Under Yu Tianming's influence, Dugu Bo had absorbed a unique ninth spirit ring, obtaining a skill akin to Tang San's hidden weapon Guanyin's Tear. Although it didn't grant him widespread destruction, it gave him a deadly, concealed burst attack. When paired with his eighth spirit skill Time Freeze, it could even take down an average Title Douluo in one go.
But Yu Tianming had Dugu Bo accompany Qian Renxue not to protect her, nor to eliminate opposition in the empire. Rather, Dugu Bo's presence served a greater purpose: to display to the world the stance of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
With a Title Douluo from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan by her side, and the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Qian Renxue didn't even need to speak; there would naturally be people flocking to support her rise to the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire.
With the path to usurpation set, Yu Tianming turned his gaze to Dugu Bo's side—Dugu Yan.
After two years in the Slaughter City, Dugu Yan had grown accustomed to wearing plain black clothes. Her long black hair was simply tied into a ponytail behind her head.
Yet, she had always been a natural beauty. At age six, she had absorbed the Water Immortal Jade Skin Bone; at twelve, the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. One soft, one firm—nourished by two immortal herbs, her beauty grew ever more breathtaking, her skin smooth and radiant like jade. Her plain attire didn't obscure her charm, but only served to enhance her captivating allure.
Dugu Yan rested her chin on her hand with a faint smile, silently watching Yu Tianming. When their eyes met, she paused in surprise for a brief moment, then her smile bloomed like a flower. "Tianming-gege, what is it? Do you need something from Yanyan?"
"In a moment, let Senior Dugu Bo and the others travel ahead. Yanyan, come with me into the Star Dou Forest for a spirit hunt."
Several years ago, Dugu Yan had used the Dark Devilgod Tiger as her sixth spirit ring. During her training in the Slaughter City, she had also received a full set of spirit bones from Yu Tianming. Upon emerging, her strength surged all the way to level 70. She had held off absorbing her seventh ring only because Yu Tianming had insisted.
Dugu Yan smiled at him, her eyes never wavering, crystal clear and full of joy. "The seventh spirit ring awakens the true form of a martial soul—it greatly impacts a soul master's future. What kind of powerful soul beast have you prepared for me, making me wait this long?"
"You'll see soon. The beast will absolutely enhance your martial soul. Don't be too surprised when you see it." Compared to Dugu Yan's unabashed affection, Yu Tianming remained composed and calm.
From the side, Qian Renxue saw the unrestrained love in Dugu Yan's eyes and felt a pang of sourness in her heart. Posing as the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, she had to hide her identity at all times, calling Yu Tianming "brother" in public, even if she longed to be by his side openly. If she wanted to reveal her true self, she would have to do so in secret, always with caution.
The more she thought about it, the stronger her desire to seize the throne became. Only by reclaiming her true identity could she rightfully stand by Yu Tianming's side.
"Rongrong, you're coming too. You'll hunt a spirit ring along with Yanyan." After speaking with Dugu Yan, Yu Tianming turned toward Ning Rongrong.
"Ah, me? Won't it be risky to absorb rings so quickly?" Ning Rongrong asked hesitantly.
On the way to the Spirit City tournament, Yu Tianming had helped Ning Rongrong hunt a crystal beast, giving her a purple fourth ring. Later, Xiao Wu had sacrificed herself to her. The overwhelming energy of a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast propelled Ning Rongrong, who had just become a Spirit Ancestor, directly to level 60. All she needed now was her sixth ring to reach Spirit Emperor, nearly catching up to her father Ning Fengzhi.
"With me here, you could absorb three spirit rings in one day without worry." Yu Tianming chuckled, pulling her to his side. "You can get spirit rings any time, but suitable soul beasts are rare. This one is special—you've got to seize the chance."
As Ning Rongrong approached, a fragrance blending the Qiluo Tulip and Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid wafted around Yu Tianming, making him involuntarily close his eyes in contentment. After ingesting both immortal herbs, Ning Rongrong's body underwent dramatic transformation. The lingering scent was just the most noticeable change.
She was petite and delicate, and when Yu Tianming pulled her close, she stumbled slightly and fell against him. Seeing her father shoot them a teasing glance, she blushed and ducked her head shyly. Despite her bold personality, she still saw herself as a child, and under Ning Fengzhi's gaze, embarrassment was unavoidable.
Watching Yu Tianming surrounded by two beauties, Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong, Qian Renxue's mouth twitched. 'I'm Snow Qinghe, Tianming's best "brother." Even if he flirts with others right in front of me, I have to pretend it's nothing. What a weird feeling…'
After a few more words of teasing, Yu Tianming turned to her. "Brother Xue, I'll be taking Yanyan and Rongrong deep into the Star Dou Forest for a spirit hunt. It may take a while. You should head back to Heaven Dou City with the others. If time permits, I'll meet you there."
Qian Renxue gave a gentle smile. "Tianming-xiandi, I wish you and your two ladies a safe journey."
Yu Tianming nodded, and in a flash of spatial energy, the trio vanished from the tavern.
——————————
Star Dou Forest, Core Region.
Noonday sunlight pierced the canopy gaps, scattering patches of light across the forest floor in the Star Dou's core.
The trees here were colossal, each hundreds of meters tall. Their dense overlapping leaves blocked nearly all sunlight. But now, many of their thick branches had been violently snapped, letting stray rays shine down on the ancient ground—an exceedingly rare sight.
As the group arrived, Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong were both stunned by the towering trees surrounding them.
"This… this is the heart of the Star Dou Forest?" Ning Rongrong marveled at a broken branch taller than a six-story building. "Even a single broken limb here is larger than a whole tree from the forest's edge."
Though also amazed, Dugu Yan's training in the Slaughter City had made her more cautious. She whispered, "Why are there so many broken branches? And why haven't we seen a single soul beast? This place should be teeming with them…"
Just then, a thunderous roar erupted from not far away. Crashing trees echoed in the distance as flocks of birds and beasts fled.
"Tianming, don't tell me that's… a forest overlord? That's got to be a hundred-thousand-year beast!" Dugu Yan swallowed nervously. "You're not thinking of using that for my seventh ring, are you?"
"Do you remember the year limit of my seventh spirit ring?" Yu Tianming asked.
"Twenty… twenty years? But we're different! Your body is absurdly strong, and you used a divine-granted ring. That's easier to absorb than a wild one! I'm only level 70…"
Her reaction was reasonable. Absorbing a ring beyond one's limit meant death. No elite soul master would take such a gamble lightly—only someone like Tang San, who risked death again and again.
Yu Tianming pulled her close. "You must believe in yourself. With your spirit bones, your body is tougher than many Title Douluo. And I'll be here—how could you fail?"
Dugu Yan hesitated, then clenched her jaw and nodded firmly.
Just then, the crashing stopped. Thunderous footsteps followed. Moments later, a towering, fur-covered beast appeared—over ten meters tall.
"The Titan Giant Ape?"
Though the creature was gaunt, disheveled, and bloodshot, Ning Rongrong recognized it immediately. She had seen it during Shrek's earlier soul hunt. The Titan Giant Ape also recognized her—and looked around frantically for Xiao Wu. Not finding her, its gaze turned back toward the trio, murderous intent rising.
With Xiao Wu nowhere to be seen, these humans would not escape.
The titan raised its massive arm to strike.
But its palm froze in midair, halted by an invisible force.
"Gravity Shield? Human, your martial soul shares my earth-gravity attribute?" the deep, rumbling voice boomed. It stared at Yu Tianming in astonishment—and greed. "Our attributes match. Devouring your flesh may push me further…"
"No, I simply collect soul bones. This gravity ability is one of their powers." Yu Tianming smiled eerily. "You seem troubled, Titan Giant Ape. Perhaps this spirit skill will cheer you up."
As he spoke, the ape tensed, fur shifting to earthy hues as it melded with the terrain, its defense multiplying.
Yet Yu Tianming remained calm, his smile widening. "Sky Azure Divine Thunder."
The ape's eyes widened in rage. "It's you! You're the bastard who killed Daming!"
Before it could finish, a streak of blue lightning engulfed it.
When the flash subsided, the scorched titan struggled to stand. "Human… you will die…"
"Oh? You're tougher than I thought. That wasn't even my full power. But before you reunite with your brother, I have some news you'll want to hear."
"…What news?" The Titan Giant Ape suddenly felt a deep unease.
"I killed the Sky Blue Bull Python. Took its soul bone, too." Yu Tianming chuckled darkly. "And the Soft-Boned Enchantress Rabbit? Dead. Rongrong here jumped straight from Spirit Ancestor to level 60 after absorbing her."
Turning to Dugu Yan, Yu Tianming laughed. "Three hundred-thousand-year soul beasts. Three people who need them. You really think this isn't fate?"
(End of Chapter)
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