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*****
Simultaneously, under Wang Li's control, the excess life force spread outward like a spring breeze sweeping over the earth. Within several hundred meters, the barren ground blossomed anew. In the blink of an eye, the once empty space became a lush jungle.
After finishing, Wang Li withdrew his Martial Soul, clapped his hands, and the nine soul rings disappeared. He leapt onto the back of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger and said,
"Stop playing dead. Let's return to the valley."
"Roar…"
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger let out a low growl, but it lacked its former ferocity—more a gesture of obedience than defiance. It stood up, its massive paws thudding against the ground. The barbed tail curled upward, while the pair of black wings on its back—symbols of its fallen nature—flapped, stirring a violent gust that swept in all directions.
Despite its size, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger soared into the sky like the wind, swiftly adjusting its direction to return to the valley.
Watching the mighty beast fly ahead, Wang Li nodded in satisfaction. Then, a thought stirred in his mind:
"Time to resume secluded cultivation. All I lack now is a divine seat—Life. I need to ponder this carefully. Life isn't limited to plants. My Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul possesses the ultimate life attribute, but in this world, life exists not only in plants but also in animals—birds, beasts, fish, insects... The scope is vast. Since I seek a different path, I must break free from conventional thinking. Imagination must not be bound…"
…
Let's turn our attention to Tang Chen!
With the help of the Asura God King's intervention, Tang Chen had the Blood-Red Nine-Headed Bat King purged from his body, and a sliver of Asura divine power was left within him.
For all these years, his body had been possessed by that blood-red monster. Constantly consuming Bloody Mary and enduring its toxins had left his body on the verge of collapse.
The Asura divine power could protect him for a time, but not for a lifetime. If he couldn't complete the ninth trial of the Asura God's inheritance, his only fate would be death.
Understanding this, Tang Chen had no desire to continue acting as the so-called King of Slaughter. He immediately set off from the domain. As the heir of the Asura God, he could come and go freely.
Upon reaching the outside world, he took in the vast mountain ranges, the dense forests, and the warmth of sunlight on his skin—all of it filling him with emotion. In a deep voice, he murmured,
"The Blood-Red Nine-Headed Bat King had control over my body for so many years… I have no idea what state the continent is in now. And what of my Clear Sky Clan?"
"This ninth trial… I need to find someone on the continent who possesses god-level power without being an actual god. How strange. How can one be at god-level without becoming a god?"
"But if that's what the divine test says, then such people must truly exist. Perhaps, to complete this ninth trial, I'll need the support of my clan. With the Clear Sky Clan's influence, that shouldn't be too difficult."
"Bo Saixi, I'm on the verge of becoming a god. Wait for me. I'll come for you soon."
Years ago, his wife had died. Qian Daoliu's wife had also passed. When the two of them met Bo Saixi on Sea God Island, it was like a second spring—they both fell for her.
They confessed their feelings, and Bo Saixi gave them a simple condition: whoever became a god first, she would choose.
Tang Chen had kept that promise in his heart ever since, vowing that he wouldn't step foot on Sea God Island again until he ascended to godhood.
Now, once more, Tang Chen made his decision—when he truly became a god, he would go to Sea God Island and give Bo Saixi a surprise.
But first, he needed to find a nearby city to learn about the current state of the world.
Having made up his mind, Tang Chen picked a direction at random and flew off.
Anxi City—a significant city in the Star Luo Empire. After making inquiries there, Tang Chen was left utterly stunned.
What? The Spirit Hall has become the Spirit Empire?
And the Clear Sky Clan… had gone into seclusion for more than a decade and was now serving the Heaven Dou royal family?
Worse yet, his most promising grandson, Tang Hao, had been killed by the Spirit Hall, and his corpse still hung from the city gate!
Tang Chen hadn't uncovered all the details connecting these events, but what he did learn was enough to enrage him beyond reason.
"Qian Daoliu, you old bastard! Have you forgotten the might of my Clear Sky Hammer? You dare trample on my dignity like this?!"
Murderous intent surged in Tang Chen's eyes as he flew straight toward Spirit City. Even though his time was limited, even though battle would drain his precious remaining strength, if he didn't vent this fury, he would never find peace.
One day later, in the skies above Spirit City—
Tang Chen's booming shout thundered across the entire city, echoing endlessly and shaking the heavens:
"Qian Daoliu, you old bastard! Get out here right now!"
As that thunderous voice echoed, every spirit master in Spirit City turned pale. Especially the older ones—they knew exactly who Qian Daoliu was.
The former Judgement Elder of the Elder Hall, a rank 99 peerless Douluo, and the true foundation of Spirit Hall's dominance over the continent.
For someone to call out Qian Daoliu by name—no, to outright insult him as an "old bastard"—this wasn't just reckless arrogance. This man had come with hostile intent.
Spirit Hall's Titled Douluos—Bibi Dong, Yue Guan, Gui Mei, Demon Bear, Ghost Leopard, Snake Lance, and Porcupinefish—all appeared at once, soaring into the sky in streaks of light that sliced through the air like rainbows.
Inside the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu also heard the voice. His face darkened, and a flicker of shock passed through his eyes.
"Tang Chen… he's back. After disappearing for decades, why return now? And to curse me the moment he shows himself—this day will not end without battle."
The six other Worship Elders—Golden Crocodile, Mighty Lion, Azure Luan, Radiant Plume, Heaven's Might, and Demon Suppressor—all gathered by his side.
Golden Crocodile's eyes glinted coldly. He spoke in a low voice:
"Grand Worship, this man shows no respect. Let's strike together and slay him on the spot. Let's see who else dares call you by name after that!"
Qian Daoliu shook his head and replied,
"Hold your ground. Let's see what he's here for first. The Empress has already gone with others—we'll observe the situation before acting."
Meanwhile, high above the city—
Bibi Dong and the six Titled Douluos arrived, hovering at the same altitude as Tang Chen. All of them looked grim.
The moment Bibi Dong saw the dark crimson sword-shaped brand on Tang Chen's forehead, a chill ran through her. Unease crept into her heart—Asura. He bore the mark of the Asura God's successor.
There were two gods of malevolent power—Asura and Rakshasa. One ruled over the energy of slaughter, the other over ultimate evil. Natural enemies.
The Rakshasa God always sought to hinder the Asura God's inheritor. If Tang Chen realized she was Rakshasa's chosen, he would strike her down without hesitation.
Bibi Dong suppressed her aura with all her might. Thankfully, she had twin spirits. All these years, she had managed to avoid detection. As long as she didn't use her second spirit, she wouldn't be exposed.
The other six—Yue Guan, Gui Mei, Demon Bear, Ghost Leopard, Snake Lance, and Porcupinefish—were equally on edge. Back when they were young, Tang Chen was already a continent-shaking legend. Even now, as Titled Douluos, they still feared him.
Bibi Dong felt humiliated. Since founding the Spirit Empire, she had ruled as an absolute empress. Yet now, she dared not even raise her voice, only managing a respectful inquiry:
"Esteemed one, what brings you here today?"
(End of Chapter)