DD Spiritual Sword [444-446] (Patreon)

Chapter 444: Tianlin's Open Plot, Bibi Dong's Response

"Report!"

A few days later, a voice Bibi Dong was tired of hearing rushed anxiously into the Pope's Hall.

"Lor Diarra, speak. What has Jun Tianlin done this time?" Bibi Dong asked helplessly.

Recently, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had changed its usual low-key style. Since Tianlin's breakthrough, they were suddenly high-profile—especially that Jun Tianlin. In just a few days, he raided seven or eight main and branch halls of the Spirit Hall.

Fortunately, he didn't go on a killing spree. Every time, he only killed one or two people at most, but his actions sent the whole Spirit Hall into panic.

Now that Tianlin possessed the Eye of Judgement, he naturally wouldn't kill indiscriminately. The ones he killed were all notorious evildoers with black names, and killing wasn't even his main goal. He was really just stirring up trouble to let Bibi Dong know where he was.

"This time it's Yelin City, but he didn't kill anyone. He just played some pranks—he tied up the main hall master of Yelin City, sealed his soul power, and threw him into a bandit den as a slave. Only after a few days did the Spirit Hall people rescue their hall master and wipe out the bandit den," Lor Diarra said with a dark face—he just couldn't understand what Tianlin was thinking.

As an enemy, if you want to kill, just kill. Why bother playing around with people?

"Jun Tianlin... a man can be killed but not humiliated! He's humiliating our Spirit Hall!" Several titled Douluo elders were furious.

"Please calm down, elders. Tianlin isn't humiliating us; he's punishing people for their personal misdeeds to a certain extent," Qian Renxue said. "I investigated those Tianlin killed. They were all scum of our Spirit Hall—bullies and evildoers. As for Yelin City, Your Holiness has always kept strict control there, so there aren't any true villains. Even the hall master is just a bit overbearing, so Tianlin only gave him a minor punishment and made him destroy a villainous bandit den as atonement."

"Xue'er is right. That's what I think too," Bibi Dong nodded. Because her relationship with Qian Renxue couldn't be exposed, she still used a slightly distant tone in front of others.

Qian Renxue knew Tianlin inherited the Asura God—a god in charge of law and judgment. It seemed Tianlin was already in his probationary period before becoming official.

Yelin City was where Bibi Dong and the Grandmaster fell in love, so Bibi Dong protected it well. Tianlin didn't find a single black-named person there, not even anyone with a purple name—at worst, just a yellow name. How could Tianlin kill randomly there?

Because of this, Bibi Dong was always more annoyed than hateful toward Tianlin. She simply found him troublesome.

Maybe after reaching Titled Douluo, he's run out of goals and is now just filling his days with pointless antics.

"Teacher, I don't think Jun Tianlin is that bored. Do you think he might be deliberately drawing our attention away from his real goal?" Hu Liena spoke up just in time—she and Tianlin had been secretly communicating not long ago.

Bibi Dong's face suddenly changed. "Not good! Give me a map of Tianlin's movements during this time."

"Yes." At her word, Lor Diarra quickly marked Tianlin's recent movements on the map of the Douluo Continent.

Only then did they discover that, although Tianlin's path seemed to wander, he was always moving forward. The final destination appeared to be...

"Star Dou Great Forest!" Lor Diarra exclaimed, then reported, "Your Holiness, the Saintess's guess is correct—Jun Tianlin is really trying to divert our attention. His real goal is the Star Dou Great Forest!"

"His target must be the two kings of the forest!" Bibi Dong frowned. "And he's not just diverting attention—he's attracting attention."

Qian Renxue agreed, "Your Holiness is right. If Tianlin's aim is to hunt the two forest kings, he should be keeping a low profile. But now he's making his whereabouts well known, as if to deliberately tell us he's going to the Star Dou Great Forest."

"Is this a challenge? Jun Tianlin is luring me there," Bibi Dong speculated.

"Teacher, could Jun Tianlin have set some trap for you there?" Hu Liena sounded worried for both of them.

Because now, Tianlin and Bibi Dong could both threaten each other.

"Trap or not, I must go. Tianlin's using an open plot. If I don't go, the two kings' soul rings will become his. With his current strength, if he absorbs those two 100,000-year rings, he'll be even harder to deal with. Besides, I've wanted to confront him anyway. Since he's issued a challenge, I won't back down," Bibi Dong said confidently. She certainly wasn't afraid of a mere youth like Tianlin.

She had coveted the two forest kings' soul rings for a long time—she was determined to get them and had no reason to let Tianlin have them.

"In that case, Your Holiness, let me go with you. I'd like to see Tianlin's current strength myself," Qian Renxue requested.

Looking at her daughter, Bibi Dong nodded. "Very well. You're a Titled Douluo now too, your strength matches any elder, so it's no problem if you come. Also, Elder Lingyuan, Elder Sea Turtle, Elder Saint Dragon, Elder Chrysanthemum—you four will come with me."

"Nana, you'll be in charge of Spirit Hall affairs during this time. I've invited all the powers allied with Spirit Hall here. You and Elder Snake Spear, Elder Ghost Leopard, will receive them. The founding ceremony is in more than a month—I'll be back before then."

"Yes, Teacher!"

"As you command, Your Holiness."

Hu Liena and the two remaining elders gladly accepted.

Bibi Dong's lineup this time was truly formidable—herself plus five more Titled Douluo. This force could destroy a nation. Though confident, she was never careless. This time, she wanted not only both soul rings, but to leave Tianlin in the forest forever.

…

Meanwhile, Tianlin had also arrived at the Star Dou Great Forest's entrance. He didn't bring any Titled Douluo from his own side. After all, he was working in secret—the fewer people, the better.

"Bibi Dong should come, right? I've provoked her this much," Tianlin muttered to himself.

After all, Bibi Dong didn't know his real goal. Most people would assume he was after the two forest kings' rings and bones.

As Bibi Dong said, this was an open plot. The two forest kings were no match for Tianlin. If Bibi Dong didn't come, he'd simply take their soul rings. So even if Tianlin planned something else, she had to come.

Tianlin entered the forest and found a place to stay—the old spot, the cave of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. This place had become his secret base: safe and comfortable.

Chapter 445: Boiling Lake of Life, Di Tian's Rage

On a mountain path, six figures sped ahead at incredible speed—fast enough to shame even agility-type Soul Douluo.

They were Bibi Dong's party. Worried Tianlin might succeed, Bibi Dong chose to travel at full speed.

Six Titled Douluo reached the Star Dou Great Forest from Spirit Hall in less than a day.

"Yue Guan, you lead the way. Help us find the two forest kings," Bibi Dong commanded.

"Yes, Your Holiness!" Yue Guan had secretly betrayed Bibi Dong, but not in this matter. If she found out, he'd die horribly. Besides, Old Ghost had died at Tianlin and the forest kings' hands, so Yue Guan was eager to help.

Led by Yue Guan, the six entered the Star Dou Great Forest. Yue Guan had visited the Lake of Life before, so he was familiar with the way.

They progressed smoothly—even in the depths, no soul beast dared interrupt.

Six Titled Douluo: unless a beast had a death wish, who would provoke them?

…

Meanwhile, in the Lake of Life, the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape had no idea danger was approaching. To help Xiao Wu regain her cultivation, they had spared no effort.

They had collected nearly all the rare herbs in the forest—except for those in the Lake of Life itself.

Er Ming sat by the lake, gently watching Xiao Wu eat a spirit herb. "Big Brother, look—Xiao Wu's progressing so fast. In this short time, she's almost recovered a hundred years' cultivation. At this rate, she'll regain her spirit in less than two hundred years."

A huge bull head surfaced. "It's all thanks to the herbs you picked, Er Ming. Good work. Unfortunately, there are no immortal-grade herbs left here. If we had a ten-thousand-year Ginseng King or a five-thousand-year Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, Xiao Wu would recover her mind instantly."

"It's fine, Big Brother. I can wait a few hundred years. From now on, I'll never let Xiao Wu get hurt again," Er Ming vowed.

"Heh, is that so?" Suddenly, a charming voice rang out, and countless chrysanthemum petals fell from the sky. "Fifth soul skill: Cold Yin Gathering!"

The petals became sharp blades, flying toward the two soul beasts.

"Xiao Wu, look out!" The Titan Giant Ape protected Xiao Wu with its body.

Its body was incredibly tough—even a Titled Douluo's attack couldn't break its defense in one blow, though it did leave red gashes on its skin.

"This soul skill—is it that Titled Douluo who escaped last time?" Da Ming roared in anger. "Bastard! I spared you before, but you dare come again? Fine! Heavenly Azure Annihilating Thunder!"

The Azure Bull Python summoned thunder toward the source of the petals.

In the forest, a giant sea turtle and a white-armored earth dragon appeared, blocking the thunder but still shaking from the blow. Even these two defensive spirits couldn't easily withstand the Azure Bull Python's attack.

"Haha, what strong bodies, what powerful thunder! As expected of the forest kings!" Bibi Dong stepped out with her group, her eyes greedy as she looked at the two beasts.

Aside from Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, the other four had already activated their martial souls: two yellow, two purple, five black rings.

Seeing six people, the Azure Bull Python's pupils contracted.

Six Titled Douluo!

The other two hadn't revealed their martial souls, but they felt even stronger.

"Azure Bull Python, Titan Giant Ape, where's Jun Tianlin?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked fiercely.

"Jun Tianlin? That young human from last time?" The Azure Bull Python would never forget the one who tricked everyone. "He hasn't been here. Humans, if you're looking for him, you can leave."

If possible, it didn't want to fight six Titled Douluo. Even if it and Er Ming were strong, they couldn't beat so many.

"He hasn't been here?" Bibi Dong thought, then said to Qian Renxue, "Xue'er, don't join the fight later. Keep an eye out—I'm afraid he might ambush us."

Bibi Dong wasn't about to retreat. She was determined to get those two soul rings.

"Yue Guan, attack!"

"Yes, Your Holiness!" Yue Guan's third soul ring lit up. "Third soul skill: Aura Barrier!"

Chrysanthemum petals formed a large circle, surrounding the two beasts. This was a control skill—the pollen could paralyze opponents and slow even strong enemies.

It was like a weaker version of the Polar Domain.

"I said, Jun Tianlin isn't here. Don't push your luck, humans," the Azure Bull Python growled.

"Heh, who cares about Jun Tianlin? Our real target is you. Eighth soul skill: Blood Boil!" Spirit Kite Douluo flew up, sending fireballs into the Lake of Life, making the whole surface boil.

Even the Azure Bull Python's tough body couldn't stand boiling water like this. A Titled Douluo's fire was no joke.

In the shadows, Tianlin watched and smiled. "They're really asking for it. I was worried their fight wouldn't be fierce enough to draw out Di Tian—was even planning to lure him with Bear King's soul ring aura. But now, you're attacking the Lake of Life—it saves me the trouble."

Tianlin was pleased with Spirit Kite Douluo's move, but there was one problem: why did Qian Renxue come too? If Di Tian went berserk, even Bibi Dong might not be able to stop him. Qian Renxue was definitely not his match!

Tianlin decided to play it by ear. If necessary, he'd intervene. In any case, he would not stop his plan—the Five Spirit Pearls were too important.

…

At the lake's center, Zi Ji suddenly surfaced and said to Di Tian, "Di Tian, the surface temperature has suddenly risen. Someone is attacking the Lake of Life."

Di Tian opened his golden eyes, gazing into the distance. His vision was so sharp he could see the battle from far away.

"Six Titled Douluo come to hunt the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape brothers? Excellent! Humans, your bullying of soul beasts has gone too far!"

Di Tian's voice was icy cold. After the Tang Hao incident, he was already angry. Now six more had come—did they really think the forest had no king?

Chapter 446: Besieging the Two Forest Kings

As Di Tian noticed the fight, it was reaching its climax.

"Ninth soul skill: Withered Chrysanthemum, Scattered Sorrow, Flowers Fall and Hearts Break!"

"Ninth soul skill: World-Scorching Flames!"

"Ninth soul skill: Earth Dragon Absolute Heaven Formation!"

"Ninth soul skill: Flood the Eight Wastelands!"

Four Titled Douluo unleashed their strongest ninth soul skills, hoping for a quick victory. They underestimated the two forest kings.

"Titan Heaven-Shattering Strike!"

"Soul of the Azure Dragon!"

The Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python fought back with their ultimate moves. Even two against four, they held their ground—neither side could win quickly.

Bibi Dong grew impatient. "Useless! Four against two and you still can't win? Must I do everything?"

Eight sinister spider legs extended from her back. These weren't external spirit bone Eight Spider Lances, but one of Bibi Dong's two spirits: the Death Spider Emperor.

"Sixth soul skill: Bloodsucking Spider Stingers!"

Countless stingers shot from her spider legs. With Bibi Dong's power, even a sixth soul skill was stronger than Chrysanthemum Douluo's ninth.

The stingers were so numerous they blotted out the sky, dripping a green, sticky liquid that instantly corroded the ground. Clearly, it was a terrifying poison.

"Go!"

With a wave, Bibi Dong sent all the stingers at the beasts. Even their tough bodies were pierced all over.

The Titan Giant Ape, being a bigger target, was impaled through the chest by countless stingers.

Normally, this wouldn't matter, but the poison now rapidly sapped their strength. If not for their strong soul power, they'd already have melted like the earth beneath them.

Du Guy Bo was once called the number one poison master, but without the Snow Swan Kiss, his poison was nothing compared to Bibi Dong's.

As their strength faded, their advantage was lost. The Titan Heaven-Shattering Strike and Azure Dragon Soul were pushed back.

Chrysanthemum Douluo's petals and Spirit Kite Douluo's fire hit the Azure Bull Python, while Saint Dragon and Sea Turtle Douluo's powers struck the Titan Giant Ape.

Both beasts were heavily injured. Their auras weakened and flickered.

"This woman is too strong. Even together, Er Ming and I may not be her match," the Azure Bull Python realized. Their defeat was mainly due to Bibi Dong.

Had she not injured them so heavily in one move, they could have resisted four Titled Douluo.

"Now! Capture them!" Bibi Dong ordered, and the four Titled Douluo charged like thunder.

"Gravity Domain!"

"Slow Domain!"

Even gravely wounded, the two beasts wouldn't give up. Their domains—gravity and slowness—were both restriction types, hindering enemy movement.

With these, the four Douluo were slowed. The Azure Bull Python shouted, "Er Ming, take Xiao Wu and run!"

The Titan Giant Ape grabbed Xiao Wu and fled into the forest, Da Ming close behind. They didn't linger—these domains could only delay, not defeat the enemy.

"Useless!" Bibi Dong waved her hand, black light dispelling both domains at once. "Hurry and chase them!"

"Yes, Your Holiness!" The four obeyed at full speed.

The two beasts fled desperately, already covered in blood. The Azure Bull Python's thirty-meter-long body was riddled with wounds, dripping black, foul blood. Its eyes lost their luster, and smoke rose from its body wherever the poison touched, killing plants instantly.

The Titan Giant Ape was a bit better off, but still badly wounded—especially a huge chest wound, deep enough to see the heart beating inside. A little deeper and the heart would have been destroyed.

It still held Xiao Wu—more precious than its life.

Their pursuers were far too strong—especially that woman, who broke their defenses in one move.

Though they had escaped for now, this couldn't last. At best, they could survive half a month; after that, the poison alone would kill them horribly.

They had to detox somewhere, but their pursuers would never give them the chance.

Both beasts were as smart as humans—they knew the humans were after their rings and bones. They were unwilling, determined not to let the humans succeed. Even if they died, they wouldn't let their enemies win. So, though weaker and weaker, they kept fleeing, never giving up.

"Er Ming, at this rate, we'll both die. Don't worry about me—take Xiao Wu and run. I'll hold these despicable humans back. If they want my soul ring and bone, they're dreaming. I'd rather self-destruct than let them have them," Da Ming said with bitter hatred.

"No, Big Brother! As long as I have a breath left, I won't abandon you!" Er Ming roared, stamping the ground. A wave of yellow light swept behind them, slowing their pursuers again. The gravity was so strong it crushed all plants in range to powder.

In the original story, this move delayed Bibi Dong's group until Tang San arrived. But this time, Spirit Hall had one key extra person.

"Another domain? Let me show you the power of a divine spirit's domain." Qian Renxue spread her six wings—the Angel Domain expanded, able to dissolve other powers.

Gravity Domain was already outmatched by the Angel Domain, and with the Titan Giant Ape so injured, it was erased in a breath.

Despair filled the Titan Giant Ape's face. He hadn't expected another powerhouse with a divine martial soul, nearly as strong as a Super Douluo, among the humans.

"Hmph, this is the end for you—prepare to die!" Bibi Dong sneered, ready to take their rings.

Just as she was about to strike, and the beasts were at their most desperate, a voice rang out:

"All soul beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest, heed my command: destroy all humans invading the Lake of Life!"