast, far outpaced Di Tian and Bear Lord.


    The Myriad King''s strategy was simple: rely on his base stats. With his endless soul power and resilient body, he laid down a web-like structure to trap Chen Ming.


    As a rooted plant, the Myriad King naturally had an incredibly fast soul power recovery rate. Coupled with his dual-attribute soul cores of life and mental energy, his regeneration was greatly enhanced. Though he couldn''t claim to have infinite soul power, his energy reserves barely seemed to drop.


    In the past, Chen Ming had always relied on his steady stream of soul power and strong base stats to bully other soul masters. But now, facing an opponent like the Myriad King, who shared a similar endurance-based fighting style, Chen Ming found himself thoroughly frustrated.


    Using the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bone, Chen Ming slashed repeatedly, only managing to barely tear through one layer of bark. For the Myriad King''s massive body, it was like scratching an itch. As soon as one small piece was torn off, a larger piece grew back. Even with a few spirit skills that could outpace the Myriad King''s regeneration, the effects weren''t particularly significant.


    At first, Chen Ming was hesitant. But as the fight dragged on, he set aside his reservations. Without hesitation, he activated his Poison Deathly Realm Domain and cast Sinful Judgement on the Myriad King.


    As a cold and ruthless soul beast that had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, the Myriad King was steeped in countless sins. When Chen Ming converted these sins into curses, the Myriad King was immediately plunged into agony.


    The curses born of sin tormented his soul and mind, weakening his soul power and physical body. While the Myriad King had endured curse-like skills before, this pain pushed him to his limits.


    In an instant, the Myriad King lost control, attacking everything around him in a frenzy. Whether it was the ground, trees, rocks, Bear Lord, or Golden Crocodile Douluo, anything within his attack range suffered. His toxins and flailing tendrils turned the entire area into a desolate wasteland. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This indiscriminate rampage even caused Bear Lord to pause his fight with Golden Crocodile Douluo. After taking several hits below the belt, Bear Lord angrily swiped at the Myriad King''s massive body, leaving five deep claw marks.


    "Have you gone mad? With skills like this, you dare call yourself a Savage Beast? How did you even survive your tribulation? Did the heavens go blind and let you off because you''re so weak? Do you dare call yourself the king of plant-type soul beasts? You''re not even fit to compare to the Sacred Tree in front of my cave that I grew with my urine!"


    Bear Lord''s attack and sharp words struck deep, but they did manage to bring the Myriad King back to his senses.


    The curses were effective. Though the Myriad King had strong mental and life attributes and a vast accumulation of power, his heavy sins made it impossible to cleanse the curses.


    While the curses caused him immense pain, they didn''t threaten his life due to his overwhelming vitality and mental strength.


    Driven by agony, the Myriad King launched furious attacks at Chen Ming, even resorting to some desperate measures. His explosive strength momentarily caught even Bear Lord''s attention.


    At this moment, Chen Ming couldn''t afford to hold back. A small sword emerged from his right arm and flew into his hand, infused with the power of light and fire. The judgment attribute from the God of Asura activated, while his left hand retrieved half a staff from his Hundred Treasures Pouch. The poison, strengthened by the Swan''s Kiss, grew even more potent.


    If not for his concern about exposing his pseudo-half-god status and being captured by Di Tian to serve as a tonic for the Silver Dragon King, Chen Ming would have unleashed his god-level powers without reservation, spreading plague and death to grow stronger as he fought.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [240]

    Although the Myriad King was slightly inferior to the Bear Lord in terms of offense and defense, when the small sword imbued with the power of judgment appeared in Chen Ming''s hand, the Myriad King immediately sensed a threat. Yes, to the Myriad King, Chen Ming''s previous attacks had only been fierce resistance, incapable of truly harming his essence. Even the troublesome curse could be removed with some help from Bi Ji after some time. However, this seemingly unremarkable small sword gave the Myriad King a genuine feeling of danger.


    The small sword was only about the length of Chen Ming''s forearm. Rather than calling it a small sword, it resembled more of a dagger. Yet, the aura it emitted was impossible for anyone to ignore.


    The power of judgment within the sword was from the Asura God''s divine intent. After fusion and refinement, Chen Ming added a trace of the Angel God''s essence into it. The sword was further tempered in the spring of the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire, giving it the embryonic form of a divine artifact.


    With his left hand holding the snow-colored Swan Kiss, which unleashed a massive amount of poison to weaken the Myriad King''s body, Chen Ming swung the sword in his right hand. It executed a sword technique once used by the Angel God, specifically targeting enemies like the Myriad King, who had extraordinary regenerative abilities.


    Under the weakening effects of the poison, the sword''s energy easily sliced through the Myriad King''s numerous branches like cutting grass. The flames of light and holy power corroded the severed ends, preventing the Myriad King from regenerating quickly. The fallen branches on the ground became fertile grounds for nurturing the poison.


    "Sovereign Poison!"


    Before the Myriad King could figure out how to respond, Chen Ming shouted, his vitality and energy reaching their peak. He unleashed a combat technique in a way he had never imagined before.


    The poison condensed into the shapes of three venomous soul beasts: the Emerald Scorpion Emperor, the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor, and the Scarlet Ice Toad. These toxic manifestations burrowed directly into the Myriad King''s body through the wounds inflicted by Chen Ming''s sword.


    Throughout the millennia of the Douluo Continent''s history, there had been many wielders of sword intent. However, Chen Ming was likely the first in history to possess a poison-attributed sword intent.


    As an expert in poison within the Star Dou Forest, the Myriad King could hardly believe that he had been poisoned.


    The poison eroded his flesh, corroded his spirit, and weakened his soul power. While its direct destructive force wasn''t overwhelming, it excelled in sustainability, spreading rapidly and being extremely difficult to expel.


    Even with his immense power, the Myriad King found himself unable to quickly rid his body of this strange poison while under the effects of the curse. He could only watch helplessly as the poison rapidly spread within him, corroding his strength.


    For the first time, the Myriad King''s previously endless regenerative ability faltered. Despite his extreme wood element and life force, his connection to the earth was significantly disrupted, making it difficult to draw soul power, and his regeneration slowed.


    Moreover, with each attempt to recover his soul power, the poison spread further throughout his body, consuming the energy he absorbed and growing stronger. The more the poison spread, the weaker the Myriad King''s regeneration became.


    Feeling the bizarre nature of this poison, the Myriad King no longer held back. Beyond his wood, spiritual, and toxin attributes, he unleashed his hidden powers. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No longer suppressing the poison within him, he quickly mobilized his soul power and spiritual energy. A strange fluctuation spread out as if time itself had been disrupted.


    As the king of plant-type soul beasts, the Myriad King naturally possessed his domain. However, his domain did not focus on life or poison but on the nobler and more enigmatic attribute of time. Yet, as he prepared to activate his domain, he failed to notice that Chen Ming''s fifth soul ring had begun to glow.


    "Millennium Flash!"


    The strange power locked onto Chen Ming as the Myriad King prepared to use his time-based ability to crush this troublesome opponent and devour him. The power of time almost instantly enveloped Chen Ming. Just as the Myriad King thought everything was over, a similar time-based power surged from within Chen Ming.


    "Za Wardudo: Time Stop!"


    Time versus time.


    Although the Myriad King''s "Millennium Flash" was his trump card domain ability, Chen Ming''s Time Stop was a soul skill from a 200,000-year soul ring, granted by a divine beast-level Medusa. Furthermore, with Medusa''s soul bone integrated into him, the explosive power of Chen Ming''s ability was in no way weaker than the Myriad King''s.


    The clash of time powers caused chaos. Within a small area, space shifted rapidly. It seemed as though a second had passed, or perhaps a million years. Even gods would hesitate to claim a full understanding of time''s mysteries. Within the chaos, the Myriad King''s limbs disintegrated into ash, and Chen Ming''s powerful poison vanished in an instant.


    The Myriad King suffered a backlash from his trump card, his massive body trembling in agony from exceeding his limits. His branches were momentarily immobilized. Chen Ming, however, was not unscathed. To counter the Myriad King''s ability, he pushed his inner dragon core and golden core to their maximum, depleting nearly 90% of his soul power and inflicting significant strain on his spirit.


    "Urgh..."


    Chen Ming felt his internal organs churn. Blood surged up his throat. He initially wanted to spit it out but, looking at the Myriad King''s branches decided not to waste it. Instead, he swallowed the blood back down. His disdainful action even made the suffering Myriad King pause in confusion.


    What? I can''t even taste your blood? I''m the plant-type soul beast king! At least let me have a taste of its flavor!


    However, this moment revealed the greatest difference between Chen Ming and the Myriad King. Chen Ming was nearly drained, while the Myriad King had only suffered a certain degree of backlash.


    Chen Ming''s physique was comparable to a Super Douluo, his spiritual power approaching its peak, and his soul power recovery speed was among the fastest of his era. However, as a Soul Emperor without a sixth soul ring, his soul power limit was nowhere near that of a Titled Douluo.


    Meanwhile, as the strongest plant-type soul beast, the Myriad King''s soul power reserves were dozens of times greater than those of an ordinary Titled Douluo. Even a Super Douluo might not surpass him in sheer reserves. The gap between them was nearly hundreds of times.


    As Chen Ming''s soul power recovered to 30-40%, the Myriad King seized the opportunity and launched a desperate attack. Chen Ming, still far from fully recovered, could only struggle to defend himself.


    Seeing that the Myriad King was about to gain the upper hand, the Bear Lord, who had been evenly matched with Golden Crocodile Douluo, was suddenly sent flying by the latter, temporarily losing his combat ability.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo, having activated his martial soul''s true body, stood protectively in front of Chen Ming. His massive crocodile form bit its tail, exposing its sturdy back. Spinning rapidly like a wheel, he transformed into a giant golden saw blade, instantly slicing through a weakened portion of the Myriad King''s body and inflicting severe damage.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [241]

    "Bear Lord, come help me! As long as you help me take down these two humans today, I, the Myriad Demon King, swear to owe you one¡ªno, five favors!"


    Seeing that Chen Ming''s condition was gradually recovering, the Myriad King could no longer care about hiding his intentions. He immediately shouted at the Bear Lord lying nearby, wanting him to join the fight.


    But even though the Myriad King was screaming at the top of his lungs, the Bear Lord merely raised his head with disdain.


    "What did you say, you rotten tree stump?"


    "I said, the strongest Bear Lord, come help me! I''ll owe you five favors!" The Myriad King could no longer care about how unreliable his teammate was. To prevent any accidents, he swallowed his pride and pleaded for the Bear Lord''s aid.


    Hearing the Myriad King humbling himself, the Bear Lord, who had been lying on the ground pretending to be incapacitated, immediately stood up. A cunning, humanlike expression appeared on his massive bear face.


    "Alright, alright, rotten tree stump. You better keep your word, or that guy won''t let you off the hook."


    The Bear Lord''s soul power instantly erupted, and the power of extreme gold was no longer concealed. His massive Darkgold Terrorclaw slashed out in an instant, landing heavily on Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had activated his martial soul''s true form.


    Even though Golden Crocodile Douluo had already pushed his ninth soul skill to its limit, facing the enormous Darkgold Terrorclaw, he didn''t dare take it head-on. He forcibly stopped his ninth soul skill at the cost of backlash and activated the skill attached to his hundred-thousand-year-old torso bone.


    A golden light burst forth from Golden Crocodile Douluo''s body¡ªit was the glow of Invincible Golden Body. Unlike other Invincible Golden Bodies, Golden Crocodile Douluo''s version was unique. It only granted invincibility for one second at a time, but it could accumulate up to three uses and would recover one use per day.


    Under Golden Crocodile Douluo''s control, the massive body of the Golden Crocodile King resisted the Bear Lord''s Darkgold Terrorclaw. However, even with the invincibility, the sheer impact forced him to retreat step by step. When the one second of invincibility ended, the residual force still left a faint bloodstain on Golden Crocodile Douluo''s enormous body.


    "Xiao Ming, run! Go back and find elder brother. He''ll avenge me! The Angel God''s Wrath will flatten the Star Dou Forest. I''ve lived two hundred years¡ªI''ve already lived long enough. Run now! I''ll fight these two beasts to the death today!"


    Hearing the mention of the Angel God''s Wrath, the Bear Lord, who had been preparing to strike again, hesitated. As a battle-hardened soul beast, the Bear Lord had crossed paths with the Angel God during the period after she killed the Auspicious Beast but before she ascended to godhood.


    If not for Di Tian''s timely arrival back then, using the Dragon God''s Claw and a beast tide as leverage, the Bear Lord would have been killed by the Angel God, who had just reached the Title Douluo realm.


    The Bear Lord remembered that beating vividly. Just thinking about the Angel God made his chest ache as if it were burning again. His supposedly claw-shredding power involuntarily wavered.


    Sensing the Bear Lord''s hesitation, the Myriad King unleashed a torrent of soul beast profanities at him. The personalities of the two fierce beasts had practically reversed at that moment.


    Stimulated by the Myriad King''s insults, the Bear Lord''s temper flared. Realizing he was already on a sinking ship and couldn''t escape, he gritted his teeth and continued attacking Golden Crocodile Douluo. While attacking, he loudly cursed the Myriad King as a treacherous scoundrel, claiming he''d been tricked into this mess. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo was someone the Bear Lord could kill if he tried. But the problem was, the Bear Lord had no desire to face the Angelic Holy Sword, so he didn''t dare go all out. Instead, he focused on helping the Myriad King capture Chen Ming so he could leave as soon as possible.


    The attacks of the two fierce beasts deliberately avoided Golden Crocodile Douluo and targeted Chen Ming. At this point, Golden Crocodile Douluo could have escaped. Even if he returned to the Spirit Hall and reported everything to Qian Daoliu truthfully, Qian Daoliu wouldn''t blame him. Instead, he''d wield the Angelic Holy Sword and lead the Spirit Hall''s forces¡ªincluding all the Title Douluo, Bibi Dong included¡ªinto the Star Dou Forest.


    But Golden Crocodile Douluo refused to retreat. Though he wasn''t particularly close to Chen Ming, he was determined to protect him, even at the cost of his life.


    Why? Because he knew the Spirit Hall''s precious angel Qian Renxue had feelings for this young man. Because he felt he had lived long enough in his two hundred years. Because he believed it was worth sacrificing his life to protect such a promising junior. And because, as one of the Spirit Hall''s revered elders, he could never disgrace the Angel God''s millennia of glory by fleeing from soul beasts, even if it meant dying in battle.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s martial soul''s true form, originally pure gold in color, had taken on a faintly blood-red hue as he began burning his life essence in desperation.


    Seeing this, fury burned within Chen Ming''s heart. Though his spirit and energy were far from their peak, he seemed to have touched upon a certain realm. The power of judgment within his small sword grew stronger as Chen Ming''s condition improved.


    Feeling his instincts stir, Chen Ming withdrew his left-hand weapon, the Snow Swan Kiss, and gripped his sword with both hands, raising it high above his head.


    Using the time Golden Crocodile Douluo had bought him, Chen Ming pushed his attributes to their limits.


    At this moment, memories of his past and present lives flashed through his mind. His comprehension of the laws surged back to him, and the world''s consciousness secretly unlocked his connection to the laws.


    The power of judgment from Asura, the power of judgment gleaned from the Angel God''s statue and the Angelic Holy Sword, the power of evil from the remnants of the God of Sin and the Rakshasa God, the power of holiness from the Angelic Holy Sword, the power of life from the Dragon Core, and the power of death from the Netherworld Scorpion¡ªall these attributes resonated within his body.


    The power of judgment was purified alongside the power of evil. A portion of the excess evil energy was converted into justice energy, which fused with the Angel God''s power to become purified. The life attribute was purified completely. Finally, the powers of death and poison combined, and under Chen Ming''s will, a force resembling the power of destruction¡ªobliteration¡ªwas born.


    Judgment, Life, Obliteration, Justice, Evil.


    Mutual opposition and balance. Unity amidst conflict.


    The five attributes converged into the sword, with the power of judgment as the core. A terrifying force erupted from the small sword in Chen Ming''s hands. The once-tranquil sky was suddenly filled with thunder. The world''s elemental energy, under Chen Ming''s spiritual pressure and the world''s assistance, rapidly gathered and transformed into various attributes.


    In an instant, the atmosphere became apocalyptic.


    Five forces united, and a transcendent power was born. Though its quality and quantity were far from the true transcendent force, it was undeniably real.


    The moment this power emerged, the Silver Dragon King, deep within the Star Dou Forest, opened her eyes. Along with Di Tian and the Auspicious Beast, she stared in disbelief at the distant scene. Qian Daoliu in the Spirit Hall gripped the Angelic Holy Sword tightly, slashing open space to rush toward the battlefield.


    In the divine realm, the Asura God looked up in shock. The Sea God, who had been troubled over finding a successor, shivered involuntarily. The Goddess of Life, who had only a sliver of divine attention on the Douluo Continent, forcibly pulled down a fragment of the God of Destruction''s consciousness, breaking the rules to focus on the situation below.


    The Bear Lord fled. The moment that power appeared, he erupted with speed rivaling that of an agility-type soul beast and disappeared without a trace. All his pride as the Bear of Bears and a super soul beast was abandoned in an instant, leaving the Myriad King to face Chen Ming''s sword alone.


    This sword carried divine majesty. This sword defined the realm of gods. This sword made even the Silver Dragon King beneath the Lake of Life instinctively curl up. The Gods of Destruction and Life were rendered speechless in shock.


    Because this sword was called:


    "The Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [242]

    The sound wasn''t loud, yet it possessed an eerie and immensely penetrating force. Even Bear Lord, who had fled a considerable distance, could hear these seven words with perfect clarity. His massive bear body rolled across the ground several times, crashing into a row of trees like a bowling ball. The Myriad tried to escape, tried to resist, but he tragically realized that all he could do now was think. His innate body and soul power had been completely frozen, as rigid as lead stone. He couldn''t even so much as shake a branch.


    A surge of sword light emerged, appearing soft yet slicing into the Myriad King''s massive body. Although the beam of light was a mere fraction of the Myriad King''s size, the moment it touched him, more than half of his enormous form instantly evaporated, delivering a devastating blow to his essence.


    The Myriad King''s once-resilient body was treated as if it were nothing, and his mighty vitality couldn''t sustain regeneration. Everything about him gradually disintegrated under the sword light.


    When the sword light dissipated, only about a third of the Myriad King''s colossal body remained, devoid of any trace of life. The once indestructible branches now appeared as if they had undergone millions of years of erosion, becoming brittle beyond measure. Without external interference, they began to collapse under their weight, crumbling into dust. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A deep crimson soul ring appeared¡ªDouluo Plane''s confirmation of the Myriad King''s demise.


    At that moment, Chen Ming''s spiritual power was drained by seventy percent, and his soul power and life force were depleted by ninety percent in an instant. After confirming the Myriad King''s death and seeing Bear Lord flee in disgrace, Chen Ming lost the ability to sustain the flying soul skill granted by the Blue Silver Emperor''s leg bone. Like a lifeless stone, he plummeted toward the ground.


    Even though Ah Yin did her utmost, rapidly returning the power she had absorbed from Chen Ming over time, he still struggled to summon any soul skills.


    However, just as Golden Crocodile Douluo prepared to catch the falling Chen Ming, a gentle green light surged from the void and directly infused Chen Ming''s falling body. His nearly exhausted state was instantly healed to about seventy percent.


    Before Chen Ming could comprehend the nature or origin of this gentle green light, a spatial rift suddenly appeared above him, and two massive hammers flew out, smashing into him.


    As Chen Ming''s body collided with the hammers, a stream of purple energy erupted from within them, engulfing both Chen Ming and the hammers before gradually dissipating.


    Just before disappearing completely, the purple energy seemed to recall something, splitting off a strand that flew toward the Myriad King''s remains. It devoured the Myriad King''s soul ring and the soul bone hidden within the remains before vanishing entirely.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo, still in shock and confusion, questioned whether he had just witnessed something real or had fallen under the influence of a mental soul skill. Was he even in reality?


    At that moment, a golden light slashed out from the void. The Angelic Sacred Sword emerged, carrying Qian Daoliu as he stepped out of the spatial rift.


    Sensing the lingering terrifying power, Qian Daoliu''s expression turned grave. His soul power surged to its peak, and the aura of his demigod-level strength was fully unleashed. Within the Star Dou Forest, countless soul beasts cowered under the oppressive force of his angered divine power, recalling the fear imposed by the Angel God and the High Priests of generations past.


    Although Bear Lord had fled a short distance, the traces he left behind were far too obvious. Unable to locate his true enemy, Qian Daoliu spread the three pairs of wings on his back and shot toward Bear Lord like a streak of light. With one swing of his sword, he struck the terror-stricken Bear Lord.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword, left behind by the Angel God, could cut through almost any material in the Douluo World. Even Bear Lord''s body, as tough as the ultimate gold, was as fragile as paper before the Angelic Sacred Sword.


    In an instant, Bear Lord suffered a wound several meters long. The searing soul power corroded and burned the wound, preventing even a single drop of blood from flowing. The massive bear let out a pained roar.


    He shouted Di Tian''s name in desperation as he fled toward the Land of Great Peril, showing no intention of fighting Qian Daoliu. While Bear Lord dared to face a Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo, he didn''t dare believe his mortal flesh could withstand the divine weapon once wielded by the Angel God. A High Priest with a divine weapon and one without were completely different entities.


    A giant black dragon tore through the space, appearing before Qian Daoliu could land another strike on Bear Lord. The dragon''s front claws radiated a nine-colored light, emanating the power of a divine domain.


    Di Tian initially sought to negotiate, unwilling to engage the Angel God''s High Priest¡ªespecially one wielding the Angelic Sacred Sword. However, Qian Daoliu, consumed by rage, gave Di Tian no chance to explain. Since Di Tian stood in his way, Qian Daoliu swung his sword at him.


    The divine power stored within the Angelic Sacred Sword erupted. Even without the Angel God''s divine consciousness, it posed a significant threat to Di Tian, forcing him to abandon negotiation and fully unleash his Dragon God Claw to resist the Angelic Sacred Sword.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the purple world, two figures¡ªone purple and one green¡ªappeared before Chen Ming.


    The two figures radiated completely different divine powers. Strangely, when their forces collided, they didn''t cancel each other out. Instead, they began to merge and transform. Though their attributes were opposites, surpassing even the conflict between water and fire or light and darkness, they somehow achieved perfect harmony.


    To Chen Ming''s eyes, these figures weren''t human. One resembled a dark purple droplet of water, while the other was a massive green ancient tree.


    Merely gazing at these figures flooded Chen Ming''s mind with unprecedented knowledge. The sheer magnitude of information and comprehension of the essence of existence caused Chen Ming to experience mental pain for the first time. No matter how much he tried to resist or avoid understanding, the seemingly infinite stream of knowledge poured into his consciousness.


    These were manifestations of the universe''s primordial essence¡ªconceptual embodiments of destruction and life. Together, they held within them the hidden power of creation, their mere presence pointing to the mysteries of the universe''s origin.


    Sensing Chen Ming''s intrinsic understanding of their essence, the Gods of Destruction and Life exchanged glances, noticing something unusually extraordinary about him.


    Their divine powers surged, but their auras gradually diminished. In Chen Ming''s eyes, the dark purple droplet and the massive green tree transformed into two humanoid figures¡ªone purple and one green. As they changed forms, the uncontrollable torrent of knowledge also ceased.


    Chen Ming clutched his head, gasping for breath. It took him two to three minutes to regain his ability to think clearly.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [243]

    "Human, you are quite special."


    Quietly watching as Chen Ming calmed down, the God of Destruction, holding his scepter, revealed a slight smile and praised him.


    A mere human had unleashed the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms¡ªif he hadn''t seen it with his own eyes, the God of Destruction would have never believed it.


    Although, in his view, this technique was immature, weak, riddled with flaws, and had many issues, he could not deny that the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms was on the right path.


    Mutual generation and restraint, interdependence, and coexistence¡ªusing the power of judgment as a guide to form the ultimate attack. Even in the Divine Realm, only the Five God Kings working together could achieve this.


    Even when other deities with similar attributes gathered and tried to imitate it, they failed due to insufficient comprehension.


    The Five God Kings had attempted to teach deities with similar attributes to replicate this technique as a secret trump card, but even after personally imparting its profound mysteries, no deity had been able to fully grasp it.


    Just based on this sword alone, the God of Destruction deemed that this human before him deserved the position of a First-Class God, and if he progressed further, he might even become a God King someday.


    Especially that ability to directly perceive essence¡ªeven in the vast Divine Realm, neither the God of Destruction nor the Goddess of Life had seen anyone who could match it.


    Looking at Chen Ming, the God of Destruction¡ªwho was not known for his good temper¡ªrarely showed a gentle smile, while the Goddess of Life also looked at him warmly.


    "We are the Gods of Destruction and Life, two of the Five God Kings of the Divine Realm."


    Their voices resonated in unison, and with them, a surge of information entered Chen Ming''s mind, revealing their true identities¡ªwhat it meant to be a God King, the power structure of the Divine Realm, and the classifications and disparities among the different levels of deities.


    To the two God Kings, this was merely a simple introduction, fearing that Chen Ming might not understand. But to Chen Ming, the information was immensely significant.


    Facing the two God Kings, who had withdrawn their divine pressure and now appeared as ordinary people before him, Chen Ming respectfully bowed¡ªa customary gesture among senior Soul Masters in Douluo Continent. However, the God of Destruction and Goddess of Life remained indifferent.


    At their level, mere etiquette was meaningless¡ªjust as there was no divine position in the Divine Realm associated with etiquette. Deities cared about something far more fundamental¡ªtalent and power.


    In their eyes, Chen Ming''s power was insignificant, but his talent was astonishing, enough to leave them deeply impressed. Thus, they didn''t concern themselves with formalities.


    "Human, you have great talent. Do you wish to become a god?"


    The God of Destruction was not one for elaborate words; he directly expressed his thoughts to Chen Ming.


    Raising his right hand, a pair of illusory twin hammers appeared in his palm. Then, as if recalling something, he casually tossed his Destruction Scepter into the void and reached out with his left hand¡ªsuddenly, a purple crystal materialized.


    Even though it had been greatly reduced in size, Chen Ming instantly recognized that this was the same crystal he had once seen in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s treasury.


    Dark purple divine power surged from the God of Destruction, invading the crystal. The moment the crystal shattered, a broken spear tip floated above his palm. Under his divine power, the shattered artifact now had a phantom-like long shaft, and it''s once flickering aura stabilized.


    Gazing at the long spear, the God of Destruction sighed softly, his eyes filled with nostalgia.


    "Ah... Thunder God will never return after all."


    The Thunder God had been the God of Destruction''s most trusted subordinate, arguably the strongest First-Class God below the God Kings. His loyalty to the God of Destruction was unparalleled, making him the most formidable enforcer in the Divine Realm.


    Thunder God''s demise had been something the God of Destruction had desperately tried to prevent, but despite exhausting all efforts, he failed to restore Thunder God''s shattered divine soul. He could only preserve a portion of Thunder God''s divine power and weapon fragments, nurturing them by his side for countless years. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After ages of effort, he had barely managed to restore most of Thunder God''s divine position.


    With a wave of his hands, the God of Destruction placed the giant twin hammers (God of Strength) and long spear (God of Thunder) before Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming could sense that these two divine weapons carried divine positions that were now fully open to him¡ªif he chose to inherit either, he would be welcomed.


    Even Thunder God''s artifact, which had previously repelled him due to conflicting attributes, no longer rejected him.


    "God of Destruction, I wish to achieve godhood through my strength."


    To be honest, when presented with two First-Class God positions to choose from, Chen Ming was indeed tempted.


    But only for a moment. He quickly suppressed his emotions, clasped his hands, and respectfully responded to the God of Destruction.


    "Achieve godhood on your own? Not bad. With your talent, such ambition is expected."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s reply, the God of Destruction found it both unexpected and reasonable.


    With such talent, becoming a god was inevitable. With proper guidance, the Divine Realm would undoubtedly gain a new First-Class God¡ªa beneficial outcome for the realm.


    As an ancient God King, someone ambitious about expanding the Divine Realm, the God of Destruction would not simply stand by and watch as Chen Ming achieved godhood on his own.


    Even though Chen Ming had refused his offer, he still wished to help this extraordinarily talented human.


    With a casual gesture, he extracted two forces from the divine weapons, sending them into Chen Ming''s spiritual sea.


    The moment they entered, Chen Ming understood what they were.


    [God of Strength''s Seven Trials, God of Thunder''s Seven Trials.]


    Both divine trials were sealed, meaning Chen Ming could activate them whenever he wished. Their levels were fixed¡ªSeven Trials was the absolute limit where one could reap benefits without obligations.


    Soul Masters had to complete eight trials to become a High Priest and nine trials to become a god. However, with seven trials, he could gain immense advantages without any commitments.


    Although Chen Ming was confident in reaching godhood on his own, having backers would undoubtedly make things much easier.


    After ensuring that the God of Destruction genuinely had good intentions, Chen Ming pondered for a few seconds, then separated a portion of his spiritual essence and presented it to the two Divine Kings.


    If it had been just the God of Destruction, he might have hesitated. But with the Goddess of Life¡ªwhose benevolence was well-documented in the original story¡ªhe felt more assured.


    After all, as the manifestation of the Ancient Tree of Life, she was the embodiment of compassion.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [244]

    "This is¡­?"


    The God of Destruction sensed that this power was very special. Although it did not contain divine energy, its intricacy was in no way inferior. He reached out to touch the spiritual light point. Immediately, a portion of Chen Ming''s separated memories was transmitted into the God of Destruction''s mind.


    The divine power of the Rakshasa God influenced the Angel God. The puppet was controlled from behind by the Asura God, who called himself the Lord of the Gods. The will of the plane revealed that the Asura God was attempting to control the Child of the Plane.


    With the God of Destruction''s abilities, he could review these memories a thousand times in an instant. His originally smiling expression turned cold in a split second, and his body unconsciously became entwined with purple lightning.


    He turned his head and glanced at the nearby Goddess of Life, who was unaware of what had happened. He transmitted a divine thought to her. After receiving the message, the Goddess of Life solemnly reached out to touch the light point and instantly gained vast amounts of information.


    Recalling the last time the Asura God had separated a divine thought to infiltrate the Douluo World, followed by abnormalities in the Rakshasa God''s divine position, both the Goddess of Life and the God of Destruction became extremely serious. Within just a few breaths, the two of them deduced a great number of possibilities based on their knowledge.


    "Young man, show me the power you obtained from the Asura God." The God of Destruction''s gaze turned cold, and his voice became somewhat suppressed.


    The God of Destruction was not known for having a good temperament. In fact, as the embodiment of the universe''s destructive power, he was probably the most ill-tempered of all the gods in the divine realm¡ªeven the God of Evil could not compare.


    The only reason he appeared calm and wise was because the Goddess of Life was by his side. Their opposing natures balanced each other, with the Goddess of Life easing the God of Destruction''s inherent fury and instinct to obliterate everything. This was why he became the strategic mastermind among the five great God Kings of the divine realm.


    Upon realizing that the Asura God was hiding something from him or that the human before him was somewhat unusual, a portion of the God of Destruction''s suppressed temperament flared up, making him appear extremely dangerous. Only when the Goddess of Life grasped his wrist did his emotions slightly stabilize.


    Hearing the God of Destruction''s request, Chen Ming immediately took out the small sword he had been nurturing within his arm.


    As the vessel for the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, the small sword was nearly destroyed, with most of its metal structure suffering irreversible damage. Its strength had fallen from the peak of mortal craftsmanship to the level of ordinary metal. However, it still contained a small portion of the Asura God''s judgment power.


    The God of Destruction held the small sword in his hand and examined it carefully, discovering traces of divine power from multiple gods. Finally, at the deepest structure of the sword, he found a sliver of the Asura God''s judgment power.


    Seeing this, the God of Destruction''s expression turned icy. Divine power surged in his hand as he contemplated something unknown.


    If the current Asura God were the second-generation Asura God, Tang San, then just this sliver of exclusive Asura divine power would be enough for the God of Destruction to wage war against him without hesitation.


    However, the current Asura God was the first-generation Asura, a friend he had known for eons. Because of this, the God of Destruction felt hesitant. Even though he knew the Asura God had violated divine realm laws, he still wanted to minimize the severity of the situation.


    After a brief moment, the God of Destruction exchanged a glance with the Goddess of Life. The couple clasped hands, activating their divine powers. The forces of destruction and life converged in the God of Destruction''s palm, enveloping the small sword.


    Destruction is followed by rebirth. When the powers of the God Kings of Destruction and Life merged, they gave birth to the force of creation¡ªakin to the energy that birthed the universe itself.


    The small sword, which was on the verge of destruction, was nourished by the power of creation as if it had undergone a new genesis. What was once dead was revived, and what had vanished was restored. The formerly incomplete divine artifact prototype bathed in creation energy, rapidly evolving into a true divine artifact embryo.


    With a wave of his hand, the God of Destruction sent the small sword back into Chen Ming''s body. The residual creation energy that had not been fully absorbed fused into Chen Ming, transforming his physique.


    Although the God of Destruction did not grant him divine power, the power of creation was already one of the most miraculous substances in this world¡ªfar more mystical than divine power itself.


    With various factors influencing him, Chen Ming''s physical strength had already reached the level of a Super Douluo, only slightly inferior to Golden Crocodile Douluo by about ten to twenty percent, and close to half the strength of Qian Daoliu, a demigod. Under the transformation of the power of creation, his body underwent further enhancement. A faint divine energy began to emerge from within him, and a subtle divine aura was born deep within his spiritual sea. This transformation pushed his body and spirit closer to the realm of a demigod. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, his first absorbed external soul bone finally broke through from ninety thousand years to one hundred thousand years with the help of creation energy, then surged directly to the level of two hundred thousand years.


    Its quality, enhanced by his martial soul and the power of creation, reached an extraordinary level. This, in turn, caused a trace of golden hue to appear in Chen Ming''s blood.


    Although it was just a faint trace, Chen Ming felt his body undergo a near-qualitative transformation. If his blood were to fully turn golden, he would likely achieve the legendary divine body.


    The God of Destruction silently observed Chen Ming''s transformation. As Chen Ming was still immersed in his evolution, the God of Destruction spoke coldly.


    "Young man, don''t go spreading what you know. As a God King of the divine realm, I will personally investigate this matter. Although the Asura God is the enforcer of the divine realm, if I find that he has violated the rules by interfering in the lower world, he will not escape the laws of the divine realm unscathed."


    "Your talent is exceptional. Even in my long lifespan, I have rarely encountered someone comparable. You have the potential to become a powerful god. But that is merely potential¡ªit is the future. For now, you need not concern yourself with such matters. Just focus on cultivating and accumulating faith power to ascend to godhood."


    Saying this, the God of Destruction retrieved his Destruction Scepter from the void and lightly tapped Chen Ming''s forehead. A force and a weak divine thought were sealed within Chen Ming''s mind.


    "I have left a safeguard within you. If any god violates the rules and interferes in the lower world, this safeguard will detect the divine realm''s central state and activate it. You need not worry further."


    As he finished speaking, a gleam flashed in the God of Destruction''s eyes. From within Chen Ming''s storage soul tool, where Lou Gao was absorbing a soul ring, the God of Destruction effortlessly pulled him out.


    For Lou Gao''s talent, the God of Destruction did not comment. With a mere infusion of divine power, he enabled Lou Gao to easily complete the absorption of the soul ring, causing him to fall into a deep sleep.


    Then, the Goddess of Life waved her hand, summoning a crimson soul ring and a left leg bone radiating the aura of a ferocious beast before Chen Ming.


    Due to being struck by the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, most of the essence within the Myriad King''s soul ring and bone had been erased. Their power barely exceeded one hundred thousand years, and the soul ring was even on the verge of shattering.


    The Goddess of Life gently tapped with her jade-like hand, infusing a unique life force into the soul ring and bone. This not only instantly repaired their damaged essence but also enhanced their quality.


    The five golden threads within the soul ring expanded, enveloping it entirely, turning the originally crimson ring into a sacred golden-red hue.


    Although the Goddess of Life had the power to truly elevate the Myriad King''s soul ring to a divine ring, as a God King, she had to uphold the laws of the divine realm. Thus, she merely restored the soul ring and subtly enhanced its quality with her power.


    PS: Guys, I will not be enrolling this school year for 1st year college instead I will devote myself on translation hehe. Also I will replace my potato laptop with pc, I feel like the lagging problem slow down my updates.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [245]

    "The rules of the Douluo world are unique. Your cultivation system as a Soul Master requires absorbing soul rings to continue advancing. You just killed a soul beast, so naturally, its soul ring and the items it produced belong to you."


    "I remember that the Angel God once introduced something called a soul bone. As one progresses toward godhood, it can also transform into a basic set of divine artifacts."


    "We have high hopes for you. We hope you can become the next Angel¡ªno, surpass the Angel and become the next God King of the Divine Realm."


    The Goddess of Life spoke gently to Chen Ming while giving him an imprint that contained a set of coordinates.


    "I once cast the divine position of the Flower God into the lower realm, waiting for a new successor. Although you do not meet the requirements of the Flower God, your vitality is already exceptional. In the future, you can visit that place to study the Flower God''s divine position¡ªit may be greatly beneficial for you when you create your divine position."


    "If I''m not mistaken, you''ve already started shaping your divine position, haven''t you?"


    "The Life Goddess truly lives up to the legends¡ªI have indeed begun shaping my divine position. Under the guidance of the world''s consciousness, I found the shattered divine position of the God of Sin. I divided it into three seeds, gave one to my family, and am cultivating the remaining two myself."


    If the God of Destruction made Chen Ming feel somewhat uncertain¡ªrequiring some testing before fully trusting him¡ªthen the Goddess of Life was someone he could trust without hesitation.


    The Goddess of Life was a true saint¡ªnot in a derogatory sense. Her attributes and essence determined that she was inherently compassionate. Though she possessed great strength, she remained detached from worldly conflicts. According to legends in the Divine Realm, she even voluntarily secluded herself to avoid taking sides.


    Although her personality might be somewhat hesitant and soft, to Chen Ming at this moment, the Goddess of Life was still someone he could rely on¡ªarguably the most trustworthy figure in the entire Divine Realm.


    "The shattered divine position of the God of Sin? So, remnants of it still exist in the Douluo world? I originally thought the Divine Realm''s enforcers had already recovered all broken divine positions, but it seems there are still remnants scattered across different worlds."


    Hearing this, the God of Destruction interjected, momentarily setting aside the matter of the God of Asura. As the principal deity of the Seven Deadly Sins, he had something to say.


    "You must handle the divine position of the God of Sin with extreme caution. While it possesses great potential, it is also the most prone to losing control."


    "My subordinates¡ªthe Gods of the Seven Deadly Sins¡ªare all among the strongest first-level gods. However, even they struggle with the emotional influences of their divine positions."


    "If not properly guided, one could easily fall completely under the power of sin and become a true evil god."


    The God of Destruction thought for a moment before retrieving a crystal from his chest and tossing it to Chen Ming. The moment it touched Chen Ming, the deep purple crystal merged into his body.


    "This crystal will ensure you don''t lose control. Even if you suffer an attack powerful enough to destroy both your body and soul, it will preserve a part of your soul and life force. Consider it my form of assistance. The Seven Deadly Sins are my subordinate gods¡ªI cannot solve their problems, but I also do not wish to see new deities suffer from the same issue."


    "If, in the future, you find a way to counteract the emotional corruption caused by the power of sin, I''d like to seek your guidance. Perhaps it could help ease the struggles of the Seven Deadly Sins."


    "Do you have any other questions? If not, the two of us will help you absorb this soul ring and soul bone, and then you will need to return to your world."


    "Interfering with the lower realm is already improper. If we stay too long, it will become difficult to explain."


    The God of Destruction''s words were merely an excuse¡ªhe knew the real reason.


    Among the Five God Kings, three were indifferent to governance, leaving only him and the Goddess of Life to maintain the Divine Realm. Even if a vote were required, they held absolute voting power.


    Moreover, this involved the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, a powerful secret technique. If they informed the other God Kings, they wouldn''t object to the God of Destruction''s actions. They might even send down their divine consciousness to observe.


    What he truly wanted to know was: What exactly had Asura done?


    Why was he interfering with the lower realm?


    How was he controlling the Rakshasa God''s divine power?


    Why was he targeting the successor of the Angel God?


    Where was the Rakshasa God, and why was her power under Asura''s control?


    Where was the Angel God, and why had she not responded despite her successor being affected by external forces?


    The God of Destruction had some unsettling suspicions, but he hoped he was wrong.


    Because if his suspicions were correct¡ªif the God of Asura had secretly acted against the Rakshasa and the Angel¡ªthen he, along with the Goddess of Life and the Goddess of Good and God of Evil, would have no choice but to put Asura on trial.


    "God of Destruction, I have one more question. Are there any deities in the Divine Realm currently in need of successors? I believe that the talents of my companions are quite exceptional, and I want to see if they have the potential to inherit a divine position."


    "Oh?" The God of Destruction nodded thoughtfully, then casually pulled out a long list from the void and handed it to Chen Ming.


    "Sea God, Fire God, Water God, God of War, God of Speed, God of Food, Goddess of Seven Colors, God of Forging, God of Defense..." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The list was long, covering everything from first-level gods to Divine Realm enforcers. Chen Ming indeed found a few positions that piqued his interest¡ªones that his companions might have a chance of inheriting.


    "God Destruction, my companion here is the finest blacksmith in our realm. He has already reached the stage of Heavenly Refinement, where metal is imbued with spiritual life and talent during the forging process, followed by transcending tribulation. Do you think he is capable of undertaking the God of Forging''s divine trial?"


    Chen Ming pointed at the unconscious Lou Gao and spoke to the God of Destruction.


    To be honest, although many divine positions were waiting for successors, very few were truly suitable for the people around Chen Ming.


    His uncle and grandfather had no potential to become gods. Even if they were to inherit a divine position, it would have to be as a divine officer or a Divine Realm enforcer. Rather than going through that trouble, it would be easier for Chen Ming to bring them into the Divine Realm after he ascended.


    Dugu Bo, with his pseudo-half-god position as the Snake God, would at least reach the level of a third-level god in the future. At that point, he could also help Dugu Yan barely inherit a divine position.


    To be frank, third-level gods were nothing special. While they were stronger than those in the Douluo Continent, in the grand scale of the universe, they were merely elite mobs or high-tier cannon fodder.


    Chen Ming was tempted by the inheritance of the God of Strength and God of Speed, but he understood that the gods wouldn''t approve of his current companions. Only Lou Gao might barely catch the attention of the God of Forging.


    If he had the ability in the future, he wanted to help Golden Crocodile Douluo¡ªthe one who had tried to help him escape¡ªto inherit the divine trial of the God of Strength.


    Although Golden Crocodile Douluo was over 200 years old, he was at Rank 98¡ªjust a step away from Rank 99. If the God of War wasn''t too picky and wanted to leave quickly, he probably wouldn''t mind granting Golden Crocodile Douluo a divine trial.


    After all, inheriting the position in just a few years without requiring much additional effort or faith power¡ªwhy would a god seeking to leave refuse such an opportunity?


    "This is not for me to decide. I must ask the God of Forging. But if your companion is truly as skilled as you claim, then even if I wanted to keep the God of Forging here, he would not pass up this opportunity."


    The God of Destruction squinted slightly and nodded, agreeing to ask on Chen Ming''s behalf.


    Though the God of Forging was only a second-level god, his importance surpassed that of most first-level gods. As the greatest blacksmith in the Divine Realm, he crafted the weapons and armor of countless deities.


    Ever since his ascension, nearly every Divine Realm enforcer and divine officer had wielded equipment forged by him. He alone had significantly increased the overall strength of the Divine Realm.


    If the God of Forging could find a successor, it would be a great benefit to the Divine Realm. Even if the successor lacked the strength to inherit the divine position, they could still be elevated to the Divine Realm as a divine officer to assist the God of Forging.


    PS: For sure, the Flower God position is reserved for Lingling.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [246]

    The flow of time between the Divine Realm and the Douluo World is not synchronized¡ªone day in the Divine Realm equates to one year in the Douluo World. Moreover, this place is not the true Divine Realm but rather a demi-plane that lies between the Divine Realm and the lower realms. The flow of time in this demi-plane is closer to that of the lower realms and is even slightly faster. In some worlds, a single day in the demi-plane might only equal half a day outside.


    The God of Destruction agreed to inquire further, but from the perspective of the Divine Realm''s timeline, even under the best circumstances, it would take at least six months in the Douluo World before any response could be expected. If the God of Forging had any pressing matters, it could easily take three to five years, or even decades, before a reply could be received.


    To be frank, the God of Destruction truly feared that after finally finding a suitable successor, the time discrepancy might cause the Divine Realm to react too late, leaving the successor to die of old age. So, as he looked at Chen Ming and Lou Gao, the God of Destruction found his moral boundaries slightly wavering.


    After all, directly interfering with the lower realms was already a violation of the rules. Giving a little extra help shouldn''t matter too much, right?


    Thinking about how the God of Forging had, ever since entering the Divine Realm a thousand years ago, worked tirelessly to craft divine artifacts for gods, priests, and enforcers, the God of Destruction maintained a calm exterior but grew increasingly worried about finding a suitable successor for him.


    The God of Forging was already so exhausted that he had tried multiple times to abandon his divine position and flee the Divine Realm, even going so far as to violate its laws. Ultimately, he was persuaded to stay by the Five Great Divine Kings themselves. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The God of Destruction waved the Thunder God''s Spear in his hand, marking Lou Gao with a faint imprint. This mark couldn''t guarantee that Lou Gao would survive the heavenly tribulation during his forging breakthrough, but it ensured that he wouldn''t be killed outright by it.


    Next, the God of Destruction packaged a compilation titled "On How Human Cultivators Become Gods and Common Pitfalls"¡ªa summary he had organized during his time in the Divine Realm¡ªand handed it to Chen Ming, encouraging him to gather sufficient faith as soon as possible to ascend to godhood.


    With the assistance of the Goddess of Life, Chen Ming began to absorb a soul ring and a soul bone.


    Thanks to divine power, the soul ring didn''t dissipate as it would under the Douluo World''s rules. Chen Ming chose first to absorb the 530,000-year-old left leg bone from the Myriad King.


    As this soul bone¡ªthe oldest ever recorded on the Douluo Continent¡ªmerged into his body, Chen Ming underwent a slight physical enhancement.


    This wasn''t the limit of Chen Ming''s potential; rather, it was the limit of the Douluo World, the upper boundary of its universal laws.


    Chen Ming''s physical strength had already approached that of a divine body. Any further enhancements like before would now be restricted by the universal laws. The Myriad King''s soul bone provided Chen Ming with more than just strength¡ªit enhanced the faint traces of golden blood already present in his body.


    After the soul bone''s transformation, Chen Ming''s left leg bone''s hematopoietic (blood-producing) function was strengthened. The blood it produced carried even more vitality, and the trace of divine golden essence became denser.


    In the eyes of the Goddess of Life, this left leg bone alone was enough to ensure that Chen Ming wouldn''t face any physical aging for a millennium. His life expectancy was now roughly 3,000 years, giving him ample time to accumulate faith.


    Chen Ming took only one hour to absorb the soul bone. Upon completion, he gained two unique soul skills.


    The first was called King of Plants. This skill wasn''t something the Myriad King had in life but was theoretically a power it could have possessed. The rules of the Douluo Continent did not permit soul beasts to ascend to godhood. Otherwise, with the Myriad King''s strength and cultivation, it could have long become a plant-based god. After suffering the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, 80¨C90% of its power had been destroyed. However, with the intervention of the Goddess of Life, the soul bone''s quality was further elevated under her divine nourishment.


    The King of Plants skill originated from the faith accumulated by plant-based soul beasts in the Myriad King, as well as the modifications made by the Goddess of Life, who drew from her life essence.


    Its effect was simple yet domineering: it granted Chen Ming the attribute of Ultimate Wood, allowing him to manipulate any plant-based entity under 100,000 years of age at will.


    The second soul skill was one the Myriad King had used in life: Thousand Branches. Due to Chen Ming''s martial soul not being plant-based, the manifestation of the skill was slightly different. It allowed Chen Ming to partially transform his body into wood, enabling modifications and extensions. When combined with the King of Plants skill, this transformation could be applied directly to external plant-based entities.


    With Chen Ming''s knowledge of immortal herbs, this skill allowed him to manipulate and modify even the immortal plants in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. By investing enough effort, he could directly transform other medicinal plants or soul beasts with similar attributes into immortal herbs.


    The power contained in this soul bone was overwhelmingly dominant for plant-based entities. Despite being integrated into Chen Ming''s left leg bone, its effects extended to Ah Yin, whose cultivation years and quality improved as well. Ah Yin''s cultivation, which had only recently recovered to the thousand-year level, now surged to 20,000¨C30,000 years.


    Following the soul bone absorption, it was time for the soul ring. The 530,000-year-old soul ring of the Myriad King exerted immense pressure on Chen Ming''s body. Even for Ultimate Douluo with twin martial souls, absorbing such a soul ring was an unimaginable risk.


    Even without the interference of residual soul beast consciousness, the sheer energy contained within this soul ring posed a significant challenge to Chen Ming''s current body. After all, the Myriad King, a plant-based beast renowned for its accumulation and profound essence, was impossible to quantify in terms of power.


    Fortunately, with the modifications made by the Goddess of Life, the energy within the soul ring became gentle and even welcoming. Not only did it refrain from resisting, but it actively cooperated with Chen Ming''s absorption.


    It felt as though warm water washed over his skin, sunlight bathed his body, or he lay on soft grass, basking in nature''s embrace.


    There was no trace of the Myriad King''s consciousness within the soul ring, only a vast vitality and soul power. Chen Ming needed only to channel his will to guide the energy, allowing it to merge into his being.


    Midway through the process, Chen Ming''s body began to change. The powerful life attribute within his dragon core was reactivated, evolving into Ultimate Life Force. Under the influence of his divine position, the life force reached its peak and began to transform, birthing a strand of pure death energy.


    Life and death intertwined. Chen Ming''s body alternated between withering and flourishing. In this cycle of life and death, the golden blood within his body steadily increased, transforming his organs in the process.


    Among these, his heart¡ªone of the most vital organs and the source of blood circulation¡ªbenefited the most. Transformed by the golden blood, it shifted from its ordinary crimson hue to a divine golden-red.


    It was, without a doubt, the Heart of a God.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [247]

    The physical changes meant little to Chen Ming; what truly mattered now was the challenges his spirit was facing.


    The semi-plane neither belonged to the Douluo World nor was it strictly part of the Divine Realm. The formation of spirit abilities within soul rings required both the soul ring itself and the world origin of the Douluo World to shape them.


    The God of Destruction was unaware of this, and the Goddess of Life didn''t understand the principles behind soul rings either. As a result, when Chen Ming was now absorbing a soul ring, he wasn''t truly facing the Divine Realm or the Douluo World, but rather the vast and intangible cosmos itself.


    After absorbing 99% of the soul ring, Chen Ming naturally sent signals outward, intending to enter the state of condensing spirit abilities. However, since soul rings were a unique product of the Douluo World, these signals were meaningless to the cosmos.


    Eventually, after countless failed attempts to send signals, Chen Ming seemed to realize this. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he gave up now, even if he returned to the Douluo World with the support of its world consciousness, it would still take a long time for the spirit abilities within this soul ring to condense.


    For an ordinary soul master, this would be a huge problem. But for Chen Ming, the absence of interference during the absorption of the soul ring presented an opportunity.


    It had been a long time since anyone mentioned this¡ªChen Ming possessed the ability to craft his spirit abilities. However, because his comprehension of the world''s laws was inferior to that of the Douluo World itself, he had rarely used this ability.


    The only time Chen Ming utilized this power was when he, with the help of the essence he obtained from Dugu Bo and the support of the Douluo World, crafted the Destructive Death Ray for himself. Beyond that, this ability had remained dormant¡ªan idea left unpracticed.


    This time, taking advantage of the opportunity created by the absence of external interference, Chen Ming began his attempt.


    Yes, he was attempting to replicate.


    Although his strength now was hundreds of times greater than when he was just a Soul Grandmaster, he wasn''t so bold as to think he could surpass the laws of an entire world. What he was replicating now were none other than the powers of the Goddess of Life and the God of Destruction.


    When he first encountered the two, Chen Ming, due to his unique nature, glimpsed a portion of their essence. While the information was overwhelming for him¡ªblurring the lines between useful and useless insights and even causing mental anguish¡ªat this moment, he tried his best to recall those insights, imprinting them onto the soul ring and attempting to resonate with the laws of the cosmos.


    Starting with the power of life, and with the aid of the peak life energy within him, the Ultimate Wood element, and the residual divine power of the Goddess of Life within the soul ring, this imprinting process was quite successful. Since hundred-thousand-year soul rings typically had dual skills, Chen Ming naturally began imprinting the power of the God of Destruction next.


    However, Chen Ming''s comprehension of destruction was limited to death and poison. Even under the threat of death, all he could do was fuse these two into the inferior force of annihilation, which was a lower-level derivative of destruction. Logically, this ability should have been incomplete when imprinted.


    But after all, the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life were watching him.


    Gazing at Chen Ming''s bold actions, the God of Destruction''s mouth twitched slightly. He released a faint trace of his repressed aura, demonstrating his connection to the cosmic origin, allowing Chen Ming''s replication to immediately find its target.


    Death and poison gave rise to annihilation, and annihilation further evolved into destruction.


    Life and death, creation and destruction¡ªthe laws of the cosmos revealed themselves to Chen Ming in an icy, indifferent manner. Their profundity and sheer scale of information surpassed that of the Douluo World countless times over. Chen Ming could only imprint a tiny, insignificant fraction of this power onto his soul ring.


    When the absorption was complete, the soul ring theoretically belonged to the Myriad King, but it was difficult to find any traces of the Myriad Demon King''s influence within it.


    Judging by its essence, this soul ring¡ªwhich had been modified by the Goddess of Life and imprinted with fragments of the power of two Divine Kings¡ªshouldn''t even be considered a soul ring. The skill contained within it couldn''t even be categorized as a traditional spirit ability.


    First Spirit Ability: Life


    The origin of life, a miraculous power capable of altering life itself.


    Second Spirit Ability: Destruction


    The origin of destruction, a force capable of utterly obliterating all things, both tangible and intangible.


    These two spirit abilities were vague and indistinct. Even Chen Ming found them difficult to wield; their usage came with immense consumption and a high level of difficulty in control. However, the characteristics they embodied exceeded the fundamental nature of the Douluo World itself and, due to their unique properties, were in some respects even more extraordinary than divine power.


    After absorbing the soul ring, Chen Ming stood up and bowed to the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life. Seeing that Chen Ming had imprinted fragments of their powers onto his body, the two deities exchanged awkward smiles. Without saying anything further, they waved their hands, sending Chen Ming and Lou Gao back to the Douluo World.


    In the semi-plane, after sending the two away, the God of Destruction picked up his staff and glanced at the Goddess of Life. The usually cold expression on his face turned peculiar.


    "Little Green, what do you think? Since he now has a part of my origin and a part of yours in his body, does that make him, biologically speaking, our child?"


    "This¡­" The Goddess of Life was momentarily at a loss for words, stunned by the God of Destruction''s strange perspective.


    Does it? Could it?


    Collecting fragments of their origins and fusing them into one¡ªconceptually, this could indeed be considered their "child." As humanized embodiments of conceptual entities, if they were to have a child, this would likely be the form it would take. Yet, biologically and ethically, Chen Ming had no connection to them; he had merely acquired a small portion of their power.


    Even with her broad-minded nature and boundless love, the Goddess of Life found herself silent for a long time, unsure of what to say.


    In the end, the God of Destruction shook his head and returned to the Divine Realm with the still bewildered Goddess of Life.


    The God of Destruction didn''t want to settle accounts with the Douluo World''s will, but the problem was that, even as a Divine King wielding the core of the Divine Realm, he could not do so.


    The will of a plane was an abstract and intangible existence. Even if it existed, it couldn''t directly convey information; at most, it could send vague signals. And even if it actively sent information, the will of a plane might not be able to perceive it.


    Unless there was a plane''s master or representative, communication¡ªeven with the Divine Core¡ªwas impossible.


    Or perhaps a first-level deity with a domain in the soul or emotions could attempt it? But neither the God of Destruction nor the Goddess of Life possessed such abilities.


    Upon returning to the Divine Realm, the God of Destruction summoned his Seven Deadly Sins.


    As subordinate first-level gods under the God of Destruction, the Seven Deadly Sins immediately rushed to his temple upon receiving his summons, kneeling respectfully as they awaited his commands.


    The God of Destruction''s eyes gleamed as he looked at the Seven Deadly Sins, then issued a peculiar order to the strongest among them, the God of Greed.


    "Greed, I want you to locate Rakshasa and Angel. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen either of them. Remember, don''t let anyone, especially Asura, find out."


    The God of Destruction''s eyes flickered with a ruthless light. As the God of Destruction, he wasn''t known for his patience. If Asura had merely broken the rules, he would have tried to protect his old friend of ten thousand years, minimizing the impact and making reparations to the victims later.


    But if Asura had truly committed an irreparable crime, the God of Destruction wouldn''t hesitate to personally send his wayward friend to his end.


    "Envy, I want you to keep a close eye on the Sea God without being discovered. Also, watch Asura carefully."


    "Wrath, find an opportunity to stir up trouble for the God of Slaughter. Don''t go overboard¡ªjust a minor skirmish will do. Never mind. Arrogance, you do it instead. I''m worried Wrath might lose control. Remember, don''t make it too obvious, and don''t escalate the conflict too much. Most importantly, don''t let the God of Slaughter kill you."


    "Lust, find a way to learn if the God of Forging has any free time recently. Come back and report to me. I have something to ask him."


    "Sloth, go to the Divine Beast Forest and take a nap. Keep an eye on the forest''s movements, especially to ensure that no anomalies occur with that existence."


    "Gluttony and Wrath, return to your temples and prepare for battle. I have a feeling that something major might happen in the Divine Realm soon."


    At this point, the God of Destruction fell silent.


    Despite being the embodiment of the cosmic rule of destruction¡ªthe nemesis of all things tangible and intangible¡ªit seemed as though he was the only one among the Five Divine Kings truly working for the advancement of the Divine Realm.


    Faced with their master''s orders, the Seven Deadly Sins, though puzzled, knelt respectfully, expressing their unwavering loyalty.


    The Seven Deadly Sins and the former God of Thunder and God of Strength were the God of Destruction''s absolute confidants. Each of them was utterly devoted to him.


    They did not question who their enemies were; they only needed to know where they were. They didn''t need to ask why the God of Destruction wanted to monitor other gods; they only knew that he must have a reason.


    In their eyes, the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life stood above all others. The other gods, including the Divine Kings, were secondary. While they respected the other Divine Kings, their loyalty to the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life was unmatched.


    Though each of the Seven Deadly Sins wielded the power of sin and was influenced to varying degrees by it, none of this interfered with their unwavering loyalty to the God of Destruction.


    The God of Destruction gave them his heart and soul, and they repaid him with their utmost devotion.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [248]

    After being thrown back to the Douluo Continent from the demi-plane, Chen Ming reappeared at the junction between the mixed zone and the core area of the Star Dou Forest.


    Originally, he had prepared himself for an intense battle the moment he exited the demi-plane. However, upon returning, he found that there was no one around him.


    In the core area of the Star Dou Forest, multiple powerful auras collided fiercely.


    Holy, evil, ultimate darkness and ultimate gold energy filled the air. At least a dozen Titled Douluo were engaged in an intense clash against an equal number of ferocious beasts in the core area of the Star Dou Forest.


    Chen Ming swept his spiritual power in that direction and immediately identified the source of the battlefield.


    Qian Daoliu, wielding the Angelic Holy Sword, was locked in combat with a giant dragon whose claw shimmered with a nine-colored brilliance. A woman clad in the robes of the Pope was besieging the Bear Lord alongside Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Lion Douluo faced the Scarlet King, while Azure Luan Douluo battled Bi Ji and a group of her subordinates.


    The twins Jian Long and Jiang Jun joined forces against the Hell Demon Dragon Zi Ji and a mysterious feral beast whose species was unrecognizable. The explosive power of the Evil-Breaking Dragon Soul suppressed the two feral beasts, leaving them with no room to counterattack.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo, whose strength was somewhat diminished, could not join the highest-level battles but fiercely led the hidden Titled Douluo and Soul Douluo of the Spirit Hall into combat. With the assistance of support-type soul masters, they clashed against the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts that usually remained hidden in the Star Dou Forest.


    The Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape, usually regarded by most soul masters as the dominant overlords of the Star Dou Forest, could only linger at the fringes of the battlefield. Their massive bodies bore several enormous claw marks, clearly inflicted by the enraged Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    On the battlefield, three hundred-thousand-year soul rings and seventeen or eighteen dark-red soul rings shimmered amidst the chaos. With the support of auxiliary soul masters, numerous soul beasts perished, while the Spirit Hall''s high-ranking combatants suffered minimal casualties.


    Above the battlefield, the Spirit Hall''s Angel Legion¡ªcomposed of a group of flying-type Soul Sages¡ªunleashed their martial souls in true form. Using their overwhelming numbers and strength, they formed a formation that cut through soul beasts under fifty thousand years like a blade through the grass.


    Only a small number of high-quality soul beasts escaped unscathed. The rest¡ªthose with average quality and years¡ªfell like mown grass. Ten-year, hundred-year, thousand-year, and ten-thousand-year soul rings filled the battlefield, while many soul beasts with fragile bodies were reduced to pulp by the large-scale attacks of the Angel Legion in their martial soul true form.


    The scale of this battlefield was immense, comparable to the Jialing Pass battle during Tang San''s ascension to godhood in the original story¡ªif not surpassing it in terms of mid-to-low-level combat power.


    Though Chen Ming didn''t know the exact cause of the conflict, he could guess that it was likely connected to him.


    Honestly, Chen Ming could have turned around and left. But since he suspected it was related to him, he couldn''t just walk away. After all, in the original story, there was no instance of the Spirit Hall directly clashing with the Star Dou Forest. The passionate 1v1 between Qian Daoliu and Di Tian was probably tied to the attack he had suffered.


    Activating his martial soul, Chen Ming unfolded wings of life and death on his back. Due to his newfound understanding of life and death, the previously unimpressive wings had transformed into massive black-and-white light wings.


    Flapping his wings, Chen Ming shot toward the battlefield like an arrow, simultaneously activating his Poison Deathly Realm Domain.


    Although the Poison Deathly Realm Domain indiscriminately targeted friend and foe, Chen Ming''s current level of spiritual power allowed him to differentiate between the two. Moreover, using the opposing wills he had comprehended and his observations of the two God Kings, he could further reverse the domain''s effects, transforming the toxins and death energy into healing energy for his allies. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he entered the combat zone between the ten-thousand-year soul beasts and the Angel Legion, the Poison Deathly Realm Domain instantly wiped out roughly one-third of the ten-thousand-year soul beasts, and dozens of ten-thousand-year soul rings floated up at once.


    When the death energy and toxins touched the human soul masters, their originally devastating effects transformed into equivalent healing energy. Severely injured soul masters instantly stabilized their wounds, which then began healing rapidly.


    Sensing the overbearing aura of life and death energy, Di Tian, who was locked in combat with Qian Daoliu, couldn''t help but glance at Chen Ming. This momentary distraction allowed Qian Daoliu to slash a deep, bone-revealing wound across his chest with the Angelic Holy Sword. The intense pain from the divine flames and holy light forced Di Tian to refocus on Qian Daoliu, leaving him no time to pay attention to the peculiar human soul master.


    Qian Daoliu flapped his wings and temporarily retreated. His spiritual power swirled as he spotted Chen Ming flying toward the battlefield with his massive light wings.


    Though the reason for the war had already returned, Qian Daoliu, now fully immersed in the fight, showed no intention of ordering a withdrawal. On the contrary, upon seeing Chen Ming''s return, much of his hesitation dissipated. The flames on the Angelic Holy Sword in his hands grew even brighter.


    Qian Daoliu pointed his sword at Di Tian, his gaze icy cold.


    "If the Star Dou Forest wishes to continue attacking humanity and incite another beast tide, then as the High Priest of the Angel God, I, along with the soul masters of the Spirit Hall, will stand in your way."


    "Human soul masters fear no beast tide. The Spirit Hall fears no Star Dou Forest. Even if we must fight to the last soldier, the Spirit Hall will never retreat nor surrender!"


    When facing humans, especially his old acquaintances, Qian Daoliu often hesitated and showed leniency. But as the successor of the Angel God, he had no such compassion for soul beasts.


    He remembered every instance of harm soul beasts had inflicted on humanity, recalling how difficult human life had been before the Angel God ascended.


    Though he harbored many concerns, if the situation became irreparable, Qian Daoliu would not hesitate to sacrifice his life to slaughter more feral beasts and soul beasts. Even at the cost of self-destruction, he would never allow a beast tide to threaten human civilization again.


    Hearing Qian Daoliu''s words, Di Tian, bleeding profusely, was furious. His nostrils flared as he activated his soul power and transformed his massive dragon body into the form of a black-robed human man.


    "High Priest of the Angel God, the Star Dou Forest has no intention of inciting a beast tide. I swear on my bloodline, my ancestors, the Star Dou Forest, and the entire soul beast race¡ªwe have no desire to provoke a beast tide."


    "The actions of the feral beasts are purely personal. As the Beast God of the Star Dou Forest, I guarantee that if you cease hostilities, I will even hand over the entire Demon-Eyed Tree species. We have no wish to fight you."


    Di Tian had endured countless grievances in his life and despised many traitors.


    He had envisioned various causes for another large-scale war between humans and soul beasts. He had imagined a day when he would confront humanity¡ªor even the Divine Realm¡ªfor the recovery of his Lord''s strength. But never had he thought he would be unjustly blamed for something he knew nothing about.


    Earlier that day, Di Tian had been enjoying a rare moment of leisure, walking in human form with Bi Ji in a secluded corner of the Star Dou Forest¡ªan area belonging to the Emerald Swan clan. For once, he wasn''t by the Silver Dragon King''s side, tending to her injuries and worrying over her recovery.


    When he first sensed the soul power fluctuations of the Myriad Demon King and Bear Lord, Di Tian knew something was wrong. Still, with Bi Ji beside him, he held onto a sliver of hope that it wasn''t anything serious.


    But soon after, the Myriad Demon King and Bear Lord''s battle with human soul masters erupted. Before Di Tian could reach the scene, he heard a cry of "The Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms."


    At that moment, Di Tian''s enormous heart skipped a beat. He even thought that the five God-Kings of the Divine Realm had discovered the Silver Dragon King''s whereabouts and led the gods down to the mortal world to attack!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [249]

    If it weren''t for the fact that the Douluo Plane remained intact and showed no signs of divine power, after hearing the name "The Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms," Di Tian would have wanted to immediately rush back and fight to the death alongside the Silver Dragon King.


    As soon as he tore through space and arrived, he saw the High Priest of the Angel God, wielding a divine weapon, charging toward him in a fury. Before Di Tian could even figure out what was going on, the Angelic Holy Sword had already left several wounds on him.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Di Tian''s parents were the Dark Dragon King and the Light Dragon King, and his attribute¡ªdespite being ultimate darkness¡ªwas never suppressed by light, the holy aura of just those two strikes would have left him suffering in agony for hundreds of years.


    Di Tian possessed a host of self-created skills, such as Ten Thousand Dragon Flame and Black Dragon''s Apocalypse, all immensely powerful. But against the enraged High Priest of the Angel God, especially the Angelic Holy Sword, Di Tian had no choice but to grit his teeth and respond with his signature Dragon God''s Claw. His other self-created soul skills were of no use at all.


    As the fight went on, Di Tian finally learned that the damned Myriad King, driven by who-knows-what motives, had tricked that fool Bear Lord into ambushing a group of soul masters.


    Ambushes were one thing¡ªafter all, Di Tian had always looked down on the soul masters who entered the Star Dou Forest to hunt for soul rings. But it turned out that Myriad King and Bear Lord had pursued and attacked soul masters from the Spirit Hall. Not just any Spirit Hall soul masters, but high-ranking individuals from the Worship Hall itself! And there was even a peculiar soul master accompanying them.


    The Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms was unleashed by that young human soul master, destroying Myriad King completely¡ªbody and soul¡ªwith a single strike.


    Who on earth was that person? Was he the current inheritor of the Angel God, or perhaps some other semi-divine being disguised in human skin? Regardless, Di Tian himself couldn''t guarantee that he could kill the notoriously resilient Myriad King in just one blow.


    Before Di Tian could even prepare, the furious Qian Daoliu launched a frontal assault, and the Spirit Hall''s worshippers led their soul masters in a direct invasion of the Star Dou Forest. Along the way, they slaughtered countless soul beast tribes, leaving a trail of blood behind.


    If Di Tian had truly been planning a beast tide, the Star Dou Forest wouldn''t have suffered as much damage. But the problem was, Di Tian had no idea what was going on, let alone any plans for a beast tide. He was on a date with Bi Ji when the furious Spirit Hall stormed in because of the damned Myriad King.


    From the birth of the new auspicious beast to now, five thousand years of accumulation in the Star Dou Forest were destroyed in less than a day by Spirit Hall.


    Even though Bi Ji immediately brought her Emerald Swan clan to stabilize the battlefield with their healing abilities, a large number of top-tier ten-thousand-year soul beasts were still killed by Titled Douluos and Soul Douluos. Even hundred-thousand-year soul beasts suffered casualties. If the battle escalated further, even fierce beasts would be in danger.


    Di Tian understood that Spirit Hall was the strongest human faction, but not the only one.


    After the Angel God ascended to godhood, two other first-tier gods¡ªthe Rakshasa God and the Sea God¡ªalso appeared among humans.


    And Di Tian had sharp eyes. He could see that the inheritor of the Rakshasa God was among the Spirit Hall soul masters. Judging by the divine aura emanating from her, she had likely reached the level of the seventh trial and was preparing for the eighth. She might even be able to wield a divine weapon or directly summon the Rakshasa God to act through her on the Douluo Continent.


    If the inheritors of the three gods joined forces, the Star Dou Forest would be wiped out.


    Even if the Sea God''s inheritor didn''t intervene, just the Rakshasa God''s inheritor wielding the Rakshasa Scythe alongside the Angel God''s High Priest would spell disaster for Di Tian.


    Although his heart bled as he watched the soul beasts he had nurtured die one by one on the battlefield, Di Tian still tried to explain to Qian Daoliu, hoping to make the Spirit Hall soul masters leave.


    If the fighting continued and escalated, it would require his Lord to intervene. But if his Lord revealed her power in front of the inheritors of the gods, the Divine Realm would undoubtedly become aware of it¡ªunless the gods above were dead.


    Di Tian wanted to fight Qian Daoliu to the death, but for the sake of the soul beast race and his Lord''s millennial plan, he chose to endure the humiliation. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, on another part of the battlefield, Chen Ming unleashed his domain, slaughtering ten thousand-year soul beasts and healing the Angel Legion. The Angel Legion, having activated their martial soul avatars, quickly gained total control of the battlefield, slaughtering ten thousand-year soul beasts as if they were chopping vegetables.


    Ten-thousand-year soul beasts were intelligent. While Di Tian, as the Beast God, could command them to fight for the Star Dou Forest, they weren''t willing to stay and die when the battle became a one-sided massacre. Without leaders or even a clear understanding of why the battle had erupted, many ten-thousand-year soul beasts began to flee. Those capable of burrowing underground didn''t hesitate to dig their way out, and their retreat caused a chain reaction. Even soul beasts who didn''t want to run were trampled to death by the stampede, and those hesitating were dragged along by the fleeing masses, causing the mid-tier battlefield to collapse instantly.


    The Angel Legion''s commander and deputy commander exchanged a brief look. The deputy commander led the weaker and injured soul masters to assist the lower-tier fighters, while the commander rallied the main combat force to advance alongside Chen Ming.


    The Angel Legion wasn''t entirely composed of angel martial souls but rather of flying-type soul masters. However, about 20% of them did possess angel martial souls, such as Light Angels, Fire Angels, and Wind Angels¡ªtwo-winged angels possessing some characteristics of six-winged angels. There were also rare four-winged angels like Healing Angels and Holy Angels, who, while not inheritors of the full power of six-winged angels, had unique abilities.


    These angel martial soul users were now following Chen Ming, advancing deeper into the battlefield.


    The top-tier martial soul soul sages of the Angel Legion, who had activated their martial soul avatars, weren''t mere cannon fodder. Even a single one of them could last three to five moves against an ordinary Titled Douluo. When grouped, their power was amplified by their shared martial soul traits, making them formidable as long as they didn''t face a Titled Douluo above level 95.


    With the Angel Legion''s intervention, mid-tier Titled Douluos who were around level 91 or 92, were quickly freed from other battles, allowing them to join the slaughter of high-level soul beasts. Countless high-quality soul beasts fell, and dark black or black-with-red soul rings rose into the air.


    If it weren''t for the Emerald Swans gritting their teeth and focusing all their healing efforts on saving the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, not even one of those creatures would have survived this wave of attacks.


    Even the Titled Douluos, hardened as they were, couldn''t hide the bloodlust in their eyes. Chen Ming even saw one newly advanced Titled Douluo pounding the ground in frustration in front of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring perfectly suited to his martial soul, his eyes red as if he''d unlocked the Sharingan.


    If the situation weren''t so chaotic and there weren''t so many eyes watching, even the staunchest supporters of Spirit Hall among the Titled Douluos might have been tempted to snatch a hundred-thousand-year soul bone and flee.


    The sight of so many hundred-thousand-year soul beasts drove even the high-ranking Titled Douluos, led by Third Worshiper Azure Luan Douluo, into a frenzy. These were people who had never obtained a hundred-thousand-year soul ring. Now, the sight of so many of these beasts stirred their desire to kill.


    "When I broke through to Titled Douluo, all these beasts played dead. I scoured the Star Dou Forest inside and out and couldn''t find a single hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Now, decades later, when I''ve given up on ever obtaining a hundred-thousand-year soul ring or bone, you all suddenly appear in droves in front of me?"


    Even if they couldn''t absorb the soul rings, they were determined to turn these beasts into soul bones to take back with them!


    As the chaos spread to the top-tier battlefield, Di Tian and Qian Daoliu finally stopped their stalemate. Seeing that Qian Daoliu had no intention of negotiating, Di Tian prepared to reveal his trump card.


    The black-robed figure transformed into a massive black dragon. Two powerful bloodlines within Di Tian''s body were forcibly yet meticulously activated, unleashing the dormant power within him. His enormous dragon form expanded several times over in an instant, and his aura now faintly surpassed that of Qian Daoliu, who wielded a semi-divine weapon. The massive dragon''s eyes burned with killing intent and resolve.


    Whether it was the Angel Legion outside, the Titled Douluos battling the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, or even Bibi Dong¡ªwho had been relentlessly pursuing Bear Lord to turn the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear into her second martial soul ring¡ªeveryone felt a looming threat of death emanating from Di Tian in this state.


    Even Bibi Dong stopped her frenzied attacks and prepared to summon the broken Rakshasa Scythe from within her spiritual sea.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [250]

    In this era, soul beasts cannot become gods¡ªat least, theoretically, they can''t ascend to godhood.


    However, since it is merely a theory, unexpected situations are bound to arise in practice.


    The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, due to its transformation by the power of the Evil God, might have the potential to become a god. The Auspicious Beast, bearing the fate of the soul beast race, also has the possibility of ascending. The Thunder Hell Prison Vine, thanks to its Thunder God''s bloodline, could theoretically become a god. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King came very close to ascending to godhood. As for Di Tian, the Beast God of the Star Dou Forest, he too could attempt to become a god.


    It was mentioned during Douluo Dalu IV''s era: if not for the inherent inability of soul beasts to become gods, Di Tian''s accumulated power would have been sufficient for him to ascend to godhood ten times over. Currently, this narrative takes place tens of thousands of years before that era, but the truth is, Di Tian''s current power is not significantly weaker than it was during Douluo Dalu IV.


    If Di Tian were to forcefully attempt to transcend the heavenly tribulation and ascend to godhood, he would have a 10% chance of succeeding, even on Douluo Star. And if he succeeded, with his accumulated power and bloodline, there was no doubt he would immediately become a first-tier god.


    While Di Tian is not yet a demigod, if he were to go berserk and unleash all of his latent power to wield the Dragon God''s Claw at full strength, even a third-tier god would not be his match, and his combat strength could rival that of a second-tier god.


    When Di Tian activated his bloodline and dormant power, it would accelerate the arrival of his next heavenly tribulation and potentially draw the attention of the Divine Realm. But to prevent the Star Dou Forest from fading into history, Di Tian still chose to take this risk. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The power of his Dragon God''s Claw surged dramatically, clashing directly with the Angelic Holy Sword. Though his dragon claw was bloodied by the sharpness of the sword, its immense power still sent Qian Daoliu flying backward. The strange energy from the attack struck Qian Daoliu, nearly causing him to lose control of his martial soul avatar.


    Seeing Qian Daoliu forced back, Bibi Dong, who had initially wanted to hold back her power, immediately narrowed her eyes. She raised her hand and summoned the broken Rakshasa Scythe from her spiritual sea. The ominous Rakshasa power coiled around her body, instantly drawing the attention of those present.


    The enormous, incomplete scythe in her hand radiated an aura of evil and foreboding. Yet, on this battlefield, no one had the luxury of worrying about such a seemingly trivial matter.


    Bibi Dong had gone mad, but she was not foolish. Qian Daoliu absolutely had to die¡ªbut not here, not today, and certainly not at the hands of a soul beast. If he were to die now, she would be the next to fall.


    She was not ready to die yet. Her dream of ascending to godhood and exacting vengeance upon the world remained unfulfilled. So, even though she felt utterly disgusted as if she had swallowed filth, Bibi Dong had no choice but to wield the Rakshasa God''s divine weapon and pretend to shield Qian Daoliu.


    Di Tian was unaware of the complex relationship between Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu. Upon seeing the Rakshasa Scythe, the wariness in his eyes increased significantly. He hesitated, retracting his Dragon God''s Claw, which had been poised to launch another attack on Qian Daoliu.


    Looking around at the encircling Titled Douluo and numerous Soul Douluo, at the soul beasts in disadvantageous positions, and the corpses on the ground adorned with red and black soul rings, Di Tian burned with the urge to fight to the death with the human soul masters. He even considered triggering a lightning tribulation to drag them all down with him.


    At that moment, however, Di Tian suddenly received a transmission.


    It was the voice of the Silver Dragon King.


    ["Di Tian, do not act rashly. Allow the soul masters to leave the Star Dou Forest. I suspect the gods of the Divine Realm are currently watching Douluo Continent. If your true power and identity are exposed, the gods, led by the Five Divine Kings, will surely launch a bloodbath against the soul beast race."]


    ["Though it pains me, we must endure for now."]


    "But, my lord, are we just going to let so many soul beasts die in vain?" Di Tian asked bitterly.


    ["There is no ''but.'' Once I recover from my injuries, everything will change. Right now, the soul beast race needs time. In no more than twenty thousand years, I will fully recover and regain power comparable to that of the Divine Kings. At that time, the soul beast race will launch a counterattack against the Divine Realm and reclaim the glory of the God-Beast Era."]


    The Silver Dragon King''s voice was calm, as though the fallen soul beasts¡ªtop-tier hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and countless others with the potential to reach that level¡ªwere nothing more than roadside rabbits or blades of Blue Silver Grass. They seemed unworthy of concern.


    Though Di Tian was nominally the Beast God and the ruler of the Star Dou Forest, his loyalty remained with the Dragon God and, by extension, the Silver Dragon King, who was now the half-body incarnation of the Dragon God. Despite his many thoughts, Di Tian remembered the Dragon God''s grace and chose loyalty for the sake of the soul beast race''s millennia-long plan.


    Thus, despite the heavy price that had already been paid, Di Tian suppressed his emotions under the Silver Dragon King''s command. He unleashed his dragon aura, indiscriminately intimidating nearly everyone present.


    "Humans, do you truly wish for mutual destruction? My cultivation has nearly reached 800,000 years. I have long suppressed my power, but if I were to stop holding back and trigger a lightning tribulation, none of you¡ªneither the heirs of gods nor the high priests¡ªcould survive!"


    "The one who attacked your Spirit Hall soul masters was a single soul beast, not the collective will of all soul beasts. This was a misunderstanding. Moreover, the culprit has already been slain by your hands. Must you truly pursue mutual destruction by forcing the soul beasts of Douluo Continent to retaliate against humanity and drag you back to the era of ten thousand years ago?"


    The meaning of his words was secondary; what truly mattered was the pressure emanating from Di Tian. To Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong, Di Tian was like a tightly coiled thunderstorm, exuding an overwhelming sense of danger. If he exploded, he could obliterate the entire Spirit Hall. Even the Angel God or Rakshasa God might not be able to completely suppress him.


    Though Di Tian''s aura was not divine, it was infinitely close. If this black dragon truly triggered the heavenly tribulation and ascended to godhood, it would be a catastrophe that no one could bear.


    Staring at the corpses on the ground, Qian Daoliu forcibly suppressed his fury. Glancing at Chen Ming, who was reversing the effects of the domain to heal the soul masters, Qian Daoliu cast a cold look at Di Tian before retracting his Angelic Holy Sword.


    "Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, I hope you remember today''s lesson. If the soul beasts dare to disturb humanity again, don''t blame the Spirit Hall for leading the soul masters and humans of Douluo Continent in exterminating you."


    "Arrogant words!"


    Di Tian was furious at Qian Daoliu''s statement but could do nothing about it. If the three human gods intervened, even with the Silver Dragon King''s aid, the soul beasts had no chance of winning.


    With both sides in a deadlock, the factions gradually separated. The fierce beasts gathered together to recover under Bi Ji''s healing, while the human soul masters recuperated with Chen Ming''s sixth soul skill.


    The tension in the air peaked but eventually began to dissipate.


    In the end, Qian Daoliu and Di Tian stood in a mutual standoff until the Spirit Hall''s soul masters orderly retreated.


    Of course, despite the risk of provoking the soul beasts, the soul masters did not hesitate to drag away the corpses of the fallen soul beasts. The bodies of the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were specially guarded by Bibi Dong and the elders of the Worship Hall to prevent anyone from stealing the soul bones.


    After the Spirit Hall retreated from the core region to the mixed zone, Qian Daoliu''s aura finally subsided slightly. He cast one last glance at Di Tian before flapping his wings to rejoin the main force of the Spirit Hall.


    This era is vastly different from the Peerless Tang Sect era ten thousand years later. In the future, Shrek Academy, built near Spirit City, would fear the Star Dou Forest''s beast tide and approach Di Tian with caution and persuasion.


    But in this era, it is the soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest who fear the human soul masters'' tide. When faced with the High Priest of the Angel God wielding a divine weapon, Di Tian must resort to negotiation.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [251]

    The army of the Spirit Hall quickly retreated to Spirit City. At this moment, the spies from the two great empires and various major sects near Spirit Hall sent their reports back to their respective forces.


    Given the speed of events on the Douluo Continent, it would take two or three days for the news to reach their ears, and it would likely take about a month for the information to spread widely. For now, such concerns could be set aside.


    Qian Daoliu stepped forward to pacify the soul masters of Spirit Hall, handled the casualties, and piled the corpses of the 100,000-year soul beasts and 10,000-year soul beasts in front of the Angel God statue within Spirit City. He then activated the power of the Angelic Sacred Sword, using it as a guard to prevent anyone from stealing the soul bones.


    Although Bibi Dong tried her best to put on a kind and gentle demeanor to win over the hearts of the people, she was still far inferior to Qian Daoliu in this regard.


    Qian Daoliu''s power surpassed Bibi Dong''s, his seniority was higher, his martial soul was more deeply revered, and his genuine kindness was far more sincere and warm than Bibi Dong''s feigned gentleness. Moreover, his confrontation and battle against Di Tian had won over the hearts of countless soul masters.


    The faction that Bibi Dong had painstakingly built over many years within Spirit Hall saw more than half of its member''s defect to Qian Daoliu, once again pledging their loyalty to this former Supreme Pontiff. Even among those who remained, many began to waver.


    Throughout Spirit City, many of the lower-ranked soul masters chanted Qian Daoliu''s name, praising him as if he were a god.


    Qian Daoliu''s strength had not improved for a long time, and he had even given up on the idea of further enhancing his power. However, fueled by the reverence and faith of the people, Qian Daoliu, who had just fought a major battle, felt his depleted energy not only recovering rapidly but also faintly increasing in capacity.


    This was an innate power of the Seraphim Martial Soul¡ªdirectly absorbing faith to strengthen oneself. After the Angel God''s transformation, this ability of the Seraphim was even stronger than the Angel God''s before ascending to godhood.


    Although Qian Daoliu remained at the demigod level in terms of realm, his actual combat power had increased by nearly 10%.


    This was achieved solely by the soul masters in Spirit City chanting his name. While there were many high-level soul masters, they were not numerous overall. If the entire Douluo Continent were to sing his praises, Qian Daoliu believed he might be able to break through the limits of the demigod realm and touch the divine.


    Initially, Bibi Dong had intended to drive Qian Daoliu back to the Worship Hall. However, sensing Qian Daoliu''s aura that had grown stronger after the battle, the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall retreated to her secret chamber under the pretext of tending to her injuries, venting her frustration and fury over her helplessness.


    Leaving Spirit Hall''s two elders, Azure Luana Douluo and Jiang Lon, along with Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, as well as a group of spiritual and spatial soul masters, to guard the corpses of the 100,000-year soul beasts beside the Angelic Sacred Sword, Qian Daoliu returned to the Worship Hall with Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo, temporarily halting Chen Ming''s healing process.


    Within the Worship Hall, the Angel God statue, which had been dormant for a long time, began to glow faintly due to the accumulated faith. However, as Qian Daoliu gazed at the statue, his expression grew increasingly complicated.


    It had been a long time since anyone had witnessed the Angel God''s divine consciousness descending upon the Douluo Continent, and even longer since a high priest of the demigod realm had fully activated the Angelic Sacred Sword.


    Logically, as the Angel God''s divine weapon, fully activating the weapon should have allowed Qian Daoliu to sense the Angel God''s divine consciousness and thoughts, and even directly receive divine intervention during battle.


    Yet, during the recent battle, no matter how Qian Daoliu tried to sense or pray, he still received no response from the Angel God. The divine power still existed, the divine position still hung high, and the holy flame burned brightly, but the throne was empty¡ªthere was no sign of the god.


    This was not a matter of the Angel God refusing to respond; rather, Qian Daoliu felt he could no longer sense the Angel God''s existence at all. Initially, he had merely called out, but later, driven by inner fear, he even attempted to assault the Angel God''s divine position.


    This was an act of great disrespect, an unforgivable offense. Qian Daoliu had prepared himself to face divine punishment, but in the end, nothing happened. There was no response, no punishment as if nothing had occurred.


    This was more terrifying than if divine punishment had descended upon him.


    As a descendant and high priest of the Angel God, Qian Daoliu knew he should not entertain such blasphemous thoughts. Yet, he could not help but develop a bold and unsettling idea: the Angel God might have met with misfortune.


    He did not voice this thought aloud; it remained a thorn deeply embedded in his heart, sending chills through his body whenever he recalled it.


    This time, Qian Daoliu questioned Chen Ming not only to learn what he had experienced but also to ask if Chen Ming knew anything about the state of the Divine Realm or the fate of the Angel God.


    Under the Angel God statue, Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo took turns recounting the events. They had been hunting soul beasts when they encountered a wandering Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. Shortly after defeating it, two fierce beasts attacked them.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo struggled to explain further, but Chen Ming stepped in, explaining that he had used the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, which caught the attention of the gods.


    Chen Ming elaborated on the principles behind this skill, discussing the interplay of opposites and unity, and the key points of using the Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms.


    While Golden Crocodile Douluo did not fully understand and simply thought it sounded impressive, Qian Daoliu immediately grasped the significance. This was an extraordinarily powerful divine skill, even superior to the angelic lineage''s inheritance.


    Chen Ming spoke of encountering the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life, receiving the two gods'' seven trials, and absorbing the soul ring of the Myriad Demon King. He mentioned that the God of Destruction would explore whether he could have Lou Gao connect with the God of Forging to inherit a divine position. He also expressed his wish for the God of Destruction to contact the God of War to see if Golden Crocodile Douluo could inherit the God of War''s divine position.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo grew excited upon hearing this, while Qian Daoliu finally voiced the question that had been haunting him.


    "Is the Angel God truly still in the Divine Realm?" Qian Daoliu asked Chen Ming, with a mixture of hope and unease.


    "I''m not sure, but I feel it''s highly likely that the Angel God is no longer in the Divine Realm. However, I can confirm that the Rakshasa God has indeed fallen," Chen Ming replied cautiously, refraining from outright stating that the Angel God had met misfortune. Instead, he connected part of his spiritual power to Qian Daoliu and shared some information. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Child of Rebellion, Child of the Plane, Child of Destiny


    When Qian Daoliu reopened his eyes, they were filled with emptiness.


    Aside from his own identity as an outsider, Chen Ming had shared nearly all his knowledge with Qian Daoliu. Faced with these revelations, Qian Daoliu could not even muster anger; he was left with only confusion.


    Wasn''t the Asura God supposed to be the God of Judgement? Why would he weave such conspiracies?


    As the inheritor of the Angel God, Qian Daoliu had never imagined that gods, who were supposed to be lofty and pure, would scheme against mortals from the Douluo World, nor had he ever thought that the Divine Realm could be as rife with intrigue and treachery as the mortal world.


    Though a demigod himself, Qian Daoliu could only look at Chen Ming, bewildered, and ask what he should do in the face of these secrets involving the Divine Kings, gods, and the world''s consciousness.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [252]

    Chen Ming''s response was very simple.


    "Gods are immensely powerful. Demigods are already the pinnacle of existence on the Douluo Plane, but in the Divine Realm, even the lowest-ranked divine officials and enforcers are stronger than demigods."


    "Of course, I''m not saying demigods are meaningless. In the Douluo World, anyone who can become a Titled Douluo generally has the potential to become at least a third-class god. It''s just that the Douluo Plane can''t nurture so many powerful beings. It can only temporarily sustain a select few exceptionally strong individuals to support Douluo Star in return."


    "As for the Rakshasa God, it seems they''ve already fallen. Their divine power has been seized by the Asura God, and I still hold a fragment of the divine artifact. Meanwhile, the Asura God is scheming to obtain the power left behind by the Angel God. Naturally, the Angel God takes precedence over the Rakshasa God in importance."


    Chen Ming''s words were tactful, but Qian Daoliu had already understood. Even the Angelic Sacred Sword, with its instinctive spirituality, understood.


    Under the gaze of the crowd, the Angelic Sacred Sword, originally hovering protectively over the soul beast''s corpse, suddenly emitted a dazzling light. It then split the air and returned to the statue of the Angel God. The blade, once entwined with light and flames, fell before the statue, trembling slightly, like a child grieving the loss of its mother.


    The spiritual essence of divine artifacts in the Douluo World is not as advanced as the artifact spirits in cultivation worlds. In the Douluo World, only the Dragon-Slaying Saber has shown signs of possessing an artifact spirit. However, the lack of a fully developed independent consciousness doesn''t mean these divine artifacts are entirely devoid of thought.


    After millennia of faith and worship, the spirituality of the Angelic Sacred Sword is roughly equivalent to that of a four- or five-year-old child. While not fully rational, its long-term exposure to humans has given it a basic understanding of concepts like death.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword''s glow flickered incessantly, desperately stimulating the statue of the Angel God. Yet, aside from faint flashes triggered by the power of faith, the statue showed no signs of summoning the Angel God''s divine will.


    After a long while, the Angelic Sacred Sword fell to the ground. Its aura of light and flame receded, and it lay trembling faintly at the base of the Angel God''s statue. Witnessing this, both Qian Daoliu and Chen Ming were left speechless.


    After a lengthy silence, Qian Daoliu sighed deeply. Though his expression had regained its composure, the fire blazing in his eyes burned more fiercely than ever before in his lifetime. On the surface, he appeared calm, but Chen Ming was certain that if he so much as mentioned the Asura God''s plans, Qian Daoliu would likely take the Angelic Sacred Sword and attempt a suicidal confrontation with the Asura God''s target in the very next moment.


    "High Priest, you still have Qian Renxue. She''s recognized by the world''s consciousness and has the potential to become the next Angel God. While the previous Angel God may have fallen victim to the Asura God''s schemes, Qian Renxue has the chance to avenge them. Please, don''t act impulsively and give the Asura God an opening."


    "¡­"


    "Yes, I still have Xue''er. The Angel God still has a successor." Qian Daoliu stroked his nonexistent beard, sighed again, and then collapsed onto the ground without any regard for his image. He gazed blankly at the Angel God''s statue, a sight he had seen countless times before.


    "Xiao Ming, can I call you that?"


    "High Priest, of course, you can. Without your guidance to my family back then, I might not have achieved what I have today."


    Chen Ming sat down on the ground and replied to Qian Daoliu.


    "There''s no need to thank me. I could tell you were special. Even without my advice, you would''ve eventually solved your family''s problems on your own. At most, I might have helped you resolve them a bit earlier." Qian Daoliu responded calmly.


    "Xiao Ming, if you don''t mind, you can call me Grandpa Qian. Or, if you feel that''s inappropriate, just call me the Grand Worship."


    "Alright, Grandpa Qian." Considering Qian Daoliu''s strength, age, and the fact that he had just led a group of Spirit Hall Soul Masters to battle Di Tian and other fierce beasts¡ªnot entirely for Chen Ming''s sake, but still partly¡ªChen Ming didn''t hesitate to address him as such. Hearing this, Qian Daoliu seemed a bit more at ease. He turned to look at Chen Ming and shared his thoughts.


    "Xiao Ming, the truth is, Xue''er likes you. Ever since you saved her last time, she''s had feelings for you. You may not have noticed, but we could tell. After you left, Xue''er was dazed for a long time before returning to Heaven Dou City to continue her duties as Crown Prince."


    "Over the past year, every letter Xue''er sent me mentioned you. She wants to see you, but she doesn''t fully understand her own emotions. She''s a bit shy, and since you''re often away in seclusion training, she hasn''t had the chance to meet you again."


    "To be honest, as the Grand Worship of Spirit Hall and the guardian of the Angel God''s successor, I shouldn''t allow the sole direct descendant of our family to fall for a man who already has a fianc¨¦e. But in reality, all I can say is that the younger generation will forge their paths."


    "I''ve been debating whether to tell you this for a long time. I''ve decided to let you know because I believe your strength, talent, and character far surpass Xue''er''s. If you like her or are willing to accept the help of a divine successor, I can make the decision¡­" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this point, Qian Daoliu paused slightly.


    "¡­though I might need to consult with Dugu Bo before finalizing the decision."


    "That''s something for the future. Honestly, I do have some feelings for her, but now isn''t the time for romance." Chen Ming sighed and replied.


    "True." Although the Douluo Continent is known for being romance-centric, Qian Daoliu, apart from being slightly old-fashioned and overly virtuous, didn''t seem to be infected by the continent''s romantic tendencies. After hearing Chen Ming''s response, he nodded in agreement.


    "Actually, regarding the power left behind by our ancestors, I have some theories. They''re just guesses, though. Would you like to hear them, Xiao Ming?"


    "I''m all ears." Chen Ming''s eyes lit up.


    "You should know that the core of Spirit City is Spirit Hall, which is divided into three halls: the Pope''s Hall, the Worship''s Hall, and the Douluo Hall."


    "If you''re familiar with history from ten thousand years ago, you should know that the Pope''s Hall and the Worship''s Hall were established later by the Angel Clan. They don''t have much to do with the Angel God. Initially, the Angel Clan merely served as guardians of the Douluo Hall, which was left behind by the Angel God''s descendants."


    "Spirit Hall doesn''t matter. Spirit City doesn''t matter. What matters, from beginning to end, is only the Douluo Hall."


    "The Douluo Hall is transcendent. It''s a domain only accessible to the dead. Only deceased or near-death Titled Douluos are eligible to enter. Aside from that, even the Worships, the Pope, or the High Priest of Spirit Hall will face collective hostility if they step into the Douluo Hall."


    "In history, there was once a half-god-level High Priest from our Angel Clan who entered the Douluo Hall. However, upon exiting, he refused to speak of what he had seen. He left a will and then committed suicide in front of the Angel God''s statue, his soul completely incinerated by the holy flames."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [253]

    "The power of a Titled Douluo is immense, and even after death, some of it dissipates. Over the course of ten thousand years on the Douluo Continent, thousands of Titled Douluo have been buried in the Douluo Hall. Some had their soul bones removed before their deaths, but many entered the hall either without their soul bones removed or with soul bones that couldn''t be removed."


    "Every generation of the Pope, the Worships, the High Priests, every Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall, and even historical Titled Douluo without affiliations, those from small families, and some from the Upper Three Sects of certain eras¡ª"


    "Just the number of Ultimate Douluo buried there exceeds a hundred, most of whom are from our Angel Clan. Can you imagine how much power has been accumulated within over ten thousand years?"


    "And while the status of the Spirit Hall has changed over time, transforming from a religious power to an independent entity outside the two great empires, becoming essentially a nation within a nation, the status of the Douluo Hall has remained nearly unchanged. For ten thousand years, it has been the shared faith of soul masters."


    "In the era when the Angel God gradually faded, soul masters'' faith in the Douluo Hall even surpassed their faith in the Angel God. Even Titled Douluo and soul masters who opposed the Spirit Hall did not abandon their reverence for the Douluo Hall. Historically, many Titled Douluo who had strained relations with the Spirit Hall came to the Douluo Hall before their deaths, asking to be buried there."


    "Can you guess how much faith has accumulated in the Douluo Hall over ten thousand years? According to the Angel Clan''s estimations, the faith accumulated in the Douluo Hall over ten thousand years likely surpasses the amount the Angel God had when ascending to godhood by several times, even tenfold."


    Qian Daoliu''s words were calm, but they sent shivers down Chen Ming''s spine.


    Thousands of Titled Douluo. Nearly a hundred Ultimate Douluo.


    The combined years of the soul rings on these individuals would exceed a million. The sources of top-tier martial souls and super martial souls are countless. Among them, there must also be divine-level martial souls and ultimate martial souls. Adding the soul bones and external soul bones that couldn''t be removed from these bodies, their combined age would easily surpass tens of millions of years.


    If you then factor in luck, laws, and various scattered special powers, the total becomes incalculable.


    Even if only a tenth of that power remains, it would be enough to create a second-tier god¡ªor even higher¡ªon Douluo Continent.


    Ten thousand years of faith, even faith that transcends affiliations. The accumulation over ten thousand years is terrifying.


    The faith alone¡ªnearly ten times the power of the Angel God''s at the time of ascension¡ªcombined with the power of thousands of Titled Douluo and nearly a hundred Ultimate Douluo (most of whom are High Priests aligned with the Angel God)¡ªif activated, it could likely create a God King from nothing in the Divine Realm.


    It''s worth noting that after inheriting the Sea God''s god position, Tang San relied on a ten-thousand-year monopoly of faith on the Douluo Continent to elevate the Sea God''s position to the level of a God King. However, the faith and devotion received by the Sea God were certainly incomparable to that of the Angel God.


    In other words, barring unforeseen circumstances or disruptions to the plan, the Angel God could have long since achieved the position of God King simply by relying on the faith and power accumulated through the Douluo Hall and Spirit Hall. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because there hadn''t been any recent deaths of Titled Douluo on Douluo Continent in the past few decades (except Qian Xunji), the Douluo Hall hadn''t had any new additions in a long time. As a result, Chen Ming had subconsciously overlooked this background detail, which was barely mentioned in the original story.


    After all, the Douluo Hall was mentioned only in passing. It wasn''t depicted in the plot, so it was easy to ignore.


    But thinking about it this way, Chen Ming realized that if the God of Asura was targeting the ten-thousand-year accumulation within Douluo Hall, it made perfect sense.


    This accumulation, once activated, would propel Douluo Star significantly closer to becoming a Divine Star. The level cap of Douluo Star might instantly rise by 20 levels, from level 99 to level 119. The planet itself could nurture countless third-tier and second-tier gods without divine positions.


    Even for a God King, such a massive accumulation of energy would undoubtedly provide a substantial boost in power.


    Looking at Chen Ming''s reaction, Qian Daoliu silently nodded before making an unexpected suggestion.


    "Xiao Ming, would you be willing to go take a look inside the Douluo Hall on my behalf?"


    "Although peeking into the Douluo Hall is prohibited¡ªit''s a rule passed down by the Angel God and jointly upheld by every generation of the Pope, the Worships, and the High Priests¡ªnow that the Angel God has likely fallen, and Douluo World is being watched by the Divine Realm, there''s little point in continuing to follow this old rule. If we stubbornly cling to it, the ten-thousand-year accumulation of Douluo World may fall into the wrong hands."


    Qian Daoliu''s eyes were filled with hesitation. Saying this was no different from betraying the rules he had followed all his life. But now, knowing the Angel God may have perished, he could no longer act as he once did.


    For the sake of his ancestors, his faith, and his granddaughter, and to protect Douluo World, Qian Daoliu was willing to completely burn his soul and lifelong dignity.


    Qian Daoliu stood up, gazing at the Angelic Sacred Sword on the ground. After a long moment of staring, the sword slowly floated up. Its usual divine radiance and flames were absent, and its aura as a divine weapon was concealed. It looked like an ordinary longsword as it landed in Chen Ming''s hands, signifying Qian Daoliu''s agreement to this transgressive act.


    Chen Ming felt the sealed divine power of the God of Destruction within him and the Soul Devouring Medal that had already fully charged and could be activated at any time. After thinking for a long time, he finally agreed to Qian Daoliu''s request.


    After all, if any danger arose, he could not only unleash divine techniques but, if pushed, could directly summon the God of Destruction to fight on his behalf. His life was guaranteed.


    Qian Daoliu and Chen Ming discussed how to proceed.


    Simply put, Qian Daoliu would create a diversion by publicly extracting soul bones from the corpses of soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest.


    This time, the Spirit Hall had recovered three hundred-thousand-year soul beast corpses, seven or eight ninety-thousand-year corpses, over twenty seventy-to-eighty-thousand-year corpses, and dozens of fifty-thousand-year corpses. The soul bones produced by these high-quality soul beasts would be enough to capture the attention of the entire Spirit City.


    During this time, Chen Ming would take the Angelic Sacred Sword and secretly enter the Douluo Hall, using the sword to open its gates.


    Qian Daoliu would go to great lengths to hold everyone''s attention for three days, ensuring no one focused on the Douluo Hall. Once Chen Ming exited, the Angelic Sacred Sword would return to Qian Daoliu''s hand, signaling that Chen Ming had safely left the hall. If any message needed to be communicated, the sword could also act as a medium.


    If Chen Ming didn''t emerge within three days and the Angelic Sacred Sword didn''t return, Qian Daoliu would forcibly open the Douluo Hall and announce the God of Asura''s evil plans to all soul masters on Douluo Continent.


    To be honest, although others often called Qian Daoliu a radical, Chen Ming felt that the Qian Daoliu before him was the true radical.


    However, considering the possibility that the Angel God had fallen, Chen Ming also felt that this lifelong good-natured elder was already showing remarkable restraint by being a little radical.


    Of course, before leaving, Qian Daoliu didn''t forget to ask Chen Ming if he needed a hundred-thousand-year soul bone. Chen Ming temporarily declined.


    Although the three hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were of excellent quality, they didn''t suit him at the moment¡ªhis desires weren''t that high.


    "If possible, just save me a regular dragon-type soul bone. I''d like to study it."


    After placing the still-unconscious and harmless Lou Gao in a bedroom within the Worship Hall, Chen Ming and Qian Daoliu began their plan.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [254]

    After discussing the matter and providing Chen Ming with the map to Douluo Hall, Qian Daoliu knelt once again before the statue of the Angel God to pray. When he opened his eyes, his gaze had returned to calmness, appearing as gentle as it usually was.


    However, only Chen Ming could sense that the raging fire within Qian Daoliu''s heart had not been extinguished. Instead, it continued to grow and accumulate.


    Qian Daoliu nodded to Chen Ming, then flapped his wings and flew out of the Worship Hall. He arrived at the pile of corpses of hundred-thousand-year and ten-thousand-year soul beasts. Standing atop the mountain of corpses under the watchful gazes of the worships, Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum, and Ghost Douluo (along with numerous unnamed Titled Douluo and many Soul Douluo), he looked down at the soul masters below with a calm expression.


    "To prevent the Star Dou Forest from launching another beast tide against the human world, all of you have given your utmost strength. The beast tide has been suppressed in its infancy, and the ferocious beasts and beast kings of the Star Dou Forest have once again been defeated by us."


    "Your actions have not failed the Angel God, nor have they failed humanity."


    "As the Grand Worship of Spirit Hall and the High Priest of the Angel God, I, Qian Daoliu, will now distribute the soul bones based on the contributions made during this operation to repel the beast tide."


    Qian Daoliu raised his fingers, forming a sword, and effortlessly used his sharp soul power to tear apart the bodies of three hundred thousand-year soul beasts.


    These three soul beasts, which had been dragged back, were all of extraordinary quality: the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, the Golden Ape King, and the Radiant Earth Dragon Emperor.


    Each of these soul beasts either possessed golden bloodlines or true dragon lineage, their combat strength comparable to that of Super Douluo. The soul bones within their bodies were treasures capable of altering the power dynamics across the entire continent.


    The Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear yielded a right arm bone, the Golden Ape King produced the head bone known as the most coveted of the six great soul bones, and the Radiant Earth Dragon Emperor yielded an important torso bone. With a wave of Qian Daoliu''s hand, the three soul bones were lifted by his soul power and floated before him.


    When the three soul bones appeared, all eyes present were fixed on these priceless treasures. Many soul masters'' gazes revealed undisguised greed.


    In a corner of the crowd, a Space-type Soul Douluo of unknown allegiance stared at the three hundred-thousand-year soul bones in Qian Daoliu''s hands. The greed in his eyes burned like flames, and his rationality had been completely eroded by the allure of the soul bones.


    This was a high-level Soul Douluo with a rare, top-tier Space-type martial soul. Thanks to his attribute advantage, he could barely hold his ground or even triumph against ordinary Titled Douluo. If it came to escaping, he prided himself on being untouchable, even for a Super Douluo.


    Using his spatial abilities, this Soul Douluo had committed numerous thefts, looting treasure vaults of small sects and families. He had even stolen a ten-thousand-year head soul bone from the depths of a soul master''s family treasury.


    The victims of his thefts not only failed to identify him as the culprit but in many cases didn''t even realize how their treasures had been taken, leaving them to vent their frustration in futile investigations.


    These successes inflated his ego, making him increasingly arrogant. Driven by greed, he no longer held even Ultimate Douluo in his eyes.


    Motivated by his greed, this Soul Douluo¡ªwho had come only to scout for opportunities¡ªsilently released his martial soul and soul skills.


    His top-tier Space-type martial soul, the Tremor Cauldron, materialized, a semi-transparent, ancient, and mysterious small cauldron floating in the void. Before anyone could react, the Soul Douluo immediately activated his seventh soul skill.


    With the activation of his Martial Soul Avatar, the semi-transparent cauldron was fully unleashed. The Soul Douluo disappeared completely into a hidden subspace, pressing himself against the boundary of the real world. His eighth soul ring began to glow, targeting the three soul bones in Qian Daoliu''s hands.


    If the soul bones had been held by Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, or even Dugu Bo, this high-level Soul Douluo might have had a chance to touch them before being instantly killed. If they had been held by an ordinary Titled Douluo, he might even have succeeded in stealing one. But the person holding the soul bones was none other than the demi-god Qian Daoliu, who was not only in a state of great anger but also in Spirit Hall, surrounded by faith and empowered by his divine martial soul. This was the peak of his strength and the height of his temper.


    In this state, even Tang Chen at his prime would likely have been killed by Qian Daoliu.


    In full view of the crowd, Qian Daoliu threw a punch. His fist imbued with divine power, tore through space and struck the cauldron hidden in the void, shattering the Soul Douluo''s martial soul avatar into fragments. The punch''s momentum continued, smashing into the Space-type Soul Douluo''s head, driving it into his chest.


    In an instant, Qian Daoliu''s scorching soul power ignited the Soul Douluo''s body, reducing him to ashes.


    As the Space-type Soul Douluo, who had once held the potential to become one of the rare Space-type Titled Douluo on the continent, perished, two soul bones¡ªa head bone and a left leg bone¡ªfell from the air. Qian Daoliu caught them with his soul power, and the shattered space slowly began to heal.


    Glancing briefly at the two soul bones left behind by the Soul Douluo, Qian Daoliu spoke in a calm voice:


    "It seems we now have two more high-quality ten-thousand-year soul bones to distribute."


    Witnessing Qian Daoliu''s calm yet overwhelmingly powerful punch, the soul masters below first fell into a moment of silence. Then, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.


    Many of the soul masters who had come merely to observe or to take advantage of the situation clapped desperately, shouting Qian Daoliu''s name. Whatever ulterior motives they had harbored vanished in an instant, replaced by awe and reverence for Qian Daoliu.


    Among the clapping soul masters were members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. These two clans were clapping the hardest.


    Two-digit Super Douluo, plus another two-digit number of Titled Douluo, and even more Soul Douluo... And on top of that, there was a level 99 invincible Qian Daoliu.


    How could their clans compare? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan didn''t even have as many Soul Douluo as Spirit Hall had Titled Douluo!


    What honor of the "Upper Three Sects"? What "World''s Number One Beast Martial Soul" or "Number One Support-Type Clan"? None of it mattered anymore. All they knew was Spirit Hall''s millennia of glory and the unmatched might of the Seraphim Martial Soul. Following their clans might not even lead to becoming Titled Douluo, but following Spirit Hall might truly grant them that chance.


    In a world like Douluo Continent, where power was worshipped, members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan once idolized their ancestors and the guardians of their clans. But now, they had turned their reverence toward Qian Daoliu.


    ...


    At this moment, the entire Spirit City was focused on Qian Daoliu. Meanwhile, Chen Ming, taking advantage of the opportunity provided by Qian Daoliu, quietly approached the heavily guarded Douluo Hall, raising the Angelic Sacred Sword in his hand.


    Normally, using the Angelic Sacred Sword to open Douluo Hall would trigger a dazzling display of effects. But given his poor mood and the urgency of the situation, the sword not only refrained from activating its usual grand effects but also deliberately suppressed its fluctuations to avoid detection.


    Quickly passing through the outer seal left by the Angel God, the Angelic Sacred Sword acted like a key, opening the space of Douluo Hall and guiding Chen Ming into one of the most mysterious places on the Douluo Continent. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    PS: I don''t have any idea about this Douluo Hall.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [255]

    From the outside, the Douluo Hall appeared to be nothing more than a massive, ancient stone temple, seemingly carved violently out of the mountain itself. However, when Chen Ming used the Angelic Holy Sword as a key to enter, he was immediately pulled into a semi-plane. The interior of the Douluo Hall was a small world¡ªa miniature version of the Douluo World¡ªboth dependent on and yet independent of it. The completeness of this world''s laws even surpassed the semi-plane where Chen Ming had conversed with the God of Destruction. It was filled with the markings of the Douluo World, a microcosm of the larger realm.


    Although this small world was tiny compared to the Douluo World, its internal space was vast¡ªabout the size of a duchy¡ªenough to appear immense to Chen Ming.


    Upon entering, Chen Ming was immediately astonished by the overwhelming concentration of heaven and earth energy in the air. The richness of this energy rivaled that of the core area of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Yet unlike the energy in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, which was infused with intense ice and fire attributes and hard for most soul masters to refine, the energy here was gentle and harmonious, easily convertible into soul power with minimal effort.


    As Chen Ming gazed around, he was stunned. Despite priding himself on having seen much of the world, his mind momentarily went blank.


    At the center of this world stood a colossal golden ancient tree, a thousand zhang tall. It resembled the mythical Jianmu tree from tales of Chen Ming''s previous life, connecting heaven and earth. Its canopy supported the sky of this small world, and every branch bore fruits brimming with laws and power. At just a glance, Chen Ming could see that the number of such fruits exceeded a thousand.


    Activating his Spiritual Eye, Chen Ming could see that each fruit contained a slumbering infant, and within each infant resided unique laws and martial souls.


    Seraphim Martial Soul, Titan Giant Ape Martial Soul, Mountain-Splitting Axe Martial Soul, Soul-Calming Cauldron Martial Soul, Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear Martial Soul, Ice Phoenix Martial Soul, Fire Phoenix Martial Soul, Black Dragon Martial Soul, White Dragon Martial Soul, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul¡­


    From divine-grade martial souls to divine beast martial souls, from ultimate martial souls to supreme ones, from common martial souls to those believed extinct in the Douluo Continent¡ªeach infant held a powerful and pure essence within, and within each slumbered the soul of a Titled Douluo.


    Perhaps with just the right opportunity, these infants could awaken from their fruits, and the Titled Douluo souls within them would be reborn.


    While Chen Ming stood in shock, the golden ancient tree''s branches swayed gently. A powerful soul from one of the fruits was awakened, separating from the infant''s body.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A dragon''s roar echoed throughout the small world. A middle-aged male soul, solid and lifelike, descended step by step from the void. Lightning coiled around his body, and the shadow of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon loomed behind him. The aura emanating from him was no weaker than Qian Daoliu''s, and in fact, faintly surpassed it.


    Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, red, red¡ª


    Nine soul rings appeared on the man''s body, radiating the immense dragon might of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. The energy of the small world seemed to respond to some command, rushing toward this soul to temporarily construct a body capable of containing his power.


    With a physical form, the middle-aged man''s aura grew even stronger, surpassing Qian Daoliu entirely and beginning to touch the realm of gods.


    As the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master''s body took shape, the golden ancient tree''s branches swayed again, awakening the souls of several more fruits. With the support of the special heaven and earth energy and the tree itself, they too gained temporary physical forms.


    Mountain-Splitting Axe, Fire Phoenix, Seven-Colored Lotus, Blazing Lion King.


    Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red¡­


    Four super Douluo, each with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, stood in the void, showcasing their martial souls and power. Together with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, they turned their scrutinizing gazes to Chen Ming.


    "Who are you? You don''t look like a soul master nearing the end of their lifespan." The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master stared at Chen Ming warily, lightning gathering around him, faintly infused with a destructive aura.


    Though unsure how this was possible, Chen Ming, who had recently interacted with the God of Destruction and carried the Thunder God''s divine trial, could see traces of both the Thunder God and the God of Destruction in the soul master''s lightning.


    As the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master watched him cautiously, the Angelic Holy Sword in Chen Ming''s hand began to glow brightly. Unlike the sorrow and pain it had emanated before at the Angel God''s statue, its spirit now seemed excited¡ªlike a child reunited with its long-lost mother.


    A force within the small world was awakened by the sword''s aura. The massive golden ancient tree radiated life and divinity, its light surging from the canopy and converging into the "sun" above.


    Witnessing this, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the other four soul masters immediately knelt on one knee, pledging their loyalty to the sun.


    A roar, neither entirely lion nor dragon, echoed as a radiant figure emerged from the sun. A bridge of divinity and flames formed between the sky and earth. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Angelic Holy Sword flew to the bridge, spinning as if verifying something. From the bridge descended a soul beast with a lion-like form, its four claws wreathed in golden flames. Its aura was overwhelming, radiating extreme light and flame with a divine presence. Most striking of all was the crimson gem-like third eye on its forehead.


    Though it was Chen Ming''s first time seeing it in person, he was certain¡ªthis was the legendary Emperor Auspicious Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion!


    As Chen Ming struggled to comprehend the situation and braced himself, the cocoon of light left behind by the Angel God''s divine trial in his spiritual sea began to tremble faintly in response to the beast''s presence. The divine power left by the Angel God within his body also stirred with joy.


    Recalling the history of the Angel God''s ascension and sensing the divine aura of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, Chen Ming had a bold thought.


    "Angel God?"


    "Soul master of the younger generation, your insight is sharp. You''ve quickly grasped the truth. But you must learn to show respect to the great Angel God," the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master said, lifting his head and correcting Chen Ming with a dissatisfied tone, while simultaneously affirming his guess.


    The Three-Eyed Golden Lion descended slowly, its divine aura intensifying. As it touched the ground, its lion-like form began to transform, shrinking. By the time it landed, it had taken the shape of a golden-haired woman clad in golden armor, with three pairs of wings on her back.


    The Angelic Holy Sword flew to her side, circling her excitedly and emitting low hums of joy.


    The Angel God extended her hand, and the sword settled into her palm. Gazing at the excited weapon, the Angel God smiled with deep emotion before turning her gaze to Chen Ming.


    PS: The Angel God is definitely a Top-tier waifu. She might be reincarnated as Wang Qiu''er.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [256]

    "Greetings, young soul master."


    The Angel God''s voice was soft and gentle, paired with her delicate appearance, giving off the impression of an approachable elder sister from next door. There was no sense of the imposing aura of a deity or the air of a powerful figure. However, Chen Ming could feel immense power and destiny radiating from her body.


    That power surpassed Di Tian, and even that Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master who seemed to have reached near-god-level strength. With Chen Ming''s experience of encountering many gods and divine powers, the Angel God standing before him now was at least at the level of a third-tier god, perhaps even a second-tier god.


    The strength within his own body... might only amount to one percent of what the Angel God currently possessed.


    "Your strength is quite commendable. Although you are not a Titled Douluo, your physical body and spirit are incredibly strong. However, it seems you are in your prime, far from being at the end of your lifespan. So, why have you come to Douluo Hall?"


    Because Chen Ming had entered holding the Angelic Holy Sword, the Angel God, although noticing that Chen Ming did not conform to the usual rules, still did not display any overly emotional reaction. Instead, she asked calmly.


    "Greetings, Angel God." Facing such a powerful entity, Chen Ming respectfully bowed and introduced himself.


    He briefly explained that he was an ordinary soul master who, through some fortunate opportunities, established a connection with the world''s consciousness. Under its guidance, he rescued Qian Renxue, the descendant of the Angel God. During this period, he encountered the divine powers of the Rakshasa God and the Asura God, among others.


    He also emphasized that Qian Daoliu had been concerned about the Angel God''s condition after failing to contact her despite using the Angel God''s power. On Qian Daoliu''s request, he entered Douluo Hall, with the Angelic Holy Sword serving as proof of his sincerity.


    The Angel God listened quietly, her brows furrowing unconsciously.


    After Chen Ming finished speaking, the Angel God glanced at the Angelic Holy Sword in her hand. After receiving its response, she looked back at Chen Ming, her gaze carrying an unreadable expression.


    She placed the Angelic Holy Sword into the void beside her, and the holy aura radiating from her body surged, bathing Chen Ming in the golden light that seemed to nourish his body.


    After observing him for a while, the Angel God made her request.


    "Young soul master, may I take a look at your memories?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming looked at the Angel God, a gentle yet polite smile appearing on his face.


    "Allow me to do it myself." Chen Ming concentrated, using his spiritual power to extract a small fragment of his memories, imbuing it with his essence. He handed it to the Angel God.


    To demonstrate his sincerity, Chen Ming included traces of the various divine powers he had encountered.


    After examining the memory, the Angel God''s expression changed several times. She then clasped her hands together, and a beam of light emerged from the Angelic Holy Sword, flowing into the Golden Ancient Tree. A faint power surged from within Douluo Hall, quickly circulating around Spirit City before returning to its source.


    As this divine thought returned, the Angel God''s expression darkened significantly.


    "My true body has indeed perished. It seems my suspicions were correct."


    Though the idea of one''s death is difficult for most to accept, the Angel God appeared to have long anticipated this. While her brows furrowed deeply, her emotions remained steady, showing no signs of losing control.


    "Xiao Ming, may I call you that?"


    "Of course, you can. After all, you are the Angel God, the faith of Douluo Continent." Having been called "Xiao Ming" many times before, Chen Ming no longer minded such things.


    Hearing his words, the Angel God let out a helpless sigh and shook her head.


    "I never wanted to become the faith of the Douluo people. It was just that I had no other choice in that era. I simply followed the times, followed my heart, and followed humanity."


    "When I unconsciously reached the peak, I had already become the so-called omnipotent Angel God in people''s eyes. Even though I had achieved what I desired, for the sake of the people and humanity, I dared not relax for even a moment."


    "If I had a choice, I would have preferred to live an ordinary life. But such a thing was a luxury in my time. Even if I hadn''t become the Angel God, I likely still wouldn''t have been able to live as an ordinary person in that era." The Angel God fell silent, reminiscing about her past before becoming a god. After a moment, she regained her composure.


    "Xiao Ming, according to the rules, Douluo Hall does not allow soul masters below the level of Titled Douluo to enter. Once they do, they are not allowed to leave alive. However, rules are dead, and people are alive. Given the current situation, neither you nor this generation''s Grand Worship has done anything wrong."


    "Since you are already here, I will tell you the secret of Douluo Hall and the reason why I left a divine thought here."


    The Angel God waved her hand, and the surrounding world blurred momentarily. The laws of time became distorted, and the line between reality and illusion grew hazy. The Angel God''s memories began to unfold before Chen Ming as if they were tangible.


    The Angel God''s story began with her as a young girl named Qian. Her name symbolized that she was the thousandth child born in her tribe. Her tribe had no soul masters.


    It was an era of ignorance in the Douluo world, where soul beasts ruled as the dominant species, and humans were nothing more than food¡ªindistinguishable from wild animals in the eyes of the soul beasts. Only a tiny fraction of humans managed to awaken their martial souls by chance.


    During that time, innate full soul power was the standard among soul masters. Or rather, due to the limitations of the era, people didn''t even know how to cultivate soul power or how to advance their levels. They could only experiment and improve through trial and error.


    Those born with innate full soul power could immediately begin cultivation experiments. As for those with an innate soul power of eight or nine, they often required years, even over a decade, to reach the threshold of ten soul power due to a lack of proper guidance.


    As for those with soul power levels around five or six? They were unlikely to become soul masters in their lifetime. The average lifespan at that time was only about thirty years, and most with such talent couldn''t accumulate enough power to become soul masters by their twenties or thirties.


    Those with soul power below five? They didn''t even qualify to awaken their martial souls through external stimuli.


    Only the largest tribes, which had accumulated knowledge over generations, managed to discover limited and often flawed methods for enhancing soul power. Even so, such techniques were tightly guarded secrets.


    In that era, only one in a hundred people might awaken a martial soul, and only one in ten of those would become soul masters.


    In other words, only one in a thousand people could change their fate.


    Qian, as the thousandth child of her tribe, was regarded as a symbol of hope from the moment she was born.


    At the age of six, on an ordinary day, a golden lion led a horde of soul beasts to destroy her tribe. Golden flames engulfed the tribe. Out of malice, the lion ensured that the flames consumed the tribe slowly, prolonging their suffering and destruction.


    The tribe''s chief, priests, and warriors were powerless against the golden firewalls that cut off heaven and earth. They gathered the children at the tribe''s center, with Qian as the core. Surrounding them were the tribe''s chief and priests.


    One by one, the chief, priests, warriors, and other tribespeople were consumed by the flames. Everyone Qian knew¡ªevery person, every memory¡ªwas incinerated before her eyes.


    As the tribe faced certain annihilation, their despair transformed into hope, faith, and curses, all of which were channeled into Qian.


    Each time a tribesperson died, Qian felt something within her chest vanish, replaced by a growing power.


    When the last tribesperson perished, the power within Qian finally erupted. Black and white energy surged from her body, forming a vortex that devoured the flames. From her back, three pairs of wings emerged.


    The three wings on her left were white, wreathed in holy flames of light. The three wings on her right were black, enveloped in cursed flames of darkness.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [257]

    The sacred beast''s flames bestowed upon Qian immense power of fire, light, and holiness. However, the pain in her heart and the curse of her tribespeople also granted her the attributes of evil and darkness.


    In the beginning, Qian, who possessed five attributes¡ªfire, light, darkness, holiness, and evil¡ªstood dazedly, staring at the ashes of her tribespeople, feeling the power surging within her while an overwhelming emptiness filled her heart.


    As the flames died down, a few soul beasts gathered around.


    The flames of the sacred beast were considered the ultimate nourishment for fire-attribute soul beasts, but they could not absorb it directly. Instead, they could only follow the sacred beast, licking the remnants of energy and its aura left in the ashes.


    A blazing lion with both light and fire attributes approached Qian. Having just survived the sacred beast''s flames and absorbed a portion of its energy into its martial soul, the blazing lion stood before Qian, trembling, without the courage to attack her.


    Looking at the blazing lion, which bore a resemblance to the sacred beast, the grief-stricken Qian let out an enraged roar. The three pairs of wings on her back flapped chaotically as she charged forward, pummeling the lion''s head with her fists.


    Due to the lingering aura of the sacred beast on Qian, the blazing lion neither resisted nor dared to fight back. It knelt on the ground, enduring Qian''s relentless blows until it was beaten to death. A deep purple soul ring emerged from its body.


    With the death of the blazing lion, the nearby opportunistic soul beasts quickly fled, leaving only Qian and the lion''s corpse. Guided by her martial soul''s instinct, Qian absorbed the first soul ring of her life.


    A thousand-year soul ring was far beyond what an ordinary soul master could handle, and the blazing lion was a top-tier soul beast with thousands of years of cultivation. Theoretically, absorbing such a ring would be extremely difficult. However, due to the sacred beast''s overwhelming influence, the lion''s soul ring offered no resistance to Qian and even cooperated in the absorption process.


    From that day forward, the Douluo Continent lost an unknown small tribe and gained a girl with three pairs of wings on her back.


    Having lost her people, Qian vowed to help anyone she encountered. Filled with hatred for soul beasts, she began to hunt those who harmed humans.


    The powers of evil and darkness gave Qian the ability to absorb the strength of deceased soul beasts, while her holy and light powers ensured she would not be completely consumed by the lingering wills of the soul beasts. These powers purified her soul energy, maintaining its purity.


    As Qian grew stronger, those she rescued gradually formed a tribe around her. They believed Qian to be a messenger of heaven and began referring to her as the Angel.


    As the tribe expanded, the number of people she saved increased, and her reputation spread far and wide. Eventually, the title of "God" was added to her name, and she became known as the Angel God.


    At first, Qian''s power was not particularly strong. However, through constant battles, the growth of her followers, and the accumulation of faith, the fortune of humanity began to attach itself to her, causing her power to undergo a qualitative transformation.


    Her martial soul strengthened, her physique enhanced, and her spirit grew more resilient. Beyond the enhancement of her basic attributes, Qian also began to acquire new abilities, such as healing and purification.


    These newfound abilities saved many who would have otherwise perished, and people naturally regarded them as divine miracles, worshiping her as the omnipotent Angel God.


    Qian''s first three soul rings were purple, while from the fourth ring onward, they turned black. By the time she could absorb her seventh soul ring, she led her followers to kill a hundred-thousand-year soul beast and claim its soul ring.


    Her eighth ring was red. She and her followers hunted a severely injured two-hundred-thousand-year fire dragon beast, which became her eighth ring. During the battle, one of her followers sacrificed himself to shield Qian from the dragon''s dying counterattack. Before his death, he poured his life''s energy into his martial soul sword, granting it partial physical form and entrusting it to the Angel God. This was the prototype of the Angelic Holy Sword.


    During that era, possessing eight rings was already legendary. After acquiring her eighth ring, Qian believed her power had nearly reached its peak. She began uniting human tribes, focusing on their welfare.


    She hunted beasts and soul beasts, eliminated soul masters who used evil sacrificial methods and destroyed hybrids of humans and soul beasts born of dark practices. Under her leadership, the Angel Army and the Angelic Holy Sword illuminated that era. Almost all humans believed that Qian was a god who could save humanity and lead them out of their suffering. Empowered by faith, her strength grew even further.


    By fifty, Qian had obtained her eighth soul ring. After accumulating faith for fifty years, she passively reached level ninety. Due to her extraordinary nature and the weight of the faith she carried, even at one hundred years old, she showed no signs of aging.


    During this time, Qian experienced much¡ªwitnessing death and new life. As her heart matured, the evil power in her martial soul was gradually suppressed. Her martial soul, once neutral between good and evil, transformed into the Six-Winged Angel of ultimate light, flame, and holiness.


    When that familiar feeling of breakthrough arose again, Qian realized that there was a ninth soul ring beyond the eight she had known. Her strength could continue to grow. However, she also sensed that the ninth ring was the limit of this world, and she could only absorb one final soul ring.


    Thus, at one hundred years old, Qian spent another century in deep contemplation, accumulating faith and power. By then, her Angelic Holy Sword had become a divine artifact, and she had become the first human on the Douluo Continent to forge the prototype of a divine position.


    Though her soul power was only at the quasi-Title Douluo level, her divine position prototype made her a true demigod.


    At two hundred years old, wielding the Angelic Holy Sword, Qian confronted her lifelong nightmare: the Rui Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. After a fierce battle, she killed it.


    Before its death, the sacred beast attempted to self-detonate its origin to prevent Qian from claiming its soul ring and soul bone. However, Qian redirected its origin into the Angelic Holy Sword, preventing the explosion and absorbing the soul ring while losing the soul bone.


    By vanquishing the sacred beast, Qian resolved her final inner conflict. The evil power in her martial soul dissipated completely, and humanity inherited the fortune once held by the soul beasts. The era of soul beasts as the dominant species ended, and humanity began to rise.


    Years later, Di Tian, leading numerous savage beasts, sought Qian to annihilate humanity, fearing their growing threat to soul beasts. In a moment of crisis, Qian self-destructed her divine position, using the Angelic Holy Sword to crush Di Tian and the beast tide.


    Having lost her divine position, Qian''s path to further advancement seemed cut off. However, by chance, she encountered a deity from the Divine Realm, who granted her a portion of judgmental power.


    Using this power, Qian, who was on the verge of perishing, regained some of her strength and vitality. She continued helping humanity escape soul beast domination.


    In an unexpected discovery, Qian stumbled upon a golden ancient tree, towering dozens of meters high, within a demi-plane.


    Meditating beneath the golden tree¡ªthe source of life for the Douluo Star¡ªfor years, Qian restored her power and once again condensed her divine position.


    During this process, Qian uncovered the tree''s hidden potential and learned some secrets of the ancient world. She decided to set a plan in motion for humanity''s future, a grand scheme spanning tens of thousands of years. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [258]

    The Angel God, using her divine power, relocated this space to the largest human settlement of the time, which is now the location of the Spirit Hall, and established the Douluo Hall.


    Initially, the purpose of the Douluo Hall was merely to suppress the fate and destiny of the human race. The souls of every deceased Titled Douluo were preserved within the Golden Tree, and their martial souls were inscribed into the bloodlines of humanity. Even if a lineage became severed, martial souls that had vanished would reappear over time.


    Every Titled Douluo further strengthened the fate of humanity, enhancing humans'' reproductive abilities, increasing the likelihood of soul masters being born, and raising the probability of geniuses emerging.


    The Golden Tree is the source of life in the Douluo Star and holds an inherently pivotal position. By ensuring that the Golden Tree was not taken away, the Angel God guaranteed humanity''s continued survival on the Douluo Star. The Luck energy would only grow and not easily weaken for various reasons.


    Even if humanity faced disasters and their population was drastically reduced, their fate would not dissipate quickly. Instead, the remaining Luck energy would be redistributed among the surviving humans, enabling them to recover and thrive once more.


    At first, the Angel God''s intentions were simple¡ªshe merely wished to ensure that the development of humanity on the Douluo Continent would proceed more smoothly. However, after the Golden Tree was transplanted, the deity who had granted her the power of judgment began to act strangely.


    Initially, this deity only requested some of the Golden Tree''s power, claiming it was for research. But later, he began to demand the Luck of humans and soul beasts, the bloodlines of human soul masters, and even the Golden Tree itself.


    At first, the Angel God believed this God King intended to help humanity. However, as her understanding deepened and the demands of the God King escalated, she realized that he seemed to covet the Douluo Star itself.


    The Angel God, after her rebirth and within a century, had elevated her divine position to the level of a First-Class God. However, no matter how much faith she gathered, it seemed as though her divine position had hit an unbreakable ceiling. After decades of investigation, she discovered that the issue lay in the Judgment Power within her divine position.


    The God of Asura, through his Judgment Power, was forcibly suppressing the further advancement of her Angel God position. He was even secretly attempting to use the Judgment Power to turn her into a puppet.


    Having no other choice, the Angel God devised alternative plans.


    Before becoming a god, she extracted all the bones from her body, enduring immense pain for a century to transform her bones into a set that others could inherit. Each piece of soul bone, originally ranging from ten thousand to two hundred thousand years in age, was fixed at 99,999 years.


    If someone managed to absorb the entire set of soul bones, they could elevate their soul bones to the hundred-thousand-year level and further develop their body toward a divine physique.


    The transformation of her soul bones took the Angel God a century. After temporarily recovering, she then extracted her ninth soul ring, imbuing its essence into the Golden Tree.


    Using the combined power of the Golden Tree and her divine energy, the Angel God activated the bloodline of a divine beast within the soul ring, recreating its body.


    She permanently split a portion of her divine consciousness, infusing it into the divine beast''s recreated body. Over the next several centuries, she gradually linked the divine beast to the Golden Tree and infused both the human and soul beast Luck energy into this divine beast''s body.


    With the Golden Tree, its unique powers, and the Angel God''s divine essence, she created a divine beast with a million-year lifespan. Through the connection between the divine beast and the Golden Tree, she developed this half-plane further, forming a space imperceptible to the Divine Realm.


    Over centuries, the Angel God repeatedly rejected and delayed the demands of the God of Asura, eventually arousing his suspicions. He repeatedly urged her to ascend to the Divine Realm, threatening her with the Divine Realm law that no First-Generation God could remain in their native plane for more than a thousand years, and no inheritor could remain for more than a hundred.


    With no alternative, the Angel God ascended to the Divine Realm, becoming a First-Class God there.


    Before her ascension, the Angel God used the Golden Tree''s power of life and creation to grant her followers a replicated version of the six-winged Angel Martial Soul. This lineage became her successors and inheritors on the Douluo Continent.


    As a First-Class God, the Angel God gained access to the Divine Realm''s highest knowledge. She learned that the Douluo Star had once birthed a powerful deity known as the Dragon God, who left behind a rich legacy on the Douluo Star.


    After several confirmations, the Angel God discovered that the Golden Tree contained the Dragon God''s legacy¡ªthe most primordial power of the universe and one of the key reasons for the Dragon God''s immense strength. This power was a remnant of the Dragon God and the Dragon Kings during the Era of Dragons.


    If she absorbed this power, the Angel God could directly ascend to the level of a God King and might even surpass that level in the future. However, the cost would be the permanent depletion of the Douluo Star''s essence, leading to the plane''s gradual decline and eventual destruction.


    Unwilling to see her homeland destroyed, the Angel God not only refrained from absorbing this power but also split off another portion of her divine consciousness, transforming the divine beast into her avatar. Using the Golden Tree and the divine beast, she began to reconstruct the subspace and implement her plans step by step.


    With the knowledge from the Divine Realm and the Dragon God''s power within the Golden Tree, the world inside the Douluo Hall had been transformed to resemble the Divine Realm. The Golden Tree and the divine beast now possessed the power of a Third-Class God.


    Every deceased Titled Douluo whose soul was linked to the Golden Tree could be reborn. Using the Golden Tree''s life force and original power, their bodies would be recreated, with innate talents surpassing the limits of the Douluo World. Each reborn individual would have talents equal to or exceeding those of the six-winged Angel inheritors (innately at Rank 20), and their martial souls would be further enhanced.


    Thanks to their accumulated experience and strength, these individuals would have the potential to achieve the highest levels of power in the Douluo World, becoming Ultimate Douluos or even touching the divine realm.


    Over ten thousand years, the Douluo Hall has buried over a thousand Titled Douluos and nearly a hundred Ultimate Douluos, amassing an enormous wealth of martial souls, laws, unique powers, and faith. The Golden Tree has grown from a few dozen meters tall to a towering height of a thousand meters.


    Although this accumulation wasn''t primarily focused on combat, the immense energy caused the Golden Tree and the divine beast to surpass their initial Third-Class God level, reaching Second-Class God strength. With the Angel God''s divine consciousness, even a First-Class God could be temporarily resisted in this space.


    If the Douluo Hall''s accumulated power were unleashed, the entire Douluo Star would experience a tremendous elevation, raising both its upper and lower limits. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In this environment, every Titled Douluo buried in the Douluo Hall could qualify to become a divine official. Super Douluos could become Third-Class Gods, and Ultimate Douluos who achieved their power independently could hope to become Second-Class Gods. As the Douluo Star grew, this upper limit would continue to rise.


    With the Angel God''s divine position capable of reaching the level of a God King, the Douluo Star could essentially become a small Divine Realm. Even on a cosmic scale, it would be considered a formidable force.


    The key to unlocking this treasure is the Angel God''s divine position. Once the Douluo Continent''s accumulation reaches its peak, a new generation of Angel God inheritors will appear. As the Child of the Plane, they will unify the Douluo World, fully awaken its potential, and elevate the plane''s level.


    Every Titled Douluo who enters the Douluo Hall and whose soul can be found is judged by the Angel God. Those who are irredeemably evil are absorbed by the Golden Tree, while those deemed acceptable are partially informed of the reasons behind the plan. They are then allowed to choose between waiting for rebirth or passing on naturally.


    Over the millennia, the vast majority of Titled Douluos, inspired by the Angel God''s grand plan, have unhesitatingly pledged their loyalty, awaiting the arrival of an era when all shall rise like dragons.


    However, for thousands of years, the Angel God''s divine consciousness, which controls the divine beast in the Douluo Hall, has lost contact with her main body.


    Although she can still sense the existence of the Angel God divine position she created, indicating that the key remains secure, she fears that her main body''s plans and the Douluo Hall''s millennia of accumulation might have been discovered or targeted by the Divine Realm.


    The Angel God''s divine consciousness and the divine beast are bound to the Golden Tree, and this subspace is specially designed to shield itself from the Divine Realm''s gaze. If the Douluo Hall''s seal were forcibly opened from within, the entire space would be exposed to the Divine Realm.


    Only the Angelic Holy Sword, the key, would allow the Angel God''s divine consciousness minimal access to observe the outside world.


    In some ways, the Angel God anticipated that her divine consciousness might change and impose restraints on it. However, after her main body encountered issues, these restraints became a hindrance.


    Normally, no one would lock the key to a safe inside the safe itself. The Angelic Holy Sword is the sacred artifact of the Angel Clan and is only used in times of great need. It was never intended to be sent into the Douluo Hall, leaving the Angel God''s divine consciousness unaware of her main body''s situation.


    Thus, the Angel God had no choice but to awaken the souls of powerful Titled Douluos, allowing them to take turns guarding the Douluo Hall.


    The Douluo Hall contains over a hundred Ultimate Douluos, about half of whom are inheritors of the Angel Clan and reached their level through the Angel God''s power.


    Among these Ultimate Douluos, some reached the divine realm through their strength alone.


    The Douluo Continent is filled with opportunities, and the Angel God herself became a deity through a fortuitous encounter. While others may not achieve godhood, some have touched the divine realm through their adventures.


    Among the hundred Ultimate Douluos, eight achieved divine-level strength in life. Two possess physiques close to divine bodies, two wield soul power near divine power, and four have spiritual strength at the level of divine consciousness.


    PS: OH! The golden tree is the one in Soul Land 2, but Tang San truly makes the Douluo planet his own. He plants his mother''s soul in the ancient tree and then replaces the Douluo Will with his father''s will.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [259]

    The four Soul Masters who touched the threshold of divine-level spiritual power were, respectively, a Soul Master with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, a Soul Master with the Fire Phoenix martial soul, a Soul Master with the Spirit Crystal martial soul, and a Soul Master with the Space-Time Ruler martial soul.


    The Soul Master with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul was the one Chen Ming had just encountered. However, the Fire Phoenix Soul Master who had touched divine-level spiritual power was not the same one Chen Ming had seen earlier but was the ancestor of that Fire Phoenix Soul Master.


    This Soul Master originated from the direct lineage of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan and was the biological child of the clan''s leader at the time. When awakening his martial soul, he was born with innate full soul power. His background and innate talent were already among the top in the world. With a determined will and sharp intellect, he grew to become extraordinarily powerful.


    More importantly, he was also someone blessed with an immense fortune, perhaps even the Child of Destiny of that era.


    During his Soul Emperor stage, while traveling the continent, he encountered a 50,000-year-old Thunder Hell Prison Vine and absorbed it as his seventh soul ring. Beneath the remnants of the vine, he discovered the remains of a deceased Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, from which he obtained a Dragon Core.


    At level 80, he led others to hunt down and kill a 100,000-year-old Thunder Dragon, absorbing its 100,000-year soul ring and acquiring external soul bones for his claws.


    At level 90, while exploring uncharted territories, he encountered a living 100,000-year-old Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. After a fierce battle, he killed it and absorbed its soul ring and soul bone, devouring its dragon soul and body. Over the next 20 years, he ascended to the rank of Ultimate Douluo, with his spiritual power touching the threshold of the divine realm.


    His strength at the time was unmatched on the continent. Even the High Priest of the Angel Clan was no match for him without using divine artifacts. However, he cared little for fame and fortune. Due to his frequent contact with the remnants of divine beasts, he remained oblivious to the concept of faith-based godhood and the power of belief.


    In his understanding, the only path to godhood was one of improving the essence of life, as soul beasts did. Thus, after becoming an Ultimate Douluo, he chose to accumulate power and forcibly break through.


    After dominating the continent for several centuries, his spiritual power broke through to the divine realm. However, his physical body had aged too much, and the immense spiritual power caused irreversible damage to his body. Even the strength of the continent''s most powerful beast martial soul and the abilities of an Ultimate Douluo could not halt the gradual collapse of his physical form.


    Of course, in Chen Ming''s view, this was likely because the Douluo Plane''s current level was no longer compatible with this path of life essence breakthroughs. Otherwise, as a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master, his physical body should have reached the divine realm before his spiritual power did.


    He could have used his spiritual power to prolong his life on the continent for hundreds or even thousands of years. However, after realizing that he had no hope of breaking through, he refused to cling to life any longer. Instead, he entered the Douluo Hall to await death.


    Upon entering the Douluo Hall, his immense power immediately attracted the attention of the Angel God. He then engaged in a battle with the Angel God, enduring three strikes from the Angel God, who wielded the body of the million-year-old Emperor Auspicious Beast, before losing his ability to fight.


    After learning of the Angel God''s plan, he voluntarily joined her efforts, becoming her believer and guardian. Among the Ultimate Douluo under the Angel God''s command, he was the strongest.


    Chen Ming had heard of the legends surrounding this Ultimate Douluo. His actual experiences were not far from the legends.


    However, because of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan''s long-standing pride and the passage of time, most Soul Masters on the Douluo Continent, including Chen Ming, as well as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan itself, believed that the legends were exaggerated. They thought someone couldn''t have once dominated even the Angel Clan''s successors and refrained from godhood purely out of disdain.


    Today, Chen Ming discovered that such a powerful figure truly existed in history. A figure who genuinely refrained from godhood out of disdain.


    If not for the Thunder God''s divine position being shattered, Chen Ming believed that this individual would have easily claimed the Thunder God''s divine position.


    In Chen Ming''s opinion, this person''s growth path bore some resemblance to the future Yuhao. Except this person had no ties to the unfortunate Shrek Academy or the Tang God King. Moreover, although he too acquired a Dragon Core, he did not suffer the backlash that rendered him unable to stand upright. Though, in the end, the outcomes seemed to mirror each other in some ways. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the four Super Douluo, the Angel God provided a detailed introduction. However, to be honest, Chen Ming did not feel much connection to them. He simply remarked to the Angel God about the Flame Lion clan still being part of the Spirit Hall to this day.


    After holding the Angelic Sacred Sword, the Angel God''s remnant consciousness grew visibly more excited. Under Chen Ming''s gaze, the Angel God gritted her teeth and extracted part of her origin power and will, feeding it to the Angelic Sacred Sword.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword, which had absorbed the origin of the Auspicious Beast before it became a divine artifact and had also been refined by the Angel God''s divine power, found the Angel God''s origin power utterly irresistible.


    If it weren''t just a sword, it might have shown visible excitement. Otherwise, such a scene would have been too indecent to describe.


    "I have secretly imbued part of my divine consciousness into the Angelic Sacred Sword. When you return the sword to its place, I will use the prayers of the current High Priest to secretly contact him."


    "And as for you..."


    The Angel God hesitated. "You took such a great risk to enter the Douluo Hall. I ought to reward you; otherwise, not only would you feel disheartened, but I would also worry that you might report the Douluo Hall''s secrets to the Divine Realm."


    "Although if you did report this to the Divine Realm, the other four Divine Kings would certainly not spare the God of Asura lightly, and I might even regain my divine position or go even further. But the Douluo Plane''s millennia of accumulation would..."


    After explaining that exposing this matter to the Divine Realm would pose no personal risk to her, the Angel God continued speaking to Chen Ming.


    "I see your soul power is likely around level 60 or so. It seems you''ve absorbed one... or perhaps two God-bestowed soul rings?"


    "I''ve only absorbed one God-bestowed soul ring, which was given to me during your divine trial. It became my fifth ring. My sixth ring came from a fierce beast."


    Chen Ming released his martial soul and demonstrated it to the Angel God.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s soul ring configuration of purple, purple, black, black, and red, the Angel God visibly froze. The five nearby titled Douluo, who had unknowingly risen to watch, were equally dumbfounded.


    Wait, where are your first three soul rings? Are you not a titled Douluo with a soul ring configuration of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, and red, but instead a Soul Emperor who defies all logic from the very first ring?


    And while we could tolerate your fifth soul ring having two golden lines as it was a God-bestowed ring, how in the world does your sixth ring have five golden lines? Are you telling us you killed a 500,000-year-old fierce beast and directly devoured its soul ring?


    A 500,000-year-old beast and a 200,000-year-old beast are not in the same league at all!


    Even Ultimate Douluo isn''t as peerless as you¡ªthis is beyond ruthless!


    Please tell us that this 500,000-year-old fierce beast willingly sacrificed itself to you out of despair. One of your rings alone exceeds the combined age of all of our spirit rings!


    Initially, the Angel God had planned to offer Chen Ming three guaranteed 100,000-year God-bestowed soul rings and some soul bones to secure him and prevent him from leaking any information. However, after seeing that 500,000-year soul ring, the Angel God realized her initial offer was far too low.


    This was no mere prodigy¡ªthis was a monster. Compared to his growth speed, her progress back then seemed far too conservative.


    At less than 15 years old, Chen Ming was already a level 63 Soul Emperor with dual soul cores, a 500,000-year-old fierce beast ring, spiritual power approaching divine consciousness, and a body transitioning toward divinity.


    Offering 100,000-year rings would now seem insulting. With his strength, hunting 100,000-year beasts would be as easy as slaughtering pigs.


    No, this level of talent must not fall into the hands of the Divine Realm, especially the God of Asura.


    The Angel God gritted her teeth, her gaze firm.


    As an experienced deity who had seen the world''s highs and lows, she made her decision.


    She would raise the stakes!


    Even if she had to empty the Douluo world''s millennium-old treasury, the investment in this prodigy would be completely worth it.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [260]

    The Angel God''s gaze sparkled as she looked at Chen Ming, and a sudden thought came to her. "Xiao Ming, you only have one martial soul, right?"


    "That''s right. I was born with only one martial soul, just like any normal soul master. But even with just one martial soul, I''ll never be inferior to any twin martial soul soul master. By the way, Angel God senior, did people in your era also have twin martial souls?"


    "In our time, there were indeed twin martial souls, but the population was much smaller back then, and humanity was still in its developmental stage. So even over the course of a thousand years, I only encountered a handful of twin martial soul users. After some research, I compiled my understanding into a record and passed it down."


    "If you''re interested, you should still be able to find my records in the Spirit Hall after you leave. After all, I engraved it on the skull of a hundred-thousand-year-old rhino soul beast. Unless someone deliberately destroyed it, it should still be intact even after ten thousand years."


    The Angel God gestured with her hand and smiled at Chen Ming. "Do you want a second martial soul?"


    "What?!" Chen Ming''s mouth dropped open in shock, unsure if he had heard correctly.


    Adding a second martial soul? Wasn''t that only possible when a soul beast of a million years sacrificed itself and its essence formed the foundation for one? Could it be that the Angel God was planning something similar?


    Wait... Chen Ming suddenly remembered how Electrolux had used his power to create an additional martial soul for Huo Yuhao in Soul Land 2, though it couldn''t attach soul rings.


    And thinking carefully, didn''t Wang Dong''er (Tang Wutong?) in Soul Land 2 start with only the Clear Sky Hammer as her martial soul? Her second martial soul, the Goddess of Light Butterfly, came as a divine gift from the second-rank Butterfly God.


    This suggested that gods indeed could grant someone a second martial soul.


    But Chen Ming wasn''t sure what exactly the Angel God meant. Was she offering a proper second martial soul that could attach soul rings and grow normally, or was it something like the Necromancer God''s unique martial soul, which had a single special soul ring that carried an entire system of power?


    "Adding a second martial soul is a very difficult task, but it is by no means impossible. Divine-tier beings can achieve this. Most first-rank gods have the strength for it; they just might lack the requisite knowledge. But as a native deity of the Douluo World, my research on martial souls is more than sufficient."


    "For ten thousand years, I attached this divine thought to the Golden Tree and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, watching as titled douluo after titled douluo were reborn as infants beneath the Golden Tree, waiting for the right moment to act. During all these years, I haven''t simply been sleeping. My divine thought has been actively researching the fundamental mechanisms of the Douluo World¡ªmartial souls and soul rings."


    The Angel God continued explaining her deep understanding of martial souls. The holy power she controlled transformed and shifted midair, visualizing her thoughts and ideas.


    "Over these ten thousand years, I''ve studied the essence and martial souls of these titled douluo. I''ve also discussed the fundamental operational principles of martial souls with them. Through the Golden Tree, I''ve elevated the strength of many titled douluo''s martial souls, even guiding and reshaping them to some extent."


    "For instance, I''ve helped sub-dragon martial souls evolve into true dragon martial souls, further purifying the bloodlines of true dragon martial souls. I''ve significantly enhanced the strength and characteristics of tool martial souls, and even enabled some special tool martial souls to gain the ability to transform between tool and beast forms."


    "The Douluo Continent possesses many attributes, and when a particular attribute reaches its peak, it becomes an ultimate attribute. These are rare, as they are mostly innate and extremely difficult to achieve through postnatal transformation." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even soul masters who cultivate to the level of titled douluo, super douluo, or even ultimate douluo don''t necessarily achieve the ultimate purity in their attributes. Of the thousands of titled douluo who have entered the Spirit Hall, only seven possessed ultimate attributes. That''s even fewer than the number who have come into contact with the Divine Realm."


    "But through my research and with the power of the Golden Tree, I can now reliably guide near-ultimate attributes to become true ultimate attributes. The cost is high, but it is a stable and feasible path."


    The Angel God smiled proudly. Though she appeared easygoing and approachable, she carried an unshakable pride in her specialized domain as humanity''s first deity.


    Ten thousand years of accumulation, coupled with abundant reference materials, had brought her knowledge to an astonishing and nearly divine level. Even her true self didn''t possess one-fifth of her understanding of martial souls and soul rings.


    If this divine thought of hers were to ascend to godhood independently, her divine position would likely be that of the God of Knowledge. After all, she had spent a full ten thousand years researching martial souls and soul rings. Drawing on the martial souls of titled douluo who entered the Spirit Hall, she gained enormous knowledge and learned many unique techniques from them.


    "A hundred-thousand-year soul beast can produce the power of creation, a force potent enough to fundamentally transform mortals."


    "Twin martial souls are not just a physical anomaly; they are also the result of a soul mutation. But one of these alone is insufficient. Only when both the body and soul undergo positive changes can twin martial souls emerge."


    "A secondary condition is that the two martial souls must be of similar quality and must not counteract each other. If their quality differs too much, one martial soul may devour the other. And if they oppose each other, cultivating one martial soul could render the other unusable, turning the second martial soul into a burden."


    "Your martial soul is already a divine-tier martial soul. Therefore, to add a second martial soul, its quality must at least be close to divine tier as well."


    As the Angel God spoke, she resumed her form as the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, radiating brilliance.


    "The quality of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion is inherently divine. After my modifications, the nurturing of the Golden Tree, and the rules of this subspace, its power is truly divine."


    "A hundred-thousand-year soul beast must sacrifice itself to become the soul ring of a soul master''s primary martial soul to nurture the seed of a second martial soul. But under my guidance, the Emperor Auspicious Beast only needs to sacrifice part of its essence to form the foundation of a second martial soul."


    "I can use the Golden Tree to split off one-tenth of the Emperor Auspicious Beast''s hundred-thousand-year cultivation and implant a second martial soul seed in you. However, due to material limitations, this martial soul will either be a holy-attribute tool martial soul or a dragon-type beast martial soul, without much choice."


    "Of course, you don''t need to worry about its attribute strength. I can guarantee that it will have at least one ultimate attribute. Your martial soul already possesses more than one ultimate attribute, and your soul power purity is sufficient, so the second martial soul won''t slow down your cultivation speed."


    The Angel God looked at him seriously. "But because your aptitude is already at the peak and your primary martial soul is strong and has absorbed a fierce beast''s soul ring, even a divine-tier second martial soul might not significantly enhance your potential."


    "So, do you want a second martial soul?"


    The Angel God, now in the form of the Emperor Auspicious Beast, gazed at Chen Ming with her three eyes.


    "Senior Angel God, what is the price? Or what do I need to give in return?" Chen Ming, understanding the ways of the world, realized there was a hidden cost.


    "You must swear upon the Golden Tree that you will not threaten Douluo Star or reveal the secrets of the Spirit Hall to the Divine Realm. I won''t ask for much¡ªjust a promise lasting three hundred years. After three hundred years, you can do as you please."


    The Emperor Auspicious Beast, lion-like, licked her paw, her three eyes narrowing.


    "I will use the Golden Tree''s power and uniqueness to send your oath to the origin of the universe, where it will be monitored. If you break this oath, no matter if you become a deity, you will pay a heavy price."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [261]

    In the world of Douluo, oaths are sworn to the Angel God and the world consciousness of Douluo. These two entities do indeed influence the effectiveness of oaths to some degree, but they cannot guarantee everything. Therefore, when people swear oaths, they often add a clause like "I swear on my martial soul" after invoking the divine. The exact principle behind this is unclear, but breaking such an oath does indeed cause problems with one''s martial soul. At the mildest, it can hinder the progress of soul power, and at worst, it can directly damage the martial soul or even threaten one''s life. However, Chen Ming also knew that many people on the Douluo Continent seemed to break such oaths without any consequences.


    Chen Ming himself had never tried this, so he didn''t fully understand the underlying principles. But he did know that swearing to the origin of the universe was an entirely different matter¡ªit was a highly serious commitment.


    If swearing to the world consciousness of Douluo was equivalent to swearing to the Heavenly Dao in a fantasy world, where there''s always a slim chance of surviving due to the principle "the Dao gives life," then swearing to the origin of the universe was akin to swearing to the Great Dao itself.


    Not everyone is qualified to swear such an oath and even fewer dare to break it.


    When the world consciousness of Douluo becomes angry, the consequences might be something like being struck by lightning, and if you leave the planet, it can''t pursue you. But if the origin of the universe becomes enraged, it''s essentially total annihilation, with no place to hide anywhere in the universe.


    This information was casually mentioned in the God Realm Encyclopedia written by the God Destruction, who also noted that swearing to the origin of the universe requires qualification. Deities below the level of a First-Class God are generally ignored by the origin of the universe when they attempt to swear. Even those above this level must pay a price to do so.


    Based on the Angel God''s explanation, she intended to bear this price herself. This was a clear display of her resolve.


    A promise of not threatening Douluo Star or revealing the existence of the subspace within Douluo Hall for 300 years¡ªthis was no problem at all for Chen Ming.


    Under the watchful gaze of the Angel God, who had transformed into her Three-Eyed Golden Lion form, Chen Ming nodded.


    "These things are already part of my responsibilities. Even without rewards, I would do them." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Only demanding responsibility from others without offering benefits in return is a terrible practice. I''ve seen many people, originally without malice, develop it because of such treatment. Even I once..."


    The Angel God seemed to have gone through something similar but didn''t want to dwell on it.


    "Your talent is exceptional. Think of this as my investment in you. Even if I fail, as long as you''re here, Douluo Star won''t face the risk of destruction. After all, you''re a part of Douluo Star, no matter how much you dislike this world. It''s still your homeland and your foundation."


    "Come, follow me."


    The Three-Eyed Golden Lion soared into the air on golden flames, and Chen Ming flapped his wings to follow.


    The space within the small world was unusual. The massive golden tree, thousands of meters tall, wasn''t very close to Chen Ming. However, with the Angel God manipulating the space, the distance was altered. It took less than two minutes for the two to reach the crown of the golden tree.


    Standing on a branch of the golden tree, which was large enough to house a school''s sports field, Chen Ming sensed the surrounding space and couldn''t help but feel admiration for the Angel God.


    The space wasn''t distorted; it was adjusted. Distorted spaces would eventually be corrected by natural laws, but adjusted spaces represented permanent changes. The Angel God had created a path without disrupting the surrounding space. The precision of this manipulation left Chen Ming in awe.


    With a roar that sounded neither like a lion nor a dragon, the golden tree''s origin was activated. The two figures standing on its branch were engulfed in golden light and transported into the inner space of the golden tree.


    If the external world''s elemental energy was comparable to the core of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, then the energy within the golden tree was far beyond that. Nearly liquefied, it contained traces of divinity and was transitioning to immortal spiritual energy.


    At the deepest part of this space lay a unique power¡ªthe aura of chaotic energy, the most primal force of the universe. Chen Ming instinctively activated his abilities, pushing his spirituality to its limits in an attempt to observe it. However, his normally effective spiritual power failed him at this moment.


    Even though he could perceive fragments of the origins of the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life, gaining insight into the universe through their characteristics, the power of chaos was different. It only manifested during the creation or destruction of the universe. Its profundity was beyond explanation, and no one in the known universe could fully understand it.


    Even the Dragon God, in the past, had only obtained fragments of this power. By slaying the Phoenix God of equal rank and absorbing its origin, the Dragon God had completed another portion. But doing so had made it a taboo within the God Realm.


    The Angel God glanced back at Chen Ming but said nothing. Instead, she communicated with the golden tree. As part of the tree''s origin ignited, their consciousnesses were pushed into an ethereal realm.


    In the presence of the universal origin, an overwhelming torrent of information bombarded Chen Ming''s mind indiscriminately. It felt as though a second had passed, but also as though ten thousand years had gone by. Chen Ming seemed to know everything but, upon reflection, realized he understood nothing.


    From the Angel God''s perspective, Chen Ming had merely been momentarily dazed. But in truth, not even Chen Ming could tell how much time had passed for him, or whether the concept of time even existed in this realm.


    Using the golden tree''s power, the Angel God guided the universal laws and urged Chen Ming to proceed.


    In the presence of these laws, Chen Ming made his vow:


    "I, Chen Ming, swear upon my existence that for 300 standard years of Douluo Star, I shall not threaten Douluo Star itself, nor reveal the existence of the subspace within Douluo Hall to the God Realm."


    Chen Ming said only a few simple words, but the universal laws recorded both the words and their intended meaning. An invisible force wrapped around him, making him realize that his oath had been accepted.


    When the oath was complete, the connection between the golden tree and the universal laws was severed. The Angel God gazed at the now dimmed golden tree with a hint of helplessness and sighed softly at Chen Ming.


    "That one oath of yours consumed one percent of all the energy accumulated within Douluo Hall''s dimension."


    The Angel God''s tone revealed her heartache for the lost energy. To put it bluntly, the energy consumed earlier was enough to create ten Super Douluos.


    If it were given to a soul beast, even a foolish Soft-Boned Rabbit that might crash into tree stumps could forcibly gain 700,000 to 800,000 years of cultivation. A more talented or higher-quality soul beast could directly approach the level of a divine beast. For a fierce beast, it might even allow them to break past Douluo''s world laws.


    Such a cost was enormous, and the Angel God couldn''t hide her frustration. She glanced at Chen Ming, transformed back into her Three-Eyed Golden Lion form, and her power surged.


    "Alright, now tell me what kind of second martial soul you want. I''ll adjust it for you as best as I can."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [262]

    "I heard that the Threde-Eyed Golden Lion, the emperor''s divine beast, has a trace of Golden Dragon bloodline. Is that true?"


    "It''s true. If you need, I can grant your second martial soul the Golden Dragon bloodline, or even turn it directly into a Golden Dragon."


    Although further awakening the Golden Dragon''s power would require a considerable amount of energy, the Angel God no longer cared about such matters at this moment.


    After all, from her perspective, the accumulation of tens of thousands of years was negligible. Even if one tried their best to absorb it, being able to utilize 1% would already be an extraordinary feat. Consuming just a fraction of it could artificially create a second martial soul of god-level quality.


    After all, it was merely a seed. Its future development would depend entirely on the individual''s cultivation and fortune, so the energy consumption wasn''t unlimited.


    This was why she previously hesitated to make an oath using the universe''s origin¡ªit was related to the energy expenditure.


    "Then can the second martial soul be a Seraphim?" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A Seraphim? Do you want to inherit my divine position? That''s not possible." The Angel God gave Chen Ming a strange look. "It''s not about your talent or anything like that; it''s just that the Seraphim is special. The things I create using the Angel God''s divine position could be considered a kind of derivative of the divine position."


    "In short, if I were in my prime, I could indeed create a Seraphim martial soul. But in my current form, I can''t. Even though I am the Angel God''s divine thought, I am not the complete Angel God. I can no longer modify the Angel God''s divine position."


    "I can create a martial soul identical in attributes, appearance, and characteristics to the Seraphim, and in some aspects, it might even surpass the original. But I cannot create the Seraphim martial soul itself. Before ascending to godhood, I deliberately set up anti-theft measures to prevent anyone from exploiting special methods to steal my accumulation. Even in my current state, I cannot bypass that restriction."


    "If you want the power of the Seraphim, I can give you something similar or even stronger. But this Seraphim will not be the one passed down by the Angel God or the Spirit Hall."


    Chen Ming understood. The Angel God''s divine thought lacked the authority. The foundational logic had been locked by herself. What could be created might resemble a Seraphim, but it would never be the Seraphim capable of inheriting the Angel God''s divine position.


    It was like something that tasted, felt, and smelled like chocolate but wasn''t real chocolate¡ªit could just be cocoa butter substitute chocolate.


    "Do you want a Golden Dragon martial soul or a Seraphim? Or something with additional traits? Do you lean toward strength or fire? The martial souls of the titled Douluo buried here can serve as references. You have many options. I could even create a so-called Golden Holy Dragon with both Golden Dragon and Light Dragon bloodlines."


    Seeing Chen Ming deep in thought, the Angel God pressed further.


    "Can you fuse attributes based on the Golden Dragon?"


    "Yes." The Angel God showed no impatience.


    "Then can I fuse the Silver Dragon bloodline with the Golden Dragon as the foundation?"


    "You''re daring to think big! Do you even know that the Dragon God split into the Golden Dragon King and Silver Dragon King?" Chen Ming''s calculations were practically slapping the Angel God in the face, and even her composure wavered slightly.


    "Aren''t they originally from the same source? Can''t they be fused back together?" Chen Ming replied with a cheeky grin. Based on his experience, whenever someone showed this kind of expression, it usually meant they were genuinely intrigued.


    At this moment, Chen Ming felt like Sun Wukong being knocked on the head by Patriarch Bodhi. While it might seem like punishment, in reality, he was just a step away from gaining true skills.


    "I find it hard to explain the principles behind it. Honestly, I don''t even know the principles. But in reality, I just can''t."


    "I can create a Golden Dragon martial soul with a Silver Dragon bloodline, possessing both immense physical strength and elemental power. Or I can create a Silver Dragon martial soul with a Golden Dragon bloodline, having strong elemental abilities along with physical strength. But I cannot truly fuse the two bloodlines into one."


    "There are soul masters in the Douluo Hall with Silver Dragon martial souls. Though their martial souls aren''t pure, they are still Silver Dragons. I tried to fuse the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon bloodlines after she arrived, but despite being complementary forces, they simply cannot combine."


    "The two forces are like oil and water¡ªboth liquids, and you can force them together, but over time, they''ll separate back into two distinct entities. You can only let one overpower the other, with one as the main force and the other as support, but you can''t truly merge them to recreate the power of the Dragon God."


    "It''s as if some existence has forbidden this combination. Or perhaps my abilities are insufficient to comprehend it?"


    Chen Ming knew that oil and water could indeed blend, but only with an emulsifier to assist. However, it was clear that the Angel God had no idea what could serve as the emulsifier to fuse the Golden and Silver Dragon bloodlines. Even the titled Douluo who had entered the Douluo Hall over thousands of years couldn''t help her figure it out.


    "Let me see if I have anything that might work. I do have some rare treasures."


    Chen Ming gritted his teeth and began rummaging through his collection.


    From his Wishful Treasure Pouch, he pulled out a jar of ten-thousand-year Earth Dragon heart blood. Quickly realizing it wasn''t suitable, he stuffed it back in. Then he brought out more precious items:


    A living Beautiful Silk Tulip planted in a mushroom base.


    A Snow Swan Kiss entwined with golden threads.


    A Yearning Heartbroken Red with its stone intact.


    A specially processed Aromatic Silk Beauty to prevent its scent from dispersing.


    Leaves of the Nine-Curve Dragon Grass.


    A seed of the Star Luo Holy Pearl.


    A thumbnail-sized bottle of dew of Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew.


    He also revealed various soul bones (mainly from the snakes of Snake Island), a rib bone of Medusa''s God, an artifact from the God of Sin, a small jar of blood refined from Medusa Queen''s flesh, and spring water from the core of Spirit Snake Island.


    Even the Angel God, knowledgeable and experienced, was surprised by Chen Ming''s collection. When he presented Medusa''s three-piece set, she showed a visceral dislike. But none of these seemed helpful for fusing the Golden and Silver Dragon bloodlines.


    When Chen Ming pulled out some mud from the depths of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the Angel God''s expression instantly turned to astonishment. From it, she sensed the aura of two Dragon King-level beings, whose mutually opposing attributes had achieved harmony due to their past relationship.


    While the Angel God pondered the mud''s potential, Chen Ming took out a jade jar containing spring water from the depths of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    The Angel God let out a sharp cry.


    "Dragon King blood, diluted? This is from the fall of the Fire Dragon King and Water Dragon King¡ªor should I say the Ice Dragon King? This contains both their essence and blood!"


    "Dragon King blood¡ªdiluted as it may be¡ªis still nobler than true dragon blood. And the fusion of these two opposing Dragon King attributes makes it even more valuable than the pure blood of the two Dragon Kings themselves."


    "There seems to be a faint trace of the Mountain Dragon Clan''s presence in this as well. Could it be that the corpses of the Water and Fire Dragon Kings drew out the power of the Earth Dragon from the leylines?"


    The power of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well posed no threat to the Angel God. With her Three-Eyed Golden Lion body, she could jump in and not only remain unharmed but emerge rejuvenated due to the Dragon King''s energy beneath it.


    What caught her attention was the evidence of fusion.


    The combined power of the Water and Fire Dragon Kings, along with a faint trace of Earth Dragon energy, gave her a huge breakthrough on how to replicate the Dragon God bloodline using Golden and Silver Dragon bloodlines.


    In another ten thousand years... no, in five thousand years, the Angel God was confident she could truly recreate the power of the Dragon God!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [263]

    To be honest, the fusion of the Ice and Fire Dragon King''s power indeed provided great inspiration to the Angel God, who immediately became excited and wanted to drag Chen Ming to conduct experiments. However, before starting, Chen Ming once again reminded the Angel God about his three-day agreement with Qian Daoliu¡ªif he didn''t leave within three days, Qian Daoliu would release information about the Asura God.


    The Angel God, momentarily calmed down from her excitement, picked up the Angelic Sacred Sword, and manipulated it slightly. After being fully infused with divine power and the Angel God''s divine thoughts, the Angelic Sacred Sword flew out of the Douluo Hall and returned to the Worship Hall.


    With a wave of her hand, a faint golden interface appeared before the two of them.


    "I''ve added some enhancements to the Angelic Sacred Sword. Now, any wielder of the Seraphim Martial Soul can use it to contact me. This way, you don''t have to worry about any accidents happening. You can stay here for a few more days and see if I can replicate the fusion of the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon."


    At this point, the Angel God glanced at Chen Ming with an enigmatic smile on her face.


    "Also, you seem to be someone with innate abilities, right? I observed you just now. It seems you can intuitively sense immaterial things like spiritual energy, and you can even perceive laws?"


    "Your talent is extremely rare¡ªunprecedented, even. In the Divine Realm, perhaps one or two special entities might have similar abilities, but from my perspective, none of them compare to you. If you stay here a little longer, you can also observe the Martial Souls accumulated here over time."


    "If you need to discuss combat experiences with a certain Titled Douluo, or if you want to learn something secretive, just let me know during this time. I can temporarily awaken that Titled Douluo from their slumber to discuss your questions."


    "Thank you, Angel God," Chen Ming said respectfully, cupping his hands.


    A second Martial Soul, given for nothing, along with the exceptionally high-quality Martial Souls on the Golden Ancient Tree¡ªeach of these was a significant boost to his strength. Additionally, he could ask the top experts in elements or laws about their cultivation experiences. It was truly a golden opportunity.


    The Angel God, carrying the spring water and mud from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, began experimenting with whether this fusion could be applied to the bloodlines of the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon. Meanwhile, Chen Ming began his cultivation at the roots of the Golden Ancient Tree.


    Five Titled Douluo, led by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master, became extremely interested in Chen Ming''s unique existence.


    Having not spoken to anyone in a long time or heard the news from the outside world, these top-tier Titled Douluo surrounded Chen Ming like enthusiastic villagers. While they gossiped, they also seriously critiqued Chen Ming''s abilities and offered their insights.


    "Your punches lack ferocity. You rely too much on elements. While your punching technique and strength are sufficient, you lack a certain fierceness¡ªa dominating, invincible will. Your combat skills are excellent but can still be refined further."


    "For a regular Titled Douluo, your determination is already outstanding. However, when facing those who have fully carved out their path and harbor no doubts¡ªthe Super Douluo¡ªyou''re still a bit lacking. Overall, your main issue is a lack of combat experience. But considering your age..."


    "My recommendation is to focus on exploring the characteristics of elements first. At your age, you might naturally develop your unique intent as you grow."


    "I have a self-created combat technique called ''Dragon Travels the World.'' It combines the mysteries of both elements and the physical body, transitioning between the tangible and intangible. It allows you to unleash twelve to even twenty times your power in an instant. It might be useful for you¡ªdo you want to learn it?"


    The ancestor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family critiqued Chen Ming while occasionally stepping in to correct some of his flaws.


    Although these flaws might not seem like issues in the eyes of a Super Douluo, this Ultimate Douluo¡ªwho was just shy of the divine level and had defeated more than one Super Douluo¡ªoffered insights that were both genuine and effective.


    "I also have a move called ''Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens.'' It was passed down by my ancestor, a Fire Phoenix Soul Master who was close to the divine realm. Over generations, we''ve refined it, making it stronger and more perfect," said an elderly woman with a Fire Phoenix Martial Soul. Though she looked like she was in her seventies or eighties, her body, granted by the Golden Ancient Tree, could have easily appeared younger. However, she preferred this appearance.


    "I have a technique called the ''Heaven-Splitting Strike.'' It''s all about splitting the heavens and earth in one blow¡ªthough it''s not entirely there yet. Even though you''re not a Tool Martial Soul Master, I think your strong metallic attribute might make it useful to you."


    The soul master with the Mountain-Splitting Axe Martial Soul was a tall, burly man, about ten feet tall, who looked more like a Beast Martial Soul Master with a gorilla or bear Martial Soul. His massive axe, with a blade about one and a half meters wide, weighed nearly ten thousand kilograms. Even a casual swing created a pressure that could suffocate ordinary spirit masters. When infused with spirit power, its size and weight could increase even further. The axe''s current form was just its default state.


    When he mentioned his signature move, this man proudly pounded his chest. Even in the presence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon ancestor, he didn''t think his technique was any less impressive.


    "I have a technique called ''Infernal Ninefold Strike.'' It''s strong and flashy." Though this Titled Douluo, with a Flaming Lion King Martial Soul, was a rank 98 Super Douluo, he appeared slightly embarrassed when mentioning his ultimate move. It was evident that while his move was powerful, it might not measure up to those of his peers. While his technique was impressive and visually stunning, the elite Super Douluo around him, who were all exceptional even among their rank, made his ability seem slightly inferior by comparison.


    Watching his companions eagerly offer their signature moves, the last Titled Douluo, a Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master, twitched the corners of his mouth before clearing his throat.


    "I''m a control and support specialist, not much of an attacker. However, I did comprehend the Elemental Domain during my lifetime. My Martial Soul can manipulate seven elements, and after extra effort, I managed to control two of the most advanced elements¡ªspace and time. With my Elemental Domain, I can control up to nine elements simultaneously."


    "Although I was only a rank 98 Titled Douluo during my lifetime, I was just a bit unlucky. While trying to fuse nine elements in the Star Dou Forest to evolve my Martial Soul from the Seven-Colored Lotus into the Nine-Colored Lotus, I unexpectedly suffered a backlash and ended up half-dead. Then I was chased by the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon."


    "Luckily, the Spirit Hall was near the forest. I barely made it back, clinging to life, and got buried here. I wasn''t even 200 years old back then."


    When the Seven-Colored Lotus Spirit Master mentioned his death, his expression grew slightly bitter.


    He had been so close¡ªjust a little more effort and he could have become an Ultimate Douluo. Even after the backlash, he could have recovered after 20¨C30 years and tried again. But instead, he ran into the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon, who shattered his Martial Soul''s essence.


    Initially, he thought everyone''s circumstances were similar. But after conversing with other Super Douluo during his shifts, he realized his luck had been the worst. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I see you have a diverse mix of attributes, all of considerable strength. How about I teach you the Elemental Domain? With your talent, you should be able to learn it."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [264]

    The death of this Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master left Chen Ming somewhat speechless. If this person had been attempting to fuse the nine elements elsewhere and failed due to an unexpected backlash, Chen Ming might have attributed it to a lack of ability or poor luck. However, the Star Dou Forest''s inner depths were home to none other than the Silver Dragon King¡ªthe Dragon King capable of controlling all elements.


    Chen Ming couldn''t help but suspect with the utmost cynicism: this senior might have been close to succeeding when the fusion of the nine elements alerted the Silver Dragon King, who then subtly intervened, adding an extra variable. Finally, she sent Di Tian to eliminate him.


    As Chen Ming watched with a faintly sympathetic expression, the Soul Master with the Seven-Colored Lotus martial soul coughed awkwardly and unleashed his Elemental Domain.


    Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Space, Time, Creation.


    These nine attributes, identical to those of the legendary Dragon God, were released, forming an intricate domain. As Chen Ming carefully sensed it, he found that this domain was even more refined than his own Deathly Poison Domain.


    The elements cycled and transformed endlessly, generating and neutralizing one another. With the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master''s will, various elements converged, flowed, and transformed, causing space and time to distort.


    Ice spikes, fireballs, rockslides, gusts of wind, beams of light, and dark mist¡ªall sorts of elemental phenomena constantly shifted in his hands, evolving from simple forms into manifestations imbued with a sense of law and principle.


    Under his control, he could even deprive other soul masters of their connection to certain elemental energies within his domain, suppressing specific elements. He could also fuse two or even three elements to create entirely new ones.


    Although nominally the domain contained nine elements, through combinations and transformations, he could easily wield powerful forces like lightning or metallic and wood-based attributes.


    While none of these individual forces achieved the ultimate level, their near-perfection combined with their multi-attribute fusion allowed them to suppress even single ultimate attributes to some extent. Moreover, if needed, he could push any single attribute to reach the ultimate level temporarily.


    Undoubtedly, this was a highly complex and powerful domain. With his mastery of elements and understanding of laws, the strength of his Elemental Domain would only continue to grow, seemingly without limit. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, as the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master was showing off, the ancestor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan stepped forward, releasing his martial soul. With his interference, the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master could no longer manipulate time and space.


    Next, the Fire Phoenix Soul Master released her martial soul, wresting control of the Light element within the domain. The Flame Lion Soul Master gave her a thumbs-up before seizing control of the Fire element.


    Finally, under the helpless gaze of the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master, a Soul Master wielding the Mountain-Splitting Axe martial soul smirked and, with a slight surge of power, took control of the Earth and Time attributes.


    The Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master glared at the four saboteurs around him, his expression shifting into a dead-fish-eyed stare.


    Out of his nine elements, four were taken, and two were suppressed. While he could still barely control Water, Wind, and Darkness, his Elemental Domain could no longer be sustained.


    If not for his desire to leave a good impression on the younger generation, the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master would have cursed them out loud. A whole group of people teaming up to sabotage him¡ªwere they that bored?


    ...Apparently, yes.


    The Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master nodded to himself, realizing that if he were just as idle, he might also have been tempted to interfere with others.


    "Young man," he said to Chen Ming, "don''t get the wrong idea. The only reason these guys could take over my elemental control is because there are so many of them, and each of them has soul power and martial souls equal to mine. Against a group, I can''t do much, but one-on-one, I''m not inferior to anyone."


    "Cough, cough." The ancestor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, whose body had been enhanced to god-level strength by the Golden Ancient Tree, cleared his throat.


    "..." The Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master rolled his eyes at him and reluctantly corrected himself. "Fine. Except for that old lizard. Everyone else is on par with me. That lion guy over there probably wouldn''t be able to beat me in a fight."


    "You!" The Soul Master with the Flame Lion martial soul widened his eyes and pointed at him angrily but couldn''t refute the claim.


    Indeed, even among 98th-level Title Douluo, there were differences in strength. The Flame Lion Soul Master was of average combat ability at this level. With limited talent, he had no hope of reaching level 99 unless he was extraordinarily lucky.


    However, the other three were exceptional elites carefully chosen by the Angel God. They had the talent to advance further but had been held back by bad luck. Although not level 99, their full-strength bursts weren''t far off.


    If not for the limitations of their Golden Ancient Tree-enhanced bodies¡ªwhich allowed them to perform at their peak but prevented further breakthroughs¡ªthese three would have long since become Ultimate Douluo after years of accumulation.


    The Flame Lion Soul Master''s inclusion in this rotation of protectors was partly due to his lineage tracing back to the ancient followers of the Angel God. His strength was solidly mid-to-high among 98th-level Douluo, but he was still slightly weaker than those monstrous elites.


    As such, this group of five Soul Masters represented the cream of the crop among past generations of Soul Masters who entered the Douluo Palace. While the Flame Lion Soul Master''s combat techniques were slightly weaker, his abilities were still enough to sustain a family legacy for thousands of years.


    Even so, the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master''s jab wasn''t entirely unwarranted. After all, Chen Ming didn''t have deep ties with the Flame Lion Soul Master compared to his connections with Qian Daoliu and the Golden Crocodile Douluo, so he was unaware of this particular Soul Master''s hidden ace.


    After teasing the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master for a while, the others began demonstrating their combat techniques to Chen Ming. Each move had been honed through countless battles, embodying the power of over 100,000-year-old spirit abilities.


    For the strongest Super Douluo and Ultimate Douluo, spirit abilities alone weren''t enough to keep up with their power. Even 100,000-year spirit abilities were no longer their ultimate trump cards. Only self-created combat techniques, built upon their martial souls and personal understanding, could fully unleash their strength.


    On the Douluo Continent, self-created spirit abilities were already rare, and combat techniques were even more extraordinary, akin to a myth. A set of combat techniques tailored to a martial soul''s unique characteristics was more valuable than even a 100,000-year soul bone.


    After all, a 100,000-year soul bone could create one strong individual in a single generation, but combat techniques could nurture multiple strong individuals across generations.


    Most Soul Masters who advanced to Title Douluo refined their mental strength and gained a deep understanding of their martial souls. A set of combat techniques designed for their martial soul could significantly increase the chances of a Soul Douluo advancing to Title Douluo.


    Even though Chen Ming had unique insights into laws and possessed various extraordinary abilities, he was still moved by the sheer power and profundity of these combat techniques.


    However, he remained calm, refusing to lose himself in excitement.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [265]

    "Dear seniors, you''ve taught me these skills¡ªis there something you want me to do in return? After all, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. To be honest, I envy these abilities, but I imagine such secret techniques wouldn''t be passed on to me without some kind of cost, right?"


    Chen Ming spoke candidly. To be honest, he wasn''t very familiar with these people¡ªthey only got connected because of the Angel God. It was normal to receive guidance but to be taught secret techniques right away seemed a bit unusual.


    "Huh? A cost?" The soul master with the Flaming Lion King martial soul opened his mouth wide and pointed to his face.


    He had only heard that some signature techniques were going to be passed on. He thought that if he didn''t teach his own, it might make him seem unfriendly, so he offered to pass his down as well. As for any kind of cost, he honestly hadn''t thought about it.


    Seeing the dumbfounded expression on the Flaming Lion King''s soul master''s face, the others couldn''t help but cover their faces. They couldn''t quite understand how someone like him could have become a Level 98 Super Douluo. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Forget it. I''ll be honest with you. I just want to know what''s going on with my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan. I know the personalities of the people in my family¡ªthey''ve always been arrogant, and ever since I appeared, they''ve become even more conceited. When I was alive, they constantly whispered in my ear, urging me to overthrow the Spirit Hall and defeat the Angel God. Their strength was mediocre, but their ambitions were far greater than mine."


    "I''ve been dead for thousands of years. Even if my descendants haven''t completely died out, after hundreds of generations, I don''t have much of a blood connection with them anymore."


    At this point, the old ancestor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan''s face darkened.


    "And those bastards... ugh, those ungrateful wretches¡ªI don''t even know what they''re thinking. I''ve been here for thousands of years, and I haven''t seen a single other Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master sent into the Douluo Hall. Among over a thousand titled Douluos, I''m the only one with a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul."


    "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul is extremely high-quality, even across the entire continent. Even if my descendants are useless, it''s impossible for there not to be a few super Douluos in every generation. At the very least, there should be two or three, or even three or four titled Douluos per generation. I just want to know¡ªwhat happened to those bastards? Where are they buried?"


    The Douluo Hall served a similar purpose to a Hall of Heroes. As long as the Angel God''s plan remained intact, the titled Douluos buried here could essentially be resurrected. With their new bodies, the experience of a titled Douluo, and the support of the Angel God, they could rise to even greater heights, potentially reaching godhood.


    When the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon ancestor was buried here, he didn''t want to bother with his brainless clan anymore. After all, he was already dead, and didn''t see the point in meddling further. He figured that his descendants would have their fortunes and that he had left them plenty of resources.


    But who would have guessed that after entering the Douluo Hall, not only did he not die, but he also had the chance to be resurrected? This rekindled some of his ambitions.


    He originally thought that in the thousands of years that had passed, even if his clan couldn''t compare to the Angel Clan¡ªwhich produced Ultimate Douluos in almost every generation¡ªthey should at least have a super Douluo and a few titled Douluos in each generation, right? When the world changed, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan could rise with the tide, couldn''t they?


    Instead, he waited for thousands of years, repeatedly asking the Angel God''s divine consciousness dozens of times, only to hear the same answer: no Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon titled Douluos had entered the Douluo Hall.


    If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan had all died out, he could have been angry for a while and then let it go. But when he asked younger soul masters during guard rotations, he found out that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan was thriving¡ªbut they just looked down on the Spirit Hall.


    If he weren''t already a dead man and a soul body that couldn''t easily perish, he figured he might have died again from sheer frustration at his descendants'' stupidity.


    "I just want to know what kind of mess the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan has become. I''m not asking you to intervene or anything¡ªI just want some answers. This question has been bothering me for thousands of years, and I can''t hold it in anymore."


    "Alright, I''ll gather the information and give it to you later," Chen Ming replied readily, nodding in agreement with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon ancestor.


    Seeing how quickly Chen Ming agreed, the Fire Phoenix soul master coughed twice and, feeling a bit embarrassed, shared her thoughts:


    "I see you as a brilliant young man with the potential to become a god. I''ve had a question for a long time and hope you can help me find an answer in the future. Of course, if you can''t find it, that''s okay¡ªI''ve just been wondering about this for thousands of years."


    "Why is it that my Phoenix martial soul, which isn''t weaker than dragon-type martial souls, cannot produce a single true phoenix on the entire Douluo Continent? Why are dragon corpses so common, yet I couldn''t find the corpse of a true phoenix in my lifetime? Why is it that dragon martial souls pass down their bloodlines stably, while the Phoenix bloodline weakens with each generation and becomes increasingly prone to dying out?"


    "Cough, cough." At this point, the elderly Fire Phoenix soul master awkwardly cleared her throat, calming her excitement.


    "My only wish is to understand whether the Phoenix martial souls have offended this world in some way. Why does it feel like the world is against the Phoenix lineage? Whether it''s soul beasts or soul masters, it seems like phoenixes aren''t very well-regarded. I just want to know the reason behind this."


    Chen Ming did know the reason. The Douluo Continent was the Dragon God''s domain. Regardless of whether the Dragon God was the rebel in the third installment or the ruler of the Dragon God Divine Realm in the fourth, the Dragon God had undoubtedly slain the True Phoenix God and taken the essence of its divine position. This caused the Phoenix God''s divine position to drop from a God King to a second-level god, and the Phoenix race, as the defeated side, was purged.


    There were no true phoenixes on the Douluo Continent¡ªat least none recorded in its history. There were phoenix subspecies with phoenix-like bloodlines and appearances, as well as soul beasts that had elevated their bloodlines to become phoenixes. However, the Phoenix bloodline couldn''t be passed on stably.


    The Douluo Continent had ties to the Dragon God and was essentially the cradle of dragons. Naturally, this created some bias against the Phoenix lineage.


    "I''ve heard a little about this, but I''m not sure if it''s true," Chen Ming cleared his throat and explained briefly.


    "It''s said that the Douluo Continent is the homeland of a deity called the Dragon God. This Dragon God didn''t get along with the Phoenix God, and they fought a great battle. The Phoenix race suffered a purge, which might explain why the Douluo Continent is less accommodating to the Phoenix."


    "Of course, this is just something I picked up here and there¡ªthere might be other reasons."


    "Well, it seems the Phoenix lineage has been targeted." The elderly Fire Phoenix soul master wanted to curse up a storm but finally decided against it. She forced a smile at Chen Ming.


    "Don''t worry, young man. I will certainly teach you our Fire Phoenix lineage''s ultimate technique, the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens. Even if you don''t have a Phoenix martial soul, your ultimate fire will still allow you to make great use of it."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [266]

    Chen Ming turned his head to look at the soul master with the Mountain-Splitting Axe martial soul. The honest-looking burly man gave a hearty laugh before making a rather less-than-honest request.


    "I''m not a man with a lot of problems, nor do I worry about my descendants. I just have one little obsession."


    "My hundred-thousand-year soul ring came from a Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. After I hunted and absorbed the soul ring of a Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear on my own, I encountered another massive Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear on my way out of the Star Dou Forest. This one claimed to be the king of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear clan¡ªthe strongest bear on the Douluo Continent¡ªand called itself Bear Lord."


    "I fought it back then, but I couldn''t win. My Mountain-Splitting Axe couldn''t even cut a single strand of its fur. Thankfully, I had some fortuitous encounters in my youth, and after using my trump card, I narrowly escaped death. I was chased to the edge of the Star Dou Forest before the Bear Lord finally turned back."


    "It took me ten years to recover from those injuries, and I only managed to make further breakthroughs afterward. After spending decades, I finally reached the rank of a Super Douluo, all while holding onto a single obsession: to find that Bear Lord, strike it with my Mountain-Splitting Axe, and show it what my axe is made of. I wanted to defeat it head-on and crush its Dark Gold Dreadclaw."


    "But after I became a Super Douluo, I spent nearly a hundred years searching. I practically turned the Star Dou Forest upside down. I found several hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, but I never found the Bear Lord. By the time I was nearing the end of my life, I found one more Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear."


    "I had no other choice, so I killed that hundred-thousand-year Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, thinking it might lure the Bear Lord out for a fight. But after I devoured every last bit of that bear''s meat in its den, I still didn''t see the Bear Lord."


    "I figured it must''ve gone into hibernation. It''s said that the Bear Lord has the cultivation of four to five hundred thousand years and can sleep for hundreds or even thousands of years at a time."


    At this point, the soul master''s previously honest face twisted into one of frustration. "I trained hard for decades, fully prepared to risk my life to strike that bear, but I never got to meet the Bear Lord a second time before I died of old age."


    "I was already at the brink of rank 99 back then, but because I couldn''t resolve this obsession, I never broke through. I nearly died of old age in the Star Dou Forest. It was only when I had one breath left that I dragged myself to the Douluo Hall."


    Chen Ming nodded, showing his understanding.


    This was akin to a swordsman meeting the world''s strongest swordsman in his youth, suffering a crushing defeat, and then training arduously for decades. Once the swordsman believed his skills had reached the pinnacle, he set out to challenge the strongest again, only to find that no matter what he did, the opponent was nowhere to be found. He even camped outside the opponent''s home, fully prepared to give his life for the duel, only to discover on his deathbed that the world''s strongest swordsman had been practicing a turtle-breathing technique and had been sleeping in some mountain cave all along.


    That level of frustration was unimaginable.


    "I don''t expect that I''ll ever get the chance to go out and strike that bear myself. I just want to pass this skill on to you. If you ever encounter the Bear Lord, give it a good hit for me and tell it this is a gift from the man with the Mountain-Splitting Axe martial soul from back in the day."


    "Senior, this aligns perfectly with my goals. Just recently, when I went to the Star Dou Forest to hunt for a soul ring, that bear and a plant-type beast ambushed me. If it weren''t for a rank 98 senior accompanying me, I probably wouldn''t have escaped. Someday, I''ll settle the score with the Bear Lord."


    Chen Ming pounded his chest and promised.


    "Good! When the time comes, give that bear hell!"


    After everyone had finished speaking, all eyes turned to the Seven-Colored Lotus soul master. Under the group''s gaze, the soul master made a small request.


    "I''ve already mentioned before that I died because I failed to break through and ended up being chased down by the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon. My origin power completely collapsed because of it. My request is, in the future, could you use my Elemental Domain to deal with that dragon?"


    "Uh¡­ yeah, I know, it''s a bit presumptuous." The Seven-Colored Lotus soul master chuckled awkwardly, realizing how unreasonable the request sounded.


    During his lifetime, the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon had been at rank 99 level. After his death, with his broadened perspective, he learned from the Angel God that the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King possessed the purest dragon bloodline and had already reached a level of power equivalent to a demigod. If not for the constraints of the world preventing soul beasts from becoming gods, it could''ve ascended to godhood multiple times over.


    If the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King fought with all its might, even a third-level god might not be able to contend with it.


    As for his current strength¡­ it might have improved slightly since his death, but because he couldn''t advance further, the improvement was limited. Even if he used his Elemental Domain, he couldn''t see himself defeating the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King.


    "Senior, I can only say I''ll try my best. After all, the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King couldn''t even be subdued by the Angelic God''s High Priest wielding the Angelic Sacred Sword. I''ll need to reach a much higher level of strength before I can even think about it."


    The Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, Di Tian¡­ no matter whether it was in the second, third, or fourth Douluo eras, was unquestionably the strongest being below godhood. Even when its reputation faltered, its power remained undeniable.


    Thinking about using the Elemental Domain to fight Di Tian, Chen Ming estimated that he''d need to be near godhood himself to have any chance.


    "Just hearing that is enough. You can challenge the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King after you become a god," the Seven-Colored Lotus soul master nodded, brushing aside the matter.


    "Who do you want to learn from first? Each of us has unique skills and paths. If you learn from us, you can take our techniques, but you can''t follow our paths."


    "As someone who''s been there, I need to remind you: our paths are only suitable for us, not for you. Your talent surpasses ours. Your path must encompass ours but must never be confined by them."


    "Our techniques are ours. Once you learn them, they''re yours. What works best for us might not work best for you. If you can''t recognize this and focus solely on power, I''d rather not teach you than let you be misled by us."


    Hearing this, the other soul masters nodded in agreement.


    "Your martial soul is different from ours, and so are your experiences. You can learn and use our skills, but you can''t take them as your path," the Fire Phoenix soul master said empathetically.


    She had realized this truth too late. In her youth, she had believed that the techniques passed down from her ancestor, the Ultimate Douluo, were unchangeable and perfect. She had reshaped her path to align with her ancestor''s instead of adapting those techniques to suit herself.


    By the time she understood this, it was too late. Even though she tried to adjust, she couldn''t remove the influence of her ancestor''s legacy from her path, ultimately stopping short of rank 99.


    "A truly strong person forges their path. While later generations may follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, they''re only imitating to grow stronger. Truly exceptional successors absorb the experiences of their predecessors, then kick them aside¡ªby which I mean their paths and techniques¡ªand use that foundation to carve out their path."


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon ancestor shared his insight.


    "Those who forge their path are the truly strong ones. The thing that brings the greatest joy to predecessors is not seeing successors imitate them but seeing them surpass us after learning from us. If successors never surpass their ancestors, it would be the most terrifying thing in the world."


    The Mountain-Splitting Axe soul master patted his chest and said seriously.


    "."


    The Super Douluo with the Blazing Lion King martial soul blinked awkwardly, unsure of what to add. After a long pause, he finally managed to squeeze out a line.


    "Same goes for me!"


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 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [267]

    In the following days, Chen Ming continued to learn the lifelong skills of several masters. Among these ultimate techniques, the one most suited to Chen Ming was, without a doubt, the Elemental Domain of the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master.


    Thanks to Chen Ming''s talent, his accumulated experience in elemental manipulation, and the unique characteristics of the Douluo Hall world itself, he grasped the fundamental principles of the Elemental Domain in just over two days and successfully condensed the initial prototype of the domain. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the domain wasn''t yet complete enough to be fully utilized in battle, it was only a matter of time before Chen Ming could deploy it effectively.


    Logically, the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master could have continued guiding Chen Ming at this level of mastery. However, as a strong practitioner of the Elemental Domain, the master noticed that Chen Ming had a unique understanding of elements¡ªone that was even more effective than his observations and accumulated experience. As such, he refrained from interfering further with Chen Ming''s development, merely offering his insights as a reference when necessary.


    By the third day, Chen Ming had essentially graduated from the Seven-Colored Lotus Soul Master''s tutelage and moved on to learning from the other masters.


    The technique taught by the Mountain-Splitting Axe Soul Master, Heaven-Splitting Strike, was a simple yet brutally effective skill. It allowed the user to unleash all their power in an instant, gathering it into their martial soul to deliver a peak strike.


    Typically, when power levels increase uncontrollably, the resulting skill often suffers inefficiency. For instance, a skill that could originally unleash 120% of one''s strength might only achieve 80% or less after an uncontrolled power boost. However, this technique ensured that even with a sudden and massive surge in strength, the maximum damage could still be delivered.


    Of course, such overwhelming power came with equally severe side effects. If used cautiously, the user would be left barely alive after executing the move. Conversely, if used recklessly, the user''s life force would be utterly drained, leaving their body as fragile as paper. On top of that, the move''s immense recoil would essentially obliterate the user¡ªself-destruction in every sense of the word.


    Moreover, this technique had a unique feature: it not only drained the user''s life essence but also extracted the power of their soul rings. Visually, the soul rings would shatter like porcelain during the technique''s execution.


    Chen Ming thought this move bore a striking resemblance to the Ring Explosion Secret Technique used by the Clear Sky Clan. However, considering that the shattered soul ring''s power was forcibly funneled into the Heaven-Splitting Strike, Chen Ming felt this technique was more like a combination of the Ring Explosion and the Great Sumeru Hammer.


    When Chen Ming shared his thoughts about the Clear Sky Clan''s techniques with the Mountain-Splitting Axe Soul Master, the latter couldn''t help but sigh and remark that his path was not solitary¡ªothers had indeed walked similar roads.


    Later, while learning the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens, the Mountain-Splitting Axe Soul Master shared his interpretation of the Ring Explosion technique with Chen Ming.


    Although the exact differences between this version and the Clear Sky Clan''s secret technique were unclear, the Mountain-Splitting Axe Soul Master''s version also allowed the user to actively shatter a soul ring to harness its power. Even if there were discrepancies, the fundamental principles were likely similar.


    Compared to the Elemental Domain and Heaven-Splitting Strike, the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens carried unique traits specific to the Phoenix martial soul, such as Nirvana and Flame Rebirth, which were developed based on the Phoenix''s natural abilities.


    Chen Ming''s martial soul, while possessing the element of ultimate fire, was fundamentally rooted in the flames inherited from the Fire Dragon King, which lacked the Phoenix''s unique properties. As a result, Chen Ming only learned half of the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens before deciding not to delve deeper into it. Instead, he found the Infernal Ninefold Strike taught by the Flame Lion King Soul Master particularly intriguing.


    This technique boasted considerable power and combined explosive strength with sustainability. It allowed the user to reclaim a portion of the energy spent on the previous strike and channel it into the next attack. Though its conceptual depth was somewhat inferior to the other techniques, its raw power was undeniably impressive. Chen Ming adapted the technique by incorporating elements from the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens and his understanding of the Angel God''s swordsmanship. He then used his elemental insights to transform the Infernal Ninefold Strike from a purely fire-based technique into one integrating light, darkness, and fire.


    After refining the skill, Chen Ming simplified it into seven moves: three utilizing light fire, three employing dark fire, and the final strike combining all three elements¡ªlight, darkness, and fire¡ªinto a devastating finishing blow. Drawing inspiration from the Angel God''s swordsmanship and the seven-move structure, Chen Ming named this technique Sevenfold Judgment.


    Having spent nearly half a month mastering these skills, Chen Ming finally arrived at the final stage of his training: learning the combat techniques of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Patriarch.


    The Patriarch''s technique was the most powerful and profound of them all. It incorporated not only draconic and lightning elements but also aspects of destruction. This move focused on instantaneous, overwhelming damage to annihilate the opponent in a single moment.


    While other techniques consisted of a series of moves, this one was a singular strike¡ªa true one-hit kill. It had no wind-up and dealt massive damage that bypassed defenses, capable of ending a battle the moment it began.


    The technique involved soul power bursts, elemental conversion, body stimulation, enemy targeting, and defense-breaking. However, like the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens, many of its elements relied on the inherent traits of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, making it partially inaccessible to Chen Ming. Nonetheless, there were still aspects he could study and adapt.


    Although Chen Ming lacked lightning attributes, even with the latent Seven Trials of the Thunder God, he used his understanding of the Elemental Domain to transform other elements into lightning.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon originated from the Light Dragon lineage, with its lightning power being a variation of light. As such, Chen Ming naturally chose to convert the Angel God''s light power into lightning and used a small portion of the Golden Ancient Tree''s energy to facilitate the process.


    During the transformation, Chen Ming realized he didn''t need to fully convert light into lightning. Instead, he could convert 70% into lightning and fuse it with divine power, creating a Holy Thunder composed of light, lightning, and divine elements, with immense destructive potential.


    By studying part of the Dragon Soars the World technique, Chen Ming adjusted it to better suit himself. Ultimately, he combined Holy Thunder with the power of judgment and certain evil-restraining properties he had derived from his skull soul skill, creating a unique combat technique called Evil-Breaking Claw.


    Although this technique wasn''t as fast or destructive as Dragon Soars the World, it possessed extremely high specificity. The elderly masters, despite their extensive knowledge, couldn''t help but applaud its effectiveness.


    The Holy Thunder, fused with judgment power and the anti-evil enhancements from the God of Sin''s skull soul bone, would likely obliterate not only the body but also the soul of any evil soul master it struck, leaving no chance for survival.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [268]

    When Chen Ming had been here for almost a month, he had already learned most of what he could and began to show interest in the world outside. At that moment, the Angel God, who had been studying the rare Dragon King''s blood¡ªspecifically the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well water¡ªwithin the Golden Ancient Tree, finally appeared before Chen Ming once again. This time, the Angel God brought good news.


    "I''ve found some clues regarding fusion. Earth Dragons are the closest to Golden Dragons, while Water, Fire, and Ice Dragons are classified as being closer to Silver Dragons."


    "I can dilute the bloodlines of the Golden and Silver Dragons, use the Earth Dragon''s bloodline as the foundation, and add the Ice and Fire Dragons'' bloodlines to create a prototype martial soul. Then, I can inject the Golden and Silver Dragons'' bloodlines into it, allowing it to first merge with the parts closest to itself. Afterward, using this as a foundation, it can complete a secondary fusion."


    "I''ve tested this, and although it leads to mixed bloodlines, where none of them are particularly strong individually, the Golden and Silver Dragons'' bloodlines do show signs of fusion under the guidance of the other dragon bloodlines."


    "Based on experimental results, it seems that the Earth Dragon race may have been born from a portion of the Golden Dragon''s power, while Ice and Fire Dragons may have inherited part of the Silver Dragon''s power."


    "However, while Douluo Continent has had pure-blooded Fire and Ice Dragons, it has never had pure-blooded Earth Dragons, nor has there ever been evidence of Golden or Silver Dragon soul beast remains. The Earth Dragon''s power can serve as a vessel for the Golden Dragon''s power, creating an Earth Dragon with Golden Dragon blood. But it''s impossible to use the Golden Dragon bloodline as a vessel to create a Golden Dragon with Earth Dragon blood."


    "Could it be that Earth Dragons were born before Golden Dragons, and Ice and Fire Dragons existed before Silver Dragons? But this seems inconsistent with the dragon clan legends I know."


    The Angel God shared a great deal of information, and to Chen Ming, it seemed that she had unintentionally uncovered something extraordinary, involving the Golden Dragon King and the Silver Dragon King.


    Indeed, this was the case. The Golden and Silver Dragons were born later than the nine Dragon Kings. Although they were incarnations of the Dragon God, their ages were younger than the nine Dragon Kings. Likely, their structure was partially based on the existence of the nine Dragon Kings.


    The Golden Dragon King was sealed in the Divine Realm and had never left. The Golden Dragon bloodline on Douluo Continent was created by the power that leaked out when he was born. The Golden Dragon-blooded soul beasts on Douluo Continent may have originally had Earth Dragon bloodlines before being influenced. Similarly, the Silver Dragons on Douluo Continent may have been various elemental dragons transformed by the Silver Dragon King''s blood and power.


    As Chen Ming was about to speak to the Angel God, who seemed to be turning into a research fanatic, she noticed her lapse in composure and quickly adjusted her mood. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can now use the Earth Dragon as the base and the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings'' bloodlines as additives to create a martial soul imbued with the powers of the Golden and Silver Dragons. Such a martial soul has great potential, but I cannot guarantee its future development. It''s merely a seed."


    "So, for your second martial soul, what will you choose? Will you opt for a guaranteed martial soul, or take a risk by choosing a hybrid?"


    "Of course, before you fully ascend to godhood, if you regret your choice, I can use the power of the Golden Ancient Tree to guide out your second martial soul. However, this will not only consume a large amount of the Golden Ancient Tree''s energy but will also harm your essence. If it impacts your future potential, it won''t be worth the cost."


    "Your first martial soul already has its path. The second martial soul is merely a supplement to strengthen you. Ultimately, the choice is yours."


    "Second martial soul..." Chen Ming touched his chin, deep in thought.


    Unlike Huo Yuhao, he couldn''t fully develop his first martial soul. He could only rely on his second martial soul to determine his path. If he had been able to obtain this second martial soul, potentially infused with a portion of the Dragon God''s power, when he first awakened his martial soul, he might have chosen to make it his primary soul. But now, he could no longer change his path.


    His current beast martial soul¡ªthe Emerald Scorpion Emperor¡ªwas already sufficient. For a second martial soul, it would be best to choose a weapon, or perhaps a scepter-like tool capable of controlling elements.


    Chen Ming thought for a moment and took out the golden short sword that had been reforged using the combined creative power of the God of Destruction and the God of Life.


    "Angel God, can I use this sword as the core and transform it into my second martial soul, while also imbuing it with the power of dragons? I''ve seen some tool martial souls on Douluo Continent that were influenced by dragon blood. In this era, the Worship Hall still has two Super Douluos with martial souls of Coiling Dragon staff. Their martial souls house the Holy Golden Dragon Soul, a legendary dragon that is both part of and separate from the dragon race."


    "When they activate their martial soul true form, they can even temporarily transform their Coiling Dragon Staff into the Holy Golden Dragon. I recall you mentioned a few days ago that you''ve mastered such an ability. So, this short sword should qualify as a suitable vessel, right?"


    "It''s already connected to my life force. In a sense, it has become part of my flesh and body, capable of carrying my bloodline and soul. Essentially, it''s my second self. Shouldn''t it be able to independently bear a martial soul?"


    The Angel God took the short sword and sensed its unique material and hidden potential.


    As an object blessed by the creative power of two God Kings, the short sword already had the potential to become a primary divine weapon, comparable to the Angel God''s Angelic Holy Sword. If Chen Ming grew extraordinarily powerful in the future or actively refined it, the short sword, connected to his bloodline, might even become a super divine artifact.


    "What a fine sword¡ªthough it''s a bit short. However, with the properties of this metal, it could grow further if cultivated properly. The sword already possesses sufficient qualifications. Combined with its connection to your bloodline, it can indeed bear your second martial soul." After examining it, the Angel God nodded, praising the sword as she handed it back to Chen Ming.


    "What''s the name of this sword?"


    The Angel God asked casually, but her question left Chen Ming feeling awkward.


    He had never named the short sword, always just calling it "short sword." He hadn''t even named the metal it was forged from, simply calling it "golden thread" or "special metal."


    At this moment, he realized that he needed to give a proper name to the weapon that might accompany him for countless years as his life-bound tool.


    "How about... Ascending Dragon Sword?"


    Chen Ming had originally intended to call it the Dragon God Sword, but he felt that sounded too much like the Dragon God''s divine artifact. So, he changed his mind.


    Coincidentally, it was also the name of the weapon used by the protagonist in a childhood cartoon he loved, and Chen Ming thought it was fitting.


    "Are you planning to call yourself the God of Ascending Dragon when you become a god in the future? That sounds so strange," the Angel God mercilessly teased.


    The Angel God''s weapon was called the Angelic Holy Sword, the Rakshasa God''s weapon was the Rakshasa Scythe, the Sea God''s divine weapon was the Sea God''s Trident, the Asura God wielded the Asura Sword, the God of Destruction''s weapon was the Destruction Staff, and the God of Life''s weapon was the Tree of Life. Most of them named their weapons based on their divine titles and weapon types. So, the Angel God thought it was only natural to assume that Chen Ming''s future title would be "God of Ascending Dragon."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [269]

    "Not at all. I haven''t even decided what I''ll call myself when I become a god in the future."


    Hearing the words "God of Ascending Dragons," Chen Ming couldn''t help but fall into a brief moment of reminiscence about his past life as the "Shrimp-Head Blade Hero". After a moment''s thought, he responded.


    "Alright then, let me know when you''ve decided, and I''ll accompany you."


    The Angel God flapped her wings and took flight, leading Chen Ming to the top of the Golden Ancient Tree. At the summit lay a natural platform, upon which a layer of golden liquid pooled.


    This liquid was the materialized essence of immortal energy, a manifestation of the Golden Ancient Tree''s power combined with the foundational essence of this world¡ªone of its core pillars.


    "Raise your sword," the Angel God, now transformed into a mystical beast, said gravely to Chen Ming.


    "In a moment, I will control the body of this divine beast to perform a partial sacrificial ritual for you. This will consume some of the Golden Ancient Tree''s essence as well as this world''s source energy. Although the process is not dangerous, if it fails, there''s a high chance your sword will suffer serious damage, making it even harder for it to become a divine weapon in the future."


    "You must seize this opportunity. Do you understand? This is the first time I''ve done something like this in ten thousand years."


    "Understood! I entrust this to you, Angel God!" Chen Ming raised the Ascending Dragon Sword and responded earnestly to the Angel God.


    "Then let''s begin!"


    The Angel God, in her divine beast form, let out a roar akin to a dragon''s. Her body emanated a divine power imbued with soul energy, which instantly ignited. The Golden Ancient Tree beneath their feet began to glow as she drew the golden liquid from the platform.


    The divine beast''s body turned incorporeal as its essence was revealed. Under the Angel God''s control, the sacrificial power resonated with the golden liquid, merging a portion of the essence with the liquefied celestial energy.


    The divine beast''s essence burned rapidly with the aid of the celestial energy. The unique creative force of a million-year-old soul beast was purified and, under the Angel God''s will, infused into the Ascending Dragon Sword that Chen Ming held high.


    Though the power was not overwhelming, its essence was of the highest quality. The moment it merged with the Ascending Dragon Sword, the sword began to grow and transform further.


    "Roar!"


    With a deafening roar, beams of light emanated from the Golden Ancient Tree, each a different color: earthy yellow for the earth, crimson red for fire, icy blue for ice and water, and two more with unique auras in gold and silver.


    The yellow light was split in two¡ªone half merged with the golden liquid, while the other was infused into the Ascending Dragon Sword, quickly modifying it. The red and blue lights were similarly split, with one half combining with the Ascending Dragon Sword and the powers of the earth dragon, while the other half fused with the powers of the gold and silver dragons.


    The Ascending Dragon Sword underwent rapid transformation. Its blade elongated and became sturdier, gaining a faint resonance with the elements of heaven and earth. The hilt transformed, its crossguard evolving into the shape of a dragon''s head, while the grip took on the texture of dragon scales.


    As the powers fused and activated, they surged into Chen Ming''s body through the connection between him and the sword. The Ascending Dragon Sword, once merely an extension of his body, began to absorb his life essence, gradually transforming into something extraordinary.


    Chen Ming could feel the Ascending Dragon Sword becoming his second martial soul.


    Just as the fusion neared completion and the sword''s transformation began to slow, nearing its final form, the golden and silver energies in the sky converged under the Angel God''s control and shot into the sword.


    Chen Ming sensed the interplay between the gold and silver energies, which, despite their proximity, remained unable to merge due to some invisible barrier.


    However, the power of the golden dragon and the earth dragon fused with the sword, as did the silver dragon''s power with that of the fire and ice dragons. Using the residual power of the three dragon kings as a buffer, the two energies began to show faint signs of integration within the Ascending Dragon Sword. At this moment, Chen Ming instinctively realized something was missing from the sword. Under the shocked gaze of the Angel God, he summoned his Emerald Scorpion Emperor martial soul and activated his sixth soul ring.


    Sixth Soul Ring, First Soul Skill: Life.


    Sixth Soul Ring, Second Soul Skill: Destruction.


    Both soul skills activated simultaneously, their energies merging. The originally faintly golden-red soul ring showed signs of melting under these conditions. Its essence combined into a single force, which was then poured into the Ascending Dragon Sword.


    Though this was not a true creation force, it nonetheless carried some of its essence. Because this power originated from Chen Ming himself, it was easier for the sword to assimilate.


    To better absorb this energy, golden threads extended from the sword''s hilt and pierced deeply into Chen Ming''s flesh. Under his control, his accumulated blood, flesh, and essence surged into the sword, blending their vitality and life force with its core.


    The once metallic sword was imbued with life. Chen Ming cut off a portion of his own life essence and spirituality, injecting it into the weapon. Witnessing this, the Angel God clenched her teeth and continued channeling more celestial energy from the Golden Ancient Tree into Chen Ming''s body to sustain his transformation.


    After all, the Angel God had already invested a significant amount into Chen Ming. Even though she had no idea what was happening, there was no way she would just sit back and watch.


    All in. Didn''t he need more energy? Keep feeding him! If the transformation failed due to insufficient energy, wouldn''t the prior investment have been wasted?


    How much could he possibly consume? Surely one percent of the energy would suffice!


    Initially, the Angel God had thought Chen Ming would only use a tiny fraction of the energy, but by the time the transformation stabilized, she realized she had already poured over three percent of her reserves into him. Her expression darkened.


    This energy represented ten thousand years of accumulation in the Douluo Continent. It was equivalent to the combined power of several Titled Douluos. It could''ve been used to elevate someone to a third-tier god! How could a mere mortal who hadn''t yet ascended to godhood consume so much?


    Even if you force-fed him, shouldn''t he have exploded by now?


    "I''ve lost big this time, truly lost big," the Angel God muttered under her breath as she focused all her divine senses on the changes to the Ascending Dragon Sword in Chen Ming''s hands.


    The gold and silver energies merged into the blade. The once nascent artifact, a golden sword, had now fully transformed into a divine weapon imbued with the power of dragons. Chen Ming released his grip, and the Ascending Dragon Sword floated into the air, trembling. It then transformed into a golden, four-clawed dragon, coiling around Chen Ming as it let out an ear-splitting dragon roar.


    Various elements gathered around the golden dragon, forming a torrent of elemental energy that the dragon devoured in one gulp.


    The dragon''s body shimmered before becoming incorporeal and shrinking, transforming into a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming stared at the youth before him, and the youth stared back. After a moment of silence, both of Chen Ming''s bodies erupted into boisterous laughter.


    Yes, Chen Ming now possessed two bodies. His second martial soul, the Ascending Dragon Sword, had not only reached the level of a divine artifact but had also broken the limits of a martial soul. It had evolved from being a mere extension of Chen Ming''s body into a true second body. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the perspective of the Douluo Continent, this body was a martial soul capable of shifting between various forms as a divine weapon.


    From a more mystical point of view, this was an external incarnation that Chen Ming had crafted using dragon bloodlines and divine metals!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [270]

    Looking at Chen Ming''s Ascending Dragon Sword transforming directly into another body of Chen Ming, the Angel God widened her eyes in disbelief as she stared at him.


    This Divine Beast body of hers had been created by sacrificing her ninth soul ring and part of her essence, using the power of the Golden Ancient Tree. The cost was no less than that of crafting the Angelic Holy Sword.


    Now, with her true form in the Divine Realm potentially compromised, this body and her divine consciousness were all that kept her alive. Its importance was beyond words.


    But she never expected that Chen Ming could use the opportunity to obtain a second martial soul to create another body.


    The Angel God had seen just now¡ªthe second martial soul could switch between sword, dragon, and human forms. Moreover, it possessed the bloodlines of both Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon, along with unique martial soul properties. This meant that the new body was far more versatile and had even greater growth potential than her Divine Beast body.


    If, in the future, this second martial soul became a primary divine weapon, then in its human form it would have the strength of a first-level god. If it advanced to become a super divine weapon, then Chen Ming would essentially have a god-king-level combatant at his disposal!


    A dragon with the strength of a super divine weapon, combined with the power of Golden and Silver Dragons and even the force of Creation¡ªcould that potentially be a second Dragon God?


    It could be used as a weapon to fight, transform into a dragon for battle, or take human form to carry divine consciousness and act as a second body.


    To be honest, at this moment, the Angel God thought of her own Angelic Holy Sword. If she had been able to transform it into her second martial soul and grant it such traits, perhaps her true form wouldn''t have fallen. Even if the God of Asura had set his sights on her, she could have confronted him head-on.


    After all, while it was indeed difficult to evolve a primary divine weapon into a super divine weapon, it was still far easier than advancing from a first-level god to a god-king.


    The Angel God''s divine consciousness looked at Chen Ming with a mix of envy, jealousy, and frustration. She didn''t know what to say and could only sigh, admitting that perhaps Chen Ming now was what the senior gods had once seen in her.


    While the Angel God sighed, Chen Ming took only a short time to figure out the basic usage and purpose of his second martial soul¡ªor rather, his external avatar.


    Chen Ming put away his first martial soul and stepped forward together with his external avatar. The two bodies collided and merged into a stronger form.


    The resulting body appeared entirely human, with no dragon or other spirit beast traits¡ªit simply looked like an ordinary person. But the power contained within it had undeniably reached divine levels.


    Even though it was the lowest tier of divinity, equivalent to a divine official in the Divine Realm, in this state, Chen Ming possessed a divine body capable of directly clashing with divine weapons. His spiritual power was infinitely close to divine consciousness, and although his soul power was still a step away from divine power, in this form, he could already directly confront divine officials and enforcers of the Divine Realm.


    Even a third-level god¡ªone who descended personally with their divine position and weapon¡ªwouldn''t dare claim they could completely subdue Chen Ming in this state.


    Unless a second-level god, specialized in combat, descended with a near-primary divine weapon of a destructive nature and their divine position, defeating Chen Ming in this state would be nearly impossible, let alone killing him.


    Chen Ming took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the world around him. With his thoughts, the energy gathered at his side, forming an elemental domain under his control.


    Life, Death, Water, Fire, Ice, Light, Metal, and Wood¡ªChen Ming''s original attributes were first activated. Then, attributes he previously lacked began to manifest.


    Darkness, Wind, Earth.


    Following this, the two most unique forces in the Douluo Continent also began to be manipulated by Chen Ming''s elemental domain¡ªTime and Space.


    Space was something he had comprehended over years of meditation, while his understanding of Time came from the time-stopping ability granted by his fifth soul ring.


    Various elements converged around Chen Ming, and he could feel that the power he could wield at this moment was theoretically infinite. With the elemental domain activated and the Silver Dragon bloodline within his external avatar, Chen Ming''s affinity for the elements reached an incredibly high level. Combined with the two soul cores in his body, he could almost perfectly absorb the soul power he expended.


    As long as no one interrupted him and his mental energy remained intact, Chen Ming''s soul power in this state was virtually limitless. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, all of this was contingent on the surrounding world having sufficient energy. If he were thrown into a place with no energy or where energy was scarce, his sustainability would be greatly reduced.


    Chen Ming closed his eyes, activating the bloodline within him and using his spirit to shape it.


    He was forging a soul ring. To be more precise, he was creating the Life soul ring for his second martial soul, his external avatar.


    A white ring appeared, rapidly shifting to yellow, then purple, then black. Finally, it stopped briefly at a black-red hue before solidifying into a deep crimson.


    Life soul rings, unlike absorbed soul rings or god-bestowed soul rings, reflected the activation and manifestation of one''s power. They would grow stronger with the soul master''s progress and the enhancement of their martial soul.


    In terms of soul ring capacity, the merged state of Chen Ming''s body could likely handle even a million-year soul ring. However, the strength of a Life soul ring was an average of the user''s overall abilities. Thus, the Life soul ring only grew to the point where a golden line appeared before its growth began to slow significantly.


    "Creating your soul ring? Judging by your technique, it seems similar in principle to a god-bestowed soul ring but different¡ªit doesn''t rely on faith power or immortal energy and instead depends more on your foundation. A unique idea, and an excellent innovation."


    "However, to be honest, while the concept is unique, its essence isn''t much different from a god-bestowed soul ring for individual soul masters¡ªperhaps even slightly inferior. God-bestowed soul rings act as intermediaries to convert a god''s power into a soul ring, while your technique fuses with the soul master''s origin to enhance it."


    "The origin of a soul master can''t compare to divine power. A god-bestowed soul ring strengthens the soul master''s origin upon absorption, but your soul ring''s activation might even temporarily weaken it, and it could siphon off some of the energy from future soul rings."


    "That said, this method does allow for growth that god-bestowed soul rings lack."


    "If I''m not mistaken, as your soul power increases, this soul ring will continue to improve in quality and age, thereby enhancing your martial soul and elevating your potential as a soul master. The abilities granted by this soul ring would also align more closely with the soul master''s essence."


    "For the first, or even the first six or seven soul rings, the value of this self-created soul ring would surpass that of a god-bestowed soul ring. If a soul master could obtain such a ring as their first, they might even break through the limits of their natural talent in the future."


    PS: Now, Chen Ming is on the same level as Tang Xuanyu, the Mc of Soul Land 4. Both have God-level strength at below Title Douluo-level.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [271]

    Gods had never seen a true life-bound soul ring before, as this phenomenon was simply too extraordinary. Normally, only soul masters with half or more of their bloodline originating from special soul beasts could obtain such a thing under specific circumstances.


    But truthfully speaking, human bloodlines were not particularly advantageous when compared to those of soul beasts. In most cases, humans and soul beasts couldn''t produce offspring together. Only in rare cases could a soul beast impregnate a human or vice versa, and even then, the resulting offspring were, 99% of the time, aberrations.


    Infamous beings like the Wolftaken were prime examples of such aberrations. They were neither human nor soul beasts, but instead outcasts rejected by both groups.


    However, if such aberrations continued to reproduce with humans, over generations, as the bloodline became diluted, soul masters possessing martial souls tied to their ancestral lineage would occasionally appear.


    As a figure from ancient times, the Angel God was well aware that many beast-based martial souls in the Douluo Continent had such origins. Yet, for the sake of unity, this knowledge was not openly discussed.


    During her era, aside from a few stubborn aberrations or those close to soul beasts, others who were human-like and willing to live among humans were classified by the Angel God as sub-species of humanity. Over generations of reproduction, they were eventually assimilated into humanity and became fully human.


    However, human soul masters with soul beast bloodlines no longer meet the requirements to form a life-bound soul ring.


    Even throughout the Angel God''s extensive experience, soul masters with half-soul beast bloodlines were exceedingly rare.


    Only the first generation of soul masters born from the union of a 100,000-year soul beast in human form and a human could, under the right external conditions, use the soul beast bloodline within them to form a life-bound soul ring. But this required the soul beast bloodline to not only be noble but also extraordinarily unique.


    In the Angel God''s eyes, such individuals could not exist naturally unless created through deliberate, extraordinary means.


    The life-bound soul rings condensed by 100,000-year soul beasts after taking human form were not true life-bound soul rings in the strictest sense. Instead, they were a manifestation derived from their original essence before reincarnation. While the power came from themselves and was best suited to their martial souls, there were still subtle differences.


    And how did the Angel God know all this?


    She had encountered more than one soul beast in human form undergoing reincarnation. Driven by curiosity, she even went so far as to attack a soul beast on the cusp of its 100,000-year breakthrough, forcing it to take human form prematurely so she could observe its cultivation process. The Douluo Hall housed a soul master who had reincarnated from a 100,000-year soul beast and reached the rank of Titled Douluo after starting over.


    With such examples, the Angel God understood these principles.


    Because the conditions were so restrictive, the Angel God had only theorized the existence of life-bound soul rings. Although there were indeed some Titled Douluo in the Douluo Palace who had seen soul masters with life-bound soul rings, this was the Angel God''s first time witnessing one firsthand.


    Through observing Chen Ming''s process of condensing a life-bound soul ring, the Angel God finally grasped the mystery behind it. Despite her current divine beast form already being significantly weakened, she still directed her internal power to condense a white life-bound soul ring, which she gradually elevated to red.


    Her life-bound soul ring served no practical purpose; it was created solely to study the unique properties of life-bound soul rings and explore whether they could be universally applied. She hoped to enable all soul masters to condense a life-bound soul ring as their first soul ring, thereby enhancing the potential of the entire soul master community.


    Eventually, when her research was complete, the Angel God planned to shatter the soul ring and reabsorb its energy into her body.


    Atop the Golden Ancient Tree, Chen Ming sat cross-legged, sensing and refining his power. Meanwhile, the Angel God, in her divine beast form, lay on the ground with her three eyes closed, studying the peculiarities of the life-bound soul ring. After an entire day, Chen Ming finally opened his eyes, unable to hide the excitement shining within them.


    Noticing his movements, the Angel God opened her eyes, licked her paw, and spoke to Chen Ming with curiosity.


    "Show me what abilities your second martial soul has. The combined power of the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon, even if achieved through opportunistic methods, should produce some extraordinary results, no?"


    "Come, spar with me. Of course, I''ll only use one percent of my power."


    "Right here, Angel God? Are you sure this is fine?" Chen Ming stretched his body, eager yet cautious.


    "Absolutely. The Golden Ancient Tree''s durability rivals that of a divine artifact. Even if I used the Angelic Sacred Sword, it would take effort to damage it. Fighting atop the Golden Ancient Tree poses no risk," the Angel God, now a Three-Eyed Golden Lion, replied. Flames coiled around her limbs as she restrained her aura, sealing her power to a level just below that of a Super Douluo. Her three eyes gleamed with excitement.


    "Come, show me what you''ve got!"


    "In that case, I won''t hold back!" Chen Ming laughed, and the first soul ring of his second martial soul lit up.


    "First soul skill: Elemental Domain!"


    The Silver Dragon''s innate talent was elemental manipulation, so Chen Ming engraved the Elemental Domain as a soul skill within his ring. This allowed the domain to synergize with his martial soul, further enhancing it and unleashing its latent potential.


    Elements converged, forming waves that surged like an ocean.


    Chen Ming excelled in manipulating poison and spiritual energy, followed by the elements of life, ice, and fire. Since the Three-Eyed Golden Lion''s attributes were light and fire, Chen Ming naturally chose to showcase his mastery over ice.


    "Frozen Divine Dragon Ascension!"


    The powers of ice and water enveloped the domain, transforming it into a frozen battlefield. Under Chen Ming''s control, frost condensed out of thin air, forming a lifelike ice dragon that charged toward the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.


    The extreme cold blanketed the Golden Ancient Tree''s canopy in thick frost. The roaring ice dragon, far from being a mere spectacle, contained traces of the Ice Dragon King''s divine essence (replicated) and power, making it a devastating weapon.


    Seeing this, the Angel God, controlling the Three-Eyed Golden Lion''s body, smiled with excitement.


    "Excellent! Such outstanding elemental control. Let me see how far you can push it!"


    The divine beast''s body leaped toward the ice dragon, its front claws blazing with light and fire. Infused with her immense will, the unleashed power caused the very fabric of the surrounding world to tremble.


    Chen Ming, having studied the Angel God''s swordsmanship, recognized that this claw strike was a variation of one of her divine sword techniques. However, he had no idea how he could block it.


    This wasn''t just a combat technique¡ªit was a divine skill, wielded by the Angel God herself. Even without the Angelic Sacred Sword, the strike''s power was undiminished.


    The ice dragon''s colossal head, several times the size of the divine beast''s body, seemed insignificant in comparison. Under the divine beast''s claws, the massive ice dragon melted like a snowman in the sun. Within a single breath, more than half of the ice dragon had evaporated, and the remaining fragments continued to disintegrate.


    Witnessing this, Chen Ming clasped his hands together and called out softly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hollow Technique: Purple!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [272]

    Chen Ming was not only skilled in manipulating elemental attributes but also in understanding and exploiting their interactions.


    The sacred beast wielded the power of Ultimate Light and the divine Ultimate Fire, which surpassed Chen Ming''s Ultimate Ice. However, Chen Ming utilized his profound comprehension of the elements to alter the elemental laws within his domain to some extent.


    The natural opposition between Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Ice was blurred, even twisted to the point where fire elements could amplify ice elements. Moreover, Light and Divine attributes¡ªoriginally unrelated to Ice¡ªwere redefined by Chen Ming to enhance Ice instead.


    In terms of Pok¨¦mon logic, the Angel God''s original quadruple advantage over Chen Ming was distorted by his techniques into no advantage¡ªpossibly even a disadvantage. This kind of reversal had a nearly catastrophic effect on the battlefield.


    In an instant, the Angel God, who had previously been advancing with unstoppable momentum, abruptly realized that her flames were now burning through Ultimate Ice at a much slower rate. Even more alarmingly, the flames, along with the light and divine energy, seemed to be partially absorbed by the ice dragon upon contact, leaving her elemental advantage completely countered.


    The massive body of the ice dragon, partially shattered, transformed into several smaller ice dragons of varying sizes. These smaller dragons moved nimbly around the Angel God, launching rapid attacks.


    Because every ice dragon was controlled by Chen Ming, whose mental strength was sufficient to maintain precision control while simultaneously manipulating the elemental domain, the smaller dragons¡ªthough individually not threatening¡ªachieved great synergy. They continually regenerate by absorbing energy from the surrounding environment, allowing them to persist indefinitely.


    Together, these ice dragons managed to halt the Angel God''s charge and even momentarily suppress her.


    These ice dragons were not living creatures but dragon-shaped constructs imbued with the essence of an Ice Dragon King. Under Chen Ming''s control, they often displayed bizarre and unpredictable behaviors.


    For instance, halfway through a dragon''s tail sweep, its tail might explode, releasing dense shards of ice that rained down on the Angel God like a storm. Just when she thought she had dodged a collision, a dragon could twist its form, instantly transforming from its sleek dragon shape into an imposing ice wall that slammed into her.


    More conventional tactics like fragmenting into smaller parts or self-detonating ice dragons were rarely observed.


    The Angel God herself was left somewhat baffled. If Chen Ming was going to control the ice in such erratic ways, why bother shaping it into dragons in the first place? Was it just for aesthetics?


    Despite the initial disruption caused by Chen Ming''s unorthodox methods, the Angel God, as a seasoned warrior, quickly adapted and broke free from the suppression.


    With swift and decisive movements, she shattered the ice dragons with her claws and used her divine senses to track changes in the ice. By retracting her elemental energy, she relied instead on raw physical power, unleashing the overwhelming strength of her Three-Eyed Golden Lion form.


    The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, blessed with the bloodline of a Golden Dragon, was a divine beast of the highest caliber. Even with her power suppressed to just 1% of its full potential, the Angel God''s strength momentarily exceeded the limits of a pure strength-focused Super Douluo, reaching the level of an Ultimate Douluo.


    The dense, metallic ice forged by Ultimate Ice was torn apart like fragile paper under the lion''s claws. The Angel God bulldozed through the ice dragons effortlessly, rendering their attacks completely ineffective. Transforming into a golden streak of light, the beast charged directly at Chen Ming with the force of a hundred tons speeding at 120 miles per hour. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though such a comparison might sound underwhelming, in the world of Douluo, the sheer physical force generated by her body alone was enough to tear through space itself.


    Chen Ming stomped his foot, his eyes glinting as he formed a peculiar hand seal.


    "Suppress!"


    The space and gravity within the elemental domain shifted, but the Three-Eyed Golden Lion showed no signs of slowing down.


    As the Angel God puzzled over what technique Chen Ming had used, she suddenly found her charge inexplicably veering off course. Her trajectory curved sharply before she slammed headfirst into the ground.


    Boom!


    The Three-Eyed Golden Lion''s head collided with a golden ancient tree. Despite her divine beast body, she felt numerous bones fracture from the impact.


    It was through the searing pain of this collision that the Angel God realized Chen Ming hadn''t directly manipulated her with gravity. Instead, he had subtly twisted the space and gravitational flow within the domain, causing her charge to naturally veer off course and crash into the golden tree.


    This technique was far more ingenious¡ªand insidious¡ªthan simply warping space or directly applying gravity to an enemy. The Angel God had encountered many gravity-wielding soul masters and soul beasts, but this was the first time she had seen such a creative and unconventional use of the ability.


    Most gravity users, even in battle, relied on brute force, eventually devolving into straightforward brawling regardless of their domain. None had ever displayed such an intricate and devious approach.


    As Chen Ming began to wonder whether the collision had rendered the Angel God comatose, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion shook itself off, its head seemingly larger from the swelling. With a low growl, the beast raised its head. Light, flames, and divine energy surged around it once more¡ªnot for attack, but for healing.


    The injuries from the collision rapidly healed. The swelling on her head subsided, and her third eye reopened.


    This time, the Angel God decided to take things more seriously.


    A flash of light enveloped the sacred beast as its massive body shrank, transforming into a golden-haired woman clad in armor, with three pairs of wings spread out behind her.


    This humanoid form represented the sacred beast''s full power at 1% capacity.


    The Holy Fire coalesced into an ethereal Angelic Holy Sword as the Angel God ascended swiftly, her beautiful yet solemn face taking on a determined expression.


    "From now on, I''ll be using some real techniques. Be careful."


    With a sweep of her Angelic Holy Sword, the Angel God struck at Chen Ming. The blazing, sacred sword energy, imbued with a sense of divine righteousness, carried a palpable aura of death.


    As someone who had studied swordsmanship from the Angelic lineage, Chen Ming recognized this technique as one of the Angel God''s nine divine skills. It was capable of cutting through illusions and elemental defenses, dealing devastating true damage.


    Chen Ming roared, his voice resonating like a dragon''s cry. His body twisted and morphed into a massive azure dragon with silver-white scales¡ªan embodiment of a Western dragon radiating a metallic sheen.


    This was not his Martial Soul True Body but rather a transformation of his Second Martial Soul into a dragon form, with Chen Ming himself hidden inside the construct. It was akin to the relationship between a mech and its pilot.


    The white dragon opened its maw, gathering various elemental energies that fused and split, forming a near-pure white beam of light. The beam, imbued with destructive energy, shot out from the dragon''s mouth and hurtled toward the Angel God.


    "Dragon''s Breath!"


    As he unleashed the skill, Chen Ming shouted its name with fervor.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [273]

    The destructive power formed by the fusion and fission of various elements is, of course, not true destructive power, but it is a level above annihilation yet below true destruction. It possesses extremely strong restraining and destructive capabilities against various elements.


    If this move were to hit an ordinary Titled Douluo, the Titled Douluo would be completely erased, as if wiped away by an eraser, leaving not even a soul bone behind. However, for the Angel God, even when suppressing her strength, this move is only at the level of being threatening.


    In the middle of performing her swordsmanship, the Angel God showed no intention of defending against the explosive storm of destruction that was coming her way. Instead, it greatly aroused her desire to attack.


    With a change in sword technique and flickers of light, the Angel God advanced rapidly. Her longsword swung horizontally, directly slicing the incoming explosive storm of destruction in half. Then, she continued flapping her wings and charged toward Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming could sense that this was a deep and profound sword intent, seemingly an extension related to the Angel God''s nine divine skills. However, with Chen Ming''s level of swordsmanship, he couldn''t evaluate it in detail¡ªor rather, he didn''t have time to.


    The Angel God''s longsword was already within arm''s reach of Chen Ming. At this distance, Chen Ming had no time to attack or dodge. So, he simply chose to confront it head-on, using his body to collide with the Angel God''s longsword.


    Inside the dragon body, Chen Ming formed the Immovable King Seal and visualized the essence of the Immovable Earth King. The powerful metallic attributes of his body, combined with the golden properties granted by the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, were activated. The glow of his golden core first enveloped his body, then extended to his dragon form.


    The silver-white dragon emitted a faint golden light and collided with the illusory Angel Holy Sword. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Angel God originally thought that, even if this sword couldn''t cause substantial damage to Chen Ming, her sword intent and control over soul power would at least be able to cut through some scales. However, the result of the collision was that the illusory Angel Holy Sword in her hand instantly shattered. The Angel God herself took the full force of the dragon''s charge.


    The Angel God was sent flying as if hit by a truck, slammed directly into the trunk of the Golden Ancient Tree. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and the three pairs of wings on her back showed signs of distortion. Her aura weakened considerably in an instant, yet the light in her eyes showed no trace of dimming.


    Looking at the golden dragon in the sky, the Angel God pulled herself off the Golden Ancient Tree, shook her head, and sighed helplessly.


    "Alright, alright, you win. By only using Titled Douluo-level strength, I can''t pose any real threat to you in this state. Unless I use strength at the Ultimate Douluo or Demigod level, I wouldn''t be able to cause you substantial harm, even with my sword intent."


    "To be honest, I can''t tell whether it''s the martial soul that combines the bloodlines of the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon that''s this strong, or if you are simply overpowered. Your strength surpasses even mine back in the day. After all, when I was a Soul Emperor, I didn''t even have a single 100,000-year soul ring, let alone a divine weapon."


    Chen Ming exited his dragon form, raised his hand to transform the golden dragon into the Ascending Dragon Sword, and quickly approached the Angel God.


    "Angel God, didn''t you take down a nearly 300,000-year-old Auspicious Beast when you were only a quasi-Titled Douluo? By that logic, using Titled Douluo-level strength and the Auspicious Beast''s body, you should be far stronger than this, right?"


    "That was then; this is now." The Angel God shook her head. With the power of the Golden Ancient Tree, her severely injured body instantly returned to peak condition. She turned her head and gently touched the three pairs of wings on her back, her gaze filled with a hint of nostalgia.


    "At that time, I was carrying not just my burden but the hopes of all humanity. The fate of humanity, the flames of vengeance¡ªeverything was on my shoulders back then."


    "I was the embodiment of humanity''s anger toward the world, humanity''s vengeance against soul beasts. I was the fury of all those oppressed. I was the executor of the collective will of humankind since its inception."


    "At that time, I had nothing to fear, no hesitations. All I thought about was fighting and victory. In terms of willpower, that was the peak of my life, even surpassing the time after I became a god. Because after I avenged humanity, my identity shifted. I went from being a human girl bearing the name of the Angel God to truly becoming a god who loved all of humanity."


    "My personal will grew weaker, and my thoughts multiplied. To protect humanity and safeguard the future of the world, I could no longer charge forward recklessly as I once did. For humanity, I made many choices, gave up many things, and even had to make decisions that I still question to this day."


    "The price of becoming a god was giving up my humanity, giving up much of what I once carried, and taking on burdens that should never have been mine. There was a time after I became a Titled Douluo when my strength was inferior to what it was during my battle with the Auspicious Beast."


    "Looking back now, if I had maintained the same will and mindset I had when fighting the Auspicious Beast, perhaps I wouldn''t have had to self-destruct my divine position to repel the Beast Tide and the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King."


    The Angel God''s words were followed by a long, wistful sigh.


    "Even gods are not omnipotent. Many past regrets remain unhealed, even after becoming a god, leaving a deep anguish that persists for millennia. I''ve seen many once brilliant people, only to fade into obscurity. Perhaps I, too, am one of them."


    Recalling that final battle fought solely for herself, the Angel God felt a surge of emotion.


    "I hope you don''t end up like me, shackled by so many things. On the path to godhood, try not to leave behind regrets."


    "I''ve seen your strength. There''s nothing on this continent that truly poses a threat to you anymore. Even those who can defeat you cannot kill you. Just make sure to avoid confrontation with the gods of the lower realm. Otherwise, even wielding a primary divine weapon, a demigod might not be able to pose a mortal threat to you."


    "And what about super divine weapons?" Chen Ming thought of Sea God Island and the Sea God''s Trident, so he asked the Angel God.


    "Super divine weapons? If it''s a super divine weapon, then yes, it would pose a significant threat to you."


    The Angel God''s eyes flashed with a trace of dread as she answered Chen Ming.


    "Primary divine weapons correspond to first-level gods, while super divine weapons correspond to weapons wielded by God Kings. Even without divine power, mortals cannot fully unleash the true power of a super divine weapon, but its inherent strength alone would be enough to destroy your fused form and pose a fatal threat to you."


    "However, it''s extremely difficult for the Douluo Continent to produce a super divine weapon. This is a limitation of the world itself. Unless the Douluo Continent is completely drained, it''s impossible to nurture a super divine weapon or a God King. Even my Angel Holy Sword is merely a primary divine weapon."


    "Unless someone, like me, obtains something extraordinary, even if a Tool Soul Master becomes a god, their martial soul would at best reach the pinnacle of primary divine weapons, still falling short of a super divine weapon."


    PS: Angel God was like Artoria, sacrificing her humanity after pulling the Excalibur to become an emotionless king. In other words, she''s a thousand-year-old sad virgin! xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [274]

    In the original work, Sea God explained that it was due to a series of fortunate coincidences that his martial soul was elevated to the level of a super-divine weapon. Chen Ming was aware of this. However, because Sea God holds a rather special position in the original story, Chen Ming asked Angel God''s divine consciousness about the matter of Sea God. Angel God''s evaluation of Sea God was neither entirely positive nor negative; it gave off a rather peculiar feeling.


    "Sea God has impressive strength, but his personality is overly broad-minded, or perhaps overly emotional. While his Sea God Trident is stronger than my Angelic Holy Sword, his power is inferior to mine. Back when he became a god, he once tried to expand his faith on the mainland and ended up clashing with my successor."


    "At that time, although his strength wasn''t bad, it was still no match for my high priest, who was empowered by my divine trial. He was defeated and driven back. After cultivating for hundreds of years and accumulating faith to its peak, breaking through to the demigod level, he came back to challenge my successor again."


    "He was indeed strong, and that generation''s high priest lost to him. He even managed to steal some of the remaining faith energy and divine power on the mainland through unknown means. However, at that time, my true body was still in the divine realm. Sensing this, I descended and gave Sea God a beating."


    "Since Sea God ascended to the divine realm, relations between him and my true body have been somewhat strained, though not to the point of outright hostility requiring weapons and bloodshed."


    "I believe there is a secret behind Sea God''s trident, but I''m not sure what it is. Perhaps, like me, he inherited some remnants from a predecessor during his ascension to godhood."


    Angel God didn''t harbor any particular malice or goodwill toward Sea God. Perhaps, as gods who both derived their faith from the Douluo Continent, the fact that Sea God and Angel God didn''t engage in a life-or-death battle was already the result of restraint on both sides.


    After all, the source of a god''s power is faith. With enough faith, a god''s position can be elevated. For gods like Angel God and Sea God, taking it a step further would mean becoming a God King. If given the choice, neither would abandon their faith.


    However, the faith of the Douluo Continent is finite¡ªonce consumed, there''s less to go around. If one god completely suppressed another, it would inevitably lead to one party becoming overwhelmingly dominant. Unless the two gods fought to settle their differences, with one becoming the other''s subordinate or being subdued entirely, their relationship would be difficult to progress meaningfully.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chen Ming also asked about the matter of Rakshasa God. However, when Angel God, who had remained emotionally indifferent while discussing Sea God, heard about Rakshasa, her emotions noticeably shifted.


    "I made some mistakes in the past. I let some people down and hurt others, and the source of Rakshasa was born from that. She hates me, and there''s nothing I can do about it. However, her power is excessively evil. If left unchecked to spread across the Douluo Continent, it would have had a massive impact on humanity at the time."


    "After I became a god, my high priest, under my orders, suppressed the Rakshasa lineage for thousands of years. Over time, the soul master who inherited the Rakshasa God position, built upon generations of predecessors, eventually completed their accumulation and became Rakshasa God."


    "Strictly speaking, Rakshasa God is not an individual entity. Rather, she is the product of generations of soul masters'' hatred for me, mixed with countless negative forces. She is a miracle born from a series of coincidences."


    "The Rakshasa God who ascended to the divine realm is, in my opinion, no less talented than I am¡ªperhaps even similar to me back then. But I didn''t have much direct contact with her."


    "However, I suspect that Rakshasa God''s divine position contains a part of me." At this point, Angel God hesitated, clearly unwilling to reveal such things even after becoming a god.


    "I once bore humanity''s vengeance, anger, and hatred¡ªthese negative emotions. Later, I gradually stripped this part out of my divine position, eventually becoming Angel God. But I cannot deny that a significant part of my original strength came from this."


    "I originally thought this power slowly dissipated as I stripped it away. But later, I seemed to sense those very forces in Rakshasa God''s divine position. It''s even possible that the negative energy I removed became the core of Rakshasa God''s divine position."


    "..."


    "In any case, I don''t know for sure; I''m just speculating. Keep this to yourself and don''t spread it around. In essence, Rakshasa God is a deity who stands as my opposite."


    These were ancient secrets. If not for the sunk cost of her involvement with Chen Ming, Angel God wouldn''t have mentioned such matters at all. At this point, she seemed to lose interest, reverting to her divine beast form and lying down on the ground.


    "Develop your second martial soul well; it will become a great asset for you in the future. The space within the Douluo Hall isn''t suitable for you to stay long. You still carry the divine trial left behind by the God of Destruction. Although it hasn''t been activated yet, staying too long might risk exposure."


    "Do you have anything else to ask? If not, I''ll contact the Angelic Holy Sword to send you out."


    "Angel God, I''d like to know about the technique for divine-bestowed soul rings and martial soul modification. I think I might need them in the future."


    "Also, Angel God, this is a new cultivation method I created by referencing human meridians, soul master meditation techniques, and various immortal herbs. It''s designed to more effectively improve the speed of soul power cultivation. Could you take a look?"


    Although Chen Ming could handle these matters himself, he saw no reason to waste the opportunity to use a guide. Angel God, with her millennia of accumulated knowledge and experience with countless martial souls and top-tier soul masters, was the perfect guide. Passing up this chance to extract her expertise would''ve felt like a huge loss.


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier?" Angel God took the wisp of spiritual energy Chen Ming handed over and began analyzing it. After a moment, she nodded.


    "This is an innovative idea. In theory, it can double the cultivation speed of low-level soul masters and even allow ordinary people without soul power to cultivate. However, its general applicability is somewhat limited."


    "The spiritual power requirement for this technique is a bit high¡ªyou may not have noticed. Soul masters below rank 30 won''t have the mental power to support such multi-threaded meridian operations. At least a rank 40 or 50 is needed to fully benefit. While ordinary people could theoretically cultivate it, their lack of mental power would make even entry-level progress difficult."


    "I can''t adjust this directly, but I''ve simplified an entry-level version for you. Its effects aren''t as good, but it has lower requirements. Not only can low-level soul masters use it, but ordinary people can also cultivate it to some extent. Of course, it might take them a few years to get started."


    "Additionally, here are some of my cultivation insights, along with the techniques you requested."


    "Your ideas are excellent, but your innate talent is so high that even when you lower your standards to think about ordinary people, the bar is still quite high."


    "When I created systematic meditation techniques back then, I considered the differences in individual aptitude and subdivided the methods into several levels for easier progression. Unfortunately, after I became a god, my successors monopolized the higher-level meditation techniques."


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 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [275]

    The Angel God also had some complaints about this, as she had developed quite primitively in her early growth stages, solely relying on the instinctive nature of her martial soul. If her martial soul didn''t initially possess that sinister devouring ability, she would never have reached the level she ultimately achieved.


    She had tried to correct this issue before, but every attempt only resulted in negative consequences.


    Although she is a deity, the Angel God was originally a human from ancient times. No matter how advanced her thinking might be, it is ultimately limited. Furthermore, since low-level meditation techniques could gradually be refined into advanced techniques by soul masters, she eventually resigned herself to temporarily setting this matter aside.


    Chen Ming used his spiritual power to take the compressed file sent by the Angel God and began reviewing the beginner-level cultivation method. He discovered that the Angel God was quite modest. Not only had she lowered the entry barrier for the technique, but she also meticulously broke down and annotated each step based on her experience.


    For beast martial souls, what steps to take first; for tool martial souls, what steps to take first. Which meridian to follow for fire-attributed martial souls, and which for water-attributed ones. How to purify soul power, how to sense one''s cultivation limits, and how to alleviate the strain cultivation places on the body.


    For unique martial souls, how to proceed; how to channel soul power through the meridians after martial soul possession and physical transformation; key points to be aware of during each stage of soul power and cultivation precautions.


    It felt like a college student submitting a thesis to their professor, and the professor nodded approvingly, pointing out minor flaws that needed slight adjustments¡ªonly to then hand back a detailed dissection and analysis that was several times thicker than the original thesis.


    The core remained the same, but there was an overwhelming amount of valuable information added.


    If the initial version of Chen Ming''s foundational internal cultivation method (1.0) was akin to a beta version requiring countless revisions and feedback from soul masters as references, then the Angel God''s 2.0 version was a polished, public release capable of directly transforming the era.


    Although the number of bugs fixed wasn''t necessarily massive, the overall usability and smoothness of the system were elevated by several levels, greatly enhancing the experience for soul masters.


    Looking at the Angel God, who, while saying nothing, still had the corners of her mouth curved upward into a subtle smile, Chen Ming tentatively offered his own 1.0 version of the Crystal Ball Meditation Method for enhancing spiritual power.


    The Angel God was silent for a while upon receiving this spiritual enhancement technique. After briefly analyzing and experimenting with it, she grasped its essence and thought process. Before long, she returned a more refined 2.0 version to Chen Ming.


    Once again, it featured lowered barriers to entry and optimizations to the system, making it suitable for mass adoption.


    At this point, Chen Ming''s gaze grew fervent. He began dumping a slew of ideas and unfinished concepts from his folders into the Angel God''s hands.


    Many of Chen Ming''s ideas appeared groundbreaking to the Angel God, and most of them seemed feasible. Thus, while Chen Ming provided his frameworks and ideas, the Angel God used her experience and comprehension to fill in the gaps, refine them, and improve upon them.


    To Chen Ming, this process felt oddly reminiscent of feeding Chatgpt in his past life.


    Chen Ming fed the "Basic Body Refining Technique 1.0," and the Angel God returned "Basic Body Refining Technique 2.0."


    Chen Ming fed the "Thoughts and Composition of the Soul Core," and the Angel God returned "From An Introduction to Soul Core Structure to Constructing Your Own Soul Core from Scratch."


    Chen Ming fed the "Theory of Elemental Opposition," and the Angel God returned "Extreme Transformations and Oppositional Thinking of Elements."


    Seeing how the Angel God could instantly comprehend and enhance these foundational concepts, Chen Ming finally presented some of his most prized ideas¡ªthe ones he had been keeping in reserve.


    For example, he had researched advanced spiritual meditation techniques¡ªthough these were not the beginner-level "Crystal Ball Meditation Method" that had just been improved, but rather the more profound "Stellar Soul Refining Method" and the "Seven Treasures Visualization Method," which Chen Ming had conceptualized based on Buddhist principles.


    The Stellar Soul Refining Method focused on harnessing the power of the stars to enhance spiritual strength and refine spiritual power.


    The Seven Treasures Visualization Method, on the other hand, primarily aimed at refining spiritual power and improving its resilience, while also enhancing spiritual strength. The "Seven Treasures" were based on the principles of the Prajnaparamita Sutra: gold, silver, crystal, coral, amber, mother-of-pearl, and agate.


    The Stellar Soul Refining Method could channel the power of the stars to strengthen spiritual power, and theoretically, those attuned to the stars might even acquire mysterious abilities. The Seven Treasures Visualization Method sought to polish the spirit to achieve a state of perfection and flawlessness, theoretically producing wondrous abilities during meditation.


    Why only "theoretically"?


    Well, because these were unfinished. They were systems Chen Ming designed with fantastical elements in mind, intending to adapt them to the Douluo world. Theoretically sound, but the processes lacked too many critical details to be complete.


    The main issue with the Stellar Soul Refining Method was its high entry barrier. Chen Ming wasn''t a star-attributed soul master, so while he could absorb the general power of the stars, he couldn''t specifically refine the attributes of individual stars.


    Each star in the sky had different properties, and a detailed classification of star attributes could easily yield hundreds of categories. Beyond the basic elements, stars carried unique attributes, such as those related to fate. An example from Douluo Dalu 2 would be the martial soul of the "Heavenfiend Lonestar."


    The Seven Treasures Visualization Method, on the other hand, was an excellent conceptual framework. However, its "Seven Treasures" represented states of being: nobility, purity, perseverance, tranquility, abundance, health, and perfection. Chen Ming could only theorize and model these concepts, but he hadn''t achieved these states himself.


    It was akin to the seventh level of the Great Heaven and Earth Shift or the thirteenth level of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique¡ªrealms that even their creators hadn''t reached, with only theoretical data to support their existence.


    If his earlier contributions were still considered incremental breakthroughs built upon the existing Douluo framework, and the Angel God merely saw them as inevitable advancements driven by the times, then these two meditation methods represented monumental, cross-era leaps in her eyes.


    Because she could glean from their theoretical underpinnings that these two methods not only enhanced spiritual power but also granted soul masters extraordinary abilities. Their implications went far beyond the simple improvement of martial soul quality.


    On the Douluo Continent, the gap between low, intermediate, and advanced meditation techniques was not insignificant, but it wasn''t overly dramatic either. The meridians and principles involved were fundamentally the same.


    Intermediate meditation techniques added some refinements, which allowed for faster progress compared to low-level ones. Advanced techniques, on the other hand, targeted specific groups, incorporating attributes or martial soul specializations to achieve even faster results.


    However, these differences were mostly the result of soul masters gradually refining techniques through their own experiences. Gifted individuals could develop their meditation techniques while practicing low-level versions, while less talented individuals might find advanced techniques too complex, yielding worse results than simpler ones.


    As long as enough people practiced, and experience accumulated, even low-level meditation techniques could eventually be refined into advanced ones. This was because the essence of meditation techniques remained constant¡ªsoul masters could only make adjustments to the details. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [276]

    There are no systematic techniques for enhancing spiritual power in the world of Douluo Dalu. Or rather, no systematic methods for enhancing spiritual power have been widely disseminated yet. However, there are certain external stimuli-based methods for improving spiritual power in this world. From the perspective of the Angel God, Chen Ming''s initiative in developing the Crystal Ball Meditation Technique was already astonishing. Even in her eyes, it could be classified as a secret art.


    The Stellar Refinement Method and the Seven Treasures Visualization Method shocked the Angel God even more.


    After all, this is the Douluo world¡ªa place where internal energy cultivation methods from a martial arts universe can allow someone to reach the level of a God-King, and even after reincarnation, continue to display extraordinary abilities.


    Although these techniques were far from being fully polished, Chen Ming''s two cultivation methods¡ªderived from the ideas of fantasy novels¡ªwere already overwhelming in this world. The realms and concepts he outlined were so complex that even the Angel God felt dizzy trying to comprehend them. If it hadn''t been for her millennia-long existence and sharp mind, she might not have been able to grasp Chen Ming''s intentions.


    She could understand concepts like refining the spirit through the power of stars, tempering spiritual power through boundless energy, or visualizing the sun and moon to elevate mental strength.


    But what did it mean to say, "Regard the stars of the world as countless grains of sand, ever-changing yet eternal, and forge the unchanging heart through the endless transformations of the stars"?


    Who could explain phrases like "I am the Great Sun of the mind," "Forge the Four Mindful Spirits," "Command the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions," or "Control the 365 Deities"?


    What was meant by "Comprehend the seven layers of intent to attain the state of no birth, no death, no defilement, no purity, no increase, and no decrease"?


    Even for a deity, this was simply too exaggerated! Wasn''t this theoretical requirement just a tiny bit too high? Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    How could the same person who came up with those basic soul power and spiritual power training techniques also come up with this? How did they go from visualizing a crystal ball to suddenly declaring "I am the Sun"?


    If Chen Ming had known what the Angel God was thinking, he would have been able to explain.


    The earlier methods were just introductory techniques he had devised for widespread use. He had already fully understood their principles long ago but struggled to simplify them because he practiced alone. Even without the Angel God, he could have gathered similar insights by collecting information. The later techniques were meant for his cultivation or as references for future development.


    There were intermediate visualization techniques as transitional steps, such as observing tangible soul beasts and visualizing them afterward.


    The main difficulty lay in observing the soul beasts closely enough to inscribe their essence into one''s mind, not in the underlying principles. Therefore, Chen Ming believed he could refine this method with enough time. It was only the conceptual techniques that lacked clear methods.


    And even this was just the beginning! These were merely visualization techniques; Chen Ming hadn''t even revealed the truly explosive ideas yet.


    To further study the two meditation techniques, the Angel God brought Chen Ming to the Golden Tree. Communicating with the tree through her divine consciousness, she activated a dozen or so fruits hanging from its branches.


    These fruits awakened more than ten powerful soul masters, including Titled Douluos and Super Douluos, as well as one Ultimate Douluo. Using ordinary-level bodies, these individuals were temporarily granted the ability to act.


    However, one of the awakened individuals seemed slightly out of place among the group of star-related Martial Souls.


    This particular Titled Douluo, who appeared middle-aged, did not possess a star-related Martial Soul like Star Crown, Starlight, or Starry Sky. Instead, his Martial Soul was the majestic Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Moreover, his soul power was only at rank 91, the lowest among the group of Titled Douluos.


    Although the soul masters awakened by the Angel God didn''t know what was happening, they respectfully saluted her before asking about the situation. They wondered whether awakening so many people at once signified that the end of an era was near.


    The Angel God, without putting on airs, explained that she had awakened them to help refine the meditation techniques based on their star-related Martial Souls and attributes. She also explained to the confused Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master that his role was to help improve the Seven Treasures Visualization Method. However, this Titled Douluo couldn''t even comprehend what the Seven Treasures referred to and simply stared blankly at his Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.


    The group of Titled Douluos sat in a circle. With Chen Ming''s permission, the Angel God transmitted the incomplete versions of the two meditation techniques into their minds. The five people who originally guarded the Golden Tree also joined in, despite their incompatible attributes, as the Angel God did not refuse their participation.


    After all, the Angel God understood the principle: "Many hands make light work."


    Among the dozen Titled Douluos with star-related Martial Souls, about one-third had the Star Crown Martial Soul. The weakest Star Crown soul master was at rank 93, while the strongest was at rank 98. The remaining individuals possessed various star-related Martial Souls, such as Evil Star, Fierce Star, Sun, and Moon. There was even one soul master with the Heavenly Lone Star Martial Soul, whose soul power was at rank 98. Without the Angel God and the Golden Tree present, even an Ultimate Douluo would hesitate to approach this ominous figure.


    Among these unique Martial Souls, one Ultimate Douluo''s Martial Soul was the most extraordinary.


    His Martial Soul appeared to be an unremarkable clump of soil. However, the star resonating with him was not any celestial body in the sky but the Douluo Star itself.


    Yes, his Martial Soul¡ªthough seemingly earth-related¡ªwas actually star-related. It manifested as earth-related only because his family''s Martial Soul lineage was associated with earth elements. He only realized his Martial Soul''s true nature after reaching the Titled Douluo level.


    His Martial Soul could be described as the "Douluo Star," and his title was Thick Earth Douluo. Its defining feature was that, as long as he remained within Douluo Star''s range of influence, he could recover his soul power and slowly increase his maximum soul power. During the battle, he could even draw upon Douluo Star''s strength to fight opponents. Although he didn''t possess even a single red soul ring and was slightly weaker than true Ultimate Douluos in terms of comprehension, he was effectively blessed by nature itself.


    This group of star-related Martial Souls, along with Chen Ming, the Angel God, the five tree guardians, and the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master, spent two to three days discussing beneath the Golden Tree.


    Although the star-related soul masters in this dimension could no longer draw energy directly from the stars in the sky, their Martial Souls inherently contained corresponding stellar power.


    With everyone''s agreement, Chen Ming observed the essence of their Martial Souls and the core principles of their soul skills. Using their experiences, he transformed the Stellar Meditation Method from an incomplete concept into a complete system.


    To help these soul masters understand his inspiration, Chen Ming even displayed the seed of the Star Luo Spirit Pearl.


    This naturally star-aligned treasure caused the star-related soul masters to marvel, lamenting that if they had possessed such an item in their time, they might have become peerless Douluos. However, one Star Crown soul master displayed a peculiar expression.


    Through his self-introduction, Chen Ming learned his identity and the reason for his reaction.


    This soul master belonged to the Star Crown family and was the second most senior member of the group. He had lived during the era when humans on Douluo Star were embroiled in internal conflicts, and kingdoms and empires were being established.


    While not famous himself, his daughter had married into the Dai family.


    His grandson possessed a star-aligned White Tiger Martial Soul with innate full soul power. After resonating with the stars, this Martial Soul evolved into a divine beast-level White Tiger. Later, by chance, the grandson consumed a Star Luo Spirit Pearl. This further awakened the star attribute within him, transforming his Martial Soul into a true god-level beast Martial Soul.


    In short, this man was the grandfather of the founder of the Star Luo Empire, the legendary White Tiger Douluo, a rank 99 Titled Douluo with the God Beast White Tiger Martial Soul.


    The founder, of course, was buried in the royal tomb, not the Douluo Hall. By now, his soul had likely dissipated entirely. Although he had been powerful, he never had the chance to reincarnate in this new era.


    Furthermore, over thousands of years, the Star Crown family produced far more than ten Titled Douluos. With the Star Crown Martial Soul''s quality, they should have consistently produced a Titled Douluo every century. However, most of them were buried within the family''s ancestral grounds and never entered the Douluo Hall.


    With this Titled Douluo''s reminder, Chen Ming realized that although the Douluo world lacked the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the heavens did contain stars corresponding to the Four Spirits of Heaven. For instance, the White Tiger Martial Soul could resonate with these stars, activating the divine beast bloodline and evolving into a true White Tiger.


    However, this star attribute had not been passed down in the Star Luo Empire''s Martial Soul inheritance, causing the Martial Soul to degrade back to its top-tier form over generations.


    Thus, Chen Ming further refined the Stellar Meditation Method, dividing it into different branches. Using the experiences of the Titled Douluos, he created the Four Spirits Meditation Method, which allowed practitioners to draw power from the stars corresponding to the Four Spirits.


    With the guidance of Dragon Core, his second Martial Soul, and the teachings of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s ancestor, Chen Ming finalized the Azure Dragon Meditation branch. By visualizing a phantom Azure Dragon in his mind, he anticipated that one day, if he could draw power from the corresponding star, this phantom dragon could produce astonishing effects.


    As for the Seven Treasures Visualization Method?


    Well, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master provided little useful input. However, Chen Ming''s research into his Martial Soul yielded some insights. Still, the method fell short of Chen Ming''s envisioned Seven Treasures Visualization Method.


    The discussions lasted a month. During this time, the Angel God sent away several batches of Titled Douluos and awakened new ones in their place.


    With the experiences of his predecessors and the assistance of their Martial Souls, Chen Ming''s ideas quickly materialized, evolving from rough concepts into systematic cultivation methods. The principles derived from celestial herbs were transformed into training techniques. Even the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Divine Art, which he had pondered since awakening his Martial Soul, began to take shape.


    Chen Ming also asked a few questions about soul tools. However, he only managed to learn about third-level soul tool technology from one of the Titled Douluos.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [277]

    This can''t be blamed on them. The origin of soul tools in the Douluo World, as explained to Chen Ming by the consciousness of the Douluo World, was that they were created by someone from another world who combined the knowledge of their world with the soul power system of the Douluo World to produce a prototype. According to that Titled Douluo, during his era, soul tools only had four levels, and their primary use was to create storage soul tools. Other types of soul tools didn''t even have a prototype back in his time.


    The reason he studied soul tools in the first place was that his cultivation of soul power had reached a bottleneck, so he decided to research something else to gain new insights. Out of boredom, he began learning soul tool techniques.


    Even with fourth-level soul tool technology, the most powerful offensive soul tool that could be created¡ªa soul cannonball¡ªwas only on par with the level of a Soul King. However, to a Titled Douluo, such a thing was utterly insignificant. As a result, while it wasn''t considered some esoteric or fringe technique, it also never gained much attention from soul masters.


    If they needed a soul tool? With their strength, they could simply find someone to make one or seek it out on the continent. After all, would a Titled Douluo need to learn how to weave fabric just because they wanted new clothes? Consequently, while many Titled Douluos had some exposure to soul tools, almost every Titled Douluo had come across them at some point. However, only two people knew how to actually build soul tools, and only one had systematically studied the subject¡ªat a mere third-level proficiency, with even that possibly being somewhat exaggerated.


    From that Titled Douluo, Chen Ming learned a dozen or so soul tool formations. That was the extent of the Titled Douluo''s knowledge, and two of those formations were even ones he had created himself based on the unique characteristics of his martial soul.


    Once Chen Ming had gained sufficient knowledge and grown as much as he could, he chose to bid farewell to the Angel God and leave the spatial dimension of the Douluo Hall to continue his business on the Douluo Continent.


    At this point, Chen Ming''s soul power had grown from level 63 to level 65. His actual combat strength had improved so much that even he couldn''t accurately estimate it.


    After Chen Ming took the initiative to say his goodbyes, the Angel God reluctantly used her divine sense within the Angelic Sacred Sword to recall it. She opened a small gap in the dimension of the Douluo Hall and sent Chen Ming out.


    Before he left, the Angel God entrusted Chen Ming with a task. She had used a portion of the Golden Ancient Tree and the blood of the Auspicious Beast to create a small pendant. Its aura was completely sealed within, and it contained a trace of the Angel God''s divine sense. She asked Chen Ming to deliver this pendant to her successor in the current generation. This way, she could observe whether her successor was being influenced and intervene if necessary.


    Chen Ming accepted the Angel God''s request. After bidding her farewell, he left the interior of the Douluo Hall''s dimension through the passage.


    ...


    With the Angelic Sacred Sword as the key, the connection point between the Douluo Hall and its dimensions could be slightly expanded. On the other side of the passage was the Worship Hall, where Qian Daoliu resided. To be specific, it was at the foot of the enormous Angel God statue inside the hall.


    When the Angelic Sacred Sword carried Chen Ming out of the passage, the connection to Douluo Hall''s dimension was swiftly closed by the Angel God from within. The Angelic Sacred Sword leaped from Chen Ming''s hand and entered the grasp of Qian Daoliu, who had been waiting in front of the statue for some time. The divine sense of the Angel God within the sword began communicating with Qian Daoliu.


    After processing the information transmitted by the Angel God, Qian Daoliu opened his eyes. His gaze toward Chen Ming now carried a hint of complexity.


    The Angel God''s divine sense had openly praised Chen Ming''s talent and strength, even predicting that Chen Ming''s future achievements would rival her own. Since Chen Ming had a good relationship with the Angelic lineage, Qian Daoliu was instructed to maintain this relationship and avoid doing anything that might lead to awkwardness for both sides in the future.


    At the end of her message, the Angel God also addressed a question Qian Daoliu had asked earlier. Regarding her successor falling in love with a man who already had a fianc¨¦e, the Angel God simply stated that they should be free to pursue their love without interference.


    "Grandpa Qian, sorry to keep you waiting." Upon stepping out of Douluo Hall''s dimensional space, Chen Ming took a moment to adjust to the thin spiritual energy in the Worship Hall. After quickly regaining his composure, he greeted Qian Daoliu. Seeing that Chen Ming hadn''t changed much compared to before, the complex expression in Qian Daoliu''s eyes softened slightly, and he smiled warmly.


    "Xiao Ming, thank you. If it weren''t for your help, I might never have known that our ancestor was undertaking such a great endeavor, nor would I have understood that the ancestor''s will still lingers in this world."


    Qian Daoliu bowed slightly to Chen Ming. Chen Ming reached out to support him, but Qian Daoliu stubbornly insisted on completing half the bow before being helped up by Chen Ming.


    This connection with the Angel God was a tremendous encouragement to Qian Daoliu. After learning about the ancestor''s grand plan and personally communicating with her divine sense, Qian Daoliu realized how narrow-minded his life had been. He felt utterly unworthy of the titles of Angel God High Priest and successor.


    His love, his cultivation level, and even his lifelong pursuits now seemed insignificant and trivial.


    What he should truly strive for was something far broader¡ªnot just for himself or for the Angel God, but also for the Douluo Continent as a whole. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Under the Angel God''s guidance, the nearly 200-year-old Qian Daoliu experienced an epiphany without anyone else knowing. His spiritual enlightenment rose significantly, elevating his mental state to a truly divine level. His spiritual power transcended the level of a demigod and fully transformed into a divine sense.


    Now, with divine-level spiritual power, soul power that was infinitely close to divine strength, and a demigod-level body, Qian Daoliu''s strength had nearly doubled compared to a few years prior, even though he was still technically a demigod.


    His Seraphim martial soul, while outwardly unchanged, had undergone a fundamental transformation. After comprehending his own will through the Angel God''s guidance, the imprint left by the Angel God had partially shifted to take on Qian Daoliu''s form.


    His martial soul was no longer merely the Seraphim inherited from the Angelic lineage¡ªit was his own Seraphim martial soul.


    If the Angel God withdrew her influence over him, Qian Daoliu would now be able to attempt breaking through to the divine level.


    Qian Daoliu tore open space and led Chen Ming into a quiet chamber. On the other side of the room, a tall, golden-haired middle-aged man sat nervously at a table. When he saw Chen Ming and Qian Daoliu enter, his anxious expression turned into one of joy.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [278]

    "Senior Golden Crocodile, you''ve made a breakthrough?"


    Although his aura had changed significantly, and the vitality of his entire body had transformed from the declining state of old age to the peak of middle age, almost as though he had been reborn, Chen Ming recognized the identity of the middle-aged man the moment he entered the room.


    Yes, this tall middle-aged man was none other than Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had recently burned his life force in a desperate battle against two ferocious beasts to help Chen Ming.


    "Xiao Ming, this is all thanks to you! If it weren''t for the opportunity created in that last battle, combined with the miracle you brought, this old bag of bones wouldn''t have been able to break through to Ultimate Douluo!"


    Now appearing as a middle-aged man, Golden Crocodile Douluo quickly stepped forward, embraced Chen Ming, and patted him on the back. Then he took two steps back and cheerfully explained.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo had been stuck at Rank 98 for eighty years. For someone with a lifespan of two hundred years, this was the longest bottleneck he had ever faced. Over the decades, he had come to terms with the fact that he could no longer breakthrough and had resigned himself to this reality, deciding instead to dedicate himself to the future of Spirit Hall.


    During his previous battle against the two ferocious beasts, during which he burned his life essence, Golden Crocodile Douluo suffered a significant loss of vitality. This caused his body to grow even weaker, and even with Spirit Hall''s assistance, there was no way to stop his continued decline.


    However, when faced with death, Golden Crocodile Douluo felt neither hesitation nor fear. Instead, he experienced a profound sense of clarity. He believed that he had no regrets in life. Being able to fight fearlessly to the death against ferocious beasts like Bear Lord and Myriad Demon King, and witnessing the fall of divine techniques and beasts, was already the best possible ending for him.


    Facing death with clarity and fighting bravely against strong enemies was far better than having decades of beliefs and willpower collapse in an instant. Dying heroically against a powerful foe was far better than succumbing to fear of death due to wavering resolve.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo felt that he had upheld his life principles without any wavering and that the battle spirit within him, though dormant for a century, had not diminished in the slightest. Instead, it had borne the most abundant fruit within his aging body.


    Just when he thought he only had five or six years left to live, Qian Daoliu suddenly summoned them to the Angel God statue. The Angelic Holy Sword radiated the most powerful light Golden Crocodile Douluo had ever seen.


    A gentle power flowed into Golden Crocodile Douluo''s body through the light. The Angelic Holy Sword served as the medium, transmitting immense vitality into his body. Golden Crocodile Douluo felt an immense, parental-like will¡ªa maternal warmth and a paternal strength¡ªhealing his body with divine power, alleviating his aging and injuries.


    As his body''s essence was being replenished, Golden Crocodile Douluo finally understood¡ªit was the will of the Angel God. After an unknown amount of time, the Angel God''s will manifest again in the mortal world through the Angelic Holy Artifact.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s will was strengthened, his aging body was restored, and he even received guidance from the Angel God. Breaking through then became an inevitable outcome.


    After being stuck at Rank 98 for eighty years, Golden Crocodile Douluo finally achieved the long-awaited and most unexpected breakthrough of his life. His body transformed from frail to robust, his soul power increased, and his martial soul underwent further evolution.


    Under the guidance of the Angel God, his Golden Crocodile King Martial Soul did not evolve into a Crocodile Emperor but instead underwent further purification of its Golden Dragon bloodline, transforming into the superior-quality Golden Crocodile Dragon, closer in nature to the Golden Dragon.


    The power within his body underwent a qualitative transformation, housing even greater strength and explosive force. Compared to Qian Daoliu, who had been a Half-God for years, Golden Crocodile Douluo now seemed slightly superior.


    If Golden Crocodile Douluo were to face Bear Lord again, he was confident he could use his fists to beat Bear Lord to death!


    To Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had no blood relatives left in the world, he treated Chen Ming as his flesh and blood. Especially after learning that it was Chen Ming who had risked his life to enter the Douluo Hall to awaken the Angel God''s divine will and that the Angel God''s will had praised Chen Ming highly, Golden Crocodile Douluo felt an even deeper respect for him.


    Chen Ming, Qian Daoliu, and Golden Crocodile Douluo sat together at a table. Qian Daoliu picked up a teapot, poured four cups of tea, and placed the Angelic Holy Sword upright on the table, setting one cup of tea in front of it. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Angelic Holy Sword floated in mid-air, and the Angel God''s divine will, taking advantage of the unique properties of the Worship Hall and the faith it had accumulated over ten thousand years, shielded itself from external observation. It also used fire-attribute soul power to evaporate a small portion of the tea in the cup, pretending to drink it.


    To be honest, this act left not only Chen Ming slightly speechless but also made the devout Golden Crocodile Douluo and Qian Daoliu pause for a moment before pretending nothing had happened.


    The Angel God linked their minds and started a small group chat, discussing various matters. They also talked about future plans. While Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo didn''t have much to say, most of the discussion about future strategies was between Chen Ming and the Angel God''s will, with Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo supplementing the discussion with their knowledge of Spirit Hall.


    Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo also learned that a God King was plotting against the Douluo Continent and had already planted a carefully chosen pawn on the continent. This pawn was difficult to eliminate and would only become more dangerous if targeted prematurely, potentially triggering a loss of control.


    The best time to act was after the pawn had matured, and left Douluo Continent, but before ascending to the Divine Realm.


    Spirit Hall''s strength had already been exposed, along with the entire power structure of the hall. During the month Chen Ming spent in the Douluo Hall, Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, accompanied by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, visited Spirit Hall to pay respects to the Angel God and discuss certain matters with Qian Daoliu.


    From top to bottom, Spirit Hall was showered with gifts by Ning Fengzhi¡ªfrom titled Douluo to the janitors. The gifts given to the Worship Hall and the Pope''s Hall were priceless. Even Qian Daoliu couldn''t estimate how much Ning Fengzhi had spent during this time. However, conservative estimates suggested that the rare treasures, precious gems, and other valuables amounted to nearly one billion gold soul coins, excluding cash.


    It was rumored that Ning Fengzhi had even privately gifted several thousand-year soul bones to certain titled Douluo and elders. Although unconfirmed, given Ning Fengzhi''s extravagance, Qian Daoliu felt it wasn''t far from the truth.


    The allure of wealth was such that even Spirit Hall members now had a much better impression of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Mentioning Ning Fengzhi, even the janitors would give a thumbs-up in praise.


    Although Qian Daoliu didn''t want to deal with Ning Fengzhi, the sheer volume of gifts forced him to send Third Worship Azure Luan Douluo to meet Ning Fengzhi and his group.


    Currently, the three members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan are still in Spirit City.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s patriarch, Yu Yuanzhen, and his second-in-command, Yu Luomian, also brought gifts to Spirit City, offering a group of soul masters who originally opposed Spirit Hall. Some were originally hidden by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, while others were direct members of the clan.


    Despite being the number-one beast martial soul and a strong supporter of the continent''s leading sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan displayed great humility. While they weren''t as lavish as Ning Fengzhi, they showed none of the arrogance typically associated with their clan.


    The Heaven Dou Empire sent its crown prince to Spirit Hall to pay respects to the Angel God, and the Star Luo Empire did the same.


    As for the lower four sects already aligned with Spirit Hall?


    According to Qian Daoliu, they were even preparing an [Unrivaled in the World] plaque for Spirit Hall. The sect leaders and elders of the lower four sects had practically moved into Spirit Hall, looking as though they intended to reside there permanently.


    With double-digit numbers of Super Douluo, titled Douluo, and Spirit Douluo, Spirit Hall''s strength was unmatched. Many who had previously criticized Spirit Hall for being overbearing now felt that Spirit Hall was remarkably benevolent.


    The number of Super Douluo in Spirit Hall alone exceeded the number of titled Douluo known across the continent. Their titled Douluo outnumbered the Spirit Douluo of the Seven Great Sects combined. On top of that, there was the Angel Legion, a force of over a hundred members, all starting at the Soul Sage level.


    Judging by the strength Spirit Hall had revealed, even if they demanded the emperors of the two empires kneel before them, those emperors would likely comply¡ªpublicly bowing to the Angel God and privately kowtowing to Qian Daoliu and the other worships.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [279]

    It could be said that, on the surface, the situation of the Spirit Hall was at its best in nearly a thousand years. The two great empires had bowed their heads, and the soul master clans and sects expressed humility. However, only a few, including Chen Ming, knew how many hidden undercurrents lay beneath this calm facade.


    "The Heaven Dou Empire sent their crown prince to the Spirit Hall to pray. Does that mean Qian Renxue has returned?" Chen Ming asked Qian Daoliu.


    "That''s right, Xue''er is back. She is staying in the Spirit Hall now. If needed, I can bring her here immediately. But¡­ can she participate in such matters?"


    Qian Daoliu answered frankly, not hiding his concern about Qian Renxue. He was worried not only for her safety but also because he doubted that her immature nature made her qualified to be involved in such affairs.


    "Before sending me here, the Angel God gave me a pendant containing a trace of divine power and divine consciousness, instructing me to pass it to Qian Renxue to prevent any external interference. Grandpa Qian, would you like to deliver it?"


    Chen Ming took out the pendant and explained it to Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    "This¡­ it''s better if you deliver it yourself since it was entrusted to you by our ancestor," Qian Daoliu thought for a moment before politely declining.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t deliver it himself; rather, he wanted to allow Chen Ming to meet his granddaughter and perhaps strengthen their relationship.


    "Alright then." Chen Ming put away the pendant and continued discussing matters with Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    After Qian Daoliu and the strength of the Worship Hall were exposed, most of the Spirit Hall''s members shifted their allegiance to Qian Daoliu. It could be said that, besides a few close confidants, Bibi Dong had barely any loyal subordinates left¡ªperhaps only the Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo could be truly trusted.


    Qian Daoliu''s mindset had changed. He no longer wanted to remain secluded in the Worship Hall, ignoring external affairs. He now wished to contribute to this era. Although Bibi Dong had hinted more than once that Qian Daoliu should return to the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu had never responded.


    At this point, to help Chen Ming and the Angel God understand the truth behind these events, Qian Daoliu reluctantly revealed what had happened in the past. Qian Xunji''s outrageous actions had even made the divine consciousness within the Angelic Sacred Sword tremble with emotion. The sword itself quivered in the void.


    It was confirmed that Qian Xunji''s soul had been devoured by Bibi Dong. Otherwise, the Angel God likely would have wanted to extract his soul and torture it.


    After learning about the mother-daughter relationship between Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong, the Angel God found herself at a loss. Having lost all of her kin by the age of six, she did not know how to handle such a twisted relationship, so she chose to delay dealing with it.


    Thus, the group began discussing the future development of the Spirit Hall.


    Regarding the plan to overthrow the empire, the Angel God showed utter disdain. She even abandoned her usual divine decorum and outright called Qian Daoliu a fool. She also started contemplating whether Qian Xunji had been influenced by some hidden manipulator from the Divine Realm¡ªotherwise, how could someone be so inhuman?


    At the right moment, Chen Ming mentioned the madwoman he had encountered when rescuing Qian Renxue. The Angel God remained silent for a long time before finally responding.


    ["Hmph, this must be the work of the inherently evil Asura God."]


    ["Compile a record of everything Qian Xunji did while he was the Supreme Pontiff and show it to me. I feel like he existed solely to ruin my legacy,"] the Angel God coldly commanded Qian Daoliu, who remained silent. Golden Crocodile Douluo, however, nodded in agreement.


    "Yes, this must be the work of some evil mastermind."


    The group talked for a long time before moving past the topic of Qian Xunji and continued their discussions. Chen Ming brought up many issues, one of the most important being the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament in a few years.


    The tournament had to be held. In this world, such arena battles among students carried special fate and significance.


    If the Asura God''s chosen pawn wanted to grow quickly and gain fame, he would have to use this stage. Not only would it attract the attention of the entire continent and lay the groundwork for accumulating faith in the future, but it would also allow him to gather fate energy by battling other individuals with strong destinies.


    This was part of the plan¡ªan opportunity for the first major strike against the Son of Plane. The goal wasn''t necessarily to harm Qian Renxue too much, but rather to stall her growth.


    If the Son of Destiny couldn''t grow, she wouldn''t be a threat. However, controlling how she grew, in what manner, and to what extent¡ªthese were all factors that needed to be carefully managed.


    Many decisions regarding the Spirit Hall''s future were made in that quiet chamber by the four of them. Their plans not only determined the course of the continent for the next few decades but also had the potential to influence the Douluo Continent for millennia to come.


    They talked for a full day and night before finally concluding their discussions. Qian Daoliu, Golden Crocodile Douluo, Chen Ming, and the Angelic Sacred Sword returned to the Worship Hall.


    The Angelic Sacred Sword, which housed the divine consciousness of the Angel God, continued to hover in the air, pretending as if nothing had changed. Qian Daoliu resumed handling matters within the Spirit Hall, while Golden Crocodile Douluo led the worshipers into secluded cultivation.


    With the Angel God''s guidance, the worshipers'' strength was expected to improve rapidly in the coming years.


    Furthermore, thanks to the insights she had gained from Chen Ming, the Angel God was now capable of crafting unique cultivation techniques tailored to each worshiper. These techniques included internal methods for increasing soul power, external methods for strengthening the body, and meditation techniques for enhancing spiritual power.


    It was estimated that within two years, each worshiper would advance by roughly one rank, with an overall strength increase of more than 40%. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Under the guidance of Golden Crocodile Douluo, Chen Ming found Lou Gao in a secret chamber near the Worship Hall.


    When Chen Ming arrived, Lou Gao was forging at his anvil. His hammer was enveloped in a dense metallic aura, and each strike resonated powerfully with the metal. Although the materials on the anvil were common metals, under Lou Gao''s hammering, they were rapidly advancing toward the level of Spirit Forging.


    In the corner of the chamber, several pieces of metal that had already undergone Spirit Forging were neatly stacked.


    As soon as Chen Ming and Golden Crocodile Douluo entered the chamber, Lou Gao, who treated forging as his life''s calling, immediately abandoned his work. He hurried over to Chen Ming, bowed, and, with tears in his eyes, struggled to find the right words.


    Seeing this, Golden Crocodile Douluo shrugged and turned his attention to the pile of metal in the corner. Being highly attuned to metal, he sensed that one particular piece seemed to resonate with him.


    He picked up the metal and was about to say something to Lou Gao, but the latter simply waved his hand, indicating that Golden Crocodile Douluo could take it. With a helpless smile, Golden Crocodile Douluo left the chamber with the resonating metal, giving Chen Ming and Lou Gao the space they needed to talk privately.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [280]

    Lou Gao was deeply emotional. After waking up, he learned from others that due to his soul-hunting, the Star Dou Forest''s powerful being, surpassing the existence of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, was provoked. This led to a bloody battle between Chen Ming, Elder Golden Crocodile, and the Soul Beast, ultimately causing a major clash between the Spirit Hall and the Star Dou Forest. Honestly, Lou Gao genuinely didn''t feel qualified to create such a huge mess. However, after confirming that this was indeed reality, he felt deeply shaken. When he asked to see Chen Ming, he was told that Chen Ming was in seclusion for recovery, which made Lou Gao tremble even more internally.


    The Hall Master''s kindness is immeasurable!


    The Hall Master helped him break through in forging, restored his vitality, solved the problems of the Strength Clan, dealt with the Clear Sky Sect''s prying eyes, granted him a full set of soul bones, and even attached soul rings to him.


    One thing after another, these were favors he couldn''t repay even with his life!


    Lou Gao, like spilling beans, poured out a long string of words. Among them, many sentences sounded incoherent to Chen Ming, but Chen Ming patiently listened to everything before comforting Lou Gao.


    After a long while, Chen Ming finally asked the question that, logically speaking, should have been a priority:


    "Elder Lou, what is your current soul power level?" Chen Ming asked gently, looking at Lou Gao, who now appeared to be in his forties.


    "Thanks to the Hall Master''s assistance, I am now at level 85. Initially, the first four soul bones raised my soul power by about five levels, but it didn''t manifest because they lacked soul rings. The later two soul bones each raised my spirit power by about one level."


    "The soul power contained in the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear''s soul ring is vastly different from the ones I absorbed before. My seventh ring was from a high-quality strength-type soul beast that lived for 25,000 years, but the power inside the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear''s soul ring was four or five times greater than my seventh ring. It raised my soul power by two levels in one go and even caused my martial soul to evolve."


    "My Sacred Molding Pen was originally just a high-level martial soul. After absorbing the full set of soul bones, it showed signs of evolution. With this soul ring, it finally evolved and became a top-tier martial soul. Honestly, I even thought about renaming it, but after careful thought, it didn''t seem necessary."


    "The only problem is that my martial soul can''t contribute much in forging. Honestly, I''d rather it turn into a hammer. If it were a hammer, my forging skills would probably advance to another level."


    As Lou Gao spoke, he summoned his martial soul. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black¡ªeight soul rings appeared around him, and the Sacred Molding Pen materialized in his hand.


    At this moment, the Sacred Molding Pen radiated a powerful and pure metallic energy. Its quality and strength had improved significantly compared to before, enough to be considered outstanding even among top-tier martial souls. If used for attacks, its unique characteristics would make it particularly effective in armor penetration.


    Although Lou Gao wasn''t skilled in combat, with the basic attribute enhancements brought by his full set of soul bones and the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear''s eighth soul ring, Lou Gao''s combat power was among the best of the Soul Douluo, enough to rival a Titled Douluo.


    Based on Lou Gao''s current attributes, if he were proficient in combat, he could easily overpower Titled Douluo around level 93.


    After all, many Titled Douluo of this era couldn''t even gather a full set of thousand-year soul bones, and their eighth soul ring might only be around 50,000 years old. Yet Lou Gao not only possessed a full set of high-quality ten-thousand-year soul bones, but his eighth ring came from the super soul beast, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear.


    Even before absorbing the eighth ring, his physical attributes were already comparable to a Titled Douluo. After absorbing the eighth soul ring, his strength surpassed that of ordinary beast martial soul users at levels 91 or 92.


    Although much of this was due to external aid, Lou Gao''s paper stats were indeed impressive. At over seventy years old, with level 85 soul power, a top-tier tool martial soul, a full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones, and comprehension of intent, it wouldn''t be surprising for him to become a Super Douluo in the future.


    Whether or not he was skilled in combat or could fully utilize his fighting power didn''t matter. The stats alone were intimidating in the world of Douluo Continent. If Lou Gao weren''t under Chen Ming''s wing and Elder Golden Crocodile couldn''t poach him, Elder Golden Crocodile wouldn''t have let such a talent slip by.


    Even though he looked down on forging, he valued the potential of a future Super Douluo.


    Chen Ming and Lou Gao chatted for a while. Of course, Chen Ming only told Lou Gao what he needed to know. Anything Lou Gao didn''t need to know, Chen Ming didn''t mention. He simply warned Lou Gao about potential dangers. Having fully transformed into a fanatical admirer of Chen Ming, Lou Gao naturally accepted this and couldn''t help but praise Chen Ming as an excellent leader.


    Chen Ming also told Lou Gao that, through certain means (which he didn''t elaborate on), he had managed to contact the legendary God Realm. By chance, he learned that the God of Forging was searching for a successor, so he recommended Lou Gao.


    Chen Ming made it clear that this was only a possibility. Moreover, the time difference between the God Realm and the Douluo World was vast. Even if the God of Forging wanted to pass down their godhood, it might take several years or even decades.


    Therefore, Chen Ming encouraged Lou Gao to improve his forging techniques while continuing to raise his spirit power, ensuring he could complete the Divine Trials when the time came.


    Hearing this, Lou Gao patted his chest, tears streaming down his face, and expressed his determination to continue researching forging techniques while also improving his soul power. He vowed not to let down the Hall Master''s expectations or efforts.


    He estimated that, given his current state, it would take at most five years to reach the realm of Titled Douluo and absorb his ninth soul ring. After becoming a Titled Douluo, he believed he could become a true Divine Craftsman within ten years, achieving Heavenly Forging capable of summoning tribulation lightning.


    Chen Ming, of course, expressed his encouragement.


    After chatting briefly with Lou Gao and ensuring everything was fine, Chen Ming left the secret chamber to handle his affairs¡ªsuch as visiting Qian Renxue and probing Ning Fengzhi''s stance.


    However, he hadn''t gone far when he saw Elder Golden Crocodile leaning against a wall, fiddling with the piece of metal he had just obtained from Lou Gao. His right arm emitted a faint golden light, and his soul power resonated faintly with the metal. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The spirit-forged metal seemed eager to merge with Elder Golden Crocodile''s right arm, though the conditions weren''t sufficient for it to succeed.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [281]

    As Chen Ming appeared, Golden Crocodile Douluo promptly stepped forward. His expression was slightly peculiar as he exchanged a few words with Chen Ming, then shifted the topic to the metal in his hand. Raising his right arm, Golden Crocodile Douluo held the metal and infused it with his soul power. A resonance was created between the metal and his right arm, which left Golden Crocodile Douluo perplexed.


    In his view, metal was not a living entity, let alone a soul bone. How could it possibly resonate with him? Yet, as an Ultimate Douluo, Golden Crocodile Douluo was certain that this piece of metal had the potential to fuse with his right arm¡ªor more precisely, with the soul bone in his right arm.


    Although Golden Crocodile Douluo had accompanied Lou Gao on a soul beast hunt and even had a confrontation with Bear Lord in the process, he knew it was all due to Chen Ming''s involvement. While his relationship with Lou Gao was good, it wasn''t close enough to warrant such deep trust. Thus, he deliberately waited outside, hoping to ask Chen Ming for his insights on the matter.


    After all, his martial soul had just recently evolved following his breakthrough, and it was no longer the standard Golden Crocodile King of his bloodline. Instead, it had transformed into the Golden Crocodile Dragon, an evolution toward the Golden Dragon. Even he couldn''t be entirely certain what this change might imply.


    Chen Ming placed his hand on Golden Crocodile Douluo''s right arm, feeling the fluctuations within. Before long, he identified the source of the resonance.


    The connection between Golden Crocodile Douluo and the forged metal didn''t come from his martial soul, the Golden Crocodile Dragon, but rather from the soul bone in his right arm.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s explanation, Golden Crocodile Douluo displayed an expression of sudden realization.


    "My right arm bone is not particularly old¡ªjust over thirty thousand years. However, its source is unique. It came from an extremely rare mutated soul beast, the Devouring Golden Sacred Beetle."


    "The Devouring Golden Sacred Beetle is a mutation of the Devouring Golden Beetle. Although this type of soul beast carries a golden bloodline, it isn''t particularly strong in its early years and is considered a low-level soul beast. It resides deep within underground mineral veins and relies on sheer numbers to overwhelm enemies. Its attribute is metal, with strength and defense as its characteristics."


    "But this soul beast possesses a very unique innate ability¡ªit can grow by devouring metal. This not only increases its soul power but also enhances its quality. The stronger the mineral vein, the stronger the Devouring Golden Beetles that inhabit it. Those in high-quality veins are on a completely different level compared to those in low-quality ones."


    "In low-quality veins, the Devouring Golden Beetles don''t exceed a hundred years in age, and their bodies are no larger than a forearm. Only in medium-quality veins might you find thousand-year or ten-thousand-year Devouring Golden Beetles, whose sizes range from one to two meters. Furthermore, their attributes vary depending on the properties of the mineral vein."


    "For example, in fire-attribute veins, the Devouring Golden Beetles have fire attributes; in ice-attribute veins, they have ice attributes. It''s even said that in veins where dragons once fell, mutated variants with traces of dragon blood have been discovered. However, no matter how they mutate, the metal attribute of the Devouring Golden Beetle remains constant."


    "In certain special veins, some individual Devouring Golden Beetles may accidentally devour unique minerals."


    "Generally, such Devouring Golden Beetles can reach ten thousand years in age. But if the beetle itself is of extremely high quality or devours more than one unique mineral, it may mutate."


    "Variants with other attributes become top-tier soul beasts, but if they remain purely metal-attribute, they transform into super soul beasts¡ªthe Devouring Golden Sacred Beetles." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "These soul beasts are exceedingly rare, but their quality is unparalleled. Their metal-attribute strength is near perfection, rivaling that of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear. Moreover, as beetle-type soul beasts, they surpass the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear in strength and are nearly equal in defense. Their only drawback is their lack of intelligence. Additionally, the offspring of Devouring Golden Sacred Beetles cannot inherit their mutation."


    "My soul bone came from a thirty-thousand-year-old Devouring Golden Sacred Beetle. I obtained it during my younger days while resolving a soul beast attack on a mineral vein for the Spirit Hall''s branch. Its soul skill is called Shocking Force, which greatly enhances my strength, attack, and defense. Although its age is only thirty thousand years, its effectiveness and quality are on par with ordinary seventy- or eighty-thousand-year-old soul bones."


    "I had always thought the Devouring Golden Sacred Beetle''s power was limited to its soul skill. But now it seems this soul bone contains the essence of the Devouring Golden Sacred Beetle''s core strength. However, I''ve had this soul bone for nearly 150 years. Why have I never sensed its hidden abilities before? Is it because of my soul power breakthrough? My martial soul evolution? Or is it due to this special metal?"


    Golden Crocodile Douluo frowned and spoke something highly unusual for a typical soul master to say:


    "I have a strong feeling that if I fuse this metal into my right arm bone, its age and quality will increase. But my right arm bone isn''t an external soul bone."


    The ability to increase a soul bone''s age was something neither Chen Ming nor the Angel God possessed. Chen Ming had no experimental or reference material to work with, while the Angel God had theoretically deduced a few methods to enhance soul bones but couldn''t test them due to personal limitations.


    Chen Ming had already mastered techniques for enhancing and modifying martial souls, increasing soul ring ages, and boosting soul power, vitality, and spiritual power. The only missing piece of the puzzle was soul bone enhancement. Unexpectedly, Golden Crocodile Douluo''s situation presented a crucial breakthrough.


    In the Soul Land II era, techniques for enhancing soul bones were only briefly mentioned. Even in Soul Land III and IV, they were never expanded upon. The only exception was the use of secret-method soul bones as auxiliary materials for fusion. For years, Chen Ming had been working on replicating this technique, but progress had been slow.


    After all, he didn''t even know how to create a secret-method soul bone, let alone the method itself.


    Leaving Lou Gao''s place earlier, Chen Ming pulled Golden Crocodile Douluo back into Lou Gao''s secret chamber. Lou Gao, who had been enthusiastically forging a moment earlier, once again put down his hammer with a resentful look and came over to greet them.


    Lou Gao loved forging, and not even his devotion to Chen Ming as a fervent believer could change that. Interrupting him¡ªtwice, no less¡ªfelt like disturbing someone in the middle of their most joyful activity. Even the most patient person couldn''t help but react.


    However, upon learning about this unique situation, Lou Gao''s expression instantly shifted. He excitedly dragged Golden Crocodile Douluo to a corner to examine his arm and the metal, and the two began discussing fervently.


    Later, Chen Ming joined their conversation, offering his insights on using special metals to enhance soul bone age and quality.


    After several hours of work, with Chen Ming''s assistance, the connection between the forged metal and Golden Crocodile Douluo''s soul bone was fully stabilized. A portion of the metal''s power was absorbed by the right arm bone. Under Chen Ming''s observation, the age of the soul bone increased¡ªalbeit only by a few decades to a hundred years. Nonetheless, this opened up a new avenue of thought for Chen Ming.


    A rough but effective technique had emerged. While it was limited to Golden Crocodile Douluo''s right arm bone and this specific piece of forged metal, it was undeniably a genuine method for enhancing soul bones.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [282]

    Half a day later, Chen Ming left Golden Crocodile Douluo at Lou Gao''s place to conduct experiments together and then returned to the Worship Hall to update Qian Daoliu on the situation. Qian Daoliu, not being an unreasonable person, was delighted to learn that Golden Crocodile Douluo''s strength could be further enhanced. Because of this, he also developed some interest in the forging system Chen Ming had mentioned, thinking it might be a potential method to strengthen Soul Masters in the future.


    When Chen Ming mentioned he wanted to find Qian Renxue, Qian Daoliu arranged a room for him and personally went to fetch Qian Renxue.


    Since the last assassination attempt, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe, had become increasingly radical after returning to the empire. Previously hesitant between the nobility and commoners, he now leaned decisively toward the commoners, significantly lowering his favorability among the nobility. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Xue Qinghe holding great power, second only to Emperor Xue Ye, and as the next ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, his will influenced many of the empire''s decisions. This led to dissatisfaction among many nobles, including some who had originally supported him.


    However, considering that the Crown Prince had recently survived an assassination attempt thanks to urgent help from the Spirit Hall, most nobles, even those who liked him less, refrained from supporting the wastrel Xue Beng. They simply hoped the Crown Prince would calm down, thinking he might return to normal in the future.


    Of course, where there is a majority, there is also a minority. Some corrupt nobles faced intense purges by Xue Qinghe, and many of their illicit and gray incomes were significantly impacted. Not everyone could remain rational, and naturally, some desperate individuals resorted to extreme measures.


    Opposition in the court and covert sabotage were minor issues. Some reckless individuals even plotted to assassinate the Crown Prince. In just over a year, Xue Qinghe had faced seven or eight assassination attempts of varying scales.


    These lawless acts were so outrageous that even the usually mediocre Emperor Xue Ye rarely lost his temper, taking action to purge several noble families.


    However, as time went on, the assassination attempts on the Crown Prince only increased. Each time, the attackers were captured by the Crown Prince''s guards, and Xue Qinghe used the opportunity to strike back and bleed his enemies dry.


    Interestingly, these attackers were often those most opposed to the Crown Prince''s policies and decisions. While they did seem to have motives for assassination, strangely, several families adamantly denied involvement, claiming they were framed by someone targeting them.


    In any case, the frequent and ambiguous assassination attempts on the Crown Prince caused headaches for the Emperor and the nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire.


    Regardless of whether the later attempts were orchestrated by the Crown Prince himself or were cases of framing, by the time Xue Qinghe represented Xue Ye in his visit to the Spirit Hall, his security detail had grown to over 5,000 people. This included 1,000 cavalry and 4,000 infantry¡ªa force akin to an army.


    Some nobles, fearing being labeled as the masterminds behind an assassination plot or having their families destroyed, even proactively advised Emperor Xue Ye to further bolster the Crown Prince''s security. They were terrified of being implicated in the endless assassination attempts.


    Moreover, in most people''s eyes, even if Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had become somewhat temperamental due to the constant assassination attempts and behaved less like an ideal ruler, he was still preferable to the wastrel Xue Beng. Xue Beng''s behavior was so disgraceful that even dogs would shake their heads in disapproval.


    As long as the Xue family didn''t want a puppet emperor or didn''t want Xue Xing to seize power, Xue Ye had no choice but to grit his teeth and provide the Crown Prince with a security detail on par with his own.


    To ensure nothing went wrong during this critical matter, the Heaven Dou royal family also dispatched four Soul Saints and one Soul Douluo to protect the Crown Prince.


    As Xue Qinghe''s teacher, Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sent two Soul Sages and one Soul Douluo to provide additional protection. The defensive lineup was truly luxurious.


    In comparison, even the Star Luo Empire, despite being stronger overall than the Heaven Dou Empire, allocated only half the level of security for Crown Prince Dai Weisi.


    However, such layers of protection also meant layers of surveillance. Even though Qian Daoliu was a demigod and the Spirit City was the Spirit Hall''s territory, he still took nearly half an hour to quietly bring Qian Renxue back without alarming anyone.


    Xue Qinghe''s personal entourage included twenty maids, whose strength ranged from Soul Elders to Soul Kings, and twenty guards, whose strength ranged from Soul Ancestors to Soul Kings. The leader of the guards was a Spirit-type Soul Emperor. Additionally, there were three Soul Saints and one Soul Douluo constantly by his side. In a single room, dozens of eyes were fixed on Qian Renxue, with at least a third of them remaining vigilant. Outside, over a hundred soldiers, all possessing soul power, stood guard.


    Qian Daoliu had no choice but to enlist the help of a Spirit-type Titled Douluo to deceive these people. Eventually, a decoy was used to replace Qian Renxue.


    After much effort, Qian Daoliu finally brought Qian Renxue back. Upon seeing Chen Ming, Qian Renxue immediately removed the disguise from her soul bone skill, took off her wig, and tucked it into her storage soul tool. She then strode toward Chen Ming.


    She wanted to say something, but out of habit, she calmed herself before speaking. After adjusting her emotions, she smiled gently.


    Unlike the formal smiles she wore when dealing with others in Heaven Dou City, Qian Renxue''s smile this time was pure, with an unusual gleam in her eyes. This caused Qian Daoliu, who was standing nearby, to raise an eyebrow. He didn''t know what to say and could only shake his head before leaving the room. He sat down on a chair outside, closed his eyes, and meditated.


    Qian Daoliu had assumed that after all the effort he had put into arranging this meeting, his granddaughter¡ªwho had expressed a strong desire to meet Chen Ming¡ªwould at least have a long conversation with him. He estimated they''d talk for at least an hour.


    Yet, less than half an hour later, Qian Renxue emerged from the quiet room with a flushed face, wearing a pendant around her neck. Her face was so red that she couldn''t hide her blush.


    Seeing her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, sitting there, Qian Renxue quickly tucked the pendant into her chest, coughed twice to compose herself, waited for the redness to fade, and then sat down beside Qian Daoliu.


    To be honest, Qian Daoliu didn''t know what to say anymore. He could sense that his granddaughter was distracted during their conversation. From time to time, she would lower her head to look at the pendant on her chest and smile faintly.


    The conversation was going nowhere.


    Qian Daoliu covered his face, sought out the Spirit-type Titled Douluo again, and replaced Qian Renxue with the decoy. Later that evening, after returning to the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu''s gaze toward Chen Ming became odd and even carried a hint of resentment. Chen Ming could only smile awkwardly and didn''t offer any explanation.


    Under the cover of the night, Chen Ming visited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s residence in Spirit City to have a brief conversation with Ning Fengzhi.


    However, after presenting the Seven Treasure Tokens and waiting for the attendant to pass the message, the Soul Masters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect informed Chen Ming that the Sect Master was busy discussing matters with others and would not be available for a while. They suggested Chen Ming return for a meeting after the Sect Master and the two Protector Douluos returned to the main sect.


    Chen Ming wasn''t a fool. From the response of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s Soul Masters, he deduced that Ning Fengzhi might have heard about his performance on the battlefield and suspected he had ties to the Spirit Hall.


    Without a clear choice or allegiance, Ning Fengzhi would rather temporarily strain his relationship with Chen Ming¡ªplanning to compensate him later¡ªthan risk compromising the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s position.


    After all, in Ning Fengzhi''s eyes, Chen Ming was merely a talented young man with great potential to become a Super Douluo someday and the future husband of Poison Douluo''s granddaughter. Ning Fengzhi had no idea that, in just over a year since their last meeting, Chen Ming had grown to an astonishing level of power.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [283]

    Since Ning Fengzhi made his choice, Chen Ming decided to respect it. However, the price for upgrading the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda in the future would naturally increase by a level. After all, people must pay the price for their choices, right?


    That being said, Chen Ming needed to be careful for the time being to ensure that Ning Rongrong didn''t run off to Shrek Academy again. After all, apart from Tang San and Xiao Wu, the two exceptions, Ning Rongrong had the most significant background among the students in Shrek Academy. Although Dai Mubai was a prince, under the rules of the Star Luo Empire, a runaway prince was considered less valuable than a dog.


    With the Immortal Herbs already taken, Dai Mubai had no qualifications to compete with his elder brother for the throne. Furthermore, Chen Ming had previously left some small gifts for the Shrek group. Under such circumstances, if they could still use the Martial Soul Fusion Technique, it would practically require the Asura God himself to intervene and distort reality.


    Above all, Chen Ming could not allow Tang San to establish a connection with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. If that clan were to become an extension of Tang San, his growth rate would undoubtedly become a significant threat.


    In the following days, Chen Ming discussed and handled some matters with the worshippers of the Worship Hall and Qian Daoliu. Afterward, he paid a visit to Dai Weisi, the Crown Prince of the Star Lou Empire.


    Although Chen Ming''s reputation was primarily known in the Heaven Dou Empire, Dai Weisi still received him. After all, Dai Weisi was aware of Chen Ming''s status as the son-in-law of Poison Douluo. While Chen Ming rarely took action, his displayed talent far exceeded that of ordinary geniuses. Moreover, Chen Ming''s family had once helped the Star Luo Empire deal with a plague caused by a natural disaster centuries ago, earning the empire''s favor. Dai Weisi, as the crown prince, was well aware of these details.


    Their conversation was brief and polite. Chen Ming noticed that, although Dai Weisi was arrogant, his abilities were sufficient to match his demeanor. His pride came across as confidence rather than mere conceit.


    When Dai Weisi attempted to recruit Chen Ming, the latter naturally refused. Dai Weisi wasn''t offended, as it was merely a formality. After all, there would be plenty of time in the future for further interactions. Their first meeting was simply a chance to get acquainted.


    Meanwhile, in Spirit City, the ongoing conflict between the Spirit Hall and the Star Dou Forest attracted many people. Most of the high-level combatants on the Douluo Continent had gathered in this small city. Among the Seven Great Sects, only the Clear Sky Sect had been subdued by Qian Daoliu''s earlier lessons and had obediently stayed on Clear Sky Peak. The other six sects had sent their leaders and elders to convene here.


    While wandering around Spirit City for several days, Chen Ming encountered many unique martial souls. Although spiritual, temporal, and spatial martial souls were rare on the Douluo Continent, this particular period brought several examples that caught Chen Ming''s interest.


    However, since he wasn''t acquainted with their owners, Chen Ming could only observe them from afar with his Spiritual Eye instead of directly probing the nature of their martial souls.


    While searching for new targets, Chen Ming overheard an intriguing piece of news from some idle conversations among soul masters.


    Apparently, on the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest, a tiger-like creature with wings and a scorpion tail had appeared. This tiger resembled a white tiger but possessed a powerful dark attribute. It was highly cunning, often ambushing soul beasts during battles with human soul masters. However, it didn''t attack the human soul masters themselves, targeting only soul beasts.


    It frequently appeared after a soul master had fought hard to bring down a soul beast, snatching the soul beast''s corpse and fleeing. On one occasion, an agility-type Soul Douluo risked their life to pursue it but couldn''t catch up. The tiger was suspected to have extraordinary speed and possibly spatial abilities.


    Curiously, this strange tiger never appeared near Spirit Hall personnel. If it accidentally encountered a soul master wearing Spirit Hall attire, it would actively flee, even abandoning its prey if necessary¡ªa clear sign of its high intelligence.


    Some soul masters claimed the tiger was a 50,000-year-old soul beast, while others insisted it was 60,000 years old. Recent sightings suggested it had reached at least 70,000 years of cultivation and was on the verge of 80,000.


    Many soul masters had attempted to hunt this tiger, but it behaved nothing like an ordinary predatory soul beast. Instead of attacking, it always fled when faced with danger. No one had been able to catch it, and even when spirit abilities managed to land on it, they caused no harm.


    Despite the ongoing skirmishes between Spirit Hall and the Star Dou Forest, small-scale conflicts persisted. Soul masters looking to break through their bottlenecks took the opportunity to hunt high-quality soul beasts that were rarely seen. Some Soul Douluo and Titled Douluo even entertained the idea of hunting ten-thousand-year soul beasts. While large-scale casualties were avoided, small-scale bloodshed was common. Although the Beast Kings dared not leave the Star Dou Forest, many high-level spirit beasts had started forming groups, increasing the difficulty of hunting. Even in the outer regions, ten-thousand-year-level soul beasts occasionally attacked human soul masters.


    As people gained a deeper understanding of the strength of Star Dou Forest''s soul beasts, especially ten-thousand-year ones, their respect for Spirit Hall continued to grow.


    The tiger, though peculiar, didn''t seem to exhibit overwhelming power. Since it avoided direct conflict with humans, neither Spirit Hall nor the Upper Three Sects took any action to deal with it.


    Various Soul Douluo and Soul Sages had volunteered to hunt it, but none succeeded. The tiger remained at large, snatching prey like a hyena and frustrating countless soul masters.


    To Chen Ming, the tiger sounded exactly like the Dark Devilgod Tiger. Its exceptional qualities, cunning behavior, and inconsistent age all matched the characteristics of this soul beast.


    Chen Ming wasn''t particularly interested in its soul rings but was intrigued by its core. In the original story, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s core tore through space and entered another world, becoming the greatest cheat item for the protagonist Zhou Weiqing in Heavenly Jewel Change, another work by Tang Jia San Shao.


    Although Chen Ming hadn''t read much of Heavenly Jewel Change in his previous life, he knew that the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s core was a valuable treasure. The dark god''s power within it might significantly boost his chances of ascending to a divine position.


    Chen Ming sought out Qian Daoliu to help gather information. Before long, a sketch was brought to him.


    The drawing depicted a tiger-like spirit beast with bat-like wings and a scorpion tail. Though it was just an illustration, the artist had done their best to convey the creature''s malevolent nature.


    After seeing the sketch, Chen Ming was certain that this creature was the Dark Devilgod Tiger and not a subspecies like a scorpion tiger.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger possessed unique abilities. Its Arena of Life and Death was an extremely powerful skill, almost broken in nature. Although Chen Ming wasn''t particularly worried about losing to it, he decided to play it safe and informed Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    Qian Daoliu issued orders to the soul masters, and soon, records about the Dark Devilgod Tiger were retrieved from Spirit Hall''s extensive archives. The unique nature of this beast even caught the attention of the Angel God''s divine consciousness within the Angelic Sacred Sword.


    Thus, Qian Daoliu, armed with the Angelic Sacred Sword imbued with a strand of the Angel God''s divine consciousness, and the greatly enhanced Golden Crocodile Douluo prepared to hunt the Dark Devilgod Tiger. With the help of Spirit Hall''s soul masters, they disguised themselves and made their way toward their prey. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [284]

    Chen Ming, Qian Daoliu, and Golden Crocodile were hiding their presence and refrained from taking action. They were merely tailing soul-hunting teams unaffiliated with the Spirit Hall, waiting for the Dark Devilgod Tiger to attack and snatch prey, so they could seize the opportunity to capture it. The teams they followed were ones led by Soul Emperors, targeting primarily thousand-year soul beasts or weaker ten-thousand-year soul beasts. After all, even when these teams sought soul rings, their targets typically maxed out at twenty-thousand-year soul beasts. There was no need for them to confront stronger ones.


    After two or three days of lurking and following seven or eight different teams, the keen senses of Chen Ming and Qian Daoliu finally detected the evil aura of the Dark Devilgod Tiger.


    At the moment, a seven-member soul-hunting team led by a Soul Emperor was about to take down a top-quality twenty-thousand-year Earth Violent Bear. Suddenly, the Dark Devilgod Tiger leaped out of the shadows like a ghost. Before the hunting team could react, the tiger snapped the bear''s throat in one bite and ran off with its corpse.


    The Earth Violent Bear stood four meters tall and weighed over two tons. However, it seemed insignificant compared to the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s massive eight-meter-long body. Carrying the Earth Violent Bear in its jaws was like a big cat carrying a Siberian hamster, and its agility was hardly diminished.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger had six (or arguably seven) attributes: Evil (transformed from dark power), Space, Time, Lightning, Strength, and Wind. Both Lightning and Wind enhanced its speed, while Space and Time indirectly boosted it further. A slight flap of its wings unleashed a speed surpassing most Titled Douluo, making it nearly unmatched by anyone under the rank of Super Douluo.


    From its soul power and explosive speed, Chen Ming''s group instantly identified the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s age: over 80,000 years, nearing 90,000. With its high quality and powerful attributes, its strength rivaled that of a ferocious beast that had just undergone its second heavenly tribulation.


    Such strength was more than enough to overwhelm most Titled Douluo. To compete with it, one would need to be a Super Douluo with top-tier or even divine-level martial spirits, such as the renowned Thousand-ton Demon-Suppressing Douluo. If it decided to flee, even Golden Crocodile Douluo at level 98 wouldn''t be able to stop it.


    Exchanging glances, Chen Ming and the others quickly pursued it.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger was incredibly fast. Even without going all out, its speed was at the Super Douluo level. However, it was no match for Chen Ming''s group, all elites capable of keeping up while concealing their presence and aura.


    The tiger ran for a long time, moving from the outskirts of the forest to the mixed zone, then into the core, and finally back into the mixed zone before disappearing into a relatively inconspicuous mountain range. In front of a rocky cave, it used its spatial teleportation skill to enter the mountain.


    Chen Ming and Qian Daoliu exchanged glances. Qian Daoliu retrieved a rarely-used Soul Capture Token from his body, ready to activate it at a moment''s notice. The Angelic Divine Sword''s divine consciousness was also prepared to intercept the tiger.


    After making their preparations, Qian Daoliu signaled Golden Crocodile Douluo with a glance. Golden Crocodile Douluo immediately understood, summoning his martial spirit, the Golden Crocodile Dragon. He charged forward and shattered the rock layer with one punch, revealing the hidden cave.


    Inside the cave, several gemstones of various colors were embedded into the ceiling, emitting a faint glow. The walls had dozens of small, finger-sized ventilation holes. One corner of the cave featured a water source with clear signs of excavation, while another corner had a sandpit. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the exposed cave, the Dark Devilgod Tiger wasn''t eating but rather lying on top of a roughly 30,000-year-old female white tiger, moving its body.


    The enormous Dark Devilgod Tiger, over eight meters long, dwarfed the four-meter-long female white tiger beneath it. Although the female tiger had reached the age for mating, the stark size difference made the scene resemble a perverse old man preying on a young girl.


    In a corner of the cave, a pile of soul beast pelts lay stacked. Several tiger cubs with scorpion tails were gnawing on pieces of the Earth Violent Bear''s butchered and deboned flesh. These cubs were undoubtedly hybrids of the Dark Devilgod Tiger, with bloodlines from both the white tiger and the tiger''s evil power¡ªtop-tier soul beasts known as Scorpion Tigers.


    As Golden Crocodile Douluo smashed through the rock layer, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s previously content expression turned into one of human-like terror. Ignoring its mating, it immediately picked up its mate in its jaws and tossed her into a corner. Forcibly withdrawing its barbed member, it faced Golden Crocodile Douluo in an aggressive stance.


    The 30,000-year-old white tiger, though pained and visibly displeased by the sudden rough treatment, quickly ran to the corner upon seeing the intruders. It used its body to shield the litter of scorpion-tailed cubs, glaring at Golden Crocodile Douluo with a fierce and protective gaze.


    "Humans, why have you come for me?" the Dark Devilgod Tiger demanded. "I''ve only been taking some of your prey lately and haven''t harmed any humans!"


    Typically, soul beasts could only speak at 100,000 years, but the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s exceptional quality and intelligence allowed it to develop this ability at 80,000 years.


    Looking at Golden Crocodile Douluo''s nine soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, and red¡ªand feeling his suffocatingly powerful soul power, the Dark Devilgod Tiger inwardly cursed. It had no idea how it had provoked a human of such caliber, one at the rank of Ultimate Douluo.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger was evil, ruthless, and cunning, yet it was far from foolish, having survived countless soul beast hunts.


    Recently, it had witnessed the conflict between humans and soul beasts. It had seen scenes akin to divine descent and sensed auras so overwhelming they could easily crush it.


    Originally, it planned to lay low, but after the battle ended, countless corpses were left behind. Humans often leave dead soul beasts for various reasons, but soul beasts don''t; to them, these corpses were food.


    The abundance of thousand-year and ten-thousand-year soul beast corpses was too tempting for the Dark Devilgod Tiger to resist. It secretly feasted on the remains, significantly boosting its cultivation. Initially, it was only about 40,000 years old, but scavenging allowed it to quickly reach nearly 60,000 years.


    Even as smaller skirmishes between humans and soul beasts continued, the tiger grew bolder, targeting battlegrounds for more leftovers. It deliberately avoided harming humans, fearing retaliation from powerful figures, especially those affiliated with the Spirit Hall, who radiated divine auras. Whenever it encountered humans with distinctive robes and symbols, it fled as far as possible to avoid drawing the attention of Super Douluo or Angelic God successors.


    Thanks to its caution and unique abilities, the Dark Devilgod Tiger managed to steal a vast amount of prey, feasting daily and growing rapidly to over 80,000 years. This success gave it immense confidence and fueled its ambition and greed.


    It had believed it could continue scavenging its way to becoming a 100,000-year soul beast and, eventually, transform into an Evil God through its corrupted power.


    But, unexpectedly, a routine hunt had led to this disaster. Returning home to its mate and cubs, it was suddenly confronted by an Ultimate Douluo.


    Even worse, its wife and cubs were all present¡ªits entire family was on the verge of being wiped out.


    Though it considered fleeing, the sight of its mate and cubs in the corner gave it the courage to stand its ground. Facing Golden Crocodile Douluo, the Dark Devilgod Tiger assumed a defensive stance, hoping to buy its family some time to escape, even though it knew survival through negotiation was unlikely.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [285]

    "Evil soul beast, you plunder the spoils of human soul masters and watch the surroundings of the Spirit Hall like a predator. Are we supposed to place our hopes on the idea that you won''t one day suddenly attack humans?"


    Golden Crocodile Douluo had recently encountered many ferocious beasts and hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, so he was already somewhat accustomed to the fact that soul beasts could talk. Pointing directly at the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s head, he spoke bluntly.


    This wasn''t him being hypocritical¡ªhe genuinely thought this way after seeing the eerie and terrifying devouring attribute on the Dark Devilgod Tiger.


    Hearing Golden Crocodile Douluo''s words, the Dark Devilgod Tiger felt somewhat aggrieved.


    If he had eaten humans recently, he would have admitted it. But the problem was, he truly hadn''t dared to attack any humans during this period. Whenever faced with human attacks, he would just run. He had even dealt with some soul beasts that fought humans to a mutual loss, saving a few humans in the process. In other words, he felt that he could even be considered to have saved some people.


    So, listening to Golden Crocodile Douluo''s accusations, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s massive face showed a human-like expression of anger. However, he understood that this wasn''t the main issue.


    The real issue was that he was a soul beast, and the other party was a soul master. Soul masters needed soul rings to advance, and soul bones could enhance their combat abilities. As a result, the two sides were naturally opposed.


    Just as he couldn''t improve his age through cultivation and had no choice but to devour soul beasts to grow, regardless of his willingness, this was not a matter of right or wrong. It was purely about positions and survival.


    "Human, stop pretending to be righteous. Don''t think that just because you''re an Ultimate Douluo, I''m afraid of you!"


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger roared, though it was clear his voice lacked confidence.


    He wasn''t afraid of a Super Douluo, but an Ultimate Douluo¡­ he truly didn''t dare to say. The only thing keeping him in front of this soul master was his wife and children. Otherwise, even with his killing move, he would''ve run away without looking back long ago.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger was a mutated species of white tiger infected by the power of the Evil God. Such soul beasts could not reproduce through their bloodline. Their offspring would only inherit the white tiger bloodline and the evil power, becoming scorpion-like tigers. The core of this type of soul beast was the Evil God''s power, originating from another world.


    Before being infected, the Dark Devilgod Tiger had been a white tiger with an exceptionally pure bloodline. From a human perspective, he was a genius among the white tiger clan, destined to become a hundred-thousand-year soul beast and awaken the ancestral bloodline as long as he didn''t fall.


    But in reality, just after reaching ten thousand years of age, he had inexplicably been entangled by the power of the Evil God. He wasn''t given a choice or the chance to resist; it directly corrupted him into an evil soul beast that all other soul beasts wanted to kill. If his parents hadn''t shown him some mercy and released him, he would have been bitten to death on the spot.


    After being driven out of his clan, he was beaten by soul beasts from the core area to the mixed zone, then from the mixed zone to the outskirts. Finally, outside the Star Dou Forest, he was chased and attacked by soul masters, forcing him back to a corner of the mixed zone.


    Even so, he didn''t dare to show himself regularly. Whenever he did, he would be hunted by powerful soul beasts that were otherwise mortal enemies. To put it bluntly, he couldn''t even afford to release gas without worrying if it would leak his evil power.


    For most of the year, during spring, summer, and autumn, he was either fighting or being beaten. In winter, it wasn''t that he didn''t fight¡ªit was that he had to hibernate to recover. Otherwise, even with the blessing of the Evil God''s power and the white tiger bloodline, he would''ve been killed long ago.


    Did anyone think he enjoyed this life?


    If he had been born a Dark Devilgod Tiger, he would''ve accepted his fate. But the problem was that he had only been transformed into this damned creature after reaching adulthood and developing clear thoughts.


    He couldn''t stand being hunted from one end of the Star Dou Forest to the other. Every time he licked his wounds, his intelligence¡ªno less than that of a human¡ªwas filled with curses for the Evil God''s power and the damned Evil God.


    Though he was a Dark Devilgod Tiger, he still saw himself as a white tiger. Once he became strong enough, he spent tremendous effort finding a tiger soul beast with a white tiger bloodline as his mate.


    He then spent even more effort stealing treasures and hunting soul beasts to elevate his mate to the level of a white tiger. Finally, after decades, he had his first litter of cubs. When his children were born, he felt a purification unlike anything he''d ever known.


    Though he was an evil soul beast, he had his weaknesses. His high quality granted him intelligence and emotions beyond that of most humans. While he possessed an evil nature and a habit of killing, his evil did not extend to his wife and children.


    After all, as the saying goes, even a tiger won''t eat its cubs.


    Lower-level creatures without rational thought were an exception, but for those with clear minds and emotions, harming one''s children was the behavior of monsters and beasts.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger couldn''t bear to harm his children. The most precious parts of his prey always went to his cubs first. It took countless soul beast essences to raise his litter of plump, black tiger-scorpion hybrids.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo didn''t know what the Dark Devilgod Tiger was thinking, but he could tell from its reaction that it cared deeply for its mate and cubs. Acting as though he was about to attack the white tiger and cubs, he forced the highly mobile Dark Devilgod Tiger into a standoff in the cave.


    Moments later, Qian Daoliu transmitted a spiritual message to Golden Crocodile Douluo. Golden Crocodile Douluo''s expression turned fierce, and his hands transformed into dragon claws as he struck at the Dark Devilgod Tiger.


    The immense strength of an Ultimate Douluo and the oppressive power of the Golden Crocodile Dragon martial soul made the Dark Devilgod Tiger feel like it was about to be killed on the spot. But for the sake of his mate and cubs, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and clash head-on, buying time for them to escape.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger roared at the white tiger, then pushed his soul power to the limit. His eight-meter body swelled several times over, reaching twelve meters in length, with a pair of massive bat wings radiating extreme evil. The seemingly unremarkable scorpion tail behind him gave Golden Crocodile Douluo a faint sense of threat. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was remarkable, considering Golden Crocodile Douluo''s current level-99 soul power and martial soul. As long as he was prepared, not even a hundred-thousand-year soul beast''s self-destruction could pose any threat to him. Yet, the Dark Devilgod Tiger emanated a faint but deadly aura.


    Even though activating his amplification skills was a huge burden, the Dark Devilgod Tiger knew he would be torn apart by this human if he didn''t fight with everything he had.


    With a deafening roar, the Dark Devilgod Tiger unleashed his Evil God Thunder, a purple-black lightning beam. Though a weakened version of his ultimate move, its speed and destructive power rivaled the ninth soul skill of many titled Douluo.


    The lightning struck Golden Crocodile Douluo in an instant, causing a massive explosion that nearly leveled the small mountain.


    When the dust settled, Golden Crocodile Douluo emerged unscathed, protected by a radiant golden barrier. However, his expression had grown more serious. Three soul rings lit up simultaneously as he launched another attack, giving the Dark Devilgod Tiger no time to resist.


    The two clashed fiercely, with Golden Crocodile Douluo leaving deep wounds on the Tiger''s massive body. Enraged and desperate after losing sight of his family, the Dark Devilgod Tiger unleashed a torrent of evil energy¡ªan extreme fusion of lightning and darkness capable of corroding even Golden Crocodile Douluo''s formidable defenses.


    Despite the pain, Golden Crocodile Douluo roared, activating his fifth soul skill to deliver a devastating strike. Though the Tiger managed to block it with his Evil God Shield, the attack still left him gravely injured.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [286]

    Although the initial skirmishes made it seem as though Golden Crocodile Douluo and the Dark Devilgod Tiger were evenly matched, the Dark Devilgod Tiger knew all too well that nearly one-third of its soul power had been drained during this short exchange. While it could still manage a few more moves, it estimated that by the third strike, it would likely be half-dead. The scorpion tail behind the Dark Devilgod Tiger lashed out, its sharp barbed tip arcing toward Golden Crocodile Douluo''s chest and abdomen. Golden Crocodile Douluo''s eyes widened, and his sixth soul ring lit up.


    After his martial soul had been enhanced, the manifestation of Golden Crocodile Douluo''s soul rings also changed. As he unleashed his sixth spirit ability, a phantom of a golden crocodile dragon appeared beside him. Empowered by Golden Crocodile Douluo''s immense soul power, this phantom seemed almost tangible. The massive phantom charged straight toward the scorpion tail of the Dark Devilgod Tiger.


    Even though the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s scorpion tail possessed nearly unparalleled armor-piercing power, it was instantly knocked away by the golden crocodile dragon''s phantom under the overwhelming support of Golden Crocodile Douluo''s soul power. The phantom then slammed into the tiger''s body, smashing it heavily into the ground and creating a crater over ten meters deep and more than a hundred meters in diameter.


    Even with the protection of the Evil God''s Blessing, the Dark Devilgod Tiger was left reeling, its massive body visibly shrinking as it staggered to its feet.


    The Evil God''s Blessing provided formidable defense, but it was not an invincible shield with absolute protective properties. Golden Crocodile Douluo''s attack had nearly reached the upper limit of what the Evil God''s Blessing could withstand, almost shattering it entirely.


    It was well known that even a soul beast with 80,000 years of cultivation, or even a divine beast, would stand no chance against an Ultimate Douluo, who could crush them effortlessly. If Golden Crocodile Douluo unleashed his true martial soul form, even with the Evil God''s Blessing, the Dark Devilgod Tiger would be left half-dead with a single strike.


    "Human, do you intend to commit such an act of extermination?" the Dark Devilgod Tiger asked, raising its head from the crater to glare at the airborne Golden Crocodile Douluo. A hint of resolve flashed in its eyes, and its scorpion tail began to shift subtly.


    "Words are useless," Golden Crocodile Douluo replied, noticing the changes in the scorpion tail. Although his expression remained calm, he became extremely vigilant internally.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger let out a furious roar and charged toward Golden Crocodile Douluo, as though determined to fight to the death. Even as Golden Crocodile Douluo''s dragon claws left several deep, bone-revealing wounds on its body, the tiger still charged forward like a mad beast, its scorpion tail aiming for Golden Crocodile Douluo.


    Just as the tail was about to collide with Golden Crocodile Douluo, a cunning gleam flashed in the tiger''s eyes. The evil energy on its scorpion tail surged to its peak, and the trace of the Evil God''s origin power within its body was activated.


    A small black hole instantly opened at the tip of the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s scorpion tail, enveloping both the tiger and Golden Crocodile Douluo in the eerie power of time and space, attempting to devour them both. However, at that moment, two divine powers suddenly appeared out of nowhere, interrupting this life-and-death showdown.


    Holy flames instantly suppressed and destroyed the Evil God''s power within the Dark Devilgod Tiger. The strange force immediately froze the tiger''s soul power entirely. Its massive body began to show signs of petrification, and even its spirit was rapidly solidifying.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger let out a pained roar before crashing heavily to the ground.


    With its ultimate move interrupted, its body bearing numerous severe injuries, and its origin attacked by immense power, the Dark Devilgod Tiger was on the brink of death. Its enormous body was almost completely immobilized by the petrification.


    The tiger understood that these humans would never give it a chance to escape alive and recover by absorbing the energy of other soul beasts. Yet, in the final moments of its life, the Dark Devilgod Tiger seemed to let out a sigh of relief.


    As an evil soul beast, constantly hunted by both humans and other soul beasts, it had always found survival exhausting. Whether killed by humans or beasts, this seemed to be the fate of an outlier like the Dark Devilgod Tiger. Perhaps death was the only release.


    As long as its wife and children...


    Looking at the white tiger now immobilized and held by Qian Daoliu''s hand through soul power, and the scorpion tiger cubs lying unconscious like dead pigs in Chen Ming''s grasp, the Dark Devilgod Tiger, which had been ready to give up resistance, suddenly seemed to experience a burst of vitality. Its eyes widened in a final desperate struggle, even pushing back the petrification by sheer force of will.


    "My wife! My children! If you have to kill someone, kill me! They''re useless for soul rings or bones¡ªjust kill me!"


    With its body petrified nearly halfway, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s eyes turned blood-red, its breath heavy and labored, as though consumed by an uncontrollable frenzy. Its anxiety and rage were unmistakably genuine, to the point that even the Angel God''s divine consciousness, residing within the Angelic Holy Sword, and others present were slightly surprised. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A soul beast, and an evil soul beast at that, with such a strong sense of family? Despite its inherently sinister nature, in its last moments, it was thinking only of its wife and children.


    This was more than many humans could claim.


    Chen Ming, who had initially planned to kill the Dark Devilgod Tiger outright and take its core, hesitated for a moment. He put away the scorpion tiger cubs and the white tiger, ensuring they wouldn''t witness the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s death.


    Letting it go was impossible. Evil must be eradicated at its root, and injuring an enemy lightly was worse than severing the threat completely.


    But as Chen Ming looked at the Dark Devilgod Tiger and its family, it reminded him of a protagonist''s tragic backstory. A father, though a villain, who deeply loved his family, begging his enemies to spare his wife and children in his final moments. The mother would then raise the children alone, hiding the truth of their hatred, until one day...


    This was the classic revenge story setup!


    Even though the protagonist wasn''t human, Chen Ming couldn''t leave them alive.


    Chen Ming, the Angel God, Qian Daoliu, and Golden Crocodile Douluo were not the merciful types to hesitate when dealing with a soul beast. Though silent, they were resolute in their intent.


    Just as Chen Ming prepared to put away the cubs and finish off the Dark Devilgod Tiger, the tiger, staring at its family, shed tears and made an unexpected plea.


    "I can offer myself as a sacrifice, giving you my soul ring, and I guarantee I will condense a soul bone. Just let my wife and children go. Everything else is up to you."


    The massive black tiger wept like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, tears streaming down its face. Stroking the cubs, who were sleeping like dead pigs under its venom-induced sedation, Chen Ming had an idea.


    A soul beast willing to cooperate¡ªfor whatever reason¡ªmight be an opportunity to test out some of his earlier theories.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [287]

    "I have a research project that has been delayed because I need a soul beast willing to sacrifice itself. However, in theory, this research is already complete. If you are willing to sacrifice yourself for me and help me complete this research, and it succeeds, I will spare your wife and child."


    "Human... You had better keep your word, or even in death, I will curse you." The powerless Dark Devilgod Tiger let out a weak threat, its eyes filled with despair. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Part of my research involves allowing a soul beast''s spirit to inhabit a soul ring and be summoned for battle when necessary. If this succeeds, you will surely witness it yourself."


    "¡­"


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger didn''t want to speak. As an evil soul beast, it could control the souls of other soul beasts it had devoured to fight for it. In its mind, this human''s so-called research likely resembled its ability.


    Chen Ming communicated with the Angel God through divine thoughts, and a translucent barrier appeared, isolating the aura and perception from inside and out. After confirming that no one could detect them, Chen Ming summoned his second martial soul, the Ascending Dragon Sword. The moment the sword appeared, entwined with a 100,000-year soul ring, Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo froze in surprise.


    They had never known that Chen Ming was a twin martial soul owner.


    "This is something the Angel God senior bestowed upon me. Initially, I only had one martial soul," Chen Ming explained.


    After hearing Chen Ming''s explanation and receiving confirmation from the Angel God''s divine thoughts, Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo were no longer shocked. After all, in their eyes, while creating a second martial soul for a soul master was unheard of, it seemed normal for a god''s power to achieve such a feat.


    Chen Ming handed over the scorpion-tiger cubs to Golden Crocodile Douluo and then pointed the Ascending Dragon Sword at the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s head, staring into its eyes.


    "You will sacrifice yourself to me, and during the process, no matter what I do, you must cooperate. Understood? Also, the soul bone that emerges during your sacrifice must be your scorpion tail. I believe this should be achievable, right?"


    "As long as you spare my wife and child," the Dark Devilgod Tiger said, its eyes hollow, as if it had already seen the future where its soul would be driven by sinister means. Its heart was filled with despair.


    "Don''t make me sound like some villain," Chen Ming retorted, channeling his soul power to partially lift the petrification on the Dark Devilgod Tiger. Seeing its wife and child still in someone else''s hands, the Dark Devilgod Tiger had no will to resist. It cast one final glance at its family before unleashing its power to begin the sacrifice.


    As the soul beast''s essential energy ignited, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s body became increasingly translucent and its aura surged. A protective shield enveloped both Chen Ming and the Dark Devilgod Tiger.


    With its essence burning away, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s body gradually shrank and faded. Finally, after circling around Chen Ming several times, it plunged into his Ascending Dragon Sword.


    As the Dark Devilgod Tiger entered, a bead and a long scorpion tail flowed through the connection between Chen Ming and the Ascending Dragon Sword, entering Chen Ming''s body.


    Chen Ming kept the scorpion tail and infused it into his external soul bone. The bead, however, was controlled within his body, gradually imprinted with his mark before he expelled it, fusing it with the Ascending Dragon Sword.


    The Ascending Dragon Sword, a martial soul of divine artifact-level quality, was created by fusing the powers of the Golden Dragon, Silver Dragon, Earth Dragon, Fire Dragon, Ice Dragon, and others. Although the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s Devilgod Pearl was powerful, it could not alter the sword''s essence. Under Chen Ming''s control, the pearl merged into the sword''s hilt, becoming an ornamental-looking bead at the end. The Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul and soul ring, infused within the Ascending Dragon Sword, gradually stabilized under the influence of the Devilgod Pearl.


    This process even gave the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul a fleeting notion that it might one day overpower the human. However, when it thought of its wife and child, it abandoned this idea and obediently prepared to dissolve into the soul ring, enhancing its quality.


    At this moment, Chen Ming''s eyes gleamed with golden light. His internal essence and spirituality surged into the Ascending Dragon Sword. Through the Devilgod Pearl at the hilt, this energy was converted with minimal loss before being injected into the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul and soul ring.


    Chen Ming''s essence was vast and powerful, even containing a trace of divine properties. To increase the chances of success in his experiment, Chen Ming used two soul skills from his sixth soul ring and combined them to create a faint trace of creation energy, which he injected into the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul.


    Although reduced to just a soul, the Dark Devilgod Tiger felt an unprecedented surge of power as its soul was transformed and strengthened. The hidden Devilgod energy within the Devilgod Pearl was also activated, reshaping its essence in an entirely new form.


    The energy of the black-and-red soul ring instantly increased by several levels. Under the overwhelming infusion of Chen Ming''s essence, it quickly broke through the 90,000-year threshold and surged toward the 100,000-year mark.


    At this moment, the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul sensed the presence of a tribulation. Chen Ming also felt the arrival of the lightning tribulation.


    The lightning tribulation, a phenomenon of the Douluo World, detected the aura of the God of Destruction and the trials of the God of Thunder within Chen Ming, as well as his fate as a child of destiny. The tribulation''s vague consciousness momentarily hesitated in confusion.


    Lightning Tribulation: "Oh, it''s you, esteemed one? If I''d known it was you, I wouldn''t have interfered."


    After releasing a few lightning bolts as a formality, the tribulation dispersed entirely. The Dark Devilgod Tiger, who had been bracing itself for destruction, was left utterly baffled. It had crossed the 100,000-year threshold in its soul form without any difficulty.


    However, the sacrificial process was not yet complete. Chen Ming suspended the Ascending Dragon Sword in mid-air, closed his eyes, and focused, channeling his spiritual authority. Forming hand seals repeatedly, he used his abilities to refine and control the process.


    The Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul experienced excruciating pain as it was torn apart. Yet, soon after, it felt an inexplicable sense of relief.


    The onlookers could see that intense, malevolent energy was being extracted from the soul ring, soul bone, inner core, and the Dark Devilgod Tiger''s soul. Before this sinister energy could react, Chen Ming absorbed it directly into his body.


    Within Chen Ming''s body, his pseudo-demigod-level God of Sin''s divine position had been lying in wait. Sensing this malevolent energy, it immediately pounced and devoured it. Though the malevolent energy attempted to resist, it was ruthlessly suppressed by Chen Ming and became nourishment for his divine position.


    This trace of malevolent energy, originating from another world, was limited in quantity but exceptional in quality. Although it did not reach the level of a God King, it was between a first-level god and a pseudo-God King in quality. After absorbing this energy, Chen Ming''s Sin God''s divine position immediately advanced.


    The "pseudo" prefix was removed, followed by the "demi-" prefix. Even without any followers worshiping the Sin God, Chen Ming''s divine position was forcibly raised to the level of a third-tier god. With the ascension of his divine position, Chen Ming''s spiritual realm also broke through, surpassing the threshold of divine consciousness it had been infinitely close to before.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [288]

    In an instant, the aura surrounding Chen Ming transformed into something incredibly sinister. Qian Daoliu and the Golden Crocodile Douluo were even forced to retreat a few steps, only regaining their composure when the light radiating from the Angelic Holy Sword shielded them. Meanwhile, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, who was fusing with Chen Ming, felt an indescribable sense of suppression.


    If not for the fact that the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger currently existed in soul form, even if it had broken through to the level of a hundred-thousand-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, it would have been terrified to the point of tears by Chen Ming''s divine aura. After all, Chen Ming, who had absorbed its power of evil, now held a divine position that essentially made him its ancestor.


    "Evil God¡­ Evil God¡­" The soul of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger murmured softly, not daring to resist in the slightest. At the same time, it abandoned any hope for its future or that of its family.


    Chen Ming''s divine consciousness began to reshape the soul of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, further reinforcing the imprint of loyalty on its thoughts. A portion of its soul was also freed from the soul ring, showing signs of materialization.


    Now that Chen Ming''s spiritual power had been elevated to the level of divine consciousness, he was able to instantly view all the soul skills contained within the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger''s soul ring with absolute clarity. It didn''t take him long to select the two most suitable soul skills.


    The first soul skill, Soul Control, was a variant of the soul-manipulating skill originally possessed by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. Since it was a spiritual ability, it could be greatly enhanced by Chen Ming, making it several tiers more powerful than when used by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger itself.


    The second soul skill, Evil Power, was a manifestation of the bloodline altered by the power of the Evil God. It possessed multiple abilities, including corruption, evil transformation, curses, and devouring. With the augmentation of Chen Ming''s divine position as the God of Sin, its potential was remarkably high.


    As for the skill Life-and-Death Arena?


    Well, that wasn''t an actual ability found in the soul ring or bloodline of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger¡ªit was merely a side effect of the Evil God''s power.


    Using Soul Control, provided by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, Chen Ming manipulated and reshaped its soul, then used Evil Power to enhance its quality.


    Although the Evil God''s power within the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger had been completely drained, lowering its quality, Chen Ming supplemented it with his God of Sin''s divine power. As a result, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger not only regained its former quality but was elevated to the level of a true divine beast, becoming a hundred-thousand-year soul beast with divine-level quality.


    Of course, it was now purely a soul form.


    Because it no longer had a physical body, even though its quality and age had both surpassed significant thresholds, its combat power was only equivalent to that of an ordinary beast with an age of over 300,000 years.


    The sacrificial ritual had been extended and modified by Chen Ming, taking nearly an hour before it was finally completed.


    Now, two red soul rings coiled around the Ascending Dragon Sword, and a dark purple bead appeared at its hilt. Chen Ming''s aura returned to normal, and his overall strength seemed to have improved significantly compared to before.


    Chen Ming raised the Ascending Dragon Sword and pointed it forward. A dark purple figure shot out from the sword, transforming into the form of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.


    The soul-form Dark Demon Evil God Tiger now measured ten meters long, with a shoulder height exceeding four meters. Its massive bat-like wings had doubled in number, and its scorpion tail was now entwined with dark purple light. All of its original attributes had been greatly enhanced.


    The thunder attribute, which had been near perfection before, had now fully transformed into a genuine ultimate attribute. Under Chen Ming''s influence, it had even developed a small amount of destructive energy, which was condensed into the "king" symbol on its forehead, making the once-evil symbol appear domineering.


    Feeling the power coursing through its body, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger let out a thunderous roar. Even though it hadn''t used its full strength, the sheer force of the sound waves was on par with the destructive power of an eighth-ring Soul Douluo''s soul skill, reducing the stones on the ground to dust.


    If not for the barrier created by Qian Daoliu using the divine power of the Angel God, this roar could have echoed across half the Star Dou Forest.


    After roaring, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger turned to see its mate and cubs. Its initial excitement over its newfound strength was quickly subdued as it approached Chen Ming, lowering its massive body into a position akin to a human bowing deeply, and made its plea.


    "Master, the experiment has succeeded. I have been reborn. My strength will undoubtedly become your unshakable shield and sharp sword. So please, spare my mate and cubs."


    Even though the loyalty imprint had made Chen Ming its top priority, this didn''t mean the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger''s feelings for its family had been erased. It dared not resist but could only prostrate itself and beg for Chen Ming''s mercy.


    "I told you before: as long as you succeeded, I would spare your mate and cubs. However, their strength is mediocre. With such high-quality bloodlines, without your protection, it would be easy for them to fall prey to other soul beasts or Spirit Masters in the Star Dou Forest."


    "How about this: I''ll keep your mate and cubs in the Spirit Hall. They won''t lack food and will be safe from being hunted. What do you think?"


    Chen Ming spoke to the newly transformed Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. He had always been generous to his people, and now that the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger had become his loyal companion, taking care of its family was only natural.


    "Thank you, Master," the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger replied gratefully.


    To others, such words might sound like hostage-taking. However, to the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, whose thoughts had been altered, it was a source of great joy. In its eyes, its divine and omnipotent master did not need to harm its family.


    Now that it had been elevated to the level of a divine beast, even without a body, its strength had greatly increased. With its master possessing a divine position, there was even a chance it could one day ascend to godhood by following him.


    Entrusting its family to its master''s care was undoubtedly a far better fate than leaving them in the dangerous Star Dou Forest.


    "Good, then let''s return," Chen Ming said. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He retrieved the soul of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, allowing it to sleep within the Evil God Pearl, and then set off with Golden Crocodile Douluo and Qian Daoliu toward the Spirit Hall.


    ...


    Both Golden Crocodile Douluo and Qian Daoliu had top-tier soul tools capable of storing living creatures, so along the way, they placed both the tiger cubs and the adult tigress into their storage soul tools. Only upon returning to the Worship Hall did they release them.


    In the forest behind the Worship Hall, the released White Tiger basked in the dense holy and light-filled energy in the air, its tiger face revealing a look of human-like contentment. The young scorpion-tiger cubs, however, felt fear and unease due to the holy and light energy, and they all scurried into the White Tiger''s embrace.


    Chen Ming then released the restrained aura of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger''s soul. The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger nuzzled against the White Tiger, emitting low growls to express its emotions.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Chen Ming picked up a few of the scorpion-tiger cubs from under the White Tiger and began to pet them.


    Since the cubs had only recently been born, they were about the size of half-year-old kittens. Though their teeth were sharp enough to tear flesh, their underdeveloped scorpion tails still had a certain bouncy texture, which Chen Ming found quite enjoyable to touch.


    After consulting (or rather, informing) the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, Chen Ming activated his external soul bone, which now possessed devouring attributes due to absorbing the scorpion tail of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. He used it to draw out the evil power within the cubs.


    Under Chen Ming''s precise control, the cubs'' evil energy was extracted. Although this slightly damaged their essence, he compensated by infusing them with his ultimate life-grade vitality. Then, using his holy and metallic attributes, he stimulated the White Tiger bloodline within them.


    As the cubs were still young, and freshly born, this enhancement consumed almost no energy from Chen Ming.


    The cubs quickly changed from black to white, their scorpion tails shriveling and falling off, replaced by normal tails. Each one transformed from an evil scorpion-tiger into a true little White Tiger. They no longer rejected the holy and light energy in the air; instead, they found it comforting.


    The little ones rubbed against Chen Ming''s hands, purring with satisfaction as if begging him to grant them more life energy. Feeling joy from the fluffy creatures, Chen Ming didn''t hesitate to share a bit more of his easily replenished vitality.


    Once they left Chen Ming''s arms, the little White Tigers, now brimming with vitality, wobbled around as if drunk before finally collapsing into their mother''s embrace and falling soundly asleep.


    Seeing this scene, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger finally let go of its last remaining worries. No longer fearing for the safety of its mate and cubs after its death, it resolved to serve its master, Chen Ming, with even greater strength and determination.


    PS: Wow, Chen Ming is like Shamrocks with Cerberus sword.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [289]

    After staying in Spirit City for several more days and repeatedly confirming that there were no other matters to handle, Chen Ming finally left Spirit City quietly with Lou Gao and Golden Crocodile Douluo. Yes, Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had broken through to the Ultimate Douluo level, did not remain in the Worship Hall. Instead, he followed Chen Ming¡ªor more accurately, stayed by Lou Gao''s side.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo''s arm bone had been upgraded to 40,000 years, and because of the special nature of the soul bone, Lou Gao had made significant progress in crafting battle armor. With the addition of the technologies from the third-tier soul tools brought by Chen Ming, they could now begin small-scale experiments.


    Golden Crocodile Douluo stayed by Lou Gao''s side not only to ensure Lou Gao''s safety but also to improve his strength and, incidentally, to see if he could craft some equipment to enhance his combat abilities.


    After all, his breakthrough had been the result of nearly a century of accumulation and a stroke of luck. Since his spirit power had already reached the human limit, further closed-door cultivation was unlikely to bring him any significant improvements. After discussing with Qian Daoliu, he decided to station himself in Gengxin City for a while.


    In any case, the fact that he had broken through to Ultimate Douluo was only known to a few people in the Worship Hall, along with Qian Renxue and Chen Ming. Everyone else was unaware of it.


    When he returned to Spirit Hall earlier, he had deliberately shown himself to be in poor condition. Even after receiving significant healing, he still looked as if he didn''t have many years left to live. This served as the perfect cover. As long as Qian Daoliu publicly declared that Golden Crocodile Douluo was in seclusion for cultivation, no one would suspect anything.


    After leaving Spirit City, Chen Ming awakened Ah Yin''s spirit, which had been dormant in his right leg bone. Without waiting for her to ask what had happened, he infused her with a significant amount of life essence as a reward for risking her life to reverse-feed her soul power in the Star Dou Forest.


    Lou Gao and Golden Crocodile Douluo returned to Gengxin City, with Lou Gao acting openly and Golden Crocodile Douluo remaining in the shadows. From that point on, the Blacksmith Association became Chen Ming''s unshakable foundation.


    Chen Ming then made a trip to Heaven Dou City, intending to visit Dugu Bo''s estate and discuss recent events. However, the butler informed him that Dugu Bo was in seclusion at their usual spot with Dugu Yan. With no other choice, Chen Ming headed back to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.


    ...


    After a brief exchange with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, he learned that Dugu Yan''s soul power had recently broken through to level 49. Dugu Bo, sensing an opportunity, had taken her to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to refine her soul power and prepare her to reach level 50.


    The two of them were completely unaware of the dramatic events that had unfolded in the Douluo World over the past month. In a sense, they had entirely missed the shocking developments.


    After sending Dugu Yan away, Chen Ming explained the situation to Dugu Bo. That night, using the martial soul fusion between his and Dugu Yan''s soul power, he helped her break through the barrier between level 49 and level 50. They then hunted a 40,000-year-old top-tier soul beast with Azure Dragon bloodline, the Heaven-Swallowing Python, in the Sunset Forest as her fifth soul ring.


    The Heaven-Swallowing Python was non-venomous but possessed an incredibly strong physique. It was massive in size and had immense vitality, impenetrable scales, and high resistance. Although it had no unique abilities beyond brute strength and durability, this lack of special powers was a testament to the purity of its dragon bloodline. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Heaven-Swallowing Python they hunted had already grown two pairs of small legs on its upper body, and two fleshy protrusions had formed on its head. It was on the verge of transitioning from a python to a flood dragon. Had it not been killed, it might have been able to attempt this evolution in another ten thousand years.


    Even with Dugu Yan''s foundation, which included two 50,000-year leg soul bones and a 40,000-year head soul bone, absorbing the Heaven-Swallowing Python''s soul ring still put her under significant strain. However, the rewards were substantial: her physical attributes improved dramatically, and her soul power jumped directly to level 52.


    The fifth soul ring granted Dugu Yan an excellent amplification skill. When activated, it formed a strong defensive shield around her and significantly boosted her overall strength.


    Chen Ming advised Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan to keep a low profile and avoid traveling across the continent for the time being. Afterward, he left the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and returned to his hometown, Biluochen City.


    ...


    His grandfather, Chen Shijie, was still much the same, though a few years older. Thanks to the various herbs Chen Ming had provided, he appeared even younger than before. His soul power had recently broken through to level 57 and was approaching level 58.


    Chen Ming''s second uncle, Chen Tianyun, was also in good shape. He was now a level 56 Soul King. Advancing five or six levels in three years at the Soul King stage was considered excellent progress on the Douluo Continent. During his quiet visit home, Chen Ming helped his grandfather and second uncle adjust their conditions. He restored some of his grandfather''s vitality and brought his soul power up to level 58, alleviating the age-related slowdown in cultivation. With this, his grandfather might reach level 60 within two or three years.


    As for his second uncle, Chen Ming''s adjustments raised him to level 57 and even improved his talent. With this, he could likely become a Soul Emperor in another two or three years.


    After chatting with them, Chen Ming instructed them to wait for him or consult Dugu Bo should they need new soul rings in the future. He then left without lingering long in Biluochen City, as there was little to miss beyond his family in that desolate place.


    After handling his affairs, Chen Ming checked the time and realized there were about three months left until the graduation season for primary soul master academies. This meant that in roughly four months, Tang San and Xiao Wu would be admitted to Shrek Academy, and the story would continue to unfold.


    Chen Ming initially planned to leave the Douluo Continent and follow the path laid out by the consciousness of the Douluo World to visit the nearby Sun Moon Continent in search of further improvement. However, just as he was preparing to leave, Ah Yin pleaded with him to let her return to the Blue Silver Forest for a visit.


    Considering her good behavior and the fact that the Blue Silver Forest was indeed a significant location in the original story, Chen Ming decided to take some time to fly there. He allowed Ah Yin to reunite with the Blue Silver King and her people and took the opportunity to transfer the faith of the Blue Silver Grass clan to himself.


    Initially, the Blue Silver King resisted, refusing even under Ah Yin''s persuasion. However, once Chen Ming revealed the origin of his left leg bone, the entire Blue Silver Grass clan practically cried and begged to transfer their faith to him.


    After all, the strongest plant-type soul beast on the Douluo Continent had already been turned into a soul ring and a soul bone. Their queen had also been reborn thanks to him. Why hesitate? Refusing would be downright disrespectful.


    The faith of the Blue Silver Grass clan was significant, and its purity was notable. However, it still wasn''t enough to help Chen Ming fully establish a divine position. He needed to accumulate more over time.


    ...


    After leaving a part of his consciousness in the Blue Silver King and instructing him on how to interact with Tang San and Tang Hao in the future, Chen Ming left the Blue Silver Forest. Taking a southern route around the Douluo Continent, he entered the Antarctic region and then traveled to the Sun Moon Continent, whose name was still uncertain at the time.


    Why take the Antarctic route?


    Well, from a physical perspective, it was because the Douluo Continent was a spherical planet, and the Sun Moon Continent was located closer to the equator on the southern side. Traveling via the Antarctic was faster than flying directly.


    From a fantasy perspective, it was because the sea was the Sea God''s domain. Chen Ming wanted to avoid approaching the ocean too closely, in case he found himself isolated and vulnerable. He also wanted to avoid encountering creatures like the Deep Sea Demon Whale King or other dangerous beings. With his mastery of extreme ice, taking the safer Antarctic route was the better choice.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [290]

    Chen Ming was flying at an incredible speed. After passing through the South Pole, he managed to reach the southern region of the Sun-Moon Continent in just about ten days.


    Currently, although humans dominate the Sun-Moon Continent, they lack the capability to extend their presence across the entire landmass.


    The southern region of the continent is relatively cold, which makes it a harsh and desolate land for the Sun-Moon people, who prefer hot climates (all nobles are dark-skinned). Except for a few defeated refugees, exiles, and some unique small tribes, there are hardly any traces of humans in the southern part of the Sun-Moon Continent.


    Upon first arriving on the Sun-Moon Continent, Chen Ming was quite intrigued and decided to explore the human settlements in the south to see how this continent differed from the Douluo Continent.


    However, after scanning several settlements with his spiritual sense, he discovered a disappointing reality: out of nearly 100,000 residents, only about a thousand were soul masters, which was roughly just one-third of the proportion found on the Douluo Continent.


    Among these thousand or so soul masters, the average cultivation level was only that of a low-ranking Soul Master. There were very few Grand Soul Masters, while a Soul Elder could become the leader of a small settlement. A Soul Ancestor was regarded as a regional overlord, and the strongest soul master was just an elderly Soul King with a soul ring configuration of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and purple.


    As for the quality of martial souls...


    Let''s put it this way: back when Chen Ming first awakened his martial soul, the second son of the city lord in his hometown had a martial soul of a leopard cat, which was considered low quality but at least capable of making him a soul master.


    Here, among this group of soul masters, even that slightly degraded leopard cat martial soul would be considered above average. If you factor in the poison attribute, it might even qualify as a top-tier martial soul within this group. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, Chen Ming, back when he had just absorbed his second soul ring and had not yet joined the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, could have effortlessly wiped out all these people.


    The only martial soul that could barely be considered high-grade was the fire-element martial soul of the elderly Soul King.


    The problem is, pure elemental martial souls are typically of top-tier quality, so a mere high-grade fire element martial soul was truly underwhelming.


    Chen Ming had initially thought that these people must have some other capabilities to survive here. Even if their martial souls were weak, they should at least excel in soul tools, right?


    But after scanning the area repeatedly, Chen Ming was left speechless by what he discovered.


    The most skilled soul engineer among them was only a fourth-level soul engineer, and it was none other than the elderly Soul King with the fire-element martial soul. Moreover, due to his old age and declining physical and mental health, he no longer crafted fourth-level soul tools and could at most create third-level ones.


    In these tribes, the number of soul tools was less than half the number of soul masters. Forget about equipping everyone with a soul tool¡ªeven among low-level soul masters, two or three of them might not even share a single first-level storage soul tool.


    As for their technical skill... Chen Ming didn''t even bother to comment.


    Perhaps due to his advanced age, Chen Ming watched as the elderly Soul King''s hand trembled while engraving a soul formation, causing the soul tool''s core to explode. If Chen Ming hadn''t stabilized it in time, the old man might have blown himself up.


    Initially intrigued by the continent, Chen Ming quickly lost his patience due to encountering such disappointing individuals. After stabilizing the soul tool core, he directly teleported into the elderly Soul King''s tent, knocked out the guards outside with a mental shockwave, and released the aura of an ordinary Soul King.


    He thought this would prompt the elderly Soul King to cooperate and talk. Instead, the Soul King, who had the aura of a Soul King himself, was trembling under Chen Ming''s ordinary Soul King aura. He couldn''t even speak, and his soul power flowed chaotically.


    Chen Ming couldn''t help but laugh in exasperation. He finally realized that this elderly Soul King was a fraud who had relied on drugs and seniority to climb the ranks. His combat ability was worse than that of an average Soul Ancestor on the Douluo Continent.


    To avoid accidentally killing the old man, Chen Ming withdrew his aura and even used soul power to stabilize the Soul King''s condition. Only then did the elderly Soul King barely recover.


    Looking up at the towering Chen Ming, the old man suddenly dropped to his knees, his body trembling as he spoke in a voice filled with fear:


    "Could it be... after all these years, that lord still refuses to let me go? Even though I''ve fled to the farthest corner of the continent, even though I''ve grown old and decrepit, that lord still remembers me as a rival in love?"


    "Back then, Cuihua chose me because I loved her, and she loved me too. All these years have passed¡ª"


    "Alright, alright, old man, stop talking. I''m not here on anyone''s behalf. I''m just here to ask some questions. If you don''t calm down, I''ll help you cool off."


    Chen Ming released a bit of cold energy, causing the elderly Soul King to shiver uncontrollably.


    "Please, great warrior, spare me. I will answer whatever you ask."


    "I''ll ask, and you''ll answer. What is this continent called? How many countries are there? Which is the strongest nation? What''s the level of the strongest soul master? How many Titled Douluos are there? What''s the most advanced soul tool technology on this continent? And what are the major factions here?"


    Chen Ming made no effort to hide his status as an outsider, so despite his fear, the elderly Soul King could clearly tell that Chen Ming was not from this continent.


    The Sun-Moon Continent was surrounded by many islands, so the old man assumed Chen Ming was a sea soul master from one of the islands who had lost his way.


    "Please, calm yourself, great warrior. This continent is called the Sun-Moon Continent and is divided into five nations: the Rising Sun Empire, the Waning Moon Empire, the Fire Phoenix Empire, the Evil Eye Empire, and the Tyrant Dragon Empire. The most powerful nations are undoubtedly the Rising Sun Empire and the Waning Moon Empire."


    "These two nations are incredibly strong and have intermarried over the centuries, forming a thousand-year-old alliance that suppresses the other three empires. It''s said that if they weren''t wary of conflict between themselves, the other three empires would have been destroyed long ago."


    "This overwhelming strength of the two nations is why the continent is called the Sun-Moon Continent. The remaining three nations can only band together to resist the advances of the Rising Sun and Waning Moon Empires."


    "The Rising Sun and Waning Moon Empires occupy the northern regions and are known as the Sun-Moon Alliance, while the other three nations form the Dragon-Phoenix-Evil Alliance, led by the Tyrant Dragon Empire."


    "The Rising Sun Empire''s legacy martial soul is the Sun, while the Waning Moon Empire''s is the Moon. The Fire Phoenix Empire''s is the Fiery Phoenix, and although the Evil Eye Empire is symbolized by the continent''s strongest soul beast, the Evil Eye, its legacy martial soul is the Silver Moon Wolf."


    "The Tyrant Dragon Empire possesses the strongest legacy martial soul on the Sun-Moon Continent, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. A rare few within the empire can awaken an even stronger martial soul, the Purple Radiance Annihilation Dragon, which is universally acknowledged as the strongest martial soul on this continent. Although their soul engineers are the weakest among the five nations, they have the highest number of high-level soul masters."


    "The strongest soul master on this continent is, of course, the emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire, whose martial soul is the Purple Radiance Annihilation Dragon. His strength is unmatched, making him the only Titled Douluo on the Sun-Moon Continent in the last century."


    "As for how many Titled Douluos this continent has... to my knowledge, there''s only the Tyrant Dragon Emperor, Zilong, at least on the surface."


    "As for soul tool technology... the most advanced soul engineers on this continent can create sixth-level soul tools. It''s rumored that the Rising Sun and Waning Moon Empires are researching seventh-level soul tools capable of threatening Titled Douluos, but no one knows if this is true."


    "I myself am a fourth-level soul engineer. Though far inferior to the likes of sixth-level soul engineers, I was considered a genius in the field when I was younger. If not for offending a powerful figure and being exiled, I might have had a chance to reach the sixth level."


    After making sure he had answered all of Chen Ming''s questions, the elderly Soul King spoke cautiously:


    "Great warrior, please, I implore you not to harm our tribe. If there is anything you need, I will do everything in my power to fulfill your request. If it''s soul tools you want, I have a complete set of fourth-level soul engineering manuals, as well as a fifth-level soul tool ray gun passed down to me by my teacher."


    "If you need them, I will gladly offer them to you with both hands. I only ask that you spare our tribe."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [291]

    How should we describe the strength of the Sun-Moon Continent?


    In Chen Ming''s view, even the lower four sects could practically dominate half of the continent and establish their kingdom. Any one of the Upper Three Sects could crush all other forces and rename the continent entirely. A Level 6 Soul Engineer, who can create the most powerful Level 6 Fixed Soul Guidance Cannon Shells, according to Soul Land 2 era, only possesses destructive power equivalent to a Soul Douluo.


    (A Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Cannon Shell is equivalent to an attack from an Ultimate Douluo, Level 8 is equivalent to an attack from a Super Douluo, Level 7 matches a Title Douluo''s attack, and Level 6 is on par with the power of a Soul Douluo.)


    So, excluding the single Title Douluo who appeared in hundreds of years, does this mean the upper limit of combat power on the Sun-Moon Continent is only at the level of a Soul Douluo?


    That''s ridiculously weak.


    However, to be honest, considering that even in the Soul Land 2 era after 10,000 years, the Sun-Moon Continent still didn''t have its own Super Douluo, Chen Ming thought this situation seemed quite normal.


    It''s 10,000 years earlier now. It''s normal for Soul Tool technology to lag several levels behind, and for manufacturing techniques to be far inferior to those of the Legend of the Soul Land 2 era.


    During the Soul Land 2 era, Level 8 and Level 9 Soul Engineers of the Sun-Moon Empire could barely enhance themselves to Title Douluo levels by relying on medicine. However, in this era 10,000 years earlier, that kind of top-notch medicine hadn''t even been developed yet. For a Level 6 Soul Engineer, enhancing themselves to Soul Sage levels by taking medicine could be considered normal, while becoming a Soul Douluo would only be achievable for geniuses. As for reaching Title Douluo, that was a once-in-several-centuries occurrence.


    Chen Ming didn''t even feel like complaining anymore. He figured that if he were given two or three years, he could directly take over the entire continent: three months to travel, three months to eliminate resistance, and the rest of the time to consolidate his rule.


    Looking at the trembling old Soul King before him, Chen Ming waved his sleeve, and his gentle soul power lifted the man off the ground. With a few quick taps of his fingers, Chen Ming planted a deadly poison within the old Soul King''s body. Then, he casually cleared the residual toxins and medicinal buildup clogging the man''s meridians.


    The old Soul King had originally been at Level 52 soul power, but after Chen Ming cleared some of the toxins, his soul power rose to Level 53.


    Seeing Chen Ming, who had calmly increased his soul power by one level, the old Soul King''s eyes were full of shock.


    Even if he were foolish, he could tell that the young man before him wasn''t on the same level as himself but was a much more advanced existence.


    Recalling how the other had casually mentioned the number of Title Douluos earlier, he boldly speculated that this young-looking soul master might be a Soul Sage close to the level of a Soul Douluo!


    The thought that the person before him might be a Soul Sage made the old Soul King gasp, marveling at such terrifying talent.


    "I have some matters to attend to on this continent, and I don''t want anyone to reveal my presence. So I''ve planted a deadly poison in your body. However, I also gave you a small boost in soul power. If you try to betray me, the poison will erupt inside you and melt you into a pool of liquid."


    "But if you satisfy me, I don''t mind helping you clear more of the toxins in your body and raising your soul power by another level or two."


    As Chen Ming spoke, he used his soul power to pick up a piece of special metal from the table. He gripped it in his hand, releasing a touch of poisonous soul power. The metal immediately began to melt violently, turning into a pool of liquid that dripped to the ground, corroding through the thick stone slab beneath them.


    Seeing the metal, which could be used to make Level 4 Soul Tools, dissolve into liquid in an instant, the old Soul King''s expression changed dramatically. Fear flashed through his eyes before he quickly masked it with a look of respect.


    "My lord, rest assured. I''ve always been tight-lipped," the old Soul King said, patting his chest as he introduced himself.


    "My name is Xu Bai. I''m a distant relative of the Xu family from the royal line of the Rising Sun Empire. My martial soul is a mutated fire-element Sun Martial Soul. I am 56 years old, a Level 52¡­ no, 53 Soul King, officially certified as a Level 4 Soul Engineer in the Rising Sun Empire. I once studied under a Level 6 Soul Engineer of the Empire. But because I competed with a royal family member over a woman, I was exiled to this barren land for 20 years."


    Hearing this old Soul King, who looked like he was about to drop dead any minute, claim he was only 56 years old, Chen Ming was momentarily stunned. Based on the vitality and aging in his body, this guy would be over 70 on the Douluo Continent.


    However, considering the massive residual toxins from low-quality medicines in his body, Chen Ming figured this man might have been poisoned into his current state.


    As for Xu Bai''s claim of being a distant royal relative of the Xu family and having studied under a Level 6 Soul Engineer in his youth, this caught Chen Ming''s attention. After all, one of his purposes in coming to the Sun-Moon Continent was to explore its Soul Engineer system.


    Even though this man had been exiled for decades, his background might still provide Chen Ming with the foundational materials for Soul Tool technology or help him identify the top Soul Engineers of the Sun-Moon Continent.


    "Old Xu, you mentioned Soul Tool manuals and Level 5 Soul Tools earlier?"


    Chen Ming gestured to Xu Bai. The old and cunning Xu Bai immediately returned to his desk, tapped away for a while, and retrieved a Soul Tool resembling a water gun, about as long as an adult''s forearm.


    Xu Bai respectfully handed the Soul Tool to Chen Ming and began explaining its basic functions and principles.


    In simple terms, the Soul Tool gathers soul power into the container at the back end using an array. Then, it activates a mid-section array for attribute conversion and charging, before releasing all the stored soul power at once through the array at the front.


    This process requires careful control by the soul master, or else it might result in soul power dissipation or failed activation. According to Xu Bai, this Level 5 Soul Guidance Ray Gun was the last gift from his teacher. Though it was cumbersome to use, its destructive power was immense¡ªequivalent to that of a Soul King.


    Chen Ming asked Xu Bai to compare its power to his fifth soul skill. After some thought, Xu Bai gave his answer:


    "Its power is not inferior to my fifth soul skill. Because it''s a linear attack, its single-point destructive power might even surpass my fifth soul skill."


    Equivalent to a fifth soul skill from a low-level Soul King with suboptimal configurations, a mediocre martial soul, and reliance on medicines?


    What incredible power. (Expressionless.) S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    PS: Chen Ming was not impressed. xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [292]

    Even with Chen Ming''s exceptional ability to maintain his composure, he couldn''t help but feel the urge to roll his eyes as he held the so-called high-quality fifth-level soul tool, which was supposedly considered top-tier on the current Sun and Moon Continent. He handed the soul tool back to Xu Bai, who was staring at it with nostalgia and reverence and then asked him to bring over the basic textbooks on soul tools. With a snap of his fingers, Chen Ming released his poison-type soul power, transforming it into a refreshing aroma that revived the guards and soul masters he had knocked out with an earlier AoE attack.


    This display left Xu Bai in awe, elevating his opinion of Chen Ming to a whole new level. He even began to suspect that the person in front of him might be a Titled Douluo-level powerhouse.


    Chen Ming, uninterested in Xu Bai''s amazement, simply told him to keep quiet about what had just happened and then promptly kicked him out of his room. Sitting at the desk, Chen Ming began flipping through the towering stack of basic textbooks, which stood taller than half a man.


    His spiritual power had already reached the level of divine consciousness, making his reading ability far beyond the concept of photographic memory. With just a single thought, he could scan through large swathes of text.


    Chen Ming''s reading process involved simultaneously analyzing the formations described in the books and casually picking up pieces of metal from the desk to carve them with his soul power.


    Thanks to a recent resupply of various metals during his trip to Gengxin City with Lou Gao and Gold Crocodile Douluo, Chen Ming had ample raw materials to support his basic training.


    Previously, while in Douluo Hall, Chen Ming had acquired information on soul engineers up to level three. Now, by cross-referencing it with the level one to four soul engineer data from the Sun and Moon Continent, he gained a profound understanding of the soul engineer system.


    On the Douluo Continent, soul tools were primarily focused on storage-type tools, with no research into offensive or defensive applications. In contrast, the Sun and Moon Continent''s research was far more comprehensive, addressing storage, offense, and defense.


    The basic materials alone detailed over a hundred types of soul tool formations, ranging from ray guns to shields, divided into various attributes and types. Among them, the production methods for fixed-installation soul-guided cannon shells were even recorded.


    However, as basic textbooks, these books merely documented the formations without detailed explanations, principles, or precautions. Xu Bai, however, had handwritten many notes on principles and key points in small characters next to various soul tools and formations.


    Without putting in too much effort, Chen Ming, with his current level of spiritual power and soul power control, managed to create several soul tool cores of varying levels within just a few minutes:


    Level 1: Ray gun cores (paralysis and explosive types), equivalent in power to a ten-year soul skill of a basic-quality soul master. A level 1 shield core (neutral, manually activated), capable of blocking one shot from a level 1 ray gun.


    Level 2: A ray gun core (burning attribute) and a shield core (metal attribute, manually activated), capable of withstanding 2¨C3 attacks from a ray gun of the same level.


    Level 3: A fixed-installation soul-guided cannon core and two accompanying explosive-type cannon shell cores.


    Level 4: A storage soul tool core and a shield core.


    After crafting these, Chen Ming''s opinion of soul tools from this era slightly improved. While they were not suitable for primary cultivation, they were indeed valuable as auxiliary tools, especially for lower-level soul masters.


    For low-level soul masters with only one or two soul rings, a level 1 or 2 ray gun and shield soul tool essentially granted them two additional soul skills. With proper training, their combat strength could increase by 50%, if not double.


    Soul tool shields were particularly noteworthy. A level 2 shield could withstand several attacks from a two-ring soul master or a third soul skill from a level 30 Soul Elder. A level 3 shield could block the fourth soul skill of a Soul Ancestor, while a level 4 shield could resist one or two ten-thousand-year soul skills from a Soul King.


    Considering that soul skills typically had cooldown times, each blocked skill could significantly influence the outcome of a battle. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fixed-installation soul-guided cannon shells were even more destructive. With a shield and a cannon, a level 30 Soul Elder could potentially kill a level 50 Soul King. Moreover, these cannon shells were notable for their ability to be stockpiled in advance, making them essential tools for overcoming stronger opponents.


    If Chen Ming could manually craft a level 10 or 11 soul-guided cannon shell, while it might not reach the level of flattening Shrek City as seen in later eras, it would still be capable of defeating a demigod (albeit one without a god position).


    "High-level battles don''t benefit much from these tools, but mass-producing and equipping them for low-level soul masters could result in a formidable army," Chen Ming muttered to himself, rubbing his temples.


    "Right now, I can plant a seed in ordinary people without innate soul power. With the right cultivation techniques, they could become soul masters in two to three years. My abilities can also corrupt and enhance martial souls, improving their quality and granting simple devouring abilities."


    "The devouring doesn''t necessarily have to involve humans or soul beasts¡ªit can also enhance their absorption of ordinary food and medicinal herbs. Even ordinary people, with relentless training and sufficient food, can grow quickly."


    "By my calculations, in about five years, I could create an army where everyone is at least at the Soul Grandmaster level. Pair that with soul tools..."


    Chen Ming''s intention wasn''t to forge such an army for conquest but rather to build a force to sustain and spread the faith.


    With his current abilities, he could recruit a team from among the powerless yet determined civilians who yearned to become soul masters. With the vast number of civilians, he could select the most resolute, devout, and hardworking individuals to transform into soul masters and gradually elevate their strength.


    For the foundational level, a strength of level 30 was sufficient. These individuals could serve as role models to attract more people to join his faith while also protecting it.


    Chen Ming''s idea was to select a group of the most devout, resolute, and hardworking people to form a personal guard army with strength around the Soul Sage level and equipped with level 6 soul tools. This force would act as his holy army, akin to the Spirit Hall, managing conquered territories and expanding his faith. In the future, they could also be used to explore the other two continents.


    After all, Chen Ming couldn''t handle everything personally. A deity wasn''t a laborer. Occasionally manifesting miracles was the best approach; over-involvement could backfire.


    Understanding the unpredictable nature of human hearts, Chen Ming neither underestimated nor overestimated them.


    After a moment of thought, Chen Ming stored away most of the soul tool cores on the table, leaving behind only level 1 and 2 ray guns and shields, which he crafted into complete tools.


    Once the four soul tools were assembled, Chen Ming used his spiritual power to summon Xu Bai back into the room, saying he had something for him.


    As the leader and strongest soul master of the tribe, Xu Bai wielded absolute authority. Even though he didn''t explain why everyone had fainted earlier, his words alone were enough to make people forget about the incident.


    Xu Bai, who had been scouring the tribe for beautiful women, fine wine, delicious food, and treasures to offer Chen Ming, immediately froze upon hearing the spiritual summons. Under the confused gazes of his guards, he quickly returned to the stone house, instructing the guards to stand watch outside.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [293]

    Xu Bai returned to the room, intending to ask Chen Ming if he had any orders, but what he saw on the table left his mind completely blank. There were four newly assembled soul tools sitting there.


    Sure, first- and second-level soul tools didn''t require much technical skill, and they were relatively fast to produce.


    But the issue was, that fast meant a second-level soul engineer could produce one in about a day, or a higher-level soul engineer could complete it in a few hours. It didn''t mean they could just be casually thrown together in mere minutes!


    And among those devices was a soul shield!


    While soul ray guns were among the simplest types of soul tools, soul shields were among the most complex. The gap between the two was enormous. Typically, a soul engineer one level higher than the shield''s grade would be required to craft it. The complexity and cost of a shield were several times that of a ray gun.


    But¡­ Xu Bai had only been gone for half an hour.


    No, not even that¡ªhe''d only been out for a few minutes! And now these soul tools were already done?


    How could Xu Bai be so sure these soul tools had just been made?


    Because the carving tools and raw materials Chen Ming had used were the ones Xu Bai had left on the table before leaving. Xu Bai could even see the scraps left over from carving the soul tools'' cores scattered across the table.


    "My lord, are you¡­ a sixth¡ªno, a seventh-level soul engineer?" Even though he knew his life was in this man''s hands, Xu Bai couldn''t suppress the trembling in his voice as he asked Chen Ming.


    At this moment, he desperately hoped Chen Ming would answer "yes." But Chen Ming simply shook his head.


    "I''m only a fourth-level soul engineer. I just read a book and learned about it. After all, the materials you have here only go up to the fourth-level soul engineer standards. These tools are just pieces I made to practice; I wanted to ask you how they turned out."


    Xu Bai''s legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees, staring blankly at Chen Ming with his mouth agape as if his soul had left his body.


    After a long while, he shakily stood up and approached the soul tools, beginning to test them one by one.


    He fired the soul ray gun at a target in the room. The energy consumption was minimal, the power was excellent, and the internal structure was remarkably stable. Using it even gave an unexpectedly smooth and seamless feeling.


    The power wasn''t overwhelming, but the charging and firing speeds far exceeded normal standards. Its efficiency in utilizing soul power was outstanding, drastically reducing both the user''s energy expenditure and the wear and tear on the gun with each shot.


    Though it wasn''t designed for rapid consecutive firing, its overall performance was so impressive that it could easily handle short bursts of rapid fire.


    The defensive soul shield was even more extraordinary. The structure was stable, its deployment was quick, and the shield''s strength was exceptional. Despite being a standard second-level soul device crafted with ordinary runes and metals, every aspect of its performance was the very best among second-level devices.


    Even if Xu Bai used better runes and higher-quality metals to create a second-level soul device, he wouldn''t be able to match this level of craftsmanship.


    After testing the devices, Xu Bai stared blankly at Chen Ming, his mind completely devoid of thought.


    His strength couldn''t compare. His talent couldn''t compare. Even his skills in crafting soul tools couldn''t compare.


    Xu Bai would rather believe that the man before him was a legendary seventh-level soul engineer cultivated by the Rising Sun Empire or the Bright Moon Empire. He would rather believe that these low-level soul tools were the work of a master craftsman than accept the reality that these had been created in such a short time by someone who had never touched soul tools before.


    "I am a half-god who has transcended the limits of soul masters. I''ve come to the Sun-Moon Continent to develop my followers. Because my strength is so overwhelming, crafting soul tools is a simple matter for me."


    Looking at the dazed Xu Bai, Chen Ming first constructed a barrier to block the flow of energy, then quietly activated his domain of elements.


    Various elements danced in his hands, constantly shifting forms. Light, fire, darkness, thunder¡ªnearly every imaginable and unimaginable element appeared, one after another, transforming endlessly.


    The elements took the shapes of soul beasts, such as dragons, phoenixes, and qilins, playfully swirling and clashing around Chen Ming. This fantastical sight turned the small room into a surreal realm. Xu Bai stared at it in a stupor, the soul tool in his hand slipping to the ground unnoticed.


    At this moment, his mind had completely overloaded.


    The strongest person Xu Bai had ever seen in his life was a Soul Douluo from the Rising Sun Empire. That expert, with their eight soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black¡ªand awe-inspiring true martial soul form, had shown terrifying destructive power by slaying a ten-thousand-year soul beast in a single blow. That was what Xu Bai had believed to be the pinnacle of strength.


    In his eyes, Soul Douluo were already like demigods, and Titled Douluo were true deities. But the scene before him shattered his worldview.


    Chen Ming wasn''t displaying destructive power, yet every element exuded an aura that utterly suppressed Xu Bai''s martial soul. Even the slightest released energy made him feel as though his very soul was being torn from his body. If Chen Ming hadn''t deliberately restrained his aura, the elemental spirits frolicking around him could have easily crushed Xu Bai''s body and will.


    Life and death, decay and renewal¡ªbehind Chen Ming, countless visions appeared. They depicted the cycle of life, from birth to death and rebirth, manifesting the entirety of existence.


    Sickness, aging, death, rebirth, and growth¡ªthese universal truths unfolded in the space, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the renewal that springs from it.


    The aura emanating from Chen Ming was profoundly pure and sacred. Even the most ignorant would sense the transcendence and divinity within it. It was something utterly beyond the realm of mortals.


    Witnessing this, Xu Bai collapsed to his knees with a loud thud, tears streaming down his face as he murmured under his breath.


    "A god¡­ This is the power of a god."


    "A god¡­ A true god has descended." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Ming could feel the beginnings of faith forming within Xu Bai''s heart. It was faint but undeniably present.


    With a solemn expression, Chen Ming stepped forward, gathering soul power in his palm. He gently patted Xu Bai on the shoulder three times.


    The first tap infused Xu Bai with vitality, rejuvenating his body, which had been weakened by years of hardship and accumulated toxins. His aged, frail body rapidly regained its vigor, the toxins dissipating. He felt as though he had been reborn.


    The second tap injected warm soul power, awakening the dormant energy within Xu Bai. It guided his internal strength to new heights, transforming the previously chaotic soul power into something pure and robust. His soul power surged from level 53 to 54.


    The third tap manipulated Xu Bai''s martial soul and soul power. Chen Ming infused a trace of extreme fire and light attributes, using his spiritual power to guide the collision of these forces with Xu Bai''s martial soul. This ignited the core of Xu Bai''s martial soul and awakened the latent power within his bloodline.


    Though the process was excruciating, Xu Bai could distinctly feel his martial soul evolving. His fire element intensified and purified, ultimately condensing into a radiant sphere of blazing energy.


    This was one of the most powerful martial souls on the Sun-Moon Continent, an ability now found only among the direct descendants of the Rising Sun Empire''s royal family¡ªthe Sun.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [294]

    To be honest, Chen Ming''s method of recruiting followers was indeed a bit hasty. But there was no helping it¡ªhe simply wasn''t particularly gifted in this area. Even though he had witnessed many beliefs and religions in his past life, he lacked the talent for preaching. Or rather, he couldn''t present himself as some omniscient and omnipotent being.


    Faith is undoubtedly a good thing, but if faith becomes too chaotic, it can lead to serious problems. Chen Ming dared not bite off more than he could chew. Even if he wanted to develop in the direction of omnipotence, he would have to divide himself into different facets, handling various types of faith separately.


    As his body recovered, his soul power increased, and even his martial soul returned to its original state, Xu Bai''s gaze toward Chen Ming had become filled with devotion. While he wasn''t quite a fanatic yet, he was already at a level of deep reverence.


    A mere pat on the shoulder could transform someone¡ªthis seemed, to any normal person, to be nothing short of divine power.


    Chen Ming helped Xu Bai to his feet, and the latter''s previously frail and aged body had regained some vitality. White hair on his forehead had fallen away, and black stubble had begun to grow in its place. His withered skin had regained some of its luster and elasticity. Although he still didn''t look like a Soul King in his fifties, he at least appeared much younger than before.


    In life, people pursue little more than power, wealth, and beauty. But in the face of strength, these three desires can all take a backseat. When lost vitality rapidly returns to one''s body, and an aging frame regains the vigor of youth, almost no one can resist such temptation.


    Although Chen Ming''s sudden appearance was undoubtedly suspicious to the average person, the power and transformation he granted Xu Bai were undeniably real. Now, if anyone dared to tell Xu Bai that Chen Ming wasn''t a god, Xu Bai would be the first to rush to argue with them.


    Moreover, the glimpse of Chen Ming''s comprehension of the divine aspect of life and death had an even greater impact on ordinary mortals. Even though Chen Ming hadn''t actively tried to twist anyone''s thoughts, those with weaker wills would instinctively gravitate toward worshiping him upon sensing his divinity.


    Take Ah Yin, who had directly confronted Chen Ming''s divine nature¡ªshe had nearly lost herself to his allure. This wasn''t a matter of forced mental manipulation; it stemmed from the most primal instincts of living beings. The desire to revere strength and to strive for self-improvement is something inherent in everyone.


    Xu Bai trembled as he stared at Chen Ming, muttering incoherent words in his excitement. Many of his sentences were jumbled and disorganized, but Chen Ming easily discerned his thoughts and responded with profound simplicity.


    It took quite a while for Xu Bai to calm down and return to a semblance of normalcy, though his gaze at Chen Ming still carried uncontrollable reverence.


    Chen Ming had just explained to him the concept of a demigod¡ªa realm beyond that of an Ultimate Douluo. However, what left Chen Ming slightly speechless was that, although the Sun Moon Continent used the same language and classification system for realms as the Douluo Continent, no Super Douluo had ever appeared in the thousands of years of the Sun Moon Continent''s history. As a result, they had no understanding of what an Ultimate Douluo even was. Chen Ming had to briefly explain the rankings of Titled Douluos before Xu Bai could grasp the concept.


    In short, while Chen Ming called himself a demigod, in Xu Bai''s eyes, Chen Ming was a god. After all, before today, Xu Bai already regarded Titled Douluos as god-like beings. Someone stronger than a Titled Douluo? Naturally, that could only be a true god.


    When Chen Ming explained that he had come to this continent to spread the faith and that he was also interested in soul tool technology, Xu Bai immediately pounded his chest and swore to help Chen Ming accomplish his mission.


    Xu Bai had been exiled for twenty years. Though this time wasn''t short, it wasn''t particularly long for a Soul Master. When he had left, his teacher was still in his prime, as were many of his senior brothers. As long as nothing major had happened, it was highly likely that most of them were still alive.


    Although Xu Bai had refrained from seeking their help after his exile to avoid implicating them, he had always sent letters at fixed intervals each year to express his longing. However, for Chen Ming''s sake, Xu Bai decided to reach out to connections he hadn''t maintained for over two decades. When Chen Ming learned that Xu Bai intended to write letters, he shook his head slightly, sighed helplessly, and gestured for Xu Bai to handle the tribe''s affairs first before personally flying him to meet his old acquaintances.


    Xu Bai understood and immediately set about organizing things.


    The tribe itself had originated from Xu Bai''s children and household servants. Initially, it had only numbered a little over a hundred people, but thanks to Xu Bai''s formidable strength and soul tool expertise, the tribe gradually absorbed nearby smaller tribes, eventually growing to a population of over twenty thousand.


    Half of the tribe''s Soul Masters were Xu Bai''s blood relatives. The other half were unrelated to him by blood, but many of the more outstanding members among them had been taken in by Xu Bai as disciples.


    All in all, while the tribe wasn''t particularly wealthy or technologically advanced, it was stable. As long as Xu Bai was alive, no one dared to openly cause trouble. It was the largest and most prosperous settlement within hundreds of miles.


    Especially now, as Xu Bai''s youth had been restored and his martial soul had undergone changes, the summoned leaders looked at him with reverence, obeying his every word without question.


    How did they recognize Xu Bai as still being the same Xu Bai instead of some imposter? And were there no ambitious types attempting to stir up trouble amid this transformation?


    Well, when Xu Bai revealed his blazing Sun Martial Soul and Level-54 soul power, any would-be schemer quickly became a model citizen. After verifying his identity through various subtle means, the tribe''s leadership fell into line.


    As for the reason behind Xu Bai''s transformation?


    Well¡­ don''t underestimate the power of a Soul King.


    Xu Bai had always been the strongest in terms of soul power level, martial soul quality, and soul tool expertise. Though, in Chen Ming''s eyes, he was the type who could be defeated by a Soul Elder under the right circumstances, within the tribe, he was unquestionably the dominant powerhouse.


    Now, with his strength significantly improved, who would dare to question him?


    Upon learning that Xu Bai needed to leave for a while, the leaders immediately began associating his breakthrough with some "great figures" and became even more obedient.


    Xu Bai had originally thought it would take him an entire day to arrange the tribe''s affairs for his absence. In reality, it took him less than half a day to set everything in perfect order. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [295]

    After returning to his room, Xu Bai bowed to Chen Ming and began recounting the events in his tribe. Because Chen Ming was interested in developing his faith on this continent, he listened patiently to Xu Bai''s stories. However, his expression gradually turned speechless. To put it bluntly, the capabilities of this tribe were not even on par with the fortresses back in his homeland. The tribe lacked a proper administrator, and their so-called stability and safety were practically nonexistent. This left Chen Ming feeling somewhat at a loss for words.


    After dealing with the immediate matters, Xu Bai brought out his treasured items: two third-grade soul-guided flying tools.


    Although these devices had been crafted by his teacher long before Xu Bai was even born¡ªover sixty years ago¡ªtheir rarity ensured that successive generations of owners carefully maintained them. Despite their age, the devices were still in decent condition and functional.


    Xu Bai, like a child showing off his prized possession, handed the better-preserved one to Chen Ming, offering him the chance to fly it first. However, Chen Ming simply waved his hand and used his spatial powers to teleport both of them several kilometers away to a nearby hillside.


    This spatial manipulation left Xu Bai wide-eyed with shock, nearly dropping the soul tool in his hands.


    After asking Xu Bai if he knew the way and the general direction of the Rising Sun Empire, Chen Ming lightly activated his soul power, forming two transparent shields around the pair.


    Now that his mental power had evolved into divine consciousness, Chen Ming could manipulate the world''s elemental energy with a single thought. With no visible effort, a gust of wind arose from nowhere, carrying the two of them swiftly toward the direction of the Rising Sun Empire.


    To Chen Ming, this speed was not particularly fast. Even in midair, it was roughly equivalent to the running speed of a typical Titled Douluo or the flying speed of a Soul Douluo-level flying-type soul master. With a surge of soul power, Chen Ming could easily triple this speed on his own. Using other methods, he could even double that again.


    However, from Xu Bai''s perspective as a Soul King, this speed was nothing short of divine. Watching the scenery blur past him like streaks of light, even though he was protected by the shield, Xu Bai couldn''t help but feel terrified. His legs trembled uncontrollably.


    This speed was at least ten, no, twenty times faster than his soul-guided flying tool!


    Xu Bai knew the general direction and landmarks, and even from midair, he could roughly point out the location of the Rising Sun Empire.


    Thus, after flying north for about a day, they arrived at the northern part of the continent, within the territory governed by either the Sun Moon Empire or the Rising Sun and Bright Moon Empires.


    Chen Ming had not reached his limit; instead, it was Xu Bai who had hit his. Extended flight left him unable to endure, as he needed food, water, bathroom breaks, and rest. Otherwise, they could have shaved off another half day from their journey.


    The Sun Moon Continent had a horizontally aligned landmass and was smaller in size compared to the Douluo Continent. Coupled with the limitations of the era, the undeveloped regions in the far north and south of the continent remained largely uninhabited. The actual usable territory of the empires was far smaller than their claimed land areas.


    Along the way, Chen Ming frequently used his spiritual power to scan the major cities they passed. This gave him a general understanding of the development of the Sun Moon Continent.


    How should he put it? While the Sun Moon Continent did indeed have a legacy of soul tool technology, compared to the Douluo Continent, it was still significantly underdeveloped. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only was the population smaller, but there was also no organization like the Spirit Hall to oversee the awakening of martial souls as a public service.


    With fewer soul masters to begin with, the total number of soul masters on the Sun Moon Continent was even more limited. Xu Bai''s tribe, where martial soul awakening was universal, was considered a model of governance on this continent, attracting many people to join them.


    As for the disparity in the average quality and power of martial souls, those were secondary issues.


    Industrial and commercial development was lagging, and while the Sun Moon Continent had soul-guided technology, the number of soul engineers was still very low. They made up only a small portion of soul masters.


    Given the already small number of soul masters, the proportion of soul engineers was even smaller, resulting in soul-guided technology being practically invisible in most cities and towns. In many places, the technology hadn''t reached a level where it could be integrated into production or daily life. Large cities were slightly better off but in smaller cities?


    To put it bluntly, even Chen Ming''s impoverished hometown, Biluochen City, known for its harsh environment, would be considered a top-tier city on the Sun Moon Continent. It was a leading metropolis in terms of population and development.


    Throughout his journey, Chen Ming found fewer than five cities that were slightly better developed than Biluochen City. Due to the Sun Moon Continent''s centuries of continuous conflict, poverty, and starvation were far too common.


    On the Douluo Continent, despite the oppressive taxes levied by the two empires¡ª50% at the national level and up to 70% at the local level¡ªordinary farmers rarely starved to death. The Douluo Continent''s vast plains and soul master-bred crops ensured that barring major disasters or wars, most people could at least survive.


    Each major city had a Spirit Hall branch, and although the organization had its flaws, its faith in the Angel God imposed some degree of restraint. While Spirit Hall largely ignored the plight of the common people, they wouldn''t tolerate widespread famine. They were more than willing to intervene in internal affairs if it allowed them to expand their influence.


    Whether it was to win hearts or grow their authority, Spirit Hall provided a safety net that deterred the two empires and the nobility from going too far.


    On the Douluo Continent, surviving was hard, but not impossible.


    The Sun Moon Continent, on the other hand¡­ Chen Ming didn''t even want to comment.


    Initially, Chen Ming thought that either of the two Douluo Continent empires could easily conquer the Sun Moon Continent. However, after gaining a basic understanding, he realized that even a powerful duchy from the Douluo Continent could manage it.


    From the perspective of the Douluo world, there was a developmental gap of several thousand years between the Sun Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent. Under normal circumstances, even if a visionary leader emerged on the Sun Moon Continent, catching up to the Douluo Continent would be nearly impossible.


    After all, as the Sun Moon Continent developed, the Douluo Continent would also continue advancing¡ªlikely at an even faster pace. By the time the Sun Moon Continent reached a certain level of progress, the Douluo Continent would have already developed the capability to cross oceans and conquer them.


    Unfortunately, the emergence of Tang San and his group caused stagnation and even regression on the Douluo Continent. This was likely the main reason why the Douluo Continent had suffered defeat during its first conflict with the Sun Moon Continent.


    Later, this responsibility was passed on to Shrek Academy. Its obstinate and arrogant behavior successfully turned it into a thorn in the side of every nation on both continents, further hindering the Douluo Continent''s progress.


    ...


    It wasn''t until they reached the central regions of the Rising Sun Empire that Chen Ming finally saw some cities that could be considered somewhat decent. The residents there enjoyed slightly better living conditions.


    After flying directly to the Rising Sun Empire''s capital, Great Sun City, Chen Ming finally descended from the sky with Xu Bai. After using spiritual power to confuse the city guards, they entered Great Sun City. Xu Bai, familiar with the area, expertly led Chen Ming into the city''s underground black market.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [296]

    The underground black market of Great Sun City is not located underground but is instead situated in a relatively secluded area of the city. On the outskirts, soldiers patrol the area, making it appear far from being a shady or illicit place. However, upon entering, Chen Ming used his spiritual power to scan the area and quickly realized that this place was full of hidden talents. Casinos, brothels, and underground arenas were considered commonplace here, but the main business involved trading rare and illegal materials, soul tools, and intelligence.


    In this era, a Level 6 Soul Engineer represented the pinnacle of the visible soul engineering system. Within this black market, Chen Ming sensed the presence of three Level 6 soul cannon shells.


    A Level 6 soul cannon shell was equivalent to the power of a Soul Douluo, and in the Sun-Moon Continent, a Soul Douluo represented the pinnacle of combat strength. The entire continent had only one Title Douluo.


    Surprisingly, the place was incredibly well-organized, so much so that Chen Ming felt as though he had entered a special institution run by the military rather than an underground black market.


    Xu Bai quietly explained to Chen Ming that the black market was backed by the royal family. In his younger years, Xu Bai had worked as a steward here due to his status as a member of the royal family''s collateral branch. However, during his tenure, he offended some powerful figures and was eventually exiled.


    Although decades had passed since he last visited, Xu Bai, being a former steward, quickly familiarized himself with the changes in the black market over the years and skillfully purchased a wealth of information using a false identity.


    The intelligence he gathered was mostly basic, not top-secret. Some of it was mere hearsay, while much of it had already become outdated and worthless. Nevertheless, this information proved quite valuable to Chen Ming, who was visiting for the first time, and to Xu Bai, who hadn''t returned in decades.


    Chen Ming scanned through the intelligence and analyzed it in his mind.


    He filtered out conflicting and erroneous information, gradually piecing together the Sun-Moon Continent''s trajectory and specific developments over recent years. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The alliance between the Rising Sun Empire and the Bright Moon Empire persisted. Ten years ago, during a war, the Sun-Moon coalition ambushed the emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire, the only Title Douluo on the continent, with a legendary Level 7 soul cannon shell. They severely injured him, leading to the defeat of the three-nation coalition and the advancement of the Sun-Moon coalition''s battle lines toward the south.


    Due to the emperor''s severe injuries, the three-nation coalition fell into disarray, even experiencing internal conflict, allowing the Sun-Moon coalition to capture several cities. It wasn''t until five years later, when the emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire reappeared, that the advance was halted.


    When the emperor reappeared, his soul power had risen from Level 92 to Level 93. On the battlefield, he slew several Soul Douluo, withstood multiple Level 6 Soul cannon shells, and fought like a one-man army among ordinary soldiers. At one point, he even managed to push the battle lines back.


    However, during another battle, the emperor was ambushed by a suicide soldier hiding among ordinary troops, who detonated another Level 7 soul cannon shell, leaving him gravely injured. Afterward, he disappeared for several years.


    Rumors suggest he may already be dead, while others believe he is in the ancestral lands of the Tyrant Dragon Empire, attempting to break through to the legendary Level 94 Title Douluo realm.


    Because the emperor''s status remains uncertain, and since the Sun-Moon coalition detonated the Level 7 soul cannon shell within their lines to kill him, causing heavy casualties among their elite troops and high-ranking officers, large-scale battles between the northern and southern alliances have temporarily ceased, with only minor skirmishes continuing.


    According to statistics from underground forces, at least four Level 7 Soul Engineers were exposed during the war: two from the Rising Sun Empire and two from the Bright Moon Empire.


    Chen Ming handed the information about the four Level 7 Soul Engineers to Xu Bai for verification. Upon examining the data, Xu Bai''s eyes lit up, and he immediately identified one of them.


    "My lord, this Soul Engineer, whose martial soul is the Spirit Turtle, was my teacher. By my calculations, he is now 118 years old, making him the oldest known Soul Engineer on the Sun-Moon Continent¡ªperhaps even the oldest living human."


    Pushing aside the other documents, Xu Bai pointed to the information about his teacher and explained to Chen Ming:


    "The Spirit Turtle is an extraordinary martial soul, said to carry the bloodline of the divine beast Xuanwu. It possesses dual attributes: water and spirit. It is a martial soul with a long legacy within the Rising Sun Empire."


    "Compared to other turtle-type martial souls, its defense is not particularly superior, but it has a unique talent: reducing its consumption. This ability not only decreases the soul power consumed during combat and soul skill use but also conserves spiritual energy and vitality. My teacher''s strength, to be honest, is not impressive¡ªhe is a relatively weak Soul Douluo, barely reaching that level through age and medicinal supplements. However, with this talent, he has dedicated himself to researching soul tool technology, and after decades of accumulation and practice, he has become a top-tier Soul Engineer, highly esteemed across the continent."


    "I was his seventh disciple, though my inclusion was mainly due to my family''s connection to him. I was only ever a nominal disciple. My teacher doesn''t particularly favor the empire but has remained there due to his upbringing and the general state of the continent. His sole focus has always been the pursuit of higher-level soul tool technology."


    "If not for the fact that I offended some high-ranking figures back then¡­" Xu Bai trailed off.


    "When I left, my teacher was already very frail. Despite his talent, his spirit and strength had deteriorated significantly, and he was reportedly experiencing a decline in soul power. When I wrote to him a few years ago, he mentioned that he was nearing the end of his life and didn''t have much time left."


    "I believe, with your abilities, my lord, if you could stabilize my teacher''s condition, I could certainly persuade him to share the full set of Level 7 soul tool technology."


    Xu Bai spoke without even considering whether Chen Ming could accomplish such a feat. It wasn''t that he was trying to manipulate Chen Ming but rather that, having witnessed Chen Ming''s divine abilities¡ªhis power to decay and rejuvenate, and even grant others extended lifespans¡ªhe simply assumed that such a task would be trivial for Chen Ming.


    In truth, prolonging life was indeed not a difficult task for Chen Ming, who possessed the attributes of ultimate life and had comprehended the divine domains of life and death.


    While he could not resurrect the dead, extending someone''s lifespan was well within his capabilities. He could even rejuvenate someone''s body, restoring their youth.


    Alternatively, he could use his divine authority over plague, poison, and death to "curse" someone, making them immune to illness, poison, and death itself. Although this wouldn''t grant true immortality, it would significantly enhance their resilience. Pairing this with a life-enhancing blessing could allow the elderly to gain decades¡ªor even a century¡ªof vitality.


    Chen Ming, as a demigod with divine authority and an understanding of the laws of life and death, found such feats trivial.


    However, while Level 7 soul tool technology was valuable, Chen Ming''s ambitions were far greater.


    Listening to Xu Bai''s description of his teacher, Chen Ming conceived a bold idea.


    Why not, as he had done with Lou Gao, subdue Xu Bai''s teacher and bring him¡ªand his fellow disciples¡ªback to the Douluo Continent? Together with Lou Gao, they could research battle armor for him.


    An experienced Level 7 Soul Engineer was far more valuable and useful than a collection of Level 7 Soul tool blueprints.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [297]

    Chen Ming instructed Xu Bai to organize the data from recent years to determine which soul engineers could be recruited and to identify which soul device technologies emerging on the continent were genuine and which were exaggerated. After giving the task to Xu Bai, Chen Ming wandered around the black market for a while, also taking a brief look at the specialties of the Sun Moon Continent.


    Unlike the Douluo Continent, the average quality of soul beasts and martial souls on the Sun Moon Continent was one tier lower. The strongest soul master in the entire black market was merely a high-level Soul Sage with an advanced martial soul, though their foundation was unstable due to the overuse of drugs. Such a low-quality Soul Sage would have been easily defeated by a top-tier Soul Emperor on the Douluo Continent.


    However, the Sun Moon Continent had its unique resources¡ªan abundance of rare metals. Both the quantity and quality of these metals surpassed those found on the Douluo Continent, forming the foundation for the development of soul engineers.


    Even though Chen Ming had explored the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan''s treasury, he still encountered many rare and even unheard-of magical metals in the black market. While there were no top-tier materials capable of forging divine artifacts, there were many metals with innate spiritual properties. Some of these metals, even in their raw form, possessed unique qualities that gave them natural abilities.


    Chen Ming, having studied the blacksmithing compendium authored by Lou Gao, was equipped with a systematic method for identifying metals. His strong spiritual power also enabled him to analyze the various properties of these materials. By the end of his exploration, he had identified about twenty types of metals that both intrigued him and had the potential to advance the blacksmithing system.


    Yes, twenty types¡ªnot just twenty pieces.


    The sheer variety of magical metals on the Sun Moon Continent was staggering. As an underground trading hub located in the imperial city of two major empires, the black market was filled with treasures among treasures, which led to the discovery of numerous metals that caught Chen Ming''s attention.


    Due to the current chaos in the region, the currencies used on the Sun Moon Continent were extremely complex. There were gold soul coins and silver soul coins, as well as platinum coins made of composite metals and bone coins crafted from soul beast bones and metals. Even understanding the exchange rates and standardization of these currencies was a headache.


    The two nations of the Sun Moon Continent used gold and silver soul coins, while the three southern countries used platinum coins and bone coins. However, even gold and silver soul coins varied in purity. A high-purity gold soul coin held greater value than a lower-purity one.


    The minting year and region of origin affected the gold content of soul coins. Even though they were all officially issued, their designs and compositions were incredibly inconsistent.


    Among southern currencies, platinum coins were relatively stable, but bone coins were extremely chaotic in value. This was due to the varying forging techniques and the differing types of soul beast bones used.


    In the black market, southern currencies had lower purchasing power. According to murmurs Chen Ming overheard, a bone coin or platinum coin from the south was worth only 70% of its nominal value in the three southern countries. Moreover, due to the ease of counterfeiting bone coins, many shops refused to accept them. Even when exchanging them, a high service fee was charged. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Besides, the measurement units for length and weight used in the north and south were also different. For all these reasons, most people chose to trade directly using precious metals and materials, returning to the most primitive form of barter. Currency became almost secondary in such transactions. In fact, in some shops, currency wasn''t even accepted for purchases.


    In summary, Chen Ming could only marvel at the wisdom of the ancestors. Policies like standardizing measurement units, unifying currencies, and adopting standardized writing systems were undeniably correct decisions.


    Even with Chen Ming''s excellent mental faculties and analytical abilities, it still took him half a day to figure out the basic rules of buying items in this chaotic marketplace. Only then did he begin bartering with the soul beast materials he had brought with him.


    Most of the soul beast materials Chen Ming carried were from snake-type soul beasts, a small portion of the supplies he had during his expedition to Spirit Snake Island years ago. However, the materials he chose to bring with him were primarily from mid-level and high-level soul beasts. He didn''t bother with lower-level materials, as they would only take up unnecessary space in his storage-type soul tool.


    On the Sun Moon Continent, where soul beast resources were scarce, mid-level and high-level soul beasts from the Douluo Continent were typically considered one tier higher in value.


    By selling just a small portion of leftover materials, Chen Ming easily purchased most of the metals he had his eyes on. However, a few vendors, seeing how freely Chen Ming spent, tried to raise their prices. When they did, Chen Ming simply chose not to buy from them. After all, there would be plenty of opportunities to obtain metals in the future. At the moment, he just wanted to study them and wasn''t in urgent need.


    As for whether Chen Ming''s lavish spending would attract unwanted attention?


    Of course, people were eyeing him, but none of them were foolish enough to consider robbing him.


    After all, Chen Ming was using soul beast materials for his purchases instead of gold soul coins or rare metals. Someone capable of hunting soul beasts was undoubtedly a strong individual. Hunting high-quality, high-age soul beasts required an even stronger person¡ªa top-tier expert among experts.


    Judging by the soul beast materials Chen Ming casually threw out, most people assumed that this black-robed man was at least a Soul Sage level expert, and possibly even a reclusive Soul Douluo.


    A Soul Douluo was considered an unparalleled powerhouse on the Sun Moon Continent. Who would dare harbor malicious intentions against such a figure?


    With just a slight movement of his spiritual power, Chen Ming easily shook off the small tails following him. He then teleported back to Xu Bai''s room unnoticed. By then, Xu Bai had already finished organizing the data and was prepared to meet his teacher.


    Before they departed, Chen Ming asked Xu Bai for details about his teacher. Xu Bai explained thoroughly.


    His teacher, Shui Xuan, was from the Shui family of the Rising Sun Empire. His martial soul was the Spirit Turtle. He was a Level 7 soul engineer with an 81st-level soul power rank and a defensive-type Soul Douluo. His soul ring configuration was three yellow, two purple, and two black. Shui Xuan specialized in stationary soul cannon shells and shield-type soul devices. His likes and dislikes were also briefly mentioned.


    After gaining a general understanding, Chen Ming used his soul power to conceal both of them, and they headed toward Shui Xuan''s estate.


    Shui Xuan''s estate was located just outside the Great Sun City. It was the ancestral land of the Shui family, managed for over a thousand years, and now expanded to the size of a small city (by Sun Moon Continent standards).


    The outer perimeter of the Shui family''s ancestral land was guarded by more than ten patrol squads. At regular intervals, soul masters were stationed on the city walls. A three-meter-wide moat surrounded the city gate, filled with carnivorous fish.


    The walls were five meters thick and six meters high, appearing to be constructed from blocks of green stone. However, the interior was filled with special materials, allowing the walls to resist both soul master abilities and soul cannon bombardments. The city gate was reinforced with metal and crafted from the wood of tree-type soul beasts.


    Mounted on the battlements were four Level 4 stationary soul cannons and twelve Level 3 stationary soul cannons, each guarded by a soul master. These cannons could be loaded and fired at any moment to unleash devastating attacks.


    With its guards and fortifications, the Shui family''s ancestral land was capable of withstanding an assault from a 5,000-strong army (by Sun Moon Continent standards), making it a true fortress.


    Because the Sun Moon Continent was constantly at war, no one found the Shui family''s strong defenses unusual. On the contrary, they admired the Shui family for being such a powerful clan with such formidable fortifications.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [298]

    Since Xu Bai''s status was no longer what it once was, and Shui Xuan''s identity had risen significantly after becoming one of the few exposed Rank 7 Soul Engineers on the continent, Xu Bai could no longer bypass the blockade outside the city. However, Chen Ming merely shifted his spiritual power slightly, causing the guards to ignore the two of them, and boldly led Xu Bai into the city. As Xu Bai gazed at the familiar sights he hadn''t seen in decades, tears welled up in his eyes, and his steps involuntarily quickened. Before long, he and Chen Ming arrived outside Shui Xuan''s residence.


    Shui Xuan''s residence was a large courtyard. Although it didn''t appear to have many defensive soul tools or guards, Chen Ming could sense several Soul King and Soul Emperor-level energy signatures in the corners of the courtyard. Inside, there were even two Soul Sages in hiding.


    For this era on the Sun Moon Continent, this was nearly the highest level of defense. Even on the Douluo Continent, such a defensive setup would be considered quite formidable on paper.


    But Chen Ming, still relying on his old tricks, swept his spiritual power over the area, causing the soul masters to disregard the two of them. After confirming the presence of the sole Soul Douluo in the courtyard, Chen Ming directly teleported himself and Xu Bai a short distance inside.


    In a courtyard with a pond, an aged Shui Xuan was seated on a rock in the middle of the pond, shirtless, meditating in a posture similar to the "five hearts facing the sky" technique.


    His body, overly aged, had grown so emaciated that his skin clung tightly to his bones. His hunched back and shiny bald head made his frailty even more evident, while a carefully groomed pure white beard hung down to his chest.


    From a distance, Shui Xuan in his meditative state resembled an old turtle crouched on a rock. His long white beard, draped over his hunchbacked frame, covered nearly half his body.


    Beside him, a Xuanming Turtle, whose cultivation had just surpassed the hundred-year mark, was lazily stretching its neck to catch small fish in the pond. Its tail, more elongated and flexible than that of ordinary turtles, splashed playfully in the water, spraying droplets onto Shui Xuan''s aged body and his long white beard.


    In essence, the person meditating on the rock exuded an aura more turtle-like than the Xuanming Turtle itself. Meanwhile, the turtle splashing about in the pond seemed more like an innocent child.


    Since this was Shui Xuan''s cultivation space, there were no servants or attendants nearby. Even the guarding soul masters remained stationed outside the courtyard. The first to notice Chen Ming and Xu Bai''s arrival was the Xuanming Turtle playing in the pond.


    The turtle froze momentarily upon seeing the two figures appear before it, then immediately climbed to Shui Xuan''s side. It repeatedly nudged Shui Xuan''s frail body with its head while stirring the water with its water-attribute soul power, creating ripples and waves.


    Turtles, being creatures without vocal cords and relying solely on their respiratory systems, were subject to the occasional adherence to real-world logic in the otherwise fantastical world of Douluo Dalu. No matter how extraordinary the Xuanming Turtle''s bloodline might be, one with under 10,000 years of cultivation couldn''t produce a roar or vocalization.


    Though this particular Xuanming Turtle, having been raised by Shui Xuan like a child from a young age, was far more intelligent than most soul beasts, its intelligence was akin to that of a human child of four or five years old. It had no idea how to respond in such a situation¡ªwanting to cry out but unable to do so, it could only continue disrupting Shui Xuan.


    Under the Xuanming Turtle''s interference, Shui Xuan, who had been immersed in meditation, finally woke up. However, due to his advanced age, it took Shui Xuan a moment to realize that strangers had entered the courtyard. He simply patted the turtle''s head and reassured it.


    "Calm down, little one. Big Brother is here."


    Despite initially trying to alert Shui Xuan about the intruders, the Xuanming Turtle was easily pacified by Shui Xuan''s soothing words. It settled down and stopped paying attention to Chen Ming and Xu Bai.


    Perhaps in the little turtle''s mind, Xu Bai was a familiar face who had merely been absent for a while, with no noticeable changes in appearance. As for Chen Ming, who seemed like a shadowy figure, the turtle simply ignored him.


    As Shui Xuan prepared to resume his cultivation, the helpless Chen Ming released the concealment of Xu Bai''s aura and gave him a gentle push forward with his soul power. It wasn''t until Xu Bai''s foot stepped into the pond that Shui Xuan straightened his back slightly and squinted at him.


    "Xiao Bai, how many times have I told you to knock before entering the house? This is¡ª"


    As Shui Xuan looked at Xu Bai, whose appearance was nearly identical to that of twenty years ago, he subconsciously began to recite the phrase he had not uttered in decades. However, halfway through his words, Shui Xuan suddenly remembered that his troublesome disciple had been exiled to the south twenty years ago for fighting with a prince over a woman.


    Staring at Xu Bai, who looked no different from how he had two decades ago, and then at the black-robed Chen Ming, whose presence felt intangible like an illusion, Shui Xuan fell silent for a moment before a relieved smile appeared on his face.


    "So, my time has come, hasn''t it? Xiao Bai, I''ve always been afraid of what death would be like. I didn''t expect you to go first and come to meet me. But why is it not your mother, Ah Xiang? Are you still unwilling to forgive me?"


    "Teacher, after all these years, you''re still thinking about my mother? Back then, I always wondered why my father¡ªno, wait, Teacher, I''m not dead!"


    Xu Bai let out a small laugh, kneeling in the pond and letting the water soak through his clothes. On his knees, he slowly crawled over to Shui Xuan, tightly grasping the frail arms that seemed as though they might snap at any moment. After a long moment of silence, he spoke.


    "You''re¡­ not dead?" Feeling the warmth radiating from his disciple''s arms, Shui Xuan awkwardly glanced at the Xuanming Turtle beside Xu Bai, which was now rubbing its head against him. The situation couldn''t have been more uncomfortable. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m not dead either."


    Cough.


    "I''m just old, and I''ve been busy. I recently forged a few soul cannon shells and developed a few new soul tools. Lately, I haven''t been in great health and thought my time was near, so I¡­"


    Shui Xuan stood up from the rock, reached out to help Xu Bai out of the pond, and looked at his disciple and the black-robed man in the distance with an embarrassed smile.


    "Xiao Bai, is it you? After all these years, you haven''t aged a bit? And your soul power¡­ ahem¡­ your soul power hasn''t grown much either. But why does it feel so intense? Did something extraordinary happen to you?"


    "Teacher here''s what happened¡­"


    Xu Bai led Shui Xuan over to Chen Ming and quickly explained his experiences.


    Upon learning that the black-robed figure standing before him was a demigod from another continent, who had effortlessly transformed his disciple and flown with him from the southern regions of the continent, Shui Xuan''s expression became one of disbelief.


    "Your Excellency¡­ Could it be that you are the current Sea God Douluo of Sea God Island, Lord Bo Saixi?"


    Shui Xuan, having lived for over a century, was no simple character. Unlike Xu Bai, who was ignorant of what a demigod or an Ultimate Douluo was, Shui Xuan immediately made a connection after hearing Xu Bai''s account.


    Although his reasoning was incorrect, it still piqued Chen Ming''s interest.


    "I am not Bo Saixi, the current Sea God Douluo of Sea God Island. But since you know of Sea God Island, you must also know about the existence of the Douluo Continent, correct?"


    "I am a demigod from the Douluo Continent. As for my name, you wouldn''t have heard of it. After all, I have only been active on the continent in the past few decades (less than twenty years)."


    "I initially thought you were simply a resident of the Sun Moon Continent. However, not only do you know about Sea God Island, but you also know the name of the current Sea God Douluo. It seems your identity, or that of your family is not as simple as it appears."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [299]

    There is something that needs to be clarified. The distance between the Douluo Continent and the Sun-Moon Continent, while not exactly close, is also definitely not far. From Chen Ming''s perspective, the distance between the two continents is only around 250 to 300 kilometers. In his previous life, this would be equivalent to the distance between the Philippines and Japan. Looking at a map, the two continents are separated by only a narrow strait.


    Although Chen Ming had never been to Sea God Island himself, he had confirmed its location through the records of the Spirit Hall. Sea God Island was situated between the two continents, leaning slightly closer to the Douluo Continent. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This meant that although the Sea God Island soul masters mostly operated on the Douluo Continent, they were perfectly capable of setting foot on the Sun-Moon Continent if they wished.


    At least, Chen Ming didn''t believe the Sea God, who once claimed to conquer all the seas, could be unaware of the nearby Sun-Moon Continent. Such a thing was inconceivable.


    Hearing Chen Ming mention Douluo Continent, Shui Xuan''s mind quickly churned. After a long moment, he finally recalled the descriptions of Douluo Continent he had heard from his elders.


    Looking at Chen Ming, who was shrouded in a black robe, Shui Xuan gave a helpless smile, showing an awkward expression.


    "Your Eminence... Ahem. Please forgive me. Although I, Shui Xuan, have heard my predecessors mention Sea God Island and Douluo Continent, I have never personally set foot on either place in my hundred-plus years of life. My only contact has been with some sea soul masters."


    "Our Shui Family was not originally native to the Sun-Moon Continent. Instead, we were sea soul masters from Sea God Island. It is said that Sea God Island holds the legacy of the Sea God, and every sea soul master must undergo the Sea God''s trials upon reaching adulthood to determine whether they can remain on the island."


    "Our ancestors were sea soul masters who failed the trials and were exiled from Sea God Island. However, instead of choosing the powerful Douluo Continent, our ancestors came to settle on the Sun-Moon Continent. After several hundred years of development, the Shui Family became a prestigious family in the Rising Sun Empire."


    "Once banished to the mainland, sea soul masters can never return to Sea God Island. Our origins have only been passed down orally, with the family''s eldest member telling the next generation''s heir. Only a select few people in each generation know of this."


    Shui Xuan honestly explained the connection between himself and Sea God Island.


    It couldn''t be said that there was no connection at all, but in truth, the relationship was so distant that even the fishermen along the coastlines of Douluo and Sun-Moon Continents had closer ties to Sea God Island than he did.


    "The last time our family had contact with Sea God Island was over a century ago. At that time, I had only awakened my martial soul for one or two years. My great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather went to Sea God Island for what turned out to be the last meeting. It was said that the next High Priest of Sea God Island wanted to inquire about a soul tool."


    "But our family didn''t even know what soul tool they were looking for. How could we possibly have found it?"


    At this point, Shui Xuan''s expression soured slightly, clearly harboring a grudge over the matter even after a hundred years.


    "I was too young back then to be involved in adult affairs. Little Turtle, which I still have with me, was a gift my family received from a Sea God Island notable. They said raising it would help cultivation. After that encounter, our family never heard from Sea God Island again. That was when I learned¡ª"


    "A little over ten years ago, I even tried to contact Sea God Island myself, hoping that with my strength as a Soul Douluo, I could return and undergo the divine trials my ancestors once faced. But I didn''t even see a shadow of a Sea God Island soul master. All I learned from the fishermen was the name of the current High Priest of Sea God Island¡ªBo Saixi."


    "But I don''t even know if they''re male or female, tall or short. All I have is a name."


    "Your Eminence, if you have a grudge with Sea God Island, you''ve come to the wrong person. My Shui Family, you could say, has no connection to Sea God Island anymore."


    A soul tool? A soul tool that Sea God Island was searching for?


    Chen Ming naturally thought of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud from the original story, which was gifted to Tang San by Emperor Xue Ye¡ªa key item containing the Sea God''s Heart from the Sea God''s Trident.


    If not for the absence of the Sea God''s Heart, a crucial component of the nine trials, Bo Saixi''s talent could have made her the Sea God.


    Whether it was the previous High Priest or the current High Priest, Bo Saixi, as long as they realized that something was missing, there was no way they would let it go.


    "It''s fine. I don''t have any conflicts with Sea God Island, at least not for now. That''s not why I came to find you," Chen Ming waved his hand and explained to the stunned Xu Bai and Shui Xuan.


    "My purpose in coming to this continent is to spread the faith and ascend from a demigod to a true deity. After interacting with the human tribes, I discovered that the Sun-Moon Continent has a soul tool system different from the Douluo Continent''s. Coincidentally, I also have a similar system in my possession, which piqued my interest."


    "To be honest, the reason I took the trouble to fly from the southernmost part of the continent was to take the best soul tools and soul masters with me. When I first met Xu Bai, I just casually wanted to find a local leader to understand more about the Sun-Moon Continent. I didn''t expect Xu Bai''s teacher to be a Rank 7 Soul Engineer, which is why I came to find you."


    Chen Ming spoke plainly, with no intention of being cryptic.


    Would this affect the spread of faith?


    Well, on the Douluo Continent, spreading faith involved proselytizing, but the primary method was still showing strength.


    In short, when it came to gaining the faith of entire groups, Chen Ming didn''t have any quick solutions. But for one or two specific individuals, he had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.


    "Your Eminence, are you a demigod? The kind of supreme expert said to surpass Title Douluo, Super Douluo, and Ultimate Douluo?" Shui Xuan tentatively asked in a small voice, leaning forward slightly.


    Xu Bai tugged on Shui Xuan''s sleeve, worried that his teacher might anger Chen Ming. However, Chen Ming didn''t seem to mind. It was their first meeting, and they didn''t know each other well. It was only natural for people to be skeptical.


    It was only polite to demonstrate his abilities.


    Chen Ming''s soul power surged as he reached into the air. The various plants and flowers in the courtyard began to wither, their life force drawn into his hand and condensed into a faint green light.


    Chen Ming flicked his wrist, and a faint green light entered Shui Xuan''s body. Instantly, Shui Xuan, who had felt his time running out due to old age, felt his body lighten and his spirit rejuvenate.


    His once-aged body was like a dried-up, murky pond. The green light entering his body was like a trickle of clear water, revitalizing the stagnant pool. Although the amount was small, it restored a bit of his vitality.


    From Shui Xuan''s perspective, as long as he conserved his energy, he could live for at least another year or two.


    Most importantly, Shui Xuan saw that Chen Ming had achieved this with just a casual motion, using only the life force of some flowers and grass. If this black-robed figure truly intended to extend his life, he surely had countless other methods.


    Perhaps he, this old bag of bones, could even live another twenty years?


    Looking at Chen Ming, Shui Xuan''s wrinkled face bloomed with a radiant smile. Gently pushing aside his old flame''s child, who was also his apprentice, Shui Xuan bowed deeply to Chen Ming.


    "Your Eminence, you''ve truly found the right person. As the first Rank 7 Soul Engineer on the continent, I possess detailed books and materials on all Soul Engineer ranks from 1 to 6. If you need them, I will gladly offer them to you."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [300]

    "Levels one to six? No data on level seven?" Chen Ming''s eyes beneath his black robe looked at Shui Xuan, seemingly casually asking the question. Shui Xuan, however, dared not show even the slightest negligence.


    "Your Eminence, though I am a Level Seven Soul Engineer, I don''t have any comprehensive systemized data on Level Seven Soul Engineering. My breakthrough to Level Seven was mainly due to sheer perseverance and age¡ªI only broke through about ten years ago."


    "The others who reached Level Seven did so under my guidance, stepping into the realm of Level Seven Soul Engineers. But because it''s only been a short time since we crossed into this level, we''re all still exploring what techniques and abilities a Level Seven Soul Engineer should have."


    "Even now, the continent hasn''t been able to define in detail what a Level Seven Soul Engineer truly is. The reason I''m considered a Level Seven Soul Engineer is simply because I can create soul tools above Level Six." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Logically, soul cannon shells are the most difficult soul tools to forge at any given level, followed by automatic activation-type defensive shield soul tools. Usually, only a Soul Engineer of a higher level can stably produce these two types of soul tools for the level below."


    "But in reality, the first Level Seven soul tool that we, the first generation of Level Seven Soul Engineers, managed to produce was the most difficult¡ªLevel Seven soul cannon shells. And over time, we''ve only become more proficient in making them. Based on difficulty, this shouldn''t even be considered a standard capability of a Level Seven Soul Engineer."


    "I even tried recently to create a Level Seven Invincible Shield to leave behind as a family heirloom. But my deteriorating physical condition forced me to abandon the project halfway."


    "Given the constraints of our time, it''s difficult to define exactly where we stand in terms of levels. Because we have no ideas for Level Eight soul tools, the peak of this era is Level Seven Soul Engineers. That''s why I and a few of my old friends are considered Level Seven Soul Engineers."


    "Some of my old friends, though also Level Seven Soul Engineers, have only managed to produce a few Level Seven Soul ray guns by chance. They can''t create other soul tools, and even with the ray guns, their success rate isn''t guaranteed. It''s hard to say how they should be classified, but because their skills exceed Level Six, they are labeled Level Seven Soul Engineers."


    "There are no clear standards, few developed Level Seven arrays, and only a handful of Level Seven soul tools exist across the continent. Naturally, there''s no systematic data on Level Seven Soul Engineers."


    "I will, of course, offer everything I''ve learned over the years. But whether this information will help someone become a new Level Seven Soul Engineer, I truly can''t guarantee."


    "To be honest, an average Level Seven Soul Engineer theoretically shouldn''t be able to stably handcraft Level Seven soul cannon shells like we, the first generation, can. According to the soul engineering system''s theories, this should be something only a higher-level Soul Engineer can achieve."


    Shui Xuan''s explanation was clear, and Chen Ming understood.


    Breaking through technical limitations isn''t easy. Shui Xuan and the first generation of Level Seven Soul Engineers were like blind men groping in the dark. While there were breakthroughs, it didn''t mean that all technologies cascaded forward like dominoes.


    Everyone had their specialties. In this era, so-called top-level Soul Engineers were likely only proficient in one area: offense, defense, or functionality. When the system matured, technologies developed, and the pioneers cleared all the obstacles, only then would fully systemized and scalable Level Seven Soul Engineers emerge.


    "I''m a technical person too. Though I''m not very familiar with soul tools, I''ve managed to craft some Level Four soul tools based on the books you gave Xu Bai. Still, I understand that these things are better handled by the right people."


    "Rather than just soul tool techniques, I''d prefer for you to join me directly and help me research soul tool technologies."


    "Your Eminence, with this body of mine¡­ even if I followed you, I probably wouldn''t have many days left to live," Shui Xuan said candidly, gesturing to his withered frame.


    "That''s not an issue." Chen Ming waved a hand, enveloping Shui Xuan in soul power and pulling him closer. He placed one hand on Shui Xuan''s back, assessing the state of his body.


    Even though Chen Ming already had some understanding of soul masters from the Sun and Moon Continent and had mentally prepared himself, the accumulation of toxins in Shui Xuan''s body still left him speechless.


    To survive with so many toxins and live to be over 110 years old¡ªwasn''t that truly the hallmark of a soul master with a turtle martial soul? The resilience was astounding.


    Normally, a Soul Douluo with such a buildup of toxins might live to 80 or 90 at most. For Shui Xuan, whose martial soul was only of high quality and whose soul rings were not optimally configured, breaking through to Soul Douluo status through heavy reliance on drugs and living to 110 was likely more about personal talent than anything else.


    Just removing these toxins, without even extending Shui Xuan''s lifespan, would likely allow him to live another 20 years, Chen Ming estimated.


    Chen Ming was an expert in handling toxins. Even though some of these toxins had been dormant in Shui Xuan''s body for decades¡ªsome for over a century¡ªhe easily extracted most of the removable toxins, converting them into life energy and returning it to Shui Xuan''s body.


    It felt like he had taken a miraculous elixir. As the surging life force entered his body, Shui Xuan''s frail frame trembled, his face flushed crimson, and he almost let out an embarrassing sound.


    With this infusion of life energy, Shui Xuan looked five to six years younger. His hunched form straightened slightly, and his skeletal thinness gained a bit of flesh.


    Within Shui Xuan''s perception, the numbness and pain that had plagued him for years were almost instantly gone. His physical state felt as though it had returned to what it was 20 years ago.


    If not for his aged body and the meridians no longer supporting further breakthroughs in soul power, Shui Xuan believed he might have been able to advance from Level 81 to the mighty realm of Level 82.


    As Shui Xuan basked in his renewed vitality, Chen Ming spoke in a gentle tone.


    "I''ve always been a person who distinguishes between kindness and enmity. What I hate most are ingrates. I walk the path of life and death, born from near-absolute death and grasping the essence of life. In fields like poison, plague, and corruption, I have made significant progress. I could already ascend to godhood in these areas, but I want to explore the positive aspects further."


    "I don''t like to reveal the negative aspects of my divinity. But that part of me is always there. You''re a smart man¡ªyou should understand what I mean."


    Chen Ming revealed just a sliver of his aura related to poison, plague, and other negative energies. Shui Xuan, who had been immersed in his thoughts, suddenly felt his soul teeter on the brink of annihilation. Sweat poured down his face in torrents, and he dared not harbor even the slightest negative emotion.


    Loyalty! Absolute loyalty! Unwavering loyalty!


    Having once observed the emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire on the battlefield, Shui Xuan could now truly comprehend what it meant to face an insurmountable gap, what it meant to witness the limits of a Titled Douluo.


    Even with only a trace of restrained aura, the pressure Chen Ming exuded was enough to obliterate the emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire ten times over. If unleashed fully, the destruction would be dozens, even hundreds of times greater.


    Having just regained some vitality and the prospect of living another 20 years, Shui Xuan had no intention of jeopardizing everything due to a careless response.


    If Shui Xuan had initially harbored the thought of leveraging his soul engineering knowledge, now he had but one goal:


    Cling to this thigh at all costs.


    Bringing his entire Shui family, his disciples, and his old friends, Shui Xuan resolved to hold on to this opportunity with everything he had.


    Even if he were given ten lives and a thousand years, Shui Xuan never wanted to experience that overwhelming aura of doom again!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [301]

    "Those who recognize the times are the true heroes."


    As someone over a hundred years old, Shui Xuan had long understood this principle. Having witnessed too many political struggles and too many cruel wars, Shui Xuan''s attitude toward the Rising Sun Empire was, in fact, extremely complex. There was both fondness and dislike¡ªa mixture of emotions that was hard to define.


    Shui Xuan felt that something was wrong, that there was something off about this continent. Yet, his way of thinking and the education he had received made it hard for him to articulate exactly what was wrong. So, he never said much about it.


    Regardless, Shui Xuan believed that what he had given to the Rising Sun Empire was more than enough to balance out what the empire had given him. He had spent nearly his entire life doing all sorts of things for the Rising Sun Empire. Now that he was nearing the end of his life, he thought it was reasonable to make other choices.


    If someone were to ask him to betray his country, he would likely refuse, even if it cost him his life. After all, he not only needed to consider himself but also his family. But if someone were to suggest he develop elsewhere, on another continent, Shui Xuan wouldn''t have any objections.


    "Douluo Continent, huh? They say it''s the holy land of soul masters, where powerful soul masters are everywhere. I never thought that, as I near the end of my life, I''d still have the chance to encounter such an opportunity."


    Shui Xuan sighed with emotion and then casually asked, "My lord, on the Douluo Continent, are there many soul masters at the Soul Douluo level? Or perhaps the Douluo Continent also has the legendary Title Douluo? Could it be that, unlike on our Sun and Moon Continent where we only see one emerge every few centuries, the Douluo Continent produces a powerful Title Douluo in every generation?"


    Shui Xuan had tried his best to imagine the might of the Douluo Continent, but his thoughts were far too conservative.


    "Title Douluo? How do I put this¡­? As for ordinary Title Douluo on the surface, in this era of the Douluo Continent, there are about twenty or so. Over ten Super Douluo, and two Ultimate Douluo¡ªboth at the demigod level."


    "As for Soul Douluo, I haven''t paid much attention. But if we consider the entire continent, there are over a hundred of them, though most of them are probably around levels 81 or 82. As for Soul Sages, I''m too lazy to count, but they also number in the three figures."


    Chen Ming was sharing only surface-level information. Aside from including Tang Chen as one of the Ultimate Douluo, the rest were details anyone could gather by asking around the continent.


    Hearing this, the originally calm Shui Xuan almost fainted.


    "My-my-my-my lord, d-d-did you say how many strong individuals are on the Douluo Continent?"


    Shui Xuan tried his best to imagine it but simply couldn''t wrap his head around it.


    "Three-digit Soul Douluos, around twenty Title Douluos, over ten Super Douluos, and two demigods. What''s wrong? Hard to believe? If we compare, the Douluo Continent has seven great sects. Each sect inherits a top-tier martial soul¡ªsomething akin to the sun and moon martial souls on the Sun and Moon Continent."


    "And within these seven great sects, there are multiple Soul Douluos, while the top three sects either have more than one Title Douluo or possess a Super Douluo with a super martial soul. The sect once hailed as the number one in the world and even had an Ultimate Douluo in the past."


    "If you were to bring the seven great sects to the Sun and Moon Continent, just the lower four sects would be enough to carve out their territories. The Diamond Mammoth Sect, known for their battlefield prowess, might even unify the continent. As for the top three sects, they could unify the continent singlehandedly with their power."


    When Chen Ming had observed the lower four sects in Spirit City, he found that, despite being called the lower four, their martial souls were undeniably top-tier. The Diamond Mammoth Sect''s martial soul, for instance, had physical strength that even exceeded the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. The only thing keeping it from being a true super martial soul was its lack of elemental attributes.


    All in all, given the standards of the lower four sects, it was normal for them to occasionally produce a Title Douluo. It would be strange if they didn''t have a Title Douluo.


    "In conclusion, the gap in combat strength between the two continents is quite substantial. The Sun and Moon Continent lags behind the Douluo Continent in terms of martial souls, soul beasts, and soul master resources. However, the Sun and Moon Continent does excel in metal resources, which is why it developed its soul tool system. Meanwhile, the Douluo Continent''s soul tool development was cut short."


    "This is also because your Sun and Moon Continent''s soul masters rely too heavily on drugs, and the quality of the drugs you take is poor. As a result, your bodies accumulate too many toxins, and your soul power becomes hollow. Combined with the differences in soul ring configurations and martial soul quality, high-level soul masters from the Douluo Continent can usually fight beyond their level."


    Hearing this, Shui Xuan''s old face stiffened before he forced a smile.


    "My lord, do you think I have the potential to become a Title Douluo?"


    "What''s your innate soul power level?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Innate soul power level eight! The highest in my family in a century."


    "Innate soul power level eight? A high-level martial soul might have a chance to become a Title Douluo on the Douluo Continent, but most likely, you''d end up as a high-level Soul Douluo at best. Without some fortuitous opportunities, becoming a Title Douluo would be difficult. And given your current state of aging and your soul ring configuration, you''d be lucky if your soul power level doesn''t drop."


    "But¡­" Chen Ming patted Shui Xuan on the shoulder. "But there are always exceptions. As a demigod, I have ways to extend lifespan, improve innate soul power, enhance martial soul quality, or even help a Soul Douluo advance to a Title Douluo. While it''s not easy, if you work hard in the future, becoming a Title Douluo isn''t impossible."


    "I had a subordinate¡ªa 70-year-old Soul Sage with a soul power level of 74 and an advanced martial soul. Because of his exceptional abilities, I equipped him with a set of top-quality ten-thousand-year soul bones, which pushed him to become a pseudo-Soul Douluo. Later, I helped him hunt a fifty-thousand-year soul beast for his eighth ring."


    "Now, he''s at level 85, and his martial soul has been elevated to the top tier. He''s guaranteed to become a Title Douluo in the future, and even reaching Super Douluo wouldn''t be too difficult."


    "Of course, becoming a Super Douluo depends mainly on personal understanding. Otherwise, getting stuck at level 94 is normal."


    "My subordinate was a blacksmith. Because of his extraordinary talent in forging, I focused on cultivating him. His combat abilities weren''t particularly outstanding, but to me, a skilled Soul Engineer is far more valuable than a mere strongman. I deeply understand the importance of technology and knowledge."


    "Since you''re also a Soul Engineer, I think you have potential. I see you don''t have a single soul bone on you, but if you work hard in the future, a full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones isn''t out of reach. Although soul bones are indeed rare, as a demigod, I have plenty of ways to acquire them."


    "Hard work is my greatest talent!" Shui Xuan pounded his bony chest, summoning the greatest spirit he had shown in decades, and made a solemn promise to Chen Ming. His belief in Chen Ming transformed from mere faith to devout reverence.


    Even a centenarian can have dreams!


    "Take care of whatever preparations you need to make, and I''ll take you with me. Once you arrive on the Douluo Continent, you''ll see whether what I said is true or not."


    "My lord, please come to my private quarters. I''ll handle the family matters right away. I, Shui Xuan, will not disappoint you."


    "Please give me some time to dismiss the soul masters guarding me."


    As Shui Xuan was racking his brain to find a way to temporarily send away the soul masters stationed outside his courtyard so he could lead the two guests to his room, Chen Ming waved his hand.


    "Those Soul Kings, Soul Emperors, and Soul Sages have already been controlled by my spiritual power. They''ll see whatever I want them to see. If I don''t want them to see us, they won''t. You don''t need to worry about us¡ªthey can''t perceive us."


    "Ah? Soul Sages? Could they be from the royal family¡­?" Shui Xuan started to say something but stopped, glancing at Chen Ming cloaked in his black robe. He swallowed his words, clasped his fists, and solemnly pledged.


    "Ahem. Your subordinate obeys."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [302]

    Shui Xuan put on his top, then walked out of the courtyard in a leisurely and confident manner with Xu Bai and Chen Ming. Along the way, no one seemed to notice the presence of the two people accompanying him.


    Whether it was the household servants, family members, or guards, as they passed by Shui Xuan, each would simply greet him, marveling at how energetic he was today. Not a single person realized that there were two figures by his side.


    Shui Xuan returned to his bedroom, poured tea for Chen Ming and his apprentice, and then shared his thoughts. After receiving Chen Ming''s approval, he instructed the guard at the door to notify the family members.


    Shui Xuan''s eldest and second sons were the first to arrive. On the Sun Moon Continent, early marriages and early childbearing were the norm. As Shui Xuan''s children, both were nearly a hundred years old. Due to their talents being inferior to Shui Xuan''s, they were elderly and frail, to the point of needing assistance to move around. They even looked older than Shui Xuan did before his rejuvenation.


    Through Shui Xuan''s earlier introductions, Chen Ming already knew about the situation of these two sons.


    The eldest son, Shui Zhen, had a martial soul that was a mutated variant of the Spirit Turtle. While it lost its mental attributes, it experienced significant enhancements in water attributes and physical strength, gaining the ability to shoot water arrows with immense impact and destructive power. Because of this, his martial soul was named Water Arrow Turtle.


    He had a seventh-level innate talent, was 94 years old, and had reached the rank of Soul Sage at 75th level. His soul ring configuration was two yellow, three purple, and two black, considered optimal on the Sun Moon Continent. Additionally, he had some talent as a soul engineer, being a sixth-level soul engineer. However, due to his extreme aging, he hadn''t worked on crafting soul tools for a long time and might have regressed in that area.


    Of course, while his martial soul didn''t come with double cannon barrels attached, he could manually equip two soul cannons during battle, making him somewhat resemble a Pok¨¦mon from the neighboring franchise.


    The second son, Shui Xia, had a more standard Spirit Turtle martial soul. With seventh-level innate soul power, he was 91 years old and at the 72nd level of Soul Sage cultivation, with the same ring configuration as his elder brother. He was also a sixth-level soul engineer. Thanks to inheriting the family''s martial spirit talent, he had even participated in the plan ten years ago to manufacture seventh-level soul cannon shells and surround the Emperor of the Tyrant Dragon Empire.


    If one had to comment, he seemed closer to achieving the qualifications of a seventh-level soul engineer. If not for his declining physical condition, he might have reached that level after decades of accumulation. Unfortunately, his talent was slightly inferior to his father Shui Xuan''s. At 91 years old, he was already tormented by various toxins in his body and looked as if he were on the verge of passing away. Despite being a few years younger than his elder brother Shui Zhen and having the Spirit Turtle line''s longevity talent, his excessive reliance on medicinal supplements had left his body in worse condition than Shui Zhen''s.


    Although they were Shui Xuan''s sons, their appearances made them look no different in age from Shui Xuan himself. Since Shui Xuan had recently regained vitality and been rejuvenated, his energy and demeanor made him seem younger than his sons.


    After sending away the younger generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shui Xuan carefully ensured no one was eavesdropping. Then, under the confused gazes of his two sons, he cupped his hands respectfully toward a seemingly empty space. Dressed in black robes, Chen Ming sat sipping tea, while Xu Bai stood behind him like a bodyguard.


    It had to be said that after twenty years of exile, Xu Bai''s perception had improved significantly. He now knew exactly when and how to present himself appropriately.


    Seeing the black-robed Chen Ming, Shui Zhen, and Shui Xia initially thought he was a high-ranking envoy sent by the imperial family, perhaps a powerful Soul Douluo, here to discuss something privately with the Shui family. But then they saw their father kneel on one knee before Chen Ming, clasp his fists in respect, and give them a meaningful glance.


    Supporting themselves on a table, Shui Zhen and Shui Xia reluctantly knelt on one knee, attempting to clasp their fists as well. However, seeing their father glaring at them, they had no choice but to switch to kneeling on both knees. Even so, the two nearly toppled over in the process.


    To be honest, given the physical resilience of soul masters, even those close to death shouldn''t be this weak. However, the soul masters of the Sun Moon Empire were heavily reliant on medicinal supplements. The problem was, that the alchemical technology of this era had significant flaws: the effects weren''t profound, and the side effects were severe.


    While young, they could suppress the negative effects through sheer vitality. But as their bodies aged and deteriorated, decades of accumulated issues would erupt all at once. The toxins built up over the years became life-threatening.


    On the Sun Moon Continent, a soul master reaching eighty years of age was considered long-lived. The transformative effects of soul power on their bodies were barely noticeable. Otherwise, Shui Xuan, who wasn''t even 110 years old, wouldn''t have been regarded as the oldest soul master on the continent.


    The fact that Shui Zhen and Shui Xia had made it to their nineties, even with turtle-related martial souls known for longevity, was already quite an achievement.


    In Chen Ming''s eyes, trained to perceive life force and toxins with precision, Shui Zhen had one foot in the grave, while Shui Xia was barely clinging to life. At most, they had six months left¡ªpossibly a year if external assistance prolonged their lives. To prevent them from dying mid-conversation out of excitement, Chen Ming had no choice but to employ some methods. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a gentle raise of his hand, soft soul power and faint life energy flowed into the brothers. Though their lifespans didn''t increase significantly, the overwhelming toxins in their bodies were temporarily suppressed, improving their condition as if heavy weights had been lifted.


    Feeling Chen Ming''s intervention, the brothers froze momentarily before their expressions shifted to one of fervent reverence.


    In their view, this ability to extend someone''s lifespan with a mere gesture could only belong to someone at the rank of a Title Douluo.


    This meant the black-robed figure before them had to be a Title Douluo¡ªan extraordinary individual, to whom their father had shown such respect.


    Just as the brothers began preparing to praise the Sun Moon Empire and its glorious future, Shui Xuan couldn''t hold back any longer and addressed them.


    "My lord, please forgive my children''s lack of talent. Now that they''re old, they''ve developed a bit of senility."


    "Xiao Zhen, Xiao Xia, this is our lord¡ªa demigod from the Douluo Continent. It is our family''s greatest fortune to pledge ourselves to such a great figure. You two must (several hundred words omitted)..."


    Though Shui Zhen and Shui Xia were already in their nineties, with grandchildren who were nearly old enough to start their own families, they were still scolded by Shui Xuan like misbehaving grandchildren. They could only lower their heads and obediently listen to his introduction.


    While they indeed suffered from some symptoms of senility, Shui Xuan''s explanation helped them grasp the importance of the black-robed figure before them. This was no ordinary person but a powerful figure from the neighboring Douluo Continent, someone unparalleled on the Sun Moon Continent, who sought to recruit their family due to his interest in soul tools.


    If Shui Xuan had initially harbored thoughts of negotiating better terms, his two sons, upon hearing their father''s words and witnessing this individual''s abilities, wholeheartedly chose to submit and dedicate themselves to proving their value.


    After all, they were on the brink of death. Though they had already come to terms with their fates, the opportunity to extend their lives was undeniably better than dying.


    They acknowledged the empire''s kindness to them, but they had spent their entire lives repaying it several times over. There was no debt left. There was no need to stubbornly cling to the Sun Moon Empire until their deaths.


    Even more so, their father¡ªa figure older and of higher status¡ªhad already pledged allegiance and was prepared to bring them along. Why wait?


    Moreover, in their current condition, any use they could offer would likely involve receiving life-saving aid first. There was no downside to this.


    Thus, under Chen Ming''s healing touch and their father''s persuasion, Shui Zhen and Shui Xia joined forces. Their faith was still shallow, barely surpassing the level of nominal followers. True devotion was something Chen Ming was confident he could cultivate over time.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [303]

    Although they were too old, the Shui family didn''t put much effort into resisting the prying eyes of other forces, often appearing indifferent. However, once their condition improved and they found new hope, the three members of the family displayed considerable capabilities.


    Gathering various rare metals required some time, but acquiring the necessary knowledge and materials was instantaneous. Shui Xuan directly led Chen Ming and Xu Bai into the Shui family''s secret vault, revealing to Chen Ming hundreds of years'' worth of books and records.


    Unlike the foundational materials Xu Bai had previously accessed, the Shui family''s secret vault contained incredibly detailed information. From comprehensive explanations of the formations used by first-level soul engineers to the systems and evolution of soul formations, as well as the prototypes and refinements of various soul tools¡ªeverything from technical details to historical records and future projections could be found.


    Shui Xuan even unearthed his notes and materials from when he participated in the seventh-level soul engineer project, handing them over to Chen Ming.


    Chen Ming quickly scanned through the books with his spiritual sense. At a workbench in the vault, he manipulated metals as though shaping clay, using his fingers to channel metal-based soul power and effortlessly carve multiple soul formations. With his knowledge, he innovated upon the details of certain formations during the process.


    This astounding display shattered Shui Xuan''s worldview. Before his eyes, Chen Ming completed the core of a fourth-level fixed soul-guided cannon shell in just five minutes. During the process, Chen Ming also enhanced the attributes of the cannon shell itself.


    At that moment, everyone present vaguely understood the truth: although the term "demigod" includes "half," a demigod is still a god. Their abilities cannot be evaluated or restricted by the conventional knowledge or limits of the mortal world.


    It is foolish and meaningless to use mortal reasoning to evaluate a demigod''s capabilities, no matter how much effort is expended.


    Shui Xuan brought out some of his treasured rare metals and, along with his two sons and disciple Xu Bai, observed Chen Ming''s every move. They realized that much of the technical content was beyond their understanding or ability to replicate.


    Chen Ming''s comprehension of laws was already quite profound; he simply hadn''t applied them to physical constructs before. With his current strength, using the formations and experiences of these soul engineers, it was easy for him to translate a portion of his insights into laws and his perspectives on soul rings and skills into soul formations.


    Creating a fifth-level soul tool was a step above the fourth level. Chen Ming spent half an hour crafting his first fifth-level cannon shell. Another half-hour later, the number of cannon shells on the table increased to three.


    The three cannon shells each had different attributes: gold, fire, and thunder. Each possessed immense destructive power, capable of annihilating a Soul Sage who hadn''t activated their martial soul avatar within the core range.


    However, a fifth-level cannon shell requires a matching fixed soul-guided cannon to unleash its full power. As long as the Soul Sage isn''t inexperienced or entirely defenseless, they can mount a basic defense. Effectively killing a Soul Sage with a fifth-level cannon shell relies on strategy, timing, and quantity.


    Of course, weaker Soul Sages are exceptions. Even if a weaker Soul Sage activates their martial soul avatar, they could still end up gravely injured by just one shell.


    Just seeing the cannon shells on the table made Xu Bai gulp nervously. The two Soul Sages, Shui Zhen and Shui Xia, broke into cold sweats.


    After all, the term "weaker Soul Sages" referred to the two of them. In their current aged and weakened state, even a fourth-level cannon shell detonated at close range could send them flying. On the Douluo Continent, even a Soul King could defeat one of them in a single combat, martial soul avatar or not.


    Among weak Soul Sages, the two brothers were considered the weakest.


    In the context of a story, they would merely serve as background characters or stepping stones for the protagonist.


    While fifth-level soul tools were relatively simple to complete, sixth-level soul tools posed a greater challenge.


    The complexity and density of an ordinary sixth-level formation were twice those of a fifth-level formation, and the difficulty of linking them was three times greater. In this era, only one out of every ten fifth-level soul engineers had the qualifications to glimpse the realm of sixth-level soul engineers.


    Due to the limited supply of rare metals and the fact that this was his first attempt, Chen Ming spent half an hour crafting a "moderately standard" sixth-level soul-guided ray gun.


    Unlike the conventional ray weapons of the Sun Moon Continent, Chen Ming''s design was based on principles inspired by his Destructive Death Ray. The weapon emitted a rare petrification ray, focusing on first petrifying the target and then destroying it, with extremely high single-target destructive power.


    Although the materials used still had room for improvement, the unique attributes of this weapon made it stand out as a masterpiece among sixth-level soul tools.


    Chen Ming was eager to continue crafting, but the lack of materials limited his ability to fully unleash his creativity. While the remaining scraps could barely be pieced together to create another sixth-level soul tool, they fell short of allowing Chen Ming to craft something extraordinary.


    When Chen Ming finally stopped, the others around him regarded him as if he were a deity. Shui Zhen and Shui Xia, who were previously below-average, became devout believers, while Shui Xuan became an outright fanatic. To soul engineers, powerful soul power was crucial, but exceptional technical skills could also inspire awe and reverence.


    In the days that followed, Shui Xuan supplied Chen Ming with rare metals, while Chen Ming continued crafting soul tools in the vault. Meanwhile, Shui Xuan and his two sons began planning which individuals to recruit, how to escape themselves, and how to handle their family affairs.


    Since Xu Bai had been away for too long and was a rival in love with the current emperor, he couldn''t appear publicly. As a result, Shui Xuan instructed him to stay in the vault and serve Chen Ming. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Deprived of access to advanced knowledge of soul tools for years, Xu Bai was like a mouse that had fallen into a grain silo. He eagerly absorbed the information while carefully observing Chen Ming''s crafting techniques.


    Although his talent had been wasted for many years, preventing him from quickly advancing to a sixth-level soul engineer, he could still regain his former skill and work towards becoming a fifth-level soul engineer again with effort.


    In four or five days, Chen Ming familiarized himself with the Sun Moon Continent''s situation, using various materials to identify the locations of major soul beast habitats and powerful soul beasts. He also tasked Ah Yin (who was cultivating passively) with using Blue Silver Grass to gather intelligence, focusing on the Evil Forest and the inheritance of the Purple Radiant Heaven Dragon, hoping to seize any opportunities.


    However, Ah Yin''s intelligence-gathering was soon interrupted by external forces.


    The Sun Moon Continent also had a Blue Silver Emperor, one far stronger than Ah Yin, with an age of 180,000 years. As the undisputed ruler of this continent, this Blue Silver Emperor commanded more Blue Silver Kings than Douluo Continent, some of which were even 100,000-year soul beasts.


    Although Ah Yin''s bloodline was nobler, the age gap meant that even at her best, she was no match for the other Blue Silver Emperor in terms of essence.


    Blue Silver Grass, being inherently genderless, only develops a gender identity after gaining self-awareness. Due to the reproductive nature of plant-type soul beasts, this typically becomes apparent only after they take human form.


    Ah Yin identified herself as female, and so, upon transformation, she assumed a female form. The Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor is also identified as female.


    There could only be one Blue Silver Emperor. If their genders had differed, they might have coexisted. But with two self-identified female Blue Silver Emperors, conflict was inevitable. This was a biological trait of the Blue Silver Grass species¡ªone continent could not support two Emperors.


    Even if Ah Yin, residing within Chen Ming''s soul bone, could draw strength from him and he could enhance her abilities with his left leg bone, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor¡ªbeing the continent''s oldest and strongest Blue Silver Grass¡ªstill posed a significant challenge. Despite Ah Yin''s dominance, the rival Emperor resorted to disruptive tactics, bombarding her with false information and leveraging her grass network to reclaim Blue Silver Grass which had started aligning with Ah Yin.


    This stalemate could only end in one of two ways: a prolonged battle of attrition, or a confrontation to settle the matter.


    Chen Ming decided on the latter. Once his current tasks were completed, he planned to confront the fiery elder sister grass of the Sun Moon Continent in person.


    Meanwhile, Shui Xuan brought Chen Ming a thick list of names, detailing soul engineers he believed could potentially be recruited.


    The list included four sixth-level soul engineers, eleven fifth-level soul engineers, and twenty fourth-level soul engineers, with most being from the Sun Empire and a few from the Moon Empire. Shui Xuan was uncertain about which engineers from the Southern Alliance could be recruited.


    As a seventh-level soul engineer, Shui Xuan wasn''t interested in just anyone. The fifth- and sixth-level engineers he chose were skilled individuals with their research directions or even their teams. The fourth-level engineers were exceptionally talented but held back by their backgrounds, making them prime candidates for recruitment.


    In other words, they were either current pillars of their organizations or future ones. Losing this group would deal the Sun Empire a significant blow, if not a crippling one.


    If the Sun Empire''s remaining seventh-level soul engineer wasn''t a royal prince and the emperor''s uncle, making recruitment nearly impossible, Shui Xuan would have been tempted to drag his old colleague down with him, taking both of the empire''s seventh-level soul engineers away.


    Shui Xuan also knew the two seventh-level soul engineers from the Moon Empire, but they had lost contact due to his poor health over the years, so he wasn''t confident about recruiting them.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [304]

    Under the guidance of Shui Xuan, Chen Ming spent the entire night visiting several Level 6 and Level 5 Soul Engineers.


    When these people first saw Chen Ming, their initial thought was, "How the hell did you get in here? Where are the guards?" However, they quickly calmed down after witnessing the power Chen Ming displayed.


    That said, not everyone was easily pacified. Among them, some hot-headed individuals immediately fired a Soul Tool laser at Chen Ming and Shui Xuan. These hot-headed individuals were then lucky enough to witness an extraordinary scene: Chen Ming catching the Soul Tool laser bare-handed and crushing a sturdy Level 5 or even Level 6 Soul Tool into a ball with his palm.


    The people Shui Xuan gathered were all connected to him in some way¡ªeither old friends, disciples, or relatives of old friends or disciples. Under the combined pressure of both carrot and stick, these individuals quickly surrendered¡ªor rather, they didn''t dare to resist.


    After all, the strongest among them was only an 81st-level Soul Douluo, comparable to Shui Xuan. When Chen Ming released even a fraction of his aura, they nearly had their souls leave their bodies. They wouldn''t dare openly oppose him, even if given the courage.


    Thus, one by one, these individuals were injected with a bit of life force by Chen Ming, had their internal toxins alleviated, and were ultimately implanted with a deadly poison.


    This poison was inspired by the Life-and-Death Seal (or Dugubo''s poison). Under normal circumstances, it wouldn''t cause any problems, but over time, its effects would gradually manifest. When it did, the only way to alleviate it would be through Chen Ming''s intervention¡ªor that of a Super Douluo.


    For those who truly refused to submit, Chen Ming didn''t bother to take drastic measures. He simply erased parts of their memories and implanted false ones, leaving them with the impression that nothing had ever happened.


    This method, however, was terrifying in the eyes of others. The ability to tamper with memories so casually was unsettling¡ªeven on the Douluo Continent, it was enough to strike fear into anyone.


    In less than half a month, Chen Ming successfully recruited five Level 6 Soul Engineers, fifteen Level 5 Soul Engineers, and forty Level 4 Soul Engineers, surpassing his mission''s requirements. A large portion of these recruits had been brought in by those who surrendered earlier.


    After all, Shui Xuan had two sons who were Level 6 Soul Engineers, and these Soul Engineers naturally brought along their friends, relatives, and close associates into the fold.


    Chen Ming temporarily did not recruit any Level 3 Soul Engineers, as he didn''t see the immediate need for them. The next challenge was figuring out how to transport these people out.


    Some of them had no family ties, but even these individuals had friends, children, or their networks and things they cared about. Those with family ties were even less inclined to jeopardize their clans or families.


    As their leader, Chen Ming couldn''t let his subordinates'' clans be wiped out because of his actions¡ªthat would be too ruthless.


    Chen Ming could have left a portion of his power behind on the Sun and Moon Continent in the form of an external avatar created by his second martial soul, but with Tang San likely making moves soon, he couldn''t afford to leave such a vital part of his combat strength elsewhere.


    If they were Level 9 or Level 10 Soul Engineers, he might have considered it, but a group of Level 6 Soul Engineers simply wasn''t worth it.


    Thus, Chen Ming could only transport these people in batches. Some remained behind to continue working in research groups, essentially acting as spies. In the future, they could continue leveraging the Sun Moon Empire''s resources to develop new technologies.


    For those left behind, Chen Ming spared no expense. He gave each leader and those who brought friends or family into the group a thousand-year soul bone. For Soul Masters who were at most Soul Saints in terms of soul power, this was a windfall beyond their wildest dreams.


    Even on the Douluo Continent, thousand-year soul bones were precious treasures for Soul Saints. On the Sun Moon Continent, they were even more valuable.


    Those Soul Engineers who had initially lamented their sudden transition to spies were utterly overwhelmed by this unexpected reward. They swore loyalty to Chen Ming, vowing never to betray or leak any information. Chen Ming distributed seven of the dozen or so thousand-year soul bones he carried. Of course, he didn''t blindly trust them. Before leaving, he demonstrated a bit of his power.


    On an ordinary day, a tiger emanating an aura of ultimate evil descended from the sky and landed outside Great Sun City. Its aura surpassed that of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, and the oppressive energy it radiated made even Soul Kings too afraid to approach within a hundred steps.


    The guards of Great Sun City launched an attack on this evil tiger, but neither Soul Tool lasers nor powerful fixed-mounted Soul Tool cannons left any visible injuries on it.


    Level 5 Soul Tool cannons were ineffective. Level 6 Soul Tool cannons were ineffective. In desperation, the guards, under their commander''s orders, fired a hidden Level 7 Soul Tool shell at the tiger, but, unsurprisingly, it was also ineffective.


    Sun Moon Empire''s Soul Sages and Soul Douluos rushed out from within Great Sun City, activating their martial soul avatars to surround the black tiger. However, with a casual flap of its wings, the tiger unleashed dark purple lightning that effortlessly shattered all of their martial soul avatars.


    Even the Sun Moon Empire''s strongest fighter¡ªa Soul Douluo with 89 levels of soul power and a full set of soul bones, whose martial soul was the Sun¡ªwas instantly defeated by the dark purple lightning.


    Just as the guards, residents, and nobles of Great Sun City thought the city would be massacred by this overwhelmingly evil soul beast, they saw the black tiger flap its wings and fly away as if nothing had ever happened.


    After an internal investigation, Great Sun City found that nobody had died from the tiger''s attacks. The few casualties on the battlefield were caused by soldiers stabbing each other amid the chaos.


    Though the city consumed a significant number of Soul Tool resources and its high-level combat forces were weakened, nothing else happened.


    This stark contrast even made the Sun Moon Empire''s emperor wonder if some legendary soul beast had simply been bored and decided to toy with humans for fun.


    Only the Soul Engineers recruited by Chen Ming knew that the black tiger had been casually summoned by their master.


    During a gathering that night, those who had witnessed the tiger''s overwhelming power during the day saw it shrink to the size of a kitten and be gently stroked by a man in a black robe.


    It was also during this gathering that Chen Ming revealed his true appearance for the first time on the Sun Moon Continent and informed the gathered Soul Engineers that the organization they had joined was called the Hall of Souls, and his name was Chen Ming. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No one dared to resist. No one hesitated. All the Soul Engineers knelt before Chen Ming and swore allegiance. While none became fanatical devotees, they all became unquestionably loyal followers.


    Leaving Shui Xia behind to lead the Soul Engineers remaining in Great Sun City, Chen Ming infused everyone with life force, helped a few Soul Masters break through bottlenecks, and then departed with a large number of Soul Engineers, as well as various precious materials, metals, and Soul Tools.


    Chen Ming left with 28 people. Aside from Shui Xuan, Shui Zhen, and Xu Bai, there were three Level 6 Soul Engineers, seven Level 5 Soul Engineers, and fifteen Level 4 Soul Engineers.


    While Chen Ming could have flown with them, he instead summoned the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger in a concealed location, had it enlarge itself, and carried everyone on its back. Chen Ming used his spiritual power to distort the surrounding soul power, achieving both physical and sensory concealment.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [305]

    Chen Ming did not immediately take these soul engineers back to the Douluo Continent. Instead, he stopped for a while in Xu Bai''s tribe in the southern part of the Sun and Moon Continent. He planned to leave behind some fourth-level and fifth-level soul engineers to help Xu Bai develop the tribe and begin spreading his faith.


    To make the people believe in him, Chen Ming naturally had to perform miracles. And thus, the nearby soul beasts were in for a bad time.


    Under Xu Bai''s leadership, the people of the tribe left their settlement to witness these miracles firsthand.


    Chen Ming''s first target was a soul beast that had been causing trouble for Xu Bai''s tribe due to its proximity. It was a 20,000-year-old, high-quality earth dragon-type soul beast.


    On the Douluo Continent, such a soul beast would be considered an ordinary 10,000-year beast, roughly equivalent to the strength of a Soul Emperor. However, on the Sun and Moon Continent, this 20,000-year-old earth dragon was the equivalent of a Soul Sage-level soul master, practically a natural disaster for Xu Bai''s tribe.


    Before the eyes of many soul masters and ordinary people, Chen Ming stood in the air, raised his hand, and lightly made a grabbing motion. The earth trembled, soil churned, and a massive soul beast¡ªseven meters long and covered in thick scales¡ªwas forcibly lifted into the air by an invisible force. It struggled violently but to no avail.


    With a wave of Chen Ming''s hand, an invisible blade severed the earth dragon''s head, which fell heavily to the ground. The beast''s headless corpse was then discarded, causing a slight tremor as it hit the earth.


    Xu Bai organized the people of the tribe to closely observe the earth dragon''s lifeless head. Then, with the help of soul engineers and skilled hands, they dismantled the beast''s body, carefully collecting useful materials. The remaining flesh and bones were cooked into meals.


    Although the portion of dragon meat each person received was quite small¡ªbarely enough to fill their bellies even when paired with rice porridge¡ªit was enough to leave a lasting impression on everyone in this land.


    The next day, Chen Ming killed a 30,000-year-old Earth Bear, and its head was displayed for viewing while the body was distributed among the people as food. On the third day, he killed a 40,000-year-old Wild Bull, after which the tribe quickly followed their now-familiar process.


    As Chen Ming killed increasingly powerful soul beasts, the soul engineers he had brought with him began driving away lower-ranked soul beasts, gradually expanding the tribe''s territory. Some wanderers and smaller tribes quickly flocked to join, fortunate enough to witness Chen Ming casually killing a mighty 10,000-year soul beast with a simple gesture.


    Chen Ming made sure that each day''s kill was stronger than the last. On the seventh day, he dragged an ancient mammoth¡ªa top-tier 80,000-year soul beast¡ªfrom the depths of a forest thousands of miles away and killed it before everyone''s eyes.


    Though top-tier soul beasts were relatively rare on the Sun and Moon Continent, they were not absent. Due to the southern regions being less developed by humans, it was still possible to find such creatures with a bit of effort.


    This soul beast was so powerful that even after its death, its aura lingered. Ordinary people, even those who had grown accustomed to viewing soul beast heads, could only muster the courage to glance at the mammoth''s enormous head from a hundred paces away.


    The ancient mammoth''s body was larger than all the previous soul beasts combined, allowing each person to receive a sizable portion of meat. However, because the people had been eating high-quality and top-tier soul beast meat for several consecutive days, some individuals with weaker constitutions began experiencing adverse reactions. Even children started developing nosebleeds from consuming such rich food. Ultimately, most of the mammoth''s body had to be preserved, with small portions distributed daily as meat porridge.


    The meat of an 80,000-year soul beast was a treasure even the royal families of the five major empires on the Sun and Moon Continent could scarcely obtain.


    From the remains of this mammoth, which possessed a golden bloodline, Chen Ming acquired his first soul bone on the Sun and Moon Continent. It was a torso bone of exceptional quality, faintly glowing with a golden light.


    Naturally, Chen Ming kept this rare treasure for himself, intending to gift it to a trusted subordinate in the future. The other soul engineers, after seeing it, dared not harbor any greed and instead showered Chen Ming with endless flattery.


    For the next seven days, Chen Ming ceased hunting soul beasts and instead demonstrated his life-related abilities within the tribe.


    The elderly on the brink of death regained mobility. The disabled saw their missing limbs regrow. Those gravely injured or suffering from fatal illnesses were instantly healed.


    Using the power of fire elements, Chen Ming burned vast forests to open up farmland. Then, with earth elements, he caused the ground to till itself, becoming level and incredibly fertile.


    With a wave of his hand, Chen Ming opened an elemental domain, carving out water channels and transforming vast, undeveloped forests into fertile fields. Finally, under the awestruck gazes of the people, Chen Ming produced seeds and scattered them. Using the power of the left leg bone of the Myriad Demon King, he made the seeds sprout instantly, growing to maturity within moments.


    Golden rice plants filled the farmland, yielding several times more than what the tribe had ever harvested before. Even with both the tribe''s people and soul engineers working together¡ªsome using soul tools specifically designed for farming¡ªharvesting the rice took half a month.


    When Chen Ming''s statue was erected in the center of the tribe, and his name as the God of Life and Death, the one who controlled birth, decay, and reincarnation, spread throughout the settlement, all the people devoted themselves to him with pure loyalty and faith.


    The tribe, which originally had a population of over 20,000, grew to 50,000 within a month. Of these, 90% became fanatics, while the remaining 10% were newcomers who had yet to witness Chen Ming''s miracles.


    However, under the influence of the tribe''s atmosphere and the widely circulated accounts of Chen Ming''s deeds, coupled with the sight of rooms filled with grain and the heads of ferocious soul beasts, even these newcomers quickly transitioned from casual believers to devout followers.


    After establishing his divine authority and gaining the people''s unwavering loyalty, Chen Ming did not rush to leave the Sun and Moon Continent.


    Noting that he still had about a month left, Chen Ming instructed the soul engineers to remain in the tribe for the time being and then flew toward a specific location in the Bright Moon Empire.


    This was a forest known for its high-level soul beasts. Though relatively obscure compared to top-tier areas like the Evil Demon Forest or Jingyang Ridge, it was home to a powerful plant-type soul beast hidden deep within a quiet valley.


    Yes, Chen Ming''s target was the native Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun and Moon Continent.


    This Blue Silver Emperor had been interfering with Chen Ming''s attempts to gather information. Currently, human exploration of places like the Evil Demon Forest¡ªareas of interest to Chen Ming¡ªwas minimal. As for the location of the Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon, such information was impossible to discover through ordinary means.


    The Blue Silver Emperor''s meddling disrupted Chen Ming''s plans, making it clear that this needed to be dealt with directly. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even Ah Yin, who usually remained indifferent and passive, wholeheartedly supported Chen Ming''s decision. She enthusiastically encouraged him to deal a heavy blow to the native Blue Silver Emperor.


    Ah Yin had been severely harassed by the native Blue Silver Emperor while attempting to gather information through Blue Silver Grass. Not only did this entity provide false and useless information, but its insults were particularly cutting¡ªuncharacteristically aggressive for a plant-type soul beast.


    When the native Blue Silver Emperor learned that Ah Yin was no longer a soul beast, nor a reincarnated human-form soul beast, but instead existed in an alternative form within a soul bone, its taunts and frequency of harassment escalated significantly.


    As a plant-type soul beast with little else to do, the Blue Silver Emperor bombarded Ah Yin with non-stop insults, from sunrise to the following sunrise, without pause.


    Because both were Blue Silver Emperors, Ah Yin couldn''t completely block the interference without losing face. Even when she tried to block it, the native Blue Silver Emperor would continue its harassment by leveraging the omnipresent Blue Silver Grass. The relentless attacks had driven Ah Yin to the brink of emotional collapse, prompting her to repeatedly ask Chen Ming when he would finally confront this troublesome Blue Silver Emperor.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [306]

    In an unnamed canyon, the Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent was stretching her body to perform photosynthesis while simultaneously using her Blue Silver Grass to explore the various ways people insult others on the Sun Moon Continent. After organizing the information she had gathered, the Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent sent all the curses she learned directly to Ah Yin.


    She had been cursing her for over a month now. Initially, it could be chalked up to an instinctive hostility born from sensing the existence of another emperor. But at this point, she was purely enjoying the process of trash-talking.


    By all logic, there should only be one Blue Silver Emperor per species. A single continent''s Blue Silver network can only support one emperor.


    However, because the Sun Moon Continent and Douluo Continent were separated by an ocean, the Blue Silver Grass on each continent evolved independently, resulting in each landmass having its own Blue Silver Emperor.


    The Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent didn''t feel lonely since she had the entire continent''s Blue Silver Grass accompanying her. Still, on certain nights, she would occasionally ponder how she would survive her next heavenly tribulation and whether it might finally kill her.


    Overall, because she felt like she was nearing the end of her life (from a soul beast''s perspective), she often had a strange sense of emptiness, as if she didn''t know what to do with herself.


    But when another emperor appeared who could communicate with her as an equal, her emotions quickly shifted. Her initial panic and anger soon turned into curiosity. As she repeatedly provoked Ah Yin, breaking her mental defenses, she found that this once inexplicable emptiness was replaced by a sense of joy derived from the act.


    At this point, she wasn''t concerned about things like the throne or dominance. She simply enjoyed the process of trash-talking and relished Ah Yin''s frustrated reactions whenever she managed to provoke her.


    While she was both gathering information and bombarding the other emperor with a deluge of insults, something unexpected happened: the Blue Silver Emperor she had been mocking and provoking finally sent her a reply.


    "Just you wait¡ªI''m coming for you. Let''s see how you''ll fare then!"


    The Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent chuckled disdainfully at Ah Yin''s message. Her massive body shook violently with laughter.


    "As expected, she''s just a child. Using such low-level threats without thinking it through. Even if you come here in person, with just your hundred-thousand-year cultivation, you wouldn''t stand a chance against me."


    "But since you are so amusing, if you do come here in person, I won''t devour you. Instead, I''ll let you serve under me as a Blue Silver King. When my time is running out, I can even share a bit of my essence with you. That way, the Blue Silver Grass on the Sun Moon Continent can still have an emperor to protect them."


    Perhaps it was due to the nature of the Blue Silver Grass, but despite her trash-talking tendencies, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor didn''t harbor much malice toward Ah Yin. She even entertained the idea of helping her.


    However, just as she was laughing, a second identical message came through. As she sensed the location from which it was sent, a bad feeling arose in her heart.


    Not long after, a third identical message arrived, this time from a location even closer to her. The Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent found herself unable to laugh anymore.


    A fourth, a fifth, a sixth¡­


    The intervals between the messages shortened, and the distance grew ever closer. Feeling a speed that was clearly beyond anything the Blue Silver Grass species should possess, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor panicked. She uprooted her rhizomes from the ground and activated her flight abilities, attempting to flee.


    But before she could escape the forest, the seventh message arrived. This time, it came from directly behind her.


    A powerful wave of wood-element energy suppressed her soul power and resistance, forcing her, who had been flying swiftly, to curl into a ball and plummet toward the ground. Before she could crash, however, a voice filled with irritation echoed in her mind.


    "Gotcha!"


    The Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor, now curled into a ball, was caught by the gentle yet overpowering soul power of the Blue Silver Grass species. The voice of the soul power''s owner, however, was brimming with unmasked fury. The Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun Moon Continent adjusted her perception and saw a figure in a black robe standing in mid-air, completely devoid of any discernible presence. Beside the figure was a semi-transparent woman whose face bore a strained smile.


    From the other''s aura, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor could sense that this transparent woman was none other than the Blue Silver Emperor she had been relentlessly trash-talking.


    "Uh¡­ can we talk this out?"


    Sensing the ominous aura emanating from the figure, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor weakly sent a mental message.


    "What are you talking about? I don''t understand!"


    With the support of Chen Ming''s godlike soul power, the Myriad King''s left leg bone, and his spiritual enhancements, Ah Yin¡ªdespite being in a soul form¡ªhad strength that felt more tangible than ever. Her current power surpassed even what she possessed before her sacrifice, reaching the level of a Titled Douluo.


    Ah Yin smiled as she raised her fist, attacking the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor¡ªwho had been suppressed into a ball¡ªwith a combination of physical blows, soul power, and spiritual attacks. To vent her pent-up anger, she even opened access to the Blue Silver Network.


    Realizing what Ah Yin was about to do, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor trembled in fear, her spherical form shaking uncontrollably.


    "No, no, don''t do this!"


    Ah Yin didn''t respond. She simply opened the shared vision of the entire Blue Silver Grass species, broadcasting herself pummeling the ruler of the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Grass to every Blue Silver Grass in the land. Whether they were sentient or not, every Blue Silver Grass was forced to witness this scene.


    If another species had done this, every sentient Blue Silver Grass on the continent would have chosen to self-destruct alongside the intruder who humiliated their ruler. But the problem was, Ah Yin''s identity was also that of a Blue Silver Emperor. Although she ruled over another continent, she was still an emperor.


    The conflict between emperors.


    The clash between the old and the new.


    This situation left many of the Blue Silver Grass completely dumbfounded, and unsure of how to react. The Blue Silver King of the Sun Moon Continent, in particular, covered its face (or what could be considered its face) with its leaves and let out a helpless sigh.


    Half an hour later, Ah Yin released her suppression and ended the live broadcast on the Blue Silver Network. However, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor, now free from the restraint, remained curled up like a dead plant, motionless on the ground.


    For a being whose pride exceeded that of most humans, being publicly beaten in front of the entire continent was utterly humiliating¡ªa complete disgrace. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And given the longevity of the Blue Silver Grass species, this public humiliation would likely be passed down for tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years. Even after several generations of emperors had come and gone, her shameful defeat would still be recounted among the Blue Silver Grass.


    At this point, the Sun Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor was seriously considered self-destruction.


    For someone with such a high sense of pride, this kind of public humiliation was far more agonizing than death. And to have it broadcast live to every Blue Silver Grass on the continent? It was the ultimate emotional torment.


    Even though Ah Yin''s punches were not powerful enough to harm her essence, this kind of psychological blow made her feel like she no longer deserved to exist in this world.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Empero [307]

    After venting her anger, A Yin smoothed her hair, pretending to appear gentle as she returned to Chen Ming''s side. However, Chen Ming, who had witnessed everything A Yin had just done, gave her a rather peculiar look. Sure enough, no matter how pink they look on the outside, they''re always black on the inside¡ªthis universal truth applies across all worlds.


    Moreover, trash talk is not advisable. Even on Douluo Continent, trash talk can lead to real-world consequences.


    The person who had just linked A Yin to the entire continent''s Blue Silver Grass network and suppressed the Blue Silver Emperor of Sun-Moon Continent thought to themselves, completely oblivious to their actions.


    Looking at the Sun-Moon Continent''s Blue Silver Emperor, who remained curled up into a ball, Chen Ming cleared his throat.


    "Uh, Little Grass?"


    "I am the Blue Silver Emperor. If you wish to address me with a human name, you may call me Ah Yin or Xiao Lan, but do not call me Little Grass."


    Though her heart was filled with pain, as if she were a salted fish lying lifelessly on the ground, unwilling to accept reality, the Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun-Moon Continent still extended a leaf towards Chen Ming and spoke in a flat, otherworldly feminine voice after hearing his words.


    "The Blue Silver Emperor next to me is named Ah Yin after transforming into human form, so I''ll call you... Xiao Lan."


    "As you wish." The curled-up Blue Silver Emperor, Xiao Lan, slowly unfurled herself, re-rooting her stems into the ground to absorb nutrients from the earth. However, due to her inner shame, she, as a ruler, dared not reconnect to the Blue Silver Grass network and chose to isolate herself by remaining offline.


    "Strong human, why are you here to see me? Is it for my soul ring or soul bone? If that''s the case, I suppose I cannot escape."


    "Although I cannot sense your aura, I can faintly feel from the way you just suppressed me that you are very strong. So strong that I can hardly describe it. So strong that you don''t seem like a soul master or a soul beast. Even the strongest soul beast on the Sun-Moon Continent, the Evileye Tyrant King from another world, is no match for you."


    "If it were someone else, I might have a chance to escape or leave behind seeds with my vitality. But with your strength and understanding of the Blue Silver Emperor, I don''t think I have any chance of escaping."


    "No, I didn''t come for your soul ring or soul bone. Although I admit they are indeed valuable, I came here primarily because you interfered with me while I was gathering information and even had the nerve to trash talk, so I dealt with my other matters first before coming to find you."


    Chen Ming looked at the deflated Blue Silver Emperor, Xiao Lan, and explained calmly.


    "So, you''re planning to take my soul bone while you''re at it?" Xiao Lan''s voice was calm. Based on her understanding of soul masters, she believed this human would not hesitate to claim a top-tier soul bone over 100,000 years old.


    "Not at all. You''re more useful alive, so there''s no need for me to kill you."


    As Chen Ming spoke, his spiritual power extended outward, directly bringing A Yin''s spirit into Xiao Lan''s mind. He then revealed a fragment of his divinity. Xiao Lan, who had been utterly lifeless, was instantly overwhelmed by the sacred aura, her massive leaves trembling uncontrollably.


    "You are¡­ you are¡­ I thought so. How could such a powerful being exist in this world? Since you''re who you are, it all makes sense."


    Xiao Lan desperately wanted to utter the word "god," but under Chen Ming''s control, every time she tried to speak the word, she was interrupted, making it impossible to complete a single sentence.


    "I haven''t reached that level yet, or rather, I have reached the level you''re thinking of, but I''m not satisfied. I want to continue ascending further," Chen Ming said with a squint and a smile.


    "Although there are no native gods on this continent, you should know that for gods, faith is an incredibly important source of power."


    "You want the Blue Silver Grass tribe to worship you?" Xiao Lan was quick to connect the dots, but as she looked at A Yin, she grew puzzled. "But if it''s faith from the Blue Silver Grass tribe you need, the Emperor by your side is already capable of replacing me as the ruler of the Blue Silver Grass tribe on this continent. There''s no need for you to involve me."


    "That''s true, but I still have uses for you."


    "Forging a divine position and elevating it requires immense faith¡ªwhether from humans or soul beasts. While the Blue Silver Grass tribe can provide a significant amount of faith, I''m not one to settle for less. I want the faith of both the Blue Silver Grass tribe and this continent''s humans."


    "What does human faith have to do with me? I''m not even human," Xiao Lan asked, even more confused, her leaves forming the shape of a question mark.


    "Heaven cherishes life. Seeing as you''re also a Blue Silver Grass and possess considerable strength, I''m willing to give you a chance."


    "I''m not from this continent. I come from another land called the Douluo Continent, where I still have matters to attend to. For now, I cannot stay here for long. However, I do have followers on this continent, and I can''t just leave them unattended."


    "I''ve noticed you''re quite strong. With nearly 200,000 years of cultivation, even though you''re not skilled in combat, you''re still a formidable force on the Sun-Moon Continent."


    "If you can protect my followers here, then when I ascend to godhood, I''ll take you with me and elevate you to the Divine Realm."


    "Really? You''re willing to take me with you after becoming a god?" Xiao Lan''s body stiffened, and she looked at Chen Ming in disbelief.


    "Taking you to the Divine Realm is a simple matter. However, whether you''ll be a low-ranking divine official or something greater depends on your performance. If I wanted to, I could ascend to godhood right now. But I''m still young and feel there''s room for improvement, so I''m staying in the mortal world a little longer."


    Xiao Lan could feel Chen Ming''s overwhelming power and indescribable divine presence, so she believed his words completely.


    After all, disbelief was pointless. If she could defeat him, she would naturally have the freedom to choose. But since he could suppress her with a mere gesture and still spoke to her kindly, whatever he said must be true.


    "Alright, where are your followers? I''ll protect them." Thinking about the heavenly tribulation looming over her, Xiao Lan gritted her teeth and agreed without hesitation, not even asking how much effort it would require. Her decisiveness left A Yin covering her face in embarrassment.


    "I can''t let you go just like that. I''m afraid my followers might get hurt. I''ll need to place a restriction on you first to ensure my peace of mind. However, given how readily you agreed, I can offer you some benefits upfront."


    "I see your essence is damaged, likely from the time you broke through the 100,000-year mark. You probably have no confidence in surviving your second heavenly tribulation, do you?"


    "As it happens, one of my divine powers is related to this. If you accept my restriction, I can help repair your essence. If you''re willing to take a risk and push your cultivation to 200,000 years using the innate talent of the Blue Silver Grass tribe, I can even help you survive your second heavenly tribulation."


    "What will it be?"


    Chen Ming''s tone was calm, but his words carried a lot of weight. After a brief moment of thought, the Blue Silver Emperor, Xiao Lan, quickly made her decision.


    S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Empero [308]

    "If there''s a chance to become a beast of calamity, I''m willing to do whatever you ask, as long as you don''t let me harm the Blue Silver Grass clan."


    Xiao Lan answered firmly.


    "Alright, then let''s return to the valley first. I''ll place restrictions on you, then I''ll help repair your origin and assist you in breaking through your second heavenly tribulation."


    Xiao Lan retracted her roots, curled up into a ball, and activated her flying ability to quickly bring Chen Ming and Ah Yin back to the Blue Silver Grass Valley. As she felt the gazes (mental energy) of her clan members upon her, curled up as she was, even though she had cut off her network, Xiao Lan could roughly guess how her clan viewed her.


    In any case, for her right now, the difference between living and dying wasn''t that significant anymore.


    If this human could help her breakthrough, it would prove that he was a deity. And at that point, as a Blue Silver Emperor, losing to another Blue Silver Emperor under the hand of a deity¡ªeven if she got beaten up badly and it was broadcast live across the continent¡ªwell, that wouldn''t exactly be a disgrace to the Blue Silver Grass, would it?


    Xiao Lan rooted herself back in the spot she had once occupied, absorbing nutrients from the earth, while Chen Ming, after returning Ah Yin''s soul to his body, activated the ability of his left leg bone and the first soul skill of his sixth soul ring.


    The first soul skill of the left leg bone, King of Plants, combined with the second soul skill, Thousand Branches, could be used to transform plants. Meanwhile, the sixth soul ring''s skill, Life, which imitated the power of the Goddess of Life, along with Chen Ming''s understanding of laws and the structure of godhood, made repairing a Blue Silver Emperor''s origin as easy as pie.


    If Chen Ming wanted to, with his current abilities, he could even extract Ah Yin''s body from the leg bone and reconstruct her physical form. However, for now, Chen Ming had no intention of doing so.


    Accompanied by a soft moan, Xiao Lan''s internal injuries rapidly healed, and the missing parts of her origin were restored.


    Back when she endured her hundred-thousand-year heavenly tribulation, she had suffered irreversible damage. However, she had also gained a trace of thunder spirit power from the tribulation. Though weak, it was pure, containing both the destructive power of lightning and the vitality of spring after a storm.


    For most soul beasts, this trace of thunder spirit power would have been enough to transform them, ensuring safe passage through at least a second or even a third heavenly tribulation. Unfortunately, the compatibility between Blue Silver Grass and Thunder Soul Power was low. While they didn''t repel each other, they didn''t harmonize well either. Xiao Lan possessed the thunder soul power but had no idea how to use it. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This unusual situation, however, caught Chen Ming''s attention. Using his understanding, he stabilized the thunder spirit power and fully integrated it into Xiao Lan''s origin, not only repairing her origin but slightly boosting its quality as well.


    Although she was still at the level of a top-tier soul beast, with proper cultivation and the help of the thunder spirit power, Xiao Lan could potentially become a super soul beast after surviving her second heavenly tribulation.


    After repairing her origin, Xiao Lan suppressed her embarrassment and connected to the network, requesting her clan members to gather their strength to help her breakthrough. Although the Blue Silver Grass clan on the Sun and Moon Continent was somewhat confused¡ªand slightly displeased about their emperor being pinned down by another emperor¡ªthey were still a united group and willingly offered their strength.


    Xiao Lan''s cultivation level, which had been just over 180,000 years, quickly rose, first breaking through the 190,000-year mark, and then charging toward 200,000 years.


    Such a rapid surge in cultivation, even for soul beasts, could destabilize her foundation. Even though the power came from her kin, it temporarily reduced her control over that power, significantly lowering her chances of surviving the next tribulation. But Xiao Lan gritted her teeth and pressed on.


    After all, if she didn''t break through, she''d rather be struck dead by lightning than become a negative example for the Blue Silver Grass clan to mock for tens of thousands of years.


    The heavenly tribulation quickly descended. The ordinary Blue Silver Grass in the valley prostrated themselves under the majestic heavenly pressure, while soul beasts in the surrounding forest fled in panic. Soul beasts over ten thousand years old lowered their bodies, expressing their respect toward the Blue Silver Grass Valley. During the process of repairing Xiao Lan''s origin, Chen Ming had imprinted part of his origin and spiritual power within hers. At this moment, as she felt the despair-inducing power of the heavenly tribulation, Xiao Lan no longer experienced the same oppressive feeling as before.


    Having fused with part of the thunder soul power and with her spiritual power elevated by Chen Ming''s guidance, Xiao Lan gazed at the imposing tribulation above her, and she couldn''t help but feel¡­ was this tribulation kind of weak?


    Although the energy it contained was several times stronger than what she had faced at the hundred-thousand-year level¡ªand it was indeed at the level of a beast of calamity¡ªthe offensive and destructive power seemed somewhat¡­ lacking.


    At this point, the tribulation itself was confused. Sensing the beast below and the familiar aura beside her, the vaguely sentient heavenly tribulation of the Douluo Plane felt helpless once more.


    Just a short while ago, this individual had helped a soul beast break through to the 100,000-year level. And now, only a few days later, he was assisting another soul beast in reaching 200,000 years?


    Even with the powers of the Thunder God, the God of Destruction, the God of Sin, and the mantle of the current Child of Destiny¡ªbearing the crucial responsibility of resisting the evil gods'' attempts to infiltrate the Douluo World¡ªcouldn''t he at least pace himself?


    If the heavenly tribulation had a physical form, it would surely be sweating profusely.


    After much hesitation, the heavenly tribulation finally struck, but its power¡­ well, it was only slightly stronger than a hundred-thousand-year tribulation, far from threatening to a 200,000-year soul beast. And for Xiao Lan, who had fused with the thunder soul power, the lethality was even further reduced.


    Moreover, each strike of the tribulation was followed by a long pause, giving Xiao Lan ample time to recover and prepare her defenses. Whenever she showed any sign of weakness, the next bolt would linger in the sky, waiting until she had recovered enough before striking again.


    The tribulation lasted for three days. When it finally ended, Xiao Lan felt a lightness she hadn''t experienced in ages. Her heart was filled with joy, but even more so, profound confusion.


    It felt like she had endured a tribulation for a 200,000-year breakthrough, yet the experience was akin to merely scraping her knee.


    There was no danger to her life, and her origin wasn''t damaged. It felt as though the heavenly tribulation had been more eager to leave than she was.


    And she more or less understood the reason why.


    Because she bore the mark of a deity, even the destructive heavenly tribulation dared not truly punish her.


    Looking up at Chen Ming''s figure hovering in mid-air, the now-calamity-level Xiao Lan transformed into her human form, knelt before him, and in that instant, her faith elevated to the level of a devout believer.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [309]

    Chen Ming could also sense that the tribulation lightning seemed to be giving him face, while simultaneously feeling the faintly intelligent emotions of the lightning¡ªthe complexity of its emotions during the process of descending was apparent. If this kept happening, Chen Ming figured that the consciousness of the plane might connect with him and try to advise him. Fortunately, though, Chen Ming didn''t have any grand ambitions of helping soul beasts survive tribulation lightning en masse; he only did so occasionally, and for specific reasons.


    In any case, Chen Ming decided he definitely couldn''t do this sort of thing again in the next few years.


    Once a ferocious beast passed through its second tribulation, it could freely transform between human and beast forms. Xiao Lan, in her human form, looked very similar to Ah Yin¡ªso much so that one could say they were carved from the same mold. However, considering both were Blue Silver Emperors, it was only natural for them to be similar.


    As for Xiao Lan and Ah Yin themselves, neither seemed to find it awkward; instead, they looked at each other with a growing sense of goodwill, and the previous unpleasantness between them gradually dissipated.


    After using her power to nourish the nearby Blue Silver Grass and entrusting the Blue Silver King in the valley with the care of its inhabitants, Xiao Lan was stored by Chen Ming in his soul tool and brought to the south.


    After discussing matters with Xu Bai and the other soul engineers staying behind in the Sun and Moon Continent to develop the faith system, Chen Ming placed Xiao Lan in a tribe, appointing her as their guardian.


    A ferocious beast that had passed its second tribulation already had power comparable to that of a Super Douluo. Not only did Xiao Lan possess the Blue Silver Grass lineage''s immense vitality and resilience, but her integration of the power of the Thunder Soul Power and her successful second tribulation also granted her potent lightning attribute abilities. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although she couldn''t compare to soul beasts with divine bloodline inheritance, like the Thunder Hell Prison Vine, or reach the level of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, her lightning abilities were strong enough to surpass most top-tier lightning-attribute soul beasts.


    With the combination of these traits, Xiao Lan''s combat prowess was significantly enhanced, leaving her with almost no apparent weaknesses. Even against a 95th-level Super Douluo, she had a high chance of victory.


    Let alone the Sun and Moon Continent, which lacked high-level combatants¡ªXiao Lan would be a powerful force even on the Douluo Continent.


    After finishing up matters on the Sun and Moon Continent, Chen Ming summoned the Dark Devilgod Tiger, whose power had been enhanced within the second soul ring of the Ascending Dragon Sword using the Evil God''s power. The Dark Devilgod Tiger enlarged its body, becoming a mount, and Chen Ming rode it toward the south pole, planning to use the south pole as a route back to the Douluo Continent.


    To be honest, the Dark Devilgod Tiger found the situation incredibly frustrating¡ªbeing ridden by weaklings who occasionally poked and examined its wings and fur. After all, in the soul beast world, strength ruled, and these soul engineers were, in the tiger''s eyes, the kind of inferior creatures it wouldn''t even bother to eat because their flesh was too insubstantial and too toxic.


    If not for Chen Ming''s orders, the Dark Devilgod Tiger would never have imagined itself reduced to serving as a mount for such weaklings.


    What angered the Dark Devilgod Tiger, even more, was that it had to precisely suppress its aura to avoid accidentally releasing energy that could vaporize these humans. Its massive tiger face was contorted with annoyance while flying, its eyes rolling in exasperation. The once-mighty and imposing creature now looked utterly helpless.


    The journey from the Sun and Moon Continent to the South Pole included a brief passage over ocean waters, but nothing significant happened along the way. Similarly, the soul beasts at the south pole didn''t cause any trouble as they traversed the area. However, on the final stretch of the ocean crossing back to the Douluo Continent, Chen Ming and his group encountered an unexpected event.


    Although Chen Ming and the Dark Devilgod Tiger didn''t need rest, the soul engineers did. While they could manage eating and sleeping on the tiger''s back, they still needed to attend to bodily functions.


    Chen Ming ensured that they used containers to collect waste so it wouldn''t fall on the Dark Devilgod Tiger, but the tiger still looked utterly aggrieved at the thought of humans relieving themselves on its back. It shed tears of frustration, unable to defy Chen Ming''s orders but brimming with silent protest.


    As for minor issues like fear of heights or motion sickness, Chen Ming resolved them easily. Still, the situation wasn''t ideal.


    To accommodate the soul engineers, Chen Ming occasionally allowed them to stop and adjust on small islands. There weren''t many stops¡ªonly twice in total¡ªbefore they neared the Douluo Continent. After one last period of rest on a small island near their destination, they prepared to continue their journey. However, just as they were about to set off, the previously calm sea suddenly erupted into chaos.


    Gale-force winds roared across the ocean, whipping up massive waves several meters high. Torrential rain poured down, and bolts of lightning flashed in the storm clouds above.


    In the distance, a massive whirlpool formed on the sea''s surface, devouring everything around it. Several sea soul beasts, unable to escape in time, were sucked into the vortex, their bodies shredded into fragments. Blood and bone turned the sea a vivid red.


    "This aura belongs to a hundred-thousand-year soul beast? No¡­ a ferocious beast?"


    Chen Ming shielded the soul engineers, who were struggling to breathe under the oppressive aura and gazed into the distance, activating his Spiritual Eye.


    At the heart of the vortex, he saw the source of this upheaval.


    It was a creature about two meters tall, its entire body wrapped in explosive water element energy.


    It was¡­ a water monkey.


    The creature had long arms¡ªso long that even when standing upright, its fingertips nearly reached its feet. Its head bore four ears, and its overall appearance resembled a strange, blue long-armed gibbon.


    Chen Ming thought for a moment and quickly identified it, though not from any soul beast compendium in this lifetime. Instead, it was from his memories of the ancient text The Classic of Mountains and Seas from his previous life.


    "This is¡­ a county-flooding beast?" Chen Ming looked at the sea.


    He reasoned that the disparity in power levels between the world of Douluo and the Classic of Mountains and Seas Book must account for it. What was merely a local flood-bringer in the Classic of Mountains and Seas Book was an immensely powerful beast in Douluo, capable of generating floods that could truly engulf entire regions.


    The ocean was far larger than the landmass, and the number and variety of high-level sea soul beasts far exceeded those on land. Encountering a hundred-thousand-year sea soul beast or even a ferocious beast wasn''t impossible. Chen Ming had considered the possibility before but had assumed he wouldn''t encounter such creatures, as they had been lucky so far. From above, he had only seen groups of sea soul beasts hunting smaller ones, with the leaders being no older than sixty or seventy thousand years.


    Yet, just as they were about to return to the Douluo Continent, they ran into a ferocious beast-level sea soul beast.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [310]

    Amidst the whirlpool under the sea, Chang You opened its massive mouth, devouring seawater and swallowing the torn flesh and blood of soul beasts shredded within it, before spitting out the now worthless seawater.


    Although Chang You''s body was small, and its mouth seemed insignificant compared to the vast ocean, it consumed seawater at an astonishing speed thanks to its unique abilities and cultivation. The originally blood-red ocean, dyed so by the shredded soul beasts, began to fade rapidly.


    However, as Chang You patted its belly, it still did not feel satisfied.


    It had been dormant under the sea for decades, and every time it awoke, it required a massive amount of soul beasts to feed on. Although the soul beasts in this area had somewhat recovered, it was still far from enough to satisfy the hunger of Chang You, who had been asleep for so long.


    Just as Chang You was pondering where to go next for food, a powerful surge of soul energy erupted from the sky. Instantly, Chang You felt as though the entire ocean had slipped out of its control, even the water elements around it were being gradually taken away.


    "Yiii yiii yiii!"


    Feeling provoked, Chang You let out an angry cry. Its soul energy burst forth, forcibly reclaiming control of the surrounding seawater and water elements. Then, with a swift stomp on the water, its entire body shot up to the surface like a rocket.


    Chang You, resembling a monkey, stood on the surface of the sea. Staring at the black-clad man standing in the void above, its eyes revealed a hint of wariness but no trace of fear.


    As an ancient variant of the fierce beast level, Chang You may not have been comparable to the top-tier existences within the ocean, but it was undoubtedly a domineering presence in the surrounding waters. Its strength alone rivaled that of a human''s Super Douluo, and with the advantage of being in its marine domain, Chang You believed it was not inferior to any human soul master below rank 99.


    "Yiii yiii."


    Soul beasts, after reaching the hundred-thousand-year level, could generally speak human language, and fierce beasts could even take on human form. However, due to rarely interacting with humans, Chang You had almost forgotten how to speak. After letting out a couple of cries, it finally spoke in a voice resembling that of a middle-aged man:


    "Human soul master, what do you want? Do you intend to fight me, King Chang You?"


    As an ancient creature left behind from a bygone era, Chang You had never seen others of its kind since birth. In its mind, even if there were others of its species, with its cultivation, it would undoubtedly be the king among them. Thus, after surviving the tribulation of a fierce beast 20,000 years ago, it began calling itself King Chang You.


    "I was merely passing through, but I didn''t expect to encounter a fierce beast in this sea," Chen Ming said with a faint smile, looking at Chang You. "If Heaven presents an opportunity, it is a sin not to take it. Since this is the case, I shall claim your soul bone."


    In the world of Douluo, it was a natural law for humans to hunt soul beasts, and for soul beasts to hunt humans or even each other. It was simply a matter of differing perspectives and positions.


    To Chen Ming, if Chang You could devour an entire area of marine soul beasts upon waking, then it was only natural for him to devour Chang You in turn.


    "How presumptuous!"


    Chang You roared angrily, its long arms plunged into the seawater below. As its arms moved, the ocean seemed to churn under an invisible force, quickly forming whirlpools and turning murky.


    Under Chang You''s control, massive waves rose, forming towering water tornadoes dozens of meters high around it. The entire sea became turbulent and violent, and the water tornadoes continued to grow visibly larger, amassing more and more power.


    This was Chang You''s innate ability, Sea Stirring, which allowed it to dominate the surrounding water elements with overwhelming force. With its current cultivation as a fierce beast, this ability could genuinely stir an entire sea into chaos.


    Within the water tornadoes, countless glowing points of light emerged. These lights condensed into the shapes of various soul beasts, formed from the chaotic water and elemental energy, and charged toward Chen Ming in a fierce assault.


    This was Chang You''s second innate ability, Beast Command.


    As an ancient variant, Chang You possessed the ability to command the souls of soul beasts it had killed, transforming them into water monsters. These water monsters were once soul beasts that had perished at Chang You''s hands. Over the years, their numbers and quality had only grown as Chang You improved its cultivation.


    Although there was a limit to the number of water monsters Chang You could control, after countless years of selection and refinement, the power it now held was no small matter. Nearly every water monster possessed unique abilities or had been formidable in its lifetime. Moreover, as they were not truly alive, they feared neither death nor destruction. Even if shattered, they could be reformed by consuming soul power. With Chang You''s fierce beast-level cultivation, each water monster it created was equivalent to a top-tier 50,000-year soul beast. And now, there were dozens of them swarming toward Chen Ming.


    Among them, the strongest water monster radiated the aura of a 100,000-year soul beast¡ªit was a Demonic Tiger Whale. Though its strength had diminished below that of a true 100,000-year soul beast due to losing its original body and being controlled by Chang You, its ferocity and fearless nature made it a threat comparable to a 100,000-year soul beast.


    With this army of water monsters, even a 100,000-year soul beast would be suppressed in an instant. Against another fierce beast, caution would still be necessary. This was Chang You''s most powerful innate ability.


    This ability allowed Chang You to dominate the rich waters of this region. Even top-tier marine soul beasts like the Devil Spirit Great White Shark or Demonic Tiger Whale clans dared not invade its territory lightly. Though it was alone, Chang You was the equivalent of an entire tribe¡ªa tribe that was fearless, loyal, and grew stronger with every battle.


    Thus, Chang You, a single fierce beast, reigned supreme over this bountiful sea. Not even groups of marine soul beasts could challenge its status.


    Chen Ming, however, found this ability intriguing. Within the cores of the peculiar water monsters, he could sense the fusion of Chang You''s spiritual essence with the souls and elemental energy of the original soul beasts.


    Although Chang You seemed to merely pull the trigger to activate this ability without understanding its deeper principles, the skill was undeniably extraordinary and well-suited for Chen Ming.


    The attributes of Ultimate Ice and Ultimate Water shared certain similarities. The Ice Dragon King was also the Water Dragon King. While Chen Ming had a stronger affinity for ice due to absorbing the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, after his spirit rings were modified by the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, he had also gained a near-Ultimate Water attribute, though he rarely used it.


    Chen Ming reached out into the void, lifting a large volume of seawater into the air. Infusing the water with his power and spiritual essence, he compressed and shaped it until it formed a five-clawed true dragon composed entirely of seawater.


    Manipulating the water and infusing it with spiritual essence required little effort for Chen Ming, far less than compressing the seawater.


    The water dragon, now imbued with a portion of Chen Ming''s spiritual essence and the power of the Water Dragon King, opened its eyes and roared in midair.


    Although it had no true consciousness or thoughts, the spiritual essence, and dragon power Chen Ming gave it endowed it with the traits and will of a purebred true dragon. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The water dragon roared and charged toward the water monsters. Its slender tail lashed out like a whip, shattering several monsters instantly and delivering a powerful blow to Chang You''s spiritual essence. The unexpected pain sent a shiver through Chang You, who had never felt such an experience.


    Like a tiger among sheep, the water dragon created by Chen Ming possessed the qualities of a true 100,000-year pureblood dragon, even surpassing it in some aspects. The water monsters created by Chang You shattered one by one under the dragon''s claws and tail, each destruction sending a mental shock back to Chang You.


    At first, Chang You could quickly recreate new water monsters to continue the fight. But as more monsters were destroyed and its spiritual essence was repeatedly struck, even with ample soul power, the speed at which Chang You could summon new creatures visibly slowed.


    When only a few water monsters remained, Chang You gritted its teeth and began stirring the seawater faster and faster with its hands. The ocean waves grew even more violent, and the surrounding elemental energy became unstable, escalating from mere turbulence to a true natural disaster.


    Chang You let out a roar, its soul power surging. A massive domain unfolded, greedily absorbing the water energy around it to replenish its lost strength.


    This was Chang You''s innate domain skill, Demonic Sea Domain. It could absorb and corrupt water elemental energy, enhancing its attributes significantly while restoring its soul power based on the amount of water present. Enemies caught within the domain would be suppressed, with the degree of suppression depending on their strength and the abundance of water elements.


    On land, this domain might have been mediocre, but in the ocean, it was undoubtedly one of the most powerful domains. If not for the fact that using it consumed Chang You''s essence, this ability, combined with its other powers, would allow it to face any marine fierce beast below the fourth tribulation head-on.


    A colossal water monkey rose from the ocean, its soul power and spiritual essence surpassing that of all the previous water monsters combined. Its massive body radiated a savage aura. Standing atop a hundred-meter-high water tornado, it reached out to grab the water dragon, seemingly preparing for a desperate final battle.


    However, Chen Ming, who had been watching Chang You closely, saw through its intentions. As soon as the gigantic water monkey appeared, Chang You dove into the sea without hesitation, fleeing into the distance at full speed. What appeared to be a fight was, in reality, a cover for its escape.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [311]

    Savage aggression is the inherent nature of soul beasts, and fleeing when outmatched is an instinct shared by all living beings. Upon realizing that its water monster form posed no threat to the human soul master, Chang You immediately entertained the thought of escape.


    After all, the ocean is vast, and even sea soul beasts can''t claim the ability to lock onto a single target in its expanse. Chang You figured that as long as it could widen the distance, the human soul master wouldn''t be able to catch up.


    Besides, though it hadn''t eaten its fill, it had consumed enough to stave off hunger. Returning to slumber for a few years to recover its energy sounded like a fine idea. When it emerged again, it would be as good as new. Having only recently endured its second heavenly tribulation, Chang You knew it still had a long time before the next one and saw no need to fight a human soul master to the death.


    As a monkey, flexibility was Chang You''s forte. It would fight desperately when necessary, but when it wasn''t, fleeing was the wiser choice.


    Chen Ming, observing Chang You''s retreat, raised an eyebrow and unleashed his spiritual power, tearing open a small spatial rift in front of him. Through it, he sent the Dark Devil God Tiger, which had been stationed on the island, directly into Chang You''s path. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the water monkey before it, the Dark Devil God Tiger immediately lunged at it with a bite. Chang You, unable to dodge in time, could only swing its long arm in an attempt to strike the tiger''s head.


    The problem was that, while Chang You was an ancient variant with an impressive physique¡ªstrong even by the standards of two-hundred-thousand-year soul beasts¡ªits natural abilities leaned more toward a mage-like role. Hasty physical attacks were ineffective against the Dark Devil God Tiger, which had been strengthened by Chen Ming.


    The Dark Devil God Tiger clamped down on one of Chang You''s arms and unleashed its Dark Devil Evil Thunder. The fusion of ultimate evil and lightning proved as deadly as acid to Chang You. As the evil lightning invaded its body, Chang You felt half of itself rendered useless.


    In agony, Chang You let out a pitiful scream, desperately manipulating the surrounding seawater in an attempt to counterattack. Yet the seawater couldn''t penetrate the barrier formed by the Dark Devil Evil Thunder.


    The Dark Devil God Tiger flapped its wings as soul power surged, activating its sprint soul skill.


    Though not a teleportation ability, its speed was so close to instantaneous that it might as well have been. The skill propelled the tiger in a straight-line charge, during which its attack power doubled. This ability was incredibly destructive, functioning as both movement and offense.


    Even in the water, where its speed was slightly diminished, the Dark Devil God Tiger''s charge tore through vast swathes of seawater and shot out of the ocean.


    During this process, for the first time, Chang You felt the ocean, usually gentle and accommodating, become as unyielding as steel. The immense impact shattered numerous bones in its body, leaving its form grotesquely twisted.


    Chang You attempted to activate its water transformation ability to escape the tiger''s grip, but the invasive Dark Devil Evil Thunder rendered even this final effort futile. Like a lifeless monkey, it was carried in the tiger''s jaws and brought before Chen Ming.


    As the Dark Devil God Tiger sought praise, Chen Ming patted its head and fed it some divine power from the God of Sin to strengthen it further. Then, with his right hand encased in the Darkgolden Terrorclaw soul bone, he swiftly ended Chang You''s life, not even giving it the chance to self-destruct.


    From Chang You''s corpse, a soul ring with two golden lines floated out, emanating the aura of a fierce beast. Simultaneously, its soul core transformed into a soul bone under the influence of the world''s rules.


    This was a high-quality left arm bone. Even through Chang You''s flesh, Chen Ming could sense the primal ferocity unique to ancient variants emanating from it.


    With a casual swing of his Darkgolden Terrorclaw, Chen Ming discarded Chang You''s monkey-like body, extracting the soul bone and most of the useful materials. The remains were given to the Dark Devil God Tiger as a reward.


    Though the scraps of flesh were little more than leftovers, the Dark Devil God Tiger eagerly devoured Chang You''s remains. After all, the blood and flesh of a fierce beast, no matter how diminished, were a delicacy it had never tasted in its lifetime.


    After consuming the flesh, Chen Ming used the soul control skill granted by the tiger''s soul ring to bind Chang You''s soul ring to himself. He began the process of gradually melting it down to extract its power.


    Chang You''s soul wailed within the soul ring, believing it was doomed to an eternity of torment. However, after stripping away most of its soul energy, Chen Ming casually pulled Chang You''s soul out and allowed it to re-enter the cycle of reincarnation by the world''s rules.


    Chang You''s essence held considerable research value, so Chen Ming temporarily stored it in the left arm bone. The remaining pure soul power and a small portion of its essence were split in half: one part for himself and the other for the Dark Devil God Tiger. In total, the tiger absorbed about one-third of Chang You''s essence. Though this was only its soul form, the unique circumstances allowed the tiger''s age to increase significantly, rising from just over 100,000 years to over 120,000 years. A conversion rate of nearly one-third was remarkably high.


    After collecting the soul bone, Chen Ming returned to the island, reassured the soul engineers, and directed the Dark Devil God Tiger to carry them back to the Douluo Continent. Sated and content, the tiger paid no mind to these insignificant figures. Once everyone was aboard, it flew back toward the Douluo Continent.


    This time, the journey was swift, and they soon arrived. At an uninhabited coastal area, Chen Ming and the soul engineers disembarked. The Dark Devil God Tiger''s soul was then sealed back into Chen Ming''s Dragon Ascension Sword.


    It was not yet time for the tiger to reveal itself on the Douluo Continent.


    Following traces of human activity, Chen Ming led the soul engineers to the nearest city, where he purchased carriages and supplies. Together, they set out for Gengxin City.


    The journey on the Douluo Continent took the longest, even longer than the time Chen Ming had spent traveling to and from the Sun Moon Continent. Despite rushing, it took over twenty days to reach Gengxin City.


    Using a prearranged code, Chen Ming contacted Lou Gao and his disciples. Through underground passages, the soul engineers were smuggled into the city. Over the following days, these soul engineers gained their first insights into the Douluo Continent.


    Initially, they had assumed that the claims of numerous Super Douluo and Titled Douluo on the continent were exaggerated. After all, the Sun Moon Continent produced a single Titled Douluo only once every few centuries. They reasoned that even if the Douluo Continent was strong, it could only manage two or three Titled Douluo per century.


    However, upon hearing local accounts, they realized that the claims were not exaggerated at all. The Douluo Continent truly was teeming with experts.


    Furthermore, the Sun Moon Continent''s reliance on the formidable Evil Emperor¡ªa powerful soul beast¡ªmeant that even with their advanced development, humans still harbored a deep fear of soul beasts. Large soul beast habitats were avoided at all costs. In contrast, learning that the humans of the Douluo Continent had completely subdued soul beasts left the soul engineers in awe.


    From every perspective, the Douluo Continent was millennia ahead of the Sun Moon Continent.


    Under Chen Ming''s guidance, Lou Gao and his disciples began exchanging techniques with the soul engineers led by Shui Xuan. Even early in their collaboration, both sides found the experience immensely rewarding.


    In addition to forging, Lou Gao also possessed considerable expertise in mechanisms¡ªa field that remained underdeveloped in the soul tool system even after ten thousand years. Meanwhile, the unique technology of soul tools gave Lou Gao new insights into forging and battle armor.


    A few days later, the first collaborative creation of the two continents was unveiled: the Green Pearl Wristband 2.0. Modeled after Chen Ming''s original Green Pearl Wristband, it was crafted from a thousand-year soul bone and spirit-forged metal, incorporating numerous level six and seven soul tool technologies.


    Testing revealed that the Green Pearl Wristband 2.0 retained the properties of a soul bone, allowing it to fuse with soul masters and significantly enhance the strength of their arms.


    Shi Long, a Soul Emperor, equipped the Green Pearl Wristband 2.0 and found that each punch carried the destructive power of a Soul Sage.


    When exerting full force, his strikes reached the level of a Soul Douluo. While the immense explosive power caused some muscle strain, neither Shi Long nor anyone else considered this a significant issue.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [312]

    The effect of a single soul tool was already passable, but the next issue to address was a much larger one regarding synergy.


    Only when soul tools achieve true synergy¡ªtransforming from various attachments to different parts of the body into an integrated suit of soul armor¡ªcan it be considered the prototype of battle armor. What follows is more experimentation, gradually combining soul tool craftsmanship with forging techniques to create battle armor.


    However, Chen Ming no longer had the time to oversee these experiments, as the plot of the original work''s second phase was about to begin.


    For the first time, Chen Ming had Ah Yin, in her identity as the Blue Silver Emperor, connect with all the Blue Silver Grass across the continent and keep an eye on Tang San and Tang Hao.


    Although Ah Yin found this command rather strange, she carried it out because she deeply missed her child.


    Through the Blue Silver Grass at Nuoding Academy, Chen Ming and Ah Yin observed Tang San and Xiao Wu for the first time.


    In Dormitory Seven, Tang San was braiding Xiao Wu''s hair as she sat on the bed, while Xiao Wu idly toyed with a small sleeve dart in her hand, looking somewhat distracted. Outside the window, the disheveled Tang Hao was eating a chicken leg, drinking strong liquor, and staring intently at the two in the room.


    Tang San''s appearance wasn''t particularly handsome, even leaning toward the plain. But more noticeable than his appearance was the bright red handprint on his cheek. Meanwhile, the aura of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast emanating from Xiao Wu made Ah Yin fall silent.


    Due to her sacrifice in the past, Ah Yin felt an unsettling discomfort when she saw Xiao Wu, who was so similar to her younger self. And when she realized Tang Hao was lurking outside the window, spying on the two, her thoughts spiraled out of control.


    Back then, Tang Hao had even betrayed her for the sake of her soul ring and soul bone. A hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form was equivalent to a walking treasure of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone. Even though Tang Hao was now a Titled Douluo, Ah Yin didn''t believe he would simply let this little rabbit go.


    Feeling Tang Hao''s gaze, Ah Yin couldn''t help but shiver, as if seeing her past self reflected in Xiao Wu.


    Inside the room, Tang San finished braiding Xiao Wu''s hair and put down the comb in his hand. Picking up the mirror in front of Xiao Wu, he looked at the handprint on his cheek with a puzzled expression.


    "Xiao Wu, what do you think? A few days ago, when the teacher asked me which advanced soul master academy I wanted to join in the future, I just said I wanted to join Spirit Hall Academy, and he slapped me."


    "Spirit Hall is the most powerful force on the continent. It''s said that even the Seven Great Sects and the two empires show respect to Spirit Hall. Why did I get slapped just for saying I wanted to join the best academy? Does the teacher have something against Spirit Hall?"


    "Hmph, serves you right." Hearing Tang San''s words, Xiao Wu puffed up her cheeks angrily, glaring at him like an upset pufferfish. Then, with a sudden twist of her head, her newly braided ponytail struck Tang San.


    Before Tang San could respond, Xiao Wu flopped onto the bed and wrapped herself up in all the blankets like a caterpillar, refusing to acknowledge him any further.


    Seeing Xiao Wu''s behavior, Tang San sighed helplessly, put away the scattered items, and was about to lie down on the bed¡ªonly to be kicked off by Xiao Wu. He landed hard on the floor.


    For most people, such treatment would be intolerable. But since this was Xiao Wu, he could only get up, rub his aching backside, glare at the other work-study students who were peeking at him, and finally put on his clothes to leave Dormitory Seven, heading to the back mountain of the academy.


    At first, Ah Yin smiled faintly as she watched Tang San and Xiao Wu interact, seemingly comforted. But when Tang San reached the back mountain, her smile disappeared.


    Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step, Mysterious Jade Hand, Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon, Purple Demon Eye¡ªthe back mountain was Tang San''s training ground. Believing no one was watching, Tang San practiced his hidden weapons techniques against various trees. These weapons and methods, which didn''t belong to this world, immediately filled Ah Yin with a strong sense of unease.


    Tang San also had an annoying habit of narrating to himself, speaking aloud as if explaining to an audience. While throwing hidden weapons, he would evaluate himself. In situations where he believed he was well-hidden, he would ramble on like spilling beans.


    "In my previous life, I was a disciple of the Tang Sect in Western Shu. Although I fell off a cliff and arrived in this world, becoming a soul master and awakening a unique martial soul, the art of hidden weapons, the foundation of a Tang Sect disciple, must never be neglected."


    "Even though I''m no longer in my original world, I am still Tang San of the Tang Sect."


    "I''ve already crafted quite a few of the lower-ranked hidden weapons from Hidden Weapons Hundred Solutions. High-damage mechanical hidden weapons are my trump cards for now. The power of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow is even stronger than some soul skills. Even against high-level soul masters, I might still have a fighting chance."


    "However, the Mysterious Heaven Skill, the supreme cultivation technique of the Tang Sect, while still usable in this world, is limited by the constraints of soul rings, preventing me from breaking through. I''m currently at Rank 29, and soon I''ll need to hunt for my third soul ring. I wonder what kind of soul beast I''ll encounter then."


    "The Blue Silver Grass martial soul is too weak. Only by enhancing its toxicity can it compete with stronger martial souls."


    "According to the teacher''s theory, my first soul ring came from a Mandala Snake and the second from a Ghost Vine. For my third soul ring, I''ll consider the teacher''s recommendations: the Man-Faced Demon Spider or Poison Arrow Hedgehog, to further enhance my poison abilities."


    Tang San muttered to himself as he practiced, running through the forest with ghostly footwork, and throwing hidden weapons along the way. Each weapon hit its target with precision, demonstrating skills far beyond what a child should possess.


    Meanwhile, Tang Hao sat casually on a tree, eating chicken legs and gazing at the moon. He seemed utterly indifferent to Tang San''s loud self-narration and erratic movements in the back mountain as if he had long been used to it.


    Through the Blue Silver Grass, Ah Yin heard the child''s voice. For a long time, she remained silent. In her spiritual form, she clutched Chen Ming''s sleeve, her expression pained.


    Chen Ming shook his head and sighed, lending Ah Yin a bit of his power. Through Ah Yin''s perspective, the child throwing strange metal weapons in the back mountain was overlaid with the image of a young man in white robes.


    As Sinful Judgement activated, Ah Yin saw the shadow of guilt on this person.


    Abandoned as a child, taken in by the Tang Sect, he learned to read at four, grew resentful of the Tang Sect''s injustices at five, and coveted the sect''s supreme manual, the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, at six. At nine, he stole the manual during a moment of carelessness from Elder Tang Lan, who had raised him. After cultivating it for twenty years, he was discovered and escaped by jumping off a cliff.


    Tang San''s previous life was nearly entirely marked by sin. Though it was difficult to judge, Ah Yin saw most of his prior life through this vision.


    Realizing the soul within her son''s body wasn''t her original child but a foreign soul from another world, Ah Yin shed tears for the first time. Her gaze toward Tang San and Tang Hao was no longer complex¡ªit was filled with hatred.


    PS: Tang Hao be like: No comment. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [313]

    Chen Ming, while keeping an eye on the situation in Nuoding City along with Ah Yin, made his way directly to Souto City, the location of Shrek Academy.


    Both Nuoding City and Souto City were by no means small towns. Nuoding City served as the granary of the Heaven Dou Empire, boasting vast fertile plains that annually supplied significant amounts of grain to the empire. Souto City, on the other hand, was a hub of commerce and industry, acting as a defensive barrier against the Star Dou Forest''s beast tides.


    Although no beast tides had breached human territory for many years, the defensive forces of Souto City had weakened over time. Even so, thanks to the Soul Beast and Soul Master industries driven by the Star Dou Forest, Souto City remained a prosperous and prominent city within the Heaven Dou Empire.


    Given Chen Ming''s current cultivation, he no longer needed Ah Yin to use the head bone of the Man-Faced Demon Spider to activate stealth-related spirit abilities. He could now use the ability independently, perfectly concealing his aura. The 5,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider''s head bone had lost much of its significance to him.


    Upon arriving in Souto City, Chen Ming tipped a waiter at a local tavern to introduce him to an information dealer in the city. Using the dealer, he purchased intelligence on Shrek Academy in recent years.


    Although the information dealer had no idea what Chen Ming intended to do, nor could they discern whether the figure beneath the black cloak was male or female, their profession demanded a lack of curiosity. After Chen Ming paid, the dealer obediently handed over the information without incident.


    Reviewing Shrek''s recent history, Chen Ming couldn''t help but draw a sharp breath. He realized that the precautions he had left on certain individuals before departing years ago had all paid off beyond his expectations, achieving results even better than he had anticipated.


    Whether it was Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Flender, whom he had met, or Zhao Wuji and Oscar, whom he hadn''t encountered, they had all grown remarkably over the years.


    After some thought, Chen Ming concluded that the current Shrek Academy was well-suited for Tang San, someone with a deeply twisted worldview. After a brief stay in the city, he didn''t visit Shrek Academy but instead headed straight to the Star Dou Forest. Using the augmentation of his left leg bone with his right leg bone, he instructed Ah Yin to search for Man-Faced Demon Spiders over 10,000 years old by manipulating the Blue Silver Grass.


    Although the Star Dou Forest housed other plant-based ferocious beasts besides the Myriad Demon King, their ability to control plants was far inferior to the cunning Myriad Demon King. With the augmentation of the Myriad Demon King''s leg bone, Ah Yin easily surveyed the forest, excluding the most dangerous areas, and located several traces of Man-Faced Demon Spiders over 10,000 years old.


    The strongest Man-Faced Demon Spider among them had a cultivation level of 100,000 years and was hiding above an underground mineral vein. The others outside this location had cultivation levels reaching up to 70,000 years.


    Due to the unique ecological system of this soul beast, the number of Man-Faced Demon Spiders in the Star Dou Forest exceeding 10,000 years barely passed 100. Considering the species'' quality and reproductive capacity, this was an exceptionally low figure.


    As for those below 10,000 years? Their numbers were more substantial, amounting to just over a thousand, although half of them were young spiders under 1,000 years old.


    Following the guidance, Chen Ming found a 10,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider in the mixed region devouring an unlucky soul beast. With a single move, he subdued it and brutally killed it, refining its energy.


    Under Chen Ming''s control, the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s bloodline and soul power were extracted and condensed into their essence. He then took out the head bone of the Man-Faced Demon Spider he possessed, infused it with the essence, and extracted the spider''s soul from its soul ring. After slight modifications, he embedded the soul into the soul bone.


    Through this miraculous process, the originally small soul bone underwent a qualitative enhancement, increasing in size and completeness. It now appeared to be an excellent 10,000-year soul bone. In terms of effectiveness, it even rivaled other high-quality 10,000-year soul bones.


    The spirit ability contained in this bone was neither stealth nor Spider God Possession. Chen Ming had deliberately crafted a new ability called Spider Devour, which activated the residual soul and bloodline power of the Man-Faced Demon Spider. This ability transformed the user''s head structure to mimic the spider''s, granting them the power of devouring and allowing them to absorb a certain amount of soul power. However...


    Such an exceptional 10,000-year soul bone naturally came with some minor drawbacks.


    For instance, every time the soul bone''s ability was activated, the bloodline of the Man-Faced Demon Spider would integrate into the Soul Master''s body, causing both their physique and martial soul to adopt spider-like traits. This transformation affected their personality, making it more spider-like. Physically, their head would become pointed, and their body stronger, but their intelligence would notably decrease.


    Additionally, while the devouring effect was powerful, the spirit ability didn''t grant the digestion capacity of a Man-Faced Demon Spider. Randomly devouring things could result in mental, spiritual, and soul power imbalances, making it increasingly difficult to improve levels and strength as cultivation progresses and raising the likelihood of inner demons.


    In short, while this soul bone was synthesized, its quality was acceptable. For Soul Masters with spider-based martial souls who didn''t mind becoming Evil Soul Masters, this soul bone was practically a shortcut to success.


    However, for those with top-tier martial souls unrelated to spiders¡ªsuch as Blue Silver Grass with Blue Silver Emperor bloodline or the Clear Sky Hammer¡ªfrequent use would subtly degrade their martial soul''s quality. Over time, this could lead to compatibility issues between the martial soul and its user, or even martial soul backlash.


    Ultimately, this soul bone was a double-edged sword. For low-level Soul Masters or those with strong willpower, it posed no significant issue. But for high-level Soul Masters or those with weak willpower, the risks outweighed the rewards.


    After dealing with this soul bone, Chen Ming quietly returned to Souto City. Using his Sinful Judgement ability, he identified several Soul Masters with heinous crimes and orchestrated a staged drama.


    The story was simple: a Soul Master hunting a Man-Faced Demon Spider accidentally obtained a 10,000-year head bone but was killed due to exposure. The Man-Faced Demon Spider''s head bone changed hands multiple times among various underground forces in Souto City.


    Under Chen Ming''s control, the soul bone remained in specific individuals'' hands. Even if discovered, the chosen person would narrowly escape danger but would still be unable to leave Souto City.


    ...


    Ten days later, Tang San and Xiao Wu arrived in Souto City. Chen Ming took advantage of the timing, guiding the chosen individual hiding in the shadows to appear. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Tang San and Xiao Wu were dining in the city, soldiers and Soul Masters searched their restaurant. With their extraordinary hearing, Tang San and Xiao Wu overheard the soldiers discussing the 10,000-year soul bone. That afternoon, they encountered a Soul Master who appeared to be fleeing for their life in a corner of the city.


    Of course, this Soul Master had been driven toward Tang San by Tang Hao''s soul power. The intention behind this encounter was self-evident.


    Even a 10,000-year head bone was a treasure coveted by Titled Douluo. Naturally, someone as domineering as Tang Hao wouldn''t let such an opportunity slip away. Once he learned about it, he immediately searched throughout the entire city, and after confirming the identity of the soul bone holder, he pretended to be a pursuer and drove them toward Tang San and Xiao Wu.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [314]

    A Soul Master carrying a soul bone passed by Tang San and Xiao Wu. His sneaky demeanor, coupled with the faint scent of blood on his body, instantly caught Tang San''s attention. Without anyone noticing, Tang San swiftly retrieved a small vial from the Soul Tool at his waist. With a slight flick of his wrist, he poured out a tiny pill made from a special medicinal powder. With a subtle motion, Tang San flicked the pill, sending it flying at an uncanny angle toward the Soul Master with the soul bone.


    Due to its special structure, the pill instantly disintegrated into powder upon impact, scattering onto the Soul Master. The light collision didn''t even draw the Soul Master''s attention, and he remained completely unaware that a soul from another world had silently marked him.


    Confirming that the Soul Master hadn''t noticed his Tang Sect techniques, Tang San flashed a faint smile and continued strolling through the streets with Xiao Wu as if nothing had happened.


    After wandering around for a while longer, it seemed as if fate had its hand in their day. Xiao Wu suddenly discovered a particularly unique hotel.


    "Rose Hotel. Xiao San, let''s stay here!" Xiao Wu pointed excitedly at the extravagantly decorated and somewhat extraordinary Rose Hotel, enthusiastically suggesting it to Tang San.


    "Whatever you say," Tang San replied indifferently. Over the years of working odd jobs and receiving generous monthly stipends from Spirit Hall, Tang San had managed to save up a decent amount.


    Xiao Wu, on the other hand, never cared about money and spent freely. To avoid constantly overspending, she simply handed all her income to Tang San, trusting him to manage it. With Tang San keeping an eye on things, she could at least save enough to last until her next stipend from Spirit Hall.


    Just as described in the original story, when Tang San and Xiao Wu entered the hotel, they requested two rooms. However, the receptionist, seeing how close they were, gave them a knowing smile before awkwardly stating that only one room was available.


    The staff at the Rose Hotel had a certain professional courtesy. Even if there were dozens of rooms left, they would always claim there was only one available when couples or close individuals came in. It was just part of their service standards.


    The receptionist began enthusiastically describing how spacious and comfortable the room was, how it could easily accommodate two people and more. However, just as Tang San was about to pay, a slightly distorted voice came from behind them.


    "I believe that room should be mine, don''t you think?"


    Three figures appeared behind them, swaying as they approached the front desk.


    Two men flanked a tall, slender figure. A woman?


    Regardless of Tang San''s moral character, as a disciple of the Tang Sect, his skills as an assassin were beyond reproach. In his past life, he had dissected countless corpses and had an extensive understanding of human anatomy.


    While the person sandwiched between the two men appeared to be a tall, slender woman dressed in loose-fitting female attire, with long golden hair cascading down to her waist and a strong scent of makeup and alcohol, Tang San''s keen observation skills told a different story.


    The skeletal structure of this individual was entirely inconsistent with that of a female. The shoulder-to-hip ratio was off, and although the outfit tried its best to conceal the neck, Tang San was confident there was an Adam''s apple hidden there.


    This person wasn''t a woman¡ªthey were a man in women''s clothing.


    A disguise?


    Tang San''s first thought was of the mandatory training in disguise techniques he had undergone as a Tang Sect disciple. However, he quickly dismissed the idea.


    No, this didn''t seem like a deliberate disguise. There was no intent to conceal anything¡ªit was purely¡­ purely a man dressed as a woman?


    Looking at the three people in front of him, their intimate and unorthodox interactions gave Tang San the feeling that he had just encountered something entirely peculiar.


    "You must be new here. Don''t you know that one room is always reserved for me?"


    The cross-dressed Dai Mubai, still holding the two men beside him, took a step forward and spoke coquettishly to the receptionist.


    The receptionist, trained to maintain composure in all situations, resisted the urge to vomit. With a strained but polite smile, she thought to herself, "These disgusting people are too much."


    Looking at Tang San and the charmingly beautiful Xiao Wu, the receptionist silently expressed her condolences for the pair.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, Young Master Dai. About the room¡ª"


    "Oh, stop it! Call me Miss Dai!" Dai Mubai took another step forward, reaching out to wrap an arm around the receptionist. With a coy tone, he said, "Be a dear and remember to call me Miss Dai, okay?"


    The overwhelming scent of alcohol and makeup made sweat drip from the receptionist''s face. Trembling uncontrollably, she barely managed to stabilize her expression and plastered on a stiff smile.


    "Miss Dai, this is my fault. I''ll fetch the manager right away!" The receptionist bolted, leaving Dai Mubai, and the two men, Tang San, and Xiao Wu standing there awkwardly.


    Dai Mubai''s gaze lingered on Tang San''s well-built frame, a hint of desire flashing in his eyes. Tang San, feeling the unsettling stare, broke out in goosebumps. He nearly reached for his Zhuge Crossbow to strike down the monster in front of him.


    This kind of creature is asking for death!


    However, mindful of Xiao Wu''s presence and his responsibility as her elder brother figure, Tang San suppressed his urge to attack. With a frosty expression, he spoke.


    "Excuse me, but I believe we were here first."


    "Oh, don''t be like that, little brother. The room is spacious¡ªit could easily accommodate three or five people. That receptionist must have forgotten that I always keep a room here. Why don''t I share half of the room with you? Judging by your appearance, you must have been traveling for a while. Why don''t you join us for a little welcome party?"


    "That''s right, that''s right! I''m known for my hospitality here in Souto City." One of the men, Bu Le, rubbed his hands together, his lecherous gaze fixed on Xiao Wu. His entire demeanor reeked of lust like a fly buzzing eagerly around its prey.


    Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun, the other guy, alternated his gaze between Tang San and Xiao Wu. Staring at their attractive features and well-proportioned figures, he felt the evil fire within him grow even stronger than it had been years ago. Drooling, his loose pants betrayed some rather unspeakable changes.


    "Monsters! Blue Silver Bind!" Tang San, disgusted, stepped into his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, swiftly dodging Dai Mubai''s outstretched hand. He summoned his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, and two yellow soul rings appeared around him as he launched his first soul skill at the trio. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Blue Silver Grass, far more resilient and vibrant than an ordinary plant, shot out from Tang San''s hand, aiming to entangle the three.


    Beside him, Xiao Wu, fiery-tempered as ever, wasted no time joining the fray. Ignoring everything else, she summoned her martial soul. Bunny''s ears sprouted atop her head, and a faint bulge at the back of her shorts hinted at the tail accompanying her martial form.


    "First Soul Skill: Waist Bow."


    Her first yellow soul ring gleamed as Xiao Wu''s speed and explosive power surged. She leaped like a rabbit, closing the gap between her and Bu Le in an instant. With her long, slender legs, she struck at Bu Le''s abdomen with a powerful kick.


    PS: Miss Dai! Lol

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [315]

    Looking at Xiao Wu''s long leg kicking toward him, Bule quickly released his soul power and barely dodged the attack. His gaze toward Xiao Wu now carried a hint of irritation. "Little girl, being so feisty isn''t a good thing. But hey, I, Bule, actually like this kind of fiery temper."


    Bule rubbed his hands together as his martial soul possessed him. Two yellow and two purple soul rings appeared around him, and in his hands, two hemispherical objects connected materialized. Strangely, they resembled a piece of intimate women''s clothing.


    "Tianluo Twin Domes, first soul skill: Enclosure. Second soul skill: Tenacity. Third soul skill: Lockdown!"


    The Tianluo Twin Domes martial soul wasn''t of high quality, and Bule''s soul rings were far from impressive. However, with a soul power level of 46, he was more than capable of crushing Tang San and Xiao Wu. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Activating two yellow and one purple soul rings in succession, the Tianluo Twin Domes split into two halves and flew toward Tang San and Xiao Wu. Originally palm-sized, the domes expanded under the enhancement of his soul skills until they were large enough to engulf a person. With the third soul skill active, even though Tang San and Xiao Wu tried their best to dodge, they were firmly trapped inside.


    The moment he was enclosed, Tang San immediately pulled out his Zhuge Divine Crossbow and fired it without hesitation. The bolts from the crossbow pierced through the Tianluo Twin Domes trapping him and went straight toward Bule.


    Caught off guard, Bule, who had expected to enjoy a feast, was instantly struck by the scattered bolts. They pierced through both his thighs and his abdomen, causing him to collapse to the ground, writhing in pain. The control of his Tianluo Twin Domes weakened instantly, allowing Tang San and Xiao Wu to break free.


    At this point, Ma Hongjun also summoned his martial soul, and two yellow soul rings appeared around him. However, one of the soul rings seemed particularly illusory, and his overall strength didn''t seem to have reached the level of a true Soul Grandmaster.


    "Phoenix Fire Line!"


    Ma Hongjun let out a shrill cry, spewing flames from his mouth in an attack on Tang San. Although the flames were far weaker than when he had been a proper Soul Grandmaster years ago, due to the buildup of his internal lustful fire and years of unique nourishment, the flames had become bizarre, carrying a hint of ominous purple.


    Tang San instinctively used his Blue Silver Grass for defense, but the grass burned quickly. A strange energy began corroding Tang San''s soul power, forcing him to raise his Zhuge Divine Crossbow once more, aiming it at Ma Hongjun.


    Although the crossbow wasn''t loaded with bolts, how could Ma Hongjun know that? Seeing the weapon that had just pierced through Bule''s martial soul now aimed at him, Ma Hongjun immediately raised his hands, not daring to move.


    Now, both sides were at a stalemate. Tang San hesitated, worried that he couldn''t neutralize the enemy quickly enough to protect Xiao Wu. Meanwhile, Dai Mubai''s group was concerned that their strength might not be enough to deal with Tang San and Xiao Wu, especially with Tang San wielding such a strange weapon. They also wondered if the pair might have some unknown background.


    Despite their mutual hostility, both sides chose to take a step back in this situation. Tang San agreed not to use the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, while Dai Mubai''s side promised not to overwhelm them with numbers. Both sides decided to settle the matter with a one-on-one duel.


    The result was similar to the original storyline: Dai Mubai and Tang San fought until halfway through the battle when they stopped upon realizing the other party intended to join Shrek Academy. Dai Mubai then left with the heavily injured Bule.


    Watching the three retreats, Tang San and Xiao Wu both made a face of disgust. The scene, while somewhat similar to the original trajectory, had taken a bizarre turn, leaving Chen Ming, who was observing from the sidelines, thoroughly entertained.


    Tang San and Xiao Wu stayed in their room at the Rose Hotel. As evening came, Tang San, lying in bed, opened his eyes amidst the gazes of many onlookers. Quietly leaving Xiao Wu''s side, he changed into a black outfit in a corner of the room and slipped out of the Rose Hotel.


    Using a special tracking method, Tang San followed the Soul Master he had encountered earlier in the day. Eventually, he found him in a dilapidated inn located in a narrow alley.


    Staring at the Soul Master, who seemed to possess a soul bone, a sharp glint flashed in Tang San''s eyes. From his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges, he took out a small blowpipe. After using his saliva to wet his finger and poke a small hole in the window of the inn, he skillfully blew a dose of sleeping smoke into the room. The Soul Master, who had been half-awake on the bed, quickly succumbed to the smoke''s effects and began snoring like a pig.


    Seeing that the timing was right, Tang San quietly entered the room. He pulled out the Zhuge Divine Crossbow and fired a bolt directly at the sleeping Soul Master.


    The Soul Master, merely an ordinary Soul Grandmaster with one white and one yellow soul ring, didn''t even have time to react before being turned into a sieve by the crossbow bolts. Thus, he paid for the sins he had committed in his lifetime.


    Excited, Tang San retrieved a small knife and began cutting open the Soul Master''s head. After peeling back the scalp, he immediately sensed the unusual soul power emanating from the skull.


    Though he had never seen a soul bone before, based on his understanding of their characteristics from books, Tang San was 120% certain this was a legendary soul bone. Moreover, it was a ten-thousand-year head soul bone from a Man-Faced Demon Spider, the Spider Emperor.


    The moment he held the bloody soul bone, Tang San felt an overwhelming urge to absorb it. However, he first stored it in his soul tool, took out a vial of corpse-dissolving fluid, and cleaned up the Soul Master''s body. After staging the scene to make it look like the Soul Master had left during the night, Tang San quietly returned to the Rose Hotel.


    The room was a suite with a living area, a sitting room, and a small side room. Tang San hid in the small room, took out the soul bone, and absorbed it.


    The process of refining the soul bone was swift. After the absorption, Tang San could feel his spiritual power increase significantly and gain a powerful soul skill.


    "Spider Devour?!" Tang San exclaimed. "As expected from the Spider Emperor''s ten-thousand-year head bone¡ªsuch an incredible skill? Devouring soul-power-infused flesh can enhance my cultivation to a certain extent?"


    "And my Blue Silver Grass has also absorbed part of the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s bloodline, becoming tougher and more poisonous. This perfectly aligns with my teacher''s plans for cultivating Blue Silver Grass."


    "This bone was destined for me¡ªit must be the will of heaven." After absorbing the soul bone, Tang San paced excitedly in the small room, marveling at the dark, poisonous Blue Silver Grass in his hands.


    This exciting scene didn''t escape the notice of Tang Hao, who was secretly observing Tang San and Xiao Wu. Tang Hao nodded approvingly, even smiling.


    Tang Hao not only had no objections to Tang San killing for the soul bone, but he also wanted to applaud his son for doing the job so cleanly and decisively. Furthermore, he was delighted by the soul bone''s benefits and enhancements for Tang San.


    As the saying goes, "To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail." Now equipped with a new soul bone, Tang San was like a child with a new toy. He eagerly pulled out some jerky made from soul beast meat and activated his soul skill.


    The moment he activated the skill, Tang San''s head began to twist under its effects. After a brief bout of pain, his head took on characteristics of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, with a phantom-like set of mouthparts growing from his face. Holding the jerky, Tang San chomped down on it. As he digested the meat, he could feel his soul power increasing at a speed comparable to cultivating his Mysterious Heaven Skill.


    This was just ordinary jerky made from a ten-year soul beast, yet it had such an effect. Tang San couldn''t even imagine how much soul power he could gain by consuming high-level soul beasts or even soul masters.


    In the darkness, Tang San''s spider-like head exuded an eerie aura, and his compound eyes glowed with an unsettling light, like ghostly flames.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [316]

    Tang San smiled, and Tang Hao smiled, but who knows whether they would still be able to smile in the future?


    The next day, Tang San left the Rose Hotel, hurriedly had a meal at a roadside stall with Xiao Wu, and then headed to a village outside the city in search of Shrek Academy. Meanwhile, outside the village where Shrek Academy was located, Chen Ming was roasting a Soft Bone Rabbit that seemed to have come from some nearby forest, all the while keeping an eye on the situation.


    Unlike in the past, when many people lined up, eager to join Shrek Academy¡ªfamed for being the academy of the youngest elder in Spirit Hall¡ªit was now desolate. Aside from a few soul masters whose soul ring levels and ages were unimpressive, no one else was lining up to enter.


    Sitting at a table, Li Yusong was idly munching on sunflower seeds. If it weren''t for the sign next to him, no one would have guessed that this seemingly bored farmer was a teacher at an academy.


    When Tang San and Xiao Wu hesitantly approached the booth, seemingly intending to register, Li Yusong stopped munching on his sunflower seeds, his expression complex.


    "Sir, is this Shrek Academy?" Xiao Wu bent down, looking at the simple table and sign, her tone filled with doubt as she addressed Li Yusong, who was sitting on a stool.


    "Ah," Li Yusong sighed. "Yes, this is Shrek Academy. Are you here to register or to look for someone?"


    Because of the current students'' behavior and reputation, Li Yusong has been confronted by angry visitors more than once. Although he could often use his soul power to drive them away, hearing about Shrek Academy''s worsening reputation in Souto City left him feeling helpless.


    Over time, due to the frequent confrontations¡ªplus the fact that Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun had just gone into the city the previous day¡ªLi Yusong now instinctively assumed that any decent-looking woman accompanied by a male companion was here to demand an explanation.


    Honestly, Li Yusong was starting to suspect that if things continued like this, Shrek Academy might get labeled as a den of degenerates.


    In reality, if Spirit Hall ever decided to investigate, Shrek Academy would indeed have quite a few problems. While no one had pursued these issues in recent years, Zhao Wuji was technically a wanted criminal.


    Li Yusong feared that one day, Spirit Hall might come knocking, and he''d end up caught in the crossfire. If not for the fact that Shrek Academy was his dream and something he had poured years of effort into, he would have quit this thankless job long ago.


    "Hmm? We''re here to register, not to look for anyone," Tang San replied.


    "Register? Then pay the tuition fee of ten gold spirit coins first." Hearing the word "register," Li Yusong''s eyes lit up. He immediately grabbed an empty box from the ground, placed it on the table, and gave the two of them a beaming smile.


    Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San, who looked at Li Yusong, then finally pulled out twenty gold spirit coins and tossed them into the box.


    Hearing the sound of coins falling into the box, Li Yusong''s expression mirrored Flender''s trademark grin.


    "Here at Shrek Academy, we require applicants to be twelve years old and have a soul power level of at least 25, with optimal spirit ring configurations. Bone age, spirit power, and soul ring quality¡ªnone of these can be lacking. This is the true Monster Academy''s admission standard. If your talent doesn''t meet the requirements, the gold spirit coins will not be refunded."


    "Now, summon your martial souls, then hold out your hands so I can check your bone age."


    Tang San and Xiao Wu summoned their martial souls, displaying their soul rings. Li Yusong examined Xiao Wu''s bone age by touching her hand, and after noticing Tang San''s hands bore signs of specialized training, he checked his leg bones as well. Only then did he prepare to personally lead them to the next stage of the admissions process.


    However, as if some kind of switch had been flipped, just as Tang San and Xiao Wu finished their spirit tests, another pair of people approached.


    A young girl in a white dress walked over, followed by a maid in a heavy servant''s outfit. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that both the master and the servant had exceptionally striking appearances.


    The young girl at the front carried herself with a casual air. Although she wore a plain long dress, her demeanor suggested a noble upbringing. The maid behind her, though more reserved in appearance, still possessed an extraordinary beauty, her mature yet youthful face exuding a unique charm.


    There was no doubt that these two were Ning Rongrong and Little Wu (the maid dragon girl). Ever since Little Wu began cultivating soul power, she had been taken in by Bone Douluo as a disciple and groomed as a future titled Douluo candidate. Under Ning Fengzhi''s influence, she and Ning Rongrong developed a sisterly bond.


    Little Wu''s introverted nature made her enjoy her role as a follower. Despite her young age, she had already taken on the responsibility of cleaning up Ning Rongrong''s messes, one of the few people who could rein in Ning Rongrong''s mischievous personality within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    At Ning Rongrong''s signal, Little Wu reluctantly pulled out twenty gold spirit coins from her soul storage, hesitated for a moment, then painfully dropped them into the box.


    In front of everyone, Ning Rongrong summoned her martial soul: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, with two yellow soul rings coiling around it. Little Wu''s martial soul followed, with parts of her body undergoing dragonification, emanating a suppressive aura as two yellow and one purple soul ring appeared around her.


    Sensing their martial souls and soul power, Li Yusong was stunned. After checking their bone ages, his expression turned complex.


    "May I ask if I''ve passed the initial test?" Ning Rongrong stepped forward and asked, noticing Li Yusong''s frown.


    "Do your families know you''re here?"


    Although their martial souls, soul power, and ages all met the requirements, considering the academy''s increasingly volatile and stingy students¡ªespecially Ma Hongjun, who had practically turned into a lustful beast, and the overly feminine Dai Mubai¡ªLi Yusong hesitated to accept these two young ladies into the academy. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, if anyone within the academy offended them, Shrek Academy would undoubtedly face annihilation at the hands of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Just as Ning Rongrong was about to say something to insist on joining this peculiar-looking academy, a light cough sounded from a distance. Although it wasn''t loud, it was clear and impossible to ignore.


    Not far away, a young man holding a roasted rabbit began walking toward them. His steps seemed ordinary, and the distance wasn''t far, yet with each step, the distance between him and the group visibly shrank.


    After just five or six steps, he appeared beside Ning Rongrong and Little Wu. The aroma of roasted meat wafted into the noses of Tang San and Xiao Wu.


    Smelling the scent of the roasted Soft Bone Rabbit, Xiao Wu, being one herself, showed no negative reaction. Instead, she subconsciously licked her lips, looking somewhat tempted.


    It wasn''t unusual¡ªmother rabbits often ate their own young for nutrition or if they judged a kit to be too weak. As a 100,000-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit, Xiao Wu had consumed her kind countless times.


    Not only was she unbothered by this, but she even wanted to praise the chef''s skill.


    Meanwhile, Tang San and Li Yusong looked at the young man with expressions of caution and disbelief. They could tell that the man''s steps just now were a manifestation of extremely profound soul power.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [317]

    "Rong Rong, Little Wu, long time no see." Chen Ming greeted Ning Rongrong and Little Wu. Then, Little Wu, standing nearby, turned her head and looked at Chen Ming with suspicion.


    "Do we know each other?" Little Wu asked, looking curiously at the man in front of her.


    Tall, broad-shouldered, and with a rugged masculine appearance, upon closer inspection, he was quite good-looking. If she had seen someone like this before, surely she wouldn''t have forgotten?


    "My name is Xiao Wu as well. You''re also called Xiao Wu?" Dressed in a maid outfit, Xiao Wu turned her head to glance at the other Xiao Wu. After seeing her nod, she sighed and held her head.


    She hadn''t expected to meet someone with the same name¡ªor at least the same pronunciation¡ªas hers.


    "Brother Chen Ming, it''s you? Long time no see! Did you come out of seclusion? That''s... rare!"


    Recognizing him instantly, Ning Rongrong spoke directly and teasingly as she looked at Chen Ming.


    Ever since Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo had met years ago, Chen Ming had repaired Little Wu''s martial soul, allowing her to cultivate again. Since then, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan has been keen to establish a good relationship with Dugu Bo. Due to the clan''s base being relatively close to Heaven Dou City, Ning Rongrong had often been sent by Ning Fengzhi to interact with Dugu Yan and Chen Ming.


    However, Chen Ming was either deep in cultivation at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, researching his abilities, or roaming the continent, involved in various matters. Two years had passed, and while Ning Rongrong had become best friends with Dugu Yan, she hadn''t seen Chen Ming even once.


    If not for Dugu Yan frequently complaining about how Chen Ming was always in seclusion or only going out to hunt soul beasts, Ning Rongrong might have thought Chen Ming was intentionally avoiding her.


    "Ahem, cultivation is no joke. If you don''t work hard when you''re young, you won''t be able to catch up when you''re old," Chen Ming said with a smile.


    Originally, he wanted to say, "If you don''t work hard when you''re young, you''ll regret it when you''re old," but he changed his words to avoid revealing too much to Tang San.


    "Master Chen Ming..." Little Wu turned to look at him, her emotions complicated. She thought back to the life-changing event years ago and gave Chen Ming a somewhat restrained smile.


    Being rescued from her suffering by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had already been her stroke of luck. But after regaining the ability to cultivate, Little Wu truly understood just how vast the difference was between being able to cultivate and being unable to.


    If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had given her a visible future, then Chen Ming''s help would have given her the potential to change that future.


    "Just call me Chen Ming or Brother Chen. No need to be so formal," Chen Ming said casually with a smile.


    "Two years of no contact, and it seems you''ve changed quite a bit. A Soul Elder-level strength¡ªit''s not just about talent. It seems your efforts are no less than mine." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Brother Chen," Little Wu said, her smile becoming more genuine, though she still seemed a bit reserved.


    Reportedly, four years ago, Chen Ming had already reached the rank of Soul Grandmaster. After training with the Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, his strength had grown tremendously, and Dugu Bo even praised him for surpassing his talent in his youth. Over the years, Dugu Bo''s power had surged, and as his disciple, Chen Ming must have grown significantly as well.


    Two years ago, Chen Ming''s strength was already suspected to be at the Soul Ancestor level.


    Most importantly, according to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, his only real interest seemed to be cultivation. Despite being a student of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he spent almost the entire year training under Dugu Bo''s protection. After two years, his strength was now beyond evaluation.


    Looking at Chen Ming and recalling Bone Douluo''s evaluation of him, Little Wu suspected that his strength might have already reached the level of a Soul King.


    "Rong Rong, Little Wu, what are you doing here? Are you thinking of joining this Shrek Academy?" Chen Ming asked directly, without hiding anything.


    "From what I know, this Shrek Academy is nothing good. Almost everyone in the academy is a lecherous creep, and there''s even a total pervert. I just passed by to check out how ridiculous this academy is, but if you''re curious, just take a look. Don''t even think about joining."


    "Hey, do you have a problem with our Shrek Academy?!"


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Li Yusong''s eyes widened. He summoned his martial soul, and six spirit rings¡ªwhite, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black¡ªappeared around him, exuding part of his Soul Emperor aura.


    Even though Li Yusong knew Chen Ming was speaking the truth, Shrek Academy members couldn''t tolerate anyone badmouthing their academy.


    Even if it was the truth, it was unacceptable!


    Feeling Li Yusong''s aura, Tang San and Xiao Wu were both shocked. They hadn''t expected such a seemingly ordinary academy to have a Soul Emperor-level powerhouse and one who was stationed at the gate to recruit students.


    Tang San, who had been skeptical about Shrek Academy, immediately let down his guard and sighed in relief after seeing Li Yusong''s strength.


    "Teacher is like a father to me. The academy he introduced must be the best. Even if its reputation doesn''t match Spirit Hall, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, or the Five Elemental Academies, I trust Shrek is the most suitable place for me," Tang San thought to himself. At the same time, he reassured Xiao Wu, who looked somewhat shaken by Chen Ming''s words.


    "Xiao Wu, trust me. Teacher wouldn''t let us down," Tang San whispered to her. Xiao Wu shrugged indifferently.


    She remembered that the perverts they met yesterday were from Shrek Academy, right? If she joined Shrek, wouldn''t she have to face those creeps and perverts every day?


    Ugh, just thinking about it gave her goosebumps.


    If not for wanting to support Tang San and her fear of being recognized by high-level soul masters in a big city, Xiao Wu would have dragged Tang San away already.


    Wait.


    Looking at Li Yusong''s spirit rings, Xiao Wu''s heart tightened. Don''t tell her this obscure little academy might have Soul Douluo or even Title Douluo-level powerhouses.


    While Tang San and Xiao Wu were lost in thought, Chen Ming shrugged indifferently at Li Yusong.


    "Years ago, when I was out hunting soul beasts with my teacher, I passed through Souto City and encountered your esteemed academy''s dean and a few students."


    At this, Li Yusong''s expression changed, as if recalling something.


    It seemed like Shrek Academy''s current state had started to change from that day years ago.


    "Yes, you''re thinking correctly. My teacher is Dugu Bo. The conflict your academy had years ago was with me."


    "I was peacefully buying jewelry for my fianc¨¦e by the roadside, and your academy''s students started harassing her. After I knocked them down, your academy''s dean Flender, using his Soul Sage-level strength, tried to bully me, who was only a Soul Elder at the time. But then my teacher slapped him to the ground."


    "I''ve known what your academy is like for years now."


    PS: Hey Guys its new month. Subscribe to our patreon. This book currenly has atleast 110 advanced chapters.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [318]

    Looking at Chen Ming''s indifferent expression, Li Yusong gripped his Dragon Pattern Staff tightly, almost wanting to smack this guy on the head in front of him.


    But then he thought about how Shrek Academy had offended him, especially considering his connection to the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo¡ªknown as the strongest poison master in the history of the Poison Soul Masters. Li Yusong quickly put away his martial soul, fearing that he might end up being targeted.


    Seeing Li Yusong''s reaction, Ning Rongrong couldn''t help but pout. Her curiosity about Shrek Academy instantly diminished. She simply pulled Little Wu and started walking toward Chen Ming, giving up on the idea of enrolling altogether.


    But who could have guessed that just as Li Yusong had no objections and even secretly breathed a sigh of relief, Tang San suddenly stepped forward for some unknown reason.


    "Stop! Are you just going to leave like this?"


    Tang San reached out to block Ning Rongrong, his face full of righteousness.


    "While the academy isn''t as strict as sects, it''s also not a place you can come and go as you please. Even though you''re not officially Shrek Academy students yet, you''re still prospective students. But when the academy was being slandered, instead of defending it, you even showed approval."


    "This is an insult to Shrek Academy. You can''t just leave so easily."


    Hearing Tang San''s words, Chen Ming and Ah Yin fell silent, Ning Rongrong and Little Wu fell silent, the snooping Tang Hao fell silent, and even Li Yusong fell silent. Apart from Xiao Wu, who stood by Tang San with a "my brother is always right" expression, everyone else looked at Tang San with strange gazes.


    Especially Li Yusong. He couldn''t understand it at all. Why would this kid¡ªwho hadn''t even officially enrolled or passed the entrance test¡ªjump out and act like he represented Shrek Academy?


    I wouldn''t dare offend this group of people, so why are you stepping up to do it?


    "You there, kid. Who''s your teacher?" Li Yusong asked, suppressing his urge to hit Tang San, trying to figure out his background. Hearing this, Tang San straightened his back and proudly stated his teacher''s name.


    "My teacher is known as the Grandmaster, Yu Xiaogang, the most outstanding theoretical researcher on the Douluo Continent."


    "...Yu Xiaogang? Oh... forget it."


    Hearing this unfamiliar name that didn''t belong to a high-ranking soul master, Li Yusong instinctively wanted to summon his Dragon Pattern Staff and smack Tang San to shut him up. But just before he acted, Li Yusong suddenly remembered that he might have heard this name before.


    When Flender had traveled across the Douluo Continent, he had been part of a trio with two other companions, known for their "Golden Iron Triangle" martial soul fusion technique. Among this Golden Iron Triangle, there did seem to be someone called Yu Xiaogang. And if Tang San was saying his teacher recommended him to enroll in Shrek Academy, then...


    Does that mean this kid has the right to represent Shrek? How strange.


    Li Yusong felt something was off but couldn''t put his finger on it. Regardless, his initial resentment toward Tang San dissipated, and he even started to feel a slight fondness for him.


    "No wonder you''re the Grandmaster''s student. No wonder you''re the disciple of the Dean''s good brother. Kid, you''re right."


    "Thank you for the compliment, Senior." Hearing that his teacher was the Dean''s brother, Tang San''s gaze showed a moment of clarity. He now understood why his teacher had turned down invitations from all the intermediate and advanced soul master academies, insisting that he study at Shrek.


    However, watching Tang San and Li Yusong seemingly hit it off, Ning Rongrong felt a surge of anger building up inside her.


    The little witch of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan wasn''t just a nickname. As Ning Fengzhi''s precious daughter, Ning Rongrong was proud and eccentric. While not malicious by nature, she was far from easygoing.


    Originally, Ning Rongrong had decided to let the matter slide, thinking she would simply leave this nauseating Shrek Academy. But now, out jumped an idiot to lecture her from a self-righteous pedestal?


    Did they think she was a pushover?


    Looking at Tang San, who was full of self-importance, Ning Rongrong rudely pointed at his nose and scolded him.


    "Are you two putting on an act? I only handed over a few Gold Soul Coins and had my bone age checked. I never even said for sure that I was joining. And now you''re jumping out here pretending to be some big shot? Who do you think you are? Yu Xiaogang? I''ve never even heard of any great figure or famous soul master called Yu Xiaogang on the continent."


    "In my opinion, he''s probably just some nobody or a fraud trying to pass himself off as someone important!"


    "The world is vast, but I''m not the center of it. And who are you? We''re not family, we''re not friends, and I don''t even know you. So why do you think you have the right to butt into my business? Do you think you''re a big deal? Or did you fall off the stairs as a child and leave your brain behind, never thinking things through ever since?"


    "You''re sharp-tongued! I''ll discipline you on behalf of your family!"


    Hearing Ning Rongrong''s outburst, a cold glint flashed in Tang San''s eyes. He decided that Ning Rongrong, who had insulted Shrek, his teacher, and himself, deserved to die. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, considering the reputation of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Tang San didn''t dare to go all out, fearing retribution from the clan. Instead, he let out a furious roar and used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to quickly approach Ning Rongrong, intending to teach her a painful lesson.


    Who could have expected that Tang San would attack without warning?


    Given the speed of Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and the suddenness of Tang San''s move, Little Wu, who was supposed to protect Ning Rongrong, didn''t have time to summon her martial soul. Tang San''s palm was already swinging toward Ning Rongrong''s face.


    Just as Tang San thought he was about to give this girl a harsh lesson, he suddenly felt his hand being gripped tightly, as if locked in an iron clamp. No matter how much strength he exerted, he couldn''t move forward an inch.


    Before Tang San could instinctively release his hidden weapons, a strange and powerful force shook him. His entire body was thrown backward by his wrist. Under the force''s bizarre influence, Tang San found himself unable to move his body or circulate his soul power, and he was about to crash to the ground.


    Seeing this, Xiao Wu rushed forward on tiptoe, intending to catch Tang San with her body. But as soon as she made contact with him, it was as if her abdomen had been struck by a heavy punch. She was sent flying backward, slamming hard into the ground. Before she could catch her breath, Tang San landed heavily on her.


    At that moment, Xiao Wu''s mouth opened wide, saliva flying everywhere, and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Although she wasn''t in mortal danger, every part of her body¡ªfrom limbs to internal organs¡ªfelt excruciatingly painful. Her once-beautiful face twisted in agony.


    PS: I feel like many fanfiction authors don''t like Xiao Wu. I guess it''s the original author''s fault. Compared to the other heroines in Soul Land 1, Xiao Wu is described as only average in terms of appearance, despite being the main heroine.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [319]

    Looking at Xiao Wu lying below him, her eyes dull, mouth full of saliva, and her eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets, as if she had been completely broken, Tang San froze for a moment before erupting in fury. Slamming his Mysterious Jade Hand onto the ground, he propelled himself into the air, flipped his body, and landed on one knee beside Xiao Wu. Trembling, he pulled her out of the ground where she was embedded.


    Seeing Xiao Wu''s tear-filled eyes, Tang San felt an unprecedented anger. His eyes turned blood-red, his breathing became heavy like a bull, and the veins on his neck bulged, radiating intense killing intent.


    This was not the kind of killing intent born from a momentary outburst, but the kind that could only be cultivated by taking countless lives. It was the aura of someone who had become utterly accustomed to killing, someone who had slaughtered without hesitation.


    The Tang Sect, after all, was founded as an assassination sect. In his previous life, Tang San, as the most outstanding outer sect disciple, was already the face of the Tang Sect''s assassinations before the incident of his stealing the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record was exposed.


    He was known for completing missions the fastest and with the most ruthless methods. Most importantly, he never questioned the morality of his actions. Even if the Tang Sect ordered him to slaughter the old, weak, women, or children, or poison a water source, Tang San would carry out the task without the slightest hesitation, always justifying his actions with a righteous excuse. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even within the field of assassins, he was considered utterly ruthless.


    After using his Mysterious Heaven Skill soul power to confirm that Xiao Wu only had minor internal injuries and no major issues, Tang San set her down, his face livid, and walked up to Chen Ming. He spoke coldly, enunciating each word clearly:


    "I want you to apologize. Apologize to Xiao Wu, to Shrek, to me, and my teacher."


    "Why should I?" Chen Ming asked softly, looking at Tang San, who was showing the signature Tang Clan rage typical of the Douluo Continent.


    He wasn''t without a trump card. The backup plan left by the God of Destruction was strong enough to counter even the intervention of the God of Asura. Right now, he was only considering his upper limits; his lower limits were already guaranteed.


    Originally, he just wanted to stop someone who shouldn''t join Shrek from becoming part of the pit that was Shrek and being assimilated into the cancerous system. He hadn''t expected things to escalate to this point.


    "Let''s make a bet. Let''s bet whether I can last the time it takes for an incense stick to burn in a fight against you. I can sense that your strength is far above mine; perhaps you''ve already reached the level of a Soul Ancestor. As for me, I''m just a Soul Grandmaster with a trash martial soul like Blue Silver Grass."


    "With such a gap in strength, if I can last the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, then you''ll obediently apologize to us. Otherwise, I''ll apologize to you. How about it?"


    What is Tang San''s greatest ability in the Douluo series?


    The Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record? Blue Silver Grass? The Clear Sky Hammer? Or the Sea God''s Thirteen Techniques?


    No, no, no. His strongest skill is betting!


    If Qian Renxue hadn''t made a bet with him back then, Tang San and the Shrek Seven Devils would have been wiped out long ago, wouldn''t they?


    Let''s not forget, if he hadn''t bet with Dugu Bo that he could neutralize his poison, Tang San wouldn''t have gotten his hands on the massive items that were the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, right?


    "I''m not someone who likes gambling. You don''t have to go through the formalities. Just apologize directly," Chen Ming replied sincerely, causing Ning Rongrong, who was standing nearby, to nod approvingly. However, she then waved her little fists angrily and glared at Tang San with a mixture of disgust and hatred. Just a moment ago, Tang San had tried to hit her, and now that she thought about it, she felt furious. Given Ning Rongrong''s spoiled and fiery temperament, how could she possibly show Tang San any courtesy?


    The only reason she hadn''t immediately called out to her hidden protectors to deal with Tang San on the spot was because she was concerned about how Chen Ming might perceive her.


    "So, you''re scared," Tang San''s face darkened, but considering Chen Ming''s unknown strength, he responded in a low voice.


    "If you won''t apologize, then get lost. Stop bringing up pointless bets."


    "You''re courting death!"


    Tang San could no longer hold back. His blood-red eyes took on a hint of purple ¡ª the effect of activating the Purple Demon Eyes technique.


    He summoned Blue Silver Grass, and as his first spirit ring lit up, the grass extended from his right hand, shooting toward Chen Ming to bind him. At the same time, his left hand didn''t remain idle, as several hidden weapons of varying designs flew out from his sleeve, targeting Chen Ming, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu.


    The hidden weapons, some visible and some concealed, all carried a faint green and dark purple glow, undoubtedly from a coating of some kind of poison.


    "Blue Silver Bind!"


    Adhering to the principle that announcing the name of a skill doesn''t count as a sneak attack, Tang San shouted the name of his move just as the Blue Silver Grass was about to reach Chen Ming. How much of it was to distract his opponent? Only Tang San himself knew.


    However, just as the Blue Silver Grass was about to entangle Chen Ming, Chen Ming smirked disdainfully and gave a slight glance. Suddenly, the Blue Silver Grass lost Tang San''s control, unfurling in mid-air like a spiderweb to block the incoming hidden weapons.


    The loss of control over his martial soul caused a significant disruption in Tang San''s internal energy flow. At the same time, as the hidden weapons struck his martial soul, Tang San felt a faint pain emanating from it.


    The poison-coated hidden weapons, which could kill most people upon breaking the skin, began to corrode Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass. Even though his Blue Silver Grass had the Blue Silver Emperor''s bloodline, granting it greater resilience, and his first two spirit rings were from poisonous spirit beasts, giving it poison resistance, it still began to wither slightly.


    Just as Little Wu, now in her Red Dragon Possession state, prepared to unleash a dragon''s breath at the shameless Tang San, Chen Ming shook his head at her. Then, with a light tap of his toes, he flashed in front of Tang San.


    Soul power gathered at his fingertips, and under Tang San''s horrified gaze, Chen Ming''s fingers brushed across Tang San''s chest as if playing the zither. The seemingly gentle motion carried precise soul power that bypassed Tang San''s clothing and flesh, striking his acupoints and meridians.


    The residual force rampaged through Tang San''s body with reckless abandon, crashing through the meridians like a car careening down a narrow path. Though the injury was on his chest, Tang San could feel the strange force radiating from his chest and wreaking havoc on his meridians.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [320]

    "O-Orchid Hand Technique?"


    Tang San was slammed to the ground like a ragdoll hit by a car, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood with an audible gasp. However, he ignored the pain surging through his body and propped up his upper body with one elbow while pointing at Chen Ming with his other hand, exclaiming in shock. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Orchid Hand Technique¡ªthis was supposed to be an unparalleled martial art that had been lost for centuries in Tang San''s world.


    Even within the Tang Sect''s records, the master who created this technique was said to rival the greatest sect leaders and founders of the Tang Sect. He was considered one of the Five Greatest Martial Masters Under Heaven. The Orchid Hand Technique was even said to be on par with the legendary Mysterious Jade Hand within the Tang Sect.


    Although Tang San had never seen it before, and even the entirety of the Tang Sect had no record of anyone witnessing the real Orchid Hand Technique, legend described it as a skill resembling the graceful movements of a scholar playing a zither. The technique appeared soft and feeble, like an orchid swaying in the breeze, hence the name.


    Seeing Chen Ming''s actions, how could Tang San not be shocked? How could he not be terrified?


    "What Orchid? This move is my self-created soul skill, and I just call it the ''Pressure Point Hand''," Chen Ming squinted slightly, feigning irritation as he looked at Tang San. Internally, however, he was a bit surprised. He hadn''t expected that in Tang San''s previous life''s world, Zither cultivator might have existed.


    "What, have you seen something similar before?"


    "You..." Tang San was momentarily relieved upon hearing this. Though he still appeared utterly horrified on the surface, he secretly reached for the Moonlit Night on Twenty-Four Bridges at his waist. He intended to retrieve the Tang Sect''s top-tier, mechanism-based hidden weapon, the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, capable of killing even Soul Ancestors.


    But just as his fingers brushed against the soul-guiding device and before he could gather his soul power, Chen Ming casually kicked a small rock from the ground. The stone flew directly into Tang San''s chest, striking his Tanzhong acupoint. This disrupted Tang San''s soul power, causing his already labored breathing to become even more erratic, leaving him unable to mobilize the internal energy of his Mysterious Heaven Skill.


    Glaring at Chen Ming, who appeared (completely unconvincingly) smug, Tang San gritted his teeth in fury, nearly biting through his gums. With his martial soul suppressed, his hidden weapons countered, and his internal energy thrown into chaos, he was at a loss for what cards he had left to play.


    Driven by anger and malice, Tang San felt a cool sensation emanating from his head. A strange power surged into his mind, temporarily alleviating his pain and sharpening his thoughts.


    "Could this be the ability granted by my skull soul bone?"


    Tang San thought to himself. Seizing the opportunity provided by his newfound clarity, he desperately stabilized a thread of soul power and activated the soul skill of his skull soul bone.


    As the skill took effect, a faintly stimulating sensation spread from Tang San''s head. His skull began to distort and swell monstrously, his head becoming pointed, and his facial skin seemed to take on a carapace-like texture.


    Under the influence of the Demon Spider Devour soul skill granted by his skull soul bone, Tang San didn''t manage to absorb any soul power. However, he still felt his mental energy sharpen and his soul power grow colder. Even the pain in his body began to subside significantly.


    With a flip, Tang San leaped up from the ground. Like a spider, he summoned his martial soul again. Due to the interference of his skull soul skill, the Blue Silver Grass he summoned now appeared darker, closer to a deep purple. Not only had it grown thicker, but its leaves had also changed shape, and a faintly ominous aura emanated from the vines.


    There was no doubt¡ªthis was the poison of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, or at least a partial manifestation of it.


    The trope of power awakening after a setback is an essential trait for protagonists, and while Tang San was a protagonist-turned-antagonist, he still retained some elements of the protagonist''s halo. Naturally, he too gained this ability.


    Originally, Chen Ming hadn''t expected Tang San to have such strong compatibility with the Man-Faced Demon Spider soul beast. Having obtained the soul bone only a day ago, Tang San was already showing signs of merging with the lingering will and bloodline of the Man-Faced Demon Spider within the soul bone under Chen Ming''s provocation. This was evident in the increasingly pointed shape of Tang San''s skull, something that would never happen under normal circumstances.


    "Second Soul Skill: Parasite! First Soul Skill: Blue Silver Bind!"


    Tang San shouted, launching several deep purple-blue Blue Silver Grass vines like spider silk from his wrists. Seeds dropped from the vines onto the ground, quickly growing before extending like tentacles to entangle Chen Ming.


    Honestly, even with Tang San''s mutated martial soul and its new poison, if Chen Ming were to release his aura¡ªeven just a portion of it¡ªhe could easily suppress Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass to the point of collapse. Whether it was his wood element aura or his poison element aura, either would suffice.


    If Chen Ming were to relax his suppression even slightly, the aura of the Blue Silver Emperor and the reverence it commanded from the Blue Silver Grass clan would be enough to make Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass self-destruct.


    But to encourage Tang San to keep using his skull soul bone and further develop his Blue Silver Grass along this poisonous path, Chen Ming feigned a surprised expression. He then summoned his martial soul¡ª


    The Scorpion Emperor martial soul, complete with five soul rings¡ªyellow, purple, purple, purple, and black¡ªcrafted purely for appearance''s sake.


    To be honest, this wasn''t even a true Martial Soul Possession. Chen Ming had merely used a tiny fraction of his martial soul''s power to conjure a fake martial soul.


    This kind of technique was only possible thanks to the selfless technical support of the Angel God. Otherwise, Chen Ming would have had to pretend that his martial soul was some mutated version of the Emerald Scorpion Emperor.


    The oppressive aura of a top-tier martial soul bore down on Tang San, and the absurd soul ring configuration and Soul King-level power momentarily left Tang San breathless. Under Tang San''s incredulous gaze, Chen Ming swung his scorpion pincers, tearing through the web of deep purple Blue Silver Grass. His first soul ring lit up, emanating a terrifyingly poisonous aura.


    Of course, this poison was extracted from the Jade Phosphorus Seven Absolute Flower and diluted many times over. Otherwise, with Chen Ming''s current strength, releasing his first soul skill would leave no living creatures within a ten-mile radius. Even Tang Hao wouldn''t escape death by poison.


    Though Chen Ming appeared to have neglected poison development in favor of other areas, this was simply because his poison had already reached an insurmountable level by mortal standards. Its further development could only advance in divine aspects, and the Douluo World''s environment made that progress unlikely in the short term.


    In terms of poison, Chen Ming''s was far stronger than even the 96th-level Dugu Bo. Across the entirety of the Douluo Continent, if Chen Ming claimed second place, no one¡ªhuman or soul beast¡ªwould dare claim first.


    But for the sake of the act, Chen Ming deliberately limited his power to give Tang San a false impression, ensuring Tang San continued down the wrong path.


    The emerald-green poisonous mist corroded Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass, causing it to emit a sizzling sound. However, the corrosion process seemed far slower than expected. Chen Ming had no choice but to swing his pincers, using brute force to tear through the roots and stems of the Blue Silver Grass, causing it to wither rapidly.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [321]

    "Mandala Snake venom, Ghost Vine venom, and even a trace of the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s venom? I never expected you to lead something as useless as Blue Silver Grass down such a path."


    After tearing off the Blue Silver Grass, Chen Ming showed no intention of attacking. Instead, he looked at Tang San with admiration, praising his development of the Blue Silver Grass, then shook his head.


    "Unfortunately, it''s still just Blue Silver Grass, and that''s far too weak. If your martial soul was another type of poison-based one, your name would undoubtedly be prominent on the path of poison in the future. What a pity. What a pity indeed."


    Chen Ming withdrew his martial soul and soul power, signaling that he harbored no hostility. He then walked up to Tang San under his wary gaze, patting him on the shoulder.


    "Although today was somewhat unpleasant, it''s still nice to see a younger soul master with talent in poison. It makes up for some of the losses."


    "Everyone has their own choices. You think you did nothing wrong, and I think I did nothing wrong. Maybe we were both wrong or maybe neither of us was wrong. In the end, it all comes down to strength to decide the victor. Your Blue Silver Grass isn''t as poisonous as my Emerald Scorpion Emperor, and your soul power isn''t as high as mine, so you lost."


    "However..."


    After patting Tang San''s shoulder, Chen Ming smiled at him.


    "Let''s end things here today. We''ll each take a step back and pretend nothing happened." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I see your little girlfriend is injured. I''d like to help her, but as someone who also uses poison, I doubt you''d want me to treat your girlfriend right now."


    Chen Ming chuckled at this, then took two steps back, positioning himself in front of Ning Rongrong and Little Wu.


    "My name is Chen Ming. My teacher is Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, and I''m a student of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. As you can see, I''m a poison-type soul master."


    "My name is Tang San. My martial soul is Blue Silver Grass, and I''m a level 29 control-type Sooul Grandmaster." Tang San looked at Chen Ming, who had retreated a few steps. Although his eyes still showed resentment, he didn''t dare to act because he wasn''t confident. He could only restrain his expression slightly, then coldly addressed Chen Ming.


    "Twelve years old, level 29? Your talent is even stronger than mine back in the day. To think you''ve cultivated something as trashy as Blue Silver Grass to this level¡ªit''s unimaginable. If your martial soul had been a better one, who knows what heights you could have reached."


    Chen Ming wasn''t lying here but was referring to himself during the early years of his martial soul awakening.


    "I owe everything I am today to my teacher''s guidance. My teacher is Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, a genius in martial soul research on the Douluo Continent. Thanks to him, I was able to cultivate something as trashy as Blue Silver Grass to this level."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s praise, Tang San''s expression of disgust faded slightly. He proudly raised his head and told Chen Ming about his teacher.


    "Yu Xiaogang, huh? Perhaps you''ve found a good teacher, and maybe Shrek is the right place for you."


    "I hope to see you at greater heights in the future."


    Chen Ming smiled, then signaled to Ning Rongrong and Little Wu with his eyes. Though she still had many doubts and felt this matter shouldn''t end so anticlimactic, Ning Rongrong, who had grown up under the cunning Ning Fengzhi, quickly adjusted her mindset. She pulled Little Wu along and followed Chen Ming as they left. Watching this scene, Li Yusong let out a sigh of relief, while a black-haired girl observing the fight from a distance seemed lost in thought. Her mature figure, which didn''t match her age, trembled slightly as she gazed at Chen Ming''s departing figure with a hint of envy. But then, as if recalling something, her expression returned to its cold state, and she walked toward Li Yusong.


    "I want to join Shrek. My name is Zhu Zhuqing. I''m twelve years old, a level 27 agility-type Soul Grandmaster and my martial soul is the Hell Spirit Cat."


    Zhu Zhuqing spoke calmly as she performed three actions in quick succession: tossing in Golden Soul Coins, summoning her martial soul, and extending her hand. Two yellow soul rings flickered on her body, unmistakably revealing the aura of a Soul Grandmaster.


    Seeing Zhu Zhuqing''s martial soul, Li Yusong''s previously relaxed expression tensed up again, and he didn''t dare look at Zhu Zhuqing''s face.


    At this moment, a middle-aged man with a stocky build and overdeveloped muscles¡ªmaking him appear somewhat barrel-shaped¡ªwalked out from behind a building. He glanced at Chen Ming''s retreating back and snorted unhappily before approaching Zhu Zhuqing. Reaching out, he checked her bone age.


    "Twelve years old, level 27 Soul Grandmaster. Acceptable."


    "Old Zhao, this..." Li Yusong, despite being an experienced wanderer of the continent, recognized the origin of Zhu Zhuqing''s Hell Civet Cat. He could easily guess why this girl had come to the Heaven Dou Empire and wanted to join Shrek.


    As for Dai Mubai, Li Yusong didn''t want to comment on him. He could only hope that this person would graduate and leave as soon as possible. If trouble arose in the future, he prayed Dai Mubai wouldn''t claim to be a Shrek student. There wasn''t much more to say, as discussing it further wouldn''t pass scrutiny.


    "Don''t worry. If anything happens, I, Zhao Wuji, will take responsibility. Don''t you trust me?"


    Zhao Wuji patted his chest and reassured Li Yusong. Then, with Li Yusong''s complicated expression, he led Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San, and an injured Xiao Wu (who refused to walk without Tang San''s help) to the final trial.


    Due to the small number of participants and the events that had unfolded, Zhao Wuji didn''t ask the three to endure a stick of incense''s worth of time under his hands. Instead, he brought out the examiner for the final trial, who had been prepared in advance.


    A burly figure dressed in women''s clothing, with a face covered in heavy makeup, and long golden hair cascading to the waist, appeared. Walking with an exaggerated sway in his hips, this person was none other than Dai Mubai.


    In the past, Dai Mubai could sense the existence of a Martial Soul Fusion skill with Zhu Zhuqing at first glance and even declared that he''d keep her in Shrek, no matter what¡ªeven by force.


    But now, Dai Mubai had been thoroughly feminized. His physical functions and personality had undergone a massive transformation. Even though his martial soul originally resonated with Zhu Zhuqing''s Hell Civet Cat for a fusion skill, that connection had been entirely severed by his transformation.


    When Dai Mubai summoned his White Tiger martial soul, the initially stunned Zhu Zhuqing thought Dai Mubai was a strange soul master with a White Cat martial soul whose gender couldn''t be determined. Upon hearing Zhao Wuji call him "Dai Mubai," Zhu Zhuqing, despite her excellent training and composure, nearly tripped over her own feet. She stared at Dai Mubai in disbelief.


    She felt as though the world had gone wrong¡ªor something else. Maybe she was under an illusion, or something indescribable had happened.


    After escaping her family''s pursuit in the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing had hoped to find Dai Mubai, who had abandoned her and fled alone, so they could face their fate together. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined her fianc¨¦, after so many years away from the Star Luo Empire, would become such a bizarre figure.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [322]

    Tang San and Xiao Wu had a conflict with Dai Mubai yesterday. As Dai Mubai looked at Tang San, whose deep gaze revealed that he was lost in thought, and Xiao Wu, who was visibly unsettled, he recounted the events of the previous day to Zhao Wuji.


    Upon hearing that Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun had once again gone to Souto City to indulge in debauchery, Zhao Wuji shook his head and shot a glare at Dai Mubai. Only after this did he wave his hand, signaling that Tang San and Xiao Wu did not need to take the final stage of the exam¡ªthey would be considered as having passed directly.


    Strictly speaking, this was against the rules, but Zhu Zhuqing, who was left out of the situation, clearly did not care about such formalities.


    At this moment, her eyes were entirely fixed on Dai Mubai.


    After Zhao Wuji lit a stick of incense, Dai Mubai summoned his White Tiger Martial Soul and lunged at Zhu Zhuqing without hesitation. His sharp claws, which had transformed after his Martial Soul possession, swiped toward Zhu Zhuqing''s face. While it seemed unintentional on the surface, there was a trace of malice hidden deep in his gaze. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ever since being harshly punished a few years ago, Dai Mubai discovered that he had seemingly been traumatized to the extent that, no matter how much he tried or how many stimulants or tonics he used, his manhood could no longer function.


    Even when he sought help from healing-type Soul Masters in Souto City, they found no physical issues. The problem was ultimately attributed to severe psychological trauma.


    At first, Dai Mubai thought this was manageable. He assumed the psychological barrier would eventually pass with time, as his strength grew and the memory faded. He told himself he could endure this period of self-imposed abstinence.


    But the real problem arose when Dai Mubai realized he could not endure it.


    Although he no longer had the physical ability of a man, his desires did not diminish¡ªin fact, they intensified.


    Dai Mubai was never a person of strong will or responsibility. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have fled the royal palace like a dog in the first place and earned his notorious reputation as a womanizer in Souto City. After barely enduring for a few days¡ªabout half a month while recovering physically¡ªDai Mubai, driven by his burning desires, began seeking new outlets for release.


    It was during this time that Ma Hongjun, whose soul power had been crippled, whose teacher had been severely injured, and whose Evil Fire had accumulated to several times its usual intensity, caught Dai Mubai''s eye.


    At first, Dai Mubai tried to suppress his desires by vicariously living through Ma Hongjun''s indulgent lifestyle, pretending that he was still a man. But as time passed, his mind grew increasingly twisted. Gradually, his fantasies shifted from using Ma Hongjun as a substitute to targeting women instead.


    One dark and windy night, Dai Mubai took Ma Hongjun to drink in Souto City. Fueled by alcohol, he overpowered Ma Hongjun. Initially, Ma Hongjun was terrified, but his brain was quickly overwhelmed by his own Evil Fire. That night, the two of them crossed a line and opened the door to a new, depraved world.


    Over time, their behavior became increasingly distorted. Dai Mubai, stronger in both power and influence, could force Ma Hongjun into submission. Meanwhile, the weakened Ma Hongjun relied on Dai Mubai for financial support and protection, though he secretly resented him for the troubles that had caused his downfall. Ma Hongjun often vented his bitterness on Dai Mubai during their twisted interactions, escalating their games into extreme and perverse acts.


    Dai Mubai, who initially felt lost, soon embraced his new life and began identifying himself as a woman in these situations. He even started to enjoy it.


    During this period, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun encountered a group of like-minded individuals, including a man named Bu Le. Discovering their shared interests, the group started engaging in increasingly depraved activities together.


    On the surface, Dai Mubai''s demeanor was already enough to disgust Zhu Zhuqing. However, if she were to learn about his private life and see his feminized body, altered and polished through extensive efforts, she would likely feel so repulsed that she might vomit her very stomach out. Dai Mubai, who used to enjoy beautiful women, had changed his perspective drastically due to his twisted mind.


    Now, he found pleasure in seeing beautiful women suffer. When he encountered women with features or physiques that he lacked, he often felt an uncontrollable urge to destroy their beauty.


    Although Zhu Zhuqing seemed somewhat familiar to him, her figure and face were undeniably in Dai Mubai''s strike zone. At this point, he could no longer think straight.


    Dai Mubai was already eager to see this resolute young woman writhing in pain on the ground, begging for mercy.


    The White Tiger Martial Soul, known for its sharp claws and overwhelming strength, was typically used for powerful strikes rather than slashing attacks. In the past, Dai Mubai also favored this method. However, as his psyche grew more twisted, he began favoring his claws, leaving long, bloody scars on his targets.


    This approach resembled the Hell Spirit Cat Martial Soul''s style, but his intent was far more cruel.


    Zhu Zhuqing summoned her Martial Soul, her cat ears appearing atop her head and a tail extending behind her. Her already stunning figure became even more mature, retaining its tight, toned form with an added sense of elasticity.


    "First Soul Skill: Hell Stab!"


    The Hell Spirit Cat Martial Soul, though only a high-level Martial Soul, was known for its exceptional speed and burst power¡ªspeed so fast that even some top-tier Martial Souls couldn''t compare.


    Although Dai Mubai attacked first, Zhu Zhuqing reacted faster, darting past his tiger claws like a phantom. She instantly appeared behind him, her claws slashing through his outfit and leaving deep, bloody wounds on his body.


    While the gap between a Soul Grandmaster and a Soul Elder was significant, it was not insurmountable. If not for the White Tiger Martial Soul''s inherent metallic properties providing strong defense, as well as the Hell Spirit Cat''s relatively weaker attack power, this strike might have decided the outcome of the fight.


    Feeling the pain and the dark energy seeping into his wounds, Dai Mubai let out a cry of anguish, his eyes filled with fury.


    Zhu Zhuqing''s Hell Stab also triggered Dai Mubai''s repressed memories, making him recognize the Hell Spirit Cat Martial Soul as the hallmark of the Zhu family from Star Luo. He realized that this girl''s presence here must have a deeper connection.


    This thought further provoked his fragile and twisted ego, especially the possibility of her ties to the royal family. Under the dual pressure of mental and physical pain, Dai Mubai started losing control of his rationality. His gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing now carried undisguised malice, with a faint hint of murderous intent.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [323]

    "First Soul Skill: White Tiger Barrier!"


    "Third Soul Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"


    Dai Mubai roared as soul power surged from his body, instantly unleashing two powerful soul skills.


    The first three skills of the White Tiger Martial Soul were considered the signature moves of the Star Luo Empire¡ªsimple but effective. These skills had high amplification rates and wide attack areas, making them useful even at mid-to-high-level soul master stages. The third soul skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, despite being a thousand-year soul skill, provided amplification effects surpassing most ten-thousand-year skills.


    When the two soul skills were stacked together, Dai Mubai''s aura surged dramatically. The long bloodstains on his body were squeezed shut by his taut muscles, stopping the bleeding. His body swelled significantly, and a shield of metallic soul power materialized around him.


    The White Tiger Barrier was a defensive soul skill that created a metallic soul power shield around the user, amplifying metallic attributes to a certain extent.


    The White Tiger Vajra Transformation was an amplification soul skill with a duration of 30 minutes, during which it doubled the user''s strength, attack, defense, and resistance to abnormal effects.


    Simple, brutal, powerful, and effective.


    Zhu Zhuqing''s eyes turned icy cold as she tried to leave more claw marks on Dai Mubai, but when her claws collided with the shield created by the White Tiger Barrier, a metallic clanging sound echoed. Her claws couldn''t pierce through the barrier''s defense.


    Taking advantage of this moment, Dai Mubai grinned viciously and swiped his claws at Zhu Zhuqing. In the blink of an eye, he left several wounds on her back.


    The White Tiger Martial Soul was primarily an assault-type martial soul, but as a feline, speed and reflexes were never its weak points. The reason it was categorized as assault-type was due to its overwhelming attack power. The White Tiger Martial Soul could even be developed along an agility-based path.


    Zhu Zhuqing, unable to evade Dai Mubai''s tiger claws due to the sudden attack, was left with a deep wound on her body. She groaned in pain, her steps faltering as she staggered.


    At this moment, Dai Mubai''s eyes gleamed with ferocity. Instead of restraining his soul power, he pushed it even further.


    "Second Soul Skill: White Tiger Light Wave!"


    A glowing ball of energy formed in Dai Mubai''s mouth as he prepared to launch it at Zhu Zhuqing. His ruthless actions no longer resembled an evaluation or sparring match but a life-or-death battle. Even Zhao Wuji, observing from the sidelines, couldn''t bear to watch.


    Zhu Zhuqing endured the searing pain and narrowly dodged the light wave, but Dai Mubai seized the opportunity to grab her arm. Grinning savagely, he swung his claws toward her face. At that critical moment, Zhao Wuji roared.


    "Enough!"


    Seven soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black¡ªappeared around Zhao Wuji. At some point, he had already activated his Martial Soul, the Vigorous Vajra Bear. The oppressive pressure of his Soul Sage-level aura immediately bore down on Dai Mubai, forcing him to acknowledge Zhao Wuji''s presence.


    Zhao Wuji strode forward quickly, glaring at Dai Mubai, who pretended as if nothing had happened.


    Even though Zhao Wuji was known for being protective of his students, he wasn''t foolish. It was clear that Dai Mubai''s attack wasn''t part of the evaluation but a deliberate attempt to harm Zhu Zhuqing.


    A senior-level Soul Elder using top-tier martial soul techniques to attack a two-ring Soul Master under the guise of an evaluation¡ªZhao Wuji was so furious that he almost wanted to scold him outright. If Dai Mubai weren''t a student of Shrek Academy, Zhao Wuji might have taught him a lesson with a Vigorous Vajra Palm to show him what it meant to bully the weak.


    Looking at Zhu Zhuqing''s back, where deep bloodstains marred her pale skin, her face slightly pale and dazed, Zhao Wuji turned and shouted at Li Yusong, who had been watching the commotion. He barked impatiently:


    "Old Li, what are you standing there for? Go get some recovery candy!"


    "Tch, you''re always ordering people around," Li Yusong grumbled but quickly ran toward the village. Before long, he returned, carrying a middle-aged man with an apron slung over his shoulder.


    Zhao Wuji had intended for Li Yusong to fetch recovery candies from Shao Xin, but to ensure that Shrek Academy wouldn''t face retaliation from the Star Luo Empire or the Zhu family, Li Yusong had directly brought Shao Xin back.


    Seeing Zhu Zhuqing''s injuries and pale complexion, Shao Xin frowned and glanced disapprovingly at both Zhao Wuji and Dai Mubai. Then, he summoned his Martial Soul. Seven soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black¡ªappeared around him.


    "Honey Sweet Candy."


    "Tangy Lemon Candy."


    Shao Xin''s second and fourth soul rings lit up, conjuring two candies in his hand. Zhu Zhuqing took them and swallowed them without hesitation. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Support-type soul masters were notoriously difficult to cultivate, and food-type soul masters were the most challenging among them. In this era, there had never been a food-type Title Douluo. Despite this, Shao Xin''s status as a food-type Soul Sage made him one of the top five food-type soul masters of his time.


    Although not a healing-type soul master, Shao Xin''s candies had healing effects comparable to those of Soul Sage-level healing soul masters.


    As soon as the candies melted in Zhu Zhuqing''s mouth, they transformed into gentle soul power that flowed through her body. Her complexion improved visibly.


    The honey candy healed her injuries and eased her pain, while the lemon candy restored her soul power and provided a mental boost. With Shao Xin''s cultivation level, even a Soul Sage would feel significant effects from the candies.


    Moments after consumption, Zhu Zhuqing''s condition had already recovered by 80¨C90%. The wounds on her back stopped bleeding and began to heal rapidly, leaving only faint scars. Given her soul master physique and the stimulation of soul power, even those faint scars would disappear within days.


    Seeing Zhu Zhuqing''s improvement, Shao Xin''s expression softened. However, he still shot a sharp glare at Dai Mubai, whose fiery temper was now subdued, and he avoided making eye contact.


    Shao Xin''s abilities were underutilized at Shrek Academy. Even in the two great empires or the Spirit Hall, a food-type Soul Sage like him would have been highly valued. Although he wasn''t comparable to a Title Douluo, his status exceeded that of most ordinary Soul Douluos.


    Shao Xin had only stayed at Shrek Academy because he had been tricked by Flender in his early years. Over time, he developed an attachment to the academy despite its humble status. Additionally, Shrek Academy had accepted a food-type genius, Oscar, as a student, further persuading Shao Xin to remain.


    Dai Mubai didn''t dare to meet Shao Xin''s gaze, though this didn''t mean he wasn''t harboring resentment.


    Of course, his resentment wasn''t directed at Shao Xin or Zhao Wuji¡ªhe wouldn''t dare. As someone relying on Shrek Academy for protection, Dai Mubai wouldn''t risk offending the vice dean or the academy''s teachers.


    Instead, he directed his grudge toward Zhu Zhuqing. While he didn''t show it outwardly, Dai Mubai was already plotting how to harm her.


    Yes, in Dai Mubai''s mind, this was revenge.


    As for his responsibility?


    To Dai Mubai, such a concept simply didn''t exist.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [324]

    Looking at Dai Mubai in this state, Zhu Zhuqing finally gave up hope. She didn''t insist on joining Shrek Academy but instead left, disheartened, bidding farewell to Zhao Wuji and Shao Xin. She staggered as she walked toward Souto City.


    Zhao Wuji and Shao Xin could do nothing about this.


    After all, in this world, connections and backgrounds matter. They were well aware of the origin of the Hell Spirit Cat martial soul. Even though Zhu Zhuqing was just one person, if something were to happen, no one could predict the consequences, especially since the prince with the White Tiger martial soul, Dai Mubai, had injured someone from the Zhu family, who possessed the Hell Spirit Cat martial soul.


    After a chaotic half-day, this year''s enrollment for Shrek Academy was concluded.


    However, unlike the original story where talents gathered, this time, only Tang San and Xiao Wu were admitted. At first glance, it might not seem like much, but in reality, it was akin to cutting off two vital supports. This would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Tang San''s future growth.


    And where was Chen Ming at this moment?


    He had already returned to Souto City with Ning Rongrong and Little Wu and was enjoying a meal at a tavern owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Souto City, being far from a small town, naturally had industries belonging to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. After Ning Rongrong revealed her identity, the steward of the clan in this location respectfully arranged for the group to dine in the best private room of the tavern. Fine wine and delicacies were being prepared without a word needing to be said.


    While waiting for the food to be served, Ning Rongrong and Little Wu chatted with Chen Ming, mainly to inquire about what he had been up to in recent years and how he had reached the level of a Soul King at just fifteen years old. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Ning Rongrong, now in a serious state of mind, was tactful. When Chen Ming subtly avoided certain topics, she didn''t press further. After asking what her status required her to ask, the conversation shifted to casual chatter.


    The main topic of conversation? Complaints about Shrek Academy.


    "I had nothing to do at home and decided to sneak out without telling my father. I''d heard from him that this Shrek Academy was interesting and wanted to check it out. But I didn''t expect it to be such a place. Even my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan isn''t this overbearing!"


    "If I weren''t a support-type soul master without offensive capabilities, I''d have punched that Tang San and that Xiao Wu by his side! They dared to try and humiliate me! Even my father has never treated me like that!"


    Ning Rongrong slammed her hand on the table as she vented her frustrations. On the side, Little Wu, dressed in a maid outfit, covered her face helplessly, awkwardly looking at Chen Ming, hoping he wouldn''t take Ning Rongrong''s rant too seriously.


    As for the soul masters who had been tasked by Ning Fengzhi to secretly follow and handle Ning Rongrong''s affairs? They were already preparing to write a letter to the clan leader, asking how to deal with this Shrek Academy!


    When Chen Ming heard that Ning Rongrong had learned about Shrek from Ning Fengzhi, he remained calm on the surface but made another mental note about this sly old fox. Then, under Ning Rongrong''s confused gaze, he took out a soul-guided ray gun and a shield-shaped soul tool from his Hundred Treasures Pouch.


    "This is a soul-guided ray gun and a shield soul tool. Both are classified as Tier 3 soul tools. They are designed for soul masters at the Soul Elder level. With your current cultivation of 27th rank as a Soul Grandmaster, you can barely use them as long as you don''t use them too frequently."


    "This is the soul-guided ray gun," Chen Ming said as he handed the ray gun to Ning Rongrong. "First, turn on this switch to activate part of its internal formation. Then, you can inject soul power into it through the handle here. Once it reaches a certain level, the gemstones on the gun''s body will light up."


    "This gun has three gemstones, and each lit gemstone represents one shot. However, due to structural limitations, soul tools can only store soul power for a short time. After injecting soul power, it will begin to dissipate, so you can''t charge it in advance and use it later. You''ll need to prepare during or right before a battle."


    "This tool has a fire attribute. Its attack takes the form of a penetrating beam, capable of breaking through the defensive soul power of normal Soul Elders or even Soul Ancestors. A defense-type Soul Grandmaster would find their soul skills pierced through even with two defensive soul skills active."


    "I''ll guide you on how to use it later. While this tool is difficult to manufacture, it''s easy to use. With your talent, you should be able to learn quickly."


    "Huh?" Listening to Chen Ming''s explanation of the ray gun soul tool, Ning Rongrong''s mouth fell open in disbelief.


    After awkwardly holding the ray gun in front of her, Ning Rongrong watched as Chen Ming took out the shield-shaped soul tool and continued his explanation.


    "This is also a soul tool, but it''s a defensive-type, also Tier 3. Shield soul tools are divided into two types: manually activated and automatically triggered. The one I''m giving you is the automatic kind."


    "The defensive power of a shield soul guide is generally one level higher than its tier. For the best-quality ones, it can even be two levels higher. In theory, a Tier 1 shield soul guide can block a Soul Elder''s attack. The one I''m giving you is Tier 3, capable of withstanding a full-power attack from a Soul King. However, after that, it will be nearly destroyed."


    "However, shield soul guides consume a lot of energy. With your current soul power, you might only be able to activate it once. Xiao Wu can demonstrate it for you later."


    "These... these are all soul tools?" Ning Rongrong asked in disbelief as she tried to inject her soul power into the shield soul guide. No matter how much she tried, she couldn''t fill it, let alone activate it. She stared at Chen Ming with wide eyes.


    "I thought soul tools were only for storage!"


    "No, storage soul tools are just one type. Soul tools are very versatile. Common categories include offensive, defensive, and amplifying tools. Some top-tier soul tools have even stronger and more magical effects."


    "For example, there''s a special type of defensive soul tool called the Invincible Golden Body soul tool or the Invincible Shield soul tool. The lowest tier is Tier 5, requiring rare materials and precious soul beast bones to craft. The core component is a nearly extinct special crystal. The manufacturing process is extremely complex, and it can only be used once."


    "But this type of soul tool is incredibly powerful. As the name suggests, a Tier 5 Invincible Shield soul tool can withstand a Soul Douluo''s attacks for three seconds. A Tier 6 one can even resist a Title Douluo''s attacks for three seconds."


    "There''s such a thing in the world? Trading such an extreme cost for near-invincible defense?" Ning Rongrong, though proud, wasn''t foolish. After hearing Chen Ming''s explanation of the two soul tools, she immediately realized something.


    These soul-guided ray guns and shields were practically tailor-made for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, a clan of auxiliary-type soul masters!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [325]

    The ingredients and craftsmanship of this meal were quite good. Although it couldn''t compare to the grand restaurants in Heaven Dou City, it still had its unique charm. However, aside from Chen Ming, who hadn''t had a proper meal after traveling for so long, neither Ning Rongrong nor Little Wu paid much attention to the dishes on the table. After finishing quickly, Ning Rongrong immediately dragged Chen Ming to the local Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s trade association. The staff, already notified by the bodyguards secretly protecting Ning Rongrong, promptly led the group to a secret room.


    This secret room was originally not used for soul skill experiments but for storage purposes. However, under orders, it was swiftly cleared out and replaced with a few targets to serve as a testing ground. This was to ensure that the effects of the soul tool would not be seen by outsiders.


    At this point, the bodyguards in the shadows stopped hiding. An elder Soul Sage openly stepped forward, greeted Chen Ming and then smiled at Ning Rongrong and Little Wu.


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had only two titled Douluos, but it boasted fifteen Soul Douluos and eighty-six Soul Sages. Due to the recent changes in the continent''s situation, most of this high-level combat power was either stationed within the clan to guard it or deployed to critical industries across the land. Logically, Ning Rongrong should have been assigned a Soul Douluo for protection.


    However, there was a specific reason why this Soul Sage was serving as Ning Rongrong''s bodyguard.


    This elder''s martial soul was the exceptionally rare spatial-type martial soul, the Golden Ring, which could cut through space and create spatial tunnels. Thanks to the unique nature of this spatial martial soul, his combat power was on par with a Soul Douluo, and his mobility was even more exceptional. This made him an ideal bodyguard for Ning Rongrong.


    When Chen Ming saw the elder suddenly appear, he simply smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and showed no sign of surprise.


    Although he could have pretended to be surprised, Chen Ming saw no need for that. To be honest, with his current strength, crushing a Soul Sage was no different from crushing an ant. Even against a spatial-type martial soul, he could render its abilities ineffective.


    On the Douluo Continent, space was also considered an element. While Chen Ming himself didn''t have any space-related soul skills, it didn''t stop him from using space-related abilities through his comprehension.


    Accompanied by the elder Soul Sage, the group entered the secret room. Ning Rongrong anxiously took out a soul-guided ray gun from her soul tool and looked at Chen Ming.


    "Brother Chen, how do I use this soul-guided ray gun?"


    Ning Rongrong, using her natural charm, asked Chen Ming with a hint of coquettishness. Taking the ray gun, Chen Ming began to demonstrate.


    "This is how you hold it. One hand goes here¡ªyou see? This is the safety lock. To inject soul power and activate the ray, you must first inject soul power here and turn this mechanism."


    "Once one hand injects soul power into the grip, you aim like this. Pay attention to these three gems on the back. When one lights up, it indicates the gun can fire once. Then you operate it like this to activate the soul-guided ray gun."


    As Chen Ming infused the gun with soul power, a fiery red ray, as thick as a teacup, shot out from the barrel. In an instant, it struck a humanoid target. The searing and explosive soul power immediately blew the target away.


    The lightweight leather armor and padding on the target, designed for realism, were burned to ashes, leaving only a few remnants. The iron plating on the target shattered into pieces, and much of the wooden structure inside was carbonized by the intense heat, leaving the remaining parts charred black.


    This level of power was equivalent to the second soul skill of an average three-ring Soul Elder. If the martial soul and soul ring quality were slightly lower, even a third soul skill would be on par with this. It was fair to say this was as strong as a powerful attack from a three-ring Soul Elder.


    After the elder Soul Sage retrieved the target and dissected it in front of Ning Rongrong, her eyes lit up with excitement, and she was eager to try it herself. The operation of the soul-guided ray gun was more complex than the foolproof firearms from Chen Ming''s previous life, but it wasn''t overly complicated. After a single demonstration and some key points of caution, Ning Rongrong quickly grasped how to use it.


    When Chen Ming handed the ray gun back to Ning Rongrong, she immediately began enthusiastically imitating his movements, aiming at a target and firing with a loud bang.


    The fiery soul power struck the target, blasting it away just like before. Ning Rongrong quickly ran up to inspect it and found that the damage to this target was almost identical to the one Chen Ming had destroyed earlier.


    The slight discrepancy was due to her nervousness during the shot, causing the gun barrel to shift slightly, which resulted in some of the energy grazing the target rather than hitting it directly.


    At that moment, as Ning Rongrong looked at the charred target on the ground and the soul-guided ray gun in her hands, she felt a surge of indescribable joy¡ªan unprecedented sense of satisfaction.


    This feeling was hard to articulate, but Ning Rongrong instinctively clutched the soul-guided ray gun tightly. Her gaze toward Chen Ming seemed to glimmer with a hint of emotion.


    What support-type soul master hasn''t dreamed of dealing damage?


    In this world of chaotic, flashy skills and effects flying everywhere, it would be a lie to say that support-type soul masters didn''t envy those with offensive soul skills.


    Especially since support-type soul masters had resigned themselves to their fate, believing they were destined to be nothing more than team utilities with no offensive capabilities. The emergence of soul tools seemed to drag out that deeply buried unwillingness within them and amplify it a hundredfold.


    Hidden weapons gave a sense of being external tools¡ªthey didn''t require soul power to use and were merely props. Soul tools, however, provided a sense of involvement, akin to an external soul bone, allowing support-type soul masters to feel like they were truly contributing to damage output.


    Large calibers and high firepower¡ªit''s no wonder that even some agility-type and defense-type soul masters, who weren''t proficient in offense, would become addicted to the immense damage output of these weapons.


    Ning Rongrong''s excitement might seem excessive, but if Ning Fengzhi were in her place, the result likely wouldn''t be much different.


    Even if Ning Fengzhi appeared more composed on the surface, in private, his dependency on a soul-guided ray gun might far surpass Ning Rongrong''s.


    After all, he had endured decades of frustration from being unable to advance his strength or deal any damage. The emotions that would erupt in such a situation would be even more intense.


    Following this, there wasn''t even time to test the protective shields. Under everyone''s gaze, Ning Rongrong repeatedly activated the soul-guided ray gun, firing at the humanoid targets in the distance. After most of the targets had been destroyed, she even turned her attention to the already-damaged targets on the ground, using the fire-element ray gun to burn them into piles of ashes.


    PS: Ning Rongrong now understands what it feels like to be American! S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [326]

    The Level 3 Soul Guidance Ray Gun is designed for use by Level 3 Soul Elders. While Soul Grandmasters can barely use it, their soul power isn''t sufficient to fire it too many times.


    After firing six or seven shots, Ning Rongrong began to show signs of insufficient soul power. However, in her excited state, she didn''t care about her dwindling soul power and continued shooting at the target.


    By the eighth or ninth shot, her body visibly trembled from the excessive soul power consumption. Even though Little Wu and the old Soul Saint tried to persuade her to stop, Ning Rongrong held on and managed to fire the tenth shot before finally putting down the Soul Guidance Gun.


    It wasn''t because she had had enough fun; it was because her soul power was completely drained. If Little Wu hadn''t supported her, she would''ve collapsed onto the ground and fallen asleep on the spot.


    To be honest, if it wasn''t for the fact that this Level 3 Soul Guidance Ray Gun was a top-tier product¡ªprofessionally adjusted for both consumption and conversion efficiency¡ªNing Rongrong would''ve been completely drained by the sixth shot. After all, the Soul Guidance Ray Gun is calibrated for Soul Elders with three soul rings.


    Yet, even in such a state where she needed help just to stand, Ning Rongrong still clutched the Soul Guidance Gun tightly in her arms like a child, glaring at everyone as if they were trying to steal her precious treasure.


    Watching Ning Rongrong like this, Chen Ming smiled, walked over, and placed a hand on her shoulder, gently channeling his soul power into her body.


    Although Chen Ming had restrained the unusual aspects of his soul power that no ordinary Soul Master should possess, the high-quality soul power still quickly nourished Ning Rongrong''s weakened body and dried-up meridians. The unprecedented comfort even caused Ning Rongrong to let out a soft, involuntary sound.


    Sensing that something was off, Little Wu immediately covered Ning Rongrong''s mouth, snapping her back to her senses. Otherwise, Ning Rongrong might''ve died of embarrassment on the spot.


    A short while later, Ning Rongrong, her condition significantly improved, blushed deeply as she stepped out of Little Wu''s embrace, her gaze toward Chen Ming tinged with shyness.


    When Ning Rongrong looked toward the old Soul Sage, she saw him crouched on the ground, carefully examining the target while occasionally touching it and jotting down notes in a notebook. His demeanor didn''t resemble someone studying an ordinary target but rather a soul beast researcher analyzing a rare specimen.


    His focused expression made it seem like he could study it until the end of time.


    But honestly, was there a need to take notes? And even if there was, as a Soul Sage, he wouldn''t need to fuss over it like a novice Soul Master.


    This was simply a case of an old hand playing it safe, avoiding entangling himself in matters he didn''t dare meddle with. Even though he knew he wouldn''t be silenced over such a trivial matter, his age had made him cautious, unwilling to invite trouble upon himself.


    "I''m just an ordinary Soul Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Whatever decisions the clan leader makes, I''ll support them with both hands. Who the eldest young lady likes has nothing to do with me. Whatever the clan leader says, I''ll do. Don''t ask me about anything else¡ªif you do, I''ll just say I don''t know."


    Seeing the old Soul Sage''s attitude, Ning Rongrong let out a sigh of relief.


    Even though she knew she was just fooling herself, it was still better than dying of embarrassment outright, wasn''t it?


    "Rongrong, I also gave you a Level 3 Soul Guidance Shield earlier. You''ve only been using the Ray Gun so far¡ªyou haven''t tested the shield yet."


    Reminded by Chen Ming, Ning Rongrong suddenly remembered the shield Soul Guidance Device in her possession. She quickly retrieved the pendant-shaped device from her storage Soul Tool.


    The shield Soul Guidance Device was shaped like a four-sided pyramid, entirely golden, with a strange-looking eye engraved on its surface. The cord was attached not to the pyramid''s tip but to its base, so when worn, it hung from the neck like a weight.


    Ning Rongrong weighed it in her hand, finding that while it wasn''t particularly heavy, it wasn''t exactly light either. Thinking about wearing it around her neck for long periods made her feel like her neck might start to ache. However, she didn''t consider it a major flaw.


    "Brother Chen, how do I use this Soul Guidance Device?" Ning Rongrong subtly changed her way of addressing Chen Ming, sounding more intimate. She leaned closer to Chen Ming, placing the pendant in his hand and curiously asking him. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is an automatic-trigger protective shield. When worn close to the body, it can generate a shield automatically before you''re attacked. That said since there are so many types of attacks, this Soul Guidance Shield might misjudge or fail to react to certain special attacks. It''s also ineffective against unusual attacks like mental assaults."


    "The shield''s defensive range is limited to common soul skills, melee attacks, ranged attacks, and physical or elemental damage."


    This was a common drawback of automatic-trigger Soul Guidance Devices¡ªthey were prone to misjudging or failing at critical moments against specialized soul skills. Even so, it provided decent protection, especially against standard attacks.


    "The shield Soul Guidance Device consumes a lot of power, so you won''t be able to activate it right now, Rongrong. How about this: I''ll stand over there, and you and Xiao Wu can attack me with soul skills and the Ray Gun. I''ll demonstrate the shield''s defensive capabilities."


    After saying this, Chen Ming put on the pendant and walked to where the target had been, gesturing at Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu.


    "Brother Chen Ming, are you sure this is okay?" Little Wu asked Chen Ming worriedly.


    Her martial soul was the top-tier Red Dragon, and due to its unique nature, she was permanently in a partially dragonified state. While her martial soul wasn''t quite a super martial soul, it was only a hair''s breadth away from being one.


    With her current Soul Elder cultivation, her soul skills were already comparable in power to those of a Soul Ancestor. She was genuinely afraid of hurting Chen Ming.


    "No problem, just give it your all."


    "All right, here I go." Little Wu exchanged glances with Ning Rongrong, then summoned her martial soul. A fiery aura erupted around her as two yellow and one purple soul rings appeared.


    "Third Soul Skill: Dragon Flame!"


    "Fire!" Ning Rongrong couldn''t call out a skill name, but following the unspoken rules of the Douluo Continent, she shouted before pulling the trigger again.


    Two red beams of light shot toward Chen Ming, who showed no signs of preparing to defend himself. Just as the beams were about to hit him, the pendant-like Soul Guidance Shield automatically activated, drawing on Chen Ming''s soul power to form a deep yellow shield tinged with faint gold.


    The shield''s attributes combined the defensive strengths of earth and a hint of metal, making its defensive power quite formidable. Even when simultaneously hit by a Soul Guidance Ray of the same level and a top-tier Soul Elder''s third soul skill, the deep yellow shield merely trembled slightly before neutralizing the attacks.


    Thanks to the shield''s intrinsic properties, it continued to absorb Chen Ming''s soul power, maintaining its presence around him. Once the attacks were completely neutralized, the shield returned to its original state.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [327]

    Under the circumstances where Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu still wanted to attack, Chen Ming waved his hand, signaling the two to stop. Then, he reached out and pressed on the pendant, injecting soul power to manually deactivate the defensive barrier.


    "This is a top-grade Level 3 Soul Tool. It can withstand the attacks of a Soul Elder for a while or briefly endure a few seconds of a Soul King''s attack. However, the price is a significant consumption of soul power. If the soul shield is forcibly broken, it may cause damage to the core of the Soul Tool. At best, the lifespan of the Soul Tool will be shortened; at worst, the Soul Tool will be destroyed."


    "Just testing it is fine. Forcing it to operate multiple times in a short period will affect the lifespan of the Soul Tool."


    "Is that so?" Hearing about these limitations, Ning Rongrong nodded in understanding.


    After all, if this kind of soul-shielding tool had no restrictions and could continuously block attacks as long as there was soul power, Ning Rongrong would have been genuinely suspicious.


    The high consumption of soul power and the inability to use it repeatedly seemed entirely reasonable to Ning Rongrong.


    Chen Ming handed the soul shield to Ning Rongrong, who patted her chest in gratitude toward Chen Ming. After playing with it for a moment, she stuffed it into Little Wu''s hands. Before Little Wu could refuse, Ning Rongrong quickly used the excuse of her insufficient soul power to activate it and hung the pendant-like Soul Tool around Little Wu''s neck. This left Little Wu deeply moved, bowing repeatedly to both Ning Rongrong and Chen Ming.


    After being excited for quite some time, Ning Rongrong''s thoughts finally calmed down. Looking at the Soul Ray Gun in her hands and the soul shield on Little Wu, she suddenly realized something she had previously overlooked.


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had the innate ability to identify the origins of ores, which was a talent unique to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile lineage. Though it was mainly used for gems, it also worked quite well for identifying metals.


    Ning Rongrong hadn''t carefully examined it earlier, but now, as she carefully touched the Soul Ray Gun, she realized the Soul Tool seemed... too new.


    Though there was nothing wrong with its appearance, Ning Rongrong''s innate abilities as part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect allowed her to sense that the metals used to construct this Soul Tool had only been refined and forged recently.


    She didn''t know the specifics, as this had nothing to do with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s abilities. However, she could feel with certainty that this Soul Tool had been created in the past few years. It completely lacked the aged and timeworn aura that Soul Tools excavated from ancient ruins should have.


    Ning Rongrong''s hands trembled slightly as she held the Soul Ray Gun and looked up at Chen Ming. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Brother Chen Ming, you said this Soul Tool is Level 3? I don''t know much about Soul Tools. Can you explain the levels to me? As far as I know, all Soul Tools on the continent are excavated from ancient ruins. People on the continent know very little about Soul Tools, and I''ve never heard of any classification system for them."


    Chen Ming had deliberately brought out the Soul Tool to attract the interest of Ning Rongrong and Ning Fengzhi.


    After all, Chen Ming had a clear understanding of Tang San''s rise in the original story. First, it was Dugu Bo''s initial investment, followed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s support. By evolving Ning Rongrong''s martial soul and introducing hidden weapons¡ªtools that greatly enhanced the capabilities of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s support-type Soul Masters¡ªTang San gained Ning Fengzhi''s favor.


    In the original story, Tang San had Ning Fengzhi provide manpower to craft the parts, while he assembled them himself and sold them back to Ning Fengzhi. This earned him considerable wealth and brought him into Ning Fengzhi''s inner circle. This eventually led to his encounter with Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe.


    Later, during the Spirit Hall''s failed attempt to overthrow the empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was nearly wiped out in a surprise attack but managed to preserve some survivors. Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi ultimately aligned themselves with Tang San. The initial catalyst for this alliance was the evolution of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Tang San''s hidden weapons. As their relationship with Tang San deepened, the story unfolded as it did.


    From the perspective of fate, Tang San, as the Child of Rebellion, essentially assimilated the immensely lucky Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as a subsidiary tumor. This not only boosted his fortune but also provided him with ample resources. However, this also dragged the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into danger, resulting in its near destruction by the Spirit Hall.


    Yet, as the Child of Rebellion, Tang San was unlikely to face significant harm before his subsidiary tumors were nearly eradicated. Even if something did happen to him, these allies would take the hit first.


    From a certain perspective, when Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo sacrificed themselves to retrieve Tang San''s body and resurrect him, it symbolized Tang San completely draining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect''s resources.


    Therefore, to prevent Tang San''s growth from being overly advantageous, Chen Ming was determined not to let Tang San associate with such a fortunate force. He couldn''t allow Tang San to gain countless shields to protect him.


    "Soul Tools are a type of technology born from the development of Soul Masters. They are classified into nine levels, corresponding to Soul Masters up to Titled Douluo. Most Soul Tools on the continent are storage types, which, if categorized by technology, are roughly between Level 2 and Level 3."


    "Those Soul Tools with exceptionally large storage spaces aren''t necessarily advanced in technology but are made from special materials. Some metals and gems naturally possess spatial attributes, so Soul Engineers only need to make minor adjustments to create storage Soul Tools with significant capacity."


    "As for the classification and levels of Soul Tools, I learned about them from the inheritance of a Soul Tool I obtained. That inheritance contained a lot of basic knowledge and techniques about Soul Tools, which is how I became a Soul Engineer."


    "To be honest, this Soul Ray Gun and the defensive shield are creations I made recently."


    At this point, Chen Ming sighed, looking regretful.


    "I originally thought these tools would be very helpful for support-type Soul Masters. When I first acquired some basic Soul Tool technology, I wanted to meet Uncle Ning and share what I had learned with him. Since I have a good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I hoped to help solve some of their problems."


    "But unfortunately, Uncle Ning was busy, so I didn''t disturb him. Later, most of the books documenting the Soul Tool techniques were burned in an accident. What remains is incomplete and unstructured."


    "I didn''t bother recording the advanced knowledge in the beginning, so now... sigh, I can only make these tools for lower-level Soul Masters."


    "These Soul Tools are for you, Rongrong. Just don''t spread the word too much. I''ve come to realize that, for Soul Masters, true power comes from within. Soul Tools are just external aids. I don''t plan to continue studying them in the future. These two items are of no use to me, so consider them a gift."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [328]

    Although it was unclear whether it was true or not, the news that soul tool technology had been almost destroyed, leaving only bits and pieces of fragmented information, and that the only person on the continent capable of creating offensive and defensive soul tools no longer wished to do so, made Ning Rongrong''s face turn pale in an instant.


    She couldn''t be sure if it was true or false, but she was certain that the soul ray gun in her hands was real¡ªsomething that allowed auxiliary-type soul masters to possess the ability to protect themselves.


    If it were truly gone, it would be no different for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan than losing the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda all over again.


    "Brother Chen Ming, why don''t you come back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan with us? My father will be thrilled to see these two gifts. Over the years, our clan has also collected some treasures used by poison-type soul masters. When the time comes, I''ll ask my father to trade some of them with you. Would that be okay?"


    Ning Rongrong clung to Chen Ming''s arm and pleaded coquettishly. However, because she was holding the soul ray gun in her arms, her actions were far from flirtatious. Instead, she wrinkled Chen Ming''s clothes, which made him feel somewhat awkward.


    Ning Rongrong quickly noticed this, realizing that her actions were a bit improper. She adjusted her emotions and acted as if nothing had happened.


    Ning Rongrong did have a favorable impression of Chen Ming, and the reason was simple: Chen Ming was handsome, strong, and had a somewhat close relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Naturally, this made her feel a bit fond of him.


    However, Ning Rongrong didn''t have romantic feelings for Chen Ming. After all, as the beloved little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she didn''t understand what love between a man and a woman was.


    This was slightly unusual on the Douluo Continent, but it was still within reason.


    Chen Ming had brought her out of Shrek today and also gave her a soul tool. Ning Rongrong was very happy, and the barriers between them that had formed from not seeing each other for a long time had mostly disappeared. But if you asked her what exactly she was feeling, she wouldn''t be able to explain it clearly.


    After leaving the underground chamber of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s trading house, Chen Ming saw that it was getting late. He and Ning Rongrong decided to stay overnight at an inn owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Yes, the restaurant was owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the trading house was owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the inn was also owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Given Ning Fengzhi''s status as an imperial teacher and the sheer scale of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan itself, its industries were scattered throughout all major cities on the Douluo Continent. In a city like Souto, which was near the Star Dou Forest, it was even a key investment area for the clan.


    Although it didn''t seem particularly eye-catching, a closer look would reveal that most places catering to high-level soul masters had some connection to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, whether direct or indirect. As for those selling soul beast materials, many of them were disciples of the clan.


    This meant that Ning Rongrong''s whereabouts were not only under Ning Fengzhi''s control but her safety was also well-protected. As long as the spatial-type Soul Sage accompanying her could take her to the nearest major city, there would inevitably be disciples and assets of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan ready to provide assistance.


    With the clan''s extensive connections and wealth, even soul masters unaffiliated with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn''t mind lending a hand when needed.


    This was precisely why Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire was considered a mediocre ruler. Coupled with the external threat of the Star Luo Empire constantly eyeing their territory, and the Spirit Hall maintaining a balance of power, the Heaven Dou Empire would have long been overthrown by the Star Luo Empire if not for this precarious equilibrium. As a result, successive emperors focused almost exclusively on maintaining the status quo, with little ambition for expansion.


    In more stable times, no emperor could have tolerated the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, a massive and deeply entrenched conglomerate within the Heaven Dou Empire.


    That evening, an agility-type Soul Emperor left with a handwritten letter from Ning Rongrong and a record written by the elderly Soul Sage, heading swiftly toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong lay in bed, her expression shifting as she looked at Little Wu, who was cultivating beside her.


    That peculiar gaze made Little Wu, who was meditating, feel uncomfortable. She instinctively felt a chill and turned several times to avoid Ning Rongrong''s gaze, but it was futile. In the end, Little Wu, who had been cultivating almost non-stop since she could, chose to give up. Resigned, she sat by the bed and stared out the window, forcing herself to ignore Ning Rongrong''s gaze.


    Despite her mature appearance and seemingly stable personality, which often led others to think she was Ning Rongrong''s older sister, Little Wu was a year younger than Ning Rongrong¡ªonly around eleven years old. Her maturity was more a result of the trauma and vigilance caused by a dark childhood than actual maturity.


    She wanted to say something, but her poor social skills and limited experience left her at a loss. She didn''t even dare to ask Ning Rongrong why she was staring at her like that. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as Little Wu was gazing at the moon, she noticed a shadow flash across her field of vision. With her rigorous training, Little Wu immediately summoned her martial soul and pounced on Ning Rongrong, pinning her to the bed to shield her. Her face was filled with vigilance.


    "Miss, I saw a figure flash past the window just now. Be careful¡ªit might be an enemy."


    In such situations, it was better to be safe than sorry. For auxiliary-type soul masters, caution was paramount. Moreover, Little Wu''s innate attributes were far superior to those of ordinary soul masters. As a part-dragon soul beast, she had an animal''s keen instincts, giving her a sharper danger sense than most.


    Ning Rongrong''s expression changed as she quickly put on her clothes, grabbed her belongings, and retreated out of the room, calling for the guards. At her summons, several figures leaped out from the corners of the hallway and adjacent rooms, forming a protective circle around Ning Rongrong and Little Wu. Their eyes were filled with vigilance.


    Time passed second by second, and everything seemed calm as if nothing had happened. Just as Little Wu began to wonder if she had overreacted, two powerful soul forces suddenly clashed on the rooftop.


    Even though it was just a trace of leaked energy, it was enough to make the guards struggle to breathe. They had to combine their strength just to resist the oppressive aura.


    The elderly Soul Sage''s eyes were filled with shock and confusion as his lips parted slightly. He should have immediately taken Ning Rongrong and fled, but he was frozen in place.


    "This aura¡­ Titled Douluo? And two of them?"


    "Two Titled Douluo are confronting each other on the rooftop!"


    The thought struck the Soul Sage like a thunderclap, leaving him momentarily dazed.


    With the current level of protection, even a Soul Douluo couldn''t harm Ning Rongrong in the slightest. But to a Titled Douluo, this level of defense was almost meaningless. Moving rashly now might even disrupt the delicate balance between the two Titled Douluo on the roof, resulting in catastrophic consequences.


    As everyone stood frozen, too afraid to act, a gentle voice suddenly echoed in their minds.


    "Do not fear. I am here. No one will harm you. I''d like to see which sneaky little thief dares to spy in the dead of night. My Jade Phosphorus Snake Venom has been dormant for too long since my breakthrough. Let''s see how long this hidden figure can last under my hand."


    "Wonderful! It''s the Poison Douluo! The Poison Douluo must have been secretly protecting young master Chen all along. We''re saved!"


    Although the owner of the voice didn''t explicitly state their identity, the mention of Jade Phosphorus Snake Venom and the mastery of spiritual transmission¡ªa technique usually reserved for Titled Douluo¡ªimmediately led the guards to think of Dugu Bo, the recently ascended and increasingly formidable Super Douluo.


    According to the two guardians Douluo of the clan, Dugu Bo''s strength was on par with theirs. His unparalleled poison skills made him even more dangerous in certain situations.


    With such a powerful figure present, the guards felt a surge of relief. They were confident the situation was under control.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [329]

    Is the person on the rooftop Dugu Bo?


    Of course not. With Chen Ming''s current strength, there''s no need to keep Dugu Bo by his side at all times. After all, given his abilities, Dugu Bo might just become a vulnerable weak spot that others could exploit.


    The person on the rooftop is naturally Chen Ming. However, he is wearing a black robe and using special means to conceal his face and aura. Opposing him is another figure, similarly clad in a black robe, hiding their face and aura as well.


    Of course, although the other party thought they had hidden themselves well, Chen Ming had already identified their identity the moment they appeared nearby.


    That ninth soul ring of the Blue Silver Emperor from Ah Yin¡ªif not Tang Hao, then who else could it belong to? Within a radius of several dozen miles, even if Ah Yin didn''t actively sense it, her essence would naturally resonate, allowing her to perceive Tang Hao''s location and condition. As the original owner of the soul ring and Ah Yin''s husband, Tang Hao also could sometimes sense Ah Yin''s presence or proximity.


    However, because Chen Ming had hidden himself so well, Tang Hao couldn''t sense him at all. Thus, this interaction became a one-sided surveillance of Tang Hao.


    Chen Ming, now cloaked in a black robe, had a figure that could not be discerned. Still, his body radiated dark green poison-attribute soul power, with an illusory shadow of a Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor coiled around his right arm. The aura he emitted was entirely that of a true king among the Jade Phosphor Serpents.


    What Chen Ming had just said was completely true¡ªexcept for the part where he called himself "this old man." That was somewhat deceptive. Everything else was genuine.


    Chen Ming had obtained a portion of Dugu Yan''s essence during their dual cultivation and refined it into his essence, incorporating it into his martial soul. Long ago, it became an inseparable part of his martial soul, even though it rarely manifested. Most of the time, it only appeared as the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor''s shadow when Chen Ming used certain battle techniques.


    In truth, Chen Ming not only possessed the same poison, but he was also better at using it than Dugu Bo himself.


    After all, he had also absorbed part of Dugu Bo''s martial soul''s essence, helped him refine the poison within his body, provided him with soul bones piece by piece, evolved his martial soul, and even transferred a false semi-divine core to him. In short, nearly everything about Dugu Bo''s foundation either had something to do with Chen Ming or had been thoroughly understood by him.


    Chen Ming had perfectly replicated Dugu Bo''s aura and methods. Even if the original Dugu Bo from this world appeared in front of Chen Ming, he wouldn''t be able to detect anything other than the aura of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.


    So, when Chen Ming claimed to be Dugu Bo, unless Dugu Bo himself stepped forward to refute it, even an Ultimate Douluo wouldn''t be able to find the slightest flaw.


    Staring at the figure in front of him, cloaked in the shadow of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor and radiating poison-attribute soul power with an aura even slightly stronger than his own, Tang Hao''s expression grew serious.


    "I had always thought that the way of poison was nothing more than a heretical path on the Douluo Continent¡ªa cheap trick among lower-level soul masters. I never expected such a peerless Poison Douluo like you to emerge, with such terrifying mastery over poison arts."


    "Poison Douluo¡ªnot bad."


    Even though his current strength was not yet at level 95, and he was carrying injuries, not to mention his mental state was far from its peak, Tang Hao couldn''t help but show a trace of pride in his gaze as he looked at Dugu Bo. Though it sounded like praise, his tone carried a sense of superiority.


    The Clear Sky Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were the two most arrogant clans in the soul master world. If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon''s arrogance was somewhat influenced by their martial soul, the Clear Sky Clan''s arrogance was purely due to Tang Chen, the Ultimate Douluo.


    If Tang Chen were still around, the Clear Sky Clan''s arrogance might not be considered arrogance at all¡ªjust excessive pride. However, after Tang Chen vanished, the Clear Sky Clan showed no restraint, and their pride devolved into mindless arrogance.


    Tang Hao undoubtedly exemplified this arrogance to the extreme. His conceit and hubris were almost indescribable. Tang Hao prided himself on possessing a 100,000-year soul ring, a full set of soul bones, mastery of the Clear Sky Clan''s explosive ring technique, and his grandfather''s creation¡ªthe Great Sumeru Hammer. Even in his current weakened state, with slightly lower soul power, he still believed he was superior to Dugu Bo, who was nothing more than a petty poisoner.


    His evaluation of Dugu Bo carried not a shred of respect for a senior and even conveyed a sense that he, Tang Hao, was the true senior.


    "How dare a skulking figure like you so brazenly evaluate the name of Poison Douluo?"


    Chen Ming''s fingers moved slightly, and the shadow of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor on his arm spat out a beam of green light toward Tang Hao.


    The green light was not particularly powerful¡ªan average Soul Douluo could likely handle it. However, that was under the condition of summoning their martial soul to confront it. Without summoning his martial soul, Tang Hao had no choice but to raise his fist and endure it head-on. He staggered back several steps before managing to deflect the attack.


    But the intense poison and soul power contained within the beam left Tang Hao troubled. If not for his abundant soul power, the poison might have invaded his body.


    Tang Hao didn''t dare to reveal his martial soul and soul rings right now. Otherwise, he would undoubtedly attract the pursuit of the Spirit Hall.


    Recently, Tang Hao had been paying attention to the situation on the continent and learned that the vile Spirit Hall had somehow employed evil soul masters to their advantage. They now had as many as ten Super Douluo and more than twenty Title Douluo, making them incredibly powerful¡ªeven stronger than the Clear Sky Clan.


    Although Tang Hao prided himself on having severely injured two Title Douluo and hammering the Spirit Hall''s Pope, Qian Xunji, to death twelve years ago, he still remembered the soul power of Qian Daoliu vividly.


    Even though he believed that using the divine technique of the explosive ring would make him at least equal to the fraudulent Qian Daoliu, he also knew that if Qian Daoliu pursued him with three or five Super Douluo, he wouldn''t be able to escape.


    Therefore, Tang Hao tried to avoid exposing his martial soul and soul rings unless necessary. And if he did, he wouldn''t leave any witnesses behind.


    But facing a Title Douluo whose soul power was even higher than his own, Tang Hao had little confidence in defeating them unless he risked backlash by using the explosive ring technique.


    Qian Daoliu bringing three or five Super Douluo to hunt him down...


    If Tang Chen heard this, he would probably crack open Tang Hao''s skull to see if it contained a barrel of fermented manure.


    "This noon, just outside that so-called Shrek Academy, I sensed your covert surveillance. That humanoid 100,000-year soul beast must be your prey, right?"


    "A 100,000-year humanoid soul beast¡ªthey are treasures of heaven and earth. Their soul bones can be absorbed by soul masters, and their soul rings can become a soul master''s ninth soul ring." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [330]

    "If it were an ordinary person, seeing a 100,000-year soul beast in human form, they would undoubtedly kill it immediately. Even if it meant wasting the 100,000-year soul ring, they would never give up on obtaining the 100,000-year soul bone. And if they had a younger generation in their family capable of absorbing a 100,000-year soul ring, they would surely capture the beast alive, prepare it, and then attempt to absorb the soul ring."


    Chen Ming took a step forward, and the phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor coiled around his arm expanded, spiraling around him. In a cold, raspy voice, he softly asked Tang Hao:


    "A 100,000-year soul beast in human form surviving in the presence of a Titled Douluo¡ªaside from possessing the strength to resist a Titled Douluo¡ªthere are probably only two reasons for this." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One, the Titled Douluo has some sort of relationship with the soul beast. Not only do they not want to kill it, but they also want to protect it, eliminating anyone who might discover its true form. The second..."


    "I guess the only other possibility is that the Titled Douluo is scheming to have the 100,000-year soul beast offer itself as a sacrifice for someone, right?"


    A green light spewed from the mouth of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor. It wasn''t a soul skill but pure poison-attributed soul power, capable of instantly breaking through the defenses of a Soul Douluo and killing them on the spot.


    Sensing this dangerous aura, Tang Hao, instead of evading, was provoked. His eyes turned blood-red as he took a step forward. With a grasp of his right hand in mid-air, a massive Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his grip. Nine soul rings¡ªyellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red¡ªemerged around him, fully exposing the aura of a Titled Douluo.


    Without using any soul skill, Tang Hao swung his hammer, smashing it heavily into the green light. After a brief moment of resistance, the green light, capable of killing a Soul Douluo, was shattered. From a distance, the fragmented green light seemed to form the image of a hat atop Tang Hao''s head.


    Though it lasted only for a moment, during that brief instant, the green hat appeared exceptionally vivid.


    Under his black robes, a pair of bloodshot eyes, red with rage, stared intently at Dugu Bo. The imposing aura from Tang Hao''s body pressed toward his opponent, and the Clear Sky Hammer seemed ready to strike again at any moment.


    Facing this scene, Chen Ming, disguised as Dugu Bo, naturally feigned surprise. The phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor, which had been flicking its tongue, coiled into a defensive posture.


    "The Clear Sky Hammer, a Titled Douluo, a 100,000-year soul ring... What a surprise. I didn''t expect that the Clear Sky Douluo, who has been missing for over a decade, would appear in such a remote place."


    "Back when the Spirit Hall besieged the Clear Sky Sect and forced it into seclusion, you didn''t show up. Many on the continent rumored that you were either dead or crippled. Over the years, some speculated that you might have returned to the Clear Sky Sect."


    "But who would''ve thought that the Clear Sky Douluo, who became enemies with the Spirit Hall over a 100,000-year soul beast, would set his sights on another 100,000-year soul beast in human form? Well, it makes sense¡ªafter all, a 100,000-year soul beast taking human form only happens once in a millennium. Who would expect someone to encounter such a thing twice in a lifetime?"


    "Dugu Bo, you know too much!"


    Now that he had summoned his martial soul, Tang Hao no longer bothered hiding his identity. Swinging the Clear Sky Hammer, he struck directly at Dugu Bo. The force contained in the strike was as heavy as a mountain, capable of easily destroying the martial soul true body of a Soul Sage.


    Although it didn''t seem like Tang Hao used a soul skill, this attack was comparable to one. The strike wasn''t just a simple hammer swing¡ªit incorporated the "Collapse" and "Break" techniques from the Clear Sky Sect''s Nine Absolutes.


    Regardless of his character, Tang Hao''s talent in this era was undeniable. While he preferred brute force to overwhelm opponents, his mastery of the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes was exceptional. Among them, the explosive "Collapse" and "Break" techniques were his specialties.


    "Jade Phosphorus Violet Poison!"


    Following the habits of Douluo Continent soul masters, Chen Ming, disguised as Dugu Bo, shouted the name of his technique before releasing purple poison gas.


    The purple poison gas condensed into the form of a poisonous mist serpent, coiling toward the Clear Sky Hammer. Upon contact, most of the serpent''s body was destroyed by the internal force of the hammer and the gusts it generated. However, the remaining part of the serpent reformed into a poisonous mist, which condensed briefly before taking the shape of small purple snakes that slithered up the hammer toward Tang Hao.


    Unwilling to test the potency of Dugu Bo''s poison on his already injured body, Tang Hao let out a low growl, circulated his soul power, and used the "Flick" technique to shake off the poisonous snakes. He then retreated a few steps, eyeing Dugu Bo warily.


    "Poison Douluo truly lives up to his name." Tang Hao''s words sounded like praise, but in his heart, he was calculating whether he could suddenly launch an attack and kill Dugu Bo with his Clear Sky Hammer. However, after glancing at the phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor beside Dugu Bo, Tang Hao gritted his teeth and abandoned the idea.


    Tang Hao wasn''t curious about why Dugu Bo didn''t reveal his soul rings¡ªit wasn''t unheard of, though it was rare.


    Some powerful soul masters with unique cultivation paths could condense their soul rings into their martial souls, merging them to alter the martial soul and gain extraordinary abilities. In Tang Hao''s view, Dugu Bo was using this method.


    Although Dugu Bo hadn''t summoned his soul rings or martial soul visibly, in reality, he had already summoned them in a concealed manner. The phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor was the manifestation of his martial soul and soul rings. Unlike Tang Hao, Dugu Bo had been fully prepared from the start, which explained his ability to suppress the world''s strongest tool martial soul.


    The two stood in a tense standoff. The phantom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor flicked its tongue at Tang Hao, while Tang Hao held his Clear Sky Hammer, ready to strike. After a long silence, Tang Hao sighed and stepped back.


    "Poison Douluo, a 100,000-year soul beast is a rare treasure of heaven and earth. As Titled Douluo, you and I both understand the value of a 100,000-year soul beast. Whether it''s the soul ring or the soul bone, it can transform a soul master''s destiny. We both know it''s impossible to simply let it go."


    "I understand. Isn''t your ninth soul ring from your wife? A 100,000-year soul beast in human form sacrificed itself for you, causing the greatest turmoil the continent had seen in nearly a century. Thinking back, you must''ve used deceit to lure that 100,000-year soul beast into sacrificing itself for you, right?"


    "That boy earlier, the one so close to the 100,000-year soul beast, his name is Tang San, and his martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. Now that I think about it, he must be your child, right?"


    "Seeing their closeness, it seems you''ve already been secretly planning how to have that little rabbit sacrifice herself for your son. Just like the rumors say¡ªback when your soul power was stuck at the Soul Douluo level and Qian Xunji was hunting you, you were pushed to the brink, forcing the 100,000-year soul beast to sacrifice itself for you."


    "To encounter someone like you... truly, it''s the misfortune of 100,000-year soul beasts."


    Hearing Dugu Bo''s words, Tang Hao''s eyes flashed with murderous intent. He nearly couldn''t resist swinging his hammer again. But seeing that, despite his slightly relaxed aura, Dugu Bo''s defense remained unbroken, Tang Hao ultimately held back, letting out a displeased grunt. He silently added Dugu Bo to his mental list of enemies.


    Some things should never be known¡ªwhether guessed or deduced, they must never be spoken aloud. Especially if it''s the truth, it must be kept hidden at all costs.


    During the earlier standoff, Tang Hao had only harbored malice toward Dugu Bo, intending to kill him to prevent any leaks about Xiao Wu and to stop him from coveting her. But now, in Tang Hao''s heart, Dugu Bo had truly earned the right to die.


    Though Tang Hao knew he couldn''t deal with him today, in the future, if there was an opportunity, not only would Tang Hao not spare Dugu Bo, but he wouldn''t even let his bloodline and family escape his wrath.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [331]

    Listening to Tang Hao''s inner thoughts, Chen Ming''s eyes flashed with a sharp light. His hostility toward Tang Hao instantly escalated. If it weren''t for the fact that Tang Hao possessed the Deathgod Domain, making him a puppet that could be controlled and descended upon by the Asura God, and thus an important chess piece in the gods'' grand schemes, Chen Ming would''ve torn him apart on the spot.


    Why could Chen Ming hear Tang Hao''s inner thoughts?


    The reason largely stemmed from A Yin.


    A Yin had sacrificed her soul ring to Tang Hao¡ªan irreversible fact. And without a doubt, a 100,000-year soul beast''s soul ring carries the imprint of that soul beast. Some special cases even allow for possession or the hiding of remnants of the beast''s soul within the ring.


    A Yin, thanks to her unique nature, managed to leave behind fragments of her essence like seeds, thus avoiding complete destruction. However, aside from her 100,000-year soul power, the soul ring also retained a portion of her spiritual energy left behind during her escape.


    With the combined help of Chen Ming''s divine-level spiritual power, his ability to perceive spiritual essence, and the Myriad King''s left leg bone, A Yin was able to use her uniqueness to read Tang Hao''s thoughts within a 200-step range. The closer Chen Ming was to Tang Hao, the more active the remnants in the soul ring became, and the clearer A Yin could perceive Tang Hao''s inner musings.


    This mind-reading ability was entirely one-sided¡ªTang Hao couldn''t sense it at all. The connection A Yin tapped into was sourced directly from the soul ring embedded in Tang Hao, not from any external force.


    This unprecedented phenomenon was something even a regular Rank-98 Super Douluo wouldn''t necessarily detect right away. Only a Rank-99 Ultimate Douluo, after completely refining the soul beast imprints within their soul rings, could block it. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now, with only about 50 steps separating Chen Ming and Tang Hao, A Yin''s mind-reading abilities were nearly at their peak, allowing her to see everything Tang Hao was thinking.


    This prolonged standoff wasn''t just for Tang Hao¡ªit was also for A Yin. Chen Ming deliberately pretended to be Dugu Bo, constantly provoking Tang Hao to stir his emotions. The goal was to let A Yin see Tang Hao''s true colors.


    Deep love breeds deep hatred.


    When lovers who were once as close as one soul break apart, they often leave behind immense rifts¡ªeven hatred.


    A Yin''s personality was gentle and kind, whether as a human or as a soul beast. She once genuinely loved Tang Hao. When she discovered Tang Hao had deceived her, her heart turned cold, yet she consoled herself with thoughts of their child. As long as the child grew up well, she was willing to let it all go.


    But when she realized that not only had Tang Hao manipulated her, but he had also allowed an otherworldly soul to occupy their child''s body¡ªand even continued to deceive other soul beasts into sacrificing themselves for that foreign soul¡ªA Yin''s heart completely blackened.


    Dark malice and negative emotions rapidly grew within A Yin''s soul. Her once-deep love transformed into equally intense hatred. A Yin''s transparent soul once tinged with a faint greenish life essence, darkened and became murky. Her overwhelming malice began to reshape her very essence.


    As the God of Sin, Chen Ming could feel A Yin''s malice growing exponentially, and her compatibility with his divine power was rapidly increasing.


    Even though his original goal was to drive a complete wedge between A Yin and Tang Hao, to change her nature so she could serve him better and lead the Blue Silver Grass clan to worship him, he couldn''t help but intervene.


    Chen Ming used his divine powers as the God of Sin to absorb some of A Yin''s malice, preventing her will from being entirely consumed by it.


    It wasn''t that Chen Ming feared losing control over A Yin¡ªhe worried that the Blue Silver Grass clan might become corrupted and turn into dark soul beasts in the future.


    Don''t think such a thing is impossible. The Blue Silver Grass clan inherently had the potential for darkness, especially with A Yin as the Blue Silver Emperor possessing devouring abilities like the Golden Silkworm Thread. This attribute was usually dormant due to the peaceful nature of the clan, but if triggered, the sheer number of Blue Silver Grass souls could result in the birth of a dark Blue Silver Grass or even a Dark Blue Silver King.


    If such a catastrophe were to occur, the majority of the blame would fall on the Blue Silver Grass clan and A Yin, with some blame on Tang Hao. However, a small fraction of the sin might also pass to Chen Ming due to his connection with A Yin. Although Chen Ming, as the God of Sin, wasn''t afraid of sin, he still disliked being tainted by it.


    Under Chen Ming''s intervention, A Yin barely retained a trace of her consciousness. The malice within her was suppressed before it could fully erupt. However, her soul, once transparent with faint blue and golden hues, now turned black, with only faint traces of blue and gold remaining.


    To Tang Hao, however, this moment appeared as nothing more than Dugu Bo momentarily losing himself in thought due to some emotional reflection. Seeing this, Tang Hao''s aggression surged, and he gripped his Clear Sky Hammer tightly. But before Tang Hao could act, Dugu Bo quickly recovered, forcing Tang Hao to suppress his intent to strike.


    Chen Ming took a step forward, his aura pressing against Tang Hao. Tang Hao gripped the Clear Sky Hammer tighter and slowly spoke.


    "Dugu Bo, the 100,000-year soul beast was discovered by me first. By the rules, it should belong to me."


    "Is that so? I do know of the rule ''first come, first served.'' But aren''t you forgetting something? When soul masters compete for the same soul beast, they can duel for it¡ªthe stronger one takes the prize, and the weaker one leaves quietly."


    Chen Ming retorted coldly.


    "Besides, since when did the Clear Sky Douluo play by the rules? When you roamed the Douluo Continent, I never saw you follow any rules. So why, all of a sudden, are you trying to use rules to restrain me?"


    "By your philosophy, the Douluo Continent respects strength. In the end, you''re just trying to find a justification because your fist isn''t as strong as mine."


    "Dugu Bo, are you willing to risk mutual destruction? If this gets exposed, with the Spirit Hall''s strength and ruthlessness, do you think we''d even have the chance to discuss how to split the 100,000-year soul beast?"


    Tang Hao replied coldly, without holding back.


    What Dugu Bo said was true¡ªTang Hao indeed thought that way. If he had the certainty to kill Dugu Bo in one strike, he wouldn''t have wasted so much time talking.


    "Hmph," Chen Ming coldly snorted, his response short and sharp.


    "I have my own goals. From the first day, this 100,000-year soul beast entered human society, it was under my watch. There''s no way I''ll give it up."


    "If you''re willing to back off and keep this quiet, I, Tang Hao, can promise to compensate you with a 50,000-year soul bone in the future."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [332]

    "A fifty-thousand-year soul bone? Isn''t that price a little too low? With my poison abilities, if I want to kill that hundred-thousand-year soul beast, you wouldn''t be able to stop me. At that point, although the hundred-thousand-year soul ring would be wasted, I could still compete for that hundred-thousand-year soul bone."


    "You dare!" Tang Hao glared, roaring in response.


    "Why wouldn''t I dare? We''re both Title Douluos and my soul power is above yours. What makes you think you can dare, but I can''t?"


    Tang Hao was silent for a moment, then sighed and had to admit that what Dugu Bo said was true.


    After all, if he discovered that Dugu Bo had a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, he would undoubtedly try to take it too. Even if he couldn''t obtain it, he would make sure to destroy the transformed soul beast completely, leaving no chance for Dugu Bo to get it either.


    "What do you want?" Tang Hao asked heavily. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Simple. If you want the soul ring, then the soul bone will belong to me. If you want the soul bone, then the soul ring will be mine. You''re a Title Douluo too, so I don''t want to fight you to the death. After all, even if I could kill you, with my poison abilities, there wouldn''t be a single living person left in Souto City. I can''t afford to leave such a notorious legacy on the continent over this matter."


    "You choose one between the soul ring and the soul bone, and the other will be mine. Both take a step back¡ªthis is fair, isn''t it?"


    Tang Hao didn''t want to fight Dugu Bo to the death either. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and replied in a deep voice.


    "Fine, I want the soul ring. That little rabbit is a soul ring I''ve reserved for my son. What happens afterward is none of your concern. Once the soul ring is absorbed, I''ll naturally give you the soul bone."


    "Of course, all of this is based on the condition that you don''t expose the existence of me and Xiao San. Otherwise, beware of a fight to the death. A Title Douluo with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and the world''s number one tool martial soul is not something you can imagine dealing with."


    "As for that transformed soul beast girl, I suppose even without me saying it, you wouldn''t reveal her existence either. Otherwise, if the Spirit Hall found out, not only would neither of us get the soul ring or soul bone, we wouldn''t even get a strand of rabbit fur."


    While saying this on the surface, Tang Hao was secretly scheming in his mind. For the sake of the hundred-thousand-year soul ring and bone, and for using Tang San''s talent to exact revenge on the Spirit Hall, Tang Hao didn''t mind employing some underhanded tactics.


    If it came to it, he could quietly return to the Clear Sky Clan and contact his elder brother Tang Xiao. So many years had passed, and his elder brother''s strength had long since reached the level of a Super Douluo. With the Clear Sky Clan''s legacy and the strength of the world''s number one tool martial soul, even among Title Douluos, they would be absolute powerhouses.


    At that point, with the two brothers joining forces, Tang Hao didn''t believe that they couldn''t take down a mere Dugu Bo.


    Rumor had it that Dugu Bo''s rapid breakthroughs in recent years were often suspected to be due to acquiring high-quality, high-year soul bones. If a few high-year soul bones could be taken from Dugu Bo, it would also help compensate the Clear Sky Clan for the losses he had caused them all those years ago.


    If Dugu Bo''s soul bones were good enough and suitable for the Clear Sky Clan, perhaps he wouldn''t have to sever his limb and return the soul bone to the clan after all.


    "Hmph, naturally." Although Tang Hao agreed on the surface, Chen Ming, who had been observing Tang Hao''s thoughts, could tell what Tang Hao was scheming. However, since the plan was set, Chen Ming pretended to reluctantly agree and responded.


    But just as Tang Hao and Tang San liked to label others as courting death, Tang Hao now appeared to Chen Ming as someone who was courting death himself.


    In the future, once the plan succeeds and Tang Hao is no longer a useful pawn, Chen Ming would not hesitate to deal with him harshly.


    As the God of Sin, Plague, Death, and Poison, Chen Ming possessed many cruel abilities that could cause unimaginable pain, whether to the body, mind, or soul. He simply refrained from using them in his daily life.


    In fact, as a transmigrator, the fact that he hadn''t immediately eliminated Tang Hao and his entire family the moment Tang Hao showed hostility toward him was already an act of restraint. Otherwise, they would''ve fast-forwarded to the Clear Sky Clan being utterly devastated by now.


    The two, each harboring their schemes, faced off for a long time. Finally, realizing there was no chance of success, Tang Hao reluctantly left. Under the cover of the night, he ran toward Shrek Academy to continue spying on Xiao Wu and Tang San. Only after Tang Hao left Souto City''s range did Chen Ming wave his black cloak, instantly returning to his room. Changing his outfit, he then stepped out, feigning shock.


    Earlier, Ning Rongrong''s guards had confirmed that Chen Ming wasn''t in his room. However, due to Dugu Bo''s presence, everyone assumed that Chen Ming had been placed under Dugu Bo''s special protection.


    After all, Chen Ming was Dugu Bo''s only disciple and future son-in-law. Within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, he held a status comparable to, if not higher than, Ning Rongrong''s. Even if something happened to Ning Rongrong, Chen Ming was unlikely to be harmed under these circumstances.


    Now, seeing Chen Ming patting his chest and acting as if he had just witnessed something incredible, the old Soul Sage finally breathed a sigh of relief. He approached Chen Ming with a flattering smile.


    "Young friend Chen Ming, may I ask about the observer from earlier?"


    "That observer has already been driven away by my grandfather," Chen Ming replied slowly, patting his chest and sighing before continuing.


    "That person was a Title Douluo. According to my grandfather, his strength could be considered formidable even among Title Douluos. His aura was incredibly profound. Across the continent, he''s unlikely to be an unknown figure. However, he was wearing a black cloak and didn''t reveal his martial soul during the brief confrontation, clearly harboring ulterior motives."


    "Fortunately, we have strong protectors here. Otherwise, if he truly attacked, I doubt anyone would''ve survived."


    "May I ask, has Rongrong offended anyone on this journey?" Chen Ming asked with a puzzled expression. "If that Title Douluo was targeting us, my grandfather would''ve noticed it long ago. There''s no way someone would chase us into Souto City for no reason."


    "This..." The old Soul Sage frowned upon hearing this and began to ponder.


    A Title Douluo targeting someone might escape many people''s notice, but it would be difficult to hide from the now Super Douluo-level Poison Douluo. If Title Douluo had genuinely been after Chen Ming, he would''ve already been discovered by Poison Douluo, who was secretly protecting them.


    Could it be that someone was targeting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?


    Thinking about it, the old Soul Sage realized that Ning Rongrong hadn''t done anything particularly offensive on this trip. The only thing remotely offensive, possibly enough to be targeted by a Title Douluo, was the incident at Shrek Academy earlier today.


    But as for Shrek, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had investigated them thoroughly long ago. Forget about a Title Douluo¡ªthere wasn''t even a Soul Douluo among them. Currently, the entire academy has only two Soul Sages. The dean, Flender, had already been crippled long ago, and it would be a miracle if half of his combat strength remained. His strength wasn''t improving; in fact, it was declining.


    That Strength-type Soul Master with the Unmovable King Zhao Wuji had decent strength, but in this lifetime, he had no chance of ever reaching Title Douluo.


    Moreover, this group didn''t have any significant background or connections to a Title Douluo.


    Could it be that some faction''s Title Douluo was planning to assassinate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s little princess? But why?


    Everyone knew that Ning Rongrong was favored, but it was also clear that the clan''s heir had been decided decades ago.


    The clan leader, Ning Fengzhi, married at fourteen and had a son at sixteen. Now, his eldest grandson had already been born, and they were preparing for future marriage alliances.


    The heir and the next heir had been decided decades ago. Even if Ning Rongrong was favored, she couldn''t become the heir.


    Under these circumstances, who would bother to assassinate Ning Rongrong? If someone wanted to cause trouble, shouldn''t they be targeting the heir and the next heir instead?


    To put it bluntly, what''s the point of a Title Douluo attacking a vase like her? What would they gain from it?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [333]

    Ning Rongrong and Little Wu were escorted out of the city by the elder Soul Sage the next day. However, when they left, their group gained an additional Soul Douluo. This Soul Douluo was originally stationed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in Souto City, overseeing the collection of Soul Beast materials from the Star Dou Forest and managing the information network in the region. He was responsible for governing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s operations in the area.


    But upon learning that the clan master''s beloved daughter, Ning Rongrong, had been attacked, he immediately abandoned those less important tasks and joined Ning Rongrong in making a swift retreat back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Before leaving, Ning Rongrong asked Chen Ming if he wanted to leave with them.


    After all, if they traveled together, the Poison Douluo could provide protection along the way. Upon reaching the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Chen Ming could also explain the matter of the soul tools to her father. However, Chen Ming ultimately declined, saying he needed to head into the Star Dou Forest to train himself.


    Of course, although it seemed like he was heading to the Star Dou Forest, in truth, Chen Ming rode his horse through the night and rushed back to Heaven Dou City. He sought out Dugu Bo, who was in seclusion at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the Sunset Forest, to explain how he had borrowed Dugu Bo''s name.


    Dugu Bo, though slightly helpless about being implicated in something he hadn''t done, cooperated with Chen Ming to align their stories about what had happened that night. Additionally, Dugu Bo prepared himself for how he would respond if he had to face Tang Hao directly in the future.


    After ensuring everything was arranged, Chen Ming quickly returned to a small town near the Star Dou Forest on the outskirts of Souto City. Pretending to stock up on supplies, he then entered the Star Dou Forest.


    This time, Chen Ming had his plans. Using A Yin''s abilities, he locked onto the locations of all Man-Faced Demon Spiders in the Star Dou Forest that had lived for approximately 2,000 years. He systematically hunted them down one by one.


    There were approximately 300 to 400 Man-Faced Demon Spiders in the forest aged between 1,000 and 10,000 years, but only fewer than 20 of them were around 2,000 years old. Among those, only three or four were active in the forest''s outskirts near the Heaven Dou Empire. These unfortunate Man-Faced Demon Spiders became Chen Ming''s targets, and he killed them one by one.


    If a Half-God pursued a thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider, the spider surviving even one strike would be enough to make Di Tian give a thumbs-up and remark that the Beast God position might be more suited for the spider. But Chen Ming was no Chicken Leg Douluo (Sarcasm name Xuanzi), and the Man-Faced Demon Spiders were far from being the strongest Soul Masters. None of the spiders could escape his grasp.


    Each time Chen Ming killed a Man-Faced Demon Spider around 2,000 years old, he would inspect the body to see whether it had dropped the Eight Spider Lances. On the third spider he killed, the unique energy fluctuation of a soul bone finally appeared, signaling the emergence of the Eight Spider Lances that greatly aided Tang San in the original story.


    However, unlike in the original story, where the external bone directly attached itself to the body when the soul ring was absorbed, Chen Ming hadn''t absorbed the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s soul ring. As a result, the Eight Spider Lances existed in a state between illusion and reality, still attached to the spider''s eight legs.


    External soul bones can manifest in two different ways:


    Physical Soul Bone: After killing a soul beast, the external bone can be found on its body. This is the most common form of external soul bone. For example, the Dark Gold Terrorclaw that Chen Ming absorbed belonged to this type.


    Soul Ring Resonance: During the process of absorbing a soul ring, the resonance between the ring and the beast''s internal energy directly integrates the external bone into the body. This method is rare and highly dependent on compatibility between the soul master and the soul beast. Even with the same conditions, one soul master may acquire an external soul bone while another may not.


    The Eight Spider Lances on this particular spider belonged to the second type. However, a first-type Eight Spider Lances had also appeared in the original story. That one was dropped by a Man-Faced Demon Spider approximately 50,000 years old, and Tang San''s own Eight Spider Lances absorbed it. Some even speculated that Tang San''s Eight Spider Lances underwent their final evolution partly due to absorbing those additional Eight Spider Lances.


    In situations like this, directly cutting off the spider''s legs could destroy the soul power structure, causing the external soul bone to disappear. Generally, only by absorbing the soul ring and utilizing the connection between the ring and the bone can the external soul bone be gradually extracted and integrated into the body.


    But common sense doesn''t restrict the strong. After some thought, Chen Ming refined the spider''s soul ring directly into its legs, concentrating all of the spider''s essence into the Eight Spider Lances. This process transformed the energy anchored in the legs into a true soul bone.


    Looking at the soul bone that had played such a significant role in the original story, Chen Ming shook his head and casually stored it in his soul tool, thinking he could offer it to Dugu Yan in the future. He then continued hunting the fourth Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    However, to Chen Ming''s silent surprise, the fourth 2,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider he killed also dropped a set of Eight Spider Lances¡ªthis time in a tangible, physical form.


    Chen Ming stared at the two sets of Eight Spider Lances and began reflecting.


    The first Man-Faced Demon Spider he had ever killed had dropped a head soul bone. Now, after killing four spiders today, two external soul bones had dropped.


    Although he understood the concept of luck, Chen Ming couldn''t help but feel the drop rate for soul bones from Man-Faced Demon Spiders was absurdly high. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Originally, Chen Ming planned to clear out only the Man-Faced Demon Spiders near the Heaven Dou Empire side of the forest. But this unexpected turn of events changed his mind.


    Over the next few days, Chen Ming hunted every Man-Faced Demon Spider he could find¡ªwhether it was a hundred-year, thousand-year, or even ten-thousand-year-old spider. As long as it was near the Heaven Dou Empire and its range of activity was outside the mixed area, Chen Ming tracked them down and eliminated them.


    Within just two days, Chen Ming, guided by A Yin''s abilities and his strength, killed over 200 Man-Faced Demon Spiders in the Star Dou Forest. About one-tenth of them dropped various types of soul bones, including a third Eight Spider Lances, this time at a mind-blowing 20,000-year level.


    Chen Ming didn''t let any of the Man-Faced Demon Spiders he killed go to waste. Regardless of whether they dropped soul bones, he consistently refined their soul rings and bodies to enhance the quality and age of the Eight Spider Lances he had already obtained. By using the principle of nourishing like with like, he steadily raised the Eight Spider Lances'' age and quality.


    Through this method, the first Eight Spider Lances he acquired had already been upgraded to a staggering 50,000-year level.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [334]

    Chen Ming''s wanton slaughter of the Man-Faced Demon Spiders had indeed drawn the attention of some significant beings in the Star Dou Forest. After all, the large-scale deaths of a particular soul beast species over the course of just two days was something that even the most ordinary soul beasts could sense was unusual. However, upon discovering that the victims were exclusively Man-Faced Demon Spiders and that the unknown perpetrator only targeted this species, the initially curious and concerned soul beasts simply chose to ignore the matter.


    After all, the Man-Faced Demon Spiders were universally despised among soul beasts. Sadistic by nature, they killed and tortured for sheer enjoyment, often slaughtering indiscriminately even when they had no intention of eating their prey. Moreover, due to their devouring attribute, they grew at an alarmingly fast pace, making them a significant menace in the soul beast world.


    Frankly, many soul beasts wouldn''t hesitate to kill a Man-Faced Demon Spider on sight, provided their strength was sufficient. The death of such creatures wasn''t just overlooked¡ªit was welcomed. Many soul beasts even hoped for the complete eradication of the Man-Faced Demon Spiders from the Star Dou Forest.


    In the original story of Douluo Dalu, Tang San had many controversial moments, but nearly exterminating the Man-Faced Demon Spiders in the Star Dou Forest was one of the few universally praised actions. These soul beasts were excessively bloodthirsty, and their penchant for torture made them a devastating force against smaller soul beasts.


    The soul beast world had no issue with predators, as hunting and killing were natural in their ecosystem. However, they drew the line at creatures that killed indiscriminately, leaving behind toxic corpses that even other soul beasts couldn''t consume.


    By the fifth day, Chen Ming had slain over five hundred Man-Faced Demon Spiders, including the initial 70,000-year-old spider that Ah Yin had detected and another 50,000-year-old spider. The 70,000-year-old one yielded a torso bone, while the 50,000-year-old one dropped an external spirit bone¡ªEight Spider Lances. The remaining thousand-year and ten-thousand-year spiders contributed 37 thousand-year spirit bones and 8 ten-thousand-year spirit bones in total. Though the drop rate of spirit bones had declined compared to the second day, it was still remarkably high.


    In just a few short days, Chen Ming had wiped out the majority of the Man-Faced Demon Spider population. The surviving ten-thousand-year spiders were now cowering underground, too terrified to emerge. Even the 100,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider King had been alarmed, desperately burrowing deeper into the ground to escape. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Chen Ming left the Star Dou Forest, he had obtained two sets of 90,000-year-old Eight Spider Lances, one set of 50,000-year-old Eight Spider Lances, and an assortment of other spirit bones produced by the Man-Faced Demon Spiders. These included arm bones, leg bones, and torso bones, though he only managed to acquire a single head bone. Interestingly, it seemed that the drop rate for head bones from Man-Faced Demon Spiders was even lower than that of external spirit bones.


    However, these details were secondary. During the process of hunting the Man-Faced Demon Spiders and refining their bodies and bloodlines, Chen Ming discovered that their bloodline contained a unique and sinister power. This power seemed to originate from an evil deity, though it wasn''t the same as the dark god energy found in Dark Devilgod Tigers. According to Chen Ming''s assessment, the source of the Man-Faced Demon Spiders'' power was a spider-like divine beast whose strength was roughly equivalent to a second-tier god. While it was unclear whether this being had a godly seat, it undoubtedly possessed the attributes of an evil god.


    That said, with the updated version of Douluo Dalu, soul beasts had become incapable of ascending to godhood. The divine attributes in their bloodlines had significantly diminished, even for dragon clans with ancestral ties to divine dragons. As a result, while the Man-Faced Demon Spiders'' bloodline carried the remnants of their ancestor''s evil power, only a select few high-aged spiders could tap into this strength. Even then, each use of this power inflicted nearly irreversible damage to their source.


    For Chen Ming, who wielded the divine position and power of the God of Sin, this ability was an excellent supplement to his arsenal. It provided significant enhancements, and he didn''t need to worry about the self-damaging effects. He was already contemplating how to fuse one of the Eight Spider Lances pairs with his external soul bone.


    After all, scorpions and spiders shared a common ancestry, with similar leg structures. Since Chen Ming already had a scorpion-tail external soul bone attached to his spine, adding spider legs to his external soul bone seemed perfectly logical, didn''t it? Furthermore, with the various Man-Faced Demon Spider soul bones he had obtained¡ªfor every body part, no less¡ªhe was eager to experiment with creating a soul bone set. Soul bone sets were incredibly rare, mentioned only a few times in the Douluo series, and he suspected they held unique mysteries that could serve as a reference for crafting future divine equipment.


    With these thoughts in mind, Chen Ming left the Star Dou Forest and returned to Soto City, where he stayed in a modest inn and resumed monitoring Tang San and Tang Hao. During his Man-Faced Demon Spider hunt, he hadn''t forgotten to have Ah Yin keep an eye on Shrek Academy. After all, he remembered that shortly after Tang San''s enrollment¡ªtwo or three days later, at most¡ªOscar would break through, prompting the group to venture into the Star Dou Forest for soul rings.


    However, upon observing Oscar, Chen Ming realized he had miscalculated. In the original timeline, Oscar''s cultivation speed had been somewhat disappointing for someone with innate full soul power. This was partly due to Shrek Academy''s lack of resources and partly because Oscar''s soft personality caused him to slack off in his training.


    But since Chen Ming had severely disrupted Shrek Academy years earlier¡ªcrippling Dai Mubai, wasting Ma Hongjun, and leaving Flender disabled¡ªOscar, despite his reluctance, had been forced to train diligently out of fear. Even when he wanted to relax, Shao Xin wouldn''t allow it, dragging him back and pressuring him to cultivate. With Shrek Academy''s survival hanging by a thread, no one was willing to let their last hope, Oscar, waste his potential. As a result, Oscar''s cultivation speed had significantly improved, showcasing the talent of an innate full soul power food-type soul master.


    This butterfly effect led to Oscar breaking through to the Soul Elder rank and obtaining his third soul ring before Tang San''s enrollment. Consequently, the events following Tang San''s admission were reduced to mundane activities like running laps around Shrek Academy.


    While observing, Chen Ming also noticed something absent from the original story¡ªan interaction between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. Zhu Zhuqing, disillusioned by Dai Mubai''s condition, hadn''t enrolled in Shrek Academy. Instead, she stayed in a Souto City inn, seemingly contemplating her future. Dai Mubai, on the other hand, secretly sought out information about Zhu Zhuqing through his network of unsavory friends. After much deliberation, he finally remembered that Zhu Zhuqing was his fianc¨¦e¡ªsomething he only pieced together after subconsciously connecting her name and martial soul.


    Dai Mubai began pestering Zhu Zhuqing, trying to persuade her to join Shrek Academy and become his partner for their martial soul fusion technique. However, his current androgynous appearance made it difficult for Zhu Zhuqing to take him seriously. On the second day of Chen Ming''s return to Souto City, Dai Mubai abandoned his female attire and forced himself to act more masculine in an attempt to win over Zhu Zhuqing.


    Initially, Zhu Zhuqing only wanted to distance herself from Dai Mubai and think about her future. However, Dai Mubai, in his warped perspective, interpreted her attitude as an insult to his pride. His unstable mental state, exacerbated by his physical changes, led him to view Zhu Zhuqing''s rejection as a personal attack.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [335]

    The twisted hatred drove Dai Mubai to want, from the depths of his heart, to destroy Zhu Zhuqing, forcing her to taste his pain.


    To Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing''s cold indifference was the greatest mockery. As a result, he decided to destroy her coldness and dignity in the cruelest way possible.


    Chen Ming, who was monitoring Dai Mubai, felt that his moral boundaries were once again being challenged. He simply couldn''t understand Dai Mubai''s choices.


    As he watched Dai Mubai dress in women''s clothing, apply makeup, and lead Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and a group of thugs toward the inn where Zhu Zhuqing was staying, Chen Ming felt his mind go blank.


    "Bringing people to assault his fianc¨¦e? What the hell is Dai Mubai doing?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I never thought the plot would take such a turn."


    "Sigh, I better go warn Zhu Zhuqing, or maybe even help her out. Even if a main character has to exit the story, it shouldn''t be in such a way, especially since Zhu Zhuqing hasn''t done anything wrong at this point."


    Muttering to himself, Chen Ming quickly ran to the roof of the inn where Zhu Zhuqing was staying before Dai Mubai and his group arrived. He then used spiritual telepathy to awaken Zhu Zhuqing from her sleep.


    "Wake up. Wake up."


    Chen Ming''s spiritual telepathy rippled through Zhu Zhuqing''s mind, instantly waking her from a half-asleep state. She flipped out of bed in a flash. Since she had been sleeping fully clothed, nothing inappropriate was exposed.


    "Who''s there? Who is it?"


    Years of being hunted had made Zhu Zhuqing extremely vigilant. Her martial soul activated as she scanned every corner of the room, her voice filled with caution.


    "I mean no harm. If I did, you wouldn''t even have had the chance to react. Just think of me as a passing Title Douluo. Don''t ask any more questions¡ªI won''t answer them."


    "I have some unresolved issues with Shrek Academy. A few years ago, when some of their people were crippled, it was partly because of me. Recently, I happened to pass through Suotuo City, so I''ve been keeping an eye on this group of riffraff."


    "I just saw that thing called Dai Mubai sneaking around with a group of people, saying he wanted to teach you a lesson. In short, things between a man and a woman."


    "I think you''ve had a tough life. If they catch you, you might as well just die. Considering this situation might be partially my fault, I suggest you run¡ªrun back to the Star Luo Empire."


    "What?" Zhu Zhuqing''s eyes narrowed, disbelief evident in her expression as she tried to determine whether this could happen.


    "Dai Mubai''s current state is no better than that of the eunuchs in the royal palace. You should know how twisted those people can be. Anyway, he''s almost here. If you don''t leave now, you won''t get another chance."


    Chen Ming continued to persuade her through spiritual telepathy.


    Hearing the mention of the eunuchs in the Star Luo Empire''s palace, Zhu Zhuqing immediately understood. Thinking about Dai Mubai''s current state and the way he had looked at her earlier that day, she quickly pieced things together. She cupped her hands toward the void, bowing respectfully as she replied:


    "Thank you for the warning, senior. I am deeply grateful. May I ask for your name? I will repay this kindness someday."


    "I told you not to ask. Even if you did, I wouldn''t answer. With my strength, there''s no need for you to repay me. If you want to repay me in the future, remember today''s events and help those in need. Be kinder to commoners and slaves. That will be repayment enough. I have a compassionate heart and can''t bear to see people suffer. Do good deeds in my stead, and that will suffice."


    Hearing Chen Ming''s response, Zhu Zhuqing paused in surprise. She couldn''t understand how such a kind person could exist in the world. Nonetheless, she bowed deeply again and replied respectfully:


    "I understand, senior. Thank you for your guidance. I will strive to maintain a kind heart in the future."


    Although Zhu Zhuqing didn''t know what fate awaited her if she returned to her family, she still responded with sincerity.


    "Act quickly now."


    "Yes." After bowing again, Zhu Zhuqing immediately began packing her belongings. She opened the window, preparing to leap out and escape Suotuo City as quickly as possible. However, before she could jump, she felt a sudden distortion in the air around her. In the blink of an eye, she found herself standing in a wild field overgrown with weeds.


    From where she stood, she could see the walls of Suotuo City and the main road in the distance.


    "I''ll give you one last bit of help by teleporting you outside the city. I trust you know what to do next. Remember to be cautious when dealing with people and to keep a kind heart for those in need. I''ve said all I need to say. From now on, your path is your own."


    "Thank you, senior." Zhu Zhuqing cupped her hands toward the void, her mind still reeling. After receiving no response for a long while, she slowly left.


    Escaping her family would be difficult, but returning would be easy. However, Zhu Zhuqing couldn''t predict what fate awaited her if she did. Thinking of how her elder sister had grown increasingly cold in recent years, Zhu Zhuqing sighed deeply, forcing herself not to dwell on the future.


    She couldn''t understand who the senior who had just helped her could be.


    To use spiritual telepathy without appearing in person could indeed be a unique ability of a Title Douluo. However, to manipulate space and teleport someone ten miles away without even showing themselves?


    In Zhu Zhuqing''s understanding, such a feat should be impossible on this continent.


    No. Perhaps¡­ it wasn''t impossible?


    Zhu Zhuqing thought of the senior''s words about maintaining a kind heart and then of the senior''s unfathomable power. She began to suspect that the mysterious helper might be Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship of Spirit Hall, whose name had recently been spreading across the continent.


    But upon further reflection, Zhu Zhuqing felt it didn''t add up. Recalling the senior''s remark about passing through Suotuo City years ago and being involved in the crippling of Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing resolved that if she ever returned to her family, she would try to find out more.


    Watching Zhu Zhuqing''s departing figure, Chen Ming shook his head and returned to his room, continuing to monitor Tang San and the movements of Shrek Academy using his Blue Silver Grass.


    When Dai Mubai and his group stormed into Zhu Zhuqing''s room only to find she had escaped, they felt the lingering warmth on the bed and were instantly enraged. They nearly trashed the inn on the spot. Ultimately, they vented their frustration on Zhu Zhuqing''s bed before leaving in anger.


    Of course, Chen Ming didn''t bother watching that part¡ªhe found it too disgusting.


    And so, the matter between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing came to an end. Shrek Academy returned to a brief period of calm. A few days later, Tang San broke through from rank 29 to rank 30. After a discussion among the academy''s instructors, they decided to take the students to the Star Dou Forest for training.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [336]

    Tang Hao followed Tang San, while Chen Ming followed Tang Hao, constantly observing the every move of the father and son duo.


    This time, the Shrek team was no longer led solely by Zhao Wuji as in the original story. Instead, Zhao Wuji was accompanied by Dragon Staff Soul Emperor Li Yu Song and Star Chess Soul Emperor Lu Qi Bin, forming a stronger lineup.


    To be honest, with Shrek Academy''s original team setup, they had defense when needed, attack power when required, agility for quick strikes, control abilities, and support. By all accounts, it was an excellent soul-hunting squad.


    Given Shrek''s setup and geographical location, they could take on missions involving ten-thousand-year soul beasts every few months. The money earned from such missions would be enough to train several talented students and even renovate the academy''s basic facilities.


    Although their resources couldn''t compare to the top academies within the Heaven Dou Empire, if they pooled their resources, their training conditions could surpass those of most intermediate-level academies. At the very least, they wouldn''t have to endure their current situation as a struggling academy with limited resources and meals lacking meat.


    It was puzzling why the people of Shrek were so adamant about enduring hardships instead of earning money. Their largest annual income came from the registration fees they tricked out of students. Even Chen Ming was at a loss for words to criticize this.


    During his observations, Chen Ming also witnessed Oscar''s third soul skill.


    Due to the butterfly effect, Oscar absorbed his third soul ring more than two months ago. Thus, his soul skill was no longer the Mushroom Sausage from the original story, which allowed a person to fly for one minute at the speed of a thousand-year Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent. Instead, it came from the meat of a Gale Demon Wolf, resulting in the Wolf Meat Sausage.


    According to Chen Ming''s observations, the Wolf Meat Sausage carried a wild wolf-like stench. Xiao Wu, being a rabbit, gagged and retched after taking a bite. Even Tang San frowned after eating it. However, the soul skill''s effect was decent.


    Based on overheard information, this soul skill not only increased speed by 30% but also enhanced attack power by 15%, lasting for half an hour. The sausages maintained their full effect for a day, but their effectiveness halved with each subsequent day, and their taste worsened. They could last for a maximum of three days.


    From the perspective of a food-type Soul Master, this was a very good ability. In some ways, its amplification effects even surpassed soul masters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda of the same level. However, in terms of functionality, it couldn''t compare to the third soul skill in the original story.


    As for the soul incantation, it followed the same style as Oscar''s first two skills, requiring him to chant "Hehehe, here comes the little wild wolf" to summon the sausage. Paired with Oscar''s current scruffy, bearded appearance, and unseemly demeanor, the entire performance was enough to make anyone feel nauseous.


    Just like in the original story, the group first encountered the fleeing Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent. However, since Tang San didn''t need this soul beast''s ring, the group didn''t bother chasing or capturing the snake and let it escape. The snake then narrowly avoided a confrontation with the Serpent Grandmother Chao Tianxiang and Meng Yiran.


    On the first day of soul hunting, they didn''t find a suitable target. Thus, the group camped out in the Star Dou Forest for the night. That night, the Titan Giant Ape from the original story arrived as expected, drawn by Xiao Wu''s aura.


    However, unlike the original scenario where it came alone, this time the Titan Giant Ape was accompanied by a green serpent wrapped around it. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yes, the Titan Giant Ape was entwined with the Sky Azure Bull Python. The two beast kings had come together from the Lake of Life within the Star Dou Forest.


    Not long ago, the Spirit Hall had staged a battle in the Star Dou Forest. Both the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python participated in the fight, pursued and attacked by Spirit Hall soul masters. They witnessed three beast kings of similar strength fall at the hands of humans, along with countless ten-thousand-year soul beasts, and even saw the Beast God of the Star Dou Forest humiliated by human experts.


    Since the exposure of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, soul masters from various factions had been hunting them relentlessly. Over the past few months, several hundred-thousand-year soul beasts had indeed fallen to human hands. The Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python, with their fixed habitats and exceptional quality, became prime targets. The Star Dou Forest descended into chaos as human experts delved deep into its territory. Many high-level soul beasts were forced to awaken, yet they struggled to unite under such circumstances. This period marked one of the best opportunities in centuries for soul masters to hunt within the Star Dou Forest.


    Just a month ago, Yu Yuanzhen, patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, led his younger brother Yu Luomian, several Soul Douluo elders, and soul masters of various types into the Lake of Life, intending to hunt the Sky Azure Bull Python.


    Their plan was simple: allow Yu Luomian to absorb the Sky Azure Bull Python''s soul bone to reach level 90, then absorb its soul ring to become a Titled Douluo. Finally, they would bring their bodies back to the clan, using its dragon-blood-infused flesh to nurture the next generation of geniuses.


    Although centered on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, the clan was a full-fledged sect with soul masters of other types, including defense, control, and support. Without such a balanced setup, their arrogance and sharp tongues would have led to their destruction long ago.


    Most of their members possessed dragon-related martial spirits, often mutated from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, but no one could deny the strength of their all-dragon lineup. Within the Douluo Continent, the clan''s dragon-themed team was exceptionally powerful.


    Even though they didn''t collaborate with Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters due to internal conflicts, their team included a Rainbow Dragon martial soul user. This soul master''s auxiliary ability was on par with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, significantly bolstering the clan''s strength, especially Yu Yuanzhen''s combat power.


    If not for the Titan Giant Ape''s desperate efforts to protect its brother, the two hundred-thousand-year super soul beasts would have been slaughtered by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s hunting team that day.


    From that moment on, the two brothers became inseparable, even during trivial activities like eating or resting, to prevent humans from exploiting any opportunity to kill one of them. When it came time to retrieve Xiao Wu, the Sky Azure Bull Python refused to let the Titan Giant Ape venture into the forest outskirts alone, so it came along, wrapped around its brother.


    With the two hundred-thousand-year beast kings moving together, the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest became lively. Initially, Zhao Wuji thought the Titan Giant Ape was merely at the ten-thousand-year level and was prepared to risk his life by activating Martial Soul Avatar to buy time for the students to escape.


    This time, however, seeing the two beast kings appear simultaneously, Zhao Wuji, Li Yu Song, and Lu Qi Bin collapsed to the ground in despair, giving up any thought of resistance.


    The Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python roared in unison upon spotting Xiao Wu among the humans. Two immense forces were unleashed simultaneously.


    Gravity and Slowness¡ªthough distinct, these powers complemented each other seamlessly in the hands of the two brothers, who had been together for tens of thousands of years. In an instant, Zhao Wuji, Lu Qi Bin, Li Yu Song, Dai Mubai, and Tang San were all pinned to the ground, powerless against the crushing might of the beast kings, and fell unconscious.


    Witnessing this, Xiao Wu''s eyes immediately reddened. She jumped out, standing in front of the two beast kings to block them from releasing any further aura or power toward her brother Tang San.


    Seeing Xiao Wu like this, the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python exchanged glances, feeling as if a part of their hearts had been broken. Their already close bodies pressed even tighter together, and their large faces showed expressions of grievance.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [337]

    In truth, if Xiao Wu hadn''t stepped forward just now, Tang Hao was already prepared to jump out, grab Tang San, and escape.


    Tang Hao did know that Xiao Wu was a 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form, and he also guessed that her origin was the Star Dou Forest. However, he hadn''t expected that the "Da Ming" and "Er Ming" Xiao Wu mentioned were none other than the two beast kings of the Star Dou Forest¡ªthe Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape.


    Tang Hao couldn''t wrap his head around how a little Soft Bone Rabbit could live alongside such super soul beasts and even be treated as their elder sister.


    The power gap was so vast¡ªwas she not afraid that one day the Sky Azure Bull Python or the Titan Giant Ape might get hungry and swallow her whole in one bite?


    Even if she was a 100,000-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit with an extraordinary bloodline, at best, she might be able to fight the Sky Azure Bull Python or Titan Giant Ape, who were around the level of 10,000-year soul beasts, to a draw. In short, Tang Hao didn''t understand it, but he chose to respect it.


    Looking at the two beast kings bowing their heads like younger brothers in front of Xiao Wu, Tang Hao''s ambitions burned even brighter.


    Initially, he had only intended to deceive the little rabbit, forcing her to sacrifice herself to become a soul ring for his son in the face of a crisis. But now, seeing the relationship between the little rabbit and the two beast kings, he realized that if he played his cards right, he might be able to manipulate others to pressure the two beast kings into sacrificing themselves for Tang San as well.


    With three 100,000-year-old soul rings and soul bones, coupled with Tang San''s unmatched twin martial soul talent, he could surpass even his grandfather''s level of strength one day.


    Still, the quality of Blue Silver Grass was too poor. Even though Tang San had inherited Ah Yin''s Blue Silver Grass, it was far inferior to the Clear Sky Hammer. Given that only one martial soul could be used at a time, Tang Hao decided that Blue Silver Grass would serve as a foundation for the Clear Sky Hammer''s cultivation. Ideally, all three 100,000-year-old soul rings should be attached to the Clear Sky Hammer to create an invincible Clear Sky Douluo.


    While Tang Hao was calculating his plans with fervor, Ah Yin was roaring in rage, wishing she could tear him apart. However, Chen Ming calmed her down and given that Ah Yin currently couldn''t act independently of Chen Ming''s control, she had no choice but to restrain herself.


    Otherwise, Ah Yin would have already exposed Tang Hao''s schemes, hoping to permanently eliminate the hypocrite from the Star Dou Forest.


    Due to the activity of many human soul masters hunting soul beasts around the forest''s outer regions to obtain soul rings or soul bones, even the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape dared not linger too long outside. If they did, they could end up surrounded and killed by Super Douluo or Titled Douluo-level masters.


    After exchanging a few words, the Titan Giant Ape directly picked Xiao Wu up and placed her on its shoulder before heading deep into the Star Dou Forest without looking back.


    On the Titan Giant Ape Er Ming''s shoulder, Xiao Wu wriggled in frustration, complaining to Da Ming and Er Ming, longing to return to her brother Tang San.


    Seeing Xiao Wu like this, the Sky Azure Bull Python felt both heartache and helplessness. With precise control of its strength, it restrained Xiao Wu, ensuring she couldn''t escape while not harming her. Then, the two beast kings began discussing the recent events in the Star Dou Forest.


    Having spent some time at the Nuoding City Junior Soul Master Academy, Xiao Wu had little access to information. Most of what she heard there was gossip among the teachers, but these low-level soul masters were often just speculating. On the way to Souto City, Xiao Wu overheard a little about the situation in the Star Dou Forest, but she didn''t know how serious things had gotten. It wasn''t until she listened to Da Ming and Er Ming recount the events that the naive Xiao Wu realized the gravity of the situation.


    The Sky Azure Bull Python revealed a wound on its body left by the claws of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Despite its powerful lightning attributes and dragon-like physique that was close to a true Azure Dragon, and despite the life-giving energy of the Lake of Life, the damage was severe. Its dragon scales remained shattered in many places, leaving a massive scar on its azure body.


    Even with its innate vitality and the Lake of Life''s support, it would take years to fully recover from the damage caused by the lightning.


    Seeing the wound, Xiao Wu could almost picture the scene of evil soul masters cruelly harming her two younger brothers. Tears streamed down her face as she silently stroked Da Ming and Er Ming, trembling as she cursed the Spirit Hall, soul masters, and humanity''s cruelty.


    Xiao Wu cast a deep, tearful glance in the direction of Tang San, sighed heavily, and resigned herself to leaving her beloved brother for now. She decided to return to the Lake of Life with Da Ming and Er Ming until she could cultivate to a level where she could fully conceal her aura. Only then would she leave the Star Dou Forest again to reunite with Tang San.


    Seeing his hopeful prey slipping away, Tang Hao panicked. His eyes turned blood-red, and he gasped heavily, glaring at Xiao Wu with murderous intent.


    Watching the two beast kings preparing to retreat with the soul ring and soul bones he had been eyeing, Tang Hao grit his teeth, adjusted his black robe, and immediately launched his attack from a hidden position.


    Because his soul ring configuration was yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, and red, it was too conspicuous. Fearing that his soul rings would be recognized later, Tang Hao gritted his teeth and detonated his ninth red ring¡ªthe one from Ah Yin. He absorbed its power into himself.


    Although this temporarily gave him the strength of a Super Douluo, with the ninth ring gone, it made him appear to have the soul ring count of an ordinary Soul Douluo. This was exactly what Tang Hao wanted.


    Without detonating the ring, Tang Hao wasn''t confident in taking on the two beast kings alone. Without detonating it, he couldn''t guarantee his anonymity in the future. He saw this as a necessary sacrifice. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah Yin, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have shattered the soul ring you left me. But if you have a spirit in the heavens, I hope you''ll understand that I did this for Xiao San. I think you''d agree with my decision."


    Feeling the surging power within himself, Tang Hao comforted himself with these thoughts.


    Meanwhile, inside Chen Ming, Ah Yin was so furious that her anger resembled the rapid tapping of a telegraph machine. She unleashed every curse she knew from her time as the Blue Silver Emperor of the Sun and Moon Continent, directing all her rage at Tang Hao in a relentless torrent.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [338]

    From the perspective of the two great beast kings, a man clad in a black robe and wielding a massive hammer emerged from the other end of the forest, charging toward them. Seeing the human soul master, the Titan Giant Ape, Er Ming, was filled with rage. Without waiting for the Sky Azure Bull Python or Xiao Wu to speak, he immediately straightened his upper body, pounded his chest violently with both fists and unleashed the terrifying aura of a 100,000-year Titan Giant Ape.


    With a furious roar, the Titan Giant Ape swung his right fist heavily. His attack carried the innate ability of his species to manipulate gravity, forcibly pulling enemies within a certain range into the path of his punch, compelling them to confront his immense strength head-on. This attack possessed both locking and control attributes.


    Under normal circumstances, a typical Soul Douluo would be gravely injured, possibly even killed, by such an unrestrained punch from the enraged Titan Giant Ape, unless they immediately activated their martial soul avatar. Otherwise, they would lose their combat capability within one exchange. However, Tang Hao was no ordinary Soul Douluo¡ªhe was a Title Douluo capable of detonating his soul rings.


    Facing this earth-shattering punch, Tang Hao didn''t show anger but instead smiled. The berserk soul power raging uncontrollably in his body after detonating his rings surged into his Clear Sky Hammer. Wielding the massive hammer, as large as a water tank, Tang Hao used his Break technique, directly meeting the Titan Giant Ape''s arm head-on.


    The Titan Giant Ape initially believed that his punch would reduce this arrogant human soul master to a pile of flesh. However, he suddenly felt a tremendous counterforce reverberating through his arm.


    The soul power imbued in his fist was instantly shattered by a stronger force, leaving his arm bloodied. The collision caused his entire arm, from wrist to shoulder, to twist unnaturally under the immense impact. The Titan Giant Ape, who had recently been overpowered by another human soul master, howled in pain and instinctively retreated several steps to disperse the force. However, remembering that Xiao Wu was still on his shoulder, Er Ming forced himself to stop after two steps, planting his hands and feet firmly on the ground to absorb the impact clumsily.


    Seeing this, Tang Hao sneered and swung his Clear Sky Hammer again, aiming directly for the Titan Giant Ape''s exposed, vulnerable abdomen, made visible due to his awkward posture. If the hammer landed, it would cause catastrophic damage, shattering the Titan Giant Ape''s internal organs.


    At that critical moment, the Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming, intervened.


    Coiling his massive body around the Titan Giant Ape, the Sky Azure Bull Python swung his tail toward Tang Hao while stretching his head to shield Xiao Wu. Simultaneously, he opened his mouth wide, gathering soul power imbued with intense thunder energy, and unleashed a lightning-infused beam toward Tang Hao.


    "Beasts will always be beasts¡ªso ignorant of their limits."


    Although Tang Hao knew that detonating his rings would cause further damage to his body, he was exhilarated by the surge of power coursing through him. Laughing mockingly, he activated his fifth soul ring, which began to glow.


    "Fifth Soul Skill: Heaven-Piercing Strike!"


    Although detonating rings prevents the use of the destroyed soul rings'' abilities, it doesn''t restrict the use of intact ones. However, due to the uncontrollable nature of berserk soul power, most soul masters find it nearly impossible to use their skills in such a state.


    But for Tang Hao, exceptional control over this particular skill¡ªHeaven-Piercing Strike¡ªwas his specialty.


    Typically, disciples of the Clear Sky Clan use the Heaven-Piercing Strike in two ways: either by channeling the power directly into the Clear Sky Hammer for close-range attacks or by projecting a hammer-shaped energy construct for long-range strikes. Tang Hao, however, developed a third, highly personal style.


    He enveloped his water-tank-sized Clear Sky Hammer with a three-meter-wide phantom hammer and swung it violently. The phantom hammer first shattered the Sky Azure Bull Python''s sweeping tail, then spun outward from the Clear Sky Hammer to collide with the soul-powered thunder beam, triggering a massive explosion.


    Taking advantage of this moment, the Titan Giant Ape, who had regained his composure, roared and opened his mouth wide, unleashing a deafening attack toward Tang Hao.


    This was the Titan Roar Wave, an innate soul skill of the Titan Giant Ape species or any soul beast with Titan bloodlines.


    The concentrated soundwave, infused with immense soul power, surged toward Tang Hao at an incredible speed.


    Having just used Heaven-Piercing Strike, Tang Hao''s soul power was momentarily depleted, leaving him unable to dodge. He could only swing his hammer with the Collapse technique from the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes to counter. Yet, the force of the Titan Roar Wave sent him flying dozens of meters, blood spurting from his mouth.


    The Titan Roar Wave focused on high-frequency vibrations, followed by pure physical force. Although classified as a roar-based soul skill, it caused little mental damage, instead delivering devastating physical destruction, particularly to hard materials like metal.


    This single attack left Tang Hao''s martial soul trembling, his internal organs quaking. Old injuries nearly resurfaced. Were it not for his full set of strength-type soul bones reinforcing his body, he might have perished on the spot.


    After struggling to catch his breath, Tang Hao pretended to recover quickly and charged forward again.


    "You two beasts shouldn''t get cocky. As long as I can hold you off for a while, the Clear Sky Clan''s team will arrive. When multiple Title Douluo join the fight, neither of you will escape."


    Tang Hao deliberately shouted this, feigning an attempt to stall for time.


    Hearing this, both the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python grew anxious, worried that the team of Title Douluo Tang Hao mentioned might indeed be on their way. Acting decisively, the Sky Azure Bull Python carefully placed Xiao Wu in his mouth to shield her, using his body as a barrier, while the Titan Giant Ape activated his Titan Domain.


    The Titan Domain utilized the power of gravity, functioning primarily as a gravity control field, though it also provided significant enhancements to the Titan Giant Ape.


    With a thunderous roar, the Titan Giant Ape struck with an air-crushing palm. The intense gravity compressed the air to its limit, then unleashed an explosive force that sent Tang Hao flying hundreds of meters into a thicket, leaving his fate uncertain.


    The Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape exchanged glances before gently placing Xiao Wu on the ground. Seeing Xiao Wu drenched in his saliva, the Sky Azure Bull Python''s gaze momentarily flickered with an odd expression, quickly replaced by worry. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Sky Azure Bull Python turned and bit into one of his scars, causing fresh blood to flow. Under his control, a small amount of blood splattered onto Xiao Wu.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [339]

    "Sister Xiao Wu, run quickly, go back to those humans."


    "I''ve sprinkled my blood on you. The scent of a 100,000-year soul beast on you will temporarily be suppressed by my blood. But to prevent you from being targeted, Er Ming and I must linger on the outskirts of the soul beast forest to draw the soul masters'' attention."


    The Azure Bull Python gently placed Xiao Wu on the ground and let out a long sigh.


    "Sister Xiao Wu, run quickly. Go to places without powerful human soul masters, use their aura to grow stronger, become a true powerhouse, and then avenge Auntie and us."


    "Da Ming, Er Ming¡­" Xiao Wu reached out her hands toward the two great beast kings, filled with hatred for her weakness and helplessness.


    "Sister Xiao Wu¡­ go now. We will survive," the Titan Giant Ape, who wasn''t adept at human speech, struggled to express his farewell in human language to Xiao Wu. Then, together with the Azure Bull Python, he left into the distance.


    Along the way, the Azure Bull Python scattered its blood and applied it to some passing soul beasts, creating a scene where it appeared grievously injured and heavily bleeding, giving the impression of being pursued by humans. The goal was to attract the attention of the soul masters from the so-called Clear Sky Clan.


    However, in reality, the Clear Sky Clan had been recently disciplined by Qian Daoliu. After Qian Daoliu used his Angelic Holy Sword to shave off the top of Clear Sky Peak, the disciples of the Clear Sky Clan hadn''t dared to take a single step out of their sect. The only member outside was Tang Yuehua.


    Not only were they not hunting for soul beasts, but even their daily necessities had to be personally delivered by Tang Yuehua, who temporarily paused her operations at Moon Pavilion to bring supplies into Clear Sky Peak.


    Although the Clear Sky Clan couldn''t remain secluded forever, at least for the next year or two, none of the clan members with the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul would dare to step out of their sect''s territory. They were afraid of being annihilated by Qian Daoliu alone with his sword.


    Nevertheless, the Azure Bull Python''s efforts weren''t entirely in vain. Although it didn''t divert the Clear Sky Clan, the blood it shed and the fleeing soul beasts stained with its blood caught the attention of another of the Upper Three Sects: the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Previously, due to the Titan Giant Ape''s interference, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had failed to hunt the Azure Bull Python. After returning from that failure, the clan focused on hunting high-quality soul beasts with dragon bloodlines. Yu Yuanzhen, during one of these hunts, even obtained a 70,000-year soul bone, which he gave to his younger brother, Yu Luomian. This allowed Yu Luomian, who had been stuck at level 89, to forcibly break through to level 90 and acquire his ninth soul ring.


    Now, with two Titled Douluos leading them, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan sensed the Azure Bull Python''s weakness. Without hesitation, they abandoned their current target to pursue the Azure Bull Python, following the scent of dragon blood.


    Although this meant wasting the opportunity for a 100,000-year soul ring, the 100,000-year soul bone of the Azure Bull Python was an invaluable treasure for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Such an artifact could ensure that every generation of their clan produced at least one Super Douluo-level powerhouse. Missing such an opportunity was simply not their way.


    Who cared about being unprepared? If they didn''t seize the advantage now, they might never get another chance!


    Thus, the Azure Bull Python''s strategy led to itself and the Titan Giant Ape being targeted again by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, eventually resulting in a battle.


    Tang Hao, watching from the sidelines and already injured, ground his teeth in frustration as he witnessed this scene.


    Seeing the opportunity he had created for himself being handed to someone else was more infuriating to Tang Hao than being killed.


    Especially since, due to their mutual arrogance, the relationship between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Clear Sky Clan was terrible. As the holders of the world''s number one Beast Martial Soul and Tool Martial Soul, the two clans frequently clashed, each wanting to surpass the other and claim the title of the world''s number one Martial Soul.


    Because of this, Tang Hao''s opinion of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was only slightly better than his hatred for the Spirit Hall, which had a blood feud with him. In fact, before his wife''s murder at the hands of the Spirit Hall, if he encountered soul masters from both the Spirit Hall and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Tang Hao would have prioritized attacking the latter.


    Similarly, if soul masters from the Clear Sky Clan and the Spirit Hall appeared together, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would undoubtedly target the Clear Sky Clan first as well.


    This was a classic case of like poles repel and mutual disdain! S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan got their hands on the 100,000-year soul bone, Tang Hao would be so furious he''d slap himself awake in his dreams. Even if it meant destroying it, he couldn''t let them have it.


    Watching Yu Yuanzhen and the newly-promoted Titled Douluo Yu Luomian surround the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape, Tang Hao couldn''t hold back his anger any longer.


    Initially hiding in the shadows, he eventually exploded three of his soul rings. As Yu Yuanzhen focused on fighting the Azure Bull Python, Tang Hao launched a sneak attack, aiming a hammer blow at Yu Yuanzhen''s back. If the attack landed, it would have been enough to kill Yu Yuanzhen, whose energy and soul power were mostly tied up in the fight with the Azure Bull Python.


    At the critical moment, Yu Luomian activated his Martial Soul Avatar and all his boosting abilities, throwing himself between Yu Yuanzhen and Tang Hao. With all his strength, he used his dragon head in its Martial Soul Avatar form to block the blow from Tang Hao''s explosive soul ring technique.


    "Big Brother, be careful!"


    Before taking the hit, Yu Luomian issued what could have been the last warning of his life to Yu Yuanzhen¡ªnot Sect Master, but Big Brother.


    Tang Hao''s hammer blow shattered Yu Luomian''s Martial Spirit Avatar, leaving his body like a broken rag doll as he fell from the sky. Witnessing his younger brother''s sacrifice enraged Yu Yuanzhen like never before, causing his soul power to surge.


    Abandoning the pursuit of the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape, Yu Yuanzhen unleashed deep blue lightning and the roar of a dragon that seemed to tear apart the heavens, charging at Tang Hao with reckless abandon.


    Seeing this, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s soul masters also abandoned their attack on the two beast kings, rallying to their sect master''s side to hunt down the sneaky assailant.


    Tang Hao''s face turned pale. No longer caring about hiding his identity, he detonated his remaining five soul rings. The immense power from the detonations allowed him to fend off Yu Yuanzhen''s attack and force him back in a moment of surprise. Tang Hao then fled like a desperate dog.


    Even though Yu Yuanzhen quickly recovered and gave chase, the delay caused by Tang Hao''s explosive soul ring technique allowed him to escape. Yu Yuanzhen could only let out a roar of helpless rage.


    Although Yu Yuanzhen had previously disliked the Spirit Hall for its hypocrisy, at this moment, his hatred for the Clear Sky Clan surpassed all else. His opinion of the Spirit Hall even improved slightly by comparison.


    The Clear Sky Clan was utterly detestable!


    "Clear Sky Clan! What a Clear Sky Clan! Why didn''t the Spirit Hall annihilate you when they had the chance? From this day forward, as long as I, Yu Yuanzhen, am alive, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will never rest until the Clear Sky Clan is destroyed!"


    Yu Yuanzhen roared in fury, his dragon-like bellow scattering birds and beasts for miles around. His declaration of war against the Clear Sky Clan echoed for tens of miles, reaching the ears of many unrelated soul masters.


    After venting his rage, Yu Yuanzhen returned to the battlefield, where his other elders handed him the gravely injured Yu Luomian.


    Yu Luomian''s meridians were mostly severed, his soul power was in chaos, and his head had suffered a severe blow, causing instability in his Martial Soul. If not for the enhancements from the 100,000-year soul bone and his breakthrough to Titled Douluo, he would already be dead.


    Feeling the weakening life force of his younger brother, Yu Yuanzhen''s eyes burned with fury and grief.


    The healing soul masters of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan could do nothing to save Yu Luomian, only barely keeping him alive for another day. Unless the Nine-Hearted Begonia Clan''s leader, Ye Renxin, intervened, there was no hope for survival.


    Holding his unconscious, dying brother, Yu Yuanzhen fell into an icy calm after his initial rage.


    He looked toward the distant horizon¡ªthe direction of Spirit City.


    For the sake of his brother, who had been willing to die for him, for the sibling who never stopped thinking about him even if he never said it out loud¡­


    Yu Yuanzhen resolved to swallow his pride and seek the Spirit Hall''s help, no matter the cost.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [340]

    On the other side of the forest, Xiao Wu was dashing along the path.


    With her body covered in the fresh blood of the Sky Azure Bull Python, Xiao Wu gritted her teeth and leaped forward quickly. Each leap was accompanied by large teardrops streaming down her face. The hatred in her heart, which had gradually dulled over the years of being with Tang San, was once again ignited.


    "Crazy woman, Clear Sky Clan, I''ll remember you! I''ll remember you all!"


    Before returning to the campsite, Xiao Wu hesitated briefly. Relying on her experience, she found an abandoned cave, concealed herself using some methods, and began to guide her essence to condense her third soul ring.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Tang San, who had been unconscious, gradually woke up with the assistance of Zhao Wuji and the others'' soul power. The moment he regained consciousness, Tang San didn''t thank Zhao Wuji and the others. Instead, he immediately leaped out of Zhao Wuji''s embrace, stood up, and frantically scanned the campsite.


    "Xiao Wu! Xiao Wu! Xiao Wu?! Xiao Wu!!!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao Wu?!"


    After looking around a few times and finding no trace of Xiao Wu, Tang San''s voice immediately grew louder. He began using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, circling the entire campsite in search of her. However, after searching the entire area, he still couldn''t find Xiao Wu.


    Seeing Tang San''s panicked state, Zhao Wuji, who had been through similar situations, could only sigh helplessly.


    "Tang San¡­ Xiao Wu is no longer here."


    "What? Xiao Wu is dead? I''ll make you all pay with your lives!" Reacting impulsively, Tang San pulled out various hidden weapons from his belt, ready to throw them indiscriminately. But before he could act, a massive gravitational force pressed down on him, restraining his movements and pulling him toward Zhao Wuji.


    Watching the frenzied Tang San, Zhao Wuji raised his hand and slapped him across the face. Although he didn''t use any soul power and deliberately held back his strength, the slap from his martial soul-possessed hand was still powerful enough to leave Tang San momentarily stunned, his mind blank, as if he were seeing his past life in the Tang Sect.


    "Kid, calm down! When I said Xiao Wu is no longer here, I meant she''s not in the campsite right now. We don''t know where she went. I didn''t say she''s dead. Can you listen properly, even if you''re madly in love with your little girlfriend?!"


    Faced with the Shrek Academy students, Zhao Wuji had already restrained his temper as much as possible. If it had been anyone else, daring to show killing intent after being saved, Zhao Wuji would have slapped them straight into oblivion.


    Hearing Zhao Wuji''s explanation, Tang San finally came to his senses, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.


    "Xiao Wu¡­ Xiao Wu isn''t dead. Teacher Zhao, do you know which direction those two soul beasts went? If we follow them, we might be able to find Xiao Wu."


    "Kid¡­" Zhao Wuji shook his head in exasperation, then pointed Tang San in a direction.


    "Those two beasts went that way. Their massive bodies left tracks. But if you''re chasing them, it''s on you. I, Zhao Wuji, don''t have the guts to follow."


    Before Zhao Wuji could finish speaking, Tang San didn''t wait or thank him. He practically sprang toward Oscar, who was still groggy.


    "Sausage!"


    Tang San stared at Oscar with an emotionless gaze. Under the oppressive feeling of his murderous glare, Oscar instinctively summoned his sausage without even chanting the incantation. Tang San grabbed it, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed it a few times, and swallowed it. With the speed and power boost from the sausage, he used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track at his fastest speed ever, chasing after the tracks left by the beasts.


    Watching Tang San''s disappearing figure, Zhao Wuji shook his head and didn''t follow. After some thought, he stopped Li Yusong and Lu Qibin, who were preparing to pack up and leave, and decided to maintain the campsite.


    "Let''s wait for that kid. Although soul beasts can be chaotic, the ones on the outer perimeter aren''t much of a threat to us. Let''s give him three days¡­ no, two days. If he doesn''t come back by then, we''ll consider him dead. If he does return, we''ll take him back to the academy."


    Not knowing that Tang San''s father was the Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao, nor having any Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan princesses in the group, Zhao Wuji had already been as lenient toward Tang San as possible.


    Although it was hard to say what kind of entity Shrek Academy truly was, one thing was undeniable ¨C Shrek fiercely protected its own. Right or wrong, they always stood by their own, a tradition that remained unchanged even after Shrek Academy was destroyed and rebuilt.


    Chen Ming quietly followed Tang San while also keeping an eye on the others. A few minutes after Tang San had left, Xiao Wu emerged from another direction, returning to the campsite and searching for Tang San.


    Upon learning that Tang San had left to look for her, Xiao Wu abandoned all rationality. She gave up the opportunity earned by the Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape''s sacrifice, summoned her soul ring, and recklessly charged in the direction Tang San had gone.


    The sight of both of them running off forced Zhao Wuji to sigh deeply. He instructed Li Yusong and Lu Qibin to stay behind and guard the campsite, then summoned his martial soul and chased after the two of them to see if he could bring them back.


    Elsewhere, during his search for Xiao Wu, Tang San encountered an enraged Venom Spiked Beast.


    The Venom Spiked Beast was a special type of rodent soul beast, said to be a mutated species of the lowly Hardfur Rat, created through some form of contamination. It possessed poison and evil attributes, with sharp spines covering its back like a porcupine.


    However, since it originated from the ordinary Hardfur Rat, its foundation was weak. Even as a mutated soul beast, it was only of mid-level quality. It relied on its sharp spines and lack of edible meat to avoid becoming the lowest rung of the food chain.


    In terms of quality, this beast was even inferior to a standard mid-tier spirit beast like the Wind Demon Wolf of the same age.


    The Venom Spiked Beast before Tang San was about 1,500 years old, appearing to be an ordinary specimen. It had fled its cave due to the aura of the two beast kings and harbored a natural hostility toward human soul masters due to its simple mind.


    To be honest, with Tang San''s strength and speed, he could have easily bypassed the short-legged Venom Spiked Beast and continued onward. But seeing the beast blocking his path, Tang San directly treated it as if it were the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Blue Bull Python that had taken Xiao Wu, his rage boiling over.


    "How dare a mere Venom Spiked Beast block my path to find Xiao Wu? You''re courting death! Although you''re not as good as the Poison Arrow Porcupine or the Man-Faced Demon Spider my teacher recommended, this is an emergency, and I can''t be picky. The Venom Spiked Beast''s poison may be weaker, but it''ll do."


    Tang San pulled out his Zhuge Divine Crossbow and aimed it at the Venom Spiked Beast''s head.


    "Evil soul beast, become my third soul ring and lend me your power to find Xiao Wu!"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [341]

    The Venomspike Beast was a creature that resembled a hedgehog-like mouse with poisonous spikes. It could shoot the spikes on its back as a form of attack. However, its clumsy aim posed no threat to Tang San. After firing just two venomous spikes, it was immediately shot through the head by the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, dying on the spot. Looking at the fallen Venomspike Beast and its purple soul ring, Tang San gulped and walked over without hesitation to begin absorbing the soul ring.


    Watching this unfold, Chen Ming revealed a satisfied smile.


    This Venomspike Beast had been carefully selected by Chen Ming from the rampaging soul beasts and deliberately lured to Tang San. However, this particular Venomspike Beast didn''t possess any significant or harmful abilities.


    Chen Ming, ever considerate, had enhanced the spikes on the beast''s back and infused its body with some life energy.


    If Tang San simply absorbed the soul ring, the amount of life energy transferred to him would be negligible. However, Chen Ming''s enhancements also brought forth another possibility: an external soul bone.


    Yes, Chen Ming intended to give Tang San a gift. While the quality gap between the Man-Faced Demon Spider and the Venomspike Beast was immense¡ªthe thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider could easily prey on Venomspike Beasts that were three to four thousand years old¡ªexternal soul bones were priceless treasures.


    After taking the Eight Spider Lances, Chen Ming felt it was reasonable to return the favor by gifting Tang San the back spikes of the Venomspike Beast.


    Although the Venomspike Beast''s spikes lacked the lethal poison, devouring attribute, and passive full-attribute amplification ability that the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s soul bone provided, it was still an external soul bone¡ªone that had legitimate growth potential. While it was inferior to the Eight Spider Lances in every way, including growth potential, it was still an external soul bone.


    The trade-off? It occupied one of Tang San''s external soul bone slots, which meant that even if Tang San acquired the Eight Spider Lances later in life, he would be unable to absorb them. But, putting aside this minor issue, wasn''t this still a good deal?


    In simpler terms, Chen Ming planned to use lower-quality and lower-effectiveness soul bones to occupy Tang San''s soul bone slots.


    Among the six major soul bone positions, the four limb bones could, under special circumstances, be removed. However, the head bone and torso bone were linked to the soul master''s essence and were nearly impossible to remove.


    External soul bones could theoretically be detached before being fully absorbed, but once fully integrated, they would become a permanent part of the spirit master''s essence. Even deities could not remove them without risking irreversible damage to the spirit master''s essence.


    In the original story, there was a saying: "Soul rings emphasize age, while soul bones emphasize quality." For a soul master, a hundred-thousand-year-old soul ring, even from a relatively weak Soft Bone Rabbit, was still stronger than a typical ninety-thousand-year ring from a top-tier soul beast. Unless the soul beast''s quality was extraordinarily high or perfectly compatible with the martial soul, age was the most important factor for soul rings.


    This is because soul rings are a reflection of the soul beast''s cultivation.


    Soul bones, however, emphasize quality because they represent the manifestation of the soul beast''s bloodline power. Some high-quality soul bones from ten-thousand-year soul beasts could even surpass the value of thirty- to fifty-thousand-year soul bones from average soul beasts.


    For example, soul bones from the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear were so valuable that even a thousand-year-old bone could surpass most ten-thousand-year-old soul bones of average quality.


    Similarly, in Soul Land II: The Unrivaled Tang Sect, Wang Dong''s Golden Light soul bone came from the ten-thousand-year-old Golden Earth Dragon King. Due to its connection to the noble Golden Dragon bloodline, it possessed extraordinary and versatile abilities. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As a mere ten-thousand-year soul bone, it was considered comparable in rarity and quality to some hundred-thousand-year soul bones.


    External soul bones can grow in terms of age, though their quality rarely improves. Unless blessed with extraordinary opportunities, any quality improvements are usually incidental to their age growth, and the resulting enhancements are minimal.


    The Venomspike Beast''s external soul bone, for example, was inherently flawed. Even if it grew to a hundred-thousand-year level, its quality would still lag behind that of a fifty-thousand-year high-quality soul bone, and its skills would likely be far worse.


    In the original story, Tang San''s head bone came from the previous Pope, Qian Xunji, and was a top-tier fifty-thousand-year soul bone. After merging with the Sea God''s Heart, it became comparable to a hundred-thousand-year soul bone. His external soul bone, the Eight Spider Lances, eventually became the only super artifact he forged.


    With a collection of soul bones of exceptional quality and age, Tang San''s ability to defeat higher-level enemies before ascending to godhood was largely due to these advantages. Since Chen Ming had already used a thousand-year Man-Faced Demon Spider spirit bone fused with ten-thousand-year Man-Faced Demon Spider blood to create a fake ten-thousand-year spirit bone for Tang San''s head, he certainly wouldn''t miss the opportunity to occupy the external spirit bone and torso bone slots as well.


    While absorbing a torso bone generally made it impossible to absorb an external spirit bone in the spine area, Chen Ming worried that the Asura God might intervene and grant Tang San a cheat, allowing him to acquire an external soul bone that could grow alongside the torso bone.


    Thus, Chen Ming specifically prepared an enhanced Venomspike Beast to gift Tang San.


    Under Chen Ming''s watchful eye, Tang San indeed experienced a unique transformation while absorbing the soul ring.


    Amidst waves of pain, Tang San instinctively curled up. As his soul power fluctuated, sharp spikes emerged from both sides of his spine, forming a sparse yet somewhat grotesque armor.


    Each of these spikes was a deep purple, tainted by venom. The tips were barbed, giving Tang San''s silhouette the appearance of a humanoid Venomspike Beast.


    Though the spikes made him look formidable and provided considerable back protection, Chen Ming could see clearly that these external spikes were connected to Tang San''s spine. If they were damaged, not only would the external soul bone sustain significant damage, but Tang San''s spine would also be affected.


    Of course, this wasn''t a major issue in the grand scheme of things. Even the original Eight Spider Lances had similar risks. However, Chen Ming had already started considering ways to use this external soul bone to create surprises for Tang San and slow down his cultivation progress.


    Tang San loved using hidden weapons, didn''t he? He could even kill with a stone.


    In the original story, the Eight Spider Lances gave Tang San direct combat power but didn''t enhance his hidden weapon abilities. For someone who prided himself on being the best hidden weapons user, wasn''t that a pity?


    Now, with the Venomspike Beast''s external soul bone, Tang San could increase his hidden weapon capabilities. Chen Ming wondered if he could guide Tang San into using the spikes on his back as hidden weapons, breaking off a few spikes in every fight to attack his enemies. This constant cycle of breaking and repairing could shackle Tang San''s cultivation progress.


    The fifteen-hundred-year Venomspike Beast''s soul ring didn''t pose much pressure on Tang San. It felt less challenging than when he absorbed the Ghost Vine''s soul ring as a Spirit Grandmaster.


    A few moments later, Tang San opened his eyes. His soul rings transformed from two yellow to two yellow and one purple, officially reaching the Soul Elder level.


    At this moment, his soul power was at rank 31¡ªa perfectly ordinary advancement for a soul master absorbing an ordinary soul beast''s ring. Compared to the original timeline where Tang San absorbed the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s spirit ring and Eight Spider Lances, undergoing a complete transformation, this achievement felt lackluster.


    As Tang San marveled at the surge of power within him, Xiao Wu finally caught up to his location. Spotting the humanoid Venomspike Beast on the ground, Xiao Wu instinctively circled around it, avoiding any unnecessary entanglement with such a low-level soul beast as she hurried toward Tang San.


    However, Tang San wasn''t blind. Seeing Xiao Wu pass by, he immediately called out to her, stretching out his hand dramatically to stop her.


    When Xiao Wu saw Tang San, who now looked like a hedgehog with dozens of spikes sticking out of his back, she froze for a moment before bursting into tears and rushing into his arms.


    Tang San instinctively hugged the charging Xiao Wu, but there was a problem. In her excitement, Xiao Wu forgot about the spikes protruding from Tang San''s back.


    With a scream, Xiao Wu''s arms were deeply pierced by several of Tang San''s venomous barbs. Due to the spikes'' venom and barbs, Xiao Wu writhed in pain in Tang San''s embrace, unable to free herself.


    PS: They are getting trolled. lol

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [342]

    Watching Xiao Wu''s arms, almost crippled by the spikes on Tang San''s back, both Chen Ming and Ah Yin, who had been observing, fell into a prolonged silence.


    "This little rabbit, was her brain severely damaged during her transformation?" Ah Yin, in her soul form, couldn''t help but complain to Chen Ming.


    "No, saying that would be too rude. Let''s make a hypothesis. Maybe this little rabbit''s brain wasn''t functioning properly even before her transformation, which is why she couldn''t survive the heavenly tribulation and had no choice but to take on a human form." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I feel like even if someone were in a frenzy, they wouldn''t completely ignore spikes like these, right?" Chen Ming also couldn''t help but inwardly complain.


    Just as Xiao Wu was struggling in Tang San''s arms, and Tang San, who had just absorbed the external soul bone, was figuring out how to retract the spikes on his back to alleviate Xiao Wu''s pain, Zhao Wuji, who had been following behind Xiao Wu, caught up after hearing the screams.


    Seeing the venomous spike beast hugging his student and seemingly feasting on her, Zhao Wuji''s face turned green. His fifth soul ring lit up with a whoosh, and gravity immediately bore down on Tang San and Xiao Wu.


    Zhao Wuji rushed forward, the metallic and earth attributes of his Mighty Vajra Bear martial soul converging in his palm. Forming his hand into a blade, he slashed fiercely at the base of the spikes. The powerful metallic spirit energy instantly shattered a large section of the spikes on Tang San''s back. Amidst Tang San''s cries of pain, Zhao Wuji roughly pulled out Xiao Wu, who was almost too tormented to utter a word.


    "Beast! You dare harm my student? I won''t let you off!"


    Zhao Wuji was a reckless brute¡ªa brute with little brainpower. Without taking a closer look, he swung his Mighty Vajra Palm in his rage, intending to smash the venomous spike beast''s head.


    At this moment, Tang San''s destiny-defying trait was triggered. Having just absorbed the external soul bone, he was forcibly shattered by the impact, causing him to stumble and roll to the ground, revealing his pain-stricken face.


    Seeing this, Zhao Wuji gulped and quietly retracted the hand that had nearly destroyed Tang San''s head. He then turned to look at Xiao Wu.


    "Xiao Wu, are you alright? Oscar! Oscar, where the hell are you? Hurry up and make some detoxifying sausages¡ªlarge sausages too!"


    With one hand holding the half-dead Xiao Wu and the other holding the half-dead Tang San, Zhao Wuji sprinted off to find Dai Mubai and Oscar, who were advancing under the guidance of Lu Qibin and Li Yusong.


    Oscar, clueless about the situation, was forced to produce over a dozen large sausages and small sausages. Even though food-type soul masters consumed less energy when using their abilities compared to other soul masters, creating so much in such a short time still drained Oscar completely. He ended up slumped like a dead fish, carried on Li Yusong''s back.


    The real problem came next. Xiao Wu, though in terrible condition¡ªpoisoned and suffering from blood loss¡ªwas barely conscious and could chew the sausages when fed. However, Tang San, having entered a backlash state after the forceful shattering of his newly absorbed external soul bone, was unconscious. Although not in life-threatening danger, improper handling could leave him with significant long-term aftereffects.


    As Zhao Wuji pondered the situation, Dai Mubai, who had previously clashed with Tang San and Xiao Wu, stepped forward. He chewed the large and small sausages into a paste and fed them to Tang San mouth-to-mouth.


    Thanks to the techniques Dai Mubai had honed over the years, he successfully got the unconscious Tang San to relax his furrowed brow slightly and swallow the sausages. Gradually, Tang San''s condition began to improve.


    On the side, Xiao Wu, watching this scene, had tears in her eyes. However, due to the poison in her body and her severe blood loss, she was unable to move.


    When Zhao Wuji brought a sausage to her, Xiao Wu bit into it without hesitation, chewing furiously as if she were eating Dai Mubai''s flesh. She desperately tried to recover her strength so she could stop Dai Mubai from violating Tang San.


    Seeing Xiao Wu like this, Dai Mubai turned his head and smiled at her. Then, he chewed the sausage even faster and fed it to Tang San mouth-to-mouth again. With the intake of the detoxifying sausage and large sausages, the unconscious Tang San regained some awareness and strength. Feeling the sensation on his lips, Tang San instinctively hugged the person in front of him, clumsily seeking more while murmuring:


    "Xiao Wu, hold me tight, don''t¡­ don''t leave me¡­"


    Under Xiao Wu''s gaze, filled with pain, resentment, confusion, jealousy, envy, curiosity, anticipation, and excitement¡ªa mix of dozens of emotions¡ªDai Mubai grinned. He hugged Tang San tightly, a thin thread of saliva stretching between their lips. Then, he whispered into Tang San''s ear:


    "Alright, we''ll always be together."


    Dai Mubai was simply indulging in his psychopathic tendencies, deliberately humiliating Tang San in front of Xiao Wu to satisfy his twisted pleasure. Watching this, Zhao Wuji and the others turned their heads away, but Xiao Wu continued to stare at the tightly embracing Dai Mubai and Tang San.


    Why?


    Everything was supposed to be mine! I was the first to meet him, the first to make a promise to him. Why?


    Being admitted to a new academy was supposed to bring joy. Reuniting with him was supposed to bring even more joy. Two joys together should have created more happiness. But why? Why did things turn out like this?


    That position¡­ it should''ve been mine!


    When Tang Hao, severely injured and in such poor condition that he desperately needed to retreat for two to three years to recover, returned and saw this scene, he felt as if the sky had collapsed. His eyes widened in disbelief as he watched his son passionately kissing a damn man-woman.


    "I fought life and death for you, made enemies everywhere for your ten-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone, and here you are, making out with a damn man-woman?!"


    Tang Hao was so enraged that he nearly suffered a soul power deviation, his meridians almost shattering. Just as he was about to die from his fury, a crimson mark deep within his spiritual sea was activated.


    The slumbering divine thought of the God of Asura within Tang Hao''s spiritual sea awakened. Using the methods he had left behind in the Slaughter City, he easily invaded Tang Hao''s mind. After understanding why Tang Hao was severely injured and almost died from rage, even the God of Asura''s divine thought fell into a contemplative silence.


    The God of Asura, despite his flaws, still considered himself to have normal preferences. A scene like this, for a god of law and order, was already something that needed to go through an official review process.


    Although he knew he had chosen someone cunning and ruthless¡ªpractically devoid of familial ties¡ªfor his goals, the God of Asura''s divine thought couldn''t help but reflect. If this being inherited his divine position, would he, even after ascending beyond the God Realm, become a laughingstock among the other gods?


    To be honest, the God of Asura had stationed a strong divine thought within Tang San''s mind, but it had been in extreme dormancy to avoid detection by other gods. It would only awaken in rare situations or when summoned by his main body.


    Ps: So evil! Ahaahah!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [343]

    The divine thoughts of the gods can each be regarded as independent entities, and the divine thoughts split from the original body of the Asura God to achieve its goals possess an exceptionally high degree of independence.


    This particular wisp of divine thought truly could not awaken the wisp of divine thought within Tang San to check Tang San''s thoughts.


    However, after briefly taking control of Tang Hao''s body, the Asura God''s divine thought did quietly take stock of Tang San''s current situation.


    A Soul Master at the thirty-first level, primarily cultivating Blue Silver Grass, with soul rings from a Mandala Snake, Ghost Vine, and¡­ a Poisonous Spike Beast? Immediately, this divine thought had the fleeting idea that this pawn might be useless. After all, from the perspective of Soul Masters in the Douluo World, Blue Silver Grass, even with the Blue Silver Emperor''s bloodline, was still mostly considered trash.


    Thankfully, though, it was only a slight deviation. There might still be solutions to fix this in the future.


    Internally, there were a head soul bone and an external soul bone? The Asura God''s divine thought sifted through Tang Hao''s memories and discovered the source of the head soul bone.


    "A ten-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider? Still not good enough. Strengthening it in the later stages will undoubtedly require extra effort. This pawn must have the power to shatter the God of Rakshasa and the God of Angels, dismantling or erasing these two divine positions. Yet this soul bone¡­ and this external soul bone too¡­"


    "Forget it. These are issues for the main body to worry about. If things do go astray, the main body always has ways to correct them. Even though I''m just a wisp of divine thought and don''t know where all the contingency plans are, let me at least stabilize that little rabbit''s emotions for now. If this continues, it might cause repercussions in the future."


    Gazing at Xiao Wu, whose eyes were filled with twisted emotions, and then at the two people passionately kissing, the Asura God''s divine thought had no choice but to tap into Xiao Wu''s spiritual sea, awakening another wisp of divine thought.


    The two divine thoughts converged and quickly exchanged information. The wisp of Asura God''s divine thought in Tang Hao''s mind returned to his brain, modifying Tang Hao''s thoughts and causing him to fall asleep without further contemplation. Then, the wisp in Xiao Wu''s mind began its headache-inducing task.


    Feeling the malice within this pawn''s body, the Asura God''s divine thought, filled with resentment, influenced Xiao Wu''s thoughts, reducing her malice and amplifying her goodwill. This adjustment made her feel less repulsed by the situation and ensured that today''s incident wouldn''t harm the bond between the two. Only after cursing and mumbling did the divine thought reluctantly return to dormancy.


    Even the Asura God''s divine thought found this scene somewhat unbearable to watch.


    Yet, while these two divine thoughts felt that something was amiss¡ªsuch as the number of major figures of fortune who were supposed to serve as nourishment for the Child of Destiny being fewer than originally planned¡ªboth believed this to be the main body''s arrangement, so they refrained from interfering.


    Meanwhile, what was the Asura God in the Divine Realm doing?


    In his divine palace, the Asura God watched as Hypros, his subordinate, limped toward him, covered in bruises, his helmet cracked, and his aura completely unstable¡ªat least twelve levels below normal. Hypros looked at the Asura God with a face full of grievance and silence.


    Hypros had always boasted to the new gods in the Divine Realm that he was the strongest of the secondary gods, capable of borrowing the Asura God-King''s power and becoming the most powerful being under the God-Kings¡ªsomeone even primary gods couldn''t defeat.


    Of course, this was just boasting. Hypros had always made such claims, and those who couldn''t beat him stayed quiet, while those who could usually pretend not to hear out of respect for the Asura God''s authority as the God of Enforcement.


    The problem was that one of the Seven Deadly Sins, the God of Pride, happened to pass by.


    Yes, Pride.


    As one of the Seven Deadly Sins, these gods possessed genuine divinity. Their conduct was worthy of the title god, and their moral principles were not those of evil gods. However, no one could deny that the Seven Deadly Sins were also influenced by their divine positions, leading to some unusual personality traits in their daily behavior.


    Caught boasting to a new god, Hypros found himself targeted by the God of Pride, who immediately beat him from one end of the Divine Realm to the other. Even after activating the Asura God''s divine power as his trump card, Hypros was still overpowered and subsequently beaten even harder.


    There was no helping it. With his strongest subordinate beaten and running all over the Divine Realm, and even the Asura God''s divine power proving ineffective, the Asura God had no choice but to step in, even though he did not want any trouble at this critical juncture.


    As the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, the God of Destruction personally brought the God of Pride to the Asura God''s doorstep, demanding a discussion about punishment. Meanwhile, the Goddess of Life temporarily took over the Divine Realm''s central administration to compensate for the God of Destruction''s absence.


    The Asura God wanted to check on his pawn''s progress in the mortal world this year, but the situation prevented him from secretly sending any more divine thoughts to the lower realm. If he did, and it was discovered, even with his role as the God of Enforcement and countless years of close friendship with the other four God-Kings, he would undoubtedly be suspected.


    There was no other way. Even if his reputation was damaged, the Asura God couldn''t afford to escalate the situation with the God of Destruction right now. After all, in the Divine Realm, disputes like this dragging on for ten days, half a month, or even a full month were all too common. Moreover, the Divine Realm was stagnant, like a pool of dead water, and any prolonged dispute could easily attract the attention of other gods or even the God-Kings.


    One day in the Divine Realm equaled one year in the Douluo World. If this stalemate continued for ten days or half a month, over a decade would pass in the mortal world. If something went wrong, it was entirely possible that the Angel God''s successor would ascend to godhood first. Thus, the Asura God couldn''t afford to waste this precious time.


    After much effort, the Asura God finally persuaded the God of Destruction to leave. To resolve the matter quickly, he even forced Hypros to apologize to the God of Pride for being beaten up, agreeing to punish the bruised and battered Hypros. Only then was the issue reluctantly settled.


    But this coercive solution was ultimately just a temporary fix. Forcing the victim to apologize and accept punishment could never truly satisfy them.


    Hadn''t Hypros been silent for quite a while now in the Asura God''s palace?


    As a subordinate, Hypros did not doubt his loyalty to the Asura God. But as an intelligent being, he felt wronged.


    Remaining silent was his professional duty, but his resentful gaze was his form of expression.


    Seeing the dejected Hypros, the Asura God rubbed his temples in frustration. Just as he was pondering how to handle the situation, a sudden flash of inspiration struck him, giving him a new idea.


    In an instant, the Asura God''s eyes lit up, and he looked at Hypros as though he were a priceless treasure. His gaze was so intense that it left Hypros stunned.


    Even though the Asura God''s aura and divine power remained unchanged, Hypros began to suspect that his master might have been replaced by someone else.


    "Hypros, I have a mission for you."


    "I am willing to die for my master," Hypros immediately replied, kneeling on one knee and placing a fist over his heart to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty.


    "In the Douluo World, I have chosen a candidate to inherit my divine position. However, due to my identity, I cannot interfere directly."


    The Asura God spoke in a low and deliberate tone.


    "Hypros, under the pretense of punishment, I will exile you to the Douluo Continent to observe the remnants of the Dragon God for a century. During this time, you should know what needs to be done."


    "I am willing to die for my master!" Hypros replied resolutely upon hearing the mission. Then, looking at his master''s face, he subconsciously asked, "Master, could it be that today''s conflict with the God of Pride was also part of your plan?"


    "¡­"


    The Asura God choked on his own words. Embarrassed to admit he had only just come up with the idea, he nodded with a composed expression, feigning omniscience.


    "Everything is within my plan."


    PS: Hypros, the God of Killing. He apeared in the God of Wine novel and fought the abyss god also Future Goddess of Kindness, Lie Yan. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [344]

    "Punishment for the God of Killing to descend to the mortal world for a hundred years?" At first, the God of Destruction was half-skeptical about the Asura God''s schemes. However, after noticing the Asura God''s reaction, he immediately realized that there was indeed something suspicious going on with him.


    The God of Destruction expressed his support for this matter. After all, on the surface, the Asura God was the enforcer among the gods. Punishing deities was part of his jurisdiction. If he decided to punish his subordinate, the God of Killing, by sending him to the mortal world for a hundred years, the God of Destruction had neither the grounds nor the authority to interfere.


    But that didn''t mean the God of Destruction was without countermeasures.


    Before sealing Hypros'' god position using the Divine Realm''s Core and casting him into the Douluo World, the God of Destruction secretly discussed some matters with the God of Pride and the Goddess of Life.


    "You, Asura, want to meddle in the mortal world using your subordinate? Fine, you can punish Hypros by sending him down to the lower realm. But I can also punish the God of Pride for descending, right?"


    Of course, Hypros was a god bearing guilt. His god position and divine power would be sealed, leaving him with only the upper limit of power that the mortal plane could withstand, which could only be unsealed under dire circumstances.


    But the God of Pride? He was deemed not guilty by the Asura God. His punishment to descend to the mortal world was merely a gesture to give face to the Asura God.


    While his god position and divine power could be sealed, his divine artifacts and equipment? Those weren''t necessary to seal.


    If the Asura God caused trouble, the God of Pride would be the first to step forward as a warning and deterrent. If the Asura God didn''t stir up any issues, then the God of Destruction could simply think of this as giving the God of Pride a vacation.


    At the same time, the God of Destruction had also prepared a second plan.


    Using the powers of the Divine Realm''s Core and the excuse of the conflict between the God of Pride and the God of Killing, the God of Destruction quietly dragged the slacking Gods of Kindness and Evil back to the Divine Realm, planning to keep them there for six months to a year in Divine Realm time.


    This, of course, was preparation against the Asura God''s schemes.


    The God of Destruction thought that if one day the Asura God decided to abandon all pretense, the four God-Kings working together could ensure this old friend of theirs made a dignified exit.


    Leaving the affairs of the Divine Realm aside, for now, the focus shifted back to the Douluo Continent.


    At this moment, deep within the Star Dou Forest, Tang San was kneeling by a puddle of muddy water, frantically rinsing his mouth like a madman. Nearby, Dai Mubai stood with a proud expression, looking at Tang San and Xiao Wu.


    It was as if he were saying, "Your first kiss was not with Xiao Wu! KONO MUBAI DA!"


    Logically speaking, based on Xiao Wu''s usual personality, she should have responded with a combination of charm, teleportation, and waist-bow attacks, finishing with an explosive eight-segment throw.


    But under the influence of the Asura God''s divine will, Xiao Wu herself didn''t even know what she was thinking. She sat on the ground like a broken doll, hugging her knees and curling up, her vacant gaze lost in thought.


    Meanwhile, Tang San continued to rinse his mouth with the muddy water, gagging and retching, trying to force out whatever Dai Mubai had delivered into his body. However, since Oscar''s spirit ability was a product of soul power, it dissolved into soul energy in Tang San''s stomach after being swallowed. No matter how much Tang San vomited, he couldn''t expel even a trace of it.


    Seeing Tang San like this, Dai Mubai gently took out a water pouch from his pack and handed it to him. Without even looking to see who offered it, Tang San grabbed the pouch and immediately began rinsing his mouth. He drained the once-bulging pouch until not a single drop remained, then staggered to his feet, his body trembling.


    When Tang San finally looked up, he saw Dai Mubai''s gentle expression and the scented water pouch in his hand.


    And then Tang San vomited even harder.


    Dai Mubai initially wanted to laugh, but before he could, an inexplicable feeling of unease welled up within him. When he looked at Tang San again, his gaze softened for reasons he couldn''t quite understand.


    This was the special infectious power of the Son of Rebellion, a mystical ability that turned those around him into his dependents, like cancerous cells drawn to a host. Under the influence of this esoteric force, Dai Mubai began to feel that Tang San was unusual¡ªa sharp, capable, and genuine person. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A man who was bold, decisive, daring to love and hate¡ªsomeone full of masculine charisma. Such a person was worth befriending, not mocking.


    Caught in this strange moment, Dai Mubai became exceptionally gentle. If one ignored his physical appearance, his demeanor truly carried the elegance of a princess raised in royalty.


    He gently patted Tang San''s back, soothing him with warm words. Soul power flowed into Tang San''s body, calming his condition.


    After a while, Tang San finally stopped retching. He looked up at the gentle Dai Mubai, his expression complicated.


    Under normal circumstances, if a man kissed him, Tang San would have considered it an affront to his dignity and sought retribution, even if it was a lifesaving act.


    But the problem was, that Tang San understood that Dai Mubai had done it to save him.


    Though his instincts still screamed for blood, his upbringing reminded him to be rational¡ªhe owed his life to this man. Gratitude should take precedence over pride.


    Tang San felt torn between his instincts and his reason. It was as if his left brain were attacking his right, and his head was on the verge of splitting.


    Finally, as he caught the gazes of those around him, especially Xiao Wu, who was sitting curled up some distance away, Tang San''s reason won out over his instincts. He redefined Dai Mubai as someone who had shown him kindness, not someone deserving of death.


    Seeing Tang San like this, Dai Mubai gently helped him up and brought him over to Xiao Wu. He let Tang San sit beside her.


    "You must be exhausted," Dai Mubai said softly. "I understand how special it feels to regain something you thought you''d lost. Xiao San, spend some quiet time with Xiao Wu. I''ll pack up our things, and we''ll leave the Star Dou Forest for Shrek soon, alright?"


    "Though I don''t know how to handle this kind of situation, I trust you, Xiao San. You''re extraordinary, aren''t you? Spend more time with Xiao Wu. You two need some alone time."


    Dai Mubai brushed off the earlier awkwardness and brought up Xiao Wu with a subtle teasing tone. Oddly enough, Tang San didn''t notice the undertone and nodded in agreement. He even felt a growing sense of gratitude toward Dai Mubai for tactfully bringing him closer to Xiao Wu.


    Tang San wanted to embrace Xiao Wu but hesitated, still haunted by what had just happened. Instead, he gently patted her back, lost in thought.


    After some time, the camp was packed. Dai Mubai returned to Tang San, helping him to his feet and signaling for him to support Xiao Wu.


    Feeling Dai Mubai''s gestures, Tang San''s heart warmed. He felt that perhaps he had misunderstood Dai Mubai all along.


    Who said Dai Mubai was a bad person? He was such a good guy!


    Sure, he was arrogant, self-absorbed, lustful, and overconfident.


    But deep down, Dai Mubai was a genuinely good person!


    From now on, Dai Mubai was like a brother to Tang San¡ªdifferent parents, but the same bond!

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [345]

    After completing their soul hunt, the group returned to Shrek Academy, where Yu Xiaogang, who styled himself as the Grandmaster, had been waiting for them for quite some time. Despite having been taught a lesson by Dugu Bo, Flender''s personality had grown increasingly extreme and irritable in recent years. He would often lose his temper over trivial matters and even resort to physical altercations.


    However, there seemed to be something about Yu Xiaogang''s charm. Even though he had clashed with Flender multiple times after arriving at Shrek, Flender, who was now far more short-tempered than before, never lost his temper with him. Flender would rather suppress his anger than confront Yu Xiaogang directly.


    Back at the academy, Tang San met with his teacher, Yu Xiaogang, and informed him about the Beast King''s rampage in the Star Dou Forest, his acquisition of the Venomous Spike Beast as a soul ring, and the fact that he had also obtained an external soul bone.


    Although Yu Xiaogang didn''t think much of the Venomous Spike Beast, a mid-level soul beast that had mutated from the low-level Spikefur Rat, he naturally took credit for Tang San''s success in obtaining the external soul bone. He believed that it was his guidance that had enabled Tang San to grow into such an outstanding soul master.


    It was in front of Yu Xiaogang that Tang San demonstrated his third spirit ability for the first time.


    "Third Spirit Ability: Blue Silver Poison Thorn!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a low shout from Tang San, Blue Silver Grass surged out of his hands. The smooth leaves quickly contracted, transforming into sharp needles resembling cactus thorns. Under Tang San''s control, the purple-black Blue Silver Grass lashed out like a whip, leaving numerous wounds on a tree that was being used as a target.


    The Blue Silver Poison Thorn was created by altering the leaves of the Blue Silver Grass. While sharp, it lost the original toughness of Blue Silver Grass and became fragile and brittle.


    When the Blue Silver Grass struck, most of the poison thorns shattered, lodging themselves into the tree while scattering fragments in all directions.


    Seeing this, both Yu Xiaogang and Tang San nodded in satisfaction.


    Yu Xiaogang was pleased because the Blue Silver Grass, with this spirit ability, now had sharp thorns that could pierce an enemy''s defense. The broken thorns could remain embedded in the enemy''s body, delivering poison and causing additional damage.


    Tang San, on the other hand, was satisfied with the sharp yet brittle nature of the thorns. He felt this trait could complement his Tang Sect''s hidden weapon techniques.


    However, both of them overlooked one very important issue.


    This ability might not be suitable for the Blue Silver Grass as a martial soul.


    The Blue Silver Grass'' innate characteristics of vitality and resilience were becoming increasingly diminished due to this strange developmental path. This spirit ability even diluted the shared trait of toughness that plant-based martial souls typically possessed.


    While this flaw wasn''t obvious yet and could be justified by the resemblance to spiny plants, in future development, this ability¡ªlike Tang San''s first two spirit abilities¡ªwould likely become completely useless in later battles.


    As for the external soul bone¡­


    Unfortunately, it had been broken by Zhao Wuji shortly after its absorption, rendering it unusable for now. It was currently in a state of repair.


    While in this repair state, the external soul bone continuously consumed Tang San''s soul power and life force, forcing him to practice the Mysterious Heaven Technique more diligently and eat additional food just to barely sustain the repair process.


    Fortunately, although Yu Xiaogang had many flaws¡ªsuch as being overly arrogant and having some questionable ideas¡ªhis knowledge base was substantial.


    Faced with this situation, Yu Xiaogang proposed a solution. First, he borrowed a large sum of gold soul coins from Flender to prepare a medicinal bath using a formula from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, designed to enhance the condition of soul masters. He also pushed Tang San to train harder, forcing him to eat and drink more while undergoing intense physical training. Yu Xiaogang''s idea was to use this opportunity to strengthen Tang San''s body, accelerate the repair of the external soul bone, and stimulate its fusion with Tang San.


    This method was something Yu Xiaogang had learned from studying records in the Spirit Hall. He simply applied it in this situation.


    While the idea itself wasn''t flawed, the problem was that Yu Xiaogang applied it rigidly without considering the differences in circumstances.


    The soul master in the example Yu Xiaogang referenced had a beast martial soul, while Tang San had a tool martial soul. Additionally, the soul master in the example was nurtured by the Spirit Hall, with a custom medicinal bath, daily healing sessions by support-type soul masters, and a diet consisting of rare, highly nutritious soul beast ingredients.


    In contrast, Tang San''s martial soul was unsuitable, the medicinal bath wasn''t a good match, and he didn''t have a healing soul master to restore his body daily. His diet consisted mostly of ordinary buns and steamed rolls, with the occasional piece of soul beast meat.


    After half a month of this harsh regimen, Tang San felt that his physical strength had indeed improved, but for some reason, he also felt increasingly weak. However, out of trust in Yu Xiaogang, he didn''t voice his concerns, believing this to be a normal part of the process.


    In reality, under Yu Xiaogang''s intense training regimen, although Tang San''s body and the external soul bone appeared stronger on the surface, his core vitality was steadily drained.


    It wasn''t until Tang Hao, who had been secretly observing Tang San for some time, could no longer stand by and intervened.


    Late at night, Tang Hao confronted Yu Xiaogang. First, he handed Yu Xiaogang a prescription for a medicinal bath specifically designed for Clear Sky Hammer soul masters. Then, he ventured into the Star Dou Forest to hunt several large thousand-year-old soul beasts, bringing them back so that Yu Xiaogang could replace Tang San''s nutrient-deficient meals. Tang Hao insisted that Tang San eat his fill of soul beast meat every day and break the bad habit of relying on starchy staple foods to feel full.


    After these adjustments, another month passed before Tang San''s external soul bone was finally fully repaired.


    However, due to the delays and poor management, even though Tang San''s physical strength had improved somewhat during this time, his soul power level not only failed to progress but also seemed weaker than when he had just absorbed his third soul ring.


    Although Tang San hadn''t lost a level, his soul power''s quality and recovery speed, among other aspects, had noticeably declined.


    This wasn''t a serious issue. Even for ordinary soul masters, such problems could be resolved through persistent cultivation over time. For Tang San, with his Mysterious Heaven Technique, it was even less of a problem. The only thing he needed was time.


    At most, it would take him two months to fully recover and resume improving his soul power.


    However, however...


    How could Chen Ming, who had been secretly observing Tang San all this time, allow him to recover so quickly?


    Targeting Tang San''s external soul bone, Chen Ming devised a special cultivation technique. The main function of this technique was to enhance the strength and age of the external soul bone by consuming Tang San''s soul power and life force.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [346]

    This cultivation technique has no problems; it''s completely normal. After all, a Child of Rebellion has the characteristics of fortune and misfortune going hand in hand. After encountering a misfortune, they are likely to gain a new opportunity. Therefore, even if you want to make a move, the bait must always be a fifty-fifty mix of good and bad.


    The only issue with this technique lies in its conversion efficiency, which is just a tiny bit low.


    Just like when gifting a soul bone, Chen Ming found a notorious villain, controlled his thoughts, and made him pretend that the treasure was excavated from ancient ruins. Then, he had the villain sell it to Flender.


    Flender bought this ancient secret technique for ten gold soul coins and handed it over to his good friend Yu Xiaogang, who then passed it on to Tang San.


    Faced with the cultivation technique that Chen Ming had crafted, Yu Xiaogang''s expression was bizarre. He couldn''t believe that the world could have such a predecessor. Driven by his pride and arrogance, Yu Xiaogang began using all his knowledge to modify the secret technique, which had been specifically designed by Chen Ming for Tang San''s external soul bone.


    After Yu Xiaogang''s modifications, the efficiency of the conversion did indeed improve, but the stability dropped significantly. In other words, using the modified technique could enhance vitality and soul power while increasing the years of the soul bone. However, the quality of growth would decrease, and the higher the years of the soul bone increased, the less stable it would become.


    This was truly fascinating. Even from Chen Ming''s perspective, this technique was like taking the sugar out of bait and replacing it with an equal amount of feces. Most people wouldn''t even think of tasting it, let alone keeping it.


    Yet, perhaps due to some underlying logic, or maybe because Yu Xiaogang genuinely believed he was doing it for Tang San''s benefit¡ªor because Tang San trusted Yu Xiaogang¡ªthe technique did not cause any accidents for Tang San. It even slowed down his cultivation progress.


    At this moment, Chen Ming looked at Yu Xiaogang as if he were a treasure.


    Perhaps in the future, Chen Ming could indirectly guide Yu Xiaogang by giving him enhanced materials, causing Tang San to waste even more time and energy.


    Of course, while keeping an eye on Tang San''s situation, Chen Ming wasn''t idle.


    During this time, not only did he confirm the movements of the four single-attribute clans under the Clear Sky Sect, but he also persuaded the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team (fighting under the alias "Emperor Team" in arenas throughout the Heaven Dou Empire) to return to the academy.


    In the original story, the team captain was Yu Tianheng, and the vice-captain was Dugu Yan. However, due to Chen Ming''s interference, the composition of the Emperor Team changed drastically.


    Yu Tianheng had been transferred to Blue Tyrant Academy and was essentially abandoned by his family. Meanwhile, Dugu Yan had already become a Soul King¡ªa highly exceptional one at that¡ªso she couldn''t fight with the team to build rapport. Instead, she and Qin Ming acted as mentors to the team.


    Chen Ming personally persuaded Dugu Yan and, together with her, used the recent chaos on the continent as a reason to convince Qin Ming. Despite Qin Ming''s desire to return to Shrek Academy for a visit, he was ultimately persuaded by the two and led the team back to the academy.


    This further widened the gap between Shrek Academy and the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.


    Of course, Chen Ming believed that the God of Asura would never give up the opportunity to have the Child of Rebellion stir up trouble and seize fortune on this grand stage. No matter what, even if forced by deus ex machina, Tang San would undoubtedly ascend to that stage. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But all Chen Ming needed to do was delay and endlessly postpone this outcome, reducing its eventual impact to the lowest possible level.


    Tang San and Xiao Wu were diligently cultivating at Shrek Academy, while Tang Hao was suppressing the chaos within his body nearby. After confirming that these people would not leave casually, Chen Ming flew back to Dugu Bo''s residence in Heaven Dou City. There, he spent some rare quality time with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, strolling around Heaven Dou City. During this time, many auction houses sent invitations to Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Chen Ming, hoping they would attend their auctions, but Chen Ming, who had no interest, declined them all. As for invitations from nobles or soul master families, they were even more numerous and were similarly ignored.


    During this period, Chen Ming also beat up a few individuals who tried to seduce him with beauty. He also eliminated several who foolishly attempted to use beauty to seduce Dugu Yan. Afterward, he accompanied Dugu Bo to visit these individuals'' families, earning a hefty compensation in the process.


    One declining earl family, unable to afford enough money or treasures worthy of a Titled Douluo''s attention, was forced to give up a piece of land outside Heaven Dou City as compensation to Dugu Bo.


    It was a somewhat remote but decent piece of land, with a soul master academy built upon it.


    This soul master academy was originally a mid-level academy created by the family to accumulate connections and strength at great expense. However, due to the overwhelming presence of major sects and advanced soul master academies in Heaven Dou City, the academy failed to attract students and eventually went bankrupt. The family''s investment, which had drained their resources, led to their decline from prosperity to ruin.


    Additionally, due to the laws of the Heaven Dou Empire, the family was required to spend a large sum of money every year on basic maintenance for the now-empty academy. This continuous expense further bled them dry.


    After obtaining the land deed, Chen Ming went to inspect the place and found that, while the academy''s buildings and facilities had become somewhat rundown from lack of maintenance, they were still usable after some repairs.


    Seeing this academy made Dugu Bo''s heart itch. On a dark and windy night, Dugu Bo quietly approached Chen Ming to discuss his thoughts.


    "Xiao Ming, do you think soul masters specializing in poison are all quite pitiful?"


    "We have no predecessors to learn from, no academies to study at, and no places to exchange ideas. Because some poison-type soul masters can''t control their toxins well, many places on the continent are quite fearful of us."


    Dugu Bo drank as he shared his thoughts.


    "I became a Titled Douluo mostly by luck. I was born into the Dugu family, with a top-tier martial soul, innate full soul power, and access to the family''s inherited poison techniques. Finally, I achieved the last breakthrough thanks to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, advancing from Soul Douluo to Titled Douluo."


    "Throughout my journey, I''ve tried countless times to find people to exchange ideas with. But either I couldn''t find anyone who could, or the information shared was useless."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [347]

    "Xiao Ming, tell me, with my current strength, everyone says I could establish my sect. So, can I, Dugu Bo, create an academy specifically for poison attribute soul masters to cultivate their skills? From being the first poison attribute Titled Douluo in the continent to becoming the founder of all poison attribute soul masters in Douluo Continent?" Dugu Bo looked at Chen Ming, full of nervous anticipation.


    "Grandpa, you have such ambitions? Why haven''t I ever heard Yan Yan or you talk about this before?" Chen Ming took a sip of his juice and curiously asked Dugu Bo.


    "In the past, at the very beginning, I was worried about the family''s inherited poison and didn''t have the mindset or energy to care about others. Later, when you came along and solved the poison for both Yan Yan and me, my strength increased significantly, so I focused entirely on you two and improving my abilities."


    "But now, your strength has already surpassed mine, and Yan Yan can live independently without relying on my care. I don''t have many concerns weighing me down anymore, so naturally, I started thinking about the dreams I had when I was younger."


    Dugu Bo''s words were honest and reasonable.


    After all, he was still an ordinary man. Only when his circumstances were settled would he begin to consider the well-being of others.


    Dugu Bo, though an eccentric person, was inherently a good man. He became the number one poison attribute soul master on the continent through his own hard work. Naturally, when he was younger, he also had grand ideals of changing the world. However, reality eventually crushed him, and he devoted himself entirely to his family, no longer allowing himself to think about far-off dreams.


    "If Grandpa wants to establish an academy for poison attribute soul masters, of course, I support it. After all, not only is it your lifelong wish, but it could also provide a foundation of faith for your path to godhood in the future."


    After thinking for a moment, Chen Ming expressed his support.


    "By the way, Grandpa, here''s a cultivation method I''ve developed specifically for poison attribute soul masters. It incorporates the cultivation insights of many senior Titled Douluos and includes my understanding of poison attribute cultivation."


    "Although it won''t bring significant improvement for someone like you, who has already reached the level of a Super Douluo, it could greatly enhance Yan Yan''s cultivation speed. Additionally, it will strengthen her martial soul and poison abilities."


    "When the time comes, I''ll simplify this cultivation method and lower the entry requirements so it can be used as a secret technique in the poison attribute soul master academy. Grandpa, you''ll certainly become a renowned master of education."


    "This..." Receiving the cultivation method through Chen Ming''s spiritual power, Dugu Bo hesitated for a moment.


    "Xiao Ming, this new meditation method is your masterpiece. It should bear your name."


    "I only managed to create this method thanks to your guidance, Grandpa. If you''re uncomfortable with that, we can just credit both of us as co-authors."


    "Besides, without you and Yan Yan, I wouldn''t be where I am today."


    Chen Ming took another sip of juice and replied casually.


    "Yan Yan''s soul power is already approaching level 56. Once she reaches level 60, she can try consuming the Nine-Curve Rising Dragon Grass to evolve her martial soul from the Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor into a dragon species."


    "There are some soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest with dragon lineage. When the time comes, we''ll choose a suitable one as her sixth soul ring. If that doesn''t work, I''ll search the ocean to see if there''s anything suitable. For her seventh ring, we''ll try to find a high-quality soul beast with Azure Dragon bloodline."


    "As for her eighth ring..."


    "There''s a 100,000-year-old soul beast in the Star Dou Forest called the Sky Azure Bull Python. It has an Azure Dragon bloodline and may one day evolve into the Sky Azure Divine Dragon. I think its attributes and type are a good match for the dragonizing Jade Phosphor Snake. When the time comes, it can serve as Yan Yan''s eighth soul ring."


    "Looking back now, Grandpa, the soul bones you provided early on were a bit rushed. None of them are even around the 50,000-year mark. That''s somewhat lacking. I''m currently researching ways to replace soul bones and methods to enhance their age. Once my research is complete, I''ll make sure you have a full set of excellent soul bones."


    "And as for the soul ring configuration, it''s also a bit lacking¡ªthere isn''t even a single red ring. Fortunately, there''s still the pseudo-demigod position. When the time comes and you''ve gathered enough faith power, you can use it to enhance the age of your soul rings. With sufficient faith, even a white ring could be upgraded to 990,000 years."


    "Ah..." Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Dugu Bo patted Chen Ming on the shoulder, filled with emotion. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back when he had barely broken through to Titled Douluo, his greatest wish was to solve the innate poison problem of the Jade Phosphor Snake lineage.


    Who would have thought, that just because he gained a grandson-in-law, he was now on the path to godhood?


    Not only had his granddaughter been cured of her poison, but her martial soul had evolved into the Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor, allowing her to become a Soul King with a configuration beyond the norm. In the future, she could even take the path of dragon transformation, a complete transformation compared to before. Moreover, her eighth ring had already been planned as a 100,000-year soul beast. She was destined to have at least two 100,000-year soul rings and a minimum of two 100,000-year soul bones.


    As for himself, this old man, he now had a full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones and was still dissatisfied with their age. This good grandson-in-law was aiming to replace or enhance his soul bones in the future, and then increase the age of his soul rings. These were things he wouldn''t have dared to dream of before.


    Sometimes, choices do matter more than effort.


    Dugu Bo occasionally felt like all the luck in Douluo Continent had converged on him. The past few years felt like a dream.


    Under the moonlight, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo discussed the future development of the poison attribute soul master academy in the small courtyard. They casually chatted about family matters and complained about the various situations on the continent.


    The next morning, after finishing the last drops of wine, a drunken Dugu Bo stretched, yawned, and left Chen Ming''s courtyard to wash up and change in his room. Shortly after Dugu Bo left, Dugu Yan burst into Chen Ming''s room, pulling him along to go shopping in Heaven Dou City.


    A few more days passed like this. While keeping an eye on Tang San''s situation, Chen Ming accompanied Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo in Heaven Dou City. Meanwhile, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan sent over an invitation, requesting Chen Ming to visit their clan.


    Faced with Ning Fengzhi''s invitation, Chen Ming smiled and politely declined the messenger, citing other matters requiring his attention over the next two days. However, on the third day, Ning Fengzhi personally arrived at Dugu Mansion in Heaven Dou City, accompanied by Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong, to pay a visit.


    PS: Chen Ming now playing hard to get. xD

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [348]

    After the messenger returned, Ning Fengzhi knew that Chen Ming was dissatisfied with how he avoided him last time. However, the choices Ning Fengzhi made were his own, and he had to bear the consequences, even if it meant swallowing bitterness. Last time, his avoidance had created some distance between them, and now that Chen Ming was returning the favor by avoiding him, it was perfectly understandable.


    With a sigh, Ning Fengzhi could only rub his forehead and helplessly waited for two days before making an effort to mend the situation. He brought the Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong along with him for a visit, showing his utmost sincerity.


    This time, both Chen Ming and the Dugu family (Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan) were at home.


    Upon hearing that Ning Fengzhi had come with his daughter and two guardian Douluos, Dugu Bo discussed briefly with Chen Ming and Dugu Yan. Then, he instructed Dugu Yan to return to her room and led Chen Ming to welcome their guests into the main hall.


    As someone who often masked his true intentions with polite pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi uncharacteristically got straight to the point this time. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ve come today for the matter of soul tools. Both offensive and defensive soul tools would be of immense help to the members of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I hope you, young friend Chen Ming, can forgive my earlier impoliteness."


    Ning Fengzhi wasn''t just making empty requests. He reached into his soul tool and took out a piece of ten-thousand-year-old soul bone.


    This was a soul bone approximately 15,000 years old, seemingly from a mid-tier soul beast based on its aura.


    To Chen Ming, this soul bone didn''t hold much significance; in fact, it was among the lowest-quality ten-thousand-year soul bones he''d ever seen. However, from the perspective of an ordinary soul master, this was an incredibly generous gift.


    In truth, Ning Fengzhi felt a pang of pain offering this soul bone. While it wasn''t as precious as the Emerald Scaled Serpent King Soul Bone he had previously gifted to build goodwill, this bone was meant as an apology¡ªa completely different intention.


    Luckily, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was wealthy and had a long-standing heritage. Otherwise, Ning Fengzhi wouldn''t dare to be so extravagant. Even the lowest-quality ten-thousand-year soul bone was still extremely rare, valuable, and coveted, enough to draw the attention of Titled Douluos.


    If not for personally using the soul tool Chen Ming had gifted Ning Rongrong¡ªa soul ray gun¡ªNing Fengzhi wouldn''t have gone to such lengths. He had spent half a month practicing with the soul ray gun in his clan, using it to hit targets and even killing a 4,000-year-old soul beast with it to personally experience its incredible power. He also tested the defensive capabilities of the soul shield. Without such firsthand experiences, he wouldn''t be offering such a gift.


    What''s more, Ning Rongrong was his favorite child, and the soul ray gun''s power was roughly equivalent to the strength of a Soul Elder''s abilities. Otherwise, Ning Fengzhi might have taken the gun from Ning Rongrong to use it himself.


    After all, what auxiliary-type soul master could resist the allure of dealing damage? Especially when a soul tool like the soul ray gun converted soul power into offensive capabilities, giving its user a tangible sense of participation in combat.


    Most importantly, upon learning that soul tools were classified into levels and corresponded to soul master ranks¡ªranging from Level 1 to Level 9¡ªNing Fengzhi began to wonder if Level 8 and Level 9 soul tools could rival the strength of Titled Douluo''s soul skills. If such a tool could be obtained, it could become a priceless heirloom for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    "Uncle Ning, what are you saying? Everyone has their busy moments."


    Although the ten-thousand-year soul bone wasn''t very valuable to Chen Ming, he smiled and accepted it, storing it in his soul tool. While it was the lowest-quality soul bone he had ever received, it was still something he could give to his subordinates in the future.


    "May I ask, young friend Chen Ming, do you still have soul tools like the one you gave Rongrong?"


    "Of course." Chen Ming waved his hand and took out five soul ray guns, placing them on the table.


    "Uncle Ning, take a look. These are all soul ray guns. The one on the far left is a Level 1 soul ray gun, and the one on the far right is a Level 5 soul tool. The power of this Level 5 soul ray gun is already close to the fifth soul skill of a Soul King."


    "The fifth soul skill of a Soul King? A ten-thousand-year one?" Even though Ning Fengzhi had mentally prepared himself, he couldn''t help but gasp.


    "It''s hard to describe exactly," Chen Ming explained. "The power of soul skills varies greatly depending on the martial soul type, its focus, and the soul ring source. Some Soul Kings with top-tier martial souls can have thousand-year soul skills that are stronger than the ten-thousand-year soul skills of others with ordinary martial souls."


    "The power of this soul ray gun is slightly weaker than the ten-thousand-year soul skills of an average Soul King. However, compared to thousand-year soul skills, there''s not much difference."


    "May I try it?" Ning Fengzhi asked, running his hand over the Soul ray gun and feeling the texture of the metal. For some reason, he felt an inexplicable surge of excitement.


    "There''s a training ground in the rear courtyard. Sect Master Ning, why not give it a try?" Dugu Bo, who had been quietly observing from the host''s seat, finally spoke up. He then led the group to the training ground.


    Although poison-type soul masters like Dugu Bo didn''t have much use for target practice, as a Titled Douluo, his residence was equipped with all kinds of training facilities¡ªbecause even if he didn''t need them, he wouldn''t want to be without them.


    In the training ground, Dugu Bo ordered his servants to set up targets. Once the servants left, Ning Fengzhi swallowed nervously, picked up the soul ray gun, and assumed a practiced aiming stance.


    From his posture and the way he infused soul power into the weapon, Chen Ming could tell that Ning Fengzhi had likely been secretly practicing with the soul ray gun he had given Ning Rongrong.


    Neutral soul power gathered within the soul ray gun, converted inside into a thunder attribute and then fired as a concentrated beam of light toward the target.


    The moment the thunderous beam struck the target, the concentrated soul power exploded with a deafening blast. The target was shattered into fragments, and even the ground beneath it was left with a crater. Residual thunderous soul power continued to crackle and wreak havoc in the pit.


    Although Ning Fengzhi had seen destructive power far greater than this, he was shocked by the minimal soul power consumption, the weight of the gun, and the visceral feeling of channeling his soul power into a destructive force. As an auxiliary-type soul master who had always stayed behind the frontlines, Ning Fengzhi felt as though something deep within him had awakened.


    On the surface, Ning Fengzhi remained calm and composed. However, he couldn''t stop himself from firing repeatedly. One by one, dozens of targets were obliterated, leaving behind craters of various sizes. The sound of explosions echoed throughout the training ground.


    Finally, when the Level 5 soul ray gun overheated and became unusable, Ning Fengzhi reluctantly put it down and adjusted his glasses. His face was unusually flushed, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, and his breathing was heavy¡ªwhether from the exertion or excitement, it was hard to tell.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [349]

    "Although these treasures are different from soul bones, they are still supreme treasures capable of changing the fate of the soul master world."


    As a support-oriented sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had long sought a way for soul masters with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul to gain self-defense abilities. After deeply experiencing how soul tools enhanced him as a support-type soul master, Ning Fengzhi immediately concluded that these seemingly unremarkable soul tools would change the future of the entire soul master world.


    Yes, Ning Fengzhi was a traditional soul master and did not fully understand soul engineers or their technicalities. However, as a wise man, his lack of understanding did not mean he rejected soul tools.


    In his view, soul tools were like external soul bones. A handheld soul tool gun could provide a beam-like spirit skill, while a wearable shield could offer defensive spirit skills. In essence, they were tools that enhanced the strength and versatility of soul masters, much like soul bones¡ªonly more convenient.


    Would soul tools disrupt the status of battle soul masters across the continent?


    Ning Fengzhi believed that soul tools would have an impact. However, if battle soul masters also equipped themselves with soul tools¡ªusing defensive tools to cover their weaknesses or offensive tools to compensate for their lack of attack power¡ªtheir strength would only increase to a new level.


    Ning Fengzhi handed the soul tool ray gun to the wide-eyed Ning Rongrong, who was filled with excitement. His gaze turned to Chen Ming with unrestrained greed. His eager look was completely unlike the image of the cunning old fox Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect master he usually projected. Instead, he looked more like a naive novice.


    Taking a step forward, Ning Fengzhi tightly clasped Chen Ming''s hands, his expression ablaze with passion.


    "Apologies, Dugu Your Excellency. Chen Ming, I know what I''m about to say may seem abrupt and inappropriate, but I speak from the bottom of my heart."


    "Although young friend Chen Ming already has a fianc¨¦e, Dugu Yan, my daughter, Ning Rongrong, has long harbored significant affection for young friend Chen Ming."


    "Wait, Ning Fengzhi, what do you mean by this?" Dugu Bo stepped forward with displeasure, glaring at Ning Fengzhi. Watching this unfold, the two elders, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, sighed. Bone Douluo shielded the embarrassed Ning Rongrong, who was covering her face in shyness, while Sword Douluo stepped forward to stand in front of Ning Fengzhi.


    Currently, Bone Douluo''s strength is at Rank 96, and Sword Douluo''s at Rank 97. Compared to their counterparts at this point in the original story, both had advanced by one rank.


    The primary reason was a secondhand understanding of the laws articulated by Chen Ming a few years ago, which had given them some insights. After years of secluded cultivation, they successfully broke through their bottlenecks and advanced their powers.


    Honestly, Sword Douluo had no words to say. He found Ning Fengzhi''s current behavior somewhat unbecoming. But as a Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he completely understood why Ning Fengzhi was so excited, even going so far as to reveal his vulnerability.


    For generations, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect masters had pursued many things, but two goals stood out as unfulfilled legacies:


    A means to support soul masters to protect themselves.


    Evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.


    These two aspirations weighed heavily on every sect master, almost like a curse or nightmare passed down through the generations.


    From the moment a successor could speak, they would hear their elders repeatedly emphasize these two goals. They would then spend their entire lives pursuing them, only to pass the same unfulfilled dreams to the next generation, who would continue the cycle.


    "Dugu Your Excellency, I mean no harm. I am simply overwhelmed with emotion. As a poison soul master, your path is different from ours at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but you must understand the weight of expectations left by one''s ancestors."


    Ning Fengzhi struggled to maintain his composure, trying not to sound incoherent.


    "We have always sought ways to support soul masters to gain defensive and offensive capabilities, yet we''ve made no progress. Just as, before you became a Titled Douluo, all poison attribute soul masters across the continent yearned for a poison-type Titled Douluo to arise, our ancestors repeatedly urged us to find this path."


    "Dugu Your Excellency, I truly mean no harm, nor do I intend to sow discord. All I want is to seek a way forward for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."


    "No matter the value of these soul tools, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is willing to buy them. If you could share some of the techniques of soul engineering with us, even the most basic ones, we would offer you a grand reward."


    "If Your Excellency and young friend Chen Ming are willing, my daughter Ning Rongrong could marry into your family. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would provide a generous dowry to deepen our relationship."


    "If this is not acceptable, then perhaps the future children of Chen Ming and your granddaughter could be betrothed to our sect. Regardless of gender, we would arrange for them to marry into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and share the position of sect master. Their descendants would inherit the role of sect master in the future."


    "What do Your Excellency and young friend Chen Ming think?"


    "Hmph." Although still displeased by Ning Fengzhi''s blatant ambition regarding his grandson-in-law, Dugu Bo did not show too much hostility. Ning Fengzhi''s reasoning reminded him of the poison techniques passed down in his own family.


    If he were in Ning Fengzhi''s position and saw someone capable of solving his family''s poison problems with a background similar to his own, his thoughts and actions would likely not differ much from Ning Fengzhi''s.


    Even if it meant his granddaughter had to humble herself, he would ensure the family''s poison legacy was resolved. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While Dugu Bo could empathize with Ning Fengzhi after placing himself in his shoes, it did not stop him from feeling annoyed.


    Behind Bone Douluo, Ning Rongrong covered her face in embarrassment, her emotions a complicated mix. She said nothing.


    Though pampered as the little princess of the sect, Ning Rongrong had long accepted the possibility of marrying for the benefit of the sect due to her upbringing.


    If she were to marry someone she neither liked nor knew, she would be reluctant. But if she could marry someone like Chen Ming, who was outstanding in strength, personality, and appearance, Ning Rongrong would be quite pleased.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [350]

    Watching this scene, Chen Ming squinted his eyes slightly, then gently shook his head and said warmly, "I''m sorry, Sect Master Ning. It''s still a bit early to talk about such matters. Right now, I only see Rongrong as my younger sister. As for the future, we''ll discuss it when the time comes."


    Chen Ming''s strength now was far beyond what it had been in the past. If he unleashed his full power, he could uproot the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Long gone were the days when he needed to rely on alliances or marriages to build connections.


    If he liked something, he liked it. If he didn''t, he didn''t. Although Chen Ming couldn''t claim to have everything in the world bow to his will, when it came to personal preferences, he certainly had enough control to say that he didn''t have to eat beef if he didn''t want to.


    Building alliances was simply a principle Chen Ming adhered to due to the education he had received: "Make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as you can." Having one more ally was always better than having one more enemy. If someone could be drawn in, he would try; if not, he would plan how to eliminate them.


    Hearing Chen Ming''s words, Ning Fengzhi felt slightly helpless in his heart, but outwardly, he calmed down, let out a long sigh, and looked a bit embarrassed.


    "I apologize. That was abrupt of me."


    Behind Bone Douluo, Ning Rongrong, upon hearing Chen Ming''s rejection, also lowered her hands from her face, feeling slightly disappointed. Like Ning Fengzhi, she sighed softly. While she felt a bit uncomfortable, she wasn''t overly upset.


    After all, this was how things were. At present, it was she who was seeking help. Everything was a negotiation for purpose and profit, and her personal feelings were the least significant part of the entire process.


    In the following period, Chen Ming took out several types of soul tools to display to Ning Fengzhi. In addition to the usual offensive and defensive tools, Chen Ming also showcased a flying soul tool, which could be considered overpowered in the current Douluo Continent.


    In this era, flying was still a rare ability. Apart from soul masters born with wings or those with flight-related soul skills, most titled Douluo were essentially grounded chickens. Flight abilities were a privilege of the soul master elite. A soul master who could fly often had survival capabilities several times greater than those of ordinary soul masters.


    The flying soul tools of this era were essentially flying backpacks. They looked somewhat bulky, and their usage was not particularly comfortable. However, no one could deny the speed they provided.


    A third-grade flying soul tool could allow a soul master to fly at heights ranging from five to ten meters above the ground at speeds of up to 20 meters per second. Fourth-grade tools could increase both height and speed by 50%, surpassing the flight speed of most flying-type Soul Kings, though slightly less agile.


    In terms of speed, this equated to 108 kilometers per hour, an almost godlike speed on the Douluo Continent.


    As for fifth- and sixth-grade flying soul tools, Chen Ming indeed had some, but he didn''t take them out, instead keeping them as trump cards. As for seventh-grade flying soul tools, the technology was still under development.


    As Chen Ming showcased the tools, Ning Fengzhi''s gaze grew increasingly heated, as though he wanted to see through the internal structure of the soul tools just by staring. Even Dugu Bo, who had heard Chen Ming''s explanations before, was amazed at the sheer variety of these soul tools.


    A few simple soul tools were introduced for an entire day. By the time the sky had turned completely dark, Ning Fengzhi reluctantly stopped his trials of the tools. He then inquired about their prices and whether the technology behind them could be transferred.


    To this, Chen Ming provided a very reasonable explanation:


    "It''s possible to sell soul tools, but due to technical limitations, the production capacity is very low. Each soul tool needs to be custom-made. As for the technology behind them¡­ This is an extremely complex and intricate system. It''s difficult to explain even in a short amount of time, let alone transfer the knowledge."


    "Moreover, soul tool crafting is a technical skill that doesn''t rely on a soul master''s innate talent but instead on technical aptitude. Just because someone is an outstanding soul master doesn''t mean they can become a great soul engineer. It requires training, learning to identify and forge metals, accumulating knowledge of numerous soul arrays, and being able to put all of this into practice."


    "How about this: I''ll organize a set of first-level soul engineer techniques for you to take a look at. That should give you a sense of just how challenging it is to train a soul engineer."


    Chen Ming mischievously pulled out a few first-level soul engineer arrays from his materials, wrote them down in a book, and handed them to Ning Fengzhi and his companions. When they saw terms like arrays, metals, linkage, internal structure, and core, even though Ning Fengzhi had anticipated this to be an advanced technology, his mind went blank.


    Even with the array in hand, he couldn''t understand how these arrays could convert soul power.


    In reality, a first-level soul engineer wasn''t even the foundation of soul engineering¡ªit was only the entry-level grade. Before becoming a first-level soul engineer, a soul master had to accumulate a massive amount of theoretical knowledge before they could pass through practical testing and officially become one.


    In simple terms, it was like mathematics: before teaching someone formulas, you at least had to ensure they understood what the symbols represented.


    Chen Ming, however, removed the introductory materials, didn''t explain the meaning of the symbols, and directly handed out problems. Anyone who could understand them wouldn''t just be ordinary¡ªthey would be a born genius in soul tool engineering.


    If there were physical arrays for reference, soul masters with deep soul power could at least test the effects of the arrays and infer their functions and principles based on their understanding of soul power. But working purely on paper, there was no way to verify anything.


    In the end, Ning Fengzhi left with a book containing several first-level soul engineer arrays and a third-grade flying soul tool. Before leaving, he handed over a gold card worth ten million gold soul coins.


    It wasn''t a deposit¡ªjust a gift.


    Ning Fengzhi originally wanted to leave Ning Rongrong at Dugu Bo''s mansion as well, but seeing Dugu Bo''s silent yet sharp gaze, he ultimately decided to take Ning Rongrong with him.


    As soon as they left Heaven Dou City and confirmed that no one was paying attention to them, Ning Fengzhi exchanged a glance with Gu Rong, who immediately activated his martial soul true body. Using the spatial manipulation abilities of his Bone Dragon martial soul, Gu Rong frantically transported their carriage through space, returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as quickly as possible.


    Despite it being the middle of the night, with some elders sleeping and others engaged in less appropriate activities, Ning Fengzhi used his authority as sect master to ring the sect''s council bell, forcibly dragging all the elders out of their rooms¡ªor from under someone else''s bed¡ªand into the council hall to introduce the soul tools he had seen that day. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the soul-guided ray gun, soul-guide shield, and flying soul tool¡ªdevices capable of massively disrupting the soul master system¡ªwere presented, all the elders became restless.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [351]

    Although most of the elders in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan held a relatively favorable attitude toward Dugu Bo and Chen Ming¡ªor at least, even if they were cautious, they believed that forming ties was the best course of action¡ªthere is no shortage of fools in this world.


    Even with 50% of the elders advocating for good relations and 40% agreeing that fostering ties was a viable strategy, the remaining 10% of foolish individuals clamoring to kill Dugu Bo outright and force Chen Ming to hand over soul tool technology, hoping to make soul tools and their techniques the secret inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    Ning Fengzhi said nothing and merely observed as this group of radicals banded together. Then, after confirming who they were, he quietly approached Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, whispered a few words to them, and stepped back.


    While the radicals believed Ning Fengzhi was seriously considering their proposal, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo summoned their martial souls. The pressure of the Bone Dragon''s martial soul instantly subdued those foolish individuals, while the Seven Kill Sword flashed, and several heads flew into the air, their blood staining a large swath of the ground.


    Without uttering a word, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo scanned the remaining elders before returning to Ning Fengzhi''s side. Ning Fengzhi, still wearing a gentle expression, appeared entirely unperturbed by the scene, as though it had nothing to do with him.


    "I hope none of you forget the principles of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, nor POison Douluo''s strength, nor the survival strategies appropriate for a support-type sect.


    Forming alliances with talented individuals and strengthening relationships with Titled Douluo has been our way of survival for thousands of years. It has always been this way, and it will remain so in the future. Sacrificing the bigger picture for short-term gains¡ªabandoning potential allies to create powerful enemies¡ªis pure idiocy."


    Among the slain elders were several who were related to Ning Fengzhi by blood, but his tone remained cold.


    What a joke. Did these fools think he hadn''t considered just abducting people outright?


    Several years ago, when Ning Fengzhi first noticed Chen Ming''s extraordinary talent and his monstrous comprehension and control over the realms of soul masters, he entertained that thought.


    But Dugu Bo was not someone to be trifled with¡ªhe wasn''t a nice person, nor was he someone easily provoked.


    In Ning Fengzhi''s calculations, Dugu Bo was an even greater threat than Qian Daoliu.


    After all, Qian Daoliu was famously benevolent and rigidly principled. During his travels across the continent, his actions had always aligned with the angelic principles of his martial soul. Even when his son was killed by Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Clan, and the Spirit Hall could destroy the Clear Sky Clan, Qian Daoliu refrained due to a prior promise.


    But Dugu Bo? He was notorious for his eccentric temperament and extreme protectiveness. If even a hint of hostility toward him or Chen Ming was detected from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi was certain that Dugu Bo would unleash his full martial soul true body in the dead of night and flood the clan with poison, turning it into a death zone.


    And decades later, once Chen Ming had grown stronger, even the remnants of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan scattered across the continent would likely be exterminated. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ning Fengzhi had heard from Ning Rongrong that Chen Ming, now just fifteen years old, had already reached the level of Soul King. With such talent, it wasn''t just plausible that he could become a Titled Douluo in the future¡ªmany believed he could even aspire to become an Ultimate Douluo.


    In another thirty years, by the age of forty-five, Chen Ming would undoubtedly become a Titled Douluo, and with his peak lasting over a century, who knew how long he might live?


    Those idiots may have had nothing but chamber pots on their necks, but Ning Fengzhi''s head was firmly intact, as were the heads of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan''s disciples. Ning Fengzhi''s control over the clan remained solid. After this literal demonstration of "killing the chicken to scare the monkey," none of the elders dared to oppose Ning Fengzhi''s decisions. Whatever Ning Fengzhi said or proposed, they only offered supplementary suggestions, never objections.


    By the next morning, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had set a new course for its future. Large quantities of gold and silver were taken from their treasury and crafted into currency and bars by artisans. Spiritual-type soul masters and talented craftsmen were summoned from across the land to begin studying the few Level One formation arrays provided by Chen Ming.


    It was only then that Ning Fengzhi realized that Chen Ming''s earlier endeavors to bring the Blacksmith Association under his control were far more significant than they had seemed. Over the years, the association had flourished, with Divine Craftsman Lou Gao''s strength and forging techniques reaching new heights¡ªlikely with Chen Ming''s influence behind the scenes.


    Why not suspect Dugu Bo?


    Well¡­


    Though Ning Fengzhi hadn''t had much contact with Dugu Bo, he had already noticed that Dugu Bo''s mind was¡­ not exactly sharp. He wasn''t a fool, of course, but he lacked the kind of long-term vision or strategic planning that someone like Chen Ming possessed. His personality was straightforward, even rigid.


    This straightforwardness was precisely why Ning Fengzhi feared Dugu Bo''s potential retaliation. Someone like him didn''t bother with elaborate schemes; if provoked, he would simply destroy everything in his way without hesitation.


    Considering that most of the continent''s top blacksmiths had likely been recruited by Chen Ming and that the Blacksmith Association, as a hub, along with the Divine Craftsman himself, now fell under Chen Ming''s influence, Ning Fengzhi deduced that Chen Ming had likely acquired soul tool technology years ago¡ªor at least knew where to find it¡ªand had prepared in advance by gathering a group capable of mass-producing soul tools.


    However, Ning Fengzhi was in no rush.


    As long as soul tools could be mass-produced, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had no qualms about purchasing them. Even if they were expensive, as long as the production capacity was sufficient to equip every disciple with a soul tool for self-defense, Ning Fengzhi wouldn''t hesitate to exchange the metals gathering dust in their treasury for them.


    In fact, Ning Fengzhi was secretly hoping that every blacksmith in the Blacksmith Association would learn soul tool technology so that he could bribe a few and secretly study the soul tools himself.


    While Ning Fengzhi was busy mobilizing resources, Chen Ming inspected Shrek Academy briefly before returning to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to adjust his state and reflect on his recent gains.


    Most importantly, due to the frequent use of his origin power, Chen Ming''s soul power level remained stagnant at 65, even after several months.


    Now that he had his divine sense, a divine position, and even a pseudo-divine body, Chen Ming was determined to focus on increasing his soul power.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [352]

    After returning to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Ming could sense that a certain connection had formed between himself and this world. The elements of ice and fire in the air seemed to resonate faintly with him, flowing into his body even without active absorption. After repeatedly confirming that his aura would not be exposed, Chen Ming summoned the Ascending Dragon Sword, merging his external avatar with his true form into the divine body state. He then found a place to hide his treasure-filled Treasure Pouch before diving into the pool and swimming toward its depths in one breath.


    As he ventured deeper, Chen Ming could feel his second martial soul, the Ascending Dragon Sword, becoming increasingly active. The dormant dragon energy within the pool began to awaken in resonance and was swiftly absorbed by the Ascending Dragon Sword, subtly enhancing its power.


    Before long, Chen Ming reached the bottom of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the same location he had explored previously.


    At the bottom of the pool, the residual power of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings had formed a small world. This world, located beneath the spring, had become unstable over time. The power dissipating from this small world gave rise to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, but most of the energy still lay dormant within the small world at the bottom.


    Unlike the rejection he experienced last time, Chen Ming now felt a calling from the power within the barrier as he approached it. Gently moving closer, the barrier¡ªcapable of withstanding attacks at the divine level¡ªsoftly accepted him, allowing him to merge within. Accompanied by a fluctuation of space, Chen Ming entered a semi-independent space, similar to the Douluo Hall dimension attached to the Douluo World.


    The sky was pitch black, devoid of any celestial bodies, light, or brilliance.


    This world was vast, larger than the Sunset Forest, yet completely lifeless¡ªutterly silent, void, and on the brink of collapse.


    Two massive dragon corpses lay intertwined on the ground. The two dragons leaned against each other, their vital points, such as their chests, bearing enormous cracks. Large amounts of dragon blood and elemental power flowed from their wounds, covering every corner of this world and sustaining it in its near-collapse state.


    Although the world was devoid of light, this posed no obstacle to Chen Ming in his current state. Standing on land soaked in dragon blood for countless ages, he quietly gazed at the two enormous dragon corpses.


    Contrary to his expectations of dragon bones, the remains of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings were surprisingly intact. Though devoid of any vitality, they appeared as if they had just died. Even after countless years of energy depletion, their residual power still supported this world nurtured the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and surpassed Chen Ming''s power by hundreds of times.


    More astonishingly, the bodies of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings were unimaginably colossal. The Fire Dragon King''s body alone exceeded 1,200 meters in length, with about 400 meters being its tail and 200 meters its long neck. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Fire Dragon King exhibited the typical traits of a Western dragon, with four pairs of wings. Its entire body was pure crimson without any trace of impurity, and its scales bore natural patterns. Its abdomen, chest, and head all showed evidence of violent attacks. Large portions of its scales were missing, and there were over ten potentially fatal wounds.


    The sheer size of the Fire Dragon King''s head surpassed most existing dragons and sub-dragons on the Douluo Continent. Only dragons like Di Tian or Zi Ji, with their pure and powerful bloodlines and exceptional cultivation, could match or exceed the Fire Dragon King''s head in size.


    Unlike the Fire Dragon King, the Ice Dragon King¡ªor Water Dragon King¡ªhad the appearance of a pure Eastern dragon. Its body was slender and elegant, exuding a harmonious beauty. On closer inspection, its claws revealed the presence of five toes, exemplifying the purest form of an Eastern dragon.


    Its body was entirely blue, highlighting its dual attributes of water and ice. However, its chest bore a massive wound that nearly severed its body in half, with blood pouring out in torrents. Its left front claw was reduced to a short stump, seemingly destroyed or shattered in a powerful attack.


    Though the Ice Dragon King had only one major wound, it was undoubtedly far more brutal and fatal than those on the Fire Dragon King.


    The Ice Dragon King''s body, while slightly smaller than the Fire Dragon King''s, was longer and more slender. Even its tail and the fine scales on its abdomen were large enough to contain an entire Chen Ming.


    Staring at the two fallen Dragon Kings and sensing their power, which far surpassed his own, Chen Ming struggled to comprehend what calamity had caused their deaths.


    A first-level god? No, that wouldn''t be enough¡ªnot even with super-divine weapons. Based on the residual power within their bodies, the two Dragon Kings had likely been at least close to god-king level during their lifetimes. Even in defeat, the physical resilience of dragons would never allow for such devastation.


    Especially the attack that nearly severed the Ice Dragon King''s body¡ªChen Ming could only imagine something like the Three Sword of Judgment Across the Three Realms, wielded by the five god-kings in unison, causing such a shocking wound. But the problem was that the five god-kings would never unleash such a destructive skill on a first-level god. A god-king, perhaps¡ªbut even that seemed insufficient. The wound bore no trace of destructive, judgment, or evil power. Instead, it resembled a purer force¡ªsomething Chen Ming had encountered before.


    "Creation Force? The Supreme God-King?" Chen Ming recalled Douluo Dalu 4''s lore about the Dragon God, falling into silence.


    Chen Ming spread his wings and flew to the heads of the two Dragon Kings. Closing his eyes, he tried to sense the Dragon Souls and Dragon Cores within them. After an hour of careful probing, Chen Ming found no trace of the Dragon Souls.


    There was plenty of spiritual energy and mental power¡ªan immense amount¡ªbut the core essential to their being had been destroyed. The Dragon Cores, which could have concealed their souls, were also utterly obliterated.


    This meant that even if the scattered spiritual and mental powers were someday reassembled, they would never give rise to the original Ice and Fire Dragon Kings. Instead, they would create beings bearing some of their power, traits, and divinity, but not their identities.


    If not for the destruction of their cores and the fragmentation of their spiritual and mental energies, Chen Ming suspected the two Dragon Kings could use their remains to reconstruct new bodies and forcefully live again.


    Though rebirth through blood was impossible, their remains, saturated with unimaginable power, could undoubtedly serve as the foundation for a new existence.


    Chen Ming sat cross-legged before the heads of the two intertwined Dragon Kings, closing his eyes. Placing one hand on the Fire Dragon King''s head and the other on the Ice Dragon King''s, he activated his innate talent and spiritual authority, attempting to peer into the past.


    After countless attempts, Chen Ming finally succeeded. Using the remnants of the two Dragon Kings'' power, he glimpsed a fragment of the ancient era.


    A defiance of the heavens provoked the wrath of the universe, halting the expansion of the Divine Realm. A seven-colored dragon roared in fury, shattering the vast Divine Realm inch by inch. Nine Dragon Kings and countless gods attempted to stop the Dragon God but were met with violent retaliation.


    Chen Ming saw only a few fleeting scenes, yet the power and entities within them shattered his current worldview.


    Countless gods wielded divine tools to fend off the Dragon God, only to be annihilated along with their weapons and divine positions.


    The annihilation of gods and dragons alike ensued. The Ice and Fire Dragon Kings were pierced by the Dragon God''s claws. In their final moments, they tried to awaken the Dragon God using their essence but were mercilessly obliterated by its breath. Dragging the Fire Dragon King''s broken body, the Ice Dragon King returned to their created world, where they both ultimately fell.


    Just before the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings fell and the vision ended, Chen Ming met their gaze for the first time. It seemed they had sensed someone observing them from countless years later. At the last moment, the Fire Dragon King opened its mouth to leave a final message.


    An invisible force attempted to obscure and distort everything. Even as Chen Ming pushed his abilities to their limits, he could only vaguely hear fragments of their words.


    "Love God¡­ Phoenix¡­ Dragon Realm¡­ Divine Star¡­ Creation and Destruction Unified."


    "Don''t trust the Dragon God. He is the greatest liar."


    With those sorrowful words, the Dragon Souls of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings shattered completely.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [353]

    "God of Love, Phoenix, Dragon Realm, Divine Star, Creation and Destruction united as one."


    "Do not trust the Dragon God, he is the greatest liar."


    "What is all of this about?" After withdrawing from his spiritual vision, Chen Ming sat cross-legged in front of the heads of the two Dragon Kings, deeply unsettled as he pondered the words they left behind upon their fall. But even after half a day, he couldn''t make sense of it.


    Achieving the rank of a First-Level God was not difficult for him at this point, but the rank of God King was far beyond his reach. It would require hundreds or even thousands of years of accumulation to even attempt. As a result, Chen Ming had no choice but to consider shattering the Asura God''s divine position to use it as a resource for creating his own God King position.


    As for the position of Supreme God King, the distance to that was practically unfathomable¡ªtens of thousands of miles away, figuratively speaking.


    After all, in the Douluo series, even with its somewhat illogical progression, there were a total of only two and a half Supreme God Kings.


    One was the Dragon God, another was the second-generation Dragon God, Lan Xuanyu, and the half was Tang San, who, after being swept into a black hole and coming into contact with the aura of chaos, claimed to ascend to the level of a Supreme God King.


    But strictly speaking, none of these three seemed to truly qualify as a Supreme God King in the truest sense.


    The Dragon God''s status as a Supreme God King was questionable. According to the explanation in the Douluo series, his powers were originally limited to destruction and annihilation, while the power of creation was plundered from the Phoenix God King. These two opposing forces created two conflicting mindsets within him, leading to a problem of split personality.


    Without resolving this issue, the Dragon God, while perhaps close in terms of power, couldn''t be considered a true Supreme God King in terms of the realm.


    Lan Xuanyu, as a successor, had carved his path of judgment law, but how much of the Dragon God''s power he inherited was still unclear. Or perhaps he hadn''t truly escaped the Dragon God''s constraints, remaining a second-generation Dragon God rather than becoming the first-generation "Lan Xuanyu God King" of his own making.


    As for Tang San God King¡­


    No need for much explanation¡ªthose who know, know. The level of dedication it takes to follow one''s deceased wife into death speaks for itself.


    Chen Ming had seen the power of creation left behind by the Dragon God within the Golden Ancient Tree and had witnessed an indescribable force in the depths of the universe that he couldn''t comprehend. Yet, he couldn''t use this to infer the true nature of the Dragon God.


    Even the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, despite their fall, contained energy within their dragon bodies that far surpassed Chen Ming''s by a hundredfold. That energy alone was enough to create multiple Second-Level Gods with water, fire, and ice attributes, or even produce a First-Level God.


    The Dragon God''s existence was something he had to remain cautious about. Whether it was the Silver Dragon King of the Star Dou Forest or the Golden Dragon King of the Divine Realm, their very existence could be remnants or pawns of the Dragon God. But what did the Dragon God truly care about and desire?


    Was it the perfect power of a Supreme God King? Or the Divine Star?


    Or was it, as the original story implied, a means to pave the way for his son and then commit suicide to reunite with his wife?


    Phoenix, Dragon Realm, Divine Star, Creation and Destruction united¡ªthese could all be explored for understanding. But the God of Love?


    What does the God of Love have to do with this? Could it be that there was some special connection between the God of Love and the Dragon God in that era?


    And what did it mean to call the Dragon God the greatest liar? What had the Dragon God lied to the Nine Dragon Kings about, for the Fire Dragon King¡ªwho regarded the Dragon God as a father¡ªto declare in his final moments, "Do not trust him, he is the greatest liar"?


    Moreover, the shattering of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings'' dragon souls¡ªwas this something that originally existed in the timeline, or was it caused by Chen Ming''s presence? Had his future self glimpsed into the past and caused the Fire Dragon King to reveal forbidden truths, leading to the destruction of their dragon souls?


    As Chen Ming pondered, he guided the Ascending Dragon Sword to absorb the remaining power from the two Dragon Kings, converting it into his strength. Although the amount he could absorb was small relative to their residual power, it significantly improved his condition.


    His soul power quickly rose from level 65, reaching level 66 within a few hours and level 67 by the end of the day. In just three days, Chen Ming advanced from a level 65 Soul Emperor to the threshold of a level 70 Soul Sage.


    During this cultivation, the Ascending Dragon Sword underwent changes due to the absorption of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings'' power. The portion of its bloodline belonging to the Silver Dragon fused more harmoniously with the bloodlines of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, becoming inseparable. The Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon bloodlines also advanced further, enhancing the quality of the Ascending Dragon Sword.


    Although it was still classified as a divine weapon, at this rate of growth, it could likely reach the level of a main divine weapon within ten years. As for becoming a super divine weapon¡­


    Super divine weapons correspond to God King level. Even with the immense boost provided by the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, Chen Ming estimated that he would need to raise his soul power to the level of a Super Douluo and equip the Ascending Dragon Sword with nine fifty-thousand-year or higher soul rings before it could aspire to the level of a super divine weapon. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After reaching the limits of soul power in the Douluo world, Chen Ming glanced at the heads of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings resting together, sighed, and then used the Ascending Dragon Sword''s vague perception of the world to transport himself to the Red Water of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, returning to the outer Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    After communicating with the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, who was on guard, and confirming that no one had arrived during this time, Chen Ming dug out the Wishful Hundred Treasures Pouch from a corner and retrieved three sets of Eight Spider Lances.


    These three sets of Eight Spider Lances were spoils from Chen Ming''s recent hunt of Man-Faced Demon Spiders. Two sets came from two-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spiders, which Chen Ming had later infused with a significant amount of their essence, raising them to nine-thousand-year quality without absorbing them. The third set of Eight Spider Lances came directly from a fifty-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    Chen Ming took out the Eight Spider Lances and various soul bones dropped by the Man-Faced Demon Spiders, then began carefully observing and comparing them. Life force flowed intermittently into the soul bones from his hands as his spiritual power deeply probed the resonance between the soul bones.


    Head bone, torso bone, left arm bone, right arm bone, left leg bone, right leg bone¡­


    Chen Ming selected the most complete pieces, those closest to resembling human skeletal structures, and assembled them into a roughly humanoid form. He then infused them with life force and soul power, attempting to awaken the bloodline power within the soul bones and connect them.


    Bit by bit, he adjusted and experimented with different stimulation methods. After half an hour, the full set of soul bones from the Man-Faced Demon Spiders finally began to resonate.


    The soul bones gravitated toward each other, their bloodlines activating and their auras intermingling. Soul power flowed between them. The energy of the higher-grade soul bones nourished the lower-grade ones, enhancing their age and quality.


    The six soul bones emitted a milky white light, and each contained traces of the other five within it.


    PS: The Dragon God developed a split personality after absorbing the True God Phoenix''s origin, manifesting as a male (Golden Dragon King) and a female (Silver Dragon King). I believe Gu Yuena''s personality came from the Phoenix God King. It always bothers me why the Dragon God has a female side.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [354]

    But this was the limit¡ªsix soul bones resonated together, carrying traces of the other bones'' energy, yet they could not fully fuse. This issue troubled Chen Ming for nearly an hour before he realized the problem. These soul bones were still incomplete or, more precisely, lacked a suitable vessel. A complete skeletal structure would be required to extend the power of these soul bones and use the vessel''s skeleton to facilitate their fusion.


    After pondering for a while, Chen Ming reached out and cut off a piece of flesh from his thigh, then injected life force into it.


    Normally, injecting life force into severed flesh would only cause it to swell and multiply uncontrollably, turning into a massive lump of flesh, but it would never grow into a person. However, under Chen Ming''s control, the lump of flesh began to change.


    The flesh gathered into a sphere, then twisted and gradually transformed into the shape of an infant. Yet, horrifyingly, this infant was only a rough outline¡ªit had no facial features, no bones, and not even internal organs. It was nothing more than a lump of flesh grotesquely shaped like a baby.


    Chen Ming stared at this sanity-breaking creation, thought for a moment, and then removed one of his ribs, cutting it into small pieces before embedding them into the infant''s body to form a basic skeletal structure.


    As for organs, he followed his usual method: opening his chest, extracting small portions of his organs, and implanting them into the infant for cultivation.


    Witnessing these twisted and blasphemous methods, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, who prided itself on not being a good creature, shrunk itself to the size of a kitten and curled up trembling on the grass. It watched in terror as its master calmly opened himself up and extracted various pieces of his flesh and organs.


    After a day and a night, the once-twisted lump of flesh had been mostly transformed into something resembling a proper infant. It now had facial features, internal organs, and bones¡ªthough many parts still bore traces of stitching. If Chen Ming were to stop supplying it with life force and soul power, it would collapse into a pile of flesh and be unable to survive. But for now, it was a success.


    Chen Ming manipulated the infant and began to absorb the soul bones, one by one.


    The first soul bone was absorbed with some difficulty, but from the second soul bone onward, the absorption process became significantly faster.


    Once all six soul bones had been absorbed, their power resonated within the infant''s body. The once-fragile and discordant skeleton fused under the power of the soul bones. Chen Ming''s original bones now carried the aura of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, and the soul bone set fused perfectly with the infant''s skeleton, forming a harmonious whole.


    Sensing the fusion and transformation of the soul bone set, Chen Ming fell into deep thought, realizing many aspects of this process could be researched and explored further.


    Just as he was about to dispose of the infant''s flesh and extract the fused skeleton for study, Chen Ming suddenly had an idea.


    Closing his eyes, Chen Ming divided a portion of his spirituality, mobilized a fragment of the Evil God''s divine power, and fused it into the infant. Then, extracting power from the Dark Demon Evil God Orb and his two soul cores, he formed a crystalline structure and implanted it into the infant''s body.


    The crystal fused with the flesh, its energy coursing through the body. This stabilized and toughened the artificially created vessel.


    Chen Ming could sense that, as his Evil God power and life force flowed into the vessel, the Man-Faced Demon Spider soul bone set was stimulated, unleashing its latent power and beginning to modify the bloodline within the vessel. Chen Ming guided this power, fusing the modified bloodline into the vessel''s core essence.


    Several days later, the infant-like being had grown into the form of a young man. This youth bore a 70% resemblance to Chen Ming but carried an air of sinister charm and otherworldly allure.


    Chen Ming opened his eyes. Chen Ming opened his eyes.


    The two Chen Mings stared at each other in amazement, astonished that such a thing could succeed. Chen Ming had poured vast amounts of blood and life force into the new body, repeatedly cutting and replacing his flesh, bones, and organs to create this second body.


    In essence, this new body was entirely constructed from pieces of Chen Ming himself. Therefore, when his spirituality and consciousness inhabited it, it felt no different from being inside his own body. It was as though he now had two bodies simultaneously.


    Unlike the external avatars created by the Ascending Dragon Sword, which could shift between different states, this new body was entirely flesh and blood¡ªa second physical form. However, due to Chen Ming''s deliberate modifications, this body''s bloodline carried a significant amount of the Man-Faced Demon Spider''s power.


    Chen Ming''s original body closed its eyes, placing a hand on the dantian of the clone, attempting to awaken its martial soul.


    The laws of the Douluo World did not react to this, treating it as a normal martial soul awakening. Under Chen Ming''s guidance, the clone''s soul power surged, its soul power fused, and its bloodline was activated. The martial soul successfully awakened.


    As expected, the clone''s martial soul was the Man-Faced Demon Spider Emperor, with innate full soul power.


    Chen Ming could sense that this body was an excellent vessel for the Evil God power. Furthermore, due to the infusion of the Evil God''s divine power and the fragments of Chen Ming''s essence, the martial soul awakened within this body was a true god-level martial soul. Its developmental potential was immense.


    Given its uniqueness, Chen Ming decided to name this clone the Evil God Clone. Although it was a clone and could perfectly carry the Evil God''s divine power, its thoughts and essence were still entirely Chen Ming''s. There was no risk of it acting independently or losing control.


    After all, this clone was essentially pieced together from Chen Ming himself. Despite lacking a physical connection to the original body, it was fundamentally no different from a limb. It entirely carried Chen Ming''s will and consciousness.


    Chen Ming employed a secret technique, borrowing power from his original body to allow the Evil God Clone to condense a soul ring. After more than half an hour, a deep yellow spirit ring with faint traces of purple appeared on the clone.


    This soul ring had only one ability: Spider God (Evil God) Possession, which increased all attributes by 100%. While the soul power consumption was minimal, activating the skill required a small amount of Evil God power. Without Evil God power, forcibly using the skill would cause severe damage to the clone''s essence. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although this body had already absorbed the entire set of Man-Faced Demon Spider soul bones during its creation, Chen Ming sensed that it still had the capacity to accommodate an additional Eight Spider Lances.


    After multiple attempts, exposing the Evil God Clone''s spine and stimulating it while consuming soul power and life force, the clone successfully absorbed a 90,000-year-old Eight Spider Lances soul bone, perfectly integrating it with the soul bone set.


    After merging with the soul bone set, the Eight Spider Lances'' 90,000-year age limit broke through to 100,000 years. The pure essence of the Man-Faced Demon Spider was refined, flowing into both the soul bone set and the martial soul, enhancing their strength.


    Most importantly, Chen Ming realized that after integrating the external soul bone with the soul bone set, the originally static soul bones now possessed the ability to grow.


    PS: I think Chen Ming will use this clone join the Soul Master Tournament. His original body is already overpowered to join such low level event.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [355]

    "Does a set of soul bones have such an ability?" Chen Ming thought for a moment and felt that it probably did not. It was more likely that his current clone was simply too unique.


    A full set of soul bones from the Man-Faced Demon Spider, combined with the external soul bone Eight Spider Lances also derived from the same creature, and the Man-Faced Demon Spider Emperor martial soul, which was born from the power of the Man-Faced Demon Spider and could serve as a vessel for the divine power of the God of Evil¡ªthese three elements together might be the reason why the soul bones could grow.


    Because this set of soul bones was inherently integrated with the martial soul, the Eight Spider Lances were merely a catalyst that brought the soul bones to life, granting them the ability to grow once more.


    Chen Ming placed his hand on the Evil God clone, refining the bloodline and origin of the clone. He reversed and refined the excess bloodline belonging to the Man-Faced Demon Spider into his martial soul, adjusting his state to an even more optimal level.


    Then, as soul power surged through both bodies, the Evil God clone turned into a stream of light and merged into Chen Ming''s body. His physique also underwent slight changes.


    This was not a case of transforming the Evil God clone into a martial soul but rather a martial soul fusion technique. The Evil God clone was something Chen Ming had painstakingly crafted, from its flesh to its soul power and even its martial soul. Its integration with Chen Ming was almost 100%.


    Although the boost provided by the Evil God clone in this state was negligible, Chen Ming could keep it on him as an accessory.


    ...


    After spending a long time on these tasks, Chen Ming took a moment to check on Tang San''s life at Shrek Academy. He found that Tang San was currently enjoying himself, competing with Xiao Wu in the Great Martial Soul Arena. His soul power was still at level 31, and it seemed he was still quite far from reaching level 32.


    Judging from this, even with the mysterious technique of the Mysterious Heaven Skill, Tang San would likely only improve by three levels at most over the next year. Furthermore, the speed at which soul power increases would slow down as his level rises.


    This pace of growth was decent for an average soul master. A Soul Ancestor at fifteen years old and a Soul King around twenty would be considered a super genius by conventional standards. However, compared to the growth rate in the original story, it was still lacking.


    After confirming that nothing unusual had happened to Tang San, Chen Ming turned his attention to Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan. Once he confirmed that there had been no major developments on the continent, he returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to continue cultivating.


    This time, his goal was not to increase his soul power but to forge his life soul ring.


    Given Chen Ming''s current situation, he had numerous methods to obtain either a divine-bestowed soul ring or a soul ring from a fierce beast. After all, aside from the Angel God trial, which had activated the second trial, Chen Ming''s Thunder God and Power Destruction God trials had yet to be activated.


    At this bottleneck in his soul power, activating any God trial would grant him a divine-bestowed soul ring as a reward for completing the first trial. However, Chen Ming did not want to use a divine-bestowed soul ring for his seventh ring.


    The seventh ring, which grants the martial soul avatar, is the most unique of all spirit abilities, and the seventh soul ring is also the one most deeply connected to the martial soul. It is said that the seventh soul ring is the dividing line for high-level soul masters. A good seventh soul ring can even surpass the value of a hundred-thousand-year ninth soul ring.


    The life soul ring is special¡ªit is a manifestation and growth of one''s power, benefiting any martial soul and soul master. Since Chen Ming''s first six soul rings had already been attached, and he had some ideas for the eighth and ninth, it was undoubtedly the best time to attach the life soul ring for his seventh.


    ...


    After a month of preparation, repeatedly improving his condition, and contemplating the most suitable way to forge his life soul ring, Chen Ming finally reached an unprecedented peak state.


    At that moment, his martial soul, soul power, mental strength, vitality, spirituality, and even divine power all surged to the forefront.


    Chen Ming formed a series of strange hand seals, guiding his martial soul and his origin to resonate with the world.


    In this state, a connection between Chen Ming and the world consciousness emerged. Massive amounts of energy were drawn by the world consciousness, and countless law permissions unfolded for Chen Ming to manipulate.


    Heaven and earth energy gathered madly, condensing into liquid form around him and being absorbed. The first six soul rings on Chen Ming''s martial soul simultaneously lit up, and part of their origin was extracted and merged into the martial soul.


    As the transformation unfolded, Chen Ming''s martial soul materialized into a massive phantom behind him. The concentrated power caused the entire space to tremble.


    As time passed, the phantom moved closer to solidification. The Emerald Scorpion Emperor, with two pairs of wings on its back, waved its pincers as if it wanted to roar at the heavens. At the peak of its momentum, the near-solid Scorpion Emperor phantom suddenly shrank, condensing all its energy into a single point before exploding outward.


    In an instant, the terrifying aura suppressed the entire Sunset Forest. All soul beasts, whether ten-thousand-year rulers or hundred-thousand-year overlords, knelt trembling on the ground. Many weaker-willed soul beasts nearly fainted, but the oppressive aura forced them to hover between consciousness and unconsciousness. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A white light erupted, forming a black hole-like structure that drew in vast amounts of heaven and earth energy. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, along with the vitality accumulated within its precious herbs over countless years, was rapidly drained. The once-thriving Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well now seemed barren. Although the sky was clear and cloudless, faint thunder echoed in the distance. With a silent roar or sigh, Chen Ming''s figure reappeared within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.


    At this moment, there was no sign of the Emerald Scorpion or any traces of a scorpion-related martial soul attached to his body. However, four black and three red soul rings floated around him. He stood there quietly, yet it felt as if he was the center of the entire world.


    His martial soul was no longer the Emerald Scorpion Emperor¡ªit should now be called the Poison God. It could shift between three forms: scorpion, half-human-half-scorpion, and human. Its essence had evolved into a god-level martial soul, akin to the Sea God''s martial soul and the Seraphim martial soul forged by the Angel God.


    The other attributes had not been eliminated but were still present within Chen Ming. He had transferred portions of various attributes onto the Ascending Dragon Sword, intending to refine his path further by creating distinct avatars, ultimately aiming to achieve unity through techniques similar to martial soul fusion.


    At this moment, Chen Ming could feel the constraints this world imposed on him, as well as the sense that with a little effort, he could break free and ascend to a higher plane.


    He was now a level 71 Soul Sage, but his soul power was infinitely close to divine power. Combined with his divine position, divine consciousness, and the divine body formed by merging with the Ascending Dragon Sword, Chen Ming could ascend to the God Realm at any moment.


    However, feeling the power within him, Chen Ming shook his head and sighed.


    "No, it''s still not enough. I need more power.


    "The quality is sufficient, but the quantity is lacking. Even if I refined all my soul power into divine power, it would never match a third-level god in the God Realm. They''ve existed for countless years, reaching their peak long ago.


    "Moreover, the God Realm is undoubtedly a high-energy plane. Even if breakthroughs are impossible there, the efficiency of simply accumulating power surpasses that of the Douluo plane many times over. The power they''ve amassed over countless years far exceeds mine."


    "In that case, I''ll consider the Evil Emperor or the Deep Sea Demon Whale King for my eighth ring. As for the ninth ring¡­ perhaps Di Tian''s hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation could serve as my foundation. However, in terms of sheer accumulated power, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King is likely more substantial. After all, it''s a genuine million-year soul beast."


    "But the Evil Emperor''s mental power far surpasses the other two. I''ll decide after examining the origins of the three in the future."


    As for the Skydream Iceworm, another million-year soul beast with mental power exceeding even the Evil Emperor''s? That could be reserved for attaching soul rings to his second martial soul, the Ascending Dragon Sword. After all, Chen Ming doubted whether the Skydream Iceworm''s bloated energy could compare to the Evil Emperor''s 700,000 years of cultivation.


    Chen Ming retracted his aura and stood quietly. As his sixth soul ring lit up, a vast amount of life force erupted from within him, enveloping the entire Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The previously withered plants, drained of vitality, raised their stems once more, basking in the intense life force.


    Under the nourishment of this power, several immortal herbs that Chen Ming had been cultivating even began showing signs of transforming into soul beasts.


    The first was the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, which Chen Ming had grafted and modified numerous times until it barely resembled its original form. The second was the Nine-Curve Ascending Dragon Grass, which Chen Ming had also tended carefully.


    However, the transformation of plants into soul beasts is not something that happens overnight. Even with the accelerated effects of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the process would still take at least a decade, with the development of full sentience potentially requiring centuries.


    Chen Ming did have methods to speed up the process and rapidly catalyze the transformation of herbs into soul beasts, but there was no immediate need to do so.


    After all, once the herbs developed intelligence, it was hard to predict what might happen.


    However, when Dugu Yan reached around level 60, Chen Ming could attempt to elevate the Nine-Curve Ascending Dragon Grass into a soul beast and guide it to sacrifice itself as her sixth soul ring. This would likely elevate her Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul to the level of a true dragon.


    PS: PS: Hey Guys, please subscribe to our patreon. This book has currently atleast 111 advanced chapters.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [356]

    On this side, in order to cover up the commotion caused by Chen Ming''s breakthrough and prevent anyone from noticing his transformation, the consciousness of the world was paying extra attention.


    Chen Ming only needed to focus on his breakthrough; the world consciousness already had enough to worry about.


    This was because the disturbance Chen Ming caused was simply too great, and the scope of the phenomenon''s impact was far too vast. The world consciousness not only had to ensure that the Divine Realm wouldn''t sense it but was also, for the first time, pondering how to clean up after a human.


    Finally, after a moment of contemplation, the world consciousness came up with a good idea.


    Since Chen Ming''s commotion was so big, why not create an even bigger fake commotion to draw attention away?


    In a corner of the Sunset Forest, a 100,000-year-old Flame Demon Leopard raised its body, exhaled human-like relief, and lamented that the terrifying phenomenon had finally passed.


    Although the Sunset Forest wasn''t as famous as the Star Dou Forest, and its most powerful beasts had been taken by Di Tian to the Star Dou Forest long ago, there were still a few 100,000-year soul beasts left.


    Among these few 100,000-year soul beasts, the Flame Demon Leopard was one of the strongest. It was the type of beast qualified to attempt its second tribulation to become a fierce beast king.


    However, before this soul beast, which had cultivated slightly over 150,000 years, could finish its sigh of relief, the sky suddenly changed color. A massive force of tribulation lightning, powerful enough to suffocate even fierce beasts, gathered above the leopard''s head.


    "What?!"


    Feeling the locking effect of the tribulation lightning and realizing that its next tribulation wasn''t due for another 50,000 years, the Flame Demon Leopard''s eyes widened in shock¡ªits eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.


    It was just sleeping in its den, slightly suppressed by a powerful aura. Before it could even catch its breath, why was it suddenly facing a tribulation?


    No, this fortune isn''t even mine! I didn''t do anything to deserve this!


    Moreover, what kind of tribulation is this? It''s meant for a beast that''s been cultivating for hundreds of thousands of years! Leopard me? I''m only 150,000 years old, not 500,000 years old!


    The Flame Demon Leopard repeatedly checked its strength and cultivation, confirming that it was indeed around 150,000 years old and hadn''t suddenly leaped to 500,000 years due to some unknown fortune. Its mind went completely blank.


    The leopard wanted to run, but even a wisp of the tribulation''s aura pinned it to the ground, making any movement impossible. Even thinking became difficult.


    Under the dazed gaze of this 150,000-year soul beast, the tribulation lightning¡ªpowerful enough to strike down a 500,000-year beast¡ªdescended, instantly vaporizing the leopard along with everything within a ten-mile radius. The lightning continued to strike the now-empty ground, creating a massive crater over twenty kilometers in diameter and 500 meters deep in the Sunset Forest.


    Sensing the powerful tribulation, Di Tian in the Star Dou Forest, the Silver Dragon King, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King in the deep sea, and other powerful soul beast entities across the continent all turned their gazes toward the Sunset Forest.


    "Could it be that one of the soul beasts is attempting the million-year tribulation to become a god?" Di Tian murmured, while the Silver Dragon King frowned, pondering if a soul beast was about to ascend.


    In the deep sea, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King felt the oppressive aura from thousands of miles away and grew uneasy. On one hand, it feared a soul beast ascending to godhood ahead of it; on the other hand, it was terrified that even such a beast might fail to ascend.


    Driven by mixed emotions, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, which had been lying on the seabed with its mouth open waiting for prey to swim in, plunged deep into the seafloor, carefully sensing changes in the world.


    As for the Evil Emperor, he was currently trembling within the depths of the Evil Demon Forest, lamenting how different this world was compared to his original Holy Demon Continent.


    Although soul beasts in this world lived far longer than those on the Holy Demon Continent (to the point where even a relatively weak species like his Evil Eyes could dominate an entire continent here), the restrictions on soul beasts in this world were much harsher. Ascending to godhood as a soul beast here seemed even more challenging than it had been on the Holy Demon Continent.


    Of course, the Evil Emperor wasn''t entirely sure whether the gods of the Holy Demon Continent were stronger than those of the Douluo Continent. After all, whether before or after his transmigration, he had never been remotely associated with god-level beings.


    After using tribulation lightning intended for Di Tian to eliminate an unfortunate 100,000-year soul beast, the world consciousness finally reined in its actions, restored the world''s laws, and even purified the Flame Demon Leopard''s soul before sending it off to reincarnate.


    The world consciousness had intelligence, but not much¡ªat least, not in ways humans could easily understand. From its perspective, which rarely intervened for any individual, the tribulation lightning was sufficient to cover everything. It had no idea what kind of impact this would have on the living beings of the Douluo Continent.


    At least for Chen Ming, who had just completed his breakthrough, the moment he sensed the tribulation lightning¡ªthousands of times more powerful than his origin¡ªappearing over the Sunset Forest, his first thought was that he must have somehow offended the world consciousness, and it was now out to kill him. It wasn''t until the tribulation ended that he learned, through his connection with the world consciousness, that it had done this to cover for him.


    Chen Ming found it hard to evaluate this decision. Meanwhile, in Slaughter City, a sinful place known for its chaos, Tang Chen¡ªparasitized by the Blood-Red Nine-Headed Bat King¡ªopened his eyes. However, the consciousness in his eyes was neither Tang Chen''s nor the Bat King''s. It was a wisp of divine thought from the Asura God.


    Sensing the upheaval on the Douluo Continent, this wisp of divine thought¡ªequivalent to all the other scattered divine thoughts on the continent combined¡ªimmediately sent a message to its true body.


    Meanwhile, in a primordial continent, in a valley full of flowers, a divine thought left behind by the Goddes of Life to await the Flower God''s successor was also awakened and sent a message to its true body.


    Unlike the Asura God, who immediately concealed its aura and divine thought after awakening, the Goddess of Life''s divine thought casually scanned the valley, its gaze carrying hints of displeasure and helplessness.


    With a simple gesture, a flower with seven-colored petals transformed into a soul beast. Under the blessing of divine thought and the Flower God''s inheritance, it gained power equivalent to a 300,000-year fierce beast.


    After giving the newly created soul beast a couple of instructions, the Goddess of Life''s divine thought returned to the Flower God''s demi-plane. After sending its decision to its true body, it went back into standby mode.


    And as for the one god currently reachable on the Douluo Continent, the Sea God? He was currently drinking heavily with other gods in the Divine Realm, his divine thought muddled. It wasn''t until Bo Saixi, the High Priest of Sea God Island, used her authority to communicate with him that the Sea God realized something had happened to his homeland.


    Looking at the drunken gods around him and his dispirited state, the Sea God sighed and issued a command to Bo Saixi.


    "Whether they are soul masters of the sea or the Douluo Continent, as long as they have potential, they can inherit my godhood. Since the Douluo Continent has undergone changes and a divine beast might emerge, as a part of Douluo Star and a soul master, Sea God Island must pay attention to the Douluo Continent."


    "Go and see what has happened on the Douluo Continent. If possible, find a soul master who can inherit my godhood."


    The Sea God sighed again, while the drunken God of War nearby raised his cup in salute. Absentmindedly, the Sea God drank and looked around the room at the other gods who were similarly disheartened and unable to find successors. His heart was full of helplessness.


    The Sea God had spent a thousand years creating his godhood, but it had only taken ten years in the Divine Realm for his curiosity to fade. After spending twenty years in this unchanging environment, he began to long for the adventurous life he once led.


    By now, the Sea God had been in the Divine Realm for over thirty years, but nothing in the realm had changed since his ascension. Occasionally, he regretted his decision to ascend to the Divine Realm.


    At this point, he no longer cared about who inherited his godhood. All he wanted was to pass on the mantle quickly so he could explore the vast universe again. Even death seemed preferable to rotting away in the stagnant Divine Realm.


    This sentiment was not uncommon among gods in the Divine Realm. Many, frustrated by their inability to grow stronger or by the monotony of life in the realm, longed to leave. However, the rules of the Divine Realm prevented them from abandoning their godhoods outright, so they could only hope for someone to take their place.


    Initially, they were all picky, wanting only the best candidates to inherit their positions. But as their frustration grew, their standards lowered, until they only adhered to the bare minimum requirements set by the Divine Realm.


    As long as a candidate''s talent met the criteria and their character wasn''t too extraordinary or flawed, the godhood would be passed on. Even if it meant bending the rules a little, they would do whatever it took to quickly train a successor and escape.


    Even so, few gods managed to find successors and relinquish their positions.


    Gods like the Sea God, disillusioned yet unable to leave, often banded together for mutual support, hoping to help each other find suitable successors. But unfortunately, this group rarely saw any changes. Instead, its numbers only grew over time. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [357]

    Chen Ming had no way to complain to the will of the world. He could only brace himself for whatever was about to happen.


    An hour later, Dugu Bo arrived at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with Dugu Yan, both of them emanating an aura of readiness for battle. His energy was fully activated, prepared to fight at any moment. Only after confirming that Chen Ming was unharmed did Dugu Bo finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    After escorting Dugu Yan to a small house nearby, Chen Ming pulled Dugu Bo aside and quietly explained part of what had happened. For instance, he explained that the initial commotion was caused by his breakthrough, while the latter chaos was due to a soul beast triggering a heavenly tribulation.


    Even though Dugu Bo knew about Chen Ming''s unique nature, hearing that the commotion from his breakthrough had covered the entire Sunset Forest made him involuntarily suck in a breath of cold air. However, within three seconds, he had adjusted his mood.


    Looking at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo felt a bit of a headache.


    The commotion in the Sunset Forest was bound to attract a considerable number of people. Although it might not compare to the recent appearance of numerous 100,000-year soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest, it would undoubtedly draw powerful figures from various factions.


    "This Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well absolutely cannot be exposed. If it''s revealed... then..."


    Dugu Bo paused for a moment and sighed.


    "Will I have to go on a killing spree?"


    He contemplated his current strength¡ª96th level, close to reaching the 97th¡ªand fell into a brief silence.


    Currently, the only faction on the Douluo Continent capable of suppressing him was the Spirit Hall. The Upper Three Sects and the Lower Four Sects posed no real threat to him. Furthermore, his relationship with the Spirit Hall was not entirely hostile. If a fight broke out, they would likely side with him.


    After all, the Spirit Hall''s princess had been saved by his grandson-in-law, and he had even accepted money from the Spirit Hall, occasionally helping the fake crown prince with minor tasks and ensuring his safety.


    Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan currently had a favor to ask of him¡ªthey needed soul tools to arm their sect. With Ning Fengzhi''s cunning nature, it was unlikely they would risk attacking him at this critical juncture. If a fight did break out, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might even assist him and the Spirit Hall in utterly overwhelming their enemies.


    Reflecting on this, Dugu Bo realized that his previous worries were unnecessary. Analyzing the situation objectively, most major forces on the continent were connected to him¡ªor rather, to his grandson-in-law. In a direct confrontation, there seemed to be no one they couldn''t defeat.


    The only concern now was guarding against small-time thieves who might try to steal from them.


    Flight-type soul masters, space-type soul masters capable of teleportation, or earth-type soul masters who could burrow underground¡ªall these posed potential threats that needed countermeasures.


    After a brief discussion with Chen Ming, the two began reinforcing the poison formation around the area. Chen Ming even divided a portion of his spiritual power into key nodes of the formation. By combining his soul skills Spirit Control and Evil God''s Power with his own spiritual energy, he transformed the toxic energy at these nodes into theoretical poison element lifeforms that should not exist.


    These poison element lifeforms possessed three extreme attributes: evil, death, and lethal poison. Even though their intelligence was not particularly high, within the poison formation, each one could unleash combat power comparable to that of a Super Douluo.


    There were four such poison element lifeforms in total, corresponding to the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Though Chen Ming knew that his poison formation had nothing to do with the celestial constellations or the Four Divine Beasts, his prior-life knowledge made him habitually use these symbolic shapes when setting up formations.


    While this naming convention did not enhance the formation''s power, it became a habit of his.


    Initially, the poison formation was merely a circle of toxic energy that could fend off ordinary Title Douluo. Super Douluo-level soul masters, if determined, could still break through it with relative ease.


    After reinforcement, however, the poison formation began to resemble a true array. The toxic energy gained miasma-like properties, becoming not only more dangerous but also more stable. It could even slowly convert the surrounding elemental energy to sustain itself, preventing degradation over time.


    This poison formation essentially became a fixed domain of extreme poison, with the four poison element lifeforms as its core. Unless all four were destroyed in quick succession, the domain would remain intact. Even if one poison lifeform was defeated, it could regenerate within the domain and resume its defense.


    Once the poison formation was fortified, it didn''t take long¡ªjust half a day¡ªfor several Soul Douluo- and Soul Sage-level soul masters under the Heaven Dou Empire to gather. Backed by military forces, they set out toward the Sunset Forest.


    Meanwhile, Heaven Dou City mobilized large numbers of its imperial guards to protect the royal palace. Nobles flocked to the imperial court to pay their respects to Emperor Xue Ye and awaited his response to the strange phenomenon. Many low-level soul masters, especially those from small factions or with no affiliations, seized the opportunity to leave Heaven Dou City, eagerly heading toward the Sunset Forest.


    There was no doubt that the changes in Sunset Forest reminded the Heaven Dou Empire''s nobles of the recent events in the Star Dou Forest.


    To most uninformed individuals, it seemed logical that, as one of the three great soul beast habitats on Douluo Continent (as recognized by humans), the Sunset Forest might harbor a significant number of Super Douluo-level soul beasts and even 100,000-year soul beasts, similar to the Star Dou Forest.


    Although experts like Di Tian and the Spirit Hall knew such assumptions were laughable¡ªsince the Star Dou Forest was uniquely special, far beyond the other two hunting grounds¡ªthe emperors and nobles of the two great empires considered this reasoning quite plausible.


    Dugu Bo and Chen Ming flew to the site of the 100,000-year soul beast''s tribulation, hoping to find something unusual. However, what they discovered was a massive crater, as if a chunk of land had been scooped out. There were no remnants of the soul beast, not even traces of its body¡ªonly a deep pit saturated with lingering lightning energy.


    Finding nothing, the two returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This time, Chen Ming brought out another Eight Spider Lance.


    This set of Eight Spider Lances had dropped from a 50,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider. It wasn''t that Chen Ming was unwilling to give Dugu Yan his own Nine-Spider Lance, which had been forged from the core essence of numerous Man-Faced Demon Spiders and had a 90,000-year lifespan. Rather, the issue lay in the distinct energetic difference between 100,000-year and lower-level soul bones.


    While soul bones absorbed into the body were concealed by the soul master''s own energy, making it nearly impossible to distinguish their age, external soul bones like the Eight Spider Lance would inevitably reveal their aura when activated. This could easily attract unwanted attention, even if the external soul bones couldn''t be forcibly taken after absorption.


    After all, in a world like this, desperate individuals with nothing to lose weren''t uncommon.


    Under Dugu Bo''s envious gaze, Chen Ming called Dugu Yan over and assisted her in absorbing and fully refining the Eight Spider Lance into her body.


    Over the following days, Chen Ming absorbed the left arm bone dropped by Chang You (the Sea Monkey) and began experimenting with linking it to his left hand bone. Despite the differences in type and age, progress was slow but steady. He confirmed that with enough effort, even soul bones of varying quality and age could eventually fuse. However, replicating the growth characteristics of external soul bones remained an unresolved problem.


    Absorbing Chang You''s left arm bone also brought him some improvements. His left arm gained enhanced durability, his water attribute evolved into the Ultimate Water attribute, and it resonated with his Ultimate Ice attribute. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for his soul power, even after absorbing the fierce beast soul bone and part of Chang You''s essence, Chen Ming''s level only increased by three, from 71 to 74. However, the two soul skills he gained were excellent.


    The first soul skill from the left arm bone was Beast Command, derived from Chang You''s innate ability. Due to Chen Ming''s unique nature, this skill underwent some changes.


    Chang You''s original Beast Command had two functions: absorbing the souls of soul beasts and using water element power to create vessels for these souls to control in battle.


    Chen Ming''s version was much more versatile. Not only could he create beasts with minimal effort, but the element used didn''t have to be water. He could use fire, earth, or even space elements as carriers. In fact, Chen Ming even experimented with creating with creating beasts powered by spatial energy¡ªand it worked.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [358]

    The second soul skill was comparatively ordinary¡ªit was Chang You''s innate domain, the Magic Sea Domain, a skill that manipulates water elements to boil and erupt explosively, akin to flames and thunder. This skill did indeed offer Chen Ming a boost, as domain-type skills were quite exceptional. However, for now, Chen Ming couldn''t find a situation where he could make use of it.


    After all, to fully unleash the power of this skill, it would have to be used at sea. But Chen Ming had no plans for naval battles at the moment.


    In the following days, a large number of soul masters were drawn to the Sunset Forest, much like sharks catching the scent of blood. They began thoroughly combing through the entire forest, inside and out.


    Even though the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located in a remote area, it was eventually discovered by some of the high-level soul masters due to their extensive probing. However, upon sensing the overwhelming toxicity and aura left by Dugu Bo around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, most of these high-level soul masters wisely chose to avoid it.


    The few who tried to investigate were either poisoned half to death¡ªor fully dead¡ªor were beaten within an inch of their lives, or outright killed by Dugu Bo. Eventually, it became common knowledge among high-level soul masters that Dugu Bo had claimed a piece of land in the Sunset Forest as his personal training grounds. As a result, no one dared to spy on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well anymore.


    At least for this first wave of soul masters arriving at the Sunset Forest, most were either high-level soul masters or locals living around Heaven Dou City. These people had a deep understanding of Dugu Bo''s toxic temper and lethal capabilities.


    As word spread among various groups, the news quickly disseminated throughout the entire Heaven Dou Empire and even began reaching the Star Luo Empire. This drew the attention of numerous factions, large and small, toward the Sunset Forest.


    Inside the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, who had recently attached a 100,000-year soul ring to her second martial soul, reviewed the intelligence report in her hands. Her expression shifted slightly as she pondered the information, before dispatching Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to investigate further.


    Although Bibi Dong had long since stopped trusting those two, she had few trustworthy subordinates available. Moreover, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo performed commendably with no issues during her last hunt for a 100,000-year soul beast. With that in mind, Bibi Dong decided to act as though they were still loyal.


    Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, changes were also underway.


    Upon hearing the news that the Sunset Forest might contain heavenly treasures and multiple 100,000-year soul beasts, Yu Xiaogang''s eyes sparkled with excitement. Setting down the intelligence report, he lifted his head to look at Flender, who was hunched over. His gaze burned with determination.


    "Flender, are you certain? Did treasures appear in the Sunset Forest that could greatly enhance a soul master''s strength?"


    "Of course! Have I ever lied to you, Yu Xiaogang?" Flender responded with a calm exterior, though inwardly, he sighed deeply and felt a twinge of sadness.


    Sigh, even after all these years, Erlong still understands Xiaogang better than I do. Even though I don''t want to do this, Erlong simply can''t wait any longer¡­


    Flender''s heart ached, and the fluctuating emotions caused his lungs to twinge with pain. A nameless surge of anger rose within him, but for the sake of the woman he loved and her love for Yu Xiaogang, Flender forcibly suppressed his emotions and began discussing the situation in the Sunset Forest with Yu Xiaogang.


    After some deliberation, Flender subtly hinted at the idea, and Yu Xiaogang¡ªwho had always been obsessive about improving his strength¡ªexcitedly decided that the entire Shrek Academy would venture into the Sunset Forest to seek the treasures. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After agreeing to Yu Xiaogang''s decision, Flender mentioned, almost in passing, that he had some reliable connections in Heaven Dou City who could assist them. Though Yu Xiaogang was skeptical of Flender''s so-called connections, his excitement prevented him from arguing. Instead, he let Flender handle the logistics as the academy''s dean.


    After Yu Xiaogang left, Flender heavily slammed his fist onto the table, then clutched his chest in pain, his face twisted with agony. It was only after a long while that his expression gradually eased. Reaching under his desk, he pulled out another letter.


    Reading the words within, which were filled with longing, and seeing the signature at the bottom, Flender sighed deeply. "Xiaogang is my brother, and Erlong is my sister. Since Erlong loves Xiaogang, I should help her."


    Though the toxins in his body affected his emotions, after muttering this mantra to himself countless times, Flender somehow managed to stabilize his mood. He reached a state of calmness and clarity that he hadn''t experienced in years.


    Truly, the devotion of a selfless admirer is unparalleled.


    Using Ah Yin''s spiritual connection, Chen Ming observed everything in the room and quietly sighed.


    As for why the Blue Silver Grass could see what was happening inside the office? That was thanks to Flender''s stinginess.


    After all, Flender hadn''t bothered to properly renovate the dean''s office, leaving plants growing in the corners of the room. It was basically like giving someone else free surveillance access!


    Three days later, Yu Xiaogang, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the other teachers, along with Tang San and the Shrek Academy students, packed up all the academy''s belongings and marched grandly toward the Sunset Forest.


    By this time, it had been nearly three months since Tang San absorbed his third soul ring. His spirit power had risen from level 31 to nearly level 32.


    Although his progress had been slowed by things like his external soul bone breaking and regrowing, setbacks from practicing strange techniques, distractions from romance, and Yu Xiaogang''s physical training regimen causing bodily damage, this cultivation speed was still reassuring.


    Not only was Chen Ming satisfied, but Yu Xiaogang and Tang San themselves were also pleased with the pace. After all, when Tang San was in the junior Soul master academy, it took him about four months to advance to one level. For him to maintain this speed at the Soul Elder stage was already quite impressive.


    Due to his excitement, Flender had walked a long way before remembering that he hadn''t yet collected the remaining copper soul coins from the village chief after Shrek''s early termination of their lease. His stinginess triggered intense regret, and he trembled in frustration even while riding in the carriage.


    Two days and two nights after Shrek''s departure, the divine sense of the Asura God within Tang Hao''s mind was activated, triggered by the great distance between Tang Hao and Tang San.


    Realizing that his pawn had wandered hundreds of miles away while Tang Hao was still foolishly recovering from his injuries, the Asura God''s divine sense sighed helplessly. It discreetly repaired part of Tang Hao''s injuries to prevent further deterioration, then urged him to find Tang San and accompany him and Xiao Wu to the Sunset Forest.


    In truth, the Asura God''s divine sense was also curious about what was happening in the Sunset Forest.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [359]

    At this moment in the divine realm, the five God Kings were watching as two deities descended to the mortal world to check on the Soul Beast clan and see if there had been any changes. These two deities were the God of Killing and the God of Pride. At this moment, both of their divine powers were sealed, and their abilities were restricted, but they were fully prepared to enter the mortal realm at any time.


    After briefly summarizing the rules of the divine realm, the God of Destruction, who currently controlled the core of the divine realm, opened a passage to the mortal world. The two deities exchanged glances filled with mutual disdain before stepping into the passage, one after the other.


    Watching the God of Killing disappear, the God of Asura felt a slight relief.


    It''s worth noting that he had placed his ultimate artifact, the Asura Demon Sword, on the pawn in the mortal realm. Even though the God of Killing''s divine power was sealed, as long as he made contact with the artifact, he could break the seal and unleash power equivalent to a first-level god.


    Although he could only strike once, doing so would result in even harsher punishment for the God of Killing for violating the rules of the divine realm. However, a single full-force attack from a first-level god would be sufficient to decide the course of his plans. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The God of Asura glanced at the God of Destruction, and upon noticing nothing unusual about him, he silently sighed in relief. What he didn''t know was that the God of Destruction was secretly mocking him.


    The seal placed on the God of Pride was flimsy and could be torn apart at any moment. Moreover, the God of Pride carried his artifact with him. If the God of Asura were to cause trouble, a fully armed first-level god could provide a tremendous surprise.


    The God of Pride wasn''t alone in this venture; he also brought along several treasures.


    Thinking about the human he had his eye on in the mortal realm, the God of Destruction had contacted the God of Forge the day before. The God of Forge, who had been busy forging since ascending to the divine realm, was quite willing to find a scapegoat or successor. He took out the prepared items for the God of Destruction to send down.


    Thus, the God of Pride not only carried his artifact but also several artifacts from the God of Forge. The God of Destruction was also aware that the Goddess of Life had placed several fruits from ancient life trees in the God of Pride''s pack to allow him to reasonably bring these down to the Douluo World and deliver them to Chen Ming.


    The fruits of the ancient life trees were precious items. Although they didn''t originate from the Goddess of Life''s main body, they were the essence born from the ultimate artifact. Even a regular first-level god consuming one could enhance their essence, while second and third-level gods would see significant improvements.


    However, due to their scarcity, even the five great gods rarely consumed such items, mostly using them for rewards or sharing during grand feasts.


    The energy contained in these few ancient life tree fruits was already sufficient to create a second-level god. Logically speaking, they should never be casually brought to the mortal realm for mortals to consume.


    In summary, both the Goddess of Life and the God of Destruction were being extremely cautious.


    While a significant part of their concern stemmed from their belief in Chen Ming''s potential, it was unclear how much of it was because Chen Ming was a vessel for some of the power of the God of Destruction and the Goddess of Life.


    The passage between the divine realm and the Douluo World was special. Given the situation of the two deities, although they entered one after the other, they were traveling through two separate paths simultaneously towards the Douluo World. This process would take about three hours in the divine realm, equivalent to three months in the Douluo World.


    The Douluo Divine Realm occupied a unique position, partly above Douluo Star but not entirely. This was a leftover issue from history, and the current gods could only patch the system, as it couldn''t be fully improved. Sometimes, it was even more convenient to fly directly down.


    However, this was the system, and there was no way around it. Right now, the five great gods were struggling to maintain the operation of the divine realm, with no ability to fix bugs.


    In any case, if things got desperate, they could forcefully descend, and the issues weren''t too serious. Therefore, this historical leftover issue had never been addressed.


    Within the passage between the divine realm and the Douluo World, the God of Killing sighed in relief, pondering the plans his master, the God of Asura, had shared with him, feeling quite anxious. He feared that if things were exposed, both he and his master would face severe punishment from the other four great gods. Meanwhile, the God of Pride, who had initially appeared angry, patted his chest where a spatial artifact was stored, containing many prohibited items that shouldn''t have been taken to the mortal realm.


    The Goddess of Life had stuffed in some fruits, the God of Destruction had added some destructive power, the God of Forge had contributed several artifacts, and the other six sins gods had each given him some defensive items. Due to their brotherly relationships, each sin god provided him with top-notch items.


    With everyone contributing some contraband, the most reasonable item on the God of Pride was ironically the main artifact that he secretly took down.


    In summary, the items he brought down were quite taboo. Had the God of Asura discovered them earlier, the God of Pride feared being imprisoned in the divine realm''s jail. Essentially, he was now a massive arsenal; even if he confronted a divine king, he believed he could hold his own for a while.


    Don''t ask; just know it''s a fantastic collection of items.


    In the divine realm, the God of Destruction and the God of Asura exchanged a bland glance, then greeted each other before parting ways. The God of Destruction returned to the divine hall to handle divine affairs, while the God of Asura went back to his hall to daydream.


    However, in their respective halls, both were secretly mocking each other''s foolishness.


    In the vast divine realm, it seemed that nearly all the divine kings were exploiting the loopholes in the divine system. If this were to be revealed, one could only imagine what the other deities in the divine realm would think.


    Meanwhile, during this time in the divine realm, Shrek''s group had been traveling in a carriage for nearly a month and finally arrived at Heaven Dou City.


    The area outside the Sunset Forest was now surrounded by troops from the Heaven Dou Empire, with a large number of soul masters exploring the area. Over the past month, numerous soul masters had made tireless efforts, and indeed, some remarkable discoveries had been made in the Sunset Forest.


    The latest news reported that the master of the Black Tiger Sect had taken down a 70,000-year-old Diamond Tiger and acquired a soul bone, thus becoming a new titled Douluo on the continent, with the title of Black Tiger.


    In addition, some high-level soul masters had discovered traces of 100,000-year-old soul beasts active inside the Sunset Forest. The closest sects to Heaven Dou City and the Sunset Forest, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Elephant Armor Sect, had already begun a full-scale hunt for these 100,000-year-old soul beasts.


    If any of these 100,000-year-old soul beasts were killed, their soul bones would allow a soul douluo to become a titled douluo in a short period, further changing the power dynamics of the world.


    Although since the exposure of the super douluo with double martial souls and titled douluo, the value of titled douluo seemed diminished, they remained among the top-tier powerful soul masters.


    Due to the immense attention the Sunset Forest had garnered, the Heaven Dou Empire now imposed strict regulations on entering the forest. Not only did they deploy their own troops and soul masters affiliated with the Heaven Dou Empire, but they also received covert support from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan.


    Now, to enter the Sunset Forest, one had to pay a security deposit and obtain a pass through connection. The Sunset Forest had essentially become a large soul-hunting ground.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [360]

    When the Shrek team first arrived, they had no idea about the situation. They headed straight for the Sunset Forest, only to be stopped by the army outside and suffer a setback. Even though Flender displayed his Soul Sage-level power, the soldiers guarding the forest entrance still didn''t let them pass and instead directed them to a special location in Heaven Dou City to obtain the necessary permits. Upon learning that each hunting permit would cost 100 gold spirit coins, Flender''s eyes turned green with anger, and he almost led the Shrek team to force their way in. It was Zhao Wuji, summoning his martial soul, who managed to physically hold Flender back.


    However, Zhao Wuji''s Bear martial soul seemed to remind the soldiers of something, scaring him enough to drag Flender away by his wings.


    It was no joke¡ªSoul Sages were indeed powerful, but even they couldn''t disregard the might of the army. Even if Zhao Wuji activated his martial soul avatar and fought with all his strength, two or three thousand fully armed elite soldiers could take him down. Even a Title Douluo, who was said to be capable of defeating ten thousand enemies, would still have to make way for a properly equipped army. Otherwise, Dugu Bo wouldn''t have earned the nickname Continental Bully for preying on weaker opponents.


    Moreover, there were currently many Soul Sages gathered in this area, along with a considerable number of Soul Douluos, and even some hidden Title Douluos. To act recklessly now would truly be suicidal.


    After Zhao Wuji metaphorically poured several buckets of cold water over him, Flender finally calmed down and remembered the main purpose of their trip. After tidying his clothes, he led the group into the city.


    At first, Flender planned to arrange accommodations for everyone at an inn and then take Yu Xiaogang to meet Liu Erlong without involving the others in their reunion. However, when he found out how much the inn prices had skyrocketed, Flender touched his wallet and decided to disturb his little sister Erlong instead.


    Under Flender''s leadership, the group arrived at the gates of Blue Tyrant Academy. Seeing the unfamiliar group, the gatekeeper immediately tried to block them, but Flender took out a token and waved it in front of him.


    Upon recognizing the token and recalling his superior''s instructions, the gatekeeper immediately opened the way and instructed a colleague to lead them.


    Under the guidance of the gatekeeper, the Shrek group was brought to a small courtyard. After whispering a few words to the guard at the courtyard gate, the latter''s expression immediately changed. He gave a slight bow to Flender and Yu Xiaogang before rushing into the academy.


    Two or three minutes later, the courtyard gate was violently pushed open from the inside, and a woman in red ran out.


    The moment Flender and Yu Xiaogang saw her, their expressions changed. Flender smiled, while Yu Xiaogang looked terrified, instinctively trying to move behind Flender to hide. However, Flender quickly stepped aside, leaving him exposed.


    "Xiaogang! Big Brother!"


    The woman in red was none other than Liu Erlong, the Killing Horn of the former Golden Iron Triangle. She was also the one who had instructed Flender to bring Yu Xiaogang to her.


    "Flender, you lied to me!" Yu Xiaogang turned to Flender and shouted angrily when he saw Liu Erlong standing before him.


    "I didn''t lie to you. I told you I had connections here in Heaven Dou City." Flender''s eyes briefly flashed with pain and anger as he looked at Yu Xiaogang scolding him, but he quickly suppressed it and acted as if nothing had happened.


    Looking at Liu Erlong, who was even more beautiful and mature compared to when they had last parted, Yu Xiaogang fell silent. He seemed torn¡ªwanting to run away but lacking the courage to do so.


    Yu Xiaogang was someone full of contradictions and cowardice. When facing people who cared for him, he could vent his anger without hesitation. However, when facing strangers or those stronger than him, he would show his weakness.


    Back then, he had left in a fit of rage. Now, after years of setbacks and ridicule, he was no longer the same person. He wanted to leave, but his eyes lingered on Liu Erlong as if expecting something.


    Without hesitation, Liu Erlong grabbed Yu Xiaogang by the shoulder and dragged him into the courtyard, inviting Flender and the others to follow.


    As Flender explained and Liu Erlong occasionally chimed in, the Shrek group gradually understood the history between the three of them. They were once the famed Golden Iron Triangle, with Liu Erlong in love with Yu Xiaogang and Flender in love with Liu Erlong. However, the three had been separated for many years and had only now reunited.


    As for the fact that Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were cousins, Flender wasn''t foolish enough to bring it up, Liu Erlong deliberately forgot about it, and Yu Xiaogang remained silent, walking ahead quietly.


    A few hours later, Flender successfully obtained the permits for entry into the Sunset Forest from Liu Erlong. She also proposed that Flender and Yu Xiaogang stay at Blue Tyrant Academy permanently, offering to hand over the principal position to Flender and rename the academy to Shrek Academy.


    Having lost some of his pride after becoming a partial cripple and seeing his direct disciple completely ruined, Flender was less arrogant than he had been in the original story. After only a brief hesitation, he agreed. Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, initially wanted to refuse, but Flender persuaded him by saying, "You don''t want your disciples to miss the chance to compete in the Soul Master Tournament, do you?"


    After arranging rooms for the Shrek team and planning to let them rest for a day before heading to the Sunset Forest in search of opportunities, a teacher at Blue Tyrant Academy¡ªwho had been with the academy since its founding¡ªsecretly sent out a message.


    After multiple rounds of passing and relaying, the message reached the temporary camp of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan outside the Sunset Forest that very night. Sitting inside a tent, Yu Luomian, holding the note, almost had his hair stand on end as his aura as a Title Douluo erupted.


    If not for his duties guarding the camp and preparing to receive others, Yu Luomian would have rushed back to Heaven Dou City immediately to give Yu Xiaogang, that ungrateful fool, a good beating.


    He couldn''t let a wild boar ruin his precious cabbage! How could he feel at ease knowing his daughter, Liu Erlong, was with Yu Xiaogang for even one night?


    Liu Erlong had only regained her vitality recently thanks to Yu Luomian''s support after he broke through to Title Douluo and risked his life to save his elder brother, Yu Yuanzhen. His improved strength and status meant he no longer had to endure the elders of the clan and could openly support Blue Tyrant Academy.


    Who would have thought that his daughter, after gaining his support, would bring back Yu Xiaogang as her first course of action?! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    PS: I thought this guy died.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [361]

    After learning that Yu Xiaogang was heading to the Sunset Forest, Yu Luomian sent a large number of people to search for traces of Blue Tyrant Academy and Yu Xiaogang outside the forest. On the third day, the members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan successfully intercepted Liu Erlong, Yu Xiaogang, and their group.


    Upon seeing the soul masters clad in the attire of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Liu Erlong''s expression changed instantly, her entire being shifting into a combat-ready stance.


    Seeing this, Flender and Yu Xiaogang also summoned their martial souls.


    Luo Sanpao, Fire Dragon, and Owl¡ªthree martial souls of different types and grades¡ªgathered together. The soul power of the three individuals faintly resonated, as if they could enter a martial soul fusion technique at any moment.


    Although it had been many years since they last saw each other, and there were unresolved issues and unfamiliar emotions between them, the martial soul fusion technique was an unreasonable ability that ignored such barriers.


    In the moment their soul power resonated, the three seemed to sense each other''s emotions, and the estrangement caused by time and separation began to fade.


    However, before the three could fully rejoice, both they and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters blocking their path felt a powerful surge of thunderous energy filled with immense dragon might rapidly approaching.


    In that instant, Yu Xiaogang''s face lit up with joy, while Liu Erlong''s expression turned bitter. The stark contrast in their reactions left Flender utterly confused.


    The truth was that, due to his long estrangement from the clan and the fact that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had not publicized much information, Yu Xiaogang believed that the clan only had one titled Douluo¡ªhis father.


    Since Yu Luomian was Yu Yuanzhen''s younger brother and their auras were quite similar, combined with the fact that Yu Xiaogang had not seen his father in decades when he sensed Yu Luomian''s aura, he mistakenly thought that his father had come to find him.


    On the other hand, Liu Erlong, who had recently seen Yu Yuanzhen, immediately recognized that the aura belonged to Yu Luomian, her father, and her expression grew even more bitter.


    With a flash of lightning, a man radiating an overwhelming presence of dragon might and thunder appeared between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters and the Shrek group. Upon seeing the man''s familiar face, Yu Xiaogang could not contain his excitement. He stepped forward under the man''s astonished gaze and grabbed his hand.


    "Father."


    Hearing Yu Xiaogang''s heartfelt greeting, Yu Luomian was silent for about a second before flying into a rage. Despite not being in peak condition, the aura Yu Luomian unleashed in his fury was even more intense than the moment he had once blocked an attack for his elder brother.


    "You bastard!"


    Smack!


    Yu Luomian slapped Yu Xiaogang across the face, sending him spinning through the air three times. His neck twisted at an unnatural angle, all his teeth flew out of his mouth, and the bones in his face were visibly caved in.


    If not for Yu Luomian holding back out of respect for his elder brother, Yu Xiaogang''s head would have burst like an overripe watermelon.


    Even so, the slap carried a fusion of his soul power and spiritual power, forming the rudimentary shape of a battle technique. As a result, Yu Xiaogang fell into a deep coma. His martial soul Luo Sanpao completely shattered, and he was left barely clinging to life, breathing faintly.


    Seeing this, both Liu Erlong and Flender instantly erupted into a blood rage. They activated their seventh soul rings, releasing the full power of their martial soul avatars, ready to risk everything in a fight to the death with Yu Luomian¡ªeven if he was a titled Douluo, even if he was Liu Erlong''s father.


    Under normal circumstances, Yu Luomian might have tried to explain himself upon seeing Liu Erlong''s fury. If that failed, he might have fought back. But Yu Xiaogang''s earlier "Father" had not only enraged Yu Luomian but also completely fried his mental circuits.


    After all, for Yu Luomian, who had always worried that his daughter might have become involved with someone as useless as Yu Xiaogang, Yu Xiaogang''s mistaken greeting had hit him right in his deepest, most sensitive nerve.


    Anyone with a functioning brain would have their mental circuits fry in such a situation. And for someone like Yu Luomian, whose thinking had always been a bit erratic and who occasionally did outrageous things, it was no exception. Despite being the steward of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and responsible for strategic matters, all his intellect at this moment was screaming for him to unleash the full power of a titled Douluo.


    Seeing that Liu Erlong and Flender dared to attack him for Yu Xiaogang, Yu Luomian exploded with rage. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If not for his injuries preventing him from fully activating his martial soul avatar, Yu Luomian would have used it already.


    Facing the two in their martial soul avatar states, Yu Luomian roared, his eighth soul ring lighting up as he unleashed a devastating attack.


    "Eighth Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Annihilation Wave!"


    Under the power of a titled Douluo''s eighth soul skill, the Fire Dragon Avatar and Owl Avatar were like paper, instantly shattered by the raging thunder. Liu Erlong and Flender lost consciousness, coughing up blood as they plummeted from the sky.


    As Liu Erlong was about to hit the ground, Yu Luomian''s heart softened. In a flash, he caught Liu Erlong before she could land, but he let Flender crash into the ground.


    Yu Luomian had assumed that Flender, as a Soul Sage, would survive the fall, albeit with severe injuries. However, to his shock, Flender''s aura plummeted sharply after landing, nearing the same precarious state as Yu Xiaogang.


    Yu Luomian froze for a moment before letting out a sharp, piercing cry.


    Severe injuries were acceptable. Even being crippled was tolerable.


    But they couldn''t die! If either of them died, his relationship with his daughter would be irreparable. If both Yu Xiaogang and Flender died, his daughter would hate him for the rest of her life!


    "Healing soul masters! Healing soul masters, get over here now!"


    As Yu Luomian called for healing-type soul masters, the Shrek Academy group, who had been held back earlier, saw the scene unfold.


    Looking at the three gravely injured individuals and the arrogant and domineering Yu Luomian, Zhao Wuji, Lu Qibin, and the other teachers were furious. They summoned their martial souls and charged at Yu Luomian.


    Meanwhile, Tang San glanced at Yu Luomian''s nine soul rings, his expression briefly silent. His hands instinctively reached for his soul tool to retrieve his hidden weapons, but he stopped himself before mobilizing his soul power.


    "I haven''t crafted the Tang Sect''s top-tier hidden weapons yet, and my strength is insufficient. I would be powerless against a titled Douluo. I should focus on taking care of my teacher."


    Tang San consoled himself and prepared to help Yu Xiaogang. However, before he could take a step, Xiao Wu, hiding behind him, tugged on his clothes and whispered in a trembling voice.


    "Brother San, I''m scared. Please don''t go."


    Looking back at Xiao Wu, whose eyes were brimming with tears and whose body was trembling, Tang San paused. After a moment of silence, he stopped walking toward Yu Xiaogang and used his body to shield Xiao Wu.


    "Don''t worry, Xiao Wu. As long as I''m here, no one will hurt you."


    PS: Weird chapter.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [362]

    In the eyes of the Title Douluo, if Flender and Liu Erlong were considered weaklings, then the teachers of Shrek Academy were nothing more than bottom-tier. Apart from Zhao Wuji who had managed to endure a single strike of the Thunder Dragon Claw by activating his Martial Soul Avatar and was then knocked unconscious by a follow-up strike, the others didn''t even last a single exchange. They were sprawled on the ground, coughing up blood, their martial souls shattered.


    This one-sided massacre left Shao Xin, who had summoned his Sugar Bean Martial Soul and was ready to provide support to his teammates at any moment, utterly speechless.


    Glancing at the sugar beans in Shao Xin''s hands and the soul rings on his body, Yu Luomian fell silent for a moment. Then, he walked up to Shao Xin with a kind smile.


    "A Food-Type Soul Sage? Do you have healing abilities?"


    "Yes, yes!" Shao Xin nodded frantically, terrified that this Title Douluo, who had just overwhelmed his entire group, might kill him, a support-type soul master, on a whim.


    "Damn it, then hurry up and produce sugar beans! Use your Martial Soul Avatar if you have to. If anyone dies, I''ll let you experience the Thunder Dragon Claw for yourself."


    "Yes! Yes! Right away!" Shao Xin, looking at the blue lightning crackling on Yu Luomian''s arm, nodded so hard it seemed like his neck might snap. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though Shao Xin couldn''t understand why this Title Douluo, who had just nearly killed his team, was now more invested in healing them than a support-type soul master like himself, his survival instincts forced him to comply. He began producing sugar beans as fast as he could.


    Once his Martial Soul Avatar was activated, the consumption of his first six soul skills was reduced by 30%, and the skills had no cooldown. Sugar beans could be produced without incantations, and their effects were doubled.


    Shao Xin frantically created sugar beans¡ªhealing ones, ones to restore soul power¡ªand within moments, he had produced dozens, completely draining his soul power in the process.


    Yu Luomian unceremoniously grabbed half of the sugar beans and began stuffing them one by one into Liu Erlong''s mouth. Watching this, Shao Xin, who was panting heavily from the soul power depletion, suddenly received a kick from Yu Luomian.


    Even though it wasn''t a hard kick, it still caused the exhausted Shao Xin to stagger. Fortunately, Oscar mustered his courage and helped steady him before he could collapse.


    "A support-type soul master with no sense of urgency¡ªgo feed them the sugar beans."


    "Yes, yes!" Wiping the sweat from his face, Shao Xin allowed Oscar to support him as he made his way over and fed the sugar beans to the others one by one.


    The sugar beans were easy to digest, so there was no risk of choking. They were effective as soon as they entered the mouth.


    Under normal circumstances, with his Martial Soul Avatar fully activated, Shao Xin should have been able to restore one or two people to full health. However, half of the sugar beans had been snatched by Yu Luomian, and there were simply too many injured people. As a result, the sugar beans could only stabilize their conditions to prevent further deterioration.


    Out of options, Shao Xin nudged Oscar with his elbow, and Oscar immediately understood. He summoned his sausages and broke them into small pieces, feeding them to the others.


    This was a new method Oscar had developed for his sausages after much thought following a previous incident.


    Watching this scene unfold, Tang San subconsciously touched the corner of his mouth before glancing at Dai Mubai, lost in thought.


    At this moment, Xiao Wu was hiding behind Tang San. If Yu Luomian had taken a closer look, he might have noticed that she was a transformed 100,000-year-old soul beast. However, Yu Luomian''s attention was scattered. His mind was spinning rapidly, most of his focus on Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang, as though his mental CPU was about to overheat. He had no time to carefully examine the young people, let alone discover that Xiao Wu was a 100,000-year soul beast.


    It''s hard to say whether this oversight was due to Tang San''s extraordinary luck, which caused Yu Xiaogang to unwittingly shield Xiao Wu from harm, or because Yu Luomian had been seriously injured by Tang Hao after recently advancing to Title Douluo and had yet to recover fully, leaving him blind to such details. Either way, the title of Blind Douluo was now inevitable.


    Regardless, the fact that Yu Luomian failed to notice Xiao Wu''s true identity as a transformed 100,000-year soul beast was a relief to Tang Hao, though it also left him feeling puzzled.


    Not long ago, in the Star Dou Forest, Tang Hao had detonated his rings during an ambush on Yu Yuanzhen, only for Yu Luomian to take the blow with his Martial Soul Avatar. Even though it wasn''t his full power, a sudden attack like that should have left Yu Luomian either dead or seriously injured and unconscious for at least a year or two.


    Yet, here Yu Luomian was, acting as though nothing had happened. Could it be that the Nine Heart Begonia family had happened to be nearby and healed him?


    If that was the case, then hadn''t Tang Hao''s ring explosion been wasted? Worse, he might have inadvertently created another enemy for the Clear Sky Clan!


    Even though relations between the Clear Sky Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were already strained, the thought still infuriated Tang Hao.


    "Damn it, Nine Heart Begonia, you''ve chosen the path of death."


    "Ye Renxin, you ungrateful fool! You dared to save someone who should have died." Tang Hao muttered to himself, a deep malice welling up in his heart.


    Although the Clear Sky Clan had indeed benefited from Nine Heart Begonia''s healing in the past, Tang Hao felt that it was only natural for their healers to treat Clear Sky Clan members. After all, the clan had paid Gold Soul Coins as compensation, making it a fair transaction rather than a favor.


    Thinking of the Nine Heart Begonia''s healing abilities and feeling the worsening injuries in his body caused by his ring explosion, Tang Hao''s anger boiled over, and a sinister idea began to take shape.


    After all, the Nine Heart Begonia Clan didn''t have any strong fighters, only a reputation for their healing abilities. Most of the attention in Heaven Dou City was currently focused on the Sunset Forest.


    With his current power, Tang Hao could infiltrate the Nine Heart Begonia Clan, force Ye Renxin to heal him, and then abduct Ye Renxin and the clan''s successor to the Clear Sky Clan.


    Given that the clan had been in seclusion for so many years, the outside world had little knowledge of their internal affairs. If he brought the Nine Heart Begonia healers back to the clan, no one would suspect the Clear Sky Clan of wrongdoing.


    It was said that the current Nine Heart Begonia successor was a woman. If he brought her back to the clan, she could even marry one of the younger elites, ensuring that the Nine Heart Begonia''s unparalleled healing abilities would be passed down within the Clear Sky Clan.


    This way, Tang Hao thought, he could atone for some of the damage he had caused to the Clear Sky Clan.


    "I''ll wait until I can sneak Xiao San and that little rabbit out of here, then I''ll go pay a visit to Nine Heart Begonia."


    "Back then, their attempt to heal Qian Xunji was already a death sentence. Whatever goodwill existed between them and the Clear Sky Clan is long gone. Today, they''ve once again overstepped by healing Yu Luomian. Their demise is certain. Sparing the Nine Heart Begonia and bringing them into the Clear Sky Clan would already be a mercy."


    Tang Hao continued to plot while stealthily following the group of soul masters, along with Tang San and Xiao Wu, as they made their way toward the temporary camp of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [363]

    Actually, upon learning that Shrek and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had clashed, Chen Ming, who had been prepared in advance, immediately emerged from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with Dugu Bo, quietly observing everything. At this point, Dugu Bo''s soul power had already reached peak level 96, nearing level 97. However, considering all the enhancements to his abilities, his actual strength was even greater than that of a typical level 97 Titled Douluo. The two of them secretly observed everything, and neither Yu Luomian nor Tang Hao noticed their presence at all.


    By the time they arrived, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had already brought Shrek into their temporary camp. Yu Xiaogang and his companions were taken into the main tent by Yu Luomian, while Zhao Wuji and the others were tossed aside to be guarded. Only Tang San and the other students, who appeared to have little strength, were casually guarded in the open by the clan''s soul masters.


    Because the higher-ranking soul masters, such as Zhao Wuji, required stricter supervision, fewer people were assigned to oversee Tang San''s group¡ªjust two Soul Emperors and four or five Soul Kings.


    This time, Dugu Bo, whose spiritual power was three to four times stronger than that of a typical level 91 soul master, was no fool. He recognized Xiao Wu''s true form and kept marveling at the misfortune of this little rabbit for having crossed paths with Tang Hao.


    After secretly following them to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s temporary camp, both Tang Hao and Chen Ming, along with Dugu Bo, encountered some challenges in their surveillance. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tang Hao anxiously waited, prepared to take action at any moment to rescue Xiao Wu and Tang San. Meanwhile, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo used a different method to spy on the situation.


    Using spiritual power to observe would inevitably be detected, especially since Yu Luomian was a Titled Douluo. Even if he wasn''t actively using his abilities, he would still sense the prolonged gaze. However, Chen Ming''s spiritual power had already transcended into the realm of divine sense, which was far beyond ordinary spiritual power.


    Through Chen Ming''s deliberate surveillance, both he and Dugu Bo witnessed what was happening inside the tent.


    Yu Luomian sat in the main seat, while beside him sat Liu Erlong, who was still physically weak. She glared at her father while leaning powerlessly against her chair, her teeth clenched tightly. Although she had regained her ability to move and her soul power had not been sealed, Liu Erlong, sitting beside Yu Luomian, dared not show any signs of aggression.


    After all, not long ago, Yu Luomian, in a fit of rage, had shattered her martial soul''s true form with a single strike. The pain of her martial soul breaking still weighed heavily on her mind.


    If not for the fact that she knew Yu Luomian would never kill her, Liu Erlong wouldn''t have dared to show even the slightest defiance.


    If it were another Titled Douluo sitting in the main seat, even if Liu Erlong were filled with anger, she would have to feign politeness on the surface for the sake of her life, as well as that of Yu Xiaogang and Flender.


    As for Yu Xiaogang and Flender, although the healing-type soul masters had saved their lives, their treatment was much worse.


    Flender''s soul power had been sealed, and he was tied to a chair, completely powerless. Even after opening his mouth for a long time, he couldn''t muster the strength to say a single word.


    This was already a result of Yu Luomian showing some leniency, as Flender had taken care of his daughter and tried to comfort her in the past. Otherwise, Flender''s situation might have been even worse.


    As for Yu Xiaogang, the biological son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s patriarch and Yu Luomian''s nephew, he was wrapped entirely in bandages like a mummy and placed on the ground.


    Thanks to the considerate healing soul masters, Yu Xiaogang, whose face and neck had suffered the most severe injuries, was now conscious. He even had a set of false teeth fitted into his mouth, pieced together from the ones that had been knocked out earlier, allowing him to speak with great difficulty.


    But still...


    Yu Xiaogang could only speak now. The rest of his body, apart from his head, had no sensation at all. Forget using soul power¡ªhe couldn''t even move a single finger. Being viewed from above, especially by people he cared about, utterly shattered Yu Xiaogang''s pride. It felt as though ten thousand diamond mammoths had trampled on his dignity. If his martial soul and soul power hadn''t been sealed, Yu Xiaogang would have summoned Luo San Pao to end his own life with one blast.


    Well...


    After imagining how history would record him if he were killed by his martial soul, Yu Xiaogang fell silent for a moment and decided not to dwell on such thoughts for now.


    However, thanks to the healing soul masters'' explanations, Yu Xiaogang learned that the person who had slapped him earlier and was now sitting in the main seat wasn''t his long-absent father, Yu Yuanzhen, but his second uncle, Yu Luomian.


    Although his mind was twisted and his personality warped, Yu Xiaogang could still figure out why his second uncle had slapped him the moment they met.


    Even so, Yu Xiaogang was utterly indignant about it. If it weren''t for the bandages covering his face, concealing his expression, anyone could have seen the anger and stubbornness written all over it.


    In his view, he hadn''t done anything with Liu Erlong, so his second uncle''s actions were nothing more than an outlet for his frustration.


    What''s more, his second uncle was sitting in the main seat, showing off his Titled Douluo-level strength. It was evident that Yu Luomian had treacherous intentions and wanted to usurp Yu Yuanzhen''s position. He must have mistreated himself to undermine his father''s authority!


    Such malicious targeting!


    When his father returned, he would report his second uncle''s rebellious behavior and demand that his father properly punish him, making it clear that even as a Titled Douluo, Yu Luomian was only the second-in-command of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!


    Yu Luomian and Liu Erlong were in the middle of a heated argument.


    Yu Luomian roared again and again, insisting that Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were cousins and could not possibly marry!


    In response to Yu Luomian''s roaring, Liu Erlong fiercely retorted, "You never loved me! I never thought of you as my father!"


    No matter how Yu Luomian tried to reason with her or appeal to her emotions, Liu Erlong countered with the claim that there was no familial bond between them and that she didn''t want any connection to this bloodline.


    Using divine sense to observe and broadcasting everything to Dugu Bo, Chen Ming could see clearly that Yu Luomian''s fists clenched and relaxed repeatedly. He nearly lost control of his emotions several times and almost summoned his martial soul. His face was now flushed red, like a piece of burning iron.


    If not for the strong physical constitution of high-level soul masters, Yu Luomian might have already suffered a stroke from sheer rage.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [364]

    Does Yu Luomian love Liu Erlong and Liu Erlong''s mother?


    Of course, he does. It could even be said that Liu Erlong''s mother was the woman Yu Luomian loved most in his entire life. He didn''t care at all that she had once been a courtesan and cherished her as the love of his life.


    At that time, Yu Luomian did have a wife, and he did indeed love her. But their marriage could only be described as a compromise at best.


    After all, in soul master families, much like in noble families, arranged marriages were very common. His marriage with his wife was one based on status, and while the two didn''t dislike each other, it couldn''t be considered genuine love. Everything had been arranged by their families. Once they had a child, it was like completing a task.


    Yu Luomian seeking out his true love might sound improper, but in that era, it was actually a relatively normal thing.


    However, the problem was that his background and status made it impossible for him to bring a courtesan into the clan, no matter how much he loved Liu Erlong''s mother. At that time, his strength and position weren''t enough to allow him to do such a thing.


    To be clear, back then, Yu Luomian was still young and far from his current level of power and status. Within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he was only an elder at the Soul Sage level. There were many elders and seniors ranked above him.


    The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was extremely proud and valued their bloodline immensely. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only would they refuse to allow someone improper to enter their clan, but they would also actively eliminate any illegitimate bloodlines left outside the clan.


    Back then, Yu Luomian had to work very hard to hide Liu Erlong and her mother in a small town, where he provided them with the best care possible. He ensured their existence was kept secret to prevent the clan from taking action against them.


    When he discovered that Liu Erlong''s martial soul had awakened as a Fire Dragon instead of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Yu Luomian felt both disappointment and relief. He was disappointed because it meant he couldn''t formally bring Liu Erlong and her mother into the clan registry. However, he was relieved because it meant his daughter wouldn''t have to face the same restrictions he did within the clan. As her father, he could give her as much freedom as possible.


    Later on, even when there were tensions between father and daughter, Yu Luomian still did everything he could to clean up her messes. Though he never appeared openly, he secretly dealt with countless problems behind the scenes.


    For example, when the Golden Iron Triangle roamed the continent, their eccentric personalities and their use of the Triangular Martial Soul Fusion Technique attracted many enemies. Quite a few people wanted to quietly kill one of them to retaliate against the other two. It was Yu Luomian who stepped in to deal with these threats.


    It could be said that while the Golden Iron Triangle was blazing a path forward, Yu Luomian was quietly cleaning up the mess behind them.


    At that time, it wasn''t just about his daughter. He was also looking after his nephew, Yu Xiaogang. After all, before Yu Xiaogang left the clan, his relationship with Yu Luomian had been quite good. Yu Xiaogang''s soul rings were even obtained with Yu Luomian''s help.


    After Yu Xiaogang left the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to join Spirit Hall, many people wanted to label him as a traitor and have him killed in the future. It was Yu Luomian who stood by Yu Yuanzhen''s side, despite not knowing how to justify it, that prevented the clan from sending someone to assassinate Yu Xiaogang.


    Even when Yu Xiaogang left Spirit Hall and roamed the continent, it was Yu Luomian who gritted his teeth and sent people to protect him, ensuring he wasn''t killed early on.


    To be honest, from Yu Luomian''s perspective, it didn''t matter if Liu Erlong fell in love with Flender. Although it would leave him a bit sad, he would still support his daughter''s choice.


    After all, although Flender wasn''t particularly handsome, he did have decent talent. He was shrewd and frugal but deeply loyal. He truly cared for Liu Erlong, so Yu Luomian believed she wouldn''t face serious problems in the future.


    However, he simply couldn''t understand why his perfectly fine daughter, as if brainwashed by some illusion spell, would fall for someone like Yu Xiaogang¡ªand be so devoted to him at that.


    Moreover, Yu Xiaogang, that fool who called himself a theory master, had read countless materials in both the clan and Spirit Hall. Yet, he still failed to recognize that Liu Erlong''s Fire Dragon martial soul was a variation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.


    That idiot. Yu Luomian had sent people to hint at this dozens of times. He even arranged for soul masters in the clan with Fire Dragon variations to appear around them, yet that fool just acted like he didn''t see it.


    (To be fair, Yu Xiaogang wasn''t pretending not to see it¡ªhe genuinely couldn''t understand the connection between the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the Fire Dragon.)


    As the two were about to get married, Yu Luomian had no way to step in and sabotage the wedding. He could only follow behind Liu Erlong, cleaning up her messes. After the wedding was disrupted, Liu Erlong flew into a rage and massacred an entire soul beast forest. Again, it was Yu Luomian who cleaned up, spending money to silence witnesses and prevent Liu Erlong from being labeled a fallen one and sent to the Slaughter City by Spirit Hall.


    Later, when she finally calmed down and decided to focus on the education field, Yu Luomian gritted his teeth and spent everything he had to establish Blue Tyrant Academy for her.


    However, because this academy brought no benefits to the clan and even required clan resources to maintain, Yu Luomian was nearly ousted from his position as the second-in-command. It was only thanks to his elder brother, Yu Yuanzhen, stepping out of seclusion to bear the pressure that he managed to hold his position. Yu Yuanzhen even hoped to help Liu Erlong move on from Yu Xiaogang.


    Recently, Yu Luomian, who had reached Level 89, broke through to become a Title Douluo after absorbing a soul bone obtained by Yu Yuanzhen during a hunt in the Star Dou Forest. He became the second Title Douluo in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    During a later hunt for the Azure Bull Python, Yu Luomian even risked his life to take a fatal blow for his elder brother, Yu Yuanzhen. This act solidified his unshakable position within the clan. In some ways, he had become the second of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. With Yu Yuanzhen''s indifference to power, Yu Luomian''s presence even overshadowed that of the clan leader.


    The first thing Yu Luomian did after returning to the clan was to arrange for Liu Erlong and her mother to be added to the clan registry. He also doubled the resources allocated to Blue Tyrant Academy to make up for his love and devotion to Liu Erlong and her mother.


    He then personally moved his lover''s grave into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s ancestral grounds, forcing the burial of a former courtesan into the clan that valued bloodlines above all else.


    After all this, he secretly visited Blue Tyrant Academy to talk to Liu Erlong, sharing his thoughts and actions from over the years. This finally helped the emotionally closed-off Liu Erlong return to a semblance of normalcy, easing the strained relationship between father and daughter.


    At this moment, as Liu Erlong repeatedly rebuked him with words like "I only need Xiaogang; I don''t need an irresponsible father," the decades of suppressed anger in Yu Luomian nearly erupted.


    No love? No care? No family bond?


    His eldest son hadn''t spoken to him for a long time after learning the extent of his care for Liu Erlong. And that was supposed to be "no love or care"?


    His wife, upon finding out he had moved Liu Erlong''s mother''s grave into the clan, had, for the first time in decades, unleashed her fury on him. With the strength of a Soul Sage, she summoned her martial soul avatar and chased him¡ªa Title Douluo¡ªaround, even demolishing half their home in the process. It took immense effort to barely placate her.


    Yu Luomian believed that everything he had done over the years was enough to make up for what he owed Liu Erlong.


    Did she think his cultivation resources just fell from the sky? That all the people who helped him were kind souls? That Lan Ba Academy was established purely by chance?


    More than half of his wealth and a third of his energy over the years had been spent on her!


    Looking at Liu Erlong''s face, Yu Luomian repeatedly reminded himself that this was the child of the woman he loved most¡ªthe only thing she had entrusted to him before her death. He owed her too much. Only then did he barely resist the urge to slap Liu Erlong and knock out all her teeth.


    But Liu Erlong, consumed by her love-struck obsession, remained oblivious as she continued her verbal assault on her father.


    Seeing Yu Luomian''s flushed face and clenched fists, Flender, who had somewhat regained his strength, could only open his mouth to try to calm Liu Erlong down and speak on Yu Luomian''s behalf. His efforts barely kept the situation from escalating into a fight.


    Chen Ming watched the scene in silence, while Dugu Bo was thoroughly entertained. If eating sunflower seeds in stealth mode wasn''t inappropriate, he might have done it. Watching this family drama unfold, Dugu Bo felt like he could snack on it all night.


    The internal conflicts of a top-tier noble family, the grudges between father and daughter, the entanglements of multiple generations¡ªthe self-doubt of an older brother who left the clan and the love between a sister unaware of her bloodline, and the arguments between father and daughter¡­


    It was just too damn entertaining! Too damn explosive!


    While Dugu Bo might appear youthful on the surface and his mindset had improved, deep down, he was still an old man. And no matter the world, old men simply couldn''t resist a good family drama.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [365]

    At a time when most people''s attention was focused on Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and others, Tang Hao finally found an opportune moment. He quietly knocked out the group guarding Tang San, and without hesitation, took Tang San, Xiao Wu, and even dragged Oscar and Dai Mubai along as he left.


    As they left, Dai Mubai also grabbed Ma Hongjun, who had been knocked unconscious by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters due to his inappropriate behavior. With that, the group was taken away.


    At first, Tang San was unwilling to leave with Tang Hao. However, when he caught sight of half of Tang Hao''s face, he froze in shock and immediately dragged Xiao Wu along to follow him.


    After leaving the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp with the group, Tang Hao glanced at Dai Mubai and the others. Then, holding Tang San in one hand and Xiao Wu in the other, he swiftly moved them to a different location.


    The decisiveness of his actions left Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar, who had thought they were rescued, utterly stunned. They had no idea what to do next. Left with no other choice, they quietly headed in the direction away from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp.


    Meanwhile, the appearance of the significant figure that was Tang Hao, who had taken Tang San and Xiao Wu, caught the attention of Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, who had been watching the family drama unfold. They immediately followed in secret, continuing to observe Tang Hao''s next moves.


    Once Tang Hao brought Tang San and Xiao Wu to a forest, he removed the mask and hat that had concealed his face, revealing a weathered and aged visage. Tang San, shocked by the sight, felt his legs give way. Tears streamed down his face as he collapsed into Tang Hao''s arms, sobbing softly.


    "Father, father, where have you been all these years?"


    "Xiao San," Tang Hao sighed deeply as he gently stroked Tang San''s head. "I had my reasons for leaving you, but you must believe that I''ve always been watching over you. After all, you are my child."


    Witnessing this heartfelt reunion between father and son, Xiao Wu''s expression softened, revealing a trace of nostalgia. It seemed to remind her of the times she had spent with her parents. Gone was her usual sassy demeanor, replaced by a quiet reflection.


    However, in Chen Ming''s spiritual sea, Ah Yin erupted in a fit of rage. She unleashed every curse she knew to berate Tang Hao and his family. After all, she had learned that the soul inside her child''s body wasn''t her child''s original soul, but rather a foreign soul from another world. To make matters worse, Tang Hao was fully aware of the situation but had no intention of addressing it. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The more affectionate Tang Hao and Tang San appeared the deeper Ah Yin''s pain and fury grew. She was consumed by the desire to tear apart both Tang Hao and Tang San, who were neither her husband nor her true child.


    Tang Hao held Tang San tightly, listening to his words and responding simply. When Tang San asked why Tang Hao had appeared to save him, Tang Hao merely shook his head lightly.


    With this question, Xiao Wu noticed something alarming. Tang San''s father''s strength was not as simple as that of a Soul Sage or even a Soul Douluo. Considering how easily he had rescued them from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp, right under the watchful eyes of Titled Douluos, Tang San''s father was highly likely to be a Titled Douluo himself!


    As a 100,000-year soul beast in human form, Xiao Wu knew that no Titled Douluo with functioning senses could fail to detect her true identity unless their attention was completely diverted. There was no way she could continue hiding her identity.


    Xiao Wu''s face turned deathly pale. Watching the father-and-son reunion, she instinctively took a few steps back, overwhelmed by the urge to summon her martial soul and flee. However, just like in countless TV dramas, as she stepped back, her foot landed on a dry branch, producing a faint cracking sound that immediately drew the attention of Tang San and Tang Hao.


    Noticing Xiao Wu''s pale face, Tang San finally reacted. He walked over, grabbed her hand, and brought her before Tang Hao to introduce her.


    "Xiao Wu, this is my father, Tang Hao. He''s... a special kind of blacksmith."


    "Father, this is Xiao Wu, my sworn sister from Nuoding Academy. She has been by my side all these years, like my own sister. I wanted to bring her back to Holy Spirit Village to meet you back then, but you left a letter and disappeared. So, you never got the chance to meet her, right?"


    "No, I''ve been watching over you both for a long time. Xiao Wu is a good child." Looking at Xiao Wu, who seemed on the verge of fainting, Tang Hao couldn''t help but compare her to Ah Yin. He sighed inwardly, thinking that today''s 100,000-year soul beasts in human form were far less clever than Ah Yin had been. Then, he stepped forward and gently patted Xiao Wu''s head.


    Normally, such a gesture from an elder would bring comfort and reassurance. However, due to years of wielding a hammer, Tang Hao''s hand was not only calloused but also unusually large and strong. At that moment, Xiao Wu didn''t dare move an inch. She was terrified that the calloused hand might suddenly tighten and crush her skull.


    "Xiao Wu, my father is a gentle person. You don''t need to be afraid," Tang San said. For some reason, he used the word gentle to describe the Tang Hao he had once feared. Under Tang San''s reassurance, Xiao Wu gradually calmed down. Seeing no malice in Tang Hao''s gaze, she felt a glimmer of hope.


    "Maybe Tang San''s father isn''t a Titled Douluo but a Soul Douluo. Perhaps he''s not skilled in spiritual power and didn''t see through my true form?"


    Xiao Wu clung to this faint hope, unaware that she had been under surveillance from the moment she entered the human world.


    Watching Xiao Wu''s naive and hopeful expression, Tang Hao was reminded of Ah Yin once again. He couldn''t help but think that this little rabbit was even more gullible and easier to deceive than Ah Yin had been. If Ah Yin had been as simple-minded back then, he might not have needed to wait until his ninth soul ring to obtain a 100,000-year soul ring. Instead, he could have acquired Ah Yin''s sacrifice for his eighth soul ring and hunted another 100,000-year soul beast for his ninth.


    Tang Hao recalled the information he had gathered near Suotuo City not long ago, which mentioned a powerful 100,000-year Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear in the Star Dou Forest, one that was said to speak human language and call itself Bear Lord. It seemed like a formidable 100,000-year soul beast.


    In his mind, Tang Hao felt that if he had been more aggressive back then, he could have obtained such a soul ring at his ninth ring. Perhaps he wouldn''t be in such dire straits now¡ªliving in hiding, unable to show his face, and unable to return to his sect.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [366]

    After briefly speaking with Tang San and explaining that he had his reasons for acting as he did, but had also been secretly watching over him, Tang Hao shared several key pieces of advice with Tang San.


    "The first point: never reveal your Clear Sky Hammer. Until you reach the rank of Title Douluo, never expose your second martial soul, and don''t attempt to attach any soul rings to it."


    "The second point: if anyone ever asks who your father is, do not mention the name Tang Hao."


    "Why, father? Did I do something to disappoint you?" Tang San interrupted, unable to believe what he was hearing. To him, it sounded like his father was cutting ties between them.


    "My identity and name are¡­ special. I have many enemies on this continent. If they learn that you are my son, it will undoubtedly bring you endless trouble."


    "Especially the Spirit Hall. Those people are the most despicable¡ªthey are my greatest enemies. Even your mother''s death is tied to them in ways that cannot be untangled. Remember this: under no circumstances should you form close ties with the Spirit Hall. If you encounter powerful individuals from the Spirit Hall, take your sister and leave immediately. Do not provoke trouble."


    Tang Hao glanced at Xiao Wu with a faint, ambiguous smile before continuing.


    "I understand," Tang San said after some thought, quickly realizing why his father didn''t want his name mentioned.


    Clearly, just like the martial arts masters of his past life, his father must have been an extraordinary figure. However, because he offended the Spirit Hall¡ªa sinister organization¡ªhe was hunted down and forced to hide his identity. Even his mother''s death was tied to the Spirit Hall.


    Fearing that his identity might endanger his son, Tang Hao had appeared cold and distant during Tang San''s childhood. To avoid implicating his son, he had stayed away for many years.


    It turned out that the greatest father in the world had always been by his side!


    Tang San reflected on his childhood of hunger, surviving on porridge until he was six, and doing all the housework while his father seemingly did nothing. He now understood that his father had his reasons for everything.


    As for why the Spirit Hall was evil?


    Tang San didn''t need to know the details; it was enough to know that they were indeed evil.


    After all, even though he had been using Spirit Hall-issued gold soul coins, those coins came from the two great empires, not just the Spirit Hall. Since every soul master below the Soul Ancestor rank received them, it wasn''t as if he owed the Spirit Hall anything.


    And as for his martial soul awakening?


    Back then, Su Yuntao had called him trash (Su Yuntao: I was talking about the Blue Silver Grass martial soul!), so Tang San felt that Su Yuntao was practically courting his death. Sparing his life was already doing him a favor.


    "I''m glad that I asked my teacher back then, and he didn''t have me join the Spirit Hall. He even slapped me. Was it because, father, you have such deep enmity with the Spirit Hall? Could it be that my teacher already knew your identity?"


    "Yes, your teacher, Yu Xiaogang, knows my identity. Those soul beast materials and medicinal baths sent to you recently were also passed on by him, at my request," Tang Hao said, pausing briefly at the mention of Yu Xiaogang before softening his tone.


    "Your teacher is a knowledgeable man. You can learn a lot about soul master theory from him. He can help guide the development of your Blue Silver Grass martial soul. However, when it comes to your second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer, you must follow my instructions. As a Title Douluo, I will provide you with the best soul ring configurations."


    Truth be told, Tang Hao didn''t think much of Yu Xiaogang. He only acknowledged Yu Xiaogang''s knowledge as passable.


    Despite their current differences in status, Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang, and Ning Fengzhi were of the same generation and had crossed paths in their youth. They just hadn''t been close at the time.


    As for Ning Fengzhi, Tang Hao regarded him as a cunning old fox but didn''t deny his abilities, believing that if Ning Fengzhi hadn''t been limited by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, he might have been a genius second only to Tang Hao and his elder brother. Ning Fengzhi might even have had the potential to become a Title Douluo.


    As for Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao offered no further comment.


    Yu Xiaogang could provide Tang San with a surface-level identity and some foundational knowledge. Otherwise, Tang Hao wouldn''t even spare him a glance. After giving these instructions, Tang Hao pulled out a bloodstained storage soul guide from his waist and handed Tang San several gold soul cards and a bag of gold soul coins.


    There were three gold soul cards, each worth a thousand gold soul coins, and the bag held around three to four hundred gold soul coins. While this wasn''t much for high-level soul masters, it was undoubtedly a fortune for low-level soul masters.


    These funds were spoils from Tang Hao''s robberies.


    After all, Tang Hao relied on his strength as a Title Douluo for occasionally smashing up shops when he wasn''t satisfied and taking their gold soul coins. Since he had no regular expenses, these spare coins were casually handed to Tang San.


    Seeing the pile of gold soul coins and cards, Xiao Wu, who had been trembling earlier, suddenly brightened up. She grabbed Tang San and started hopping around excitedly, her eyes sparkling with thoughts of all the things she could buy.


    Watching Xiao Wu, Tang Hao eventually waved at Tang San, pointing him toward a path and advising him to meet up with the group from Shrek Academy. Just as Tang San was about to leave with Xiao Wu, Tang Hao stopped them by slapping their clasped hands apart and shook his head at Tang San.


    "Tang San, you go ahead. I have something to discuss with Xiao Wu. I''ll send her to catch up with you shortly."


    "But..." Tang San hesitated.


    "But what? Do you not trust your father anymore?" Tang Hao''s voice, which had been gentle, suddenly grew cold, his expression hardening. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Caught between choices, Tang San saw his father sigh and soften his tone again.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t harm either of you. I just need to talk to Xiao Wu alone."


    Tang San turned to Xiao Wu, who smiled bitterly but nodded.


    "Go on, Tang San. I''ll catch up with you soon."


    "Alright. I''ll go ahead, then."


    Tang San nodded, used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, and disappeared in the direction his father had pointed, heading toward the Shrek group.


    Once Tang San was gone, the atmosphere between Tang Hao and Xiao Wu grew tense and cold.


    After a long pause, Tang Hao finally broke the silence.


    "Little rabbit, you''re quite bold, running around so carelessly. Aren''t you afraid someone will discover your true identity and take your soul ring and bone?"


    "So you''ve figured out my identity," Xiao Wu said, stepping back with dim eyes. She looked as if she had given up, but in reality, her martial soul was on high alert, ready to use her teleportation ability to escape at any moment.


    "Your little tricks are useless." Tang Hao casually sealed her soul power with a tap on her shoulder. Seeing Xiao Wu''s despair, Tang Hao sat down and let out a long sigh.


    "I have a story to tell. It''s about me, Tang San''s mother, and someone like you¡ªa 100,000-year soul beast who took human form. Little rabbit, do you want to hear it?"

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [367]

    Tang Hao slowly began recounting the story of his past with Ah Yin. When he spoke of their love, his face was filled with nostalgia. But as he mentioned how his wife, Ah Yin, was hunted down by Spirit Hall after her identity was exposed and ultimately had to sacrifice herself for him, his expression turned to one of deep pain.


    Although Tang Hao understood the events clearly, he had been reflecting earlier on whether his conservative approach back then had limited him¡ªotherwise, he might have been able to absorb two 100,000-year soul rings. Yet, as he spoke, Tang Hao portrayed himself entirely as the victim.


    Now, Ah Yin, who could read Tang Hao''s mind, no longer had anything to say. For the first time, she realized that instead of choosing to take human form back then, it might have been better to let herself be struck dead by lightning and simply restart her life through reincarnation.


    Ah Yin''s soul, shrouded in thick black energy, remained silent for a long time within Chen Ming''s body. Then, she revealed a gentle smile and requested Chen Ming.


    "Lord, when the time comes for you to act against Tang Hao, could you allow me to personally deal with this scum?"


    Chen Ming, sensing Ah Yin''s thoughts, inhaled slightly when he realized how she intended to deal with Tang Hao. He couldn''t help but marvel at how a seemingly soft-hearted woman could harbor such darkness.


    "Fine, but you''ll have to wait until the right time. Until I permit you to act, no matter how much you hate him, you are not to take any action."


    In any case, Ah Yin was now fully bound to Chen Ming. Since he planned to unite all the Blue Silver Grass across the four continents as his followers to provide him with their faith, agreeing to Ah Yin''s request wasn''t a big issue.


    Once his plans involving the God of Asura reached a certain stage, letting Ah Yin personally take care of Tang Hao wouldn''t be a problem.


    "Thank you, my Lord."


    As Chen Ming''s possession, Ah Yin sincerely expressed her gratitude and began to eagerly anticipate that day.


    Even though Chen Ming often put Ah Yin''s soul into a state of slumber when dealing with matters concerning gods or divine powers to prevent her from noticing his schemes, after spending so much time with him, Ah Yin could tell that Chen Ming was deeply familiar with the divine realm and had his intricate plans.


    Ah Yin deeply appreciated Chen Ming for saving her¡ªnot only had he rescued her from hell and granted her new life, but he had also made her the most powerful ruler in the history of the Blue Silver Grass race. Most importantly, he had allowed her to see through the malicious intentions and schemes Tang Hao had harbored toward her.


    If she still had ownership of herself, Ah Yin wouldn''t even know how to repay him.


    Just as Tang Hao was hypocritically declaring that he bore no ill will toward 100,000-year soul beasts, that his wife was one, and that Tang San was a hybrid of human and soul beast, he claimed to see a reflection of Ah Yin in Xiao Wu. His words deeply moved Xiao Wu, who wasn''t exactly the sharpest rabbit in the forest. Tang Hao then pulled something out from his storage soul tool.


    "Xiao Wu, this is a relic left to me by Tang San''s mother, Ah Yin. It''s a piece of her carapace that she shed when she took human form. If you carry it with you, it will conceal your aura and prevent Titled Douluo from detecting you. Back then, Ah Yin, who had already reached the Soul Sage level, didn''t need this treasure, which is why¡­"


    Tang Hao sighed as he handed the dull-gray carapace to Xiao Wu.


    "Thank you, Uncle Tang Hao." Xiao Wu took the carapace, sensing that her aura seemed to be suppressed by something, and became visibly happier. However, as she touched the item in her hands, she couldn''t help but feel that its texture didn''t resemble anything that would come from a plant-based soul beast. A large question mark popped into her mind. "But¡­ I''ve never seen a Blue Silver Emperor before. Still, I''ve encountered plenty of Blue Silver Grass and Blue Silver Kings. By logic, shouldn''t this type of soul beast not have a carapace?"


    "Uh¡­" Tang Hao, who had been reminiscing, also seemed to notice something was off. But before he could think further, a subtle force affected his mind, making him naturally accept the idea that Blue Silver Emperors, as plant-based soul beasts, could produce carapaces.


    "Ah Yin never mentioned it to me. Maybe it''s an exclusive ability of the Blue Silver Emperor?"


    "Exclusive ability, my foot! Have you ever seen a bird-type soul beast with gills?" Ah Yin, who had been trying to stay calm, completely lost her composure due to Tang Hao''s thoughts and response. She cursed him without restraint, ignoring the fact that Tang Hao was being influenced by some external power.


    Chen Ming could only shrug helplessly, soothing Ah Yin and encouraging her not to dwell on it. At the same time, he silently pondered the situation.


    This item wasn''t from Ah Yin, nor was it something she had given to Tang Hao. Yet, in Tang Hao''s perception, it was undoubtedly a relic left behind by her. Even when he handed it over, he genuinely believed it was hers.


    Considering the force that had affected Tang Hao''s mind earlier, causing him to overlook the reality that plant-based soul beasts don''t have carapaces, Chen Ming couldn''t help but suspect that this was the work of the God of Asura''s divine intent hidden within Tang Hao.


    Without the presence of the Yearning Heartbroken Red or other similar treasures capable of masking one''s aura, the God of Asura must have created this Blue Silver Emperor carapace through special means and twisted Tang Hao''s perception. This would ensure that Xiao Wu''s aura wouldn''t be exposed to Titled Douluo.


    It seemed likely that the God of Asura''s thoughts had been closely monitoring Tang Hao''s every move during this period. The question was: what exactly was this deity, who had essentially gifted a divine position to Tang San in the original story, planning?


    As Tang Hao and Xiao Wu finished their little act, Chen Ming and Dugu Bo secretly followed them. After Tang Hao delivered Xiao Wu to Tang San and the Shrek group, he returned to hiding in the shadows.


    Once the drama was over, Chen Ming pulled Dugu Bo aside to quietly discuss some matters.


    Although Chen Ming refrained from revealing anything too dangerous, he did share a few details with Dugu Bo¡ªenough for him to be cautious¡ªgiven that Dugu Bo now had a pseudo-divine core and was on the path to godhood, making him less susceptible to external influences.


    After learning that his grandson-in-law was subtly opposing some mysterious higher power, Dugu Bo sighed, lamenting how useless his nearly century-long life had been.


    Still, this revelation made Dugu Bo far more invested in the role he was about to play. Determined to give it his all, he resolved to showcase everything he could.


    sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [368]

    Shortly after Tang Hao took the Shrek students and left, Yu Luomian received a report. Upon learning that an unknown powerhouse had taken away the group of Shrek students, Yu Luomian frowned. Even Liu Erlong, who had been angrily berating Yu Luomian earlier, immediately stopped, looking panicked.


    People are multifaceted creatures. While Yu Luomian was a proud man who disliked Shrek''s group due to Yu Xiaogang''s connection with them, he nevertheless felt responsible for their safety once they were brought into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp. Whether the stranger who had taken them intended to help or harm them, Yu Luomian deemed both scenarios unacceptable.


    Putting aside his disdain for the useless Yu Xiaogang, Yu Luomian had even considered recruiting Shrek''s teachers and students.


    After all, according to the information he''d gathered, Shrek Academy had absurdly high admission requirements, and its environment was brutal to the point of recklessness. However, the students admitted into Shrek were undeniably talented, and its teachers were worth recruiting as well.


    Soul Sages and Soul Emperors, after all, are powerhouses in their own right. Even within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, there weren''t that many of them. While the clan was proud, most would recognize the value of such individuals joining their sect¡ªso long as they came in as workers or ordinary members. Any attempt to encroach on core interests would, of course, be unacceptable. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liu Erlong, on the other hand, was fiery-tempered, impulsive, fiercely protective, and overly emotional in matters of love. Nevertheless, she genuinely cared about her students. Regardless of the Blue Tyrant Academy''s background or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s funding, Liu Erlong was truly committed to helping commoner soul masters find a way forward and paid extra attention to her students.


    Although the Shrek students weren''t technically her students yet, Liu Erlong still paid close attention to Tang San and Xiao Wu, as they were Yu Xiaogang''s disciples. However, she had little regard for Ma Hongjun, who seemed timid and withdrawn, or Dai Mubai, whose aura felt strange to her.


    Even Flender, who had been tied up, gritted his teeth in an attempt to break free and look for his students. Despite being disappointed in Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai for many years¡ªespecially after they landed him in so much trouble¡ªhe still couldn''t let go of his concern.


    At this moment, the only one lying immobilized in the room like a mummy, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, was Yu Xiaogang. Suddenly, he gave a crooked smile, as if everything was under his control.


    "Don''t worry," he said. "Xiao San and the others were rescued by another elder of theirs. Without Xiao San, I''m no longer under threat."


    "You¡­"


    Hearing this nonsensical remark, Yu Luomian''s eyes widened, and he nearly kicked Yu Xiaogang across the room in frustration.


    Damn it! Did Yu Xiaogang think Yu Luomian would stoop to threatening him by using his disciples? He was the second-in-command of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, a titled Douluo powerhouse! He certainly didn''t need to rely on a group of kids with Soul Elder-level strength to threaten a traitor whose martial soul was a Pig Martial Soul!


    Yu Luomian felt his dignity had been insulted. Yet, oddly enough, Liu Erlong and Flender nodded in agreement with Yu Xiaogang''s words, showing approval of his statement. This baffling scene left Yu Luomian fuming, and he had no interest in further conversation with these peculiar individuals. Instead, he summoned a few soul masters from outside the tent and ordered them to keep watch over the trio.


    Despite his irritation, Yu Luomian still cared about Liu Erlong as his daughter. After Flender and Yu Xiaogang were carried out, Yu Luomian instructed his clan members to prepare a suitable tent for Liu Erlong. He emphasized that while she wasn''t allowed to leave the camp or meet with Yu Xiaogang, her living arrangements and treatment should be impeccable.


    Thus, a Soul Sage of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan reluctantly escorted the fiery Liu Erlong to one of their best tents, second only to those of the sect master and Yu Luomian himself. The clan provided her with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, meals, and wine. They even dragged their healing-type soul masters out of their rest to treat her injuries. If the clan had brought any female soul masters along, they likely would have been assigned as Liu Erlong''s attendants.


    After all, Yu Luomian was a titled Douluo, and he had recently gone out of his way to formally add Liu Erlong to the clan''s genealogy. Even if there were personal conflicts between father and daughter, no member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan dared to offend this young mistress.


    Liu Erlong, for her part, showed no restraint. She ate and drank her fill, smashing plates and scolding people whenever she got upset. She even forced the overworked kitchen to prepare identical meals for Shrek''s teachers, Flender, and Yu Xiaogang.


    Fortunately, Liu Erlong didn''t resort to violence, nor did she attempt to break out of the camp or visit Yu Xiaogang. This allowed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s soul masters to breathe a slight sigh of relief.


    In this chaotic atmosphere, the night passed. Tang San and his companions stayed at a temporary gathering point for spirit masters, pondering the day''s events and planning how to rescue their teachers. Meanwhile, Shrek''s teachers spent the night in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp.


    Despite their injuries and weakened combat abilities, the clan still served them a lavish banquet due to Liu Erlong''s pressure. They even sent a team of swift-footed soul masters to rush back to Heaven Dou City and replenish their supplies.


    As for Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, they returned to the depths of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Dugu Bo went to rest for a while, while Chen Ming lay by the pool, absorbing the energy of heaven and earth while keeping an eye on Tang San and the Shrek group.


    By noon the next day, under Yu Luomian''s notification, Yu Yuanzhen led the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s team back to the camp outside the Sunset Forest.


    This time, unlike their previous soul-hunting mission in the Star Dou Forest, which was for personal gain, the clan had mobilized at the request of the Heaven Dou Empire''s royal family.


    The Sunset Forest was too close to Heaven Dou City, and the recent disturbances had alarmed not only the nobles but also the commoners. The Heaven Dou royal family had asked all capable sects and clans within the empire to investigate the forest and, if necessary, stop any spirit beast threats. As one of the top three sects in the empire, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were naturally the royal family''s first choices.


    Because of this, Yu Yuanzhen had no choice but to bring his slightly injured brother, Yu Luomian, to the Sunset Forest. Out of concern for his brother''s safety, Yu Yuanzhen assigned him to remain outside the forest with reinforcements while he led a team of soul masters into the forest for exploration.


    Ironically, before they could encounter any ten-thousand-year soul beasts, family matters forced them to return after only a few days.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [369]

    After Yu Yuanzhen returned to the camp, he first had a private conversation with Yu Luomian to check if anything significant had happened recently within the sect or at the camp. Once he fulfilled his responsibilities as the sect leader and head of the family, he finally brought up the matter concerning Yu Xiaogang.


    Yu Luomian candidly explained why he had slapped Yu Xiaogang and the reason Yu Xiaogang was still unable to stand up properly.


    When Yu Yuanzhen heard that his disgraceful son had mistaken both him and Yu Luomian for someone else, he sighed deeply in exasperation. After some time, he patted Yu Luomian on the shoulder, comforting him by saying that Yu Xiaogang had brought this upon himself.


    To put it bluntly, if the roles were reversed¡ªif Yu Xiaogang were Yu Luomian''s son, and Liu Erlong were Yu Yuanzhen''s most beloved daughter¡ªand Yu Xiaogang had pulled Liu Erlong forward while addressing Yu Yuanzhen as "father," Yu Yuanzhen admitted he would have slapped Yu Xiaogang too.


    Yu Yuanzhen thought it was already quite merciful that Yu Xiaogang''s head hadn''t exploded like a watermelon on the spot.


    Yu Luomian''s actions were entirely reasonable. If there was a problem, it was entirely Yu Xiaogang''s fault.


    The two brothers drank a few cups of wine together, lamenting their family''s misfortune.


    After drinking for more than an hour, the pair put their cups aside, tidied their appearances, and changed into fresh clothes. Using their thunder-attribute soul power, they masked the scent of alcohol on themselves, regaining the dignified aura of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s sect master and second-in-command. They then ordered soul masters to bring Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang to them.


    By the time they entered the tent, Yu Xiaogang could barely walk with the help of the soul masters supporting him. Liu Erlong, on the other hand, seemed to be glowing with vitality. Aside from the conflicted anger, frustration, and grievance faintly visible between her brows, her overall state didn''t appear to reflect someone who had just suffered a severe injury.


    There was no need to ask¡ªthe hard work of the healing-type soul masters had been at play, silently pouring numerous healing soul skills into the two of them.


    When Yu Xiaogang saw his father seated at the head and his uncle sitting to the side, his usually stern face immediately crumpled into an expression of grievance.


    Even though he was already around fifty years old¡ªold enough to be a grandfather¡ªat this moment, facing his imposing father, Yu Xiaogang was like a child again. Tears streamed down his face, and he began sobbing quietly.


    As Yu Yuanzhen gazed at his aging son, a pang of pity stirred in his heart. He reminisced about the days when Yu Xiaogang had been by his side before awakening his martial soul. However, just as these sentiments arose, Yu Xiaogang suddenly dropped to his knees before him, his legs buckling.


    "Father, after so many years, you''ve lost weight¡­" Yu Xiaogang said in a quivering voice.


    The middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table remained silent, offering no response.


    "In your absence, Second Uncle has taken your place and even attacked me! He harbors ulterior motives!" Yu Xiaogang''s emotional intelligence was practically nonexistent. Hurt by the physical pain and the blow to his pride, he began spouting his thoughts recklessly.


    The man seated at the head remained silent. The man sitting to the side also said nothing. They merely listened quietly as Yu Xiaogang knelt on the ground, crying and accusing Yu Luomian of rebellion.


    At this point, Liu Erlong, standing behind Yu Xiaogang, could no longer bear to listen. She wanted nothing more than to pull Yu Xiaogang to his feet or kneel beside him¡ªanything to make him stop talking.


    However, at this moment, Liu Erlong was being suppressed by the combined auras of two Titled Douluos. Though her expression remained composed on the surface, it took nearly all her strength just to blink. Moving, let alone speaking, was utterly impossible.


    After Yu Xiaogang rambled on for a while, his words becoming increasingly incoherent, the middle-aged man at the head of the table finally turned to the side and spoke for the first time.


    However, what he said made Yu Xiaogang feel as if his brain was about to explode.


    "Big Brother, didn''t I say that this useless trash, Yu Xiaogang, hasn''t cared about you or the family all these years? Even after all this time¡ªand even though I slapped him just yesterday¡ªhe still can''t tell us apart. What do you have to say about that?" Yu Luomian, sitting in Yu Yuanzhen''s assumed position, sighed helplessly and asked his elder brother. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Yuanzhen, seated in Yu Luomian''s assumed position, shook his head as he looked at the frozen Yu Xiaogang. Whatever lingering affection or pity he once felt for his son vanished completely. Now, the way he looked at Yu Xiaogang was no different from how he would regard a stranger.


    This entire scenario had been Yu Yuanzhen''s idea. The two brothers had swapped places and deliberately donned attire that concealed their identities to see if Yu Xiaogang could distinguish between them.


    In truth, though Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian bore some resemblance to each other, their temperaments were vastly different. Yu Luomian''s demeanor was sharp and aggressive, while Yu Yuanzhen exuded the domineering aura of a dragon and thunder. Anyone familiar with the two could easily tell them apart.


    Even Liu Erlong, who had not seen Yu Yuanzhen many times, was able to discern who was who based on their differences in temperament alone.


    Yu Yuanzhen had once thought that if Yu Xiaogang could recognize him, he might forgive his son for old times'' sake and allow him to live out his remaining years peacefully as a wealthy commoner under house arrest in a city.


    But given Yu Xiaogang''s pathetic performance, Yu Yuanzhen could only bitterly regret ever having fathered such a child.


    "F-Father¡­" Yu Xiaogang stammered as he looked up at Yu Yuanzhen, who rose from his seat. Sensing something terrifying, Yu Xiaogang curled into himself, even struggling to form coherent speech.


    However, instead of lashing out, Yu Yuanzhen crouched down, gently helped Yu Xiaogang to his feet, and even patted his shoulder.


    "Xiaogang, it''s been decades since we last saw each other. I never imagined you''d turn out like this."


    Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang''s eyes lit up. Thinking his father still cared for him, he was about to say something, but Yu Yuanzhen cut him off mercilessly.


    "Enough. Enough. If I had known you''d end up like this, I might never have let you leave the sect in the first place."


    "People must pay the price for the choices they make. When you were young and foolish, I bore the consequences of your actions as your father. But now, you''ve long since reached the age where you should bear responsibility for yourself."


    Yu Yuanzhen placed his palm on Yu Xiaogang''s dantian and sighed deeply.


    "Xiaogang, this is the path you chose. Don''t blame me."


    With a slight surge of thunder-attribute soul power, Yu Yuanzhen destroyed Yu Xiaogang''s dantian, obliterating his martial soul and soul power. Under his precise control, he also paralyzed Yu Xiaogang''s lower body.


    From that moment on, Yu Xiaogang was no longer a soul master. He was no longer a man, either. Due to the thunder-attribute soul power''s lingering effects, he would be unable to control his lower body for the rest of his life, leaving him incapable of even managing his basic bodily functions.


    PS: Eh?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [370]

    "Ah!"


    Feeling the excruciating pain from his dantian and lower body, Yu Xiaogang let out a cry of agony before fainting. His lower body, completely out of control, released a flood, filling the air with a foul stench that made even Yu Yuanzhen instinctively step back.


    Seeing the suffering Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, disregarding the situation, was about to throw herself onto him. But before she could act, Yu Yuanzhen''s icy gaze locked onto her. His eyes, devoid of any affection, were cold as ice, causing Liu Erlong to subconsciously retreat a few steps before collapsing to the ground.


    "If you truly care about Xiaogang''s well-being, then keep your distance from him from now on. Otherwise, I can''t guarantee what I might do."


    Having personally crippled his son, Yu Yuanzhen''s mood was far from pleasant. Even his voice carried a faint threat. Around him, the aura of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan seemed to manifest faintly, as though a roaring dragon might strike at any moment.


    Looking at Yu Yuanzhen''s face, which was almost identical to Yu Luomian''s but infinitely colder, Liu Erlong, for the first time, felt that if she continued this entanglement, both Xiaogang and herself might truly die.


    As Liu Erlong sat paralyzed on the ground, Yu Luomian, although feeling a pang of guilt in his heart, maintained a cold and indifferent demeanor on the surface.


    If his elder brother could go as far as crippling his once-favorite child for this matter, how could he not steel his heart and show coldness toward Erlong?


    Perhaps, as his elder brother had said, he should have intervened earlier. From the moment he noticed the possibility of a relationship developing between Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong, he should have immediately stepped in and revealed their identities. After breaking up their wedding, he should have taken Erlong back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, instead of letting her continue to daydream.


    What Yu Luomian had failed to resolve in years, Yu Yuanzhen managed to handle decisively in just a few minutes.


    Calling soul masters from outside, he ordered some to carry Liu Erlong back to her tent and others to take Yu Xiaogang away for treatment. And with that, it was over.


    Witnessing this scene, Dugu Bo, who had initially hoped for some dramatic family drama, sighed slightly in disappointment but couldn''t help but marvel at Yu Yuanzhen''s ruthlessness.


    The following day, Yu Luomian met with Flender to discuss the matter. Under the death threat of two Title Douluos, Flender obediently accepted their suggestions and agreed to step in as a big brother to console Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong when the time came.


    However, upon hearing that Yu Xiaogang had been crippled and lost his manhood, Flender, besides feeling pain in his heart, couldn''t help but feel a mix of relief and excitement.


    It was at that moment Flender realized that deep down, he too harbored some dark and selfish desires. While he had outwardly hoped for the two to be together, he had secretly wished for the chance to replace Yu Xiaogang and win Liu Erlong''s love.


    Thus, the Shrek party, who had originally planned to head to the Sunset Forest, was escorted back to Blue Tyrant Academy by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan the next day. Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang was sent away by Yu Luomian to a small village to live out the rest of his miserable life.


    However, on the way to deliver Yu Xiaogang, a large group of masked bandits suddenly jumped out of the bushes.


    Before the accompanying soul masters could summon their martial souls or use their soul skills, the bandits raised small box-like weapons and pulled the triggers.


    "Swish¡ªswish swish¡ª"


    The sharp sound of flesh being pierced echoed as the soul masters of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan fell into pools of blood, lifeless. Watching the fallen soul masters, the masked bandits exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of fear and greed as they stared at the small weapons in their hands, visibly shaken.


    "What are you all thinking? That man has poisoned us and knows where our families are. If we don''t bring the target back, our families¡­"


    A trembling voice came from one of the bandits, silencing the rest. Glancing at the weapons that had killed the soul masters, the group sighed. Some began cleaning up the corpses and traces, while others carried Yu Xiaogang to the agreed location.


    After walking a long time, the bandits carrying Yu Xiaogang finally arrived at a forest clearing, where a young man awaited them.


    Dressed in black and wearing a mask, Tang San sat quietly on a tree, playing with a few beads in his hand. His gaze was piercingly cold as he looked at the so-called bandits.


    Although there were some bandits near Heaven Dou City, Tang San wouldn''t have been able to locate and manipulate them in such a short time. These so-called bandits were soul-hunting teams seeking opportunities in the Sunset Forest, subdued by Tang San using anesthetics and later forced into compliance with lethal poison, alongside threats to their families. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing that they had brought his teacher, Tang San didn''t immediately descend from the tree. Instead, he spoke in a hoarse and icy voice.


    "Put the Zhuge Crossbows on the ground."


    The coerced soul-hunting team glanced at one another before reluctantly placing the Zhuge Crossbows on the ground. After carefully observing them with his Purple Demon Eyes, Tang San sneered, leaping from the tree and taking the unconscious Yu Xiaogang from the lead soul master.


    "We''ve completed your task and haven''t seen your face. Can we have the antidote now?"


    "The antidote? Of course. I, Tang Yin, always keep my word." Tang San retrieved a small bottle from his pocket and tossed it to the leader. The leader took the antidote first, feeling the pain in his body gradually subside, and sighed in relief before distributing the remaining pills to the others.


    As the group consumed the antidote, Tang San smiled eerily and smashed a small sphere into the ground, releasing a thick cloud of smoke. Using the smoke as cover, he disappeared with Yu Xiaogang.


    The soul masters summoned their martial souls to counter the smoke. But after waiting for some time, they realized it was only an ordinary smoke bomb. Relaxing, they dismissed their martial souls.


    Yet just as they began to calm down, their faces suddenly turned a deep purple. Clutching their throats, they writhed in pain on the ground, clearly poisoned.


    As they were on the brink of death, a figure dressed in green robes appeared among them.


    Seeing the symptoms of the poisoned soul masters, which were unmistakably caused by the Jade Phosphor Serpent''s venom, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. With a slight surge of his soul power, a pale blue mist enveloped the poisoned individuals, swiftly neutralizing the toxins in their bodies.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [371]

    "What a despicable brat. Of all toxins to imitate, he just had to mimic my Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison. What a dog."


    Dugu Bo cursed Tang San under his breath before exchanging a glance with Chen Ming, who was hiding in the shadows. Then, he swept his soul power around, lifting the injured soul masters on the ground into the air with him.


    Meanwhile, Chen Ming had already gathered the corpses of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters, placing them in a small cart. He then followed Dugu Bo to deliver both the injured and the corpses of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters to their temporary camp.


    When the two young men arrived at the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp¡ªone pushing a cart filled with corpses¡ªthose guarding the gate immediately grew alert. After activating their Martial Souls, they let out a dragon-like roar to summon nearby soul masters.


    Inside the camp, Yu Luomian and Yu Yuanzhen exchanged a glance upon hearing the warning roar. Their Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Souls activated simultaneously, and the two of them shot out like bolts of lightning.


    However, while both appeared as swift as lightning, Yu Luomian''s speed was only about half that of Yu Yuanzhen''s. This wasn''t just because Yu Luomian was still partially injured and hadn''t recovered fully, but also due to the significant gap in their cultivation levels.


    After all, while Yu Luomian had managed to break through to the Title Douluo level using the method of acquiring spirit bones first and spirit rings later, he was only a Rank 91 Title Douluo. Considering that he had been gravely injured by Tang Hao shortly after his breakthrough¡ªnearly dying¡ªhe had yet to familiarize himself with his new power. His combat strength was only slightly stronger than Dugu Bo''s when he was at Rank 91.


    On the other hand, Yu Yuanzhen had been immersed in the Super Douluo realm for years. Even among other Super Douluos, he was considered a formidable figure.


    At the camp entrance, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan soul masters summoned their Martial Souls and stared warily at Chen Ming and Dugu Bo. However, none dared to attack first. It wasn''t until Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian arrived¡ªone leading, the other following¡ªthat the soul masters grew restless, seemingly ready to swarm forward at any moment.


    But the moment Yu Yuanzhen saw Chen Ming and Dugu Bo, his expression changed drastically. The dragons might radiating from him suddenly pressed down on his clan members, forcing the previously eager soul masters to take several steps back.


    "Dugu Bo, what is the meaning of this?" Yu Yuanzhen cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. His gaze fell on the cart of corpses, which looked like they had been turned into porcupines with countless wounds. He immediately recognized them as the group his brother Yu Luomian had sent earlier to deal with Yu Xiaogang. His expression grew serious as he regarded Dugu Bo warily.


    Of course, Yu Yuanzhen didn''t suspect that Dugu Bo was the one who had killed them.


    After all, everyone knew what kind of person Dugu Bo was. If there were rankings for bullying the weak, Dugu Bo would easily claim the top spot. Even if a Super Douluo went on a rampage, they couldn''t match Dugu Bo''s speed when it came to slaughter.


    To put it bluntly, with his current cultivation and poison techniques, Dugu Bo could kill ordinary people so thoroughly that there wouldn''t even be bones left. Yet these corpses didn''t show any signs of poisoning.


    Moreover, the strange pile of unfamiliar soul masters nearby was also suspicious.


    As for Chen Ming, who looked utterly unremarkable while pushing the cart, Yu Yuanzhen recognized him immediately. This was the same young man who had competed with his grandson Yu Tianheng years ago, defeating him as a Soul Grandmaster-level soul master against a Soul Elder. Yu Yuanzhen didn''t hold any particular grudge against Chen Ming. After all, when Yu Tianheng''s teeth had been knocked out, Yu Yuanzhen hadn''t sent anyone to retaliate. He had proactively admitted fault, transferring Yu Tianheng to the Blue Tyrant Academy and even gifting Dugu Bo a ten-thousand-year-old soul bone.


    Under normal circumstances, this should have resolved any animosity¡ªunless dealing with someone petty and vindictive.


    Additionally, Yu Yuanzhen had no desire to provoke Dugu Bo, who had grown into a weapon of mass destruction in recent years. So while he didn''t particularly like Chen Ming, he bore no malice toward him either. He simply regarded him with the indifferent gaze of an elder observing someone else''s child.


    If there was any emotion in Yu Yuanzhen''s gaze, it would be a hint of envy for Chen Ming''s talent and a lamentation over why his clan didn''t have such outstanding juniors.


    Standing beside Yu Yuanzhen, Yu Luomian took a step back to demonstrate his subordinate position. Seeing this, Dugu Bo''s expression shifted slightly. As a Rank 96 soul master with combat strength nearing Rank 97, Dugu Bo could still feel a faint sense of threat from Yu Yuanzhen.


    This was unsettling. The last time they had met, Dugu Bo had also felt a similar level of threat from Yu Yuanzhen¡ªbut that was when Yu Yuanzhen was at Rank 95, and Dugu Bo was at Rank 94. The one-level difference in soul power made such a feeling understandable. However, now that Dugu Bo had reached Rank 96, he was still sensing the same level of danger from Yu Yuanzhen.


    Dugu Bo speculated that Yu Yuanzhen must have broken through another level and made progress in areas such as willpower or combat techniques. Otherwise, it wouldn''t make sense for him to still feel threatened.


    In truth, Yu Yuanzhen felt the same way about Dugu Bo.


    Having recently advanced himself, Yu Yuanzhen had expected to dominate Dugu Bo. Even if Dugu Bo had advanced to Rank 95, Yu Yuanzhen, as a Rank 96 soul master, should have easily overpowered him. However, Dugu Bo''s aura now felt even more deadly than before.


    If Yu Yuanzhen hadn''t learned a bit about divine trials from seeking help for Yu Luomian''s injuries from Qian Daoliu, he might have suspected that Dugu Bo had undergone a divine trial himself. Otherwise, how could Dugu Bo''s strength have skyrocketed from Rank 91 to the Super Douluo level in just a few years?


    To put it bluntly, Dugu Bo''s progress of advancing more than one rank per year was utterly absurd.


    Looking at the current Dugu Bo, who seemed like a completely different person from ten years ago, Yu Yuanzhen couldn''t help but wonder if Dugu Bo might become Ultimate Douluo in another two or three decades¡ªno, perhaps even sooner.


    The more he thought about it, the more Yu Yuanzhen felt that Dugu Bo undergoing a divine trial was the most logical explanation. Without such an opportunity, this level of cultivation progress was simply defying the heavens. If someone were to tell him that Dugu Bo was on the path to godhood, Yu Yuanzhen would believe it.


    Meanwhile, Yu Luomian¡­


    Considering the current state of Title Douluos across the continent, Yu Luomian might as well be called the Blind Douluo. He stared at Dugu Bo for a long time but couldn''t discern anything about his strength. He didn''t dare to speak a word, fearing he might embarrass himself. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [372]

    Staring at the wary group of Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan members, Dugu Bo casually tossed the unconscious soul masters on the ground over to them. Then, he pointed at the corpses on the small cart.


    "I''ve been active outside the Sunset Forest recently, planning to return to Heaven Dou City to restock on supplies and grab a bite to eat before coming back. However, halfway there, I noticed traces of a poison similar to my Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom. Out of curiosity, I went to investigate and discovered these soul masters."


    "The poison affecting these soul masters isn''t Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom, but rather some kind of complex toxin that closely mimics it. This piqued my interest, so I alleviated their poisoning slightly and followed the trail, only to find these corpses."


    Dugu Bo squinted his eyes slightly, a trace of displeasure flashing in his gaze.


    "This old man knows that people call me ''Old Poison,'' thinking of me as eccentric and lawless. I admit, that I am indeed such a person. So, if something is true, I''ll admit it, and I don''t see a problem with that. But if it''s something I haven''t done, I absolutely won''t take the blame."


    "Someone dared to use a poison that imitates Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom to harm other soul masters. Not only that, these soul masters even killed members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. If someone uninformed investigates this, won''t they end up pinning everything on this old man because of the so-called Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom?"


    "If it were some other poison, I wouldn''t have even stopped on my way. Even if I saw the corpses of Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan members lying by the roadside, it would have nothing to do with me."


    "But in the Sunset Forest, using such a means to imitate my Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom is an attempt to incriminate me. This old man has decided to expose this matter directly to all of you."


    Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian weren''t fools. Listening to Dugu Bo''s words, they understood his point.


    He didn''t care about the killings. What he couldn''t tolerate was someone using Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom to frame him.


    Both Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian also knew Dugu Bo''s personality. More importantly, Yu Yuanzhen understood Dugu Bo''s strength. He was well aware that with Dugu Bo''s current power, if he were to act, everyone in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would be reduced to a puddle of corrosive liquid, except himself, with no chance to resist.


    So, in such a situation, it was impossible for Dugu Bo to resort to such a crude, inefficient, and disgraceful method against the clan.


    Yu Luomian and Yu Yuanzhen exchanged a glance, and without a word, they led a few clan members forward. Some began inspecting the soul masters, while others examined the corpses of their fellow clan members.


    As the bodies were laid out one by one, Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian''s eyes grew sharper.


    At first, they assumed that Yu Xiaogang, whose soul power had been crippled and rendered useless, would naturally be among the dead. However, the problem was that while this heap of Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors had been riddled with arrows, Yu Xiaogang''s body was nowhere to be found.


    Connecting this to the fact that someone had used fake snake venom to frame Dugu Bo, the two immediately realized there was a conspiracy targeting the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Meanwhile, under the electric stimulation from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s soul masters, the previously unconscious soul masters were forcibly awakened. Seeing the fierce and imposing group before them, many of them were so terrified that they wet their pants. Upon noticing the bodies being gathered nearby, they immediately confessed everything they knew.


    According to them, they were originally soul masters from Heaven Dou City, usually hired to assist clients in hunting soul beasts in the Sunset Forest. However, in secret, they dealt with human trafficking.


    On the surface, they appeared to be a legitimate soul-hunting team, but their real targets were their clients. They frequently killed their employers to rob them or ambushed them to sell them to slavers. As a result, their reputation was horrendous, and they had long been out of work.


    Lately, as they had squandered their money, they were desperate for income. Hearing about recent disturbances in the Sunset Forest, they decided to try their luck and see if they could take advantage of the chaos. So, they gathered a team and came here.


    However, before they even reached their destination, they were drugged and poisoned by a seemingly simple and na?ve employer. They were then forced to use certain specialized weapons to attack the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s soul masters, helping this person capture a middle-aged man.


    The group desperately described their employer''s appearance, height, and voice. They claimed the person was an ordinary-looking middle-aged woman with a somewhat immature, pure, and vacant demeanor. Her martial soul seemed to be some kind of rabbit, and according to her, her soul power level was that of a quasi-Soul Ancestor, lacking a fourth soul ring.


    Although she dressed plainly, she was incredibly generous, casually handing out a thousand-gold soul coin card. This tempted them into letting their guard down.


    After hearing their chaotic testimonies, Yu Yuanzhen''s face darkened, and his emotions grew complicated. He first cupped his hands toward Dugu Bo to thank him for bringing these people and arranging for their clan members'' corpses to be collected. Then, he ordered the scum to be locked in a temporary holding cell for further interrogation. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although he had many things on his mind, as the patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Yuanzhen had to properly host a fellow Title Douluo like Dugu Bo. For now, he suppressed his emotions and invited Dugu Bo and Chen Ming into the camp for a meal.


    After a quick meal, Dugu Bo and Chen Ming left the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s camp. Inside the main tent, Yu Yuanzhen sat in the head seat, Yu Luomian in the secondary seat, while the elders and soul masters of the clan stood.


    Although they hadn''t done anything wrong, they still received a scolding from Yu Yuanzhen. Only after Yu Luomian intervened did the lecture end.


    Some joked that Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian had switched roles, with the patriarch acting as the bad cop and the second-in-command as the good cop. But in reality, the brothers weren''t playing roles. As Title Douluos, their authority alone was enough to ensure obedience, so there was no need for such tactics. They were simply expressing their genuine feelings.


    Under their orders, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan''s soul masters, who had already been working overtime, had to continue their tasks. Some formed teams to patrol the area, while others with greater strength searched for more clues.


    Sitting in the head seat, Yu Yuanzhen thought of Yu Xiaogang, who had been rescued. His expression was cold, and both armrests of his chair had been reduced to ash under his lightning aura, with even the specially-made cuffs scorched black.


    If Yu Xiaogang had been merely used, Yu Yuanzhen would let him off one more time. But if Yu Xiaogang had been involved in this matter, Yu Yuanzhen would personally send his son on his final journey.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [373]

    On the other side, Tang San and his group, who had rescued Yu Xiaogang, had quietly arrived at a small village to rest and recover. Under Tang San''s emergency treatment, the comatose Yu Xiaogang finally regained consciousness. However, when he realized that his dantian was shattered, his soul power completely gone and that he could no longer even summon his Luo San Pao martial soul, he immediately fainted again. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a long while, Tang San busied himself with acupuncture, administering medicine, and even using Dai Mubai to feed Yu Xiaogang sausages mouth-to-mouth. After all this effort, Yu Xiaogang finally woke up again, but his eyes carried a heavy emptiness. No matter how Tang San tried to stimulate him, Yu Xiaogang showed no reaction, as though he were a living corpse.


    Left with no choice, Tang San resorted to some harsher methods, using a bit of the interrogation acupuncture techniques from the Tang Sect.


    As soon as the first needle was applied, Yu Xiaogang immediately snapped back to full awareness. The emptiness and pain in his gaze vanished entirely. If Tang San hadn''t quickly covered his mouth, Yu Xiaogang''s scream might have blown the roof off. His intense reaction left Tang San momentarily stunned.


    "I only applied the first needle... How could this happen?"


    Although Tang San knew that Yu Xiaogang, his teacher, had suffered severe trauma, and he shouldn''t feel amused at his teacher''s expense, he found it odd. After all, the pain from the first needle should have been bearable for any ordinary person.


    "Ah... It must be because my teacher has suffered too great a mental blow. Based on my years of understanding him, my teacher is a person of strong will... right?"


    Looking at Yu Xiaogang, who now resembled a beggar, Tang San couldn''t help but feel a slight hint of malice rising in his heart. Subconsciously, he thought that Yu Xiaogang''s current demeanor seemed unworthy of the dignity his teacher should have.


    However, with the education from his past life, he quickly adjusted his emotions, suppressing the malice in his heart. He calmed himself, used his soul power to soothe Yu Xiaogang, and fed him painkillers, finally allowing Yu Xiaogang to settle down.


    Seeing Tang San caring for him so diligently, Yu Xiaogang burst into tears, hugging Tang San tightly. He cried and sniffled, recounting the suffering and pain he had endured during this period.


    Of course, this was Yu Xiaogang''s subjective version of events.


    In his story, he claimed that he was the victim of a conspiracy by his second uncle, Yu Luomian. First, he was severely injured, and then, because he saw through his uncle''s ambition to usurp the clan, he was framed in front of his father. This led to his father stripping him of his soul power.


    Naturally, Yu Xiaogang completely avoided mentioning how he had mistaken people twice or how he had slandered Yu Luomian in front of Yu Yuanzhen. In his narrative, all the injustice seemed to fall solely on him.


    As Yu Xiaogang wiped his tears and snot on Tang San''s face, making it sticky and disgusting, Tang San''s emotions became slightly unstable. The calm demeanor expected of a Tang Sect disciple was nowhere to be seen.


    Disgust, pity, pain¡ªthese emotions churned within Tang San. Some of these feelings were directed at Yu Xiaogang, while others were directed at the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Finally, looking at the utterly haggard Yu Xiaogang in his arms, Tang San softened. He comforted his teacher, wiped his face, and then knelt before Yu Xiaogang.


    "Teacher, you have no descendants. From now on, I will take care of you in your later years. From this moment on, you are my adoptive father, and I am your adopted son. I will support you for the rest of your life."


    "Good, good, good!"


    Watching Tang San kneel before him and recognize him as his father, Yu Xiaogang revealed a bitter smile. He patted his thigh, lost in thought.


    However, perhaps due to his emotional agitation, as Yu Xiaogang patted his thigh, he felt some discomfort in his lower body. Although Yu Yuanzhen had minimized the impact of soul power on Yu Xiaogang, a tiny trace of residual lightning soul power still caused significant metabolic issues for him.


    Under Tang San''s puzzled gaze, Yu Xiaogang''s face turned red. Suddenly, a soft sound came from behind him, and black and yellow substances began to flow from his pants, spilling onto the floor in front of Tang San. The mixture of wet and dry, unknown substances splattered on the ground, with a few drops even landing near Tang San''s face, narrowly missing him.


    Both father and son fell silent for a moment. Yu Xiaogang showed an awkward yet polite expression.


    "Xiao San..."


    "Father, it''s fine. I understand." Tang San suppressed his urge to pull out his Zhuge Divine Crossbow and shoot Yu Xiaogang through the chest. He forced a stiff smile, stood up, and, without doing anything else, took a step back. While Yu Xiaogang was still processing what had just happened, Tang San spoke softly.


    "Teacher, I won''t disturb you with this matter. I''ll go find you some new pants."


    Without waiting for Yu Xiaogang''s response, Tang San closed the door and left quickly, his face showing clear displeasure.


    While Tang San went to find Dai Mubai for pants, Tang Hao, who had been eavesdropping outside the door, slipped into the room. Looking at Yu Xiaogang, who had soiled himself, Tang Hao remained silent for a long moment. Despite his best efforts to suppress his emotions, his Clear Sky Hammer faintly appeared in his hand.


    If he had known earlier that Yu Xiaogang had been crippled, and that his son would recognize such a useless man as his adoptive father, Tang Hao would have stopped Tang San from rescuing Yu Xiaogang. Or he would have simply smashed Yu Xiaogang into a pulp with one strike.


    Just thinking about how he had to acknowledge this incontinent, powerless, and emasculated man as his son''s adoptive father nearly drove Tang Hao to want to physically erase Yu Xiaogang.


    Faced with the legendary Clear Sky Douluo appearing before him, Yu Xiaogang was silent, unsure of what to say. Tang Hao stared at him for a long time, then snorted coldly. At the same time, he subtly used his soul power to shield himself from the stench.


    Tang Hao waved his hand, tossing a pen and paper in front of Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang blinked, stunned for a moment.


    "Grandmaster, your current condition is irreversible. The only way to salvage your reputation on the continent is to train Tang San into an unparalleled powerhouse. Only then can your father feel regret for what he''s done."


    "You planned Tang San''s path long ago: first cultivating Blue Silver Grass, then adding soul rings to the Clear Sky Hammer. While Tang San''s Blue Silver Grass path is already clear, the critical issue of how to resolve the conflict between his twin martial souls remains unresolved..."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [374]

    Tang Hao believed that what he had said was already quite polite. However, hearing his idol''s somewhat coercive tone, Yu Xiaogang couldn''t help but feel an immense, soul-crushing pain. He picked up the paper and pen that had been thrown at him, forcing a twisted, bitter smile onto his face.


    "Lord Clear Sky Douluo, I understand your point. As things stand, I''m already a useless person, one who may not live to see tomorrow. At any moment, I could leave this world. But a crucial opportunity for Xiaosan''s growth still lies ahead. I can''t let my shortcomings hinder Xiaosan."


    "I''ll jot down my insights right away to avoid causing future trouble for Xiaosan in case something happens to me."


    Holding the paper, which was slightly damp and had an odd smell, Yu Xiaogang began to write, his hand trembling. Tang Hao stood by, staring intently at every word Yu Xiaogang wrote, determined to commit the training method for twin martial souls to memory.


    At first, as he read Yu Xiaogang''s rough notes and methods, Tang Hao frowned slightly. Still, he reassured himself that this might just be the most basic introductory technique. But not long after this thought crossed his mind, Yu Xiaogang''s hand froze.


    On the large sheet of white paper, there were scattered notes of only about two or three hundred words, most of which Tang Hao deemed completely useless.


    Looking at Yu Xiaogang, who had stopped writing, a trace of killing intent flickered in Tang Hao''s eyes.


    "Grandmaster, Xiaosan is your disciple. Even now, are you still holding back from him?"


    "I¡ªI''m not! I swear to the heavens! This is the secret to training twin martial souls!" Yu Xiaogang stammered, his face flushing red as he stared at the paper in his hands, unable to tolerate being looked down upon.


    "Hmm?"


    Tang Hao''s eyes narrowed as he snatched the slightly damp paper from Yu Xiaogang''s hand, carefully reviewing it.


    After a long moment of analysis, Tang Hao silently summarized the two or three hundred words into three main points:


    Run more, especially with weights, to strengthen physical endurance.


    Train soul power diligently, ensuring it is as solid as possible.


    Frequently use the secondary martial soul to increase proficiency.


    And the fourth point?


    There wasn''t one. The entire explanation boiled down to just those three points.


    Looking at these three points, Tang Hao''s face turned as red as a monkey''s bottom, his eyes brimming with unrestrained killing intent.


    "Yu Xiaogang, are you still trying to hide things? Fine, fine! Facing death, and you still show no fear. I didn''t expect you to be such a tough guy!"


    "I''m not hiding anything!" Feeling Tang Hao''s murderous aura, Yu Xiaogang nearly passed out. Though his stomach was almost empty, the suffocating pressure squeezed out the remnants of whatever had been in there, forcing it to expel.


    "I truly only learned these things about twin martial souls from my time in the Spirit Hall. But... I do know where there might be more detailed information!"


    "When I was in the Spirit Hall, I was in a relationship with the current Pope, Bibi Dong. Bibi Dong herself has twin martial souls¡ªSoul-Eating Spider Emperor and Death Spider Emperor. It was through her that I learned about the training methods for twin martial souls. Though Bibi Dong and I eventually parted ways..."


    "But over the years, I''ve come to realize that Bibi Dong has now become a Title Douluo. Without a doubt, she''s already started attaching soul rings to her second martial soul. With her strength as a Super Douluo, she must have resolved the conflict between her twin martial souls!" Yu Xiaogang''s words became increasingly incoherent.


    "If I go to her and plead with her, she''ll tell me how she overcame the challenges of training with twin martial souls."


    Watching Yu Xiaogang, who seemed ready to confess even the most trivial details of his life, Tang Hao''s killing intent dissipated completely. His previously cold expression softened slightly.


    He looked at Yu Xiaogang, his eyes filled with a mix of shock and disbelief. He hadn''t expected that this ordinary, seemingly useless man had such an unknown relationship with the Spirit Hall''s current Pope.


    To put it bluntly, in Tang Hao''s view, Bibi Dong was undoubtedly a remarkable individual. Although she came from the Spirit Hall, her personal talent was on par with his own. Considering her twin martial souls, she was even superior to him in some ways.


    Even though Tang Hao believed his love with Ah Yin was true love, he couldn''t help but wonder at this moment: If he had fallen in love with Bibi Dong back then, with his grandfather Tang Chen''s influence and his talent, wouldn''t he now be both the master of the Clear Sky Clan and the Pope of the Spirit Hall?


    Tang Hao didn''t even consider whether Bibi Dong would have been interested in him. After all, in his mind, if someone like Bibi Dong could fall for someone as useless as Yu Xiaogang, wouldn''t she kneel before him the moment she saw him?


    Though Tang Hao''s mind wandered with these thoughts, only an instant had passed in reality. Looking at the trembling Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao gently patted him on the shoulder.


    "Grandmaster, you''ve overthought things. It was rude of me earlier, and I apologize. As a father, I''m simply concerned about my son. Watching Xiaosan grow stronger step by step, I can''t help but think about his future. As Xiaosan''s teacher and adoptive father, I''m sure you share the same concerns."


    "Yes, yes, definitely!" Yu Xiaogang nodded frantically, agreeing without hesitation.


    Seeing Yu Xiaogang like this, Tang Hao felt a twinge of disdain but maintained a gentle demeanor as he gave Yu Xiaogang some instructions. For example, he urged him to go to the Spirit Hall as soon as possible to seek the training methods for twin martial souls and, incidentally, to inform Bibi Dong about the injustices he had suffered at the hands of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Hearing Tang Hao''s words, Yu Xiaogang''s eyes lit up, as if he had grasped a lifeline.


    That''s right! He could ask Bibi Dong to avenge him! That woman had loved him so deeply back then. If he begged her, she would undoubtedly take revenge for him!


    Father? No, Yu Yuanzhen! Yu Luomian! You two blind fools, just wait! I, Yu Xiaogang, will make you see the error of your ways!


    Yu Xiaogang roared silently in his heart, the malice in his eyes growing stronger.


    As the sound of Tang San''s footsteps approached from outside, Tang Hao glanced at the still-immersed Yu Xiaogang and quickly vanished. A minute or two later, Tang San entered the room with a plain pair of gray pants. However, the moment he caught a whiff of the smell¡ªwhich had somehow grown even worse since he''d left¡ªhe gagged instinctively and stumbled back a few steps. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Standing outside for a while, the stench was so overpowering that nearby residents poked their heads out to see if some cesspit had exploded. Only then did Tang San, pinching his nose, re-enter the room, tossing the pants toward Yu Xiaogang before slamming the door shut and retreating far away.


    Looking at the paper and pen on his lap and the pants that had been thrown at him, Yu Xiaogang began to laugh silently. However, his face twisted into an expression of utter bitterness and despair.


    PS: Hey Guys, please subscribe to our patreon. This book has currently atleast 105 advanced chapters.


    PS2: We caught up to the raw.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [375]

    After Yu Xiaogang proposed going to Spirit Hall, signs of division began to emerge among the Shrek Academy students.


    Oscar and Ma Hongjun expressed strong rejection toward Spirit Hall and were unwilling to accompany Tang San and Yu Xiaogang there. Instead, they leaned toward reconnecting with their teachers later and continuing their studies with Shrek Academy.


    As for Dai Mubai, he was indifferent¡ªafter all, he had always been someone who lived day-to-day. To him, it didn''t matter where he stayed to drift along. Moreover, he had come to appreciate Tang San''s abilities and subtly sided with him.


    And Xiao Wu?


    Xiao Wu fully believed in the so-called ability of the Blue Silver Emperor''s carapace to completely conceal her aura. Considering her own enemies'' connections to Spirit Hall, she decided to follow her Brother San to Spirit Hall to investigate their foes.


    The group debated throughout the night, but no one could convince the other. In the end, Ma Hongjun and Oscar left the small team. Dai Mubai, however, chose to follow Tang San and Xiao Wu, preparing to accompany Yu Xiaogang to Spirit Hall.


    Thus, the original Shrek group, whose goal had been the Sunset Forest, completely fell apart before they even set foot in the forest.


    Meanwhile, Shrek Academy''s teachers were placed under house arrest by Yu Yuanzhen at Blue Tyrant Academy. Liu Erlong, under Yu Luomian''s persuasion, resumed her position as Dean of the Blue Tyrant Academy. However, given the temperament of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the matter regarding Shrek was far from over¡ªit was merely a landmine buried in the ground, waiting to be detonated.


    At this very moment, Chen Ming was using Blue Silver Grass to monitor Tang San while handling his affairs.


    Triggered by internal decisions and the urgency of this Sunset Forest incident, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan formally prioritized the full-scale armament of Soul Tools. Ning Fengzhi, along with several elders and the two clan-protecting Douluos, repeatedly visited Dugu Bo''s residence to discuss the technology and assembly of Soul Tools.


    To be honest, although Chen Ming''s current technical expertise classified him as a Level 7 Soul Engineer, he wasn''t particularly skilled in Soul Tool crafting. His knowledge was more reliant on his fundamental abilities rather than actual expertise.


    Chen Ming had only a basic understanding of the time, resource costs, and material loss involved in crafting Soul Tools. However, the large-scale deployment of Soul Tools on the Douluo Continent was an entirely different matter.


    After all, the Douluo Continent lacked the advanced metallurgy of the Sun-Moon Continent. Many of the metals required for Soul Tools either hadn''t been discovered or simply didn''t exist on Douluo. These issues would need to be addressed by consulting other Soul Engineers like Shui Xuan.


    Using the money earned from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Chen Ming planned to cultivate and equip his military for future missionary work. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan served as both a testing ground and an economic resource.


    Although Chen Ming could now claim that he no longer cared about money, he understood that gold soul coins had many practical uses. When establishing a church in the future, he couldn''t expect a god like himself to handle everything. Various operations and expenses would be inevitable.


    While money wasn''t the core of faith, without money, asking people to fund their own beliefs would be a bit much.


    As long as people could eat well, live stable lives, and enjoy occasional leisure, there would be no shortage of future believers.


    Traveling quickly, Chen Ming left Heaven Dou City that evening and arrived in Gengxin City the next day to check on the progress of Soul Tool and Battle Armor development.


    After months of research, progress had been made. Using special metals, Shui Xuan and the other Soul Engineers developed a series of new technologies.


    In an underground workshop, Chen Ming saw the 0.1.2 prototype of the Battle Armor.


    From its appearance, this prototype resembled the humanoid Soul Tools seen in Douluo Dalu 2. It looked like a massive suit of heavy armor, standing at 2.5 meters tall and radiating a metallic sheen. Many of the formations inside the armor operated based on the properties of the special metals, taking a unique approach compared to traditional Soul Tools. Leveraging the special materials, the entire Soul Tool achieved basic synchronization. Its strength and functionality exceeded that of a Level 7 Soul Tool, making it equivalent to a genuine Level 8 Soul Tool¡ªbut its usage difficulty was extraordinarily high.


    A Soul Douluo like Lou Gao, equipped with full soul bones, could wear this suit of armor to achieve combat strength comparable to a Rank 94 Titled Douluo. However, its drawbacks included poor mobility and significantly weaker endurance compared to an actual Titled Douluo.


    For someone like Golden Crocodile Douluo, an Ultimate Douluo, wearing this armored Soul Tool wouldn''t enhance his combat ability; it might even hinder him in battle.


    Compared to the Battle Armor seen in later eras, this humanoid Soul Tool followed an unusual path. Its effectiveness depended heavily on the user''s physical fitness and soul power reserves, while the user''s martial spirit and soul skills were largely ignored. In some cases, martial spirits could even negatively impact the armor''s strength.


    Rather than providing percentage-based attribute boosts, the armor offered fixed attribute increases. While it wasn''t particularly useful for top-tier experts, it could significantly enhance mid-level combat power.


    In summary, this creation could be considered a unique kind of mecha.


    Chen Ming narrowed his eyes, mentally recoloring the armor and adjusting some details. He realized that this humanoid Soul Tool bore a striking resemblance to Space Marine power armor from Warhammer 40K.


    Considering his current divine abilities¡ªwhich included corrupting martial souls and modifying human physiology¡ªChen Ming even entertained the idea of raising a knockoff version of the Adeptus Astartes on the Douluo Continent.


    If that day ever came, Chen Ming wouldn''t mind creating a counterfeit version of the Death Guard either.


    The journey to Gengxin City hadn''t taken much time, but handling other matters consumed a fair amount of it.


    That night, Chen Ming assigned Shui Xuan and the others a basic task: produce 300 Level 3 ray Soul Guns and 10 Level 4 flying backpacks within half a month.


    Although this task seemed tight and might interfere with the Battle Armor research, it was relatively easy to accomplish.


    Soul Engineers could both inherit and learn skills. Since the focus was on Battle Armor, blacksmiths like Lou Gao naturally came into contact with Soul Tool technology, while Soul Engineers like Shui Xuan learned blacksmithing techniques in return.


    While it might take longer for a Soul Engineer to become a blacksmith, it was much easier for a blacksmith to become a Soul Engineer.


    High-level blacksmiths already had extensive knowledge of metals, and their creations often included intricate mechanisms and internal structures rather than simple, crude products.


    For example, Lou Gao had previously crafted a thin metal underlay capable of withstanding attacks from a Soul Emperor. The technical requirements were extremely high. Lou Gao himself was also the era''s top mechanism master, known for disassembling a fully secured Zhuge Divine Crossbow with all its anti-theft mechanisms intact. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s worth noting that the Zhuge Divine Crossbow in Tang San''s possession wasn''t his design but rather an accumulation of Tang Sect''s knowledge, complete with what was considered foolproof anti-theft technology.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [376]

    Although he wasn''t like Chen Ming, who could instantly become a top-tier Soul Engineer upon taking up the craft, a high-level blacksmith could still become a low-level Soul Engineer in a short period after being introduced to soul engineering techniques. From the perspective of a Soul Engineer, Lou Gao was already a Level 5 Soul Engineer. His limitation wasn''t a technical skill but rather his understanding of soul tool arrays. With some study, it would naturally take him one to two years to become a Level 6 or 7 Soul Engineer.


    Moreover, Lou Gao''s martial soul was the Sacred Molding Pen, which didn''t have much significance during forging but was extremely useful for carving soul tool arrays. It could function as a precision carving tool and was far easier to use than a regular chisel.


    With this martial soul and decades of accumulated craftsmanship, Lou Gao could create ordinary core arrays for soul tools as easily as drinking water. The precision of his array carvings was a level above that of Shui Xuan and the others.


    Normally, Lou Gao''s rarely-used Sacred Molding Pen martial soul made other Soul Engineers envious and resentful. They couldn''t help but complain: why couldn''t their martial souls be used as carving tools too? Not only were their martial souls of poorer quality, but they were also less functional. What was the point of having such martial souls?


    After receiving Chen Ming''s orders, Lou Gao and Shui Xuan led their teams to pause their research on battle armor for a day. They spent that time producing 300 Level 3 soul-guided rifles and 10 Level 4 flying soul tools.


    The process was incredibly straightforward. Blacksmiths refined the metal according to specifications, high-level and some mid-level Soul Engineers carved the cores, while the remaining mid-level Soul Engineers assembled the structures. Low-level Soul Engineers were responsible for attaching the outer shells, and finally, high-level Soul Engineers handled testing and inspection.


    The entire operation looked like a deadly assembly line in an electronics factory.


    Of course, this was possible because even the so-called low-level Soul Engineers here were Level 4 Soul Engineers. Each of them was capable of producing multiple Level 3 soul-guided laser rifles in a single day. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been possible for a team of just a few dozen people to produce so many soul tools in a single day.


    Chen Ming was very satisfied with these results and promptly handed out rewards.


    For those who made significant contributions to the battle armor research, he awarded a soul bone. The most diligent workers also received a soul bone. Blacksmiths who excelled in soul engineering received a soul bone as well. As the team leaders, Lou Gao and Shui Xuan each received a soul bone.


    Unquestionably, these soul bones were either snake-type soul bones obtained from the Snake Island incident or human-faced spider soul bones from the recent hunt of a Man-Faced Demon Spider.


    Although they were millennium-grade soul bones, their quality was excellent, with each being highly valuable. Contributors with significant achievements were given soul bones of higher age and better quality, while those with lesser contributions received slightly lower grades but still suitable soul bones.


    The soul bones awarded to Lou Gao and Shui Xuan, as the leaders, were among the finest millennium-grade soul bones, comparable in value to ordinary ten-thousand-year soul bones.


    The recipients of the soul bones were thrilled, and some impatient ones absorbed their soul bones on the spot. Those who didn''t receive a soul bone reflected on whether they had worked hard enough and resolved to double their efforts in the future.


    As for those who believed they were no less capable than the recipients of the rewards, they became visibly competitive, vowing to demonstrate their abilities in the coming days and earn their own rewards and soul bones.


    In total, over ten soul bones were distributed, significantly depleting Chen Ming''s inventory.


    Looking at his much-diminished stash of soul bones, Chen Ming sighed inwardly and decided to find an opportunity to develop artificial soul bone technology. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to afford rewards in the future.


    As the leading Soul Engineer, Shui Xuan was tempted to absorb the high-quality millennium soul bone in his hands. However, when he saw Lou Gao hand over his equally valuable soul bone to his disciple, Shui Xuan became envious. He admired Lou Gao''s character, skills, and thirst for knowledge, fully acknowledging that Lou Gao deserved his position as Chen Ming''s trusted aide. He also realized that the example Chen Ming had previously mentioned was Lou Gao.


    Still, as a top-tier Soul Engineer and leader of the Sun Moon Continent''s Soul Engineers, Shui Xuan was proud.


    Why should Lou Gao get a full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones while he couldn''t? sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure, Lou Gao had been around longer and had made greater contributions, which led to his current status. But Shui Xuan thought, I may have joined later, but I can make contributions too!


    Lou Gao''s full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones had already pushed him to the Soul Douluo level. If he absorbed a super soul beast''s soul ring, he would soon reach the Title Douluo rank. Shui Xuan thought, Why can''t I, as a Soul Douluo, strive for a full set of ten-thousand-year soul bones and aim for Title Douluo too?


    Determined, Shui Xuan gritted his teeth and decided to work even harder.


    Battle armor research required materials, and soul bones were a rare and valuable material for crafting soul tools. Shui Xuan resolved to contribute his soul bone to advance battle armor technology. In doing so, he believed he could earn even more precious ten-thousand-year soul bones in the future.


    Shui Xuan discreetly observed the other Soul Engineers who had yet to absorb their soul bones, planning to rally them later and use their soul bones to push forward soul tools and battle armor technology in one big effort.


    Chen Ming wasn''t aware of Shui Xuan''s plans, but he could see that Shui Xuan was motivated to step up his game.


    Chen Ming disapproved of meaningless internal competition and infighting, but as a leader, he liked to see healthy rivalry among his team members. After all, competition drove progress. At the same time, he began wondering whether his supply of ten-thousand-year soul bones was running low.


    Regardless, Chen Ming was very satisfied with the current situation. After giving a few more instructions and chatting with Golden Crocodile Douluo, he swiftly flew back to Heaven Dou City under the cover of night. He delivered the soul tools to Dugu Bo and asked him to delay the delivery to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan by half a month. Then, he set off again for Spirit City.


    Although Tang San''s group had started heading toward Spirit City a few days ago, their progress was slow due to their limited strength and Yu Xiaogang''s injuries.


    By the time Chen Ming arrived in Spirit City, met Qian Daoliu, and discussed recent events and the next steps with him and the Angel God''s consciousness, Tang San''s group was still only halfway there.


    With no other choice, Chen Ming spent some time in the Spirit Hall, searching for items that could trigger his spiritual vision and provide him with new insights.


    Over the next few days, Chen Ming triggered his spiritual vision six or seven times, gaining some minor insights and slight progress. His soul power level increased to 72, and the Evil God Avatar, which had been dormant in his body in a martial soul fusion state, was raised to Level 20.


    Once he finished dealing with Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, Chen Ming planned to track down the ten-thousand-year Man-Faced Demon Spider Emperor he had left behind previously. He intended for the Evil God Avatar to fully consume it and gain another boost in power.


    Although he was still unsure about the Evil God Avatar''s ultimate role, defeating a ten-thousand-year soul beast was now a trivial task for Chen Ming. Regardless of whether the Evil God Avatar would later be reabsorbed or serve another purpose, Chen Ming saw no harm in strengthening it beforehand.


    Who knows? It might come in handy in the future.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [377]

    Under the secret escort of Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai arrived outside Spirit City. However, as they looked at the towering and majestic Spirit City in the distance, everyone except Dai Mubai, who was as fearless as a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, felt a trace of fear.


    Tang San was very worried about his identity being recognized and being attacked by the evil Spirit Hall. Xiao Wu was afraid her aura as a 100,000-year soul beast would be exposed, turning her into a soul ring or soul bone in a place like Spirit City, where Titled Douluos were everywhere. Yu Xiaogang worried whether he could still gain Bibi Dong''s help in his current state.


    As for Tang Hao?


    Although Tang Hao felt that even if he stormed Spirit City head-on, nothing would happen to him, he still hesitated before stepping forward as he gazed upon the city bathed in light. This hesitation stemmed from a dual effect: his innate instinct and the divine sense of the Asura God within him.


    Spirit Hall was the domain of the Angel God, and Spirit City was the result of Spirit Hall''s millennia of accumulation. Even though the Angel God had already fallen due to his schemes, the Asura God would still not recklessly allow his pawn to reveal his aura within Spirit City.


    After all, if Qian Daoliu, the High Priest of the Angel God, made a move, Tang Hao might still have a chance to escape. But if the Angelic Sacred Sword descended, Tang Hao would not survive unless the Asura God personally intervened.


    After a long silence, Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai waited outside Spirit City for Tang San and Yu Xiaogang. Even Tang Hao, who had been sticking close to Tang San, stopped cautiously outside the city, looking at Spirit City with malice in his heart.


    "Spirit Hall, if you harm Xiao San, I, Tang Hao, will destroy your millennia-old foundation even if it costs me my life. And as for Bibi Dong, you''d better be sensible and obediently hand over the method for cultivating twin martial souls. Otherwise, you are courting death!"


    Of course, if Tang Hao encountered any of the Spirit Hall''s elders, his heavily injured body would force him to turn and flee immediately. But that didn''t stop him from threatening Spirit Hall in his heart while standing outside the city.


    The defenses of Spirit City were strong¡ªjust the gate guards alone were at the Soul Elder level, while the squad leaders were Soul Kings or Soul Emperors. Any one of them could establish a small family. However, despite such strength, their inspections were relatively simple.


    They would merely check for any signs of evil auras or wanted criminals and let people through. As for contraband or weapon inspections, Spirit City only prohibited evil items. Weapons? Nobody would care about those¡ªafter all, every soul master carried weapons.


    Overall, the city''s defenses were primarily aimed at soul beasts and external forces. Inspections for people entering the city were more of a formality. Internal security was managed by a separate department.


    At the city gate, the soul masters recorded Yu Xiaogang and Tang San''s names and ages, then began checking for any evil or chaotic auras.


    Yu Xiaogang, whose martial soul was now crippled, exuded nothing but an air of despair and the stench caused by his incontinence. The canine martial soul master responsible for detecting auras sniffed Yu Xiaogang twice and almost vomited. Waving his hand, he moved on to inspect Tang San.


    On Tang San, the soul master with a White Dog martial soul detected a faint aura of darkness and blood. His expression immediately turned serious.


    His martial soul, the White Dog, was a mid-tier canine martial soul that wasn''t particularly strong in combat. However, as a canine martial soul, it excelled in scent detection. The White Dog, in particular, had the rare ability to sense soul masters'' auras and soul power.


    The soul master subtly signaled his squad leader, and several guards quietly surrounded Tang San and Yu Xiaogang.


    The squad leader, a middle-aged Soul Emperor, looked at Tang San and Yu Xiaogang with a formulaic smile. Then he summoned his martial soul¡ªtwo yellow, two purple, and two black soul rings appeared around him as a purple vine coiled in his hand.


    Tang San and Yu Xiaogang immediately recognized it¡ªhis martial soul was the Ghost Vine, the same type as the source of Tang San''s second soul ring for his Blue Silver Grass martial soul.


    "Apologies, routine check. Please summon your martial soul so we can verify that it is not an evil martial soul," the Ghost Vine soul master said politely, though his soul rings began to shimmer faintly. It was clear that if the two refused, the dark purple vine in his hand would devour them in an instant.


    "Hmph." Tang San snorted coldly and summoned his Blue Silver Grass martial soul. Two yellow and one purple soul rings appeared around him, and the deep purple Blue Silver Grass emerged in his hand. The Ghost Vine soul master stared at the Blue Silver Grass for a moment in silence before speaking hesitantly.


    "Is this... the Dark Blue Silver Grass martial soul?"


    "Dark Blue Silver Grass?" Hearing this unfamiliar term that seemed related to his martial soul, Tang San''s eyes lit up for a moment. However, he replied calmly, "No, I''ve never heard of Dark Blue Silver Grass. My martial soul is just ordinary Blue Silver Grass, only enhanced by soul rings from poisonous soul beasts."


    "Poisonous plant-type soul beasts..." The Ghost Vine soul master seemed to sense that Tang San''s second soul ring likely came from a Ghost Vine as well, so he relaxed slightly, though there was still some doubt in his eyes.


    In this era, Spirit Hall judged soul masters not by their martial souls but by their deeds.


    Even if your martial soul was a Bloodsucking Bat and you cultivated by drinking blood, as long as you only drank the blood of soul beasts and not soul masters, you were considered a normal¡ªeven good¡ªsoul master.


    Conversely, even if your martial soul was a Unicorn or an Angel, if you wantonly slaughtered innocents¡ªwhether to cultivate or not¡ªyou would be deemed as an evil soul master and punished accordingly. Depending on the situation, this could mean execution, the destruction of your martial soul, or imprisonment.


    This era emphasized evaluating actions, not intentions.


    Take the Ghost Vine soul master, for example. His martial soul, the Ghost Vine, inherently possessed both poison and evil attributes. Yet, he was neither discriminated against nor treated specially because of it. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be serving as a squad leader in Spirit City''s defenses.


    After all, being a squad leader here in Spirit City carried far more prestige than holding the same position in the capital cities of the two great empires. Without sufficient background and strength, it was impossible.


    Seeing Tang San in this light, the Ghost Vine soul master added a few words.


    "Young man, since we''re both plant-type soul masters, let me give you some advice."


    "If your martial soul is just Blue Silver Grass and not Dark Blue Silver Grass, I suggest you stick to the normal path for plant-type soul masters. Focus on absorbing soul rings from regular plant-type soul beasts. Absorbing too many poisonous soul beasts won''t be good for your martial soul."


    "While Blue Silver Grass is a low-quality plant-type martial soul, it does have its unique traits. When adding soul rings, don''t go against its nature, or you''ll end up putting in twice the effort for half the results."


    "For soul masters with average talent, it''s natural to prioritize strong soul skills since their potential is limited."


    "But with your talent¡ªbeing able to cultivate Blue Silver Grass to this level at your age¡ªyou''re bound to go far. You might even make a name for Blue Silver Grass one day."


    "Ah, forget it." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing Tang San''s indifferent expression, the Ghost Vine soul master shook his head and retracted his martial soul.


    "Forget it, young man. I was being nosy."

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [378]

    Watching as the Ghost Vine Soul Master retracted his martial soul, Tang San let out a sigh of relief. He also withdrew his Blue Silver Grass, which didn''t look like ordinary Blue Silver Grass, and then glanced at Yu Xiaogang, who wore an expression of discontent. Shifting his gaze slightly, Tang San casually asked, "May I ask, big brother, what is the Dark Blue Silver Grass? Is it a special type of Blue Silver Grass?"


    "Dark Blue Silver Grass, huh?" The Ghost Vine Soul Master, clearly a good-natured person, nodded. Since Tang San dared to ask, he dared to answer. Or perhaps he had already been subtly influenced by Tang San''s innate charisma.


    "It is indeed a special type of Blue Silver Grass martial soul. However, unlike ordinary Blue Silver Grass, its characteristics are darkness, evil, poison, and devouring. It''s said to be a mutated variant of Blue Silver Grass. I''ve never seen it myself, but my family has records of an ancestor who once absorbed a soul ring from a Dark Blue Silver Grass."


    "According to my family''s records, ordinary Blue Silver Grass, even if it becomes a soul beast, has no special traits other than being hard to kill due to its vitality. On the other hand, the mutated Dark Blue Silver Grass is undoubtedly a high-quality soul beast, completely on another level compared to ordinary Blue Silver Grass."


    Knowledge about the soul master world was always precious. After briefly describing the Dark Blue Silver Grass, the Ghost Vine Soul Master was unwilling to share more of his family''s ancestral secrets. Even when Tang San and Yu Xiaogang tried to probe for information on the distribution of this special soul beast, the Ghost Vine Soul Master merely shook his head and refused to answer.


    After confirming that Tang San had not consumed humans for cultivation and that the unique aura surrounding him came from his martial soul and soul rings, the city defense squad checked the wanted notices and allowed Tang San and Yu Xiaogang to enter the city.


    As Tang San helped Yu Xiaogang into Spirit City, he was still pondering the information he had just heard about the Dark Blue Silver Grass.


    After years of studying under Yu Xiaogang, he had never known that such a variant of the Blue Silver Grass existed.


    Darkness, poison, evil, devouring.


    Thinking carefully, Tang San realized that his martial soul, through the addition of soul rings, had acquired similar abilities and had transformed the seemingly useless Blue Silver Grass into a force to be reckoned with.


    If he continued to develop in this direction, could he truly transform the Blue Silver Grass martial soul into the Dark Blue Silver Grass?


    However...


    At this thought, Tang San squinted, a flash of killing intent appearing in his eyes.


    That Ghost Vine Soul Master had been detestable¡ªfirst suspecting him of being an evil soul master and then refusing to divulge the location of the Dark Blue Silver Grass soul beast as compensation. He was courting death!


    With this in mind, Tang San turned to Yu Xiaogang and softly asked about the Dark Blue Silver Grass. However, Yu Xiaogang could only shake his head in confusion.


    "I seem to have vaguely heard about the Dark Blue Silver Grass martial soul a long time ago, but I don''t know much about it. Perhaps there are records of it in the books of Spirit Hall. But as for its characteristics or distribution, I don''t know."


    Useless.


    Supporting the frail Yu Xiaogang, Tang San''s eyes flashed with a trace of disdain before he quickly concealed it. His expression changed so quickly that Yu Xiaogang didn''t notice the momentary malice from his disciple.


    Spirit City had an almost complete economic system. Aside from lacking brothels, slave markets, and fighting arenas, it had everything one would expect in a normal city. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In a hotel catering to visiting spirit masters, Tang San reluctantly spent ten gold spirit coins to book a double room for five days. That night, he spent time cleaning up Yu Xiaogang, especially controlling his bodily functions to ensure there were no accidents.


    Early the next morning, Tang San helped Yu Xiaogang head toward the Spirit Hall within Spirit City.


    While Spirit City welcomed external spirit masters, the Spirit Hall was restricted to internal personnel only. As Yu Xiaogang approached the Spirit Hall''s perimeter, several burly offense-type spirit masters summoned their martial souls and spirit rings to block his path.


    "Halt! Only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point!"


    "Hmph." Yu Xiaogang snorted coldly. He reached into his robe and produced an emblem that Tang Hao had given him years ago¡ªa token of the Pope. He displayed it before the guards. Seeing the highest-level Pope''s Token, the guards froze. The captain among them cautiously stepped forward to inspect the token. Upon confirming its authenticity, he shuddered.


    They didn''t know who this disheveled, soul-powerless middle-aged man was, but the Pope''s Token was undoubtedly genuine.


    They couldn''t afford to offend him!


    Even though the man before them lacked any signs of soul power and appeared to be an ordinary person, how could that be possible?


    The Pope''s Token was only held by three individuals within the Spirit Hall, apart from the Supreme Pontiff herself. Outside of Spirit Hall, only three people from the Upper Three Sects could possess one. The likelihood of this man being a powerless ordinary person was as absurd as a dragon giving birth to a pig.


    The guards concluded that his soul power must be so profound that they couldn''t sense it.


    With utmost respect, they allowed Yu Xiaogang to stride into the Spirit Hall''s inner area. Meanwhile, Tang San waited outside, watching.


    This wait lasted for an entire day and night.


    The Spirit Hall''s grounds were vast, with numerous steps and uneven pathways. Even low-level spirit masters would feel exhausted walking through it. However, since low-level soul masters were rare within Spirit Hall, this issue was seldom noticed.


    After all, Spirit Hall''s elites wouldn''t complain about climbing stairs, would they?


    Having not set foot in Spirit Hall for years, Yu Xiaogang had long forgotten the struggle of climbing its stairs.


    Back then, at least he had been a soul master in his prime with a decent physique. Now, Yu Xiaogang was a broken man¡ªhis soul power destroyed and his physical condition deteriorating. He was no longer the man he once was.


    Barely a short distance into Spirit Hall, before even reaching its core, Yu Xiaogang collapsed by the roadside, gasping for air. Passing soul masters stared at him in confusion, wondering how an ordinary person had managed to get in. A few kind-hearted soul masters offered him water and food, preventing him from dying on the spot.


    Meanwhile, the guards had reported the situation to the knights outside the Pope''s Palace, who in turn passed it on to Bibi Dong. She had been preparing for Pope Token Holder''s visit for half a day, yet he hadn''t even completed a third of the journey.


    Due to a lack of food and water earlier, Yu Xiaogang was on the verge of collapse.


    To avoid dying before reaching his destination, Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to seek out an old acquaintance among the Spirit Hall soul masters he had known in the past.


    Though their relationship had been strained back then, time had softened their mutual animosity. Under the puzzled and silent gaze of his old acquaintance, Yu Xiaogang borrowed a dull-eyed young soul master as a makeshift transport to carry him to the Pope''s Palace.


    Inside the Pope''s Palace, Bibi Dong was beginning to grow suspicious. She wondered why the bearer of the Pope''s Token hadn''t arrived yet. Could it be that someone from the Upper Three Sects was negotiating with Qian Daoliu in the Elder Hall?

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [379]

    Compared to his previously arrogant entrance into the Pope''s Hall in the original work, this time Yu Xiaogang entered the hall in an extremely disheveled state. When he presented the Pope''s Token in his hand, although the knights examined it thoroughly and found no issues, they unanimously felt that something was wrong with this man. Even though the Pope''s Token appeared authentic, no one dared to report directly to the Pope.


    After all, what kind of decent person would look so haggard, with pants faintly damp and emitting a foul smell, walking with unsteady steps as if about to collapse, devoid of any soul power, and appearing as if they were on the verge of death? The fact that such a person could possess the Pope''s Token was as absurd as a true dragon being born in the mortal world.


    Unable to resolve the situation, one of the knights guarding the hall reluctantly sought out Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had just returned to the Spirit Hall and had barely rested for a few days, dragging Ghost Douluo along as well.


    Among the six great martial souls represented on the Pope''s Token, two of them belonged to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. They were the most authoritative individuals, aside from the Pope and the Grand Worship, to interpret the authenticity of the Pope''s Token.


    Upon examining the token, Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately recognized it as the one given to the Clear Sky Sect years ago, based on its subtle differences. Instantly alert, he and Ghost Douluo prepared to apprehend the audacious individual who dared to present it.


    However, upon seeing that the person blocked at the entrance to the Pope''s Hall was none other than Yu Xiaogang, someone they hadn''t seen in years but now found even more repulsive, both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo felt a wave of nausea.


    Looking at the knights guarding the hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo waved his hand.


    "This Pope''s Token is real. Go and report to His Holiness."


    When they turned their attention to Yu Xiaogang, both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo''s gazes sharpened. The two began circling Yu Xiaogang, who now appeared old and frail, scrutinizing him with mocking and strange expressions, as if they were performing some sort of comedic two-man act.


    "Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, are the two esteemed Titled Douluo here just to laugh at me?" Unable to bear the gaze that seemed to treat him like a monkey, Yu Xiaogang finally spoke up.


    Perhaps because he knew he was about to meet Bibi Dong, his voice carried a newfound sense of confidence.


    "We''re just here to see who would dare to bring the Pope''s Token from the Upper Three Sects to Her Holiness at this time. As elders responsible for the Punishment Hall, this is our duty. If someone impure or malicious were to catch the Pope''s eye, then it would naturally be our failure." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chrysanthemum Douluo''s words were blunt, nearly insulting Yu Xiaogang to his face.


    While others might not know Yu Xiaogang''s true abilities, how could they not?


    In their eyes, Yu Xiaogang was nothing more than a pile of dog excrement¡ªfilthy, disgusting, and always trying to ingratiate himself with others or overstep his bounds.


    The only reason Chrysanthemum Douluo hadn''t already disposed of Yu Xiaogang was because of his prior personal relationship with the Pope. Otherwise, Chrysanthemum Douluo would have gladly crippled him with a single slap.


    Hmm?


    As this thought crossed his mind, Chrysanthemum Douluo seemed to realize something. He began to examine Yu Xiaogang with renewed interest as if his gaze could pierce through Yu Xiaogang''s clothing and skin to see into his very core. This scrutiny left Yu Xiaogang feeling completely exposed, as though he had been seen through entirely.


    After a moment, Chrysanthemum Douluo patted Yu Xiaogang''s shoulder, letting his soul power probe him briefly. Confirming his suspicions, Chrysanthemum Douluo''s face twisted into an unmistakable expression of ridicule.


    "Yue Guan, you¡ª"


    "Hmm? Since when could you address me as Yue Guan?" Chrysanthemum Douluo''s light glare sent Yu Xiaogang stumbling backward as though struck by lightning, landing on his rear. His already slightly bloated stomach began to churn, and a foul stench filled the air as a mixture of liquids soiled the ground beneath him.


    Seeing Yu Xiaogang in such a state, the knights guarding the hall tightened their grips on their largely ceremonial weapons, nearly rushing forward to hack Yu Xiaogang into pieces.


    In the thousands of years since the founding of the Spirit Hall, this was the first person to dare defecate at the Pope''s Hall entrance!


    Even knowing that Yu Xiaogang''s Pope''s Token was genuine, many devout knights felt an overwhelming urge to kill him on the spot and then commit suicide to uphold the honor of the Spirit Hall.


    Faced with the increasingly unbearable Yu Xiaogang, Chrysanthemum Douluo also felt disgusted. After one last glance at the trembling and convulsing figure on the ground, he and Ghost Douluo vanished from the entrance.


    Where did they go?


    As usual, Chrysanthemum Douluo distracted the crowd while Ghost Douluo went to report.


    Chen Ming had once brought gifts for his two masters when he visited¡ªrare flowers for Chrysanthemum Douluo, soul beast materials for Ghost Douluo, and a ten-thousand-year soul bone for each of them. These gifts were no longer rare for Chen Ming, who anticipated the advent of artificial soul bone technology, which would make such items even more plentiful in the future.


    Now encountering Yu Xiaogang, it was only natural for Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to report the matter.


    The Pope?


    What had the Pope ever given them? Not even a single soul bone after all these years¡ªjust a few gold soul coins, as if that was enough for anyone!


    Recently, they had been sent to the Star Dou Forest to hunt hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and then to the Sunset Forest for large-scale searches. They were either fighting hundred-thousand-year soul beasts or on their way to fight them. Upon their return, they weren''t even compensated with overtime pay. Even Titled Douluo had their dignity, after all!


    Besides, the fact that the current Pope wasn''t from the Angel Clan was no secret. Ever since Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship, had come out of seclusion, everyone knew the true authority of the Spirit Hall lay in the Worship Hall.


    Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo weren''t disloyal to the Spirit Hall¡ªthey were too loyal to it, which made them indifferent to the Pope herself.


    Meanwhile, as the Angel God, Qian Daoliu, and Chen Ming discreetly monitored the Pope''s Hall through its unique properties, Bibi Dong issued an order to have Yu Xiaogang brought in.


    The knights, unable to defy the Pope''s command, reluctantly used the handles of their ceremonial spears and axes to lift Yu Xiaogang like a dead dog and carry him to Bibi Dong.


    Seeing Yu Xiaogang, reeking and pathetic, yet still gazing at her with a nostalgic expression, Bibi Dong''s initial excitement and longing for the past immediately turned to silence. Her entire being trembled with a profound sense of disillusionment. Human beings cannot defeat memories. In memory, people lose their flaws and become perfect. The appearance of this Yu Xiaogang shattered the illusion of Bibi Dong, leaving nothing but dust.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [380]

    Although Bibi Dong believed she still had feelings for Yu Xiaogang, as she looked at the disgusting figure before her, she found herself unwilling to believe that this person was Yu Xiaogang.


    After a moment, she finally snapped out of her thoughts, suppressing the surging emotions within her. She ordered the Temple Knights to place Yu Xiaogang on the ground and dismissed everyone else from the room.


    Looking at Yu Xiaogang, whose soul power had been destroyed and whose physical condition was frail, Bibi Dong''s eyes burned with fury. Disregarding her usual composure, she approached Yu Xiaogang, placed a hand on his shoulder, and began transferring her soul power to him to alleviate his condition.


    As she transferred her soul power, Bibi Dong also detected the issues within Yu Xiaogang''s body.


    His dantian had been shattered, and his martial soul completely dissipated. His lower body was crippled, his reproductive system destroyed, and his urinary and excretory systems rendered uncontrollable. In essence, he had been reduced to a complete invalid.


    For a moment, Bibi Dong was filled with unparalleled anger. Even though she had been stuck at the Eighth Trial for years with no progress, at this moment, her resonance with the divine power of the Rakshasa God deepened further. She nearly broke through the Eighth Trial purely by relying on her malice.


    However, as her anger reached its peak, Bibi Dong instead became calm, carefully assessing Yu Xiaogang''s injuries. The more she examined him, the more puzzled she became.


    Yu Xiaogang''s dantian and lower body had been destroyed by the pure and violent power of lightning. Judging by the remnants of the energy, the lightning was of exceptionally high quality and undoubtedly originated from a top-tier Titled Douluo.


    If this lightning had been infused with killing intent, it could have instantly carbonized the internal organs of a Titled Douluo. However, under careful control, it merely destroyed Yu Xiaogang''s dantian and lower body. The attacker had restrained their destructive power to the extreme, even leaving a trace of energy in Yu Xiaogang''s body to sustain his life.


    Otherwise, given the destruction of Yu Xiaogang''s martial soul and the complete collapse of his lower body, he would barely be clinging to life. Without intervention from a healing expert like those with the Nine-Hearted Begonia martial soul, he would likely be unable to move freely for years.


    There weren''t many lightning-attribute experts on the Douluo Continent, and the most renowned ones came from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. This kind of domineering yet precisely controlled lightning made Bibi Dong think of two people.


    The patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Xiaogang''s father, Yu Yuanzhen. Or the second-in-command of the clan, Yu Luomian, who had recently advanced to Titled Douluo after obtaining a soul ring and bone from the Star Dou Forest incident.


    "Why would it be one of these two who took action? And why would they destroy his lower body?"


    As Bibi Dong thought deeper, she was reminded of someone who had always weighed heavily on her heart¡ªLiu Erlong.


    When Bibi Dong wasn''t overcome by her romantic frustrations, her analytical abilities were still sharp. With the cultivation level and mental acuity of a Titled Douluo, her mind worked quickly, and she soon deduced several possibilities, even before she fully realized it herself.


    No matter how much Bibi Dong tried to avoid thinking about it, she couldn''t help but feel an overwhelming sense of discomfort.


    Even though her mind was spinning at full speed, nearly overheating like a CPU on the verge of burning out, her years of acting experience allowed her to maintain a calm demeanor. She withdrew her hand and spoke coldly:


    "It''s been a long time. I never expected you to fall to such a state."


    Bibi Dong''s tone was so indifferent that even she found it unsettling. But the thought of Liu Erlong made it impossible for her to show any warmth toward Yu Xiaogang.


    Yu Xiaogang, however, seemed unfazed by Bibi Dong''s coldness. He smiled faintly as if everything was under his control.


    "It''s been a long time, Your Holiness. How have you been? Forgive me, a useless cripple, for disturbing you." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph," Bibi Dong snorted coldly, unsure how to respond. "You haven''t contacted me all these years. Why have you come to me today? I''m no longer the same Bibi Dong I once was. I am now the Pope of the Spirit Hall. Our relationship can never return to what it was."


    "I''m well aware," Yu Xiaogang said, his eyes lingering on Bibi Dong''s beauty. The thought of his destroyed lower body caused his fists to clench instinctively. If he weren''t so physically weak, his nails might have pierced his palms.


    "Bibi Dong¡ªno, Your Holiness¡ªI''ve come to ask for something. With my martial soul destroyed, I''m already a cripple. Knowing my remaining days are numbered, I wish to request something from you."


    "What is it?" Bibi Dong frowned, surprised by Yu Xiaogang''s words.


    Truthfully, she had assumed Yu Xiaogang had come to rekindle old feelings or ask for her help in seeking revenge. She hadn''t expected him to ask for something.


    Even if it were a miraculous treasure like a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, his current condition wouldn''t allow him to absorb it.


    Seeing Bibi Dong''s confusion, Yu Xiaogang assumed she was asking what he wanted. He couldn''t help but feel pleased, thinking his charm hadn''t diminished over the years.


    "I have a disciple¡ªa twin martial soul genius. Over the years, I''ve treated him like my own child. I want him to inherit my legacy and become a great powerhouse on the Douluo Continent. For that, I need the cultivation method for twin martial souls."


    "Your disciple¡­ the one from Holy Spirit Village in Heaven Dou Empire''s Nuoding City? The one with innate full spirit power and a Blue Silver Grass martial spirit, with two yellow and one purple soul rings, nearly thirteen years old¡ªTang San?" Bibi Dong frowned and spoke instinctively.


    In her emotionally compromised state, Bibi Dong''s reasoning skills were temporarily dulled, causing her to reveal information she wouldn''t normally say out loud.


    Upon hearing that Bibi Dong had been keeping tabs on him, Yu Xiaogang''s face turned pale.


    He had never expected the Pope of the Spirit Hall to have such detailed records of Tang San. If she investigated further and discovered Tang San''s father was Tang Hao, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    Yu Xiaogang had only sought the twin martial soul cultivation method to help Tang San grow stronger. His greatest fear was Tang San''s identity being exposed. Yet Bibi Dong had essentially uncovered it with just one sentence.


    "You¡­ you knew all along? I should''ve known¡ªyou''d never stop watching."


    Yu Xiaogang pointed at Bibi Dong, shocked at her tenacity in searching for the culprit behind Qian Xunji''s death. Meanwhile, Bibi Dong thought Yu Xiaogang was surprised she had been keeping tabs on him.


    "Of course, how could I not?" Bibi Dong''s expression softened slightly. But before they could continue, Yu Xiaogang, gripping the chair for support, suddenly stood up in agitation.


    "Bibi Dong, let me tell you this: I have no children of my own, and Tang San is like my son. If you dare harm him, don''t blame me for disregarding our past!"


    PS: This scene was always present in every douluo fanfic. It''s getting old.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [381]

    "You yelled at me?!" Hearing Yu Xiaogang''s words, which were almost laughably ineffective at hiding something, Bibi Dong''s first reaction was not to care about Tang San''s identity or anything of the sort. Instead, she looked at Yu Xiaogang in disbelief. She couldn''t believe he would yell at her because of this disciple.


    Looking at Bibi Dong''s expression, which seemed identical to how she looked decades ago, Yu Xiaogang suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity. It was as if a surge of confidence rose in his heart.


    Yes, this is how he and Bibi Dong used to interact back then!


    "Bibi Dong, I''m telling you: stay away from Xiaosan. Otherwise, I will hate you for the rest of my life!"


    If these words had come from a domineering CEO, they might have had a touch of charm. If Yu Xiaogang were still young, it might at least not have been too cringeworthy.


    But what was Yu Xiaogang''s current state?


    Middle-aged, unkempt beard, haggard eyes, a weak body, and faintly emitting a certain unpleasant smell.


    At this moment, Bibi Dong instinctively tightened her grip on her Pope''s scepter, feeling as though she''d just suffered a severe mental attack.


    "Yu Xiaogang, you''re here to beg me today. It''s not me begging you!"


    Bibi Dong almost growled these words through gritted teeth, her tone sharp like a leopard on guard.


    Hearing her words, Yu Xiaogang felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. He fell silent. The buttocks he''d just lifted off the chair had no choice but to sit back down with a soft thud.


    This time, Bibi Dong couldn''t help it. She stepped back seven or eight steps, staring at Yu Xiaogang from a distance, her eyes now containing a trace of unfamiliarity.


    "Dong''er, I was wrong. I-I was just too agitated. I understand that there is no possibility between us anymore, but I still want to beg you¡ªplease, for old times'' sake, help me one last time."


    Looking at the retreating Bibi Dong, Yu Xiaogang''s gaze carried an indescribable emotion. Finally, thinking of his crippled state, he sighed helplessly and lowered his head.


    "Although Xiaosan is the son of the Clear Sky Douluo, I can guarantee that, as my disciple, he will never have any conflict with the Spirit Hall in the future."


    "And what guarantee do you have?" Bibi Dong sneered coldly.


    She hadn''t expected that such a simple conversation would reveal such significant information. But to be honest, she didn''t care much about the son of the Clear Sky Douluo¡ªwhat caught her attention was his twin martial souls'' talent. Still, Bibi Dong didn''t think this boy could threaten her.


    Twin martial souls? One of his martial souls is Blue Silver Grass, while the other is the Clear Sky Hammer. Even if he could somehow overcome the conflict between twin martial souls, as she had done, the best-case scenario would be achieving the ability to attach soul rings to the second martial soul in his forties.


    And now, due to the constraints of the Eighth Trial of the God Trial, she was stuck at Rank 97. Even absorbing soul rings, soul bones, and cultivating further couldn''t push her level any higher. However, over the years, by actively fostering her relationship with Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong had learned what mattered most to her daughter.


    And she was perfectly prepared to destroy it.


    The location of the finals for the next Soul Master Tournament had been decided months ago¡ªit would be held in Spirit City, a compromise and gesture of respect from the two empires toward the Spirit Hall''s power. When the time came, both empires would send their crown princes to Spirit City.


    As for that boy Chen Ming, the one Qian Renxue cared about the most, he would undoubtedly accompany the Heaven Dou Royal Team to Spirit City as well.


    When the time came, she would defile her daughter''s beloved right in front of her. Just as Qian Xunji had destroyed her all those years ago, she would use the same method to make her daughter feel pain.


    To this end, she had even sought out a rare herb, one whose effects not even a Titled Douluo could resist. In Bibi Dong''s mind, becoming a god was merely a matter of time. Even if that boy Tang San was as talented as she was, by the time he became a Titled Douluo, she would already have ascended as the Rakshasa God.


    Besides, to be blunt, Bibi Dong didn''t care whether the Spirit Hall thrived or perished.


    Aside from Hu Liena, whom she regarded like a daughter, she wouldn''t feel the slightest bit of sorrow if the entire Spirit Hall were wiped out. She might even clap her hands in delight.


    If Yu Xiaogang had humbly begged her, perhaps Bibi Dong might have agreed out of pity for his current state and their past relationship. But his attitude¡ªvaluing Tang San more than her¡ªleft her deeply displeased.


    Fine, you''re willing to act like this for a mere disciple? Then I absolutely won''t let you have your way today!


    "Xiaosan is a filial child, just like my own son. I can guarantee he won''t..." Yu Xiaogang tried to explain weakly, though deep down, he had no confidence.


    Yu Xiaogang knew very well how Tang Hao had pressured him. As a cripple, he had no way to control Tang San.


    After all, no matter what, he was just Tang San''s teacher, while the Clear Sky Douluo was Tang San''s father. As a crippled man, how could he possibly stop him?


    "Your son? Do you think Tang San is your biological son, like you and Liu Erlong''s child?"


    "I¡ªErlong and I are innocent! Even though we loved each other and almost ended up together, we are innocent!" Yu Xiaogang jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, loudly refuting Bibi Dong.


    Looking at the man who was now so different from the one she remembered, Bibi Dong sighed and suddenly lost interest. With a slight flick of her wrist, she sent a wave of soul power into Yu Xiaogang''s body, rendering him unconscious.


    Staring at the man she had once loved, Bibi Dong hesitated for a moment. In the end, she pulled out paper and pen and began writing something.


    To be honest, even Bibi Dong herself couldn''t clearly explain how she had overcome the conflict between her twin martial souls.


    First, her two martial souls were exceptionally compatible, with almost no inherent conflict. If they were possessed by two people, they could even perform a martial soul fusion technique together. This was the fundamental reason behind her success.


    Second, she had received the finest training and resources from the Spirit Hall. Even though she despised Qian Xunji and hated the Spirit Hall, she couldn''t deny that her training had been the best. From a young age, she had undergone rigorous training and been given countless treasures, laying a foundation far beyond that of ordinary people.


    Third, before cultivating her second martial soul, she had already become the Deathgod in the Slaughter City and received the Rakshasa God''s divine trial. Her compatibility with the Rakshasa God further stabilized both martial souls.


    If she were to personally guide someone with twin martial souls, Bibi Dong was confident in her ability to teach them. But if she were asked to write down a simple method to resolve the conflict, she couldn''t promise success.


    At this moment, Bibi Dong recalled the key points Yu Xiaogang had once explained to her about cultivating twin martial souls. After a brief moment of silence, she wrote down her impressions on the paper and tucked it into Yu Xiaogang''s chest.


    PS: This book fell so hard because of the writing style. I understand why a lot of you guys no longer fully support this book as you once did.


    That''s sad, anyway, I added a new douluo fanfic here in NovelFire called Douluo: Spiritual Sword. It''s considered the best Douluo fanfic in CN. I Hope you will like it and throw some stone if possible. :)


    S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [382]

    After completing this final task, Bibi Dong felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She sighed and stepped outside the Pope''s Hall, ordering the temple knights to deal with Yu Xiaogang and the internal issues. Upon receiving the Pope''s orders, the knights immediately entered the hall to erase all traces of Yu Xiaogang.


    After drawing lots, a few unlucky knights were assigned the task of throwing Yu Xiaogang out of Spirit City.


    Just as Bibi Dong, in her silence, thought of visiting Hu Liena¡ªwhom she viewed almost like her own daughter¡ªto ease her mood, she noticed a lone figure standing on the distant road.


    With just one glance, a look of disgust instantly appeared on Bibi Dong''s face. Her eyes brimmed with unhidden malice.


    "What brings the Grand Worship here today?" Bibi Dong didn''t even bother with a forced smile for Qian Daoliu. Instead, she asked coldly, her tone sharp as ice.


    Since the last beast tide, Qian Daoliu had been unusually active.


    At first, Bibi Dong thought Qian Daoliu had stepped in out of concern for the beast tide and would eventually return to the Worship Hall after things calmed down. Based on her impression of Qian Daoliu, she assumed his usual passive nature would prevail, especially after receiving subtle hints from her subordinates.


    But what happened next?


    Qian Daoliu''s actions were completely out of character. Initially, he displayed a trace of his old rigid demeanor, but soon after, he began acting more aggressively than anyone else.


    He distributed soul bones publicly in Spirit City, suppressed some high-ranking Soul Masters, and even met with the leaders of the Seven Great Sects. Then, he began building his prestige within the Spirit Hall. Despite her attempts to hint at him multiple times, Qian Daoliu blatantly ignored them.


    When Bibi Dong personally visited him to demand he return to the Worship Hall, she didn''t even get the chance to see him. Instead, she was blocked at the door by Jiang Jun and Jiang Mo, the two brother worshippers.


    Somehow, those two had advanced to level 96. Their combined aura posed a considerable threat to Bibi Dong, forcing her to retreat back to the Pope''s Hall.


    Since then, rumors spread throughout the Spirit Hall that the former Pope and current Grand Worship, Qian Daoliu, was dissatisfied with the current Pope, Bibi Dong, and intended to depose her to reclaim leadership of the Spirit Hall.


    Over the years, Bibi Dong had painstakingly built her faction, but now 70% of it had shifted allegiance to Qian Daoliu. Of the remaining 30%, 20% were too scared to defect because Bibi Dong held leverage over them, and the last 10% were undecided, which, in Bibi Dong''s eyes, made them potential spies.


    Yes, this referred to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Bibi Dong was convinced those two had issues with her but had never openly expressed them. After all, she was well aware of how stingy she was when it came to rewarding others.


    Although the Worship Hall hadn''t outright deposed her, Bibi Dong knew she had been completely sidelined. Whether or not she could continue as Pope¡ªand for how long¡ªdepended entirely on Qian Daoliu''s whims.


    For Bibi Dong, who hated Qian Xunji and thus harbored extra hatred for the Spirit Hall, this was utterly unacceptable.


    Why hadn''t this old man been this assertive decades ago? Why now?


    Why couldn''t he have been this decisive and ruthless when dealing with that dog Qian Xunji? Why wait until she was on the brink of completing her revenge to jump out and obstruct her path?


    It had become common knowledge within the Spirit Hall: wherever the Pope was, the Worship Hall members wouldn''t appear, and wherever the Worship Hall members were, the Pope would stay away. The cold war between the two had become a public topic.


    Since the last soul bone distribution, this was the first time Bibi Dong had seen Qian Daoliu seek her out.


    Bibi Dong was even prepared for the two of them to clash. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though she knew she would likely die, Bibi Dong didn''t mind self-destructing to take Qian Daoliu down with her!


    As her killing intent surged and her soul power began to stir, Qian Daoliu, who still appeared youthful, sighed. It seemed as though he was reminiscing about the first time he met Bibi Dong. Back then, she had been a sweet, innocent, and slightly introverted young girl, a far cry from the hatred-filled woman standing before him now.


    Truthfully, although Qian Xunji was his son, and the dead deserved respect, Qian Daoliu couldn''t help but feel the urge to dig up his son''s grave and whip his corpse.


    A warm and sacred aura of spirit power flickered, but it didn''t originate from Qian Daoliu himself. Instead, it seemed to emanate from every corner of the world, as if the entire Spirit Hall was responding to Qian Daoliu''s will and offering its strength.


    Light, holiness, and fire.


    The gentle energy of the world was imbued with faith, accumulating power that was simultaneously warm and overbearing. Though it caused no harm to anything or anyone, it sent explosive tremors through Bibi Dong''s spiritual sea, even affecting her connection to the Rakshasa God''s divine trial.


    Involuntarily, the divine power of the Rakshasa God hidden within Bibi Dong''s spiritual sea was drawn out, enveloping her body to resist the impact of Qian Daoliu''s will.


    At this moment, Bibi Dong''s originally beautiful appearance became grotesque due to her first martial soul, the Death Spider Emperor, possessing her.


    When possessed, her upper body was covered in purple-black armor, including a carapace covering her face. Below her eyes, four additional small eyes appeared. Her legs vanished, and from her abdomen down, she transformed into a massive spherical body. Eight thick, hairy legs sprouted from this sphere, propelling her lithe movements. These legs were covered in green bristles and oozed nauseating mucus that sizzled and corroded the ground wherever it dripped. She resembled a giant venomous spider.


    Though a beast martial soul''s quality is often judged by how many beast-like traits it imparts during possession, Bibi Dong despised her current monstrous appearance.


    As such, Bibi Dong viewed her martial soul possession as a source of shame and rarely used it after regaining control over her powers.


    Now, forced into using her martial soul and invoking part of the Rakshasa God''s power, Bibi Dong''s emotions flared. Soul power surged around her, and a broken Rakshasa Scythe appeared in her hands. Her gaze toward Qian Daoliu was filled with deep malice.


    "Qian Daoliu, are you truly planning to commit such an act of annihilation?"


    Initially, Bibi Dong thought she could self-destruct and drag Qian Daoliu down with her. However, after witnessing his power, she realized she might not even have the chance to self-destruct.


    Though she had reached the eighth trial and her second martial soul was fully equipped with soul rings, Qian Daoliu''s strength was already infinitely close to that of a god. Unless she completed the ninth trial, she stood no chance.


    The gap between experts may seem small, but in reality, it could span the strength of multiple Title Douluos.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [383]

    Qian Daoliu didn''t respond. Instead, he brought his fingers together like a sword and charged toward Bibi Dong. This entire area had been cleared by him, and outside, the other worshippers of the Worship Hall stood guard, creating a barrier. No one could interrupt the battle between him and Bibi Dong here.


    "Netherworld Rakshasa!"


    Bibi Dong swung the Rakshasa Scythe without hesitation. She directly unleashed one of the divine techniques from the Rakshasa God inheritance. The sinful energy transformed into blade-like crescent arcs and slashed toward Qian Daoliu.


    Sinfulness, misfortune, hatred, and pain.


    All sorts of negative powers gathered in Bibi Dong''s soul power. Her venomous and deadly energy became the perfect vessel for the Rakshasa''s power, a force equivalent to a curse.


    Even a typical Titled Douluo capable of blocking this attack would suffer irreversible mental damage from the impact of the Rakshasa''s power. At best, their spiritual strength would be damaged; at worst, those with weak wills could be overwhelmed by the malice within the Rakshasa''s power, turning into puppets of evil.


    This was the domineering nature of the Rakshasa''s strength.


    It was the purest malice, originating from the deepest, darkest corners of a living being''s heart. Not original sin, but pure malice and hatred.


    Qian Daoliu''s eyes narrowed as golden soul power surged around him. Behind him appeared the illusory image of an angel, wielding a long sword. He slashed toward the incoming blade arcs, and the collision between divine light and ominous power created a massive explosion that echoed like thunder across the entire Spirit City.


    Many powerful individuals immediately rushed toward the scene, only to be stopped by the worshippers. Seeing the worshippers already prepared for battle, the strong members of the Spirit Hall dared not force their way through.


    Even Bibi Dong''s most loyal followers lacked the ability to gain any advantage against these worshippers, who were all Super Douluo.


    Dark energy surged, venom scattered, and Bibi Dong unleashed her full power in her assault on Qian Daoliu. Her eighth soul ring lit up, activating the Spider Sovereign Clone, which created a clone with 100% of her strength. The two figures attacked Qian Daoliu in unison.


    Currently, Bibi Dong''s soul power level is 98. The soul rings of her first martial soul, the Death Spider Emperor, were configured as one yellow, three purple, four black, and one red¡ªan extraordinary configuration. Her second martial soul, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor, had six black soul rings and two red rings. The seventh red ring came from Xiao Wu''s mother, and her second martial soul''s eighth red ring came from a hundred-thousand-year-old spider she hunted during the recent turmoil caused by the soul beast migration.


    Not long ago, Spirit Hall scouts in the depths of the Star Dou Forest had discovered a rare Man-Faced Demon Spider Emperor migrating for unknown reasons. Had Bibi Dong not set her sights on obtaining a soul ring from a ferocious beast for her ninth spirit ring to aid her path to godhood, she might have already secured her ninth ring.


    Although her current soul power level was 98, she could only unleash the strength of a level-97 Douluo due to not having completed her divine trial. Even so, her two top-tier martial souls and her high-level soul rings gave her the confidence to match any Super Douluo.


    In theory, Bibi Dong believed that two clones of herself at full strength should be enough to force Qian Daoliu to take her seriously and at least use his martial soul. However, the reality left her nearly speechless with frustration.


    The clone, theoretically possessing 100% of her strength, was destroyed in just one exchange with Qian Daoliu''s divine power. It didn''t even have the chance to use its Martial Soul True Body for enhancement. Throughout the process, Qian Daoliu hadn''t even summoned his martial soul.


    Realizing that her first martial soul, the Death Spider Emperor, was ineffective, Bibi Dong gritted her teeth and summoned her second martial soul, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor. Although switching martial souls created an obvious vulnerability for a Super Douluo, Qian Daoliu merely stood there, calmly watching as Bibi Dong switched her martial soul and charged at him again.


    The six-winged purple light wings from her external spirit bone unfolded, and Bibi Dong soared into the air. She put away the Rakshasa Scythe and her arms transformed into massive scythes. The Rakshasa Domain activated, while her sixth spirit ring lit up.


    "Everlasting Creation!" Bibi Dong''s arm soul bones came from a hundred-thousand-year-old Death Demon Spider Emperor. For a single soul beast to provide two hundred-thousand-year-old soul bones was nearly unheard of.


    Because the soul bones came from the same soul beast, they also shared the same abilities: transforming her arms into massive scythes or detonating the scythes. Although the abilities seemed straightforward, their supreme quality as hundred-thousand-year-old soul bones, combined with their resonance, made the skills overwhelmingly powerful.


    Her arms swept out, her sixth soul ring shining brightly. The power of Everlasting Creation imbued her attack, and space itself was torn apart under the dreadful force. Bibi Dong''s attack carried an aura of absolute death.


    Sensing this power, Qian Daoliu finally took things more seriously. Three pairs of wings unfolded behind him, and his martial soul completed its attachment.


    Seven black and two red spirit rings appeared behind Qian Daoliu. However, unlike ordinary soul rings, Qian Daoliu''s rings appeared both illusory and faintly golden. This was the result of his soul rings being influenced by divine power, giving them a nearly divine quality.


    "Angel Domain! Ultimate Technique: Angel''s Descent!"


    Qian Daoliu uttered the name of his skill in an even tone, yet his voice echoed through every corner of Spirit City. A gentle yet radiant sacred light enveloped the area, not only covering the entire Spirit Hall but also extending to parts of Spirit City.


    This was Qian Daoliu''s exclusive battle technique, cultivated under the guidance of the Angel God. It surpassed all of his spirit skills and even the divine techniques passed down through the Angel God lineage, fully unleashing his power.


    Within this angelic domain, all evil and darkness were laid bare. The Rakshasa Domain, which had barely begun to manifest, was shattered in an instant. The backlash nearly caused Bibi Dong to cough up blood.


    Qian Daoliu threw a punch. Light and sacred energy converged and roared, transforming into a massive beam of light that smashed toward Bibi Dong as she watched in horror.


    The destructive aspect of Everlasting Creation, capable of annihilating anything below god level, was nullified. Her arms, transformed by her soul bones, were suppressed back to their normal state, and even her martial soul was suppressed.


    Bibi Dong felt as though her entire being was filled with sacred energy. The searing radiance permeated every corner of her body, causing her, who had been transformed by the Rakshasa God''s divine power, to experience excruciating pain.


    Light, sanctity, gentleness, severity.


    The battle technique seemed to carry many conflicting wills, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Yet under Qian Daoliu''s control, these wills fused harmoniously into one, achieving a spiritual domain. It possessed not only overwhelming anti-evil properties but also purification and healing capabilities.


    Perhaps it was because Qian Daoliu''s life had been full of contradictions¡ªconstantly wavering between good and evil¡ªthat his contradictory life had given rise to such a paradoxical battle technique.


    It felt like a single second had passed, yet also like a millennium. Bibi Dong fell helplessly from the sky, feeling unusually weak yet also strangely in her best condition in years.


    She realized her soul power level had dropped by one rank, but its purity had increased. The unstable portion of her power, caused by her impatience for progress, had been stabilized. Though her soul power level had decreased, her overall strength seemed to have slightly improved. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [384]

    Bibi Dong raised her head and looked at Qian Daoliu in disbelief. Normally, she would glare at Qian Daoliu with hatred, scolding him for his hypocrisy and declaring that she didn''t need his help. However, at this moment, she felt that her mindset had become noticeably calmer.


    "The power of the Rakshasa God is very strong, no weaker than that of the Angel God. But, Bibi Dong, you''ve taken the wrong path. Just as the Angel God represents justice, the Rakshasa God represents sin. However, you must understand that what one represents does not define who they are. The Rakshasa God is a deity that controls sin, not one that is controlled by it."


    "Your malice has grown too strong, and it has already begun to consume you, yet you remain unaware."


    "I know I''m in no position to advise you. But I still hope that you can maintain your willpower without being swayed, to perfectly control your power instead of becoming a slave to it."


    Looking at Bibi Dong, who hadn''t been this calm for a long time, Qian Daoliu sighed.


    "Regarding what happened in the past, I made the wrong choice. After so many years, I''ve come to realize that my indulgence back then may have been the greatest evil of all. One day, I''ll repay this life of mine to you as my atonement¡ªjust as I should have back then."


    "But, I''m sorry. That time has not yet come."


    "As a soul master, your soul power is already strong enough. Your control over soul skills and your combat experience are impeccable. But you haven''t truly walked your path; you''ve merely followed the Rakshasa God''s lead, which has held you back."


    "Mental power, soul power, and vitality¡ªany two combined can be used for battle techniques while mastering the fusion of all three allows mortals to use divine techniques. You''re still lacking greatly in this area. You should take a look at the records left in the Spirit Hall library; they will be helpful for your path to godhood."


    "Hmph, I don''t need your concern." Bibi Dong stood up, her gaze toward Qian Daoliu icy cold, though noticeably less hostile. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After being beaten and having her body cleansed by the pure holy power, Bibi Dong was far calmer than she had been at the beginning. Her mind, for once, was functioning without bias, allowing her to think clearly.


    After being taught a lesson by Qian Daoliu''s fists, Bibi Dong realized that she might indeed be missing something. As the inheritor of the Rakshasa God, she seemed to have never truly paved her way, resulting in her being extraordinarily weak when faced with the power of the Angel lineage that countered hers.


    The Rakshasa Scythe was strong, and the Rakshasa God''s divine techniques were impressive. Yet, for some reason, Bibi Dong always felt awkward when using the Rakshasa Scythe and its divine techniques¡ªas if she were scratching an itch through a boot, unable to truly connect with them.


    Previously, Bibi Dong thought this was because the Rakshasa Scythe was incomplete or because she wasn''t yet proficient in her divine techniques, which made them feel awkward to use. But now, she realized that she might indeed be lacking something vital.


    After a long silence between them, Qian Daoliu reached into the void and pulled out a metal fragment sealed with holy soul power, sending it floating toward Bibi Dong.


    "This is¡­ a fragment of the Rakshasa Scythe? Has this been in the Spirit Hall all along?"


    Dispersing the holy soul power, Bibi Dong felt the fragment''s weak yet undeniable connection to the Rakshasa Scythe. She was stunned, unable to believe that the most crucial missing piece of her divine weapon had been in the Spirit Hall this whole time.


    "No, this was left behind by someone who attacked Xue''er a few years ago. This fragment has nothing to do with you, but it was used by others for their purposes."


    "Without the recognition of the Rakshasa God''s divine will, and the Rakshasa God''s divine trials, humans cannot use fragments of divine weapons," Bibi Dong said instinctively, refuting his words as she touched the metal fragment.


    "But it''s true. Perhaps this is related to the nature of the Rakshasa God itself. How could humans possibly comprehend the affairs of deities?" Qian Daoliu said no more after this, giving Bibi Dong one last deep look before tearing open a spatial rift and returning to the Hall of Worship.


    After Qian Daoliu left, the elders who had been blocking others earlier finally dispersed. The powerful figures and elders of the Spirit Hall approached Bibi Dong, who, though slightly disheveled, appeared no different from her usual self. They were all surprised¡ªnone of them had expected that Bibi Dong, not yet fifty years old, could already rival the Grand Worshipper.


    Although she seemed to have been at a disadvantage, the Grand Worshipper was a powerhouse who had been renowned for nearly a century!


    As she looked at the people around her with their varied expressions, Bibi Dong felt that Qian Daoliu''s visit today seemed to be nothing more than an attempt to show her goodwill.


    Feeling the slightly dormant divine trial and divine power of the Rakshasa God within her mind, Bibi Dong didn''t know what to think. She simply dealt with the others perfunctorily.


    Meanwhile, deep within the divine trial of the Rakshasa God in Bibi Dong''s mind, a sliver of divine consciousness left by the Asura God was furiously cursing.


    Since entering the Slaughter City with Bibi Dong, this sliver of the Asura God''s divine consciousness had split from Tang Chen''s Asura Divine Sword and invaded Bibi Dong''s spiritual sea, gradually amplifying her inner malice and making it boil over.


    After Bibi Dong obtained the Rakshasa God''s divine trial, which had already been tampered with by the Asura God''s main body, this divine consciousness did everything it could to sabotage her. It withheld rewards, delayed progress, and made the trials as difficult as possible, all to push Bibi Dong toward greater extremism.


    Now, just as she was about to complete the eighth trial and further intensify her conflict with the Angel God''s successor, the Angel God''s High Priest noticed something was wrong and used the Angel God''s holy power to cleanse her. The malice and sabotage were completely evaporated in an instant.


    For the Asura God''s divine consciousness, nearly twenty years of effort had been wiped out in a single moment!


    Although it could still subtly influence Bibi Dong''s personality in the future through its tampering with the Rakshasa God''s divine trial and her affinity with the divine position, the time and difficulty required would increase exponentially. What''s more, Bibi Dong, having been purified once, might eventually notice something was amiss.


    Over time, she might even discover the connection between the tampering and the true nature of the Rakshasa God''s divine position. If she learned about the Rakshasa God''s demise and the presence of the Asura God''s divine consciousness, she could become a powerful enemy!


    The Asura God''s sliver of divine consciousness immediately used the connection between the Rakshasa God''s divine trial and the divine position to report to its main body in the Divine Realm, urging it to take action against Bibi Dong before she slipped out of control.


    In the Divine Realm, the main body of the Asura God frowned as he received the report. He quickly checked the Angel God''s temple in the Divine Realm to ensure there were no remnants of the Angel God interfering with its plans through the High Priest in the mortal world. Only after confirming this did he let out a sigh of relief, though his expression remained grim.


    The Asura God calculated the time¡ªit was almost the moment when the Killing God would descend to the mortal world through the Divine Realm''s passage.


    At that time, he could continue using Killing God to influence Tang Chen, pushing him into conflict with Qian Daoliu. Then, he could invade Bibi Dong''s mind again, further stoking her hatred and malice.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [385]

    Qian Daoliu tore through space and returned to the Worship Hall. The Angelic Sacred Sword, which contained the divine consciousness of the Angel God, immediately began scanning Qian Daoliu''s aura. After confirming that no surveillance methods had been left on him, it quietly opened an extremely small passage.


    Qian Daoliu closed his eyes and focused, carefully inserting a wisp of aura he had just extracted from Bibi Dong during their combat. On the other side, the true form of the Angel God (relatively speaking) quickly grasped this aura and then began meticulously analyzing it, aided by the power of the Golden Tree.


    Chen Ming and Qian Daoliu waited in silence. About half an hour later, the Angel God''s true form completed its preliminary research on the divine power of the Rakshasa God.


    "Three bad pieces of news. Which one do you want to hear first?" The Angel God''s divine consciousness transmitted its voice through the Angelic Sacred Sword to Qian Daoliu and Chen Ming, calmly leaving the choice to Chen Ming.


    "Why bother asking which one to hear first when they''re all bad news?"


    "Because compared to the worst one, the other two could almost be considered good news," the Angel God''s divine consciousness replied with a cold joke, then proceeded to share its findings.


    "First, the divine power of the Rakshasa God does indeed contain traces of power originating from the same source as my Angel God''s divine power. My initial suspicion was correct. Among the forces that originally formed the Rakshasa God''s divine position was a portion of negative energy I had actively rejected. This portion of negative energy accumulated and eventually formed the foundation of the Rakshasa God''s divine position."


    "This means that while the Angel God can suppress the Rakshasa God, the Rakshasa God also can counter the Angel God. Both sides possess the power to harm each other''s essence."


    "The Angel God and the Rakshasa God are connected? Angel God, you never mentioned this!" Qian Daoliu, as the listener, was utterly stunned. He hadn''t expected to learn such a bombshell revelation at this moment.


    "I only suspected it before and didn''t have confirmation, so I didn''t make any definitive statements." The Angel God didn''t want to discuss the dark history that came with the negative energy she had rejected¡ªa history she was reluctant to revisit.


    Don''t doubt why even the Angel God has a dark history. After all, everyone has a youthful phase. The Angel God had made mistakes, wronged innocent people, regretted past actions, sacrificed things that shouldn''t have been sacrificed, and failed to fulfill everyone''s expectations.


    This negative energy was a combination of its own malice and the collective resentment of the people toward the Angel God, forming the negative portion of its divine position.


    Although the Angel God appeared perfect outwardly, she too had flaws, just as Qian Daoliu''s lineage had produced a disgrace like Qian Xunji. Perfection, whether in gods or mortals, is always an illusion.


    "Anyway, let''s move on to the second piece of bad news."


    "Second, while Bibi Dong has inherited the Rakshasa God''s divine trials, she is not the chosen successor of the Rakshasa God. Although a 100% compatibility with a deity''s divine position is sufficient to ascend to godhood, deities usually prefer their successors to have a compatibility exceeding 100%." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This higher compatibility not only allows the successor to grow faster but also reduces unnecessary risks during the final stages of becoming a god. Additionally, exceeding 100% compatibility allows the deity to interfere with the mortal realm more effectively, sometimes even to protect their successor."


    "However, Bibi Dong''s compatibility with the Rakshasa God is only 60%. She has already reached the eighth trial, but this level of compatibility is far too low. The ninth trial, which prepares one for godhood, offers to become a god as its reward. With her current compatibility, even if she becomes the Rakshasa God, she won''t be able to fully wield the divine position''s power."


    "Could it be that Bibi Dong is someone else''s pawn?" Qian Daoliu asked hesitantly, while Chen Ming, standing nearby, remained silent with his eyes closed¡ªalready expecting this revelation.


    "The third¡ªand worst¡ªpiece of news is that the true form of the Rakshasa God in the God Realm has already fallen. Right now, it seems that the one controlling the Rakshasa God''s divine trials is likely the Asura God. I sensed faint traces of the Asura God''s aura within the Rakshasa God''s divine power." Without waiting for Qian Daoliu to ask more questions, the Angel God dropped an even bigger bombshell.


    "My true form in the God Realm has already perished. The Rakshasa God''s true form has also fallen. As of now, only the Sea God remains among the three gods who ascended from the Douluo Plane. If all three divine positions were to fall under the control or manipulation of a single entity, I fear something terrible will happen to the Douluo Plane."


    "What could happen?" Qian Daoliu asked again, and Chen Ming opened his eyes as well.


    "I don''t know, but it certainly wouldn''t be anything good. It would be far worse than I originally anticipated," the Angel God''s divine consciousness answered hesitantly.


    "I am even beginning to suspect that when I tried to break free from the Asura God''s control, he noticed and secretly collected the portion of negative energy I had expelled. Then, using his power, he combined it with this energy to create the Rakshasa God''s divine position as a countermeasure against me."


    "However, the young girl who ultimately became a god seemed to have noticed something amiss as well. She tried to break free from the Asura God''s control, resulting in an almost irreconcilable conflict between them in the God Realm. When my true form was still alive, I thought it was merely a clash between their divine positions."


    "Now, it seems likely that the Rakshasa God was secretly killed by the Asura God. My true form probably met the same fate at his hands. What is the Asura God trying to achieve? If the God Realm discovers this, even as the God of Justice and Law, he will face severe punishment. And because of his role as the Enforcer God-King, his punishment will only be harsher."


    "I have a theory, but I''m not sure if it''s correct," Chen Ming, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, extending his right hand as soul power surged across his five fingers.


    "What is it?" the Angel God asked, clearly agitated.


    "Look, this is your Angel God''s power. It can be purified into the attribute of justice." The power from the Angel God surged on his thumb, then transformed into pure justice.


    "This is the Rakshasa God''s power. It can be purified into the attribute of evil." On his index finger, evil energy surged, and the Angel God instantly sensed a serious issue.


    "This is the Asura God''s power. It represents pure judgment." The power of judgment surged on his middle finger. The three types of energy seemed to resonate faintly with each other.


    "You mean¡ªno, that''s impossible. How do you explain the aspect of life?"


    Realizing the possibility of what the Asura God might be plotting, the Angel God''s divine consciousness began to tremble.


    Without a doubt, this was the one path to ascend beyond the rank of God-King to the Supreme God-King¡ªa path known to all gods but universally deemed impossible to succeed in both theory and practice.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [386]

    "Water possesses an unpredictable nature. It can carry boats across the vast ocean, yet it can also stir storms and create malevolent waves. It is inherently the most virtuous of entities, but it can also become the most wicked. The ocean embodies both of these extreme characteristics simultaneously. So, which side does the Sea God lean toward?"


    "Life! The Sea God''s power leans more toward the virtuous side of water, so it represents life." Thinking of the Sea God''s Light, which was shaped with a portion of power taken from himself, the Angel God had already understood the answer.


    Looking back, the conflict that arose between the Sea God and himself before the Sea God ascended to godhood¡ªwhen the Sea God seized part of his power and turned into an enemy¡ªmight have had far greater implications than previously thought.


    "Yes, life."


    The four fingers on Chen Ming''s hand shimmered with the attributes of justice, evil, judgment, and life, representing the powers of the God Kings. Only the pinky finger remained unused.


    "What about destruction? Among the three gods of Douluo, there isn''t a god with destruction or a similar attribute! Could the Asura God be targeting the God of Destruction?"


    "The God of Destruction isn''t the only being in the God Realm with the attribute of destruction. Isn''t there also a creature in the Forest of Divine Beasts with pure destructive power?"


    "The Golden Dragon King! Yes! The Golden Dragon King also possesses the attribute of destruction! Moreover, wasn''t the Dragon God split into two by the Asura God in the past? He has every capability of taking what he desires."


    At this moment, the Angelic Holy Sword began spinning chaotically in mid-air, as if glitching, while the Angel God''s divine consciousness was on the verge of exploding from sheer turmoil.


    "Goodness, evil, judgment, life, destruction. These are exactly five forces. These five forces form the core of the Three Realms Judgment Sword."


    The power of Chen Ming''s five fingers resonated, and under his control, a force that surpassed conventional limits was born. Although it only existed for an instant, it brought immense pressure to both Qian Daoliu and the Angel God.


    "If it were any of the other four God Kings, it would be impossible for them to advance toward becoming the Supreme God King by devouring other types of divine power. Only the Asura God can. This is because the vessel for the Three Realms Judgment Sword is Asura himself."


    "Among the remaining four God Kings, even if one of them were lost, the remaining three could still use the Asura God as the vessel to unleash the Three Realms Judgment Sword, albeit at a slightly lower power level. However, if Asura were lost, even if the remaining four God Kings worked together, they wouldn''t be able to recreate the Three Realms Judgment Sword."


    "So, theoretically, only the Asura God can take this path of devouring the attributes of other God Kings to advance."


    "Angel God, do you remember how my second martial soul neutralized the bloodlines of the Golden Dragon and the Silver Dragon?"


    "First, I used the blood of the Ice Dragon and the Fire Dragon to fuse, then extracted half of it to merge with the Silver Dragon''s blood. Afterward, I took the Earth Dragon''s blood, using one half to merge with the Golden Dragon''s blood and the other half to fuse with the Ice and Fire Dragon''s blood."


    "Finally, through phased integration, with similar powers acting as buffers, the otherwise incompatible Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon bloodlines achieved an indirect fusion."


    "Yes, yes, yes, is that correct?!"


    The Angel God''s divine consciousness emitted waves of anxious emotion. "My divine position contains the influence of Asura God''s power of judgment. The Rakshasa God''s divine position contains a part of my divine power as well as part of Asura God''s power. The Sea God''s power also contains part of my influence. In other words, there is a shared power between the three of us gods?!"


    "I understand why I died. I also understand why the Rakshasa died."


    "My power has been interfered with by Asura from the beginning. The Rakshasa was cultivated by Asura using both my power and his own, making her attributes the closest to his and the easiest to devour. So, the Rakshasa died first, becoming the first to be consumed. After that, my true self was ambushed, and Asura God likely devoured part of my power as well!"


    "After devouring my true self''s power, Asura God''s power and the Sea God''s power became somewhat connected. This means he might even be able to devour the Sea God. But for a more perfect devouring, he would need another method to further integrate their powers."


    "This would require an extremely long time and immense energy as nourishment. Only then could he erase the parts of our powers he doesn''t need and fuse the rest, elevating his power even further?"


    "With enough time, this could be achieved in the vast universe after transferring his divine position. As for the immense energy required..."


    The Angel God''s divine consciousness looked toward the Douluo Hall, thinking of his millennia of accumulated power, and nearly boiled with rage.


    "Asura, you bastard! You scumbag! You piece of **********!"


    "You ********, you take everything from me¡ªmy life, my wealth¡ªand now it turns out my entire existence has been nothing but working for you!"


    The situation was now crystal clear. Asura God''s hand was in the creation of the three Douluo gods. He likely guided the formation of their divine positions in secret, resulting in the Evil Rakshasa, the Kind Angel, and the Life-bearing Sea God. This was all to devour the three of them in their entirety.


    As for the attribute of destruction, the Golden Dragon King in the Forest of Divine Beasts was the best target. While overseeing the seal, Asura God could easily pluck the Golden Dragon King''s essence without anyone noticing. Even if the Golden Dragon King resisted, it would only appear as if Asura God had wisely discovered the Golden Dragon King''s unrest, making his actions seem justified.


    After devouring the origins of the three gods and part of the Golden Dragon King''s essence, Asura God would need a tremendous amount of power to erase the traces of the four and further enhance his attributes. This power would conveniently come from the Angel God''s accumulation. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Asura God only needed to kill the Angel God, shatter her divine consciousness and divine position to ensure she could never speak again, and then escape with this power. The plan would be almost flawless. Even if the God Realm discovered Asura God''s treachery, they wouldn''t be able to find him in the infinite vastness of the universe.


    Through this revelation, Chen Ming and the Angel God understood the extent of Asura God''s ambition and knew he wouldn''t stop there.


    The Rakshasa God''s divine position had already been refined by Asura. While the Angel God''s divine position hadn''t been fully seized. Combined with the powers of destruction and potentially parts of the Sea God''s power, the Angel God cursed Asura while Chen Ming silently pondered. Both came to the same conclusion.


    Since Asura God could devour other gods in an attempt to advance, could they try to turn the tables and devour Asura God''s divine position instead?


    PS: So the original Sea God in the original died after leaving the divine realm with Asura. Asura completed all his plans like Aizen.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [387]

    Devouring the Asura God''s divine position to strengthen himself was something Chen Ming had been contemplating for a long time and had been preparing for step by step. On the other hand, the Angel God''s idea of devouring the Asura God''s divine position was derived from Chen Ming''s recent reminder. However, unlike Chen Ming, who had been planning and gradually working toward it, the Angel God''s thought was merely a fleeting impulse. Because she currently had no connection to any divine position in the God Realm, the Angel God stopped just thinking about it. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    At the same time, Yu Xiaogang, who had been thrown out of the Spirit Hall, was found by Tang San. Carrying his godfather, who reeked of a strange stench from his crotch, Tang San left Spirit City under the mocking gazes of others, as though they were watching a clown.


    After leaving Spirit City, Tang San, who had maintained a calm expression, could no longer suppress his emotions. His face twisted with rage, and his eyes brimmed with killing intent.


    "Spirit Hall... Spirit City... All of you are on a path of destruction! Wicked Spirit Hall, one day, I will utterly annihilate you!"


    Tang San growled under his breath, then brought Yu Xiaogang to a secluded grove, where he used some stimulating methods to wake him up.


    Before Yu Xiaogang could speak, Tang San, his face still contorted, immediately questioned him aggressively.


    "Teacher, where is the cultivation method for my twin martial souls?"


    "Ah... Xiao San, I..."


    Yu Xiaogang, who had just regained consciousness, rubbed his eyes. Looking around to confirm he was no longer in the Pope''s Palace and that the person in front of him was his disciple Tang San, not Bibi Dong, he fell into a daze.


    However, his confusion didn''t last long, as the furious Tang San forcefully shook Yu Xiaogang, snapping him out of his memories.


    "Teacher, where is my cultivation method?"


    In truth, ever since Yu Xiaogang had been tossed out of the Spirit Hall like garbage, Tang San had already lost all hope in him. Especially during his walk out of the city, carrying Yu Xiaogang on his back, the strange gazes of others pierced Tang San''s pride deeply.


    Unaware of it himself, Tang San''s voice already carried a hint of killing intent, and his icy gaze instinctively caused Yu Xiaogang''s bladder to tremble, forcing out a few drops of liquid.


    Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. His heart was filled with resentment toward Bibi Dong and hatred for the cold indifference shown by Tang Hao and Tang San. But looking into Tang San''s eyes, Yu Xiaogang instinctively rummaged through his belongings, trying to buy himself some time.


    Unexpectedly, just when he thought he wouldn''t find anything, a piece of beast hide made from the skin of a high-level soul beast fell into his hands.


    Yu Xiaogang pulled out the beast hide and, after a quick glance, his expression instantly brightened. He recognized Bibi Dong''s handwriting on it, and the content was related to twin-martial soul cultivation methods.


    Even more astonishingly, the cultivation method described on the beast hide was about seventy to eighty percent similar to his earlier theories!


    "Xiao San, I''ve obtained the twin-martial soul cultivation method from an acquaintance! Look, here it is!"


    Although Tang San was Yu Xiaogang''s disciple, at this moment, Yu Xiaogang acted more like a frightened child, desperately shoving the beast hide into Tang San''s hands.


    When Tang San saw the detailed cultivation method on the beast hide and realized how closely it aligned with his previous studies, the killing intent and malice in his eyes instantly disappeared. His expression softened, returning to the innocence he once had. After placing the cultivation method into his storage tool, Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges, Tang San bent down, gently helped Yu Xiaogang up, and channeled his Mysterious Heaven Skill soul power to stabilize Yu Xiaogang''s condition.


    Tang San behaved as if he had just apprenticed himself to Yu Xiaogang for the first time, appearing honest and respectful. Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, was preoccupied with his thoughts and outwardly displayed the same aloof demeanor as when he first met Tang San.


    In this shared pretense, the master and disciple seemed to return to the pure relationship they had when they first met. They exchanged a few words, but neither was truly focused on the other.


    Watching this scene, Tang Hao felt a strange sense of disgust. However, upon reflection, since Yu Xiaogang still had some value, it was better to keep this useless man around for the time being. Who knows¡ªhe might prove useful in the future.


    After returning to Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai, Tang San first memorized the twin-martial soul cultivation method, then burned the beast hide to ashes. Finally, he approached Yu Xiaogang with a collection of strange items and began applying them to him.


    After a series of modifications, Yu Xiaogang''s appearance was completely transformed. The once weathered face of a middle-aged man was disguised as that of a somewhat lecherous old man. His hair was shaved clean, his body dressed in new clothes, and he held a cane crafted by Tang San from a piece of roadside wood. He now looked like a hunched-over elderly man.


    Tang San''s disguise skills were not only excellent but also took into account Yu Xiaogang''s current physical state.


    With his soul power destroyed and his body weakened, Yu Xiaogang was disguised as an old man with frail health. His hunched back, feeble body and even his incontinence were all perfectly reasonable under this guise.


    Looking at the reflection of his unfamiliar self in the mirror Tang San had provided, Yu Xiaogang remained silent for a long time before letting out a sigh of resignation.


    "Fine, let it be. I, Yu Xiaogang, can no longer walk the continent under my true identity. Although I''ve lost my soul power, the knowledge and wisdom in my mind remain intact. For those with ambitions, this is far too tempting."


    "From now on, I, Yu Xiaogang, will live in anonymity and continue to train my disciple. I should change my name as well."


    "Back in the day, when the Golden Iron Triangle roamed the continent, those were the happiest times of my life. Since our martial soul fusion technique was called the Golden Holy Dragon, I shall take the surname ''Huang.'' As for the three of us traveling together back then, I shall call myself ''Huang San.''"


    Yu Xiaogang glanced at the silent Tang San beside him and quickly added:


    "Now that my soul power is gone, I am nothing but a half-dead, insignificant shell of a man. For the final character, I shall call myself ''Gui''¡ªghost."


    "From now on, my name will be Huang Sangui."


    Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Yu Xiaogang¡ªno, Huang Sangui¡ªmuttered to himself.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [388]

    Chen Ming had no idea that Yu Xiaogang had changed his name to something so imbued with fortune. After bidding farewell to the Angel God, he returned to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, observing Tang San''s every move.


    After regrouping, disagreements arose among Tang San and his companions. Yu Xiaogang, now renamed Huang San Gui, was still as stubborn as ever, insisting that Tang San should participate in the Soul Master Tournament to win recognition and bring glory to himself.


    Even though Yu Xiaogang was now in a state of being neither man nor ghost, this ambition of his remained the most important thing in his heart.


    Yu Xiaogang''s suggestion was for Tang San and his group to return to Blue Tyrant Academy.


    To be honest, when Tang Hao heard this, he was completely against Tang San getting involved in this muddy situation. All he wanted was to take Tang San and Xiao Wu away as quickly as possible, so Tang San could focus on training his twin martial souls. Afterward, he planned to look for the right opportunity to force the little rabbit (Xiao Wu) to sacrifice herself for Tang San''s benefit.


    But even though Tang Hao finally started using his brain, the divine will of the Asura God disagreed.


    The Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament was a special stage, one filled with fortune. Victors at this stage not only garnered attention from the entire continent but also gained a unique form of luck.


    Additionally, as a Child of Rebellion, Tang San''s growth would accelerate the more people got involved with him, making it harder for him to be killed. The participants in the tournament were undoubtedly the talents and elites of this generation on the Douluo Continent. If Tang San could subtly influence these individuals, his growth as a Child of Rebellion would essentially be guaranteed.


    More importantly, if he could take this opportunity to infect some of the talented, fortunate soul masters within Spirit Hall, turning them into subordinate cancer cells of the Child of Rebellion, they could become valuable internal agents when it came time to deal with Spirit Hall. The potential impact would be immeasurable.


    Thus, the will of the Asura God forcibly twisted Tang Hao''s thoughts, compelling him to seek out Tang San during a moment of solitude. Tang Hao persuaded Tang San to return to Blue Tyrant Academy and participate in the tournament.


    To be honest, Tang San wasn''t keen on the idea. After all, he had just suffered losses at the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and returning to Blue Tyrant Academy would be like placing himself right under their watchful eyes again. However, he found it difficult to reject Tang Hao''s suggestion.


    In the end, Tang San had no choice but to return to Blue Tyrant Academy with Yu Xiaogang and the others.


    After the Shrek Academy students were rescued, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan initially paid little attention to them. However, after Yu Xiaogang was also taken, and especially after a soul master had died in an ambush by unknown individuals, the clan began keeping a closer eye on the Shrek group.


    Currently, Flender was under house arrest at Shrek Academy, closely monitored by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Zhao Wuji, being a wanted criminal by Spirit Hall, had been handed over to Spirit Hall by Yu Yuanzhen and was now undergoing trial procedures.


    As for Li Yusong and Lu Qibin, the two lackluster Soul Emperors, they were directly imprisoned by Blue Tyrant Academy. The plan was to keep them locked up for a few years and reevaluate their situation later. Shao Xin, a top-tier food-type soul master of the current era, was instead recruited by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.


    Although Shao Xin personally didn''t want to join the clan¡ªespecially given the situation where Flender was under house arrest, Zhao Wuji had been handed over, and others were imprisoned¡ªhis dislike of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was evident. Yet, as a support-type soul master, his opinions held no weight.


    Nominally, Shao Xin was now an external elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. In reality, he was under house arrest at the clan''s ancestral grounds, serving as nothing more than a buff machine. Only when the clan deemed him trustworthy would he be allowed some freedom.


    When Ma Hongjun and Oscar returned to Blue Tyrant Academy, their presence was immediately detected by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The news was quickly reported. However, after confirming their status, the clan didn''t pay too much attention to them.


    One was a waste whose mutated martial soul had rendered him crippled, and whose lecherous tendencies were well-known. The other was a food-type soul master with supposedly good talent (Flender and the others had concealed the fact that Oscar''s innate soul power was at full level).


    A cripple and a mediocre support soul master¡ªBlue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan only sent a few people to investigate them, easily scaring the two into spilling everything. That was how they learned that Tang San had rescued Yu Xiaogang.


    Thanks to Flender and Liu Erlong''s pleas, Ma Hongjun and Oscar were eventually spared. Ma Hongjun was permanently crippled of his soul power and stayed by Flender''s side to accompany him, while Oscar joined the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and became a student at Blue Tyrant Academy.


    To preserve a decent food-type martial soul lineage, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan sent several ambitious female soul masters to collect Oscar''s essence and even arranged for him to marry a low-key, unremarkable female soul master of average talent and background. This effectively bound Oscar to the clan.


    When Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai returned to Heaven Dou City with Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao personally infiltrated Blue Tyrant Academy to deliver a letter from Yu Xiaogang to Liu Erlong. After a long silence, Liu Erlong agreed to recruit Tang San and the others into Blue Tyrant Academy in a different capacity so they could participate in the next Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.


    As for how to arrange Tang San and his companions, Tang Hao already had a plan.


    Although the Clear Sky Clan''s external connections had been severed, Tang Hao still had his network.


    That very night, Tang Hao infiltrated the ancestral grounds of the Strength Clan, seeking out his old servant Tai Tan. However, after searching for a long time, he couldn''t find any Soul Sages in the entire Strength Clan. The strongest person in the clan was an elderly Soul Emperor, and the only other notable figure was Tai Tan''s son, Tai Nuo, a Soul King. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tang Hao wasn''t one to be polite. Unable to find Tai Tan, he resorted to force. Even though Tai Nuo was Tai Tan''s son and technically his servant as well, Tang Hao still took the opportunity to capture Tai Nuo while disguised and interrogated him about Titan''s whereabouts.


    What he learned was shocking: a few years ago, Tai Tan had led the Strength Clan''s strongmen to cause trouble at the Blacksmith Association, only for the entire clan to fall at the hands of an unknown powerhouse. Tai Tan himself had been detained, and for a long time, the Strength Clan had only been allowed limited visitation rights with their clan leader.


    To compensate the Blacksmith Association, members of the Strength Clan were forced into hard labor, mining, forging, and working as manual laborers. Their strongest members were all under the control of the Blacksmith Association.


    During the last reunion of the four single-attribute clans, Tai Nuo had tearfully complained about the Blacksmith Association''s bullying. However, the other three clans were powerless to help.


    PS: Hey Guys, please subscribe to our patreon. This book has currently atleast 110 advanced chapters.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [389]

    The Speed Clan could barely survive, struggling to make ends meet, and constantly relocating across the continent. Within the clan, there were virtually no noteworthy powerful figures, and because of their lack of offensive capabilities, they were completely unnoticed by others on the continent.


    The Defense Clan specialized in building houses and working in construction. In recent years, they had somewhat recovered, but the overall strength of their clan members was still lacking, even weaker than the Strength Clan before the Tai Tan incident.


    As for the Breaking Clan?


    After learning that Tai Tan had brought trouble upon himself and was subsequently taken down by the Blacksmith Association, the Breaking Clan could do nothing to stand up for the Strength Clan. After all, the Breaking Clan had suffered the heaviest casualties back in the day. Not only was their population now the smallest, but their combat strength was also the weakest. The clan was left with either the elderly or children, with almost no middle-tier fighters.


    Seeking trouble with the Blacksmith Association was practically a death wish. Furthermore, this was a situation where they were in the wrong, making Yang Wudi feel quite awkward.


    In the end, the other three clan leaders went to the Blacksmith Association to confirm that the Tai Tan was not dead but merely imprisoned. The remaining members of the Strength Clan had suffered minimal losses and were now working as laborers for the Blacksmith Association. Although they would be forced into hard labor for decades, leaving their clan greatly weakened, the Strength Clan would not face annihilation. With this assurance, the other three clans had nothing more to say.


    No reason to argue, no strength to fight. So how would they survive? They simply scraped by. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The other three clans produced some powerful figures to bolster the morale of the Strength Clan. This prevented the Strength Clan, whose strongest fighters had almost all perished at the hands of the Blacksmith Association, from being wiped out by their enemies.


    After hearing about the current state of the Strength Clan, Tang Hao remained silent for a long time. Finally, he took a deep look at Tai Nuo, whose face was full of pain, and then turned and left, continuing to think of ways to seek out his connections.


    The downfall of the Strength Clan did not make Tang Hao feel pity; he only regretted that a once-loyal dog of his had met such an end. At the same time, he was angry that Tai Tan couldn''t even handle such a trivial matter. A Soul Douluo-level expert had been defeated by the mere Blacksmith Association.


    Although Tang Hao was the Divine Craftsman of his generation and had lived as a blacksmith while in seclusion in Holy Spirit Village, he didn''t hold blacksmiths in high regard.


    At most, when he was young, he found the profession of blacksmithing interesting, but later he came to feel that blacksmiths were far inferior to soul masters.


    Tang Hao didn''t kill Tai Nuo with a single hammer blow to ensure he would take the secret to his grave. Tang Hao felt that sparing Tai Nuo''s life was already a generous act of mercy, considering the loyalty the Tai Tan had once shown him.


    As for rescuing the Tai Tan?


    Tang Hao felt he neither had the time nor the energy for such a thing.


    If one day, his injuries were healed and he had the spare time, Tang Hao wouldn''t mind rescuing his servant. But under the current circumstances, the Tai Tan would simply have to remain imprisoned. Tang Hao was unwilling to expend any effort to save a mere servant from the Blacksmith Association.


    When Tang Hao spoke of other connections, he was referring to his younger sister, Tang Yuehua, who ran the Moon Pavilion in Heaven Dou City.


    Tang Yuehua''s martial soul was a unique mutation of the Clear Sky Hammer, transforming into a Wishful Ring. She was naturally gifted with a domain that could calm and pacify others, as well as an innate soul power of level nine. However, the unfortunate part of her martial soul''s mutation was that it was flawed¡ªher soul power could not grow after birth. As a result, within the Clear Sky Sect, she was essentially considered useless.


    Even though she was the granddaughter of Tang Chen and the younger sister of Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, the atmosphere in the Clear Sky Sect was one of absolute reverence for strength. So, Tang Yuehua left the sect at a young age and settled in Heaven Dou City. Relying on her innate domain, she gained quite a reputation in Heaven Dou City.


    However, being a defenseless woman with her unique status and beauty often attracted unwanted attention. So, Tang Hao''s father had come up with a solution for her.


    Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu were contemporaries, while Tang Hao''s father and Qian Xunji were of the same generation. The two families were even considered close acquaintances. At the time, Tang Hao''s father arranged for Tang Yuehua to rely on the Spirit Hall for support, hoping they would look out for her. Although Qian Xunji¡ªwho didn''t particularly like the Clear Sky Sect¡ªdidn''t have any ill will toward this harmless young woman, he agreed to provide some superficial protection out of respect for the older generation.


    Thus, Moon Pavilion was established. A defenseless woman, leveraging her background, managed to navigate the complexities of Heaven Dou City with ease.


    But many years have passed since then. The Clear Sky Sect had sealed its gates, and Qian Xunji had been hammered to death by Tang Hao himself. Tang Hao had completely severed ties with his family. As for how his little sister Tang Yuehua was faring now, Tang Hao had no idea. Still, he believed that if he went to her and asked for help, Tang Yuehua would agree without hesitation.


    Tang Hao quietly infiltrated Moon Pavilion, only to find that it was no longer the thriving establishment it once was. The once-spacious courtyard was now sparsely populated, with many ceremonial instruments and facilities covered in dust. The entire place was dimly lit and eerily silent, like a lifeless shell.


    Moon Pavilion was meant to cater to nobles, providing etiquette training. Even at night, it was supposed to be brightly lit, with aromatic fragrances and exquisite decorations befitting the upper class. But now, the Moon Pavilion Tang Hao saw was nothing like the one in his memory.


    Following his recollection of the layout, Tang Hao moved stealthily through Moon Pavilion and eventually arrived outside his sister Tang Yuehua''s room. It was already midnight, yet the faint glow of an oil lamp could be seen within. A figure sat at the desk, busily calculating something.


    Sensing the familiar presence inside, Tang Hao stood silently for a long time before finally pushing open the door. As soon as the door opened, Tang Yuehua, sitting at her desk, immediately threw the ledger she was holding and curled up under the desk. She reached out to activate a mechanism, her practiced movements indicating that this was far from her first time doing so.


    The mechanism was triggered, and several crossbows hidden within the walls fired arrows toward Tang Hao. The arrows glowed with a dark green light, clearly laced with poison.


    However, due to years of neglect, about one-third of the crossbows misfired, and only two-thirds of the arrows flew toward Tang Hao. Faced with these deadly projectiles, Tang Hao merely shook his head. The Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand, and with a single swing, he shattered the arrows into dust.


    Although these mechanisms could easily kill an unprepared Soul King, they were laughably ineffective against someone truly powerful and ready.


    Looking at the mechanisms in the corners of the room, Tang Hao couldn''t help but recall the past.


    The traps were designed by the Strength Clan, the house was built by the Defense Clan, and the poison was provided by the Breaking Clan. All of this was to give Tang Yuehua a final line of defense. But back then, with the Clear Sky Sect at the height of its power and Tang Yuehua having the Spirit Hall''s support, these mechanisms had never been used, at least not in Tang Hao''s memory.


    Unexpectedly, today, he had triggered these defenses.


    With a surge of soul power, Tang Hao dragged the desk under which Tang Yuehua was hiding, exposing her disheveled figure.


    Seeing his sister clutching a dagger and glaring at him warily, Tang Hao''s eyes welled with tears. In a trembling voice, he spoke¡­

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [390]

    "Little sister, it''s me."


    Tang Hao removed his hood. His voice was slightly distorted, and his haggard appearance was a far cry from the confident and spirited man he had been in his youth.


    However, Tang Yuehua, who had always harbored a special affection for Tang Hao, immediately raised her head and recognized the man in front of her as her long-lost second brother, Tang Hao.


    Tang Hao summoned the Clear Sky Hammer, and the familiar aura appeared. The two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red spirit ring confirmed his identity.


    Seeing this, Tang Yuehua could no longer hold back. She straightened up, quickly stepped forward, and tightly hugged Tang Hao.


    "Second brother, second brother, you''re still alive. So many years have passed, and you''re still alive. This is wonderful!"


    "Yuehua¡­" Looking at Tang Yuehua crying like a child in his arms, Tang Hao barely managed to display the same firm and proud demeanor he had in his youth. But his eyes carried a deep fatigue.


    "I won''t die. I''m the genius our grandfather praised, the one who inherited the title of Clear Sky Douluo."


    "Sob, sob¡­" Tang Yuehua wiped her tears while clinging to Tang Hao, crying for a long time before finally calming down.


    "Second brother, so many years have passed. You''ve aged. There hasn''t been a single piece of news about you all these years. Everyone said you were dead."


    "Yes, time flies. It''s been so many years. Ever since Ah Yin died under the siege of Spirit Hall, my heart died as well. Back then, to kill Qian Xunji, I had no choice but to use the ring explosion technique. Afterward, I was hunted by that old man Qian Daoliu, gravely injured. And because Ah Yin and I had just had a child, I could only go into hiding temporarily."


    "Later, when I learned that the sect was forced into seclusion, a long time had already passed."


    "I really, truly¡­ I didn''t want any of that to happen back then."


    Facing his sister, Tang Hao finally spoke the truth.


    Back then, Ah Yin had sacrificed herself, and Tang Hao, in his rage, used the ring explosion technique to launch a devastating attack on Qian Xunji with the Great Sumeru Hammer. However, Tang Hao''s original intention was not to kill Qian Xunji but to gravely injure him. He wanted to use Qian Xunji''s defeat to undermine the authority of the Spirit Hall and elevate his reputation, paving the way for his future as the Clear Sky Sect''s master¡ªa plan that would have achieved multiple goals at once.


    But Tang Hao hadn''t expected that Qian Xunji would die. Killed with a single blow. This destroyed all of Tang Hao''s plans. Afterward, he was relentlessly hunted by Qian Daoliu and reduced to living like a dog.


    But Tang Hao only admitted a fraction of the truth. When the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall were engaged in fierce conflict, Tang Hao was well aware of it. However, overwhelmed by grief over Ah Yin''s death and wary of Qian Daoliu''s pursuit, he hesitated for several months.


    By the time the dust settled, Tang Hao learned that his father had died from anger, the Clear Sky Sect had gone into seclusion, and many of its subordinate clans and families had severed ties. Tang Hao felt he had no face to return to the sect and face his kin.


    Tang Yuehua, however, didn''t care about any of this. Even if their father had died from anger caused by Tang Hao, even if the Clear Sky Sect had gone into seclusion because of him, and even if her current plight was connected to him, none of it mattered. Feeling Tang Hao''s warmth and seeing the weariness etched on his face, Tang Yuehua''s heart still had room for no one but her second brother.


    The sect may be precious, and a father''s love even more so, but for her second brother, Tang Yuehua was willing to forsake them both.


    Tang Yuehua harbored feelings for Tang Hao that went beyond familial affection, which was why she had remained unmarried to this day. Tang Hao was aware of this but chose not to address it. After crying for a long time, the two siblings sat on Tang Yuehua''s bed and started reminiscing about the events of the past years.


    Hearing about the hardships Tang Hao had endured over the years, Tang Yuehua''s eyes filled with pain. When she learned that her second brother''s son had also come to Heaven Dou City, she felt a mix of emotions.


    Tang Hao naturally asked about the Clear Sky Sect, about Tang Xiao, and Tang Yuehua herself. He also inquired about why Yuexuan had changed so much.


    Hearing Tang Hao''s questions, Tang Yuehua began recounting the truth.


    After their father had died from anger, their eldest brother, Tang Xiao, became the Clear Sky Sect''s master and decided to seal the sect off from the outside world. All the Clear Sky Sect disciples returned to the ancestral home on Clear Sky Peak.


    Due to an agreement between their grandfather Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu, Spirit Hall never set foot on Clear Sky Peak. Although the Clear Sky Sect suffered heavy losses, it avoided total annihilation.


    Initially, Tang Yuehua faced threats and hostility but later returned to the Clear Sky Sect for several years before resuming her life in Heaven Dou City to reopen Moon Pavillion. Over time, things gradually improved.


    Several elders in the Clear Sky Sect broke through to the Title Douluo rank, and Moon Pavillion continued to grow. Tang Yuehua even established relationships with nobles in the Heaven Dou Empire.


    But about a year ago, the Clear Sky Sect''s seventh elder achieved a breakthrough to Title Douluo. When the second and fifth elders took the seventh elder to obtain a soul ring outside Clear Sky Peak, they were discovered by Spirit Hall. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although it was unclear who had killed the three elders, their severed heads were ultimately delivered to Qian Daoliu. This prompted Qian Daoliu to launch another attack on the Clear Sky Sect. He severely injured Tang Xiao and the remaining two elders before departing again.


    Since then, no Clear Sky Sect disciple could leave the ancestral land. Soon after, the continent descended into turmoil. Spirit Hall revealed its hidden strength, exposing a large number of Title Douluo. Even those who had previously maintained vague ties with the Clear Sky Sect severed all connections.


    Clear Sky Peak was an excellent place for cultivation, but it could not provide the necessities of life. As a result, all the Clear Sky Sect''s food, supplies, and cultivation materials had to be imported. After Spirit Hall revealed its true power, merchants who did business with the sect refused to continue supplying them, cutting off their lifeline.


    With no other choice, Tang Yuehua began transporting resources to the Clear Sky Sect herself. However, due to Spirit Hall''s dominance, the difficulty of delivering supplies rose tenfold, if not more.


    Even after closing Moon Pavillion and using all her savings and connections to send resources to the sect, the Clear Sky Sect still existed in a state of barely surviving.


    Hearing this, Tang Hao erupted in rage. His eyes filled with murderous intent, and a faint blood-red hue appeared on his Clear Sky Hammer. His face turned red, his breathing ragged, and he looked as if he wanted to charge at Spirit Hall immediately.


    But when he considered Spirit Hall''s current strength and Tang San''s potential, Tang Hao chose to endure once more.


    He retracted the Clear Sky Hammer and began banging his head against the wall, trying to vent the frustration and anguish in his heart.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [391]

    Poor walls¡ªno matter how high-quality they are, even if made by the Defense Clan, how could they possibly withstand Tang Hao''s head, strengthened by the absorption of a full set of soul bones and backed by the power of a Titled Douluo? Tang Hao banged his head against the wall with loud "bang, bang, bang" sounds, shaking the entire house. Paintings and other decorations on the wall fell off, and even the wall itself began to crumble. Tang Yuehua watched with a pained expression.


    Seventy percent of her pain was for Tang Hao, and thirty percent for her poor wall. The damage to the wall was irreparable, as there was no one from the Defense Clan around to fix it. Moreover, the wall contained built-in mechanisms, which would be impossible to repair if broken.


    Left with no choice, Tang Yuehua hurried to stop Tang Hao and began explaining things in greater detail.


    Tang Yuehua served as a source of information for the Clear Sky Clan, and all correspondence between the Clear Sky Clan and the Strength Clan was handled through her. Thus, she was well aware that the disappearance of the clan elders coincided almost exactly with the Strength Clan stirring trouble in the Blacksmith Association.


    After listening to Tang Yuehua, and hearing that the three elders might have died at the hands of a hidden expert behind the Blacksmith Association, Tang Hao''s eyes widened with fury. He wanted nothing more than to grab his Clear Sky Hammer and smash the Blacksmith Association into dust. Yet, considering his two objectives for this trip, Tang Hao had no choice but to suppress his anger for the time being.


    To avoid hearing more information that would raise his blood pressure, Tang Hao decided it would be better to state his requests immediately.


    Under Tang Yuehua''s conflicted gaze, Tang Hao made two completely incomprehensible demands.


    "Second Brother, I was just about to ask¡ªdid you have some kind of conflict with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Recently, their attitude toward our Clear Sky Clan has taken a sharp turn for the worse. Word has it that someone overheard in the Star Dou Forest that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has vowed to fight the Clear Sky Clan to the death." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I understand your desire to let your and Sister Ah Yin''s son make a name for himself in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, but why must he attend Blue Tyrant Academy? If his identity is discovered, he will face direct attacks from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Couldn''t he go to another advanced academy or one of the Five Elemental Schools instead?"


    "And why do you need the recent travel plans of Ye Renxin from the Nine Heart Begonia Clan? What are you planning to do? The Nine Heart Begonia Clan is untouchable!"


    Tang Yuehua scratched her head, unable to understand why her second brother, Tang Hao, would make such heavy requests. But Tang Hao simply stared at her silently, without a word.


    After a long silence, Tang Yuehua lowered her head and sighed deeply.


    "Alright, it seems that you have your plans, Second Brother, even if I can''t understand them."


    "As you said, Xiao San''s martial soul is inherited from Sister Ah Yin''s Blue Silver Grass. Although I''ve never met Sister Ah Yin and only know about her from what you and Big Brother have told me, I know that it''s not a high-quality martial soul. Cultivating Blue Silver Grass to the level of a Soul Grandmaster is already rare, so the most important thing for disguising his identity would be figuring out how to hide his martial soul."


    "As for Ye Renxin''s travel plans, while they aren''t particularly secret information, taking action against him would have unimaginable consequences. Too many people owe the Nine Heart Begonia Clan favors¡ªeven our Clear Sky Clan."


    "Little Sister, our Clear Sky Clan owes nothing to the Nine Heart Begonia Clan," Tang Hao interrupted Tang Yuehua sternly.


    "More than ten years ago, when I hammered Qian Xunji to death, Ye Renxin was invited by Spirit Hall to heal Qian Xunji. Although Qian Xunji ultimately died, there''s no doubt that, given the relationship between the Clear Sky Clan and Spirit Hall, the Nine Heart Begonia Clan helped our enemy. Whatever debt the Clear Sky Clan owed was repaid long ago."


    "Recently, I severely injured Yu Luomian. By all rights, Yu Luomian shouldn''t have survived. Yet, not long ago, I saw him in action again. Although he was still injured, he''ll fully recover in a few months. This is undoubtedly the work of the Nine Heart Begonia."


    "The first time, the Nine Heart Begonia helped our enemy, and the debt was settled. This time, they helped the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, which makes them our enemy. Since they''re our enemy, why can''t we act against them?"


    "Besides, I don''t intend to kill the two members of the Nine Heart Begonia Clan. I simply want to invite their grandfather and granddaughter to the Clear Sky Clan as guests and, in the process, have them heal my injuries. With my strength as a Titled Douluo and the status of our Clear Sky Clan, doesn''t that entitle us to the Nine Heart Begonia''s services?"


    In the end, Tang Yuehua was convinced. Despite owing personal favors to the Nine Heart Begonia Clan herself, under Tang Hao''s righteous arguments, she decided to assist him in taking action against Ye Renxin and Ye Lingling.


    Tang Hao and Tang Yuehua talked late into the night before he left. The next day, Tang Yuehua began devoting part of her efforts to handling Tang Hao''s two requests.


    After confirming his sister''s progress, Tang Hao sought out Tang San and quietly brought him to Heaven Dou City to meet Tang Yuehua.


    Tang Yuehua had complicated feelings toward her nephew. After all, her feelings for Tang Hao weren''t purely those of a sibling¡ªshe harbored forbidden love for her brother. When Tang Hao fell in love with Ah Yin, it wasn''t just Tang Xiao''s love that withered in its infancy; Tang Yuehua''s did as well.


    When Ah Yin died, Tang Yuehua even felt a secret, shameful joy at the death of the one who had stolen her love. This left her with deeply complex emotions toward Tang Hao and Ah Yin''s child, Tang San.


    The meeting between aunt and nephew was brief, as there were many matters to attend to. They simply acknowledged each other''s existence.


    As a senior, Tang Yuehua gave Tang San a gift upon their first meeting¡ªbesides several gold soul coins, she gave him a music score. The score was reportedly written by a Titled Douluo with a musical soul. While it had no relevance to cultivation, it had high artistic value and was a prized collectible.


    Tang Yuehua had little else to offer, having sold off much of her possessions to support the Clear Sky Clan. She lacked valuable medicinal herbs or treasures useful for Soul Master cultivation.


    At Tang Hao''s suggestion, Tang San, knowing his aunt lacked combat ability, reciprocated by gifting her several mechanical hidden weapons, including the Zhuge Crossbow.


    A few days later, Tang Yuehua provided Tang Hao with the Nine Heart Begonia Clan''s movements.


    From her perspective, Tang Hao''s recovery should be the top priority given his current condition. As such, even arranging Tang San''s identity took a back seat to dealing with the Nine Heart Begonia.

 Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [392]

    The Nine-Hearts Begonia lineage is very unique. In the entire world, there can only ever be two soul masters with the Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul awakened at the same time. Because of this, even though the Nine-Hearts Begonia possesses an incredible healing ability capable of reviving the dead and regenerating flesh and bones, rivaling the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda for the position of the strongest auxiliary system martial soul, it has never faced persecution from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.


    On the contrary, due to its limited numbers, the relationship between the Nine-Hearts Begonia and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan¡ªtwo forces that should theoretically be rivals¡ªhas always been rather harmonious.


    The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan can be considered a tacit supporter of the Nine-Hearts Begonia. They have always sought ways to bring the unique martial soul of the Nine-Hearts Begonia into their clan to ensure its continuation.


    However, this does not mean that the Nine-Hearts Begonia family is a small or insignificant clan.


    The Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul can only exist in two individuals at a time. Yet, the problem lies in the fact that martial souls are passed down through the bloodlines of both parents. This means that every soul master''s bloodline contains not only the dominant martial soul but also numerous recessive martial soul traits. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the number of Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul soul masters reaches its limit, the Nine-Hearts Begonia bloodline in the next generation becomes recessive. As a result, the children of Nine-Hearts Begonia soul masters will awaken the martial soul of the other parent.


    When the number of Nine-Hearts Begonia soul masters falls below two, the bloodline of the individual with the most concentrated Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul becomes dominant. While this will not change the martial soul of the currently awakened individual, it ensures that their offspring will awaken the Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul.


    This process continues until two soul masters with the Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul appear simultaneously, at which point the remaining bloodlines become dormant again.


    Thus, despite various restrictions, the inheritance of the Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul has never been interrupted. Even if both current Nine-Hearts Begonia soul masters were to die simultaneously, the martial soul would not vanish from the Douluo Continent.


    To truly eradicate the Nine-Hearts Begonia, one would have to eliminate every single individual carrying the bloodline. Otherwise, the martial soul will continue to reappear indefinitely. This paradoxical nature means that while the inheritance of the Nine-Hearts Begonia appears precariously limited to two individuals, in reality, the martial soul is almost always present.


    Furthermore, because children born during a time when two Nine-Hearts Begonia soul masters coexist will inevitably inherit the martial soul of the other parent, the Nine-Hearts Begonia family has accumulated some strong martial soul inheritances over time.


    The current head of the Nine-Hearts Begonia family is Ye Renxin, the grandfather of Ye Lingling. He is a healing-type Soul Sage. Known for his gentle and compassionate nature, Ye Renxin is also a skilled physician in addition to his martial soul abilities. He holds honorary noble titles in both empires and serves as an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall.


    Even on the entire continent, Ye Renxin''s status is considered exceptionally prestigious. He is someone who can converse casually with the emperors of the two great empires or even the Pope of the Spirit Hall.


    The Nine-Hearts Begonia family has a long-standing tradition of conducting free medical consultations for commoners every few months or once a year. This practice dates back to the creation of the Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul thousands of years ago.


    Although the Nine-Hearts Begonia family itself cannot count how many lives they have saved, they have garnered a significant following because of their benevolence. Many soul masters from humble backgrounds hold the Nine-Hearts Begonia family in near-reverent esteem.


    Ye Renxin''s whereabouts are not a secret. In fact, during their free medical consultations, the Nine-Hearts Begonia family often deliberately publicizes their plans.


    Throughout history, there have been those who harbored malicious intent toward the Nine-Hearts Begonia family, attempting to kidnap them during these consultations. However, the Nine-Hearts Begonia lineage is not without defenses. Whenever they travel, at least one Soul Saint accompanies them, and occasionally, even a Soul Douluo. At their peak, they were even guarded by a Titled Douluo.


    Currently, the Nine-Hearts Begonia family has two Soul Sages and one Soul Douluo. When Ye Renxin travels, the Soul Douluo always accompanies him. With the healing capabilities of the Nine-Hearts Begonia, even a typical Titled Douluo would struggle to abduct them before reinforcements arrived.


    As for Tang Hao, he is undoubtedly the most infamous figure on the continent in the past century, if not the past millennium. Having killed even the Pope of the Spirit Hall, Tang Hao no longer cares about the consequences of his actions. With enemies across the land, he has nothing to lose.


    Tang Hao believes that once he recovers, with his hundred-thousand-year soul ring and his Clear Sky Hammer, few in the world can match him. Even if Qian Daoliu were to intervene, Tang Hao is confident in his ability to escape.


    This time, Ye Renxin''s free medical consultation was held in a city near Heaven Dou City. As usual, a large crowd gathered around Ye Renxin. Some sought treatment, some came out of curiosity, and others had ulterior motives.


    Surrounding Ye Renxin was a group of fully armed soul masters and attendants skillfully maintaining order. Many soul masters who had previously benefited from Ye Renxin''s kindness also joined the gathering, offering to act as guards.


    It could be said that Ye Renxin''s current protection force was comparable to an army from the Heaven Dou Empire. There were over a hundred armored attendants maintaining order alone.


    But after so many years, Ye Renxin had grown accustomed to being surrounded by people. Despite countless gazes fixed upon him, he continued to treat patients with a cheerful smile.


    Healing-type soul masters are not omnipotent, not even the Nine-Hearts Begonia. While physical injuries are easy to treat, diseases are a different matter.


    The human body is complex, and similar symptoms can have many different causes. Blindly using soul skills can sometimes do more harm than good. Thus, the Nine-Hearts Begonia family has always studied medicine and toxins alongside their martial soul inheritance.


    Even without their martial soul, the descendants of the Nine-Hearts Begonia are still the best physicians and top-tier poison masters on the continent.


    Patiently, Ye Renxin examined one person after another. For injuries treatable with soul skills, he used them. For those suffering from illnesses, he prescribed medicine, instructing patients to collect it from nearby attendants.


    As the other Nine-Hearts Begonia martial soul holder, Ye Lingling stood beside him, nodding and taking notes on various diseases. Occasionally, Ye Renxin would have Ye Lingling handle minor cases, explaining symptoms and injuries to her in detail.


    The Nine-Hearts Begonia lineage has always passed down their knowledge in this way. In his youth, Ye Renxin also followed his elders during medical consultations, learning bit by bit until he became the renowned Saint of Medicine celebrated across the continent.


    Gradually, night fell. Ye Renxin and Ye Lingling finished their work for the day and returned to their inn to rest. Although some people who had waited for hours expressed disappointment, the soul masters guarding Ye Renxin and Ye Lingling ensured that no one dared to voice dissatisfaction.


    The free medical consultation was scheduled to last for three days, and today was only the first. After returning to the inn, Ye Renxin tested Ye Lingling on her understanding of the patients'' conditions and treatments.


    Originally, everything seemed normal. No one expected anything to happen. However, as the moon rose to its zenith and the world fell silent, Tang Hao, who had been waiting all day, finally found his opportunity.