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News of Sea Spear Douluo's fall sent Sea God Island into an uproar.
As one of the island's most senior Titled Douluo, his prestige was second only to the Great Priestess, Bo Saixi. On ordinary days, his stern yet approachable figure could often be seen all across Sea God Island, caring deeply for the growth of the younger generation. He was widely loved and respected.
Now, the tidings of his death landed like a hammer blow on the heart of every person on Sea God Island.
"Lord Sea Spear… what a wretched end!"
"Damn the Heavenly Dragon Empire—they're monsters!"
Islanders dropped what they were doing, their faces lined with grief. Young soul masters' eyes went red; some even choked back sobs.
Nor were the common folk alone. Even the ever-composed Bo Saixi could not hide her sorrow.
"Ah… Sea Spear, I wronged you. Had I sent others to accompany you, perhaps it would not have ended like this."
She stood alone on the Sea God Temple terrace, the sea wind whipping her hair, her gaze bleak and desolate. Sea Spear Douluo had been among the earliest Titled Douluo to follow her. His passing was a grievous loss to the island.
Tang San, having just finished one of his divine trials, secretly felt a stab of relief upon hearing the news.
What? So many Titled Douluo failed? Fortunately, I didn't force my way along, or I'd likely have met the same fate!
Outwardly, though, he wore a mask of grief. Eagerly, he asked after Dai Mubai's situation.
Sea Witch Douluo sighed softly and answered.
"Dai Mubai lost an arm, but his life isn't in danger. He has also become the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire—his future is bright."
At that, Tang San quietly exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders.
In his mind, Dai Mubai was a key piece in his grand plan. To have him survive this chaos and seize such a position—this was exactly the result he wanted to see.
He told those present that he would immerse himself in the Sea God and Asura God's divine trials, striving to become a god as soon as possible and defeat the Heavenly Dragon Empire.
Elsewhere, in Spirit Hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo's reply arrived.
Qian Daoliu unfolded the letter and read it line by line; his expression grew steadily graver. It described in detail the Heavenly Dragon Empire's terrifying might. Titled Douluo he had never even heard of had displayed overwhelming power on the battlefield.
He marveled inwardly, fully aware of Spirit Hall's precarious position.
"Alas… Xue'er and Bibi Dong are at critical points in their divine trials. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo alone are no match for the Heavenly Dragon Empire. The Worship Hall elders must guard the two of them and cannot move lightly."
Even so, he knew retreat was impossible. If they lost the Star Luo Empire, it would become even harder for Spirit Hall and Sea God Island to stand against the Heavenly Dragon Empire.
He made a decisive order—dispatch another ten Titled Douluo to support Star Luo.
Sea God Island, for its part, reached the same conclusion. They sent fifteen Titled Douluo in force toward Star Luo as well.
With Bo Saixi and Tang Chen—two Limit Douluo—residing on Sea God Island, the Heavenly Dragon Empire could not easily make a move against them. Sending more Titled Douluo also proclaimed their resolve to avenge Sea Spear Douluo.
A few days later, behind the Tianlong Gang's headquarters, Lan Minghua listened quietly to his subordinates' reports. The corner of his mouth ticked up in a faint smile.
He had long anticipated this and was unsurprised.
With Zhu Zhuqing deep inside the Star Luo Empire, he had already laid down ample contingencies. Otherwise, how could he have allowed his beloved disciple to take such a risk?
He turned to Oscar's worried face, a teasing glint in his eye. "What now? Finally starting to worry about Zhuqing?"
As Zhu Zhuqing's boyfriend, how could Oscar not fret over her safety? Hearing she had narrowly escaped death at Dai Mubai's hands, anxiety gnawed at him.
He smoothed his expression and grew uncommonly solemn. "Master, I want to become stronger! As a man, I can't watch the woman I love fall into danger while I stand by, powerless!"
Lan Minghua nodded, satisfied—that was precisely the will he wished to see. Talent alone, without some external push, would not let Oscar stand shoulder to shoulder with Tang San and the others undergoing divine trials.
He spoke earnestly. "What comes next won't be like these last two years. You must steel yourself. Otherwise, you will fail."
Oscar nodded hard, his voice firm. "Of course, Master! I won't give up easily!"
Lan Minghua inclined his head. It was time to grant Oscar a portion of his inheritance.
Meanwhile, upon receiving word about the Heaven Dou Empire's Titled Douluo, Yunshan began to calculate at once. Following Lan Minghua's instructions, he marched on the Star Luo Empire. After careful thought, he issued a crisp order: three hundred thousand soldiers of the Flying Army set off in a grand array toward Star Luo.
The Flying Army formed perfect ranks in the skies, blotting out the sun with their imposing momentum.
On the Star Luo side, united with Spirit Hall and Sea God Island, their strength rose to an unprecedented height. Powerhouses from all three forces gathered to plan their response.
From the outset, the war settled into a deadlock—and ground on for two full years.
During those two years, Zhu Zhuqing immersed herself completely in the assassin's path. She honed her techniques without cease and pushed her cultivation ever higher. Each mission, every clash with the enemy, deepened her understanding of that path.
With a portion of the inheritance Lan Minghua bestowed, she successfully raised her soul power to Rank 99—a Limit Douluo.
Dai Mubai, by completing the God of War divine trials, also reached Rank 99—and became Emperor of the Star Luo Empire.
Over those years, more than twenty soul masters across Spirit Hall, Sea God Island, and Star Luo broke through to become Titled Douluo. It was this infusion of new blood that allowed them to withstand the Heavenly Dragon Empire's ferocious advance for two years.
At the same time, Tang San, Qian Renxue, and Bibi Dong all completed their divine trials. After all, the gods of the Divine Realm were going easy on them, "opening the gates" to hasten their completion and move against Lan Minghua's Heavenly Dragon Empire.
Level 100.
That was the soul power of Tang San, Qian Renxue, and Bibi Dong. They could already be called gods. They could ascend to the Divine Realm at any time—if they wished.
But each had unfinished business. None chose to ascend immediately.
Tang San raised his arm on Sea God Island, and the response was thunderous. Bo Saixi, Tang Chen, and every Titled Douluo on the island rallied to him. They marched with him to Star Luo, waving the banner of justice, ready to "punish" the Heavenly Dragon Empire.
So too with Spirit Hall. Though the newly deified Bibi Dong bristled at the plan, the Rakshasa God's pressure left her no choice but to comply. Together with Qian Renxue, she led all of Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo toward Star Luo.
In the Heavenly Dragon Empire, Yunshan and the others, of course, sensed the enemy's movements. They sought Lan Minghua's instruction at once. On his orders, their Titled Douluo also sped to Star Luo's aid.
At that same time, behind the Tianlong Gang headquarters, Oscar—after two years—had learned all he needed to learn. Lan Minghua gazed at his rapidly maturing disciple with open gratification.
Buzz!
From the cave where Oscar was in seclusion, a razor-edged sword intent suddenly speared skyward, as if to pierce the heavens.
Sensing that aura, Lan Minghua's lips curved into a smile.
"Ninety-nine? No… one hundred. That kid Oscar—he's reached Level 100!"
(End of Chapter)