Word Count: 2,964 Words
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"Zhou Jiren?"
Long Xiaoyao's customary detachment shattered. He focused his gaze, shock and disbelief mingling in his expression. "You old butcher, you're still alive?"
When the Body Sect had emerged to wreak havoc across the continent, Dragon God Douluo Mu En and Jianmu Douluo Zhou Jiren had battled the Two Brothers of the Body Sect.
In the end, Mu En had sacrificed a spinal column to fatally wound Du Bisi, while Jianmu Douluo had been grievously injured by a Body Sect secret technique. Nevertheless, he had managed to plant a seed within Du Busi's body, ensuring the man would never dare set foot in Nine Treasure City.
After that great battle, Jianmu Douluo had vanished from public sight. Long Xiaoyao had assumed grass would be growing half a meter tall on his grave by now. Who could have imagined he would appear with such vigor today? His magnificent aura resonated with heaven and earth, clear evidence he had reached the realm of Limit Douluo.
"You old beast! Long Xiaoyao, have you wasted your two hundred years living as a dog?"
Jianmu Douluo's eyes blazed with cold fury as he launched into a tongue-lashing. "My disciple isn't even twenty years old, yet you have the shamelessness to attack him!"
"I have my reasons!"
Long Xiaoyao refused to argue further, or perhaps he knew in his heart that this act was far from honorable.
Jianmu Douluo sneered. "No doubt it's all for that woman Ye Xishui. How many times have you and Mu En fought over her? That old fellow Mu En was only half a muddle-head; at least he understood Evil Spirit Masters were never good people and turned back from his mistakes. But you? You've chosen to wallow in the same filth as them!
Truly a rotten piece of wood that cannot be carved!"
Long Xiaoyao's knuckles whitened, embarrassment flooding his face at having his innermost thoughts laid bare.
Black and White Twin Holy Dragons, Jianmu who could reach the heavens—they were all figures of the same era, hailed by the Spirit Master world as their generation's greatest talents. Yet Dragon God Douluo and Jianmu Douluo had both contributed to protecting the Douluo Continent, while he alone had chosen the path of darkness.
Had anyone else cursed him, Long Xiaoyao would have simply laughed it off. But not Jianmu Douluo. This man knew too many secrets, and every word struck like a dagger between his ribs.
"Zhou Jiren, Xishui's affairs are none of your concern. If you want to fight, then let's fight!"
Spirit rings rose around Long Xiaoyao's feet—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, red, red. Nine magnificent spirit rings blazed with the full glory of a Limit Douluo's cultivation.
"I could fight Du Busi in those days. Today, I will certainly get justice for my disciple!"
Jianmu Douluo's spirit power surged as the enormous, leafy tree carried him skyward. His spirit rings appeared—likewise two yellow, two purple, three black, and two red.
"Long Xiaoyao, let's take this battle to the sky!"
The two strongest human Spirit Masters shot into the clouds. A battle between Limit Douluo could shatter space itself at any moment; these youngsters below could never withstand the aftermath.
Ling Bai descended to the ground, checking on the still-shaken Ning Tian and Wu Feng. Around them, the way others looked at their group had undergone a complete transformation.
A Limit Douluo!
Even Shrek Academy's Elder Xuan and Elder Song were only Rank 97. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, without any fanfare, now had a Limit Douluo standing watch!
Everyone present was sharp enough to understand the implications. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was about to rise!
BOOM—
Just as everyone was processing this revelation, a figure plummeted from the sky. It was the Bright Phoenix, utterly bald and battered!
Amidst countless bewildered stares, the Bright Phoenix coughed up a mouthful of old blood.
"Dean Yan, are you alright?!"
Everyone rushed to surround Yan Shaozhe with concern, especially Huo Yuhao, whose worry was particularly heartfelt. The battle had been evenly matched at three against three, but if Death Abyss Douluo had knocked out Yan Shaozhe, who could possibly stop him now!
Sure enough, the death-like bone dragon rose as if emerging from a pile of corpses, spreading massive dragon wings and raining down blood-red dragon flames from above!
Swish—
A sword-light, sharp enough to split the surrounding space, flashed by, splitting the dragon flames cleanly in two!
Waves of scorching heat swept past the Shrek group's faces. They witnessed the Seraphim's silhouette as Ling Bai resolutely faced Death Abyss Douluo.
"The Seven Treasures revolve to produce a Glazed Pagoda!"
Ning Tian reacted most swiftly. Her five spirit rings flared, pouring a seven-colored radiance into Ling Bai that granted him a sixty percent boost to strength, speed, attack, defense, and spirit power!
Gold and blood-red energies collided. The onlookers heard both a tremendous impact and the furious shouts of the two combatants!
"Death Abyss Douluo, accept your death!"
"Seraphim, I'm going to kill you!"
Yan Shaozhe caught his breath and sighed in admiration:
"What an intense battle! It truly takes the Seraphim to handle Death Abyss Douluo!"
With that, the Bright Phoenix beat its wings and re-engaged its foe.
Meanwhile, Scorpion Tiger Douluo blocked Xian Lin'er's thrusting spear and glanced enviously at the neighboring battle:
"What an intense battle! The Seraphim really can't suppress Death Abyss Douluo!"
Holy and evil cannot coexist—the ancients spoke truly!
In the battlefield of the two Limit Douluo, dark clouds shrouded the sky so thickly that even the gods seemed unable to peer through. Lightning danced within the clouds, each bolt accompanied by ear-splitting thunder.
The Darkness Holy Dragon spiraled through the clouds, its dragon eyes flickering with deep red light. The Sacred Jianmu Tree stood majestically, its trunk bearing the marks of countless years, its roots penetrating the void and merging with the world itself.
The Darkness Holy Dragon beat its wings, dark flames continuously scorching branches and leaves, yet the Sacred Jianmu Tree's life force seemed inexhaustible. No matter how much damage it sustained, it regenerated almost instantly.
The Sacred Jianmu Tree then stirred into motion. A torrent of life energy pierced through clouds and battlefield alike, striking the Darkness Holy Dragon square in the chest.
Nothing seemed to happen at first, yet Long Xiaoyao's expression changed to one of horror. The Darkness Holy Dragon frantically beat its wings to distance itself from the Sacred Jianmu Tree. Life attribute was the pure energy all Spirit Masters craved to absorb, yet the Sacred Jianmu Tree's life torrent was saturated with death intent, continuously draining his life force!
"Enough. Let's end this here!"
The Darkness Holy Dragon's Martial Spirit Avatar dissipated, revealing Long Xiaoyao's form.
The Sacred Jianmu Tree shrank into a seed as Jianmu Douluo slowly stepped forward, a smile gracing his features.
He had reached the limit realm later than Long Xiaoyao, but with Life Gold nourishing his Martial Spirit, his foundation was no less solid. Moreover, Life Gold possessed the ability to devour life; the Golden Tortoise could attest to that most clearly.
Jianmu Douluo had comprehended this power from Life Gold and achieved the perfect fusion of life and death. What chance did these old codgers with one foot in the coffin have against him in a death match!
At worst, he would endure a few more blows while draining Long Xiaoyao's life force until the man died of exhaustion!
Of course, Jianmu Douluo didn't actually want to push Long Xiaoyao too far. If the latter's life force ran out and he desperately self-destructed his twin spirit cores, they would certainly perish together, also claiming the lives of Ling Bai, Ning Tian, Yan Shaozhe, and everyone else present.
This was precisely why top-tier powerhouses kept each other in check.
The two Limit Douluo faced each other in midair. Jianmu Douluo spoke:
"You were once a noble soul. How did you fall so far?
Long Xiaoyao, if I were you, I would have long since taken a blade, wiped out that group of Evil Spirit Masters, and brought Ye Xishui back to educate her day and night. Sooner or later, she would come to understand your earnest heart.
You think you've done no evil, but helping a tyrant commit atrocities is equally damnable!"
Long Xiaoyao shook his head and spoke calmly, "My life is a complete mess. I have wronged Brother Mu, and I have wronged the continent, but having lived over two hundred years, I must at least be true to someone.
I am old and have at most a decade or so left to live. I can't compare to an old piece of wood like you with the life attribute. In these final days, I only want to protect Xishui.
Zhou Jiren, your breakthrough to Limit Douluo is a blessing for the continent. I hope you can protect the Seraphim until he grows strong enough to stop Xishui."
With that, Long Xiaoyao turned and left, showing no intention of taking Death Abyss Douluo or Scorpion Tiger Douluo with him. The two Super Evil Douluo reacted instantly, abandoning their opponents and fleeing, giving Jianmu Douluo no opportunity to strike them down.
Ling Bai retracted the Angel Sword and descended alongside Yan Shaozhe, who had dispelled his Martial Spirit Avatar.
As Martial Spirit Department Dean and Elder Mu's senior disciple, Yan Shaozhe wasn't so fragile. Having inherited the true light legacy, he could hold off the Death Abyss Bone Dragon briefly when fighting desperately.
The two Limit Douluo would never fight to the death, and this battle couldn't last long anyway. Ling Bai had simply seized the opportunity to make a double appearance.
After this battle, Death Abyss Douluo and the Seraphim were sworn enemies for life!
No one on the Douluo Continent would doubt it now!
Jianmu Douluo walked through the air and returned under everyone's admiring gazes.
"Teacher, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. You've mastered the art of perfectly timed rescues." Ling Bai gave two thumbs up.
Jianmu Douluo paused, then barked a laugh and scolded, "So you're complaining I came too slowly? You brat, always making roundabout jabs at people!
I wanted to see if that old black dragon could truly attack a junior without restraint. Now it seems his conscience still exists, though probably not much remains because of that minx of his!"
He sighed deeply. Long Xiaoyao wasn't inherently evil. His fall to such a state only made Jianmu Douluo hate iron for not becoming steel.
"Xiao Bai, how did you manage to offend so many Super Douluo? When Fengyu passed along your message asking me to save you, it gave me quite a fright."
Ling Bai revealed the matter of the Holy Spirit Cult to Jianmu Douluo and the Shrek group, glossing over certain details. In short, he had provoked the Holy Spirit Cult by helping 'Specter' Na Na save her parents, and after killing several of their Evil Douluo, the Holy Spirit Cult simply couldn't take it anymore.
Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er listened with widening eyes. "The Shrek Guardians have been slaying evil for ten thousand years. To think such a massive Evil Spirit Master organization as the Holy Spirit Cult could emerge on the continent, and even Dragon Emperor Douluo has joined them!"
The two led the Shrek students in bowing to Jianmu Douluo. "Junior Yan Shaozhe (Xian Lin'er), disciple of Elder Mu, thanks Senior Jianmu for the rescue!"
"No need for such formality from Mu En's disciples."
Among the four Limit Douluo, whether Dragon God Douluo was the strongest was debatable, but he was certainly the one with the best personal relationships. Jianmu Douluo had an old friendship with him, and Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui felt indebted to him, so they would more or less give some face for the sake of the deceased.
"This old man will escort you for a stretch to keep any more scoundrels at bay."
"Thank you, Senior!"
Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er completely relaxed. With Jianmu Douluo's protection, their safety was guaranteed.
Along the way, Huo Yuhao and Yan Shaozhe whispered about the past between Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui, while Jianmu Douluo chatted and joked with the three Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan juniors.
When Shrek City came into view, Yan Shaozhe extended an invitation. "Senior Jianmu, would this junior have the honor of inviting you to the Sea God Pavilion for tea?"
"No need."
Jianmu Douluo waved dismissively. "Years ago, Mu En and I talked through the night and bid each other eternal farewell. Better for this old man to leave now rather than go in and get an earful from that old thing."
Ling Bai had just told him that Elder Mu's soul had merged with the Ancient Golden Tree. Better to cherish memories than meet again. Jianmu Douluo wasn't foolish enough to walk in and get scolded.
"Xiao Bai, take good care of Xiao Tian and Xiao Feng.
If any blind fool dares bully you, this teacher will definitely settle accounts with the eldest in their family!"
"Yes, Teacher. Safe travels."
Jianmu Douluo's final words naturally backed up the three of them while also warning a certain Yan Shaozhe.
Entering Shrek City through the east gate, everyone went their separate ways. Yan Shaozhe rushed straight to the Ancient Golden Tree for healing, Huo Yuhao and He Caitou returned to the Tang Sect, and Xian Lin'er took Ning Tian alone to test her progress at the Spirit Guidance Department.
Ling Bai wrapped an arm around a warm, slender waist. Wu Feng shot him an exasperated look:
"You go back to the academy first. I need to buy some things."
"I'll come with you."
"No need. I'm buying underwear. It's not convenient with you there."
Wu Feng pouted in annoyance. With her natural gifts plus her more recent development, her chest was now nearly bursting.
"It's getting cold. Add some silk," Ling Bai suggested with a grin.
"No way! Black stockings are like a bloodthirsty spirit skill. When I wear them, your attack speed becomes terrifying."
"Then you won't get anything to eat next time."
"You... Fine, I'll buy them!"
Wu Feng fled in defeat. The things I do for a good meal!
Ling Bai stood there laughing. A few minutes later, an unremarkable figure entered through the east gate. It was the Spider Emperor Clone disguised with the Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance.
Death Abyss Douluo needed to merge back with the main body, since the Seraphim's true spirit ring colors were yellow, purple, red, red, red, red, red. Without the Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance's disguise, Ling Bai wouldn't dare release his spirit rings in public.
When Zhongli Wu had summoned Death Abyss Douluo to hunt the Seraphim, Death Abyss Douluo had told him beforehand that he planned to travel the continent for a while. Zhongli Wu had readily agreed, only emphasizing that he must return to the Holy Spirit Cult when the twin Spirit Guidance Device shattered.
…
Wu Feng strolled along Shrek City's bustling streets and selected an elegantly decorated lingerie store.
After undressing for measurements, the female clerk lowered her head self-consciously. Wu Feng ordered several sets of underwear and various colored stockings. Looking around and seeing no familiar faces, she lowered her voice to the clerk:
"Pack up all your sexiest items. I'll take everything."
"Certainly, beautiful lady!"
The clerk beamed with joy. This large sale's commission nearly equaled her monthly salary!
Using opaque black bags to wrap everything securely, she gave Wu Feng a suggestive smile and whispered conspiratorially:
"Beautiful lady, if you enjoy the experience, remember to come back. I'll give you twenty percent off!"
Wu Feng accepted the bags and paid. After leaving the store, she initially planned to store everything directly in her Storage Spirit Guidance Device, but curiosity prompted her to peek inside.
Lace, gradients, intricate straps, suspenders...
The variety was dazzling!
Wu Feng's pretty face instantly turned crimson enough to drip blood!
'Heavens, if I wear these, won't that bastard play me to death…'
Recalling Ling Bai's tormenting methods, Wu Feng's mind went blank and her body weakened. In her distraction, she failed to notice and collided with a passing figure.
"Sorr—"
Wu Feng was about to apologize when she froze completely. Her ruby-red eyes widened in earthquake-like tremors as she stared in disbelief at the face mere inches away, her body rigid with shock.
It was a woman of transcendent, otherworldly beauty, with not a trace of mundane air about her. A black necklace adorned her neck, accentuating her clear, elegant collarbones.
Yet between those exquisite features lay an expression cold as ice. Her golden eyes gleamed like morning stars, radiating an aloof nobility that seemed to reject all others from a thousand miles away, like a goddess dwelling high above mortals.
The woman was flawlessly perfect, the most beautiful female Wu Feng had ever seen. Yet in Wu Feng's heart, Ning Tian was the only woman who mattered; even if this stranger were ten thousand times more beautiful, she couldn't move her heart.
What stunned Wu Feng was that the woman bore a ninety percent resemblance to Ling Bai, as if the heavens had carelessly used the same mold twice when creating them!
"Who... who are you?"
Her intended apology became a shocked question. The woman merely gave her a cold glance before transforming into a golden streak and vanishing into the bustling crowd.
Wu Feng chased after her for several steps but couldn't catch up. The woman's speed exceeded even her own. She slapped her thigh in frustration, then suddenly noticed something extra in her hand.
It seemed during their collision, the woman's veil had fallen. Embroidered upon it were two small golden words.
Ling Qiuxi.