Dugu Bo looked at the source of the scream. Already aware of what he would see, and his expectations had been met. That soul master with a shield had been impaled from behind. "So it was not a ploy then," Dugu Bo acknowledged.
The soul master shook as they slowly looked down. A line of blood ran down his lip. His widened eyes gazed at the invisible blade that pierced his body. He coughed blood as realization struck him. "What?"
Despite the pain, he turned his head to look behind him. It was almost instinctual a want to know who? Surprised confusion filled him for another reason as he saw her. Her face was a mask of control the opposite of his visage no doubt.
Wu Xianling did not smile nor did she frown. Her countenance was cold and indifferent almost. She drew the blade from the wound ending the man's life. The blade returned to wind unattached to her fan. Her act of betrayal had been set in motion.
Jiao Bao at first was shocked, then confused at this sudden turn. Then he became angry, "You worthless whore, my brother hasn't kept to you on a short enough leash." He yelled at her at this betrayal of his family.
Wu Xiangling did not speak to him. So many things she could say to him. But he would merely be a placeholder for that man.
Her silence merely ignited deeper rage for Jiao Bao. So much so that he rushed at her intending to take her life. It would only take a few moments he believed. His brother would never allow his woman to grow to be a threat.
This was also by far his greatest mistake. Both of this battle and his entire life. Yet he simply held too much anger. Nor did he believe Dugu Bo would be able to kill him easily.
Not one to allow such an act to go unpunished. "Eighth Soul Skill: Time Stop." Dugu Bo spoke softly even as an incredible power gathered. After a moment that power spread around him in a greenish field.
Jiao Bao heard the poisoner's words tensing at the mention of the eighth skill. Yet hearing the name his eyes widened in terror. He tried to stop his action. Yet he was far too late for that as he froze in place. A feeling of earth-shattering shock at this sudden change.
Nor was he the only one in fact. As even the hidden guardian was surprised at this revelation. Skills affecting space, those were rather rare. Ones that affected time instead. Those were as rare as Phoenix feathers or Quilin Scales. Considering he had never seen a true blood of either well.
Dugu Bo's steps were akin to death itself in that moment. He felt slight exhaustion, the skill consumed more than a fourth of his soul power. He could barely use it three times at full strength. Yet when it worked against an enemy. With that thought Dugu Bo stepped close to the frozen Jiao Bao.
Jiao Bao found his mind very active even as his body was frozen. He struggled against Dugu Bo's Time Stop. Trying to use his soul power to break free finding no success. A dawning horrible realization filled him, he was helpless.
Dugu Bo drew his hand back and then struck. His hand, strengthened with soul power pierced Jiao Bao's body. Then he simply pulled. Dugu Bo's hand emerged with a bloody heart in his grasp. Blood dripped from his hand and the heart.
Jiao Bao still alive despite the wound felt his body grow colder. He felt it as the time stop began to fade. As his body began to return to normal time and his end. Then with a cracking sound pain exploded in his chest. Quickly his awareness faded as the warmth of life left him.
Dugu Bo tilted his hand, letting the heart join its owner. Stepping over the dead Jiao Bao without a second glance. His cold gaze fell on the still frozen healing soul master.
As the time stop faded for her, the unnamed healer remained frozen. Her gaze fell on the still warm corpse of Jiao Bao. With a sound of fear, she bowed her head in submission. Terror filled her hoping for her life to be spared.
Wu Xianling, de-summoned her martial soul at the battle's end. Noticeably more wary of this master of poison. Glad she had chosen their side in this mess.
Dugu Bo turned his gaze from them. He used his power to sense if there were other enemies present. Aware that Wu Xianling had begun searching the dead. Suddenly as his senses moved over the children he stopped.
Uncertainty bloomed in his head. He wondered inwardly "Did I imagine it?" He returned his focus to the bedroom where the children hid. There was something wrong he realized, someone was there. "Senior the children," he roared as he moved fast.
From a neighboring part of the building, another also moves. The air chills as he arrives in the room a moment later. His childlike form belies the pressure he exuded.
The Fifth Worship of Martial Soul Hall, Guanling Douluo. He moved immediately sensing a threat to his charges.
Tang Yuan sat on the bed feeling a nervous energy. Glancing at Jiao Feng with remembering her words. She had been sent to seduce and drug him. If given the chance, by her own father no less.
That seemed to be enough to turn her mother to their side. Yet she remained with them here. Both away from the battle, and from her mother. A just-in-case assurance of loyalty.
Only a few minutes ago they had heard the battle begin. It was nerve-racking being so close, and not fighting. But Tang Yuan knew he would only get in the way. It was a bitter thought, even if he had faced it before.
None of them spoke, it was far too tense. Instead, they strained to hear everything they could. Ready to take action, however much that would help. They all knew it was either that or stew purely in this tension.
Tang Yuan heard many sounds from the battle. Bangs and crashes filled the air at different intervals. He kept his eyes on the door waiting for it to open. Keeping a glance at the small…small amounts of poison mist.
Did Senior stop using his poison mist? It must have been countered he supposed. Then why did he suddenly have a bad feeling? Tang Yuan found himself unsure. Only a few moments later the mist returned from the door.
It was because of this that they remained ignorant of the truth. A shadow moved through the room unobserved.
Only a few more minutes later the sound of combat outside ceased. Tang Yuan found himself focusing entirely on the door ready. That focus was his greatest mistake in that moment. Yet there was little he could have done in that moment.
"Fifth Soul Skill: Invasion," a voice rang out one that was not any of theirs.
Tang Yuan froze completely in crushing surprise. He recognised the name of the skill. Once more the voice was only feet from him. Slowing his reaction to a crawl.
Nor was he the only one in fact. The other four present found themselves caught off guard as well. Even as they stepped up ready to take action.
The air shimmered in colors at Tang Yuan's right. A man suddenly appeared from thin air. His normal looks had grown fairer, but still recognizable. His eyes shone brightly even filled with ill intent. Six soul rings materialized around him a Soul Emperor.
Tang Yuan spoke his name upon seeing him "Cheng Tao." Summoning his martial soul for combat. He knew he wouldn't make it though. So he activated his soul veil focusing it at his head for defense.
Cheng Tao thrust his hand at Tang Yuan like a spear. His hand glowed with red light touching Tang Yuan's head. It was slowed by the barrier of soul power. Yet that only weakened the red light as it pierced his head spreading into his Spiritual Sea.
Time for the two of them slowed to a crawl. As they once more found themselves engulfed in battle. A battle of the minds they faced once more.
Cheng Tao materialized in Tang Yuan's Spiritual Sea for the second time. Looking around "Seems he has made quite a few changes to this place. A wall, is it some form of defense perhaps?"
Cheng Tao stepped forward keeping his guard up. He had become a Soul Emperor growing far stronger. Even still he knew that this boy was dangerous. After all the greatest increases to his strength came from this place. That event taught him much, but now he wanted to learn more.
Tang Yuan regained awareness much faster than last time. He could tell it wasn't only that he was stronger. Cheng Tao was as well, his skill had been heavily refined. Likely with techniques taken from his mind.
Tang Yuan closed his eyes and focused. Using his Spiritual Power to see the form of his mental realm. Immediately his mental gaze fell on the intruder.
Cheng Tao glanced upward at the sensation of being watched. It could only be one individual. He noted this down as a trick to look into later. Stepping just before the threshold of the wall's gateway. That currently lacked a gate for some reason.
He reached out letting his fingers graze the air. Not surprised as his touch caused shimmering ripples to appear. Like touching the surface of water. Cheng Tao narrowed his eyes, stepping back from it.
He moved in front of the wall instead. Activating his fourth skill pointing at the wall "Mental Bolt." A light came from his finger splashing against the wall.
"These defenses are quite formidable," he remembered that troublesome door from last time. Last time he exhausted a portion of his power on it.
Cheng Tao returned to the gateway stepping through cautiously. He easily slipped through the invisible wall. Knowing it had to be a trap.
Stepping onto the stone pathway stopping at the sound of an audible click. Cheng Tao's eyes widened hearing something moving through the wind. Dodging to the side. The object dug into the stone, kicking up dirt.
He glanced at the object: a medium-sized ballista bolt. In that instant a second pierced right through his form. He looked down the first had been a distraction for the second. Cheng Tao glanced at the gaping wound before smiling as he faded away.
Cheng Tao reappeared his second skill deactivated. Still standing at the threshold of the gate. Now the question, that trap was it automatic or controlled? It determined if he could sense his illusions after all.
He stepped through the gate's barrier. Only to brace himself a moment later. A form of pressure bore down on him from above. Alongside it came a continuous drizzle of rain from the sky. Only then did he notice the clouds in the sky.
Tang Nuan observed Jiao Zheng closely. The signs of his dragonification were clear to her. His horns were short, one smaller than the other. His body did bulk up over much remaining slim yet filled with power. The instinctive arrogance in his dragonic eyes.
Jiao, a lesser form of dragon subservient to dragons. The goal her family had sought for generations. Tang Nuan immediately knew this fight would not be easy. His martial soul was at least a tier above her own, or even her grandfather's by a bit.
"Watch out for that sandstorm," Tang Nuan transmitted to her companions. Knowing that if he had such a skill it would be particularly dangerous.
Jiao Zheng watched them unconcerned. A deep tyrannical arrogance in his eyes as he gazed at them. Completely certain of his victory.
Tang Nuan glared at her seventh-ring lightning up. "Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Body," she said preparing to go all out. Her form expanded her teeth growing corcodilian. A tail emerged at her waist, as her scales grew into denser armor.
Finally, her form came to rest on four legs in a new gigantic form. Her martial soul avatar was several meters in size. She contained her power to a smaller scale. Its power filled her as she activated her second, fourth, and eighth abilities in succession.
Her power exploded as she reached her peak of power. Then she moved with lethal killing intent. Fully intending to eliminate him as a threat here and now.
Jiao Zheng's sixth ring activated "Sandstorm." As it did a mere moment later, a cloud of sand gathered around him. Quickly the sand danced in a chaotic maelstrom. Expanding rapidly as he stepped back into the sand.
Tang Nuan continued her attack her fifth ring activating. She used Crocodile's Tyrant Tail sweeping it into the cloud of sand. She felt no impact from the attack, but it cleared the sand to a degree. Only for said sand to return a moment later.
The force of the winds and sand was more contained. Tang Nuan felt that if she wasn't defended it would actually damage her.
Jiao Zheng moved through the sandstorm. Being forced to stop to counter a sudden attack. Countering his attacker Guan Yue. Only to pause as another strike made contact on his body.
Gui Mei manifested completely from the shadows. Stepping back from his attempted strike. What was his body made of? Had his soul veil actually been damaged? The same thing had happened against the crocodile.
Jiao Zheng looked at them critically. "I had already noticed it during your fight with the beast. Sand crocodiles have jagged scales like blades. Yet you lot didn't suffer even a scratch from them."
"Now that I have a closer look. I realize you aren't as bothered by my storm as you should be." he realized as he realized that. His gaze fell on him "Soul power kept around your body as a form of armor?"
As Jiao Zheng came to that realization. His mind wandered at the applications of such a thing. Only for him to turn his head sensing movement to the side. He moved quickly sensing her approach.
Tang Nuan appeared from the sand her left claw reared back. The strike rocketed towards him aiming for his neck. The same blow that killed the Golden Sand Crocodile was far stronger.
The strike sent Jiao Zheng flying through his storm. The force of the hit was enough to kill most Soul Douluo. Hitting the ground with a loud sound, Jiao Zheng groaned.
Tang Nuan immediately noticed it. The strike had connected at least partially. Yet it hadn't drawn his blood. In fact, it felt as if she hit armor. Once more she felt a prick on her own body from the attack instead.
Jiao Zheng stood up shakily from the small crater. Something placed manifested upon his chest a golden shining something. Drawing the attention of everyone to it.
All three of them immediately recognised it as a Soul Bone. Tang Nuan's gaze was more complicated "A hundred-thousand-year soul bone," she identified it with certainty.
"An inheritance from my ancestors along with others." Jiao Zheng admitted to them. "Of course, my family is most proud of this one. From a hundred-thousand-year-old Golden Sand Crocodile King." He began to regale them with his tale.
Tang Nuan simply continued her attack. Talking had never been a free action, as her son often said. While it could be of benefit to the listener. The reverse was also true.
Jiao Zheng dodged a claw strike, before stepping away from a bite. "I had hoped to end this with a stronger sandstorm." As he said that his spirit bone began to glow. "Spirit Bone Ability: Desert Jiao Domain."
His domain spread rapidly from around him. The sandstorm instantly became far more severe and powerful. His fifth ring was enhanced by the power of the domain.
Gue Yuan and Gui Mei found moving much more difficult. Feeling as if the sand and domain tried to chip away at them. Their soul shroud protected them, but it was constantly being chipped away. Such was the power of a domain.
Jiao Zheng smiled as his sixth ring lit up. Tang Nuan was relatively unbothered, but her companions faced difficulty. He held his hand up his fingers pressed against each other. Vaguely like a knife or sword.
Tang Nuan prepared to defend against his attack. But then she realized he wasn't aiming for her at all. His real targets were in fact "Gui Mei, Guan Yue he's aiming at you." Her body moved fast.
Jiao Zheng's sixth ring activated "Sixth Soul Ability: Desert Sword." His hand gathered wind and sand like a blade. He swung his hand releasing a slash of sand. The slash moved swiftly through the desert sand.
Tang Nuan arrived in front of her companions. She swung her left claw to counter the attack. The claw clashed against the sand blade. Tang Nuan struggled against the powerful sand blade for a moment. Before completely countering the attack.
The domain suddenly faded away. Catching their attention and worry immediately. If it faded, then it meant its user likely canceled it.
"He used the chance to escape," Tang Nuan realized as she tried to sense him out. Yet there wasn't even a hint of his presence only remnants.
"That guy must have realized it would have been dangerous to continue." She was a bit annoyed now. He had escaped, and would no doubt trouble them again. Once more, he left far too easily.
Especially knowing they had a 90,000 soul bone in their possession. It was troubling to let it go so easily. What benefit did this entire debacle serve him then? Information on the three of them, soul bones, spirit abilities, or the fusion skill. Then why didn't she buy that?
"We don't have time to track him down. That other beast is still rampaging in the city. Along with the possibility of that crocodile's companion arriving." Guan Yue pointed out reasonably. Turning his head to the other battle occurring.
Tang Nuan had no choice but to admit he was right. Once more her Martial Soul Body had already been activated. She needed to act while it was active. "Let's go." She moved fast through the opening head in towards the battle.
Gui Mei and Guan Yue quickly followed her. Both kept their guard up for an attack from Jiao Zheng. If he tried to ambush them again.
As they left, in the cave the sand began to shift. Emerging from the sand was Jiao Zheng his fourth ring alight. "Sand Crocodile's Ambush." A perfect skill for getting out of danger in his early days.
With that, the man walked deeper into the cave. The time had come for him to take the true prize. The thought in his head as he swiftly moved deeper. Stepping before his goal of this entire thing.
That witch his family had discovered centuries ago. A large open area with stone pillars lining the walls. Each with faint carvings of the desert, the sun, rain, or crocodiles in particular. Each pillar had parts designed as if a crocodile was supporting them.
At the end of the area was a large wall of similarly carved stone. That obviously also served as a gateway once upon a time. Yet the stone gate lay broken into pieces by his ancestors. Jiao Zheng stepped through the gate as his ancestors once tried to.
Cheng Tao took a sigh as he adapted to the pressure. It seemed that stepping through the gate caused it. This attack him greatly of his first soul skill. Perhaps Tang Yuan took something from their fight as well. Or from the absorption of a soul ring.
Cheng Tao looked at the door and the steps leading to it. The last time there was an obvious door as well. Could he have made no changes in that regard?
Cheng Tao unleashed his fourth ring against the door. Barely causing even a smudge on it. As expected it was much more durable than the last.
He glanced at the raised platform the house stood on. What was the purpose of this platform it was only a meter tall. The rain seemed to dull his perception at the very least. But what did this height provide?
Cheng Tao's gaze snapped up to the platform. The sound of steps on the stone. His hand was already gathering energy for his fourth skill. "So you have shown yourself, Tang Yuan."
Tang Yuan watched Cheng Tao with calculation his hammer ready. Materializing a number of daggers. Tang Yuan took a moment, before throwing the daggers one by one. Aiming to draw his blood before the battle began.
Cheng Tao dodged the daggers with skill. Seriously this guy was using daggers now as attacks. Stepping back he unleashed a Mental Blast at Tang Yuan.
Seeing the coming attack Tang Yuan ducked. Pressing himself against the stone that acted as the railing. The attack passed over him as he did so. He raised his hammer as lightning began to circulate on it.
"So that's what it's for," Cheng Tao realized. It gave him a raised platform to attack from. Along with a viable option for cover. As expected Tang Yuan did little without meaning. He turned his head to the platform as Tang Yuan vaulted over.
Tang Yuan brought his hammer down trying to crush Cheng Tao. The attack missed hitting the ground. Yet he could not help smirking. The electricity danced from the hammer through the water on the ground.
Cheng Tao's eyes widened jumping onto the stairs. Had he modified this area specifically for lightning? What a devious brat he was.
Cheng Tao gathered his power unleashing a stronger mental blast. The blast hit Tang Yuan dead center. Stunning him at the very least. Stepping forward cautiously.
He watched in shock as Tang Yuan began to fade away. Leaving nothing but a key on the ground. "Teleportation, or was he ever truly here?" Another thing to look into after this. He picked up the key glancing at the door.
He brought the key to the door's lock as it easily slipped in. Turning the key hearing the door unlock. The ease did not fill him with much comfort, a trap perhaps. Still he stepped through the door into the room.
It was very different from his last time. The room was not filled to the brim with things. This seemed to have been made an entrance Hall. A second doorway stood without its door, unfinished perhaps. It worked to his advantage now.
Wandering through the building the word unfinished was clear. Cheng Tao came to the conclusion. Tang Yuan had placed more focus on the outside. Likely believing soul beasts would be a more common threat.
Finally he came to a room with a noticeable lock on the door. "Found it." This must have been the room most fortified. Cheng Tao's fifth ring lit up "invasion." He aimed his hand at the lock striking swiftly.
The attack hit the lock, and he repeated it several times. Until finally the lock was damaged enough. He simply ripped the lock off the door. That lock was fairly hardy.
Stepping through the door he found himself in a library. Seeing the walls lined with shelves he smiled. This was the first time he had gained a good look at this room. "His memory storage then."
He focused on the table in the middle with several books. Taking two of them from the pile. Now he needed to leave quickly. He had already used moments of time in the physical world. It wouldn't be long before Dugu Bo arrived in the room.
So Cheng Tao smiled "Until we meet again Tang Yuan. I'm looking forward to what else you will come up with." he spoke as he ran away. His form dissolving as he ended his invasion.
Tang Yuan watched him leave. Sensing him struggle against the barrier for a moment. Tang Yuan felt he could have tried to resist his exit. Yet he doubted it would work, nor would it suit his needs. Better to let him escape this time.
Tang Yuan suspected that Cheng Tao assumed him stunned. Leaving with what he thought were valuable memories. Once more he had tested several things. This was not a victory by any measure, but nor was it a loss.
With a snap Cheng Tao exited the Spiritual Realm. Retreating from the still-reacting soul masters. Not wasting a single moment he grabbed the pearl hidden at his neck. Tossing onto the ground shattering it instantly.
Green mist spread from the shattered pearl. "Until our next meeting Tang Yuan," he spoke confidently. Absolutely assured of his next victory. The mist was focused around him, swirling in a circle.
Tang Yuan realized this was different from the last time. The mist was focused on his body. Rather than summoning this was more like individual teleportation. A safety measure to escape rather than to attack.
He was tempted to step forward, but no. There was no telling where he might go, or how many would be waiting. It was too dangerous to risk.
That was what Tang Yuan had considered. But another did not have the same clarity. Bibi Dong rushed forward with her first skill active. Her mind was in a frenzy after the sudden attack.
Tang Yuan had only a moment to grab her arm. Hoping to halt her movement. Afraid that the teleportation might take her away as well. As he did he realized he hadn't acted fast enough or with enough force.
Cheng Tao held up his hand to block the strike. It was only a first ability of little threat. That was his grave mistake. He watched in shock as a spider leg pierced his hand easily.
The mist that had spread across his body expanded. Covering all three of them in a few moments. Until their entire bodies had been covered by it.
When Dugu Bo arrived in the room it was to see a fading mist. He looked around in a panic. Relaxing at the sight of his son. Before his search resumed a moment later. Easily realizing that both the perpetrator and two of the children had vanished.
Even as he was doing so a chill spread into the room. Glowing Feather Douluo had arrived as well. His hawk-like gaze immediately assessed the situation. Before locking onto Dugu Xin "What happened?" he asked his normal childishness no where in sight.
Dugu Xin panicked slightly at the aura released by the mysterious senior. Before a hand claimed on his shoulder reassuringly. His father's aura helped mitigate the effect. Seeing a supportive look in his eyes calmed him down.
Sensing the slight panic, and realising his overflowing aura. Guan Ling Douluo pulled his power tighter. Already spreading his senses far too try and find them. If he didn't how would he explain himself to Sister Nuan or Big Brother?
"A man appeared suddenly attacking Brother Yuan. Brother Yuan called him Cheng Tao. They simply stood still for a moment as the latter touch brothers head. Then he jumped away and mist suddenly appeared. Sister Dong attacked him in anger, but Brother Yuan tried to pull her back. Then all three of them disappeared in green mist." Dugu Xin rambled his words rather panicked.
Guanling Douluo frowned at that, teleportation. "Dugu Bo I am leaving to find them. Stay here protect these children. If Nuan arrives tell her everything." he spoke hurriedly before disappearing in a burst of speed.
His steps were fast, he stopped upon the tallest point of the building. If they teleported finding them would be difficult. At least for anyone else. Upon his brow a thing similar to a circle appeared. "Soul Bone: All Seeing Target."
If they were anywhere in the effective range. "This bone of mine can set up to three targets. It was a good thing I was the one to come." he closed his eyes as his vision joined with his soul bone. His sight fell on those he sought, "The water, a ship is it."
Jiao Zheng stepped before the altar his gaze falling on it. The greatest treasure spoken of in the legends. And the object of worship in this place long ago. The alter was kept at a raised position by several steps.
He stepped upward onto the area surrounding the altar. His gaze on a stone crocodiles head, and the treasure in its jaws. Impatiently his hands grasped it taking it from the mouth.
He examined it, the object was pale white. As if carved from white ivory more like bone. After all, it was a soul bone. "An Asuspicious White Crocodile's head bone. The equal of nearly any other head bone."
Jiao Zheng placed it in his storage. He knew that he couldn't waste any more time. He needed to leave and go far away. Then he could absorb the bone, and ascend as the Titled Douluo of his family. More than worth any other loss in this case.
It had heard its mates cry for help. So it had moved to return to her. Yet as it moved closer instinct filled it with dread. The cry had been filled with pain and suppression. The predators were dangrous for her alone, so it moved to strike them dead.
Yet that dread only grew at the absence of other cries on the wind. A dread that came from a vague "feeling" that it could not name. It had felt it before something had been lost. It knew it in its very bones.
Dread turned to confusion, then to mourning. Mourning gave way to frustration, then to rage. That rage bubbled to wrath, then to fury, evolving into something else. No longer did the feeling make it hard to think.
The Golden Sand Crocodile King moved through the sands with ease. Gathering its power in wind as the sand began to gather. It would arrive ready to annihilate them. A sandstorm forming above its head ready for battle.
The ones who slew one of its mate would suffer. It would devour their bones. They would become its sustenance for advancement. Would it be those dam human soul masters greedy for bones or a soul ring? Or would it be a rival from old days?