DD Spiritual Sword [441-443] (Patreon)

Chapter 441: Holy Demon Douluo

Xue Beng was someone who cared deeply about social hierarchy. Hidden within his various policies was a belief in the infallibility of the nobility: whenever a noble and a commoner had a dispute, it was always the commoner's fault.

There was only one situation where a noble could be wrong—when they offended a more powerful noble.

This was easy to exploit. For example, back then it was Chen Xin, and now it was Tianlin. As Titled Douluo, everything they said was considered correct.

"Xue Beng, with me as a living witness here, what else do you have to say?" Tianlin questioned sharply. "You'd better not deny it. Do you really think I, a dignified Titled Douluo, would frame you?"

"Exactly! Just admit it. My little brother here is a Titled Douluo—he's not like you, shamelessly lying with his eyes open. I was also present at the time, secretly meeting with him, so I'm a witness too," Shui Yue'er added, fanning the flames as she looked at Xue Beng's ugly expression. She loved nothing more than stirring things up.

Tianlin, exasperated, grabbed her by the collar and tossed her backward. "You! If you haven't learned your etiquette lessons, stop trying to help! I have a family. 'Secret meeting' basically means an affair—you're ruining my reputation! Go away!"

"Ah!" Shui Yue'er flew back, landing right in her mother's arms, feeling utterly wronged for her good intentions being misunderstood.

"You, just stay with me and stop causing trouble for him," Shui Qingwu said helplessly. Although Shui Yue'er wasn't her biological daughter, she had loved her as her own for years, and with her sister Shui Bing'er's constant care, she'd probably spoiled her a bit too much.

"He's right. We can also testify. Prince Xue Xing tried to cover up the truth and even sent people to threaten us, warning us not to interfere," said the two deans of Blazing Academy and God Wind Academy, making their final choice.

They understood that since Shui Qingwu had kicked up such a fuss, the Heaven Dou Empire would now hold all the elemental academies in contempt. Rather than wait for retribution, it was better to side with Tianlin, especially since he had just said he'd take in anyone willing to follow Shui Qingwu.

"Thank you!" Shui Qingwu said quietly to the two, never having hated them. They'd compromised before, but it was for the sake of hundreds of students at their academies. She understood.

Now that they'd stood up for her, regardless of their reasons, she would remember their kindness.

"Sorry, Qingwu. We should have stood up sooner," the deans said, feeling guilty. "From now on, you and your nieces stand behind us. Let's see who dares touch you."

"It's about time!" Huo Wu, Xue Wu, Feng Xiaotian and others, having been stifled, saw their deans take a stand and no longer hesitated.

"Brother Jun, let me lend you a hand. I know I'm no longer qualified to fight alongside you, but as your peer, let me help deal with a few of these small fry," Feng Xiaotian said, standing by Tianlin, his Twin-Headed Wind Wolf already possessed.

"Then, Brother Feng, if it comes to a fight, these royal knights are yours," Tianlin replied with a smile. "Though I doubt they have the courage to fight now."

Tianlin looked at Xue Ye, Xue Beng, and Xue Xing. Even if they weren't terrified out of their wits, they were certainly full of fear toward him.

Xue Ye had a million-strong army, but most were stationed at the borders, not in the capital. The capital had only a hundred thousand imperial guards.

But judging by Tianlin's current strength, he could probably slaughter all of them single-handedly. Using high-ranking soul masters to surround and attack him was a joke. Already, one Titled Douluo and four Soul Douluo had fallen to him. Xue Ye simply did not have enough high-end power to confront Tianlin.

So, as Tianlin expected, Xue Ye did not dare to fight and had to find an excuse to stop the conflict.

"Jun Tianlin, after hearing your and Xue Beng's explanations, I understand now. This was all a misunderstanding. Shui Bing'er never directly rejected my son, so he mistakenly thought she liked him, leading to the rumors. Shui Bing'er also misunderstood Xue Beng as threatening her, so she agreed. As long as both sides talk it out, things will be fine," Xue Ye said.

The old emperor wanted both parties to compromise—nobody at fault, just a misunderstanding.

Seeing this, Tianlin smiled calmly. "Fine. For the sake of the three elders, I've already promised that if you let me leave with my people, I won't kill anyone. So let's call it a misunderstanding. But what about the wedding?"

"Naturally, it's canceled. Our Heaven Dou Empire is just and fair. We would never allow forced marriages!" Emperor Xue Ye, though furious inside, had to compromise in front of Tianlin.

This was the world where strength was everything, and power brought authority.

"Very well. In that case, I'll also be taking the rest of the Element Academy's people. Since your empire is so just, you won't force them to stay, right?"

"Jun Tianlin, don't push your luck!" Xue Beng snapped. He had schemed so hard to get Shui Bing'er—not just for her, but to bring all the Element Academy's elites under his control.

But now, he'd lost both the bride and the troops—everything had been snatched away by Tianlin. How could he accept that?

"Er… Lord Tianlin, we can understand if you take one person. But Element Academy has been living at our Royal Academy for over a year. Taking them all away suddenly isn't appropriate. We've provided a good environment for them, and the empire has spent a lot," Prince Xue Xing interjected. He was telling the truth: supporting so many people was a considerable expense, and Element Academy did owe the Royal Academy a favor.

Tianlin scoffed, "You're not wrong. But Shui Bing'er led your academy to second place in the Soul Master Tournament—that repays your favor. Even if you don't care, are you seriously talking to me about money?"

Xue Xing froze. He realized he'd made a huge mistake: talking about money with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? The wealthiest sect in the land, which had only gotten richer in recent years. Their various branches sold intelligence, medicines, weapons, and even offered mercenary services. Their treasury was probably fatter than the empire's.

"Xue Xing, for all the money Element Academy spent this year, my sect will cover it. Anything else to say?" Tianlin asked, exuding killing intent.

"No…nothing!" Xue Xing, infamous for bullying the weak and fearing the strong, was completely cowed by Tianlin.

"In that case, Your Majesty, Crown Prince, Prince—I'm leaving. You can continue the wedding, but there's no bride! Hahaha!" Tianlin mocked openly.

"Wait, Jun Tianlin." Just as he was leaving with the others, an angry female voice called out. It was Tang Yuehua. "You killed our sect's Seventh Elder. When I report this to my brother, he will demand justice!"

"Go ahead. You're welcome to come find me anytime. In fact, you can bring Tang San and Tang Hao's accounts as well. I'll be waiting." Tianlin no longer bothered to hide the deaths of that father and son—he now feared no one. Even if Tang Chen returned, he might not be able to defeat him.

Tang Yuehua was startled. Did Tianlin mean he was involved in the disappearances of her brother and nephew?

Tianlin smiled slightly. "Oh, and so you don't look for the wrong person, I'll declare my title right here. My martial souls are the Holy Spirit Pearl and the Demon Suppressing Sword. So I'll take one word from each."

"Listen up! From now on, I, Jun Tianlin, am the Holy Demon Douluo. Remember it—don't get your revenge targets wrong!"

Chapter 442: Tianlin's Level and Taking in Element Academy

Tianlin swaggered out with Yang Wudi and the Element Academy students.

Emperor Xue Ye, Prince Xue Xing, and Crown Prince Xue Beng could do nothing but seethe in silence.

As they watched Tianlin's group leave, the Grandmaster, who had been hiding in the crowd, spoke up with a final comment: "Holy Demon Douluo Jun Tianlin—now that this overwhelmingly powerful new Titled Douluo has risen, the balance of the continent is about to change completely!"

After leaving the palace, Tianlin first took the three deans to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to collect their students. Unfortunately, many students had become spoiled by the academy's atmosphere and refused to leave.

After all, they used to train hard every day, but here, as long as they attached themselves to a noble, they could eat and drink well with no effort.

The deans felt bitter, but there was nothing they could do. It was the students' choice.

In the end, out of all three academies, fewer than a hundred students chose to leave with them.

For Tianlin, this was enough. He'd rather have one hardworking student than a hundred spoiled noble brats.

He already knew Ning Fengzhi's plan to found an academy in the future—a school that focused solely on nurturing talented students, regardless of politics. Such an institution would be vital for the continent's development. Even the most gifted needed guidance—not just in training and fighting, but in how to be a good soul master.

The four people who had taught Tianlin the most since arriving on this continent were Ning Fengzhi, Qian Renxue, Chen Xin, and Qin Ming.

Chen Xin taught him swordsmanship and combat; Qin Ming taught him teamwork; Ning Fengzhi taught him to use his intellect; Qian Renxue taught him that a soul master's code must be based on law and virtue.

Many of these things Tianlin had learned in his previous life's compulsory education, but not everyone had past-life memories. For the continent to progress, these values must be passed down through generations. That's why a school that could last millions of years—like Shrek Academy in the original—was needed.

Tianlin admitted that Shrek's early school motto wasn't great, but its millennia of contributions to the continent could not be denied.

On the way back, Tianlin shared this idea with the three deans, who immediately grew excited about the future. As teachers, the chance to build an academy that would pass on knowledge to the whole continent was the greatest honor.

"How wonderful, Lord Tianlin! This academy must be built soon—I want to transfer and be part of the first graduating class!" Shui Yue'er's eyes sparkled. She dreamed of making history.

"Yue'er, you should address him as Holy Demon Douluo now. He's already chosen his title, so don't be disrespectful," Shui Qingwu admonished. Before, when he hadn't picked a title, it didn't matter, but now, respect was required—this was the honor due to a Titled Douluo.

"What's the big deal? Holy Demon Douluo doesn't act all high and mighty," Shui Yue'er pouted, though she didn't dare say more—her strict mother scared her most.

This time, Tianlin didn't argue. He didn't really care how others addressed him, but Shui Yue'er's nicknames were a bit much. Having one "Rongrong" was enough. He preferred others use normal titles.

"Oh, Lord Holy Demon, forgive my boldness, but may I ask your current level?" Feng Xiaotian asked. He had always considered Tianlin his goal. Even though he knew he couldn't catch up now, he wanted to know the gap.

"Ninety-fourth rank. My ninth soul ring is stronger than usual, so after absorbing it I gained several levels at once. I'm just one step away from becoming a Super Douluo," Tianlin replied.

To start as a Titled Douluo at rank ninety-four shocked everyone once again. Now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect truly had nothing to fear from Spirit Hall.

Indeed, Spirit Hall had two peak Douluo—Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong—but so did the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

In a straight fight, Tianlin was not afraid of either. Of course, defeating them would still be hard, since their spirit power was much deeper. If he couldn't win quickly, a drawn-out fight would be disadvantageous.

Maybe if he summoned both gods, he could suppress them briefly, but that consumed soul power rapidly. If they dragged things out, he'd still be at a disadvantage.

Still, the only gap was soul power reserves. If it came to a fight lasting days, he wouldn't be at much of a disadvantage.

And Tianlin's ninth soul ring—expected to grant four abilities, since it was a million-year ring—actually gave him only one, meaning four skills had merged into one ultimate move.

That was the Heaven and Earth Elemental Spirit Slash, fusing all five elements into one. Thanks to the divine ring, his Demon Sword's properties were now fully harmonized.

Even Tianlin couldn't estimate the attack power of this move. He only knew that if he'd used it in the palace just now, with no one to stop him, not just the palace, but the capital, the Royal Academy, and everything within hundreds of miles would have become a wasteland.

Soon after, Tianlin led everyone back to the sect, where Ning Fengzhi was waiting. As always, he was gracious and respectful to talent, despite being a Titled Douluo himself. Even Xue Beng understood the importance of strength—how could he not?

Being greeted personally by the sect master, the three deans were deeply grateful.

Ning Fengzhi asked Tianlin to take the Element Academy students to rest, then listened to Gu Rong recount everything that had happened at the palace.

"You didn't kill Xue Ye, Xue Beng, or Xue Xing? What a pity!" Ning Fengzhi said when he heard the story. He had hoped for more chaos, but Tianlin was sentimental—because the three elders had always looked after him, he gave them face.

Still, Tianlin had killed a Clear Sky Sect elder and stolen the Crown Prince's bride, so he'd completely fallen out with both the Empire and the sect.

Now, it was only a matter of time before Spirit Hall reacted.

Spirit Hall's power was enough to found a nation. In the original, they did so three months after the Seven Great Sects' tournament. They'd only held off so far out of fear of the top three sects and the two empires joining forces.

Now, with Ning Fengzhi intentionally breaking ties with the Empire, he'd handed them the perfect opportunity.

Meanwhile, after settling the Element Academy people into guest rooms, Tianlin excused himself.

"Miss Shui, please wait," Yang Wudi suddenly called to Shui Bing'er.

"Senior Yang, why are you up? You're still injured. Didn't Lord Holy Demon tell you to rest?" Shui Bing'er hurried to help Yang Wudi sit down.

She owed her rescue today to Tianlin, but it was Yang Wudi's involvement that made Tianlin act. She was deeply grateful.

"It's just a minor injury. I forgot something. Here, this is for you—the Snow Spirit Pill I promised," Yang Wudi said, taking out a small wooden box containing a cold, radiant pill.

Shui Bing'er accepted it, touched that Yang Wudi remembered his promise. Tears she'd held back all day finally fell—not tears of sorrow, but of joy.

"Senior Yang, I can never repay your kindness. My father abandoned me, but your presence feels like the fatherly love I never had. Senior, if you're willing, I'd like to recognize you as my father and care for you all my life," Shui Bing'er said suddenly.

"If I had a daughter like you, that would be wonderful. But I've never been a father—I don't know if I'd be any good at it," Yang Wudi replied, scratching his head.

Shui Bing'er smiled gently. "It's okay if you don't know how to be a father. I know how to be a daughter. I think being filial to a father is much like to a mother."

Hidden nearby, Bai He smiled, seeing that Xue Beng's actions had at least done some good—giving the old goat a lovely daughter and giving Shui Bing'er the fatherly love she missed.

Chapter 443: Next Target

The next day, in just one night, news of Tianlin's wedding fiasco—crashing the Crown Prince's wedding and taking the bride—spread across the continent.

Bad news travels fast.

Xue Beng's reputation was in tatters. Even though Emperor Xue Ye called it a misunderstanding, everyone could see Shui Bing'er was the victim.

A noble using power to force a marriage was nothing new, but Xue Beng's luck was terrible—he ran into Tianlin, his lifelong rival, who had just broken through. The result: losing both the bride and his plans.

At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Tianlin finished his morning training under the sunrise. He hadn't had time to stabilize his surging spirit power since yesterday's breakthrough, but after a night of meditation, everything was now settled.

"Xiao Tian, you're finally a Titled Douluo! Things will be much easier for us now," Skydream Ice Silkworm laughed, content with Tianlin's strength—he could now walk the continent unchallenged.

"Brother Skydream, but it's not that simple. Now that I've broken through, I have even more to do—completing the God Trials, visiting Slaughter City, and taking Tang Chen to see Bo Saixi as promised."

"Are we setting off right away?" Skydream asked.

Tianlin shook his head. "No rush. I'm confident, but not arrogant. The Slaughter King may not be the same as Tang Chen, but he has all Tang Chen's rings and power—definitely at the Ultimate Douluo level. If I fight him now, it'd be hard to win quickly—even if I destroyed Slaughter City, it'd be a stalemate. I don't want the hassle."

"So, what's your plan?" Skydream asked.

Tianlin thought for a moment. "I want to visit Star Dou Forest and try to recover my Spirit Pearl or Divine Sword. If I can find the other pearls, or reclaim the Demon-Suppressing Sword, I'll definitely be able to defeat Tang Chen!"

"Not a bad idea. But, Xiao Tian, let me remind you—Di Tian's power is above normal Ultimate Douluo. Even now, your odds against him aren't high," Skydream warned.

"I know. That's why I need to find the right opportunity. Yesterday, I made a big show of offending the Empire and displaying my strength—not just to break ties, but also to send a message to Spirit Hall."

"My father-in-law wants to show that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is now at odds with both the Empire and Clear Sky Sect—giving Spirit Hall the perfect time to found a nation."

"As for me, I want Bibi Dong to notice my rapid progress and feel the pressure. When I let Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others go during Xiao Wu's incident, it was to let them inform her about the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape. Bibi Dong needs those soul rings for her second martial soul."

"If she hears I'm going to Star Dou Forest after reaching nine rings—and with twin martial souls—knowing the locations of both forest kings, she'll assume I'm after them for my Spirit Pearl. She won't sit still, since she wants those two rings."

"During the original Xiao Wu incident, the two god beasts were pinned down at the start, and Di Tian didn't care about the human Xiao Wu, so he didn't come. But I don't think he'll ignore the two forest kings."

Skydream understood. "You… you want Bibi Dong and Di Tian to fight, so you can reap the benefits?"

"Exactly. I don't want to face Di Tian head-on yet. My real targets are Scarlet King, Zi Ji, and Bi Ji. If I'm right, the fire, water, and wind pearls are with them. While Di Tian and Bibi Dong fight, I'll recover the three pearls—the three soul beasts aren't my match now," Tianlin explained. "My only concern is the Thunder Pearl."

"The Thunder Pearl? I remember there's no thunder-type soul beast among Star Dou's top beasts. Where do you think it is?" Skydream asked.

"No, there's one—actually, she's all-attribute. But the pearls are too powerful, so even she can only use one to train or heal. She'd choose the Thunder Pearl, since it's least useful to the others. She's the soul beast queen—Silver Dragon King!"

Tianlin's words made Skydream realize. "Right, I forgot about her—she's at god level, even badly injured, she's still not easy to deal with."

"For now, I'll focus on getting the other three pearls. As for the Thunder Pearl and Demon-Suppressing Sword, I'll think of another way!" Tianlin said seriously. No matter what, he would recover his Spirit Pearl Divine Sword, even if it took a lifetime.

…

Spirit Hall.

Bibi Dong was both pleased and worried by last night's news. She was glad the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had broken with the Empire.

Now, without the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect holding them back, Spirit Hall could use high-level Soul Masters for decapitation strikes against the Empire.

The Clear Sky Sect's Titled Douluo below rank 95 and the Empire's Soul Douluo couldn't stop Spirit Hall's assassins. If she wanted, Bibi Dong could kill all the Empire's leaders herself.

In the original, Tang San and his Sea God Trident stopped her, but now Tang San was dead. Bibi Dong could rampage through the Empire unhindered.

But she was also worried—although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was no longer allied with the Empire, it was still hostile to Spirit Hall. Most concerning, the boy she feared most had broken through to Titled Douluo, with the title Holy Demon.

Back when Tianlin was only a Soul Sage, he could suppress ordinary Titled Douluo and, summoning both gods, fight Super Douluo. Now, after becoming a Titled Douluo himself, his strength probably matched hers.

With his astonishing speed of improvement, he might soon surpass her. By then, even if she defeated the two empires, she would struggle against a fully grown Tianlin.

Ever since her hatred had lessened—due to Hu Liena and Qian Renxue—she found her Rakshasa God inheritance slowing down.

She couldn't become a god soon, and Qian Renxue's progress was surely slower than Tianlin's. Bibi Dong's only option was to surpass the Ultimate Douluo level, then kill Tianlin before he completed his god inheritance.

Her advantage was her twin martial souls, allowing nine extra rings. But Tianlin also had twin martial souls and knew the two forest kings' locations. If he got those rings first…

Bibi Dong grew anxious. "No, I must act quickly!"

The Soft-Bone Rabbit had already been snatched—she couldn't lose the forest kings.