Ten minutes later, Dugu Yan revealed a satisfied expression. She stretched her waist and finally released the resentment in her heart. A content look appeared on her face.
Beside her, Kun Yu's face was swollen beyond recognition. His body was covered in bruises, and he was in a miserable state. Dugu Yan had beaten him to the point that not a single part of him remained intact. His dignity as a Spirit Douluo was completely shattered.
"Hmph, what pinnacle, Spirit Douluo? Let's see if you dare act arrogant now!"
Dugu Yan crossed her jade-like arms, her purple hair draping over her shoulders as she quietly watched Kun Yu lying half-dead on the ground. She had finally vented her anger and felt indescribably at ease.
It was a bit regretful that she couldn't finish Kun Yu off. His defensive abilities were shocking. His martial spirit was the ancient mythical beast Xuanwu, known for its incredible defense. Even with his spirit power sealed, his physical defense was still astonishing. Dugu Yan's strength wasn't enough to break through his defense and kill him.
"What's going on? Who's secretly helping Yanyan?"
At this moment, Dugu Bo sensed something. His sharp eyes scanned the surrounding forest but found nothing.
Boom—
Suddenly, a violent surge of spirit power erupted into the sky, sweeping in all directions like a tornado, sending Dugu Yan flying.
Amid the young woman's cry, Kun Yu suddenly bounced up from the ground. His tyrannical spirit power surged as he regained the strength of a Spirit Douluo. Like an enraged lion, he glared fiercely at Dugu Yan, who wasn't far away. His blood-red eyes radiated ferocity.
However, his face was now a comical mix of green and purple, with two panda-like circles around his eyes, making him look almost laughable.
"Ah… I've finally recovered my spirit power. You little brat, I'll tear you apart alive!"
The mysterious sealing power had finally vanished. Kun Yu let out a long howl as his grey hair flew wildly, resembling a ferocious beast breaking free from its chains.
Cold light shot from his eyes, and the eight spirit rings around him glowed brilliantly. His figure shot forward like lightning as he charged hysterically at Dugu Yan.
"Yanyan, dodge!" Dugu Bo's eyes widened in horror. He knew how formidable Kun Yu was. Now that Kun Yu had regained his spirit power, Dugu Yan was no match for him and would be killed instantly.
Unfortunately, he was too late.
Kun Yu's speed was lightning-fast, and he had already arrived before Dugu Yan. Green flames ignited on his fist as he aimed a vicious punch at her head.
This was the Xuanwu Divine Fist, the ultimate technique of the Xuanwu Martial Spirit. It carried boundless divine power, capable of shattering mountains with a single blow. A delicate girl like Dugu Yan stood no chance.
Dugu Yan felt like she had fallen into an ice cave. Her whole body went cold, her mind blank. All she could see was the approaching fist. In her mind, she could already envision the tragic scene of her head being smashed.
Is this the end…?
Despair filled Dugu Yan's heart.
"Swish!"
Just then, a terrifying murderous aura surged into the sky, enveloping the area within a thousand meters. Under the immense pressure, even the void seemed to distort.
A golden fist tore through the sky the next moment, carrying an invincible aura as it collided with Kun Yu's Xuanwu Divine Fist. The overwhelming force instantly shattered Kun Yu's entire right arm. Even the pinnacle Spirit Douluo was sent flying by the punch.
"Ah… how is this possible?!"
Kun Yu spat out blood as he was flung away. The terrifying force had destroyed his right arm, and blood gushed everywhere. He crashed heavily into an ancient tree, which snapped under the impact.
"Who?!"
Dugu Yan was stunned as she gazed at the familiar figure before her. After a long pause, she exclaimed, "Fang Xuan!"
"Hey, Little Poison Lady, long time no see," Fang Xuan said, smiling faintly at Dugu Yan. She felt a mix of emotions. It had been three or four years since they last saw each other.
"You're finally back…"
A complicated expression appeared on Dugu Bo's face as he quietly observed Fang Xuan. With a sigh, he thought Fang Xuan's return to the Heaven Dou Empire would undoubtedly spark a bloodbath.
"Yes," Fang Xuan nodded solemnly. He smiled at Dugu Bo and said firmly,
"I've become a Titled Douluo."
Dugu Bo's pupils shrank in disbelief. Dugu Yan was also astonished, doubting what he had just heard.
"What, what? Did you say you've become a Titled Douluo? How is that possible? You're younger than me! How can someone in his 20's become a Titled Douluo? That's not possible! My worldview is about to collapse!"
Dugu Yan was dumbfounded. She couldn't believe that Fang Xuan had indeed become a Titled Douluo. It wasn't that she didn't believe Fang Xuan, but it was simply too shocking.
"I always knew you would become a Titled Douluo, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. You came to Heaven Dou City for that reason, right?" Dugu Bo sighed deeply, feeling conflicted.
"Yes, there are some debts I must settle personally."
Fang Xuan's eyes filled with determination. After a brief silence, he turned to look at Kun Yu, who had just gotten up from the ground. His gaze grew sharper.
"We'll catch up later. Let me deal with this troublemaker first."
The ancient divine beast martial spirit—Xuanwu!
This wasn't the hybrid black tortoise he had encountered before. This was the true divine beast, Xuanwu, known for its unparalleled defense, capable of releasing the legendary Xuanwu Armor. Even a Titled Douluo would struggle to break through its defense.
This martial spirit was scarce.
Glancing coldly at Kun Yu, Fang Xuan's lips curled up. He was determined to claim the Xuanwu Martial Spirit for himself.
"Kid, don't get cocky. A Titled Douluo? What nonsense. I, Kun Yu, have roamed the Douluo Continent for years. I don't buy such nonsense!"
Kun Yu shouted as his body shone brightly. A huge shadow of Xuanwu appeared above his head, terrifying and filled with invincible divine power.
"Xuanwu's Armor!"
The eight spirit rings around his body sparkled, and the illusory image of Xuanwu seemed to be summoned. It let out a powerful roar before transforming into a green armor that enveloped his body completely. The aura he emitted was as heavy as a mountain.
"Oh, this is Xuanwu's Armor!"
Fang Xuan looked at the green armor with interest. His eyes flashed. His body shook and turned into human-shaped lightning as he lunged toward Xuanwu's Armor. His fist, wrapped in the power of thunder, smashed aggressively into the Xuanwu's Armor.
"Let me test the power of Xuanwu's Armor!"
Boom!
There was an earth-shattering sound as the ground beneath them cracked open.
The violent thunder arc unleashed a destructive aura, bombarding the Xuanwu's Armor. However, the green armor was as solid as a rock. There wasn't any damage—not even a dent. The armor completely neutralized the powerful fist force, leaving Kun Yu unscathed.
This surprised Fang Xuan. He had used the strength of the hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bone and a Spirit Skill in that punch—enough to kill a Titled Douluo—yet Kun Yu remained unharmed, all thanks to Xuanwu's Armor.
"Hahahaha! In terms of strength, I may not be the best, but in terms of defense, if I, Kun Yu, claim to be number one, no one dares claim to be number two!" Kun Yu laughed arrogantly. Using the power of Xuanwu's Armor, he easily blocked Fang Xuan's attack, then raised the Xuanwu Divine Fist and attacked Fang Xuan ferociously.
Fang Xuan raised his right fist and smashed another Lightning Fist toward Kun Yu's left fist, aiming to cripple his other arm. But this time, the punch was blocked by the strong defensive force of Xuanwu's Armor, reducing its power by eighty to ninety percent. Kun Yu's Xuanwu Divine Fist sent Fang Xuan flying.
Fang Xuan flew back dozens of meters, landing on a huge rock. Surprised, he looked at the Xuanwu's Armor on Kun Yu's body.
The Xuanwu's Armor didn't just protect specific body parts—it shielded the entire body. Whether it was the arms or the head, everything fell under its flawless defense.
Despite being knocked back, Fang Xuan wasn't disheartened. He looked excited. The light in his eyes grew brighter as he stared at Xuanwu's Armor, filled with desire.
Xuanwu's Armor. What a powerful defense. This Xuanwu Martial Spirit must be mine!
"Be careful, Fang Xuan. Although Kun Yu's attack level is only that of a Spirit Douluo, his defense surpasses many Transcendent Douluos. That's why I couldn't kill him despite defeating him many times." Dugu Bo had a serious expression as he warned Fang Xuan.
"Yes, this guy's tortoiseshell is too tough. Are you sure you can handle him alone?" Dugu Yan still had doubts, not fully believing Fang Xuan had truly become a Titled Douluo. He thought Fang Xuan might just be boasting.
In front of the Icefire Yin Yang Well, Kun Yu, with his grey hair draped over his shoulders, had an arrogant look. He glanced coldly at Fang Xuan and sneered, "Kid, I admit your attack was good. I was careless; you took advantage of it to destroy one of my arms. But now, with my Xuanwu's Armor—the best defense in the world—all your attacks are useless. You can't touch me!"
"Oh, is that so?"
The corners of Fang Xuan's mouth curled slightly. He looked at Kun Yu, whose face was filled with pride, and said calmly, "Defense first. Interesting. The defensive power of your Xuanwu Armor is indeed terrifying. But… I wonder if it can withstand the sharpness of a divine weapon?"
Fang Xuan's tone shifted, and his murderous intent surged. He clenched his right hand into the air, and a three-foot-long scarlet demon sword appeared in his hand. Instantly, the space around them was engulfed by an intense evil storm. Sinister winds howled as demonic energy surged, filling the air with an ominous aura.
"What a terrifying aura. What kind of weapon is this… a demonic weapon from hell?"
Kun Yu's face paled as he felt the bone-chilling murderous aura from the sinister demon sword. His hair stood on end.
"Hmph!"
Fang Xuan snorted coldly, clearly uninterested in answering Kun Yu's question. Kun Yu's fate was sealed when he summoned the demon sword.
"One Sword Reincarnation!"
With deep, focused eyes, Fang Xuan gripped the demon sword tightly in his right hand. He unleashed the Reincarnation Knife Essence and slashed at Kun Yu.
The demon sword, Red Rain, was a divine weapon, razor-sharp. Enhanced by the Reincarnation Sword Intent, its power surged tenfold. There was no suspense in the strike. It shattered the impenetrable Xuanwu's Armor and split Kun Yu's body in two, raining blood onto the grass.
Though Xuanwu's Armor boasted remarkable defensive power, it was bound to the limits of human strength. It could not withstand the attack of the demon sword. Kun Yu, once known for having the best defense in the world, died instantly.
"Rest in peace. I'll take your Xuanwu Martial Spirit..."
Fang Xuan looked at Kun Yu's body indifferently, a faint smirk on his lips. In that final strike, he had secretly activated the duplication power of the God's Bestowed Swprd. Before killing Kun Yu, he perfectly copied the Xuanwu Martial Spirit, claiming it as his ninth Martial Spirit.
[Duplication successful. Congratulations on obtaining a new Martial Spirit — Xuanwu!]
Hearing the system notification in his mind, Fang Xuan smiled in satisfaction. He had already acquired the world's fastest Martial Spirit, Kun Peng, and now, he had gained the best defensive one, Xuanwu. His strength was steadily growing.
...
After years of separation, Fang Xuan and Dugu Bo chatted casually beside the Icefire Yin Yang Well, discussing the events of the past. Both felt a mixture of nostalgia and emotion.
According to Dugu Yan, the Emperor Team members were doing well. Ye Lingling, Yu Feng, Shi Mo, and others had all reached the Spirit King level. Yu Tianheng had advanced to Rank 59, just one step away from becoming a Spirit Emperor.
Some members had remained at Heaven Dou Academy as teachers, while others ventured out for more training.
Yu Tianheng returned to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan a year ago. As the heir to the sect and the champion of the Spirit Master Tournament, he was highly valued by his family, living a smooth and successful life—not someone to be compared to "theoretical trash."
Dugu Yan, choosing to stay close to his grandfather, became a high-ranking teacher at Heaven Dou Academy and enjoyed a stable life.
However, Dugu Bo's condition was concerning.
Years ago, he had crippled his spirit power and sustained severe injuries. Combined with decades of accumulated internal damage, his health was rapidly declining. His end seemed near.
Dugu Bo, however, seemed at peace with his fate, appearing calm and detached. He had lived a life of glory, commanding respect and power. Now, he had retreated into the mountains, indifferent to the world's affairs.
"You don't need to feel sad. I've lived a long life and have no regrets," Dugu Bo said calmly. But the words, sounding like his final arrangements, cast a somber mood over everyone.
"Grandfather..."
Tears streamed down Dugu Yan's face as he cried loudly into Dugu Bo's arms. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his beloved grandfather.
"Don't worry, old monster. I won't let you die!"
Fang Xuan had a resolute look, as he had promised without hesitation.
Fang Xuan stayed in the Sunset Forest the following period, using Immortal Begonia's powerful healing abilities to treat Dugu Bo's old injuries. Furthermore, he used spirit power and precious medicines every day to help Dugu Bo recuperate and prolong his life.
Thanks to Fang Xuan's efforts, Dugu Bo's injuries improved daily. The old injuries accumulated over the past few decades were healed in less than ten days. His body had returned to its original state, and his mental state had improved.
Although Dugu Bo had not regained his former cultivation, his body had grown stronger, and he would have no problem living for another twenty or thirty years.
"Don't worry, old monster. Sooner or later, I'll help you return to the realm of a Titled Douluo!"
This was Fang Xuan's promise.
During this treatment period, Fang Xuan used his free time to raise Xuanwu's martial spirit to the highest level. As he wished, he obtained the innate skill — Xuanwu's Armor!
Afterward, he spent another hundred million draws to acquire a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring that matched Xuanwu's martial spirit. This further enhanced the defensive capabilities of Xuanwu's Armor.
At this point, Fang Xuan possessed nine martial spirits, nine hundred thousand-year spirit rings, and six hundred thousand-year spirit bones. He had the Demon Sword Red Rain for offense, Kun Peng's Extreme Speed for mobility, and Xuanwu's Armor for defense when fully armed. He was nearly perfect in all areas!
From this moment forward, no Titled Douluo would be a match for him. He could even fight a Rank 100 god!
Fang Xuan's eyes gleamed like torches. He felt the boundless spirit power surging through his body like an ocean. An unprecedented confidence rose within him. He dared to challenge a god.
[Strongest Sword Drawing System]
[Host: Fang Xuan]
[Level: LV91]
[Title: Titled Douluo]
[Spirit Power: 350,000,000/250,000,000]
[Weapon: Demon Sword Red Rain]
[Proficiency: Ultimate Sword Drawing Technique (MAX)]
[Mind Comprehension: Reincarnation Sword Intent]
[God's Bestowed Sword: 1]
[Martial Spirits: Six-Winged Angel (MAX), Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon (MAX), Ice Phoenix (MAX), Immortal Begonia (MAX), Clear Sky Hammer (MAX), Bluesilver Emperor (MAX), Fire Qilin (MAX), Kun Peng (MAX), Xuanwu (MAX)]
[Talents: Radiant Flame, Electromagnetic Domain, Absolute Ice, Source of Life, Gravity Domain, Sky Sealing Formation, Red Lotus Fire, Kun Peng's Extreme Speed, Xuanwu's Armor]
[Domains: Frost Domain, Flame Domain, Bluesilver Domain, Electromagnetic Domain, Gravity Domain, Deathgod Domain]
[Sword Skills: Storm Slash, Swallow Return, Slaughter Sword Aura, One with the Sword]
[Spirit Skills: Devour, Qilin, Fire Dance, Sky Wings, Red Lotus, Gale]
[Self-created Sword Skill: One Sword Reincarnation]
[Number of Sword Draws available: 520,000,000]
Nine martial spirits, nine spirit rings, and six spirit bones. Fang Xuan was close to perfection in every aspect!
However, this was not his limit. He could still obtain a tenth martial spirit!
About a month later, Fang Xuan prepared to leave the Sunset Forest to search for a target for his tenth martial spirit. He already had one in mind.
It was the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's number one auxiliary-type martial spirit, the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda!
It wasn't just to duplicate a martial spirit. Fang Xuan's trip to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was also to understand the current situation in the Heaven Dou Empire. Since Dugu Bo had been living in seclusion for over a year, he was unaware of the empire's recent developments. On the other hand, Ning Fengzhi, who had always been close to the Heaven Dou Empire, was well-informed. Thus, Fang Xuan planned to visit Ning Fengzhi to learn more about the current situation in the Heaven Dou Empire.
However, there was one more important matter before he left!
Fang Xuan scanned the lush green immortal herbs in the garden, which emitted a rich fragrance. A sinister smile appeared on his face.
"Old monster, your immortal herbs... seem to have matured again?!"
Dugu Bo's mouth twitched as he met Fang Xuan's covetous gaze. So all my herbs were for you?
He glared at Fang Xuan in annoyance. "Don't even think about my herbs. You've already consumed so many. Eating the same immortal herbs won't benefit you anymore. These are all for my Yanyan. Go away!"
"Old monster, don't be so stingy. Just one! I only want one!"
Fang Xuan grinned as he held up a finger, bargaining with Dugu Bo. Dugu Yan, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh at the two quarreling like street vendors.
Ultimately, Fang Xuan bid farewell to Dugu Bo and his granddaughter. He took the immortal herb he had begged for and quickly set off for the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.