**********
—The next morning—
Waking up feeling refreshed, Lev got out of bed and put on his clothes. After giving Tsunade a gentle kiss on the forehead, he headed outside to check on the situation around the cave. He was also curious to see what kind of surprise the five elemental spirits would have for him this time.
Meanwhile, sensing that Lev had awakened, the five elemental spirits immediately stood up and looked in his direction. Filled with excitement, they hurried inside to greet their master and wish him a good morning.
"How's the situation?" Lev asked after a while as he walked outside while carrying Whisp in his arms and gently petting the adorable elemental spirit.
However, his attention soon shifted away from Salamander and the others when he saw the scenery outside.
The area had practically transformed into a bizarre museum-like landscape, with numerous spirit beasts frozen in place like lifelike sculptures. Some were caught mid-charge, while others remained frozen in poses that made them look as though they had been turned into ice statues.
"Master, we got a lot of them this time," Salamander proudly replied.
After spending five years together, Salamander had naturally taken on the role of leader among the five elemental spirits. Being the strongest among them, he had also taken responsibility for looking after the others whenever Lev and Tsunade were occupied.
Lev smiled upon seeing their results before collecting the corpses of the fallen spirit beasts. They were all valuable resources, providing both food and nutrients that could be used to further improve their strength.
Afterward, they made a round around the surrounding area, something that had already become part of their daily routine.
Once everything had been checked, Lev allowed the five elemental spirits to run wild and use the area for their morning exercises. Meanwhile, he squatted nearby while opening his status panel.
He hadn't checked his status for quite some time.
After five years of constant training, hunting spirit beasts, and accumulating resources, he was curious to see just how much he had grown.
'System, display my status.'
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ding!!!]
[Status]
[Name: Lev Hendrix]
Age: Ageless
[Spirit Power: 89 (Progress: 85 %)]
[Race: Human]
[Bloodline: None]
[Title: True God's Successor]
[Primordial Mana: ∞]
[Title Trait/s:]
[True God's Blood: A blessing granted by the one and only True God, infusing your body with the blood of a True God that provides an infinite source of power.]
[True God's Body: A body granted by the one and only True God, capable of bearing any power in the universe.]
[True God's Eye: A divine eye granted by the one and only True God, allowing you to see the status of any entity.]
[True God's Talent: A gift from the one and only True God, allowing you to learn and master any skill.]
[True God's Cheat: A unique trait from the one and only True God, enabling you to rapidly level up any skill through observation and practice.]
[Skills:]
[Lifestyle Skill/s: Cooking (Tier 4: Level 47), etc.]
[Combat Skill/s: Boxing (Tier 3: Level 26), Swordsmanship (Tier 3: Level 23), Marksmanship (Tier 3: Level 21), etc.]
Supernatural Skill/s: Immortality, Blood Demon Art: Infinity Castle (Locked), Skill Share, Lightning Release, Fire Release, Water Release, Earth Release, etc.]
[Spirit Skill/s: Lone Wolf Body Enhancement, Blue Silver Grass, Sickle, Axe, Agility, Web Prison, Wrath, Confuse, Nature's Heal, Hardening, Super-strength, Night Vision, Poison Mist, Dash, Blue Tyrant Dragon Body Enhancement, Black Tortoise Body Enhancement, etc.]
[Spirit Rings]
[1st Spirit Ring: Nadare]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with thick eyebrows, a long, distinctive mustache, and soulless blue eyes.]
Skill: Shapes flames into numerous fireballs that can be launched simultaneously. The fireballs can be freely controlled, and their size can be manipulated at will.]
[2nd Spirit Ring: Saiha]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with eight eyes and a single horn.]
[Skill: Shapes flames into the form of a blade. By controlling the temperature of the flames, the blade can become virtually unbreakable and capable of cutting through almost anything.]
[3rd Spirit Ring: Homura]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with a long, four-jawed mouth lined with sharp fangs.]
[Skill: Shapes flames into the form of a whip. Aside from its offensive capabilities, the flaming whip can also be used to enhance the user's physical strength.]
[4th Spirit Ring: Setsuna]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with four facial markings and a normally closed eye.]
[Skill: Shapes flames into the form of an instantaneous flare. When the eye in the center of its face opens, anyone who looks directly into it will be burned by its flames. The temperature of the flames can be adjusted, allowing the user to control the amount of damage inflicted. As a blind Flame Dragon, Setsuna possesses the ability to sense heat, allowing it to see through and ignore illusions.]
[5th Spirit Ring: Madoka]
[Description: A Flame Dragon possessing a third eye.]
[Skill: Creates impenetrable barriers made of flames. The barrier possesses a planar structure and requires multiple fireballs to connect with one another. Four fireballs can form a square-shaped barrier, while three fireballs can create a triangular barrier. Although the barrier's surface is virtually impenetrable, the individual fireballs remain vulnerable. Destroying one of the fireballs will cause the corresponding section of the barrier to disappear, reducing its overall area.]
[6th Spirit Ring: Rui]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with blue eyes, wild hair, and an orange-colored body.]
[Skill: Possesses the power of Illusionary Flames—a formless flame capable of taking virtually any shape. It can force opponents to relive their nightmares or experience their greatest fears. Once the illusionary forms are manifested, the flames from which they were created can be controlled and directed toward the enemy.]
[7th Spirit Ring: Kokuo]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with one large eye and sharply pointed hair.]
[Skill: Koku concentrates its flames into a massive fireball, compressing them to an extreme density before releasing them as a devastating beam. The beam possesses enough destructive power to completely vaporize its target.]
[8th Spirit Ring: Resshin]
[Description: A Flame Dragon with spiky hair and red fringes.]
[Skill: Resshin's flames can engulf both the opponent's body and soul. Once the soul is consumed, it can either be assimilated into the flames or completely disintegrated.]
[Soul Bone/s:]
[Skull Soul Bone: Dragon God (Expand)]
[Torso Soul Bone: Dragon God (Expand)]
[Right Arm Soul Bone: Dragon God (Expand)]
[Left Arm Soul Bone: Dragon God (Expand)]
[Right Leg Soul Bone: None]
[Left Leg Soul Bone: None]
[External Soul Bone: Dragon God (Expand)]
[Inventory: Infinity, Random Summoning Card x 4, Universe Identity Token, 3,650,050,200 gold coins, Soul Bones x 33, etc.]
[Special Function: Auxiliary Sign-In System]
[Summons/s: Nakime (Locked), Tsunade, Tailed Beasts x 9, Goblins x 5, Elemental Spirit x 5]
[Store]
[Conquered Worlds: None]
[True God Coins: 2,142,056,920]
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Just a little more, and I would finally become a Titled Douluo. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of power Recca had.'
Lev thought while looking at his status. After five years of continuous training, he was already close to breaking through to the Titled Douluo realm.
Meanwhile, the tattoo on his back was also nearing completion. At this point, even a glance was enough to tell that the markings were gradually taking the form of a magnificent dragon.
During these five years, Lev had signed in countless times and received numerous rewards. However, the most valuable reward he had received was none other than the Dragon God's Skull Soul Bone and External Soul Bone.
One could say that Lev's luck with the system's rewards was rather terrible even after five years, but he was already satisfied with what he had obtained.
Another noticeable change in his status was the addition of countless spirit techniques. Moreover, he had also learned various techniques from his summons while training alongside them, allowing him to gradually expand his arsenal.
'Looks like the goblins are doing pretty well.'
Lev smiled as he checked the status of his summons. Even though the goblins were nowhere near as impressive as his other summons in terms of appearance, they had been steadily improving under his guidance.
After looking through their information, Lev shifted his attention back to himself.
'System, what is my current battle power?'
He was particularly curious about this.
[After considering all of the host's skills, abilities, physical strength, and battle experience, anyone below the 1st God Class is no longer an opponent capable of defeating the host.]
Lev's eyes widened slightly upon hearing the system's evaluation.
"I'm surprised that even the world itself isn't against me yet."
He chuckled before shaking his head.
"Well, it's not like I'm breaking any rules. I'm still technically only a Spirit Douluo."
Although he had reached a terrifying level of combat prowess, Lev couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed upon hearing that he still couldn't contend against a genuine 1st Class God.
'It looks like I'm still not strong enough to challenge the God Realm.'
Despite that, Lev wasn't discouraged for long. His strength had already reached a level that ordinary spirit masters could never hope to touch, and he was still steadily growing stronger.
"Well, I should be satisfied with this for now. Taking on the God Realm is still out of reach. I should focus on unifying the mainland first."
Lev closed his status window and looked toward the sky with anticipation.
After five years of isolation and training, it was finally time for him to return.
Time passed quickly.
After finishing their morning training, Lev finally ordered Salamander and the others to stop. The five elemental spirits immediately returned to the cave with him, especially since Tsunade had already awakened.
Of course, they didn't forget about the spirit beasts they had hunted earlier. Lev collected all of their corpses before bringing them back with them.
Soon afterward, Lev and Tsunade enjoyed a warm breakfast together with the others.
Once they had finished eating, they began making their final preparations.
After spending five long years in the Extreme North, Lev was finally ready to leave.
His training was over.
Now, it was time to return to the Douluo Continent.
***********
—Two hours later—
Outside the cave,
After settling everything, Lev and Tsunade were finally ready to leave. As they began their journey back, Lev recalled Salamander and the other elemental spirits into their summoning space. He also collected all the equipment and belongings they had used during the past five years, leaving the cave looking ordinary once again.
"Are you ready?" Lev asked with a smile as he looked at Tsunade, making sure that everything was in order.
"Mmm." Tsunade nodded excitedly.
"Then, let's go."
In the next instant, the figures of Lev and Tsunade disappeared from the area.
After they left, something unexpected happened.
Throughout the Extreme North, countless intelligent spirit beasts quietly breathed sighs of relief. For the past five years, they had lived under the shadow of Lev and his summons, constantly fearing that they would become the next targets of their relentless hunting.
Even the ancient spirit beasts residing deep within the center of the Extreme North felt relieved after sensing that the terrifying presence had finally disappeared.
For five years, Lev had practically turned a portion of the Extreme North into his personal training ground.
Now that he was finally gone, the spirit beasts could once again live without constantly worrying about their lives.
The peaceful days they had been waiting for had finally returned.
**********
—Dusk—
Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well,
Meanwhile, inside Dugu Bo's medicinal garden, two outstanding women could be seen engaged in a fierce battle.
Both displayed impressive skills and combat techniques, moving with far greater precision and experience than they had possessed five years ago. Their appearances were equally striking, with each possessing a beauty that could easily attract attention wherever they went.
One of them had a graceful and alluring appearance, complemented by a mature and elegant figure. The other possessed a more youthful beauty, yet her physique had developed remarkably well for her age, making her appearance equally eye-catching.
As the two continued exchanging blows, they suddenly sensed a drastic change in the surrounding atmosphere.
Both immediately stopped and retreated several meters, their expressions becoming serious as they stared toward the two cloaked figures who had suddenly appeared in the area.
"Who are you?!" one of them demanded, immediately raising her guard to its peak.
After years of training, she had become far more sensitive to her surroundings. Yet somehow, these two strangers had appeared so close to them without either of them noticing.
That alone was enough to make her wary.
On the other hand, Lev and Tsunade, who had deliberately concealed themselves beneath their cloaks, remained silent.
Although both of them were extremely happy and excited upon finally seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan again after five years, they deliberately concealed their identities.
Lev wanted to surprise them.
Without answering Zhu Zhuqing's question, Lev suddenly moved.
Whoosh!
His figure vanished from his original position and instantly appeared in front of the two women.
"What?!"
Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan were startled. They immediately raised their defenses and activated their spirit abilities, reinforcing their bodies to withstand the sudden attack.
However, the difference in strength was simply too great.
Bang!
Both women were sent flying backward by the impact. Nevertheless, they quickly regained their balance and landed steadily on their feet.
Neither of them showed panic.
Instead, their eyes became even sharper as they stared at the mysterious intruder.
Seeing their reaction, Lev smiled inwardly.
'Not bad.'
After five years, he could already tell that their strength had improved tremendously.
However, that wasn't enough.
He wanted to see exactly how far they had progressed.
Without giving them any time to recover, Lev moved once again, deliberately suppressing his strength while maintaining his disguise.
'Let's see how much you've grown.'
As five years had passed since they last met, Lev wanted to personally test the progress of Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan.
For now, he would remain an intruder in their eyes.
Only after he had seen everything they could do would he reveal himself.
**********
—Thirty minutes later—
The entire area had already been reduced to a complete mess.
For half an hour, Lev had continued fighting against Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan while deliberately suppressing his strength. Despite their relentless attacks and improved abilities, neither woman had managed to land even a single meaningful blow on him.
Eventually, the battle came to an end.
Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan stood several meters apart, both breathing heavily. Their clothes were slightly disheveled, and exhaustion could clearly be seen on their faces.
But more than exhaustion, their expressions were filled with disbelief and horror.
They had used everything they had.
Yet they couldn't even scratch their mysterious opponent.
What's worse, there was still another cloaked individual standing nearby.
With Dugu Bo nowhere to be seen, the two women couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. They had no idea who these people were or what they wanted from them.
'Is this really the end?'
Just as the two were preparing themselves for the worst, the mysterious man suddenly spoke.
"You both have improved. Well done."
The familiar voice immediately caused Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan to freeze.
Lev reached up and removed his cloak, revealing his face.
He looked at the two women with a satisfied smile.
"It's been five years. I hope you two were doing well—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened.
"Lev!"
Overwhelmed by her emotions, she immediately rushed toward him and threw herself into his arms, pressing her lips against his in a passionate reunion.
The sudden force caused both of them to fall onto the ground.
Nearby, Matatabi and Saiken, who had returned to their small forms, happily hopped around them, excited to see everyone reunited after such a long time.
Dugu Yan, meanwhile, stood frozen for a moment before a bright smile appeared on her face.
She had initially wanted to rush over and embrace Lev as well, but she stopped herself. She knew that their relationship had not yet reached the same level as Lev and Zhu Zhuqing's.
Still, simply seeing him again after five years was enough to fill her heart with overwhelming happiness.
Tears gradually welled up in her eyes before finally rolling down her cheeks.
After waiting for five long years, Lev had finally returned.