The forest's edge was lined with towering trees whose straight trunks reached skyward, their feather-like foliage clustered at the treetops like stars scattered throughout the woodland.
This was Star Dou Great Forest—the strongest spirit beast territory on the Douluo Continent.
The trio prepared to cross the forest's periphery en route to Gengxin City.
With Dugu Bo's oppressive aura deterring them, the spirit beasts along the outer regions wisely cleared a path for the three.
"What's wrong, Sister Yan? You've been listless this whole trip."
"I don't understand why you let that swindler go." Dugu Yan remained perplexed. Provoking a Title Douluo was no small matter, yet Ning Rongrong had dismissed it so casually.
Though she'd mentioned sending monitors, it was clear she had no real intention of doing so.
"He's insignificant—just a Flender." Recognizing Dugu Yan's thoughts, Ning Rongrong smiled. "All that about Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan connections is nonsense."
"Among the Golden Iron Triangle, there is indeed one member from that clan—Yu Tianheng's uncle, a man called Yu Xiaogang."
"But due to his mutated spirit, he'll likely never break past the 29th rank to become a Soul Elder."
"Theoretical Master Yu Xiaogang?"
Dugu Bo also recalled the man the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan deemed trash.
"Grandfather, you know of him?" Dugu Yan looked up at Dugu Bo, who was stroking his chin in thought.
"Indeed! He supposedly has some 'Theoretical Master' title—quite famous, though whether he's actually knowledgeable is questionable."
"Still, I've always found his reputation odd. It's as if he became renowned without actually accomplishing anything."
"That would be Spirit Hall's doing." Ning Rongrong interjected. "Things like the Ten Core Theories were first endorsed by them."
"Wait, doesn't that mean he's legit?" Dugu Yan blinked. For Spirit Hall—that colossal entity—to recognize his theories suggested remarkable capability.
Regardless of Yu Xiaogang being stuck at rank 29, Spirit Hall's approval proved his worth.
After all, even the Top Three Sects' rankings were determined by Spirit Hall.
Their credibility was undeniable.
"Who knows?" Ning Rongrong shrugged.
She held no particular malice toward Yu Xiaogang, nor any goodwill.
Just a stranger—had he not been entangled with Pope Bibi Dong, who'd care?
A "Theoretical Master" who didn't even know about ten-thousand-year soul rings' spiritual shocks?
Yet he seemed well-versed in divine-level secrets, Sea God Island, and angel spirits.
Where that knowledge came from... those in the know, knew.
As for his Ten Core Theories? Opinions varied.
Most transmigrators believed he'd plagiarized others' work and claimed it as his own.
Still, he wasn't without merit.
Breaking the clans' and Spirit Hall's knowledge monopoly counted as an achievement.
With that in mind, Ning Rongrong turned to Dugu Yan. "Don't dwell on Yu Xiaogang. His theories only benefit commoner soul masters—we already know this stuff."
"What interests me more is that 'Golden Iron Triangle' title."
"Golden Iron Triangle?" Dugu Yan looked puzzled.
"A triple spirit fusion skill is incredibly rare. Their reputation stems entirely from it," Ning Rongrong explained.
"That's why I had His Excellency Dugu stand down. Their fusion is special."
"If not for Yu Xiaogang's paltry 29th rank, they might rival Title Douluos."
"Even with him dragging them down, their fusion reaches Soul Douluo tier."
"I don't get it." Dugu Yan shook her head. She'd heard of spirit fusion skills, but how did that justify sparing them?
"Let me put it this way: The Golden Iron Triangle's bond is so strong it birthed their fusion."
"Now, is my father Ning Fengzhi's relationship with his two guardians any weaker?"
"Keeping Flender alive means we might later study their fusion for reference."
In Douluo Continent's future, two 99th-ranked Title Douluos would famously seal away a first-grade god for three days—albeit at the cost of their lives.
This proved such fusions' potency.
If Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo could combine similarly...
Not necessarily sacrificing themselves, but couldn't they normally seal a third-grade god?
Wouldn't elevating one's father be fascinating?
However, researching fusions could wait.
For now, their priority was developing soul guidance devices in Gengxin City.
"So that's why..." Dugu Yan's lips twitched after hearing Ning Rongrong's explanation.
Why did someone so tiny always have such elaborate schemes?
Dropping the Flander subject, the trio continued through Star Dou Great Forest.
Ning Rongrong knew far more about this place than Dugu Bo or Dugu Yan.
The 99th-ranked Di Tian, comparable to Qian Daoliu.
The first-grade wounded god—Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena.
Countless spirit beasts exceeding a hundred thousand years.
Were it not for fear of the Divine Realm, the entire continent might tremble under their might.
But currently...
Those ultra-advanced spirit beasts were likely still absorbing some silkworm's energy.
Only two "guard dogs" remained on duty.
Consulting her map, Ning Rongrong guided them safely across the forest.
Just as they neared the exit—perhaps a day or two away—
"ROAR—"
A hellish bellow erupted, so bone-chilling it seemed to emanate from the abyss itself.
The guttural, resonant roar carried immense pressure, like a sinister wind howling through valleys.
"W-what was that?!" Dugu Yan shuddered violently. That sound felt soul-devouring, evoking indescribable terror and despair.
Dugu Bo immediately released his spirit. His Title Douluo aura exploded outward as he erected a soul power barrier, marginally dampening the soul-shaking cry.
"That voice... could it be...?" Ning Rongrong's expression shifted. "Your Excellency, we must leave now! Any delay and escape may become impossible!"
Her urgency startled Dugu Bo.
Did she recognize that spirit beast?
Without questioning, he immediately enveloped Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong in soul power and bolted for the forest's edge at top speed.
After some distance, once the malevolent presence faded, Dugu Bo finally asked: "What exactly was—"
Before he could finish, rustling came from the dense foliage ahead.
The snapping of branches suggested something was charging recklessly toward them.
Dugu Bo halted, scanning their surroundings warily.
The noise grew closer!
Then—
A figure shot out like a rogue meteor!
Tattered clothing hung in ribbons from branches that had lashed deep gashes across his body. Blood misted the air as he crashed heavily ten meters away.
"GACK—"
The man vomited blood before losing consciousness.
The nine soul rings surrounding him—two yellow, three purple, four black—symbolizing his Title Douluo status, promptly vanished.
"A Title Douluo?" Though faint, his breathing persisted. Without treatment, he'd perish.
But Dugu Bo was more concerned: What could inflict such injuries on a 91st-ranked Title Douluo?
"ROAR—"
The nightmare-inducing tiger's roar echoed again—and this time, it was drawing nearer.