DD Spiritual Sword [542-544] (Patreon)

Chapter 542: The Tianlin Army Advances into the Lima Plain

Today marked a small victory, and the entire Heaven Dou City was filled with cheers and jubilation.

For the soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire, having been suppressed by the Spirit Empire for a whole year, they hadn't enjoyed the thrill of victory for far too long.

In the imperial palace, Princess Xue Ke stepped out of her room and heard the cheers of the army outside, but her face showed no joy.

What did a victory have to do with her? She was just an abandoned pawn, unwanted by anyone.

At this moment, she missed Tianlin and Xue Qinghe terribly. Although neither of them were her real brothers, they had truly cared for her back then, treating her like a real sister.

She deeply missed those days. Back then, Tianlin was not yet the Holy Demon Douluo who turned the Heaven Dou palace upside down, and Qian Renxue was still the gentle and kind Xue Qinghe. With them, she was so relaxed and happy, as if even if the sky fell, they would hold it up for her.

"Big brother, Brother Tianlin, are you two alright? Fate is cruel, making two people who were so close destined to become life-and-death enemies. Xue Ke can do nothing, but can only pray here that both of you survive this continental war."

…

Ning Fengzhi sent Gu Ran to the military camp to celebrate with the soldiers and reward the army. From now on, Gu Ran would command more and more troops. He had to balance strictness and kindness—while maintaining authority, he also needed the soldiers' heartfelt respect.

As for Ning Fengzhi himself, he stayed in his room, examining the continental map. Although the Spirit Empire lost today, they had not retreated. The losses were not insignificant, but not enough to make them falter. Their soul master force was simply too strong, and there was still a powerful reserve in their capital.

Moreover, four of the Worship elders in the Hall of Worships had not made a move yet. Bibi Dong would definitely call for reinforcements, and a new war would break out soon.

…

In the Spirit Empire's camp, Bibi Dong and the others were listening to the battle report with grim expressions.

On the military side, forty thousand heavy cavalry were wiped out, and the rear guard, under the charge of Heaven Dou's light cavalry, lost another twenty thousand, totaling sixty thousand troops.

Among the soul masters, the Elephant Armored Sect, Wind Sword Sect, and the Angel Legion were all annihilated. The Fire Leopard, Rock Antelope, and Black Tiger sects, which assisted in siege warfare, also suffered heavy losses. Soul master casualties exceeded four thousand in this battle alone.

And the dead were not low-level soul masters—among them were three Soul Douluo, nearly a hundred Soul Sages, and the rest were all Soul Kings or Soul Emperors.

Such losses would have meant the annihilation of most other powers; even for the Spirit Empire, this was a severe blow.

"Yue Guan, you mobilized the Angel Legion to storm the city without orders, falling for the enemy's plan and causing our country heavy losses. Do you admit your guilt?" Bibi Dong said coldly, staring at Yue Guan kneeling on the ground.

Even without Ning Rongrong's strange yellow talisman, it was not a good time to attack. On the opposite line, Title Douluo Qin Ming, Ning Rongrong, and several Soul Douluos from the Emperor Battle Team were stationed. With the agility clans suppressing the Elephant and Wind Sword Sects, the Angel Legion couldn't break through. Even if they forced their way in, it would have been a pyrrhic victory.

The original plan was for Chrysanthemum Douluo, the extra Title Douluo, to clear the obstacles, then have the Angel Legion launch a surprise attack. But with Qin Ming appearing, the plan had already failed. Had Yue Guan preserved his strength, victory or defeat would still be in question. But all was ruined by his impulsiveness.

"Yue Guan admits his mistake. But with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Emperor Battle Team right before my eyes, I couldn't forget Old Ghost's deep hatred and acted out of anger. I accept any punishment from Your Holiness." Yue Guan did not defend himself; he knew Bibi Dong well—arguing would only enrage her further.

Of course, admitting his fault wouldn't save his life, just make his death quicker. But now was a time when every man counted. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as enemy, one more Title Douluo was crucial. Golden Crocodile Douluo had already pleaded for him, so killing him now would do no good.

"Hmph. I'll settle Old Ghost's score with Jun Tianlin myself. Why the rush? Yue Guan, you disobeyed military orders and acted on your own. You should be executed, but considering your years of service and great contributions, I'll spare your life for now and strip you of your elder position. Any objections?" Bibi Dong was already being merciful; in the original story, Chrysanthemum Douluo would already be dead.

But it only meant a later death. If he failed to redeem himself in the coming war, Bibi Dong would settle accounts after the dust settled.

"Subordinate has no objections." Chrysanthemum Douluo no longer cared about his elder status. His only purpose in living now was to avenge Ghost Douluo, even if it meant selling his soul.

He had long prepared a scheme against Bibi Dong. But the pressure from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was not enough yet; he wanted to wait for Jun Tianlin.

…

At this time, Tianlin had led his army to take most of the Lima Plain without a fight. The reason was simple—the soldiers stationed there were all men of the Luo family.

Because the Luo father and son were poisoned, only the Spirit Empire could give them antidotes regularly, so Spirit Hall trusted them fully.

In Jialing Pass, news of Spirit Hall's defeat at the frontline had not yet arrived. Unbeknownst to them, Ghost Leopard Douluo and the four Ao brothers from the Ao family were drinking merrily.

The Ao brothers were excited—once Spirit Hall took Heaven Dou's capital, the Heaven Dou Empire would be finished. Bibi Dong had promised to hand over the Heaven Dou province to them for management, and they were already envisioning their bright future.

"Hm? Where are Luo Hengji and Luo Fujii? Didn't I say we'd feast tonight? They're supposed to pour the wine. Do they want to die?" Ao Erfu snapped.

Ever since his ears were cut off, his temper had become more violent, often killing people at random, and his soul power hadn't improved at all—still Level 81 after all these years.

"Don't be angry, Ao brother. I've already sent for them. They may be just dogs, but even if they haven't done any meritorious service, they've at least worked hard. Remember to reward them with a few bones later." Ghost Leopard Douluo smiled.

In front of Ghost Leopard Douluo, even the violent Ao Erfu dared not act out. He hurriedly agreed, "You're right, Your Holiness. They're our Spirit Hall dogs, after all. It's only right they eat better than other dogs—shows the majesty of a great nation."

Ghost Leopard Douluo nodded approvingly. "No wonder you're the patriarch of the largest clan of the former Balak Kingdom. You're sensible."

Chapter 543: Ma Hongjun Causes Havoc in Jialing Pass

Soon, the Luo father and son finally arrived—this time, they were different, not the least bit timid, even walking in with swagger.

Behind them was a man and a woman—the man with red hair and red clothes, flames rising from his body, handsome features; the woman in a purple short skirt, charming and pretty.

Seeing the girl, the Ao brothers' eyes lit up. They hadn't expected the Luo father and son to bring such a beautiful girl—prettier than any they'd taken from the Heaven Dou Empire. Surely she was a gift for them.

If the father and son were so loyal, perhaps they could even leave a bit of meat on the chicken bones for Luo Fujii later.

As soon as the red-clothed man entered and smelled the delicacies, he couldn't help himself, found a table, and began to gorge himself regardless of the others, his mouth covered in grease.

The purple-clad girl sighed helplessly and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth. "Hongjun, why are you eating so fast? Are you that hungry?"

"You don't know, Xiangxiang. When I was in the Scorching Hell, what I ate and drank every day was awful—I was so hungry I ate dirt, so thirsty I chewed ice. We won a battle a few days ago and were promised braised fish, one each, but before I started, Zhuqing snatched mine, saying I needed to keep slim or I'd bounce back. Funny how she has no boyfriend but isn't afraid of putting on weight herself." Ma Hongjun grumbled, his resentment almost overflowing.

Hearing this, Bai Chenxiang commented enviously, "You know Zhuqing's fat always goes to the right places."

Their casual conversation infuriated the Ao family. Ao Erbai slammed the table. "How dare you! My grandfather and Lord Ghost Leopard haven't allowed you to sit, yet you're already eating? Luo Hengji, how could your guests be so rude? That girl is here to serve me, right? Send her over, and throw out the red-haired one."

"My brother's right. Dog slaves don't deserve meat—a bone is a reward," Ao Erduo chimed in.

Ma Hongjun's eyes turned cold. With two swishes, a wing bone and a drumstick bone landed in the brothers' mouths.

"Speaking of dogs, aren't you guys Spirit Hall's dogs? Here's a bone for you." Ma Hongjun smirked.

"Insolent—" Ao Ersi, the brothers' father, was about to curse when, with two more swishes, a chicken head and a chicken butt landed in Ao Erfu and Ao Ersi's mouths.

Seeing this, Ghost Leopard Douluo, who had just been watching, immediately became wary. The Ao brothers were just trash, but Ao Erfu and Ao Ersi were real Soul Douluo-level soul masters.

Yet they couldn't dodge a chicken head and butt, and even Ghost Leopard Douluo barely saw the red-haired youth's move.

This was someone as strong as him.

"Luo Hengji, aren't you going to introduce him?" Ghost Leopard Douluo kept up appearances.

"Your Holiness Ghost Leopard, these two are my son's friends, also the big brother and sister-in-law he acknowledged. The red-haired youth is Ma Hongjun, a former soul master tournament participant—his appearance has changed, so you didn't recognize him. The purple-clad girl is Bai Chenxiang, young lady of the Speed Clan—you've met her before, but probably didn't remember. They're both from..." Luo Hengji paused dramatically, "the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"

"What? Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Ghost Leopard Douluo instinctively activated his martial soul. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was Spirit Hall's greatest enemy! "Luo Hengji, you dare collude with them? Don't you want the antidote any more?"

Luo Hengji calmly sipped his wine. "First, I'm not colluding with them—I've been a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect man from the start. My son's big brother is the Holy Demon Douluo, and since my only son chooses to follow him, how could I choose otherwise?

Second, the best poison master and alchemist are both with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Why should I need your antidote? I've played the coward in front of the Ao family for years—now I can finally hold my head high."

Luo Hengji snapped his fingers, "Fujii, go report!"

"Yes, father." Luo Fujii immediately went to Ma Hongjun and wailed, "Third Boss Hongjun, you need to help me! The Ao family bullied me terribly these years…"

"Don't worry. I was just delayed by dinner. The others should have already wiped out Spirit Hall's forces in Jialing Pass. Time for me to get to work." Ma Hongjun stood up, full. "Whoever bullies my big brother's little brother bullies me. Ghost Leopard Douluo, Ao family scum, draw your line. Today I'll avenge my brother."

Hearing this, Ghost Leopard Douluo shuddered. He should have realized—Ma Hongjun wouldn't come alone. With the Luo family's help, the entire Jialing Pass, even the whole Lima Plain, and the former Silvis Kingdom territory, might already be in Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect hands.

He was right. Lima Plain was already in Tianlin's hands, and Tianlin had set out for Silvis Kingdom himself. For efficiency, he only sent a few people to Jialing Pass, but it was enough.

With Spirit Hall's main force at the front, the only real fighters at Jialing Pass were Ghost Leopard Douluo and the Ao family, and even together, they were no match for Ma Hongjun wielding his divine weapon.

"Arrogant brat, let me teach you a lesson on behalf of your big brother!" While Ghost Leopard Douluo hesitated, Ao Erfu, full of old and new grudges, attacked.

The Sunflower Martial Soul bloomed, and a golden beam shot at Ma Hongjun.

"Idiot!" Ghost Leopard Douluo cursed. The fool couldn't sense the power gap—this opponent was likely even stronger than a Title Douluo.

"Oh, so you're the one who bullied my big brother, Ao Erfu? Well, since you lost your ears, how about your whole head?" Ma Hongjun flipped his hand, and the Fire God Spear appeared. With one move, "Phoenix Nods," he pierced both the golden beam and Ao Erfu's skull.

Ao Erfu's head exploded, his brain splattering as he died. A mighty Soul Douluo, killed in one blow!

Chapter 544: Tianlin's Calculations—Forcing Qian Daoliu Out

"Grandfather!"

 "Father!"

Seeing Ao Erfu killed, Ao Ersi, Ao Erbai, and Ao Erduo were terrified—Ao Erfu was their top expert. Ao Ersi had only just reached Soul Douluo level with Spirit Hall's resources and was still weaker than the older Ao Erfu.

Ghost Leopard Douluo was shocked too. He could have done it by sneak attack, but head-on, even he'd need effort.

Ghost Leopard eyed Ma Hongjun's spear warily. He knew Ma Hongjun was strong, but not Tianlin-strong; to kill a Soul Douluo in one blow, it had to be the spear.

"Next, it's your turn!" Ma Hongjun pointed his spear at the remaining four.

"Ao Ersi, if you don't want to die, attack together. Ninth soul skill: Ghost Leopard Shadow Army!" As an agility-type Title Douluo, Ghost Leopard Douluo knew to strike first and didn't hold back, immediately using his ninth soul skill.

His soul power blasted the house apart, and thousands of Ghost Leopard Douluo replicas surrounded them.

This was much stronger than Oslo's panther-shadows—even Oslo, now nearly Title Douluo, could only create less than a hundred replicas with his third soul skill, nowhere near as strong.

"Eighth soul skill: Hundred Flowers Bloom!" As clan chief, Ao Ersi was afraid but not resigned to die. Unlike the shadow clones above, his skill made a hundred sunflowers grow on the ground, each firing a solar beam—the same third soul skill Ao Erfu used earlier, but a hundred times stronger.

"Chenxiang, can third boss Hongjun handle two top soul skills at once?" Luo Fujii worried.

Bai Chenxiang smiled, "Don't worry. Hongjun is very strong now!"

"Kill!" At Ghost Leopard Douluo's roar, a thousand clones and a hundred beams blasted at Ma Hongjun in the center.

Ghost Leopard Douluo was confident—even a defense-type Title Douluo like Turtle Douluo would be badly hurt under such fire.

Ma Hongjun, observing the attacks from all directions, spun the Fire God Spear in a defensive style called "Immortal Points the Way"—a move both to neutralize and accumulate force. No matter how many attacks, he blocked them all.

Several minutes later, when the attacks stopped, everything within hundreds of meters was wrecked—except for a one-meter circle at Ma Hongjun's feet, not even dusty.

"How could this be?" Ghost Leopard Douluo gasped. Such fierce attacks hadn't scratched Ma Hongjun.

Ma Hongjun suddenly flicked his spear, sending it flying toward Ao Ersi—a follow-up to "Immortal Points the Way." A counterattack when the enemy's strength was depleted. Ao Ersi hadn't even reacted before his chest was pierced, his body incinerated instantly.

"One left—now it's your turn." Ma Hongjun looked up at Ghost Leopard Douluo, killing intent blazing.

"Run!" Ghost Leopard Douluo didn't hesitate—he now knew he was no match, or rather, no match for the spear. Staying meant death.

He fled south—toward Bibi Dong's army. Tianlin didn't want him to get there.

Fire Dragon Douluo Wu Zhao was already waiting on the south wall of Jialing Pass. When Ghost Leopard Douluo arrived, Wu Zhao immediately attacked, forcing him back—they were equal in strength.

Seeing Wu Zhao was his equal and desperate to escape, Ghost Leopard Douluo changed direction toward the east—toward Spirit Hall City.

Tianlin had even staged a fake ambush with Zhu Zhuqing there.

Breaking out of Jialing Pass, Ghost Leopard Douluo breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew, thank goodness Jun Tianlin didn't come himself, or I'd be dead. But since he's taken over the Luo family, he's surely annexing Balak and Silvis now. If this continues, the army will be cut off from Spirit City and isolated—then they'll be in danger."

Going to Bibi Dong would just get him intercepted by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With no other choice, Ghost Leopard Douluo decided to return to Spirit Hall City; only with both the Grand Worshipper and Her Majesty could they break the crisis. Otherwise, Bibi Dong alone was no match for Tianlin and Chen Xin together, let alone being attacked from two sides—the army could be wiped out.

Tianlin, meanwhile, had sent Yu Feng and Huan Yin to hold Balak; Bai He to take Silvis. There was barely any fighting—the troops in those areas were all Balak's, and when shown the Luo family's tokens, most surrendered without a fight.

Tianlin then sped back to Jialing Pass—arriving just as things settled.

The Luo father and son were tormenting Ao Erduo and Ao Erbai—taking revenge for years of humiliation.

"Boss, as you instructed, I left a gap for Ghost Leopard Douluo to escape and return to Spirit Hall. Mission accomplished," Ma Hongjun said proudly.

"Senior brother, I don't understand—why let him go? Bibi Dong's army is now isolated and vulnerable to annihilation. But with Ghost Leopard Douluo gone, he might bring reinforcements—especially the Grand Worshipper, to counter you and Master. Isn't that dangerous?" Bai Chenxiang asked.

Tianlin smiled, "That's exactly what I want. There are two reasons. First, it's easy to wipe out tens of thousands of Spirit Hall troops, but hard to make them surrender. I hope to win them over—defeating their godlike Grand Worshipper Qian Daoliu is a great way to break their morale.

Second, it's for Master. Master's god trial requires defeating Qian Daoliu, but if he's inside the Hall of Worships, he can use 20% of a first-class god's power—unless he self-destructs, Master can't win. And Qian Daoliu would never leave for no reason. So I have to force him out. With so many lives, including Bibi Dong and several elders, he can't ignore it.

Only outside the Hall of Worships does Master have a chance."

When Tianlin took Gengxin City, Lima Plain, Jialing Pass, and Silvis, everything was too smooth—neither Bibi Dong nor Spirit Hall City learned quickly. So he needed to let Ghost Leopard Douluo escape to inform them.

Chen Xin's god trial required him to defeat Qian Daoliu at full strength, not with outside help. Even self-destructing, he'd only get a draw.

But the trial said "full strength," not "strongest state"—so Tianlin found a loophole. As long as Qian Daoliu is unharmed and has full soul power, it counts, and the battlefield need not be the Hall of Worships.

With Chen Xin's swordsmanship now, he definitely has a chance to win—so long as the fight happens elsewhere.