DD Spiritual Sword [534-536] (Patreon)

Chapter 534: Decapitation Tactics Succeed; The Star Lou Battlefield Ends

Tianlin's move caught everyone off guard. Oslo hooked an arm around Tianlin's neck, even feeling his forehead. "No fever. Xiao Tian, is your brain glitching again? Inviting an enemy on the battlefield?"

"I'm not crazy. It's just that this man is truly fated with my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect." Tianlin brushed Oslo's hand aside and extended the invitation again. "Senior, join us. Star Lou isn't right for you."

The reason Tianlin was so eager to recruit him was because he had guessed this man—more precisely, his family's—future. Fire Dragon martial soul. The Wu clan. Weren't they, in the original story ten thousand years later, the guardian family of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?

Back then, the Seven Treasures young mistress Ning Tian had by her side a guardian girl named Wu Feng.

Originally, Tianlin had wondered—ever since he joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he'd never heard of any Wu clan among the affiliated families. He had asked around all over Heaven Dou and found nothing. Unexpectedly, they were in Star Lou.

As for why the Wu clan later moved to Heaven Dou, it probably had to do with Star Lou's ensuing internal turmoil—the alternation of imperial power between the Dai and Zhu families.

"You say Star Lou isn't right for me? Heh. Trying to get me to 'leave the dark for the light'? Star Lou may be brutal, but not necessarily 'dark.' Your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect isn't necessarily 'light' either. Save your breath—just kill me." Wu Zhao said firmly.

Tianlin shook his head. "I never said anything about dark and light. We're all just contenders trying to unify the continent, slaughtering each other for our own ambitions. Who can really tell right from wrong?

"What I mean by 'not a fit' is about methods of hegemony. Though there seem to be thousands of paths to unification, they boil down to two: the path of dominance and the path of benevolence. Each has pros and cons. Dominance unifies quickly, can end war sooner, restore the continent's vitality, and during chaos, a domineering rule can stabilize the state. The drawback is excessive casualties during unification.

"The benevolent path is the opposite: fewer short-term casualties and better lives for the people, but slower to unify. If it drags into endless war, the eventual casualties may exceed those under dominance.

"In our times, the Star Lou Empire and Spirit Hall walk the path of dominance, while my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect takes the benevolent path. As for Heaven Dou, they're lucky to protect themselves and have no right to compete. Senior, think about your temperament and the choices you just made. Which path do you really want: dominance or benevolence?"

Tianlin's words left the Fire Dragon Douluo deep in thought, silent and unsure how to answer.

Tianlin continued, "If you're like my Bone Grandpa—whose loyalty to the sect surpasses personal conviction—pretend I never asked. But if you're merely working for the Star Lou Empire, think it through. There's time. You can decide later." With that, Tianlin chopped the Fire Dragon Douluo on the neck and knocked him out.

The battle raged on; there was no time to let him ponder. Nor could Tianlin release him. Knocking him out was best.

Tianlin turned and ordered, "Yu Feng, Oslo, Ma Hongjun—go assist Tuoba Xi against the Star Lou army. Tonight, this battlefield must be decided."

"As for Zhu Zhuqing, stay here and protect Chenxiang. Your main purpose for coming was to defeat Zhu Zhuyun and Dai Weisi and reclaim your dignity. You've done it. Don't keep fighting. Star Lou is your homeland—killing your former compatriots will damage your state of mind."

"Yes!" The three split up and plunged into the battle.

Zhu Zhuqing shot Tianlin a grateful look. "Thanks, Tianlin!"

"Senior brother, go save my grandpa! He's been trapped by another Titled Douluo." Bai Chenxiang pleaded urgently.

Tianlin smiled. "Don't worry, junior sister. It should be decided soon. I didn't help your grandpa because he didn't need it. Senior Bai He trained with my master's swordsmanship, and with Shu Mountain's divine blade Shetian Sword, that mere Mad Bull Douluo can't beat him."

…

The war lasted two hours. With no one commanding, the Star Lou army fell apart, dead or fleeing.

Then the black fog in one area thinned, revealing silhouettes. Bai He collapsed to his knees, using the Shetian Sword to prop himself up, clearly exhausted—but his expression was elated. He had won.

No sneak attack—he had slain a Titled Douluo head-on. The headless corpse in front of him was proof: the Mad Bull Douluo's head lay at his feet.

The Shetian Sword still shimmered, seemingly unsated—it hadn't needed to use its full might against a mere rank-92 Titled Douluo.

"Shetian… what a blade. No wonder even Tianlin praises it as divine." Bai He laughed.

"Well done, Senior Bai He. With your victory, this battle should reach its end." Tianlin picked up the Mad Bull's head, flew into the sky, and shouted with full soul power, "Star Lou soldiers, listen and look! Your Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and consecrated elders are all here."

He lined up the captured Dai Weisi, Zhu Zhuyun, and the Fire Dragon Douluo, fixing them in midair with soul power. In his hands were the heads of the Twin Serpents Douluo and the Mad Bull Douluo.

The Star Lou soldiers were aghast. Not only had their generals been assassinated, but their crown prince, crown princess, and three consecrated were all defeated—three captured, two slain. Their already-flagging morale collapsed; they had no will to fight.

Whom to fight for? How to fight? No one knew now.

"Drop your weapons! Those who surrender will not be killed!" Tianlin's roar shook heaven and earth.

The overwhelming force broke the last straw. Star Lou soldiers threw down their weapons and surrendered.

In the east, the sun rose. After a night of fighting, the decapitation raid was complete. The Star Lou front was essentially pacified.

In this battle, Tuoba Xi's Holy Dragon Legion cut down 260,000, captured 140,000, and seized countless supplies and arms. The rest scattered, and the Holy Dragon Legion pursued. Tianlin ignored the stragglers—he had more important tasks.

After tonight, Tuoba Xi being a Seven Treasures man could no longer be hidden. But it would take days for the news to spread—at least until deserters reached Star Lou.

In that window, Tianlin would push hard northwest to link up with the Luo father and son, then lead their 400,000 to sweep the northwest of the Douluo Continent and rendezvous with Ning Fengzhi under Heaven Dou City.

Chapter 535: Closure—Zhu Zhuqing and Star Lou's Grievances

Returning to Gengxin City, Tuoba Xi came to greet him, kneeling on one knee. "My lord, our great victory is entirely thanks to you."

"Rise, Patriarch Tuoba." Tianlin lifted him and tapped his forehead. A stream of black light flowed from Tuoba Xi's brow into Tianlin's finger.

"My lord, this is…?" Feeling the Asura divine power vanish from within him, Tuoba Xi looked puzzled.

"You did very well—holding this city for a year, and marching last night right on time. A great merit. I've reclaimed the Asura death mark that limited your freedom. Between Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, I trust you now know how to choose. You don't need that restraint anymore. Bring your brother later; I'll remove his too." Tianlin smiled.

Tuoba Xi was overjoyed. "Thank you, my lord. I will remain loyal and never betray you."

The Asura death mark did enhance cultivation efficiency and made him stronger in battle, but it could take his life at any time—who could live with a sword hanging overhead?

And after witnessing Tianlin's strength and potential, he had no thought of betrayal. He believed the Seven Treasures' chances might even surpass the Spirit Empire's. He had chosen.

"My lord, the Holy Dragon Legion can march again at any time. I won't fail your trust."

Tianlin nodded. "Good. Rest one day. We march northwest tomorrow. Star Lou suffered heavy losses, and their only prince is in our hands. They won't dare act rashly for now."

Star Lou's cruel selection ensured an exceptional heir—but also a fatal flaw: if that heir had any mishap, the line ended.

Dai Weisi would be the key to restraining the Star Lou Empire. Unless Dai Tianjue wanted the crippled Dai Mubai as emperor, he'd have to value Dai Weisi's life.

But in a might-makes-right empire, installing a cripple would cause court defiance and military chaos. Dai Tianjue had no choice. Tianlin would wait for his envoys to negotiate.

In the dungeon, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun had their soul power sealed and were confined together. Zhu Zhuqing volunteered to guard them.

…

"Zhuqing, here to kick us while we're down? No need. Last night you proved your strength. Even the Nether White Tiger couldn't handle your true Spirit Cat true body. You really have grown strong." Zhu Zhuyun sighed.

"I'm not here to kick you. With me guarding, you won't suffer." Zhu Zhuqing said, "As you said, all our grudges ended when I defeated you last night. I won't avenge your attempt on my life. I'm happy now, with many good friends—no hate."

"Don't worry. I asked Tianlin; he promised not to harm you. He just needs you to stay a while, then he'll release you."

"Heh. He wants to use us to make Father hesitate and not assault Gengxin City. A fine plan. I didn't expect Tuoba Xi to be his man. If I'm right, he has other plants inside Spirit Hall. Gengxin was just the start. Once he links them up, your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will formally enter the stage. Such ambition. Everyone watched the powerful Spirit Empire and again ignored the second-ranked Seven Treasures." Dai Weisi gave a self-deprecating smile.

"Ning Fengzhi and Jun Tianlin, those two old foxes—too good at lying low. Back then they quietly developed under Clear Sky Sect's shadow. Now they plot under the Spirit Empire. We've all been played. We really thought they only wanted self-preservation."

"Tianlin using you stems from Star Lou's policies. Dai Weisi, do you truly think the policy of siblings killing each other until one remains is good?" Zhu Zhuqing challenged. "Such a ruler is indeed brilliant and decisive, but lacks mercy. An empire that doesn't understand benevolent governance cannot unify the continent. Aside from the numbed natives used to your oppression, any nation you invade will resist to the death. That's what I learned over the years with Tianlin and Rongrong."

"You have changed a lot. Not just stronger—you speak principles well. But this isn't ours to change. The strong prey on the weak, survival of the fittest, imperial power supreme—these are Star Lou's most important, eternal state policies." Dai Weisi said stiffly.

"In that case, cling to your rotten policies and keep dreaming of unifying the continent." Seeing his inflexibility, Zhu Zhuqing lost interest and turned to leave.

"Wait, Zhuqing." Zhu Zhuyun called out. "Believe me, I wasn't always a ruthless sister. When you were very little, I held you, called you 'little sister,' and took you out to play. Do you remember?"

Zhu Zhuqing didn't turn back. "I remember. That's why I won't only remember grudges and forget kindness. Your later change was due to family pressure. But I won't become like you. The weight on my shoulders is gone; instead, I have a firm backing. So I will never kill you, sister."

Zhu Zhuyun smiled, relieved. "Thank you. I wish you happiness, little sister."

"It won't be long before we release you. Once you return to Star Lou, we needn't meet again. Farewell, sister." Zhu Zhuqing stepped out into the sunlight of dawn, a sweet smile on her face.

After today, she was truly free, to go wherever she wished.

"With Star Lou's grudges resolved, what's next?" came a voice behind her. Tianlin leaned against the wall.

"Hmm…" Zhu Zhuqing tapped her lips, thinking. "I'm not sure yet. But I don't want to be apart from everyone. You've all found paths to godhood, so I want to become a god too—and go to the God Realm with you."

Tianlin smiled. "Alright. When all this is over, Rongrong and I will help you seek a divine inheritance."

"Thanks! After a whole night, I'm starving. I heard the canteen's making braised fish. I have to hurry—Ma Hongjun is back and he likes to fight me for it. If I'm late, it'll be gone." Zhu Zhuqing left with a laugh. With her gloom lifted, she seemed far more cheerful.

A disciple of the Speed Clan arrived and reported, "Vice Sect Master, the Fire Dragon Douluo has awakened and wishes to see you."

"Good." Tianlin nodded and headed to the Fire Dragon Douluo's room. He wasn't a prisoner; Tianlin wouldn't lock him in a cell.

Opening the door and seeing Wu Zhao, Tianlin got straight to the point. "Have you decided? Your feelings about Star Lou… and your choice."

"Mm." The Fire Dragon Douluo said, "In Star Lou, I was just a hired hand. Unlike your Gu Rong, I never truly blended in because I fundamentally disapproved of their policies.

"And about your dominance-versus-benevolence—I've recognized my heart. I value the benevolent path. Its shortcomings are obvious, but as long as we work together to keep its unification efficiency from lagging behind dominance, its outcome is far better. Jun Tianlin, if you and Ning Fengzhi can persist on this road, I'm willing to lend a hand."

Tianlin was pleased.

"Excellent. Then welcome aboard, Fire Dragon Douluo."

Chapter 536: War—The Spirit Empire and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect

The next day, Tianlin still had Tuoba Xi as marshal, leading the original Holy Dragon Legion's 20,000 soul masters, 160,000 elite soldiers, plus 140,000 surrendered Star Lou troops—for a total of 300,000—departing Gengxin City with him, bound for the Lima Plains.

With 700,000 troops' worth of food and supplies seized from the Star Lou camp, logistics were secure.

Those surrendered troops were of limited immediate use—loyalty being the issue. Precisely because of that, Tianlin could not leave them in Gengxin. If Star Lou attacked again, they might revolt. He had to take them along.

As for Gengxin City, Tianlin left only Oslo behind—not to defend the city, but to watch Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun. With them in hand, Dai Tianjue wouldn't dare act rashly.

Tianlin had no illusion that Star Lou would completely abandon Gengxin. Oslo only needed to stall for ten days to half a month. By then, after Tianlin resolved the other front, he could return to defend Gengxin.

Even if Dai Tianjue lost all humanity and attacked regardless of their safety, with Oslo's six soul bones and the Starshift Talisman, he could break out. Alone, he'd be more mobile.

Meanwhile, the Spirit Empire had passed Jialing Pass, even taking the Silves Kingdom, and was about to arrive under Heaven Dou City.

At each stop, Bibi Dong had to leave garrisons—naturally choosing the Barak Kingdom's troops, whose combat power lagged far behind the Spirit Empire's elite she trained herself. For assaults she used her own; Barak troops would hold cities.

Another key reason Ning Fengzhi had deliberately provoked war between the Spirit Empire and Heaven Dou was this: as the Spirit Empire's army advanced and territory grew, they would have to split forces. The detachments would not be her core elites but the levies from the kingdoms and duchies.

These troops were under the strongest military families in Barak—the Ao and Luo clans. To hedge risk, Bibi Dong left the Ghost Leopard Douluo to assist—or rather, to watch them.

The Ao clan had long surrendered to Spirit Hall, while the Luo clan was controlled by poison. It seemed watertight. She never imagined the Luo clan's poison had already been neutralized by Dugu Bo, or that Tuoba Xi had already defected to Tianlin.

Soon, Tuoba Xi would openly turn his coat and strike; the Luo father and son would open the gates. The Lima Plains, Jialing Pass, the Fasinuo province, and the Silves Kingdom would all fall to the Seven Treasures.

The entire western third of the Douluo Continent would become Seven Treasures territory.

…

"Oslo, I'm leaving this side to you. Be careful with everything." At the city gate, Tianlin reminded him again. The guy was strong but too flighty, so Tianlin had to repeat himself.

"Alright, I got it, Xiao Tian. I'm not who I was. I have one big advantage over others—I've died once. I know the value of life. I won't be reckless like before." Oslo said earnestly.

Satisfied, Tianlin marched out with the army. Speed is life in war. News of the battle two days ago hadn't spread yet; it was the perfect time for a surprise.

Once Bibi Dong reacted, she'd surely retreat. Then the Lima Plains and Jialing Pass would be hard to take.

The Spirit Empire's hundreds of thousands now stood under Heaven Dou City. Unaware of the fire about to start behind her, Bibi Dong, filled with hatred, swore to slaughter Heaven Dou and the Clear Sky Sect to the last.

But when she saw the figure on the city wall, her face darkened. "Ning Fengzhi. Why aren't you sitting quietly on your Seven Treasures Mountain? Why muddy these waters?"

"To stop your Spirit Empire, of course." Ning Fengzhi smiled.

"Ning Fengzhi, didn't your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect already split with Heaven Dou? Why help them? Your sect is strong enough to stay out of this continental war. This has nothing to do with you. And don't forget—the Clear Sky Sect's scheme was to set us against each other. If you withdraw now, I won't stop you." Bibi Dong didn't want to fight the Seven Treasures. In top-end power, the Spirit Empire only slightly surpassed them; a fight risked mutual injury.

Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Heh, Bibi Dong, you should know I'm not stopping you for Heaven Dou's sake. I simply don't want you to unify the continent. Only a chaotic continent suits sects. If you complete unification, how can my Seven Treasures have good days? Even if you don't attack us outright, you could impose economic blockades, propaganda attacks, bans on recruitment.

"If we don't resist, we vanish from history. If we do, we restart the hard-won peace and set the whole world against us. Either way, we lose."

Bibi Dong had no rebuttal—because that was her plan. Jun Tianlin was too strong, his progress toward godhood too fast, so she wanted to unify before he ascended and establish facts. She knew even if he became a god, he wouldn't reignite war for selfishness; he'd accept it.

Then she'd pass policies to limit sects, centralizing power in the Spirit Empire within years, and eventually hand the throne to Hu Liena, then ascend with Qian Renxue.

Tianlin had considered letting her unify. Once Hu Liena took the throne, with her under his control, the empire would still be his.

But he gave up that idea. First, even if Hu Liena were empress, the empire wouldn't be her word alone; the consecrated wouldn't ascend, and they wouldn't hand over their hard-won world to the Seven Treasures. Second, when he controlled Hu Liena he wasn't this strong; even a million-year soul skill has limits. Once Bibi Dong became a god, she'd likely discover Hu Liena's mind had been altered and undo it.

So Tianlin decided to fight for the world himself.

"Ning Fengzhi, if you won't retreat, spare me the talk. We fight. I'll erase your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Elephant Armored Legion, break the walls! Heavy cavalry, charge once the wall falls—razed the whole Heaven Dou City to the ground!" Bibi Dong ordered. No matter what, having come this far, she would not retreat.

Dozens of Elephant Armored Sect disciples possessed their martial souls and charged like tanks into the city wall. Heaven Dou wasn't Jialing Pass—one or two waves might topple it.

"Stop them! Breaking Clan, assault!" Ning Fengzhi commanded. Led by Yang Wudi, dozens of Breaking Clan disciples leapt from the wall, spears in hand, to meet the Elephant Legion.

Force to break defense—the Breaking Clan's attack power matched the Defense Clan's defense, while the Diamond Mammoth's defense was actually slightly inferior to the Defense Clan's. If they tried to block the spears head-on, they would suffer heavy losses.