DD Spiritual Sword [438-440] (Patreon)

Chapter 438: Tianlin Appears, Instantly Defeats a Titled Douluo

As the voice echoed, everyone present—except for the Shui sisters, Shui Qingwu, Yang Wudi, and a few others—felt as though a massive Clear Sky Hammer weighed down on their shoulders, rendering them immobile. Even the two Titled Douluo could barely move.

"This voice... it feels like it's pressing directly on our souls. Just now, Sun Douluo's hammer carried a force of over ten thousand pounds, but the newcomer subdued everyone here with just his voice. Such power is truly astonishing," Meng Shenji struggled to hold on. As a control-type Soul Douluo, he found it even harder to resist this pressure compared to power-type Douluo.

Some Soul Douluo could barely manage, but weaker ones like Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing had already been forced to their knees.

"Is the newcomer Sword Douluo? Your Grace, please restrain your wrath!" Under the protection of her family's Fifth Elder, Zhen Tian Douluo, Tang Yuehua fared better than Xue Beng and managed to ask this question.

Tang Yuehua thought it was Chen Xin, since even her elder brothers Tang Xiao and Tang Hao—the strongest in the current Clear Sky Sect—couldn't match this level of power. In her memory, only three people could: Qian Daoliu of Spirit Hall, Sea God Island's High Priest Bo Saixi, and her grandfather Tang Chen.

In other words, the newcomer had power close to an Ultimate Douluo. The only new Ultimate Douluo in recent years was Sword Douluo Chen Xin from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, who was famous not just for his swordsmanship but also for how fiercely he protected his people. It would make sense for him to show up here.

"It's been a while, Lady Tang Yuehua. Sorry, my master is in seclusion, so it's me who came instead!"

Suddenly, a flash of sword light swept through, turning the entire palace roof to powder in an instant.

A man bathed in endless sword aura hovered in midair. Bai Baoshan's heart skipped—he instantly recognized this entrance; it was just like Chen Xin's from years ago.

Only now, the one who was once suppressed had become the one who could suppress all.

"Tianlin?!" Huo Wu, Feng Xiaotian, and the others were shocked. They'd also just assumed it was Sword Douluo, but to their surprise, it was Tianlin, who had once participated in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament with them.

It had only been six years since then, yet his strength had become terrifying.

Tianlin slowly descended and stood in front of Yang Wudi and the others.

"Vice Sect Leader, sorry for causing trouble for the sect," Yang Wudi apologized, not regretting his actions but not denying his mistake either.

"Standing up for a friend isn't something to apologize for," Tianlin said, turning to Yang Wudi. The sight of Yang Wudi's bloodied hands made his brows furrow. "Senior Yang, who hurt you?"

"That bad guy!" Yang Wudi didn't answer, but the pure-hearted Shui Yue'er couldn't hold back, pointing at Lieyang Douluo and tattling.

To her, since Tianlin was Yang Wudi's superior, he should stand up for him.

Those with more political considerations might worry about offending the Clear Sky Sect for Yang Wudi's sake, but Tianlin wasn't like that. The more straightforward the person, the more they understood Tianlin's thinking. Shui Yue'er was absolutely right—he would stand up for Yang Wudi, sect interests and political calculations be damned.

"Don't worry, ladies. Please look after Senior Yang. Leave the rest to me," Tianlin smiled and walked into the crowd.

With magic sword in hand, his nine soul rings—yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red, red, red, dark gold—shone one by one.

Everyone was stunned. Tianlin had truly become a Titled Douluo at only twenty, and with such a soul ring configuration, was he trying to defy the heavens?

 "Lieyang Douluo, was it? I'll answer Prince Xue Xing's earlier question—with you as the example!"

Tianlin unleashed his evolved Deathgod Domain, Asura Hell. The killing intent was so intense it was almost tangible, and the palace walls cracked instantly.

"W-what are you doing? If you touch me, Clear Sky Sect won't let you off!" Lieyang Douluo involuntarily gulped.

As a Titled Douluo, he could sense the stark power gap between himself and Tianlin. Looking at Tianlin was like seeing Tang Chen in his prime.

"You hit Senior Yang with a hammer; I'll respond with a single sword strike. Whether you live or die after that is up to you."

Tianlin lifted the killing intent, giving Lieyang Douluo freedom to move so no one could call it an unfair victory.

Tianlin swung his sword casually. The formless sword energy merged with killing intent and shot straight at Lieyang Douluo.

"Clear Sky Shield!" Lieyang Douluo reacted just in time, using his defensive spirit skill.

Unfortunately, the Clear Sky Hammer-shaped shield crumbled instantly before Tianlin's current attack. The sword energy swept past Lieyang Douluo.

In a single breath, Lieyang Douluo fell to his knees. Zhen Tian Douluo and Tang Yuehua were shocked and wanted to check on him, but they were still pinned by Tianlin's killing intent.

"Tianlin, stop! Do you really intend to slaughter everyone here?" Bai Baoshan yelled.

Seeing the short, chubby man, Tianlin sighed. Bai Baoshan had once helped him, so he couldn't ignore his plea. He withdrew all his pressure, and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief—the helpless feeling had been unbearable.

"Seventh Elder!" Tang Yuehua and Fifth Elder rushed to check on Lieyang Douluo.

"Fifth Elder, how is he?" Tang Yuehua asked anxiously.

"He has no external injuries, but I can feel his body collapsing inside, his meridians vanishing bit by bit. If this continues, he'll be left an empty shell with only a skin, all flesh and blood gone." Zhen Tian Douluo shuddered. The sword technique was terrifying.

"It's the Sword Path of Destruction! Tianlin has mastered his master's Sword Path of Destruction!" Xue Beng remembered this technique vividly; the sensation of one's body fading away was a lifelong nightmare for him.

"Tianlin, you're too cruel! Seventh Elder only injured Yang Wudi, yet you're so ruthless!" Zhen Tian Douluo raged.

Tianlin replied calmly, "How laughable. Did Lieyang Douluo hold back just now? Senior Yang was only unharmed because of his strength. Otherwise, your seventh brother would have smashed him to pieces. This is karma. If you want revenge, bring out your Clear Sky Hammer. But don't throw your life away. If you really want vengeance, call all three remaining elders and Tang Xiao. No more one-at-a-time rescues—it's pointless and annoying. Better to send your whole family off together."

"So cool!" Shui Yue'er swooned again, infatuated by Tianlin's dominance. To dare say such things to the world's top sect, and no one dared retort.

Tianlin's sword had just proved his power—he'd instantly defeated Lieyang Douluo, something even Tang Xiao couldn't do.

"What a shame! Back in the academy tournament, he was just a brat. I was too busy crushing on more mature guys like Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng. If I'd noticed him sooner, I'd have snagged this promising guy myself!" Shui Yue'er thought, feeling regret.

Seeing her sister's face, Shui Bing'er knew Shui Yue'er was lovestruck again—but this time, she didn't care. The despair they'd felt earlier from being besieged had vanished thanks to this man's arrival.

Chapter 439: Shui Bing'er's Resolve—She Swears Not to Marry Xue Beng

Unaware of the sisters' thoughts, Tianlin turned to the angry but unmoving Zhen Tian Douluo, his voice cold. "What, not going to seek revenge? Then get out of the way. This is no longer Clear Sky Sect's business."

"Tianlin—no, I should call you 'Your Grace' now. Your Grace, please, if you're here to save Yang Wudi, you can take him and go. No one will stop you. But please don't hurt anyone else!" Meng Shenji and the two others pleaded.

Tianlin had once been their academy's pride. They truly didn't want to be his enemy.

Seeing them speak up, Tianlin put away his arrogance and respectfully said, "Elders, you are my seniors and have always looked after me. There's no need for formality. Since you've asked, I'll respect your request. But I'm not just taking Yang Wudi; I'm also taking the Shui sisters, Dean Shui Qingwu, and anyone from the Elemental Academy who wishes to follow. If you agree, I promise not to harm anyone else."

The three elders were relieved by Tianlin's humility—he'd become a Titled Douluo, yet hadn't changed. He was domineering to his enemies, but polite to friends.

"Tianlin, do you realize Shui Bing'er is now the crown princess, and this news has spread across the continent? If you take her away, what will become of the empire's dignity? How will the crown prince face anyone?" Meng Shenji lamented.

"Dignity? You'd sacrifice a girl's entire life for such a thing? Elder, you know what kind of person Xue Beng is. The rumors about him and Shui Bing'er being in love—surely you know the truth."

"It's a setup. They're counting on Shui Bing'er's family not daring to offend the royal family, so they spread rumors to force her into the marriage." Tianlin bluntly exposed the royal family's scheme.

Such schemes work only if no one dares to resist, but Tianlin was both strong and fearless.

The three elders fell silent. Of course they knew the truth. Unlike Xue Beng and Xue Xing, they cared about their reputation and couldn't refute Tianlin.

"Tianlin, you're speaking nonsense! Bing'er and I are destined for each other. She agreed willingly!" Xue Beng yelled back. He could not back down now—if Shui Bing'er was taken away, his reputation as crown prince would be ruined.

Tianlin looked at Xue Beng and activated the Eye of Judgment—two black words appeared above Xue Beng's head.

Black, just below red in the evil ranking. When Xue Beng was a playboy, he committed all kinds of crimes; now as crown prince, he'd overturned all of Xue Qinghe's policies and set up new ones favoring the nobles, causing countless commoners to suffer. He deserved his reputation.

This man deserved to die!

Just then, Shui Bing'er ran to Tianlin, bowed and said, "Your Grace, please don't fight anymore. This is the second time you've saved me. Even if you came mainly for Senior Yang, I'm deeply grateful. But I'm not worth you starting a war with the empire. Please, just take Yang Wudi and leave."

"Second time?" Tianlin was surprised. Had he saved her before?

Seeing his confusion, Shui Bing'er's gaze dimmed—he'd already forgotten that during the academy tournament, he'd saved her from Xie Yue.

At this moment, Tianlin noticed Shui Bing'er's name was blue. How many people had this girl helped in her life?

Feeling his gaze, Shui Bing'er was a little embarrassed. Shui Yue'er wasn't satisfied and chirped, "Hey, Your Grace, staring at my sister is rude! I'm pretty too—why don't you look at me?"

Shui Yue'er's name was green—she'd done many good deeds as well, though she was more lively. Tianlin smiled, "My apologies. You're a kind and pretty girl too."

As the Lord of Asura, judgment wasn't just about punishing evil, but also rewarding good. Shui Bing'er didn't deserve to be humiliated by Xue Beng.

"Shui Bing'er, you're wrong. I'm helping you not because of Senior Yang, but because of you. It's my duty." Tianlin hadn't inherited the God of Asura's position yet, but he was ready to take up the responsibility.

"That brat is flirting! I'll have to tell his parents so he doesn't betray Rongrong!" Gu Rong grumbled in the shadows. "Saying he's helping just because of a girl? That's flirting!"

He couldn't beat Tianlin anymore, but there were still two people in the world Tianlin could never beat: Jun Tianhai and Mo Lan. He'd go report this.

"Tianlin, you already have Ning Rongrong, and now you're seducing my wife? That's too much!" Clearly, others misunderstood too, especially Xue Beng, who was furious.

Tianlin couldn't be bothered to explain. The angrier Xue Beng got, the better.

"Shui Bing'er, just answer me one question: are you willingly marrying Xue Beng? If yes, I'll leave right now. If not, stand behind me. I'll take responsibility for your family and friends—no one will hurt them." Tianlin looked at her, hoping for her heartfelt answer.

Shui Bing'er hesitated, unsure if she should speak her mind.

Seeing her indecision, Shui Yue'er urged, "Sis, what are you waiting for? I don't want to stay here! If we have to follow someone, why not this handsome Your Grace? I don't want that sleazy Xue Beng as a brother-in-law."

"Your Grace brother? What a weird title! Rongrong does that too. And Shui Yue'er, aren't I younger than you?" Tianlin said helplessly.

Shui Yue'er tapped her lips, "Uh! Then Your Grace little brother?"

"That's weird too."

"Sigh, Your Grace little brother is so much trouble. He's super strong but still a kid inside."

Seeing her sister and Tianlin bantering like siblings, Shui Bing'er laughed. This lightheartedness was what she truly wanted after so much pressure living in the empire.

No longer hesitating, she turned and declared loudly, "I have never liked Prince Xue Beng. The rumors of our love were meant to force me into marriage. Prince Xue Xing even sent the royal knights to surround my house for a month! Today, with everyone as witness, I, Shui Bing'er, swear never to marry Xue Beng!"

Chapter 440: Suppressing the Entire Scene

"I, Shui Bing'er, swear never to marry Xue Beng!"

Her soul-powered voice echoed through the palace, and even the commoners on the streets outside could hear.

Now things got interesting—at the wedding, the bride publicly refused the prince. Would he ever be able to show his face again? Countless commoners secretly laughed.

"Shui Bing'er, you dare! Do you really think I won't kill you?" Emperor Xue Ye finally lost his composure.

He had tolerated the palace roof being destroyed and even a Clear Sky Elder being crippled, but this public humiliation was too much.

If he tolerated this, the Star Luo Emperor would laugh at him for days.

"Old fool, what are you shouting for? You want to kill, but can you?" Tianlin stood before Shui Bing'er. "From the moment you let your son frame Shui Bing'er, you became a dog emperor. If you want a fight, fine. Let's see if your million-strong army can kill me—or if I'll slaughter them all first!"

"You—you...!" Emperor Xue Ye was furious. Even Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin had never dared insult him like this.

"Traitor! You dare insult His Majesty? Die!" The empire's top general, Marshal Ge Long, finally couldn't hold back and leaped out. He was a powerful 86th-rank Soul Douluo.

"Get lost!" Tianlin casually slapped him aside, sending him flying and crashing through several golden pillars before he was buried in rubble.

To others, a Soul Douluo was strong, but to Tianlin now, it was nothing.

Tianlin hadn't used full force—Ge Long wouldn't die, but he'd be bedridden for months.

"Tianlin, you mustn't disrespect His Majesty!" Even the three elders were truly angry now, unleashing their top martial souls and eight soul rings each.

Bai Baoshan sighed, "Tianlin, why go this far? Turning against the empire does your sect no good. Don't forget, Spirit Hall is your true enemy. Please, don't meddle further. With your power, no one can stop you from leaving."

"Elder, you once taught me that soul masters shouldn't only care about benefits. Some things are more important—like justice and integrity!" Tianlin countered. "That's what the previous crown prince taught you. Have you forgotten everything since he left?"

"Qinghe was a good prince. If he were real, he'd bring prosperity. Alas..." Meng Shenji sighed. "You're right. We won't stop you, but we have our own duties. Today, we must prevent you from taking the crown princess!"

"I understand. You still honor Brother Xue. I promise, no matter what happens, I won't hurt you three. But I must ask you to sleep for a while." With a flash, Tianlin struck Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin in the abdomen, knocking them out.

Meng Shenji tried to activate his martial soul, but Tianlin appeared behind him and chopped his neck, knocking him out instantly.

"Sorry, elders. I have no choice. I'll apologize at the academy later," Tianlin said softly.

The Elemental Academy's Huo Wu, Feng Xiaotian, and their deans were stunned.

Tianlin had appeared, instantly defeated Lieyang Douluo, slapped Marshal Ge Long away, and knocked out the empire's three strongest elders—all without using a single soul skill.

This strength defied logic! It reminded them of the two unrivaled Douluo who once dominated the spirit master world.

The deans of Blazing Fire and God Wind Academies exchanged glances, instantly reaching a tacit agreement—they needed to change allegiances.

"Hey, old fool, anything else to say? If not, I'm leaving," Tianlin pointed his sword at Emperor Xue Ye.

"Wait, Tianlin. You said soul masters need justice and integrity. Where's your justice? Your integrity?" Emperor Xue Ye, seeing he couldn't win, tried to reason.

"You're just taking Shui Bing'er's word for it? I suspect she's the one deceiving my son and stirring up trouble between your sect and my empire."

"That's right! Tianlin, I swear she agreed willingly—she's just trying to sow discord now!" Xue Beng agreed, grabbing at any excuse.

It was a classic "he said, she said" with no evidence. If Xue Beng stuck to his story, he might even garner sympathy.

"You shameless!" Shui Yue'er nearly cried in frustration.

"Who says I'm only listening to Shui Bing'er? I have a witness proving Xue Beng is lying." Tianlin grinned.

Xue Beng froze. His plan had only been discussed with a trusted subordinate—it was impossible for them to betray him.

Relaxing, he challenged, "Where's your witness?"

Tianlin pointed to himself. "It's me. I overheard your plan at the academy—early morning, by the swan statue."

Xue Beng was dumbfounded. Tianlin sounded convincing, but the actual plan had been made at dusk, by the dormitory—not the statue.

Yang Wudi was also puzzled—wasn't the vice sect leader in seclusion at the time? Did he have super hearing?

Seeing Tianlin's smirk, Xue Beng realized—they were both lying with straight faces.

He was crown prince, but Tianlin was a Titled Douluo, equal to an emperor. To outsiders, Tianlin's word was probably more trustworthy than his own.