DD Spiritual Sword [477-479] (Patreon)

Chapter 477: Return to the Sect, Relaying Intelligence

With Demon Spear Douluo and the Slaughter Messenger in tow, Tianlin immediately returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

These two had no names. Demon Spear Douluo was easy—he could simply be called Demon Spear. Odd as it sounded, at least it was an address. But as for the Slaughter Messenger, it wouldn't do just to keep calling her that. Noticing that she always wore black veils, Tianlin gave her the nickname Xiao Hei, finally giving her a normal-sounding name.

Seven Treasure City was as bustling as ever. Although Tianlin had completely fallen out with the Heaven Dou imperial family, they didn't dare make any moves against him.

Facing one Ultimate Douluo, they might muster a bit of courage. Facing two? Even if they had ten times the guts, they'd never dare cause trouble. Best to just go home and sleep.

He went to Ning Fengzhi's study, where both Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong were present. Tianlin relayed all the intelligence he'd gathered during this time.

The descendant of Nuwa had once told Tianlin that this wasn't a responsibility he could shoulder alone—the content of the Holy Emperor's trial was to unite his family and companions to collectively wipe out evil.

So, for certain important people, they at least needed to know who the enemy was—along with their objectives and abilities.

"Evil Sword Immortal? I've never even heard of such a being. Where could he come from?" Ning Fengzhi frowned, "This is all beyond my expectations. I thought the hidden third force within Spirit Hall was the Rakshasa God."

In fact, Ning Fengzhi had already noticed that the deaths of several villagers matched the legends of the Seven Deadly Sins—the seven greatest evils. Considering Tianlin had mentioned the Rakshasa God as the deity ruling over evil thoughts, and that Bibi Dong was currently inheriting that godhood, Ning Fengzhi had speculated that the Rakshasa God was dissatisfied with being only a first-level god and was stirring up trouble behind the scenes. Since gods could not descend directly, they could only act in secret.

To reason this far was impressive, especially given the intelligence gap between him and Tianlin. No matter how clever Ning Fengzhi was, he couldn't possibly guess the existence of the Evil Sword Immortal out of thin air.

"Xiao Tian, you said you already injured the Evil Sword Immortal?" Ning Fengzhi asked.

"Yes. I wounded him with my Heaven and Earth Spirit Slash. He won't be able to cause trouble for at least a year." Tianlin was confident in his strongest technique.

"Excellent. That buys us a lot of time. Not knowing the enemy was my biggest worry, but now things will be much easier." Ning Fengzhi fell into thought.

"Should we tell Bibi Dong directly? Let her know there's such a creature by her side. No, with Bibi Dong's current temperament, she'd do anything to oppose the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If she actively colluded with the Evil Sword Immortal, that would be disastrous. In that case, I should put myself in the Evil Sword Immortal's shoes. Even if he can't fight for a year, he surely won't just sit and recover, doing nothing." Leaning back, Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly as a figure appeared in his mind: Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang.

After all, one of the main reasons Bibi Dong went mad back then—apart from Qian Xunji—was Yu Xiaogang himself. He was the fuse, the root cause.

"That's it. I'll make use of him, and use it to set up Bibi Dong. Someone, come!"

At Ning Fengzhi's command, a member of the Speed Clan appeared, requesting orders.

Ning Fengzhi used sound transmission to give his orders, since there were outsiders present and he didn't fully trust Demon Spear Douluo or Xiao Hei. The information couldn't leak.

Of course, he concealed nothing from Tianlin; Tianlin was included in the secret transmission.

Upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's instructions, Tianlin was shocked. The Evil Sword Immortal's plans could indeed match Ning Fengzhi's deduction. If carried out, with others off guard, the chances of success were high.

After the Speed Clan disciple left, Ning Fengzhi turned to the two newcomers, saying, "You both have important intelligence for me, correct?"

"Yes. By order of the new King of Slaughter, I am to fully inform Sect Master Ning of all the Slaughter Gods sent out by the former King." Xiao Hei stepped forward.

Ning Fengzhi nodded, "Very good. You now serve Tianlin and have chosen the righteous path, seeking atonement for past crimes. It's a blessing for all. As one of the Three Upper Sects, I cannot allow the innocent to be slaughtered any longer. Just tell me the locations and abilities of those people, and I'll send someone to eliminate them."

Ning Fengzhi was certainly better at grand speeches than Tianlin, who rolled his eyes. If it were him, he'd just say: "Where are they, what can they do, I'll go kill them right now." No need for talk of righteousness. But using this rhetoric seemed to be Ning Fengzhi's habit—or perhaps, the skill of every major leader.

Seeing Tianlin's reaction, Ning Fengzhi quickly changed the subject, "By the way, Xiao Tian, there have been a few unexpected guests looking for you these past days. They've been staying here for a while. I've sent people to lead them to the main hall; please go and receive them for me."

"Unexpected guests?" Tianlin was puzzled, but didn't ask further—he'd know when he saw them.

After Tianlin left, Xiao Hei was about to give Ning Fengzhi more intelligence, but Ning Fengzhi asked a question first, "By the way, Lord Demon Spear, you're from Slaughter City, right? Have you ever registered your title with Spirit Hall?"

Demon Spear Douluo nodded, "No, I don't have a title. Every clan leader in my clan has been called Demon Spear for generations, so we all go by that name."

"That won't do. Title Douluo are the highest class on the continent. You've worked hard to reach this level—your name should go down in history. Here, just sign these two documents and I'll file them for you. From now on, 'Demon Spear' will be your official title." Ning Fengzhi smiled.

"Uh… Thank you, Sect Master Ning!" Demon Spear Douluo was taken aback, but Tianlin had told him to listen to Ning Fengzhi for now, so he signed without hesitation.

Gu Rong, watching, widened his eyes. One document was indeed a title confirmation to be sent to the Spirit Hall, the most sacred place for all soul masters. Enemy or friend, everyone saw having their name there as an honor.

But the other document, with "Application to Join the Sect" written in big characters on the cover, made Gu Rong's face twitch. "Such concern for his official title? Clearly, Ning Fengzhi just wants his strength. Poor Demon Spear, tricked into signing and still helping count their money."

Chapter 478: The Clear Sky Sect Arrives

Meanwhile, Tianlin arrived at the main hall to meet the so-called unexpected guests.

There were four people:

An imposing old man—instantly recognized as a Title Douluo.

A beautiful woman—Tang Yuehua.

Two others—Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan, deans from the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy (leaving only Zhi Lin to watch over the school).

"Xiao Tian, you're here," said Yin Yang, introducing the old man. "This is the Clear Sky Sect's Grand Elder, Ling Tian Douluo Tang Ling, a level-94 Title Douluo. They've come specifically to see you."

Tianlin had already guessed their purpose. Tang Yuehua was smart enough not to bring large numbers of sect disciples, otherwise Ning Fengzhi would see it as a provocation. Bringing only one elder was enough to converse with Ning Fengzhi and Tianlin, and no one would think they were there to cause trouble. As for the two deans, they had probably asked the Heaven Dou Empire for help in pleading their case. Tang Yuehua's skill with relationships was clear from her actions at the wedding; in Tianlin's eyes, her words carried ten times more weight than even the emperor's edict.

"So it's the deans. Sorry to keep you waiting—I've been away on business recently," Tianlin greeted.

Meng Shenji and the others quickly stood to salute. "Not at all, Your Excellency."

"Deans, please don't bow to me." Tianlin hurriedly stopped them. "You are my elders. There's no need for such ceremony. And there's no need to call me 'Your Excellency' or any title. I also owe you an apology—at the wedding, I had no choice but to knock you out. Please pass my apologies to Dean Zhi Lin as well."

Bai Baoshan sighed, "Ah, you're a good kid, but why must you sometimes act so overbearing?"

Tianlin's strength now dwarfed Bai Baoshan's, but his attitude remained respectful, which gratified the old man. For a spirit master, virtue mattered even more than strength.

The problem was, Tianlin's virtue was double-standard—he respected those he recognized, no matter his own level. But for those he didn't, like Xue Beng, it ranged from insults to beatings, or even just drawing his sword.

"Hmph, good kid? He doesn't even greet people." Ling Tian Douluo said coldly. Having lost his seventh brother, Lieyang Douluo, to Tianlin, it was all he could do not to attack.

"Sorry, I don't even know you. Why should I greet you?" Tianlin replied dismissively. His feud with the Clear Sky Sect was beyond reconciliation—no need for pleasantries.

"Grand Elder, Your Excellency, please calm down. We're not here to argue." Tang Yuehua intervened, perfectly displaying her etiquette. She understood Tianlin's earlier remark about titles was aimed at the deans, not her. As a mere rank-nine spirit master with no close relationship to Tianlin, she properly maintained etiquette with the Title Douluo.

Tianlin sat at his deputy sect master seat. "Mistress Tang, let's get to the point. You're here about Tang Hao and Tang San, right?"

"Exactly. If you know my brother and nephew's whereabouts, please tell me. I'll do my best to mediate the grudge between our sects. After all, endless revenge leads nowhere. Spirit Hall is our true common enemy. By now, all the small sects and more than a dozen kingdoms and duchies have been consolidated by them. If I'm not wrong, they'll soon try to declare their own state." Tang Yuehua showed her broad perspective, willing to set aside revenge for Tang Hao and Tang San's sake.

"Mistress Tang, if not for the differences in strength and gender, I'd say you're even more suited than Tang Xiao to be sect leader—you have vision. But today, that vision is useless, because Tang Hao and Tang San are both dead—and I watched them die."

"What?" Ling Tian Douluo and Tang Yuehua were shocked. After a long silence, Tang Yuehua asked in a pleading tone, "Your Excellency, you must be joking with me? I know we've offended you before, but this has nothing to do with my brother and nephew. Please don't hold it against them."

She desperately wanted Tianlin to deny it, but unfortunately, he was telling the truth.

"Don't believe me? When Tang San died, a hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone fell from his corpse. Tang Hao had six soul bones—apart from your sect's two inherited bones, I can tell you exactly what the others were, if you like."

Hearing this, the two could no longer doubt him. No one could know such details unless they'd witnessed it themselves. Tang Yuehua collapsed in despair, unable to bear the blow.

"You—you killed them, didn't you? Die!" Ling Tian Douluo could no longer hold back. With so many of their strongest killed by Tianlin, his rage took over.

"Ling Tian Strike!"

Blinded by anger, Ling Tian Douluo swung his hammer at Tianlin, ignoring the vast difference in strength.

Tianlin remained unmoved, but Yin Yang was furious. "Tang Ling, how dare you!"

As Yin Yang prepared to act, a blood-red spear shot through the hall, smashing against the Clear Sky Hammer and knocking it aside. The force made Ling Tian Douluo's arm tremble, shocking him—this newcomer was even stronger than he was, and wielded a spear, not a sword.

"No one harms my master!" A cold man in dark red armor leapt into the hall, kneeling before Tianlin. "My king, Demon Spear is late. Allow me to handle this."

"Go ahead," Tianlin nodded.

Chapter 479: Demon Spear vs. Clear Sky, The Cause of the Tang Father and Son's Deaths

Demon Spear Douluo drew his spear, murderous aura erupting. Born and raised in Slaughter City, killing was as natural to him as eating or drinking. He'd been taught that his first purpose in life was to obey and protect the King of Slaughter, and only second to uphold the rules of Slaughter City.

"Such terrifying killing intent—greater even than Tianlin or Sword Douluo." Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan were stunned. When had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect gained such a monster?

"Whoever offends my master—dies!" Demon Spear Douluo's nine spirit rings (two yellow, two purple, five black) glowed on his spear. His soul power far surpassed Ling Tian Douluo's.

Ling Tian Douluo, a peak level-94 Title Douluo, was among the strongest, just one step from level 95.

"He's a Super Douluo!" the others realized.

"Seventh Soul Skill: Demon Spear True Body!" Demon Spear Douluo wasted no words, immediately activating his martial soul avatar and attacking. Unlike those who liked to talk tough, he was born to kill—never showing mercy. Once he recognized someone as an enemy, he would kill them at any cost.

"Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul Avatar!" Startled by Demon Spear Douluo's decisiveness, Ling Tian Douluo also activated his true body.

In the main hall, spear and hammer clashed fiercely, each soul power shock making the entire sect shake as if in an earthquake.

"Xiao Tian, shouldn't we stop them? Otherwise the main hall will be destroyed," Yin Yang said.

"No need to worry, Grandpa Ying. Let the Clear Sky Sect see Demon Spear's power. As for the main hall, I'll protect it!" Tianlin wrapped the hall in his own, even greater soul power, ensuring no damage could occur.

Demon Spear's assault grew fiercer—he'd ignore being struck by the Clear Sky Hammer if it meant driving his spear through Ling Tian Douluo's heart. Forced to defend, Ling Tian Douluo's attacks were stifled.

"Damn, is this guy insane? He's stronger than me, but insists on fighting like this?" Ling Tian Douluo was miserable.

The others were also frightened; usually, when fighting a weaker opponent, you fought steadily and safely. Demon Spear, however, seemed to think every second delay in killing was a crime, attacking relentlessly and efficiently.

Ling Tian Douluo lacked such resolve. Having finally become a Title Douluo, he cherished his life and now regretted attacking Tianlin in a rage. Not only was this the Seven Treasure Sect's headquarters, but Tianlin himself was more than a match—Ling Tian Douluo couldn't have killed Lieyang Douluo in a single blow.

Fear made him increasingly passive, focusing only on defense. But constant defense leads to mistakes; one error let Demon Spear's spear pierce Ling Tian Douluo's shoulder.

"Grand Elder!" Tang Yuehua, who had been despairing, now panicked. Her brother, the seventh elder, and Tang San were all dead—she couldn't bear to lose the grand elder too.

"Enough, stop, Demon Spear!" Ning Fengzhi entered with Xiao Hei. In fact, they'd arrived long ago—they simply wanted to demonstrate their strength to the Clear Sky Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Yes!" Demon Spear stopped immediately—he would obey, since Tianlin had ordered him to listen to Ning Fengzhi.

The two deans and Tang Yuehua quickly helped the injured Ling Tian Douluo, Meng Shenji using soul power to staunch the bleeding. Fortunately, as a Title Douluo, the wound was not fatal.

"Sect Master Ning, I apologize for what just happened, but our grand elder was provoked. Your sect has killed so many of us. Didn't you always say the three upper sects were as close as brothers?" Tang Yuehua asked softly, without any accusation even in such a situation.

Ning Fengzhi was surprised—he'd planned to make things even more difficult for them, since Ling Tian Douluo had attacked first. But faced with Tang Yuehua's calm and apology, he had nowhere to vent his anger.

"Since you've apologized, let's leave Ling Tian Douluo's injury at that." Ning Fengzhi took his seat. "As for the others, they brought it upon themselves. First, Tang Hao killed Oslo, so his son's death was the Heaven Dou battle team's revenge."

"But Your Excellency swore not to pursue that matter. Are you not afraid of breaking your spirit oath and suffering inner demons?" Tang Yuehua couldn't understand—was it worth all this for Oslo?

"If I'd done it, Tang San wouldn't have been the first to die—it would have been Tang Hao. My father-in-law just said, it was the Heaven Dou team's revenge."

Tang Yuehua immediately understood. Though Tang San died in Tianlin's presence, the killer was a Heaven Dou team member, not Tianlin himself. She didn't bother asking who—she knew Tianlin wouldn't say.

"Fine, the Heaven Dou team had reason. What about my brother? None of them could defeat him. If it wasn't you, who else could've killed him?"

"Tang Hao's crimes go beyond that. Don't pretend you don't know how he slaughtered soul beasts in the forest to get bones for his son. That violated laws set by the seven sects, Spirit Hall, and the two empires. Even if I'd killed him myself, it'd be justified. But he didn't die by my hand—he was wounded by a beast king in the Star Dou Forest, then fled to the Extreme North, only to encounter even stronger soul beasts. The 690,000-year Snow Empress and the 390,000-year Ice Empress killed him. If you want revenge, go find them."

"Snow Empress, Ice Empress!" Tang Yuehua was shocked by the existence of such powerful soul beasts. She knew about Tang Hao's slaughter of soul beasts—if he was killed by beast kings, it was his own doing.

"As for Lieyang Douluo, you were there that day. I've already answered that. Anything else?" Tianlin stared coldly at Tang Yuehua.

Even Tang Yuehua, normally composed, was intimidated. "No, thank you for clarifying. The Grand Elder is badly hurt—we'll take him for treatment now. Farewell."

Supporting their elder, Tang Yuehua left with the others. Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly. Killing people while remaining in the right—his son-in-law was becoming more and more like him.