DD Spiritual Sword [471-473] (Patreon)

Chapter 471: Tianlin's Assault on Super Douluo – Seagod Island's Trial

In the Slaughter City, after the fall of the previous King of Slaughter, all his established rules were completely overturned by Tianlin.

The unluckiest person of all was the guy with 92 consecutive wins on the day Tianlin arrived. Unfortunately, he was on the blacklist, which made him the target of the Demon Spear Douluo. For his 93rd match, his opponents weren't the usual weaklings, but instead a group of tough fighters who had all achieved consecutive wins on their own merits.

This habitual cheater was immediately besieged by the other nine, and was decapitated in less than a minute. So close to a hundred consecutive wins, but it all fell apart because of Tianlin's arrival—bad luck indeed.

In the secret chamber of Spirit Hall, inside the Rakshasa secret realm, the Evil Sword Immortal, who barely escaped death with his undying body, had retreated into the Evil Spirit Pearl.

"I didn't expect that even after using my undying body, that boy could still injure me with a single sword. Truly worthy of being the inheritor of the God King—his strength and potential outstrip even Bibi Dong," the Evil Sword Immortal said angrily. For the time being, it could only focus on recovery, or else another encounter with Tianlin would be fatal.

"The Slaughter City has been taken, my cooperation with the Rakshasa God is hindered, and my current wounds make it impossible to create another Fallen Angel Douluo. Looks like absorbing evil thoughts through slaughter must be put on hold. My priority now is to help Bibi Dong become a god!"

As Tianlin had guessed, the Evil Sword Immortal's ultimate goal was to reach the God Realm. But the gate was completely controlled by the Asura God, and it was no match for him at present.

Only when a deity appears will the Asura God open the gate and guide them to ascend—a one-time opportunity.

Of all Spirit Hall, only two could become gods: Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. But Qian Renxue's holy power was the direct counter to the Evil Sword Immortal. To follow her to the God Realm was pure fantasy. Thus, Bibi Dong was its only choice.

After all, it was created from Bibi Dong's evil thoughts. As long as it stayed hidden in the Evil Spirit Pearl, no one could find it.

The biggest problem now was Tianlin. His strength was overwhelming, and the Evil Sword Immortal worried Bibi Dong might not be his match. If Bibi Dong was ever slain by Tianlin, all its ambitions would vanish.

"Exposing Bibi Dong's secret won't work for now; I must find another way to draw out the darkness in her heart. Wait!"

Suddenly, inspiration struck the Evil Sword Immortal. It had almost forgotten—Bibi Dong's darkness wasn't only born from Qian Xunji; there was another key figure.

"Haha, now, this world is destined to be mine! Fuxi, Feipeng, Zhonglou, just you wait—though I don't know who you are, once I have all the power of this world, I'll invade yours and wipe you out!"

The Evil Sword Immortal was elated, but, lacking the memories of its past life, it had no idea those mighty beings had also left backup plans—plans that were now steadily growing.

…

Tianlin had successfully absorbed the four-hundred-thousand-year-old Blood Bat King soul bone, instantly breaking through to level 95.

The Bat King soul bone granted two powerful abilities:

The first, Blood Transformation, was the Bat King's signature skill—transforming all one's blood and becoming immune to physical attacks.

The second, Rebirth, had to be used with Blood Transformation. If struck by an energy attack while in that state, as long as any blood remained, the user could be reborn—the more blood left, the faster and healthier the resurrection. If only a drop or two was left, resurrection could take years and would result in a long period of weakness.

Overall, it was an excellent life-saving skill, and when combined with Extreme Curse Returns Yin and Yang, the effect was astonishing.

After absorbing the soul bone, Tianlin felt unsatisfied—this four hundred thousand soul bone had pushed his level to the peak of 95, and his state of enlightenment hadn't faded.

Thanks to days of intense battles, Tianlin had gained much experience from facing masters like Bibi Dong, Di Tian, Silver Dragon King, King of Slaughter, and the Evil Sword Immortal.

Fighting to improve was indeed the best way for a Sword Martial Soul soul master to break through—just like the original Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, who broke through after a life-and-death battle.

With the soul power accumulated from the four hundred thousand soul bone and his own insights, Tianlin felt that this time, he might be able to break through directly to level 96.

…

Meanwhile, on Seagod Island, Ning Rongrong and the others had completed the first three divine trials and were now at the crucial stage of the fourth.

On the sea, waves surged as several soul masters assisted the Demon Soul Great White Shark King, Xiao Bai, in a fierce battle against the Evil Demon Orca King.

This was the fourth trial, the Shark-Whale War—help the Demon Soul Great White Shark kill the Evil Demon Orca King.

Both were hundred-thousand-year sea soul beasts, incredibly powerful. The Evil Demon Orca King, in particular, had almost beast-level combat power in the sea.

A head-on fight offered little chance of victory, so their main force was still the Demon Soul Great White Shark, Xiao Bai.

Originally, Xiao Bai was no match for the Orca King and was always suppressed. But today, Xiao Bai was fighting evenly and even gaining the upper hand.

The reason was Ning Rongrong.

"Nine Treasure Avatar, Nine Treasures Named: First, Strength. Second, Speed. Third, Soul. Fourth, Control. Fifth, Attack. Sixth, Boost!"

With the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's full support, Ning Rongrong empowered the Great White Shark. Now over level 80, with her eighth soul ring being a God-bestowed ring, and with the help of two top-grade immortal herbs and soul bones, Ning Rongrong had, like Tang San in the original, raised her God-bestowed ring to a hundred-thousand years.

Now, her comprehensive buffs had reached 90%. Such power was enough for Xiao Bai to surpass the Orca King—though the Orca King's body was tough, making a quick victory impossible, so the fight dragged on.

"Demon Whale Domain!"

"Demon Shark Domain!"

The two hundred-thousand-year sea beasts unleashed their domains, and their powers were locked in a stalemate.

"Everyone, now's the time! Focus your attacks on the Evil Demon Orca King, let's finish it in one blow!" shouted Xiao Bai.

"Okay! Seventh spirit skill, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Avatar!" Yu Tianheng transformed into a blue dragon and tightly wrapped around the Orca King.

However, his strength was far below the Orca King's—he couldn't hold it for long.

"Fifth spirit skill, Turtle God Impact!" The Shi brothers, each riding a Great White Shark, attacked both sides of the Orca King's head, leaving it dizzy.

"Seventh spirit skill, Jade Scaled Avatar!" Dugu Yan joined in, transforming into the Icefire Jade Scaled Serpent, helping restrain the Orca King.

The others assisted the Great White Shark group in holding off the orcas.

Everything was ready except for the final blow.

"Rongrong, now! Finish it with the treasure Xiao Tian gave you!" Yu Tianheng shouted.

Ning Rongrong nodded; to kill such a powerful Orca King, their own attacks weren't enough—they needed Tianlin's power.

Chapter 472: The Emperor Battle Team on Seagod Island

"Evil Demon Orca King, taste my Sword Brother's might!" Ning Rongrong leapt from a shark, facing the Orca King, and took out a talisman. "Go! Skydome Void Blade!"

The golden talisman floated in the air, absorbing endless killing intent, then erupted with overwhelming sword intent.

The Orca King had always scorned such small tricks, but now it looked terrified—truly sensing mortal danger.

"Impossible! How could a mere talisman kill me?" the Orca King roared. It had absolute confidence in its body—even Xiao Bai's teeth couldn't pierce its skin.

But sadly, the Skydome Void Blade's sword energy came directly from Tianlin's demon sword, inheriting its true damage effect.

Mere physical defense was useless against true damage.

The sword energy formed a human figure wielding a sword—a feat only the finest swordmasters could achieve. Tears welled in Ning Rongrong's eyes, for the figure looked just like her Sword Brother. It had been nearly three years since she'd come to Seagod Island, and she'd never been apart from Tianlin for so long—only she knew how deeply she missed him.

The figure glanced back at her; she couldn't see his face, but she felt he was smiling at her.

With a swish, the figure charged at the Orca King. The long sword cut through its body, nearly splitting it open—its internal organs were visible from the air.

"Rongrong, now—finish it!" Xiao Bai sensed the Orca King's life force plummeting. Now was the time.

"Snowy Dance of Ultimate Ice Domain!" Ning Rongrong switched her martial soul, unleashing the strongest domain of the far north. Unlike before, after years of cultivation, she could now fully control the domain.

Sea instantly froze. Within the domain, ice attacks grew exponentially stronger, far surpassing even martial soul avatar boosts.

"Empress' Sword!" Ning Rongrong used one of the Snow Empress's three ultimate moves, condensing the cold into an ice sword, and drove it into the Orca King's wounds, freezing all its organs solid.

A red ring rose from the Orca King—proof it was truly dead.

Ning Rongrong quickly sat cross-legged on the ice, drawing the hundred-thousand-year soul ring to her. This would become the third ring for her Ice Snow Maiden martial soul.

An hour later, she finished absorbing it. Now, her level was about the same as Tang San's at this point in the original.

The Orca King also dropped a left leg bone, which Ning Rongrong lacked. After absorbing it, like Tianlin, she was one soul bone away from a full set—the only difference being Ning Rongrong lacked a left arm bone, while Tianlin lacked a torso bone.

Back on shore, everyone was waiting for her. Dugu Yan asked curiously, "Sister-in-law, what level are you now? After absorbing a hundred-thousand-year ring and bone, you must be really strong."

"Eighty-four. It's all thanks to the meditation method Sword Brother gave me, and the way the Ice and Snow Empresses helped me adapt my cultivation for ice attributes," Ning Rongrong said happily.

"Guess monsters marry monsters," Yu Tianheng smiled wryly. "Compared to you two, the so-called Golden Generation of Spirit Hall isn't much."

"I wonder—with Rongrong this strong, how powerful is our Xiao Tian now? Could he already be a Titled Douluo?" Oslo sighed. He was a Soul Douluo now, even higher than Yu Tianheng, and the higher he climbed, the harder progress felt.

"We'll find out soon, right?" Zhu Zhuqing said to Ning Rongrong. "Didn't he promise to come see you on Seagod Island once you reach the sixth or seventh trial?"

Ning Rongrong nodded, full of anticipation. "Yes, so I have to clear the trials quickly."

For her, the biggest joy wasn't power—it was that each trial cleared brought her closer to reuniting with Tianlin.

Just then, a golden light shone from the sky. Having cleared the fourth trial, it was time for rewards and the announcement of the fifth trial.

["Ning Rongrong, Seagod's Nine Trials, fourth trial cleared. Reward: +10% Seagod affinity, now at 35%."]

["Yu Tianheng, Black Rank Six Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 79."]

["Oslo, Black Rank Six Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 83."]

["Oscar, Black Rank Six Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 77."]

["Dugu Yan, Black Rank Five Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 79."]

["Shi Mo, Black Rank Five Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 78."]

["Shi Mu, Black Rank Five Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1, now level 78."]

["Yu Feng, Black Rank Four Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1. All Black Rank Four Trials cleared—extra reward: Soul power +1. Now level 79. Granted Seagod Island Black Rank privilege."]

["Zhu Zhuqing, Black Rank Four Trials, fourth trial cleared. Soul power +1. All Black Rank Four Trials cleared—extra reward: Soul power +1. Now level 77. Granted Seagod Island Black Rank privilege."]

With all Black Rank trial rewards distributed, Yu Feng and Zhu Zhuqing had completed all their trials. Unfortunately, neither was at a breakthrough point—otherwise, they might have gotten an extra God-bestowed ring, as Zhu Zhuqing did in the original. But now, lacking the immortal grass, she was a bit slower in cultivation.

Bai Chenxiang and Meng Yiran only had Purple Rank trials, long since finished. Bai Chenxiang was now a 59th-level Soul King, Meng Yiran a 65th-level Soul Emperor. Though not as advanced as the others, for their ages, they were still rare geniuses on the continent.

Chapter 473: Challenging the Seven Seagod Pillar Guardians

On Seagod Island, in the worship hall, Huan Yin strummed the zither before the Seagod Trident.

With melodious music, the Trident glowed sea-blue, as if it was basking in the wonderful sound.

The first trial of the Music God's test was to make the Trident resonate—a feat Huan Yin had accomplished a year ago. For her, playing the zither was also cultivation. Bathed in the light of both the Seagod and Music God, her progress was astonishingly fast.

Originally, her talent was only on par with Bai Chenxiang, but now her level had surpassed hers and caught up to the rest of the Emperor Battle Team—she was now level 75.

"To make the Trident shine so brightly, it seems you've mastered the seventh layer of the Yaoguang Score. Truly a rare musical genius," Seagod Douluo Bo Saixi praised as she entered the hall.

She herself was adept at harp and other instruments, but in this, she was far behind Huan Yin.

After resonating with the Trident, Huan Yin entered the real Music God's trial, which, due to her possession of the Yaoguang Score, was connected to that score.

The score Tianlin gave her wasn't just music—it was a complete cultivation method, with internal energy techniques and various sonic attacks, split into ten layers. If Huan Yin reached the tenth, she could achieve godhood.

"Senior flatters me. May I ask what guidance brings you here?" Huan Yin stopped playing and bowed.

"By Music God's decree, you and your companions must join a trial. Here are the details." Bo Saixi tossed her a golden card, which landed in her hand.

"Trial: Challenge a Titled Douluo—defeat Sea Maiden Douluo, one of the Seven Seagod Pillar Guardians." Huan Yin read.

Bo Saixi explained, "Though Music God isn't a battle god, you can't be a weakling. Sea Maiden Douluo is the only one among the Seven who fights with music. Let's see whose music is more beautiful—her sea demon flute or your seven-stringed zither?"

"Yes, Senior." Huan Yin withdrew her martial soul and left the hall. She rarely joined her friends for trials, so the chance to fight together was very welcome.

…

Elsewhere, the others received their fifth trial info—also to challenge a Titled Douluo.

["Seagod's Ninth Trial, Fifth Trial: Challenge the Pillar Guardians. From the first challenge, you have three days to defeat all seven to pass."]

This was Ning Rongrong's trial, just like Tang San's in the original—defeat all seven in three days.

There was one difference: because her second martial soul had only three rings, she was still mainly support. Asking a support to solo seven Titled Douluo in three days was unrealistic, so she could pick one helper who'd already cleared their trials.

"Even with help, it'll be tough," Ning Rongrong worried, uncertain whom to choose.

Those who'd finished their trials were Meng Yiran, Bai Chenxiang, Zhu Zhuqing, and Yu Feng.

Bai Chenxiang could be ruled out—pure agility-type Soul King, not much help. Meng Yiran was also not ideal; Ning Rongrong's buffs didn't boost her poison well.

That left Yu Feng (stronger, nearly Soul Douluo) and Zhu Zhuqing (less powerful but highly in sync). Back in Shrek, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had been the famous "Goddess Duo"—the Seven Treasure Spirit Cat combo.

In the end, Ning Rongrong chose her close friend over raw power. "Zhuqing, will you fight with me?"

Zhu Zhuqing smiled, "Of course. It's been ages since our Goddess Duo took the stage—facing a Titled Douluo, no less!"

"I thought our trials were hard, but compared to Rongrong's, ours are nothing," Yu Tianheng sighed, showing his own trial card. "We only have to face one Titled Douluo, and they'll only use 60% of their strength."

This differed from the original, where they fought at full strength under Ning Rongrong's support. Now, they lost the support, but the enemy was limited to 60% power—still fair, since with no cheats like Tianlin or Tang San, ordinary Soul Sages and Douluo stood no chance.

"If you need to challenge the Sea Douluo, I can help!" Xiao Bai's voice called from the water. "Thanks for helping me defeat the Evil Demon Orca King. As thanks, I can spar with you and tell you the fighting styles of all seven Sea Douluo."

"Really? Thank you, Xiao Bai!" everyone cheered. Tianlin always said, "Know yourself and your enemy, and you'll never lose." 

With this intel, their chances soared.

"Alright!" Xiao Bai leapt from the water, turning into a beautiful woman. "First, I'll tell you about the Sea Douluo's martial souls and levels. Then you can tell me which ones you'll face."

Xiao Bai explained gravely, "The Seven Sea Douluo—also called the Seven Seagod Pillar Guardians—are even stronger than mainland Titled Douluo of the same rank, since nearly all their rings are from high-year sea beasts, and ocean beasts are far superior to land ones. Don't underestimate them!"

"Their strength from lowest to highest is: Level 92 Sea Maiden Douluo, Level 92 Sea Star Douluo, Level 92 Sea Ghost Douluo, Level 92 Sea Horse Douluo, Level 93 Sea Delusion Douluo, Level 94 Sea Lance Douluo, and Level 95 Sea Dragon Douluo."

"The last three possess domains and are far stronger than the first four—especially Sea Dragon Douluo, who is already at the Super Douluo level."

Hearing this, the young people felt the pressure. Luck might let them draw one of the first four, but if they got one of the last three, only Ning Rongrong had a domain to match them.