Ever since Xu Zihuang returned to Shrek Academy, more than two months had passed in the blink of an eye.
The overall situation on the continent remained relatively stable. The Sun Moon Empire seemed to have ceased all activity, showing no further offensives against the weakened Heavenly Soul Empire. The only change occurred in the Mingdou Mountain Range on the northwest border of the Star Luo Empire.
Previously, with Xu Zihuang's help, the Star Luo Empire had successfully reclaimed the Mingdou Mountain Range positions. However, not long ago, the Sun Moon Empire's Imperial Dragon Soul Engineer Legion and Terrorclaw Soul Engineer Legion launched a lightning-fast surprise attack on the Mingdou Mountain Range once again.
The Star Luo Empire suffered another crushing defeat, and the Sun Moon Empire reoccupied the Mingdou Mountain Range, using this natural fortress to build defensive soul tool positions that pinned down the Star Luo Empire.
The White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, a commander renowned throughout the Star Luo Empire, became nothing more than a joke in the face of the Sun Moon Empire's soul tool technology. The so-called record of never having been defeated by the Sun Moon Empire was merely because, over the past twenty years, internal turmoil within the Sun Moon Empire's imperial family had prevented any real military action against the Star Luo Empire. Now, confronting the Sun Moon Empire's formidable Imperial Guardians head-on, the outwardly impressive but inwardly hollow White Tiger Duke Dai Hao was completely exposed.
Xu Jiujiu personally came to Shrek Academy to promptly deliver this news, but her main purpose was clearly Xu Zihuang.
However, Xu Zihuang used the excuse that he had made a breakthrough in soul engineering capabilities and refused to meet with Xu Jiujiu. One reason was his genuine dislike for this woman, and the other was that he had roughly guessed the Sun Moon Empire's intentions—or rather, Xu Tianran's intentions.
Although Xu Zihuang didn't know Xu Tianran's current condition, having one arm severed by the Golden Dragon Spear and a large portion of his life force devoured was an injury that would be extremely difficult to recover from. It was foreseeable that Xu Tianran would not live much longer.
Compared to Xu Zihuang's memories from his previous life, the current Xu Tianran was far more impatient and under much greater pressure. The main source of that pressure was the issue of an heir.
Everyone with eyes could see Xu Tianran's physical condition. Without a publicly acknowledged heir, the Sun Moon Empire's imperial family would surely begin stirring internally.
All signs indicated that the Sun Moon Empire did not wish to start another war in the short term. Xu Tianran's actions were likely intended to have Ju Zi bear a child through "borrowed seed" to relieve this pressure.
Dai Luoli, who had been studying in Shrek Academy's inner court, had his Blood Tiger martial soul origin fully awakened. In the past year, his soul power cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds, and he was now a five-ring Soul King. Upon hearing the news from the Star Luo Empire's front lines, he actively requested to head to the front.
Dai Yaoheng, who had accompanied Xu Jiujiu to Shrek Academy, did not immediately refuse when Dai Luoli made this request. Instead, he planned to leave the decision to their father, the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao.
Dai Yaoheng had little brotherly affection for his half-brother Dai Luoli. Whether Dai Luoli wanted to go to the front lines had nothing to do with him, so there was naturally no need to stop him.
Thus, Dai Luoli returned to the Star Luo Empire's frontline camp together with Dai Yaoheng.
Although Xu Jiujiu still refused to give up, since Yu Tianhuang was unwilling to see her, there was nothing she could do. After staying at Shrek Academy for half a month, she ultimately left in disappointment.
During this period, Ye Guyi had been cultivating in the underground world beneath Sea God's Pavilion. After purifying the twelve blood souls from Ye Xishui, she needed a relatively long time to digest the feedback.
Meanwhile, Xu Zihuang successfully inscribed eight eighth-level core formation arrays and upgraded Ye Guyi's Seven Star Blazing Light Sword into an eighth-level close-combat soul tool.
For core formation arrays above the eighth level, each one was essentially an aggregation of that type of core formation array. Because the complexity of a single core formation array had already reached its limit, it was no longer a simple planar diagram but a complete three-dimensional construct, even involving a sense of four-dimensional space in some cases.
However, with the innate advantage of his Golden Pupil martial soul, Xu Zihuang inscribed them almost effortlessly, without the slightest stagnation. This also signified that his soul engineering ability had officially reached the eighth level.
With the addition of Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Heavenly Dragon Horse Dragon Crystal, the power of radiance of the Seven-Star Lightflame Sword could even approach that of ordinary ninth-level close-combat soul tools. Given Ye Guyi's current cultivation level, it was perfectly suited for her use.
The reason Ye Guyi had not used the radiance of the Seven-Star Lightflame Sword earlier was precisely that, as a seventh-level soul tool at the time, its grade could no longer keep up.
Shrek Academy Soul Guidance Department, No. 3 Testing Area.
Xu Zihuang sat at the sub-light metal workbench and fitted the final eighth-level core formation array into the interior of the Seven Star Blazing Light Sword. Then he stood up, gripped the hilt of the slender gold-white sword, and poured soul power into it. The sharp blade instantly gathered light, turning completely transparent like crystal.
Two diamond-shaped crystals were embedded in the sword guard: one a blazing red, the other flickering with faint golden light. The energies within the two maintained a special balance, ensuring that no energy leaked when soul power was injected.
Only when deliberately triggering the energy within these two ten-thousand-year soul beast essence crystals would the sword fully display its true might.
Additionally, because Xu Zihuang had used Life Gold to inscribe the core formation arrays inside the Seven Star Blazing Light Sword, the weapon also possessed the effect of the Blade of Life's Watch. First, as a close-combat soul tool directly endowed with life by Life Gold, its quality far surpassed that of soul tools of the same level.
The difficulty in crafting soul tools above seventh level lay precisely in the need for them to possess a certain degree of life—or soul—of their own.
The Blade of Life's Watch was forged from Life Gold, whose very attribute was life. The true ability it bestowed upon the radiance of the Seven-Star Lightflame Sword was called Judgment. It could judge the life force of all objects, but this did not include living beings, only applying to metal and lifeless objects.
In other words, this radiance of the Seven-Star Lightflame Sword possessed the effect of suppressing all soul tools. Of course, this suppression was limited. After all, the ability came only from the Blade of Life's Watch carving knife, not from Life Gold itself.
He Caitou stood not far behind Xu Zihuang. Seeing this scene, a genuine smile appeared on his dark face, though this smile no longer carried the simple-mindedness of before, instead giving off a deep and wise impression.
But that impression vanished in an instant. The moment his gaze met Xu Zihuang's, He Caitou immediately snapped back.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother Yu. Even if Teacher personally came to craft the eighth-level core formation arrays needed for this Seven Star Blazing Light Sword, I doubt he could have done better than you."
"This period of hard work wasn't in vain. Let's go, Senior Brother." Xu Zihuang gave a faint smile and walked out of No. 3 Testing Area side by side with He Caitou.
This No. 3 Testing Area had been specially reserved by Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department for the two of them. Xian Lin'er, Qian Duoduo, and Fan Yu, the three deans of the Soul Guidance Department, occupied No. 1 and No. 2 Testing Areas ahead, busy working on the second ninth-level fixed soul cannon.
However, Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department ultimately lacked sufficient foundation. Even with the experience of successfully crafting the first ninth-level fixed soul cannon, producing a second one would likely take at least half a year or more, even with the combined efforts of all three.
The corridor of the testing area was empty; only the footsteps of Xu Zihuang and He Caitou echoed through it.
Over these past two-plus months, Xu Zihuang and He Caitou had spent a great deal of time together. Although he had never expressed it openly, He Caitou should have understood what was in his heart.
Near the exit of the testing area, Xu Zihuang gave He Caitou a deep, meaningful glance.
"Senior Brother He, within the next five years, the situation on the continent may undergo earth-shaking changes."
He Caitou's expression froze for a moment. Then a barely perceptible glint flashed deep in his eyes as he silently watched Xu Zihuang's back.
A cold, clear moon hung high in the sky. A young woman in a silver long dress had already been waiting there. The silver dress was slightly loose, embroidered with elegant golden patterns that further accentuated her fair, lustrous skin.
Platinum-white long hair cascaded over her shoulders, swaying gently in the wind. The young woman appeared to be around twenty years old, yet the charm on her delicate face was extraordinarily captivating. The swell of her abdomen was already quite obvious.
The young woman was none other than Ning Tian. By full count, she was now nearly six months pregnant. After consuming that Narcissus Jade Bone Immortal Herb, her soul power cultivation had also received a tremendous boost and was now not far from breaking through the seventieth-level bottleneck.
Seeing Xu Zihuang approaching, the corners of Ning Tian's mouth immediately curved into a gentle arc. Smiling radiantly, she stepped forward and rested her head against his chest.
"Tianhuang."
"Didn't I tell you to rest early by yourself today? Once I finish my work, I'll head back." Xu Zihuang took off his outer robe and draped it over Ning Tian's fragrant shoulders, a hint of helplessness on his face.
Ning Tian, filled with happiness, breathed in the scent and warmth lingering on Xu Zihuang's clothes. She hooked her arm through one of his and pouted her red lips slightly.
"But the baby and I both missed you."
Such an ordinary sentence, yet it deeply touched Xu Zihuang.
He Caitou, standing to the side, silently watched this warm scene.
A moment later, Xu Zihuang took Ning Tian's hand, turned, and gave He Caitou a slight nod. Ning Tian also smiled warmly and took the initiative to greet him.
"Senior Brother He, Tianhuang, and I will head back first."
"Mm, alright." He Caitou gave a silly smile and rubbed his big bald head, feeling a thousand emotions in his heart.
He could sense the recent change in Xu Zihuang, likely because a bloodline connection had been formed with Ning Tian. But he was genuinely happy to see it. This version of Xu Zihuang was the one from his childhood memories, the little imperial brother he had been closest to since they were young.
Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian strolled along the lakeside path. The clear surface of Sea God Lake reflected the silver moon and the trees and flowers along the shore, just like every night they had walked together in the past.
Soft light poured from the soul guide lamps lining the path. Ning Tian leaned against Xu Zihuang's shoulder, gazing at their overlapping shadows ahead, as though seeing all the moments they had shared.
It had already been seven years since they first met and came to know each other.
As if thinking of something, Ning Tian naturally pulled Xu Zihuang's right hand and placed it on her abdomen, smiling brightly as she said,
"Tianhuang, seven years ago, did you ever imagine we would reach today?"
"How could I possibly have imagined that one day you would get pregnant before marriage and completely tie me down?" Xu Zihuang teased.
"What do you mean by 'tie you down'? That sounds so awful!"
Ning Tian glared at him with her water-blue eyes in mock anger, though a trace of smugness flickered within them.
Xu Zihuang smiled without speaking, carefully feeling the small life inside Ning Tian's belly.
Ning Tian greatly enjoyed this protective gesture from Xu Zihuang. Her long lashes trembled slightly as she lifted her chin.
"Tianhuang—"
Xu Zihuang understood immediately and leaned down toward her face.
Ning Tian completely immersed herself in Xu Zihuang's tenderness, her gaze hazy as she closed her eyes. But at that moment, from the corner of Xu Zihuang's eye, he caught sight of a tall figure. Pink-blue wavy long hair fell to her waist and hips; her flawless, beautiful face was expressionless.
Wang Qiu'er stood not far ahead of Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian, her gaze calm. Due to the pull of destiny, she could always sense Xu Zihuang's location. Acting on an impulse, she had unconsciously come here, only to witness this scene.
She felt no strong jealousy. After exchanging memories with Xu Zihuang, she was already aware of the situation with Ning Tian. Moreover, over the past two-plus months, she had privately met Xu Zihuang several times. Each rendezvous had taken place outside Shrek City, and with the convenience of Xu Zihuang's Golden Pupil martial soul talent, coming and going was easy enough.
The moment their eyes met, Wang Qiu'er knew there would be no chance tonight. She turned and vanished silently into the night as a streak of golden afterimage.
Ning Tian, completely unaware, hugged Xu Zihuang's waist even tighter, sinking deeper into her own world.
Another month passed. The Sun Moon Empire still showed no movement. On the surface, the entire continent appeared eerily silent, yet beneath it, undercurrents surged as every major empire made its own preparations and moves.
Elder Xuan, who had begun secluded cultivation almost at the same time as Ye Guyi, emerged first. On the very day he came out, he had a private conversation with Xu Zihuang.
Sea God's Pavilion, first-floor meeting hall. Elder Xuan sat in the main seat. He appeared no different from before, yet Xu Zihuang keenly sensed subtle changes.
Elder Xuan's aura had become far more peaceful; no soul power fluctuations or spiritual fluctuations could be felt at all.
Xu Zihuang knew this was the profound mystery of dual soul cores. While same-position resonance was far inferior to yin-yang complementarity, such dual soul cores still held unfathomable wonders.
Elder Xuan waved his hand, indicating for Xu Zihuang to sit in the seat to his left.
"Sit, Tianhuang."
Xu Zihuang did not refuse and took the seat. Understanding the situation, he offered congratulations:
"Congratulations, Elder Xuan. It seems you have successfully broken through to Limit Douluo."
"Thanks to that immortal herb you had Guyi bring me." Elder Xuan waved his hand with a trace of emotion.
"Thinking back now, such a heaven-defying immortal herb really shouldn't have been wasted on an old man like me. Although the Earth Dragon Golden Melon's attributes don't quite match yours, it should still save you considerable effort and help you reach the Title Douluo bottleneck as soon as possible. Once you break through to Title Douluo, our original Douluo Continent will truly have nothing to fear from the Sun Moon Empire's invasion."
"Rest assured, Elder Xuan. I have an even better choice." Xu Zihuang smiled freely.
"In fact, it wasn't just you. I also gave immortal herbs suited to them to Old Gu and Senior Poison of the Body Sect."
Elder Xuan let out a wistful sigh.
"I had already guessed as much. Ever since breaking through to Limit Douluo, I have gained a much deeper understanding of this world. If my perception is correct, Old Bone Dragon of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and that Poison Monster of the Body Sect should have also advanced to Limit Douluo recently, just like me."
At this point, Elder Xuan could no longer maintain his powerful demeanor and said somewhat indignantly:
"Tianhuang, considering your relationship with Ning Tian, there's no issue in giving that old bone dragon an immortal herb. But you can't just let that Poison Monster take such a huge advantage for nothing! When I came out of seclusion, I heard from Old Song that three months ago, you helped their Body Sect badly injure the Holy Spirit Cult. They already owed you an enormous debt of gratitude, and now you've given them an immortal-grade herb on top of that. In my opinion, even if that Poison Monster handed over the Body Sect's entire Body Secret Art to you, it still wouldn't be enough."
Elder Xuan had always been somewhat irreverent in his ways. Only after inheriting the position of Sea God's Pavilion Master in accordance with Mu Lao's last wish did he restrain himself somewhat. But a person's character is not so easily changed. Because he had once suffered a loss at the hands of Poison Undying during that confrontation, he still harbored resentment to this day.
"Elder Xuan, the reason I gave those two immortal herbs to Old Gu and Senior Poison was also part of my own considerations," Xu Zihuang said frankly.
"The target I have set for my eighth soul ring is extremely powerful. Only with the assistance of you few who have advanced to Limit Douluo, will there be absolute certainty of success."
Elder Xuan's gaze sharpened in shock.
"You brat, you're not planning to make the Evileye Tyrant Ruler your eighth soul ring, are you?"
Seeing the serious expression on Yu Tianhuang's face, he thought it over and realized that only the Evileye Tyrant Ruler in the Evil Spirit Forest could make Yu Tianhuang this cautious.
"If possible, I actually hope the Evileye Tyrant Ruler can become my ninth soul ring," Xu Zihuang said calmly, shaking his head.
"The target I have locked for my eighth soul ring is the Sea Princess, leader of the mermaid tribe living in the Extreme North Ice Sea, with a cultivation of six hundred thousand years."
"Sea Princess?!" Elder Xuan frowned slightly, as though recalling something. With a meaningful tone, he said,
"I remember that back when Sea God Island still existed, one of the seven Sacred Pillar Douluo guarding Sea God Island came from the mermaid tribe. This Sea Princess should believe in the Sea God, right? Have you considered negotiation? With your soul spirit fusion method, I believe the Sea Princess might not necessarily refuse."
"Elder Xuan, we can indeed try that approach when the time comes," Xu Zihuang replied, following Elder Xuan's words, though deep down he remained somewhat unconvinced. It was precisely because the Sea Princess believed in Tang San that he could not fully trust her. If the Sea Princess were truly willing to become his soul spirit voluntarily, he would actually find it suspicious and feel the need to be even more cautious.
The safest method was still to kill the Sea Princess and directly absorb her soul ring and soul bone.
After a moment of silence, Elder Xuan nodded seriously.
"Tianhuang, how about this? I'll first notify Old Bone Dragon and Poison Monster to come. The three of us will personally accompany you to the Extreme North Ice Sea."
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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