DD Black White [171-180] (Patreon)

Chapter 171: Raiden Makoto

"They all have souls now… If possible, I'd rather not do it," Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sighed, her eyes full of compassion.

As the first Grass God, master of life, dream, and wisdom, her nature made her averse to consuming other sentient plant beasts just to strengthen a stigmata.

"I can preserve their seeds and memories, let them become companions to the new God of Life."

Lu Jingming had expected her gentle nature to protest, so he'd already planned a compromise.

"I suppose that's all we can do."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sighed, accepting that Lu Jingming's solution was already generous—giving the herbs a chance to live on as divine companions.

She was kind, not foolish, so she said nothing more.

"Buer, it's been a while. Who'd have thought we'd meet again?"

Just then, the stigmata on Lu Jingming's left hand glowed with lightning.

With a flash, a purple-haired beauty in a white-and-purple kimono, holding an oil-paper umbrella, appeared beside him.

She looked at Buer with a smile—an old friend reunited.

"Baal, yes! I never thought we'd meet again like this."

Buer smiled softly.

Both had long since passed away, even been forgotten by the world, yet here they were, revived by Lu Jingming's power.

"It's thanks to Xiao Ming—he gave us new life," Raiden Makoto said gently, looking at Lu Jingming with gratitude.

Without him, she'd never be reborn or see old friends again.

She'd seen not only Buer, but also Yae Miko, and wished Ei could be here as well.

"Don't worry, Makoto, I'll do my best to grant your wishes," Lu Jingming smiled, seeing through her thoughts.

He was also curious about the legendary Shogun and wanted to witness it himself.

"You're so good to me—I don't know how to thank you. Maybe I should betroth Ei to you?" Raiden Makoto covered her mouth, laughing playfully, her eyes full of mischief.

Was she joking? Who could tell?

"I'd love to agree, but I'd probably get chopped," Lu Jingming shrugged.

That stubborn, homebody village girl—maybe she could be conquered with food instead of force?

As the three chatted and laughed, the atmosphere grew ever more harmonious.

After all, Buer and Raiden Makoto had only recently awakened; this world was still new to them.

Lu Jingming patiently introduced them to the new world, telling tales of Inazuma and Sumeru.

Though revived, they still cared deeply about their old homes.

They had much in common, so their time together was pleasant.

Raiden Makoto's Lightning Stigmata contained the powers of lightning, destruction, and time—perfectly complementing Lu Jingming's Black Abyss martial soul.

Buer's World Tree Stigmata embodied life, wisdom, and dreams—matching his White Flower martial soul.

With these two stigmata, Lu Jingming was content and didn't plan to manifest a third anytime soon.

With these two goddesses' help, he wouldn't need to worry much about condensing a god position.

They would give their all to help him—he just needed to provide resources, luck, or faith.

Resources were easy; luck he could manage; faith was harder.

After all, ever since the fall of Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago, most of the continent's faith had gone to Sea God Tang San.

But Lu Jingming wasn't worried—he hadn't even reached Soul Emperor yet, and the road to godhood was long. No need to rush.

…

Time passed quickly. Two days later—

"You want me to go to the Heavenly Soul Empire with you—what for?" Gu Yue looked at Lu Jingming in confusion.

She really couldn't figure out why he suddenly wanted her along.

She was planning to return to Star Dou Forest, having just received an urgent message from Di Tian about the Auspicious Beast.

Since the tournament ended, the S-class students had gained considerable freedom.

There was little left to learn at the academy; each had chosen their own path.

Some had gone adventuring; others stayed at St. Freya Academy; some managed Haiyuan City.

They all had their own lives now, and Lu Jingming was fine with that—they had plenty of time ahead.

"Of course it's a good thing. Don't worry about it—just come with me." Lu Jingming smiled, taking Gu Yue's hand as they set off.

"Hey—" Gu Yue protested, but though she didn't like such ambiguity, she didn't pull away. The Auspicious Beast could wait.

Soon, Lu Jingming brought Gu Yue to meet Snow Empress and Ice Empress.

Over the past two days, Ice Empress had grown used to her new body, and she and Snow Empress had enjoyed some freedom in Haiyuan City.

"The time is right. Let's go." Lu Jingming gave the order.

This time, he only brought Gu Yue, Ice Empress, and Snow Empress.

Not because he trusted Snow Empress absolutely, but because Herta could always teleport Mirror to him if needed.

Within Douluo Continent, no one could threaten him as long as Herta on his side.

If trouble arose, he could call for help—having strong friends was more useful than being strong alone.

Gu Yue activated her flying soul tool, hovering beside Lu Jingming, glancing at Snow Empress flying with Ice Empress, her expression strange.

As the Sovereign of Soul Beasts, she immediately recognized Snow Empress and Ice Empress' true identities.

She just couldn't figure out how the two great beasts of the Extreme North had fallen in with Lu Jingming.

Conversely, Snow Empress and Ice Empress didn't recognize Gu Yue.

Though they knew there was a mysterious being stronger than Di Tian in Star Dou Forest, they'd never met her, so they didn't connect Gu Yue to the legend.

…

The Sunset Forest lay northeast of Heaven dou City in the Heavenly Soul Empire, not far from Dragon City and the Extreme North.

Its northern location made it colder than Star Dou Forest.

Entering the forest, one saw temperate plants scattered over the land.

Unlike the dense, humid Star Dou Forest, Sunset Forest was fresh and pleasant, the breeze cool and invigorating.

Over ten thousand years, the forest had shrunk from its former glory.

Once it was one of the great soul beast habitats, teeming with life.

Now, its area and soul beast population had dwindled, reduced to a small gathering place.

Years of poisonous miasma had made survival hard for soul beasts, leaving the core a dead zone.

And relentless human hunting had destroyed the ecology, making high-level beasts rare.

But for the Earth Dragon Sect disciples needing a fourth soul ring, the current state was perfect.

"Sect Master, didn't they say you can get a soul ring with a stigmata now, no need to hunt beasts? Why don't we buy one?" asked a black-haired girl, full of curiosity.

"Yeah, Mom, why not? I heard you can even customize them! Do you think there are Rouge Dragon stigmata? I want one!"

A pink-haired girl echoed, her youthful curves showing as she asked eagerly.

Nan Shuishui smiled, gently patting Tian Tian and Nan Qiuqiu on the head.

A chubby black-haired girl chimed in, "Sect Master probably wants to wait and see. Stigmata are new—you never know about side effects. Better to be cautious."

"What side effects? The three great empires and Shrek Academy are all involved—it should be safe!" Nan Qiuqiu said carelessly.

"And I heard Heaven Dragon Sect bought some century-old stigmata for their ordinary disciples. Maybe we should try it too," Tian Tian suggested.

A burly, dark-skinned boy named Xu Shenshu scratched his head. "I heard Heaven Dragon Sect only gave ordinary disciples the stigmata. The core disciples like Yu Tianlong didn't use them."

"Xu Shenshu, you idiot! Who asked you to rain on our parade!" Nan Qiuqiu and Tian Tian glared at him, making him retreat in fear.

Xiao Ye and Feng Jue looked at him like he was an idiot—arguing with the bossy girls was asking for trouble.

In this Earth Dragon Sect team, led by the mischievous Nan Qiuqiu, the boys were completely dominated—and they seemed to enjoy it.

Chapter 172: The Simp

"You all..." Nan Shuishui shook her head with a fond smile, her eyes full of affection.

She patiently explained, "It's not that I doubt the Stigmata, after all, the three great empires and Shrek Academy are all involved. Judging from the current situation, there shouldn't be any major problems. But you need to understand, fusing more Stigmata isn't always better—the key is to find ones that suit you. For us, hundred-thousand-year Stigmata are out of reach, they're simply too rare. As for ten-thousand-year Stigmata, they're also precious, but our Earth Dragon Sect can still manage. Once you all reach the Soul King level, I'll get suitable ten-thousand-year Stigmata tailored for you."

Clearly, Nan Shuishui had thoroughly researched Stigmata.

She knew each person could only fuse a limited number, and the higher the Stigmata's age, the better the effect.

Moreover, since Stigmata only recently appeared on the continent, they were extremely scarce. Even if you pre-ordered, you'd have to wait a long time.

Right now, Nan Qiuqiu and the others urgently needed soul rings to boost their strength, so waiting for custom Stigmata wasn't feasible. That's why Nan Shuishui had brought her disciples to the Sunset Forest to hunt soul beasts.

Although the number of soul beasts in Sunset Forest had dwindled over the years, its proximity to Dragon City meant the Earth Dragon Sect had long mapped out the territories of various soul beasts through years of activity and exploration.

Led by Nan Shuishui, the group soon found a five-thousand-year Saber-Toothed Earth Dragon in a secluded part of the forest.

Most of the Earth Dragon Sect's disciples possessed Earth Dragon martial souls, making them especially interested in related soul beasts.

This particular Saber-Toothed Earth Dragon had long been on their watch list, but until now, they hadn't come to hunt it.

For Earth Dragon Sect disciples, absorbing a soul ring from an Earth Dragon soul beast was ideal.

If they could obtain a true dragon soul ring, that would be even better—but with true dragons nearly extinct, most remaining creatures were merely sub-dragon species.

Thus, this Saber-Toothed Earth Dragon was a perfect match for almost everyone in the Earth Dragon Sect, including the young sect master Nan Qiuqiu.

After discussion, however, Nan Qiuqiu and the others decided to let Xu Shenshu, the big guy, have it since his martial soul was precisely Saber-Toothed Earth Dragon.

Nan Shuishui personally struck the beast down with ease, her strength overwhelming any resistance.

Finally, Xu Shenshu delivered the finishing blow, and the Saber-Toothed Earth Dragon died at his hands.

Xu Shenshu sat down to absorb his fourth soul ring, while Nan Qiuqiu and the others stood guard around him.

At this moment, the forest was eerily quiet, even the usual chorus of insects had disappeared.

Suddenly, Nan Shuishui frowned and stood up, eyes sharp as she looked toward a shadowy corner nearby.

She had sensed something unusual approaching.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Her voice echoed through the silent woods, startling Nan Qiuqiu and the others into alertness.

Though young, their sect upbringing taught them that in the wild, soul beasts weren't always the greatest threat.

Nan Shuishui, being a Soul Douluo, was powerful enough to protect everyone unless a hundred-thousand-year soul beast appeared—which was practically impossible with even ten-thousand-year soul beasts now rare in Sunset Forest.

So what could make Nan Shuishui this wary? Clearly, it wasn't a soul beast.

"Heh, you're as sharp as ever," a low, slightly raspy voice drifted from the darkness.

Moments later, figures in black robes emerged like ghosts from all directions, swiftly surrounding the Earth Dragon Sect group.

"Who are you?" Nan Shuishui's expression darkened. These intruders clearly had ill intent.

As a major sect, the Earth Dragon Sect had its share of enemies, but these black-robed figures were unfamiliar.

"Mom, what do we do?" Nan Qiuqiu and the others were clearly panicked.

Xu Shenshu was in the middle of soul ring absorption and couldn't be moved, leaving them in a precarious situation.

"Old friends meeting again, why so tense? I won't hurt you," the leader said, slowly pulling down his hood to reveal a pale, sinister face.

He stared at Nan Shuishui with a gaze full of deep obsession and longing.

"It's you? You're still alive?" Nan Shuishui's shock was immediate.

She finally recognized him as one of her former suitors, who had left Dragon City in disappointment after she rejected him. She had assumed him long dead.

"Dead? How could I die? I want to be with you forever—never apart!"

The Third Elder gazed at her, his feelings seeming only to have grown with time.

Even now, he was desperate to imprison Nan Shuishui by his side, to fulfill his twisted desire for forever together.

Nan Shuishui shivered at his fervent, bizarre stare.

She'd never had any romantic feelings for him; even after her husband's death, her only focus was raising her daughter and strengthening the Earth Dragon Sect, never seeking another partner.

What's more, the Third Elder now seemed corrupted, exuding a sinister aura that made her skin crawl.

"Take them alive! If anyone dies, you all die with them," the Third Elder ordered coldly.

Now a fallen evil soul master and a Rank 9 Soul Engineer, he was no mindless lunatic—he knew Nan Shuishui would never go willingly.

But he didn't care about her wishes; in his twisted mind, imprisoning her was enough.

He loved her—so he wouldn't hurt her or plan to kill the others.

At his command, the black-robed figures' soul rings lit up—most were Soul Kings, with several Soul Emperors among them.

The Third Elder could have brought Soul Sages or higher, but this was a private operation, so he'd only brought his own subordinates.

Such a lineup made Nan Shuishui's face grow even gloomier. She realized there'd be no easy way out and immediately released her martial soul.

With a blinding pink light, a giant Rouge Dragon phantom appeared behind her.

At the same time, pink dragon scales appeared on her arms and exposed skin, and a pair of delicate pink dragon horns grew from her forehead, changing her presence entirely.

Two yellow, two purple, and four black soul rings glowed in the optimal configuration.

As one ring shone brightly, the Rouge Dragon phantom gathered a ball of pink annihilation energy in its mouth, firing it like a brilliant meteor at the Third Elder.

Nan Shuishui knew the principle: "Capture the leader first." With the enemy's numbers, her only chance was to take down the Third Elder quickly.

However, she underestimated his current strength.

Just as her attack was about to hit, the Third Elder's nine soul rings—two yellow, two purple, five black—appeared.

A purple-black soul tool shield materialized in front of him, easily blocking her full-force attack.

"Title Douluo!" Nan Shuishui stared in disbelief.

She knew his talent well; there was no way he could have reached Title Douluo on his own.

"Heh," the Third Elder chuckled darkly, pride and madness in his voice.

To pursue power, he'd sacrificed everything—literally—even his manhood, all to earn Nan Shuishui's admiration.

Now, as a Title Douluo and Rank 9 Soul Engineer, seeing her shock gave him immense satisfaction.

"Rouge Annihilation Burst!" Despite her shock, Nan Shuishui was no pushover.

Facing the oncoming evil soul masters, she coldly unleashed a barrage of pink energy spheres that exploded with tremendous force.

Explosions shook the forest, sending debris flying and bodies crashing to the ground.

"Fourth," the Third Elder called to another black-robed man.

"Third Brother, is it worth it for a woman? What if the sect master blames us?" Fourth Elder asked, worried.

He had never supported this attack on the Earth Dragon Sect, as the Holy Spirit Sect was focused on staying hidden.

But he and Third Elder were close, so he reluctantly went along.

"Don't worry, I'll take the blame. As a Rank 9 Soul Engineer, at worst I'll be punished a bit. If I can bring her back, it's all worth it," Third Elder replied confidently.

After all, Title Douluo—especially with advanced soul engineering skills—were too valuable for the sect to lose.

Besides, after recent conflicts in Mingdu and with the Wuchang Division, the sect already suspected their location was compromised.

So, the Holy Spirit Sect was not as strict about secrecy as before.

Chapter 173: The Dashing Rescue

With Third Elder's promise, Fourth Elder's hesitation vanished. He drew a ghostly green sword as his nine soul rings appeared and charged at Nan Shuishui.

Nan Shuishui's heart sank.

Facing two Title Douluo, even with her powerful Rouge Dragon, she had no chance of victory.

But she would never surrender. Gritting her teeth, she formed a pink Rouge Annihilation Sword and met the green sword head-on.

Sword lights clashed, soul power exploded, and the shockwaves uprooted trees.

Dragon roars, sword cries, and explosions filled the air, turning the once-quiet forest into chaos.

Nan Shuishui was forced into a bitter struggle, while Nan Qiuqiu and the others desperately defended Xu Shenshu as he absorbed his soul ring.

The evil soul masters refrained from lethal attacks, clearly under orders not to kill.

The Earth Dragon Sect quickly realized the attackers' identity—infamous evil soul masters. Their bloody, soul-consuming techniques were unmistakable.

Despair set in. Falling into evil soul masters' hands could only mean a terrible fate.

Exhausted, Nan Qiuqiu, Song Qian, Tian Tian, Xiao Ye, and Feng Jue managed to fend off another attack, but their soul power was almost gone.

"What now, lady boss?" Xiao Ye asked, panting, injured and drained.

"How should I know? We're doomed. If I die, I'll take one with me," Nan Qiuqiu gritted out, unwilling to accept such an end.

Just thinking of all the rumored horrors made her shudder.

"I don't want to be caught. Qiuqiu, if it comes to it, end me quickly," Song Qian gasped, her variant Rouge Dragon soul with lightning attribute having been most effective but now spent.

"Me too! Being caught by evil soul masters is too frightening!" Tian Tian said, pale.

Their beauty and martial souls made their fate particularly grim if captured. Death was preferable.

"Don't give them a break—go!" a scythe-wielding evil Soul Emperor ordered, sending several more at them.

"It's over." Nan Qiuqiu was in despair; she had no soul power left, her Rouge Dragon unsuited for close combat.

Just as the evil soul masters closed in, a sharp sound split the air—a black spear wreathed in black-red lightning slammed into the ground, blocking their path.

A burst of lightning incinerated several attackers instantly. One, luckier, lost an arm and barely escaped.

With a crash, a figure landed, raising a cloud of dust.

"So handsome!" As the dust cleared, Nan Qiuqiu saw a white-haired, red-eyed, spear-wielding youth.

"Hero saving beauty—don't you think that's a bit clichéd?" came a cool voice as Gu Yue, surrounded by blue wind, landed beside Lu Jingming.

Lu Jingming twitched—he'd just made an entrance, and already Gu Yue was annoyed.

"Hmm?" Third Elder frowned. Even as a Title Douluo, he'd sensed nothing until they appeared.

Looking up, he saw Snow Empress floating high above, Ice Empress beside her.

"Kill those two!" Third Elder ordered instantly.

His only concern was Earth Dragon Sect; Lu Jingming and Gu Yue were outsiders.

"Yes, Third Elder!" Several evil Soul Emperors grinned savagely and lunged.

"Die, brat! Who told you to meddle?" The scythe-wielding Soul Emperor charged, his weapon glowing with sickening bloodlust.

"Watch out!" Nan Qiuqiu shouted.

With a flash, Lu Jingming's spear pierced the enemy's throat, lifting him into the air.

"Yeah, I'm meddling. So what?" Lu Jingming said coolly, a flick of his spear reducing the Soul Emperor to ashes.

Blue lightning crackled as he appeared in the midst of the enemy.

"Eternal Corridor!" His second soul ring shone, black light spreading to envelop dozens of meters.

Half the evil soul masters were trapped.

"What is this?"

"No!"

"Ah!"

The Soul Kings disintegrated instantly; Soul Emperors, more resistant, died in agony.

Gu Yue shook her head at the massacre. This wasn't the Soul Master Tournament—no need to hold back against evil soul masters.

Against Lu Jingming's unleashed power, even Soul Emperors were like ants.

Chapter 174: The Third Elder's Rage

"Courting death!" Third Elder watched, furious, as Lu Jingming slaughtered his men.

He didn't care about their lives, but losing so many would make him answerable to the sect leader.

"Corpse Lightning!" Third Elder's first soul ring flashed, sending a black-grey bolt at Lu Jingming.

Though just his first soul skill, as a Title Douluo, even his weakest move was deadly.

Lu Jingming coolly intercepted it with his black spear, the tip crackling with black-red lightning.

Thunder exploded, shockwaves rippling outward. A foul green miasma drifted toward Lu Jingming, but he dispelled it with a pulse of purple lightning.

Without pause, Lu Jingming raised his left hand and unleashed his hundred-thousand-year soul bone skill—Dominion.

Space warped as crushing gravity slammed down on Third Elder, dropping him to his knees, spitting blood from internal injuries.

Third Elder looked up, eyes red with murderous rage—being forced to kneel and injured by a Soul King was an unprecedented humiliation.

His soul power blazed as he struggled to resist the gravity.

"I'll tear your soul out and burn it for a hundred years!" he howled.

Dominion was powerful, but the vast gap in soul power meant it could only catch Third Elder off guard temporarily.

Lu Jingming only smiled; he hadn't expected to suppress a Title Douluo with a single skill.

But making a Title Douluo kneel and cough blood was already a miracle.

Even Nan Qiuqiu and the others were stunned; a Soul King injuring a Title Douluo was unheard of.

Third Elder, enraged, unleashed his fourth soul skill—Demonic Skull Seven Stars—summoning seven evil green lightning skulls to attack.

Lu Jingming responded with seven jets of black light from his spear, obliterating the skulls.

Everyone was shocked—a Soul King had just neutralized a Title Douluo's fourth soul skill!

"This isn't possible!" Third Elder was in disbelief.

"This is like annihilation energy, but even stronger!" Nan Shuishui realized, comparing it to the Earth Dragon Sect's own annihilation abilities, but Lu Jingming's was far superior.

Even as a Soul Douluo, she struggled to eliminate enemy soul skills directly—yet Lu Jingming, a Soul King, could instantly erase Title Douluo-level attacks.

"In that case—Furious Whip of Thunder!" Third Elder, losing all reason, unleashed his sixth soul skill.

A grey-purple whip lashed out, summoning countless wailing wraiths and saturating the air with a scorched, acrid stench.

The massive attack enveloped Nan Qiuqiu and the others as well.

Lu Jingming frowned. He might survive, but the others would die.

"Xue Di!" he called without hesitation.

Facing a Title Douluo was too much, even after his earlier surprise attacks.

As the whip descended, Snow Empress appeared like a white phantom, gracefully raising a hand.

A terrifying cold instantly froze the attack, ice spreading back toward Third Elder.

Realizing the danger, he immediately stopped channeling soul power and fled, dragging Fourth Elder with him.

But Snow Empress wouldn't let them go. She unleashed a storm of cold that froze everything for miles around—the two elders included—leaving only Lu Jingming and his group unfrozen.

Her mastery of cold was absolute, befitting the ruler of the extreme north.

Chapter 175: Gu Yue Gets Jealous

Nan Shuishui couldn't help but gasp, eyes wide with shock.

Two Title Douluo-level evil soul masters had been frozen instantly by Xue Di, unable to even fight back. This kind of overwhelming power was beyond her understanding, leaving her deeply awed.

"I am Nan Shuishui, Sect Master of the Earth Dragon Sect. I can never repay the debt I owe you all for saving our lives today!"

She hurriedly descended, bowing with utmost respect and humility.

Her gratitude was sincere—after all, had Lu Jingming and his companions not arrived in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

"Please, Sect Master Nan, there's no need for thanks. Evil soul masters are scourges to the continent; it's everyone's duty to destroy them. Besides, we actually came here for the Earth Dragon Sect," Lu Jingming replied with calm composure.

He'd planned all along to help the Earth Dragon Sect, so he could rightfully ask for the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow beneath their base. But even without that, he'd never turn a blind eye to evil soul masters if he could help.

"For the Earth Dragon Sect?" Nan Shuishui blinked in surprise.

She had never met Lu Jingming and had no idea why they'd seek out her sect. Still, out of gratitude, she smiled and said, "I wonder what business brings you here? As long as it's within our means, the Earth Dragon Sect will do everything in its power to help."

No matter their motives, Lu Jingming and his group had truly saved her and her disciples—she couldn't deny that.

If she'd fallen into the Third Elder's hands, she'd have lost her freedom, if not her life.

Moreover, the Earth Dragon Sect had an ancestral technique for reading people's faces—a way to judge character, if not always accurate. After observing Lu Jingming, Nan Shuishui felt confident he bore them no ill will.

"This isn't a good place for a long talk. Let's move somewhere else," Lu Jingming suggested, glancing at the frozen, lifeless forest around them.

"Agreed. Please, let me welcome you all to our sect for proper hospitality," Nan Shuishui nodded.

After so much danger, none of the Earth Dragon Sect had the heart to continue hunting soul beasts. The evil soul masters' ambush clearly hadn't been a coincidence; there were surely spies within Dragon City to root out.

Of all the evil soul masters who ambushed them, only the Third and Fourth Elders survived—and only because Lu Jingming and Xue Di had other plans.

Rather than kill them outright, Lu Jingming thought they'd make excellent 'Lunch box'—either as training fodder for Ye Guiyi or as guinea pigs for Mobius's research. (Squid Game Reference.)

Xue Di agreed; that's why she hadn't finished them off on the spot. She owed Mobius a favor, after all.

Meanwhile, Xu Shenshu was still focused on absorbing his soul ring. While he finished, Xue Di stored the two evil soul masters in a special soul tool designed to hold living beings.

"Um… thank you so much for helping us just now. I'm Nan Qiuqiu, young mistress of the Earth Dragon Sect," Nan Qiuqiu finally mustered up the courage to introduce herself, face flushed with shyness.

"It was nothing. I'm Lu Jingming, from Haiyuan City of the Star Luo Empire," he replied with a gentle smile.

For some reason, he noticed that Nan Qiuqiu's gaze was similar to Meng Hongchen's—though not as bold, but with the bashfulness of a young maiden.

"Haiyuan City? That sounds familiar—oh! That's the city hosting this year's Soul Master Tournament, right? And the Stigmata originated there too!"

As she spoke, Nan Qiuqiu tapped her lips in thought before suddenly lighting up with realization, looking unexpectedly cute.

"Yes, that's right. I'm surprised Haiyuan City's fame has reached Dragon City," Lu Jingming laughed, quite pleased.

The more famous Haiyuan became, the better for him—he'd poured a lot of effort into its development.

"You were amazing just now! You killed so many evil soul masters in one blow and even injured a Title Douluo. So cool!"

Her eyes sparkled with admiration and adoration.

"Heh, it was nothing," Lu Jingming replied modestly, though he couldn't help but feel a bit proud—after all, Nan Qiuqiu was a canon character.

"Qiuqiu, stop gawking and go meditate to recover your soul power! We still have a journey ahead!" Nan Shuishui called out, unable to hide her exasperation at her daughter's lovestruck look.

"Got it!" Nan Qiuqiu stuck out her tongue playfully, waved sweetly to Lu Jingming, then hurried back to meditate.

"Saving the damsel works wonders, huh? If you're a little bolder, she might throw herself at you," Gu Yue said quietly, standing beside Lu Jingming. Her tone was calm, but a hint of jealousy was unmistakable.

"You think so? Well, I am pretty charming," Lu Jingming joked, stroking his chin.

Gu Yue's lips twitched; she almost felt like punching that handsome face—but she couldn't bear to.

Lu Jingming noticed her mood and smiled. Jealousy meant progress! He was glad he'd brought Gu Yue along.

Soon, Xu Shenshu finished absorbing his fourth ring—since it matched his martial soul, the process went smoothly.

With everything settled, the group left Sunset Forest for Dragon City.

Looking back at the forest, Lu Jingming knew he'd return—he still had two goals here: the Profound Ice Marrow below the Earth Dragon Sect, and the Icefire Yin Yang Well within the forest. The latter wasn't going anywhere, and Xue Di and Bing Di were eager, especially Bing Di, who desperately needed the Ice Marrow to restore her physical body.

Dragon City—the northernmost metropolis of the Heaven Soul Empire—stood closest to the Extreme North. It was blanketed in snow year-round, making it a true city of ice and snow.

Despite the harsh climate, the city bustled with people, drawn by the nearby Extreme North—a soul beast haven. Few dared venture deep, but many hunted on the outskirts or sought rare ice-elemental treasures.

Dragon City was home to two major sects: Heaven Dragon Sect and Earth Dragon Sect.

The Heaven Dragon Sect wielded the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul—one of the few pure dragon souls left, once famed as the continent's number one beast martial soul.

As a result, the Earth Dragon Sect had always been overshadowed, seen as little more than a vassal for generations.

Chapter 176: Obedient Nan Qiuqiu

Nan Shuishui was no weaker than most Title Douluo, but the Heaven Dragon Sect's current leader was a Super Douluo—a gap she couldn't bridge.

Still, Nan Shuishui had, through her own wisdom and strength, built the Earth Dragon Sect into the city's second power—a real feat, given that most of their martial souls were sub-dragon types, forever suppressed by the true dragon lineage of their rivals.

Only the Rouge Dragon martial soul could truly compete with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon; all others fell short.

Despite the rivalry, the two sects had a millennium of deep ties, and their competition was healthy. Heaven Dragon held the north, Earth Dragon held the south—each with their own sphere of influence.

With Nan Shuishui personally leading the way, the city guards let Lu Jingming's group pass without question.

They soon arrived at the Earth Dragon Sect's grand compound, marked with an imposing plaque. The soul masters even guarding the gates were all genuine Soul Kings—a testament to the sect's deep foundation.

Back at the sect, Nan Qiuqiu became even more lively, eagerly giving Lu Jingming a detailed tour and history lesson.

Xu Shenshu and the others exchanged surprised looks. Was this really their mischievous, hot-tempered boss lady? When had she become so gentle and considerate?

Nan Shuishui covered her forehead helplessly. She knew her daughter had inherited a weakness for good looks, but the effect of the hero saves beauty cliché—combined with Lu Jingming's looks—had left Qiuqiu completely smitten.

Watching her daughter look ready to spill all the sect's secrets, Nan Shuishui worried that if she ever handed over the sect, Qiuqiu might just run off with it in tow.

Within the Earth Dragon Sect, aside from Nan Shuishui, there were two other Soul Douluo elders and nearly ten Soul Sage elders—pillars of the sect.

Upon hearing about the evil soul master ambush, the elders were alarmed and grateful to Lu Jingming for saving their future heirs.

Had the evil soul masters succeeded, the sect would have faced ruin.

Learning there were traitors in Dragon City, the elders' eyes flashed with murderous intent. They quickly led their best disciples off to root out the spies, determined to make them pay.

But for Lu Jingming and the others, that was just background noise.

As honored guests, they were led to a serene private garden—Nan Shuishui's own residence, usually off-limits to all but her closest kin.

There, Nan Qiuqiu sweetly brewed Lu Jingming a cup of tea. He smiled and got straight to the point: "Sect Master Nan, I'll be direct. We came here for the underground cold spring."

Nan Shuishui narrowed her eyes, watching her daughter's unusual attentiveness. Even as her mother, she rarely enjoyed such service.

And when she heard Lu Jingming mention the cold spring, she was shocked.

The underground spring was a tightly kept secret—only she and two Soul Douluo elders knew of it, not even her daughter. How did Lu Jingming know?

She set aside her suspicions—for someone who'd saved their lives, there was no point in fussing over the source.

With a bitter smile, she said, "I won't ask how you know. It's true, we have an underground spring, but it's just a special resource for training our young disciples. I can't imagine why someone as strong as you would come so far for it."

Haiyuan City was across the entire Heaven Soul Empire, after all.

The spring was useful for body tempering and consolidating soul power, especially for beginners. All the young talents had benefited from it, but for high-level powerhouses, its effects were negligible.

Nan Shuishui glanced at Xue Di. Someone who could kill two Title Douluo in a blink wouldn't care about the likes of the spring, would she?

Perhaps Lu Jingming was after the ore below the spring—the top-grade ice-attribute metal their ancestors once discovered by chance?

"Sect Master, you don't have to be so formal. Just call me Jingming. To be honest, we're here for what's below the spring," Lu Jingming replied gently.

He knew the spring was precious to the sect, but they had no idea what treasures lay beneath—or even what the Ice Polar Divine Crystal they once brought up actually was.

"Well then, I won't stand on ceremony. Jingming, the spring is important to us, but compared to the kindness you've shown, it's nothing. Besides, I know little about what lies beneath."

She had tried to explore deeper herself, but the extreme cold forced her to retreat before she got far. Even entering the ancestor-built cave below was a struggle for her, let alone mining any ore.

Chapter 177: Gu Yue Gets Rival

The sect had long suspected there were even greater treasures below the spring, but limited by their strength, they couldn't even investigate, let alone retrieve anything.

All they could do was use the spring's water to train young disciples.

With no further hesitation, Nan Shuishui led Lu Jingming and company to the sect's back courtyard, where an ancient well shrouded in cold mist awaited.

"Mom, is this the big secret we've been hiding? It just looks like an ordinary well—nothing special," Nan Qiuqiu said, peering in, only to be disappointed.

"You don't know anything! You've benefited plenty from the spring water in your training. Otherwise, with your talent, you wouldn't have advanced to Soul Ancestor so quickly," Nan Shuishui scolded.

Nan Qiuqiu, younger than Lu Jingming, had already reached the Soul Ancestor rank—a remarkable achievement, even compared to Shrek's top students like Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.

But her rapid growth owed much to the spring water. All the young disciples had benefited in the same way.

Clearly, the spring—formed by Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow—was an incredible boon for low-level soul masters.

"Jingming, this is it. Whatever you're after is down there—I can't say more, but I trust you'll manage," Nan Shuishui said, glancing at Xue Di for reassurance.

The Earth Dragon Sect couldn't investigate further, but for ice-elemental powerhouses like Xue Di, entering the spring was like going home.

"Xue Di, Bing Di—you two go ahead. Gu Yue and I will wait here," Lu Jingming instructed.

Once the Profound Ice Marrow was retrieved, Bing Di could restore her body, and Lu Jingming had no need to use Black Abyss White Flower's help.

He knew exactly what lay below: the Ice Polar Divine Crystal vein was priceless, but couldn't be mined en masse for now. The Profound Ice Marrow, though, could be taken.

Once it was removed, the spring would lose its deadly chill, making it possible for the sect to mine the ore themselves.

Lu Jingming wasn't greedy; he planned to pay a fair price for any Ice Polar Divine Crystals, leaving the mining to the sect—and he wasn't short on money.

He also wouldn't take the Profound Ice Marrow for free—he'd come prepared.

Nan Shuishui, hearing Lu Jingming call out to Xue Di and Bing Di, was shocked. As neighbors to the Extreme North, of course she knew their names—top ten fierce beasts, rulers of the north.

Now it all made sense: no wonder they were so powerful.

She wondered how Lu Jingming could command such beings, but wisely kept her questions to herself.

While Xue Di and Bing Di descended into the spring, Lu Jingming stayed above with Gu Yue, Nan Qiuqiu, and Nan Shuishui.

While waiting, Lu Jingming took out eight blood-red crystals—each a ten-thousand-year Stigmata.

"Sect Master, here are eight ten-thousand-year Stigmata, all sub-dragon types. Consider it compensation for what we take."

"That's… that's far too generous! You saved us—there's no need for compensation!"

"Please take them. Stigmata are precious, but to us in Haiyuan City, they're not rare, and these especially suit the Earth Dragon Sect."

Nan Shuishui hesitated but finally accepted. He was right—sub-dragon Stigmata were perfect for her sect.

Her respect for Lu Jingming rose even higher. He didn't have to offer compensation; the rescue alone was reason enough.

Among the eight Stigmata was even a Rouge Dragon one, nearly impossible to obtain. Lu Jingming had enlisted Herta's help to simulate the Rouge Dragon, then had Mobius modify a Golden Earth Dragon's genes to create it.

The bloodlines of dragons were close enough to allow this.

The Profound Ice Marrow was incredibly rare—its power could even forge a million-year soul beast. Lu Jingming knew this, so he offered the Stigmata in return, even though their value was still far less. Still, without him, the sect would never have reached the Marrow, making the Stigmata more practical for them.

"Wow, real Stigmata! And a Rouge Dragon one! Thank you, Lu Jingming!" Nan Qiuqiu, already obsessed with Stigmata, was overjoyed. In her excitement, she impulsively hugged Lu Jingming and planted a big kiss on his cheek, leaving a wet mark.

"What are you doing?!" Gu Yue's eyes went wide, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, instantly bristling.

She was both angry and anxious—she hadn't kissed Lu Jingming yet, and this pink-haired girl had beaten her to it! How could she stand that?

Sensing Gu Yue's murderous aura, Nan Qiuqiu shrank back, face scarlet, and quickly hid behind Nan Shuishui. She'd simply been too excited and now felt embarrassed.

"Ugh!" Gu Yue gritted her teeth, glaring daggers at Lu Jingming, then whipped out her handkerchief to wipe his face clean—no way was she letting someone else's mark stay there.

Lu Jingming blinked innocently, as if he hadn't seen it coming. In truth, he could've easily dodged, but he'd let it happen—why not? He wasn't losing out, and Gu Yue's jealous reaction was adorable.

Nan Shuishui could only cover her face in exasperated amusement, then cast a reproachful look at her daughter. But soon, her expression softened—her little cabbage had finally learned to be proactive. As a mother, she was relieved… but glancing at Gu Yue, she worried for her daughter. The competition was fierce.

Nan Shuishui truly liked Lu Jingming. She knew he'd come with an agenda, but the fact remained: he'd saved them all. With Xue Di's power and Lu Jingming's deed, she had no objection to him taking the treasures below. After all, without his help, the sect would never have reached them.

And Lu Jingming, despite being able to take it all for free, insisted on offering eight ten-thousand-year Stigmata as compensation. That alone spoke volumes for his character.

Chapter 175: Gu Yue Gets Jealous

Nan Shuishui couldn't help but gasp, eyes wide with shock.

Two Title Douluo-level evil soul masters had been frozen instantly by Xue Di, unable to even fight back. This kind of overwhelming power was beyond her understanding, leaving her deeply awed.

"I am Nan Shuishui, Sect Master of the Earth Dragon Sect. I can never repay the debt I owe you all for saving our lives today!"

She hurriedly descended, bowing with utmost respect and humility.

Her gratitude was sincere—after all, had Lu Jingming and his companions not arrived in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

"Please, Sect Master Nan, there's no need for thanks. Evil soul masters are scourges to the continent; it's everyone's duty to destroy them. Besides, we actually came here for the Earth Dragon Sect," Lu Jingming replied with calm composure.

He'd planned all along to help the Earth Dragon Sect, so he could rightfully ask for the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow beneath their base. But even without that, he'd never turn a blind eye to evil soul masters if he could help.

"For the Earth Dragon Sect?" Nan Shuishui blinked in surprise.

She had never met Lu Jingming and had no idea why they'd seek out her sect. Still, out of gratitude, she smiled and said, "I wonder what business brings you here? As long as it's within our means, the Earth Dragon Sect will do everything in its power to help."

No matter their motives, Lu Jingming and his group had truly saved her and her disciples—she couldn't deny that.

If she'd fallen into the Third Elder's hands, she'd have lost her freedom, if not her life.

Moreover, the Earth Dragon Sect had an ancestral technique for reading people's faces—a way to judge character, if not always accurate. After observing Lu Jingming, Nan Shuishui felt confident he bore them no ill will.

"This isn't a good place for a long talk. Let's move somewhere else," Lu Jingming suggested, glancing at the frozen, lifeless forest around them.

"Agreed. Please, let me welcome you all to our sect for proper hospitality," Nan Shuishui nodded.

After so much danger, none of the Earth Dragon Sect had the heart to continue hunting soul beasts. The evil soul masters' ambush clearly hadn't been a coincidence; there were surely spies within Dragon City to root out.

Of all the evil soul masters who ambushed them, only the Third and Fourth Elders survived—and only because Lu Jingming and Xue Di had other plans.

Rather than kill them outright, Lu Jingming thought they'd make excellent 'Lunch box'—either as training fodder for Ye Guiyi or as guinea pigs for Mobius's research. (Squid Game Reference.)

Xue Di agreed; that's why she hadn't finished them off on the spot. She owed Mobius a favor, after all.

Meanwhile, Xu Shenshu was still focused on absorbing his soul ring. While he finished, Xue Di stored the two evil soul masters in a special soul tool designed to hold living beings.

"Um… thank you so much for helping us just now. I'm Nan Qiuqiu, young mistress of the Earth Dragon Sect," Nan Qiuqiu finally mustered up the courage to introduce herself, face flushed with shyness.

"It was nothing. I'm Lu Jingming, from Haiyuan City of the Star Luo Empire," he replied with a gentle smile.

For some reason, he noticed that Nan Qiuqiu's gaze was similar to Meng Hongchen's—though not as bold, but with the bashfulness of a young maiden.

"Haiyuan City? That sounds familiar—oh! That's the city hosting this year's Soul Master Tournament, right? And the Stigmata originated there too!"

As she spoke, Nan Qiuqiu tapped her lips in thought before suddenly lighting up with realization, looking unexpectedly cute.

"Yes, that's right. I'm surprised Haiyuan City's fame has reached Dragon City," Lu Jingming laughed, quite pleased.

The more famous Haiyuan became, the better for him—he'd poured a lot of effort into its development.

"You were amazing just now! You killed so many evil soul masters in one blow and even injured a Title Douluo. So cool!"

Her eyes sparkled with admiration and adoration.

"Heh, it was nothing," Lu Jingming replied modestly, though he couldn't help but feel a bit proud—after all, Nan Qiuqiu was a canon character.

"Qiuqiu, stop gawking and go meditate to recover your soul power! We still have a journey ahead!" Nan Shuishui called out, unable to hide her exasperation at her daughter's lovestruck look.

"Got it!" Nan Qiuqiu stuck out her tongue playfully, waved sweetly to Lu Jingming, then hurried back to meditate.

"Saving the damsel works wonders, huh? If you're a little bolder, she might throw herself at you," Gu Yue said quietly, standing beside Lu Jingming. Her tone was calm, but a hint of jealousy was unmistakable.

"You think so? Well, I am pretty charming," Lu Jingming joked, stroking his chin.

Gu Yue's lips twitched; she almost felt like punching that handsome face—but she couldn't bear to.

Lu Jingming noticed her mood and smiled. Jealousy meant progress! He was glad he'd brought Gu Yue along.

Soon, Xu Shenshu finished absorbing his fourth ring—since it matched his martial soul, the process went smoothly.

With everything settled, the group left Sunset Forest for Dragon City.

Looking back at the forest, Lu Jingming knew he'd return—he still had two goals here: the Profound Ice Marrow below the Earth Dragon Sect, and the Icefire Yin Yang Well within the forest. The latter wasn't going anywhere, and Xue Di and Bing Di were eager, especially Bing Di, who desperately needed the Ice Marrow to restore her physical body.

Dragon City—the northernmost metropolis of the Heaven Soul Empire—stood closest to the Extreme North. It was blanketed in snow year-round, making it a true city of ice and snow.

Despite the harsh climate, the city bustled with people, drawn by the nearby Extreme North—a soul beast haven. Few dared venture deep, but many hunted on the outskirts or sought rare ice-elemental treasures.

Dragon City was home to two major sects: Heaven Dragon Sect and Earth Dragon Sect.

The Heaven Dragon Sect wielded the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul—one of the few pure dragon souls left, once famed as the continent's number one beast martial soul.

As a result, the Earth Dragon Sect had always been overshadowed, seen as little more than a vassal for generations.

Chapter 176: Obedient Nan Qiuqiu

Nan Shuishui was no weaker than most Title Douluo, but the Heaven Dragon Sect's current leader was a Super Douluo—a gap she couldn't bridge.

Still, Nan Shuishui had, through her own wisdom and strength, built the Earth Dragon Sect into the city's second power—a real feat, given that most of their martial souls were sub-dragon types, forever suppressed by the true dragon lineage of their rivals.

Only the Rouge Dragon martial soul could truly compete with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon; all others fell short.

Despite the rivalry, the two sects had a millennium of deep ties, and their competition was healthy. Heaven Dragon held the north, Earth Dragon held the south—each with their own sphere of influence.

With Nan Shuishui personally leading the way, the city guards let Lu Jingming's group pass without question.

They soon arrived at the Earth Dragon Sect's grand compound, marked with an imposing plaque. The soul masters even guarding the gates were all genuine Soul Kings—a testament to the sect's deep foundation.

Back at the sect, Nan Qiuqiu became even more lively, eagerly giving Lu Jingming a detailed tour and history lesson.

Xu Shenshu and the others exchanged surprised looks. Was this really their mischievous, hot-tempered boss lady? When had she become so gentle and considerate?

Nan Shuishui covered her forehead helplessly. She knew her daughter had inherited a weakness for good looks, but the effect of the hero saves beauty cliché—combined with Lu Jingming's looks—had left Qiuqiu completely smitten.

Watching her daughter look ready to spill all the sect's secrets, Nan Shuishui worried that if she ever handed over the sect, Qiuqiu might just run off with it in tow.

Within the Earth Dragon Sect, aside from Nan Shuishui, there were two other Soul Douluo elders and nearly ten Soul Sage elders—pillars of the sect.

Upon hearing about the evil soul master ambush, the elders were alarmed and grateful to Lu Jingming for saving their future heirs.

Had the evil soul masters succeeded, the sect would have faced ruin.

Learning there were traitors in Dragon City, the elders' eyes flashed with murderous intent. They quickly led their best disciples off to root out the spies, determined to make them pay.

But for Lu Jingming and the others, that was just background noise.

As honored guests, they were led to a serene private garden—Nan Shuishui's own residence, usually off-limits to all but her closest kin.

There, Nan Qiuqiu sweetly brewed Lu Jingming a cup of tea. He smiled and got straight to the point: "Sect Master Nan, I'll be direct. We came here for the underground cold spring."

Nan Shuishui narrowed her eyes, watching her daughter's unusual attentiveness. Even as her mother, she rarely enjoyed such service.

And when she heard Lu Jingming mention the cold spring, she was shocked.

The underground spring was a tightly kept secret—only she and two Soul Douluo elders knew of it, not even her daughter. How did Lu Jingming know?

She set aside her suspicions—for someone who'd saved their lives, there was no point in fussing over the source.

With a bitter smile, she said, "I won't ask how you know. It's true, we have an underground spring, but it's just a special resource for training our young disciples. I can't imagine why someone as strong as you would come so far for it."

Haiyuan City was across the entire Heaven Soul Empire, after all.

The spring was useful for body tempering and consolidating soul power, especially for beginners. All the young talents had benefited from it, but for high-level powerhouses, its effects were negligible.

Nan Shuishui glanced at Xue Di. Someone who could kill two Title Douluo in a blink wouldn't care about the likes of the spring, would she?

Perhaps Lu Jingming was after the ore below the spring—the top-grade ice-attribute metal their ancestors once discovered by chance?

"Sect Master, you don't have to be so formal. Just call me Jingming. To be honest, we're here for what's below the spring," Lu Jingming replied gently.

He knew the spring was precious to the sect, but they had no idea what treasures lay beneath—or even what the Ice Polar Divine Crystal they once brought up actually was.

"Well then, I won't stand on ceremony. Jingming, the spring is important to us, but compared to the kindness you've shown, it's nothing. Besides, I know little about what lies beneath."

She had tried to explore deeper herself, but the extreme cold forced her to retreat before she got far. Even entering the ancestor-built cave below was a struggle for her, let alone mining any ore.

Chapter 177: Gu Yue Gets Rival

The sect had long suspected there were even greater treasures below the spring, but limited by their strength, they couldn't even investigate, let alone retrieve anything.

All they could do was use the spring's water to train young disciples.

With no further hesitation, Nan Shuishui led Lu Jingming and company to the sect's back courtyard, where an ancient well shrouded in cold mist awaited.

"Mom, is this the big secret we've been hiding? It just looks like an ordinary well—nothing special," Nan Qiuqiu said, peering in, only to be disappointed.

"You don't know anything! You've benefited plenty from the spring water in your training. Otherwise, with your talent, you wouldn't have advanced to Soul Ancestor so quickly," Nan Shuishui scolded.

Nan Qiuqiu, younger than Lu Jingming, had already reached the Soul Ancestor rank—a remarkable achievement, even compared to Shrek's top students like Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.

But her rapid growth owed much to the spring water. All the young disciples had benefited in the same way.

Clearly, the spring—formed by Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow—was an incredible boon for low-level soul masters.

"Jingming, this is it. Whatever you're after is down there—I can't say more, but I trust you'll manage," Nan Shuishui said, glancing at Xue Di for reassurance.

The Earth Dragon Sect couldn't investigate further, but for ice-elemental powerhouses like Xue Di, entering the spring was like going home.

"Xue Di, Bing Di—you two go ahead. Gu Yue and I will wait here," Lu Jingming instructed.

Once the Profound Ice Marrow was retrieved, Bing Di could restore her body, and Lu Jingming had no need to use Black Abyss White Flower's help.

He knew exactly what lay below: the Ice Polar Divine Crystal vein was priceless, but couldn't be mined en masse for now. The Profound Ice Marrow, though, could be taken.

Once it was removed, the spring would lose its deadly chill, making it possible for the sect to mine the ore themselves.

Lu Jingming wasn't greedy; he planned to pay a fair price for any Ice Polar Divine Crystals, leaving the mining to the sect—and he wasn't short on money.

He also wouldn't take the Profound Ice Marrow for free—he'd come prepared.

Nan Shuishui, hearing Lu Jingming call out to Xue Di and Bing Di, was shocked. As neighbors to the Extreme North, of course she knew their names—top ten fierce beasts, rulers of the north.

Now it all made sense: no wonder they were so powerful.

She wondered how Lu Jingming could command such beings, but wisely kept her questions to herself.

While Xue Di and Bing Di descended into the spring, Lu Jingming stayed above with Gu Yue, Nan Qiuqiu, and Nan Shuishui.

While waiting, Lu Jingming took out eight blood-red crystals—each a ten-thousand-year Stigmata.

"Sect Master, here are eight ten-thousand-year Stigmata, all sub-dragon types. Consider it compensation for what we take."

"That's… that's far too generous! You saved us—there's no need for compensation!"

"Please take them. Stigmata are precious, but to us in Haiyuan City, they're not rare, and these especially suit the Earth Dragon Sect."

Nan Shuishui hesitated but finally accepted. He was right—sub-dragon Stigmata were perfect for her sect.

Her respect for Lu Jingming rose even higher. He didn't have to offer compensation; the rescue alone was reason enough.

Among the eight Stigmata was even a Rouge Dragon one, nearly impossible to obtain. Lu Jingming had enlisted Herta's help to simulate the Rouge Dragon, then had Mobius modify a Golden Earth Dragon's genes to create it.

The bloodlines of dragons were close enough to allow this.

The Profound Ice Marrow was incredibly rare—its power could even forge a million-year soul beast. Lu Jingming knew this, so he offered the Stigmata in return, even though their value was still far less. Still, without him, the sect would never have reached the Marrow, making the Stigmata more practical for them.

"Wow, real Stigmata! And a Rouge Dragon one! Thank you, Lu Jingming!" Nan Qiuqiu, already obsessed with Stigmata, was overjoyed. In her excitement, she impulsively hugged Lu Jingming and planted a big kiss on his cheek, leaving a wet mark.

"What are you doing?!" Gu Yue's eyes went wide, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, instantly bristling.

She was both angry and anxious—she hadn't kissed Lu Jingming yet, and this pink-haired girl had beaten her to it! How could she stand that?

Sensing Gu Yue's murderous aura, Nan Qiuqiu shrank back, face scarlet, and quickly hid behind Nan Shuishui. She'd simply been too excited and now felt embarrassed.

"Ugh!" Gu Yue gritted her teeth, glaring daggers at Lu Jingming, then whipped out her handkerchief to wipe his face clean—no way was she letting someone else's mark stay there.

Lu Jingming blinked innocently, as if he hadn't seen it coming. In truth, he could've easily dodged, but he'd let it happen—why not? He wasn't losing out, and Gu Yue's jealous reaction was adorable.

Nan Shuishui could only cover her face in exasperated amusement, then cast a reproachful look at her daughter. But soon, her expression softened—her little cabbage had finally learned to be proactive. As a mother, she was relieved… but glancing at Gu Yue, she worried for her daughter. The competition was fierce.

Nan Shuishui truly liked Lu Jingming. She knew he'd come with an agenda, but the fact remained: he'd saved them all. With Xue Di's power and Lu Jingming's deed, she had no objection to him taking the treasures below. After all, without his help, the sect would never have reached them.

And Lu Jingming, despite being able to take it all for free, insisted on offering eight ten-thousand-year Stigmata as compensation. That alone spoke volumes for his character.

Chapter 178: Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes

In Nan Shuishui's view, Lu Jingming was not only of good character but also exceptionally handsome and distinguished in temperament.

Judging from the attitudes of Xue Di and Bing Di toward him, as well as his background from Haiyuan City, Nan Qiuqiu had truly married up.

Added to that, being able to injure a titled Douluo while still at the Soul King level—such terrifying talent and strength—made him all the more remarkable.

After much consideration, Nan Shuishui was actually quite happy to have such an outstanding young man as her son-in-law.

However, a woman's intuition told her that Lu Jingming was a massive pitfall. If her naïve daughter fell in, it would be hard to climb out!

More importantly, Nan Qiuqiu's giving herself away for free was far too obvious. They hadn't even known each other long, yet she was already getting intimate. If Lu Jingming made the slightest move, would Qiuqiu obediently bathe and jump into his bed?

So now, she was a bit conflicted about whether to stop Nan Qiuqiu from getting closer to Lu Jingming.

When Xue Di and Bing Di emerged from the ancient well, everyone could clearly feel that the cold air that had been constantly emanating from the well had diminished greatly.

Lu Jingming immediately looked at Bing Di. Observing carefully, although Bing Di's appearance hadn't changed noticeably, her aura had become deeper.

Though she hadn't recovered to her peak due to losing her original body, with the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow—a supreme ice treasure—her return to full strength was only a matter of time.

With the Profound Ice Marrow in hand, Lu Jingming talked with Nan Shuishui about the Extreme Ice Divine Crystal Mine. Nan Shuishui, of course, wouldn't refuse such a benefit and was quite grateful. After all, without Lu Jingming and company, the Earth Dragon Sect would have struggled to extract even a single crystal, let alone mine the vein for resources and money.

After an open exchange, they reached a consensus. Lu Jingming then took his leave, preparing to depart from Dragon City.

"Ah! You're leaving already? Won't you stay and have fun for a few more days?" Nan Qiuqiu's face fell, her eyes full of reluctance when she heard of Lu Jingming's departure.

She had hoped to spend more time with him and deepen their understanding of each other.

"We still have important matters to handle and can't stay long. If you have the chance, you're welcome to visit Haiyuan City. I believe you won't be disappointed."

Lu Jingming smiled. He still had much to do, and though Dragon City was unique, there was no longer any reason for him to linger.

"Okay, I'll definitely visit!" Although a bit depressed, Nan Qiuqiu quickly perked up.

Her affection for Lu Jingming had soared due to his heroics and good looks, but she wasn't yet hopelessly infatuated.

Mainly, she just regretted the brief time they'd had together.

Nan Shuishui and Nan Qiuqiu personally escorted Lu Jingming and his party out of Dragon City, quietly watching their figures recede into the distance.

"Mom, I want to train hard and then travel the continent." Staring after Lu Jingming and his companions, Nan Qiuqiu suddenly said with determination.

She'd never slacked in her cultivation before, but now she was filled with a true desire for strength.

The harrowing experience of being attacked by evil soul masters and now having a clear goal gave her real motivation.

"Alright, Mom will help you!" Nan Shuishui was momentarily surprised, then smiled with relief.

She gently stroked Nan Qiuqiu's pink hair. Though she wasn't sure whether letting Qiuqiu continue to interact with Lu Jingming was a blessing or a curse, at least Qiuqiu now had motivation to grow stronger—which could only be good for the Earth Dragon Sect.

After all, in this Douluo Continent where strength was everything, the stronger Nan Qiuqiu became, the more secure the sect's future would be.

Ultimately, Nan Qiuqiu was the next sect leader—her limits were the sect's limits.

…

Once again entering Sunset Forest, Lu Jingming and his group were confident and daring, flying straight toward the forest's core from high above.

Though vast, Sunset Forest had no soul beasts strong enough to threaten them.

Even the intimidating multicolored miasma in the sky posed no real harm.

With Xue Di and Bing Di's ultimate ice power, they were naturally resistant to toxins.

Thus, the poisonous miasma pervading the forest was meaningless to them, offering no real obstacle.

Before long, the four reached the area of densest miasma.

Ahead, the dazzlingly colorful miasma billowed like a giant cloud, filling the space with an acrid stench.

Gu Yue frowned deeply. Sunset Forest had once been a vibrant gathering place for soul beasts, but now it was desolate and bleak.

The culprit was this very miasma—it had altered the ecosystem, killed countless soul beasts, and driven the once prosperous forest into decline.

Now in the forest's core, Gu Yue observed carefully and realized this miasma was likely not natural, but deliberately created.

The coverage was too regular, the signs of human arrangement too obvious.

"With miasma this intense, no wonder almost all the soul beasts here are dead. Even a titled Douluo would struggle to withstand such poison if they charged in recklessly!"

Lu Jingming shook his head. Sea God Tang San had really done something reprehensible.

To hide the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Tang San had laid down such a terrifying poison formation, with no regard for the soul beasts' extinction—truly ruthless and lacking compassion.

With Xue Di and Bing Di's cold aura shielding them, the miasma couldn't approach.

Lu Jingming guided the flying soul device down from above.

Crack!

The moment he landed, a chilling sound of bones shattering came from underfoot.

Looking down, he saw the ground littered with bleached bones—remains of soul beasts everywhere.

The bones were streaked with colors, as if silently recounting the agony and torment they had suffered.

"Bastard!" Gu Yue cursed through gritted teeth.

She had always slept in the Star Dou Great Forest and hadn't known the specifics of Sunset Forest.

She'd thought the soul beasts here were wiped out by relentless human hunting over millennia.

But now, seeing it herself, she understood—the real culprit wasn't just human soul masters, but someone else entirely.

The one who set this horrifying poison formation over the forest's core was truly to blame for its extinction.

Not just Gu Yue, but Xue Di and Bing Di's faces darkened as well.

The tragic scene before them was shocking.

Countless soul beasts had died agonizing deaths to this miasma over millennia—the numbers were unimaginable, filling them with anger and helplessness.

Seeing the fate of Sunset Forest, they couldn't help but think of the future of all soul beasts.

Tang San, who set the poison formation, perhaps only wished to protect the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. But he ignored the life and death of soul beasts, causing irreparable destruction to this forest—an undeniable fact.

"This way!"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's voice sounded in Lu Jingming's ear. Guided by her, he quickly locked onto the direction of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

The Well was home to countless precious immortal herbs, brimming with life energy.

Despite the miasma, it couldn't escape the detection of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, sovereign of all plant life.

Following Lu Jingming, Xue Di and Bing Di released intense cold, freezing any miasma in their path.

Along the way, everywhere they went was strewn with corpses. Nourished by these remains, all kinds of colorful poisonous plants flourished.

Soon, they arrived at a completely different world.

Before them stretched a sea of lush green.

Green plants densely blanketed the ground, exuding wisps of green mist into the air—the very source of the forest's sky miasma.

These green plants weren't tall, only about half a meter high.

Each had nine strangely shaped leaves—resembling a human hand, but with seven fingers, or sometimes even nine on the larger ones.

Atop each plant bloomed a large green flower, petals dewy and radiant, the stamens constantly releasing green mist.

The mist slowly spread outward, merging with the multicolored miasma, creating a strange and dangerous scene.

"Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes!"

Lu Jingming immediately recognized the plant, and knew the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was just beyond it—their final barrier.

The Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes was one of the most terrifying poisonous plants in the Douluo Continent, a treasure countless poison attribute soul masters dreamed of.

Yet now, so many of them congregated together, covering several kilometers, was truly shocking.

Such a massive gathering meant many had transformed into plant-type soul beasts, some even reaching ten thousand years of cultivation.

These powerful plant soul beasts would clearly be a major obstacle.

Chapter 179: The Power of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata

"Who arranged this?"

Gu Yue, Xue Di, and Bing Di also recognized the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, their faces turning grim.

These flowers weren't social plants. For so many to gather here, someone must have transplanted and nourished them.

"Who else could have pulled this off?" Lu Jingming curled his lip.

Even a titled Douluo couldn't manage such a vast and complex arrangement.

Only a deity could.

Gu Yue, Xue Di, and Bing Di weren't fools. With a little thought, they recalled the Sea God Tang San from ten thousand years ago.

Only he had the power back then, and the forest's transformation started at that time—making him the obvious suspect.

"Stand down!"

Lu Jingming raised his right hand. His holy mark glowed red, and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's phantom appeared behind him, green light forming a holy halo radiating powerful life energy.

At his command, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes parted, opening a wide path.

At the same time, the green poisonous mist in the air was reabsorbed by the flowers, which drooped in submission to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

"Let's go, I'll show you something good!" Lu Jingming smiled.

As the Lord of a Thousand Trees, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata naturally commanded all plant-type soul beasts.

Under her aura, the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes dared not resist.

Gu Yue, Xue Di, and Bing Di looked at Lu Jingming with surprise.

Especially Gu Yue, whose knowledge inherited from the Dragon God far surpassed the others.

The phantom behind Lu Jingming was likely a god's projection, and from the aura, it was a goddess of life.

Gu Yue was puzzled. She knew the Goddess of Life, but who was this goddess radiating such strong life aura behind Lu Jingming?

He was full of secrets, but Gu Yue wasn't determined to dig them up. As long as he meant her no harm, that was enough.

Crossing through the flower barrier, they arrived at a sunken valley.

The entrance was shrouded in green poisonous mist, thick as liquid, hiding the bottom from view.

Xue Di waved her hand, and with the ultimate ice's terrifying cold, the mist froze and dissipated.

With the path cleared, Lu Jingming and the others flew down.

As they descended, the green mist thinned, revealing the valley walls.

On the cliffs, multicolored blue vines began to stir, awakened by their arrival.

The vines whipped through the air with frightening power, each strike as strong as a Soul King's full attack.

"Hmph!" Bing Di snorted coldly.

She clawed, and five green claw lights flashed, instantly severing the blue vines, blue sap oozing from the cuts with a pungent odor.

With Bing Di's intervention, the vines couldn't approach.

After descending over three hundred meters, they finally shook off the vines and continued to the valley's depths.

Soon, as they neared the bottom, they were greeted by a breathtaking, dreamlike scene—like a wonderland.

Shrouded by multicolored miasma, sunlight scattered into the valley, turning it into a radiant rainbow world.

The distant cliffs were covered in the blue vines, reflecting dazzling colors like a giant gemstone artwork.

The valley, though not vast, was a vibrant kingdom of plants.

Flowers of every hue blossomed, swaying in the breeze as if competing in a silent pageant.

Branches were heavy with tempting fruits, and many plants glowed with varying intensity, indicating their extraordinary nature.

At the valley's center, all vegetation surrounded a strange lake.

The lake was divided in two: one side icy white, steaming with cold air; the other fiery red, radiating heat.

The red and white contrasted perfectly, like two flawless jades embedded in the land.

The air was thick with life energy, so strong it felt tangible. The interplay of ice and fire infused the entire valley with vitality.

"What is this...?" Even Gu Yue, well-traveled and knowledgeable, was amazed.

The life force here rivaled even her own Life Lake.

Such terrifying vitality was a paradise for plant-type soul beasts—who knew how many rare treasures grew here.

What made Gu Yue even more uneasy was a faintly familiar aura in the valley, especially from the ice and fire lake.

Lu Jingming smiled and looked toward a large pink flower nearest the lake.

He recognized it as the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb, and scanned for other immortal herbs.

A fiery red cabbage-shaped Infernal Delicate Apricot, a deep blue Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, the mysterious Yearning Heartbroken Red—each a legendary Douluo Continent treasure.

Also the dazzling golden Beautiful Silk Tulip, radiating a mesmerizing fragrance.

All these rare herbs were here.

At the same time, the World Tree's mark allowed Lu Jingming to sense four awakened consciousnesses.

There were four immortal herbs here that had cultivated to one hundred thousand years and gained intelligence.

The others, though old, had only animal instincts.

"Humans, how did you get in here?"

Just as they landed, the pink flower gently swayed, and a crisp, melodious female voice sounded.

"A hundred-thousand-year soul beast!"

Xue Di and Bing Di tensed. On Douluo, only soul beasts of a hundred thousand years or more could speak.

"I'm not a hundred-thousand-year soul beast; I'm only ten thousand years old." The pink flower sounded a little annoyed, wafting a dreamy, refreshing fragrance that instantly lifted the spirit.

Lu Jingming and the others were unafraid of its poison.

Lu Jingming had the Black Abyss White Flower and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's power—no toxin could threaten him.

Xue Di and Bing Di's ultimate ice naturally countered poison.

As for Gu Yue, avatar of the Silver Dragon King, such toxins were meaningless.

"With this life energy, a plant soul beast here grows a year for every ten outside."

Lu Jingming said calmly.

Chapter 180: Ice and Fire Dragon Kings

The Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb was indeed only ten thousand years old, planted here by Tang San ten thousand years ago.

"You know quite a lot! Hmm, those two have the aura of the ultimate ice, no wonder you could pass the poison array."

The flower swayed happily, excited at seeing visitors after so many lonely years.

"According to the rules set by that person, outsiders aren't allowed here. Even if you stumble in, you must pass my test, or leave. If you chat with me, maybe I'll give you a reward. Come talk to me!"

The flower's tone was both eager and lonely, having endured endless solitude.

Lu Jingming sneered, "Rules? I am the rules, Xue Di!"

Why should he follow rules set by Tang San? If someone unrelated to Tang San stumbled in and wasn't strong, they'd only die.

These immortal herbs, all planted by Tang San, were naturally biased toward him.

If they didn't know their place, Lu Jingming would show no mercy.

"What do you want?"

Just then, a gentle male voice sounded, and golden light swept out—a mesmerizing fragrance spreading.

The voice came from the golden Damask Tulip—the king of immortal herbs.

At the same time, two other powerful auras rose up: one blazing hot, one icy cold, from the Infernal Delicate Apricot and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, both resisting Xue Di's pressure.

Lu Jingming had no interest in talking with these herbs; if not for Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's wishes, he'd use force.

Time was precious; no need to waste it here.

So he left persuasion to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

With a surge of World Tree power, a gentle green light filled the valley.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's beautiful, sacred form appeared, radiating life energy like the source of all vitality.

"Who... are you?"

Sensing her overwhelming life aura and noble divinity, the hundred-thousand-year immortal herbs trembled in shock and fear.

Not just them, but all herbs in the Well stirred in submission.

Even the proud Yearning Heartbroken Red swayed obediently.

On Douluo, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was the absolute ruler of all plant life.

Even the Shrek Academy's Golden Tree would be at risk if not for Tang San's deterrence.

One day, perhaps, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata could even take over the Golden Tree.

Lu Jingming ignored Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's conversation and turned to Gu Yue, smiling gently. "It's your turn, Gu Yue."

"Me? You brought me here for this valley?" Gu Yue was puzzled.

The valley was full of rare treasures, any of which could cause a sensation on the continent.

But she couldn't understand why Lu Jingming brought her here.

Most of the journey, she'd felt like a bystander.

Lu Jingming leaned closer, gently whispering in her ear.

Gu Yue blushed but didn't resist.

But when she heard his words, her pupils shrank in shock.

"You actually know my identity! Since when?"

She'd suspected he might have figured it out, but hearing him state it outright still shocked her.

She'd always displayed her Elementalist martial soul, never revealing she was a Silver Dragon.

"From the start. The simulation universe isn't as simple as it seems." Lu Jingming smiled mysteriously.

Of course, the simulation universe wasn't the only reason, but it could analyze any data, even soul data, exposing all secrets.

As a creation of the Silver Dragon King's divine blood, Gu Yue couldn't hide from the simulation universe's scrutiny.

With Herta, few things in this world could escape detection.

Gu Yue twitched her mouth, giving Lu Jingming a slightly scornful look.

He was truly cunning—using the simulation universe to gather intelligence, collecting all her information without her knowing.

At this rate, was there anyone on Douluo whose secrets wouldn't be exposed?

Unless someone never used the simulation universe—but for soul masters, that was impossible.

The opportunities and advantages it offered were irresistible.

With her identity exposed, Gu Yue no longer bothered to hide.

She released her martial soul.

A dazzling silver light flashed, a silver dragon spear appearing in her hand.

A massive silver dragon phantom formed behind her, silver horns growing from her forehead, and small, agile silver wings spread on her back.

As her aura rose, the red and white lake suddenly boiled.

Twin deafening dragon roars burst forth; a red and a white pillar of water shot into the sky, as if to pierce the heavens.

The sudden dragon roars caught everyone's attention. Xue Di frowned, alert.

She could feel two powerful auras from the lake, both as strong as herself, even stronger than Dragon God Douluo Mu En.

Soon, two gigantic dragons burst from the Ice and Fire Well.

One, ice-blue, radiating piercing cold.

The other, fiery red, radiating intense heat.