One month later, Chu Chengzhou and his group returned to Lanba Academy, travel-worn and dusty.
Hunting for soul beasts requires a bit of luck — that much is definitely true.
Although four people needed their fourth soul rings during this trip to Sunset Forest, because they went together, the time spent was about the same as if each had gone individually.
They spent a whole month searching in Sunset Forest, and only when Zhu Zhuqing, the last of the group to advance, found a soul beast she was satisfied with, did they wrap up their trip.
Oscar added a soul ring from a 4,000+ year old Scarlet Fire Python, advancing to a 41st-level Soul Ancestor. His fourth soul skill was Blazing Intestine Burn.
Dai Mubai attached a soul ring from a roughly 4,500-year-old Golden Light Tiger, also advancing to a 41st-level Soul Ancestor. His fourth soul skill was White Tiger Meteor Shower, the same as in the original work.
Thanks to Chu Chengzhou's training techniques — specifically the body-refining martial art "Indestructible Golden Body" — both Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had much stronger physical bodies than ordinary soul masters at the same level. As a result, the soul rings they acquired exceeded the normal age limit most soul masters could bear.
Ning Rongrong attached a soul ring from a 6,000+ year old Vajra Burst Bear, advancing directly to 42nd-level Soul Ancestor — just barely, but still a level higher than Oscar and Dai Mubai.
Because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial souls are closely related, their soul skill effects for the first seven skills are relatively fixed, with only slight variations.
Unlike the original story where Ning Rongrong hunted an armor beast specializing in defense, here she hunted the more offense-specialized Vajra Burst Bear. Thus, her fourth soul skill no longer boosts defense, but boosts attack instead.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, her situation was similar to Dai Mubai's. Coming from a soul master clan with a long heritage, her ancestors had already figured out the optimal soul rings to attach for specific skills. Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing didn't seek any exotic soul beasts but chose one of the best matches: the Ghost Tiger, for her fourth ring.
Since her Nether Cat martial soul is of the beast type, Zhu Zhuqing's physical strength was even better than Ning Rongrong's. She attached a soul ring from a 7,000-year-old Ghost Tiger and also reached 42nd-level Soul Ancestor. Her fourth soul skill remained the same as in the original story: Nether Shadow Clone, capable of producing clones that could also use soul skills.
Unfortunately, while the age of the soul ring increased, it wasn't enough to cause a qualitative change.
Nonetheless, thanks to the higher age, there were still noticeable improvements, mainly in reduced soul power consumption when using skills.
Higher-aged soul rings not only brought higher soul power levels but also enhanced the body's various attributes more significantly.
At this point, among the Lanba Academy's team for the Soul Master Tournament, only Ma Hongjun had not yet become a four-ring Soul Ancestor.
Still, Ma Hongjun wasn't far behind. During the soul beast hunt, his soul power rose by one level to 38th-level Soul Elder. Though not as impressive as the others, he still surpassed the academy's substitute members.
Being a formal advanced soul master academy, Lanba Academy naturally had more participants in the tournament besides Chu Chengzhou's group of seven main players. There were also four substitutes.
The substitutes existed to prevent forfeits in case the main team members encountered emergencies and couldn't participate in time.
As in the original story, the substitutes were Tai Long, Jiang Zhu, Huang Yuan, and Jing Ling.
Worth mentioning: in the original story, Tai Long was a loyal follower of Tang San.
More accurately, Tai Long's clan, the Strength Clan, were loyal followers of Tang Hao and Tang San.
Meanwhile, in the ancient forest covered in Blue Silver Grass—
The Blue Silver Domain, filled with life energy, bloomed brilliantly. Countless Blue Silver Grass around him shimmered with tiny blue lights, converging into Tang San, who was seated cross-legged. A brilliant blue glow emanated from his right leg as he activated the 100,000-year soul bone skill: Wildfire Burns Without End, Spring Breeze Revives Again, fully focusing on healing his father, Tang Hao, before him.
After a long time, the life-filled blue glow gradually faded. At the same time, within Tang San's perception, the injuries that had burdened his father Tang Hao for more than a decade were finally completely healed.
The next moment, Tang San suddenly felt a terrifying aura rise from Tang Hao's body.
Even though the aura wasn't aimed at him — and Tang Hao was trying to restrain it — Tang San was still overwhelmed and forced to retreat repeatedly.
"This is... Father's breakthrough!"
Backing up over a hundred meters, sensing that his father's aura was still soaring, Tang San was overjoyed. He hadn't expected that after healing, his father's strength could ascend even further.
It made sense though — his father was once the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent, a peerless genius. Now, having broken through after rebuilding himself, it was only natural that his strength would rise again.
As night fell, Tang Hao's aura suddenly surged dramatically. He stood up and let out a thunderous howl to the sky.
In an instant, under the impact of his terrifying aura, the surrounding fragile Blue Silver Grass disintegrated into countless fragments, fluttering in the air.
Blue Silver Grass: Damn it!
After a long time, the howl stopped. Tang San rushed over with concern, asking, "Dad, how are you feeling?"
"Hahaha, Little San, I feel wonderful — better than ever!"
Tang Hao laughed heartily, full of excitement.
His old wounds had completely healed, and his soul power had risen by another level, reaching 96th-level Titled Douluo. How could he not feel amazing?
Back when he first became a Titled Douluo, he could already crush three Titled Douluos, including 95th-level Qian Xunji. Now that he had reached 96th-level, there was practically nowhere he couldn't go on the entire continent.
At this moment, Tang Hao's confidence soared. With the legendary Great Sumeru Hammer in hand, unless a demi-god level figure like Qian Daoliu showed up, who could stop him?
Even facing a peak 98th-level Titled Douluo, Tang Hao was confident that even if he couldn't win, he wouldn't be caught!
"Dad, now that your injuries are healed, can I participate in the Soul Master Tournament? Auntie said it's the grand event of the soul master world."
Tang San asked eagerly.
In his past life as a Tang Sect assassin, Tang San was no stranger to patience and didn't mind loneliness.
But he was no longer an assassin — in this life, he wanted to live more vividly. The continent was vast, and he wanted to see it all.
He had spent six years of childhood in the remote Holy Soul Village without ever seeing the outside world.
Later at Moon Pavilion and in Heaven Dou City, though bustling, he learned from his aunt that his enemy — Spirit Hall — was vast and powerful. To avoid exposure, he had lived a secluded life, rarely stepping outside unless necessary.
After over a decade in Douluo Continent, his experience of the world was limited to the journey from Holy Soul Village to Heaven Dou City and a few hunts for soul beasts along the way.
But now everything had changed. His father had recovered and grown stronger. Tang San felt he finally had enough backing to explore the outside world.
"Little San, I have wronged you!"
Looking at the longing in his son's eyes, Tang Hao's heart ached. He pulled Tang San into a hug.
His son — son of the mighty Clear Sky Douluo, heir to an invincible martial soul lineage, born with innate full soul power and twin spirits — had lived imprisoned, only ever cultivating, and never seeing the world.
And all because of Spirit Hall — it was Spirit Hall's fault!
After a long silence, Tang Hao released Tang San, looked up at the dazzling starry sky, and waved his hand grandly:
"Little San, go — go participate in the Soul Master Tournament! Trample Spirit Hall underfoot, starting with the tournament! It's time for Spirit Hall to once again fear the name of Clear Sky!"
Hearing his father's dominant words and looking at his imposing figure, Tang San's heart filled with infinite admiration.
"Dad, Auntie said to participate in the tournament, I need to join an advanced soul master academy. Which academy should I go to?"
Tang San asked.
Hearing this, Tang Hao fell silent.
A decade ago, he wouldn't have hesitated — he would have immediately said Star Luo Royal Academy.
Because among the Three Great Sects, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was neutral, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan supported Heaven Dou Empire, and the Clear Sky Clan supported Star Luo Empire. They were allies, so naturally Clear Sky disciples would join Star Luo Royal Academy.
But things were different now. When Spirit Hall forced the Clear Sky Clan into seclusion, their "ally," the Star Luo Empire, didn't kick them while they were down, but neither did they offer any real help.
An ally that was useless when needed wasn't worth relying on.
After thinking for a moment, Tang Hao said, "Talk to your aunt about it. She'll arrange everything."
"Yes, Father."
Tang San nodded.
At Moon Pavilion:
"Little San, you..."Dressed in luxurious silver court attire, Tang Yuehua was greatly surprised.
If not for the familiar Clear Sky Hammer martial soul, she could hardly believe that the handsome blue-haired youth before her was her nephew Tang San.
But in her eyes, it made sense — her brother had been handsome, her sister-in-law Ah Yin was a great beauty, so it was only natural that Tang San would grow into a striking young man.
"Auntie, I awakened Mother's bloodline. My Blue Silver Grass martial soul has transformed."
Tang San explained.
"So that's it!"
Tang Yuehua suddenly understood. She had always wondered — how could her nephew's martial soul be just ordinary Blue Silver Grass?
After all, Blue Silver Grass was famously useless. How could a trash martial soul be twin-born with the world's number-one tool martial soul, Clear Sky Hammer?
His weak spirit and plain appearance were only because his bloodline hadn't awakened yet.
Still, Tang Yuehua couldn't help but sigh inwardly, gently rubbing Tang San's head in pity.
If their grandfather had still been alive, would her brother and sister-in-law have been forced into such dire straits by Spirit Hall? Would the Clear Sky Clan have been forced into hiding?
Tang San's eyes were filled with longing as he looked at Tang Yuehua and said:
"Auntie, I heard that the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is about to start. I want to see it for myself."
"This..."
Tang Yuehua hesitated slightly.
The Soul Master Tournament was jointly organized by Spirit Hall and the two great empires. If her nephew participated, wouldn't that put him directly under Spirit Hall's gaze?If the news leaked, Spirit Hall, which had once suffered the loss of a former Pope at the hands of her family, would certainly not let things go easily.
"Auntie, Dad has already allowed me to participate in the Soul Master Tournament."
Seeing Tang Yuehua hesitate, Tang San quickly added.
"Hmm? Second Brother allowed you to go?"
Tang Yuehua looked at Tang San suspiciously.
"Yes, Dad's injuries have fully healed."
Tang San nodded.
After a moment of contemplation, Tang Yuehua said,"Little San, since your father has allowed you to participate, then go ahead and join the Soul Master Tournament! As for the qualification, I'll arrange it for you."
For Tang Yuehua, arranging a tournament qualification for her nephew was a trivial matter.
Although she couldn't become a true soul master due to a malignant mutation of her martial soul, fate seemed to favor her: the mutation granted her a Domain Power that even many Title Douluo had never mastered.
With her innate talent Domain: Noble's Halo, she became the master of the Moon Pavilion at the Heaven Dou Empire's Court Etiquette Academy. Moreover, most major noble families knew at least a little about her background.
After all, back before the Clear Sky Sect had closed itself off, she was the eldest daughter of the sect. Many on the continent knew who she was.
Given these connections, getting her nephew Tang San into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was no difficult task at all.
Tang Yuehua didn't plan on opening a backdoor for Tang San either. Besides, her current influence might not be enough for that. But she firmly believed that with her nephew's strength, he could surely earn a main seat in the Emperor Team by his own merit.
Meanwhile, deep within the core area of Star Dou Great Forest—
A burly figure wielding a giant hammer was unleashing a storm of bloodshed in the uninhabited woods.
"Die for me!"
With a mighty roar, the signature art of the Great Sumeru Hammer was unleashed. The power of nine spirit rings gathered, and Tang Hao smashed down, directly shattering the skull of an eighty-thousand-year-old Earth Demon Bear.
Very quickly, a pitch-black spirit ring condensed above the bear's corpse. Tang Hao extended his spiritual power to inspect the body.
"Hmph."
Not finding what he wanted, Tang Hao let out a cold snort and immediately continued his search for another spirit beast over fifty-thousand years old.
Tang Hao had a clear understanding of the general level of contestants in the Soul Master Tournament—after all, he had participated in it himself.Given his son's current strength at just entering the Spirit Emperor (four rings) stage, unless his teammates were exceptionally strong, it would be difficult to win the championship and trample the Spirit Hall team underfoot.
It wasn't that his son lacked talent—on the contrary, he was extremely gifted—but in terms of age, Tang San was at a disadvantage, still over ten years younger than the tournament's upper age limit.
In Tang Hao's mind, since his son was going to compete, he had to win the championship and crush Spirit Hall's team beneath his feet! Only then would he not disgrace the Clear Sky name.
But the problem was—there were only three months left before the Soul Master Tournament began.How could he safely and massively boost his son's strength without side effects in such a short time?
The first thing Tang Hao thought of was soul bones.And not just any soul bones—high-year soul bones.
After all, with his son's monstrous talent, he was destined to become a super powerhouse like his grandfather. If he absorbed low-level soul bones, it would just be wasting his potential.
Tang Hao himself didn't have spare soul bones on hand.But soul bones come from soul beasts, and Star Dou Forest had no shortage of soul beasts!
Even if the chance of a soul bone dropping was one in a thousand or even lower—so what? He had the strength to back it up!Slaughter a few thousand spirit beasts over fifty thousand years old, and he could gather a set of high-year soul bones!
As for attracting the attention of super soul beasts far stronger than ordinary Title Douluo by killing too many soul beasts?
Hmph! Let them come—they wouldn't leave alive!
Under normal circumstances, Tang Hao would never have done something so extreme.
It wasn't out of a moral bottom line; rather, back then, if he had dared to massacre soul beasts at will, both he and the Clear Sky Sect would have been attacked by the entire soul master world.
After all, if powerful soul beasts were wiped out unchecked, where would high-ranking soul masters get their high-level spirit rings in the future?
But things were different now.The Clear Sky Sect had sealed its gates and gone into hiding.He himself had been expelled from the sect.
On the surface, Tang Hao was no longer part of the Clear Sky Sect. Whatever he did now had nothing to do with them.
As for himself—he already had Spirit Hall as his mortal enemy.At this point, he didn't care how many more enemies he made by slaughtering soul beasts in Star Dou Forest.
Besides, the majority of the continent's soul masters were Spirit Hall's people.If Star Dou's high-level soul beasts declined, Spirit Hall would suffer the most.
Anything that Spirit Hall hated to see—was precisely what Tang Hao should do!
Half a month later.
Spirit City, within the Pope's Palace.
"Your Holiness, large numbers of high-year spirit beast corpses have appeared within Star Dou Forest. Some even belonged to ninety-thousand-year-old beasts. It's suspected that a Title Douluo has been wantonly slaughtering spirit beasts."
The head of the Hall of Light and Shadow, Obama, reported grimly to Bibi Dong.
A month ago, the previous head of the Light and Shadow Hall had been promoted to Title Douluo and became a Spirit Hall elder.The red-robed Bishop Obama had advanced to an eight-ring Soul Douluo, and considering his past contributions and decent strength, Bibi Dong had promoted him to the new Hall Master.
There were many high-ranking spirit masters in Spirit Hall; at any given time, Spirit Hall's forces were active in Star Dou Forest, hunting spirit beasts to advance.
Now that half a month had passed, the outrageously destructive actions of this mysterious Title Douluo finally came to light.
However, only the corpses had been discovered—not the culprit.No one had captured them yet.
Upon hearing the report, Bibi Dong immediately frowned.
Like spirit masters, the spirit beast world also had a pyramid structure:The higher the cultivation years, the fewer the beasts.
There were hunters specializing in killing spirit beasts, but those were mostly low-ranked ones, hunting below ten-thousand-year beasts, occasionally targeting lower ten-thousand-year-level ones.
It was normal.There were still more ten-thousand-year spirit beasts on the continent than there were human soul masters.
But a Title Douluo wantonly slaughtering high-year spirit beasts?Absolutely unacceptable.
Greed had no limits—If allowed, Star Dou Forest could soon become devoid of high-year soul beasts.
And crucially, the beast world had super beasts too—spirit beasts cultivated over a hundred thousand years, called ferocious beasts.
If provoked, these ferocious beasts might lead massive beast tides to attack humans.
Individual spirit beasts were prey for soul masters—but a beast tide led by ferocious beasts would spell disaster for the entire soul master world!
And unfortunately, the only major power with its base near Star Dou Forest was Spirit Hall.
No matter who caused it—the ferocious beasts would blame Spirit Hall.
Why?Because over half of the continent's soul masters belonged to Spirit Hall!
As the Pope of Spirit Hall and its nominal leader, Bibi Dong definitely didn't want Spirit City to be drowned by a beast tide someday.
"Can we identify which Title Douluo did it?"
Bibi Dong asked coldly.
There weren't that many Title Douluo on the continent.Excluding Spirit Hall's own elders, the number was even smaller.
If there were distinctive traces left at the scene, it might be possible to deduce who the culprit was.
Even if not, the suspect pool could be narrowed down.
"The culprit is extremely strong. Apart from vital points, the spirit beast corpses remain largely intact. There aren't many battle traces left. It's impossible to tell which Douluo did it."
Obama shook his head.
The Title Douluo wielding a massive hammer had overwhelming power and had been extremely decisive—leaving almost no traces behind.
"Hmph! No traces—that itself is a clue!"
Bibi Dong snorted coldly.A few suspects immediately surfaced in her mind.
Strictly speaking, a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast's strength matched only a rank-91 Title Douluo.
But level was just a number; strength was another matter.
Normally, an average rank-91 Title Douluo would be challenged by a ninety-thousand-year beast.
To easily slaughter a ninety-thousand-year spirit beast, the Title Douluo's actual combat strength must be at least rank-95 or higher.
Excluding Spirit Hall's own elders,there were only a handful of Title Douluo with such terrifying strength on the entire continent.
"Someone, summon all the elders of the Elder Palace! The Pope will convene an Elder Meeting!"
Without much hesitation, Bibi Dong immediately ordered the palace guards.
Soon after, except for the elusive Grand Priest Qian Daoliu,more than twenty Title Douluo elders within Spirit City all gathered in the Elder Palace.
An hour later—
The fifth offering Lightfeather Douluo, sixth offering Might Douluo, seventh offering Demonbreaking Douluo, plus five Title Douluo elders—eight in total—led sixteen Death Squads (each composed of members above Spirit Emperor rank),and departed for Star Dou Great Forest to investigate the slaughter of high-year spirit beasts.
To hunt for soul bones, some Title Douluo dared to defy all norms and massacre spirit beasts at will.This was tantamount to cutting off the future of all high-level soul masters.
As the overlord of the soul master world, Spirit Hall absolutely could not allow this kind of atrocity to continue.
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead on all my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle